bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Packing of graphic n‐tuples
Authors: Busch Arthur H. , Ferrara Michael J. , Hartke Stephen G. , Jacobson Michael S. , Kaul Hemanshu , West Douglas B. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAn n‐tuple π (not necessarily monotone) is graphic if there is a simple graph G with vertex set {v1, …, vn} in which the degree of vi is the ith entry of π. Graphic n‐tuples (d, …, d) and (d, …, d) pack if there are edge‐disjoint n‐vertex graphs G1 and G2 such that d(vi) = d and d(vi) = d for all i. We prove that graphic n‐tuples π1 and π2 pack if , where Δand δdenote the largest and smallest entries in π1 + π2 (strict inequality when δ = 1); also, the bound is sharp.Kundu and Lovász independently proved that a graphic n‐tuple π is realized by a graph with a k‐factor if the n‐tuple obtained by subtracting k from each entry of π is graphic; for even n we conjecture that in fact some realization has k edge‐disjoint 1‐factors. We prove the conjecture in the case where the largest entry of π is at most n/2 + 1 and also when k⩽3. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory
Evolution of the light organ system in ponyfishes (Teleostei: Leiognathidae)
Authors: Chakrabarty Prosanta , Davis Matthew P. , Smith Wm. Leo , Berquist Rachel , Gledhill Kristen M. , Frank Larry R. , Sparks John S. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractMembers of the leiognathid subfamily Gazzinae, comprising approximately two‐thirds of ponyfish species, are sexually dimorphic with regard to features of the light organ system (LOS). In Gazzinae, the circumesophageal light organ (LO) of males is enlarged and varies in shape compared with similarly sized conspecific females. In association with male species‐specific translucent external patches on the head and flank, these sexually dimorphic LO features are hypothesized to be correlated with species‐specific luminescence displays. Anatomical differences in LO shape, volume, and orientation, and its association with the gas bladder and other internal structures that function in light emission, are compared to observations of luminescence displays for every major lineage within Leiognathidae. We reconstruct the character evolution of both internal and external morphological features of the LOS to investigate the evolution of LO sexual dimorphism and morphology. Both internal and external sexual dimorphism in the ponyfish LOs were recovered as most likely to have evolved in the common ancestor of Leiognathidae, and likelihood‐based correlation analyses indicate that the evolution of internal and external dimorphism in males is statistically correlated. Magnetic resonance imaging technology was applied to examine the unique internal LOs of ponyfishes in situ, which provides a new metric (LO index) for comparison of LO structure across lineages. J. Morphol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurological and pathological improvements of cerebral infarction in mice with platinum nanoparticles
Authors: Takamiya Motonori , Miyamoto Yusei , Yamashita Toru , Deguchi Kentaro , Ohta Yasuyuki , Ikeda Yoshio , Matsuura Tohru , Abe Koji 
Published: March 2011

AbstractIschemic stroke is a major, urgent neurologic disorder in which reactive oxygen species (ROS) are deeply involved in the detrimental effects. Platinum nanoparticle (nPt) species are a novel and strong scavenger of such ROS, so we examined the clinical and neuroprotective effects of nPts in mouse ischemic brain. Mice were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) for 60 min. Upon reperfusion, nPt or vehicle was administered intravenously. At 48 hr after the tMCAO, motor function, infarct volume, immunohistochemistry of neurovascular components (endothelial NAGO, tight junctional occludin, and basal laminal collagen IV), and zymography for MMP‐9 activity were examined. Superoxide anion generation at 2 hr after tMCAO was determined with oxidized hydroethidine. Compared with vehicle, treatment with nPts significantly improved the motor function and greatly reduced the infarct volume, especially in the cerebral cortex. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that tMCAO resulted in a minimal decrease of NAGO and occludin but a great decrease of collagen IV and a remarkable increase of MMP‐9. Treatment with nPts greatly reduced this decrease of collagen IV and activation of MMP‐9 and, with large reductions of MMP‐9 activation on zymography and superoxide production. The present study demonstrates that treatment with nPts ameliorates the neurological scores with a large reduction in infarct size as well as the preservation of outer components of the neurovascular unit (collagen IV) and inactivation of MMP‐9. A strong reduction of superoxide anion production by nPts could account for such remarkable neurobehavioral and neuroprotective effects on ischemic stroke. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The allenic carotenoid fucoxanthin, a novel marine nutraceutical from brown seaweeds
Authors: Miyashita Kazuo , Nishikawa Sho , Beppu Fumiaki , Tsukui Takayuki , Abe Masayuki , Hosokawa Masashi 
Published: March 2011

AbstractObesity and type 2 diabetes are pathologies with rapidly growing prevalence throughout the world. A few molecular targets offer the most hope for anti‐obesity and anti‐diabetic therapeutics. One of the keys to success will be the induction of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in abdominal white adipose tissue (WAT) and the regulation of cytokine secretions from both abdominal adipose cells and macrophage cells infiltrated into adipose tissue. Anti‐obesity and anti‐diabetic effects of fucoxanthin, a characteristic carotenoid found in brown seaweeds, have been reported. Nutrigenomic studies reveal that fucoxanthin induces UCP1 in abdominal WAT mitochondria, leading to the oxidation of fatty acids and heat production in WAT. Fucoxanthin improves insulin resistance and decreases blood glucose levels through the regulation of cytokine secretions from WAT. The key structure of carotenoids for the expression of anti‐obesity effect is suggested to be the carotenoid end of the polyene chromophore, which contains an allenic bond and two hydroxyl groups. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Substituent effects on the reactions of aromatic triflones with para‐X‐anilines in methanol: Low intrinsic reactivity and transition state imbalances
Authors: El Guesmi Nizar , Boubaker Taoufik 
Published: March 2011

AbstractA kinetic study is reported for SNAr reactions of 2,4,6‐tris(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) anisole 1a with a series of para‐X‐substituted anilines 2a–e in a methanol solution at various temperatures. The substituent effects on free energy (Δ≠G), enthalpy (Δ≠H), and entropy (Δ≠S) of activation are examined. Aniline addition to triflone 1a is characterized by a βX=0.57, αZ=0.31, and an imbalance of I = αZ–βX=−0.26. The imbalance shows that resonance development lags behind CN bond formation at the transition state. Interestingly, analysis of the results in terms of Marcus theory reveals that these SNAr are associated with some extremely low intrinsic reactivity (log ko=−1.25& © 2011 Wiley Peiodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 255–262, 2011
Interposition vein grafts in microvascular head and neck reconstruction
Authors: Furr Maxwell C. , Cannady Steven , Wax Mark K. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:To understand when interposition vein grafting may be needed in head and neck reconstruction and become familiar with the factors associated with use of interposition grafts and their effect on free flap survival.Study Design:Descriptive case‐series design in a tertiary referral center.Methods:Charts were reviewed in patients undergoing interposition vein grafts for microvascular reconstruction of head and neck defects between August 1998 and February 2009.Results:In a 10‐year period, interposition vein grafts were used in 20 free tissue transfers, representing 1.7% of all microvascular reconstruction cases (n = 1,143). Seventy percent of vein grafts were used in cases of secondary reconstruction or prior radiotherapy. Free flap survival in the interposition vein graft group was 95%, compared with 96% overall flap survival.Conclusions:Interposition vein grafts are used most often in cases involving a threatened flap, prior free flap, flap failure or radiation, and tumor recurrence. The use of interposition vein grafting in microvascular reconstruction is not associated with decreased flap survival. Laryngoscope, 2011
Fellowship and career path preferences in residents of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery
Authors: Golub Justin S. , Ossoff Robert H. , Johns III Michael M. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Assess fellowship and academic/private practice career track preferences in residents of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery.Study Design:Cross‐sectional survey.Methods:A total of 1,364 U.S. otolaryngology residents were surveyed. Questions addressed demographics, work hours and sleep, fellowship preference, and career track preference (academic/private practice). Trends in fellowship and career track preference were analyzed by year of clinical otolaryngology training. Data were additionally analyzed after stratification by sex.Results:The response rate was 50%. The desire to complete a fellowship declined from 62% (year 2) to 58% (year 5), whereas the desire to not complete a fellowship increased from 31% (year 2) to 41% (year 5). Fellowship interest increased for rhinology and head and neck surgery by training year, whereas interest declined for neurotology and facial plastics. Expectation of an academic path increased from 29% (year 2) to 38% (year 5), whereas expectation of private practice declined slightly from 59% (year 2) to 57% (year 5). Women were initially more interested in both completing a fellowship (69% women, 60% men) and academics (40% women, 27% men). At the end of training, these sex differences were eliminated or reversed (59% men, 54% women for fellowship; 39% men, 35% women for academics). Residents interested in pursuing fellowship or academics reported working 2 hr/week more than those interested in no fellowship or private practice, respectively (P < 0.01).Conclusions:Fellowship and career track preferences suggest trends that may be useful to residency/fellowship program directors and residents making career choices. Inequalities producing differences according to sex should be addressed. Laryngoscope, 2011
The Gelfoam® plug: An alternative treatment for small eardrum perforations
Authors: Niklasson Anders , Tano Krister 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAim:To examine if a Gelfoam® plug in combination with surgical removal of the perforation edges could be an alternative to the widely accepted fat plug treatment for smaller ear drum perforations.Materials and Methods:A prospective study of 17 consecutive patients with persistent small ear drum perforations considered for myringoplasty. The perforations were central perforations 2 to 4 mm in diameter. Patient ages ranged from 6 to 83 years, and the operation was performed under general anesthesia with mask ventilation in children and under topical local anesthesia in adults. A Gelfoam® plug was inserted into the perforation after surgical removal of the perforation edges. The follow‐up time was more than 3 months.Results:The closure rate of the ear drum was 83% (15/18). Pure tone average (PTA) was 19 dB preoperatively and 16 dB postoperatively.Conclusions:We show for the first time in humans that a Gelfoam® plug in combination with surgical removal of the perforation edges seems to result in about the same closure rate as the fat plug technique in persistent small ear drum perforations. Moreover, the method using Gelfoam® is simpler and faster than the fat plug technique. We suggest that randomized studies comparing the Gelfoam® plug technique with the fat plug technique should be performed. Laryngoscope, 2011
Tinnitus control by dopamine agonist pramipexole in presbycusis patients: A randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study
Authors: Sziklai István , Szilvássy Judit , Szilvássy Zoltán 
Published: March 2011

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Since the concept of tinnitus dopaminergic pathway emerged, studies have been proposed to investigate if dopaminergic agents influence tinnitus. We hypothesized that pramipexole, an agonist on D2/D3 receptors, may antagonize tinnitus in the presbycusis patients (in the frequency range of 250 to 8,000 Hz) in a dose schedule accepted for the treatment of Parkinson's disease in elderly people.Study Design:We designed a randomized, prospective, placebo‐controlled and double‐blind trial.Methods:Forty presbycusis patients aged 50 years or older with subjective tinnitus were randomized to two groups (20 patients in both). Patients in the drug group took pramipexole over a period of 4 weeks according to a treatment schedule as follows: week 1, 0.088 mg t.i.d.; week 2, 0.18 mg t.i.d.; week 3, 0.7 mg t.i.d.; week 4, 0.18 mg t.i.d. over 3 days and 0.088 mg t.i.d. the rest of the week. Patients in the second group received placebo. Determination of subjective grading of tinnitus perception, the tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) questionnaire and electrocochleography (ECOG) examinations served as the end points. Subjective audiometry was used to produce secondary data. A significant improvement in tinnitus annoyance is found in the group treated with pramipexole versus placebo with respect to inhibition of tinnitus and a decrease of tinnitus loudness greater than 30 dB. However, neither ECOG nor subjective pure‐tone threshold audiometry revealed any change in hearing threshold in response to either pramipexole or placebo.Conclusions:Pramipexole is an effective agent against subjective tinnitus associated with presbycusis at a dose schedule used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The drug did not change hearing threshold. Laryngoscope, 2011
Phenotype of the first otosclerosis family linked to OTSC10
Authors: Weegerink Nicole J.D. , Schrauwen Isabelle , Huygen Patrick L.M. , Pennings Ronald J.E. , Cremers Cor W.R.J. , Van Camp Guy , Kunst Henricus P.M. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractObjectives:To report on the audiometric findings in the first otosclerosis family linked to OTSC10.Study Design:Retrospective cohort study.Methods:A family study in a large otosclerosis family was performed, and a pedigree was constructed. Examination of all family members consisted of medical history guided by a questionnaire, pure‐tone audiometry, otoscopy, and collection of blood samples for genetic linkage analysis. In addition, a selected group underwent stapedial reflex measurements and tympanometry. Cross‐sectional as well as longitudinal analyses of audiometric data were performed.Results:Eleven family members were identified as clinically affected and were all carriers of the disease haplotype. Twelve clinically unaffected family members carried the disease haplotype as well. Cross‐sectional analyses of clinically affected family members showed no significant progression of air conduction (AC) thresholds, bone conduction (BC) thresholds, and air‐bone gap (ABG) levels with increasing age. Longitudinal regression analyses in one family member revealed significant deterioration of AC thresholds at all frequencies. The BC thresholds showed a significant increase with advancing age at 0.5 kHz, 2 kHz, and 4 kHz. A significant progression of ABG was seen at 8 kHz.Conclusions:The intersubject variation, in terms of age of onset, level of progression, and audiogram configuration, was remarkable, probably due to reduced penetrance and variable expression of the disease. Long‐term audiometric data in one patient, however, were useful to demonstrate progression of hearing impairment. Laryngoscope, 2011
What is the impact of education on Huntington's disease?
Authors: López‐Sendón Jose Luis , Royuela Ana , Trigo Patricia , Orth Michael , Lange Herwig , Reilmann Ralf , Keylock Jennifer , Rickards Hugh , Piacentini Silvia , Squitieri Ferdinando , Landwehrmeyer Bernhard , Witjes‐Ane Marie‐Noelle , Jurgens Caroline. K. , Roos Raymund. A.C. , Abraira Victor , de Yébenes Justo. G. ,   and the European HD Network
Published: March 2011

AbstractHuntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by a cytosine adenosine guanine (CAG) expansion in the huntingtin gene. The length of the triplet repeat is the most important factor in determining age of onset and the severity of the disease, but substantial variability of these parameters is attributed to other factors. To investigate the relationship between the years of education and the age at onset and the severity of the phenotype in patients with HD, we applied multiple linear regression analysis to examine the impact of education on the age at onset and the severity of the clinical scores assessed by the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS) of 891 patients with HD from the multinational observational study “Registry” conducted by the European Huntintgton's Disease Network. The model was adjusted for CAG repeat length and age at the time of assessment. Patients with lengthier education exhibited earlier estimated age at onset but less severe clinical scores (motor = −3.6, P = 0.006; cognitive = 27.0, P < 0.001; behavioral = −3.0, P < 0.001; and functional capacity = 1.1 points, P < 0.001) than those with shorter education, after controlling for age and number of CAG repeats. These differences persisted throughout all quartiles of disease severity. An earlier recognition of symptoms and manifestations among the more educated patients could explain the earlier estimated age at onset in this group. The link between better clinical UHDRS scores and higher education might reflect a beneficial effect of education or its covariates on the course of HD. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Prediction of occurrence of daily summer monsoon precipitation over Karnataka
Authors: Agnihotri Geeta , Mohapatra M. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractKarnataka, a State in south peninsular India, receives 73% of its annual rainfall during the southwest monsoon season. Because of the complex physiographical features, the rainfall pattern over the State shows large spatial variation from 50 to 350 cm. The coefficient of interannual variation of the monsoon rainfall is about 15% over coastal Karnataka (CK) and between 20 and 30% over interior Karnataka. It is, therefore, a difficult task to predict the location specific daily rainfall over Karnataka. In this study, an attempt has been made to develop an objective tool for forecasting the occurrence and non‐occurrence of precipitation during a 24 h period for the 19 stations in Karnataka during the monsoon season. The probability of precipitation (POP) model is developed using forward stepwise regression with the available surface and upper air parameters from synoptic and radiosonde and radio wind stations in and around Karnataka as potential predictors. The POP model has been developed based on the data from 1981 to 1996 and verified with the data from 1997 to 2002. Different skill scores are computed using a yes/no contingency table. The POP model performs very well, with percentages of correct (PC) forecasts for occurrence/non‐occurrence of precipitation being 57–91% for the independent data. Comparing the results of the POP model with that of the conventional method of forecast for Bangalore City, the PC forecasts improves from 44 to 56% with the use of the POP model. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Stochastic single‐site generation of daily and monthly rainfall in the Middle East
Authors: Mhanna Muamaraldin , Bauwens Willy 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAn important limitation of commonly used single site daily rainfall models is their inability to represent monthly characteristics of observed rainfall, whereas impact studies often demand the accommodation of such statistics of rainfall. In this study, a single‐site model for simulations of daily and monthly rainfall in arid and semi‐arid areas in the Middle East was developed. The rainfall generator is a Markov‐Gamma model in which a first‐order two‐state Markov chain was used to determine the occurrence of rainfall and a two‐parameter Gamma distribution was applied to simulate the rainfall amount on wet days. The basic structure of the generation process comprises the generation of a sequence of daily rainfall amounts and the adjustment of this daily rainfall by implementing the Thomas‐Fiering monthly model. This procedure guarantees that important statistical characteristics of the daily and monthly rainfall are reproduced. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
An improvement in clear‐air turbulence forecasting based on spontaneous imbalance theory: the ULTURB algorithm
Authors: McCann Donald W. , Knox John A. , Williams Paul D. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractRecent research has shown that Lighthill–Ford spontaneous gravity wave generation theory, when applied to numerical model data, can help predict areas of clear‐air turbulence. It is hypothesized that this is the case because spontaneously generated atmospheric gravity waves may initiate turbulence by locally modifying the stability and wind shear. As an improvement on the original research, this paper describes the creation of an ‘operational’ algorithm (ULTURB) with three modifications to the original method: (1) extending the altitude range for which the method is effective downward to the top of the boundary layer, (2) adding turbulent kinetic energy production from the environment to the locally produced turbulent kinetic energy production, and, (3) transforming turbulent kinetic energy dissipation to eddy dissipation rate, the turbulence metric becoming the worldwide ‘standard’. In a comparison of ULTURB with the original method and with the Graphical Turbulence Guidance second version (GTG2) automated procedure for forecasting mid‐ and upper‐level aircraft turbulence ULTURB performed better for all turbulence intensities. Since ULTURB, unlike GTG2, is founded on a self‐consistent dynamical theory, it may offer forecasters better insight into the causes of the clear‐air turbulence and may ultimately enhance its predictability. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
32‐Channel RF coil optimized for brain and cervical spinal cord at 3 T
Authors: Cohen‐Adad J. , Mareyam A. , Keil B. , Polimeni J. R. , Wald L. L. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractDiffusion and functional magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal cord remain challenging due to the small cross‐sectional size of the cord and susceptibility‐related distortions. Although partially addressable through parallel imaging, few highly parallel array coils have been implemented for the cervical cord. Here, we developed a 32‐channel coil that fully covers the brain and c‐spine and characterized its performance in comparison with a commercially available head/neck/spine array. Image and temporal signal‐to‐noise ratio were, respectively, increased by 2× and 1.8× in the cervical cord. Averaged g‐factors at 4× acceleration were lowered by 22% in the brain and by 39% in the spinal cord, enabling 1‐mm isotropic R = 4 multi‐echo magnetization prepared gradient echo of the full brain and c‐spine in 3:20 min. Diffusion imaging of the cord at 0.6 × 0.6 × 5 mm3 resolution and tractography of the full brain and c‐spine at 1.7‐mm isotropic resolution were feasible without noticeable distortion. Improvements of this nature potentially enhance numerous basic and clinical research studies focused on spinal and supraspinal regions. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.