Dynamic Modelling of an Automated Vehicle Storage and Retrieval System and a Simulation Analysis of its Efficiency

In this paper operating-time models for single and multiple instructions are set up considering an AVS/RS (automated vehicle storage and retrieval system). The operation times of AVS/RS and AS/RS (automated storage and retrieval system) are simulated in different situations by changing the shelf structure and order density. The results show that the AVS/RS is more efficient than the AS/RS in all situations. Furthermore, the numbers of rows and columns of storage shelves greatly influence the operation time. The graph of operation-time compression ratio against number of columns shows an inverted U-type distribution, and the compression ratio decreases and ultimately tends to zero as the number of rows is increased. Also, the order density affects the efficiency difference between the two systems: the higher the order density, the higher the AVS/RS operating-time compression rate. Finally, compared with the AS/RS, the AVS/RS operating-time compression ratio improves greatly with increasing density and number of rows because of parallel operations, whereas with decreasing density and number of rows the AVS/RS advantages are gradually lost and the compression ratio decreases and eventually even reaches zero

Geochronology and geochemistry of the Shanagen hydrothermal vein-type Mo deposit in Derbugan metallogenic belt of the NE China and their geological significance

The Shanagen hydrothermal vein-type Mo deposit belongs to the Derbugan metallogenic belt, which is located in the Ergun block, NE China. The Mo mineralization is mainly developed in sericitized quartz siltstone around alkali-feldspar granite. In this paper, we present Molybdenite Re–Os dating, zircon U–Pb dating and geochemical data with the aim of determining metallogenic epoch and tectonic setting. Molybdenite Re–Os and zircon U–Pb dating of the alkali-feldspar granite indicate that the ore-formation and alkali-feldspar granite emplacement occurred at 143.1 ± 3.8 Ma, and 144.7 ± 0.7 Ma. Both were formed in the early Cretaceous. Chemically, the alkali-feldspar granites are enriched in L rare earth element and LILEs, depleted in H rare earth element and HFSEs, and pronounced negative Eu anomalies, are metaluminous and belong to the high-K calc-alkaline series and highly differentiated I-type granite. Geochemical features and concave upwards rare earth element pattern imply that alkali-feldspar granites were formed from magma generated by partial melting of lower crust. Combining the geochemistry, chronology, and the regional tectonic evolution, we infer that Shanagen hydrothermal vein-type Mo deposit was formed the extensional environment after the closure of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean

Nanosecond pulsed electric field inhibits malignant melanoma growth by inducing the change of systemic immunity

Nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) showed an inhibitory effect on proliferation of malignant melanoma. In this study, the growth of melanoma were inhibited by changing the systemic immunity. C57BL/6 mice with B16 malignant were exposed to 200 pulses of 100 ns duration, 30kV/cm. The mice were executed four days later. T lymphocyte has been extracted from spleen. Cell viability was evaluated by CCK-8 assay. CD3+CD4+ T cells, CD3+CD8+ T cells, regulatory T cells (Treg) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) were analyzed by flow cytometry. TNF-?, IL-2, IL-10, TGF-?, IFN? ? levels in supernatants were assessed by ELISA. C57 malignant melanoma model were established successfully. After the treatment of nsPEFs(30 kV/cm 100 ns 200p), the numbers of T lymphocytes were increased.CD3+ CD4+ T cells changed from 48% to 51.2%;CD3+CD8+T lymphocytes increased from 39.6% to 40.4%.Treg cells reduced from 4.3% to 2.4%,MDSC decreased by 39.0% to 19.7% . In addition, the level of TNF-?, IL-2 were increased (P0.05). Tumor growth can be effectively inhibited by nsPEFs in vivo, which activate targets of immune respones, accumulation of inflammatory cells and immune cytokines

Selection of Peptide Inhibitor to Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Using Phage Display and Its Effects on Pancreatic Cancer Cell lines PANC-1 and CFPAC-1

Despite tremendous advances in cancer treatment and survival rates, pancreatic cancer remains one of the most deadly afflictions and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are thought to be involved in cancer progression. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 is known to play a pivotal role in tumor invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis, and validated to be the anticancer target. Inhibition of MMP-2 activity is able to reduce the cancer cell invasion and suppress tumor growth in vivo. Two novel peptides, M204C4 and M205C4, which could specially inhibit MMP-2 activity, were identified by a phage display library screening. We showed that M204C4 and M205C4 inhibited the activity of MMP-2 in a dose dependent manner in vitro. Two peptides reduced MMP-2 mediated invasion of the pancreatic cancer cell lines PANC-1 and CFPAC-1, but not affected the expression and release of MMP-2. Furthermore, these two peptides could suppress tumor growth in vivo. Our results indicated that two peptides selected by phase display technology may be used as anticancer drugs in the future

Characteristics of CD8+ T cell subsets in Chinese patients with chronic HIV infection during initial ART

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>CD8+ T cells may play an important role in protecting against HIV. However, the changes of CD8+ T cell subsets during early period of ART have not been fully studied.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Twenty-one asymptomatic treatment-naive HIV-infected patients with CD4 T+ cells less than 350 cells/μl were enrolled in the study. Naïve, central memory(CM), effective memory(EM) and terminally differentiated effector (EMRA) CD8+ cell subsets and their activation and proliferation subsets were evaluated in blood samples collected at base line, and week 2, 4, 8 and 12 of ART.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The total CD8+ T cells declined and the Naïve and CM subsets had a tendency of increase. Activation levels of all CD8+ T cell subsets except EMRA subset decreased after ART. However, proliferation levels of total CD8+ T cells, EMRA, EM and CM subsets increased at the first 4 weeks of ART, then decreased. Proliferation level of the naïve cells decreased after ART.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The changes of CD8+ T cell subsets during initial ART are complex. Our results display a complete phenotypical picture of CD8+ cell subsets during initial ART and provide insights for understanding of immune status during ART.</p

The effect of maternal vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy on glycolipid metabolism of offspring rats and the improvement of vitamin D intervention after weaning

BackgroundVitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is common, but whether maternal vitamin D status affects glycolipid metabolism of offspring remains unclear.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of maternal vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy on the glycolipid metabolism of offspring at different life-cycles (from birth to adulthood) and to explore the improvement of different dosages of vitamin D supplementation.MethodsSprague–Dawley rats were fed vitamin D-deprived (VDD group) or standard vitamin D diets (SC group) during pregnancy, and their diets were changed to standard vitamin D diets during lactation (the offspring were sorted into VDDoffspring and SCoffspring groups). After weaning, rats in the VDDoffspring group were randomly assigned to the VDDoffspring, VDDoffspring-S3300 and VDDoffspring-S10000 groups with diets containing standard, medium and high dosages of vitamin D for 12 wk. Serum was collected for biochemical analyses at postnatal Day 21, postnatal Day 56 and postnatal Day 84. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed at postnatal Day 70.ResultsCompared to SCoffspring, rats in the VDDoffspring group had significantly lower birth weight with faster weight gain and higher levels of lipid metabolism in early life. After near adulthood, the differences in weight and lipid metabolism between the two groups disappeared. OGTT showed significantly higher blood glucose levels in the VDDoffspring group at 30 min, 60 min, and 90 min. The continuation of vitamin D supplementation at medium and high dosages after weaning did not cause any obvious changes in weight or glycolipid metabolism (except for postprandial hyperglycemia). OGTT demonstrated that the glucose levels in the VDDoffspring-S3300 group were lowest at all the time points and that those in the VDDoffspring-S10000 group were the highest at 30 min, 60 min, and 90 min among the three groups.ConclusionThe adverse effects of vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy on glycolipid metabolism in offspring vary in different stages. Over a long time period, adequate vitamin D supplementation is beneficial to glycolipid metabolism for the offspring of subjects with vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy; however, further improvement is required

Inhibiting the NLRP3 Inflammasome With MCC950 Ameliorates Isoflurane-Induced Pyroptosis and Cognitive Impairment in Aged Mice

Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of general anesthesia (GA)-induced neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in aged rodents. However, the cellular basis for cognitive impairment is still not fully understood, and effective pharmacologic agents targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome during GA are lacking. This study explores the protective effects of the NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor MCC950 on pyroptosis and cognitive impairment in aged mice exposed to isoflurane. Seventy-two 15-month-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomized to receive 2 h of 1.5% isoflurane plus 30% oxygen (O2) or 30% O2 alone, respectively. MCC950 (10 mg/kg) or vehicle was intraperitoneally administered 30 min before gas inhalation. Brain tissues were harvested for histochemical analysis and biochemical assays. Learning and memory abilities were evaluated by behavioral tests. We found that isoflurane GA caused upregulations of hippocampal NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-18 and the activation of pyroptosis, which is NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent; this consequently gave rise to neuronal damage and cognitive impairment in aged mice. Interestingly, pretreatment with NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor MCC950 not only provided a neuroprotective effect against the inflammasome activation but also ameliorated pyroptosis and cognitive impairment in aged mice exposed to isoflurane. Our data demonstrate that pyroptosis is involved in NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated isoflurane-induced cognitive impairment in aged mice and suggest that inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome with MCC950 may have clinically therapeutic benefits for elderly patients undertaking GA