bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Custodial suicide and class action remedies: Current obstacles and future directions
Authors: Dlugacz Henry A. , Droubi Luna , Gallagher Mehgan
Published: May 2019

Custodial suicide is a foundational concern for correctional systems. The incarcerated population is at an increased risk for suicide as compared with people living in the community. Sufficient suicide prevention is a critical component of a constitutionally adequate system of correctional mental health care. The remedial phases of class action litigations have animated improvement in suicide prevention in many correctional systems across the United States. In the current climate, many legal obstacles make it more difficult for plaintiffs to prevail in such cases, but it is expected that advocates will find novel approaches in response to these legal hurdles, such as greater reliance on state law remedies, and will seek to expand the scope of potential actions in emerging areas such as immigration detention. Defendants and courts will, in turn, need to respond to these changes. This article explores the history of relevant litigations, and the legal obstacles currently faced by plaintiffs, as well as future directions the authors consider will likely be taken. Practical issues such as appropriate measurement of improvement in the area of suicide prevention are also explored.
A new flow cell and chemometric protocol for implementing in‐line Raman spectroscopy in chromatography
Authors: Feidl Fabian , Garbellini Simone , Vogg Sebastian , Sokolov Michael , Souquet Jonathan , Broly Hervé , Butté Alessandro , Morbidelli Massimo
Published: May 2019

On‐line monitoring tools for downstream chromatographic processing (DSP) of biotherapeutics can enable fast actions to correct for disturbances in the upstream, gain process understanding, and eventually lead to process optimization. While UV/Vis spectroscopy is mostly assessing the protein's amino acid composition and the application of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is limited due to strong water interactions, Raman spectroscopy is able to assess the secondary and tertiary protein structure without significant water interactions. The aim of this work is to implement the Raman technology in DSP, by designing an in‐line flow cell with a reduced dead volume of 80 μL and a reflector to increase the signal intensity as well as developing a chemometric modeling path. In this context, measurement settings were adjusted and spectra were taken from different chromatographic breakthrough curves of IgG1 in harvest. The resulting models show a small average RMSEP of 0.12 mg/mL, on a broad calibration range from 0 to 2.82 mg/mL IgG1. This work highlights the benefits of model assisted Raman spectroscopy in chromatography with complex backgrounds, lays the fundamentals for in‐line monitoring of IgG1, and enables advanced control strategies. Moreover, the approach might be extended to further critical quality attributes like aggregates or could be transferred to other process steps.
Identification and validation of circulating exosomes‐based liquid biopsy for esophageal cancer
Authors: Zhao An , Guo Liwei , Xu Ji , Zheng Lei , Guo Zhenying , Ling Zhiqiang , Wang Lidong , Mao Weimin
Published: May 2019

Background

Early detection of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) recurrence is a key element for follow‐up care and surveillance. The aim of this study is to detect the level of circulating exosomes (CEs) in ESCC patient and clarify its clinical significance.

Methods

In this study, 200 serum samples of ESCC patients were obtained from the Zhejiang Cancer Hospital Biospecimen Repository. Total CEs were purified by selectively capturing epithelial cell adhesion molecule positive exosomes, using magnetic‐bead technique. enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure the concentration level of CEs. The oncogenic potential of CEs was analyzed in vitro.

Results

Serum concentration of CEs was significantly higher in ESCC patients than in healthy controls (P < 0.01). Receiver‐operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that CEs concentration could distinguish patients with ESCC from healthy individuals with a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 85%. Kaplan‐Meier analysis demonstrated that the increased CEs concentration was associated with poor overall survival (P = 0.01) and progression free survival (P = 0.03) in ESCC patients. Multivariate cox regression analysis revealed that CEs concentration was an independent prognostic marker for overall survival in ESCC patients (P < 0.01). Results from transwell and wound scratching experiments showed that the CEs could promote cell migration and invasion.

Conclusions

This study clearly demonstrates that CEs from ESCC patients are stable enough to be measured and their levels in ESCC patients are significantly upregulated. Circulating exosomes could serve as a novel noninvasive biomarker for detection of ESCC. Their involvement in carcinogenesis must be further established.
Base‐Sequence‐Independent Efficient Redox Switching of Self‐Assembled DNA Nanocages
Authors: Wang Bang , Song Lei , Jin Bang , Deng Ning , Wu Xiaojing , He Jianbo , Deng Zhaoxiang , Li Yulin
Published: May 2019

Stimuli responsivity has been extensively pursued in dynamic DNA nanotechnology, due to its incredible application potentials. Among diverse dynamic systems, redox‐responsive DNA assembly holds great promise for broad applications, especially considering that redox processes widely exist in various physiological environments. However, only a few studies have been reported on redox‐sensitive dynamic DNA assembly. Albeit ingenious, most of these studies are either dependent on the DNA sequence or involve chemical modification. Herein, a facile and universal mechanism to realize redox‐responsive self‐assembly of DNA nanocages (tetrahedron and cube) driven by the interconversion between cystamine and cysteamine toward dynamic DNA nanotechnology is reported.
A DNA Aptamer for Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate that Shows Adaptive Recognition
Authors: Sharma Suruchi , Zajac Matthew , Krishnan Yamuna
Published: May 2019

As a ubiquitous second messenger, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) mediates diverse biological processes such as cell growth, inflammation, and metabolism. The ability to probe these pathways would be significantly enhanced if we had a DNA‐based sensor for cAMP. Herein, we describe a new, 31‐base long single‐stranded DNA aptamer for cAMP, denoted caDNApt‐1, that was isolated by in vitro selection using systemic evolution of ligands after exponential enrichment (SELEX). caDNApt‐1 has an approximately threefold higher affinity for cAMP than ATP, ADP, and AMP. Using non‐denaturing gel electrophoresis and fluorescence spectroscopy, we characterized the structural changes caDNApt‐1 undergoes upon binding to cAMP and revealed its potential as a cAMP sensor.
Thermo‐Rheology of a Proline‐Based Surface‐Active Ionic Liquid: Mixtures with Water and n‐Octane
Authors: Torres María Dolores , Corchero Raquel , Rodríguez-Escontrela Iria , Soto Ana , Moreira Ramón
Published: May 2019

Surfactant flooding is one of the most promising techniques to recover oil from unprofitable reservoirs. Surface‐active ionic liquids can overcome the limitations of the current surfactants. The rheology of the injecting solutions and the formed slugs is critical in the evaluation of an enhanced oil recovery process. The thermo‐rheological behavior of a biodegradable surface‐active ionic liquid, [ProC4]DS, and the corresponding binary and ternary mixtures with water and n‐octane was studied. All flow curves exhibited shear‐thinning and thixotropic behavior. The viscoelastic behavior of the ternary samples depended strongly on the [ProC4]DS content. Three different regions were identified: typical liquid‐like behavior, weak gel, and true gel. The thermal profiles indicated that the tested systems were fully thermoreversible.
Na2Ti3O7 Nanotubes as Anode Materials for Sodium‐ion Batteries and Self‐powered Systems
Authors: Chen Zehua , Lu Liang , Li Nianwu , Sun Chunwen
Published: May 2019

Na2Ti3O7 (NTO) is a potential anode material with low discharge voltage for room‐temperature sodium‐ion batteries. In this work, NTO nanotubes were prepared by a hydrothermal method. XRD, SEM, TEM, and HRTEM studies are performed to investigate the composition, morphology, and structure. As anodes for sodium‐ion batteries, NTO nanotubes show a reversible capacity of 126.2 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1. The discharge capacity can still reach 109 mAh g−1 even for 2000 cycles. Solid‐state sodium‐ion batteries containing NTO‐nanotube anodes and an Na3Zr2Si2PO12 solid electrolyte display a comparable performance to batteries with a liquid electrolyte. Moreover, the prepared solid‐state sodium battery is also demonstrated to store mechanical energy harvested by triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). The discharge capacity reaches 121 mAh g−1 at 5 mA g−1.
Structure‐Pattern‐Based Total Synthesis
Authors: Gerlinger Christa K. G. , Gaich Tanja
Published: May 2019

In this article the concept of structure‐pattern‐recognition and its application to total synthesis is summarized. By applying this synthetic strategy to the two biogenetically unrelated natural product families Sarpagine and Stemona alkaloids, a drastic increase of synthetic efficiency could be achieved. To highlight its potential, this strategy is compared with some elegant target‐oriented syntheses. The importance of strategic planning and synthesis design is clearly demonstrated.
Exploring the Chemistry of Non‐sticky Sugars: Synthesis of Polyfluorinated Carbohydrate Analogues of d‐Allopyranose
Authors: Denavit Vincent , St‐Gelais Jacob , Tremblay Thomas , Giguère Denis
Published: May 2019

There is a growing interest in the preparation of polyfluorinated carbohydrates. A limited number of fluorohexopyranosides have been used in biological investigations because of the synthetic challenge they present. Hence, we report the synthesis of fluorinated homodimer, fluorodisaccharides, C‐terminal fluoroglycopeptides, lipoic acid fluoroglycoconjugate and trifluoroallopyranoside derivatives functionalized at C‐6. Our strategy uses levoglucosan as inexpensive starting material and facilitates an approach to complex carbohydrate analogues with multiple C−F bonds. The challenge of our synthetic route centered around an efficient preparation of crucial 1,6‐anhydro‐2,4‐dideoxy‐difluoroglucopyranose and focused on achieving a difficult glycosylation of the trifluoroallopyranose donor. The results clearly highlight challenges related to the preparation of polyhalogenated complex organic molecules and pave the way to access novel medically relevant tools.
The Influence of Chemical Change on Protein Dynamics: A Case Study with Pyruvate Formate‐Lyase
Authors: Hanževački Marko , Čondić‐Jurkić Karmen , Banhatti Radha Dilip , Smith Ana‐Sunčana , Smith David M.
Published: May 2019

Invited for the cover of this issue is David M. Smith and co‐workers at the Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia and Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen Nurnberg, Germany. The image depicts coenzyme A reaching for the acetyl group in the active site of pyruvate formate–lyase. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201900663.
Fluorine‐Containing Drugs Approved by the FDA in 2018
Authors: Mei Haibo , Han Jianlin , Fustero Santos , Medio‐Simon Mercedes , Sedgwick Daniel M. , Santi Claudio , Ruzziconi Renzo , Soloshonok Vadim A.
Published: May 2019

Over the last two decades, fluorine substitution has become one of the essential structural traits in modern pharmaceuticals. Thus, about half of the most successful drugs (blockbuster drugs) contain fluorine atoms. In this review, we profile 17 fluorine‐containing drugs approved by the food and drug administration (FDA) in 2018. The newly approved pharmaceuticals feature several types of aromatic F and CF3, as well as aliphatic (CF2) substitution, offering advances in the treatment of various diseases, including cancer, HIV, malarial and smallpox infections.
Methoden zur Technologie‐Vorausschau
Authors: Möckel Christina , Schumacher Gerd , Hake Jürgen‐Friedrich
Published: May 2019

Auch wenn exakte Vorhersagen der Zukunft in einer nicht‐deterministischen Welt unmöglich sind, liefert die Technologie‐Vorausschau relevante Hinweise auf mögliche zukünftige Entwicklungen. Methoden der Technologie‐Vorausschau spielen daher heute für verschiedenste Branchen der Wirtschaft, inklusive der Chemieindustrie, eine zentrale Rolle im Innovationsmanagement. Das äußerst breite Methodenspektrum ist ständig in der Weiterentwicklung. Meist finden Kombinationen mehrerer Methoden Anwendung mit jeweils sehr spezifischen Lösungsansätzen für eine Fragestellung. Verschiedene Methoden wurden exemplarisch anhand des Gebietes der Energieforschung beleuchtet. Publikationsanalysen liefern Hinweise auf bestehende Trends und auch aufkommende („emerging“) Trends. Gerade schwache Signale liefern hier neue Erkenntnisse. Die Kreativtechnik hingegen kann zur Szenarioentwicklung sinnvoll eingesetzt werden, da mögliche disruptive Ereignisse mit in Betracht gezogen werden können. Die Szenarioentwicklung erfordert neben der Auseinandersetzung mit technologischen Aspekten auch die Betrachtung von möglichen soziologischen und ökonomischen Entwicklungen. Denn erst der sozioökonomische Kontext ist maßgeblich für die Entstehung eines Trends und der Durchsetzung einer Technologie.
Facile in situ Synthesis of Ag‐Doped CdSe Supra‐Quantum Dots and their Characterization
Authors: Lee See Mak , Lim Hyunseob , Lee Younki , Bang Jiwon
Published: May 2019

A supra‐quantum dot (SQD) is a three‐dimensionally assembled QD structure composed of several hundreds to thousands of QDs connected through oriented attachments. Owing to their three‐dimensional interconnected structures and relatively large volumes, impurity atoms are thermodynamically more stable in SQDs than in conventional QDs. Herein, we report the facile in‐situ synthesis of colloidal Ag‐doped CdSe SQDs. Ag dopants were efficiently incorporated into CdSe SQDs through the three‐dimensional interconnection of Ag‐doped primary CdSe QDs, as confirmed by elemental analysis combined with chemical etching. Photoelectron spectroscopic studies revealed that the Ag‐doped CdSe SQDs exhibit n‐type doping behavior, since the valence electrons from the interstitial Ag atoms are directly donated to the lattice.
Strong Microheterogeneity in Novel Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Alizadeh Vahideh , Geller David , Malberg Friedrich , Sánchez Pablo B. , Padua Agilio , Kirchner Barbara
Published: May 2019

With the increasing application of template assisted syntheses in deep eutectic solvents and successful application of hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents in extraction processes, where microheterogeneity plays a major role, suggestions for novel deep eutectic solvents which exhibit strong microheterogeneity are desirable. Therefore, classical molecular dynamics simulations were carried out on deep eutectic solvent systems constructed of choline chloride and some of its derivatives mixed with ethylene glycol in a molar composition of 1 : 2 since this is the optimal parent composition. The derivatives consisted of a series of elongated alkyl side chains and elongated alcohol side chains. Of these series only choline chloride ethylene glycol has been investigated experimentally, the other systems are suggested and theoretically investigated as possible target for synthesis. Our domain analysis supported by the clear distinction of polar and nonpolar parts from the electrostatic potentials reveals that strong microheterogeneity within these novel hypothetical deep eutectic solvents exists. Rather stretched than crumbled side chains maximize possible interaction sites for both polar and nonpolar parts which make the suggested compounds valuable objectives for experiments in order to exploit the microheterogeneity in deep eutectic solvents.
From the Synthesis of Biobased Cyclic Carbonate to Polyhydroxyurethanes: A Promising Route towards Renewable Non‐Isocyanate Polyurethanes
Authors: Carré Camille , Ecochard Yvan , Caillol Sylvain , Avérous Luc
Published: May 2019

With a global production of around 18 million tons (6th among all polymers) and a wide range of applications, such as rigid and soft foams, elastomers, coatings, and adhesives, polyurethanes (PUs) are a major polymer family. Nevertheless, they present important environmental and health issues. Recently, new and safer PUs, called non‐isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs), have become a promising alternative to replace conventional PUs. Sustainable routes towards NIPUs are discussed herein from the perspective of green chemistry. The main focus is on the reaction between biobased carbonates and amines, which offers an interesting pathway to renewable polyhydroxyurethanes (PHUs). An overview of different routes for the synthesis of PHUs draws attention to the green synthesis of cyclic carbonate (CC) compounds and the aminolysis reaction. Current state‐of‐the‐art of different biobased building blocks for the synthesis of PHUs focuses on CC compounds. Three classes of compounds are defined according to the feedstock: 1) vegetable fats and oils, 2) starch and sugar resources, and 3) wood derivatives. Finally, biobased PHU properties are discussed.
CPM modulation index estimation using LS and BLUE methods
Authors: Atashbar Mahmoud , Vahidinia Vahideh
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we propose two methods for blind estimation of modulation index of full‐response binary continuous phase modulation (CPM) scheme. Most of previous works assume that there is a single sample for each symbol; thus, they cannot improve their performance when sampling rate is bigger than symbol rate. In our proposed methods, modulation index is estimated using samples of autocorrelation function of the received signal, which is a nonlinear function of modulation index. We propose Taylor expansion for approximating this nonlinear function by a linear function. Then, by choosing some samples of the autocorrelation function, we estimate the modulation index with the least square (LS) estimator. For decreasing estimation errors, in the second proposed method, we apply the statistical properties of the autocorrelation function estimation errors, to design the best linear unbiased estimation (BLUE) estimator. The numerical performance analysis in terms of mean‐squared error (MSE) and bit error rate (BER) shows that the proposed methods outperform the reference methods in accurate estimation of the modulation index.
Non‐hierarchical competition among co‐occurring woody seedlings in a resource‐limited environment
Authors: Woods Natasha N. , McCarthy Ryan , Miriti Maria N.
Published: May 2019

Long‐term species persistence in plant communities is contingent in part on the conditions that favor establishment and early survival. In stressful habitats, facilitated seedling establishment can enhance species richness by providing a safe‐site for species unable to establish in open microsites. However, the indirect effects of seedling competition may drive persistence in locations where seedlings occur in high density. This under‐examined dynamic can influence community recovery to stress by favoring competitively dominant species, in particular when stress increases local seedling density in favorable microsites. We present the results of a response surface experiment that examines growth responses among seedlings of Ambrosia dumosa, Eriogonum fasciculatum, and Larrea tridentata that were planted at three densities and four relative frequencies. These species co‐occur at an extensively monitored reference community located in the Colorado Desert, California, USA, where extensive drought caused unprecedented mortality that will require novel recruitment for the community to reach pre‐disturbance composition. Significant, non‐hierarchical competitive responses show that seedling survival is contingent on the species identity and density of neighboring seedlings. This result supports non‐hierarchical competition among these common species. Ambrosia and Eriogonum had faster growth rates than Larrea, but also experienced larger reductions in growth from competition than Larrea. Although drought may intensify seedling competition in favorable locations, the context dependency of competitive outcomes may permit coexistence.
European environmental policy at 50: Five decades of escaping decision traps?
Authors: Deters Henning
Published: May 2019

Rather than being constrained by the least ambitious governments, the European Union (EU) has until recently set the pace of national environmental policy. The contribution examines why the EU was often able to set the pace despite the institutionalist expectation that national diversity and quasi‐unanimity should produce joint‐decision traps. It also explains why this is no longer the case. Adopting a long‐term, diachronic perspective, I argue that the EU's unexpected dynamism and its recent decline are related to distinct institutional exits from the joint‐decision trap that have opened and closed in different periods. During the emergence of the policy area, diversity was manageable through bargaining, and joint gains were abundant. Between the late 1980s and the Eastern enlargement, as environmental policy was increasingly adopted under the community method, supranational intervention became an additional exit mechanism, with an activist European Parliament and strong agenda setting by the Commission. Since mid‐2000, the green dynamism is in decline, as supranational interventions wane and bargaining solutions become insufficient to cope with increased diversity after enlargement, exacerbated by the economic crisis. However, nonpolitical lawmaking in the regulatory mode is emerging as a novel exit from the joint‐decision trap.
Accuracy of Doppler blood pressure measurement in continuous‐flow left ventricular assist device patients
Authors: Li Song , Beckman Jennifer A. , Welch Nathan G. , Bjelkengren Jason , Masri Sofia Carolina , Minami Elina , Stempien‐Otero April , Levy Wayne C. , O'Brien Kevin D. , Lin Shin , Farris Stephen D. , Cheng Richard K. , Wood Gregory , Koomalsingh Kevin , Kirkpatrick James , McCabe James , Leary Peter J. , Chassagne Fanette , Chivukula Venkat Keshav , Aliseda Alberto , Mahr Claudius
Published: May 2019

Aims

Accurate blood pressure (BP) measurement in continuous‐flow ventricular assist device (CF‐VAD) patients is imperative to reduce stroke risk. This study assesses the accuracy of the Doppler opening pressure method compared with the gold standard arterial line method in CF‐VAD patients.

Methods and results

In a longitudinal cohort of HeartMate II and HVAD patients, arterial line BP and simultaneously measured Doppler opening pressure were obtained. Overall correlation, agreement between Doppler opening pressure and arterial line mean vs. systolic pressure, and the effect of arterial pulsatility on the accuracy of Doppler opening pressure were analysed. A total of 1933 pairs of Doppler opening pressure and arterial line pressure readings within 1 min of each other were identified in 154 patients (20% women, mean age 55 ± 15, 50% HeartMate II and 50% HVAD). Doppler opening pressure had good correlation with invasive mean arterial pressure (r = 0.742, P < 0.0001) and more closely approximated mean than systolic BP (mean error 2.4 vs. −8.4 mmHg). Arterial pulsatility did not have a clinically significant effect on the accuracy of the Doppler opening pressure method.

Conclusions

Doppler opening pressure should be the standard non‐invasive method of BP measurement in CF‐VAD patients.
Type I interferons provide additive signals for murine regulatory B cell induction by Schistosoma mansoni eggs
Authors: Obieglo Katja , Costain Alice , Webb Lauren M. , Ozir‐Fazalalikhan Arifa , Brown Shelia L. , MacDonald Andrew S. , Smits Hermelijn H.
Published: May 2019

The helminth Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) induces a network of regulatory immune cells, including interleukin (IL)‐10‐producing regulatory B cells (Bregs). However, the signals required for the development and activation of Bregs are not well characterized. Recent reports suggest that helminths induce type I interferons (IFN‐I), and that IFN‐I drive the development of Bregs in humans. We therefore assessed the role of IFN‐I in the induction of Bregs by S. mansoni. Mice chronically infected with S. mansoni or i.v. injected with S. mansoni soluble egg antigen (SEA) developed a systemic IFN‐I signature. Recombinant IFN‐α enhanced IL‐10 production by Bregs stimulated with S. mansoni SEA in vitro, while not activating Bregs by itself. IFN‐I signaling also supported ex vivo IL‐10 production by SEA‐primed Bregs but was dispensable for activation of S. mansoni egg‐induced Bregs in vivo. These data indicate that although IFN‐I can serve as a coactivator for Breg IL‐10 production, they are unlikely to participate in the development of Bregs in response to S. mansoni eggs.
Nanocrystalline Polymer Impregnated [Fe(pz)Pt(CN)4] Thin Films Prepared by Matrix‐Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation
Authors: Sawczak Mirosław , Jendrzejewski Rafał , Maskowicz Dominik , Garcia Yann , Ghosh Astha C. , Gazda Maria , Czechowski Jakub , Śliwiński Gerard
Published: May 2019

In this work, the fabrication of [Fe(pz)Pt(CN)4] (pz = pyrazine) thin films by means of matrix‐assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) was investigated. As starting material, a cryogenically cooled suspension of nanocrystalline [Fe(pz)Pt(CN)4] (0.35wt.‐%) in a mixture of1,1‐dichloroethane and polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used. Films of a thickness up to 150–200 nm were deposited on Si substrates by laser ablation at λ = 1064 nm of the cryogenically cooled material. PEG impregnated films exhibit a cooperative first‐order hysteretic spin crossover behavior around 155 K as detected by Raman spectroscopy. Most interestingly, deposition of a crystalline material was achieved through MAPLE deposition.
Effect of Roasting and Grinding on the Processing Characteristics and Organoleptic Properties of Sesame Butter
Authors: Zhang Wenbin , Xu Tao , Yang Ruijin
Published: May 2019

Sesame butter is widely consumed in Asian and Middle Eastern countries and can also be further processed for oil extraction. Roasting and grinding processes affect both the organoleptic properties and the processing characteristics of the butter. The effects of microwave‐heating and roll‐grinding on the sesame‐milling properties and the paste texture of sesame butter are studied. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and particle size analysis (PSA) are combined to analyze the microstructure and particle size distribution of sesame butter. When both oil leakage and the mouthfeel requirement are concerned, the R3 (milling by a roll crusher at 3 circles) sample is found to be the one with the least oil exuded on the surface (33.49%), which has mean particle size of 25.62 µm and particles larger than 50 µm constituted only 36.13% in the butter. Compared with sesame butter from microwave oven heating, oven roasting samples is likely to produce more flavors, and the flavors are marked with a strong nut‐like aroma. Oven‐roasting could effectively increase the quantity and intensity of volatiles of sesame butter. However, the microwave treatment enhances the sesame lignan content. In addition, the study also investigates how color values (L*, a*, and b*) of sesame butter change with the roasting process.

Practical Applications: Sesame butter production processes are mainly handled in a traditional method and the technological operations and parameters are carried out by experienced operators. The main quality problem facing the sesame butter industry is the tendency of the oil to release. It leads to negative effects on consumer acceptability and rancidity. Thus, in order to obtain the product with consumer acceptability on the market, it is necessary to analyze the effect of roasting and grinding on processing characteristics and organoleptic properties of sesame butter.

The effects of microwave‐heating and roll‐grinding on the sesame‐milling properties and the paste texture of sesame butter are studied. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and the particle size analysis (PSA) are combined to analyze the microstructure and particle size distribution of sesame butter.
2‐Azanorbornane‐Based Amino Alcohol Organocatalysts for Asymmetric Michael Reaction of β‐Keto Esters with Nitroolefins
Authors: Togashi Rei , Chennapuram Madhu , Seki Chigusa , Okuyama Yuko , Kwon Eunsang , Uwai Koji , Tokiwa Michio , Takeshita Mitsuhiro , Nakano Hiroto
Published: May 2019

New optically active 2‐azanorbornane‐based amino alcohol organocatalysts were designed and synthesized, and these catalysts were successfully employed in the asymmetric Michael reaction of β‐keto esters with nitroolefins to obtain the corresponding chiral Michael adducts with both high chemical yields (up to 99 %) and high stereoselectivities (up to dr = 91:9, up to 91 % ee).
Strategies for the Asymmetric Construction of Pelletierine and its Use in the Synthesis of Sedridine, Myrtine, and Lasubine
Authors: Zaidan Raed K. , Evans Paul
Published: May 2019

Three methods for the asymmetric synthesis of both enantiomers of pelletierine 6 are reported. Bella's proline‐based Mannich process gave (R)‐ and (S)‐Cbz‐protected 6 in good yields from Δ1‐piperideine 14 and in reasonable enantiomeric excess (74–80 % ee). An intramolecular aza‐Michael, cinchona‐based, organocatalytic method is also reported. With commercially available 9‐amino quinine (24a) and quinidine (24b) catalysts, Cbz‐protected α,β‐unsaturated ketone 23 also gave (R)‐ and (S)‐Cbz‐protected 6 in good yields and enantiomeric excess (90–99 % ee). This material was used to synthesize both optically active forms of deoxyhalofuginone (26), an analogue of febrifugine which is of interest as an anti‐fibrotic agent. Finally, a resolution of racemic pelletierine using (R)‐ and (S)‐mandelic acid 27 is reported. This scalable method gave both enantiomers of Cbz‐ and Boc‐protected 6 in excellent enantiomeric excess (≥ 99 %). Both highly enantioenriched forms of 6 (obtained from the resolution study) were used to synthesize several alkaloids. Firstly, (–)‐(S)‐Cbz‐protected pelletierine 17 was used to prepare naturally occurring sedridine (32) and its epimer allosedridine (8). Then the preparation of both enantiomers of the quinolizidine myrtine (33) by an olefination‐intramolecular aza‐Michael sequence is reported. Finally, the synthesis of the epimeric quinolizidine alkaloids, lasubine I (34) and lasubine II (35), from (+)‐ and (–)‐Boc‐protected pelletierine (29) respectively, is discussed.
Transition‐Metal‐Free Synthesis of Phenanthridinones through Visible‐Light‐Driven Oxidative C–H Amidation
Authors: Usami Kaoru , Yamaguchi Eiji , Tada Norihiro , Itoh Akichika
Published: May 2019

The treatment of N‐aryl biphenylcarboxamide, 1‐chloroanthraquinone (1‐Cl‐AQN) catalyst, and K2CO3 in CHCl3 under visible light irradiation affords phenanthridinone via radical cyclization. This reaction proceeds under transition‐metal‐free condition, room temperature, and direct C–H amidation. Mechanistic studies indicate that amidyl radical generation proceeds by visible light induced proton coupled electron transfer (PCET) from N–H bond of the amide.
3D Porous NaTi2(PO4)3 with Long Life, Superior Rate, and Low‐Temperature Properties
Authors: Hu Qiao , Liao Jiaying , Xu Rui , He Xiaodong , Wang Junru , Ding Xiang , Chen Chunhua
Published: May 2019

Reticular 3D porous NaTi2(PO4)3 thin films decorated with reduced graphene oxide (NTP@rGO) on a nickel foam substrate are synthesized by electrostatic spray deposition technique. The interconnected pore networks and highly conductive carbon frameworks not only facilitate the kinetics of sodium‐ion diffusion but also provide abundant reaction interfaces. The NTP@rGO electrode shows superb rate performance with a charge capacity of 109.4 mAh g−1 at 100 C, i.e., 96.8% retention of its capacity at 0.5 C. After 2500 cycles at 20 C, the reversible capacity still reaches 93.1 mAh g−1 with a very slow capacity decay of 0.0045% per cycle. Even at −10 °C, NTP@rGO still delivers 98 mAh g−1 at 50 C and 92.5 mAh g−1 at 100 C. Such a composite anode combines the advantages of batteries and supercapacitors, showing great potential applicability for high‐energy and high‐power sodium‐ion storage.
Method Development for Determining the Removal of Metals from the Water Column under Transformation/Dissolution Conditions for Chronic Hazard Classification
Authors: Huntsman Philippa , Beaudoin Robert , Rader Kevin J. , Carbonaro Richard F. , Allen Burton G. , Hudson Michelle , Baken Stijn , Garman Emily , Waeterschoot Hugo
Published: May 2019

An extension of the transformation/dissolution protocol (T/DP) was developed and evaluated as a tool to measure the removal of metals from the water column for chronic aquatic hazard classification. The T/DP extension (T/DP-E) consists of 2 parts: T/DP-E part 1, to measure metal removal from the water column via binding of metals to a substrate and subsequent settling, and T/DP-E part 2, to assess the potential for remobilization of metals following resuspension. The T/DP-E methodology (672-h [28-d] removal period, 1-h resuspension event, and 96-h resettling period) was tested using Cu, Co, and Sr solutions in the presence of a substrate. The metal removal rates varied from rapid removal for Cu to slower rates of removal for Co and Sr. The resuspension event did not trigger any increase in dissolved Cu, Co, or Sr. Additional 96-h experiments were conducted using dissolved Ni, Pb, Zn, and Ag and supported the conclusion that the T/DP-E is sufficiently robust to distinguish removal rates between metals with a wide range of reactivities. The proposed method provides a means to quantify the rate of metal removal from the water column and evaluate remobilization potential in a standardized and reliable way. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:2032–2042. © 2019 SETAC.
Growth and Physiological Responses in Myriophyllum spicatum L. Exposed to Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate
Authors: Liu Yilin , Liu Nian , Zhou Yuhong , Wang Feng , Zhang Yizhe , Wu Zhonghua
Published: May 2019

The exogenous organic pollutant linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) is frequently detected in water. Myriophyllum spicatum L., a submerged aquatic plant, is a popular choice for phytoremediation. The present study investigated the growth and physiological responses of M. spicatum to different concentrations of LAS (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 10, 50, 100, and 500 mg/L) after 14 and 28 d of treatment. After 14 d, higher LAS doses (50–100 mg/L) significantly reduced the growth of M. spicatum compared with controls. Plants died at 500 mg/L LAS. Chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll contents were markedly increased at higher doses of LAS (10–100 mg/L). Significantly enhanced peroxidase (POD) activity was found at 50 mg/L of LAS, and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity at 100 mg/L of LAS; other indices showed no significant changes under LAS stress. After 28 d, no significant effect was observed on the growth of plants exposed to LAS doses of 0.1 to 100 mg/L, whereas plants died at 500 mg/L LAS. Compared with controls. SOD activity increased significantly at 0.1 mg/L LAS and maintained the same level as controls at higher concentrations. At all LAS exposures, POD activity was higher than that of controls. Other indices for M. spicatum were not remarkably changed at 28 d. Our results indicate that the oxidative damage to M. spicatum caused by LAS stress after 28 d is clearly less than such damage at 14 d. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:2073–2081. © 2019 SETAC.
Joint resource allocation, 3D placement, and user association in ABS‐supported IoT networks considering adaptive modulation technique
Authors: Azizi Arman , Mokari Nader
Published: May 2019

In this paper, a novel method for joint resource allocation, three‐dimensional placement, and user association as a predominant problem in the internet of things (IoTs) networks is proposed. We consider two kinds of channel models for the links between users and aerial base stations (ABSs), namely (a) line of sight (LoS) model and (b) generalized model. In the LoS case, all the ABSs should establish LoS communications path toward IoT users. In the generalized case, the ABSs channels toward the IoT users could be LoS or nonline of sight. We propose four different scenarios, namely interference‐free (IF)‐LoS, IF‐Generalized, interference‐included (II)‐LoS, and II‐Generalized. The IF‐LoS and IF‐Generalized cases consider subcarrier and modulation order as the resources while the II‐LoS and II‐Generalized cases consider transmit power, subcarrier, and modulation order as the resources. Our objective function is minimizing the overall transmit power of the IoT users while satisfying some quality of service constraints in the uplink. To solve the resulting nonconvex optimization problem, we convert the main problem with high complexity into the subproblems with low complexities. We compare the performance of our joint proposed scenario with other joint and disjoint cases for the IF‐LoS, IF‐Generalized, II‐LoS, and II‐Generalized cases. Moreover, we evaluate the performance of the proposed schemes for different numbers of ABSs, environment types, target areas, and numbers of IoT users.
A twofold group key agreement protocol for NoC‐based MPSoCs
Authors: Sharma Gaurav , Kuchta Veronika , Anand Sahu Rajeev , Ellinidou Soultana , Bala Suman , Markowitch Olivier , Dricot Jean‐Michel
Published: May 2019

A symmetric group key agreement protocol enables the group members to derive a shared session key for secure communication among them, whereas an asymmetric one facilitates security to any communication from outside, without adding outsiders into the group. In order to combine both the functionalities, a hybrid key agreement protocol is needed, which can output a shared symmetric key for inside communication and an asymmetric key pair for any unrestricted sender. The application mentioned in this paper pushes the need of secure on‐chip communication for intersecure and intrasecure zones simultaneously. In particular, we look forward for a solution to ensure communication security among multiple processing clusters actively running on an integrated circuit. The proposed protocol offers a lightweight symmetric encryption for intrazone communication and a public key encryption for interzone communication taking most advanced security issues into account.
A privacy‐preserving framework for smart context‐aware healthcare applications
Authors: Azad Muhammad Ajmal , Arshad Junaid , Mahmoud Shazia , Salah Khaled , Imran Muhammad
Published: May 2019

Smart connected devices are widely used in healthcare to achieve improved well‐being, quality of life, and security of citizens. While improving quality of healthcare, such devices generate data containing sensitive patient information where unauthorized access constitutes breach of privacy leading to catastrophic outcomes for an individual as well as financial loss to the governing body via regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation. Furthermore, while mobility afforded by smart devices enables ease of monitoring, portability, and pervasive processing, it introduces challenges with respect to scalability, reliability, and context awareness. This paper is focused on privacy preservation within smart context‐aware healthcare emphasizing privacy assurance challenges within Electronic Transfer of Prescription. We present a case for a comprehensive, coherent, and dynamic privacy‐preserving system for smart healthcare to protect sensitive user data. Based on a thorough analysis of existing privacy preservation models, we propose an enhancement to the widely used Salford model to achieve privacy preservation against masquerading and impersonation threats. The proposed model therefore improves privacy assurance for smart healthcare while addressing unique challenges with respect to context‐aware mobility of such applications.
Physical‐layer security for cellular multiuser two‐way relaying networks with single and multiple decode‐and‐forward relays
Authors: Pandey Anshul , Yadav Suneel
Published: May 2019

We investigate the secrecy performance of cellular multiuser two‐way relay networks, where the bidirectional information exchange between a multiantenna base station (BS), and several users can be accomplished with the assistance of decode‐and‐forward relay(s) in the presence of a multiantenna passive eavesdropper. We employ low‐complexity antenna selection strategy at the BS coupled with user scheduling for maximizing the end‐to‐end signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNRs). To enhance the wiretap probability, the eavesdropper applies a maximal ratio combining technique to combine the received signals. Under such considerations, in the single‐relay scenario, we deduce the exact closed‐form secrecy outage probability (SOP) expression under Rayleigh fading channels. For more insights into the system secrecy diversity order, we derive the closed‐form asymptotic SOP expressions at high SNR based on the quality of the main and wiretap links. In the multirelay scenario, we formulate an opportunistic relay selection strategy, followed by its impact on the SOP performance in the presence of Rayleigh channels. To show the impact of multiple relays on the secrecy diversity order, we derive the asymptotic SOP expressions in the high SNR regime depending on the quality of the main and wiretap links. It is shown from the asymptotic SOP expressions under both single‐relay and multirelay scenarios that the secrecy diversity order reduces to zero in the high SNR regime, regardless of number of antennas, number of users, and number of relays. Our results also reveal that the SOP performance diminishes with an increased number of eavesdropper antennas. Numerical and simulation results verify our derived analytical findings.
Breeding second‐generation biofortified bean varieties for Africa
Authors: Kimani Paul M. , Warsame AHMED
Published: May 2019

Micronutrient malnutrition is one of the most serious health challenges facing vast sectors of Africa's population, particularly resource‐poor women and children. Development and utilization of drought‐tolerant, biofortified varieties is probably the most effective, sustainable, and potentially long‐lasting strategy for reducing micronutrient deficiencies and coping with frequent droughts. Our objective was to develop second‐generation biofortified bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) varieties combining drought tolerance, multiple disease resistance, and higher concentrations of iron and zinc in grain than the first‐generation varieties currently grown by farmers in east, central, and west Africa. Forty‐seven F2 populations segregating for mineral density, resistance to biotic and abiotic stress factors, marketable grain types, and yield potential were developed at Kabete Field Station, and advanced to F4 as population bulks. During the 2010 long rain season, 6,612 F4 single plants were selected and used to establish F4.5 progeny rows during the 2011 short rain season at Kabete. These progenies were evaluated for resistance to angular leaf spot, anthracnose, root rots, and agronomic traits. In 2012, 102 F4.6 lines were evaluated under drought stress and no‐stress conditions at Kabete and Thika. During the 2012 short rain season, selected disease and drought‐tolerant F4.7 lines were evaluated for mineral density and for their agronomic potential at four locations representing major bean production environments. Results showed significant (p < 0.01) variation for mineral density, drought tolerance, disease resistance, growth habit, grain type, and maturity among the populations and their progenies. Iron concentration varied from 30 to 130 ppm. Zinc concentration varied from 10 to 60 ppm. Superior lines were selected from BF01, BF07, BF16, and BF36 populations. Eighty‐four lines had 50% more yield under stress and no‐stress conditions compared with the parental lines, suggesting transgressive segregation. Results indicate that varieties combining high micronutrient density, resistance to diseases and drought, and marketable grain types can be developed from these populations.
A likelihood ratio and Markov chain‐based method to evaluate density forecasting
Authors: Li Yushu , Andersson Jonas
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we propose a likelihood ratio‐based method to evaluate density forecasts, which can jointly evaluate the unconditional forecasted distribution and dependence of the outcomes. Unlike the well‐known Berkowitz test, the proposed method does not require a parametric specification of time dynamics. We compare our method with the method proposed by several other tests and show that our methodology has very high power against both dependence and incorrect forecasting distributions. Moreover, the loss of power, caused by the nonparametric nature of the specification of the dynamics, is shown to be small compared to the Berkowitz test, even when the parametric form of dynamics is correctly specified in the latter method.
Functional properties and adipogenesis inhibitory activity of protein hydrolysates from quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)
Authors: Shi Zhenxing , Hao Yuqiong , Teng Cong , Yao Yang , Ren Guixing
Published: May 2019

The functional properties and adipogenesis inhibitory activity of quinoa protein hydrolysates, prepared using papain, pepsin, and pancreatin for 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min, were studied. For these three kinds of proteases, the solubility of the hydrolysates significantly increased with the increasing DH in pH range of 3–8, while the EAI and ESI of these hydrolysates significantly decreased during hydrolysis. The anti‐inflammatory activity of these protein hydrolysates was measured. All of these protein hydrolysates showed high anti‐inflammatory activity. However, there was no significant difference in anti‐inflammatory activity between protein hydrolysates and total protein from quinoa. These protein hydrolysates also inhibited lipid accumulation during differentiation within the range of concentrations of 0–1,600 μg/ml, which exerted no cytotoxicity toward 3T3‐L1 cells. The protein hydrolysates from quinoa prepared using pepsin for 120 min (PEP‐120) had the highest activity with an IC50 value of 786.58 μg/ml. Moreover, LC‐MS/MS analysis of PEP‐120 showed that five main bioactive peptides, which have been demonstrated to have ACE inhibitor, antioxidant, and antithrombotic activities, were present in PEP‐120. In addition, gene expression and Western blot analysis revealed that PEP‐120 suppressed the 3T3‐L1 cell differentiation through the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) pathway.