Optimization of Multiperiod Mixed Train Schedule on High-Speed Railway

For providing passengers with periodic operation trains and making trains’ time distribution better fit that of passengers, the multiperiod mixed train schedule is first proposed in this paper. It makes each type of train having same origin, destination, route, and stop stations operate based on a periodic basis and allows different types of train to have various operation periods. Then a model of optimizing multiperiod mixed train schedule is built to minimize passengers generalized travel costs with the constraints of trains of same type operating periodically, safe interval requirements of trains’ departure, and arrival times, and so forth. And its heuristic algorithm is designed to optimize the multiperiod mixed train schedule beginning with generating an initial solution by scheduling all types of train type by type and then repeatedly improving their periodic schedules until the objective value cannot be reduced or the iteration number reaches its maximum. Finally, example results illustrate that the proposed model and algorithm can effectively gain a better multiperiod mixed train schedule. However, its passengers deferred times and advanced times are a little higher than these of an aperiodic train schedule

Seawater carbonate chemistry and expression of c-Fos protein in the brain of marine medaka

Altered behaviors have been reported in many marine fish following exposure to high CO2 concentrations. However, the mechanistic link between elevated CO2 and activation of brain regions in fish is unknown. Herein, we examined the relative quantification and location of c-Fos expression in marine medaka following acute (360 min) and short-term (7 d) exposure to CO2-enriched water (1000 ppm and 1800 ppm CO2). In the control and two treatment groups, pH was stable at 8.21, 7.92 and 7.64, respectively. After acute exposure to seawater acidified by enrichment with CO2, there was a clear upregulation of c-Fos protein in the medaka brain (P < 0.05). c-Fos protein expression peaked after 120 min exposure in the two treatment groups and thereafter began to decline. There were marked increases in c-Fos-labeling in the ventricular and periventricular zones of the cerebral hemispheres and the medulla oblongata. After 1800 ppm CO2 exposure for 7 d, medaka showed significant preference for dark zones during the initial 2 min period. c-Fos protein expression in the ventricular and periventricular zones of the diencephalon in medaka exposed to 1000 ppm and 1800 ppm CO2 were 0.51 ± 0.10 and 1.34 ± 0.30, respectively, which were significantly higher than controls (P < 0.05). Highest doublecortin protein expression occurred in theventricular zones of the diencephalon and mesencephalon. These findings suggest that the ventricular and periventricular zones of the cerebral hemispheres and the medulla oblongata of marine medaka are involved in rapid acid-base regulation. Prolonged ocean acidification may induce cell mitosis and differentiation in the adult medaka brain

Data_Sheet_1_Clostridium butyricum isolated from giant panda can attenuate dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice.PDF

ObjectiveProbiotics are beneficial to the intestinal barrier, but few studies have investigated probiotics from giant pandas. This study aims to explore the preventive effects of giant panda-derived Clostridium butyricum on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice.MethodsClostridium butyricum was administered to mice 14 days before administering DSS treatment to induce enteritis.ResultsClostridium butyricum B14 could more effectively prevent colitis in mice than C. butyricum B13. C. butyricum B14 protected the mouse colon by decreasing the histology index and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels, which improved intestinal inflammation-related symptoms. In addition, the treatment led to the regulation of the expression of Tifa, Igkv12-89, and Nr1d1, which in turn inhibited immune pathways. The expression of Muc4, Lama3, Cldn4, Cldn3, Ocln, Zo1, Zo2, and Snai is related the intestinal mucosal barrier. 16S sequencing shows that the C. butyricum B14 significantly increased the abundance of certain intestinal probiotics. Overall, C. butyricum B14 exerted a preventive effect on colitis in mice by inhibiting immune responses, enhancing the intestinal barrier and increasing the abundance of probiotic species. Thus, C. butyricum B14 administration helps regulate the balance of the intestinal microecology. It can suppress immune pathways and enhance barrier-protective proteins.</p