bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of cytoskeletal and junctional proteins expressed by cells cultured from human arachnoid granulation tissue
Authors: Holman David W , Grzybowski Deborah M , Mehta Bhavya C , Katz Steven E , Lubow Martin 
Published: October 2005

AbstractBackgroundThe arachnoid granulations (AGs) are projections of the arachnoid membrane into the dural venous sinuses. They function, along with the extracranial lymphatics, to circulate the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to the systemic venous circulation. Disruption of normal CSF dynamics may result in increased intracranial pressures causing many problems including headaches and visual loss, as in idiopathic intracranial hypertension and hydrocephalus. To study the role of AGs in CSF egress, we have grown cells from human AG tissuein vitroand have characterized their expression of those cytoskeletal and junctional proteins that may function in the regulation of CSF outflow.MethodsHuman AG tissue was obtained at autopsy, and explanted to cell culture dishes coated with fibronectin. Typically, cells migrated from the explanted tissue after 7–10 daysin vitro. Second or third passage cells were seeded onto fibronectin-coated coverslips at confluent densities and grown to confluency for 7–10 days. Arachnoidal cells were tested using immunocytochemical methods for the expression of several common cytoskeletal and junctional proteins. Second and third passage cultures were also labeled with the common endothelial markers CD-31 or VE-cadherin (CD144) and their expression was quantified using flow cytometry analysis.ResultsConfluent cultures of arachnoidal cells expressed the intermediate filament protein vimentin. Cytokeratin intermediate filaments were expressed variably in a subpopulation of cells. The cultures also expressed the junctional proteins connexin43, desmoplakin 1 and 2, E-cadherin, and zonula occludens-1. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that second and third passage cultures failed to express the endothelial cell markers CD31 or VE-cadherin in significant quantities, thereby showing that these cultures did not consist of endothelial cells from the venous sinus wall.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first report of thein vitroculture of arachnoidal cells grown from human AG tissue. We demonstrated that these cellsin vitrocontinue to express some of the cytoskeletal and junctional proteins characterized previously in human AG tissue, such as proteins involved in the formation of gap junctions, desmosomes, epithelial specific adherens junctions, as well as tight junctions. These junctional proteins in particular may be important in allowing these arachnoidal cells to regulate CSF outflow.
Australian health policy on access to medical care for refugees and asylum seekers
Authors: Correa-Velez Ignacio , Gifford Sandra M , Bice Sara J 
Published: October 2005

Abstract
Since the tightening of Australian policy for protection visa applicants began in the 1990s, access to health care has been increasingly restricted to asylum seekers on a range of different visa types. This paper summarises those legislative changes and discusses their implications for health policy relating to refugees and asylum seekers in Australia. Of particular concern are asylum seekers on Bridging Visas with no work rights and no access to Medicare. The paper examines several key questions: What is the current state of play, in terms of health screening and medical care policies, for asylum seekers and refugees? Relatedly, how has current policy changed from that of the past? How does Australia compare with other countries in relation to health policy for asylum seekers and refugees? These questions are addressed with the aim of providing a clear description of the current situation concerning Australian health policy on access to medical care for asylum seekers and refugees. Issues concerning lack of access to appropriate health care and related services are raised, ethical and practical issues are explored, and current policy gaps are investigated.
Molecular characterisation of the caprine (Capra hircus) lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 alpha subunit-encoding cDNA
Authors: Fett Thomas , Zecchinon Laurent LM , Baise Etienne A , Desmecht Daniel JM 
Published: October 2005

AbstractBackgroundLymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1, CD11a/CD18, alpha L beta 2) is required for many cellular adhesive interactions during the immune response.ResultsTheCapra hircusCD11a-encoding cDNA was sequenced and compared with its human, murine, rat, bovine and ovine counterparts. Despite some focal differences, it shares all the main characteristics of its known mammalian homologues.ConclusionTherefore, along with the caprine CD18-encoding cDNA, which has been available for a few months, the sequence data revealed here will allow theCapra hircusLFA-1 expressionin vitroas a tool to explore the specificities of inflammation in the caprine species.
The CD11a partner in Sus scrofa lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1): mRNA cloning, structure analysis and comparison with mammalian homologues
Authors: Vanden Bergh Philippe GAC , Fett Thomas , Zecchinon Laurent LM , Thomas Anne VT , Desmecht Daniel JM 
Published: October 2005

AbstractBackgroundLymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1, CD11a/CD18, alphaLbeta2), the most abundant and widely expressed beta2-integrin, is required for many cellular adhesive interactions during the immune response. Many studies have shown that LFA-1 is centrally involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases caused by Repeats-in-toxin (RTX) -producing bacteria.ResultsThe porcine-LFA-1 CD11a (alpha) subunit coding sequence was cloned, sequenced and compared with the available mammalian homologues in this study. Despite some focal differences, it shares all the main characteristics of these latter. Interestingly, as in sheep and humans, an allelic variant with a triplet insertion resulting in an additional Gln-744 was consistently identified, which suggests an allelic polymorphism that might be biologically relevant.ConclusionTogether with the pig CD18-encoding cDNA, which has been available for a long time, the sequence data provided here will allow the successful expression of porcine CD11a, thus giving the first opportunity to express theSus scrofabeta2-integrin LFA-1in vitroas a tool to examine the specificities of inflammation in the porcine species.
XRCC1 and XPDgenetic polymorphisms, smoking and breast cancer risk in a Finnish case-control study
Authors: Metsola Katja , Kataja Vesa , Sillanpää Pia , Siivola Päivi , Heikinheimo Liisa , Eskelinen Matti , Kosma Veli-Matti , Uusitupa Matti , Hirvonen Ari 
Published: October 2005

Abstract
Introduction
It has been suggested that individuals with reduced DNA repair capacities might have increased susceptibility to environmentally induced cancer. In this study, we evaluated if polymorphisms in DNA repair genes XRCC1 (Arg280His, Arg399Gln) and XPD (Lys751Gln) modify individual breast cancer risk, with emphasis on tobacco smoking.

Methods
The study population consisted of 483 incident breast cancer cases and 482 population controls of Finnish Caucasian origin. The genotypes were determined by PCR-RFLP-based methods. Odds ratio (OR) and confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by unconditional logistic regression analyses.

Results
No statistically significant overall effect in the breast cancer risk was seen for any of the studied polymorphisms. However, a significant increase in breast cancer risk was seen among ever smoking women if they carried at least one XRCC1-399 Gln allele (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.30–4.19, pint 0.025) or XPD-751 Gln/Gln genotype (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.27–5.03, pint 0.011) compared to smoking women not carrying these genotypes. The risks were found to be confined to women smoking at least five pack-years; the respective ORs were 4.14 (95% CI 1.66–10.3) and 4.41 (95% CI 1.62–12.0). Moreover, a significant trend of increasing risk with increasing number of the putative at-risk genotypes (p for trend 0.042) was seen. Women with at least two at-risk genotypes had an OR of 1.54 (95% CI 1.00–2.41) compared to women with no at-risk genotypes. Even higher estimates were seen for ever actively smoking women with at least two at-risk genotypes.

Conclusion
Our results do not indicate a major role for XRCC1 and XPD polymorphisms in breast cancer susceptibility, but suggest that they may modify the risk especially among smoking women.
Early hemoperfusion with an immobilized polymyxin B fiber column eliminates humoral mediators and improves pulmonary oxygenation
Authors: Kushi Hidehiko , Miki Takahiro , Okamaoto Kazuhiko , Nakahara Jun , Saito Takeshi , Tanjoh Katsuhisa 
Published: October 2005

Abstract
Introduction
The objective of this study was to clarify the efficacy and mechanism of action of direct hemoperfusion with an immobilized polymyxin B fiber column (DHP-PMX) in patients with acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by sepsis.

Method
Thirty-six patients with sepsis were included. In each patient a thermodilution catheter was inserted, and the oxygen delivery index and oxygen consumption index were measured. DHP-PMX was performed in patients with a normal oxygen delivery index and oxygen consumption index (> 500 ml/minute per m2 and >120 ml/minute per m2, respectively). The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was used as an index of the severity of sepsis, and survival was assessed after 1 month. The humoral mediators measured were the chemokine IL-8, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and neutrophil elastase (NE). These mediators were measured before DHP-PMX treatment, and at 24, 48, and 78 hours after the start of treatment. The arterial oxygen tension (PaO2)/fractional inspired oxygen (FiO2) ratio was measured before DHP-PMX treatment and at 24, 48, 72, 92, and 120 hours after the start of treatment.

Results
All patients remained alive after 1 month. Before DHP-PMX treatment, the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was 24 ± 2.0, the IL-8 level was 54 ± 15.8 pg/ml, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 was 133 ± 28.1 ng/ml, and NE was 418 ± 72.1 μg/l. These three humoral mediators began to decrease from 24 hours after DHP-PMX treatment, and the decline became significant from 48 hours onward. The PaO2/FiO2 ratio was 244 ± 26.3 before DHP-PMX treatment but improved significantly from 96 hours onward. There were significant negative correlations between the PaO2/FiO2 ratio and blood levels of NE and IL-8.

Conclusion
The mechanism of action of DHP-PMX is still not fully understood, but we report the following findings. The mean blood levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, NE, and IL-8 were significantly decreased from 48 hours after DHP-PMX treatment. The mean PaO2/FiO2 ratio was significantly improved from 96 hours after DHP-PMX treatment. Improvement in the PaO2/FiO2 ratio appeared to be related to the decreases in blood NE and IL-8 levels.
Use of the MODIS imager to help deal with AIRS cloudy radiances
Authors: Dahoui Mohamed , Lavanant Lydie , Rabier Florence , Auligne Thomas 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe assimilation of the Atmospheric InfraRed Sounder (AIRS) data is expected to improve the quality of NWP products. Currently, operational use of such data is limited to the cloud‐free pixels or to the channels far above the clouds for cloudy pixels. This paper focuses on the validation of various cloud‐detection schemes applied to AIRS data. The clouds are detected and characterized, in cloud‐top and cover, by using the NESDIS, ECMWF, CO2‐slicing and MLEV schemes. These four different AIRS cloud descriptions are evaluated by independent information retrieved with the Météo‐France cloud mask applied to MODIS data and taken as our reference. The validation for a ten‐day period over the North‐east Atlantic is presented. The use of satellite cloudy radiances is a great challenge for numerical weather prediction. Work is in progress to assimilate such data by using enhanced observation operators dealing with clouds. In this work, we try to contribute to this effort by investigating the linearity assumption of an observation operator, with a simple diagnostic cloud scheme, for different cloud types. Copyright © 2005 Royal Meteorological Society
The Role of Smart Power Technologies in Global Electrification
Authors: Yeager Kurt , Gehl Stephen , Barker Brent 
Published: October 2005

This paper explores trends in global electrification through 2050, and the shift in technology dominance from supply-side to demand-side as the electricity delivery system becomes integrated with communications to form a new mega-infrastructure with new functions. This ‘energy web’ will be a smart, interactive, and self-healing electricity delivery system fully capable of supporting the precision power needs of the digital society of the 21st century. The demand side employs billions and ultimately trillions of microprocessor agents negotiating for specialised services on behalf of their owners. The traditional electricity meter will be replaced by a two-way energy/information portal, through which information, power and services can flow. Because of the resulting optimisation opportunities, substantial efficiency gains are possible throughout the entire energy chain, from end user to producer. Another advantage is an improvement in economic productivity through the use of advanced digital technologies in all sectors of the economy. A balanced focus on the technologies of supply and the technologies of demand is needed to meet global electrification goals. The paper shows that the sustainable growth of the global economy will be increasingly reliant on ‘digital quality’ electricity (perfectly reliable and free of spikes, voltage sags and frequency fluctuations) to power computers, advanced electro-technologies for business and industry, the internet and its successor networks, and the knowledge-based industries of the future. Examples include semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, advanced materials, nanotechnology applications and biotechnology. These applications are already well established in the developed world, and they will become increasingly important in the LDCs as these countries seek to expand the technology base of their economies. >Finally, the paper points out that a balanced implementation of the technologies of supply and demand offers an optimal approach to improving worker productivity and thereby addressing the issues of an ageing (and shrinking) work force in many parts of the globe.
Rapid Access to Modern Energy Services Using Lp Gas
Authors: Venn John 
Published: October 2005

Modern energy is not universally available. An estimated two billion people in the world do not yet have access to modern fuels and around one quarter of all energy consumed in developing countries is derived from the burning of wood, charcoal, crop residues and animal dung. Yet a modern energy carrier exists that can meet the thermal energy needs of many of these people from both developing and developed countries. This energy carrier is available now, at low marginal cost. It can rapidly provide a critical step up on the energy ladder from traditional fuels to modern fuels whilst accelerating the socio-economic development of urban and rural regions in a sustainable manner. This modern energy carrier is LP Gas. LP Gas (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is a by-product of natural gas production and / or crude oil refining. With an annual demand of approximately 250 million tonnes of oil equivalent, LP Gas consumption is now equivalent to approximately 10% of global natural gas consumption. Due to its versatile characteristics, LP Gas has found uses in many applications from being a thermal fuel in domestic applications to being essential in industrial and agricultural uses. LP Gas is now also the world's most popular alternative automotive fuel. Energy demand generally increases with population growth but in many developing countries, the rate of population growth far exceeds the rate of modern energy provision with a result that energy poverty in developing countries is extremely high. Lack of modern energy prevents the socio-economic development necessary to allow communities to move up the energy ladder from traditional fuels to fuels that can support and stimulate a greater level of economic activities. LP Gas is the ideal transition fuel to modern energy carriers such as natural gas. Access can be achieved at relatively low marginal cost through a well-developed global LP Gas industry. Barriers to LP Gas use can often be overcome through effective government policies. The case for government support to the LP Gas sector is based on the positive contribution the fuel can make to sustainable development. Experience from several countries shows that active government support can catalyse the development of the LP Gas market and lead to a virtuous circle of growing market potential, increased investment and expanded availability. LP Gas is available now. There is nothing exotic to invent or improve. The transportation system that moves it is in place and the tanks that store it are available today.
Raman Spectral Characterization of Pure and Doped Fused Silica Optical Fibers
Authors: Walrafen G. E. , Stone J. 
Published: October 2005

The utility of Raman spectroscopy as a means of characterizing the properties of pure and doped fused silica has been investigated. Laser-Raman spectra were obtained by forward scattering from solid optical fibers ∼35 to 85 m in length using 514.5 nm excitation with an “image slicer” and a Cary model 81 instrument. Clad and unclad fibers of fused silica and doped fibers having SiO2-GeO2 and SiO2-GeO2-B2O3 cores were examined. Raman spectra were also obtained from bulk samples of glasses, including pure GeO2, pure B2O3, and various compositions of SiO2-GeO2, SiO2-B2O3, and SiO2-GeO2-B2O3. The addition of dopants to fused silica was found to alter the Raman spectrum both by the appearance of new bands, roughly proportional to dopant concentration and not common either to the fused silica or to the dopant alone, and by the marked alteration of other Raman bands, which is indicative of changes in the local intermolecular order. Thus, addition of GeO2 produces new Raman bands at ∼675 and ∼1000 cm−1; and of B2O3, new bands at ∼940 and ∼1350 cm−1. Addition of GeO2 and/or B2O3 weakens the relatively sharp Raman lines near 485 and 600 cm−1 (and a similar but small effect was also noted with increasing OH content). GeO2 and B2O3 together also produce observable narrowing of the broad intense 440 cm−1 Raman contour. These spectral effects are interpreted, respectively, in terms of a decrease in the concentrations of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] defects produced by dopant addition and of a concomitant reordering of the silica structure. Raman spectroscopy thus appears to be a useful optical technique for elucidating the properties of dopants that have been especially chosen for good optical transmission and hence are not easily detectable by absorption measurements.
Growth, Fecundity, and Diets of Newly Established Silver Carp in the Middle Mississippi River
Authors: Williamson Christopher J. , Garvey James E. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix has spread throughout the Mississippi River drainage. During 2003, we determined its population status and potential impact in the middle Mississippi River (MMR), the conduit between the lower Mississippi River and the upper Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois rivers. We quantified growth, age structure, fecundity, and diets of silver carp sampled with trammel nets and AC electrofishing in main‐channel areas. Mean length at age in the MMR exceeded that of populations in Asia by as much as 26%. Individuals were typically more than 1 year old and 230 mm total length, suggesting that small, young fish were absent. Individuals in this population matured earlier (age 2) than in the species' native range. Regardless of phytoplankton variation (using chlorophyll a as a surrogate) and zooplankton concentration at MMR sites, phytoplankton was consistently most abundant in diets. Silver carp are finding suitable resources within the MMR, allowing individuals to grow rapidly during early life, persist as adults, and successfully disperse upstream.
Swimming Performance of Juvenile Florida Pompano after Sublethal Exposure to Ethylene Glycol and Methanol: Synergistic Effects
Authors: Stead M. A. , Baltz D. M. , Chesney E. J. , Tarr M. A. , Kolok A. S. , Marx B. D. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractChemical additives for enhancing deepwater (>305‐m) petrochemical production, such as ethylene glycol and methanol, are used to prevent the formation of gas hydrates in deepwater wells and pipelines and pose threats to marine faunas. Juvenile Florida pompano Trachinotus carolinus were used in controlled experiments to test the effects of 3.0% (volume per volume) ethylene glycol, 1.07% methanol, and a combination of the two chemicals on the swimming performance of individuals. We quantified the sublethal effects of contaminants by comparing differences in pre‐ and postexposure critical swimming speeds (Ucrit) among treatment and control groups. In juvenile swimming performance tests, single exposure to ethylene glycol and to the combination of ethylene glycol and methanol significantly reduced mean Ucrit by 13.4% and 41.1%, respectively. No detectable difference in Ucrit was found for control groups or juveniles exposed solely to methanol. The sublethal effects of single exposures to ethylene glycol and methanol were increased synergistically more than threefold when juveniles were exposed to the contaminants in combination. The reduced ability to sustain high and prolonged performance levels could affect an individual's ability to avoid predators and feed effectively.
Temperature Tolerances of Wild‐Type and Red Transgenic Zebra Danios
Authors: Cortemeglia Cheryl , Beitinger Thomas L. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractSeventy‐nine transgenic red zebra danios Danio rerio (also known as zebrafish; transgenics also known as glofish) and 78 wild‐type zebra danios acclimated to 20°C and 30°C had critical thermal maxima (±SD) of 38.8 ± 0.54°C and 41.3 ± 0.50°C (glofish) and 39.2 ± 0.34°C and 41.7 ± 0.35°C (wild‐type), respectively. The critical thermal minima (±SD) were 7.2 ± 0.48°C and 10.0 ± 0.50°C (glofish) and 6.2 ± 0.28°C and 10.6 ± 0.53°C (wild‐type), respectively. At both 20°C and 30°C acclimation temperatures, critical thermal maxima (CTMax) and critical thermal minima (CTMin) were significantly different between transgenic and wild zebrafish; however, differences were 1°C and less. The temperature tolerances would classify both varieties of zebra danios as eurythermal and place this species in the relatively rare category of fishes with a CTMax above 40.0°C. Compared with similar temperature tolerance data reported for other tropical fishes that have successfully been introduced into U.S. waters, the present data suggest both wild‐type zebra danios and red glofish are capable of overwintering in some southern U.S. waters.