Intelligent planning for allocating containers in maritime terminals

Maritime container terminals are facilities where cargo containers are transshipped between ships or between ships and land vehicles (tucks or trains). These terminals involve a large number of complex and combinatorial problems. One of them is related to the Container Stacking Problem. A container yard is a type of temporary store where containers await further transport by truck, train or vessel. The main efficiency problem for an individual stack is to ensure easy access to containers at the expected time of transfer. Stacks are 'last-in, first-out' storage structures where containers are stocked in the order they arrive. But they should be retrieved from the stack in the order (usually different) they should be shipped. This retrieval operation should be efficiently performed, since berthing time of vessels and the terminal operations should be optimized. To do this, cranes can relocate containers in the stacks to minimize the rearrangements required to meet the expected order of demand for containers. In this paper, we present a domain-dependent heuristically guided planner for obtaining the optimized reshuffling plan, given a stacking state and a container demand. The planner can also be used for finding the best allocation of containers in a yard-bay in order to minimize the number of reshuffles as well as to be used for simulation tasks and obtaining conclusions about possible yard configurations. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.This work has been partially supported by the research projects TIN2010-20976-C02-01 (Min. de Ciencia e Innovacion, Spain), P19/08 (Min. de Fomento, Spain-FEDER) and the VALi+d Program of the Conselleria d'Educacio (Generalitat Valenciana), as well as with the collaboration of the maritime container terminal MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A.).Rodríguez Molins, M.; Salido Gregorio, MA.; Barber Sanchís, F. (2012). Intelligent planning for allocating containers in maritime terminals. Expert Systems with Applications. 39(1):978-989. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2011.07.098S97898939

Formation of calcium phosphate nanostructures under the influence of self-assembling hybrid elastin-like-statherin recombinamers

The self-assembling properties of thermally-sensitive amphiphilic elastin-like multiblock recombinamers have been combined with the capacities of calcium phosphate binding of the SN(A)15 epitope inspired by the salivary protein statherin. In this regard, the interaction between calcium and phosphate ions was examined in the presence of two hybrid recombinamers. The first recombinamer comprised a simple amphiphilic diblock in which the SN(A)15 epitopes were combined, at the gene level, to the hydrophilic end. This recombinamer can self-assemble into nanoparticles that can control the transformation of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) into a fibre-like hydroxyapatite structure. In the other recombinamer, the SN(A)15 domains are distributed along the monomer chain, with the hydrophilic blocks being distributed amongst the hydrophobic ones. In this case, the resulting nanohybrid ACP/recombinamer organises into neuron-like structures. Thus, combining the amphiphilic elastin-like recombinamers to the SN(A)15 functionality is a powerful mean to tune the formation of different complex calcium phosphate nanostructures.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Coexistence of different intrathalline symbiotic algae and bacterial biofilms in the foliose Canarian lichen Parmotrema pseudotinctorum

[EN] Parmotrema pseudotinctorum (des Abb.) Hale is a foliose lichen able to colonize large areas on rock surfaces in semiarid and warm localities in the Canary Islands. In this contribution, we investigate the phycobionts of this successful lichen under these extreme environmental conditions using ultrastructural and genetic methodologies. Two populations from La Gomera and La Palma islands were analyzed. After TEM analyses, three algal types were clearly distinguished in intrathalline symbiosis, provisionally named Ph1, Ph2, and Ph3. Two of them (Ph1 and Ph2) were Trebouxia showing a well visible pyrenoid corticolatype the chloroplast thylakoids being very different in both. The type Ph3 could be a taxon included in the genus Asterochloris. Our molecular approach consisted in sequencing two different DNA loci: a portion of the chloroplast psbA gene and nuclear ITS. Sequences of the psbA gene resulted in electrophoretograms showing double peaks when DNA extracted from the whole lichen thallus was used as template. Such double peaks were interpreted as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). This interpretation was confirmed by cloning. However, no intrathalline polymorphisms were detected among the nrITS sequences. Phylogenetic analyses on the basis of the psbA gene revealed three distinct clades. It is likely that these clades corresponded to the the three different morphotypes revealed by TEM. One of these clades, was closely related to T. corticola, other was related to Asterochloris glomerata and the third did not grouped with any specific taxa. These results are the first piece of evidence that algal coexistence may even be established between species of different genera of the Trebouxiophyceae (Asterochloris and Trebouxia at least). Moreover, the coexistence of several microalgal taxa evidenced in this study appears as a consistent character among the populations of this foliose lichen. Further isolation and cultivation of the three different algal types and physiological studies should shed light on the ecological plasticity of the entire holobiont. Along with such variety of intrathalline coexisting algae, another unexpected result was the observation of an almost continuous layer of bacterial-communities coating the lower cortex in all the studied samples of P. pseudotinctorum. The function of these biofilms in the lichen symbiosis remains to be elucidated. The existence of such particular symbiosis involving different algal species and bacteria could be explained by an increased fitness in particular habitats or under specific environmental conditions[ES] Parmotrema pseudotinctorum (des Abb.) Hale es un liquen foliáceo que coloniza roquedos volcánicos y es frecuente en localidades semiáridas y cálidas de las islas Canarias. En este trabajo, se investigan los ficobiontes de este liquen utilizando métodos ultraestructurales y genéticos. Se analizaron dos poblaciones de La Gomera y La Palma. Mediante análisis TEM, se han distinguido claramente tres tipos de algas en simbiosis intratalinas, llamados provisionalmente Ph1, Ph2 y Ph3. Dos de ellas (Ph1 y Ph2), pertenecientes al género Trebouxia, muestran un pirenoide bien visible del tipo corticola, pero los tilacoides del cloroplasto son muy diferentes en ambos. El tipo Ph3 podría ser un taxón incluido en el género Asterochloris. El enfoque molecular consistió en la secuenciación de dos loco diferentes de ADN: una porción del gen psbA del cloroplasto e ITS nuclear. Las secuencias del gen psbA proporcionaron electroforetogramas que mostraban dobles picos cuando se usó como patrón el ADN extraído de los talos completos. Estos dobles picos se interpretaron como polimorfismos de nucleótido simple (SNP). Esta interpretación se confirmó mediante técnicas de clonación. Sin embargo, no se detectaron polimorfismos intratalinos con las secuencias nrITS. Los análisis filogenéticos basados en las secuencias del gen psbA constataron la presencia de tres clados diferenciados. Es probable que éstos correspondan a los tres diferentes morfotipos puestos en evidencia por TEM. Uno de ellos está estrechamente relacionado con T. corticola, otro con Asterochloris glomerata, y el tercero no se agrupaba a ningún taxón especifico. Estos resultados son la primera evidencia de que en los líquenes la coexistencia de algas intratalinas se puede establecer incluso entre especies de difierentes géneros de Trebouxiophyceae (Asterochloris y Trebouxia al menos). Por otra parte, la coexistencia de varios taxones de microalgas, constatada en este estudio, puede considerarse como una sólida característica entre las poblaciones de este liquen foliáceo. Posteriores aislamientos y el cultivo de los tres tipos de algas, además de estudios fisiológicos, podrán explicar la plasticidad ecológica que muestra el holobionte. Otro resultado inesperado fue la observación de una capa casi continua de comunidades bacterianas que recubren el córtex inferior en todas las muestras estudiadas de P. pseudotinctorum. Está por determinar la función que estos biofilms puedan tener en las simbiosis liquénicas. La existencia de estos tipos de simbiosis tan particulares, que involucran tanto a diferentes especies de algas como a bacterias, podría explicarse por un incremento en la capacidad de colonizar hábitats peculiares o con condiciones ambientales específicasThis study was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Innovation (MINECO CGL2012-40058-C02-01/02), FEDER and the Generalitat Valenciana (PROMETEO 021/2013 GVA).Molins, A.; García-Breijo, F.; Reig Armiñana, J.; Del Campo, EM.; Casano, L.; Barreno Rodriguez, E. (2013). Coexistence of different intrathalline symbiotic algae and bacterial biofilms in the foliose Canarian lichen Parmotrema pseudotinctorum. Vieraea. Folia Scientarum Biologicarum Canariensium. 41:349-370. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/77348S3493704

An evolutionary approach to a combined mixed integer programming model of seaside operations as arise in container ports

This paper puts forward an integrated optimisation model that combines three distinct problems, namely berth allocation, quay crane assignment, and quay crane scheduling that arise in container ports. Each one of these problems is difficult to solve in its own right. However, solving them individually leads almost surely to sub-optimal solutions. Hence, it is desirable to solve them in a combined form. The model is of the mixed-integer programming type with the objective being to minimize the tardiness of vessels and reduce the cost of berthing. Experimental results show that relatively small instances of the proposed model can be solved exactly using CPLEX. Large scale instances, however, can only be solved in reasonable times using heuristics. Here, an implementation of the genetic algorithm is considered. The effectiveness of this implementation is tested against CPLEX on small to medium size instances of the combined model. Larger size instances were also solved with the genetic algorithm, showing that this approach is capable of finding the optimal or near optimal solutions in realistic times

Preliminary safety and efficacy of first-line pertuzumab combined with trastuzumab and taxane therapy for HER2-positive locally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer (PERUSE).

BACKGROUND: Pertuzumab combined with trastuzumab and docetaxel is the standard first-line therapy for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, based on results from the phase III CLEOPATRA trial. PERUSE was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of investigator-selected taxane with pertuzumab and trastuzumab in this setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the ongoing multicentre single-arm phase IIIb PERUSE study, patients with inoperable HER2-positive advanced breast cancer (locally recurrent/metastatic) (LR/MBC) and no prior systemic therapy for LR/MBC (except endocrine therapy) received docetaxel, paclitaxel or nab-paclitaxel with trastuzumab [8\u2009mg/kg loading dose, then 6\u2009mg/kg every 3\u2009weeks (q3w)] and pertuzumab (840\u2009mg loading dose, then 420\u2009mg q3w) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary end point was safety. Secondary end points included overall response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS: Overall, 1436 patients received at least one treatment dose (initially docetaxel in 775 patients, paclitaxel in 589, nab-paclitaxel in 65; 7 discontinued before starting taxane). Median age was 54\u2009years; 29% had received prior trastuzumab. Median treatment duration was 16\u2009months for pertuzumab and trastuzumab and 4\u2009months for taxane. Compared with docetaxel-containing therapy, paclitaxel-containing therapy was associated with more neuropathy (all-grade peripheral neuropathy 31% versus 16%) but less febrile neutropenia (1% versus 11%) and mucositis (14% versus 25%). At this preliminary analysis (52 months' median follow-up), median PFS was 20.6 [95% confidence interval (CI) 18.9-22.7] months overall (19.6, 23.0 and 18.1\u2009months with docetaxel, paclitaxel and nab-paclitaxel, respectively). ORR was 80% (95% CI 78%-82%) overall (docetaxel 79%, paclitaxel 83%, nab-paclitaxel 77%). CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary findings from PERUSE suggest that the safety and efficacy of first-line pertuzumab, trastuzumab and taxane for HER2-positive LR/MBC are consistent with results from CLEOPATRA. Paclitaxel appears to be a valid alternative taxane backbone to docetaxel, offering similar PFS and ORR with a predictable safety profile. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV: NCT01572038

Final results from the PERUSE study of first-line pertuzumab plus trastuzumab plus a taxane for HER2-positive locally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer, with a multivariable approach to guide prognostication

Background: The phase III CLinical Evaluation Of Pertuzumab And TRAstuzumab (CLEOPATRA) trial established the combination of pertuzumab, trastuzumab and docetaxel as standard first-line therapy for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive locally recurrent/metastatic breast cancer (LR/mBC). The multicentre single-arm PERtUzumab global SafEty (PERUSE) study assessed the safety and efficacy of pertuzumab and trastuzumab combined with investigator-selected taxane in this setting. Patients and methods: Eligible patients with inoperable HER2-positive LR/mBC and no prior systemic therapy for LR/mBC (except endocrine therapy) received docetaxel, paclitaxel or nab-paclitaxel with trastuzumab and pertuzumab until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint was safety. Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Prespecified subgroup analyses included subgroups according to taxane, hormone receptor (HR) status and prior trastuzumab. Exploratory univariable analyses identified potential prognostic factors; those that remained significant in multivariable analysis were used to analyse PFS and OS in subgroups with all, some or none of these factors. Results: Of 1436 treated patients, 588 (41%) initially received paclitaxel and 918 (64%) had HR-positive disease. The most common grade 653 adverse events were neutropenia (10%, mainly with docetaxel) and diarrhoea (8%). At the final analysis (median follow-up: 5.7 years), median PFS was 20.7 [95% confidence interval (CI) 18.9-23.1] months overall and was similar irrespective of HR status or taxane. Median OS was 65.3 (95% CI 60.9-70.9) months overall. OS was similar regardless of taxane backbone but was more favourable in patients with HR-positive than HR-negative LR/mBC. In exploratory analyses, trastuzumab-pretreated patients with visceral disease had the shortest median PFS (13.1 months) and OS (46.3 months). Conclusions: Mature results from PERUSE show a safety and efficacy profile consistent with results from CLEOPATRA and median OS exceeding 5 years. Results suggest that paclitaxel is a valid alternative to docetaxel as backbone chemotherapy. Exploratory analyses suggest risk factors that could guide future trial design

Formation of calcium phosphate nanostructures under the influence of self-assembling hybrid elastin-like-statherin recombinamers

The self-assembling properties of thermally-sensitive amphiphilic elastin-like multiblock recombinamers have been combined with the capacities of calcium phosphate binding of the SN(A)15 epitope inspired by the salivary protein statherin. In this regard, the interaction between calcium and phosphate ions was examined in the presence of two hybrid recombinamers. The first recombinamer comprised a simple amphiphilic diblock in which the SN(A)15 epitopes were combined, at the gene level, to the hydrophilic end. This recombinamer can self-assemble into nanoparticles that can control the transformation of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) into a fibre-like hydroxyapatite structure. In the other recombinamer, the SN(A)15 domains are distributed along the monomer chain, with the hydrophilic blocks being distributed amongst the hydrophobic ones. In this case, the resulting nanohybrid ACP/recombinamer organises into neuron-like structures. Thus, combining the amphiphilic elastin-like recombinamers to the SN(A)15 functionality is a powerful mean to tune the formation of different complex calcium phosphate nanostructures.Peer Reviewe

Alkoxide structure effect on size and size distribution of Ag, Au and Ag@Au nanoparticles, prepared via alkoxide mild reduction in water

Gold and silver nanoparticles were synthesized via mild alkoxide reduction of Ag+ and AuCl4- in water, under alkaline conditions. Three non-toxic polyols (glycerin, β-cyclodextrin (βCD), and a polymer (of β-cyclodextrin)) were employed in each case as reducing and capping agent. TEM analysis revealed larger nanoparticles when glycerin was used, followed by β-cyclodextrin, and finally by the polymer. Different numbers of population maxima in nanoparticles size distribution from one alkoxide to another were observed and such variation was dependent on alkoxide’s structure complexity. In UV–Vis spectra the typical bands for gold and silver nanoparticles were detected. ζ-potential measurements showed more electrostatically stable capping layer for glycerin and βCD. For the polymer, the stability of the layer should be a result of bulk effects. On the other hand, Ag-Au bi-metallic nanoparticles with core–shell structure were obtained using glycerin and β-cyclodextrin, whereas a mixture of gold and silver nanoparticles was the result with the polymer. The latter was corroborated via TEM images, EDX, UV–Vis, ζ-potential, and DLS measurements. A systematic study was carried out to elucidate the influence of the different alkoxide molecules on the properties of the resulting nanoparticles.Financial support by FONDECYT 3160144, 1201880, 1180565, ANID/FONDAP/15110019, and CONICYT doctoral fellowship number 21160394 grants is acknowledged. Millennium Science Initiative of the Ministry of Economy, Development and Tourism-Chile grant Nuclei on Catalytic Processes towards Sustainable Chemistry (CSC) is also acknowledged. ICMAB thanks the Severo Ochoa Program (MINECO, SEV- 2015-0496) Ministerio de Ciencia y Competitividad, Grant ENE2015-63969.Peer reviewe