bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The experimental methodology and comparators used for in vivo hernia mesh testing: a 10-year scoping review
Authors: Whitehead-Clarke T. , Karanjia R. , Banks J. , Beynon V. , Parker S. , Sanders D. , Mudera V. , Windsor A. , Kureshi A. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Before being marketed, hernia mesh must undergo in vivo testing, which often includes biomechanical and histological assessment. Currently, there are no universal standards for this testing and methods vary greatly within the literature. A scoping review of relevant studies was undertaken to analyse the methodologies used for in vivo mesh testing.

Methods
Medline and Embase databases were searched for relevant studies. 513 articles were identified and 231 duplicates excluded. 126 papers were included after abstract and full text review. The data extraction was undertaken using standardised forms.

Results
Mesh is most commonly tested in rats (53%). 78% of studies involve the formation of a defect; in 52% of which the fascia is not opposed. The most common hernia models use mesh to bridge an acute defect (50%). Tensile strength testing is the commonest form of mechanical testing (63%). Testing strip widths and test speeds vary greatly (4–30 mm and 1.625–240 mm/min, respectively). There is little consensus on which units to use for tensile strength testing. Collagen is assessed for its abundance (54 studies) more than its alignment (18 studies). Alignment is not measured quantitatively. At least 21 histological scoring systems are used for in vivo mesh testing.

Conclusions
The current practice of in vivo mesh testing lacks standardisation. There is significant inconsistency in every category of testing, both in methodology and comparators. We would call upon hernia organisations and materials testing institutions to discuss the need for a standardised approach to this field.
Accuracy of global and regional longitudinal strain at peak of dobutamine stress echocardiography to detect significant coronary artery disease
Authors: Ilardi Federica , Santoro Ciro , Maréchal Patrick , Dulgheru Raluca , Postolache Adriana , Esposito Roberta , Giugliano Giuseppe , Sannino Anna , Avvedimento Marisa , Leone Attilio , Cirillo Plinio , Stabile Eugenio , Lancellotti Patrizio , Esposito Giovanni 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is sensitive but subjective diagnostic tool to detect inducible ischemia. Nowadays, speckle tracking allows an objective quantification of regional wall function. We aimed to investigate the feasibility and accuracy of global (GLS) and regional longitudinal strain (RLS) during DSE to detect significant coronary stenosis (SCS). We conducted a prospective observational multicenter study including patients undergoing DSE for suspected SCS. 50 patients with positive DSE underwent coronary angiography. Besides visual regional wall motion score index (WMSI), GLS and RLS were determined at rest and at peak stress by Automated Function Imaging. DSE GLS feasibility was 96%. Among 35 patients with SCS, 12 patients were affected by multivessel disease, 18 had stenosis of left anterior descending artery (LAD), 18 of left circumflex (LCX) and 15 of right coronary artery (RCA). At peak stress, both GLS reduction (p = 0.037) and WMSI worsening (p = 0.04) showed significant agreement with coronary angiography for detecting SCS. When single lesion was considered, peak stress GLS and LAD RLS were lower in the obstructed LAD regions than in normo-perfused territories (17.4 ± 5.5 vs. 20.5 ± 4.4%, p = 0.03; 17.1 ± 7.6 vs. 21.6 ± 5.5%, p < 0.02, respectively). Furthermore, the addition of RLS to regional WMSI was able to improve accuracy in LAD SCS prediction (AUC 0.68, p = 0.037). Conversely, in presence of LCX or RCA SCS, LS was less accurate than WMSI at peak stress. In conclusion, DSE strain analysis is feasible and may improve prediction of LAD SCS, whereas regional WMSI assessment performs better in presence of SCS of LCX and RCA.
Hydrochemical, isotopic and microbiota characterization of telese mineral waters (Southern Italy)
Authors: Corniello Alfonso , Guida Marco , Stellato Luisa , Trifuoggi Marco , Carraturo Federica , Del Gaudio Elena , Del Giudice Carmela , Forte Giovanni , Giarra Antonella , Iorio Marina , Marzaioli Fabio , Toscanesi Maria 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe study deals with the analyses of springs and wells at the base of Montepugliano Hill that represents the SE edge of the wide carbonate Matese massif (Campania, southern Italy). At the base of the hill, from west to east and for almost one kilometre, cold springs HCO3-Ca type (Grassano springs, ~ 4.5 m3/s; TDS: about 0.45 g/L) pass to hypothermal, HCO3-Ca type, sulphurous and CO2-rich springs (~ 1 m3/s with TDS > 1 g/L). Some of the latter are widely used inTelese SpaandCentro Relax Spa.Chemical and isotopic analyses carried out for this study support the hypothesis that all these waters (mineral and non-mineral) have the same catchment area, which is located in the Matese massif. As regards the sulphurous springs, they receive both meteoric waters infiltration and uprising of deeper waters rich in endogenous CO2and H2S gases through important faults systems. Far from these faults, the chemistry of groundwater is scarcely (or not at all) affected by these deep fluid enrichment processes. This scheme is very significant; in fact, when very important groundwater resources are present, it is possible to use both mineral waters in Spa and, in areas far from the faults, those not yet mineralized. Finally, at Montepugliano Hill, in the final stage of the flow path, groundwater is also affected by change in the microbiome: this could provide a basis for comparison between various mineral waters.
Degenerative lamellar macular holes: tractional development and morphological alterations
Authors: Bringmann Andreas , Unterlauft Jan Darius , Wiedemann Renate , Barth Thomas , Rehak Matus , Wiedemann Peter 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Purpose
The development of degenerative lamellar macular holes (DLH) is largely unclear. This study was aimed at documenting with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography the tractional development and morphological alterations of DLH.

Methods
A retrospective case series of 44 eyes of 44 patients is described.

Results
The development of DLH is preceded for months or years by tractional deformations of the fovea due to the action of contractile epiretinal membranes (ERM) and/or the partially detached posterior hyaloid, or by cystoid macular edema (CME). DLH may develop after a tractional stretching and thickening of the foveal center, from a foveal pseudocyst, after a detachment of the foveola from the retinal pigment epithelium, a disruption of the foveal structure due to CME, and after surgical treatment of tractional lamellar or full-thickness macular holes (FTMH). The foveal configuration of a DLH can be spontaneously reestablished after short transient episodes of CME and a small FTMH. A DLH can evolve to a FTMH by traction of an ERM. Surgical treatment of a DLH may result in an irregular regeneration of the foveal center without photoreceptors.

Conclusions
Tractional forces play an important role in the development of DLH and in the further evolution to FTMH. It is suggested that a DLH is the result of a retinal wound repair process after a tractional disruption of the Müller cell cone and a degeneration of Henle fibers, to prevent a further increase in the degenerative cavitations.
Work, Childcare, or Both? Experimental Evidence on the Efficacy of Childcare Subsidies in Raising Parental Labor Supply
Authors: Zangger Christoph , Widmer Janine , Gilgen Sandra 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAs a policy tool aimed at raising parental labor supply, childcare subsidies come with high expectations. Using data from a factorial survey conducted in the City of Bern, Switzerland, we examine whether childcare subsidies reach their goal. Because of the simultaneity of the decision to take up a job and arranging childcare, we experimentally alter hypothetical income (e.g., gross earnings from a job, income from other sources) as well as aspects of the childcare setting including subsidy levels. Using an alternative-specific conditional logit model, we show that subsidies have the expected effect of increasing parents’ labor supply. Moreover, the results from simulations based on the estimated utility function show that varying subsidy levels have different effects on subgroups of parents. Subsidies are especially efficient in raising the labor supply of low-status parents, and especially for women. We also find that subsidies already have the desired effect at 25% of total childcare costs and that the marginal utility of higher subsidy levels decreases beyond that threshold. Subsidies covering 25% of the total costs for childcare lead to an approximately 2 h per week increase in the labor supply of women.
Moments of Moments and Branching Random Walks
Authors: Bailey E. C. , Keating J. P. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe calculate, for a branching random walk $$X_n(l)$$

X
n

(
l
)

to a leaf l at depth n on a binary tree, the positive integer moments of the random variable $$\frac{1}{2^{n}}\sum _{l=1}^{2^n}e^{2\beta X_n(l)}$$

1

2
n

∑

l
=
1

2
n

e

2
β

X
n

(
l
)

, for $$\beta \in {\mathbb {R}}$$

β
∈
R

. We obtain explicit formulae for the first few moments for finite n. In the limit $$n\rightarrow \infty $$

n
→
∞

, our expression coincides with recent conjectures and results concerning the moments of moments of characteristic polynomials of random unitary matrices, supporting the idea that these two problems, which both fall into the class of logarithmically correlated Gaussian random fields, are related to each other.
An adaptive MCMC method for Bayesian variable selection in logistic and accelerated failure time regression models
Authors: Wan Kitty Yuen Yi , Griffin Jim E. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBayesian variable selection is an important method for discovering variables which are most useful for explaining the variation in a response. The widespread use of this method has been restricted by the challenging computational problem of sampling from the corresponding posterior distribution. Recently, the use of adaptive Monte Carlo methods has been shown to lead to performance improvement over traditionally used algorithms in linear regression models. This paper looks at applying one of these algorithms (the adaptively scaled independence sampler) to logistic regression and accelerated failure time models. We investigate the use of this algorithm with data augmentation, Laplace approximation and the correlated pseudo-marginal method. The performance of the algorithms is compared on several genomic data sets.
Robust fitting for generalized additive models for location, scale and shape
Authors: Aeberhard William H. , Cantoni Eva , Marra Giampiero , Radice Rosalba 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe validity of estimation and smoothing parameter selection for the wide class of generalized additive models for location, scale and shape (GAMLSS) relies on the correct specification of a likelihood function. Deviations from such assumption are known to mislead any likelihood-based inference and can hinder penalization schemes meant to ensure some degree of smoothness for nonlinear effects. We propose a general approach to achieve robustness in fitting GAMLSSs by limiting the contribution of observations with low log-likelihood values. Robust selection of the smoothing parameters can be carried out either by minimizing information criteria that naturally arise from the robustified likelihood or via an extended Fellner–Schall method. The latter allows for automatic smoothing parameter selection and is particularly advantageous in applications with multiple smoothing parameters. We also address the challenge of tuning robust estimators for models with nonlinear effects by proposing a novel median downweighting proportion criterion. This enables a fair comparison with existing robust estimators for the special case of generalized additive models, where our estimator competes favorably. The overall good performance of our proposal is illustrated by further simulations in the GAMLSS setting and by an application to functional magnetic resonance brain imaging using bivariate smoothing splines.
Non-invariant submanifolds of locally decomposable golden Riemannian manifolds
Authors: Gök Mustafa , Kılıç Erol 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate any non-invariant submanifold of a locally decomposable golden Riemannian manifold in the case that the rank of the set of tangent vector fields of the induced structure on the submanifold by the golden structure of the ambient manifold is less than or equal to the codimension of the submanifold.
Security trends in Internet of Things: a survey
Authors: Rachit  , Bhatt Shobha , Ragiri Prakash Rao 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of embedded devices that are uniquely identifiable and have embedded software required to communicate between the transient states. The purpose of this study is to explore discrete IoT security challenges pertaining to currently deployed IoT standards and protocols. We have presented a detailed review in this study that focuses on IoT's imminent security aspects, covering identification of risks pertaining to the current IoT system, novel security protocols, and security projects proffered in recent years. This work presents an updated review of the IoT architecture in the protocols and standards that are proffered for the next-gen IoT systems. A security-specific comparative analysis of protocols, standards, and proffered security models are presented as per IoT security requirements. This study elicits the need for standardization at the communication and data audit level, which exposes the hardware, software, and data to various threats and attacks. Our study reveals a need for protocols that are competent enough to be accorded for over one threat vector. This paper provides an insight into the latest security research trends, which will prove beneficial in the development of IoT security. The research outcomes can benefit the research community in IoT by integrating IoT-based devices' best security aspects.
AI, Norms, Big Data, and the Law
Authors: HYDÉN Håkan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis is an overview article regarding artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential normative implications. Technology has always had inherent normative consequences not least due to AI and the use of algorithms. There is a crucial difference between algorithms in a technical sense and from a social-science perspective. It is a question of different orders of normativity—the first related to the algorithm as a technical instruction and the second to the consequences springing from the first order. I call these last-mentioned normsalgo norms. These are embedded in the technology and determined by the design of the AI. The outcome is an empirical question. AI andalgo normsare moving targets, which call for a novel scientific approach that relates to advanced practice. Law actualizes primarily for preventive reasons in relation to negative aspects of the new technology. No major regulatory scheme for AI exists. In the article, I point out some areas that raise the need for legal regulation. Finally, I comment on three main challenges for the digital development in relation to AI: (1) the energy costs; (2) the singularity point; and (3) the governance problems.
Ethnic and Immigrant Variations in the Time Trends of Dementia and Parkinsonism
Authors: Wong Jessica J. , Kwong Jeffrey C. , Tu Karen , Butt Debra A. , Wilton Andrew S. , Shah Baiju R. , Murray Brian J. , Kopp Alexander , Chen Hong 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT:

Objective:
We assessed long-term incidence and prevalence trends of dementia and parkinsonism across major ethnic and immigrant groups in Ontario.

Methods:
Linking administrative databases, we established two cohorts (dementia 2001–2014 and parkinsonism 2001–2015) of all residents aged 20 to 100 years with incident diagnosis of dementia (N = 387,937) or parkinsonism (N = 59,617). We calculated age- and sex-standardized incidence and prevalence of dementia and parkinsonism by immigrant status and ethnic groups (Chinese, South Asian, and the General Population). We assessed incidence and prevalence trends using Poisson regression and Cochran–Armitage trend tests.

Results:
Across selected ethnic groups, dementia incidence and prevalence were higher in long-term residents than recent or longer-term immigrants from 2001 to 2014. During this period, age- and sex-standardized incidence of dementia in Chinese, South Asian, and the General Population increased, respectively, among longer-term immigrants (by 41%, 58%, and 42%) and long-term residents (28%, 7%, and 4%), and to a lesser degree among recent immigrants. The small number of cases precluded us from assessing parkinsonism incidence trends. For Chinese, South Asian, and the General Population, respectively, prevalence of dementia and parkinsonism modestly increased over time among recent immigrants but significantly increased among longer-term immigrants (dementia: 134%, 217%, and 117%; parkinsonism: 55%, 54%, and 43%) and long-term residents (dementia: 97%, 132%, and 71%; parkinsonism: 18%, 30%, and 29%). Adjustment for pre-existing conditions did not appear to explain incidence trends, except for stroke and coronary artery disease as potential drivers of dementia incidence.

Conclusion:
Recent immigrants across major ethnic groups in Ontario had considerably lower rates of dementia and parkinsonism than long-term residents, but this difference diminished with longer-term immigrants.
Psychological contract breach and voluntary turnover among newcomers: the role of supervisor trustworthiness and negative affectivity
Authors: Lapointe Émilie , Vandenberghe Christian 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis article looks at the relationship between psychological contract breach and voluntary turnover among newcomers, using supervisor trustworthiness as a mediator and negative affectivity as a moderator. Relying on data from 243 newcomers, psychological contract breach was found to be negatively related to the three dimensions of supervisor trustworthiness, i.e., ability, benevolence, and integrity. Supervisor integrity further mediated a positive relationship between psychological contract breach and voluntary turnover measured 8 months later. Psychological contract breach interacted with negative affectivity such that it was less negatively related to dimensions of supervisor trustworthiness at high levels of negative affectivity. The indirect relationship of psychological contract breach to voluntary turnover as mediated by supervisor integrity was also weaker at high levels of negative affectivity. We discuss the implications of these findings for research and practice.
Spatial variation of East Asian winter monsoon evolution between northern and southern China since the last glacial maximum
Authors: Li Qin , Wu Haibin , Cheng Jun , Zhu Shuya , Zhang Chunxia , Wu Jianyu , Lin Yating , Li Pei , Ren Xiangbin , Zhao Deai , Zhang Yan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) is one of the most dynamic components of the global climate system. Although poorly understood, knowledge of long-term spatial differences in EAWM variability during the glacial–interglacial cycles is important for understanding the dynamic processes of the EAWM. We reconstructed the spatiotemporal characteristics of the EAWM since the last glacial maximum (LGM) using a comparison of proxy records and long-term transient simulations. A loess grain-size record from northern China (a sensitive EAWM proxy) and the sea surface temperature gradient of an EAWM index in sediments of the southern South China Sea were compared. The data–model comparison indicates pronounced spatial differences in EAWM evolution, with a weakened EAWM since the LGM in northern China but a strengthened EAWM from the LGM to the early Holocene, followed by a weakening trend, in southern China. The model results suggest that variations in the EAWM in northern China were driven mainly by changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration and Northern Hemisphere ice sheets, whereas orbital insolation and ice sheets were important drivers in southern China. We propose that the relative importance of insolation, ice sheets, and atmospheric CO2for EAWM evolution varied spatially within East Asia.
Abdominal obesity and risk of CVD: a dose–response meta-analysis of thirty-one prospective studies
Authors: Xue Ran , Li Qianwen , Geng Yaping , Wang Hao , Wang Fudi , Zhang Shenshen 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis meta-analysis aimed to study the relationship between abdominal obesity and the risk of CVD by waist circumference (WC), waist:hip ratio (WHR) and waist:height ratio (WHtR). We systematically searched PubMed, Embase and Web of Science. Prospective studies that estimated cardiovascular events by WC, WHR and WHtR were included in this study. Pooled relative risks with 95 % CI were calculated using random effects models. A total of thirty-one studies were included in the meta-analysis, including 669 560 participants and 25 214 cases. Compared the highest with the lowest category of WC, WHR and WHtR, the summary risk ratios were 1·43 (95 % CI, 1·30, 1·56, P < 0·001), 1·43 (95 % CI, 1·33, 1·54, P < 0·001) and 1·57 (95 % CI, 1·37, 1·79, P < 0·001), respectively. The linear dose–response analysis revealed that the risk of CVD increased by 3·4 % for each 10 cm increase of WC, and by 3·5 and 6·0 % for each 0·1 unit increase of WHR and WHtR in women, respectively. In men, the risk of CVD increased by 4·0 % for each 10 cm increase of WC, and by 4·0 and 8·6 % for each 0·1 unit increase of WHR and WHtR, respectively. Collectively, abdominal obesity is associated with an increased risk of CVD. WC, WHR and WHtR are good indicators for the prediction of CVD.
EVOLVING ETHNOGRAPHIES IN PLINY THE ELDER'S TRANSDANUBIAN EXEGESIS (HN4.80–1)
Authors: Hart Timothy C. 
Published: January 2021

In sections 4.80 and 4.81 of theHistoria Naturalis, Pliny the Elder describes the peoples living beyond the Danube River in his own day in the later first centuryc.e.:(4.80) ab eo in plenum quidem omnes Scytharum sunt gentes, uariae tamen litori adposita tenuere, alias Getae, Daci Romanis dicti, alias Sarmatae, Graecis Sauromatae, eorumque Hamaxobii aut Aorsi, alias Scythae degeneres et a seruis orti aut Trogodytae, mox Alani et Rhoxolani; superiora autem inter Danuuium et Hercynium saltum usque ad Pannonica hiberna Carnunti Germanorumque ibi confinium, campos et plana Iazyges Sarmatae, montes uero et saltus pulsi ab iis Daci ad Pathissum amnem. (4.81) a Maro, siue Duria est a Suebis regnoque Vanniano dirimens eos, auersa Basternae tenent aliique inde Germani. […] Scytharum nomen usquequaque transiit in Sarmatas atque Germanos. nec aliis prisca illa durauit appellatio quam qui extremi gentium harum, ignoti prope ceteris mortalibus, degunt.