Tailoring Two-Dimensional Matter Using Strong Light-Matter Interactions.

The shaping of matter into desired nanometric structures with on-demand functionalities can enhance the miniaturization of devices in nanotechnology. Herein, strong light-matter interaction was used as an optical lithographic tool to tailor two-dimensional (2D) matter into nanoscale architectures. We transformed 2D black phosphorus (BP) into ultrafine, well-defined, beyond-diffraction-limit nanostructures of ten times smaller size and a hundred times smaller spacing than the incident, femtosecond-pulsed light wavelength. Consequently, nanoribbons and nanocubes/cuboids scaling tens of nanometers were formed by the structured ablation along the extremely confined periodic light fields originating from modulation instability, the tailoring process of which was visualized in real time via light-coupled in situ transmission electron microscopy. The current findings on the controllable nanoscale shaping of BP will enable exotic physical phenomena and further advance the optical lithographic techniques for 2D materials.

Effects of SKCPT on Osteoarthritis in Beagle Meniscectomy and Cranial Cruciate Ligament Transection Models.

Osteoarthritis (OA) affects >500 million people globally, and this number is expected to increase. OA management primarily focuses on symptom alleviation, using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including Celecoxib. However, such medication has serious side effects, emphasizing the need for disease-specific treatment. The meniscectomy and cranial cruciate ligament transection (CCLx)-treated beagle dog was used to investigate the efficacy of a modified-release formulation of SKI306X (SKCPT) from Clematis mandshurica, Prunella vulgaris, and Trichosanthes kirilowii in managing arthritis. SKCPT's anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties have been assessed via stifle circumference, gait, incapacitance, histopathology, and ELISA tests. The different SKCPT concentrations and formulations also affected the outcome. SKCPT improved the gait, histopathological, and ELISA OA assessment parameters compared to the control group. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases were significantly lower in the SKCPT-treated groups than in the control group. This study found that SKCPT reduces arthritic lesions and improves abnormal gait. The 300 mg modified-release formulation was more efficacious than others, suggesting a promising approach for managing OA symptoms and addressing disease pathogenesis. A high active ingredient level and a release pattern make this formulation effective for twice-daily arthritis treatment.

Greenhouse gas reduction and economic cost of technologies using green hydrogen in the steel industry.

Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the steel industry is one of the top priorities for mitigating climate change. Although hydrogen has been considered as a key element to accomplish this task, the effects of various hydrogen-using technologies in steel mills have not been analysed and compared to each other. This paper quantitatively analysed the greenhouse gas reduction in steel mills by the use of hydrogen produced from electrolysis with renewable electricity. The four following methods of using green hydrogen were proposed and analysed: 1) use of hydrogen directly in the hydrogen steelmaking process, 2) use of hydrogen to convert byproduct gases produced from steel mills into methanol, 3) use hydrogen to convert the byproduct gases into methane, and 4) sell hydrogen to the hydrogen station and use of oxygen, another product of electrolysis, to reduce the use of air separating unit in steel mills. Not only the greenhouse gas reduction benefits but also the economic cost of these four methods were evaluated. As those results can vary according to country, the economic cost and GHG reduction benefits were determined for the representative steel-producing countries of China, India, Japan, the United States, Russia, South Korea, and Germany. The economic cost was evaluated not only for the present (2020) but also for the future (∼2040) because these methods are more likely to be implemented in the future. Currently, in the representative steel-producing countries, Method 1 was analysed to have the largest GHG reduction among the four methods; but it also showed the largest cost because of its large capital expenditures and electricity cost. Method 2, which converts the byproduct gases into methanol, was shown to offer larger GHG reduction and smaller economic cost than Method 3, which converts the byproduct gases into methane. Comparing Methods 1 and 2, Method 2 offered smaller GHG reduction but a much smaller economic cost than Method 1. Although the cost of Method 4 is currently the smallest, the economic cost of Method 2 is predicted to become lower than that of Method 4 in the future, near 2030, because the future prices of hydrogen and the CO2 allowance are expected to decrease and increase, respectively. These results can be utilized when steelmaking country or steelmaking company make their decision on how to decrease the GHG emissions by using green hydrogen.

Development of an 360-degree virtual reality video-based immersive cycle training system for physical enhancement in older adults: a feasibility study : Development of immersive virtual cycle for older adults.

BACKGROUND: Recently, there is an increased number of studies that use 360° virtual reality (VR) video for medical and rehabilitative purposes. However, the 360° VR video experience for older adults has not yet been investigated. This study aimed to examine the validity of an 360° VR video-based immersive cycling training system (360° VRCTS) for older adults and to provide preliminary evidence of efficacy. METHODS: We developed a new virtual reality training system using an immersive environment 360° VRCTS. Five healthy older adults (2 males and 3 females) participated in this study. The system was tested in a single training session (biking for 20 min while viewing a 360° VR video scene through a large curved screen) to identify its strengths and weakness. The usability and acceptability of our system were measured using the system usability scale (SUS) and the simulator sickness questionnaire (SSQ). RESULTS: All participants successfully completed the session without any discomfort. The average score for the SUS was 94.60 (range, 90-100), indicating high usability of the technology. The average score for the SSQ was 2.24 (standard deviation = 2.05), indicating that the system is well tolerated and has few side effects. CONCLUSIONS: The 360° VRCTS may be a useful indoor training system for older adults due to its easy manipulation, high usability, and limited cybersickness. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Clinical Research Information Services (CRiS), KCT0003555 , Registered February 25, 2019, https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/index/index.do .

Pilates exercise focused on ankle movements for improving gait ability in older women.

Pilates exercise is a structured physical activity that has been demonstrated to improve physical functions in older adults. The aim of this study was to determine whether Pilates exercise can improve gait, muscle strength, and mobility in community-dwelling older women. Twenty-two participants were recruited (mean 75.68 years old) to perform Pilates exercise for 30 minutes, twice a week for 10 weeks. After 10 weeks, significant improvements were observed in the spatial gait parameters, muscle strength, and range of motion of ankle (P < .05). Pilates exercise is beneficial exercise to improve gait, muscle strength, and mobility in community-dwelling older women.

The effects of head rotation exercise on postural balance, muscle strength, and gait in older women.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of resistive exercise (RE) with head rotation exercise (RE+HRE) on postural balance, lower limb muscle strength, and gait in older women. This study was conducted from December 7, 2015 to January 29, 2016 in Seoul, South Korea. Forty older women were recruited at welfare center and randomly allocated to RE+HRE (n = 20) or RE (n = 20) groups. The RE+HRE group performed RE+HRE for 60 min twice per week for 6 weeks, using an elastic band with variable resistance along the length. The HRE included horizontal or vertical head movement during the exercise. The RE group performed RE in a similar manner, but without head movements. The outcome measures were static postural balance (one-leg stance test, functional reach test, and postural sway), dynamic postural balance (timed up and go test, four square step test, and Mini-balance evaluation systems test), lower limb muscle strength (sit-to-stand test), and temporal gait parameters. In the RE+HRE group, all variables were significantly improved compared to baseline (p < .05), and postural balance and gait were significantly improved compared to those in the RE group (p < .05). These findings suggest that RE+HRE can improve dynamic postural balance, gait speed, and cadence in older women.

The Effects of Virtual Kayak Paddling Exercise on Postural Balance, Muscle Performance, and Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Deterioration of physical and psychological health is an important issue in older adults aged 65 years or more. This study aimed to determine whether a virtual kayak paddling (VKP) exercise could improve postural balance, muscle performance, and cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Sixty participants were randomly assigned to the VKP (n = 30) or control group (n = 30). Participants in the VKP group performed the paddling exercise in a virtual environment for 60 min twice a week for 6 weeks, while those in the control group performed home exercises. Postural balance (p < .05), muscle performance (p < .05), and cognitive function (p < .05) were significantly improved in the VKP group and were superior to those in the control group (p < .05). Thus, our findings indicate that VKP exercise improves postural balance, muscle performance, and cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

The Effects of Virtual Kayak Paddling Exercise on Postural Balance, Muscle Performance, and Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Deterioration of physical and psychological health is an important issue in older adults aged 65 years or more. This study aimed to determine whether a virtual kayak paddling (VKP) exercise could improve postural balance, muscle performance, and cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Sixty participants were randomly assigned to the VKP (n = 30) or control group (n = 30). Participants in the VKP group performed the paddling exercise in a virtual environment for 60 min twice a week for 6 weeks, whereas those in the control group performed home exercises. Postural balance (p < .05), muscle performance (p < .05), and cognitive function (p < .05) were significantly improved in the VKP group and were superior to those in the control group (p < .05). Thus, the findings indicate that VKP exercise improves postural balance, muscle performance, and cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

Ground Kayak Paddling Exercise Improves Postural Balance, Muscle Performance, and Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND Kayaking is an interesting and posturally challenging activity; however, kayaking may be limited by safety issues in older adults. The aim of this study was to determine whether ground kayak paddling (GKP) exercise can improve postural balance, muscle performance, and cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty participants were randomly allocated to a GKP group (n=30; mean age, 74 years) or a control group (n=30; mean age, 74 years). GKP exercise consisted 5 types of exercise protocols, including paddling and multi-directional reaching with repetitive trunk and upper-extremities movements, which was performed for 60 min twice a week for 6 weeks. The outcome measures included the Timed Up and Go Test, the Functional Reach Test, the Berg Balance Scale, the Arm Curl Test, handgrip strength, and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. RESULTS In this study, adherence to the regimen was 96% in the GKP group. Postural balance, muscle performance, and cognitive function were significantly improved after intervention (p<0.05), and all the values in the GKP group, except for the Berg Balance Scale scores, were significantly decreased or increased compared to the control group. Differences between the 2 groups were Timed Up and Go Test -0.74 s; Functional Reach Test +7.20 cm; Arm Curl Test +5.56 repetitions; right handgrip strength +3.57 kg; left handgrip strength +3.08 kg; and Montreal Cognitive Assessment, +3.46 score (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS GKP exercise improves the physical and psychological ability of older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

Whole-Body Vibration Combined with Treadmill Training Improves Walking Performance in Post-Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND Stroke is characterized by an asymmetrical gait pattern that causes poor stability and reduces overall activity levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of whole-body vibration combined with treadmill training (WBV-TT) on walking performance in patients with chronic stroke. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty ambulatory chronic stroke patients were randomly allocated to the WBV-TT group or the treadmill training (TT) group. The participants in the WBV-TT group performed 6 types of exercises on a vibrating platform for 4.5 minutes and then walked on the treadmill for 20 minutes. The participants in the TT group conducted the same exercise on a platform without vibration and then walked on the treadmill in the same manner. The vibration lasted for 45 seconds in each exercise, and the intervention was performed 3 times weekly for 6 weeks. The treadmill walking speed was gradually increased by 5% in both groups. The outcome measures included the temporospatial parameter of gait (GAITRite®) and 6-minute walk test. RESULTS The WBV-TT group showed significant improvements in walking performance with respect to walking speed, cadence, step length, stride length, single-limb support, double-limb support, and 6-minute walk test compared with baseline (p<0.05). Significant improvements were also seen in walking speed, step length, stride length, and double-limb support compared with the TT group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that WBV-TT is more effective than TT for improving walking performance of patients with chronic stroke.

Improving slow-transit constipation with transcutaneous electrical stimulation in women: A randomized, comparative study.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) in women with slow-transit constipation. Twenty-eight women with slow-transit constipation were randomly assigned to a treatment group (14 women) or a control group (14 women). Data collection was conducted from March 7, 2014 to May 2, 2014. TES and sham TES were performed for 20 minutes, three times per week, for 4 weeks for the treatment and control groups, respectively. The results of the tests before and after treatment, including the Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS), abdominal pain, and number of defecations per week, were assessed. A significant decrease in CAS score and in abdominal pain (p < .05), and a significant increase in evacuation frequency per week (p < .05) were observed in the treatment group. In addition, a significant decrease in CAS score and in abdominal pain (p < .05) was observed in the control group. However, no noticeable change was observed in evacuation frequency per week in the control group. Based on these results, TES may have a beneficial effect in women with slow-transit constipation, and could be used to reduce the symptoms of constipation.

Virtual Reality Training With Three-Dimensional Video Games Improves Postural Balance and Lower Extremity Strength in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Avatar-based three-dimensional technology is a new approach to improve physical function in older adults. The aim of this study was to use three-dimensional video gaming technology in virtual reality training to improve postural balance and lower extremity strength in a population of community-dwelling older adults. The experimental group participated in the virtual reality training program for 60 min, twice a week, for 6 weeks. Both experimental and control groups were given three times for falls prevention education at the first, third, and fifth weeks. The experimental group showed significant improvements not only in static and dynamic postural balance but also lower extremity strength (p < .05). Furthermore, the experimental group was improved to overall parameters compared with the control group (p < .05). Therefore, three-dimensional video gaming technology might be beneficial for improving postural balance and lower extremity strength in community-dwelling older adults.

Effect of the cognitive-motor dual-task using auditory cue on balance of surviviors with chronic stroke: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of a cognitive-motor dual-task using auditory cues on the balance of patients with chronic stroke. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Inpatient rehabilitation center. SUBJECTS: Thirty-seven individuals with chronic stroke. INTERVENTIONS: The participants were randomly allocated to the dual-task group (n=19) and the single-task group (n=18). The dual-task group performed a cognitive-motor dual-task in which they carried a circular ring from side to side according to a random auditory cue during treadmill walking. The single-task group walked on a treadmill only. All subjects completed 15 min per session, three times per week, for four weeks with conventional rehabilitation five times per week over the four weeks. MAIN MEASURES: Before and after intervention, both static and dynamic balance were measured with a force platform and using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. RESULTS: The dual-task group showed significant improvement in all variables compared to the single-task group, except for anteroposterior (AP) sway velocity with eyes open and TUG at follow-up: mediolateral (ML) sway velocity with eye open (dual-task group vs. single-task group: 2.11 mm/s vs. 0.38 mm/s), ML sway velocity with eye close (2.91 mm/s vs. 1.35 mm/s), AP sway velocity with eye close (4.84 mm/s vs. 3.12 mm/s). After intervention, all variables showed significant improvement in the dual-task group compared to baseline. CONCLUSION: The study results suggest that the performance of a cognitive-motor dual-task using auditory cues may influence balance improvements in chronic stroke patients.

Virtual dual-task treadmill training using video recording for gait of chronic stroke survivors: a randomized controlled trial.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the effects of virtual dual-task treadmill training using a real-world video recording of the gait of individuals with chronic stroke. [Subjects] Forty chronic stroke survivors were randomly divided into two groups of 20 subjects each. [Methods] The experimental group performed virtual dual-task treadmill training using a video recording for 30 minutes per session, three times a week for 4 weeks, whereas the control group performed only treadmill training for 30 minutes per session, three times a week for 4 weeks. A video recording was performed in a large supermarket, and the subjects could walk at their favorable speed on a treadmill. The temporospatial gait variables were measured to examine the training effect. [Results] The experimental and control groups showed statistically significant improvements in the gait variables after training. The enhancement of gait ability was statistically better in the experimental group than in the control group. [Conclusion] Our findings suggest that virtual dual-task treadmill training using a video recording can improve the gait parameters of chronic stroke survivors.

The effects of exercise with TENS on spasticity, balance, and gait in patients with chronic stroke: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a useful modality for pain control. TENS has recently been applied to decrease spasticity. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the addition of TENS to an exercise program reduces spasticity and improves balance and gait in chronic stroke patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a single-blinded, multicenter, randomized controlled trial. Thirty-four ambulatory individuals with chronic stroke participated and were randomly allocated to the TENS or Placebo group. The TENS group performed therapeutic exercise with TENS while the placebo (non-stimulation) TENS group performed therapeutic exercise with placebo TENS. Participants in both groups followed the same 30-min exercise regimen 5 times per week for a period of 6 weeks. Spasticity (modified Ashworth scale), static (balance system), and dynamic balance (timed up and go test), and gait ability (gait analyzer) were measured at 1 week before and 1 week after the intervention. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between the 2 groups. Spasticity improved by 0.80 points in the TENS group. Anterior-posterior and medial-lateral sway velocity among static balance parameters and dynamic balance showed significant differences between the TENS and Placebo TENS groups (p=.000). Gait speed and cadence were enhanced significantly in the TENS group (p=.000). Step and stride length on the paretic side showed a significant difference in the TENS group (p=.000), while only velocity showed a significant difference in the Placebo TENS group (p=.004). CONCLUSIONS: A combination of therapeutic exercise and TENS may reduce spasticity and improve balance, gait, and functional activity in chronic stroke patients.

Multigait soft robot.

This manuscript describes a unique class of locomotive robot: A soft robot, composed exclusively of soft materials (elastomeric polymers), which is inspired by animals (e.g., squid, starfish, worms) that do not have hard internal skeletons. Soft lithography was used to fabricate a pneumatically actuated robot capable of sophisticated locomotion (e.g., fluid movement of limbs and multiple gaits). This robot is quadrupedal; it uses no sensors, only five actuators, and a simple pneumatic valving system that operates at low pressures (< 10 psi). A combination of crawling and undulation gaits allowed this robot to navigate a difficult obstacle. This demonstration illustrates an advantage of soft robotics: They are systems in which simple types of actuation produce complex motion.

Elderly health and literature therapy: a theoretical review.

Recently, the problems of old age have been discussed in terms of two aspects: preventive and therapeutic approach. The previous studies on the preventive aspect have been mostly concerned with the educational preparation for successful approach to elderly, directing focus toward the transitional period of the old age. Most research into the therapeutic aspect on the elderly diseases has focused on organic mental disorders such as dementia and functional mental diseases such as depression. This study aims to suggest the preventive and new therapeutic possibility in old people through combining the elderly health with literature. First, the research results regarding the social background for the elderly problems indicate that geriatric diseases increase in proportion to the increase of the population. Secondly, for the literature therapy, it is initially required to seek a comprehensive understanding about the health of the elderly through the phased consideration for the elderly problems. Thirdly, for the treatment of geriatric diseases by using literature, it is necessary to develop more active and integrative literature therapy than passive bibliotherapy. Literature therapy is the use of literature in the treatment of people with emotional or mental illness. Fourthly, theoretical approach should be considered for the health of the elderly and the literature therapy. From a literary approach, the literature therapy can help the study on geriatric diseases such as dementia and depression. Thus, the program for the health of geriatric issues and literature therapy should be developed as the next step in the future.

Improving the quality of sleep with an optimal pillow: a randomized, comparative study.

Because sleep comprises one-third of a person's life, using an optimal pillow for appropriate neck support to maintain cervical curve may contribute to improve quality of sleep. Design of orthopedic pillow conforms to orthopedic guidelines to ensure the right support of the cervical curve. The aim of this study was to investigate effect of different pillow shape and content on cervical curve, pillow temperature, and pillow comfort. A feather pillow is regarded as a standard pillow, and a memory foam pillow is one of the most popular pillows among pillow users. We, therefore, compared these two pillows with an orthopedic pillow. Twenty healthy subjects (10 men and 10 women; age range, 21-30 years) participated in the study. Each subject was asked to assume the supine position with 3 different pillows for 30 minute in each trial and then cervical curve, pillow temperature, and pillow comfort were measured. When comparing the cervical curve of the 3 different pillows, that of the orthopedic pillow was significantly higher than that of the other 2 pillows (p < 0.001). The degree of temperature increase was significantly lower for the orthopedic pillow than for the memory foam and feather pillows (p < 0.001). The visual analog scale (VAS) score of pillow comfort was significantly higher in orthopedic pillow than the other 2 pillows. This study shows that pillow shape and content plays a crucial role in cervical curve, pillow temperature, and pillow comfort and orthopedic pillow may be an optimal pillow for sleep quality.

Timoshenko-Ehrenfest Beam-Based Reconfigurable Elastic Metasurfaces for Multifunctional Wave Manipulation.

Herein, a Timoshenko-Ehrenfest beam-based reconfigurable elastic metasurface is introduced that can perform multifunctional wave phenomena within a single substrate, featuring high transmission in the ultrabroadband frequency range. Conventional elastic metasurfaces are typically limited to specific purposes and frequencies, thereby imposing significant constraints on their practical application. The approach involves assembly-components with various geometries on a substrate for reconfigurability, enabling to easily control and implement multifunctional wave phenomena, including anomalous-refraction, focusing, self-acceleration, and total-reflection. This is the first study on elastic metasurfaces to theoretically analyze the dispersion relation based on the Timoshenko-Ehrenfest beam theory, which considers shear deformations and rotational inertia. The analytical model is validated by demonstrating an excellent agreement with numerical and experimental results. The findings include full-wave harmonic simulations and experimentally visualized fields for measuring various wave modulations. Furthermore, the practicality of the system is verified by significantly enhancing the piezoelectric energy harvesting performance within the focusing configuration. It is believed that the reconfigurable elastic metasurface and analytical model based on the Timoshenko-Ehrenfest beam theory have vast applications such as structural health monitoring, wireless sensing, and Internet of Things.

Does Radial Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Applied to the Achilles Tendon Influence Ankle Functionality?

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (rESWT) in enhancing ankle function in patients with Achilles tendon injuries. The choice of rESWT was based on previous success in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. The study involved an intervention group that received rESWT, and a control group that received sham therapy. The results revealed that rESWT led to significant improvements in single-leg vertical jump (d = 0.55, p < 0.05), indicating enhanced power generation and ankle functionality that were not observed in the control group. Additionally, the therapy resulted in increased ankle mobility, as observed by improvements in plantar flexion and heel-rise tests. Interestingly, these functional gains were not accompanied by changes in the Achilles tendon stiffness, suggesting that the benefits of rESWT may be more functional than structural. This study highlights rESWT as a promising tool for rehabilitation, particularly following Achilles tendon injuries. The study concluded that, although rESWT appears to improve certain aspects of ankle function, further studies with a larger and more diverse population over a longer period are necessary to confirm these findings and establish comprehensive treatment protocols.