Funding informationNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada; Fonds de recherche du Québec -Nature et technologies Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/iron oxide magnetic nanoparticle (NP) composites with tailored mechanical properties are prepared for use in magnetically actuated soft devices based on their controlled deformation by the application of an external magnetic field. This investigation reports the synthesis and functionalization of iron oxide NPs, the preparation of the PDMS/NP composites, the evaluation of NP dispersion using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy, and the mechanical characterization of the composite films. Characterization includes rheological measurements as well as stress-strain curves to obtain the Young modulus and elongation at break. SEM is used to probe individual NP dispersion, whereas optical microscopy provides rapid access to quantitative information about the size and distribution of particle aggregates. Results for nonfunctionalized (nf), oleic acid (OA)coated, and stearic acid (SA)-coated iron oxide NPs and their blends are presented.PDMS elastomers containing both OA-and SA-coated iron oxide NPs are found to have very low Young moduli with substantially higher resistance to failure than neat PDMS. For example, a formulation containing 2.5 wt% OA-coated NPs and 2.5 wt% SA-coated iron oxide NPs has a modulus of 0.15 MPa (compared with 0.24 MPa for neat PDMS), while it can withstand an elongation of about 1.5 times its initial length compared with only 0.3 times for neat PDMS. As a comparison, the modulus of the most commonly used commercial PDMS elastomer (Sylgard 184) is an order of magnitude higher than that of the composites prepared here, whereas maximum elongation is similar for the two. The formulations developed in this work could be used in applications where high deformability is required with limited magnetic field strength and/or NP loading. K E Y W O R D S iron oxide, mechanical properties, polydimethylsiloxane, surface treatment

Background: Autogenic training is a relaxation technique that uses systematic exercises to induce a general disconnection of the organism. It is used in conjunction with conventional medical care as part of disease management to relieve symptoms associated with chronic health problems and to improve well-being. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the efficacy of autogenic training on psychological well-being, quality of life, and adverse effects in people living with chronic physical health problems. Methods: The methodology used follows the recommendations of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Studies, published up to December 31, 2019, will be identified through searches in the following databases: MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, SCOPUS, PsychINFO, CINAHL, EBM Reviews, Google Scholar, Dissertations & Theses Global, Open Access Theses and Dissertations, OpenGrey, E-Theses Online Service, Grey Literature Report, eScholarship@McGill, Papyrus, and CorpusUL. All studies of randomized controlled trials that assess autogenic training as an intervention to improve psychological well-being and quality of life in adults aged 18 and older living with one or more chronic physical health problem will be considered eligible. The study selection, the data collection, and the evaluation of the risk of bias will be conducted independently and in duplicate by two reviewers. RoB 2 tool will be used to assess the risk of bias. Discrepancies will be resolved through discussion. A tabular and narrative synthesis of data is planned, and a meta-analysis will be done according to the quality of data. The primary outcomes will be general psychological distress, depression, and anxiety, and the secondary outcomes will be quality of life and adverse effects. The present protocol of systematic review is reporting following MECIR standards for the reporting of protocols and the PRISMA-P recommendations.

We report the development of a new family of deformable mirrors using soft polymeric membranes with embedded magnetic nanoparticles. We measure the performance metrics of such membranes under the influence of voice coil actuators.