bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of grain boundaries, cure, and temperature on the thermomechanical properties of epoxy/graphene composites
Authors: Ding Qiuyue , Ding Ning , Chen Xiangfeng , Guo Wenyue , Zaïri Fahmi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn this study, molecular dynamics (MD) method was used to systematically investigate the effects of grain boundaries (GBs), degree of cure and temperature on the mechanical properties and thermal stability of epoxy/graphene composites. Uniaxial tensile simulations were performed for pristine graphene and graphene containing GBs reinforced epoxy composites with different degrees of cure. Results show that the yield strength and Young's modulus of epoxy/graphene composites increase with the degree of cure. The behind mechanisms can be attributed to the stronger bonding interaction between epoxy chains. The mechanical properties of epoxy/graphene composites with high degree of cure are more sensitive to GB types. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of pristine graphene and graphene containing GBs reinforced epoxy composites presents an increasing trend with the degree of cure. The introduction of GBs can enhance the Tg of epoxy/graphene composites because of the appropriate wrinkles of GBs in graphene sheets helping to block the slippage of epoxy chains. The MD predicted results of Tg are in good agreement with existing experimental data and the DiBenedetto relationship can be applied using the MD parameters. Both yield strength and Young's modulus of epoxy/graphene composites decrease with temperature, which is mainly due to the weak interface interactions at high temperature and the sufficient energy of atoms at high temperature to overcome the energy barrier. GBs present diverse effects on the yield strength and Young's modulus at different temperatures. This work provides a theoretical basis for the application of epoxy composites reinforced with graphene containing GBs under different conditions.Highlights
The thermomechanical properties of epoxy/graphene composites are studied.
The coupling effects of GBs, cure degree, and temperature are evidenced.
The existence of GBs can improve the Tg of epoxy/graphene composites.
MD predicted Tg agrees well with experimental data using the WLF relationship.
Experimental investigation on triglycidyl isocyanurate‐based tribologically functional composites
Authors: Liu Changxin , Wang Hai , Qi Xiaowen , Fan Bingli , Yang Xiao , Dong Yu 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe aim of this study is to prepare epoxy/polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)/glass fiber (GF) composites (EPGs) with the unique characteristics of low friction and high wear resistance based on triglycidyl isocyanurate (TGIC). The tribological properties of composites with different filler ratios under different working conditions were systematically studied. At the maximum filler content of 40 wt% PTFE, the minimum coefficient of friction (COF) and wear rate reached 0.079 and 0.45 × 10−6 mm3/N·m. The hardness decreased by 44.2% and the density increased by 18.3%. The worn surfaces and transfer films were observed and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The increasing tendency of velocity and amplitude is beneficial to reduce the carbon‐rich region and further enhance the formation of transfer films. It is proved that the tribological properties of TGIC‐based epoxy composites are higher than those of other types of epoxy composites. This study offers great insight into the tribological applications of TGIC‐based epoxy composites.Highlights
Epoxy/PTFE/GF composites (EPGs) were prepared using TGIC as the base material.
EPGs have good mechanical and tribological properties.
The COF of EPG3 reaches 0.079 and the wear rate becomes 0.45 × 10−6 mm3/(N·m).
The increasing tendency of velocity and amplitude is beneficial to reduce the carbon‐rich region and further enhance the formation of transfer films.
Serine protease mediates Ovomermis sinensis‐inhibited host immune responses by inducing apoptosis: implications for successful parasitism and host mortality
Authors: Jiao Zhenlong , Chen Mingming , Zhao Wenjing , Wu Yuanming , Guo Guo 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDMermithid nematodes are entomopathogens that parasitize and kill insect hosts and are used for biological control. It is widely believed that mermithid nematodes kill their host upon nematode emergence, unlike other parasites that depend on virulence factors. In this study, we disproved this theory by demonstrating that the mermithid nematode Ovomermis sinensis mediates host mortality by serine protease‐induced apoptosis.RESULTSSuccessful parasitism of O. sinensis increased with the infection rate, and the inhibition of host immunity by O. sinensis increased with the parasitic load. A serine protease was identified from the host hemolymph. This protease belongs to the trypsin‐like serine protease family, which is an apoptosis‐inducing serine protease. Specifically, Os‐sp was highly expressed only during the parasitic stage and could be induced by host hemocytes and the fat body. Importantly, host immune effectors (melanization, phenoloxidase activity, and encapsulation) were suppressed by the recombinant protein rOs‐sp that induced apoptosis of hemocytes and fat body in a dose‐dependent manner, which contributes to host death.CONCLUSIONSerine protease mediates O. sinensis‐inhibited host immune responses by inducing apoptosis that is lethal to the insect host. Our findings have broader implications for understanding the mechanism of successful parasitism and killing of host by nematodes. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
LP formulation of stochastic Bayesian two‐player zero‐sum games with long horizon
Authors: Orpa Nabiha Nasir , Li Lichun 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis article studies two‐player zero‐sum stochastic Bayesian games where each player has its own dynamic state that is unknown to the other. To compute the optimal strategy for the players, prior work uses sequence form to construct linear programming formulation, whose size grows exponentially with respect to the time horizon of the game. The exponential computational complexity restricts us in games with short horizon. While window‐by‐window or receding horizon methods can be used to extend the horizon, how to update the initial parameters in each window is still unknown. Based on the existing results about dual games, this article proposes LP formulations to update the initial parameters in each window. A window‐by‐window method is given with performance analysis. The main results are demonstrated in a security problem of underwater sensor networks.
A Doping‐Induced SrCo0.4Fe0.6O3/CoFe2O4 Nanocomposite for Efficient Oxygen Evolution in Alkaline Media
Authors: Liu Heng , Wang Yuan , Tan Pengfei , dos Santos Egon C. , Holmes Stuart M. , Li Hao , Pan Jun , D'Agostino Carmine 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPerovskite and spinel oxides are promising alternatives to noble metal‐based electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, a novel perovskite/spinel nanocomposite comprised of SrCo0.4Fe0.6O3 and CoFe2O4 (SCF/CF) is prepared through a simple one‐step method that incorporates iron doping into a SrCoO3‐δ matrix, circumventing complex fabrication processes typical of these materials. At a Fe dopant content of 60%, the CoFe2O4 spinel phase is directly precipitated from the parent SrCo0.4Fe0.6O3 perovskite phase and the number of active B‐site metals (Co/Fe) in the parent SCF can be maximized. This nanocomposite exhibits a remarkable OER activity in alkaline media with a small overpotentional of 294 mV at 10 mA cm−2. According to surface states analysis, the parent SCF perovskite remains in its pristine form under alkaline OER conditions, serving as a stable substrate, while the second spinel CF is covered by 5/8 monolayer (ML) O*, exhibiting considerable affinity toward the oxygen species involved in the OER. Analysis based on advanced OER microkinetic volcano model indicates that a 5/8 ML O* covered‐CF is the origin for the remarkable activity of this nanocomposite. The results reported here significantly advance knowledge in OER and can boost application, scale‐up and commercialisation of electrocatalytic technologies toward clean energy devices.
Enhancing the Conductivity of PEDOT:PSS Films by the Confinement of Ice Crystals
Authors: Chen Lie , Shen Peijie , Zhao Tianyi , Liu Mingjie 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRapid developments in organic electronics demand highly conductive and freestanding (PEDOT:PSS) films. However, the synthesis of highly conductive PEDOT:PSS films requires toxic reagents, such as high‐concentration acids and bases. Herein, an eco‐friendly and cost‐effective strategy is reported for improving the conductivity of PEDOT:PSS films through the confinement of ice crystals. The crystallization of water swelled by the film facilitated the phase separation of PEDOT and PSS, and the excess PSS in the skin layer is effectively removed. Moreover, under the confinement effect, the carrier mobility of the film is enhanced through the formation of a well‐crystallized PEDOT molecular morphology. A detailed elucidation of aggregate structure evolution in PEDOT:PSS films during annealing, solvent post‐treatment, and subsequent confined crystallization is presented herein. After multiple water crystallization cycles, the conductivity of the PEDOT:PSS film increased by over 85%, achieving a maximum of 2564 ± 142 S cm−1. Finally, compared to post‐treatment with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), the current strategy can improve the Seebeck coefficient by 5.6% and the power factor by 139%.
miR‐9 promotes canine endothelial‐like cell migration by targeting COL15A1
Authors: Jiang Heng , Liu Mengmeng , Qin Yao , Zhang Hong 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundEndothelial cell migration is the initial stage of angiogenesis. In previous studies, miR‐9 has been found to regulate angiogenesis and cell migration in human medicine.ObjectivesThis study aimed to reveal the regulatory effect of miR‐9 on canine endothelial cell migration.MethodsEmbryonic canine ventricle myocardium tissues were collected and induced to differentiate into endothelial‐like cells (ELCs). A transwell and invasion assay were used to evaluate the impact of miR‐9 on the migration capacity of ELCs, after which a luciferase reporter assay, western blotting, RNA sequencing and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction were conducted to explore the regulatory mechanism.ResultsOur results showed that we successfully induced the primary cells derived from canine cardiac embryo tissues into ELCs. MiR‐9 also promoted the migration and invasion of canine ELCs, and inhibited the expression of collagen XV, an angiogenic inhibitor, at the translational level by targeting the 3′ untranslated region of COL15A1 gene. Furthermore, RNA sequencing showed that overexpression of miR‐9 impacted several signalling pathways and eight genes involved in angiogenesis and cell migration in canine ELCs.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that miR‐9 enhances the migration of canine ELCs and may serve as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for canine diseases involved in endothelial cells migration and angiogenesis, but more further studies are needed.
Prognostic factors for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma without pathological lymph node metastasis after neoadjuvant therapy and surgery
Authors: Hamai Yoichi , Emi Manabu , Ibuki Yuta , Murakami Yuji , Nishibuchi Ikuno , Kurokawa Tomoaki , Yoshikawa Toru , Hirohata Ryosuke , Ohsawa Manato , Kitasaki Nao , Okada Morihito 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundPathological lymph node metastasis (LNM) following multimodal therapy is an important indicator of poor prognosis in patients with esophageal cancer. However, a significant number of patients without LNM are still at high risk for recurrence.MethodsWe assessed prognostic factors in 143 patients without pathological LNM who were diagnosed with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) or chemoradiotherapy (NACRT), followed by surgery.ResultsUsing univariate and multivariate analyses of recurrence‐free survival, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12–4.23, and p = 0.02) and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (HR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.04–1.43, and p = 0.02) were significant independent covariates. Furthermore, pretherapeutic LNM (HR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.003–3.76, and p = 0.049), NACRT (HR: 3.29, 95% CI: 1.30–8.33, and p = 0.01), poorly differentiated tumors (HR: 2.52, 95% CI: 1.28–4.98, and p = 0.01), and lymphovascular invasion (LVI) (HR: 2.78, 95% CI: 1.27–6.09, and p = 0.01) were also significant independent covariates. The recurrence rates among patients with 0/1, 2, 3, and 4/5 poor prognostic factors were significantly different (5.0%, 25.0%, 35.7%, and 53.8%, respectively; p = 0.001); the survival rates were stratified among these prognostic groups.ConclusionsPretherapeutic CEA and NLR levels, pretherapeutic LNM, NACRT, poorly differentiated tumors, and LVI were significantly correlated with survivals in patients without pathological LNM after neoadjuvant therapy and surgery. Postoperative therapy should be considered in patients with ESCC with several indicators of recurrence, even in those without pathological LNM who underwent surgery following neoadjuvant therapy.
Simulated psychosis care role-plays for pharmacy curricula: a qualitative exploration of student experiences
Authors: Ung Tina X. , El-Den Sarira , Moles Rebekah J. , O’Reilly Claire L. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training is embedded in various tertiary healthcare curricula. However, opportunities for students to practise their newly acquired MHFA skills before entering the clinical practice workforce are lacking. The purpose of this study was to explore pharmacy students’ experiences of MHFA training and post-MHFA simulated psychosis care role-plays.

Methods
Final-year pharmacy students received MHFA training, after which they were invited to participate in simulated patient role-plays with trained actors, whilst being observed by peers, pharmacy tutors and mental health consumer educators (MHCEs). Immediately after each role-play, the role-playing student engaged in self-assessment, followed by performance feedback and debrief discussions with the tutor, MHCE and observing peers. All MHFA-trained students were invited to participate in audio-recorded focus groups to explore their experiences. Audio-recordings were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed.

Results
MHFA training was delivered to 209 students, of which 86 participated in a simulated patient role-play as a role-player and the remaining students observed. Seven focus groups were conducted with 36 students (mean duration 40 min, SD 11 min). Five themes emerged: scenario reactions, realistic but not real, mental health confidence, MHFA skills application, feedback and self-reflection.

Conclusion
Students enjoyed the post-MHFA simulated psychosis care role-plays, which provided opportunities to apply and reflect on their newly-acquired MHFA skills in a safe learning environment. These experiences enhanced students’ confidence to support people in the community, experiencing mental health symptoms or crises, and could be an add-on to MHFA training in the future.
Spatial structuring in early life stage fish diversity in the Scotia Sea region of the Southern Ocean
Authors: Dornan Tracey , Knutsen Tor , Krafft Bjørn A. , Kvalsund Merete , Mateos-Rivera Alejandro , Tarling Geraint A. , Wienerroither Rupert , Hill Simeon L. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe fish community of the Scotia Sea is diverse and plays key roles in Antarctic food webs and biogeochemical cycling. However, knowledge of the spatial and community structure of their early life stages is limited, particularly in the region surrounding the South Orkney Islands. Here we examine the structure of the early life stage fish community in the epipelagic using data from a basin-scale survey conducted in early 2019, which sampled the top 200 m of the water column. 347 early life stage fish from 19 genera were caught in 58 hauls. A third of all specimens belonged to the genus Notolepis and the nine most common genera comprised over 90% of specimens. Cluster analysis revealed five distinct groupings, the most common were a group dominated by pelagic and shelf slope genera (Notolepis, Muraenolepis and Electrona) found mainly in oceanic waters (depth ≥ 1000 m), and a group dominated by species with demersal or benthopelagic adults (Chionodraco, Chaenocephalus and Nototheniops) found mainly in shelf waters. Bottom depth was the main environmental determinant of community structure, separating the diverse on-shelf assemblage at the South Orkneys from the less species-rich community of widespread oceanic taxa. Our results indicate the highest diversities of early life stages of endemic fish occur on the shelf and near-shelf areas. Dedicated monitoring is recommended to understand the seasonal differences in larval community assemblages and the implications of early life stages fish bycatch within the krill fishery.
Robotic parathyroidectomy is a feasible technique for primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Lee Jin Seok , Lee Jun Sung , Jeong Hojung , Yun Hyeok Jun , Chang Hojin , Kim Seok Mo , Lee Yong Sang , Chang Hang-Seok 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Focused parathyroidectomy is the gold standard treatment modality for primary hyperparathyroidism, which allows accurate preoperative localization. Robotic parathyroidectomy has emerged as a feasible procedure for focused parathyroidectomy. This study aimed to report the experiences of gasless robotic transaxillary parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism in a single center.

Methods
We assessed the data obtained from patients who underwent gasless robotic parathyroidectomy with the transaxillary approach between December 2013 and August 2022 and were diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism at our institute. The data included clinical, biochemical, and pathological features and operation time.

Results
Of the 12 patients, 11 were women and one was a man. The median age of the patients was 44.5 years (range: 15–65 years). The median preoperative maximum mass diameters on ultrasonography and neck computed tomography were 1.2 ± 0.5 and 1.1 ± 0.6 cm, respectively. The median size of the postoperative maximum mass diameter in gross pathology was 1.3 ± 0.4 cm. The location of the enlarged parathyroid was left superior in five patients, right inferior in four, left inferior in three, and no right superior in one. In the final pathological examination, all cases were parathyroid adenomas. Only one case experienced a postoperative bleeding complication. At six months from surgery, average of an axillary scar length was 5.85 cm, and an average width was 0.21 cm. The mean operative time was 113 ± 48 min. The mean robot docking and console times were 9 ± 5 and 47 ± 52 min, respectively.

Conclusions
Robotic transaxillary parathyroidectomy is a feasible technique in select patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and preoperatively localized disease. The gasless robotic transaxillary approach provides procedural safety as well as superior cosmetic results without a neck scar.
Impact of IL-6 and IL-1β Gene Variants on Non-small-cell Lung Cancer Risk in Egyptian Patients
Authors: Metwally Yomna F. , Elsaid Afaf M. , Elsadda Rana R. , Refaat Sherif , Zahran Rasha F. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractLung cancer is a serious health and life issue, with the fastest-growing incidence and fatality rates worldwide. It is now clear that inflammation is a key factor involved in all aspects of carcinogenesis, notably lung cancer development. Genetic changes, including polymorphisms in inflammatory genes, are supposed to be a significant cause of increased lung cancer risk. The main idea of this research was to disclose the linkage between both IL-6 rs1800795 and IL-1β rs16944 variants and susceptibility to non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Egyptians. This case–control design was composed of 127 cases and 138 controls, which were genotyped using the ARMS-PCR technique. To examine the NSCLC susceptibility under various genetic models, the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined by logistic regression. Rs1800795 of the IL-6 gene was linked to higher odds of NSCLC under the allele model (adjusted, OR 2.28; 95% CI 1.2–4.33; p = 0.011). In the genetic models, IL-6 rs1800795 elevated the odds of NSCLC, while IL-1β rs16944 decreased the odds of NSCLC. Stratification analysis showed that IL-6 rs1800795 greatly increased the NSCLC risk in females and adenocarcinoma subtypes, whereas IL-1β rs16944 largely decreased the NSCLC risk for males, patients aged < 55, and nonsmokers. Regarding clinical data, the IL-6 variant was remarkably correlated with tumor size. This work primarily established that IL-6 and IL-1β variants have a great impact on NSCLC development in the Egyptian population; thus, it may be a supportive guide for earlier NSCLC prevention.
„C(r)ashkurs“ – Schuldenprävention zur Erkennung finanzieller Probleme von Mitarbeitenden
Authors: Felix Matthias , Drescher Tatjana , Haunberger Sigrid 
Published: December 2023

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund
Finanzstress bedeutet für Betroffene eine hohe (psychische) Belastung und kann zu gesundheitlichen Problemen und Verschlechterung der Leistungsfähigkeit führen. Im Zentrum des Weiterbildungsangebot „C(r)ashkurs“ steht daher die Sensibilisierung von Schlüsselpersonen (= Multiplikator*innen) für die Früherkennung finanzieller Probleme in Betrieben im Niedriglohnsektor und das Vermitteln von Werkzeugen für die Unterstützung betroffener Personen.

Methodik
Es wurde eine summative Wirkungsevaluation im Prä-post-Design ohne Kontrollgruppe mit einem standardisierten Fragebogen durchgeführt. Die Datenerhebung und -analyse wurde von einem Wirkungsmodell begleitet, welches die Wirkebenen Wissen, Einstellungen und Verhalten beinhaltete.

Ergebnisse
Nach dem Kurs hatten die Teilnehmenden ein ausreichendes Wissen in Budget- und Schuldenfragen und eine klar positive Einstellung gegenüber Mitarbeitenden mit Schulden. In den teilnehmenden Betrieben war eine stärkere Sensibilisierung für die Thematik spürbar und Teilnehmende waren motivierter, Mitarbeitende mit finanziellen Problemen zu unterstützen. Unterstützung in Schuldenfragen boten Teilnehmende etwas häufiger an. Es zeigten sich u. a. signifikante Zusammenhänge zwischen dem Beratungswissen und der Unterstützungsbereitschaft und der Einstellung zu Mitarbeitenden mit Schulden und der Unterstützungsbereitschaft.

Schlussfolgerung/Diskussion
Ein Basiswissen in Budget- und Schuldenfragen ist zentral, um die Unterstützungsbereitschaft von Multiplikator*innen zu fördern. Für die Unterstützungsbereitschaft ist es wichtig, das Verständnis für Betroffene und Schuldenursachen zu fördern. Dieser Punkt ist umso wichtiger für Betriebe außerhalb des Sozial- und Gesundheitsbereichs. Um die Kursinhalte zu verbreiten, sind Teilnehmende mit großer Führungsspanne wichtig. Die Funktion der Teilnehmenden als Multiplikator*innen muss klarer betont und mit Handlungsempfehlungen untermauert werden.