bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differentiated Compensation: How California School Districts Use Economic Incentives to Target Teachers
Authors: Strunk Katharine O. , Zeehandelaar Dara
Published: February 2011

Many districts and schools have trouble recruiting and retaining teachers who have the necessary credentials and skills to meet the needs of their students. This trend is particularly severe in low-income, "high-needs" schools and districts. As such, districts and schools are implementing policies that are intended to reform compensation in order to increase teacher recruitment and retention. Although much of the recent discussion surrounding teacher compensation has centered around districts' use of merit pay, many districts are already using differentiated compensation incentives to target specific kinds of teachers in an attempt to attract and retain not only the highest quality teachers, but also the teachers districts most need to teach in their specific local contexts. Using a self-collected dataset of California school districts from the 2005-2006 and 2008-2009 school years, the frequency with which districts in California use targeted economic incentives and the kinds of districts that are most likely to implement such policies are examined. While many school districts in California have economic incentive policies targeted at teachers with specific skills or credentials, most incentive policies are focused on teachers with rough proxies for "quality." Those that do target teachers in high-need subjects, for the most part, focus on rewarding those certified to teach special education students and English language learners (ELLs)—few are aimed at teachers of other hard-to-staff subjects such as math or science. In addition, there is limited evidence that particularly "hard-to-staff" districts—such as those with high proportions of minority and poor students and those with low academic achievement—are more likely to implement economic incentives that target teachers with specific subject credentials and are less likely to focus their efforts on attracting and retaining "high-quality" teachers.
How Unwavering is Support for the Local Property Tax?: Voting on School District Budgets in New York, 2003-2010
Authors: Silverman Robert Mark
Published: February 2011

This article examines voting results for school district budgets in New York from 2003-2010. Despite annual local property tax increases, 91.9% of proposed school district budgets were approved by voters during the period examined. Using data from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and the American Community Survey (ACS), several socioeconomic variables influencing school district budget voting are examined. The findings indicate that school districts serving larger populations are more likely to vote for local property tax increases. However, these effects are mitigated by the size of minority populations in a district, overall growth in school budgets, and increased voter turnout. In light of these findings, recommendations are made to assist school boards and administrators in planning school finance policy. It is argued that school districts should adopt participatory budget tools and enhance community-based decision-making in order to promote sustainable educational resources.
Circadian Rhythm of Circulating Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Is Related to Diurnal Changes in Fatty Acids in Humans
Authors: Yu Haoyong , Xia Fuzhen , Lam Karen SL , Wang Yu , Bao Yuqian , Zhang Jialiang , Gu Yunjuan , Zhou Pengcheng , Lu Junxi , Jia Weiping , Xu Aimin
Published: February 2011

BACKGROUND

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21 is an endocrine factor actively involved in glucose and lipid metabolism in rodents. However, little is known about its physiological function and regulation in humans. This study investigated the diurnal changes in circulating FGF21 concentrations and their association with other metabolic markers in both obese and lean individuals.

METHODS

A total of 36 volunteers were assigned to 2 groups. One group received 3 standardized meals and another group was fasted for 24 h. Blood samples were drawn every 30 min throughout a 24-h period. Circulating FGF21 concentrations were measured with an in-house chemiluminescence immunoassay. The effects of fatty acids on hepatic production of FGF21 were determined by using real-time PCR.

RESULTS

In both the fasting and standardized meals groups, circulating FGF21 began to rise at midnight, reaching a peak in the early morning and then declining to basal concentrations early in the afternoon. Baseline concentrations of circulating FGF21 were much higher in obese individuals than in lean individuals (P < 0.05). However, the magnitude of the nocturnal rise in circulating FGF21 was significantly blunted in obese individuals. The 24-h oscillatory pattern of circulating FGF21 resembled that of free fatty acids and cortisol, but was opposite to the patterns of insulin and glucose. Unsaturated fatty acids induced time-dependent expression of FGF21 mRNA in human hepatocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support the role of FGF21 as an important metabolic regulator that integrates the circadian rhythm with energy homeostasis in humans. Diurnal rhythms of circulating FGF21 could be partly caused by the oscillation of free fatty acids.
Aldose reductase: new insights for an old enzyme
Authors: Ramana Kota V.
Published: February 2011

In the past years aldose reductase (AKR1B1; AR) is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of secondary diabetic complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy and cataractogenesis. Subsequently, several AR inhibitors have been developed and tested for diabetic complications. Although these inhibitors have found to be safe for human use, they have not been successful in clinical studies because of limited efficacy. Recently, the potential physiological role of AR has been reassessed from a different point of view. Diverse groups suggested that AR, in addition to reducing glucose, also efficiently reduces oxidative stress-generated lipid peroxidation-derived aldehydes and their glutathione conjugates. Because lipid aldehydes alter cellular signals by regulating the activation of transcription factors such as NF-κB and AP1, inhibition of AR could inhibit such events. Indeed, a wide array of recent experimental evidence indicates that the inhibition of AR prevents oxidative stress-induced activation of NF-κB and AP1 signals that lead to cell death or growth. Furthermore, AR inhibitors have been shown to prevent inflammatory complications such as sepsis, asthma, colon cancer and uveitis in rodent animal models. The new experimentalin vitroandin vivodata has provided a basis for investigating the clinical efficacy of AR inhibitors in preventing other inflammatory complications than diabetes. This review describes how recent studies have identified novel plethoric physiological and pathophysiological significance of AR in mediating inflammatory complications, and how the discovery of such new insights for this old enzyme could have considerable importance in envisioning potential new therapeutic strategies for the prevention or treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Hippocampal Neurons Encode Different Episodes in an Overlapping Sequence of Odors Task
Authors: Ginther Matthew R. , Walsh Devin F. , Ramus Seth J.
Published: February 2011

Recent theoretical models of hippocampal function suggest that the hippocampus plays a critical role in the memory for the overlapping sequences of events that comprise episodic memory. Consistent with this idea, the firing of hippocampal “place cells” have been shown to represent not only location, but also the context or episode in which the location occurs. Thus, hippocampal neurons fire differently in the same location depending on the particular journey or sequence of places in which the subject is traveling. Further, recent work in rats has shown that hippocampal lesions impair memory for sequences of odors and the ability to disambiguate overlapping sequences of odors. We therefore recorded the activity of hippocampal complex-spike cells during a disambiguation of odor sequences task in which the two sequences shared three common odors. Consistent with data from spatial memory tasks, we found that 26 of 44 complex-spike cells fired differentially in the periods before, or during the presentation of the ambiguous odors depending on the sequence in which the odors were presented. This finding further supports the idea that the hippocampus is critical for episodic memory, and extends the physiological evidence to suggest that the hippocampal neurons play a broader role representing sequences of both spatial and nonspatial information.
Emergence of Learned Categorical Representations within an Auditory Forebrain Circuit
Authors: Jeanne James M. , Thompson Jason V. , Sharpee Tatyana O. , Gentner Timothy Q.
Published: February 2011

Many learned behaviors are thought to require the activity of high-level neurons that represent categories of complex signals, such as familiar faces or native speech sounds. How these complex, experience-dependent neural responses emerge within the brain's circuitry is not well understood. The caudomedial mesopallium (CMM), a secondary auditory region in the songbird brain, contains neurons that respond to specific combinations of song components and respond preferentially to the songs that birds have learned to recognize. Here, we examine the transformation of these learned responses across a broader forebrain circuit that includes the caudolateral mesopallium (CLM), an auditory region that provides input to CMM. We recorded extracellular single-unit activity in CLM and CMM in European starlings trained to recognize sets of conspecific songs and compared multiple encoding properties of neurons between these regions. We find that the responses of CMM neurons are more selective between song components, convey more information about song components, and are more variable over repeated components than the responses of CLM neurons. While learning enhances neural encoding of song components in both regions, CMM neurons encode more information about the learned categories associated with songs than do CLM neurons. Collectively, these data suggest that CLM and CMM are part of a functional sensory hierarchy that is modified by learning to yield representations of natural vocal signals that are increasingly informative with respect to behavior.
Stereological Estimate of the Total Number of Neurons in Spinal Segment D9 of the Red-Eared Turtle
Authors: Walløe Solveig , Nissen Ulla Vig , Berg Rune W. , Hounsgaard Jørn , Pakkenberg Bente
Published: February 2011

The red-eared turtle is an important animal model for investigating the neural activity in the spinal circuit that generates motor behavior. However, basic anatomical features, including the number of neurons in the spinal segments involved, are unknown. In the present study, we estimate the total number of neurons in segment D9 of the spinal cord in the red-eared turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) using stereological cell counting methods. In transverse spinal cord sections stained with modified Giemsa, motoneurons (MNs), interneurons (INs), and non-neuronal cells were distinguished according to location and morphology. Each cell type was then counted separately using an optical disector with the cell nucleus as counting item. The number of cells in segment D9 was as follows (mean ± SE): MNs, 2049 ± 74; INs, 16,135 ± 316; non-neuronal cells, 47,504 ± 478 (n= 6). These results provide the first estimate of the total number of neurons in a spinal segment in a terrestrial vertebrate based on unbiased stereological methods and an upper bound on the number of neurons involved in segmental sensorimotor activity. These findings also form a crucial quantitative foundation for integrating electrophysiological data into mathematical circuit models.
WRP/srGAP3Facilitates the Initiation of Spine Development by an Inverse F-BAR Domain, and Its Loss Impairs Long-Term Memory
Authors: Carlson Benjamin R. , Lloyd Krissey E. , Kruszewski Allison , Kim Il-Hwan , Rodriguiz Ramona M. , Heindel Clifford , Faytell Marika , Dudek Serena M. , Wetsel William C. , Soderling Scott H.
Published: February 2011

The WAVE-associated Rac GAP, WRP, is thought to regulate key aspects of synapse development and function and may be linked to mental retardation in humans. WRP contains a newly described inverse F-BAR (IF-BAR) domain of unknown function. Our studies show that this domain senses/facilitates outward protrusions analogous to filopodia and that the molecular basis for this is likely explained by a convex lipid-binding surface on the WRP IF-BAR domain. In dendrites the IF-BAR domain of WRP forms a bud on the shaft from which precursors to spines emerge. Loss of WRPin vivoandin vitroresults in reduced density of spines.In vivothis is primarily a loss of mushroom-shaped spines. Developmentally, WRP function is critical at the onset of spinogenesis, when dendritic filopodia are prevalent. Finally, becauseWRPis implicated in mental retardation, behaviors ofWRPheterozygous and null mice have been evaluated. Results from these studies confirm that loss ofWRPis linked to impaired learning and memory.
Reaction Time Correlations during Eye–Hand Coordination: Behavior and Modeling
Authors: Dean Heather L. , Martí Daniel , Tsui Eva , Rinzel John , Pesaran Bijan
Published: February 2011

During coordinated eye–hand movements, saccade reaction times (SRTs) and reach reaction times (RRTs) are correlated in humans and monkeys. Reaction times (RTs) measure the degree of movement preparation and can correlate with movement speed and accuracy. However, RTs can also reflect effector nonspecific influences, such as motivation and arousal. We use a combination of behavioral psychophysics and computational modeling to identify plausible mechanisms for correlations in SRTs and RRTs. To disambiguate nonspecific mechanisms from mechanisms specific to movement coordination, we introduce a dual-task paradigm in which a reach and a saccade are cued with a stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA). We then develop several variants of integrate-to-threshold models of RT, which postulate that responses are initiated when the neural activity encoding effector-specific movement preparation reaches a threshold. The integrator models formalize hypotheses about RT correlations and make predictions for how each RT should vary with SOA. To test these hypotheses, we trained three monkeys to perform the eye–hand SOA task and analyzed their SRTs and RRTs. In all three subjects, RT correlations decreased with increasing SOA duration. Additionally, mean SRT decreased with decreasing SOA, revealing facilitation of saccades with simultaneous reaches, as predicted by the model. These results are not consistent with the predictions of the models with common modulation or common input but are compatible with the predictions of a model with mutual excitation between two effector-specific integrators. We propose that RT correlations are not simply attributable to motivation and arousal and are a signature of coordination.
Routing the Flow of Sensory Signals Using Plastic Responses to Bursts and Isolated Spikes: Experiment and Theory
Authors: Middleton Jason W. , Yu Na , Longtin André , Maler Leonard
Published: February 2011

Processing complex sensory environments efficiently requires a diverse array of neural coding strategies. Neural codes relying on specific temporal patterning of action potentials may offer advantages over using solely spike rate codes. In particular, stimulus-dependent burst firing may carry additional information that isolated spikes do not. We use the well characterized electrosensory system of weakly electric fish to address how stimulus-dependent burst firing can determine the flow of information in feedforward neural circuits with different forms of short-term synaptic plasticity. Pyramidal cells in the electrosensory lateral line lobe burst in response to low-frequency, local (prey) signals. We show that the ability of pyramidal cells to code for local signals in the presence of additional high-frequency, global (communication) stimuli is uncompromised, while burst firing is reduced. We developed a bursting neuron model to understand how these effects, in particular noise-induced burst suppression, arise from interplay between incoming sensory signals and intrinsic neuronal dynamics. Finally, we examined how postsynaptic target populations preferentially respond to one of the two sensory mixtures (local vs local plus global) depending on whether the populations are in receipt of facilitating or depressing synapses. This form of feedforward neural architecture may allow for efficient information flow in the same neural pathway via either isolated or burst spikes, where the mechanisms by which stimuli are encoded are adaptable and sensitive to a diverse array of stimulus and contextual mixtures.
The Relationship between Duration of Initial Alcohol Exposure and Persistence of Molecular Tolerance Is Markedly Nonlinear
Authors: Velázquez-Marrero Cristina , Wynne Patricia , Bernardo Alexandra , Palacio Stephanie , Martin Gilles , Treistman Steven N.
Published: February 2011

The neuronal calcium- and voltage-activated BK potassium channel is modulated by ethanol, and plays a role in behavioral tolerance in vertebrates and invertebrates. We examine the influence of temporal parameters of alcohol exposure on the characteristics of BK molecular tolerance in the ventral striatum, an important component of brain reward circuitry. BK channels in striatal neurons of C57BL/6J mice exhibited molecular tolerance whose duration was a function of exposure time. After 6 h exposure to 20 mm(0.09 mg%) ethanol, alcohol sensitivity was suppressed beyond 24 h after withdrawal, while after a 1 or 3 h exposure, sensitivity had significantly recovered after 4 h. This temporally controlled transition to persistent molecular tolerance parallels changes in BK channel isoform profile. After withdrawal from 6 h, but not 3 h alcohol exposure, mRNA levels of the alcohol-insensitive STREX (stress axis-regulated exon) splice variant were increased. Moreover, the biophysical properties of BK channels during withdrawal from 6 h exposure were altered, and match the properties of STREX channels exogenously expressed in HEK 293 cells. Our results suggest a temporally triggered shift in BK isoform identity. Once activated, the transition does not require the continued presence of alcohol. We next determined whether the results obtained using cultured striatal neurons could be observed in acutely dissociated striatal neurons, after alcohol administration in the living mouse. The results were in remarkable agreement with the striatal culture data, showing persistent molecular tolerance after injections producing 6 h of intoxication, but not after injections producing only 3 h of intoxication.
Parietal Area VIP Causally Influences Heading Perception during Pursuit Eye Movements
Authors: Zhang Tao , Britten Kenneth H.
Published: February 2011

The ventral intraparietal area (VIP) of the macaque monkey brain is a multimodal area with visual, vestibular, somatosensory, and eye movement-related responses. The visual responses are strongly directional, and VIP neurons respond well to complex optic flow patterns similar to those found during self-motion. To test the hypothesis that visual responses in VIP directly contribute to the perception of self-motion direction, we used electrical microstimulation to perturb activity in VIP while animals performed a two-alternative heading discrimination task. Microstimulation systematically biased monkeys' choices in a direction consistent with neuronal preferences at the stimulation site, and these effects were larger while the animal was making smooth pursuit eye movements. From these results, we conclude that VIP is causally involved in the perception of self-motion from visual cues and that this involvement is gated by ongoing motor behavior.
Frequency-Dependent Recruitment of Fast Amino Acid and Slow Neuropeptide Neurotransmitter Release Controls Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neuron Excitability
Authors: Liu Xinhuai , Porteous Robert , d'Anglemont de Tassigny Xavier , Colledge William H. , Millar Robert , Petersen Sandra L. , Herbison Allan E.
Published: February 2011

The anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) is thought to play a key role in regulating the excitability of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons that control fertility. Using an angled, parahorizontal brain slice preparation we have undertaken a series of electrophysiological experiments to examine how the AVPV controls GnRH neurons in adult male and female mice. More than half (59%) of GnRH neurons located in the rostral preoptic area were found to receive monosynaptic inputs from the AVPV in a sex-dependent manner. AVPV stimulation frequencies <1 Hz generated short-latency action potentials in GnRH neurons with GABA and glutamate mediating >90% of the evoked fast synaptic currents. The AVPV GABA input was dominant and found to excite or inhibit GnRH neurons in a cell-dependent manner. Increasing the AVPV stimulation frequency to 5–10 Hz resulted in the appearance of additional poststimulus inhibitory as well as delayed excitatory responses in GnRH neurons that were independent of ionotropic amino acid receptors. The inhibition observed immediately following the end of the stimulation period was mediated partly by GABABreceptors, while the delayed activation was mediated by the neuropeptide kisspeptin. The latter response was essentially absent inGpr54knock-out mice and abolished by a Gpr54 antagonist. Together, these studies show that AVPV neurons provide direct amino acid and neuropeptidergic inputs to GnRH neurons. Low-frequency activation generates predominant GABA/glutamate release with higher frequency activation recruiting release of kisspeptin. This frequency-dependent release of amino acid and neuropeptide neurotransmitters greatly expands the range of AVPV control of GnRH neuron excitability.
Simultaneous Acquisition of Multiple Auditory–Motor Transformations in Speech
Authors: Rochet-Capellan Amélie , Ostry David J.
Published: February 2011

The brain easily generates the movement that is needed in a given situation. Yet surprisingly, the results of experimental studies suggest that it is difficult to acquire more than one skill at a time. To do so, it has generally been necessary to link the required movement to arbitrary cues. In the present study, we show that speech motor learning provides an informative model for the acquisition of multiple sensorimotor skills. During training, subjects were required to repeat aloud individual words in random order while auditory feedback was altered in real-time in different ways for the different words. We found that subjects can quite readily and simultaneously modify their speech movements to correct for these different auditory transformations. This multiple learning occurs effortlessly without explicit cues and without any apparent awareness of the perturbation. The ability to simultaneously learn several different auditory–motor transformations is consistent with the idea that, in speech motor learning, the brain acquires instance-specific memories. The results support the hypothesis that speech motor learning is fundamentally local.
Gamma-Band Activity as a Signature for Cross-Modal Priming of Auditory Object Recognition by Active Haptic Exploration
Authors: Schneider Till R. , Lorenz Simone , Senkowski Daniel , Engel Andreas K.
Published: February 2011

When visual sensory information is restricted, we often rely on haptic and auditory information to recognize objects. Here we examined how haptic exploration of familiar objects affects neural processing of subsequently presented sounds of objects. Recent studies indicated that oscillatory responses, in particular in the gamma band (30–100 Hz), reflect cross-modal processing, but it is not clear which cortical networks are involved. In this high-density EEG study, we measured gamma-band activity (GBA) in humans performing a haptic-to-auditory priming paradigm. Haptic stimuli served as primes, and sounds of objects as targets. Haptic and auditory stimuli were either semantically congruent or incongruent, and participants were asked to categorize the objects represented by the sounds. Response times were shorter for semantically congruent compared with semantically incongruent inputs. This haptic-to-auditory priming effect was associated with enhanced total power GBA (250–350 ms) for semantically congruent inputs and additional effects of semantic congruency on evoked GBA (50–100 ms). Source reconstruction of total GBA using linear beamforming revealed effects of semantic congruency in the left lateral temporal lobe, possibly reflecting matching of information across modalities. For semantically incongruent inputs, total GBA was enhanced in middle frontal cortices, possibly indicating the processing or detection of conflicting information. Our findings demonstrate that semantic priming by haptic object exploration affects processing of auditory inputs in the lateral temporal lobe and suggest an important role of oscillatory activity for multisensory processing.
Crystallographic orientation relationship between bastnaesite, fluocerite and cerianite observed in a crystal from the pikes peak pegmatites
Authors: Müller Mathis M. , Kleebe Hans-Joachim , Lauterbach Stefan , Zito Gary
Published: February 2011

The crystallographic orientation relationship of a fluocerite (Ce,La)F3crystal overgrown with bastnaesite (Ce,La)[CO3]F from the Pikes Peak area in Colorado, USA was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. The epitaxial overgrowth of bastnaesite on fluocerite was confirmed by evaluating the electron diffraction patterns of both minerals. During the examination, a third mineral phase, which was unexpected in this phase assemblage, was detected and identified as cerianite, CeO2, by EDS analysis in conjunction with electron diffraction. Its orientation relationship to the two main mineral phases can be described as a syntactical growth. The La-concentration of bastnaesite changes with distance from the cerianite interface, as confirmed by EDS. The reduction in Ce-content in close proximity to the interface of cerianite yielded a model rationalizing the local precipitation of cerianite. For all three mineral phases, a special orientation relationship was established.
Differentiation of nestin-positive cells derived from bone marrow into pancreatic endocrine and ductal cells in vitro
Authors: Milanesi Anna , Lee Jang-Won , Xu Qijin , Perin Laura , Yu John S
Published: February 2011

Promising results of pancreatic islet transplantation to treat type 1 diabetes mellitus, combined with severe shortage of donor pancreata, have spurred efforts to generate pancreatic islet-like cells and insulin-producing β-cells from various progenitor populations. In this study, we show for the first time that multipotent nestin-positive stem cells selected from rat bone marrow can be differentiated into pancreatic ductal and insulin-producing β-cells in vitro. We report an effective multistep protocol in a serum-free system, which could efficiently induce β-cell differentiation from multipotent nestin-positive bone marrow stem cells. To enhance the induction and differentiation toward pancreatic lineage we used trichostatin A, an important regulator of chromatin remodeling, and 5-aza 2′ deoxycytidine, an inhibitor of DNA methylase. All-trans retinoic acid was then utilized to promote pancreatic differentiation. We sequentially induced important transcription factor genes, such as Pdx1, Ngn3, and Pax6, following the in vivo development timeline of the pancreas in rats. Furthermore, in the final stage with the presence of nicotinamide, the induced cells expressed islet and ductal specific markers. The differentiated cells not only expressed insulin and glucose transporter 2, but also displayed a glucose-responsive secretion of the hormone. Our results delineate a new model system to study islet neogenesis and possible pharmaceutical targets. Nestin-positive bone marrow stem cells may be therapeutically relevant for β-cell replacement in type 1 diabetes.
The significance of the relationship between external/internal locus of control and adolescent substance use in behavioral medicine
Authors: Pikó Bettina , Kovács Eszter , Kriston Pálma
Published: February 2011

Prevention and treatment of the addictions are key public health priorities in modern society. In medical practice, in relation to the biochemical processes, mapping the addiction-prone personality traits, like external/internal locus of control are getting more and more attention. Individuals with high level on internal locus of control, for example, tend to take care of their health behavior; the lack of it, on the other hand, may worsen the effectiveness of stress release which may increase the likelihood of turning to substance use. Aims: The main goal of the present study was to investigate the relationship between adolescent substance use (both lifetime prevalence and the actual substance user status) and external/internal locus of control). Method: The data collection of the questionnaire survey was going on among 656 high school students in Szeged (age range between 14-21 years, mean = 16.5 years, S.D. = 1.5 years of age, 49.1% of the sample was female). Associations between indicators of substance use (as dependent variables) and scale points of external/internal locus of control (as independent variables) were assessed using odds ratios calculated by logistic regression analyses, whereas gender was used as a controlling variable. Results: Among boys, scale points of external, among girls, those of internal locus of control showed higher values. External locus of control increased, whereas internal locus of control decreased the risk of substance use, however, the relative role of external/internal locus of control was different according to the type of substance use and the prevalence values. In terms of smoking, lifetime prevalence, whereas in terms of marijuana use, the actual user status was influenced. In addition, while the latter one was also affected by gender, it did not play a role at all in the previous one. Conclusions: All these findings suggest that behavioral control may play a particularly important role in prevention of adolescent substance use. For developing this, methods of cognitive therapy would be effective to be completed with autogenic relaxation training as well. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 331–337.
Verrucous carcinoma of the anal margin. The importance of adequate biopsy technique
Authors: Soós Zsuzsanna , Varga Tímea , Vadinszky Péter , Hajós Péter , Vajda Katalin , Kiss Sándor , Winkler Gábor
Published: February 2011

Buschke-Löwenstein tumor (verrucous carcinoma, giant condylomata) of the anal margin is a locally invasive, destructively growing carcinoma that does not metastasize. The lesions are rare despite the increased incidence of anal condylomata and anal carcinomas. Authors report a case of a 63-year-old woman suffering from verrucous carcinoma (Buschke-Löwenstein tumor) of the anal margin. The tumor invaded the rectal sphincter and extended beyond the muscle, infiltrating the lower abdomen. Infiltration of the perivesical soft tissue caused bilateral hydronephros. Because both under- and overdiagnosis of anal cancer and precancer may lead to inappropriate treatment, it is important to perform adequate sampling for histology. Non-representative superficial biopsies may result underdiagnosis of the disease. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 344–348.
Phenological Indicators for Emergence of Large and Smooth Crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalisandD. ischaemum)
Authors: Cardina John , Herms Catherine P. , Herms Daniel A.
Published: February 2011

We studied the emergence phenology of large and smooth crabgrass in lawn and bare soil environments and identified ornamental plants as phenological indicators that predict the progress of emergence. From 2002 to 2004, we monitored emergence of large and smooth crabgrass in field plots to estimate the dates of first emergence, and 25, 50 and 80% emergence. Each year, we monitored 74 taxa of ornamental plants to determine dates of first and full bloom. We compiled dates of weed emergence and ornamental blooming to create a biological calendar of phenological events for each year, ordered by average cumulative degree days (DD) (January 1 start date, 10 C base temperature). Ornamental plant flowering events that occurred in a regular sequence before crabgrass emergence events were identified as the phenological indicators. We also evaluated DD and rule-based models for predicting crabgrass emergence and optimum time of PRE herbicide application. In general, smooth crabgrass reached each emergence stage earlier than large crabgrass. Differences in emergence between environments were not consistent over years for the two species. There was no consistent pattern in parameters for DD models predicting emergence events for either crabgrass species or environment. For published DD models, the deviation between observed and predicted emergence events ranged from 0 to > 60 d. Published rule-based predictions, though accurate in some cases, were sometimes difficult to implement. The order of ornamental plant blooming and crabgrass emergence events was generally consistent over years (R2= 0.977). The biological calendar provided useful crabgrass emergence predictions using real-time field-based indicators of sequential biological events that can help managers plan and optimize management strategies.
On the Analysis of Combined Experiments
Authors: Blouin David C. , Webster Eric P. , Bond Jason A.
Published: February 2011

The replication of experiments over multiple environments such as locations and years is a common practice in field research. A major reason for the practice is to estimate the effects of treatments over a variety of environments. Environments are frequently classed as random effects in the model for statistical analysis, while treatments are almost always classed as fixed effects. Where environments are random and treatments are fixed, it is not always necessary to include all possible interactions between treatments and environments as random effects in the model. The rationale for decisions about the inclusion or exclusion of fixed by random effects in a mixed model is presented. Where the effects of treatments over broad populations of environments are to be estimated, it is often most appropriate to include only those fixed by random effects that reference experimental units.
Tolerance of Spring Triticale (× Triticosecale Wittmack) to Four Wheat Herbicides
Authors: Raatz Lisa , Hills Melissa , Mckenzie Ross , Yang Rong-Cai , Topinka Keith , Hall Linda
Published: February 2011

Triticale is a low input crop, produced in North America primarily for silage for animal feed. Currently, seed growers have few herbicide options for producing certified seed. There is anecdotal evidence that triticale tolerates many of the same herbicides as wheat. In 2004 and 2005, the tolerance of three spring triticale varieties (AC Alta, AC Ultima, and Pronghorn) was tested with four herbicides registered for wheat: florasulam + MCPA ester, clodinafop-propargyl, thifensulfuron-methyl/tribenuron-methyl, and sulfosulfuron-methyl + 2,4-D ester. Herbicides were applied at the label rate (1×) for wheat and twice (2×) that rate. Crop injury, plant height, biomass, and seed yields were quantified. Neither florasulam + MCPA ester, clodinafop-propargyl, nor thifensulfuron-methyl/tribenuron-methyl at 1× or 2× use rates significantly injured triticale. Sulfosulfuron-methyl + 2,4-D ester reduced triticale height at the 1× and 2× rates, as well as reduced biomass and yield at the 2× rate. Florasulam + MCPA ester, clodinafop-propargyl, and thifensulfuron-methyl/tribenuron-methyl do not cause significant crop injury and can be used for weed control in spring triticale, but sulfosulfuron-methyl + 2,4-D ester is not recommended for use in triticale.
Common Lambsquarters Response to Glyphosate across Environments
Authors: Sivesind Evan C. , Gaska John M. , Jeschke Mark R. , Boerboom Chris M. , Stoltenberg David E.
Published: February 2011

We conducted a series of field experiments to determine the role of several factors that might contribute to the inconsistent control of common lambsquarters with glyphosate. Experiments in 2006 and 2007 determined common lambsquarters response to glyphosate under a wide range of measured environmental conditions. Glyphosate was applied at 0.84 kg ae ha−1plus 3.8 kg ha−1ammonium sulfate (AMS) to 10-cm-tall plants on 18 dates in each year and to 20-cm-tall plants on 18 dates in 2007. Control was less for six application dates relative to control for 48 other dates. Poor control was attributed to rainfall on one of these six dates, but for the other five dates, regression analysis did not identify any significant relationships between environmental conditions (relative humidity, temperature at time of treatment, or minimum and maximum temperature pre- and posttreatment) and control, even though a wide range of conditions occurred. To determine the effects of plant growth stage on control, glyphosate was applied at 0.1 to 3.2 kg ha−1plus 3.8 kg ha−1AMS to 10- and 20-cm-tall plants at four sites. The glyphosate ED50value (the effective dose that reduced shoot mass by 50% relative to nontreated plants) was 1.9 to 3.0 times greater for 20- than 10-cm-tall plants in three site-years, but was not affected by plant height in one site-year. We also conducted experiments to determine the effect of rainfall on glyphosate efficacy. Across years, common lambsquarters control increased from 44 to 75% as the interval between glyphosate application (0.84 kg ha−1+ 3.8 kg ha−1AMS) and simulated rainfall increased from 0.5 to 4.0 h, respectively. Our results did not identify environmental conditions that explained reduced glyphosate efficacy in all cases, but they suggest that rainfall after application and plant height can be important factors contributing to the inconsistent control of common lambsquarters.
Allyl Isothiocyanate: A Methyl Bromide Replacement in Polyethylene-Mulched Bell Pepper
Authors: Bangarwa Sanjeev K. , Norsworthy Jason K. , Gbur Edward E. , Zhang Jingying , Habtom Tsehaye
Published: February 2011

Methyl bromide has been a key fumigant for broad-spectrum weed control in polyethylene-mulched bell pepper. However, the ozone-depleting nature of methyl bromide has led to its scheduled phaseout from U.S. agriculture. Thus, an effective alternative to methyl bromide is needed. Field trials were conducted in 2007 and 2009 to evaluate the crop response and weed control efficacy of allyl isothiocyanate (ITC) in polyethylene-mulched bell pepper. The experiment included various combinations of two mulch types (low density polyethylene [LDPE] and virtually impermeable film [VIF] mulch) and six rates of allyl isothiocyanate (0, 15, 75, 150, 750, 1,500 kg ha−1). Additionally, a standard treatment of methyl bromide/chloropicrin (67 : 33%) at 390 kg ha−1 under LDPE mulch was included for comparison. Bell pepper injury was < 3% in all treatments, except 11% injury at 1,500 kg ha−1 allyl isothiocyanate under VIF mulch at 2 wk after transplanting (WATP). VIF mulch did not provide additional weed control and marketable pepper yield over LDPE mulch. Allyl isothiocyanate at 932 (± 127) kg ha−1 controlled yellow nutsedge (90%), Palmer amaranth (97%), and large crabgrass (92%) through 6 WATP and maintained the marketable yield equivalent to methyl bromide treatment. This research demonstrates that allyl ITC under an LDPE mulch can serve as a potential alternative to methyl bromide for weed control in polyethylene-mulched bell pepper.
Paternity Testing: A Non‐Linkage Based Marker‐Assisted Selection Scheme for Outbred Forage Species
Authors: Riday Heathcliffe
Published: February 2011

In many major perennial forage species, genomic tools and infrastructure development has advanced enough that their utilization in marker‐assisted selection (MAS) can be cheaply explored. This paper presents a paternity testing MAS in diploid red clover (Trifolium pratense L.). Utilizing individual plant phenotypes, known maternity, and molecular marker‐determined paternity, paternal and maternal breeding values are calculated and selection on both parents is accomplished. Paternity testing MAS is demonstrated in three red clover breeding populations utilizing permutation‐based truncation selection for a biomass‐persistence index trait. Permutation‐based truncation selection is accomplished by ranking parents based on 80% of total progeny per permutation. Parental rankings are then used to select among the remaining 20% of total progeny and average selection gains across all permutations are estimated. Paternity was determined from 11 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) amplified in two polymerase chain reactions (PCRs). Paternity‐based selection gains alone were more than double selection gains based on maternity alone. Inexplicably, the estimated paternal halfsib family additive genetic variance was four to five times greater than the maternal halfsib family additive genetic variance. Paternity testing MAS is implementable in other diploid forage species and allopolyploid forage species with one diploid genome and corresponding genome specific molecular markers.
Genetics of Fertility Restoration in A4‐Based, Diverse Maturing Hybrids of Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]
Authors: Saxena K. B. , Sultana R. , Saxena R. K. , Kumar R. V. , Sandhu J. S. , Rathore A. , Kishor P.B. Kavi , Varshney R. K.
Published: February 2011

Recently, a breeding technology for hybrid pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] based on cytoplasmic‐nuclear male sterility (CMS) and partial natural outcrossing was developed at ICRISAT. The limited number of experimental hybrids tested has shown the presence of a considerable amount of hybrid vigor for seed yield. In the present study, one extra‐early‐ (120 d), two early‐ (150 d), and two late‐maturing (180 d) pigeonpea hybrids were studied to generate information on the genetics of fertility restoration of the A4 CMS system. In the extra‐early‐maturing hybrids, pollen fertility was controlled by a single dominant gene, whereas in the early‐ and late‐ maturing hybrids, male fertility was governed by two duplicate dominant genes. It was also observed that hybrids with two dominant genes produced a greater pollen load and expressed greater stability as compared with those carrying a single dominant gene. The information on the inheritance of fertility restoration will help in designing strategies for breeding elite hybrid parents, and it was concluded that for breeding hybrids with stable fertility restoration, the presence of two dominant genes is essential.
Soluble TWEAK and PTX3 in Nondialysis CKD Patients
Authors: Yilmaz Mahmut Ilker , Sonmez Alper , Ortiz Alberto , Saglam Mutlu , Kilic Selim , Eyileten Tayfun , Caglar Kayser , Oguz Yusuf , Vural Abdulgaffar , Çakar Mustafa , Egido Jesus , Altun Battal , Yenicesu Mujdat , Blanco-Colio Luis Miguel , Carrero Juan Jesús
Published: February 2011

Background and objectives

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) conveys high mortality rates. Soluble TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (sTWEAK) and long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) are predictors of mortality in dialysis patients and determinants of endothelial dysfunction. Now, we hypothesize that both sTWEAK and PTX3 act as biomarkers of cardiovascular outcomes in nondialysis CKD patients.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Cross-sectional analysis in which flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and intima-media thickness (IMT) were assessed in 257 nondialysis stage 1 to 5 CKD patients (mean age, 52 ± 12 years; 130 men), together with biochemical measurements and sTWEAK and PTX3 assessments. Patients were followed for cardiovascular outcomes.

Results

PTX3 and IMT increased, whereas FMD and sTWEAK decreased across CKD stages (P < 0.001 for all). Both PTX3 and sTWEAK appeared as strong determinants of FMD in multivariate analysis. The univariate associations of sTWEAK and PTX3 with IMT were dependent on estimated GFR. After a median of 39 months (range, 2 to 43 months), 22 fatal and 57 nonfatal cardiovascular events occurred. In a Cox model excluding PTX3, decreasing sTWEAK concentration was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events independently of basic confounders (age, gender, estimated GFR, C reactive protein, diabetes, and cardiovascular comorbidity) and FMD. In a model excluding sTWEAK, circulating levels of PTX3 were directly associated with cardiovascular outcomes independently of basic confounders, but this association was lost after adjustment for FMD.

Conclusions

Both PTX3 and sTWEAK levels associated with the endothelial dysfunction observed with progressive kidney failure. Additionally, both biomarkers impacted the predictability of cardiovascular outcomes.
Analysis of mapping of general II degree surfaces in collinear spaces
Authors: Krasic Sonja , Markovic Biserka
Published: February 2011

Mapping of projective creations which includes the II degree surfaces in the
projective, general collinear spaces is complex. In order to simplify it,
firstly the characteristic parameters must be constructively determined:
vanishing planes, axes and centers of spaces. All II degree surfaces are
mapped using the common elements of absolute conic and infinitely distant
conic of quadrics in the infinitely distant plane of space, which provide the
determination of parameters of any surface of II degree. The common elements
of their associated pair of conics in vanishing plane of space are used. The
paper analyzed the conditions of choice of general surface of II degree in
the first space to be mapped into the respective general surface of II degree
in the second collinear space. The mapping is biunivocal. A sphere is chosen
in the first space, and it was analyzed how it should be placed in respect to
the characteristic parameters of the space, so that it would be mapped in
rotating or triaxial general surfaces of II degree in the second space.
Margi Park concept design: Nursing home for seniors and EU-standards
Authors: Dietrich Wolfgang , Stankovic Danica
Published: February 2011

The physical environment has a great potential for supporting resident's
residual way-finding abilities. Until now little systematic research has been
carried out to identify supportive architectural characteristics. The
architectural structure of the buildings and the impact of the different
architectural characteristics was also analyzed. Results show that people
with advancing dementia are increasingly dependent on a compensating
environment. Our experience in design of contemporary homes and its
environment for elderly persons is an example how the young generation can
remain an integral part of the elderly peoples lives. Any Cooperation between
Serbia and Germany is to be in accordance with European Standards and Norms.
Urban matrix formation models in the moderne style architecture in Nis
Authors: Kekovic Aleksandar , Petrovic Marjan
Published: February 2011

This paper analyses contribution of architecture of structures to the quality
urban matrix of a building or group of buildings in an environment. It can be
considered a special town planning task, and the final results and
successfulness of design is judged by the time and people. The time distance
of almost one century since the first Modern style buildings occurred in our
parts, and some eighty years since the first such buildings were constructed
in Nis, constitute a sufficiently long historical period for producing of an
objective and good quality analysis of the contribution and impact of this
style of architecture on the creation of urban matrix of Nis, that is, to
express an opinion whether the Modern style architecture in Nis succeeded in
blending with the inherited structure of the city and create new urban values
and referential city ambiance.