Experimental study of natural convective heat transfer in a non-newtonian fluid: Part II. Horizontal plate

Experimental data of natural convection heat transfer from a heated horizontal plate, both facing upward and downward, to a non-Newtonian fluid are reported. Empirical expressions essentially similar to those developed for the vertical plate case are obtained which correrlate the data with reasonable accuracy.     

Oncogenic Role of Exosomal Circular and Long Noncoding RNAs in Gastrointestinal Cancers

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are differentially expressed in gastrointestinal cancers. These noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) regulate a variety of cellular activities by physically interacting with microRNAs and proteins and altering their activity. It has also been suggested that exosomes encapsulate circRNAs and lncRNAs in cancer cells. Exosomes are then discharged into the extracellular environment, where they are taken up by other cells. As a result, exosomal ncRNA cargo is critical for cell–cell communication within the cancer microenvironment. Exosomal ncRNAs can regulate a range of events, such as angiogenesis, metastasis, immune evasion, drug resistance, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. To set the groundwork for developing novel therapeutic strategies against gastrointestinal malignancies, a thorough understanding of circRNAs and lncRNAs is required. In this review, we discuss the function and intrinsic features of oncogenic circRNAs and lncRNAs that are enriched within exosomes.     

Small-conductance, calcium-activated potassium channels from mammalian brain

Members of a previously unidentified family of potassium channel subunits were cloned from rat and human brain. The messenger RNAs encoding these subunits were widely expressed in brain with distinct yet overlapping patterns, as well as in several peripheral tissues. Expression of the messenger RNAs in Xenopus oocytes resulted in calcium-activated, voltage-independent potassium channels. The channels that formed from the various subunits displayed differential sensitivity to apamin and tubocurare. The distribution, function, and pharmacology of these channels are consistent with the SK class of small-conductance, calcium-activated potassium channels, which contribute to the afterhyperpolarization in central neurons and other cell types.     

The design of millimeter-wave control components

The design of broadband high-performance control components covering the 18-40-GHz frequency range utilizing microstrip technology is described. Design considerations and experimental results are presented for high-speed single-pole, single-throw and single-pole, double-throw switches with 80- and 60-dB isolation, respectively. Design equations and experimental results are presented for a 3-dB quadrature microstrip reentrant coupler and for a nonreflective voltage-controlled attenuator with a dynamic range of 50 dB     

Changing monopolies and European oil supplies: the shifting balance of economic and political power in the world oil market

Monopoly now dominates the world oil market. Its effects are often unexpected, and forecasting is more difficult than under competition. The authors of this article illustrate the need to forecast not only the impacts of supply and demand, but also the control over supply by a group of countries whose interests are not always uniform, depending on political as well as economic factors.     

Prediction of reading and related academic problems.

Conducted a 5-yr longitudinal study to (a) compare psychometric vs behavioral kindergarten predictors of reading performance and (b) examine the effect on reading performance of particular classroom and school environments. Two cohorts of approximately 850 middle-class kindergarten children were administered a psychometric battery (e.g., the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence and the Bender Visual Motor Gestalt Test). Also, a Student Rating Scale consisting of 41 classroom behavior items representing 5 factors was completed for each S by the kindergarten teacher. The scale proved equal to the best psychometric measures in predicting reading test scores in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades. Inclusion of classroom and school variables enhanced the prediction. Particularly instructive were analyses of false positive and negative prediction patterns. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

US oil/gas production cost: recent changes

Since 1984, US oil development cost has decreased, but only as the movement down along a curve shifting toward higher cost. In contrast, the non-associated gas cost curve has shifted favourably.     

Potential reaction intermediates of NOx reduction with propane over Cu/ZSM-5

Adsorption complexes that are formed by exposing Cu/ZSM-5 to nitric oxides have been identified by FTIR. Some of them are thermally decomposed below 200°C, but others, though much more stable thermally, are reduced at low temperature by chemical interaction with gaseous propane. The FTIR spectra suggest that the latter complexes are nitro and/or nitrate groups associated with Cu ions. Their formation and reduction when Cu/ZSM-5 is exposed to NO + O₂ + C₃H₈ seems consistent with the assumption that they are intermediates in catalytic NO_x reduction. Mass spectrometric analysis of the gases that are released when these complexes react with propane reveals formation of N₂, whereas thermal decomposition at higher temperatures only yields NO₂, NO, H₂O, traces of O₂, but no N₂. The results suggest that adsorbed NO_y, groups (y ? 2) are able to abstract H atoms from hydrocarbon molecules.