bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coping with Growth Transitions: The Case of Chinese Family Businesses in Singapore
Authors: Tan Wee-Liang , Siew Tong Fock  
Published: April 2004

Families control more than half of the corporations in East Asia (World Bank, 1999; World Bank, 1998). The contribution of family businesses to Asia's economic growth is predicated upon successfully growing their businesses. Many family businesses in East Asia, spanning countries such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia, are Chinese owned and managed. Some claim that these businesses will never develop into full-fledged multinational enterprises because of their cultural heritage (Redding, 1990). However, some Chinese family businesses have successfully made the transition. This paper presents an in-depth study of five Chinese family businesses in Singapore that have successfully made the transition in growth and size and across national boundaries and family generations. Their business empires extend into the Asia Pacific region. This paper highlights the key success factors of these five noteworthy family businesses that enabled them to make these growth transitions.
Nandrolone Decanoate and Load Increase Remodeling and Strength in Human Supraspinatus Bioartificial Tendons
Authors: Triantafillopoulos Ioannis K. , Banes Albert J. , Bowman Karl F. , Maloney Melissa , Garrett William E. , Karas Spero G. 
Published: April 2004

Background To date, no studies document the effect of anabolic steroids on rotator cuff tendons. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Hypothesis Anabolic steroids enhance remodeling and improve the biomechanical properties of bioartificially engineered human supraspinatus tendons. Methods Bioartificial tendons were treated with either nandrolone decanoate (nonload, steroid, n = 18), loading (load, nonsteroid, n = 18), or both (load, steroid, n = 18). A control group received no treatment (nonload, nonsteroid [NLNS], n = 18). Bioartificial tendons’ remodeling was assessed by daily scanning, cytoskeletal organization by staining, matrix metalloproteinase-3 levels by ELISA assay, and biomechanical properties by load-to-failure testing. Results The load, steroid group showed the greatest remodeling and the best organized actin cytoskeleton. Matrix metallo-proteinase-3 levels in the load, steroid group were greater than those of the nonload, nonsteroid group (P < .05). Ultimate stress and ultimate strain in the load, steroid group were greater than those of the nonload, nonsteroid and nonload, steroid groups (P < .05). The strain energy density in the load, steroid group was greater when compared to other groups (P < .05). Conclusions Nandrolone decanoate and load acted synergistically to increase matrix remodeling and biomechanical properties of bioartificial tendons. Clinical Relevance Data suggest anabolic steroids may enhance production of bioartificial tendons and rotator cuff tendon healing in vitro. More research is necessary before such clinical use is recommended.
Long-Term Functional and Anatomical Follow-Up of Early Detected Spondylolysis in Young Athletes
Authors: Miller Stephen F. , Congeni Joseph , Swanson Kenneth 
Published: April 2004

Background Spondylolysis defects detected by nuclear scintigraphy but not by plain radiographs represent early lesions. Functional outcome and eventual bony union of these defects are unknown. Hypothesis Defects with greater degree of healing shortly after treatment will proceed to full bony union and better long-term functional outcome. Study Design Longitudinal cohort study. Methods Forty young athletes with early detected spondylolysis (radiograph negative, nuclear scintigraphy positive) were divided into 3 stages of healing by computed tomography scan. Functional outcome was assessed 7 to 11 years later using the low back outcome score and other factors. Degree of bony healing was assessed in volunteers. Results Thirty-two of 40 subjects (80%) completed the survey. Twenty-nine of 32 (91%) had good or excellent low back outcome scores. None required spinal fusion, but 1 required partial diskectomy. Functional outcome did not differ based on initial computed tomography results. Radiographic follow-up was obtained in 11 volunteers. None of the 7 bilateral defects healed, and 3 of these progressed to grade 1 spondylolisthesis. All 4 unilateral defects healed fully with bone. Conclusions Most young athletes conservatively treated for early spondylolysis maintain good functional outcome up to 11 years later. Unilateral defects can undergo full bony healing but may take longer than 12 weeks. Bilateral defects may undergo further degeneration and slip with time.
Characterization of plasminogen as an adhesive ligand for integrins αMβ2 (Mac-1) and α5β1 (VLA-5)
Authors: Lishko Valeryi K. , Novokhatny Valery V. , Yakubenko Valentin P. , Skomorovska-Prokvolit Helen V. , Ugarova Tatiana P. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractPlasminogen (Pg) has been implicated in many biologic processes involving extracellular proteolysis. We investigated whether Pg, by virtue of its capacity to be deposited within the extracellular matrix, can serve as a ligand for cell surface integrins. We report here that Pg supports cell adhesion by engaging integrins αMβ2 and α5β1. The immobilized Glu-Pg, but not its derivatives with the N-terminal peptide lacking, plasmin and Lys-Pg, supported efficient adhesion that was abolished by anti-αMβ2 and anti-α5β1 integrin-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). In addition, lysine binding sites of Glu-Pg contributed to cell adhesion inasmuch as tranexamic acid and ϵ-aminocaproic acid inhibited cell adhesion. The involvement of αMβ2 and α5β1 in adhesion to Glu-Pg was demonstrable with blood neutrophils, U937 monocytoid cells, and genetically engineered αMβ2-transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. In αMβ2, the αMI-domain is the binding site for Glu-Pg because the “I-less” form of αMβ2 did not support cell adhesion and the recombinant αMI-domain bound Glu-Pg directly. In comparison with cell adhesion, the binding of soluble Glu-Pg to cells and the concomitant generation of plasmin activity was inhibited by anti-α5β1 but not by anti-αMβ2. These findings identify Glu-Pg as an adhesive ligand for integrins αMβ2 and α5β1 and suggest that α5β1 may participate in the binding of soluble Glu-Pg and assist in its activation.
Large-scale in vitro expansion of polyclonal human CD4+CD25high regulatory T cells
Authors: Hoffmann Petra , Eder Ruediger , Kunz-Schughart Leoni A. , Andreesen Reinhard , Edinger Matthias 
Published: April 2004

AbstractCD4+CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells are pivotal for the maintenance of self-tolerance, and their adoptive transfer gives protection from autoimmune diseases and pathogenic alloresponses after solid organ or bone marrow transplantation in murine model systems. In vitro, human CD4+CD25+ Treg cells display phenotypic and functional characteristics similar to those of murine CD4+CD25+ Treg cells: namely, hyporesponsiveness to T-cell receptor (TCR) stimulation and suppression of CD25- T cells. Thus far, the detailed characterization and potential clinical application of human CD4+CD25+ Treg cells have been hampered by their paucity in peripheral blood and the lack of appropriate expansion protocols. Here we describe the up to 40 000-fold expansion of highly purified human CD4+CD25high T cells in vitro through the use of artificial antigen-presenting cells for repeated stimulation via CD3 and CD28 in the presence of high-dose interleukin 2 (IL-2). Expanded CD4+CD25high T cells were polyclonal, maintained their phenotype, exceeded the suppressive activity of freshly isolated CD4+CD25high T cells, and maintained expression of the lymph node homing receptors L-selectin (CD62L) and CCR7. The ability to rapidly expand human CD4+CD25high Treg cells on a large scale will not only facilitate their further exploration but also accelerate their potential clinical application in T cell–mediated diseases and transplantation medicine.
A molecular basis for nonsecretory myeloma
Authors: Coriu Daniel , Weaver Kristal , Schell Maria , Eulitz Manfred , Murphy Charles L. , Weiss Deborah T. , Solomon Alan 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe biosynthesis of aberrant immunoglobulin polypeptides by monoclonal plasma cells has been implicated in the pathogenesis of nonsecretory myeloma. Our studies of a patient with this disorder indeed have demonstrated the presence of abnormal κ light chains that resulted from a frameshift mutation in nucleotides encoding the constant region of the molecule. As a consequence of a 2-base deletion in codon 187 and loss of the normal stop codon, this portion of the κ chain was composed of 128 amino acids (rather than the expected 106), with a completely anomalous sequence after position 187 that included absence of the cysteines required for intrachain and interchain disulfide bonds. The unusual primary structure of this component was confirmed by mass spectrometric and amino acid sequence analyses of cytoplasmic protein extracts. Our studies provide the first evidence that human nonsecretory myeloma may result from an alteration in the light-chain constant region.
Blood concentrations of alemtuzumab and antiglobulin responses in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia following intravenous or subcutaneous routes of administration
Authors: Hale Geoff , Rebello Peppy , Brettman Lee R. , Fegan Chris , Kennedy Ben , Kimby Eva , Leach Mike , Lundin Jeanette , Mellstedt Håkan , Moreton Paul , Rawstron Andy C. , Waldmann Herman , Osterborg Anders , Hillmen Peter 
Published: April 2004

AbstractAlemtuzumab is a humanized anti-CD52 antibody licensed for refractory B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL), when given intravenously at 30 mg thrice weekly. However, the intravenous route is associated with infusion-related reactions and is inconvenient. We measured blood concentrations in 30 relapsed patients treated with intravenous alemtuzumab and in 20 patients from a previously untreated group who received similar doses subcutaneously. Highest trough samples in the intravenous group were less than 0.5 μg/mL to 18.3 μg/mL (mean 5.4 μg/mL). The cumulative dose required to reach 1.0 μg/mL was 13 mg to 316 mg (mean 90 mg). Higher blood concentrations correlated with the achievement of better clinical responses and minimal residual disease. The highest measured concentrations in the subcutaneous group were similar (0.6 μg/mL to 24.8 μg/mL, mean 5.4 μg/mL). However, the cumulative dose to reach 1.0 μg/mL was higher: 146 mg to 1106 mg (mean 551 mg). No antiglobulin responses were detected in 30 patients given intravenous alemtuzumab whereas 2 of 32 patients given subcutaneous alemtuzumab made substantial anti-idiotype responses. Thus, subcutaneous alemtuzumab achieved concentrations similar to those for intravenous alemtuzumab, although with slightly higher cumulative doses. Subcutaneous alemtuzumab is more convenient and better tolerated but may be associated with some patients forming anti–alemtuzumab antibodies, particularly those patients who were previously untreated.
Extended Lymph Node Dissection for Gastric Cancer: Who May Benefit? Final Results of the Randomized Dutch Gastric Cancer Group Trial
Authors: Hartgrink H.H. , van de Velde C.J.H. , Putter H. , Bonenkamp J.J. , Klein Kranenbarg E. , Songun I. , Welvaart K. , van Krieken J.H.J.M. , Meijer S. , Plukker J.T.M. , van Elk P.J. , Obertop H. , Gouma D.J. , van Lanschot J.J.B. , Taat C.W. , de Graaf P.W. , von Meyenfeldt M.F. , Tilanus H. , Sasako M. 
Published: April 2004

Purpose The extent of lymph node dissection appropriate for gastric cancer is still under debate. We have conducted a randomized trial to compare the results of a limited (D1) and extended (D2) lymph node dissection in terms of morbidity, mortality, long-term survival and cumulative risk of relapse. We have reviewed the results of our trial after follow-up of more than 10 years. Patients and Methods Between August 1989 and June 1993, 1,078 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma were randomly assigned to undergo a D1 or D2 lymph node dissection. Data were collected prospectively, and patients were followed for more than 10 years. Results A total of 711 patients (380 in the D1 group and 331 in the D2 group) were treated with curative intent. Morbidity (25% v 43%; P < .001) and mortality (4% v 10%; P = .004) were significantly higher in the D2 dissection group. After 11 years there is no overall difference in survival (30% v 35%; P = .53). Of all subgroups analyzed, only patients with N2 disease may benefit of a D2 dissection. The relative risk ratio for morbidity and mortality is significantly higher than one for D2 dissections, splenectomy, pancreatectomy, and age older than 70 years. Conclusion Overall, extended lymph node dissection as defined in this study generated no long-term survival benefit. The associated higher postoperative mortality offsets its long-term effect in survival. For patients with N2 disease an extended lymph node dissection may offer cure, but it remains difficult to identify patients who have N2 disease. Morbidity and mortality are greatly influenced by the extent of lymph node dissection, pancreatectomy, splenectomy and age. Extended lymph node dissections may be of benefit if morbidity and mortality can be avoided.
Autologous Nanovaccine Induces Immunogenic Domino Effect to Prevent Postoperative Recurrence of Orthotopic Glioblastoma
Authors: Yang Jinghong , Zhang Ke , Zhang Guangliang , Chen Peiran , Xu Xiaowen , Zhang Mingyue , Mao Jinning , Zhao Guanjian , Qi Chao , Cai Kaiyong , Liu Guodong 
Published: February 2025

AbstractGlioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive form of primary intracranial tumors, poses significant challenges for effective treatment. The highly invasive characteristics of GBM render complete tumor resection exceedingly difficult and frequently lead to postoperative recurrence. To address this issue, a novel autologous nano vaccine is developed to convert the immunosuppressive microenvironment into an active immune landscape through an immunogenic domino effect, thereby targeting residual tumor cells and preventing GBM recurrence. This nanovaccine is formulated by co‐loading lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and glioblastoma cell lysates (GCL) into layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets, which are subsequently integrated within an injectable alginate hydrogel to create LLGA‐Gel. The nanovaccine exploits the immunogenic potential of GCL in conjunction with the immunostimulatory properties of LPS to induce pyroptotic cell death, enhance dendritic cell maturation, and promote macrophage polarization toward an M1 phenotype; these effects culminate in increased CD8+ T cell infiltration and reduced Foxp3+ Tregs at the tumor site. In vivo experiments demonstrate that this nanovaccine not only enhances the efficacy of immunogenic cell death but also significantly amplifies the immune response, thereby markedly reducing the postoperative recurrence of orthotopic GBM. This study underscores the promise of nanotechnology‐enhanced immunotherapy in developing effective nanovaccines against GBM.
Unveiling the Curvature‐Dependent Electrocatalytic Kinetics for Sulfur Redox Reaction in Li‐S Chemistry
Authors: Wang Kao , Wang Yang , Wang Jun , Wang Hong , Ding Chenzhi , Zheng Zhaobo , Liu Yue , Luo Zhengtang , Ding Yao 
Published: February 2025

AbstractLithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries have suffered from serious “shuttle effect” and sluggish kinetic of sulfur redox reaction (SRR). Herein, we focus on the circumferential strain engineering on tailoring the single‐atom catalysts (SACs) for fast SRR in Li‐S batteries. A distinguish coaxial V‐doped MoS2@CNTs (V‐MoS2@CNTs) heterostructure with uniform biaxial strain is developed as the platform to unveil the curvature‐dependent electrocatalytic kinetics in SRR. Both experimental results and theoretical calculations show that this circumferential strain not only benefits the interaction between cathodes and LiPSs, but also dynamically strengthens the SRR by a modified d‐band structure of dual‐metal active sites, i.e., V and Mo. Consequently, the V‐MoS2@CNTs catalysts with strong circumferential strain exhibit a discharge capacity of 1202 mAh cm−2 at 0.5 C and a capacity fading of 0.052% at 1 C, while an outstanding rate performance of 796 mAh g−1 at 5 C. In addition, a high area capacity of 3.2 mAh cm−2 is maintained after 65 cycles at 0.1 C with a high sulfur loading of 3.7 mg cm−2. The strategy developed in this work deepens understanding the impact of curving strain engineering in SRR, and provides a feasible way to the scale‐up synthesis of high‐performance SACs with tunable electrocatalytic activities.
Quasi‐Homogeneous Integrated Strain Vector Sensors for Natural Human–Machine Interaction
Authors: Xu Liangxu , Xun Xiaochen , Gao Fangfang , Fan Liubing , Zhao Shuchang , Ren Ke , Liao Xinqin , Ban Xiaojuan , Wu Nan , Zhao Xuan , Liao Qingliang , Zhang Yue 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBody motion capture is a vital approach that underpins natural human–machine interaction. Strain sensors that can detect both motion amplitude and direction are the basis for discerning interactive intent. However, most strain sensors with heterogeneous architecture fail to perceive motion direction accurately. Here, quasi‐homogeneous integrated strain vector sensors are constructed by vertically stacking elastomer meshes with different fiber orientations in order. By varying fiber orientation, the proportion of intrinsic elastic and structural deformation in elastomer mesh can be adjusted, achieving effective regulation of its electromechanical properties. A highly anisotropic elastomer mesh with unidirectional fibers is customized, enabling the strain vector sensors to perceive stretch amplitude and direction simultaneously. Notably, the strain vector sensors demonstrate a minimum directional resolution of 2° and a linear working range of up to 100% strain. The tough bonding between quasi‐homogeneous interlayers ensures high robustness even after 10 000 loading cycles. Moreover, a wearable 3D motion capture system is built that can acquire comprehensive data regarding motions, including amplitudes, directions, and modes, and visually synchronize them in virtual reality. Natural human–machine interaction is achieved by intuitively and effortlessly altering motion amplitudes and directions. This work provides an alternative insight for immersive human–machine interaction in the future.
Nature‐Inspired, Heat & Noise‐Insulation, Highly Robust MOFs‐Based Hybrid Fire‐Retardant Coatings with Easy‐Recycling Feature
Authors: Wang Hao , Wang Yinjie , Li Tianyu , Yu Chuang , Lin Peng , Liu Jiping , Lan Yuxuan , Pan Ye‐Tang 
Published: February 2025

AbstractFlexible polyurethane foams are widely used in building and vehicle interiors due to their lightweight and high resilience. However, most foams are non‐biodegradable or fireproof, leading to serious white foam pollution and safety problems. Here, FPUF made of a porous MOF material loaded with flame retardant elements as a coating is reported, which realizes fire protection, isolation of heat and noise, and recovery of foam. The results show that FPUF‐3 exhibited excellent fire and smoke suppression effects, and PHRR, CO production, and CO2 production are reduced by 28.5%, 54.5%, and 21.4%, respectively. The FPUF‐3 shows a longer heat preservation effect and can reduce the common noise decibel by >35%. In addition, the coating exhibits excellent stability under extreme acid–base conditions and has longer durability and effectiveness under alkaline conditions. Furthermore, the separation and recovery of FPUF and coating can be realized by ethanol solvent, and the recovery rate of coating can reach >80%, the foam still has the original high elasticity and lightweight characteristics. It provides a sustainable and practical solution for effectively improving the noise reduction, fire prevention, and heat insulation capabilities of FPUF.
Rational Design of Metal–Organic Frameworks for Pancreatic Cancer Therapy: from Machine Learning Screening to In Vivo Efficacy
Authors: Melle Francesca , Menon Dhruv , Conniot João , Ostolaza‐Paraiso Jon , Mercado Sergio , Oliveira Jhenifer , Chen Xu , Mendes Bárbara B. , Conde João , Fairen‐Jimenez David 
Published: February 2025

AbstractDespite improvements in cancer survival rates, metastatic and surgery‐resistant cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, remain challenging, with poor prognoses and limited treatment options. Enhancing drug bioavailability in tumors, while minimizing off‐target effects, is crucial. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising drug delivery vehicles owing to their high loading capacity, biocompatibility, and functional tunability. However, the vast chemical diversity of MOFs complicates the rational design of biocompatible materials. This study employed machine learning and molecular simulations to identify MOFs suitable for encapsulating gemcitabine, paclitaxel, and SN‐38, and identified PCN‐222 as an optimal candidate. Following drug loading, MOF formulations are improved for colloidal stability and biocompatibility. In vitro studies on pancreatic cancer cell lines have shown high biocompatibility, cellular internalization, and delayed drug release. Long‐term stability tests demonstrated a consistent performance over 12 months. In vivo studies in pancreatic tumor‐bearing mice revealed that paclitaxel‐loaded PCN‐222, particularly with a hydrogel for local administration, significantly reduced metastatic spread and tumor growth compared to the free drug. These findings underscore the potential of PCN‐222 as an effective drug delivery system for the treatment of hard‐to‐treat cancers.
Synergistic Enhancement of Fluorescence Through Plasmon Resonance and Interfacial Charge Transfer by AgNC@AgAux Core–Shell Quantum Dots
Authors: Chen Youlong , Hu Yihua , Zhang Yushuang , Huang Hao , Yang Xing , Gu Youlin , Meng Fanhao , Xia Yuhao , Fu Ziwei , Zhang Xinyuan , Chu Junhao 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBimetallic core–shell quantum dots (QDs) hold great promise in elucidating the bimetallic synergism and optoelectronic devices. The synthesis and properties of AgNC@AgAux QDs of core–shell heterostructure are reported. Significantly enhanced photoluminescence emission on these heterostructures is observed. These enhancements are attributed to electron injection and the surface plasmon‐induced strong local electric field, which are observed through time‐resolved transient absorption spectroscopy. X‐ray absorption near edge structure spectra and density functional theory confirms the electron injection from the Ag core to the AgAux shell. On the other hand, the plasmon resonance of the AgNC@AgAux QDs has been studied by finite‐element method analysis and time‐resolved photoluminescence spectra. There are 94.06 times fluorescence enhancement and 32.40 times quantum yield improvement of oxygen content correlation compared to AgAu3 QDs. It shows a perfect correlation coefficient of 98.85% for the detection of heavy metal Cu2+ ions. Such Bimetallic core–shell heterostructures have great potential for future optoelectronic devices, optical imaging, and other energy‐environmental applications.