Probabilistic Analysis of Soil-Water Characteristic Curves

Direct measurement of the soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC) is costly and time consuming. A first-order estimate from statistical generalization of experimental data belonging to soils with similar textural and structural properties is useful. A simple approach is to fit the data with a nonlinear function and to construct an appropriate probability model of the curve-fitting parameters. This approach is illustrated using sandy clay loam, loam, loamy sand, clay, and silty clay data in Unsaturated Soil Database. This paper demonstrates that a lognormal random vector is suitable to model the curve-fitting parameters of the SWCC. Other probability models using normal, gamma, Johnson, and other distributions do not provide better fit than the proposed lognormal model. The engineering impact of adopting a probabilistic SWCC is briefly discussed by studying the uncertainty of unsaturated shear strength due to the uncertainty of SWCC.     

Characterization of a specific binding site for angiotensin II in chicken liver

We have characterized a specific binding site for angiotensin II (AngII) in chicken liver membranes. Pseudo-equilibrium studies at 22 degrees C for 30 min have shown that this binding site recognizes AngII with a high affinity (pKD of 8.13 +/- 0.21). The binding sites are saturable and relatively abundant (maximal binding capacity varies from 0.318 to 0.88 pmol/mg of protein). Nonequilibrium kinetic analyses at 22 degrees C revealed a calculated kinetic pKD of 8.77 +/- 0.20. The binding site is pharmacologically distinct from the classic AngII receptors AT1 and AT2. Competitive binding studies with chicken liver membranes demonstrated the following rank order of effectiveness: AngII (human; Asp-Arg-Val-Tyr-Ile-His-Pro-Phe) > AngI(Asp-Arg-Val-Tyr-Ile-His-Pro-Phe-His-Leu) > AngIII(Arg-Val-Tyr-Ile-His-Pro-Phe) > AngIV (Val-Tyr-Ile-His-Pro-Phe) > Ang(1-7) (Asp-Arg-Val-Tyr-Ile-His-Pro) > PD123319 (1-[4(dimethylamino)3-methylphenyl] methyl-5-(diphenylacetyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo [4,5-c]pyridine-6-carboxylic acid) > DuP753 (2-n-butyl-4-chloro-5 hydroxymethyl-1-[(2'-1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl)methyl] imidazole. This atypical AngII binding site (chicken AT) was sensitive to increasing concentrations of DTT and Mn2+. The structure-activity relationship on position 1 of AngII showed that the primary N-terminal amine was essential for binding affinity ([Asp1]AngII > [Suc1]AngII > or = [Sar1]AngII), but modifications of the side chain in position 1 had less influence on the affinity ([Gly1]AngII > [Cys1]AngII approximately [aminoisobutyryl1]AngII approximately [Ser1]AngII > > > [Sar1]AngII). The presence of substantial quantities of this binding site in chicken liver membranes suggests the possibility that the chicken AT may play an important, yet unrecognized, role in the renin-angiotensin system.     

Retentive drug delivery systems based on shape memory materials

Retentive drug delivery systems are intended for prolonged residence and release inside hollow organs of the body, in pursuit of either local or systemic therapeutic goals. Because of the relatively long-lasting period of time they could cover during operation, a primary advantage arising from their use would lie in reduced dosing frequency, thereby improving the overall adherence of patients to prescribed medication regimens. The treatment of numerous pathologies that affect the urinary bladder and the stomach could especially benefit from viability of such delivery technologies. Moreover, by making use of effective gastroretentive dosage forms, the bioavailability of drugs that are preferably absorbed from the upper gastrointestinal tract could be increased. Expansion of devices following administration is often exploited for retention purposes, and several formulation strategies have been proposed in this respect. Innovative applications of shape memory materials have also been explored, highlighting the great inherent potential for facing the challenges involved. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020 , 137, 48798.     

Psychosocial work characteristics and perceived control in relation to cardiovascular rewind at night.

This study examined the effects of psychosocial work characteristics on cardiovascular rewind at night. Ambulatory 24-hr recordings of blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) of 75 borderline hypertensive and 74 normotensive men were related to diary ratings of perceived control (PC) and to scores of psychological demand (P), control (C), and social support (S) at work determined by an occupational classification system. Multiplicative interaction terms for job strain (P?×?C, isostrain (P?×?C?×?S), and Job Strain?×?Perceived Control (P?×?C?×?PC) were calculated. The P?×?C?×?PC interaction predicted diastolic BP at night but not at work. A delayed latency to attain the lowest systolic BP during the night was found for jobs with high job strain and isostrain. Low perceived control and social support were associated with higher HR at work and at night. A logistic regression analysis indicated that the interaction between P?×?C?×?PC and the body mass index was independently associated with borderline hypertension. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Successful medical treatment of emphysematous pyelonephritis in chronic hemodialysis

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a life‐threatening renal infection caused by gas‐producing bacteria and fungi. It usually occurs in patients with diabetes and patients with urinary tract obstruction. A combination of systemic antibiotics, percutaneous catheter drainage, or open nephrectomy is typically required to achieve cure. Because of grim prognosis, resorting to interventional methods is frequently inevitable. We report the case of a 77‐year‐old woman with diabetes and end‐stage renal disease on chronic hemodialysis that presented with fever and left flank pain. A bubbly gas pattern inside the left kidney was demonstrated on abdominal computed tomography scan and blood cultures grew Escherichia coli. She was successfully treated solely with systemic antibiotics. This highlights the fact that prompt recognition of imaging findings associated with benign prognosis is essential for a favorable outcome. It allows for an effective management avoiding high‐risk interventions, especially in frail patients with multiple comorbidities. Finally, we review all published cases of EPN in chronic dialysis patients.     

Anomalous moire pattern of graphene investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy： Evidence of graphene growth on oxidized Cu（111）

The growth of graphene on oriented （111） copper films has been achieved by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition. The structural properties of as-produced graphene have been investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy. Anomalous moir6 superstructures composed of well-defined linear periodic modulations have been observed. We report here on comprehensive and detailed studies of these particular moir6 patterns present in the graphene topography revealing that, in certain conditions, the growth can occur on the oxygen-induced reconstructed copper surface and not directly on the oriented （111） copper film as expected.     

Impacts of High-Speed Rail on Metropolitan Integration: An Examination of London,Madrid and Paris

The original goal of high-speed rail (HSR) was to link large metropolitan regions 400–600?km apart. Recently, however, intermediate ‘ex-metropolitan’ HSR stations have also been created in suburban areas/cities within metropolitan regions (up to 100?km from the metropolitan centre). This study takes a close look at nine such ‘ex-metropolitan’ stations around Madrid (Guadalajara, Segovia, and Toledo), London (Stratford, Ebbsfleet, and Ashford), and Paris (Charles-de-Gaulle, Marne-la-Vallée — Chessy, and Massy), to understand their territorial and local impacts and draw possible lessons for the California High Speed Rail project.     

Sidewalk Informality: An Examination of Street Vending Regulation in China

Street vending represents a vital and growing aspect of the urban informal economy that is often the subject of municipal regulatory efforts that seek to control, confine or extinguish it. In the People's Republic of China, recent developments and discussions on vendor rights and regulation underscore important socio-political and economic changes and concerns around the role of the informal economy in this country. As more of China's rural poor enter urban areas and turn to the streets to survive, the number of unlicensed vendors has risen and municipal efforts at increased regulation and enforcement of street vending licensure have been enacted. These developments within the context of China's ‘state-capitalist economy’ provide a fertile field for research into the informal economy, use and re-appropriation of public space, and regulation of a previously marginalized commercial activity. This paper draws from primary and secondary sources to provide an overview of street vending in China and consider the implications of recent regulatory developments and public dialogue that strive to formalize the informal.     

Thermoporoelastic response of a fluid-saturated porous sphere: An analytical solution

The fully coupled thermo/hydro/mechanical response of a fluid saturated porous sphere subject to a pressure stress pulse on the outer boundary is considered. A full analytical method is developed and an exact unique solution of the coupled equations is presented. This generality allows us to simulate a variety of practical problems.