We define logic programs with defaults and argumentation theories, a new framework that unifies most of the earlier proposals for defeasible reasoning in logic programming. We present a model-theoretic semantics and study its reducibility and well-behavior properties. We use the framework as an elegant and flexible foundation to extend and improve upon Generalized Courteous Logic Programs (GCLP...

The effects of a chronic load of nonabsorbable sugars on intracolonic bacterial metabolism of carbohydrates and on H2 breath excretion are disputed. However, most of the discussion relies on indirect evidence or on results of in vitro studies. Thus, we attempted to assess directly and in vivo the effects on intracolonic metabolism of lactulose of a chronic oral load of this nonabsorbable disacc...

ince the mechanical picker-sheller has come into widespread use for harvesting field corn, farmers generally are confronted with the problem of safe storage of highmoisture shelled corn. The moisture content of field-shelled corn is often too high for direct binning, and storing such grain in regular farm bins without first lowering the moisture level is almost certain to result in spoilage. Mo...

A probiotic can be defined as a live, non-pathogenic microbial supplement that exerts a positive influence on the health or physiology of the host [1, 2]. Probiotics consist of either bacteria, especially lactic acid bacteria, or yeast. Probiotics have mainly been used for gastrointestinal and vaginal diseases [3]. The effects of probiotics are thought to be related to direct enzymatic effects ...

An automatic reaction rate method is described for the determination of lactic acid in blood. The L ( + ) -lactic acid is selectively oxidized in the presence of lactic dehydrogenaseand diphosphopyridinenucleotide to form an absorbing species. The time required for the formation of a fixed amount of DANH is measuredautomatically and related directly to the lactic acid concentration. The method ...

The nature and magnitude of fluid and electrolyte loss into the small intestine were defined by the marker perfusion technique in patients with acute undifferentiated diarrhea (AUD) in the tropics. The patients were divided into two groups according to their small bowel bacteriologic findings, namely those with a predominant Escherichia coli flora and those with a mixed flora. 11 normal subject...

Obesity is currently a pandemic of worldwide proportions affecting millions of people. Recent studies have proposed the hypothesis that mechanisms not directly related to the human genome could be involved in the genesis of obesity, due to the fact that, when a population undergoes the same nutritional stress, not all individuals present weight gain related to the diet or become hyperglycemic. ...

The aim of this study was to compare the significance of the intestinal hydrolysis of prenylated flavonoids in Herba Epimedii by an intestinal enzyme and flora. Flavonoids were incubated at 37 °C with rat intestinal enzyme and intestinal flora. HPLC-UV was used to calculate the metabolic rates of the parent drug in the incubation and LC/MS/MS was used to determine the chemical structures of met...

Background. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is associated with increased risk of obstetrical and gynecologic complications and acquisition of sexually transmitted diseases. Despite this, very little is known about the pathogenesis of this disease. Methods. Interleukin (lL)-II3, tumor necrosis factor-a, IL-6, and IL-8 concentrations in vaginal wash and serum samples from women with normal flora, interm...

in this study, lactic acid production by repeated batch fermentation using cell entrapped methods was compared. barium alginate beads, agar gel and polyurethane foam cubes were employed as carriers to immobilize lactobacillus casei subsp. casei for the purpose of l (+)-lactic acid production. increasing concentrations of lactic acid during fermentation were better tolerated by barium alginate e...