Influence of shaped boundaries on propagating compaction bands in brittle porous media.

The compression of brittle porous media can lead to the propagation of compaction bands. Although such localization phenomena have been observed in different geometries, including cuboidal and axisymmetric uniaxial compression, the role of boundary geometry on compaction features has yet to be explored, despite its relevance in geological conditions and industrial processes. To this end, we investigate the influence of shaped boundaries and inhomogeneous inclusions in a model brittle material made of puffed rice cereal.

Abnormal Nutritive Sucking as an Indicator of Neonatal Brain Injury.

A term neonate is born with the ability to suck; this neuronal network is already formed and functional by 28 weeks gestational age and continues to evolve into adulthood. Because of the necessity of acquiring nutrition, the complexity of the neuronal network needed to suck, and neuroplasticity in infancy, the skill of sucking has the unique ability to give insight into areas of the brain that may be damaged either during or before birth. Interpretation of the behaviors during sucking shows promise in guiding therapies and how to potentially repair the damage early in life, when neuroplasticity is high.