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Di Ponzio M, Battaglini L, Bertamini M, Contemori G. Behavioural stochastic resonance across the lifespan. COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2024:10.3758/s13415-024-01220-w. [PMID: 39256251 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-024-01220-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
Stochastic resonance (SR) is the phenomenon wherein the introduction of a suitable level of noise enhances the detection of subthreshold signals in non linear systems. It manifests across various physical and biological systems, including the human brain. Psychophysical experiments have confirmed the behavioural impact of stochastic resonance on auditory, somatic, and visual perception. Aging renders the brain more susceptible to noise, possibly causing differences in the SR phenomenon between young and elderly individuals. This study investigates the impact of noise on motion detection accuracy throughout the lifespan, with 214 participants ranging in age from 18 to 82. Our objective was to determine the optimal noise level to induce an SR-like response in both young and old populations. Consistent with existing literature, our findings reveal a diminishing advantage with age, indicating that the efficacy of noise addition progressively diminishes. Additionally, as individuals age, peak performance is achieved with lower levels of noise. This study provides the first insight into how SR changes across the lifespan of healthy adults and establishes a foundation for understanding the pathological alterations in perceptual processes associated with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Di Ponzio
- Neuro-X Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Luca Battaglini
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
- Neuro.Vis.U.S. Laboratory, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
- Centro Di Ateneo Dei Servizi Clinici Universitari Psicologici (SCUP), University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Bertamini
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Giulio Contemori
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
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2
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Matthews P, Raul P, Ward LM, van Boxtel JJA. Stochastic resonance in the sensory systems and its applications in neural prosthetics. Clin Neurophysiol 2024; 165:182-200. [PMID: 39047671 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2024.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Noise is generally considered to be detrimental. In the right conditions, however, noise can improve signal detection or information transmission. This counterintuitive phenomenon is called stochastic resonance (SR). SR has generated significant interdisciplinary interest, particularly in physics, engineering, and medical and environmental sciences. In this review, we discuss a growing empirical literature that suggests that noise at the right intensity may improve the detection and processing of auditory, sensorimotor, and visual stimuli. We focus particularly on applications of SR in sensory biology and investigate whether SR-based technologies present a pathway to improve outcomes for individuals living with sensory impairments. We conclude that there is considerable evidence supporting the application of SR in developing sensory prosthetics. However, the progression of SR-based technologies is variable across the sensory modalities. We suggest opportunities for further advancements in each modality, considering the best approaches to maximise benefits and capitalise on progress already made. Overall, SR can offer opportunities to improve existing technologies or to motivate innovations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Matthews
- Discipline of Psychology, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
| | - Pratik Raul
- Discipline of Psychology, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia.
| | - Lawrence M Ward
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jeroen J A van Boxtel
- Discipline of Psychology, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia; Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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3
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Ishii H, Kori H. Diffusive coupling facilitates and impedes noise-induced escape in interacting bistable elements. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11019. [PMID: 38744886 PMCID: PMC11094171 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61058-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Diverse complex systems often undergo sudden changes in their states, such as epileptic seizures, climate changes, and social uprisings. Such behavior has been modeled by noise-induced escape of bistable elements, which is the escape from an attracting state driven by a fluctuation in the system's state. We consider a system of interacting bistable elements and investigate the effect of diffusive coupling among elements on the process of noise-induced escape. We focus on the influence of the coupling strength over the escape time, which is the time it takes for noise-induced escape to occur. We performed numerical simulations and observed that weak coupling reduced the mean escape time, whereas strong coupling impeded escape. We argue that, although diffusive coupling both facilitates and impedes escape, the facilitating effect is dominant when coupling is weak. For weak coupling cases, we develop an approximate theory that can predict the mean and variance of escape times. In contrast, strong coupling reduces the effective noise intensity to impede escape. Our results suggest that diffusive coupling among multistable elements contributes to regulating the rate of transitions among attracting states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidemasa Ishii
- Department of Complexity Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, 277-8561, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Kori
- Department of Complexity Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, 277-8561, Japan
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4
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Zhang H, Xie J, Xiao Y, Cui G, Xu G, Tao Q, Gebrekidan YY, Yang Y, Ren Z, Li M. Steady-state auditory motion based potentials evoked by intermittent periodic virtual sound source and the effect of auditory noise on EEG enhancement. Hear Res 2023; 428:108670. [PMID: 36563411 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2022.108670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Hearing is one of the most important human perception forms, and humans can capture the movement of sound in complex environments. On the basis of this phenomenon, this study explored the possibility of eliciting a steady-state brain response in an intermittent periodic motion sound source. In this study, a novel discrete continuous and orderly change of sound source positions stimulation paradigm was designed based on virtual sound using head-related transfer functions (HRTFs). And then the auditory motion stimulation paradigms with different noise levels were designed by changing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The characteristics of brain response and the effects of different noises on brain response were studied by analyzing electroencephalogram (EEG) signals evoked by the proposed stimulation. Experimental results showed that the proposed paradigm could elicit a novel steady-state auditory evoked potential (AEP), i.e., steady-state motion auditory evoked potential (SSMAEP). And moderate noise could enhance SSMAEP amplitude and corresponding brain connectivity. This study enriches the types of AEPs and provides insights into the mechanism of brain processing of motion sound sources and the impact of noise on brain processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanqing Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jun Xie
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China; National Key Laboratory of Human Factors Engineering, China Astronauts Research and Training Center, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China; School of Mechanical Engineering, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China.
| | - Yi Xiao
- National Key Laboratory of Human Factors Engineering, China Astronauts Research and Training Center, Beijing, China.
| | - Guiling Cui
- National Key Laboratory of Human Factors Engineering, China Astronauts Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Guanghua Xu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China; State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qing Tao
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
| | | | - Yuzhe Yang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhiyuan Ren
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Min Li
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China; State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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5
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Raul P, McNally K, Ward LM, van Boxtel JJA. Does stochastic resonance improve performance for individuals with higher autism-spectrum quotient? Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1110714. [PMID: 37123379 PMCID: PMC10140507 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1110714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
While noise is generally believed to impair performance, the detection of weak stimuli can sometimes be enhanced by introducing optimum noise levels. This phenomenon is termed 'Stochastic Resonance' (SR). Past evidence suggests that autistic individuals exhibit higher neural noise than neurotypical individuals. It has been proposed that the enhanced performance in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) on some tasks could be due to SR. Here we present a computational model, lab-based, and online visual identification experiments to find corroborating evidence for this hypothesis in individuals without a formal ASD diagnosis. Our modeling predicts that artificially increasing noise results in SR for individuals with low internal noise (e.g., neurotypical), however not for those with higher internal noise (e.g., autistic, or neurotypical individuals with higher autistic traits). It also predicts that at low stimulus noise, individuals with higher internal noise outperform those with lower internal noise. We tested these predictions using visual identification tasks among participants from the general population with autistic traits measured by the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ). While all participants showed SR in the lab-based experiment, this did not support our model strongly. In the online experiment, significant SR was not found, however participants with higher AQ scores outperformed those with lower AQ scores at low stimulus noise levels, which is consistent with our modeling. In conclusion, our study is the first to investigate the link between SR and superior performance by those with ASD-related traits, and reports limited evidence to support the high neural noise/SR hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratik Raul
- Discipline of Psychology, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- *Correspondence: Pratik Raul,
| | - Kate McNally
- Discipline of Psychology, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Lawrence M. Ward
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jeroen J. A. van Boxtel
- Discipline of Psychology, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Jeroen J. A. van Boxtel,
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6
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Nishi Y, Nobusako S, Tsujimoto T, Sakai A, Nakai A, Morioka S. Spatial Instability during Precision Grip–Lift in Children with Poor Manual Dexterity. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12050598. [PMID: 35624985 PMCID: PMC9139501 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12050598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) show impaired precision grip control due to a sensory-motor integration deficit, their spatial instability (such as changes in force direction and object roll during a precision grip task) is unclear. Herein, we investigated the spatial instability in the precision grip force control of children with poor manual dexterity. We divided 66 school-aged children who performed a precision gripping and lifting of heavy- or lightweight objects into those with low manual dexterity (n = 11) and those with high manual dexterity (n = 55) as revealed by the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (2nd edition). The group and weight effects were then determined. The results revealed that the total trajectory lengths of the center of pressure (COP) were longer in the lightweight object data of the children in the low-manual-dexterity group and were related to the children’s grip force. The low-manual-dexterity group also showed a shifted COP position from the center of the object in the medial–lateral direction and in the object roll regardless of the object’s weight; these were closely related in both weights’ tests. These results demonstrated that children with poor manual dexterity show spatial instability and different adaptations to the weight of objects during a precision grip task. Further studies are needed to determine whether these findings would be replicated in children with a diagnosis of DCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Nishi
- Neurorehabilitation Research Center, Kio University, Koryo, Kitatkatsuragi-gun, Nara 635-0832, Japan; (S.N.); (S.M.)
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kanmaki, Kitatkatsuragi-gun, Nishiyamato Rehabilitation Hospital, Nara 639-0218, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-745-54-1601
| | - Satoshi Nobusako
- Neurorehabilitation Research Center, Kio University, Koryo, Kitatkatsuragi-gun, Nara 635-0832, Japan; (S.N.); (S.M.)
- Graduate School of Health Science, Koryo, Kitatkatsuragi-gun, Kio University, Nara 635-0832, Japan
| | - Taeko Tsujimoto
- Department of Rehabilitation, Nishide Clinic, Kashiwara, Osaka 532-0002, Japan;
| | - Ayami Sakai
- Department of Rehabilitation, Higashi Osaka Yamaji Hospital, HigashiOsaka, Osaka 578-0925, Japan;
| | - Akio Nakai
- Graduate School of Clinical Education & The Center for the Study of Child Development, Institute for Education, Mukogawa Women’s University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo 663-8558, Japan;
| | - Shu Morioka
- Neurorehabilitation Research Center, Kio University, Koryo, Kitatkatsuragi-gun, Nara 635-0832, Japan; (S.N.); (S.M.)
- Graduate School of Health Science, Koryo, Kitatkatsuragi-gun, Kio University, Nara 635-0832, Japan
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7
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Ristič D, Gosak M. Interlayer Connectivity Affects the Coherence Resonance and Population Activity Patterns in Two-Layered Networks of Excitatory and Inhibitory Neurons. Front Comput Neurosci 2022; 16:885720. [PMID: 35521427 PMCID: PMC9062746 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2022.885720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The firing patterns of neuronal populations often exhibit emergent collective oscillations, which can display substantial regularity even though the dynamics of individual elements is very stochastic. One of the many phenomena that is often studied in this context is coherence resonance, where additional noise leads to improved regularity of spiking activity in neurons. In this work, we investigate how the coherence resonance phenomenon manifests itself in populations of excitatory and inhibitory neurons. In our simulations, we use the coupled FitzHugh-Nagumo oscillators in the excitable regime and in the presence of neuronal noise. Formally, our model is based on the concept of a two-layered network, where one layer contains inhibitory neurons, the other excitatory neurons, and the interlayer connections represent heterotypic interactions. The neuronal activity is simulated in realistic coupling schemes in which neurons within each layer are connected with undirected connections, whereas neurons of different types are connected with directed interlayer connections. In this setting, we investigate how different neurophysiological determinants affect the coherence resonance. Specifically, we focus on the proportion of inhibitory neurons, the proportion of excitatory interlayer axons, and the architecture of interlayer connections between inhibitory and excitatory neurons. Our results reveal that the regularity of simulated neural activity can be increased by a stronger damping of the excitatory layer. This can be accomplished with a higher proportion of inhibitory neurons, a higher fraction of inhibitory interlayer axons, a stronger coupling between inhibitory axons, or by a heterogeneous configuration of interlayer connections. Our approach of modeling multilayered neuronal networks in combination with stochastic dynamics offers a novel perspective on how the neural architecture can affect neural information processing and provide possible applications in designing networks of artificial neural circuits to optimize their function via noise-induced phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Ristič
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Marko Gosak
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
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8
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T-cell Receptor Is a Threshold Detector: Sub- and Supra-Threshold Stochastic Resonance in TCR-MHC Clusters on the Cell Surface. ENTROPY 2022; 24:e24030389. [PMID: 35327900 PMCID: PMC8946872 DOI: 10.3390/e24030389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Stochastic resonance in clusters of major histocompatibility molecules is extended by a more detailed description of adaptive thresholding and by applying the notion of suprathreshold stochastic resonance as a stochastically quantizing encoder of transmembrane signaling downstream of major histocompatibility molecules and T-cell receptors on the side of presenting and recognizing cells, respectively. The adaptive nature of thresholding is partly explained by a mirroring of the noncognate–cognate dichotomy shown by the T-cell receptor structure and the kinetic-segregation model of the onset of T-cell receptor triggering. Membrane clusters of major histocompatibility molecules and T-cell receptors on their host cells are envisioned as places of the temporal encoding of downstream signals via the suprathreshold stochastic resonance process. The ways of optimization of molecular prostheses, such as chimeric antigen receptors against cancer in transmembrane signaling, are suggested in the framework of suprathreshold stochastic resonance. The analogy between Förster resonance energy transfer and suprathreshold stochastic resonance for information transfer is also discussed. The overlap integral for energy transfer parallels the mutual information transferred by suprathreshold stochastic resonance.
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Voros J, Rise R, Sherman S, Durell A, Anderson AP, Clark TK. A Machine Learning Approach to Identify Stochastic Resonance in Human Perceptual Thresholds. J Neurosci Methods 2022; 374:109559. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2022.109559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Zhang S, Yan X, Wang Y, Liu B, Gao X. Modulation of brain states on fractal and oscillatory power of EEG in brain-computer interfaces. J Neural Eng 2021; 18. [PMID: 34517346 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac2628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Objective. Electroencephalogram (EEG) is an objective reflection of the brain activities, which provides potential possibilities for brain state estimation based on EEG characteristics. However, how to mine the effective EEG characteristics is still a distressing problem in brain state monitoring.Approach. The phase-scrambled method was used to generate images with different noise levels. Images were encoded into a rapid serial visual presentation paradigm. N-back working memory method was employed to induce and assess fatigue state. The irregular-resampling auto-spectral analysis method was adopted to extract and parameterize (exponent and offset) the characteristics of EEG fractal components, which were analyzed in the four dimensions: fatigue, sustained attention, visual noise and experimental tasks.Main results. The degree of fatigue and visual noise level had positive effects on exponent and offset in the prefrontal lobe, and the ability of sustained attention negatively affected exponent and offset. Compared with visual stimuli task, rest task induced even larger values of exponent and offset and statistically significant in the most cerebral cortex. In addition, the steady-state visual evoked potential amplitudes were negatively and positively affected by the degree of fatigue and noise levels, respectively.Significance. The conclusions of this study provide insights into the relationship between brain states and EEG characteristics. In addition, this study has the potential to provide objective methods for brain states monitoring and EEG modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangen Zhang
- School of Computer and Communication Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyi Yan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Yijun Wang
- China State Key Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Baolin Liu
- School of Computer and Communication Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaorong Gao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
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OIsen T, Capurro A, Švent M, Pilati N, Large C, Hartell N, Hamann M. Sparsely Distributed, Pre-synaptic Kv3 K + Channels Control Spontaneous Firing and Cross-Unit Synchrony via the Regulation of Synaptic Noise in an Auditory Brainstem Circuit. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:721371. [PMID: 34539351 PMCID: PMC8446535 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.721371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous subthreshold activity in the central nervous system is fundamental to information processing and transmission, as it amplifies and optimizes sub-threshold signals, thereby improving action potential initiation and maintaining reliable firing. This form of spontaneous activity, which is frequently considered noise, is particularly important at auditory synapses where acoustic information is encoded by rapid and temporally precise firing rates. In contrast, when present in excess, this form of noise becomes detrimental to acoustic information as it contributes to the generation and maintenance of auditory disorders such as tinnitus. The most prominent contribution to subthreshold noise is spontaneous synaptic transmission (synaptic noise). Although numerous studies have examined the role of synaptic noise on single cell excitability, little is known about its pre-synaptic modulation owing in part to the difficulties of combining noise modulation with monitoring synaptic release. Here we study synaptic noise in the auditory brainstem dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) of mice and show that pharmacological potentiation of Kv3 K+ currents reduces the level of synaptic bombardment onto DCN principal fusiform cells. Using a transgenic mouse line (SyG37) expressing SyGCaMP2-mCherry, a calcium sensor that targets pre-synaptic terminals, we show that positive Kv3 K+ current modulation decreases calcium influx in a fifth of pre-synaptic boutons. Furthermore, while maintaining rapid and precise spike timing, positive Kv3 K+ current modulation increases the synchronization of local circuit neurons by reducing spontaneous activity. In conclusion, our study identifies a unique pre-synaptic mechanism which reduces synaptic noise at auditory synapses and contributes to the coherent activation of neurons in a local auditory brainstem circuit. This form of modulation highlights a new therapeutic target, namely the pre-synaptic bouton, for ameliorating the effects of hearing disorders which are dependent on aberrant spontaneous activity within the central auditory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy OIsen
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Alberto Capurro
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Maša Švent
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Charles Large
- Autifony Therapeutics Limited, Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, Stevenage, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Hartell
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Martine Hamann
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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12
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Söderlund GBW, Åsberg Johnels J, Rothén B, Torstensson-Hultberg E, Magnusson A, Fälth L. Sensory white noise improves reading skills and memory recall in children with reading disability. Brain Behav 2021; 11:e02114. [PMID: 34096202 PMCID: PMC8323032 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reading disability (RD) is characterized by slow and inaccurate word reading development, commonly reflecting underlying phonological problems. We have previously shown that exposure to white noise acutely improves cognitive performance in children with ADHD. The question addressed here is whether white noise exposure yields positive outcomes also for RD. There are theoretical reasons to expect such a possibility: a) RD and ADHD are two overlapping neurodevelopmental disorders and b) since prior research on white noise benefits has suggested that a central mechanism might be the phenomenon of stochastic resonance, then adding certain kinds of white noise might strengthen the signal-to-noise ratio during phonological processing and phoneme-grapheme mapping. METHODS The study was conducted with a group of 30 children with RD and phonological decoding difficulties and two comparison groups: one consisting of skilled readers (n = 22) and another of children with mild orthographic reading problems and age adequate phonological decoding (n = 30). White noise was presented experimentally in visual and auditory modalities, while the children performed tests of single word reading, orthographic word recognition, nonword reading, and memory recall. RESULTS For the first time, we show that visual and auditory white noise exposure improves some reading and memory capacities "on the fly" in children with RD and phonological decoding difficulties. By contrast, the comparison groups displayed either no benefit or a gradual decrease in performance with increasing noise. In interviews, we also found that the white noise exposure was tolerable or even preferred by many children. CONCLUSION These novel findings suggest that poor readers with phonological decoding difficulties may be immediately helped by white noise during reading. Future research is needed to determine the robustness, mechanisms, and long-term practical implications of the white noise benefits in children with reading disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Göran B W Söderlund
- Faculty of Teacher Education Arts and Sports, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Sogndal, Norway.,Department of Education and Special Education, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jakob Åsberg Johnels
- Speech and Language Pathology Unit & the Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Silvia Children's Hospital, University of Gothenburg & The Child Neuropsychiatric Clinic, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bodil Rothén
- Department of Pedagogy and Learning, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
| | | | - Andreas Magnusson
- Complex Adaptive Systems, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Linda Fälth
- Department of Pedagogy and Learning, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
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13
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Carozzo S, Sannita WG. Stochastic resonance and ' gamma band' synchronization in the human visual system. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2021; 10:191-195. [PMID: 33937903 PMCID: PMC8076714 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortical synchronization in the gamma-frequency range (above ~30.0 Hz) and the signal/noise interplay described by stochastic resonance models have been proposed as basic mechanisms in neuronal synchronization and sensory information processing, particularly in vision. Here we report an observation in humans of linear and inverted-U distributions of the electrophysiological (EEG) responses to visual contrast stimulation in the gamma band and in the low frequency components of the visual evoked responses (VER), respectively. The combination of linear and inverted-U distributions is described by a stochastic resonance model (SR). The observation needs replication in larger subjects' samples. It nevertheless adds to the available evidence of a role of gamma oscillatory signals and SR mechanisms in neuronal synchronization and visual processing. Some functional adaptation in human vision appears conceivable and further investigation is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Carozzo
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal and Infantile Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genova, Italy
| | - Walter G. Sannita
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal and Infantile Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genova, Italy
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Morfu S, Usama BI, Marquié P. On some applications of vibrational resonance on noisy image perception: the role of the perturbation parameters. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2021; 379:20200240. [PMID: 33840210 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2020.0240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we first propose a brief overview of nonlinear resonance applications in the context of image processing. Next, we introduce a threshold detector based on these resonance properties to investigate the perception of subthreshold noisy images. By considering a random perturbation, we revisit the well-known stochastic resonance (SR) detector whose best performances are achieved when the noise intensity is tuned to an optimal value. We then introduce a vibrational resonance detector by replacing the noisy perturbation with a spatial high-frequency signal. To enhance the image perception through this detector, it is shown that the noise level of the input images must be lower than the optimal noise value of the SR-based detector. Under these conditions, considering the same noise level for both detectors, we establish that the vibrational resonance (VR)-based detector significantly outperforms the SR-based detector in terms of image perception. Moreover, we show that whatever the perturbation amplitude, the best perception through the VR detector is ensured when the perturbation frequency exceeds the image size. This article is part of the theme issue 'Vibrational and stochastic resonance in driven nonlinear systems (part 2)'.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Morfu
- ImViA EA 7535, Equipe Cores, Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - B I Usama
- ImViA EA 7535, Equipe Cores, Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - P Marquié
- ImViA EA 7535, Equipe Cores, Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 21000 Dijon, France
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Voros JL, Sherman SO, Rise R, Kryuchkov A, Stine P, Anderson AP, Clark TK. Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation Produces Cross-Modal Improvements in Visual Thresholds. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:640984. [PMID: 33867923 PMCID: PMC8044370 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.640984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stochastic resonance (SR) refers to a faint signal being enhanced with the addition of white noise. Previous studies have found that vestibular perceptual thresholds are lowered with noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (i.e., "in-channel" SR). Auditory white noise has been shown to improve tactile and visual thresholds, suggesting "cross-modal" SR. OBJECTIVE We investigated galvanic vestibular white noise (nGVS) (n = 9 subjects) to determine the cross-modal effects on visual and auditory thresholds. METHODS We measured auditory and visual perceptual thresholds of human subjects across a swath of different nGVS levels in order to determine if some individual-subject determined best nGVS level elicited a reduction in thresholds as compared the no noise condition (sham). RESULTS We found improvement in visual thresholds (by an average of 18%, p = 0.014). Subjects with higher (worse) visual thresholds with no stimulation (sham) improved more than those with lower thresholds (p = 0.04). Auditory thresholds were unchanged by vestibular stimulation. CONCLUSION These results are the first demonstration of cross-modal improvement with galvanic vestibular stimulation, indicating galvanic vestibular white noise can produce cross-modal improvements in some sensory channels, but not all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie L. Voros
- Ann & H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
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16
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Likens AD, Kent JA, Sloan CI, Wurdeman SR, Stergiou N. Stochastic Resonance Reduces Sway and Gait Variability in Individuals With Unilateral Transtibial Amputation: A Pilot Study. Front Physiol 2020; 11:573700. [PMID: 33192576 PMCID: PMC7604354 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.573700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sub-threshold (imperceptible) vibration, applied to parts of the body, impacts how people move and perceive our world. Could this idea help someone who has lost part of their limb? Sub-threshold vibration was applied to the thigh of the affected limb of 20 people with unilateral transtibial amputation. Vibration conditions tested included two noise structures: pink and white. Center of pressure (COP) excursion (range and root-mean-square displacements) during quiet standing, and speed and spatial stride measures (mean and standard deviations of step length and width) during walking were assessed. Pink noise vibration decreased COP displacements in standing, and white noise vibration decreased sound limb step length standard deviation in walking. Sub-threshold vibration positively impacted aspects of both posture and gait; however, different noise structures had different effects. The current study represents foundational work in understanding the potential benefits of incorporating stochastic resonance as an intervention for individuals with amputation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron D Likens
- Center for Research in Human Movement Variability, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Jenny A Kent
- Center for Research in Human Movement Variability, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE, United States.,Feinberg School of Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - C Ian Sloan
- Center for Research in Human Movement Variability, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Shane R Wurdeman
- Center for Research in Human Movement Variability, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE, United States.,Department of Clinical and Scientific Affairs, Hanger Clinic, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Nick Stergiou
- Center for Research in Human Movement Variability, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE, United States.,Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
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17
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Interaction of neuronal and network mechanisms on firing propagation in a feedforward network. Neurocomputing 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neucom.2020.05.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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18
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19
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Fu Y, Kang Y, Chen G. Stochastic Resonance Based Visual Perception Using Spiking Neural Networks. Front Comput Neurosci 2020; 14:24. [PMID: 32499690 PMCID: PMC7242793 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2020.00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Our aim is to propose an efficient algorithm for enhancing the contrast of dark images based on the principle of stochastic resonance in a global feedback spiking network of integrate-and-fire neurons. By linear approximation and direct simulation, we disclose the dependence of the peak signal-to-noise ratio on the spiking threshold and the feedback coupling strength. Based on this theoretical analysis, we then develop a dynamical system algorithm for enhancing dark images. In the new algorithm, an explicit formula is given on how to choose a suitable spiking threshold for the images to be enhanced, and a more effective quantifying index, the variance of image, is used to replace the commonly used measure. Numerical tests verify the efficiency of the new algorithm. The investigation provides a good example for the application of stochastic resonance, and it might be useful for explaining the biophysical mechanism behind visual perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Fu
- Department of Applied Mathematics, School of Mathematics and Statistics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yanmei Kang
- Department of Applied Mathematics, School of Mathematics and Statistics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Guanrong Chen
- Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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21
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Zhang S, Gao X. The effect of visual stimuli noise and fatigue on steady-state visual evoked potentials. J Neural Eng 2019; 16:056023. [DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ab1f4e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Washif JA, Teichmann J, Kok LY, Schmidtbleicher D. Using stochastic resonance and strength training as part of a rehabilitation programme for recurrent low back pain treatment: a case study. J Exerc Rehabil 2019; 15:139-147. [PMID: 30899750 PMCID: PMC6416500 DOI: 10.12965/jer.1836532.266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Low back pain (LBP) is a common disabling health problem that can cause decreased spine proprioception. Stochastic resonance (SR) can influence detection performance, besides improving patients with significant sensory deficits, but have not been thoroughly tested for LBP. This study aimed to examine the application of SR therapy (SRT) and strength training for LBP treatment. The subject was a resistance-trained male in his early thirties. His back pain was unbearable after a strength training session. Standard pain relief alleviated the pain but the LBP developed at a similar intensity after 4 weeks. SRT (4-5 sets ×90 sec, 30-sec rest interval, supine position) was prescribed along with other exercises for 3 weeks (phase 1), and followed by tailor-made strength training for 16 weeks (phase 2). The Oswestry Disability Index was 66.7% (interpreted as "crippled") prior to first SRT, and reduced to minimal levels of 15.6% and 6.7% after four and seven SRT sessions, respectively. Similarly, pain intensity was ranging from 5 to 9 (distracting-severe) of the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS-11) prior to the first session but this was reduced considerably after four sessions (NRS-11: 0-1). During phase 2, the patient performed without complaining of LBP, two repetitions of bench press exercise at a load intensity of 1.2 his body weight and attained 4 min of plank stabilisation. This LBP management strategy has a clinically meaningful effect on pain intensity, disability, and functional mobility, by receding the recurrent distracting to severe LBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jad Adrian Washif
- Sports Performance Division, National Sports Institute, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jorg Teichmann
- Sports Medicine Division, National Sports Institute, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lian-Yee Kok
- Department of Sport Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
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White O, Babič J, Trenado C, Johannsen L, Goswami N. The Promise of Stochastic Resonance in Falls Prevention. Front Physiol 2019; 9:1865. [PMID: 30745883 PMCID: PMC6360177 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multisensory integration is essential for maintenance of motor and cognitive abilities, thereby ensuring normal function and personal autonomy. Balance control is challenged during senescence or in motor disorders, leading to potential falls. Increased uncertainty in sensory signals is caused by a number of factors including noise, defined as a random and persistent disturbance that reduces the clarity of information. Counter-intuitively, noise can be beneficial in some conditions. Stochastic resonance is a mechanism whereby a particular level of noise actually enhances the response of non-linear systems to weak sensory signals. Here we review the effects of stochastic resonance on sensory modalities and systems directly involved in balance control. We highlight its potential for improving sensorimotor performance as well as cognitive and autonomic functions. These promising results demonstrate that stochastic resonance represents a flexible and non-invasive technique that can be applied to different modalities simultaneously. Finally we point out its benefits for a variety of scenarios including in ambulant elderly, skilled movements, sports and to patients with sensorimotor or autonomic dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier White
- INSERM UMR1093-CAPS, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR des Sciences du Sport, Dijon, France.,Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Jan Babič
- Laboratory for Neuromechanics and Biorobotics, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Carlos Trenado
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors TU Dortmund (ifADO), Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Leif Johannsen
- Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Nandu Goswami
- Otto Loewi Research Center for Vascular Biology, Immunology and Inflammation, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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