bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In situ recovery of bio-based carboxylic acids
Authors: Saboe Patrick O. , Manker Lorenz P. , Michener William E. , Peterson Darren J. , Brandner David G. , Deutch Stephen P. , Kumar Manish , Cywar Robin M. , Beckham Gregg T. , Karp Eric M.
Published: March 2018

The economics of chemical and biological processes is often dominated by the expense of downstream product separations from dilute product streams.
Direct determination of fluorine in high-purity water samples using vacuum sample chamber total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry
Authors: Sanyal Kaushik , Misra N. L.
Published: March 2018

Trace levels of F in high-purity water samples were determined using vacuum chamber total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry.
Highly sensitive flexible three-axis tactile sensors based on the interface contact resistance of microstructured graphene
Authors: Zhang J. , Zhou L. J. , Zhang H. M. , Zhao Z. X. , Dong S. L. , Wei S. , Zhao J. , Wang Z. L. , Guo B. , Hu P. A.
Published: March 2018

A microstructured graphene array-based flexible sensor can measure the three-axis tactile force at a high sensitivity of −1.71 kPa−1with an ultrafast response of 6 ms.
A dual-functional luminescent Tb(iii) metal–organic framework for the selective sensing of acetone and TNP in water
Authors: Goel Nidhi , Kumar Naresh
Published: March 2018

A novel 2D luminescent terbium metal–organic framework demonstrating highly efficient and selective sensing for acetone and 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) in an aqueous solution was solvothermally synthesized and structurally characterized.
Structural characterization of small molecular ions by ion mobility mass spectrometry in nitrogen drift gas: improving the accuracy of trajectory method calculations
Authors: Lee Jong Wha , Lee Hyun Hee L. , Davidson Kimberly L. , Bush Matthew F. , Kim Hugh I.
Published: March 2018

An accurate theoretical collision cross section calculation method in nitrogen was developed for reliable structural ion mobility mass spectrometry.
Quantitative comparison of three representative staining methods for the development of multichannel colorimetric biochips
Authors: Geng Mingxi , He Jiale , Li Yunchao , Gao Xiaoyi , Yu Hua-Zhong
Published: March 2018

Quantitative comparison of three representative staining methods for developing multichannel colorimetric biochips, which allow visual detection of multiple cancer markers.
Design of task-specific fluorinated ionic liquids: nanosegregation versus hydrogen-bonding ability in aqueous solutions
Authors: Bastos Joana C. , Carvalho Sara F. , Welton Tom , Canongia Lopes José N. , Rebelo Luís Paulo N. , Shimizu Karina , Araújo João M. M. , Pereiro Ana B.
Published: March 2018

Fluorinated ionic liquids rich-nanosegregated behaviour reduces the impact of the addition of water upon the ionic liquids's H-bond acceptance ability.
Control of the rectifying effect and direction by redox asymmetry in Rh2-based molecular diodes
Authors: Bu Donglei , Xiong Yingqi , Tan Ying Ning , Meng Miao , Liu Chun Y.
Published: March 2018

Study of Rh2-based D–B–A molecular rectifiers reveals that the rectification ratio and the direction can be controlled by the redox asymmetry.
A water stable microporous metal–organic framework based on rod SBUs: synthesis, structure and adsorption properties
Authors: Yuan Jiaqi , Mu Li , Li Jiantang , Zhang Lirong , Li Guanghua , Huo Qisheng , Liu Yunling
Published: March 2018

A microporous metal–organic framework based on rod SBUs with high water stability and good selectivity for CO2 separation has been successfully synthesized.
Lithium adsorption and migration in group IV–VI compounds and GeS/graphene heterostructures: a comparative study
Authors: Hao Kuan-Rong , Fang Lincan , Yan Qing-Bo , Su Gang
Published: March 2018

The migration energy barriers of lithium migration on monolayer GeS along armchair and zigzag directions, and the distortion degree comparison for bulk GeS and GeS/graphene heterostructures during lithiation.
Interplay between a crystal's shape and spatiotemporal dynamics in a spin transition material
Authors: Fourati Houcem , Milin Eric , Slimani Ahmed , Chastanet Guillaume , Abid Younes , Triki Smail , Boukheddaden Kamel
Published: March 2018

Experimental (top) and theoretical (bottom) snapshots of the interface propagation along the spin transition in the spin-crossover single crystal [Fe(2-pytrz)2{Pd(CN)4}]·3H2O, showing its interplay with the crystal shape.
First-principles investigation of the Lewis acid–base adduct formation at the methylammonium lead iodide surface
Authors: Giorgi Giacomo , Yamashita Koichi , Segawa Hiroshi
Published: March 2018

Theoretical insights into the mechanism of Lewis acid–base formation at the surface of methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3).
Tuning the surface of Au nanoparticles using poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol): enzyme free and label free sugar sensing in serum samples using resonance Rayleigh scattering spectroscopy
Authors: El Kurdi Riham , Patra Digambara
Published: March 2018

Poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (F-108) functionalized gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) have been successfully synthesized for glucose estimation.
Cascade sensitization of triplet–triplet annihilation based photon upconversion at sub-solar irradiance
Authors: Pedrini Jacopo , Monguzzi Angelo , Meinardi Francesco
Published: March 2018

Cascade sensitization of optically dark triplets allows to increase by 20% the light output in triplet–triplet annihilation based photon upconversion.
A novel red phosphor of seven-coordinated Mn4+ ion-doped tridecafluorodizirconate Na5Zr2F13 for warm WLEDs
Authors: Xi Luqing , Pan Yuexiao , Huang Shaoming , Lian Hongzhou , Lin Jun
Published: March 2018

A novel red phosphor, Na5Zr2F13:Mn4+, exhibits a strong zero phonon line at 616 nm, which is attributed to the low symmetry of Mn4+ ions occupied in a seven-coordinated environment. A warm white light has been produced by a WLED fabricated with the red phosphor Na5Zr2F13:Mn4+.
Regulation of multi-factors (tail/loop/link/ions) for G-quadruplex enantioselectivity of Δ- and Λ- [Ru(bpy)2(dppz-idzo)]2+
Authors: Hu Xiaochun , Yang Danjing , Yao Tianming , Gao Ruru , Wumaier Maierhaba , Shi Shuo
Published: March 2018

A systematic study evaluated the effects of multi-factors (tail/loop/link/ions) on the G-quadruplex enantioselectivity of chiral Ru-complexes.
A substituent-tolerant synthetic approach to N/P-“loaded” heteroarenes
Authors: Polezhaev Alexander V. , Beagan Daniel M. , Cabelof Alyssa C. , Chen Chun-Hsing , Caulton Kenneth G.
Published: March 2018

Tetrazines react with OCP−1 through a reverse electron demand Diels–Alder process to produce 3,6-disubstituted-1,2,4-diazaphosphinin-5-olates.
Synthesis, characterization, and cytotoxic properties of mono- and di-nuclear cobalt(ii)-polypyridyl complexes
Authors: Eskandari Arvin , Kundu Arunangshu , Lu Chunxin , Ghosh Sushobhan , Suntharalingam Kogularamanan
Published: March 2018

We report the synthesis and characterisation of mono- and di-nuclear cobalt(ii) complexes (1–3) containing L1, a polypyridyl ligand with pyrazole moieties.
Decaborane anion tautomerism: ion pairing and proton transfer control
Authors: Pérez Sandra , Sanz Miguel Pablo J. , Macías Ramón
Published: March 2018

A proton tautomerism is revealed to control ion-pair formation and proton transfer between a Proton-Sponge cation, [HPS]+, and a 10-vertex decaborane anion, [nido-B10H13]−.
Enhanced singlet oxygen generation of a soft salt through efficient energy transfer between two ionic metal complexes
Authors: Ma Yun , Zhang Shujun , Wei Huanjie , Dong Yafang , Shen Liang , Liu Shujuan , Zhao Qiang , Liu Li , Wong Wai-Yeung
Published: March 2018

A novel soft salt based photosensitizer was successfully developed for application in photodynamic therapy of cancer cells for the first time.
A very simple one-pot electrosynthesis of nitrones starting from nitro and aldehyde components
Authors: Rodrigo Eduardo , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: March 2018

Very selective, sustainable and simple electro-conversion of nitroarenes with aldehydes into nitrones.
Three-dimensional conductive porous organic polymers based on tetrahedral polythiophene for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Li Tao , Zhu Wei , Shen Rui , Wang Hui-Ying , Chen Wei , Hao Si-Jia , Li Yunxing , Gu Zhi-Guo , Li Zaijun
Published: March 2018

Three dimensional porous organic polymers with excellent electrochemical performance and good cyclic stability were constructed by introducing conductive polythiophene units into the frameworks with diamond topology.
One-pot synthesis of 3-fluoroflavones via 1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-phenylpropane-1,3-diones and selectfluor at room temperature
Authors: Wang Rui , Han Jie , Li Chenchen , Zhang Jie , Liang Yong , Wang Tao , Zhang Zunting
Published: March 2018

An efficient one-pot synthesis of 3-fluoroflavones by the fluorination of 1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-phenylpropane-1,3-diones with selectfluor followed by cyclization and dehydration in the presence of a trace amount of conc. H2SO4 at room temperature was developed.
Photoinduced metal-free atom transfer radical polymerizations: state-of-the-art, mechanistic aspects and applications
Authors: Yilmaz Gorkem , Yagci Yusuf
Published: March 2018

Photoinduced atom transfer radical polymerization has recently been the center of intensive research in synthetic polymer chemistry because of the unique possibility of topological and temporal control in addition to precise control of macromolecular structure offered by conventional ATRP.
Luminescent color tuning with polymer films composed of boron diiminate conjugated copolymers by changing the connection points to comonomers
Authors: Yamaguchi Madoka , Ito Shunichiro , Hirose Amane , Tanaka Kazuo , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: March 2018

The boron diiminate polymers with variable connection points and optical properties were synthesized.
Core-shell cylinder (CSC) nanotemplates comprising mussel-inspired catechol-containing triblock copolymers for silver nanoparticle arrays and ion conductive channels
Authors: Yabu Hiroshi , Nagano Shusaku , Nagao Yuki
Published: March 2018

This is the first report on the synthesis of triblock copolymers containing catechol groups and it forms a core–shell cylinder phase, which can work as a template for Ag nanoparticle arrays and proton conduction.
Carbon nanotube-alumina strips as robust, rapid, reversible adsorbents of organics
Authors: Duoni Duoni , Di Zuoxing , Chen Hang , Yin Zefang , Cui Chaojie , Qian Weizhong , Han Minghan
Published: March 2018

Strips of carbon nanotube-alumina exhibited robust structure and a better, rapid, reversible adsorption–desorption performance for organics, advantages over compared to pristine nanotube powder and activated carbon.
Correction: Effects of polymers on the properties of hydrogels constructed using sodium deoxycholate and amino acid
Authors: Guo Yi , Wang Ruijin , Shang Yazhuo , Liu Honglai
Published: March 2018

Correction for ‘Effects of polymers on the properties of hydrogels constructed using sodium deoxycholate and amino acid’ by Yi Guo et al., RSC Adv., 2018, 8, 8699–8708.
The development of a novel AND logic based fluorescence probe for the detection of peroxynitrite and GSH
Authors: Sedgwick Adam C. , Han Hai-Hao , Gardiner Jordan E. , Bull Steven D. , He Xiao-Peng , James Tony D.
Published: March 2018

We have developed a novel AND logic based fluorescence probe for the simultaneous detection of ONOO−and GSH (GSH-PF3).
Scalable and durable polymeric icephobic and hydrate-phobic coatings
Authors: Sojoudi Hossein , Arabnejad Hadi , Raiyan Asif , Shirazi Siamack A. , McKinley Gareth H. , Gleason Karen K.
Published: March 2018

Examination of polymeric icephobic and hydrate-phobic coatings by multiple adhesion/de-adhesion cycles and sand erosion tests.
Metal–organic framework derived hollow materials for electrochemical energy storage
Authors: Xie Xing-Chen , Huang Ke-Jing , Wu Xu
Published: March 2018

The recent progress and major challenges/opportunities of MOF-derived hollow materials for energy storage are summarized in this review, particularly for lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, lithium–Se batteries, lithium–sulfur batteries and supercapacitor applications.
Functionalization of cotton cellulose for improved wound healing
Authors: Pinho E. , Soares G.
Published: March 2018

Cotton functionalization with hydrogels improve it application as wound dressing.
Performance of all‐optical AND gate using photonic‐crystal QDSOA at 160 Gb/s
Authors: Matsumoto T. , Komatsu K. , Hosoya G. , Yashima H.
Published: March 2018

An all‐optical AND gate using photonic‐crystal quantum dot semiconductor optical amplifiers is designed and its performance is evaluated. The input–output characteristics of the gate are simulated using a rate equation model and it is found that the gate can achieve a maximum of ∼9 dB extinction ratio at 160 Gb/s. The proposed gate is compared with quantum dot semiconductor optical amplifiers AND gate to evaluate its effectiveness with regard to signal quality, device size, and power consumption.
Modelling and validation of metal oxide surge arrester for very fast transients
Authors: Raju Kannadasan , Prasad Valsalal
Published: March 2018

Metal oxide surge arrester models that are currently on rounds suffer from certain deficiencies and as a consequence, they are not in position to portray accurately the arrester residual voltages. This drawback is mainly attributed to their inherent features. The prevailing pressing need demands accurate performance assessment of zinc oxide arrester under all types of overvoltages including very fast transient overvoltages (VFTOs). So immediate corrective measures like the formation of a new arrester model or rejig of the existing one are urgently warranted. This issue constitutes the centre piece/core of this study. In consideration of its various merits, which includes its capacity to bring out the virtual representation of arrester activities, electromagnetic transient programme software has been chosen for this study. With its aid, the arrester model recommended by IEEE Working Group has been aptly reshaped to suit the needs of VFTOs studies. The end results of the simulations thus carried out have clearly established its suitability for the studies involving nanosecond waves; additionally, it got its validation and endorsement from the test data obtained from different arrester manufacturers. The commendable endorsements got from these studies shed clear light on it. All these aspects are dealt with this work.
Adaptive fuzzy control for a marine vessel with time‐varying constraints
Authors: Kong Linghuan , He Wei , Yang Chenguang , Li Guang , Zhang Zhengqiang
Published: March 2018

An adaptive fuzzy neural network (FNN) control scheme is proposed for a marine vessel with time‐varying constraints, guaranteed transient response and unknown dynamics. A series of continuous constraint functions are introduced to shape the motion of a marine vessel. To deal with the constraint problems and transient response problems, an asymmetric time‐varying barrier Lyapunov function is designed to ensure that the system states are upper bounded by the considered constraint functions. FNNs are constructed to identify the unknown dynamics. Considering existing approximation errors when FNNs approximating the unknown dynamics, an adaptive term is designed to compensate the approximation errors in order to obtain accurate control. Via Lyapunov stability theory, it has been proved that all the states in the closed‐loop system are uniformly bounded ultimately without violating the corresponding prescribed constraint region. Two comparative simulations are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control.
Algorithms for set stabilisation of Boolean control networks
Authors: Ma Yilin , Han Ruizhu
Published: March 2018

This study addresses two algorithms for set stabilisation of Boolean control networks (BCNs). Based on the semi‐tensor product tool, the dynamics of BCNs can be characterised by its labelled digraph, which derived an graphical expression for the set stabilisation of BCNs. Then, two tree‐search algorithms, namely, generalised breadth‐first search and generalised depth‐first search, are proposed for the first time to decide the controllers for the set stabilisation of BCNs. In addition, some properties concerning the tree search algorithm are proposed. Finally, an example is employed to show the application of the presented algorithms.
State estimation and fault reconstruction with integral measurements under partially decoupled disturbances
Authors: Liu Yang , Wang Zidong , Zhou Donghua
Published: March 2018

This study is concerned with the state estimation and fault reconstruction problems for a class of discrete systems with integral measurements under partially decoupled disturbances. The considered integral measurements, as functions of the system states over a period of time, reflect the interval time between sample collections and real‐time signal processing. Moreover, the process disturbances are allowed to be partially decoupled in the observer design. An augmented state vector is constructed, which consists of the current system state, the delayed system state and the additive fault, and the resultant augmented system is described in a singular form. Then, an unknown input observer is obtained that decouples partial disturbances and attenuates the effect from the remaining undecouplable disturbances. The existence conditions of the desired observer are thoroughly investigated and an algorithm for designing the observer gains is also provided. Finally, a numerical example is presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Parametric system identification and robust controller design for liquid–liquid heat exchanger system
Authors: Gupta Sapna , Gupta Rajeev , Padhee Subhransu
Published: March 2018

This study provides a step‐by‐step analysis of a parametric system identification procedure which provides a single‐input single‐output, linear time invariant time‐delay model of a liquid–liquid heat exchanger system. Different linear and block‐oriented models are used to develop a control relevant identification model. The prediction error method is used to estimate the model parameters. From the simulation results, it can be found that the output error model (linear model) and Hammerstain–Wiener model (block‐oriented model) provide the best model validation for a heat exchanger system at 72.23% and 81.5 goodness‐of‐FIT, respectively. To achieve the control objectives of the system, the classical proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller is used. For controller design, the linear model is considered. An industrial process is prone to encounter different uncertainties. Considering the time delay of the estimated linear model as the uncertainty, a criterion is used to find out the robust parameters of the PID controller. The developed controller satisfies the sensitivity constraints. Stability boundary locus of , and of the PID controller have been plotted to illustrate the robust parameters of the PID controller.
Distributed state estimation for a stochastic linear hybrid system over a sensor network
Authors: Deshmukh Raj , Thapliyal Omanshu , Kwon Cheolhyeon , Hwang Inseok
Published: March 2018

In this study, the authors consider the distributed state estimation problem of a stochastic linear hybrid system (SLHS) observed over a sensor network. The SLHS is a dynamical system with interacting continuous state dynamics described by stochastic linear difference equations and discrete state (or mode) transitions governed by a Markovian process with a constant transition matrix. Most existing hybrid estimation algorithms are based on a centralised architecture which is not suitable for distributed sensor network applications. Further, the existing distributed hybrid estimation algorithms are restrictive in sensor network topology, or approximate the consensus process among connected sensor agents. This study proposes a distributed hybrid state estimation algorithm based on the multiple model based approach augmented with the optimal consensus estimation algorithm which can locally process the state estimation and share the estimation information with the neighbourhood of each sensor agent. This shared information comprises local mode‐conditioned state estimates and edge‐error covariances, and is used to bring about an agreement or a consensus across the network. The proposed distributed hybrid state estimation algorithm is demonstrated with an illustrative aircraft tracking example.
Sliding mode control for polynomial fuzzy singular systems with time delay
Authors: Pang Bo , Zhang Qingling
Published: March 2018

In this study, problems of sliding mode control (SMC) for polynomial fuzzy singular systems with time delay are concerned. A sliding surface function is constructed as integral type and the resultant system which is restricted to the sliding surface is analysed. In terms of sum‐of‐squares approach, stability criterions are derived, which lead to stability with disturbance rejection level property. Then, the SMC law is proposed, which can confine the state trajectories to the sliding surface. Finally, an example is performed to verify the feasibility and merits of the theoretical findings.
New results on robust stability analysis and synthesis for MIMO uncertain systems
Authors: Celentano Laura , Basin Michael
Published: March 2018

This paper provides theoretical preliminary results and develops a first methodology, that allows one to efficiently estimate the maximum time constant of a dynamic matrix of an uncertain system with rational multi‐affine structure with respect to parameters, and a second one to find a majorant system of a multi‐input multi‐output (MIMO) system with rational multi‐affine structure with respect to parameters. The developed methodologies are used to estimate the evolution of an uncertain linear time‐invariant (LTI) system with additional bounded nonlinearities and/or additional bounded input signals. Moreover, the above results are also used to design a robust controller for an uncertain MIMO system with unmeasurable states and subject to a rate‐bounded disturbance in order to track a rate‐bounded reference signal. The obtained theoretical results are illustrated by three examples. The first two examples deal with the analysis of a LTI system with bounded disturbances and measurement noise, and additional bounded and not bounded nonlinearities, respectively; in the second example a new control law with saturation is also designed. In the last example, a robust controller for an uncertain electro‐mechanical system with unmeasurable state is designed to track a rate‐bounded reference signal in the presence of a disturbance with bounded derivative.
Single‐camera pose estimation using mirage
Authors: Singhirunnusorn Khomsun , Fahimi Farbod , Aygun Ramazan
Published: March 2018

Recently, mirage pose estimation method was proposed for multi‐camera systems. Multi‐camera mirage analytically solves a system of linear equations for six pose parameters in O(n) time. Mirage promises to execute in real time with high accuracy and shows lower rotational and translational errors compared to eight other well‐known perspective‐n‐points (PnP) methods. However, the simulated tests and real experiments showed that, in case of a single camera, the analytical system of linear equations is not solvable due to the reduced rank of the linear system that is obtained by the formulation. In this study, an important revision to mirage is proposed to support single camera systems properly. The results of simulations and real experiments demonstrate smaller pose estimation errors compared to a group of eight well‐known state‐of‐the‐art PnP methods.
Modified spatial neutrosophic clustering technique for boundary extraction of tumours in B‐mode BUS images
Authors: Lal Madan , Kaur Lakhwinder , Gupta Savita
Published: March 2018

Breast ultrasound (BUS) images are of poor quality, contain inherent noise and shadow regions. Consequently, the task of tumour segmentation from these images becomes more difficult. In this study, a modified spatial neutrosophic clustering technique has been proposed for automatic boundary extraction of tumours in B‐mode BUS images. The contributions of the work are two‐fold: (i) spatial information is incorporated in the neutrosophic ℓ‐means (NLM) clustering method for better cluster formation and (ii) membership values are updated by using type‐2 membership function, which helps in converging the cluster centres to more desirable locations than ordinary fuzzy membership functions. BUS images with manually marked lesions by an experienced radiologist have been used as gold standard/reference images for quantitative comparison. The proposed method has been applied to 60 BUS images and results are recorded in the form of area and boundary error metrics. The performance of the proposed method has been compared with the region growing, fuzzy c‐means clustering, watershed segmentation, neutrosophic c‐means clustering and NLM clustering methods. From the quantitative and visual results, it has been observed that the proposed method can extract the tumour boundaries more precisely as compared with the other state‐of‐the‐art clustering techniques.
Synthesis, characterisation, and evaluation of core–shell Fe3O4/SiO2/polypyrrole composite nanoparticles
Authors: Li Bei , Qiao Yongsheng , An Jinhui , Shen Lazhen , Ma Qi , Guo Yong
Published: March 2018

This work reported a facile synthetic approach to synthesise core–shell Fe3O4/SiO2/polypyrrole composite nanoparticles with the superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles as the inner core. The core–shell Fe3O4/SiO2/polypyrrole composite nanoparticles were prepared through a three‐step approach involving co‐precipitation for the synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles, Stöber method for SiO2 intermediate layer coating and solvothermal methods for polypyrrole shell. The as‐prepared nanoparticles were characterised using transmission electron microscope, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analyses and vibration sample magnetometer. The particle size of the inner core Fe3O4 nanoparticles was found to be 15 ± 3 nm, and the thicknesses of the SiO2 shell and polypyrrole shell were ∼2.5 and ∼5 nm, respectively. From Fe3O4 nanoparticles to Fe3O4/SiO2 and then to Fe3O4/SiO2/polypyrrole composite nanoparticles, the magnetic saturation gradually decreases from 67 to 34 emu/g, then dropped to 7 emu/g. The as‐prepared Fe3O4/SiO2/polypyrrole composite nanoparticles showed potential applications in drug and gene delivery systems.
The characterization of radioactive waste: a critical review of techniques implemented or under development at CEA, France
Authors: Pérot Bertrand , Jallu Fanny , Passard Christian , Gueton Olivier , Allinei Pierre-Guy , Loubet Laurent , Estre Nicolas , Simon Eric , Carasco Cédric , Roure Christophe , Boucher Lionel , Lamotte Hervé , Comte Jérôme , Bertaux Maïté , Lyoussi Abdallah , Fichet Pascal , Carrel Frédérick
Published: March 2018

This review paper describes the destructive and non-destructive measurements implemented or under development at CEA, in view to perform the most complete radioactive waste characterization. First, high-energy photon imaging (radiography, tomography) brings essential information on the waste packages, such as density, position and shape of the waste inside the container and in the possible binder, quality of coating and blocking matrices, presence of internal shields or structures, presence of cracks, voids, or other defects in the container or in the matrix, liquids or other forbidden materials, etc. Radiological assessment is then performed using a series of non-destructive techniques such as gamma-ray spectroscopy, which allows characterizing a wide range of radioactive and nuclear materials, passive neutron coincidence counting and active neutron interrogation with the differential die-away technique, or active photon interrogation with high-energy photons (photofission), to measure nuclear materials. Prompt gamma neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) can also be employed to detect toxic chemicals or elements which can greatly influence the above measurements, such as neutron moderators or absorbers. Digital auto-radiography can also be used to detect alpha and beta contaminated waste. These non-destructive assessments can be completed by gas measurements, to quantify the radioactive and radiolysis gas releases, and by destructive examinations such as coring homogeneous waste packages or cutting the heterogeneous ones, in view to perform visual examination and a series of physical, chemical, and radiochemical analyses on samples. These last allow for instance to check the mechanical and containment properties of the package envelop, or of the waste binder, to measure toxic chemicals, to assess the activity of long-lived radionuclides or pure beta emitters, to determine the isotopic composition of nuclear materials, etc.
Galba truncatula and Omphiscola glabra (Gastropoda, Lymnaeidae): present decline in populations living on sedimentary soils in central France
Authors: Dreyfuss Gilles , Vignoles Philippe , Rondelaud Daniel
Published: March 2018

Field investigations in habitats colonized by Galba truncatula or Omphiscola glabra were carried out to determine if the number of habitats, their area and the number of overwintering snails had not changed over the past 20 years. These habitats were studied in 57 cattle- or sheep-breeding farms located in three French natural regions on sedimentary soils. Compared to the numbers of snail habitats recorded before 1998, the values observed in 2016–2017 were significantly lower, with an overall decline rate of 30% for G. truncatula and 38% for O. glabra. Variations in this decline rate were noted with the type of snail habitat and the largest decreases were observed for vernal pools in meadows. Significantly lower areas in 2016–2017 were noted in two habitat types (drainage furrows, road ditches) for G. truncatula and two other habitat types (drainage furrows, pond banks) for O. glabra. Significantly lower densities of overwintering snails were observed in 2016–2017 in G. truncatula habitats located in drainage furrows and road ditches, while no significant difference was noted for O. glabra, whatever the habitat type. Several causes were at the origin of this population decline and the most important were the present development of mechanical cleaning in road ditches, that of subsurface drainage in meadows and regular gyro-crushing of vegetation around pools in meadows. The data reported in this study confirm the decline that several authors have already noted for O. glabra in Western Europe. The results obtained for G. truncatula require reviewing the biogeographical status of this species and taking possible measures to ensure its conservation while taking into account its role as intermediate host in the F. hepatica cycle.
Abiotic factors, not herbivorous pressure, are primarily responsible for the performance of an invasive aquatic plant
Authors: Silveira Márcio José , Chollet Simon , Thiébaut Gabrielle , Thomaz Sidinei Magela
Published: March 2018

Morphological performance of invasive plants can be determined by abiotic factors (e.g.water temperature) and biotic factors (e.g.herbivory). This study investigates the performance of an exotic plant in its native and introduced environments. The questions of study are: Is the performance ofEgeria densain both its native and introduced areas associated with abiotic and/or biotic factors? Is the performance of this plant better in the native or in the introduced area? In order to answer these questions,E. densaindividuals collected in France (introduced range) were compared with individuals collected in Brazil (native range). The results demonstrate thatE. densapopulations sampled in its native areas included a higher percentage of plants grazed than in the introduced range populations, but they also exhibited a superior performance in terms of length and dry mass. In both regions, the performance of the plants was associated mainly with abiotic factors. Whereas the higher temperature in its native area may have promoted greater growth in terms of length and dry mass, a lower temperature and high levels of ammonium in French waters might have reduced the development of this plant in its introduced range. The lower performance ofE. densain France should not be associated with abiotic factors alone, since other factors can also be involved, as limited resources or low clonal adaptation. Thus, future studies concerningE. densaperformance in France should consider these factors in order to assist in understanding the nature of the plant’s invasiveness in this region.
Sénescence et cancer
Authors: Goy Erwan , Abbadie Corinne
Published: March 2018

Lorsqu’elles vieillissent, les cellules se reprogramment profondément pour entrer dans un état appelé sénescence. Si le lien entre sénescence et cancer ne fait plus de doute, la nature de ce lien reste ambiguë et controversée. Nous décrirons dans cette revue, les propriétés des cellules sénescentes et examinerons en quoi elles pourraient favoriser ou, au contraire, défavoriser l’initiation des cancers et leur progression. Nous verrons également dans quelle mesure la sénescence intervient dans la réponse aux thérapies anti-cancéreuses classiques et comment en tirer parti pour augmenter l’efficacité de ces thérapies tout en diminuant leurs effets secondaires.
Medium term results of total knee arthroplasty as a primary treatment for knee fractures
Authors: Ebied Ayman , Zayda Ahmed , Marei Sameh , Elsayed Hany
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Successful treatment of knee comminuted periarticular fractures associated with osteoporosis and pre-existing arthritis is a challenging task.

Methods: This is a prospective study on 27 patients who had comminuted intra and periarticular knee fractures and pre-existing arthritis. Fractures were classified according to Muller's AO classification. Primary knee arthroplasty was performed ± internal fixation following 4 weeks of splinting. A stem was added to the tibial tray and Legacy Constrained Condylar Knee (LCCK) or Rotating Hinge (RH) prosthesis were used depending on the level of ligament damage and bone defects. The Knee Society Score (KSS) and radiological evaluation were performed at 3, 6 and 12 months then annually thereafter.

Results: The average age of this group of patients was 63 years (range 59–74). Sixteen knees received primary femoral component and Posterior Stabilized insert, while 8 had LCCK. RH implants were chosen in 2 and distal femoral replacement was necessary in one knee. Twenty five patients were available for the final review at an average 6 years in whom the KSS was 80 (range 75–89) points. All patients achieved full knee extension and average knee flexion of 110° (range 90–135°). One knee needed re-admission for early Debridement Antibiotic Irrigation and Retention (DAIR) but none of the knees was revised or awaiting revision.

Conclusion: Knee arthroplasty achieves highly successful outcome when performed as a primary treatment for comminuted intra and periarticular knee fractures in elderly patients. Survival of implants and functional range of movement at midterm are excellent.
Retrospective analysis of open reduction and internal fixation of coronal plane fractures of the capitellum and trochlea using the anterolateral approach
Authors: Tanwar Yashwant Singh , Kharbanda Yatinder , Jaiswal Atin , Birla Vikas , Pandit Ramsagar
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Coronal plane distal humeral injuries are relatively rare. Numerous classification systems have been proposed as the complexity of these fractures has been realized. We in the present series of ten patients describe the surgical technique of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Coronal plane fractures of the distal humerus with headless compression screws performed using the anterolateral approach.

Material and method: It was a retrospective study, the data collected from March 2010 to 2015 was analysed and the final outcome was assessed using the DASH score. Out of a total of 13 patients with distal humerus coronal plane fractures, 10 patients were available for follow up. The X-rays and CT scans were reviewed and the fractures were classified according to Dubberley and Bryan and Morrey classification. Radiographic were evaluated for presence of union or nonunion, avascular necrosis, joint line step-off (none/1-mm/>1-mm), hardware failure and instability.

Results: The average age was 41 years. The average DASH score in our study was around 24. The time to union ranged between 8–12 weeks with the average time being around 10 weeks. One patient had post traumatic Arthritis radiologically classified as Broberg and Morrey Type 2 and one patient had Heterotrophic ossification Brooker Grade 1.

Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation of coronal shear fractures of capitellum and trochlea using headless screw compression via the antero-lateral approach is a reliable treatment modality and results in stable fixation with restoration of a functional arc of motion.

Level of evidence: IV
Digital replantation in forward surgical units: a cases study
Authors: Mathieu Laurent , Levadoux Michel , Landevoisin Emmanuel Soucany de , Windsor Tarun J. McBride , Rigal Sylvain
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Noncombat-related hand injuries are common in current theatres of operations. Crushing is one of the most frequent mechanisms that may cause traumatic amputations of digits. In the military setting, management of these digital amputations is challenging regarding limitation in microsurgical means in medical treatment facilities and aeromedical evacuation delays out of the combat zone.

Methods: Two cases of digital replantation performed in French forward surgical units are described. The first case was a complete distal amputation of the medius which was successfully replanted in the operating theatre of an aircraft carrier. No complication was observed after evacuation. Functional and aesthetic results were excellent. The second case was a ring finger avulsion revascularized in a role 2 facility in Central African Republic. Unfortunately, revascularization failed due to arterial thrombosis during evacuation.

Results: Digital, hand or more proximal upper extremity replantation may be considered for isolated amputations due to work-related accidents within the combat zone. For a surgeon trained to microsurgery, a microsurgical set and magnification loupes enable to attempt such procedures in austere conditions.

Discussion: The authors propose an algorithm of management in the field according to the type and level of amputation.
Irrigation water allocation optimization using multi-objective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA) − a review
Authors: Fanuel Ibrahim Mwita , Mushi Allen , Kajunguri Damian
Published: March 2018

This paper analyzes more than 40 papers with a restricted area of application of Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm, Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II and Multi-Objective Differential Evolution (MODE) to solve the multi-objective problem in agricultural water management. The paper focused on different application aspects which include water allocation, irrigation planning, crop pattern and allocation of available land. The performance and results of these techniques are discussed. The review finds that there is a potential to use MODE to analyzed the multi-objective problem, the application is more significance due to its advantage of being simple and powerful technique than any Evolutionary Algorithm. The paper concludes with the hopeful new trend of research that demand effective use of MODE; inclusion of benefits derived from farm byproducts and production costs into the model.
PdII-Porphyrin Complexes – the First Use as Safer and Efficient Catalysts for Miyaura Borylation
Authors: Venkateswarlu Katta , Rao Kanusu
Published: March 2018

We have developed a simple and convenient procedure for the preparation of pinacol arylboronates from aryl/heteroaryl bromides and bis(pinacolato)diborane using a PdII-porphyrin complex as a catalyst. Seven different PdII-porphyrin complexes (PdII-TmHPP, PdII-TmCPP, PdII-TPP, PdII-TSTpSPP, PdII-TpCPP, PdII-TpTP, and PdII-TpAP) have been synthesized and investigated for their catalytic influence in the Miyaura borylation.
Radiomics, Metabolic, and Molecular MRI for Brain Tumors
Authors: Kickingereder Philipp , Andronesi Ovidiu
Published: March 2018

Magnetic resonance imaging plays a key role in diagnosis and treatment monitoring of brain tumors. Novel imaging techniques that specifically interrogate aspects of underlying tumor biology and biochemical pathways have great potential in neuro-oncology. This review focuses on the emerging role of 2-hydroxyglutarate-targeted magnetic resonance spectroscopy, as well as radiomics and radiogenomics in establishing diagnosis for isocitrate dehydrogenase mutant gliomas, and for monitoring treatment response and predicting prognosis of this group of brain tumor patients.
Origin of Gliomas
Authors: Turcan Sevin , Cahill Daniel
Published: March 2018

Malignant glioma is a common type of brain tumor that remains largely incurable. Although a definitive cell of origin of gliomas remains elusive, numerous population studies, sequencing efforts, and genetically engineered mouse models have contributed to our understanding of the early events that may lead to gliomagenesis. Herein we summarize our current knowledge on the population epidemiology of gliomas, heritable genetic risk factors, the somatic events that contribute to tumor evolution, and mouse models that have shed light on the glioma cell of origin. Future studies will increase our understanding of the sequence of early events within susceptible cells and their niche that trigger the path to malignant transformation. Such knowledge will allow us to design more effective treatment options to control tumor growth or screening methods for early detection.
Concepts for Immunotherapies in Gliomas
Authors: Platten Michael , Reardon David
Published: March 2018

Strategies to empower the immune system to successfully attack cancers, including vaccination approaches, adaptive T cell therapies, and immune checkpoint modulators, have recently achieved remarkable success across a spectrum of cancer indications. Nonetheless, with rare exception, only a minority of patients with a given type of cancer respond to an immunotherapeutic when administered as single-agent therapy. Although under extensive laboratory and clinical investigation, the role of these approaches for glioma patients remains to be determined. While the central nervous system (CNS) is no longer regarded as an immunoprivileged sanctuary, nuances regarding immune responses in the CNS may impact on the activity of immunotherapy treatments of brain tumor patients. Furthermore, many common CNS tumors such as World Health Organization grade III and IV (high grade) gliomas utilize myriad, nonoverlapping strategies to dampen or extinguish antitumor immune responses. For these reasons, critical research efforts are focused on identifying biomarkers that predict patients with a heightened likelihood of therapeutic benefit as well as evaluating rationally designed combinatorial immunotherapy approaches with potentially complementary mechanisms of immune-activation for brain cancer patients.
Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma
Authors: Batchelor Tracy , Löw Sarah
Published: March 2018

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is an extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma limited to the brain, spinal cord, leptomeninges, and eyes. The majority of patients are immunocompetent, with a median age of 65 years at diagnosis. Historically, whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) was the first and sole treatment for PCNSL. Today, due to the recognized neurotoxicity of WBRT, this modality is usually avoided in the treatment. Most chemotherapy regimens are based on high-dose methotrexate plus the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab, leading to high response rates, but 5-year survival is still poor at approximately 30% compared with other extranodal lymphomas. New treatment strategies including high-dose chemotherapy/autologous stem cell transplantation, targeted therapies focusing on, for example, genetic alterations in B cells or mammalian target of rapamycin signaling, and immunotherapy with inhibitors of the programmed cell death 1 receptor are only a few options to improve the armamentarium against PCNSL.
Neurofibromatosis and Schwannomatosis
Authors: Wick Antje , Plotkin Scott
Published: March 2018

Neurofibromatosis 1, neurofibromatosis 2, and schwannomatosis are a group of related classically inherited but often times sporadic tumor suppressor syndromes. Neuro-oncologists should recognize these syndromes, initiate necessary tests in patients with a clinical suspicion, and support genetic counseling of patients and families. In this review, clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, day-to-day management including supportive care as well as updates on genetics, and experimental treatment strategies are discussed.
Ependymoma
Authors: Pajtler Kristian , Gerstner Elizabeth
Published: March 2018

Ependymoma can arise throughout the whole neuraxis. In children, tumors predominantly occur intracranially, whereas the spine is the most prevalent location in adults. Significant variance in the grade II versus grade III distinction of ependymomas has led to the acknowledgment that the clinical utility of histopathological classification is limited. Epigenomic profiling efforts have identified molecularly distinct groups of ependymomas that adequately reflect the biological, clinical, and histopathological heterogeneities across anatomical compartments, age groups, and grades. The recent update of the World Health Organization classification of central nervous system tumors has already integrated one of these groups, and molecular classification will be part of future clinical trials to improve risk stratification. Clinical management of this rare disease is challenging, making professional experience and intensified multidisciplinary cooperation pivotal factors for treatment success. Novel research strategies are currently applied for target discovery in ependymomas since for most molecular groups, genetic drivers are unknown.
Emicizumab, A Bispecific Antibody to Factors IX/IXa and X/Xa, Does Not Interfere with Antithrombin or TFPI Activity In Vitro
Authors: Noguchi-Sasaki Mariko , Soeda Tetsuhiro , Ueyama Atsunori , Muto Atsushi , Hirata Michinori , Kitamura Hidetomo , Fujimoto-Ouchi Kaori , Kawabe Yoshiki , Nogami Keiji , Shima Midori , Kitazawa Takehisa
Published: March 2018

Emicizumab is a humanized bispecific antibody that binds simultaneously to factor (F) IXa and FX replacing the cofactor function of FVIIIa. Because emicizumab recognizes FIX/FIXa and FX/FXa, a question may arise whether emicizumab competes with antithrombin (AT) and/or tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), thereby enhancing overall hemostatic potential by blocking their antihemostatic effects. To address this question, we performed enzymatic assays using purified coagulation factors to confirm whether emicizumab interferes with the action of AT on FIXa or FXa, or with the action of TFPI on FXa. In those assays, we found no interference of emicizumab on the actions of AT and TFPI. We next assessed emicizumab's influences on the anticoagulation actions of AT or TFPI in thrombin generation assays triggered with FXIa or tissue factor (TF) in AT-depleted or TFPI-depleted plasma supplemented with AT or TFPI in vitro. In those assays, we employed anti-FIXa and anti-FX monospecific one-armed antibodies derived from emicizumab instead of emicizumab itself so as to prevent emicizumab's FVIIIa cofactor activity from boosting thrombin generation. Consequently, we found that neither anti-FIXa, anti-FX monospecific antibody, nor the mixture of the two interfered with the anticoagulation actions of AT or TFPI in plasma. Although emicizumab can bind to FIXa and FXa, our results showed no interference of emicizumab with the action of AT or TFPI on FIXa or FXa. This indicates that the presence of emicizumab is irrelevant to the action of AT and TFPI, and thus should not alter the coagulant/anticoagulant balance related to AT and TFPI.