Group Interaction Research Articles

JAK3 Inhibitors: Covalent and Noncovalent Interactions of a Cyanamide Group Investigated by Multiscale Free-Energy Simulations.

Janus kinase type 3 (JAK3), an emerging target for treating autoimmune diseases, possesses a front pocket cysteine that is targeted by covalent modifiers, best represented by the marketed drug ritlecitinib (1). Recently, 2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-ylcyanamides have been developed as novel JAK3 inhibitors. Among them, the N-(6-(7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-yl)cyanamide inhibitor (2) and its methylated analogue (3), while being potent inhibitors, displayed different mechanisms of action (covalent vs noncovalent) and binding modes (Casimiro-Garcia et al., J Med Chem 2018). Prompted by this intriguing behavior, we applied a multiscale approach to characterize the reaction mechanism between the JAK3 front-pocket Cys909 and cyanamide-based inhibitors. Quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics simulations showed that 2 can readily form an isothiourea adduct with the Cys909 only when a conserved water molecule assists the reaction as a proton shuttle and that methylation of the 2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-ylcyanamide moiety of 2 hampers the isothiourea formation by displacing this water molecule. Metadynamics and thermodynamic integration simulations were applied to investigate the relative abundance of alternative poses accessible to 2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-ylcyanamides, explaining the effect of methylation on the relative binding mode preference. This multiscale approach provides new chemical insights into the mechanism of action of cyanamide inhibitors and emerges as an effective protocol to investigate the interaction between drugs and molecular targets.

Playing with robots in a nursery: a sociomaterial focus on interaction and learning

In the field of educational robotics, it is important to understand the processes trough which child-robot interactions are established during play activities. In terms of socio-material characteristics, robots can vary widely, from more mechanical robots to more anthropomorphic ones. Research has shown that the degree of anthropomorphization of the robot has an impact on how children perceive and interact with the robot. The role of the socio-material characteristics is still poorly explore in the 18–36-month age group. The aim of the study was to investigate how the presence of two robots, which differed in their socio-material characteristic of anthropomorphization, shapes both the individual and group play activities of 25 children aged 18–36 months. The children were observed during free group play sessions in which they had access to two types of robots: Idol, with more human-like features, and Pixy, a more mechanical robot with minimal anthropomorphism. Observations made through video recordings were transcribed. Qualitative analysis was conducted, and six units of analysis of children’s interaction with robots were identified. The main finding from our study is that children as early as 18 months are sensitive to the socio-material characteristics of the robotic artefact, influencing the way they interact with the robot and with each other. Notably, children displayed more imitation behaviors and social interactions with Idol, the more anthropomorphic robot, while Pixy, the mechanical robot, was primarily explored for its mechanical features. From an educational point of view, we highlight the importance of the construction of the learning environment and the choice of materials to propose to the children in play; the robot could be used to reinforce symbolic play, imitation, and to support group interaction.

Thermoresponsive Gels with Rosemary Essential Oil: A Novel Topical Carrier for Antimicrobial Therapy and Drug Delivery Applications

This study investigates the development and comprehensive characterization of innovative thermoresponsive gels incorporating rosemary essential oil (RoEO) encapsulated in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles, with a focus on their potential applications in topical antimicrobial and wound healing therapies. RoEO, renowned for its robust antimicrobial, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties, was subjected to detailed chemical profiling using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS), which identified oxygenated monoterpenes as its dominant constituents. PLGA microparticles were synthesized through an optimized oil-in-water emulsion technique, ensuring high encapsulation efficiency and structural integrity. These microparticles were thoroughly characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to confirm functional group interactions, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for surface morphology, X-ray diffraction (XRD) for crystalline properties, and thermal analysis for stability assessment. The synthesized microparticles displayed uniform size distribution and efficient encapsulation, demonstrating compatibility with the gel matrix. Two distinct thermoresponsive gel formulations were developed using varying ratios of Poloxamer 407 and Poloxamer 188 to achieve optimal performance. The gels were evaluated for key physicochemical properties, including pH, gelation temperature, viscosity, and rheological behavior. Both formulations exhibited thermoresponsive gelation at skin-compatible temperatures (27.6 °C and 32.9 °C), favorable pH levels (6.63 and 6.40), and shear-thinning behavior suitable for topical application. Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed against common pathogens associated with skin infections, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. The RoEO-PLGA-loaded gels demonstrated significant inhibitory effects, confirming their potential as effective carriers for controlled and localized drug delivery. These findings underscore the promising application of RoEO-PLGA-loaded thermoresponsive gels in addressing challenges associated with topical antimicrobial therapies and wound care, offering an innovative approach to enhancing therapeutic outcomes. By integrating the bioactive potential of RoEO with the advanced delivery capabilities of PLGA microparticles and thermoresponsive gels, this study paves the way for the development of next-generation formulations tailored to meet the specific needs of localized drug delivery in skin health management.

Structural and electrochemical properties of NH4SCN-doped almond gum biopolymer electrolytes

The development of solid polymer electrolytes based on natural gums represents a promising step toward sustainable energy solutions, driven by their abundance, cost-effectiveness, biodegradability, and nontoxic nature. This study primarily focused on the fabrication of a solid polymer electrolyte using almond gum (Amygdalus communis) doped with NH4SCN salt using solution casting method and investigated its impact on ionic conductivity. An ionic conductivity of 1.123 × 10−4 Scm−1 was attained for the membrane with 40 wt% ammonium thiocyanate. Through XRD and FTIR analysis, the amorphous nature and the interaction of certain functional groups with the salt provided insights into its potential for use in sustainable energy systems. Transference number analysis confirmed the major charge carriers present in the polymer electrolyte.

Dual career athletes and psycho-physiological stress

Introduction: The high-level athletic careers frequently conclude significantly earlier than those in other fields, and at times, despite the considerable efforts exerted, they do not consistently flourish as anticipated. Consequently, numerous athletes concurrently pursue academic pathways to adequately prepare for alternative professional opportunities beyond the realm of sports. Objective: Accordingly, the objective of the current investigation was to examine the efficacy of Yoga in ameliorating the stress levels experienced by student-athletes. Methodology: A cohort of 50 dual-career athletes with ages ranging from 18 to 25 years, was selected from five universities. The participants in the experimental group participated in a Yoga regimen in addition to their standard training protocol. In contrast, the participants within the control group continued to engage in conventional sport-specific training. Preceding and after the Yoga intervention, the students underwent psycho-physiological assessments, including the State Mindfulness Scale (SMS) and vagus-mediated heart rate variability (HRV). Results: The results indicated a significant Time x Group interaction effect for both the SMS and HRV, suggesting a substantial enhancement in the treatment groups. Discussion: This study confirmed that meditative practice through Yoga can be a source of improvement of psycho-physiological parameters in the context of interventions aimed at improving the well-being of dual career students Conclusions: In conclusion, there is a need to support and increase research in this area to have new and adequate information about the reality of the Dual Career and to be able to help student-athletes to reconcile school and sports paths.

Trajectories of Resilience-Related Traits and Their Impact on Health Outcomes in Schizophrenia: Results From a 4-Year Longitudinal Study.

For the rapidly growing population of older people living with schizophrenia (PLWS), psychological resilience, or the capacity to adapt to adversity, is an understudied target for improving health. Little is known about resilience and its longitudinal impact on outcomes among PLWS. This study assesses trajectories of resilience-related traits in PLWS and a nonpsychiatric comparison group (NCs) and longitudinal interactions between resilience and health. This sample included 166 PLWS and 155 NCs (mean age 48 years, 52% women), with a 4.1-year mean follow-up time. The groups were comparable in age, sex, and follow-up time. We assessed resilience-related traits, physical well-being, obesity, hyperglycemia, positive symptoms, and negative symptoms. We conducted linear mixed-effects models to examine linear trends over time and continuous-time structural equation models (CTSEM) to assess the longitudinal relationships (cross-lagged effects between resilience and health). People living with schizophrenia had lower resilience levels, compared with NCs. While resilience was stable over time for White individuals, younger non-White individuals with less education had increases in resilience over time. We found bidirectional 1-year cross-lagged effects of resilience with physical well-being and obesity, but not with hyperglycemia. Among PLWS, there were 1-year cross-lagged effects of resilience with both positive symptoms and negative symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of resilience and its link to physical and mental health over time. Resilience may be a key protective factor in aging among PLWS, and the potential to improve resilience is an important and understudied approach for improving outcomes for older PLWS.

Evaluating the effectiveness of a clinical decision support system (AI-Antidelirium) to improve Nurses' adherence to delirium guidelines in the intensive care unit.

To evaluate the impact of Artificial Intelligence Assisted Prevention and Management for Delirium (AI-AntiDelirium) on improving adherence to delirium guidelines among nurses in the intensive care unit (ICU). Between November 2022 and June 2023, A cluster randomized controlled trial was undertaken. A total of 38 nurses were enrolled in the interventional arm, whereas 42 nurses were recruited for the control arm in six ICUs across two hospitals in Beijing, comparing nurses' adherence and cognitive load in units that use AI-AntiDelirium or the control group. The AI-AntiDelirium tailored delirium preventive or treated interventions to address patients' specific risk factors. The adherence rate of delirium interventions was the primary endpoint. The other endpoints were adherence to risk factors assessment, ICU delirium assessment, and nurses' cognitive load. The repeated measures analysis of variance was utilized to explore the influence of time, group, and time×group interaction on the repeated measurement variable (e.g., adherence, cognitive load). A cumulative total of 1040 nurse days were analyzed for this study. The adherence to delirium intervention of nurses in AI-AntiDelirium groups was higher than control units (75% vs. 58%, P<0.01). When compared to control groups, AI-AntiDelirium was found to be significantly effective in both decreasing extraneous cognitive load (P<0.01) and improving germane cognitive load (P<0.01). This study supports the effectiveness of AI-AntiDelirium in enhancing nurses' adherence to evidence-based, individualized delirium intervention and also reducing extraneous cognitive load. A nurse-led systemshould be applied by nursing administrators to improve compliance with nursing interventions among ICU nurses.

Associations between parent and adolescent weight outcomes within two parent approaches to family-based adolescent obesity treatment: Secondary analyses from the TEENS+ pilot trial.

To examine associations between parent and adolescent weight change within two parent approaches to adolescent obesity treatment. Adolescent (Mage = 13.7 ± 1.2 years; MBMI = 34.9 ± 7.0 kg/m2) and parent (MBMI = 36.4 ± 7.3 kg/m2) dyads (N = 82) were randomized to TEENS+Parents as Coaches (PAC) or TEENS+parent weight loss (PWL). Anthropometrics were assessed at baseline (0-month), 4 months (post) and 7 months (after 3-month maintenance period). Regression analyses examined associations between parent and adolescent ΔBMI0-4m and ΔBMI4-7m, with parent group as a moderator. Post-treatment, parent and adolescent ∆BMI0-4m were positively related (β = 0.68, p < 0.001), with no group interaction. Parent and adolescent ΔBMI4-7m were related (β = 0.48, p = 0.012) during maintenance, moderated by parent group (β = -0.49, p = 0.010): positive relationships persisted in PAC (β = 0.39, p = 0.011), but not PWL (β = -0.19, p = 0.211). Parent and adolescent weight changes were positively related during treatment in both parent groups. During maintenance, weight change associations persisted only in PAC. These patterns prompt further exploration of parent factors driving weight change relationships.

Does Core Training Improve Agility Performance in Soccer Players With Groin Pain? A Randomized, Single-Blind Study

Context: Agility is crucial for soccer players, and core training can improve it. One study showed significant agility improvements after an intervention including core training for athletes with groin pain. However, it is unclear if these improvements resulted specifically from the core exercises or the entire program. Additionally, the study lacked a control group, making the findings inconclusive. Purpose: The current study aimed to explore the effect of core training, previously reported in the context of groin-pain rehabilitation, on agility performance in soccer players with groin pain. Methods: Twenty soccer players with groin pain volunteered to participate. They were randomly assigned to a core training group (n = 10) and a control group (n = 10). Before and immediately after that period, agility performance (T test and Edgren Side Step Test) and self-reported outcomes (Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score) were assessed in both groups. Results: No significant session × group interaction was observed in agility T test (F = 2.55; P = .12; ) and Edgren Side Step Test (F = 3.18; P = .09; ) performances. Besides, Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome scores showed significant improvements (P = .007 to &lt;.001) in the core training group following the 12 weeks of core training and compared with the control group. Conclusion: The results showed that soccer players with groin pain who received or did not receive core training showed similar agility performance. However, significant improvements in self-reported outcomes were observed in soccer players compared with the control group. Clinicians and coaches should therefore consider core training when designing training and rehabilitation programs for this population to enhance recovery.

Acute Effects of Unplanned and Planned Hop-Landing Training on Neurocognitive Function and Knee Biomechanics.

Athletes with decreased baseline neurocognitive function may experience noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in unanticipated athletic situations. Many ACL injury prevention programs (IPPs) focus on improving closed-skill movements (eg, planned landing). However, the more open-skill movements (eg, unplanned reactive movements) required in unpredictable sports scenarios are commonly absent from ACL IPPs, and the acute effects of open-skill training on neurocognitive function remain unclear. To investigate the acute effects of unplanned versus planned training on neurocognitive function and knee biomechanics associated with ACL injury risk during the side-step cutting motion. Controlled laboratory study. A total of 32 adult recreational athletes (16 female, 16 male) were randomly assigned to either an unplanned training (UT) group or a control (CON) group. The UT group performed unplanned hop-landing training while the CON group performed planned hop-landing training. Both before and after the training, neurocognitive function was evaluated using the Trail Making Test-part B and Stroop Color and Word Test. Additionally, unanticipated and anticipated side-step cutting tasks were performed while 3-dimensional kinematic and kinetic data for the dominant leg were collected. Neurocognitive test scores and biomechanical variables relevant to ACL injury were analyzed using 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance to determine the main effects of training, group, and training × group interaction. Trail Making Test-part B and Stroop Color and Word Test scores significantly improved from pre- to posttraining in both groups (P < .001 for both). There was a significant training × group interaction for peak knee abduction angle during the unanticipated side-step cutting task (pre- vs posttraining: -8.81°± 7.23° vs -7.40°± 7.24° [UT group]; -8.23°± 9.40° vs -9.99°± 9.83° [CON group]; P = .02) and for peak vertical ground-reaction force during the anticipated side-step cutting task (pre- vs posttraining: 3.86 ± 0.59 vs 4.08 ± 0.74 percentage body weight [%BW] [UT group]; 3.70 ± 0.62 vs 3.34 ± 0.62 %BW [CON group]; P = .04). Study findings showed a significant training × group interaction for knee abduction angle during the unanticipated side-step cutting task with unplanned training and for vertical ground-reaction force during the anticipated side-step cutting task with planned training. Designing ACL IPPs based on the sport type (ie, open skill or closed skill) may contribute to better preparation.

Self-assembled hyaluronic acid nanoparticles delivered by polymeric microneedles for targeted and long-acting therapy of psoriasis.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune-driven inflammatory skin disease, clinically characterized by skin thickening, erythema, and scaling, significantly impacting patients' life quality and mental health. Clinically, oral pill or injection of methotrexate (MTX) formulation is a common route for psoriasis therapy, while both methods often cause undesired toxicity due to systemic administration, and limit patient compliance because of the frequent-dosing requirement. Here, we introduce a dissolvable microneedle (MN) patch made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) that incorporates self-assembled hyaluronic acid (HA) nanoparticles (NPs) conjugating MTX, which is designed for treating skin diseases, offering reduced adverse effects and improved patient adherence through its targeted and long-acting properties. Upon transdermal delivery via polymeric MNs, the HA-based therapeutic NPs actively target to the inflammatory skin cells via the interaction of HA group with CD44 protein that is highly expressed on the cell membrane in the psoriatic skin. Moreover, the HA-based NPs undergo slow dissociation, thereby achieving sustained release of the MTX drug at the lesion site over 7days. Due to the favorite features, in the imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriatic mouse, only one application of the polymeric MN patch achieves diminished epidermal hyperplasia, and reduced inflammatory factors expression, ultimately improving the psoriasis-like skin condition in vivo.

Molecular mobility of thin films of poly(bisphenol-A carbonate) capped and with one free surface: from bulk-like samples down to the adsorbed layer.

The molecular mobility of thin films of poly(bisphenol A carbonate) (PBAC) was systematically investigated using broadband dielectric spectroscopy, employing two distinct electrode configurations. First, films were prepared in a capped geometry between aluminum electrodes employing a crossed electrode capacitor (CEC) configuration, down to film thicknesses of 40 nm. The Vogel temperature, derived from the temperature dependence of relaxation rates of the α-relaxation, increases with decreasing film thickness characterized by an onset thickness. The onset thickness depends on the annealing conditions, with less intense annealing yielding a lower onset thickness. Additionally, a broadening of the β-relaxation peak was observed with decreasing thickness, attributed to the interaction of phenyl groups with thermally evaporated aluminum, resulting in a shift of certain relaxation modes to higher temperatures relative to the bulk material. A novel phenomenon, termed the slow Arrhenius process (SAP), was also identified in proximity to the α-relaxation temperature. For films with thicknesses below 40 nm, nanostructured electrodes (NSE) were utilized, incorporating nanostructured silica spacers to establish a free surface with air. This free surface causes an enhancement in the molecular mobility for the 40 nm sample, preserving the β-relaxation as a distinct peak. The α-relaxation was detectable in the dielectric loss down to 18 nm, shifting to higher temperatures as film thickness is decreased. Notably, the onset thickness for the increase in Vogel temperature was lower in the NSE configuration compared to the CEC setup, attributed to the presence of the polymer-air interface.

The role of CD101 and Tim3 in the immune microenvironment of gastric cancer and their potential as prognostic biomarkers.

Gastric cancer (GC) is a prevalent malignancy. Current treatment modalities, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy, have limitations in early detection and personalized treatment, necessitating the discovery of novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies. This study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying GC, focusing on the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of CD101- Tim3+ CD8+ T cells (CCT precursors) and CD101+ Tim3+ CD8+ T cells (CCT). Utilizing a multi-omics approach, including transcriptomic sequencing, single-cell RNA sequencing, cell communication analysis, and enrichment analysis. We identified 140 genes significantly associated with overall survival in GC patients, including LYAR, ASCL2, and EMP2. A risk score model based on 14 prognostic genes was constructed, demonstrating a significant inverse correlation with survival time (p<0.05). Immune response analysis indicated decreased infiltration of Activated B cells, CD56bright natural killer cells, and Monocytes in the high-risk group, while CD56dim natural killer cells and Gamma delta T cells were significantly increased, suggesting alterations in the immune microenvironment that influence patient prognosis. Furthermore, drug sensitivity analysis revealed potential responsiveness of high-risk patients to BI-2536, supporting personalized treatment approaches. Cell communication analysis indicated reduced intercellular interactions in PD-1 immunotherapy groups, highlighting the impact of immunotherapy on the tumor microenvironment. GSEA (Gene Set Enrichment Analysis) and GSVA (Gene Set Variation Analysis) revealed enrichment in DNA replication and proteasome pathways in high-risk groups, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms of GC. This study established a foundation for future exploration of targeted therapies and personalized treatment strategies in GC.

Effects of body weight-supported Tai Chi Yunshou training on upper limb motor function in stroke patients: A three-arm parallel randomized controlled trial.

To form a unique body weight support-Tai Chi Yunshou (BWS-TCY) training method, apply it to the treatment of upper limb dysfunction after stroke, and provide a new safe and effective treatment method for the clinic. A total of 93 subjects were recruited and randomly divided into conventional rehabilitation treatment (CRT) group, BWS-TCY group and traditional robot-assisted training (RAT) group in equal proportions. Subjects in the CRT group received 60 minutes of CRT daily. Subjects in the BWS-TCY group received 30 minutes of CRT and 30 minutes of BWS-TCY. Subjects in the RAT group received 30 minutes of CRT and 30 minutes of RAT. All interventions were conducted 5 days per week for 12 weeks. Outcome assessments included the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Motor Function Assessment (FMA-UE), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), absolute angular error (AAE), joint range of motion (JMA), modified Barthel Index (MBI), and stroke-related quality of life. Table (SS-QOL). Outcome measures were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks later, and statistical analyzes were performed using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance. After 12 weeks of intervention, significant improvements were observed in all evaluation indicators for the three groups of subjects compared to before the intervention. The upper limb motor function (FMA-UE and WMFT) and proprioception (AAE) showed time effects, time × group interaction effects, and group effects. When comparing the groups, the FMA-UE in the BWS-TCY group, as well as the WMFT and MBI, showed statistically significant differences compared to the CRT group (P<0.05), but not statistically significant compared to the RAT group (P>0.05). The AAE of the BWS-TCY group showed no statistical difference (P>0.05) when compared to the CRT group and RAT group. Furthermore, a time effect was observed on the rotation direction (P<0.05), and pairwise comparison between groups revealed that the BWS-TCY group performed better than both the CRT group and the RAT group. After 12 weeks of intervention, there were time effects and interaction effects between BWS-TCY and daily living activities (MBI) and quality of life (SS-QOL), but no group effect was observed. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in SS-QOL. However, there was a statistical difference (P<0.01) in MBI between the two groups. The 12-week BWS-TCY intervention has been shown to effectively improve upper limb motor function. Retrospectively registered at chictr.org.cn on August 31, 2022 [ChiCTR2200063150] https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=176229.

Optimizing Resource Scheduling for Multi-Scenario Mixed Service Groups under Edge Cloud-Native Environments Using Simulation Learning

The evolution of cloud and edge computing technologies has brought about resource management challenges. Traditional resource scheduling strategies fall short in dynamic cloud-edge environments, one of the challenges is identifying system state changes in multi-scenario edge cloud-native environments. The dynamic orchestration and deployment of container resources are crucial. To address this issue, we introduce a virtual environment, which generates interactions of multi-scenario mixed service groups. Furthermore, we proposed a multi-agent adversarial imitation learning approach, which is trained in the virtual environment. Experiments reveal that our approach, which is fully trained in the virtual mixed-service environment, results in no physical sampling costs and significantly outperforms traditional supervised approaches.

일본 초·중 통합학교의 특성과 성과 분석

Objectives This study aims to analyze the background, institutional characteristics, and effectiveness of integrated primary and secondary education in Japan and draw implications for the educational reality in Korea. Methods The study conducted a qualitative analysis of documents from Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), reports from the Central Council for Education, and documents from local education boards. Results The study identified four main factors driving the need for integrated primary and secondary education in Japan: (1) the necessity to reflect recent educational content and enhance future-oriented academic skills; (2) the need to address early developmental and emotional changes among students; (3) the requirement to respond to the increasing prevalence of school maladjustment; and (4) the ‘Middle School Gap’ issue, which refers to the difficulties students face transitioning from elementary to middle school. The research found that the integrated education model has been effective in aligning educational curricula with students' cognitive and physical development, enhancing specialized teaching from the upper elementary grades, promoting broader age group interactions, and providing more comprehensive extracurricular activities. Conclusions The Japanese integrated primary and secondary education system has shown notable success in fostering student growth and development across a 9-year educational continuum. This model's effectiveness, including the ability to align educational content with developmental stages and reduce transitional challenges, provides valuable insights for Korea, where similar educational challenges and the need for consistent and systematic curriculum development are present.

SMILE, YOU’LL FEEL BETTER: TESTING THE FACIAL FEEDBACK HYPOTHESIS IN YOUNG AND OLDER ADULTS

Abstract We investigated age differences in the effect of facial feedback on the emotional experience on a sample of young and older adults. The Facial Feedback Hypothesis proposes that feedback from facial expressions impacts the emotional experience by enhancing or dampening the emotional experience (James, 1884; Darwin 1897). Embodied cognition, the bidirectional relationship between the mind and the body is central to maturational dualism, which suggests older adults show reductions in proprioception, interoception, and physiological reactivity (Niedenthal et al., 2005; Mendes, 2010). Based on this, we expected older adults to show reduced facial feedback effects. Participants were instructed to pose a happy, angry, and neutral facial expression and rate their happiness and anger on a 7-point scale before and during the facial manipulation. We found that in the Angry Condition, there was a main effect of Time, such that both age groups showed reductions in happiness scores, F(1,119) = 86.243, p&amp;lt;.001, η2=.420 and increases in anger, F(1,119) = 29.798, p&amp;lt;.001, η2=.200, as well as a Time x Age Group interaction, F(1,119) = 4.546, p&amp;lt;.035, η2=.03, showing that older adults had a larger decrease in happiness scores, but no age differences in feelings of anger. In the Happy Condition, we did not find any significant age differences in ratings of happiness or anger from pre to post while posing the happy or angry facial expression. Contrary to our hypotheses, these results suggest that older adults do experience facial feedback effects specifically for anger, but not happiness.

Translingual negotiation in mixed‐gender communication: An analysis of the interactions in research group meetings in engineering

AbstractAs a practical theory of language, translanguaging refers not only to speakers' use of multiple languages, but also to the deployment of other semiotic resources and artifacts in communication. To examine the use of semiotic resources and translingual negotiation strategies in STEM communication, this study explores the intersectionality of translingual communication and gender in a research group consisting of international engineering scientists (including doctoral students, postdoc and faculty) at a public university in the Midwestern United States. Using a translingual approach, we analyze the semiotic resources and translingual negotiation strategies adopted by these engineering scientists to resolve trouble‐in‐interaction and claim agency in group interaction. Data include eight audiovisual recordings of research group meetings (RGMs), transcribed following the conventions in conversation analysis for verbal and nonverbal communication. A turn‐by‐turn analysis of the chosen excerpts reveals: (1) members of the group adopt negotiation strategies to collaboratively resolve trouble‐in‐interaction, including entextualization (visualization in particular), recontextualization, and various verbal and nonverbal interactional strategies. In employing these strategies, they also skillfully integrate various semiotic repertoires such as gestures, body movements, environmental artifacts, and board work to facilitate the resolution of trouble‐in‐interaction and (2) female scientists adopt envoicing and interactional strategies to regain the floor to speak and display resistance when interrupted or ignored by their male colleagues. These findings suggest that while we embrace the affordances of a translingual orientation to STEM communication as it values the entire linguistic and semiotic repertoires of international STEM scientists, we should also acknowledge the existence of microaggressive acts against female members in RGMs. A more equitable and inclusive environment for intellectual engagement and group communication in STEM fields can only be created through the collaborative efforts of individuals, groups, and institutions.

Psychometric properties of the Social Anxiety Scale (SAS) using psychophysical and categorical scaling

This study evaluated the psychometric properties of a newly developed instrument, the Social Anxiety Scale (SAS) within a non-clinical Swedish adult population (n: 384), in which psychophysical (SAS-cMax) and categorical (SAS-C) scaling methods were compared. Unlike many common rating scales, the SAS items were designed to align with the perceived intensity of symptom severity. With a reduced number of items, both scaling methods (SAS11-cMax and SAS13-C) demonstrated robust conceptual validity, with a three-factor model encompassing “fear of interaction in groups and with strangers”, “fear of speaking in front of others and being in the center of attention”, and “fear of performing tasks while being observed”. In addition, the SAS showed an excellent internal consistency (SAS11-cMax, α = 0.93 and SAS13-C, α = 0.93), as well as good to satisfactory convergent and discriminant validity. ROC-analyses revealed an excellent accurcay of both scaling methods to distinguish between high and low social anxiety levels. A score of 25.3 cM (“moderate social anxiety”) yielded the most optimal sensitivity (0.80) and specificity (0.80) of the SAS11-cMax. A score of 18.5 points yielded the most optimal sensitivity (0.85) and specificity (0.87) of the SAS13-C. Overall, its concluded that the SAS exhibits sound psychometric properties regardless of scaling method. Further validation with other social anxiety scales and within a clinical population, is needed to establish its effectiveness as a screening tool for social anxiety.

Library as a space for inclusivity and dialogue: experience of transforming Polish libraries on the border of centuries

Objective. The research aims to analyze the transformations that took place in the Polish system of public libraries in the late 1980s – the early 2000s. Methods. Regarding methodology, the authors handle the concept of “the library” as “the meeting-place”, which presents an interpretation of conclusions made by Emmanuel Levinas, one of the classics of the philosophy of dialogue. Results. The results of the research evidence the concentration of efforts exerted by Polish librarians on the creation of pro-community libraries not meeting the community’s informational needs alone but being the hubs of dialogical interaction of various social groups. Conclusions. The conclusions outline the modern Polish libraries’ tending to expand the range of services provided for readers, taking into consideration severe competition among cultural institutions. The authors have proposed several promising strategies for further study of the problem range. These strategies are determined by the necessity of researching the title based on a broader background to the development of the librarianship theory in the countries of Western Europe and North America.