bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Voxel‐based quantitative susceptibility mapping in Parkinson's disease with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Uchida Yuto , Kan Hirohito , Sakurai Keita , Arai Nobuyuki , Kato Daisuke , Kawashima Shoji , Ueki Yoshino , Matsukawa Noriyuki 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectiveBrain iron accumulation has been proposed as one of the pathomechanisms in Parkinson's disease (PD). This study aimed to examine the whole‐brain pattern of iron accumulation associated with cognitive impairment in patients with PD using voxel‐based quantitative susceptibility mapping analysis.MethodsWe enrolled 24 patients with PD and mild cognitive impairment, 22 patients with PD and normal cognition, and 20 age‐matched healthy controls in this cross‐sectional study. All participants underwent global cognitive and physical assessments and brain MRI. Using a combined method of voxel‐based morphometry and quantitative susceptibility mapping, we compared the voxel‐wise magnetic susceptibility of the whole brain between the groups and analyzed its correlation with the cognitive and behavioral data.ResultsThe PD and mild cognitive impairment group had lower Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score than the PD and normal cognition and healthy control groups. There were no gray matter volumetric differences between the groups. In contrast, the voxel‐based quantitative susceptibility mapping analysis showed that the PD and mild cognitive impairment group had significantly higher quantitative susceptibility mapping values in the cuneus, precuneus, caudate head, fusiform gyrus, and orbitofrontal cortex than did the PD and normal cognition group. These quantitative susceptibility mapping values were negatively correlated with the MoCA scores in the PD patients (cuneus: r = −0.510, P < .001; caudate head: r = −0.458, P = 0.002).ConclusionsThis study suggests that cognitive impairment in PD is associated with cerebral iron burden and highlights the potential of quantitative susceptibility mapping as an auxiliary biomarker for early evaluation of cognitive decline in patients with PD. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Using femtosecond laser processing quartz glass microchannel sample cell
Authors: Wang Fubin , Liu Mengzhu , Huo Xiaotong , Chen Lei , Chen Jianxiong 
Published: May 2019

AbstractTo improve the intensity and reliability of the emission fluorescence spectrum signal of petroleum pollutant samples, we designed multiple microchannel sample pools to replace traditional sample pool with square section. First, the microchannel structure of the sample pool was designed. Second, we analyzed the pulse intensity distribution and laser ablation volume (LAV) of a femtosecond laser. Then, based on the LAV, we tested the oblique motion of the laser focus at a 45° angle combined with the change in laser power, ablated a specific length region on the quartz glass surface, and indirectly determined the processed depth of the hole inside the quartz glass. Finally, using quartz glasses of 2, 5, and 10 mm in thickness as substrates, we separately varied the processing speed in the x‐direction, feed rate in the y‐direction, and laser output power of the laser processing platform, and obtained the shape‐structure of the microchannel inside the quartz glass under different processing parameter combinations. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method is effective at processing a specific hole depth inside the quartz glass. Experiments show that the sample cell can be used for comparative detection of fluorescence signals.
Integrating local knowledge to prioritise invasive species management
Authors: Caceres‐Escobar Hernan , Kark Salit , Atkinson Scott C. , Possingham Hugh P. , Davis Katrina J. 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Invasive species management involves complex and multidimensional challenges. There is considerable uncertainty regarding how to identify management strategies that will achieve invasive species control to enhance biodiversity, local economies and human well‐being. Invasive species management on inhabited islands is especially challenging, often due to perceived socio‐political risks and unexpected technical difficulties.

Failing to incorporate local knowledge and local perspectives in the early stages of planning can compromise the ability of decision makers to achieve long‐lasting conservation outcomes. Hence, engaging the community and accounting for stakeholder perceptions are essential for invasive species management, yet, these processes are often overlooked as they can be perceived as too difficult to implement, too costly and/or too slow for management timeframes.

To address this gap, we present an application of invasive species management based on structured decision‐making, and INFFER—a cost‐benefit analysis tool—on Minjerribah‐North Stradbroke Island (Australia). We assessed the cost‐effectiveness of six management scenarios, co‐developed with local land managers and community groups, aimed at preserving the environmental and cultural significance of the island by eradicating European red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and feral cats (Felis catus). Information was collected in a survey that elicited local stakeholders' perspectives regarding the significance of the Island, their perception of the benefits of the proposed management scenarios, funding requirements, technical feasibility of implementation and socio‐political risk.

We found that low budgets achieve less cost‐effective results than higher budgets. The best strategy focussed on controlling the European red foxes on Minjerribah. However, our results also highlight the need for more research on feral cat management.

This work demonstrates how to use a structured decision support tool, such as INFFER, to assess contesting management strategies. Using appropriate decision support tools is particularly important when stakeholders' perceptions regarding management outcomes are heterogeneous and uncertain.
Poly(9‐undecyl‐9‐methyl‐fluorene) and poly(9‐pentadecyl‐9‐methyl‐fluorene): Synthesis, solution structure, and effect of side chain asymmetry on aggregation behavior
Authors: Knaapila Matti , Stewart Beverly , Garamus Vasil M. , Ramos M. Luísa , Cruz Pedro F. , Brito Rui M. M. , Justino Lícinia L. G. , Fausto Rui , Napierala Connor , Forster Michael , Burrows Hugh D. , Scherf Ullrich 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTWe report on solution aggregates and backbone conformation of poly(9‐undecyl‐9‐methyl‐fluorene) (PF1‐11) and poly(9‐pentadecyl‐9‐methyl‐fluorene) (PF1‐15), having two different side chains compared with poly(9,9‐dihexylfluorene) (PF6) and poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene) (PF8) with two identical side chains. In the poor solvent methylcyclohexane (MCH), X‐ray scattering indicates that PF1‐11 and PF1‐15 appear as three‐dimensional aggregates (5–10 nm wide and thick), forming ribbon‐like agglomerates (correlation lengths of 100 nm). PF6 and PF8 appear as two‐dimensional aggregates (>10 nm wide and 2–3 nm thick) involving ribbon‐like agglomerates (correlation lengths much greater than 100 nm). Upon heating, all aggregates undergo a gel–sol transition which occurs at lower temperatures for PF1‐11 and PF1‐15 (<60°C) than for PF6 and PF8 (>80°C). In the good solvent toluene, PF1‐11 and PF1‐15 form networks of cylindrical particles. The mesh size and the cylinder radius are smaller in 24°C toluene (60 nm, 0.5 nm) than in 60°C MCH (300 nm, 1–2 nm). Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra in toluene‐d8 together with density functional theory calculations suggest higher torsion angles between polymer repeat units for PF6, PF8, and PF1‐11 (less planar conformation) and a gauche arrangement of the dihedral angles between the bridge carbon atom and the side chain methylene groups in PF1‐15. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 826–837
Highlights from the 2018 North American cystic fibrosis conference
Authors: Martiniano Stacey L. , Daines Cori L. , Dellon Elisabeth P. , Esther Charles R. , Muhlebach Marianne S. , Ong Thida , Rabinowitz Elliot C. , Toprak Demet , Zemanick Edith T. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe 32nd annual North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference was held in Denver, CO on Oct. 18 to 20, 2018. This review highlights presentations in several topic areas, including the pathophysiology and basic science of cystic fibrosis lung disease, clinical trials, clinical care, and quality improvement. Citations from the conference are by first author and abstract or symposium number, as designated in the previously published supplement.
Effects of inspiratory muscle training on respiratory muscle strength, lung function, functional capacity and cardiac autonomic function in Parkinson's disease: Randomized controlled clinical trial protocol
Authors: Montero Ferro Alyne , P. Basso‐Vanelli Renata , Moreira Mello Roberta Lorena , Sanches Garcia‐Araujo Adriana , Gonçalves Mendes Renata , Costa Dirceu , Gianlorenço Anna Carolyna 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundIndividuals with Parkinson's disease (PD), in addition to motor impairment, may evolve with respiratory and autonomic nervous system disorders. Currently, there are few studies with emphasis on muscle and pulmonary dysfunction and that verify the benefits of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in this population.AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate whether IMT is effective for the improvement of respiratory muscle strength, lung function, thoracic mobility, functional capacity and cardiac autonomic function in PD.MethodsA randomized and controlled trial will be conducted with 26 participants with idiopathic PD, with aged between 50 and 65 years, in the Stages I to III by the Modified Hoehn and Yahr Scale. Respiratory muscle strength will be performed by manovacuometry and lung function by spirometry. Functional capacity will be evaluated by the 6‐min walk test and autonomic cardiac function by heart rate variability. In addition, thoracic mobility measurement will also be performed. After the evaluations, these participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: the IMT group with Powerbreathe®, which will perform the eight series of 2 min each, with 1 min of rest between them, totaling 30 min, at 60% of the maximum inspiratory pressure and the control group, who will perform the same training protocol but with the load maintained at 9 cmH2O. All participants will be submitted to the same motor training protocol.ConclusionIt is expected that IMT increases the inspiratory muscle strength, contributing to the improved expiratory muscle strength, lung function, thoracic mobility, functional capacity and cardiac autonomic function in individuals with mild to moderate PD.
Psychometric properties of clock and pelvic drawings in Parkinson's disease: A validity and cross‐sectional study
Authors: Abraham Amit , Wright Gene N. , Morrison Margaret W. , Hart Ariel , Dickstein Ruth , Hackney Madeleine E. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectivesParkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by visuospatial and body schema deficits. People with PD often exhibit hypometric movements and graphic hypometria (i.e., small drawing dimensions). The goal of the current study was to explore graphic‐metric representation in people with PD by assessing pelvic and clock drawing dimensions (i.e., height and width) and by investigating associations between pelvic drawing dimensions and participant characteristics.MethodsTwenty people (16 males, 4 females; M age: 65.75 ± 10.13 years) with idiopathic PD (Hoehn &Yahr Stages I–III) volunteered to participate in this study. Draw Your Pelvis and Clock Drawing tests were used for assessing drawing dimensions, which were then correlated with PD severity, stage and duration, cognitive level, side of symptoms onset, and pelvic schema score. Bivariate and multiple linear regression analyses were also used.ResultsExcellent (.844–.999) interrater reliability was shown for measuring pelvic and clock drawing dimensions. Pelvic drawing dimensions did not significantly (P > .05) differ in magnitude, whereas clock drawing height was significantly (p < .01) greater than width, both suggesting graphic dysmetria (i.e., distorted graphic dimensions). Pelvic drawing width was negatively associated with PD severity and stage, was positively associated with pelvic schema score, and predicted all three parameters.ConclusionMeasuring pelvic drawing dimensions, and specifically pelvic drawing width, holds potential as an adjunct diagnostic measure in PD assessments and for detecting pelvic schema deficits or misperceptions. This test can be used by physical therapists in the clinic for assessing disease severity, stage, and pelvic schema in people with PD. The knowledge gained from this study contributes to a greater understanding of graphic‐metric representation and associated deficits in people with PD. Future studies should explore the relationship between pelvic drawing dimensions and pelvic mentally imaged estimates, and their role in motor planning, control, and execution in people with PD.
Molecular dynamics simulation of tropomyosin bound to actins/myosin in the closed and open states
Authors: Zheng Wenjun , Wen Han 
Published: May 2019

AbstractTropomyosin (Tpm) is a dimeric coiled‐coil protein that binds to filamentous actin, and regulates actin‐myosin interaction by moving between three positions corresponding to the blocked, closed, and open states. To elucidate how Tpm undergoes transitions between these functional states, we have built structural models and conducted extensive molecular dynamics simulations of the Tpm‐actins/myosin complex in the closed and open states (total simulation time >1.4 μs). Based on the simulation trajectories, we have analyzed the dynamics and energetics of a truncated Tpm interacting with actins/myosin under the physiological conditions. Our simulations have shown distinct dynamics of four Tpm periods (P3‐P6), featuring pronounced biased fluctuations of P4 and P5 toward the open position in the closed state, which is consistent with a conformational selection mechanism for Tpm‐regulated myosin binding. Additionally, we have identified key residues of Tpm specifically binding to actins/myosin in the closed and open state. Some of them were validated as functionally important in comparison with past functional/clinical studies, and the rest will make promising targets for future mutational experiments.
In Situ Visualization of Interfacial Sodium Transport and Electrochemistry between Few‐Layer Phosphorene
Authors: Zhu Chongyang , Shao Ruiwen , Chen Shulin , Cai Ran , Wu Yi , Yao Libing , Xia Weiwei , Nie Meng , Sun Litao , Gao Peng , Xin Huolin L. , Xu Feng 
Published: May 2019

AbstractFor rechargeable batteries, ionic transport within the electrode materials is a critical process that controls the rate capability and energy efficiency of the battery. Despite substantial studies, the atomistic observation of the interfacial ionic transport and electrochemical reactions occurring between the solid‐state electrodes is lacking. Here, in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is used to deliberately design an unusual sample configuration, enabling dynamic observation of the sodium ionic transport within a single‐crystal nanostructure and between different few‐layer phosphorene nanosheets. An unhindered and reversible ionic shuttling between few‐layer phosphorene is directly observed in real time. In addition, it is found that sodium transport kinetics are closely related to the interface orientation and the intimate contact between solid electrodes plays a significant role in inhibiting dendrite growth. Furthermore, by fast TEM imaging with ≈40 ms resolution a unique stripe‐like sodium transport behavior is observed in phosphorene, and the multiple sodium ionic transport pathways at the interfaces with atomic spatial resolution are revealed. This work may supply enlightening insights into understanding the solid–solid interfacial electrochemistry between electrode materials.
Kinetically Favorable Vapor–Adsorbate–Solid Growth of Rutile Nanowires
Authors: Xie Dong Yue , Lin Ming‐hui , Zhou Wei , Wang Jian , Zhu Guo‐zhen 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe vapor‐based synthesis of nanowires, particularly vapor–liquid–solid growth and its variants, is an undoubtedly promising method for fabricating high‐quality silicon‐based and group III–V semiconductors. However, the assembly of oxide nanowires has limited success while adopting these methods. Herein, a simple and scalable approach is developed to synthesize single‐crystal oxide nanowires with controllable morphology. Using titanium oxide as the model system for validation, this approach emphasizes the essential role of the surface characteristic of the seed for the space‐confined growth of nanowires. The shape and growth directions of nanowires can be additionally tailored by using bimetallic seeds, with compositional segregations and dissimilar surface characteristics. Since the source material has the same thermodynamic conditions as the produced nanowires within a closed vessel, the results suggest that the growth of nanowires can be dominated by the kinetic enrichment at seed surfaces or referred to as kinetically favorable vapor–adsorbate–solid growth. While identifying the key thermodynamic and kinetic parameters during growth, this approach is applicable for a wide range of materials.
Lab‐Scale In Situ X‐Ray Diffraction Technique for Different Battery Systems: Designs, Applications, and Perspectives
Authors: Xia Maoting , Liu Tingting , Peng Na , Zheng Runtian , Cheng Xing , Zhu Haojie , Yu Haoxiang , Shui Miao , Shu Jie 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn order to meet the growing demands of electric vehicles and portable devices, the electrochemical performance of rechargeable batteries is required to be further optimized. Above all, it is of vital importance to understand the reaction mechanism of batteries under working states, which requires a direct observation of the complicated reaction process. Thus, in situ X‐ray diffraction (XRD) techniques have been employed in the charge and discharge process to realize real‐time monitoring and provide on‐site information of structural evolutions and phase transitions within electrode materials. In this review, a detailed summary of lab‐scale in situ X‐ray diffraction techniques is given and compared with in situ synchrotron XRD at the same time. First, four typical in situ reaction mechanisms are presented and their distinctive characteristics are introduced in detail. Second, the practical applications of in situ X‐ray diffraction in different battery systems are described with examples after extensive collections. In addition, the design of in situ cells and some noteworthy experimental details in actual testing are also mentioned. Finally, the further development direction of in situ X‐ray diffraction techniques is well prospected.
Multifunctional Nickel Film Protected n‐Type Silicon Photoanode with High Photovoltage for Efficient and Stable Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Luo Zhibin , Liu Bin , Li Huimin , Chang Xiaoxia , Zhu Wenjin , Wang Tuo , Gong Jinlong 
Published: May 2019

Abstractn‐type silicon (n‐Si) is a promising photoanode candidate for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. However, severe chemical corrosion, sluggish reaction kinetics as well as extremely low photovoltage are critical limitations hampering its PEC performance. This paper describes the introduction of a metallic nickel (Ni) thin film as a multifunctional layer that 1) forms a Schottky junction to extract a high photovoltage, 2) provides an electrocatalytic surface for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and 3) protects Si against corrosion. Upon introducing a high‐quality Al2O3 tunneling layer to optimize the Si/Ni interface and loading nickel oxide hydroxide to further accelerate the OER, this metal–insulator–semiconductor junction photoanode achieves a record high photovoltage of 640 mV and energy conversion efficiency of 3% in n‐Si based photoanodes without np or np+ buried homojunction, yielding an air mass 1.5G photocurrent density of ≈28 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode) for oxygen evolution in alkaline solution with a stability of more than 80 h.
Vacuum Filtration‐and‐Transfer Technique Helps Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance to Reveal Accurate Charge Storage in Supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Qingnuan , Levi Mikhael D. , Chai Yinguang , Zhang Xu , Xiao Dewei , Dou Qingyun , Ma Pengjun , Ji Hengxing , Yan Xingbin 
Published: May 2019

AbstractElectrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) can be used to study the charge storage mechanisms of supercapacitors because of its excellent accuracy in mass change, and a homogeneous and ultrathin sample coating is strongly required for accurate measurement. However, it is difficult to obtain such a coating by the frequently used methods. Here a vacuum filtration‐and‐transfer (VFT) technique is reported to achieve this target. To prove the universality of this method, six materials with different dimensions are selected as research objects, and they are prepared into test films on quartz by VFT method and well‐used spray method for EQCM measurements, respectively. The results show that the VFT method can eliminate the influence caused by inhomogeneity of the films, which is beneficial for clearly distinguishing the rigid model from the viscoelastic model. This method helps EQCM to reflect more precise quality change as well as deformation of the material itself. Consequently, it makes EQCM more reliable to describe the energy storage mechanisms of various electrode materials.
Educating sonographers in attributes of “breaking bad news” to foster positive emotional well‐being
Authors: Maranna Sandhya 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAlthough physicians have the primary role of communicating bad news to patients, emergency care personnel, nurses, midwives, and sonographers encounter this situation increasingly in their routine work. There is an inherent expectation that delivering bad news is intuitive and can be developed with experience. Contrary to the belief, there is mounting evidence to suggest that difficult communication is a complex skill, which can be taught. Insufficient or no training is a significant barrier in effective communication and can lead to burnout. The study aimed to identify common barriers of breaking bad news and to determine attributes to overcome them, in allied health, nursing, and sonography literature. A narrative literature review was undertaken. Keywords search of MEDLINE database and manual keyword search of articles published in English was performed. Review methods were data extraction and comparative analysis of 12 published articles. Descriptive analysis of 12 articles revealed three themes of interest: (1) impact of breaking bad news on staff, (2) perceived difficulties/barriers for breaking bad news, and (3) developing attributes that help in communicating bad news. Articles analysed suggest that communicating bad news is a complex skill and indicates an adequate training to empower the informer and to offer better patient care.