Experimental and Numerical Studies of the Wave-Induced Responses of a River-to-Sea Ship

The ship motions and wave-induced loads of a new type of river-to-sea ship are investigated experimentally and numerically. A river-to-sea ship is an unconventional type of container ship characterized by high breadth to draft ratio and low length to breadth ratio, which makes it more prone to hydroelasticity than conventional ships of the same size. A segmented model was tested under two loading conditions, namely, ballast and loaded conditions, to determine the vertical motions and wave-induced loads under each condition. Results are compared with numerical simulations in the frequency domain. The wave-induced responses are calculated by a nonlinear time domain code at each time step. The response amplitude operators of vertical ship responses in regular waves are analyzed, and the wave-induced responses are consistent with the experimental results.

Oblique Wave-Induced Responses of A VLFS Edged with A Pair of Inclined Perforated Plates

This paper is concerned with the hydroelastic responses of a mat-like, rectangular very large floating structure(VLFS) edged with a pair of horizontal/inclined perforated anti-motion plates in the context of the direct coupling method. The updated Lagrangian formulae are applied to establish the equilibrium equations of the VLFS and the total potential formula is employed for fluids in the numerical model including the viscous effect of the perforated plates through the Darcy’s law. The hybrid finite element-boundary element(FE-BE) method is implemented to determine the response reduction of VLFS with attached perforated plates under various oblique incident waves.Also, the numerical solutions are validated against a series of experimental tests. The effectiveness of the attached perforated plates in reducing the deflections of the VLFS can be significantly improved by selecting the proper design parameters such as the porous parameter, submergence depth, plate width and inclination angle for the given sea conditions.

Evaluation of Nonbreaking Wave-Induced Mixing Parameterization Schemes Based on a One-Dimensional Ocean Model

Surface waves have a considerable effect on vertical mixing in the upper ocean.In the past two decades,the vertical mixing induced through nonbreaking surface waves has been used in ocean and climate models to improve the simulation of the upper ocean.Thus far,several nonbreaking wave-induced mixing parameterization schemes have been proposed;however,no quantitative comparison has been performed among them.In this paper,a one-dimensional ocean model was used to compare the performances of five schemes,including those of Qiao et al.(Q),Hu and Wang(HW),Huang and Qiao(HQ),Pleskachevsky et al.(P),and Ghantous and Babanin(GB).Similar to previous studies,all of these schemes can decrease the simulated sea surface temperature(SST),increase the subsurface temperature,and deepen the mixed layer,thereby alleviating the common thermal deviation problem of the ocean model for upper ocean simulation.Among these schemes,the HQ scheme exhibited the weakest wave-induced mixing effect,and the HW scheme exhibited the strongest effect;the other three schemes exhibited roughly the same effect.In particular,the Q and P schemes exhibited nearly the same effect.In the simulation based on observations from the Ocean Weather Station Papa,the HQ scheme exhibited the best performance,followed by the Q scheme.In the experiment with the HQ scheme,the root-mean-square deviation of the simulated SST from the observations was 0.43℃,and the mixed layer depth(MLD)was 2.0 m.As a contrast,the deviations of the SST and MLD reached 1.25℃ and 8.4 m,respectively,in the experiment without wave-induced mixing.

Comparative analysis of thermodynamic and mechanical responses between underground hydrogen storage and compressed air energy storage in lined rock caverns

Underground hydrogen storage(UHS)and compressed air energy storage(CAES)are two viable largescale energy storage technologies for mitigating the intermittency of wind and solar power.Therefore,it is meaningful to compare the properties of hydrogen and air with typical thermodynamic storage processes.This study employs a multi-physical coupling model to compare the operations of CAES and UHS,integrating gas thermodynamics within caverns,thermal conduction,and mechanical deformation around rock caverns.Gas thermodynamic responses are validated using additional simulations and the field test data.Temperature and pressure variations of air and hydrogen within rock caverns exhibit similarities under both adiabatic and diabatic simulation modes.Hydrogen reaches higher temperature and pressure following gas charging stage compared to air,and the ideal gas assumption may lead to overestimation of gas temperature and pressure.Unlike steel lining of CAES,the sealing layer(fibre-reinforced plastic FRP)in UHS is prone to deformation but can effectively mitigates stress in the sealing layer.In CAES,the first principal stress on the surface of the sealing layer and concrete lining is tensile stress,whereas UHS exhibits compressive stress in the same areas.Our present research can provide references for the selection of energy storage methods.

LncRNA pol-lnc78 as a ceRNA regulates antibacterial responses via suppression of pol-miR-n199-3p-mediated SARM down-regulation in Paralichthys olivaceus

Long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs)function as key modulators in mammalian immunity,particularly due to their involvement in lncRNA-mediated competitive endogenous RNA(ceRNA)crosstalk.Despite their recognized significance in mammals,research on lncRNAs in lower vertebrates remains limited.In the present study,we characterized the first immune-related lncRNA(pol-lnc78)in the teleost Japanese flounder(Paralichthys olivaceus).Results indicated that pol-lnc78 acted as a ceRNA for pol-miR-n199-3p to target the sterile alpha and armadillo motif-containing protein(SARM),the fifth discovered member of the Toll/interleukin 1(IL-1)receptor(TIR)adaptor family.This ceRNA network regulated the antibacterial responses of flounder via the Toll-like receptor(TLR)signaling pathway.Specifically,SARM acted as a negative regulator and exacerbated bacterial infection by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α).Pol-miR-n199-3p reduced SARM expression by specifically interacting with the 3’untranslated region(UTR),thereby promoting SARM-dependent inflammatory cytokine expression and protecting the host against bacterial dissemination.Furthermore,pol-lnc78 sponged pol-miR-n199-3p to ameliorate the inhibition of SARM expression.During infection,the negative regulators pol-lnc78 and SARM were significantly down-regulated,while pol-miR-n199-3p was significantly up-regulated,thus favoring host antibacterial defense.These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying fish immunity and open new horizons to better understand ceRNA crosstalk in lower vertebrates.

Application of CFD and FEA Coupling to Predict Structural Dynamic Responses of A Trimaran in Uni-and Bi-Directional Waves

To predict the wave loads of a flexible trimaran in different wave fields,a one-way interaction numerical simulation method is proposed by integrating the fluid solver(Star-CCM+)and structural solver(Abaqus).Differing from the existing coupled CFD-FEA method for monohull ships in head waves,the presented method equates the mass and stiffness of the whole ship to the hull shell so that any transverse and longitudinal section stress of the hull in oblique waves can be obtained.Firstly,verification study and sensitivity analysis are carried out by comparing the trimaran motions using different mesh sizes and time step schemes.Discussion on the wave elevation of uni-and bi-directional waves is also carried out.Then a comprehensive analysis on the structural responses of the trimaran in different uni-directional regular wave and bi-directional cross sea conditions is carried out,respectively.Finally,the differences in structural response characteristics of trimaran in different wave fields are studied.The results show that the present method can reduce the computational burden of the two-way fluid-structure interaction simulations.

Inflammation: Complexity and significance of cellular and molecular responses

Inflammation is a multifaceted cellular and molecular response triggered by injury,infection,or various pathological conditions.Serving as a protective defense mechanism,the inflammatory response involves clinical signs like redness,swelling,pain,and increased body temperature.Immune cells,notably neutrophils and macrophages,play key roles in orchestrating this response.The delicate balance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators,including cytokines and chemokines,regulates the inflammatory cascade.While acute inflammation is crucial for tissue repair,chronic inflammation may indicate an imbalance,contributing to conditions like autoimmune diseases.Understanding these mechanisms is vital for developing therapeutic strategies and managing chronic diseases.

Probiotics: Shaping the gut immunological responses

Probiotics are live microorganisms exerting beneficial effects on the host’s health when administered in adequate amounts.Among the most popular and adequately studied probiotics are bacteria from the families Lactobacillaceae,Bifidobacteriaceae and yeasts.Most of them have been shown,both in vitro and in vivo studies of intestinal inflammation models,to provide favorable results by means of improving the gut microbiota composition,promoting the wound healing process and shaping the immunological responses.Chronic intestinal conditions,such as inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD),are characterized by an imbalance in microbiota composition,with decreased diversity,and by relapsing and persisting inflammation,which may lead to mucosal damage.Although the results of the clinical studies investigating the effect of probiotics on patients with IBD are still controversial,it is without doubt that these microorganisms and their metabolites,now named postbiotics,have a positive influence on both the host’s microbiota and the immune system,and ultimately alter the topical tissue microenvironment.This influence is achieved through three axes:(1)By dis-placement of potential pathogens via competitive exclusion;(2)by offering protection to the host through the secretion of various defensive mediators;and(3)by supplying the host with essential nutrients.We will analyze and discuss almost all the in vitro and in vivo studies of the past 2 years dealing with the possible favorable effects of certain probiotic genus on gut immunological responses,highlighting which species are the most beneficial against intestinal inflammation.

Dynamic thermo-mechanical responses of road-soft ground system under vehicle load and daily temperature variation

A complete road-soft ground model is established in this paper to study the dynamic responses caused by vehicle loads and/or daily temperature variation.A dynamic thermo-elastic model is applied to capturing the behavior of the rigid pavement,the base course,and the subgrade,while the soft ground is characterized using a dynamic thermo-poroelastic model.Solutions to the road-soft ground system are derived in the Laplace-Hankel transform domain.The time domain solutions are obtained using an integration approach.The temperature,thermal stress,pore water pressure,and displacement responses caused by the vehicle load and the daily temperature variation are presented.Results show that obvious temperature change mainly exists within 0.3 m of the road when subjected to the daily temperature variation,whereas the stress responses can still be found in deeper places because of the thermal swelling/shrinkage deformation within the upper road structures.Moreover,it is important to consider the coupling effects of the vehicle load and the daily temperature variation when calculating the dynamic responses inside the road-soft ground system.

Comparison of immune responses and intestinal flora in epicutaneously sensitized BALB/c or C57BL/6 mouse models of food allergy

Cutaneous exposure to food allergens through a disrupted skin barrier is recognized as an important cause of food allergy,and the cutaneous sensitized mouse model has been established to investigate relevant allergic disorders.However,the role of different genetic backgrounds of mice on immune responses to food allergens upon epicutaneous sensitization is largely unknown.In this study,two strains of mice,i.e.,the BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice,were epicutaneously sensitized with ovalbumin on atopic dermatitis(AD)-like skin lesions,followed by intragastric challenge to induce IgE-mediated food allergy.Allergic outcomes were measured as clinical signs,specific antibodies and cytokines,and immune cell subpopulations,as well as changes in intestinal barrier function and gut microbiota.Results showed that both strains of mice exhibited typical food-allergic symptoms with a Th2-skewed response.The C57BL/6 mice,rather than the BALB/c mice,were fitter for establishing an epicutaneously sensitized model of food allergy since a stronger Th2-biased response and severer disruptions in the intestinal barrier and gut homeostasis were observed.This study provides knowledge for selecting an appropriate mouse model to study food-allergic responses associated with AD-like skin lesions and highlights the role of genetic variations in the immune mechanism underlying pathogenesis of food allergy.

Coral records of Mid-Holocene sea-level highstands and climate responses in the northern South China Sea

High-resolution sea-level data and high-precision dating of corals in the northern South China Sea(SCS)during the Holocene provide a reference and historical background for current and future sea-level changes and a basis for scientific assessment of the evolutionary trend of coral reefs in the SCS.Although sporadic studies have been performed around Hainan Island in the northern SCS,the reconstructed sea level presents different values or is controversial because the indicative meaning of the sea-level indicators were neither quantified nor uniform criteria.Here,we determined the quantitative relationship between modern living coral and sea level by measuring the top surfaces of 27 live Porites corals from the inner reef flat along the east coast of Hainan Island and assessed the accuracy of results obtained using coral as sea-level indicators.Additionally,three in situ fossil Porites corals were analyzed based on elevation measurements,digital X-ray radiography,and U-Th dating.The survey results showed that the indicative meanings for the modern live Porites corals is(146.09±8.35)cm below the mean tide level(MTL).It suggested that their upward growth limit is constrained by the sea level,and the lowest low water is the highest level of survival for the modern live Porites corals.Based on the newly defined indicative meanings,6 new sea-level index points(SLIPs)were obtained and 19 published SLIPs were recalculated.Those SLIPs indicated a relative sea level fluctuation between(227.7±9.8)cm to(154.88±9.8)cm MTL between(5393±25)cal a BP and(3390±12)cal a BP,providing evidences of the Mid-Holocene sea-level highstand in the northern SCS.Besides that,our analysis demonstrated that different sea-level histories may be produced based on different indicative meanings or criteria.The dataset of 276 coral U-Th ages indicates that coral reef development in the northern SCS comprised the initial development,boom growth,decline,and flourishing development again.A comparison with regional records indicated that synergistic effects of climatic and environmental factors were involved in the development of coral reefs in the northern SCS.Thus,the cessation of coral reef development during the Holocene in the northern SCS was probably associated with the dry and cold climate in South China,as reflected in the synchronous weakening of the ENSO and East Asian summer monsoon induced by the reduction of the 65°N summer insolation,which forced the migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone.

Inflammatory responses in esophageal mucosa before and after laparoscopic antireflux surgery

BACKGROUND Currently,the primary treatment for gastroesophageal reflux is acid suppression with proton pump inhibitors,but they are not a cure,and some patients don’t respond well or refuse long-term use.Therefore,alternative therapies are needed to understand the disease and develop better treatments.Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery(LARS)can resolve symptoms of these patients and plays a significant role in evaluating esophageal healing after preventing harmful effects.Successful LARS improves typical gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in most patients,main-ly by reducing the exposure time to gastric contents in the esophagus.Amelio-ration of the inflammatory response and a recovery response in the esophageal epithelium is expected following the cessation of the noxious attack.AIM To explore the role of inflammatory biomolecules in LARS and assess the time required for esophageal epithelial recovery.METHODS Of 22 patients with LARS(pre-and post/5.8±3.8 months after LARS)and 25 healthy controls(HCs)were included.All subjects underwent 24-h multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy,during which esophageal biopsy samples were collected using endoscopic tech-niques.Inflammatory molecules in esophageal biopsies were investigated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and multiplex-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS Post-LARS samples showed significant increases in proinflammatory cytokines[interleukin(IL)-1β,interferon-γ,C-X-C chemokine ligand 2(CXCL2)],anti-inflammatory cytokines[CC chemokine ligand(CCL)11,CCL13,CCL17,CCL26,CCL1,CCL7,CCL8,CCL24,IL-4,IL-10],and homeostatic cytokines(CCL27,CCL20,CCL19,CCL23,C-CL25,CXCL12,migration inhibitory factor)compared to both HCs and pre-LARS samples.CCL17 and CCL21 levels were higher in pre-LARS than in HCs(P<0.05).The mRNA expression levels of AKT1,fibroblast growth factor 2,HRAS,and mitogen-activated protein kinase 4 were significantly decreased post-LARS vs pre-LARS.CCL2 and epidermal growth factor gene levels were significantly increased in the pre-LARS compared to the HCs(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The presence of proinflammatory proteins post-LARS suggests ongoing inflammation in the epithelium.Elevated homeostatic cytokine levels indicate cell balance is maintained for about 6 months after LARS.The anti-inflam-matory response post-LARS shows suppression of inflammatory damage and ongoing postoperative recovery.

Thermo-hydro-poro-mechanical responses of a reservoir-induced landslide tracked by high-resolution fiber optic sensing nerves

Thermo-poro-mechanical responses along sliding zone/surface have been extensively studied.However,it has not been recognized that the potential contribution of other crucial engineering geological interfaces beyond the slip surface to progressive failure.Here,we aim to investigate the subsurface multiphysics of reservoir landslides under two extreme hydrologic conditions(i.e.wet and dry),particularly within sliding masses.Based on ultra-weak fiber Bragg grating(UWFBG)technology,we employ specialpurpose fiber optic sensing cables that can be implanted into boreholes as“nerves of the Earth”to collect data on soil temperature,water content,pore water pressure,and strain.The Xinpu landslide in the middle reach of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area in China was selected as a case study to establish a paradigm for in situ thermo-hydro-poro-mechanical monitoring.These UWFBG-based sensing cables were vertically buried in a 31 m-deep borehole at the foot of the landslide,with a resolution of 1 m except for the pressure sensor.We reported field measurements covering the period 2021 and 2022 and produced the spatiotemporal profiles throughout the borehole.Results show that wet years are more likely to motivate landslide motions than dry years.The annual thermally active layer of the landslide has a critical depth of roughly 9 m and might move downward in warmer years.The dynamic groundwater table is located at depths of 9e15 m,where the peaked strain undergoes a periodical response of leap and withdrawal to annual hydrometeorological cycles.These interface behaviors may support the interpretation of the contribution of reservoir regulation to slope stability,allowing us to correlate them to local damage events and potential global destabilization.This paper also offers a natural framework for interpreting thermo-hydro-poro-mechanical signatures from creeping reservoir bank slopes,which may form the basis for a landslide monitoring and early warning system.

Yeast hydrolysate attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses and intestinal barrier damage in weaned piglets

Background Intestinal inflammation is the main risk factor causing intestinal barrier dysfunction and lipopolysaccharide(LPS)can trigger inflammatory responses in various eukaryotic species.Yeast hydrolysate(YH)possesses multibiological effects and is received remarkable attention as a functional ingredient for improving growth performance and promoting health in animals.However,there is still inconclusive on the protective effects of dietary YH supplementation on intestinal barrier of piglets.This study was conducted to investigate the attenuate effects of YH supplementation on inflammatory responses and intestinal barrier injury in piglets challenged with LPS.Methods Twenty-four piglets(with an average body weight of 7.42±0.34 kg)weaned at 21 days of age were randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments(12 replications with one pig per pen):a basal diet or a basal diet containing YH(5 g/kg).On the 22nd d,6 piglets in each treatment were intraperitoneally injected with LPS at 150μg/kg BW,and the others were injected with the same amount of sterile normal saline.Four hours later,blood samples of each piglet were collected and then piglets were euthanized.Results Dietary YH supplementation increased average daily feed intake and average daily gain(P<0.01),decreased the ratio of feed intake to gain of piglets(P sponse,evidenced by the increase o=0.048).Lipopolysaccharide(LPS)injection induced systemic inflammatory ref serum concentrations of haptoglobin(HP),adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH),cortisol,and interleukin-1β(IL-1β).Furthermore,LPS challenge resulted in inflammatory intestinal damage,by up-regulation of the protein or mRNA abundances of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),IL-1β,toll-like receptors 4(TLR4)and phosphor-nuclear factor-κB-p65(p-NFκB-p65)(P<0.01),and down-regulation of the jejunal villus height,the protein and mRNA abundances of zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)and occludin(OCC;P<0.05)in jejunal mucosa.Dietary YH supplementation decreased the impaired effects of ACTH,cortisol,HP,IL-1βand diamine oxidase in serum(P<0.05).Moreover,YH supplementation also up-regulated the jejunal villus height,protein and mRNA abundances of ZO-1 and OCC(P<0.05),down-regulated the mRNA expressions of TNF-αand IL-1βand the protein abundances of TNF-α,IL-1β,TLR4 and p-NFκB-p65 in jejunal mucosa in LPS-challenged pigs(P<0.01).Conclusion Yeast hydrolysate could attenuate inflammatory response and intestinal barrier injury in weaned piglets challenged with LPS,which was associated with the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway activation.

Influences of dexmedetomidine on stress responses and postoperative cognitive and coagulation functions in patients undergoing radical gastrectomy under general anesthesia

BACKGROUND Radical gastrectomy(RG)is commonly used in the treatment of patients with gastric cancer(GC),but this procedure may lead to stress responses,postoperative cognitive dysfunction,and blood coagulation abnormalities in patients.AIM To investigate the influences of dexmedetomidine(DEX)on stress responses and postoperative cognitive and coagulation functions in patients undergoing RG under general anesthesia(GA).METHODS One hundred and two patients undergoing RG for GC under GA from February 2020 to February 2022 were retrospectively reviewed.Of these,50 patients had received conventional anesthesia intervention[control group(CG)]and 52 patients had received DEX in addition to routine anesthesia intervention[observation group(OG)].Inflammatory factor(IFs;tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α;interleukin-6,IL-6),stress responses(cortisol,Cor;adrenocorticotropic hormone,ACTH),cognitive function(CF;Mini-Mental State Examination,MMSE),neurological function(neuron-specific enolase,NSE;S100 calciumbinding protein B,S100B),and coagulation function(prothrombin time,PT;thromboxane B2,TXB2;fibrinogen,FIB)were compared between the two groups before surgery(T0),as well as at 6 h(T1)and 24 h(T2)after surgery.RESULTS Compared with T0,TNF-α,IL-6,Cor,ACTH,NSE,S100B,PT,TXB2,and FIB showed a significant increase in both groups at T1 and T2,but with even lower levels in OG vs CG.Both groups showed a significant reduction in the MMSE score at T1 and T2 compared with T0,but the MMSE score was notably higher in OG compared with CG.CONCLUSION In addition to a potent inhibitory effect on postoperative IFs and stress responses in GC patients undergoing RG under GA,DEX may also alleviate the coagulation dysfunction and improve the postoperative CF of these patients.

A Method for Reducing Ocean Wave-Induced Magnetic Noises in Shallow-Water MT Data Using a Complex Adaptive Filter

In shallow-water areas,the marine magnetotelluric(MT)method faces a challenge in the investigation of seabed conductivity structures due to electrical and magnetic noises induced by ocean waves,which seriously contaminate MT data.Ocean waves can affect electric and magnetic fields to different extents.In general,their influence on magnetic fields is considerably greater than that on electric fields.In this paper,a complex adaptive filter is adopted to reduce wave-induced magnetic noises in the frequency domain.The processing results of synthetic and measured MT data indicate that the proposed method can effectively reduce wave-induced magnetic noises and provide reliable apparent resistivity and phase data.

Effects of bottom shear stresses on the wave-induced dynamic response in a porous seabed:PORO-WSSI (shear) model

When ocean waves propagate over the sea floor,dynamic wave pressures and bottom shear stresses exert on the surface of seabed.The bottom shear stresses provide a horizontal loading in the wave-seabed interaction system,while dynamic wave pressures provide a vertical loading in the system.However,the bottom shear stresses have been ignored in most previous studies in the past.In this study,the effects of the bottom shear stresses on the dynamic response in a seabed of finite thickness under wave loading will be examined,based on Biot＇s dynamic poro-elastic theory.In the model,an ＂u-p＂ approximation will be adopted instead of quasi-static model that have been used in most previous studies.Numerical results indicate that the bottom shear stresses has certain influences on the wave-induced seabed dynamic response.Furthermore,wave and soil characteristics have considerable influences on the relative difference of seabed response between the previous model（without shear stresses） and the present model（with shear stresses）.As shown in the parametric study,the relative differences between two models could up to 10% of p0,depending on the amplitude of bottom shear stresses.

Reproducibility of Test-Retest Cortical Evoked Responses in Patients with Focal Epilepsy

This exploratory study examined the short-term reliability of cortical auditory evoked responses recorded from patients undergoing whole-head scalp elec-troencephalography (EEG) monitoring to assess their candidacy for surgical treatment of intractable focal seizures. Participants were 26 patients with either left-sided (N = 13) or right-sided focal epilepsy admitted to the hospital for continuous scalp EEG monitoring for possible epilepsy surgery planning. Cortical auditory evoked responses were recorded over multiple days from scalp EEG electrodes using tones presented binaurally in a passive oddball paradigm. Test-retest intervals were 1 - 6 days (mean 2 days). Test-retest reproducibility of the auditory N1 response was assessed by paired t-test (latency) and cross-correlation analysis (amplitude and latency). Within-patient comparisons of test-retest auditory N1 peak latencies revealed no significant differences. The cross-correlation coefficient indicated high test-retest reproducibility of the N1 waveform (rcc = 0.88). Seizure lateralization was not associated with asymmetries in N1 latencies or amplitudes. An N1 amplitude asymmetry (right > left) in patients with focal seizures originating from the left hemisphere was initially observed, but disappeared when patients with prior resections were excluded, suggesting that reduced left hemisphere tissue volume may account for the smaller N1 amplitudes. Test-retest reliability of cortical auditory evoked responses was unexpectedly high in patients with focal epilepsy regardless of seizure lateralization or localization. These findings challenge the view that neural responses are intrinsically unstable (unreliable) in patients with seizures.

Glycemic Responses of Food Formulations Based on White Rice and White Bean

The management of diabetes mellitus is based on lifestyle and dietary measures suggesting the consumption of foods with a low glycemic index. The present study was conducted in order to propose food formulas based on white rice and white beans resulting in a lower glycemic response. For this, food formulations based on these foods were first made, in particular the formulation [75% white rice + 25% white beans] and the formulation [50% rice + 50% white beans]. Then, the biochemical composition of white rice, white bean and these two formulations was determined by the usual methods. Finally, their glycemic responses over 120 minutes were studied by the FAO/ WHO 1998 method. The results showed that white rice [100% white rice] had the highest carbohydrate content (54.61%) followed respectively by the formulation [75% white rice + 25% white bean] (45.69%), the white bean [100% white bean] (29.1%) and the formulation [50% white rice + 50% white bean] (26.16%). In terms of glycemic responses, the formulation [50% white rice + 50% white beans] presented the best evolution with a lower peak (6.041 mmol/L) observed at T45min and a lower postprandial glycemia (4.872 mmol/ L) at T120min. An increase in the proportion of beans is therefore recommended as it may suggest a beneficial metabolic effect.

Physiological Responses of Clam(Ruditapes philippinarum)to Transport Modes with Different Temperatures

Given the increased circulation time after fishing,a series of changes take place in live clams,leading to a deterioration in quality even after death.Thus,in this study,we aimed to explore the optimal mode of transportation of clams.The container for holding clams was reformed,and a water circulation temperature control system was established.The physiological responses of clams during anhydrous and watery transportation at two temperatures(4 and 15℃)were investigated based on the aforementioned system.When comparing the transportation patterns after 3 d of transport,a higher survival rate was observed at 4℃(97%)than at 15℃(63%)in the anhydrous transportation groups and a lower survival rate was observed at 4℃(93%)than at 15℃(99%)in the watery transportation groups.In addition,the glycogen content,condition index(CI),and adenylate energy charge(A.E.C)value were higher at4℃((40.87±0.99)mg g^(-1),13.71%±0.50%and 57.45%±1.60%)than at 15℃((30.54±0.81)mg g^(-1),9.09%±0.30%and 43.12%±1.65%)in the anhydrous transportation groups.In the watery transportation groups,a lower glycogen content,CI,and A.E.C.value were observed at 4℃((33.78±0.84)mg g^(-1),9.78%±0.50%and 64.65%±1.25%)than at 15℃((41.53±0.93)mg g^(-1),12.72%±0.83%and 71.58%±1.27%).Results from this study show that anhydrous transportation(4℃)is the optimal transport condition for clams to maintain a high quality and good physiological conditions.Thus,this study will be particularly useful for establishing shellfish transportation systems.