bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UPLC‐MS2 Profiling of Blackthorn Flower Polyphenols Isolated by Ultrasound‐Assisted Extraction
Authors: Elez Garofulić Ivona , Zorić Zoran , Pedisić Sandra , Brnčić Mladen , Dragović‐Uzelac Verica
Published: October 2018

Ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) was optimized for fast and effective isolation of blackthorn flower polyphenols. The effects of ethanol concentration (50% and 70%) in extraction solvent, ultrasound amplitude (50%, 75%, and 100%) and extraction time (3, 6, and 9 min) were evaluated. UPLC‐MS2 was used to determine phenolic profile of blackthorn flowers extracts. A total of 28 different phenolic compounds were identified, belonging to the classes of hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonol glycosides and flavanols. Kaempferol and quercetin derivatives were the most abundant compounds represented by kaempferol‐pentoside and rhamnoside in concentrations up to 494.94 and 436.62 mg/100 g and quercetin‐pentoside in concentration up to 226.75 mg/100 g. Observed parameters of UAE did not affect the qualitative phenolic composition of blackthorn flower extracts. On the contrary, the concentration of polyphenols increased with higher ethanol concentration in solvent, higher ultrasound amplitude and prolongation of extraction time. The established conditions for optimal extraction of blackthorn flower polyphenols using ultrasound were: 70% ethanol as extraction solvent, 75% of ultrasound amplitude and 9 min extraction time, resulting in extract rich in polyphenols with a great potential for use in pharmaceutical and food industry.

Practical Application

In this study, ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) was optimized in order to establish fast and effective method for production of crude blackthorn flower extract rich in polyphenols. UPLC‐MS2 analysis showed 28 different phenolic compounds belonging to the classes of hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonol glycosides, and flavanols with quercetin and kaempferol glycosides in the highest concentrations, implicating high potential of blackthorn flowers’ extract for use in food and pharmaceutical industries.
“Call for the Use of Axial Terms”: Toward Completeness of NANDA‐I Nursing Diagnoses Labels
Authors: Miguel Susana , Romeiro Joana , Martins Helga , Casaleiro Tiago , Caldeira Sílvia , Herdman T. Heather
Published: October 2018

PURPOSE

This article explores the current structure of NANDA‐I nursing diagnoses (ND) labels.

METHODS

Critical analysis of the ND labels, as categorized in the NANDA‐I terminology.

FINDINGS

Most of the 244 ND labels are composed of terms from the focus and judgment axes.

CONCLUSIONS

The specificity of the human responses toward health and life transitions may not be totally represented in the two most common axes, as categorized within taxonomy II.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Improvements in NANDA‐I diagnosis labels would contribute to an advanced terminology and to increased specificity and accuracy of the diagnostic process that is needed in clinical practice. Completeness of the ND labels would reflect clinical reasoning preciseness and help students and nurses in delivering more personalized, safe, and effective patient‐centered care.

OBJETIVO

Este artigo explora os títulos dos diagnósticos de enfermagem da NANDA‐I.

MÉTODOS

Análise crítica dos títulos dos diagnósticos de enfermagem da NANDA‐I.

RESULTADOS

A maioria dos 244 diagnósticos de enfermagem classificados são compostos essencialmente por termos referentes ao foco e ao julgamento.

CONCLUSÕES

A especificidade das respostas às transições de saúde e vida pode não estar totalmente representada nos dois eixos mais comuns, como apresentado na taxonomia II.

IMPLICAÇÕES PARA A PRÁTICA

Melhorias nos diagnósticos da NANDA‐I em relação ao seu aspeto multiaxial contribuiriam no desenvolvimento da sua terminologia e poderiam melhorar a especificidade e acurácia do processo diagnóstico que é necessário à prática clínica. Complementar os títulos dos diagnósticos de enfermagem poderia refletir a acurácia do raciocínio clínico e ajudar os estudantes e enfermeiros em prestarem cuidados centrados no paciente mais personalizados, seguros e eficazes.
Cryodamage of plasma membrane and acrosome region in chicken sperm
Authors: Olexikova Lucia , Miranda Marsia , Kulikova Barbora , Baláži Andrej , Chrenek Peter
Published: October 2018

Sperm plasma membrane is an essential structure of sperm resistance to freezing. Signs of cryodamage can be visible on the sperm plasma membrane. The aim of our study was to evaluate the appearance of plasma membrane and acrosome in fresh and frozen‐thawed chicken sperm using electron and fluorescence microscopy. Semen was collected from 12 sexually mature roosters of Ross PM3 heavy line, diluted with Kobidil+ extender with 16% of ethylene glycol (KEG; control) or with KEG in combination with one of following non‐permeating cryoprotectants: trehalose (KEG‐TRE) or glycine (KEG‐GLY). Fluorescence staining was used for detection of the membrane integrity, apoptotic changes and viability (Annexin V, Yo‐PRO‐1, PI, respectively). Ultrathin sections (70 nm) from samples were prepared to examine sperm head ultrastructure. Freezing process significantly worsened the status of the sperm plasma membranes. In all frozen groups, only about a quarter of the evaluated sperm were graded as class I quality. In the KEG and KEG‐GLY groups, about half of sperm had severe plasma membrane damages (III class). In sperm with extensively damaged membranes (III class), the acrosome–sperm head junction was mostly disturbed. The use of trehalose was more beneficial (p < 0.05) for sperm plasma membrane than the use of glycine. In contrast, a decrease (p < 0.05) in the apoptotic sperm ratio (Yo‐PRO‐1) was noted in the KEG‐GLY group when compared to other treatments. In conclusion, we identified different plasma membrane and acrosome damages in cryopreserved chicken sperm. The loss of acrosomes can contribute to diminishing of fertilization ability of cryopreserved chicken sperm.
CYP2E1 activity and children with obesity: possible confounding factors
Authors: Kaur Hardeep , Sarma Phulen , Prakash Ajay , Medhi Bikash
Published: October 2018

Lots of factors can influence CYP2E1 activities, e.g. thyroid status, different types of anaemia (fanconi anaemia and sideroblastic anaemia), etc. Alcohol is a known inducer of CYP2E1, therefore a justifiable duration of abstinence is required before the subjects are enrolled into a study for normalization of CYP2E1 activity. In this letter we address these confounding factors and their role in CYP2E1 activity.
Newborn screening for sickle cell disease in Europe: recommendations from a Pan‐European Consensus Conference
Authors: Lobitz Stephan , Telfer Paul , Cela Elena , Allaf Bichr , Angastiniotis Michael , Backman Johansson Carolina , Badens Catherine , Bento Celeste , Bouva Marelle J. , Canatan Duran , Charlton Matthew , Coppinger Cathy , Daniel Yvonne , de Montalembert Marianne , Ducoroy Patrick , Dulin Elena , Fingerhut Ralph , Frömmel Claudia , García‐Morin Marina , Gulbis Béatrice , Holtkamp Ute , Inusa Baba , James John , Kleanthous Marina , Klein Jeannette , Kunz Joachim B. , Langabeer Lisa , Lapouméroulie Claudine , Marcao Ana , Marín Soria José L. , McMahon Corrina , Ohene‐Frempong Kwaku , Périni Jean‐Marc , Piel Frédéric B. , Russo Giovanna , Sainati Laura , Schmugge Markus , Streetly Allison , Tshilolo Leon , Turner Charles , Venturelli Donatella , Vilarinho Laura , Yahyaoui Rachel , Elion Jacques , Colombatti Raffaella ,   with the endorsement of EuroBloodNet, the European Reference Network in Rare Haematological Diseases
Published: October 2018

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an increasing global health problem and presents significant challenges to European health care systems. Newborn screening (NBS) forSCDenables early initiation of preventive measures and has contributed to a reduction in childhood mortality fromSCD. Policies and methodologies forNBSvary in different countries, and this might have consequences for the quality of care and clinical outcomes forSCDacross Europe. A two‐day Pan‐European consensus conference was held in Berlin in April 2017 in order to appraise the current status ofNBSforSCDand to develop consensus‐based statements on indications and methodology forNBSforSCDin Europe. More than 50SCDexperts from 13 European countries participated in the conference. This paper aims to summarise the discussions and present consensus recommendations which can be used to support the development ofNBSprogrammes in European countries where they do not yet exist, and to review existing programmes.
Displaced Rohingya children at high risk for mental health problems: Findings from refugee camps within Bangladesh
Authors: Khan Naila Z. , Shilpi Asma Begum , Sultana Razia , Sarker Shaoli , Razia Sultana , Roy Bipasha , Arif Abu , Ahmed Misbah Uddin , Saha Subas Chandra , McConachie Helen
Published: October 2018

Background

The 2017 political violence against the Rohingya people in the state of Rakhine resulted in a large influx of displaced populations into Bangladesh. Given harsh conditions and experiences in Myanmar, and the harrowing journey to the border, raised levels of child neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and mental health problems were expected.

Methods

A team of child development professionals, physicians, psychologists, and developmental therapists screened 622 children in clinics within the refugee camps using the Developmental Screening Questionnaire (DSQ; 0–<2 years), and the Ten Questions Plus (TQP) for NDDs, and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ; 2–16 years) for mental health problems. Any child positive on the DSQ or the TQP was assessed for NDDs.

Results

Only 4.8% children aged 0–<2 years and 7.3% children aged >2–16 years screened positive for NDDs, comparable with a local Bangladesh population. However, 52% of children were in the abnormal range for emotional symptoms on the SDQ, and 25% abnormal for peer problems. Significant risk factors were being parentless and having lost one or more family members in the recent crisis.

Conclusions

This screening study provides objective evidence of the urgent need for psychosocial support of Rohingya children within camps, with special attention to those without parents, including monitoring of their well‐being and counselling of families and other care providers.
The Political Economy of Unemployment Insurance based on Individual Savings Accounts: Lessons from Chile
Authors: Sehnbruch Kirsten , Carranza Rafael , Prieto Joaquín
Published: October 2018

In recent years, unemployment protection systems based on individual savings have been instituted in several developing countries. Chile was one of the first to establish such a system, which at the time was widely cited as a model for other countries. This article discusses the particular political context in which the Chilean system was created before examining how it works in terms of coverage and levels of benefits received by unemployed workers. The authors undertake a detailed analysis of the administrative data produced by the system and conclude that the insurance covers only a small proportion of the unemployed, as most workers generally had precarious jobs that did not allow them to contribute to the system consistently. The Chilean case illustrates how difficult it is to establish functioning unemployment insurance in developing countries with precarious labour markets. Based on the interaction between employment characteristics and the conditions imposed by the benefit system, the article assesses the efficacy of the Unemployment Insurance Savings Accounts (UISA) system and analyses whether it can indeed serve as a model for other developing countries.
The changes and the predictors of suicide ideation and suicide attempt among HIV‐positive patients at 6–12 months post diagnosis: A longitudinal study
Authors: Lu Hsing‐Fei , Sheng Wang‐Huei , Liao Shih‐Cheng , Chang Nien‐Tzu , Wu Pei‐Ying , Yang Ya‐Ling , Hsiao Fei‐Hsiu
Published: October 2018

Aims

This study examined the changes and the predictors of suicide ideation/suicide attempt and the moderating effects of psychosocial factors on the suicide ideation/suicide attempts among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive patients at 6–12 months post‐diagnosis.

Background

Suicide behaviours are prevalent among newly diagnosed HIV‐positive patients, but the changes in suicide behaviours after diagnosis and the role of psychosocial factors in these behaviours are not well studied.

Design

This study used a prospective longitudinal design.

Methods

A total of 113 participants diagnosed as HIV‐positive for 6–12 months were recruited from the outpatient department. Data were collected from June 2015 – October 2016. They were asked to complete Beck's Scale for Suicide Ideation, the Beck Depression Inventory‐II, the Body Image Scale, the Meaning in Life Questionnaire and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support at baseline, the third month and the sixth month.

Results

The results showed the high occurrence rates for suicide ideation ranging from 27.2%, 21.6%, and 25.8% and suicide attempt ranging from 14.7%, 8.6%, and 13.3% at the baseline, the third month and the sixth month, respectively. The education level, social support from family and depressive symptoms were the predictors of suicide ideation. The history of depression disorders, depressive symptoms and social support from friends significantly predicted suicide attempt. Meaning in life‐presence moderated the relationship between depressive symptoms and suicide ideation.

Conclusions

After diagnosed for 6–12 months, HIV‐positive patients remain the high‐risk group for suicide ideation and attempt. Suicide intervention targeting the risk and protective factors are required for HIV‐positive patients.
Variation in the actual preferences for AI bull traits among Finnish dairy herds
Authors: Paakala Elina , Martín‐Collado Daniel , Mäki‐Tanila Asko , Juga Jarmo
Published: October 2018

Changing production circumstances, a wide range of traits and the international bull market enable dairy farmers to make increasingly specific choices concerning artificial insemination (AI) bulls. Finland is part of the joint Nordic dairy cattle breeding programme where in addition to yield, high emphasis is given to health, fertility, conformation and longevity. The aims of our study were (a) to investigate whether Finnish dairy farmers differ in their selection preferences for AI bull traits and can be clustered into herd groups, (b) to determine whether AI bull selection in different herd groups is in line with the Nordic Total Merit index (NTM) and (c) to analyse how the herd groups are related to herd characteristics. We used a statistical cluster analysis to analyse AI bull usage and to group herds according to each herd's bull selection profile determined by the traits’ estimated breeding value (EBV) mean weighted by the number of inseminations for the various traits. We identified four herd groups in both Ayrshire (AY) and Holstein (HOL) breeds: Production, Fertility, All‐rounders, and Conformation. The herds’ bull selection profiles were mostly close to the NTM except in the Conformation herd groups where traits other than conformation were nearly neglected. This led to poorer expected genetic and economic outcomes than with the NTM selection. Conformation herds were a minority, but they were larger in herd size and investments had recently been made. The data suggest that either fine‐tuning the weights in the NTM, forming alternative indices or developing a herd‐specific total merit index (TMI) could fulfil the needs of very diverse herds.
Complexity of animal breeding choice making
Authors: Martin‐Collado Daniel , Byrne Timothy J. , Diaz Clara , Amer Peter R.
Published: October 2018

The last decades of developments in animal breeding, genetics, genomics and data recording technologies have allowed the evaluation of larger numbers of animal and animal traits than ever before. This should help make animal breeding choices more informed, but it also makes them far more complex. This complexity may be overwhelming farmers, thus compromising realization of potential genetic gain in livestock industries. However, the effect of complexity of animal breeding choices on farmers’ selection of animals has received very little theoretical consideration to date. This paper reviews the theoretical principles of complex decisions, contextualizes the findings to the field of animal breeding, and analyses how farmers and the animal breeding industry are currently dealing with complexity. According to the findings of the analyses of complex decisions in other fields, the complexity of animal breeding choices is likely to lead to farmers using conscious or unconscious simplifying strategies (heuristics) to handle such complexity. When these heuristics are ineffective, poor selection decisions and a potential loss of genetic progress can be expected. Further, studies using survey experiments to understand farmer behaviour and selection preferences may be compromised by the complexity of the survey´s choice tasks. Thus, while many animal breeding industries recognize the complexity of animal breeding choices for farmers and attempts are made to assist farmers in their choice making, the effectiveness of these attempts is not well quantified and understood. We discuss three areas of research that could be key to disentangling how, and by how much, animal breeding choice complexity affects farmers’ decisions.
Dysfunctional endothelial‐derived microparticles promote inflammatory macrophage formation via NF‐кB and IL‐1β signal pathways
Authors: Wang Yanfang , Liu Jie , Chen Xiaoli , Sun Huimin , Peng Sheng , Kuang Yashu , Pi Jingjiang , Zhuang Tao , Zhang Lin , Yu Zuoren , Tomlinson Brain , Chan Paul , Chen Yihan , Zhang Yuzhen , Li Ying
Published: October 2018

Background

Circulating endothelial‐derived microparticles (EMPs) are reported to be increased in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, it remains unclear whether EMPs from dysfunctional endothelium participate in the initiation and progression of ACS and what the underlying mechanisms might be.

Methods

Plasma EMPs were measured in 22 patients with ACS and 20 control patients without coronary artery diseases. EMPs from dysfunctional human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) stressed by serum‐starvation or hypoxia were compared to the EMPs from healthy HUVECs. Confocal and fluorescent microscopy was used to visualize the incorporation of EMPs into monocytes and the translocation of NF‐кB. Monocyte adhesion, cell proliferation, and phagocytosis were detected by PKH26 red fluorescent labelling, Ki67 immunostaining, and Sudan IV staining for uptake of oxidized low‐density lipoprotein, respectively.

Results

Plasma EMPs was significantly increased in ACS patients compared to controls. EMPs were incorporated into monocytes and EMPs from stressed HUVECs produced more pro‐inflammatory cytokines compared to vehicle control, which was depended on NF‐кB and IL‐1β signal pathways. EMPs from dysfunctional endothelium promoted monocyte adherence via NF‐кB and IL‐1β‐mediated MCP‐1 and CCR‐5 signals, as well as proliferation via the NF‐кB and IL‐1β‐mediated Cyclin D1 signals. Finally, EMPs from dysfunctional endothelium showed greater promotion of macrophage phagocytosis forming foam cells to produce more pro‐inflammatory cytokines.

Conclusion

MPs might be involved in the inflammatory process in patients with ACS via NF‐κB and IL‐1β‐dependent signals. Targeting EMP‐mediated inflammatory responses may be a promising therapeutic strategy to limit the progression of disease in ACS.
Metformin inhibits growth and prolactin secretion of pituitary prolactinoma cells and xenografts
Authors: Gao Jun , Liu Yang , Han Gaijing , Deng Kan , Liu Xiaohai , Bao Xinjie , Feng Ming , Yao Yong , Lian Wei , Xing Bing , Lv Xiang , Wang Renzhi
Published: October 2018

Metformin (MET) is a diabetes drug that activates AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), and is suggested to have anticancer efficacy. Here, we investigated the role of AMPK signalling in prolactinoma (PRLoma), with particular respect to MET and bromocriptine (BC) as a PRLoma treatment. We analysed AMPK phosphorylation, dopamine D2 receptor (D2R), and oestrogen receptor (ER) expression in both BC‐sensitive and ‐resistant PRLoma samples; effects of the AMPK agonist MET (alone or with BC) on in vitro proliferation and apoptosis, xenograft growth and prolactin (PRL) secretion of BC‐sensitive and ‐resistant cells, and ER expression in xenografts. Some BC‐resistant PRLomas showed high D2R expression but extremely low AMPK activation. MET significantly inhibited proliferation of cultured PRLoma cells; MET + BC notably restrained their PRL secretion. MET + BC further decreased tumour growth and serum PRL levels in xenografts than BC treatment alone. ER was down‐regulated after AMPK activation in both cultured cells and xenografts. Together, we propose that the AMPK signalling pathway down‐regulates ERα and ERβ, and suppresses PRLoma growth as well as PRL secretion. Combined MET + BC is a potential treatment for PRLomas.
Improving the nutritional intake of hospital patients: how far have we come? A re‐audit
Authors: Beavan S. , Baker R. , Sadler H. , Collinson A.
Published: October 2018

Background

Malnutrition affects up to 33.6% of hospitalised patients, with consequences that are detrimental for both patients and healthcare providers. In 2015, an audit demonstrated inadequate nutritional provision and consumption by hospitalised patients, comprising a major risk factor for malnutrition. This re‐audit evaluates whether patients are meeting recommended energy and protein standards and estimated individual requirements, subsequent to food service improvements since 2015.

Methods

Patients (n = 111) were included from a South West hospital, and Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool scores (MUST) categorised patients as ‘nutritionally well’ (MUST 0) or ‘nutritionally vulnerable’ (MUST ≥ 1). Individual energy and protein requirements were estimated using weight‐based equations. Nutritional intakes were assessed via 24‐h dietary recall and compared against the British Dietetic Association's Nutrition and Hydration Digest standards, as well as estimated individual requirements.

Results

In total, the Digest standards for energy and protein were met by 35% and 63% of patients respectively, which is an increase of 19% and 36% since 2015. ‘Nutritionally well’ patients were more likely to meet nutrient standards for protein (62%) than estimated individual requirements (30%) (P ≤ 0.001). ‘Nutritionally vulnerable’ patients were more likely to meet estimated individual requirements for energy (60%) than the Digest standards (30%) (P = 0.047).

Conclusions

The proportion of patients meeting the Digest standards has increased considerably following numerous food service changes. Nutritional training for housekeepers, energy/protein‐dense snacks and drinks, and fortified dietary items may further increase nutritional intakes. Additionally, as a result of discrepancies between the Digest standards and individual estimated requirements, more research is required to identify the most appropriate auditing standards that reflect best practice.
Sleep‐dependent selective imitation in infants
Authors: Konrad Carolin , Dirks Nora D. , Warmuth Annegret , Herbert Jane S. , Schneider Silvia , Seehagen Sabine
Published: October 2018

In adults, sleep selectively consolidates those memories that are relevant for future events. The present study tested whether napping after encoding plays a role in selective memory consolidation in infants. Infants aged 15 and 24 months (n = 48 per age) were randomly assigned to a nap or a no‐nap demonstration condition, or a baseline control condition. In the demonstration conditions, infants observed an experimenter perform an irrelevant action followed by a relevant action to achieve a desirable outcome on four different toys. Infant imitation of irrelevant and relevant actions was coded at a test session that occurred after a 24‐hr delay. The demonstration and test sessions were scheduled around infants’ naturally occurring sleeping patterns. When order of actions was not taken into account, infants in both demonstration conditions exhibited retention of the relevant and irrelevant target actions. Contrary to expectations, infants in the nap condition did not perform the relevant action only more often than infants in the no‐nap condition. As expected, only infants in the no‐nap condition faithfully reproduced the two actions in the demonstrated order: irrelevant action first, followed by the relevant action. Thus, sleep might help infants to selectively “discard” aspects of a learning experience that they identify as being not useful or relevant in the future.
The power of simulation: a large‐scale narrative analysis of learners’ experiences
Authors: Bearman Margaret , Greenhill Jennene , Nestel Debra
Published: October 2018

Context

Simulation‐based education (SBE) includes a broad spectrum of simulation activities, which are individually well researched. An extensive literature reports on SBE methods, topics and modalities, but there are limited studies investigating how simulation as a holistic phenomenon promotes learning.

This study seeks to identify the ways in which health professionals narrate powerful SBE experiences and through this to understand in what ways SBE may influence learning.

Methods

Three hundred and twenty‐seven narratives about powerful learning through SBE were gathered from participants’ online reflections from a national faculty development programme in SBE. Narrative and thematic analyses were conducted on included texts, using ‘transformative learning theory’ as a sensitising notion.

Results

Narratives were categorised into the following categories: progress (267/327 = 81%); transformation (25/327 = 8%); practice (27/328 = 8%); and humiliation (8/327 = 2%). Recurrent features across narrative categories were as follows: early experiences in training; dramatic scenarios; developing appreciation of SBE; highly emotional experiences; things that ‘went wrong’; and ongoing reflection. Themes regarding mechanisms that supported learning were as follows: verisimilitude; feedback, debriefing and facilitation; observation of self and others; repetition of activities; and role‐playing the patient.

Conclusions

The results generally support the notion that SBE is experienced as a holistic phenomenon, rather than separate modalities. The narrative categories, recurrent features and learning themes tended to work across all simulation modalities, with the exception of ‘being in the patient's shoes’ being supported by role‐play in particular. Although powerful experiences were not necessarily transformative ones, they often occurred at formative stages of training. There was a strong sense that things going wrong in simulation scenarios (and the associated emotions and reflection) were a key part of learning. This underlines SBE's potential role in helping learners see fallibility as part of professional practice.
Effects of prenatal marijuana exposure on neuropsychological outcomes in children aged 1‐11 years: A systematic review
Authors: Sharapova Saida R. , Phillips Elyse , Sirocco Karen , Kaminski Jennifer W. , Leeb Rebecca T. , Rolle Italia
Published: October 2018

Background

Normalisation of medicinal and recreational marijuana use has increased the importance of fully understanding effects of marijuana use on individual‐and population‐level health, including prenatal exposure effects on child development. We undertook a systematic review of the literature to examine the long‐term effects of prenatal marijuana exposure on neuropsychological function in children aged 1‐11 years.

Methods

Primary research publications were searched from Medline, Embase, PsychInfo, CINAHL EbscoHost, Cochrane Library, Global Health and ERIC (1980‐2018). Eligible articles documented neuropsychological outcomes in children 1‐11 years who had been prenatally exposed to marijuana. Studies of exposure to multiple prenatal drugs were included if results for marijuana exposure were reported separately from other substances. Data abstraction was independently performed by two reviewers using a standardised protocol.

Results

The eligible articles (n = 21) on data from seven independent longitudinal studies had high quality based on the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. Some analyses found associations (P < 0.05) between prenatal marijuana exposure and decreased performance on memory, impulse control, problem‐solving, quantitative reasoning, verbal development and visual analysis tests; as well as increased performance on attention and global motion perception tests. Limitations included concurrent use of other substances among study participants, potential under‐reporting and publication biases, non‐generalisable samples and limited published results preventing direct comparison of analyses.

Conclusions

The specific effects of prenatal marijuana exposure remain unclear and warrant further research. The larger number of neuropsychological domains that exhibit decreased versus increased psychological and behavioural functions suggests that exposure to marijuana may be harmful for brain development and function.
An Investigation Into EFL Teachers’ Autonomy Supportive Behaviors in Turkish Context
Authors: Yılmaz Cevdet , Arcagök Serdar
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this study is to identify the autonomy supportive behaviors exhibited by EFL teachers. The population of the study is composed of EFL teachers working in Çanakkale city center and districts in the 2017-2018 academic year. The sample of the research consists of 80 English teachers at state schools in Turkey. In the study, the cross-sectional survey model was used to collect data. In analyzing the emerging data, non-parametric tests were administered because the findings did not show normal distribution. When the data were analyzed, it was revealed that the teachers showed supportive behaviors involved in the learner autonomy of the students. On the other hand, gender was found to be a significant variable in relation to the teachers' supportive behaviors underlying learner autonomy. Further, the results of the study indicated that the seniority year was not a significant variable in relation to the teachers' supportive behaviors underlying learner autonomy. The study concludes by suggesting the need to prepare future EFL teachers to support autonomy in the classroom setting.
Review of the genus Leioseius Berlese, 1916 in North America, with description of two new species (Acari: Mesostigmata: Ascidae)
Authors: Lindquist Evert E. , Moraza Maria L.
Published: October 2018

The genus Leioseius Berlese is reviewed, faunistically in North America, and taxonomically, world-wide. Descriptions of two new species, redescriptions of two previously recorded species, and first records of Leioseius elongatus Evans in North America are presented. Observations indicate that various leg setal and pretarsal attributes are useful in taxonomic discrimination of species in this genus. A key to North American species based on both idiosomatic and leg setal aspects is presented. Four species previously described under the genus Iphidozercon Berlese are accounted for the first time as species of Leioseius, and other taxa described previously as four yet other species of Leioseius are transferred to other genera. A tentative key, provided for separation of females of the 22 recognizable world Leioseius species, accounts for these changes. General morphological notes about mites of this genus are presented, some of which may lead to recognition of species-groups. Scant, general biological aspects about Leioseius mites are presented.
Paracoccus seriniphilus adhered on surfaces: Resistance of a seawater bacterium against shear forces under the influence of roughness, surface energy, and zeta potential of the surfaces
Authors: Huttenlochner Katharina , Davoudi Neda , Schlegel Christin , Bohley Martin , Müller-Renno Christine , Aurich Jan C. , Ulber Roland , Ziegler Christiane
Published: October 2018

Bacteria in flowing media are exposed to shear forces exerted by the fluid. Before a biofilm can be formed, the bacteria have to attach to a solid surface and have to resist these shear forces. Here, the authors determined dislodgement forces of single Paracoccus seriniphilus bacteria by means of lateral force microscopy. The first measurement set was performed on very flat glass and titanium (both as very hydrophilic samples with water contact angles below 20°) as well as highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) and steel surfaces (both as more hydrophobic surfaces in the context of biological interaction with water contact angles above 50°). The different surfaces also show different zeta potentials in the range between −18 and −108 mV at the measurement pH of 7. The second set comprised titanium with different RMS (root mean square) roughness values from a few nanometers up to 22 nm. Lateral forces between 0.5 and 3 nN were applied. For Paracoccus seriniphilus, the authors found as a general trend that the surface energy of the substrate at comparable roughness determines the detachment process. The surface energy is inversely proportional to the initial adhesion forces of the bacterium with the surface. The higher the surface energy (and the lower the initial adhesion force) is, the easier the dislodgement of the bacteria happens. In contrast, electrostatics play only a secondary role in the lateral dislodgement of the bacteria and may come only into play if surface energies are the same. Furthermore, the surface chemistry (glass, titanium, and steel as oxidic surfaces and HOPG as a nonoxidic surface) seems to play an important role because HOPG does not completely follow the above mentioned general trend found for the oxide covered surfaces. In addition, the roughness of the substrates (made of the same material) is limiting the lateral dislodgement of the bacteria. All examined structures with RMS roughness of about 8–22 nm on titanium prevent the bacteria from the lateral dislodgement compared to polished titanium with an RMS roughness of about 3 nm.
Experimental verification of the adiabatic transfer in Wilberforce pendulum normal modes
Authors: Hübner M. , Kröger J.
Published: October 2018

A pendulum bob has been constructed to experimentally probe the adiabatic transfer in the normal modes of a Wilberforce pendulum. The rotational inertia of the pendulum bob can be changed during its motion in order to follow the gradual transition from a pure translational to a pure rotational oscillation. The reported extension of the conventional use of the Wilberforce pendulum helps understand and demonstrate the concept of normal modes, coupled oscillators, beating, and avoided crossing in undergraduate university classes.
Resource Letter PB-1: The Physics of the Brain
Authors: Fink Christian G.
Published: October 2018

This Resource Letter provides an overview of the literature relating physicists' past, present, and future contributions to our understanding of the brain. It is intended as a starting point for upper-level physics students and physicists who are interested in learning about and/or investigating the brain. Topics include the biophysics of individual neurons, models of learning and memory, structure and dynamics of brain networks, brain-inspired computing hardware, and the possible role that quantum mechanics may play in brain function.
One project begets many: The role of one seminal project in the development of many design solutions (Part 1)
Authors: Miller Gregory A. , Pfeiffer Scott D.
Published: October 2018

This paper, presented in three parts, describes the role of Threshold Acoustics’ study and corrective treatments to Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, as a seminal project in the firm’s work. Elements of the study of and solutions developed to improve the hall have proven to be repetitive themes in our work, both in the renovation of other halls and in the design of new spaces. This initial paper describes the interactions with the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the how the subjective concerns expressed by the orchestra led to unexpected conclusions regarding the overhead canopy and walls at the downstage edge. This portion of the presentation will focus on lessons learned for the interactions between the stage canopy weight, spatial density, and height and how these have informed subsequent design work.
Vibration isolation for world-class performance spaces, Part I: A brief history
Authors: Phillips James E.
Published: October 2018

World-class performance spaces are typically located in central urban areas, often surrounded by sources of groundborne noise such as subways and streetcar lines or sources of structureborne noise within the building itself which, if not addressed, can be disruptive to the performances inside the buildings. The advent of digital recording within performance spaces has also been a major motivation for reducing background noise, often to levels below the threshold of human perception. The history and development of vibration isolation incorporated into such spaces will be discussed.
The preference of orchestra ensemble on sound absorption design in a concert stage
Authors: Chen Yi Run , Huang Lawrence , Chiang Weihwa
Published: October 2018

Musicians in a symphony orchestra have to deal with more sound balance problems in a relatively compact stage when appropriate spacing between orchestra sections become unavailable. Under such circumstances, applying sound absorptive surfaces around the stage might benefit the condition of either hearing oneself or hearing each other. This paper explored the musicians’ preference on energy-restrained design with varying frequency characteristics, amount of coverage and location. Experiments took place with a well-reputed university orchestra at their rectangular concert hall in the routine practices. Room acoustic parameters were measured on site and in an 1/10 scale model, empty and occupied, to be compared with computer simulations.
Case study: Retrofitted solution to address sound flanking via window mullions of stacked residences
Authors: Lalonde Pier-Gui
Published: October 2018

This paper presents a case study concerning a noise transmission issue between stacked residences in a condominium building. The façade design included vertical window mullions that were continuous and common to the upper and lower units, creating a sound flanking path. Low acoustic privacy and disturbing intrusive noise resulted. A solution was required to mitigate the noise transmission issue while meeting additional requirements: fully reversible modifications to façade components were preferred, no interference to the function of the façade components was allowed, and occupant expectations regarding the appearance of the final solution needed to be met. This paper will present the approach that was followed in order to diagnose the issue, as well as the analysis which led to the solution that was ultimately implemented.
The acoustic world of bat biosonar
Authors: Müller Rolf , Roan Michael J. , Khyam Mohammad Omar , Alexandre David
Published: October 2018

Bats and toothed whales (odontocetes) have both independently evolved sophisticated biosonar systems. This raises the question how similar the functional principles of these systems are. Could, for example, insights gained from bats be assumed to hold for odontocetes or vice versa? Could both systems be lumped together as a single source of inspiration for novel engineering approaches to sonar sensing? Similarities and differences between the biosonar systems of bats and odontocetes are likely to depend on the respective acoustic environments in which these systems have evolved as well as on the evolutionary starting points and capabilities for adaptations of these two very different phylogenetic groups. In this presentation, the focus will be on comparing the acoustic environments of bats and odontocetes. The acoustics of biosonar sensing can be organized into three different aspects: (i) the properties of the propagation medium, (ii) the geometry and material of the boundaries that limit the propagation channel (this includes targets of interest and clutter), and (iii) the time-frequency and spatial properties of the sources. In this presentation, these aspects will be reviewed for the in-air biosonar of bats. In the companion talk, the same will be done for the underwater biosonar of the odontocetes.
Don’t bring a knife to a gunfight: Humpback whale biosonar reigns supreme
Authors: Mercado Eduardo
Published: October 2018

Stroboscopic echo imaging of the sort used by most bats and dolphins is well suited for the task of rapidly gulping prey. As an information seeking strategy, however, strobing is about as sophisticated as duct-taping a flashlight onto a helmet. Humpback whale biosonar signals, in contrast, create a temporally-extended echoic soundscape the likes of which no strober could ever conceive. By spectrally interleaving quasi-CF units with packets of shorter-duration FM units, humpback whales can likely detect multiple targets simultaneously from multiple bearings, including targets more than 5 km away, while at the same time tracking movements of individual targets. By maintaining relatively stationary positions and depths while signaling, humpback whales can potentially use not only direct echoes from targets, but also modulations in familiar acoustic scenes (“acoustic glints”) to interpret the movements of distant targets. By modulating temporal substructure within fixed-rate streams of signals, humpback whales may be able to extract self-generated echoes from a sea of potential maskers. The scope of vocal control, auditory processing, perceptual flexibility, and echoic memory required for a whale to construct and interpret such rich percepts far exceeds the kinds of delay-tuned, chirplet detection that bats and dolphins rely on to bump into food.
Welcome home: Brazilian free-tailed bats adjust their echolocation calls to detect cave opening
Authors: McGowan Kathryn , Kloepper Laura
Published: October 2018

While both bats and dolphins use sonar to navigate their environment, the sensory challenges between the two are not equal since dolphins typically navigate in the open ocean and bats often navigate in cluttered environments. Brazilian free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis), for example, adjust their frequency modulated (FM) call structure based upon their environment, producing lower-bandwidth calls in open environments, and higher-bandwidth calls in cluttered environments. In this study, we examined how Brazilian free-tailed bats change the bandwidth of calls when locating the cave opening in a flat, non-cluttered environment. We extracted individual echolocation calls from two locations around the cave, one away from the cave opening and one next to edge of the cave opening, with the only distinctive difference in the environment of the locations being the presence of the cave edge. We found higher starting and lower stopping frequencies for the FM calls at the cave edge, resulting in an increased bandwidth. This higher bandwidth suggests the bats may rely on edge detection to locate the cave opening and change the bandwidth of their signals to improve target resolution when returning to the roost.
What bats may do better: Emission beampattern complexity
Authors: Ma Hui , Zhao Yanan , Zhang Liujun , Müller Rolf
Published: October 2018

Horseshoe bats (family Rhinolophidae) and the related Old World round-leaf nosed bats (Hipposideridae) have conspicuous emission baffles (“noseleaves”) that not only have a high degree of geometric complexity but can also change their shapes under active muscular actuation during emission of the biosonar pulses. Our work has shown that these shape changes occur in tight synchrony with pulse emission and are large enough to affect the acoustic diffraction process. Furthermore, our experiments with bats positioned on an experimental platform have shown that these noseleaf motions impart dynamic signatures onto the emitted ultrasonic wave packets. We also have collected pilot data from flying bats executing natural maneuvers that indicate geometric complexity as well as time-variance in the beampatterns based on a comparison with a loudspeaker that was placed in the same position as the bat to serve as a static reference. An information-theoretic analysis has shown that this emitter dynamics results in the encoding of additional sensory information that is useful, e.g., for direction finding, but future work is needed to determine if and how these effects may fit into the animals' natural biosonar behaviors. It remains to be seen if dolphins are make use of a similar biosonar emission dynamics.
Dolphin and bat sonar: Nonlinear acoustic effects
Authors: Muir Thomas G. , Shooter Jack A. , Hamilton Mark F.
Published: October 2018

Both dolphin and bat sonars operate in an amplitude and frequency regime where nonlinear effects can be observed, particularly distortion and the generation of harmonics. Computations illustrating these nonlinear effects are presented, quantifying effects that could be observed in experiments on echolocating signals conducted with wideband sensors. The mathematical model used is the Khokhlov-Zabolotskaya-Kuznetsov (KZK) nonlinear parabolic wave equation, which includes diffraction and absorption for directional beams, with computations performed in the time domain using a finite-difference scheme. Inputs to the computations are sample dolphin echolocation transients (clicks) and bat echolocation tone bursts (FM Chirps—fundamental component), taken from the literature for a few species of high-amplitude emitters. Calculations begin in the water or air media. Propagating high-amplitude dolphin clicks are shown to distort, create harmonics, and suffer nonlinear attenuation at ranges of tens of meters. Propagating high-amplitude bat chirps are shown capable of undergoing some nonlinear distortion at ranges within 10 m. The results may be useful in understanding the significance of nonlinear effects for work with these animals. (Work supported by ARL:UT Austin.)
Temporal patterns in Pacific white-sided dolphin communication at Barkley Canyon, with implications for multiple populations
Authors: Kanes Kristen S. , Dosso Stan E. , Insua Tania L. , Mouy Xavier
Published: October 2018

Acoustic data collection is a cost-effective approach to evaluating activity patterns of otherwise challenging-to-study offshore cetaceans. However, manual analysis of acoustic data is time-consuming and impractical for large data sets. This study evaluates diel and seasonal patterns in Pacific white-sided dolphin communication through automated analysis of 20 months of continuous acoustic data collected from the Barkley Canyon node of Ocean Networks Canada’s NEPTUNE observatory, offshore of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. In this study, cetacean signals are manually annotated in a sub-set of the data, and 94 time and frequency features of these and other sounds are extracted and used to train random forest classifiers targeting Pacific white-sided dolphin pulsed calls. The performance of binary and multiclass models with various forest sizes, minimum leaf sizes, and confidence thresholds for Pacific white-sided dolphin classification are compared through nested 10-fold cross-validation to select the best model. Vocalizations are classified with the resultant classifier, manually verified, and examined for seasonal and diel patterns. Pacific white-sided dolphins are shown to be vocally active during dawn and day in spring and summer and at dusk and night year-round with reduced overall activity in fall and winter, suggesting both consistent nocturnal and migratory diurnal populations.