bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chondrogenic commitment of human umbilical cord blood and umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells induced by the supernatant of chondrocytes: A comparison study
Authors: Li Xingfu , Deng Zhenhan , Lu Wei 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundNative cartilage has low capacity for regeneration because it has very few progenitor cells. Human umbilical cord blood‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB‐MSCs) and human umbilical cord‐derived MSCs (hUC‐MSCs) have been employed as promising sources of stem cells for cartilage injury repair. Reproduction of hyaline cartilage from MSCs remains a challenging endeavor. The paracrine factors secreted by chondrocytes possess the capability to induce chondrogenesis from MSCs.MethodsThe conditioned medium derived from chondrocytes was utilized to induce chondrogenic differentiation of hUCB‐MSCs and hUC‐MSCs. The expression levels of collagen type I alpha 1 chain (Col1a1), collagen type II alpha 1 chain (Col2a1), and SRY‐box transcription factor 9 (SOX9) were assessed through quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), Western blot (WB), and immunofluorescence (IF) assays. To elucidate the mechanism of differentiation, the concentration of transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) in the conditioned medium of chondrocytes was quantified using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Meanwhile, the viability of cells was assessed using Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assays.ResultsThe expression levels of Col2a1 and SOX9 were found to be higher in induced hUC‐MSCs compared to those in induced hUCB‐MSCs. The conditioned medium of chondrocytes contained TGF‐β1. The CCK‐8 assays revealed that the proliferation rate of hUC‐MSCs was significantly higher compared to that of hUCB‐MSCs.ConclusionsThe chondrogenic potential and proliferation capacity of hUC‐MSCs surpass those of hUCB‐MSCs, thereby establishing hUC‐MSCs as a superior source of seed cells for cartilage tissue engineering.
Outcome of Patients With Lupus Nephritis Treated With an Anti‐CD40 Monoclonal Antibody According to Kidney Biopsy Features
Authors: Uzzo Martina , Schumacher Helmut , Steffgen Juergen , Deutschel Simone , Jayne David , Bajema Ingeborg 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveA phase 2 trial tested different doses of the anti‐CD40 monoclonal antibody BI 655064 as an add‐on therapy to the standard of care in patients with class III or IV lupus nephritis (LN) with active disease. A post hoc analysis showed a potential benefit of the higher tested doses (180 and 240 mg) versus a low dose (120 mg) or placebo. We investigated whether the treatment effect of BI 655064 on kidney outcomes may be modified by the presence of glomerular monocytes, a target for this drug with a well‐known role in LN pathogenesis.MethodsOne hundred one renal biopsies of patients with LN enrolled in the BI 655064 trial were scored centrally. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), spot urine protein/urine creatinine ratio (UP/UC), and complete renal response (CRR) were evaluated over 52 weeks. Patients were divided according to a “better” or “worse” performance than the average of all patients in the cohort, predicted by a mixed model for repeated measurements. Logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders were used to assess the association between different treatment doses and outcomes according to the presence or absence of monocytes.ResultsA higher BI 655064 dose (180 or 240 mg) was associated with better outcomes of UP/UC and CRR when glomerular monocytes were present in kidney biopsy samples (odds ratio [OR] 3.66 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09–12.3], P = 0.04; OR 4.58 [95% CI 1.24–16.9], P = 0.02). A trend toward improved eGFR was also observed in these patients (at 52 weeks, P = 0.08).ConclusionIn LN kidney biopsy samples with glomerular monocytes, high‐dose BI 655064 treatment improved proteinuria at 52 weeks and resulted in a higher CRR compared to biopsy samples without glomerular monocytes. Histologic features may guide the choice of treatment for individual patients with LN.image
Multiple model predictive control for offshore wind turbines operating in the full‐load range
Authors: Abbasi Milad , Sadati Nasser 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis paper presents a multiple model predictive control (MMPC) strategy based on an individual blade pitch (IBP) mechanism to control floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) when operating in the full‐load range (above the rated wind speed). The strategy utilizes local model‐based predictive controllers (MPCs) to minimize generator output power fluctuations, generator speed variations, and alleviate tower mechanical loads, particularly fore‐aft and side‐to‐side shear forces. To ensure smooth transitions between local controllers, a soft‐switching technique is employed. The IBP actuation and generator torque control fix generator power and speed at the rated values, mitigating platform motions induced by wind and waves. The proposed control strategy is applied to a 5‐MW baseline wind turbine with a spar‐buoy platform developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Furthermore, a comparative analysis is conducted by designing an MMPC based on the collective blade pitch (CBP) mechanism. Through comprehensive simulation and analysis, the effectiveness of the IBP‐based MMPC strategy is demonstrated.
Numerische Simulation von städtischen Wärmeinseln – Evaluierung von Simulationsergebnissen durch thermische Messungen
Authors: Langner Normen , Voellner David , Reß Marvin 
Published: December 2024

AbstractDie Bebauung in Städten, urbane Oberflächen sowie Vegetation und Wasserflächen beeinflussen das städtische Klima auf vielfältige Weise. Neben der geometrischen Struktur der Bebauung spielen Materialeigenschaften wie Wärmespeicherung und Strahlungsverhalten von Dächern, Fassaden und Verkehrsflächen eine Rolle bei der Entstehung von Wärmeinseln. Zur Vorhersage dieser Effekte werden zunehmend Klimasimulationen auf städtischer Ebene genutzt, die wissenschaftlich etabliert sind. Dabei stellt sich regelmäßig die Frage nach der Genauigkeit der Ergebnisse. Der vorliegende Beitrag konzentriert sich auf die Evaluierung von Simulationsergebnissen durch thermische Messungen, darunter Temperatur, Windgeschwindigkeit und Thermografie, die sowohl am Boden als auch mittels Drohnen durchgeführt werden. Durch den Abgleich der Simulationen mit den Messungen können die Eingabeparameter der Simulationen präzisiert werden. So lassen sich fundierte Prognosen zur Wirksamkeit grüner Infrastruktur, wie begrünte Dächer und Fassaden, bei der Minderung des städtischen Wärmeinseleffekts erstellen. Diese Erkenntnisse bilden die Grundlage für die Entwicklung geeigneter Anpassungsstrategien, um Städte widerstandsfähiger gegenüber intensiveren Hitzeereignissen zu machen.
Does Older Mean Better? Analyses of Boards' Influence on Sustainability Performance
Authors: Donkor Augustine , Appiagyei Kwadjo , Yorke Sally Mingle , Gyapong Ernest 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis study examines the influence of board generational cohorts on firms' sustainability performance (FSP) and the critical mass of directors within the different cohorts that influences FSP. We find that while Boomers have a positive influence on FSP, Traditionalist, GenX and GenY members are less concerned about FSP. Additionally, older cohorts (Traditionalists and Boomers) require three directors to exert their respective influence on FSP, whereas GenX and GenY require two or more and one director, respectively. Furthermore, the presence of Boomers may mitigate the limited focus of other generational cohorts on FSP. By identifying that not all cohorts in the older generation have a positive influence on FSP, that boomers may help mitigate the negative influence of other cohorts and the critical mass for which each cohort establishes an influence, we inform firms and policy makers on the mix of cohorts on the board that may enhance FSP.
Perfectly Hexagonal Sponge‐Like NiO‐NiCo2O4 with Rich Electromicrostructural Physiognomies for High‐Efficiency Electrocatalytic Urea Oxidation
Authors: Srivastav Siddhant , Kumar Paliwal Mahesh , Kumar Meher Sumanta 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn order to design high‐efficiency electrocatalysts for the development of urea oxidation reaction (UOR)‐based energy conversion and storage systems, herein, a very facile and kinetically controlled material growth strategy has been strategized to prepare extremely uniform and perfectly hexagonal sponge‐like NiO‐NiCo2O4 with high BET surface area (126 m2 g−1), monomodal distribution of mesopores (~3.9 nm), hierarchical surface as well as matrix porosity, mixed‐phase lattice structure, thorough atomic non‐stoichiometry and multiple valency of Ni and Co (i. e. Ni2+, Ni3+, Co2+ and Co3+). The potential of NiO‐NiCo2O4 is thoroughly explored for electrocatalytic UOR in alkaline electrolyte medium. The in‐depth electrochemical analyses demonstrate rich redox reversibility, high UOR current density, very‐low charge transfer and series resistance, and typical Warburg response indicative of facilitated diffusion of electrolyte ions during electrocatalytic UOR. Furthermore, the NiO‐NiCo2O4 requires lower overpotential for effective UOR and exhibits minimal current loss during electrocatalytic UOR for prolonged duration. Proposedly, the multiple oxidation states of Ni and Co in NiO‐NiCo2O4, combined with its rich physicoelectrochemical physiognomies, offer lowly‐impeded electrolyte ion intercalation‐deintercalation, good electronic conductivity, higher number of accessible redox active sites, facile adsorption of urea on the electrocatalytic sites and inhibition in the blockage of active sites by side products to augment the overall UOR kinetics. The optimized approach presented in this study is poised to advance the catalyst systems for UOR, which will lead to the development of high‐efficiency urea‐based energy conversion and storage systems for prospective integration in contemporary electronic architectures.
Scp776, A Novel IGF‐1 Fusion Protein for Acute Therapy to Promote Escape From Apoptosis in Tissues Affected by Ischemic Injury: 2 Randomized Placebo‐Controlled Phase 1 Studies in Healthy Adults
Authors: Pfaff Samuel J. , O'Reilly Terry , Zhang Yan , Olsen Walter , Kuchenbecker Kristopher 
Published: December 2024

AbstractApoptosis is a major driver of cell loss and infarct expansion in ischemic injuries such as acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) can mitigate cell death and potentiate recovery following acute ischemic injury, but short half‐life and nonspecificity limit its therapeutic potential. Scp776 is an IGF‐1 fusion protein designed to target damaged tissue and promote apoptosis escape and is in clinical development as an acute therapy for AIS and AMI. Two phase 1 placebo‐controlled studies in healthy volunteers evaluated safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic profile, and pharmacodynamics under single (1, 2, or 4 mg/kg) or multiple (6, 6.2, or 7.25 mg/kg total doses) dosing regimens. In addition, a blood glucose management plan was developed and implemented to mitigate hypoglycemia that may develop following scp776 injection. Scp776 was well tolerated in healthy volunteers (n = 51) without serious adverse events. Exposure increased in a near dose‐proportional manner with a mean half‐life across all doses of 8 hours. Adaptive dextrose infusions maintained normal blood glucose levels with occasional mild hypoglycemic events. These results informed scp776 dose selection and the design of blood glucose monitoring protocols for phase 2 studies.
Taxonomy of Antioxidants to Deactivate Reactive Superoxide for Rejuvenating Batteries
Authors: Lee Jeongin , Kim Jonghak , Hwang Chihyun , Song Hyun‐Kon 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn lithium batteries employing oxygen electrochemistry as their cathodic process, superoxide radical is recognized as a reactive nucleophile that decomposes electrolytes and therefore deteriorates battery durability. Herein, we categorized the antioxidants employed for deactivating reactive superoxide in batteries into three groups after their working mechanisms were clearly understood and classified. Radical scavengers, as the first group, are sacrificed to provide moieties to neutralize the radical activity of superoxide. The reversible superoxide dismutase mimics (SODm's), distinguished from radical scavengers by their catalytic turnover, were divided into two families in terms of the anti‐aging mechanism: electron‐mediating SODm (e‐SODm) and chemo‐catalytic SODm (c‐SODm). The redox‐active e‐SODm family, as the second group, mediates an electron from a superoxide radical to another superoxide, driving oxidation to dioxygen and reduction to peroxide, respectively. The c‐SODm family, as the third group, chemically catalyzes superoxide disproportionation reaction, lowering the activation energy of the dismutation between the same radicals.
Carboxyl‐Functionalized Alkylimidazolium Salts for Thermomorphic Acid‐Catalyzed Polysaccharide Hydrolysis in Water
Authors: Abhyankar Kedar A. , Somerville Rosie J. , Dyson Paul J. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWe report the use of carboxyl‐functionalised alkylimidazolium salts as thermomorphic acid catalysts for the hydrolysis of cellulose and starch in water, free from organic solvents and auxiliary substances. The imidazolium salts are insoluble in water at room temperature and dissolve to form homogeneous solutions upon heating. Following catalysis at elevated temperatures the solution is cooled and the imidazolium salt precipitates from the aqueous layer to afford an aqueous glucose solution. This thermomorphic, temperature‐switchable, process allows facile separation of the product and reuse of the catalyst while ensuring catalysis commensurate with homogeneous systems.
A Wide Range Duty‐Cycle PWM Generator Using Oxide‐TFTs on a Flexible Substrate
Authors: Shrivastava Suyash , Ganga Bahubalindruni Pydi , Wadhwa Nishtha , Barquinha Pedro 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis work presents an experimental characterization of a novel clocked regenerative comparator with oxide TFT (a‐IGZO) technology on a flexible substrate. The circuit functionality is demonstrated as a wide range duty‐cycle PWM signal generator with a triangular input signal. The regenerative latch in the comparator is implemented with diode‐load–based inverters. The proposed circuit has shown a linear variation in the duty‐cycle from 12% to 84%, when the reference voltage () is varied from 0.5 to 3.3 V, respectively, in the clocked comparator. Further, a reliable operation is observed up to an input signal frequency of 2 kHz at a supply voltage of 4 V, with a power dissipation of 20 W. This circuit would find potential applications in wearable bio‐medical and neuromorphic computational systems.
Ligand‐Driven Electron‐Deficient Cobalt Pentlandite Nanocrystals for Efficient Hydrogen Peroxide Electrosynthesis
Authors: Kim Jeong‐Hyun , Lee Jeong‐Gyu , Kim Chang Seong , Choi Min‐Jae 
Published: December 2024

Cobalt pentlandite (Co9S8) is a promising non‐precious catalyst due to its superior oxygen reduction reaction activity and excellent stability. However, its oxygen reduction reaction catalytic activity has traditionally been limited to the four‐electron pathway because of strong *OOH intermediate adsorption. In this study, we synthesized electron‐deficient Co9S8 nanocrystals with an increased number of Co3+ states compared to conventional Co9S8. This was achieved by incorporating a high density of surface ligands in small‐sized Co9S8 nanocrystals, which enabled the transition of the electrochemical reduction pathway from four‐electron oxygen reduction reaction to two‐electron oxygen reduction reaction by decreasing *OOH adsorption strength. As a result, the Co3+‐enriched Co9S8 nanocrystals exhibited a high onset potential of 0.64 V (vs RHE) for two‐electron oxygen reduction reaction, achieving H2O2 selectivity of 70–80% over the potential range from 0.05 to 0.6 V. Additionally, these nanocrystals demonstrated a stable H2O2 electrosynthesis at a rate of 459.12 mmol g−1 h−1 with a H2O2 Faradaic efficiency over 90% under alkaline conditions. This study provides insights into nanoscale catalyst design for modulating electrochemical reactions.
Seismic Response of Ground Penetrating Shield Tunnels Under Lateral Harmonic Excitations: Insights From Shaking Table Test
Authors: Yuan Yong , Wang Qi , Liu Tao , Yu Haitao , Anastasopoulos Ioannis 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe ground penetrating shield tunnel (GPST) method offers a streamlined approach to tunnel construction in soft ground with limited open‐cut excavation. To explore the seismic response of GPST linings, a series of large‐scale shaking table tests have been conducted, including a variety of seismic excitations. This paper focuses on lateral harmonic excitation. The model tunnel spans a total length of 7.7 m, with the embedment depth ranging from −0.5 to 0.5 times its diameter. The design and fabrication of the model tunnel are presented, including the segmental lining, along with circumferential and longitudinal joints. The soil was modeled with artificial synthetic soil, aiming to simulate the static and dynamic characteristics of the prototype soil. Its composition was adjusted and verified through element tests. The experimental results provide insights into the seismic response of the soil–tunnel system, the ovaling deformation of the segmental lining, as well as the response of the joints between lining segments. The results reveal a strong influence of embedment on tunnel seismic response. The reduction of tunnel embedment leads to a significant increase in lining accelerations and a phase difference, resulting in a “whiplash” effect. In contrast, the ovaling deformation of the lining and the joint apertures decrease with the reduction of embedment. In the sections of the tunnel that are fully embedded, both the acceleration and deformation response of the lining are governed by soil–structure interaction (SSI). A pronounced whiplash effect is observed in the sections of the tunnel that are not fully embedded, due to the absence of soil confinement. The presented experimental results offer valuable insights into the seismic response of GPSTs, which can be of crucial importance for their seismic design.
Can the Short‐Form UCLA Loneliness Scale Be Used to Measure Loneliness Among Chinese Older Adults? From Classical Test Theory to Rasch Analysis
Authors: Zhong Qing , Jiang Yuxing , Conwell Yeates , Chen Shulin 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundLoneliness among older adults, is a subjective experience and a public health issue in aging societies. Psychometrically sound and culturally sensitive measures are needed for developing precisely targeted interventions in culturally distinct groups. This study tested the Short‐Form UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS‐8) among Chinese older adults.MethodConfirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency, and the correlation with the single question of loneliness were conducted with a sample of Chinese older adults. Rasch analyses assessed the unidimensionality, response category functioning, item difficulty, and targeting of the ULS‐8 for older Chinese adults.ResultsData from 347 Chinese older adults (mean age 71.36 ± 9.51 years) were analyzed; 74.64% of the participants were female. The ULS‐8 showed acceptable internal consistency and criterion validity in Classical Test Theory. Confirmatory factor analysis and Rasch analysis indicated that the ULS‐8 did not demonstrate a unidimensional structure. Additionally, Rasch analysis revealed (1) a misfit in item 3, indicating a problem with construct validity; (2) the need to combine response categories; and (3) that Chinese older adults are less likely to endorse a high level of loneliness when using the ULS‐8.ConclusionsTo ascertain the adequacy of the loneliness measure, it is crucial to customize a new short version of the loneliness scale for Chinese older adults through Rasch analysis.
Impact of Close Margins on Oral Cancer Outcomes According to the Oral Subsite
Authors: Sheahan Patrick , Callanan Deirdre , van den Berg Nadia , Hintze Justin , Brinkman David , Jawad Hadeel , O'Sullivan Ryan , O'Shea Ross , Dias Andrew , Feeley Linda 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe prognostic significance of close margins in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is controversial. We wished to investigate the impact of close margins on the risk of local recurrence (LR) in OSCC according to the oral subsite.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of 342 OSCC patients undergoing primary surgical treatment was conducted. Surgical margins were based on the main specimen and defined as positive (SCC at margins), close (< 5 mm), or clear (≥ 5 mm).ResultsAmong tongue SCC cases, both positive (hazard ratio 13.48, 95% CI 2.03, 32.91) and close margins (hazard ratio 3.87, 95% CI 1.31, 11.34) were significantly associated with LR. Tongue margins < 4 mm were associated with higher LR. Among non‐tongue SCC cases, only positive margins (hazard ratio 4.10, 95% CI 1.19, 14.21) were associated with LR. Close margins were not significant (hazard ratio 1.59, 95% CI 0.46, 5.42).ConclusionsClose margins appear to have a differential impact on LR in OSCC according to the oral subsite.
Adult Neurogenesis in the Human Dentate Gyrus
Authors: Gage Fred H. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIn the adult dentate gyrus of the hippocampus there are neuronal stem cells that give rise to immature neurons and subsequently to mature functional granule neurons. The rate of proliferation, differentiation, and survival is regulated intrinsically and extrinsically. For example, Wnt, BMP, TLX, and BDNF all regulate adult neurogenesis intrinsically, while exercise, environmental enrichment, stress, and epilepsy are some of the extrinsic factors that regulate adult neurogenesis. A clearer picture is emerging for the functional role of these newly born neurons in behavior, demonstrating that adult neurogenesis plays a role in recognizing events, places, objects, or people as unique when comparing options that are very similar, but that these newly born cells play little role in recognition when differences are greater. Most of the research on adult neurogenesis is conducted in experimental mammals, including mice and rats. The first evidence for adult neurogenesis in humans was reported in 1998, when postmortem brains from cancer patients injected with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) were examined and cells were found that had divided and differentiated into mature neurons. Subsequently, additional evidence using other techniques has confirmed human adult neurogenesis. Additional in vivo live reports will be needed to monitor the effects of changes in human adult neurogenesis with age and disease.