bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring of cyclic steam stimulation by inversion of surface tilt measurements
Authors: Maharramov Musa , Zoback Mark D.
Published: April 2018

Temperature and pressure changes associated with the cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) used in heavy oil production from sands are accompanied by significant deformation. Inversion of induced reservoir pore-pressure changes from deformation measurements may provide a potentially powerful reservoir-monitoring tool if the issues of measurement noise, uncertainty in model parameterization, and numerical accuracy and stability can be resolved. We discuss inverting injection-induced reservoir pressure changes from observable surface deformations using a linear poroelastostatic model of a heavy oil reservoir. We also present results of inversion from surface tilt measurements taken at a production site undergoing CSS. We demonstrate that a stable inversion of the reservoir pore-pressure change can be achieved from sparse and noisy surface tilt measurements using constrained regularized optimization. The results provide an insight into the heterogeneity of reservoir stimulation and could help with optimizing well locations and stimulation protocols.
Seismic Soundoff
Authors: Geary Andrew
Published: April 2018

The following is an excerpt from Episode 33 of SEG's Seismic Soundoff podcast. In this episode, Andrew Geary speaks with Maitri Erwin and Leslie Marasco, two leaders of the new initiative — Mentoring365. Listen to the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast .
Supporting community-based care and deinstitutionalisation of mental health services in Eastern Europe: good practices from Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Placella Enrichetta
Published: April 2018

In Eastern Europe, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation is supporting various post-communist states in reforming their mental health systems to ensure equal access to high-quality services in community-based settings. The approach and new care models introduced have proven successful in most of these countries, one of which is Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bipolar disorder, comorbid anxiety disorders, gynecomastia and dental pain: case analysis with literature review
Authors: Kaufman Kenneth R. , Babalola Ronke , Campeas Miriam , Coluccio Melissa
Published: April 2018

Bipolar disorder with comorbid anxiety disorders frequently requires rational polypharmacy, including use of serotonergic psychotropics. These may result in adverse effects, influencing adherence, complicating treatment and confounding diagnoses. Serotonergic non-adherence is associated with discontinuation syndromes. In this complex case with an on/off/on/off design, both dose-dependent buspirone-induced gynecomastia and buspirone discontinuation syndrome with dental pain are reported. Clinicians and patients should consider these findings to maximise treatment adherence, minimise any unnecessary interventions and address unusual adverse effects. Since patients may not voluntarily disclose specific adverse effects and often do not acknowledge non-adherence, clinician-directed questions are required. This case further emphasises the importance of medication and symptom timelines to guide determination of causation for adverse effects. Although findings from this case cannot be generalised, they suggest the need for continued clinician and patient education, as well as the benefit from detailed case reports.

Declaration of interest

None.
Feasibility of Wearable Physical Activity Monitors in Patients With Cancer
Authors: Gupta Arjun , Stewart Tyler , Bhulani Nizar , Dong Ying , Rahimi Zain , Crane Kimberli , Rethorst Chad , Beg Muhammad S.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The feasibility of using physical activity monitors (PAMs) to measure functional status in patients with cancer is unclear. We aimed to determine the feasibility of using PAMs to longitudinally assess physical activity and performance status (PS) in patients with cancer.

Methods

Patients with cancer who had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) PS of 0 to 2 and were receiving systemic therapy were enrolled in a prospective pilot trial of PAM use. Feasibility was defined as patients using the PAM for > 50% of the observation period. We correlated PAM-reported measures with scores from ECOG PS and quality-of-life tools (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General [FACT-G], Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms–Self-Rated 16 [QIDS-SR16], and Brief Fatigue Inventory [BFI]) using Pearson’s correlation test. Patients were surveyed regarding their experience with PAMs at study completion.

Results

In all, 24 patients were enrolled; mean age was 54 years, 16 (67%) were women, and 19 (79%) were white. Twenty-three patients (96%) met the primary end point of feasibility. The median duration of follow-up was 69 days. Mean PAM-measured steps for ECOG PS of 0, 1, and 2 were 5,911, 1,890, and 845 steps per day, respectively ( P = .002). Minimum steps per day correlated with BFI ( r = –0.53; P < .01), FACT-G ( r = 0.45; P = .02), and QIDS-SR16 ( r = –0.57; P < .01). Eighteen patients (75%) reported a positive experience with the PAM.

Conclusion

PAMs are a feasible tool for measuring long-term physical activity in patients with cancer who are receiving systemic therapy. PAM-derived measures correlated with clinician-assessed PS.
Comparison of Physician-Documented Versus Patient-Reported Collection of Comorbidities Among Patients With Prostate Cancer Upon First Visit to the Urology Clinic
Authors: Fleshner Katherine , Tin Amy , Benfante Nicole , Carlsson Sigrid , Vickers Andrew J.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

To determine whether patient-reported collection of comorbidities online is sufficiently accurate to warrant use as part of a physician-reviewed, baseline medical history.

Methods

Comorbidities were collected for a sample of 213 new prostate cancer visits to our urology clinic through an online survey (called Baseline Medical History) before the clinical encounter. The frequency distributions of comorbidities as reported by patients before physician review were compared with those documented by physicians for a sample of 298 consecutive patients presenting to the same urology clinic before the survey went live.

Results

The overall frequency distribution of comorbidities and life expectancy estimates were similar between the two groups. A few comorbidity categories were reported with higher frequency in the patient-reported group compared with the physician-documented group, including neurologic comorbidities (7.5% v 1.7%; difference 6%; 95% CI, 2.0% to 10%; P = .001) and back pain (24% v 13%; difference 12%; 95% CI, 4.8% to 19%; P = .001). A similar trend was seen for vascular conditions, although the difference did not meet conventional levels of statistical significance. Genitourinary comorbidities, including problems with urination and erectile dysfunction, were better captured by the physician-reported group compared with the patient-reported group (68% v 53%; difference 15%; 95% CI, 7% to 24%; P = .001), as were other musculoskeletal comorbidities (8.7% v 1.9%; difference 7%; 95% CI, 3.2% to 11%; P = .001).

Conclusion

Patients completing a medical history, at their own pace and in the comfort of their own home, provide relatively accurate and complete information, even before physician review. Patient reporting of comorbidities thus seems to be a reliable starting point for the documentation of the medical history in the clinic.
The Pursuit of the Dao: Natsume Sōseki and HisKanshiof 1916
Authors: Zhang Xiaohui
Published: April 2018

Although Natsume Sōseki (1867–1916) enjoys worldwide fame as a novelist, his work as a first-class kanshi 漢詩 (classical Chinese poetry) poet remains largely unknown to Western audiences. This article focuses on Sōseki's kanshi of 1916 and his pursuit of the Dao toward the end of his life. Contextualized in both the turbulence of Meiji Japan (1868–1912) and the Chinese poetic and philosophical traditions, this piece offers a comprehensive overview of the thematic and formal features of Sōseki's 1916 kanshi. Perpetually torn between the pursuit of secular success and the freedom and tranquility of the life of pure thought, Sōseki infused his kanshi with visions of the Confucian, Buddhist, and Daoist Dao. To him, kanshi offered a highly personal medium for complex philosophical inquiry, an outlet for psychological distress as well as modern concerns, and at the same time represented a tradition from the past that he tried desperately to hold on to in the tide of change. In many ways, the inner struggles of Sōseki offer a glimpse into the collective tormented psychology and spiritual crisis of Meiji intellectuals. His short, illness-plagued, yet prolific life presents nothing less than a crystallization of Meiji Japan in the throes of drastic transformation.
Lifespan analysis of brain development, gene expression and behavioral phenotypes in the Ts1Cje, Ts65Dn and Dp(16)1/Yey mouse models of Down syndrome
Authors: Aziz Nadine M. , Guedj Faycal , Pennings Jeroen L. A. , Olmos-Serrano Jose Luis , Siegel Ashley , Haydar Tarik F. , Bianchi Diana W.
Published: April 2018

Down syndrome (DS) results from triplication of human chromosome 21. Neuropathological hallmarks of DS include atypical central nervous system development that manifests prenatally and extends throughout life. As a result, individuals with DS exhibit cognitive and motor deficits and have delays in achieving developmental milestones. To determine whether different mouse models of DS recapitulate the human prenatal and postnatal phenotypes, here we directly compared brain histogenesis, gene expression, and behavior over the lifespan of three cytogenetically distinct mouse models of DS: Ts1Cje, Ts65Dn and Dp(16)1/Yey. Histological data indicated that Ts65Dn mice were the most consistently affected with respect to somatic growth, neurogenesis, and brain morphogenesis. Embryonic and adult gene expression results showed that Ts1Cje and Ts65Dn brains had considerably more differentially expressed (DEX) genes compared to Dp(16)1/Yey mice, despite the larger number of triplicated genes in the latter model. In addition, DEX genes showed little overlap in identity and chromosomal distribution in the three models, leading to dissimilarities in affected functional pathways. Perinatal and adult behavioral testing also highlighted differences among the models in their abilities to achieve various developmental milestones and perform hippocampal- and motor-based tasks. Interestingly, Dp(16)1/Yey mice showed no abnormalities in prenatal brain phenotypes, yet they manifested behavioral deficits starting at postnatal day 15 that continued through adulthood. In contrast, Ts1Cje mice showed mildly abnormal embryonic brain phenotypes, but only select behavioral deficits as neonates and adults. Altogether, our data showed widespread and unexpected fundamental differences in behavioral, gene expression, and brain development phenotypes between these three mouse models. Our findings illustrate unique limitations of each model when studying aspects of brain development and function in DS. This work helps to inform model selection in future studies investigating how observed neurodevelopmental abnormalities arise, how they contribute to cognitive impairment, and when testing therapeutic molecules to ameliorate the intellectual disability associated with DS.
Functional and genomic characterization of a xenograft model system for the study of metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Johnstone Cameron N. , Pattison Andrew D. , Gorringe Kylie L. , Harrison Paul F. , Powell David R. , Lock Peter , Baloyan David , Ernst M. , Stewart Alastair G. , Beilharz Traude H. , Anderson Robin L.
Published: April 2018

Triple-negative breast cancer represents 10-20% of all human ductal adenocarcinomas and has a poor prognosis relative to other subtypes. Hence, new molecular targets for therapeutic intervention are necessary. Analyses of panels of human or mouse cancer lines derived from the same individual that differ in their cellular phenotypes but not in genetic background have been instrumental in defining the molecular players that drive the various hallmarks of cancer.

To determine the molecular regulators of metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer, we completed a rigorous in vitro and in vivo characterization of four populations of the MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer line ranging in aggressiveness from non-metastatic to spontaneously metastatic to lung, liver, spleen and lymph node. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array analyses and genome-wide mRNA expression profiles of tumour cells isolated from orthotopic mammary xenografts were compared among the four lines to define both cell autonomous pathways and genes associated with metastatic proclivity.

Gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated an unexpected association between both ribosome biogenesis and mRNA metabolism and metastatic capacity. Differentially expressed genes or families of related genes were allocated to one of four categories, associated with either metastatic initiation (for example CTSC, ENG, BMP2), metastatic virulence (e.g. ADAMTS1, TIE1) metastatic suppression (e.g. CST1, CST2, CST4, CST6, SCNNA1, BMP4) or metastatic avirulence (e.g. CD74).

Collectively, this model system based on MDA-MB-231 cells should be useful for the assessment of gene function in the metastatic cascade and also for the testing of novel experimental therapeutics for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer.
Kleptoplasts photoacclimation state modulates the photobehaviour of the solar-powered sea slug Elysia viridis
Authors: Cartaxana Paulo , Morelli Luca , Quintaneiro Carla , Calado Gonçalo , Calado Ricardo , Cruz Sónia
Published: April 2018

Some sacoglossan sea slugs incorporate intracellular functional algal chloroplasts (kleptoplasty) for periods ranging from a few days to several months. Whether this association modulates the photobehaviour of solar-powered sea slugs is unknown. In this study, the long-term retention species Elysia viridis showed avoidance of dark independently of light acclimation state. On the contrary, Placida dendritica, which shows non-functional retention of kleptoplasts, showed no preference over dark, low or high light. High light acclimated (HLac) E. viridis showed a higher preference for high light than low light acclimated (LLac) conspecifics. The position of the lateral folds (parapodia) was modulated by irradiance, with increasing light levels leading to a closure of parapodia and protection of kleptoplasts from high light exposure. Furthermore, closure of parapodia occurred at higher irradiances in HLac E. viridis. Our results strongly indicate that kleptoplasts photoacclimation state modulates the photobehaviour of the solar-powered sea slug E. viridis.
Η Ινδία και οι Άλλοι: Όψεις της εξωτερικής πολιτικής μιας «αναδυόμενης» δύναμης
Authors: Πετρόπουλος Σωτήρης
Published: April 2018

Κατά τις τελευταίες δύο δεκαετίες η Ινδία είχε μια δυναμική παρουσία στην παγκόσμια οικονομία. Παρά την παρουσία αυτή, η εξωτερική της πολιτική ήταν κατά κάποιο τρόπο μη ενεργητική, αντανακλώντας σε μεγάλο βαθμό αδύναμες γραφειοκρατικές δομές και μια αμφισημία ανάμεσα σε ιδεαλιστικές επιλογές και μια πιο πραγματιστική προσέγγιση. Το άρθρο αναλύει την εξωτερική πολιτική της Ινδίας τόσο διαχρονικά όσο και υπό το πρόσφατο πρίσμα της «αναδυόμενης» δύναμης επιχειρώντας τη διερεύνηση μελλοντικών τάσεων και συμπεραίνει ότι η ινδική εξωτερική πολιτική στρέφεται ολοένα και περισσότερο στον ανταγωνισμό με την Κίνα και στην οικονομική διπλωματία.
Age 23 years + oral health questionnaire in Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children.
Authors: Dudding Tom , Haworth Simon , Sandy Jonathan , Timpson Nicholas J.
Published: April 2018

Oral health data in large longitudinal cohort studies is rarely collected at multiple time-points. This type of data is important for assessing oral health trajectories and their determinants. This data resource includes self-report questionnaire data on up to 4,222 young adults at approximately 23 years of age from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). The resource includes questions on dental attendance, tooth restorations and extractions, third molars (wisdom teeth) and mouth ulcers. This round of data collection follows on from similar questionnaires at ages 7, 10 and 17 years. The ALSPAC study provides an opportunity to combine this oral health data with extensive phenotype, genetic, epigenetic and metabolomic data from the participants, their mothers and fathers.
Improving Teamwork and Patient Outcomes with Daily Structured Interdisciplinary Bedside Rounds: A Multimethod Evaluation
Authors: Clay‐Williams Robyn , Plumb Jennifer , Luscombe Georgina M. , Hawke Catherine , Dalton Hazel , Shannon Gabriel , Johnson Julie
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Previous research has shown that interdisciplinary ward rounds have the potential to improve team functioning and patient outcomes.

DESIGN

A convergent parallel multimethod approach to evaluate a hospital interdisciplinary ward round intervention and ward restructure.

SETTING

An acute medical unit in a large tertiary care hospital in regional Australia.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty‐two clinicians and inpatients aged 15 years and above, with acute episode of care, discharged during the year prior and the year of the intervention.

INTERVENTION

A daily structured interdisciplinary bedside round combined with a ward restructure.

MEASUREMENTS

Qualitative measures included contextual factors and measures of change and experiences of clinicians. Quantitative measures included length of stay (LOS), monthly “calls for clinical review,'” and cost of care delivery.

RESULTS

Clinicians reported improved teamwork, communication, and understanding between and within the clinical professions, and between clinicians and patients, after the intervention implementation. There was no statistically significant difference between the intervention and control wards in the change in LOS over time (Wald χ2 = 1.05; degrees of freedom [df] = 1; P = .31), but a statistically significant interaction for cost of stay, with a drop in cost over time, was observed in the intervention group, and an increase was observed in the control wards (Wald χ2 = 6.34; df = 1; P = .012). The medical wards and control wards differed significantly in how the number of monthly “calls for clinical review” changed from prestructured interdisciplinary bedside round (SIBR) to during SIBR (F (1,44) = 12.18; P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Multimethod evaluations are necessary to provide insight into the contextual factors that contribute to a successful intervention and improved clinical outcomes.
A vivência de casais inférteis diante de tentativas inexitosas de reprodução assistida
Authors: Marques Patrícia Pinheiro , Morais Normanda Araujo de
Published: April 2018

Este artículo tuvo como objetivo comprender la experiencia de parejas infértiles que enfrentan intentos infructuosos de reproducción asistida (ra). Específicamente se buscó indentificar los sentimientos más frecuentes durante los intentos infructuosos y comprender los posibles impactos de estos intentos. Se realizaron estudios de caso múltiples con tres parejas heterosexuales (38-45 años de edad), a partir de entrevistas individuales con cada miembro de la pareja. El análisis de contenido evidenció una fuerte inversión subjetiva en la llegada del hijo, y que la repetición de los tratamientos influyó en el sufrimiento de los conyugues, con consecuencias en la sexualidad y la comunicación de las parejas. La dimensión financiera, por otro lado, no sufrió un gran impacto. Las parejas demostraron un fuerte vínculo emcional, permaneciendo juntas frente a los intentos infructuosos y en la búsqueda de nuevas alternativas para vivenciar la parentalidad. Se concluye destacando la importancia del apoyo psicológico (antes, durante y después de los ciclos) a las parejas sometidas a los procedimientos de (ra).
Terapia com exposição à realidade virtual e avaliação funcional para fobia de dirigir: um programa de intervenção
Authors: Borloti Elizeu , Dos Santos Andressa , Haydu Verônica Bender
Published: April 2018

Este estudio evaluó los efectos de un programa de intervención en el miedo a conducir. El estudio incluyó la evaluación de: la función de comportamientos de participantes con miedo de conducir; la exposición a la realidad virtual; la capacidad del simulador de generar sensación de presencia y ansiedad; y el cybersickness. Participaron 6 adultos que se quejaban de miedo o fobia a conducir, con edades entre 22 y 54 años, y que poseían pase de conducción. Se utilizó un simulador de conducción de vehículo. El procedimiento consistió en un diseño línea de base múltiple no simultánea, con 11 a 14 sesiones. Los pasos incluyen: entrevista; el establecimiento de la línea base; intervención (exposición a la realidad virtual y evaluaciones funcionales); cerramiento y seguimiento después de 1 y 3 meses. Los participantes no conducían antes del programa de intervención y comenzaron a hacerlo, tanto en el ambiente virtual como en el no virtual, y reportaron una reducción de la ansiedad. Se concluyó que la exposición a la realidad virtual, en combinación con la evaluación conductual-funcional, contribuyó a que los participantes manejaran más y con menos miedo.
Laços de afeto: as repercussões do estilo de apego primário e estabelecido entre casais no ajustamento conjugal
Authors: Consoli Natana , Wagner Bernardes Jade , Marin Angela Helena
Published: April 2018

El patrón de apego establecido en la infancia tiende a repetirse en las relaciones futuras, como en la conyugalidad, pudiendo facilitar o dificultar tal relación. En ese sentido, se investigó la relación entre el patrón de apego primario y el patrón de unión que se establece entre las parejas y su influencia en el ajuste marital por medio de un diseño transversal y comparativa con enfoque cuantitativo. Participaron 100 parejas heterosexuales que respondieron el Formulario de Contacto Primero, el Cuestionario de Vinculación con el Padre y la Madre, la Escala para evaluar la Experiencia de Relaciones Cercanas y la Escala de Ajuste Conyugal. Los resultados indicaron la asociación entre el patrón de apego primario seguro y menores niveles de evitación entre la pareja y las relaciones bien ajustadas y sin sufrimiento, mientras que los patrones preocupados y desinvestidos se relacionaron con mayores niveles de evitación y relaciones desajustadas y con sufrimiento. Los datos revelan características importantes de la dinámica conyugal, que pueden fundamentar la terapia de parejas con vistas al desarrollo de lazos de afecto que contribuyan al bienestar conyugal.
Relación entre el rendimiento académico y el autorreporte del funcionamiento ejecutivo de adolescentes ecuatorianos
Authors: Ramos Carlos , Jadán-Guerrero Janio , Gómez-García Antonio
Published: April 2018

En el artículo se reporta una investigación que analizó la relación entre las funciones ejecutivas y el rendimiento académico de 250 estudiantes secundarios de Quito, Ecuador. Las mediciones utilizadas consistieron en la escala para evaluar funciones ejecutivas (Efeco) en el formato de autorreporte y el rendimiento académico del último año lectivo de los estudiantes. Se realizaron dos análisis: el primero de correlación sugiere que las funciones ejecutivas flexibilidad cognitiva (r = -0,18, p < 0,01), organización de materiales (r = -0,15, p < 0,01), monitorización (r = -0,22, p < 0,01), iniciativa (r = -0,24, p < 0,01), memoria de trabajo (r = -0,28, p < 0,01) y planificación (r = -0,25, p < 0,01) presentan una relación significativa e inversamente proporcional con el rendimiento académico (a mayor déficit en las funciones ejecutivas, menor rendimiento académico); el segundo análisis, basado en regresión múltiple, consideró a las funciones ejecutivas factores predictores del rendimiento académico, encontrándose una asociación estadísticamente significativa para el modelo testeado F(6,241) = 4,96, p < 0,001. El porcentaje de varianza que las funciones ejecutivas explican del rendimiento académico (r2 = 0,11) tiene relación con intervenciones realizadas previamente e invita a investigación futura en la que se realice un entrenamiento de las funciones ejecutivas para mejorar el rendimiento académico.
Assessment of Ratooning Ability and Heterotic Effects for Yield and Yield Contributing Traits in Intraspecific Hybrids of Upland Cotton
Authors: Komala Majjiga , Ganesan N. Meenakshi , Kumar M.
Published: April 2018

The development of high yielding cotton hybrids is essential to meet the current cotton demands. On the other hand, the cotton ratooning allows to obtain maximum seed yields with early maturity of plant. Therefore, the present study was aimed to investigate the per se performance, ratooning ability and heterosis effects for yield and yield contributing traits in 28 novel hybrids through line x tester analysis by considering four varieties as lines and seven varieties as testers. Significant variability was observed for all investigated traits excluding the number of monopodial branches and boll weight traits in parents and their 28 hybrids. Among the parents, TSH 0499 and TSH 04/115 exhibited a fair performance for yield and yield contributing traits and SURABHI, TSH 0250 and VS 9-S11-1 expressed superior ratooning ability. Therefore, these parents have a potential to be exploited for the development of the efficient cotton hybrids. Among the tested F1 hybrids, TSH 0499 x TCH 1777, BGDS 1063 x TCH 1819, TSH 0499 x TCH 1819 and TSH 04/115 x SVPR 4 hybrids recorded superior performance for number of bolls, boll weight, lint index and seed cotton yield in first crop, respectively. The hybrids ARBC 19 x TSH 0250, TSH 0499 x SURABHI , TSH 0499 x TSH 0250 and TSH 0499 x TCH 1705-101 displayed good ratooning performance for number of bolls, boll weight, lint index and seed cotton yield, respectively. All the hybrids expressed a range of significantly positive and negative heterosis for tested traits. However, the observed negative heterosis for seed index is desirable since the hybrids produce more lint. The results of this study would give insights into the understanding of genetic variance present in the intra-hirsutum hybrids.
Creative learning, creative teaching
Authors: Burnage Steve
Published: April 2018

Creativity and imagination are highly sought-after skills in today's world. Steve Burnage looks at strategies to imbed creative teaching and imaginative learning in your classrooms
Development and Characterization of Drug-Loaded Self-Solidnano-Emulsified Drug Delivery System for Treatment of Diabetes
Authors: Rashid Muzamil , Wani Taha Umair , Mishra Neeraj , Sofi Hasham S. , Sheikh Faheem A.
Published: April 2018

Embelin and gliclazide administration to diabetic rats cause a highly significant decline in the blood glycated hemoglobin, serum glucose and nitric oxide activity with a concomitant increase in the serum insulin level. The aim of present work was the development and characterization of self-solid nano-emulsified drug delivery system (SNEDDS) formulation of embelin in combination with gliclazide for the determination of antidiabetic effect in Wistar rats. In this connection, we prepared SNEDDS by using an oil:surfactant mixture ratio of [Capmul® MCM: Kolliphor® HS 15: PEG 400 (2:1)] and encapsulated the drug combination in this system. The in-vitro characterization of optimized liquid SNEDDS containing 40% surfactant mixture and 60% oil) was performed and the SNEDDS were found to have particle size of 159.9nm, polydispersity index of 0.289 and zeta potential of -34.35mV. Percentage cumulative release from this formulation was 94.26±3.80% for gliclazide and 90.63±3.67% for embelin in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) compared to 39.09±1.38% and 34.29±1.20% from plain drug suspension. The embelin (30mg/kg)+gliclazide (10mg/kg) loaded SNEDDS was found to be effective in reversing streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia as compared to pure drugs in Wistar rats.
Structural, Optical and Electrochromic Investigations on Nano Crystalline MoO3 Thin Films
Authors: Kala P. V. , Mohanbabu P. , Srinivasarao K.
Published: April 2018

Thin films of MoO3 were deposited on quartz glass, Silicon (100) and Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) substrates by dc magnetron sputtering at two substrate temperatures of 300 K and 600 K and at sputtering pressures of 5 Pa and 10 Pa and at a fixed sputtering power of 50 W. The deposited films were characterized by Grazing Incidence X-ray Diffraction (GIXRD), Raman and Optical Transmittance Spectra and Cyclic Voltametry (CV) studies. The GIXRD reveales that the crystallanity of films starts at low temperature (300 K) and crystallizes in orthorhombic phase. The crystallanity increases with increase of substrate temperature. The Raman spectral studies reveals strong shift in the emission peak position for films deposited at 5 Pa and 300 K, and there is no significant peaks in case of films deposited at 10 Pa and 600 K. The optical transmittance of the films is 78 % for films deposited at 5 Pa and 300 K and is maximum (95 %) when deposited at 600 K. The transmittance is decreasing to 90 % with increase in sputtering pressure. The absorption edge is shifting towards lower wavelength with increase in substrate temperature due to increase in the reactivity of the ionic species (molybdenum ions and oxygen ions) and shifting towards higher wavelengths with sputtering pressures due to the scattering of atomic species which decreases the reactivity between ionic species. The average diffusion coefficient (D) of the films deposited at 5 Pa and 300 K is 7x10-14 cm2/sec and decreasing with increase in substrate temperature of the deposited films. With further increase in the sputtering pressure to 10 Pa and at low temperatures a large increment in the D value was observed (8.2x10-12 cm2/sec) due to the enhancement in the mobility of the Li+ ions through the internal and intra grain boundaries due to low grain size of MoO3 (8 nm) of the film. The measured thickness of the films by Taly stip profilometer is 3000 Å.
Dielectric Behavior of Dysprosium Substituted Magnesium Ferrite
Authors: Ghodake Jeevan S.
Published: April 2018

Dysprosium substituted Magnesium ferrite weresuccessfully prepared by chemical combustion method. The as synthesized powder was presintered in air at 6000C for 1hr and finally sintered at 9500C for 1hr. From X-ray powder diffraction pattern of MgDy0.03Fe1.97O4, confirmed formation of single phase cubic spinel structure. The value of crystallite size obtained from X-ray powder diffraction (311) peak , it is found to be 46.38nm.The frequency and temperature variation of dielectric parameters such as real dielectric constant (ε′), complex dielectric constant (ε") and dielectric loss tangent (tanδ) were determined using Hioki LCR - Q meter. The frequency variation of dielectric constant shows a normal dielectric behavior of spinel ferrites. The dielectric loss tangent with frequency shows similar behavior as dielectric constant. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss tangent increases with increase in temperature
Vulnerable Here or There? Examining the vulnerability of victims of human trafficking before and after return
Authors: Paasche Erlend , Skilbrei May-Len , Plambech Sine
Published: April 2018

This article deals with how return programmes for rejected asylum seekers and irregular migrants construct and create vulnerabilities. Few studies have explored the role of assistance provided through such programmes for the sex worker returnees and victims of trafficking who return through them. Even fewer holistically examine a return programme through data elicited in both destination and origin locations, before and after return. That is what we aim to do in this article. We first look at the legal-bureaucratic construction of vulnerability in a host state, Norway, and the systemic logic of its efforts to return victims of trafficking. We then look at how returnees narrate their experiences of and perspectives on vulnerability upon return to their country of origin, Nigeria. This study, together with the broader research within this field, indicates that flaws in programme implementation can in fact exacerbate vulnerabilities rather than help returnees overcome them.
Locating on-street loading and unloading spaces by means of mixed integer programming
Authors: Prata Bruno , Oliveira Leise , Holanda Thiago
Published: April 2018

Em um sistema de distribuição de carga urbana, é necessária a determinação do número e da localização dos locais de carga e descarga para regular as operações de carga e descarga. Este artigo apresenta modelos matemáticos para a localização do espaço de carga e descarga na rua com base no problema de cobertura e formulação de problemas de p-mediana. A abordagem foi testada com dados reais: uma área tem 160 quadras e 60 áreas de carga e descarga, em Fortaleza, Brasil. Avaliamos quatro cenários considerando diferentes raios de influência das áreas de carga/descarga. Os resultados indicam que esta abordagem tem potencial para obter ganhos em termos de redução da distância entre os clientes e os locais de carga e descarga: considerando que a distância média é um indicador de desempenho (relação entre a distância total e os clientes cobertos), um raio de influência de 400 metros tem melhor relação (0.489) e todos os clientes estão cobertos. Os resultados indicam que o modelo pode ser usado pelos planejadores para alocar áreas de carga e descarga.
Restrições de carga urbana e desafios logísticos: Percepção de varejistas e motoristas em Sorocaba
Authors: Furquim Thales Stevan Guedes , Vieira José Geraldo Vidal , Oliveira Renata Magalhães
Published: April 2018

O aumento na demanda por mercadorias tem impacto direto no sistema de distribui­ção de cargas nos centros urbanos, o que resulta em desafios logísticos para as empre­sas de transporte e para os varejistas durante o recebimento dessas mercadorias. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar quais são as maiores dificuldades no recebimento das mercadorias referentes às restrições locais e aos desafios logísticos, sob o ponto de vista dos varejistas e transportadores. Um levantamento de dados foi feito com os ato­res na região central da cidade de Sorocaba. Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva, análise de correlação e análise fatorial com o objetivo de enten­der os principais fatores logísticos que interferem na entrega/recebimento das merca­dorias. Como resultado, percebe-se que a principal restrição é a falta de local disponí­vel para entrega/recebimento de mercadorias nos estabelecimentos e os principais de­safios logísticos são referentes à infraestrutura do local e entregas fora do horário co­mercial.
Conditional Bistability, a Generic Cellular Mnemonic Mechanism for Robust and Flexible Working Memory Computations
Authors: Rodriguez Guillaume , Sarazin Matthieu , Clemente Alexandra , Holden Stephanie , Paz Jeanne T. , Delord Bruno
Published: April 2018

Persistent neural activity, the substrate of working memory, is thought to emerge from synaptic reverberation within recurrent networks. However, reverberation models do not robustly explain the fundamental dynamics of persistent activity, including high-spiking irregularity, large intertrial variability, and state transitions. While cellular bistability may contribute to persistent activity, its rigidity appears incompatible with persistent activity labile characteristics. Here, we unravel in a cellular model a form of spike-mediated conditional bistability that is robust and generic. and provides a rich repertoire of mnemonic computations. Under asynchronous synaptic inputs of the awakened state, conditional bistability generates spiking/bursting episodes, accounting for the irregularity, variability, and state transitions characterizing persistent activity. This mechanism has likely been overlooked because of the subthreshold input it requires, and we predict how to assess it experimentally. Our results suggest a reexamination of the role of intrinsic properties in the collective network dynamics responsible for flexible working memory.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThis study unravels a novel form of intrinsic neuronal property: conditional bistability. We show that, thanks to its conditional character, conditional bistability favors the emergence of flexible and robust forms of persistent activity in PFC neural networks, in opposition to previously studied classical forms of absolute bistability. Specifically, we demonstrate for the first time that conditional bistability (1) is a generic biophysical spike-dependent mechanism of layer V pyramidal neurons in the PFC and that (2) it accounts for essential neurodynamical features for the organization and flexibility of PFC persistent activity (the large irregularity and intertrial variability of the discharge and its organization under discrete stable states), which remain unexplained in a robust fashion by current models.
Mapping Frequency-Specific Tone Predictions in the Human Auditory Cortex at High Spatial Resolution
Authors: Berlot Eva , Formisano Elia , De Martino Federico
Published: April 2018

Auditory inputs reaching our ears are often incomplete, but our brains nevertheless transform them into rich and complete perceptual phenomena such as meaningful conversations or pleasurable music. It has been hypothesized that our brains extract regularities in inputs, which enables us to predict the upcoming stimuli, leading to efficient sensory processing. However, it is unclear whether tone predictions are encoded with similar specificity as perceived signals. Here, we used high-field fMRI to investigate whether human auditory regions encode one of the most defining characteristics of auditory perception: the frequency of predicted tones. Two pairs of tone sequences were presented in ascending or descending directions, with the last tone omitted in half of the trials. Every pair of incomplete sequences contained identical sounds, but was associated with different expectations about the last tone (a high- or low-frequency target). This allowed us to disambiguate predictive signaling from sensory-driven processing. We recorded fMRI responses from eight female participants during passive listening to complete and incomplete sequences. Inspection of specificity and spatial patterns of responses revealed that target frequencies were encoded similarly during their presentations, as well as during omissions, suggesting frequency-specific encoding of predicted tones in the auditory cortex (AC). Importantly, frequency specificity of predictive signaling was observed already at the earliest levels of auditory cortical hierarchy: in the primary AC. Our findings provide evidence for content-specific predictive processing starting at the earliest cortical levels.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTGiven the abundance of sensory information around us in any given moment, it has been proposed that our brain uses contextual information to prioritize and form predictions about incoming signals. However, there remains a surprising lack of understanding of the specificity and content of such prediction signaling; for example, whether a predicted tone is encoded with similar specificity as a perceived tone. Here, we show that early auditory regions encode the frequency of a tone that is predicted yet omitted. Our findings contribute to the understanding of how expectations shape sound processing in the human auditory cortex and provide further insights into how contextual information influences computations in neuronal circuits.
Palladin Is a Neuron-Specific Translational Target of mTOR Signaling That Regulates Axon Morphogenesis
Authors: Umegaki Yusuke , Brotons Antonio Martínez , Nakanishi Yui , Luo Zhongyue , Zhang Hanlu , Bonni Azad , Ikeuchi Yoshiho
Published: April 2018

The mTOR signaling pathway regulates protein synthesis and diverse aspects of neuronal morphology that are important for brain development and function. To identify proteins controlled translationally by mTOR signaling, we performed ribosome profiling analyses in mouse cortical neurons and embryonic stem cells upon acute mTOR inhibition. Among proteins whose translation was significantly affected by mTOR inhibition selectively in neurons, we identified the cytoskeletal regulator protein palladin, which is localized within the cell body and axons in hippocampal neurons. Knockdown of palladin eliminated supernumerary axons induced by suppression of the tuberous sclerosis complex protein TSC1 in neurons, demonstrating that palladin regulates neuronal morphogenesis downstream of mTOR signaling. Our findings provide novel insights into an mTOR-dependent mechanism that controls neuronal morphogenesis through translational regulation.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThis study reports the discovery of neuron-specific protein translational responses to alterations of mTOR activity. By using ribosome profiling analysis, which can reveal the location and quantity of translating ribosomes on mRNAs, multiple aspects of protein translation were quantitatively analyzed in mouse embryonic stem cells and cortical neurons upon acute mTOR inhibition. Neurons displayed distinct patterns of ribosome occupancy for each codon and ribosome stalling during translation at specific positions of mRNAs. Importantly, the cytoskeletal regulator palladin was identified as a translational target protein of mTOR signaling in neurons. Palladin operates downstream of mTOR to modulate axon morphogenesis. This study identifies a novel mechanism of neuronal morphogenesis regulated by mTOR signaling through control of translation of the key protein palladin.
Mesocorticolimbic Connectivity and Volumetric Alterations inDCCMutation Carriers
Authors: Vosberg Daniel E. , Zhang Yu , Menegaux Aurore , Chalupa Amanda , Manitt Colleen , Zehntner Simone , Eng Conrad , DeDuck Kristina , Allard Dominique , Durand France , Dagher Alain , Benkelfat Chawki , Srour Myriam , Joober Ridha , Lepore Franco , Rouleau Guy , Théoret Hugo , Bedell Barry J. , Flores Cecilia , Leyton Marco
Published: April 2018

The axon guidance cue receptor DCC (deleted in colorectal cancer) plays a critical role in the organization of mesocorticolimbic pathways in rodents. To investigate whether this occurs in humans, we measured (1) anatomical connectivity between the substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area (SN/VTA) and forebrain targets, (2) striatal and cortical volumes, and (3) putatively associated traits and behaviors. To assess translatability, morphometric data were also collected inDcc-haploinsufficient mice. The human volunteers were 20DCC+/−mutation carriers, 16DCC+/+relatives, and 20DCC+/+unrelated healthy volunteers (UHVs; 28 females). The mice were 11Dcc+/−and 16 wild-type C57BL/6J animals assessed during adolescence and adulthood. Compared with both control groups, the humanDCC+/−carriers exhibited the following: (1) reduced anatomical connectivity from the SN/VTA to the ventral striatum [DCC+/+:p= 0.0005,r(effect size) = 0.60; UHV:p= 0.0029,r= 0.48] and ventral medial prefrontal cortex (DCC+/+:p= 0.0031,r= 0.53; UHV:p= 0.034,r= 0.35); (2) lower novelty-seeking scores (DCC+/+:p= 0.034,d= 0.82; UHV:p= 0.019,d= 0.84); and (3) reduced striatal volume (DCC+/+:p= 0.0009,d= 1.37; UHV:p= 0.0054,d= 0.93). Striatal volumetric reductions were also present inDcc+/−mice, and these were seen during adolescence (p= 0.0058,d= 1.09) and adulthood (p= 0.003,d= 1.26). Together these findings provide the first evidence in humans that an axon guidance gene is involved in the formation of mesocorticolimbic circuitry and related behavioral traits, providing mechanisms through whichDCCmutations might affect susceptibility to diverse neuropsychiatric disorders.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTOpportunities to study the effects of axon guidance molecules on human brain development have been rare. Here, the identification of a large four-generational family that carries a mutation to the axon guidance molecule receptor gene,DCC, enabled us to demonstrate effects on mesocorticolimbic anatomical connectivity, striatal volumes, and personality traits. Reductions in striatal volumes were replicated inDCC-haploinsufficient mice. Together, these processes might influence mesocorticolimbic function and susceptibility to diverse neuropsychiatric disorders.
Activity in Human Auditory Cortex Represents Spatial Separation Between Concurrent Sounds
Authors: Shiell Martha M. , Hausfeld Lars , Formisano Elia
Published: April 2018

The primary and posterior auditory cortex (AC) are known for their sensitivity to spatial information, but how this information is processed is not yet understood. AC that is sensitive to spatial manipulations is also modulated by the number of auditory streams present in a scene (Smith et al., 2010), suggesting that spatial and nonspatial cues are integrated for stream segregation. We reasoned that, if this is the case, then it is the distance between sounds rather than their absolute positions that is essential. To test this hypothesis, we measured human brain activity in response to spatially separated concurrent sounds with fMRI at 7 tesla in five men and five women. Stimuli were spatialized amplitude-modulated broadband noises recorded for each participant via in-ear microphones before scanning. Using a linear support vector machine classifier, we investigated whether sound location and/or location plus spatial separation between sounds could be decoded from the activity in Heschl's gyrus and the planum temporale. The classifier was successful only when comparing patterns associated with the conditions that had the largest difference in perceptual spatial separation. Our pattern of results suggests that the representation of spatial separation is not merely the combination of single locations, but rather is an independent feature of the auditory scene.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTOften, when we think of auditory spatial information, we think of where sounds are coming from—that is, the process of localization. However, this information can also be used in scene analysis, the process of grouping and segregating features of a soundwave into objects. Essentially, when sounds are further apart, they are more likely to be segregated into separate streams. Here, we provide evidence that activity in the human auditory cortex represents the spatial separation between sounds rather than their absolute locations, indicating that scene analysis and localization processes may be independent.