bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling and analysis of flow of powders through long pipelines
Authors: J.S. Shijo , Behera Niranjana
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on predicting the pressure drop in fluidized dense phase pneumatic conveying of fine particles through pipelines by modelling the solids friction factor in terms of non-dimensional parameters using experimental data of definite pipeline configuration. Finally, the model is to be tested for a different pipeline configuration.

Design/methodology/approach

Solids friction factor has been expressed in terms of certain non-dimensional parameters such as density ratio, solids loading ratio and mean particle diameter to pipe diameter ratio, and a certain number of coefficients and exponents. Experimental data of five conveying materials (two types of fly ash, two types of alumina and one type of cement meal) for a pipeline configuration of diameter 53 mm and length 173 m and another conveying material EPS dust for two pipeline configurations (69-mm diameter, 168-m long; 105-mm diameter, 168-m long) have been used to calculate the unknown coefficients or exponents of the mathematical model for solids friction factor.

Findings

The developed model gives the best results in predicting the pressure drop for the pipelines that are less than 173-m long, but the model shows a large error for the pipelines more than 173-m long.

Research limitations/implications

Current research will be helpful for the researchers to model the process of pneumatic conveying through long distances.

Practical implications

The method will be helpful in conveying powder materials through long distances in cement or brick industry, alumina industry.

Social implications

Fly ash piles over at the nearby places of thermal power plants. Pneumatic conveying is the best method for transporting the fly ash from the location of power plants to the nearby brick industries or cement industries.

Originality/value

Solid friction factor has been presented in terms of four non-dimensional parameters and evaluated the accuracy in predicting the pressure drop for two different pipeline configurations.
Working with cancer: A pilot study of work participation among cancer survivors in Western Sydney
Authors: Markovic Cresta , Mackenzie Lynette , Lewis Joanne , Singh Michelle
Published: July 2020

Background

Around 40% of cancers occur in working‐age adults. Improvements in screening and treatment mean that most are expected to live years beyond their diagnosis. However, many experience persistent impairments from treatment such as fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and emotional distress. Work is a key occupation for this population and is an important occupational performance area for occupational therapy intervention. However, little is understood about working with cancer in the Australian context.

Aim

To pilot a survey to identify factors associated with work participation among cancer survivors, and to determine if the survey collected useful information to build on for further study.

Methods

A cross‐sectional online survey was developed to measure work participation and factors associated with successful work. Study participants aged 20–65 years, employed at diagnosis, with basic English and computer literacy were recruited from a cancer clinic in Western Sydney over a 3‐month period.

Results

Nineteen survey responses were received and analysed. Participants had returned or remained at work (n = 9, 47.4%), unsuccessfully attempted to return to work (RTW; n = 2, 10.5%), or were on leave from work (n = 8, 42.1%). Of those on leave, most did not plan to RTW (n = 6, 31.6%). Fatigue (n = 15, 78.9%), difficulty concentrating (n = 8, 42.1%), memory issues (n = 8, 42.1%), stomach upset (n = 7, 36.8%), sleep disturbance, (n = 7, 36.8%), and psychological distress (n = 7, 36.8%) impacted perceived work ability. Physically demanding work (n = 8, 42.1%), length of the workday (n = 6, 31.6%), productivity demands (n = 5, 26.3%), and commuting (n = 4, 21.1%) were challenging to manage after cancer. A supportive workplace was a facilitator for work.

Conclusion

Cancer survivors in Western Sydney may face challenges engaging in work after treatment. Work participation may be influenced by side effects of treatment, difficulty performing work demands, and the work environment. Services may be needed for cancer survivors to navigate RTW.
Phylogenomic analysis reveals a two‐stage process of the evolutionary transition of Shewanella from the upper ocean to the hadal zone
Authors: Tang Xixiang , Yu Libo , Yi Yi , Wang Jiahua , Wang Siyuan , Meng Canxing , Liu Shunzhang , Hao Yali , Zhang Yue , Cao Xiaorong , Jian Huahua , Xiao Xiang
Published: July 2020

Shewanella strains are characterized by versatile metabolic capabilities, resulting in their wide distribution in the ocean at different depths. Considering that particle sedimentation is an important dynamic process in the ocean, we hypothesized that hadal Shewanella species evolved from the upper ocean. In this study, we isolated three novel Shewanella strains from deep‐sea sediments in the Southwest Indian Ocean. Genome sequencing indicated that strains YLB‐06 and YLB‐08 represent two novel species in the genus Shewanella. Through phylogenomic analysis, we showed that speciation and genomic changes in marine Shewanella strains are related to water depth. We further confirmed the aforementioned hypothesis and revealed a two‐stage process of the evolutionary transition of Shewanella from the upper ocean to the hadal zone by comparative genomics and gene gain/loss analysis. Finally, the transcriptomic analysis demonstrated that recently obtained genes are strictly repressed and may thus play a minor role in the response to environmental changes.
Sponge microbiome stability during environmental acquisition of highly specific photosymbionts
Authors: Britstein Maya , Cerrano Carlo , Burgsdorf Ilia , Zoccarato Luca , Kenny Nathan J. , Riesgo Ana , Lalzar Maya , Steindler Laura
Published: July 2020

In this study, we used in situ transplantations to provide the first evidence of horizontal acquisition of cyanobacterial symbionts by a marine sponge. The acquisition of the symbionts by the host sponge Petrosia ficiformis, which was observed in distinct visible patches, appeared several months after transplantation and at different times on different sponge specimens. We further used 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of genomic DNA (gDNA) and complementary DNA (cDNA) and metatranscriptomics to investigate how the acquisition of the symbiotic cyanobacterium Candidatus Synechococcus feldmannii perturbed the diverse microbiota associated with the host P. ficiformis. To our surprise, the microbiota remained relatively stable during cyanobacterial symbiont acquisition at both structural (gDNA content) and activity (cDNA expression) levels. At the transcriptomic level, photosynthesis was the primary function gained following the acquisition of cyanobacteria. Genes involved in carotene production and oxidative stress tolerance were among those highly expressed by Ca. S. feldmannii, suggesting that this symbiont may protect itself and its host from damaging light radiation.
The Redistributive Effects of a Minimum Wage Increase in New Zealand: A Microsimulation Analysis
Authors: Alinaghi Nazila , Creedy John , Gemmell Norman
Published: July 2020

This paper examines the potential effects on inequality and poverty of a minimum wage increase, based on a microsimulation model that captures the details of household composition and the income tax and welfare benefit system and allows for labour supply responses. Results suggest that, largely due to the composition of household incomes, a policy of increasing the minimum wage has a relatively small effect on the inequality of income per adult equivalent person, and a money metric utility measure, using several inequality indices. Hence, the minimum wage policy does not appear to be particularly well targeted, largely due to many low wage earners being secondary earners in higher income households, while many low income households have no wage earners at all. These results are reinforced when allowing for wage spillovers further up the wage distribution. Nevertheless, a minimum wage increase can have a more substantial effect on some poverty measures for sole parents in employment.
Implementing environmental enrichment strategies to help children who have sustained a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Jantz Paul B.
Published: July 2020

Every year in the UK, a significant number of children sustain a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Children who sustain a moderate or severe TBI have been shown to experience continuing neurological decline in two or more domains up to five years post‐injury. Environmental enrichment (EE)—which involves supplementing an environment with appropriately reinforced and rewarded, frequently changing, novel experiences—has been shown to effectively improve social and cognitive functioning in animals with experimental TBI. A growing body of evidence shows EE is also beneficial in the recovery of humans following a TBI. Children who have sustained a moderate or severe TBI often return to school and the educational setting is well‐suited for the implementation of EE interventions during the later stages of TBI recovery. This paper reviews a variety of factors pertinent to moderate and severe TBI, neurorehabilitation and EE. It also offers EE considerations for educational professionals who are involved in the development and implementation of school‐based interventions for children who have sustained a significant brain injury.
Making ecumenes: ontogeny, amity, and resistance in Brazilian indigenous pathways
Authors: McCallum Cecilia
Published: July 2020

The article reconsiders the concept of ecumene in anthropology, through a focus on Panoan‐language‐speaking indigenous peoples in Brazil. It explores the notion that ecumenes are intersubjectively forged space‐times and it critiques culturalist and evolutionist approaches to the ecumene concept. Drawing on ethnography of Yawanawá and Cashinahua, analysis treats ecumenes as dynamic space‐times within which amity and enmity arise and identity politics are forged or falter. These arise phenomenologically over time as bodies acquire knowledge, capacity, creativity, and agency, resulting in the sedimentation and fixation of humanness, seen as contingent and temporary in nature. It is argued that if ecumene is to be a useful category of analysis, it is necessary to put aside heuristic divisions between indigenous and anthropological conceptual and theoretical framing of global historical processes. Ecumene needs be framed with respect to an analysis of graduated sovereignty, predatory capitalism, and institutionalized racism, as Amerindians experience and frame these historically.
Modeling Temperature Variations Using Monte Carlo Simulation: Implications for Estimation of the Postmortem Interval Based on Insect Development Times*†
Authors: Hill Lawrence , Gilbert Allison E. , Coetzee Maureen
Published: July 2020

The association between insect development and temperature is well established. Thermal summation using accumulated degree‐day measures is commonly used. However, the time at which evidence is collected is important in these estimates. The aim of this study was to provide a simulated model of the effect of temperatures on six dipteran species commonly associated with cadavers, from the death scene to the refrigerator, and finally at the time of autopsy. Temperatures measurements were sampled over a 16‐month period from the external environment (external to the mortuary), within the mortuary refrigerator, and within the mortuary autopsy suite. Monte Carlo simulation using accumulated degree‐days (ADD) was used to estimate the variations based on the mean and standard deviation of the temperature measurements. It was found that there was a negative correlation between the base temperature of the fly species (lowest temperature at which the flies will survive) and developmental likelihood. Species with high base temperatures (Chrysomya albiceps, Chrysomya chloropyga, and Musca domestica) were less likely to continue development in refrigerators than species with lower base temperatures (Lucilia sericata and Piophila casei). The findings of this study highlight the importance of recording temperature measurements and the period of refrigeration on PMI estimation especially when continued development occurs in spite of a period of cooling of the insect evidence.
Combination treatment with artemisinin and oxaliplatin inhibits tumorigenesis in esophageal cancer EC109 cell through Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Tao , Wang Jian , Ren Wei , Liu Zhu‐Long , Cheng Yu‐Feng , Zhang Xiao‐Mei
Published: July 2020

Background

Esophageal cancer (EC) is a prevalent malignant cancer worldwide. Interestingly, the antimalaria compound artemisinin (ART) is also reported to have anticancer potential, although its underlying mechanism in EC is unclear. In this study, we explored the anticancer role of ART in EC109 and further explored the combination of ART and oxaliplatin (OXA) for their synergetic anticancer functions.

Methods

Human EC cell line EC109 was used. After ART or oxaliplatin (OXA) treatment, cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were measured by MTT, transwell, and scratch wound assays, respectively. Flow cytometry was performed to examine the cell cycle and apoptosis. The mRNA and protein levels were determined using qRT‐PCR and western blotting.

Results

The migration and invasion abilities of EC109 were suppressed by ART. This was due to the inhibitory effect of ART on the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. The levels of β‐catenin, c‐myc, and survivin were also downregulated by ART. ART inhibits the proliferation of EC109 cells by arresting the cells in the G1‐phase of cell cycle. By using LiCl, an activator of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, we further verified that the inhibition of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway was indeed due to ART. Remarkably, ART enhanced the anticancer effects of OXA in EC109 cells. OXA combined with ART was found to be more efficient in decreasing tumor growth compared to the individual drugs.

Conclusions

ART could suppress tumor progression by inhibiting Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway, and it may also enhance the antitumor effect of OXA in EC. Thus, ART could be a novel anticancer drug for EC treatment.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

ART could be a novel anticancer drug for esophageal cancer (EC) treatment.

What this study adds

Combination treatment with artemisinin and oxaliplatin inhibits tumorigenesis in esophageal cancer EC109 cells through the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway.
Automatic image‐based identification and biomass estimation of invertebrates
Authors: Ärje Johanna , Melvad Claus , Jeppesen Mads Rosenhøj , Madsen Sigurd Agerskov , Raitoharju Jenni , Rasmussen Maria Strandgård , Iosifidis Alexandros , Tirronen Ville , Gabbouj Moncef , Meissner Kristian , Høye Toke Thomas
Published: July 2020

Understanding how biological communities respond to environmental changes is a key challenge in ecology and ecosystem management. The apparent decline of insect populations necessitates more biomonitoring but the time‐consuming sorting and expert‐based identification of taxa pose strong limitations on how many insect samples can be processed. In turn, this affects the scale of efforts to map and monitor invertebrate diversity altogether. Given recent advances in computer vision, we propose to enhance the standard human expert‐based identification approach involving manual sorting and identification with an automatic image‐based technology.

We describe a robot‐enabled image‐based identification machine, which can automate the process of invertebrate sample sorting, specimen identification and biomass estimation. We use the imaging device to generate a comprehensive image database of terrestrial arthropod species which is then used to test classification accuracy, that is, how well the species identity of a specimen can be predicted from images taken by the machine. We also test sensitivity of the classification accuracy to the camera settings (aperture and exposure time) to move forward with the best possible image quality. We use state‐of‐the‐art Resnet‐50 and InceptionV3 convolutional neural networks for the classification task.

The results for the initial dataset are very promising as we achieved an average classification accuracy of 0.980. While classification accuracy is high for most species, it is lower for species represented by less than 50 specimens. We found significant positive relationships between mean area of specimens derived from images and their dry weight for three species of Diptera.

The system is general and can easily be used for other groups of invertebrates as well. As such, our results pave the way for generating more data on spatial and temporal variation in invertebrate abundance, diversity and biomass.
Defective early innate immune response to ectromelia virus in the draining lymph nodes of aged mice due to impaired dendritic cell accumulation
Authors: Stotesbury Colby , Wong Eric B. , Tang Lingjuan , Montoya Brian , Knudson Cory J. , Melo‐Silva Carolina R. , Sigal Luis J.
Published: July 2020

It is known that aging decreases natural resistance to viral diseases due to dysfunctional innate and adaptive immune responses, but the nature of these dysfunctions, particularly in regard to innate immunity, is not well understood. We have previously shown that C57BL/6J (B6) mice lose their natural resistance to footpad infection with ectromelia virus (ECTV) due to impaired maturation and recruitment of natural killer (NK) cells to the draining popliteal lymph node (dLN). More recently, we have also shown that in young B6 mice infected with ECTV, the recruitment of NK cells is dependent on a complex cascade whereby migratory dendritic cells (mDCs) traffic from the skin to the dLN, where they produce CCL2 and CCL7 to recruit inflammatory monocytes (iMOs). In the dLN, mDCs also upregulate NKG2D ligands to induce interferon gamma (IFN‐γ) expression by group 1 innate lymphoid cells (G1‐ILCs), mostly NK in cells but also some ILC1. In response to the IFN‐γ, the incoming uninfected iMOs secret CXCL9 to recruit the critical NK cells. Here, we show that in aged B6 mice, the trafficking of mDCs to the dLN in response to ECTV is decreased, resulting in impaired IFN‐γ expression by G1‐ILCs, reduced accumulation of iMOs, and attenuated CXCL9 production by iMOs, which likely contributes to decrease in NK cell recruitment. Together, these data indicate that defects in the mDC response to viral infection during aging result in a reduced innate immune response in the dLN and contribute to increased susceptibility to viral disease in the aged.
Hotspots of livestock depredation by pumas and jaguars in Brazil: a biome‐scale analysis
Authors: Balbuena‐Serrano Á. , Zarco‐González M. M. , Monroy‐Vilchis O. , G. Morato R. , C. De Paula R.
Published: July 2020

Retaliatory killing, motivated by depredation of domestic animals by large carnivores, has had a significant impact on wild predators’ populations. In Brazil, pumas and jaguars are the most persecuted species, so it is important to analyse the spatial patterns of depredation risk of livestock. We aimed to identify the hotspots of depredation risk by these two felids in Brazil, as well as the most important variables that determine the risk at the biome scale. We generated spatial models of livestock depredation using a database of depredation records, anthropogenic, topographic and vegetation variables, and ecological niche models. We used six algorithms to generate spatial risk models of depredation and selected those with the best performance, for inclusion in a consensus model, for each biome. Finally, we overlapped the areas of high depredation risk by both felids, so that areas considered as hotspots are those in which there is a high risk that livestock will be preyed by pumas or jaguars. Approximately 17% of the area of the biomes analysed for puma had high depredation risk, and 18% in the case of jaguar. The hotspots encompassed 6.5% of the included biomes’ area. The variables associated with the high depredation risk were different between species and biomes. Depredation risk by pumas was primarily associated with anthropogenic variables, whereas a combination of anthropogenic variables and vegetation types increased depredation risk by jaguar. Biome‐scale analysis, coupled with the availability of reliable data and the implementation of statistically robust methods, provides information specifically on the areas of highest risk and the conditions that contribute to it.
30 years of samples submitted to an Australian Medical Entomology Department
Authors: Geary Merilyn J , Russell Richard C , Moerkerken Leendert , Hassan Assareh , Doggett Stephen L
Published: July 2020

Arthropods are the cause of considerable human morbidity. In spite of numerous text books and reviews published on arthropods of medical importance, this is the first paper in the world to present a comprehensive review of specimens sent to a medical entomology laboratory over an extended period. The Department of Medical Entomology at Westmead Hospital is the New South Wales reference laboratory for arthropods of medical importance. In the years 1988–2017, there were 5655 samples submitted for identification. Some 25 orders, 188 families and 177 different genera were recorded, with 170 unique species. The most common specimens included the Australian paralysis tickIxodes holocyclus(708 specimens submitted), the bird miteOrnithonyssus bursa(506), bed bugsCimexspp. (149), moth fliesClogmiaspp. (135), head licePediculus capitis(105), pubic licePthirus pubis(91) and scabiesSarcoptes scabiei(57). In 1211 samples submitted, there was no evidence for any life stages of arthropods. For these common samples, data analysed included yearly and seasonal trends, female vs. male patient submissions and the age classes of the patients. Some species such asI. holocyclus,O. bursa,Cimexspp.,Clogmiaspp. andP. capitisdemonstrated strong seasonal trends. In the case of the female vs. male patients, there were significant differences in submissions withO. bursa,P. capitis,P. pubisand with the samples containing no arthropod evidence. Of these, only withP. pubisdid more males submit than females. Younger ages classes (<10 years) were more associated withI. holocyclusandP. capitis, older patients >70 years) with scabies, mature females (50–69 years) with samples containing no evidence of arthropods and middle‐aged adults (40–69) with the remainder of the common samples. Key diagnostic features are included for some of the more challenging arthropod species to distinguish and as well as case studies provided of situations involving unique or unusual infestations. The data provides useful information on the risks that arthropods of medical importance pose to the community and will refine educational programs.
Long‐term follow‐up of an amblyopia treatment study: change in visual acuity 15 years after occlusion therapy
Authors: Kadhum Aveen , Simonsz‐Tóth Brigitte , van Rosmalen Joost , Pijnenburg Sanne J. M. , Janszen Bronte M. , Simonsz Huibert J. , Loudon Sjoukje E.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To determine change in visual acuity (VA) in the population of a previous amblyopia treatment study (Loudon 2006) and assess risk factors for VA decrease.

Methods

Subjects treated between 2001 and 2003 were contacted between December 2015 and July 2017. Orthoptic examination was conducted under controlled circumstances and included subjective refraction, best corrected VA, reading acuity, binocular vision, retinal fixation, cover‐uncover and alternating cover test. As a measure for degree of amblyopia, InterOcular VA Difference (IOD) at the end of occlusion therapy was compared with IOD at the follow‐up examination using Wilcoxon’s signed‐rank test. Regression analysis was conducted to determine the influence of clinical and socio‐economic factors on changes in IOD.

Results

Out of 303 subjects from the original study, 208 were contacted successfully, 59 refused and 15 were excluded because of non‐amblyopic cause of visual impairment. Mean IOD at end of therapy (mean age 6.4 years) was 0.11 ± 0.16 logMAR, and IOD at follow‐up examination (mean age 18.3 years) was 0.09 ± 0.21 logMAR; this difference was not significant (p = 0.054). Degree of anisometropia (p = 0.008; univariable analysis), increasing anisometropia (p = 0.009; multivariable), eccentric fixation (p < 0.001; univariable and multivariable); large IOD (p < 0.001; univariable and multivariable) and non‐compliance during therapy (p = 0.028; univariable) were associated with IOD increase.

Conclusion

Long‐term results of occlusion therapy were good. High or increasing anisometropia, eccentric fixation and non‐compliance during occlusion therapy were associated with long‐term VA decrease. Subjects with poor initial VA had a larger increase despite little patching, but often showed long‐term VA decrease.
Editorial: a need for glucose monitoring on prokinetic treatment with a ghrelin agonist in diabetic gastroparesis?
Authors: Hasler William L.
Published: July 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Camilleri et al and Camilleri papers. To view these articles, visit
https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15711 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15866.
Letter: is unrealised adult height resulting from paediatric Crohn’s disease associated with a potential reduction in lifetime earnings?
Authors: Hron Bridget M. , Cohen Russell D. , Johnson Scott J. , Skup Martha , Chao Jingdong , Kahn Stacy A.
Published: July 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Mouratidou et al papers. To view these articles, visit
https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15667 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15899.
Editorial: a need for glucose monitoring on prokinetic treatment with a ghrelin agonist in diabetic gastroparesis? Author's reply
Authors: Camilleri Michael
Published: July 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Camilleri et al and Hasler papers. To view these articles, visit
https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15711 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15792.
Editorial: pancreatic cancer risk in inflammatory bowel diseases—it's all relative
Authors: Holmer Ariela K. , Singh Siddharth
Published: July 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Everhov et al paper. To view this article, visit
https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15785.
Letter: ustekinumab dose intensification for loss of response—should we re‐induce before shortening the dose interval?
Authors: Srinivasan Ashish , De Cruz Peter , van Langenberg Daniel R.
Published: July 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Kopylov et al and Kopylov papers. To view these articles, visit
https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15784 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15892.
Editorial: which factors influence HBsAg levels in HBV‐infected patients? Authors' reply
Authors: Brunetto Maurizia Rossana , Cavallone Daniela
Published: July 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Cavallone et al and Brunetto and Cavallone papers. To view these articles, visit
https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15753 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15910.
Letter: combination of biologics in inflammatory bowel diseases. Authors' reply
Authors: Yang Edward , Panaccione Nicola , Whitmire Natalie , Dulai Parambir S. , Vande Casteele Niels , Singh Siddharth , Boland Brigid S. , Collins Angelina , Sandborn William J. , Panaccione Remo , Battat Robert
Published: July 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Yang et al and Fumery et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15719 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15891.
Editorial: balancing safety and efficacy—6‐TGN thresholds in NUDT15 intermediate metabolisers treated with thiopurines
Authors: Digby‐Bell Jonathan , Ward Mark G.
Published: July 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Kang et al paper. To view this article, visit
https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15810.
Top predators at war—Ice Age lions versus competing spotted hyenas
Authors: Diedrich Cajus G.
Published: July 2020

In the fossil record, 3.097 studied bones including 40 skulls of grown‐up individuals from 81 German, Czech and English and Spanish extant spotted hyena Crocuta crocuta spelaea den sites let to distinguish two main types of pathologies. Ageing pathologies in the form of arthritis are typical for elderly hyenas. Their strong tooth use or losses and canine damages due to intensive bone crushing made them finally defenceless. Bite trauma on the sagittal crests of the crania is the secure proof for battles between top predators: lions and hyenas. A full crest healing resulted in a strong convex‐deformed skull shape. Other complete upper/lower jaw bites made by lions are found at a hyena skeleton shoulder, in which scapulae are partly healed. This hyena died in its den cave finally; as such, it is known for another Ice Age spotted hyena that was found recently as a skeleton in a Spanish cave, but with a non‐healed strong sagittal crest bite trauma. The postcranial bite traumas in the Ice Age spotted hyenas are predominantly on the distal hind legs (tibia/fibula—68% of all traumas). This correlates to African relatives because spotted hyenas attack its guilt and enemies from “behind.”
Children and adolescents coordinate group and moral concerns within different goal contexts when allocating resources
Authors: McGuire Luke , Rutland Adam
Published: July 2020

Coordinating complex social and moral concerns when allocating resources is a key issue in late childhood and early adolescence. This study explored resource allocation in three goal contexts that required children to focus to differing degrees on moral and group concerns. Children (9–11‐years, Mage = 9.84, n = 190) and adolescents (14–16‐years, Mage = 14.92, n = 154) were informed their school peer group held an in‐group norm (competition, cooperation). Participants allocated resources between their in‐group and an outgroup within one of three goal contexts (prosocial, learning‐focused, and group‐focused). Participants allocated in favour of their in‐group to achieve a prosocial goal but attenuated this when the goal was focused on learning and cooperation. Adolescents, more than children, reasoned about the goals of resource allocation to justify their decisions. From 9 years old, children begin to coordinate peer group norms and goal information when deciding how to allocate resources within intergroup contexts.
Ant‐induced evolutionary patterns in aphids
Authors: Depa Łukasz , Kaszyca‐Taszakowska Natalia , Taszakowski Artur , Kanturski Mariusz
Published: July 2020

This review investigates ant–aphid mutualism (trophobiosis), in particular focusing on evolutionary processes in aphids resulting from this interaction. This broad literature review allows us to revise existing views on certain aspects of this mutualism and provide the first timeline of its possible development over a geological timescale. We propose a new classification of ant–aphid mutualism with respect to its ecological characteristics and present new explanations of the development of certain morphological structures of aphids as resulting from adaptation to a trophobiotic relationship with ants. In light of these findings, the presence of the so‐called ‘trophobiotic organ’ in all myrmecophilous aphids is questioned. We review various communication modes between aphids and mutualistic ants and the possible influence of this symbiosis on modifications of aphid life cycles. Recent evidence on the suspected role of endosymbiotic bacteria in the development of mutualism is discussed. Finally, we propose a first timeline of ant–aphid interactions leading to the development of particular adaptations of aphids to mutualism, from general interactions between diverging Aphidomorpha and ants in the late Mesozoic to more specific coevolution between the aphid tribe Fordini and the ant genus Lasius.
SoftSMPL: Data‐driven Modeling of Nonlinear Soft‐tissue Dynamics for Parametric Humans
Authors: Santesteban Igor , Garces Elena , Otaduy Miguel A. , Casas Dan
Published: July 2020

We present SoftSMPL, a learning‐based method to model realistic soft‐tissue dynamics as a function of body shape and motion. Datasets to learn such task are scarce and expensive to generate, which makes training models prone to overfitting. At the core of our method there are three key contributions that enable us to model highly realistic dynamics and better generalization capabilities than state‐of‐the‐art methods, while training on the same data. First, a novel motion descriptor that disentangles the standard pose representation by removing subject‐specific features; second, a neural‐network‐based recurrent regressor that generalizes to unseen shapes and motions; and third, a highly efficient nonlinear deformation subspace capable of representing soft‐tissue deformations of arbitrary shapes. We demonstrate qualitative and quantitative improvements over existing methods and, additionally, we show the robustness of our method on a variety of motion capture databases.
Modeling and Estimation of Nonlinear Skin Mechanics for Animated Avatars
Authors: Romero Cristian , Otaduy Miguel A. , Casas Dan , Perez Jesus
Published: July 2020

Data‐driven models of human avatars have shown very accurate representations of static poses with soft‐tissue deformations. However they are not yet capable of precisely representing very nonlinear deformations and highly dynamic effects. Nonlinear skin mechanics are essential for a realistic depiction of animated avatars interacting with the environment, but controlling physics‐only solutions often results in a very complex parameterization task. In this work, we propose a hybrid model in which the soft‐tissue deformation of animated avatars is built as a combination of a data‐driven statistical model, which kinematically drives the animation, an FEM mechanical simulation. Our key contribution is the definition of deformation mechanics in a reference pose space by inverse skinning of the statistical model. This way, we retain as much as possible of the accurate static data‐driven deformation and use a custom anisotropic nonlinear material to accurately represent skin dynamics. Model parameters including the heterogeneous distribution of skin thickness and material properties are automatically optimized from 4D captures of humans showing soft‐tissue deformations.
Greedy Cut Construction for Parameterizations
Authors: Zhu Tianyu , Ye Chunyang , Chai Shuangming , Fu Xiao‐Ming
Published: July 2020

We present a novel method to construct short cuts for parameterizations with low isometric distortion. The algorithm contains two steps: (i) detect feature points, where the distortion is usually concentrated; and (ii) construct a cut by connecting the detected feature points. Central to each step is a greedy method. After generating a redundant feature point set, a greedy filtering process is performed to identify the feature points required for low isometric distortion parameterizations. This filtering process discards the feature points that are useless for distortion reduction while still enabling us to obtain low isometric distortion. Next, we formulate the process of connecting the detected feature points as a Steiner tree problem. To find an approximate solution, we first successively and greedily produce a collection of auxiliary points. Then, a cut is constructed by connecting the feature points and auxiliary points. In the 26,299 test cases in which an exact solution to the Steiner tree problem is available, the length of the cut obtained by our method is on average 0.17% longer than optimal. Compared to state‐of‐the‐art cut construction methods, our method is one order of magnitude faster and generates shorter cuts while achieving similar isometric distortion.
Spectral Mesh Simplification
Authors: Lescoat Thibault , Liu Hsueh‐Ti Derek , Thiery Jean‐Marc , Jacobson Alec , Boubekeur Tamy , Ovsjanikov Maks
Published: July 2020

The spectrum of the Laplace‐Beltrami operator is instrumental for a number of geometric modeling applications, from processing to analysis. Recently, multiple methods were developed to retrieve an approximation of a shape that preserves its eigenvectors as much as possible, but these techniques output a subset of input points with no connectivity, which limits their potential applications. Furthermore, the obtained Laplacian results from an optimization procedure, implying its storage alongside the selected points. Focusing on keeping a mesh instead of an operator would allow to retrieve the latter using the standard cotangent formulation, enabling easier processing afterwards. Instead, we propose to simplify the input mesh using a spectrum‐preserving mesh decimation scheme, so that the Laplacian computed on the simplified mesh is spectrally close to the one of the input mesh. We illustrate the benefit of our approach for quickly approximating spectral distances and functional maps on low resolution proxies of potentially high resolution input meshes.
Optimizing Object Decomposition to Reduce Visual Artifacts in 3D Printing
Authors: Filoscia I. , Alderighi T. , Giorgi D. , Malomo L. , Callieri M. , Cignoni P.
Published: July 2020

We propose a method for the automatic segmentation of 3D objects into parts which can be individually 3D printed and then reassembled by preserving the visual quality of the final object. Our technique focuses on minimizing the surface affected by supports, decomposing the object into multiple parts whose printing orientation is automatically chosen. The segmentation reduces the visual impact on the fabricated model producing non‐planar cuts that adapt to the object shape. This is performed by solving an optimization problem that balances the effects of supports and cuts, while trying to place both in occluded regions of the object surface. To assess the practical impact of the solution, we show a number of segmented, 3D printed and reassembled objects.
Prefilters for Sharp Image Display
Authors: Rocha Luís Cláudio Gouveia , Oliveira Manuel M. , Gastal Eduardo S. L.
Published: July 2020

In this paper we use a simplified model of the human visual system to explain why humans tend do prefer “sharpened” digital images. From this model we then derive a family of image prefilters specifically adapted to viewing conditions and user preference, allowing for the trade‐off between ringing and aliasing while maximizing image sharpness. We discuss how our filters can be applied in a variety of situations ranging from Monte Carlo rendering to image downscaling, and we show how they consistently give sharper results while having an efficient implementation and ease of use (there are no free parameters that require manual tuning). We demonstrate the effectiveness of our simple sharp prefilters through a user study that indicates a clear preference to our approach compared to the state‐of‐the‐art.
Robust Shape Collection Matching and Correspondence from Shape Differences
Authors: Cohen Aharon , Ben‐Chen Mirela
Published: July 2020

We propose a method to automatically match two shape collections with a similar shape space structure, e.g. two characters in similar poses, and compute the inter‐maps between the collections. Given the intra‐maps in each collection, we extract the corresponding shape difference operators, and use them to construct an embedding of the shape space of each collection. We then align the two shape spaces, and use the knowledge gained from the alignment to compute the inter‐maps. Unlike existing approaches for collection alignment, our method is applicable to small and large collections alike, and requires no parameter tuning. Furthermore, unlike most approaches for non‐isometric correspondence, our method uses solely the variation within the collection to extract the inter‐maps, and therefore does not require landmarks, descriptors or any additional input. We demonstrate that we achieve high matching accuracy rates, and compute high quality maps on non‐isometric shapes, which compare favorably with automatic state‐of‐the‐art methods for non‐isometric shape correspondence.
Learning Generative Models of 3D Structures
Authors: Chaudhuri Siddhartha , Ritchie Daniel , Wu Jiajun , Xu Kai , Zhang Hao
Published: July 2020

3D models of objects and scenes are critical to many academic disciplines and industrial applications. Of particular interest is the emerging opportunity for 3D graphics to serve artificial intelligence: computer vision systems can benefit from synthetically‐generated training data rendered from virtual 3D scenes, and robots can be trained to navigate in and interact with real‐world environments by first acquiring skills in simulated ones. One of the most promising ways to achieve this is by learning and applyinggenerative modelsof 3D content: computer programs that can synthesize new 3D shapes and scenes. To allow users to edit and manipulate the synthesized 3D content to achieve their goals, the generative model should also bestructure‐aware: it should express 3D shapes and scenes using abstractions that allow manipulation of their high‐level structure. This state‐of‐the‐art report surveys historical work and recent progress on learning structure‐aware generative models of 3D shapes and scenes. We present fundamental representations of 3D shape and scene geometry and structures, describe prominent methodologies including probabilistic models, deep generative models, program synthesis, and neural networks for structured data, and cover many recent methods for structure‐aware synthesis of 3D shapes and indoor scenes.
Survey of Models for Acquiring the Optical Properties of Translucent Materials
Authors: Frisvad J. R. , Jensen S. A. , Madsen J. S. , Correia A. , Yang L. , Gregersen S. K. S. , Meuret Y. , Hansen P.‐E.
Published: July 2020

The outset of realistic rendering is a desire to reproduce the appearance of the real world. Rendering techniques therefore operate at a scale corresponding to the size of objects that we observe with our naked eyes. At the same time, rendering techniques must be able to deal with objects of nearly arbitrary shapes and materials. These requirements lead to techniques that oftentimes leave the task of setting the optical properties of the materials to the user. Matching the appearance of real objects by manual adjustment of optical properties is however nearly impossible. We can render objects with a plausible appearance in this way but cannot compare the appearance of a manufactured item to that of its digital twin. This is especially true in the case of translucent objects, where we need more than a goniometric measurement of the optical properties. In this survey, we provide an overview of forward and inverse models for acquiring the optical properties of translucent materials. We map out the efforts in graphics research in this area and describe techniques available in related fields. Our objective is to provide a better understanding of the tools currently available for appearance specification when it comes to digital representations of real translucent objects.
North American birds require mitigation and adaptation to reduce vulnerability to climate change
Authors: Bateman Brooke L. , Wilsey Chad , Taylor Lotem , Wu Joanna , LeBaron Geoffrey S. , Langham Gary
Published: July 2020

In an emerging climate crisis, effective conservation requires both adaptation and mitigation to improve the resilience of species. The currently pledged emissions reductions outlined in the Paris Agreement framework would still lead to a +3.2°C increase in global mean temperature by the end of this century. In this context, we assess the vulnerability of 604 North American bird species and identify the species and locations most at risk under climate change. We do this based on species distribution models for both the breeding and nonbreeding seasons, projected under two global warming scenarios (an optimistic mitigation scenario 1.5°C and an unmitigated 3.0°C scenario). We evaluate vulnerability under each season and scenario by assessing sensitivity and adaptive capacity based on modeled range loss and range gain, respectively, and based on species specific dispersal abilities. Our study, the first of its magnitude, finds that over two‐thirds of North American birds are moderately or highly vulnerable to climate change under a 3.0°C scenario. Of these climate‐vulnerable species, 76% would have reduced vulnerability and 38% of those would be considered nonvulnerable if warming were stabilized at 1.5°C. Thus, the current pledge in greenhouse gas reductions set by the Paris Agreement is inadequate to reduce vulnerability to North American birds. Additionally, if climate change proceeds on its current trajectory, arctic birds, waterbirds, and boreal and western forest birds will be highly vulnerable to climate change, groups that are currently not considered of high conservation concern. There is an urgent need for both (a) policies to mitigate emissions and (b) prioritization to identify where to focus adaptation actions to protect birds in a changing climate.
Combined large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and spindle cell carcinoma of the lung: Report of a rare entity presenting in fine needle aspiration
Authors: Grosse Alexandra , Grosse Claudia
Published: July 2020

This report for the first time describes the cytological findings of combined large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) and spindle cell carcinoma of the lung, a rare combined variant of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. This entity is identified in FNAC by the characteristic finding of a dual cell population with distinct features of LCNEC and spindle cell/giant cell carcinoma.
Reducing loneliness among people with substance use disorders: Feasibility of ‘Groups for Belonging’
Authors: Ingram Isabella , Kelly Peter J. , Haslam Catherine , O'Neil Owen J. , Deane Frank P. , Baker Amanda L. , Dingle Genevieve A.
Published: July 2020

Introduction and Aims

Although loneliness is common among people with substance use disorders, few interventions to reduce loneliness have been developed for this population. This study aimed to determine the feasibility of delivering a six‐session group‐based intervention, ‘Groups for Belonging’, that builds social group connectedness.

Design and Methods

Participants were 41 individuals accessing residential substance use treatment services. The primary aims of the present study were to determine indicators of feasibility of Groups for Belonging; namely, demand (recruitment, attendance and retention) for and acceptability (program adherence and participant satisfaction) of the Groups for Belonging program in residential substance use treatment settings.

Results

Over half of the people attending the services were interested in participating in Groups for Belonging. Of 41 participants who commenced the program, 20 participants completed the program per protocol. In terms of acceptability, the average number of sessions attended was 3.7 (SD = 1.76, range 1–6). Program adherence was 99.3% and overall satisfaction with the program was high, with 95% of participants reporting they enjoyed Groups for Belonging.

Discussion and Conclusions

The Groups for Belonging program may be feasible for delivery in residential substance use treatment services. Findings from this study suggest that an adequately powered replication study is warranted.