bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sequestration of nematocysts by divergent cnidarian predators: mechanism, function, and evolution
Authors: Goodheart Jessica A. , Bely Alexandra E. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAnimals have evolved diverse mechanisms to protect themselves from predators. Although such defenses are typically generated endogenously, some species have evolved the ability to acquire defenses by sequestering defensive chemicals or structures from other species. Chemical sequestration is widespread among animals, but the ability to sequester entire structures, such as organelles, appears to be rare. Here, we review information on the sequestration of functional nematocysts, the stinging organelles produced by Cnidaria, by divergent predators. Nematocyst sequestration has evolved multiple times, having been documented in Ctenophora, Acoelomorpha, Platyhelminthes, and Mollusca. For each of these phyla, we review the phylogenetic distribution, mechanisms, and possible functions of nematocyst sequestration. We estimate that nematocyst sequestration has evolved 9–17 times across these four phyla. Although data on the mechanism of sequestration remain limited, similarities across several groups are evident. For example, in multiple groups, nematocysts are transported within cells from the gut to peripheral tissues, and certain types of nematocysts are selectively sequestered over others, suggesting convergent evolution in some aspects of the sequestration process across phyla. Similarly, although the function of nematocyst sequestration has not been well documented, several studies do suggest that the nematocysts sequestered by these groups are effective for defense. We highlight several traits that are common to Ctenophora, Acoelomorpha, Platyhelminthes, and Mollusca and suggest hypotheses for how these traits could have played a role in the evolution of nematocyst sequestration. Finally, we propose a generalized working model for the steps that may lead to the evolution of nematocyst sequestration and discuss important areas for future research.
Effectiveness of collagen/oxidised regenerated cellulose/silver‐containing composite wound dressing for the treatment of medium‐depth split‐thickness skin graft donor site wounds in multi‐morbid patients: a prospective, non‐comparative, single‐centre study
Authors: Konstantinow Alexander , Fischer Tatjana V , Ring Johannes 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTSplit‐thickness skin grafting (STSG) is a widely used method in reconstructive surgery, but donor site wounds (DSWs) are often slow healing and painful. This prospective study evaluated the performance of a composite wound dressing containing collagen/oxidised regenerated cellulose in the treatment of medium‐depth (0·4 mm) DSWs in 25 multi‐morbid patients with chronic leg ulcers requiring STSG. The range of patients' ages was 44–84 years (mean 71·6 years) with DSW sizes ranging between 12 and 162 cm2 (mean 78 cm2). Comorbidities included anticoagulation therapy (15 patients), anaemia (11 patients), diabetes (6 patients) and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ulcer colonisation (6 patients). The first dressing change was performed after 10 days. Complete reepithelialisation was observed between the 10th and 34th day (mean 17·2, median 14 days). Postoperative medium to strong bleeding occurred in only five patients (four with anticoagulation). Wound pain levels one day after harvesting were only moderate (range 0–1·5, mean 0·5, median 0·5 on a six‐item scale). No wound infection was observed during the first dressing. The composite dressing used allowed for the fast healing of medium‐depth DSWs with minimal or no postoperative pain and bleeding in older multi‐morbid patients under anticoagulation treatment.
Occupational Violence and Aggression Experienced by Nursing and Caring Professionals
Authors: Shea Tracey , Sheehan Cathy , Donohue Ross , Cooper Brian , De Cieri Helen 
Published: December 2016

AbstractPurposeTo examine the extent and source of occupational violence and aggression (OVA) experienced by nursing and caring professionals. This study also examines the relative contributions of demographic characteristics and workplace and individual safety factors in predicting OVA.DesignA cross‐sectional study design with data collected using an online survey of employees in the nursing and caring professions in Victoria, Australia.MethodsSurvey data collected from 4,891 members of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Victorian branch) were analyzed using logistic regression.FindingsSixty‐seven percent of respondents reported experiencing OVA in the preceding 12 months, with nearly 20% experiencing OVA on a weekly or daily basis. The dominant sources of OVA were patients (79%) or relatives of patients (48%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that respondents working in public hospitals and aged care facilities were more likely to experience OVA, compared to those working in other workplaces. While higher levels of safety compliance reduced the likelihood of experiencing OVA, role overload and workplace safety factors such as prioritization of employee safety and leading indicators of occupational health and safety were stronger predictors.ConclusionsThe likelihood of healthcare workers experiencing OVA varies across demographic and workplace characteristics. While some demographic characteristics and individual safety factors were significant predictors, our results suggest that a greater reduction in OVA could be achieved by improving workplace safety.Clinical RelevanceThe study's outcomes identify workforce segments that are most vulnerable to OVA. The study also highlights workplace safety factors such as the prioritization of employee safety that might assist in the reduction of OVA.
A review on antiviral activity of the Himalayan medicinal plants traditionally used to treat bronchitis and related symptoms
Authors: Amber Rahila , Adnan Muhammad , Tariq Akash , Mussarat Sakina 
Published: December 2016

Abstract

Objectives
Bronchitis is a common respiratory tract infection of humans mainly caused by influenza virus, rhinovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus. The aim of this review was to gather fragmented literature on ethnomedicinal plants used against bronchitis in the Himalayan region and their in-vitro validation against bronchitis causing viral pathogens.

Key findings
Present review contains ethnomedicines of total 55 plants from different countries of the Himalayas. Most of the literature reported was from India followed by Pakistan, China and Nepal. Familiarly used plant families for bronchitis treatment in the Himalayan region were Leguminosae (six plants) and Lamiaceae (five plants). Leaves and roots were the most common parts used in ethnomedicines against bronchitis. Of these 55 plants, only six plants have been studied in vitro against viral pathogens causing bronchitis. Different compounds like monoterpenoids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, iridoid glycosides, sesquiterpenes, benzoic and phenolic compounds were reportedly isolated from these plant extracts having strong antiviral potential.

Summary
The Himalayan regions possess variety of ethnomedicinal plants used against respiratory diseases, but still there are only few studies related with their in-vitro validation. We invite the attention of researchers for detailed ethnopharmacological and phytochemical studies on unexplored plants used to treat bronchitis for the development of novel antiviral drugs.
Secondary prophylaxis of hepatocellular carcinoma: the comparison of direct‐acting antivirals with pegylated interferon and untreated cohort
Authors: Vukotic R. , Di Donato R. , Conti F. , Scuteri A. , Serra C. , Andreone P. 
Published: December 2016

SummaryDuring the past two decades, several studies showed reduced rates of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence in patients with HCV‐related cirrhosis after interferon‐based antiviral therapies respect to untreated controls, even without reaching viral clearance. The recent development of new all‐oral regimens with direct‐acting antivirals has radically improved the therapeutic management of hepatitis C. Nevertheless, paradoxical, or at least unexpected, high rates of both occurrence and recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after a treatment with direct‐acting antivirals, have been reported in the recent literature. These findings generated a strong rebound in the hepatology community and are at present still controversial. We sought to compare the hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence‐free survival of a historical cohort treated with pegylated interferon/ribavirin and an untreated cohort with a cohort treated with direct‐acting antivirals.
Repeated Famotidine Administration Results in a Diminished Effect on Intragastric pH in Dogs
Authors: Tolbert M.K. , Graham A. , Odunayo A. , Price J. , Steiner J.M. , Newkirk K. , Hecht S. 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundFamotidine is an acid suppressant commonly administered to dogs. Prolonged famotidine use in people results in decreased efficacy, but the effect in dogs is unknown.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo compare the effect of repeated oral administration of famotidine or placebo on intragastric pH and serum gastrin in dogs. We hypothesized that famotidine would have a diminished effect on intragastric pH on day 13 compared to day 1.AnimalsSix healthy adult colony Beagles.MethodsRandomized, 2‐factor repeated‐measures crossover design. All dogs received oral placebo or 1.0 mg/kg famotidine q12h for 14 consecutive days. Intragastric pH monitoring was used to continuously record intragastric pH on treatment days 1–2 and 12–13. Mean pH as well as mean percentage time (MPT) that intragastric pH was ≥3 or ≥4 were compared between and within groups by analysis of variance. Serum gastrin was measured on days 0, 3, and 12 for each treatment.ResultsContinued administration of famotidine resulted in a significant decrease in mean pH, MPT ≥3, and MPT ≥4 (P < .0001) on day 12 and 13. This resulted in a mean decrease in pH by 1.63 on days 12 and 13 compared to days 1 and 2. Furthermore, a mean decrease of MPT ≥3 and MPT ≥4 by 33 and 45% was observed for the same time period, respectively.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceContinued administration of famotidine results in a diminished effect on intragastric pH in dogs. Caution is advised when recommending long‐term, daily oral administration of famotidine to dogs.
Blood Pressure Measurements in 780 Apparently Healthy Cats
Authors: Payne J.R. , Brodbelt D.C. , Luis Fuentes V. 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundMean systolic blood pressure in apparently healthy cats has been reported as approximately 125 mmHg using direct assessment, but there is greater variability in reported values using indirect assessment. Increasing age and the white‐coat effect are associated with increased systolic blood pressure.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo report Doppler‐derived blood pressure measurements from a large population of apparently healthy cats and to assess epidemiologic factors associated with recorded blood pressures.AnimalsA total of 780 cats in rehoming centers enrolled in a screening program for heart murmurs and cardiac disease.MethodsCats were considered healthy based on history and physical examination. Cats with known hypertension, hyperthyroidism, or clinical signs of systemic disease and pregnant or nursing queens were excluded. After an acclimatization period, systolic blood pressure was measured using the Doppler sphygmomanometry method following the recommendations of theACVIMConsensus Statement. General linear model analysis was performed to identify factors associated with variation in systolic blood pressure.ResultsMedian (interquartile range,IQR) systolic blood pressure for the group was 120.6 (110.4–132.4) mmHg. Factors significantly associated with higher systolic blood pressure in a general linear model were increased age, increased nervousness, male sex, neutering, or history of being a stray. The model explained 29.2% of the variation in systolic blood pressure.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe age, demeanor, sex, neuter status and history of being a stray should be taken into account when assessing systolic blood pressure in apparently healthy cats.
A different kind of ecological modelling: the use of clay model organisms to explore predator–prey interactions in vertebrates
Authors: Bateman P. W. , Fleming P. A. , Wolfe A. K. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractWe review the use of clay models to explore questions about predation rates on small vertebrate taxa that are typically difficult to observe directly. The use of models has a relatively long history and we examine the range of taxa studied, which includes squamate reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds. Within this review, we have also included studies of model eggs, which are used in nest predation studies. We review the questions that have been asked and the interpretations arising from the data. The use of clay model animals has provided us with insights into how differences in prey morphology, size, and colour influence the rate at which they are attacked by predators. This allows us insights into the ecological, behavioural and evolutionary selective pressures of different predators on small vertebrate prey, including analysis of what characteristics predators target and how predators approach their prey (e.g. which part of the body is attacked). Further available interpretations include how regional and habitat variation influences predation events on models. We also briefly discuss the potential for clay models to study interspecific sociality and competition. Finally, we review the problems and limitations with the method and make some suggestions for further studies and amendments to help standardize this creative tool for ecological research.
Simultaneous validation of five activity monitors for use in adult populations
Authors: Powell C. , Carson B. P. , Dowd K. P. , Donnelly A. E. 
Published: December 2016

Numerous cut‐points exist to measure physical activity by accelerometry. The ability to compare accelerometer findings from different devices from different locations may be advantageous to researchers. This study aimed to develop and validate cut‐points for 1.5, 3, and 6 METs in five activity monitors simultaneously. Fifty‐six participants (mean age=39.9 [±11.5] years) performed six activities while wearing a CosMED K4b2 and five activity monitors: activPAL3 Micro, activPAL, ActiGraph GT1M, ActiGraph wGT3X‐BT, and GENEActiv. Receiver operating characteristic curves and analysis were used to develop and validate cut‐points for the vertical axis counts (all activity monitors) and sum of the vector magnitude (ActiGraph wGT3X‐BT and GENEActiv) for 15 second (all devices) and 60 second (ActiGraph devices) epochs. A random coefficients statistical model was used to derive MET predictive equations for all activity monitors. Bland‐Altman plots examined the variability in device error. No 1.5 MET cut‐points were developed for the activPAL devices. All developed cut‐points had high levels of sensitivity and specificity. When cross‐validated in an independent group, high levels of sensitivity and specificity remained (≥77.4%, monitor and intensity dependent). The mean bias based on the Bland‐Altman plots ranged from −0.03 METs to 0.35 METs (monitor dependent). This is the first study to develop and validate cut‐points for five activity monitors simultaneously with high levels of sensitivity and specificity (≥77.4%). This is potentially a step toward cross‐comparison/harmonization of data; however, further validation in a free‐living environment is warranted.
Potential and Limitations of Dual Fuel Operation of High Speed Large Engines
Authors: Redtenbacher Christoph , Kiesling Constantin , Malin Maximilian , Wimmer Andreas , Pastor Jose V. , Pinotti Mattia 
Published: December 2016

Interest is growing in using fully flexible diesel-gas dual fuel engines for power generation and propulsion on land and sea. Benefits such as the flexibility to adapt the type of fuel to the market situation, fail-safe operation and lower NOx emissions than diesel engines are convincing arguments for engine operators. However, diesel-gas engine concepts still suffer from lower efficiency than state-of-the-art monovalent diesel engines and spark ignited gas engines when operated in the corresponding fuel mode. To meet stringent NOx emission legislation, high diesel substitution rates are necessary, which in turn often lead to poor combustion stability. Especially with these small diesel fractions, the challenge remains to ensure stable ignition, fast combustion of the air-fuel mixture and low hydrocarbon emissions.
The aim of this paper is to identify and investigate the potential and limitations of diesel-gas combustion concepts for high speed large engines operated in gas mode with very small amounts of pilot fuel (&lt; 5 % diesel fraction1). Experimental tests were carried out on a flexible single cylinder research engine (swept volume approximately 6 1) equipped with a common rail system. Various engine configurations and operating parameters were varied and the effects on the combustion process were analyzed. The results presented in this paper include a comparison of the performance of the investigated dual fuel concept to those of a state-of-the-art monovalent gas engine and a state-of-the-art monovalent diesel engine. Evaluation reveals that certain limiting factors exist that prevent the dual fuel engine from performing as well as the superior gas engine. On the other hand, the potential is already present for the dual fuel concept to compete with the diesel engine.
Since the injection of pilot fuel is of major importance for flame initialization and thus for the main combustion event of the dual fuel engine, optical investigations in a spray box, measurements of injection rates and 3D-CFD simulation were conducted to obtain even more detailed insight into these processes. A study on the influence of the diesel fraction shows that diminishing the diesel fraction from 3 % to lower values has a significant impact on engine performance because of the effects of such a reduction on injection, ignition delay and initial flame formation. An investigation of the influence of the injection timing reveals that with diesel fractions of ≤ 1.5 %, the well-known relationship between the injection timing and combustion phasing of conventional engine concepts is no longer valid.
The presented results illustrate which operating strategy is beneficial for engine performance in terms of low NOx emissions and high efficiency. Moreover, potential measures can be derived which allow for further optimization of the diesel-gas combustion process.
Effects of Ammonia Gas Mixed Into Intake Air on Combustion and Emissions Characteristics in Diesel Engine
Authors: Niki Yoichi , Yoo Dong-Hoon , Hirata Koichi , Sekiguchi Hidenori 
Published: December 2016

This paper reports on the experimental results of the combustion and emission characteristics of a conventional diesel engine mixed ammonia (NH3) gas into the intake air, and discusses its usability. In the experiments, NH3 gas was injected into the intake pipe of the diesel engine by a gas injector. The diesel engine has a natural aspiration single cylinder with 7.7 kW rated power at 1500 rpm and a diesel injection system to inject diesel fuel into the cylinder.
As experimental results on the combustion characteristics, it was confirmed that the compression and maximum pressures in the cylinder decreased and the ignition timing delayed with increasing the NH3 gas injection quantity. On the emission characteristics in the exhaust gas, NH3, water (H2O) and nitrous oxide (N2O) increased and carbon dioxide (CO2) decreased proportionally to the NH3 gas injection quantity. In contract, the nitrogen oxide (NO) was nearly the same. Moreover, it was confirmed that NH3 can be reduced by reacting with NO in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system.
The Combustion and Emissions Performance of a Syngas-Diesel Dual Fuel Compression Ignition Engine
Authors: Guo Hongsheng , Neill W. Stuart , Liko Brian 
Published: December 2016

Remote communities in Canada heavily rely on reciprocating diesel generators for heat and power generation. These engines utilize diesel fuel that is imported at great expense and generate green-house gas (GHG) and pollutant emissions. Replacing diesel fuel in these engines by syngas derived from a thermo-chemical treatment of local renewable biomass can not only lower the fuel cost but also reduce GHG and pollutant emissions for remote communities. Besides, syngas-diesel dual fuel combustion can maintain the ability to revert back to diesel operation and therefore ensure reliable heat and power supply when syngas is not available.
In this study, the combustion and emissions performance of a syngas-diesel dual fuel engine was investigated at low and medium loads. A single cylinder direct injection diesel engine was modified to operate using a dual fuel strategy. The diesel fuel was directly injected to the cylinder, while syngas was injected into the intake port. The effects of syngas fraction and composition on energy efficiency, cylinder pressure, exhaust temperature, and combustion stability were recorded and analyzed. The emissions data, including PM, NOx, CO, and unburned hydrocarbon, were also analyzed and reported in the paper.
The results suggest that the substitution of diesel by a syngas caused a slight decrease in brake thermal efficiency and an increase in CO emissions. The effect of a syngas on soot emissions depended on the composition and/or quality. The inert component content of a syngas significantly affected NOx emissions in a syngas-diesel dual fuel internal combustion engine.
High-Speed Rainbow Schlieren Deflectometry of N-Heptane Sprays Using a Common Rail Diesel Injector
Authors: Mirynowski Eileen M. , Agrawal Ajay K. , Bittle Joshua A. 
Published: December 2016

More precise measurements of the fuel injection process can enable better combustion control and more accurate predictions resulting in a reduction of fuel consumption and toxic emissions. Many of the current methods researchers are using to investigate the transient liquid fuel sprays are limited by cross sensitivity when studying regions with both liquid and vapor phases present (i.e. upstream of the liquid length). The quantitative rainbow schlieren technique has been demonstrated in the past for gaseous fuel jets and is being developed here to enable study of the spray near the injector. In this work an optically accessible constant pressure flow rig and a modern common rail diesel injector are used to obtain high speed images of vaporizing fuel sprays at elevated ambient temperatures and pressures.
Quantitative results of full-field equivalence ratio measurements are presented as well as more traditional measurements such as vapor penetration and angle for a single condition (13 bar, 180°C normal air) using nheptane injected through a single hole (0.1mm diameter) common rail fuel injector at 1000 bar fuel injection pressure. This work serves as a proof of concept for the rainbow schlieren technique being applied to vaporizing fuel sprays and full details of the image processing routine are provided. The ability of the imaging technique combined with the constant pressure flow rig make this approach ideal for generating large data sets in short periods of time for a wide range of operating conditions.