bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HRTEM and EELS Studies of Py/Al and Co/Al Multilayers
Authors: Zhang Jiaming , Crimp Martin A. , Theodoropoulou N. , Sharma A. , Loloee R. , Pratt W. P. , Bass J. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTFerromagnetic/non-magnetic (F/N) metallic multilayers in the Current-Perpendicular-to-Plane (CPP) geometry show giant Magnetoresistance (MR) and are promising candidates for potential use in high density storage devices. F/Al interfaces were recently shown to have large interface specific resistances that enhance the CPP-resistance. However, the CPP resistances showed instability over time at room temperature and also upon annealing to 453K. To help understand both the large interface specific resistances and their instabilities, we have undertaken cross-sectional High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) and Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) studies of both as-sputtered and annealed Py/Al and Co/Al multilayers. We find well-layered, but rough structures with local F/Al interfaces being tilted up to ˜15°from the plane perpendicular to the growth direction. HRTEM images appear to show diffuse interfaces, but a through-focus series of images suggests considerable grain overlap in the electron beam direction, thereby complicating interpretation. This combination of HRTEM imaging and EELS analysis suggests that any interfacial mixing is limited in scale, and shows no evidence of intermetallic compound formation. No obvious differences are seen between assputtered and annealed samples.
Evidence of Qualitative Differences between Soil-Occupancy Effects of Invasive vs. Native Grassland Plant Species
Authors: Jordan Nicholas R. , Larson Diane L. , Huerd Sheri C. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractDiversified grasslands that contain native plant species are being recognized as important elements of agricultural landscapes and for production of biofuel feedstocks as well as a variety of other ecosystem services. Unfortunately, establishment of such grasslands is often difficult, unpredictable, and highly vulnerable to interference and invasion by weeds. Evidence suggests that soil-microbial “legacies” of invasive perennial species can inhibit growth of native grassland species. However, previous assessments of legacy effects of soil occupancy by invasive species that invade grasslands have focused on single invasive species and on responses to invasive soil occupancy in only a few species. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that legacy effects of invasive species differ qualitatively from those of native grassland species. In a glasshouse, three invasive and three native grassland perennials and a native perennial mixture were grown separately through three cycles of growth and soil conditioning in soils with and without arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), after which we assessed seedling growth in these soils. Native species differed categorically from invasives in their response to soil conditioning by native or invasive species, but these differences depended on the presence of AMF. When AMF were present, native species largely had facilitative effects on invasive species, relative to effects of invasives on other invasives. Invasive species did not facilitate native growth; neutral effects were predominant, but strong soil-mediated inhibitory effects on certain native species occurred. Our results support the hypothesis that successful plant invaders create biological legacies in soil that inhibit native growth, but suggest also this mechanism of invasion will have nuanced effects on community dynamics, as some natives may be unaffected by such legacies. Such native species may be valuable as nurse plants that provide cost-effective restoration of soil conditions needed for efficient establishment of diversified grasslands.
Tarping as an Alternative for Perennial Pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) Control
Authors: Hutchinson Rachel A. , Viers Joshua H. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractPerennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) is a potential threat to biodiversity and ecosystem function in the communities that it invades. The mechanism for its successful invasion of riparian and wetland environments includes reproduction via seed and root propagules and its ability to withstand long duration flooding and saline conditions once established. Controlling this species presents a number of challenges for land managers, including difficult property access, limited herbicide choice, and the varied success of weed control measures. In this study, we tested the efficacy of a nonchemical-modified tarp treatment, and compared posttreatment stem counts to herbicide treatments with Mow–glyphosate and chlorsulfuron in a wildland setting. We found that tarping applied in combination with a mow and till treatment was effective at controlling perennial pepperweed at levels similar to herbicide treatments with Mow–glyphosate and with Mow–chlorsulfuron. However, Mow–Till–Tarp treatment is extremely time consuming and has the potential to limit native plant community recovery.
Are We “Missing the Boat” on Preventing the Spread of Invasive Plants in Rangelands?
Authors: Davies Kirk W. , Johnson Dustin D. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractInvasive plants are negatively affecting the ecological and economic production of rangelands by reducing resource productivity, decreasing biodiversity, displacing native vegetation, and altering ecosystem processes and functions. However, despite these well-known negative effects, once invasive plants are regionally established, limited effort is directed at preventing their continued spread across rangelands. Most efforts are directed at restoration at specific locations while additional rangelands are invaded. Restoring native plant communities invaded by exotic plants is frequently unsuccessful, especially in more arid environments, and is often too costly to apply at the scale required to make meaningful progress in reducing invasive plant populations relative to their expansion. Of the few prevention efforts being implemented, most are a second priority to control and restoration efforts. Integrating strategies to prevent new infestations and restrict the expansion of existing populations in invasive plant management programs is critical to limiting the negative effects of invasive plants in rangelands. However, we are “missing the boat” on this issue by not providing sufficiently developed and validated management actions. Limited information is available for developing management strategies to prevent the spread of invasive plants, although it has been suggested that land managers need to increase biotic resistance of desired plant communities, decrease invasive plant propagule pressure, and eradicate small incipient infestations to prevent the continued expansion of invasive plants. Thus, instead of scientifically validated methods developed to limit the spread of invasive plants, managers are often left with vague suggestions for preventing the continued spread of invasive plants. We suggest that if prevention is going to be successful, researchers are going to need to conduct more applied research to provide land managers with specific prevention strategies and quantify the benefits of various prevention strategies.
Geographic Origins and Genetic Diversity of Air-Potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) in Florida
Authors: Croxton Matthew D. , Andreu Michael A. , Williams Dean A. , Overholt William A. , Smith Jason A. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIn Florida, air-potato is an invasive weed with high management priority, which may soon be targeted using classical biological control. This yam was introduced during the early 20th century by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) from areas throughout its extensive range. Our objectives were to characterize the genetic diversity of the invasive population in Florida and to identify the source regions of introduction. Authorities have often asserted the African provenance of the species in Florida, but our analyses, conducted using chloroplast markers, indicate that Florida air-potato is more similar to specimens examined from China than to those from Africa. Low intraspecific genetic diversity in Florida indicates that the invasive population was the result of at least two introductions becoming established in Florida.
Native and Exotic Grass Competition with Invasive Hoary Cress (Cardaria draba)
Authors: Puliafico Kenneth P. , Schwarzländer Mark , Price William J. , Harmon Bradley L. , Hinz Hariet L. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe Eurasian perennial mustard, hoary cress,Cardaria draba(Brassicaceae), is an invasive weed in western North America that can displace native plants and other desirable forage species in pastures and rangelands. This study investigated the competitive ability of 11 grasses representing nine species in the generaFestucaandPoafrom either North America (NA) or Europe (EU) against hoary cress. Hoary cress was grown alone and with four different grass densities under controlled conditions with ample water and nutrient supply, typical for riparian and disturbed habitats, in which hoary cress infestations are commonly found. Of the fiveFestucagrasses tested, onlySchedonorus phoenix(=F. arundinacea) decreased hoary cress biomass. Four of the sixPoagrasses tested decreased hoary cress biomass and were ranked by decreasing competitive effects as follows:P. annua>P. compressa(EU) >P. pratensis(EU) >P. compressa(NA). The most competitive grass species also experienced higher intraspecific competition. Within both grass genera, Eurasian species were more competitive against hoary cress than their North American congeners, which suggests that hoary cress establishment may be facilitated by lower biotic resistance in the invaded range. Regardless of origin, sod-formingPoaspecies were competitive at low densities, whileFestucaspecies only had significant effects at high densities if at all. Based on our results we recommend the use ofPoaspecies for restoration of riparian and disturbed sites following the control of hoary cress infestations to restrict recolonization.
Addition of Bevacizumab to XELOX Induction Therapy Plus Concomitant Capecitabine-Based Chemoradiotherapy in Magnetic Resonance Imaging–Defined Poor-Prognosis Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: The AVACROSS Study
Authors: Nogué Miguel , Salud Antonieta , Vicente Pilar , Arriví Antonio , Roca José María , Losa Ferran , Ponce José , Safont María José , Guasch Inmaculada , Moreno Isabel , Ruiz Ana , Pericay Carles ,   on behalf of the AVACROSS Study Group
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background.
Concomitant chemoradiotherapy followed by total mesorectal excision is standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer. This approach, however, focuses on local disease control and delays systemic treatment. Induction chemotherapy has the advantage of earlier administration of systemic therapy and may improve distant control. The objective of the current study was to assess the efficacy and toxicity of adding bevacizumab to induction chemotherapy followed by preoperative bevacizumab-based chemoradiotherapy in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.

Patients and Methods.
Eligible patients had high-risk rectal adenocarcinoma defined by magnetic resonance imaging criteria. Treatment consisted of four 21-day cycles of bevacizumab (7.5 mg/kg) and XELOX (capecitabine plus oxaliplatin), followed by concomitant radiotherapy (50.4 Gy) plus bevacizumab (5 mg/kg every 2 weeks) and capecitabine (825 mg/m2 twice daily on days 1–15). Surgery was scheduled for 6–8 weeks after chemoradiotherapy. The primary endpoint was pathologic complete response (pCR).

Results.
Between July 2007 and July 2008, 47 patients were recruited. Among 45 patients who underwent surgery, pCR was achieved in 16 patients (36%; 95% confidence interval: 22.29%–51.27%), and an additional 17 patients (38%) had Dworak tumor regression grade 3. R0 resection was performed in 44 patients (98%). Most grade 3/4 adverse events occurred during the induction phase and included diarrhea (11%), asthenia (4%), neutropenia (6%), and thrombocytopenia (4%). Eleven patients (24%) required surgical reintervention.

Conclusions.
Addition of bevacizumab to induction chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy is feasible, with impressive activity and manageable toxicity. However, caution is recommended regarding surgical complications.
Generation of Stable Pluripotent Stem Cells From NOD Mouse Tail-Tip Fibroblasts
Authors: Liu Jun , Ashton Michelle P. , Sumer Huseyin , O’Bryan Moira K. , Brodnicki Thomas C. , Verma Paul J. 
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVE
The NOD mouse strain has been widely used to investigate the pathology and genetic susceptibility for type 1 diabetes. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from this unique mouse strain would enable new strategies for investigating type 1 diabetes pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets. The objective of this study was to determine whether somatic fibroblasts from NOD mice could be reprogrammed to become iPSCs, providing an alternative source of stem cells for the production of genetically modified NOD cells and mice.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Adult tail-tip fibroblasts from male NOD mice were reprogrammed by retroviral transduction of the coding sequences of three transcription factors, OCT4, SOX2, and KLF4, in combination with a histone deacetylase inhibitor, valproic acid.

RESULTS
Eighteen NOD iPSC lines were generated, and three of these cell lines were further characterized. All three cell lines exhibited silencing of the three reprogramming transgenes and reactivation of endogenous pluripotent markers (OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, REX1, and SSEA1). These NOD iPSCs readily differentiated in vitro to form embryoid bodies and in vivo by teratoma formation in immunodeficient mice. Moreover, NOD iPSCs were successfully transfected with a reporter transgene and were capable of contributing to the inner cell mass of C57BL/6 blastocysts, leading to the generation of a chimeric mouse.

CONCLUSIONS
Adult tail-tip fibroblasts from NOD mice can be reprogrammed, without constitutive ectopic expression of transcription factors, to produce iPSCs that exhibit classic mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC) features. These NOD iPSCs can be maintained and propagated under normal ESC culture conditions to produce genetically altered cell lines, differentiated cells, and chimeric mice.
Impact of Natriuretic Peptide Clearance Receptor (NPR3) Gene Variants on Blood Pressure in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Saulnier Pierre-Jean , Roussel Ronan , Halimi Jean Michel , Lebrec Jeremie , Dardari Dured , Maimaitiming Sulyia , Guilloteau Gérard , Prugnard Xavier , Marechaud Richard , Ragot Stephanie , Marre Michel , Hadjadj Samy ,   for the SURDIAGENE, DIAB2NEPHROGENE, and DIABHYCAR study groups
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVE
Hypertension in diabetes is characterized by abnormal sodium homeostasis, suggesting a particular role of natriuretic peptide pathway. Natriuretic peptides can affect blood pressure (BP) through their plasma concentrations, which are dependent on their receptor activities. We thus assessed the association between nine NPR3 gene polymorphisms and BP levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) tagging the haplotype structure of the NPR3 gene were genotyped in the 3,126 French Non-insulin-dependent Diabetes, Hypertension, Microalbuminuria or Proteinuria, Cardiovascular Events, and Ramipril (DIABHYCAR) trial participants. We then used a second population (Diabete de type 2, Nephropathie et Genetique [DIAB2NEPHROGENE]/Survie, Diabete de type 2 et Genetique [SURDIAGENE] study) of 2,452 patients for the purpose of replication. Finally, we separately investigated subjects selected according to their rs 2270915SNP genotypes for their BP response to salt restriction.

RESULTS
In DIABHYCAR patients, three SNPs (rs6889608, rs1173773, and rs2270915) were significantly associated with systolic BP (SBP). The effect of the rs2270915 was replicated in the second step population: AA homozygotes had a lower SBP than G carriers (137.4 ± 19.1 vs. 140.0 ± 20.2 mmHg, P = 0.004). The rs2270915 influenced the response of SBP to salt reduction, with AA homozygous patients showing greater reductions after restriction of salt intake compared with G carriers: −20 mmHg (−43 to −8) vs. −3 (−20 to +7); P = 0.006.

CONCLUSIONS
We found a consistent and significant association between the rs2270915 polymorphism of the NPR3 gene and SBP in diabetic patients. This genetic variation may affect pressure response to changes in dietary sodium.
Can Administrative Claim File Review Be Used to Gather Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Psychology Payment Data and Functional Independence Measure Scores? Implications for Rehabilitation Providers in the Private Health Sector
Authors: Riis Viivi , Jaglal Susan , Boschen Kathryn , Walker Jan , Verrier Molly 
Published: April 2011

Purpose: Rehabilitation costs for spinal-cord injury (SCI) are increasingly borne by Canada's private health system. Because of poor outcomes, payers are questioning the value of their expenditures, but there is a paucity of data informing analysis of rehabilitation costs and outcomes. This study evaluated the feasibility of using administrative claim file review to extract rehabilitation payment data and functional status for a sample of persons with work-related SCI. Methods: Researchers reviewed 28 administrative e-claim files for persons who sustained a work-related SCI between 1996 and 2000. Payment data were extracted for physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), and psychology services. Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores were targeted as a surrogate measure for functional outcome. Feasibility was tested using an existing approach for evaluating health services data. Results: The process of administrative e-claim file review was not practical for extraction of the targeted data. Conclusions: While administrative claim files contain some rehabilitation payment and outcome data, in their present form the data are not suitable to inform rehabilitation services research. A new strategy to standardize collection, recording, and sharing of data in the rehabilitation industry should be explored as a means of promoting best practices.
L'origine des crues dans les bassins-versants élémentaires : du ruissellement sur les versants à l'écoulement de crue
Authors: Cosandey Claude 
Published: April 2011

Dans leur concept comme dans leurs processus de genèse, le « ruissellement » du géomorphologue — qui se produit sur les versants — et celui de l'hydrologue — qui n'a d'existence que parvenu dans le réseau de drainage, et auquel il faut préférer le terme d'« écoulement rapide de crue » — sont soigneusement distingués, et leurs inter-relations étudiées.
Les processus de genèse du ruissellement sur les versants sont regroupés en trois catégories majeures : le ruissellement de type « hortonien », le ruissellement se produisant sur des « aires contributives » saturées, et enfin celui lié à des modifications de l'état de surface du sol sous l'impact des gouttes de pluie.
Ensuite, les relations qui existent entre le ruissellement se produisant sur les versants et l'écoulement rapide de crue sont étudiées, permettant de comprendre l'origine des crues. Il est mis en évidence que, selon les processus, ou plutôt les combinaisons de processus qui entrent en jeu, les facteurs qui conditionnent l'importance du ruissellement et/ou de la crue peuvent être très différents. Or, l'identification de ces facteurs est la démarche indispensable pour la compréhension des conséquences des activités humaines sur le cycle de l'eau, comme pour concevoir les aménagements capables de limiter la genèse ou les conséquences du ruissellement, de l'érosion et/ou de l'écoulement de crue.
Viability of forest floor and canopy seed banks in Pinus contorta var. latifolia (Pinaceae) forests after a mountain pine beetle outbreak
Authors: Teste François P. , Lieffers Victor J. , Landhäusser Simon M. 
Published: April 2011

• Premise of the study: Seed banks are important for the natural regeneration of many forest species. Most of the seed bank of serotinous lodgepole pine is found in the canopy, but after an outbreak of mountain pine beetle (MPB), a considerable forest‐floor seed bank develops through the falling of canopy cones. After large‐scale mortality of pine stands from MPB, however, the viability of seeds in both the canopy and the forest‐floor cone bank is uncertain.• Methods: We sampled cones in five stands 3 yr after MPB (3y‐MPB); five stands 6 yr after MPB (6y‐MPB); and 10 stands 9 yr after MPB (9y‐MPB), in central British Columbia, Canada. Seeds were extracted and viability tested using germination techniques.• Key results: Forest‐floor cones had seed with high germination capacity (GC): 82% for embedded (partly buried) closed cones vs. 45% for buried partly open cones. For canopy cones, GC steeply declined about 15 yr after cone maturation and by 25 yr, GC was 50%, compared with 98% in the first year. In the 3y‐ and 6y‐MPB stands, seeds from cones that were 7 to 9 yr old had similar GC on dead and living trees; however, seeds from the dead trees had lower vigor than seeds from living trees.• Conclusions: We demonstrate for the first time that a serotinous pine can form a viable soil seed bank by cone burial, which may facilitate natural regeneration if a secondary disturbance occurs. Seeds contained in 15‐yr‐old cones showed a steep decline in viability, which could limit regeneration if there is a long delay before a secondary disturbance.
Cutting Edge: NKG2D-Dependent Cytotoxicity Is Controlled by Ligand Distribution in the Target Cell Membrane
Authors: Martinez Emily , Brzostowski Joseph A. , Long Eric O. , Gross Catharina C. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Although the importance of membrane microdomains in receptor-mediated activation of lymphocytes has been established, much less is known about the role of receptor ligand distribution on APC and target cells. Detergent-resistant membrane domains, into which GPI-linked proteins partition, are enriched in cholesterol and glycosphingolipids. ULBP1 is a GPI-linked ligand for natural cytotoxicity receptor NKG2D. To investigate how ULBP1 distribution on target cells affects NKG2D-dependent NK cell activation, we fused the extracellular domain of ULBP1 to the transmembrane domain of CD45. Introduction of this transmembrane domain eliminated the association of ULBP1 with the detergent-resistant membrane fraction and caused a significant reduction of cytotoxicity and degranulation by NK cells. Clustering and lateral diffusion of ULBP1 was not affected by changes in the membrane anchor. These results show that the partitioning of receptor ligands in discrete membrane domains of target cells is an important determinant of NK cell activation.