bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the numerical ranges of matrices in max algebra
Authors: Thaghizadeh D. , Zahraei M. , Peperko A. , Aboutalebi N. Haj 
Published: July 2020

AbstractLet $$M_{n}({\mathbb {R}}_{+})$$

M
n

(

R
+

)

be the set of all $$n \times n$$

n
×
n

nonnegative matrices. Recently, in Tavakolipour and Shakeri (Linear Multilinear Algebra 67, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1080/03081087.2018.1478946), the concept of the numerical range in tropical algebra was introduced and an explicit formula describing it was obtained. We study the isomorphic notion of the numerical range of nonnegative matrices in max algebra and give a short proof of the known formula. Moreover, we study several generalizations of the numerical range in max algebra. Let $$1 \le k \le n$$

1
≤
k
≤
n

be a positive integer and $$C \in M_{ n}({\mathbb {R}}_{+}).$$

C
∈

M
n

(

R
+

)

.

We introduce the notions of max $$k-$$

k
-

numerical range and max $$C-$$

C
-

numerical range. Some algebraic and geometric properties of them are investigated. Also, max numerical range $$W_\text {max}(\varSigma )$$

W
max

(
Σ
)

of a bounded set $$\varSigma$$
Σ
of $$n \times n$$

n
×
n

nonnegative matrices is introduced and some of its properties are also investigated.
Muscle and cardiac therapeutic strategies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy: past, present, and future
Authors: Łoboda Agnieszka , Dulak Józef 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe X-linked neuromuscular childhood disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness and degeneration and results in functional decline, loss of ambulation and early death of young men due to cardiac or respiratory failure. Although the major cause of the disease has been known for many years—namely mutation in the DMD gene encoding dystrophin, one of the largest human genes—DMD is still incurable, and its treatment is challenging.

Methods
A comprehensive and systematic review of literature on the gene, cell, and pharmacological experimental therapies aimed at restoring functional dystrophin or to counteract the associated processes contributing to disease progression like inflammation, fibrosis, calcium signaling or angiogenesis was carried out.

Results
Although some therapies lead to satisfying effects in skeletal muscle, they are highly ineffective in the heart; therefore, targeting defective cardiac and respiratory systems is vital in DMD patients. Unfortunately, most of the pharmacological compounds treat only the symptoms of the disease. Some drugs addressing the underlying cause, like eteplirsen, golodirsen, and ataluren, have recently been conditionally approved; however, they can correct only specific mutations in the DMD gene and are therefore suitable for small sub-populations of affected individuals.

Conclusion
In this review, we summarize the possible therapeutic options and describe the current status of various, still imperfect, strategies used for attenuating the disease progression.
Evaluation of the Content Validity and Cross-Cultural Validity of the Study Participant Feedback Questionnaire (SPFQ)
Authors: Greene Alison , Elmer Mary , Ludlam Sean , Shay Kathyjo , Bentley Sarah , Trennery Claire , Grimes Rebecca , Gater Adam 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objectives
The Study Participant Feedback Questionnaire (SPFQ) is a patient-completed tool designed to assess patient experiences and satisfaction with aspects associated with being involved in a clinical trial. Originally developed in oncology and among English-speaking participants, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the content and cross-cultural validity of the SPFQ in other indications and non-English-speaking countries.

Methods
Semi-structured qualitative telephone interviews were conducted with 80 participants across eight non-English-speaking countries (in Europe, South America and Asia) who had received an investigational medicinal product as part of a clinical trial in the past three years. Interviews comprised concept elicitation to identify concepts of importance to participants’ trial experiences, and cognitive debriefing to assess understanding and perceived importance of SPFQ instructions, items and response options.

Results
Concept elicitation findings supported the content validity of the SPFQ. During cognitive debriefing, SPFQ instructions and the majority of items were well understood by participants. Participants generally considered the SPFQ items important to their clinical trial experience, albeit a handful of items assessed concepts that had not been experienced by trial participants or were redundant with other SPFQ items. The instructions, response options and recall period of the SPFQ were generally well understood. No country-level differences in understanding or importance were apparent.

Conclusion
Study findings provide evidence for the content and cross-cultural validity of the SPFQ and support implementation of the SPFQ as a means of obtaining participant feedback across global development programmes in a variety of indications.
High‐fat diet‐induced adipose tissue expansion occurs prior to insulin resistance in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: He Ming‐Qian , Wang Jing‐Ya , Wang Yue , Sui Jing , Zhang Meng , Ding Xi , Zhao Yang , Chen Zi‐Yi , Ren Xiao‐Xiao , Shi Bing‐Yin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo date, there is only scare evidence characterizing the temporal features and progression of metabolic dysfunction in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed obese mice. Hence, its specific pathogenesis remains unclear.MethodsSixty 6‐week‐old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into HFD and control diet (CD) groups and sacrificed at 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, and 21 weeks, respectively. At weekly intervals, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance testing (IPGTT) and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance testing (IPITT) were performed in both groups. A detailed time course in HFD‐fed mice was investigated by evaluating the initiation of glucose homeostasis impairment, dyslipidemia, systemic insulin sensitivity, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) levels, epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) expansion, macrophage content changes, pro‐inflammatory (M1)/anti‐inflammatory (M2) macrophage imbalance, lipid accumulation in the liver, and β‐cell morphometry in the pancreas.ResultsIn the HFD group, progressive weight gain and impairments in glucose metabolism (elevated fasting blood glucose and area under the curve (AUC) of IPGTT) were observed from the 3rd week, and a significantly elevated AUC of IPITT was first detected after week 7 of HFD feeding. As for dyslipidemia, after 9 weeks of feeding, the low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol level and total cholesterol level in HFD group were significantly higher than those in the CD group (all P < 0.05), whereas no significant differences were shown in triglyceride level. Adipocyte size increased significantly in the HFD group in the 1st week, a phenotypic switch in eWAT from anti‐inflammatory (M2) to pro‐inflammatory (M1) macrophages was observed in the 5th week, and the metabolic inflammation was distinct in eWAT in the 9th week. Additionally, liver steatosis was considerably obvious at the 17th week and pancreatic β‐cell morphometry did not change during 21 weeks of HFD feeding.ConclusionThe eWAT expansion was detected early in HFD‐induced obese mice, which occurred prior to obvious insulin resistance.
Patterns and Trajectories of Anal Intercourse Practice Over the Life Course Among US Women at Risk of HIV
Authors: Owen Branwen Nia , Baggaley Rebecca F. , Maheu-Giroux Mathieu , Elmes Jocelyn , Adimora Adaora A. , Ramirez Catalina , Edmonds Andrew , Sosanya Kemi , Taylor Tonya , Plankey Michael , Cederbaum Julie , Seidman Dominika , Weber Kathleen M. , Golub Elizabeth T. , Sheth Anandi N. , Bolivar Hector , Konkle-Parker Deborah , Boily Marie-Claude 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIntroductionCondomless anal intercourse (AI) confers a far greater likelihood of HIV transmission than condomless vaginal intercourse (VI). However, little is known about AI practice over the life course of women, to what extent AI practice is condom-protected, and whether it is associated with other HIV risk behaviors. We aim to describe longitudinal AI practice among HIV-seronegative women and to identify subgroups with distinct trajectories of AI practice.MethodsUsing data from the Women's Interagency HIV Study, an observational cohort of US women with or at risk for HIV, we described AI practice among HIV-seronegative participants. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify distinct AI trajectories. We used multinomial regression to examine associations between baseline characteristics and trajectory group membership.ResultsA third of the 1,085 women in our sample reported any AI over follow-up (median follow-up = 14 years). AI decreased more sharply with age compared to VI. Consistent condom use during AI was low: twice the proportion of women never reported using condoms consistently during AI compared to during VI. 5 trajectory groups were identified: AI & VI persistors (N = 75) practiced AI and VI consistently over follow-up (AI & VI desistors (N = 169) tended to practice AI and VI when young only, while VI persistors (N = 549), VI desistors (N = 167), and AI & VI inactives (N = 125) reported varying levels of VI practice, but little AI. AI & VI persistors reported multiple male partners and exchange sex at more visits than other groups. Women who identified as bisexual/lesbian (vs heterosexual), who had ever experienced physical and sexual violence (vs never), and/or who reported above the median number of lifetime male sex partners (vs median or below) had approximately twice the odds of being AI & VI persistors than being VI persistors.ConclusionsWe identified a small subgroup of women who practice AI and report inconsistent condom use along with other risk behaviors throughout the life course; they may therefore particularly benefit from ongoing access to HIV prevention services including pre-exposure prophylaxis.
Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction in Young, Heterosexual Couples: The Role of Sexual Frequency and Sexual Communication
Authors: Roels Rick , Janssen Erick 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background
Although their individual contributions to sexual and relational outcomes are well-established, there has been a lack of research on the importance of sexual frequency and sexual communication to sexual and relationship satisfaction.

Aim
To examine the contribution of sexual frequency and sexual communication to sexual and relationship satisfaction in the early stages of couple relationships.

Methods
A sample of 126 young, heterosexual couples (mean age = 23.3 years, SD = 2.4; average relationship duration = 1.9 years, SD = 0.9) filled out questionnaires about sexual frequency, sexual communication, and sexual and relationship satisfaction. Analyses were guided by the actor-partner interdependence model.

Outcomes
Main outcome variables were sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction, measured by the Quality of Sex Inventory and the Couple Satisfaction Index, respectively.

Results
Analyses revealed a significant actor effect of both sexual communication and sexual frequency for sexual satisfaction. Only sexual communication, not sexual frequency, predicted relationship satisfaction. No significant partner or gender effects were found.

Clinical Translation
These findings lend support to the notion that couples could benefit from focusing on non-behavioral processes (eg, sexual communication), rather than sexual behavior per se, when pursuing a fulfilling partnership.

Strengths & Limitations
Strengths of the study include the dyadic nature of the data and analyses, allowing for the evaluation of both individual- and couple-level processes. Also, to our knowledge, this is the first study to specifically examine the importance of sexual frequency and sexual communication to both sexual and relationship satisfaction. Limitations include the reliance on self-report measures and a relatively homogeneous sample.

Conclusion
Although both sexual frequency and sexual communication were relevant to the prediction of sexual satisfaction, only sexual communication predicted relationship satisfaction in this sample of young, heterosexual couples.
Endovascular Therapy or Alteplase in Patients with Comorbidities: Insights from UNMASK EVT
Authors: Ganesh Aravind , Kashani Nima , Ospel Johanna M. , Wilson Alexis T. , Foss Mona M. , Saposnik Gustavo , Al-Mekhlafi Mohammed A. , Goyal Mayank , Menon Bijoy K. , Hill Michael D. 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACT:Objective:Decisions to treat large-vessel occlusion with endovascular therapy (EVT) or intravenous alteplase depend on how physicians weigh benefits against risks when considering patients’ comorbidities. We explored EVT/alteplase decision-making by stroke experts in the setting of comorbidity/disability.Methods:In an international multi-disciplinary survey, experts chose treatment approaches under current resources and under assumed ideal conditions for 10 of 22 randomly assigned case scenarios. Five included comorbidities (cancer, cardiac/respiratory/renal disease, mild cognitive impairment [MCI], physical dependence). We examined scenario/respondent characteristics associated with EVT/alteplase decisions using multivariable logistic regressions.Results:Among 607 physicians (38 countries), EVT was chosen less often in comorbidity-related scenarios (79.6% under current resources, 82.7% assuming ideal conditions) versus six “level-1A” scenarios for which EVT/alteplase was clearly indicated by current guidelines (91.1% and 95.1%, respectively, odds ratio [OR] [current resources]: 0.38, 95% confidence interval 0.31–0.47). However, EVT was chosen more often in comorbidity-related scenarios compared to all other 17 scenarios (79.6% versus 74.4% under current resources, OR: 1.34, 1.17–1.54). Responses favoring alteplase for comorbidity-related scenarios (e.g. 75.0% under current resources) were comparable to level-1A scenarios (72.2%) and higher than all others (60.4%). No comorbidity independently diminished EVT odds when considering all scenarios. MCI and dependence carried higher alteplase odds; cancer and cardiac/respiratory/renal disease had lower odds. Being older/female carried lower EVT odds. Relevant respondent characteristics included performing more EVT cases/year (higher EVT-, lower alteplase odds), practicing in East Asia (higher EVT odds), and in interventional neuroradiology (lower alteplase odds vs neurology).Conclusion:Moderate-to-severe comorbidities did not consistently deter experts from EVT, suggesting equipoise about withholding EVT based on comorbidities. However, alteplase was often foregone when respondents chose EVT. Differences in decision-making by patient age/sex merit further study.
Technocratic Populism and Subnational Governance
Authors: Drápalová Eliška , Wegrich Kai 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAlthough scholarly interest in populism has increased as populist parties have risen across Europe, the subnational level has been largely overlooked. This article adopts an original subnational focus and explores an unlikely but increasingly prevalent political agenda: the combination of technocracy and populism. We focus on technocratic populism as a political and governance strategy at the municipal level and assess how the interaction of populism and technocracy plays out empirically in relation to administration and public policies and how the tensions and synergies between technocracy and populism are solved at the local level. The article argues that the local level is especially prone to this kind of intersection between technocratic and populist ideology. While the article is mainly an exercise in concept development, two illustrative cases at the city level, namely the Movimento 5 Stelle (M5S, Five Star Movement) in Rome and the Akce nespokojených občanů (ANO, Action of Dissatisfied Citizens) in Prague are used to support the argument.
Impact of healthcare worker shift scheduling on workforce preservation during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kluger Dan M. , Aizenbud Yariv , Jaffe Ariel , Parisi Fabio , Aizenbud Lilach , Minsky-Fenick Eyal , Kluger Jonathan M. , Farhadian Shelli , Kluger Harriet M. , Kluger Yuval 
Published: July 2020

AbstractReducing severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections among healthcare workers is critical. We ran Monte Carlo simulations modeling the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in non–COVID-19 wards, and we found that longer nursing shifts and scheduling designs in which teams of nurses and doctors co-rotate no more frequently than every 3 days can lead to fewer infections.
Erosion of the Mediterranean diet among adolescents: evidence from an Eastern Mediterranean Country
Authors: Naja Farah , Hwalla Nahla , Hachem Fatima , Abbas Nada , Chokor Fatima Al Zahraa , Kharroubi Samer , Chamieh Marie-Claire , Jomaa Lamis , Nasreddine Lara 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAt a time when the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet (MD) are pervasively recognised, a paradoxical observation is the decreasing adherence to this dietary pattern in its native countries. This study aims to investigate temporal trends in adherence to the MD among adolescents (10–19 years old) in Lebanon. Data were drawn from three national cross-sectional surveys conducted at three points in time: 1997 (n2004), 2009 (n3656) and 2015 (n1204). Dietary intake was assessed using 24-h dietary recalls, and adherence to the MD was assessed using two country-specific indexes: the composite Mediterranean diet (c-MED) index and Lebanese Mediterranean diet (LMD) index. Significant decreases in c-MED and LMD scores and in the proportion of adolescents adhering to the MD were observed between 1997 and 2015, with more consistent results among females (P< 0·05). Projections for the year 2030 showed further decreases, with less than a quarter of adolescents remaining adherent to the MD. Based on linear regression analyses, belonging to the year 2009 was associated with significantly lower MD scores compared with 1997, even after adjustment for potential covariates (c-MEDβ= –0·16, 95 % CI –0·30, –0·01; LMDβ= –0·42, 95 % CI –0·67, –0·17). Similar results were obtained when comparing survey year 2015 with 1997 (c-MED scoreβ= –0·20, 95 % CI –0·33, –0·06; LMD scoreβ= –0·60, 95 % CI –0·82, –0·37). Findings highlight the erosion of the MD among Lebanese adolescents and underline the need for a comprehensive food system approach that fosters the promotion of the MD as a nutritionally balanced and sustainable dietary pattern.
English language education in Indonesia: A review of research (2011–2019)
Authors: Zein Subhan , Sukyadi Didi , Hamied Fuad Abdul , Lengkanawati Nenden Sri 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis article reviews the significant and diverse range of research on English language education in Indonesia in the eight-year period 2011–2019. It brings together a body of research consisting of 108 sources, ranging from journal articles, book chapters, conference proceedings and doctorate dissertations, to inform the international research and practice community. The contributions cover primary education, secondary education and tertiary education in highly diverse Indonesia where 707 living languages co-exist and struggle to find space in its linguistic ecology. The discussion will provide insights into how factors such as educational policies, ideologies as well as sociocultural and religious values are in contestation in shaping research into and the practice of English language education in the complex, dynamic and polycentric sociolinguistic situation of Indonesia, which has been recently conceptualized as superglossia (Zein, 2020). It is hoped our insights will help inform other multilingual contexts facing the unprecedented need for transforming English language education in this increasingly globalized world.
Regulation of blood flow in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Nippert Amy R. , Newman Eric A. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Blood flow in the retina increases in response to light-evoked neuronal activity, ensuring that retinal neurons receive an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients as metabolic demands vary. This response, termed “functional hyperemia,” is disrupted in diabetic retinopathy. The reduction in functional hyperemia may result in retinal hypoxia and contribute to the development of retinopathy. This review will discuss the neurovascular coupling signaling mechanisms that generate the functional hyperemia response in the retina, the changes to neurovascular coupling that occur in diabetic retinopathy, possible treatments for restoring functional hyperemia and retinal oxygen levels, and changes to functional hyperemia that occur in the diabetic brain.
Dishing on dinner: a life course approach to understanding the family meal context among families with preschoolers
Authors: Walton Kathryn , Breen Andrea , Gruson-Wood Julia , Jewell Kira , Haycraft Emma , Haines Jess 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjective:Family meals promote healthful dietary intake and well-being among children. Despite these benefits, family meal participation typically declines as children age. This study utilises life course theory to explore parents’ perceptions of family meals in order to understand how parents’ past experiences with family meals (in childhood and earlier in adulthood) influence their current beliefs and practices regarding mealtimes with their own children.Design:Semi-structured qualitative interviews.Setting:In-person interviews were conducted in participants’ homes.Participants:Twenty families (twenty-one mothers and fifteen fathers) with a child aged between 18 months and 5 years.Results:Thematic analysis revealed that families seemed to primarily approach mealtimes from one of three overarching orientations: meals for (1) Togetherness, (2) Nutrition Messaging or (3) Necessity. These orientations were informed by parents’ own mealtime experiences and significant life transitions (e.g. parenthood). The current family meal context, including the messages parents shared with their children during mealtimes and the challenges experienced with mealtimes, characterised the orientations and families’ approaches to mealtimes.Conclusions:Parents’ own early life experiences and significant life transitions influence why families eat meals together and have important implications for the intergenerational transmission of mealtime practices. Results may help to inform the content and timing of intervention strategies to support the continuation of frequent family meals beyond the preschool years.
Ultra-Fast Electron Microscopic Imaging of Single Molecules With a Direct Electron Detection Camera and Noise Reduction
Authors: Stuckner Joshua , Shimizu Toshiki , Harano Koji , Nakamura Eiichi , Murayama Mitsuhiro 
Published: July 2020

AbstractTime-resolved imaging of molecules and materials made of light elements is an emerging field of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the recent development of direct electron detection cameras, capable of taking as many as 1,600 fps, has potentially broadened the scope of the time-resolved TEM imaging in chemistry and nanotechnology. However, such a high frame rate reduces electron dose per frame, lowers the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and renders the molecular images practically invisible. Here, we examined image noise reduction to take the best advantage of fast cameras and concluded that the Chambolle total variation denoising algorithm is the method of choice, as illustrated for imaging of a molecule in the 1D hollow space of a carbon nanotube with ~1 ms time resolution. Through the systematic comparison of the performance of multiple denoising algorithms, we found that the Chambolle algorithm improves the SNR by more than an order of magnitude when applied to TEM images taken at a low electron dose as required for imaging at around 1,000 fps. Open-source code and a standalone application to apply Chambolle denoising to TEM images and video frames are available for download.