Cognitive Activity Research Articles

Информационное обеспечение как обязательное условие повышения раскрываемости краж и угонов транспортных средств

Introduction. Criminal scientists have always realised the important role of the category “information” in science. Many researchers have noted that the quality of information and cognitive activity of law enforcement agencies depends on the completeness and reliability of evidence obtained in the course of investigation. However, up to now “information” and related concepts are underdeveloped in criminalistics. The solution to this problem is of particular relevance in the context of widespread informatisation and the gradual transition to a post-industrial society. The task that law enforcement agencies and the scientific community face today is to provide quality information support for the investigation of crimes, including vehicle thefts. Methods. The study used general scientific methods of cognition of social processes (analysis, synthesis, deduction, system-structural method, description) as well as private scientific methods – questionnaire survey, statistical methods. The official statistics of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia was used as an empirical base. Results. The research has demonstrated that the study of the category “information” and other related concepts makes it possible to consider the subject of the science of criminalistics from new sides. The conclusion makes a reasonable statement that information support is an effective tool in the fight against vehicle thefts.

THEORETICAL PRINCIPLES OF THE FORMATION OF SPIRITUAL CULTURE IN FUTURE TEACHERS OF ARTISTS

The problem of spirituality, spiritual culture and their role in the formation of the creative personality of student youth is quite relevant. The process of forming spirituality is an important aspect of the modern humane educational paradigm. According to the scientific community, it is spirituality that expresses the degree of "humanization" of the pedagogical process. Questions of spirituality have interested humanity at all times and have been studied by many sciences: philosophy, pedagogy, psychology, sociology, ethics, aesthetics, etc. In the New Ukrainian School Program in the Progress to Values, it is stated that now it is important to intensify efforts to raise the spiritual level of Ukrainian youth, to form a stable system of deep moral and spiritual values in them. The purpose of the article is to describe the concept of spiritual culture and the formation of artistic ideas in future teachers during the study of Ukrainian folk art. Analysis, synthesis and modeling methods were used to study the state of research. The results of our research was carried out with the help of empirical methods: pedagogical observation, questionnaires, interviews, testing, the method of experimental evaluations. Mathematical statistics methods were used to process the research results. In the research, we used a complex of general scientific and pedagogical methods. To ensure an objective and comprehensive study of the researched phenomenon, an analysis of scientific, scientific-methodical, and art sources was carried out; the state of development of the problem and prospects for further research were determined; generalization of pedagogical experience in teaching art in a higher education institution. The formation of a spiritual personality takes place in the interconnected process of education and training. An important role in the formation of the spiritual sphere of the individual belongs to education. Its tasks are classified according to the following directions: formation of a scientific outlook; education of a conscious attitude to learning, development of cognitive activity and culture of mental work; education of political consciousness and development of civic activity; education of a creative attitude to work, preparation for a conscious choice of profession; education of morality and culture of behavior; formation of legal awareness and education of civil responsibility; education of aesthetic culture and development of artistic abilities, etc.

Перспективы противодействия уклонению от уплаты таможенных платежей в условиях гуманизации уголовного закона

Introduction. The article is devoted to the analysis of changes introduced in 2024 to the definition of large and especially large size as a criminogenic feature in Article 194 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation in the conditions of permanent humanisation of criminal legislation. Methods. The methods of cognitive action, methods-operations, empirical methods and forecasting method were used during the research. Results. The law-making process, which resulted in amendments to Article 194 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation in terms of increasing large and especially large damage as a criminogenic feature and a new note defining other sizes for certain types of goods, is analysed. The opinions of representatives of the business community, scientists, law enforcement officers, analytical and statistical information presented in the article made it possible to come to a conclusion and insufficiency of increasing the criminally forming large and especially large size of evasion of mandatory public payments in foreign economic activity. A critical assessment of the new note, levelling the principle of certainty of the criminal law, is given. The authors’ position on rationality of synchronisation of large and especially large sizes in customs and tax crimes is given.

A decade of PISA: student perceived instructional quality and mathematics achievement across European countries

This study examines the relationship between instructional quality and mathematics achievement, taking into account socioeconomic status. Data from ten European countries participating in PISA 2012 and 2022 were analysed using the framework of the Dynamic Modelling of Educational Effectiveness. In PISA 2012, instructional quality was defined by student-oriented instruction, classroom management, teacher support, disciplinary climate, and cognitive activation. The finding indicated that teacher support, disciplinary climate, and cognitive activation positively predict student achievement, but dimensions of student-oriented instruction and classroom management were negatively related in several countries. Instructional quality was captured by four dimensions in PISA 2022, namely, teacher support, disciplinary climate, cognitive activation in mathematics of encouraging mathematical thinking and of fostering reasoning. Teacher support and disciplinary climate had a positive effect on achievement, but two aspects of cognitive activation had opposite effects on achievement. SES also had significant indirect effects on achievement through various instructional quality dimensions. Across two PISA cycles, teacher support, disciplinary climate, and cognitive activation consistently benefited low-SES students, while classroom management and student-oriented instruction tended to harm their performance. These results underscore the role of instructional quality in promoting equity for disadvantaged students. Trend data from these two cycles of PISA, give an indication of specific instructional strategies that do consistently contribute to student achievement. Implications and findings are discussed in relation to the policy and practice context in different education systems.

Mapping cognitive activity from electrocorticography field potentials in humans performing NBack task

Objective. Advancements in data science and assistive technologies have made invasive brain-computer interfaces (iBCIs) increasingly viable for enhancing the quality of life in physically disabled individuals. Intracortical microelectrode implants are a common choice for such a communication system due to their fine temporal and spatial resolution. The small size of these implants makes the implantation plan critical for the successful exfiltration of information, particularly when targeting representations of task goals that lack robust anatomical correlates. Approach. Working memory processes including encoding, retrieval, and maintenance are observed in many areas of the brain. Using human electrocorticography (ECoG) recordings during a working memory experiment, we provide proof that it is possible to localize cognitive activity associated with the task and to identify key locations involved with executive memory functions. Results. From the analysis, we could propose an optimal iBCI implant location with the desired features. The general approach is not limited to working memory but could also be used to map other goal-encoding factors such as movement intentions, decision-making, and visual-spatial attention. Significance. Deciphering the intended action of a BCI user is a complex challenge that involves the extraction and integration of cognitive factors such as movement planning, working memory, visual-spatial attention, and the decision state. Examining field potentials from ECoG electrodes while participants engaged in tailored cognitive tasks can pinpoint location with valuable information related to anticipated actions. This manuscript demonstrates the feasibility of identifying electrodes involved in cognitive activity related to working memory during user engagement in the NBack task. Devoting time in meticulous preparation to identify the optimal brain regions for BCI implant locations will increase the likelihood of rich signal outcomes, thereby improving the overall BCI user experience.

Use of Intervention Mapping to Adapt a Psychologically Informed Physical Therapy Telerehabilitation Intervention for Latino Persons With Chronic Spine Pain

The need for culturally tailored pain care is well-recognized, yet few studies report how existing interventions can be adapted to the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse populations. This report describes a formative mixed-methods approach using intervention mapping-adapt and the expanded framework for reporting adaptations and modifications to evidence-based interventions to adapt and report modifications of an existing physical therapy intervention for Latino persons with chronic spine pain in Federally Qualified Health clinics in the southwestern United States. Mixed methods included literature reviews, patient surveys, an Adaptation Advisory Panel, and sequential case series with semistructured interviews. Six steps of intervention mapping-adapt guided the adaptation process and adaptations were prospectively documented with framework for reporting adaptations and modifications to evidence-based interventions. A needs assessment revealed an absence of culturally tailored physical therapy interventions for Latino persons with chronic spine pain in the United States. An intervention logic model and review of the sociocultural context guided the selection of essential interventions, determinants of behavior change, and outcomes. An existing cognitive behavioral-based physical therapy telerehabilitation intervention was selected for adaptation based on accessibility and strong congruency with the logic model. An Adaptation Advisory Panel planned and evaluated iterative adaptations of the cognitive behavioral-based physical therapy intervention content, activities, delivery, materials, and design. The adapted Goal-Oriented Activity for Latino persons with Spine pain intervention aimed to reduce pain intensity and disability through patient-centered goal setting in physical and cognitive treatment domains. Sequential case series supported feasibility and acceptability of the adapted intervention in the target population. PerspectiveWe describe adaptation and reporting of an evidence-based physical therapy intervention for a culturally and linguistically diverse population. Greater rigor and transparency using tools such as intervention mapping-adapt and framework for reporting adaptations and modifications to evidence-based interventions will accelerate efforts to reduce ethnic and racial disparities in pain rehabilitation.

Eğitim Yönetiminde Eleştirel Düşünmeyi Değerlendirme Yöntemlerinin İncelenmesi

Critical thinking has been an area of special interest for many people and institutions since the existence of humanity. In particular, it has followed a parallel course to the development of humanity in the educational management processes. Many scientists and thinkers related to critical thinking have been engaged in intensive and in-depth efforts. Critical thinking is a complex mental negotiation process involving various skills and attitudes. It is a cognitive activity associated with using the mind. Critical thinking; it requires applying analysis and evaluation methods that include mental skills such as learning, attention, classification, selection, judgment. Although some people may be able to develop critical thinking more effectively, they avoid it for various reasons, regardless of ability. Especially personal, emotional and affective reasons can be the basis for this situation. In the content of the study, the methods of evaluating critical thinking in educational management will be discussed in an explanatory way in the special of the relevant tables. Key Words: Educational Management, Critical Thinking, Evaluation Methods

Media Communications as a Context for Imprinting Formation

The author of this article posits that media communications serve as a context for the formation of imprinting — a psychophysiological mechanism whereby impressions or images are etched into the brain, evolving into stable behavioral programs. The identification of these programs is facilitated through the analysis of media texts with a high attention coefficient. The study analyzed 200 media texts across various typological niches within the contemporary media system: online news outlets, social media platforms (VK, Odnoklassniki), and blogs, including the “Zen” platform. The findings indicate that different typological segments of the media system represent distinct behavioral programs. In online news outlets, behavioral programs are explicitly manifested in cognitive actions aimed at understanding processes related to Russia’s economic and political landscape. In social media, the prevailing behavioral program is encapsulated in a sentiment inspired by the phenomenology of serendipity. The “Zen” blog platform reveals imprinting through the categories of “irresponsibility,” “playfulness,” and “hooliganism.” In other blogs featuring high attention indices, imprinting is observed in the contemplation of professional issues related to activities in the digital space. The various typological niches of the media system are geared towards the formation of heterogeneous psychophysiological mechanisms, which transform into an axiological foundation that shapes diverse behavioral programs.

Traumatic Brain Injury Exacerbates Alcohol Consumption and Neuroinflammation with Decline in Cognition and Cholinergic Activity.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a global health challenge, responsible for 30% of injury-related deaths and significantly contributing to disability. Annually, over 50 million TBIs occur worldwide, with most adult patients at emergency departments showing alcohol in their system. TBI is also a known risk factor for alcohol abuse, yet its interaction with alcohol consumption remains poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that the fluid percussion injury (FPI) model of TBI in mice significantly increases alcohol consumption and impairs cognitive function. At cellular levels, FPI markedly reduced the number and activity of striatal cholinergic interneurons (CINs) while increasing microglial cells. Notably, depleting microglial cells provided neuroprotection, mitigating cholinergic loss and enhancing cholinergic activity. These findings suggest that TBI may promote alcohol consumption and impair cognitive abilities through microglia activation and consequently reduced cholinergic function. Our research provides critical insights into the mechanisms linking TBI with increased alcohol use and cognitive deficits, potentially guiding future therapeutic strategies.

A Cognitive Load Approach to Molecular Geometries: Augmented Reality Technology and Visuospatial Abilities in Chemistry

Within chemistry education, methods for effectively teaching students the three-dimensional spatial arrangements of matter at the molecular level remains a topical issue. As a form of geometric problem solving, it requires learners to apply mental rotation abilities as an evolved visuospatial skill to obtain subject-specific content knowledge. Recent research into the use of Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) as a framework for instructional design in conjunction with augmented reality (AR) technology as a learning tool has begun to show promise in reducing unnecessary cognitive activity to improve learning. Yet, broader conclusions remain inconclusive, especially within the context of a learner’s mental rotation abilities. This study investigated the relationship between these factors by collecting data using a 2 × 3 experimental design that divided a sample of Year 10 students (n = 42) into two groups. The intervention group (n = 24) used mobile devices utilising AR technology with instructional 3D molecular geometry content featuring design principles based on CLT to encourage hand movements to rotate three-dimensional molecular structures. The non-AR-based control group (n = 18) was taught using traditional methods. Analysis of the data revealed participants using AR technology that featured CLT design principles experienced less cognitive load and improved achievement in post-testing compared to those taught using traditional methods, suggesting under certain conditions, the use of hand movement applied to AR design material improves learning.

Prescription of Nonpharmacologic Interventions in Memory Clinics: Data from the Clinical Pathway for Alzheimer's Disease in China (CPAD) Study

ObjectivesNonpharmacologic interventions are recommended to improve outcomes in dementia. Little is known about their prescription in practice, especially in non-Western populations. We investigated individual- and institution-level characteristics associated with nonpharmacologic interventions prescription in China. DesignA multicenter observational study. Setting and ParticipantsThis study used cross-sectional data from 889 community-dwelling outpatients living with dementia aged ≥45 years from a multicenter registry of 28 memory clinics in China. MethodsPrescription records of nonpharmacologic interventions, carer and clinic characteristics, and reasons for declining interventions were collected. Multilevel logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the prescription. ResultsNonpharmacologic interventions were prescribed in 323 people (36.3%) with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Cognitive activities and carer training/support were the most prescribed interventions. Multilevel logistic regression showed that 73% of the variance in prescription was attributed to institutional characteristics of the memory clinic. Greater caregiving gain [odds ratio (OR), 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.09], lower burden (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95-1.00), worse carer-perceived dyad relationship (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.70-0.99), and family history of dementia (OR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.19-3.65) were individual-level factors associated with prescription. Among 440 people considered having a need but received no prescription, declined by user/carer was the main reason for not prescribing (70.7%). Skepticism about effectiveness by physicians/carers and carers being unable or lacking resources to use the interventions were the common reasons given. Conclusions and ImplicationsA relatively low prescription rate of nonpharmacologic interventions is related to both individual- and institution-level factors. Carer support and education, instrumental support, and prescription guidelines across specialties and sites are possible strategies to improve access to nonpharmacologic interventions in dementia care.

A problem-based approach in the formation of the self-educational competence of schoolchildren (based on the use of digital technology resources)

The article reveals the possibilities of the problem-based approach in solving the problem of the formation of the self-educational competence of schoolchildren. Various ways of influencing the development of their self-educational competence through the preparation of specially selected tasks are offered in lessons, in homework and in individual work with schoolchildren. It is substantiated that in lessons it is expedient from the point of view of the formation of self-educational competence to use typical tasks similar to typical tasks for independent work and creative tasks. It is shown that the use of educational, training and research tasks is productive for organizing homework. It has been revealed that in individual work it will be effective to perform preparatory, trial, basic tasks. At the same time, it has been proven that all the specified types of tasks involve the active use of digital technologies, which will allow for effective organization of educational activities, improve the motivation and cognitive interest of schoolchildren, ensure individualization of learning and create prerequisites for the development of independence of schoolchildren. In lessons, it is advisable to use simple digital applications, digital resources for creating your own content, digital activity environments and digital resources for online communication. It is effective to use digital resources-sources of educational information, tools for self-monitoring and self-diagnosis, as well as resources for creating your own digital content in homework. Digital resources-sources of information, tools for self-monitoring and self-diagnosis, digital activity environments and resources for personalized learning are useful for the individual work of schoolchildren. The article examines the potential of the problem-based approach to the formation of the self-educational competence of schoolchildren. The main components of self-educational competence are considered, namely: motivational-value, substantive-procedural and control-reflective. The impact of the problem-based approach on the development of each of these components is analyzed. It has been determined that the problem-based approach helps to increase students' motivation to study, stimulates their cognitive activity and develops critical thinking

Improving Cognitive Performance with Board Activities in Older Adults

Cognitive function decline is one of the problems that is often experienced as we age, and this has an impact on activities of daily living (ADL), social participation, employment, psychological conditions, and independence of pre-elderly and elderly. To maintain cognitive abilities, interventions in the form of cognitive activities are needed. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the Monopoli Modified Board Game (Indonesian Version) on the cognitive abilities of pre-elderly and elderly. The method used was pre-experimental one-group pretest and posttest, with 28 subjects from the elderly community RW 8, Kemiri, Kebakkramat, Karanganyar. Data collection was carried out using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Indonesian Version (MoCa-Ina) instrument, and the modified monopoly game was conducted in 8 sessions for eight weeks. The results showed that there was a significant effect of the Monopoly Modified Board Game on the cognitive abilities of pre-elderly and elderly, with a paired t-test value of Sig. (2-tailed) = 0.001, which means the p-value <0.05. The mean difference of 2.25 indicates an increase in cognitive abilities after the intervention. The majority of research subjects were female, with a pre-elderly age category of 53.5%, most were not working (60.7%), and had the last education at a low level (75%). The implication of this study shows that the Monopoli Modified Board Game (Indonesian Version) can be an effective alternative intervention in improving cognitive abilities in pre-elderly and elderly, so that it can help them maintain independence and a better quality of life.

What do clients think about amplifying positivity? Client change perspectives following a cognitive and behavioural positive activity intervention for anxiety and depression

AbstractBackgroundThe positive valence system (PVS) is increasingly recognised as an important target in facilitating recovery from anxiety and depression. Amplification of positivity (AMP), a cognitive and behavioural intervention, targets the PVS through repeated and intentional activities (e.g. savouring positive experiences, gratitude and acts of kindness). Initial data demonstrate that AMP engages positive valence targets (e.g. positive affect) and outcomes (e.g. social connectedness) in people seeking treatment for anxiety or depression; however, client perspectives on AMP are not well understood. This study aimed to qualitatively explore clients' experiences to better understand post‐treatment client changes and advance the development and effectiveness of AMP and other emerging positive valence‐focussed interventions.MethodsTranscripts were analysed from 11 participants who completed an optional qualitative interview after completing AMP treatment in a randomised controlled trial (NCT04945239).ResultsTwo superordinate themes with several subthemes emerged. The first theme, Changes in Self, revealed common changes consistent with the core targets of AMP, as well as changes less explicitly targeted by AMP. The second theme, The Positivity Pivot, uncovered clients' perceptions on the emphasis of positive emotions in treatment. Overall, clients enjoyed and reaped benefits from amplifying positivity; some clients also reported wanting more time and space to discuss negative valence symptoms.ConclusionPeople seeking treatment for anxiety or depression are receptive to amplifying positivity and experience the mental and social benefits of doing so. Positive valence‐centred treatments may therefore be valuable for some clients. Treatment protocols that integrate positive valence‐ and negative valence‐targeted approaches may be preferred by some clients.

Depressive symptoms, cognitive functions and daily activities: An extended network analysis in monozygotic and dizygotic twins

BackgroundThe network theory posits that depression emerges as the result of individual symptoms triggering each other. Risk factors for depression can impact these between-symptoms interactions through extended networks. The study aimed to model the extended network of depressive symptoms and known depression risk factors – objective cognitive function, intellectual, physical, and social daily activities, and then, compare the observed networks between monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) co-twins. MethodsTwin pairs, 722 MZ and 2200 DZ, aged 40–79, were selected from the Dansh Twin Registry for having complete measures of depressive symptoms (e.g., sadness), cognitive functions (e.g., verbal memory), physical (e.g., brisk walk), intellectual (e.g., reading newspapers) and social activities (e.g., phone calls). Gaussian graphical models were used to estimate and compare the networks first between co-twins and then, between MZ to DZ twin pairs separately. ResultsSpecific intellectual, physical and social activities were central in the extended networks of depressive symptoms and, with the exception of processing speed, more central than cognition. The extended networks' structure was more homogeneous between MZ co-twins relative to DZ co-twins. Cognitive nodes were more central in MZ than DZ co-twins. LimitationsCross-sectional design, participants were middle-aged or older, mostly affective (non-somatic) depressive symptoms. ConclusionsIn depression networks, core connecting elements were intellectual, physical and social activities. The interaction between cognition and daily activities seems critical for triggering depressive symptoms. Thus, clinical interventions aimed at preventing depression and associated cognitive deficits should focus on maintenance and/or engagement in stimulating daily activities.

Renovating Traditional Craft

This review article evaluates theories and on the entanglement of matter and meaning, elaborating and exploring the potential outcomes of craft in research processes. Exemplified through a collaborative exploration between me as a silversmith and programmers at the Mechatronic Innovation Lab (MIL) in Grimstad, Norway, I explore, through these theories, how renovation work served as a diffraction apparatus in exploring the relation between traditional craft and emerging mechatronic technologies in light of the concept of sustainability. Renovation work is, in this setting, understood as cutting, filing, grinding and polishing, often the final but nevertheless essential step in a production process. This type of surface work accentuates here how it is possible to not only see traditional crafts as carriers of intangible value linked to identity but also as a type of knowledge powerful of providing insights into the entanglement of matter and meaning. Through uniting different knowledge systems, like the subjective knowledge in the situated understanding of material, tools, setting and processes, and more objective knowledge, typically for observation, readings and purely cognitive activities, renovation work exposed, in this case, some of the limitations of automation and provided unexpected findings on the relationship between body and machine.

Progressive cervical cord atrophy parallels cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by progressive episodic memory dysfunction. A prominent hallmark of AD is gradual brain atrophy. Despite extensive research on brain pathology, the understanding of spinal cord pathology in AD and its association with cognitive decline remains understudied. We analyzed serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans from the ADNI data repository to assess whether progressive cord atrophy is associated with clinical worsening. Cervical cord morphometry was measured in 45 patients and 49 cognitively normal controls (CN) at two time points over 1.5 years. Regression analysis examined associations between cord atrophy rate and cognitive worsening. Cognitive and functional activity performance declined in patients during follow-up. Compared with controls, patients showed a greater rate of decline of the anterior–posterior width of the cross-sectional cord area per month (− 0.12%, p = 0.036). Worsening in the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), clinical dementia rating (CDR), and functional assessment questionnaire (FAQ) was associated with faster rates of cord atrophy (MMSE: r = 0.320, p = 0.037; CDR: r = − 0.361, p = 0.017; FAQ: r = − 0.398, p = 0.029). Progressive cord atrophy occurs in AD patients; its rate over time being associated with cognitive and functional activity decline.

Activation of D2-like dopamine receptors improves the neuronal network and cognitive function of PPT1KI mice.

Palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1) is a lysosomal depalmitoylation enzyme that mediates protein posttranslational modifications. Loss-of-function mutation of PPT1 causes a failure of the lysosomal degradation of palmitoylated proteins and results in a congenital disease characterized by progressive neuronal degeneration referred to as infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (INCL). A mouse knock-in model of PPT1 (PPT1-KI) was established by introducing the R151X mutation into exon 5 of the PPT1 gene, which exhibited INCL-like pathological lesions. We previously reported that hippocampal γ oscillations were impaired in PPT1 mice. Hippocampal γ oscillations can be enhanced by selective activation of the dopamine D4 receptor (DR4), a dopamine D2-like receptor. In this study, we investigated the changes in DR expression and the effects of dopamine and various DR agonists on neural network activity, cognition and motor function in PPT1KI mice. Cognition and motor defects were evaluated via Y-maze, novel object recognition and rotarod tests. Extracellular field potentials were elicited in hippocampal slices, and neuronal network oscillations in the gamma frequency band (γ oscillations) were induced by perfusion with kainic acid (200 nM). PPT1KI mice displayed progressive impairments in γ oscillations and hippocampus-related memory, as well as abnormal expression profiles of dopamine receptors with preserved expression of DR1 and 3, increased membrane expression of DR4 and decreased DR2 levels. The immunocytochemistry analysis revealed the colocalization of PPT1 with DR4 or DR2 in the soma and large dendrites of both WT and PPT1KI mice. Immunoprecipitation confirmed the interaction between PPT1 and DR4 or DR2. The impaired γ oscillations and cognitive functions were largely restored by the application of exogenous dopamine, the selective DR2 agonist quinpirole or the DR4 agonist A412997. Furthermore, the administration of A412997 (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly upregulated the activity of CaMKII in the hippocampus of 5-month-old PPT1KI mice. Collectively, these results suggest that the activation of D2-like dopamine receptors improves cognition and network activity in PPT1KI mice and that specific DR subunits may be potential targets for the intervention of neurodegenerative disorders, such as INCL.

The Lifespan Trajectories of Brain Activities Related to Cognitive Control.

Cognitive control plays a pivotal role in guiding human goal-directed behavior. While existing studies have documented an inverted U-shaped trajectory of cognitive control both behaviorally and anatomically, little is known about the corresponding changes in functional brain activation with age. To bridge this gap, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of 129 neuroimaging studies using conflict tasks, encompassing 3,388 participants aged from 5 to 85 years old. We have three major findings: 1) The inverted U-shaped trajectory is the predominant pattern; 2) Cognitive control-related brain regions exhibit heterogeneous lifespan trajectories: the frontoparietal control network follows inverted U-shaped trajectories, peaking between 24 and 40 years, while the dorsal attention network demonstrates no clear trajectories; 3) Both the youth and the elderly show weaker brain activities and greater left laterality than young to middle-aged adults. These results reveal the lifespan trajectories of cognitive control, highlighting heterogeneous fluctuations in brain networks with age.

The relationship between cognitive activation and mathematics achievement: mediating roles of self-efficacy and mathematics anxiety

The relationship between cognitive activation and mathematics achievement: mediating roles of self-efficacy and mathematics anxiety