Non-covalent functionalization of pristine few-layer graphene using triphenylene derivatives for conductive poly (vinyl alcohol) composites

In this paper, we demonstrate a facile technique to disperse pristine few-layer graphene (FLG) in water utilizing a triphenylene based stabilizer (C10) that non-covalently functionalizes the surface without micelle formation. The yield of FLG in the final dispersion (0.2 mg FLG/mg C10) is much higher than comparable surfactants and polymers stabilizers. This dispersion is reversible in response to pH changes unlike conventional stabilizers. The C10-stabilized FLG dispersion is also stable against heat and lyophilization. This non-covalent functionalization does not disrupt the pristine structure of the graphene sheets; instead, these coatings allow for stable, aggregation-resistant FLG dispersion, as characterized through TEM. To demonstrate the utility of such dispersions, we prepared pristine FLG-loaded poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composites by a simple solution casting process. This is the first example of PVA composites based on pristine graphene. These composites have enhanced electrical properties at relatively low filler fraction (0.26 vol% FLG). Moreover, these composites exhibit improved mechanical properties established by tensile and hardness tests results; these data suggest anisotropic reinforcement caused by graphene alignment.     

Loss of haloperidol induced gene expression and catalepsy in protein kinase A-deficient mice

The antipsychotic drug, haloperidol, elicits the expression of neurotensin and c-fos mRNA in the dorsal lateral region of the striatum and produces an acute cataleptic response in rodents that correlates with the motor side effects of haloperidol in humans. Mice harboring a targeted disruption of the RIIbeta subunit of protein kinase A have a profound deficit in cAMP-stimulated kinase activity in the striatum. When treated with haloperidol, RIIbeta mutant mice fail to induce either c-fos or neurotensin mRNA and the acute cataleptic response is blocked. However, both wild-type and mutant mice become cataleptic when neurotensin peptide is directly injected into the lateral ventricle, demonstrating that the kinase deficiency does not interfere with the action of neurotensin but rather its synthesis and release. These results establish a direct role for protein kinase A as a mediator of haloperidol induced gene induction and cataleptic behavior.     

Nausea in bulimic women in response to palatable food.

Nausea in response to an appetizing food stimulus was assessed in bulimic women and healthy control subjects. Nausea was assessed via subjects' self-report and changes in levels of plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP), a hormonal correlate of nausea. Converging evidence was obtained indicating that bulimic women experienced nausea in response to the sight, smell, or taste of the palatable food stimulus. The possibility that the observed nausea is a learned response that may contribute to the bulimic binge/purge pattern is discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Numerical simulation of flow field in three types of standard cyclone separators

The numerical simulation of the fluid flow and particle dynamics is presented by CFD techniques to characterize the performance of the three types of standard cyclones. The three types of cyclones named 1D3D, 2D2D and 1D2D. The length of cylindrical part of the body is equal to 1, 2 and 1 times of the body diameter, respectively; and the length of the conical part is 3, 2 and 2 times of the body diameter. The Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes equations with Reynolds stress turbulence model (RSM) are solved by use of the finite volume method based on the SIMPLE pressure correction algorithm in the computational domain. The Eulerian–Lagrangian computational procedure is used to predict particles tracking in the cyclones. The velocity fluctuations are simulated using the Discrete Random Walk (DRW). The dependency of cyclone characteristics on its diameter is investigated and D₅₀ (Cut-Point) is calculated for different Particle Size Distributions (PSDs). The numerical results are compared with the experimental data and the theoretical model and good agreement is observed.     

NGF, cyclic AMP, and phorbol esters regulate oxytocin receptor gene transcription in SK-N-SH and MCF7 cells

In an initial study, the effects of galactose intoxication on nerve laser Doppler blood flow (NLDF) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) were assessed after 1-16 weeks of galactose feeding in pentobarbital-anesthetized rats. NLDF was not significantly changed at any time point. NCV was significantly reduced after 16, but not 1 or 4, weeks of galactose feeding. In a second study, NLDF was not significantly changed by 4 weeks of galactose intoxication, but streptozotocin-diabetic NLDF was significantly reduced compared to both control (P<0.001) and galactose-intoxicated rats (P<0.05). Compared to control animals, sciatic motor NCV was significantly (P<0.001) reduced in the galactose group, while sciatic and saphenous sensory NCVs were not significantly changed. In the streptozotocin-diabetic rats, motor and sensory NCVs were all significantly reduced (P<0.001). In contrast to the NCV findings, mean caliber of myelinated axons in both the saphenous and sciatic nerves was reduced in galactose-intoxicated, but not streptozotocin-diabetic rats. The observed sequence of changes associated with these two models of diabetic neuropathy is not consistent with the proposed roles of ischemia and axonal dwindling in the reported nerve conduction deficits.