bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Backhauling for Small‐Cell Networks
Authors: Song Meiyan , Shan Hangguan
Published: December 2019

Densely deploying small cells is an attractive solution to the explosion of network traffic. However, it is well known that backhaul is a major challenge limiting the improvement of network performance. In this article, we first introduce the characteristics of different wired or wireless backhaul technologies, including fiber, xDSL, sub‐6 GHz, microwave, and millimeter wave (mmWave). As the main performance factors, throughput, latency, energy efficiency, and cost models are analyzed to provide useful guidance for the selection and deployment of backhaul links. Next, we survey existing works on joint optimization of access and backhaul links. Base station (BS) association schemes and caching techniques are also studied for their importance to further improve backhaul performance. Finally, research challenges on backhauling for small‐cell networks are summarized to inspire future research directions.
Managing Computational Elasticity for 5G Networks
Authors: Tsolkas Dimitris , Charismiadis Stavros‐Anastasios
Published: December 2019

The introduction of virtualization in the mobile networks has brought new capabilities for network management, including the cutting‐edge advancement of network slicing over shared infrastructures. Inevitably, the sectors of information technology and telecommunications have converged, as the flexibility of running software programs in clouds, using shared computational resources, is gradually adopted by mobile network providers. In this context, new aspects in network management have been coined, including the network slice elasticity. The network slice elasticity incorporates the need for mechanisms that can guarantee high service performance and demanding service level agreements, when the availability of the computational resources and the traffic loads is stochastic. In this direction, different ways that the elasticity can be integrated in mobile networks have emerged, while specific 5G architectural components have been identified as potential hosts for elasticity provisioning solutions.
5G‐Core Network Security
Authors: Ahmad Ijaz , Suomalainen Jani , Huusko Jyrki
Published: December 2019

The emergence of new services in 5G has necessitated a paradigm shift in the core network, as compared to 4G. New disruptive technological concepts such as softwarized and virtualized network functions, and multi‐access edge computing have been used in the core network. Thus, network function virtualization (NFV), software‐defined networking (SDN) and mobile edge computing have brought dynamicity and elasticity into the core network. Albeit the benefits, these technologies also bring their own limitations into the core network. Security challenges, for instance, constitute one such challenge dimension that need proper investigation into the loopholes existing in these technologies, and thus seek solution to those challenges. In this article, we discuss the security of 5G core network. The potential security challenges and possible solutions for the core network as a whole, and its key functions and technologies are discussed in this article.
5G Charging Architecture
Authors: Gardella Maryse , Görmer Gerald
Published: December 2019

The 5G System (5GS) offers operators opportunities to create new business models by extending, beyond broadband connectivity, capabilities for new vertical industries. To support commercial deployments of 5GS, it is essential to incorporate charging capabilities for operators to be able to monetize investments based on their business models. For this purpose, the charging framework evolved toward 5G from circuit switch network via evolved packet core and other 3GPP domains or services. With 5G, 3GPP networks moved toward a service‐based architecture (SBA) enabling flexible and efficient deployment of various features and services by taking advantage of state‐of‐the‐art software techniques. The charging framework adopted the SBA, via introduction of the new charging function (CHF) as the service producer, to fully integrate to the 5GS and move to APIs technique in 3GPP style. The fundamental charging trigger function component of the charging architecture reused in 5G to identify the appropriate network function for network resource/service usage data collection is the service consumer. Prior to 5G, online charging and offline charging were handled separately, and the first service defined for CHF is the “converged charging service,” which combines quota management and charging data record generation. In the first 5G release, charging for 5G data connectivity and short message service are addressed, encompassing various functionalities such as service continuity, user plane selection close to the access network, concurrent access to local and centralized services, and network slicing. More charging capabilities are expected to be added, in particular for network slicing.
5G Vehicle Communications
Authors: Kim LaeYoung
Published: December 2019

This article explains standardization activities, achievements, and progress on vehicle communication in cellular systems, i.e. evolved packet system (EPS) and 5G system (5GS) by the third generation partnership project (3GPP).
Learned in the Classroom, Digested in the Yard
Authors: Gordon John
Published: December 2019

This chapter explores ways that incarcerated men and women in New York State prisons made use of both formal and informal educational initiatives to transform themselves and build a cadre of leaders who have played a key role in the movement for criminal justice reform—in the process raising questions about the role adult educators can play in movements for social justice generally.
Activist Learning and Temporary Agency Workers in Quebec
Authors: Cardona Manuel Salamanca , Choudry Aziz
Published: December 2019

This chapter addresses learning and nonformal education in the course of organizing migrant and immigrant (im/migrant) temporary agency workers through the Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC) and the Temporary Agency Workers Association (TAWA) in Montreal. The IWC/TAWA organizing approach with agency workers is based on community organizing, activist knowledge production, popular education, and leadership development. Activist education work has helped to foster sustained organizing and campaigns against exploitation by temp agencies in Quebec. This has led to important gains like a recently adopted law that includes several provisions to regulate agencies. We build on critical ethnographic activist research, radical adult education literature concerning social movements, and apply Freire's concepts of limit situations and untested feasibility to TAWA/IWC organizing approaches. We argue that precarious work entails both vulnerability and resistance, and suggest that researchers should attend to the role of activist education, learning, and knowledge production to better understand social and economic justice struggles.
Building Trust and Cultivating Connection, Leadership, and Empowerment in a Community‐Based Program
Authors: Bien‐Gund Susannah , Elrowmeim Somia
Published: December 2019

In this chapter, the former and current directors of adult education at the Arab American Association of New York (AAANY) discuss strategies from their shared process of fostering community, student leadership, and empowerment in AAANY's community‐based literacy program. Amid the challenges for learners and the program connected to the 2016 election and a limited funding landscape, the authors share ways in which students and staff worked together to celebrate, connect, and learn from each other.
Grounding Adult Education in Radical Guyanese and Caribbean Pedagogy
Authors: Cuffy Robert
Published: December 2019

The evolution of education in postcolonial Guyana was closely tied to the state through the socialist government's policy of Free Education from Nursery to University. Walter Rodney, a product of the colonial education system and a revolutionary scholar was able to both critique the shortcomings of the existing system while creating a critical pedagogy which could serve as a radical alternative. This chapter examines possibilities for adult education grounded in Rodney's vision.
Sample content of kinesthetic educational training: Reducing scattered X‐ray exposures to interventional physician operators of fluoroscopy
Authors: Pavlicek William , Sensakovic William F. , Zhou Yuxiang , Paden Robert G. , Panda Anshuman , Hines Justin , Naidu Sailendra G. , Oklu Rahmi
Published: December 2019

Content used by Medical Physicists for fluoroscopy safety training to staff is deliverable via several formats, that is, online content or a live audience slide presentations. Here, we share one example of a kinesthetic (live, hands‐on simulation) educational program in use at our facility for some time (~10 years). In this example, the format and content specifically target methods of reducing physician operator exposures from scattered x rays. A kinesthetic format identifies and promotes the adoption of exposure‐reducing behaviors. Key kinesthetic elements of this type of training include: physician hands‐on measurements of radiation levels at locations specific to their standing positions (e.g., primary arterial access points) in the room using handheld exposure rate meters, measurement of exposure rate reduction to physicians provided by using personal protective equipment, that is, wearable aprons, hanging lead drapes, and pull‐down shields. Physician choice of procedure‐specific tableside selectable controls affecting exposure rate from optional fluoroscopy, Cine or digital subtraction angiography (DSA), along with comparative measured contribution to physician exposure is demonstrated. The inverse square exposure rate reduction to physicians when stepping back from the table during DSA is a key observation. Kinesthetic simulations in the rooms used by physicians have been found to provide the highest level of understanding giving rise to adoption of practices that are impactful for physicians. Specific training scripts are in place for physician sub‐specialization in interventional radiology, cardiology, neurosurgery, vascular surgery, and gastroenterology. This training is used for new physician staff while classroom presentations (whose content mimics in room training) are used with staff who have had previously had in room training.
Analysis of treatment process time for real‐time‐image gated‐spot‐scanning proton‐beam therapy (RGPT) system
Authors: Yoshimura Takaaki , Shimizu Shinichi , Hashimoto Takayuki , Nishioka Kentaro , Katoh Norio , Inoue Tetsuya , Taguchi Hiroshi , Yasuda Koichi , Matsuura Taeko , Takao Seishin , Tamura Masaya , Ito Yoichi M. , Matsuo Yuto , Tamura Hiroshi , Horita Kenji , Umegaki Kikuo , Shirato Hiroki
Published: December 2019

We developed a synchrotron‐based real‐time‐image gated‐spot‐scanning proton‐beam therapy (RGPT) system and utilized it to clinically operate on moving tumors in the liver, pancreas, lung, and prostate. When the spot‐scanning technique is linked to gating, the beam delivery time with gating can increase, compared to that without gating. We aim to clarify whether the total treatment process can be performed within approximately 30 min (the general time per session in several proton therapy facilities), even for gated‐spot‐scanning proton‐beam delivery with implanted fiducial markers. Data from 152 patients, corresponding to 201 treatment plans and 3577 sessions executed from October 2016 to June 2018, were included in this study. To estimate the treatment process time, we utilized data from proton beam delivery logs during the treatment for each patient. We retrieved data, such as the disease site, total target volume, field size at the isocenter, and the number of layers and spots for each field, from the treatment plans. We quantitatively analyzed the treatment process, which includes the patient load (or setup), bone matching, marker matching, beam delivery, patient unload, and equipment setup, using the data obtained from the log data. Among all the cases, 90 patients used the RGPT system (liver: n = 34; pancreas: n = 5; lung: n = 4; and prostate: n = 47). The mean and standard deviation (SD) of the total treatment process time for the RGPT system was 30.3 ± 7.4 min, while it was 25.9 ± 7.5 min for those without gating treatment, excluding craniospinal irradiation (CSI; head and neck: n = 16, pediatric: n = 31, others: n = 15); for CSI (n = 11) with two or three isocenters, the process time was 59.9 ± 13.9 min. Our results demonstrate that spot‐scanning proton therapy with a gating function can be achieved in approximately 30‐min time slots.
Rapid Inversion of Surface Charges in Heteroatom‐Doped Porous Carbon: A Route to Robust Electrochemical Desalination
Authors: Kang Jin Soo , Kim Seoni , Chung Dong Young , Son Yoon Jun , Jo Kyusik , Su Xiao , Lee Myeong Jae , Joo Hwajoo , Hatton T. Alan , Yoon Jeyong , Sung Yung‐Eun
Published: December 2019

Given that a considerably large population suffers from shortage of water, there are numerous on‐going efforts to turn seawater into freshwater, and electrochemical desalination processes—particularly capacitive deionization (CDI)—have gained significant attention due to their high energy efficiency and reliable performance. Meanwhile, carbonaceous electrode materials, which are most commonly used in CDI systems, have poor long‐term stability due to unfavorable interactions with oxygen in saline water. Herein, rapid and vigorous inversion of surface charges in heteroatom‐doped carbon electrodes, which leads to a robust operation of CDI with high desalination capacity, is reported for the first time. By carbonization of coffee wastes, nitrogen‐ and sulfur‐codoped activated carbon with hierarchical micro/mesopores are prepared in an environmentally‐friendly manner, and this carbon results in a significantly higher inverted capacity than that of various activated carbon counterparts in long‐term CDI operations, without any sign of drop in performance. Investigations on the changes in physicochemical properties of the electrodes during the inversion disclose the favorable roles of nitrogen and sulfur dopants, which can be summarized as enlarging the difference between the surface charges of the two electrodes by chemical interactions with oxygen in the anode and carbon in the cathode.
Constructing Multichannel Carbon Fibers as Freestanding Anodes for Potassium‐Ion Battery with High Capacity and Long Cycle Life
Authors: Xu Ying , Yuan Tao , Zhao Yahui , Yao Hongfei , Yang Junhe , Zheng Shiyou
Published: December 2019

Potassium‐ion battery (PIB) is a potential low‐cost energy storage technology owing to the abundant source and wide distribution of potassium element. However, the PIB usually suffers from poor cycling and rate performance induced by volume expansion and sluggish potassiation kinetics. Herein, multichannel carbon fibers (MCCFs) are rationally constructed as freestanding PIB anodes by electrospinning suitable ratio of poly(methyl methacrylate)/polyacrylonitrile with subsequent calcination treatment. The MCCF electrode shows a high reversible capacity/charge capacity of 420.1/304.2 mAh g−1 at current density of 50 mA g−1 and delivers a capacity of 110.9 mAh g−1 over 2000 cycles at a higher current density of 2000 mA g−1. The excellent electrochemical performance is attributed to the unique multichannels in amorphous MCCFs for buffering volume change and facilitating electrolyte infiltration, as well as high conductivity of N‐, O‐doping in MCCFs. This strategy of fabricating multifunctional electrode materials provides an effective approach to develop high‐performance materials for cost‐effective alkali‐ion batteries.
Genome‐wide association study of shared liability to anxiety disorders in Army STARRS
Authors: Hettema John M. , Verhulst Brad , Chatzinakos Chris , Bacanu Silviu‐Alin , Chen Chia‐Yen , Ursano Robert J. , Kessler Ronald C. , Gelernter Joel , Smoller Jordan W. , He Feng , Jain Sonia , Stein Murray B.
Published: December 2019

Anxiety disorders (ANX), namely generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and phobias, are common, etiologically complex syndromes that show increasing prevalence and comorbidity throughout adolescence and beyond. Few genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) examining ANX risk have been published and almost exclusively in individuals of European ancestry. In this study, we phenotyped participants from the Army Study To Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (STARRS) to approximate DSM‐based ANX diagnoses. We factor‐analyzed those to create a single dimensional anxiety score for each subject. GWAS were conducted using that score within each of three ancestral groups (EUR, AFR, LAT) and then meta‐analyzed across ancestries (NTotal = 16,510). We sought to (a) replicate prior ANX GWAS findings in ANGST; (b) determine whether results extended to other ancestry groups; and (c) meta‐analyze with ANGST for increased power to identify novel susceptibility loci. No reliable genome‐wide significant SNP associations were detected in STARRS. However, SNPs within the CAMKMT gene located in region 2p21 associated with shared ANX risk in ANGST were replicated in EUR soldiers but not other ancestry groups. Combining EUR STARRS and ANGST (N = 28,950) yielded a more robust 2p21 association signal (p = 9.08x10−11). Gene‐based analyses supported three genes within 2p21 and LBX1 on chromosome 10. More powerful ANX genetic studies will be required to identify further loci.
A Mass‐Spectrometry‐Based Approach to Distinguish Annular and Specific Lipid Binding to Membrane Proteins
Authors: Bolla Jani Reddy , Corey Robin A. , Sahin Cagla , Gault Joseph , Hummer Alissa , Hopper Jonathan T. S. , Lane David P. , Drew David , Allison Timothy M. , Stansfeld Phillip J. , Robinson Carol V. , Landreh Michael
Published: December 2019

Membrane proteins engage in a variety of contacts with their surrounding lipids, but distinguishing between specifically bound lipids, and non‐specific, annular interactions is a challenging problem. Applying native mass spectrometry to three membrane protein complexes with different lipid‐binding properties, we explore the ability of detergents to compete with lipids bound in different environments. We show that lipids in annular positions on the presenilin homologue protease are subject to constant exchange with detergent. By contrast, detergent‐resistant lipids bound at the dimer interface in the leucine transporter show decreased koff rates in molecular dynamics simulations. Turning to the lipid flippase MurJ, we find that addition of the natural substrate lipid‐II results in the formation of a 1:1 protein–lipid complex, where the lipid cannot be displaced by detergent from the highly protected active site. In summary, we distinguish annular from non‐annular lipids based on their exchange rates in solution.
Copper‐based Schiff Base Complex Immobilized on Core‐shell Fe3O4@SiO2 as a magnetically recyclable and highly efficient nanocatalyst for green synthesis of 2‐amino‐4H‐chromene derivatives
Authors: Ebrahimiasl Hakimeh , Azarifar Davood
Published: December 2019

Fe3O4‐supported copper (II) Schiff‐Base complex has been synthesized through post‐modification with 1,3‐phenylenediamine followed by further post‐modification with salicylaldehyde and coordination with Cu(II) ion. The resulted Fe3O4@SiO2‐imine/phenoxy‐Cu(II) magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were characterized by various techniques including SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, EDX, VSM, FT‐IR, and ICP. The catalytic activity as a magnetically recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for one‐pot, three‐component synthesis of 2‐amino‐4H‐chromene derivatives was examined. The catalyst is efficient in the reaction and can be recovered by magnetic separation and recycled several times without significant loss in the catalytic activity.
Isolation and Evaluation of Stearin and Olein Fractions from Rice Bran Oil Fatty Acid Distillate by Detergent Fractionation and Conversion into Neutral Glycerides by Autocatalytic Esterification Reaction
Authors: Sahu Sudhasri , Ghosh Minakshi , Bhattacharyya Dipak K.
Published: December 2019

Detergent fractionation (Lanza process) offers a valuable separation process for edible oils that contain varying amounts of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. The rice bran oil fatty acid distillate (RBOFAD), obtained as a major byproduct of rice bran oil deacidification refining process, was fractionated by detergent solution into a fatty acid mixture as follows: low‐melting (19.00 °C) fraction of fatty acids as olein fraction (44.50 g/100 g) and high‐melting (49.00 °C) fatty acids as stearin fraction (37.15 g/100 g). A high amount of palmitic acid (42.75 wt%) is present in stearin fraction, while oleic acid is higher (48.21 wt%) in the olein fraction. The stearin and olein fractions of RBOFAD with very high content of free fatty acids are converted into neutral glycerides by autocatalytic esterification reaction with a theoretical amount of glycerol at high temperatures (130–230 °C) and at a reduced pressure (30 mmHg). Acid value, peroxide value, saponification value, and unsaponifiable matters are important analytical parameters to identity for quality assurance. These neutral glyceride‐rich stearin and olein fractions, along with unsaponifiable matters, can be used as nutritionally and functionally superior quality food ingredients in margarine and in baked goods as shortenings.
A Practical Guide to Performance Improvement: Change Acceleration Process and Techniques to Maintain Improvements
Authors: Dawson Anthony
Published: December 2019

Performance improvement (PI) team members and leaders can use a variety of tools to help accelerate change and sustain performance for lasting success. Key factors for PI team members to consider for change management are the ability to work together to problem solve and the involvement of the project's champion or sponsor for the duration of the project. The PI team can use the Change Acceleration Process model, which includes the Threats & Opportunities Matrix; backward imaging; and the goals, roles, processes, and interpersonal relationships checklist to accelerate and maintain their improvement efforts. After reviewing this article, the reader should have a better understanding of how to use the Change Acceleration Process model and tools to promote teamwork, recognize external factors that may hinder improvement, and stay focused on the project goals for ultimate PI project success. This is the sixth article of a six‐part series about performance improvement.
Using a Tibetan Gong to Increase Staff Member Engagement During Time Outs
Authors: Brenckle Erica A. , Gealer Delia , Milligan Marsha
Published: December 2019

Perioperative and procedure area nurses can encounter barriers during the time‐out process. In March 2016, a mock regulatory agency surveyor identified a gap during a time out in our cardiac catheterization laboratory. We worked with our facility's holistic nursing group to identify a solution to gain the full attention of all procedure area team members during each time out. Historically, ceremonial leaders used a gong to begin events because they thought that the sound helped participants focus on the ceremony. Because we wanted staff members to participate in a mindful practice during time outs, we decided to use a Tibetan gong to draw attention to the process. After implementing this change, staff members were more engaged during the time‐out process than they were before the change. In addition, facility leaders requested that we share our process with the staff members in the perioperative and endoscopic areas.
Evaluation of FeIIEDTA‐NO reduction by thiourea dioxide in NO removal with FeIIEDTA
Authors: He Feiqiang , Zhu Xinyu , Chen Xianchun , Ding Jianhua
Published: December 2019

Reducing FeIIEDTA‐NO is key for NO absorption with FeIIEDTA absorbent. In this work, the reducing agent thiourea dioxide (TD) was for the first time employed for reducing FeIIEDTA‐NO. The behavior and kinetics of reducing FeIIEDTA‐NO with TD had been examined with different pH value, varied TD concentrations, and various temperatures. The results investigated that FeIIEDTA‐NO reducing rate rose with pH value increasing as well as elevated temperature. The reaction order of FeIIEDTA‐NO by TD was proved to be 2 on FeIIEDTA‐NO. Meanwhile, activating energy, activating entropy, and activating enthalpy of reducing FeIIEDTA‐NO by TD were separately calculated to be 49.583 kJ mol−1, −64.956 J k−1 mol−1, and 46.943 kJ mol−1. The simultaneous reduction of FeIIIEDTA and FeIIEDTA‐NO by TD was investigated. Results showed that TD was more powerful in reducing FeIIIEDTA and FeIIEDTA‐NO compared with other reduction systems. Finally, nitric oxide removal experiment illustrates that TD can remarkably strengthen the NO removal with FeIIEDTA solution. These theoretical findings could provide constructive suggestions for industrial tail gas denitrification employing associative FeIIEDTA and TD system.
A spatio‐temporal long‐term assessment on the ecological response of reef communities in a Caribbean marine protected area
Authors: Martínez‐Rendis Abigail , Acosta‐González Gilberto , Arias‐González Jesús Ernesto
Published: December 2019

Coral reef biodiversity is rapidly decreasing as a result of the loss of coral cover, which modifies the structure and functioning of the ecosystem. Understanding how coral reef communities respond in space and over the long term is essential in order to implement management strategies and reduce the effects of biodiversity loss on coral reefs.

Fish, coral, and algae communities were used as indicators to evaluate changes in coral reef systems. The variation of these communities was studied in a marine protected area composed of three management zones in Cozumel Coral Reef National Park in Quintana Roo, Mexico, over a period of 11 years (2004–2014). The following parameters were monitored annually: (i) total fish density; (ii) fish trophic group densities; (iii) species richness and three fish diversity indices; (iv) relative scleractinian coral cover; and (v) relative macroalgae cover.

In the years in which coastal development, such as the construction of a marina, took place, an increase in the abundance of territorial herbivorous and planktivorous fish was observed. As the coral recovered, macrocarnivores and sessile benthic invertivores were re‐established, whereas scraper herbivores showed no changes in the period of study in any of the three management zones.

Coral cover recovery showed rapid phase‐shift reversal (phase‐shift, macroalgae dominance over coral) in the three zones. Even though the fish density and coral cover recovered, the diversity indices of each fish trophic group exhibited a reduction in the three management zones over time.
Recent Progress of Electrolyte Design for Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Hu Zhenglin , Li Guojie , Wang Aoxuan , Luo Jiayan , Liu Xingjiang
Published: December 2019

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) bring a bright future for the industrialization with higher voltage and energy density than conventional lithium ion batteries (LIBs) as lithium metal offers an ultra‐high specific capacity and the lowest electrochemical potential. However, they tend to confront unstable interface with electrolytes, uncontrollable dendrite growth and notorious safety concerns, seriously blocking the practical application of lithium metal anodes. Electrolyte is always considered as the most critical factor, directly affecting the overall battery behavior. In this case, the rearrangement of active components or designing novel electrolytes become indispensable approaches and tremendous efforts are required to seek for positive solutions. Herein, we provide recent advancements in prevailing liquid, solid and gel electrolytes from the perspective of their potential application in LMBs. The key scientific issues related to enhanced performance have also been highlighted.
Improving spelling for at‐risk kindergartners through element skill frequency building
Authors: Kostewicz Douglas E. , Kubina Richard M. , Brennan Kaitlyn M.
Published: December 2019

A student's ability to spell affects literacy outcomes. Students profit from explicit spelling instruction but may also benefit from frequency building or systematic practice. The method of frequency building leads toward effortless performance or behavioral fluency. Reaching certain frequencies of behavior produces a critical learning outcome called application. The current study focused on the effects of building element spelling behaviors for at‐risk kindergartners and the subsequent application to a compound spelling skill. Visual and quantitative analysis suggest a clear experimental effect between the attainment of performance criterion for letter sounds, letter naming, and sequencing on students' spelling behavior. A discussion of the results precedes future research directions.
Fiber fractionation to understand the effect of mechanical refining on fiber structure and resulting enzymatic digestibility of biomass
Authors: Corbett Derek B. , Knoll Charlie , Venditti Richard , Jameel Hasan , Park Sunkyu
Published: December 2019

Mechanical refining results in fiber deconstruction and modifications that enhance enzyme accessibility to carbohydrates. Further understanding of the morphological changes occurring to biomass during mechanical refining and the impacts of these changes on enzymatic digestibility is necessary to maximize yields and reduce energy consumption. Although the degree of fiber length reduction relative to fibrillation/delamination can be impacted by manipulating refining variables, mechanical refining of any type (PFI, disk, and valley beater) typically results in both phenomena. Separating the two is not straightforward. In this study, fiber fractionation based on particle size performed after mechanical refining of high‐lignin pulp was utilized to successfully elucidate the relative impact of fibrillation/delamination and fiber cutting phenomena during mechanical refining. Compositional analysis showed that fines contain significantly more lignin than larger size fractions. Enzymatic hydrolysis results indicated that within fractions of uniform fiber length, fibrillation/delamination due to mechanical refining increased enzymatic conversion by 20–30 percentage points. Changes in fiber length had little effect on digestibility for fibers longer than ~0.5 mm. However, the digestibility of the fines fractions was high for all levels of refining even with the high‐lignin content.
A pump‐free tricellular blood–brain barrier on‐a‐chip model to understand barrier property and evaluate drug response
Authors: Yu Fang , Kumar Nivasini D/O Selva , Foo Lynette C. , Ng Sum Huan , Hunziker Walter , Choudhury Deepak
Published: December 2019

Disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) leads to various neurovascular diseases. Development of therapeutics required to cross the BBB is difficult due to a lack of relevant in vitro models. We have developed a three‐dimensional (3D) microfluidic BBB chip (BBBC) to study cell interactions in the brain microvasculature and to test drug candidates of neurovascular diseases. We isolated primary brain microvascular endothelial cells (ECs), pericytes, and astrocytes from neonatal rats and cocultured them in the BBBC. To mimic the 3D in vivo BBB structure, we used type I collagen hydrogel to pattern the microchannel via viscous finger patterning technique to create a matrix. ECs, astrocytes, and pericytes were cocultured in the collagen matrix. The fluid flow in the BBBC was controlled by a pump‐free strategy utilizing gravity as driving force and resistance in a paper‐based flow resistor. The primary cells cultured in the BBBC expressed high levels of junction proteins and formed a tight endothelial barrier layer. Addition of tumor necrosis factor alpha to recapitulate neuroinflammatory conditions compromised the BBB functionality. To mitigate the neuroinflammatory stimulus, we treated the BBB model with the glucocorticoid drug dexamethasone, and observed protection of the BBB. This BBBC represents a new simple, cost‐effective, and scalable in vitro platform for validating therapeutic drugs targeting neuroinflammatory conditions.
Adopting a flipped classroom approach for teaching molar calculations to biochemistry and genetics students
Authors: Francis Nigel , Morgan Alwena , Holm Sean , Davey Ross , Bodger Owen , Dudley Ed
Published: December 2019

The flipped classroom is a relatively new active learning pedagogical intervention, gaining popularity as a blended learning methodology. The flipped classroom comprises two distinct parts, directed learning carried out at the student's own pace away from the classroom and an interactive, class‐based activity encouraging problem‐solving and experiential learning. This research presents a 1‐year study to measure student performance and perception toward a flipped classroom approach to teaching core biochemical calculations to first‐year undergraduate biochemistry and genetics students. A post‐task questionnaire showed an overall positive student perception with an associated significant improvement in the end of module summative assessment. These results suggest that this teaching approach offers some advantages over more traditional teaching pedagogies.
Creating Flavin Reductase Variants with Thermostable and Solvent‐Tolerant Properties by Rational‐Design Engineering
Authors: Maenpuen Somchart , Pongsupasa Vinutsada , Pensook Wiranee , Anuwan Piyanuch , Kraivisitkul Napatsorn , Pinthong Chatchadaporn , Phonbuppha Jittima , Luanloet Thikumporn , Wijma Hein J. , Fraaije Marco W. , Lawan Narin , Chaiyen Pimchai , Wongnate Thanyaporn
Published: December 2019

We have employed computational approaches—FireProt and FRESCO—to predict thermostable variants of the reductase component (C1) of (4‐hydroxyphenyl)acetate 3‐hydroxylase. With the additional aid of experimental results, two C1 variants, A166L and A58P, were identified as thermotolerant enzymes, with thermostability improvements of 2.6–5.6 °C and increased catalytic efficiency of 2‐ to 3.5‐fold. After heat treatment at 45 °C, both of the thermostable C1 variants remain active and generate reduced flavin mononucleotide (FMNH−) for reactions catalyzed by bacterial luciferase and by the monooxygenase C2 more efficiently than the wild type (WT). In addition to thermotolerance, the A166L and A58P variants also exhibited solvent tolerance. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations (6 ns) at 300–500 K indicated that mutation of A166 to L and of A58 to P resulted in structural changes with increased stabilization of hydrophobic interactions, and thus in improved thermostability. Our findings demonstrated that improvements in the thermostability of C1 enzyme can lead to broad‐spectrum uses of C1 as a redox biocatalyst for future industrial applications.
Highly Loaded Mildly Edge‐Oxidized Graphene Nanosheet Dispersions for Large‐Scale Inkjet Printing of Electrochemical Sensors
Authors: Nagar Bhawna , Jović Milica , Bassetto Victor Costa , Zhu Yingdi , Pick Horst , Gómez‐Romero Pedro , Merkoçi Arben , Girault Hubert H. , Lesch Andreas
Published: December 2019

Inkjet printing of electrochemical sensors using a highly loaded mildly edge‐oxidized graphene nanosheet (EOGN) ink is presented. An ink with 30 mg/mL EOGNs is formulated in a mixture of N‐methyl pyrrolidone and propylene glycol with only 30 min of sonication. The absence of additives, such as polymeric stabilizers or surfactants, circumvents reduced electrochemical activity of coated particles and avoids harsh post‐printing conditions for additive removal. A single light pulse from a xenon flash lamp dries the printed EGON film within a fraction of a second and creates a compact electrode surface. An accurate coverage with only 30.4 μg of EOGNs per printed layer and cm2 is achieved. The EOGN films adhere well to flexible polyimide substrates in aqueous solution. Electrochemical measurements were performed using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. An all inkjet‐printed three‐electrode living bacterial cell detector is prepared with EOGN working and counter electrodes and silver‐based quasi‐reference electrode. The presence of E. coli in liquid samples is recorded with four electroactive metabolic activity indicators.
Electrochemical Oxidation of Glycine with Bimetallic Nickel−Manganese Oxide Catalysts
Authors: Mohan Roopathy , Modak Arindam , Subramanian Palaniappan , Cahan Rivka , Sivakumar P. , Gedanken Aharon , Schechter Alex
Published: December 2019

A simple template‐free hydrothermal route followed by high‐temperature (800 °C) annealing in air forms Ni–Mn bimetallic oxides, namely NiMn2O4, Ni1.5Mn1.5O4, and MnNi2O4, which are characterized by XRD, Raman, EDS, and SEM analysis. The electrocatalytic activity of these metal oxides toward the oxidation of glycine molecules in alkaline condition was studied by cyclic voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry methods. Among other nickel manganese bimetallic oxides and monometallic oxides (Mn2O3, NiO), Ni1.5Mn1.5O4 shows excellent redox characteristics with high oxidation current density (310 μA cm−2 at 0.43 V vs. Ag/AgCl) and lower onset potential (0.22 V vs. Ag/AgCl). Additionally, Ni1.5Mn1.5O4 exhibits a moderate Tafel slope (78 mV dec−1) and is electrochemically stable, as confirmed from chronoamperometry, indicating its potential for glycine oxidation. The linear dependence of the oxidation current with glycine concentration signifies that the overall process is diffusion controlled. The electrochemical results suggest that bimetallic mixed Mn and Ni oxides are promising glycine oxidation catalysts, which may be attributed to the cooperative effect between different Ni and Mn elements.
Carbon/Inorganic Hybrid Nanoarchitectures as Carriers for Signaling Elements in Electrochemical Immunosensors: First Biosensor for the Determination of the Inflammatory and Metastatic Processes Biomarker RANK‐ligand
Authors: Valverde Alejandro , Serafín Verónica , Montero‐Calle Ana , González‐Cortés Araceli , Barderas Rodrigo , Yáñez‐Sedeño Paloma , Campuzano Susana , Pingarrón José M.
Published: December 2019

This work reports the development of the first integrated electrochemical immunosensor for the determination of the ligand receptor activator nuclear factor‐κB (RANKL), a biomarker that plays an important role in the regulation of bone resorption process and, as reported recently, in oncology by modulating the immune system response facilitating the tumor growth and metastatic process during cancer development. The developed platform involves a sandwich‐type immunoassay with covalent immobilization of biotinylated capture antibodies onto streptavidin/4‐aminobenzoic acid (p‐ABA) grafted screen‐printed carbon electrodes (bCAb‐Strep/p‐ABA‐SPCE) and the use of an hybrid nanomaterial composed of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as nanocarrier of multiple detector antibody and HRP molecules. Amperometric detection with the H2O2/hydroquinone (HQ) system allowed the construction of a linear calibration plot for RANKL standards between 10.4 and 1,000 pg mL−1 with a LOD of 3.1 pg mL−1. The determination implied simple handling protocols and short assay times. The developed immunosensor was applied to the determination of RANKL in human serum of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Each determination required only 5 μL of undiluted serum and took less than 2 h counting since the preparation of blocked‐bCAb‐Strep/p‐ABA‐SPCE.
Synthesis of β‐Glucosides with 3‐O‐Picoloyl‐Protected Glycosyl Donors in the Presence of Excess Triflic Acid: A Mechanistic Study
Authors: Mannino Michael P. , Demchenko Alexei V.
Published: December 2019

Our previous study showed that picoloylated donors are capable of providing excellent facial stereoselectivity through the H‐bond‐mediated aglycone delivery (HAD) pathway. Presented herein is a detailed mechanistic study of stereoselective glycosylation with 3‐O‐picoloylated glucosyl donors. While reactions of glycosyl donors equipped with the 3‐O‐benzoyl group are typically non‐stereoselective because these reactions proceed via the oxacarbenium intermediate, 3‐O‐picoloylated donors are capable of providing enhanced, but somewhat relaxed, β‐stereoselectivity by the HAD pathway. In an attempt to refine this reaction, we noticed that glycosylations are highly β‐stereoselective in the presence of NIS and stoichiometric TfOH. The HAD pathway is highly unlikely because the picoloyl nitrogen is protonated under these reaction conditions. The protonation and glycosylation were studied by low‐temperature NMR, and the intermediacy of the glycosyl triflate has been observed. This article is dedicated to broadening the scope of this reaction in application to a variety of substrates and targets.
Assembly of Water‐Soluble Sugar‐Coated AIE‐Active Fluorescent Organic Nanoparticles for the Detection of Ginsenosides Based on Carbohydrate‐Carbohydrate Interactions
Authors: Jia Li‐yan , Liu Guang‐jian , Ji Yan‐ming , Zhang Yuan , Xing Guo‐wen
Published: December 2019

A series of water‐soluble turn–on fluorescent organic nanoparticles (FONs) were designed and assembled for the detection of ginsenosides based on carbohydrate‐carbohydrate interactions (CCIs) and aggregation‐induced emission mechanism. Especially, the tetraphenylethylene luminogen coated by four sialic acids (TPE4S) exhibited a considerably high fluorescence enhancement (32‐fold) upon addition of polyglycosylated protopanaxadiol (PPD) derivatives. It is the first time that CCIs were employed for probing amphiphilic ginsenosides effectively. Our current results provide a novel sensing strategy using water‐soluble FONs to detect widely existing saponins with important biological activities.
A topic‐centric access control model for the publish/subscribe paradigm
Authors: Xie Rongna , Shi Guozhen , Guo Yunchuan , Li Fenghua
Published: December 2019

The publish/subscribe paradigm provides loosely coupled and scalable communication for the Internet of Things (IoT). In this paradigm, access control is an efficient approach to guaranteeing security. However, existing access control methods are not suitable for the publish/subscribe paradigm in the sensing layer of the IoT due to their coarse‐grained controls and lack of self‐configuration. To address these problems, in this paper, we propose a topic‐centric access control model (TCAC) to realize fine‐grained authorization for the sensing layer of the IoT. First, we use topics, a fundamental concept for the publish/subscribe paradigm, as the basic access control unit to dynamically authorize access according to the attributes of devices, users, and topics. Second, an administration model for TCAC is proposed to manage these attributes and configure access policies to effectively implement user‐driven access controls. Finally, a healthcare case is used to demonstrate the security of the proposed TCAC. The results show that our model is dynamic, fine‐grained, and user driven.
Copper‐Catalyzed Huisgen 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition Tailored for Phosphorothioate Oligonucleotides
Authors: Honcharenko Malgorzata , Honcharenko Dmytro , Stromberg Roger
Published: December 2019

An efficient method for attachment of a variety of reporter groups to oligonucleotides (ONs) is copper (I) [Cu(I)]‐catalyzed Huisgen azide‐alkyne 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition (“click reaction”). However, in the case of ONs with phosphorothioate modifications as internucleosidic linkages (PS‐ONs), this conjugation method has to be adjusted to be compatible with the sulfur‐containing groups. The method described here is adapted for PS‐ONs, utilizes solid‐supported ONs, and implements the Cu(I) bromide dimethyl sulfide complex (CuBr × Me2S) as a mediator for the click reaction. The solid‐supported ONs can be readily transformed into “clickable ONs” by on‐line addition of an alkyne‐containing linker that subsequently can react with an azido‐containing moiety (e.g., a peptide) in the presence of CuBr × Me2S. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Basic Protocol 1: Conjugation on solid support

Support Protocol: Removal of 4,4′‐dimethoxytrityl group from amino linker

Basic Protocol 2: Removal of protecting groups and cleavage from solid support

Basic Protocol 3: HPLC purification
Chemoenzymatic Halocyclization of γ,δ‐Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids and Alcohols
Authors: Younes Sabry H. H. , Tieves Florian , Lan Dongming , Wang Yonghua , Süss Philipp , Brundiek Henrike , Wever Ron , Hollmann Frank
Published: December 2019

Invited for this month's cover is the group of Prof. Dr. Frank Hollmann at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. The Front Cover shows the vanadium‐dependent haloperoxidase from the marine organism Curcuvaria inaequalis, which efficiently activates halides as hypohalites that can then initiate spontaneous halo‐lactonization and halo‐etherification reactions. The Communication itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.201902240.
Blockade of TrkB but not p75NTR activates a subpopulation of quiescent neural precursor cells and enhances neurogenesis in the adult mouse hippocampus
Authors: Groves Natalie , O’Keeffe Imogen , Lee Wendy , Toft Alexandra , Blackmore Daniel , Bandhavkar Saurabh , Coulson Elizabeth J. , Bartlett Perry F. , Jhaveri Dhanisha J.
Published: December 2019

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling plays a major role in the regulation of hippocampal neurogenesis in the adult brain. While the majority of studies suggest that this is due to its effect on the survival and differentiation of newborn neurons, it remains unclear whether this signaling directly regulates neural precursor cell (NPC) activity and which of its two receptors, TrkB or the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) mediates this effect. Here, we examined both the RNA and protein expression of these receptors and found that TrkB but not p75NTR receptors are expressed by hippocampal NPCs in the adult mouse brain. Using a clonal neurosphere assay, we demonstrate that pharmacological blockade of TrkB receptors directly activates a distinct subpopulation of NPCs. Moreover, we show that administration of ANA‐12, a TrkB‐selective antagonist, in vivo either by systemic intraperitoneal injection or by direct infusion within the hippocampus leads to an increase in the production of new neurons. In contrast, we found that NPC‐specific knockout of p75NTR had no effect on the proliferation of NPCs and did not alter neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus. Collectively, these results demonstrate a novel role of TrkB receptors in directly regulating the activity of a subset of hippocampal NPCs and suggest that the transient blockade of these receptors could be used to enhance adult hippocampal neurogenesis.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Platinum Complexes: A Big Step Forward for Effective Antitumor Compounds
Authors: Bellemin‐Laponnaz Stéphane
Published: December 2019

Invited for the cover of this issue is Stéphane Bellemin‐Laponnaz from the University of Strasbourg and CNRS, France. The cover image shows the formulas of various platinum(II) complexes with an N‐heterocyclic carbene ligand and a neutral ligand with two halides in the trans‐position. These complexes have a potent anticancer activity.
(Het)aryl Difluoromethyl‐Substituted β‐Alkoxyenones: Synthesis and Heterocyclizations
Authors: Bugera Maksym Ya. , Tarasenko Karen V. , Kondratov Ivan S. , Gerus Igor I. , Vashchenko Bohdan V. , Ivasyshyn Viktor E. , Grygorenko Oleksandr O.
Published: December 2019

An efficient approach to the preparation of β‐alkoxyenones bearing (het)aryl difluoromethyl substituents is described. The method included acylation of acyclic or cyclic vinyl ethers with (het)aryl difluoroacetyl chlorides. The method worked well for most substrates, except aryl‐substituted derivatives bearing electron‐donating groups in o‐ or p‐positions, and heteroaromatic compounds bearing sufficiently basic nitrogen atom. Synthetic utility of (het)aryl difluoromethyl‐substituted β‐alkoxyenones as CCC bis‐electrophiles was demonstrated by heterocyclizations with common 1,2‐ and 1,3‐bis‐nucleophiles leading to compounds with (het)aryl–CF2–(het)aryl motif, in particular (het)aryl difluoromethyl‐substituted pyrazoles, isoxazoles, and pyrimidines – promising chemotypes for drug discovery.