Three-Dimensional X-ray Observation of Atmospheric Biological Samples by Linear-Array Scanning-Electron Generation X-ray Microscope System

Recently, we developed a soft X-ray microscope called the scanning-electron generation X-ray microscope (SGXM), which consists of a simple X-ray detection system that detects X-rays emitted from the interaction between a scanning electron beam (EB) and the thin film of the sample mount. We present herein a three-dimensional (3D) X-ray detection system that is based on the SGXM technology and designed for studying atmospheric biological samples. This 3D X-ray detection system contains a linear X-ray photodiode (PD) array. The specimens are placed under a CuZn-coated Si3N4 thin film, which is attached to an atmospheric sample holder. Multiple tilt X-ray images of the samples are detected simultaneously by the linear array of X-ray PDs, and the 3D structure is calculated by a new 3D reconstruction method that uses a simulated-annealing algorithm. The resulting 3D models clearly reveal the inner structure of the bacterium. In addition, the proposed method can easily be used for diverse samples in a broad range of scientific fields

Effects of music therapy on facial expression of individuals with Parkinson’s disease: a pilot study

Neurological degeneration associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) affects the verbal as well as the nonverbal communicative potential of individuals diagnosed with PD. Communicating with significant others is crucial to quality of life and maintaining healthy and satisfying relationships. Evidence indicates that Music Therapy (MT) improves communication in a range of neurologically impaired populations; however there is no research that has studied its effect on the facial expressions of PD patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of group music therapy on facial expression in individuals with PD.Ten patients diagnosed with PD were recruited from a large demographic study at the Haukeland Hospital Rehabilitation Centre in Bergen, Norway. Two groups, with five individuals each group, met once a week for a 60 minute music therapy session for 20 weeks. Facial expressions were measured using the Facial Action Coding System (FACS) tool, and the facial mobility and engagement evaluation. FACS results were measured twice by different observers to ensure stability (interrater reliability) of findings.Interrater reliability was found at ICC = 0.89. A large effect size was found in facial expression between pre- and post-test measurements taken during singing (ES = 0.9). A large effect size was found in both sets of data (singing and speaking) (ES = 0.8). A moderate effect size was found in facial expression between pre- and post-test measurements taken during speaking (ES = 0.5). We conclude that this MT program was found successful in significantly enhancing facial expression in individuals with PD