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Lip model plays an important role in virtual facial expression and speech simulation. However, the structures and movements of existing lip models are very simple, and the common motions such as protruding, pouting and sipping are failed to totally realize. In order to solve these problems, this paper presents a new double-layer muscle-controlled lip model. This method adopts the approach from anatomy to classify lip muscles into deep and superficial ones. The deep muscle is employed to control the corners of the mouth position and the size of mouth fissure. The superficial muscle is treated as a new arc muscle, and it uses catenary function to fix the parameters under different shrinkages and fit the process of protruding and sipping etc. The experiments show that the method can control the model flexibly and simulate some lip movements that accord with physiological motion characteristics.

Sanicula (Apiaceae subfam. Saniculoideae) is a taxonomically difficult genus of medicinal value. Its distribution center is in China, where there are 18 species (11 of which are endemic). To provide plastid genome resources, whole chloroplast genomes of five Sanicula species (S. flavovirens, S. giraldii, S. lamelligera, S. odorata and S. rubriflora) were sequenced and compared to the previously published S. orthacantha plastome. These genomes exhibit a typical quadripartite structure. All contain 129 different genes, including 84 protein‐coding, 37 tRNA and 8 rRNA genes. The loci rpl2, matK, psbA and ycf1 are the most variable. Results of maximum likelihood analysis of 90 whole plastome sequences from Apioideae and Saniculoideae and the outgroup Hydrocotyle (Araliaceae) suggest sectional relationships in Sanicula different from the traditional classification system, but support the monophyly of Apioideae and its sister group relationship to Saniculoideae and show concordant topologies to nrDNA ITS and other plastome‐based phylogenies. Sanicula orthacantha and S. chinensis form a sister group to S. lamelligera and S. odorata, consecutively. These four species comprise a sister group to the clade of S. rubriflora and S. flavovirens, with this entire group sister to S. giraldii. The plastid genome resources provided herein will be important for future systematic, evolutionary, phylogenomic and population‐level studies of Sanicula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatial heterogeneity of land use patterns and residents' corresponding economic activities give rise to urban mobility's latent structure, which is of great importance for urban planning and transport infrastructure investment but cannot be readily captured using conventional data sources. We developed a methodological framework for detecting urban mobility structure at the transportation analysis zone (TAZ) level in Beijing using mobile phone signal data. First, we derived origin–destination data at the TAZ level from mobile phone data and visualized them in ArcGIS. Next, we improved community detecting algorithms generally used in social networks by reversing distance weight, such as by dividing ODs by 1, and used the results to reveal hidden clustering features of TAZs, according ODs between them. We visualized and analyzed population density, OD spatial distribution at different times, and ratio of daytime to nighttime population using the GIS platform; all showed some spatial cluster features. We then applied a structure detection algorithm using ODs between TAZ pairs to identify the hidden structure of urban mobility extracted from phone data. For Beijing, the identified mobility structure contains 27 clusters, with those in suburban areas tending to match administrative boundaries well but those in the developed center areas showing complex distributions and matching administrative boundaries poorly. Authorities that provide mobility infrastructure can use the resulting insights into urban planning and transportation planning to inform policy decisions at the local and city levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of seaweed glue (SEG) as a novel polymer depressant for the separation of chalcopyrite from galena with butyl xanthate (BX) as a collector was studied through microflotation experiments. Contact angle, adsorption, dynamic potential, and infrared spectral analyses were conducted to clarify the mechanism underlying the action of SEG on minerals. The results of microflotation experiments indicated that chalcopyrite could be selectively separated from galena by using a SEG depressant concentration of 15 mg·L−1, BX concentration of 10 mg·L−1, and methyl isobutyl carbinol concentration of 8.5 mg·L−1 at pH 8.0. A Cu concentrate with a grading of 23.68wt% was obtained at a recovery rate of 81.52% from mixed minerals with 8.29wt% Cu content. Contact angle analysis showed that the effect of SEG on the wettability of galena was stronger than that on the wettability of chalcopyrite. Adsorption, zeta potential, and FT-IR spectral analyses revealed that SEG and BX were coadsorbed on the surfaces of galena. SEG depressed galena by covering xanthate ions in the functional groups of -COO and mainly underwent weak physisorption on chalcopyrite. These mechanisms account for the ability of SEG to depress galena effectively while enabling chalcopyrite flotation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase 1 (RDR1) is an important element of the RNA silencing pathway in the plant defense against viruses. RDR1 expression can be elicited by viral infection and salicylic acid (SA), but the mechanisms of signaling during this process remains undefined. The involvement of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO) in RDR1 induction in the compatible interactions between Tobacco mosaic tobamovirus (TMV) and Nicotiana tabacum, Nicotiana benthamiana, and Arabidopsis thaliana was examined. TMV inoculation onto the lower leaves of N. tabacum induced the rapid accumulation of H2O2 and NO followed by the increased accumulation of RDR1 transcripts in the non-inoculated upper leaves. Pretreatment with exogenous H2O2 and NO on upper leaf led to increased RDR1 expression and systemic TMV resistance. Conversely, dimethylthiourea (an H2O2 scavenger) and 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)- 4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (an NO scavenger) partly blocked TMV- and SA-induced RDR1 expression and increased TMV susceptibility, whereas pretreatment with exogenous H2O2 and NO failed to diminish TMV infection in N. benthamiana plants with naturally occurring RDR1 loss-of-function. Furthermore, in N. tabacum and A. thaliana, TMV-induced H2O2 accumulation was NO-dependent, whereas NO generation was not affected by H2O2. These results suggest that, in response to TMV infection, H2O2 acts downstream of NO to mediate induction of RDR1, which plays a critical role in strengthening RNA silencing to restrict systemic viral infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is known that the learning algorithm with sample hypothesis spaces is essentially different from the algorithms with hypothesis spaces independent of the sample. In the present paper, we consider the error bounds for norm square regularized regressions associated with Lipschitz loss and sample depending reproducing kernel spaces. By giving the unique solution with subgradients of the loss functions, we estimate the learning rates with the regularization parameters λ and the sample number m. The sample error rates obtained are O (1 / λ√m) and the approximation error rates are O(1 / √m + λ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the perceived impact of just-in-time (JIT) implementation on operations performance, identify the relationship between elements of JIT (integrated and individual) and performance metrics, and based on the results, present some helpful suggests for improving JIT implementation in manufacturing industry. Design/methodology/approach – Framework and hypotheses based on literature review were first constructed, then a questionnaire was developed to collect data from mainland China; in total, 224 information responses were obtained, then statistical analysis was carried out to test the hypotheses. Based on the data analysis results, conclusion and managerial insight were summarized. Findings – Results show that, no matter what kind of industry or scale of sale of the firm, implementation of an aggregate bundle of JIT elements can improve production operations performance. However, for individual elements of JIT, their impacts are different; some basic elements of JIT like 5S, multiple-skill employee and JIT purchasing can play a more remarkable role than other elements. Practical implications – The conclusions of this paper can benefit firms in improving implementation of JIT in practice, especially for those firms in developing countries. Originality/value – Although a number of studies on JIT implementation have been reported in developed countries, little attention has been paid to the status of Chinese firms; this paper has value for examining the practice of JIT in China and reference value for other developing countries' firms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ageratum conyzoides L. is an important Chinese medicinal plant. In this study, we reported the complete chloroplast genome of A. conyzoides. The chloroplast genome sequence is 151,309 bp in length and consisted of a large single copy (LSC) region (83,884 bp), a small single copy (SSC) region (17,771 bp), and two inverted repeats (IRs) (24,827 bp). It was composed of 126 genes and they were 81 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 7 pseudogene. Phylogenetic analysis with reported chloroplast genomes can not only show that A. conyzoides has a close genetic relationship with Centaurea diffusa and Carthamus tinctorius, but also provide new evidence for the identification of Praxelis clematidea and A. conyzoides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Torilis scabra (Thunb.) DC. is widely distributed in China and Japan and has been introduced to North America. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome sequence of the T. scabra was obtained by de novo assembly using the NGS data. The chloroplast genome of T. scabra was 157,855 bp in length and divided into four distinct regions, such as large single-copy region (85,362 bp), small single-copy region (17,993 bp), and a pair of inverted repeat regions (27,250 bp). The genome annotation predicted a total of 127 genes, including 82 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis with reported chloroplast genomes showed that T. scabra has a close genetic relationship with Anthriscus cerefolium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) is a system reliability analysis technique that has been widely used in various industries to reduce the failure risk of products, systems, and services. However, traditional FMEA methods have limitations in managing the complex uncertain environment as well as the aggregation and weight allocation of FMEA attributes. Complex real-world problems usually involve multiple decision-makers. Individual perceptions and subjective factors are likely to lead to the differences in opinion, and even the conflict risk, which can ultimately become a challenge to achieve a highly recognized solution. This paper proposes an improved FMEA method to implement the risk assessment, which integrates probabilistic linguistic information and conflict risk mitigation. Probabilistic linguistic term sets (PLTSs) are used to describe the risk assessments, and a comprehensive method is applied to determine the weights of the FMEA attributes. Several new operations and distance measures related to PLTSs are defined. Then, a conflict risk mitigation model is developed to reduce the differences among decision-makers' FMEA risk assessments. Finally, a case study on global production base selection is presented to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. Comparative analysis and discussion verify features and advantages of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sanicula chinensis Bunge is a widespread and important Chinese medicinal plant. In this study, we reported the complete chloroplast genome of Sanicula chinensis. The genome sequence was 154,650 bp in length, including a large single copy region (LSC) of 85,263 bp and a small single copy region (SSC) of 16,927 bp, which were separated by two inverted repeat (IR) regions of 26,230 bp. The complete chloroplast genome contains 129 genes, including 84 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis with several reported chloroplast genomes (Apioideae and Hydrocotyloideae) showed that S. chinensis has a close genetic relationship with Apioideae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase 1 (RDR1) is an important element of the RNA silencing pathway in the plant defense against viruses. RDR1 expression can be elicited by viral infection and salicylic acid (SA), but the mechanisms of signaling during this process remains undefined. The involvement of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO) in RDR1 induction in the compatible interactions between Tobacco mosaic tobamovirus (TMV) and Nicotiana tabacum, Nicotiana benthamiana, and Arabidopsis thaliana was examined. TMV inoculation onto the lower leaves of N. tabacum induced the rapid accumulation of H2O2 and NO followed by the increased accumulation of RDR1 transcripts in the non-inoculated upper leaves. Pretreatment with exogenous H2O2 and NO on upper leaf led to increased RDR1 expression and systemic TMV resistance. Conversely, dimethylthiourea (an H2O2 scavenger) and 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)- 4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (an NO scavenger) partly blocked TMV- and SA-induced RDR1 expression and increased TMV susceptibility, whereas pretreatment with exogenous H2O2 and NO failed to diminish TMV infection in N. benthamiana plants with naturally occurring RDR1 loss-of-function. Furthermore, in N. tabacum and A. thaliana, TMV-induced H2O2 accumulation was NO-dependent, whereas NO generation was not affected by H2O2. These results suggest that, in response to TMV infection, H2O2 acts downstream of NO to mediate induction of RDR1, which plays a critical role in strengthening RNA silencing to restrict systemic viral infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flow of dual radial ventilation system without fan for a hydro-generator was simulated with parallel computing CFD code. The multiple implicit rotating frame (MRF) method and porous media model were used, averaged 3D Navier-Stokes (N-S) equations and RNG k-e equations were solved. The flow characteristic of different parts was analyzed. In order to get accurate heat transfer coefficients of the wall for thermal stress analysis with finite element method, the heights of the fist meshes near the wall were controlled strictly and the values of y+ were controlled between 30 and 100. Because the flow flux to cool the end of stator bars is small, the style of cover of pole ( static or rotating) and the leakage gaps between poles and stators will impact the cooling of stator bars. The rotating cover with leakage gaps is the best style for the cooling of stator bars. The flow from leakage gaps between poles and stators forms "air wall" with rotating velocity, which generates a recirculating zone between internal stator bars and induces the air from cooler into the zone, the heat transfer coefficient of internal stator bars is higher than the one of external stator bars. The heat transfer coefficient of internal stator bars is reduced after removing the leakage gaps. Due to rotational effects of the poles, the main ventilation loss is generated at the entrance of stator ventilation slots, the windward and leeward zones are formed around stator bars and recirculating zones are easy to be formed in leeward zones. The heat transfer coefficient in windward zones is higher than the one in leeward zones. The research is helpful for the optimization of the ventilation system design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Brassinosteroids (BRs) play important roles in plant growth, development, photosynthesis and stress tolerance; however, the mechanism underlying BR-enhanced photosynthesis is currently unclear. Here, we provide evidence that an increase in the BR level increased the quantum yield of PSII, activities of Rubisco activase (RCA) and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase), and CO2 assimilation. BRs upregulated the transcript levels of genes and activity of enzymes involved in the ascorbate–glutathione cycle in the chloroplasts, leading to an increased ratio of reduced (GSH) to oxidized (GSSG) glutathione in the chloroplasts. An increased GSH/GSSG ratio protected RCA from proteolytic digestion and increased the stability of redox-sensitive enzymes in the chloroplasts. These results strongly suggest that BRs are capable of regulating the glutathione redox state in the chloroplasts through the activation of the ascorbate–glutathione cycle. The resulting increase in the chloroplast thiol reduction state promotes CO2 assimilation, at least in part, by enhancing the stability and activity of redox-sensitive photosynthetic enzymes through post-translational modifications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]