Balance Coordination Research Articles

Machine learning's effectiveness in evaluating movement in one-legged standing test for predicting high autistic trait.

Research supporting the presence of diverse motor impairments, including impaired balance coordination, in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasing. The one-legged standing test (OLST) is a popular test of balance. Since machine learning is a powerful technique for learning predictive models from movement data, it can objectively evaluate the processes involved in OLST. This study assesses machine learning's effectiveness in evaluating movement in OLST for predicting high autistic trait. In this study, 64 boys and 62 girls participated. The participants were instructed to stand on one leg on a pressure sensor while facing the experimenter. The data collected in the experiment were time-series data pertaining to pressure distribution on the sole of the foot and full-body images. A model to identify the participants belonging to High autistic trait group and Low autistic trait group was developed using a support vector machine (SVM) algorithm with 16 explanatory variables. Further, classification models were built for the conventional, proposed, and combined explanatory variable categories. The probabilities of High autistic trait group were calculated using the SVM model. For proposed and combined variables, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity scores were 1.000. The variables shoulder, hip, and trunk are important since they explain the balance status of children with high autistic trait. Further, the total Social Responsiveness Scale score positively correlated with the probability of High autistic trait group in each category of explanatory variables. Results indicate the effectiveness of evaluating movement in OLST by using movies and machine learning for predicting high autistic trait. In addition, they emphasize the significance of specifically focusing on shoulder and waist movements, which facilitate the efficient predicting high autistic trait. Finally, studies incorporating a broader range of balance cues are necessary to comprehensively determine the effectiveness of utilizing balance ability in predicting high autistic trait.

Biomechanical Analyses of Scoop in Field Hockey

Field hockey is an Olympic sport played all over the world. Hockey is played with a stick where one requires endurance, agility, balance coordination, and high skill to convert the shot. There are various kinds of skills i.e. hitting, dribbling, scooping, tackling etc. Only scoop was selected for the study in different phases (stance phase, execution phase, follow through phase). Field hockey scoop is the aerial passing by lifting the ball from the ground inserting head of hockey stick under the ball. Scoop plays vital role in competitive field hockey games. The aim of the study was to find out the kinematic difference in the elbow joint, knee joint, and ankle joint. The objective of the study was to find out the angular differences of elbow joint, knee joint, and ankle joint in different phases of delivery of field hockey scoop shot. Researchers hypothesised that there are significance differences in elbow joint angle, knee joint angle, and ankle joint angle during delivering of field hockey scoop shot. Six males inter university players aged from 20-24 years were selected for the study and at least they represented at inter university games /national level. Set of the camera is at 1.10 m in height and 3.70 meters. The focal length is 5.6, the resolution is 1080, and the frame rate is 100 per sec. A Sony FRD-AX700 camera was placed 3.7 meters apart on the right side of the hockey player. Angle of elbow joint, angle of knee joint, angle ankle joint, cadence, stride length, and numbers of frames were analysed using Kinovea 0.9.5 software. This research will help the players to execute scoop after knowing elbow joint angle, knee joint angle, and ankle joint angle. Key Words: Field Hockey, Scoop, Elbow, Ankle, Knee.

The effect of electromyography triggered electrical stimulation to abdominal muscles on sitting balance, respiratory functions, and abdominal muscle thickness in complete spinal cord injury: a randomized controlled trial.

Complete thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI) results in a loss of innervation to the abdominal muscles, which affects trunk stability and performance of activities of daily living from a sitting position. Respiratory function is also affected, leading to frequent pulmonary complications. Given the importance of trunk stability and respiratory function, we investigated the effects of electromyography triggered electrical stimulation (EMG-ES) applied to the abdominal muscles on sitting balance, respiratory functions and abdominal muscle thickness in individuals with complete thoracic SCI. This randomized controlled study included 34 participants with complete thoracic SCI who were randomly allocated to the experimental group ( n = 17) and the control group ( n = 17). During the 4-week intervention period, the experimental group received EMG-ES to their abdominal muscles, while the control group received isometric abdominal exercises three times per week. Both groups continued with their routine rehabilitation program (active or passive range of motion exercises, stretching, and balance coordination exercises). The primary outcome measures were the modified functional reach test (mFRT) and trunk control test (TCT). Secondary outcome measures included a pulmonary function test (PFT) and the bilateral abdominal muscle thicknesses using ultrasonography. At the end of the study, the experimental group showed significantly greater improvements in both primary outcomes. The mean difference in pre-post changes between the groups for the mFRT area was 242.8 cm² [95% confidence interval (CI): 181.3-329.8; effect size 0.92; P < 0.001] and 5.0 points for TCT (95% CI: 3.9-6.0; effect size 0.98, P < 0.001). The increase in the abdominal muscle thickness was also significantly greater in the experimental group ( P < 0.001) without significant differences in the PFT ( P > 0.05). We conclude that adding EMG-ES of abdominal muscles may further improve sitting balance and abdominal muscle thickness in individuals with complete thoracic SCI.

Ultrasound-Assisted CRISPRi-Exosome for Epigenetic Modification of α-Synuclein Gene in a Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease.

Currently, there is a lack of effective treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD). In PD patients, aberrant methylation of SNCA (α-synuclein gene) has been reported and may be a potential therapeutic target. In this study, we established an epigenetic regulation platform based on an exosomal CRISPR intervention system. With the assist of focused ultrasound (FUS) opening the blood-brain barrier, engineered exosomes carrying RVG (rabies viral glycoprotein) targeting peptide, sgRNA (single guide RNA), and dCas9-DNMT3A (named RVG-CRISPRi-Exo) were efficiently delivered into the brain lesions and induced specific methylation of SNCA. In vivo, FUS combined with RVG-CRISPRi-Exo significantly improved motor performance, balance coordination, and neurosensitivity in PD mice, greatly down-regulated the elevation of α-synuclein (α-syn) caused by modeling, rescued cell apoptosis, and alleviated the progression of PD in mice. [18F]-FP-DTBZ imaging suggested that the synaptic function of the nigrostriatal pathway could be restored, which was conducive to the control of motor behavior in PD mice. Pyrosequencing results showed that RVG-CRISPRi-Exo could methylate CpG at specific sites of SNCA, and this fine-tuned editing achieved good therapeutic effects in PD model mice. In vitro, RVG-CRISPRi-Exo down-regulated SNCA transcripts and α-syn expression and relieved neuronal cell damage. Collectively, our findings provide a proof-of-principle for the development of targeted brain nanodelivery based on engineered exosomes and provide insights into epigenetic regulation of brain diseases.

Using graphic psychology and spatial design to intervene in balance coordination in patients with balance disorders

ABSTRACT Although there have been reports of potential correlations between balance function and the visual nerve, or between the visual nerve and the spatial environment, the interrelationship between the three remains blurred, particularly in terms of “how the spatial environment acts on human balance through its effects on visual and psychological states.” This study constructs the relationship between gait abnormalities, postural sway of balance disorder patients, and the environment using a qualitative study of literature analysis, and discusses the potential and possibilities of spatial intervention in assisting human balance. Findings: 1) most elderlies rated their sense of self-balance as moderate or poor, while fewer reported themselves as very poor; 2)it is possible to compensate for human dynamic equilibrium by grasping the relationship between spatial composition (visual space of points, lines, and surfaces) acting on the demand for visual and psychological equilibrium and may do so by influencing the relationship between the dominance of spatial elements (spatial planes, facades, floors, and furnishing combinations) on visual and psychological regulation. However, the complexity of the scene increases the visual cognitive load, which will increase the difficulty of visual involvement in equilibrium regulation, which in turn may affect the equilibrium mechanisms based on behavioral responses.

Combination of Cysteine and Glutathione Prevents Ethanol-Induced Hangover and Liver Damage by Modulation of Nrf2 Signaling in HepG2 Cells and Mice.

Excessive alcohol consumption increases oxidative stress, leading to alcoholic liver disease. In this study, the protective effects of a mixture of cysteine and glutathione against ethanol-induced hangover and liver damage were evaluated in mice and HepG2 cells. Ethanol (2 mL/kg) was orally administered to the mice 30 min before receiving the test compounds (200 mg/kg), and the behavioral and oxidative stress-related biochemical parameters altered by ethanol were analyzed. Acute ethanol administration increased anxiety behavior and decreased balance coordination in mice (p < 0.001); however, a mixture of cysteine and glutathione (MIX) in a 3:1 ratio improved alcohol-induced behavior more effectively than the individual compounds (p < 0.001). The MIX group showed higher ethanol-metabolizing enzyme activity than the control group (p < 0.001) and significantly suppressed the elevation of serum alcohol (p < 0.01) and acetaldehyde (p < 0.001) levels after 1 h of ethanol administration. In HepG2 cells, 2.5 mM MIX accelerated ethanol metabolism and reduced cytochrome P450 2E1 mRNA expression (p < 0.001). MIX also increased the expression of antioxidant enzymes through the upregulation of nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling and consequently suppressed the overproduction of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde (p < 0.001). Collectively, MIX alleviates the hangover symptoms and attenuates the alcohol-induced oxidative stress by regulating the Nrf2 pathway.

Constraint therapy promotes motor cortex remodeling and functional improvement by regulating c-Jun/miR-182–5p/Nogo – A signals in hemiplegic cerebral palsy mice

BackgroundOur previous study has confirmed that constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) could promote neural remodeling in hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HCP) mice through Nogo-A/NgR/RhoA/ROCK signaling, however, the upstream mechanism was still unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to further explore the mechanism of CIMT regulating the expression of Nogo-A in HCP mice. MethodHCP mice were well established through ligating the left common carotid artery of 7-day-old pups and being placed in a hypoxic box which was filled with a mixture of 8% oxygen and 92% nitrogen. CIMT intervention was conducted by taping to fix the entire arm of the contralateral side (left) to force the mice to use the affected limb (right). Bioinformatics prediction and luciferase experiment were performed to confirm that miR-182–5p was targeted with Nogo-A. The beam test and grip test were applied to examine the behavioral performance under the intervention of c-Jun and CIMT. Also, immunofluorescence, Golgi staining, and transmission electron microscopy were conducted to show that the lenti-expression of c-Jun could increases the expression of myelin, and downregulates the expression of Nogo-A under the CIMT on HCP mice. Result(1) The beam walking test and grip test experiment results showed that compared with the control group, the HCP + nCIMT group's forelimb grasping ability and balance coordination ability were decreased (P < 0.05). (2) The results of Golgi staining, and transmission electron microscopy showed that the thickness of myelin sheath and the density of dendritic spines in the HCP + nCIMT group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the HCP + nCIMT group, the cerebral cortex myelin sheath thickness, dendrite spine density and nerve filament expression were increased in HCP + CIMT group (P < 0.05). (3) Immunofluorescence staining showed that the expression of Nogo-A in the cerebral cortex of the HCP + nCIMT group was higher than that of the HCP + CIMT group (P < 0.05). Compared with the HCP + CIMT group, the expression of Nogo-A in the HCP + LC + CIMT group was decreased and, in the HCP, + SC + CIMT group was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Compared with the HCP + nCIMT group, the expression of c-Jun in the control, HCP + CIMT, HCP + LC + nCIMT and HCP + LC + CIMT groups was significantly increased, and in the HCP + SC + CIMT was decreased (P < 0.05). (4) Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) results showed that the expression level of miR-182–5p in the HCP + LC + CIMT group was more increased than that in the HCP + nCIMT group (P < 0.05). The expression level of miR-182–5p in the HCP + LC + CIMT group was higher than that in the HCP + LC + nCIMT group and the HCP + SC + CIMT group (P < 0.05). ConclusionThese data identified that CIMT might stimulate the remodeling of neurons and myelin in the motor cortex by partially inhibiting the c-Jun/miR-182–5p/Nogo-A pathway, thereby facilitating the grasping performance and balance function of HCP mice.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation Ameliorates Ara-C-Induced Motor Deficits in a Mouse Model of Cerebellar Ataxia

This study investigated the therapeutic effects of transplanting human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) into wild-type mice that were intraperitoneally administered cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) to develop cerebellar ataxia (CA) during the first three postnatal days. hMSCs were intrathecally injected into 10-week-old mice once or thrice at 4-week intervals. Compared to the nontreated mice, the hMSC-treated mice showed improved motor and balance coordination, as measured using the rotarod, open-field, and ataxic scoring assessments, and increased protein levels in Purkinje and cerebellar granule cells, as measured using calbindin and NeuN protein markers. Multiple hMSC injections preserved Ara-C-induced cerebellar neuronal loss and improved cerebellar weight. Furthermore, the hMSC implantation significantly elevated the levels of neurotrophic factors, including brain-derived and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factors, and suppressed TNF-α-, IL-1β-, and iNOS-mediated proinflammatory responses. Collectively, our results demonstrate that hMSCs exhibit therapeutic potential for Ara-C-induced CA by protecting neurons through the stimulation of neurotrophic factors and inhibition of cerebellar inflammatory responses, which can improve motor behavior and alleviate ataxia-related neuropathology. In summary, this study suggests that hMSC administration, particularly multiple treatments, can effectively treat ataxia-related symptoms with cerebellar toxicity.

Effects of Balance Training on Trunk Control and Postural Stability in patients with Sub-Acute Stroke

Aim: To compare the effects of balance training on trunk control and postural stability in patients with sub-acute stroke Methods: A randomized control trial study was carried out with a total of 60 stroke patients. Both males and females, aged above 40 years, were able to stand for at least 5 minutes without any support, and patients on grades 2, 3, and 4 on a scale of functional mobility were included in the study. Each group has a session of training for 40 minutes, 3 times per week for 6 weeks Berg Balance Scale was used for assessment. The valuation was done at baseline 3rd week and last 6th weeks. After 6 weeks of treatment, significant progress was recorded on Berg Balance Scale in both groups. BMI and nutritional status of the study population were also assessed. Results: The p-value of the balance error scoring system after the 6th week of treatment was (P=0.004) while at berg balance scale after the 6th week was (0.001), In group B, the p-value of the balance error scoring system after the 6th week of treatment was (P=0.001) while at berg balance scale after 6th week were (0.001), which showed significant results after 6th week of treatment. The p-value of the balance error scoring system between groups was at baseline 0.16 while after the 6th week of treatment was 0.001 and the p-value of the berg balance scale between the group was at baseline 0.764 while after the 6th week of treatment was 0.04. Both levels of the assessment indicated significant improvement in-between groups. In control group A (p=0.004) however, in the experimental group (p= &lt;0.001), BESS also showed substantial development in both the experimental and control group with p-value (p&lt;0.001) for each group. The results of the study population suggest that there is a strong relationship between obesity and stroke. Conclusion: This study evaluated that task-oriented balance training with sensory input indicated more progress in balance coordination and postural stability as compared to task-oriented balance exercises without sensory integration in patients with stroke Keywords: BMI, Postural Stability, Rehabilitation, Stroke

Electroacupuncture Promotes Motor Function Recovery in MCAO/R Rats by Activating Astrocyte-Related PI3K/AKT Pathway

Electroacupuncture (EA) is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine method to manage various diseases, including cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI). We assessed the neuroprotective effects of EA and examined its mechanism in a rat model of the middle cerebral artery occlusion-reperfusion (MCAO/R). The gait analysis was performed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects. Western blot and immunohistochemistry assays were carried out to determine the molecular mechanisms of EA. Male SD rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group, right MCAO/R group, and EA group. EA was administered every day (4/20 Hz, 10 min/1 d) at the following acupoints: Baihui (DU20), Yintang (EX-HN3), and Zusanli (ST36). Gait and motor function were analyzed from day 8 onward. The plantar support and balance coordination of MCAO/R rats decreased, and the cellular structure of the ischemic penumbra was unclear. EA improved the gait dynamics of the rats, adjusted the cell structure, further activated astrocytes, and increased the expression and phosphorylation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/PKB or AKT). EA promoted astrocyte-related effects in the rat model. Our findings suggest that the neuroprotective mechanism of EA may be related to the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The intervention enhanced brain protection and improved motor functions.

Herbal Moieties and its effect on Parkinsonism: A New Prospective

Parkinson’s disease is a brain disease that leads to stiffness, shaking, and problems with walking, balance of coordination, and brain injury. It occurs when nerve cells or neurons that produce an important brain channel known as dopamine and control the movements in an area of the brain is impaired and die. Parkinson’s symptoms usually begin gradually and get worse over times. Age is the one clear risk factor for this disease. A person with Parkinson’s disease may have clumps of proteins known as alpha synuclein or Lewy bodies in their brain. There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, the aim of medical management of Parkinson’s disease to restore the proper balance of dopaminergic and cholinergic activities in the brain in order to relieve symptoms. This review presents a brief overview of scientific basis that support the plant derived natural products and their constituents for the treatment of underlying neuronal degeneration observed in Parkinson’s disease. The neuroprotective effects exhibited by these medicinal plants and their constituents are considered to be due to their ability to modulate; glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase in the brain, which all are disrupted in the PD brain. Keywords: PD, Indian Herbs

Effectiveness of Balance Training and Postural Stability in Post Stroke Patients; Randomized Control Trial

When balance impairment and functional disorientation emerge after a stroke, balance incoordination is one of the most common complications. The basic goal of stroke rehabilitation is to improve postural stability. Balance training combined with sensory integration appears to be beneficial. The goal of this study was to assess the effects of task-oriented balance training with and without sensory input on postural stability and balance coordination in stroke patients. A total of 60 stroke patients participated in this randomised control experiment. Both genders with a stroke age of over 40 years, able to stand for at least 5 minutes without assistance, and patients with functional mobility grades of 2, 3, and 4 were included in the study. The Berg Balance Scale was utilised to assess each group, which had 40-minute training sessions three times a week for six weeks. The baseline 3rd week and the last 6th week were used to evaluate the participants. Both groups showed considerable improvement in the Berg Balance Scale after 6 weeks of treatment. The (p=0.004) in the control group, but (p=0.001) in the experimental group. BESS also demonstrated significant development in both the experimental and control groups, with p values (p0.001) for each group. In this study, task-oriented balance training with sensory input showed greater improvement in balance coordination and postural stability in stroke patients than task-oriented balance exercises without sensory integration.

Clinical-like cryotherapy in acute knee arthritis of the knee improves inflammation signs, pain, joint swelling, and motor performance in mice.

To assess the effects of clinical-like cryotherapy on inflammatory signs (in vivo neutrophil migration, cytokines, and joint inflammation), pain, joint swelling, balance, and motor coordination in mice with knee arthritis. Young C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups (8 to 10 mice per group): Control group: mice with no intervention; antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) group: mice sensitized and immunized with intra-articular (i.a.) injection of methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA); and AIA + cryotherapy group: mice sensitized, immunized with i.a. injection of mBSA, and submitted to a clinical-like cryotherapy protocol. After 21 days of sensitization, AIA and AIA + cryotherapy groups received i.a. injection of mBSA (100 μg/joint) to induce joint inflammation, and a clinical-like cryotherapy protocol was applied to AIA + cryotherapy group (crushed ice bag, two cryotherapy sessions of 20 min every two hours). Experimental analysis was conducted in the initial (immediately after i.a. injection of mBSA) and final periods (two hours after the second cryotherapy session). The number of synovial fluid neutrophils, cytokine levels, joint histology, pain, joint swelling, and motor performance were also analyzed. Our results showed that clinical-like cryotherapy in mice with acute knee arthritis reduced inflammatory signs, pain, and joint swelling, and improved balance and motor coordination.

Comparison of Previously Injured Body Regions in Elite Freestyle and Greco-Roman Wrestlers

AbstractThe aim of this study was to compare the injured body regions that elite Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestlers suffered from and to determine the importance of injuries. 41 Freestyle and 51 Greco-Roman wrestlers, who were practicing in Turkish National Wrestling Team camps, participated in this study. ‘Chi Square’ and student t tests were used in statistical analyses. When examined injury status and body regions distribution between Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestlers, significant difference was found in head and trunk injuries according to wrestling styles (p&lt;0.05). No difference was found in upper/lower extremities and lesion/scrape and friction burns status of the wrestlers according to wrestling style (p&gt;0.05). There was significant difference in trunk and upper extremity injuries with respect to weight category (p&lt;0.05 and p&lt;0.001). Significant difference was also found in nose injuries according to wrestling styles (p&lt;0.05). When examined wrestling style and upper extremity injuries according to the number of injuries, there was found significant difference between two styles in muscle injuries, finger and wrist injuries (p&lt;0.05). The difference between toe injuries in respect to the wrestling style was statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). Results: Greco-Roman wrestlers experienced more injuries in trunk, head and nose compared to Freestyle wrestlers. Trunk, lower and upper extremity injuries varied depending on weight categories. Neck, back, lumbar and chest injuries were more common in Greco-Roman wrestlers. Freestyle wrestlers were more vulnerable to muscle injuries while Greco-Roman wrestlers were more vulnerable to finger and wrist injuries. It is recommended to improve some abilities excellently such as aerobic power, strength, balance and neuro-motor coordination in wrestling. Techniques should be taught well to the wrestlers, most risky extremities for injury have to be applied extra training and these extremities should be protected from injuries by several tapes, bandages or gears during exercise. Freestyle wrestlers ought to be more careful in diving move. Using ear protector in addition to preventive measures can be recommended during training in order to prevent temporal bone fractures and swellings.

A Study on the Importance of Core Strength and Coordination Balance during Basketball Based on Biomechanics

When basketball players play against each other in a game, better coordinated balance can give them a better advantage. This paper briefly introduces the coordination balance and core strength of basketball players. Twenty basketball varsity members were selected from Chengdu College of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China as subjects for the test. The athletes were randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group. The control group received regular strength training, and the experimental group received core strength training in addition to regular training. Both groups underwent isometric muscle strength test, coordination and balance test and shooting percentage test before and after training. The results demonstrated that muscle group strength increased in the control group after conventional training, but the experimental group showed more significant improvement in muscle group strength after additional core strength training; the experimental group had better coordination and balance ability after core strength training; the experimental group had a significantly higher shooting percentage after core strength training due to the improvement of coordination and balance ability.

Correlação entre preocupação em cair e aptidão muscular funcional em idosos comunitários

Abstract Introduction: To establish a correlation between concern about falling and a more comprehensive functional parameter, functional muscle fitness, a variable that encompasses functional components such as balance, muscle strength, power, flexibility and motor coordination in an integrated way. Functional muscle fitness is measured using the sitting-rising (from the floor) test (SRT), a simple, safe, fast and ecological test. Objective: The aim of our study was to determine the correlation between concern about falling and functional muscle fitness in the elderly. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted. The sample consisted of 53 elderly people of both sexes (86.8% women; 65.6 ± 4.7 years old; body mass index 28.5 ± 3.8 kg/m2), who were assessed for concern about falling (through Falls Efficacy Scale International, FES-I-Brazil) and functional muscle fitness (through SRT). Correlation analysis was performed using the Spearman test. For all analyses, a significance level of 5% (p &lt; 0.05) was established. Results: Concern about falling showed a negative correlation with functional muscle fitness (rho =-0.229; p = 0.015). Conclusion: Elderly people with lower levels of functional muscle fitness have a higher level of concern about falling.

A Multi-Energy System Cluster Operation Optimization Method Based on Nanocomposite Electrode Materials Energy Storage Equipment

A cluster operation optimization method of multi-energy system is proposed based on nanocomposite electrode materials energy storage in this paper, aiming at the difficulty in power balance coordination control of regional-level multi-energy systems due to the rapid growth of renewable energy power generation. In this method, the dynamic influence of nanocomposite electrode materials on the peak power of energy storage is fully considered. The power balance adjustment capability of the multi-energy system is effectively improved by this method. First, an operation optimization control model of multi-energy system cluster based on nanocomposite electrode materials energy storage equipment is established based on the peak power of energy storage, the joint response of renewable energy, thermal and hydrogen energy, and the operation characteristics of multi-energy systems. Then, the multi-energy system cluster coordinated operation strategy model and its solution algorithm based on the maximum renewable energy consumption and operating benefit are studied. Finally, a PSCAD simulation model based on the IEEE 14-nodes system is established. The simulation results and analysis show that the multi-energy system cluster operation optimization model based on nanocomposite electrode material energy storage equipment can effectively improve the power balance ability of the multi-energy system under the condition of the uncertainty of renewable energy. And this method can reduce the cost of grid operation and power regulation, and improve the efficiency of refined energy management of energy storage.

Role of the trace amine associated receptor 5 (TAAR5) in the sensorimotor functions

Classical monoamines are well-known modulators of sensorimotor neural networks. However, the role of trace amines and their receptors in sensorimotor function remains unexplored. Using trace amine-associated receptor 5 knockout (TAAR5-KO) mice, that express beta-galactosidase mapping its localization, we observed TAAR5 expression in the Purkinje cells of the cerebellum and the medial vestibular nucleus, suggesting that TAAR5 might be involved in the vestibular and motor control. Accordingly, in various behavioral tests, TAAR5-KO mice demonstrated lower endurance, but better coordination and balance compared to wild-type controls. Furthermore, we found specific changes in striatal local field potentials and motor cortex electrocorticogram, such as a decrease in delta and an increase in theta oscillations of power spectra, respectively. The obtained data indicate that TAAR5 plays a considerable role in regulation postural stability, muscle force, balance, and motor coordination during active movements, likely via modulation of monoaminergic systems at different levels of sensorimotor control involving critical brain areas such as the brainstem, cerebellum, and forebrain.

Long-term carbon black inhalation induced the inflammation and autophagy of cerebellum in rats

Carbon black (CB) has been demonstrated to have adverse effects on the lung tissue. Few studies explored the effects of CB on the cerebellum, widely recognized to contribute to gait and balance coordination and timing in the motor domain. Some studies have reported that inflammatory response and damaged autophagy are important mechanisms of CB toxicity and can be repaired after the recovery. The present study aimed to determine whether long-term CB exposure could induce the inflammation and damaged autophagy of the cerebellum. The rats were randomly divided into four groups. The control group received the filtered air for 90 days; the carbon black (CB) group received CB particles for 90 days; the recovery (R) group received CB for 90 days and recovered for another 14 days; the recovery control (RC) group received filtered air for 104 days. The purpose of the R group was to test whether neuroinflammation and autophagy could be repaired after short-term recovery. The western blot and immunohistochemistry revealed that long-term CB exposure induced augmented level of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Interleukin-1β, IL-1β; Interleukin-6, IL-6; and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (Interleukin-10, IL-10). The autophagic markers (Beclin1 and LC3) were increased in both CB group and R group. These findings clearly demonstrated that long-term CB exposure induced inflammation and autophagy in the cerebellum, which were not obviously improved after short-term recovery.

Coordination and Efficiency in Decentralized Collaboration

Environments for decentralized on-line collaboration are now widespread on the Web, underpinning open-source efforts, knowledge creation sites including Wikipedia, and other experiments in joint production. When a distributed group works together in such a setting, the mechanisms they use for coordination can play an important role in the effectiveness of the group’s performance. Here we consider the trade-offs inherent in coordination in these on-line settings, balancing the benefits to collaboration with the cost in effort that could be spent in other ways. We consider two diverse domains that each contain a wide range of collaborations taking place simultaneously — Wikipedia and GitHub — allowing us to study how coordination varies across different projects. We analyze trade-offs in coordina- tion along two main dimensions, finding similar effects in both our domains of study: first we show that, in aggregate, high-status projects on these sites manage the coordination trade-off at a different level than typical projects; and second, we show that projects use a different balance of coordination when they are “crowded,” with relatively small size but many participants. We also develop a stylized theoretical model for the cost-benefit trade-off inherent in coordination and show that it qualitatively matches the trade-offs we observe between crowdedness and coordination.