bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the 2D models of plates and shells including the transversal shear
Authors: Tovstik P. , Tovstik T.
Published: February 2007

The 2D Kirchhoff–Love (KL) theory and the Timoshenko–Reissner (TR) theory for thin shells made of the transversally isotropic, homogeneous material are discussed. For the cyclic‐symmetric deformations of shells of revolution the asymptotic analysis of stress–strain states is performed. Two simple linear problems for double‐periodic deformations of plates are studied applying the exact 3D theory and the 2D approximate theories. From these problems it follows that the KL theory is asymptotically correct because it gives the first term of asymptotic expansion of the 3D solution. The TR theory is asymptotically incorrect. It gives correctly the first term only and incorrectly the second term. But if the transversal shear modulus is comparatively small then this theory gives the main part of the second term. The case of the extremely small shear modulus is discussed. As an example the multi‐layered plate with alternating hard and soft isotropic layers is studied.
Dynamic interactions between parametric pendulum and electro‐dynamical shaker
Authors: Xu X. , Pavlovskaia E. , Wiercigroch M. , Romeo F. , Lenci S.
Published: February 2007

In this paper we investigate the dynamic interactions between a parametric pendulum and an electro‐dynamical shaker aiming to explain a weak correlation between the theoretical predictions obtained for a parametric pendulum model and the experimental results for pendulum rig driven by the shaker. In particular, the quasi‐periodic rotations were found experimentally to be co‐existing with the period one rotations, where no such motion can be predicted for parametric pendulum with an ideal parametric excitation. First the experimental setup including the pendulum, the shaker and data acquisition system is described. Then the electro‐dynamical shaker is modelled as two and a half degrees‐of‐freedom system. Next the parameters of the system have been identified by static and dynamic tests. Finally, comparisons between theoretical and experimental results were made for the pendulum–shaker system and a good agreement was obtained for a wide range of the system parameters.
Different effects of coarse woody material on the species diversity of three saproxylic beetle families (Cerambycidae, Melandryidae, and Curculionidae)
Authors: Ohsawa Masashi
Published: February 2007

The relationships between coarse woody material (CWM) and the diversity of three saproxylic beetle families (Cerambycidae, Melandryidae, and Curculionidae) were investigated. These three families responded differently toward the quality and quantity of CWM. The species richness of cerambycid beetles increased in forests with more CWM in the early stage of decomposition. The richness of saproxylic curculionids increased in stands with more tree species. No clear trend was evident for melandryid diversity. The CWM differed in quality and quantity among three forest types [middle‐aged larch (Larix kaempferi [Lamb.] Carrière) plantation, secondary forest, and old‐growth forest] and between two forest‐management practices (thinning and long rotation). Forest type and management practices affected CWM and the number of tree species, and CWM and the number of tree species influenced the diversity of saproxylic families differently. Because each decomposition stage is considered to be important for saproxylic beetles at the species level, a constant supply of CWM is necessary to maintain a suitable balance of CWM through these decomposition stages in forests to maintain the diversity of saproxylic beetles.
Enhanced Oleic Acid Content in the Soybean Mutant M23 Is Associated with the Deletion in the Fad2‐1a Gene Encoding a Fatty Acid Desaturase
Authors: Sandhu Devinder , Alt Jessie L. , Scherder Curtis W. , Fehr Walter R. , Bhattacharyya Madan K.
Published: February 2007

Oleic acid is one of the three major unsaturated fatty acids in soybean oil. Expression of the embryo‐specific Fad2‐1 gene correlates with fatty acid biosynthesis and oil deposition in developing seeds. Elevated levels of oleate in the X‐ray‐induced mutant line M23 have been shown to be associated with the deletion of a Fad2‐1 gene. In soybean, two homologs of the Fad2‐1 gene, termed Fad2‐1a (L43920) and Fad2‐1b (AY611472), presumably encode functional embryo‐specific fatty acid desaturase. The objectives of this investigation were to determine which copy of the Fad2‐1 gene is associated with the increased oleate content in the mutant line and what is the relative transcript abundance of these two embryo‐specific genes. PCR and DNA blot analyses showed that increased oleate content in M23 mutant was associated with the deletion of Fad2‐1a. These results were further validated using five independent soybean populations developed by crossing mid‐oleate and normal‐oleate parents. Investigation of the soybean expressed sequence tag database and reverse transcription PCR analyses revealed that Fad2‐1b is the predominantly transcribed copy of the Fad2‐1 gene. We hypothesize that null mutation in Fad2‐1b in the fad2‐1a mutant background should further elevate the oleic contents of soybean oil.
Cisplatin cytotoxicity is enhanced with zoledronic acid in A549 lung cancer cell line: Preliminary results of an in vitro study
Authors: Ozturk O.H. , Bozcuk H. , Burgucu D. , Ekinci D. , Ozdogan M. , Akca S. , Yildiz M.
Published: February 2007

We tested whether zoledronic acid, a biphosphonate with proposed apoptotic activity, augmented the cytotoxicity of cisplatin and/or gemcitabine in A549 lung cancer cell line. This cell line was subjected to different concentrations of the above chemotherapeutic agents and zoledronic acid. Cytotoxicity was assessed by the MTT (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrasodium bromide) assay. Particularly, zoledronic acid in 100 micromolar (μM) concentration augmented the cytotoxicity by cisplatin 1 μg/ml from 25% to 70% (Z= 3.22, P= 0.0072). A significant portion of cells underwent apoptosis with or without zoledronic acid, but more so with the combination treatment as assessed by an Annexin V‐FITC apoptosis detection kit. However, 100 μM zoledronic acid showed 50% cytotoxicity on its own, but failed to improve cytotoxicity by Gemcitabine. Thus, we show for the first time in a lung cancer cell line that zoledronic acid bears cytotoxic potential on its own and in conjunction with cisplatin. The clinical potential of this finding should be further studied.
ANATOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF A FASCIA AND ITS BANDS OVERLYING THE ULNAR NERVE IN THE PROXIMAL FOREARM: A CADAVER STUDY
Authors: SIEMIONOW M. , AGAOGLU G. , HOFFMANN R.
Published: February 2007

This study describes the characteristics of a fascia overlying the ulnar nerve for 10 cm distal to the midpoint of the retrocondylar groove. A total of 28 cadaver upper extremities were dissected. The ulnar nerve between the flexor carpi ulnaris and flexor digitorum profundus was traced distally underneath a thin fascia. The length of the fascia was measured and examined for the presence of segmental fascial thickenings, referred to as ‘Bands’. Two types of fascia were found. In Type I, three Bands were identified within the fascia and the mean length of the fascia was 5.6 cm. In Type II, four Bands were identified and the mean length of the fascia was 7.7 cm. The presence of Bands within the fascia overlying the ulnar nerve in the proximal forearm may require release at the time of decompression, or anterior transposition, of the ulnar nerve at the cubital tunnel.
Impact of body mass index (BMI) on ventilation during low‐frequency jet ventilation
Authors: Abad Hassan Lal Dolat , Ajalloueyan Mohammad , Jalali Ali Reza
Published: February 2007

Objective

Percutaneous trans‐tracheal jet ventilation (PTJV) is an alternative ventilatory approach in airway surgery. We evaluated the effects of body mass index (BMI) on ventilation during low‐frequency jet ventilation.

Study Design and Setting

Forty‐two patients undergoing micro‐laryngeal surgery under total anesthesia were studied. Low‐frequency jet ventilation was applied through an injector inserted into the trachea via cricothyroid membrane; ventilation was assessed during the operation by arterial blood gas sampling.

Result

The age range of the patients was 43.54 ± 12.04 years, weight was 69.97 ± 11.66 kg, and BMI 24.80 ± 2.78 (mean ± SD). There was a strong correlation (P < 0.05) and a good correspondence between the BMI and mean PaCO2, and arterial pH.

Conclusion and Significance

This method was effective in maintaining gas exchange in the presence of microlaryngeal surgery for low‐BMI patients. It provided a nice visible surgical field, avoiding the use of combustible material inside the larynx or trachea.

© 2007 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Endolymphatic mastoid shunt versus endolymphatic sac decompression for Ménière's disease
Authors: Brinson George M. , Chen Douglas A. , Arriaga Moisés A.
Published: February 2007

Objective

This study compares the efficacy of endolymphatic mastoid shunt (EMS) versus endolymphatic sac decompression (ESD) without sac incision for the treatment of Ménière's disease.

Study Design and Setting

The AAO‐HNS Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Evaluation of Therapy in Ménière's disease were used to retrospectively identify suitable candidates for the study. All patients who failed medical management and underwent either endolymphatic‐mastoid shunt (EMS) (n = 88) or endolymphatic sac decompression (ESD) (n = 108) were selected for review using the AAO‐HNS guidelines. The study was carried out at a tertiary care neurotology private practice.

Results

EMS and ESD were equally effective in reducing the incidence and severity of vertigo attacks with significant improvement in 67 percent and 66 percent of patients, respectively.

Conclusion

Both EMS and ESD are effective, nondestructive alternatives for patients who have failed medical management of Ménière's disease with similar long‐term hearing outcomes.

Significance

This is the only study within the same institution using AAO‐HNS guidelines comparing EMS versus ESD.
Evaluation of the turbinate hypertrophy by computed tomography in patients with deviated nasal septum
Authors: Akoglu Ertap , Karazincir Sinem , Balci Ali , Okuyucu Şemsettin , Sumbas Haldun , Şafak Dagli Ali
Published: February 2007

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine the dimensions of the compensatory hypertrophic inferior turbinate and investigate the radiological changes in the morphology of the conchal bone in patients with septal deviation.

Study Design

A retrospective chart review.

Methods

The mucosal and bone compartments of the hypertrophic turbinate were measured using computed tomography (CT) in patients with septal deviation, and the conchal bones were classified radiologically as lamellar, compact, and combined types. The results were compared with those of controls.

Results

The dimensions of the bony and mucosal components of the inferior turbinate were significantly greater than those of controls in the anterior and middle segments, while the morphological changes in the conchal bone were not different.

Conclusion

The significant bony and mucosal enlargement in the anterior and middle segments of the inferior turbinate supports turbinate reduction at the time of septoplasty and the CT findings should be considered when making a decision about the reduction type.
Antimicrobial resistance trends among sinus isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae in the United States (2001–2005)
Authors: Sahm Daniel F. , Benninger Michael S. , Evangelista Alan T. , Yee Y. Cheung , Thornsberry Clyde , Brown Nina P.
Published: February 2007

Objective

To test the susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae sinus isolates collected across the United States against commonly used antimicrobial agents.

Study Design and Setting

S. pneumoniae sinus isolates (N = 847) collected as part of the Tracking Resistance in the US Today Surveillance Program from 2001 to 2005 were tested against 8 antimicrobial agents.

Results

In ascending order, the relative activities (% susceptible) were penicillin (51.8%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) (57.6%), erythromycin (59.5%), cefuroxime (62.0%), amoxicillin/clavulanate (85.5%), clindamycin (86.1%), levofloxacin (99.4%), and linezolid (100%; for 2004 and 2005 respiratory seasons, only). Resistance rates over the 5 years remained generally stable, although resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanate nearly doubled (from 6.5% to 12.9%). Forty percent of isolates were resistant to ≥2 agents tested.

Conclusions and Significance

Susceptibility trends among sinus S. pneumoniae isolates appear to have stabilized over the past 5 years. Resistance rates remain elevated for penicillin and macrolides, whereas the high prevalence of multidrug resistance remains a concern.
Behavior of oral squamous cell carcinoma in subjects with prior lichen planus
Authors: Muñoz Amanda A. , Haddad Robert I. , Woo Sook‐Bin , Bhattacharyya Neil
Published: February 2007

Objective

To characterize the clinical behavior of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCA) arising in patients with pre‐existing oral lichen planus (OLP).

Study Design and Setting

Retrospective case‐control study. Disease‐free interval, time to first recurrence, subsequent therapy, and overall survival were calculated and compared between cases and controls matched for age, gender, primary site, and tumor stage.

Results

In 10 identified subjects with OLP/OSCCA, mean time from OLP diagnosis to OSCCA was 5.5 years. Three subjects suffered a local recurrence and two developed a second primary OSCCA. Mean actuarial survival for OLP patients was 119 months vs 42 months for the control patients, though this difference was not significant (P = 0.201, log‐rank).

Conclusions

OLP/SCCA subjects may exhibit better actuarial survival than SCCA patients despite a somewhat higher rate of local recurrence and second primary SCCA. Further study is required to characterize the behavior of OSCCA arising in pre‐existing OLP.
Intranasal Helicobacter pylori colonization does not correlate with the severity of chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Kim Hyo Yeol , Dhong Hun‐Jong , Chung Seung Kyu , Chung Kyu Whan , Chung Young Jun , Jang Kee‐Taek
Published: February 2007

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (HP) in the nasal cavity of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and to correlate it with the severity of CRS.

Study Design and Setting

Intranasal HP was investigated using rapid urease (CLO) testing and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis and confirmed with transmission electron microscopy. To evaluate the severity of sinusitis, CT scans were graded according to the Lund‐MacKay scoring system, and CRS symptom scores were recorded.

Results

Twelve of 48 patients (25.0%) were positive, but only 1 of 29 (3.4%) controls was positive for both CLO testing and IHC analysis (P = 0.025). The mean preoperative CT grade (P = 0.439) and symptom scores (P = 0.515) were not related to the severity of CRS.

Conclusions

Intranasal HP was more prevalent in patients with CRS than healthy controls. However, there was no significant correlation observed between the severity of sinusitis and intranasal HP colonization.

Significance

HP has a limited role in pathogenesis of CRS.
Quality‐of‐life impact of participation in a head and neck cancer support group
Authors: Vakharia Kalpesh T. , Ali M. Jafer , Wang Steven J.
Published: February 2007

Objective

To assess if participation by patients in a head and neck cancer support group improves perceived quality of life (QOL).

Study Design and Setting

Subjects for this study included 47 patients at a tertiary Veterans Affairs Medical Center who were previously treated for head and neck cancer. This was a quasi‐experimental, post‐test study comparing the QOL of 24 patients who participated in a head and neck cancer support group with 23 patients who did not participate. The validated University of Michigan Head and Neck Quality of Life (HNQOL) instrument was used to evaluate head and neck cancer‐related QOL.

Results

Patients who participated in the head and neck cancer support group exhibited significantly better scores in the domains of eating, emotion, and pain as well as in the global bother and response to treatment questions of the HNQOL instrument compared with those patients who did not participate. Additional subgroup analysis comparing age, type of treatment, and length of time since cancer diagnosis suggests that these variables were less important predictors of QOL than was support group participation.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that patient participation in a head and neck cancer support group is associated with improved QOL.

Significance

Support groups may be beneficial in improving QOL after head and neck cancer treatment.
Effect of bone morphogenetic proteins 2 and 7 on septal chondrocytes in alginate
Authors: Hicks David L. , Sage August B. , Shelton Elliot , Schumacher Barbara L. , Sah Robert L. , Watson Deborah
Published: February 2007

Objective

To determine the effects of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP)‐2 and −7, and serum, on extracellular matrix production by human septal chondrocytes in alginate.

Study Design

Human nasal septal chondrocytes were expanded, suspended in alginate, and cultured in BMP‐2 or 7, with and without serum. The optimal concentration of each growth factor was determined based on matrix production. Next, the synergistic effects of BMP‐2 and −7 at optimal concentrations were determined on separate beads, based on matrix quantity and histology.

Results

Matrix content was highest with concentrations of BMP‐2 and −7 of 100 ng/ml and 20 ng/ml, respectively, with serum. Adding both BMP‐2 and −7, with serum, increased matrix content by factors of 5.1 versus serum‐only cultures, 2.7 versus only BMP‐2 with serum, and 2.4 versus only BMP‐7 with serum. All comparisons were statistically significant.

Conclusion

BMP‐2 and −7 significantly increase production of extracellular matrix by septal chondrocytes suspended in alginate. The presence of serum improves matrix production.

Significance

BMP‐2 and −7 have great potential for use in cartilage tissue engineering.
Safety of percutaneous injection of bovine dermal crosslinked collagen for glottic insufficiency
Authors: Luu Quang , Tsai Veling , Mangunta Venkat , Berke Gerald S. , Chhetri Dinesh K.
Published: February 2007

Objective

Our aim was to review the safety of percutaneous injection laryngoplasty using bovine crosslinked collagen, focusing specifically on two often‐stated concerns: injecting patients who are taking the anticoagulant medication warfarin, and injecting patients without prior skin hypersensitivity testing.

Study Design and Setting

Retrospective chart review of injection laryngoplasty performed between 1997 and 2006 at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Results

The study group consisted of 895 patients who underwent 1290 injection laryngoplasty procedures. No bleeding complications were noted in 59 patients taking warfarin. No allergic complications were reported in 845 patients who did not undergo skin hypersensitivity testing before injection laryngoplasty.

Conclusion

Percutaneous bovine crosslinked collagen injection laryngoplasty is safe in patients taking warfarin. Skin testing for hypersensitivity does not appear to be necessary before injection.

Significance

Patients on warfarin are candidates for injection laryngoplasty without the need to discontinue the medication. Eliminating skin hypersensitivity testing before percutaneous bovine crosslinked collagen injection laryngoplasty allows for a prompt treatment of glottic insufficiency.
Effect of post-operative analgesia duration on post-tonsillectomy readmission rate: comparison of five-day and 14-day regime
Authors: Takwoingi Y M , Shykhon M , Wake M
Published: February 2007

Objectives: To determine whether the introduction of a 14-day post-tonsillectomy analgesic regime would be associated with a statistically significant decrease in readmission rate.

Method: A comparative study of tonsillectomy patients over two study periods. A retrospective review was undertaken of 342 patients (group one, five-day analgesic regime) who had undergone tonsillectomy. A prospective study was undertaken of 228 patients (group two, 14-day analgesic regime). The readmission rates for the two study periods were compared.

Results: The median age of group one patients was 8.1 years (range, zero to 43 years). In this group, ‘cold steel’ dissection was performed in 177 patients (52 per cent) and bipolar dissection in 165 patients (48 per cent); seven patients suffered reactionary haemorrhage, all from the cold steel dissection group. The median age of group two patients was 8.0 years (range, one to 47 years). In this group, cold steel dissection was performed in 103 patients (45 per cent) and bipolar dissection in 125 patients (55 per cent); there were no cases of reactionary haemorrhage. The readmission rate for group one was 9.9 per cent (34 patients), with 2.1 per cent (seven patients) returning to the operating theatre for control of haemorrhage. In group two, 8.8 per cent (20 patients) were readmitted and 1.3 per cent (three patients) returned to the operating theatre. The main reason for readmission was secondary haemorrhage: 9.1 per cent from group one and 8.3 per cent from group two. No significant difference in readmission was found between the 5-day analgesia and the 14-day analgesia groups (p=0.443). However, there was a significant difference between the diathermy and cold steel dissection groups (p<0.001). Patients undergoing bipolar diathermy were almost six times more likely to be readmitted than those undergoing cold steel dissection (odds ratio 5.78). The average time to readmission after tonsillectomy did not significantly differ between the two groups.

Conclusion: The post-tonsillectomy readmission rate was not affected by the duration of post-operative analgesia; however, operating technique did have an effect.
Otitis media in Brazilian human immunodeficiency virus infected children undergoing antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Miziara I D , Weber R , Filho B Cunha Araújo , Neto C Diógenes Pinheiro
Published: February 2007

Objective:

To assess changes in the prevalence of otitis media, associated with the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy, in Brazilian human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected children.

Setting:

Division of otorhinolaryngology, Hospital das Clínicas, Sao Paulo University Medical School, Brazil.

Patients:

A cohort of 459 HIV-infected children aged below 13 years.

Main outcome measures:

The prevalence of otitis media and the serum cluster of differentiation four glycoprotein T lymphocyte count were compared for children receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (with protease inhibitors) and those receiving standard antiretroviral therapy (without protease inhibitors).

Results:

Otitis media was present in 33.1 per cent of the children. Children aged from zero years to five years 11 months receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy had a higher prevalence of acute otitis media (p=0.02) and a lower prevalence of chronic otitis media (p=0.02). Children who were receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy had a mean serum cluster of differentiation four glycoprotein T lymphocyte count greater than that of those who were receiving standard antiretroviral therapy (p<0.001).

Conclusions:

The use of highly active antiretroviral therapy in Brazilian HIV-infected children was associated with a lower prevalence of chronic otitis media.
Profile of laryngological abnormalities in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Tomik J , Tomik B , Partyka D , Skladzien J , Szczudlik A
Published: February 2007

Few studies have described laryngological evaluation of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We assessed the laryngological abnormalities of 35 such patients (24 bulbar onset and 11 limb onset). In nine limb onset patients, we discovered signs of early vagal nerve dysfunction, prior to any clinical presentation of bulbar failure. However, in all bulbar onset patients studied, we noticed changes in the uni/bilateral position of the vocal folds and in the voice quality.
Visual loss in the setting of allergic fungal sinusitis: pathophysiology and outcome
Authors: Gupta A K , Bansal S , Gupta A , Mathur N
Published: February 2007

Objective:

To hypothesise the probable pathophysiological mechanism responsible for visual loss in allergic fungal sinusitis, other than direct compression.

Design:

Retrospective, non-randomised case series. Out of 274 cases of allergic fungal sinusitis, four cases with sudden visual loss were enrolled into the study. The fourth case had visual loss on the contralateral side to bony erosion of the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus.

Interventions:

All four cases were evaluated with fungal smear, immunoglobulin (Ig) E titres, visual evoked potentials, non-contrast computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the paranasal sinuses, and fundus examination. They then underwent endoscopic sinus debridement followed by intravenous methylprednisolone.

Outcome measures:

Improvement in vision.

Results:

All four cases experienced an improvement in vision: full recovery in three cases and partial improvement in one case.

Conclusion:

In view of the operative, radiological and laboratory findings for case four, with the suggestion of a hyperimmune response to fungal antigens (in the form of raised IgE titre and positive fungal serology), we suggest that a local immunological reaction to fungal antigens might be responsible for the observed visual loss in cases of allergic fungal sinusitis, in addition to mechanical compression of the optic nerve.
Pars flaccida retraction and mastoid size: relationship in clinically normal specimens
Authors: Todd N W
Published: February 2007

Background:

The relationship of pars flaccida retraction with epitympanic aeration and mastoid size is ill-defined. Both pars flaccida retraction and small mastoid size are traits of nearly all clinical entities of otitis media.

Objectives:

To determine, in clinically normal specimens, the relationship of pars flaccida retraction with mastoid pneumatisation and epitympanic aeration.

Study design:

Post-mortem anatomical dissection of 41 bequeathed adult crania without clinical otitis.

Methods:

Pars flaccida retractions were viewed with an operating microscope and judged using Sade's classification. Mastoid sizes were determined radiographically (by plain Law lateral images). Ten crania, five with the largest mastoids and five with the smallest mastoids, were studied by computed tomography.

Results:

No specimen had a retraction worse than Sade grade two (i.e. retracted onto the neck of the malleus). Retractions were unrelated to the extent of mastoid pneumatisation. All epitympani were found to be normal on both anatomical dissection and computed tomography imaging.

Conclusion:

Pars flaccida retraction is probably related to prior, presumably transient, non-aeration of Prussak's space.
Is simultaneous bilateral mastoidectomy ever advisable?
Authors: Klemens J J , Mhoon E , Redleaf M
Published: February 2007

Introduction:

We report our experience with bilateral, simultaneous tympanomastoidectomies and the results of an opinion survey of otologists.

Methods:

A chart review of 116 tympanomastoidectomies revealed 12 patients who underwent bilateral, simultaneous tympanomastoidectomies. An opinion survey generated 121 responses.

Results:

Of the 12 patients, none suffered any outcome which would have been avoided by staging the procedures. Twenty-three of 24 operated ears had the same or better hearing post-operatively. Of the survey respondents, 74 felt that performing bilateral, simultaneous tympanomastoidectomies was unsafe, largely because of the risk of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.

Discussion:

Although bilateral, simultaneous tympanomastoidectomies carry double the risk of unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, compared with the unilateral procedure, the risk of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is only 0.006–0.2 per cent, as derived mathematically from historical data. Respondents to the survey were mostly opposed to bilateral, simultaneous tympanomastoidectomies, but even those opposed gave indications for simultaneous procedures. This finding probably reflects an ambivalence about the theoretical risks of the operation versus the potential patient benefits. A decision tree for proceeding to the second case is presented.
Language choice in education: a politics of persuasion
Authors: Albaugh Ericka A.
Published: February 2007

The choice of indigenous versus European languages in education should be a hotly contested issue. Surprisingly, in much of Africa it is not. African states have dramatically increased their use of local languages in education over the last decade. This increase, however, has not proceeded from vocal demands on government by various language groups. Instead, it is the result of two more subtle factors: the changed attitude of a former coloniser and the work of language NGOs on the ground. These two forces have altered governments' perceptions about the utility of African languages in their education strategies. Because this political process works through persuasion, rather than bargaining, it allows choices about language in education to be less contentious than popularly assumed, separating this process from the violent ethnolinguistic conflict that is so often associated with Africa.
Outside the autochthon-migrant configuration: access to land, land conflicts and inter-ethnic relationships in a former pioneer area of lower Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Colin Jean-Philippe , Kouamé Georges , Soro Débégnoun
Published: February 2007

This paper discusses land issues in a specific Ivorian context: that of a former no man's land located in lower Côte d'Ivoire. In this region, one does not find the autochthon-migrant dichotomy that generally structures the land issue in southern Côte d'Ivoire. This situation therefore offers an opportunity to document the conditions of access to land and inter-ethnic relationships in a situation characterised by the lack of autochthonous stakeholders. In this context, land rights and land transfers have been moulded by the interplay between migration flows, the dynamics of the smallholder plantation economy, and the rise of land markets. The picture that results is a patchwork, in terms of ethnic land control, where land rights are quite secure. The crucial land issue arises from the active land lease market, with a large acreage of land rented out to Burkinabè pineapple producers – again, without major conflicts. This situation is contrasted with the neighbouring Abouré country, where a conflict over tenancy practices arose in 2001.
Hijacking civil society: the inside story of the Bakassi Boys vigilante group of south-eastern Nigeria
Authors: Meagher Kate
Published: February 2007

Analyses of the rise of violent vigilantism in Africa have focused increasingly on the ‘uncivil' character of African society. This article challenges the recourse to cultural or instrumentalist explanations, in which vigilantism is portrayed as a reversion to violent indigenous institutions of law and order based on secret societies and occultist practices, or is viewed as a product of the contemporary institutional environment of clientelism and corruption in which youth struggle for their share of patronage resources. The social and political complexities of contemporary African vigilantism are revealed through an account of the rise and derailment of the infamous Bakassi Boys vigilante group of south-eastern Nigeria. Based on extensive fieldwork among the shoe producers of Aba who originally formed the Bakassi Boys in 1998, this article traces the process through which popular security arrangements were developed and subsequently hijacked by opportunistic political officials engaged in power struggles between the state and federal governments. Detailing the strategies and struggles involved in the process of political hijack, this inside account of the Bakassi Boys reveals the underlying resilience of civil notions of justice and public accountability in contemporary Africa.
The nature of decline: distinguishing myth from reality in the case of the Luo of Kenya
Authors: Morrison Lesa B.
Published: February 2007

Narrative is an important means of structuring and giving meaning to experience. While the resulting framework is incomplete because human beings choose only particular aspects to remember, narratives often persist and influence behaviour, often to poor effect. Considering this, the example of the Luo of Kenya is a cautionary one, particularly given African neopatrimonial understandings of state and society. Luo lore establishes the group as once elite and now in abject poverty, victim of a powerful and jealous Kikuyu enemy. This article explores the nature of this elite status, and the means by which group members have responded to particular indicators at the expense of others. This re-examination invites questioning of Luos' conclusion that they were, as respondents say, ‘put out in the cold' from a position of prominence, a stance that has helped shape Kenya into ethnic rather than policy interests.
A comparison of model and non-model based time-frequency transforms for sperm whale click classification
Authors: van der Schaar M. , Delory E. , van der Weide J. , Kamminga C. , Goold J.C. , Jaquet N. , André M.
Published: February 2007

We tried to find discriminating features for sperm whale clicks in order to distinguish between clicks from different whales, or to enable unique identification. We examined two different methods to obtain suitable characteristics. First, a model based on the Gabor function was used to describe the dominant frequencies in a click, and then the model parameters were used as classification features. The Gabor function model was selected because it has been used to model dolphin sonar pulses with great precision. Additionally, it has the interesting property that it has an optimal time–frequency resolution. As such, it can indicate optimal usage of the sonar by sperm whales. Second, the clicks were expressed in a wavelet packet table, from which subsequently a local discriminant basis was created. A wavelet packet basis has the advantage that it offers a highly redundant number of coefficients, which allow signals to be represented in many different ways. From the redundant signal description a representation can be selected that emphasizes the differences between classes. This local discriminant basis is more flexible than the Gabor function, which can make it more suitable for classification, but it is also more complex. Class vectors were created with both models and classification was based on the distance of a click to these vectors. We show that the Gabor function could not model the sperm whale clicks very well, due to the variability of the changing click characteristics. Best performance was reached when three subsequent clicks were averaged to smoothen the variability. Around 70% of the clicks classified correctly in both the training and validation sets. The wavelet packet table adapted better to the changing characteristics, and gave better classification. Here, also using a 3-click moving average, around 95% of the training sets classified correctly and 78% of the validation sets. These numbers lowered by only a few per cent when single clicks, instead of a moving average, were classified. This indicates that, while the features may show too much variability to enable unique identification of individual whales on a click by click basis, the wavelet approach may be capable of distinguishing between a small group of whales.
Fine-scale habitat selection of Chilean dolphins (Cephalorhynchus eutropia): interactions with aquaculture activities in southern Chiloé Island, Chile
Authors: Ribeiro Sandra , Viddi Francisco A. , Cordeiro José Luís , Freitas Thales R.O.
Published: February 2007

Fine-scale habitat selection of Chilean dolphins was studied between January and April 2002 through shore-based theodolite tracking in order to investigate the environmental and behavioural determinants of habitat use, and to evaluate the interactions between this species and aquaculture activities in Yaldad Bay, southern Chile. During 293.5 h of effort, movement and habitat selection patterns of dolphins exhibited a significantly concentrated use of only 21% of the entire study area. Correspondence analysis showed that shallow waters (5–10 m), proximity to coast and rivers were the most significant environmental parameters determining fine-scale dolphin distribution patterns, with foraging the most frequently observed activity. Aquaculture activities in the area were observed to affect dolphin habitat use patterns by restricting space available for biologically important dolphin behaviours.
Stomach contents of the marine tucuxi dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) from Rio de Janeiro, south-eastern Brazil
Authors: Di Beneditto Ana Paula Madeira , Siciliano Salvatore
Published: February 2007

Along the central coast of Rio de Janeiro State (22°25′S–23°00′S), south-eastern Brazil, the marine tucuxi dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) feeds on neritic prey that are distributed through the water column and are abundant all year round. The most frequently found species were the teleost fish Trichiurus lepturus, Cynoscion guatucupa, Isopisthus parvipinnis and Porichthys porossisimus. Fish species were more important than cephalopod species in the diet of the marine tucuxi. Back calculations of prey sizes indicated that they feed mainly on young specimens. The present study provided additional information on the feeding habits of the marine tucuxi dolphin.
Behavioural observations of foraging minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in the outer Moray Firth, north-east Scotland
Authors: Robinson Kevin P. , Tetley Michael J.
Published: February 2007

The minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) is a widespread, opportunistic species showing spatial and seasonal variations in diet according to local availability of prey. Although previous research has been conducted on the foraging strategies of this small rorqual whale, in terms of prey aggregation and assimilation, relatively little has been published on the foraging association of this species with coastal seabirds. Over the past five years, minke whales occurring along the outer coastline of the southern Moray Firth in north-east Scotland during the summer and autumn months have been recorded foraging in the presence of seabirds, such as kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla), herring gulls (Larus argentatus), guillemots (Uria aalge) and shearwaters, which form dense feeding rafts at the water's surface. The formation of bird rafts notably occurs independently of the presence of B. acutorostrata, believed instead to be the successive result of prey concentrated at the surface by predatory schooling fish from below rather than by activities of the whales themselves. In this area of the North Sea, schooling mackerel (Scomber scombrus) constitute the most significant component of the summer fish biomass and are believed to perform the role of compacting targeted sandeel (Ammodytes spp.) prey into concentrated bait balls almost exclusively. The resulting ball of prey is consequently available to the foraging whale, which can be seen opportunistically utilizing successive bird rafts rather than expending unnecessary energy corralling the Ammodytes prey by traditional, active entrapment methods. The role of the mackerel in increasing both the rate and density of sandeel ball formation (as indicated by the presence and activity of associated bird rafts) is therefore thought to be very significant in this inshore Scottish location. Changes in oceanographic variables such as water temperature have been directly correlated with the migration of S. scombrus. The observed inter-annual variability in B. acutorostrata distribution in the outer Moray Firth may subsequently be related to the respective distribution and abundance of these migratory, pelagic fish species.
Insights into the diet of beaked whales from the atypical mass stranding in the Canary Islands in September 2002
Authors: Santos M.B. , Martin V. , Arbelo M. , Fernández A. , Pierce G.J.
Published: February 2007

Stomach contents were analysed from three species of beaked whales which mass-stranded shortly after a naval exercise conducted in the Canary Islands in September 2002. Animals from such mass strandings often contain freshly ingested food in their stomachs and can provide a more reliable guide to feeding habits than other strandings. Food remains recovered from seven Cuvier's beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) consisted mainly of oceanic cephalopods, the most numerous being Taonius pavo, Histioteuthis sp., Mastigoteuthis schmidti and Octopoteuthis sicula. Many of the cephalopod species found in the diet appear to undertake daily vertical migrations, being found in shallower waters during the night and moving to deeper waters during the day. Single specimens of Blainville's beaked whale (Mesoplodon densirostris) and Gervais' beaked whale (Mesoplodon europaeus) had eaten both fish and cephalopod prey. The most numerous prey remains belonged to gadid fish and viperfish (Chauliodus sp.) respectively. These results are consistent with the limited published data on diet in these species, with Mesoplodon species having a relatively higher proportion of fish in the diet whereas Ziphius specialises on cephalopods.
Habitat use by marine tucuxis (Sotalia guianensis) (Cetacea: Delphinidae) in Guanabara Bay, south-eastern Brazil
Authors: Azevedo Alexandre F. , Oliveira Alvaro M. , Viana Simone C. , Van Sluys Monique
Published: February 2007

Data on habitat use by marine tucuxis (Sotalia guianensis) were collected in Guanabara Bay (GB), south-eastern Brazil, over a two-year period. Diurnal activities of marine tucuxis were dominated by behaviour related to feeding/foraging (58% of all recorded time). Dolphins spent more time in feeding/foraging activities in the morning with a secondary peak in late afternoon. Dolphins were seen in waters of 2 to 35 m (11.63±6.05; median=12.0). Depths used by S. guianensis groups significantly differed from depths available in GB (Kolmogorov–Smirnov test; Z=5.72; P<0.001). Most groups (69.8%) were sighted in depths between 5.1 and 15.0 m. Dolphins occupied an area of 136.9 km2, which represents about 42% of the entire water surface of GB. Individuals selected areas within GB and avoided the most degraded ones, which suggests that habitat degradation may affect S. guianensis distribution. Diurnal distances travelled by individuals ranged from 3.3 to 27.2 km in a same day. Dolphins found in main channel and adjacent waters moved along the north–south axis of GB throughout the day and covered distances three times greater than dolphins which concentrated their activities in north-eastern areas.
Using blubber biopsies to provide ecological information about bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) around the Azores
Authors: Walton M.J. , Silva M.A. , Magalhães S.M. , Prieto R. , Santos R.S.
Published: February 2007

Fatty acid profiles were used to investigate aspects of bottlenose dolphin populations around the Azores archipelago. Biopsy samples were obtained from 70 dolphins during the period 2002–2004. No statistically significant differences in profiles were found between different island groups, between sexes or between year of sampling. Thus no evidence was seen for island group fidelity, in contrast to bottlenose dolphins found around similar island groups such as the Hawaiian archipelago or the Bahamas. The findings are consistent with concurrent genetic and photo-identification studies on dolphins in the Azores.
Estimation of water pool size, turnover rate and body composition of free-ranging Atlantic walruses (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) studied by isotope dilution
Authors: Acquarone Mario , Born Erik W.
Published: February 2007

Deuterium oxide was used to measure isotope dilution space 11 times in seven free living, adult, male Atlantic walruses (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) (930–1597 kg) in north-east Greenland in the month of August 2000 and August 2001. Telemetry instruments, which were attached to the animals as part of a long term study, provided data on activity levels. Equilibration of the intravenously injected isotope was complete after 2–3 h. The application of a general correction factor developed for all pinniped species allowed the estimation of total body water content as 56.8% (range: 36.6–73.3%) of total body mass (TBM). Water turnover averaged 44.5 g kg-1 d-1. For one animal it was possible to estimate water influx to 4.8 g kg-1 d-1 and water efflux to 21.8 g kg-1 d-1. The estimates of body fat and body protein averaged respectively 24.7% and 18.4% of TBM. Similarly, for an ‘average’ walrus with a TBM of 1300 kg body ash was calculated to average 26 kg and body gross energy to 18,300 MJ. The assessment of body fat by isotope dilution did not differ significantly from the estimates of blubber content obtained from the dissection of walruses in the wild.
Abundance estimate and seasonal patterns of grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) occurrence in Brittany, France, as assessed by photo-identification and capture–mark–recapture
Authors: Gerondeau Maureen , Barbraud Christophe , Ridoux Vincent , Vincent Cécile
Published: February 2007

It has been suggested that the large grey seal colonies around the British Isles form local populations within a metapopulation, and that seal movements outside the breeding season lead to considerable overlap between individual home ranges. Individual behaviour and population dynamics of small peripheral colonies may also play a role in the metapopulation. We studied the French grey seal colony of the Molène archipelago, at the southern-most limit of the species' range. We analysed photo-identification data with capture–mark–recapture techniques in order to estimate the total seasonal abundance of grey seals in the archipelago and to quantify the seasonal rates of occurrence or movements of male and female seals. We found that between 58 (95% confidence interval: 48–71) and 98 (95% CI: 75–175) individuals hauled out in the archipelago during the summers of 1999 and 2000. The use of multistate models allowed the assessment of seasonal site fidelity and indicated that it varied between key periods of the annual cycle, particularly for females. Males showed a constant fidelity rate of 56% from one season to another. Hence, even though they showed high inter-annual site fidelity, they did not seem to have a preferred season for using the archipelago. On the contrary, female grey seals showed the highest site fidelity between moult and summer (around 80%), and the lowest fidelity between summer and the breeding period (34–43%). Thus, females seem to use the Molène archipelago preferentially in summer and leave the site before the breeding season, which explains the very low local pup production. Philopatry may explain this pre-breeding emigration, and we suggest that most grey seals observed in the Molène archipelago were born and breed in other local breeding populations, probably the south-western British Isles.