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Shape memory alloys (SMAs) have an innate property that allows them to return to a memorized form when stimulated. They have been recently designed as flexible fabrics for use in wearable assistive devices. This study aimed to develop a rehabilitation assistive glove with good wearability for a hemiplegic patient using a knitted SMA with a high-unidirectional contractile response. We fabricated warp-knitted SMA actuators, which had higher contractile responses than those of weft-knitted SMA. The use of a knitting loom allowed these actuators to fit all the fingers of a patient. We developed a full-fabric glove, placed the SMA wires on the finger regions to form a tendon-driven structure, and attached knitted SMA actuators to the dorsal and palmar sides of the hand to assist flexion and extension. The joint range of motion after glove actuation increased by 11.620% and 141.710% in flexion and extension, respectively. The range of motion improved more with glove rehabilitation than with thermal stimulation or no actuation. The grip force also increased by 52.400% after rehabilitation exercises. The safety of the heat generated during actuation was confirmed, and its applicability as a thermal stimulus was validated (based on increased skin temperature). These outcomes suggest the practical potential of warp-knitted SMAs in fully fabricated wearable assistive devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disabled athletes participate in sports at elite levels; however, industry product and academic research regarding adaptive sportswear is lacking. Limited availability of sportswear can be a barrier to participation in athletics for disabled people, particularly athletes with mobility differences. This study therefore aimed to enhance the sportswear design process in a single-case study of a Paralympic shooting athlete who participated in the 2020 Paralympic games. Qualitative and anthropometric data were collected via a high-communication, five-step design process. The researchers explored 3D apparel design technologies in tandem with physical prototyping methods to understand benefits and challenges of said tools in adaptive sportswear development. Key findings of this work include understanding of disabled athletes' needs, design considerations for adaptive sportswear development, and found benefits and challenges of technology use. The knowledge acquired in this case study offers valuable contributions for researchers and manufacturers that can advance sportswear design for all disabled athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to map the actuating performance of knitted SMA modules, and propose design guidelines for developing optimal SMA actuators, to be used in wearable assistive devices, suitable to be worn on the human body. To validate the findings of this study in the real world, we adopted an assistive rehabilitation glove for hemiplegic patients as a particular design case. To characterize the bending and contractile properties of knitted SMA modules, we conducted actuating performance tests with 720 knitted SMA samples under various conditions in actuation force, bending angle, contraction, electric power, and surface temperature. Based on the results, we proposed design guidelines by aligning the actuating performance of knitted SMA modules with joint mobility of hemiplegic patients for a smart rehabilitation glove. We anticipate that the outcomes of this study will serve as a practical yardstick for researchers in determining the desired actuating performance of a knitted SMA module that can support and assist the joint motion of the human body, when designing a wearable assistive device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several studies have reported beneficial effects of olfactory training (OT) on the olfactory nervous system. However, the mechanisms underlying the regeneration of the olfactory system induced by OT are still under investigation. Objectives: To determine the key mechanisms involved in the olfactory system recovery and to assess the neuroplastic effects of OT. Methods: Thirty healthy female C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated to 4 groups: control, n = 6; anosmia (no treatment), n = 8; OT, n = 8; and steroid treatment; n = 8. Except for the control group, mice were administered 3-methylindole. Anosmia was assessed using a food-finding test (FFT). The olfactory neuroepithelium was for histological examinations, gene ontology with pathway analyses, RNA, and protein studies. Results: FFT was significantly reduced at 3 weeks in the OT mice versus steroids (78.27 s vs 156.83 s, P <.008) and controls (78.27 s vs 13.14 s, P <.003), although final outcome in the FFT was similar in these groups. Expression of olfactory and neurogenesis marker was higher in the olfactory neuroepithelium of the OT group than in the anosmia group without treatment. The mechanisms underlying olfactory regeneration might be related to early olfactory receptor stimulation, followed by neurotrophic factor stimulation of neuronal plasticity. Conclusion: OT can improve olfactory function and accelerate olfactory recovery. The mechanisms underlying olfactory regeneration might be related to an initial stimulation of olfactory receptors followed by neurogenesis. Olfactory ensheathing cells might play an important role in olfactory regeneration following OT, based on the observed changes in messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein expression, as well as the findings of the gene analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on 68 interviews with South Korean students at elite U.S. colleges, this article examines the intersectional power of gender and class in elite transnational parenting—a family strategy for class reproduction. Well-educated, stay-at-home mothers intensively managed their children’s school activities, often relying on gender-segregated networks, mostly during early school years. By contrast, cosmopolitan professional fathers heavily engaged in guiding their children’s education abroad and career preparation in later years, using their class resources (i.e., English proficiency, professional careers, and social networks of other elites). In high-achieving children’s narratives, mothers’ lifelong care for and management of their private life was undervalued and criticized, while fathers’ growing involvement in their higher education and career was highly valued and appreciated. The elite fathers’ occasional yet detailed involvement challenges the dichotomy that has long stereotyped Korean—or East Asian—mothers as overinvolved and fathers as distant in their children’s lives, especially with regard to education. Gender, through intensive parenting, reinforces and reproduces class disparity between elite couples and within their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postpartum women who wish to engage in physical activity and breastfeed their children are at greater risk for breast soreness due to increased breast volume and sensitivity associated with breastfeeding. An apparel product that supports both good breastfeeding practices and physical activity has the potential to improve the health of both mother and child. The purpose of this research was to understand the design requirements of physically active breastfeeding women for a sports bra design. The researchers applied user-centered methods to develop a nursing sports bra prototype based on data from a focus group. The researchers created a two-layer bra concept to improve breast support and provide the convenience of nursing. Through wear trials, participants found the prototype to be successful in providing breast support with the added advantage of being able to nurse a child, resulting in a novel bra concept that addresses many needs of active breastfeeding women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored the role that social support plays in the lives of women who have undergone bariatric surgery. We conducted in-depth interviews with 13 women who had had bariatric surgery (M age = 53.0 years) and analyzed the data using constant comparison processes. We found that individuals in participants’ lives offered support by acting as role models and providing information, offering empathy and expressions of concern and caring, assisting with everyday responsibilities, and serving as companions. In turn, these forms of support guided participants’ behavior, calmed their concerns, enhanced their self-esteem, relieved them of daily responsibilities, and offered them companionship in their bariatric journeys. Consistent with the existing theory, differently situated individuals specialized in offering particular types of support. Although participants appreciated the support received, many indicated a desire for more or “better” support, pointing to a need for resources guiding supporters in how to best offer support to bariatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease that affects joint cartilage and can cause severe pain and disability. Minor neglected injuries may also result in other diseases that affect daily life. Various attempts have been made to develop wearable auxiliary devices using functional fabrics, but few have simultaneously provided both heat and pressure. Using knitted shape memory alloy (SMA) fabric, a module was manufactured that achieved bending and contraction during operation. An elbow brace that simultaneously provided heat and pressure was developed using this module. Subjective evaluation and measurements of the range of motion (ROM), changes in skin temperature (T sk ), clothing pressure (P c ), and blood flow (F b ) were conducted on the elbow brace while being worn by 10 participants. The multifunctional elbow brace (MFEB) developed in this study generated pressure and heat that increased T sk and P c , ultimately increasing F b . In addition, the ROM of the elbow joint was increased after actuating the elbow brace. Subjective evaluation of the heat and pressure sensation demonstrated its applicability to the human body. We confirmed that the elbow brace had a positive effect on F b and increased the ROM of the joint. These results show the applicability of smart textiles to the development of various wearable devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Akt (protein kinase B) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cell death and cognitive outcome after cerebral contusion in mice; however, a role for Akt/mTOR in concussive brain injury has not been well characterized. In a mouse closed head injury (CHI) concussion traumatic brain injury (TBI) model, phosphorylation of Akt (p-Akt), mTOR (p-mTOR), and S6RP (p-S6RP) was increased by 24 hours in cortical and hippocampal brain homogenates (P<0.05 versus sham for each), and p-S6RP was robustly induced in IBA-1+ microglia and glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive (GFAP+) astrocytes. Pretreatment with inhibitors of Akt or mTOR individually by the intracerebroventricular route reduced phosphorylation of their respective direct substrates FOXO1 (P<0.05) or S6RP (P<0.05) after CHI, confirming the activity of inhibitors. Rapamycin pretreatment significantly worsened hidden platform (P<0.01) and probe trial (P<0.05) performance in CHI mice. Intracerebroventricular administration of necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) before CHI increased hippocampal Akt and S6RP phosphorylation and improved place learning (probe trials, P<0.001 versus vehicle), whereas co-administration of rapamycin or Akt inhibitor with Nec-1 eliminated improved probe trial performance. These data suggest a beneficial role for Akt/mTOR signaling after concussion TBI independent of cell death that may contribute to improved outcome by Nec-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to gauge the emerging needs for the plus-size footwear market, this study tested the following four hypotheses: 1) as BMI increases, foot morphology changes; 2) increased BMI influences consumers' footwear selection criteria; 3) increased BMI negatively affects consumers' footwear fit; and 4) increased BMI negatively affects consumers' satisfaction with the current footwear market. One hundred and twenty-one female college students were recruited from a large 4-year U.S. university, and only Caucasian data (n=99) were used for statistical analysis. Prior to 3D scanning, a short questionnaire was administered to assess the participants' footwear selection criteria and satisfaction with the current footwear offerings, as well as demographic information. Anthropometry of the participants' feet was measured, using a 3D foot scanner (INFOOT® by I-ware). Results showed that BMI positively affected the increase of anthropometric measurements; as BMI increased, the participants indicated significantly higher scores on shoe length and insole cushion and a lower score on fashion trendiness in the perceived importance of footwear selection criteria; they tended to wear improperly fitting shoes to accommodate wider and thicker feet; and they were significantly less satisfied with the current market than those with a lower BMI. Strong relationships in all four hypotheses were evident, and findings of this study urged the footwear manufacturing industry to recognize the unfulfilled niche market for the growing population of plus-size consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The three-fold purpose of this study is to document current challenges the apparel industry experiences in developing sustainable apparel, discover product development strategies for fulfilling sustainable business goals, and determine the principles guiding successful interaction between designers and the upstream supply chain. This study adopted a case study method to identify and communicate practical challenges and solutions of Eileen Fisher, a women's apparel manufacturer. Data were collected from thirteen in-depth interviews conducted with members of the case company and its suppliers, with secondary data analysis from the case company's website and archival records. The study identified five challenges the case company encountered with respect to maintaining product value, quality, and aesthetics, meeting needs of suppliers, and coping with higher material and labor costs. Five solutions were put into place supporting sustainability objectives, and which highlight the practice of innovation in design, optimizing timing and resources, gathering and diffusing information, relationship management, and making trade-offs for cost and value. Five principles, which guided the design team and its interaction with upstream suppliers, were identified and modeled. The implication for other apparel companies in overcoming challenges of sustainable product development is that it begins with a clear mission, strong company mandate, and like-minded supply partners. The authors believe that, in beginning to fill an area of limited research, examination of the connections between design process and the supply chain is imperative for advancing sustainable practices in the apparel and textile industry. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) are both activated after traumatic brain injury (TBI), however complex interplay between the two hampers deciphering their functional implications in vivo. We examined the effects of single and combination inhibitors of Akt/mTOR in a mouse controlled cortical impact (CCI) model. Following CCI, phospho-Akt-473 (p-Akt) and -S6 ribosomal protein (p-S6RP), a downstream substrate of mTOR, were increased in cortical and hippocampal brain homogenates (P<0.05 versus sham). At 24 hours, p-S6RP was detected in neurons and was robustly induced in microglia and astrocytes in injured hippocampus. In vivo activity of Akt and mTOR inhibitors administered separately was confirmed by reduced expression of p-GSK3β (P<0.01) or p-S6RP (P<0.05), respectively, after CCI. Importantly, administration of Akt and mTOR inhibitors together (but not of either alone) improved postinjury motor (P=0.02) and cognitive deficits (hidden platform trials, P=0.001; probe trials, P<0.05), decreased propidium iodide-positive cells in CA1 and CA3 (P<0.005), and unexpectedly increased p-GSK3β in hippocampus. Although the roles of Akt and mTOR in the pathogenesis of TBI remain to be fully elucidated, dual inhibition of Akt and mTOR may have therapeutic potential for TBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fundamental and contemporary issue in higher education is how to encourage global awareness, professional development, and accountability within constraints of curriculum and scarce resources. This is an evaluation of student experiences with a 1½-year cross-cultural partnership that included a team project, public presentations, publications, and 2-week travel exchanges. Data were collected from the participant’s project outcomes, from interviews pre- and posttravel, and survey questions at the end of the experience and 1 year later. The public face to the project allowed for partners to learn of the professional standards of the other culture while representing their own. Partner synergies were evidence of a personal, professional, and cultural awareness that provided a pathway to encourage cross-cultural learning among students in similar fields. Such cross-cultural experiences will help to ensure professional survival in the 21st century. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) gene leads to increased brain amyloid beta (Aβ) and poor outcome in adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI); however, its role in childhood TBI is controversial. We hypothesized that the transgenic expression of human APOE4 worsens the outcome after controlled cortical impact (CCI) in adult but not immature mice. Adult and immature APOE4 mice had worse motor outcome after CCI (P<0.001 versus wild type (WT)), but the Morris water maze performance was worse only in adult APOE4 mice (P=0.028 at 2 weeks, P=0.019 at 6 months versus WT), because immature APOE4 mice had performance similar to WT for up to 1 year after injury. Brain lesion size was similar in adult APOE4 mice but was decreased (P=0.029 versus WT) in injured immature APOE4 mice. Microgliosis was similar in all groups. Soluble brain Aβ40 was increased at 48 hours after CCI in adult and immature APOE4 mice and in adult WT (P<0.05), and was dynamically regulated during the chronic period by APOE4 in adults but not immature mice. The data suggest age-dependent effects of APOE4 on cognitive outcome after TBI, and that therapies targeting APOE4 may be more effective in adults versus children with TBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]