bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wars within Wars: Why Windows of Opportunity and Vulnerability Cause Inter-rebel Fighting in Internal Conflicts
Authors: Pischedda Costantino 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Why do rebel groups often fight each other when confronting a common, and typically stronger, enemy—namely, the government? Inter-rebel aggression is a calculated response by rebel groups to opportunities for expansion and to the threats confronting such groups. In particular, inter-rebel wars occur under the following conditions: (1) when a window of opportunity emerges allowing rebel groups to defeat coethnic rivals at low costs and thus achieve rebel hegemony, or (2) when rebel groups are confronted with a window of vulnerability, in which they experience a radical deterioration of power relative to that of coethnic rivals and then attempt to escape in a desperate military gamble. Both strict military considerations and ethnic identities shape the rebel groups' calculus. Coethnicity influences the threat perception of rebel groups and their ability to grow at the expense of rivals, thus providing both defensive and offensive motives for inter-rebel aggression. Because coethnic rebel groups want to mobilize and control the same ethnic communities, they are highly sensitive to immediate, intense conflicts of interest and see other coethnic rebel groups as serious threats. Moreover, coethnic rebel groups can generally expect to absorb the resources of defeated rivals, which in turn may improve their chances in the fight against the government. In-depth case studies of multiparty insurgencies in Ethiopia's Eritrea and Tigray provinces, based on interviews with former rebel leaders, strongly support the window of opportunity and vulnerability theory of inter-rebel war.
The Dynamics of the Southwest Monsoon Current in 2016 from High-Resolution In Situ Observations and Models
Authors: Webber Benjamin G. M. , Matthews Adrian J. , Vinayachandran P. N. , Neema C. P. , Sanchez-Franks Alejandra , Vijith V. , Amol P. , Baranowski Dariusz B. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe strong stratification of the Bay of Bengal (BoB) causes rapid variations in sea surface temperature (SST) that influence the development of monsoon rainfall systems. This stratification is driven by the salinity difference between the fresh surface waters of the northern bay and the supply of warm, salty water by the Southwest Monsoon Current (SMC). Despite the influence of the SMC on monsoon dynamics, observations of this current during the monsoon are sparse. Using data from high-resolution in situ measurements along an east–west section at 8°N in the southern BoB, we calculate that the northward transport during July 2016 was between 16.7 and 24.5 Sv (1 Sv ≡ 106m3s−1), although up to ⅔ of this transport is associated with persistent recirculating eddies, including the Sri Lanka Dome. Comparison with climatology suggests the SMC in early July was close to the average annual maximum strength. The NEMO 1/12° ocean model with data assimilation is found to faithfully represent the variability of the SMC and associated water masses. We show how the variability in SMC strength and position is driven by the complex interplay between local forcing (wind stress curl over the Sri Lanka Dome) and remote forcing (Kelvin and Rossby wave propagation). Thus, various modes of climatic variability will influence SMC strength and location on time scales from weeks to years. Idealized one-dimensional ocean model experiments show that subsurface water masses advected by the SMC significantly alter the evolution of SST and salinity, potentially impacting Indian monsoon rainfall.
High 28-day mortality in critically ill patients with sepsis and concomitant active cancer
Authors: Wang Yong-gang , Zhou Jian-cang , Wu Kang-song 
Published: August 2018

Objective This study was performed to explore the characteristics and outcomes of patients with sepsis accompanied by active cancer who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods The baseline characteristics, infection profiles, and outcomes of patients with sepsis were retrospectively analyzed according to the presence of concomitant active cancer. The association between concomitant active cancer and 28-day mortality was explored. Results Of 23,956 patients with sepsis, 1574 (6.6%) had concomitant active cancer. The most common type was digestive (30.7%). The 28-day mortality ranged from 41.9% to 81.5%. Patients with active cancer had a significantly higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II and significantly shorter length of ICU stay. Respiratory (32.9%), genitourinary (31.0%), and bloodstream (17.0%) infections were most common. Escherichia coli was the most frequent gram-negative pathogenic bacteria. The 28-day mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with than without active cancer. Concomitant active cancer was associated with increased 28-day mortality in patients with sepsis. Hematological malignancy was associated with a significantly higher risk of death than solid tumors. Conclusions Concomitant active cancer was associated with higher 28-day mortality in patients with sepsis requiring ICU admission. Hematological malignancy was associated with a higher risk of death than solid tumors.
Functional role of CyclinD1 polymorphism (G870A) in modifying susceptibility and overall survival of North Indian lung cancer patients
Authors: Pandey Ankita , Bahl Charu , Sharma Siddharth , Singh Navneet , Behera Digamber 
Published: August 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential role of the cyclin D1 gene G870A polymorphism in the likelihood of the development of lung cancer and the overall survival of lung cancer patients in the North Indian population. Methods: The study consisted of 353 lung cancer cases and 351 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLPP) was done for the CCND1 gene. The association analysis was done using the multiple linear regression, and the survival analysis was done using the Kaplan-Meier and the Cox regression models. Results: The GA genotype was associated with an increased risk for overall lung cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 1.63; p = 0.01). Combined variant genotype showed a significant association for overall lung cancer (OR 1.50; p = 0.03). In addition, smokers with the carrier genotype of CCND1 were found to have a significantly higher risk for lung cancer (OR 1.57; p = 0.04). No significant correlation was observed between the overall survival of lung cancer patients and CCND1 polymorphism. However, on stratifying the subjects on the basis of histology, it was evident that small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients carrying the mutant (AA) genotype showed nearly a fivefold increased mortality rate compared to the wild (GG) genotype (p = 0.03). Conclusions: Our results suggest that polymorphic CCND1 may increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers from North India, and it may be associated with the overall survival of SCLC patients.
Correlation between nerve atrophy, brain grey matter volume and pain severity in patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia
Authors: Wang Yuan , Yang Qian , Cao Dongyuan , Seminowicz David , Remeniuk Bethany , Gao Lin , Zhang Ming 
Published: August 2018

Background Recent neuroimaging studies have reported grey matter alterations in primary trigeminal neuralgia patients. However, few studies have focused on quantitative measurements of trigeminal nerves and the interaction between trigeminal nerve volume and brain morphology, particularly grey matter volume. In this study, we investigated the link between trigeminal nerves and grey matter volume changes in primary trigeminal neuralgia patients compared to healthy controls. Moreover, we explored the association of structure of trigeminal nerves and grey matter to collected pain clinical variables. Methods Eighty participants (40 patients and 40 controls) were recruited for the study. All participants underwent MRI sessions and clinical pain assessment. Trigeminal nerve volume and whole brain grey matter volume were evaluated using quantitative imaging techniques. Sensory and affective pain rating indices were assessed using the visual analog scale and short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire. Mediation analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between clinical pain variables and volumetric changes in trigeminal nerves and grey matter. Results Decreased trigeminal nerve volume was detected in primary trigeminal neuralgia patients compared to controls. Additionally, reduced grey matter volume was found in several regions associated with pain in primary trigeminal neuralgia subjects, including the insula, secondary somatosensory cortex, hippocampus, dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, and several areas of the temporal lobe. Mediation analysis revealed that decreased trigeminal nerve volume drove grey matter volume abnormality of the left insula, and further led to increased pain ratings. Conclusion This study showed a predominantly direct effect of trigeminal nerve atrophy on clinical pain variables in primary trigeminal neuralgia patients, providing new insight into the pathophysiology of the disease. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02713646
Results of Hybrid Total HIP Replacement and Resurfacing - Is There a Difference?
Authors: Chirodian N. , Saw T. , Villar R. 
Published: August 2018

Hip resurfacing has in recent years become increasingly popular as an arthroplasty technique, particularly amongst younger patients with more active lifestyles. The procedure has been heralded as a more conservative option, aimed at those wishing to continue strenuous work and recreational activities. Little evidence has appeared in the literature however, either with the results of resurfacing or comparing resurfacing to conventional total hip arthroplasty. We compare the outcomes of a consecutive series of hybrid hip resurfacings against a similar series of conventional hybrid hip arthroplasties. In our series there was no difference in operation time, blood loss, or modified Harris Hip score at 12 months postoperatively. There was a small decrease in length of stay, which was not clinically significant. We conclude that whilst it has been previously shown that there is an overall preservation of bone stock following resurfacing arthroplasty, there is no evidence to back additional claimed benefits.
Pain and Satisfaction after HIP Replacement: The Patient's Perspective at 5 - 12 Years
Authors: Mehta J. S. , Kiryluk S. , Fordyce M. J. F. 
Published: August 2018

We present the results of a postal evaluation of 1700 hip replacements performed in 1560 patients at a specialist joint replacement centre. This 5 - 12 year follow-up assesses the patient's perspective of satisfaction, pain levels, revision and dislocation rates, subjective issues related to the prosthetic hip and limitations to daily activities. Our adjusted response rate was 81.4%, with 89.2% of the respondents being satisfied with their hip replacement; 4.1% were dissatisfied, and 5.0% were unsure. 79% of patients reported no pain or slight pain, 14.5% had moderate pain and 2.6% had severe pain. 4.6% of the hip replacements had been revised, and 4.1% had dislocated. The hip was felt to be a limiting factor in their life by 18.4% of patients. The use of a questionnaire has provided long-term follow-up data at far less cost and considerably less inconvenience to the patient than a clinical review. We conclude that pain and patient satisfaction could be used as a simple screening tool for the vast majority of the patients. In those that have moderate or severe pain or express a lack of satisfaction for any reason, further clinical and radiological assessments could be carried out.
A preclinical ultrasound method for the assessment of vascular disease progression in murine models
Authors: Janus Justyna , Kanber Baris , Mahbuba Wadhah , Beynon Charlotte , Ramnarine Kumar V , Lambert David G , Samani Nilesh J , Stringer Emma J , Kelly Michael E 
Published: August 2018

Introduction The efficacy of preclinical ultrasound at providing a quantitative assessment of mouse models of vascular disease is relatively unknown. In this study, preclinical ultrasound was used in combination with a semi-automatic image processing method to track arterial distension alterations in mouse models of abdominal aortic aneurysm and atherosclerosis. Methods Longitudinal B-mode ultrasound images of the abdominal aorta were acquired using a preclinical ultrasound scanner. Arterial distension was assessed using a semi-automatic image processing algorithm to track vessel wall motion over the cardiac cycle. A standard, manual analysis method was applied for comparison. Results Mean arterial distension was significantly lower in abdominal aortic aneurysm mice between day 0 and day 7 post-onset of disease (p < 0.01) and between day 0 and day 14 (p < 0.001), while no difference was observed in sham control mice. Manual analysis detected a significant decrease (p < 0.05) between day 0 and day 14 only. Atherosclerotic mice showed alterations in arterial distension relating to genetic modification and diet. Arterial distension was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in Ldlr−/− (++/−−) mice fed high-fat western diet when compared with both wild type (++/++) mice and Ldlr−/− (++/−−) mice fed chow diet. The manual method did not detect a significant difference between these groups. Conclusions Arterial distension can be used as an early marker for the detection of arterial disease in murine models. The semi-automatic analysis method provided increased sensitivity to differences between experimental groups when compared to the manual analysis method.
Are diffuse and limited juvenile systemic sclerosis different in clinical presentation? Clinical characteristics of a juvenile systemic sclerosis cohort
Authors: Foeldvari Ivan , Klotsche Jens , Torok Kathryn S , Kasapcopur Ozgur , Adrovic Amra , Stanevicha Valda , Terreri Maria Teresa , Alexeeva Ekaterina , Katsicas Maria , Cimaz Rolando , Kostik Mikhail , Lehman Thomas , Sifuentes-Giraldo Walter-Alberto , Smith Vanessa , Sztajnbok Flavio , Avcin Tadej , Jose Santos Maria , Moll Monika , Nemcova Dana , Battagliotti Cristina , Eleftheriou Despina , Janarthanan Mahesh , Kallinich Tilmann , Anton Jordi , Minden Kirsten , Nielsen Susan , Uziel Yosef , Helmus Nicola 
Published: August 2018

Introduction: Juvenile systemic sclerosis is an orphan disease. Currently, the majority of juvenile systemic sclerosis cohort studies are retrospective in design without standardized assessment. This study was conducted prospectively to investigate the difference in manifestations of limited cutaneous juvenile systemic sclerosis and diffuse cutaneous juvenile systemic sclerosis subtypes. An additional aim was to compare these data to other juvenile systemic sclerosis cohorts and a large adult systemic sclerosis cohort. Methods: Patients fulfilling the Paediatric Rheumatology European Society juvenile systemic sclerosis classification criteria were included. Clinical characteristics and patient-related outcomes were assessed. Results: In all, 88 patients with a mean disease duration of 3.5 years were enrolled, 72.5% with diffuse cutaneous juvenile systemic sclerosis with a mean modified Rodnan Skin score of 18 and 27.5% with limited cutaneous juvenile systemic sclerosis with mean modified Rodnan Skin score of 9. The mean age at the onset of Raynaud’s and first non-Raynaud’s symptoms was similar in both groups, approximately 9 and 10.5 years. Active digital tip ulcerations were present in 29% diffuse cutaneous juvenile systemic sclerosis and none in the limited cutaneous juvenile systemic sclerosis subjects (p = 0.005). Of those with cardiopulmonary testing, 3% of diffuse cutaneous juvenile systemic sclerosis and 23% of limited cutaneous juvenile systemic sclerosis group had cardiac involvement (p = 0.015), and 41% diffuse cutaneous juvenile systemic sclerosis and 22% of the limited cutaneous juvenile systemic sclerosis group had pulmonary involvement (p = 0.009). Physician global disease damage assessment was higher in the diffuse cutaneous juvenile systemic sclerosis group compared to the limited cutaneous juvenile systemic sclerosis group: 35 and 15 (p = 0.021). Discussion: The majority of this international juvenile systemic sclerosis cohort had diffuse cutaneous juvenile systemic sclerosis (72.5%) with more frequent vascular and pulmonary involvement compared to the limited cutaneous group, who had increased cardiac involvement. Our cohort reflects prior findings of published juvenile systemic sclerosis cohorts and emphasizes a difference in the presentation compared to adult-onset systemic sclerosis.
Effects of Turmeric and Curcumin Dietary Supplementation on Human Gut Microbiota: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Peterson Christine T. , Vaughn Alexandra R. , Sharma Vandana , Chopra Deepak , Mills Paul J. , Peterson Scott N. , Sivamani Raja K. 
Published: August 2018

Background. Curcuma longa (common name: turmeric) and one of its biologically active constituents, curcumin, have received increased clinical attention. Insufficient data exist on the effects of curcumin and turmeric on the gut microbiota and such studies in humans are lacking. Methods. Turmeric tablets with extract of piperine (Bioperine) (n = 6), curcumin with Bioperine tablets (n = 5), or placebo tablets (n = 3) were provided to healthy human subjects and subsequent changes in the gut microbiota were determined by 16S rDNA sequencing. Results. The number of taxa detected ranged from 172 to 325 bacterial species. The placebo group displayed an overall reduction in species by 15%, whereas turmeric-treated subjects displayed a modest 7% increase in observed species posttreatment. Subjects taking curcumin displayed an average increase of 69% in detected species. The gut microbiota response to treatment was highly personalized, thus leading to responders and nonresponders displaying response concordance. These “responsive” subjects defined a signature involving uniform increases in most Clostridium spp., Bacteroides spp., Citrobacter spp., Cronobacter spp., Enterobacter spp., Enterococcus spp., Klebsiella spp., Parabacteroides spp., and Pseudomonas spp. Common to these subjects was the reduced relative abundance of several Blautia spp. and most Ruminococcus spp. Conclusions. All participants’ microbiota displayed significant variation over time and individualized response to treatment. Among the responsive participants, both turmeric and curcumin altered the gut microbiota in a highly similar manner, suggesting that curcumin may drive the majority of observed changes observed in turmeric-treated subjects.
Entry points of nutrient arteries at risk during osteotomy of the lesser metatarsals: a fresh cadaveric study
Authors: Tonogai Ichiro , Hayashi Fumio , Tsuruo Yoshihiro , Sairyo Koichi 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundOsteotomies of the lesser (second to fourth) metatarsals are often used to correct forefoot deformities. However, certain areas of the lesser metatarsals where arteries may be prone to damage during surgery, and the resulting nonunion and delayed union could cause serious problems. This study sought to identify the nutrient arteries of the lesser metatarsals and to determine how osteotomy could injure these vessels.MethodsEnhanced computed tomography scans of 21 ft (male, n = 10; female, n = 11; mean age 78.6 years at the time of death) were assessed. Twenty‐one lower limbs in 21 cadaveric specimens were injected with barium via the external iliac artery, and the points at which the nutrient arteries entered the lesser metatarsals were identified on axial and coronal images.ResultsEach nutrient artery entered the lateral or medial plantar aspect of the lesser metatarsal in the middle third (just proximal to the middle point of the metatarsal) or proximal third obliquely from a distal direction. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) distances from the dorsal plane of the second, third, and fourth metatarsals to the point of entry of the nutrient artery in the axial plane were 8.2 ± 1.5, 7.6 ± 1.2, and 7.6 ± 1.5 mm, respectively. The mean ± SD distances from the distal epiphysis to the point of entry of the nutrient artery into the second, third, and fourth metatarsals in the coronal plane were 3.3 ± 1.1, 3.1 ± 1.0, and 2.8 ± 1.2 mm, respectively. The mean ± SD distances from the distal epiphysis to the point of entry of the nutrient artery into the second, third, and fourth metatarsals in the coronal plane were 46.0 ± 5.2, 40.9 ± 2.6, and 39.1 ± 3.7 mm, respectively. The mean ± SD distances from the proximal epiphysis to the entry point of the nutrient artery into the second, third, and fourth metatarsals in the coronal plane were 23.8 ± 4.7, 25.8 ± 4.3, and 25.0 ± 3.2 mm, respectively.ConclusionsDistal metatarsal osteotomies might be safer than shaft or proximal osteotomy to avoid disruption of the nutrient artery, leading to delayed consolidation of the osteotomy and nonunion.
Mutations in dock1 disrupt early Schwann cell development
Authors: Cunningham Rebecca L. , Herbert Amy L. , Harty Breanne L. , Ackerman Sarah D. , Monk Kelly R. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Background
In the peripheral nervous system (PNS), specialized glial cells called Schwann cells produce myelin, a lipid-rich insulating sheath that surrounds axons and promotes rapid action potential propagation. During development, Schwann cells must undergo extensive cytoskeletal rearrangements in order to become mature, myelinating Schwann cells. The intracellular mechanisms that drive Schwann cell development, myelination, and accompanying cell shape changes are poorly understood.

Methods
Through a forward genetic screen in zebrafish, we identified a mutation in the atypical guanine nucleotide exchange factor, dock1, that results in decreased myelination of peripheral axons. Rescue experiments and complementation tests with newly engineered alleles confirmed that mutations in dock1 cause defects in myelination of the PNS. Whole mount in situ hybridization, transmission electron microscopy, and live imaging were used to fully define mutant phenotypes.

Results
We show that Schwann cells in dock1 mutants can appropriately migrate and are not decreased in number, but exhibit delayed radial sorting and decreased myelination during early stages of development.

Conclusions
Together, our results demonstrate that mutations in dock1 result in defects in Schwann cell development and myelination. Specifically, loss of dock1 delays radial sorting and myelination of peripheral axons in zebrafish.