Surface-slip equations for multicomponent, nonequilibrium air flow

Equations are presented for the surface slip (or jump) values of species concentration, pressure, velocity, and temperature in the low-Reynolds-number, high-altitude flight regime of a space vehicle. These are obtained from closed-form solutions of the mass, momentum, and energy flux equations using the Chapman-Enskog velocity distribution function. This function represents a solution of the Boltzmann equation in the Navier-Stokes approximation. The analysis, obtained for nonequilibrium multicomponent air flow, includes the finite-rate surface catalytic recombination and changes in the internal energy during reflection from the surface. Expressions for the various slip quantities have been obtained in a form which can readily be employed in flow-field computations. A consistent set of equations is provided for multicomponent, binary, and single species mixtures. Expression is also provided for the finite-rate species-concentration boundary condition for a multicomponent mixture in absence of slip

p63 is the molecular switch for initiation of an epithelial stratification program

Development of stratified epithelia, such as the epidermis, requires p63 expression. The p63 gene encodes isoforms that contain (TA) or lack (DeltaN) a transactivation domain. We demonstrate that TAp63 isoforms are the first to be expressed during embryogenesis and are required for initiation of epithelial stratification. In addition, TAp63 isoforms inhibit terminal differentiation, suggesting that TAp63 isoforms must be counterbalanced by DeltaNp63 isoforms to allow cells to respond to signals required for maturation of embryonic epidermis. Our data demonstrate that p63 plays a dual role: initiating epithelial stratification during development and maintaining proliferative potential of basal keratino-cytes in mature epidermis

Isolation and Characterization of Squamous Cell Carcinoma-Derived Stem-like Cells: Role in Tumor Formation

In human epidermis, keratinocyte stem cells (KSC) are characterized by high levels of β1-integrin, resulting in the rapid adhesion to type IV collagen. Since epithelial tumors originate from KSC, we evaluated the features of rapidly adhering (RAD) keratinocytes derived from primary human squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (cSCC). RAD cells expressed higher levels of survivin, a KSC marker, as compared to non-rapidly adhering (NRAD) cells. Moreover, RAD cells proliferated to a greater extent and were more efficient in forming colonies than NRAD cells. RAD cells also migrated significantly better than NRAD cells. When seeded in a silicone chamber and grafted onto the back skin of NOD SCID mice, RAD cells formed tumors 2–4 fold bigger than those derived from NRAD cells. In tumors derived from RAD cells, the mitotic index was significantly higher than in those derived from NRAD cells, while Ki-67 and survivin expression were more pronounced in RAD tumors. This study suggests that SCC RAD stem cells play a critical role in the formation and development of epithelial tumors

Defects in Stratum Corneum Desquamation Are the Predominant Effect of Impaired ABCA12 Function in a Novel Mouse Model of Harlequin Ichthyosis.

Harlequin Ichthyosis is a severe skin disease caused by mutations in the human gene encoding ABCA12. Here, we characterize a novel mutation in intron 29 of the mouse Abca12 gene that leads to the loss of a 5' splice donor site and truncation of the Abca12 RNA transcript. Homozygous mutants of this smooth skin or smsk allele die perinatally with shiny translucent skin, typical of animal models of Harlequin Ichthyosis. Characterization of smsk mutant skin showed that the delivery of glucosylceramides and CORNEODESMOSIN was defective, while ultrastructural analysis revealed abnormal lamellar bodies and the absence of lipid lamellae in smsk epidermis. Unexpectedly, mutant stratum corneum remained intact when subjected to harsh chemical dissociation procedures. Moreover, both KALLIKREIN 5 and -7 were drastically decreased, with retention of desmoplakin in mutant SC. In cultured wild type keratinocytes, both KALLIKREIN 5 and -7 colocalized with ceramide metabolites following calcium-induced differentiation. Reducing the intracellular levels of glucosylceramide with a glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor resulted in decreased secretion of KALLIKREIN proteases by wild type keratinocytes, but not by smsk mutant keratinocytes. Together, these findings suggest an essential role for ABCA12 in transferring not only lipids, which are required for the formation of multilamellar structures in the stratum corneum, but also proteolytic enzymes that are required for normal desquamation. Smsk mutant mice recapitulate many of the pathological features of HI and can be used to explore novel topical therapies against a potentially lethal and debilitating neonatal disease

Opening the Circle to Support Dyslexia Policy Success: Learning From the Voices of Literacy Teacher Educators

An authoritative discourse surrounds the current dyslexia legislation and science of reading movement that largely silenced literacy teacher educators’ voices and participation in this important policy initiative. This study was designed to include the voices of literacy teacher educators from four Midwestern states (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska). The study was conducted across two phases. This article focuses on Phase II, which involved one-on-one interviews with participants. The interview responses were qualitatively analyzed using a priori and inductive analysis. Three major themes emerged that inform how literacy teacher educators negotiated sense-making of a historically confusing construct (dyslexia) and related policy initiative

Teacher Educators\u27 Beliefs, Self-Efficacy, and Perceptions Related to Dyslexia: Phase I

Educators are often blamed by dyslexia organizations and advocates for failing to provide appropriate reading instruction for students, including the identification and instruction of student with dyslexia. As a results, states are responding with legislation for how reading should be taught. This study focuses on including the voices of teacher educators, who largely were not included in the process of informing legislation. It sought to understand their: (a) beliefs about dyslexia; (b) self-efficacy for working with students with dyslexia and other reading challenges; and (c) perceptions about their programs and dyslexia legislation

Navigating Academic Success: Exploring the Role of Self-Perceived Coping Strategies Among Preservice Teachers

This study examines self-perceived coping strategies and academic success among preservice teachers in teacher preparation programs. Understanding the self-reported coping strategies preservice teachers utilize in teacher preparation programs is crucial for their preparation and academic performance. By analyzing and discussing self-reported survey data, the research identifies patterns and trends that can inform future practices to support preservice teachers. Findings indicate that preservice teachers self-reported using various coping strategies but predominantly utilized Problem-Solving coping strategies when presented with stressful situations. The study further discusses and provides recommendations for how university-school partnerships can provide the necessary supports for preservice teachers to be fully prepared as professionals

Tier II intervention in the intermediate grades: the effects of reciprocal teaching (RT) on standardized literacy assessments

Doctor of PhilosophyDepartment of Curriculum and InstructionF. Todd GoodsonThe purpose for this study is to look at the effects of a specific comprehension strategy—Reciprocal Teaching (RT; Palincsar & Brown, 1983,1984) on the performance of intermediate elementary students in the intermediate elementary grades on a standardized literacy assessment. The study was carried out in two implementation stages: a pilot with a small sample of fourth graders and a full-scale study with third, fourth, and fifth graders in a suburban public school district in the Midwest. The pilot study was implemented in two fourth grade classrooms, a total of 39 students, nine of which met the criterial for the experimental group who scored below the 25th percentile on an AIMSweb Maze 2016 fall benchmark. The full-scale study consisted of 269 students in grades three, four, and five across the same district, except for the fourth graders who previously were involved in the pilot. There were 71 students who met the criteria for the experimental group of scores below the 25th percentile on an AIMSweb Maze 2016 winter benchmark; however, after signed consent forms were returned, 59 participated. The students in the experimental group participated in intervention utilizing RT for approximately four weeks in Tier II small groups, instructed by classroom teachers at each elementary school. Regression discontinuity was used to determine the effect of RT on the students’ comprehension as indicated by their spring benchmark scores. The results of the pilot study showed a significant main effect in the scores along the regression line, indicating a positive effect for the intervention. Regression discontinuity analysis between groups indicated that a significant main effect exists for the intervention group. The full-scale study examined the effects per grade level for all students and with a set caliper for students whose scores were four points above and below the cut-off point, or winter 2016 benchmark, for the grade level. The results of the full-scale study focusing on all scores showed a significant main effect in the scores along the regression line, indicating a positive effect for the intervention for all grades; the effect was significant for all grades, but mostly for fourth and fifth graders. Regression discontinuity analysis between groups indicated that a significant main effect exists for the intervention group. When looking at scores within the caliper of four points above or below the benchmark, all scores showed a significant main effect in the scores along the regression line, indicating a positive effect for the intervention for all grades. Regression discontinuity analysis between groups indicated that a significant main effect exists for the intervention group within the caliper at each grade level

Anti-bacterial activity, anti-cancer activity and nanofiber formation of certain poly (ester amides) from 2,5-pyridine dicarboxylic acid

A new series of four poly(ester amides) were synthesized by direct polycondensation of 2,5-pyridine dicarboxylic acid  with two different varying diols and diamines in pyridine medium using diphenylchlorophosphate as a condensation agent. The two diamines employed in the synthesis were 4,4’-diamino diphenyl methane and 1,4-diamino benzene. The arylidenediols 2,5-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)cyclopentanone and 2,6-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene) cyclohexanone were also used. The synthesized poly(ester amides) were characterized by qualitative solubility test, FT-IR, 1H and 13C-NMR spectra. The monomeric moieties were found by spectroscopic analysis to be well incorporated in the polymer back bone. The thermal phase transition behavior of the poly(ester amides) were investigated by differential thermo gravimetry (DTG). The nanofibers of synthesized poly(ester amides) with PVC and composite fibers with PVC/nanoclay were formed by electrospinning.  The morphology of these composite fibers was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These poly(ester amides) were screened for their anti-bacterial potential in vitro against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. In vitro anti-cancer activities of synthesized polymers were also evaluated against MCF7 human breast carcinoma cells. The results show that the polymers exhibited significant anti-bacterial and anti-cancer activity. Keywords: Poly (ester amides), Anti-bacterial activity, Nano fiber, Anticancer activit