Structural refinement and electrochemical properties of one dimensional (ZnO NRs)1-x(CNs )x functional hybrids for serotonin sensing studies

Herein, the efficient serotonin (5-HT) sensing studies have been conducted using the (ZnO NRs) 1−x(CNs) x nanocomposites (NCs) having appropriate structural and electrochemical properties. Initially, the different compositions of ZnO nanorods (NRs), with varying content of carbon nanostructures (CNs=MWCNTs and RGO), are prepared using simple in-situ wet chemical method and thereafter these NCs have been characterized for physico-chemical properties in correlation to the 5-HT sensing activity. XRD Rietveld refinement studies reveal the hexagonal Wurtzite ZnO NRs oriented in (101) direction with space group ‘P6 3mc’ and both orientation as well as phase of ZnO NRs are also retained in the NCs due to the small content of CNs. The interconnectivity between the ZnO NRs with CNs through different functional moieties is also studied using FTIR analysis; while phases of the constituents are confirmed through Raman analysis. FESEM images of the bare/NCs show hexagonal shaped rods with higher aspect ratio (4.87) to that of others. BET analysis and EIS measurements reveal the higher surface area (97.895 m 2/g), lower charge transfer resistance (16.2 kΩ) for the ZCNT 0.1 NCs to that of other NCs or bare material. Thereafter, the prepared NCs are deposited on the screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE) using chitosan as cross-linked agent for 5-HT sensing studies; conducted through cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) measurements. Among the various composites, ZCNT0.1 NCs based electrodes exhibit higher sensing activity towards 5-HT in accordance to its higher surface area, lower particle size and lower charge transfer resistance. SWV measurements provide a wide linear response range (7.5–300 μM); lower limit of detection (0.66 μM), excellent limit of quantification (2.19 μM) and good reproducibility to ZCNT 0.1 NCs as compared to others for 5-HT sensing studies

Biomarkers in motor neuron disease: A state of the art review

Motor neuron disease can be viewed as an umbrella term describing a heterogeneous group of conditions, all of which are relentlessly progressive and ultimately fatal. The average life expectancy is 2 years, but with a broad range of months to decades. Biomarker research deepens disease understanding through exploration of pathophysiological mechanisms which, in turn, highlights targets for novel therapies. It also allows differentiation of the disease population into sub-groups, which serves two general purposes: (a) provides clinicians with information to better guide their patients in terms of disease progression, and (b) guides clinical trial design so that an intervention may be shown to be effective if population variation is controlled for. Biomarkers also have the potential to provide monitoring during clinical trials to ensure target engagement. This review highlights biomarkers that have emerged from the fields of systemic measurements including biochemistry (blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine analysis); imaging and electrophysiology, and gives examples of how a combinatorial approach may yield the best results. We emphasize the importance of systematic sample collection and analysis, and the need to correlate biomarker findings with detailed phenotype and genotype data

Speech Network Regional Differences in Bulbar Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Neuroimaging and Neuropathology Investigations

Bulbar ALS has devastating consequences on survival and quality of life, and may be linked to increased burden of extramotor deficits. This dissertation is comprised of three studies addressing the goal of better understanding the neural anatomical underpinnings of bulbar Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) with a particular focus on the cortical speech network (SpN). The work has significant impact on ALS subtyping which is crucial for understanding disease pathogenesis, and clinical implications for diagnosis, prognosis, and recruitment into clinical trials. The first study characterized structural abnormalities in the SpN regions with relation to bulbar motor dysfunction using T1 and DTI neuroimaging in 16 patients with bulbar ALS. The results revealed left-lateralized differences in extramotor SpN regions with thinning in left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and diffusivity abnormalities underlying left primary auditory cortex (PAC) and posterior superior temporal gyrus (pSTG). Greater bulbar motor dysfunction was associated with greater structural abnormalities in selected SpN regions, while limb and disease severity were not. The second study systematically reviewed and compared published neuropathology data between bulbar-onset ALS (bALS) and spinal-onset ALS (sALS) in order to distinguish bulbar from spinal ALS. Neuropathology in IFG and pSTG were variable in bALS cases, however consistently spared in sALS. A subset of bALS cases also showed widespread tauopathy. Study three compared the anatomic distribution and types of neuropathology between 3 groups, namely: 3 bALS cases, 3 sALS with antemortem bulbar dysfunction (sALSwB), and 3 sALS without antemortem bulbar dysfunction (sALSnoB). SpN regions were most severely and extensively affected in the bALS cases, followed by sALSwB cases. Neuropathology in SpN regions was absent in sALSnoB cases. Two of the three bALS cases presented with atypical proteinopathy. Findings from the studies suggested that cortical SpN may be exclusively affected in bulbar ALS. The extent and severity of damage in SpN regions may be related to the severity of bulbar motor disease. Further, bALS may be associated with unique morphology and co-existing proteinopathy.Ph.D

Articulatory Compensation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Tongue and Jaw in Speech

This study investigated range, maximum speed, and duration of tongue and jaw movements in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS; n=26) and healthy controls (n=16). The study objectives were to examine tongue and jaw movements and their interactions at varying stages of bulbar impairment. The patient group was classified based on the severity of bulbar impairment, via the measure of speaking rate. Kinematic measures were obtained from a sentence produced at individual's comfortable speaking rate and loudness. With ALS, the jaw movements decreased in maximum speed at a later stage of disease compared to the tongue. A positive correlation between range of tongue and jaw movements was observed at an early stage of disease. This correlation was lost at a later stage. Changes in jaw movements may be a compensatory response to tongue impairment. The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of disease progression and speech preservation in ALS.M.Sc

Lithium-Ion Capacitor Safety Testing for Commercial Application

The lithium-ion capacitor (LIC) is a recent innovation in the area of electrochemical energy storage that hybridizes lithium-ion battery anode material and an electrochemical double layer capacitor cathode material as its electrodes. The high power compared to batteries and higher energy compared to capacitors has made it a promising energy-storage device for powering hand-held and portable electronic systems/consumer electronics, hybrid electric vehicles, and electric vehicles. The swelling and gassing of the LIC when subjected to abuse conditions is still a critical issue concerning the safe application in power electronics and commercial devices. However, it is imperative to carry out a thorough investigation that characterizes the safe operation of LICs. We investigated and studied the safety of LIC for commercial applications, by conducting a comprehensive abuse tests on LIC 200 F pouch cells with voltage range from 3.8 V to 2.2 V manufactured by General Capacitors LLC. The abuse tests include overcharge, external short circuit, crush (flat metal plate and blunt indentation), nail penetration test, and external heat test

Augmented visual feedback-aided interventions for motor rehabilitation in Parkinson’s disease : a systematic review

Purpose: A systematic review was performed to (1) evaluate the effectiveness of augmented visual feedback-based treatments for motor rehabilitation in Parkinson’s disease, and (2) examine treatment design factors associated with enhanced outcomes following these treatments. Methods: Eight databases were searched from their start-date up to January 2017 using the key terms Parkinson’s Disease and augmented visual feedback. Two independent raters screened the abstracts and full articles for inclusion. Relevant data were extracted and summarized, and methodological quality of accepted articles was assessed. Results: Eight single-group studies and 10 randomized control trials were included in the review. Augmented visual feedback-based treatments resulted in improved outcomes with small to large effect sizes post-treatment for the majority of impairment, activity, participation, and global motor function measures, and these improvements were often superior to traditional rehabilitation/education programs. Enhanced treatment outcomes were observed in studies that provided large amounts and high intensities of treatment; gamified feedback; and provided knowledge of performance feedback in real-time on 100% of practice trials. Conclusion: Augmented visual feedback appears to be a useful motor rehabilitation tool in Parkinson’s disease; however, high-quality, rigorous studies remain limited. Future studies should consider factors that enhance rehabilitation outcomes when designing augmented visual feedback-based interventions.Implications for rehabilitation Augmented visual feedback is a useful tool for motor rehabilitation in Parkinson’s disease; augmented visual feedback-based treatments are often superior to traditional programs. These treatments are associated with improved outcomes in impairment, activity, participation, and global motor function domains. Rehabilitation professionals can optimize their use of augmented visual feedback-based treatments by providing large amounts and a high intensity of treatment, gamifying feedback, and providing knowledge of performance feedback in real-time and at a high frequency.</p

Evaluating Consumer Preferences for Organic Food Production Standards

"In 21st century agriculture, standards are increasingly used to define new food products, such as organic food and fair trade. In some cases these standards are privately determined but in other cases they have been established by governments. Indeed, the Government of Canada recently announced its organic food regulations. A key dimension of the policy process involves choosing which standards are to be used to govern the production of organic food. Unfortunately, decision makers faced with these choices know very little about how the public values the various standards that could be used to define organic. This study evaluates Canadian consumers' preferences for different organic standards. Standards pertaining to pesticide-residue testing, product origin specifications, the standard setting agency, and standard monitoring agency are evaluated using a conjoint method. Key results suggest that consumers place a high value on a pesticide standard that involves regular testing of the end product and that they prefer an organic food standard to include a rule that limits where the good is produced." Copyright (c) 2009 Canadian Agricultural Economics Society.