The Effectiveness of the Self-Control Training Video Game Slankers: A Pilot Study

Background Self-control and impulsivity are two antagonistic concepts, considered as the two extremes of a behavioral continuum. They are both multifaceted constructs mainly classified as the trait and state aspects. Given their important role in behavior regulation, there is a growing interest in developing programs to target self-control and impulsivity. In this study, we developed a serious game-based training that focuses on the three main cognitive mechanisms related to self-control and impulsivity including working memory, inhibitory control, and flexibility. Methods Seventy participants (ages 18-35) were randomly assigned to intervention and active control groups. The intervention group played the Slankers game over ten sessions in two weeks, while the active control group engaged in solving simple mathematical operations. Participants were assessed in terms of state and trait measures of impulsivity and self-control using the Stroop test, delay discounting questionnaire, Barratt impulsiveness scale, and Tangney Self-control scale at baseline and post-interventions. Results Tangney's self-control and attentional subscale of impulsivity scores improved over time, particularly in the intervention group. Significant effects of group (F = 3.24, p < 0.001), time (F = 30.09, p < 0.001), and their interaction (F = 36.57, p < 0.001) were observed for the Stroop interference effect, while no differences were found between the groups on the delay discounting task. Additionally, our data revealed that while the retention rate was similar between the groups, the Slankers game was rated significantly more attractive and was more likely to be recommended to others by the intervention group. Conclusions Our preliminary findings support the potential impact of the Slankers game in enhancing self-control and reducing impulsivity, as measured by the Tangney self-control scale and Stroop task. No convincing effect was found in delay discounting and the Barrett impulsivity scale, which might be explained by the relatively small sample size and low scores in these measures at the baseline in both groups. Given the appropriate feasibility and acceptability data, future research might also focus on optimizing the program and explore its effectiveness in a larger sample size using a comprehensive assessment

Effects of Total Light Deprivation on Dorsal Lateral Geniculate Nucleus of Male Neonate Rats

Objectives: This study examines the effects of total light deprivation on the developing lateral geniculate nucleus, the primary integration centre for visual informationMethods: Sprague-Dawley rats were reared for one month in a dark room from 7th postnatal day before eye opening. A group of rats was taken back into normal condition for 15 days, and then perfused. Coronal sections of LGN were prepared and stained with Cresyl Violet and Cytochrome Oxidase to investigate the number of neurons, volume and length, as well as neuronal activity level.Results: The results showed that LD for one month causes progressive loss of neurons and decreases neuronal activity level in the LGN.Conclusion: It can be concluded that during early postnatal development of the rats’ visual system, light deprivation causes structural and functional changes in LGN

Distributed context-dependent choice information in mouse posterior cortex

In the posterior cortex, which is involved in decision making, the strength and area specificity of choice signals are highly variable. Here the authors show that the representation of choice in the posterior area of the mouse brain is orthogonal to that of sensory and movement-related signals, with modulations determined by task features and cognitive demands

The effect of preparation design on the fracture resistance and adaptation of the CEREC ceramic endocrowns

Abstract Objective The purpose of this experimental in vitro study was to assess the effect of having one or two intact axial walls on the improvement of the fracture resistance, and marginal and internal adaptation of computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturer fabricated ceramic endocrowns. Materials and Methods Thirty‐six endodontically treated mandibular molars were divided into three groups (n = 12). Group A, represented teeth that all of their axial walls were reduced till they all had 3 mm height. In group B, the buccal wall had 5 mm height and the others were reduced to 3 mm. Specimens of the group C had 5‐mm‐height buccal and one 5 mm‐height proximal wall, with all other walls of 3 mm height. All teeth were scanned using intraoral scanner, and endocrowns were milled from zirconia lithium silicate ceramics blocks. The marginal and internal discrepancy of restorations were evaluated with the replica technique. Fracture resistance was also measured after cementation and modes of failure were observed. One‐way analysis of variance and Tukey HSD multiple comparisons were used to analyze the data (α = .5). Results Significant differences were observed within the groups in terms of the axial discrepancy (p = .022); group A had significantly higher amounts of axial discrepancy compared to group B (p = .001) and group C (p = .003). Preservation of the intact axial walls did not result in a statistically significant decrease in marginal (p = .21) and pulpal (p = .31) discrepancy values. Also, concerning the fracture resistance no significant difference was observed among the groups (p = .51). Conclusion Preservation of at least one of the axial walls could reduce the amount of the axial discrepancy and, therefore, improves the adaptation of the restoration. However, based on this study, it did not improve fracture resistance