Pulsatile cerebrospinal fluid dynamics in the human brain

Disturbances of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in the brain can lead to hydrocephalus, a condition affecting thousands of people annually in the US. Considerable controversy exists about fluid and pressure dynamics, and about how the brain responds to changes in flow patterns and compression in hydrocephalus. This paper presents a new model based on the first principles of fluid mechanics. This model of fluid-structure interactions predicts flows and pressures throughout the brain's ventricular pathways consistent with both animal intracranial pressure (ICP) measurements and human CINE phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging data. The computations provide approximations of the tissue deformations of the brain parenchyma. The model also quantifies the pulsatile CSF motion including flow reversal in the aqueduct as well as the changes in ICPs due to brain tissue compression. It does not require the existence of large transmural pressure differences as the force for ventricular expansion. Finally, the new model gives an explanation of communicating hydrocephalus and the phenomenon of asymmetric hydrocephalus.     

Raman spectroscopy of Kevlar 49 fibre

The Raman spectrum of poly(p-phenylene terephthalate) fibre, Kevlar 49, is reported. Fibre which had been exposed to heat, stress and radiation indicated that within experimental error, no general change takes place in the chemical structure of the material as a whole. However the spectrum of a filament under stress shows that all bands in the spectrum become increasingly polarized with increased stress. The spectral characteristics of the stress fibre lead to a possible explanation of the polymer's response to deformation — opening of the angles in the amide linkage of the polymeric chain and improved alignment of crystallites along the fibre axis.     

Simulation-Based Classification; a Model-Order-Reduction Approach for Structural Health Monitoring

We present a model-order-reduction approach to simulation-based classification, with particular application to structural health monitoring. The approach exploits (1) synthetic results obtained by repeated solution of a parametrized mathematical model for different values of the parameters, (2) machine-learning algorithms to generate a classifier that monitors the damage state of the system, and (3) a reduced basis method to reduce the computational burden associated with the model evaluations. Furthermore, we propose a mathematical formulation which integrates the partial differential equation model within the classification framework and clarifies the influence of model error on classification performance. We illustrate our approach and we demonstrate its effectiveness through the vehicle of a particular physical companion experiment, a harmonically excited microtruss.     

Real-time and label-free detection of cellular response to signaling mediated by distinct subclasses of epidermal growth factor receptors

Epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) have often shown two distinct binding affinities for epidermal growth factor. It is the high-affinity EGFR that is predominantly responsible for mediating the cell signaling that plays an indispensable role in cell growth, proliferation, motility, and differentiation. We applied the quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) to track short-term cellular responses to EGFR signaling in human carcinoma A431 cells. Cellular responses to high- and low-affinity EGFR signaling were detected individually as well as simultaneously based on changes in mass and viscoelasticity of cells. These responses are associated with EGF-induced biological processes including the cytoskeleton remodeling and calcium influx. QCM-D provides a label-free sensor technology that can be exploited to investigate the role of high-affinity EGFR in cancer development and cancer prognosis.     

Some effects of surface-controlled reactions of Kevlar 29 on the interface in epoxy composites

Surface energetics and adhesion to epoxy resin were investigated in the laboratory for Kevlar 29 fiber modified by a surface-controlled nitration reaction and by a nitration/reduction sequence. Results show that at the level of modification studied, the presence of functional groups on the fiber surface does not alter surface energy. On the other hand, interfacial adhesion is significantly increased for the modified as compared with untreated fiber.     

Enhanced cell proliferation and biosynthesis mediate improved wound repair in refed, caloric-restricted mice

Aged mice that have undergone long-term caloric-restriction (CR) have improved health and enhanced longevity in comparison to aged mice that are ad libitum-fed (AL). However, caloric-restriction does not benefit the impaired wound healing of aged mice. To test the hypothesis that CR mice have the capacity for enhanced wound repair, but require a short-term period of additional nutrient intake to show this advantage, we assessed wound healing in CR mice that had been refed (RF) an ad libitum diet for 4 weeks prior to wounding. Two strains of AL young (Y AL) (4-6 months), AL middle-aged (M AL) (15-17 months), and three different, matched cohorts of old mice (O) (30-33 months): O AL, O CR, and O RF were studied. Two full-thickness 4 mm diameter punch biopsy skin wounds were created on the dorsum of each mouse. Animals were sacrificed and wounds were harvested at 1,2,3,5, and 7 days post-wounding. Repair of wounds was slower in O AL and O CR mice compared to Y AL and M AL animals. In contrast, the O RF mice healed similarly to that of the Y AL and M AL mice, as assessed by measures of wound area and histologic criteria. O RF mice demonstrated enhanced synthesis of type I collagen mRNA in comparison to O AL and O CR mice. A greater number of endothelial cells and fibroblasts at the wound edge of the O RF mice exhibited replication in vivo as measured by uptake of BrdU. O RF mice had higher levels of insulin-like binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3). Furthermore, fibroblasts derived from the explant of the punch biopsy of O CR mouse skin revealed enhanced proliferation and contraction in vitro, in comparison to fibroblasts from the O AL mice. In conclusion, O RF mice demonstrate an enhanced capacity to undergo wound repair in comparison to O AL mice. This effect appears to be mediated, in part, by enhanced cell proliferation, contraction, and collagen biosynthesis. In addition, short-term refeeding induced an increase in the serum level of IGFBP-3, the major binding protein for IGF-1. These data confirm that cells from O CR animals have a preserved proliferative, biosynthetic, and contractile capacity, but that an adequate source of nutrients is necessary to demonstrate this advantage in wound healing.     

Physicochemical properties of kevlar 49 fiber

The high-strength, high-modulus Kevlar 49 fiber is widely used today because of its superior properties. In this paper, we discuss the fundamental physicochemical nature of the commercial fiber. It is an extended chain polymer, poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide), which is highly crystalline. Extensive analysis shows that the material composition is quite consistent from lot to lot and is low in impurities. The fiber absorbs water reversibly; the extent of absorption is related to the ash content. The well-known interaction of the fiber with ultraviolet light is illustrated with spectra, and the thermal stability of the fiber is demonstrated with various thermal analysis techniques.     

Geographical boundaries of facial reconstruction

The principle of considering defined areas of the face as separate entities when planning reconstructive procedures is explained. The resurfacing of these individual areas is discussed, and the priorities in the order of reconstruction are defined.