bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on quality evaluation of innovation and entrepreneurship education for college students based on random forest algorithm and logistic regression model
Authors: Lu Qianqian , Chai Yongxiang , Ren Lihui , Ren Pengyu , Zhou Junhui , Lin Chunlei
Published: April 2023

The quality evaluation of innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) in the education sector is achieving worldwide attention as empowering nations with high quality talents is quintessential for economic progress. China, a pioneer in the world market in almost all sectors have transformed its educational policies and incorporated entrepreneurial skills as a part of their education models to further catalyst the country’s economic progress. This research focuses on building a novel hybrid Machine Learning (ML) model by integrating two powerful algorithms namely Random Forest (RF) and Logistic Regression (LR) to assess the intensity of the I&E in education from the data acquired from 25 leading Higher Educational Institution’s (HEI) in different provinces. The major contributions to the work are, (1) construction of quality index for each topic of interest using individual RF, (2) ranking the indicators based on the quality index to assess the strength and weaknesses, (3) and finally use the LR algorithm study the quality of each indicator. The efficacy of the proposed hybrid model is validated using the benchmark classification metrics to assess its learning and prediction performance in evaluating the quality of I&E education. The result of the research portrays that the universities have now started to integrate entrepreneurship skills as a part of the curriculum, which is evident from the better ranking of the topic curriculum development which is followed by the enrichment of skills. This comprehensive research will help the institutions to identify the potential areas of growth to boost the economic development and improve the skill set necessary for I&E education among college students.
Exogenous application of melatonin to mitigate drought stress-induced oxidative damage in Phoebe sheareri seedlings
Authors: Li Guifang , Li Yanzhen , Zhu Yuzi , Zheng Wenjun , Li Mengxi , Hu Jinlong , Fei Yongjun , Zhu Sijia
Published: April 2023

Background

Drought stress is a major prevalent environmental factor impairing growth. Melatonin mitigates the impacts of drought stress on plants. However, melatonin’s role in Phoebe sheareri (Hemsl.) Gamble (P. sheareri) is unknown. We aimed to reveal the protective effects of melatonin on P. sheareri seedlings under drought conditions.

Methods

Melatonin was sprayed under drought or normal water conditions. The parameters, including growth, physiological factors, and phytohormones of P. sheareri, were examined.

Results

Compared to the normal control group, drought stress inhibited the growth of seedlings and significantly reduced the content of carotenoids, SOD, POD, APX, PPO, CAT, GR, and soluble sugars, and increased the contents of MDA, O2•−, proline, soluble proteins, ABA, and JA-Me in P. sheareri seedlings. However, melatonin treatment significantly reversed the adverse drought-induced responses and promoted the P. sheareri seedling’s growth. Moreover, the heatmap and principal component analysis suggested a high similarity in the behavior patterns of the six measured antioxidant enzymes in P. sheareri seedlings.

Conclusion

Our study reported for the first time that melatonin has a protective role in P. sheareri seedlings under drought-stress conditions. This role is related to ROS scavenging, activation of antioxidant enzymes, and crosstalk of phytohormones. This study provided a theoretical basis for improving the ability of P. sheareri adapted to arid environments.
Recipe for Brown Rice Milk-based Vegan Ice Cream
Authors: Mygdalia Ageliki , Sfetsas Themistoklis , Dimitropoulou Georgia , Zioupou Sophia , Mitsopoulos Tasos , Lithoxopoulos Paschalis , Ioannou Christos , Katsantonis Dimitris
Published: April 2023

The market for plant-based proteins, particularly alternatives to dairy products, is growing due to health benefits and environmental concerns. Many people are adopting plant-based diets, due to lactose intolerance, vegan and vegetarian lifestyles; thus, promoting lactose-free and cholesterol-free alternatives to milk-derived products such as ice cream. Rice, which is a lactose and gluten free product, as well as low in fat, and calories, could be a promising substitute for dairy milk in foods such as ice cream. In the current study, the development of a novel recipe for ice cream based on brown rice milk was investigated. After standardizing the rice milk production protocol, six combinations of hydrocolloids were used as emulsifiers, as well as four sweeteners for granulated sugar substitution were tested. In all formulations, meltdown and overrun parameters were measured and at the final stage organoleptic evaluation was conducted to determine the level of sensory panel acceptance. In conclusion, it was evident that the rice milk-based ice cream, which combines xanthan gum, guar gum, k-carrageenan, with 30% sugar substitution with stevia, was the formulation with the highest acceptance in the physiological characteristics and sensory evaluation.
Overcome Health Inequities to Eliminate Viral Hepatitis
Authors: Valdiserri Ronald O. , Koh Howard K. , Ward John W.
Published: April 2023

This Viewpoint outlines the progress made toward eliminating hepatitis B and C but emphasizes the work that remains to prioritize diagnosis and treatment of populations disproportionately affected by viral hepatitis, including ensuring that there are systems in place to treat those infected and care for those at risk.
A Letter to the Aunt I Never Met
Authors: Stumbar Sarah Eisenstein
Published: April 2023

In this narrative medicine essay, a family physician writes to her deceased aunt about how their shared genetics connects their histories through which she hopes to create a future unavailable to her aunt in the 1970s.
Incorporating the Central Vein Sign Into the Diagnostic Criteria for Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Ontaneda Daniel , Cohen Jeffrey A. , Sati Pascal
Published: April 2023

This Viewpoint discusses incorporating the central vein sign into the diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis.
Saliva and Plasma Antibody Levels in Children and Adolescents After Primary Infection With Omicron Variants of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Germany
Authors: Heinzel Constanze , Pinilla Yudi T. , Binder Ayla , Kremsner Peter G. , Held Jana , Fendel Rolf , Kreidenweiss Andrea
Published: April 2023

This cross-sectional study evaluates IgG antibody levels in children and adolescents in Germany following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
High‐Responsivity Natural‐Electrolyte Undersea Photoelectrochemical Photodetector with Self‐Powered Cu@GaN Nanowires Network
Authors: Chen Han , Lin Zefeng , Qiu Hongwei , Tang Yan , Yang Shini , Zhao Jingtian , Zhou Qicheng , Wang Jun , Liu Guozhen , Zhao Yang , Chen Dongsheng , Luo Zhibin , Xu Feiya , Huang Shengli , Chen Xiaohong , Li Shuping , Cai Duanjun , Kang Junyong
Published: April 2023

Undersea optical communication (UOC) has been considered as the most potential next‐generation underwater wireless communication technology for ocean exploration. Photodetector is the essential component in UOC system, however, the harsh undersea environment like light attenuation and seawater corrosivity restricts the applications of conventional photodetectors. Herein, a novel natural‐electrolyte self‐powered photoelectrochemical (PEC) photodetector based on core‐shell structured Cu@GaN nanowires (NWs) network is demonstrated and direct utilization of seawater. High quality GaN shell is encapsulated on the Cu NWs network through Ga‐coating and high temperature nitridation processes. A Schottky junction along radial direction has formed at the Cu/GaN interface due to the outward diffusion of Cu into the GaN layer. Such a structure provides narrowed band detection on blue light as well as efficient carrier separation. A self‐powered undersea PEC photodetector is designed with a mini‐pipes connected device chamber, which allows direct indrawing of seawater and blue channel light communication (458 nm). This photodetector works stably for UOC in both shallow and deep‐sea conditions in Pacific Ocean area. It shows a high responsivity up to 5.04 mA W−1 and rapid response time of 0.68 ms. This photodetector can be easily integrated to marine equipment without waterproof packaging for the future energy‐saving UOC.
A Modified Small Intestinal Submucosa Patch with Multifunction to Promote Scarless Repair and Reinvigoration of Urethra
Authors: Huang Li‐Ping , Liu Yuan , Li Qian‐Jin , Zhang Wen‐Qian , Wu Chen‐Yu , Zhao Long‐Mei , Xie Hui‐Qi
Published: April 2023

To reconstruct and restore the functions of the male urethra is a challenging task for urologists. The acellular matrix graft currently used in the clinics is mono‐functional and may cause a series of complications including stricture, fibrosis, and stone formation. As a result, such graft materials cannot meet the increasing demand for multifunctionality in the field of urethral tissue engineering. In this context, a multifunctional urethral patch is designed for the repair of urethral defects by mixing protocatechualdehyde (PCA) with small intestinal submucosa (SIS) under an alkalin condition to allow cross linking. As shown, the PCA/SIS patch possesses excellent biocompatibility, antioxidant activity, and anti‐inflammatory property. More importantly, this patch can remarkably promote the adhesion, proliferation, and directional extension of rabbit bladder epithelial mucous cells (R‐EMCs) as well as rabbit bladder smooth muscle cells (R‐SMCs), and upregulate the expression of cytokeratin in the EMCs and contractile protein in the SMCs in vitro. In vivo experiments also confirm that the PCA/SIS patch can significantly enhance scarless repair of urethral defects in rabbits by facilitating smooth muscle regeneration, reducing excessive collagen deposition, and accelerating re‐epithelialization and neovascularization. Taken together, the newly developed multifunctional PCA/SIS patch provides a promising candidate for urethral regeneration.
Fermi Surface Topology and Rashba‐Edelstein Charge‐Spin Conversion in Lead‐Halide Perovskites
Authors: Filippetti Alessio , Wadhwa Payal , Caddeo Claudia , Mattoni Alessandro
Published: April 2023

The conversion of charge current into spin current by the Rashba–Edelstein effect enables the reciprocal control of electron charge and magnetization in magnetoelectric and magneto‐optical devices. The fundamentals of this effect are described in 3D lead‐halide perovskites: due to spin‐momentum locking, a strong charge‐spin conversion, widely tunable by the injected charge density, is envisaged. The analysis highlights the close relationship between charge‐spin conversion and the topological transition occurring from the low‐density, torus‐shaped Fermi surface (genus 1) to the high‐density, simply connected Fermi surfaces (genus 0). At room temperature, spin‐polarizations as large as ≈10% are obtained for input charge currents in the ≈102 to 106 Acm−2 range; at low temperature, almost full spin‐polarization can be achieved, owed to the large, impurity scattering‐limited mobilities. The results qualify lead‐halide perovskites as suitable materials for spin‐orbitronic applications.
Guided Wave Tomography of Surface Defects Based on the Method of Moments
Authors: Qian Zhi , Wang Bin , Zhang Yinghong , Wang Songhao , Li Peng , Qian Zhenghua , Kuznetsova Iren
Published: April 2023

The detection and evaluation of corrosion, cracks, flaws, and other imperfections in aged structures are critical for enhancing safety and evaluating residual service life in structural health monitoring (SHM) and nondestructive testing (NDT). A guided wave tomography based on the method of moments (MOM) for exact detection of the surface defects in plates, including their profile, size, and position is proposed in this paper. The mathematical relationship between the plate thickness and the objective function is derived theoretically for the A0 mode. Based on the obtained relationship, a plate thickness imaging technique is proposed. The efficiency of the proposed technique is confirmed by the results of numerical simulation and experimental data. Center and off‐center surface defects are considered. 64 probes are evenly distributed in a circle outside the defect to capture omnidirectional wave signals. Both numerical and experimental results demonstrate that the guided wave tomography proposed can effectively reconstruct the spatial plate thickness distribution, enabling the precise identification of the defect's shape, depth, and position. The qualitative analysis and quantitative data provide effective guidance for NDT or SHM technologies in engineering.
Regulating the Solvation Structure of Electrolyte via Dual–Salt Combination for Stable Potassium Metal Batteries
Authors: Park Jimin , Oh Gwangeon , Kim Un‐Hyuck , Alfaruqi Muhammad Hilmy , Xu Xieyu , Liu Yangyang , Xiong Shizhao , Zikri Adi Tiara , Sun Yang‐Kook , Kim Jaekook , Hwang Jang‐Yeon
Published: April 2023

Batteries using potassium metal (K‐metal) anode are considered a new type of low‐cost and high‐energy storage device. However, the thermodynamic instability of the K‐metal anode in organic electrolyte solutions causes uncontrolled dendritic growth and parasitic reactions, leading to rapid capacity loss and low Coulombic efficiency of K‐metal batteries. Herein, an advanced electrolyte comprising 1 M potassium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (KFSI) + 0.05 M potassium hexafluorophosphate (KPF6) dissolved in dimethoxyethane (DME) is introduced as a simple and effective strategy of regulated solvation chemistry, showing an enhanced interfacial stability of the K‐metal anode. Incorporating 0.05 M KPF6into the 1 M KFSI in DME electrolyte solution decreases the number of solvent molecules surrounding the K ion and simultaneously leads to facile K+de‐solvation. During the electrodeposition process, these unique features can lower the exchange current density between the electrolyte and K‐metal anode, thereby improving the uniformity of K electrodeposition, as well as potentially suppressing dendritic growth. Even under a high current density of 4 mA cm−2, the K‐metal anode in 0.05 M KPF6‐containing electrolyte ensures high areal capacity and an unprecedented lifespan with stable Coulombic efficiency in both symmetrical half‐cells and full‐cells employing a sulfurized polyacrylonitrile cathode.
Prediction of Stem Cell State Using Cell Image‐Based Deep Learning
Authors: Kim Minjae , Namkung Yong , Hyun Donghun , Hong Sunghoi
Published: April 2023

Stem cells represent an ideal source for regenerative medicine; however, longitudinal assessment of stem cell phenotype and function is challenging. Contrastingly, a convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm can automatically extract the image features and produce highly accurate image recognition. Thus, this study implements CNN to establish stable and reproducible cell culture experiments by predicting a unique morphology of pluripotent stem cell (PSC) lines. Interestingly, the algorithm distinguishes the PSC lines cultured in the different cell culture conditions, such as the presence or absence of small molecules and/or the long‐ or short‐term culture in our induced PSC (iPSC) models, which include iPSC lines with abnormal gene expression patterns and genomic abnormalities. Our deep learning technology accurately classifies the various cell lines with or without genetic defects using only the cell images, without any labeling process. This suggests that the CNN system may simplify the various tasks involving stable cell cultures and their differentiation.
Irma Weinberg's 1928 paper “on the problem of the determination of heredity prognosis: The risk in the cousins of schizophrenics”
Authors: Kendler Kenneth S. , Klee Astrid , Engstrom Eric J.
Published: April 2023

Irma Weinberg, a German‐Jewish Neuropsychiatrist/Physician, authored the fourth report from the German Research Institute for Psychiatry in Munich examining the risk for dementia praecox (DP) in particular relatives of DP probands, here first‐cousins. She examined 977 cousins of 54 DP probands and found a best‐estimate risk of 1.4%. She conducted within‐study analyses, showing a much higher risk for DP in the siblings than cousins of DP probands. She studied DP‐related personalities showing a familial link between these conditions and risk for DP. She demonstrated that the risk for DP in cousins was impacted substantially by the distribution, in ancestors, of psychosis and personality abnormalities. After completing work on this article, Weinberg worked in private practice in Frankfurt, emigrating to the Netherlands in 1934, where she worked at a Jewish psychiatric hospital. In 1943, German occupiers evacuated the hospital, transporting the patients and staff, either directly to Auschwitz or, like Weinberg, to the Westerbork transit camp. On September 4, 1944, Dr. Weinberg was transported to Theresienstadt and soon thereafter to Auschwitz, where she was murdered at the age of 53. Her history raises painful questions about the relationship between genetic studies of psychiatric illness in prewar Germany and the Holocaust.
Screening for urinary markers predicting hematopoietic stem cell injury induced by busulfan using genetically diverse mice
Authors: Sun Yuhang , Guan Bowen , Liu Xing , Zhang Lingyan , Wang Xinpei , Meng Aimin , Gao Ran
Published: April 2023

Background

Busulfan (BU) is an alkylating agent used as a conditioning agent prior to hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation as it is known to be cytotoxic to host hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. The susceptibility of HSCs to BU injury plays an important role in the myeloablative efficacy of BU. Different susceptibilities were demonstrated in genetically diverse (GD) mice in our preliminary research.

Methods

Three strains of GD mice with different susceptibilities to BU‐induced HSC injury were used for screening biological markers of HSC injury susceptibility in urine. The urine proteins were analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry to screen for differentially expressed proteins. Screening for possible biomarkers based on differences in protein expression abundance was validated using enzyme‐linked immunoassay (ELISA).

Results

Functional analysis showed that the differential proteins were all involved in a series of biological pathways related to cellular senescence, apoptosis, and angiogenesis; whereas the differential proteins of the high‐susceptible strain were enriched for the regulation of bone marrow microenvironment pathways, those of low‐susceptible strain were enriched for the proapoptotic effect of GTPase pathways. Based on protein abundance differences, several urinary proteins that may be indicative of susceptibility were screened, and ELISA validation results showed that angiotensin‐converting enzyme may be a potential biomarker predicting HSC susceptibility for BU conditioning.

Conclusions

This study indicates that urinary protein levels can reflect differences in susceptibility to BU‐induced HSC injury. Using GD mice to construct genetic difference models will provide preclinical data for screening BU‐related biological markers.
Enriching and Smart Releasing Curcumin via Phenylboronic Acid‐Anchored Bioinspired Hydrogel for Diabetic Wound Healing
Authors: Zhao Bangjiao , Zhu Shuangli , Liu YuWei , Zhu Jiayi , Luo Huitong , Li Maocai , Wang Hao , Feng Qi , Cao Xiaodong
Published: April 2023

Diabetic wounds suffer from bacterial infections, reactive oxygen species, and inflammatory reactions. Curcumin (Cur) is a natural diketone with antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant activities, but poor water solubility and toxicity at high local concentration. Herein, inspired by the oxygen transport process of red blood cells via the dynamic interaction of hemoglobin and oxygen, phenylboronic acid (PBA)‐anchored hydrogel (GOHA‐PBA) is utilized to achieve active enrichment and smart release of Cur, which can reverse the inflammatory microenvironment and promote wound healing. First, PBA‐modified gelatin (Gel‐PBA) and oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHA) crosslink and form GOHA‐PBA by borate ester reaction and Schiff base reaction. GOHA‐PBA possesses excellent curcumin loading efficiency with 130 000 times than that in water and forms Cur‐laden GOHA‐PBA (GOHA‐Cur). GOHA‐Cur has injectability, self‐healing, and self‐adaptive properties, which are conducive to surgical procedure. GOHA‐Cur owns reversible adhesion properties, facilitating it be peeled off and remove harmful substances, including excess glucose, acids, bacteria, and ROS at the wounds. GOHA‐Cur can pH and glucose responsively release Cur; hence, it shows excellent antibacterial, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory effects in vitro. Animal experiments show that GOHA‐Cur can inhibit inflammation and promote wound regeneration. This study can provide a valuable concept for Cur delivery and diabetic wound healing.
Methoden für digitale 3D‐Lagebilder: Erfahrungen aus dem Hochwasser 2021
Authors: Schwarz Jochen , Maiwald Holger , Abrahamczyk Lars , Hallermann Norman , Morgenthal Guido
Published: April 2023

Das Hochwasserereignis vom Juli 2021 hat in den besonders betroffenen Gebieten von Rheinland‐Pfalz und Nordrhein‐Westfalen schwere strukturelle Schäden an der allgemeinen Bebauung und der Infrastruktur hinterlassen. Zur Bewältigung der Folgen und Vorbereitung künftiger Ereignisse wurden verschiedene Forschungsprojekte initiiert, deren inhaltliche Abstimmung und Verzahnung durch die Autoren im Bereich der Lagebilderstellung in Form von themendifferenzierten Workshops angestrebt wurde. Der Beitrag konzentriert sich auf die Erhebung und Aufbereitung von Schadensdaten sowie erste methodische Ansätze, die Lagebilderstellung aus der Sicht der verschiedenen Hauptakteure konzeptionell zu strukturieren und im Zeitfenster effizient zu gestalten. Im Ergebnis stehen Elemente eines (noch ausstehenden) Tools für die schnelle Lageeinschätzung und Unterstützung der Einsatzkräfte, die Begründung von Maßnahmen zur temporären Gebäudesicherung und Unterstützung des Wiederaufbaus auf Basis von belastbaren Risikoszenarien und Schadensprognosen. Anhand und nach Auswertung verfügbarer Daten‐ und Informationsquellen wird dargestellt, wie rein technisch (Befliegung) sowie empirisch (auf Basis weiterentwickelter Schadensfunktionen) die Erstellung von Lagebildern qualifiziert und die Verfügbarkeit entscheidungsrelevanter Informationen zeitlich vorgelagert werden kann. Schlussfolgerungen und Empfehlungen aus den Untersuchungen und Workshops werden aus Anwendersicht zusammengefasst.
Associations between resting‐state neural connectivity and positive affect in social anxiety disorder
Authors: Carlton Corinne N. , Antezana Ligia , Richey John A.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) has been characterized by deficits in social motivation and lack of reactivity to pleasurable stimuli (i.e., positive affect; [PA]). Recent neuroimaging work has shifted toward examining positively valenced motivational systems in SAD focused on reward responses. However, little is known about the associations of reward connectivity and PA in individuals with SAD. As such, the purpose of the current study was to determine whether connectivity among key units of reward neurocircuitry meaningfully relate to PA and whether these key units are more heterogeneous in SAD as compared to controls.

Methods

Thirty‐one participants who met diagnostic criteria for SAD and 33 control participants were included (Mage = 24.8, SD = 6.9; 55% cisgender man). Seed‐based timeseries correlations were conducted in NiTime to extract region of interest (ROI) coupling correlation strength values. ANOVAs were carried out to assess whether individuals with SAD differed in ROI‐to‐ROI connectivity strength as compared to controls. Correlations and variance analyses were also conducted to examine the relationship between ROI‐to‐ROI connectivity strength and PA, as well as heterogeneity in connectivity strength and PA expression.

Results

Weaker connectivity between the left and right orbital frontal cortex was observed when comparing the SAD to the control group. Within the SAD group, PA was associated with several reward‐related ROI couplings; however, these links were not observed among controls. Results further demonstrated that individuals with SAD had significantly more variability in reward connectivity strength as compared to controls.

Conclusion

Overall, these results provide emergent evidence for the association between reward regions and PA in individuals with SAD. Additionally, these findings show that individuals with SAD demonstrate greater heterogeneity in reward connectivity.
Roles of LGB group identity in the relationship between perceived discrimination and mental health: A survey in China
Authors: Lyu Mengyu Andy
Published: April 2023

Identifying with a minority group may protect one's psychological well‐being from the harm of group discrimination. This study tested this theory with lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) individuals in a non‐Western cultural context. A total of 240 LGB individuals living in mainland China responded to an online survey. Roles of group identification and its three dimensions (i.e., behavioural engagement, cognitive clarity, and affective pride) were explored in the association between perceived discrimination and psychological outcomes (i.e., psychological well‐being and distress). Results of fitting mediation models and regression models with moderators indicated that group identification was neither a significant mediator nor a moderator in the association between perceived discrimination and psychological outcomes. Nevertheless, perceived discrimination was found to positively predict group identification, and group identification was found to positively predict psychological well‐being after controlling for perceived discrimination, sexual orientation, and gender. Additionally, the three dimensions of group identification had different implications: cognitive clarity, not behavioural engagement or affective pride, predicted psychological well‐being and distress. These findings drew attention to the multidimensionality of group identity and the potential impacts of the unique societal context on sexual‐minority group identity. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Portable diagnostics can help detect, prevent student‐athlete injuries during practices, competitions
Authors: Stackpole Allison
Published: April 2023

Medical emergencies involving athletes have made national headlines recently, resulting in increased concern and attention regarding the cardiovascular evaluation and overall care of college student‐athletes. And the rise in sudden cardiac events among athletes has led to a heightened sense of urgency to perform screenings before, during, and after the competitive seasons. In the United States, approximately 125 sudden cardiac deaths occur during competitive sports activities each year.
Evaluation of Neurotoxicity With Human Pluripotent Stem Cell–Derived Cerebral Organoids
Authors: Parmentier Thomas , LaMarre Jonathan , Lalonde Jasmin
Published: April 2023

The recent development of human cerebral organoids provides an invaluable in vitro model of human brain development to assess the toxicity of natural or man‐made toxic substances. By recapitulating key aspects of early human neurodevelopment, investigators can evaluate with this three‐dimensional (3D) model the effect of certain compounds on the formation of neuronal networks and their electrophysiological properties with more physiological relevance than neurons grown in monolayers and in cultures composed of a unique cell type. This promising potential has contributed to the development of a large number of diverse protocols to generate human cerebral organoids, making interlaboratory comparisons of results difficult. Based on a previously published protocol to generate human cortical organoids (herein called cerebral organoids), we detail several approaches to evaluate the effect of chemicals on neurogenesis, apoptosis, and neuronal function when exogenously applied to cultured specimens. Here, we take as an example 4‐aminopyridine, a potassium channel blocker that modulates the activity of neurons and neurogenesis, and describe a simple and cost‐effective way to test the impact of this agent on cerebral organoids derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells. We also provide tested protocols to evaluate neurogenesis in cerebral organoids with ethynyl deoxyuridine labeling and neuronal activity with live calcium imaging and microelectrode arrays. Together, these protocols should facilitate the implementation of cerebral organoid technologies in laboratories wishing to evaluate the effects of specific compounds or conditions on the development and function of human neurons with only basic cell culture equipment. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Generation of human cerebral organoids from pluripotent stem cells

Support Protocol 1: Human pluripotent stem cell culture

Basic Protocol 2: Evaluation of neurogenesis in cerebral organoids with ethynyl deoxyuridine labeling

Basic Protocol 3: Calcium imaging in cerebral organoids

Basic Protocol 4: Electrophysiological evaluation of cerebral organoids with microelectrode arrays

Support Protocol 2: Immunostaining of cerebral organoids
Ectopic adrenal cortical tissue presenting as gastrohepatic ligament “lymph node” diagnosed by fine‐needle aspiration: A case report
Authors: Ho Linh , Policarpio‐Nicolas Maria Luisa C.
Published: April 2023

Ectopic adrenal cortical tissue has been reported in several locations, most often involving the retroperitoneal fat close to the adrenal gland. The reported cases presenting adjacent or proximal to the stomach are rare and mostly diagnosed on histology. To our knowledge, the cytologic features of ectopic adrenal cortical tissue diagnosed on fine needle aspiration are not well documented in the cytology literature. We describe the cytologic features of ectopic adrenal cortex which initially presented on imaging study as an enlarged gastrohepatic ligament “lymph node” on a patient with gastric signet ring cell carcinoma. The aspirates showed small clusters and cords of uniform cells with abundant vacuolated to densely compact cytoplasm, occasionally stripped nuclei, and delicate frayed cytoplasmic membranes dispersed in a bubbly, vacuolated background. Immunohistochemical stains performed on the corresponding cell block showed these cells were positive for SF‐1 and negative for PAX 8. The corresponding biopsy showed similar findings in addition to immunoreactivity to inhibin. Because the cytologic features of ectopic adrenal cortical tissue especially on unusual sites could easily mimic malignant neoplasms, familiarity with the cytologic features in conjunction with immunohistochemical stains are key in arriving at the correct diagnosis and avoiding misdiagnosis.
Prepare to comply with laws protecting pregnant, nursing employees
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: April 2023

Several recent Office for Civil Rights developments have revealed a trend to strengthen legal protections for pregnant students. These developments have provided colleges and universities with a renewed incentive to review and revise internal policies for accommodating pregnant students, especially with new Title IX regulations looming.
Be prepared to act as a “first responder” for rising rates of student stress
Authors: Bedrossian Louise
Published: April 2023

According to the American Psychological Association, in 2022, about 80% of post‐pandemic college students remained stressed, often exhibiting related health problems. Along with anxiety and depression, stress remains among the top three mental health issues. A succinct definition of stress by researcher Andrew Baum states that stress is an “emotional experience accompanied by predictable biochemical, physiological and behavioral changes.”
Heed lessons in leadership from a leader
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: April 2023

LAS VEGAS — If you want to become more effective at leading through times of change, you can benefit from the insight of a seasoned leader. Robert Gates has held multiple high‐level leadership roles, including the Chair of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Constitution Committee, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, and the President of Texas A&M University. At the annual convention for the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, he shared his lessons learned.
Diagnostic value of reduced left atrial compliance during ergometry exercise in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Harada Tomonari , Kagami Kazuki , Shina Takayuki , Sorimachi Hidemi , Yuasa Naoki , Saito Yuki , Naito Ayami , Yoshida Kuniko , Kato Toshimitsu , Wada Naoki , Ishii Hideki , Obokata Masaru
Published: April 2023

Aims

Diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains challenging in patients presenting with chronic dyspnoea. We sought to determine the diagnostic value of reduced left atrial (LA) compliance during exercise to diagnose HFpEF.

Methods and results

Ergometry exercise stress echocardiography was performed in 225 patients with HFpEF and 262 non‐heart failure controls (non‐cardiac dyspnoea [NCD]) in Protocol 1, where the diagnosis of HFpEF was defined by the HFA‐PEFF algorithm. In Protocol 2, the diagnosis of HFpEF was ascertained by exercise right heart catheterization in 67 participants (49 HFpEF and 18 NCD). Speckle‐tracking echocardiography was performed at rest and during exercise to determine LA compliance (ratio of LA reservoir strain to E/e'). As compared with NCD, patients with HFpEF demonstrated decreased LA reservoir strain and compliance at rest, and these differences further increased during exercise in Protocol 1. Exercise LA compliance discriminated HFpEF from NCD (area under the curve 0.87, p < 0.0001), with a superior diagnostic ability to exercise E/e' ratio (DeLong p = 0.005). Exercise LA compliance demonstrated incremental diagnostic value over clinical factors (age, systemic hypertension, and atrial fibrillation) and resting LA compliance (χ2 212.4 vs. 166.2, p < 0.0001). These findings were confirmed in Protocol 2.

Conclusion

Left atrial compliance during exercise demonstrated superior diagnostic ability to exercise E/e' ratio, with incremental diagnostic value over the resting LA compliance. Exercise LA compliance may enhance the diagnosis of HFpEF among patients with dyspnoea.
Response surface methodology for optimizing the pulsed spray deposition of Co‐doped Bi2O3 photocatalytic thin films
Authors: El‐Kalliny Amer S. , Obaida M. , Moussa I. , Gad‐Allah Tarek A.
Published: April 2023

To cumbersome separation of the very fine photocatalyst particles from the treated water, uniform, homogenic, and well‐adhered immobilized cobalt‐modified bismuth oxide thin films were deposited on glass substrates using the pulsed spray pyrolysis technique. The parameters of films deposition were optimized using the response surface method (RSM). Three preparation variables, namely, the time of deposition, the temperature, and the Co‐ratio have been studied to investigate their effects on the degradation rate constant of ofloxacin as a response. Furthermore, structural, morphological, and optical properties of the deposited films were measured by X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, and UV–Visible spectrophotometer, whereas the photocatalytic activities were investigated by degradation of ofloxacin as a model pharmaceutical water pollutant. The experimental results showed a maximum rate constant of ofloxacin degradation of 0.092 , which is in a good agreement with the predictable results obtained from RSM. Therefore, RSM optimized successfully the spraying parameters to have the best film for use in the treatment of water pollutants.
Informal employment and catastrophic health expenditures: Evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Kishwar Shabana , Bashir Saima , Hussain Akseer , Alam Khorshed
Published: April 2023

Workers in informal employment suffered significant out‐of‐pocket healthcare expenditures (OOPHEs) due to their low earnings and a lack of a social safety net or health insurance. There is little or no evidence of impoverishment caused by OOPHEs in the context of labor market categorization. Therefore, this study examines the economic burden of OOPHEs and its associated consequences on households, whose members are in informal employment. This study estimates the incidence of catastrophic health expenditures (CHEs) and impoverishment across the households in formal and informal employment and their key determinants in Pakistan by employing the data from the two rounds of the Household Integrated Economic Survey (2015‐16, 2018‐19). For measuring CHEs and impoverishment, the budget share and capacity‐to‐pay approaches are applied. Various thresholds are used to demonstrate the sensitivity of catastrophic measures. We found a higher incidence of catastrophic healthcare payments among the informal workers, that is, 4.03% and 7.11% for 2015‐16 and 2018‐19, respectively, at a 10% threshold, while at a 40% threshold, the incidence of CHEs is found to be 0.40% and 2.34% for 2015‐16 and 2018‐19, respectively. These OOPHEs caused 1.53% and 3.66% of households who are in informal employment to become impoverished, compared with their formal counterparts. The study demonstrates that the probability of incurring CHEs and becoming impoverished is high among informal workers, compared with their formal counterparts. This result has clear policy implications, in which to protect the informal workers, it is necessary to expand the insurance coverage, particularly during the COVID‐19 response and recovery efforts.
On an Assmus–Mattson type theorem for type I and even formally self‐dual codes
Authors: Miezaki Tsuyoshi , Nakasora Hiroyuki
Published: April 2023

In the present paper, we give an Assmus–Mattson type theorem for near‐extremal Type I and even formally self‐dual codes. We show the existence of 1‐designs or 2‐designs for these codes. As a corollary, we prove the uniqueness of a self‐orthogonal 2‐ design.
Valorization of sea buckthorn seed protein to hydrolysates: Impact on morphological, structural, functional, and antioxidant properties
Authors: Khan Zakir Showkat , Sodhi Navdeep Singh , Fayaz Shemilah , Bakshi Rayees Ahmad , Siddiqi Raashid Ahmad , Dar Basharat N. , Mishra Hari N. , Dhillon Bhavnita
Published: April 2023

Background

Increasing concerns about nutritional deficiency, food security, and sustainability have emphasized work on exploring alternative and sustainable sources of protein. In this study, an initiative to extract and utilize protein concentrates, and hydrolysates from sea buckthorn seed, otherwise a waste material, is undertaken. The effect of hydrolysis using various enzymes namely pepsin (pH 2.0 and 37°C), trypsin (pH 7.0 and 37°C), and protamex (pH 7.0 and 50°C), for different time durations, namely, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min, on the structural and functional properties of sea buckthorn seed protein concentrate (SSPC), was elucidated.

Results

The emulsifying activity index and solubility of pepsin‐hydrolysed SSPC increased significantly and were higher than those of trypsin and protamex hydrolysed SSPC samples. A Fourier transformation infrared study revealed that the enzyme hydrolysis treatment reduced the peak intensity in amide I, II, and III bands. A significant change was found in the β‐sheet, β‐turn and random coiling of the secondary structure of SSPC protein by enzymatic hydrolysis. The particle size ranged from 295.8 to 440, 388 to 713.6, 399 to 890 nm for pepsin, trypsin, and protamex, respectively. The microstructure of pepsin‐treated samples showed a more porous and loose structure than native, trypsin and protamex. Antioxidant activity increased significantly for all the samples with enzyme treatments carried out for different periods.

Conclusion

The results indicate that the protein‐rich hydrolysates could create new opportunities for the development of effective techno‐functional additives for use in a wide range of food formulations.
Effect of cationic surfactant on Ru(III) catalyzed L‐glutamic acid oxidation by hexacyanoferrate(III)
Authors: Srivastava Abhishek , Goswami Madhav Krishna , Dohare Rajeev Kumar , Srivastava Neetu , Srivastava Krishna
Published: April 2023

In CTAB micellar medium, the kinetic investigation of Ru(III) promoted oxidation of L‐glutamic acid (Glu) by [Fe(CN)6]3− was carried out by recording the decline in absorbance at 420 nm, which corresponds to [Fe(CN)6]3−. By adjusting one variable at a time, the progression of the reaction has been inspected as a function of [OH−], ionic strength, [CTAB], [Ru3+], [Glu], [Fe(CN)63−], and temperature using the pseudo‐first‐order condition. The findings demonstrate that [OH−], [CTAB], and [Glu] are the key parameters that have a discernible impact on reaction rate. In the studied concentration range of Ru(III), [Fe(CN)6]3−, and at lower [Glu] and [OH−], the reaction displays first‐order kinetics. The incremental trend in reaction rate with electrolyte concentration demonstrates a positive salt effect. CTAB substantially catalyzes the process, and after reaching a maximum, the rate remains nearly constant at increased [CTAB]. The observed decline in the CMC of CTAB may be caused by the reduced repulsion between the positively charged heads of the surfactant molecules caused by the negatively charged OH−, and [Fe(CN)6]3−. The activation parameters also support the outer‐sphere electron transfer mechanism as recommended by us.
Smart breeding driven by advances in sequencing technology
Authors: Zhang Chenji , Jiang Sirong , Tian Yangyang , Dong Xiaorui , Xiao Jianjia , Lu Yanjie , Liang Tiyun , Zhou Hongmei , Xu Dabin , Zhang Han , Luo Ming , Xia Zhiqiang
Published: April 2023

Crop breeding has undergone numerous advancements throughout history with the next revolution being uncertain. This review provides an overview of breeding techniques from traditional selective breeding and crossbreeding to modern breeding based on molecular marker‐assisted and genomic selection. Systematic analysis of the mainstream genotyping approaches based on principle, application scenario and supporting software revealed that the changes in genotyping technology have led to an explosion in data. This data expansion will drive a breakthrough in sequencing technology and integrate artificial intelligence with automation. The review also discusses the technological changes associated with breeding during the big data era, including breeding models, genotyping technologies and future intelligent breeding, to provide references for crop breeders. The paper highlights the potential of smart breeding technologies driven by advances in sequencing technology, which will lead to the development of new breeding strategies and accelerate the breeding process.
A method for Kashin‐Beck disease auxiliary diagnosis based on the features in regions of the potential lesion
Authors: Qiao Yongkang , Li Hu , Niu Kai , Wang Lu , Lin Jianhao , He Zhiqiang
Published: April 2023

Background

Kashin‐Beck disease (KBD) is a severe arthropathy that causes deformity. Patients with advanced stages of KBD often show symptoms, such as short stature. Early‐stage diagnosis and treatment can effectively prevent the disease from worsening. Diagnosis of early‐stage patients is usually made by X‐ray examination. However, the time‐consuming image recognition and the lack of professional doctors may delay the patient's condition. Therefore, a method that can efficiently complete the auxiliary diagnosis is necessary.

Purpose

This study presents a KBD auxiliary diagnosis method based on radiographs, which uses deep learning to locate potential lesion regions and extract features for accurate diagnosis.

Methods

This work presents a method that relies on hand radiographs to locate eight regions of the potential lesion (RoPL) and finally make the KBD auxiliary diagnosis. The localization of RoPL is achieved through a two‐step model, with the first step predicting a rough location and a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) with attention mechanism used to generate precise center coordinates based on the previous step's results.

Based on the localization result, regional features are extracted, which provides information about the joints and textures of RoPL from a finer granularity. Another DCNN is utilized to obtain general features from hand radiographs, which provide morphological and structural information about the entire hand bone These features offer a concatenated feature for categorization to raise accuracy. A doctor‐like approach is adopted to diagnose based on regional features to enhance performance, and a final decision is made using a vote that considers diagnostic outcomes from all aspects.

The dataset used in our study was collected by our research team in KBD‐endemic areas of Tibet since 2017, containing 373 diseased and 764 normal images.

Result

Our model guarantees that over 95% of the predicted coordinates are within five pixels of the real coordinates according to Euclidean distance. The accuracy of the diagnostic network achieved 91.3%, with precision and recall achieving 83% and 87%, respectively. Compared to the approach without exact localization of the illness region on the same test set, our method achieved a roughly 6% increase in accuracy and nearly 30% increase in recall rate.

Conclusions

Based on hand radiographs, this study suggests a novel method for KBD diagnosis. The high‐precision localization network guarantees precise extraction of lesion‐prone regional features, and the multi‐scale features and innovative classification method further enhance model performance compared to related approaches.
Stochastic optimization of three‐dimensional non‐Cartesian sampling trajectory
Authors: Wang Guanhua , Nielsen Jon‐Fredrik , Fessler Jeffrey A. , Noll Douglas C.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Optimizing three‐dimensional (3D) k‐space sampling trajectories is important for efficient MRI yet presents a challenging computational problem. This work proposes a generalized framework for optimizing 3D non‐Cartesian sampling patterns via data‐driven optimization.

Methods

We built a differentiable simulation model to enable gradient‐based methods for sampling trajectory optimization. The algorithm can simultaneously optimize multiple properties of sampling patterns, including image quality, hardware constraints (maximum slew rate and gradient strength), reduced peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), and parameter‐weighted contrast. The proposed method can either optimize the gradient waveform (spline‐based freeform optimization) or optimize properties of given sampling trajectories (such as the rotation angle of radial trajectories). Notably, the method can optimize sampling trajectories synergistically with either model‐based or learning‐based reconstruction methods. We proposed several strategies to alleviate the severe nonconvexity and huge computation demand posed by the large scale. The corresponding code is available as an open‐source toolbox.

Results

We applied the optimized trajectory to multiple applications including structural and functional imaging. In the simulation studies, the image quality of a 3D kooshball trajectory was improved from 0.29 to 0.22 (NRMSE) with Stochastic optimization framework for 3D NOn‐Cartesian samPling trajectorY (SNOPY) optimization. In the prospective studies, by optimizing the rotation angles of a stack‐of‐stars (SOS) trajectory, SNOPY reduced the NRMSE of reconstructed images from 1.19 to 0.97 compared to the best empirical method (RSOS‐GR). Optimizing the gradient waveform of a rotational EPI trajectory improved participants' rating of the PNS from “strong” to “mild.”

Conclusion

SNOPY provides an efficient data‐driven and optimization‐based method to tailor non‐Cartesian sampling trajectories.