bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Production and characterization of carbon nanotubes by methane decomposition over Ni–Fe/Al2O3 catalyst and its application as nanofillers in polypropylene matrix
Authors: Alcázar Hermann E , Chire Emilio , Vargas María M , Villagarcía Bryan L , Neira John , Contin Andre , Alcázar Leopoldo O 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
This paper studies the influence of metal precursors in the CVD´s catalyst synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) used as fillers in a polypropylene (PP) matrix (∼0.3 wt%). Two catalytic schemes, Fe/Al2O3 (50:50) and Ni–Fe/Al2O3 (40:10:50), were prepared to determine the influence of the reduction temperature over the characteristics and mechanical properties of CNT as PP fillers. The conversion temperature was varied to see the dependance of the CNT structure to this variable (700 °C–750 °C–800 °C). CNTs products were characterized by SEM and Raman spectroscopy. The SEM micrographs showed a sharper fiber type CNTs for the bimetallic catalyst and the Raman confirmed that better crystallites are obtain over the Fe catalyst. The Fe–PP composite presented enhanced mechanical properties when compare with Fe–Ni–PP, with tensile strength, hardness, and impact properties are higher in 16%, 9%, and 9% respectively. Other carbonaceous materials, as CNF, with less crystallinity presented poorer mechanical properties. Finally, can be stated that for the use of CNF as fillers in PP composites a Fe/Al2O3 catalyst, and a reaction temperature 700 °C–750 °C will produce a CNF with 60 nm mean diameter, is better than the use of Fe-Ni based catalysts.
Promoting energy sources as environmentally friendly: does it increase public acceptability?
Authors: Palomo-Vélez Gonzalo , Perlaviciute Goda , Contzen Nadja , Steg Linda 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Environmental frames are widely used in an effort to increase public support for energy sources in the sustainable energy transition. Research suggests that environmental frames are most effective when they are congruent with people’s biospheric values. Yet, this value-congruence account has been mainly tested for promoting behaviors, policies or products that have clear environmental benefits. But what if they do not? For example, what if energy sources are promoted as green but are not seen as such by the public? We extend the value-congruence account by proposing that besides the congruence between the frames and biospheric values, it is important to consider how much the products themselves are congruent with environmental frames and biospheric values. We tested this novel value-frame-product account by evaluating the effectiveness of environmental frames (versus financial frames) on the acceptability of energy sources that are typically seen as high, moderate, and low in environmental friendliness, and depending on how strongly people endorse biospheric values. Overall, the results supported none of the congruence accounts, suggesting that matching frames (and products) with people’s values might be less effective in enhancing acceptability of products than previously thought. Instead, environmental framing increased the acceptability of all energy sources, independent of people’s biospheric values and the perceived environmental friendliness of those energy sources. Moreover, highly environmentally friendly energy sources were more acceptable and evaluated more positively, especially among people who strongly endorsed biospheric values. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our study.
Si nanoparticles seeded in carbon-coated Sn nanowires as an anode for high-energy and high-rate lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Ben Liubin , Zhou Jin , Ji Hongxiang , Yu Hailong , Zhao Wenwu , Huang Xuejie 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
High-capacity and high-rate anode materials are desperately desired for applications in the next generation lithium-ion batteries. Here, we report preparation of an anode showing a structure of Si nanoparticles wrapped inside Sn nanowires. This anode inherits the advantages of both Si and Sn, endowing lithiation/delithiation of Si nanoparticles inside the conducting networks of Sn nanowires. It demonstrates a high and reversible capacity of ∼1500 mAh g−1 over 300 cycles at 0.2 °C and a good rate capability (0.2 °C–5 °C) equivalent to Sn. The excellent cycling performance is attributed to the novel structure of the anode as well as the strong mechanical strength of the nanowires which is directly confirmed by in-situ lithiation and bending experiments.
Education as a moderator of middle-age cardiovascular risk factor—old-age cognition relationships: testing cognitive reserve hypothesis in epidemiological study
Authors: Iso-Markku Paula , Kaprio Jaakko , Lindgrén Noora , Rinne Juha O , Vuoksimaa Eero 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
higher educational attainment and less midlife cardiovascular risk factors are related to better old-age cognition. Whether education moderates the association between cardiovascular risk factors and late-life cognition is not known. We studied if higher education provides resilience against the deteriorative effects of higher middle-age body mass index (BMI) and a combination of midlife cardiovascular risk factors on old-age cognition.

Methods
the study population is the older Finnish Twin Cohort (n = 4,051, mean age [standard deviation, SD] = 45.5 years [6.5]). Cardiovascular risk factors and education were studied at baseline with questionnaires in 1975, 1981 and/or 1990 (participation rates of 89, 84 and 77%, respectively). Cognition was evaluated with telephone interviews (participation rate 67%, mean age [SD] =73.4 [2.9] years, mean follow-up [SD] = 27.8 [6.0] years) in 1999–2017. We studied the main and interactive effects of education and BMI/dementia risk score on late-life cognition with linear regression analysis. The study design was formulated before the pre-defined analyses.

Results
years of education moderated the association between BMI with old-age cognition (among less educated persons, BMI-cognition association was stronger [B = −0.24 points per BMI unit, 95% CI −0.31, −0.18] than among more educated persons [B = −0.06 points per BMI unit, 95% CI −0.16, 0.03], Pinteraction &lt; 0.01). There was a similar moderating effect of education on dementia risk score consisting of cardiovascular risk factors (P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusions
our results support the cognitive reserve hypothesis. Those with higher education may tolerate the deteriorative effects of midlife cardiovascular risk factors on old-age cognition better than those with lower education.
Transitions Between Preexposure Prophylaxis Eligibility States and HIV Infection in the Lisbon Cohort of HIV-Negative Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Multistate Model Analysis
Authors: Meireles Paula , Moreira Carla , Rocha Miguel , Plankey Michael , Barros Henrique 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
We aimed to describe transitions between preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) eligibility and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM). We used data from 1,885 MSM, who had not used PrEP, enrolled in the Lisbon Cohort of MSM, with at least 2 consecutive measurements of PrEP eligibility from 2014–2020. A time-homogeneous Markov multistate model was applied to describe the transitions between states of PrEP eligibility—eligible and ineligible—and from these to HIV infection (HIV). The intensities of the transitions were closer for ineligible-to-eligible and eligible-to-ineligible transitions (intensity ratio, 1.107, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.080, 1.176), while the intensity of the eligible-to-HIV transition was higher than that for ineligible-to–HIV transition (intensity ratio, 9.558, 95% CI: 0.738, 65.048). The probabilities of transitions increased with time; for 90 days, the probabilities were similar for the ineligible-to-eligible and eligible-to-ineligible transitions (0.285 (95% CI: 0.252, 0.319) vs. 0.258 (95% CI: 0.228, 0.287)), while the eligible-to-HIV transition was more likely than ineligible-to-HIV (0.004 (95% CI: 0.003, 0.007) vs. 0.001 (95% CI: 0.001, 0.008)) but tended to become closer with time. Being classified as ineligible was a short-term indicator of a lower probability of acquiring HIV. Once an individual moved to eligible, he was at a higher risk of seroconversion, demanding a timely delivery ofPrEP.
Single Center and Surgeon’s Long-Term (15-19 Years) Patient Satisfaction and Revision Rate of Round Textured Eurosilicone Breast Implants
Authors: Kooiman Laurens , Torensma Bart , Stevens Hieronymus , van der Lei Berend 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed aesthetic plastic surgical procedures, with over 250,000 procedures in the United States in 2020 alone. However, the safety of breast implants should be closely researched and monitored, especially in the long term.

Objectives
This study was undertaken to evaluate the long-term results of round micro-textured Eurosilicone (Eurosilicone S.A.S, Apt Cedex, France) Cristalline Paragel breast implants from a single-center, single-surgeon experience regarding both patient-reported outcome measures and revisions.

Methods
A retrospective cohort study was undertaken of 84 patients who underwent primary breast augmentation with round micro-textured Eurosilicone Cristalline Paragel breast implants, either submuscular (dual-plane) or subglandular placed, between 2001 and 2004. All patients were contacted for informed consent, and after approval, the validated BREAST-Q questionnaire was sent and utilized to analyze patient satisfaction. In addition, objective data regarding revisions, including capsular contracture, rupture rate, pain, and/or aesthetic causes needing revision surgery, were analyzed.

Results
High BREAST-Q scores (67%-100% for 0-100 scale variables and 66.0%-77.3% of the patients scored “very satisfied” on categorical variables) were found without clinically significant differences between patients with dual-plane–placed implants and subglandular-placed implants. The overall revision rate was 29.8%, also with no significant differences between groups (P = 0.317).

Conclusions
This study showed high patient satisfaction and relatively low revision rates after 15 to 19 years of follow-up of round micro-textured Eurosilicone Cristalline Paragel breast implants. No clinically relevant significant differences were found between dual-plane and subglandular placement of the implants.

Level of Evidence: 4
Finerenone reduces renal RORgt gd T-Cells and protects against cardiorenal damage
Authors: Luettges K , Bode M , Thiele A , Ritter D , Klopfleisch R , Kappert K , Foryst-Ludwig A , Kolkhof P , Wenzel U , Kintscher U 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Chronic activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) through the agonist aldosterone leads to pathological processes like inflammation, fibrosis, and increased blood pressure. Therefore, MR antagonists (MRA) belong to guideline-based therapy for hypertension and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. The nonsteroidal, selective MRA finerenone (FIN) induces distinct pharmacological actions when compared to steroidal MRAs including less adverse effects and improved efficacy (e.g. anti-fibrosis). In this study, we investigated the effects of FIN in a deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt model which induces an increase of blood pressure and end organ damage including hypertrophy, fibrosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration in heart and kidney.
Male C57BL6/J mice were either uni-nephrectomized in addition to DOCA-pellet application (2.4mg/d) and 0.9% NaCl in the drinking water (DOCA/UNX) or received a sham operation. One week prior to the surgery, oral treatment with FIN (10mg/kg/d) or vehicle (VEH) started and lasted throughout the experiment. Five weeks after the procedure, final examinations including blood pressure (BP) measurement, urine analysis, speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE), and FACS analysis of the heart and kidney were performed.
BP was significantly reduced by FIN treatment. FACS analysis revealed a notable immune response due to DOCA/ UNX exposure. Especially infiltrating renal RORγt γδ T-Cells were upregulated, which was significantly ameliorated by the FIN-treatment. This was accompanied by an improvement of kidney function shown by a reduction of the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio in FIN-treated mice. In the heart, FIN reduced DOCA/ UNX-induced cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis and led to an improvement of the global longitudinal strain (GLS) in the STE-analysis. Cardiac actions of FIN were not associated with a regulation of cardiac RORγt γδ T-Cells.
The present study shows cardiac and renal protective effects of FIN in a DOCA/UNX model. The cardiorenal protection was accompanied by a reduction of renal RORγt γδ T-Cells. Anti-inflammatory actions of FIN may provide a potential mechanism of its clinical efficacy recently observed in clinical trials.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Bayer AG
High- and Low-Arousal Daily Affect Dynamics Vary Across the Adult Lifespan
Authors: Mak Hio Wa , Schneider Stefan 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Age differences in affective experience across adulthood are widely documented. According to the circumplex model of affect consists of 2 aspects—valence (positive vs negative) and arousal (low activation vs high activation). Prior research on age differences has primarily focused on the valence aspect. However, little is known about age differences in daily affect of high and low arousal.

Method
The present study examined age differences in daily dynamics (i.e., mean levels, variability, and inertia) of negative affect (NA) and positive affect (PA) of high and low arousal in a sample of 492 adults aged 21–91. Participants completed daily affect ratings for 21 consecutive days.

Results
Age was negatively and linearly related to mean levels of both high-arousal and low-arousal NA. Both high-arousal and low-arousal PA mean levels showed increases after middle age. Further, age was related to lower variability in both NA and PA regardless of arousal. Additionally, high-arousal NA inertia showed a linear decrease with age, whereas low-arousal PA inertia showed an inverted-U pattern with age. After controlling for mean levels of affect, the associations between age and affect variability remained significant, whereas the associations between age and affect inertia did not.

Discussion
The affective profile of older age is characterized by lower mean levels of NA, higher mean levels of PA, lower affect variability, and less persistence in high-arousal NA and low-arousal PA in daily life. Our results contribute to a nuanced understanding of which affective processes improve with age and which do not.
Lobectomy versus segmentectomy: a propensity score-matched comparison of postoperative complications, pulmonary function and prognosis
Authors: Nomori Hiroaki , Yamazaki Ikuo , Machida Youichi , Otsuki Ayumu , Cong Yue , Sugimura Hiroshi , Oyama Yu 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
To demonstrate the differences in clinical outcomes between lobectomy and segmentectomy for non-small cell lung cancer using propensity score matching.

METHODS
A single-centre, retrospective, matched cohort study was conducted in clinical T1N0M0 non-small cell lung cancer patients treated by surgery between 2012 and 2019. Differences in freedom from recurrence, overall survival, postoperative complications, chest drainage and preservation of pulmonary function between lobectomy and segmentectomy were evaluated using the propensity score model. Matched variables of patients were age, sex, comorbidity index and pulmonary function. Matched variables of tumours were tumour size, T-stage, fluorodeoxyglucose uptake on positron emission tomography, histopathology, lobe site and tumour distance ratio from the hilum.

RESULTS
Of the 112 patients treated by lobectomy and 233 patients treated by segmentectomy, 93 patients each from both groups were selected after the matching. The median tumour distance ratio from hilum was 0.7 in lobectomy and 0.8 in segmentectomy group (P = 0.59), i.e. almost outer third tumour location. There were no significant differences in freedom from recurrence (P = 0.38), overall survival (P = 0.51), postoperative complications (P = 0.94), drainage period (P = 0.53) and prolonged air leakage (P = 0.82) between the two. Median preservation of pulmonary function was 93.2% after segmentectomy, which was significantly higher than 85.9% after lobectomy (P &lt; 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS
Freedom from recurrence, overall survival, postoperative complications and chest drainage were similar between segmentectomy and lobectomy. Segmentectomy could be one of the options for clinical T1N0M0 non-small cell lung cancer located outer third as well as being able to preserve pulmonary function better than lobectomy.

Clinical trial registration
The transcription factor Sox4 is required for thymic tuft cell development
Authors: Mino Nanami , Muro Ryunosuke , Ota Ayami , Nitta Sachiko , Lefebvre Veronique , Nitta Takeshi , Fujio Keishi , Takayanagi Hiroshi 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) help shape the thymic microenvironment for T-cell development by expressing a variety of peripheral tissue-restricted antigens (TRAs). The self-tolerance of T cells is established by negative selection of autoreactive T cells that bind to TRAs. To increase the diversity of TRAs, a fraction of mTECs terminally differentiates into distinct subsets resembling atypical types of epithelial cells in specific peripheral tissues. As such, thymic tuft cells that express peripheral tuft cell genes have recently emerged. Here, we show that the transcription factor SRY-box transcription factor 4 (Sox4) is highly expressed in mTECs and is essential for the development of thymic tuft cells. Mice lacking Sox4 specifically in TECs had a significantly reduced number of thymic tuft cells with no effect on the differentiation of other mTEC subsets, including autoimmune regulator (Aire)+ and Ccl21a+ mTECs. Furthermore, Sox4 expression was diminished in mice deficient in TEC-specific lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR), indicating a role for the LTβR-Sox4 axis in the differentiation of thymic tuft cells. Given that Sox4 promotes differentiation of peripheral tuft cells, our findings suggest that mTECs employ the same transcriptional program as peripheral epithelial cells. This mechanism may explain how mTECs diversify peripheral antigen expression to project an immunological self within the thymic medulla.
Short-chain fatty acid administration via water acidifier improves feed efficiency and modulates fecal microbiota in weaned piglets
Authors: Lingbeek Mandy M , Borewicz Klaudyna , Febery Erica , Han Yanming , Doelman John , van Kuijk Sandra J A 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis study examined the effect of a water acidifier containing free and buffered short-chain fatty acids (SCFA-WA) on growth performance and microbiota of weaned piglets. In total, 192 male piglets, approximately 4 wk of age, were allocated to 24 pens (12 per treatment) with 8 piglets per pen. The piglets received either regular drinking water (negative control) or drinking water with the acidifier supplied at 2 L/1,000 L. Body weight and feed intake were measured weekly on pen level. During the first 2 wk, daily visual assessment and scoring of the feces was conducted. Fecal samples of three piglets per pen were collected on days 14 and 42 for high-throughput sequencing analysis of the microbiota. Piglets offered SCFA-WA had significantly improved feed efficiency in the third week (P = 0.025) and over the whole study period (days 0 to 42, P = 0.042) compared with piglets in the negative control group, with a strong tendency observed during the first feeding phase (days 0 to 21, P = 0.055). Furthermore, the water acidifier group had a higher water intake than piglets provided with control water during the second feeding phase (days 21 to 42, P = 0.028) and over the whole study period (days 0 to 42, P = 0.043). There was no significant difference in body weight, average daily gain, or average daily feed intake (days 0 to 21, 21 to 42, 0 to 42). Furthermore, there was no overall significant difference in fecal scoring between the treatments. In terms of the fecal microbiota response, piglets offered the water acidifier showed a significantly higher relative abundance (RA) of genus Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and a lower RA of genus Streptococcus compared to the control. Furthermore, the redundancy analysis showed a positive association between improved feed efficiency and daily weight gain and RA of Butyricicoccus and Faecalibacterium. In conclusion, consumption of the water acidifier containing free and buffered SCFA modulated the microbiota and improved feed efficiency in piglets.
Measurement Invariance of the GAD-7 and CESD-R-10 Among Adolescents in Canada
Authors: Romano Isabella , Ferro Mark A , Patte Karen A , Leatherdale Scott T 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Objective
The primary objective of our study was to assess measurement invariance (by grade and sex) of the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) and 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Revised (CESD-R-10) scales in a sample of adolescents in Canada. If measurement invariance was demonstrated, our secondary objective was to estimate differences in scale scores across these subgroups.

Methods
We used data from 59,052 adolescents in Year 7 (2018–19) of the COMPASS school-based study. Measurement invariance was tested within a multigroup confirmatory factor analysis framework. Differences in scale scores were estimated using mixed linear regression which accounted for school-level clustering and adjusted for relevant confounders.

Results
Both the GAD-7 and CESD-R-10 demonstrated strict measurement invariance by sex and grade in our sample. Mean scale scores were higher among adolescents in grade 12 compared to grade 9 (βGAD-7 = 0.91, p &lt; .001; βCESD-R-10 = 0.99, p &lt; .001) and among female adolescents compared to males (βGAD-7 = 3.36, p &lt; .001; βCESD-R-10 = 2.58, p &lt; .001).

Conclusions
Findings support the validity of the GAD-7 and CESD-R-10 for screening risk of generalized anxiety and depression among Canadian adolescents, and further indicate that differences observed in scale scores across subgroups reflect actual differences in risk for generalized anxiety and major depression, respectively.