bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microfluidic Design of Streamlined Alginate Hydrogel Micromotors with Run and Tumble Motion Patterns
Authors: Luan Jiabin , Kuijken Peter F. , Chen Wen , Wang Danni , Charleston Levy A. , Wilson Daniela A.
Published: October 2023

Autonomous micromotors demonstrate remarkable advancements in biomedical applications. A noteworthy example is streamlined motors, which display enhanced movement efficiency with low fluid‐resistance. However, existing streamlined motors, primarily constructed from inorganic materials, present challenges due to their complex fabrication procedures and lack of a soft interface for interaction with biological systems. Herein, a novel design of biodegradable streamlined alginate hydrogel micromotors with a teardrop shape by microfluidics is introduced. The platform enables the high‐throughput fabrication of monodisperse micromotors with varied dimensions. By incorporating Pt‐coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles, micromotors are equipped with dual capabilities of catalytic propulsion and accurate magnetic guidance. Through precisely tuning the localization regions of catalysts within the micromotors, the streamlined hydrogel micromotors not only exhibit enhanced propelling efficiency, but also accomplish distinct motion patterns of run and tumble. The design provides insights for developing advanced micromotors capable of executing intricate tasks across diverse application scenarios.
Light‐Induced Frenkel Defect Pair Formation Can Lead to Phase‐Segregation of Otherwise Miscible Halide Perovskite Alloys
Authors: Sabino Fernando P. , Dalpian Gustavo M. , Zunger Alex
Published: October 2023

Alloys of ABX3 halide perovskites (HP) exhibit unique phase behavior compared to traditional III‐V and II‐VI semiconductor alloys used in solar cells. While the latter typically have good mutual miscibility when their mixed components are size matched, and phase‐segregate when size mismatched, HP alloys show good miscibility in the dark but can phase‐segregate under light. Quantum mechanical calculations described herein reveal light‐induced defect formation and migration hold the key. Specifically, the interaction between a halogen vacancy VX with halogen interstitial Xi forming together a Frenkel‐pair defect emerges as the enabler for phase‐segregation in HP alloys. At a threshold bromine composition in the Br‐I alloys, the photogenerated holes in the valence band localize, creating thereby a doubly‐charged iodine Frenkel‐pair (VI + Ii)2+. Faster migration of iodine over bromine interstitial into the vacant iodine VI site leads to the formation of iodine‐rich and iodine‐depleted regions, establishing phase‐segregation. Removal of the mobile defects–the agent of segregation–by dark thermal annealing, supplies the opposing force, leading to reversal of phase‐segregation. This atomistic understanding can enable some control of the phase‐segregation by selecting substituting elements on the B site–such as replacing some Pb by Sn–that are unable to form stable Frenkel defects.
The Belt and Road initiative and food consumption in countries along the route
Authors: Wang Xuejun , Cui Rongrong , Tian Xi , Qian Jiarong
Published: October 2023

The economic impact of the Belt and Road (B&R) initiative has received extensive academic attention, but few existing assessments have focused on the impact of the initiative on consumer welfare. Therefore, this paper empirically investigates the impact of the B&R initiative on food consumption levels and dietary diversity in B&R countries and its inherent channels through the difference‐in‐differences model with the propensity score matching method (PSM‐DID). The results indicate that the B&R initiative has a significant positive effect on improving food consumption levels and dietary diversity in B&R countries, and the promotion‐effect is stronger for the Maritime Silk Road countries. Further, the B&R initiative has led to a dietary shift in B&R countries, with a decrease in the calorie share of cereals and an increase in the calorie share of fruits and vegetables, oils and fats, and meat, eggs and milk. The mechanism analysis reveals that income and prices may be important channels for the impact of the initiative on food consumption in B&R countries, and that the B&R initiative may have led to changes in tastes in B&R countries. [EconLit Citations: D12, F13, Q11].
Nudging Chinese consumers to embrace sustainable milk consumption: How should information be provided?
Authors: Wang Hongsha , Chen Qihui , Katare Bhagyashree
Published: October 2023

China's per capita dairy consumption has been far below the intake level recommended by the World Health Organization. Since the dairy industry is a significant contributor to carbon emissions, the recently launched “Double‐Carbon” goals in China may also suppress the supply of dairy products, further reducing Chinese residents' dairy intake. While the notion of sustainable (i.e., nutritious and environmentally friendly) food consumption has recently gained popularity in the policy arena, whether Chinese milk consumers are ready to embrace this notion and what specific measures can effectively promote sustainable milk consumption in China remain unclear. On the basis of a discrete choice experiment, this paper examines how information nudges (i.e., randomly provided messages with different contents and details) may steer Chinese consumers into choosing liquid milk products with attributes that are more nutritious and environmentally friendly. Our analysis, involving 839 consumers randomly selected from Beijing, China, shows that consumers value carbon labels the most, followed by nutrition claims, sustainable production claims, and energy conservation certificates. Meanwhile, nutrition information induces consumers to place higher values on nutrition claims; in contrast, environmental information raises consumers' willingness to choose environmental sustainability‐related attributes. Finally, the concreteness of the information provided strengthens these effects [EconLit Citations: D12, Q01, Q13, Q18].
Carbon tax on milk products and the exact consumer welfare measure in emerging economies
Authors: Wehner Jasmin , Yu Xiaohua
Published: October 2023

Current milk prices do not account for the emissions, environmental externalities, and the excessive resource use that occur during milk production. Imposing a “carbon tax on food” can be a very effective climate change mitigation policy and the ultimate distributional effect depends heavily on the way the tax is implemented. To offset the regressive financial effect, redistribution measures need to be designed and the financial welfare loss can serve as a first orientation for designing these redistribution measures. Current literature mainly uses estimated elasticities from empirical demand systems to approximate the welfare change which can lead to a substantial bias if the tax rate is sufficiently large. In contrast, we calculate the welfare change by using the Exact Consumer Welfare of a carbon tax on milk for selected emerging economies. We show that on average, consumers in upper‐middle‐income economies would face a financial welfare loss of 19.4–176.9 USD (in the value of 2017) measured by the compensating variation (CV), depending on the tax scenario. Among a set of 16 emerging economies, consumers in Argentina (ARG) and Türkiye (TUR) face the highest financial welfare losses. We also find that discrepancies between the Exact Consumer Welfare and the consumer surplus are very small. [EconLit Citations: Q11, Q18].
Can homestead gardens improve rural households' vegetable consumption? Evidence from three provinces in China
Authors: Deng Taian , van den Berg Marrit , Heerink Nico , Cui Haoyang , Tan Fuli , Fan Shenggen
Published: October 2023

Vegetables play a vital role in human health. However, the average vegetable consumption among Chinese rural residents does not meet the minimum intake (300 g/adult person/day) recommended by the Chinese Dietary Guidelines. Homestead gardening—defined as growing vegetables or other food for home consumption, usually in the backyard of the household or on collectively allocated garden land—can play a significant role in promoting vegetable consumption in rural areas of developing countries. But empirical evidence on the effects of homestead gardening in China is scarce. This paper sheds new insights on the impacts of homestead gardening on rural households' vegetable consumption. We employ the three‐stage procedure instrumental variables methods to disentangle the endogeneity of the homestead garden variable and propensity score matching for robustness check. The results show that homestead gardening increases vegetable consumption by 12.7% on average. Further heterogeneous analysis shows that homestead gardening has a larger effect on those groups with vegetable intake levels in the middle of the distribution. The impact of homestead gardening was strongest for the consumption of dark‐colored vegetables. Our results can provide new perspectives for future rural planning, dietary and nutritional health transformation, and precision policy formulation. [EconLit Citations: Q1, D1, Q13].
Structural transition of protein intake in urban China: Stage characteristics and driving forces
Authors: Li Yicong , Zhao Qiran , Zhai Tianchang , Si Wei
Published: October 2023

The rapidly growing animal protein demand of Chinese residents has caused multiple pressures, including on food security, health, and the environment. It is critical to study the reasons for the changes in Chinese residents' protein intake structure and make a reasonable judgment about its future trend. This paper uses the Nationwide Urban Household Survey Date from 1992 to 2009 to construct a pseudo panel and conduct research based on the habit formation theory. We find that there is a significant habit formation effect in the consumption of the main protein source foods of Chinese urban residents, especially animal foods. It weakens with the passage of time, which may be the reason for the continuous increase in urbanites' animal protein intake. There are differences in the protein intake structure and changing trend of urban residents in China's different regions. We suggest that government should pay more attention to the development of animal husbandry and the supply security of feed grains; strengthen nutritional intervention efforts to guide residents toward balanced and healthy dietary patterns, with moderate intake of animal protein; and formulate more detailed nutritional standards by region and population to cope with the impact of the growing animal protein demand among China's residents. [EconLit Citations: D12, E21, Q18].
Cost‐effectiveness of zinc interventions in China: A cohort‐based Markov model
Authors: Tan Fuli , Wang Jingjing , Guo Yixuan , Deng Taian , De Steur Hans , Fan Shenggen
Published: October 2023

Zinc acts as an important cofactor in the body and is essential for normal functions. Several zinc interventions have been implemented worldwide to improve the public's zinc status, but limited studies have assessed their cost‐effectiveness. To help inform decision‐making on zinc interventions to maximize benefits within a fixed budget, we took China as an example and evaluated the cost‐effectiveness of three interventions, that is, supplementation, food fortification, and biofortification. As an essential group at high risk of zinc deficiency, children aged 5–14 years, who account for 10% of the Chinese population, were selected as the target group in this study. We constructed a decision‐analytic Markov model to determine the cost‐effectiveness of interventions in China under different scenarios. In our model, biofortification through conventional breeding was shown to be the most cost‐effective approach in most scenarios. Compared with other interventions, zinc supplementation gained fewer quality‐adjusted life years at a higher net cost, suggesting that this common approach may not be optimal for large‐scale, long‐term implementation at the national level. While the robustness of the results was further confirmed by the sensitivity analysis, more research is needed to assess the cost‐effectiveness of addressing zinc deficiency with other interventions. Further clinical trials are also expected to evaluate the effectiveness of zinc interventions in reducing pneumonia cases [EconLit Citations: I18, Q16, Q18].
School feeding program and urban–rural inequality of child health: Evidence from China
Authors: Ren Jingru , Zheng Xiaodong , Smith Rodney , Fang Xiangming
Published: October 2023

School feeding programs have served as go‐to policies for addressing child malnutrition in both developed and developing countries. While an increasing number of studies have investigated the health consequences of school feeding programs, empirical evidence regarding their effects on children's health inequality remains limited. This study examines the impact of China's Nutrition Improvement Program (NIP)—A program that provides free meals for rural students at the compulsory education stage—on rural children's health status and urban–rural health status differentials. The analysis uses data from the 2004–2015 China Health and Nutrition Survey. Leveraging county‐by‐county rollouts of the program, we employ difference‐in‐differences approaches as our identification strategy. The results show that the NIP significantly improves children's height‐for‐age z‐scores by 0.136 standard deviations. Moreover, we find that the NIP alleviates the inequality of opportunity in health between urban and rural children by 21.6% in pilot counties. These findings are robust to a series of validity checks. The effect is more pronounced among students who have a younger age, and live in low social status families. Our findings suggest that school feeding programs are effective in decreasing child malnutrition levels and reducing urban‐rural inequality in the long run. [EconLit citations: I10, I18, D63].
E‐commerce improves dietary quality of rural households in China
Authors: Shen Jiexi , Zhu Zhanguo , Qaim Matin , Fan Shenggen , Tian Xu
Published: October 2023

E‐commerce is gaining importance in the food sector of many countries, and its potential influence on people's access to food and dietary choices is yet to be thoroughly investigated. In this study, we analyze data from a food consumption survey conducted in rural China in 2021 to examine the impact of e‐commerce on individual food consumption patterns and dietary quality. Our results with instrumental variable models show that e‐commerce significantly reduces the consumption of staple foods, such as cereals and potatoes, while it increases the consumption of legumes, nuts, milk, and milk products, even after controlling for income and other confounding factors. Additionally, e‐commerce contributes to higher dietary diversity and dietary quality among rural households. In the face of shrinking physical markets in rural areas, it seems that rural e‐commerce can serve as an important mechanism to improve food access and meet the diversifying dietary demands of rural residents. [EconLit Citations: Q13, L81].
Discovery of 2D Materials using Transformer Network‐Based Generative Design
Authors: Dong Rongzhi , Song Yuqi , Siriwardane Edirisuriya M. D. , Hu Jianjun
Published: October 2023

Two‐dimensional (2D) materials offer great potential in various fields like superconductivity, quantum systems, and topological materials. However, designing them systematically remains challenging due to the limited pool of fewer than 100 experimentally synthesized 2D materials. Recent advancements in deep learning, data mining, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations have paved the way for exploring new 2D material candidates. Herein, a generative material design pipeline known as the material transformer generator (MTG) is proposed. MTG leverages two distinct 2D material composition generators, both trained using self‐learning neural language models rooted in transformers, with and without transfer learning. These models generate numerous potential 2D compositions, which are plugged into established templates for known 2D materials to predict their crystal structures. To ensure stability, DFT computations assess their thermodynamic stability based on energy‐above‐hull and formation energy metrics. MTG has found four new DFT‐validated stable 2D materials: NiCl4, IrSBr, CuBr3, and CoBrCl, all with zero energy‐above‐hull values that indicate thermodynamic stability. Additionally, GaBrO and NbBrCl3 are found with energy‐above‐hull values below 0.05 eV. CuBr3 and GaBrO exhibit dynamic stability, confirmed by phonon dispersion analysis. In summary, the MTG pipeline shows significant potential for discovering new 2D and functional materials.
Internet of Things‐Enabled Food and Plant Sensors to Empower Sustainability
Authors: Ataei Kachouei Matin , Kaushik Ajeet , Ali Md. Azahar
Published: October 2023

To promote sustainability, this review explores: 1) the utilization of affordable high‐performance sensors that can enhance food safety and quality, plant growth, and disease management and 2) the Internet of Things (IoT)‐supported sensors to empower farmers, stakeholders, and agro‐food industries via rapid testing and predictive analysis based on sensing generated informatics using artificial intelligence (AI). The performance of such sensors is noticeable, but this technology is still not suitable to be used in real applications owing to the lack of focus, scalability, well‐coordinated research, and regulations. To cover this gap, this review carefully and critically analyzes state‐of‐the‐art sensing technologies developed for food quality assurance (i.e., contaminants, toxins, and packaging testing) and plant growth monitoring (i.e., phenotyping, stresses, volatile organic components, nutrient levels, hormones, and pathogens) along with the possible challenges. The following has been proposed for future research: 1) promoting the optimized combination of green sensing units supported by IoT to perform testing at the location, considering the remote and urban areas as a key focus, and 2) analyzing generated informatics via AI should also be a focus for risk assessment understanding and optimizing necessary safety majors. Finally, the perspectives of IoT‐enabled sensors, along with their real‐world limitations, are discussed.
A Biomimetic Piezoelectric Composite‐Driven Undulation Underwater Robotic Structure: Characteristic Analysis and Experimental Investigation
Authors: Liu Rui , Wu Yifeng , Jin Jiamei , Wang Liang , Qi Rui , Yu Pengpeng
Published: October 2023

Numerous proposals and recommendations have been made in the development of underwater undulation robots, but very few studies have focused on the undulation characteristics of undulation robots. The undulating mode of theclearnose skateutilizing the activation of the pectoral fins in undulatory bursts is particularly suitable for slow and efficient swimming. Inspired by the working principle of theclearnose skate, herein, an undulation robotic structure is presented. Considering the hydrodynamic skeleton and propulsion mechanism of theclearnose skate, the solution is based on a piezoelectric composite for realizing undulatory propulsion. This approach leverages the converse piezoelectric effect and modal coupling to produce the desired undulating motion, thereby achieving the undulation design of the robot. The proposed robotic structure can realize the propulsion mode using piezoelectric composites to undulate in the same direction and can use the clockwise or counterclockwise undulation of piezoelectric composites to achieve the steering mode. In addition, finite element analysis is employed as an approach to investigate the undulation characteristics and transient vibration characteristics of the robot. The operational efficiency of the robotic structure is assessed through experiments. The results show that the propulsion mode achieves the speed of 3.33 body‐length s−1. The steering mode exhibits the steering velocities of 17.4 deg s−1.
Emotional states following grooming in female mandrills
Authors: Schino Gabriele , Alessandrini Alessandro , Di Giovanni Massimiliano
Published: October 2023

Grooming is a common cooperative behavior whose exact costs and benefits are still to be fully elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the emotional consequences of giving and receiving grooming in mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx), and how these may change along time after the termination of grooming. We used scratching as a behavioral indicator of anxiety‐like emotions. Groomees showed increased scratching immediately after the termination of grooming, while in the subsequent minutes scratching decreased below baseline. The initial increase was larger after longer grooming events, suggesting it represented a case of postinhibitory rebound. The subsequent decline in scratching rates was larger after grooming received by a kin, suggesting interactions with kin are particularly relaxing. Scratching rates shown by groomers were unaffected by grooming interactions. These results highlight that the emotional states following grooming can have a complex time course, and may contribute to explain the inconsistencies found in the previous literature.
Biodegradable zinc‐based materials with a polymer coating designed for biomedical applications
Authors: Oriňaková Renáta , Gorejová Radka , Čákyová Viktória , Džupon Miroslav , Kupková Miriam , Sopčák Tibor , Özaltin Kadir , Mičušík Matej , Petruš Ondrej , Omastová Mária , Vojtko Marek , Sáha Petr
Published: October 2023

Over the last decades, biodegradable metals have gained popularity for biomedical applications due to their ability to assist in tissue healing. These materials degrade in vivo, while the corrosion products formed are either absorbed or excreted by the body, and no further surgical intervention is required for removal. Intensive research has been carried out mainly on degradable biomaterials based on Mg and Fe. In recent years, zinc‐based degradable biomaterials have been explored by the biomedical community for their intrinsic physiological relevance, desirable biocompatibility, intermediate degradation rate, tuneable mechanical properties and pro‐regeneration properties. Since pure Zn does not exhibit sufficient mechanical properties for orthopedic applications, various Zn alloys with better properties are being developed. In this work, the combined effect of minor Fe addition to Zn and a polyethyleneglycol (PEG) coating on the surface morphology, degradation, cytotoxicity and mechanical properties of Zn‐based materials was studied. There are several studies regarding the influence of the production of Zn alloys, but the effect of polymer coating on the properties of Zn‐based materials has not been reported yet. A positive effect of Fe addition and polymer coating on the degradation rate and mechanical properties was observed. However, a reduction in biocompatibility was also detected.
Linear Localization of Zero Modes in Weakly Coupled Non‐Hermitian Reservoirs
Authors: Qi Bingkun , Ge Li
Published: October 2023

Topological and symmetry‐protected non‐Hermitian zero modes have attracted considerable interest in the past few years. Here, it is revealed that they can exhibit an unusual behavior when transitioning between the extended and localized regimes: When weakly coupled to a non‐Hermitian reservoir, such a zero mode displays a linearly decreasing amplitude as a function of space, which is not caused by an EP of a Hamiltonian, either of the entire system or the reservoir itself. Instead, this phenomenon is due to the non‐Bloch solution of a linear homogeneous recurrence relation, together with the underlying non‐Hermitian particle‐hole symmetry and the zeroness of its energy.
5‐Fluoro/(trifluoromethoxy)‐2‐indolinone derivatives with anti‐interleukin‐1 activity
Authors: Soylu‐Eter Özge , Sevinçli Zekiye Şeyma , Ersoy Betül , Hasanusta Bahar , Gatfar Uğur , Lack Nathan A. , Erman Burak , Gül Ahmet , Orer Hakan S. , Karalı Nilgün
Published: October 2023

The pro‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) drives the pathogenesis of several inflammatory diseases. Recent studies have revealed that 2‐indolinones can modulate cytokine responses. Therefore, we screened several 2‐indolinone derivatives in preliminary studies to develop agents with anti‐IL‐1 activity. First, the putative efficacies and binding interactions of 2‐indolinones were evaluated by docking studies. Second, previously synthesized 5‐fluoro/(trifluoromethoxy)−1H‐indole‐2,3‐dione 3‐(4‐phenylthiosemicarbazones) (compounds 47–69) which had the highest inhibitory effect in the screening were evaluated for inhibitory effects on the IL‐1 receptor (IL‐1R). Compounds 52 (IC50 = 0.09 µM) and 65 (IC50 = 0.07 µM) were selected as lead compounds for the subsequent synthesis of new derivatives. The novel 5‐fluoro/(trifluoromethoxy)−1H‐indole‐2,3‐dione 3‐(4‐phenylthiosemicarbazones) (compounds 70–116) were designed, synthesized, and in vitro studies were completed. The compounds 76, 78, 81, 91, 100, 105, and 107 tested showed nontoxic inhibitory effects on IL‐1R‐dependent responses in the range of 0.01–0.06 µM and stronger than the lead compounds 52 and 65. In vitro and in silico findings showed that compounds 78 (IC50 = 0.01 µM) and 81 (IC50 = 0.02 µM) had the strongest IL‐1R inhibitory effects and the most favorable drug‐like properties. Molecular modeling studies of the compounds 78 and 81 were carried out to determine the possible binding interactions at the active site of the IL‐1R.
Identification of 3‐(5‐cyano‐6‐oxo‐pyridin‐2‐yl)benzenesulfonamides as novel anticancer agents endowed with EGFR inhibitory activity
Authors: Shaldam Moataz A. , Khalil Ahmed F. , Almahli Hadia , Jaballah Maiy Y. , Angeli Andrea , Khaleel Eman F. , Badi Rehab Mustafa , Elkaeed Eslam B. , Supuran Claudiu T. , Eldehna Wagdy M. , Tawfik Haytham O.
Published: October 2023

New 5‐cyano‐6‐oxo‐pyridine‐based sulfonamides (6a–m and 8a–d) were designed and synthesized to potentially inhibit both the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and carbonic anhydrase (CA), with anticancer properties. First, the in vitro anticancer activity of each target substance was tested using Henrietta Lacks cancer cell line and M.D. anderson metastasis breast cancer cell line cells. Then, the possible CA inhibition against the human CA isoforms I, II, and IX was investigated, together with the EGFR inhibitory activity, with the most powerful derivatives. The neighboring methoxy group may have had a steric effect on the target sulfonamides, which prevented them from effectively inhibiting the CA isoforms while effectively inhibiting the EGFR. The effects of the 5‐cyanopyridine derivatives 6e and 6l on cell‐cycle disruption and the apoptotic potential were then investigated. To investigate the binding mechanism and stability of the target molecules, thorough molecular modeling assessments, including docking and dynamic simulation, were performed.
Social anxiety is more likely to influence reputation management decisions than autistic traits
Authors: Dubey Indu , Groom Maddie , Tahir Ameena , Hamilton Antonia
Published: October 2023

People manage their social reputation by selectively sharing achievements, thereby shaping the way others think about them. Autistic traits and social anxiety may have opposing impacts on reputation management. This study aimed to identify the influence of autistic traits and social anxiety on reputation management behavior, independently and in co‐occurrence with one another. Seventy‐seven adults with varying levels of autistic and social anxiety traits completed a novel self‐disclosure task that required them to complete a computerized game and decide whether to disclose their scores to another participant. This design provided a safe social environment for sharing performance outcomes and allowed us to manipulate performance outcomes for participants and set a perceived ‘norm’ of high self‐disclosure. Results showed that participants were more likely to disclose their high than low scores to the other player. Social anxiety reliably predicted the likelihood of disclosing their scores while high autistic traits predicted the likelihood of disclosure only in combination with high social anxiety. Additionally, establishing the norm of high disclosure facilitated self‐disclosure in all the participants. This study shows that social anxiety may influence reputation management via selective self‐disclosure more when co‐occurring with high autistic traits. People with varying levels of autistic traits may not behave differently to maintain a social reputation.
Engineering dense tumor constructs via cellular contraction of extracellular matrix hydrogels
Authors: McKee Jae A. , Olsen Elisabet A. , Wills Kpeli Gideon , Brooks Moriah R. , Beitollahpoor Mohamadreza , Pesika Noshir S. , Burow Matthew E. , Mondrinos Mark J.
Published: October 2023

Physical characteristics of solid tumors such as dense internal microarchitectures and pathological stiffness influence cancer progression and treatment. While it is routine to engineer culture substrates and scaffolds with elastic moduli that approximate tumors, these models often fail to capture characteristic internal microarchitectures such as densely compacted concentric ECM fibers at the stromal interface. Contractile mesenchymal cells can solve this engineering challenge by deforming, contracting, and compacting extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogels to decrease tissue volume and increase tissue density. Here we demonstrate that allowing human fibroblasts of varying origins to freely contract collagen type I‐containing hydrogels co‐seeded with carcinoma cell spheroids produces a tissue engineered construct with structural features that mimic dense solid tumors in vivo. Morphometry and mechanical testing were conducted in tandem with biochemical analysis of proliferation and viability to confirm that dense carcinoma constructs engineered using this approach capture relevant physical characteristics of solid carcinomas in a tractable format that preserves viability and is amenable to extended culture. The reported method is adaptable to the use of multiple mesenchymal cell types and the inclusion of fibrin in the ECM combined with seeding of endothelial cells to produce prevascularized constructs. The physical dense carcinoma constructs engineered using this approach may provide more clinically relevant venues for studying cancer pathophysiology and the challenges associated with the delivery of macromolecular drugs and cellular immunotherapies to solid tumors.
Exploring the potential of amyloids in biomedical applications: A review
Authors: Chowdhury Srijita , Sarkar Nandini
Published: October 2023

Amyloid is defined as a fibrous quaternary structure formed by assembling protein or peptide monomers into intermolecularly hydrogen linked β‐sheets. There is a prevalent issue with protein aggregation and the buildup of amyloid molecules, which results in human neurological illnesses including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. But it is now evident that many organisms, like bacteria, fungi as well as humans, use the same fibrillar structure to carry out a variety of biological functions, such as structure and protection supporting interface transitions and cell–cell recognition, protein control and storage, epigenetic inheritance, and memory. Recent discoveries of self‐assembling amyloidogenic peptides and proteins, based on the amyloid core structure, give rise to interesting biomaterials with potential uses in numerous industries. These functions dramatically diverge from the initial conception of amyloid fibrils as intrinsically diseased entities. Apart from the natural ability of amyloids to spontaneously arrange themselves and their exceptional material characteristics, this aspect has prompted extensive research into engineering artificial amyloids for generating various nanostructures, molecular substances, and combined materials. Here, we discuss significant developments in the artificial design of useful amyloids as well as how amyloid materials serve as examples of how function emerges from protein self‐assembly at various length scales.
Evolution of a self‐renewing, participant‐centered workshop series in BMB assessment
Authors: Tyler Ludmila , Kennelly Peter J. , Engelman Shelly , Block Kirsten F. , Bobenko Jennifer C. , Catalano Jaclyn , Jones Jesica A. , Kanipes‐Spinks Margaret I. , Lim Yang Mooi , Loertscher Jennifer , Olafimihan Tejiri , Reiss Hailey , Upchurch‐Poole Territa L. , Wei Yufeng , Linenberger Cortes Kimberly J. , Moore Victoria Del Gaizo , Dries Daniel R.
Published: October 2023

We present as a case study the evolution of a series of participant‐centered workshops designed to meet a need in the life sciences education community—the incorporation of best practices in the assessment of student learning. Initially, the ICABL (Inclusive Community for the Assessment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology/BMB Learning) project arose from a grass‐roots effort to develop material for a national exam in biochemistry and molecular biology. ICABL has since evolved into a community of practice in which participants themselves—through extensive peer review and reflection—become integral stakeholders in the workshops. To examine this evolution, this case study begins with a pilot workshop supported by seed funding and thoughtful programmatic assessment, the results of which informed evidence‐based changes that, in turn, led to an improved experience for the community. Using participant response data, the case study also reveals critical features for successful workshops, including participant‐centered activities and the value of frequent peer review of participants' products. Furthermore, we outline a train‐the‐trainer model for creating a self‐renewing community by bringing new perspectives and voices into an existing core leadership team. This case study, then, offers a blueprint for building a thriving, evolving community of practice that not only serves the needs of individual scientist‐educators as they seek to enhance student learning, but also provides a pathway for elevating members to positions of leadership.
E‐learning and research experience exchange in the online setting of student peer mentor network during COVID‐19 pandemic and beyond: A laboratory case study
Authors: Lubanska Dorota , Alrashed Sami , Oschanney Lia , Cieslukowski Alan , Nadi Ali , Habashy Philip , Renaud Adam , Roye‐Azar Antonio , Soliman Mohamed , Adili Kadila , Baker Allison , Baseet Maliha , Llancari Amy , Mitrevski Aiden , Mouawad Sahar , Nguyen Kim , Sorge Alexandra , Zuccato Katie , Boujeke Emmanuel , Cala Jason , Dinescu Stephanie , Ho Marissa , Khan Almas , Almasri Deya'a , Dunn Daniel , Ghafoor Hasan , Grimmett Eddie , Mouawad Elie , Patel Ria , Paunic Milica , Sharma Depen , Visconti Tiana , Vuong Vanessa , Porter Lisa A.
Published: October 2023

For close to 2 years, we have witnessed the impacts of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic on research at several different levels. Among the list, limited access to laboratory‐based training for undergraduate students prevented this cohort from gaining exposure to the realities of a research laboratory at a critical time in training when they may have found motivation in this area as a career. COVID exposed a weakness in our training pipeline; an extreme dependency on face‐to‐face training that threatened to create a void in the research talent needed to replenish the scientific community every year. In the classroom, we witnessed a revolution of e‐learning based approaches that could be rapidly implemented based on existing footprints. Out of necessity, our laboratory developed and implemented an e‐learning model of an undergraduate peer mentor network that provides a knowledge and experience exchange platform between students with different levels of research experience. Implementation of the platform was to aid students with gaining knowledge in multiple aspects of scientific research and hands‐on work in a research laboratory. The collaboration between the students of the network was aimed at not only advancing the theoretical and practical research experience, but also at developing feedback implementation and practicing “soft skills” critical for teamwork and leadership. Herein, we present an overview of the model along with survey responses of the students participating in the peer mentor network. We have found that peer delivery of practical benchwork both via scientific presentations and visualized experiments, reduced the time of training and the amount of staff assistance needed when students returned to the bench. Furthermore, this model accelerated student independence in laboratory work and increased research interest overall. In summary, the model of a peer mentor network has the potential to serve as a training platform and as a customized tool, supplementing research laboratory training at the undergraduate level beyond the pandemic.
Aqueous Zn−organic batteries: Electrochemistry and design strategies
Authors: Ji Weixiao , Du Dawei , Liang Jiachen , Li Gang , Feng Guanzheng , Yin Zilong , Zhou Jiyao , Zhao Jiapeng , Shen Yisan , Huang He , Pang Siping
Published: October 2023

Organic electroactive materials are increasingly recognized as promising cathode materials for aqueous zinc–ion batteries (AZIBs), owing to their structural diversity and renewable nature. Despite this, the electrochemistry of these organic cathodes in AZIBs is still less than optimal, particularly in aspects such as output voltage, cyclability, and rate performance. In this review, we provide an overview of the evolutionary history of organic cathodes in AZIBs and elucidate their charge‐storage mechanisms. We then delve into the strategies to overcome the prevailing challenges faced by aqueous Zn−organic batteries, including low achievable capacity and output voltage, poor cycling stability, and rate performance. Design strategies to enhance cell performance include tailoring molecular structure, engineering electrode microstructure, and modulation of electrolyte composition. Finally, we highlight that future research directions should cover performance evaluation under practical conditions and the recycling and reuse of organic electrode materials.
A novel method for continuous chromatographic separation of monoclonal antibody charge variants by combining displacement mode chromatography and step elution
Authors: Anupa Anupa , Bansode Vikrant , Kateja Nikhil , Rathore Anurag S.
Published: October 2023

Charge heterogeneity of monoclonal antibodies is considered a critical quality attribute and hence needs to be monitored and controlled by the manufacturer. Typically, this is accomplished via separation of charge variants on cation exchange chromatography (CEX) using a pH or conductivity based linear gradient elution. Although an effective approach, this is challenging particularly during continuous processing as creation of linear gradient during continuous processing adds to process complexity and can lead to deviations in product quality upon slightest changes in gradient formation. Moreover, the long length of elution gradient along with the required peak fractionation makes process integration difficult. In this study, we propose a novel approach for separation of charge variants during continuous CEX chromatography by utilizing a combination of displacement mode chromatography and salt‐based step elution. It has been demonstrated that while the displacement mode of chromatography enables control of acidic variants ≤26% in the CEX eluate, salt‐based step gradient elution manages basic charge variant ≤25% in the CEX eluate. The proposed approach has been successfully demonstrated using feed materials with varying compositions. On comparing the designed strategy with 2‐column concurrent (CC) chromatography, the resin specific productivity increased by 95% and resin utilization increased by 183% with recovery of main species >99%. Further, in order to showcase the amenability of the designed CEX method in continuous operation, the method was examined in our in‐house continuous mAb platform.
Assessing code readability in Python programming courses using eye‐tracking
Authors: Segedinac Milan , Savić Goran , Zeljković Ivana , Slivka Jelena , Konjović Zora
Published: October 2023

Code readability models are typically based on the code's structural and textual features, considering code readability as an objective category. However, readability is inherently subjective and dependent on the knowledge and experience of the reader analyzing the code. This paper assesses the readability of Python code statements commonly used in undergraduate programming courses. Our readability model is based on tracking the reader's eye movement during the while‐read phase. It uses machine learning (ML) techniques and relies on a novel set of features—observational features—that capture how the readers read the code. We experimented by tracking the eye movement of 90 undergraduate students while assessing the readability of 48 Python code snippets. We trained an ML model that predicts readability based on the collected observational data and the code snippet's structural and textual features. In our experiments, the XGBoost classifier trained using observational features exclusively achieved the best results (0.85 F‐measure). Using correlation analysis, we identified Python statements most affecting readability for undergraduate students and proposed implications for teaching Python programming. In line with findings for Java language, we found that constructs related to the code's size and complexity hurt the code's readability. Numerous comments also hindered readability, potentially due to their association with less readable code. Some Python‐specific statements (list comprehension, lambda function, and dictionary comprehension) harmed code readability, even though they were part of the curriculum. Tracking students' gaze indicated some additional factors, most notably nonlinearity introduced by if, for, while, try, and function call statements.
Bibliometric study: Trends in multicultural counselling competence research in Indonesia, 2013–2022, and its implications
Authors: Roziqi Masbahur
Published: October 2023

Objective

This study aims to uncover the data on research trends in multicultural counselling competence in Indonesia from 2013 to 2022 and its implications for the future development of research in multicultural counselling competence.

Method

The method used in this study is bibliometric analysis, with data collection conducted through the Google Scholar database, which is a reputable search engine among Indonesian researchers.

Result

The results of this study identified a total of 13 articles published in seven journals and six proceedings. The journal “Komunika: Jurnal Dakwah dan Komunikasi” had the highest impact (H‐index) with a score of 24, while the author Riza Zahriyal Falah had the highest number of citations with a total of 42 citations. The dominant keywords in the research trends of multicultural counselling competence included multiculturalism, multicultural, guidance and counselling, and counselling. Each of these keywords appeared twice compared with 32 other keywords that only appeared once.

Conclusion

The findings in the coword mapping can still be further developed for research advancement by exploring multicultural counselling competence through the exploration of various cultures in Indonesia. Additionally, the findings regarding co‐authorship can be developed for cross‐institutional collaborations within the country and international research collaborations.
Unravelling the Secrets of α‐Pyrones from Aspergillus Fungi: A Comprehensive Review of Their Natural Sources, Biosynthesis, and Biological Activities
Authors: Asmaey Mostafa A.
Published: October 2023

Aspergillus, one of the most product‐rich and genetically robust genera, contains a diverse range of species with potential economic and ecological implications. Chemically, Aspergillus is one of the essential sources of polyketides, alkaloids, diphenyl ethers, diketopiperazines, and other miscellaneous compounds, displaying a variety of pharmacological activities. The α‐pyrones are unsaturated six‐membered lactones. Although α‐pyrone has a small structure, it is responsible for the structural diversity of several natural and synthetic compounds and multiple biological activities. In this review, we have summarized approximately 178 α‐pyrone containing metabolites derivatives identified/reported from terrestrial, marine, endophytic, and filamentous Aspergillus species, including their sources, biological properties, and biosynthetic pathways until mid‐2023, for the first time. This review is the first to compile and analyze the available data on α‐pyrone metabolites from Aspergillus, which could facilitate further research and innovation in this field. Additionally, it offers a valuable source of scaffolds for future bioactive drug development, as some of these metabolites have shown potent antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, and anticancer effects. Therefore, this review has significant implications for the advancement of natural product chemistry, pharmacology, biotechnology, and medicine.
Breast cancer: A comparative review for breast cancer detection using machine learning techniques
Authors: Khan Mohd Jawed , Singh Arun Kumar , Sultana Razia , Singh Pankaj Pratap , Khan Asif , Saxena Sandeep
Published: October 2023

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally and presents a significant challenge due to its rising incidence and fatality rates. Factors such as cultural, socioeconomic, and educational barriers contribute to inadequate awareness and access to healthcare services, often leading to delayed diagnoses and poor patient outcomes. Furthermore, fostering a collaborative approach among healthcare providers, policymakers, and community leaders is crucial in addressing this critical women's health issue, reducing mortality rates, alleviating, and the overall burden of breast cancer. The main goal of this review is to explore various techniques of machine learning algorithms to examine high accuracy and early detection of breast cancer for the safe health of women.
The role of NFATc1 in the progression and metastasis of prostate cancer: A review on the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways
Authors: Hasani Samaneh , Fathabadi Farshid , Saeidi Saman , Mohajernoei Pouya , Hesari Zahra
Published: October 2023

A common type of cancer among men is the prostate cancer that kills many people every year. The multistage of this disease and the involvement of the vital organs of the body have reduced the life span and quality of life of the people involved and turned the treatment process into a complex one. NFATc1 biomarker contributes significantly in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease by increasing its expression in prostate cancer and helping the proliferation, differentiation, and invasion of cancer cells through different signaling pathways. NFATc1 is also able to target the metabolism of cancer cells by inserting specific oncogene molecules such as c‐myc that it causes cell growth and proliferation. Bone is a common tissue where prostate cancer cells metastasize. In this regard, the activity of NFATc1, through the regulation of different signaling cascades, including the RANKL/RANK signaling pathway, in turn, increases the activity of osteoclasts, and as a result, bone tissue is gradually ruined. Using Silibinin as a medicinal plant extract can inhibit the activity of osteoclasts related to prostate cancer by targeting NFATc. Undoubtedly, NFATc1 is one of the effective oncogenes related to prostate cancer, which has the potential to put this cancer on the path of progression and metastasis. In this review, we will highlight the role of NFATc1 in the progression and metastasis of prostate cancer. Furthermore, we will summarize signaling pathways and molecular mechanism, through which NFATc1 regulates the process of prostate cancer.