bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“The sky is the limit”: adhering to antiretroviral therapy and HIV self‐management from the perspectives of adolescents living with HIV and their adult caregivers
Authors: Denison Julie A , Banda Harry , Dennis Alexis C , Packer Catherine , Nyambe Namakau , Stalter Randy M , Mwansa Jonathan K , Katayamoyo Patrick , McCarraher Donna R
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Worldwide, HIV‐related mortality among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) increased by 50% from 2005 to 2012 and is attributed in part to a lack of support for adolescent retention to care and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). This vulnerability reinforces the need to better understand incomplete ART adherence among ALHIV, particularly in sub‐Saharan Africa, where the majority of the world's 2.1 million ALHIV reside.

Methods

From December 2011 to February 2012, we conducted in‐depth interviews with 32 ALHIV (aged 15 to 18) and 23 of their adult caregivers in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia. Interviews were transcribed and translated. An iterative qualitative process was used to code and analyze the data and main themes were summarized regarding the barriers to and facilitators of ART adherence.

Results

More than a quarter of ALHIV reported missing a day or more of ART (ranging from one day to six months). Barriers to ART adherence included fear of disclosure and anticipated stigma. Few youth were willing to take their drugs outside of the home, which led to missed doses of ART. Similarly, families tended to manage HIV within the home only. As a result, although caregivers and families were often the greatest source of emotional and instrumental support, they coped with HIV in isolation of other potential support from their communities, schools or churches. Factors that supported ART adherence included attending clinic‐sponsored youth groups, wanting to maintain one's health and using phone and clock alarms. Involvement of adult caregivers in HIV management varied greatly and was often based on the age and health status of the youth. Some caregivers struggled with letting the adolescents assume responsibility for their medication, and ALHIV had few self‐management skills and tools to help them regularly take ART.

Conclusions

These data highlight the importance of families and home environments in supporting adherence to ART among ALHIV. Skill‐building and family‐based interventions to prepare ALHIV and their adult caregivers for HIV self‐management and HIV status disclosure by youth are of paramount importance. Future research and programmes also need to address the fears adolescents and families have regarding HIV‐related stigma that shape young peoples’ adherence behaviours.
Role of tectonic stress in seepage evolution along the gas hydrate‐charged Vestnesa Ridge, Fram Strait
Authors: Plaza‐Faverola A. , Bünz S. , Johnson J. E. , Chand S. , Knies J. , Mienert J. , Franek P.
Published: January 2015

Methane expulsion from the world ocean floor is a broadly observed phenomenon known to be episodic. Yet the processes that modulate seepage remain elusive. In the Arctic offshore west Svalbard, for instance, seepage at 200–400 m water depth may be explained by ocean temperature‐controlled gas hydrate instabilities at the shelf break, but additional processes are required to explain seepage in permanently cold waters at depths >1000 m. We discuss the influence of tectonic stress on seepage evolution along the ~100 km long hydrate‐bearing Vestnesa Ridge in Fram Strait. High‐resolution P‐Cable 3‐D seismic data revealed fine‐scale (>10 m width) near‐vertical faults and fractures controlling seepage distribution. Gas chimneys record multiple seepage events coinciding with glacial intensification and active faulting. The faults document the influence of nearby tectonic stress fields in seepage evolution along this deepwater gas hydrate system for at least the last ~2.7 Ma.
Quinoidal Molecules as a New Class of Ambipolar Semiconductor Originating from Amphoteric Redox Behavior
Authors: Hwang Hansu , Khim Dongyoon , Yun Jin‐Mun , Jung Eunhwan , Jang Soo‐Young , Jang Yun Hee , Noh Yong‐Young , Kim Dong‐Yu
Published: January 2015

The two small molecules, quinoidal bithiophene (QBT) and quinoidal biselenophene (QBS), are designed based on a quinoid structure, and synthesized via a facile synthetic route. These quinoidal molecules have a reduced band gap and an amphoteric redox behavior, which is caused by an extended delocalization. Due to such properties, organic field‐effect transistors based on QBT and QBS have shown balanced ambipolar characteristics. After thermal annealing, the performances of the devices are enhanced by an increase in crystallinity. The field‐effect hole and electron mobilities are measured to be 0.031 cm2 V−1 s−1 and 0.005 cm2 V−1 s−1 for QBT, and 0.055 cm2 V−1 s−1 and 0.021 cm2 V−1 s−1 for QBS, respectively. In addition, we investigate the effect of chalcogen atoms (S and Se) on the molecular properties. The optical, electrochemical properties and electronic structures are mainly dominated by the quinoidal structure, whereas molecular properties are scarcely affected by either type of chalcogen atom. The main effect of the chalcogen atoms is ascribed to the difference of crystallinity. Due to a strong intermolecular interaction of the selenophene, QBS exhibits a higher degree of crystallinity, which leads to an enhancement of both hole and electron mobilities. Consequently, these types of quinoidal molecules are found to be promising for use as ambipolar semiconductors.
Injectable Hydrogels with In Situ Double Network Formation Enhance Retention of Transplanted Stem Cells
Authors: Cai Lei , Dewi Ruby E. , Heilshorn Sarah C.
Published: January 2015

Stem cell transplantation via direct injection is a minimally invasive strategy being explored for treatment of a variety of injuries and diseases. Injectable hydrogels with shear moduli <50 Pa can mechanically protect cells during the injection process; however, these weak gels typically biodegrade within 1–2 weeks, which may be too fast for many therapeutic applications. To address this limitation, an injectable hydrogel is designed that undergoes two different physical crosslinking mechanisms. The first crosslinking step occurs ex vivo through peptide‐based molecular recognition to encapsulate cells within a weak gel that provides mechanical protection from injection forces. The second crosslinking step occurs in situ to form a reinforcing network that significantly retards material biodegradation and prolongs cell retention time. Human adipose‐derived stem cells are transplanted into the subcutaneous space of a murine model using hand‐injection through a 28‐gauge syringe needle. Cells delivered within the double‐network hydrogel are significantly protected from mechanical damage and have significantly enhanced in vivo cell retention rates compared to delivery within saline and single network hydrogels. These results demonstrate that in situ formation of a reinforcing network within an already existing hydrogel can greatly improve transplanted cell retention, thereby enhancing potential regenerative medicine therapies.
Impaired neuronal operation through aberrant intrinsic plasticity in epilepsy
Authors: Artinian Julien , Peret Angélique , Mircheva Yanina , Marti Geoffrey , Crépel Valérie
Published: January 2015

Objective

Patients with temporal lobe epilepsy often display cognitive comorbidity with recurrent seizures. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying the impairment of neuronal information processing remain poorly understood in temporal lobe epilepsy. Within the hippocampal formation neuronal networks undergo major reorganization, including the sprouting of mossy fibers in the dentate gyrus; they establish aberrant recurrent synapses between dentate granule cells and operate via postsynaptic kainate receptors. In this report, we tested the hypothesis that this aberrant local circuit alters information processing of perforant path inputs constituting the major excitatory afferent pathway from entorhinal cortex to dentate granule cells.

Methods

Experiments were performed in dentate granule cells from control rats and rats with temporal lobe epilepsy induced by pilocarpine hydrochloride treatment. Neurons were recorded in patch clamp in whole cell configuration in hippocampal slices.

Results

Our present data revealed that an aberrant readout of synaptic inputs by kainate receptors triggered a long‐lasting impairment of the perforant path input–output operation in epileptic dentate granule cells. We demonstrated that this is due to the aberrant activity‐dependent potentiation of the persistent sodium current altering intrinsic firing properties of dentate granule cells.

Interpretation

We propose that this aberrant activity‐dependent intrinsic plasticity, which lastingly impairs the information processing of cortical inputs in dentate gyrus, may participate in hippocampal‐related cognitive deficits, such as those reported in patients with epilepsy. Ann Neurol 2015;77:592–606
Perspektiven der Chemie – Aspekte adaptiver Chemie und adaptiver Materialien
Authors: Lehn Jean‐Marie
Published: January 2015

Chemie, rein und angewandt, ist eine Wissenschaft und eine Industrie. Durch ihr Vermögen zum Ausdruck von Materie offenbart sie die Kreativität der Kunst. Sie entfaltete sich von molekularer zu supramolekularer Chemie und dann über konstitutionelle Dynamik zu adaptiver Chemie. Konstitutionelle Dynamik ermöglicht Adaption durch den Austausch von Komponenten und Selektion als Reaktion auf physikalische Reize (z. B. Licht, Photoselektion), chemische Reize (z. B. Metallionen, Metalloselektion) oder Umgebungsfaktoren (z. B. Phasenänderung), unter Bedingungen des Gleichgewichts oder des Ungleichgewichts, mit der Erzeugung der am besten angepassten Konstituente(n) eines dynamischen Satzes. Solche dynamischen Systeme können als zwei‐ oder dreidimensionale dynamische Netzwerke dargestellt werden, die die agonistischen und antagonistischen Beziehungen zwischen den durch Komponentenaustausch verknüpften Konstituenten definieren. Die Einführung konstitutioneller Dynamik in die Materialwissenschaften eröffnet Perspektiven für adaptive Materialien und Techniken mit reizvollen Eigenschaften (z. B. Selbstheilungsprozesse), im Besonderen dynamische Polymere, die ihre Merkmale (z. B. mechanische, optische) durch Komponentenaustausch und Rekombination als Reaktion auf verschiedene Reize anpassen. Konstitutionell‐adaptive Materialien münden in System‐Materialwissenschaften und ermöglichen zahlreiche neue Anwendungen in der Technologie der “weichen Materie”.
Grafting of N‐vinyl caprolactam and methacrylic acid onto silicone rubber films for drug‐eluting products
Authors: Melendez‐Ortiz Hector Ivan , Alvarez‐Lorenzo Carmen , Concheiro Angel , Bucio Emilio
Published: January 2015

Silicone rubber (SR), a material widely used in the biomedical field, was modified with stimuli‐responsive poly(N‐vinyl caprolactam) (PVCL) and poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) with the aim of improving its ability to host drug molecules. The grafting of PVCL and PMAA onto SR was carried out by means of a γ‐ray preirradiation method, and the dependence of the grafting yield on the comonomer concentration, preirradiation dose, temperature, and reaction time was evaluated. Modified SR films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and swelling studies to confirm the grafting of the copolymer. The SR‐g‐[vinyl caprolactam (VCL)/methacrylic acid (MAA)] copolymers showed a sensitivity to the temperature and pH, high hemocompatibility, and low affinity to bovine serum albumin and fibrinogen proteins. Moreover, the SR‐g‐(VCL/MAA) copolymers were able to host some nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, such as diclofenac and ibuprofen, and the antifungal agent nystatin. The graft copolymer was shown to be useful for providing sustained release for several hours; this indicates that the modified SR is a promising material for drug‐eluting medical devices. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41855.
Highly luminescent film functionalized with CdTe quantum dots by layer‐by‐layer assembly
Authors: Li Zhenshun , Wan Shaolong , Xu Wei , Wang Yuntao , Shah Bakht Ramin , Jin Weiping , Chen Yijie , Li Bin
Published: January 2015

Robust and facile strategies are required to fabricate film with high luminescence for application in the fields of biomaterials. In this study, the luminescent electrospinning cellulose fibrous mats were decorated with CdTe quantum dots (QDs) and poly(diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) (PDDA) using layer by layer (LBL). The characterizations of the LBL films coated mats were executed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, fluorescent spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The luminescent intensities were linearly increased with adding the amount of deposited bilayers. The green fabricated (QDs/PDDA)n coated mat through physical interactions is a promising luminescent material. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41893.
Fabrication of Hierarchical Fe3O4@SiO2@P(4VP‐DVB)@Au Nanostructures and Their Enhanced Catalytic Properties
Authors: Guo Wanchun , Wang Qian , Luan Yi , Wang Ge , Dong Wenjun , Yu Jie
Published: January 2015

Hierarchical Fe3O4@SiO2@P(4VP‐DVB)@Au nanostructures were prepared in which the slightly cross‐linked, thin poly(4‐vinylpyridine‐co‐divinylbenzene) (P(4VP‐DVB)) shells were constructed onto Fe3O4@SiO2 nanospheres, followed by in situ embedding of gold nanocrystals homogeneously into the P4VP chains. These slightly cross‐linked chains, easily swollen by the reactants, make the gold nanocrystals accessible to the reactants, and the thin shell (about 15 nm) reduces the diffusion distance of the reactants to the active gold nanocrystals (about 5 nm), thereby enhancing their catalytic activity and utility. At the same time, confinement of gold nanocrystals within the P4VP shells prevents their migration and coagulation during catalytic transformations. Hence the nanocomposites exhibit high activity (up to 4369.5 h−1 of turnover frequency (TOF)) and controllable magnetic recyclability without any significant loss of gold species after ten runs of catalysis in the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol.
Dynamic Output Feedback Robust MPC Using General Polyhedral State Bounds for the Polytopic Uncertain System With Bounded Disturbance
Authors: Ding Baocang , Gao Chenbo , Ping Xubin
Published: January 2015

This paper considers the dynamic output feedback robust model predictive control (MPC) for a system with both polytopic model parametric uncertainty and bounded disturbance. For this topic, the techniques for handling the unknown true state are crucial, and the strict guarantee of the input/output/state constraints favors replacing the true state by its bound in the optimization problems. The previous utilized polyhedral bounds, constructed by virtue of the error signals which are some linear combinations of the true state, the estimated state and the output, are generalized, where a bias item is utilized. Based on this unified bounding approach, new techniques for handling the unknown true state are given for both the main and the auxiliary optimization problems. As before, the main optimization problem calculates the control law parameters conditionally, and the auxiliary optimization problem determines the time to refresh these parameters. By applying the proposed method, the augmented state of the closed‐loop system is guaranteed to converge to the neighborhood of the equilibrium point. A numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the new method.
Synthesis, crystal structure and fluorescence properties of terbium complexes with phenoxyacetic acid and 2,4,6‐tris‐(2‐pyridyl)‐s–triazine
Authors: Wang Zhong‐Xia , Wang Ai‐Ling , Wei Xiao‐Yan , Qu Yan‐Rong , Yue Bin , Kang Jie , Chu Hai‐Bin , Zhao Yong‐Liang
Published: January 2015

Two complexes of Tb3+, Gd3+/Tb3+ and one heteronuclear crystal Gd3+/Tb3+ with phenoxyacetic acid (HPOA) and 2,4,6‐tris‐(2‐pyridyl)‐s–triazine (TPTZ) have been synthesized. Elemental analysis, rare earth coordination titration, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP‐AES) and thermogravimetric analysis‐differential scanning calorimetry (TG‐DSC) analysis show that the two complexes are Tb2(POA)6(TPTZ)2·6H2O and TbGd(POA)6(TPTZ)2·6H2O, respectively. The crystal structure of TbGd(POA)6(TPTZ)2·2CH3OH was determined using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The monocrystal belongs to the triclinic system with the P‐1 space group. In particular, each metal ion is coordinately bonded to three nitrogen atoms of one TPTZ and seven oxygen atoms of three phenoxyacetic ions. Furthermore, there exist two coordinate forms between C6H5OCH2COO– and the metal ions in the crystal. One is a chelating bidentate, the other is chelating and bridge coordinating. Fluorescence determination shows that the two complexes possess strong fluorescence emissions. Furthermore, the fluorescence intensity of the Gd3+/Tb3+ complex is much stronger than that of the undoped complex, which may result from a decrease in the concentration quench of Tb3+ ions, and intramolecular energy transfer from the ligands coordinated with Gd3+ ions to Tb3+ ions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Purification, immobilization, and biochemical characterization ofl‐arginine deiminase from thermophilicAspergillus fumigatusKJ434941: Anticancer activityin vitro
Authors: El‐Sayed Ashraf S. A. , Hassan Mohamed N. , Nada Hend M. S.
Published: January 2015

l‐Arginine deiminase (ADI) has a powerful anticancer activity against various tumors, via arginine depletion, arresting the cell cycle at G1phase. However, the current clinically tried bacterial ADI displayed a higher antigenicity and lower thermal stability. Thus, our objective was to purify and characterize this enzyme from thermophilic fungi, to explore its catalytic and antigenic properties for therapeutic uses. ADI was purified from thermophilicAspergillus fumigatusKJ434941 to its electrophoretic homogeneity by 5.1‐fold, with molecular subunit 50 kDa. The purified ADI was PEGylated and covalently immobilized on dextran to explore its catalytic properties. The specific activity of free ADI, PEG‐ADI, and Dex‐ADI was 26.7, 21.5, and 18.0 U/mg, respectively. At 50°C, PEG‐ADI displays twofold resistance to thermal denaturation (t1/213.9 h), than free ADI (t1/26.9 h), while at 70°C, the thermal stability of PEG‐ADI was increased by 1.7‐fold, with similar stability to Dex‐ADI with the free one. Kinetically, free ADI had the higher catalytic affinity to arginine, followed by PEG‐ADI and Dex‐ADI. Upon proteolysis for 30 min, the residual activity of native ADI, PEG‐ADI, and Dex‐AD was 8.0, 32.0, and 20.0% for proteinase K and 10.0, 52.0, and 90.0% for acid protease, respectively. The anticancer activity of the ADIs was assessed against HCT, HEP‐G2, and MCF7, in vitro. The free and PEG‐ADI exhibits a similar cytotoxic efficacy for the tested cells, lower than Dex‐ADI. The free ADI had IC50value 22.0, 16.6, and 13.9 U/mL, while Dex‐ADI had 3.98, 5.18, and 4.43 U/mL for HCT, MCF7, and HEPG‐2, respectively. The in vitro anticancer activity of ADI against HCT, MCF7, and HEPG‐2 was increased by five‐, three‐, and threefold upon covalent modification by dextran. The biochemical and hematological parameters of the experimented animals were not affected by ADIs dosing, with no signs of anti‐ADI immunoglobulins in vivo. The in vivo half‐life time of free ADI, PEG‐ADI, and Dex‐ADI was 29.7, 91.1, 59.6 h, respectively. The present findings explored a novel thermostable, less antigenic ADI from thermophilicA. fumigatus, with further molecular and crystallographic analyses, this enzyme will be a powerful candidate for clinical trials. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical EngineersBiotechnol. Prog., 31:396–405, 2015
Factors that determine stability of highly concentrated chemically defined production media
Authors: McCoy Rebecca E. , Costa Nicole A. , Morris Arvia E.
Published: January 2015

High cell density perfusion processes for the production of therapeutic antibodies require large volumes of media to meet cellular stoichiometric and energy demands. The use of media concentrates provides a way to reduce the cost of manufacturing. Reducing the number and size of liquid media batches reduces the media footprint in the manufacturing plant and cuts costs associated with single‐use systems for preparation and storage of liquid media. Concentrates that can be stored at room temperature also reduce costs by eliminating the need for refrigerated storage. To meet these economic and operational objectives, we developed a complete concentrated medium system consisting of a 5X medium concentrate that can be used in conjunction with a concentrated supplement of cystine, tyrosine, and folic acid. The effects of pyruvate, bicarbonate, and glutamine on the stability of the 5X concentrates were studied. Pyruvate and bicarbonate were found to have profound impacts on media stability, including media coloration, precipitate formation and ability to support cell culture. Bicarbonate was found to have detrimental effects in 5X concentrated media, resulting in precipitation of pyruvate‐free media and accelerated glutamine degradation. Pyruvate prevented precipitation in bicarbonate‐containing concentrates. Moreover, the presence of pyruvate in bicarbonate‐free, glutamine‐free 5X concentrates resulted in the substantial preservation of the functional activity of the medium for 1 month at room temperature. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 31:493–502, 2015
Use of uniform designs in combination with neural networks for viral infection process development
Authors: Buenno Laís Hara , Rocha José Celso , Leme Jaci , Caricati Celso Pereira , Tonso Aldo , Fernández Núñez Eutimio Gustavo
Published: January 2015

This work aimed to compare the predictive capacity of empirical models, based on the uniform design utilization combined to artificial neural networks with respect to classical factorial designs in bioprocess, using as example the rabies virus replication in BHK‐21 cells. The viral infection process parameters under study were temperature (34°C, 37°C), multiplicity of infection (0.04, 0.07, 0.1), times of infection, and harvest (24, 48, 72 hours) and the monitored output parameter was viral production. A multilevel factorial experimental design was performed for the study of this system. Fractions of this experimental approach (18, 24, 30, 36 and 42 runs), defined according uniform designs, were used as alternative for modelling through artificial neural network and thereafter an output variable optimization was carried out by means of genetic algorithm methodology. Model prediction capacities for all uniform design approaches under study were better than that found for classical factorial design approach. It was demonstrated that uniform design in combination with artificial neural network could be an efficient experimental approach for modelling complex bioprocess like viral production. For the present study case, 67% of experimental resources were saved when compared to a classical factorial design approach. In the near future, this strategy could replace the established factorial designs used in the bioprocess development activities performed within biopharmaceutical organizations because of the improvements gained in the economics of experimentation that do not sacrifice the quality of decisions. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 31:532–540, 2015
Light‐Triggered Capture and Release of DNA and Proteins by Host–Guest Binding and Electrostatic Interaction
Authors: Moratz Johanna , Samanta Avik , Voskuhl Jens , Mohan Nalluri Siva Krishna , Ravoo Bart Jan
Published: January 2015

The development of an effective and general delivery method that can be applied to a large variety of structurally diverse biomolecules remains a bottleneck in modern drug therapy. Herein, we present a supramolecular system for the dynamic trapping and light‐stimulated release of both DNA and proteins. Self‐assembled ternary complexes act as nanoscale carriers, comprising vesicles of amphiphilic cyclodextrin, the target biomolecules and linker molecules with an azobenzene unit and a charged functionality. The non‐covalent linker binds to the cyclodextrin by host–guest complexation with the azobenzene. Proteins or DNA are then bound to the functionalized vesicles through multivalent electrostatic attraction. The photoresponse of the host–guest complex allows a light‐induced switch from the multivalent state that can bind the biomolecules to the low‐affinity state of the free linker, thereby providing external control over the cargo release. The major advantage of this delivery approach is the wide variety of targets that can be addressed by multivalent electrostatic interaction, which we demonstrate on four types of DNA and six different proteins.
Ln3Q9 as a Molecular Framework for Ion‐Size‐Driven Assembly of Heterolanthanide (Nd, Er, Yb) Multiple Near‐Infrared Emitters
Authors: Artizzu Flavia , Quochi Francesco , Marchiò Luciano , Correia Raquel Fonseca , Saba Michele , Serpe Angela , Mura Andrea , Mercuri Maria Laura , Bongiovanni Giovanni , Deplano Paola
Published: January 2015

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Flavia Artizzu and Paola Deplano at the University of Cagliari (Italy). The image depicts the Three Graces of Canova, illustrating an assembly of three entities, as does the Ln3Q9 molecular framework with three different NIR‐luminescent lanthanide ions. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201405634.
Patient navigation based on predictive modeling decreases no‐show rates in cancer care
Authors: Percac‐Lima Sanja , Cronin Patrick R. , Ryan David P. , Chabner Bruce A. , Daly Emily A. , Kimball Alexandra B.
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

Patient adherence to appointments is key to improving outcomes in health care. “No‐show” appointments contribute to suboptimal resource use. Patient navigation and telephone reminders have been shown to improve cancer care and adherence, particularly in disadvantaged populations, but may not be cost‐effective if not targeted at the appropriate patients.

METHODS

In 5 clinics within a large academic cancer center, patients who were considered to be likely (the top 20th percentile) to miss a scheduled appointment without contacting the clinic ahead of time (“no‐shows”) were identified using a predictive model and then randomized to an intervention versus a usual‐care group. The intervention group received telephone calls from a bilingual patient navigator 7 days before and 1 day before the appointment.

RESULTS

Over a 5‐month period, of the 40,075 appointments scheduled, 4425 patient appointments were deemed to be at high risk of a “no‐show” event. After the patient navigation intervention, the no‐show rate in the intervention group was 10.2% (167 of 1631), compared with 17.5% in the control group (280 of 1603) (P<.001). Reaching a patient or family member was associated with a significantly lower no‐show rate (5.9% and 3.0%, respectively; P<.001 and .006, respectively) compared with leaving a message (14.7%: P = .117) or no contact (no‐show rate, 21.6%: P = .857).

CONCLUSIONS

Telephone navigation targeted at those patients predicted to be at high risk of visit nonadherence was found to effectively and substantially improve patient adherence to cancer clinic appointments. Further studies are needed to determine the long‐term impact on patient outcomes, but short‐term gains in the optimization of resources can be recognized immediately. Cancer 2015;121:1662–1670. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
FRET Enhancement in Aluminum Zero‐Mode Waveguides
Authors: de Torres Juan , Ghenuche Petru , Moparthi Satish Babu , Grigoriev Victor , Wenger Jérôme
Published: January 2015

Zero‐mode waveguides (ZMWs) can confine light into attoliter volumes, which enables single molecule fluorescence experiments at physiological micromolar concentrations. Of the fluorescence spectroscopy techniques that can be enhanced by ZMWs, Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is one of the most widely used in life sciences. Combining zero‐mode waveguides with FRET provides new opportunities to investigate biochemical structures or follow interaction dynamics at micromolar concentrations with single‐molecule resolution. However, prior to any quantitative FRET analysis on biological samples, it is crucial to establish first the influence of the ZMW on the FRET process. Here, we quantify the FRET rates and efficiencies between individual donor–acceptor fluorophore pairs that diffuse into aluminum zero‐mode waveguides. Aluminum ZMWs are important structures thanks to their commercial availability and the large amount of literature that describe their use for single‐molecule fluorescence spectroscopy. We also compared the results between ZMWs milled in gold and aluminum, and found that although gold has a stronger influence on the decay rates, the lower losses of aluminum in the green spectral region provide larger fluorescence brightness enhancement factors. For both aluminum and gold ZMWs, we observed that the FRET rate scales linearly with the isolated donor decay rate and the local density of optical states. Detailed information about FRET in ZMWs unlocks their application as new devices for enhanced single‐molecule FRET at physiological concentrations.
Direct CH Arene Homocoupling over Gold Nanoparticles Supported on Metal Oxides
Authors: Ishida Tamao , Aikawa Shohei , Mise Yoshiyuki , Akebi Ryota , Hamasaki Akiyuki , Honma Tetsuo , Ohashi Hironori , Tsuji Tetsuro , Yamamoto Yasushi , Miyasaka Mitsuru , Yokoyama Takushi , Tokunaga Makoto
Published: January 2015

The direct CH/CH bond coupling of dimethyl phthalate was performed successfully over supported gold nanoparticle catalysts. Gold on reducible metal oxides, such as Co3O4, and on inert oxides that have an oxygen‐releasing capacity, such as ZrO2, showed the highest catalytic activity for the production of biphenyl tetracarboxylate using O2 as the sole oxidant. Supported Pd(OH)2 also catalyzed the reaction, but the catalytic activity was inferior to that of gold. Moreover, the gold catalysts exhibited excellent regioselectivity for the synthesis of valuable 3,3′,4,4′‐tetrasubstituted biphenyls by coupling with each other at the 4‐position without the need for additional ligands. Gold catalysts also promoted the oxidative homocoupling of arenes including o‐xylene to give symmetrical biaryls with high regioselectivity. X‐ray absorption fine structure measurements revealed that the catalytically active species was Au0 and that the lattice oxygen of Co3O4 played an important role in the gold‐catalyzed oxidative coupling. The results of the kinetic studies were consistent with an electrophilic aromatic substitution pathway. Regioselectivity is not controlled by directing groups or the electronic character of the substituents but by steric hindrance, which suggests that gold nanoparticles not only catalyze the oxidative coupling but also act as bulky ligands to control the regioselectivity.
Selective Aerobic Oxidation of HMF to 2,5‐Diformylfuran on Covalent Triazine Frameworks‐Supported Ru Catalysts
Authors: Artz Jens , Mallmann Sabrina , Palkovits Regina
Published: January 2015

The selective aerobic oxidation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5‐diformylfuran has been performed under mild conditions at 80 °C and 20 bar of synthetic air in methyl t‐butyl ether. Ru clusters supported on covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) allowed excellent selectivity and superior catalytic activity compared to other support materials such as activated carbon, γ‐Al2O3, hydrotalcite, or MgO. CTFs with varying pore size, specific surface area, and N content could be prepared from different monomers. The structural properties of the CTF materials influence the catalytic activity of Ru/CTF significantly in the aerobic oxidation of HMF, which emphasizes the superior activity of mesoporous CTFs. Recycling of the catalysts is challenging, but promising methods to maintain high catalytic activity were developed that facilitate only minor deactivation in five consecutive recycling experiments.
A comparison of hydrologic models for ecological flows and water availability
Authors: Caldwell Peter V. , Kennen Jonathan G. , Sun Ge , Kiang Julie E. , Butcher Jon B. , Eddy Michele C. , Hay Lauren E. , LaFontaine Jacob H. , Hain Ernie F. , Nelson Stacy A. C. , McNulty Steve G.
Published: January 2015

Robust hydrologic models are needed to help manage water resources for healthy aquatic ecosystems and reliable water supplies for people, but there is a lack of comprehensive model comparison studies that quantify differences in streamflow predictions among model applications developed to answer management questions. We assessed differences in daily streamflow predictions by four fine‐scale models and two regional‐scale monthly time step models by comparing model fit statistics and bias in ecologically relevant flow statistics (ERFSs) at five sites in the Southeastern USA. Models were calibrated to different extents, including uncalibrated (level A), calibrated to a downstream site (level B), calibrated specifically for the site (level C) and calibrated for the site with adjusted precipitation and temperature inputs (level D). All models generally captured the magnitude and variability of observed streamflows at the five study sites, and increasing level of model calibration generally improved performance. All models had at least 1 of 14 ERFSs falling outside a +/−30% range of hydrologic uncertainty at every site, and ERFSs related to low flows were frequently over‐predicted. Our results do not indicate that any specific hydrologic model is superior to the others evaluated at all sites and for all measures of model performance. Instead, we provide evidence that (1) model performance is as likely to be related to calibration strategy as it is to model structure and (2) simple, regional‐scale models have comparable performance to the more complex, fine‐scale models at a monthly time step. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simulation of Biomass Gasification and Application in Pilot Plant
Authors: He Tao , Han Dezhi , Wu Jingli , Li Jianqing , Wang Zhiqi , Wu Jinhu
Published: January 2015

In the present work, a revised equilibrium model (gas–solid) was built. The temperature approach to equilibrium for the methane cracking reaction was specified to improve the prediction accuracy. The model was applied and validated in pilot scale experiments using a 150 kg h−1 two‐stage downdraft gasifier and a gasifier from the Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN). The type of gasification agent is a dominant factor that determines product gas composition, quality, and end‐use. A theoretical analysis of the effect of gasifying agent on product gas quality and process efficiency was executed based on the model calculation. The optimal operation conditions were established for the three (air, steam, oxygen–steam) gasification processes. For air gasification, an optimal value of equivalence ratio (ER) of 0.31 corresponds to the maximum gasification efficiency. The optimal range of steam/carbon ratio (SR) is between 0.7 and 0.8 for the equilibrium of the water–gas shift and steam reforming reactions. For autothermal oxygen–steam gasification, the H2 concentration reaches the highest value for SR=1.0.
Tight junctions in Gerbil von Ebner's Gland: Horseradish peroxidase and freeze‐fracture studies
Authors: Huang Anthony Y. , Chen Ming‐Huei , Wu Sandy Y. , Lu Kuo‐Shyan
Published: January 2015

The permeability of tight junctions to horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and the freeze‐fracture appearance of junctional structures were investigated in the von Ebner's gland of gerbils. In the tracing study, HRP was either administered topically on the dorsal surface of tongues or injected subepithelially into the connective tissue of vallate papillae for 5–30 min. Lingual tissues containing the von Ebner's gland were sectioned and examined by light and electron microscopy. In von Ebner's glands, the reaction product for HRP was found in the intercellular and interstitial spaces, whereas HRP appeared to penetrate the tight junctions and the reaction product was localized in the lumina of serous acini. In contrast, the staining for HRP that delineated the boundary of epithelial cells was frequently observed in the superficial layers of the lingual epithelium but not the underlying tissues while applying HRP topically. Freeze‐fracture replicas of acinar cells revealed that the tight junction had a depth of 0.815 ± 0.023 μm, and 4–6 parallel strands on the protoplasmic fracture face, with a branching network of joining strands with interruptions, interconnections and high linear strand density apically, and corresponding grooves on the extracellular face. Quantitative analyses showed a greater number of strands (7.217 ± 0.326) in gerbils compared to those of acinar cells (3.86 ± 0.22) in mice. These results demonstrate that the tight junctions in the gerbil von Ebner's gland is permeable, and that specific species differences in tight junction structures may be associated with the mechanism for survival in an extremely dry environment. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:213–219, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Raman spectroscopy measurement of levofloxacin lactate in blood using an optical fiber nano‐probe
Authors: Liu Shupeng , Huang Jing , Chen Zhenyi , Chen Na , Pang Fufei , Wang Tingyun , Hu Linshui
Published: January 2015

Liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry were time‐consuming and expensive as the main methods for the drug analysis at present, and the samples must be pretreated. The Raman spectroscopy measurement methods were fast and simple, so the Raman spectroscopy methods for the drug analysis were explored in this paper. An optical fiber nano‐probe coated with gold nanoparticles was fabricated and used with surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to measure levofloxacin lactate. The resulting SERS spectra of levofloxacin lactate in mouse blood that was detected by the optical fiber nano‐probe clearly showed the characteristic wave numbers of levofloxacin lactate, indicating that optical fiber nano‐probes can be used with spectral techniques to analyze drugs in vitro or potentially even in vivo. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antioxidant effects of proanthocyanidin‐rich natural extracts from grape seed and cupuassu on gastrointestinal mucosa
Authors: Pinent Montserrat , Castell‐Auví Anna , Genovese Maria Inés , Serrano Joan , Casanova Angela , Blay Mayte , Ardévol Anna
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

The gastrointestinal tract (GI) is constantly exposed to reactive species released by the GI tract itself, and those present in food and beverages. Phenolic compounds may help in protecting the GI tract against damage produced by the reactive species. In this paper we have analyzed the effects of a grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in two different intestinal cell types: the absorptive cell line Caco‐2 and the enteroendocrine cell line STC‐1.

RESULTS

We show that GSPE prevents tert‐butylhydroperoxide‐induced oxidative stress in both cell lines, and that the effects are dose and time dependent. We have also analyzed whether GSPE has any in vivo effect, and found that 25 mg kg−1 body weight cannot counteract the increase in intestinal ROS induced by the cafeteria diet. However, an acute (1 h) treatment of 1 g GSPE kg−1 body weight reduced ROS in fasted animals and also decreased ROS induction by food. These effects were found only after a short‐term treatment. Furthermore, we have compared the in vitro GSPE effects with those of another proanthocyanidin‐rich extract from cupuassu seeds, though it has compounds with different structures. Cupuassu extract also shows antioxidant effects in both cell types, which suggests different mechanisms from those of GSPE.

CONCLUSION

Natural proanthocyanidin‐rich extracts have an antioxidant effect in the GI tract, acting on absorptive cells and enterohormone‐secreting cells, although the effects depend on the dose and period of treatment. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
In vitro anti‐inflammatory properties of fermented pepino (Solanum muricatum) milk by γ‐aminobutyric acid‐producing Lactobacillus brevis and an in vivo animal model for evaluating its effects on hypertension
Authors: Chang Vincent Hung‐Shu , Chiu Tsai‐Hsin , Fu Szu‐Chieh
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

The objectives of this study were to determine the in vitro anti‐inflammatory and in vivo antihypertensive effects of fermented pepino (Solanum muricatum) milk by Lactobacillus brevis with the goal of developing functional healthy products. The inflammatory factors of fermented pepino milk with L. brevis were assessed in RAW 264.7 macrophages, including nitric oxide (NO) production. Inflammatory factor genes of cyclooxygenase (COX)‐1 and −2, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α were also assayed by a reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).

RESULTS

Results showed that fermented PE inhibited NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated RAW 264.7 cells with 150 mg mL−1 fermented PE completely blocking LPS‐induced NO production. The mRNA expressions of COX‐1, COX‐2, and iNOS were attenuated by treatment with higher concentrations of fermented PE (150 mg/ml). Cells treated with fermented pepino extract (PE) (100 ng mL−1) exhibited strikingly decreased LPS‐induced expression of TNF‐α mRNA. During the feeding trial, rats treated with 10% fermented pepino milk (100 µg 2.5 mL−1) and 100% fermented pepino milk (1000 µg 2.5 mL−1) exhibited significant decreases in the systolic blood pressure.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that fermented pepino milk has wide potential applications for development as a health food. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Electrophysiologic identification and monitoring of the external branch of superior laryngeal nerve during thyroidectomy
Authors: Kandil Emad , Mohamed Salah Eldin , Deniwar Ahmed , Mohamed Hossam , Friedlander Paul , Aslam Rizwan , Saeed Ahmad , Musa Ibrahim , Randolph Gregory
Published: January 2015

Objective

The aim of the study is to examine the correlation between weight, gender, and race with external branch of superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) visualization. Furthermore, we compared normative EBSLN neural‐monitoring values to those of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN).

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

North American tertiary academic hospital.

Subjects and Methods

A retrospective, institutional review board‐approved review was carried out on patients undergoing thyroid surgery by a single surgeon over 3.5 years. Preoperative and postoperative laryngoscopy was done on all patients in accordance with recently published American Academy of Otolaryngology voice optimization at thyroidectomy guidelines, and patients' clinical and operative relevant data were collected.

Results

A total of 447 nerves were at risk in 371 thyroidectomy patients. Of these nerves at risk, 237 (53.02%) were visualized and stimulated. The average amplitude and latency for the EBSLN were significantly lower when compared to the amplitude and the latency of RLN stimulation (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, respectively). There was no gender or racial disparity. Out of our study population, the EBSLN was identified in 64.56% in nonobese patients, whereas it was only 40.00% in obese patients (P < 0.001). Additionally, of the 56 patients in whom the EBSLN was visualized on one side and who further underwent bilateral neck exploration, 41 (73%) had visualization of the nerve on the contralateral side as well.

Conclusion

EBSLN is less likely to be visualized in obese patients; however, there was no gender or racial disparity. Stimulation of EBSLN was felt to be a useful adjunct during superior pole dissection to assure the nerve integrity.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 125:1996–2000, 2015
The “Pathological Gambling and Epidemiology” (PAGE) study program: design and fieldwork
Authors: Meyer Christian , Bischof Anja , Westram Anja , Jeske Christine , de Brito Susanna , Glorius Sonja , Schön Daniela , Porz Sarah , Gürtler Diana , Kastirke Nadin , Hayer Tobias , Jacobi Frank , Lucht Michael , Premper Volker , Gilberg Reiner , Hess Doris , Bischof Gallus , John Ulrich , Rumpf Hans‐Jürgen
Published: January 2015

The German federal states initiated the “Pathological Gambling and Epidemiology” (PAGE) program to evaluate the public health relevance of pathological gambling. The aim of PAGE was to estimate the prevalence of pathological gambling and cover the heterogenic presentation in the population with respect to comorbid substance use and mental disorders, risk and protective factors, course aspects, treatment utilization, triggering and maintenance factors of remission, and biological markers. This paper describes the methodological details of the study and reports basic prevalence data. Two sampling frames (landline and mobile telephone numbers) were used to generate a random sample from the general population consisting of 15,023 individuals (ages 14 to 64) completing a telephone interview. Additionally, high‐risk populations have been approached in gambling locations, via media announcements, outpatient addiction services, debt counselors, probation assistants, self‐help groups and specialized inpatient treatment facilities. The assessment included two steps: (1) a diagnostic interview comprising the gambling section of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) for case finding; (2) an in‐depth clinical interview with participants reporting gambling problems. The in‐depth clinical interview was completed by 594 participants, who were recruited from the general or high‐risk populations. The program provides a rich epidemiological database which is available as a scientific use file. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Becoming adult learner in 50s yielded insight about how to better serve students
Authors: Gomez Cynthia
Published: January 2015

Rita Serotkin, who has worked in adult higher education for much of her adult life, became an adult learner in 2001 at the age of 54 when she decided to finally pursue her doctoral degree. She had always wanted to, but there was always a reason to put it off.
Should I fight or should I flight? How studying insect aggression can help integrated pest management
Authors: Benelli Giovanni
Published: January 2015

Aggression plays a key role all across the animal kingdom, as it allows the acquisition and/or defence of limited resources (food, mates and territories) in a huge number of species. A large part of our knowledge on aggressive behaviour has been developed on insects of economic importance. How can this knowledge be exploited to enhance integrated pest management? Here, I highlight how knowledge on intraspecific aggression can help IPM both in terms of insect pests (with a focus on the enhancement of the sterile insect technique) and in terms of biological control agents (with a focus on mass‐rearing optimisation). Then, I examine what implications for IPM can be outlined from knowledge about interspecific aggressive behaviour. Besides predator–pest aggressive interactions predicted by classic biological control, I focus on what IPM can learn from (i) interspecific aggression among pest species (with special reference to competitive displacement), (ii) defensive behaviour exhibited by prey against predaceous insects and (iii) conflicts among predaceous arthropods sharing the same trophic niche (with special reference to learning/sensitisation practices and artificial manipulation of chemically mediated interactions). © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry