bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frequency of and responses to illegal activity related to commerce in firearms: findings from the Firearms Licensee Survey
Authors: Wintemute Garen J 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundFirearms may be obtained illegally from federally-licensed dealers and pawnbrokers through surrogate (straw) purchases, undocumented purchases and theft. Some retailers knowingly make illegal sales.ObjectiveTo obtain information about the frequency of and risk factors for these events, and retailers’ reactions to them, directly from licensed retailers.MethodsSurvey of a random sample of 1601 licensed dealers and pawnbrokers in 43 states who were believed to sell ≥50 firearms annually, conducted by mail during June–August 2011.ResultsThe response rate was 36.9%, typical of establishment surveys using such methods. In the preceding year, 67.3% of respondents experienced attempted straw purchases; 42.4% experienced undocumented purchase attempts. For each event, 10% reported ≥1 occurrence/month. A quarter (25.6%) experienced firearm theft in the preceding 5 years. Pawnbroker status, sales volume, denied sales and sales of firearms that were subsequently traced by law enforcement were associated with all outcomes in multivariate analysis. Estimates of retailer involvement in illegal sales (median 3%, IQR 1–10%) were related in multivariate analysis to respondents’ age and sex, and to denied sales. In a hypothetical case involving 50 illegal sales, respondents recommended prolonged incarceration (median 10 years, IQR 5–20 years) and a substantial fine (median $50 000, IQR $10 000–$250 000) for retailers and made similar recommendations for buyers.ConclusionsAttempts to acquire firearms illegally from licensed dealers and pawnbrokers are common. Characteristics associated with frequency of occurrence may facilitate prevention efforts. Licensed retailers consider selling and buying firearms illegally to be serious crimes.
The American Crucible: Slavery, Emancipation and Human Rights, Robin Blackburn, London: Verso, 2011
Authors: Post Charles 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Plantation slavery in the New World, in particular its relationship to the emergence of capitalism in Europe and North America, has long been a subject of debate and discussion among historians and social scientists. While there are literally thousands of monographs studying various aspects of chattel slavery in the US South, the Caribbean and Brazil, only a handful of works attempt to provide a synthetic account of its rise and decline from the sixteenth through nineteenth centuries. Few scholars, on the Left or Right, have made as profound a contribution to such a history as Robin Blackburn. Blackburn’s latest work, The American Crucible: Slavery, Emancipation and Human Rights, does not simply summarise and update his earlier work, but extends his analysis to the rise and decline of ‘second slavery’ in nineteenth-century Cuba, Brazil and the US South. The American Crucible provides a multi-causal explanation of the origins and abolition of New World plantation slavery, examining the complex interactions between the rise of capitalism, political crises in the metropolitan countries, the transformation of popular and elite attitudes toward slavery, and the struggles of the slaves themselves. However, Blackburn’s inability to grapple with the specific structure and dynamics of capitalist and slave social-property relations, and their changing historical relationship, weakens key elements of his analysis.
Postoperative Range of Motion Trends Following Total Ankle Arthroplasty
Authors: Ajis Adam , Henriquez Hugo , Myerson Mark 
Published: March 2013

Background: It is still unknown how ankle range of motion changes following total ankle arthroplasty. This study was undertaken to more accurately address patient expectations, guide postoperative rehabilitation, and improve our understanding of how ankle range of motion changes with time. Methods: 119 total ankle replacements of 3 different prosthetic designs from 1 surgeon were retrospectively examined and compared. Ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion ranges of motion were calculated and analyzed preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. The different ankle replacement systems were analyzed individually and together to determine whether trends were replicated. Results: No significant increase in ankle range of motion was found 6 months postoperatively ( P = .75). Mean combined postoperative range of motion did not change significantly from 24.3 degrees at 1 year versus a preoperative mean of 22.7 degrees ( P = .75). Mean dorsiflexion improved significantly at the 6-week postoperative stage by 5.5 degrees ( P < .001), whereas plantar flexion only improved by 2.9 degrees ( P = .06). Mean dorsiflexion improved from preoperative levels by 5.4 degrees ( P = .001), whereas mean plantar flexion decreased by 3.7 degrees ( P = .004). Conclusions: We found no notable improvement in ankle range of motion after 6 months following total ankle arthroplasty. We also found a disproportionately higher increase in dorsiflexion compared with plantar flexion following surgery and an overall reduction in mean plantar flexion range compared with preoperative values. Notwithstanding this discrepancy, total mean ankle range of motion 1 year postoperatively was similar to preoperative values. Reasons for the discrepancy between dorsiflexion and plantar flexion are unclear. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Assessment of the Quality of Web-based Information on Bunions
Authors: Chong Yew Ming , Fraval Andrew , Chandrananth Janan , Plunkett Virginia , Tran Phong 
Published: March 2013

Background: The Internet provides a large source of health-related information for patients. However, information on the Internet is mostly unregulated, ranging from factually correct to misleading or contradictory information. The objective of this study was to determine the quality of information available on World Wide Web on the topic of bunions. Methods: Websites were identified using 3 search engines (Google, Yahoo, and MSN) and the search term bunions. The first 30 websites in each search were analyzed. Websites were assessed using the validated DISCERN rating instrument to determine the quality of health content and treatment information. The DISCERN tool possesses moderate to very good strength of interobserver agreement, ranging from .41 to .82. Results: A total of 90 websites were assessed and studied. Forty-eight sites were duplicated, leaving 42 unique sites. Of these, 60% (25/42) provided patient-related information, 21% (9/42) were advertisements, 7% (3/42) promoted medical centers, 5% (2/42) were dead links, 5% (2/42) were news articles, and 2% (1/42) was doctor’s information. In determining the quality of unique sites, of a maximum score of 5, the average overall DISCERN score was 2.9 (range, 1.8 to 4.6). Only 24% (10/42) of websites were classified as “good” or “excellent.” Although most websites contained information on symptoms, causes, risk factors, investigations, and treatment options on bunions, 60% (25/42) did not provide adequate information on the benefits for each treatment, 45% (19/42) did not contain any risks of treatment, and 76% (32/42) did not describe how treatment choices affect overall quality of life. The sources of information were clear in 33% (14/42), and the date when this information was reviewed was given in only 50% (21/42). Only 29% (12/42) of websites had been updated within the past 2 years. Conclusions: Overall, the quality of patient information on bunions varies widely. We believe clinicians should guide patients in identifying the best possible and genuine information on the World Wide Web. Clinical Relevance: Patients are commonly using the internet as an information resource, in spite of the highly variable quality of this information. They should be encouraged to exercise caution and to utilize only well-known sites.
Arthroscopic Ankle Arthrodesis in Hemophilic Arthropathy
Authors: Bai Zhengwu , Zhang Enshui , He Yeteng , Yan Xinfeng , Sun Huaqiang , Zhang Ming 
Published: March 2013

Background: Ankle arthrodesis is an accepted treatment for patients with advanced disabling tibiotalar arthritis, mostly in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, and posttraumatic arthritis. No detailed reports have been published regarding the use of arthroscopy for the treatment of the end-stage hemophilic ankle. The purpose of this article is to report the results of arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis in hemophilic arthropathy of the ankle. Methods: Ten patients (10 ankle joints) who underwent arthroscopically assisted ankle arthrodesis for the treatment of end-stage hemophilic A arthritis were enrolled in this study. The rate of ankle fusion, incidence of complications, and clinical rating by the Morgan system were analyzed. Results: In this series, the fusion rate was 100%, and patients achieved bone fusion as shown by radiographs. The average time to fusion was 10.5 weeks. Superficial wound infection occurred in 1 patient. According to the Morgan system, there were 8 (80%) good to excellent results and 2 (20%) fair results. All patients were satisfied with the outcome of the operation. Conclusions: Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis was an effective alternative to open technique with established advantages in hemophilic arthropathy. Level of Clinical Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
An analytical method for the inverse dynamic analysis of the Stewart platform with asymmetric-adjustable payload
Authors: Hajimirzaalian Hamidreza , Ferraresi Carlo , Moosavi Hassan , Massah Mehdi 
Published: March 2013

This article presents the dynamic analysis and simulation for a nonlinear model of a Stewart platform with asymmetric-adjustable payload, based on Lagrangian approach. Due to the asymmetry of payload, the moment of inertia matrix is not diagonal and computing their terms is more complicated than for a symmetric load. Previous research about dynamic analysis of the Stewart platform are mostly considering static and symmetric payload, while numerous applications may have asymmetric payload such as satellite antenna trackers or surgical tables and so on. This article considers an asymmetric-adjustable payload applied to a Stewart platform, deriving the dynamic equations of the model. Moreover, the moment of inertia matrix and Coriolis-centrifugal terms matrices, which are useful for control analysis of the robot, are obtained. In addition, to verify the correctness of the model, the system has been modelled in ADAMS engineering software and the inverse dynamic solution has been developed by both analytical (Lagrangian formulation) and simulation (ADAMS) methods. The results show that the analytical model is so reliable and accurate that it can be used for dynamic analysis in other similar problems. Finally, the singularities of the model are determined.
Child welfare in Ghana: The relevance of children’s rights in practice
Authors: Manful Esmeranda , Manful Saka E 
Published: March 2013

Summary When Ghana ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) it made a commitment to ensure compliance with the UNCRC by reviewing its children and youth social policies. Yet, to date, there is little empirical evidence that compares how children’s rights are perceived by professionals at the strategic and operational levels in Ghana. Thus, this article seeks to provide an insight by comparing the two professional levels. Drawing on in-depth interview data with government personnel who have strategic responsibilities of child care policies and with operational staff in a residential child care institution we analyse how the relevance of children’s rights is constructed by these two groups. Findings It is concluded that at both professional levels the concept of children’s rights is associated with legislation and institutions, rhetoric of rights and child participation. However, for many of the operational staff children’s rights appeared to be an abstract concept even though it was central to their daily work. Applications The study suggests that implementation of the UNCRC has so far remained largely at the policy level, as a result, very little has been accomplished to advance children’s rights in terms of changing the relationship between the State and children. It is therefore critical to organise more child rights training for professionals who are engaged in direct work with and/for children at all levels of the Ghanaian society to inform their practice. Further, the training needs to rectify the limitation and misconstrual of the concept of children’s rights to only child participation.
In situ hybridization protocol for enhanced detection of gene expression in the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea
Authors: King Ryan S , Newmark Phillip A 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Background
The freshwater planarian Schmidtea mediterranea has emerged as a powerful model for studies of regenerative, stem cell, and germ cell biology. Whole-mount in situ hybridization (WISH) and whole-mount fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) are critical methods for determining gene expression patterns in planarians. While expression patterns for a number of genes have been elucidated using established protocols, determining the expression patterns for particularly low-abundance transcripts remains a challenge.

Results
We show here that a short bleaching step in formamide dramatically enhances signal intensity of WISH and FISH. To further improve signal sensitivity we optimized blocking conditions for multiple anti-hapten antibodies, developed a copper sulfate quenching step that virtually eliminates autofluorescence, and enhanced signal intensity through iterative rounds of tyramide signal amplification. For FISH on regenerating planarians, we employed a heat-induced antigen retrieval step that provides a better balance between permeabilization of mature tissues and preservation of regenerating tissues. We also show that azide most effectively quenches peroxidase activity between rounds of development for multicolor FISH experiments. Finally, we apply these modifications to elucidate the expression patterns of a few low-abundance transcripts.

Conclusion
The modifications we present here provide significant improvements in signal intensity and signal sensitivity for WISH and FISH in planarians. Additionally, these modifications might be of widespread utility for whole-mount FISH in other model organisms.
Gene rearrangements in hormone receptor negative breast cancers revealed by mate pair sequencing
Authors: Jiao Xiang , Hooper Sean D , Djureinovic Tatjana , Larsson Chatarina , Wärnberg Fredrik , Tellgren-Roth Christian , Botling Johan , Sjöblom Tobias 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Chromosomal rearrangements in the form of deletions, insertions, inversions and translocations are frequently observed in breast cancer genomes, and a subset of these rearrangements may play a crucial role in tumorigenesis. To identify novel somatic chromosomal rearrangements, we determined the genome structures of 15 hormone-receptor negative breast tumors by long-insert mate pair massively parallel sequencing.

Results
We identified and validated 40 somatic structural alterations, including the recurring fusion between genes DDX10 and SKA3 and translocations involving the EPHA5 gene. Other rearrangements were found to affect genes in pathways involved in epigenetic regulation, mitosis and signal transduction, underscoring their potential role in breast tumorigenesis. RNA interference-mediated suppression of five candidate genes (DDX10, SKA3, EPHA5, CLTC and TNIK) led to inhibition of breast cancer cell growth. Moreover, downregulation of DDX10 in breast cancer cells lead to an increased frequency of apoptotic nuclear morphology.

Conclusions
Using whole genome mate pair sequencing and RNA interference assays, we have discovered a number of novel gene rearrangements in breast cancer genomes and identified DDX10, SKA3, EPHA5, CLTC and TNIK as potential cancer genes with impact on the growth and proliferation of breast cancer cells.
Association of decreased mitochondrial DNA content with the progression of colorectal cancer
Authors: Cui HaiHong , Huang Ping , Wang ZhiJing , Zhang YunXin , Zhang ZhenHua , Xu Wei , Wang XiaoPeng , Han Ying , Guo XiaoMing 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Experimental data suggest that mitochondria is involved in tumorigenesis. However, little is known about the qualitative and quantitative changes of mtDNA in colorectal cancer tissues. We therefore conducted possible correlations of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in colorectal cancer (CRC) with clinical and pathological findings and CRC prognosis.

Methods
mtDNA copy numbers in CRC cancer tissue and adjacent non-cancerous tissue samples were measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses from 60 patients admitted to our hospital. We examined the correlation of mtDNA copy numbers and clinicopathologic parameters of CRC patients. The correlation between mtDNA copy number and three-year survival was analyzed.

Results
The mtDNA copy number was lower in CRC tissue compared with the corresponding non-cancerous colorectal tissue (mean: 108.60 ± 20.11 vs. 153.68 ± 25.72) and was significantly correlated with lymph-node metastasis. Patients with a lower mtDNA copy number tended to have lower 3-year survival than patients with a higher mtDNA copy number assessed by Kaplan–Meier curves, but the correlation was not significant (overall survival, 63.0 vs 83%).

Conclusions
These results suggest that a reduced copy number of mtDNA is correlated with malignant potential in CRC.
Uptake of a web-based oncology protocol system: how do cancer clinicians use eviQ cancer treatments online?
Authors: Langton Julia M , Pesa Nicole , Rushton Shelley , Ward Robyn L , Pearson Sallie-Anne 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
The use of computerized systems to support evidence-based practice is commonplace in contemporary medicine. Despite the prolific use of electronic support systems there has been relatively little research on the uptake of web-based systems in the oncology setting. Our objective was to examine the uptake of a web-based oncology protocol system (http://www.eviq.org.au) by Australian cancer clinicians.

Methods
We used web-logfiles and Google Analytics to examine the characteristics of eviQ registrants from October 2009-December 2011 and patterns of use by cancer clinicians during a typical month.

Results
As of December 2011, there were 16,037 registrants; 85% of whom were Australian health care professionals. During a typical month 87% of webhits occurred in standard clinical hours (08:00 to 18:00 weekdays). Raw webhits were proportional to the size of clinician groups: nurses (47% of Australian registrants), followed by doctors (20%), and pharmacists (14%). However, pharmacists had up to three times the webhit rate of other clinical groups. Clinicians spent five times longer viewing chemotherapy protocol pages than other content and the protocols viewed reflect the most common cancers: lung, breast and colorectal.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate eviQ is used by a range of health professionals involved in cancer treatment at the point-of-care. Continued monitoring of electronic decision support systems is vital to understanding how they are used in clinical practice and their impact on processes of care and patient outcomes.
Optimizing heterologous protein production in the periplasm of E. coli by regulating gene expression levels
Authors: Schlegel Susan , Rujas Edurne , Ytterberg Anders Jimmy , Zubarev Roman A , Luirink Joen , de Gier Jan-Willem 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
In Escherichia coli many heterologous proteins are produced in the periplasm. To direct these proteins to the periplasm, they are equipped with an N-terminal signal sequence so that they can traverse the cytoplasmic membrane via the protein-conducting Sec-translocon. For poorly understood reasons, the production of heterologous secretory proteins is often toxic to the cell thereby limiting yields. To gain insight into the mechanism(s) that underlie this toxicity we produced two secretory heterologous proteins, super folder green fluorescent protein and a single-chain variable antibody fragment, in the Lemo21(DE3) strain. In this strain, the expression intensity of the gene encoding the target protein can be precisely controlled.

Results
Both SFGFP and the single-chain variable antibody fragment were equipped with a DsbA-derived signal sequence. Producing these proteins following different gene expression levels in Lemo21(DE3) allowed us to identify the optimal expression level for each target gene. Too high gene expression levels resulted in saturation of the Sec-translocon capacity as shown by hampered translocation of endogenous secretory proteins and a protein misfolding/aggregation problem in the cytoplasm. At the optimal gene expression levels, the negative effects of the production of the heterologous secretory proteins were minimized and yields in the periplasm were optimized.

Conclusions
Saturating the Sec-translocon capacity can be a major bottleneck hampering heterologous protein production in the periplasm. This bottleneck can be alleviated by harmonizing expression levels of the genes encoding the heterologous secretory proteins with the Sec-translocon capacity. Mechanistic insight into the production of proteins in the periplasm is key to optimizing yields in this compartment.
The 3.5 ångström X−ray structure of the human connexin26 gap junction channel is unlikely that of a fully open channel
Authors: Zonta Francesco , Polles Guido , Sanasi Maria Federica , Bortolozzi Mario , Mammano Fabio 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The permeability of gap junction channels to metabolites, and not simply to small inorganic ions, is likely to play an important role in development, physiology as well as in etiology of several diseases. Here, we combined dual patch clamp and fluorescence imaging techniques with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the permeation of calcein, a relatively large fluorescent tracer (MW 622 Da) through homomeric gap junction channels formed by wild type human connexin26 (hCx26wt) protomers. Our experimental data indicate that the unitary flux of calcein driven by a 125 μM concentration difference is J
pore = 226 molecule/s per channel. In the light of Eyring transition state theory adapted for the liquid phase, this value corresponds to an energy barrier of ~20 k

B

T (where k

B
is the Boltzmann constant and T is absolute temperature). The barrier predicted by our MD simulations, based on the 3.5 Å X–ray structural model of the hCx26wt gap junction channel, is ~45 k

B

T. The main contributions to the energetics of calcein permeation originated from the interaction between the permeating molecule and the charged aminoacids lining the channel pore. Assigning a fake zero total charge to the calcein molecule yielded a value for the barrier height compatible with the experimental data. These results can be accounted for by two different (although not mutually exclusive) hypotheses: (1) the X–ray model of the hCx26wt gap junction channel is not representative of a fully open state; (2) post translational modifications affecting the hCx26wt protein in our expression system differed from the modifications undergone by the proteins in the conditions used to obtain the crystal structure. Hypothesis (1) is compatible with data indicating that, only 10% or less of the channels forming a gap junction plaque are in the open state, and therefore the averaging procedure intrinsic in the generation of the crystal structure data more closely reflects that of a closed channel. Hypothesis (2) is compatible with recent mass spectrometry data and implies that the charge of several amino acid side chains may have been altered, thus modifying substantially the permeation properties of the channels in living cells.