bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A solitary hyperfunctioning thyroid nodule harboring thyroid carcinoma: review of the literature
Authors: Mirfakhraee Sasan , Mathews Dana , Peng Lan , Woodruff Stacey , Zigman Jeffrey M 
Published: May 2013

AbstractHyperfunctioning nodules of the thyroid are thought to only rarely harbor thyroid cancer, and thus are infrequently biopsied. Here, we present the case of a patient with a hyperfunctioning thyroid nodule harboring thyroid carcinoma and, using MEDLINE literature searches, set out to determine the prevalence of and characteristics of malignant “hot” nodules as a group. Historical, biochemical and radiologic characteristics of the case subjects and their nodules were compared to those in cases of benign hyperfunctioning nodules. A literature review of surgical patients with solitary hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules managed by thyroid resection revealed an estimated 3.1% prevalence of malignancy. A separate literature search uncovered 76 cases of reported malignant hot thyroid nodules, besides the present case. Of these, 78% were female and mean age at time of diagnosis was 47 years. Mean nodule size was 4.13 ± 1.68 cm. Laboratory assessment revealed T3elevation in 76.5%, T4elevation in 51.9%, and subclinical hyperthyroidism in 13% of patients. Histological diagnosis was papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in 57.1%, follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) in 36.4%, and Hurthle cell carcinoma in 7.8% of patients. Thus, hot thyroid nodules harbor a low but non-trivial rate of malignancy. Compared to individuals with benign hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules, those with malignant hyperfunctioning nodules are younger and more predominantly female. Also, FTC and Hurthle cell carcinoma are found more frequently in hot nodules than in general. We were unable to find any specific characteristics that could be used to distinguish between malignant and benign hot nodules.
The Relationship between Depressive Symptoms and Erythropoietin Resistance in Stable Hemodialysis Patients with Adequate Iron Stores
Authors: Afsar Baris 
Published: May 2013

Introduction Resistance to erythropoietin (EPO) treatment has been associated with inflammation and malnutrition in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Depression has also been associated with both inflammation and malnutrition; however, the specific relationship between depressive symptoms and EPO resistance is not known. In the current study, the relationship between depressive symptoms and EPO resistance as evaluated by erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA) hyporesponsiveness index (EHRI) was analyzed. Methods Study participants had their medical history taken and underwent physical examination; dialysis adequacy calculation, biochemical analysis and evaluation of depressive symptoms by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were performed. EHRI was calculated as the weekly dose of EPO divided by per kilogram of body weight divided by the hemoglobin level. Results The mean BDI score of the patients was 10.99 ± 3.94. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the logarithmically converted EHRI score was correlated with albumin (r = -0.270, p = 0.011), hs-CRP (r = 0.383, P<0.0001), hemoglobin (r = -0.617, p<0.0001), intact PTH (r = 0.215, p = 0.043) and logarithmically converted BDI (r = 0.299, p = 0.004). The stepwise linear regression analysis revealed that being female (p = 0.012), presence of diabetes mellitus (p = 0.119), hs-CRP (p = 0.009) and BDI score (p = 0.037) were independently related with logarithmically converted EHRI (as a dependent variable). Conclusion Depressive symptoms were independently related with EHRI in HD patients. Studies are needed to highlight underlying mechanisms between depression and EHRI.
Mechanism of action of differentd‐spacings clays on the intumescent fire retardance of polymers
Authors: da Silva Ribeiro Simone Pereira , de Moura Estevão Luciana Rocha , Pereira Celeste Margarida Correia , Nascimento Regina Sandra Veiga 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTAseries of sodic and organophilic clays with differentd‐spacings was added to a polymeric matrix of poly (ethylene‐co‐butyl acrylate) EBA‐30, containing an intumescent formulation of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and pentaerythritol (PER), in order to investigate the influence of thed‐spacings of the clays on their synergistic effects with the intumescent formulation. A series of samples was evaluated through cone calorimetry, SEM, TG‐FTIR, FTIR, and XRD of burned residues. The results revealed that the addition of clays with smallerd‐spacings led to a synergistic interaction with the intumescent formulation, and consequently to an improvement in the flame retardance of the materials. This effect was not observed with the addition of clays withd‐spacings larger than 30 Å. For these materials, the formation of a less homogeneous and structured intumescent layer, and a delay in the formation of the phosphocarbonaceous species which act as char precursors was observed. This delay could be responsible for the loss of synergy and also for the type of char morphology formed when largerd‐spacings clays were used. XRD analyses results indicated that the presence of clays in the materials promoted changes in the crystalline phase of the char when the samples were submitted to higher temperatures. Those changes probably allowed for the maintenance of the structures at high temperatures. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1759–1771, 2013
Barrier and mechanical properties of biodegradable poly(ε‐caprolactone)/cellophane multilayer film
Authors: Shi Cancan , Zhang Shuhong , Li Mengting , Sun Wenxiu , Fan Guisheng , Jin Ye , Yang Jinjun , Dong Tungalag 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTIn this study, cellophane (PT) multilayer films were prepared by coating with different thickness of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) and chitosan (CH), and its effects on barrier and mechanical properties were evaluated. It was shown that the PCL/PT/PCL and PCL/CH/PT/CH/PCL multilayer films exhibit much better water vapor barrier than PT, and these films still keep the high oxygen barrier. And the barrier properties of multilayer film were improved with the increase of the thickness of coating materials. The Young's modulus and tensile strength of PT multilayer film were slightly decreased, and their elongations at break were increased by coating. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1805–1811, 2013
The role of crosslinking treatment on the pore structure and water transmission of biocollagenic materials
Authors: Gil Roberto Rodríguez , Ruiz Begoña , Lozano Matilde Santiago , Fuente Enrique 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTThe knowledge of the factors involved in the water transmission through collagen fibrous network of skin and leather is essential in the manufacture of materials that will give improved service and maintain a sufficiently high level of breathability and permeability to assure comfort to the wearer. The study of the structure and connectivity of the pores in the skin and leather is essential since it influences the heat and mass transport processes. This research study focuses on the porous structure and water vapor permeability of animal skin after it has been subjected to different treatments, such as pickling or tanning with chromium salts, or vegetable tannins. The obtained data indicated that surface groups, inorganic matter, and pore size distribution have influence on the water transmission. Water vapor adsorption isotherms showed pickled skin to have a greater adsorption capacity at a higher relative humidity, whereas vegetable‐tanned leather was found to be the sample with the lowest adsorption at higher relative humidity probably due to its greater density, lower accessibility of the functional groups, and wider distribution of pore sizes than the other materials. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1812–1822, 2013
Pressure‐crystallized piezoelectric structures in binary fullerene C70/poly(vinylidene fluoride) based composites
Authors: Zhang Daopeng , Tian Pengfei , Chen Xin , Lu Jun , Huang Rui 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTThe effective fabrication of polar crystalline structures of poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), such as beta and gamma, is crucial to the development of piezoelectric polymer devices. In this study, we report the effect of pressure on binary fullerene C70/PVDF‐based composite with an overall good C70 dispersion, which was prepared by an easy physical and mechanical route. The C70/PVDF composites were crystallized in a piston‐cylinder high‐pressure apparatus, and the polymeric crystalline structures totally with extended‐chain piezoelectric beta‐ or gamma‐form lamellae were successfully achieved in the composite samples by varying temperature, pressure, crystallization time, and composite composition. The c‐axis thickness of the extended‐chain beta‐form lamellae of PVDF in the composites increased and decreased with the increase of the applied temperature and pressure, respectively, and it increased with the increase of crystallization time. Although C70 was found to be negative for the rapid formation of beta‐form PVDF crystals, it played an important role in the growth of a beta‐form PVDF nanowire with extended‐chain crystalline substructures. The template‐free formation of such piezoelectric nanowires was attributed to a C70‐induced self‐assembly of the polymer, driven by physical interactions at high pressure. The pressure‐crystallized C70/PVDF composites, self‐reinforced with unique one‐dimensional piezoelectric structures, may diversify niche applications in advanced functional polymeric devices. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1823–1833, 2013
Rational Design of Anode Materials Based on Group IVA Elements (Si, Ge, and Sn) for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wu Xing‐Long , Guo Yu‐Guo , Wan Li‐Jun 
Published: May 2013

AbstractLithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) represent the state‐of‐the‐art technology in rechargeable energy‐storage devices and they currently occupy the prime position in the marketplace for powering an increasingly diverse range of applications. However, the fast development of these applications has led to increasing demands being placed on advanced LIBs in terms of higher energy/power densities and longer life cycles. For LIBs to meet these requirements, researchers have focused on active electrode materials, owing to their crucial roles in the electrochemical performance of batteries. For anode materials, compounds based on Group IVA (Si, Ge, and Sn) elements represent one of the directions in the development of high‐capacity anodes. Although these compounds have many significant advantages when used as anode materials for LIBs, there are still some critical problems to be solved before they can meet the high requirements for practical applications. In this Focus Review, we summarize a series of rational designs for Group IVA‐based anode materials, in terms of their chemical compositions and structures, that could address these problems, that is, huge volume variations during cycling, unstable surfaces/interfaces, and invalidation of transport pathways for electrons upon cycling. These designs should at least include one of the following structural benefits: 1) Contain a sufficient number of voids to accommodate the volume variations during cycling; 2) adopt a “plum‐pudding”‐like structure to limit the volume variations during cycling; 3) facilitate an efficient and permanent transport pathway for electrons and lithium ions; or 4) show stable surfaces/interfaces to stabilize the in situ formed SEI layers.
More robust and better: a multiple kernel support vector machine ensemble approach for traffic incident detection
Authors: Xiao Jianli , Gao Xiang , Kong Qing‐Jie , Liu Yuncai 
Published: May 2013

SUMMARYThis paper presents a multiple kernel support vector machine (MKL‐SVM) ensemble algorithm to detect traffic incidents. It uses resampling technology to generate training set, test set, and training subset firstly; then uses different training subsets to train individual MKL‐SVM classifiers; and finally introduces ensemble methods to construct MKL‐SVM ensemble to detect traffic incidents. Extensive experiments have been performed to evaluate the performances of the four algorithms: standard SVM, SVM ensemble, MKL‐SVM, and the proposed algorithm (MKL‐SVM ensemble). The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has the best comprehensive performances in traffic incidents detection. To achieve better performances, the proposed algorithm needs less individual classifiers to construct the ensemble than SVM ensemble algorithm. Thus, compared with SVM ensemble algorithm, the complexity of the ensemble classifier of the proposed algorithm is reduced greatly. Conveniently, the proposed algorithm also avoids the burden of selecting the appropriate kernel function and parameters. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Large‐scale production of diesel‐like biofuels – process design as an inherent part of microorganism development
Authors: Cuellar Maria C. , Heijnen Joseph J. , van der Wielen Luuk A. M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIndustrial biotechnology is playing an important role in the transition to a bio‐based economy. Currently, however, industrial implementation is still modest, despite the advances made in microorganism development. Given that the fuels and commodity chemicals sectors are characterized by tight economic margins, we propose to address overall process design and efficiency at the start of bioprocess development. While current microorganism development is targeted at product formation and product yield, addressing process design at the start of bioprocess development means that microorganism selection can also be extended to other critical targets for process technology and process scale implementation, such as enhancing cell separation or increasing cell robustness at operating conditions that favor the overall process. In this paper we follow this approach for the microbial production of diesel‐like biofuels. We review current microbial routes with both oleaginous and engineered microorganisms. For the routes leading to extracellular production, we identify the process conditions for large scale operation. The process conditions identified are finally translated to microorganism development targets. We show that microorganism development should be directed at anaerobic production, increasing robustness at extreme process conditions and tailoring cell surface properties. All the same time, novel process configurations integrating fermentation and product recovery, cell reuse and low‐cost technologies for product separation are mandatory. This review provides a state‐of‐the‐art summary of the latest challenges in large‐scale production of diesel‐like biofuels.
Optimizing the Structure of 4‐Dialkylamino‐α,α‐diarylprolinol Ethers as Catalysts for the Enantioselective Cyclopropanation of α,β‐Unsaturated Aldehydes in Water
Authors: Martínez Jose I. , Reyes Efraim , Uria Uxue , Carrillo Luisa , Vicario Jose L. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractWe optimized the structure of a new family of chiral diarylprolinol‐type organocatalysts with improved performances in conjugate addition reactions performed in water and proceeding under the iminium activation manifold. The principles behind the catalyst design were, firstly, the incorporation of a tertiary amino group at the 4‐position of the pyrrolidine scaffold, which can facilitate the reaction by providing a basic site that favors deprotonation of the pronucleophile, and, secondly, a bulky diaryltrialkylsilyloxymethyl group maintained at the 2‐position to control the iminium ion geometry and to provide the required steric bias for face stereoselection. The nature of this 4‐dialkylamino group and the relative 2,4‐configuration was optimized and the resulting catalyst proved its efficiency in the catalytic enantioselective cyclopropanation of α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes using water as the reaction solvent. Moreover, the reaction was studied by computational methods, which indicated that the overall transformation proceeded through a cascade Michael/α‐alkylation sequence, in which the first iminium‐mediated Michael addition reaction was the rate‐determining step and also the step at which stereochemical information was transferred from the catalyst to the products.
Thioamides: Versatile Bonds To Induce Directional and Cooperative Hydrogen Bonding in Supramolecular Polymers
Authors: Mes Tristan , Cantekin Seda , Balkenende Dirk W. R. , Frissen Martijn M. M. , Gillissen Martijn A. J. , De Waal Bas F. M. , Voets Ilja K. , Meijer E. W. , Palmans Anja R. A. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe amide bond is a versatile functional group and its directional hydrogen‐bonding capabilities are widely applied in, for example, supramolecular chemistry. The potential of the thioamide bond, in contrast, is virtually unexplored as a structuring moiety in hydrogen‐bonding‐based self‐assembling systems. We report herein the synthesis and characterisation of a new self‐assembling motif comprising thioamides to induce directional hydrogen bonding. N,N′,N′′‐Trialkylbenzene‐1,3,5‐tris(carbothioamide)s (thioBTAs) with either achiral or chiral side‐chains have been readily obtained by treating their amide‐based precursors with P2S5. The thioBTAs showed thermotropic liquid crystalline behaviour and a columnar mesophase was assigned. IR spectroscopy revealed that strong, three‐fold, intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding interactions stabilise the columnar structures. In apolar alkane solutions, thioBTAs self‐assemble into one‐dimensional, helical supramolecular polymers stabilised by three‐fold hydrogen bonding. Concentration‐ and temperature‐dependent self‐assembly studies performed by using a combination of UV and CD spectroscopy demonstrated a cooperative supramolecular polymerisation mechanism and a strong amplification of supramolecular chirality. The high dipole moment of the thioamide bond in combination with the anisotropic shape of the resulting cylindrical aggregate gives rise to sufficiently strong depolarised light scattering to enable depolarised dynamic light scattering (DDLS) experiments in dilute alkane solution. The rotational and translational diffusion coefficients, Dtrans and Drot, were obtained from the DDLS measurements, and the average length, L, and diameter, d, of the thioBTA aggregates were derived (L=490 nm and d=3.6 nm). These measured values are in good agreement with the value Lw=755 nm obtained from fitting the temperature‐dependent CD data by using a recently developed equilibrium model. This experimental verification validates our common practice for determining the length of BTA‐based supramolecular polymers from model fits to experimental CD data. The ability of thioamides to induce cooperative supramolecular polymerisation makes them effective and broadly applicable in supramolecular chemistry.
Catalytic Disproportionation of the Superoxide Intermediate from Electrochemical O2 Reduction in Nonaqueous Electrolytes
Authors: Zheng Dong , Wang Qiang , Lee Hung‐Sui , Yang Xiao‐Qing , Qu Deyang 
Published: May 2013

AbstractTris(pentafluorophenyl)borane (TPFPB) was found to be an efficient catalyst for rapid superoxide (O2−) disproportionation. The kinetics for the catalytic disproportionation reaction is much faster than the reaction between O2− and propylene carbonate. Therefore, the negative impact of the reaction between the electrolyte and O2− produced by the O2 reduction is minimized. The cathodic current for O2 reduction can be doubled in the presence of TPFPB. The high reduction current resulted from the pseudo two‐electron O2‐reduction reaction due to the replenishment of O2 at the electrode surface. This discovery could lead to a new avenue for the development of high‐capacity, high‐rate, rechargeable Li–air batteries.
Enzyme‐Controlled Sensing–Actuating Nanomachine Based on Janus Au–Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Villalonga Reynaldo , Díez Paula , Sánchez Alfredo , Aznar Elena , Martínez‐Máñez Ramón , Pingarrón José M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractNovel Janus nanoparticles with Au and mesoporous silica faces on opposite sides were prepared using a Pickering emulsion template with paraffin wax as the oil phase. These anisotropic colloids were employed as integrated sensing–actuating nanomachines for enzyme‐controlled stimuli‐responsive cargo delivery. As a proof of concept, we demonstrated the successful use of the Janus colloids for controlled delivery of tris(2,2’‐bipyridyl) ruthenium(II) chloride from the mesoporous silica face, which was grafted with pH‐sensitive gatelike scaffoldings. The release was mediated by the on‐demand catalytic decomposition of urea by urease, which was covalently immobilized on the Au face.
Fabrication of Ag Nanoparticles Embedded in TiO2 Nanotubes: Using Electrospun Nanofibers for Controlling Plasmonic Effects
Authors: Jung Mi‐Hee , Yun Yong Ju , Chu Moo‐Jung , Kang Man Gu 
Published: May 2013

AbstractComposites of electrospun poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) fibers and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were used as a soft template for coating with TiO2 by atomic layer deposition (ALD). Whereas the as‐deposited TiO2 layers on PEO fibers and Ag NPs were completely amorphous, the TiO2 layers were transformed into polycrystalline TiO2 nanotubes (NTs) with embedded Ag NPs after calcination. Their plasmonic effect can be controlled by varying the thickness of the dielectric Al2O3 spacer between Ag NPs and dye molecules by means of the ALD process. Electronic and spectroscopic analyses demonstrated enhanced photocurrent generation and solar‐cell performance due to the intense electromagnetic field of the dye resulting from the surface plasmon effect of the Ag NPs.
Recombination of Lophyl Radicals in Pyrrolidinium‐Based Ionic Liquids
Authors: Berdzinski Stefan , Horst Joachim , Straßburg Petra , Strehmel Veronika 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe recombination of photolytically generated lophyl radicals has been investigated by UV/Vis spectroscopy in 1‐alkyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imides (NTf2) in comparison with 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium NTf2, dimethyl sulfoxide, and triacetin. The 1‐alkyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium‐based ionic liquids contain an alkyl substituent varying between butyl and decyl groups. Optically pure ionic liquids are used in these studies. Temperature‐dependent investigation of lophyl radical recombination shows an increase in the radical recombination rate with increasing temperature in each solvent, which is caused by decreasing viscosity with increasing temperature. Furthermore, the viscosity of the 1‐alkyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium NTf2 increases nearly linearly within the row of these ionic liquids. In contrast, the recombination of the photolytically generated lophyl radicals is significantly faster in the ionic liquids than in the traditional organic solvents under investigation. Moreover, the recombination rate increases with the length of the alkyl chain bound at the cation of the ionic liquid at a given temperature. This may be caused by an increase in the extent of lophyl radical recombination within the solvent cage. Solvent cage effects dominate in the case of lophyl radical recombination in ionic liquids bearing a long alkyl chain or if the temperature is near the melting temperature of the ionic liquid. The positive value of the activation entropy supports this hypothesis. The results obtained are important for discussion of bimolecular radical reactions in ionic liquids.