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Balsby, I.M.; Nielsen, S.M.; Christensen, R.; Henriksen, M.; Dahl, L.U.M.; Berg, J.I.; ... ; Dossing, A. 2024

Comparative effectiveness of different placebos and comparator groups for hand osteoarthritis exploring the impact of contextual factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials

Article / Letter to editor

open access

Objective: To examine the pain relief effects of comparators (placebos and untreated control groups) in hand osteoarthritis trials and the impact of contextual factors. Methods: We systematically... Show moreObjective: To examine the pain relief effects of comparators (placebos and untreated control groups) in hand osteoarthritis trials and the impact of contextual factors. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE and CENTRAL from inception to December 26, 2021. We included randomised controlled trials of people with hand osteoarthritis with a placebo or an untreated control group. We assessed the Risk of Bias with Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool version 2. Each comparator was contrasted with a null-arm, imputed as having a zero change from baseline with the same standard deviation as the comparator. We combined the standardised mean differences with a random effects meta-analysis. The contextual factors’ effect was explored in meta-regression and stratified models with pain as the dependent variable. Results: 84 trials (7262 participants) were eligible for quantitative synthesis, of which 76 (6462 participants) were eligible for the stratified analyses. Placebos were superior to their matched null-arms in relieving pain with an effect size of −0.51 (95% confidence interval −0.61 to −0.42), while untreated control groups were not. When analysing all comparators, blinded trial designs and low risk of bias were associated with higher pain relief compared to an open-label trial design and some concern or high risk of bias. Conclusion: The placebo response on pain for people with hand osteoarthritis was increased by appropriate blinding and a lower risk of bias assessment. Placebos were superior to a null-arm, while untreated control groups were not. Results emphasise the importance of using appropriate comparators in clinical trials. PROSPERO registration ID: CRD42022298984 Show less

Roozen, G.V.T.; Prins, M.L.M.; Prins, C.; Janse, J.J.; Gruyter, H.L.M.D.; Pothast, C.R.; ... ; Roukens, A.H.E. 2024

Intradermal delivery of the third dose of the mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine: safety and immunogenicity of a fractional booster dose

Article / Letter to editor

open access

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the safety and immunogenicity of a dose-sparing fractional intradermal (ID) booster strategy with the mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine. Methods: COVID-19... Show moreObjectives: The aim of this study was to assess the safety and immunogenicity of a dose-sparing fractional intradermal (ID) booster strategy with the mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine. Methods: COVID-19 naive adults aged 18e30 years were recruited from a previous study on primary vaccination regimens that compared 20 mg ID vaccinations with 100 mg intramuscular (IM) vaccinations with mRNA-1273 as the primary vaccination series. Participants previously immunized with ID regimens were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive a fractional ID booster dose (20 mg) or the standard-of-care intramuscular (IM) booster dose (50 mg) of the mRNA-1273 vaccine, 6 months after completing their primary series (ID-ID and ID-IM group, respectively). Participants that had received a full dose IM regimen as the primary series, received the IM standard-of-care booster dose (IM-IM group). In addition, COVID-19 naive individuals aged 18e40 years who had received an IM mRNA vaccine as the primary series were recruited from the general population to receive a fractional ID booster dose (IM-ID group). Immunogenicity was assessed using IgG anti-spike antibody responses and neutralizing capacity against SARS-CoV-2. Cellular immune responses were measured in a sub-group. Safety and tolerability were monitored. Results: In January 2022, 129 participants were included in the study. Fractional ID boosting was safe and well tolerated, with fewer systemic adverse events compared with IM boosting. At day 28 post-booster, anti-spike S1 IgG geometric mean concentrations were 9106 (95% CI, 7150e11 597) binding antibody units (BAU)/mL in the IM-IM group and 4357 (3003e6322) BAU/mL; 6629 (4913e8946) BAU/mL; and 5264 (4032e6873) BAU/mL in the ID-IM, ID-ID, and IM-ID groups, respectively. Discussion: Intradermal boosting provides robust immune responses and is a viable dose-sparing strategy for mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The favourable side-effect profile supports its potential to reduce vaccine hesitancy. Fractional dosing strategies should be considered early in the clinical development of future mRNA vaccines to enhance vaccine availability and pandemic preparedness. Show less

Schoissengeier, V.; Maqboul, L.; Weber, D.; Grune, T.; Bürkle, A.; Moreno-Villaneuva, M.; ... ; Wagner, K.H. 2024

Association between bilirubin and biomarkers of metabolic health and oxidative stress in the MARK-AGE cohort

Article / Letter to editor

open access

Marciello, M.; Cusati, V.; Nicolosi, F.; Saavedra-Rubio, K.; Pierrat, E.; Thonemann, N.; Laurent, A. 2024

Evaluating the economic landscape of hybrid-electric regional aircraft: a cost analysis across three time horizons

Article / Letter to editor

under embargo until 2025-01-16

This article presents the results of a prospective cost analysis of future regional aviation solutions, specifically focusing on hybrid-electric regional aircraft for 50 passengers. The study spans three time horizons (short term, medium term, long term) and employs a validated workflow to estimate costs for various solutions, including conventional, hybrid-electric, and hydrogen-based architectures. A specialized cost model is introduced to assess the electric components of the powertrain, emphasizing maintenance expenses and energy costs. Despite the environmental promise of hybrid and electric solutions, the results reveal significantly higher direct operating costs (up to 69.8%) compared to conventional options. The study highlights the importance of targeted policies to incentivize sustainable alternatives, suggesting potential solutions such as discouraging kerosene-based aircraft and promoting sustainable aviation fuel. These insights provide valuable guidance for industry stakeholders navigating the path toward a more sustainable and economically viable aviation future.

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Groen, R.A.; Barbero, F.L.; Fischer, S.E.; Dijkman, P.R.M. van; Bax, J.J.; Tushuizen, M.E.; ... ; Graaf, M.A. de 2024

Coronary artery calcium assessment on non-gated chest CT to optimize pre-operative cardiac screening in liver transplantation

Article / Letter to editor

open access

BackgroundGuidelines recommend standard pre-operative cardiac screening in all liver transplantation (LT) recipients, despite the relatively low prevalence of obstructive coronary artery disease.... Show moreBackgroundGuidelines recommend standard pre-operative cardiac screening in all liver transplantation (LT) recipients, despite the relatively low prevalence of obstructive coronary artery disease. Most LT recipients often have non-gated computed tomography (CT) performed of the chest and abdomen. This study evaluated the ability of coronary artery calcification (CAC) assessment on consecutively available scans, to identify a selection of low-risk patients, in whom further cardiac imaging can be safely withheld.MethodsLT recipients with prior non-gated CT chest-abdomen were included. CAC was visually scored on a semi-quantitative ordinal scale. Stress myocardial perfusion, coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and invasive coronary angiography (ICA) were used as golden standard. The sensitivity and specificity of CAC to exclude and predict obstructive CAD were assessed. In addition, peri- and postoperative mortality and cardiac events were analyzed.Results149 LT recipients (ranged 31–71 years) were included. In 75% of patients, no CAC and mild CAC could rule out obstructive CAD on CCTA and ICA with 100% certainty. The threshold of mild CAC had a sensitivity of 100% for both CCTA and ICA and a specificity of 91% and 68%, respectively. None of the patients with no or mild calcifications experienced peri- and post-operative cardiac events or died of cardiac causes.ConclusionVisual evaluation of CAC on prior non-gated CT can accurately and safely exclude obstructive CAD in LT recipients. Incorporation of these already available data can optimize cardiac screening, by safely withholding or correctly allocating dedicated cardiac imaging in LT recipients. Thereby, reducing patients' test burden and save health care expenses. Show less

Andreeva, V.D.; Regeni, I.; Yang, T.; Elmanova, A.; Presselt, M.; Dietzek-Ivansic, B.; Bonnet, S.A. 2024

Red-to-blue triplet: triplet annihilation upconversion for calcium sensing

Article / Letter to editor

open access

Triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion is a bimolecular process converting low-energy photons into high-energy photons. Here, we report a calcium-sensing system working via triplet-triplet... Show moreTriplet-triplet annihilation upconversion is a bimolecular process converting low-energy photons into high-energy photons. Here, we report a calcium-sensing system working via triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA) upconverted emission. The probe itself was obtained by covalent conjugation of a blue emitter, perylene, with a calcium-chelating moiety, and it was sensitized by the red-light-absorbing photosensitizer palladium(II) tetraphenyltetrabenzoporphyrin (PdTPTBP). Sensing was selective for Ca2+ and occurred in the micromolar domain. In deoxygenated conditions, the TTA upconverted luminescence gradually appeared upon adding an increasing concentration of calcium ions, to reach a maximum upconversion quantum yield of 0.0020. Show less

Hendriks, A.C. 2024

EHRM 9 juli 2024, Savinovskikh e.a. t. Rusland, nr. 16206/19, ECLI:CE:ECHR:2024:0709JUD001620619, EHRC 2024/188, m.nt. A.C. Hendriks: ontzeggen van pleegzorg aan transgender man ongerechtvaardigd en niet in belang kinderen

Annotation

open access

Spencer, H.; Parianen Lesemann, F.H.; Buisman, R.S.M.; Kraaijenvanger, E.J.; Branje, S.; Boks, M.P.M.; Bos, P.A. 2024

Facing infant cuteness: how nurturing care motivation and oxytocin system gene methylation are associated with responses to baby schema features

Article / Letter to editor

open access

Baby schema features are a specific set of physical features-including chubby cheeks, large, low-set eyes, and a large, round head-that have evolutionary adaptive value in their ability to trigger... Show moreBaby schema features are a specific set of physical features-including chubby cheeks, large, low-set eyes, and a large, round head-that have evolutionary adaptive value in their ability to trigger nurturant care. In this study among nulliparous women (N = 81; M age = 23.60, SD = 0.44), we examined how sensitivity to these baby schema features differs based on individual variations in nurturant care motivation and oxytocin system gene methylation. We integrated subjective ratings with measures of facial expressions and electroencephalography (EEG) in response to infant faces that were manipulated to contain more or less pronounced baby schema features. Linear mixed effects analyses demonstrated that infants with more pronounced baby schema features were rated as cuter and participants indicated greater motivation to take care of them. Furthermore, infants with more pronounced baby schema features elicited stronger smiling responses and enhanced P2 and LPP amplitudes compared to infants with less pronounced baby schema features. Importantly, individual differences significantly predicted baby schema effects. Specifically, women with low OXTR methylation and high nurturance motivation showed enhanced differentiation in automatic neurophysiological responses to infants with high and low levels of baby schema features. These findings highlight the importance of considering individual differences in continued research to further understand the complexities of sensitivity to child cues, including facial features, which will improve our understanding of the intricate neurobiological system that forms the basis of caregiving behavior. Show less

Bogaerts, J.M.K.; Gussekloo, J.; Jong-Schmit, B.E.M. de; Cessie, S. le; Mooijaart, S.P.; Mast, R.C. van der; ... ; Poortvliet, R.K.E. 2024

Effects of the discontinuation of antihypertensive treatment on neuropsychiatric symptoms and quality of life in nursing home residents with dementia (DANTON) a multicentre, open-label, blinded-outcome, randomised controlled trial

Article / Letter to editor

open access

BackgroundBased on observational studies and randomised controlled trials (RCTs), the benefit–harm balance of antihypertensive treatment in older adults with dementia is unclear.ObjectiveTo assess... Show moreBackgroundBased on observational studies and randomised controlled trials (RCTs), the benefit–harm balance of antihypertensive treatment in older adults with dementia is unclear.ObjectiveTo assess whether discontinuing antihypertensive treatment reduces neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs) and maintains quality of life (QoL) in nursing home residents with dementia.DesignOpen-label, blinded-outcome RCT. Randomisation 1:1, stratified by nursing home organisation and baseline NPS. Trial registration: NL7365.SubjectsDutch long-term care residents with moderate-to-severe dementia and systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≤160 mmHg during antihypertensive treatment. Exclusion criteria included heart failure NYHA-class-III/IV, recent cardiovascular events/procedures or life expectancy <4 months (planned sample size n = 492).MeasurementsCo-primary outcomes NPS (Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Nursing Home [NPI-NH]) and QoL (Qualidem) at 16 weeks.ResultsFrom 9 November 2018 to 4 May 2021, 205 participants (median age 85.8 [IQR 79.6–89.5] years; 79.5% female; median SBP 134 [IQR 123–146] mmHg) were randomised to either antihypertensive treatment discontinuation (n = 101) or usual care (n = 104). Safety concerns, combined with lacking benefits, prompted the data safety and monitoring board to advice a premature cessation of randomisation. At 16-week follow-up, no significant differences were found between groups for NPI-NH (adjusted mean difference 1.6 [95% CI –2.3 to 5.6]; P = 0.42) or Qualidem (adjusted mean difference − 2.5 [95% CI –6.0 to 1.0]; P = 0.15). Serious adverse events (SAEs) occurred in 36% (discontinuation) and 24% (usual care) of the participants (adjusted hazard ratio 1.65 [95% CI 0.98–2.79]). All 32-week outcomes favoured usual care.ConclusionHalfway through this study, a non-significant increased SAE risk associated with discontinuing antihypertensive treatment was observed, and an associated interim analysis showed that significant worthwhile health gain for discontinuation of antihypertensive treatment was unlikely. This unbeneficial benefit–harm balance shows that discontinuation of antihypertensive treatment in this context does not appear to be either safe or beneficial enough to be recommended in older adults with dementia. Show less

Rietjens, S.J.H. 2024

Innovatie in de schaduw: de strijd van geheime diensten

Inaugural lecture

open access

Rüland, A.N. 2024

Who gets what, when, and how? An analysis of stakeholder interests and conflicts in and around Big Science

Doctoral Thesis

open access

Big Science, commonly defined as conventional science made big in three dimensions, namely organizations, machines, and politics, brings a plethora of different stakeholders together, often for a... Show moreBig Science, commonly defined as conventional science made big in three dimensions, namely organizations, machines, and politics, brings a plethora of different stakeholders together, often for a long period of time. This includes policymakers, scientists, (scientific) managers as well as local “host” communities. Each group has considerable, though often different, stakes in Big Science. These diverging interests require stakeholders to negotiate and to compromise between and among one another. Using qualitative methods, this dissertation contributes to a deeper understanding of such processes in and around Big Science in two distinct ways. First, it sheds light on how different stakeholders pursue and negotiate their interests within and in relation to Big Science. In doing so, the thesis pays particular attention to non-Western and indigenous actors, two stakeholder groups that the existing literature on Big Science has so far largely neglected. Second, it theorizes how conflicts emerge and develop between and among stakeholders, thus advancing theory-building in the largely undertheorized literature on Big Science. Overall, the dissertation demonstrates that, in contrast to conventional science, Big Science carries significant symbolism for the involved stakeholders, which often impedes effective stakeholder and conflict management. Show less

Zhang, C. 2024

From noise to insight: the functional role of BOLD signal variability and aperiodic neural activity in metacontrol

Doctoral Thesis

some documents under embargo until 2026-01-04

This thesis explores the role of what has traditionally been considered as neural “noise”, specifically BOLD signal variability and aperiodic neural activity, in human cognitive functions,... Show moreThis thesis explores the role of what has traditionally been considered as neural “noise”, specifically BOLD signal variability and aperiodic neural activity, in human cognitive functions, particularly in metacontrol. The metacontrol model assumes that individuals vary in their cognitive styles between "persistence" and "flexibility." Persistence emphasizes focused goal pursuit, while flexibility allows for easy task switching and consideration of diverse possibilities. Through three empirical studies, this thesis investigates the relationship between two specific forms of neural "noise" – BOLD signal variability and aperiodic neural activity – and metacontrol biases (i.e., persistence vs. flexibility). Chapter 2 emphasizes the importance of resting-state BOLD signal variability in understanding individualized cognitive control styles. Chapter 3 highlights the importance of the aperiodic component of the EEG power spectrum in reflecting demand-specific metacontrol states. Notably, Chapter 4 illuminates the functional significance of aperiodic activity in creative thinking. Overall, the research presented in this thesis highlights the importance of resting-state BOLD signal variability and aperiodic activity in the EEG power spectrum for understanding the neural underpinnings of cognitive functions. Show less

Pagano, M. 2024

The wild Brauer-Manin obstruction on K3 surfaces

Doctoral Thesis

open access

In this thesis, rational points on K3 surfaces are studied. In the first part of Chapter 1 the Brauer group and the the Brauer-Manin obstruction are introduced. The second part of Chapter 1 is... Show moreIn this thesis, rational points on K3 surfaces are studied. In the first part of Chapter 1 the Brauer group and the the Brauer-Manin obstruction are introduced. The second part of Chapter 1 is devoted to the introduction of the refined Swan conductor and the link between the latter and the Brauer-Manin set. The aim of Chapter 2 is to give the first example of a K3 surface over a number field (in fact, over the rational numbers) for which a prime of good reduction is involved in the Brauer-Manin obstruction; this gives a negative answer to a question originally asked by Swinnerton-Dyer. In Chapter 3 the role of primes of good reduction in the Brauer-Manin obstruction is discussed, with a focus on K3 surfaces. Finally, in the last chapter, after introducing some techniques that can be used to compute the refined Swan conductor, several examples of Brauer-Manin obstruction on K3 surfaces are provided, with a focus on Kummer K3 surfaces. Show less

Verhaar, E.R. 2024

Targeting MHC-I related proteins for cancer diagnosis and therapy

Doctoral Thesis

open access

This thesis is focused on the targeting of two antigens often expressed on the surface of cancer cells: MICA and HLA-E. Both antigens are members of the MHC-I family of proteins. They both act as... Show moreThis thesis is focused on the targeting of two antigens often expressed on the surface of cancer cells: MICA and HLA-E. Both antigens are members of the MHC-I family of proteins. They both act as ligands for the NK receptors on NK cells and CD8+ T cells. We target MICA using nanobodies, or VHHs, the small variable regions of camelid-derived heavy-chain only antibodies. The nanobodies are used as nanobody-drug conjugate, fused to the Mertansine-derivative DM1, or as the targeting domain of chimeric antigen receptors to create CAR NK cells. These nanobody-based immunotherapies selectively target and kill MICA-positive cancer cells. We target HLA-E with an antibody directed against a 13-amino acid epitope unique to the cytoplasmic tail of HLA-E. The antibody is specific to HLA-E and can be used for detection of HLA-E positive cells in flow cytometry and immunofluorescence and detection of HLA-E positive tumors in immunohistochemistry. Together with the epitope, the antibody can be used as a novel epitope tag for detection and purification of unrelated proteins. Show less

Holstein, Y. van; Mooijaart, S.P.; Oevelen, M. van; Deudekom, F.J. van; Vojinovic, D.; Bizzarri, D.; ... ; Trompet, S. 2024

The performance of metabolomics-based prediction scores for mortality in older patients with solid tumors

Article / Letter to editor

open access

Prognostic information is needed to balance benefits and risks of cancer treatment in older patients. Metabolomics-based scores were previously developed to predict 5- and 10-year mortality ... Show morePrognostic information is needed to balance benefits and risks of cancer treatment in older patients. Metabolomics-based scores were previously developed to predict 5- and 10-year mortality (MetaboHealth) and biological age (MetaboAge). This study aims to investigate the association of MetaboHealth and MetaboAge with 1-year mortality in older patients with solid tumors, and to study their predictive value for mortality in addition to established clinical predictors. This prospective cohort study included patients aged ≥ 70 years with a solid malignant tumor, who underwent blood sampling and a geriatric assessment before treatment initiation. The outcome was all-cause 1-year mortality. Of the 192 patients, the median age was 77 years. With each SD increase of MetaboHealth, patients had a 2.32 times increased risk of mortality (HR 2.32, 95% CI 1.59–3.39). With each year increase in MetaboAge, there was a 4% increased risk of mortality (HR 1.04, 1.01–1.07). MetaboHealth and MetaboAge showed an AUC of 0.66 (0.56–0.75) and 0.60 (0.51–0.68) for mortality prediction accuracy, respectively. The AUC of a predictive model containing age, primary tumor site, distant metastasis, comorbidity, and malnutrition was 0.76 (0.68–0.83). Addition of MetaboHealth increased AUC to 0.80 (0.74–0.87) (p = 0.09) and AUC did not change with MetaboAge (0.76 (0.69–0.83) (p = 0.89)). Higher MetaboHealth and MetaboAge scores were associated with 1-year mortality. The addition of MetaboHealth to established clinical predictors only marginally improved mortality prediction in this cohort with various types of tumors. MetaboHealth may potentially improve identification of older patients vulnerable for adverse events, but numbers were too small for definitive conclusions. The TENT study is retrospectively registered at the Netherlands Trial Register (NTR), trial number NL8107. Date of registration: 22–10-2019. Show less

Iwasaki, N.; Yoshioka, K. 2024

Thinking-for-speaking to describe motion events: English-Japanese bilinguals’ L1 English and L2 Japanese speech and gesture

Part of book or chapter of book

open access

Donís Vela, A. 2024

Tangent fermions: massless fermions on a lattice

Doctoral Thesis

open access

In some condensed matter systems, such as the surface of a 3D topological insulator, the electrons are effectively massless and we must necessarily use the massless Dirac equation to describe them... Show moreIn some condensed matter systems, such as the surface of a 3D topological insulator, the electrons are effectively massless and we must necessarily use the massless Dirac equation to describe them.A very convenient way to numerically solve this equation is to discretise them. However, the Nielsen-Ninomiya theorem proves that if we try to do it naively, extra unphysical massless fermion species appear, giving rise to a number of undesired artefacts. This is known as fermion doubling, and the main focus of this thesis is to tackle this problem via the discretisation method of tangent fermions.Chapters 2,3 and 4 are devoted to developing various aspects of this method. Chapters 5 and 6 are not directly related to the method of tangent fermions but still describe processes that arise in materials with a Dirac-like dispersion relation. In chapter 5, we study the effect a non-zero net supercurrent parallel to the edges of a topological superconductor. We find that the supercurrent can induce a "chirality inversion'' of the Majorana edge modes.In the last chapter, we simulate the injection of "edge-vortices'' into a topological superconductor. These are a type of quasiparticles that can theoretically be used to realise a quantum computer. Show less

Lai, Y. 2024

Self-directed language learning using mobile technology in higher education

Doctoral Thesis

some documents under embargo until 2026-01-03

This dissertation aims to explore how university students use mobile technology for their self-directed language learning and investigate factors influencing their self-directed learning with... Show moreThis dissertation aims to explore how university students use mobile technology for their self-directed language learning and investigate factors influencing their self-directed learning with mobile technology. It contributed to theoretical and practical knowledge of self-directed language learning using mobile technology outside the classroom in higher education. The research aims of the dissertation were twofold. First, it was aimed at increasing our understanding of the learning experience of learners’ self-directed learning process while preparing for IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Second, it was aimed at suggesting implications for improving the effectiveness of self-directed learning, with implications for learners, educators, and IT practitioners. Four studies were performed focused on (1) an overview of the learning strategies that learners used in their self-directed learning assisted by mobile technology; (2) self-directed learners’ learning process while preparing for the IELTS on their own; (3) language learners’ behavioral intention towards and actual use of mobile technology in self-directed learning; and (4) language learners’ engagement, satisfaction, and persistence in the context of informal, self-directed language learning using mobile technology. In sum, the conclusions of the four studies will inform self-directed learners, educators, and software developers on how to effectively enhance self-directed learning with mobile technology. Show less

Berenpas, M. 2024

Moving beyond identity: reading the Zhuangzi and Levinas as resources for comparative philosophy

Doctoral Thesis

open access

In this dissertation I argue that the proto-daoist text the Zhuangzi and the ethical relation of Levinas are fruitful resources to reconsider the self-other relation in comparative philosophy.... Show moreIn this dissertation I argue that the proto-daoist text the Zhuangzi and the ethical relation of Levinas are fruitful resources to reconsider the self-other relation in comparative philosophy. Comparative philosophy is a hermeneutical practice in which the philosopher's assumptions, beliefs and emotional commitments influence and determine the comparative process. I argue that in order to overcome injustice and theoretical colonization of the cultural other, we need to adopt an ethical attiude in which we reside in the pivot and are willing to take the quesiton of social justice into account Show less

Zhang, W. 2024

Metacontrol in the brain: investigating neural mechanisms of persistence and flexibility states during meditation and creative thinking using EEG and fMRI techniques

Doctoral Thesis

some documents under embargo until 2026-01-03

To cope with environmental changes, humans need to adjust their cognitive control states to meet different challenges. Two important cognitive control states are cognitive persistence and cognitive... Show moreTo cope with environmental changes, humans need to adjust their cognitive control states to meet different challenges. Two important cognitive control states are cognitive persistence and cognitive flexibility. Persistence is a state of maintaining stable attention, while flexibility is a state where attention can switch freely. These two states are antagonistic to each other; one cannot switch attention flexibly while being focused, and one cannot focus on a single stimulus while switching attention flexibly. Our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying these cognitive control states is still limited. Therefore, in this dissertation, we used two brain science research techniques, EEG and fMRI, to study brain activities associated with these two states. To induce these states, the dissertation employed two creative thinking tasks, namely convergent thinking and divergent thinking, and two meditation techniques, focused attention meditation and open monitoring meditation. The results discuss EEG and fMRI indicators related to these states, providing preliminary evidence for research in this field. Show less

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