bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Herbicide and Native Grass Seeding Effects on Sulfur Cinquefoil (Potentilla Recta)-Infested Grasslands
Authors: Endress Bryan A. , Parks Catherine G. , Naylor Bridgett J. , Radosevich Steven R. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractSulfur cinquefoil is an exotic, perennial forb that invades a wide range of ecosystems in western North America. It forms dense populations and often threatens native plant species and communities. In this study, we address the following questions: (1) what herbicides, rates, and application times are most effective at reducing sulfur cinquefoil abundance while having the least impact on native plants; and (2) does postherbicide seeding with native grass species increase native plant abundance? In 2002, we experimentally examined the effects of five herbicides (dicamba + 2,4-D; metsulfuron-methyl; triclopyr; glyphosate; and picloram) at two rates of application (low and high), three application times (early summer, fall, and a combined early summer–fall treatment), and two postherbicide seed addition treatments (seeded or not seeded) on sulfur cinquefoil abundance, plant community composition, and species richness. Experimental plots were monitored through 2005. Picloram was the most effective herbicide at reducing sulfur cinquefoil density, the proportion of remaining adult plants, and seed production. The effects of picloram continued to be evident after 3 yr, with 80% reduction of sulfur cinquefoil in 2005. In addition, seeding of native grass seeds alone (no herbicide application) reduced the proportion of sulfur cinquefoil plants that were reproductively active. Despite reductions in sulfur cinquefoil abundance, all treatments remained dominated by exotic species because treated areas transitioned from exotic forb- to exotic grass-dominated communities. However, a one-time herbicide application controlled sulfur cinquefoil for at least 3 yr, and therefore might provide a foundation to begin ecological restoration. Herbicide applications alone likely are to be insufficient for long-term sulfur cinquefoil control without further modification of sites through native grass or forb seeding. Integrating herbicides with native plant seeding to promote the development of plant communities that are resistant to sulfur cinquefoil invasion is a promising management approach to ecological restoration.
Relationships Between Western Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) and Understory Vegetation
Authors: Coultrap D. E. , Fulgham K. O. , Lancaster D. L. , Gustafson J. , Lile D. F. , George M. R. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWestern juniper has been actively invading sagebrush plant communities for about 130 yr. Western juniper canopy cover generally increases as western juniper invades sagebrush steppe communities and succession progresses toward a western juniper woodland. Our goal was to estimate the impact of juniper invasion and canopy increase on understory vegetation structure and productivity on 101 sites in northeastern California. The primary objectives of this study were to: (1) examine the influence of increasing western juniper canopy cover on the composition and productivity of understory vegetation; and (2) assess the effects of western juniper removal on understory vegetation. Sites in early, mid-, and late successional stages and sites on the same soils that had not been invaded were selected. Sites where western juniper had been removed by prescribed fire, mechanical, or chemical methods were compared to adjacent untreated sites. Western juniper canopy cover, understory cover and species composition, productivity, and bare ground were determined at each site during May through July 2005 and 2006. Regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between western juniper canopy cover and understory vegetation parameters. Logistic regression was used to detect understory differences between treated (juniper removed) and untreated (juniper not removed) sites. A significant relationship was found between western juniper canopy cover and understory species richness, shrub cover, forb cover, total grass cover, cheatgrass cover, herbaceous productivity, and bare ground. Removal of western juniper increased total grass cover, cheatgrass cover, and productivity, and reduced bare ground. The results of this study support findings by researchers in other states that western juniper influences plant community structure and productivity, and removal of western juniper might reverse these changes in structure, but also might increase opportunities for invasion of cheatgrass.
Forces Necessary to Initiate Dispersal for Three Tumbleweeds
Authors: Baker Dirk V. , Beck K. George , Bienkiewicz Bogusz J. , Bjostad Louis B. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAlthough diffuse knapweed, kochia, and Russian thistle are important tumbleweeds of the western United States, environmental factors contributing to their dispersal are not well understood. Bolting rosettes of these species were transplanted to pots and reared in a common garden to determine the affect of postsenescence water on stem strength. There were no differences in stem strength among three water treatments for Russian thistle. Kochia, under moderate water treatment, required more than twice the force to break compared to plants under the zero and high water treatments. In contrast, diffuse knapweed plants under zero water treatment required four to six times greater force to break compared to plants under the moderate and high water treatments. There was a strong difference in diffuse knapweed stem strength between field collection sites that corresponded to observed differences in proportion of plants tumbling. A wind tunnel was used to develop a conversion factor between force and wind velocity. Wind velocities necessary to break diffuse knapweed stems ranged from 16 to 37 m/s (36 to 77 mph).
Feeding Impacts of a Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula) Biological Control Agent on a Native Plant, Euphorbia robusta
Authors: Baker John L. , Webber Nancy A. P. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe biological control agent Aphthona nigriscutis Foudras (Chrysomelidae) established in Fremont County, WY since 1992 on leafy spurge was released into a mixed stand a native plant Euphorbia robusta Engelm. During host range testing, E. robusta was a likely host for A. nigriscutis under laboratory conditions. In 1999, A. nigriscutis was observed feeding on both E. esula and 31 of 36 E. robusta plants present on about 2 ha (5 ac) where the visually estimated E. esula canopy cover was 50%. By August 2001, E. esula cover had declined to less than 5% and E. robusta plants had increased to 450 plants with 26 (5.8%) showing feeding damage. In 2006 Euphorbia esula ground cover was 2% and of 598 E. robusta plants originally marked, 391 could be located and four of these had damage consistent with A. nigriscutis feeding. For the 8-yr period, E. esula ground cover was inversely correlated to E. robusta density and positively correlated to A. nigriscutis feeding damage on E. robusta. This study shows that while also acceptable to A. nigriscutis in the field, feeding on E. robusta declined with declining densities of the target weed while E. robusta population densities increased. It seems that some risk in this regard is acceptable in light of the damage from the target weed and the generally high level of selectivity provided by biological control agents.
The Invasive Species Assessment Protocol: A Tool for Creating Regional and National Lists of Invasive Nonnative Plants that Negatively Impact Biodiversity
Authors: Randall John M. , Morse Larry E. , Benton Nancy , Hiebert Ron , Lu Stephanie , Killeffer Terri 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWe developed a protocol for categorizing nonnative plants according to their negative impacts on biodiversity in a large area such as a state, nation, or ecological region. Our objective was to provide a tool that makes the process of identifying, categorizing, and listing nonnative plants that cause negative impacts to biodiversity analytic, transparent, and equitable and that yields lists that are useful to researchers, land managers, regulators, consumers, and commercial interests such as the nursery industry. The protocol was designed to distinguish between species that cause high, medium, low, or insignificant negative impacts to native biodiversity within the state, region, or nation of interest. It consists of 20 multiple-choice questions grouped into four sections, which each address a major aspect of a species' total impact and when combined yield an overall “Invasive Species Impact Rank” or “I-Rank” (high, medium, low, or insignificant). The nonprofit organization NatureServe is now using this protocol to assess the estimated 3,500 nonnative vascular plant species that are established in the United States to create a national list prioritized by negative impact on biodiversity. The protocol and additional information are available on the Internet athttp://www.natureserve.org/getData/plantData.jsp, and over 500 completed species assessments are available through NatureServe Explorer (http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/).
Ecological Genetics of Plant Invasion: What Do We Know?
Authors: Ward Sarah M. , Gaskin John F. , Wilson Linda M. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe rate at which plant invasions occur is accelerating globally, and a growing amount of recent research uses genetic analysis of invasive plant populations to better understand the histories, processes, and effects of plant invasions. The goal of this review is to provide natural resource managers with an introduction to this research. We discuss examples selected from published studies that examine intraspecific genetic diversity and the role of hybridization in plant invasion. We also consider the conflicting evidence that has emerged from recent research for the evolution of increased competitiveness as an explanation for invasion, and the significance of multiple genetic characteristics and patterns of genetic diversity reported in the literature across different species invasions. High and low levels of genetic diversity have been found in different invading plant populations, suggesting that either selection leading to local adaptation, or pre-adapted characteristics such as phenotypic plasticity, can lead to aggressive range expansion by colonizing nonnative species. As molecular techniques for detecting hybrids advance, it is also becoming clear that hybridization is a significant component of some plant invasions, with consequences that include increased genetic diversity within an invasive species, generation of successful novel genotypes, and genetic swamping of native plant gene pools. Genetic analysis of invasive plant populations has many applications, including predicting population response to biological or chemical control measures based on diversity levels, identifying source populations, tracking introduction routes, and elucidating mechanisms of local spread and adaptation. This information can be invaluable in developing more effectively targeted strategies for managing existing plant invasions and preventing new ones. Future genetic research, including the use of high throughput molecular marker systems and genomic approaches such as microarray analysis, has the potential to contribute to better understanding and more effective management of plant invasions.
Spina bifida occulta: is it a predictor of underlying spinal cord abnormality in patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction?
Authors: Nejat Farideh , Radmanesh Farid , Ansari Saeed , Tajik Parvin , Kajbafzadeh Abdolmohammad , Khashab Mostafa El 
Published: February 2008

Object
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the importance of spina bifida occulta in radiographs of children with lower urinary tract or bowel dysfunction.

Methods
The authors prospectively investigated the presence of spinal cord abnormalities in 176 patients with functional urinary and bowel problems: 88 children with radiographic evidence of spina bifida occulta (SBO) and 88 age-and sex-matched controls. Each group included 46 boys and 42 girls (age range 5–14 years). Nocturnal enuresis, isolated diurnal enuresis, enuresis during both day and night, urinary tract infection, urinary frequency, encopresis, intractable constipation, and vesicoureteral reflux were assessed in all patients. Magnetic resonance (MR) images were obtained in all patients and evaluated for spinal cord abnormalities. Sacral ratios (SRs) were calculated on the basis of plain radiographs.

Results
There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups on any of the clinical measures. The most common sites of SBO on radiographs were the S-1 (47%) and L-5 and S-1 (25%). The mean SRs (± standard deviations) in the SBO and control groups, respectively, were 0.64 ± 0.45 and 0.68 ± 0.51 (no statistically significant difference). Sacral agenesis was found in 17 children (7 in the SBO group and 10 in the control group, p = 0.44). Abnormal MR imaging findings were observed in 9 children (10.22%) in the SBO group and 3 (3.4%) in the control group. Abnormalities included tethered spinal cord in 5 children, syringomyelia in 4, and club-shaped conus in 2. No significant association was found between the presence of SBO and spinal cord abnormalities identified on MR images (p = 0.13, paired t-test).

Conclusions
Among children with functional bowel and urinary problems, there was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of abnormal spinal MR imaging findings in those with radiographic SBO and an age- and sex-matched control group. Spina bifida occulta was not shown to be a reliable indicator of spinal cord structural abnormalities. Its probable role as a finding associated with spinal cord dysfunction remains unclear.
Measurement of spinal range of motion in healthy individuals using an electromagnetic tracking device
Authors: Hsu Chien-Jen , Chang Yi-Wen , Chou Wen-Ying , Chiou Chou-Ping , Chang Wei-Ning , Wong Chi-Yin 
Published: February 2008

Object
The authors measured the range of motion (ROM) of the spine in healthy individuals by using an electromagnetic tracking device to evaluate the functional performance of the spine.

Methods
The authors used the Flock of Birds electromagnetic tracking device with 4 receiver units attached to C-7, T-12, S-1, and the midthigh region. Forward/backward bending, bilateral side bending, and axial rotation of the trunk were performed in 18 healthy individuals.

Results
The average ROM was calculated after 3 consecutive measurements. The thoracic spine generated the greatest angle in axial rotation and smallest angle in backward bending. The lumbar spine generated the greatest angle in forward bending and smallest angle in axial rotation. The hip joints generated the greatest angle in forward bending and smallest angle in backward bending. Additionally, 40% of forward-bending motion occurred in the lumbar spine and 40% occurred in the hip joints. Approximately 60% of backward bending occurred in the lumbar spine; 60% of axial rotation occurred in the thoracic spine; and 45% of side bending occurred in the thoracic spine.

Conclusions
The Flock of Birds electromagnetic tracking device cannot only measure the ROM of spine but also easily differentiate the 6-degree contributions by different segments.
Biomechanical comparison of occipitoatlantal screw fixation techniques
Authors: Bambakidis Nicholas C. , Feiz-Erfan Iman , Horn Eric M. , Gonzalez L. Fernando , Baek Seungwon , Yüksel K. Zafer , Brantley Anna G. U. , Sonntag Volker K. H. , Crawford Neil R. 
Published: February 2008

Object
The stability provided by 3 occipitoatlantal fixation techniques (occiput [Oc]–C1 transarticular screws, occipital keel screws rigidly interconnected with C-1 lateral mass screws, and suboccipital/sublaminar wired contoured rod) were compared.

Methods
Seven human cadaveric specimens received transarticular screws and 7 received occipital keel–C1 lateral mass screws. All specimens later underwent contoured rod fixation. All conditions were studied with and without placement of a structural graft wired between the skull base and C-1 lamina. Specimens were loaded quasistatically using pure moments to induce flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation while recording segmental motion optoelectronically. Flexibility was measured immediately postoperatively and after 10,000 cycles of fatigue.

Results
Application of Oc–C1 transarticular screws, with a wired graft, reduced the mean range of motion (ROM) to 3% of normal. Occipital keel–C1 lateral mass screws (also with graft) offered less stability than transarticular screws during extension and lateral bending (p < 0.02), reducing ROM to 17% of normal. The wired contoured rod reduced motion to 31% of normal, providing significantly less stability than either screw fixation technique. Fatigue increased motion in constructs fitted with transarticular screws, keel screws/lateral mass screw constructs, and contoured wired rods, by means of 19, 5, and 26%, respectively. In all constructs, adding a structural graft significantly improved stability, but the extent depended on the loading direction.

Conclusions
Assuming the presence of mild C1–2 instability, Oc–C1 transarticular screws and occipital keel–C1 lateral mass screws are approximately equivalent in performance for occipitoatlantal stabilization in promoting fusion. A posteriorly wired contoured rod is less likely to provide a good fusion environment because of less stabilizing potential and a greater likelihood of loosening with fatigue.
Transplantation of human bone marrow–derived stromal cells into the contused spinal cord of nude rats
Authors: Sheth Rishi N. , Manzano Glen , Li Xiuming , Levi Allan D. 
Published: February 2008

ObjectHuman bone marrow stromal cells (hMSCs) constitute a potential source of pluripotent stem cells. In the present study, hMSCs were transplanted into an area of spinal cord contusion in nude rats to determine their survival, differentiation, potential for neuroprotection, and influence on axonal growth and functional recovery.MethodsTwenty-nine animals received 6 × 105hMSCs in 6 μl medium 1 week after a contusion, while 14 control animals received an injection of 6 μl medium alone. Basso–Beattie–Bresnahan (BBB) tests were performed weekly. The spinal cords were collected at 6 weeks posttransplantation for histological analysis and assessment of tissue injury.ResultsImmunostaining with anti–human mitochondria antibody and pretransplantation labeling with green fluorescent protein demonstrated that the grafted hMSCs survived and were capable of achieving a flattened appearance in the grafted area; however, none of the transplanted cells stained positively for human-specific neuronal, anti–neurofilament H or glial fibrillary acidic protein within the sites of engraftment. While neuronal or astrocytic differentiation was not seen, cells lining blood vessels in the vicinity of the transplant stained positively for anti–human endothelium CD105 antibody. Staining for anti–neurofilament H antibody demonstrated abundant axonlike structures around the transplanted area in the hMSC group. Tissue sparing analysis showed that animals with grafted hMSCs had a smaller area of contusion cyst compared with controls, but there was no significant difference between the two groups in BBB scores.ConclusionsThe grafted hMSCs survived for ≥ 6 weeks posttransplantation, although they did not differentiate into neural or glial cells. Cells with human endothelial characteristics were observed. Spinal cord–injured rats grafted with hMSCs had smaller contusion cavities, which did not have a significant influence on functional recovery.
Syringomyelia caused by intrathecal remnants of oil-based contrast medium
Authors: Kubota Mayumi , Shin Masahiro , Taniguchi Makoto , Terao Toru , Nakauchi Jun , Takahashi Hiroshi 
Published: February 2008

✓ Oily contrast medium had been in use since the early 19th century as a radiographic agent for detecting spinal lesions and spinal cord tumors until the late 20th century. At that point computed tomography scanning and magnetic resonance imaging, or other hydrophilic contrast medium substituted for it. Adverse effects of oil-based dye, both acute and chronic, had been reported since the middle of the 20th century. In this paper the authors report the case of syringomyelia that seemed to be caused mainly by remaining oily contrast medium for 44 years.
Syringomyelia secondary to adhesive arachnoiditis caused by oily contrast medium after a long period of time is well known. In the present case, however, surgery revealed only mild arachnoiditis at the level of syringomyelia as well as both solid and liquid remnants of contrast medium.
Generally, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) blockage due to an arachnoid adhesion is considered to cause syringomyelia following adhesive arachnoiditis. The authors speculated that in the present case syringomyelia was induced by a mechanism different from that in the previously reported cases; the oily contrast medium itself seems to have induced the functional block of CSF and impaired the buffer system of the intrathecal pressure. No reports on thoracic adhesive arachnoiditis and syringomyelia caused by oil-based dye referred to this mechanism in reviewing the literature.
The clinical atlas of Greig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome
Authors: Balk Katherine , Biesecker Leslie G. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractGreig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome (GCPS) is a rare multiple congenital anomaly syndrome that is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern and is caused by haploinsufficiency of the GLI3 gene. The syndrome typically includes preaxial or mixed pre‐ and postaxial polydactyly and cutaneous syndactyly, ocular hypertelorism, and macrocephaly in its typical forms, but sometimes includes hydrocephalus, seizures, mental retardation, and developmental delay in more severe cases. Patients with milder forms of GCPS can have subtle craniofacial dysmorphic features that are difficult to distinguish from normal variation. This article presents the spectrum of dysmorphic findings in GCPS highlighting some of its key presenting features to familiarize clinicians with the variable expressivity of the condition. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Perrault syndrome: Report of four new cases, review and exclusion of candidate genes
Authors: Marlin Sandrine , Lacombe Didier , Jonard Laurence , Leboulanger Nicolas , Bonneau Dominique , Goizet Cyril , Billette de Villemeur Thierry , Cabrol Sylvie , Houang Muriel , Moatti Lucien , Feldmann Delphine , Denoyelle Françoise 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWe report on two sporadic and two familial new cases with sensorineural hearing impairment and ovarian dysgenesis which are the cardinal signs of Perrault syndrome in females. Only one of them has a nervous system defect. We reviewed all the published cases of Perrault syndrome in order to define the clinical variability and to evaluate the frequency of the neurological anomalies in this clinical entity. Moreover we excluded GJB2, POLG, and FOXL2 as candidate genes in Perrault syndrome. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.