Unconscious Processing of Facial Emotional Valence Relation: Behavioral Evidence of Integration between Subliminally Perceived Stimuli

Although a few studies have investigated the integration between some types of unconscious stimuli, no research has yet explored the integration between unconscious emotional stimuli. This study was designed to provide behavioral evidence for the integration between unconsciously perceived emotional faces (same or different valence relation) using a modified priming paradigm. In two experiments, participants were asked to decide whether two faces in the target, which followed two subliminally presented faces of same or different emotional expressions, were of the same or different emotional valence. The interstimulus interval (ISI) between the prime and the target was manipulated (0, 53, 163 ms). In Experiment 1, prime visibility was assessed post-experiment. In Experiment 2, it was assessed on each trial. Interestingly, in both experiments, unconsciously processed valence relation of the two faces in the prime generated a negative priming effect in the response to the supraliminally presented target, independent of the length of ISI. Further analyses suggested that the negative priming was probably caused by a motor response incongruent relation between the subliminally perceived prime and the supraliminally perceived target. The visual feature incongruent relation across the prime and target was not found to play a role in the negative priming. Because the negative priming was found at short ISI, an attention mechanism as well as a motor inhibition mechanism were proposed in the generation of the negative priming effect. Overall, this study indicated that the subliminal valence relation was processed, and that integration between different unconsciously perceived stimuli could occur

Category-selective Attention Modulates Unconscious Processing: Evidence from ERP

Aims: Recently, using the fMRI method in a paradigm in which visible word cues were followed by masked faces at a completely unconscious level or masked tools at a partially conscious level, Tu, Qiu, Martens, & Zhang [31] showed that the top-down modulation effects were in opposite directions for the two conditions. Because five different pictures of masked faces/tools were displayed in a trial, the authors proposed that the modulation effects could further interact with the conscious component of the partial awareness processing (i.e., awareness of the global contour change). In the present event-related potential study, we employed a paradigm similar to that of Tu et al.’s [31] except that the masked stimulus was displayed only once to test the effect of category selective attention on unconscious processing of picture identity and to try to investigate the above hypothesis. Study Design: Two semantic category cues (“face” or “tool”) and two types of subliminal stimuli (face or tool images) were crossed to generate four conditions: a face cue followed by a masked face picture, a face cue followed by a masked tool picture, a tool cue followed by a masked face picture, and a tool cue followed by a masked tool picture. Place and Duration of Study: Department of psychology, Institute of education, China West Normal University, between September 2013 and April 2014. Methodology: The technique of event-related potentials (ERP) was used. Results: Processing of masked face and tool images both elicited the ERP components of C1, P1, N1, and P2. In addition, C1 component between 25 ms and 55 ms was smaller in the valid category cue-word condition (face cue-word followed by masked face image & tool cue-word followed by masked tool image) than in the invalid cue-words (face cue-word followed by masked tool image & tool cue-word followed by masked face image). The other three waves, P1, N1, and P2, were found to be unaffected by the top–down modulation Conclusion: Category-selective attention can modulate unconscious processes at an early stage of visual processing supporting the interaction hypothesis

Mixed comparison of interventions for different exercise types on students with Internet addiction: a network meta-analysis

BackgroundInternet addiction (IA) has a significant negative impact on students. The condition of students with IA can be improved by exercise, which has been identified as an effective intervention strategy. However, the relative effectiveness of different exercise types and the most effective ones remains unknown. This study presents a network meta-analysis to compare six exercise types (team sport, double sport, single sport, team + double sport, team + single sport, and team + double + single sport) based on their effectiveness in reducing Internet addiction and maintaining mental health.MethodsSystematic searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wan Fang, CQVIP, Web of Science, CBM, EBSCO, APA PsycNet, and Scopus, and all relevant studies from the beginning to 15 July 2022 were included on. According to the Cochrane Handbook 5.1.0 Methodological Quality Evaluation Criteria, the listed studies' bias risk was assessed, while the network meta-analysis was performed using STATA 16.0.ResultsA total of 39 randomized controlled trials that met all inclusion criteria including 2,408 students with IA were examined. The meta-analysis results showed that compared with the control group, exercising significantly improved loneliness, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal sensitivity (p < 0.05). Specifically, the network meta-analysis discovered that the single sport, team sport, double sport, team + double sport, and team + double + single sport had significant effects on improving Internet addiction as compared to the respective control group (p < 0.05); the single sport, team sport, and double sport tend to be effective compared with controls in improving mental health (p < 0.05). Compared with the other five types of sports, the double sport was ranked first and showed the greatest potential to be the best choice (cluster ranking value = 3699.73) in improving Internet addiction (SUCRA = 85.5) and mental health (SUCRA = 93.1).ConclusionExercise could be suggested as the best alternative when treating IA in students, based on the extensive positive effects of exercise on IA, anxiety, depression, interpersonal sensitivity, loneliness, and mental health in IA students. Double sport may be the best type of exercise for Internet-addicted students. However, to further examine the benefits of exercise for IA students, more research is required.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=377035, identifier: CRD42022377035

Research Progress of Bio-based Biodegradable Antibacterial Food Packaging Films

As the first barrier for food against pollution, food packaging plays a crucial role in food production, which greatly impacts both the quality and safety of food. Recently, the increasing use of conventional plastic packaging has posed a significant threat to the environment. Meanwhile, cases of foodborne poisoning caused by microbial contamination emerge endlessly. On this background, biodegradable antimicrobial film prepared with natural biological materials has a broad application in future food packaging materials. This article reviews the research progress of biodegradable and antimicrobial films based on biological materials (polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids) and their application in food packaging. And introduces the application of different antimicrobial agents (Synthetic and natural antimicrobial agents) in antimicrobial films. Moreover, discusses the effect of the addition of antibacterial agents on the properties of packing and the antibacterial activities of films. Finally, the shortcomings of food packaging-related fields are discussed. The development of biodegradable antimicrobial food packaging films in the future is prospected

Idealizing Tauc Plot for Accurate Bandgap Determination of Semiconductor with UV-Vis: A Case Study for Cubic Boron Arsenide

The Tauc plot method is widely used to determine the bandgap of semiconductors via UV-visible optical spectroscopy due to its simplicity and perceived accuracy. However, the actual Tauc plot often exhibits significant baseline absorption below the expected bandgap, leading to discrepancies in the calculated bandgap depending on whether the linear fit is extrapolated to zero or non-zero baseline. In this study, we show that both extrapolation methods can produce significant errors by simulating Tauc plots with varying levels of baseline absorption. To address this issue, we propose a new method that involves idealizing the absorption spectrum by removing its baseline before constructing the Tauc plot. Experimental verification of this method using a gallium phosphide (GaP) wafer with intentionally introduced baseline absorptions shows promising results. Furthermore, we apply this new method to cubic boron arsenide (c-BAs) and resolve discrepancies in c-BAs bandgap values reported by different groups, obtaining a converging bandgap of 1.835 eV based on both previous and new transmission spectra. The method is applicable to both indirect and direct bandgap semiconductors, regardless of whether the absorption spectrum is measured via transmission or diffuse reflectance, will become essential to obtain accurate values of their bandgaps

Comparing the efficacy of different types of exercise for the treatment and prevention of depression in youths: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

PurposeDepression disorder is the most commonly diagnosed type of mental illness among youths. Although a plethora of evidence suggests a positive relationship between exercise and lower levels of depression in youths, the findings regarding the variation in magnitude of this relationship are inconclusive with respect to the preventive and therapeutic effects of different types of exercise. This network meta-analysis aimed to determine the best type of exercise for the treatment and prevention of depression in youths.MethodsA comprehensive search of databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PsychINFO, ProQuest, Wanfang, and CNKI, was conducted to identify relevant research on exercise interventions for depression in youth populations. The risk of bias in the included studies was evaluated using Cochrane Review Manager 5.4 according to the Cochrane Handbook 5.1.0 Methodological Quality Evaluation Criteria. The network meta-analysis was performed using STATA 15.1 to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) of all concerned outcomes. The node-splitting method was used to test the local inconsistency of the network meta-analysis. Funnel plots were used to evaluate the potential impact of bias in this study.ResultUtilizing data extracted from 58 studies (10 countries, 4,887 participants), we found that for depressed youths, exercise is significantly better than usual care in reducing anxiety (SMD = −0.98, 95% CI [-1.50, −0.45]). For non-depressed youths, exercise is significantly better than usual care in reducing anxiety (SMD = −0.47, 95% CI [ −0.66, −0.29]). In the treatment of depression, resistance exercise (SMD = −1.30, 95% CI [ −1.96, −0.64]), aerobic exercise (SMD = −0.83, 95% CI [-1.10 −0.72]), mixed exercise (SMD = −0.67, 95% CI [−0.99, −0.35]), and mind-body exercise (SMD = −0.61, 95% CI [−0.84, −0.38]) all showed significant efficacy over usual care. For the prevention of depression, resistance exercise (SMD = −1.18, 95% CI [-1.65, −0.71]), aerobic exercise (SMD = −0.72, 95% CI [−0.98, −0.47]), mind-body exercise (SMD = −0.59, 95% CI [-0.93, −0.26]), and mixed exercise (SMD = −1.06, 95% CI [−1.37 to −0.75]) were all significantly effective compared to usual care. According to the test of the surface under the cumulative ranking score (SUCRA), the ranking of exercises for the treatment of depression in depressed youths is as follows: resistance exercise (94.9%) > aerobic exercise (75.1%) > mixed exercise (43.8%) > mind-body exercise (36.2%) > usual care (0%). For the prevention of depression in non-depressed youths, resistance exercise (90.3%) > mixed exercise (81.6%) > aerobic exercise (45.5%) > mind-body exercise (32.6%) > usual care (0%). Resistance exercise thus had the best comprehensive effect on both the treatment and prevention of depression in youths (clusterank value = 1914.04). Subgroup analyses show that a frequency of 3–4 times per week, a duration of 30–60 min, and a length of more than 6 weeks were found to be the most effective interventions for depression (P > 0.001).ConclusionThis study provides compelling evidence that exercise is a viable intervention for improving depression and anxiety in young individuals. In addition, the study emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate type of exercise to optimize treatment and prevention. Specifically, the results suggest that resistance exercise, performed 3–4 times per week, with sessions lasting 30–60 min and a length of more than 6 weeks, yields optimal results for the treatment and prevention of depression in young individuals. These findings have significant implications for clinical practice, particularly given the challenges associated with implementing effective interventions and the economic burden of treating and preventing depression in young people. However, it is worth noting that additional head-to-head studies are necessary to confirm these findings and strengthen the evidence base. Nevertheless, this study provides valuable insights into the role of exercise as a potential treatment and preventative measure for depression in young people.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=374154, identifier: 374154

Identification of rifampin-regulated functional modules and related microRNAs in human hepatocytes based on the protein interaction network

BACKGROUND: In combination with gene expression profiles, the protein interaction network (PIN) constructs a dynamic network that includes multiple functional modules. Previous studies have demonstrated that rifampin can influence drug metabolism by regulating drug-metabolizing enzymes, transporters, and microRNAs (miRNAs). Rifampin induces gene expression, at least in part, by activating the pregnane X receptor (PXR), which induces gene expression; however, the impact of rifampin on global gene regulation has not been examined under the molecular network frameworks. METHODS: In this study, we extracted rifampin-induced significant differentially expressed genes (SDG) based on the gene expression profile. By integrating the SDG and human protein interaction network (HPIN), we constructed the rifampin-regulated protein interaction network (RrPIN). Based on gene expression measurements, we extracted a subnetwork that showed enriched changes in molecular activity. Using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), we identified the crucial rifampin-regulated biological pathways and associated genes. In addition, genes targeted by miRNAs that were significantly differentially expressed in the miRNA expression profile were extracted based on the miRNA-gene prediction tools. The miRNA-regulated PIN was further constructed using associated genes and miRNAs. For each miRNA, we further evaluated the potential impact by the gene interaction network using pathway analysis. RESULTS AND DISCCUSSION: We extracted the functional modules, which included 84 genes and 89 interactions, from the RrPIN, and identified 19 key rifampin-response genes that are associated with seven function pathways that include drug response and metabolism, and cancer pathways; many of the pathways were supported by previous studies. In addition, we identified that a set of 6 genes (CAV1, CREBBP, SMAD3, TRAF2, KBKG, and THBS1) functioning as gene hubs in the subnetworks that are regulated by rifampin. It is also suggested that 12 differentially expressed miRNAs were associated with 6 biological pathways. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that rifampin contributes to changes in the expression of genes by regulating key molecules in the protein interaction networks. This study offers valuable insights into rifampin-induced biological mechanisms at the level of miRNAs, genes and proteins