Application of genetic algorithms for sequencing of AS/RS with a triple-shuttle module in class-based storage

Materials handling systems, as a main support to the dynamism of logistic systems, must be highly productive, well utilised, and very efficiently controlled. In the case of high volume, large capacity warehouse systems, an AS/RS (automatic storage/retrieval system) is a typical solution to these requirements. The performance of an AS/RS is closely related to the implementation of different control policies. The sequencing policy, used to create minimum overall handling time tours, has a great impact on system performances. The selection of an appropriate sequencing method is even more significant in a more complex case of multiple shuttle S/R (storage/retrieval) devices because of the mutual paring between more than one storing and retrieving tasks. This paper is focused on the sequencing problem of a triple-shuttle AS/RS in a class-based storage system under a modified sextuple command cycle policy with a planning horizon that comprises the realisation of several successive cycles of S/R device. To solve the problem, three commonly used greedy heuristics (nearest neighbour, reversed nearest neighbour, and shortest leg) are adapted, and a genetic algorithm is proposed.     

Simulation-based regression analysis for the replenishment strategy of the crane & shuttle-based storage and retrieval system

Cluster Computing - This research focuses on big experimental data analysis and the replenishment operation in a crane & shuttle based storage and retrieval system (C&SBS/RS). It is...     

Elevators or stairs?

Background:

Staff in hospitals frequently travel between floors and choose between taking the stairs or elevator. We compared the time savings with these two options.

Methods:

Four people aged 26–67 years completed 14 trips ranging from one to six floors, both ascending and descending. We compared the amount of time per floor travelled by stairs and by two banks of elevators. Participants reported their fatigue levels using a modified Borg scale. We performed two-way analysis of variance to compare the log-transformed data, with participant and time of day as independent variables.

Results:

The mean time taken to travel between each floor was 13.1 (standard deviation [SD] 1.7) seconds by stairs and 37.5 (SD 19.0) and 35.6 (SD 23.1) seconds by the two elevators (F = 8.61, p < 0.001). The difference in time taken to travel by stairs and elevator equaled about 15 minutes a day. Self-reported fatigue was less than 13 (out of 20) on the Borg scale for all participants, and they all stated that they were able to continue their duties without resting. The extra time associated with elevator use was because of waiting for its arrival. There was a difference in the amount of time taken to travel by elevator depending on the time of day and day of the week.

Interpretation:

Taking the stairs rather than the elevator saved about 15 minutes each workday. This 3% savings per workday could translate into improved productivity as well as increased fitness.Open in a separate windowImage courtesy of © Thinkstock 2011The areas visited by hospital staff in internal medicine are often on different floors, with staff making multiple trips by stairs or elevator each day. The reasons for choosing to take the elevator over the stairs include concerns about dyspnea and fatigue, and the amount of time saved.Although many people feel that taking the elevator saves time, there is little evidence to support this claim. We compared travel times for staff taking elevators and stairs in a typical urban hospital.     

Sarcomere dynamics in a spontaneous contraction wave and its effect on the following, electrically triggered twitch in rat myocyte. Comparison with the rested state twitch

A spontaneous contraction (SC) wave propagates among sarcomeres in heart muscle by the mechanism of Ca(++)-induced release of Ca++ from sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). In the present study, some characteristics of unloaded shortening during the SC and its effect on a subsequent, electrically triggered twitch (Tsc) were examined at a sarcomere level in isolated rat myocytes. The results were compared with those of a rested state twitch (RS), which was accompanied by an action potential. Average shortening velocity from onset to peak of shortening was 3.74 +/- 1.25 (mean +/- SD, n = 18) and 5.35 +/- 2.30 microns/s per sarcomere (n = 54) in SC and RS, respectively. That the former was smaller than the latter (P < 0.01, t test) suggests that Ca++ are released from the SR more slowly in the SC than the RS. There were no differences in either the extent or area of shortening between SC and RS. The extent of shortening increased significantly as shortening velocity increased in all the SC (P < 0.05), RS, Tsc, and triggered twitch (Trs) after the RS (P < 0.001 in the last three). The slope of the line for the regression of the extent upon the velocity of shortening in the SC was approximately 1.5 times greater than the other three. This suggests that the SC has a different time course of change of myoplasmic [Ca++] and therefore a different mode of the causal SR Ca++ release from the electrically triggered twitches (RS, Trs, Tsc). There were positive correlations between the extent and the area of shortening in each of the RS (P < 0.01), the Trs (P < 0.05), and the Tsc (P < 0.001), but not in SC. The slope of the line for the regression of the extent upon the area of shortening in the Tsc was about three times greater than those in the RS and the Trs, suggesting characteristics of the Tsc from different those of the RS and the Trs. An SC inhibited a Tsc in an interval-dependent manner. The shortening velocity in the Tsc recovered fully at a test interval of approximately 0.6 s between the onsets of the two successive contractions. The velocity increased further with further increasing the test interval (up to 0.9 s). At a test interval of 0.8-0.9 s, the shortening velocity in the Tsc was greater than those in the preceding SC and the corresponding Trs by 1.17- and 1.80-fold, respectively, as compared in the same five sarcomeres.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Molecular Detection of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Penicillium griseofulvum</Emphasis> as the Coastal Pollution Indicator

Molecular methods were carried out to detect Penicillium griseofulvum, a dominant species related to heavy metal pollution, which was screened from marine contaminated sediments. Based on differences in internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences of Penicillium genus and specific isoamyl alcohol oxidase (IAO) sequences, species-specific primers AS1/RS4 and IAO1/IAO2 of Penicillium griseofulvum were designed and synthesized which were then employed in optimized PCR systems. The detection sensitivities were compared through ordinary PCR and nested-PCR using two pairs of primers, respectively. Both primer pairs could exclusively amplify destined DNA fragment from contaminated environmental samples in our researches. As for primers AS1/RS4, the detection sensitivity for spores (pure spore DNA) could be 10 fg/μl and 10 spores, respectively, and the detection sensitivity for the sediments was 10² spores/0.25 g sediments. While the detection sensitivity of IAO1/IAO2 primers was lower than that of AS1/RS4. Despite the difference in detection sensitivity, it is feasible that the species-specific primers could be used as probes for the detection of environmental pollution dominant species, Penicillium griseofulvum, since the frequency of occurrence and amount of this strain could preferably indicate the pollution degree.     

Multiple properties of the splicing repressor SRp38 distinguish it from typical SR proteins

The SR protein SRp38 is a general splicing repressor that is activated by dephosphorylation during mitosis and in response to heat shock. Here we describe experiments that provide insights into the mechanism by which SRp38 functions in splicing repression. We first show that SRp38 redistributes and colocalizes with snRNPs, but not with a typical SR protein, SC35, during mitosis and following heat shock. Supporting the functional significance of this association, a micrococcal nuclease-sensitive component, i.e., an snRNP(s), completely rescued heat shock-induced splicing repression in vitro, and purified U1 snRNP did so partially. SRp38 contains an N-terminal RNA binding domain (RBD) and a C-terminal RS domain composed of two subdomains (RS1 and RS2 domains). Unexpectedly, an RS1 deletion mutant derivative specifically inhibited the second step of splicing, while an RS2 deletion mutant retained significant dephosphorylation-dependent repression activity. Using chimeric SRp38/SC35 proteins, we show that SC35-RBD/SRp38-RS can function as a general splicing activator and that the dephosphorylated version can act as a strong splicing repressor. SRp38-RBD/SC35-RS, however, was essentially inactive in these assays. Together, our results help to define the unusual features of SRp38 that distinguish it from other SR proteins.     

Detection of the B"-GWGR variant in the southernmost region of Brazil: unveiling the complexity of the human immunodeficiency virus-1 subtype B epidemic

Typical human immunodeficiency virus-1 subtype B (HIV-1B) sequences present a GPGR signature at the tip of the variable region 3 (V3) loop; however, unusual motifs harbouring a GWGR signature have also been isolated. Although epidemiological studies have detected this variant in approximately 17-50% of the total infections in Brazil, the prevalence of B"-GWGR in the southernmost region of Brazil is not yet clear. This study aimed to investigate the C2-V3 molecular diversity of the HIV-1B epidemic in southernmost Brazil. HIV-1 seropositive patients were ana-lysed at two distinct time points in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS98 and RS08) and at one time point in the state of Santa Catarina (SC08). Phylogenetic analysis classified 46 individuals in the RS98 group as HIV-1B and their molecular signatures were as follows: 26% B"-GWGR, 54% B-GPGR and 20% other motifs. In the RS08 group, HIV-1B was present in 32 samples: 22% B"-GWGR, 59% B-GPGR and 19% other motifs. In the SC08 group, 32 HIV-1B samples were found: 28% B"-GWGR, 59% B-GPGR and 13% other motifs. No association could be established between the HIV-1B V3 signatures and exposure categories in the HIV-1B epidemic in RS. However, B-GPGR seemed to be related to heterosexual individuals in the SC08 group. Our results suggest that the established B"-GWGR epidemics in both cities have similar patterns, which is likely due to their geographical proximity and cultural relationship.     

Nuclear export and retention signals in the RS domain of SR proteins

Splicing factors of the SR protein family share a modular structure consisting of one or two RNA recognition motifs (RRMs) and a C-terminal RS domain rich in arginine and serine residues. The RS domain, which is extensively phosphorylated, promotes protein-protein interactions and directs subcellular localization and-in certain situations-nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of individual SR proteins. We analyzed mutant versions of human SF2/ASF in which the natural RS repeats were replaced by RD or RE repeats and compared the splicing and subcellular localization properties of these proteins to those of SF2/ASF lacking the entire RS domain or possessing a minimal RS domain consisting of 10 consecutive RS dipeptides (RS10). In vitro splicing of a pre-mRNA that requires an RS domain could take place when the mutant RD, RE, or RS10 domain replaced the natural domain. The RS10 version of SF2/ASF shuttled between the nucleus and the cytoplasm in the same manner as the wild-type protein, suggesting that a tract of consecutive RS dipeptides, in conjunction with the RRMs of SF2/ASF, is necessary and sufficient to direct nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. However, the SR protein SC35 has two long stretches of RS repeats, yet it is not a shuttling protein. We demonstrate the presence of a dominant nuclear retention signal in the RS domain of SC35.     

The Microbiota and Abundance of the Class 1 Integron-Integrase Gene in Tropical Sewage Treatment Plant Influent and Activated Sludge

Bacteria are assumed to efficiently remove organic pollutants from sewage in sewage treatment plants, where antibiotic-resistance genes can move between species via mobile genetic elements known as integrons. Nevertheless, few studies have addressed bacterial diversity and class 1 integron abundance in tropical sewage. Here, we describe the extant microbiota, using V6 tag sequencing, and quantify the class 1 integron-integrase gene (intI1) in raw sewage (RS) and activated sludge (AS). The analysis of 1,174,486 quality-filtered reads obtained from RS and AS samples revealed complex and distinct bacterial diversity in these samples. The RS sample, with 3,074 operational taxonomic units, exhibited the highest alpha-diversity indices. Among the 25 phyla, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes represented 85% (AS) and 92% (RS) of all reads. Increased relative abundance of Micrococcales, Myxococcales, and Sphingobacteriales and reduced pathogen abundance were noted in AS. At the genus level, differences were observed for the dominant genera Simplicispira and Diaphorobacter (AS) as well as for Enhydrobacter (RS). The activated sludge process decreased (55%) the amount of bacteria harboring the intI1 gene in the RS sample. Altogether, our results emphasize the importance of biological treatment for diminishing pathogenic bacteria and those bearing the intI1 gene that arrive at a sewage treatment plant.     

三江平原小叶章湿地碳排放对雪被变化的短期响应

为了解三江平原小叶章湿地碳排放对雪被变化的响应,利用黑龙江省科学院自然与生态研究所三江平原湿地生态定位研究站内试验平台,采用静态箱-气相色谱法,分别对剔除雪被处理(0 cm)和添加雪被处理(50 cm)以及对照(20 cm)小叶章湿地进行了温室气体排放通量观测,并同步观测相关环境因子。结果表明:不同处理土壤温度、含水量及碳排放量均在覆雪期较低,并随时间呈逐渐升高趋势。随着时间推移和雪被厚度增加,土壤温度不断上升,处理间差异逐渐缩小;剔除雪被处理的土壤含水量始终低于对照和添加雪被处理;在融雪期和后融雪期,对照和添加雪被处理比剔除雪被处理更能促进土壤CO₂排放;各时期土壤累积CH₄排放量在不同处理间无显著性差异。土壤温度与累积CO₂和CH₄排放量均呈显著相关关系,随土壤温度的升高,土壤累积CO₂排放量持续增加,土壤累积CH₄排放量呈先减少后迅速增加趋势;土壤含水量与累积CO₂和CH₄排放量也呈显著相关关系,随土壤含水量的增加,土壤累积CO₂排放量逐渐增多,达到一定值后趋于平缓,土壤累积CH₄排放量则持续显著增加。     

Effects of melatonin and undernutrition on the viability of ovine embryos during anestrus and the breeding season

This study examined the effects of melatonin and level of nutrition on embryo yield during anestrous and breeding season. Adult Rasa Aragonesa ewes were assigned randomly to one of the four treatment groups in two experiments using a 2x2x2 factorial design. Individuals were treated (+MEL) or not treated (-MEL) with a subcutaneous implant of melatonin for 42d (Melovine, CEVA) and fed 1.5 (control, C) or 0.5 (low, L) times the daily maintenance requirements for 20d. Ewes were mated at oestrus (Day=0) and embryos were recovered on Day 5. Level of nutrition and melatonin supplements did not have a significant effect on ovulation rate or the number of recovered ova per ewe in the Reproductive Season (RS) and the Anestrous Season (AS). During the RS, undernutrition reduced the number of viable embryos per ewe (C: 1.1+/-0.2; L: 0.6+/-0.2; P<0.05); however, the number of viable embryos per ewe in the L+MEL group (0.2+/-0.15) was significantly lower than it was in the L, C+MEL and C groups (0.9+/-0.3, 1.2+/-0.3, 1.0+/-0.4, respectively; P<0.05). In the AS, nutrition did not have a significant effect on the number of viable embryos per ewe, although melatonin supplements might have improved rates slightly. Embryo viability rate (% viable embryos/embryos recovered) was unaffected by melatonin supplements or level of nutrition in the RS and the AS. Season had a strong effect on the number of viable embryos per functional corpus luteum among ewes in the L+MEL group, only (RS: 0.2+/-0.1; AS: 0.6+/-0.2; P<0.05). In conclusion, undernutrition impaired the viability of sheep embryos in the RS, particularly among ewes that were given melatonin supplements subcutaneously, but melatonin appeared to improve embryo quality in the AS, which suggests that the mechanisms involved in the interactive effects of melatonin and nutrition on embryo development are influenced by season.     

Sibutramine alters the central mechanisms regulating the defended body weight in diet-induced obese rats

Chronic administration of sibutramine lowers body weight, presumably by altering brain monoamine metabolism. Here the effect of sibutramine on sympathoadrenal function (24-h urine norepinephrine and epinephrine levels) and arcuate nucleus (ARC) neuropeptide Y (NPY) and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) expression was assessed in diet-induced obese rats fed a low-fat diet. Chronic (10 wk) sibutramine [5 mg. kg(-1). day(-1) ip; rats fed ad libitum and injected with sibutramine (AS)] lowered body weight by 15% but only transiently (3-4 wk) reduced intake compared with vehicle-treated controls [rats fed chow ad libitum and injected with vehicle daily (AV)]. Other rats food restricted (RS) to 90% of the weight of AS rats and then given sibutramine restored their body weights to the level of AS rats when allowed libitum food intake. After reequilibration, RS rats were again energy restricted to reduce their weight to 90% of AS rats, and additional vehicle-treated rats (RV) were restricted to keep their body weights at the level of AS rats for 3 wk more. Terminally, total adipose depot weights and leptin levels paralleled body weights (AV > AS = RV > RS), although AS rats had heavier abdominal and lighter peripheral depots than RV rats of comparable body weights. Sibutramine treatment increased sympathetic activity, attenuated the increased ARC NPY, and decreased POMC mRNA levels induced by energy restriction in RV rats. Thus sibutramine lowered the defended body weight in association with compensatory changes in those central pathways involved in energy homeostasis.     

A new PMHS model for lumbar spine injuries during vertical acceleration

Ejection from military aircraft exerts substantial loads on the lumbar spine. Fractures remain common, although the overall survivability of the event has considerably increased over recent decades. The present study was performed to develop and validate a biomechanically accurate experimental model for the high vertical acceleration loading to the lumbar spine that occurs during the catapult phase of aircraft ejection. The model consisted of a vertical drop tower with two horizontal platforms attached to a monorail using low friction linear bearings. A total of four human cadaveric spine specimens (T12-L5) were tested. Each lumbar column was attached to the lower platform through a load cell. Weights were added to the upper platform to match the thorax, head-neck, and upper extremity mass of a 50th percentile male. Both platforms were raised to the drop height and released in unison. Deceleration characteristics of the lower platform were modulated by foam at the bottom of the drop tower. The upper platform applied compressive inertial loads to the top of the specimen during deceleration. All specimens demonstrated complex bending during ejection simulations, with the pattern dependent upon the anterior-posterior location of load application. The model demonstrated adequate inter-specimen kinematic repeatability on a spinal level-by-level basis under different subfailure loading scenarios. One specimen was then exposed to additional tests of increasing acceleration to induce identifiable injury and validate the model as an injury-producing system. Multiple noncontiguous vertebral fractures were obtained at an acceleration of 21 g with 488 g/s rate of onset. This clinically relevant trauma consisted of burst fracture at L1 and wedge fracture at L4. Compression of the vertebral body approached 60% during the failure test, with -6,106 N axial force and 168 Nm flexion moment. Future applications of this model include developing a better understanding of the vertebral injury mechanism during pilot ejection and developing tolerance limits for injuries sustained under a variety of different vertical acceleration scenarios.     

双菌多轮序列协同转化甾体制氢化可的松

建立了蓝色犁头霉AS 3．65和新月弯孢霉AS 3．4381协同多轮转化17α-羟基孕甾-4-烯-3,20-二酮-21-醋酸酯（RSA）割氢化可的松（hydrocortisone,HC）新工艺。在培养好的AS 3．65和AS 3．4381所组成的协同转化体系中,AS 3．65首先将RSA水解为脱氧皮质酮（RS）,这较AS 3．4381单轮批次转化省去了RSA到RS的化学水解工序。在甾体底物RSA平均投料质量浓度为1．3g/L和1g／L的条件下,所选定的协同转化体系可分别被重复利用3轮和6轮,相应的平均产率能维持在较高水平,分别高达81．6％和85％。另外,该工艺明显减少了底物RSA投料浓度对C11位羟化的影响,并有效抑制了AS 3．4381和AS 3．65单独转化过程中出现的14α—OH—RS和11α-OH—RS副产物．     

HPLC determination of hemoglobins to establish reference values with the aid of statistics and informatics

The purpose of the present study was to establish reference values for hemoglobins (Hb) using HPLC, in samples containing normal Hb (AA), sickle cell trait without alpha-thalassemia (AS), sickle cell trait with alpha-thalassemia (ASH), sickle cell anemia (SS), and Hb SC disease (SC). The blood samples were analyzed by electrophoresis, HPLC and molecular procedures. The Hb A2 mean was 4.30 +/- 0.44% in AS, 4.18 +/- 0.42% in ASH, 3.90 +/- 1.14% in SS, and 4.39 +/- 0.35% in SC. They were similar, but above the normal range. Between the AS and ASH groups, only the amount of Hb S was higher in the AS group. The Hb S mean in the AS group was 38.54 +/- 3.01% and in the ASH it was 36.54 +/- 3.76%. In the qualitative analysis, using FastMap, distinct groups were seen: AA and SS located at opposite extremes, AS and ASH with overlapping values and intermediate distribution, SC between heterozygotes and the SS group. Hb S was confirmed by allele-specific polymerase chain reaction. The Hb values established will be available for use as a reference for the Brazilian population, drawing attention to the increased levels of Hb A2, which should be considered with caution to prevent incorrect diagnoses.     

Double calibration: an accurate, reliable and easy-to-use method for 3D scapular motion analysis

The most recent non-invasive methods for the recording of scapular motion are based on an acromion marker (AM) set and a single calibration (SC) of the scapula in a resting position. However, this method fails to accurately measure scapular kinematics above 90° of arm elevation, due to soft tissue artifacts of the skin and muscles covering the acromion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy, and inter-trial and inter-session repeatability of a double calibration method (DC) in comparison with SC. The SC and DC data were measured with an optoelectronic system during arm flexion and abduction at different angles of elevation (0-180°). They were compared with palpation of the scapula using a scapula locator. DC data was not significantly different from palpation for 5/6 axes of rotation tested (Y, X, and Z in abduction and flexion), where as SC showed significant differences for 5/6 axes. The root mean square errors ranged from 2.96° to 4.48° for DC and from 6° to 9.19° for SC. The inter-trial repeatability was good to excellent for SC and DC. The inter-session repeatability was moderate to excellent for SC and moderate to good for DC. Coupling AM and DC is an easy-to-use method, which yields accurate and reliable measurements of scapular kinematics for the complete range of arm motion. It can be applied to the measurement of shoulder motion in many fields (sports, orthopaedics, and rehabilitation), especially when large ranges of arm motion are required.     

Influence of residual stress/strain on the biomechanical stability of vulnerable coronary plaques: potential impact for evaluating the risk of plaque rupture

In a vulnerable plaque (VP), rupture often occurs at a site of high stress within the cap. It is also known that vessels do not become free of stress when all external loads are removed. Previous studies have shown that such residual stress/strain (RS/S) tends to make the stress distribution more uniform throughout the media of a normal artery. However, the influence of RS/S on the wall stress distribution in pathological coronaries remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of RS/S on the biomechanical stability of VPs. RS/S patterns were studied ex vivo in six human vulnerable coronary plaque samples. Because the existence of RS/S can only be assessed by releasing it, the opening angle technique was the experimental approach used to study the geometrical opening configurations of the diseased arteries, producing an arterial wall in a near-zero stress state. Reciprocally, these opening geometries were used in finite element simulations to reconstruct the RS/S distributions in closed arteries. It was found that the RS/S 1) is not negligible, 2) dramatically affects the physiological peak stress amplitude in the thin fibrous cap, 3) spotlights some new high stress areas, and 4) could be a landmark of the lipid core's developmental process within a VP. This study demonstrates that plaque rupture is not to be viewed as a consequence of intravascular pressure alone, but rather of a subtle combination of external loading and intraplaque RS/S.     

Morphometric characteristics of synaptic apparatus in the dorsal nucleus of the medial geniculate body of the cat

The synaptic apparatus in the dorsal nucleus of the medial geniculate body, MGB(d), of the cat was examined using electron microscopy. Within 2166 µm² of studied sections obtained from five regions of MGB(d) tissue, 455 presynaptic terminal (PST) profiles were found, which corresponds, on average, to (210.0±28.4) · 10³ PST per 1 mm² of section surface. In accordance with their ultrastructural pattern (dimension of PST profile, shape of synaptic vesicles, SV, pattern of their arrangement within the terminal, and type of synaptic contact, SC), PST were classified into five main groups:RL, RS, F, P, andUT. The relative amount of PST of these groups constituted 8.1% (RL group), 50.5% (RS), 26.0% (F), 9.2% (P), and 6.2% (UT). According to the dimension of profile, number of SV, and pattern of their arrangement within the terminal,RS-PST were additionally divided into four subgroups:RS1, RS2, RS3, andRS4, whileF-PST were divided into three subgroups:F1, F2, andF3. Thus, MGB(d) possesses five various forms of PST with round SV and asymmetric SC, three PST forms with flattened SV and symmetric SC, one with a mixture of flattened and round SV and symmetric SC, and one with round SV and symmetric SC. It can be supposed that the MGB(d) neurons are supplied with afferent inputs from numerous different sources.Neirofiziologiya/Neurophysiology, Vol. 28, No. 4/5, pp. 197–206, July–October, 1996.