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• Chronic REM sleep deprivation exposure induces anxiety-like behavior and cognitive impairment. • Chronic REM sleep deprivation exposure increases NE and DA, decreases 5-HT and GABA in mouse hippocampus. • Chronic REM sleep deprivation exposure reduces IGF-1 and BDNF levels in mouse hippocampus. • Exercise training ameliorates behavioral, neurochemical and neurobiological changes induced by chronic REM sleep deprivation. Various sleep disorders have deleterious effects on mental and cognitive performance. Exercise, as an alternative therapeutic strategy, exerts beneficial impacts on human health. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of 4 weeks treadmill exercise (4W-TE) on anxiety-like behavior and cognitive performance in mice exposed to 2 months REM sleep deprivation (2M-SD) (20 h per day). Behavioral performance of mice in elevated plus maze test (EPM), open field test (OFT), Y maze test (YM) and Morris water maze test (MWM) was recorded and analyzed 28 h after the last day of sleep deprivation. After behavioral tests, various neurotransmitters including norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in mouse hippocampus were quantified using high performance liquid chromatography. The hippocampal levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were further detected using ELISA. Behavioral data indicated that 2M-SD exposure induced anxiety-like behaviors and cognitive impairment, as evidenced by the decreased open-arm entries in EPM, reduced central area travels in OFT, declined spontaneous alteration in YM and prolonged escaping latency in MWM. In addition, 2M-SD exposure increased NE and DA, decreased 5-HT and GABA, and reduced IGF-1 and BDNF levels in mouse hippocampus. Interestingly, all these behavioral, neurochemical and neurobiological changes can be ameliorated by 4W-TE training. In summary, these findings confirm the beneficial impacts of exercise on health and provide further experimental evidence for future application of exercise as an alternative therapy against the mental and cognitive problems in patients with sleep disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to characterize the immunopotentiating effects and immune receptors for Coriolus versicolor mushroom polysaccharides (CVP), a Chinese medicinal fungus that exerts anti-tumor activities by enhancing host immunity. Proliferation assays were used to determine whether CVP could activate splenocytes. Flow cytometry analysis and IgM and IgG detection were used to characterize CVP-binding cells. Immune receptors were analyzed in immunoprecipitation and western blot assays. The downstream signaling pathways were identified by western blotting or immunostaining. CVP significantly stimulated the proliferation of mouse splenocytes. Fluorescence-labeled CVP (fl-CVP) selectively stained mouse B cells, but not T cells. CVP induced the production of IgM and IgG1 with or without exogenous IL-4. Membrane Ig (B cell antigen-receptor, BCR) was identified as a CVP-binding protein in immunoprecipitation and western blot experiments. CVP-induced B cell proliferation could be significantly inhibited by anti-mouse immunoglobulin (Ig) blocking antibody (Fab) or in cells from TLR4-mutant mice (C3H/HeJ). Phosphorylation of ERK-1/2 and p38 MAPK were clearly increased in a time-dependent manner, as was the nuclear translocation of the cytosolic NF-κB p65 subunit after CVP stimulation. Together, we demonstrate that CVP can bind and induce B cell activation using membrane Ig and TLR-4 as potential immune receptors. CVP activates mouse B cells through the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Recent interest in Darrieus wind turbines has led to a need for proper performance prediction models. Of all the existing models, multiple streamtubes model is reasonably simple and relatively precise. However, neglecting dependency of Reynolds number (Re) leads to the failure of prediction at high tip-speed ratios (TSR). In this proposed paper, an algorithm LDWT, which applied local blade Re instead of one representative Re, was developed and researched. In the calculation, 2-dimensional experimental data for aerofoil characteristics were applied because their 3-dimensional data for different Re could not be accessible. This study shows that results for high TSR from LDWT match test data better than previous research instead of underestimation in other regions. In the region of low TSR, it is shown that stall delay model is needed to match well with test data. Therefore, it is expected to be useful in the proper design and optimisation of rotors at high tip-speed ratios when their test data is not available or incomplete. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Carbon-incorporating iron nitride nanoparticles deposited onto nitrogen-doped graphene nanosheets (FeCN/NG) as an alternative non-noble metal catalyst was successfully synthesized by pyrolysis under an ammonia atmosphere in this study. Influence of pyrolysis temperature on its crystalline structure, oxidative valence, morphology, chemical environment and catalytic activity of each FeCN/NG catalyst was examined by X-ray diffractometer, X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and rotating ring-disk electrode technique, respectively. The optimally sized FeCN nanoparticles around 10 nm were obtained at a pyrolysis temperature of 700 °C, delivering favorable oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity in the acid medium. After the durability test of 2000 cycles, not only the onset potential was not significantly shifted but also more than 80% retention on its ORR activity recorded at 0.5 V was achieved, demonstrating its catalytic stability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The sulfonated graphene nanosheet-supported platinum (s-Pt/GNS) catalyst synthesized via a simple thermal-treatment in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid was reported in this study. Influence of sulfonation on its structural, surface, morphological and catalytic characteristics of as-prepared s-Pt/GNS was explored using X-ray diffractometer, Raman spectrometry, zeta potential analyzer, scanning and transmission electron microscopes, and cyclic voltammetry. For the oxygen reduction reaction, the current density generated from the s-Pt/GNS at 0.6 V was approximately 32.5 A g−1 Pt, which was about 193% higher than that of original Pt/GNS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The peroxynitrite/porphyrin biomimetic system was established to investigate the effects of peroxynitrite on benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) metabolism. Three model systems consisting of different iron porphyrins were compared, and the results showed that the peroxynitrite/T(p-Cl)PPFeCl system was the highest catalytic efficiency in the metabolism of B[a]P. We analyzed the B[a]P metabolites produced from this system by RP-HPLC method and firstly identified the formation of nitrobenzo[a]pyrenes which are the special metabolites of B[a]P induced by peroxynitrite. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The critical vibratory time was proposed to determine the deterioration of mechanical properties of gravel fillers. • The abrasion crushing of coarse particles is the controlling factor for degradation during vibratory compaction. • A novel geometric modeling method is developed to simulate coarse particles with different abrasion levels. • The specimens with higher abrasion limit strong force chain formation, reducing the contribution of fine particles. The research gap on the deterioration characteristics of graded gravel fillers during vibratory compaction has resulted in challenges in determining the optimal vibratory time for gravel fillers. In this paper, based on the self-developed compaction instrument, the critical vibratory time (T lp) corresponding to the inflection point of compaction mechanical was proposed to characterize the deterioration state. Then, the deteriorated-induced evolution of gravel filler based on CT image are investigated. The CT test results show that when the vibratory time exceeds T lp , the overall shape of the coarse particle remains unchanged, but their surface corners gradually undergo abrasion crushing. Next, a novel geometric modeling method is developed to simulate coarse particles with different abrasion levels by adjusting the parameter N , and as N increases, the abrasion levels of coarse particles increase. Finally, a series of compression tests are conducted with different abrasion levels of coarse particles via DEM to explore the mechanism of mechanical properties deterioration. The numerical results show that increasing N reduces both the peak strength and residual strength of the specimens, indicating decreased isotropy of contact and tangential contact force. The specimens with higher abrasion levels limit strong force chain formation, reducing the contribution of fine particles and increasing particle rotation. This study makes a significant contribution to the field of vibratory compaction quality control by providing a viable approach for a comprehensive investigation of vibratory compaction deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel quality assessment method from physical and mechanical perspectives was proposed. • The HRGA with CMC possesses desirable strength and load-bearing capacity. • The graded and water abrasion features of HRGA significantly affect the CMC. • The CMC of the HRGA can be reliably and accurately predicated using the PSO-ANN model. The Lab Vibration Compaction Method (LVCM) has been demonstrated to be the most effective method for compacting High-Speed Railway Graded Aggregate (HRGA). The Optimal Moisture Content (OMC) of LVCM is traditionally determined using the Heavy Hammer Compaction Method (HHCM). However, the differing compaction mechanisms of these two methods raise questions regarding the applicability of the OMC determined by HHCM. To address this issue, a novel assessment method was developed to evaluate the compaction quality of specimens in LVCM from both physical and mechanical perspectives (e.g., ρ dn , K rb , and K 20). Through a series of vibration compaction tests, the physical and mechanical properties of HRGA specimens were explored for various moisture contents in order to define the OMC. Additionally, three Hybrid Machine Learning (ML) models (PSO-ANN, PSO-SVM, and PSO-RF) were trained using experimentally obtained data and relevant HRGA material features to predict the OMC. The results indicate that the Critical Moisture Content (CMC) index can serve as a standard criterion for determining the OMC in LVCM and that HRGA materials with CMC possess desirable strength and load-bearing capacity. Furthermore, the experimental data suggested that graded and water abrasion features of HRGA materials significantly affect the CMC. The PSO-ANN model has the highest predictive accuracy with R2 = 0.94, MSE = 0.141, and MAE = 0.28 and the lowest uncertainty with U 95 = 1.028 and T stat = 2.816 compared to other hybrid ML models. The findings of this study hold significant implications for advancing the widespread implementation and utilization of the Lab Vibration Compaction Method (LVCM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to propose a generalizable parameter calibration framework for discrete element method (DEM) and to develop the refined dynamic compaction DEM (RDCD) model for red-bed soft rocks (RBSR), which is used to investigate the contribution of tamping weight (W) and drop distance (H) to dynamic compaction quality control. Firstly, the linear model (LM) and the linear parallel bond model (LPBM) were selected to accurately represent the dynamic behavior of RBSR based on dynamic compaction characteristics. A generalizable calibration framework for LM and LPBM contact models was further proposed. Secondly, based on the calibration framework, a series of DEM simulations, parameters significance analysis, and physical tests were conducted to accurately calibrate the contact parameters of RBSR. Finally, the RDCD model for RBSR was developed, which was used to investigate the contribution of W and H to dynamic compaction quality control from a micro perspective. All results indicated that the proposed generalizable calibration framework could provide an accurate determination of RBSR contact parameters for dynamic compaction simulation. Specially, the lightweight inversion model for LPBM parameters was developed, enabling the rapid acquisition of contact parameters for RBSR. The LM parameters of RBSR were determined directly and indirectly, which could be directly applied to various RBSR. Moreover, the shockwaves generated by a heavier tamper with a lower drop distance had longer durations and larger propagation, enhancing the compactness of the overall specimen and generating larger and more uniformly distributed strong force chains. The dynamic compaction simulation results indicated that increasing the W could enhance dynamic compaction quality control. This paper contributes to the theoretical refinement of the contribution of W and H on-site dynamic compaction quality control. • A generalizable parameter calibration framework for discrete element method. • The refined dynamic compaction DEM model for red-bed soft rocks is developed. • The contribution of W and drop distance H to dynamic compaction is investigated. • The shockwaves generated by a heavier W have longer durations and propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A graphene/silicon (Si) multilayer sandwich structures are fabricated using electron beam (EB) deposition without air exposure. The graphene and Si thin films are formed on Cu current correctors through a continuous process in high-vacuum EB chamber. Synthesized graphene should be suggested to the stacked multiple layer from Raman analysis. The fabricated multilayer films are used as anodes. In the beginning, the half-cell, which used a seven-layer of each thickness 50-nm graphene and Si film, exhibits good specific capacity retention over 1000 mA h g −1 after 30 charge/discharge cycles. The capacity value changed with the number of graphene and Si layers. In this study, the number of layers that exhibited optimal properties is seven. Morphological investigation showed a fine layer-by-layer structure. The relationship between different thicknesses of graphene and Si is investigated at 7 L. A 100-nm thickness exhibited optimal properties. Finally, the optimal 7 L and 100-nm thick graphene/Si exhibited high discharge capacitance >1600 mA h g −1 at a current density of 100 mA g −1 after 30 cycles. Initial coulombic and reversible efficiencies exceed 84%. The capacity retention (30th/1st discharge value) at 100 nm and 7 L exceeds 90%. Finally, the soft package battery is assembled by combining the fabricated graphene and Si electrode as anode, LiCoO 2 as cathode, separator and liquid electrolyte. It can be used for commercial light-emitting diode (LED) lighting even under bending status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 20 μm of a protective layer made by ZIF-8 and sodium alginate was coated on Zn foil. • Improved Zn2+ flux, insignificant zincate growth, and anti-corrosion were achieved. • Z8-SA@Zn delivered remarkable Zn2+ reversible capacity and rate capability. • ZHSC exhibited excellent cyclability above 20,000 cycles. Towards the efficient reversibility and cyclability of Zinc (Zn) plating/stripping, surface modification has been recognized as one of the straightforward strategies for Zn electrodes. In this study, 20 μm of a composite layer prepared by blending ZIF-8 and sodium alginate (SA) was uniformly coated on the Zn foil (Z8-SA@Zn) as an alternative protective layer to explore their synergistic contributions in suppressing the side reaction under the aqueous electrolyte. Benefiting from the following characteristics: (a) ionic crosslinking between SA and Zn2+, (b) improved Zn2+ flux, (c) more hydrophilic / zincophilic, and (d) chemical stability, the resulting Z8-SA@Zn revealed the remarkably anti-corrosive property, insignificant zincate growth, high Coulombic efficiency, and prolong cyclability. Encouragingly, the zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitor assembled by Z8-SA@Zn anode and commercial activated carbon cathode not only delivers an impressive rate capability (45 mAh/g at 1 mA/cm2, 37 mAh/g at 10 mA/cm2) but also achieves the excellent cycling stability (capacity retention: 91 % after 20,000 cycles at 5 mA). According to the results disclosed here, combining ZIF-8 and SA as the interfacial layer provides multifunctional features, enabling the effective protection of Zn foil. Consequently, it is rationally believed that the Z8-SA@Zn can be a promising anode material for Zn2+ storage applications. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An approach for characterizing compaction deterioration in graded aggregate fillers. • Quantifying the microstructure within graded aggregate fillers by X-CT measurement. • Revealing the deterioration micro-mechanism by particle and void evolution. • Quantifying the relationship between compaction deterioration and filler gradation. This study aims to explore the compaction deterioration micro-mechanism of high-speed railway graded aggregate (HRGA) fillers and further improve the compaction quality of HRGA fillers, contributing to improving subgrade service performance. Firstly, based on the vibratory compaction experiments, the compaction deterioration macro-characteristics of HRGA fillers with different gradations were revealed from the mechanical properties (i.e., dynamic stiffness K d and subgrade reaction modulus K 20). Secondly, X-ray Computed Tomography (X-CT) testing was conducted based on the multiple typical compaction stages selected from the K d curve. The internal microstructure (i.e., particles and voids) characteristics within HRGA fillers with different gradations were measured by high-precision image processing approaches. Finally, the evolution characteristics of K d , K 20 , and microstructure were used to reveal the compaction deterioration micro-mechanism of HRGA fillers with different gradations, and further explore the relationship between filler gradation and compaction deterioration. The results indicated that compaction deterioration characteristics of HRGA fillers with different gradations could be characterized by the inflection points of K d and K 20 curves. Besides, during compaction deterioration, particle abrasion crushing and the increase in surface edges and corners of the void reduced the stability of the skeleton structure within HRGA fillers with different gradations, resulting in a gradual decrease of K d and K 20. Furthermore, the relationship between K d , K 20 , and microstructure with gradation could be quantitatively characterized by quadratic functions. Hence, based on X-CT measurement, it was feasible to reveal the compaction deterioration mechanism of HRGA fillers from macro- and micro-perspectives. This study contributes to establishing a theoretical framework for revealing the compaction deterioration of high-speed railway subgrade fillers and improving the quality of vibratory compaction for on-site subgrade construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Type III odontoid fractures of the axis are the second most common injuries of the cervical spine. Most of these result from motor vehicle accidents and falls. Occult odontoid fractures without preceding trauma are rarely reported in the literature and may be difficult to diagnose. We report the case of a healthy patient who had no history of trauma, but sustained sudden pain in the neck and guarding during head movement after sleep. Initial radiographs of the cervical spine including open-mouth, anterior-posterior, and lateral views did not reveal any obvious fractures. Type III odontoid fracture was uneventfully diagnosed via high-quality three-dimensional reconstruction of computed tomography. The possible mechanism was hyperextension of the neck during the change from the supine to the sitting position. Type III odontoid fractures can occur in the absence of major trauma. The usefulness of computed tomography is emphasized and the literature is also reviewed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To improve the water content reduction of municipal solid waste with high water content, the operations of supplementing a hydrolytic stage prior to aerobic degradation and inoculating the bio-drying products were conducted. A ‘bio-drying index’ was used to evaluate the bio-drying performance. For the aerobic processes, the inoculation accelerated organics degradation, enhanced the lignocelluloses degradation rate by 10.4%, and lowered water content by 7.0%. For the combined hydrolytic–aerobic processes, the inoculum addition had almost no positive effect on the bio-drying efficiency, but it enhanced the lignocelluloses degradation rate by 9.6% and strengthened the acidogenesis in the hydrolytic stage. Compared with the aerobic processes, the combined processes had a higher bio-drying index (4.20 for non-inoculated and 3.67 for the inoculated trials). Moreover, the lowest final water content occurred in the combined process without inoculation (50.5% decreased from an initial 72.0%). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Ni-rich Li x Ni 0.6 Co 0.2 Mn 0.2 O 2 cathode materials were successfully synthesized and investigated with difference amount of Li excess source. • The NCM electrodes were extensively investigated through in-situ XRD, thermal calorimetry, CV, EIS and exhibited superior structural stability and electrochemical performances. • In-situ XRD studies revealed that the NCM-20 cathodes show a superior reversible structural property. • Thermal calorimetry studies showed that the NCM-20 electrodes produce less heat and has much better thermal stability. In this study we investigated the effect of the Li-excess on electrochemical properties of Li x Ni 0.6 Co 0.2 Mn 0.2 O 2 cathode materials, which was obtained by sintering Ni 0.6 Co 0.2 Mn 0.2 (OH) 2 with a various amounts of LiOH (samples with Li-excesses of 5, 10, 20, and 25 mol% are denoted herein as NCM-5, NCM-10, NCM-20, and NCM-25, respectively). The Li x Ni 0.6 Co 0.2 Mn 0.2 O 2 samples retained their excellent crystalline ordering in the rhombohedral layered structure, with the space group R3-m. When the Li-excess increased, Rietveld refinement revealed that cation mixing occurred, the lattice parameters decreased, the transition metal slab thickness increased, and the inter-slab Li space thickness decreased. Nevertheless, an appropriate degree of cation mixing could retain the structural stability and improve the rate capability of the electrodes. It was found that the sample containing the 20 mol% Li-excess (NCM-20) achieved the best cyclic stability, with a capacity retention of 90% at a current rate of 1C/1C for 200 cycles between 2.8 and 4.5 V at room temperature. In situ X-ray diffraction confirmed the greater stability of the crystal phase and physical structure of NCM-20 upon initial cycling. In operando microcalorimetry revealed that the thermal stability of NCM-20 was greater than that of the other cathode materials; it exhibited markedly less heat-generated flux and prevented thermal runaway. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A method for multi-parameter compaction quality testing of railway subgrade. • Revealing the key controlling factor of deterioration in HRGG by X-CT experiment. • Calibrating the contact parameters of the DEM model by physical experiments. • Revealing microscopic deterioration mechanisms of HRGG by DEM Simulation. This study aims to explore the impact mechanism of the vibratory compaction deterioration in high-speed railway graded gravel (HRGG) fillers, which can contribute to the control compaction quality and enhance the service performance of subgrade. Firstly, vibratory compaction experiments were conducted with HRGG fillers using the intelligent vibratory compactor to reveal the vibratory compaction deterioration from the evolution of the dry density ρ d , dynamic stiffness K rd. Secondly, X-ray computed tomography (X-CT) scan tests were conducted with the fillers of different compaction stages. Then, the evolution of coarse particle shape characteristics was obtained to reveal the key controlling factor of compaction deterioration. Finally, the high-precision 3D vibratory compaction discrete element method (DEM) models were established for different deterioration degrees. The micro-indicators, such as the coordination number, contact force chains, and fabric anisotropy were investigated to explore the inherent relationship between the compaction deterioration and the key controlling factor. The results showed that the K rd gradually decreased at the compaction deterioration. Additionally, it was found that the key controlling factor for compaction deterioration was the abrasion of coarse particles. From the DEM simulations with different compaction deterioration degrees (CDDS), the dynamic stiffness K rd decreased with increasing CDDS , which was consistent with the results of the vibratory compaction experiments. Moreover, it was observed that the micro-indicators exhibited a decreasing trend with increasing CDDS , indicating a decrease in the ability of coarse particles to wrap fine particles and particles interlocking, which disrupts the ability of the particle skeleton to withstand external loads. This study not only provides a novel approach to investigate the deterioration mechanism during vibratory compaction but also establishes a new theoretical basis for the controlling compaction quality of HRGG fillers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A combined synthesis method (sol-gel/ball-mill/spray-dry) to prepare LiFePO 4 /C composite materials. • 1D VGCF additive enhanced the electron conductivity and rate capability relative to others. • In-situ XRD and Raman study confirms the phase tarnsition ability LiFePO 4 /C/VGCF composite. • LiFePO 4 /C/VGCF exhibited fast phase conversion rate than the LiFePO 4 /C. In this study, we demonstrate the effect of adding one-dimensional (1D) vapor-grown carbon fiber (VGCF) as a carbon additive to increase the electronic conductivity of LiFePO 4 cathode. Because, the 1D VGCF structure can provide rapid and long-pathways for electron transfer and regulate a better phase transition effect on LiFePO 4 cathode compared to the other-dimensional carbon additives. Here, the olivine-type LiFePO 4 /C composite (LFP/C) cathode is basically derived from a sol-gel method, followed by a spray-dry technique to obtain a homogenous spherical morphology. The carbon additives of 0D super P, 1D VGCF and 2D or 3D porous reduced graphene oxide (PGO) nanosheets containing cathodes-based, such as bare LFP/C, LFP/C/VGCF and LFP/C/PGO, half-cells were fabricated and tested at a cut-off voltage of 2.0 – 3.8 V (vs. Li/Li+). Interestingly, the LFP/C/VGCF showed better performance than the bare LFP/C and LFP/C/PGO. Especially at high-rate cycle-life, the LFP/C/VGCF cathode attained capacity retention of 100% for 100 cycles at 1C/1C and 98.83% for 100 cycles at 1C/10C. It is due to the higher electronic conductivity (ca. 2.36 × 10−4 S cm−1) and Li+ ion diffusion coefficient (ca. 2.56 × 10−13 cm2 s−1) of LFP/C/VGCF cathode than the other electrodes. It can also provide better reversibility in a phase transition of LiFePO 4 /FePO 4 phases during the charge/discharge cycle, further confirmed by in-situ XRD and micro-Raman techniques. The results indicated that the LFP/C/VGCF cathode displayed much faster kinetics behavior than bare LFP/C cathode. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the effect of self-talk on softball throwing performance. Additionally, two moderators, nature of self-talk and type of motor task, as well as a potential mediator of self-efficacy were examined. Deign: An experimental, within-subjects, and counterbalanced design. Methods: Forty-two senior high students (mean age = 17.48 ± 0.55) were instructed to use instructional, motivational, and unrelated self-talk with counterbalanced order prior to softball throwing for accuracy and distance tasks. Results: Both instructional and motivational self-talk conditions had better performance than unrelated self-talk on softball throwing accuracy, whereas motivational self-talk had better performance than both instructional and unrelated self-talk in softball throwing for distance. Results for self-efficacy were similar, with self-efficacy for accuracy performance higher in both instructional and motivational self-talk conditions than with unrelated self-talk, while self-efficacy was highest in the motivational self-talk condition and lowest with unrelated self-talk. Significant correlations between self-efficacy and motor performance were also found with both tasks. Conclusion: These findings partially support the task-matching hypothesis, confirm the moderator role of type of self-talk and task type, suggest that self-efficacy has a mediator role, and provide direction for self-talk effectiveness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We derived a dressing using elastic rubber bands to tie over the skin graft. This is a simple, easy to perform, timesaving, inexpensive and reliable method for applying pressure over the skin graft compared with traditional methods. Between September 2002 and August 2004, we have used the present dressing technique in 35 patients with 36 grafts in various parts of the body. We chose this method, because of some anatomic areas, such as back, and buttock, which are frequently quite difficult to maintain pressure dressings in place, minimal movement can cause the skin graft to dislodge. The elastic rubber bands, rather than threads, are used as tie-over. Such a dressing permits expansion and contraction, providing a dynamic quality in the most difficult anatomic locations. The patient group consisted of 23 males and 12 females. The age ranged from 34 to 82 years (mean 52.4 years). Defect size ranged from 3×2.5 to 30×20cm2 (mean 11.2×7.0cm2 in size). The average follow-up was 5.8 months (range: 1–12 months). Among the 36 grafts in our study, all grafts except four showed good to excellent results. The mean graft successful rate is 88%. With our procedure no hematoma formation or shearing force (except one case) occurred in this group of patients during the phase of revascularization, there was, hence, good fixation of the graft by the “tie-over” dressing using elastic rubber bands compared with conventional tie-over dressing, especially in skin grafts of the back site of body and at large graft area. However, it is not suitable for the potentially infectious granulation beds, especially near joint area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]