The effects of six weeks of combined balance and plyometric training on postural control performance in elite badminton players: A pilot randomized, controlled study.

Background/Objectives: The athletic performance in badminton players largely depends on the capability of dynamic postural control to quickly restore balance when performing high-paced movements (e.g., frequent single-leg jumps). Our aim was to examine the effects of a novel intervention that combines balance training on an unstable surface and plyometric training on the performance of restoring balance after jumping, as well as related postural control in elite badminton players. Methods: Sixteen elite male badminton players were randomly allocated to either a combined balance and plyometric training group (CT, n = 8) or a plyometric training group (PT, n = 8). The CT group participated in a six-week training program, which included three training sessions per week. Each session comprised 40 min of plyometric exercises and 20 min of balance training. The PT group underwent plyometric training using the identical protocol as that of the CT group. All participants underwent identical technical training in badminton throughout the duration of the study. At baseline and immediately after the intervention, participants completed a single-leg jumping test. The capacity to restore balance was evaluated using the time to stabilization (TTS) after landing; and the related center of pressure (COP) fluctuations were also recorded. The effect of intervention was examined by two-way repeated-measures of ANOVA. Results: The primary two-way repeated-measures ANOVA models showed no significant interactions between group and time on either the time to stability in the dominant leg (D-TTS) or the time to stability in the non-dominant leg (N-TTS) (p > 0.70). Significant main effects of time, group, and their interactions on dominant legs of the anterior-posterior displacement difference (D-COPAP) (time: p = 0.001; group: p = 0.001; interaction: p = 0.014), non-dominant legs of the anterior-posterior displacement difference (N-COPAP) (time: p < 0.001; group: p = 0.003; interaction: p = 0.021) and non-dominant legs of the medial-lateral displacement difference (N-COPML) (time: p < 0.001; group: p < 0.001; interaction: p = 0.026), that is, compared to baseline of both groups and post PT, the COP metrics were significantly reduced after CT. Secondarily, within the CT and PT group, after the intervention, the N-TTS (CT: p = 0.001, post: 0.58 ± 0.87; PT: p = 0.03, post: 0.71 ± 0.11) was significantly decreased compared to baseline (CT pre: 0.76 ± 0.16; PT pre: 0.88 ± 0.13). Conclusion: This pilot study demonstrated that, compared to PT-only, the 6-week CT which combines balance training induced comparable improvements in the capacity to restoring balance after landing from a single-leg jump, and significantly improved the postural control performance as measured by COP metrics.

1q jumping translocation as a biomarker in myeloid malignancy: frequently mutated genes associated with bad prognosis and low survival.

1q jumping translocation (JT) is rare and its molecular profiles in myeloid malignancies are not well-known. This study evaluated gene mutations in 1q-JT cohorts (0.38%) from hematological malignant specimens that underwent genetic analysis at the Johns Hopkins Hospital (n = 11,908) and the MD Anderson Cancer Center. 1q-JT had frequent mutations in eleven genes, most of which are associated with worse prognosis. BCOR mutations significantly co-occurred with others. Patients tended to have mutations in DNA-repair, spliceosome, and epigenetic modification pathways, though genes utilized within each of these pathways were not randomly distributed. Multi-, albeit overlapping, pathway interruptions tended to manifest in mutations of two gene sets. One gene set consisted of SF3B1 (spliceosome) and TET2 (epigenetic modification), while the other consisted of STAG2 (DNA repair), SRSF2, U2AF (spliceosome), ASXL1, KMT2D (epigenetic modification), BCOR, and GATA2 (transcription factors). An "intermediate" JT-like rearrangement may represent an early sign of occurring 1q-JT. Treatments (hypomethylating agents) and unique structures of the short arms of acrocentric chromosomes may contribute to 1q-JT formation in myeloid malignancies. The median overall survival after identification of a JT was 10 months (95% confidence interval, 5-15 months). Our cohort represents the largest number of myeloid malignancies from multi-centers with before and after the 1q-JT event analyzed to date. Overall, this study identified specific molecular profiles that are associated with 1q-JT in myeloid malignancies. 1q-JT could serve as a poor prognosis biomarker in myeloid malignancies, which could be important in making well-informed clinical decisions and treatment strategies.

Functionality and jump performance in patellar tendinopathy with the application of three different treatments.

OBJECTIVES: The aim is to assess performance characteristics in jumps and functionality in participants with patellar tendinopathy and compare changes with various tendinopathy treatments in the short and medium term. As a secondary objective, the study aims to verify the relationship between changes in knee functionality assessed by the VISA-P and jump capacity in the different treatment groups. DESIGN: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Recruitment was conducted at sport clubs, with 48 participants with patellar tendinopathy included in the study. Participants were randomized into groups: dry needling (DN), percutaneous electrolysis (PNE), and sham needling as the control group (CG), all combined with eccentric exercise (EE). Functionality and performance during jumps, including squat jump (SJ) and counter movement jump (CMJ), were assessed. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in functionality between the pre-test and post-test evaluations, as well as between the pre-test and follow-up evaluations, in all three groups (p < 0.001). The DN group experienced an improvement in eccentric power (p = 0.021). A moderate correlation was found between the pre-test and post-test changes in functionality and SJ maximum concentric force (r = 0.63, p < 0.01, CI: 0.1; 0.8), CMJ maximum concentric force (r = 0.52, p = 0.05, CI: -0.01; 0.8), and CMJ eccentric power in the DN group (r = 0.63, p = 0.01, CI: 0.1; 0.8). CONCLUSIONS: Eccentric exercise could be effective in improving functionality in patellar tendinopathy and DN could improve eccentric power in jumps performance. Moreover, the DN group experienced an increase in functionality that correlated with the improvements found in jump performance in eccentric power and concentric strength.

Impaired Symmetry in Single-Leg Vertical Jump and Drop Jump Performance 7 Months After ACL Reconstruction.

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) continues to be associated with a variable rate of return to sports and a concerning rate of further anterior cruciate ligament injury. Persistent functional deficits may explain these results and support the need to keep exploring lower limb functional indexes, especially during vertical jumping. This would help improve rehabilitation through the return-to-sports continuum and improve postoperative outcomes. Hypothesis: Vertical jumping performance indexes are impaired among patients 7 months after ACLR. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 202 patients who underwent ACLR and 50 healthy participants performed single-leg vertical jump (SLVJ) and single-leg drop jump (SLDJ) testing. Jump height (H) as well as reactive strength index (RSI) were assessed and the limb symmetry index (LSI) of each parameter was compared between both groups. Vertical jumping indexes were also compared between healthy participants and the injured and contralateral legs of ACLR patients. Frequency analysis (chi-square test) of participants exhibiting an LSI >90% for each parameter was calculated in both groups. The level of association between SLVJ-H, SLDJ-H, and SLDJ-RSI was evaluated using the Pearson coefficient (r). Results: At 6.6 ± 0.7 months (mean ± SD) postoperatively, participants after ACLR exhibited poorer LSI than the control group for all parameters (79.1 ± 14.8 vs 93.9 ± 4.5, 77.3 ± 14.6 vs 93.4 ± 5.2, and 71.9 ± 17.4 vs 93.4 ± 3.8; all P < .001; for the SLVJ-H, SLDJ-H, and SLDJ-RSI, respectively). Vertical jumping performance was lower on both injured and contralateral legs compared with healthy participants (all P < .001). Only 27%, 25%, and 16% of the ACLR patients exhibited an LSI >90% for the SLVJ-H, SLDJ-H, and SLDJ-RSI, respectively, in comparison with 80%, 72%, and 86% in the control group. Moderate correlations were observed between SLDJ-H and SLVJ-H (r = 0.494; P < .001) as well as between SLDJ-RSI and SLVJ-H (r = 0.488; P < .001) in the ACLR group. Conclusion: Vertical jumping indexes (both symmetry and absolute values) were highly impaired 7 months after ACLR. Deficits were more marked for reactive strength ability. Clinicians should focus on restoring vertical jumping abilities to improve functional performance after ACLR.

Some Unfamiliar Structural Stability Aspects of Unsymmetric Laminated Composite Plates.

It is widely recognized that certain structures, when subjected to static compression, may exhibit a bifurcation point, leading to the potential occurrence of a secondary equilibrium path. Also, there is a tendency of deflection increment without a bifurcation point to occur for imperfect structures. In this paper, some relatively unknown phenomena are investigated. First, it is demonstrated that in some conditions, the linear buckling mode shape may differ from the result of geometrically nonlinear analysis. Second, a mode jumping phenomenon is described as a transition from a secondary equilibrium path to an obscure one as a tertiary equilibrium path or a second bifurcation point. In this regard, some non-square plates with unsymmetric layer arrangements (in the presence of extension-bending coupling) are subjected to a uniaxial in-plane compression. By considering the geometrically linear and nonlinear problems, the bucking modes and post-buckling behaviors, e.g., the out-of-plane displacement of the plate versus the load, are obtained by ANSYS 2023 R1 software. Through a parametric analysis, the possibility of these phenomena is investigated in detail.

[Synchronous analysis of ankle coronal plane tilt angle and peripheral associated muscle load in semi-squat landing of paratroopers].

Objective: To investigate the relationship between ankle stability and associated muscle load around the ankle and the effect of a parachute ankle brace (PAB) on ankle inversion and associated muscle load around the ankle during landing through the simulated paratrooper semi-squat landing field experiment. Methods: In August 2021, 37 male paratroopers were randomly selected as the study objects to perform parachute landing training in the semi-squat posture on the 1.5 m and 2.0 m jump platforms with or without PAB, respectively. The coronal plane tilt angle of ankle joint and the percentage of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC%) of associated muscles around ankle joint during the process were measured and correlation analysis was conducted. And the effect of wearing PAB on the coronal plane tilt angle of ankle joint and the associated muscles around the ankle joint was analyzed. Results: During the semi-squat landing, the MVC% of the tibialis anterior muscle, lateral gastrocnemius muscle and peroneus longus muscle were positively correlated with the ankle coronal plane tilt angle in paratroopers wearing and without wearing PAB, and the correlations were statistically significant (P<0.05). At the same height, compared with those without PAB, the coronal plane tilt angle of the ankle joint decreased during semi-squat landing in paratroopers PAB, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). At the landing moment of the same height, compared with those without PAB, the MVC% of lateral gastrocnemius muscle decreased and the MVC% of peroneus longus muscle increased in paratroopers wearing PAB, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). After the landing moment until the standing stage (100-200 ms) at 1.5 m height, the MVC% of the tibialis anterior muscle decreased in paratroopers wearing PAB compared with those without PAB, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). In the post-standing stage (200 ms) at 2.0 m height, the MVC% of the tibialis anterior muscle decreased in paratroopers wearing PAB compared with those without PAB, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Wearing PAB can reduce the ankle coronal plane tilt angle, improve ankle stability, reduce the muscle load of the lateral gastrocnemius muscle at the moment of landing, and reduce the load of the tibialis anterior muscle after landing, but increase the peroneus longus muscle load at the moment of landing.

Information gathered through draws-to-decision, social functioning, and personal recovery among patients with schizophrenia in Japan.

INTRODUCTION: In schizophrenia, social functioning and personal recovery are pivotal outcomes potentially influenced by cognitive biases such as Jumping to Conclusions (JTC). Despite their significance, the relationship between JTC, social functioning, and personal recovery remains unclear. This study aims to investigate this relationship to inform tailored interventions for schizophrenia management. METHODS: Data were collected from 94 schizophrenia patients using standardised measures. The Beads Task assessed JTC, whereas the Brief PANSS, TMT-J, SLOF-J, and RAS-J evaluated psychiatric symptoms, neurocognitive functioning, social functioning, and personal recovery, respectively. Statistical analyses included correlation and hierarchical regression. RESULTS: Correlation analyses revealed a significant negative correlation between JTC and personal recovery (r = -0.27, p < 0.05). Hierarchical regression indicated JTC as a significant negative predictor of personal recovery (ß = -0.33, p = 0.01). No significant correlation was found between JTC and social functioning. DISCUSSION: Increased JTC was associated with lower levels of personal recovery in schizophrenia patients, independent of demographic and clinical factors. In the case of individuals with schizophrenia who demonstrate JTC, there is a potential to suggest the paradox of insight or apparent personal recovery scores.

Laser-Induced Stress-Driven Nanoplate Jumping Visualized by Ultrafast Electron Microscopy.

Understanding laser-induced jumping has attracted great interest in nanomaterial launching and transfer but requires a high spatiotemporal resolution visualization. Here, we report a jumping dynamics of nanoplate driven by ultrafast laser-induced stress using time-resolved transmission electron microscopy. Single-shot imaging reveals a nondestructive launching of gold nanoplates in several nanoseconds after the pulsed femtosecond laser excitation. The temperature rise and acoustic vibration, derived from ultrafast electron crystallography with a picosecond time resolution, confirm the existence of a laser-induced elastic stress wave. The generation, propagation, and reflection of thermal stress waves are further clarified by atomic simulation. The nonequilibrium ultrafast laser heating produces a compressive stress wave within several picoseconds, constrained by the supporting substrate under nanoplate to provide thrust force. This compressive stress is subsequently reflected into tensile stress by the substrate, promoting the nanoplate to jump off the substrate. Furthermore, the uneven interface adhesion results in the jumping flip of nanoplates, as well as, diminished their jumping speed. This study unveils the jumping regime driven by impulsive laser-excited stress and offers understanding of light-matter interaction.

The effect of action observation and motor imagery on jumping and perceived performance.

Introduction: Action observation (AO) and motor imagery (MI) are cognitive processes that involve mentally rehearsing and simulating movements without physically performing them. However, the need for the evidence to support influence of imagery on performance is increasing. This study aims to investigate the impact of combining motor imagery with action observation on athletes' performance and performance perception. Method: Using a pre-test post-test design with a factorial setup, participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. A pre-research power analysis determined the sample size, resulting in 21 voluntary participants (10 male). Opto Jump device recorded drop jump performance measurements, while participants predicted their performance post-motor imagery and action observation practices. The experimental group underwent an 8-week AOMI intervention program, involving 24-minute motor imagery sessions during video observation thrice weekly. Post-test measurements were taken after the intervention. Results: Results indicated no significant performance increase in the experimental group post-intervention, yet the group showed enhanced performance estimation following the video observation, but not in motor imagery condition. Conversely, this improvement was absent in the control group. Discussion: Although AOMI intervention didn't enhance physical performance, it has positively affected athletes' perception toward their performance. The findings are discussed in relation to existing literature.

Concurrent validity of countermovement and squat jump height assessed with a contact mat and force platform in professional soccer players.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the concurrent validity of a contact mat against force plates to measure jump height in countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) in professional soccer players. Methods: 23 male professional soccer players performed the CMJ and SJ, which were concurrently recorded using a portable contact mat (SmartJump) and a portable dual force plate system (ForceDecks). Equivalence testing between both systems (contact mat vs. force plate) and the two methods (impulse-momentum vs. flight-time and flight-time vs. flight-time) was performed compared to equivalence bounds of ±1.1 cm for the CMJ and ±1.6 cm for the SJ. Additionally, 95% Limits of Agreement (LoA) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were computed. Results: Mean differences for the impulse-momentum vs. flight-time comparison for CMJ [3.2 cm, 95% CI (2.3-4.1)] and SJ [2.7 cm, (1.8-3.6)] were non-equivalent between both systems. LoA were larger than the equivalence bunds for CMJ and SJ, while ICCs were good [CMJ, 0.89, (0.76-0.95)] and excellent [SJ, 0.91, (0.79-0.96)]. As for the flight-time vs. flight-time comparison, mean differences were non-equivalent for the CMJ [1.0 cm (0.8 to 1.2 cm)] and equivalent for the SJ [0.9 cm (0.7-1.1 cm)]. LoA were narrower than the equivalence bounds for CMJ and SJ, while ICCs were excellent [CMJ, 0.995, 95% CI (0.989-0.998); SJ, 0.997, 95% CI (0.993-0.997)]. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the SmartJump contact mat cannot be used interchangeably with the ForceDecks force platform to measure jump height for the CMJ and SJ.

Inclusion of Game-Based Stimulus During Flywheel Resistance Training Positively Influences Physical Performance in Handball Players.

Handball is a body-contact Olympic ball sport that is characterized by fast-paced defensive and offensive actions. Players must coordinate explosive movements (e.g. changing of direction) and handball-specific skills (e.g. passing). Maximizing performance requires a systematic approach to training that includes physical, psychological, technical, and tactical preparation. Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine the effects of movement-based (MOV; unspecific sport stimulus) or game-based (GAM; sport-specific stimulus) flywheel resistance training intervention in highly trained youth handball players. Method:Twenty-five highly trained youth male handball players completed two sessions per week of flywheel resistance training (MOV, n = 12; GAM, n = 13) over the 7-week intervention period. Change-of-direction tests (180º change-of-direction speed test of both legs and test) and handball-throwing test were conducted before and after the intervention. Results: Both groups significantly improved V-cut, and 180º Change-of-direction speed test performance (p < .05; d = 0.79-2.05). Notwithstanding, the GAM group demonstrated greater improvements in V-cut and COD180ASY compared with the MOV group (p < .05) with small effect. Handball throwing speed performance remained unchanged independently of training condition (p > .05). Conclusions: These findings provide further support for the training principle of "specificity" and highlight the importance of including a game-based training stimulus during resistance training. This is a key consideration for coaches wanting to enhance physical performance in youth handball players.

Neuromuscular Training Effects on Athletes' Jumping and Lower Limb Injury: A Systematic Review.

This study assessed the impact of integrated neuromuscular training (INT) on athletes' jumping performance and lower limb injury prevention. A thorough search across multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and the Cochrane Library, identified a sample of 19,805 athletes aged between 8.5 and 27.7 years. Results showed that INT led to a significant improvement in jumping ability (SMD = 0.45, 95% CI 0.30-0.60, P = 0.000) and a reduction in lower limb injuries (SMD = 0.68, 95% CI 0.62-0.74, P = 0.000). The most effective interventions lasted at least 25 minutes, conducted 2-5 times per week, for a minimum of 9 weeks. This approach was particularly beneficial for children and adolescents, as it enhanced their countermovement jump (CMJ) ability and helped in the prevention of injuries.

The effect of weighted vest use during in-season, small-sided games training on young soccer players' performance.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of weighted vest on-field small-sided games (SSG) soccer training, during the in-season period, on body composition and soccer-specific performances, in young, trained soccer players. A counterbalance study design was adopted, in which the fourteen well-trained players (age: 19.1 ± 0.5 yrs, body mass: 70.3 ± 5.3 kg, body height: 180.3 ± 3.0 cm, body fat: 9.2 ± 4.1%) performed both the Interventional (Vest) and Control (Con) training routines (6 weeks/season; 5 training sessions/week; 1 match/week), in different occasions (winter/spring period). Con group followed a regular weekly training plan. When the Con group performed their intense training sessions, Vest group performed only the on-field SSGs training wearing a vest (12.5% of athletes' body mass). All the evaluations were performed one week before and after each training period. Statistical analyses include repeated ANOVA and T-test (p < 0.05). Significant increases in sprinting, jumping, change of direction (COD), aerobic and anaerobic performances were observed only after Vest intervention (-4.7 ± 2.2% to 11.2 ± 4.2%; p < 0.05). Significant changes were observed only after Vest training, compared to Cont (p < 0.05). These results suggest that using a weighted vest, during the in-season, onfield SSG training two times/week induces greater increases in young soccer players' sprinting, jumping, COD, aerobic and anaerobic performances.

A reliable jumping-based classification methodology for environment sector.

Decision-makers have consistently developed a range of classification models, each possessing unique features within the domain of intelligent models. These endeavors are all directed toward achieving the highest levels of accuracy. In recent developments, two notable methodologies-reliable modeling and jumping modeling approaches-offer specific advantages in formulating cost functions and have been recognized for their role in enhancing classifier accuracy. Specifically, the jumping methodology is based on aligning the learning process with the discrete nature of the classification goal, while the reliable methodology integrates the reliability factor into the learning paradigm. However, their innovative combination, leveraging both accuracy and reliability factors in guiding learning processes, leads to the creation of a high-performing classifier. This addresses a research gap in tackling classification challenges, which remains the core focus of the present study. To evaluate the performance of the proposed reliable jumping-based intelligent classifier in environmental decision-making, we considered ten benchmark datasets spanning various application domains. The numerical results demonstrate that the proposed Reliable Jumping-based intelligent classifier consistently outperforms traditional intelligent classifiers across all studied cases. As a result, the proposed approach proves to be a viable and effective alternative to other intelligent methods in environmental applications.

A comparison of morning priming exercise using traditional-set and cluster-set configurations on afternoon explosive performance.

The impact of two priming exercise protocols using traditional (TS) or cluster-set (CS) arrangements on explosive performance 6 hours later were examined. Sixteen male collegiate athletes performed three testing sessions (one baseline without any prior exercise in the morning and two experimental sessions) separated by 72 hours. Participants completed two morning (9-11 am) priming protocols in a randomized order, either using a TS (no rest between repetitions) or CS (30 seconds of rest between repetitions) configuration. The protocols consisted of 3 sets × 3 repetitions of barbell back squat at 85% of 1 repetition maximum, with 4 minutes of rest between sets. In the afternoon (3-5 pm) of each trial, after a 6-hour rest period, a physical test battery was conducted that replicated baseline testing, including countermovement jump, 20-meter straight-line sprint, and T-test abilities. Across both conditions, participants exhibited increased countermovement jump height, 20-meter sprint time and T-test time compared to baseline (P < 0.05). Improvements in countermovement jump height (+4.4 ± 5.4%; P = 0.008) and 20-meter sprint time (+1.3 ± 1.7%; P = 0.022), but not T-test time (+1.1 ± 3.3%; P = 0.585), were significantly greater for CS than TS. In conclusion, compared to a traditional set arrangement, a morning-based priming protocol using a cluster-set configuration led to superior explosive performance benefits in the afternoon.

Effects of plyometric training techniques on vertical jump performance of basketball players.

The aim of our study was to compare the effects of two different plyometric training programs (targeting knee extensors or plantar flexors) on jump height and strength of leg muscles. Twenty-nine male basketball players were assigned to the knee-flexed (KF), knee-extended (KE), or control groups. In addition to regular training, the KF group performed plyometric jumps (10 sets of 10 jumps, 3 sessions/week, 4 weeks) from 50 cm boxes with the knee flexed (90°-120°), whereas the KE group performed the jumps from 30 cm boxes with the knee much more extended (130°-170°). Jumping ability was evaluated with squat jumps (SJs), countermovement jumps (CMJs), and drop jumps from 20 cm (DJ20) and 40 cm (DJ40). Knee and ankle muscles were assessed during maximal isokinetic and isometric tests, and EMG activity was recorded from vastus lateralis and medial gastrocnemius. The KF group increased SJ (+10%, d = 0.86) and CMJ (+11%, d = 0.70) but decreased DJ40 height (-7%, d = -0.40). Conversely, the KE group increased DJ20 (+10%, d = 0.74) and DJ40 (+12%, d = 0.77) but decreased SJ height (-4%, d = -0.23). The reactivity index during DJs increased (+10% for DJ20, d = 0.47; +20% for DJ40, d = 0.91) for the KE group but decreased (-10%, d = -0.48) for the KF group during DJ40. Plantar flexor strength increased for the KE group (d = 0.72-1.00) but not for the KF group. Negative transfer across jumps is consistent with the principle of training specificity. Basketball players interested to perform fast rebounds in their training should avoid plyometric jumps with large knee flexions and long contact times.

Validity and Reliability of the Orthelligent Pro Sensor for Measuring Single-Leg Vertical Jump Height in Healthy Athletic Adults.

The Orthelligent Pro sensor is a practicable, portable measuring instrument. This study assessed the validity and reliability of this sensor in measuring single-leg countermovement jumps. Fifty healthy athletic adults participated in two measurement sessions a week apart in time. They performed single-leg countermovement jumps on the force plate while wearing the Orthelligent Pro sensor on their lower leg. During the first measurement session, Tester 1 invited the participants to make three single-leg countermovement jumps; subsequently, Tester 2 did the same. For assessing the sensor's intratester reliability, Tester 1 again invited the participants to make three single-leg countermovement jumps during the second measurement session. The sensor's validity was assessed by using the force plate results as the gold standard. To determinate the agreement between two measurements, Bland-Altman plots were created. The intertester reliability (ICC = 0.99; 0.97) and intratester reliability (ICC = 0.96; 0.82) were both excellent. The validity calculated (i) on the basis of the mean value of three jumps and (ii) on the basis of the maximum value of three jumps was very high, but it showed a systematic error. Taking this error into account, physiotherapists can use the Orthelligent Pro sensor as a valid and reliable instrument for measuring the jump height of countermovement jumps.

Direct Nanosecond Multiframe Imaging of Irreversible Dynamics in 4D Electron Microscopy.

Irreversible ultrafast events are prevalent in nature, yet their capture in real time poses significant challenges. Traditional single-shot imaging technologies, which utilize a single optical pump and single delayed electron probe, offer high spatiotemporal resolution but fail to capture the entire dynamic evolutions. Here, we introduce a novel imaging method employing a single optical pump and delayed multiple electron probes. This approach, facilitated by an innovative deflector in ultrafast electron microscopy, enables the acquisition of nine frames per exposure, paving the way for statistical and quantitative analyses. We have developed an algorithm that corrects frame-by-frame distortions, realizing a cross-correlation enhancement of ∼26%. Achieving ∼12 nm and 20 ns resolution, our method allows for the comprehensive visualization of laser-induced behaviors in Au nanoparticles, including merging, jumping, and collision processes. Our results demonstrate the capability of this multiframe imaging technique to document irreversible processes across materials science and biology with unprecedented nanometer-nanosecond precision.

Melanasterasinica He & Burckhardt, sp. nov., a new psylloid species (Hemiptera, Psylloidea, Liviidae) from China developing on Grewia sp. (Malvaceae).

Melanasterasinica He & Burckhardt, sp. nov., a new psylloid species developing on Grewia sp., is described from Hainan, China. It is the first Melanastera species reported from Asia and China, and the second species from the Old World. While New World species of Melanastera are mostly associated with the plant families Melastomataceae and Annonaceae, the two Old World species develop on the malvaceous Grewia, a host otherwise used in psylloids by two Haplaphalara species. The new species is described, diagnosed and illustrated, and its host plant and biogeographic ranges are discussed.

Comparison of water and terrestrial jumping in natural and robotic insects.

Jumping requires high actuation power for achieving high speed in a short time. Especially, organisms and robots at the insect scale jump in order to overcome size limits on the speed of locomotion. As small jumpers suffer from intrinsically small power output, efficient jumpers have devised various ingenuous schemes to amplify their power release. Furthermore, semi-aquatic jumpers have adopted specialized techniques to fully exploit the reaction from water. We review jumping mechanisms of natural and robotic insects that jump on the ground and the surface of water, and compare the performance depending on their scale. We find a general trend that jumping creatures maximize jumping speed by unique mechanisms that manage acceleration, force, and takeoff duration under the constraints mainly associated with their size, shape, and substrate.