Design and Implementation of 3D Model Database for General-Purpose 3D GIS

To improve the reusability of three-dimensional （3D） models and simplify the complexity of natural scene reconstruction, this paper presents a 3D model database for universal 3D GIS. After the introduction of its extensible function architecture, accompanied by the conclusion of implicit spatial-temporal hierarchy of models in any reconstructed scene of 3D GIS for general purpose, several key issues are discussed in detail, such as the storage and management of 3D models and related retrieval and load method, as well as the interfaces for further on-demand development. Finally, the validity and feasibility of this model database are proved through its application in the development of 3D visualization system of railway operation.

Performance optimization of grid aggregation in spatial data warehouses

The problem of storage and querying of large volumes of spatial grids is an issue to solve.In this paper,we propose a method to optimize queries to aggregate raster grids stored in databases.In our approach,we propose to estimate the exact result rather than calculate the exact result.This approach reduces query execution time.One advantage of our method is that it does not require implementing or modifying functionalities of database management systems.Our approach is based on a new data structure and a specific model of SQL queries.Our work is applied here to relational data warehouses.

SysFinder：A customized platform for search,comparison and assisted design of appropriate animal models based on systematic similarity

Animal models are increasingly gaining values by cross-comparisons of response or resistance to clinical agents used for patients.However,many disease mechanisms and drug effects generated from animal models are not transferable to human.To address these issues,we developed SysFinder（http：//lifecenter.sgst.cn/SysFinder）,a platform for scientists to find appropriate animal models for translational research.SysFinder offers a ＂topic-centered＂ approach for systematic comparisons of human genes,whose functions are involved in a specific scientific topic,to the corresponding homologous genes of animal models.Scientific topic can be a certain disease,drug,gene function or biological pathway.SysFinder calculates multi-level similarity indexes to evaluate the similarities between human and animal models in specified scientific topics.Meanwhile,SysFinder offers species-specific information to investigate the differences in molecular mechanisms between humans and animal models.Furthermore,SysFinder provides a userfriendly platform for determination of short guide RNAs（sgRNAs） and homology arms to design a new animal model.Case studies illustrate the ability of SysFinder in helping experimental scientists.SysFinder is a useful platform for experimental scientists to carry out their research in the human molecular mechanisms.

Web Resources for Model Organism Studies

An ever-growing number of resources on model organisms have emerged with the continued development of sequencing technologies. In this paper, we review 13 databases of model organisms, most of which are reported by the National Institutes of Health of the United States（NIH; http：//www.nih.gov/science/models/）. We provide a brief description for each database, as well as detail its data source and types, functions, tools, and availability of access. In addition,we also provide a quality assessment about these databases. Significantly, the organism databases instituted in the early 1990s––such as the Mouse Genome Database（MGD）, Saccharomyces Genome Database（SGD）, and Fly Base––have developed into what are now comprehensive, core authority resources. Furthermore, all of the databases mentioned here update continually according to user feedback and with advancing technologies.