bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Obesity is a risk factor for thyroid cancer in a large, ultrasonographically screened population
Authors: Han Ji Min , Kim Tae Yong , Jeon Min Ji , Yim Ji Hye , Kim Won Gu , Song Dong Eun , Hong Suck Joon , Bae Sung Jin , Kim Hong-Kyu , Shin Myung-Hee , Shong Young Kee , Kim Won Bae 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveObesity is a well-known risk factor for many cancers, including those of the esophagus, colon, kidney, breast, and skin. However, there are few reports on the relationship between obesity and thyroid cancer. We conducted this study to determine whether obesity is a risk factor for thyroid cancer by systematically screening a selected population by ultrasonography.Design and methodsWe obtained data from 15 068 subjects that underwent a routine health checkup from 2007 to 2008 at the Health Screening and Promotion Center of Asan Medical Center. Thyroid ultrasonography was included in the checkup, and suspicious nodules were examined by ultrasonography-guided aspiration. Those with a history of thyroid disease or family history of thyroid cancer were excluded from this study.ResultsIn total, 15 068 subjects, 8491 men and 6577 women, were screened by thyroid ultrasonography. Fine-needle aspiration cytology was performed in 1427 of these patients based on the predefined criteria and thyroid cancer was diagnosed in 267 patients. The prevalence of thyroid cancer in women was associated with a high BMI (per 5 kg/m2 increase) (odds ratios (OR)=1.63, 95% CI 1.24–2.10, P<0.001), after adjustment for age, smoking status, and TSH levels. There was no positive correlation between the prevalence of thyroid cancer in men and a high BMI (OR=1.16, 95% CI 0.85–1.57, P=0.336). There was no association between age, fasting serum insulin, or basal TSH levels and thyroid cancer in either gender.ConclusionsObesity was associated with a higher prevalence of thyroid cancer in women when evaluated in a routine health checkup setting. This association between risk factor and disease was unrelated to serum insulin and TSH levels. Additional studies are needed to understand the mechanism(s) behind the association of obesity with thyroid cancer risk.
The role and importance of gene polymorphisms in the development of atherosclerosis
Authors: Szabó Gábor Viktor 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The development of atherosclerosis is a multifactorial process. The purpose of the study was to examine three genetic polymorphisms playing a role in the metabolic processes underlying the disease. We compared the data of 348 atherosclerotic non-diabetic patients with 260 atherosclerotic diabetic patients and 384 healthy controls. We analyzed the prevalence of myocardial infarction and stroke in three different groups of patients carrying different polymorphisms. It was proved that if the mutant TT eNOS Glu298ASP variant is present, a significantly higher number of myocardial infarctions can be observed than in patients carrying heterozygote GT or normal GG genotype. We proved that in the case of MTHFR 677CT heterozygote variants, the occurrence of myocardial infarction is significantly higher and the difference is also significant in case of the 677TT homozygote variant. It was verified that among patients with the mutant TNF-α AA genotype the occurrence of cardiovascular events was significantly higher. Screening the genetically high risk groups on the long run should be considered as an early detection opportunity that may give better chances for prevention and treatment. Understanding the inflammatory mechanisms of the atherosclerosis may give new therapeutical targets to pharmacologists.
A comparative study of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and high-sensitive C-reactive protein in normal and preeclamptic pregnancies
Authors: Farzadnia Mehdi , Ayatollahi Hossein , Hasan-Zade Maliheh , Rahimi Hamid Reza 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Preeclampsia is characterized by hypertension, dyslipidemia, and systemic inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to determine the level of serum level of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in preeclampsia and to compare normal pregnant, mild preeclamptic, and severe preeclamptic women.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the plasma concentrations of sVCAM-1 and hsCRP in peripheral blood obtained from normal pregnant (n=40), mild preeclamptic (n=37), and severe preeclamptic women (n=38). A concentration of soluble adhesion molecule was determined with enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. hsCRP was measured with immunoturbidometric.

Results
There was significant difference in the means serum hsCRP between normal pregnant women and mild preeclamptic women (P<0.05). Serum concentration of hsCRP and sVCAM-1 (ng/mL) were significantly higher in severe preeclampsia (P<0.05) than normal pregnancy. There were also significant differences in hsCRP and sVCAM-1 levels between mild and severe (P<0.05). There was no difference in the mean sVCAM-1 between normal pregnant and mild preeclamptic women.

Conclusion
We have determined the serum concentration of VCAM-1 and hsCRP in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia. sVCAM-1 is elevated in severe preeclampsia compared with normal pregnancy, and hsCRP is elevated in severe preeclampsia compared with mild preeclampsia and normal pregnancy.
Stability, Electronic Properties, and Structural Isomerism in Small Copper Clusters
Authors: Montejano-Carrizales Juan M. , Aguilera-Granja Faustino , Guirado-López Ricardo A. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTWe present extensive pseudopotential density functional theory calculations dedicated to analyze the stability, electronic properties, and structural isomerism in Cu6 clusters. We consider structures of different symmetries and charge states. Our total energy calculations reveal a strong competition between two- and three-dimensional atomic arrays, the later being mostly energetically preferred for the anionic structures. The bond lengths and electronic spectra strongly depend on the local atomic environment, a result that is expected to strongly influence the catalytic activity of our clusters. Using the nudged elastic band method we analyze the interconversion processes between different Cu6 isomers. Complex atomic relaxations are obtained when we study the transition between different cluster structures; however relatively small energy barriers of approximately 0.3 eV accompany the atomic displacements. Interestingly, we obtain that by considering positively charged Cu6+ systems we reduce further the energy barriers opposing the interconversion process. The previous results could imply that, under a range of experimental conditions, it should be possible to observe different Cu6cluster structures in varying proportions.
Preparation and Characterization of 1-3 BaTiO3-PVDF Hybrid Nanocomposites
Authors: Rodríguez-Rodríguez A.A. , Morales-Carrillo N.A. , Gallardo-Vega C. , Hurtado-López G.F. , Cepeda-Garza J.A. , Corral-Flores V. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT1-3 BaTiO3-PVDF hybrid nanocomposites were prepared by combining electrospinning, sol-gel and spin-coating techniques. First, one-dimensional structures of barium titanate (BaTiO3) were obtained by electrospinning. An alcoholic solution consisting of Ba2+ and Ti4+ions (1:1 molar ratio) and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) was electrospun at 15 kV, with a tip-to-collector distance of 15 cm and a feed rate of 0.5 mL/h. Ceramic fibers were obtained after sintering the as-spun fibers at 900 °C for 2 hours. In a second step, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) was incorporated to the oxide fibers by spin-coating a dimetilformamide solution, thus conforming 1-3 ceramic-polymeric hybrid nanocomposites on stainless steel substrates.Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the as-spun fibers were smooth, long and continuous with an average diameter of 155 ± 40 nm, ranging from 60 to 240 nm, while sintered fibers presented a reduction in size, with an average diameter of 115 ± 16 nm, ranging from 96 to 120 nm. Sintered nanofibers were also long and continuous but with a rough surface. X-ray diffraction confirmed the perovskite-type structure of the BaTiO3. A structure refinement revealed a degree of tetragonality of 1.0046.The polymer crystalline phases were identified by infrared spectroscopy on ATR mode. This study showed the presence of both β and γ polar phases, and absence of non-polar α phase, according to the characteristic bands for such crystalline phases.The nanocomposites exhibited a ferroelectric behavior and electrical polarization according to their ceramic and polymeric components.
Effect of Ligands on the Dispersion of Ni Nanoparticles in Ni/SBA-15 Hydrogenation Catalysts
Authors: Ortega Domínguez R.A. , Peñaloza Orta C. , Puente Lee I. , Salcedo Luna C. , Klimova T. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTIn the present work, a comparison study of the Ni catalysts supported on SBA-15 silica support prepared with and without the addition of organic ligands (citric acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was undertaken. The aim of this study was to inquire on the effect of the addition of organic ligands on the characteristics of the supported NiO and Ni nanoparticles and on their activity and selectivity in hydrogenation (HYD) of aromatics. Catalysts with different metal loadings (5, 10 and 20 wt. % of Ni) were prepared, characterized by nitrogen physisorption, small-angle and powder XRD, TPR, UV-vis DRS, and HRTEM, and tested in HYD of naphthalene (NP). It was found that Ni(II)-Ligand complexes were formed in aqueous solutions of Ni(NO3)2 containing citric acid (CA) or EDTA. Catalysts prepared from impregnation solutions with and without ligands had different textural characteristics and dispersion of NiO particles after calcination at 500 °C for 4 h. As it was shown by XRD, DRS and TPR, dispersion of NiO particles significantly increased when EDTA was used, whereas it noticeably decreased after the addition of CA. Similar trends were observed in the dispersion of metallic Ni particles after reduction of the NiO/SBA-15 precursors (HRTEM). In line with the characterization results, catalytic activity tests revealed strong differences in the activity of the prepared Ni/SBA-15 catalysts in hydrogenation of naphthalene. Catalysts prepared with the addition of EDTA were more active than those prepared without ligands. On the contrary, the HYD activity of a series of the Ni catalysts prepared with citric acid was lower than of other corresponding samples. The reasons of such a different behavior of the catalysts prepared with two organic ligands used are discussed on the basis of the obtained characterization results.
Protein Adsorption on Detonation Nanodiamond/Polymer Composite Layers
Authors: Pramatarova Lilyana D. , Hikov Todor A. , Krasteva Natalia A. , Petrik Peter , Dimitrova Raina P. , Pecheva Emilia V. , Radeva Ekaterina I. , Agocs Elot , Tsvetanov Ivaylo G. , Presker Radina P. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTComposite layers of the detonation nanodiamond/polymer type possess a spatial organization of components with new structural features and physical properties, as well as complex functions due to the strong synergistic effects between the nanoparticles and polymer [1]. Composite layers were deposited by a plasma polymerization (PP) process of the detonation nanodiamond (DND) particles added to a hexamethyl disiloxan (HMDS) monomer [1]. The incorporation of silver ions in the polymer leads to the production of materials that are highly efficient against bacterial colonization and allows better cell adhesion and spreading. [2] For cell culture processes, fibronectin (FN) treatment is one of the commonly used approaches to enhance the cell adhesion on a surface [3].As an integrated part of our search for improved materials for life science applications such as biomaterials and biosensors, the objective of the present study is to investigate the interaction of Ag-based composite surfaces with FN protein. Two types of composite layers, Ag-ND/PPHMDS and Ag-nano/PPHMDS were obtained by plasma polymerization of HMDS and nanoparticles of Ag and Ag-DND. The composite layers are representative of the different incorporation of the Ag in the polymer net. The structures studied, consisting of composite layers with adsorbed FN were optically characterized with Ellipsometry, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Ultra Violet (UV) Spectroscopy as well as by stylus profiling (Talysurf). The kinetic study of the FN adsorption indicates that the process depends on the FN concentration and the exposure time as well as on the surface chemistry of the composites. Compared to the reference sample, all composite layers exhibit an indication of a stronger ability to initiate the intrinsic pathway of coagulation.
Nonlinear absorption coefficient and relative refraction index change for an asymmetrical double delta-doped quantum well in GaAs with a Schottky barrier potential.
Authors: Rojas-Briseño J. G. , Martínez-Orozco J. C. , Rodríguez-Vargas I. , Duque C. A , Mora-Ramos M. E. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTSemiconductor devices have been improved by using delta-doped quantum well (DDQW) of impurities due to the great amount of charge carriers it provides. The first proposals consisted of a DDQW close to the Schottky barrier potential in the gate terminal in a FET [1]. In this work we reported the energy levels spectrum for n-type double-DDQW with a Schottky barrier (SB) at their neighborhood in a Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) matrix. In addition to consider only the linear optical approximation we take into account the third order correction to the absorption coefficient and the refractive index change. We report those properties as a function of the Schottky Barrier Height (SBH), several separation distances between the DDQWs, and hydrostatic pressure effects. The results shown that the magnitude of intensity resonance peaks are controlled by the asymmetry of the DDQW+SB.
pH- and Ion-responsive Membranes from Self-Assembly/Sintering of SiO2@Au Core-Shell Nanospheres
Authors: Ignacio-de Leon Patricia Anne A. , Zharov Ilya 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTWe prepared colloidal crystals by self-assembly of gold-coated silica nanospheres, and formed free-standing nanoporous membranes by sintering these colloidal crystals. We modified the nanopore surface with ionizable functional groups, by forming a monolayer of L-cysteine or by surface-initiated polymerization of methacrylic acid. Diffusion experiments for neutral and cationic dyes showed that transport through these surface-modified Au-coated colloidal membranes can be controlled by pH and presence of metal cations.
Phase-Field Simulation of Lamellar Structure Formation in MoSi2/NbSi2 Duplex Silicide
Authors: Koizumi Yuichiro , Yamazaki Toshihiro , Chiba Akihiko , Hagihara Koji , Nakano Takayoshi , Yuge Koretaka , Kishida Kyosuke , Inui Haruyuki 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTWe conducted phase-field simulations of microstructural evolution in C11b-MoSi2 / C40-NbSi2 dual phase alloy with and without Cr-addition to examine the factors responsible for the formation and stability of the lamellar structure on the basis of thermodynamics, micromechanics and first-principles calculations. The first principles calculation was used for evaluating the interfacial energy, segregation energy of solute Cr-atoms and lattice parameters of imaginary disilicides for estimating the effects of solute distribution on the lattice misfit. When both of lattice misfit and the anisotropy of interfacial energy is taken into account, a lamellar structure similar to that observed experimentally is formed. In the absence of Cr-addition, the straightness of lamellar structure decreased slightly. When an isotropic interfacial energy is assumed, lamellar structure is not formed. Instead, a microstructure with habit planes parallel to {1 0 $\bar 1$ 1} plane of C40-phase is formed. Thus, the anisotropy of interfacial energy is crucial for the lamellar structure formation rather than the elastic energy due to lattice misfit.
Study of lithium defects in lithium phosphate and in the interface with metallic Li
Authors: KC Santosh , Xiong Ka , Longo Roberto C. , Cho Kyeongjae 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTUsing first-principles calculations, we investigate lithium vacancy and interstitial defects in lithium phosphate (γ-Li3PO4) and in its interface with metallic Li. We find that γ-Li3PO4 is good electronic insulator with a wide band gap of 6 eV. The calculated formation energies of Li vacancies are higher than those of Li interstitials, which indicate that the ionic conductivity is determined by the migration of Li interstitial defects in bulk electrolyte. The Li vacancy-interstitial pair defect formation energy in the Li/γ-Li3PO4 interface is comparable to the sum of Li vacancy defect at the electrode and Li ion interstitial defect in the electrolyte. Our calculation indicates that the low ionic conductivity of Li/electrolyte interface is associated with the high Li ion defect formation energy. Our study provides some useful insights on Li defect formation and migration mechanisms at the electrode-electrolyte interface and, hence, a research direction for designing future Li-ion batteries.
Phase-Field Study on the Segregation Mechanism of Additive Elements in NbSi2/MoSi2 Duplex Silicide
Authors: Yamazaki Toshihiro , Koizumi Yuichiro , Chiba Akihiko , Hagihara Koji , Nakano Takayoshi , Yuge Koretaka , Kishida Kyosuke , Inui Haruyuki 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTWe have examined segregation behavior of various alloying elements at lamellar interfaces of C40-NbSi2/C11b-MoSi2 duplex silicide by a phase-field simulation, which takes into account not only bulk chemical free energy but also segregation energy evaluated by the first principles calculation to reflect interaction between solutes and interface. The simulation suggests that segregation behaviors greatly depend on additive elements. In the case of Cr-addition, the C40-phase becomes enriched with Nb and Cr, while the C11b-phase becomes enriched with Mo, which agrees with the equilibrium phase diagram. Slight segregation of Cr atoms is observed at the interface, whereas Nb and Mo concentrations monotonically change across the diffuse interface between C11b and C40 phases. Significant segregations of Zr and Hf are formed at static interfaces, which are attributed to the chemical interaction between solute atoms and the static interface.
Description of 160Dy nucleus by partial dynamical SU(3) symmetry
Authors: Fouladi Naser , Jafarizadeh Mohammadali , Fouladi Javad , Sabri Hadi 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
We considered the characteristic features of SU(3) partial dynamical symmetry in the interacting boson model framework to show the relevance of such intermediate symmetry structure in the nuclear spectroscopy of the 160Dy nucleus. The predictions of SU(3)-PDS for the energy spectrum and the transition probabilities were compared with the most recent experimental data and an acceptable degree of agreement was achieved.
Existence of solutions for sequential fractional differential equations with four-point nonlocal fractional integral boundary conditions
Authors: Ahmad Bashir , Alsaedi Ahmed , Al-Hutami Hana 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
This paper investigates the existence of solutions for a nonlinear boundary value problem of sequential fractional differential equations with four-point nonlocal Riemann-Liouville type fractional integral boundary conditions. We apply Banach’s contraction principle and Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem to establish the existence of results. Some illustrative examples are also presented.
Axially symmetrical molecules in electric and magnetic fields: energy spectrum and selection rules
Authors: Petreska Irina , Sandev Trifce , Nedelkoski Zlatko , Pejov Ljupco 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
In this paper we investigate the effects of external electric and magnetic fields on a three-dimensional harmonic oscillator with axial symmetry. The energy spectrum of such a system is non-degenerate due to the presence of the magnetic field. The degeneracy of the energy spectrum in the absence of a magnetic field is discussed. The influence of electric and magnetic fields, as well as the frequencies of the oscillator on the probability distribution function is analyzed. Optical transition probabilities are examined by deriving the selection rules in dipole approximation for the quantum numbers n
p, m
l and n
z. Employing stationary perturbation theory, the effects of deformations of the potential energy function on the oscillatory states are analyzed. Such models have been used in literature in analysis of spectra of axially symmetrical molecules and cylindrical quantum dots.
Development of a new wheat microarray from a durum wheat totipotent cDNA library used for a powdery mildew resistance study
Authors: Cifarelli Rosa , D’Onofrio Olimpia , Grillo Rosalba , Mango Teresa , Cellini Francesco , Piarulli Luciana , Simeone Rosanna , Giancaspro Angelica , Colasuonno Pasqualina , Blanco Antonio , Gadaleta Agata 
Published: March 2013

AbstractTotipotent cDNA libraries representative of all the potentially expressed sequences in a genome would be of great benefit to gene expression studies. Here, we report on an innovative method for creating such a library for durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum) and its application for gene discovery. The use of suitable quantities of 5-azacytidine during the germination phase induced the demethylation of total DNA, and the resulting seedlings potentially express all of the genes present in the genome. A new wheat microarray consisting of 4925 unigenes was developed from the totipotent cDNA library and used to screen for genes that may contribute to differences in the disease resistance of two near-isogenic lines, the durum wheat cultivar Latino and the line 5BIL-42, which are respectively susceptible and resistant to powdery mildew. Fluorescently labeled cDNA was prepared from the RNA of seedlings of the two near-isogenic wheat lines after infection with a single powdery mildew isolate under controlled conditions in the greenhouse. Hybridization to the microarray identified six genes that were differently expressed in the two lines. Four of the sequences could be assigned putative functions based on their similarity to known genes in public databases. Physical mapping of the six genes localized them to two regions of the genome: the centromeric region of chromosome 5B, where the Pm36 resistance gene was previously localized, and chromosome 6B.