bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tamarisk (Tamarixspp.) Establishment in its Most Northern Range
Authors: Lehnhoff Erik A. , Menalled Fabian D. , Rew Lisa J. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractTamarisk, a shrub or small tree native to Eurasia, was introduced to North America in the early 1800s and is now naturalized throughout many riparian areas of the southwestern United States, where extensive research has been conducted. It is a more recent invader to the northern Great Plains, and fewer studies have been conducted on tamarisk ecology and management in this area. The objectives of this research were to investigate the overwintering potential of tamarisk seeds in Montana and the relationship between hydrologic conditions and historic tamarisk establishment. Emergence of seedlings from seeds stored for different time periods at a range of temperatures was evaluated in a greenhouse study. Emergence rates declined after a 7-d storage period, but storage time had no effect on subsequent emergence rates, and seeds stored at −14 C and 5 C had greater emergence rates than those stored at 20 C and 35 C. Patterns in tamarisk establishment were assessed through age and hydrologic data collected from a reservoir (Fort Peck), a regulated river (Bighorn), and an unregulated river (Yellowstone) in Montana. These data indicated that tamarisk establishment at the reservoir was closely related to historic water levels, whereas establishment on rivers was not related to flow. However, data from the rivers indicated that recruitment differed between regulated and unregulated rivers, with the regulated river having less recruitment after the period of initial colonization than the unregulated river. Our results show that tamarisk seeds have the ability to overwinter in Montana and can establish under a range of flow conditions, indicating potential recolonization of sites after tamarisk removal.
Interactions between Two Biological Control Agents and an Herbicide for Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense) Suppression
Authors: Sciegienka Joanna K. , Keren Elai N. , Menalled Fabian D. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractWe investigated the single and combined effects of two biological control agents, the stem-mining weevilHadroplontus lituraand the pathogenPseudomonas syringaepv.tagetis, with a herbicide (reduced or full application of glyphosate: 0.63 kg ae ha−1, or 3.78 kg ae ha−1, respectively) on the growth of Canada thistle,Cirsium arvense. We hypothesized that first, although each control method would have a negative effect on Canada thistle shoot biomass, root biomass, and shoot number, the integration of more than one control method would have greater impact than individual control methods. Second, we hypothesized that the order in which control methods are applied affects the outcome of the management program, with a pathogen application following weevil infestation being more effective than one prior to it. Although control methods impacted Canada thistle growth (P < 0.001, expect for a nonsignificant impact of glyphosate on shoot number), the combined effect of the three control methods behaved, generally, in an additive manner. A marginal interaction between the pathogen and the herbicide (P = 0.052) indicated a slight antagonistic interaction between these control methods. An interaction between the two biological control agents tested (P < 0.001) indicated that application of a pathogen prior to the release of weevil larvae could be more deleterious to Canada thistle than a late application. The observed, mostly additive, relationship between biological control agents and herbicides implies that integrating control methods rather than using a single approach could lead to greater Canada thistle control.
Patient-Reported Outcomes in a Phase III Study of Everolimus Versus Placebo in Patients with Metastatic Carcinoma of the Kidney That Has Progressed on Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy
Authors: Beaumont Jennifer L. , Butt Zeeshan , Baladi Jeanfrancois , Motzer Robert J. , Haas Tomas , Hollaender Norbert , Kay Andrea , Cella David 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Purpose.
A phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The focus of this paper is to evaluate the patient-reported outcomes.

Methods.
Patients were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive oral everolimus 10 mg once daily or placebo. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Kidney Symptom Index—Disease-Related Symptoms (FKSI-DRS) and European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 were administered before randomization and on day 1 of each cycle. The FKSI-DRS and the EORTC QLQ-C30 Physical Functioning and Global Quality of Life scores were the primary endpoints examined. Longitudinal models were used to compare treatment arms. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to explore the impact of missing data assumptions.

Results.
Longitudinal trends for FKSI-DRS scores did not differ by treatment arm. Taking nonignorable missing data into account, there were significant differences between treatment arms in the trend over time for physical functioning and global quality of life, with the everolimus arm exhibiting greater decreases. All three of these measures of health-related quality of life were significantly related to progression-free survival.

Conclusions.
There was no evidence of a difference between everolimus and placebo in longitudinal patterns of disease-related symptoms, and little difference between the arms in physical functioning or global quality of life trends. This supports the conclusion that delay in tumor progression demonstrated by everolimus is associated with minimal impact on symptoms, physical functioning, or quality of life, as reported by patients.
Fifteen Minutes of Fame: The Power of Blogs in the Lifecycle of Viral Political Information
Authors: Nahon Karine , Hemsley Jeff , Walker Shawn , Hussain Muzammil 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThis empirical study addresses dynamics of viral information in the blogosphere, presenting a new methodology which enables the capture of dynamism and the time‐factor of information diffusion in networks. Data was gathered on nearly 10,000 blogs and 13,000 blog posts, linking to 65 of the top U.S. presidential election videos that became viral on the Internet between March 2007 and June 2009. The article argues that the blogosphere is not monolithic and illuminates the role of four important blog types: elite, top‐political, top‐general and tail blogs. It creates a map of the ‘life cycle’ of blogs posting links to viral information. It shows that elite and top‐general blogs ignite the virality process, which means that they get the chance to frame messages and influence agenda setting while top‐political and tail blogs act as followers in the process.
Pigment Epithelium–Derived Factor Regulates Lipid Metabolism via Adipose Triglyceride Lipase
Authors: Borg Melissa L. , Andrews Zane B. , Duh Elia J. , Zechner Rudolf , Meikle Peter J. , Watt Matthew J. 
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVE
Pigment epithelium–derived factor (PEDF) is an adipocyte-secreted factor involved in the development of insulin resistance in obesity. Previous studies have identified PEDF as a regulator of triacylglycerol metabolism in the liver that may act through adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL). We used ATGL−/− mice to determine the role of PEDF in regulating lipid and glucose metabolism.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Recombinant PEDF was administered to ATGL−/− and wild-type mice, and whole-body energy metabolism was studied by indirect calorimetry. Adipose tissue lipolysis and skeletal muscle fatty acid metabolism was determined in isolated tissue preparations. Muscle lipids were assessed by electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry. Whole-body insulin sensitivity and skeletal muscle glucose uptake were assessed.

RESULTS
PEDF impaired the capacity to adjust substrate selection, resulting in a delayed diurnal decline in the respiratory exchange ratio, and suppressed daily fatty acid oxidation. PEDF enhanced adipocyte lipolysis and triacylglycerol lipase activity in skeletal muscle. Muscle fatty acid uptake and storage were unaffected, whereas fatty acid oxidation was impaired. These changes in lipid metabolism were abrogated in ATGL−/− mice and were not attributable to hypothalamic actions. ATGL−/− mice were also refractory to PEDF-mediated insulin resistance, but this was not related to changes in lipid species in skeletal muscle.

CONCLUSIONS
The results are the first direct demonstration that 1) PEDF influences systemic fatty acid metabolism by promoting lipolysis in an ATGL-dependent manner and reducing fatty acid oxidation and 2) ATGL is required for the negative effects of PEDF on insulin action.
Effect of Acute Hypoglycemia on Human Cerebral Glucose Metabolism Measured by 13C Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: van de Ven Kim C.C. , de Galan Bastiaan E. , van der Graaf Marinette , Shestov Alexander A. , Henry Pierre-Gilles , Tack Cees J.J. , Heerschap Arend 
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of acute insulin-induced hypoglycemia on cerebral glucose metabolism in healthy humans, measured by 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Hyperinsulinemic glucose clamps were performed at plasma glucose levels of 5 mmol/L (euglycemia) or 3 mmol/L (hypoglycemia) in random order in eight healthy subjects (four women) on two occasions, separated by at least 3 weeks. Enriched [1-13C]glucose 20% w/w was used for the clamps to maintain stable plasma glucose labeling. The levels of the 13C-labeled glucose metabolites glutamate C4 and C3 were measured over time in the occipital cortex during the clamp by continuous 13C MRS in a 3T magnetic resonance scanner. Time courses of glutamate C4 and C3 labeling were fitted using a one-compartment model to calculate metabolic rates in the brain.

RESULTS
Plasma glucose 13C isotopic enrichment was stable at 35.1 ± 1.8% during euglycemia and at 30.2 ± 5.5% during hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia stimulated release of counterregulatory hormones (all P &lt; 0.05) and tended to increase plasma lactate levels (P = 0.07). After correction for the ambient 13C enrichment values, label incorporation into glucose metabolites was virtually identical under both glycemic conditions. Calculated tricarboxylic acid cycle rates (VTCA) were 0.48 ± 0.03 μmol/g/min during euglycemia and 0.43 ± 0.08 μmol/g/min during hypoglycemia (P = 0.42).

CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that acute moderate hypoglycemia does not affect fluxes through the main pathways of glucose metabolism in the brain of healthy nondiabetic subjects.
Diet-Quality Scores and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Men
Authors: de Koning Lawrence , Chiuve Stephanie E. , Fung Teresa T. , Willett Walter C. , Rimm Eric B. , Hu Frank B. 
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVE
To 1) compare associations of diet-quality scores, which were inversely associated with cardiovascular disease, with incident type 2 diabetes and 2) test for differences in absolute-risk reduction across various strata.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Men from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, who were initially free of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer (n = 41,615), were followed for ≤20 years. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2005, the alternative HEI (aHEI) the Recommended Food Score, the alternative Mediterranean Diet (aMED) Score, and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Score were calculated from food-frequency questionnaires. Cox proportional hazard models with time-varying covariates were used to assess risk by quintiles and continuous intervals.

RESULTS
There were 2,795 incident cases of type 2 diabetes. After multivariate adjustment, the aHEI, aMED, and DASH scores were significantly associated with reduced risk. A 1-SD increase was associated with 9–13% reduced risk (P &lt; 0.01), and the DASH score was associated with lower risk independent of other scores. These scores were associated with lower absolute risk among those who were overweight or obese compared with normal weight (P for interaction &lt; 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS
Several diet-quality scores were associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and reflect a common dietary pattern characterized by high intakes of plant-based foods such as whole grains; moderate alcohol; and low intakes of red and processed meat, sodium, sugar-sweetened beverages, and trans fat. High-quality diets may yield the greatest reduction in diabetes cases when followed by those with a high BMI.
Equisetum thermale sp. nov. (Equisetales) from the Jurassic San Agustín hot spring deposit, Patagonia: Anatomy, paleoecology, and inferred paleoecophysiology
Authors: Channing Alan , Zamuner Alba , Edwards Dianne , Guido Diego 
Published: April 2011

• Premise of the study: Dated molecular phylogenies suggest a Cenozoic origin for the crown group of Equisetum. but compression fossil equisetaleans that are morphologically indistinguishable from extant Equisetum and recently discovered anatomically preserved examples strongly suggest an earlier Mesozoic initial diversification.• Methods: In situ samples of Equisetum thermale sp. nov. from the Upper Jurassic San Agustín hot spring deposit were collected and studied with the use of polished blocks, thin sections, and light microscopy.• Key results: Equisetum thermale exhibits all the morphological and anatomical characteristics of the extant crown group Equisetum. It shows a mixture of features present in the two extant subgenera, e.g., superficial stomata typical of subgenus Equisetum allied with infrequently ramifying stems typical of subgenus Hippochaete. This appears to ally E. thermale with the least derived extant species in the genus Equisetum bogotense (sister species to the two subgenera). Its association of hydromorphic and xeromorphic characters allowed it to grow as an emergent aquatic in physically and chemically stressed geothermally influenced wetlands, where it formed dense monospecific stands. Equisetum thermale, because it is preserved in situ with intact anatomy, provides clear paleoecological, biological, plus inferred paleoecophysiological evidence of adaptations known in extant species.• Conclusions: As the earliest unequivocal member of the genus, E. thermale supports the hypothesis of a Mesozoic origin. Its inferred tolerance of a similar range of stresses (e.g., high salinity, alkalinity, and heavy metal concentrations) to that seen in extant Equisetum suggests early evolution and subsequent maintenance of ecophysiological innovations in the genus.
Evolution of disparity between the regular and variant phloem in Bignonieae (Bignoniaceae)
Authors: Pace Marcelo R. , Lohmann Lúcia G. , Angyalossy Veronica 
Published: April 2011

• Premise of the study: The phloem is a plant tissue with a critical role in plant nutrition and signaling. However, little is still known about the evolution of this tissue. In lianas of the Bignoniaceae, two distinct types of phloem coexist: a regular and a variant phloem. The cells associated with these two phloem types are known to be anatomically different; however, it is still unclear what steps were involved in the evolution of such differences.• Methods: Here we studied the anatomical development of the regular and variant phloem in representatives of all 21 genera of Bignonieae and used a phylogenetic framework to investigate the timing of changes associated with the evolution of each phloem type.• Key results: We found that the variant phloem always appears in a determinate location, between the leaf orthostichies. Furthermore, the variant phloem was mostly occupied by very wide sieve tubes and generally included a higher concentration of fibers, indicating an increase in conduction and mechanical support. On the other hand, the regular phloem included much more parenchyma, more and wider rays, and tiny sieve tubes that resembled terminal sieve tubes from plants with seasonal formation of vascular tissues; these findings suggest reduced conduction and higher storage capacity in the regular phloem.• Conclusions: Overall, differences between the regular and variant phloem increased over time, leading to further specialization in conduction in the variant phloem and an increase in storage specialization in the regular phloem.
Microsatellite primers in the native perennial cycad Cycas taitungensis (Cycadaceae)
Authors: Ju Li‐Ping , Kuo Chia‐Chi , Chao Yi‐Shan , Cheng Yu‐Pin , Gong Xun , Chiang Yu‐Chung 
Published: April 2011

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed for the native perennial cycad Cycas taitungensis to evaluate the genetic variation of this endangered insular species.•Methods and Results: Using a magnetic bead enrichment method and EST data, 16 primer sets were developed and identified for the native Taiwan cycad C. taitungensis. The primers amplified dinucleotide, trinucleotide, and complex repeats with 1–9 alleles per locus. Most primers also amplified DNA from C. revoluta and C. debaoensis.•Conclusions: These results indicate the utility of primers for future studies of the genetic structure of C. taitungensis. In addition, the primers are useful for further phylogeographic studies between C. taitungensis and C. revoluta, which is a closely related species.
Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Controlled Study
Authors: ANTONCHAK MARC A. , SAOUDIAN MAHNAZ , KHAN AMBER R. , BRUNNER HERMINE I. , LUGGEN MICHAEL E. 
Published: April 2011

Objective.To determine the extent to which cognitive dysfunction (CD) observed in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) exceeds that seen in a matched control group of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to estimate the prevalence of CD in SLE in a community-based sample.Methods.A random subsample of 31 patients with SLE was compared to patients with RA matched by age, sex, and race and derived from the same patient population. Cognitive function was assessed by the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM). The primary outcome was the total throughput score (number of correct responses divided by the time taken for those responses averaged over all subtests), adjusted for premorbid intelligence, neuromuscular efficiency, disease activity, damage, depression, fatigue, and health-related quality of life.Results.There were no statistically significant differences in mean throughput scores between patients in the SLE and RA groups in any subtest of the ANAM or in the total throughput score. The frequency of CD, defined as either total scores > 1.5 SD below the mean of the RA population, or 4 or more ANAM subtests each > 1.5 SD below the RA mean, was similar in patients with SLE and in RA controls.Conclusion.We found no differences in cognitive function between patients with SLE and RA, suggesting that the CD found in some patients with SLE may represent the consequences of a chronic and/or inflammatory disease rather than SLE-related central nervous system damage.
Resolution of Inflammation Following Treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis Is Associated with New Bone Formation
Authors: PEDERSEN SUSANNE J. , CHIOWCHANWISAWAKIT PRAVEENA , LAMBERT ROBERT G.W. , ØSTERGAARD MIKKEL , MAKSYMOWYCH WALTER P. 
Published: April 2011

Objective.To test the hypothesis that in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) a vertebral corner inflammatory lesion (CIL) visible on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that completely resolves following treatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) agents is more likely to develop into a de novo syndesmophyte visible on a radiograph as compared to a vertebral corner with no CIL.Methods.Fifty patients with AS, who had MRI at baseline and at followup (mean 19.2 months), and spinal radiography at baseline and after 2 years, were followed prospectively. A persistent CIL was defined as being present on both MRI, while a resolved CIL was defined as present at baseline MRI and completely disappeared at followup MRI. Two readers read the MRI independently, and analyses were done for areas with agreement (concordant reads) and for individual reads.Results.For patients receiving anti-TNF therapy (n = 23), new syndesmophytes developed more frequently from vertebral corners where a CIL had completely resolved on followup MRI (42.9% on concordant reads) as compared to vertebral corners where no CIL was demonstrable on either the baseline or followup MRI (2.4%; p < 0.0001). Results from individual readers showed similar differences. For patients receiving standard treatment (n = 27), the same pattern, although nonsignificant, was observed (20% vs 3.3%; p = 0.16) on concordant reads, as well as on individual reads.Conclusion.Our study of AS spines documents that MRI findings predict new bone formation on radiograph. Demonstration of an increased likelihood of developing new bone following resolution of inflammation after anti-TNF therapy supports the theory that TNF-α acts as a brake on new bone formation. Because the number of new syndesmophytes was low, further study is necessary to make firm conclusions.
Quantitative Data for Care of Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Usual Clinical Settings: A Patient Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire and Physician Estimate of Noninflammatory Symptoms
Authors: ASKANASE ANCA DINU , CASTREJÓN ISABEL , PINCUS THEODORE 
Published: April 2011

Objective.To analyze quantitative data in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), seen in usual care, from a patient Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire (MDHAQ) with routine assessment of patient index data (RAPID3) scores and from a physician global estimate of noninflammatory symptoms; and to compare results to self-report Systemic Lupus Activity Questionnaire (SLAQ) scores and 4 SLE indices: SLE Disease Activity Index-2K (SLEDAI-2K), British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG), Systemic Lupus Activity Measure (SLAM), and European Consensus Lupus Activity Measurement (ECLAM).Methods.Fifty consecutive patients with SLE were studied in usual care of one rheumatologist. All patients completed an MDHAQ/RAPID3 in this setting. Each patient also completed a SLAQ. The rheumatologist scored SLEDAI-2K, BILAG, SLAM, ECLAM, and 2 physician global estimates, one for overall status and one for noninflammatory symptoms. Patients were classified into 2 groups: “few” or “many” noninflammatory symptoms. Scores and indices were compared using correlations, cross-tabulations and t tests.Results.The patients included 45 women and 5 men. MDHAQ/RAPID3 and SLAQ scores were significantly correlated. RAPID3 scores were significantly higher in patients with SLE index scores above median levels, and in 34 patients scored by the rheumatologist as having “few” noninflammatory symptoms. MDHAQ/RAPID3 and SLAQ were significantly higher in 16 patients scored as having many noninflammatory symptoms.Conclusion.MDHAQ/RAPID3 and SLAQ subscale scores appear to reflect disease activity in patients with SLE, but not in patients with many noninflammatory symptoms. A physician scale for noninflammatory symptoms is useful to interpret MDHAQ/RAPID3, SLAQ, and SLE index scores.