bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Serum Uric Acid Concentration as an Indicator of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Success
Authors: Menenakos Evangelos , Doulami Georgia , Tzanetakou Irene P. , Natoudi Maria , Kokoroskos Nikolaos , Almpanopoulos Konstantinos , Leandros Emmanouil , Zografos George , Theodorou Dimitrios
Published: January 2015

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) effectively reduces weight by restricting gastric capacity and altering gut hormones levels. We designed a prospective study to investigate the correlation of serum uric acid (SUA) concentration and weight loss. SUA and body mass index (BMI) were measured preoperatively and on first postoperative month and year in patients who underwent LSG in our department of bariatric surgery. Data on 55 patients were analyzed. Preoperative SUA concentration had a significant positive correlation with percentage of total weight loss (TWL) on first postoperative month (P = 0.001) and year (P = 0.002). SUA concentration on first postoperative month had a positive correlation with percentage of TWL on first postoperative year (P = 0.004). SUA concentration could be used as a predictor of LSG's success and could help in early detection of patients with rapid loss of weight, in order to prevent complications.
Impaired Blood Supply in the Colonic Anastomosis in Mice Compromises Healing
Authors: Pommergaard Hans-Christian , Achiam Michael Patrick , Burcharth Jakob , Rosenberg Jacob
Published: January 2015

Colon anastomotic leakage has a multifactorial etiology and ischemia is considered one of the most important single factors. However, no existing animal models have established a direct link between ischemia and anastomotic leakage. The aim of this study was to establish a model of colon anastomotic leakage as a result of tissue ischemia. In colon anastomoses of 53 C57BL/6 mice, varying degrees of ischemia were induced. Supplying vessels were divided with bipolar coagulation in order to reduce anastomotic breaking strength and create clinical anastomotic leakage. Breaking strength of all the ischemic anastomoses were significantly lower compared with controls. Increasing ischemia resulted in higher rates of large bowel obstruction without creating anastomotic leakage. Healing was compromised as a result of impaired blood supply. However, clinical leakage was absent. Pure ischemia in otherwise healthy experimental animals may be too simple of an approach to create clinical leakage.
Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma Involving the Spleen and Splenic Hilum: A Report of a Case With a Rare Growth Pattern
Authors: Nishikawa Gen , Minamiguchi Sachiko , Hata Hiroaki , Ogiso Satoshi , Yamaguchi Takashi , Otani Tethushi , Ikai Iwao
Published: January 2015

We present a rare case of dedifferentiated liposarcoma confined to the spleen and splenic hilum. An 81-year-old man was referred to our hospital with a large asymptomatic splenic tumor. The patient underwent splenectomy, and the adipose tissue surrounding the splenic hilum was also resected. Microscopically, the tumor mainly consisted of high-grade spindle cells similar to those seen in undifferentiated pleomorphic liposarcoma. In the splenic hilum, scattered atypical cells were detected in the sclerosing component and adipose tissue. Immunohistochemically, both the spindle cells in the spleen and the atypical cells in the splenic hilum were positive for MDM2 and CDK4. The histopathologic diagnosis was dedifferentiated liposarcoma derived from an atypical lipomatous tumor/well-differentiated liposarcoma of the adipose tissue in the splenic hilum with extension into the spleen. Dedifferentiated liposarcoma in the spleen and splenic hilum should be considered as a differential diagnosis of splenic tumors.
Equal 3-Year Outcomes for Kidney Transplantation Alone in HCV-Positive Patients With Cirrhosis
Authors: Parsikia Afshin , Campos Stalin , Khanmoradi Kamran , Pang John , Balasubramanian Manjula , Zaki Radi , Ortiz Jorge
Published: January 2015

Kidney transplantation alone in clinically compensated patients with cirrhosis is not well documented. Current guidelines list cirrhosis as a contraindication for kidney transplantation alone. This is an Institutional Review Board–approved retrospective study. We report our experience with a retrospective comparison between transplants in hepatitis C virus–positive (HCV+) patients without cirrhosis and HCV+ patients with cirrhosis. All of the patients were followed for at least a full 3-year period. All of the deaths and graft losses were recorded and analyzed using Kaplan-Meier methodology. One- and three-year cumulative patient survival rates for noncirrhotic patients were 91% and 82%, respectively. For cirrhotic patients, one- and three-year cumulative patient survival rates were 100% and 83%, respectively (P = NS). One- and three-year cumulative graft survival rates censored for death were 94% and 81%, and 95% and 82% for the noncirrhosis and cirrhosis groups, respectively (P = NS). Comparable patient and allograft survival rates were observed when standard kidney allograft recipients were analyzed separately. This study is the longest follow-up document in the literature showing that HCV+ clinically ompensated patients with cirrhosis may undergo kidney transplantation alone as a safe and viable practice.
Intramedullary Cervical Tuberculoma: A Case Report With Note on Surgical Management
Authors: Ju Hong-Bin , Guo Dong-Ming , Chen Fan-Fan
Published: January 2015

This study aims to report a relatively rare entity—intramedullary tuberculum of cervical spine—and describe its management and some key learning points. Intramedullary tuberculomas are rare entities. Intramedullary tuberculoma is most commonly found in the thoracic cord of a patient and is rarely seen in the cervical cord. We present an intramedullary cervical tuberculoma in a 21-year-old patient with finding of spinal cord compression. All 4 limbs were spastic, with grade 1 power on the right side and grade 3 power on the left side. Sensory deficit was found below the C6 level. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an intramedullary lesion at the C5 to C6 levels. Intramedullary tuberculoma was diagnosed based on clinical symptoms, physical examination, previous history, and magnetic resonance imaging. A C5 to C7 laminectomy was performed. Intramedullary tuberculoma was resected by microsurgery. One year after the surgery, strength returned to normal grade 5. Excellent clinical outcome was obtained with a combination of both medical and surgical treatments. Intramedullary cervical tuberculoma should be removed without delay to eliminate any mass effect on the neurons as soon as possible.
Should Subtotal Thyroidectomy Be Abandoned in Multinodular Goiter Patients From Endemic Regions Requiring Surgery?
Authors: Yoldas Tayfun , Makay Ozer , Icoz Gokhan , Kose Timur , Gezer Gulten , Kismali Erkan , Tamsel Sadık , Ozbek Sureyya , Yılmaz Mustafa , Akyildiz Mahir
Published: January 2015

The most convenient surgical procedure for benign thyroid diseases is still controversial. The aim of this study is to determine the recurrence rate and risk factors for recurrence after different thyroidectomy procedures in multinodular goiter patients. Patients were separated into two groups according to the detection of a recurrent nodule or not after thyroidectomy. Of the 748 patients, 216 (29%) had recurrence, while 532 had no recurrent nodule. The difference between surgical procedures described as subtotal (ST), near total (NT) and total thyroidectomy (TT) was statistically significant. Transient hypoparathyroidism was significantly higher in NT and TT, when compared to ST patients (P < 0.05). Young age, bilateral multinodular goiter and insufficient surgery are risk factors affecting recurrence for benign nodular thyroid disease. Currently, subtotal procedures should be discontinued and total or near total procedures should be preferred. Meanwhile, the probability of a higher risk of hypoparathyroidism should be kept in mind.
Emergency Presenting Colon Cancer Is an Independent Predictor of Adverse Disease-Free Survival
Authors: Hogan John , Samaha Georges , Burke John , Chang Kah Hoong , Condon Eoghan , Waldron David , Coffey John Calvin
Published: January 2015

Twenty percent of colon cancers present as an emergency. However, the association between emergency presentation and disease-free survival (DFS) remains uncertain. Consecutive patients who underwent elective (CC) and emergent (eCC) resection for colon cancer were included in the analysis. Survival outcomes were compared between the 2 groups in univariate/multivariate analyses. A total of 439 patients underwent colonic resection for colon cancer during the interval 2000−2010; 97 (22.1%) presented as an emergency. eCC tumors were more often located at the splenic flexure (P = 0.017) and descending colon (P = 0.004). The eCC group displayed features of more advanced disease with a higher proportion of T4 (P = 0.009), N2 tumors (P < 0.01) and lymphovascular invasion (P< 0.01). eCC was associated with adverse locoregional recurrence (P = 0.02) and adverse DFS (P < 0.01 ) on univariate analysis. eCC remained an independent predictor of adverse locoregional recurrence (HR 1.86, 95% CI 1.50–3.30, P = 0.03) and DFS (HR 1.30, 95% CI 0.88–1.92, P = 0.05) on multivariate analysis. eCC was not associated with adverse overall survival and systemic recurrence. eCC is an independent predictor of adverse locoregional recurrence and DFS.
Surgical Management of Left Upper Quadrant Sided Rectus Sheath Hematoma Occurred by Coughing in a Hemodialysis Patient
Authors: Yun Sangchul , Cho Sungwoo , Kim Zisun , Chong Han Ul , Kim Jae Joon
Published: January 2015

Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) is a rarely-occurring disease that is usually associated with anticoagulation, trauma, or spontaneous events. Most spontaneous rectus sheath hematomas may be relieved with conservative management. However, some extreme situations need surgical approach. Respecting the fact that the inferior epigastric artery mainly supplies the rectus abdominis muscle, interrupting its proximal side would cease the bleeding. We present a stepped procedure of ligation of the inferior epigastric artery and evacuation of hematoma with good field of vision in case of rectus sheath hematoma in hemodialysis patient.
Additional Gastrectomy After Endoscopic Mucosal Resection for Early Gastric Cancer
Authors: Yajima Hiroshi , Omura Noburo , Takahashi Naoto , Yoshida Kazuhiko , Yanaga Katsuhiko
Published: January 2015

The aim of this study was to examine the clinicopathological characteristics of cases undergoing additional gastrectomy after endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for early gastric cancer (EGC) and the appropriate strategy for treating those after incomplete EMR. We studied 16 patients who underwent additional gastrectomy after EMR for EGC. The reasons for additional gastrectomy were positive horizontal margin (8 cases), indeterminate horizontal margin (2 cases), positive vertical margin (4 cases), submucosal invasion (7 cases), lymphatic invasion (4 cases), venous invasion (1 case), and local recurrence (2 cases, including overlapped cases). Residual cancer was found in 6 of the 13 cases (46%), while no lymph node metastasis was found in any case; there were cases in which local resection was possible depending on tumor location and cases in which additional gastrectomy was performed due to suspected residual cancer but the specimens were free of cancer; follow-up without intervention appears to be feasible in some of these cases. When performing additional gastrectomy after EMR, the most appropriate method should be chosen so as not to worsen the quality of life of the patient while taking radical cure into consideration.
Laparoscopic Excision Versus Open Excision for the Treatment of Choledochal Cysts: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhen Chen , Xia Zhang , Long Li , Lishuang Ma , Pu Yu , Wenjuan Zheng , Xiaofan Li
Published: January 2015

In 1723, Vater first described choledochal cyst and in 1977, Todani et al classified this disease. For many years, open excision (OP) as the standard procedure made a great impact in the treatment of choledochal cyst. Since 1995, when Farello et al first reported laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision, laparoscopic excision (LA) has been used worldwide. However, its safety remains a major concern. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare OP with LA in treating choledochal cyst and then to determine whether LA is safe and valid. The design of this study involved systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources were Medline, Ovid, Elsevier, Google Scholar, Embase, and Cochrane library. The study selection entailed comparative cohort studies. For data extraction, 2 investigators independently assessed selected studies and extracted the following information: study characteristics, quality, outcomes data, etc. For the results, 7 comparative cohort studies about the effectiveness of LA compared with OP were performed meta-analysis. The results showed that although the LA group had a longer operative time (MD = 56.57; 95% CI = 32.20–80.93; P < 0.00001), LA had a shorter duration of hospital stay (MD = −1.93; 95% CI = −2.51 to −1.36; P < 0.00001), and recovery of bowel function (MD = −0.94; 95% CI = −1.33 to −0.55; P < 0.00001). Meta-analysis found no significant difference between most of the 2 groups: bile leak (RR = 0.60; 95% CI = 0.29–1.24; P = 0.17), abdominal bleeding (RR = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.01–8.98; P = 0.51), pancreatitis (RR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.06–1.03; P = 0.06), total postoperative complications (RR = 1.04; 95% CI = 0.66–1.62; P = 0.88). The LA group had significant lower rates in intraoperative blood transfusion (RR = 0.20; 95% CI = 0.11–0.38; P < 0.00001), and adhesive intestinal obstruction (RR = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.04–0.77; P = 0.02). In conclusion, compared with open excision, laparoscopic excision is a safe, valid, and feasible alternative to open excision.
A Novel Bowel Necrosis Classification System and Examination of Patient Outcomes in Incarcerated Groin Hernia Patients
Authors: Duan Sheng-jun , Ding Nai-yong , Liu Hua-shui , Li Qian , Zhang Shi-ye , Gai Xue-yin
Published: January 2015

The objective of this study was to determine a classification system for BN in incarcerated groin hernia patients and to explore the possible relationship between BN staging and patient outcomes. Incarcerated groin hernia patients treated with emergency bowel resection from January 2008 to December 2013 were screened for inclusion in a prospective study. A novel three-stage classification system was proposed for BN (BN stages I–III) and correlations between adverse events (AEs) and mortality with BN stage were determined. A total of 108 patients were included, with 71, 26, and 11 patients in BN stages I, II, and III, respectively. AEs, which included wound and intra-abdominal infections and other systemic complications, increased with higher BN stage (all P < 0.05). Mortality increased with BN stage, with 2.8%, 7.7%, and 27.3% at BN stages I, II, and III, respectively (P < 0.05). The proposed BN staging system can objectively reflect the degree of bowel damage and its corresponding adverse outcomes.
Single-Incision Plus One-Port Laparoscopic Abdominoperineal Resection With Bilateral Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection for Advanced Rectal Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Tokuoka Masayoshi , Ide Yoshihito , Takeda Mitsunobu , Hashimoto Yasuji , Matsuyama Jin , Yokoyama Shigekazu , Morimoto Takashi , Fukushima Yukio , Nomura Takashi , Kodama Ken , Sasaki Yo
Published: January 2015

With regard to laparoscopic and robotic abdominoperineal resection (APR) for primary rectal malignancies, limited data have been published in the literature. Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SLS) has been successfully introduced for treating colorectal cancer. Here we describe our experience of APR with SLS plus one port (SLS + 1) for treating advanced rectal cancer. A 65-year-old man underwent the procedure, which involved a 35-mm incision in the left side of the umbilicus for the insertion of a single multichannel port as well as the insertion of a 5-mm port into the right lower quadrant. The sigmoid colon and rectum were mobilized from the pelvic floor using a medial and lateral approach. After the rectum with the mesorectum was completely mobilized according to the total mesorectal excision, the sigmoid colon was intracorporeally transected. The specimen was removed through the perineal wound. Terminal colostomy was fashioned at the left lower trocar site. Lateral pelvic lymph node dissection was bilaterally performed. There were no perioperative complications. The total operating time was 592 minutes, and the estimated blood loss was 180 mL. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of SLS + 1 APR with lateral pelvic lymph node dissection for treating rectal cancer. We conclude that SLS + 1 APR is a technically promising alternative method for treating selected patients with advanced rectal cancer.
Projected increase in diurnal and interdiurnal variations of European summer temperatures
Authors: Cattiaux J. , Douville H. , Schoetter R. , Parey S. , Yiou P.
Published: January 2015

Beyond the mean warming, climate change may modify the temperature variability, with consequences on extreme events causing societal and environmental impacts. Here we assess future changes in both the interdiurnal variability (ITV) and diurnal range (DTR) of European summer temperatures based on Fifth Phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project projections under three 21st century scenarios. Both indices are projected to increase, with a rather good model agreement on the sign, while uncertainties remain on the amplitude. Extremely high day‐to‐day and diurnal temperature variations are expected to occur more frequently. Across models and scenarios, ITV and DTR increases vary primarily as functions of the decrease in surface evapotranspiration linked to the European summer drying. They are also partly explained by changes in the atmospheric dynamics and the surface cloud radiative effect. Model‐dependent degrees of control of (i) ITV and DTR by mean temperature and (ii) surface evapotranspiration by soil moisture appear as helpful metrics to reduce future uncertainties in ITV and DTR projections.
Investigating storm‐enhanced density and polar tongue of ionization development during the 22 October 1999 great storm
Authors: Horvath Ildiko , Lovell Brian C.
Published: January 2015

We investigate large‐scale plasma density increases occurring during the 22 October 1999 great storm and focus on storm‐enhanced density (SED) and polar tongue of ionization (TOI) development. Observations include two‐hourly Global Ionosphere Map series coupled with multi‐instrument in situ, space‐based, and ground‐based data plots, with Super Dual Auroral Radar Network two‐cell convection maps and with model‐generated neutral wind vector maps. Results demonstrate the equatorial electrojet events occurring in the Australian and American sectors, the high‐density plasma features, and their underlying plasma transportation processes. During the main phase, a series of four prompt penetration electric field (PPEF) events occurred with subauroral polarization stream E field development forming a plasmaspheric drainage plume. These E field events caused the repeated development of equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA), SED bulge, and SED plume during the local dusk‐midnight hours in those sectors that covered these local times. Showing a westward movement in accordance with their local time dependence, the EIA‐SED structure developed first in the American sector, later on over the Pacific, and finally in the Australian sector. The SED plume plasma found its way into the polar cap through the dayside cusp region, created in the north some large polar cap enhancements reaching up to seven times of the quiet time levels, and evolved in each hemisphere into a polar TOI. We speculate that the enhanced growth of EIA, transporting high‐density solar‐produced plasma to the SED bulge via strong net eastward E field effects, and the mechanical effects of equatorward neutral winds contributed to the polar TOI's increasingly better development.
Particle friction angles in steep mountain channels
Authors: Prancevic Jeff P. , Lamb Michael P.
Published: January 2015

Sediment transport rates in steep mountain channels are typically an order of magnitude lower than predicted by models developed for lowland rivers. One hypothesis for this observation is that particles are more stable in mountain channels due to particle‐particle interlocking or bridging across the channel width. This hypothesis has yet to be tested, however, because we lack direct measurements of particle friction angles in steep mountain channels. Here we address this data gap by directly measuring the minimum force required to dislodge sediment (pebbles to boulders) and the sediment weight in mountain channels using a handheld force gauge. At eight sites in California, with reach‐averaged bed angles ranging from 0.5° to 23° and channel widths ranging from 2 m to 16 m, we show that friction angles in natural streams average 68° and are 16° larger than those typically measured in laboratory experiments, which is likely due to particle interlocking and burial. Results also show that larger grains are disproportionately more stable than predicted by existing models and that grains organized into steps are twice as stable as grains outside of steps. However, the mean particle friction angle does not vary systematically with bed slope. These results do not support systematic increases in friction angle in steeper and narrower channels to explain the observed low sediment transport rates in mountain channels. Instead, the spatial pattern and grain‐size dependence of particle friction angles may indirectly lower transport rates in steep, narrow channels by stabilizing large clasts and channel‐spanning steps, which act as momentum sinks due to form drag.
High‐latitude forcing of diatom productivity in the southern Agulhas Plateau during the past 350 kyr
Authors: Romero O. E. , Kim J.‐H. , Bárcena M. A. , Hall I. R. , Zahn R. , Schneider R.
Published: January 2015

The hydrography of the Indian‐Atlantic Ocean gateway has been connected to high‐latitude climate dynamics by oceanic and atmospheric teleconnections on orbital and suborbital timescales. A wealth of sedimentary records aiming at reconstructing the late Pleistocene paleoceanography around the southern African continent has been devoted to understanding these linkages. Most of the records are, however, clustered close to the southern South African tip, with comparatively less attention devoted to areas under the direct influence of frontal zones of the Southern Ocean/South Atlantic. Here we present data of the composition and concentration of the diatom assemblage together with bulk biogenic content and the alkenone‐based sea surface temperature (SST) variations for the past 350 kyr in the marine sediment core MD02‐2588 (approximately 41°S, 26°E) recovered from the southern Agulhas Plateau. Variations in biosiliceous productivity show a varying degree of coupling with Southern Hemisphere paleoclimate records following a glacial‐interglacial cyclicity. Ecologically well‐constrained groups of diatoms record the glacial‐interglacial changes in water masses dynamics, nutrient availability, and stratification of the upper ocean. The good match between the glacial maxima of total diatoms concentration, Chaetoceros spores abundance, and opal content with the maximum seasonal cover of Antarctic ice and the atmospheric dust records points to a dominant Southern Hemisphere forcing of diatom production. Suborbital variability of SST suggests rapid latitudinal migrations of the Subtropical Front and associated water masses over the southern Agulhas Plateau, following millennial contractions and expansions of the subtropical gyres. Warmings of the upper ocean over site MD02‐2588 during terminations IV to I occurred earlier than that in the Antarctic Vostok, which is indicative of a Northern Hemisphere lead. Our multiparameter reconstruction highlights how high‐latitude atmospheric and hydrographic processes modulated orbital highs and lows in primary production and SST as triggered by northward transport of Si, eolian dust input, and latitudinal migrations of frontal zones.
New insights into productivity and redox‐controlled trace element (Ag, Cd, Re, and Mo) accumulation in a 55 kyr long sediment record from Guaymas Basin, Gulf of California
Authors: Chang Alice S. , Pichevin Laetitia , Pedersen Thomas F. , Gray Victoria , Ganeshram Raja
Published: January 2015

A high‐resolution, 55 kyr long record of chalcophile and redox‐sensitive trace element accumulation (Ag, Cd, Re, and Mo) from MD02‐2515, western Guaymas Basin, is investigated in conjunction with patterns in stratigraphy and productivity. High opal concentrations (~59 wt. %), representing increased diatom production, coincide with laminated sediments and dilute the concentrations of organic carbon (Corg) and metals. A similarity between opal and normalized Corg, Ag, and Cd concentrations suggests delivery to the sediments by diatom export production, while patterns in normalized Re and Mo accumulation suggest a different emplacement mechanism. Although Mo enrichment in organic‐rich, laminated sediments typically represents anoxic conditions at other locations, Mo (and Re) in Guaymas Basin is enriched in nonlaminated and bioturbated sediments that are representative of oxygenated conditions. Adsorption onto Fe‐ and/or Mn‐oxyhydroxide surfaces during oxygenation inadequately explains both the Re and Mo enrichments. Thus, recently published mechanisms invoking direct Re and Mo removal from the water column and bioturbation‐assisted irrigation of Re into the sediments are used to explain the counterintuitive observations in Guaymas Basin. The MD02‐2515 stratigraphic and proxy records are also different from other records in the northeast Pacific in that there is little correspondence with Greenland Dansgaard‐Oeschger interstadials. There is some correlation with Heinrich events, suggesting that ventilation of intermediate waters and/or reduced productivity may be important in controlling stratigraphy and trace element accumulation. The results question whether MD02‐2515 records can be compared to northeast Pacific open‐margin records, especially before 17 kyr B.P.
Consumer Culture Theory (CCT)
Authors: Askegaard Søren
Published: January 2015

Consumer culture theory (CCT) is a stream of research focusing on consumption patterns as a social and cultural practice. Scholars who espouse CCT are predominantly, albeit not exclusively, employed in marketing or management departments in universities and business schools in Europe and North America, though there is a growing interest in this type of research in Latin America, for example. Based on the legacy of earlier social psychological approaches to the symbolic nature of consumer behavior as expressed in, for example, the work of Sidney Levy from the 1950s, CCT slowly grew from the early 1980s onward as an increasingly significant addition to the traditional econometric and cognitive psychological approaches to the study of consumer decision making and consumer behavior in business schools.
Gay and Lesbian/Queer Markets/Marketing
Authors: Campbell John Edward
Published: January 2015

“Gay marketing” or “gay and lesbian marketing” refers to advertising campaigns designed to appeal to gay male and/or lesbian consumers, whether these advertisements are explicit or coded. The term “gay marketing” can be used to indicate advertising campaigns aimed specifically at gay male consumers, lesbian consumers, or gay male and lesbian consumers more broadly. Gay marketing appeals take the form of advertisements or sponsored content in gay‐oriented publications and on gay‐oriented websites, direct mail solicitations, coded advertisements appearing in the commercial media, and, more recently, open appeals to gay consumers in the mainstream media. The historical development of gay marketing is fundamentally intertwined with the emergence of national gay publications.
Music and Consumer Experience
Authors: Lang John T.
Published: January 2015

Consumers are besieged by music. Corporations use music to shape consumer experience and purchasing behaviors, to build emotional connections with consumers, and to enhance the corporate brand image. Music provides a set of aesthetic and commercial cues, beyond visual and other sensory practices, for consumers and corporations. In this manner, music is intricately intertwined with commercial symbols, practices, and environments.
New Lenses on Learning
Authors: Cross K. Patricia
Published: January 2015

Patricia Cross offers an important prescription for today's campuses: get everyone focused on student learning again.
The Role of Service in Higher Education
Authors: Astin Alexander W.
Published: January 2015

Alexander Astin gives an update on what the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA is learning about volunteerism and community service on campus. What promotes participation? Who benefits? How does participation affect leadership development?
Enriching the Student Learning Experience through Community Service Learning
Authors: Bradfield Cecil D. , Myers R. Ann
Published: January 2015

Cecil D. Bradfield and R. Ann Myers are professors of sociology and social work at fames Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where they cofounded the JMU Center for Service-Learning. The Center is noteworthy in its dedication to (and success in) serving equally the academic learning needs of students and the needs of the community. Here Bradfield and Myers describe the Center and at the same time examine what makes service learning different from community service.
Leadership for Social Change
Authors: Astin Helen S.
Published: January 2015

We have long viewed leadership as a solitary activity, the province of the individual. Now Helen Astin and a working ensemble of student affairs faculty and practitioners have created a new model of leadership for social change—one that celebrates both individuality and collaboration.
Building a New Culture of Teaching & Learning
Authors: Hutchings Pat
Published: January 2015

The search is on for new and powerful ways to engage students, but today's campuses need more than new techniques. They need to build a culture where these new approaches can take hold and thrive.
Helping America's First-Generation College Students
Authors: Gardner John N.
Published: January 2015

A bottom-line list of what institutions of higher learning must do
Engineered Proteinticles for Targeted Delivery of siRNA to Cancer Cells
Authors: Lee Eun Jung , Lee So Jin , Kang Yoon‐Sik , Ryu Ju Hee , Kwon Koo Chul , Jo Eunji , Yhee Ji Young , Kwon Ick Chan , Kim Kwangmeyung , Lee Jeewon
Published: January 2015

Considering the problems of small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery using traditional viral and nonviral vehicles, a new siRNA delivery system to enhance efficiency and safety needs to be developed. Here human ferritin‐based proteinticles are genetically engineered to simultaneously display various functional peptides on the surface of proteinticles: cationic peptide to capture siRNA, tumor cell targeting and penetrating peptides, and enzymatically cleaved peptide to release siRNA inside tumor cell. In the in vitro treatment of poly‐siRNA‐proteinticle complex, both of the tumor cell targeting and penetrating peptides are important for efficient delivery of siRNA, and the red fluorescent protein (RFP) expression in RFP‐expressing tumor cells is notably suppressed by the delivered siRNA with the complementary sequence to RFP mRNA. It seems that the human ferritin‐based proteinticle is an efficient, stable, and safe tool for siRNA delivery, having a great potential for application to in vivo cancer treatment. The unique feature of proteinticles is that multiple and functional peptides can be simultaneously and evenly placed and also easily switched on the proteinticle surface through a simple genetic modification, which is likely to make proteinticles appropriate for targeted delivery of siRNA to a wide range of cancer cells.
Does Excess Energy Assist Photogeneration in an Organic Low‐Bandgap Solar Cell?
Authors: Hahn Tobias , Geiger Johannes , Blase Xavier , Duchemin Ivan , Niedzialek Dorota , Tscheuschner Steffen , Beljonne David , Bässler Heinz , Köhler Anna
Published: January 2015

The field dependence of the photocurrent in a bilayer assembly is measured with the aim to clarify the role of excess photon energy in an organic solar cell comprising a polymeric donor and an acceptor. Upon optical excitation of the donor an electron is transferred to the acceptor forming a Coulomb‐bound electron–hole pair. Since the subsequent escape is a field assisted process it follows that photogeneration saturates at higher electric fields, the saturation field being a measure of the separation of the electron–hole pair. Using the low bandgap polymers, PCDTBT and PCPDTBT, as donors and C60 as acceptor in a bilayer assembly it is found that the saturation field decreases when the photon energy is roughly 0.5 eV above the S1–S0 0–0 transition of the donor. This translates into an increase of the size of the electron‐hole‐pair up to about 13 nm which is close to the Coulomb capture radius. This increase correlates with the onset of higher electronic states that have a highly delocalized character, as confirmed by quantum‐chemical calculations. This demonstrates that accessing higher electronic states does favor photogeneration yet excess vibrational energy plays no role. Experiments on intrinsic photogeneration in donor photodiodes without acceptors support this reasoning.
Evolution of Raman Scattering and Electronic Structure of Ultrathin Molybdenum Disulfide by Oxygen Chemisorption
Authors: Chow Wai Leong , Luo Xin , Quek Su Qing , Tay Beng Kang
Published: January 2015

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has attracted vast interest in the fields of electronic, optoelectronic, and valleytronic applications due to its unique properties. Because of its low dimensionality, MoS2 is susceptible to oxygen absorption in ambient environments, which can alter its electrical and optical properties. Here, a new method to introduce oxygen chemisorption in ultrathin MoS2 by controlled oxygen plasma treatment is presented. Using Raman spectroscopy, a red shift in the frequency of E12g mode with increasing oxygen chemisorption is found, whereas, the frequency of A1g mode is fixed. Interestingly, the absorption peak in the photoluminescence spectra red shifts, indicating an optical band gap reduction upon oxygen chemisorption. The behaviors of these different shifts are reproduced and elucidated by density functional theory calculations. It is found that the red shift of the E12g Raman peak is caused by a softening of in‐plane Mo‐S force constants, while the red shift in the photoluminescence peak is due to a reduction of the electronic band gap in oxygen‐chemisorbed MoS2. The results shine light on the fundamental understanding of chemical interactions between oxygen and MoS2 and provide an alternative way to achieve band gap engineering in MoS2.
Efficient CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells Based on Graphdiyne (GD)‐Modified P3HT Hole‐Transporting Material
Authors: Xiao Junyan , Shi Jiangjian , Liu Huibiao , Xu Yuzhuan , Lv Songtao , Luo Yanhong , Li Dongmei , Meng Qingbo , Li Yuliang
Published: January 2015

Novel large π‐conjugated carbon material, graphdiyne (GD), as a dopant to poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) hole‐transporting material (HTM) layer, is introduced into perovskite solar cells for the first time. Raman spectroscopy and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy measurements reveal that relatively strong π–π stacking interaction occurs between GD particles and P3HT (so‐called P3HT/GD composite HTM), favorable for the hole transportation and improvement of the cell performance. On the other hand, some GD aggregates exhibit a scattering nature, and thus help to increase the light absorption of the perovskite solar cells in the long wavelength range. As high as 14.58% light‐to‐electricity conversion efficiency is achieved, superior to the pristine P3HT‐based devices. Additionally, the devices exhibit good stability and reproducibility. Time‐resolved photoluminescence decay measurements reveal that the P3HT/GD HTM can accelerate the hole extraction compared with pristine P3HT.
N‐Heterocyclic‐Carbene‐Catalyzed Sulfa‐Michael additions
Authors: Li Yuan‐Zhen , Wang Ying , Du Guang‐Fen , Zhang Hai‐Yan , Yang Hong‐Li , He Lin
Published: January 2015

An efficient N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐catalyzed sulfa‐Michael addition of thiols and Michael acceptors was developed. In the presence of 5 mol % of the NHC catalyst, various thiols undergo conjugate addition with α,β‐unsaturated ketones, esters, amides, sulfones, or nitriles to afford β‐keto sulfides in good to excellent yields.
Stereoselective Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Indanes and Dibenzocycloheptadienes through Complex Radical Cascade Reactions
Authors: Kong Wangqing , Fuentes Noelia , García‐Domínguez Andres , Merino Estíbaliz , Nevado Cristina
Published: January 2015

Two highly stereoselective radical‐mediated syntheses of densely functionalized indanes and dibenzocycloheptadienes from ortho‐vinyl‐ and ortho‐vinylaryl‐substituted N‐(arylsulfonyl)‐acrylamides, respectively, are presented here. The chemoselective addition of in situ generated radicals (X.) onto the styrene moieties triggers an unprecedented reaction cascade, resulting in the formation of one new CX bond and two new CC bonds, a formal 1,4‐aryl migration, and the extrusion of SO2 to generate an amidyl radical intermediate. This intermediate, upon H abstraction, leads to the observed 5‐ and 7‐membered ring carbocyclic products, respectively, in a highly efficient manner.
Structure of the Sulfoxide Synthase EgtB from the Ergothioneine Biosynthetic Pathway
Authors: Goncharenko Kristina V. , Vit Allegra , Blankenfeldt Wulf , Seebeck Florian P.
Published: January 2015

The non‐heme iron enzyme EgtB catalyzes O2‐dependent CS bond formation between γ‐glutamyl cysteine and N‐α‐trimethyl histidine as the central step in ergothioneine biosynthesis. Both, the catalytic activity and the architecture of EgtB are distinct from known sulfur transferases or thiol dioxygenases. The crystal structure of EgtB from Mycobacterium thermoresistibile in complex with γ‐glutamyl cysteine and N‐α‐trimethyl histidine reveals that the two substrates and three histidine residues serve as ligands in an octahedral iron binding site. This active site geometry is consistent with a catalytic mechanism in which CS bond formation is initiated by an iron(III)‐complexed thiyl radical attacking the imidazole ring of N‐α‐trimethyl histidine.
Synthesis, characterization, and polymerization of a novel benzoxazine based on diethyltoluenediamine
Authors: Ren Shitong , Yang Xin , Zhao Xiaojuan , Zhang Ying , Huang Wei
Published: January 2015

A novel aromatic diamine‐based benzoxazine monomer (PDETDA) was successfully prepared from diethyltoluenediamine (DETDA), phenol, and paraformaldehyde through a simple one‐step solvent‐less method. The structure of PDETDA was confirmed by FTIR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR. The curing behavior of PDETDA was studied by DSC, FTIR, and rheological measurement. The results showed that the alkyl substituents on the benzene ring in DETDA not only facilitated the synthesis of PDETDA by effectively hindering the formation of triazine network, but also endowed PDETDA with the advantage of low viscosity (1 Pa s at 90°C). However, steric hindrance of the substituents made PDETDA difficult to form a crosslinked network through ring‐opening polymerization, and therefore only oligomers and noncrosslinked polymers were obtained. The curing kinetics of PDETDA was studied by nonisothermal DSC, and the results revealed that the curing of PDETDA displayed autocatalytic characteristic. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41920.
Two Successive C2 Losses from C86 Fullerene upon Chlorination with the Formation of Non‐classical C84Cl30 and C82Cl30
Authors: Wei Tao , Yang Shangfeng , Kemnitz Erhard , Troyanov Sergey I.
Published: January 2015

High‐temperature chlorination of a fullerene C86 with VCl4 afforded non‐classical C84Cl30 and C82Cl30 containing one and two heptagons, respectively, in the carbon cages. Two types of C2 losses, which differ in the final arrangements of separate or fused pentagons, can occur successively in either order, producing rather flat or concave regions on the shrinked carbon cage. In the chlorination‐promoted skeletal transformation of C86 (isomer no. 16) with the loss(es) of C2 units, the structures of the starting, intermediate, and final compounds were all revealed unambiguously by X‐ray single crystal diffraction.
Power production and wastewater treatment simultaneously by dual‐chamber microbial fuel cell technique
Authors: Izadi Paniz , Rahimnejad Mostafa , Ghoreyshi Ali
Published: January 2015

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a novel technology that is able to convert the chemical energy of organic and inorganic substrates to electrical energy directly. The use of fossil fuels and recent energy crisis bring increasing attention to this technology. Besides electricity generation, wastewater treatment is another application of MFCs. Sulfide is a hazardous ion that is common in wastes. In this article, dual‐chamber MFC was fabricated and a mixed culture of microorganisms was used as an active biocatalyst in an anaerobic anodic chamber to convert substrate to electricity. The obtained experimental results indicate that this MFC can successfully alter sulfide to elementary sulfur and power generation. The initial concentration of sulfide in wastewater was 1.5 g L−1, and it was removed after 10 days of MFC operation. Maximum produced power and current density were 48.68 mW⋅m−2 and 231.47 mA⋅m−2, respectively. Besides, the influences of a biocathode were investigated and accordingly the data obtained for power and current density were increased to 372.27 mW⋅m−2 and 1,665.15 mA⋅m−2, respectively.
Human exposure from pulsed magnetic field therapy mats: A numerical case study with three commercial products
Authors: De Santis Valerio , Douglas Mark , Nadakuduti Jagadish , Benkler Stefan , Chen Xi Lin , Kuster Niels
Published: January 2015

A previous study found that incident magnetic field exposure from pulsed magnetic field therapy (PMFT) mats can exceed ICNIRP 1998 reference levels. Due to the popularity of PMFT mats for private therapeutic use, regulators need to know if the products are compliant with the basic restrictions and how overexposure can be determined. This case study's objective was to test if such products are intrinsically compliant with ICNIRP 1998 and ICNIRP 2010 basic restrictions by evaluating three different commercially‐available PMFT products. In the first step, experimentally validated numerical models of these mats were developed. As a second step, the induced fields were evaluated in high‐resolution anatomical models of the IT'IS Virtual Population for various lying positions and compared to the safety guidelines. As expected, a strong influence of exposure on the PMFT design, anatomy, lying position and body orientation was found. The maximum exposure of one PMFT exceeds 3.1 times the basic restrictions of ICNIRP 1998 for the central nervous system tissues and 1.36 times the limit of ICNIRP 2010 for the peripheral tissues. Body loops can significantly increase the electric fields close to the skin, e.g., when the hand and thigh are in contact during mat use. In conclusion, PMFT products are not intrinsically compliant with ICNIRP 1998 and ICNIRP 2010 basic restrictions and therefore require special considerations. Bioelectromagnetics. 36:149–161, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Weekly multimodal MRI follow‐up of two multiple sclerosis active lesions presenting a transient decrease in ADC
Authors: Hannoun Salem , Roch Jean‐Amédée , Durand‐Dubief Francoise , Vukusic Sandra , Sappey‐Marinier Dominique , Guttmann Charles R.G. , Cotton Francois
Published: January 2015

Background and purpose

Blood‐brain barrier disruption during the earliest phases of lesion formation in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is commonly ascribed to perivenular inflammatory activity and is usually accompanied by increased diffusivity. Reduced diffusivity has also been shown in active lesions, albeit less frequently. This study aimed to characterize the development and natural history of contrast‐enhanced lesions by weekly following five relapsing remitting (RR) MS patients.

Materials and methods

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), perfusion imaging, FLAIR and contrast‐enhanced 3D T1‐weighted MR, were weekly performed on five untreated patients recently diagnosed with RR MS.

Results

All five patients showed significant increases of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in the lesions compared to the first time point. One of the five patients presented 98 active lesions on ADC maps among which 36 had a volume larger than 10 mm3. In two of these lesions, a 1 week transient decrease in ADC was detected at the time of the first gadolinium enhancement. Also, the perfusion analysis showed a concomitant increase in the relative cerebral blood volume.

Conclusions

The infrequency detection of such ADC decrease in a new lesion is probably due to its very short duration. This observation may be consistent with a hyper‐acute inflammatory stage concomitant with an increased reactional perfusion.
Review best practices, practical strategies for sexual assault prevention, response
Authors: Bennett Laura
Published: January 2015

It seems 2014 turned out to be an eventful year for those of us involved with the resolution of incidents of sexual violence on college and university campuses.
Two New Pyrrolosesquiterpenes Produced by a Streptomyces Species
Authors: Liu Dong‐Ze , Liang Bo‐Wen , Li Xiao‐Fei
Published: January 2015

Two new pyrrolosesquiterpenes, 1 and 2, were isolated from cultures of the soil actinomycete Streptomyces sp. Hd7–21. The structures of these compounds were established as (2Z,4E,9E)‐6,7,11‐trihydroxy‐3,7,11‐trimethyl‐1‐(1H‐pyrrol‐2‐yl)dodeca‐2,4,9‐trien‐1‐one (1) and (2Z,4E)‐5‐{3‐[(2E)‐4‐hydroxy‐4‐methylpent‐2‐en‐1‐yl]‐3‐methyloxiran‐2‐yl}‐3‐methyl‐1‐(1H‐pyrrol‐2‐yl)penta‐2,4‐dien‐1‐one (2) by extensive spectroscopic analyses including MS, and 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR data. Their cytotoxic activities against a panel of human cancer cell lines were evaluated.
Composition of Leaf n‐Alkanes in Three Satureja montana L. Subspecies from the Balkan Peninsula: Ecological and Taxonomic Aspects
Authors: Dodoš Tanja , Rajčević Nemanja , Tešević Vele , Matevski Vlado , Janaćković Pedja , Marin Petar D.
Published: January 2015

The composition of the epicuticular leaf n‐alkanes of eight populations of three Satureja montana subspecies (S. montana L. subsp. pisidica (Wettst.) Šilić, S. montana L. subsp. montana, and S. montana L. subsp. variegata (Host) P. W. Ball), from central and western areas of the Balkan Peninsula was characterized by GC‐FID and GC/MS analyses. In the leaf waxes, 15 n‐alkane homologs with chain‐lengths ranging from C21 to C35 were identified. The main n‐alkane in almost all samples was n‐nonacosane (C29), but differences in the contents of three other dominant n‐alkanes allowed separating the coastal from the continental populations. The diversity and variability of the epicuticular‐leaf‐n‐alkane patterns and their relation to different geographic and bioclimatic parameters were analyzed by several statistical methods (principal component, discriminant, and cluster analyses as well as the Mantel test). All tests showed a high correlation between the leaf n‐alkane pattern and the geographical distribution of the investigated populations, confirming the differentiation between S. montana subsp. pisidica and the other two subspecies. The S. montana subsp. variegata and S. montana subsp. montana populations are geographically closer and their differentiation according to the leaf‐n‐alkane patterns was not clear, even though there was some indication of discrimination between them. Moreover, most of the bioclimatic parameters related to temperature were highly correlated with the differentiation of the coastal and the continental populations.