bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Type I tympanoplasty with island chondro-perichondral tragal graft: the preferred technique?
Authors: De Seta E , De Seta D , Covelli E , Viccaro M , Filipo R 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjective:This retrospective, comparative study aimed to assess anatomical and functional results in a group of adults undergoing type I tympanoplasty for subtotal tympanic membrane perforation, using two different types of graft.Subjects and methods:The study included 106 patients affected by chronic otitis media, who underwent underlay type I tympanoplasty, 53 using an autologous chondro-perichondral tragal graft and 53 using temporalis fascia. Anatomical and functional outcomes were evaluated over time.Results:Audiometric results comparing the cartilage and fascia groups at six months and one year after surgery showed no statistically significant differences. Assessment of anatomical outcomes indicated a greater number of complications in the fascia group.Conclusion:Functional results indicate the validity of the cartilage tympanoplasty, while anatomical results indicate a slightly better outcome in terms of graft re-perforation and retraction, compared with temporalis fascia at one-year follow up. These results suggest that the cartilage technique is preferable for type I tympanoplasty.
‘Some more reliable than others’: Image management, donor perceptions and the Global War on Terror in East African diplomacy
Authors: Fisher Jonathan 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTThis article explores the role of perceptions in donor-African relations and the extent to which donor ‘images’ of African governments can be managed by these same governments to their advantage. The article focuses on donor views of ‘reliability’ in the Global War on Terror (GWOT) and compares differing international perceptions of Kenya and Uganda through this lens. Arguing that donors have an exaggerated sense of Ugandan ‘compliance’ or reliability and Kenyan unreliability in fighting terrorism, it explains this by examining the two governments’ international ‘image management’ strategies, or lack thereof. The analysis contends that Uganda's success at promoting itself as a major donor ally in the GWOT, compared with Kenya's general reluctance to do the same, has played a significant role in building and bolstering these differing donor perceptions. This, the article suggests, raises important questions about the nature of African agency in the international system.
Prostitution or partnership? Wifestyles in Tanzanian artisanal gold-mining settlements
Authors: Bryceson Deborah Fahy , Jønsson Jesper Bosse , Verbrugge Hannelore 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTTanzania, along with several other African countries, is experiencing a national mining boom, which has prompted hundreds of thousands of men and women to migrate to mineral-rich locations. At these sites, relationships between the sexes defy the sexual norms of the surrounding countryside to embrace new relational amalgams of polygamy, monogamy and promiscuity. This article challenges the assumption that female prostitution is widespread. Using interview data with women migrants, we delineate six ‘wifestyles’, namely sexual-cum-conjugal relationships between men and women that vary in their degree of sexual and material commitment. In contrast to bridewealth payments, which involved elders formalising marriages through negotiations over reproductive access to women, sexual negotiations and relations in mining settlements involve men and women making liaisons and co-habitation arrangements directly between each other without third-party intervention. Economic interdependence may evolve thereafter with the possibility of women, as well as men, offering material support to their sex partners.
‘Dreams don't come true in Eritrea’: anomie and family disintegration due to the structural militarisation of society
Authors: Hirt Nicole , Mohammad Abdulkader Saleh 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTThis article analyses contemporary Eritrea's acute crisis within the framework of the theory of anomie. It is based on the hypothesis that militarisation, forced labour, mass exodus and family disintegration can be interpreted as the consequences of two incompatible norm and value systems: the collectivist, nationalistic and militaristic worldview of the former liberation front and ruling party People's Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ), and the traditional cultural system of Eritrea's society. In 2002 the regime introduced an unlimited ‘development campaign’, thereby forcing large parts of the society to live as conscripts and perform unpaid labour. This has caused a mass exodus of young people and a rapid process of family disintegration. The article is based on empirical fieldwork and evaluates the ongoing developments which have led to rapid economic decline and the destabilisation of the entire fabric of society.
Twenty-one new species of Pyrenula from South America, with a note on over-mature ascospores
Authors: APTROOT André , SIPMAN Harrie J. M. , CÁCERES Marcela Eugenia da Silva 
Published: February 2013

AbstractTwenty-three species of Pyrenula from Latin America are treated here. Several species show characters that were not previously reported in the genus and are rare or new to lichenized fungi, viz. yellow, orange or red (KOH+ green) oil inspersion in the hymenium, yellow oil in young ascospores or longitudinal ridges on the ascospore wall. Two taxonomically significant types of over-mature spores are illustrated. The following new species are described: Pyrenula aggregataspistea Aptroot & M. Cáceres, P. aurantioinspersa Aptroot & Sipman, P. cornutispora Aptroot & M. Cáceres, P. flavoinspersa Aptroot & Sipman, P. guyanensis Sipman & Aptroot, P. infraleucotrypa Aptroot & M. Cáceres, P. inframamillana Aptroot & M. Cáceres, P. infrastroidea Aptroot & Sipman, P. maritima Sipman & Aptroot, P. mattickiana Sipman & Aptroot, P. minoides Aptroot & Sipman, P. monospora Aptroot & Sipman, P. paraminarum Aptroot & M. Cáceres, P. perfecta Aptroot & Sipman, P. plicata Sipman & Aptroot, P. rubroinspersa Aptroot & Sipman, P. rubronitidula Aptroot & M. Cáceres, P. rubrostigma Aptroot & M. Cáceres, P. tetraspora Aptroot & Sipman, P. triangularis Aptroot & Sipman, P. viridipyrgilla Aptroot & M. Cáceres. Pyrenula seminuda (Müll. Arg.) Sipman & Aptroot is a new combination.
A SHORT NOTE ON THE THOM–BOARDMAN SYMBOLS OF DIFFERENTIABLE MAPS
Authors: WANG YULAN , LIN JIAYUAN , GE MAORONG 
Published: February 2013

AbstractIt is well known that Thom–Boardman symbols are realized by nonincreasing sequences of nonnegative integers. A natural question is whether the converse is also true. In this paper we answer this question affirmatively, that is, for any nonincreasing sequence of nonnegative integers, there is at least one map-germ with the prescribed sequence as its Thom–Boardman symbol.
AN IDENTIFICATION THEOREM FOR GROUPS WITH SOCLE PSU
Authors: PARKER CHRIS , STROTH GERNOT 
Published: February 2013

AbstractWe identify the groups ${\text{PSU} }_{6} (2)$, ${\text{PSU} }_{6} (2){: }2$, ${\text{PSU} }_{6} (2){: }3$ and $\text{Aut} ({\text{PSU} }_{6} (2))$ from the structure of the centralizer of an element of order three.
Disordered semantic activation in disorganized discourse in schizophrenia: a new pragma‐linguistic tool for structure and meaning reconstruction
Authors: Hella Pertti , Niemi Jussi , Hintikka Jukka , Otsa Lidia , Tirkkonen Jani‐Matti , Koponen Hannu 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundDisorganized speech, manifested as derailment, tangentiality, incoherence and loss of goal, occurs commonly in schizophrenia. Studies of language processing have demonstrated that semantic activation in schizophrenia is often disordered and, moreover, the ability to use contextual cues is impaired.AimsTo reconstruct the origins and most plausible intended meanings of disorganized discourse sequences in a clinical interview with a patient with thought‐disordered schizophrenia.Methods & ProceduresWe assessed the so‐called pragmatic felicity of every turn using a novel tool called the Overall Comprehensibility of Turn (OCT) Scale. In addition to felicity analysis, all topics and referents of turns were registered. Three most disorganized discourse sequences from the transcribed interview were chosen for the thematic and semantic analysis, in which we attempted to reconstruct the structure and meaning of those sequences utilizing (1) the notion of discourse model extending up to contextual background knowledge, (2) the (re)occurrence of topical items, together with (3) the knowledge from findings of disordered semantic activation in schizophrenia.Outcomes & ResultsThe linguistic analyses showed that the disrupted sequences were characterized by (1) unexpected, seemingly irrelevant topic intrusion, (2) pragmatically inappropriate chain of topic extensions, and (3) fuzzy reference together with disturbed ordering of propositions. The underlying causes seemed to be, respectively, (1) long‐term semantic activation of topics, which popped out sporadically along the conversation, (2) overreliance on lexical–semantic associations, and (3) the inability to sequence the utterances and link them together using explicit or implicit bridging assumptions necessary to a coherent and cohesive message. All scrutinized passages violated the expectations of the addressee in on‐line conversation. However, the post‐hoc analysis showed that they contained items which were relevant to the global topic.Conclusions & ImplicationsLatent sources, motivations and even meanings, at least to some extent, of seemingly disorganized utterances can become analysable through linguistic analyses. The results suggest that continuity in the treatment is essential, because a practitioner who shares background knowledge with the patient has better opportunities to capture the relevance of the superficially disorganized utterances. Moreover, especially the most disorganized sequences should warrant thorough attention because they can convey, beneath their unexpected or obscure surface structure, items which are psychologically important to the patient. The results of this study should be taken into account in the training of interactional skills of professionals who work with schizophrenia patients.
Phytopathogen type III effectors as probes of biological systems
Authors: Lee Amy Huei‐Yi , Middleton Maggie A. , Guttman David S. , Desveaux Darrell 
Published: February 2013

SummaryBacterial phytopathogens utilize a myriad of virulence factors to modulate their plant hosts in order to promote successful pathogenesis. One potent virulence strategy is to inject these virulence proteins into plant cells via the type III secretion system. Characterizing the host targets and the molecular mechanisms of type III secreted proteins, known as effectors, has illuminated our understanding of eukaryotic cell biology. As a result, these effectors can serve as molecular probes to aid in our understanding of plant cellular processes, such as immune signalling, vesicle trafficking, cytoskeleton stability and transcriptional regulation. Furthermore, given that effectors directly and specifically interact with their targets within plant cells, these virulence proteins have enormous biotechnological potential for manipulating eukaryotic systems.
High‐resolution melting analysis for bird sexing: a successful approach to molecular sex identification using different biological samples
Authors: Morinha Francisco , Travassos Paulo , Seixas Fernanda , Santos Nuno , Sargo Roberto , Sousa Luís , Magalhães Paula , Cabral João A. , Bastos Estela 
Published: February 2013

AbstractHigh‐resolution melting (HRM) analysis is a very attractive and flexible advanced post‐PCR method with high sensitivity/specificity for simple, fast and cost‐effective genotyping based on the detection of specific melting profiles of PCR products. Next generation real‐time PCR systems, along with improved saturating DNA‐binding dyes, enable the direct acquisition of HRM data after quantitative PCR. Melting behaviour is particularly influenced by the length, nucleotide sequence and GC content of the amplicons. This method is expanding rapidly in several research areas such as human genetics, reproductive biology, microbiology and ecology/conservation of wild populations. Here we have developed a successful HRM protocol for avian sex identification based on the amplification of sex‐specific CHD1 fragments. The melting curve patterns allowed efficient sexual differentiation of 111 samples analysed (plucked feathers, muscle tissues, blood and oral cavity epithelial cells) of 14 bird species. In addition, we sequenced the amplified regions of the CHD1 gene and demonstrated the usefulness of this strategy for the genotype discrimination of various amplicons (CHD1Z and CHD1W), which have small size differences, ranging from 2 bp to 44 bp. The established methodology clearly revealed the advantages (e.g. closed‐tube system, high sensitivity and rapidity) of a simple HRM assay for accurate sex differentiation of the species under study. The requirements, strengths and limitations of the method are addressed to provide a simple guide for its application in the field of molecular sexing of birds. The high sensitivity and resolution relative to previous real‐time PCR methods makes HRM analysis an excellent approach for improving advanced molecular methods for bird sexing.
Suggestive evidence for association between L‐type voltage‐gated calcium channel (CACNA1C) gene haplotypes and bipolar disorder in Latinos: a family‐based association study
Authors: Gonzalez Suzanne , Xu Chun , Ramirez Mercedes , Zavala Juan , Armas Regina , Contreras Salvador A , Contreras Javier , Dassori Albana , Leach Robin J , Flores Deborah , Jerez Alvaro , Raventós Henriette , Ontiveros Alfonso , Nicolini Humberto , Escamilla Michael 
Published: February 2013

Objectives:  Through recent genome‐wide association studies (GWASs), several groups have reported significant association between variants in the calcium channel, voltage‐dependent, L‐type, alpha 1C subunit (CACNA1C) and bipolar disorder (BP) in European and European‐American cohorts. We performed a family‐based association study to determine whether CACNA1C is associated with BP in the Latino population.Methods:  This study included 913 individuals from 215 Latino pedigrees recruited from the USA, Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. The Illumina GoldenGate Genotyping Assay was used to genotype 58 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that spanned a 602.9‐kb region encompassing the CACNA1C gene including two SNPs (rs7297582 and rs1006737) previously shown to associate with BP. Individual SNP and haplotype association analyses were performed using Family‐Based Association Test (version 2.0.3) and Haploview (version 4.2) software.Results:  An eight‐locus haplotype block that included these two markers showed significant association with BP (global marker permuted p = 0.0018) in the Latino population. For individual SNPs, this sample had insufficient power (10%) to detect associations with SNPs with minor effect (odds ratio = 1.15).Conclusions:  Although we were not able to replicate findings of association between individual CACNA1C SNPs rs7297582 and rs1006737 and BP, we were able to replicate the GWAS signal reported for CACNA1C through a haplotype analysis that encompassed these previously reported significant SNPs. These results provide additional evidence that CACNA1C is associated with BP and provides the first evidence that variations in this gene might play a role in the pathogenesis of this disorder in the Latino population.
Sociodemographic and clinical features of bipolar disorder patients misdiagnosed with major depressive disorder in China
Authors: Xiang Yu‐Tao , Zhang Ling , Wang Gang , Hu Chen , Ungvari Gabor S , Dickerson Faith B , Kilbourne Amy M , Si Tian‐Mei , Fang Yi‐Ru , Lu Zheng , Yang Hai‐Chen , Lai Kelly YC , Lee Edwin HM , Hu Jian , Chen Zhi‐Yu , Huang Yi , Sun Jing , Wang Xiao‐Ping , Li Hui‐Chun , Zhang Jin‐Bei , Chiu Helen FK 
Published: February 2013

ObjectivesBipolar disorder (BD) is frequently misdiagnosed as major depressive disorder (MDD), which may lead to inappropriate treatment and poor outcomes. This study aimed to compare demographic and clinical features between patients with MDD and those with BD, but being misdiagnosed as MDD, in China.MethodsA total of 1487 patients diagnosed with MDD were consecutively evaluated in 13 psychiatric hospitals or psychiatric units of general hospitals nationwide in China. The patients' sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were recorded using a standardized protocol and data collection procedure. The Mini‐International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was used to establish DSM‐IV diagnoses, and identify patients with MDD and those with BD, but being misdiagnosed with MDD.ResultsThe proportions of BD (all types), bipolar I disorder (BD‐I), and bipolar II disorder (BD‐II) misdiagnosed as MDD in clinical practice were 20.8%, 7.9%, and 12.8%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that compared to MDD patients, BD‐I was characterized by more atypical depressive features (increased appetite, increased sleep, and weight gain) [odds ratio (OR) = 2.0, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2–3.2], more psychotic symptoms (OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.3–3.5), more lifetime depressive episodes (OR = 1.1, 95% CI: 1.1–1.2), and earlier age of onset (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.9–0.99); BD‐II was characterized by more psychotic symptoms (OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.4–3.1) and earlier age of onset (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.9–0.97). In addition, compared to BD‐II patients, BD‐I patients were characterized by more frequent depressive episodes per year (OR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.5–6.6).ConclusionsDepressive episodes in the context of BD‐I and BD‐II, among those who were misclassified as MDD, present some different clinical features compared to MDD. This finding should be taken into account in guiding diagnostic practices in China.
Targeting of acute myeloid leukaemia by cytokine‐induced killer cells redirected with a novel CD123‐specific chimeric antigen receptor
Authors: Tettamanti Sarah , Marin Virna , Pizzitola Irene , Magnani Chiara F. , Giordano Attianese Greta M. P. , Cribioli Elisabetta , Maltese Francesca , Galimberti Stefania , Lopez Angel F. , Biondi Andrea , Bonnet Dominique , Biagi Ettore 
Published: February 2013

SummaryCurrent therapeutic regimens for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) are still associated with high rates of relapse. Immunotherapy with T‐cells genetically modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) represents an innovative approach. Here we investigated the targeting of the interleukin three receptor alpha (IL3RA; CD123) molecule, which is overexpressed on AML bulk population, CD34+ leukaemia progenitors, and leukaemia stem cells (LSC) compared to normal haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs), and whose overexpression is associated with poor prognosis. Cytokine‐induced killer (CIK) cells were transduced with SFG‐retroviral‐vector encoding an anti‐CD123 CAR. Transduced cells were able to strongly kill CD123+ cell lines, as well as primary AML blasts. Interestingly, secondary colony experiments demonstrated that anti‐CD123.CAR preserved in vitro HSPCs, in contrast to a previously generated anti‐CD33.CAR, while keeping an identical cytotoxicity profile towards AML. Furthermore, limited killing of normal monocytes and CD123‐low‐expressing endothelial cells was noted, thus indicating a low toxicity profile of the anti‐CD123.CAR. Taken together, our results indicate that CD123‐specific CARs strongly enhance anti‐AML CIK functions, while sparing HSPCs and normal low‐expressing antigen cells, paving the way to develop novel immunotherapy approaches for AML treatment.
Long‐Term Effect of Septal or Apical Pacing on Left and Right Ventricular Function after Permanent Pacemaker Implantation
Authors: Chen Ju‐Yi , Tsai Wei‐Chuan , Liu Yen‐Wen , Li Wen‐Huang , Li Yi‐Heng , Tsai Liang‐Miin , Lin Li‐Jen 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundRight ventricular (RV) pacing is associated with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. However, the effects of RV pacing at different sites on both LV and RV function have rarely been studied before. We want to determine whether different RV pacing sites differentially affect LV and RV deformation by using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE).MethodsThe subjects were 73 patients who had undergone dual‐chamber permanent pacemaker implantation and did not have structural heart diseases. LV and RV global longitudinal strains (GLS) were measured using STE to determine subtle changes in LV function. Twenty‐three patients without pacing after pacemaker implantation served as controls; 14 and 36 patients showed apical and septal pacing, respectively.ResultsThere were no significant intergroup demographic differences. LV biplane ejection fractions in the septal‐ and apical‐pacing groups were significantly lower than those in the controls. The GLSLV values were similar between the control and septal‐pacing groups, but they were lower in the apical‐pacing group. Multivariate analysis revealed that cumulative pacing loads and apical pacing were independent factors associated with lower GLSLV values. The GLSRV values were similar between the control and apical‐pacing groups; however, they were lower in the septal‐pacing group.ConclusionWe concluded that patients with septal pacing have significantly higher GLSLV and more modest decreases in GLSRV values than patients with apical pacing. Thus, septal pacing may be not necessarily preferable in patients without significant heart disease undergoing dual‐chamber permanent pacemaker implantation.
Coastal catch transects as a tool for studying global fisheries
Authors: Watson Reg , Pauly Daniel 
Published: February 2013

AbstractWe present a new, intuitive approach for the representation of fisheries catches within profiles perpendicular to coast of the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) of countries, or of Large Marine Ecosystems (LME). These ‘catch transects’ show where catch is extracted in the water column and near the sea bottom on plots of log‐bathymetry versus log‐distance offshore and thus allow for representation of the catch density of pelagic and benthic fisheries. Hence, they also allow direct visual comparison of the intensity of fishing through time and space. The California Current, North Sea and the South China Sea LMEs and the EEZs of Australia, Canada, Chile, China, India and Thailand are presented as examples, revealing the general intensification and extension of fishing offshore and into the depths over the decades from the 1950s. Catch transects reveal how these trends have accelerated in some areas, but surprisingly have reversed themselves in some others. It is proposed that these catch transects will be particularly useful for communicating the results of large‐scale fisheries studies to a wide spectrum of groups ranging from the fishing industry to the general public.