bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cancer‐Targeting Peptides Functionalized With Polyarginine Enables GRP78‐Dependent Cell Uptake and siRNA Delivery Within the DU145 Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Hilan George , Daniel Grace , Collak Filiz , Sabatino David , Willmore William G. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis study investigated a peptide‐based GRP78‐targeting strategy for short‐interfering (si) RNA delivery in cancer cells. Synthetic fluorescein‐labeled amphiphilic peptides composed of the hydrophobic cell surface (cs) GRP78‐targeting and hydrophilic, polycationic arginine‐rich cell penetrating peptides demonstrated GRP78‐dependent cell uptake in the DU145 prostate cancer cells, and to a lesser extent in the non‐cancerous human lung fibroblast WI‐38 cell line. Mechanistic studies revealed energy‐dependent GRP78 receptor‐mediated endocytosis of the GRP78‐targeting peptide with polyarginine (W1‐R9). The cytosolic accumulation of this peptide underscored its potential utility in siRNA delivery. Peptide:siRNA complexes formed stably condensed nanoparticles, with calcium functioning as an ionic stabilizer and additive promoting endosomal siRNA escape for RNA interference (RNAi) activity. Preliminary peptide‐based siRNA transfections in the DU145 cells demonstrated that GRP78 knockdown led to an interplay in between pro‐survival and cell death outcomes under ER stress induction. Thus, the GRP78‐targeting polyarginine peptides enables efficient cell uptake for specific siRNA delivery in the DU145 cells. This class of bio‐active synthetic peptides is important for the investigation of cancer biology, leading to the innovation of cancer‐targeted gene delivery and therapy approaches.
Efficient Simulation of Open Quantum Systems on NISQ Trapped‐Ion Hardware
Authors: Burdine Colin , Bauer Nora , Siopsis George , Blair Enrique P. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractSimulating open quantum systems, which interact with external environments, presents significant challenges on noisy intermediate‐scale quantum (NISQ) devices due to limited qubit resources and noise. In this study, an efficient framework is proposed for simulating open quantum systems on NISQ hardware by leveraging a time‐perturbative Kraus operator representation of the system's dynamics. This approach avoids the computationally expensive Trotterization method and exploits the Lindblad master equation to represent time evolution in a compact form, particularly for systems satisfying specific commutation relations. The efficiency of this method is demonstrated by simulating quantum channels, such as the continuous‐time Pauli channel and damped harmonic oscillators, on NISQ trapped‐ion hardware, including IonQ Harmony and Quantinuum H1‐1. Additionally, hardware‐agnostic error mitigation techniques are introduced, including Pauli channel fitting and quantum depolarizing channel inversion, to enhance the fidelity of quantum simulations. These results show strong agreement between the simulations on real quantum hardware and exact solutions, highlighting the potential of Kraus‐based methods for scalable and accurate simulation of open quantum systems on NISQ devices. This framework opens pathways for simulating more complex systems under realistic conditions in the near term.
Fast Pyrolysis of Cigarette and Cigar Leaves: Differential Analysis of Their Heavy Products by Ultrahigh‐Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zhu Zihan , Zhang Cunyong , Shi Yaqi , Zou Peng , Ding Naihong , Zong Kun , Jia Liangyuan , Guo Dongfeng 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTRationaleThe cigars have characteristic flavors in smoke when compared with cigarettes, and cigars from various origins also have a difference in taste. However, little information can be found about the difference in chemical components of smokes between cigar and cigarette as well as between cigars, so it is interesting to compare their pyrolysis product distribution.MethodsThe cigarette and cigar leaves were pyrolyzed in a microfluidized‐bed reactor, and the pyrolysis vapors were condensed and collected using cold traps. Mass spectrometric analysis of condensed liquids was performed utilizing electrospray ionization‐orbitrap mass spectrometry in both positive and negative ion modes.ResultsThe mass spectra of condensable pyrolysis products of three tobacco leaves were obtained by Orbitrap‐MS in both positive and negative ESI modes. The DBE values (to carbon atom number) and the relative distribution (to nitrogen or oxygen atom number) of different products were carefully compared and discussed.ConclusionThe main difference in pyrolysis products between cigarette and cigar leaves relates to N1–N2 class compounds in high‐mass range as well as highly unsaturated nitrogenated compounds, while the one between two cigar leaves is associated with CxHyOzN5–9 and C30‐50HyOzNw compounds. Besides, the oxygenated products that fall into the H/C > 2 and O/C < 1 ranges are also characteristic for Dominican cigar.
Combination of Metabolite Analysis and Network Pharmacology to Explore the Potential Anticough Mechanism of Protopine—A Marker in Zhi‐Ke‐Bao Tablets
Authors: Zou Qi‐Feng , Chen De‐Jian , Liu Cheng‐Jun , Chen Zi‐Hao , Yang Xia , Xu Rong‐Huang , Zhou Zhen‐Hui , Chen Jian‐Xin , Shi Wei , Zhang Feng‐Xiang 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTRationaleProtopine, an active alkaloid in Papaver somniferum L., was abundant in a well‐known anticough traditional Chinese medicine preparation—Zhi‐Ke‐Bao tablets. Till now, the metabolism feature and anticough mechanism of protopine have not been fully elucidated, restricting its further development.MethodsThe metabolites of protopine in rats were profiled by using ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, and its anticough targets and mechanism were predicted by network pharmacology.ResultsIn rats, a total of 19 metabolites were identified following ingestion of protopine (21 mg/kg/day, i.g.), including 4 in plasma, 6 in urine, 5 in feces, 10 in liver, 2 in spleen, 4 in lung, 3 in kidney, 3 in heart, and 3 in brain. The main metabolic features were ring‐opening, methylation, demethylation, glucuronidation, sulfation, and hydroxylation. Among them, methylation, sulfation, and hydroxylation of protopine in vivo were revealed for the first time. The network pharmacology results show that protopine and its metabolites regulate physiological activities by acting on STAT3, SRC, CASP3, MTOR, MMP9, ESR1, and other targets, involving PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, and TNF signaling pathway, etc.ConclusionsThe metabolic features of protopine and its potential mechanisms for anticough effects were outlined, providing data for further anticough pharmacological validation of protopine.
Distributed Adaptive Tracking Control for Non‐Linearly Parameterized Time‐Varying Multi‐Agent Systems
Authors: Wang Meiqiao , Li Wuquan 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis article studies the tracking problem for a class of non‐linearly parameterized multi‐agent systems with the powers being unknown time‐varying functions. The essence of the multi‐agent systems and the serious uncertainties distinguish the question in this article from the existing works. By combing the algebraic graph theory, adding a power integrator method and adaptive technique, a new distributed adaptive tracking controller is presented with a dynamic estimating a reconstructed unknown parameter depending on the system parameters, which guarantees that both the system state and the control input are globally bounded and meanwhile, the tracking error can be adjusted to arbitrarily small. Finally, we offer a simulation to interpret the validity of the control scheme design.
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, Molecular Docking and In‐silico ADMET Studies of Mutual Prodrugs of Some Nonsteroidal Anti‐inflammatory Drugs
Authors: Patel Zanza , Tandel Falguni , Tripathi Rati Kailash Prasad 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe use of NSAIDs is limited due to their gastrointestinal (GI) side‐effects. To mitigate this, substantial research has focused on developing bio‐reversible derivatives like mutual prodrugs to temporarily mask the acidic group of NSAIDs, thereby reducing or eliminating GI toxicity. This study aims to synthesize mutual prodrugs by conjugating propyphenazone with selected NSAIDs (flurbiprofen, mefenamic acid, aspirin, salicylic acid, and aceclofenac), to enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing GI side‐effects. Prodrugs were evaluated for in‐vitro COX‐1/COX‐2 inhibitory activities, key players in inflammation. Molecular docking studies were performed to examine binding free energies (ΔG), binding poses, and interactions within COX enzymes’ active sites. Besides, prodrugs were tested for in‐vitro antioxidant activity and in‐vivo anti‐inflammatory, analgesic, and ulcerogenic potential including in‐silico pharmacokinetic properties. Flurbiprofen‐propyphenazone prodrug (compound 4) exhibited most potent activity among others, inhibiting COX‐1 (IC50 = 6.16 ± 0.02 µM) and COX‐2 (IC50 = 1.19 ± 0.02 µM). Molecular docking revealed key interactions crucial for ligand‐protein stabilization. Compound 4 depicted better anti‐inflammatory and analgesic activities and showed decrease in ulcerogenic index. Antioxidant assay confirmed good radical‐scavenging capabilities. Computational ADMET studies predicted favorable drug‐like properties, making compound 4 a lead candidate for further optimization. These findings underscore the potential of this approach in developing safer NSAIDs for inflammatory disorders.
Fostering positive CEO‐board relationships: Board synchronization skill and relationship cycles in new ventures
Authors: Garg Sam , Bingham Christopher B. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractResearch SummaryThis article explores how new venture leaders foster positive CEO–board relationships, a critical yet underdeveloped topic in governance research. We examine the ongoing interactions between first‐time CEOs and their boards, focusing on the tension between boards' need for influence and transparency and CEOs' desire for autonomy and control. Introducing the concept of “relationship cycles,” we demonstrate how early interactions create virtuous or vibcious feedback loops that shape long‐term governance outcomes. We also propose “board synchronization skill” as a key construct, highlighting how CEOs successfully manage communication to align competing goals. Finally, we set forth a temporal contingency view of live communication that reveals how interaction effectiveness varies by stage, thereby impacting CEO–board dynamics. More broadly, this study offers a process‐oriented view of governance, expanding our understanding of CEO–board relationships in ventures.Managerial SummaryThis article examines how leaders of new ventures can build and sustain effective CEO‐board relationships—an essential yet often overlooked aspect of corporate governance. Drawing on the experiences of first‐time CEOs, we explore the dynamic tension between a board's need for influence and transparency and a CEO's desire for autonomy and control. We introduce the concept of "relationship cycles" to explain how initial interactions can establish positive or negative feedback loops that influence long‐term governance outcomes. We also identify "board synchronization skill" as a critical capability for CEOs, emphasizing the importance of managing communication to balance competing priorities. Additionally, a stage‐specific approach to live communication is proposed, illustrating how the effectiveness of interactions evolves over time and shapes CEO‐board dynamics. Overall, the study takes a process‐oriented perspective, offering new insights into how governance practices can drive better alignment and performance in entrepreneurial ventures.
Periodic Table Exploration of MXenes for Efficient Electrochemical Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia
Authors: Nittoor‐Veedu Radhika , Ju Xiaohui , Langer Michal , Gao Wanli , Otyepka Michal , Pumera Martin 
Published: February 2025

AbstractApplying electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) to produce ammonia offers a sustainable alternative to the energy‐intensive Haber‐Bosch process, which is crucial for clean energy and agricultural applications. While 2D MXenes hold great promise as electrocatalysts for NO3RR, their application for ammonia production remains underexplored. This study combines experimental and theoretical approaches to evaluate the catalytic performance of a series of MXenes with different central metal atoms for NO3RR. Among the materials studied (Ti3C2Tx, Ti3CNTx, Ti2CTx, V2CTx, Cr2CTx, Nb2CTx, and Ta2CTx), Ti3‐based MXenes exhibit superior faradaic efficiency, ammonia yield rate, and stability. Density functional theory calculations offer further insights explaining the structure‐activity‐based observations. This research establishes a foundation for future studies aimed at leveraging MXenes for electrochemical nitrate reduction for green synthesis of ammonia.
Simultaneous Measurement of Surface Tension and Viscosity Using a Liquid Dynamics Sensor
Authors: Seimiya Naruhito , Takei Kuniharu 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe dynamics of liquids upon impact with an object exhibit distinctive behaviors influenced by physical parameters such as surface tension and viscosity, which can be determined by analyzing a liquid's dynamic response. However, measuring these parameters typically requires different tools, a complicated setup, increased space, and higher costs. To streamline this process, a liquid dynamic sensor capable of simultaneously extracting surface tension and viscosity via a single‐step measurement is proposed. The proposed measurement method uses a superhydrophobic sensor comprising three electrode pairs, which are fabricated using laser‐induced graphene on polydimethylsiloxane. The sensor monitors time‐series resistance changes triggered by liquid impact dynamics. The results show that time‐series liquid dynamics on the sensor surface vary with the liquid's surface tension and viscosity, allowing for the differentiation of these properties. By implementing an echo state network algorithm, surface tension and viscosity are successfully estimated simultaneously. In addition, the system demonstrates reliable generalization capability, accurately estimating the properties of unknown liquids, which confirms the proposed sensor's robustness for simultaneous measurement of liquid physical parameters.
Numerische Simulation des Bruchverhaltens von thermisch vorgespanntem Glas
Authors: Kanan Anas , Kaliske Michael 
Published: February 2025

AbstractIm Beitrag wird das Versagensverhalten von Glas durch numerische Untersuchungen wiedergegeben. Dafür wird das Bruchverhalten von thermisch vorgespanntem Glas mit der Finite‐Elemente‐Methode simuliert. Ein Bruchmodell wird angewandt, um die dynamische Fragmentierung zu modellieren. Um den Fragmentierungsprozess in einer angemessenen Rechenzeit zu simulieren, wird ein parallelisiertes Finite‐Elemente‐Programm verwendet. Die numerischen Simulationsergebnisse zeigen, dass der Bruchansatz in der Lage ist, die dynamische Rissverzweigung und ‐verschmelzung sowie die Bildung von Bruchfragmenten zu beschreiben, die in thermisch vorgespannten Glasscheiben auftreten. Der Inhalt dieses Beitrags wurde am 25. Oktober 2024 im Rahmen des 28. Dresdner Baustatik‐Seminars präsentiert.
Gewichtsreduzierung von VSG durch Dünnglas bei gleichbleibender Stoßfestigkeit
Authors: Bornemann Steffen , Salam M. Abdus , Fleckenstein Elena , Engelmann Michael 
Published: February 2025

AbstractDie Minimierung des Einsatzes von Ressourcen ist ein zentrales Ziel der UN‐Nachhaltigkeitsagenda. Im Bausektor bietet die Verwendung von dünneren Gläsern und die damit verbundene Gewichtseinsparung eine Möglichkeit, dieses Ziel im Sinne des Leichtbaus zu unterstützen. Dabei stellen die hohen Sicherheitsanforderungen der Bauindustrie Herausforderungen an die Entwicklung von Verbundsicherheitsgläsern (VSG), v. a. hinsichtlich der Stoßsicherheit, Splitterbindung und Resttragfähigkeit. Aufgrund des reduzierten Glasanteils bei Verwendung dünnerer Gläser nimmt die Beanspruchung der Zwischenschicht zu, sodass ihre Relevanz am Lastabtrag steigt. Ziel der hier vorgestellten Versuche war es daher, herauszufinden, wie die Gewichtsreduzierung möglich ist, ohne die Stoßfestigkeit zu verringern. Hierfür wurde der Einfluss von Glasdicke, ‐art sowie von einlagigen Zwischenschichten aus Ethylenvinylacetat‐Copolymer (EVA) und mehrlagigen Zwischenschichten aus EVA und modifiziertem Polyester (MPE) auf die Stoßsicherheit anhand des Kugelfallversuchs gemäß DIN EN 14449 bzw. DIN 52338 untersucht. Nach der Beschreibung des Versuchsaufbaus und der Methode wird der Einfluss der Konstruktionsparameter auf das Bruchbild und die Fallhöhe thematisiert. Es zeigt sich, dass der Einsatz mehrlagiger Zwischenschichten eine signifikante Verbesserung der Stoßsicherheit und damit eine Reduktion der Glasdicke bei gleichbleibender Fallhöhe ermöglicht, was einen wichtigen Beitrag zur Ressourcenschonung leistet.
The Dementia Literacy Assessment (DeLA): A novel measure of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders health literacy in diverse populations
Authors: Galvin James E. , Germain Deborah M. , Moore Claudia P. , Jeanty Jennifer A. , Tofaeono Vaatausili , Wiese Lisa K. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractINTRODUCTIONLow health literacy about Alzheimer's disease and related disorders (ADRD) may limit help‐seeking, early detection, and enrollment in clinical trials, particularly in minoritized communities. We created the Dementia Literacy Assessment (DeLA) to improve ADRD health literacy.METHODSThe DeLA, a storytelling method that included culturally adaptable vignettes embedded with important factoids about ADRD, was administered to 213 participants from urban and rural regions of Palm Beach and Broward County in Florida and 193 participants in American Samoa.RESULTSThe DeLA increased dementia health literacy and performed well across different participant characteristics (age, sex, education, geographic locale, race, ethnicity, and cognitive performance). Gains in ADRD health literacy were associated with older age, more education, better socioeconomic status, greater resilience, and better cognitive performance.DISCUSSIONIncreasing ADRD health literacy could increase health‐seeking behaviors in diverse populations for treatment, enrich recruitment into clinical trials, and may help reduce disparities in health outcomes.Highlights
Low health literacy about Alzheimer's disease and related disorders (ADRD) may limit help‐seeking, early detection, and enrollment in clinical trials, particularly in minoritized communities.
The Dementia Literacy Assessment (DeLA), a storytelling method that included culturally adaptable vignettes embedded with important factoids about ADRD, was administered to 406 participants from urban and rural regions of Palm Beach and Broward County in Florida and American Samoa (11.8% White, 39.8% Black or African American, and 48.4% Pacific Islander [predominantly Samoan] individuals).
The DeLA increased dementia health literacy and performed well across different participant characteristics (age, sex, education, geographic locale, race, and cognitive performance).
Gains in ADRD health literacy were associated with older age, more education, better socioeconomic status, greater resilience, and better cognitive performance.
Increasing ADRD health literacy could increase health‐seeking behaviors in diverse populations for treatment, enrich recruitment into clinical trials, and help reduce disparities in health outcomes.
Modified APPEND Score for the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis in a New Zealand Pasifika Population
Authors: Pitesa Renato , Hill Andrew G. , MacCormick Andrew D. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundDiagnosing acute appendicitis often requires biochemical and imaging support which may not be feasible in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). The APPEND score, developed in New Zealand, includes C‐reactive protein (CRP) which in resource‐limited settings, may be hindered by slow processing times. This study aims to evaluate a modified APPEND score (mAPPEND), excluding CRP for diagnosing appendicitis in a New Zealand Pasifika cohort.MethodsThis secondary analysis utilized data from two cohorts (2011 and 2017) from Middlemore Hospital, Auckland. Patients aged ≥ 15 years with right iliac fossa pain for < 7 days were included, excluding those with prior appendicectomy or generalized peritonitis. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated, and diagnostic performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, comparing the area under the curve (AUC) for both scores.ResultsAmong 143 Pasifika patients, the AUC for the APPEND and mAPPEND scores were comparable (0.84 vs. 0.85 respectively, p = 0.41). The mAPPEND score demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy with scores between 1 and 2 showing high sensitivity (100% and 97%) and NPV (90% and 92%), scores 4–5 showing high specificity (94% and 100%, respectively) and PPV (90% and 100%, respectively), and a score of 3 being the most efficient with a sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 71%.ConclusionThe mAPPEND score maintains high diagnostic accuracy for appendicitis in a New Zealand Pasifika population. This modified score is a simple and viable tool in settings where CRP testing is unfeasible, supporting its use in Pacific Island countries.
Important radiological and clinicopathological risk factors for the recurrence of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms after surgical resection
Authors: Park Junghoan , Kim Jung Hoon , Ryu Rae Rim , Hwang Sungjun 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objectives
To assess significant radiological and clinicopathological risk factors for post-surgery recurrence in patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN).

Materials and methods
Patients with IPMNs who underwent surgery from 2011 to 2021 at a single center were retrospectively included. Two reviewers evaluated CT findings according to international guidelines. Clinicopathological data were collected from medical records and surgical pathology reports. Patients were monitored for recurrence with contrast-enhanced CT or MRI up to 2023. Univariable Cox regression analysis included potential risk factors: all high-risk stigmata and worrisome features in the international guidelines, age, sex, tumor location, type, carcinoembryonic antigen, surgery type, postsurgical residual cyst, adjuvant treatment, pathologic grade, type, size, margin status, lymph node metastasis, gland type, and pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia. Variables with p < 0.2 were included in multivariate analysis.

Results
Among 332 patients (mean age, 66.3 ± 9.0 years; 212 men), recurrence occurred in 39 (11.7%) over a median follow-up of 3.2 years (range: 0.1–12.3 years). Two- and five-year recurrence-free survival rates were 91.2% and 86.4%, respectively. Significant radiological risk factors included enhancing mural nodule (EMN) presence (hazard ratio [HR] 5.088, p = 0.007) and lymphadenopathy (HR 2.837, p = 0.01). Associated invasive carcinoma (HR 25.030), lymph node metastasis (HR 27.562), adjuvant treatment (HR 0.203), and history of pancreatitis (HR 2.608) were also significant. Most imaging features showed moderate to excellent interobserver agreement, except for thickened/enhancing cyst walls (κ, 0.25).

Conclusion
The presence of EMNs and lymphadenopathy, along with several clinicopathologic factors, were significantly associated with IPMN recurrence.

Key Points

Question

Understanding postoperative recurrence risk in IPMN patients is crucial for determining surveillance strategies; however, research on radiologic risk factors remains limited.

Findings

The presence of EMNs and lymphadenopathy were identified as significant radiologic risk factors for the postoperative recurrence of IPMN, along with clinicopathologic factors.

Clinical relevance

IPMN recurrence is significantly associated with imaging findings like EMNs and lymphadenopathy, as well as clinical and pathologic factors. It can guide the development of tailored postoperative surveillance strategies for IPMN patients in further studies.

Graphical Abstract