bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nod Factor Receptors Form Heteromeric Complexes and Are Essential for Intracellular Infection inMedicagoNodules
Authors: Moling Sjef , Pietraszewska-Bogiel Anna , Postma Marten , Fedorova Elena , Hink Mark A. , Limpens Erik , Gadella Theodorus W.J. , Bisseling Ton 
Published: October 2014

AbstractRhizobial Nod factors are the key signaling molecules in the legume-rhizobium nodule symbiosis. In this study, the role of the Nod factor receptors NOD FACTOR PERCEPTION (NFP) and LYSIN MOTIF RECEPTOR-LIKE KINASE3 (LYK3) in establishing the symbiotic interface in root nodules was investigated. It was found that inside Medicago truncatula nodules, NFP and LYK3 localize at the cell periphery in a narrow zone of about two cell layers at the nodule apex. This restricted accumulation is narrower than the region of promoter activity/mRNA accumulation and might serve to prevent the induction of defense-like responses and/or to restrict the rhizobium release to precise cell layers. The distal cell layer where the receptors accumulate at the cell periphery is part of the meristem, and the proximal layer is part of the infection zone. In these layers, the receptors can most likely perceive the bacterial Nod factors to regulate the formation of symbiotic interface. Furthermore, our Förster resonance energy transfer-fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy analysis indicates that NFP and LYK3 form heteromeric complexes at the cell periphery in M. truncatula nodules.
Lesson study incorporating phase-based instruction using Geometer's Sketchpad and its effects on Thai students’ geometric thinking
Authors: Adulyasas Lilla , Abdul Rahman Shafia 
Published: October 2014

Purpose
– Geometry has, in many countries, proved to be one of the problematic topics in mathematics. The purpose of this paper is to report on a study that was carried to investigate the effects of lesson study incorporating phase-based instruction (LS-PBI) using Geometer's Sketchpad (GSP) on Thai students’ geometric thinking.

Design/methodology/approach
– The effectiveness of the LS-PBI using GSP within the targeted context was assessed in a quasi-experimental research approach involving three groups of mixed ability grade 7 students (12-year-olds) in one of the schools in Yala province, Thailand. These groups (Group 1: n=30, Group 2: n=28 and Group 3: n=29) were taught the topic of properties of 2D and 3D geometric shapes through phase-based instruction using GSP in turn by three different teachers. The teachers observed the lesson study teaching protocol. Data were collected using pre-test and post-test to assess students’ van Hiele level of geometric thinking. In addition, six students were selected to be observed in order to give supplementary data on their level of geometric thinking changed.

Findings
– Findings revealed that the LS-PBI was effective in improving students’ geometric thinking. Analysis of paired sample t-test showed that there was a significant difference in the pre-test and post-test scores in each group after each LS session. Analysis of covariance showed that there was a significant difference in the post-test scores among the three groups of students.

Originality/value
– The findings of this original study suggest that the LS-PBI using GSP was effective in enhancing students’ geometric thinking.
Brain-compatible, web-based information security education: a statistical study
Authors: Reid Rayne , van Niekerk Johan 
Published: October 2014

Purpose
– This paper aims to demonstrate that learners prefer brain-compatible cyber security educational material, over traditional presentation methods.

Design/methodology/approach
– A prototype brain-compatible cyber security educational system was evaluated using a survey as a research instrument.

Findings
– Presenting cyber security material in a brain-compatible manner is an effective way in which to stimulate the learners’ interest, engages them in the learning experience and motivates them to learn.

Originality/value
– As far as could be determined, no previous studies showed the relevance of brain-compatible pedagogical techniques to cyber security education.
Duverger's Law in mixed legislative systems: The impact of national electoral rules on district competition
Authors: Rich Timothy S. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractHow do institutional factors shape district competition in mixed legislative systems? Preliminary evidence suggests the distinction between sub‐types of mixed systems alone poorly explains variation in district results. Consistent with the contamination thesis, this analysis suggests three additional national‐level factors at play: fused ballots, the electoral threshold for proportional representation seats, and the existence of compulsory voting laws. Regression analysis on an original dataset covering 90 mixed system elections in 23 countries (1990–2012) finds that while mixed member majoritarian systems correlate with fewer district candidates, these three often overlooked factors are also statistically significant. This analysis highlights the complexity of mixed systems and suggests why many of them diverge from Duverger's Law.
Biofilm formation by enteric pathogens and its role in plant colonization and persistence
Authors: Yaron Sima , Römling Ute 
Published: October 2014

SummaryThe significant increase in foodborne outbreaks caused by contaminated fresh produce, such as alfalfa sprouts, lettuce, melons, tomatoes and spinach, during the last 30 years stimulated investigation of the mechanisms of persistence of human pathogens on plants. Emerging evidence suggests that Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli, which cause the vast majority of fresh produce outbreaks, are able to adhere to and to form biofilms on plants leading to persistence and resistance to disinfection treatments, which subsequently can cause human infections and major outbreaks. In this review, we present the current knowledge about host, bacterial and environmental factors that affect the attachment to plant tissue and the process of biofilm formation by S. enterica and E. coli, and discuss how biofilm formation assists in persistence of pathogens on the plants. Mechanisms used by S. enterica and E. coli to adhere and persist on abiotic surfaces and mammalian cells are partially similar and also used by plant pathogens and symbionts. For example, amyloid curli fimbriae, part of the extracellular matrix of biofilms, frequently contribute to adherence and are upregulated upon adherence and colonization of plant material. Also the major exopolysaccharide of the biofilm matrix, cellulose, is an adherence factor not only of S. enterica and E. coli, but also of plant symbionts and pathogens. Plants, on the other hand, respond to colonization by enteric pathogens with a variety of defence mechanisms, some of which can effectively inhibit biofilm formation. Consequently, plant compounds might be investigated for promising novel antibiofilm strategies.
Age Progression of Neuropathological Markers in the Brain of the Chilean Rodent Octodon degus, a Natural Model of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Inestrosa Nibaldo C. , Ríos Juvenal A. , Cisternas Pedro , Tapia‐Rojas Cheril , Rivera Daniela S. , Braidy Nady , Zolezzi Juan M. , Godoy Juan A. , Carvajal Francisco J. , Ardiles Alvaro O. , Bozinovic Francisco , Palacios Adrián G. , Sachdev Perminder S. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of age‐related dementia worldwide. Several models for AD have been developed to provide information regarding the initial changes that lead to degeneration. Transgenic mouse models recapitulate many, but not all, of the features of AD, most likely because of the high complexity of the pathology. In this context, the validation of a wild‐type animal model of AD that mimics the neuropathological and behavioral abnormalities is necessary. In previous studies, we have reported that the Chilean rodent Octodon degus could represent a natural model for AD. In the present work, we further describe the age‐related neurodegeneration observed in the O. degus brain. We report some histopathological markers associated with the onset progression of AD, such as glial activation, increase in oxidative stress markers, neuronal apoptosis and the expression of the peroxisome proliferative‐activated receptor γ coactivator‐1α (PGC‐1α). With these results, we suggest that the O. degus could represent a new model for AD research and a powerful tool in the search for therapeutic strategies against AD.
Correlation between lung to thorax transverse area ratio and observed/expected lung area to head circumference ratio in fetuses with left‐sided diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Hidaka Nobuhiro , Murata Masaharu , Sasahara Jun , Ishii Keisuke , Mitsuda Nobuaki 
Published: October 2014

Abstract Observed/expected lung area to head circumference ratio (o/e LHR) and lung to thorax transverse area ratio (LTR) are the sonographic indicators of postnatal outcome in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), and they are not influenced by gestational age. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between these two parameters in the same subjects with fetal left‐sided CDH. Fetuses with left‐sided CDH managed between 2005 and 2012 were included. Data of LTR and o/e LHR values measured on the same day prior to 33 weeks' gestation in target fetuses were retrospectively collected. The correlation between the two parameters was estimated using the Spearman's rank‐correlation coefficient, and linear regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between them. Data on 61 measurements from 36 CDH fetuses were analyzed to obtain a Spearman's rank‐correlation coefficient of 0.74 with the following linear equation: LTR = 0.002 × (o/e LHR) + 0.005. The determination coefficient of this linear equation was sufficiently high at 0.712, and the prediction accuracy obtained with this regression formula was considered satisfactory. A good linear correlation between the LTR and the o/e LHR was obtained, suggesting that we can translate the predictive parameters for each other. This information is expected to be useful to improve our understanding of different investigations focusing on LTR or o/e LHR as a predictor of postnatal outcome in CDH.
Spiradenoma and cylindroma originate from the hair follicle bulge and not from the eccrine sweat gland: an immunohistochemical study with CD200 and other stem cell markers
Authors: Sellheyer Klaus 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundSpiradenoma and cylindroma have historically been described as sweat gland tumors and have often been considered to be of eccrine lineage. However, (a) associations with trichoepitheliomas in Brooke‐Spiegler syndrome or with trichoepitheliomas and milia in Rasmussen syndrome, (b) neoplastic combinations with hair follicle tumors in solitary cases, and (c) anatomical considerations support a folliculosebaceous‐apocrine lineage. Follicular stem cell markers may allow for further characterization of these neoplasms.MethodsA total of 97 tumors were examined for the expression pattern of follicular stem cell markers cytokeratin 15 (CK15), cytokeratin 19 (CK19), pleckstrin homology‐like domain, family A, member 1 (PHLDA1), and CD200. The tumors were comprised of 27 spiradenomas, 30 cylindromas, 16 hidradenomas, 19 poromas, 4 dermal duct tumors and 1 hidroacanthoma simplex.ResultsAll spiradenomas and cylindromas were CD200‐positive whereas the other tumors classified as eccrine in lineage were all CD200‐negative. CK15 also discriminated between spiradenomas and cylindromas and the remaining neoplasms but not to the degree of CD200. PHLDA1 and CK19 were noncontributory.ConclusionsIt is concluded that both spiradenoma and cylindroma are not eccrine but follicular tumors. More specifically, it is proposed that both adnexal neoplasms are derived from the hair follicle bulge and as such represent one of the least differentiated follicular tumors.
The additive effect of excimer laser on non‐cultured melanocyte–keratinocyte transplantation for the treatment of vitiligo: a clinical trial in an Iranian population
Authors: Ebadi A. , Rad M.M. , Nazari S. , Fesharaki R.J. , Ghalamkarpour F. , Younespour S. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundNon‐cultured cellular grafting is specified for stable vitiligo treatment as a novel surgical technique, however, the additive effect of excimer laser on melanocytes–keratinocytes transplantation (MKT) have not experienced yet.ObjectiveTo assay the additive effect of excimer laser on MKT for the treatment of vitiligo in an Iranian population.Methods and materialsIn this non‐randomized clinical trial, 39 patches were evaluated. Nine patches treated by MKT alone, 10 patches treated by MKT and excimer laser, 10 patches treated with excimer alone and 10 patches left without any treatments as control patches.ResultsIn the patches treated with excimer, the percentage reduction of depigmented area from baseline varied, ranging from 0 to 43.9%. In the nine patches treated with non‐cultured MKT, the median percentage reduction of depigmented area from baseline was 15.9%. The median percentage reduction of depigmented area in excimer + MKT was 41.9% .In the untreated patches, the median percentage reduction of depigmented area was 0.1%. After controlling for the effect of ‘depigmented area at baseline’, significant reductions were observed in depigmented area of the patches treated with combination therapy of excimer and non‐cultured MKT in comparison with the other therapies and untreated patches.ConclusionAlthough pigmentation in our patients was lower than previous reports from Iran and other countries, however, we signified adding excimer to MKT increased the pigmentation rate in treated patches. Further investigations are recommended with longer follow‐up and larger series to validate the findings reported here.
Sexual Function in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Prostatic Enlargement Secondary to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Results of a 6-Month, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Tadalafil Coadministered with Finasteride
Authors: Glina Sidney , Roehrborn Claus G. , Esen Adil , Plekhanov Alexey , Sorsaburu Sebastian , Henneges Carsten , Büttner Hartwig , Viktrup Lars 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Tadalafil (TAD) 5 mg coadministered with finasteride (FIN) 5 mg significantly improves lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatic enlargement. However, its effects on erectile/sexual function have yet to be fully described.

Aim
Assess the effects of TAD/FIN coadministration (compared with placebo [PBO]/FIN) on erectile and sexual function in sexually active men with LUTS and prostatic enlargement secondary to BPH with or without baseline comorbid erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods
A randomized, double-blind, PBO-controlled study of 695 men (610 sexually active; 450 with baseline ED; 404 sexually active with baseline ED) conducted at 70 sites in 13 countries. TAD 5 mg or PBO once daily coadministered with FIN 5 mg once daily for 26 weeks.

Main Outcome Measures
International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) domain and single-item scores; proportions of patients who demonstrated minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) in IIEF-Erectile Function domain scores (IIEF-EF; MCID defined as ≥4-point improvement); and sexual dysfunction adverse events (AEs).

Results
Compared with PBO/FIN, TAD/FIN resulted in improvements for all IIEF domain and single-item scores assessed among patients with baseline ED (P ≤ 0.002 for all measures) and among patients without baseline ED (P ≤ 0.041 for all measures). Compared with PBO/FIN, significantly larger percentages of sexually active men with baseline ED treated with TAD/FIN achieved an IIEF-EF MCID after 4, 12, and 26 weeks of therapy (P &lt; 0.001 for odds ratio comparisons between TAD/FIN and PBO/FIN at all 3three postbaseline timepoints). The incidence of sexual AEs was low: five TAD/FIN patients and seven PBO/FIN patients reported sexual AEs, including ED, decreased/lost libido, and ejaculation disorders.

Conclusions
TAD/FIN coadministration for the treatment of men with LUTS and prostatic enlargement secondary to BPH concurrently leads to statistically significant improvements in erectile/sexual function and is well-tolerated, regardless of the presence/absence of ED at treatment initiation.
Development of Penile Hydrocele Following Placement of Inflatable Penile Prosthesis: A Rare Entity
Authors: Raheem Omer A. , Cohen Seth D. , Chandrasekaran Bindupriya , Goldstein Irwin 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The development of a penile hydrocele following the placement of an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) for erectile dysfunction has never been documented. We herein report an unusual complication of penile hydrocele formation that developed following placement of an IPP for erectile dysfunction.

Methods
The penile hydrocele was successfully repaired by excision of the hydrocele sac.

Results
Successful surgical repair of a penile hydrocele was accomplished following placement of an IPP without removal of any implant components. The penile implant was functional at the end of the procedure as well as at all scheduled follow-up appointments.

Conclusions
With advances in both surgical techniques and improved devise technology, high volume penile implanters encounter fewer IPP-related complications such as infectious or mechanical complications. We herein report for the first time a rare complication of penile hydrocele development after IPP placement that was treated successfully with surgical excision of the hydrocele sac. Urologists who perform these types of procedures should be aware of this unusual complication and know that it is curable with prompt diagnosis and meticulous surgical repair.
Sand grain size composition influences subsurface oxygen diffusion and distribution of an endemic, psammophilic lizard
Authors: Ryberg W. A. , Fitzgerald L. A. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractReptile species endemic to dune ecosystems worldwide possess morphological and behavioral adaptations for burying in sand. Specializations for burying and subsurface breathing among these animals are advantageous only where sand conditions permit. The patchy distributions of many psammophilic species are presumably due to the occurrence of suitable areas where attributes of the sand facilitate locomotion, burying, subsurface breathing and nesting. The endemic, dune‐dwelling Sceloporus arenicolus does not occur in areas where sand grain size composition is relatively fine, and the distribution of the species appears limited to areas with coarse‐grained sand. However, the exact mechanism by which this occurs is unknown. We hypothesized that subsurface breathing is inhibited in fine sand, and tested the prediction that fine sand restricts diffusion of oxygen. We compared oxygen diffusion rates in sand with grain size compositions matching sites where S. arenicolus was present (coarse sand) to diffusion rates in samples from sites where it was absent (fine sand). We found that samples with relatively coarse sand from sites where S. arenicolus was present had higher oxygen diffusion rates than samples with finer sand where S. arenicolus was absent. These results corroborated our prediction and support the hypothesis that subsurface breathing by S. arenicolus is constrained by fine sand. This is the first step in a line of research on the role of sand grain size composition in the life history of dune‐dwelling reptiles and more experiments can build on this study. Our results have broad implications for the conservation of all strictly psammophilic species by improving our understanding of the habitat elements necessary for their survival and persistence.
Percutaneous Disc Decompression for Lumbar Radicular Pain: A Review Article
Authors: Ong Damian , Chua Nicholas H. L. , Vissers Kris 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundOpen discectomy remains the standard of treatment for patients with lumbar radicular pain secondary to a prolapsed intervertebral disc. Open discectomy performed in patients with small, contained herniations may result in poor outcomes. The various techniques of percutaneous disc decompression (PDD) have been developed to address this population.MethodsA literature search was conducted on articles, which address PDD for lumbar radicular pain. Published techniques include chymopapain chemonucleolysis, percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD), automated percutaneous lumbar discectomy (APLD), Dekompressor, nucleoplasty, and targeted disc decompression (TDD). In addition, the rationale of provocative discography, selective nerve root injections, and intra‐op discograms before performing PDD is discussed in detail.ResultsDekompressor and nucleoplasty have the best level of evidence with a score of 2B+. The chymopapain chemonucleolysis has the most publications, but it is also accompanied by the most significant adverse complications and so it is scored as a 2B+/−. The other techniques are supported mainly by observational studies and thus their scores range between 0 and 2B+/−. There is no supporting evidence for provocative discography in patients with lumbar radicular pain. The evidence for a positive selective nerve root injection as an inclusion criteria or the need for an intra‐op discogram shows mixed results.ConclusionsNucleoplasty and Dekompressor have a weak positive recommendation for the treatment of patients with lumbar radicular pain. There is no role for provocative discography in this group of patients, although the evidence for a selective nerve root injection or an intra‐op discogram is inconclusive.
Improvement of pea biomass and seed productivity by simultaneous increase of phloem and embryo loading with amino acids
Authors: Zhang Lizhi , Garneau Matthew G. , Majumdar Rajtilak , Grant Jan , Tegeder Mechthild 
Published: October 2014

SummaryThe development of sink organs such as fruits and seeds strongly depends on the amount of nitrogen that is moved within the phloem from photosynthetic‐active source leaves to the reproductive sinks. In many plant species nitrogen is transported as amino acids. In pea (Pisum sativum L.), source to sink partitioning of amino acids requires at least two active transport events mediated by plasma membrane‐localized proteins, and these are: (i) amino acid phloem loading; and (ii) import of amino acids into the seed cotyledons via epidermal transfer cells. As each of these transport steps might potentially be limiting to efficient nitrogen delivery to the pea embryo, we manipulated both simultaneously. Additional copies of the pea amino acid permease PsAAP1 were introduced into the pea genome and expression of the transporter was targeted to the sieve element‐companion cell complexes of the leaf phloem and to the epidermis of the seed cotyledons. The transgenic pea plants showed increased phloem loading and embryo loading of amino acids resulting in improved long distance transport of nitrogen, sink development and seed protein accumulation. Analyses of root and leaf tissues further revealed that genetic manipulation positively affected root nitrogen uptake, as well as primary source and sink metabolism. Overall, the results suggest that amino acid phloem loading exerts regulatory control over pea biomass production and seed yield, and that import of amino acids into the cotyledons limits seed protein levels.