Tsuda University

The human sense of self is plastic and can be modulated by multisensory and sensorimotor coupling in immersive virtual reality. In particular, synchronous visuo-tactile stimulation and visuo-motor coupling via first-person control are widely used to induce embodiment. However, when these two streams promote different candidate self-locations, their relative contributions to the perceived self-location remain unclear. In this study, we examined perceived self-location using a robot-mediated self-touch paradigm that creates a cue conflict: synchronous visuo-tactile stimulation in this paradigm tends to bias self-location toward the participant’s physical body, whereas visuo-motor coupling via first-person control tends to bias self-location toward a remote robot viewpoint. We compared this conflict condition with control conditions in which either the visuo-tactile or visuo-motor stimulation was attenuated. Perceived self-location was assessed using questionnaire ratings and a behavioral estimate, namely, the Self-Location EstimatEd Pointing (SLEEP), which estimates participants’ perceived self-location using a finger-pointing task in a 360 degree image. Overall, the results are consistent with a stronger contribution of synchronous visuo-tactile stimulation than visuo-motor coupling to perceived self-location in this whole-body embodiment setting.

Recent gesture studies investigating how speakers linearize events in which one entity acts on another have claimed that the preferred order is [subject/agent]-[object/patient]-[verb/action] (SOV/APV) irrespective of language background (Schouwstra et al., 2022; Goldin-Meadow et al., 2008). However, these studies have only tested speakers of languages in which the subject/agent preferentially precedes the object/patient. We provide a stronger test of this cognitive-universal hypothesis using elicited pantomime (plus a spoken-language comparison task) with speakers of Truku Seediq, which favors the typologically rare VOS/VPA word order, and English-speaking controls. While the English speakers' pantomimes largely employed the expected SOV/APV and SVO/AVP orders, the Truku Seediq speakers produced almost no APV sequences. The results strengthen the evidence for processing effects that promote SVO/AVP order under certain conditions, and further support the claim that the habitual use of a language may cumulatively influence speakers' cognitive activities as they are interpreting the world. The divergent preferences for the two typologically different languages suggest that language experience can change conceptual accessibility, especially in terms of action saliency, in speakers' cognition. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

The manuscript examines the impact of various rare neurological disorders on lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD), building upon previous parts of this series. It discusses several infections and their sequelae, such as Neuroborreliosis (Lyme Disease), Herpes Zoster (HZ), and Neurosyphilis. Lyme Disease is a vector-borne infection leading to storage and voiding symptoms. Herpes Zoster (HZ) is associated with various types of LUTD due to its effect on spinal nerves. Neurosyphilis, historically, is a common cause of LUTD due to the degeneration of the spinal cord. In the manuscript, other miscellaneous conditions, such as Radiation Myelopathy, Decompression Sickness and Charcot Spine, are also discussed. Radiation Myelopathy is a chronic condition affecting bladder function post-radiation therapy. Decompression Sickness occurs in scuba divers and can lead to LUTD as a neurological complication. Charcot Spine represents a destructive spinal condition that can lead to LUTD and may require intensive management. Some degenerative disorders such as Progressive Multifocal Leucoencephalopathy (PML), Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), RSF1 related disorder – CANVAS (Cerebellar Ataxia, Neuropathy, Vestibular Areflexia Syndrome), Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) and Spinal Cord Sarcoidosis which have varying impacts on LUT function are also included in this report. Additionally, the paper includes two metabolic and toxic myelopathies (severe B12 deficiency and Nitrous oxide myelopathy), which may cause LUTD. The document emphasizes the necessity for urologists to recognize and manage LUTD in patients with these uncommon neurological conditions, promoting a comprehensive understanding of their overlaps in clinical symptoms. The overall goal is to better inform clinicians and aid in patient management by summarizing current knowledge and encouraging further research. This serves as the fourth installment in a series aiming to provide insights into rare neuro-urological diseases.

ABSTRACTBackground and ObjectiveGenetic polymorphisms have been associated with susceptibility to interstitial lung diseases including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We have now examined the relation between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and clinical course, including acute exacerbation (AE), in addition to disease susceptibility for IPF and unclassifiable idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs).MethodsDNA samples were collected from 223 IPF patients and 160 unclassifiable IIP patients included in a prospective, multicentre observational study in Japan. Nonfibrotic control subjects (n = 379) were selected from a previous study. Genotyping of TERT rs2736100, TERC rs1881984, MUC5B rs35705950, DSP rs2076295, and AKAP13 rs62025270 was conducted with commercial assays. The association between these SNPs and disease susceptibility, prognosis, or the cumulative incidence of AE was assessed.ResultsTERT rs2736100 and MUC5B rs35705950 were significantly associated with IPF risk, and DSP rs2076295 was linked to prognosis and the incidence of AE in IPF patients. TERT rs2736100 was significantly associated with prognosis in IPF patients and the incidence of AE in patients with unclassifiable IIPs. No individuals with the TT genotype of MUC5B rs35705950 were identified, and the proportion of those with the T allele was low (minor allele frequency of 0.005 in control subjects). In addition, no individuals with the minor allele (A) of AKAP13 rs62025270 were detected.ConclusionConsideration of genetic polymorphisms has the potential to facilitate prediction not only of prognosis but also of AE in individuals with IIPs, providing a foundation for the development of personalised management strategies based on genetic profiles.

After introducing the notion of uniform integrality of critical values of the Rankin–Selberg L L -functions for G L n × G L n − 1 \mathrm {GL}_{n}\times \mathrm {GL}_{n-1} , we study it when the base field is totally imaginary. For this purpose, we adopt specific models with highest weight representations of the general linear groups, construct the Eichler–Shimura classes for G L n \mathrm {GL}_{n} and G L n − 1 \mathrm {GL}_{n-1} in an explicit manner, and then evaluate the cohomological cup product of them, by making the best use of Gel′fand–Tsetlin basis.

This book, by authors Sabrina Karim and Daniel W. Hill, Jr. takes a critical look at the role played by women in political violence, examining the ways in which treatment of women can both reduce and exacerbate such problems. Regarding the concept of ‘gender equality’ as overly broad and prone to conflating disparate issues, they instead focus on the concept of ‘women’s status’ looking specifically at four key components: women’s inclusion, women’s rights, harm to women, and societal beliefs about women’s roles. For each of these, the authors develop measurements which allow them to assess their impact on four forms of political violence: inter-state conflict, intra-state conflict, state repression, and terrorism. Their findings suggest that the relationship is not uniform, and that each aspect of women’s status has a distinct and individual impact on these different forms of violence.

Formålet med dette litteraturstudie er at bidrage til afdækning af den eksisterende, forskningsbaserede viden om Universal Design for Learning (UDL) som et didaktisk alternativ til undervisningsdifferentiering. Teoretisk bygger UDL på idéen om Universal Design. Overført til uddannelsesområdet er det overordnede princip, at barrierer for deltagelse skal fjernes, så studerende med særlige behov ikke behøver bede om at få taget specifikke hensyn. Læringsforløb skal derimod designes, så alle studerende, uanset forudsætninger, har lige muligheder for at deltage. I litteraturstudiet har vi undersøgt, hvilke muligheder og udfordringer der er for at håndtere forskellige læringsforudsætninger via UDL og præsenterer en række begreber og guidelines for, hvordan uddannelser kan tilrettelægges efter UDL-principper.

Single-use plastics (SUPs) are deeply embedded in everyday consumption in rapidly developing Asian cities, yet their widespread use contributes to marine debris, microplastic pollution, and health risks. This study aimed to inform evidence-based policymaking to mitigate marine plastic pollution in the ASEAN+3 region. Stratified random sampling surveys (n = 1492) were conducted both face to face and online across five representative cities between September 2022 and February 2023. We quantified and compared the consumption and disposal patterns across nine SUP categories, assessed demographic influences, evaluated the impact of COVID-19, and derived insights for targeted policy interventions. Non-parametric tests were used to evaluate the differences. The results reveal significant inter-city variation: Shanghai and Harbin reported high overall SUP use despite a lower consumption of plastic shopping bags; Hanoi and Depok showed lower overall use but distinct preferences for plastic shopping bags and party cups; and Phnom Penh had the highest consumption of plastic shopping bags, bottles, and straws. Plastic shopping bags were the most used item in all cities (18–34 bags per week), with no significant differences between urban and rural areas, ages, or genders. In contrast, urban residents reported a higher use of plastic takeout containers, cutlery, coffee cups, and party cups. The COVID-19 pandemic notably reshaped SUP consumption patterns. Additionally, over half of SUPs were disposed of without proper separation. These findings underscore the need for flexible, phased, and context-specific interventions to support a resilient circular economy.