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Protocol for investigating the warping of spatial experience across the blind spot to contrast predictions of the Integrated Information Theory and Predictive Processing accounts of consciousness
No full textWe investigate the subjective experience of space around the visual blind spot area, the cortical representation of which is missing feedforward connectivity from one eye. We performed these experiments as part of an adversarial collaboration to test contrasting theories of consciousness; Integrated Information Theory (IIT), Predictive Processing Active Inference (AI), and Predictive Processing Neurorepresentationalism (NREP) accounts. According to the Integrated Information Theory of consciousness, non-activatable retinotopic cortical regions, such as the blind spot region for the ipsilateral eye, create a different cause-effect structure and therefore should contribute differently to the perceived quality of space of activatable retinotopic regions. The two Predictive Processing accounts, in contrast, posit that internal models will accommodate structural deviations around the blind spot based on the available sensory evidence (particulars of this accommodation differ between the two accounts). We present a series of paradigms in which participants evaluate distances and areas that either include the blind spot or not (without stimulating it directly), as well as illusory motion that is either adjacent to the blind spot or not. We model psychometric functions relating perceived and objective space. These models vary in terms of bias and precision according to the experimental conditions (blind spot involved vs. not involved, ipsilateral vs. contralateral eye), making it possible to quantify the potential disruption of subjective spatial extendedness induced by the blind spot. We present simulated results for each experiment corresponding to the predictions of each account and conclude by discussing challenges and plans for dissemination
Temperature-dependent alternative splicing enables circadian adaptation to ambient temperature
No full textNo abstract available
A review on innovative treatment for mosquito-repellent textiles
No full textMosquito-borne diseases remain global health threats by documenting 14 million cases and over 1 million deaths yearly. Mosquito-repellent textiles serve as a critical barrier against mosquito-borne disease proliferation, offering a safer alternative to topical applications by minimising transdermal migration. The efficacy of treated fabrics is primarily governed by the interplay between the vapour pressure of the active agents and the fibre-matrix bonding strength. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the integration of mosquito-repellent agents into textile systems, aligning with the WHO Global Vector Control Response 2017–2030. A key finding of this study is that the pad-dry-cure method significantly outperforms traditional exhaustion methods regarding laundering durability and controlled release kinetics. This review emphasises information on choosing textile materials, methods for applying the repellent to the fabrics, different kinds of active ingredients, and the standardised practices for repellency. Furthermore, the trade-offs between chemical durability and the inherent mechanical properties of the fabric have been addressed. These results offer a technical roadmap for developing high-performance functional textiles that align with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, transitioning the emphasis from immediate protection to sustainable, long-lasting vector control solutions
Prevalence and factors associated with polypharmacy among people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) receiving outpatient rehabilitation: a cross-sectional study
No full textBackground: Over 2.8 million people are living with multiple sclerosis (MS), many with comorbidities requiring pharmacologic intervention. This can lead to increased medication use and subsequent polypharmacy, which is associated with numerous adverse outcomes. The objective of this study is to describe medication use, the extent of polypharmacy, and correlates with sociodemographic, health behaviour and clinical/comorbidity factors in PwMS treated in an outpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) setting.
Methods: This cross-sectional study uses retrospective chart data from all PwMS referred for rehabilitation at the largest MS tertiary care clinic in Canada between December 2021 and December 2023. Data on sociodemographic factors, clinical factors, and health service use were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and log-binomial regression modelling.
Results: A total of 475 PwMS were included, of which 343 (72.2%) had polypharmacy and 120 (25.2%) had hyper-polypharmacy (>10 concurrent medications). Most PwMS (62.3%, n=296) were female, and the average age was 51.3 years (SD=11.8). PwMS with polypharmacy were taking an average of 8.9 medications (SD=3.5), compared to 3.0 on average (SD=1.1) among those without polypharmacy. Moreover, PwMS with polypharmacy had more comorbidities (median=3 vs 1, IQR=2-5 vs 1-3, p<0.0001) than those without polypharmacy. Results from log-binomial logistic regression models found cannabinoid use (PR=1.43, 95% CI=1.25-1.64), physical comorbidities (PR=1.32, 95% CI=1.17-1.49), mental health comorbidities (PR=1.20, 95% CI=1.09-1.32), and cognitive symptoms (PR=1.15, 95% CI=1.02-1.30) to be associated with an increased prevalence of polypharmacy among PwMS. Full- or part-time employment was associated with a decreased prevalence of polypharmacy (PR=0.84, 95% CI=0.72-0.97).
Conclusions: A high prevalence of polypharmacy was found among PwMS receiving rehabilitation. A variety of sociodemographic, behavioural, and clinical/comorbidity factors were associated with polypharmacy. Rehabilitation physicians treating PwMS should consider and address polypharmacy guided by established tools. Further research with a larger sample size and robust study design is needed to disentangle major risk factors and trajectories of polypharmacy among PwMS
Authenticity and Entrepreneurial Behaviour in Organisations
No full textThis work explores how authenticity develops and operates within entrepreneurial environments, focusing on how authenticity emerges through everyday leadership practice rather than formal leadership models. Drawing on empirical insights from early-stage small and medium-sized enterprises, it highlights how authentic approaches in organisations shape the entrepreneurial journeys and their people. The findings suggest that authentic leadership can play an important role in supporting individuals and teams as they navigate uncertainty and change in entrepreneurial settings
Insights from aquaporin structures into drug-resistant sleeping sickness
No full textTrypanosoma brucei is the causal agent of African trypanosomiasis in humans and animals, the latter resulting in significant negative economic impacts in afflicted areas of the world. Resistance has arisen to the trypanocidal drugs pentamidine and melarsoprol through mutations in the aquaglyceroporin TbAQP2 that prevent their uptake. Here, we use cryogenic electron microscopy to determine the structure of TbAQP2 from T. brucei , bound to either the substrate glycerol or to the sleeping sickness drugs, pentamidine or melarsoprol. The drugs bind within the AQP2 channel at a site completely overlapping that of glycerol. Mutations leading to a drug-resistant phenotype were found in the channel lining. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations showed the channel can be traversed by pentamidine, with a low energy binding site at the centre of the channel, flanked by regions of high energy association at the extracellular and intracellular ends. Drug-resistant TbAQP2 mutants are still predicted to bind pentamidine, but the much weaker binding in the centre of the channel observed in the MD simulations would be insufficient to compensate for the high energy processes of ingress and egress, hence impairing transport at pharmacologically relevant concentrations. The structures of drug-bound TbAQP2 represent a novel paradigm for drug–transporter interactions and are a new mechanism for targeting drugs in pathogens and human cells
Gambling products, gambling problems and gambling involvement: comparative analysis from two cross-sectional surveys, the Gambling Survey for Great Britain and the Health Survey for England series
Get PDFBackground/objectives: Different gambling formats are associated with varying rates of gambling harms. Some studies have suggested that this relationship is driven by wider gambling involvement and thus argued that how much people gamble is a more useful predictor of gambling harms than engagement in specific activities. This assumption was tested using data from two cross-sectional surveys, the Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB), 2023 and the Health Survey for England (HSE), 2015-2018, Methods: Binary logistic regressions examined the relationship between past year engagement in different gambling formats and Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) scores of 8 or more. Negative binomial regressions examined past year engagement in each gambling format with PGSI scores overall. All models were run with and without controls for the number of other gambling activities undertaken, demographic and socio-economic profile of participants. For the GSGB, frequency of gambling on other gambling formats was also included. Results: Results from both surveys showed that controls for wider gambling involvement moderated the relationship between gambling format and PGSI scores. However, engagement in gambling activities like online casinos and/or slots (GSGB, online casino gambling incidence risk ratio (IRR): 2.33, 95% CI: 1.78-3.04; HSE online casino, slots and bingo IRR: 5.93, 96% CI:4.45-7.90) and Electronic Gambling Machines (EGMs) (GSGB: IRR=1.81, 95% CI: 1.43-2.28; HSE IRR = 3.94 , 95% CI: 3.02-5.16) were independently associated elevated PGSI even when wider gambling involvement was taken into account. Conclusions: Commensurate with known theories about product risk and wider research evidence, results suggest there may be an impact on PGSI scores from engaging in online casino and/or slots and EGMs that is independent of an individual’s broader gambling involvement. Evidence from this study suggests that some forms of gambling may be more closely associated with problem gambling. Regulatory policy should focus on these forms
Pseudo-isotopies of simply connected 4-manifolds
No full textPerron and Quinn gave independent proofs in 1986 that every topological pseudo-isotopy of a simply-connected, compact topological 4-manifold is isotopic to the identity. Another result of Quinn is that every smooth pseudoisotopy of a simply-connected, compact, smooth 4-manifold is smoothly stably isotopic to the identity. From this he deduced that π4(TOP(4)/O(4)) = 0. A replacement criterion is used at a key juncture in Quinn’s proofs, but the justification given for it is incorrect. We provide different arguments that bypass the replacement criterion, thus completing Quinn’s proofs of both the topological and the stable smooth pseudo-isotopy theorems. We discuss the replacement criterion and state it as an open problem
Cyclic response of ultra-lightweight pentamode metamaterials fabricated via DLP 3D printing
Get PDFUltra-lightweight pentamode metamaterials (PMMs) with tailored architectures were fabricated via high-resolution digital light processing (DLP) using PlasGray photoresin, achieving a minimum relative density of 1.1% (absolute density ≈ 13 kg m⁻³). A customized scaffolding strategy was developed to preserve geometric fidelity and mitigate print-induced defects in the slender double-cone elements. The mechanical response of PMMs with varying relative densities was evaluated under quasi-static compression, with structures at 3% relative density exhibiting the highest mass-specific stiffness and strength. To assess durability and rate-dependent behavior, strain-controlled cyclic compressionrelease tests were performed across multiple strain amplitudes and strain rates. The PMMs exhibited pronounced strain-rate sensitivity: at a 10% strain amplitude, increasing the strain rate by two orders of magnitude raised peak stress by 168%, enhanced energy dissipation by 113%, and reduced residual strain by 35%. These results highlight the pivotal role of lattice topology in dictating cyclic softening, energy dissipation, and fatigue response, positioning PMMs as promising candidates for lightweight energy-absorbing and vibration-mitigation applications
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