bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global weak solution to a generic reaction‐diffusion nonlinear parabolic system
Authors: Hana Matallah , Messaoud Maouni , Hakim Lakhal
Published: March 2022

In this study, we proof the existence of global weak solution for a new generic reaction‐diffusion system. It is in fact a generalization of the work presented in 2014, 2016 and 2018. In the first, we truncate the system, and by using Schauder fixed point theorem in Banach spaces, we show the existence of a solution for this approached problem. Finally, by making some estimations, we prove that the solution of the truncated equation converges to the solution of our problem.
Development of attentional networks during childhood and adolescence: A functional MRI study
Authors: Saito Daisuke N. , Fujisawa Takashi X. , Yanaka Hisakazu T. , Fujii Takeshi , Kochiyama Takanori , Makita Kai , Tomoda Akemi , Okazawa Hidehiko
Published: March 2022

Attention ability is one of the most important cognitive functions. It develops mainly during school age. However, the neural basis for the typical development of attentional functions has not been fully investigated. To clarify the development of the aforementioned function and its neural basis, this study examined brain function in children and adolescents during the performance of an attention network test (ANT) using functional magnetic resonance imaging. One hundred and sixty‐three volunteers (8‐23 years, 80 female) participated in this study. Using a modified version of ANT, we assessed the efficiency of two attentional functions—orienting and executive attention—by measuring how reaction time is affected by spatial cue location and flanker congruency and examined the functional brain areas—attentional networks—associated with two attentional functions. Consistent with the findings of previous studies, the superior parietal lobule, visual association cortex, left precentral gyrus, and supplementary motor area were activated during the orienting attention, while the anterior cingulate cortex, visual association cortex, lateral prefrontal cortex, thalamus, and caudate were activated during the executive attention. Moreover, negative correlations with age were found for activations in the inferior frontal gyrus, dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, and caudate nucleus in the orienting attention, while no correlations with age related to executive attention were found. In conclusion, this study revealed common and distinct features in the neural basis of the attentional functions in children and adolescents compared with that of adults and their developmental changes with age.
Simultaneous MALI and Ugi polymerization in one‐pot for poly(4‐thiazolidinone‐amide) as AIEgen and Fe3+ ion detection
Authors: Zheng Jinxin , Fu Congcong , Chen Zhuo , Zhang Pengfei , Zhao Ronghui , Ding Lan , Liu Hongmei , Deng Kuilin
Published: March 2022

In this study, two simultaneous MALI and Ugi polymerizations in one‐pot was performed by combining binary amines, glutaraldehyde, mercaptoacetic acid and t‐butylisonitrile into one four‐component reaction system. The resulting poly(4‐thiazolidinone‐amide)s (PTZAs) contains both thiazolidinone rings from MALI reaction and amide/thiol groups from Ugi reaction, respectively. Unexpectedly, the strong fluorescence emission at 500 nm of PTZA‐E solution is observed under the excitation of 378 nm, which is attributed to the intramolecular “aggregation” of thiazolidinone rings and amide/thiol groups. And also, PTZAs solution showed an excellent aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) by the clusterization‐triggered emission (CTE) mechanism when adding different amount of precipitant. More interestingly, Fe3+ ion violently quenched the fluorescence of PTZA‐E via the redox reaction and spectrum overlaps, and the limit of detection (LOD) of PTZA‐E to Fe3+ ion was measured as 10−4 mol/L. In brief, the two simultaneous polymerizations in one pot provide a great possibility for the polymer with special structure and performance, also including the direct synthesis of AIE‐active polymers from the accessible non‐AIE monomers.
Synergistic enhancement of thermal conductivity in thermal interface materials by fabricating3D‐BN‐ZnOscaffolds
Authors: Fang Hui , Chen Anlin , Zhang Lingjie , Chen Sheng , Wu Fangjuan , Chen Hui
Published: March 2022

Three‐dimensional boron nitride/zinc oxide (3D‐BN‐ZnO) scaffolds were prepared by the ice‐templating method, in which ZnO particles were in situ formed by sintering. Then, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/3D‐BN‐ZnO composites were fabricated via vacuum infiltration of PDMS prepolymer into the scaffolds and curing. Compared with the composite prepared by simple blending, the thermal conductivity of the composite prepared based on the ice‐templating method is much higher due to the excellent orientation of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) sheets. Based on the same content of hBN sheets, the further introduction of 2.7 wt% ZnO particles formed in situ by sintering could promote the thermal conductivity of the composite to the value of 1.45 W m−1 K−1, which is 70.6% higher than that of the PDMS/3D‐BN composite. In addition, compared with the PDMS/3D‐BN composite containing more hBN sheets, the PDMS/3D‐BN‐ZnO composite with 2.7 wt% ZnO particles possesses fewer fillers but higher thermal conductivity. It suggests that ZnO particles could synergistically improve the thermal conductivity. As revealed from the morphology of the composites, many ZnO particles are located between hBN sheets and thus construct thermally conductive paths. This study provides a new strategy for the design of thermal interface materials with high thermal conductivity.
Lords of the biosphere: Plant winners and losers in the Anthropocene
Authors: Kress W. John , Krupnick Gary A.
Published: March 2022

Societal Impact Statement

The impact of humans on Earth's biodiversity varies across the Tree of Life. The extirpation and extinction of species is often determined by compatibility with human activities. Here we classify, where data are available, a significant portion (~30%) of vascular plant species as winners or losers with respect to this compatibility and show that currently losers greatly outnumber winners and that these losers will continue to exceed winners in the future even if species now deemed tentative winners succeed. In a rapidly changing world, species may tolerate shifting conditions, adapt, or migrate to new habitats. Species that benefit humankind may have an additional advantage of survival. Those that cannot tolerate, adapt, migrate, or prove useful will be the ultimate losers in the Anthropocene and may become extinct.

The impact of humans on the Earth continues to accelerate, affecting climate, land use, resource exploitation, species migrations, and habitat pollution. All of these changes have the potential to result in a massive extinction of populations and species of plants, fungi, and animals. However, the impact will vary across the diversity of life: some species, the “losers,” will decline and become extinct while others, the “winners,” will thrive as a result of human activities.

We surveyed a variety of sources of information on economic uses, environmental tolerances, and conservation status and were able to classify 86,592 species of vascular plant into seven categories of winners and losers as follows: winners useful to humans and winners not useful to humans, losers useful to humans and losers not useful to humans, and currently neutral species. We also recognized tentative winners and potential losers, which we could not confidently categorize into the above five classes. We then mapped, both taxonomically and phylogenetically, the clear winners and losers across the major groups of vascular plants.

The results suggest that currently many more species are losers than winners and that if the tentative winners and potential losers realize their projected trajectories, losers in the future will continue to greatly outnumber future winners. Furthermore, although winners and losers are today distributed across nearly all orders of vascular plants, all but two of the nine major phylogenetic lineages favor losers over winners. A significant phylogenetic signal was detected for percentages of both winners and losers and some of the smaller ancestral orders with a high percentage of losers may be at risk of extinction.

In a rapidly changing world, plant species that tolerate human pressures, adapt, or shift distributions will continue to be the winners and survive the extinction bottleneck while the many more species that cannot do so will become the ultimate losers in the Anthropocene.
Uncovering the interference from lipid fragments on the qualification and quantification of serum metabolites in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometric analysis
Authors: Wang Tianze , Hao Yanhong , Chen Suming
Published: March 2022

Rationale

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) has exhibited great advantages in rapid analysis of metabolites. However, the influence of lipid fragments generated by in‐source fragmentation (ISD) and/or post‐source fragmentation (PSD) on the accurate qualification and quantification of metabolites has not been fully demonstrated.

Methods

Phospholipid standards and serum extract were analyzed by MALDI MS with both TiO2 nanoparticle (TiO2NP) and 2,5‐DHB matrices to illustrate the structures of lipid fragments and their influence on the qualitative and quantitative analysis of metabolites in biological samples. Monophasic and biphasic extraction methods were also compared for their efficiency in removing potential interferents.

Results

The fragment ions derived from the phosphocholine head group of phosphatidylcholines (PC) interfere with peaks of low molecular weight (LMW) metabolites at both the MS and MS2 levels. The biphasic extraction system with methanol/chloroform very efficiently removed the interference from PC fragments, and the metabolites choline and carnitine in serum were directly and accurately quantified by MALDI MS by using this biphasic extraction.

Conclusions

The phospholipids could produce fragment ions through ISD and PSD in MALDI MS with both nanoparticle and organic matrices. The fragments exerted influence on the qualification and qualification of metabolites in serum. By choosing the proper extraction method, the interference from lipid fragments could be efficiently alleviated.
Acute‐on‐chronic pancreatitis complicated with mediastinal pseudocysts and cardiac tamponade: A case report and literature review
Authors: Liao Ying‐Ting , Chiu Nai‐Chi , Chen Chun‐Ku , Su Kang‐Cheng
Published: March 2022

The clinical course and severity of pancreatitis might vary largely. Pancreatitis‐related thoracic complications might be life‐threatening but frequently ignored. We report an alcoholic patient who initially presented to the emergency department with community‐acquired pneumonia, acute respiratory failure and acute‐on‐chronic pancreatitis with massive pancreatic pleural effusion. Subsequently, he developed insidiously pancreatitis‐related intra‐abdominal, mediastinal pseudocysts, and unexpectedly sudden onset of cardiac tamponade. Although tamponade‐related haemodynamic instability improved soon after timely diagnosis and emergent pericardial drainage, his recovery period was prolonged. His serum amylase and lipase were persistently elevated until definitive treatment with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography‐assisted removal of pancreatic duct stones. Pancreatitis‐related cardiac tamponade is rare but lethal without prompt diagnosis and management. We reviewed pancreatitis‐related thoracic complications, particularly for cardiac tamponade, and discussed about the pathophysiology and management options.
Electrolyte Solvation Chemistry for the Solution of High‐Donor‐Number Solvent for Stable Li–S Batteries
Authors: Zhong Ning , Lei Chengjun , Meng Ruijin , Li Jinye , He Xin , Liang Xiao
Published: March 2022

Passivation of the sulfur electrode by insulating lithium sulfide (Li2S) restricts the reversibility and sulfur utilization of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. Although electrolytes with high donor number (DN) solvents induce tri‐sulfur radical intermediate thus 3D nucleation of Li2S with fast kinetics can be achieved, their catastrophic reactivities with Li metal hinder practical applications. Here, the use of high DN solvent as an additive instead of as co‐solvent to solve their incompatibility between cathode and anode is proposed, by adopting N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP) as a proof‐of‐concept. Such a strategy is accomplished by the unique solvation structure of the NMP added electrolyte, where the preference of NMP‐Li+ coordination squeezes out partial 1,2‐dimethoxyethane (DME) molecules while enriching 1,3‐dioxolane (DOL) molecules in the first solvation sheath of Li+ ions. It affords the robust SEI on Li metal from corrosion either by NMP or the dissolved polysulfides. Spectral analyses (Raman and UV–vis) also verify that the coordinated NMP additive preserves its S3•− radicals stabilization ability as it does as a co‐solvent, which effectively improves the sulfur conversion kinetics and reversibility. This approach enables competitive capacity retention and a stable cycling performance of 340 cycles, which is one of the longest lifespans known for the high DN solvent involved Li–S batteries.
Impact of Great Recession bank failures on use of financial services among racial/ethnic and income groups
Authors: Blanco Luisa , Contreras Salvador , Ghosh Amit
Published: March 2022

Using individuals'‐level data from the 2013, 2015, and 2017 unbanked and underbanked household surveys, we examine the effect of the magnitude of bank failures in the 2008–2011 period on individuals' use of financial services in the post Great Recession period. We find the intensity of local bank failure to reduce the probability of owning a bank account and increase the likelihood of using alternative financial services (AFS). We show that those exposed to medium intensity failures were 2.3 percentage points less likely to be fully banked (own a bank account and do not use AFS) and 0.5 percentage points more likely to be unbanked (do not own a bank account and use AFS). These effects are primarily driven by blacks and Hispanics in low and medium intensity Metropolitan Statistical Areas. Our results are explained by the effect that the intensity of bank failures had on branching. Moreover, we find bank failures to intensify impediments to banking due to lack of convenient location and hours and distrust in banks, and the effect is more salient for minorities.
Evidence for Sperm Limitation in the Louisiana Blue Crab Spawning Stock
Authors: Olmi‐Graham Helen D. , Darnell M. Zachary
Published: March 2022

Male‐targeted fishing pressure has the potential to skew population sex ratios and to result in sperm limitation in females, where the quantity or quality of sperm received during mating is insufficient for the female to achieve her full lifetime reproductive potential. Blue crabs Callinectes sapidus are heavily targeted by commercial and recreational fisheries throughout much of their range, with fishing pressure biased toward males. Additionally, blue crabs are particularly susceptible to sperm limitation because mating occurs during a short window following the female’s terminal molt and stored sperm is used to fertilize all future broods. We investigated sperm quantities in recently molted and mated female blue crabs in southeastern Louisiana to assess the potential for sperm limitation in this area. Sperm quantities were an order of magnitude lower than those previously observed in other areas. Brood production modeling indicated that most of the female blue crabs in this region are heavily sperm limited and unable to achieve their lifetime spawning potential. On a population level, this sperm limitation may be partially responsible for recent declines in landings and estimates of abundance. Although insufficient data exist to assess the precise cause of this sperm limitation, these results should be incorporated into future stock assessments and management decisions for the Louisiana blue crab spawning stock.
Impact of COVID‐19 lockdown on the elemental profile of PM10 present in the ambient aerosol of an educational institute in Kolkata, India
Authors: Tudu Praveen , Gaine Tanushree , Mahanty Shouvik , Mitra Sayantani , Bhattacharyya Subarna , Chaudhuri Punarbasu
Published: March 2022

Reduction in air pollution level was prime observation during COVID‐19 lockdown globally. Here, the study was conducted to assess the impact of lockdown on the elemental profile of PM10 in ambient aerosol to quantify the elemental variation. To quantify the variation, phase‐wise sampling of air pollutants was carried out using the gravimetric method for PM10, while NO2 and SO2 were estimated through the chemiluminescence and fluorescent spectrometric method respectively. The elemental constituents of PM10 were carried out using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer and their source apportionment was carried out using the Positive Matrix Factorization model. The results showed that PM10, NO2 and SO2 reduced by 86.97%, 83.38%, and 88.60% respectively during the lockdown sampling phase. The highest mean elemental concentration reduction was found in Mn (97.47%) during the lockdown. The inter‐correlation among the pollutants exhibited a significant association indicating that they originate from the same source. The metals like Mn and Cu were found at a higher concentration during the lockdown phase corresponding to vehicular emissions. The comparative analysis of the elemental profile of PM10 concluded that the lockdown effectuated in reduction of the majority of elements present in an aerosol enveloping metropolitan like Kolkata.
The first hour of the paroxysmal phase of the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha'apai volcanic eruption as seen by a geostationary meteorological satellite
Authors: Smart David
Published: March 2022

Abstract online only

During the late afternoon (local time) of 15 January 2022, the Hunga‐Tonnga Hunga‐Ha'apai islands were destroyed by a cataclysmic volcanic eruption. A sequence of images from a geostationary meteorological satellite, Himawari‐8 is presented showing the early evolution of the resulting eruption column and ash cloud. The ash‐rich umbrella cloud reached to over 30km in height and up to 400km in diameter. A smaller area of over‐shooting cloud tops appears to have reached a much higher altitude, greater than 50km, well into the upper stratosphere. The explosion also produced at least one major shock wave, evidence for which can be seen by subtracting visible channel images at 10‐minute intervals.
The final Kasner regime inside black holes with scalar or vector hair
Authors: Henneaux Marc
Published: March 2022

Abstract

The final (close to the singularity) dynamical behavior of the metric inside black holes with massive charged scalar or vector hair is analyzed for general anisotropic and inhomogeneous initial conditions. These solutions are relevant to a holographic realization of superconductivity. It is shown that the dynamics falls within the scope of the “cosmological billiard” description and that in both cases, the corresponding hyperbolic billiard region has infinite volume so that the system ultimately settles down to a final Kasner regime. For massive vector hair, the conclusion holds because the longitudinal mode plays the same role as a scalar field. There exists, however, a measure-zero subset of solutions characterized by vanishing longitudinal modes that exhibit a chaotic behavior with an infinite number of BKL oscillations as one goes to the singularity.
What has changed in the experiences of people with mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic: a coproduced, qualitative interview study
Authors: Shah Prisha , Hardy Jackie , Birken Mary , Foye Una , Rowan Olive Rachel , Nyikavaranda Patrick , Dare Ceri , Stefanidou Theodora , Schlief Merle , Pearce Eiluned , Lyons Natasha , Machin Karen , Jeynes Tamar , Chipp Beverley , Chhapia Anjie , Barber Nick , Gillard Steven , Pitman Alexandra , Simpson Alan , Johnson Sonia , Lloyd-Evans Brynmor ,   the NIHR Mental Health Policy Research Unit Covid coproduction research group
Published: March 2022

Purpose

We sought to understand how the experiences of people in the UK with pre-existing mental health conditions had developed during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

In September–October 2020, we interviewed adults with mental health conditions pre-dating the pandemic, whom we had previously interviewed 3 months earlier. Participants had been recruited through online advertising and voluntary sector community organisations. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted by telephone or video-conference by researchers with lived experience of mental health difficulties, and, following principles of thematic analysis, were analysed to explore changes over time in people’s experience of the pandemic.

Results

We interviewed 44 people, achieving diversity of demographic characteristics (73% female, 54% White British, aged 18–75) and a range of mental health conditions and service use among our sample. Three overarching themes were derived from interviews. The first theme “spectrum of adaptation” describes how participants reacted to reduced access to formal and informal support through personal coping responses or seeking new sources of help, with varying degrees of success. The second theme describes “accumulating pressures” from pandemic-related anxieties and sustained disruption to social contact and support, and to mental health treatment. The third theme “feeling overlooked” reflects participants’ feeling of people with mental health conditions being ignored during the pandemic by policy-makers at all levels, which was compounded for people from ethnic minority communities or with physical health problems.

Conclusion

In line with previous research, our study highlights the need to support marginalised groups who are at risk of increased inequalities, and to maintain crucial mental and physical healthcare and social care for people with existing mental health conditions, notwithstanding challenges of the pandemic.
Water in polyurethane networks: physical and chemical ageing effects and mechanical parameters
Authors: Possart Wulff , Zimmer Bettina
Published: March 2022

The chemical structure, polymer mobility and mechanical properties are studied for a cross-linked amorphous poly(ether urethane) (PU) from glass transition to rubber elasticity for juvenile dry samples and for water-saturated states after exposure to humid air (r.h. = 29, 67, 95, 100%) at $$60~^\circ \hbox {C}$$

60

∘

C

during 1 y of ageing. For saturated samples, network chain cleavage is the chemical ageing mechanism, but it is too weak and slow to affect on the physical properties significantly within 1 y. Water acts primarily in a physical manner. Within 1 d, $$\hbox {H}_{{2}}\hbox {O}$$

H
2

O

molecules replace part of the weak urethane H-bonds by $$\hbox {H}_{{2}}\hbox {O}$$

H
2

O

–urethane H-bonds and reduce all other physical interactions between network chains by solvating hydrophilic segments. Thus, the cooperative polymer mobility strongly amplifies: The gain of specific conformational entropy doubles across the caloric glass transition, which shifts by −17 K. A $$\hbox {H}_{{2}}\hbox {O}$$

H
2

O

concentration of only $$\hbox {c}_{{\mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}}}~\approx ~(0.4~\ldots ~0.5)~\hbox {c}_{\mathrm{\mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O},max}}$$

c

H
2

O

≈

(
0.4

…

0.5
)

c

H
2

O
,
max

suffices for the major part of these fast rearrangements. Some part of the water slowly forms (during 3–4 months) a finely dispersed water-rich mixed phase with the PU chains. Except the new phase, these molecular processes of physical ageing strongly affect the mechanical properties at damage-free deformation. For dry PU in the glass transition, the shear modulus, $$\mu _{\mathrm{relaxed}}$$

μ
relaxed

(T), after viscoelastic stress relaxation only depends on the deformation-induced entropy change—like in the rubber elastic state. Within one month, water drastically decreases the viscoelastic response, as expected for plasticisation. However, $$\mu _{\mathrm{relaxed}}$$

μ
relaxed

(T) slightly grows in wet PU. $$\hbox {H}_{{2}}\hbox {O}$$

H
2

O

molecules cause these opposite trends by boosting the cooperative mobility (i.e. extension of the accessible conformational space and entropy by reduction in energy barriers) and by occupation of free volume compartments. Water quickly reduces the fracture parameters by about 50%. We explain that embrittlement by the $$\hbox {H}_{{2}}\hbox {O}$$

H
2

O

-induced facilitation of cooperative network chain motions, which let fracture proceed with less energy. In summary, our findings provide a detailed conception of the molecular effects the $$\hbox {H}_{2}\hbox {O}$$

H
2

O

molecules have on the PU network, and they explain the consequences for the mechanical properties.
Drinking is different! Examining the role of locus of control for alcohol consumption
Authors: Caliendo Marco , Hennecke Juliane
Published: March 2022

Locus of control (LOC) measures how much an individual believes in the causal relationship between her own actions and her life’s outcomes. While earlier literature has shown that an increasing internal LOC is associated with increased health-conscious behavior in domains such as smoking, exercise or diets, we find that drinking seems to be different. Using very informative German panel data, we extend and generalize previous findings and find a significant positive association between having an internal LOC and the probability of occasional and regular drinking for men and women. An increase in an individual’s LOC by one standard deviation increases the probability of occasional or regular drinking on average by 3.4% for men and 6.9% for women. Using a decomposition method, we show that roughly a quarter of this association can be explained by differences in the social activities between internal and external individuals.
On the Parameterized Complexity of the Expected Coverage Problem
Authors: Fomin Fedor V. , Ramamoorthi Vijayaragunathan
Published: March 2022

The Maximum Covering Location Problem (MCLP) is a well-studied problem in the field of operations research. Given a network with positive or negative demands on the nodes, a positive integer k, the MCLP seeks to find k potential facility centers in the network such that the neighborhood coverage is maximized. We study the variant of MCLP where edges of the network are subject to random failures due to some disruptive events. One of the popular models capturing the unreliable nature of the facility location is the linear reliability ordering (LRO) model. In this model, with every edge e of the network, we associate its survival probability 0 ≤ pe ≤ 1, or equivalently, its failure probability 1 − pe. The failure correlation in LRO is the following: If an edge e fails then every edge $e^{\prime }$

e

′

with $p_{e^{\prime }} \leq p_{e}$

p

e

′

≤

p

e

surely fails. The task is to identify the positions of k facilities that maximize the expected coverage. We refer to this problem as Expected Coverage problem. We study the Expected Coverage problem from the parameterized complexity perspective and obtain the following results. 1. For the parameter pathwidth, we show that the Expected Coverage problem is W[1]-hard. We find this result a bit surprising, because the variant of the problem with non-negative demands is fixed-parameter tractable (FPT) parameterized by the treewidth of the input graph. 2. We complement the lower bound by the proof that Expected Coverage is FPT being parameterized by the treewidth and the maximum vertex degree. We give an algorithm that solves the problem in time $ 2^{{\mathcal {O}}({\textbf {tw}} \log {\varDelta })} n^{{\mathcal {O}}(1)}$

2

O
(
tw
log
Δ
)

n

O
(
1
)

, where tw is the treewidth, Δ is the maximum vertex degree, and n the number of vertices of the input graph. In particular, since Δ ≤ n, it means the problem is solvable in time $ n^{{\mathcal {O}}({\textbf {tw}})} $

n

O
(
tw
)

, that is, is in XP parameterized by treewidth.
Maternal lactational investment is higher for sons in chimpanzees
Authors: Bădescu Iulia , Watts David P. , Katzenberg M. Anne , Sellen Daniel W.
Published: March 2022

Maternal lactational investment can affect female reproductive rates and offspring survival in mammals and can be biased towards infants of one sex. We compared estimates of lactation effort among mothers, assessed as their potential milk contribution to age-specific infant diets (mother-infant differences in fecal stable nitrogen isotopes, δ15N), to the timing of weaning (infant age at last nursing bout) and to maternal inter-birth interval lengths for male and female infant chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) at Ngogo, Uganda. Infant males had greater proportions of milk in their age-specific diets, indicated by higher mother-infant differences in δ15N (Generalized Estimating Equation, GEE:p < 0.01). This may mean that mothers of sons showed greater lactation effort than mothers of daughters. Infant males stopped nursing at older ages than infant females (Kaplan–Meier product limit estimate, Breslow estimator:p < 0.05). Mothers of sons showed longer interbirth intervals than mothers of daughters (GEE:p < 0.01). All three measures indicated maternal lactational investment was higher for sons. Male infants may cost mothers more to ensure infant survival than female infants because males are more vulnerable and/or because maternal genetic returns on investment are greater for sons than daughters, as male philopatry means that chimpanzee mothers can have more influence on the reproductive success of sons. Chimpanzee females may trade off growth-related benefits of high lactational investment in male offspring against reduced reproductive rates.

Significance statement

Maternal investment via lactation affects the reproductive success of female mammals and their offspring and can be biased towards infants of one sex. We investigated lactational variation among wild chimpanzees in relation to infant sex using three proxies for maternal lactational investment: fecal stable nitrogen isotopes, a physiological biomarker that may provide an estimate of lactation effort; observations of nursing, which we used to establish weaning ages; and the lengths of intervals between births of surviving infants. Chimpanzee mothers biased lactational investment toward sons on all three indicators and showed reduced fecundity due to longer inter-birth intervals for mothers of sons than for mothers of daughters. These results would be expected if greater maternal investment toward sons leads to better condition and higher reproductive success for sons later in life, thus to greater inclusive fitness for mothers.
Outcomes of the Macroscopically Normal Appendix Left in Situ in Patients with Suspected Appendicitis
Authors: Lee Sara , Connelly Tara M. , Ryan Jessica M. , Power‐Foley Megan , Neary Peter M.
Published: March 2022

Background

Right iliac fossa (RIF) pain is a common indication for laparoscopy to diagnose and treat appendicitis. When a macroscopically normal appendix is found, there is no standard consensus regarding excision. Some surgeons remove the appendix due to the risk of microscopic inflammation and to avoid a future, repeat laparoscopy for possible appendicitis. Alternatively, others leave the appendix in situ to avoid morbidity from a potentially unnecessary procedure. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of patients with macroscopically normal appendices left in situ.

Methods

All emergency laparoscopies without appendicectomy between January 1st 2010‐ December 31st 2020 were identified from theatre records. All operative notes were individually evaluated and comments on the macroscopic appearance of the appendix and any intra‐operative pathology were recorded. Only patients undergoing laparoscopy for suspected appendicitis with macroscopically normal appendices were included.

Results

A total of 120 patients [median age 21.68 (range 9–90.8) years] were included. The cohort was predominantly female (n=105, 87.5%). Forty‐eight patients (40.0%) had a positive finding during index laparoscopy. During a median duration of 94.5 (range 8–131) months’ follow‐up, 16 patients (13.33%) underwent a repeat laparoscopy for recurrent RIF pain. Thirteen (10.8% of total cohort) subsequently underwent an appendicectomy. Histology confirmed acute appendicitis in six cases (4.17% of entire cohort). On subanalysis of smaller cohort, index laparoscopies with no positive findings (n=72), nine patients (12.5%) underwent appendicectomy with two (2.7%) appendices demonstrating appendicitis on histological examination.

Conclusion

87% of the total cohort with a normal appendix at laparoscopy for RIF pain did not undergo further laparoscopy. Less than 5% of the total cohort and 2.7% of subanalysis cohort had an appendicectomy for histologically‐proven appendicitis within the follow‐up period. From the evidence in this study, we conclude that leaving the appendix in situ unless macroscopically inflamed is a viable alternative to excision.
L-cysteine modulates visceral nociception mediated by the CaV2.3 R-type calcium channels
Authors: Ghodsi Seyed Mohammadreza , Walz MacKenzie , Schneider Toni , Todorovic Slobodan M.
Published: March 2022

CaV2.3 channels are subthreshold voltage-gated calcium channels that play crucial roles in neurotransmitter release and regulation of membrane excitability, yet modulation of these channels with endogenous molecules and their role in pain processing is not well studied. Here, we hypothesized that an endogenous amino acid l-cysteine could be a modulator of these channels and may affect pain processing in mice. To test this hypothesis, we employed conventional patch-clamp technique in the whole-cell configuration using recombinant CaV2.3 subunit stably expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cells. We found in our in vitro experiments that l-cysteine facilitated gating and increased the amplitudes of recombinant CaV2.3 currents likely by chelating trace metals that tonically inhibit the channel. In addition, we took advantage of mouse genetics in vivo using the acetic acid visceral pain model that was performed on wildtype and homozygous Cacna1e knockout male littermates. In ensuing in vivo experiments, we found that l-cysteine administered both subcutaneously and intraperitoneally evoked more prominent pain responses in the wildtype mice, while the effect was completely abolished in knockout mice. Conversely, intrathecal administration of l-cysteine lowered visceral pain response in the wildtype mice, and again the effect was completely abolished in the knockout mice. Our study strongly suggests that l-cysteine-mediated modulation of CaV2.3 channels plays an important role in visceral pain processing. Furthermore, our data are consistent with the contrasting roles of CaV2.3 channels in mediating visceral nociception in the peripheral and central pain pathways.
Repeatability of dental shade by digital spectrophotometry in current, former, and never smokers
Authors: Conte Gianluca , Pacino Sebastiano Antonio , Urso Salvatore , Emma Rosalia , Pedullà Eugenio , Cibella Fabio , Stefanini Martina , Zucchelli Giovanni , Polosa Riccardo
Published: March 2022

Cigarette smoking contributes to poor oral health and dental discoloration. Therefore, stopping smoking may translate into measurable amelioration of dental shade indices. We compared dental shade parameters by digital spectrophotometry among current, former, and never smokers and verified their repeatability at 7 and 30 days. Dental shade parameters (CIE L*a*b* and corresponding whiteness index for dentistry-WID) were measured in current, former, and never smokers with a digital spectrophotometer (Vita Easyshade V) on three separate study visits: at baseline (day 0), at day 7, and day 30. Dental shade parameters were analyzed in 18 current, 18 former, and 20 never smokers. The repeatability of shade parameters was consistent in current, former, and never smokers. L*, a*, b*, and WID show significant short and long-term repeatability (p < 0.0001, by regression analyses). The mean (± SD) WID score of 13.42 (± 4.9) in current smokers was significantly lower compared to the WID score of 20.38 (± 5.3) in never smokers (p = 0.001). No significant differences were observed between current and former smokers and between former smokers and former smokers. Dental shade measurements by digital spectrophotometry were highly reproducible and showed that teeth whiteness of current smokers is substantially inferior compared to never smokers. Objective discrimination of dental shade can be a valuable regulatory science endpoint for investigating oral hygiene and dental aesthetics of consumer care products, smoking cessation medications, and tar-free tobacco products (e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, oral nicotine products) for cigarette substitution.

Clinical trial registration: the study was not registered in ClinicalTrials.gov considering that it is a pilot study, parts of a larger project with ID: NCT04649645
Crafting Swahili Beads: Exploring a New Glass Bead Assemblage from Northern Zanzibar, Tanzania
Authors: Rødland Henriette
Published: March 2022

This article presents the discovery and analysis of a new glass bead assemblage from the Swahili site of Mkokotoni, an early second millennium AD settlement in northwestern Zanzibar. It explores the possibilities for local production of glass beads using imported glass cullet or glass tubes at this site. Glass beads are ubiquitous at archaeological sites from the second millennium on the East African coast. They are presumed to have been traded via long-distance networks from South and Southeast Asia, and used locally in personal adornment, barter, and ritual practices. However, the data from Mkokotoni offers a new and unique perspective on glass bead-making traditions, which places the East African coast as an area of production and distribution.
Childlessness and Development in Sub-Saharan Africa: Is There Evidence for a U-shaped Pattern?
Authors: Verkroost Florianne C. J. , Monden Christiaan W. S.
Published: March 2022

In high-income countries, women increasingly remain permanently childless. Little is known about the relationship between childlessness and socioeconomic development in non-Western societies and particularly sub-Saharan Africa. At lower levels of development, poverty-driven (i.e., involuntary) childlessness may decrease with increases in levels of development, while at higher levels of development opportunity-driven (i.e., voluntary and circumstantial) childlessness may rise with development. Thus, we expect a U-shaped relationship between childlessness and development overall. We examine this idea for sub-Saharan Africa. We further contribute by differentiating between female and male childlessness; and between involuntary, voluntary and circumstantial childlessness. Moreover, we construct new indicators of subnational historical development to assess both inter- and intra-country variation, and distinguish between three components (health, education and income) to investigate the drivers behind the hypothesized U-shaped relationship. Using 291 Demographic and Health Surveys between 1986 and 2018 from 38 countries and 384 regions, we find a U-shaped relationship between female childlessness and development, and a linear relationship for men. The U-shape for women results from negative associations of female involuntary childlessness with health and educational advancements, combined with positive correlations of voluntary and circumstantial childlessness with education and income improvements. While these positive associations are stronger among men than women, the negative relationships of involuntary childlessness with health and education observed for women are absent for men, resulting in an overall positive and linear relationship between development and childlessness among men. Our findings have implications for how we might expect childlessness rates to evolve with future levels of development.
Likely year-round presence of beaked whales in the Bay of Biscay
Authors: Robbins J. R. , Bell E. , Potts J. , Babey L. , Marley S. A.
Published: March 2022

Beaked whales are cryptic and difficult to study species, often distributed in deep offshore waters and only briefly visible at the surface. A diverse range of cetacean species has been documented in the Bay of Biscay, including several species of beaked whales. However, little is known about how persistent their presence is. Citizen science data collected during ferry-based surveys between 2006 and 2018 were analysed to investigate how encounter rates varied across space and time, and their drivers for beaked whale species. Approximately 244,400 km were surveyed, and there were 419 encounters with beaked whales recorded including Cuvier’s beaked whales, (n = 260), Northern bottlenose whales (n = 19), Sowerby’s beaked whales (n = 13), and True’s beaked whales (n = 1). Generalized Additive Models revealed that encounters were generally more frequent in the southern bay, on northern facing slopes, with all species except Sowerby’s showing a preference for both deep waters and shallow shelf waters. Animals were recorded in each of the eight surveyed months, suggesting that beaked whales may be present year-round, with increased encounter rates in summer months. This study is the first to indicate that beaked whales may persist in this area throughout the year, which is key information for appropriate management.
Layer-by-layer model-based adaptive control for wire arc additive manufacturing of thin-wall structures
Authors: Mu Haochen , Polden Joseph , Li Yuxing , He Fengyang , Xia Chunyang , Pan Zengxi
Published: March 2022

Improving the geometric accuracy of the deposited component is essential for the wider adoption of wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) in industries. This paper introduces an online layer-by-layer controller that operates robustly under various welding conditions to improve the deposition accuracy of the WAAM process. Two control strategies are proposed and evaluated in this work: A PID algorithm and a multi-input multi-output model-predictive control (MPC) algorithm. After each layer of deposition, the deposited geometry is measured using a laser scanner. These measurements are compared against the CAD model, and geometric errors are then compensated by the controller, which generates a new set of welding parameters for the next layer. The MPC algorithm, combined with a linear autoregressive (ARX) modelling process, updates welding parameters between successive layers by minimizing a cost function based on sequences of input variables and predicted responses. Weighting coefficients of the ARX model are trained iteratively throughout the manufacturing process. The performance of the designed control architecture is investigated through both simulation and experiments. Results show that the real-time control performance is improved by increasing the complexity of implemented control algorithm: controlled geometric fluctuations in the test component were reduced by 200% whilst maintaining fluctuations within a 3 mm limit under various welding conditions. In addition, the adaptiveness of designed control strategy is verified by accurately controlling the fabrication of a part with complex geometry.
Inheritances and wealth inequality: a machine learning approach
Authors: Salas-Rojo Pedro , Rodríguez Juan Gabriel
Published: March 2022

This paper explores the relationship between received inheritances and the distribution of wealth (financial, non-financial and total) in four developed countries: the United States, Canada, Italy and Spain. We follow the inequality of opportunity (IOp) literature and − considering inheritances as the only circumstance− we show that traditional IOp approaches can lead to non-robust and arbitrary measures of IOp depending on discretionary cut-off choices of a continuous circumstance such as inheritances. To overcome this limitation, we apply Machine Learning methods (‘random forest’ algorithm) to optimize the choice of cut-offs and we find that IOp explains over 60% of wealth inequality in the US and Spain (using the Gini coefficient), and more than 40% in Italy and Canada. Including parental education as an additional circumstance −available for the US and Italy− we find that inheritances are still the main contributor. Finally, using the S-Gini index with different parameters to weight different parts of the distribution, we find that the effect of inheritances is more prominent at the middle of the wealth distribution, while parental education is more important for the asset-poor.
Implicitly Extrapolated Geometric Multigrid on Disk-Like Domains for the Gyrokinetic Poisson Equation from Fusion Plasma Applications
Authors: Kühn Martin J. , Kruse Carola , Rüde Ulrich
Published: March 2022

The gyrokinetic Poisson equation arises as a subproblem of Tokamak fusion reactor simulations. It is often posed on disk-like cross sections of the Tokamak that are represented in generalized polar coordinates. On the resulting curvilinear anisotropic meshes, we discretize the differential equation by finite differences or low order finite elements. Using an implicit extrapolation technique similar to multigrid $$\tau $$
τ
-extrapolation, the approximation order can be increased. This technique can be naturally integrated in a matrix-free geometric multigrid algorithm. Special smoothers are developed to deal with the mesh anisotropy arising from the curvilinear coordinate system and mesh grading.
Focused ultrasound for the treatment of glioblastoma
Authors: Roberts Jill W. , Powlovich Lauren , Sheybani Natasha , LeBlang Suzanne
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Six years ago, in 2015, the Focused Ultrasound Foundation sponsored a workshop to discuss, and subsequently transition the landscape, of focused ultrasound as a new therapy for treating glioblastoma.

Methods

This year, in 2021, a second workshop was held to review progress made in the field. Discussion topics included blood–brain barrier opening, thermal and nonthermal tumor ablation, immunotherapy, sonodynamic therapy, and desired focused ultrasound device improvements.

Results

The outcome of the 2021 workshop was the creation of a new roadmap to address knowledge gaps and reduce the time it takes for focused ultrasound to become part of the treatment armamentarium and reach clinical adoption for the treatment of patients with glioblastoma. Priority projects identified in the roadmap include determining a well-defined algorithm to confirm and quantify drug delivery following blood–brain barrier opening, identifying a focused ultrasound-specific microbubble, exploring the role of focused ultrasound for liquid biopsy in glioblastoma, and making device modifications that better support clinical needs.

Conclusion

This article reviews the key preclinical and clinical updates from the workshop, outlines next steps to research, and provides relevant references for focused ultrasound in the treatment of glioblastoma.
Revisiting the diagnosis of intertemporal preference reversals
Authors: Li Zhihua , Loomes Graham
Published: March 2022

Intertemporal preference reversals occur when individuals choose future option A over future option B in a direct choice between the two but place a higher ‘immediate cash’ value on B than on A. Tversky et al. (1990) reported strong evidence of such reversals, which they attributed mainly to valuation biases rather than intransitivity. We find similar levels of reversals, even after adjusting for considerable degrees of variability and imprecision in people’s responses. However, we disagree with Tversky et al.’s conclusions about the causes of the majority of these reversals. We find substantial levels of intransitivity in respondents’ binary choices as well as differential overvaluation of both options relative to the values inferred from their choices.