bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phytantriol and glyceryl monooleate cubic liquid crystalline phases as sustained-release oral drug delivery systems for poorly water soluble drugs I. Phase behaviour in physiologically-relevant media
Authors: Nguyen Tri-Hung , Hanley Tracey , Porter Christopher J H , Larson Ian , Boyd Ben J 
Published: September 2015

Abstract

Objectives
The potential utility of liquid crystalline lipid-based formulations in oral drug delivery is expected to depend critically on their structure formation and stability in gastrointestinal fluids. The phase behaviour of lipid-based liquid crystals formed by phytantriol and glyceryl monooleate, known to form a bicontinuous cubic phase in excess water, was therefore assessed in physiologically-relevant simulated gastrointestinal media.

Methods
Fixed composition phase studies, crossed polarised light microscopy (CPLM) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) were used to determine the phase structures formed in phosphate-buffered saline, simulated gastric and intestinal fluids in the presence of model poorly water soluble drugs cinnarizine, diazepam and vitamin E acetate.

Key findings
The phase behaviour of phytantriol in phosphate-buffered saline was very similar to that in water. Increasing concentrations of bile components (bile salts and phospholipids) caused an increase in the lattice parameter of the cubic phase structure for both lipids. Incorporation of cinnarizine and diazepam did not influence the phase behaviour of the phytantriol- or glyceryl monooleate-based systems at physiological temperatures; however, an inverse hexagonal phase formed on incorporation of vitamin E acetate.

Conclusions
Phytantriol and glyceryl monooleate have the potential to form stable cubic phase liquid crystalline delivery systems in the gastrointestinal tract. In-vivo studies to assess their sustained-release behaviour are warranted.
Effects of insulin on CYP3A activity and nicardipine disposition in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Hasegawa Yoshitaka , Kishimoto Shuichi , Shibatani Naoki , Inotsume Nobuo , Takeuchi Yoshikazu , Fukushima Shoji 
Published: September 2015

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of the study was to clarify the effect of insulin treatment on drug metabolism and disposition.

Methods
We investigated the mRNA expression and activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A, which is involved in the metabolism of several drugs, by using a rat model of diabetes and insulin-treated diabetes. In addition, we investigated the mRNA expression of the nuclear receptors reported to regulate the transcription of CYP3A, pregnane X receptor (PXR) and constitutive androstane receptor (CAR). We also assessed the disposition of nicardipine, which is mainly metabolised by CYP3A, using both rat models to evaluate the influence of insulin treatment on drug disposition.

Key findings
We noted that alterations in the serum bile acid concentration in both rat groups were related to the changes in CAR mRNA expression, CYP3A mRNA expression and CYP3A activity. Furthermore, although the enhanced CYP3A activity in the diabetic rat accelerated the elimination of nicardipine, insulin administration decreased the enhanced CYP3A activity in the diabetic group and delayed the elimination of nicardipine to the same level as that in the control group. However, the steady-state volume of distribution was increased in the insulin-treated diabetic group as compared to the control and diabetic groups. We further noted that although the CYP3A activity in the diabetic group returned to the same level as in that in the non-diabetic group by insulin treatment, other values, such as the distribution volume of nicardipine, did not show a similar return.

Conclusions
Based on our results, we suggest that alterations in the drug disposition in diabetes and insulin-treated diabetes should be taken into consideration in order to provide safe and effective drug therapy.
Enantioselective pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic modelling of carvedilol in a NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester rat model of secondary hypertension
Authors: Di Verniero Carla Andrea , Bertera Facundo , Buontempo Fabián , Bernabeu Ezequiel , Chiappetta Diego , Mayer Marcos Alejandro , Bramuglia Guillermo Federico , Taira Carlos Alberto , Höcht Christian 
Published: September 2015

Abstract

Objectives
The role of vascular sympatholytic activity of carvedilol in its antihypertensive effect in NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) hypertensive rats was assessed by means of enantioselective pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) modelling.

Methods
Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: control rats received tap water to drink for 2 weeks while L-NAME rats received L-NAME solution to drink for 2 weeks. The effects of carvedilol (1 and 5 mg/kg i.v.) on blood pressure, heart rate and blood pressure variability were recorded. Enantioselective carvedilol plasma pharmacokinetics were studied by means of traditional blood sampling. The relationship between carvedilol concentrations and their hypotensive and bradycardic effects was established by means of PK-PD modelling. Vascular sympatholytic activity of carvedilol was assessed by the estimation of drug effects on low frequency blood pressure variability by means of spectral analysis.

Key findings
A dose-dependent increase in volume of distribution, as well as a greater volume of distribution and clearance of S-carvedilol as compared with the R-enantiomer was found in both experimental groups. Although the PK-PD properties of the S-carvedilol chronotropic effect were not altered in L-NAME rats, hypertensive rats showed greater potency and efficacy to the carvedilol hypotensive response. Greater potency of carvedilol for inhibition of sympathetic vascular activity was found in L-NAME rats.

Conclusions
Carvedilol showed enantioselective non-linear pharmacokinetic properties in both groups. An enhanced hypotensive activity of carvedilol was found in L-NAME hypertensive rats compared with control rats, which may be explained by the greater potency of carvedilol for sympathetic vascular tone inhibition.
Usefulness of serum cystatin C to determine the dose of vancomycin in critically ill patients
Authors: Suzuki Akio , Imanishi Yoshinori , Nakano Shiho , Niwa Takashi , Ohmori Tomofumi , Shirai Kunihiro , Yoshida Shozo , Furuta Nobuyuki , Takemura Masao , Ito Hiroyasu , Ieiri Ichiro , Seishima Mitsuru , Ogura Shinji , Itoh Yoshinori 
Published: September 2015

Abstract

Objectives
Serum creatinine (Scr) is not a reliable marker of renal function in critically ill patients because of an enhancement of protein catabolism, which makes it difficult to adjust the dosage of renally eliminated drugs such as antibiotics. This study aimed to investigate whether serum cystatin C (Scys-C) could be used as a reliable marker of renal function.

Methods
We investigated whether Scys-C was a reliable marker of renal function in 56 critically ill patients. Subsequently, the usefulness of Scys-C to determine the initial loading and the maintenance dose of vancomycin was examined in 18 patients. Crea- tinine clearance (Ccr) was assessed from Scr and creatinine in urine collected over 24 h (24-h Ccr).

Key findings
There was a good correlation between 24-h Ccr and 1/Scys-C (r2 = 0.616), whereas less marked correlation was observed between 24-h Ccr and 1/Scr (r2 = 0.221). On the other hand, vancomycin concentration was predicted from population pharmacokinetic parameters based on a two-compartment linear model. There were significant correlations between real trough concentrations of vancomycin and the values predicted from Scys-C using various equations (r2 = 0.416–0.488), while less pronounced relationships were observed between real concentrations and the values predicted from Scr (r2 = 0.134–0.187).

Conclusions
These findings suggest that Scys-C is a reliable marker reflecting renal function in critically ill patients and is applicable to determine the initial loading dose as well as the maintenance dose of vancomycin.
Effects of KATP openers on the QT prolongation induced by HERG-blocking drugs in guinea-pigs
Authors: Testai Lara , Cecchetti Violetta , Sabatini Stefano , Martelli Alma , Breschi Maria Cristina , Calderone Vincenzo 
Published: September 2015

Abstract

Objectives
This work evaluated the potential usefulness of pharmacological activation of cardiac ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP) in the prevention of drug-induced QT prolongation in anaesthetised guinea-pigs. Prolongation of cardiac repolarisation and QT interval is an adverse effect of many drugs blocking HERG potassium channels. This alteration can be dangerously arrhythmogenic and has been associated with the development of a particular form of ventricular tachyarrhythmia known as torsade de pointes.

Methods
The well-known KATP openers aprikalim, cromakalim and pinacidil were used. Moreover, three benzothiazine derivatives, which have been reported as potent activators of KATP channels, were also used.

Key findings
Pharmacological activation of KATP channels caused a reduction of the QT prolongation, induced by astemizole, cisapride, quinidine and thioridazine. In contrast, the QT prolongation induced by haloperidol, sotalol and terfenadine, which are known to block HERG channels but also KATP channels, was not influenced by KATP activation. Glibenclamide and tolbutamide (non-selective blockers of KATP channels expressed both in sarcolemmal and in mitochondrial membranes) antagonised the effects of KATP openers, whereas 5-hydroxydecanoic acid (selective blocker of the mitochondrial KATP channels) failed to antagonise the effects of KATP openers, indicating that only the sarcolemmal KATP is involved in the cardioprotective activity.

Conclusions
The data suggest that pharmacological KATP activation might represent an option for treatment of patients exposed to QT-prolonging drugs.
Precarious or Purposeful? Proactively Building Inclusive Special Education Service Delivery on Solid Ground
Authors: Giangreco Michael F. , Suter Jesse C. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe absence of unified and inclusive special education service delivery models represents a longstanding challenge to the education of students with the full range of disabilities in inclusive schools and classrooms. An exemplar model is offered for elementary schools within a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) framework. To establish its practicality and cost-neutrality, the development of the exemplar model was based on personnel utilization data from 69 schools. After building a case for the importance of proactively developing inclusive models of special education service delivery, this article describes: (a) the types and source of the data upon which the exemplar model is based, (b) a set of underlying assumptions, (c) school demographic parameters upon which the exemplar model is based, (d) a comparison of 13 key variables between their actual averages in sampled schools with their proposed status in the exemplar model, and (e) nine conceptual and programmatic shifts designed to accompany the structural changes presented in the exemplar model. The article concludes with implications for practice and future research. Overall, the exemplar model is offered as a starting point to spur discussion, creative problem solving, and action planning to explore model development suited to local contexts.
Embedded Instruction: An Evaluation of Evidence to Inform Inclusive Practice
Authors: Jimenez Bree A. , Kamei Ai 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
A systematic review of the literature was conducted for articles published between January, 1975 and January, 2013 to (a) examine the use of embedded instruction to teach students with intellectual disability (ID) at the lowest to middle range of the spectrum academic content in inclusive settings and (b) evaluate its use as an evidence-based instructional strategy for inclusion. A total of 11 studies were analyzed for research quality with all studies meeting the criteria for adequate or high quality (Horner et al., 2005; National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center, NSTTAC, 2010). Embedded instruction was found to be an evidence-based strategy to support academic learning of students with ID in inclusive settings. All 11 studies used systematic instruction to embed academic trials in various inclusive settings, grade levels, and across the curriculum, with constant time delay being the most prevalent strategy used in 10 of the studies. Furthermore, grade level, subject matter, when embedded trials occurred, and who provided instruction were analyzed. Suggestions for future research and implications for practice are discussed.
Sibling Advocacy: Perspectives About Advocacy FromSiblings of Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Burke Meghan M. , Arnold Catherine K. , Owen Aleksa L. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) live longer and begin to outlive their parents, siblings take on greater supportive roles including advocacy. Yet, little is known about the ways in which siblings advocate with and for their brothers and sisters with IDD as well as for broad, systemic changes. In this study, we conducted four focus groups (N = 18) with siblings of individuals with IDD. We found that siblings defined and engaged in case advocacy (i.e., advocacy on behalf of their brothers and sisters with IDD) and cause advocacy (i.e., advocacy for larger systemic changes). Regarding case advocacy, siblings were motivated to advocate to secure appropriate services for their brothers and sisters. For cause advocacy, siblings attempted to create sweeping changes for individuals with IDD by educating others and participating in collective advocacy methods. Regardless of the type of advocacy, all siblings felt they needed more information and peer support to effectively advocate. Implications for research, policy, and practice are discussed.
More Than Words: Examining Communicative Competence Through a Preschool-Age Child With Autism
Authors: DeThorne Laura S. , Hengst Julie A. , Valentino Hillary A. , Russell Stephanie A. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractUsing a social-ecological framework, this case study examined communicative competence through classroom interactions involving Aaron, a preschool-age child with autism who utilized an augmentative and alternative communication device (AAC). In addition to Aaron, participants included Aaron's father, the school director, classroom teachers, a paraprofessional, and 17 of Aaron's preschool classmates. The present analyses relied on ethnographic data collected by Russell and Valentino (2013)—specifically, five observations of classroom activities involving Aaron, one of which was video recorded, and six semistructured interviews of adult participants. Our extended analyses included a categorical analysis focused on communicative offers to and from Aaron as recorded in observational field notes and a new situated discourse analysis of the video-recorded small group activity. Together results revealed three key components of communicative competence: (a) presumed competence, (b) flexible multimodality, and (c) synchronized repetition. Implications focus on how to conceptualize and support communicative competence for children who use AAC from a social-ecological framework.
Subjective well-being as a predictor of peace attitudes in adolescents<p>Ergenlerde barışa yönelik tutumların yordayıcısı olarak öznel iyi oluş
Authors: Sarı Tuğba , Kermen Umut 
Published: September 2015

<p>The purpose of this study is to investigate attitudes towards peace with respect to subjective wellbeing and gender. The participants of the study were 240 students who were taking their high school education in Kocaeli. Two different inventories were applied to the students; Adolescent Subjective Wellbeing Inventory and Peace Attitudes Scale. Multiple regression analysis was used to investigate if and to which degree subjective wellbeing predicts peace attitudes. To examine the relation between peace attitudes and gender, independent sample t-test was conducted. The results indicated that the peace attitudes of adolescents does not change according to gender (t238= -.153; p&gt;.05). According to the Pearson correlation coefficients, there is positive relations ranged from .30 to .65 between peace attitudes and four subscales of subjective well-being (p&lt;.001). The multiple regression analysis that was held to investigate the predictor role of subjective wellbeing on peace attitudes revealed that family relations satisfaction and positive feelings explains peace attitudes significantly (R<sup>2</sup>= .48 ; F reg= 53,468; p&lt; .001).</p><p> </p><p><strong>Özet</strong></p><p>Bu çalışmanın amacı, lise öğrencilerinin barışa yönelik tutumlarının öznel iyi oluş (aile ilişkilerinde doyum, önemli diğer kişilerle ilişkide doyum, yaşam doyumu, olumlu duygular) ve cinsiyet açısından incelenmesidir. Araştırma verileri, 2014-2015 Eğitim ve Öğretim Yılı'nda Kocaeli ilinde üç lisede eğitim gören 14-16 yaşları arasında 240 öğrenciden toplanmıştır. Araştırma verileri kişisel bilgi formu, ergen öznel iyi oluş ölçeği ve barışa yönelik tutumlar ölçeği ile toplanmıştır. Araştırmada veri analizinde cinsiyete göre barışa yönelik tutumların değişip değişmediğini test etmek için t-testi yönteminden yararlanılmıştır. Bulgulara göre, kız (X=16.297) ve erkek (X=16.356) öğrencilerin barışa yönelik tutumları arasında anlamlı bir fark bulunmamaktadır (t238=-.153; p&gt;.05). Değişkenler arasındaki ilişki pearson korelasyon katsayısı ile incelendiğinde, barışa yönelik tutumlar ile öznel iyi oluşun dört alt boyutu arasındaki korelasyonların .30 ile .65 arasında değiştiği gözlenmiştir (p&lt;.001). Öznel iyi oluşun barışa yönelik tutumlarını açıklayıp açıklamadığını incelemek için yapılan çoklu regresyon analizi sonuçlarına göre ise öznel iyi oluşun aile ilişkilerinde doyum ve olumlu duygular alt boyutlarının barışa yönelik tutumlar üzerinde açıklanan varyansa katkısının anlamlı olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. (R<sup>2</sup>= .48 ; F reg= 53,468; p&lt; .001). <strong></strong></p>
The generalized hypergeometric function as the Meijer G-function
Authors: Kilbas Anatoly A. , Saxena Ram K. , Saigo Megumi , Trujillo Juan J. 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
In this paper, we use the representation of the generalized hypergeometric function

p

F
q

$\,_pF_q$

in terms of the known Meijer G-function to extend the range of parameters of such a special function so it be convergent. Also, we establish the corresponding series representation
for such an extension. In particular, we extend the hypergeometric functions

2

F
1

$\,_2F_1$

and

3

F
2

$\,_3F_2$

from

|
z
|
<
1

${|z|&lt;1}$

to

|
z
|
>
1

${|z|&gt;1}$

.
Moreover, we obtain asymptotic formulas to estimate the extended

p

F
q

$\,_pF_q$

at infinity.
Forecasting of random sequences and Prony decomposition of finance data
Authors: Nigmatullin Raoul R. , Tenreiro Machado José A. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we propose an original method for forecasting data based on the Prony decomposition. We interpret the forecasting procedure as a possible prolongation of the fitting function that describes the known optimal trend in terms of the Prony decomposition. We give some arguments justifying the selection of the Prony method for obtaining the fitting function. This function should describe the segment of the random curve with high accuracy, that is supposed to be known and can be continued out from the fitting interval. Naturally, the boundaries of the sequential future interval are limited by the influence of future events that can change the tendencies “stretched out” from the known past, in general. This determination coincides with the definition of a forecasting procedure given by Chatfield. We establish the relationships between modes of the quasi-periodic Prony decomposition with the well-known Kondratiev or Elliot waves (K-, E-waves) that are known in economy for forecasting of long random time-series with trends. Our method adds new features to the conventional procedure and corrects the general conception of K(E)-waves for temporal cycles having different lengths. In fact, it helps us to find additional criteria for identifying the K-waves in the given random sequence analyzed. We propose two independent methods of forecasting: (a) from the segment that starts from the nearest past, and (b) from the curve that is remained as the self-similar curve to the initial one. In both cases we show that the results of such prolongation are similar to each other, which increases the reliability of the novel forecasting procedure. As an example we consider data associated with four basic fund markets.
Stabilization of Fast Pyrolysis Oil Derived from Wood through Esterification
Authors: Ghodke Praveen , Ganesh Anuradda , Mahajani Sanjay 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIn the present work, crude bio-oil obtained from vacuum pyrolysis ofbabulwood was stabilized by esterification with 1-butanol using the cation exchange resin, Amberlyst-15, as a solid acid catalyst. Ester formation reduces the pH, thereby increasing the shelf-life of the bio-oil. Since esterification is a reversible reaction, simultaneous separation of water during the course of the reaction helps to obtain high conversion. Azeotropic removal of water by reactive distillation was found to be effective in this work. Apart from reducing pH and improving shelf-life, this process also enabled water removal from crude bio-oil, and viscosity was reduced when the bio-oil was blended with alcohol. Amberlyst-15 was found to get deactivated after repeated use. Characterization of fresh and used catalyst by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area measurement and thermal analysis showed that the deposition of carbonaceous material on the catalyst is responsible for its deactivation. The condensation and oligomerization reactions of unstable compounds (e.g. furfural and its derivatives) are suspected to be the main reasons underlying catalyst deactivation.
The use of computer-delivered structured tasks in pragmatic instruction: An exploratory study
Authors: Sydorenko Tetyana 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThis study examines the effect of oral practice via computer-delivered structured tasks (CASTs) with native speaker (NS) models and open-ended tasks without NS input (i.e., learner-leaner role-plays) on pragmatic development of second language learners. While prior studies have indicated that structured tasks afford more opportunities for focus on form (FonF) than open-ended tasks (
Monitoring of Civil Engineering Structures using a State-of-the-art Image Assisted Total Station
Authors: Ehrhart Matthias , Lienhart Werner 
Published: September 2015

AbstractToday, many civil engineering structures are permanently monitored to provide early warnings from structural failure. Many of the currently used measurement sensors have the drawback that access to the monitored structure is required. Furthermore, different types of instrumentation are needed to measure vibrations and displacements. We therefore propose the usage of an image assisted total station (IATS) for vibration- and displacement monitoring. Compared to previously reported approaches using IATS prototypes, our system is based on a commercially available standard IATS. In laboratory investigations, we show that the used IATS can measure displacements with a precision of 0.1 mgon. In a field experiment at a lifesize footbridge we compare the IATS measurements to currently used accelerometer and total station measurements.