Dual Control Mechanism Research Articles

Effects of stimulus onset asynchrony on cognitive control in healthy adults.

The efficiency of cognitive control in healthy adults can be influenced by various factors, including the stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA) effect and strategy training. To address these issues, our study aims to investigate the impact of SOA on single-mode cognitive control using the Go/No-Go task, as well as the manifestation of proactive control within dual mechanisms of cognitive control through the AX-CPT task. In single-mode cognitive control, extending SOA led to significantly enhanced reaction times (RTs) during Go trials, suggesting improved task performance with increased preparation time. Moreover, the analysis revealed consistently higher accuracy rates in No-Go trials than to Go trials across all SOA levels, indicating robust inhibition processes unaffected by SOA variations. In the dual mechanisms of cognitive control, significant variations in RT and accuracy were observed among different trial types. Notably, participants exhibited superior performance in detecting targets during BY trials and shorter RTs in BX trials, indicative of efficient processing of target stimuli. Conversely, prolonged RTs in AY trials suggest proactive control strategies aimed at maintaining task-relevant information and inhibiting irrelevant responses. Overall, these findings highlight the effect of SOA on single-mode cognitive control and the emergence of proactive control within dual mechanisms of cognitive control in healthy adults.

Reduced temporal and spatial stability of neural activity patterns predict cognitive control deficits in children with ADHD.

This study explores the neural underpinnings of cognitive control deficits in ADHD, focusing on overlooked aspects of trial-level variability of neural coding. We employed a novel computational approach to neural decoding on a single-trial basis alongside a cued stop-signal task which allowed us to distinctly probe both proactive and reactive cognitive control. Typically developing (TD) children exhibited stable neural response patterns for efficient proactive and reactive dual control mechanisms. However, neural coding was compromised in children with ADHD. Children with ADHD showed increased temporal variability and diminished spatial stability in neural responses in salience and frontal-parietal network regions, indicating disrupted neural coding during both proactive and reactive control. Moreover, this variability correlated with fluctuating task performance and with more severe symptoms of ADHD. These findings underscore the significance of modeling single-trial variability and representational similarity in understanding distinct components of cognitive control in ADHD, highlighting new perspectives on neurocognitive dysfunction in psychiatric disorders.

Working memory capacity preferentially enhances implementation of proactive control.

Previous research has linked working memory capacity (WMC) with enhanced proactive control. However, it remains unclear the extent to which this relationship reflects the influence of WMC on the tendency to engage proactive control, or rather, the ability to implement it. The current study sought to clarify this ambiguity by leveraging the Dual Mechanisms of Cognitive Control (DMCC) version of the AX-CPT task, in which the mode of cognitive control is experimentally manipulated across distinct testing sessions. To adjudicate between competing hypotheses, Bayesian mixed modeling was used to conduct sequential analyses involving two separate data sets. Posterior parameter estimates obtained from the initial analysis were entered as informed priors during the replication analysis to evaluate the influence of new data on previous estimates. Results yielded strong evidence demonstrating that the influence of WMC on proactive control is most robust under experimentally controlled conditions, during which use of proactive control is standardized across participants via explicit training and instruction. Critically, the observed pattern of findings suggests that the relationship between WMC and proactive control may be better characterized as individual differences in the ability to implement proactive control, rather than a more generalized tendency to engage it. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Transcriptional expression of PHR2 is positively controlled by the calcium signaling transcription factor Crz1 through its binding motif in the promoter.

The fungal cell wall consists of glucans, mannoproteins, and chitin and is essential for cell viability, morphogenesis, and pathogenesis. The enzymes of the GH72 family are responsible for ß-(1,3)-glucan elongation and branching, which is crucial for the formation of the glucan-chitin polymer at the bud neck of yeast cells. In the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans, there are five GH72 enzyme-encoding genes: PHR1, PHR2, PHR3, PGA4, and PGA5. It is known that expression of PHR1 and PHR2 is controlled by the pH-responsive Rim101 pathway through the transcription factor Rim101. In this study, we have demonstrated that the transcription expression of PHR2 is also controlled by the transcription factor Crz1 through its binding motif in the promoter. Therefore, we have uncovered a dual-control mechanism by which PHR2 expression is negatively regulated via CaRim101 through the pH-responsive pathway and positively modulated by CaCrz1 through the calcium/calcineurin signaling pathway.

A new method for improved topical drug delivery, Emulgel

Emulgel is used to treat injuries and diseases such as arthritis, headaches, muscle aches, backaches, and those brought on by colds. Patient compliance with topical formulations is crucial in the treatment of chronic dermatosis such psoriasis, acne, and fungal infections. Emulgel, a more recent NDDS technology used topically, combines the characteristics of an emulsion with a gel to provide a dual control release. Emulgels have emerged as one of the most exciting topical delivery methods because of their dual release control mechanism, which combines a gel with an emulsion. Gels have many benefits, but one significant drawback is that hydrophobic medication delivery is hampered. An emulsion-based approach is being developed to circumvent this limitation and enable even a hydrophobic medicinal component to take use of the unique properties of gels. Emulgel is the name given to the dosage form created by combining gel with emulsion. Emulgels can be added to analgesics and antifungal medications. In several aspects, these emulgels are superior to both cutting-edge vesicular systems and traditional systems.

MODERATING EFFECT OF ANXIETY ON PROACTIVE CONTROL OF EMOTION ACROSS AGE

Abstract Anxiety and aging predict difficulties engaging cognitive control and emotion regulation strategies like reappraisal. Dual mechanisms of control (DMC) theory suggests that cognitive control is engaged in anticipation of a task (proactive control) or in-the-moment (reactive control). Both aging and anxiety predict limited benefit from proactive control and greater reliance on reactive control during cognitive tasks. However, this remains unexamined in the emotion regulation context. In this eyetracking study, 41 younger (18-29) and 40 older adults (60-85) were cued to reappraise or view 80 negative images after a proactive (4s) or reactive delay (500 ms) prior to image onset, as regulatory arousal and effort were tracked by pupil responsivity. Multilevel models revealed that anxiety was associated with greater benefit of proactive over reactive control (reduced pupil response) for older adults during reappraisal and viewing (p < .001). For younger adults, anxiety was associated with reduced benefits of proactive compared to reactive reappraisal use. Image viewing in younger adults revealed an interaction, where low anxiety predicted greater benefit from reactive control, and moderate to highly anxiety predicted greater benefit from proactive control. Thus, while older age was associated with greater proactive benefits in both emotional reactivity and reappraisal, younger adults only showed proactive control benefits during image viewing when anxiety was elevated. Future work should explore the clinical benefit of proactive training in late-life anxiety, and how emotional reactivity and reappraisal outcomes differ with cognitive control temporal dynamics in individuals with diagnosed anxiety disorders across the lifespan.

Battery charger load-following controller for over-voltage and under-voltage conditions

Battery charging systems are integral to the efficient operation and economic benefit of various applications, from electric vehicles to renewable energy storage. However, maintaining battery charging according to specifications during voltage variations, including short or prolonged under-voltage and over-voltage conditions, presents a significant challenge. These voltage variations can impact the thermal safety and charging time of batteries, potentially affecting their overall performance and life span. In order to address these challenges, this paper proposes a smart charging control method designed to control both the battery charging voltage and load voltages. This method is equipped to handle utility interruptions by using regulated AC–DC converters, while an automatic interconnected DC regulator controls the battery state of charge (SOC) and load supply. This dual control mechanism ensures efficient performance under various conditions. Extensive simulations validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, demonstrating its ability to maintain a constant voltage supplied to the load and ensures the thermal safety of the system during under- and over-voltage conditions. Additionally, an analysis of the thermal effect of the charger under these voltage conditions provides valuable insights into the thermal performance of the system, which is a critical aspect of battery charging systems. The proposed charging control method offers a comprehensive solution for efficient battery charging under various voltage conditions, thus contributing to the better performance, thermal safety, and longevity of batteries.

Voltage unbalance and inertia based frequency control framework considering intelligent load management for stand-alone operation of microgrid

The less inertial microgrid with high penetration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) faces several issues including voltage and frequency unbalance. The intermittent nature of RES-based Distributed Generations (DGs) makes the system unstable in the absence of a control mechanism in a stand-alone microgrid. The integration of single-phase loads and sudden load switching on the distribution side make the system prone to several malicious events. The unbalance in voltage among the phases and the high Rate of Change of Frequency (RoCoF) are the major concern for degrading the system’s performance during peak and off-peak hours. The paper addresses a hierarchical dual loop voltage and frequency control mechanism where the primary control is equipped with droop strategy and Positive-Negative Sequence Control (PNSC) to maintain Voltage Unbalance Factor (VUF) and adhere to IEC-61000-3-13. Further, the inertial loop is also implemented to mitigate frequency deviation and reduce transient overshoot. The secondary control mechanism enables intelligent load management by scheduling Thermostatic Control Loads (TCLs) during peak hours. The utmost care is taken for the Customer’s Thermal Comfort (CTC) while scheduling the loads. The rigorous simulation is done in MATLAB Simulink and Digsilent Power Factory with a modified IEEE 13 bus system considering system dynamics. Further, the real-time simulation is also performed with OPAL-RT to validate the efficacy of the above methodology.

Emulgel: A Novel Strategy for Enhanced the Topical Drug Delivery

Abstract: Background: The study of pharmaceutical science has developed through time and is now of greatest importance in the current battle against sickness. Research on the utilization of biomolecules, such as medicines and proteins, to cure disease has advanced significantly in recent years. To induce a localizing effect or cure dermatological conditions, doctors can prescribe pharmaceuticals directly to the skin using a topical drug delivery device. Gels have been used in both medical and cosmetic formulations, unlike other dosage forms. An emulsion that has been combined with gel is known as emulgel. Emulgel is a topical drug delivery technology that has a dual release control mechanism that incorporates both gel and emulsion. Objective: Drug distribution of hydrophobic substances via the skin is the main objective of emulgel. Emulgels exhibit a dual release control system, i.e., an emulsion and a gel. A traditional emulsion becomes an emulgel when a gelling ingredient is included in the water phase. Conclusion: They will also become the best way for mixing water-soluble gel bases with hydrophobic medications. In addition, a number of permeation boosters can boost the effect, making Emulgel a more effective topical medication delivery route than the ones now in use. It is possible to extend the use of emulgel to include analgesics, antiinflammatory, antifungal, anti-acne, and different cosmetic compositions.

Both reactive and proactive control are deficient in children with ADHD and predictive of clinical symptoms

Cognitive control deficits are a hallmark of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Theoretical models posit that cognitive control involves reactive and proactive control processes but their distinct roles and inter-relations in ADHD are not known, and the contributions of proactive control remain vastly understudied. Here, we investigate the dynamic dual cognitive control mechanisms associated with both proactive and reactive control in 50 children with ADHD (16F/34M) and 30 typically developing (TD) children (14F/16M) aged 9–12 years across two different cognitive controls tasks using a within-subject design. We found that while TD children were capable of proactively adapting their response strategies, children with ADHD demonstrated significant deficits in implementing proactive control strategies associated with error monitoring and trial history. Children with ADHD also showed weaker reactive control than TD children, and this finding was replicated across tasks. Furthermore, while proactive and reactive control functions were correlated in TD children, such coordination between the cognitive control mechanisms was not present in children with ADHD. Finally, both reactive and proactive control functions were associated with behavioral problems in ADHD, and multi-dimensional features derived from the dynamic dual cognitive control framework predicted inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity clinical symptoms. Our findings demonstrate that ADHD in children is characterized by deficits in both proactive and reactive control, and suggest that multi-componential cognitive control measures can serve as robust predictors of clinical symptoms.

On the psychometric evaluation of cognitive control tasks: An Investigation with the Dual Mechanisms of Cognitive Control (DMCC) battery

The domain of cognitive control has been a major focus of experimental, neuroscience, and individual differences research. Currently, however, no theory of cognitive control successfully unifies both experimental and individual differences findings. Some perspectives deny that there even exists a unified psychometric cognitive control construct to be measured at all. These shortcomings of the current literature may reflect the fact that current cognitive control paradigms are optimized for the detection of within-subject experimental effects rather than individual differences. In the current study, we examine the psychometric properties of the Dual Mechanisms of Cognitive Control (DMCC) task battery, which was designed in accordance with a theoretical framework that postulates common sources of within-subject and individual differences variation. We evaluated both internal consistency and test–retest reliability, and for the latter, utilized both classical test theory measures (i.e., split-half methods, intraclass correlation) and newer hierarchical Bayesian estimation of generative models. Although traditional psychometric measures suggested poor reliability, the hierarchical Bayesian models indicated a different pattern, with good to excellent test–retest reliability in almost all tasks and conditions examined. Moreover, within-task, between-condition correlations were generally increased when using the Bayesian model-derived estimates, and these higher correlations appeared to be directly linked to the higher reliability of the measures. In contrast, between-task correlations remained low regardless of theoretical manipulations or estimation approach. Together, these findings highlight the advantages of Bayesian estimation methods, while also pointing to the important role of reliability in the search for a unified theory of cognitive control.

Imbalanced weighting of proactive and reactive control as a marker of risk-taking propensity.

According to the dual mechanisms of control (DMC), reactive and proactive control are involved in adjusting behaviors when maladapted to the environment. However, both contextual and inter-individual factors increase the weight of one control mechanism over the other, by influencing their cognitive costs. According to one of the DMC postulates, limited reactive control capacities should be counterbalanced by greater proactive control to ensure control efficiency. Moreover, as the flexible weighting between reactive and proactive control is key for adaptive behaviors, we expected that maladaptive behaviors, such as risk-taking, would be characterized by an absence of such counterbalance. However, to our knowledge, no studies have yet investigated this postulate. In the current study, we analyzed the performances of 176 participants on two reaction time tasks (Simon and Stop Signal tasks) and a risk-taking assessment (Balloon Analog Risk Taking, BART). The post-error slowing in the Simon task was used to reflect the spontaneous individuals' tendency to proactively adjust behaviors after an error. The Stop Signal Reaction Time was used to assess reactive inhibition capacities and the duration of the button press in the BART was used as an index of risk-taking propensity. Results showed that poorer reactive inhibition capacities predicted greater proactive adjustments after an error. Furthermore, the higher the risk-taking propensity, the less reactive inhibition capacities predicted proactive behavioral adjustments. The reported results suggest that higher risk-taking is associated with a smaller weighting of proactive control in response to limited reactive inhibition capacities. These findings highlight the importance of considering the imbalanced weighting of reactive and proactive control in the analysis of risk-taking, and in a broader sense, maladaptive behaviors.

Synthesis of the Energy-Saving Dry Dual Clutch Control Mechanism

A promising direction in developing up-to-date transport vehicles is the use of transmissions, an essential element of which is a dual-clutch. Improving functional performance, energy efficiency, and environmental friendliness are relevant and require appropriate research. The object of study is a dry dual-clutch working with a manual transmission with high energy efficiency. In the proposed design scheme, a rotary lever and a movable carriage can change the structural diagram of the force interaction between the pressure spring and the clutch discs. The developed mathematical model of the clutches control mechanism allowed for analyzing the process of controlling the dual-clutch transmissions (DCT) and obtaining functional dependencies between pushing forces in friction pairs and the carriage position. As a result, a method for synthesizing DCT was proposed to ensure the transmission of a given torque. Furthermore, it was determined and numerically proven that the same radial movement of the carriage when switching-on the clutches does not guarantee equal loading for the frictional discs of each clutch. This fact increases the uneven dynamics of torque and disc wear. Overall, the synthesis of the energy-saving dry dual-clutch control mechanism providing the same clutch margin for each clutch was developed. The method can be generalized and applied to designing dry dual-clutch transmissions for machines of various purposes.

Proactive and Reactive Inhibitory Control Strategies: Exploring the Impact of Interindividual Variables on an ERP Continuous Performance Task (AX-CPT).

According to the Dual Mechanisms of Control (DMC) framework, cognitive control can be divided into two strategies: proactive cognitive control, which relies mainly on the active maintenance of contextual information relevant to the ongoing task; and reactive cognitive control, which is a form of transient control triggered by an external cue. Although cognitive control has been studied extensively, little is known about the specificities of inhibition within the framework of the DMC model and the influence of interindividual variables on inhibitory control.Thanks to an inhibitory version of the continuous performance task (CPT), we studied behavioral performances and Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) related to proactive and reactive inhibition, and their links to psychological profile and cognitive performances. One hundred and five young adults underwent the task, along with a short clinical and cognitive evaluation.We were able to observe ERPs related to proactive (cue-N1, cue-N2, cue-P3, and the contingent negative variation) and reactive inhibitory control (target-N2 and target-P3). Our results showed that proactive strategies appeared to be linked with impulsivity, working memory abilities, dominant response inhibition, gender, and the consumption pattern of nicotine. Reactive strategies appeared to be linked with attentional and working memories abilities.Overall, the inhibitory AX-CPT allowed a specific investigation of cognitive control within the framework of the DMC based on behavioral and ERP variables. This provided us an opportunity to investigate the principal ERP components related to proactive and reactive inhibitory control strategies as well as to link them with specific clinical and cognitive variables.

Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase as a Shared Target for the Effects of Adiponectin and Resistin on the Mechanical Responses of the Mouse Gastric Fundus.

It has been reported that adiponectin (ADPN) and resistin are co-secreted by white mouse adipocytes and exert similar inhibitory effects in the mouse gastric fundus, in which resistin was observed to increase neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) expression. On these grounds, the present work aimed to investigate whether the effects of the two adipokines on the neurally-induced relaxant responses potentiate each other and whether there is a possible correlation with changes in nNOS expression in preparations from the mouse gastric fundus. In carbachol (CCh)-precontracted strips, electrical field stimulation elicited nitrergic relaxant responses, whose amplitude was increased by ADPN or resistin, but no additional enhancements were observed in their concomitant presence. Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses revealed that ADPN, like resistin, was able to up-regulate nNOS expression and to increase the percentage of nNOS-positive neurons in the myenteric plexus: co-treatment with the two adipokines did not induce additional changes. The results indicate that the two adipokines modulate nitrergic neurotransmission, and both do so by up-regulating nNOS expression. Therefore, nNOS appears to be a shared target for the two adipokines' effects, which, rather than mutually reinforcing each other, may represent a dual physiological control mechanism to guarantee gastric fundus relaxation.

Timing characteristics of reactive and proactive emotion regulation

The dual mechanisms of control (DMC) framework is important for portraying two temporally distinct modes of cognitive control. In parallel with this model, understanding emotion regulation (ER) from a dual-mechanism perspective becomes plausible since cognitive control is a crucial element of ER. The present study characterized reactive and proactive ER based on a dual mechanisms framework to identify their distinct temporal dynamics using electroencephalography (EEG) recordings. The reappraisal cue, compared with the watch-cue and no-cue conditions, evoked a larger fronto-central P3a magnitude, suggesting that participants could adaptively distribute their attention resources to prepare for strategy use. To track the cognitive effort that supports the ER process, we measured the frontal late positive potential (LPP). The results indicated that the reactive group, compared with the proactive group, used more effort to complete the reappraisal task when participants were subjected to decreased negative-emotional experiences to the same degree. Furthermore, decoding analysis showed that proactive ER starts earlier than reactive ER. These findings highlight the advantages of proactive ER. Further understanding of the modes of ER will help elucidate the control mechanisms underlying ER, which can then be applied to a variety of conditions, such as alcoholism, gambling, and drug addiction, to avert self-regulation failures caused by negative emotions.

The Dual Mechanisms of Cognitive Control (DMCC) project: Validation of an online behavioural task battery.

Cognitive control serves a crucial role in human higher mental functions. The Dual Mechanisms of Control theoretical framework provides a unifying account that decomposes cognitive control into two qualitatively distinct mechanisms-proactive control and reactive control. Here, we describe the Dual Mechanisms of Cognitive Control (DMCC) task battery, which was developed to probe cognitive control modes in a theoretically targeted manner, along with detailed descriptions of the experimental manipulations used to encourage shifts to proactive or reactive mode in each of four prototypical domains of cognition: selective attention, context processing, multitasking, and working memory. We present results from this task battery, conducted from a large (N > 100), online sample that rigorously evaluates the group effects of these manipulations in primary indices of proactive and reactive control, establishing the validity of the battery in providing dissociable yet convergent measures of the two cognitive control modes. The DMCC battery may be a useful tool for the research community to examine cognitive control in a theoretically targeted manner across different individuals and groups.

Age Differences in the Tradeoff between Proactive and Reactive Cognitive Control in Emotional Information Processing.

Greater well-being in older adults stems from more effective emotion regulation strategies, highlighting the role of cognitive control. However, cognitive control involves different subsystems, and it is still unclear whether different subsystems have different effects on different emotional information processing. The Dual Mechanisms of Control (DMC) theory postulates that cognitive control can operate in two distinct modes, namely proactive control (a “proactive” preparatory mode) and reactive control (a “reactive” wait-and-see mode). This study created an emotional AX-CPT task to explore differences in cognitive control tradeoff between youth and older adults when processing emotional information. The results found that youth had significantly higher error rates on the emotional-neutral sequence than older adults regardless of the valence of emotional information; only in the negative condition did older adults have higher error rates on both the sad-sad and neutral-sad sequences than youth; this phenomenon was not found in the positive condition. The study showed that, in emotional information processing, youth preferred proactive control over older adults; in negative information processing, older adults preferred reactive control strategies over youth; in positive information processing, older adults showed a similar cognitive control pattern to youth, and proactive control was enhanced.

A Novel Buck Converter with Dual Loops Control Mechanism

This paper presents a novel buck converter with dual-loop control technology, which does not need to detect the inductor current directly. The structure of the control loops is easy to implement, one loop controls the output voltage, and the other controls the switching frequency. With the dual loops control mechanism, the output voltage and switching frequency can be accurately controlled only by measuring the output and input voltage, without sensing the inductor current. The buck converter can generate an output voltage of 1.0–2.5 V when the input voltage and load current are 3.0–3.6 V and 100–500 mA, respectively. The design was verified by SIMPLIS. The simulation results show that the switching frequency variation is less than 1% at the output voltage of 1.0–2.5 V. The recovery time is less than 1.5 μs during the load change. The circuit can be fabricated by using the TSMC 0.35μm 2P4M CMOS processes. The control scheme, theoretical analysis and circuit implementation are presented in this paper.

Working memory capacity and dual mechanisms of cognitive control: An experimental-correlational approach.

Working memory is thought to be strongly related to cognitive control. Recent studies have sought to understand this relationship under the prism of the dual mechanisms of control (DMC) framework, in which cognitive control is thought to operate in two distinct modes: proactive and reactive. Several authors have concluded that a high working memory capacity is associated with a tendency to engage the more effective mechanism of proactive control. However, the predicted pattern of proactive control use has never been observed; correlational evidence is made difficult to interpret by the overall superiority of participants with a high working memory capacity: they tend to perform better even when proactive control should be detrimental. In two experiments, we used an experimental-correlational approach to experimentally induce the use of reactive or proactive control in the AX-CPT. The relation between working memory capacity and performance was unaffected, incompatible with the hypothesis that the better performance of participants with a high working memory capacity in the task is due to their use of proactive control. It remains unclear how individual differences in working memory capacity relate to cognitive control under the DMC framework.