Encoder-decoder with densely convolutional networks for monocular depth estimation.

We propose an encoder-decoder with densely convolutional networks model to recover the depth information from a single RGB image without the need for depth sensors. The encoder part serves to extract the most representative information from the original data through a series of convolution operations and to reduce the resolution of the spatial input feature. We use the decoder section to produce an upsampling structure that improves the output resolution. Our model is trained from scratch, without any special tuning process, and uses a new optimization function to adaptively learn the rate. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the method by evaluating both indoor and outdoor scenes, and the experimental results show that our proposed approach is more accurate than competing methods.

Predicting Depth from Single RGB Images with Pyramidal Three-Streamed Networks.

Predicting depth from a monocular image is an ill-posed and inherently ambiguous issue in computer vision. In this paper, we propose a pyramidal third-streamed network (PTSN) that recovers the depth information using a single given RGB image. PTSN uses pyramidal structure images, which can extract multiresolution features to improve the robustness of the network as the network input. The full connection layer is changed into fully convolutional layers with a new upconvolution structure, which reduces the network parameters and computational complexity. We propose a new loss function including scale-invariant, horizontal and vertical gradient loss that not only helps predict the depth values, but also clearly obtains local contours. We evaluate PTSN on the NYU Depth v2 dataset and the experimental results show that our depth predictions have better accuracy than competing methods.

LncRNA NONRATT021972 siRNA normalized the dysfunction of hepatic glucokinase through AKT signaling in T2DM rats.

Hepatic glucokinase (GK) expression and activity are decreased in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) inhibits the synthesis of GK. In hepatocytes, the activation of the protein kinase B (PKB/AKT) signaling pathway enhances GK expression and inhibits the phosphorylation of GSK-3ß. The dysfunction of certain long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been associated with a variety of diseases. AIMS: This study explored the effects of the lncRNA NONRATT021972 small interfering RNA (siRNA) on the dysfunction of hepatic GK through AKT signaling in T2DM rats. METHODS: Livers from type 2 diabetic rats and hepatocytes cultured in high glucose and high fatty acid media were studied. The changes in expression of AKT, GK and GSK 3ß were detected by western blotting or RT-PCR. The application of bioinformatics technology (CatRAPID) was used to identify the targets of NONRATT021972 RNA. RESULTS: We found that lncRNA NONRATT021972 levels in the liver were increased in type 2 diabetic rats, and the increase was associated with an increase in the blood glucose levels. The NONRATT021972 siRNA enhanced phospho-AKT (p-AKT) levels, GK expression and hepatic glycogen synthesis. This siRNA also reduced phospho-glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (p-GSK-3ß) levels and hyperglycemia in T2DM rats, as well as in hepatocytes cultured in high glucose media with fatty acids. CatRAPID predicted that there was the interaction between NONRATT021972 and p-AKT. CONCLUSIONS: LncRNA NONRATT021972 siRNA may have beneficial effects on T2DM.

Ethnological approach to acorn utilization in prehistory: A case study of acorn mook making in South Korea.

Acorn remains are reported from prehistoric sites across the world. Acorn is argued to have been an important food resource for human beings in prehistory. However, relevant research is still limited and it is often difficult to recognize archaeological remains relating to acorn utilization. The Chaîne Opératoire of acorn utilization is yet to be addressed. Such is of great significance to the study of human subsistence strategy in pre-agricultural period and moreover the origin of agriculture. By conducting a case study of 'mook making' using acorns in Yongdong-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea, the current paper explores the Chaîne Opératoire of acorn utilization in prehistory using an ethnological approach. We draw attention to the laborious nature of acorn processing and to different methods of acorn processing due to different species and culinary tradition. Our case study also brings new insights into archaeological interpretations of acorn remains from prehistoric sites.

Standing and Lying Ni(OH)2 Nanosheets on Multilayer Graphene for High-Performance Supercapacitors.

For conventional synthesis of Ni(OH)2/graphene hybrids, oxygen-containing functional groups should be firstly introduced on graphene to serve as active sites for the anchoring of Ni(OH)2. In this work, a method for growing Ni(OH)2 nanosheets on multilayer graphene (MLG) with molecular connection is developed which does not need any pre-activation treatments. Moreover, Ni(OH)2 nanosheets can be controlled to stand or lie on the surface of MLG. The prepared hybrids were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The growth processes are suggested according to their morphologies at different growth stages. The enhanced electrochemical performances as supercapacitor electrode materials were confirmed by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) techniques. Ni(OH)2 nanosheets standing and lying on MLG show specific capacities of 204.4 mAh g-1 and 131.7 mAh g-1, respectively, at 1 A g-1 based on the total mass of the hybrids and 81.5% and 92.8% capacity retention at a high current density of 10 A g-1, respectively. Hybrid supercapacitors with as-prepared hybrids as cathodes and activated carbon as anode were fabricated and tested.