bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The insulin receptor translocates to the nucleus to regulate cell proliferation in liver
Authors: Amaya Maria J. , Oliveira André G. , Guimarães Erika S. , Casteluber Marisa C.F. , Carvalho Sandhra M. , Andrade Lidia M. , Pinto Mauro C.X. , Mennone Albert , Oliveira Cleida A. , Resende Rodrigo R. , Menezes Gustavo B. , Nathanson Michael H. , Leite Fatima M.
Published: July 2013

Insulin's metabolic effects in the liver are widely appreciated, but insulin's ability to act as a hepatic mitogen is less well understood. Because the insulin receptor (IR) can traffic to the nucleus, and Ca2+ signals within the nucleus regulate cell proliferation, we investigated whether insulin's mitogenic effects result from activation of Ca2+-signaling pathways by IRs within the nucleus. Insulin-induced increases in Ca2+ and cell proliferation depended upon clathrin- and caveolin-dependent translocation of the IR to the nucleus, as well as upon formation of inositol 1,4,5,-trisphosphate (InsP3) in the nucleus, whereas insulin's metabolic effects did not depend on either of these events. Moreover, liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy also depended upon the formation of InsP3 in the nucleus, but not the cytosol, whereas hepatic glucose metabolism was not affected by buffering InsP3 in the nucleus.

Conclusion :

These findings provide evidence that insulin's mitogenic effects are mediated by a subpopulation of IRs that traffic to the nucleus to locally activate InsP3-dependent Ca2+-signaling pathways. The steps along this signaling pathway reveal a number of potential targets for therapeutic modulation of liver growth in health and disease.
Ensemble prediction of regional droughts using climate inputs and the SVM–copula approach
Authors: Ganguli Poulomi , Reddy M. Janga
Published: July 2013

In this study, the climate teleconnections with meteorological droughts are analysed and used to develop ensemble drought prediction models using a support vector machine (SVM)–copula approach over Western Rajasthan (India). The meteorological droughts are identified using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). In the analysis of large‐scale climate forcing represented by climate indices such as El Niño Southern Oscillation, Indian Ocean Dipole Mode and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation on regional droughts, it is found that regional droughts exhibits interannual as well as interdecadal variability. On the basis of potential teleconnections between regional droughts and climate indices, SPI‐based drought forecasting models are developed with up to 3 months' lead time. As traditional statistical forecast models are unable to capture nonlinearity and nonstationarity associated with drought forecasts, a machine learning technique, namely, support vector regression (SVR), is adopted to forecast the drought index, and the copula method is used to model the joint distribution of observed and predicted drought index. The copula‐based conditional distribution of an observed drought index conditioned on predicted drought index is utilized to simulate ensembles of drought forecasts. Two variants of drought forecast models are developed, namely a single model for all the periods in a year and separate models for each of the four seasons in a year. The performance of developed models is validated for predicting drought time series for 10 years' data. Improvement in ensemble prediction of drought indices is observed for combined seasonal model over the single model without seasonal partitions. The results show that the proposed SVM–copula approach improves the drought prediction capability and provides estimation of uncertainty associated with drought predictions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A stochastic framework to assess the performance of flood warning systems based on rainfall‐runoff modeling
Authors: Yazdi J. , Salehi Neyshabouri S. A. A. , Golian S.
Published: July 2013

Nowadays, Flood Forecasting and Warning Systems (FFWSs) are known as the most inexpensive and efficient non‐structural measures for flood damage mitigation in the world. Benefit to cost of the FFWSs has been reported to be several times of other flood mitigation measures. Beside these advantages, uncertainty in flood predictions is a subject that may affect FFWS's reliability and the benefits of these systems. Determining the reliability of advanced flood warning systems based on the rainfall–runoff models is a challenge in assessment of the FFWS performance which is the subject of this study. In this paper, a stochastic methodology is proposed to provide the uncertainty band of the rainfall–runoff model and to calculate the probability of acceptable forecasts. The proposed method is based on Monte Carlo simulation and multivariate analysis of the predicted time and discharge error data sets. For this purpose, after the calibration of the rainfall–runoff model, the probability distributions of input calibration parameters and uncertainty band of the model are estimated through the Bayesian inference. Then, data sets of the time and discharge errors are calculated using the Monte Carlo simulation, and the probability of acceptable model forecasts is calculated by multivariate analysis of data using copula functions. The proposed approach was applied for a small watershed in Iran as a case study. The results showed using rainfall–runoff modeling based on real‐time precipitation is not enough to attain high performance for FFWSs in small watersheds, and it seems using weather forecasts as the inputs of rainfall–runoff models is essential to increase lead times and the reliability of FFWSs in small watersheds. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Environmental epigenetics: from novelty to scientific discipline
Authors: Burris Heather H. , Baccarelli Andrea A.
Published: July 2013

Epigenetic phenomena have sparked much interest resulting in an exponential increase in scientific investigation in the last two decades. While growing, the field of environmental epigenetics remains small when compared to other areas of epigenetic inquiry such as cancer research. In this paper, our objective is to describe the status of the field of environmental epigenetics and lay out our vision for its future. While environmental epigenetic studies represent fewer than 5% of all epigenetic publications, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences ranks second in proportion of dollars spent on epigenetics of all NIH Institutes. Such investment highlights the hypothesis that epigenetic marks are modified by environmental exposures and the hope that interventions targeted at epigenetic mechanisms may ultimately lead to improved health outcomes. The road to achieve this vision will require: (1) attention to tissue specificity; (2) focused interventional studies; (3) collaboration among cohorts; (4) inclusion of environmental exposures in new large‐scale epigenomic studies; and (5) understanding of multiple mechanisms beyond DNA methylation and histone modifications. The investment in environmental epigenetic inquiry will lead to great rewards if we can understand the biology of how phenotype results from environmental stimuli and genetic code. Understanding the epigenetic implications of our actions and exposures may benefit generations to come. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of adverse human lung function effects in controlled ozone exposure studies
Authors: Goodman Julie E. , Prueitt Robyn L. , Chandalia Juhi , Sax Sonja N.
Published: July 2013

The US EPA is evaluating controlled human ozone exposure studies to determine the adequacy of the current ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard of 75 ppb. These studies have shown that ozone exposures of 80 ppb and greater are associated with lung function decrements. Here, we critically review studies with exposures below 80 ppb to determine the lowest ozone concentration at which decrements are causally associated with ozone exposure and could be considered adverse using the Adverse Effects/Causation Framework. Regarding causation, the framework includes consideration of whether exposure‐related effects are primary or secondary, statistically significant, isolated or independent, or due to study limitations. Regarding adversity, the framework indicates one should consider whether effects are adaptive, compensatory, precursors to an apical effect, severe, transient and/or reversible. We found that, at exposures below 72 ppb ozone, lung function effects are primary effects, but are isolated, independent and not statistically different compared to effects observed during filtered air exposure, indicating a lack of causation. Up to 72 ppb, lung function effects may be precursors to an apical effect, but are not likely adverse because they are transient, reversible, of low severity, do not interfere with normal activity and do not result in permanent respiratory injury or progressive respiratory dysfunction. Overall, these studies do not demonstrate a causal association between ozone concentrations in the range of the current National Ambient Air Quality Standard and adverse effects on lung function. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raltegravir flexibility and its impact on recognition by the HIV‐1 IN targets
Authors: Arora Rohit , de Beauchene Isaure Chauvot , Polanski Jaroslaw , Laine Elodie , Tchertanov Luba
Published: July 2013

HIV‐1 IN is a pertinent target for the development of AIDS chemotherapy. The first IN‐specific inhibitor approved for the treatment of HIV/AIDS, RAL, was designed to block the ST reaction. We characterized the structural and conformational features of RAL and its recognition by putative HIV‐1 targets – the unbound IN, the vDNA, and the IN•vDNA complex – mimicking the IN states over the integration process. RAL binding to the targets was studied by performing an extensive sampling of the inhibitor conformational landscape and by using four different docking algorithms: Glide, Autodock, VINA, and SurFlex. The obtained data evidenced that: (i) a large binding pocket delineated by the active site and an extended loop in the unbound IN accommodates RAL in distinct conformational states all lacking specific interactions with the target; (ii) a well‐defined cavity formed by the active site, the vDNA, and the shortened loop in the IN•vDNA complex provide a more optimized inhibitor binding site in which RAL chelates Mg2+ cations; (iii) a specific recognition between RAL and the unpaired cytosine of the processed DNA is governed by a pair of strong H‐bonds similar to those observed in DNA base pair G‐C. The identified RAL pose at the cleaved vDNA shed light on a putative step of RAL inhibition mechanism. This modeling study indicates that the inhibition process may include as a first step RAL recognition by the processed vDNA bound to a transient intermediate IN state, and thus provides a potentially promising route to the design of IN inhibitors with improved affinity and selectivity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanostructure shape effects on response of plasmonic aptamer sensors
Authors: Balamurugan Subramanian , Mayer Kathryn M. , Lee Seunghyun , Soper Steven A. , Hafner Jason H. , Spivak David A.
Published: July 2013

A localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensor surface was fabricated by the deposition of gold nanorods on a glass substrate and subsequent immobilization of the DNA aptamer, which specifically bind to thrombin. This LSPR aptamer sensor showed a response of 6‐nm λmax shift for protein binding with the detection limit of at least 10 pM, indicating one of the highest sensitivities achieved for thrombin detection by optical extinction LSPR. We also tested the LSPR sensor fabricated using gold bipyramid, which showed higher refractive index sensitivity than the gold nanorods, but the overall response of gold bipyramid sensor appears to be 25% less than that of the gold nanorod substrate, despite the approximately twofold higher refractive index sensitivity. XPS analysis showed that this is due to the low surface density of aptamers on the gold bipyramid compared with gold nanorods. The low surface density of the aptamers on the gold bipyramid surface may be due to the effect of shape of the nanostructure on the kinetics of aptamer monolayer formation. The small size of aptamers relative to other bioreceptors is the key to achieving high sensitivity by biosensors on the basis of LSPR, demonstrated here for protein binding. The generality of aptamer sensors for protein detection using gold nanorod and gold nanobipyramid substrates is anticipated to have a large impact in the important development of sensors toward biomarkers, environmental toxins, and warfare agents. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanomapping of CD1d–glycolipid complexes on THP1 cells by using simultaneous topography and recognition imaging
Authors: Duman Memed , Chtcheglova Lilia A. , Zhu Rong , Bozna Bianca L. , Polzella Paolo , Cerundolo Vicenzo , Hinterdorfer Peter
Published: July 2013

CD1d molecule, a monomorphic major histocompatibility complex class I‐like molecule, presents different types of glycolipids to invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells that play an important role in immunity to infection and tumors, as well as in regulating autoimmunity. Here, we present simultaneous topography and recognition imaging (TREC) analysis to detect density, distribution and localization of single CD1d molecules on THP1 cells that were loaded with different glycolipids. TREC was conducted using magnetically coated atomic force microscopy tips functionalized with a biotinylated iNKT cell receptor (TCR). The recognition map revealed binding sites visible as dark spots, resulting from oscillation amplitude reduction during specific binding between iNKT TCR and the CD1d–glycolipid complex. THP1 cells were pulsed with three different glycolipids (α‐GalCer, C20 and OCH12) for 4 and 16 hr. Whereas CD1d–α‐GalCer and CD1d–C20:2 complexes on cellular membrane formed smaller microdomains up to ~10 000 nm2 (dimension area), OCH12 loaded CD1d complexes presented larger clusters with a dimension up to ~30 000 nm2. Moreover, the smallest size of recognition spots was about 25 nm, corresponding to a single CD1d binding site. TREC successfully revealed the distribution and localization of CD1d–glycolipid complexes on THP1 cell with single molecule resolution under physiological conditions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metal Uptake in Plants and Health Risk Assessments in Metal‐Contaminated Smelter Soils
Authors: Roy Mimi , McDonald Louis M.
Published: July 2013

Metal pollution is an important concern because of its potential to affect human health. Metals such as lead and cadmium can enter soil via the food chain and exceed normal limits, producing harmful effects. In this study, six common garden and residential plant species were grown in soils from Spelter, WV, USA, contaminated with a variety of metals including lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), and copper (Cu). Plant species included radish, carrot, chicory, spinach, lettuce, and clover. Metal concentrations in plant tissues were compared with metal concentration in soil by a multi‐step chemical extraction. The largest accumulation of Pb (126 mg kg−1) and Zn (1493 mg kg−1) was seen in radish roots, with Cd (40 mg kg−1) having the largest accumulation in carrot roots. Comparisons of plant availability with soil chemical extractions indicated that the combined soluble and exchangeable fractions could estimate available Zn and Cd for all six plant species. For Pb and Cu, however, the comparisons indicate that these two elements were not readily available in Spelter soils. A health risk assessment was carried out for residents at Spelter on the basis of edible tissue concentrations and publicly available consumption data. Uptake of Cd by carrot roots was about five times more than the regulatory limits for men, eight times more for women, and 12 times more for children. On the basis of the results, carrot and lettuce grown in these soils have the potential to cause toxicological problems in men, women, and young children resulting from Cd and Zn accumulation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bottom‐up engineering of diamond micro‐ and nano‐structures
Authors: Aharonovich Igor , Lee Jonathan C. , Magyar Andrew P. , Bracher David O. , Hu Evelyn L.
Published: July 2013

Engineering nanostructures from the bottom up enables the creation of carefully sculpted complex structures that are not accessible via top down fabrication techniques, in particular, complex periodic structures for applications in photonics and sensing. In this work a proof of principle that bottom up approach can be adopted and utilized for sculpting devices from diamond is proposed and demonstrated. A realization of periodic structures is achieved by growing nanoscale single crystal diamond through a defined pattern. Optical wave‐guiding of a narrow band emission attributed to the SiV defects in diamond is demonstrated by overgrowth on a thin diamond membrane. In addition, an array of hexagonal microdisks with diameter sizes ranging from 1 to 4 μm is demonstrated. The bottom up approach for diamond opens up new avenues for devices fabrication and sculpting three dimensional structures.
Segment 4 architecture and proposed parenchyma-wise technique for Ex vivo graft procurement and implantation
Authors: El Gharbawy Ramadan M. , Nour Bakr M.
Published: July 2013

A parenchyma-wise technique for the ex vivo procurement of segment 4 (S4) grafts, based on the detailed architecture of the segment, is proposed. Eighteen normal, fresh livers from adult cadavers were injected differentially with colored latex; dissection casts were prepared; and the intricate architecture of S4 was studied. The portal vein elements of the sheath forming most of the inferior part of S4 (S4b) and the superficial major fraction of its superior part (S4a) arose constantly from the medial aspect of the umbilical part of the left portal vein branch. The arterial elements arose constantly from a branch, whose diameter ranged from 2.00 to 3.35 mm (mean = 2.61 ± 0.54 mm) and whose length ranged from 15.15 to 45.65 mm (mean = 27.98 ± 12.13 mm). The biliary elements coalesced as a single duct at the corner, which was formed from the umbilical and transverse parts of the left portal vein branch; the duct's diameter ranged from 2.90 to 6.85 mm (mean = 3.90 ± 1.34 mm). Theoretically, this parenchymal mass—S4b and the superficial fraction of S4a—could be procured for implantation in an infant, and the rest of the liver could be split for an adult and a child. The portal vein branches of the graft would be procured with a patch from the medial aspect of the donor's umbilical portion of the left portal vein branch. This umbilical portion would be reconstructed with a patch from the donor's round ligament. The recipient's portal vein would be reconstructed through the fashioning of a conduit anastomosed with the graft's venous patch. Liver Transpl 19:1189–1201, 2013. © 2013 AASLD.
Biomimetic Micro‐Patterning of Epoxy Coatings for Enhanced Surface Hydrophobicity and Low Friction
Authors: McDonald Brendan , Shahsavan Hamed , Zhao Boxin
Published: July 2013

Biomimetic micro‐structures are fabricated with a two‐stage pattern transfer process on conventional epoxy coatings. The pattern transfer process uses a soft‐polymer negative stamp, where the flexibility of the stamp allows for easy conformation to both flat and curved surfaces. The hydrophobicity and friction behavior of the micro‐patterned epoxy coatings are systematically investigated, showing that surface patterning can be used as an effective way to improve hydrophobicity while reducing the surface adhesion and friction without a loss of the structural integrity or rigidity typical of epoxy coatings. This work demonstrates a feasible process for the utilization of biomimetic micro‐patterns within large‐scale industrial applications to improve the performance of conventional epoxy coatings.
Biodegradable Coumaric Acid‐Based Poly(anhydride‐ester) Synthesis and Subsequent Controlled Release
Authors: Ouimet Michelle A. , Stebbins Nicholas D. , Uhrich Kathryn E.
Published: July 2013

To overcome drug delivery issues associated with its short half‐life in vivo, p‐coumaric acid (pCA), a naturally occurring bioactive, has been chemically incorporated into a poly(anhydride‐ester) backbone through solution polymerization. Nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies indicated that pCA was successfully incorporated without noticeable alterations in structural integrity. The polymer's weight‐average molecular weight and thermal properties were determined, exhibiting a molecular weight of over 26 000 Da and a glass transition temperature of 57 °C. In addition, in vitro hydrolytic release studies demonstrated pCA release over 30 d with maintained antioxidant activity, demonstrating the polymer's potential as a controlled release system.

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Directing the Self‐Assembly of Semiconducting Copolymers: The Consequences of Grafting Linear or Hyperbranched Polyether Side Chains
Authors: zur Borg Lisa , Schüll Christoph , Frey Holger , Zentel Rudolf
Published: July 2013

The synthesis and self‐assembly of novel semiconducting rod–coil type graft block copolymers based on poly(para‐phenylene vinylene) (PPV) copolymers is presented, focusing on the ordering effect of linear versus hyperbranched side chains. Using an additional reactive ester block, highly polar, linear poly(ethylene glycol), and hyperbranched polyglycerol side chains are attached in a grafting‐to approach. Remarkably, the resulting novel semiconducting graft copolymers with polyether side chains show different solubility and side‐chain directed self‐assembly behavior in various solvents, e.g., cylindrical or spherical superstructures in the size range of 10 to 120 nm, as shown by TEM. By adjusting the molecular weight and the topology of the polyether segments, self‐assembly into defined superstructures can be achieved, which is important for the efficient charge transport in potential electronic applications.

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Light‐Induced Disintegration of Robust Physically Cross‐Linked Polymer Networks
Authors: Zhu Congcong , Bettinger Christopher J.
Published: July 2013

Photodegradable physically cross‐linked polymer networks are prepared from self‐assembly of photolabile triblock copolymers. Linear triblock copolymers composed of poly (o‐nitrobenzyl methacrylate) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) segments of variable molecular weights were synthesized using atom transfer radical polymerization. Triblock polymers with low‐molecular‐weight PEG segments form solid films upon hydration with robust mechanical properties including a Young's modulus of 76 ± 12 MPa and a toughness of 108 ± 31 kJ m−3. Triblock polymers with high‐molecular‐weight PEG segments form physically cross‐linked hydrogels at room temperature with a dynamic storage modulus of 13 ± 0.6 kPa and long‐term stability in hydrated environments. Both networks undergo photodegradation upon irradiation with long wave UV light.

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Comparison between suture and fibrin glue on repair by direct coaptation or tubulization of injured mouse sciatic nerve
Authors: Félix Severina P. , Pereira Lopes Fátima R. , Marques Suelen A. , Martinez Ana M.B.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of classical suture and sutureless repair with fibrin glue, by using or not a resorbable collagen tube, after sciatic nerve transection.

Material and methods

Twenty‐five mice were used in this study, divided in five groups. They were submitted to sciatic nerve transection and immediate repair of the nerve stumps by either direct suture or fibrin glue adhesion or by the tubulization technique in which the nerves stumps were sutured or glued to a collagen tube (experimental groups). A control group was designed as the best regeneration condition, by using a crush lesion (control group). After eight weeks, the regenerated nerves were processed for light and electron microscopy. Motor function analysis was performed using the sciatic functional index.

Results

Quantitative analysis of regenerated nerves between experimental groups showed that those repaired by direct contact of the stumps with fibrin glue showed significant increase in the myelin and fiber areas. The tubulization groups, repaired by suture or fibrin glue, provided similar results. G‐ratio analysis revealed that the regenerating axons of all experimental groups presented values equivalent to control (crushing group).

Conclusions

These results suggest that the use of fibrin glue in nerve repair by either direct coaptation or tubulization is an alternative to conventional suture repair, particularly in case of small‐size‐nerve reconstruction. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 33:468–477, 2013.
Perioperative risk factors for vascularized composite allotransplantation: A systematic review and proposal of identity‐defining VCA
Authors: Zhu Hainan , Wei Xian , Lineaweaver William , Li Qingfeng
Published: July 2013

Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) is a new dimension in reconstructive surgery. Generally, these procedures are offered for quality of life and functional indications rather than life‐saving indications. Controversy exists, therefore, over the indications and risk/benefit ratios of VCA. Transplantation failure is a basic measurable risk of VCA. In this report we attempt to analyze perioperative factors associated with failures. Such factors are generally independent of technical performance and can be assessed to better define regulations applied to VCA. Ninety‐one VCA procedures were identified, and 18 (19.8%) of them failed. Significant (P < 0.05) failure rates were associated with idiosyncratic cases (100%), cases performed without psychological screening (56.3%), cases performed without competent social support systems (44%), and cases done in developing countries (52.4%). A substantial but not significant failure rate was observed in cases performed without institutional review (36.4%). These findings suggest that institutional, professional, social, and ethical standards applied to VCA should require clarification of perioperative risk managements for any clinical VCA program, because such managements can be critical factors in determining outcome. The special character of these transplantation procedures suggest the concept of identity‐defining vascularized composite allotransplantation (IVCA), for which psychological screening and third‐party supervision is recommended. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 34:240–244, 2014.
Existence of global weak solutions for a phase–field model of a vesicle moving into a viscous incompressible fluid
Authors: Liu Yuning , Takahashi Takéo
Published: July 2013

We consider in this article a model of vesicle moving into a viscous incompressible fluid. The vesicle is described through a phase–field equation and through a transport equation modeling the local incompressibility of its membrane. The equations for the fluid are the classical Navier–Stokes equations with a force resulting from the presence of the vesicle. Our main result states the existence of weak solutions for the corresponding system. The proof is based on compactness/monotonicity arguments. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Individualistic philanthropy: the paradox of embodied participation for health‐related fund‐raising campaigns
Authors: Robert Julie
Published: July 2013

Movember and Julyna have emerged as examples of health‐related fund‐raising and awareness campaigns that require embodied participation in the form of temporary body modification. Reaching a younger demographic not traditionally motivated by appeals to altruism, these campaigns have capitalized on the signifying power of the body to reflect and construct identities and self‐perceptions to motivate participation. Taking a cultural studies approach and employing visual, textual, and discursive analyses of the campaigns' websites, a primary vector for information dissemination and recruitment, this study highlights how philanthropic activity has been successfully coded as making participants more physically, sexually, and socially desirable. In promoting such individualistic motives for philanthropy, however, these campaigns further a mentality that philanthropy is foremost about personal gain. The challenge these initiatives pose is how to convert participants from individualistic to altruistic models of philanthropy.

Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Social integration and the role of student societies in higher education: an exploratory study in the UK
Authors: Gallagher Damian , Gilmore Audrey
Published: July 2013

This paper reports the research findings of an exploratory study designed to examine the role that planned efforts to establish and cultivate a student society play in the social integration of undergraduate students in higher education institutions (HEIs) in the UK. It identifies and explores the potential positive and negative benefits and outcomes that the operation of such a society can provide. The study aimed to achieve a better understanding of the role that a student society can play in the social integration of students. A qualitative methodology using 12 in‐depth interviews was employed. Data were analysed in relation to the key theme of the study, that is, student‐peer and student‐staff interactions. In addition, emergent themes were recorded and evaluated. The findings demonstrated that involvement in a student society did contribute to the social integration of students, it was found to be a key factor in reducing student attrition and dropout rates. The findings also demonstrate that a student society can make a meaningful and positive contribution to the management and administration of HEIs in terms of the perceived employability of students and the potential for student recruitment. It would appear that perhaps the value of a student society is currently under‐realised. Student societies could be viewed as a resource that with proper attention and development and could provide real benefits for both students and institutions across the entire HEI environment of the UK. Although there is a danger of student marginality occurring, there are ways to address this potential drawback.

Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trends in the association of parental history of obesity over 60 years
Authors: Fox Caroline S. , Pencina Michael J. , Heard‐Costa Nancy L. , Shrader Peter , Jaquish Cashell , O'Donnell Christopher J. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Cupples L. Adrienne , D'Agostino Ralph B.
Published: July 2013

Objective

The association of familial as compared to genetic factors in the current obesogenic environment, compared with earlier, leaner time periods, is uncertain.

Methods

Participants from the Framingham Heart Study were classified according to parental obesity status in the Original, Offspring, and Third Generation cohorts; mean BMI levels were estimated and we compared the association of parental history across generations. Finally, a genetic risk score comprised of 32 well‐replicated single nucleotide polymorphisms for BMI was examined in association with BMI levels in 1948, 1971, and 2002.

Results

BMI was 1.49 kg/m2 higher per each affected parent among the Offspring, and increased to 2.09 kg/m2 higher among the Third Generation participants (P‐value for the cohort comparison=0.007). Parental history of obesity was associated with increased weight gain (P < 0.0001) and incident obesity (P = 0.009). Despite a stronger association of parental obesity with offspring BMI in more contemporary time periods, we observed no change in the effect size of a BMI genetic risk score from 1948 to 2002 (P = 0.11 for test of trend across the time periods).

Conclusions

The association of parental obesity has become stronger in more contemporary time period, whereas the association of a BMI genetic risk score has not changed.
Structure and pH‐sensitive properties of poly (vinylidene fluoride) membrane changed by blending poly (acrylic acid) microgels
Authors: He Yang , Chen Xi , Bi Shiyin , Shi Congcong , Chen Li , Li Liying
Published: July 2013

pH‐sensitive poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/poly (acrylic acid) (PAA) microgels membranes are prepared by phase inversion of the N, N‐dimethylformamide solution containing PAA microgels and PVDF in aqueous solution. The composition and structure of the blend membrane are investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectra, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements, thermo gravimetric analysis, field‐emission scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope. The results indicate the surface and cross section of the blend membranes have a porous structure with PAA microgels immobilized inside the pore and on the membrane surface. The blend PVDF membranes exhibit pH‐sensitive water flux, with the most drastic change in permeability observed between pH 3.7 and 6.3. The blend membranes are fouled by bovine serum albumin, and their antifouling property is enhanced by increasing PAA microgels, mainly derived from the improved hydrophilic property. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hepatopoietin Cn reduces ethanol‐induced hepatoxicity via sphingosine kinase 1 and sphingosine 1‐phosphate receptors
Authors: Liu Yang , Saiyan Saiyan , Men Tong‐Yi , Gao Hui‐Ying , Wen Chuan , Liu Yong , Zhou Xu , Wu Chu‐Tse , Wang Li‐Sheng , Cui Chun‐Ping
Published: July 2013

The hepatic growth factor hepatopoietin Cn (HPPCn) prevents liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats. Sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive sphingolipid produced by sphingosine kinase (SphK). S1P and S1P receptors (S1PRs) are involved in liver fibrogenesis and oxidative injury. This work sought to understand the mechanism by which SphK/S1P/S1PRs are involved in the protective effects of HPPCn on ethanol‐induced liver injury and fibrosis. Transgenic mice with liver‐specific overexpression of HPPCn (HPPCnliver+/+) were generated. Two ethanol feeding protocols were used to assess the protective effect of HPPCn on acute and chronic liver injury in mice. Specific inhibitors of S1PR1, S1PR2 and S1PR3 and siRNA were used to examine the roles of S1PRs in hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and hepatocyte apoptosis. Increased HPPCn expression in transgenic mice attenuated fibrosis induced by ethanol and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Treatment with recombinant human HPPCn prevented human hepatocyte apoptosis and HSC activation. JTE‐013 or S1PR2‐siRNA attenuated the effect of HPPCn on HSC activation induced by tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). Consistent with the effect of N,N‐dimethylsphingosine (DMS), suramin or S1PR3‐siRNA treatment blocked HPPCn‐induced Erk1/2 phosphorylation in human hepatocytes. This study demonstrated that HPPCn attenuated oxidative injury and fibrosis induced by ethanol feeding and that the SphK1/S1P/S1PRs signalling pathway contributes to the protective effect of HPPCn on hepatocyte apoptosis and HSC activation. Copyright © 2013 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anthocyanin Phytochemical Profiles and Anti‐oxidant Activities of Vitis candicans and Vitis doaniana
Authors: la Cruz Alexander Acevedo De , Hilbert Ghislaine , Mengin Virginie , Rivière Céline , Ollat Nathalie , Vitrac Caroline , Bordenave Louis , Decroocq Stéphane , Delaunay Jean‐Claude , Mérillon Jean‐Michel , Monti Jean‐Pierre , Gomès Eric , Richard Tristan
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Grapes are one of the most important fruit crops in the world. The quality of red grape berries greatly depends on skin colour, mainly due to the anthocyanin profile. Today, the American Vitis species have the greatest potential for breeding work. They have multiple resistance properties in comparison with Vitis vinifera but little is known about their anthocyanin content.

Objective

To determine the anti‐oxidant properties and anthocyanin profile of two American species, Vitis candicans and Vitis doaniana, by using LC–MSn and LC–NMR.

Methods

Grape extracts were prepared by extraction of berry skins with acidified methanol. The complete structure elucidation of the individual anthocyanins was performed with LC–MSn, LC–NMR and NMR experiments. Individual anthocyanins in the extracts were quantified by using malvidin glucoside as external standard. The anti‐oxidant activities of grape skin extracts were evaluated by using 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) radical scavenging and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays.

Results

By using LC–MSn and LC–NMR experiments, 30 anthocyanins were identified and quantified in the two Vitis species, including two new cis‐p‐coumaroyl derivatives. Vitis candicans and V. doaniana showed significant differences in their anthocyanin profile. These two Vitis species possess low‐to‐medium anti‐oxidant activities in comparison with V. vinifera.

Conclusion

The profiles of 30 anthocyanins were established unambiguously in two American Vitis species. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterisation of Diarylheptanoid‐ and Flavonoid‐type Phenolics in Corylus avellana L. Leaves and Bark by HPLC/DAD–ESI/MS
Authors: Riethmüller Eszter , Alberti Ágnes , Tóth Gergő , Béni Szabolcs , Ortolano Francesco , Kéry Ágnes
Published: July 2013

Introduction

The leaves of Corylus avellana L. (common hazel, Betulaceae), a plant with a wide distribution in Europe, have been used in folk medicine for various diseases, but phytochemical exploration of C. avellana is still incomplete. To the best of our knowledge there is no previous report concerning diarylheptanoids in C. avellana, although these compounds show a frequent occurrence among Betulaceae plants.

Objective

To improve existing online chromatographic methods for the investigation of the phenolic compounds in C. avellana leaves and bark, focusing on diarylheptanoid‐type molecules.

Methods

Dried and powdered leaves and bark of C. avellana were extracted with increasing polarity solvents (n‐hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol) in Soxhlet extractor apparatus. For the characterisation of the phenolic compounds in the ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts, UV spectral data, obtained by LC with a diode‐array detector (DAD), accurate molecular mass and formula, acquired by LC and electrospray ionisation (ESI) with time‐of‐flight (TOF) MS and fragmentation pattern, given by LC–ESI/MS/MS analyses were used. Quantitation of the compounds was performed by LC–MS/MS.

Results

In the methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of C. avellana bark four flavonoid glycosides and a caffeoyl hexoside derivative were detected and characterised, while in C. avellana leaves, seven diarylheptanoid‐type molecules were tentatively identified in addition to six flavonoid components. As far as we know this is the first study where the presence of diarylheptanoids in C. avellana is reported.

Conclusion

The improved HPLC/DAD–ESI/MS method was successfully utilised for the characterisation and quantitation of the phenolic compounds in C. avellana bark and leaves extracts. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fraction of cell‐free fetal DNA in the maternal serum as a predictor of abnormal placental invasion‐a pilot study
Authors: Samuel Amber , Bonanno Clarissa , Oliphant Arnold , Batey Annette , Wright Jason D.
Published: July 2013

Objective

Pilot studies have suggested the amount of cell‐free fetal DNA (cffDNA) in the maternal serum is increased in pregnancies complicated by placenta accreta. Our objective was to determine if levels of cffDNA can predict invasive placentation.

Methods

We enrolled women with antenatally suspected placenta accreta compared with gestational age‐matched cases of placenta previa and women with prior cesarean deliveries (CDs) and normal placentation. The fetal fraction of cffDNA was quantified using DANSR™ as compared with total DNA. Patient characteristics were compared between the three groups using ANOVA, and linear regression was used to compare the fraction of cffDNA between pathologically confirmed cases of placenta accreta, placenta previa and normal placentation.

Results

Twenty women were enrolled, (seven cases of placenta accreta, six cases of placenta previa and seven cases of normal placentation with prior CD). The groups did not differ by maternal weight, placental weight, number of prior CD or years from prior CD. The mean fraction of cffDNA did not differ significantly by group when controlling for the aforementioned factors (accreta = 19.1%, previa = 27.2%, prior CD = 28.9%, p = 0.26), nor did the median (accreta = 17.0%, previa = 30.1%, prior CD = 22.7%).

Conclusions

We could not confirm diagnostic benefit. Further investigation of other biomarkers including placental mRNA is warranted. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis experience in the Çukurova Region of Southern Turkey: detecting paternal mutations of sickle cell anemia and β‐thalassemia in cell‐free fetal DNA using high‐resolution melting analysis
Authors: Yenilmez Ebru Dündar , Tuli Abdullah , Evrüke İ. Cüneyt
Published: July 2013

Objective

This study used a high‐resolution melting (HRM) technique to detect paternal mutations for the noninvasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) of β‐thalassemia and sickle cell anemia (HbS). We also determined the levels of cell‐free fetal DNA and total cell‐free DNA.

Methods

We used the HRM technique for fetal genotyping of paternal mutations in maternal plasma from 32 pregnancies at risk of β‐thalassemia and 57 pregnancies at risk of HbS. The DNA levels in maternal plasma were measured using real‐time quantitative PCR. Multiples of the median (MoM) values were calculated in women at risk for β‐thalassemia or HbS.

Results

Twenty‐two paternal mutations were detected in 89 pregnant women. Although we were successfully able to detect the paternal β‐thalassemia mutations, the mutant HbS fetuses could not be distinguished from maternal background in the early weeks of pregnancy. The detection of DYS14 in male fetuses was 100%. The MoM values of women at high risk of having HbS‐affected fetuses were higher than those for the other groups.

Conclusion

High‐resolution melting is a useful method for NIPD of β‐thalassemias by detecting paternal mutations in the maternal plasma. Cell‐free fetal DNA quantification and MoM values were not informative for HbS or β‐thalassemias in early pregnancy. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) management practices in deciduous fruit growing areas in South Africa
Authors: Manrakhan Aruna , Addison Pia
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) and Ceratitis rosa Karsch are important fruit fly pests of deciduous fruit in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. The main techniques used for fruit fly control in the Western Cape are the sterile insect technique (SIT) targeting C. capitata and the bait application technique (BAT). We determined the relative success of SIT by comparing adult fly‐trap catches and fruit infestation in commercial orchards between three regions under SIT and two regions under BAT in the Western Cape, from 2006 to 2008.

RESULTS

Ceratitis capitata was predominant in all regions. In commercial orchards, C. capitata catches peaked towards the end of the fruiting season (March to May) and were low between July and January. During the late season, C. capitata catches were significantly higher in two of the regions under SIT. The sterile to wild male ratio in those regions was found to be mostly <1.

CONCLUSION

SIT is not being properly applied in some regions. SIT should be implemented when the pest population is low. The sterile to wild fly ratios should be increased. Alternatively, BAT should be used to lower the pest population before SIT application. Control methods should be more integrated and applied area‐wide. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
WETLAND HABITAT PATCHES AS ECOLOGICAL COMPONENTS OF LANDSCAPE MEMORY IN A HIGHLY MODIFIED FLOODPLAIN
Authors: Ortmann‐Ajkai A. , Lóczy D. , Gyenizse P. , Pirkhoffer E.
Published: July 2013

Landscape memory and ecological memory are relatively new concepts developed independently in geomorphology and ecology. Eco‐geomorphology strives to enrich the concept of landscape memory with that of ecological memory, as ecosystems build inherent parts of landscapes and are controlled by geomorphological factors. This integration is illustrated by a small‐scale eco‐geomorphological case study of links between ecosystems and their hydrogeomorphological template, in the floodplain of a medium size Hungarian River. Despite that the river is channelized by 1835 and most of the study area is under intensive agricultural cultivation, the seminatural vegetation along the various reaches shows significant variations according to geomorphological background variables: detrended correspondence analysis yields results of p = 0.002 significance. Our results prove that geomorphological patterns in floodplains, defined by landscape memory, and the related vegetation patterns, as manifestations of ecological memory, jointly determine the face of floodplain landscapes. The integration of ecological memory into the definition of landscape memory may help meet the challenges of eco‐geomorphology and facilitate a holistic understanding of landscapes, and thus be instrumental for reconstructing past environments—both in theory (scientific research) and practice (rehabilitation projects). Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel discrete wavelet transform based on traveling wave technique for identifying the fault location for transmission network systems
Authors: Patcharoen Theerasak , Ngaopitakkul Atthapol
Published: July 2013

This paper proposes a technique to identify fault location on transmission systems using discrete wavelet transforms (DWTs). Fault conditions are simulated using alternative transients program/electromagnetic transients program (ATP/EMTP) in order to obtain the current signals. Various cases based on Thailand electricity transmission systems are studied to verify the validity of the proposed technique. The comparisons among the maximum coefficients in first scale of all buses that can detect fault are performed to detect the faulty bus. The first peak time of positive sequence current obtained from the faulty bus is used as input data for the traveling wave equation. It is shown that the proposed technique gives satisfactory accuracy and is suitable for all types of fault occurring in different sections of transmission lines. © 2013 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.