Nanoclay-Based Solid-Amine Adsorbents for Carbon Dioxide Capture

The objective of this research was to develop an efficient, low cost, recyclable solid sorbent for carbon dioxide adsorption from large point sources, such as coal-fired power plants. The current commercial way to adsorb CO 2 is to use a liquid amine or ammonia process. These processes are used in industry in the sweetening of natural gas, but liquid based technologies are not economically viable in the adsorption of CO2 from power plants due to the extremely large volume of CO2 and the inherent high regeneration costs of cycling the sorbent. Therefore, one of the main objectives of this research was to develop a novel sorbent that can be cycled and uses very little energy for regeneration.;The sorbent developed here is composed of a nanoclay (montmorillonite), commonly used in the production of polymer nanocomposites, grafted with commercially available amines. (3-aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane (APTMS) was chemically grafted to the edge hydroxyl groups of the clay. While another amine, polyethylenimine (PEI), was attached to the surface of the clay by electrostatic interactions. To confirm the attachment of amines to the clay, the samples were characterized using FTIR and the corresponding peaks for amines were observed. The amount of amine loaded onto the support was determined by TGA techniques. The treated clay was initially analyzed for CO2 adsorption in a pure CO 2 stream. The adsorption temperatures that had the highest adsorption capacity were determined to be between 75°C and 100°C for all of the samples tested at atmospheric pressure. The maximum CO2 adsorption capacity observed was with nanoclay treated with both APTMS and PEI at 85°C. In a more realistic flue gas of 10% CO2 and 90% N2, the adsorbents had essentially the same overall CO2 adsorption capacity indicating that the presence of nitrogen did not hinder the adsorption of CO2. Adsorption studies in pure CO2 at room temperature under pressure from 40-300 PSI were also conducted. The average adsorption capacity for the adsorbents did not change significantly over the range of pressures studied, indicating that the uptake of CO2 was due mainly to chemical reaction and not to the physical absorption of CO2. The average CO2 adsorption capacity at 300 psi and room temperature for clay treated with APTMS alone was 7.6 wt% CO2. The combination of APTMS and PEI treatment increased the average adsorption capacity to 11.4 wt% CO2.;The regeneration method for the majority of the adsorption tests employed pure N2 at 100°C as a sweep gas, and it was successful in regenerating the adsorbent. The regeneration of the adsorbent was also studied with pure and humid CO2 at 155°C. Using CO2 as a sweep gas for regeneration is more commercially relevant and was able to regenerate the sorbents. Vacuum regeneration and the stability of the adsorbents to water vapor were also studied. Our studies showed that the developed adsorbents were able to adsorb CO2 at atmospheric conditions using pure CO 2 as well as 10% CO2 and 90% nitrogen. Additionally, the adsorbents developed have the potential to be cycled using commercially applicable regeneration schemes. While these results are comparable to results of other emerging CO2 adsorption technologies, our adsorbent has the benefit of a very cheap support, and it could provide a commercially useful CO 2 adsorbent

Functional assessment in spinal cord injury: a comparison of the Modified Barthel Index and the 'adapted' Functional Independence Measure

The Modified Barthel Index (MBI) and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) have been used to provide objective measures of functional status and change of spinal cord injured (SCI) patients. To compare rating scores on the MBI and FIM, the functional abilities of 41 SCI patients were rated by one trained nurse-clinician using both scales at admission to initial rehabilitation (ADM), discharge from rehabilitation (DC) and at follow-up (FU) 12 months after rehabilitation. An 'adapted' FIM score was used, and total MBI and FIM scores were divided into self-care and mobility subscores. Comparisons were made between each MBI score and each FIM score at each point in time (ADM, DC, FU) using simple linear regression, which was also used to compare changes in the MBI and FIM scores from ADM to DC and from DC to FU. Excellent correlations ( p<0.0005) were found between MBI and FIM scores at all points in time and between changes in MBI scores and changes in FIM scores over each time interval.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/66557/2/10.1177_026921559000400405.pd

The Value of Rehabilitation Interventions --Integrating Evidence, Clinical Expertise, Critical Assessment, and Patient Needs: A Conference Report

In order to understand issues related to value, outcomes, and cost-effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions, and to explore how scientific evidence, clinical expertise, and patient needs can be integrated, the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Developing Optimal Strategies in Exercise and Survival Skills to Increase Health and Function held a State of the Science (SOS) Symposium on “ The Value of Rehabilitation Interventions” at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago in 2017. In this conference, the perspectives of 35 invited experts, including people with disabilities, professionals, and consumers, explored the topic of “value” of rehabilitation interventions and discussed their perspectives on the means to integrate best scientific evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences. This Symposium also resulted in the production of several multifaceted manuscripts providing perspectives on the topic of value and how to use evidence to best determine and demonstrate it. These papers comprise this Supplement. The present paper introduces the key concepts of value, evidence, and knowledge translation, in an effort to provide a context for the papers of the Supplement

Survivors of Chronic Stroke Experience Continued Impairment of Dexterity But Not Strength in the Nonparetic Upper Limb

Objective To investigate the performance of the less affected upper limb in people with stroke compared with normative values. To examine less affected upper limb function in those whose prestroke dominant limb became paretic and those whose prestroke nondominant limb became paretic. Design Cohort study of survivors of chronic stroke (7.2±6.7y post incident). Setting The study was performed at a freestanding academic rehabilitation hospital. Participants Survivors of chronic stroke (N=40) with severe hand impairment (Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment rating of 2-3 on Stage of Hand) participated in the study. In 20 participants the prestroke dominant hand (DH) was tested (nondominant hand [NH] affected by stroke), and in 20 participants the prestroke NH was tested (DH affected by stroke). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test. Data from survivors of stroke were compared with normative age- and sex-matched data from neurologically intact individuals. Results When combined, DH and NH groups performed significantly worse on fine motor tasks with their nonparetic hand relative to normative data (PP\u3e.140). Conclusions Survivors of stroke with severe impairment of the paretic limb continue to present significant upper extremity impairment in their nominally nonparetic limb even years after stroke. This phenomenon was observed regardless of whether the DH or NH hand was primarily affected. Because this group of survivors of stroke is especially dependent on the nonparetic limb for performing functional tasks, our results suggest that the nonparetic upper limb should be targeted for rehabilitation

Function-limiting dysesthetic pain syndrome among traumatic spinal cord injury patients: a cross-sectional study

Diffuse burning dysesthetic sensations distal to the level of spinal injury are the most common and disabling painful sequelae of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). In a cross-sectional study of 19 SCI patients, clinical characteristics and results of 3 validated pain measurement instruments (McGill Pain Questionnaire, Stembach Pain Intensity and Zung Pain and Distress Scale) were used to develop a profile of function-limiting dysesthetic pain sydrome (DPS). Compared to a cohort of 147 patients admitted to the Midwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury Care System during the time period of the study, subjects were more likely to have paraplegia, incomplete sensory myelopathy, gunshot wounds to the spine and non-surgical spinal stabilization. Most patients described the pain as `cutting,' [beta]urning,' `piercing,' `radiating' and `tight.' The majority of patients located the pain internally and in the lower extremities. Values obtained from 6 McGill Pain Questionnaire subscales, 2 Sternbach Pain Intensity ratings and the Zung Pain and Distress index equalled or exceeded those reported for other pain syndromes. Use of these validated pain measures resulted in a systematic comprehensive assessment of function-limiting DPS following SCI.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/26740/1/0000292.pd

Influence of skill and exercise training parameters on locomotor recovery during stroke rehabilitation

Purpose of review: Research findings from the fields of motor learning and exercise physiology suggest specific training parameters that can be manipulated during physical rehabilitation profoundly influence skilled task performance. This review details the rationale for some of these training variables and their application in selected intervention studies focused on improving walking function in patients poststroke. Recent findings: Basic and applied studies have shown that the amount, intensity, and variability of specific task practice applied during rehabilitation interventions can affect recovery of walking poststroke. Many studies detailing the effects of conventional, therapist, and mechanically assisted interventions may incorporate some of these training parameters but minimize others, and their relative contributions may influence walking outcomes. Specific patient factors, such as the stroke acuity and degree of impairments, appear to influence the relative contributions of these training variables, and different patient subgroups may benefit from greater emphasis on specific parameters. Summary: The present findings suggest these training parameters should be considered when evaluating or implementing physical interventions directed toward improving locomotor function poststroke. More work is needed to understand their optimal combinations to maximize walking outcomes in patients with different levels of impairment poststroke

Qualitative assessment of Tongue Drive System by people with high-level spinal cord injury

The Tongue Drive System (TDS) is a minimally invasive, wireless, and wearable assistive technology (AT) that enables people with severe disabilities to control their environments using tongue motion. TDS translates specific tongue gestures into commands by sensing the magnetic field created by a small magnetic tracer applied to the user’s tongue. We have previously quantitatively evaluated the TDS for accessing computers and powered wheelchairs, demonstrating its usability. In this study, we focused on its qualitative evaluation by people with high-level spinal cord injury who each received a magnetic tongue piercing and used the TDS for 6 wk. We used two questionnaires, an after-scenario and a poststudy, designed to evaluate the tongue-piercing experience and the TDS usability compared with that of the sip-and-puff and the users’ current ATs. After study completion, 73% of the participants were positive about keeping the magnetic tongue-barbell in order to use the TDS. All were satisfied with the TDS performance and most said that they were able to do more things using TDS than their current ATs (4.22/5)

Body-Machine Interface Enables People with Cervical Spinal Cord Injury to Control Devices with Available Body Movements: Proof of Concept

This study tested the use of a customized body-machine interface (BoMI) for enhancing functional capabilities in persons with cervical spinal cord injury (cSCI). The interface allows people with cSCI to operate external devices by reorganizing their residual movements. This was a proof-of-concept phase 0 interventional nonrandomized clinical trial. Eight cSCI participants wore a custom-made garment with motion sensors placed on the shoulders. Signals derived from the sensors controlled a computer cursor. A standard algorithm extracted the combinations of sensor signals that best captured each participant's capacity for controlling a computer cursor. Participants practiced with the BoMI for 24 sessions over 12 weeks performing 3 tasks: reaching, typing, and game playing. Learning and performance were evaluated by the evolution of movement time, errors, smoothness, and performance metrics specific to each task. Through practice, participants were able to reduce the movement time and the distance from the target at the 1-second mark in the reaching task. They also made straighter and smoother movements while reaching to different targets. All participants became faster in the typing task and more skilled in game playing, as the pong hit rate increased significantly with practice. The results provide proof-of-concept for the customized BoMI as a means for people with absent or severely impaired hand movements to control assistive devices that otherwise would be manually operated

Rehabilitation medicine summit: building research capacity Executive Summary

The general objective of the "Rehabilitation Medicine Summit: Building Research Capacity" was to advance and promote research in medical rehabilitation by making recommendations to expand research capacity. The five elements of research capacity that guided the discussions were: 1) researchers; 2) research culture, environment, and infrastructure; 3) funding; 4) partnerships; and 5) metrics. The 100 participants included representatives of professional organizations, consumer groups, academic departments, researchers, governmental funding agencies, and the private sector. The small group discussions and plenary sessions generated an array of problems, possible solutions, and recommended actions. A post-Summit, multi-organizational initiative is called to pursue the agendas outlined in this report (see Additional File 1)

Stepwise Regression and Latent Profile Analyses of Locomotor Outcomes Poststroke

Background and purpose: Previous data suggest patient demographics and clinical presentation are primary predictors of motor recovery poststroke, with minimal contributions of physical interventions. Other studies indicate consistent associations between the amount and intensity of stepping practice with locomotor outcomes. The goal of this study was to determine the relative contributions of these combined variables to locomotor outcomes poststroke across a range of patient demographics and baseline function. Methods: Data were pooled from 3 separate trials evaluating the efficacy of high-intensity training, low-intensity training, and conventional interventions. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and training activities from 144 participants >1-month poststroke were included in stepwise regression analyses to determine their relative contributions to locomotor outcomes. Subsequent latent profile analyses evaluated differences in classes of participants based on their responses to interventions. Results: Stepwise regressions indicate primary contributions of stepping activity on locomotor outcomes, with additional influences of age, duration poststroke, and baseline function. Latent profile analyses revealed 2 main classes of outcomes, with the largest gains in those who received high-intensity training and achieved the greatest amounts of stepping practice. Regression and latent profile analyses of only high-intensity training participants indicated age, baseline function, and training activities were primary determinants of locomotor gains. Participants with the smallest gains were older (≈60 years), presented with slower gait speeds (<0.40 m/s), and performed 600 to 1000 less steps/session. Conclusions: Regression and cluster analyses reveal primary contributions of training interventions on mobility outcomes in patients >1-month poststroke. Age, duration poststroke, and baseline impairments were secondary predictors