AIM: To test the effect of the dephytinization of three different commercial infant cereals on iron, calcium, and zinc bioavailability by estimating the uptake, retention, and transport by Caco-2 cells. METHODS: Bot...AIM: To test the effect of the dephytinization of three different commercial infant cereals on iron, calcium, and zinc bioavailability by estimating the uptake, retention, and transport by Caco-2 cells. METHODS: Both dephytinized (by adding an exogenous phytase) and non-dephytinized infant cereals were digested using an in vitro digestion protocol adapted to the gastrointestinal conditions of infants younger than 6 too. Mineral cell retention, transport, and uptake from infant cereals were measured using the soluble fraction of the simulated digestion and the Caco-2 cells. RESULTS: Dephytinization of infant cereals significantly increased (P 〈 0.05) the cell uptake efficiency (from 0.66%-6.05% to 3.93%-13%), retention (from 6.04%-16.68% to 14.75%-20.14%) and transport efficiency (from 0.14%-2.21% to 1.47%-6.02%), of iron, and the uptake efficiency (from 5.0%-35.4% to 7.3%-41.6%) and retention (from 4.05%-20.53% to 14.45%-61.3%) of zinc, whereas calcium only cell uptake showed a significant increase (P 〈 0.05) after removing phytate from most of the samples analyzed. A positive relationship (P 〈 0.05) between mineral solubility and the cell uptake and transport efficiencies was observed. CONCLUSION: Removing phytate from infant cereals had a beneficial effect on iron and zinc bioavailability when infant cereals were reconstituted with water. Since in developing countries cereal-based complementary foods for infants are usually consumed mixed with water, exogenous phytase additions could improve the nutritional value of this weaning food.展开更多
The freshwater cyanobacterium, Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii (Woloszyflska) Seenayya and Subba Raju is a common species in lakes and reservoirs globally. In some areas of the world it can produce cytoand hepatotoxi...The freshwater cyanobacterium, Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii (Woloszyflska) Seenayya and Subba Raju is a common species in lakes and reservoirs globally. In some areas of the world it can produce cytoand hepatotoxins (cylindrospermopsins, saxitoxins), making blooms of this species a serious health concern for humans. In the last 10 15 years, there has been a considerable body of research conducted on the ecology, physiology and toxin production of this species and this paper reviews these studies with a focus on the cylindrospermopsin (CYN)-producing strains. C. raciborskii has low light requirements, close to neutral buoyancy, and a wide temperature tolerance, giving it the capacity to grow in many lentic waterbodies. It also has a flexible strategy with respect to nitrogen (N) utilisation; being able to switch between utilising fixed and atmospheric N as sources of N fluctuate. Additionally this species has a high phosphate (DIP) affinity and storage capacity. Like many cyanobacteria, it also has the capacity to use dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP). Changes in nutrient concentrations, light levels and temperature have also been found to affect production of the toxin CYN by this species. However, optimal toxin production does not necessarily occur when growth rates are optimal. Additionally, different strains of C. raciborskii vary in their cell quota of CYN, making it difficult to predict toxin concentrations, based on C. raciborskii cell densities. In summary, the ecological flexibility of this organism means that controlling blooms of C. raciborskii is a difficult undertaking. However, improved understanding of factors promoting the species and toxin production by genetically capable strains will lead to improved predictive models of blooms.展开更多
A modified cellular automaton model for traffic flow on highway is proposed with a novel concept about the variable security gap. The concept is first introduced into the original Nagel-Schreckenberg model, which is c...A modified cellular automaton model for traffic flow on highway is proposed with a novel concept about the variable security gap. The concept is first introduced into the original Nagel-Schreckenberg model, which is called the non-sensitive driving cellular automaton model. And then it is incorporated with a sensitive driving NaSch model,in which the randomization brake is arranged before the deterministic deceleration. A parameter related to the variable security gap is determined through simulation. Comparison of the simulation results indicates that the variable security gap has different influence on the two models. The fundamental diagram obtained by simulation with the modified sensitive driving NaSch model shows that the maximumflow are in good agreement with the observed data, indicating that the presented model is more reasonable and realistic.展开更多
Taking low permeability cores of Daqing oilfield for example,the flow characteristics at low velocity were studied with the self-designed micro-flux measuring instrument.Considering the throat distribution and capilla...Taking low permeability cores of Daqing oilfield for example,the flow characteristics at low velocity were studied with the self-designed micro-flux measuring instrument.Considering the throat distribution and capillary model,the thickness of fluid boundary layer under different pressure gradients was calculated,and the mechanism and influencing factors of nonlinear percolation were discussed.The results show that the percolation curve of ultra-low rocks is nonlinear,and apparent permeability is not a constant which increases with pressure gradient.The absorption boundary layer decreases with the increase of pressure gradient,and changes significantly especially in low pressure gradient,which is the essence of nonlinear percolation.The absorption boundary layer is also found to be impacted by the surface property of rocks.展开更多
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the best characterised cancers, with extensive data documenting the sequential gene mutations that underlie its development. Complementary datasets are also being generated describing...Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the best characterised cancers, with extensive data documenting the sequential gene mutations that underlie its development. Complementary datasets are also being generated describing changes in protein and RNA expression, tumour biology and clinical outcome. Both the quantity and the variety of information are inexorably increasing and there is now an accompanying need to integrate these highly disparate datasets. In this article we aim to explain why we believe that mathematical modelling represents a natural tool or language with which to integrate these data and, in so doing, to provide insight into CRC.展开更多
This paper outlines a one-dimensional,heightdependent bin model with detailed microphysical processes in which ice splinters are produced by a riming process.The model is then applied to simulate the shift of particle...This paper outlines a one-dimensional,heightdependent bin model with detailed microphysical processes in which ice splinters are produced by a riming process.The model is then applied to simulate the shift of particle size distribution effected by the secondary ice production process within clouds with different generating cells and cloud top temperatures.The result of model simulations reveals the general effects of cloud updrafts on increasing ice particle concentration by extending the residence time of ice particles in clouds and providing sufficiently large supercooled water droplets.The rimesplintering mechanism is more effective in clouds with lower ice seeding rates than those with higher rates.Evolutions of hydrometeor size distribution triggered by the rime-splintering mechanism indicate that the interaction between large ice particles and supercooled water drops adds a "second maximum" to the primary ice spectra.展开更多
The main focus of this paper is to investigate the influence of hygrothermal aging on tensile strength of epoxy resin matrix composites.Firstly,tests of water absorption and moisture induced tensile strength degradati...The main focus of this paper is to investigate the influence of hygrothermal aging on tensile strength of epoxy resin matrix composites.Firstly,tests of water absorption and moisture induced tensile strength degradation of glass fiber reinforced polymer(GFRP)are conducted.Results show that the moisture absorption behavior of the GFRP follows the Fick’s law,and its tensile strength retention decreases notably in the early hygrothermal aging stage and then gradually approaches a constant.Then,microscale longitudinal and transverse strength prediction models for unidirectional fiber reinforced composites are proposed.They are moisture concentration dependent and reflect the inherent probability of failures of fiber and matrix(or fiber/matrix interface).The moisture diffusing analysis demostrates that the proposed models can predict degradation of tensile strength of epoxy resin matrix composites undergoing different hygrothermal durations.The proposed models are validated by the experiments of hygrothermal residual strength of the GFRP mentioned above.展开更多
After analysis of the existing problems of traditional RBAC model, user group and resource domain are introduced to conduct finely granular extension of RBAC model. Extended model reduces the redundancy of roles, lowe...After analysis of the existing problems of traditional RBAC model, user group and resource domain are introduced to conduct finely granular extension of RBAC model. Extended model reduces the redundancy of roles, lowers the complexity of authorization management and enhances the flexibility and maintainability of users' authorization. It is well proved in its application in postgraduate student management system.展开更多
Based on the model of the two calcium stores developed by Goldbeter, the influence of external magnetic field on the calcium concentration has been discussed. We believe that the cell membrane is a major site of inter...Based on the model of the two calcium stores developed by Goldbeter, the influence of external magnetic field on the calcium concentration has been discussed. We believe that the cell membrane is a major site of interaction for extremely-low-frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields, and the permeability of ions can be changed with the changing electromagnetic fields. It is shown that magnetic field initiates intraeellular calcium oscillation with a threshold in flux density, and that the calcium oscillations do not occur if the density of magnetic field is below the threshold. The results of theoretical calculation are consistent with that of the experiment. The intracellular free calcium concentrations of different cells exposed to the same magnetic fields are different from each other. It is indicated that the different behaviors such as oscillation, rise and invariability of calcium concentration are associated with the sort of cells.展开更多
To investigate the effect of moderate hypothermia on respon ses of axonal cytoskeleton to axonal injury in the acute stage of injury. Methods: Of fifteen adult guinea pigs, twelve animals were subj ected to stretch in...To investigate the effect of moderate hypothermia on respon ses of axonal cytoskeleton to axonal injury in the acute stage of injury. Methods: Of fifteen adult guinea pigs, twelve animals were subj ected to stretch injury to the right optic nerves and divided into the normother mic group (n=6) in which the animals core temperature was maintained at 36.0 37.5℃ and the hypothermia group (n=6) in which the core temperature was red uced to 32.0 32.5℃ after stretch injury. Remaining three animals sustained no injury to the right optic nerves and served as control group. Half of injure d animals (n=3) of either normothermic group or hypothermic group were killed at either 2 hours or 4 hours after injury. The ultrastructural changes of axonal c ytoskeleton of the right optic nerve fibers from the animals were examined under a transmission electron microscope and analyzed by quantitative analysis with a computer image analysis system. Results: At 2 hours after stretch injury, there was a significa nt reduction in the mean number of microtubules (P< 0.001 ), and a significant increase in the mean intermicrotubule spacing (P< 0.05 or P< 0.01 ) in axons of all siz es in normothermic animals. The mean number of neurofilaments also decreased sta tistically (P< 0.01 ) in large and medium subgroups of a xons in the same experimental group at 2 hours. By 4 hours, the large subgroup o f axons in normothermic animals still demonstrated a significant decline in the mean number of microtubules (P< 0.01 ) and an increase i n the mean intermicrotubule spacing (P< 0.05 ), while th e medium and small subgroups of axons displayed a significant increase in the me an number of neurofilaments (P< 0.05 ) and reduction in the mean interneurofilament spacing (P< 0.05 ). On the c ontrary, either the mean number of microtubules and the mean intermicrotubule sp acing, or the mean number of neurofilaments and interneurofilament spacing in ax ons of all sizes in hypothermic stretch injured animals was not significant dif ferent from the mean values of sham operated animals. Conclusions: Posttraumatic moderate hypothermia induced immedia tely after axonal injury results in substantial protection of axonal cytoskeleto n and ameliorates axonal damage.展开更多
In this study,a theoretical model was established for predicting the equilibrium shape of the droplet on flat and spherical surfaces.The theoretical equilibrium shape of heavy droplets could be obtained once contact a...In this study,a theoretical model was established for predicting the equilibrium shape of the droplet on flat and spherical surfaces.The theoretical equilibrium shape of heavy droplets could be obtained once contact angle and volume of droplets were given.It showed that the predictions of the theoretical flat model were in good agreement with the shape obtained by Surface Evolver when the contact angle is below 120 and the droplet size is on the order of capillary length.This available range will decrease and increase when the heavy droplet is on convex and concave spherical surface,respectively,in contrast to that on flat surface.The available range will decrease more for higher curvature of convex spherical surfaces.展开更多
Two simplified models for predicting minimum extinguishing concentration(MEC) of ultrafine water mist(UFM)(<10 m) were developed based on limiting oxygen concentration(LOC) and combustion limit temperature(CLT),res...Two simplified models for predicting minimum extinguishing concentration(MEC) of ultrafine water mist(UFM)(<10 m) were developed based on limiting oxygen concentration(LOC) and combustion limit temperature(CLT),respectively.Experiment was conducted using a modified cup burner which can reduce the surface adsorption of UFM.Two typical liquid fuels,n-heptane and ethanol,were used in the experiment.Tests using the same scenario were repeated 20 times or 10 times according to the variance of extinguishing time.The average and the standard deviations of extinguishing time were used to evaluate the fire extinguishing performance of UFM.Experimental results agree well with the model based on LOC,and disagree with the model based on CLT.The disagreements were explained by analyzing flow behavior of UFM.It was concluded that the primary mechanism of fire extinguishment with UFM was oxygen dilution.展开更多
基金Supported by Fundación Séneca,0578/PI/07,Consejería de Educación, Ciencia a Investigación de la Comunidad Autónoma de la Región de Murcia,CONSOLIDER FUN-C-FOOD.Nuevos ingredientes funcionales para mejorar la salud
文摘AIM: To test the effect of the dephytinization of three different commercial infant cereals on iron, calcium, and zinc bioavailability by estimating the uptake, retention, and transport by Caco-2 cells. METHODS: Both dephytinized (by adding an exogenous phytase) and non-dephytinized infant cereals were digested using an in vitro digestion protocol adapted to the gastrointestinal conditions of infants younger than 6 too. Mineral cell retention, transport, and uptake from infant cereals were measured using the soluble fraction of the simulated digestion and the Caco-2 cells. RESULTS: Dephytinization of infant cereals significantly increased (P 〈 0.05) the cell uptake efficiency (from 0.66%-6.05% to 3.93%-13%), retention (from 6.04%-16.68% to 14.75%-20.14%) and transport efficiency (from 0.14%-2.21% to 1.47%-6.02%), of iron, and the uptake efficiency (from 5.0%-35.4% to 7.3%-41.6%) and retention (from 4.05%-20.53% to 14.45%-61.3%) of zinc, whereas calcium only cell uptake showed a significant increase (P 〈 0.05) after removing phytate from most of the samples analyzed. A positive relationship (P 〈 0.05) between mineral solubility and the cell uptake and transport efficiencies was observed. CONCLUSION: Removing phytate from infant cereals had a beneficial effect on iron and zinc bioavailability when infant cereals were reconstituted with water. Since in developing countries cereal-based complementary foods for infants are usually consumed mixed with water, exogenous phytase additions could improve the nutritional value of this weaning food.
文摘The freshwater cyanobacterium, Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii (Woloszyflska) Seenayya and Subba Raju is a common species in lakes and reservoirs globally. In some areas of the world it can produce cytoand hepatotoxins (cylindrospermopsins, saxitoxins), making blooms of this species a serious health concern for humans. In the last 10 15 years, there has been a considerable body of research conducted on the ecology, physiology and toxin production of this species and this paper reviews these studies with a focus on the cylindrospermopsin (CYN)-producing strains. C. raciborskii has low light requirements, close to neutral buoyancy, and a wide temperature tolerance, giving it the capacity to grow in many lentic waterbodies. It also has a flexible strategy with respect to nitrogen (N) utilisation; being able to switch between utilising fixed and atmospheric N as sources of N fluctuate. Additionally this species has a high phosphate (DIP) affinity and storage capacity. Like many cyanobacteria, it also has the capacity to use dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP). Changes in nutrient concentrations, light levels and temperature have also been found to affect production of the toxin CYN by this species. However, optimal toxin production does not necessarily occur when growth rates are optimal. Additionally, different strains of C. raciborskii vary in their cell quota of CYN, making it difficult to predict toxin concentrations, based on C. raciborskii cell densities. In summary, the ecological flexibility of this organism means that controlling blooms of C. raciborskii is a difficult undertaking. However, improved understanding of factors promoting the species and toxin production by genetically capable strains will lead to improved predictive models of blooms.
文摘A modified cellular automaton model for traffic flow on highway is proposed with a novel concept about the variable security gap. The concept is first introduced into the original Nagel-Schreckenberg model, which is called the non-sensitive driving cellular automaton model. And then it is incorporated with a sensitive driving NaSch model,in which the randomization brake is arranged before the deterministic deceleration. A parameter related to the variable security gap is determined through simulation. Comparison of the simulation results indicates that the variable security gap has different influence on the two models. The fundamental diagram obtained by simulation with the modified sensitive driving NaSch model shows that the maximumflow are in good agreement with the observed data, indicating that the presented model is more reasonable and realistic.
基金Project(2008ZX05013) supported by the National Science and Technology Project of ChinaProject(10672187) supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China
文摘Taking low permeability cores of Daqing oilfield for example,the flow characteristics at low velocity were studied with the self-designed micro-flux measuring instrument.Considering the throat distribution and capillary model,the thickness of fluid boundary layer under different pressure gradients was calculated,and the mechanism and influencing factors of nonlinear percolation were discussed.The results show that the percolation curve of ultra-low rocks is nonlinear,and apparent permeability is not a constant which increases with pressure gradient.The absorption boundary layer decreases with the increase of pressure gradient,and changes significantly especially in low pressure gradient,which is the essence of nonlinear percolation.The absorption boundary layer is also found to be impacted by the surface property of rocks.
文摘Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the best characterised cancers, with extensive data documenting the sequential gene mutations that underlie its development. Complementary datasets are also being generated describing changes in protein and RNA expression, tumour biology and clinical outcome. Both the quantity and the variety of information are inexorably increasing and there is now an accompanying need to integrate these highly disparate datasets. In this article we aim to explain why we believe that mathematical modelling represents a natural tool or language with which to integrate these data and, in so doing, to provide insight into CRC.
基金jointly supported by the Knowledge Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.KZCX2-EW-203)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.41005073)
文摘This paper outlines a one-dimensional,heightdependent bin model with detailed microphysical processes in which ice splinters are produced by a riming process.The model is then applied to simulate the shift of particle size distribution effected by the secondary ice production process within clouds with different generating cells and cloud top temperatures.The result of model simulations reveals the general effects of cloud updrafts on increasing ice particle concentration by extending the residence time of ice particles in clouds and providing sufficiently large supercooled water droplets.The rimesplintering mechanism is more effective in clouds with lower ice seeding rates than those with higher rates.Evolutions of hydrometeor size distribution triggered by the rime-splintering mechanism indicate that the interaction between large ice particles and supercooled water drops adds a "second maximum" to the primary ice spectra.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.11872205)the State Key Laboratory Open Fund(No.MCMS-E-0221Y02)the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions。
文摘The main focus of this paper is to investigate the influence of hygrothermal aging on tensile strength of epoxy resin matrix composites.Firstly,tests of water absorption and moisture induced tensile strength degradation of glass fiber reinforced polymer(GFRP)are conducted.Results show that the moisture absorption behavior of the GFRP follows the Fick’s law,and its tensile strength retention decreases notably in the early hygrothermal aging stage and then gradually approaches a constant.Then,microscale longitudinal and transverse strength prediction models for unidirectional fiber reinforced composites are proposed.They are moisture concentration dependent and reflect the inherent probability of failures of fiber and matrix(or fiber/matrix interface).The moisture diffusing analysis demostrates that the proposed models can predict degradation of tensile strength of epoxy resin matrix composites undergoing different hygrothermal durations.The proposed models are validated by the experiments of hygrothermal residual strength of the GFRP mentioned above.
文摘After analysis of the existing problems of traditional RBAC model, user group and resource domain are introduced to conduct finely granular extension of RBAC model. Extended model reduces the redundancy of roles, lowers the complexity of authorization management and enhances the flexibility and maintainability of users' authorization. It is well proved in its application in postgraduate student management system.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of Foundation under Grant No.C2007000026the Research Fond for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education under Grant No.20060080001
文摘Based on the model of the two calcium stores developed by Goldbeter, the influence of external magnetic field on the calcium concentration has been discussed. We believe that the cell membrane is a major site of interaction for extremely-low-frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields, and the permeability of ions can be changed with the changing electromagnetic fields. It is shown that magnetic field initiates intraeellular calcium oscillation with a threshold in flux density, and that the calcium oscillations do not occur if the density of magnetic field is below the threshold. The results of theoretical calculation are consistent with that of the experiment. The intracellular free calcium concentrations of different cells exposed to the same magnetic fields are different from each other. It is indicated that the different behaviors such as oscillation, rise and invariability of calcium concentration are associated with the sort of cells.
文摘To investigate the effect of moderate hypothermia on respon ses of axonal cytoskeleton to axonal injury in the acute stage of injury. Methods: Of fifteen adult guinea pigs, twelve animals were subj ected to stretch injury to the right optic nerves and divided into the normother mic group (n=6) in which the animals core temperature was maintained at 36.0 37.5℃ and the hypothermia group (n=6) in which the core temperature was red uced to 32.0 32.5℃ after stretch injury. Remaining three animals sustained no injury to the right optic nerves and served as control group. Half of injure d animals (n=3) of either normothermic group or hypothermic group were killed at either 2 hours or 4 hours after injury. The ultrastructural changes of axonal c ytoskeleton of the right optic nerve fibers from the animals were examined under a transmission electron microscope and analyzed by quantitative analysis with a computer image analysis system. Results: At 2 hours after stretch injury, there was a significa nt reduction in the mean number of microtubules (P< 0.001 ), and a significant increase in the mean intermicrotubule spacing (P< 0.05 or P< 0.01 ) in axons of all siz es in normothermic animals. The mean number of neurofilaments also decreased sta tistically (P< 0.01 ) in large and medium subgroups of a xons in the same experimental group at 2 hours. By 4 hours, the large subgroup o f axons in normothermic animals still demonstrated a significant decline in the mean number of microtubules (P< 0.01 ) and an increase i n the mean intermicrotubule spacing (P< 0.05 ), while th e medium and small subgroups of axons displayed a significant increase in the me an number of neurofilaments (P< 0.05 ) and reduction in the mean interneurofilament spacing (P< 0.05 ). On the c ontrary, either the mean number of microtubules and the mean intermicrotubule sp acing, or the mean number of neurofilaments and interneurofilament spacing in ax ons of all sizes in hypothermic stretch injured animals was not significant dif ferent from the mean values of sham operated animals. Conclusions: Posttraumatic moderate hypothermia induced immedia tely after axonal injury results in substantial protection of axonal cytoskeleto n and ameliorates axonal damage.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 10902015)the Research Funds for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education of China (Grant No. 20091101120001)
文摘In this study,a theoretical model was established for predicting the equilibrium shape of the droplet on flat and spherical surfaces.The theoretical equilibrium shape of heavy droplets could be obtained once contact angle and volume of droplets were given.It showed that the predictions of the theoretical flat model were in good agreement with the shape obtained by Surface Evolver when the contact angle is below 120 and the droplet size is on the order of capillary length.This available range will decrease and increase when the heavy droplet is on convex and concave spherical surface,respectively,in contrast to that on flat surface.The available range will decrease more for higher curvature of convex spherical surfaces.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51028401)Jiangsu Province-Supporting Science and Technology Program (Project No. BE2010677)the Research Grant Council of the Hong Kong Administrative Region,China (Project No.CityU118909)
文摘Two simplified models for predicting minimum extinguishing concentration(MEC) of ultrafine water mist(UFM)(<10 m) were developed based on limiting oxygen concentration(LOC) and combustion limit temperature(CLT),respectively.Experiment was conducted using a modified cup burner which can reduce the surface adsorption of UFM.Two typical liquid fuels,n-heptane and ethanol,were used in the experiment.Tests using the same scenario were repeated 20 times or 10 times according to the variance of extinguishing time.The average and the standard deviations of extinguishing time were used to evaluate the fire extinguishing performance of UFM.Experimental results agree well with the model based on LOC,and disagree with the model based on CLT.The disagreements were explained by analyzing flow behavior of UFM.It was concluded that the primary mechanism of fire extinguishment with UFM was oxygen dilution.