bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal analyses of rhizopus rot progress in peach fruit inoculated with Rhizopus stolonifer
Authors: Baggio J. S. , Hau B. , Amorim L. 
Published: February 2017

Rhizopus rot, caused by Rhizopus stolonifer, is one of the main postharvest diseases in stone fruits, but there is little known about the processes of disease development during transport and postharvest storage. The objective of this study was to characterize temporal progress and spatial distribution of the disease in peach fruit. Rhizopus rot development was evaluated using two different fruit arrangements. Only one fruit of each arrangement was inoculated with a R. stolonifer spore suspension. Disease incidence and severity were assessed daily for all the fruit. Nonlinear models were fitted to the quantity of fruit and to the area of fruit that became infected over time and distance in relation to the source of inoculum. Disease‐free fruit placed next to the artificially inoculated peaches showed disease symptoms due to pathogen dissemination by mycelial stolons. The disease incidence and severity progress rates varied from 0.33 to 0.53 day−1 and from 0.30 to 0.49 day−1, respectively. The spatial spread of the disease followed a dispersive wave pattern with increasing speed over time, but decreasing speed with disease severity. For disease severity y = 0.5, the velocity at day 3 varied from 0.14 to 0.32 fruit diameter day−1, while it ranged from 0.38 to 1.46 fruit diameter day−1 at day 12.
No Love for Doves? Foreign Policy and Candidate Appeal
Authors: Kane John V. , Norpoth Helmut 
Published: February 2017

Objectives“Issue ownership” of foreign policy, it is widely believed, gives an electoral advantage to the Republican Party, which generally adopts a hawkish posture. We test the popular proposition that Democrats should adopt more hawkish stances in order to offset this advantage.MethodsWe conducted experiments in which (fictional) candidates take hawkish or dovish positions in response to a real‐world threat to the United States. We complemented these studies with analyses of national survey data for the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections.ResultsOur results consistently refute the popular proposition that Democrats stand to benefit from adopting more hawkish foreign policy stances.ConclusionWhile ownership of foreign policy may bestow a trust on the Republican Party to handle foreign policy, this is not necessarily a mandate for hawkish policies. We highlight the importance of the present political context, wherein the American public exhibits a marked weariness of U.S. military intervention overseas.
Evaluation of different mulch materials for reducing soil surface evaporation in semi‐arid region
Authors: Farzi R. , Gholami M. , Baninasab B. , Gheysari M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn recent years, the use of new mulches for soil water conservation in arid regions has been introduced as an alternative to conventional (plastic) mulches. However, systematic studies concerning the effects of different organic [pistachio shell mulch (PSM), wheat straw mulch, de‐oiled olive pomace mulch (DOM) or wood chips mulch], chemical [superabsorbent polymer (HM) or organic‐based emulsion polymer (PEM)] and mineral [gravel mulch (GM)] covers on soil and water conservation are scarce. Therefore, two experiments were carried out. Experiment 1 was aimed at evaluating the effects of mulches of different composition on soil surface evaporation, whereas in experiment 2 we investigated the effects of this decrease in soil evaporation due to different mulch materials on some olive tree physiological responses to soil drying. We analysed stem water potential, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, leaf density and maximum efficiency of photosystem II photochemistry (Fv/Fm) of 2‐yr‐old plants of ‘Konservalia’ olive, grown in pots in open field. The results showed that different mulch materials had different efficiency on soil water conservation and DOM and pistachio shell mulch PSM – as new mulch materials – seems more favourable for conserving soil water. Water stress caused reductions in all parameters measured and increment in leaf density compared with unstressed treatment. Olive plants grown using different soil mulch presented higher values of stem water potential, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance and Fv/Fm ratio compared to control plants. Although all the mulch treatments improved the water content of soil, DOM and PSM were found to be superior in maintaining optimum soil water content for olive use.
Disturbance Estimation for Magnetic Piston Position Applications
Authors: Madson Ryan , Rajamani Rajesh 
Published: February 2017

The magnetic field of a moving piston can be used for real-time estimation of its position. Piston position estimation is useful for a number of automation and performance improvement applications in hydraulic actuators, pneumatic cylinders, and I.C. engines. A significant challenge to magnetic field based position estimation comes from disturbances due to unexpected ferromagnetic objects coming close to the sensors.
This paper develops a new disturbance estimation method based on modeling the magnetic disturbance as a dipole with unknown location and magnitude. A Truncated Interval Unscented Kalman Filter (TIUKF) is used to estimate all the parameters of this unknown dipole. Experimental data from a pneumatic actuator is used to verify the performance of the developed estimator. Experimental results show that the developed estimator is significantly superior to a linear magnetic field model based disturbance estimator.
Decentralized ℋ∞ Control in Microgrids to Mitigate Renewable Intermittency
Authors: Chu Cheong Matthew K. , Chen Dongmei , Du Pengwei 
Published: February 2017

The goal of this paper is to control the dynamics of an islanded microgrid, a small-scale power system with distributed generation. An islanded microgrid is disconnected from the larger, main grid, and must maintain voltage and frequency standards using only local generation. As a result, islanded microgrids are more vulnerable to fluctuations in power supply and demand; this is especially relevant for intermittent renewable sources like wind turbines.
The system is stabilized with static-output-feedback ℋ∞ γ-suboptimal control. This is a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) controller in which the measured data is used as the direct input to a static gain matrix, whose output is in turn used to control the closed-loop system. In order to judge the performance of the decentralized controllers, the micgorid is controlled first in a centralized manner, where each controller has access to all measured state variables. Decentralized controllers are then synthesized by casting the problem as a convex program, where each controller only has access to locally measured variables. Control performance is compared with respect to a switched-on wind turbine, where we see that the decentralized controller effectively mitigates the system disturbance due to the renewable intermittency.
Membrane Remodeling by a Bacterial Phospholipid-Methylating Enzyme
Authors: Danne Linna , Aktas Meriyem , Unger Andreas , Linke Wolfgang A. , Erdmann Ralf , Narberhaus Franz 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT

Membrane deformation by proteins is a universal phenomenon that has been studied extensively in eukaryotes but much less in prokaryotes. In this study, we discovered a membrane-deforming activity of the phospholipid
N
-methyltransferase PmtA from the plant-pathogenic bacterium
Agrobacterium tumefaciens
. PmtA catalyzes the successive three-step
N
-methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine to phosphatidylcholine. Here, we defined the lipid and protein requirements for the membrane-remodeling activity of PmtA by a combination of transmission electron microscopy and liposome interaction studies. Dependent on the lipid composition, PmtA changes the shape of spherical liposomes either into filaments or small vesicles. Upon overproduction of PmtA in
A. tumefaciens
, vesicle-like structures occur in the cytoplasm, dependent on the presence of the anionic lipid cardiolipin. The N-terminal lipid-binding α-helix (αA) is involved in membrane deformation by PmtA. Two functionally distinct and spatially separated regions in αA can be distinguished. Anionic interactions by positively charged amino acids on one face of the helix are responsible for membrane recruitment of the enzyme. The opposite hydrophobic face of the helix is required for membrane remodeling, presumably by shallow insertion into the lipid bilayer.

IMPORTANCE
The ability to alter the morphology of biological membranes is known for a small number of some bacterial proteins. Our study adds the phospholipid
N
-methyltransferase PmtA as a new member to the category of bacterial membrane-remodeling proteins. A combination of
in vivo
and
in vitro
methods reveals the molecular requirements for membrane deformation at the protein and phospholipid level. The dual functionality of PmtA suggests a contribution of membrane biosynthesis enzymes to the complex morphology of bacterial membranes.
Association of passive and active smoking with self-rated health and life satisfaction in Iranian children and adolescents: the CASPIAN IV study
Authors: Heshmat Ramin , Qorbani Mostafa , Safiri Saeid , Eslami-Shahr Babaki Amir , Matin Nassim , Motamed-Gorji Nazgol , Motlagh Mohammad-Esmaeil , Djalalinia Shirin , Ardalan Gelayol , Mansourian Morteza , Asayesh Hamid , Kelishadi Roya 
Published: February 2017

ObjectiveTo assess the joint association of passive and active smoking with self-rated health and life satisfaction among Iranian children and adolescents.MethodsUsing a multistage random cluster sampling method, a representative sample of 14 880 school students were selected from urban and rural areas of 30 provinces of Iran. Data were gathered using a questionnaire, a weight scale and metre. Participants were classified into four groups based on their smoking patterns: ‘non-smoker’, ‘only active smoker’, ‘only passive smoker’ and ‘active and passive smoker’. Life satisfaction (LS) and self-rated health (SRH) were assessed by self-administered validated questionnaires based on the WHO-Global School-based student Health Survey (WHO-GSHS). Data were analysed using a t-test, χ2test and multiple logistic regression.ResultsA total of 13 486 individuals (6640 girls and 6846 boys) out of 14 880 invited participated in the study (response rate 90.6%). LS and good SRH showed linearly negative associations with smoking status in both sexes. The proportions of LS and SRH categories were significantly different among all subsets of smoking status. Those classified as ‘non-smokers’ had the highest proportions of LS and good SRH, followed by ‘only passive smokers’ and ‘only active smokers’, while those with ‘active and passive smoking’ had the lowest proportions of LS and good SRH. In a multivariate model, students in the ‘active and passive smoking’ group had lower odds of LS (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.32 to 0.57) and good SRH (OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.38 to 0.68) than those in the ‘non-smoker’ group. Students in the ‘only passive smoker’ group also had lower odds of LS (OR 0.75; 95% CI 0.67 to 0.83) and good SRH (OR 0.72; 95% CI 0.66 to 0.80) compared with the ‘non-smoker’ group.ConclusionsAdolescents with different smoking habits and exposure patterns have poorer SRH and LS than non-smokers. Both active and passive smoking status could affect LS and SRH in adolescents. Therefore, smoking prevention strategies should be considered as a health priority in school health services for promoting psychological well-being in children and adolescents.
Healthcare experiences of patients with age-related macular degeneration: have things improved? Cross-sectional survey responses of Macular Society members in 2013 compared with 1999
Authors: Boxell Emily M , Amoaku Winfried M , Bradley Clare 
Published: February 2017

ObjectiveTo investigate healthcare experiences of patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and determine whether a previous survey and Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) management guidelines brought improvements.DesignCross-sectional survey of Macular Society members in 2013 compared with previous 1999 survey.SettingUK Postal Questionnaires.Participants1169 respondents in 2013 (1187 in 1999).InterventionPublication of 1999 survey results (2002), and RCOphth AMD guidelines (2009).Main outcome measuresRespondents answered questions about experiences at diagnosis. Five questions were replicated from the 1999 survey for direct comparison in the 2013 survey which included additional questions based on 2009 RCOphth recommendations for information and support provision for patients with AMD.ResultsMost 2013 survey respondents were given the name of their macular condition (91%), felt the healthcare professional was interested in them (71%) and were satisfied overall with the diagnostic consultation (76%). These outcomes show significant improvement since 1999. Within the 2013 sample, multivariable analyses showed gradual trends of improvement over time in: provision of written information, Macular Society information and receiving appropriate help, support and advice at diagnosis. Only overall satisfaction with the diagnostic consultation (but not the other nine areas of information and support provision studied) significantly improved in the time after publication of the RCOphth 2009 guidelines. There were no significant improvements associated with the publication of the 1999 survey results. Low information and support provision remained, for example, 44% of respondents diagnosed after the RCOphth 2009 guidelines reported not receiving information on what to do if vision deteriorated. Lack of such information at diagnosis was significantly associated with registration as sight impaired (p<0.01). Reports of general practitioner (GP) knowledge of AMD remained low: 39% reported their GP was ‘not at all well informed’. The 2013 respondents reported lower levels of help and support from GPs than 1999 respondents (p<0.001).ConclusionsPatients diagnosed with AMD after 1999 (vs before 1999) reported better experiences at diagnostic consultation. However, information and support provision at diagnosis, and satisfaction with GPs remained low.
Medical students' opportunities to participate and learn from activities at an internal medicine ward: an ethnographic study
Authors: Hägg-Martinell A , Hult H , Henriksson P , Kiessling A 
Published: February 2017

ObjectivesTo optimise medical students’ early clerkship is a complex task since it is conducted in a context primarily organised to take care of patients. Previous studies have explored medical students’ perceptions of facilitation and hindrance of learning. However, the opportunities for medical student to learn within the culture of acute medicine care have not been fully investigated. This study aimed to explore how medical students approach, interact and socialise in an acute internal medicine ward context, and how spaces for learning are created and used in such a culture.Design and settingEthnographic observations were performed of medical students' interactions and learning during early clerkship at an acute internal medicine care ward. Field notes were taken, transcribed and analysed qualitatively. Data analysis was guided by Wenger's theory of communities of practice.Participants21 medical students and 30 supervisors participated.ResultsTwo themes were identified:Nervousness and curiosity—students acted nervously and stressed, especially when they could not answer questions. Over time curiosity could evolve. Unexplored opportunities to support students in developing competence to judge and approach more complex patient-related problems were identified.Invited and involved—students were exposed to a huge variation of opportunities to learn, and to interact and to be involved. Short placements seemed to disrupt the learning process. If and how students became involved also depended on supervisors' activities and students' initiatives.ConclusionsThis study shed light on how an acute internal medicine ward culture can facilitate medical students' possibilities to participate and learn. Medical students' learning situations were characterised by questions and answers rather than challenging dialogues related to the complexity of presented patient cases. Further, students experienced continuous transfers between learning situations where the potential to be involved differed in a wide variety of ways.
Understanding repeated non-attendance in health services: a pilot analysis of administrative data and full study protocol for a national retrospective cohort
Authors: Williamson Andrea E , Ellis David A , Wilson Philip , McQueenie Ross , McConnachie Alex 
Published: February 2017

IntroductionUnderstanding the causes of low engagement in healthcare is a pre-requisite for improving health services’ contribution to tackling health inequalities. Low engagement includes missing healthcare appointments. Serially (having a pattern of) missing general practice (GP) appointments may provide a risk marker for vulnerability and poorer health outcomes.Methods and analysisA proof of concept pilot using GP appointment data and a focus group with GPs informed the development of missed appointment categories: patients can be classified based on the number of appointments missed each year. The full study, using a retrospective cohort design, will link routine health service and education data to determine the relationship between GP appointment attendance, health outcomes, healthcare usage, preventive health activity and social circumstances taking a life course approach and using data from the whole journey in the National Health Service (NHS) healthcare. 172 practices will be recruited (∼900 000 patients) across Scotland. The statistical analysis will focus on 2 key areas: factors that predict patients who serially miss appointments, and serial missed appointments as a predictor of future patient outcomes. Regression models will help understand how missed appointment patterns are associated with patient and practice characteristics. We shall identify key factors associated with serial missed appointments and potential interactions that might predict them.Ethics and disseminationThe results of the project will inform debates concerning how best to reduce non-attendance and increase patient engagement within healthcare systems. Significant non-academic beneficiaries include governments, policymakers and medical practitioners. Results will be disseminated via a combination of academic outputs (papers, conferences), social media and through collaborative public health/policy fora.
Objective functional results in patients with knee osteoarthritis submitted to a 2-day educational programme: a prospective randomised clinical trial
Authors: Rezende Marcia Uchoa de , Farias Fabiane Elize Sabine de , Silva Cleidnéia Aparecida Clemente da , Cernigoy Claudia Helena de Azevedo , Camargo Olavo Pires de 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundAlthough education is recommended for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), its effectiveness in osteoarthritis (OA) remains low according to subjective questionnaires. The timed-up-and-go (TUG) and five-times-sit-to-stand tests (FTSST) reflect muscle strength and balance and could be used as objective measures of effectiveness.AimTo measure the effect of an educational programme in patients with KOA by TUG and FTSST and correlate these results to those of subjective questionnaires.MethodsProspective randomised controlled trial of patients with KOA. Participants (n=198) were allocated into four groups. Three groups participated in 2 days of lectures with 1 (group 1), 2 (group 2) and 3-month (group 3) intervals between classes. Group 4 had no classes. Participants were asked to exercise at least three times a week. Half of the patients from all groups received bimonthly telephone calls reinforcing diet and exercise instructions. All four groups received the printed and video material presented in the classes. At baseline and at 1 year after initial assessment, patients performed the FTSST and TUG and answered WOMAC, Lequesne, SF-36 and Visual Analogue Scale questionnaires.ResultsThe TUG results did not change at 1 year follow-up, whereas FTSST improved (average difference of 4.66, p<0.001) irrespective of the implementation of classes or telephone calls. Both baseline and 1 year TUG and FTSST results correlated weakly (r<0.3) to the subjective functional, pain and quality of life results (p<0.001).ConclusionsThis educational programme improved function as determined by lower limb muscle strength (FTSST) irrespective of the patients’ subjective non-improvement.Trial registration numberClinical trials registration number:NCT01572051.Level of evidenceLevel 1A.
Systematic review of the effectiveness, barriers and facilitators to general practitioner engagement with specialist secondary services in integrated palliative care
Authors: Carmont Sue-Ann , Mitchell Geoffrey , Senior Hugh , Foster Michele 
Published: February 2017

The general practitioner (GP) has a critical role in an integrated model of palliative care as they often know the patient and carer well, are experts in generalist care and have knowledge of health and social services in the community. Specialist palliative services have insufficient capacity to meet demand and those with non-cancer terminal conditions and those from rural and remote areas are underserved. Research has focused on improving access to palliative care by engaging the GP with specialist secondary services in integrated palliative care.Objectives(1) Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions designed to engage GPs and specialist secondary services in integrated palliative care; and (2) identify the personal, system and structural barriers and facilitators to integrated palliative care.MethodMEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL were searched. Any study of a service that engaged the GP with specialist secondary services in the provision of palliative care was included. GP engagement was defined as any organised cooperation between the GP and specialist secondary services in the care of the patient including shared consultations, case conferences that involved at least both the GP and the specialist clinician and/or other secondary services, and/or any formal shared care arrangements between the GP and specialist services. The specialist secondary service is either a specialist palliative service or a service providing specialist care to a palliative population. A narrative framework was used to describe the findings.Results17 studies were included. There is some evidence that integrated palliative care can reduce hospitalisations and maintain functional status. There are substantial barriers to providing integrated care. Principles and facilitators of the provision of integrated palliative care are discussed.ConclusionsThis is an emerging field and further research is required assessing the effectiveness of different models of integrated palliative care.