bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is mesh pore size in polypropylene meshes associated with the outcome in Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair: a registry-based analysis of 22,141 patients
Authors: Albrecht H. C. , Trawa M. , Köckerling F. , Adolf D. , Hukauf M. , Riediger H. , Gretschel S. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Experimental data show that large-pored meshes reduce foreign body reaction, inflammation and scar bridging and thus improve mesh integration. However, clinical data on the effect of mesh porosity on the outcome of hernioplasty are limited. This study investigated the relation of pore size in polypropylene meshes to the outcome of Lichtenstein inguinal hernioplasty using data from the Herniamed registry.

Methods
This analysis of data from the Herniamed registry evaluated perioperative and 1-year follow-up outcomes in patients undergoing elective, primary, unilateral Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair using polypropylene meshes. Patients operated with a non-polypropylene mesh or a polypropylene mesh with absorbable components were excluded. Polypropylene meshes with a pore size of 1.0 × 1.0 mm or less were defined as small-pored meshes, while a pore size of more than 1.0 × 1.0 mm was considered large-pored.
Unadjusted analyses and multivariable analyses were performed to investigate the relation of pore size of polypropylene meshes, patient and surgical characteristics to the outcome parameters.

Results
Data from 22,141 patients were analyzed, of which 6853 (31%) were operated on with a small-pore polypropylene mesh and 15,288 (69%) with a large-pore polypropylene mesh. No association of mesh pore size with intraoperative, general or postoperative complications, recurrence rate or pain requiring treatment was found at 1-year follow-up. A lower risk of complication-related reoperation tended to be associated with small-pore size (p = 0.086). Furthermore, small-pore mesh repair was associated with a lower risk of pain at rest and pain on exertion at 1-year follow-up.

Conclusion
The present study could not demonstrate an advantage of large-pore polypropylene meshes for the outcome of Lichtenstein inguinal hernioplasty.
Enhanced interannual drought resilience in mixed stands: unveiling possible complementarity effects between tree species of the Spanish Northern Plateau
Authors: Jankowski Przemysław A. , Calama Rafael , Madrigal Guillermo , Pardos Marta 
Published: May 2024

AbstractClimate change is expected to intensify drought in the Mediterranean region. Previous studies indicate that tree species mixing may reduce the water stress. Our study investigates the response to past drought events of four co-occurring Mediterranean species: Pinus pinea L. (stone pine), Pinus pinaster Ait. (maritime pine), Juniperus thurifera L. (Spanish juniper) and Quercus ilex L (holm oak). The study was performed at an interannual scale, both in monospecific and mixed stands. Annual tree ring widths data measured on increment cores and stem discs obtained from 281 trees were used to quantify the responses to drought events using complementary resilience indices. Additionally, we assessed tree intra- and inter-specific competition impact over the past 25 years. We fitted and compared generalised linear mixed models to determine the influence of species identity, stand composition as intra-specific and inter-specific competition on complementary resilience indices and annual basal area increment. The co-existence with other species enhanced the resistance to drought of the stone pine as the resilience capacity of the Spanish juniper. Conversely, maritime pine’s drought resistance declined considerably in mixed stands. Notably, only the anisohydric species Spanish juniper and holm oak were able to return to pre-disturbance growth rates after the drought. The influence of competition on tree growth was found to differ according to the hydrological conditions of each year and varied based on the specific source of competition. Our study showed that mixed stands in the Spanish Northern Plateau, especially with holm oak and Spanish juniper, are more resilient to prolonged droughts due to spatio-temporal complementarity and subsequent competition reduction. That is another reason for which such composed mixed stands should be promoted in the arid conditions of the Spanish Northern Plateau.
Aligning Event-Related Potentials with Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation for Modulation—a Review
Authors: Boetzel Cindy , Stecher Heiko I. , Herrmann Christoph S. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis review aims to demonstrate the connections between event-related potentials (ERPs), event-related oscillations (EROs), and non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), with a specific focus on transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). We begin with a short examination and discussion of the relation between ERPs and EROs. Then, we investigate the diverse fields of NIBS, highlighting tACS as a potent tool for modulating neural oscillations and influencing cognitive performance. Emphasizing the impact of tACS on individual ERP components, this article offers insights into the potential of conventional tACS for targeted stimulation of single ERP components. Furthermore, we review recent articles that explore a novel approach of tACS: ERP-aligned tACS. This innovative technique exploits the temporal precision of ERP components, aligning tACS with specific neural events to optimize stimulation effects and target the desired neural response. In conclusion, this review combines current knowledge to explore how ERPs, EROs, and NIBS interact, particularly highlighting the modulatory possibilities offered by tACS. The incorporation of ERP-aligned tACS introduces new opportunities for future research, advancing our understanding of the complex connection between neural oscillations and cognitive processes.
Stochastic ordering in multivariate extremes
Authors: Corradini Michela , Strokorb Kirstin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe article considers the multivariate stochastic orders of upper orthants, lower orthants and positive quadrant dependence (PQD) among simple max-stable distributions and their exponent measures. It is shown for each order that it holds for the max-stable distribution if and only if it holds for the corresponding exponent measure. The finding is non-trivial for upper orthants (and hence PQD order). From dimension $$d\ge 3$$

d
≥
3

these three orders are not equivalent and a variety of phenomena can occur. However, every simple max-stable distribution PQD-dominates the corresponding independent model and is PQD-dominated by the fully dependent model. Among parametric models the asymmetric Dirichlet family and the Hüsler-Reiß family turn out to be PQD-ordered according to the natural order within their parameter spaces. For the Hüsler-Reiß family this holds true even for the supermodular order.
Studying tomato brown rugose fruit virus longevity in soil and virion susceptibility to pH treatments helped improve virus control by soil disinfection
Authors: Molad Ori , Smith Elisheva , Luria Neta , Bakelman Elena , Lachman Oded , Reches Meital , Dombrovsky Aviv 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background and aims
Tobamoviruses are highly stable soil-borne pathogens posing a challenge to a monoculture practice. Biochemical and physical properties of tobamovirus virions were studied by analyses of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). Little is known about tomato brown rugose fruit tobamovirus (ToBRFV) regarding longevity in soil and virion stability. Our aims were to determine ToBRFV longevity in naturally-contaminated soil and study virion stability in a range of acidic and alkaline conditions to promote new strategies for soil remediation.

Methods
ToBRFV longevity in naturally-contaminated soil was tested by collecting an earth pile after a growth-cycle of ToBRFV-infected tomato plants. The soil was sampled at different time points and root-truncated tomato seedlings were planted. Virion stability at a range of pH values was determined by testing virus infectivity on Nicotiana glutinosa; by amplifying large genome segments using RT-PCR; and by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) visualization.

Results
ToBRFV-infectivity in naturally-contaminated soil was profoundly reduced by day 184 of pile-age and was abolished between 205 and 385 days of pile-age. Virion stability and genome integrity were preserved over the pH range of 2-10. At pH 1, ToBRFV-infectivity and efficiency of large genome segment amplifications were reduced. At pH values above 10, modified particle morphologies were visualized by TEM, and virus infectivity was abolished. Treatment of ToBRFV-contaminated soil with an alkaline chlorinated-trisodium phosphate solution profoundly reduced soil-mediated virus infection of root-truncated tomato seedlings.

Conclusions
pH values above 10 compromised ToBRFV particle morphology, genome integrity, and virus infectivity. An alkaline disinfectant enhanced soil remediation following natural ToBRFV contamination.
Enacted institutions, participatory sense-making and social norms
Authors: Werner Konrad 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis paper argues that institutions are higher-level autonomous systems enacted by patterns of participatory sense-making. Therefore, unlike in the standard equilibrium theory, institutions are not themselves thought of as behavioural patterns. Instead, they are problem domains that these patterns have brought forth. Moreover, these are not merely any patterns, but only those devoted to maintaining a specific strategy of problem solving, called the strategy of ‘letting be’. The latter refers to, following Hanne de Jaegher, a balance between underdetermination and overdetermination of individual behaviour by a collective. Such an understanding of institutions becomes an option once a hybrid ‘equilibrium + rules’ theory of institutions, such as the one proposed by Frank Hindriks, is supplemented with insights from enactivism. In this light, drawing a connection between these two areas is the additional, meta-theoretical goal of this paper. This connection is beneficial, I argue, in particular since it allows for a satisfactory, in-depth account of the normative character of institutions as well as their local character.
Rethinking core affect: the role of dominance
in animal behaviour and welfare research
Authors: Carranza-Pinedo Víctor 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis paper critically examines the philosophical underpinnings of
current experimental investigation into animal affect-related decision-making.
Animals’ affective states are standardly operationalised by linking
positively valenced states with “approach” behaviours and negatively
valenced states with “avoidance” behaviours. While this
operationalisation has provided a helpful starting point to investigate the
ecological role of animals’ internal states, there is extensive evidence that
valenced and motivational states do not always neatly align, namely, instances where
“liking” does not entail “wanting” (and vice versa). To
address this limitation, this paper proposes the (re-)integration of dominance as a dimension of affect. In particular, I
argue that dominance, construed as a measure of organisms’ self-assessed
behavioural control, can provide the necessary nuance to understand animal
affect-related decision-making. Thus, after addressing the theoretical and
methodological challenges related to incorporating dominance into a definition of
“core affect”, this paper introduces the
“Valence-Arousal-Dominance” model of animal affect. This model is
explored for its potential applications in two domains. Firstly, in the study of
animal affect-related decision-making under predation risk, and secondly, in the
study of animal wellbeing. Through these applications, this model aims to bring
experimental paradigms of animal affect-related behaviour closer to ecologically
relevant scenarios.
Photon-counting detector computed tomography for metal artifact reduction: a comparative study of different artifact reduction techniques in patients with orthopedic implants
Authors: Pallasch Fabian Bernhard , Rau Alexander , Reisert Marco , Rau Stephan , Diallo Thierno , Stein Thomas , Faby Sebastian , Bamberg Fabian , Weiss Jakob 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Artifacts caused by metallic implants remain a challenge in computed tomography (CT). We investigated the impact of photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) for artifact reduction in patients with orthopedic implants with respect to image quality and diagnostic confidence using different artifact reduction approaches.

Material and methods
In this prospective study, consecutive patients with orthopedic implants underwent PCD-CT imaging of the implant area. Four series were reconstructed for each patient (clinical standard reconstruction [PCD-CTStd], monoenergetic images at 140 keV [PCD-CT140keV], iterative metal artifact reduction (iMAR) corrected [PCD-CTiMAR], combination of iMAR and 140 keV monoenergetic [PCD-CT140keV+iMAR]). Subsequently, three radiologists evaluated the reconstructions in a random and blinded manner for image quality, artifact severity, anatomy delineation (adjacent and distant), and diagnostic confidence using a 5-point Likert scale (5 = excellent). In addition, the coefficient of variation [CV] and the relative quantitative artifact reduction potential were obtained as objective measures.

Results
We enrolled 39 patients with a mean age of 67.3 ± 13.2 years (51%; n = 20 male) and a mean BMI of 26.1 ± 4 kg/m2. All image quality measures and diagnostic confidence were significantly higher for the iMAR vs. non-iMAR reconstructions (all p < 0.001). No significant effect of the different artifact reduction approaches on CV was observed (p = 0.26). The quantitative analysis indicated the most effective artifact reduction for the iMAR reconstructions, which was higher than PCD-CT140keV (p < 0.001).

Conclusion
PCD-CT allows for effective metal artifact reduction in patients with orthopedic implants, resulting in superior image quality and diagnostic confidence with the potential to improve patient management and clinical decision making.
Tailoring Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Additively Manufactured Inconel 625 by Remelting Strategy in Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Ledwig Piotr , Pasiowiec Hubert , Cichocki Kamil , Lisiecka-Graca Paulina , Gola Kewin , Wróbel Rafał , Dubiel Beata 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the effect of laser power applied for a remelting scan in the laser powder bed fusion process on the formation of a bimodal microstructure and its impact on the mechanical properties of Ni-based Inconel 625 superalloy. Comparison of primary and remelting scans at similar surface energy densities revealed that the melt pools obtained in the remelting scan are smaller than in the primary scan. To achieve comparable remelted melt pool sizes, the 25 pct increase in energy is required. The shape and size of the remelted melt pools significantly affect the microstructure and material texture. The lower surface energy density in laser powder bed fusion favors the formation of a bimodal microstructure with large columnar grains and fine grain bands. Application of higher energy results in the formation of large columnar grains with Goss texture along build direction and separated by a large amount of low angle grain boundaries. Remelting scan also affects reduction of porosity and increasing of the area fraction of nanometric oxide inclusions. The study revealed that the samples subjected to a remelting laser scan and tensile tested along the direction of columnar grains exhibited higher ductility, which was associated with a slight decrease in the ultimate tensile strength compared to the samples that were not remelted. It was demonstrated that the remelting scan in the laser powder bed fusion process offers the possibility of improving the reliability of additively manufactured Inconel 625 superalloy by reducing porosity and tailoring its microstructure towards single-crystal-like, and thus improving the mechanical properties.
Graphical Abstract
Factors Influencing the Resilience of Created Tidal Marshes in the Fraser River Estuary, British Columbia
Authors: Stewart Daniel , Lievesley Megan , Paterson James E. , Hennigar Daniel , Ingham Robyn , Knight Rob , Mason Brad , Balke Eric 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMore than 100 tidal marsh creation projects were constructed throughout the Fraser River Estuary, British Columbia, Canada from the 1980s to present. Past studies described and evaluated many of these projects and found varied success, but the underlying factors that determine project outcomes remain uncertain. Combining field sampling, spatial analysis, and statistical modeling of plant communities, we aim to address this knowledge gap by asking what factors influence the resilience of created marshes, as measured by (1) persistence of marsh vegetation, (2) native species dominance, and (3) species richness. We observed marsh recession in 40 of the 78 projects visited, representing 23,666 m2 (9.3%) of the 254,357 m2 of created marsh surveyed. Increases in mean site elevation had a negative effect on percent recessed area, while sites in the north branch of the river and sites further upriver were more prone to recession. From field observations and data interpretation we suggest that wake erosion and Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) herbivory may be drivers behind these losses and warrant further investigation. Dominance of native species declined with distance upriver, though invasive cattail (Typha angustifolia, T. × glauca) defied this trend, dominating outer estuary sites, particularly closed embayments, when present. Native and non-native richness shared similar patterns and were comparable between reference and created marshes, increasing on average with elevation and distance upriver. These findings offer insight into how site design and location influence the outcome of marsh creation projects, and the challenges presented by stressors and environmental change in estuaries.
Contact Breast Injuries Among Female Athletes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bibby Kilian , Kenny Ian C. , Cahalan Róisín , Purtill Helen , Comyns Tom M. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Robust surveillance of injury aetiology and epidemiology is recognised as fundamental for effective injury reduction and management programmes. However, while sex-specific differences in injury type and nature are noted in the literature, it is unclear if these are reflected in surveillance practices, and how the athlete is affected.

Objective
Therefore, this study aimed to systematically review contact breast injuries (CBIs) among adult female athletes.

Methods
The following databases were searched: PubMed, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus including MEDLINE, Web of Science and Scopus. The literature search was conducted in May 2023 and the search was limited to articles in the English and German language. Studies including female athletes, aged 18 years and above, in any sports (team or individual) at any level (amateur, semi-professional and professional), where an occurrence of CBI was documented were included. Studies were included irrespective of their investigated timeframes (e.g. the whole career, one or multiple seasons). Findings were categorised (e.g. sport, level of competition and investigated timeframe of the study) to enable possible comparisons. Case studies were excluded due to the non-generalisability of findings.

Results
Of the six studies included, rugby codes (rugby union, rugby league and rugby sevens) had the highest occurrence rate (62.0%) of CBIs among eight different investigated sports (rugby codes 62.0%, softball 59.5%, Australian Football League (AFL) 51.0%, water polo 50.0%, soccer 46.7%, basketball 27.6–48.8%, volleyball 34.6%, boxing 0.0%). Between 25.6% and 62.0% of participants reported incurring a CBI and between 0.0% and 42.9% of CBIs were reported to a medical professional or support staff. The reported treatment rate for CBIs ranged between 0.0% and 2.1%, The main mechanisms for CBIs (where reported) were contact with another athlete (AFL 37.6%, rugby codes 56%) the ball (AFL 31.6%, rugby codes 25.5%) and the ground (AFL 6.6%, rugby codes 22%). Between 18.2% and 48% of the participants reported that CBIs negatively affected their performance. Risk factors increasing CBIs were positional differences, larger breast size and higher body mass index (BMI). In-season injury data collection and surveillance supported through education of both players and medical staff were identified to be of relevance for future CBI prevention. None of the studies reported incidence rate.

Conclusion
Despite the frequent occurrence of CBIs among female athletes, reporting and treatment remains low. Awareness and education of all stakeholders are fundamental to ensuring better breast safety in female sport. Identifying the mechanics, severity and risk factors of CBIs through thorough injury surveillance must be a focus of further research.

Registration
The study was preregistered on Open Science Framework (OSF).
A kinetic theory approach to modeling prey–predator ecosystems with expertise levels: analysis, simulations and stability considerations
Authors: Menale Marco , Venturino Ezio 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this paper a kinetic modeling approach for an ecological system is proposed, based on the prey–predator structure in terms of individuals experience. Specifically, a system of nonlinear kinetic equations is formulated using standard tools. Both conservative and nonconservative events are considered since proliferative/destructive rates and an external force field occur. These results are compared to the ones of the classical theory of dynamical system to show their consistency. In addition to a first local analytical result, some numerical simulations are performed. The results thus obtained ensure that the kinetic model behaves in a way consistent with other similar ecological models formulated by dynamical systems, involving ordinary differential equations with lumped dependent variables. For each simulation, stationary solutions are shown. Moreover, oscillations appear for some values of the parameters of the ecological system, and this suggests that bifurcations may appear.
Do visual depictions of monster orcs involve visual racial stereotypes? A brief report
Authors: Ferguson Christopher J. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractOrcs are monsters with origins in Irish folklore popularized in the Lord of the Rings book and movie series, and also widely used in the Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) game systems. In recent years, controversies have arisen regarding whether orcs involve racist depictions or may promote racism in real life. Recent evidence from other studies finds that playing D&D is not associated with real-life racism, and most people including people of color don’t find depictions of orcs to be offensive or racist. However, it may still be possible that racist stereotypes are used in visual depictions of orcs. The current study sought to address this with a content analysis of 78 images of orcs from the D&D game or from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies from the 1970s and 2000s. Use of racist stereotypes were very rare in visual depictions of orcs and incidental when they did occur. Evidence did not support that visual depictions of orcs depended upon visual stereotypes of real-life human groups.