bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel 6‐Benzyl‐2‐benzylidene‐2H‐thiazolo[3,2‐b][1,2,4]triazine‐3,7‐diones as Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors
Authors: Liu Si‐jie , Zhao Xing , Zhang Zhi‐hui , Wang Juan , He Jing‐yu
Published: March 2022

In order to search for high activity acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, novel 2H‐thiazole[3,2‐b][1,2,4]triazine‐3,7‐diones were synthesized by substituted benzaldehyde, bromoacetonitrile and 6‐benzyl‐3‐thio‐3,4‐dihydro‐1,2,4‐triazine‐5(2H)‐one in one pot under the assistance of ultrasound. The synthesis possible reaction mechanism were proposed. The structures of the target compounds were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS. All the target compounds had inhibitory activity against AChE, and the compound 6‐benzyl‐2‐(4‐methoxybenzylidene)‐2H‐thiazolo[3,2‐b]‐1,2,4‐triazine‐3,7‐dione had the best activity (0.37±0.02 μM) according to the activity experimental results. The binding mode of the compound and AChE was studied by molecular docking. 2H‐thiazole[3,2‐b][1,2,4]triazine‐3,7‐diones could provide reference for the development of new AChE inhibitors with independent intellectual property rights.
Modification of High‐Density Polyethylene through the Grafting of Methyl Methacrylate Using RAFT Technique and Preparation of Its Polymer/Clay Nanocomposites**
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Mehdi , Abbasian Mojtaba , Ghodsi Leila , Karaj‐Abad Saber Ghasemi , Acar Metin Hayri , Mahmoodzadeh Farideh , Jaymand Mehdi
Published: March 2022

A well‐defined method for discovering an easy and effective strategy through graft copolymer derived from poly (methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) as a monomer, high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) and its organoclay nanocomposite with physicochemical and mechanical properties was successfully prepared by reversible addition‐fragmentation transfer (RAFT) polymerization, and factors organoclay (Cloisite® 20 A) on the terminal features of the obtained graft copolymer were investigated. First, maleic anhydride (MA) was grafted onto HDPE directed by, the inauguration of an anhydride chain with ethanolamine to develop a hydroxylated high‐density polyethylene (HDPE‐OH). After that, the hydroxyl masses were esterified by using RAFT agent, 4‐cyano‐4‐[(phenyl carbon thionyl) sulfanyl valeric acid to obtain HDPE‐CTA macroinitiator. Then, the MMA monomer was grafted onto HDPE via the RAFT method to obtain the HDPE‐g‐PMMA graft copolymer. In the end, HDPE‐g‐PMMA/clay nanocomposite by a solution intercalation method was synthesized. The structures of the, copolymer and nanocomposite were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. It explores for the synthesis of HDPE‐g‐PMMA/clay nanocomposites, disclosed a foliated structure. Based on the thermic behavior, synthesized HDPE‐g‐PMMA/clay nanocomposites can display the above thermic solidity with just some extent (5) of organoclay.
Thermal Behavior and Photovoltaic Application of NiII and CoIII Complexes with Substituted o‐Iminobenzoquinone Ligands
Authors: Pashanova Kira I. , Lazarev Nikolay M. , Kukinov Andrey A. , Zolotukhin Alexey A. , Kovylina Tatyana A. , Trofimova Olesya Yu. , Petrov Boris I. , Piskunov Alexandr V.
Published: March 2022

The thermal properties and an opportunity for photovoltaic applications were studied for a series of transition metal complexes derived on functionalized o‐aminophenols ‐ mixed‐valent CoIII compounds and bis‐o‐iminobenzosemiquinonato NiII complexes. TGA and DSC explored the thermal behavior of compounds in the solid state. EI‐MS established the vapor phase composition. The temperature dependences of a saturated vapor pressure were measured by the Knudsen effusion method with the weight registration of the sublimated substance. Based on the volatility study data, the thermodynamic parameters of a sublimation process were calculated. A high absorptivity distinguishes metal complexes under investigation at visible and NIR regions (i. e., vis/NIR dyes) and, thus, were tested as photosensitizers in the fabricated dye‐sensitized solar cells. The photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) was estimated for devices with the NiII derivatives. The CoIII complexes demonstrated the absence of photovoltaic potential.
Configuring subsidiary performance in ambidextrous networks: The role of top management team diversity and autonomy
Authors: Dahms Sven , Cabrilo Sladjana , Kingkaew Suthikorn
Published: March 2022

Subsidiaries are at the frontline of value creation in modern multinational enterprises. This research is among the first to apply an asset bundling framework to investigate how foreign‐owned subsidiaries achieve higher performance outcomes via ambidextrous network management, that is, with strong exploitative (intraorganizational) as well as strong explorative (interorganizational) network relationships, in emerging markets. Ambidextrous network management may be supplemented by decision‐making autonomy and top management team national diversity. The framework is tested on a sample of subsidiaries located in both Thailand and Singapore. The analysis revealed several configurations that make subsidiaries with ambidextrous networks become successful. Our findings demonstrate to subsidiary managers that exploitation and exploration are complementary for long‐term success in a subsidiary, but that the relative balance between the two is likely to vary according to the nature of subsidiary context‐specific assets.
The role of the diaspora in international sport entrepreneurship
Authors: Ratten Vanessa
Published: March 2022

Sport is one of the most international industries in the world and relies on entrepreneurship to ensure its competitiveness. Due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, the sport industry had to rapidly change and adjust to international border closures and reduced physical contact activity. Many people involved in the sport industry are located outside of their home country and form part of the diaspora network of sport professionals. The diaspora is highly active in the sport industry in terms of disseminating ideas and utilizing their social networks for international entrepreneurial purposes. The aim of this article is to examine the impact of the diaspora on international sport entrepreneurship thereby contributing a novel approach to the international entrepreneurship, sport entrepreneurship and diaspora entrepreneurship fields in a way that has not been contemplated before. A qualitative research methodology is employed to interview sport entrepreneurs about their diaspora and international entrepreneurship activities. This enables a holistic understanding about the role of international public/private partnerships for the success of innovative and futuristic entrepreneurial sport activity. A theoretical framework based on the interview data was developed that incorporated a three‐level process of international drivers, diaspora types and sport entrepreneurship outcomes. A number of research propositions were then derived from the data that highlight how the sport industry is highly international and relies on internationalization to foster new business activity. Policy and managerial implications about the role of diaspora for international sport entrepreneurship are highlighted together with future research suggestions.
Is lead‐free .22 long rifle ammunition worth a shot?
Authors: McTee Michael , Ramsey Philip
Published: March 2022

Scavengers may ingest lead bullet fragments embedded in carcasses and offal left behind from hunting. Most studies focus on big game hunting as a primary source of lead exposure. Yet, millions of small mammals are shot annually for damage control and recreation. Ammunition manufacturers have responded to new regulations and accompanying hunter demand for lead‐free bullets by introducing new products. Yet, few lead‐free bullets are commercially available for the .22 long rifle, despite being the most popular cartridge in the world. We measured the precision of lead‐free CCI Copper‐22 ammunition fired from 5 rifles. At 46 m (50 yards), the Copper‐22 achieved comparable group sizes to lead‐based ammunition for 4 of the 5 rifles. Average group sizes of the Copper‐22 ranged from 17 mm to 53 mm (0.7–2.1 in), depending on the rifle. Our testing indicates the Copper‐22 bullets offer suitable precision for hunting and shooting small mammals.
Postmodern Air Power and the Western Way of War
Authors: Osinga Frans
Published: March 2022

Arguably, while the Western way of war has come to be defined and dominated by the employment of advanced airpower capabilities, how airpower is generated, which logic and considerations inform air operations, and which command processes are involved in planning and conducting air operations are generally poorly understood. Through the lens of the evolution of air warfare, this chapter offers a discussion of air operations: those activities that produce air power. Informed by a Western perspective, it traces the evolution of air power through the decades of interstate warfare to the first decade after the Cold War. These decades of experience spawned current procedures for conducting air operations. This is followed by an overview of developments since 9/11, showing how air operations are now effective in engaging small groups of non-state actors. It concludes with signifying what, as a result of advances in the past three decades, is currently considered the potential military and political value of precision age air operations.
Player Reception of Change and Stability in Character Mechanics
Authors: Välisalo Tanja , Ruotsalainen Maria
Published: March 2022

Change is a constant element of online games, and Overwatch as well as its playable characters have been through multiple changes since the launch of the game in 2016. In this chapter, we examine the relationships players have with the playable characters of Overwatch and specifically the role that character mechanics have in these relationships. Changes to game characters are a topic of avid discussion in Overwatch communities and evoke articulations of the meaning of game characters for the players.
A Region of Contenders: Overwatch in Brazil
Authors: Caetano Mayara
Published: March 2022

This chapter discusses the perceptions of Overwatch (Blizzard 2016) in the context of fragile Brazilian esports structures. Applying content and sentiment analysis to media materials published on Brazilian competitive Overwatch, this chapter provides insight into the scene’s working conditions, infrastructural issues, and the community. In conclusion, the argument is that the infrastructural particularities of the country combined with careless decisions and neglectful organizational attitudes compromised the potential of the game’s local esports scene, transforming competitive Overwatch into an unpleasant experience for the majority of Brazilian players. This culminated in the shutdown of the official Contenders competition in 2021.
Returned, Yet Still Not Back: The ‘Status Paradox’ of International Female Migrants Returning to Albania
Authors: Danaj Ermira
Published: March 2022

This chapter focuses on the group of women who migrated internationally. To distinguish them from the women who migrated abroad for education (Chap. 10.1007/978-3-030-92092-0_7) but to avoid limiting this group to only women who migrated for work purposes, I refer to them as international migrant women. Common to this whole group is that after their international migration experience, they returned to Tirana instead of their hometowns. The majority of the women in this group are married, while two are single, and two are divorced. The women who form the core of this chapter are the following:
International Student Returnees: Nowhere at Home
Authors: Danaj Ermira
Published: March 2022

In this chapter, I explore the experiences of female migrants who migrated to undertake undergraduate or graduate studies rather than specifically for economic or work reasons. I analyse a group of female student migrants who returned to Tirana after their international migratory trajectories. Unlike the other group of international migrants introduced in Chap. 5 all the women in this group migrated with regular student visas and documents, and their destination countries are not limited to Greece and Italy but encompass a wider area.
Scattering amplitudes in the Regge limit and the soft anomalous dimension through four loops
Authors: Falcioni Giulio , Gardi Einan , Maher Niamh , Milloy Calum , Vernazza Leonardo
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Using rapidity evolution equations we study two-to-two gauge-theory scattering amplitudes in the Regge limit. We carry out explicit computations at next-to-next-to-leading logarithmic accuracy through four loops and present new results for both infrared-singular and finite contributions to the amplitude. New techniques are devised in order to derive the colour structure stemming from three-Reggeon exchange diagrams in terms of commutators of channel operators, obtaining results that are valid for any gauge group, and apply to scattered particles in any colour representation. We also elucidate the separation between contributions to the Regge cut and Regge pole in the real part of the amplitude to all loop orders. We show that planar contributions due to multiple-Reggeon exchange diagrams can be factorised as a Regge pole along with the single-Reggeon exchange, and when this is done, the singular part of the gluon Regge trajectory is directly determined by the cusp anomalous dimension. We explicitly compute the Regge cut component of the amplitude through four loops and show that it is non-planar. From a different perspective, the new results provide important information on soft singularities in general kinematics beyond the planar limit: by comparing the computed corrections to the general form of the four-loop soft anomalous dimension we derive powerful constraints on its kinematic dependence, opening the way for a bootstrap-based determination.
Outcome of laparotomy and conservative treatment of patients with acute mesenteric venous ischemia with viable bowel
Authors: Emile Sameh Hany , Elmetwally Ahmed Magdy , AbdelMawla Ahmed
Published: March 2022

Background

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is one of the most serious abdominal emergencies. Predicting the onset of bowel necrosis that warrants surgical intervention is of paramount importance in AMI. The present study aimed to investigate the outcome of patients with AMI secondary to mesenteric venous occlusion (MVO) and the consequence of non-therapeutic exploratory laparotomy.

Methods

The records of 132 patients with AMI were retrospectively reviewed. The outcome of patients with acute mesenteric venous ischemia (AMVI) and viable bowel was analyzed based on the method of treatment: conservative versus surgical. The impact of non-therapeutic laparotomy on the outcome of patients with AMVI in terms of morbidity, readmission, and mortality was analyzed.

Results

Forty-seven patients (34 male) with AMVI had viable bowel. Of the 47 patients with viable bowel, 8 (17%) had an exploratory non-therapeutic laparotomy, whereas 39 patients were treated conservatively. Patients who had non-therapeutic laparotomy had significantly higher complication (50 vs 5.1%, p = 0.005) and readmission rates (37.5 vs 5.1%, p = 0.03) and longer hospital stay (8.5 vs 7 days, p = 0.02) than those treated conservatively. Patients with bowel necrosis who had a therapeutic laparotomy had slightly lower rates of morbidity and mortality as compared to patients with viable bowel who underwent a non-therapeutic laparotomy.

Conclusion

Careful assessment and informed decision-making in patients with AMVI are crucial to avoid unnecessary surgical intervention that can result in higher rates of complications and readmission and extended hospital stay.
Immuntherapien in der Uroonkologie
Authors: Burger Ralph , Jarczyk Jonas , Westhoff Niklas , Worst Thomas S. , Herrmann Jonas , Merx Kirsten , Weidner Anja , Unglaub Petra , Müller Markus , Nuhn Philipp , Michel Maurice Stephan , von Hardenberg Jost
Published: March 2022

Hintergrund

Immun-Checkpoint-Inhibitoren (ICI) sind seit wenigen Jahren in der Uroonkologie zugelassen. Real-world-Erfahrung zu Nutzen und Risiken bei neuartigen Nebenwirkungen liegt kaum vor.

Material und Methoden

In einer retrospektiven Analyse wurden an zwei Krankenhäusern in Deutschland von 2016–2021 Patienten erfasst, die aufgrund eines metastasierten Nierenzell- (NCC) oder Urothelkarzinoms (UCA) eine ICI-Therapie erhielten. Es wurde das radiologische Ansprechen, das progressionsfreie Überleben (PFS) sowie Nebenwirkungen, die zu einer Therapieunterbrechung führten, erhoben. Das onkologische Ansprechen wurde den Zulassungsstudien gegenübergestellt.

Ergebnisse

Bei 145 Patienten (111 Männer [77 %] und 34 Frauen [23 %]) wurden 1185 ICI-Zyklen appliziert. 64 (44,1  %) Patienten mit NCC und 81 (55,9 %) Patienten mit UCA erhielten eine ICI-Therapie. Von 141 Patienten mit Verlaufsbildgebung wurde ein objektives Ansprechen bei 21,3 % (n = 13) der Patienten mit NCC und 20,0 % (n = 16) mit UCA beobachtet (mediane Ansprechdauer 14,9 (3,0–51,3) Monate). Das PFS betrug bei Patienten mit NCC im Median 5,3 Monate und mit UCA 4,8 Monate. ICI-assoziierte Nebenwirkungen mit der Notwendigkeit einer Therapieunterbrechung wurden bei 17,2 % der NCC- und 20,9  % der UCA-Patienten beobachtet. Hierbei handelte es sich am häufigsten um renale (5,5 %: Nephritis) und gastrointestinale (4,8 %: Kolitis, Diarrhö) Nebenwirkungen. 22 (15,1 %) Patienten mussten deshalb hospitalisiert werden.

Schlussfolgerung

Diese Real-world-Erfahrung kann die patientenzentrierte Beratung in der Therapieentscheidung unterstützen. Weitere Studien zu prognostischen Faktoren sind notwendig. Therapieunterbrechungen sind häufig und das Nebenwirkungsspektrum erfordert eine interdisziplinäre Behandlung.
Inflation expectations and consumer spending: the role of household balance sheets
Authors: Lieb Lenard , Schuffels Johannes
Published: March 2022

Research interest in the reaction of consumption to expected inflation has increased in recent years due to efforts by central banks to kick-start demand by steering inflation expectations. We contribute to this literature by analysing whether various components of households’ balance sheets determine how consumption reacts to expected inflation. Two channels in particular are conceivable: an increase in inflation expectations can raise consumption through direct increases in expected real wealth, e.g. for households with nominal financial liabilities. By affecting the real interest rate, expected inflation can interact with wealth if only those households can adapt their consumption to current real interest rates that are not budget-constrained or sufficiently liquid to shift funds between consumption and savings. We investigate these channels empirically using household-level information on balance sheets, durable consumption and inflation expectations from the Dutch Central Bank’s Household Survey. We find that investments in risky assets as well as net worth moderates the relation between expected inflation and durable spending decisions. The net worth effect is most pronounced for households with fixed interest rate mortgages.
Pelvic and spinal postural changes between standing-sitting positions following lumbosacral fusion: a pilot study
Authors: Borgeaud Thomas , Le Huec Jean-Charles , Faundez Antonio
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Prospective pre-operative and post-operative comparative analysis of radiographic spino-pelvic parameters between sitting versus standing positions of patients with LS fusion, to detect adaptation mechanisms around fused spinal segments.

Methods

Sixteen patients aged 53.9 ± 15.9 who underwent LS fusion between L3 and S1 were extracted from the database of an ongoing prospective study. Different spino-pelvic parameters were evaluated on full spine X-rays, standing, then sitting straight. Parameters were compared pre-operative versus post-operative, and on standing versus sitting X-rays.

Results

Preliminary results revealed a significantly greater pre-operative pelvic tilt (PT) in sitting than standing posture, (p = 0.020) but not in post-operative (p = 0.087). After surgery, PT was lower in sitting compared to pre-operative (p = 0.034) but not in standing (p = 0.245). L4–S1 lordosis was lower in sitting than standing in pre-operative (p = 0.014) and post-operative (p = 0.021). Surgery decreased segmental lordosis above the fusion (PSL, proximal sagittal lordosis) in sitting (p = 0.039) but not in standing (p = 0.193). No significant differences in thoracic kyphosis (TK) were observed. Fusions down to L5 versus S1 showed no significant differences for PT and PSL, neither in sitting versus standing, nor pre-operative versus post-operative.

Conclusion

Before fusion, compared to standing, PT increases in sitting straight posture (pelvic retroversion), and the lumbar spine adapts by decreasing its lordosis, mainly at L4–S1. After fusion, the segments adjacent to the instrumented section, adapt in flexion at lumbosacral and thoracolumbar junctions, i.e. just below and above (PSL). This might have mechanical implications for the occurrence of adjacent segment disease.
Study of the spectroscopic, magnetic, and electrical behavior of PVDF/PEO blend incorporated with nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) nanoparticles
Authors: Elashmawi I. S. , Ismail A. M.
Published: March 2022

Pure nickel ferrite nanoparticles (NiFe2O4 NPs) were prepared by the solvothermal method. Different concentrations of NiFe2O4 were added to PVDF/PEO blend to prepare the PVDF/PEO-NiFe2O4 nanocomposite films. The films were characterized using different techniques in detail. Pure NiFe2O4 NPs images have a semispherical shape and roundness of the edges, with average particle size ~ 4.3–8.8 nm, and polycrystalline structure. Pure NiFe2O4 NPs show that micrometrical agglomeration suggests the presence of pore-free crystallites on the surface. The spectroscopic techniques such as XRD, FTIR, and UV–visible have confirmed the interaction between PVDF/PEO and NiFe2O4 NPs. Still, the nanocomposites exhibit a smooth surface with typical spherulitic clusters revealing the semi-crystalline structure of the PVDF/PEO-NiFe2O4 nanocomposites. The values of ε′ and ε″ were increased as an increase of NiFe2O4 due to the high value of dielectric permittivity of NiFe2O4. The appearance of semi-circles in the plot of M″ with Log confirms the single phase of the samples. The dielectric measurements show that M′ is inversely proportional to ε′. At higher temperatures, M′ levels off at frequencies higher than those at lower temperatures because the relaxation processes were spread over a range of frequencies. The values of saturation magnetization of PVDF/PEO-NiFe2O4 films were linearly increased as an increase of NiFe2O4 indicates improvement in the magnetic vector arrangement. Due to the enhancement of the magnetic properties, they can further exploit the films for magnetic applications.
Undetected ophthalmological disorders in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Borm Carlijn D. J. M. , Werkmann Mario , de Graaf Debbie , Visser Femke , Hofer Arno , Peball Marina , Smilowska Katarzyna , Putz Diana , Seppi Klaus , Poewe Werner , Hoyng Carel , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Theelen Thomas , de Vries Nienke M.
Published: March 2022

Background

Ophthalmological disorders are common and frequently disabling for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, details on the prevalence, severity and impact of ophthalmological disorders thus far lacking. We aimed to identify PD patients with undetected ophthalmological disorders in a large cross-sectional, observational study.

Methods

We previously delivered a screening questionnaire to detect ophthalmological symptoms (Visual impairment in PD questionnaire; VIPD-Q) to 848 patients. Here, we report on a subgroup of 102 patients who received complete ophthalmological assessment aimed at identifying clinically relevant ophthalmological diseases, which were classified as either vison-threatening or not. Impact on daily life functioning was measured using the visual functioning-25 questionnaire (VFQ-25) and fall frequency.

Results

Almost all patients (92%) had one or more clinically relevant ophthalmological disorders. Of those, 77% had a potentially vision-threatening disease, while 34% had a potentially treatable ophthalmological disease which impacted on quality of life. The most prevalent ophthalmological disorders were dry eyes (86%), ocular misalignment (50%) and convergence insufficiency (41%). We found a weak but significant association between clinically relevant ophthalmological diseases and both fall frequency (R2 = 0.15, p = 0.037) and VFQ-25 score (R2 = 0.15, p = 0.02). The VIPD-Q could not correctly identify patients with relevant ophthalmological disorders.

Conclusions

Surprisingly, in our study sample, many participants manifested previously undetected ophthalmological diseases, most of which threatened vision, impacted on daily life functioning and were amenable to treatment. Screening for these ophthalmological disorders using a questionnaire asking about symptoms seems insufficient. Instead, episodic ophthalmological assessments should be considered for PD patients, aiming to identify vision-threatening yet treatable diseases.

Trial registration

Dutch Trial Registration, NL7421.
Hemidivisional vector planning to reduce and regularize irregular astigmatism by laser treatment
Authors: Alpins Noel , Ong James K. Y. , Stamatelatos George
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To demonstrate how hemidivisional vector planning of refractive laser treatments of astigmatism can be used to directly address idiopathic corneal irregular astigmatism that has an asymmetrical, non-orthogonal bow tie topography appearance.

Design

Case study.

Methods

The cornea is conceptually divided into two hemidivisions along the flat meridian of the corneal topographic astigmatism (CorT), which means that each hemidivision will approximately correspond to one lobe of the asymmetric, non-orthogonal topographic bow tie. An astigmatism reduction treatment can then be planned separately for each hemidivision using the vector planning technique, based on both its two hemidivisional CorT measures and common manifest refractive cylinder. The remaining irregularity is then regularized, and the junctional zone smoothed across the flat meridian. The final intended treatment thus combines hemidivisional astigmatism reduction and regularization of the corneal astigmatism and spherical refractive error in one treatment application. This could be applied to LASIK, PRK, SMILE, and Transepithelial PRK procedures using Designer Cornea® software.

Results

A theoretical treatment profile is derived from an actual example of a cornea with idiopathic asymmetric non-orthogonal astigmatism. The three steps of the derivation are as follows: (i) astigmatism reduction through the use of the vector planning technique; (ii) regularization, and (iii) smoothing across the hemidivisional midline.

Conclusions

Hemidivisional vector planning treatments could potentially both reduce and regularize asymmetric non-orthogonal astigmatism. These treatments can be systematically customized to account for qualitative and quantitative differences between the two corneal hemidivisions at the same time as correction of coexistent myopia or hyperopia.
Ultrastructural analysis of explanted CyPass microstents and correlation with clinical findings
Authors: Hübner Lisa , Schlötzer-Schrehardt U. , Weller J. M. , Hohberger B. , Mardin C. Y. , Lämmer R.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to obtain insight into cellular processes after CyPass microstent implantation into the supraciliary space. With this knowledge, we expected to find some reason for surgical failure.

Methods

Nine CyPass microstents of 8 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (n = 1), pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (n = 5), uveitic glaucoma (n = 1), and posttraumatic open-angle glaucoma (n = 1) were explanted due to recurrence of IOP elevation, corneal decompensation, or persistent hypotony. The explants were processed for light and transmission electron microscopy.

Results

Fibrotic material, consisting of collagen fibrils, microfibrils, pseudoexfoliation fibrils produced by activated fibroblasts, was detected in the stent lumen of 4/5 pseudoexfoliation glaucoma patients and also in posttraumatic open-angle glaucoma. Fibrotic material was also present on the outer surface and within fenestrations of the majority of stents. Complete absence of fibrotic reaction was noticed in 3 of 9 microstents.

Conclusion

Although MIGS is known to be less invasive than conventional surgery, implants placed in the suprachoroidal space may be adversely affected by a fibrotic tissue reaction resulting in implant failure. Understanding mechanisms and risk factors leading to fibrotic scarring following antiglaucomatous surgery may help to develop novel strategies that improve surgical outcome.
Preoperative embolisation of brain arteriovenous malformations: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Brosnan Conor , Amoo Michael , Javadpour Mohsen
Published: March 2022

Preoperative embolisation is a commonly performed adjunct to microsurgical excision of brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs), with aims such as lessening the technical difficulty of the microsurgical procedure, reducing operative time, decreasing blood loss, and improving patient functional outcomes. We aim to perform a systematic review of randomised trials and cohort studies evaluating preoperative embolisation of bAVMs published between 01 January 2000 and 31 March 2021 and appraise its role in clinical practice. A MEDLINE search was performed, and articles reporting on outcomes following preoperative embolisation, as an adjunct to microsurgery, were eligible for inclusion. PRISMA reporting and Cochrane Handbook guidelines were followed. The primary outcome measure was the risk of complications associated with preoperative embolisation. The study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021244231). Of the 1661 citations, 8 studies with 588 patients met predefined inclusion criteria. No studies specifically compared outcomes of surgical excision of bAVMs between those with and without preoperative embolisation. Spetzler Martin (SM) grading was available in 301 cases. 123 of 298 (41⋅28%) patients presented with haemorrhage. Complications related to embolisation occurred in 175/588 patients (29.4%, 95% CI 19.6–40.2). Permanent neurological deficits occurred in 36/541 (6%, 95% CI 3.9–8.5) and mortality in 6/588 (0.41%, 95% CI 0–1.4). This is the first systematic review evaluating preoperative embolisation of bAVMs. Existing studies assessing this intervention are of poor quality. Associated complication rates are significant. Based on published literature, there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend preoperative embolisation of AVMs. Further studies are required to ascertain if there are benefits of this procedure and if so, in which cases.
Rapid X-Ray-Based 3-D Finite Element Modeling of Medial Knee Joint Cartilage Biomechanics During Walking
Authors: Jahangir Sana , Mohammadi Ali , Mononen Mika E. , Hirvasniemi Jukka , Suomalainen Juha-Sampo , Saarakkala Simo , Korhonen Rami K. , Tanska Petri
Published: March 2022

Finite element (FE) modeling is becoming an increasingly popular method for analyzing knee joint mechanics and biomechanical mechanisms leading to osteoarthritis (OA). The most common and widely available imaging method for knee OA diagnostics is planar X-ray imaging, while more sophisticated imaging methods, e.g., magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), are seldom used. Hence, the capability to produce accurate biomechanical knee joint models directly from X-ray imaging would bring FE modeling closer to clinical use. Here, we extend our atlas-based framework by generating FE knee models from X-ray images (N = 28). Based on measured anatomical landmarks from X-ray and MRI, knee joint templates were selected from the atlas library. The cartilage stresses and strains of the X-ray-based model were then compared with the MRI-based model during the stance phase of the gait. The biomechanical responses were statistically not different between MRI- vs. X-ray-based models when the template obtained from X-ray imaging was the same as the MRI template. However, if this was not the case, the peak values of biomechanical responses were statistically different between X-ray and MRI models. The developed X-ray-based framework may pave the way for a clinically feasible approach for knee joint FE modeling.
An adaptive kernel-split quadrature method for parameter-dependent layer potentials
Authors: Fryklund Fredrik , Klinteberg Ludvig af , Tornberg Anna-Karin
Published: March 2022

Panel-based, kernel-split quadrature is currently one of the most efficient methods available for accurate evaluation of singular and nearly singular layer potentials in two dimensions. However, it can fail completely for the layer potentials belonging to the modified Helmholtz, modified biharmonic, and modified Stokes equations. These equations depend on a parameter, denoted α, and kernel-split quadrature loses its accuracy rapidly when this parameter grows beyond a certain threshold. This paper describes an algorithm that remedies this problem, using per-target adaptive sampling of the source geometry. The refinement is carried out through recursive bisection, with a carefully selected rule set. This maintains accuracy for a wide range of the parameter α, at an increased cost that scales as $\log \alpha $
log
α
. Using this algorithm allows kernel-split quadrature to be both accurate and efficient for a much wider range of problems than previously possible.
What are ecological mechanisms? Suggestions for a fine-grained description of causal mechanisms in invasion ecology
Authors: Heger Tina
Published: March 2022

Invasion ecology addresses the spread of species outside of their native ranges. A central aim of this field is to find mechanistic explanations for why species are able to establish and spread in an area in which they did not evolve. Usually it remains unclear, however, what exactly is meant by ‘mechanistic explanation’ or ‘mechanism’. The paper argues that the field can benefit from the philosophical discussion of what a mechanism is. Based on conceptions of mechanisms as processes in concrete systems, causal mechanisms can be defined as one type of mechanism, representing recurring networks of causal relationships. With the example of a well-known hypothesized mechanism in invasion ecology, namely enemy release, the paper demonstrates how such causal mechanisms can be depicted as causal network diagrams. This approach could facilitate the development of step-by-step explanations, enhance clear argumentation and allow for more precise linkage of empirical tests to theory. Challenges to assessing the empirical relevance of hypothesized mechanisms are discussed, and suggestions are made concerning how the proposed approach could help in overcoming some of them.
Indicators to assess preservice teachers’ digital competence in security: A systematic review
Authors: Torres-Hernández Norma , Gallego-Arrufat María-Jesús
Published: March 2022

The goal of this review is to analyse the state of inquiry in the field of digital competence in security in initial teacher education, via indicators to assess preservice teachers’ digital competence in security, in order to help find opportunities to improve their competence level. Following the parameters defined in the PRISMA declaration, the review uses a bibliographic research methodology to explore the WoS, Scopus and ERIC databases. After a search identifying a sample of 31 scholarly articles published between 2010 and 2021, we analyse the information obtained using descriptive statistics and content analysis. The results show a predominance of empirical research in the European context. These studies are quantitative and tend to use questionnaires. Our conclusion proposes the need to train preservice teachers in data protection and privacy, searching for and using Internet images with authorship screening, use of open software programs, and respect for online communication norms, as well as ethical and responsible technology use. All of these issues are implicitly and transversally linked to the area of digital competence in security.
Exploring students’ expectations of learning analytics: A person-centered approach
Authors: Viberg Olga , Engström Linda , Saqr Mohammed , Hrastinski Stefan
Published: March 2022

In order to successfully implement learning analytics (LA), we need a better understanding of student expectations of such services. Yet, there is still a limited body of research about students’ expectations across countries. Student expectations of LA have been predominantly examined from a view that perceives students as a group of individuals representing homogenous views. This study examines students’ ideal (i.e., representing their wanted outcomes) and predicted expectations (i.e., unveiling what they realistically expect the LA service is most likely to be) of LA by employing a person-centered approach that allows exploring the heterogeneity that may be found in student expectations. We collected data from 132 students in the setting of Swedish higher education by means of an online survey. Descriptive statistics and Latent Class Analysis (LCA) were used for the analysis. Our findings show that students’ ideal expectations of LA were considerably higher compared to their predicted expectations. The results of the LCA exhibit that the Swedish students’ expectations of LA were heterogeneous, both regarding their privacy concerns and their expectations of LA services. The findings of this study can be seen as a baseline of students’ expectations or a cross-sectional average, and be used to inform student-centered implementation of LA in higher education.
Potential fluoride exposure from selected food crops grown in high fluoride soils in the Makueni County, south-eastern Kenya
Authors: Gevera Patrick Kirita , Cave Mark , Dowling Kim , Gikuma-Njuru Peter , Mouri Hassina
Published: March 2022

Makueni County, located in south-eastern Kenya, faces challenges such as limited potable water and restricted food supplies as the result of semi-aridity. High fluoride (F) concentrations have been reported in drinking water with resultant dental fluorosis affecting the local population. To determine the potential F exposure through the consumption of food crops grown in the area, F concentration was assessed in the main five locally grown and consumed crops. Additionally, the water-soluble F fraction was determined from 30 soil samples with mineralogical determination of 20 samples. Mean F concentration in the food crops was in the order; 700, 288, 71.2, 36.6, and 29 mg/kg in kale, cowpeas leaves, green grams, cowpeas (legume portion), and maize, respectively. The F concentration in farm soils ranged from 0 to 3.47 mg/kg (mean of 0.87 mg/kg) and showed a significant strong positive correlation (p = 0.03, r = 0.89) with F values in the crops. Apatite, muscovite, and biotite were identified as the F-rich minerals present. While considering two hypothetical F absorption fractions (75 and 100%), the estimated average daily dose (EADD) of F from consuming the crops ranged between 0.004 and 65.17 mg/kg/day where the highest values were from the vegetables. Most of these values were higher than the F reference dose (RfD) of 0.06 mg/kg. The estimated EADD values of several hypothetical meals prepared from the analyzed crops revealed that steamed kale and maize porridge pose the highest health risk of F associated diseases to the local population, whereas boiled cowpeas pose no health risk. Children, due to their higher daily energy requirement and low body weight, were the most vulnerable group at risk of high daily F intake relative to the RfD. These results suggest that consumption of the analyzed food crops in Makueni County may significantly contribute to F related diseases in the local population. This creates a food security issue for the area because of the potential health risks associated with these crops which are highly relied upon in the semi-arid area with a limited selection of food crops available and viable to grow.
Nonlinear gravity electro-capillary waves in two-fluid systems: solitary and periodic waves and their stability
Authors: Broadley H. , Papageorgiou D. T.
Published: March 2022

Starting from the Euler equations governing the flow of two immiscible incompressible fluids in a horizontal channel, allowing gravity and surface tension, and imposing an electric field across the channel, a nonlinear long-wave analysis is used to derive a $$2\times 2$$

2
×
2

system of evolution equations describing the interface position and a modified tangential velocity jump across it. Travelling waves of permanent form are shown to exist and are constructed in the periodic case producing wave trains and the infinite case yielding novel gravity electro-capillary solitary waves. Various regimes are analysed including a hydrodynamically passive but electrically active upper layer, pairs of perfect dielectric fluids and a perfectly conducting lower fluid. In all cases, the presence of the field produces both depression and elevation waves travelling at the same speed, for given sets of parameters. The stability of the non-uniform travelling waves is investigated by numerically solving appropriate linearised eigenvalue problems. It is found that depression waves are neutrally stable whereas elevation ones are unstable unless the surface tension is large. Stability or instability is shown to be linked mathematically to the type of local eigenvalues of the nonlinear flux matrix used to obtain travelling and solitary waves; if these are real (hyperbolic flux matrix), the system is stable, and if they are complex (elliptic), the system is unstable. The latter is a manifestation of Kelvin–Helmholtz instability in electrified flows.
One Heresy and One Orthodoxy: On Dialetheism, Dimathematism, and the Non-normativity of Logic
Authors: Wansing Heinrich
Published: March 2022

In this paper, Graham Priest’s understanding of dialetheism, the view that there exist true contradictions, is discussed, and various kinds of metaphysical dialetheism are distinguished between. An alternative to dialetheism is presented, namely a thesis called ‘dimathematism’. It is pointed out that dimathematism enables one to escape a slippery slope argument for dialetheism that has been put forward by Priest. Moreover, dimathematism is presented as a thesis that is helpful in rejecting the claim that logic is a normative discipline.
Long-unburnt habitat is critical for the conservation of threatened vertebrates across Australia
Authors: von Takach Brenton , Jolly Chris J. , Dixon Kelly M. , Penton Cara E. , Doherty Tim S. , Banks Sam C.
Published: March 2022

Context

Increases in fire frequency, intensity and extent are occurring globally. Relative to historical, Indigenous managed conditions, contemporary landscapes are often characterised by younger age classes of vegetation and a much smaller representation of long-unburnt habitat.

Objectives

We argue that, to conserve many threatened vertebrate species in Australia, landscape management should emphasise the protection of existing long-unburnt patches from fire, as well as facilitate the recruitment of additional long-unburnt habitat, while maintaining historically relevant age distributions of more recently burned patches.

Methods

We use a range of case studies and ecosystem types to illustrate three lines of evidence: (1) that many threatened vertebrate species depend on mid- to late-successional ecosystem attributes; (2) disturbance to long-unburnt habitat tends to increase risk of future disturbance and ecosystem collapse; and (3) contemporary landscapes exhibit a range of characteristics that differ to historical conditions and require context-specific management.

Conclusions

It is crucial that we adequately consider the implications of altered contemporary landscapes for management activities that aim to conserve threatened vertebrates. Contemporary landscapes often lack a range of critical structural and compositional components typical of late-successional habitat that are required for the persistence of threatened vertebrates. We need to shift towards strategic, objective-driven approaches that identify and protect long-unburnt habitats and promote their recruitment to enable recovery of many declining and threatened species.
Arbitrarily high-order energy-conserving methods for Poisson problems
Authors: Amodio Pierluigi , Brugnano Luigi , Iavernaro Felice
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we are concerned with energy-conserving methods for Poisson problems, which are effectively solved by defining a suitable generalization of HBVMs, a class of energy-conserving methods for Hamiltonian problems. The actual implementation of the methods is fully discussed, with a particular emphasis on the conservation of Casimirs. Some numerical tests are reported, in order to assess the theoretical findings.
Evaluating the rhizospheric and endophytic bacterial microbiome of pioneering pines in an aggregate mining ecosystem post-disturbance
Authors: Padda Kiran Preet , Puri Akshit , Nguyen Nguyen Khoi , Philpott Timothy J. , Chanway Chris P.
Published: March 2022

Aims

Despite little soil development and organic matter accumulation, lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) consistently shows vigorous growth on bare gravel substrate of aggregate mining pits in parts of Canadian sub-boreal forests. This study aimed to investigate the bacterial microbiome of lodgepole pine trees growing at an unreclaimed gravel pit in central British Columbia and suggest their potential role in tree growth and survival following mining activity.

Methods

We characterized the diversity, taxonomic composition, and relative abundance of bacterial communities in rhizosphere and endosphere niches of pine trees regenerating at the gravel pit along with comparing them with a nearby undisturbed forested site using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. Additionally, the soil and plant nutrient contents at both sites were also analyzed.

Results

Although soil N-content at the gravel pit was drastically lower than the forest site, pine tissue N-levels at both sites were identical. Beta-diversity was affected by site and niche-type, signifying that the diversity of bacterial communities harboured by pine trees was different between both sites and among various plant-niches. Bacterial alpha-diversity was comparable at both sites but differed significantly between belowground and aboveground plant-niches. In terms of composition, pine trees predominantly associated with taxa that appear plant-beneficial including phylotypes of Rhizobiaceae, Acetobacteraceae, and Beijerinckiaceae at the gravel pit and Xanthobacteraceae, Acetobacteraceae, Beijerinckiaceae and Acidobacteriaceae at the forest site.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that, following mining activity, regenerating pine trees recruit bacterial communities that could be plant-beneficial and support pine growth in an otherwise severely N-limited disturbed environment.