bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STAT3 in Breast Cancer Onset and Progression: A Matter of Time and Context
Authors: Segatto Ilenia , Baldassarre Gustavo , Belletti Barbara
Published: September 2018

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is responsible for mediating the transcriptional programs downstream of several cytokine, growth factor, and oncogenic stimuli. Its expression and activity are consistently linked to cellular transformation, as well as tumor initiation and progression. Due to this central role, STAT3 is widely considered a good target for anti-cancer therapy; however, the success of these approaches has been, so far, very limited. Notably, on one side, STAT3 is aberrantly active in many breast cancers, on the other, at the physiological level, it is the main mediator of epithelial cell death during post-lactation mammary-gland involution, thus strongly suggesting that its biological functions are highly context-specific. One of the most peculiar features of STAT3 is that it can act both in cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous manners, simultaneously modulating the phenotypes of the tumor cells and their microenvironment. Here, we focus on the role of STAT3 in breast cancer progression, discussing the potential contrasting roles of STAT3 activation in the establishment of locally recurrent and distant metastatic disease. Based on the most recent literature, depending on the tumor cell type, the local microenvironment status, and the stage of the disease, either STAT3 activation or inactivation can support disease progression. Accordingly, cancer cells dynamically exploit STAT3 activity to carry out transcriptional programs somehow contrasting and complementary, such as supporting survival and growth, dormancy and awakening, stem cell-like features, and inflammation, immune response, and immune evasion. As a consequence, to achieve clinical efficacy, the conception and testing of anti-STAT3 targeted therapies will need a very careful evaluation of these opposing roles and of the most appropriate tumor context, disease stage and patient population to treat.
Monocytes and Macrophages as Viral Targets and Reservoirs
Authors: Nikitina Ekaterina , Larionova Irina , Choinzonov Evgeniy , Kzhyshkowska Julia
Published: September 2018

Viruses manipulate cell biology to utilize monocytes/macrophages as vessels for dissemination, long-term persistence within tissues and virus replication. Viruses enter cells through endocytosis, phagocytosis, macropinocytosis or membrane fusion. These processes play important roles in the mechanisms contributing to the pathogenesis of these agents and in establishing viral genome persistence and latency. Upon viral infection, monocytes respond with an elevated expression of proinflammatory signalling molecules and antiviral responses, as is shown in the case of the influenza, Chikungunya, human herpes and Zika viruses. Human immunodeficiency virus initiates acute inflammation on site during the early stages of infection but there is a shift of M1 to M2 at the later stages of infection. Cytomegalovirus creates a balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory processes by inducing a specific phenotype within the M1/M2 continuum. Despite facilitating inflammation, infected macrophages generally display abolished apoptosis and restricted cytopathic effect, which sustains the virus production. The majority of viruses discussed in this review employ monocytes/macrophages as a repository but certain viruses use these cells for productive replication. This review focuses on viral adaptations to enter monocytes/macrophages, immune escape, reprogramming of infected cells and the response of the host cells.
Extracellular Vesicles in Bladder Cancer: Biomarkers and Beyond
Authors: Liu Yu-Ru , Ortiz-Bonilla Carlos J. , Lee Yi-Fen
Published: September 2018

Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (TEVs) are membrane-bound, nanosized vesicles released by cancer cells and taken up by cells in the tumor microenvironment to modulate the molecular makeup and behavior of recipient cells. In this report, we summarize the pivotal roles of TEVs involved in bladder cancer (BC) development, progression and treatment resistance through transferring their bioactive cargos, including proteins and nucleic acids. We also report on the molecular profiling of TEV cargos derived from urine and blood of BC patients as non-invasive disease biomarkers. The current hurdles in EV research and plausible solutions are discussed.
New Molecular Technologies for Minimal Residual Disease Evaluation in B-Cell Lymphoid Malignancies
Authors: Dogliotti Irene , Drandi Daniela , Genuardi Elisa , Ferrero Simone
Published: September 2018

The clearance of malignant clonal cells significantly correlates with clinical outcomes in many hematologic malignancies. Accurate and high throughput tools for minimal residual disease (MRD) detection are needed to overcome some drawbacks of standard molecular techniques; such novel tools have allowed for higher sensitivity analyses and more precise stratification of patients, based on molecular response to therapy. In this review, we depict the recently introduced digital PCR and next-generation sequencing technologies, describing their current application for MRD monitoring in lymphoproliferative disorders. Moreover, we illustrate the feasibility of these new technologies to test less invasive and more patient-friendly tissues sources, such as “liquid biopsy”.
The Role of Objectively Measured, Altered Physical Activity Patterns for Body Mass Index Change during Inpatient Treatment in Female Patients with Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Lehmann Celine , Hofmann Tobias , Elbelt Ulf , Rose Matthias , Correll Christoph , Stengel Andreas , Haas Verena
Published: September 2018

Increased physical activity (PA) affects outcomes in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). To objectively assess PA patterns of hospitalized AN patients in comparison with healthy, outpatient controls (HC), and to analyze the effect of PA on Body Mass Index (BMI) change in patients with AN, we measured PA in 50 female patients with AN (median age = 25 years, range = 18–52 years; mean BMI = 14.4 ± 2.0 kg/m2) at the initiation of inpatient treatment and in 30 female healthy controls (median age = 26 years, range = 19–53 years; mean BMI = 21.3 ± 1.7 kg/m2) using the SenseWear™ armband. Duration of inpatient stay and weight at discharge were abstracted from medical records. Compared with controls, AN patients spent more time in very light-intensity physical activity (VLPA) (median VLPA = 647 vs. 566 min/day, p = 0.004) and light-intensity physical activity (LPA) (median LPA = 126 vs. 84 min/day, p < 0.001) and less time in moderate-intensity physical activity (MPA) (median MPA = 82 vs. 114 min/day, p = 0.022) and vigorous physical activity (VPA) (median VPA = 0 vs. 16 min/day, p < 0.001). PA and BMI increase were not associated in a linear model, and BMI increase was mostly explained by lower admission BMI and longer inpatient stay. In a non-linear model, an influence of PA on BMI increase seemed probable (jack knife validation, r2 = 0.203; p < 0.001). No direct association was observed between physical inactivity and BMI increase in AN. An altered PA pattern exists in AN patients compared to controls, yet the origin and consequences thereof deserve further investigation.
Tipping the Balance: C. albicans Adaptation in Polymicrobial Environments
Authors: Ranjan Amit , Dongari-Bagtzoglou Anna
Published: September 2018

Candida albicans is a pleiomorphic fungus which co-exists with commensal bacteria in mucosal and skin sites of mammalian hosts. It is also a major co-isolated organism from polymicrobial systemic infections, with high potential for morbidity or mortality in immunocompromised patients. Traditionally, resident mucosal bacteria have been thought to antagonize C. albicans in its ability to colonize or cause infection. However, recent investigations have revealed synergistic relationships with certain bacterial species that colonize the same mucosal sites with C. albicans. Such relationships broaden the research landscape in pathogenesis but also contribute to clinical challenges in the prevention or treatment of mucosal candidiasis. This review sheds light on interactions of C. albicans and mucosal bacteria, with special emphasis on the effects of the resident bacterial microbiota on C. albicans physiology as they relate to its adaptation in mucosal sites as a commensal colonizer or as a pathogenic organism.
Enrichment and Purification of Aucubin from Eucommia ulmoides Ionic Liquid Extract Using Macroporous Resins
Authors: Yang Xinyu , Wei Mengxia , Tian Hao , Liu Tingting , Yang Lei
Published: September 2018

Aiming to address the shortcomings of high-concentration ethanol or methanol extraction solutions that need to be diluted and concentrated prior to use in conventional macroporous resin adsorption approaches, an efficient approach for enrichment and purification of aucubin from the ionic liquid extraction solution of samaras of Eucommia ulmoides was proposed. Among the nine kinds of macroporous resins investigated, the HPD850 resin was found to be the most suitable. Equilibrium adsorption tests were investigated and found to be better fitted by the Langmuir isotherm model. After the dynamic tests on a column packed with HPD850, the optimum operational conditions were as follows: for the absorption process, an initial aucubin concentration of 9.87 mg/L, a sample volume of 13 bed volumes (BV), and a flow rate of 2 BV/h; for the water washing process, 5 BV of deionized water and a flow rate of 3 BV/h; for the ethanol desorption process, a 10–80% ethanol volume fraction as the eluent, 2 BV for each ethanol volume fraction, and a flow rate of 3 BV/h. The 40–80% ethanol volume fraction eluent was collected and concentrated to produce the final products, resulting in an aucubin purity and recovery of 79.41% and 72.92%, respectively.
Deformation Behavior of the Alloys under Simple and Combined Loading Conditions at Various Deformation Rate
Authors: Iwamoto Takeshi , Suo Tao
Published: September 2018

Clarifying the mechanical behavior of alloys is quite important to enhance their performanceand thus expand their application in various fields. [...]
High-Throughput Direct Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomics to Characterize Metabolite Fingerprints Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease Pathogenesis
Authors: González-Domínguez Raúl , Sayago Ana , Fernández-Recamales Ángeles
Published: September 2018

Direct mass spectrometry-based metabolomics has been widely employed in recent years to characterize the metabolic alterations underlying Alzheimer’s disease development and progression. This high-throughput approach presents great potential for fast and simultaneous fingerprinting of a vast number of metabolites, which can be applied to multiple biological matrices including serum/plasma, urine, cerebrospinal fluid and tissues. In this review article, we present the main advantages and drawbacks of metabolomics based on direct mass spectrometry compared with conventional analytical techniques, and provide a comprehensive revision of the literature on the use of these tools in the investigation of Alzheimer’s disease.
Intracrystalline Reaction-Induced Cracking in Olivine Evidenced by Hydration and Carbonation Experiments
Authors: Lafay Romain , Montes-Hernandez German , Renard François , Vonlanthen Pierre
Published: September 2018

In order to better understand the microtextural changes associated with serpentinization reactions, natural millimeter-sized olivine grains were experimentally reacted with alkaline NaOH and NaHCO3 solutions at a temperature of 200 °C and for durations of 3 to 12 months. During hydration experiments, dissolution and precipitation were intimately correlated in time and space, with reaction products growing in situ, either as layered veins or as nearly continuous surface cover. In contrast, carbonation experiments showed a strong decoupling between both processes leading to essentially delocalized precipitation of the reaction products away from dissolution sites. Textural analyses of the samples using scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray synchrotron microtomography provided experimental evidence for a cause-and-effect relationship between in situ precipitation and intracrystalline reaction-induced cracking in olivine. Juvenile cracks typically nucleated at the tip of dissolution notches or on diamond-shaped pores filled with reaction products, and propagated through the olivine crystal lattice during the course of the reaction. The occurrence of new cracks at the tip of diamond-shaped pores, but also of tiny subspherical pores lining up along microcracks, indicated that fracturation and porosity networks were mutually driven, making serpentinization an extremely efficient alteration process over time. Alternatively, our data suggested that some form of porosity also developed in absence of fracturation, thus further highlighting the remarkable efficiency and versatility of serpentinization processes.
Infra Red Spectroscopy of the Regulated Asbestos Amphiboles
Authors: Della Ventura Giancarlo , Vigliaturo Ruggero , Gieré Reto , Pollastri Simone , Gualtieri Alessandro , Iezzi Gianluca
Published: September 2018

Vibrational spectroscopies (Fourier Transform Infra Red, FTIR, and Raman) are exceptionally valuable tools for the identification and crystal–chemical study of fibrous minerals, and asbestos amphiboles in particular. Raman spectroscopy has been widely applied in toxicological studies and thus a large corpus of reference data on regulated species is found in the literature. However, FTIR spectroscopy has been mostly used in crystal–chemical studies and very few data are found on asbestos amphiboles. This paper is intended to fill this gap. We report new FTIR data collected on a suite of well-characterized samples of the five regulated amphibole species: anthophyllite, amosite, and crocidolite, provided by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) Organization, and tremolite and actinolite, from two well-known occurrences. The data from these reference samples have been augmented by results from additional specimens to clarify some aspects of their spectroscopic features. We show that the FTIR spectra in both the OH-stretching region and in the lattice modes region can be effective for rapid identification of the asbestos type.
Supergene Uranyl Mineralization of the Rabejac Deposit, Lodève, France
Authors: Dal Bo Fabrice , Hatert Frédéric , Philippo Simon
Published: September 2018

The Rabejac uranium deposit that is located in the Lodève region, France, is the type locality for three uranyl minerals species (fontanite, seelite, and rabejacite). In addition, this deposit shows an extraordinary supergene uranyl mineralization characterized by the presence of many rare secondary uranyl species. In the present study, a mineralogical description as well as new chemical and crystallographic data are reported on (meta)zeunerite, (meta)nováčekite, (meta)uranospinite, heinrichite, nováčekite-I, arsenuranospathite, umohoite, calcurmolite, becquerelite, billietite, and liebigite. The chemical data indicate that the arsenate members of the autunite/meta-autunite group incorporate a significant amount of phosphorus. Moreover, the uranospinite samples usually exhibit high Mg content, thus moving toward the nováčekite end-member composition. The refined unit-cell parameters for all of the investigated mineral species are in agreement with the previous data reported in the literature. Finally, a model describing the alteration of the primary uraninite and the formation of secondary uranyl minerals is proposed in agreement with the observed mineral assemblages.
Bioactive Novel Indole Alkaloids and Steroids from Deep Sea-Derived Fungus Aspergillus fumigatus SCSIO 41012
Authors: Limbadri Salendra , Luo Xiaowei , Lin Xiuping , Liao Shengrong , Wang Junfeng , Zhou Xuefeng , Yang Bin , Liu Yonghong
Published: September 2018

Two new alkaloids, fumigatosides E (1) and F (2), and a new natural product, 3, 7-diketo-cephalosporin P1 (6) along with five known compounds (3–5, 7, 8) were isolated from deep-sea derived fungal Aspergillus fumigatus SCSIO 41012. Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic data analysis, including 1D, 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS), and comparison between the calculated and experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. In addition, all compounds were tested for antibacterial and antifungal inhibitory activities. Compound 1 showed significant antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. momordicae with MIC at 1.56 µg/mL. Compound 4 exhibited significant higher activity against S. aureus (16,339 and 29,213) with MIC values of 1.56 and 0.78 µg/mL, respectively, and compound 2 exhibited significant activity against A. baumanii ATCC 19606 with a MIC value of 6.25 µg/mL.
Affinity Ionic Liquids for Chemoselective Gas Sensing
Authors: Chang Albert , Li Hsin-Yi , Chang I-Nan , Chu Yen-Ho
Published: September 2018

Selective gas sensing is of great importance for applications in health, safety, military, industry and environment. Many man-made and naturally occurring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can harmfully affect human health or cause impairment to the environment. Gas analysis based on different principles has been developed to convert gaseous analytes into readable output signals. However, gas sensors such as metal-oxide semiconductors suffer from high operating temperatures that are impractical and therefore have limited its applications. The cost-effective quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) device represents an excellent platform if sensitive, selective and versatile sensing materials were available. Recent advances in affinity ionic liquids (AILs) have led them to incorporation with QCM to be highly sensitive for real-time detection of target gases at ambient temperature. The tailorable functional groups in AIL structures allow for chemoselective reaction with target analytes for single digit parts-per-billion detection on mass-sensitive QCM. This structural diversity makes AILs promising for the creation of a library of chemical sensor arrays that could be designed to efficiently detect gas mixtures simultaneously as a potential electronic in future. This review first provides brief introduction to some conventional gas sensing technologies and then delivers the latest results on our development of chemoselective AIL-on-QCM methods.
Antimycobacterial Activity of Cinnamaldehyde in a Mycobacterium tuberculosis(H37Ra) Model
Authors: Sawicki Rafal , Golus Joanna , Przekora Agata , Ludwiczuk Agnieszka , Sieniawska Elwira , Ginalska Grazyna
Published: September 2018

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the antimycobacterial activity and the possible action mode of cinnamon bark essential oil and its main constituent—cinnamaldehyde—against the Mycobacterium tuberculosis ATCC 25177 strain. Cinnamaldehyde was proved to be the main bioactive compound responsible for mycobacterial growth inhibition and bactericidal effects. The antimycobacterial activity of cinnamaldehyde was found to be comparable with that of ethambutol, one of the first-line anti-TB antibiotics. The selectivity index determined using cell culture studies in vitro showed a high biological potential of cinnamaldehyde. In M. tuberculosis cells exposed to cinnamaldehyde the cell membrane stress sensing and envelope preserving system are activated. Overexpression of clgR gene indicates a threat to the stability of the cell membrane and suggests a possible mechanism of action. No synergism was detected with the basic set of antibiotics used in tuberculosis treatment: ethambutol, isoniazid, streptomycin, rifampicin, and ciprofloxacin.
Surface Hydrophobicity and Functional Properties of Citric Acid Cross-Linked Whey Protein Isolate: The Impact of pH and Concentration of Citric Acid
Authors: Li Tong , Wang Chunyan , Li Tianqi , Ma Ling , Sun Dongxue , Hou Juncai , Jiang Zhanmei
Published: September 2018

The effects of citric acid-mediated cross-linking under non-acidic conditions on the surface hydrophobicity, solubility, emulsifying, and foaming properties of whey protein isolate (WPI) were investigated. In this research, citric acid-mediated cross-linking could not only increase the surface hydrophobicity of whey proteins at pH 7.0 and 8.0, but it also improved its emulsifying and foaming properties. The emulsifying activity and foaming ability of WPI reached a maximum under the condition of 1% citric acid and pH 7.0. However, the solubility of WPI-CA gradually decreased with pH and the content of citric acid increased. Therefore, the cross-linking mediated by citric acid under non-acidic aqueous conditions, markedly altered the surface hydrophobicity and enhanced emulsifying and foaming properties of WPI.
d-Amino Acid Pseudopeptides as Potential Amyloid-Beta Aggregation Inhibitors
Authors: Mehrazma Banafsheh , Opare Stanley , Petoyan Anahit , Rauk Arvi
Published: September 2018

A causative factor for neurotoxicity associated with Alzheimer’s disease is the aggregation of the amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide into soluble oligomers. Two all d-amino acid pseudo-peptides, SGB1 and SGD1, were designed to stop the aggregation. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have been carried out to study the interaction of the pseudo-peptides with both Aβ13–23 (the core recognition site of Aβ) and full-length Aβ1–42. Umbrella sampling MD calculations have been used to estimate the free energy of binding, ∆G, of these peptides to Aβ13–23. The highest ∆Gbinding is found for SGB1. Each of the pseudo-peptides was also docked to Aβ1–42 and subjected up to seven microseconds of all atom molecular dynamics simulations. The resulting structures lend insight into how the dynamics of Aβ1–42 are altered by complexation with the pseudo-peptides and confirmed that SGB1 may be a better candidate for developing into a drug to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Physico-Chemical and Antifungal Properties of a Trypsin Inhibitor from the Roots of Pseudostellaria heterophylla
Authors: Cai Xixi , Xie Xiaoli , Fu Nanyan , Wang Shaoyun
Published: September 2018

Plant peptidase inhibitors play essential roles in the defense systems of plants. A trypsin inhibitor (PHTI) with a molecular mass of 20.5 kDa was isolated from the fresh roots of the medicinal herb, Pseudostellaria heterophylla. The purification process involved ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration chromatography on Sephadex G50, and ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE 650M. The PHTI contained 3.7% α-helix, 42.1% β-sheets, 21.2% β-turns, and 33% disordered structures, which showed similarity with several Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitors. Inhibition kinetic studies indicated that PHTI was a competitive inhibitor, with a Ki value of 3.01 × 10−9 M, indicating a high affinity to trypsin. The PHTI exhibited considerable stability over a broad range of pH (2–10) and temperatures (20–70 °C); however, metal ions, including Fe3+, Ba2+, Mn2+, and Al3+, could inactivate PHTI to different degrees. Results of fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism showed that Fe3+ could bind to TI with an association constant of 2.75 × 105 M−1 to form a 1:1 complex, inducing conformation changes and inactivation of PHTI. In addition, PHTI could inhibit the growth of the phytopathogens, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Fusarium oxysporum, through disruption of the cell membrane integrity. The present study extended research on Pseudostellaria heterophylla proteins and makes PHTI an exploitable candidate as an antifungal protein for further investigation.
Treatment Strategies for Infected Wounds
Authors: Negut Irina , Grumezescu Valentina , Grumezescu Alexandru Mihai
Published: September 2018

The treatment of skin wounds is a key research domain owing to the important functional and aesthetic role of this tissue. When the skin is impaired, bacteria can soon infiltrate into underlying tissues which can lead to life-threatening infections. Consequently, effective treatments are necessary to deal with such pathological conditions. Recently, wound dressings loaded with antimicrobial agents have emerged as viable options to reduce wound bacterial colonization and infection, in order to improve the healing process. In this paper, we present an overview of the most prominent antibiotic-embedded wound dressings, as well as the limitations of their use. A promising, but still an underrated group of potential antibacterial agents that can be integrated into wound dressings are natural products, especially essential oils. Some of the most commonly used essential oils against multidrug-resistant microorganisms, such as tea tree, St. John’s Wort, lavender and oregano, together with their incorporation into wound dressings are presented. In addition, another natural product that exhibits encouraging antibacterial activity is honey. We highlight recent results of several studies carried out by researchers from different regions of the world on wound dressings impregnated with honey, with a special emphasis on Manuka honey. Finally, we highlight recent advances in using nanoparticles as platforms to increase the effect of pharmaceutical formulations aimed at wound healing. Silver, gold, and zinc nanoparticles alone or functionalized with diverse antimicrobial compounds have been integrated into wound dressings and demonstrated therapeutic effects on wounds.
Vine-Inspired Continuum Tendril Robots and Circumnutations
Authors: Wooten Michael B. , Walker Ian D.
Published: September 2018

Smooth-backboned “continuum” robot structures offer novel ways to create robot shapes and movements. In this paper, we show how circumnutation, a motion strategy commonly employed by plants, can be implemented and usefully exploited with continuum robots. We discuss how the kinematics of circumnutation, which combines local backbone growth with periodic backbone bending, can be created using extensible continuum robot hardware. The underlying kinematics are generated by adapting kinematic models of plant growth. We illustrate the effectiveness of that approach with experimental results with a tendril-like robot exploring a congested environment.
Evaluation of Metal Oxide Surface Catalysts for the Electrochemical Activation of Amino Acids
Authors: Tooley Christian A. , Gasperoni Charles H. , Marnoto Sabrina , Halpern Jeffrey Mark
Published: September 2018

Electrochemical detection of amino acids is important due to their correlation with certain diseases; however, most amino acids require a catalyst to electrochemically activate. One common catalyst for electrochemical detection of amino acids are metal oxides. Metal oxide nanoparticles were electrodeposited onto glassy carbon and platinum working electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiments in a flow cell were performed to evaluate the sensors’ ability to detect arginine, alanine, serine, and valine at micromolar and nanomolar concentrations as high as 4 mM. Solutions were prepared in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) and then 100 mM NaOH. Specifically, NiO surfaces were responsive to amino acids but variable, especially when exposed to arginine. Polarization resistance experiments and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) data indicated that arginine accelerated the corrosion of the NiO catalyst through the formation of a Schiff base complex.
Hyperspectral Image Classification with Capsule Network Using Limited Training Samples
Authors: Deng Fei , Pu Shengliang , Chen Xuehong , Shi Yusheng , Yuan Ting , Pu Shengyan
Published: September 2018

Deep learning techniques have boosted the performance of hyperspectral image (HSI) classification. In particular, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have shown superior performance to that of the conventional machine learning algorithms. Recently, a novel type of neural networks called capsule networks (CapsNets) was presented to improve the most advanced CNNs. In this paper, we present a modified two-layer CapsNet with limited training samples for HSI classification, which is inspired by the comparability and simplicity of the shallower deep learning models. The presented CapsNet is trained using two real HSI datasets, i.e., the PaviaU (PU) and SalinasA datasets, representing complex and simple datasets, respectively, and which are used to investigate the robustness or representation of every model or classifier. In addition, a comparable paradigm of network architecture design has been proposed for the comparison of CNN and CapsNet. Experiments demonstrate that CapsNet shows better accuracy and convergence behavior for the complex data than the state-of-the-art CNN. For CapsNet using the PU dataset, the Kappa coefficient, overall accuracy, and average accuracy are 0.9456, 95.90%, and 96.27%, respectively, compared to the corresponding values yielded by CNN of 0.9345, 95.11%, and 95.63%. Moreover, we observed that CapsNet has much higher confidence for the predicted probabilities. Subsequently, this finding was analyzed and discussed with probability maps and uncertainty analysis. In terms of the existing literature, CapsNet provides promising results and explicit merits in comparison with CNN and two baseline classifiers, i.e., random forests (RFs) and support vector machines (SVMs).
Determining An Unknown Boundary Condition by An Iteration Method
Authors: Huang Dejian , Li Yanqing , Pei Donghe
Published: September 2018

This paper investigates the boundary value in the heat conduction problem by a variational iteration method. Applying the iteration method, a sequence of convergent functions is constructed, the limit approximates the exact solution of the heat conduction equation in a few iterations using only the initial condition. This method does not require discretization of the variables. Numerical results show that this method is quite simple and straightforward for models that are currently under research.
Exploring the Phenomenon of Zero Waste and Future Cities
Authors: Hannon Jonathon , Zaman Atiq U.
Published: September 2018

The evolving phenomenon of zero waste encompasses the theory, practice, and learning of individuals, families, businesses, communities, and government organisations, responding to perceptions of crisis and failure around conventional waste management. The diverse and growing body of international zero waste experience, can be portrayed as both, an entirely new and alternative waste management paradigm, and or, interpreted as overlapping, extending, and synergetic with a general evolution towards more sustainable waste/resource management practices. Combining the terms zero and waste provokes creative, intellectual, and pragmatic tensions, which provide a contemporary axis for necessary debate and innovation in this sphere of resource management. This commentary draws on an interdisciplinary perspective and utilises some elements of the critique of zero waste, as a lens to examine and better understand this heterogeneous global community of practice. In particular, how the concept and implementation of a zero waste goal can increase community engagement and be a catalyst for the design and management of a more circular urban metabolism and hence, more adaptive, resilient, and sustainable future (zero waste) cities.
The tip of the iceberg: finding patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in primary care. An observational study
Authors: Deaton Christi , Edwards Duncan , Malyon Alexandra , S Zaman M Justin
Published: September 2018

Background

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is under-identified in primary care.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine what information is available in patients’ primary care practice records that would identify patients with HFpEF.

Design & setting

Record review in two practices in east of England.

Method

Practices completed a case report form on each patient on the heart failure register and sent anonymised echocardiography reports on patients with an ejection fraction (EF) >50%. Reports were reviewed and data analysed using SPSS (version 25).

Results

One hundred and forty-eight patients on the heart failure registers with mean age 77 +12 years were reviewed. Fifty-three patients (36%) had possible HFpEF based on available information. These patients were older and multimorbid, with a high prevalence of overweight and obesity. Confirmation of diagnosis was not possible as recommended HFpEF diagnostic information (natriuretic peptides, echocardiogram parameters of structural heart disease and diastolic function) was widely inconsistent or absent in these patients.

Conclusion

Without correct identification of HFpEF, patient management may be suboptimal or inappropriate, and lack the needed focus on comorbidities and lifestyle that can improve patient outcomes. This study describes in detail the characteristics of many of the patients who probably have HFpEF in a real-world sample, and the improvements and diagnostic information required to better identify them. Identifying more than the tip of the iceberg that is the HFpEF population will allow the improvement of the quality of their management, the prevention of ineffective health care, and the recruitment of patients into research.
Factors influencing doctors’ counselling on patients’ lifestyle habits: a cohort study
Authors: Belfrage Anna Sofia Viktoria , Grotmol Kjersti Støen , Tyssen Reidar , Moum Torbjørn , Finset Arnstein , Isaksson Rø Karin , Lien Lars
Published: September 2018

Background

Lifestyle changes are important for prevention and treatment of many common diseases, and doctors have an important role in the lifestyle counselling of patients. It is important to know more about factors influencing lifestyle counselling.

Aim

To investigate the frequency of counselling about physical activity compared to that about alcohol habits; the impact of doctors’ own physical activity and alcohol habits on patient counselling about these lifestyle dimensions; and whether perceived mastery of clinical work or vulnerable personality have a confounding or moderating effect on these associations.

Design & setting

In this nationwide cohort survey, a total of 978 doctors in Norway were surveyed by postal questionnaires in 1993/94 and 2014. The response rate was 562/978 (57%).

Method

The outcome variables were questions on frequency of asking about alcohol and exercise habits. Explanatory variables were questions on doctors’ own exercise habits, drinking habits (using Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test [AUDIT]), perceived mastery of clinical work, vulnerable personality, and specialty. Associations were studied by linear regression analysis.

Results

Of the 526 responders, 307 (58%) reported asking usually/often about exercise habits, while n = 140/524 (27%) usually/often asked about alcohol habits. A doctor's own physical activity level was associated with frequency of asking about physical activity (unstandardised regression coefficient [B] = 0.07; 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 0.01 to 0.13). There were no significant associations between doctors' own lifestyle habits and counselling on alcohol habits. Doctors with low levels of vulnerability asked more frequently about physical activity, regardless of their own physical activity habits (F = 2.41, P = 0.048).

Conclusion

Doctors’ own lifestyles influenced their preventive counselling about physical activity, but not about alcohol. Vulnerability moderated these effects, indicating the importance of early interventions to help doctors with a vulnerable personality to handle negative criticism from patients.
Microfaune de quelques dragages et carottages effectués devant les côtes de Tunisie (golfe de Gabès) et de Libye (Tripolitaine)
Authors: Blanc-Vernet Laure
Published: September 2018

L'étude des Foraminifères du golfe de Gabès montre le rôle de différents facteurs écologiques d'une part sur les populations en place et d'autre part sur la dispersion sélective et l'accumulation des tests vides. Ces données peuvent être utilisées comme critères paléoécologiques.

Il y a 11 000 ans le niveau de la mer se trouvait environ 50 m plus bas qu'actuellement. Depuis, l'approfondissement s'est accompagné d'un envasement progressif des fonds dans la portion externe du golfe.

Un stade récent d'oolitisation est probable ("optimum atlantique" ? ) ; cependant la plupart des oolites que l'on trouve dans les sédiments sont issues d'affleurements plus anciens, probablement tyrrhéniens.

Au large de la Tripolitaine, les déplacements de faune et les remaniements de sédiments sont importants. La vitesse de sédimentation est élevée.
Les Brachiopodes cambriens de la Montagne Noire (Sud de la France)
Authors: Termier Geneviève , Termier Henri
Published: September 2018

Le Cambrien inférieur et moyen de la Montagne Noire a fourni des Brachiopodes Gastrocaules dont l'étude est effectuée ici en tenant compte de leur répartition stratigraphique, selon la succession des niveaux mis en évidence par F. Boyer pour le Cambrien inférieur, par R. Courtessole pour le Cambrien moyen. Les familles Obolidae, Acrotretidae, Acrothelidae, Paterinidae, sont représentées. La plupart des espèces ont été fossilisées dans des schistes fins, anciennes vases, après avoir probablement vécu attachées à des algues flottantes. Sans doute Glyptacrothele a-t-il eu un mode de vie un peu différent, étant conservé dans des calcaires. Le groupe à d'Acrothele s.s. semble apparaître ici avant ses autres gisements d'Europe, tandis que Glyptacrothele pourrait y être venu de Scandinavie où il est nettement plus ancien.
Présence d'un Megaderma (Mammalia, Chiroptera) dans le Pléistocène inférieur à Sète (Hérault)
Authors: Sigé Bernard
Published: September 2018

La plus grande et la plus tardive espèce des Megaderma européens (M. mediterraneum n. sp.) est décrite d'après des restes dentaires et squelettiques provenant du gisement de Sète. Les fossiles de cette localité permettent de préciser la paléobiogéographie de deux familles actuellement exotiques, et de confirmer les indications paléoclimatiques fournies par d'autres travaux.
Analyse pollinique de la Brèche Ossifère du Lazaret de Sète (Hérault) Pleistocène inférieur
Authors: Suc Jean-Pierre
Published: September 2018

Le remplissage ossifère du Lazaret de Sète (Pleistocène inférieur) a livré une flore pollinique de caractère partiellement méditerranéen. Une oscillation climatique sèche semble se dessiner dans le Plio-Pléistocène inférieur du Languedoc.
Corrélations entre datations radiométriques et Foraminifères Planctoniques dans le Miocène de Sardaigne
Authors: Anglada Roger , Cherchi Antonietta , Coulon Christian , Bellon Hervé
Published: September 2018

A geologic sequence of miocene âge located in northern Sardinia is described which permits a correlation between volcanic deposits with an absolute age dating and a marine formation containing planctonic foraminifera.

The results suggest a younger age for the Neogene series.
Choffatella pyrenaica n. sp., nouveau Lituolidé du Néocomien des Pyrénées et du Portugal
Authors: Peybernes Bernard , Rey Jacques
Published: September 2018

Choffatella pyrenaica n. sp. is described and figured from the uppermost Berriasian — lower Valanginian of Pyrénées and from the Valanginian of Portugal. The stratigraphical, geographical and ecological distribution of this new species is discuted.
Mise en évidence des structures et microstructures réelles des matériaux des roches au microscope photonique par un nouveau procédé de fabrication de lames minces
Authors: Prone André
Published: September 2018

La mise en évidence des microstructures réelles des matériaux des roches en lames minces au microscope photonique, nécessite la production de deux faces rigoureusement parallèles, de faible épaisseur (5000 Â à 1 m), et dépourvues de toute déformation.

Cela implique l'utilisation d'un nouveau procédé de fabrication des lames minces susceptibles d'éliminer les effets mécaniques qui sont à l'origine de ces déformations, et d'obtenir une haute qualité de transparence des plages cristallines.

L'examen de ces lames, permet d'utiliser les possibilités optimales du microscope polarisant (grossissement x 2000 — limite de résolution 2500 Â), et assure une certaine continuité dans l'échelle des observations entre la microscopie photonique et la microscopie électronique.
Observations sur la sédimentation marine récente dans la région siculo-tunisienne
Authors: Blanc-Vernet Laure , Chamley Hervé , Froget Claude , Le Boulicaut D. , Monaco André , Robert Christian M.
Published: September 2018

Twelve cores sampled in the siculo-tunisian area are studied with regard to sedimentology, grain-size, microfauna, mineralogy. Originality of sedimentation lies in :

1 — presence of fine and rapid, sometimes volcano-sedimentary deposits ; 2 — atlantic and mediterranean influence with Forami-nifera and Pteropods populations ;

3 — local feature of the pédologie working of clays, which give climatic informations on the Wurm and Postglacial stages, according to the data of fauna.
Le gisement acheuléen de Carros-le-neuf (Alpes-Maritimes)
Authors: Goudet M.
Published: September 2018

Acheulean tools discovered "in situ" from silts sediments above middle and upper Var valley terraces allowed us a quaternary chronological establishment on this area. The archeological level has been dated from the final rissian glaciation ; the fluvio-glacial terraces from the rissian and from the mindelian glaciations. The upper level, situated on the "pliocene" delta is a possible mark of the early quaternary.
Ecroulements de falaises et chutes de blocs au littoral rocheux de Provence occidentale
Authors: Blanc Jean-Joseph
Published: September 2018

L'érosion des littoraux rocheux abrupts résulte essentiellement d'un processus de fissuration mécanique préalable, lié à la détente des versants. L'anisotropie des massifs rocheux a été maximale lors des variations du niveau marin ; ainsi, la décompression des parois et falaises s'est principalement exercée au cours des phases régressives où la détente des contraintes demeurait liée au développement des "versants d'air".

On examine les causes des ruptures et détentes localisées et leurs relations avec les paléo-karsts littoraux et leurs remplissages. Les modalités mécaniques des états décomprimés expliquent certains traits de la morphologie littorale, les figures de ruptures, fissures de détente, recoupement des réseaux et conduites suspendues. Les âges possibles des phases de décompression sont discutés.

Les éboulis littoraux sont classés en trois catégories : éboulis anciens (tertiaires et pleistocène), éboulis wiirmiens et holocènes, acuels et sub-actuels.
Une Ammonite peu commune, Roloboceras sp. dans l'aptien de la bédoule, Bouches-du -Rhône
Authors: Conte Gabriel
Published: September 2018

This note shows the finding out of an Ammonite which is seldom mentioned in the Aptian of la Bédoule : Roloboceras sp.

The site, at half-way between la Bédoule and Cassis, is situated on the classical section nearly on the top of the Bedoulian.

The sample is sligtly different of Roloboceras hambrovi (Forbes) and is very similar to Roloboceras transiens Casey.
Gisement, faune et géochronologie du Puy Courny (Cantal, France)
Authors: Brousse Robert , Heintz Emile , Park Frédéric Y. C. , Bellon Hervé
Published: September 2018

Le Puy Courny, situé aux marges sud-ouest du massif du Cantal et aux portes d'Aurillac, a depuis longtemps, déjà, captivé l'intérêt des géologues. Les anciennes exploitations de ce mont ont livré des restes fossiles de mammifères et des sables alluviaux, surmontant une coulée basaltique, contiennent des silex paraissant taillés.

Si l'enthousiasme (Rames, 1884) pour "l'homme tertiaire" n'est plus fixé sur le Puy Courny, la coupe de cette éminence offre un renouveau d'intérêt scientifique car la présence de deux coulées basaltiques encadrant le gîte fossilifère, permet de dater, par la méthode K/Ar, un gisement du Pontien.

A une échelle plus locale, nous préciserons la chronologie de cette butte généralement considérée comme représentative des premières pulsations éruptives du Massif du Cantal.
Application de l'analyse statistique multivariable à l'étude des variations climatiques dans la région de Nice
Authors: Randrianasolo Auran J. O.
Published: September 2018

Dendrogramms of Q-mode and R-mode analysis corroborate the Glabratellidae value as a good indicator of paleothermic changes. So two stations are reported with warm ones.
Sur la présence de Borelis curdica (Reichel) dans le Miocène de l'île de Kos (Grèce)
Authors: Bignot Gérard , Guernet Claude
Published: September 2018

Après la description rapide des faciès de petits gisements miocènes nouveau ou déjà connus, les auteurs en donnent le contenu microfaunique. Dendritina cf. rangii, Peneroplis cf. evolutus, Puteolina anahensis et Borelis curdica sont étudiés systématiquement. L'âge miocène moyen de l'association est établi. La paléoécologie et la paléobiogéographie des espèces du genre Borelis sont discutées.
Découverte d'un nouveau gisement d'Athérines (poissons Téléostéens. Atherinomorpha) dans le Paléogène de Mormoiron (Vaucluse)
Authors: Maurel-Ferrandini Michelle , Ferrandini Jean , Gaudant Jean
Published: September 2018

Occurence of fossil atherine fishes is reported from the upper part of the main quarry of Mormoiron (Vaucluse), which is excavated in Caenozoic strata belonging to the Mammal-zone of Montmartre. A new genus, Palaeoatherina, is erected with the new species P. rhodanica as type-species. Is underlined the interest of this new species for the interpretation of Atherinid fishes evolution. Geographical and ecological distributions of recent Atherinidae agree with modern ideas concerning deposit conditions of gypsum in Mormoiron area.
Données paléoclimatiques à l'aube des temps néogènes en Haute Provence (France)
Authors: Schuler Monique , Sittler Claude
Published: September 2018

L'étude recouvre les formations du Bois d'Asson (Stampien supérieur) et du Calcaire de Reillanne (Chattien). Après le Stampien, caractérisé par des dépôts d'origine détritique et une végétation de reliefs sous un climat chaud et aride, le début du Chattien est marqué par un climat hydrolysant plus tropical et humide, qui permet un lessivage intense avec apport de smectites dans un lac plus étendu. La végétation est limitée aux formes d'arrière-pays. Puis on observe une alternance de périodes lacustres à flore pauvre, chlorite et climat plus aride, et de périodes palustres à flore riche, smectites et climat humide et chaud. Deux périodes de rafraîchissement climatique se produisent au Chattien.
Observations sur l'altération de la silice et des silicates au cours de la lithification carbonatée (Région Siculo-Tunisienne)
Authors: Froget Claude
Published: September 2018

Les roches carbonatées du Pléistocène récent draguées dans le détroit siculo-tunisien montrent une altération de la silice biogénique, du verre volcanique et de certains minéraux argileux. Le mécanisme responsable pourrait être de nature biochimique.