Live Long and Prosper? Boldly going into the fourth - age

Around two-thirds of the projected increase in spending is expected to be on clinical aged-healthcare (particularly funding of new technologies and support services). [...]with healthier lifestyles, higher incomes and better education all contributing to boosting life expectancy, growth in costs of age-related pensions, adds further economic pressure. [...]present society and policymakers need to look with fresh eyes at what living in the 4th-age will become; and identify what benefits this increasing demographic can contribute and bring to the wider society. [...]social isolation is decreased through friendships forged in digital communities. Unless the economic model changes, the tax base will shrink while government spending on aged-healthcare will expand substantially; and a dwindling number of younger workers will have to carry the financial burden of supporting the much older generations. * Extending longevity may seem to be a positive product of an advanced society

Assessing The Efficacy Of A Self-Administered Treatment For Social Anxiety Disorder In The Form Of A Gamified Mobile Application

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is not only highly prevalent and impairing, but vastly undertreated. Because effective treatments exist for SAD but are not reaching many with the disorder, this study set out to determine whether a purely self-guided intervention could be made more effective through two novel mechanisms: (a) delivery of the treatment on a mobile smartphone; and (b) the gamification of the treatment. Utilizing a single-subject multiple baseline across participants design, the treatment was evaluated on a sample of undergraduate students (N = 10) who endorsed significant social anxiety. Participants completed assessments every four days during both baseline phase and treatment phases. Seven of ten participants completed all measures and were used in the final analysis. At the study’s conclusion, these participants showed a statistically significant mean decrease of 13, 95% CI [2.05, 23.94], t(7) = 2.907, p = .027, d = 1.461 on the BFNES, and a statistically significant mean decrease of 24.58, 95% CI [4.69, 44.46], t(7) = 3.024, p = .023, d = 1.288 on the LSAS-SR. Participants showed no statistically significant changes on the K10 or WHOQOL. These results suggest that this application may be effective as a stand-alone treatment for SAD

Supersonic Crossflow Transition Control in Ground and Flight Tests

This paper describes the use of distributed-roughness-element (DRE) patterns along a Mach 2 design swept-wing leading edge to increase the laminar flow extent and thereby reduce drag. One swept-wing model was tested in a supersonic wind tunnel as well as beneath a supersonic flight vehicle. Wing model surface data acquired during these tests included pressures, temperatures, and boundary-layer transition locations. Similarities and differences in experimental results are discussed. While wind tunnel and flight results show some differences, the wind tunnel results still provide key insights necessary for understanding how to design effective DRE patterns for use in flight applications. Experimental results demonstrate a DRE flow control effect observed in flight similar to that observed in the wind tunnel. Finally, a different perspective is discussed concerning what flow control role RE patterns might perform in any future swept-wing laminar flow control applications

ACA-Mandated Elimination of Cost Sharing for Preventive Screening has had Limited Early Impact

Did the Affordable Care Act’s elimination of cost sharing for preventive services increase rates of colonoscopy and mammography screening? Early results say no

Retroperitoneal Compared to Transperitoneal Approach for Open Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair Is Associated with Reduced Systemic Inflammation and Postoperative Morbidity

Background  In the United Kingdom, the most common surgical approach for repair of open abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is transperitoneal (TP). However, retroperitoneal (RP) approach is favored in those with more complex vascular anatomy often requiring a cross-clamp on the aorta superior to the renal arteries. This study compared these approaches in patients matched on all major demographic, comorbid, anatomic, and physiological variables. Methods  Fifty-seven patients (TP: n  = 24; RP: n  = 33) unsuitable for endovascular aneurysm repair underwent preoperative cardiopulmonary exercise testing prior to open AAA repair. The surgical approach undertaken was dictated by individual surgeon preference. Postoperative mortality, complications, and length of hospital stay (LoS) were recorded. Patients were further stratified according to infrarenal (IR) or suprarenal/supraceliac (SR/SC) surgical clamping. Systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein) and renal function (serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate) were recorded. Results  Twenty-three (96%) of TP patients only required an IR clamp compared with 12 (36%) in the RP group. Postoperative systemic inflammation was lower in RP patients ( p  = 0.002 vs. TP) and fewer reported pulmonary/gastrointestinal complications whereas renal impairment was more marked in those receiving SR/SC clamps ( p  < 0.001 vs. IR clamp). RP patients were defined by lower LoS ( p  = 0.001), while mid-/long-term mortality was low/comparable with TP, resulting in considerable cost savings. Conclusion  Despite the demands of more complicated vascular anatomy, the clinical and economic benefits highlighted by these findings justify the more routine adoption of the RP approach for complex AAA repair

A Highly-Conserved Residue of the HIV-1-gp120 Inner Domain is Important for ADCC Responses Mediated by Anti-Cluster A Antibodies

Previous studies have shown that sera from HIV-1-infected individuals contain antibodies able to mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). These antibodies preferentially recognize envelope glycoprotein (Env) epitopes induced upon CD4 binding. Here, we show that a highly conserved tryptophan at position 69 of the gp120 inner domain is important for ADCC mediated by anti-cluster A antibodies and sera from HIV-1-infected individuals

An integrated design and fabrication strategy for entirely soft, autonomous robots

Soft robots possess many attributes that are difficult, if not impossible, to realize with conventional robots composed of rigid materials. Yet, despite recent advances, soft robots still remain tethered to hard robotic control systems and power sources. New strategies for creating completely soft robots, including soft analogs of these crucial components, are needed to realize their full potential. Here, we report the first untethered operation of a robot comprised solely of soft materials. The robot is controlled with microfluidic logic that autonomously regulates the catalytic decomposition of an on-board monopropellant fuel supply. Gas generated from fuel decomposition inflates fluidic networks downstream of the reaction sites, resulting in actuation. The robot’s body and microfluidic logic are fabricated by molding and soft lithography, respectively, while the pneumatic actuator networks, on-board fuel reservoirs and catalytic reaction chambers needed for movement are patterned within the body via a multi-material, embedded 3D printing technique. The relevant length scales of fluidic and elastomeric architectures required for function spanned several orders of magnitude. Our integrated design and rapid fabrication approach enables the programmable assembly of multiple materials within this architecture, laying the foundation for completely soft, autonomous robots.Chemistry and Chemical BiologyEngineering and Applied Science

Bostonia: The Boston University Alumni Magazine. Volume 12

Founded in 1900, Bostonia magazine is Boston University’s main alumni publication