bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polaritonics: from microcavities to sub-wavelength confinement
Authors: Ballarini Dario , De Liberato Simone
Published: February 2019

Following the initial success of cavity quantum electrodynamics in atomic systems, strong coupling between light and matter excitations is now achieved in several solid-state set-ups. In those systems, the possibility to engineer quantum emitters and resonators with very different characteristics has allowed access to novel nonlinear and non-perturbative phenomena of both fundamental and applied interest. In this article, we will review some advances in the field of solid-state cavity quantum electrodynamics, focussing on the scaling of the relevant figures of merit in the transition from microcavities to sub-wavelength confinement.
Innovation-Sustainability Nexus in Agriculture Transition: Case of Agroecology
Authors: El Bilali Hamid
Published: February 2019

Different governments and international organizations have shown interest in agroecology as a promising pathway for transition to sustainable agriculture. However, the kinds of innovation needed for agro-ecological transition are subject to intense debate. The scale of this debate is itself an indicator of the complicated relation between innovation and sustainability in the agro-food arena and beyond. This review paper analyses the potential of agro-ecology in agricultural sustainability transitions. It also explores whether agro-ecological transition is a sustainable innovation (cf. ecological, green, open, social, responsible). Furthermore, the paper investigates the potential contribution of agro-ecological transition to sustainability, using the 3-D (Direction, Distribution and Diversity) model of the STEPS centre. Agroecology is one of the few approaches that can harmoniously combine innovation and sustainability in agriculture while promoting genuine transition to agro-food sustainability since it embraces all dimensions of sustainability (environmental, economic, social/cultural/ethical). Nevertheless, it can be taken for granted neither that all traditional practices can be classified as ‘agro-ecological’ nor that all farmer-led innovations can be included in the agro-ecological repertoire. Moreover, the relationship between the three aspirations of agroecology (science, movement and practice) needs further elaboration in order to maximise potential for agriculture transition.
A brief overview on Brazilian women in chemistry
Authors: Santos Natacha Carvalho Ferreira , Valli Marilia , Bolzani Vanderlan da Silva
Published: February 2019

Women have achieved great advances standing up for themselves in the last 100 years. Many important women were essential for the development of science but only a few (5% from total awarded individuals) have won Nobel prizes for their work. In this brief contribution, we would like to show that gender equality is in process and highlight the gaps that still have to be addressed. We also give an overview of the Brazilian scenario on this matter. In many countries, such as Brazil, women are already half of the researchers in Chemistry, but their representation become scarcer as their career advances, in coordination and direction positions.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Etiology: Current Knowledge
Authors: Kikut Justyna , Konecka Nina , Ziętek Maciej , Szczuko Małgorzata
Published: February 2019

Non-specific inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) include Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Both diseases are characterized by chronic inflammation of unclear etiology. The inflammatory bowel diseases incidence is continuously observed to rise. Colon inflammatory response is a physiological process which occurrence is indispensable as an organisms’ defense reaction. The inflammation may be caused by internal factors associated with body’s cells as well as external factors, such as infections and exposition for inflammatory agents. Until recently, IBD have been classified as autoimmune diseases, today they seem to be associated with gut barrier disorders or dysbiosis. Factors that predispose to inflammatory bowel diseases include: genetic factors, dysbiosis and so called western-type diet, natural components such as gluten and lactose. In addition, the development of the disease is favored by: cigarette smoking, phosphate, nanomolecules, sodium chloride, emulgents, carrageenan, carboxymethylcellulose, pollution, maltodextrin. IBD affects whole the body, causing serious medical consequences. Symptoms like anxiety and chronic stress, that occur commonly, can lead to depressive disorders. Quantitative and qualitative dietary deficiency caused by absorption disorders, may promote the occurrence of osteoporosis and osteopenia. In addition, dysbiosis coexisting with alterations in intestinal permeability can lead to the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. IBD medical consequences include also systemic complications, associated with the extra gastrointestinal manifestations’ occurrence.
An overview of radioactivity measurement studies in Pakistan
Authors: Muhammad Wazir , Matiullah  , Ullah Asad , Tahir Sajjad , Ullah Fawad , Khan Matiullah
Published: February 2019

In our environment, various naturally occurring radionuclides are present (both underground and overground) in several places, which results in lifelong human exposure. The radiation dose received by human beings from the radiation emitted by these naturally occurring radionuclides is approximately 87%. Exposure to radiation poses radiological health hazards. To assess the human health hazards from radiation, the concentration of these naturally occurring radionuclides are measured in soil (used for cultivation), building materials (soil, bricks, sand, marble, etc.), water and dietary items, worldwide. The available literature revealed that numerous studies related to the subject have been carried out in Pakistan. Most of these studies measured the radioactivity concentrations of primordial [uranium (238U), thorium (232Th), radium (226Ra) and potassium (40K)] and anthropogenic [cesium (137Cs)] radionuclide in soil samples (used for cultivation), fertilizers, building materials (i.e. bricks, rocks, sand, soil, marble, etc.), as well as water and dietary items, using a sodium iodide detector or high purity germanium. An effort was made in 2008 to compile these studies as a review article. However, since then, considerable studies have been undertaken and reported in the literature. Therefore, the main objective of the present article is to provide a countrywide baseline data on radionuclide levels, by overviewing and compiling the relevant studies carried out in Pakistan.
Impact of ambient air pollution and wheeze-associated disorders in children in Southeast Asia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Luong Ly M.T. , Sly Peter D. , Thai Phong K. , Phung Dung
Published: February 2019

Several systematic reviews have been conducted so far to examine the effect of air pollution on respiratory diseases, but there has not been a corresponding meta-analysis to estimate the effect sizes for wheeze-associated diseases/disorders, which is one of the leading causes of emergency department visits and hospitalizations for children worldwide. The aim of this review is to systematically evaluate the relationship between air pollution and risk of wheeze-associated disorders in children in Southeast Asia. We searched the relevant computerized databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane library) for indexed publications up to July 2018. Finally, eight studies were qualified for performing a random-effect meta-analysis to compute the pooled effect sizes. The results show that each increase of 10 μg/m3 in concentrations of PM2.5, PM1 was associated with 1–2% increase in risk of wheeze-associated disorders. Positive associations were found for PM10, SO2, NO2, NOx but no association was found for CO and O3. We confirmed the strong effect of fine particulate matters on respiratory health and recommend an updated meta-analysis should be done when more studies are available.
Approximate Solution of Coupled Schrödinger and Poisson Equation in Inversion Layer Problem: An Approach Based on Homotopy Perturbations
Authors: Kevkić Tijana , Stojanović Vladica
Published: February 2019

In this paper, the homotopy perturbation method (HPM) is applied to the coupled set of Schrödinger–Poisson (SP) equations in inversion layer problem for obtaining the approximate analytical solution. Inversion layer of n-type is considered, and the electric quantum limit is assumed. By introducing some dimensionless quantities, the SP system has been turned into one which can be solved along the infinite interval. After some appropriate transformations, the infinite interval has been reduced to finite one

(
0
,
1
)

$(0,1)$

, and recurrence series of the HPM approximate solutions of the coupled SP system have been obtained. The existence and convergence of obtained HPM approximate solutions have been formally proved. Moreover, these solutions show relative simple mathematical form, as well as high degree of accuracy what is desirable for semiconductor device modelling.
Preparation, Characterization and Evaluation of Curcumin Nanodispersions Using Three Different Methods – Novel Subcritical Water Conditions, Spontaneous Emulsification and Solvent Displacement
Authors: Sayyar Zahra , Malmiri Hoda Jafarizadeh
Published: February 2019

Curcumin as a lipophilic bioactive compound can be incorporated into water-based formulations when it turns into curcumin nanodispersions. In fact, nanodispersion systems, increase curcumin bioavailability, solubility and stability, and furthermore increase curcumin uses in aqueous food and pharmaceutical formulations. Present study focuses on the preparation of curcumin nanodispersions under subcritical water conditions (temperature of 120 °C and pressure of 1.5 bar for 2 h) and using selected another two different methods namely, spontaneous emulsification and solvent displacement. Lecithin as carrier oil, Tween 80 as emulsifier and polyethylene glycol as co-surfactant, with a ratio of 1:8:1, were used in all the preparation techniques. Obtained results indicated that curcumin nanodispersions with smallest mean particle size (70 nm), polydispersity index (0.57), curcumin loss (5.5%) and turbidity (0.04 Nephelometric Turbidity Unit), and maximum loading ability (0.189 g/L), loading efficiency (94.5%) and conductivity (0.157 mS/cm) were obtained under subcritical water conditions. The results also exhibited that the prepared spherical curcumin nanoparticles in the water by this technique had desirable physical stability as their mean zeta potential value was (−12.6 mV). It also observed that, as compared to spontaneous emulsification and solvent displacement methods, the prepared curcumin nanodispersions via subcritical water method had highest anti-oxidant and antibacterial activities.
Efficacy of Combined General, Special, and Specific Resistance Training on Pace Bowling Skill in Club-Standard Cricketers
Authors: Feros Simon A. , Young Warren B. , O'Brien Brendan J.
Published: February 2019

Feros, SA, Young, WB, and O'Brien, BJ. Efficacy of combined general, special, and specific resistance training on pace bowling skill in club-standard cricketers. J Strength Cond Res 34(9): 2596–2607, 2020—This study investigated the efficacy of combined “general,” “special,” and “specific” resistance training on pace bowling skill. Twelve male, club-standard pace bowlers were randomly allocated to a combined resistance training (CRT) program or traditional cricket training (TCT) program for 8 weeks. The CRT group (n = 6) trained with 300, 250-g, and standard cricket balls; performed 20-m sprints with +20% and +15% body mass resistance (but also unresisted); and completed chin-up and pull-up training. The TCT group (n = 6) trained with standard balls and performed unresisted 20-m sprints. No statistically significant GROUP × TIME interactions were identified. The CRT group demonstrated a “clear moderate” enhancement in peak ball release speed (mean ±95% confidence limits [CLs]: 1.2 ± 1.5 m·s−1, d = 0.66 ± 0.83), a “clear large” increase in mean radial error (mean ±95% CLs: 7.1 ± 6.5 cm, d = 0.94 ± 0.87), and a “clear large” rise in bivariate variable error (mean ±95% CLs: 7.2 ± 7.8 cm, d = 0.97 ± 1.05). The TCT group exhibited “unclear” changes across all pace bowling skill measures. Both groups displayed “unclear” changes in approach speed, 20-m sprint time, and 1 repetition maximum pull-up strength. In 8 weeks, the CRT program improved peak ball release speed, but at the cost of poorer bowling accuracy and consistency of bowling accuracy. These findings could be attributed to bowling with the heavier balls. The inclusion of “specific” resistance training does not seem to be effective in enhancing all-round pace bowling skill in club-standard cricketers.
Sprint Training on a Treadmill vs. Overground Results in Modality-Specific Impact on Sprint Performance but Similar Positive Improvement in Body Composition in Young Adults
Authors: Dorgo Sandor , Perales Jeremy J. , Boyle Jason B. , Hausselle Jerome , Montalvo Samuel
Published: February 2019

Dorgo, S, Perales, JJ, Boyle, JB, Hausselle, J, and Montalvo, S. Sprint training on a treadmill vs. overground results in modality-specific impact on sprint performance but similar positive improvement in body composition in young adults. J Strength Cond Res 34(2): 463–472, 2020—The effects of different sprint training modalities on body composition are not yet known, and the effectiveness of using motorized treadmills for sprint training is yet to be assessed accurately. The following study investigated the effects of motorized treadmill and overground training on sprint performance and body composition. Sixty-four young adults (33 men and 31 women) completed 12 sprint training sessions over a 6-week period either on a treadmill (TM) or overground (TR), or followed their normal exercise routine (CONTROL). Fifty-yard sprint time, 20-yard maximal sprint speed split time, and maximal treadmill speed were used as sprint performance indicators. Body composition and sprint performance assessments were completed before and after the 6-week intervention. On completion of the 6-week training program, maximal treadmill speed significantly increased for all 3 groups, while split sprint time significantly decreased for the TR group. The CONTROL group's 50-yd sprint time and split sprint time significantly worsened after 6 weeks. Improvements in sprint time and speed were significantly greater for the TR and TM groups compared with the CONTROL group for 50-yd sprint time, 20-yard maximal sprint speed split time, and maximal treadmill sprint speed. The change in maximal treadmill sprint speed for the TM group was significantly greater than that of the TR group. TR and TM subjects also showed significant decrease in total body fat and increase in leg lean muscle mass. These findings indicate that although overground sprint training resulted in the greatest performance improvements within overground sprint tests, sprint training on a motorized treadmill may be a beneficial alternative modality to overground sprint training and may also positively impact subjects' body composition.
Nutritional Needs of the Female Athlete: Risk and Prevention of Low Energy Availability
Authors: Black Katherine E. , Baker Dane F. , Sims Stacy T.
Published: February 2019

To date, most of the research surrounding low energy availability (LEA) and female athletes has focused on the high prevalence rates (2–77%). Despite the severe negative health and performance consequences, awareness of this issue is low. There are potentially a multitude of factors that contribute to the development of LEA across the menstrual cycle and training phases. This review highlights these influences and provides practical tips for those working with female athletes.
The Energy-Saving of Urban Tunnel Ventilation Based on the Investigation of the Annual Discount Rate of CO Baseline Emission in City of Shenzhen
Authors: Luo Y. B. , Chen J. X. , Liu W. W. , Zhang X. Y. , Sun P. L. , Liu T. Z. , Bu X. B.
Published: February 2019

Tunnel ventilation problems and energy-saving issues are key factors that have restricted the development of highway tunnels, especially in the context of urban tunnels. In this article, a detailed field measurement was carried out from March 29th to September 16th, 2014, in four typical urban tunnels: Henglongshan Tunnel, Cejiexian Tunnel, Jiuweiling Tunnel, and Dameisha Tunnel in Shenzhen, China. Against this backdrop, the main objective of this article was to optimize the urban tunnel ventilation design system via back calculating a reasonable discount rate of carbon monoxide (CO) baseline emission in the basis of measurement results of traffic flow, air velocity, and CO concentrations within the unban tunnels in Shenzhen. Measurement results reveal that traffic flow in urban tunnels increased to the design level, even beyond the design values. Air velocities in four tunnels were found to be lower than 5 m·s−1 and fluctuated widely during the day. Furthermore, the CO concentration peaks of the Henglongshan Tunnel, Cejiexian Tunnel, Jiuweiling Tunnel, and Dameisha Tunnel stood at 17 cm3·m−3, 7 cm3·m−3, 39 cm3·m−3, and 6 cm3·m−3, respectively. Most importantly, the necessary air volume was calculated in accordance with measured traffic parameters and other parameters in the specification were found to be much higher than actual air supply. Based on large amounts of measured data, the annual discount rates of CO baseline emission which were between 4.9∼12.6 %, have been acquired using the method of inversion calculation for the first time. Therefore, it is recommended to take 8 % as the annual discount rate of CO baseline emission in Shenzhen’s urban tunnel ventilation design; these experimental data also provide a reference for other relevant regions.
Gestionnaires de projet dans les industries créatives : rôles et qualités recherchées
Authors: Bérubé Julie
Published: February 2019

Les industries créatives jouent un rôle de plus en plus important sur le plan socio-économique dans notre société. On qualifie de créatives les organisations qui oeuvrent au sein de ces industries. Celles-ci sont marquées par la présence d’une tension entre la gestion et la création. La documentation scientifique sur le management de ces organisations se concentre sur les travailleurs créatifs et principalement sur l’embauche des bonnes personnes pour ces postes. On aborde peu la question des gestionnaires de projet au sein de ces mêmes organisations. Cette recherche s’appuie sur l’étude de 11 cas (des agences de publicité), à l’intérieur desquels 35 entrevues semi-structurées ont été menées, pour comprendre le rôle et les qualités recherchées chez ces individus. Les résultats suggèrent dans un premier temps, que les gestionnaires respectent les rôles classiques en gestion de projet, mais qu’ils adaptent leurs pratiques afin d’être en adéquation avec la personnalité des travailleurs créatifs. Dans un deuxième temps, les résultats montrent qu’ils jouent un rôle crucial au sein des organisations créatives. Ceux-ci sont responsables de gérer la tension entre la gestion et la création, assurant ainsi la viabilité des organisations. Ils doivent préserver la créativité des travailleurs créatifs tout en respectant les demandes des clients. Les gestionnaires doivent donc, en plus de posséder des connaissances en gestion de projet, avoir la capacité de s’adapter et avoir une sensibilité au travail artistique. La contribution principale de cette recherche est d’amener une nuance à la perception classique du gestionnaire de projet, tant au niveau de son rôle, de ses qualités que de son importance dans les organisations en prenant appui sur le cas des organisations créatives.
La révolution 4.0 : le retour du pendule pour les travailleurs et travailleuses du XXIe siècle?
Authors: Gagné Diane
Published: February 2019

Pour ce numéro thématique, les éditeurs nous posent cette question : « création de milieux de travail centrés sur l’humain ou essoufflement des travailleurs? » Pour y répondre, nous avons choisi d’aborder les défis concernant le travail et l’emploi pour la prochaine décennie, avec l’avènement de la révolution 4.0, ayant comme objectif de répondre à la question suivante : « Et si la révolution 4.0 s’avérait la période de retour du pendule pour les travailleurs du XXIe siècle? » Le discours sera articulé autour de trois enjeux reliés à la gestion des ressources humaines. Le premier, la réalité démographique, le deuxième, un besoin d’investissement et de formation et le troisième, le coeur de cet article, que le climat politique aura vraisemblablement une incidence sur la gouvernance nationale, régionale et locale, qui elle-même aura des impacts sur l’organisation du travail qui se reflèteront sur l’humain et son rapport au travail. Nous conclurons que la capacité d’agir des travailleurs et travailleuses et leurs représentants passera nécessairement par un diagnostic partagé sur la nature des problèmes et des solutions. Tout ce que l’on négociera tant avec l’employeur que les différentes instances politiques sera tributaire de la volonté de chacune des parties, à tout le moins de leur capacité à s’écouter et à se respecter.
Les dangers liés à l’instrumentalisation de la pleine conscience
Authors: Steiler Dominique , Tarquinio Cyril , Grégoire Simon , Strub Lionel , Kotsou Ilios
Published: February 2019

Au cours des dernières années, bon nombre d’interventions ont été implantées dans les organisations afin d’aider les employés à cultiver leur pleine conscience. Dans cet article, nous mettons en lumière les dangers liés à l’instrumentalisation de la pleine conscience en milieu de travail et déplorons le fait que les interventions soient souvent mises en place, non pas pour favoriser l’épanouissement et la qualité de vie des employés, mais plutôt pour optimiser le rendement et la motivation de ces derniers. Nous proposons également certaines pistes d’intervention afin que ces interventions prometteuses soient enseignées dans les organisations de manière plus conséquentes avec leurs objectifs.
Narrowly Confined and Glomerulus-Specific Onset Latencies of Odor-Evoked Calcium Transients in the Juxtaglomerular Cells of the Mouse Main Olfactory Bulb
Authors: Homma Ryota , Lv Xiaohua , Sato Tokiharu , Imamura Fumiaki , Zeng Shaoqun , Nagayama Shin
Published: February 2019

Odor information is transmitted from olfactory sensory neurons to principal neurons at the glomeruli of the olfactory bulb. The intraglomerular neuronal circuit also includes hundreds of interneurons referred to as juxtaglomerular (JG) cells. Stimulus selectivity is well correlated among many JG cells that are associated with the same glomerulus, consistent with their highly homogeneous sensory inputs. However, much less is known about the temporal aspects of their activity, including the temporal coordination of their odor-evoked responses. As many JG cells within a glomerular module respond to the same stimulus, the extent to which their activity is temporally aligned will affect the temporal profile of their population inhibitory inputs. Using random-access high-speed two-photon microscopy, we recorded the odor-evoked calcium transients of mouse JG cells and compared the onset latency and rise time among neurons putatively associated with the same and different glomeruli. Whereas the overall onset latencies of odor-evoked transients were distributed across a ∼150 ms time window, those from cells putatively associated with the same glomerulus were confined to a much narrower window of several tens of milliseconds. This result suggests that onset latency primarily depends on the associated glomerulus. We also observed glomerular specificity in the rise time. The glomerulus-specific temporal pattern of odor-evoked activity implies that the temporal patterns of inputs from the intraglomerular circuit are unique to individual glomerulus–odor pairs, which may contribute to efficient shaping of the temporal pattern of activity in the principal neurons.
Aerobic Glycolysis Is Required for Spatial Memory Acquisition But Not Memory Retrieval in Mice
Authors: Harris Richard A. , Lone Asad , Lim Heeseung , Martinez Francisco , Frame Ariel K. , Scholl Timothy J. , Cumming Robert C.
Published: February 2019

The consolidation of newly formed memories and their retrieval are energetically demanding processes. Aerobic glycolysis (AG), also known as the Warburg effect, consists of the production of lactate from glucose in the presence of oxygen. The astrocyte neuron lactate shuttle hypothesis posits that astrocytes process glucose by AG to generate lactate, which is used as a fuel source within neurons to maintain synaptic activity. Studies in mice have demonstrated that lactate transport between astrocytes and neurons is required for long-term memory formation, yet the role of lactate production in memory acquisition and retrieval has not previously been explored. Here, we examined the effect of dichloroacetate (DCA), a chemical inhibitor of lactate production, on spatial learning and memory in mice using the Morris water maze (MWM).In vivohyperpolarized13C-pyruvate magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed decreased conversion of pyruvate to lactate in the mouse brain following DCA administration, concomitant with a reduction in the phosphorylation of pyruvate dehydrogenase. DCA exposure before each training session in the MWM impaired learning, which subsequently resulted in impaired memory during the probe trial. In contrast, mice that underwent training without DCA exposure, but received a single DCA injection before the probe trial exhibited normal memory. Our findings indicate that AG plays a key role during memory acquisition but is less important for the retrieval of established memories. Thus, the activation of AG may be important for learning-dependent synaptic plasticity rather than the activation of signaling cascades required for memory retrieval.
Two Compasses in the Central Complex of the Locust Brain
Authors: Pegel Uta , Pfeiffer Keram , Zittrell Frederick , Scholtyssek Christine , Homberg Uwe
Published: February 2019

Many migratory insects rely on a celestial compass for spatial orientation. Several features of the daytime sky, all generated by the sun, can be exploited for navigation. Two of these are the position of the sun and the pattern of polarized skylight. Neurons of the central complex (CX), a group of neuropils in the central brain of insects, have been shown to encode sky compass cues. In desert locusts, the CX holds a topographic, compass-like representation of the plane of polarized light (E-vector) presented from dorsal direction. In addition, these neurons also encode the azimuth of an unpolarized light spot, likely representing the sun. Here, we investigate whether, in addition toE-vector orientation, the solar azimuth is represented topographically in the CX. We recorded intracellularly from eight types of CX neuron while stimulating animals of either sex with polarized blue light from zenithal direction and an unpolarized green light spot rotating around the animal's head at different elevations. CX neurons did not code for elevation of the unpolarized light spot. However, two types of columnar neuron showed a linear correlation between innervated slice in the CX and azimuth tuning to the unpolarized green light spot, consistent with an internal compass representation of solar azimuth. Columnar outputs of the CX also showed a topographic representation of zenithalE-vector orientation, but the two compasses were not linked to each other. Combined stimulation with unpolarized green and polarized blue light suggested that the two compasses interact in a nonlinear way.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIn the brain of the desert locust, neurons sensitive to the plane of celestial polarization are arranged like a compass in the slices of the central complex (CX). These neurons, in addition, code for the horizontal direction of an unpolarized light cue possibly representing the sun. We show here that horizontal directions are, in addition toE-vector orientations from the dorsal direction, represented in a compass-like manner across the slices of the CX. However, the two compasses are not linked to each other, but rather seem to interact in a cell-specific, nonlinear way. Our study confirms the role of the CX in signaling heading directions and shows that different cues are used for this task.
Epilepsy Gene Therapy Using an Engineered Potassium Channel
Authors: Snowball Albert , Chabrol Elodie , Wykes Robert C. , Shekh-Ahmad Tawfeeq , Cornford Jonathan H. , Lieb Andreas , Hughes Michael P. , Massaro Giulia , Rahim Ahad A. , Hashemi Kevan S. , Kullmann Dimitri M. , Walker Matthew C. , Schorge Stephanie
Published: February 2019

Refractory focal epilepsy is a devastating disease for which there is frequently no effective treatment. Gene therapy represents a promising alternative, but treating epilepsy in this way involves irreversible changes to brain tissue, so vector design must be carefully optimized to guarantee safety without compromising efficacy. We set out to develop an epilepsy gene therapy vector optimized for clinical translation. The gene encoding the voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.1,KCNA1, was codon optimized for human expression and mutated to accelerate the recovery of the channels from inactivation. For improved safety, this engineered potassium channel (EKC) gene was packaged into a nonintegrating lentiviral vector under the control of a cell type-specificCAMK2Apromoter. In a blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled preclinical trial, the EKC lentivector robustly reduced seizure frequency in a male rat model of focal neocortical epilepsy characterized by discrete spontaneous seizures. When packaged into an adeno-associated viral vector (AAV2/9), the EKC gene was also effective at suppressing seizures in a male rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy. This demonstration of efficacy in a clinically relevant setting, combined with the improved safety conferred by cell type-specific expression and integration-deficient delivery, identify EKC gene therapy as being ready for clinical translation in the treatment of refractory focal epilepsy.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTPharmacoresistant epilepsy affects up to 0.3% of the population. Although epilepsy surgery can be effective, it is limited by risks to normal brain function. We have developed a gene therapy that builds on a mechanistic understanding of altered neuronal and circuit excitability in cortical epilepsy. The potassium channel geneKCNA1was mutated to bypass post-transcriptional editing and was packaged in a nonintegrating lentivector to reduce the risk of insertional mutagenesis. A randomized, blinded preclinical study demonstrated therapeutic effectiveness in a rodent model of focal neocortical epilepsy. Adeno-associated viral delivery of the channel to both hippocampi was also effective in a model of temporal lobe epilepsy. These results support clinical translation to address a major unmet need.
Noradrenergic α1-Adrenoceptor Actions in the Primate Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Datta Dibyadeep , Yang Sheng-Tao , Galvin Veronica C. , Solder John , Luo Fei , Morozov Yury M. , Arellano Jon , Duque Alvaro , Rakic Pasko , Arnsten Amy F.T. , Wang Min
Published: February 2019

Noradrenergic (NE) α1-adrenoceptors (α1-ARs) contribute to arousal mechanisms and play an important role in therapeutic medications such as those for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, little is known about how α1-AR stimulation influences neuronal firing in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), a newly evolved region that is dysfunctional in PTSD and other mental illnesses. The current study examined the effects of α1-AR manipulation on neuronal firing in dlPFC of rhesus monkeys performing a visuospatial working memory task, focusing on the “delay cells” that maintain spatially tuned information across the delay period. Iontophoresis of the α1-AR antagonist HEAT (2-{[β-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]aminomethyl}-1-tetralone) had mixed effects, reducing firing in a majority of neurons but having nonsignificant excitatory effects or no effect in remaining delay cells. These data suggest that endogenous NE has excitatory effects in some delay cells under basal conditions. In contrast, the α1-AR agonists phenylephrine and cirazoline suppressed delay cell firing and this was blocked by coadministration of HEAT. These results indicate an inverted-U dose response for α1-AR actions, with mixed excitatory actions under basal conditions and suppressed firing with high levels of α1-AR stimulation such as with stress exposure. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed α1-AR expression presynaptically in axons and axon terminals and postsynaptically in spines, dendrites, and astrocytes. It is possible that α1-AR excitatory effects arise from presynaptic excitation of glutamate release, whereas postsynaptic actions suppress firing through calcium–protein kinase C opening of potassium channels on spines. The latter may predominate under stressful conditions, leading to loss of dlPFC regulation during uncontrollable stress.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTNoradrenergic stimulation of α1-adrenoceptors (α1-ARs) is implicated in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental disorders that involve dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex, a brain region that provides top-down control. However, the location and contribution of α1-ARs to prefrontal cortical physiology in primates has received little attention. This study found that α1-ARs are located near prefrontal synapses and that α1-AR stimulation has mixed effects under basal conditions. However, high levels of α1-AR stimulation, as occur with stress, suppress neuronal firing. These findings help to explain why we lose top-down control under conditions of uncontrollable stress when there are high levels of noradrenergic release in brain and why blocking α1-AR, such as with prazosin, may be helpful in the treatment of PTSD.
Prelimbic Cortical Neurons Track Preferred Reward Value and Reflect Impulsive Choice during Delay Discounting Behavior
Authors: Sackett Deirdre A. , Moschak Travis M. , Carelli Regina M.
Published: February 2019

In delay discounting, individuals discount the value of a reward based on the delay to its receipt. The prelimbic cortex (PrL) is heavily interconnected with several brain regions implicated in delay discounting, but the specific contributions of the PrL to delay discounting are unknown. Here, we used multineuron electrophysiological recording methods in Long–Evans male (n= 10) and female (n= 9) rats to characterize the firing dynamics of PrL neurons during discrete cue and lever press events in a delay discounting task. Rats' initial preference for the large reward decreased as delays for that outcome increased across blocks, reflecting classic discounting behavior. Electrophysiological recordings revealed that subgroups of neurons exhibited phasic responses to cue presentations and lever presses. These phasic neurons were found to respond to either large/delay, small/immediate, or both trial types and the percentage of these neurons shifted across blocks as the expected value of the reward changed. Critically, this shift was only seen during trials in which animals could choose their preferred option (free choice trials) and not during trials where animals could choose only one option (forced choice trials). Further, this shift was dependent on rats' inherent impulsivity because high impulsive rats demonstrated a greater percentage of small/immediate-responsive neurons as the task progressed. Collectively, these findings suggest a unique role for the PrL in encoding reward value during delay discounting that is influenced by individual differences in impulsivity.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIn delay discounting, individuals discount the value of a reward based on the delay to its receipt. Here, we used electrophysiology to investigate the role of the prelimbic cortex (PrL) in this process. We found that subsets of neurons shifted activity as a function of the changing expected delay and reward magnitude, but this shift was only evident during trials in which animals could choose their preferred option. Further, this dynamic neural activity depended on rats' inherent impulsivity, with impulsive rats exhibiting a stronger neural shift toward the immediate reward as the task progressed. These findings suggest a role for the PrL in encoding reward value during delay discounting that is influenced by goal-directed context and individual differences in impulsivity.
The Long Road from Neoliberalism to Neopopulism in ECE: The social paradox of neopopulism and decline of the Left
Authors: Ágh Attila
Published: February 2019

[full article and abstract in English] We live in a “post-neoliberal world”, as it has been discussed in the mainstream literature, but the vital link between neoliberalism and neopopulism has been rarely discussed. Nowadays in international political science it is very fashionable to criticise the long neoliberal period of the last decades, still its effect on the rise of neopopulism has not yet been properly elaborated. To dig deeper into social background of neopopulism, this paper describes the system of neoliberalism in its three major social subsystems, in the socio-economic, legal-political and cultural-civilizational fields. The historical context situates the dominant period of neoliberalism between the 1970s in the Old World Order (OWO) and in the 2010s in the New World Order (NWO). In general, neoliberalism’s cumulative effects of increasing inequality has produced the current global wave of neopopulism that will be analysed in this paper in its ECE regional version. The neopopulist social paradox is that not only the privileged strata, but also the poorest part of ECE’s societies supports the hard populist elites. Due to the general desecuritization in ECE, the poor have become state dependent for social security, yet paradoxically they vote for their oppressors, widening the social base of this competitive authoritarianism. Thus, the twins of neoliberalism and neopopulism, in their close connections—the main topic of this paper—have produced a “cultural backlash” in ECE along with identity politics, which is high on the political agenda.
DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUTATION OF YOGURT SUPPLEMENTED WITH LENTIL FLOUR
Authors: Ul Haq Faizan , Sameen Aysha , U Zaman Qamar , Sajid Mushtaq Bilal , Bilal Hussain Muhammad , Javed Ahsan , Plygun Sergey , Korneeva Olga , Ali Shariati Mohammad
Published: February 2019

Yogurt is well known and most consumed fermented dairy product due to its health promoting effects and better sensory attributes, but consumers’ demand the value added foods with least defects and more nutrition. Different naturally occurring foods like fruits and lentils have been supplemented in yogurt to enhance the physic-chemical, nutritional and sensorial attributes. In this research milk was supplemented with 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% lentil (Lens culinaris) flour (LF) for development of lentil yogurt; LY0 (0% lentil), LY1 (1% lentil), LY2 (2%lentil), LY3 (3% lentil) and LY4 (4% lentil). The proximate composition of LY included; total solids (TS), solid not fat, crude fat, moisture, crude fiber, ash nitrogen free extract (NFE) and crude protein. While during storage of 28 days at 4+1o C pH, acidity, water holding capacity, viscosity, synersis and sensory evaluation were recorded to assess the effect of lentil flour on its physic-chemical and sensorial improvement. The proximate composition of LY revealed that as the LF proportion was increased the nutritional profile; mineral contents and protein, was also improved significantly (p
BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY AND PRELIMINARY PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING OF TERMINALIA ALATA HEYNE EX ROTH
Authors: Saklani Sarla , Rawat Yogita , Plygun Sergey , Ali Shariati Mohammad , Nigam Manisha , Kumar Maurya Vineet , Yadav Archana , P. Mishra Abhay
Published: February 2019

Terminalia alata has been employed world widely in ethno-medicine including most of the Ayurvedic preparation for a treatment of ailments in Indian subcontinents. The present investigation was performed to study the in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial characteristics of hydro-alcoholic extracts of different parts (leaves, fruit, stem, and bark) of T. alata and to analyse the responsible phytochemical constituents. Phytochemical study documented the existence of carbohydrates, saponins, flavonoids, phenolics, tannins and terpenoids. Antioxidant activity was found to be highest in fruits as the lowest IC50 was observed for the same. The total phenolic content was reported to be higher in leaf extract and lower in stem extract. Whereas, among the four extracts total flavonoid content was documented to be higher in the stem extract and lower in the bark extract. The antibacterial activity of each extract was tested against three standard bacteria strains viz. Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. All parts of tested plant were found to have inhibitory activity against these pathogenic bacterial species. Therefore, presence of secondary metabolites (flavonoids, terpenoids and tannins) and allied antioxidative activity, could be answerable for antibacterial activity of these extracts. There are many reports on antibacterial and other biological activity of Terminalia species other than T. alata, hence plants parts of T. alata could provide new phytochemicals showing promising antibacterial activity.
EVALUATION OF HEAVY METALS AND PESTICIDES CONTENTS IN MARKET-GARDENING PRODUCTS SOLD IN SOME PRINCIPAL MARKETS OF OUAGADOUGOU (BURKINA FASO)
Authors: Bakary Tarnagda , Flibert Guira , Pane Bernadette SourabiÃ© , Oumarou Zongo , François Tapsoba , Cheikna Zongo , Koine Maxime Drabo , Yves TraorÃ© , Aly Savadogo
Published: February 2019

Pesticides and heavy metals are persistent organic pollutants responsible for immune deficiency, certain types of cancer, and decreased length of pregnancy.In this study, 20 chemical pesticides and 4 heavy metals were detected from 120 samples of 4 types of vegetables and 40 samples of babenda collected from Ouagadougou principal markets. The "babenda" is a Burkinabe dish made mainly of leafy vegetables (Hibiscus sabdariffa, Amaranthus hybridus, and Cleome gynandra) coarsely chopped and millet or rice that was boiled together.A multi-residue method was developed to detect the pesticides in the samples collected by gas chromatography, with micro electron capture detector. The concentration of cadmium, lead, mercury and arsenic were obtained from the 120 vegetables samples by using an atomic absorption spectrometer. Residues of pesticides were detected in 87% of the samples, and among the positive samples, 58.40% contained concentrations higher than the limit of maximum residue (LMR). Thirteen active pesticide residues were detected in the vegetables. The contents of the majority of pesticides residues were higher than the LMR. Seven active ingredients were detected in the babenda. 50% of the samples had more than one pesticide residue. The heavy metal concentrations ranged from 0.0098 to 2.66 mg.kg -1 for Hg; 0.01 to 1.146 mg.kg -1 for Pb; 0.016 to 1.72 mg.kg -1 for Cd and 0.012 to 1.885 mg.kg -1 for As. The relative abundance of heavy metals in the vegetables followed the sequence Cd (0.018 mg.kg -1) > Pb (0.016 mg.kg -1) > As (0.012 mg.kg -1) > Hg (0.0098 mg.kg -1). In addition, the concentration of heavy metals in the samples collected from the different markets exceeded the threshold according to the lawful maximum concentration (CMR) established in France. The continuous follow-up and a strict regulation of these pollutants in the vegetables particularly, are necessary.
ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF L. parafarraginis (KU495926) INHIBITING MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT AND EXTENDED SPECTRUM ΒETA-LACTAMASE GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIA
Authors: Allen-McFarlane Rachelle , Douglas Allen Adrian , Bansal Garima , Eribo Broderick
Published: February 2019

A new strain of Lactobacillus parafarraginis was isolated from a sample of commercial yogurt and identified by phenotypic and molecular methods. Phenotypic characterization showed bacilli sizes ~ 0.75-2.75 μm × 0.25-0.75 μm, a generation time of ~3.04 h under anaerobic conditions, halotolerance, lactose fermentation, production of hydrogen sulfide gas from Kliger iron agar, and the presence of an unusual fatty-acid methyl ester, cis- 10-nonadecenoic acid. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the isolate was identified as Lactobacillus parafarraginis and given the GenBank accession number (KU495926). L. parafarraginis ((KU495926)) inhibited 14 multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) Gram-negative clinical isolates, as well as 11 other pathogens by spot-test and well-diffusion assays. The MDR/ESBL clinical isolates and other pathogens included Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii/haemolyticus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Proteus mirabilis and Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli (O157:H7), Bacillus cereus, Yersinia enterocolitica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella sonnei, Streptococcus pyogenes and Enterococcus faecalis. Analyses of the semi-purified inhibitory fraction by SDS-PAGE, fast perfusion liquid chromatography (FPLC) inferred antimicrobial properties, characteristic of bacteriocins, with a protein band of ~75 kDa. Four bacteriocin structural genes which include sakT-β for sakacinT-β chain, sakT-α (sakacinT-α chain), acd T (acidocin), and plnc8A (plantaricin-α chain) were detected by PCR. The data suggest that L. parafarraginis (KU495926) may be a novel strain with potential therapeutic application. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the isolation of this strain from yogurt.
GELATIN FROM BONES OF BIGHEAD CARP AS A FAT REPLACER ON PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND SENSORY PROPERTIES OF LOW-FAT MAYONNAISE
Authors: Javad Ataie Mohamed , Pezhman Hosseini Shekarabi Seyed , Hassan Jalili Seyed
Published: February 2019

The objective of this study was to produce a low-fat mayonnaise containing gelatin from bighead carp by-products as a fat replacer. Low-fat mayonnaise samples were made by substituting the oil with fish gelatin at 0% (T0), 10% (T10), 25% (T25), and 40% (T40). Also, some physiochemical properties and sensory qualities of reduced fat mayonnaises were investigated. T40 had the lowest caloric value while, the lowest whiteness was measured in T40 (46.12%) compared to the control group (79.58%) (P