A quantitative and comprehensive method of product life cycle assessment(LCA) with fuzzy theory is developed, which will help designers to select the optimum design scheme for product life cycle design(LCD). Based on ...A quantitative and comprehensive method of product life cycle assessment(LCA) with fuzzy theory is developed, which will help designers to select the optimum design scheme for product life cycle design(LCD). Based on the theory of multiple attribute decision making, an algorithm of comprehensive and comparative evaluation for product environmental adaptability is presented. A program is built and used in an example of design improvement. The result shows that the proposed method and algorithm are practical and effective to the development of green products.展开更多
The prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells of the colon exist in a highly complex, but harmonious relationship. Disturbances in this remarkable symbiosis can result in the development of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). A...The prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells of the colon exist in a highly complex, but harmonious relationship. Disturbances in this remarkable symbiosis can result in the development of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Although the etiology of IBD is not entirely understood, it is known that the chronic inflammation of Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and chronic pouchitis are a result of an overly aggressive immune response to the commensal intestinal flora in genetically susceptible hosts. Recent studies have enhanced our ability to understand the interaction between the host and its intestinal microflora and the role the microflora plays in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. As we begin to understand the benefi ts conferred to the intestine by the microflora, the notion of modifying the composition of the bacterial load to improve human health has arisen. A signifi cant body of research now exists investigating the role of probiotics and prebiotics in ameliorating chronic intestinal inflammation. This article will begin with an overview of the role of the commensal microflora in maintaining mucosal immune homeostasis, and how a dysregulated immune response to the intestinal microflora results in IBD. This will be followed by a summary of the use of probiotics and prebiotics in experimental and human IBD.展开更多
A class of lifetime distributions, new better than equilibrium in expectation (NBEE), and its dual, new worse than equilibrium in expectation (NWEE), are studied based on the comparison of the expectations of life...A class of lifetime distributions, new better than equilibrium in expectation (NBEE), and its dual, new worse than equilibrium in expectation (NWEE), are studied based on the comparison of the expectations of lifetime X and its equilibrium Xo. The relationships of the NBEE (NWEE) and other lifetime distribution classes are discussed. It is proved that the NBEE is very large, and increasing failure rate (IFR), new better than used (NBU) and the L class are its subclasses. The closure properties under two kinds of reliability operations, namely, convolution and mixture, are investigated. Furthermore, a Poisson shock model and a special cumulative model are also studied, in which the necessary and sufficient conditions for the NBEE (NWEE) lifetime distribution of the systems are established. In the homogenous Poisson shock model, the system lifetime belongs to NBEE(NWEE) if and only if the corresponding discrete failure distribution belongs to the discrete NBEE(NWEE). While in the cumulative model, the system has an NBEE lifetime if and only if the stochastic threshold of accumulated damage is NBEE.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the effects of three potentially anti-inflammatory probiotic bacteria from three different genera on immune variables in setting based on previous in cytokine responses. healthy adults in a clinical ...AIM: To evaluate the effects of three potentially anti-inflammatory probiotic bacteria from three different genera on immune variables in setting based on previous in cytokine responses. healthy adults in a clinical vitro characterization of METHODS: A total of 62 volunteers participated in this randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled parallel group intervention study. The volunteers were randomized to receive a milk-based drink containing either Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis Bb12 (Bb12), or Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp. shermanii JS (PJS) or a placebo drink for 3 wk. Venous blood and saliva samples were taken at baseline and on d 1, 7 and 21. Fecal samples were collected at baseline and at the end of intervention. RESULTS: The serum hsCRP expressed as the median AUC0-21 (minus baseline) was 0.018 mg/L in the placebo group, -0.240 mg/L in the LGG group, 0.090 mg/L in the Bb12 group and -0.085 mg/L in the PJS group (P = 0.014). In vitro production of TNF-α from in vitro cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was significantly lower in subjects receiving LGG vs placebo. IL-2 production from PBMC in the Bb12 group was significantly lower compared with the other groups. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, probiotic bacteria have strain-specific anti-inflammatory effects in healthy adults.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the effect of a fermented milk containing Bifidobacterium lactis DN-173010 and yogurt strains (BIO) on adult women with constipation in Beijing.METHODS: A total of 135 adult females with constipati...AIM: To investigate the effect of a fermented milk containing Bifidobacterium lactis DN-173010 and yogurt strains (BIO) on adult women with constipation in Beijing.METHODS: A total of 135 adult females with constipation were randomly allocated to consume for 2 wk either 100 g of the test fermented milk or 100 g of an acidified milk containing non-living bacteria (control).Stool frequency,defecation condition scores,stool consistency and food intake were recorded at baseline and after 1 and 2 wk in an intention-to-treat population of 126 subjects.In parallel,safety evaluation parameters were performed.RESULTS: At baseline,no differences were found between groups.Following consumption of test product,stool frequency was significantly increased after 1 wk (3.5 ± 1.5 vs 2.4 ± 0.6,P < 0.01) and 2 wk (4.1 ± 1.7 vs 2.4 ± 0.6,P < 0.01),vs baseline.Similarly,after 1 and 2 wk,of test product consumption,defecation condition (1.1 ± 0.9 vs 1.9 ± 1.2,P < 0.01 and 0.8 ± 1.0 vs 1.9 ± 1.2,P < 0.01,respectively) and stool consistency (1.0 ± 0.8 vs 1.5 ± 1.1,P < 0.01 and 0.6 ± 0.8 vs 1.5 ± 1.1,P < 0.01,respectively) were significantly improved.Compared with the control group,stool frequency was also significantly increased (3.5 ± 1.5 vs 2.5 ± 0.9,P < 0.01 and 4.1 ± 1.7 vs 2.6 ± 1.0,P < 0.01,respectively),and defecation condition (1.1 ± 0.9 vs 1.6 ± 1.1,P < 0.01 and 0.8 ± 1.0 vs 1.6 ± 1.1,P < 0.01,respectively) and stool consistency (1.0 ± 0.8 vs 1.4 ± 1.0,P < 0.05 and 0.6 ± 0.8 vs 1.3 ± 1.0,P < 0.01,respectively) significantly decreased after 1 and 2 wk of product consumption.During the same period,food intake did not change between the two groups,and safety parameters of the subjects were within normal ranges.CONCLUSION: This study suggests a beneficial effect of a fermented milk containing B.lactis DN-173010 on stool frequency,defecation condition and stool consistency in adult women with constipation constipated women after 1 and 2 wk of consumption.展开更多
A quantitative measure-based method for the design and evaluation of sustainable products is proposed. The method uses multi-criteria in product design to meet sustainable requirements from qualitative criteria to qua...A quantitative measure-based method for the design and evaluation of sustainable products is proposed. The method uses multi-criteria in product design to meet sustainable requirements from qualitative criteria to quantitative metrics. The method integrates quality function deployment concepts with the life cycle assessment to establish a quantitative method for sustainable product development. It considers both customer needs and sustainable requirements by mapping these needs into design details using the axiomatic design and benchmarking methods. The method is applied in the wheelchair design. Four popular wheelchairs in the market are selected as benchmarks and are rated based on customer needs and sustainable criteria. The design matrix identifies the relationship of functional requirements and design parameters of the wheelchair. Compared to the best benchmark product, the proposed wheelchair can reduce costs by 13.8%, environment footprints 18.55%, mass 4.5%, and components 2.2%.展开更多
Objective: To assess the occurrence of stressful life events in the year before the initiation of systemic sclerosis. Methods: A consecutive series of 40 patients with systemic sclerosis (mean age (56.3±11.9) yea...Objective: To assess the occurrence of stressful life events in the year before the initiation of systemic sclerosis. Methods: A consecutive series of 40 patients with systemic sclerosis (mean age (56.3±11.9) years, mean disease duration (4.3±3.1) years; 32 females and 8 males), including 28 with diffuse cutaneous scleroderma and 12 with limited cutaneous scleroderma, were evaluated. A control group of 40 healthy subjects free of systemic sclerosis also was included. Socioeconomic status was inves- tigated and Paykel's interview for recent life events (a semi-structured research interview covering 64 life events) was conducted. Results: Patients with systemic sclerosis showed higher percentages of lower education (72.5%) and working class (82.5%), and reported more stressful life events (P<0.05), such as exits (P<0.05), undesirable events (P<0.01), and uncontrolled events (P<0.001), when compared with the control. More events that had an objective negative impact (P<0.001) were also reported in systemic sclerosis patients than in the control. These results are in accordance with a multifactorial model of pathogenesis in systemic sclerosis. Conclusion: We reported a strong relationship between stressful life events and the initiation of systemic sclerosis. Our findings are consistent with current understanding of the extensive links of behavioral responses to stress with neurophysiological and biochemical processes.展开更多
The spatio-temporal patterns of macrofaunal fouling assemblages were quantitatively investigated in the nearshore waters of the South China Sea.The work was undertaken by deploying seasonal panels at two sites(H-site,...The spatio-temporal patterns of macrofaunal fouling assemblages were quantitatively investigated in the nearshore waters of the South China Sea.The work was undertaken by deploying seasonal panels at two sites(H-site,L-site) for one year,and the fouling communities on the panels were examined and analyzed.The results indicated that species composition of assemblages was obviously different between the two sites.At both sites the assemblages were characteristic with solitary dominant species throughout the year,with Amphibalanus reticulates dominating at H-site and Hydroides elegans at L-site.Shannon index and biomass of the assemblages varied with depth and season at both sites.At H-site the total biomass in summer and autumn were significantly higher than those in spring and winter,while at L-site the assemblage biomass also differed significantly among the four seasons,and the greatest biomass occurred at the depth of 2.0 m in winter.The abundance of all seasonal samples in non-metric multidimensional scaling was clustered as one group at L-site and three groups at H-site.The environmental factors were more likely to be related to the variation of fouling assemblages.Furthermore,it also suggests that in tropical seas the integrated adaptability would qualify a species for dominating a fouling assemblage despite its short life cycle,rather than the usually assumed only species with long life span.This study reveals the complexity and characteristic dynamics of macrofaunal fouling assemblages in the tropical habitats,and the results would provide valuable knowledge for biodiversity and antifouling research.展开更多
The study was motivated by the fact that explosion inside the subway structure may not only cause direct life loss,but also damage the subway structure and lead to further loss of lives and properties.The propagation ...The study was motivated by the fact that explosion inside the subway structure may not only cause direct life loss,but also damage the subway structure and lead to further loss of lives and properties.The propagation law of explosion wave in the subway station was analyzed and a simplified model of overpressure in the subway station was also proposed.Whereafter,the improved dynamic cam-clay model of soil and the concrete damaged plasticity constitutive model were used for the dynamic analysis of the subway station.Meanwhile,the influences of soil stiffness and burial depth on the dynamic response of the subway station were looked into.The results show that the multi-peak overpressure in the subway station does not appear,and large stresses concentrate on the central column and the floor slab of the subway station,so some special reinforcement measures should be taken in these parts.The effect of soil stiffness and burial depth on the stress of the central column is little;however,the effect on the stress of the station side wall is relatively obvious.展开更多
The cytotoxicity of abamectin to the Gill Cell Line of Flounder (FG cell line) was examined in this study. It was found that the exposure of FG cells to abamectin caused the decreases of both cell growth rate and an...The cytotoxicity of abamectin to the Gill Cell Line of Flounder (FG cell line) was examined in this study. It was found that the exposure of FG cells to abamectin caused the decreases of both cell growth rate and antioxidant enzyme activities, and the increase of intracellular 02 content. It was proposed that the reduction of antioxidant enzyme activities in FG cells caused the accumulation of 02 content in FG cells, leading to the change of cell morphology and even the death of cells. The results showed that FG cell line is suitable for the evaluation of the acute toxicity of abamectin.展开更多
The aim of the present study was to investigate the long-term effects of 17l)-estradiol (E2) exposure on gonadal development in the tiger puffer (Taktfugu rubripes), which has a genetic sex determination system o...The aim of the present study was to investigate the long-term effects of 17l)-estradiol (E2) exposure on gonadal development in the tiger puffer (Taktfugu rubripes), which has a genetic sex determination system of male homogametic XY-XX. Tiger puffer larvae were exposed to 1, 10 and 100 μg/L E2 from 15 to 100 days post-hatch (dph) and then maintained in clean seawater until 400 dph. Changes in sex ratio, gonadal structure and gonadosomatic index (GSI) were monitored at 100, 160, 270 and 400 dph. Sex-associated single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were used to analyze the genetic sex of samples, except those at 100 dph. Exposure had a positive effect on the conversion of genetically male gonads into phenotypically female gonads at 100 dph. However, gonads from 60% of genetic XY males in the 1-μg/L E2 group and 100% in the 10-μg/L E2 group developed intersexual gonads at 160 dph; gonads of all genetic XY males in the two treatment groups reverted to testis by 270 dph. While 38%, 57% and 44% of gonads of XY fish in the 100-gg/L E2 group reverted to intersexual gonads at 160, 270 and 400 dph, respectively, none reverted to testis after E2 treatment. In addition, E2 exposure inhibited gonadal growth of both genetic sexes, as indicated by the clear dose-dependent decrease in GSI at 270 and 400 dph. The results showed that exposure to E2 during the early life stages of tiger puffer disrupted gonadal development, but that fish recovered after migration to clean seawater. The study suggests the potential use of tiger puffer as a valuable indicator species to evaluate the effects of environmental estrogens on marine fish, thereby protecting valuable fishery resources.展开更多
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...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.展开更多
Personal ethics are strongly influenced by emotions, particularly secondary emotions, because these emotions expand ethical reasoning and development as the child matures. A well-developed consciousness profoundly inf...Personal ethics are strongly influenced by emotions, particularly secondary emotions, because these emotions expand ethical reasoning and development as the child matures. A well-developed consciousness profoundly influences a person's actions and conduct when solving problems of what is thought, or taught to be, right or wrong Compelling neurological evidence supports the claim that children begin to develop enduring ethical standards at an early age and that these standards are largely based on the experiences of early childhood. Essentially, the innate sense of ethics requires nurturing during infancy before it can be cognitively understood and practiced in maturity. In biological terms, the development of neural networks that regulate emotional growth, and subsequently, the capacity for ethical discrimination, depends on the infant's early social environment. Thus, the toddler's early epigenetic experiences enhance, or impede, its innate still dormant genetic potential. Importantly, personal character development and ethical discrimination begins long before the child's formal educational years. As a consequence, early learning has to discover ways of conserving adaptive thinking which can be applied to the choices that may confront future generations. Early ethics education, including accurate access to scientific, medical, and technological knowledge, is thus critical. Future generations will increasingly require education from a global perspective when making major ethical decisions in areas, such as nuclear technology, disposal of wastes, preservation of biodiversity, global warming, and unregulated human population growth. As long as our culture continues to reflect advances in science and technology, there is an obligation to make science education overlap with crucial periods in the advancement of ethical consciousness. Significantly, when considering the human capacity for excess at times of conflict, it is incumbent on the scientific community to integrate research-based knowledge with wide-ranging learning and problem-solving skills. Bioscience ethics, the established interface bridging applied science and applied bioethics, can assist in this process of integration. To become fully responsible adults, we must share our extraordinary cognitive talents and respect life on earth in all its rich diversity. In biological terms, human uniqueness resides primarily in our brains with its products being co-operation in family and ancestral units, long education, sophisticated language and culture, and importantly, ethical consciousness-all attributes held in trust by knowledge and wisdom for future generations.展开更多
Plant competition has been recognized as one of the most important factors influencing the soructure and function of lake ecosystems. Competition from plants of dissimilar growth form may have profound effects on shal...Plant competition has been recognized as one of the most important factors influencing the soructure and function of lake ecosystems. Competition from plants of dissimilar growth form may have profound effects on shallow lakes'. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of competitive interactions of submersed plants with dis- similar growth forms on the biomass allocations. Hydrilla verticitlata and Vallisneria natans were selected and were planted in a single-species monoculture and a mixed-species pattern, Results showed that the growth of E natans was' significantly affected by the tt, verticillata and caused a sharp reduction of biomass, but the root:shoot ratio of E ha- tans was not affected significantly and there was a minimal increase in mixture: while for H. verticillata, the biomass and the root:shoot ratio were not significantly changed by the competitive interactions ore natans, there was minimal increase of biomass and minimal decrease of the root:shoot ratio. These results may indicate that theplant which can develop a dense mat or canopy at the water surface would be a stronger competitor relative to the plant that depends more on light availability near the sediment.展开更多
What we witness is that Oshii's narrative and patriarchal technology creates the female cyborgs, who simply mirror male heterosexual desire and who are denied agency in their role. Oshii does not imagine any possibil...What we witness is that Oshii's narrative and patriarchal technology creates the female cyborgs, who simply mirror male heterosexual desire and who are denied agency in their role. Oshii does not imagine any possibility that might destabilize his newly-imagined order, such as a cyborg that might upset heterosexuality. The absence of any female agency or desire in his cyber fantasy questions its subversive potential. Oshii seems to be immune to feminist theories on posthuman existence that conceptualizes subjectivity outside the gender polarities. Oshii describes a society where high technology only reinforces gender polarities. The representations of women's relationship to technology in Oshii's film, therefore, are quite problematic; the transgression of boundaries does not work out to reduce or annihilate domination by patriarchal needs and desires. Despite the fact that Oshii denies his female cyborgs a subject position other than that based exclusively in patriarchal fear and desire, his representations mark an ambivalence inherent in cyborg resistance, and feminist politics need to pay attention to such ambivalence.展开更多
This paper presents a life cycle assessment(LCA) based biofuel supply chain(SC) analysis framework which enables the study of economic, energy and environmental(3E) performances by using multi-objective optimization. ...This paper presents a life cycle assessment(LCA) based biofuel supply chain(SC) analysis framework which enables the study of economic, energy and environmental(3E) performances by using multi-objective optimization. The economic objective is measured by the total annual profit, the energy objective is measured by the average fossil energy(FE) inputs per MJ biofuel and the environmental objective is measured by greenhouse gas(GHG) emissions per MJ biofuel. A multi-objective linear fractional programming(MOLFP) model with multi-conversion pathways is formulated based on the framework and is solved by using the ε-constraint method. The MOLFP problem is turned into a mixed integer linear programming(MILP) problem by setting up the total annual profit as the optimization objective and the average FE inputs per MJ biofuel and GHG emissions per MJ biofuel as constraints. In the case study, this model is used to design an experimental biofuel supply chain in China. A set of the weekly Pareto optimal solutions is obtained. Each non-inferior solution indicates the optimal locations and the amount of biomass produced, locations and capacities of conversion factories, locations and amount of biofuel being supplied in final markets and the flow of mass through the supply chain network(SCN). As the model reveals trade-offs among 3E criteria, we think the framework can be a good support tool of decision for the design of biofuel SC.展开更多
The authors have proposed a new of magnetic isotope theory of life on Earth. According to this theory the initial impetus for the beginning of the synthesis of organic compounds is the impact of electromagnetic radiat...The authors have proposed a new of magnetic isotope theory of life on Earth. According to this theory the initial impetus for the beginning of the synthesis of organic compounds is the impact of electromagnetic radiation from the sun and energy radioactive isotopes.展开更多
Coal is the backbone of the Indian power sector. The coal-fired power plants remain the largest emitters of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and substantial amounts of nitrogen oxides, which are associated with climate ...Coal is the backbone of the Indian power sector. The coal-fired power plants remain the largest emitters of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and substantial amounts of nitrogen oxides, which are associated with climate and health impacts. Various CO2 mitigation technologies (carbon capture and storage--CCS) and SO2/NOx mitigation technologies (flue gas desulfurization and selective catalytic reduction) have been employed to reduce the environmental impacts of the coal-fired power plants. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the feasibility of various mitigation technologies employed. This paper attempts to perform environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) of Indian coal-fired power plant with and without CO2, SO2 and NOx mitigation controls. The study develops new normalization factors for India in various damage categories, using the Indian emissions and energy consumption data, coupled with the emissions and particulate emission to come up with a final environmental impact of coal-fired electricity. The results show a large degree of dependence on the perspective of assessment used. The impact of sensitivities of individual substances and the effect of plant efficiency on the final LCA results is also studied.展开更多
Stress-induced cardiomyopathy, also known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome, is characterized by transient systolic dysfunction of the apical and mid-segments of the left vent...Stress-induced cardiomyopathy, also known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome, is characterized by transient systolic dysfunction of the apical and mid-segments of the left ventricle with the abscence of coronary occlusion, This disease typically occurs in postmenopausal women of an advanced age after emotional or physical stress. Although the prognosis is generally favorable, acute fatal complications have been reported in a small subset of patients. Some patients died with acute cardiac complications, on the other hand, other patients died with underlying critical illness which triggered stress-induced cardiomyopathy.展开更多
文摘A quantitative and comprehensive method of product life cycle assessment(LCA) with fuzzy theory is developed, which will help designers to select the optimum design scheme for product life cycle design(LCD). Based on the theory of multiple attribute decision making, an algorithm of comprehensive and comparative evaluation for product environmental adaptability is presented. A program is built and used in an example of design improvement. The result shows that the proposed method and algorithm are practical and effective to the development of green products.
文摘The prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells of the colon exist in a highly complex, but harmonious relationship. Disturbances in this remarkable symbiosis can result in the development of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Although the etiology of IBD is not entirely understood, it is known that the chronic inflammation of Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and chronic pouchitis are a result of an overly aggressive immune response to the commensal intestinal flora in genetically susceptible hosts. Recent studies have enhanced our ability to understand the interaction between the host and its intestinal microflora and the role the microflora plays in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. As we begin to understand the benefi ts conferred to the intestine by the microflora, the notion of modifying the composition of the bacterial load to improve human health has arisen. A signifi cant body of research now exists investigating the role of probiotics and prebiotics in ameliorating chronic intestinal inflammation. This article will begin with an overview of the role of the commensal microflora in maintaining mucosal immune homeostasis, and how a dysregulated immune response to the intestinal microflora results in IBD. This will be followed by a summary of the use of probiotics and prebiotics in experimental and human IBD.
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China(No. 10801032)
文摘A class of lifetime distributions, new better than equilibrium in expectation (NBEE), and its dual, new worse than equilibrium in expectation (NWEE), are studied based on the comparison of the expectations of lifetime X and its equilibrium Xo. The relationships of the NBEE (NWEE) and other lifetime distribution classes are discussed. It is proved that the NBEE is very large, and increasing failure rate (IFR), new better than used (NBU) and the L class are its subclasses. The closure properties under two kinds of reliability operations, namely, convolution and mixture, are investigated. Furthermore, a Poisson shock model and a special cumulative model are also studied, in which the necessary and sufficient conditions for the NBEE (NWEE) lifetime distribution of the systems are established. In the homogenous Poisson shock model, the system lifetime belongs to NBEE(NWEE) if and only if the corresponding discrete failure distribution belongs to the discrete NBEE(NWEE). While in the cumulative model, the system has an NBEE lifetime if and only if the stochastic threshold of accumulated damage is NBEE.
基金The Research Council for Health of the Academy of Finland, and Valio Research Centre
文摘AIM: To evaluate the effects of three potentially anti-inflammatory probiotic bacteria from three different genera on immune variables in setting based on previous in cytokine responses. healthy adults in a clinical vitro characterization of METHODS: A total of 62 volunteers participated in this randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled parallel group intervention study. The volunteers were randomized to receive a milk-based drink containing either Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis Bb12 (Bb12), or Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp. shermanii JS (PJS) or a placebo drink for 3 wk. Venous blood and saliva samples were taken at baseline and on d 1, 7 and 21. Fecal samples were collected at baseline and at the end of intervention. RESULTS: The serum hsCRP expressed as the median AUC0-21 (minus baseline) was 0.018 mg/L in the placebo group, -0.240 mg/L in the LGG group, 0.090 mg/L in the Bb12 group and -0.085 mg/L in the PJS group (P = 0.014). In vitro production of TNF-α from in vitro cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was significantly lower in subjects receiving LGG vs placebo. IL-2 production from PBMC in the Bb12 group was significantly lower compared with the other groups. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, probiotic bacteria have strain-specific anti-inflammatory effects in healthy adults.
基金Danone (Shanghai) Consulting Co.Ltd115 national science and technology program
文摘AIM: To investigate the effect of a fermented milk containing Bifidobacterium lactis DN-173010 and yogurt strains (BIO) on adult women with constipation in Beijing.METHODS: A total of 135 adult females with constipation were randomly allocated to consume for 2 wk either 100 g of the test fermented milk or 100 g of an acidified milk containing non-living bacteria (control).Stool frequency,defecation condition scores,stool consistency and food intake were recorded at baseline and after 1 and 2 wk in an intention-to-treat population of 126 subjects.In parallel,safety evaluation parameters were performed.RESULTS: At baseline,no differences were found between groups.Following consumption of test product,stool frequency was significantly increased after 1 wk (3.5 ± 1.5 vs 2.4 ± 0.6,P < 0.01) and 2 wk (4.1 ± 1.7 vs 2.4 ± 0.6,P < 0.01),vs baseline.Similarly,after 1 and 2 wk,of test product consumption,defecation condition (1.1 ± 0.9 vs 1.9 ± 1.2,P < 0.01 and 0.8 ± 1.0 vs 1.9 ± 1.2,P < 0.01,respectively) and stool consistency (1.0 ± 0.8 vs 1.5 ± 1.1,P < 0.01 and 0.6 ± 0.8 vs 1.5 ± 1.1,P < 0.01,respectively) were significantly improved.Compared with the control group,stool frequency was also significantly increased (3.5 ± 1.5 vs 2.5 ± 0.9,P < 0.01 and 4.1 ± 1.7 vs 2.6 ± 1.0,P < 0.01,respectively),and defecation condition (1.1 ± 0.9 vs 1.6 ± 1.1,P < 0.01 and 0.8 ± 1.0 vs 1.6 ± 1.1,P < 0.01,respectively) and stool consistency (1.0 ± 0.8 vs 1.4 ± 1.0,P < 0.05 and 0.6 ± 0.8 vs 1.3 ± 1.0,P < 0.01,respectively) significantly decreased after 1 and 2 wk of product consumption.During the same period,food intake did not change between the two groups,and safety parameters of the subjects were within normal ranges.CONCLUSION: This study suggests a beneficial effect of a fermented milk containing B.lactis DN-173010 on stool frequency,defecation condition and stool consistency in adult women with constipation constipated women after 1 and 2 wk of consumption.
基金The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council(NSERC)of Canada(No.RGPIN/239189-2010)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51375287)
文摘A quantitative measure-based method for the design and evaluation of sustainable products is proposed. The method uses multi-criteria in product design to meet sustainable requirements from qualitative criteria to quantitative metrics. The method integrates quality function deployment concepts with the life cycle assessment to establish a quantitative method for sustainable product development. It considers both customer needs and sustainable requirements by mapping these needs into design details using the axiomatic design and benchmarking methods. The method is applied in the wheelchair design. Four popular wheelchairs in the market are selected as benchmarks and are rated based on customer needs and sustainable criteria. The design matrix identifies the relationship of functional requirements and design parameters of the wheelchair. Compared to the best benchmark product, the proposed wheelchair can reduce costs by 13.8%, environment footprints 18.55%, mass 4.5%, and components 2.2%.
基金Project (No. B340406052) supported by the Science and Technology Foundation of Shanghai Railway Bureau of China
文摘Objective: To assess the occurrence of stressful life events in the year before the initiation of systemic sclerosis. Methods: A consecutive series of 40 patients with systemic sclerosis (mean age (56.3±11.9) years, mean disease duration (4.3±3.1) years; 32 females and 8 males), including 28 with diffuse cutaneous scleroderma and 12 with limited cutaneous scleroderma, were evaluated. A control group of 40 healthy subjects free of systemic sclerosis also was included. Socioeconomic status was inves- tigated and Paykel's interview for recent life events (a semi-structured research interview covering 64 life events) was conducted. Results: Patients with systemic sclerosis showed higher percentages of lower education (72.5%) and working class (82.5%), and reported more stressful life events (P<0.05), such as exits (P<0.05), undesirable events (P<0.01), and uncontrolled events (P<0.001), when compared with the control. More events that had an objective negative impact (P<0.001) were also reported in systemic sclerosis patients than in the control. These results are in accordance with a multifactorial model of pathogenesis in systemic sclerosis. Conclusion: We reported a strong relationship between stressful life events and the initiation of systemic sclerosis. Our findings are consistent with current understanding of the extensive links of behavioral responses to stress with neurophysiological and biochemical processes.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.31660128,31360105 and 31160098)the Hainan University(Nos.kypd 1046 and Hdcxcyxm201715)
文摘The spatio-temporal patterns of macrofaunal fouling assemblages were quantitatively investigated in the nearshore waters of the South China Sea.The work was undertaken by deploying seasonal panels at two sites(H-site,L-site) for one year,and the fouling communities on the panels were examined and analyzed.The results indicated that species composition of assemblages was obviously different between the two sites.At both sites the assemblages were characteristic with solitary dominant species throughout the year,with Amphibalanus reticulates dominating at H-site and Hydroides elegans at L-site.Shannon index and biomass of the assemblages varied with depth and season at both sites.At H-site the total biomass in summer and autumn were significantly higher than those in spring and winter,while at L-site the assemblage biomass also differed significantly among the four seasons,and the greatest biomass occurred at the depth of 2.0 m in winter.The abundance of all seasonal samples in non-metric multidimensional scaling was clustered as one group at L-site and three groups at H-site.The environmental factors were more likely to be related to the variation of fouling assemblages.Furthermore,it also suggests that in tropical seas the integrated adaptability would qualify a species for dominating a fouling assemblage despite its short life cycle,rather than the usually assumed only species with long life span.This study reveals the complexity and characteristic dynamics of macrofaunal fouling assemblages in the tropical habitats,and the results would provide valuable knowledge for biodiversity and antifouling research.
基金Project(50978043) supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China
文摘The study was motivated by the fact that explosion inside the subway structure may not only cause direct life loss,but also damage the subway structure and lead to further loss of lives and properties.The propagation law of explosion wave in the subway station was analyzed and a simplified model of overpressure in the subway station was also proposed.Whereafter,the improved dynamic cam-clay model of soil and the concrete damaged plasticity constitutive model were used for the dynamic analysis of the subway station.Meanwhile,the influences of soil stiffness and burial depth on the dynamic response of the subway station were looked into.The results show that the multi-peak overpressure in the subway station does not appear,and large stresses concentrate on the central column and the floor slab of the subway station,so some special reinforcement measures should be taken in these parts.The effect of soil stiffness and burial depth on the stress of the central column is little;however,the effect on the stress of the station side wall is relatively obvious.
文摘The cytotoxicity of abamectin to the Gill Cell Line of Flounder (FG cell line) was examined in this study. It was found that the exposure of FG cells to abamectin caused the decreases of both cell growth rate and antioxidant enzyme activities, and the increase of intracellular 02 content. It was proposed that the reduction of antioxidant enzyme activities in FG cells caused the accumulation of 02 content in FG cells, leading to the change of cell morphology and even the death of cells. The results showed that FG cell line is suitable for the evaluation of the acute toxicity of abamectin.
基金Supported by the China Agriculture Research System(No.CARS-50-G20)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31402284)the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China(863 Program)(No.2012AA10A413-2)
文摘The aim of the present study was to investigate the long-term effects of 17l)-estradiol (E2) exposure on gonadal development in the tiger puffer (Taktfugu rubripes), which has a genetic sex determination system of male homogametic XY-XX. Tiger puffer larvae were exposed to 1, 10 and 100 μg/L E2 from 15 to 100 days post-hatch (dph) and then maintained in clean seawater until 400 dph. Changes in sex ratio, gonadal structure and gonadosomatic index (GSI) were monitored at 100, 160, 270 and 400 dph. Sex-associated single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were used to analyze the genetic sex of samples, except those at 100 dph. Exposure had a positive effect on the conversion of genetically male gonads into phenotypically female gonads at 100 dph. However, gonads from 60% of genetic XY males in the 1-μg/L E2 group and 100% in the 10-μg/L E2 group developed intersexual gonads at 160 dph; gonads of all genetic XY males in the two treatment groups reverted to testis by 270 dph. While 38%, 57% and 44% of gonads of XY fish in the 100-gg/L E2 group reverted to intersexual gonads at 160, 270 and 400 dph, respectively, none reverted to testis after E2 treatment. In addition, E2 exposure inhibited gonadal growth of both genetic sexes, as indicated by the clear dose-dependent decrease in GSI at 270 and 400 dph. The results showed that exposure to E2 during the early life stages of tiger puffer disrupted gonadal development, but that fish recovered after migration to clean seawater. The study suggests the potential use of tiger puffer as a valuable indicator species to evaluate the effects of environmental estrogens on marine fish, thereby protecting valuable fishery resources.
文摘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.
文摘Personal ethics are strongly influenced by emotions, particularly secondary emotions, because these emotions expand ethical reasoning and development as the child matures. A well-developed consciousness profoundly influences a person's actions and conduct when solving problems of what is thought, or taught to be, right or wrong Compelling neurological evidence supports the claim that children begin to develop enduring ethical standards at an early age and that these standards are largely based on the experiences of early childhood. Essentially, the innate sense of ethics requires nurturing during infancy before it can be cognitively understood and practiced in maturity. In biological terms, the development of neural networks that regulate emotional growth, and subsequently, the capacity for ethical discrimination, depends on the infant's early social environment. Thus, the toddler's early epigenetic experiences enhance, or impede, its innate still dormant genetic potential. Importantly, personal character development and ethical discrimination begins long before the child's formal educational years. As a consequence, early learning has to discover ways of conserving adaptive thinking which can be applied to the choices that may confront future generations. Early ethics education, including accurate access to scientific, medical, and technological knowledge, is thus critical. Future generations will increasingly require education from a global perspective when making major ethical decisions in areas, such as nuclear technology, disposal of wastes, preservation of biodiversity, global warming, and unregulated human population growth. As long as our culture continues to reflect advances in science and technology, there is an obligation to make science education overlap with crucial periods in the advancement of ethical consciousness. Significantly, when considering the human capacity for excess at times of conflict, it is incumbent on the scientific community to integrate research-based knowledge with wide-ranging learning and problem-solving skills. Bioscience ethics, the established interface bridging applied science and applied bioethics, can assist in this process of integration. To become fully responsible adults, we must share our extraordinary cognitive talents and respect life on earth in all its rich diversity. In biological terms, human uniqueness resides primarily in our brains with its products being co-operation in family and ancestral units, long education, sophisticated language and culture, and importantly, ethical consciousness-all attributes held in trust by knowledge and wisdom for future generations.
基金sponsored by China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Grant No.20090461149)the Postdoctoral Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (Grant No. 0802029C)the Youth Science Foundation of JINAN Univeristy (Grant No. 51208026)
文摘Plant competition has been recognized as one of the most important factors influencing the soructure and function of lake ecosystems. Competition from plants of dissimilar growth form may have profound effects on shallow lakes'. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of competitive interactions of submersed plants with dis- similar growth forms on the biomass allocations. Hydrilla verticitlata and Vallisneria natans were selected and were planted in a single-species monoculture and a mixed-species pattern, Results showed that the growth of E natans was' significantly affected by the tt, verticillata and caused a sharp reduction of biomass, but the root:shoot ratio of E ha- tans was not affected significantly and there was a minimal increase in mixture: while for H. verticillata, the biomass and the root:shoot ratio were not significantly changed by the competitive interactions ore natans, there was minimal increase of biomass and minimal decrease of the root:shoot ratio. These results may indicate that theplant which can develop a dense mat or canopy at the water surface would be a stronger competitor relative to the plant that depends more on light availability near the sediment.
文摘What we witness is that Oshii's narrative and patriarchal technology creates the female cyborgs, who simply mirror male heterosexual desire and who are denied agency in their role. Oshii does not imagine any possibility that might destabilize his newly-imagined order, such as a cyborg that might upset heterosexuality. The absence of any female agency or desire in his cyber fantasy questions its subversive potential. Oshii seems to be immune to feminist theories on posthuman existence that conceptualizes subjectivity outside the gender polarities. Oshii describes a society where high technology only reinforces gender polarities. The representations of women's relationship to technology in Oshii's film, therefore, are quite problematic; the transgression of boundaries does not work out to reduce or annihilate domination by patriarchal needs and desires. Despite the fact that Oshii denies his female cyborgs a subject position other than that based exclusively in patriarchal fear and desire, his representations mark an ambivalence inherent in cyborg resistance, and feminist politics need to pay attention to such ambivalence.
基金Supported by the Chinese Academy of Engineering(20121667845)
文摘This paper presents a life cycle assessment(LCA) based biofuel supply chain(SC) analysis framework which enables the study of economic, energy and environmental(3E) performances by using multi-objective optimization. The economic objective is measured by the total annual profit, the energy objective is measured by the average fossil energy(FE) inputs per MJ biofuel and the environmental objective is measured by greenhouse gas(GHG) emissions per MJ biofuel. A multi-objective linear fractional programming(MOLFP) model with multi-conversion pathways is formulated based on the framework and is solved by using the ε-constraint method. The MOLFP problem is turned into a mixed integer linear programming(MILP) problem by setting up the total annual profit as the optimization objective and the average FE inputs per MJ biofuel and GHG emissions per MJ biofuel as constraints. In the case study, this model is used to design an experimental biofuel supply chain in China. A set of the weekly Pareto optimal solutions is obtained. Each non-inferior solution indicates the optimal locations and the amount of biomass produced, locations and capacities of conversion factories, locations and amount of biofuel being supplied in final markets and the flow of mass through the supply chain network(SCN). As the model reveals trade-offs among 3E criteria, we think the framework can be a good support tool of decision for the design of biofuel SC.
文摘The authors have proposed a new of magnetic isotope theory of life on Earth. According to this theory the initial impetus for the beginning of the synthesis of organic compounds is the impact of electromagnetic radiation from the sun and energy radioactive isotopes.
文摘Coal is the backbone of the Indian power sector. The coal-fired power plants remain the largest emitters of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and substantial amounts of nitrogen oxides, which are associated with climate and health impacts. Various CO2 mitigation technologies (carbon capture and storage--CCS) and SO2/NOx mitigation technologies (flue gas desulfurization and selective catalytic reduction) have been employed to reduce the environmental impacts of the coal-fired power plants. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the feasibility of various mitigation technologies employed. This paper attempts to perform environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) of Indian coal-fired power plant with and without CO2, SO2 and NOx mitigation controls. The study develops new normalization factors for India in various damage categories, using the Indian emissions and energy consumption data, coupled with the emissions and particulate emission to come up with a final environmental impact of coal-fired electricity. The results show a large degree of dependence on the perspective of assessment used. The impact of sensitivities of individual substances and the effect of plant efficiency on the final LCA results is also studied.
文摘Stress-induced cardiomyopathy, also known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome, is characterized by transient systolic dysfunction of the apical and mid-segments of the left ventricle with the abscence of coronary occlusion, This disease typically occurs in postmenopausal women of an advanced age after emotional or physical stress. Although the prognosis is generally favorable, acute fatal complications have been reported in a small subset of patients. Some patients died with acute cardiac complications, on the other hand, other patients died with underlying critical illness which triggered stress-induced cardiomyopathy.