bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
State Responses and Migrant Experiences with Human Smuggling: A Reality Check
Authors: van Liempt Ilse , Sersli Stephanie 
Published: July 2012

AbstractUsing Bigo's (2002) notion of “the governmentality of unease” this article reveals a shift in popular discourse around human smuggling in Western Europe and Canada since the 1990s towards increasing criminalization. To analyze this process of criminalization we have identified three recurring elements: boat arrivals; high fees and “bogus” asylum seekers; and the involvement of organized crime. The finding that smugglers today are generally perceived as “evil criminals” who undermine states' ability to manage migration and who need to be punished is contrasted with data derived from interviews with smuggled migrants in the Netherlands and Canada that offer an alternative, more socially embedded understanding of human smuggling. We posit that this reality check and a more nuanced understanding of human smuggling are needed for the protection of international migrants.
Penetration of faba bean sieve elements by pea aphid does not trigger forisome dispersal
Authors: Walker Gregory P. , Medina‐Ortega Karla J. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractImmediately after their stylets penetrate a phloem sieve element, aphids inject saliva into the sieve element for approximately 30–60 s before they begin to ingest phloem sap. This salivation period is recorded as waveform E1 in electrical penetration graph (EPG) monitoring of aphid feeding behavior. It has been hypothesized that the function of this initial period of phloem salivation is to reverse or prevent plugging of the sieve element by one of the plant's phloem defenses: formation of P‐protein plugs or callose synthesis in the sieve pores that connect adjacent sieve elements. This hypothesis was tested using the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), and faba bean, Vicia faba L. (Fabaceae), as a model system, and the results do not support the hypothesis. In legumes, such as faba bean, P‐protein plugs in sieve elements are formed by dispersal of proteinaceous bodies called forisomes. Contrary to the hypothesis, the great majority of sieve element penetrations by pea aphid stylets do not trigger forisome dispersal. Thirteen sieve elements were cryofixed early in phloem phase before the aphids could complete their salivation period and the forisomes were not dispersed in any of the 13 samples. However, in these samples, the aphids completed on average a little over half of their normal E1 salivation period before they were cryofixed. Thus, it is possible that sieve element penetration triggered forisome dispersal in these samples but the abbreviated period of salivation was still sufficient to reverse dispersal. To rule out this possibility, 17 sieve elements were cryofixed during R‐pds, which are an EPG waveform associated with sieve element penetration but without the characteristic E1 salivation that occurs during phloem phase. In 16 of the 17 samples, the forisomes were not dispersed. Thus, faba bean sieve elements usually do not form P‐protein plugs in response to penetration by pea aphid stylets. Consequently, the characteristic E1 salivation that occurs at the start of each phloem phase does not seem to be necessary to prevent a plugging response because penetration of sieve elements during R‐pds does not trigger forisome dispersal despite the absence of E1 salivation. Furthermore, as P‐protein plugs do not normally form in response to sieve element penetration, E1 salivation that occurs at the start of each phloem phase is not a response to development of a P‐protein plug. Thus, the E1 salivation period at the beginning of the phloem phase appears to have function(s) unrelated to phloem sealing.
Feasibility study of a synchronized‐moving‐grid (SMOG) system to improve image quality in cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT)
Authors: Ren Lei , Yin Fang‐Fang , Chetty Indrin J. , Jaffray David A. , Jin Jian‐Yue 
Published: July 2012

Purpose:To evaluate the feasibility of asynchronized moving grid (SMOG) system to remove scatter artifacts, improve the contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), and reduce image lag artifacts in cone‐beam CT (CBCT).Methods:The SMOG system proposed here uses a rapidly oscillating, synchronized moving grid attached to the kV source. Multiple partial projections are taken at different grid positions to form a complete projection in each gantry position, before the gantry moves to the next position during a scan. The grid has a low transmission factor, and it is used for both scatter reduction and scatter measurement for postscan scatter correction. Experimental studies using a static grid and an enlarged CATphan phantom were performed to evaluate the potential CNR enhancement for different SMOG exposure numbers (1, 2, and 4). Simulation studies were performed to evaluate the image lag correction for different exposure numbers (2, 3, and 4) and grid interspace widths in SMOG using the data from an anthropomorphic pelvis phantom scan. Imaging dose of SMOG was also estimated by measuring the imaging dose in a CIRS CT dose phantom using a static grid.Results:SMOG can enhance the CNR by 16% and 13% when increasing exposure number from 1 to 2 and from 2 to 4, respectively. This enhancement was more dramatic for larger phantoms and smaller initial exposure numbers. Simulation results indicated that SMOG could reduce the lag to less than 4.3% for 2‐exposure mode and to less than 0.8% for 3‐exposure mode when the grid interspace width was 1.4 cm. Increasing the number of exposures in SMOG dramatically reduced the residual lag in the image. Reducing the grid interspace width somewhat reduced the residual lag. Skin line artifacts were removed entirely in SMOG. Point dose measurement showed that imaging dose of SMOG at isocenter was similar as that of a conventional CBCT.Conclusions:Compared to our previously developed static‐grid dual‐rotation method, the proposed SMOG technique has the advantages of enhancing the CNR, correcting the image lag, and reducing the delivery time. Once implemented, SMOG has the potential to remove scatter and image lag artifacts, and significantly enhance CNR for CBCT using the same scanning time as conventional CBCT.
Draft Genome Sequence of Ureibacillus thermosphaericus Strain Thermo-BF, Isolated from Ramsar Hot Springs in Iran
Authors: Abbasalizadeh Saeed , Salehi Jouzani Gholamreza , Motamedi Juibari Mehraneh , Azarbaijani Reza , Parsa Yeganeh Laleh , Ahmad Raji Mana , Mardi Mohsen , Hosseini Salekdeh Ghasem 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Ureibacillus thermosphaericus
strain Thermo-BF is an aerobic, thermophilic bacillus which has been characterized to biosynthesize gold nanoparticles. Here we present the draft genome sequence of
Ureibacillus thermosphaericus
strain Thermo-BF which consists of a 2,864,162-bp chromosome. This is the first report of a shotgun sequenced draft genome of a species in the
Ureibacillus
genus.
VtaA8 and VtaA9 from Haemophilus parasuis delay phagocytosis by alveolar macrophages
Authors: Costa-Hurtado Mar , Ballester Maria , Galofré-Milà Nuria , Darji Ayub , Aragon Virginia 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Haemophilus parasuis, a member of the family Pasteurellaceae, is a common inhabitant of the upper respiratory tract of healthy pigs and the etiological agent of Glässer’s disease. As other virulent Pasteurellaceae, H. parasuis can prevent phagocytosis, but the bacterial factors involved in this virulence mechanism are not known. In order to identify genes involved in phagocytosis resistance, we constructed a genomic library of the highly virulent reference strain Nagasaki and clones were selected by increased survival after incubation with porcine alveolar macrophages (PAM). Two clones containing two virulent-associated trimeric autotransporter (VtaA) genes, vtaA8 and vtaA9, respectively, were selected by this method. A reduction in the interaction of the two clones with the macrophages was detected by flow cytometry. Monoclonal antibodies were produced and used to demonstrate the presence of these proteins on the bacterial surface of the corresponding clone, and on the H. parasuis phagocytosis-resistant strain PC4-6P. The effect of VtaA8 and VtaA9 in the trafficking of the bacteria through the endocytic pathway was examined by fluorescence microscopy and a delay was detected in the localization of the vtaA8 and vtaA9 clones in acidic compartments. These results are compatible with a partial inhibition of the routing of the bacteria via the degradative phagosome. Finally, antibodies against a common epitope in VtaA8 and VtaA9 were opsonic and promoted phagocytosis of the phagocytosis-resistant strain PC4-6P by PAM. Taken together, these results indicate that VtaA8 and VtaA9 are surface proteins that play a role in phagocytosis resistance of H. parasuis.
Increased risk of cancer in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A retrospective cohort study in China
Authors: Zhang Pian-Hong , Chen Zhong-Wen , Lv Duo , Xu Yu-Yang , Gu Wei-Ling , Zhang Xu-Hui , Le Yuan-Luo , Zhu Hong-hong , Zhu Yi-Min 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Previous studies indicated that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) might be associated with the risk of cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between T2DM and the risk of developing common cancers in a Chinese population.

Methods
A population-based retrospective cohort study was carried out in the Nan-Hu district of Jiaxing city, Zhejiang province, China. The incidence of cancer cases among type 2 diabetic patients were identified through record-linkage of the Diabetic Surveillance and Registry Database with the Cancer Database from January 2002 to June 2008. The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated for the risk of cancer among the patients with type 2 diabetes.

Results
The overall incidence of cancer was 1083.6 per 105 subjects in male T2DM patients and 870.2 per 105 in females. Increased risk of developing cancer was found in both male and female T2DM patients with an SIR of 1.331 (95% CI = 1.143-1.518) and 1.737 (1.478-1.997), respectively. As for cancer subtypes, both male and female T2DM patients had a significantly increased risk of pancreatic cancer with the SIRs of 2.973 (1.73-4.21) and 2.687 (1.445-3.928), respectively. Elevated risk of liver and kidney cancers was only found in male T2DM patients with SIRs of 1.538 (1.005-2.072) and 4.091 (1.418-6.764), respectively. Increased risks of developing breast cancer [2.209 (1.487-2.93)] and leukemia SIR: [4.167 (1.584- 6.749) ] were found in female patients.

Conclusions
These findings indicated that patients with T2DM have an increased risk of developing cancer. Additional cancer screening should be employed in the management of patients with T2DM.
Production of aqueous spherical gold nanoparticles using conventional ultrasonic bath
Authors: Lee Ji-Hwan , Choi Stephen U S , Jang Seok Pil , Lee Seoung Youn 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
A conventional ultrasonic bath was used to examine the feasibility of forming aqueous spherical gold nanoparticles (GNPs) under atmospheric conditions. The effects of ultrasonic energy on the size and morphology of GNPs were also investigated. Highly monodispersed spherical GNPs were successfully synthesised by sodium citrate reduction in a conventional ultrasonic bath, without an additional heater or magnetic stirrer, as evidenced by ultraviolet–visible spectra and transmission electron microscopy. Ultrasonic energy was shown to be a key parameter for producing spherical GNPs of tunable sizes (20 to 50 nm). A proposed scheme for understanding the role of ultrasonic energy in the formation and growth of GNPs was discussed. The simple single-step method using just a conventional ultrasonic bath as demonstrated in this study offers new opportunities in the production of aqueous suspensions of monodispersed spherical GNPs.
Can exhaled NO fraction predict radiotherapy-induced lung toxicity in lung cancer patients?
Authors: Enache Irina , Noel Georges , Jeung M-Young , Meyer Nicolas , Oswald-Mammosser Monique , Urban-Kraemer Emile , Schumacher Catherine , Geny Bernard , Quoix Elisabeth , Charloux Anne 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
A large increase in nitric oxide fraction (FeNO) after radiotherapy (RT) for lung cancer may predict RT-induced lung toxicity.

Methods
In this study, we assessed the relationships between FeNO variations and respiratory symptoms, CT scan changes or dose volume histogram (DVH) parameters after RT. We measured FeNO before RT, 4, 5, 6, 10 weeks, 4 and 7.5 months after RT in 65 lung cancer patients.

Results
Eleven lung cancer patients (17%) complained of significant respiratory symptoms and 21 (31%) had radiation pneumonitis images in >1/3 of the irradiated lung after RT. Thirteen patients (20%) showed increases in FeNO >10 ppb. The sensitivity and specificity of a >10 ppb FeNO increase for the diagnosis of RT-associated respiratory symptoms were 18% and 83%, respectively. There was no correlation between DVH parameters or CT scan changes after RT and FeNO variations. Three patients (5%) showed intriguingly strong (2 or 3-fold, up to 55 ppb) and sustained increases in FeNO at 4 and 5 weeks, followed by significant respiratory symptoms and/or radiation-pneumonitis images.

Conclusion
Serial FeNO measurements during RT had a low ability to identify lung cancer patients who developed symptoms or images of radiation pneumonitis. However, three patients presented with a particular pattern which deserves to be investigated.
Effects of endotoxin on lactate metabolism in humans
Authors: Michaeli Burkhard , Martinez Alexandre , Revelly Jean-Pierre , Cayeux Marie-Christine , Chioléro René L , Tappy Luc , Berger Mette M 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Hyperlactatemia represents one prominent component of the metabolic response to sepsis. In critically ill patients, hyperlactatemia is related to the severity of the underlying condition. Both an increased production and a decreased utilization and clearance might be involved in this process, but their relative contribution remains unknown. The present study aimed at assessing systemic and muscle lactate production and systemic lactate clearance in healthy human volunteers, using intravenous endotoxin (LPS) challenge.

Methods
Fourteen healthy male volunteers were enrolled in 2 consecutive studies (n = 6 in trial 1 and n = 8 in trial 2). Each subject took part in one of two investigation days (LPS-day with endotoxin injection and placebo-day with saline injection) separated by one week at least and in a random order. In trial 1, their muscle lactate metabolism was monitored using microdialysis. In trial 2, their systemic lactate metabolism was monitored by means of a constant infusion of exogenous lactate. Energy metabolism was monitored by indirect calorimetry and glucose kinetics was measured with 6,6-H2 glucose.

Results
In both trials, LPS increased energy expenditure (p = 0.011), lipid oxidation (p<0.0001), and plasma lactate concentration (p = 0.016). In trial 1, lactate concentration in the muscle microdialysate was higher than in blood, indicating lactate production by muscles. This was, however, similar with and without LPS. In trial 2, calculated systemic lactate production increased after LPS (p = 0.031), while lactate clearance remained unchanged.

Conclusions
LPS administration increases lactatemia by increasing lactate production rather than by decreasing lactate clearance. Muscle is, however, unlikely to be a major contributor to this increase in lactate production.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01647997
Diagnostic accuracy of imaging modalities for suspected scaphoid fractures
Authors: Yin Z-G. , Zhang J-B. , Kan S-L. , Wang X-G. 
Published: July 2012

Follow-up radiographs are usually used as the reference standard for the diagnosis of suspected scaphoid fractures. However, these are prone to errors in interpretation. We performed a meta-analysis of 30 clinical studies on the diagnosis of suspected scaphoid fractures, in which agreement data between any of follow-up radiographs, bone scintigraphy, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, or CT could be obtained, and combined this with latent class analysis to infer the accuracy of these tests on the diagnosis of suspected scaphoid fractures in the absence of an established standard. The estimated sensitivity and specificity were respectively 91.1% and 99.8% for follow-up radiographs, 97.8% and 93.5% for bone scintigraphy, 97.7% and 99.8% for MRI, and 85.2% and 99.5% for CT. The results were generally robust in multiple sensitivity analyses. There was large between-study heterogeneity for the sensitivity of follow-up radiographs and CT, and imprecision about their sensitivity estimates.If we acknowledge the lack of a reference standard for diagnosing suspected scaphoid fractures, MRI is the most accurate test; follow-up radiographs and CT may be less sensitive, and bone scintigraphy less specific.
Local and Circulating Levels of Adipocytokines in Obese and Normal Weight Individuals With Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Zimmermann Glaucia Santos , Bastos Marta Ferreira , Dias Gonçalves Tiago Eduardo , Chambrone Leandro , Duarte Poliana Mendes 
Published: July 2012

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the local and circulating levels of adipocytokines (resistin, adiponectin, leptin, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]‐α, and interleukin [IL]‐6) in individuals who are obese and individuals who are normal weight (NW) with chronic periodontitis (CP).Methods: Periodontal and anthropometric examinations were performed. Based on these measurements, the individuals were divided into one of the following groups: NW non‐periodontitis (NP) (NWNP; n = 20); NWCP (n = 20); obese NP (ONP; n = 18); and obese CP (OCP; n = 20). The levels of adipocytokines were evaluated in the serum and gingival crevicular fluid of shallow and deep sites by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results: In serum, resistin levels were higher whereas adiponectin levels were lower in periodontitis than in NP groups (P <0.05). The NWNP group presented the lowest serum leptin levels (P <0.05). The ONP and OCP groups demonstrated higher TNF‐α levels in periodontal sites than the NWNP and NWCP groups (P <0.05). Serum levels of IL‐6 (P = 0.04) and leptin (P = 0.01) were correlated with the OCP group, with odds ratios of 0.99 (95% confidence interval [CI]: –0.01 to –0.00) and 0.99 (95% CI: −0.00 to −0.00), respectively.Conclusions: Periodontitis mainly influenced the circulating levels of resistin and adiponectin, whereas both obesity and periodontitis affected the circulating levels of leptin in favor of proinflammation. In addition, obesity upregulated the local levels of TNF‐α.
1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Modulates the Hair-Inductive Capacity of Dermal Papilla Cells: Therapeutic Potential for Hair Regeneration
Authors: Aoi Noriyuki , Inoue Keita , Chikanishi Toshihiro , Fujiki Ryoji , Yamamoto Hanako , Kato Harunosuke , Eto Hitomi , Doi Kentaro , Itami Satoshi , Kato Shigeaki , Yoshimura Kotaro 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Dermal papilla cells (DPCs) have the potential to induce differentiation of epithelial stem cells into hair, and Wnt signaling is deeply involved in the initiation process. The functional limitation of expanded adult DPCs has been a difficult challenge for cell-based hair regrowth therapy. We previously reported that 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (VD3) upregulates expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2 and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, both features of hair-inducing human DPCs (hDPCs). In this study, we further examined the effects and signaling pathways associated with VD3 actions on DPCs. VD3 suppressed hDPC proliferation in a dose-dependent, noncytotoxic manner. Among the Wnt-related genes investigated, Wnt10b expression was significantly upregulated by VD3 in hDPCs. Wnt10b upregulation, as well as upregulation of ALPL (ALP, liver/bone/kidney) and TGF-β2, by VD3 was specific in hDPCs and not detected in human dermal fibroblasts. Screening of paracrine or endocrine factors in the skin indicated that all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) upregulated Wnt10b gene expression, although synergistic upregulation (combined atRA and VD3) was not seen. RNA interference with vitamin D receptor (VDR) revealed that VD3 upregulation of Wnt10b, ALPL, and TGF-β2 was mediated through the genomic VDR pathway. In a rat model of de novo hair regeneration by murine DPC transplantation, pretreatment with VD3 significantly enhanced hair folliculogenesis. Specifically, a greater number of outgrowing hair shafts and higher maturation of regenerated follicles were observed. Together, these data suggest that VD3 may promote functional differentiation of DPCs and be useful in preserving the hair follicle-inductive capacity of cultured DPCs for hair regeneration therapies.
Physical workloads of the upper‐extremity among workers of the Colombian flower industry
Authors: Barrero L.H. , Pulido J.A. , Berrio S. , Monroy M. , Quintana L.A. , Ceballos C. , Hoehne‐Hueckstaedt U. , Ellegast R. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundWe report the prevalence of symptoms of common upper‐limb disorders and describe comprehensively mechanical workloads in a sample of workers of the Colombian flower industry.MethodsOne hundred fifty eight workers from eight flower manufacturers were assessed. Assessments included Borg self‐reported exertion and working practices, medical examinations, video‐based observations and kinematic and surface muscular activity assessments of upper‐limb.ResultsPoint prevalence of signs and symptoms of CTS, epicondylitis, and De Quervain's disease was 32.9%, 15.2%, and 13.3%, respectively. All tasks are executed on average in wrist extension, ulnar deviation, and high elbow flexion. Average median muscle activity across tasks ranged between 3.6% and 27.3%. Forearm muscles were mainly active.ConclusionsThe occurrence of signs and symptoms of upper‐extremity musculoskeletal disorders was high among the sample. The classification and cutting task showed the highest mechanical demands. Interventions in this working population are required and should be directed to allow for muscular rest on regular basis. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:926–939, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gynecologic and obstetric implications of the joint hypermobility syndrome (a.k.a. Ehlers–Danlos syndrome hypermobility type) in 82 Italian patients
Authors: Castori Marco , Morlino Silvia , Dordoni Chiara , Celletti Claudia , Camerota Filippo , Ritelli Marco , Morrone Aldo , Venturini Marina , Grammatico Paola , Colombi Marina 
Published: July 2012

AbstractJoint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) emerges as likely the most common clinical form of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome. Given the striking predominance of affected women, practitioners often face gynecologic and obstetric issues. However, their decisions are still based on personal experience rather than literature due to the lack of a consistent body of evidence. We collected a set of gynecologic and obstetric features in 82 post‐puberal women with JHS attending two Italian centers. Common gynecologic findings were dysmenorrhea (82.9%), meno/metrorrhagias (53.7%), irregular menses (46.3%), and dispareunia/vulvodinia (31.7%). Forty women were nulliparous and 42 had one or more pregnancy for a total of 93 diagnosed conceptions. Of them, 16.1% were spontaneous abortions, 6.5% voluntary interruptions, 10.7% preterm deliveries, and 66.7% deliveries at term. Overall outcome of proceeding pregnancies was good with no stillbirth and fetal/neonatal hypoxic/ischemic event. Non‐operative vaginal delivery was registered in 72.2%, forceps/vacuum use in 5.5% and cesarean in 22.3%. Local/total anesthesia was successfully performed in 17 pregnancies without any problem. Major post‐partum complications included abnormal scar formation after cesarean or episiotomy (46.1%), hemorrhage (19.4%), pelvic prolapses (15.3%), deep venous thrombosis (4.2%), and coccyx dislocation (1.4%). Prolapses were the most clinically relevant complication and associated with episiotomy. Gathered data were discussed for practically oriented considerations. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.