Analysis of scanning systematic errors for airborne laser bathymetry.

For the Palmer mechanical scanning pattern of an airborne laser bathymetry system, the potential errors of the scanning system are analyzed, and the associated error model is derived. The model composes the description of laser rays, water surface fluctuations, and refraction, and introduces certain simplifications concerning the water surface and column. Based on the scanning error model, the impact of each error source on the vertical and horizontal positioning accuracy is investigated and established through a numerical simulation. The quantitative impacts of each inaccuracy on the coordinates of the laser footprints on the sea surface and bottom were calculated, with a height of 100 m for the airborne platform and a water depth of 10 m. To verify the correctness of the simulation results and the error model based on a theoretical analysis, experiments are utilized with the system that we developed. Both the simulation analysis and experimental results show that this method can effectively obtain the systematic errors. The outcomes of the error model and analysis will give the theoretical foundations for lowering the effect brought on by each error source in the compensation scanning system and improving the point cloud accuracy in the ensuing data processing.

The factors influencing postoperative efficacy of anterior clinoidal meningioma treatment and an analysis of best-suited surgical strategies.

Objective: To explore the influence of the type of anterior clinoidal meningioma on surgical strategy planning, surgical approach selection, and postoperative efficacy. Patients and methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 63 cases, including data on visual function, extent of tumor resection, and postoperative follow-up. Grade I and II approaches were selected according to the type of tumor. A univariate analysis of the factors influencing the extent of tumor resection, postoperative visual function, and postoperative relapse and complications was conducted. Results: Simpson Grade I-II total resection was seen in 48 cases (76.2%), with an overall relapse/progression rate of 12.7%. The tumor type and texture and the relationship between the tumors and adjacent structures were the main factors influencing total tumor resection (P < 0.01). The overall postoperative visual acuity improvement, stabilization rate, and deterioration rate were 76.2, 15.9, and 7.9%, respectively. Postoperative visual acuity level was significantly correlated with preoperative visual acuity level and tumor type (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Determining the type of tumor at a preoperative level and whether the optic canal and cavernous sinus are invaded can aid in the planning of detailed individualized surgical strategies.

Class-Specific Semantic Reconstruction for Open Set Recognition.

Open set recognition enables deep neural networks (DNNs) to identify samples of unknown classes, while maintaining high classification accuracy on samples of known classes. Existing methods based on auto-encoder (AE) and prototype learning show great potential in handling this challenging task. In this study, we propose a novel method, called Class-Specific Semantic Reconstruction (CSSR), that integrates the power of AE and prototype learning. Specifically, CSSR replaces prototype points with manifolds represented by class-specific AEs. Unlike conventional prototype-based methods, CSSR models each known class on an individual AE manifold, and measures class belongingness through AE's reconstruction error. Class-specific AEs are plugged into the top of the DNN backbone and reconstruct the semantic representations learned by the DNN instead of the raw image. Through end-to-end learning, the DNN and the AEs boost each other to learn both discriminative and representative information. The results of experiments conducted on multiple datasets show that the proposed method achieves outstanding performance in both close and open set recognition and is sufficiently simple and flexible to incorporate into existing frameworks.

A novel multiplex assay system based on 10 methylation markers for forensic identification of body fluids.

Identifying the source of body fluids found at a crime scene is an essential forensic step. Some methods based on DNA methylation played significant role in body fluids identification. Since DNA methylation is related to multiple factors, such as race, age, and diseases, it is necessary to know the methylation profile of a given population. In this study, we tested 19 body fluid-specific methylation markers in a Chinese Han population. A novel multiplex assay system based on the selected markers with smaller variation in methylation and stronger tissue-specific methylation were developed for the identification of body fluids. The multiplex assay were tested in 265 body fluid samples. A random forest model was established to predict the tissue source based on the methylation data of the 10 markers. The multiplex assay was evaluated by testing the sensitivity, the mixtures, and old samples. For the result, the novel multiplex assay based on 10 selected methylation markers presented good methylation profiles in all tested samples. The random forest model worked extremely well in predicting the source of body fluids, with an accuracy of 100% and 97.5% in training data and test data, respectively. The multiplex assay could accurately predict the tissue source from 0.5 ng genomic DNA, six-months-old samples and distinguish the minor component from a mixture of two components. Our results indicated that the methylation multiplex assay and the random forest model could provide a convenient tool for forensic practitioners in body fluid identification.

EDSSA: An Encoder-Decoder Semantic Segmentation Networks Accelerator on OpenCL-Based FPGA Platform.

Visual semantic segmentation, which is represented by the semantic segmentation network, has been widely used in many fields, such as intelligent robots, security, and autonomous driving. However, these Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)-based networks have high requirements for computing resources and programmability for hardware platforms. For embedded platforms and terminal devices in particular, Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)-based computing platforms cannot meet these requirements in terms of size and power consumption. In contrast, the Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)-based hardware system not only has flexible programmability and high embeddability, but can also meet lower power consumption requirements, which make it an appropriate solution for semantic segmentation on terminal devices. In this paper, we demonstrate EDSSA-an Encoder-Decoder semantic segmentation networks accelerator architecture which can be implemented with flexible parameter configurations and hardware resources on the FPGA platforms that support Open Computing Language (OpenCL) development. We introduce the related technologies, architecture design, algorithm optimization, and hardware implementation of the Encoder-Decoder semantic segmentation network SegNet as an example, and undertake a performance evaluation. Using an Intel Arria-10 GX1150 platform for evaluation, our work achieves a throughput higher than 432.8 GOP/s with power consumption of about 20 W, which is a 1.2× times improvement the energy-efficiency ratio compared to a high-performance GPU.

A Bibliometric Insight of Genetic Factors in ASD: Emerging Trends and New Developments.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) cases have increased rapidly in recent decades, which is associated with various genetic abnormalities. To provide a better understanding of the genetic factors in ASD, we assessed the global scientific output of the related studies. A total of 2944 studies published between 1997 and 2018 were included by systematic retrieval from the Web of Science (WoS) database, whose scientific landscapes were drawn and the tendencies and research frontiers were explored through bibliometric methods. The United States has been acting as a leading explorer of the field worldwide in recent years. The rapid development of high-throughput technologies and bioinformatics transferred the research method from the traditional classic method to a big data-based pipeline. As a consequence, the focused research area and tendency were also changed, as the contribution of de novo mutations in ASD has been a research hotspot in the past several years and probably will remain one into the near future, which is consistent with the current opinions of the major etiology of ASD. Therefore, more attention and financial support should be paid to the deciphering of the de novo mutations in ASD. Meanwhile, the effective cooperation of multi-research centers and scientists in different fields should be advocated in the next step of scientific research undertaken.

Characterization, evaluation of nutritional parameters of Radix isatidis protein and its antioxidant activity in D-galactose induced ageing mice.

BACKGROUND: Radix isatidis (Isatis indigotica Fort.) is an ancient medicinal herb, which has been applied to the prevention and treatment of influenza virus since ancient times. In recent years, the antioxidant activity of Radix isatidis has been widely concerned by researchers. Our previous studies have shown that Radix isatidis protein (RIP) has good antioxidant activity in vitro. In this study, the composition of the protein was characterized and its antioxidant activity in vivo was evaluated. METHODS: The model of oxidative damage in mice was established by subcutaneous injection of D-galactose for 7 weeks. Commercially available kits were used to determine the content of protein and several oxidation indexes in different tissues of mice. The tissue samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and the pathological changes were observed by optical microscope. The molecular weight of RIP was analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The amino acid composition of RIP was determined by a non-derivative method developed by our research group. RESULTS: RIP significantly increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT, GSH-Px and total antioxidant capability (TAOC) but decreased the MDA level in the serum, kidney and liver. H&E stained sections of liver and kidney revealed D-galactose could cause serious injury and RIP could substantially attenuate the injury. The analysis of SDS-PAGE showed that four bands with molecular weights of 19.2 kDa, 21.5 kDa, 24.8 kDa and 40.0 kDa were the main protein components of RIP. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that RIP had excellent antioxidant activity, which could be explored as a health-care product to retard aging and a good source of protein nutrition for human consumption.

Integration of Enzymatic and Heterogeneous Catalysis for One-Pot Production of Fructose from Glucose.

The search for efficient routes for the production of fructose from biomass-derived glucose is of great interest and importance, as fructose is a highly attractive substrate in the conversion of cellulosic biomass into biofuels and chemicals. In this study, a one-pot, multistep procedure involving enzyme-catalyzed oxidation of glucose at C2 and Ni/C-catalyzed hydrogenation of d-glucosone at C1 selectively gives fructose in 77 % yield. Starting from upstream substrates such as α-cellulose and starch, fructose was also generated with similar efficiency and selectivity by the combination of enzymatic and heterogeneous catalysis. This method constitutes a new means of preparing fructose from biomass-derived substrates in an efficient fashion.

In vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Radix Isatidis extract and bioaccessibility of six bioactive compounds after simulated gastro-intestinal digestion.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Radix Isatidis called "Ban-Lan-Gen" is one of the most commonly-used traditional Chinese medicines for antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antipyretic purposes. Investigate the bioaccessibility of uridine, epigoitrin, adenosine, clemastanin B, indigoticoside A and isolariciresinol as well as the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities during an in vitro gastro-intestinal digestion of the Radix Isatidis extract (RIE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique was adopted to determine the bioaccessibility of six bioactive compounds in RIE. Antioxidant activities of RIE in different digestive stages were determined by 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical scavenging abilities. Anti-inflammatory activity was assayed by the inhibitions of inflammatory cytokines such as nitrous oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α) producted by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated RAW264.7 cells. RESULTS: The bioaccessibility of uridine, epigoitrin, adenosine, clemastanin B, indigoticoside A and isolariciresinol were 15.38%, 18.28%, 24.01%, 6.50%, 8.65% and 17.78%, respectively. Also, the digestion products still possessed certain antioxidant activities. The antioxidant activity was highly correlated with lignans (clemastanin B, indigoticoside A and isolariciresino). The anti-inflammation activity of the three samples decreased in the order: IN sample (the solution that had diffused into the dialysis tubing)>Nondigested sample (RIE solution)>Gastric sample (post-gastric digestion)>OUT sample (material that remained in the gastro-intestinal tract). CONCLUSIONS: Results obtained in this research reveal the amount of bioactive compounds from RIE that could be available for absorption in vivo. The antioxidant activity decreased significantly but the anti-inflammatory activity was enhanced in serum-available fraction after gastro-intestinal digestion in vitro. This study could provide a scientific basis for a deeper pharmacological activity study of Radix Isatidis and a simple method for pharmacodynamic material basis research.

Structure elucidation and complete NMR spectral assignments of glucosylated saponins of cantalasaponin I.

Five new glucosylated steroidal glycosides, cantalasaponin I-B(1) (1), I-B(2) (2), I-B(3) (3), I-B(4) (4) and I-B(5) (5), were isolated and purified from the transformed product of the cantalasaponin I by using Toruzyme 3.0 l as biocatalyst. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, one-dimensional ((1) H and (13) C NMR) and two-dimensional [COSY, heteronuclear single-quantum correlation (HSQC), HMBC and HSQC-TOCSY] NMR spectral analyses and chemical evidence.

Identification of crucial yeast inhibitors in bio-ethanol and improvement of fermentation at high pH and high total solids.

Compounds inhibitory to enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation are generated from neutral steam exploded corn stover in the process of producing bio-ethanol. In this study, weak acids were identified as main yeast inhibitors, while phenols and aldehyde contribute to the inhibition to a lower degree. Main weak acids in hydrolysates are acetic acid and formic acid, for which critical levels for yeast inhibition are 6 and 4g/L, respectively. The inhibitory effect of these compounds can be greatly overcome by increasing pH of hydrolysates to 6.0-9.0, but there is a risk of bacterial contamination when fermenting at high pH. The relationship of pH, total solids of hydrolysates, fermentation and contamination was studied in detail. Results indicate that the contamination by bacteria when fermenting at high pH can be prevented effectively using hydrolysates with total solids of more than 20%. Meanwhile, ethanol yield is improved significantly.

Hydrolysis of timosaponin BII by the crude enzyme from Aspergillus niger AS 3.0739.

Timosaponin BII (1), a steroidal saponin showing potential anti-dementia activity, was regioselectively hydrolyzed into its deglycosyl derivatives by the crude enzyme from Aspergillus niger AS 3.0739. Three biotransformation products, timosaponin BII-a (2), timosaponin BII-b (3), and timosaponin BII-c (4), were purified and their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D NMR, 2D NMR, FAB-MS, and HR-ESI-MS spectral data. Compounds 2 and 3 are new compounds.

Enzymatic synthesis of alpha-glucosyl-timosaponin BII catalyzed by the extremely thermophilic enzyme: Toruzyme 3.0L.

Timosaponin BII (BII), a steroidal saponin showing potential anti-dementia activity, was converted into its glucosylation derivatives by Toruzyme 3.0L. Nine products with different degrees of glucosylation were purified and their structures were elucidated on the basis of (13)C NMR, HR-ESI-MS, and FAB-MS spectra data. The active enzyme in Toruzyme 3.0L was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity by tracking BII-glycosylase activity and was identified as Cyclodextrin-glycosyltransferase (CGTase, EC 2.4.1.19) by ESI-Q-TOF MS/MS. In this work, we found that the active enzyme catalyzed the synthesis of alpha-(1-->4)-linked glucosyl-BII when dextrin instead of an expensive activated sugar was used as the donor and showed a high thermal tolerance with the most favorable enzymatic activity at 100 degrees C. In addition, we also found that the alpha-amylases and CGTase, that is, GH13 family enzymes, all exhibited similar activities, which were able to catalyze glucosylation in steroidal saponins. But other kinds of amylases, such as gamma-amylase (GH15 family), had no such activity under the same reaction conditions.

Glucosylation of steroidal saponins by cyclodextrin glucanotransferase.

It is known that the sugar chains of steroidal saponins play an important role in the biological and pharmacological activities. In order to synthesize steroidal saponins with novel sugar chains in one step for further studies on pharmacological activity, we here describe the glucosylation of steroidal saponins, and 5 compounds, timosaponin AIII (1), saponin Ta (2), saponin Tb (3), trillin (4) and cantalasaponin I (5), were converted into their glucosylated products by Toruzyme 3.0 L, a cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase). 12 glucosylated products were isolated and their structures elucidated on the basis of spectral data; they were all characterized as new compounds. The results showed that Toruzyme 3.0 L had the specific ability to add the α-D-glucopyranosyl group to the glucosyl group linked at the sugar chains of steroidal saponins, and the glucosyl group was the only acceptor. This is the first report of steroidal saponins with different degrees of glucosylation. The substrates and their glucosylated derivatives were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cell by MTT assay. The substrates all exhibited high cytotoxicity (IC(50) < 10 µmol/L), excluding compound 5 (IC(50) > 150 µmol/L), and the cytotoxicity of most of the products showed no obvious changes compared with those of their substrates.

One new triterpenoid from biotransformation product of glycyrrhizic acid.

A new triterpenoid compound (1) and a known compound (2) were isolated from the product of biotransformation of glycyrrhizic acid by Aspergillus niger. On the basis of the 1D and 2D NMR ((1)H-(1)H COSY, HSQC, HMBC and NOESY) and MS spectrometry, their structures were established as 7beta, 15alpha-dihydroxy-3,11-dioxo-oleana-12-en-30-oic acid (1) and 15alpha-hydroxy-3,11-dione-oleana-12-en-30-oic acid (2), respectively.