bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A generalization of the octonion Fourier transform to 3-D octonion-valued signals: properties and possible applications to 3-D LTI partial differential systems
Authors: Błaszczyk Łukasz 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe paper is devoted to the development of the octonion Fourier transform (OFT) theory initiated in 2011 in articles by Hahn and Snopek. It is also a continuation and generalization of earlier work by Błaszczyk and Snopek, where they proved few essential properties of the OFT of real-valued functions, e.g. symmetry properties. The results of this article focus on proving that the OFT is well-defined for octonion-valued functions and almost all well-known properties of classical (complex) Fourier transform (e.g. argument scaling, modulation and shift theorems) have their direct equivalents in octonion setup. Those theorems, illustrated with some examples, lead to the generalization of another result presented in earlier work, i.e. Parseval and Plancherel Theorems, important from the signal and system processing point of view. Moreover, results presented in this paper associate the OFT with 3-D LTI systems of linear PDEs with constant coefficients. Properties of the OFT in context of signal-domain operations such as derivation and convolution of $$\mathbb {R}$$
R
-valued functions will be stated. There are known results for the QFT, but they use the notion of other hypercomplex algebra, i.e. double-complex numbers. Considerations presented here require defining other higher-order hypercomplex structure, i.e. quadruple-complex numbers. This hypercomplex generalization of the Fourier transformation provides an excellent tool for the analysis of 3-D LTI systems.
Anarchy in the Game of Thrones
Authors: Larsson Simon , Lundström Markus 
Published: March 2020

AbstractRecent scholarship has come to rethink how the concept of anarchy captures the fragmented plurality of contemporary world politics. This article continues that inquiry through an interpretative reading of the popular TV-series Game of Thrones. The appeal of this show partly derives from its animation of medieval tropes to interpellate with contemporary global politics; it echoes power struggles constitutive of today’s international relations. However, while the fantasy show portrays conflictual relations between different claimants of the Iron Throne in Westeros, it also composes subaltern voices amidst these violent claims to power. This article concludes that such an interpretation diversifies the meanings of anarchy, as both violence and freedom, in the ‘game of thrones’ of contemporary politics.
New Foundations for Branching Space-Times
Authors: Belnap N. , Müller T. , Placek T. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe theory of branching space-times, put forward by Belnap (Synthese92, 1992), considers indeterminism as local in space and time. In the axiomatic foundations of that theory, so-called choice points mark the points at which the (local) possible future can turn out in different ways. Working under the assumption of choice points is suitable for many applications, but has an unwelcome topological consequence that makes it difficult to employ branching space-times to represent a range of possible physical space-times. Therefore it is interesting to develop a branching space-times theory without choice points. This is what we set out to do in this paper, providing new foundations for branching space-times in terms of choice sets rather than choice points. After motivating and developing the resulting theory in formal detail, we show that it is possible to translate structures of one style into structures of the other style and vice versa. This result shows that the underlying idea of indeterminism as the branching of spatio-temporal histories is robust with respect to different implementations, making a choice between them a matter of expediency rather than of principle.
Multiplex microsatellite PCR panels for the neotropical red mangrove, Rhizophora mangle: combining efforts towards a cost-effective and modifiable tool to better inform conservation and management
Authors: Kennedy John Paul , Craig Hayley , Jara-Cavieres Antonella , Lundy Agnessa , Preziosi Richard F. , Rowntree Jennifer K. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBetter-informed mangrove conservation and management practices are needed as the ecosystem services provided by these intertidal forests continue to be threatened by increasing anthropogenic pressures and climate change. Multiple layers of knowledge are required to achieve this goal, including insights into population genetics of mangrove species. Understanding the importance of population-genetic insights to conservation, multiple research groups have developed microsatellite loci for the widespread, neotropical red mangrove, Rhizophora mangle. However, although a wealth of genetic markers exist, empirical research is limited in the number of these loci employed. Here, we designed two multiplex PCR panels that combine seven novel loci developed for this work and eight previously-developed loci from three research groups to generate 15-locus genotypes, more than twice the average number of loci used in previous research, in only two PCR. We demonstrated utility in R. mangle from four sites across ~ 2500 km near this species’ northern latitudinal limits, and that these multiplex panels were better able to delineate populations than data subsets with numbers of loci comparable to previous research. We focus our discussion on how this tool is a more-informative, efficient (both in terms of time and resources), and easily-modifiable alternative to address many pressing conservation and management issues, such as the generation of baseline genetic data for areas not yet studied, better defining management units, and monitoring genetic effects of restoration projects. We also provide a quick protocol that outlines each step in this procedure to facilitate the use of this tool by others.
Extracellular signal regulated kinase 5 promotes cell migration, invasion and lung metastasis in a FAK-dependent manner
Authors: Jiang Weiwei , Cai Fangfang , Xu Huangru , Lu Yanyan , Chen Jia , Liu Jia , Cao Nini , Zhang Xiangyu , Chen Xiao , Huang Qilai , Zhuang Hongqin , Hua Zi-Chun 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis study was designed to evaluate ERK5 expression in lung cancer and malignant melanoma progression and to ascertain the involvement of ERK5 signaling in lung cancer and melanoma. We show that ERK5 expression is abundant in human lung cancer samples, and elevated ERK5 expression in lung cancer was linked to the acquisition of increased metastatic and invasive potential. Importantly, we observed a significant correlation between ERK5 activity and FAK expression and its phosphorylation at the Ser910 site. Mechanistically, ERK5 increased the expression of the transcription factor USF1, which could transcriptionally upregulate FAK expression, resulting in FAK signaling activation to promote cell migration. We also provided evidence that the phosphorylation of FAK at Ser910 was due to ERK5 but not ERK1/2, and we then suggested a role for Ser910 in the control of cell motility. In addition, ERK5 had targets in addition to FAK that regulate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and cell motility in cancer cells. Taken together, our findings uncover a cancer metastasis-promoting role for ERK5 and provide the rationale for targeting ERK5 as a potential therapeutic approach.
Non-technical Skills Simulation Training
Authors: Magill Jennifer C. , Tolley Neil 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Purpose of Review
“Non-technical skills” are critical to patient safety and form an important part of a surgeon’s competency. Inter-disciplinary team training is now considered essential to train these valuable skills. This review discusses the importance of non-technical skills, and the role these skills have in simulation training within Otolaryngology.

Recent Findings
Otolaryngologists are uniquely positioned to encounter airway emergencies. Consequently, team-based training in crisis scenarios is especially important. Simulation can occur in situ or in the simulated setting, with “boot-camps” becoming a popular training intervention. Whilst team training within otolaryngology has been shown to be highly effective, formal assessment of these skills is not currently routine, with no assessment tool specifically tailored to ENT.

Summary
Simulation-based training is an effective and feasible method of teaching non-technical skills in Otolaryngology. With the shift towards competency-based medical education, formal assessment of these skills is important to perform.
Self-Focused Reasons for Having Sex: Associations Between Sexual Goals and Women's Pain and Sexual and Psychological Well-being for Couples Coping with Provoked Vestibulodynia
Authors: Corsini-Munt Serena , Bergeron Sophie , Rosen Natalie O. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
For couples coping with provoked vestibulodynia (PVD), interpersonal sexual goals are associated with sexual and psychological functioning as well as women’s pain during intercourse, however, self-focused sexual goals (eg, having sex for personal pleasure, having sex to avoid feeling bad about oneself) have not been studied in this clinical population.

Aim
The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between self-focused approach and avoidance sexual goals and women's pain during intercourse and sexual satisfaction and depressive symptoms for both women and their partners.

Methods
Women diagnosed with PVD (N = 69) and their partners completed measures of self-focused sexual goals, sexual satisfaction, and depressive symptoms. Women also reported on pain experienced during sexual intercourse.

Outcomes
Outcomes included the Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction, the Beck Depression Inventory-II, and a Numerical Rating Scale of pain during sexual intercourse.

Results
When women reported higher self-focused approach sexual goals, they also reported lower pain intensity. Women's higher self-focused avoidance sexual goals were associated with their own higher depressive symptoms, whereas men's higher self-focused approach goals were associated with their own higher depressive symptoms. When controlling for frequency of sexual intercourse, there were no significant associations between women or partners' sexual goals and sexual satisfaction.

Clinical Implications
Within a clinical context where many interpersonal pressures for sex exist, interventions should target self-focused sexual goals alongside interpersonal sexual goals to improve pain and psychological adjustment.

Strengths & Limitations
This is the first study to examine self-focused sexual goals among women with PVD and their partners. This study is cross-sectional, and the direction of associations cannot be inferred. Couples were in mixed-sex relationships, and results may not generalize to same-sex couples.

Conclusion
Findings suggest that self-focused goals are relevant to the psychological adjustment of women with PVD and their male partners and for women's pain.
Validation of a Sagittal Section Technique for Measuring Clitoral Blood Flow. Volume Flow: A New Parameter in Clitoral Artery Doppler
Authors: Fernández Pérez Maite , Fernández Agís Inmaculada , La Calle Marcos Pedro , Campos Caballero Raquel , Molero Rodríguez Francisca , González Fernández Mónica , Rodríguez Torreblanca Carmelo 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
Clitoral artery Doppler has been used as an objective technique to measure changes in genital women response. However, the technique has not been fully validated, and arterial volume flow has never been used as an outcome measure.

Aims
To validate the technique clitoral artery Doppler measured in a sagittal section and explore arterial volume flow as a new parameter in clitoral Doppler.

Methods
We examined 90 healthy volunteers by clitoral artery Doppler using the sagittal section approach described by Battaglia et al in 2008. We calculated intraobserver, interobserver, and intraobserver intersession variability and reliability for all Doppler parameters and described and validated arterial volume flow as a new parameter in clitoral artery Doppler.

Outcomes
We calculated peak systolic velocity (PSV), time-averaged maximum velocity, time-averaged mean velocity, end-diastolic velocity, pulsatility index, resistance index, and volume flow (v-flow) in all groups. We conducted reliability analyses using the intraclass correlation coefficient for agreement. We explored differences between and within observers and calculated agreement limits using the Bland-Altman test.

Results
The intraclass correlation coefficient analysis showed correlation values higher than 0.75 (good reliability) for most of the variables and higher than 0.60 (moderate reliability) for the remaining ones. There were statistically significant differences between PSV and time-averaged maximum velocity in the intraobserver intersession measurements. For the remaining groups and variables, no statistically significant differences were observed. Bland-Altman analyses showed that the limits of agreement were acceptable and the regressions were not significant. The v-flow parameter also showed good reliability and low variability between groups.

Clinical Implications
We found that PSV was not a good outcome measure because of its high intraobserver and intersession variability. Moreover, it is possible to measure v-flow in the clitoral artery using the sagittal technique described by Battaglia et al, and it seems that this measure is reliable and reproducible. This could be the best parameter to assess clinical changes.

Strengths & Limitations
This study provided full validation of the sagittal section approach and of a new parameter, v-flow, which could beuseful for assessing clitoral blood flow. The main limitation of the study is its retrospective nature for validating v-flow.

Conclusion
We found that clitoral artery Doppler measured using a sagittal approach is a valid and reliable technique for studying clitoral blood flow in women. The v-flow variable is a promising and reliable parameter for measuring changes in clitoral blood flow.
A model for the dynamics of face-to-face interactions in social groups
Authors: Hoffman Marion , Block Per , Elmer Timon , Stadtfeld Christoph 
Published: March 2020

AbstractFace-to-face interactions in social groups are a central aspect of human social lives. Although the composition of such groups has received ample attention in various fields—e.g., sociology, social psychology, management, and educational science—their micro-level dynamics are rarely analyzed empirically. In this article, we present a new statistical network model (DyNAM-i) that can represent the dynamics of conversation groups and interpersonal interaction in different social contexts. Taking an actor-oriented perspective, this model can be applied to test how individuals’ interaction patterns differ and how they choose and change their interaction groups. It moves beyond dyadic interaction mechanisms and translates central social network mechanisms—such as homophily, transitivity, and popularity—to the context of interactions in group settings. The utility and practical applicability of the new model are illustrated in two social network studies that investigate face-to-face interactions in a small party and an office setting.
Effects of grape seed extract on dyslipidaemia: a systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Anjom-Shoae Javad , Milajerdi Alireza , Larijani Bagher , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad 
Published: March 2020

AbstractData on the effect of grape seed extract (GSE) on lipid profiles are inconclusive. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled clinical trials on the effect of GSE on serum lipid profiles. The online databases of PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, Science Direct and Embase were searched for relevant publications until March 2019, using MeSH and non-MeSH keywords. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were completed independently by two investigators. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were performed to identify the source of heterogeneity. Assessment of study quality was conducted using the Jadad scale. Eleven randomised clinical trials involving 536 participants were included in the present meta-analysis. Combining effect sizes from earlier studies, we found that GSE supplementation significantly decreased serum levels of LDL-cholesterol (−0·17 mmol/l; 95 % CI −0·34, −0·01) and TAG (−0·11 mmol/l; 95 % CI −0·18, −0·05). Although no overall significant effect of GSE supplementation on circulating total- and HDL-cholesterol levels was observed, there were significant reductions in these lipids in studies with <10 weeks of intervention and those that had administered the dosages of <300 mg/d of GSE. In conclusion, GSE supplementation seems to favourably affect serum levels of LDL and TAG concentrations, but it did not affect total- and HDL-cholesterol concentrations.
Looking beyond depression: a meta-analysis of the effect of behavioral activation on depression, anxiety, and activation
Authors: Stein Aliza T. , Carl Emily , Cuijpers Pim , Karyotaki Eirini , Smits Jasper A. J. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundDepression is a prevalent and impairing condition. Behavioral activation (BA) is a parsimonious, cost-effective, and easily disseminated psychological intervention for depression. The current meta-analysis expands on the existing literature supporting the efficacy of BA for depression by examining the effects of BA on additional relevant outcomes for patients with depression, namely the reduction in anxiety symptoms and increase in activation.MethodsRandomized controlled trials of BA for depression compared to active and inactive control were identified via a systematic review. Effect sizes using Hedges's g were calculated for each outcome compared to both active and inactive control using random effects models. Subgroup analyses were used to examine the inclusion of a discussion of values as a moderator of depression symptom outcome in BA.ResultsTwenty-eight studies were included. Meta-analyses of symptom change between groups from baseline-to-post intervention indicated that BA outperformed inactive control conditions for improvements in depression (g = 0.83), anxiety (g = 0.37), and activation (g = 0.64). The difference between BA and active control conditions was not significant for improvements in depression (g = 0.15), anxiety (g = 0.03), and activation (g = 0.04). There was no evidence for a discussion of values augmenting BA efficacy. Study quality was generally low, and there was evidence of publication bias.ConclusionsIn addition to improving depression, BA shows efficacy for reducing symptoms of anxiety and increasing activation. BA may not offer better outcomes relative to other active interventions. There is room for improvement in the quality of research in this area.
Transdiagnostic dimensions in obsessive-compulsive and related disorders: associations with internalizing and externalizing symptoms
Authors: Snorrason Ivar , Beard Courtney , Peckham Andrew D. , Björgvinsson Thröstur 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundHierarchical structural models of psychopathology rarely extend to obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders. The current study sought to examine the higher-order structure of the obsessive-compulsive and related disorders (OCRDs) in DSM-5: obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), hoarding disorder (HD), body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder; HPD) and excoriation (skin-picking) disorder (SPD).MethodsAdult patients in a partial hospital program (N = 532) completed a dimensional measure of the five OCRDs. We used confirmatory factor analysis to identify the optimal model of the comorbidity structure. We then examined the associations between the transdiagnostic factors and internalizing and externalizing symptoms (i.e. depression, generalized anxiety, neuroticism, and drug/alcohol cravings).ResultsThe best fitting model included two correlated higher-order factors: an obsessions-compulsions (OC) factor (OCD, BDD, and HD), and a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) factor (HPD and SPD). The OC factor, not the BFRB factor, had unique associations with internalizing symptoms (standardized effects = 0.42–0.66) and the BFRB factor, not the OC factor, had small marginally significant unique association with drug/alcohol cravings (standardized effect = 0.22, p = 0.088).ConclusionsThe results mirror findings from twin research and indicate that OCD, BDD, and HD share liability that is significantly associated with internalizing symptoms, but this liability may be relatively less important for BFRBs. Further research is needed to better examine the associations between BFRBs and addictive disorders.
What do family care-givers want from domiciliary care for relatives living with dementia? A qualitative study
Authors: Pollock Kristian , Wilkinson Samantha , Perry-Young Lucy , Turner Nicola , Schneider Justine 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn the current ecology of care, social, rather than medical, support is critical in enabling frail older people to live at home. This paper reports findings from a qualitative study about how home care workers (HCWs) support persons with dementia living in the community. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were carried out in England with 14 family care-givers (FCGs) recruited from a single private home care provider. A thematic analysis of the data was undertaken using the constant comparative method. In every instance, it was FCGs who initiated domiciliary care for the person with dementia, highlighting ambiguity about who is the ‘client’. Rather than focusing on the HCWs’ work in undertaking practical tasks and personal care, respondents prioritised HCWs as companions, providing emotional and social support for their relatives. From an organisational perspective, respondents valued the capacity of the provider to deliver a consistent, personal, reliable and punctual service. These attributes were important in supporting their relative's agency and dignity. Respondents described HCWs engaging in skilled and sensitive communication with clients but considered ‘character’ and ‘innate’ caring abilities to be more important than those derived from training. The results highlight the need to acknowledge the family, rather than the individual client, as the functioning unit of care, and to recognise the highly skilled communicative and emotional work undertaken by HCWs.