Response Tendencies Research Articles

A Comprehensive Analysis of a Social Intelligence Dataset and Response Tendencies Between Large Language Models (LLMs) and Humans

In recent years, advancements in the interaction and collaboration between humans and have garnered significant attention. Social intelligence plays a crucial role in facilitating natural interactions and seamless communication between humans and Artificial Intelligence (AI). To assess AI’s ability to understand human interactions and the components necessary for such comprehension, datasets like Social-IQ have been developed. However, these datasets often rely on a simplistic question-and-answer format and lack justifications for the provided answers. Furthermore, existing methods typically produce direct answers by selecting from predefined choices without generating intermediate outputs, which hampers interpretability and reliability. To address these limitations, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of AI methods on a video-based Question Answering (QA) benchmark focused on human interactions, leveraging additional annotations related to human responses. Our analysis highlights significant differences between human and AI response patterns and underscores critical shortcomings in current benchmarks. We anticipate that these findings will guide the creation of more advanced datasets and represent an important step toward achieving natural communication between humans and AI.

ChatGPT as a data analyst: an exploratory study on AI-supported quantitative data analysis in empirical research

Social scientists are faced with the challenge of designing complex studies and analyzing collected data via various programs such as R, Stata, SPSS, or Python. This often requires the use of analytical procedures and specific software packages that are beyond an individual’s established skillsets and technical knowledge. To address these challenges, generative artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT, can now be employed as ‘assistants’—with both associated risks and benefits. Accordingly, this paper explores the potential and pitfalls of using a tool like ChatGPT as an assistant in quantitative data analysis. We investigate the practical use of ChatGPT-3.5 by replicating analyses and findings in everyday scientific research. Unlike previous studies, which have primarily focused optimizing the use of chatbots for code generation, our approach examines an amateur level use of AI tools to support and reference regular research activities, with an emphasis on minimal technical expertise. While we overall conducted three experiments, with the goal to replicate academic papers, the article’s focus is on the methodologically most complex one, by De Wet et al. from 2020. In this case AI is used for the step-by-step replication of the two-dimensional model of value types proposed by Schwartz (2012). The results of this experiment highlight the challenges of using ChatGPT 3.5 for specific, detailed tasks in academic research, as a tendency for responses to repeat in loops when solutions were not readily available emerged at several stages. Thus, we concluded that there are severe limitations in the AI’s ability to provide accurate and comprehensive solutions for complex tasks and emphasize the need for caution and verification when using AI powered tools for complex research procedures.

Infusing Illinois Educator Preparation for the Education of Multilingual Learner

A longstanding opportunity gap persists between multilingual learners and their English proficient peers. This gap has been characterized as “a persistent and seemingly intractable educational problem” (Leider et al., 2021, p. 3). In response, this article outlines how a Midwestern educator preparation program has infused mainstream teacher preparation with the minimum content knowledge and pedagogical expertise necessary to meet the needs of multilingual learners. Curriculum infusion includes theoretical grounding, literacy instruction and assessment strategies, and field experiences nurturing culturally responsive dispositions. Implications for policy and practice are discussed, including integration of Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning Standards (Illinois State Board of Education, n.d.) and the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan (https://www.isbe.net/Documents/IL-Comp-Literacy-Plan-2024.pdf).

Smartphone or Laptop? Device Type Choice and Data Quality in Surveys of Commercial and Residential Utility Customers

In this study, we explore device type choice for residential and nonresidential (business/commercial) survey respondents and its relationship to data quality. We use data from a survey of energy efficiency program participants administered each month, from August 2023 to September 2024. Findings suggest that nonresidential survey respondents more often opt to use desktop or laptop computers to respond, whereas residential survey respondents are more likely to choose to use smartphones. Neither response time nor tendency to provide non-substantive responses were related to device type choice for residential or nonresidential respondents. We did not find a relationship between device type and straightlining either. Residential respondents’ device type choice related to the length of open-ended responses, while nonresidential respondents’ device type choice did not. Thus overall, we found minimal evidence to support the hypothesis that respondents who choose to respond using a smartphone may provide lower data quality.

Factors measuring the readiness of teacher educators’ to use web 2.0 technologies

Web 2.0 has opened many opportunities and avenues in education, especially in tertiary education. The open nature of Web 2.0 has enabled teachers and students to access, share, collaborate, and communicate knowledge around the world with just one click. Web 2.0 tools have been frequently used in teacher education in session planning and designing strategies for the teaching–learning process. Pakistan's public and private sector universities offer teacher education programs. Due to the significant influence of Web 2.0 technologies, there have been a rising number of studies on the use, effects, and perceptions of Web 2.0 technologies in education. However, there was a need for study in the Pakistani scenario, which could uncover teacher educators' practices regarding the use of Web 2.0. To better understand the factors that influence teacher educators’ decisions to adopt Web 2.0 technologies. This study used the Decomposed Theory of Planned Behavior (DTPB) framework aimed to unwind teacher educators' behaviors and practices for Web 2.0 technology usage. The research design of this study was exploratory with a quantitative approach. The data was collected through an adopted DTPB scale-based survey questionnaire that provided a snapshot of the behaviors, attitudes, opinions, and beliefs of teacher educators. The population of the study was comprised of teacher educators of the teacher education departments from public and private sector universities of Sindh province in Pakistan. From both sectors, a total of 156 subjects were targeted for data collection, out of which 73 participants responded. This research uses descriptive analysis and inferential analysis to establish the overall tendency of responses from individual teacher educators and to note how this tendency varies among both sectors. Based on the findings, the results depict how a large population views the usage of Web 2.0 technologies in the teaching–learning process and the diversity of both sectors.

Neural dynamics underlying coordination between training-induced habitual and goal-directed responses.

Understanding the neurocognitive mechanisms that govern the coordination of habitual and goal-directed behaviors is important, because impaired coordination will cause various behavioral disorders. However, inducing habitual responses in human beings through repetitive stimuli-response training in a laboratory setting is a challenge. Well-trained sports athletes, who have automatic perception-action associations toward expertise-related stimuli, provide a natural sample to address this critical knowledge gap. We recorded electroencephalograms (EEG) of well-trained sports athletes while they performed a Simon task with expertise-related stimuli. By manipulating the congruency between the location of expertise-related stimuli and the response hand, we dissociated automatic habitual response and goal-directed inhibition control. We observed a stronger behavioral congruency effect on expertise-related stimuli than neutral stimuli in sports athletes but not healthy controls. Furthermore, sports athletes exhibited larger response-locked lateralized readiness potentials and stronger frontocentral beta band (15-25Hz) activity in the congruent condition than the incongruent condition, which indicate an enhanced response tendency toward expertise-related stimuli. In contrast, prominent mid-frontal theta (3-7Hz) activity observed in the incongruent condition signaled the involvement of response inhibition. Additionally, lateralized readiness potentials amplitude and theta power showed significant correlation with performance efficiency. Taken together, these results suggest that sports athletes exhibit an enhanced coordination for expertise-related stimuli, involving automatic response preparation and proficient response inhibition through extensive training.

Subliminal priming modulates motor sequence learning.

Sequential behaviour is underpinned by the selection and inhibition of movement at appropriate points in space and time. Sequences embedded among movement patterns must be learnt, yet the contribution of response selection and inhibition to the acquisition of motor sequences remains poorly understood. We addressed this issue by overlaying the serial reaction time task (SRTT) with subliminal masked primes that differentially weighed response tendencies. In Experiment 1, twenty-four healthy young adults, and in Experiment 2, thirty-six participants, performed the SRTT with congruent (same position), incongruent (different position), or neutral (no prime) subliminal masked primes. Each condition featured an embedded eight-digit (Experiment 1) or ten-digit (Experiment 2) second-order sequence, with conditions presented in counterbalanced order during a single session. Sequence specific learning was observed under neutral and congruent prime conditions. Independent of sequence awareness, congruent primes reduced initial response latency and led to greater sequence specific learning compared with neutral primes. However, incongruent primes appeared to attenuate learning (Experiment 1). These results demonstrate that prime congruency modulates sequence specific learning below the threshold of conscious awareness. Congruent primes may elevate the salience of stimulus-response compounds and accentuate learning, but at the cost of increased awareness. Incongruent primes, and the induction of response conflict, attenuate sequence specific learning (Experiment 1) and may prevent the formation of cross-temporal contingencies necessary for implicit motor sequence learning.

Social decision making in binge drinking: An exploration through moral dilemmas.

The continuum hypothesis proposes that binge drinking and severe alcohol use disorder (SAUD) share qualitatively similar cognitive and emotional impairments. In SAUD, these deficits have a demonstrated impact on social decision making, resulting in a utilitarian bias. Namely, when confronted with moral dilemmas, patients with SAUD tend to focus on the consequences of their actions rather than on social norms. However, social decision-making abilities remain unexplored in binge drinking. We offered the first insights on the generalization of the continuum hypothesis to social decision making, through a multinomial processing tree model applied to moral dilemmas, the "CNI model" of moral decision making. We compared 35 binge drinkers (20 females) and 36 light drinkers (21 females) on a battery of 48 moral dilemmas involving interpersonal relations from the CNI model, through multinomial modeling analyses. In each dilemma, participants were asked if they would perform the described action, generating individual scores for sensitivity to consequences, sensitivity to norms, and inaction tendency. The statistical model related to the CNI approach fits the data well. Binge drinkers and controls did not differ regarding their sensitivity to consequences nor their sensitivity to moral norms, and both groups displayed an equal inaction tendency in response to moral dilemmas. We provided insights to better understand the specific (socio)cognitive domains impaired in subclinical populations with alcohol use disorder. We showed preserved social decision making in binge drinking, which suggests that the continuum hypothesis documented for classical neurocognitive functions does not extend to complex social abilities. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Non-surgical treatment of residual periodontal pockets using sodium hypochlorite/amino acid gel and cross-linked hyaluronic acid—a 9-month pilot randomized controlled clinical trial

ObjectivesThis pilot randomized controlled clinical trial compares the clinical outcome obtained in persistent periodontal pockets during 9-month follow-up of supportive periodontal step 4 treatment performed by either combining subgingival instrumentation with adjunctively used sodium hypochlorite/amino acid gel and crosslinked hyaluronic acid (xHyA) or subgingival instrumentation alone.Materials and methodsStudy protocol is registered under NCT06438354 at Clinicaltrials.gov. Patients seeking further therapy after completed step 2 non-surgical periodontal treatment underwent either repeated subgingival instrumentation with adjunctive application of sodium hypochlorite/amino acid gel and crosslinked hyaluronic acid (group A) or repeated subgingival instrumentation alone (group B). One calibrated investigator performed the treatment sequence in both groups accordingly. Subgingival instrumentation of the residual pockets was carried out under local anaesthesia using hand- and ultrasonic instruments, as well as air polishing in both groups. Patients were instructed to continue oral hygiene without any restriction. At 3-month re-evaluation treatment was repeated accordingly at sites with persistent 5 mm probing depth and BoP + . Clinical attachment level (CAL), pocket probing depth (PPD), gingival recession (GR), and bleeding on probing (BoP) were recorded at baseline (T1), 3- (T2) and 9-month (T3) post-op, with CAL as a primary outcome measure.ResultsIn total 52 patients (20 females and 32 males, mean age 58.4 ± 2.4 years) presenting with 1448 sites which required further periodontal treatment were enrolled. Both groups exhibited homogeneity in terms of age, gender, smoking habit, initial number of sites, and BOP. At 9-month evaluation, PD reduction and CAL gain showed significant differences between the test and control group, favouring the adjunctive treatment. GR tended to exhibit more recovery in the test group compared to the control group. Although BOP frequency effectively reduced in both groups, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups.ConclusionWithin the limits of the study, the present data indicates that, during subgingival instrumentation of persistent pockets, the adjunctive usage of sodium hypochlorite/amino acid gel and xHyA sufficiently improves the clinical outcomes. The continuous improvement of CAL in association with the GR scores observed in group A, indicates that sites subjected to adjunctive treatment may indicate a tendency for a regenerative response to treatment within the 9-month follow-up period.

A shared temporal window of integration across cognitive control and reinforcement learning paradigms: A correlational study.

Cognitive control refers to the ability to override prepotent response tendencies to achieve goal-directed behavior. On the other hand, reinforcement learning refers to the learning of actions through feedback and reward. Although cognitive control and reinforcement learning are often viewed as opposing forces in driving behavior, recent theories have emphasized possible similarities in their underling processes. With this study, we aimed to investigate whether a similar time window of integration could be observed during the learning of control on the one hand, and the learning rate in reinforcement learning paradigms on the other. To this end, we performed a correlational analysis on a large public dataset (n = 522) including data from two reinforcement learning tasks, i.e., a probabilistic selection task and a probabilistic Wisconsin Card Sorting Task (WCST), and data from a classic conflict task (i.e., the Stroop task). Results showed expected correlations between the time scale of control indices and learning rate in the probabilistic WCST. Moreover, the learning-rate parameters of the two reinforcement learning tasks did not correlate with each other. Together, these findings suggest a reliance on a shared learning mechanism between these two traditionally distinct domains, while at the same time emphasizing that value updating processes can still be very task-specific. We speculate that updating processes in the Stroop and WCST may be more related because both tasks require task-specific updating of stimulus features (e.g., color, word meaning, pattern, shape), as opposed to stimulus identity.

Validation of the dispositional adult hyperfocus questionnaire (AHQ-D)

Hyperfocus (HF), or intense, deep concentration on a task, has gained significant research attention in recent years, particularly in regard to clinical populations such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The present work aims to provide validation of the 12-item dispositional adult hyperfocus questionnaire (AHQ-D) as a quantitative metric of HF in adults. We preregistered the study design and hypotheses. We administered the AHQ-D and several additional questionnaires to 347 adults (mean ± SD age: 33 ± 11 years; 47% female). Exploratory factor analysis revealed high factor loadings (0.57–0.81) on a single HF factor; item response theory analysis suggested that the questionnaire items had high discrimination and covered a wide range of responses; and we report strong internal consistency metrics (Cronbach’s alpha 0.93, mean split-half reliability 0.93). Replicating our previous work, HF was positively correlated with Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS) scores (r(345) = 0.53), suggesting that HF may be related to ADHD traits (though in this sample we did not specifically recruit individuals with ADHD). The AHQ-D demonstrated the hypothesized convergent validity; HF on the AHQ-D was positively correlated with HF measured using a different HF scale (r(344) = 0.69), as well as flow (r(345) = 0.12) and mind wandering (r(345) = 0.39) scores. AHQ-D HF scores showed a weak negative correlation with grit (r(345) = − 0.29). Though there was a weak negative correlation between HF and social desirability response tendency (r(345) = − 0.24), suggesting that those who care more about what others think may report less HF, there was no relationship between HF and extrasensory perception beliefs (r(345) = 0.01), suggesting that participants were not simply biased in their response tendencies. Taken together, we demonstrate strong scale metrics for the AHQ-D, the expected convergent validity, and a general lack of response bias, in addition to replicating our previous association of HF with ADHD traits. We suggest that the AHQ-D can be confidently used in future work as a valid way to measure HF in adults.

Impact of state and trait emotion regulation on daily emotional exhaustion among Korean school counsellors.

School counsellors in South Korea face significant emotional exhaustion due to their challenging occupational environment. Previous studies have shown that cognitive reappraisal (CR) reduces emotional exhaustion, whereas expressive suppression (ES) increases it. However, these findings predominantly rely on trait questionnaires within cross-sectional approaches, overlooking the dynamic nature of emotion regulation (ER) strategy selection. Individuals may choose strategies that deviate from their general tendencies based on situational demands. There is limited empirical knowledge regarding the interaction between trait and state regulation strategies and their influence on exhaustion. Utilizing the strategy-situation fit hypothesis, this study examines the context-specific effects of ER strategies, considering both situational contexts and individual response tendencies. A multilevel analysis was performed to examine the influence of state and trait ER strategies on daily emotional exhaustion. A daily diary study was conducted for 5days with 111 Korean school counsellors. Daily CR was associated with lower daily exhaustion and daily ES predicted higher daily exhaustion. Contrastingly, none of the trait ER strategies had an impact on daily exhaustion, but the trait level of both strategies significantly moderated the relationship between daily CR and exhaustion. The positive impact of daily CR was more pronounced in school counsellors who often utilized suppression strategies, and this impact was also evident in trait reappraisal. Re-evaluating daily emotions instead of suppressing them may assist in coping with emotional exhaustion caused by work. The effectiveness of these strategies may vary based on an individual's inclination to regulate emotions as state and trait. ER may aid in implementing preventive interventions for school counsellors experiencing emotional exhaustion.

Personal control and cognitive flexibility: Does uncontrollability reduce flexible shifting of attention?

Acting and learning in unpredictable and volatile environments requires cognitive flexibility. However, the ability to flexibly adapt to the changing task environment can be reduced when people experience uncontrollability due to exposure to action – outcome non-contingency. In this research, we propose that flexible shifting of attention is affected by experiences of uncontrollability. In two studies, a lack of control was experimentally induced and subsequently cognitive flexibility was assessed either with a Wisconsin Card Sorting Task (Study 1) or a cognitive set-shifting paradigm (Study 2). Results showed a reduced tendency to flexibly shift attention and to overcome dominant response tendencies amongst participants who experienced uncontrollability. Modulation of the stability-flexibility balance by situationally induced experiences of uncontrollability is discussed.

"My baby is ready to learn"-The role of infant pointing in redirecting maternal responses to be more informative.

Caregivers may perceive pointing as an indication of infants' readiness to learn, thereby increasing their tendency to label objects regardless of the infant's gesture type and context. This was investigated in this study by tracking 35 infants at home at the ages of 11 and 13months and observing their interactions with their mothers during object manipulation. We focused on four types of communicative gestures: typical giving gestures, gestures contingent on exploration, gestures contingent on play, and pointing. We analyzed maternal response tendencies, including affirmation, naming, discourse, and pretense. The results revealed that when infants reached the age of 13months, they tripled their pointing production; in turn, the maternal response changed entirely, with naming becoming the preferred response to all types of gestures. Furthermore, when infants were 13months old and offered an object contingent on play acts, mothers increased their pretense acts sevenfold. Based on the most informative responses to infants among those examined, we argue that an increase in the number of pointing gestures may gradually be associated with the establishment of the maternal perception that an infant is ready to learn and a subsequent increase in naming and pretense production by the mother.

Approach-Avoidance Training: Exploring the Role of Action Identification Processes

Approach-Avoidance Training (AAT) aims to modify evaluations and behaviors towards specific stimuli through repetitive engagement in approach and avoidance behaviors. The current research investigates whether training conditions that promote action identification at the level of approach-avoidance movements, rather than at the level of behavioral actions effecting these movements, are more effective in changing evaluative reactions towards fictitious social groups. In two experiments (total N = 411), participants directed a computerized manikin, symbolizing the self, towards one group and away from another. Following the training, participants liked the approached group more than the avoided group in both explicit and indirect attitude measures. These changes in liking were not influenced by training conditions that enabled consistent key presses throughout the task (facilitating action identification at the motoric level) and those that necessitated alternating key presses (promoting action identification at the approach-avoidance level). Furthermore, changes in liking were unrelated to changes in AA-related response tendencies as assessed with a separate response task. It is concluded that the manikin task utilized for AAT is robust against task variants that facilitate action identification at the motor level, especially when the training instructions are clear about which stimuli should be approached and avoided. Insights for the practical application of AAT are discussed.

Are we afraid of the woods? – An investigation of the implicit and explicit fear reactions to forests

The beneficial effects of nature exposure have been repeatedly documented and encourage frequent and regular contact with nature and especially highlight forests. However, in human history, forests have also been associated with negative emotions such as fear and were seen as dangerous environments. While existing literature could demonstrate that natural environments can evoke fear, the focus was on the explicit perception. Given that research has shown the significance of additional implicit processes in fear-related behaviour, we aim to explore the presence of an implicit fear response to forests. Therefore, in an online study, we investigated the explicit and implicit fear reactions to forests by a Northern German sample of N = 256. Using three explicit measurements, we investigated fear and danger perception on a semantic and visual level of the stimulus category "forest" compared to the human-made urban green space "park" and the urban setting "house". Additionally, we assessed the unconscious response tendencies towards the forest within three implicit tasks: Subliminal Priming Procedure (SPP), Affect Misattribution Procedure (AMP) and Approach-Avoidance Task (AAT). Within the analyzed sample, the subliminally presented word forest evoked a stronger positive valence response compared to park (SPP). In contrast to houses, the forest showed a stronger approach and weaker avoidance tendency (AAT). At the same time, both the three explicit and one implicit measurement (AMP) showed a stronger fear perception of forests compared to parks or houses. Considering the increasingly utilised beneficial effects of nature in interventions, these findings should be acknowledged when implementing nature exposure in interventions and treatments.

Development of CNN-based sub-sonic speed vehicle body frame micro damage assessment technology using guided wave spectrogram images

Due to advancements in diagnostic technology, sub-sonic speed trains are subjected to significant fatigue stress on their bodies. This phenomenon can be considered a menace, leading to significant accidents on railways due to the tiny size of defects on the train bodies. In this research, a deep learning approach is employed to identify the initial damage status. The goal is to develop an evaluation technique for verifying an initial wall-thinning crack using frequency spectrogram images. The wall-thinning effects of 6.3 mm thick aluminum AL-2024 T6 plates, primarily used in frames and bodies, are confirmed through the frequency responses of guided waves. To verify the effects of wall thinning, both higher-order harmonic frequencies of guided waves and nonlinear ultrasonic techniques are simultaneously used. To identify the tendency of frequency response, frequency spectrogram images, illustrated by short-time Fourier transforming analysis, are chosen. For training the detection system using the Region-based Convolutional Neural Network (R-CNN), spectrogram images are generated for wall-thinning steps with an increment of 0.2 mm (3% of the total thickness). The ResNet-50 is employed in the convolutional layer of the R-CNN engine to address the issue of gradient vanishing. The results of this research indicate that the depth of wall thinning in the plates can be identified. Based on the R-CNN training set, the initial wall-thinning failure can be verified with reliable accuracy.

Reducing problematic pornography use with imaginal retraining-A randomized controlled trial.

Problematic pornography use (PPU) can be a manifestation of compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD). Studies investigating PPU confirm approach-avoidance tendencies in response to pornographic stimuli in this population. This study show indications of the significance of the efficacy of imaginal retraining, a variant of approach bias modification, as an intervention for PPU. A total of 274participants (86.5% male; mean age = 30.65, SD = 10.13) with self-reported PPU were randomized to imaginal retraining (instruction video) or a waitlist control group. Assessments were conducted online at baseline and after the six-week intervention period. The primary outcome was a reduction in problematic pornography use. Compulsive sexual behavior, sexual desire, depressiveness, and satisfaction with the intervention served as secondary outcomes. Retention was low (51.7%), but comparable between groups. The retraining was performed at least once a week (the per-protocol [PP] criterion) by 51.4% of participants. The PP analyses of 111 participants showed a significant reduction in problematic pornography use (primary outcome) in the intervention compared to the control group. The intention-to-treat analyses (ITT), however, did not corroborate this result. Despite low adherence, participants rated their satisfaction with the intervention positively. Imaginal retraining can function as a low-threshold self-help intervention for PPU to overcome help-seeking barriers and may reduce PPU in a subgroup of users. Low adherence limits the results of this trial. Given the need for low-threshold interventions for PPU and/or CSBD, further research should focus on increasing adherence and should evaluate retraining for clinical groups. Modifications to augment efficacy are suggested.

Subthalamic control of impulsive actions: insights from deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease.

Control of actions allows adaptive, goal-directed behaviour. The basal ganglia, including the subthalamic nucleus, are thought to play a central role in dynamically controlling actions through recurrent negative feedback loops with the cerebral cortex. Here, we summarize recent translational studies that used deep brain stimulation to record neural activity from and apply electrical stimulation to the subthalamic nucleus in people with Parkinson's disease. These studies have elucidated spatial, spectral and temporal features of the neural mechanisms underlying the controlled delay of actions in cortico-subthalamic networks and demonstrated their causal effects on behaviour in distinct processing windows. While these mechanisms have been conceptualized as control signals for suppressing impulsive response tendencies in conflict tasks and as decision threshold adjustments in value-based and perceptual decisions, we propose a common framework linking decision-making, cognition and movement. Within this framework, subthalamic deep brain stimulation can lead to suboptimal choices by reducing the time that patients take for deliberation before committing to an action. However, clinical studies have consistently shown that the occurrence of impulse control disorders is reduced, not increased, after subthalamic deep brain stimulation surgery. This apparent contradiction can be reconciled when recognizing the multifaceted nature of impulsivity, its underlying mechanisms and modulation by treatment. While subthalamic deep brain stimulation renders patients susceptible to making decisions without proper forethought, this can be disentangled from effects related to dopamine comprising sensitivity to benefits versus costs, reward delay aversion and learning from outcomes. Alterations in these dopamine-mediated mechanisms are thought to underlie the development of impulse control disorders and can be relatively spared with reduced dopaminergic medication after subthalamic deep brain stimulation. Together, results from studies using deep brain stimulation as an experimental tool have improved our understanding of action control in the human brain and have important implications for treatment of patients with neurological disorders.

Lupus progression deteriorates oogenesis quality in MRL/lpr mice.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the activation of the immune response against self antigens. Numerous reproductive complications, including reduced birth rate and complications for the mother and the fetus during pregnancy, have been observed in women with SLE. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of SLE development on oocyte meiosis in lupus-prone mice. Lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice were used for the experiments: disease-free (4weeks of age) and sick (20weeks of age, virgin and postpartum). The immune response was monitored by flow cytometry, ELISpot, ELISA, and histology. Oocytes were analyzed by fluorescence microscopy based on chromatin, tubulin, and actin structures. The lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice developed age-dependent symptoms of SLE with increased levels of various autoantibodies, proteinuria, and renal infiltrates and a tendency for the immune response to worsen with changes in cell populations and the cytokine profile. The number and quality of oocytes were also affected, and the successful pregnancy rate of MRL/lpr mice was limited to only 60%. Isolated oocytes showed severe structural changes in all studied groups. Systemic alterations in immune homeostasis in SLE affect the quality of developing oocytes, which is evident from a young age. The data obtained is in line with the trend of reduced fertility in lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice. The phenomenon can be explained by changes in the microenvironment of the relevant organs and close connection between ovulation and inflammatory processes.