Search

To address the problems of lack of training data and inaccurate classification of existing 3D point cloud data segmentation and classification methods, this paper proposes a high-precision classification algorithm for indoor point clouds by fusing LSTM neural network and super voxels. The algorithm first performs super voxel segmentation on the original point cloud and uses it as the basic unit for machine learning classification, and then introduces LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory) neural network to model the super voxel domain relationship and optimize the classification results. Finally, the accuracy of the proposed method is evaluated based on open dataset, and the experimental results show that 83.2% classification accuracy can be achieved in the open dataset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Prolonged chemotherapy may lead to the selective proliferation of multidrug resistant (MDR) cancer cells. In MDR HepG2-DR and K562-DR cells that over-expressed P-glycoprotein (Pgp), the extract of the rhizomes [...]

Summary Tripterygium hypoglaucum (levl.) Hutch (Celastraceae) (THH) root is a Chinese medicinal herb commonly used for treating autoimmune diseases. In the present study, alkaloids of THH were prepared and their [...]

Aiming at the problem that the downtime is simply assumed to be constant and the limited resources are not considered in the current selective maintenance of the series-parallel system, a three-objective selective maintenance model for the series-parallel system is established to minimize the maintenance cost, maximize the probability of completing the next task and minimize the downtime. The maintenance decision-making model and personnel allocation model are combined to make decisions on the optimal length of each equipment's rest period, the equipment to be maintained during the rest period and the maintenance level. For the multi-objective model established, the NSGA-III algorithm is designed to solve the model. Comparing with the NSGA-II algorithm that only considers the first two objectives, it is verified that the designed multi-objective model can effectively reduce the downtime of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To survive the fierce market competition, many manufacturing enterprises have applied integration measures at all levels of the production process. Against this backdrop, this paper mainly establishes a job-shop scheduling problem (JSP) that aims to minimize the makespan of products through integrated scheduling of machining and assembly under batch production environment. Then, the established problem was modelled considering the influence of different batch number on the makespan. In view of the complexity and discreteness of the established problem, a genetic algorithm (GA) was designed to obtain the optimal scheduling sequence in different batch production situations. The effectiveness of our problem model and algorithm was verified through the analysis on an example with different batch conditions. The research findings help to design a realistic and feasible scheduling plan for manufacturing enterprises. (Received, processed and accepted by the Chinese Representative Office.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper integrates the processing scheduling with assembly scheduling, aiming to satisfy the requirements for just-in-time (JIT) production. Considering the uncertainty of time factors in actual production, the operation time of the jobs were represented as triangular fuzzy numbers and the delivery time of the final product as trapezoidal fuzzy numbers. An extended job-shop scheduling problem (JSP) considering above factors was proposed in this paper. A mathematical model was established for processing and assembly scheduling, aiming to achieve the mean satisfaction degree on delivery time. In light of the complexity of the problem, a genetic algorithm (GA) was designed to realize the fuzzy integrated optimization of processing and assembly under uncertainty. The proposed algorithm includes selection, crossover, mutation operations, and reflects the spirits of two-section real number encoding and elite protection strategy. Each part of the GA was designed in detail. Finally, the proposed model and algorithm were verified through a case study on processing and assembly scheduling. The model enjoys high practical value by taking the customer satisfaction of the delivery period as the main goal. The results show that our scheduling strategy mirrors the actual production situation and provides a good reference for JSP scheduling under multiple uncertainties. The best solution obtained by our model is more feasible than basic JSP in real production environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the random makespans of assembly jobs, this paper develops a mathematical model of stochastic two-sided assembly line balance problem (STALBP) and designs an improved genetic simulated annealing algorithm (IGSAA) based on priority coding. Firstly, a coding method was proposed based on priority value. Then, the job assembly sequence was derived from the chromosome coding sequence, and the job allocation positions were determined, forming a specific allocation plan. After that, the author designed the corresponding decoding method. To enhance the local search ability of the genetic algorithm (GA), the simulated annealing operation was introduced after the mutation, reversing the individuals in the temporary child population. Next, the superiority of the IGSAA was verified by a set of standard examples, and an actual loader assembly line with normally distributed job makespans was balanced by the proposed algorithm. The research findings provide a valuable reference for the balancing of assembly lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the interfacial reactions of chromium, chromium-silicon and chromium/silicon films on gallium arsenide substrate. Experimental procedures; Use of x-ray diffractometry and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry; Findings of the study.

To improve magnetorheological (MR) characteristics of carbonyl iron (CI) microparticles, we introduce two-step CI coating procedures with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) for the first time. Core(CI)-shell(PMMA) (CI-PM) structured composite magnetic microbeads were synthesized by dispersion polymerization first, showing improved dispersion stability and sedimentation quality. However, its magnetic strength was decreased compared with that of pristine CI-based MR fluid. To enhance its magnetic strength, the core-shell type CI-PM particles were wrapped with MWNT via ultrasonication. Rheological properties of their MR fluid were measured by a rotational rheometer with a magnetic field supplier. The CI-PMMA-MWNT (CI-PM-NT) particles were found to show better flow and dynamic rheological properties compared to those from CI-PM particles while density of the CI-PM-NT particles was not much different from that of CI-PM, implying that sedimentation stability of the CI-PM-NT particles was also being kept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Few studies have investigated the incidence of anaphylaxis induced by individual or structurally similar cephalosporins. The aims of the study were to assess the incidence of cephalosporin‐induced anaphylaxis and evaluate the clinical efficacy of screening skin tests. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we obtained information on total cephalosporin use and cephalosporin‐induced anaphylaxis in intravenous cephalosporin recipients in 12 general hospitals between 2013 and 2015. Cephalosporins were divided into 4 groups according to similar side‐chain structures. The incidence of cephalosporin‐induced anaphylaxis was assessed for each cephalosporin, cephalosporin generation, and side‐chain group. To verify the efficacy of screening intradermal tests (IDT) with cephalosporin, the 12 hospitals were assigned to the intervention or control group depending on whether they performed screening IDT before the administration of cephalosporins. Results: We identified 76 cases of cephalosporin‐induced anaphylaxis with 1 123 345 exposures to intravenous cephalosporins (6.8 per 100 000 exposures), and the incidence of fatal anaphylaxis by cephalosporin was 0.1 cases per 100 000 exposures. The highest incidences of anaphylaxis occurred in the ceftizoxime (13.0 cases per 100 000 exposures) and side‐chain group 1 (cefepime, cefotaxime, ceftizoxime, ceftriaxone, and cefuroxime; 9.3 per 100 000). There was no case of anaphylaxis induced by cefoxitin, cefmetazole, cefminox, and cefotiam. The clinical effectiveness of routine screening IDT was not significant (P = .06). Conclusions: The incidence of cephalosporin‐induced anaphylaxis differed according to individual drugs and side‐chain structure. Screening IDT showed no clinical efficacy at a population level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible job-shop scheduling problem (FJSP) in the field of production scheduling presents a quite difficult combinatorial optimization problem. Machines are mostly considered to be the only resource in many research projects dealing with FJSP. In actual production, there are many other factors which influence production scheduling, such as transportation, storage and detection. If machines are considered to be the only resource, the problem may not be in accord with the actual production. Thus, in order to make FJSP more in line with the real production situation, machines, warehouses, vehicles and detection equipment are all considered to be the scheduled resources simultaneously due to the shortage of flexible job shop scheduling problem in resources. A new mathematical model for a multiresource flexible job-shop scheduling problem (MRFJSP) is proposed. The constraints of the model are presented. The makespan is the main target which will be minimized. A genetic algorithm which includes elitist strategy is proposed to solve the MRFJSP. Due to the complexity of MRFJSP, each key module of the genetic algorithm is redesigned. Finally, the model and algorithm are proved through an application case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent study demonstrated that 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) may have an adverse effect on the reproduction in marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma), but the molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the protein expression profiles of male and female gonads of O. melastigma exposed to dietary BDE-47 at two dosages (0.65 and 1.30 μg/g/day, respectively) for 21 days. Extracted proteins were labeled with iTRAQ and analyzed on a MALDI TOF/TOF analyzer, as results, 133 and 144 unique proteins were identified in testis and ovary, respective, and they exerted dose- and sex-dependent expression patterns. In testis, among the 42 differentially expressed proteins; down-regulation of histone variants and parvalbumins implicated BDE-47 may disrupt the spermatogenesis and induce sterility in fishes. In ovary, 38 proteins were differentially expressed; the elevation of vitellogenins and apolipoprotein A-I expression indicated BDE-47 acts as an estrogen-mimicking compound and led to reproductive impairment in O. melastigma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

H ong S-Y, P ark J-H, C ho S-H, Y ang M-S & P ark C-M (2011). Phenological growth stages of Brachypodium distachyon: codification and description. Weed Research 51, 612-620. Summary Brachypodium distachyon is being used as a new model monocotyledon for grass crop research and bioenergy grass biotechnology. With the recent completion of the full genome sequencing project, one of the next major challenges is to determine the functional activities of many genes. In an attempt to aid the rapid determination of gene function in crop plants, a high throughput phenotypic analysis system has been established through phenological analyses of a series of defined growth stages. The codification follows the BBCH (Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt and CHemische Industrie) scale, a numerical system that differentiates between principal and secondary growth stages from seed germination to flower head emergence and seed ripening. We present here analyses of the phenological development stages of B. distachyon to illustrate a methodological framework that can be used to identify and interpret phenotypic differences derived from genetic variations and environmental stress responses in this plant species. This scale may greatly contribute to the B. distachyon research in the future, particularly to functional determination of genes that mediate biomass productivity. It may also serve as a suitable tool for defining the growth stages of other grass species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water samples and sediment cores were taken at 5 sites of Nanhu Lake, Wuhan to investigate the seasonal dynamics of phosphorus in water body, sediments and their interstitial water, as well as the phosphorus forms in sediments. The results showed that the average concentrations of total phosphorus (TP) and orthophosphate (PO4(3-) -P) in water body were 0.240 and 0.033 mg·L-1, respectively, with the highest concentrations of TP and PO43--P in November and the lowest concentration of TP and of PO43--P in February and August, respectively. The concentration of TP in sediments was averagely 1.005 mg·g-1, being increased from April to November and becoming stable from November to February, and decreased with sedimentation depth. The concentration of PO4(3-) -P in interstitial water was 0.209 mg·L-1 on average, being the highest in November and the lowest in February, with the same vertical distribution pattern like TP in sediments. The dominant form of phosphorus in sediments was inorganic phosphorus (IP), occupying 61.4%-77.1% of total extracted phosphorus. The concentration of bio-available phosphorus (BA-P) in sediments was very high, but decreased significantly with sedimentation depth. According to the significant correlations between phosphorus forms in sediments and PO4(3-) -P in interstitial water, the BA-P and auto-calcium bound phosphorus (ACa-P) in sediments should be the main P sources released from sediments to water body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in cellular energy and redox states in the C6 glioma cells exposed to increasing concentrations of either Zn or Se were studied to examine whether different elements cause different patterns of changes in cellular metabolism. Following a 3-h exposure, both Zn and Se +4 caused dose-dependent decreases in cell viability and total adenosine nucleotides (TAN = ATP + ADP + AMP). In addition, Zn caused a dose-dependent increase in cellular ATP/TAN and a decrease in the ADP/TAN and AMP/TAN. These changes resulted in a significant increase in energy charge potential (ECP = [ATP + 0.5ADP]/TAN). Se +4 , on the other hand, caused a dose-dependent decrease in ATP/TAN but an increase in both ADP/TAN and AMP/TAN, resulting in a dose-dependent decrease in ECP. Both Zn and Se +4 caused a dose-dependent decrease in GSH/GSSG and an increase in GSH + GSSG when compared to TAN. In contrast to Zn and Se +4 , the nontoxic Se +6 caused no significant changes in cellular energy states but reduced the GSH/GSSG ratio from 3.14 ± 0.49 to 2.05 ± 0.29, which could be explained by the effect of Se on enzymes responsible for GSH metabolism. As the cellular ATP level has been considered an important element that mediates the mode of cell death, it was suggested that a significant increase in ATP/TAN upon exposure to Zn would indicate that cell death occurred via apoptosis, while Se +4 caused a different pattern of cell death. This was confirmed by the appearance of cells with fragmented nucleus in cells treated with Zn, but not Se +4 and Se +6 . The results demonstrated that different chemicals caused different patterns of metabolic changes. The correlation between metabolic changes and the mode of cell death was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolomic analysis is a technology which seeks to provide a comprehensive profile of all the metabolites present in a biological sample (; ;). Metabolomics is not a new science, but emerging as an exciting application which can span the scope of biotechnology and medicine, providing metabolic profile and a complement to the genomic and proteomic data (). Studies have already begun to explore the effects of toxicological, pharmaceutical, nutritional, and environmental intervention and to build integrated databases of metabolite concentrations throughout biological systems, ranging from microbes to plants to human and research animal populations (; ; ;). This may provide a tool for discovering a novel pathway, or determining the relationship of these metabolite concentrations to disease, and the extent to which nutrition can modulate metabolite concentrations (). Metabolites are the products of enzymatic processes. Their levels can be regarded as the ultimate response of biological systems to genetic or environmental changes (). While the amount of an enzyme protein in a biological system could be quantified by using specific antibodies or by measuring the mRNA responsible for their production, factors such as the availability of cofactors and coenzymes, feedback regulation, pH, compartmentalization, etc. could affect their activity, thus, in turn, affect the metabolite's (i.e., substrates and their enzymatic products) levels. There have been a number of different interpretations of "metabolites." In pharmacological and toxicological studies, metabolites could be considered as the enzymatic degradative products of drugs (; ; ; ;). In other studies, metabolites could be referred to as amino acids (), keto acids (), or lipids (), which are substrates and products of selected metabolic pathways. proposed using "subset" to indicate the type of metabolites to be studied. Thus, the amino acid subset, for example, would indicate the levels of all the amino acids in a sample and lipomic subset would indicate the levels of all metabolites involved in lipid metabolism. In biochemical, physiological, and toxicological studies, animal models are preferred. In fact, a large amount of information on metabolites balance has been accumulated for a number of pharmacological, toxicological, and pathological conditions (; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ,b; Gupta and Dettbarn 2003). Only recently has attention been directed towards studying metabolites in cell culture. Cell culture, with intact membrane and cytoplasmic organelles that operate under well understood biochemical and molecular events, provides a simple model that is best used for studying the basic mechanisms of toxicological and pharmacological actions of xenobiotics. Other advantages of using cell culture are to lighten the heavy workload and complications involved in performing animal studies, as well as to reduce the use of animals, which is also advocated on the ground of good animal ethics. To correlate the results in vivo, the data need to be transformed taking into consideration the level of toxicant at the site of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]