Culturally and linguistically diverse children's retention of spoken narratives encoded in quiet and in babble noise.

Multi-talker noise impedes children's speech processing and may affect children listening to their second language more than children listening to their first language. Evidence suggests that multi-talker noise also may impede children's memory retention and learning. A total of 80 culturally and linguistically diverse children aged 7 to 9 years listened to narratives in two listening conditions: quiet and multi-talker noise (signal-to-noise ratio +6 dB). Repeated recall (immediate and delayed recall), was measured with a 1-week retention interval. Retention was calculated as the difference in recall accuracy per question between immediate and delayed recall. Working memory capacity was assessed, and the children's degree of school language (Swedish) exposure was quantified. Immediate narrative recall was lower for the narrative encoded in noise than in quiet. During delayed recall, narrative recall was similar for both listening conditions. Children with higher degrees of school language exposure and higher working memory capacity had better narrative recall overall, but these factors were not associated with an effect of listening condition or retention. Multi-talker babble noise does not impair culturally and linguistically diverse primary school children's retention of spoken narratives as measured by multiple-choice questions. Although a quiet listening condition allows for a superior encoding compared with a noisy listening condition, details are likely lost during memory consolidation and re-consolidation.

Effects of Pressure on the Biogeochemical and Geotechnical Behavior of Treated Oil Sands Tailings in a Pit Lake Scenario.

Reclamation options for oil sands fluid fine tailings (FFT) are limited due to its challenging geotechnical properties, which include high water and clay contents and low shear strength. A feasible reclamation option for tailings with these properties is water capped FFT deposits (pit lakes). A relatively new proposal is to deposit FFT that has been treated with alum and polyacrylamide in pit lakes. Though over 65 Mm3 of alum/polyacrylamide treated FFT has been deposited to date, there is limited publicly available information on the biogeochemical and geotechnical behavior of this treated FFT. Further, the effects of pressure from overlying tailings on microbial activity and biogeochemical cycling in oil sands tailings has not been previously investigated. Twelve 5.5 L columns were designed to mimic alum/polyacrylamide treated FFT deposited beneath a water cap. A 2x2 factorial design was used to apply pressure and hydrocarbon amendments to the tailings. Pressure (0.3 to 5.1 kPa) was applied incrementally and columns were monitored for 360 d. Pressure significantly enhanced consolidation and microbial activity in treated FFT. Columns with pressure generated significantly more CH4(g) and CO2(g) and had significant increases in dissolved organic carbon and chemical oxygen demand in the FFT and water caps. The enhanced microbial activity in columns with pressure indicates that pressure increased the solubility of microbial substrates and metabolites in the tailings, thereby increasing the bioavailability of these compounds. Ammonium generation was significantly higher in columns with pressure, suggesting that microorganisms utilized polyacrylamide and/or N2 fixation as a nitrogen source to meet enhanced nutrient demands. Pressure also impacted microbial community structure, shifting methanogenic communities from hydrogenotrophic methanogens to predominately acetoclastic methanogens. This study also revealed the importance of sulfur cycling in treated FFT. Extensive sulfate reduction occurred in all columns, generating dissolved sulfides and H2S(g), and this was accelerated by hydrocarbon amendments.

Effectiveness and mechanism of microbial dust suppressant on coal dust with different metamorphosis degree.

The extraction of coal from open-pit mines significantly contributes to environmental degradation, posing grave risks to human health and the operational stability of machinery. In this milieu, microbial dust suppressants leveraging microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) demonstrate substantial potential for application. This manuscript undertakes an exploration of the dust mitigation efficiency, consolidation attributes, and the fundamental mechanisms of microbial dust suppressants across coal dust samples with varying metamorphic gradations. Empirical observations indicate that, in resistance tests against wind and rain, lignite coal underwent mass losses of 7.43 g·m-2·min-1 and 98.62 g·m-2·min-1, respectively. The production of consolidating agents within the lignite dust, attributable to the microbial suppressants, was measured at 0.15 g per unit mass, a value of 1.25 and 1.07 times greater than that observed in bituminous coal and anthracite, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses illuminated that the consolidating products within the coal dust predominantly constituted calcite and vaterite forms of calcium carbonate. The consolidation mechanism of coal dust via microbial suppressants is articulated as follows: Subsequent to the application on coal dust, the suppressants induce the formation of carbonate precipitates with inherent adhesive properties. These carbonates affix to the surfaces of coal dust particles, progressively encapsulating them. Furthermore, they play a pivotal role in bridging and filling the interstices between adjacent dust particles, thereby culminating in the genesis of a dense, cohesive mass capable of withstanding erosive forces.

Synchronously Consolidating Li, Se, S, and C for Robust Li-SeS Batteries.

S-redox involving solvated polysulfides is accompanied by volumetric change and structural decay of the S-based cathodes. Here, we propose a synchronous construction strategy for consolidating Li, Se, S, and C elements within a composite cathode via a paradigm reaction of 8Li+2Se+CS2 = 2Li4SeS+C. The obtained composite features crystalline Li4SeS encapsulated in a carbon nanocage (Li4SeS@C), exhibiting ultrahigh electrical conductivity, ultralow activation barrier, and excellent structural integrity, accordingly enabling large specific capacity (615 mAh g-1) and high capacity retention (87.3% after 350 cycles) at 10 A g-1. TOF-SIMS demonstrates its superior volumetric efficiency to a similar derivative SeS@C (2Se+CS2 = 2SeS+C), and DFT reveals its lower activation barrier than Li2S@C and Li2Se@C. This consolidation design significantly improves the electrochemical performance of S-based cathodes, and the paradigm reaction guarantees structural diversity and flexibility. Moreover, employing a synchronous construction mechanism to maximize the synergistic effect between element consolidation and carbon encapsulation opens up a new approach for developing robust S or chalcogenide cathodes.

EXPRESS: EPS mid-career prize: An integrated framework for the learning, recognition and interpretation of words.

In this paper I review the evidence on the involvement of sleep and consolidation in word learning and processing during language comprehension, focusing on implications for theory. The theoretical basis for the review is a complementary systems account of word learning involving flexible (hippocampal) and stable (cortical) pathways to lexical knowledge (Davis & Gaskell, 2009). I argue that the accumulated data are consistent with a role for both pathways in both learning and recognition of lexical items, with sleep and consolidation supporting the transfer of recent experience between the pathways. The level of involvement of each pathway is dependent on key factors, such as consistency with prior knowledge in the case of learning, and reliance on context and/or automaticity in the case of recognition. As a consequence, the notion of a mental lexicon cannot really be restricted to just the listener's stable knowledge about words: flexible knowledge and recent experiences are also important. Furthermore, I argue that the flexible pathway plays a critical role even in the absence of new lexical items. The available evidence suggests that this pathway encodes (and potentially consolidates) recent linguistic experiences, providing potential benefits to interpretation of subsequent language and the long-term retention of knowledge. In conclusion, I propose that a dual-pathway account incorporating both flexibility and stability is necessary to explain the learning, recognition and interpretation of words.

Evaluation of flat ridge rehabilitation using an intraoral custom-made distraction device at four weeks versus eight weeks and its impact on dental implant efficacy: A comparative study.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate alveolar bone height enhancement using a custom-made distractor to evaluate its ability to support dental implants. Method: The left mandibular premolars of nine dogs were extracted, followed by alveoloplasty to simulate an atrophic ridge. The dogs were divided into three groups: groups I and II received distractors followed by dental implants, while group III received implants alone. Distractors remained in place for 4 weeks in group I and 8 weeks in group II for consolidation. Subsequently, the distractors were removed, and a titanium dental implant was immediately inserted during the same visit. In the third group, implants were placed in the same area as noted. The implant was left in position for 8 weeks, after which the left hemimandible underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and histological analysis, focusing on the region of interest (ROI) mesial and distal to the dental implant. Results: Densitometric analysis revealed notable osseointegration between the regenerated bone adjacent to the dental implant. Notably, there were significant differences in osseointegration between groups I and II. Moreover, osseointegration levels were similar between groups II and III, where no distraction device was employed. Histological findings showed the formation of new bone in the distraction gap, with more advanced maturation noted in the 8-week group. It is worth noting that the integration between bone and implants in the third group surpasses that of the distraction groups. Conclusion: Using the distraction device for only 4 weeks is acceptable to meet the criteria for implant placement. The small size of the distraction device reduces tissue reaction after surgery because it eliminates the necessity of complex surgeries that may require bone grafting. Density measurements and histological observations indicate that the distractor promotes the generation of enough bone for prosthetic rehabilitation with dental implants.

AB079. Whole-brain radiotherapy versus high dose chemotherapy with autologous stem-cell transplantation for consolidation therapy in primary central nervous system lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: Whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) is commonly used as consolidation therapy in primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). However, high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (HD-ASCT) has emerged as an alternative approach for PCNSL. This systematic review aims to assess the efficacy and safety of both treatment modalities. METHODS: The systematic review follows PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search strategy identified relevant studies from PubMed, Europe PMC, and Cochrane Library. The following search terms were used: "primary central nervous system lymphoma", "Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation", and "whole-brain radiotherapy". We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) cohort studies evaluating the use of whole-brain radiotherapy and high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation in the treatment of histologically-confirmed PCNSL. Publications included were limited to English language full texts that were published in the past 10 years. Data extraction & manuscript quality assessment was done by two independent reviewers with a third reviewer to resolve any discrepancy. Primary outcomes include overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) & treatment related toxicity (TRT). Secondary outcomes were clinical neurological function and performance score assessments. Individual studies were assessed using the Jadad Scale and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies. RESULTS: We identified 5 studies, consisting of 2 RCTs and 3 cohort studies. After all studies considered, analysis revealed that consolidation therapy with HD-ASCT had a better overall PFS and OS compared to whole-brain radiotherapy (P<0.005). Both groups showed similar TRT with mostly haematological toxicity. Holistically clinical cognitive functions are found to be improved in HD-ASCT Patients and poorer results are exhibited by WBRT patients primarily in executive functions. Performance statuses are scored differently across all studies with slightly preferable results shown in patients treated with HDC-ASCT. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings of this systematic review, HDC-ASCT might be a preferable choice of consolidative therapy as shown with better OS, PFS with similar TRT. While WBRT are more feasible and cost-efficient, risks of cognitive impairment and reduced performance status after WBRT should be considered for further treatment choices. Further randomized clinical trials with a similar scoring system are needed.

Evaluation of deterioration degree and consolidation effectiveness in sandstone and clay brick materials based on the micro-drilling resistance method.

The quick and accurate measurement and evaluation of the deterioration degree and consolidation effectiveness on the surface of masonry relics is valuable for disease investigation and restoration work. However, there is still a lack of quantitative indices for evaluating the deterioration degree and consolidation effectiveness of masonry relics in situ. Based on the micro-drilling resistance method, new quantitative evaluation indices for the deterioration degree and consolidation of masonry materials were proposed. Five types of masonry samples with different deterioration degrees were prepared by artificially accelerated deterioration tests involving sandstone and clay brick as research objects. Three types of consolidants were used to consolidate the deteriorated samples. Drilling resistance tests were conducted for deteriorated and consolidated samples. The variations in deterioration depth and average drilling resistance for samples with different numbers of deterioration cycles were analysed, while the differences in consolidation depth and average drilling resistance for samples with different consolidant types and dosages were compared. Finally, the deterioration degree index ( K ) and consolidation effectiveness index ( R c ), which are based on the average drilling resistance, are proposed. The results can be applied to quick on-site investigations of immovable masonry relics.

Case report on serohepatic tuberculosis (frosted liver): Clinical presentation, imaging, diagnosis, and management.

Hepatic tuberculosis can manifest in various forms, including parenchymal, serohepatic, tuberculous cholangitis and mixed form. Isolated hepatic tuberculosis, specifically in the form of serohepatic tuberculosis, is very rare. Patients with hepatic tuberculosis often present with nonspecific symptoms such as abdominal pain, weight loss, night fever, night sweats, hepatomegaly, and abnormal liver function tests. This case involves a young male with isolated serohepatic tuberculosis who presented to the outpatient department of a tertiary care center with complaints of abdominal discomfort, weight loss, and evening rise in temperature. His liver function tests showed elevated levels of alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase. Ultrasonography of the abdomen revealed multiple subcapsular necrotic lesions in the right lobe of the liver. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan of the abdomen showed a few hypodense subcapsular lesions in the right lobe and a minimal subcapsular collection. There was mild thickening and enhancement of the liver capsule and sub capsule, creating a frosted liver or sugar-coated appearance. A small subcentimetric size parenchymal lesion was present in segment VIII, which was in continuity with the subcapsular collection. Fine needle aspiration cytology from the largest subcapsular liver lesion revealed acid-fast bacillus, confirming the tuberculosis diagnosis. A high-resolution CT scan of the chest was performed for further evaluation and showed no abnormalities. The patient is currently being treated with antitubercular therapy.

Review: seizure-related consolidation and the network theory of epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a complex, multifaceted disease that affects patients in several ways in addition to seizures, including psychological, social, and quality of life issues, but epilepsy is also known to interact with sleep. Seizures often occur at the boundary between sleep and wake, patients with epilepsy often experience disrupted sleep, and the rate of inter-ictal epileptiform discharges increases during non-REM sleep. The Network Theory of Epilepsy did not address a role for sleep, but recent emphasis on the interaction between epilepsy and sleep suggests that post-seizure sleep may also be involved in the process by which seizures arise and become more severe with time ("epileptogenesis") by co-opting processes related to the formation of long-term memories. While it is generally acknowledged that recurrent seizures arise from the aberrant function of neural circuits, it is possible that the progression of epilepsy is aided by normal, physiological function of neural circuits during sleep that are driven by pathological signals. Studies recording multiple, single neurons prior to spontaneous seizures have shown that neural assemblies activated prior to the start of seizures were reactivated during post-seizure sleep, similar to the reactivation of behavioral neural assemblies, which is thought to be involved in the formation of long-term memories, a process known as Memory Consolidation. The reactivation of seizure-related neural assemblies during sleep was thus described as being a component of Seizure-Related Consolidation (SRC). These results further suggest that SRC may viewed as a network-related aspect of epilepsy, even in those seizures that have anatomically restricted neuroanatomical origins. As suggested by the Network Theory of Epilepsy as a means of interfering with ictogenesis, therapies that interfered with SRC may provide some anti-epileptogenic therapeutic benefit, even if the interference targeted structures that were not involved originally in the seizure. Here, we show how the Network Theory of Epilepsy can be expanded to include neural plasticity mechanisms associated with learning by providing an overview of Memory Consolidation, the mechanisms thought to underlie MC, their relation to Seizure-Related Consolidation, and suggesting novel, anti-epileptogenic therapies targeting interference with network activation in epilepsy following seizures during post-seizure sleep.

The Fatal Course of Pulmonary Mucormycosis: A Case Report.

Pulmonary mucormycosis is a rare and lethal fungal infection elicited by fungi of the order Mucorales. The disease predominantly affects immunocompromised hosts, like those with diabetes mellitus, hematologic malignancies, or those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. We, at this moment, report a case of pulmonary mucormycosis in a 55-year-old gentleman, exemplifying the ferocity of clinical disease, diagnostic dilemmas, and rapidity of progression. A diagnosis of pulmonary mucormycosis was based on diagnostic imaging and flexible bronchoscopy. Despite aggressive antifungal and supportive treatment, the patient's condition deteriorated further, and unfortunately succumbed to cardiorespiratory arrest. This case reinforces the importance of early recognition of pulmonary mucormycosis and aggressive medical management, especially in immunocompromised patients, in salvaging lives with good outcomes and preventing the fulminant progression of the disease process.

Experimental study on soil deformation caused by overexploitation of groundwater.

Due to the overexploitation of deep groundwater, the largest cone of depression in the world has formed in the North China Plain. This led to severe geological hazards, including land subsidence and ground fissures, and also caused economic losses. The prevention and treatment of subsidence needs to rely on the accurate prediction of subsidence amount. According to the one-dimensional consolidation theory and effective stress principle, combined with stratum structure, groundwater flow, stress distribution, and so forth, the high-pressure consolidation test results of 569.6 m deep borehole soil samples are adopted; with a specific focus on stress and deformation parameters under exploitation of groundwater condition, the soil-water coupling prediction model of groundwater level lowering depth and land subsidence has been established. Verification with measured subsidence data near the study sites demonstrated that the predicted curve is consistent with the measured one and the differences between them are acceptable. The model can be applied in different areas after making adjustment based on different regional stratigraphic structures. Its key advantage lies in the ability to provide land subsidence prediction for areas lacking monitoring data, making it highly valuable for widespread application. PRACTITIONER POINTS: There is a compressible stratum structure; it is the internal factors of land subsidence. The groundwater level decline causes the soil body stress to change. It is land subsidence of the external factors. Based on the one-dimensional consolidation theory and by combining stratigraphic structures, groundwater flow, and stress distribution, a ground settlement prediction model was established.

Human retrograde amnesia and memory consolidation.

This paper reports a reassessment of published literature on the question of whether retrograde amnesia data from patients with severe trauma supports the idea that there is ongoing consolidation of long-lasting memories. That is, memory consolidation continues for decades with older memories being increasingly consolidated, and, thus, more protected from forgetting. Our analysis was limited to patients with specific traumas rather than neurodegenerative conditions that can be complicated by the additional presence of significant anterograde amnesia. These constraints were used because trauma patients have a definitive start to their amnesia allowing comparison of their memories before this event, unlike when there is an undefined amnesia onset. Our results revealed that the standard account of retrograde amnesia only fits part of the data, with more than half not conforming to this account. Specifically, damage to different brain areas was associated with different patterns of retrograde amnesia. Those cases where the standard retrograde amnesia account was held tended to involve damage to the hippocampus and temporal lobes, as expected. Future directions to better understand the influence of retrograde amnesia and memory consolidation are suggested.

The Consolidation of Risk Pools in the National Health Insurance Program of the Republic of Korea: Analysis of the Political Processes.

South Korea is one of the few countries that has successfully consolidated its national risk pools into a single-payer health insurance system. This study analyzes national health insurance (NHI) consolidation in South Korea between 1980 and 2003, drawing lessons for countries seeking to consolidate their risk pools. The paper contextualizes the development of the South Korean national health insurance system and the consolidation of its risk pools in the changes in the political environment, particularly the processes of political democratization. It examines how these processes have affected the societal meanings and roles of the health insurance system. The paper focuses on two policy stages. During the agenda-setting stage, the government and employers emphasized the efficiency of the health insurance system. This emphasis contributed to the failure of a consolidation plan that emphasized equity over efficiency. However, as democratization expanded, the power of civil society movements and the popular demand for equity grew stronger. During the policy adoption phase, consolidation of health insurance trusts in South Korea was achieved through social and political processes that influenced public opinion, expanded civil society participation in decision-making, and worked with the government to integrate health insurance organizations and funds.

Lateralization of acquisition and consolidation in direction but not amplitude of a motor skill task.

Previous research suggests that the neural processes underlying specification of movement direction and amplitude are independently represented in the nervous system. However, our understanding of acquisition and consolidation processes in the direction and distance learning remains limited. We designed a virtual air hockey task, in which the puck direction is determined by the hand direction at impact, while the puck distance is determined by the amplitude of the velocity. In two versions of this task, participants were required to either specify the direction or the distance of the puck, while the alternate variable did not contribute to task success. Separate groups of right-handed participants were recruited for each task. Each participant was randomly assigned to one of two groups with a counter-balanced arm practice sequence (right to left, or left to right). We examined acquisition and, after 24 h, we examined two aspects of consolidation: 1) same hand performance to test the durability and 2) the opposite hand to test the effector-independent consolidation (interlimb transfer) of learning. The distance task showed symmetry between hands in the extent of acquisition as well as in both aspects of consolidation. In contrast, the direction task showed asymmetry in both acquisition and consolidation: the dominant right arm showed faster and greater acquisition and greater transfer from the opposite arm training. The asymmetric acquisition and consolidation processes shown in the direction task might be explained by lateralized control and mapping of direction, an interpretation consistent with previous findings on motor adaptation paradigms.

Acoustically evoked K-complexes together with sleep spindles boost verbal declarative memory consolidation in healthy adults.

Over the past decade, phase-targeted auditory stimulation (PTAS), a neuromodulation approach which presents auditory stimuli locked to the ongoing phase of slow waves during sleep, has shown potential to enhance specific aspects of sleep functions. However, the complexity of PTAS responses complicates the establishment of causality between specific electroencephalographic events and observed benefits. Here, we used down-PTAS during sleep to specifically evoke the early, K-complex (KC)-like response following PTAS without leading to a sustained increase in slow-wave activity throughout the stimulation window. Over the course of two nights, one with down-PTAS, the other without, high-density electroencephalography (hd-EEG) was recorded from 14 young healthy adults. The early response exhibited striking similarities to evoked KCs and was associated with improved verbal memory consolidation via stimulus-evoked spindle events nested into the up-phase of ongoing 1 Hz waves in a central region. These findings suggest that the early, KC-like response is sufficient to boost memory, potentially by orchestrating aspects of the hippocampal-neocortical dialogue.

The significance of consolidation chemotherapy after concurrent chemoradiotherapy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a randomized controlled phase III clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: This study explored the significance of consolidation maintenance chemotherapy after concurrent chemoradiotherapy with different regimens in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. METHOD: A prospective randomized controlled phase III clinical trial was designed and registered in the China Clinical Trials Registry (Registration number: ChiCTR-TRC-12002719). Survival data were analyzed in terms of intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) sets for patients undergoing cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (PF) (group A), or cisplatin and paclitaxel (TP) (group B). RESULTS: The incidence risk of grade III-IV leukopenia in group B was higher than in group A (49.2% vs. 25.5%, p = 0.012). The survival rates at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years were 83.8%, 62.6%, 53.1%, and 41.3%, respectively. Consolidation chemotherapy after concurrent chemoradiation therapy had no benefit on median progression-free survival (PFS) (p = 0.95) and overall survival (OS) (p = 0.809). According to the ITT analysis, the median PFS in group A and group B was 28.6 months and 30.3 months (X2 = 0.242, p = 0.623), while the median OS was 31.0 months and 50.3 months (X2 = 1.25，p = 0.263). For the PP analysis, the median PFS in group A and group B were 28.6 months and 30.3 months (p = 0.584), while the median OS was 31.0 months and 50.3 months (p = 0.259), respectively. Patients receiving consolidation chemotherapy did not show significant OS benefits (46.9 months vs. 38.3 months; X2 = 0.059, p = 0.866). CONCLUSION: Similar PFS and OS were found between PF and TP regimens with concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Consolidation chemotherapy did not show any significant OS benefits.

Cocaine diminishes consolidation of cued fear memory in female rats through interactions with ventral hippocampal D2 receptors.

In addition to cocaine's addictive properties, cocaine use may lead to heightened risk-taking behavior. The disruptive effects of cocaine on aversive memory formation may underlie this behavior. The present study investigated the effects of cocaine on fear memory using a cued fear conditioning paradigm in female Sprague Dawley rats, and further determined the role of D2 receptors in modulating the effect of cocaine on cued fear expression. Animals received six evenly spaced shocks preceded by a tone. The following day, rats were returned to the fear chamber where tones, but no shocks, were delivered. In Experiment 1, separate or concurrent administrations of cocaine (15 mg/kg; i.p.) and the D2 receptor antagonist eticlopride (0.1 mg/kg; i.p.) were given immediately after conditioning trials. It was determined that cocaine administration during the consolidation period diminished the expression of cued fear during the subsequent test day. Concurrent eticlopride administration attenuated this effect, indicating the involvement of D2 receptors in the deleterious effects of cocaine on fear memory consolidation. In Experiment 2, eticlopride (0.05 µg) was infused directly into the ventral hippocampus (VH) after fear conditioning and before cocaine administration. Cocaine continued to disrupt consolidation of cued and contextual fear memory, and concurrent intra-VH eticlopride blocked this effect, thereby demonstrating that VH D2 receptors mediate cocaine-induced impairment of fear memory consolidation. Overall, the present study provides evidence that acute cocaine administration impairs aversive memory formation and establishes a potential circuit through which cocaine induces its detrimental effects on fear memory consolidation.

Regulation of long-term memory by a few clock neurons in Drosophila.

Identification of the neural circuits in the brain regulating animal behavior and physiology is critical for understanding brain functions and is one of the most challenging goals in neuroscience research. The fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster has often been used to identify the neural circuits involved in the regulation of specific behaviors because of the many neurogenetic tools available to express target genes in particular neurons. Neurons controlling sexual behavior, feeding behavior, and circadian rhythms have been identified, and the number of neurons responsible for controlling these phenomena is small. The search for a few neurons controlling a specific behavior is an important first step to clarify the overall picture of the neural circuits regulating that behavior. We previously found that the clock gene period (per), which is essential for circadian rhythms in Drosophila, is also essential for long-term memory (LTM). We have also found that a very limited number of per-expressing clock neurons in the adult brain are required for the consolidation and maintenance of LTM. In this review, we focus on LTM in Drosophila, introduce the concept of LTM regulation by a few clock neurons that we have recently discovered, and discuss how a few clock neurons regulate Drosophila LTM.