Spermatozoid life-span of two brown seaweeds, Saccharina japonica and Undaria pinnatifida, as measured by fertilization efficiency

During sexual reproduction of seaweeds, spermatozoid (sperm) discharge is triggered by chemical messengers (pheromones) released by the female gametes. The chemotactic ability of the sperm ensures fertilization success. Using unialgal male and female gametophyte material under designated standard gametogenesis testing (SGT) conditions, the potential life-span of the sperm of two seaweeds, Saccharina japonica and Undaria pinnatifida, was assessed by their ability to fertilize eggs. Results show that within 20-30 min after being discharged, sperm of both species could complete fertilization without an apparent decline in fertilization rate. Although fertilization rate 60-120 min after sperm discharge dropped significantly in both species, some sperm were viable enough to fertilize the eggs. In S.japonica, at 12°C, some sperm were able to fertilize eggs up to 12 h after discharge. In both species, egg discharge rates (EDR) in the male and female mixed positive controls were significantly higher than those of all the sperm-testing groups. Doubling the seeded male gametophytes of S. japonica in the SGT tests significantly increased the EDR, further confirming the effect of the presence of the male on the female in terms of facilitating egg discharge from oogonia.

Dietary <i>γ</i>-Aminobutyric Acid Shortens the Life Span of Stroke-Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Dietary γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) has been suggested to decrease systolic blood pressure. This study aimed to ex-amine the effects of dietary GABA on the life span of stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSPs). In this study, life span was determined for SHRSPs provided 1% NaCl solution or 0.01% GABA in 1% NaCl solution as drinking water. The life span of the GABA-fed group (76.3 ± 1.65 days) was significantly shorter than that of the control group (81.6 ± 0.88 days). The results of this study may not be applicable to humans. Future studies will be necessary to elucidate the mechanism underlying this phenomenon.

An aqueous BiI_(3)-Zn battery with dual mechanisms of Zn^(2+)(de)intercalation and I^(-)/I_(2)redox

The development of aqueous battery with dual mechanisms is now arousing more and more interest.The dual mechanisms of Zn^(2+)(de)intercalation and I^(-)/I_(2)redox bring unexpected effects.Herein,differing from previous studies using Zn I_(2)additive,this work designs an aqueous Bi I_(3)-Zn battery with selfsupplied I^(-).Ex situ tests reveal the conversion of Bi I_(3)into Bi(discharge)and Bi OI(charge)at the 1st cycle and the dissolved I^(-)in electrolyte.The active I^(-)species enhances the specific capacity and discharge medium voltage of electrode as well as improves the generation of Zn dendrite and by-product.Furthermore,the porous hard carbon is introduced to enhance the electronic/ionic conductivity and adsorb iodine species,proven by experimental and theoretical studies.Accordingly,the well-designed Bi I_(3)-Zn battery delivers a high reversible capacity of 182 m A h g^(-1)at 0.2 A g^(-1),an excellent rate capability with 88 m A h g^(-1)at 10 A g^(-1),and an impressive cyclability with 63%capacity retention over 20 K cycles at 10 A g^(-1).An excellent electrochemical performance is obtained even at a high mass loading of 6 mg cm^(-2).Moreover,a flexible quasi-solid-state Bi I_(3)-Zn battery exhibits satisfactory battery performances.This work provides a new idea for designing high-performance aqueous battery with dual mechanisms.

LIFE-SPAN OF CLASSICAL SOLUTIONS TO HYPERBOLIC GEOMETRY FLOW EQUATION IN SEVERAL SPACE DIMENSIONS

In this article, we investigate the lower bound of life-span of classical solutions of the hyperbolic geometry flow equations in several space dimensions with ＂small＂ initial data. We first present some estimates on solutions of linear wave equations in several space variables. Then, we derive a lower bound of the life-span of the classical solutions to the equations with ＂small＂ initial data.

Life-span of classical solutions for one-dimensional hydromagnetic flow

The paper concerns Cauchy,problem for one-dimensional hydromagnetic dynamics with dissipative terms. When the dissipation coefficient is equal to zero it is shown that the smooth solutions develop shocks in the finite time if the initial amounts of entropy and magnetic field are smaller than those of sound waves; when it is larger than zero, and the initial amounts of entropyI this dissipation coefficient and the magnetic field in each period are smaller than those of sound Waves, then the smooth solutions blow up in the finite time. Moreover, the life-span of the smooth solution is given.

Increased life-span of Drosophila melanogaster by Flavonoids from Scutellariabaicalensis Georgi induced by hydrogen peroxide

目的：探讨黄芩中黄酮类化合物在过氧化氢（H2O2）诱导黑腹果蝇模型中的作用及机制.方法：采用H2O2诱导黑腹果蝇衰老模型,研究黄芩中黄酮化合物的作用.其次,研究了黄芩素和汉黄芩素对mRNA表达的影响.结果：黄芩素和汉黄芩素能够通过增加超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）,过氧化氢酶（CAT）和玫瑰红（RY）mRNA的表达,延长H2O2诱导果蝇老化模型的寿命.结论：黄芩素和汉黄芩素可能通过上调SOD,CAT和RYmRNA的表达,延长H2O2诱导的果蝇老化模型的寿命.

R_2PO_4H-Span80-煤油乳化液膜体系萃取Ni^(2+)的研究

研究了R2PO4H-Span80-煤油乳化液膜体系萃取含Ni2+溶液,经实验得到了最优化的萃取条件,同时研究并找出了R2PO4H类双亲分子作为载体时的最佳载体.

Berberine Prolongs Life Span and Stimulates Locomotor Activity of <i>Drosophila melanogaster</i>

Drosophila melanogaster mutants with deficient kynurenine (KYN) formation from tryptophan (TRP) have longer life span than wild type flies. Administration of alpha-methyl-TRP and 5-methyl-TRY, the inhibitors of TRP-KYN metabolism, prolonged life span in wild-type flies. Both inhibitors are not available for human use. Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from berberis aristata is known as the herb widely used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine. Berberin is a strong inhibitor of the enzyme catalyzing TRP conversion into KYN. Considering this particular feature we investigated the effect of berberine on life-and health-span in wild-type Drosophila melanogaster. The results of our study showed that Berberine extended mean, median and maximum life span of female flies. Berberine did not affect the number of pupae of filial generation and decreased their lethality. Berberine increased locomotor activity (vertical climbing). The results of the study suggest that berberine prolongs life- and improves health-span of Drosophila melanogaster. Berberine might be a candidate drug for prevention and treatment of aging and aging-associated medical and psychiatric disorders.

A two-parameter model to predict fatigue life of high-strength steels in a very high cycle fatigue regime

In this paper, ultrasonic （20 kHz） fatigue tests were performed on specimens of a high-strength steel in very high cycle fatigue （VHCF） regime. Experimental results showed that for most tested specimens failed in a VHCF regime, a fatigue crack originated from the interior of specimen with a fish-eye pattern, which contained a fine granular area （FGA） centered by an inclusion as the crack origin. Then, a two-parameter model is proposed to predict the fatigue life of high-strength steels with fish-eye mode failure in a VHCF regime, which takes into account the inclusion size and the FGA size. The model was verified by the data of present experiments and those in the literature. Furthermore, an analytic formula was obtained for estimating the equivalent crack growth rate within the FGA. The results also indicated that the stress intensity factor range at the front of the FGA varies within a small range, which is irrespective of stress amplitude and fatigue life.

LiFe_(1-0.01x)Ni_(0.01x)PO_4薄膜干燥温度对其光学性质及气敏性的影响

将水热合成的Li Fe1-0.01xNi0.01xPO4（x=0.5,1.0）粉体作为敏感试剂,用旋转-甩涂法涂于锡掺杂玻璃光波导表面,在不同温度下进行热处理。采用紫外-可见分光光度计,测厚仪和平面玻璃光波导气敏测试系统（自组装）研究了薄膜干燥温度对Li Fe1-0.01xNi0.01xPO4薄膜光学及气敏特性的影响。研究结果表明,450℃下干燥的薄膜具有良好的光学透明性并对应的敏感元件显出良好的气敏特性。相同浓度的不同挥发性有机气体中,Li Fe0.99Ni0.01PO4传感元件对二甲苯气体有较大的响应,其检测响应范围为1×10^-7~1×10^-3（V/V0）,响应-恢复时间分别小于5s和70s。

Bi-variable damage model for fatigue life prediction of metal components

Based on the theory of continuum damage mechanics,a bi-variable damage mechanics model is developed,which,according to thermodynamics,is accessible to derivation of damage driving force,damage evolution equation and damage evolution criteria. Furthermore,damage evolution equations of time rate are established by the generalized Drucker＇s postulate. The damage evolution equation of cycle rate is obtained by integrating the time damage evolution equations,and the fatigue life prediction method for smooth specimens under repeated loading with constant strain amplitude is constructed. Likewise,for notched specimens under the repeated loading with constant strain amplitude,the fatigue life prediction method is obtained on the ground of the theory of conservative integral in damage mechanics. Thus,the material parameters in the damage evolution equation can be obtained by reference to the fatigue test results of standard specimens with stress concentration factor equal to 1,2 and 3.

SECONDARY CRITICAL EXPONENT AND LIFE SPAN FOR A DOUBLY SINGULAR PARABOLIC EQUATION WITH A WEIGHTED SOURCE

This paper deals with the Cauchy problem for a doubly singular parabolic equation with a weighted source ut=div｜u｜p-2um）＋｜x｜α uq ,（x,t）∈RN×（0,t）,where N ≥ 1, 1 〈 p 〈 2, m 〉 max（0,3 -p/N} satisfying 2 〈 p＋m 〈 3, q 〉 1, and（α 〉 N（3 - p - m） - p. We give the secondary critical exponent on the decay asymptotic behavior of an initial value at infinity for the existence and non-existence of global solutions of the Cauchy problem. Moreover, the life span of solutions is also studied.

Effects of salinity on egg and fecal pellet production, development and survival, adult sex ratio and total life span in the calanoid copepod, A cartia tonsa:a laboratory study

The ef fects of salinity on the copepod, A cartia tonsa in terms of daily egg production rate(EPR), hatching success, fecal pellet production rate(FPR), naupliar development time and survival, sex ratio, and total life span were determined in laboratory conditions through three experiments. In experiment 1, EPR, hatching success, and FPR of individual females were monitored at salinities of 13, 20, 35 and 45 during short-periods(seven consecutive days). Results show EPR was aff ected by salinity with the highest outputs recorded at 20 and 35, respectively, which were considerably higher than those at 13 and 45. Mean FPR was also higher in 35 and 20. In experiment 2, the same parameters were evaluated over total life span of females(long-term study). The best EPR and FPR were observed in 35, which was statistically higher than at 13 and 20. In experiment 3, survival rates of early nauplii until adult stage were lowest at a salinity of 13. The development time increased with increasing of salinity. Female percentage clearly decreased with increasing salinity. Higher female percentages(56.7% and 52.2%, respectively) were signifi cantly observed at two salinities of 13 and 20 compared to that at 35(25%). Total longevity of females was not af fected by salinity increment. Based on our results, for mass culture we recommend that a salinity of 35 be adopted due to higher reproductive performances, better feeding, and faster development of A. tonsa.

Analysis of Safe Span Length and Fatigue Life of Submarine Pipelines

Owing to the complex environmental conditions, suspension could induce complicated forces on submarine pipelines and even cause vortex-induced vibration, resulting in fatigue damage of pipelines. Through aiming at the 28-inch submarine pipeline in the East China Sea, the pipeline was segmented according to the similarity, considering the factors of pipe assembly, typhoon, current, wave and seabed topography. The effects of span length on natural frequency in each section of submarine pipeline were analyzed by finite element model. The maximum safe span length allowed by each pipeline section was verified by fatigue cumulative damage theory, and the fatigue life of each pipeline section were predicted. The results showed that each order natural frequency of the pipeline decreased with the increase of span length. The calculated results of empirical formulas were much smaller than those of the FEM analysis. The increase of the gap between the suspended pipeline and the seabed was beneficial to enhance the fatigue life of the suspended pipeline.

Premature losses of leaf area in response to drought and insect herbivory through a leaf lifespan gradient

Implications of the differences in leaf life span are still subject to debate in the field of ecophysiology.Since leaf traits associated with these differences may be decisive for determining the distribution of tree species,this topic is particularly relevant in the context of climate change.This study analyzes the effects of the differences in leaf life span on premature losses of leaf area owing to insect herbivory and to abiotic stress.Loss of leaf area may be an important determinant of total leaf carbon assimilation.Seven Mediterranean tree species,distributed on four sites with different climates were studied.The species exhibited strong differences in leaf life span and in leaf traits,especially leaf mass per unit area.Premature leaf area losses were estimated in response to insect herbivory and summer drought over two years.The results revealed that,despite having older leaf cohorts with more damage,species with longer leaf duration had lower area lost to herbivores and less damage due to accelerated senescence during the summer drought.With respect to the predicted increase in water stress,deciduous species are at a disadvantage due to their high premature loss of leaf area and thus loss of photosynthetic capacity.

Molecular Engineering Design for High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Organic Battery

Novel small sulfur heterocyclic quinones(6a,16adihydrobenzo[b]naphtho[2′,3′:5,6][1,4]dithiino[2,3-i]thianthrene-5,7,9,14,16,18-hexaone(4S6Q)and benzo[b]naphtho[2′,3′:5,6][1,4]dithiino[2,3-i]thianthrene-5,9,14,18-tetraone(4S4Q))are developed by molecule structural design method and as cathode for aqueous zincorganic batteries.The conjugated thioether(–S–)bonds as connected units not only improve the conductivity of compounds but also inhibit their dissolution by both extendedπ-conjugated plane and constructed flexible molecular skeleton.Hence,the Zn//4S6Q and Zn//4S4Q batteries exhibit satisfactory electrochemical performance based on 3.5 mol L-1(M)Zn(ClO4)2electrolyte.For instance,the Zn//4S6Q battery obtains 240 and 208.6 mAh g^(-1)of discharge capacity at 150 mA g^(-1)and 30 A g^(-1),respectively.The excellent rate capability is ascribed to the fast reaction kinetics.This system displays a superlong life of 20,000 cycles with no capacity fading at 3 A g^(-1).Additionally,the H+-storage mechanism of the 4S6Q compound is demonstrated by ex situ analyses and density functional theory calculations.Impressively,the battery can normally work at-60℃benefiting from the anti-freezing electrolyte and maintain a high discharge capacity of 201.7 mAh g^(-1),which is 86.2%of discharge capacity at 25℃.The cutting-edge electrochemical performances of these novel compounds make them alternative electrode materials for Zn-organic batteries.

Performance Survey of PVC Insulation of LC/Gecamines Electrical Cables Subjected to Ageing and Its Life Span Evaluation

Considering the insulators ageing in a mixture of PVC and dye, set following operating conditions and time to ensure proper operation and perfect safety of industrial installations using insulated conductors. The results showed that the insulation carried out by the L.C main office was a good quality (on thermal aspect), because the resistance of the insulation is so high (i.e. 3940 Mega Ohms under normal conditions). The results showed a lifespan of 50 years at a temperature of 40°C (close to ambient temperature), plus minus 33 years at a temperature of 70°C;plus minus 22 years at a temperature of 100°C and 12 years at a temperature of 160°C. Furthermore, information on chemical attack, the results showed that PVC cables have poor resistance to sulfuric acid attack (having a pH of 1.5 and a density of 1.84 g/cm3). LC/Gecamines is able to produce locally a good quality of electrical cables.

Existence and Life Span of Periodic Solutions for the First Order Quasilinear Hyperbolic Equations

In this paper the authors consider Cauchy problem of first order quasilinear hyperbolic and prove that existence of its periodic solutions and estimates of life span of solutions. This results reveals the relationship of dissipation and smoothness of periodic solutions.

Effect of TCM Combined with Chemotherapy on Immune Function and Quality of Life of Patients with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer inStage Ⅲ-Ⅳ

Objective: To observe and compare the effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combined with chemotherapy (CT) on immune function and quality of life (QOL)of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ. Methods: One hundred cases with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ NSCLC were randomly divided into two groups. The treated group (n=50) received CT combined with TCM, and the control group received CT alone. The percentage of T lymphocyte subset in peripheral blood and the change of natural killer (NK) cell count were observed after treatment. The QOL and tolerance of CT were also compared between the two groups after treatment. Results: In the treated group, CD3 cell count, CD4 cell count, CD4/ CDg ratio and NK cell activity were higher than those in control group, while CD8 cell count in the treated group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05), and QOL and tolerance of CT in the treated group were also better (P<0.05). Conclusion: TCM combined with CT could raise the patients' ability in tolerating CT in stage Ⅲ-ⅣNSCLC.