bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Packing two copies of a sparse graph into a graph with restrained maximum degree
Authors: Wang Hong 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe show that if a tree T is not a star, then there is an embedding σ of T in the complement of T such that the maximum degree of T∪σ(T) is at most Δ(T)+2. We also show that if G is a graph of order n with n−1 edges, then with several exceptions, there exists an embedding σ of G in the complement of G such that the maximum degree of G∪σ(G) is at most Δ(G)+3. Both results are sharp in the sense that neither of Δ(T)+2 and Δ(G)+3 can be reduced. From these two results, we deduce two corollaries on packings of three graphs. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 62: 178–187, 2009
Complexity of clique‐coloring odd‐hole‐free graphs
Authors: Défossez David 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn this paper we investigate the problem of clique‐coloring, which consists in coloring the vertices of a graph in such a way that no monochromatic maximal clique appears, and we focus on odd‐hole‐free graphs. On the one hand we do not know any odd‐hole‐free graph that is not 3‐clique‐colorable, but on the other hand it is NP‐hard to decide if they are 2‐clique‐colorable, and we do not know if there exists any bound k0 such that they are all k0 ‐clique‐colorable. First we will prove that (odd hole, codiamond)‐free graphs are 2‐clique‐colorable. Then we will demonstrate that the complexity of 2‐clique‐coloring odd‐hole‐free graphs is actually Σ2 P‐complete. Finally we will study the complexity of deciding whether or not a graph and all its subgraphs are 2‐clique‐colorable. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 62: 139–156, 2009
Biochemical interaction of an actin‐capping protein, CapZ, with NAP‐22
Authors: Odagaki Sin‐Ichi , Kumanogoh Haruko , Nakamura Shun , Maekawa Shohei 
Published: March 2009

AbstractNAP‐22 is a neuronal protein localized in the presynaptic membrane and synaptic vesicles and recovered in a Triton‐insoluble low‐density microdomain fraction after biochemical fractionation of the synaptic plasma membrane. NAP‐22 organizes membrane microdomains through binding to membrane lipids such as cholesterol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate. In this study, NAP‐22‐binding proteins were screened through the pull‐down assay using brain‐derived NAP‐22 bound to Sepharose 4B. An actin‐capping protein, CapZ, was identified in the precipitate through mass spectrometry and Western blotting. CapZ was then expressed in E. coli and the purified protein‐bound NAP‐22 directly. Because bacterially expressed NAP‐22 bound CapZ, it was determined that the N‐terminal myristoyl moiety of NAP‐22 is not necessary for the binding. The binding of NAP‐22 showed no effect on the actin nucleation activity of CapZ measured with centrifugation and viscometric assays. Hence, the CapZ–NAP‐22 complex could work as the nucleation site of actin polymerization or as the actin filament‐anchoring site on the membrane microdomain. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
BDNF and extracellular matrix regulate differentiation of mice neurosphere‐derived cells into a GABAergic neuronal phenotype
Authors: Silva Ana , Pereira Jorge , Oliveira Catarina R. , Relvas João Bettencourt , Rego A. Cristina 
Published: March 2009

AbstractDifferentiation of neurosphere‐derived cells is regulated by extracellular cues, namely, growth factors and proteins of the extracellular matrix (ECM). In this study we analyzed the influence of nerve growth factor (NGF), brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), retinoic acid plus potassium chloride (RA‐KCl), and the nonsynthetic ECMs laminin (LN) and fibronectin (FN) versus the synthetic adhesion substrate poly‐L‐lysine (PLL) in the in vitro differentiation of postnatal neurosphere cells. BDNF increased the number of differentiated neurons and decreased the number of neuronal precursors (nestin‐positive cells) compared with NGF or RA‐KCl. Moreover, cells treated with BDNF plus B27 supplement acquired a γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)–ergic phenotype and showed increased survival. No significant differences were found in the number of differentiated neurons in the presence of the ECMs alone. Nevertheless, FN or PLL in combination with BDNF promoted the acquisition of a GABAergic phenotype. The results obtained in this study highlight the importance of growth factors and ECM proteins for the potential of neurosphere cells to differentiate into neurons. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interactions of the gaseous neuromodulators nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide in the salamander retina
Authors: Pong Winnie W. , Eldred William D. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe three gaseous neuromodulators nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are endogenously produced in vertebrate retinas. The NO/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and CO/cGMP pathways have been previously shown to interact synergistically in the turtle retina to increase cGMP levels. In this study, we examined H2S as a modulator of cGMP‐like immunoreactivity (‐LI) and its interactions with the NO/CO/cGMP signaling pathways in the tiger salamander retina. Stimulation with NO donor or CO significantly increased cGMP‐LI from basal levels in bipolar and amacrine cells and in stratified arborizations in the inner plexiform layer. Stimulation with a combination of NO donor and CO significantly increased cGMP‐LI above that seen with either stimulation alone. Nitric oxide synthase inhibitors reduced CO‐induced cGMP‐LI, suggesting that CO‐induced cGMP‐LI is not produced from direct activation of soluble guanylate cyclase. Exogenous H2S alone, from the donor NaHS, did not significantly modify cGMP‐LI in dosages ranging from 2 to 1,200 μM NaHS, but there was a significant decrease in NO‐induced cGMP‐LI in the presence of 200 μM NaHS. This reduction of NO‐induced cGMP‐LI was not significantly affected by the addition of CuCl2, suggesting that the decrease was not a result of H2S and NO sequestering to form a novel nitrosothiol. NaHS did not have any significant effect on CO‐induced cGMP‐LI levels. Our results concur with previous studies showing synergistic interactions between NO and CO/cGMP retinal signaling pathways. We now show that H2S inhibits NO‐induced cGMP‐LI but not CO‐induced cGMP‐LI. In conclusion, all three gaseous neuromodulators have interactive roles in modulating retinal cGMP signaling. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fibroblast growth factor‐9 inhibits astrocyte differentiation of adult mouse neural progenitor cells
Authors: Lum Maggie , Turbic Alisa , Mitrovic Branka , Turnley Ann M. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractFibroblast growth factor‐9 (FGF9) is expressed in the CNS and is reported to be a mitogen for glial cells, to promote neuronal survival, and to retard oligodendrocyte differentiation. Here we examined the effects of FGF9 on the differentiation, survival, and proliferation of adult neural progenitor cells derived from the adult mouse subventricular zone. FGF9 by itself induced neurosphere proliferation, but its effects were modest compared with those of epidermal growth factor and FGF2. When neurospheres were dissociated and plated for differentiation, FGF9 increased total cell number over time in a dose‐dependent manner. Ki67 immunostaining and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation indicated that this was at least partially due to the continued presence of proliferative nestin‐positive neural progenitor cells and βIII tubulin‐positive neuronal precursors. FGF9 also promoted cell survival as indicated by a decreased number of TUNEL‐positive cells over time. Assessment of differentiation showed that FGF9 increased neuron generation that reflected the increase in total cell number; however, the percentage of progenitor cells differentiating into neurons was slightly decreased. FGF9 had a modest effect on oligodendrocyte generation, although it appeared to slow the maturation of oligodenrocytes at higher concentrations. The most marked effect on differentiation was an almost total lack of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)‐positive astrocytes up to 7 days following FGF9 addition, indicating that astrocyte differentiation was strongly inhibited. Total inhibition required prolonged treatment, although a 1‐hr pulse was sufficient for partial inhibition, and bone morphogenic protein‐4 could partially overcome the FGF9 inhibition of astrocyte differentiation. FGF9 therefore has multiple effects on adult neural precursor cell function, enhancing neuronal precursor proliferation and specifically inhibiting GFAP expression. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On the annual and semi‐annual cycles of precipitation across Antarctica
Authors: Marshall Gareth J. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn this study, we examine the importance of the annual and semi‐annual cycles of precipitation (H1(P) and H2(P), respectively) across Antarctica utilizing the ERA‐40 re‐analysis from 1980 to 2001. A qualitative comparison between monthly precipitation from ERA‐40 and precipitation reports from Antarctic bases reveals that the re‐analysis successfully captures the seasonal cycle of precipitation at coastal sites. However, likely excessive summer precipitation on the high Antarctic Plateau in ERA‐40 means the re‐analysis is uncertain in the continental interior.The spatial variability in the amplitude of both H1(P) and H2(P) reveals coastal maxima with a clear wavenumber 3 pattern: unsurprisingly, maximum values are located east of climatological low‐pressure centres, where moisture advection into the continent is greatest. This pattern is particularly pronounced for H1(P), for which the amplitude exceeds 25 mm water equivalent (WE) in coastal west Antarctica. In the Antarctic coastal region H1(P) often explains greater than 50%—and sometimes more than 80%—of the total variance of the seasonal precipitation cycle. In contrast, the northwest Antarctic Peninsula has a higher amplitude in H2(P) that is linked to its location within the circumpolar trough (CPT).A marked change in the magnitude of H1(P) between the 1980s and 1990s in parts of coastal west Antarctica and the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula was observed in the ERA‐40 data and confirmed by similar changes in the seasonal cycle of precipitation reports. The principal modification to H1(P) results from a decrease in winter precipitation that can be linked to a weaker and smaller winter Amundsen Sea Low, which in turn is known to be influenced by El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO). A simple estimate indicates that the observed change in the seasonal cycle of precipitation would lead to an apparent warming of ∼0.6 °C in a proxy of mean annual temperature derived from oxygen isotope measurements. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Crystal structure, vibrational, and optical investigations of semiorganic nonlinear optical crystal: Bi3[CS(NH2)2]9Cl9· 2H2O
Authors: Krishnakumar V. , Sheik Saleem S. , Guru Prasad L. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractTribismuthnonakisthioureanonachloride dihydrate (TBNTNC), a semiorganic nonlinear optical (NLO) material useful for frequency doubling in the IR region, has been grown by single diffusion gel technique. The grown crystal was confirmed by single crystal XRD and it crystallizes in triclinic system having P1 space group. Vibrational analysis was carried out for the grown crystal. FTIR and FT‐Raman spectral studies were performed for analyzing and assigning the phonon vibrations and to identify the functional group contribution. The optical transmission study was carried out to examine the transmission ability of the crystal. The nonlinear optical property was confirmed by relative second harmonic generation measurement using Nd:YAG laser. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman spectroscopic study of the uranyl mineral metauranospinite Ca[(UO2)(AsO4)]2·8H2O
Authors: Čejka Jiří , Sejkora Jiří , Frost Ray L. , Keeffe Eloise C. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractRaman spectra of metauranospinite Ca[(UO2)(AsO4)]2·8H2O complemented with infrared spectra were studied. Observed bands were assigned to the stretching and bending vibrations of (UO2)2+ and (AsO4)3− units and of water molecules. UO bond lengths in uranyl and OH···O hydrogen bond lengths were calculated from the Raman and infrared spectra. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of delayed cooling on storability and postharvest quality of European plums
Authors: Guerra Marcos , Casquero Pedro A 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Delayed cooling has been tested to delay the development of internal breakdown (IB) in other stone fruits, but the influence of delayed cooling on IB has not been studied to date in European plums. A controlled delayed treatment of 48 h at 20 °C was applied in order to study the storability and postharvest quality of European plum (Prunus domestica L.) cv. ‘Green Gage’.RESULTS: Market life of ‘Green Gage’ plums after shelf life was 10 days shorter in delayed fruits than in control fruits at earlier harvest dates. Sensory attributes affected by delayed cooling treatment at harvest were astringency and aroma. Prompt cooling was essential to lower the rate of physiological deterioration of plums, helping to maintain fruit quality and prolong market life.CONCLUSION: Delayed cooling increased IB symptoms in ‘Green Gage’ plums, so, when storability is needed, rapid cooling of fruits is necessary in order to extend their market life. Delayed cooling modified the total soluble solids/titratable acidity (TSS/TA) ratio and the sensory properties aroma and astringency at harvest, so it is desirable to deliver fruits directly to market in order to improve TSS/TA, the instrumental property best correlated with sensory characteristics. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Central pancreatectomy for benign tumors of the neck and body of the pancreas: Report of eight cases
Authors: Zhou Jianping , Dong Ming , Kong Fanmin , Li Yuji , Tian Yulin 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackgroundTo discuss the advantage of central pancreatectomy in the patients with benign tumors of the neck and body of the pancreas.MethodsEight patients from January 1990 to December 2007 were retrospectively analyzed in our hospital. The operation is carried out by exposition of the pancreatic neck and body involved by the lesion. Thereafter, the lesion is dissected from the spleen artery and porto‐mesenteric vein. The cephalic stump is sutured, and the distal stump is anastomosed by an end‐to‐end invaginated pancreaticojejunostomy with double‐layer suture.ResultsCentral pancreatectomy was done in eight patients including five mucinous cystadenomas, one serious cystadenoma, one insulinoma and one nonfunctional islet cell tumor. No mortality rate developed and morbidity rate was 37.5%. Pancreatic fistula occurred in three cases and was treated conservatively.ConclusionCentral pancreatectomy is a safe technique for benign tumors of the pancreatic neck and body, especially when the enucleation is very difficult. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:273–276. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of basic fibroblast growth factor‐2 and hyaluronic acid on tracheal wound healing
Authors: Parker Noah P. , Bailey Samual S. , Walner David L. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjectives:To evaluate basic fibroblast growth factor‐2 (BFGF) and hyaluronic acid (HA) effects on a surgically produced tracheal defect.Study Design:Animal model.Methods:Anterior punch lesions were created on 33 male rabbits divided into three equal groups. Group 1 (Control) received a normal saline (NS)‐soaked collagen sponge directly on the defect, group 2 (HA alone) a NS‐soaked HA sponge, and group 3 (BFGF+HA) a 10 ng/mL BFGF‐soaked HA sponge. Sponge fixation and surgical closure were followed by a 90‐day healing period, then animal sacrifice. Harvested tracheas were fixed, imbedded, sectioned, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin or safranin‐O. Histopathological measures included: chondrocyte death, chondrocyte proliferation (both reported as number of rabbits displaying death or proliferation per group/total rabbits per group [%]), connective tissue (CT) organization (graded on a scale), epithelial closure (1–3 scale), and inflammation (1–4 scale). The final three measures are reported as an average grade per group, where values closer to 1 signify improved healing, whereas higher values signify poorer healing.Results:Chondrocyte death: Control, 8/11 (72.7%); HA alone, 5/11 (45.5%); BFGF+HA 5/11 (45.5%). Chondrocyte proliferation: 3/11 (27.3%), 7/11 (63.6%), and 9/11 (81.8%), respectively. CT organization: 2.00, 1.82, 1.64. Epithelial closure: 1.18, 1.09, and 1.00. Inflammation: 2.82, 1.82, and 1.73. Statistical comparisons: significantly improved chondrocyte proliferation for BFGF+HA (P = .015) and reduced inflammation for HA alone (P = .011) and BFGF+HA (P = .004) compared to controls.Conclusions:BFGF+HA applied to an anterior tracheal defect significantly improves chondrocyte proliferation; HA alone and BFGF+HA significantly reduce inflammation. BFGF+HA and HA alone may improve tracheal wound healing. Laryngoscope, 2009
A mixed cell culture model for assessment of proliferation in tonsillar tissues from children with obstructive sleep apnea or recurrent tonsillitis
Authors: Serpero Laura D. , Kheirandish‐Gozal Leila , Dayyat Ehab , Goldman Julie L. , Kim Jinkwan , Gozal David 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground:Recurrent infective tonsillitis (RI) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are the major indications for adenotonsillectomy (T&A) in children. However, little is known on the determinants of lymphadenoid tissue proliferation in the pediatric upper airway.Objectives:To develop an in vitro culture system allowing for assessment of tonsillar or adenoidal proliferation under basal or stimulated conditions.Methods:Tonsils surgically removed from pediatric patients with obstructive sleep apnea and recurrent tonsillitis during T&A, were dissociated using standard methods. Whole cell tonsillar cultures were either maintained in normal medium or stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (25 μg/mL) and concanavalin A (10 μg/mL) for 24 hours (stimulated conditions [STIM]). Cellular proliferation was evaluated by [3H]thymidine incorporation. In parallel, supernatants were collected after 48 hours, and concentration of cytokines was measured using standard enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay procedures.Results:Basal proliferative rates were increased in the OSA group (305.2 ± 40.6 cpm; n = 31) compared to RI group (232.8 ± 31.9 cpm; n = 26; P < .001). No significant differences in proliferative rates emerged after STIM between OSA and RI. Furthermore, basal TNF‐alpha, IL‐6, and IL‐8 concentrations in the supernatant were increased in OSA‐derived cultures compared to RI, but IL‐8 was higher after STIM in RI, while IL‐6 remained increased in OSA.Conclusions:The proliferative rates and concentrations of inflammatory mediators in tonsillar cell cultures from children with OSA and RI suggest that lymphadenoid tissue proliferation in these two conditions may be regulated by different mechanisms. This novel method may allow for future development of specific therapeutic interventions aimed at curtailing and reversing tonsillar and adenoidal hypertrophy in children in a disease‐specific manner. Laryngoscope, 2009
Localization of the muscular process for arytenoid adduction surgery
Authors: Mitchell Joshua R. , McRae Bryan R. , Halum Stacey L. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Arytenoid adduction (AA) surgery can be technically challenging, potentially limiting its utilization in general practice. Because AA often serves as an adjunct to thyroplasty type I (TTI) in the management of unilateral vocal fold paralysis, this study sought to define the anatomic position of the muscular process (MP) of the arytenoid cartilage in relation to the TTI window and other key thyroid cartilage landmarks, thereby facilitating a more efficient surgical approach.Study Design:Cadaveric anatomic dissections.Methods:Arytenoid MPs were identified bilaterally in eight cadavers for a total of 16 hemilarynges. The location of the MP was measured relative to the anteroinferior corner of the traditional TTI window and also relative to the roots of the superior and inferior cornua for comparison with other studies.Results:The muscular processes were located along an axial line extending posteriorly from the inferior border of the TTI window and parallel to the inferior border of the thyroid cartilage. In males, the mean distance to the MP was 26.9 mm from the anteroinferior corner of the window, whereas in females the mean distance was 18.9 mm. In all cases, the MP was inferior to the midpoint between the roots of the superior and inferior cornua (mean inferior offset = 2.7 mm).Conclusions:The TTI window can be used intraoperatively to help locate the arytenoid muscular process during arytenoid adduction surgery. Laryngoscope, 2009
The upper airway in sleep‐disordered breathing: A clinical prediction model
Authors: Herzog Michael , Kühnel Thomas , Bremert Thomas , Herzog Beatrice , Hosemann Werner , Kaftan Holger 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:An examination of the upper airway in patients with suspected sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is recommended prior to nighttime polysomnography (PSG) despite a reported low predictive value of those examinations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the data of the clinical examination and to create a clinical prediction model.Study Design:Retrospective cohort study.Methods:A recently introduced method of dynamic examination of the upper airway during simulated snoring (SS) in awake patients is conducted in patients with suspected SDB. Clinical parameters, body mass index (BMI), and the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) scores of 622 patients were included in a clinical prediction model and correlated to the apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI).Results:A correlation was detected between the AHI and alterations of the upper airway during SS, BMI, and ESS score. A clinical prediction model including clinical data, BMI, and ESS score revealed a high sensitivity but low specificity predicting the nocturnal AHI: calculated AHI = tonsil size × 2.648 + uvula size × 3.776 + dorsal movement during SS × 2.842 + collapse at tongue base level during SS × 4.769 + BMI × 0.609 + ESS score × 1.177 − 27.685.Conclusions:The dynamic examination of the upper airway during SS in awake patients in combination with clinical data, the BMI, and ESS score is an easy‐to‐perform screening procedure prior to nighttime PSG and might support the otorhinolaryngologic diagnostic approach in patients with suspected SDB. Laryngoscope, 2009