Hydrogen gas is attractive as a clean fuel source if it can be produced efficiently without relying on fossil fuels. Biohydrogen production using photosynthetic bacteria may enable environmentally friendly hydrogen production but is currently limited by factors such as low oxygen tolerance. In this study, we isolate a new strain of bacteria that can produce hydrogen under aerial-phase conditions compared with those under liquid-phase conditions in a nitrogen gas or an argon gas atmosphere. Bacterial strains were cultured from scrapings taken from a steel signboard. Investigation of the hydrogen production of the strains under aerial- and liquid-phase conditions and subsequent DNA sequencing led to identification of the bacterium Cereibacter sp. KGU-NF001. Aerial-phase conditions were achieved by filter membranes with the bacterial strains and placing the membranes on medium-soaked cotton wool. The gas atmosphere affected the behavior of the isolated bacterial strains under both aerial- and liquid-phase conditions. Cereibacter sp. KGU-NF001 showed promising oxygen tolerance and was able to maintain hydrogen production of 1.33 mL/mg/d even when the atmosphere contained 12% oxygen. Our findings illustrate that biohydrogen production may be achieved by photosynthetic bacteria under oxygen-containing aerial-phase conditions, indicating a possible pathway to help lower our reliance on fossil fuels. Full article

Digital Twin (DT) is widely regarded as a highly promising technology with the potential to revolutionize various industries, making it a key trend in the Industry 4.0 era. In a cost-effective and risk-free setting, digital twins facilitate the interaction and merging of the physical and informational realms. The application of digital twins spans across different sectors, including aerospace, healthcare, smart manufacturing, and smart cities. As electric vehicles have experienced rapid growth, there is a growing demand for the development of innovative technologies. One potential area for digital twins application is within the automotive sector. The powertrain system of electric vehicles (EVs) consists of three parts, power source, power electronic system, and electric motor, which are considered as the core components of electric vehicles. The focus of this paper is to conduct a methodical review regarding the use of digital twins in the powertrain of electric vehicles (EVs). While reviewing the development of digital twin technology, its main application scenarios and its use in electric vehicle powertrains are analysed. Finally, the digital twins currently encounter several challenges that need to be addressed, and so the future development of their application to electric vehicles are summarized. Full article

The investigation and clarification of the properties of surface-functionalized superparamagnetic nanoparticles in a biological environment are key challenges prior to their medical applications. In the present work, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) combined with the spin labeling technique was utilized to better understand the behavior of nitroxides attached to magnetite nanoparticles dispersed in body fluid. EPR spectra of spin-labeled, silane-coated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles in human serum and whole blood were recorded and analyzed for both room- and low-temperature values. In all cases, the obtained EPR signal consisted of a broad line from magnetite cores and a characteristic signal from the attached 4-Amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (4-amino-TEMPO). Even for liquid samples, the anisotropic components of magnetic tensors did not fully average out, which was reflected in the differences in the intensity of three narrow hyperfine lines from nitroxide. At 230 K the irregular slow-motion signal from the attached radical was also simulated using the EasySpin toolbox, which allowed to determine the parameters related to magnetic tensors and the dynamics of the spin label. The study showed that the anisotropy of the motion of the spin label 4-amino-TEMPO reflects its interactions with the surrounding medium and the manner of the attachment of the nitroxide to the surface of nanoparticles. Full article

Horizontal-well multi-cluster fracturing is one of the most important techniques for increasing the recovery rate in unconventional oil and gas reservoir development. However, under the influence of complex induced stress fields, the mechanism of interaction and propagation of fractures within each segment remains unclear. In this study, based on rock fracture criteria, combined with the boundary element displacement discontinuity method, a two-dimensional numerical simulation model of hydraulic fracturing crack propagation in a planar plane was established. Using this model, the interaction and propagation process of inter-cluster fractures under different fracturing sequences within horizontal well segments and the mechanism of induced stress field effects were analyzed. The influence mechanism of cluster spacing, fracture design length, and fracture internal pressure on the propagation morphology of inter-cluster fractures was also investigated. The research results indicate that, when using the alternating fracturing method, it is advisable to appropriately increase the cluster spacing to weaken the inhibitory effect of induced stress around the fractures created by prior fracturing on subsequent fracturing. Compared to the alternating fracturing method, the propagation morphology of fractures under the symmetrical fracturing method is more complex. At smaller cluster spacing, fractures created by prior fracturing are more susceptible to being captured by fractures from subsequent fracturing. The findings of this study provide reliable theoretical support for the optimization design of fracturing sequences and fracturing processes in horizontal well segments. Full article

Background: The influence of medical and dental factors on jaw clicking within the South Australian population remains unexplored, and there is a lack of research on the impact of occlusal therapy on dynamic jaw movement parameters in this population. Purpose: This study investigated the potential significant associations between specific aspects of patient histories, occlusal therapy, and self-reported or observed jaw clicking in a population from the state of South Australia. Methods: Seventy individuals aged 18 to 65 participated in a cross-sectional study. Data collection included comprehensive medical, social, and dental histories, followed by evaluations of jaw function. Twenty-six out of the seventy individuals reported jaw clicking. Electrognathography assessed maximum mouth opening, surface electromyography evaluated masticatory muscle function, and joint vibration analysis measured individual joint vibration amplitudes and integrals. Logistic regression models analysed overall variable effects, while sub-models focused on predictors related to occlusal therapy, specifically orthodontic intervention. Independent t-tests and Mann–Whitney U tests compared jaw functions between participants who received occlusal therapy and those who did not. Results: The number of third molars extracted, vitamin D deficiency, and self-reported mental health disorders (R² = 0.414, p = 0.048) emerged as significant predictors for jaw clicking. Factors associated with occlusal therapy showed no significant association with jaw clicking (R² = 0.59, p = 0.027). Furthermore, there were no significant differences observed in mouth opening (t-stat = −0.439, p = 0.662), muscle activity, and joint vibration analysis between participants who underwent occlusal therapy and those who did not. Conclusions: Within the selected study population and limited sample size, the number of third molars extracted, vitamin D deficiency, and self-reported mental health disorders were associated with jaw clicking. Full article

Aim: The objective of this study was to explore the effects of fixed orthodontic appliances on enamel structure by assessing microfractures, surface roughness, and alterations in color. Methods: This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A systematic search of online databases was conducted using the keywords ‘enamel’ AND ‘orthodontic debonding’. Eligibility criteria included both in vivo and ex vivo clinical trials conducted on human teeth. Results and Discussion: A total of 14 relevant papers were analyzed. Various instruments and techniques were utilized across different studies to assess surface roughness, color change, and surface fractures. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that ceramic brackets may lead to an increase in enamel fractures, particularly during bracket removal. The surface roughness of enamel exhibits variability depending on the adhesive substance and polishing methods used post-removal. Fixed orthodontic appliances could induce changes in enamel color, which may be alleviated by the use of nano-hydroxyapatite or specific polishing techniques. Further research is necessary to identify effective strategies for managing these color changes and improving the overall outcomes of fixed orthodontic treatment. Full article

The temporary immersion system bioreactor named GreenTray^® presents advantages over the existing ones. Firstly, there is no need to use forceps to move the shoots or plantlets in or out of the recipient, nor is the use of a scalpel necessary to divide them. Secondly, the basis of the shoot can remain in the GreenTray^® and can sprout again over several cycles of growth. These two characteristics reduce the costs in the process of micropropagation. In addition, shoot or plantlet development is enhanced by the aeration of the recipient, thus enriching the recipient’s atmospheric CO₂. This article describes and provides images and values of interest in (1) the micropropagation process of some commercial Prunus or Pyrus rootstocks; (2) the plantlet growth under autotrophic conditions; and (3) the inoculation of plants with pathogens that reproduce in vitro the symptoms observed in vivo, using the GreenTray^® bioreactor. Full article

Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) is a technology based on algorithms, models, etc., that creates content such as text, audio, images, videos, and code. GAI is deeply integrated into journalism as tools, platforms and systems. However, GAI’s role in journalism dilutes the power of media professionals, changes traditional news production and poses ethical questions. This study attempts to systematically answer these ethical questions in specific journalistic practices from the perspectives of journalistic professionalism and epistemology. Building on the review of GAI’s development and application, this study identifies the responsibilities of news organizations, journalists and audiences, ensuring that they realize the potential of GAI while adhering to journalism professionalism and universal human values to avoid negative technological effects. Full article

Peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) is an important therapeutic measure for both hematologic and non-hematologic diseases. For PBSCT to be successful, sufficient CD34⁺ cells need to be mobilized and harvested. Although risk factors associated with poor mobilization in patients with hematologic diseases have been reported, studies of patients with non-hematologic diseases and those receiving plerixafor are rare. To identify factors associated with poor mobilization, data from autologous PBSC harvest (PBSCH) in 491 patients were retrospectively collected and analyzed. A multivariate analysis revealed that in patients with a hematologic disease, an age older than 60 years (odds ratio [OR] 1.655, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.049–2.611, p = 0.008), the use of myelotoxic agents (OR 4.384, 95% CI 2.681–7.168, p < 0.001), and a low platelet count (OR 2.106, 95% CI 1.205–3.682, p = 0.009) were associated with poor mobilization. In patients with non-hematologic diseases, a history of radiation on the pelvis/spine was the sole associated factor (OR 12.200, 95% CI 1.934–76.956, p = 0.008). Among the group of patients who received plerixafor, poor mobilization was observed in 19 patients (19/134, 14.2%) and a difference in the mobilization regimen was noted among the good mobilization group. These results show that the risk factors for poor mobilization in patients with non-hematologic diseases and those receiving plerixafor differ from those in patients with hematologic diseases; as such, non-hematologic patients require special consideration to enable successful PBSCH. Full article

Large-Scale Material Extrusion (LS-MEX) is increasingly being used in small-scale production and prototyping due to its ability to create components in new temporal and spatial dimensions. However, the use of this manufacturing process poses microscopic and macroscopic challenges not encountered in previous small-scale production systems. These challenges arise primarily from the prolonged retention of heat in the material, which leads to insufficient strength in the extruded strands at the macrostructural level. As a result, the component can collapse, a phenomenon known as ‘slumping’. Thermal energy also influences microstructural changes, such as crystallisation kinetics, which affect properties such as the strength and stiffness of the final product. The duration and dynamics of thermal energy are influenced by manufacturing parameters and the possible use of additional peripheral equipment, which affects component quality. In this study, the influence of thermal energy on structural processes through simulations of polyamide 6 with 40% carbon fibres (PA6 wt.%40 CF) is investigated. The results show that by adjusting the process parameters and using modification units, the thermal profile of the material can be accurately controlled, which allows the microstructural processes to be precisely controlled. This leads to the targeted modification of the macroscopic material properties. The focus of this work is on the combination of numerical simulations of the LS-MEX process with semi-empirical methods for the analysis of crystallisation processes. The application of the Nakamura model, which is used throughout similar investigations, allows a detailed description and prediction of the crystallisation kinetics during the manufacturing process. The study shows that the absolute degree of crystallisation can be determined with simplified assumptions using a combination of thermal simulations and semi-empirical approaches. It was found that the absolute degree of crystallisation increases from the outer interface of the strand to the print bed across the cross-section. This can be attributed to the specific thermal boundary conditions and the resulting temperature profiles at different points. Full article

Influenced by climate change, significant alterations in vegetation phenology have been observed globally. Grassland phenology is highly sensitive to climate change. However, research on the variations in grassland phenology and its responses to seasonal climatic changes in arid and semi-arid regions remains scarce. This study, utilizing Solar-Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence (SIF) data, meteorological station data, and grassland type data, employs trend analysis and time series analysis to explore the trends of seasonal climatic variability and the sensitivity response of grassland phenology in Xinjiang to seasonal climates. The findings reveal the following: (1) The region experiences more pronounced warming in winter and spring than in summer and autumn, with ground temperature increments outpacing those of air temperatures. The summer season registers the peak in precipitation volume and rate of increase, where mountainous zones accrue more rainfall compared to basins and plains. The distribution of sunshine duration is characterized by higher values in eastern areas than in the west and more in the plains than in mountainous regions, potentially due to escalating cloudiness, which has contributed to a diminishing trend in sunshine hours across Xinjiang over the past 20 years. (2) Over the past two decades, the perennial greening phase of Xinjiang grasslands has predominantly occurred in early May, showing an overall trend of occurring earlier by approximately 5.47 days per decade, while the yellowing phase mainly occurs at the end of September and the beginning of October, demonstrating a delaying trend (6.61 days/decade). The average length of the growing season is 145 days, generally showing a slightly increasing trend (11.97 days/decade). (3) In spring, the rise in air and ground temperatures, along with increased sunshine duration, all promote grassland growth, leading to an earlier greening phase. Conversely, in autumn, increases in air temperature, ground temperature, and sunshine duration can inhibit grassland growth, resulting in an earlier yellowing phase. Increased precipitation in summer and autumn can delay the yellowing phase and extend the length of the grassland growing season. This research provides new insights into the factors influencing large-scale grassland phenology and offers references for grassland adaptation to future climate changes. Full article

We apply the so-called variational Gaussian wavepacket approximation (VGA) for conducting both real- and imaginary-time dynamics to calculate thermal correlation functions. By considering strongly anharmonic systems, such as a quartic potential and a double-well potential at high and low temperatures, it is shown that this method is partially able to account for tunneling. This is contrary to other popular many-body methods, such as ring polymer molecular dynamics and the classical Wigner method, which fail in this respect. It is a historical peculiarity that no one has considered the VGA method for representing both the Boltzmann operator and the real-time propagation. This method should be well suited for molecular systems containing many atoms. Full article

Railway infrastructure safety is a paramount concern, with bolt integrity being a critical component. In the realm of railway maintenance, the detection of missing bolts is a vital task that ensures the stability and safety of tracks. Traditionally, this task has been approached through manual inspections or conventional automated methods, which are often time-consuming, costly, and prone to human error. Addressing these challenges, this paper presents a state-of-the-art solution with the development of a lightweight convolutional neural network (CNN) featuring an integrated attention mechanism. This novel model is engineered to be computationally efficient while maintaining high accuracy, making it particularly suitable for real-time analysis in resource-constrained environments commonly found in railway inspections. The proposed CNN utilises a distinctive architecture that synergises the speed of lightweight networks with the precision of attention-based mechanisms. By integrating an attention mechanism, the network selectively concentrates on regions of interest within the image, effectively enhancing the model’s capability to identify missing bolts with remarkable accuracy. Comprehensive testing showcases a remarkable 96.43% accuracy and an impressive 96 F1-score, substantially outperforming existing deep learning frameworks in the context of missing bolt detection. Key contributions of this research include the model’s innovative attention-integrated approach, which significantly reduces the model complexity without compromising detection performance. Additionally, the model offers scalability and adaptability to various railway settings, proving its efficacy not just in controlled environments but also in diverse real-world scenarios. Extensive experiments, rigorous evaluations, and real-time deployment results collectively underscore the transformative potential of the presented CNN model in advancing the domain of railway safety maintenance. Full article

Deep learning models have significantly improved object detection, which is essential for visual sensing. However, their increasing complexity results in higher latency and resource consumption, making real-time object detection challenging. In order to address the challenge, we propose a new lightweight filtering method called L-filter to predict empty video frames that include no object of interest (e.g., vehicles) with high accuracy via hybrid time series analysis. L-filter drops those frames deemed empty and conducts object detection for nonempty frames only, significantly enhancing the frame processing rate and scalability of real-time object detection. Our evaluation demonstrates that L-filter improves the frame processing rate by 31–47% for a single traffic video stream compared to three standalone state-of-the-art object detection models without L-filter. Additionally, L-filter significantly enhances scalability; it can process up to six concurrent video streams in one commodity GPU, supporting over 57 fps per stream, by working alongside the fastest object detection model among the three models. Full article

Global concern over optimizing transboundary water resources for residents is hindered by the lack of observational data, particularly in ungauged basins, mainly due to inaccessibility or security issues. Remote sensing and GIS technology provide a practical solution for monitoring and managing water resources in such basins. This research evaluates surface water resources in the Qaretikan ungauged transboundary basin using satellite products for precipitation, temperature, and evapotranspiration from 2005 to 2014. The accuracy of these datasets was assessed using statistical measures. The water balance components, i.e., precipitation and evaporation, were utilized to calculate runoff over the basin using the Justin method. Downstream environmental flow was estimated using the Lyon method, and available water was determined. This study identified a potential annual storage water of 11.8 MCM in the Qaretikan basin. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) integrated expert opinions to prioritize water usage decisions based on proposed decision options. The results revealed greenhouse cultivation water allocation as the top priority among the identified options, highlighting its importance in sustainable water resource management within the basin. Full article

Legionella pneumophila is a freshwater opportunistic pathogen and the leading cause of severe pneumonia known as Legionnaires’ disease. It can be found in all water systems and survives in biofilms, free-living amoebae, and a wide variety of facilities, such as air conditioning and showers in hospitals, hotels and spas. The reference cultural method allows for the isolation and identification in many days, and in addition, it does not detect viable but rather non-culturable bacteria, increasing the risk of infection. In this context, a new LAMP-based (loop-mediated isothermal amplification) kit was developed, allowing for the rapid, sensitive, and labor-saving detection of L. pneumophila. The kit, “Legionella pneumophila Glow”, was validated according to ISO/TS 12869:2012, testing sensitivity, inclusivity and exclusivity, and kit robustness. Sensitivity showed that the “Legionella pneumophila Glow” kit can detect up to 28 plasmid copies/µL. Robustness tests showed consistent results, with both contamination levels and the matrices used giving reproducible results. Furthermore, real samples were evaluated to compare the performance of the two methods. The LAMP kit “Legionella pneumophila Glow” proved a useful option for the rapid, efficient, and labor-saving screening of different typologies of water samples, offering significant advantages over the traditional method, as it is characterized by a high sensitivity, ease of use for laboratory testing, and a large reduction in analysis time, making it an asset to official controls. Full article

Extending the shelf life of exported beef could increase international demand and producer profits. The objective was to evaluate the effects of topically applying combinations of acerola cherry powder and rosemary extract on the shelf life of frozen–thawed bone-in beef short rib and chuck roll steaks. Chuck rolls (IMPS 116A; N = 9) and bone-in short ribs (IMPS 123A; N = 18) were aged (7 d; 0 °C), frozen (30 d; −20 °C), and thawed (60–72 h; 0 °C). Steaks measuring 1.02 cm thick were treated and subjected to a 4 d retail display. Steaks were left untreated (control) or sprayed topically with acerola cherry powder (0.05%; A), rosemary extract (0.10%; R), or a combination (M1 = 0.05% A + 0.1% R; M2 = 0.1% A + 0.1% R; M3 = 0.05% A + 0.2% R; M4 = 0.1% A + 0.2% R). Chuck roll M2- and M4-treated steaks were redder than the control steaks on days 3 and 4 (p = 0.008), and antioxidant-treated steaks had less lipid oxidation on day 4 than the control steaks (p = 0.021). Bone marrow samples treated with R, M3, and M4 were redder than the control on days 1–3 (p = 0.014), and bone marrow treated with M3 was subjectively redder compared to the control on days 0 and 1 (p = 0.033). Topical antioxidants improve the redness and delay the oxidation of frozen–thawed beef. Full article

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide, with ischemic heart disease (IHD) as the most common. Ischemia-induced angiogenesis is a process in which vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a crucial role. To conduct research in the field of VEGF’s association in cardiovascular diseases, it is vital to understand its role in the physiological and pathological processes in the heart. VEGF-based therapies have demonstrated a promising role in preclinical studies. However, their potential in human therapies is currently under discussion. Furthermore, VEGF is considered a potential biomarker for collateral circulation assessment and heart failure (HF) mortality. Additionally, as VEGF is involved in angiogenesis, there is a need to elucidate the impact of VEGF-targeted therapies in terms of cardiovascular side effects. Full article

Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) is a crucial rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of melatonin. AANAT has been confirmed to be independently duplicated and inactivated in different animal taxa in order to adapt to the environment. However, the evolutionary forces associated with having a single copy of AANAT remain unclear. The greater horseshoe bat has a single copy of AANAT but exhibits different hibernation rhythms in various populations. We analyzed the adaptive evolution at the gene and protein levels of AANAT from three distinct genetic lineages in China: northeast (NE), central east (CE), and southwest (SW). The results revealed greater genetic diversity in the AANAT loci of the NE and CE lineage populations that have longer hibernation times, and there were two positive selection loci. The catalytic capacity of AANAT in the Liaoning population that underwent positive selection was significantly higher than that of the Yunnan population (p < 0.05). This difference may be related to the lower proportion of α helix and the variation in two interface residues. The adaptive evolution of AANAT was significantly correlated with climate and environment (p < 0.05). After controlling for geographical factors (latitude and altitude), the evolution of AANAT by the negative temperature factor was represented by the monthly mean temperature (r = −0.6, p < 0.05). The results identified the gene level variation, functional adaptation, and evolutionary driving factors of AANAT, provide an important foundation for further understanding the adaptive evolution of the single copy of AANAT in pteropods, and may offer evidence for adaptive hibernation rhythms in bats. Full article

The following prospective study has the aim of evaluating the efficiency of the F22 MAD (mandibular advancement device), a new oral device for the treatment of OSAS (Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome) and snoring. Methods: AHI (apnea-hypopnea index), ODI (Oxygen Desaturation Index), snoring percentage, time spent in the supine position, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale score were evaluated in 19 patients with snoring, mild to moderate OSAS, or severe OSAS who declined CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) treatment, before and after the application of the F22 MAD. Results: The median value of AHI varied from 15.6 ± 10.7 to 5.7 ± 5.7; the median value of ODI varied from 13.4 ± 8.8 to 6.2 ± 5.2; the median value of the percentage of snoring varied from 30.7 ± 7 to 7.5 ± 10.8, except for the patient who has severe OSAS who increased their value. The value obtained by the self-completion of the ESS questionnaire (Epworth Sleepiness Scale) underwent a statistically significant variation, while clinically significant for 13\19 patients who obtained a reduction of the value >/= of 2 points. Conclusions: It is possible to conclude that the F22 MAD is effective in the treatment of patients with mild and moderate OSAS or simple snoring, reducing the polysomnographic outcomes with statistically and clinically significant results in terms of reduction of AHI, ODI and percentage of snoring. Full article

ABO incompatibility is not considered a contraindication for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Approximately 30% of transplants from related donors and up to 50% of transplants from unrelated donors are ABO incompatible. Immuno-hematologic investigations allow to estimate donor/recipient ABO mismatch and anti-A/B isohemagglutinin (IHA) titration in the pre-HSCT phase. Immediate hemolysis or delayed complications (passenger lymphocyte syndrome and pure red cell aplasia) can occur post HSCT. Some preventive measures take into consideration either decision-making algorithms based on the recipient’s IHA titration or clinical protocols for the removal/reduction of IHAs through plasma exchange or immunoadsorption procedures. Product manipulation through red blood cell (RBC) and/or plasma depletion can also be taken into account. Currently, the best approach in the management of ABO-incompatible transplant is not defined in expert consensus documents or with solid evidence. In addition, the methods for IHA titration are not standardized. A transfusion strategy must consider both the donor’s and recipient’s blood group systems until the RBC engraftment catches on and ABO conversion (forward and reverse typing) is confirmed on two consecutive and independent samples. Therefore, ABO incompatibility in HSCT represents a demanding immuno-hematologic challenge and requires all necessary preventive measures, including the appropriate selection of ABO blood components for transfusion. Full article

The conditioned medium (CM) obtained from mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) culture has excellent cell growth-promoting activity and is used for cosmetics and healthcare products. Unlike pharmaceuticals, strict efficacy verification is not legally required for these products. However, their efficacy must be substantiated as commercial products. We attempted to simplify CM production and to standardize the evaluation of the growth-promoting activity of CM. CM was obtained through the culturing of two lines of commercially available human adipose tissue-derived MSCs using MEMα with or without 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) for 24 h. Non-CM control media were produced by the same protocol without MSCs. Growth-promoting activities of the CM were estimated by [³H]-thymidine pulse. CM were subjected to molecular weight fractionation with ultrafiltration using 10 k-, 30 k-, 50 k-, and 100 k-membranes. The FBS-free CMs showed 1.34- to 1.85-fold increases and FBS-containing CMs showed 1.45- to 1.67-fold increases in proliferation-promoting activity compared with non-CM controls, regardless of the source of the cell. The thymidine incorporation levels were approximately three times higher in FBS-containing CMs. Aged cells also showed 1.67- to 2.48-fold increases in the activity due to FBS-containing CM, but not to FBS-free CM. The CM activities were sustained even after 1 year at 4 °C. Molecular weight fractionation showed that the activity was recovered in the fraction above 100 k. Clear and stable cell-growth-promoting activity was confirmed with CMs of commercially available adipose tissue MSCs. The activity was detected in the fraction over 100 k. We propose here the importance of standardizing the production and evaluation of CMs to indicate their specific action. Full article