Cortical thickness and white matter microstructure predict freezing of gait development in Parkinson's disease.

The clinical applications of the association of cortical thickness and white matter fiber with freezing of gait (FoG) are limited in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). In this retrospective study, using white matter fiber from diffusion-weighted imaging and cortical thickness from structural-weighted imaging of magnetic resonance imaging, we investigated whether a machine learning-based model can help assess the risk of FoG at the individual level in patients with PD. Data from the Parkinson's Disease Progression Marker Initiative database were used as the discovery cohort, whereas those from the Fujian Medical University Union Hospital Parkinson's Disease database were used as the external validation cohort. Clinical variables, white matter fiber, and cortical thickness were selected by random forest regression. The selected features were used to train the support vector machine(SVM) learning models. The median area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated. Model performance was validated using the external validation cohort. In the discovery cohort, 25 patients with PD were defined as FoG converters (15 men, mean age 62.1 years), whereas 60 were defined as FoG nonconverters (38 men, mean age 58.5 years). In the external validation cohort, 18 patients with PD were defined as FoG converters (8 men, mean age 66.9 years), whereas 37 were defined as FoG nonconverters (21 men, mean age 65.1 years). In the discovery cohort, the model trained with clinical variables, cortical thickness, and white matter fiber exhibited better performance (AUC, 0.67-0.88). More importantly, SVM-radial kernel models trained using random over-sampling examples, incorporating white matter fiber, cortical thickness, and clinical variables exhibited better performance (AUC, 0.88). This model trained using the above mentioned features was successfully validated in an external validation cohort (AUC, 0.91). Furthermore, the following minimal feature sets that were used: fractional anisotropy value and mean diffusivity value for right thalamic radiation, age at baseline, and cortical thickness for left precentral gyrus and right dorsal posterior cingulate gyrus. Therefore, machine learning-based models using white matter fiber and cortical thickness can help predict the risk of FoG conversion at the individual level in patients with PD, with improved performance when combined with clinical variables.

A Reversible MnO2 Deposition-Enabled Multicolor Electrochromic Device with Efficient Tunability of Ultraviolet-Visible Light.

Electrochromic technology offers exciting opportunities for smart applications such as energy-saving and interactive systems. However, achieving dual-band regulation together with the multicolor function is still an unmet challenge for electrochromic devices. Herein, an ingenious electrochromic strategy based on reversible manganese oxide (MnO2 ) electrodeposition, different from traditional ion intercalation/deintercalation-type electrochromic materials is proposed. Such a deposition/dissolution-based MnO2 brings an intriguing electrochromic feature of dual-band regulation for the ultraviolet (UV) and visible lights with high optical modulation (93.2% and 93.6% at 400 and 550 nm, respectively) and remarkable optical memory. Moreover, a demonstrative smart window assembled by MnO2 and Cu electrodes delivers the electrochromic properties of effective dual-band regulation accompanied by multicolor changes (transparent, yellow, and brown). The robust redox deposition/dissolution process endows the MnO2 -based electrochromic device with excellent rate capability and an areal capacity of 570 mAh m-2 at 0.1 mA cm-2 . It is believed that the metal oxide-based reversible electrodeposition strategy would be an attractive and promising electrochromic technology and provide a train of thought for the development of multifunctional electrochromic devices and applications.

Transparent-to-Brown-Black Patterned Electrochromic Metal-Organic Frameworks.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) exhibit promising electrochromic (EC) performance owing to their porous structure, regular channel, and tunable component characteristics. However, few reports focus on MOF materials with the EC performance of a transparent to brown-black (neutral colored state) change that is more suitable for smart windows. In this work, we proposed a strategy for synthesizing MOF (named Ni-BPY) EC materials and corresponding films fabricated via a low-cost electrostatic spray deposition technique. The obtained film exhibits excellent EC performance with a neutral color change from transparent to brown-black, a large optical modulation of 70% at 430 nm, and a fast response within 10 s. Benefiting from good electrical and chemical stability, the Ni-BPY film can be cycled over 500 times. Notably, the Ni-BPY MOF film also delivers a stepwise-controlled process during the bleached state due to its porous characteristics. In addition, the unique color variation of the Ni-BPY film derives from the redox reaction of the Ni metal node between Ni2+ and Ni3+, which is verified by the in situ potential-dependent Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurement. As a proof of application, the patterned Ni-BPY EC films and devices are additionally constructed to demonstrate their potential application in electronic tags and logo displays.

Coffee consumption and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in older adults: should we consider cognitive function?

Background: The association between coffee and mortality risk has been found in most previous studies, and recent studies have found an association between coffee consumption and cognition. However, there is still a lack of research exploring whether the association between coffee and mortality is influenced by cognitive function. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the association of coffee, caffeine intake in coffee and decaffeinated coffee with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in older adults with different cognitive performances. Methods: The study was based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014. Coffee and caffeine consumption data were obtained from two 24-h dietary recalls. Individual cognitive functions were assessed by CERAD-word learning test (CERAD-WLT), animal fluency test (AFT), and digit symbol substitution test (DSST). In addition, principal component analysis (PCA) was performed with the above test scores to create global cognitive score. The lowest quartile of scores was used to classify cognitive performance. Cox regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) were applied to assess the relationship between coffee and caffeine consumption and mortality. Results: In the joint effects analysis, we found that those with cognitive impairment and who reported without drinking coffee had the highest risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality compared with others. In the analysis of population with cognitive impairment, for all-cause mortality, those who showed cognitive impairment in the AFT displayed a significant negative association between their total coffee consumption and mortality {T3 (HR [95% CI]), 0.495 [0.291-0.840], p = 0.021 (trend analysis)}. For DSST and global cognition, similar results were observed. Whereas for CERAD-WLT, restricted cubic spline (RCS) showed a "U-shaped" association between coffee consumption and mortality. For CVD mortality, a significant negative trend in coffee consumption and death was observed only in people with cognitive impairment in AFT or DSST. In addition, we observed that decaffeinated coffee was associated with reduced mortality in people with cognitive impairment. Conclusion: Our study suggested that the association between coffee consumption and mortality is influenced by cognition and varies with cognitive impairment in different cognitive domains.

Multicolored inorganic electrochromic materials: status, challenge, and prospects.

Against the backdrop of advocacy for green and low-carbon development, electrochromism has attracted academic and industrial attention as an intelligent and energy-saving applied technology due to its optical switching behavior and its special principles of operation. Inorganic electrochromic materials, represented by transition metal oxides, are considered candidates for the next generation of large-scale electrochromic applied technologies due to their excellent stability. However, the limited color diversity and low color purity of these materials greatly restrict their development. Starting from the multicolor properties of inorganic electrochromic materials, this review systematically elaborates on recent progress in the aspects of the intrinsic multicolor of electrochromic materials, and structural multicolor based on the interaction between light and microstructure. Finally, the challenges and opportunities of inorganic electrochromic technology in the field of multicolor are discussed.

A Large-Area Patterned Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Framework Electrochromic Film and Device.

Fabrication of a patterned hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HOF) films on a large scale is an extreme challenge. In this work, a large area HOF film (30 × 30 cm2 ) is prepared via an efficient and low-cost electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) approach on the un-modified conductive substrates directly. Combining the ESD with a template method, variously patterned HOF films can be easily produced, including deer- and horse-shaped films. The obtained films exhibit excellent electrochromic performance with multicolor change from yellow to green and violet, and two-band regulation at 550 and 830 nm. Benefiting from the inherently present channels of HOF materials and the additional film porosity created by ESD, the PFC-1 film could quickly change color (within 10 s). Furthermore, the large-area patterned EC device is constructed based on the above film to prove practical potential application. The presented ESD method can be extended to other HOF materials; thus, this work paves a feasible path for constructing large-area patterned HOF films for practical optoelectronic applications.

ß Oscillations of Dorsal STN as a Potential Biomarker in Parkinson's Disease Motor Subtypes: An Exploratory Study.

Parkinson's disease (PD) can be divided into postural instability and difficult gait (PIGD) and tremor dominance (TD) subtypes. However, potential neural markers located in the dorsal ventral side of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) for delineating the two subtypes of PIGD and TD have not been demonstrated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the spectral characteristics of PD on the dorsal ventral side. The differences in the ß oscillation spectrum of the spike signal on the dorsal and ventral sides of the STN during deep brain stimulation (DBS) were investigated in 23 patients with PD, and coherence analysis was performed for both subtypes. Finally, each feature was associated with the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). The ß power spectral density (PSD) in the dorsal STN was found to be the best predictor of the PD subtype, with 82.6% accuracy. The PSD of dorsal STN ß oscillations was greater in the PIGD group than in the TD group (22.17% vs. 18.22%; p < 0.001). Compared with the PIGD group, the TD group showed greater consistency in the ß and γ bands. In conclusion, dorsal STN ß oscillations could be used as a biomarker to classify PIGD and TD subtypes, guide STN-DBS treatment, and relate to some motor symptoms.

A layer-stacked NiO nanowire/nanosheet homostructure for electrochromic smart windows with ultra-large optical modulation.

The structural engineering of active materials at the nanoscale level is crucial to improving the performance of electrochromic devices. However, an insufficient structural design inevitably results in limited electron/ion transportation and inadequate electrochromic performance. Herein, a new type of layer-stacked nanowire/nanosheet homostructure is proposed for enhancing the electrochromic properties of transition metal oxide films. Benefiting from the one-pot feature integration of nanowire and nanosheet structures, the NiO film with a unique homostructure delivers ultra-large optical modulation up to 93.4% at 550 nm and a high coloration efficiency of 72.1 cm2 C-1 in comparison with NiO-based materials. In addition, the film maintains 91% of its optical modulation over 1000 cycles of coloration and bleaching processes. Furthermore, the high performance of the device was verified by integrating the NiO film with the TiO2 ion storage layer in assembled smart windows with a dual function of electrochromic and energy storage. As a proof of concept, the integration of solar cells with electrochromic devices demonstrates the great significance of self-powered smart windows for energy-saving. To this end, such a strategy of structural design for electrochromic films would offer a distinctive pathway toward studying high-performance electrochromic systems.

Selective Electrochromic Regulation for Near-Infrared and Visible Light via Porous Tungsten Oxide Films with Core/Shell Architecture.

Dual-band electrochromic smart windows have become a research hotspot owing to their unique ability to selectively control near-infrared (NIR) and visible (VIS) light. However, the design and exploitation of dual-band electrochromic films are still an extreme challenge due to the scarcity of relevant high-performance materials. To solve this issue, we here proposed a type of porous WO3 film with nanowires/nanoparticles core/shell architecture as a promising candidate, endowing smart windows with a dual-band electrochromic feature. Moreover, the mechanism of the dual-band electrochromism is illustrated by the response of the transmittance spectra in Li+-based or TBA+-based electrolytes to distinguish the electrochemical behavior and the cyclic voltammetry to determine the degree of diffusion-limited kinetics. Our results indicate that the dual-band electrochromic performance is credited to the progressive electrochemical reduction procedure, in which the capacitive charging process gives rise to NIR regulation and the following ion intercalation contributes to VIS light modulation. Furthermore, we develop a dual-band electrochromic energy storage prototype device utilizing the porous WO3 film. This work describes a judicious strategy for designing dual-band electrochromic films, promoting the evolution of dual-band electrochromic technology.

Analysis and Optimization of a General Linking Matrix for JSCC Scheme Based on Double LDPC Codes.

A key component of the joint source-channel coding (JSCC) scheme based on double low-density parity-check (D-LDPC) codes is the introduction of a linking matrix between the source LDPC code and channel LDPC code, by which the decoding information including the source redundancy and channel state information can be transferred iteratively. However, the linking matrix is a fixed one-to-one mapping, i.e., an identity matrix in a conventional D-LDPC code system, which may not take full advantage of the decoding information. Therefore, this paper introduces a general linking matrix, i.e., a non-identity linking matrix, connecting the check nodes (CNs) of the source LDPC code and the variable nodes (VNs) of the channel LDPC code. Further, the encoding and decoding algorithms of the proposed D-LDPC coding system are generalized. A joint extrinsic information transfer (JEXIT) algorithm is derived for calculating the decoding threshold of the proposed system with a general linking matrix. In addition, several general linking matrices are optimized with the aid of the JEXIT algorithm. Finally, the simulation results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed D-LDPC coding system with general linking matrices.

Unveiling the Multistep Electrochemical Desorption Mechanism of Cubic NiO Films for Transmissive-to-Black Electrochromic Energy Storage Devices.

Electrochromic smart windows offer dynamic control of sunshine and solar heat in modern architecture. Yet, how to obtain aesthetically pleasing color tuning states such as gray and black is a great challenge, and the corresponding desorption mechanism in electrochromism is still not well understood. Here, we report one transmissive-to-black NiO electrochromic film assembled by a facile and low-cost electrostatic spray technology, which achieves ultralarge optical modulation, high coloration efficiency, and remarkable energy storage capacity. By in-depth experimental analyses and the first-principle calculations, multistep electrochemical desorption mechanisms of OH- and electrochromic switching kinetics of the NiO film were unveiled. Additionally, the assembled NiO film-based smart energy storage indicator can visually display its energy storage level in real time. Our obtained NiO films and subsequent devices can serve as potential candidates in a broad range of innovative electrochromic applications including multifunctional smart windows, energy-efficient displays, energy-storage indicators, electronic labels, etc.

Association between Beta Oscillations from Subthalamic Nucleus and Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping in Deep Gray Matter Structures in Parkinson's Disease.

This study aimed to investigate the association between beta oscillations and brain iron deposition. Beta oscillations were filtered from the microelectrode recordings of local field potentials (LFP) in the subthalamic nucleus (STN), and the ratio of the power spectral density of beta oscillations (PSDXb) to that of the LFP signals was calculated. Iron deposition in the deep gray matter (DGM) structures was indirectly assessed using quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM). The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), part III, was used to assess the severity of symptoms. Spearman correlation coefficients were applied to assess the associations of PSDXb with QSM values in the DGM structures and the severity of symptoms. PSDXb showed a significant positive correlation with the average QSM values in DGM structures, including caudate and substantia nigra (SN) (p = 0.008 and 0.044). Similarly, the PSDXb showed significant negative correlations with the severity of symptoms, including axial symptoms and the gait in the medicine-off state (p = 0.006 for both). The abnormal iron metabolism in the SN and striatum pathways may be one of the underlying mechanisms for the occurrence of abnormal beta oscillations in the STN, and beta oscillations may serve as important pathophysiological biomarkers of PD.

An Electrochromic Nickel Phosphate Film for Large-Area Smart Window with Ultra-Large Optical Modulation.

Exploring materials with high electrochemical activity is of keen interest for electrochemistry-controlled optical and energy storage devices. However, it remains a great challenge for transition metal oxides to meet this feature due to their low electron conductivity and insufficient reaction sites. Here, we propose a type of transition metal phosphate (NiHPO4·3H2O, NHP) by a facile and scalable electrodeposition method, which can achieve the capability of efficient ion accommodation and injection/extraction for electrochromic energy storage applications. Specifically, the NHP film with an ultra-high transmittance (approach to 100%) achieves a large optical modulation (90.8% at 500 nm), high coloration efficiency (75.4 cm2 C-1 at 500 nm), and a high specific capacity of 47.8 mAh g-1 at 0.4 A g-1. Furthermore, the transformation mechanism of NHP upon electrochemical reaction is systematically elucidated using in situ and ex situ techniques. Ultimately, a large-area electrochromic smart window with 100 cm2 is constructed based on the NHP electrode, displaying superior electrochromic energy storage performance in regulating natural light and storing electrical charges. Our findings may open up new strategies for developing advanced electrochromic energy storage materials and smart windows.

PD-ResNet for Classification of Parkinson's Disease From Gait.

OBJECTIVE: To develop an objective and efficient method to automatically identify Parkinson's disease (PD) and healthy control (HC). METHODS: We design a novel model based on residual network (ResNet) architecture, named PD-ResNet, to learn the gait differences between PD and HC and between PD with different severity levels. Specifically, a polynomial elevated dimensions technique is applied to increase the dimensions of the input gait features; then, the processed data is transformed into a 3-dimensional picture as the input of PD-ResNet. The synthetic minority over-sampling technique (SMOTE), data augmentation, and early stopping technologies are adopted to improve the generalization ability. To further enhance the classification performance, a new loss function, named improved focal loss function, is developed to focus on the train of PD-ResNet on the hard samples and to discard the abnormal samples. RESULTS: The experiments on the clinical gait dataset show that our proposed model achieves excellent performance with an accuracy of 95.51%, a precision of 94.44%, a recall of 96.59%, a specificity of 94.44%, and an F1-score of 95.50%. Moreover, the accuracy, precision, recall, specificity, and F1-score for the classification of early PD and HC are 92.03%, 94.20%, 90.28%, 93.94%, and 92.20%, respectively. Furthermore, the accuracy, precision, recall, specificity, and F1-score for the classification of PD with different severity levels are 92.03%, 94.29%, 90.41%, 93.85%, and 92.31%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our proposed method shows better performance than the traditional machine learning and deep learning methods. CLINICAL IMPACT: The experimental results show that the proposed method is clinically meaningful for the objective assessment of gait motor impairment for PD patients.

Highly stable, stretchable, and versatile electrodes by coupling of NiCoS nanosheets with metallic networks for flexible electronics.

The rapid development of portable electronics has contributed to an urgent demand for versatile and flexible electrodes of wearable energy storage devices and pressure sensors. We fabricate a stretchable electrode by coupling the nickel-cobalt sulfide (NiCoS) nanosheet layer with Ag@NiCo nanowire (NW) networks. NiCoS wrinkled nanostructure, highly conductive networks, and intense interactions between substrate/networks and active materials/networks endow the electrodes with excellent energy storage capacity, superior electrochemical/mechanical stability, and good conductivity. A high-performance asymmetric supercapacitor is developed using the composite electrode. It operates in a wide potential window of 1.4 V and achieves a maximum energy density of 40.0 W h kg-1 at a power density of 1.1 kW kg-1; it also exhibits excellent mechanical flexibility and good waterproof performance. Moreover, a sandwiched capacitive pressure sensor constructed using the same electrodes has a wide sensing range (up to 260 kPa), low detection limit (∼47 mN), fast response (∼66 ms), and excellent mechanical stability (10 000 cycles). This study demonstrates that the appropriate design of the functional electrode facilitates the construction of various high-performance devices, denoting the versatility of our electrodes in the development of wearable electronics.

The effects of bright light therapy on depression and sleep disturbances in patients with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Depression and sleep disturbance are well-recognized non-motor features in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). This meta-analysis aimed to explore the potential role of bright light therapy (BLT) in depression and sleep disturbances in Parkinson's Disease (PD). METHODS: Four databases were independently searched by two reviewers: PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science and Embase until February 2021. We evaluated the following depression related scales: Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI); the Geriatric Depression Rating Scale, 30-item (GDS-30); the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS); the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS); the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS); the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI); the Parkinson's disease sleep scale (PDSS); Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's disease Sleep Scale (SCOPA) and the Insomnia severity index (ISI) to access the effects of bright light therapy on depression and sleep disturbances in patients with PD. Effect size (standardized mean deviation [SMD] and 95% confidence interval [CI]) were used to analyze the continuous results data of intervention group and control light group. Data from five randomized, controlled trials totaling 173 patients with PD was included. RESULTS: BLT significantly improved depression symptoms (BDI, GDS-30, HDRS and HADS) of PD patients (0.34, 95% CI = 0.06-0.61). Insomnia symptoms (SCOPA and ISI) for patients with PD were significantly improved by BLT as well (1.15, 95% CI = 0.71-1.60). Whereas, no difference was observed in the control light group in improving the depression or insomnia symptoms of PD patients. CONCLUSION: BLT is an effective intervention for improving depressive symptoms and sleep disturbances in patients with PD.

One-Dimensional π-d Conjugated Coordination Polymer for Electrochromic Energy Storage Device with Exceptionally High Performance.

The rational design of previously unidentified materials that could realize excellent electrochemical-controlled optical and charge storage properties simultaneously, are especially desirable and useful for fabricating smart multifunctional devices. Here, a facile synthesis of a 1D π-d conjugated coordination polymer (Ni-BTA) is reported, consisting of metal (Ni)-containing nodes and organic linkers (1,2,4,5-benzenetetramine), which could be easily grown on various substrates via a scalable chemical bath deposition method. The resulting Ni-BTA film exhibits superior performances for both electrochromic and energy storage functions, such as large optical modulation (61.3%), high coloration efficiency (223.6 cm2 C-1), and high gravimetric capacity (168.1 mAh g-1). In particular, the Ni-BTA film can maintain its electrochemical recharge-ability and electrochromic properties even after 10 000 electrochemical cycles demonstrating excellent durability. Moreover, a smart energy storage indicator is demonstrated in which the energy storage states can be visually recognized in real time. The excellent electrochromic and charge storage performances of Ni-BTA films present a great promise for Ni-BTA nanowires to be used as practical electrode materials in various applications such as electrochromic devices, energy storage cells, and multifunctional smart windows.

Constructed Ag NW@Bi/Al core-shell nano-architectures for high-performance flexible and transparent energy storage device.

Flexible and transparent energy storage devices (FTESDs) have recently attracted much attention for use in wearable and portable electronics. Herein, we developed an Ag nanowire (NW) @Bi/Al nanostructure as a transparent negative electrode for FTESDs. In the core-shell nanoarchitecture, the Ag NW percolation network with excellent conductivity contributes superior electron transport pathways, while the unique nanostructure provides an effective interface contact between the current collector and electroactive material. As a result, the electrode delivers a high capacity of 12.36 mF cm-2 (3.43 µA h cm-2) at 0.2 mA cm-2. With a minor addition of Al, the coulombic efficiency of the electrode remarkably increases from 65.1% to 83.9% and the capacity retention rate improves from 53.8% to 91.9% after 2000 cycles. Moreover, a maximum energy density of 319.5 µW h cm-2 and a power density of 27.5 mW cm-2 were realized by an interdigital structured device with a transmittance of 58% and a potential window of 1.6 V. This work provides a new negative electrode material for high-performance FTESDs in the next-generation integrated electronics market.

A Quasi-Solid-State Tristate Reversible Electrochemical Mirror Device with Enhanced Stability.

Reversible electrochemical mirror (REM) electrochromic devices with electrochemical tunability in multiple optical states are exciting alternatives to conventional electrochromic smart windows. Electrochromic devices are studied extensively, yet widespread adoptions have not been achieved due to problems associated with durability, switching speed, limited options on optical states, and cost. In this study, a REM electrochromic device based on CuSn alloy is developed, which offers highly reversible switching between transparent, greyish-blue, and mirror states via reversible electrodeposition and dissolution. The alloying element, Sn acts as an electrochemical mediator, which facilitates the electrodeposition and dissolution of Cu. The CuSn-based REM device shows superior cycling stability for 2400 cycles (transmittance mode) and 1000 cycles (reflectance mode). The electrodeposited CuSn alloy film is resistant to surface oxidation in ambient air, with a 2.9% difference in reflectance at 2000 nm after 3 days. In addition, the alloy film exhibits excellent NIR reflectance property with thermal modulation of 18.5 °C at a high temperature of 180 °C. The REM device with zero power consumption maintains its mirror state for at least 100 min, making it a promising candidate for energy-efficient applications.