bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disruptive viability selection on adult exploratory behaviour in eastern chipmunks
Authors: Bergeron P. , Montiglio P.‐O. , Réale D. , Humphries M. M. , Gimenez O. , Garant D. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractHeterogeneous forces of selection associated with fluctuating environments are recognized as important factors involved in the maintenance of inter‐individual phenotypic variance within populations. Consistent behavioural differences over time and across situations (e.g. personality) are increasingly cited as examples of individual variation observed within populations. However, the suggestion that heterogeneous selective pressures target different animal personalities remains largely untested in the wild. In this 5‐year study, we investigated the dynamics of viability selection on a personality trait, exploration, in a population of eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus) experiencing substantial seasonal variations in weather conditions and food availability associated with masting trees. Contrary to our expectations, we found no evidence of fluctuating selection on exploration. Instead, we found strong disruptive viability selection on adult exploration behaviour, independent of seasonal variations. Individuals with either low or high exploration scores were almost twice as likely to survive over a 6‐month period compared with individuals with intermediate scores. We found no evidence of viability selection on juvenile exploration. Our results highlight that disruptive selection might play an important role in the maintenance of phenotypic variance of wild populations through its effect on different personality types across temporally varying environmental conditions.
Recent northward range expansion promotes song evolution in a passerine bird, the Light‐vented Bulbul
Authors: Xing X. Y. , Alström P. , Yang X. J. , Lei F. M. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractIn common with human speech, song is culturally inherited in oscine passerine birds (‘songbirds’). Intraspecific divergence in birdsong, such as development of local dialects, might be an important early step in the speciation process. It is therefore vital to understand how songs diverge, especially in founding populations. The northward expansion of the Light‐vented Bulbul Pycnonotus sinensis (J. F. Gmelin, 1789) into north China in the last 30 years provides an excellent opportunity to study birdsong evolution. We compared ~4400 songs from newly established northern populations with ~2900 songs from southern populations to evaluate song divergence after recent expansion. The total pool of syllables and especially song types was considerably smaller in the north than in the south, indicating ‘founder effects’ in the new population. The ancestral pattern of mosaic song dialects changed into a pattern of wide geographical sharing of a few song types and syllables, likely the result of fewer geographical barriers to ‘meme flow’, and the recent spread across a large area in the north. Our results suggest that song evolution and vocal trait shifts can arise rapidly after range expansion, and that in the Light‐vented Bulbul ‘founder effects’, geographical isolation, and recent rapid expansions played important roles in the evolution of song dialects.
Exposure to the cytokine EGF leads to abnormal hyperactivity of pallidal GABA neurons: implications for schizophrenia and its modeling
Authors: Sotoyama Hidekazu , Namba Hisaaki , Chiken Satomi , Nambu Atsushi , Nawa Hiroyuki 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPrevious studies on a cytokine model for schizophrenia reveal that the hyperdopaminergic innervation and neurotransmission in the globus pallidus (GP) is involved in its behavioral impairments. Here, we further explored the physiological consequences of the GP abnormality in the indirect pathway, using the same schizophrenia model established by perinatal exposure to epidermal growth factor (EGF). Single‐unit recordings revealed that the neural activity from the lateral GP was elevated in EGF‐treated rats in vivo and in vitro (i.e., slice preparations), whereas the central area of the GP exhibited no significant differences. The increase in the pallidal activity was normalized by subchronic treatment with risperidone, which is known to ameliorate their behavioral deficits. We also monitored extracellular GABA concentrations in the substantia nigra, one of the targets of pallidal efferents. There was a significant increase in basal GABA levels in EGF‐treated rats, whereas high potassium‐evoked GABA effluxes and glutamate levels were not affected. A neurotoxic lesion in the GP of EGF‐treated rats normalized GABA concentrations to control levels. Corroborating our in vivo results, GABA release from GP slices was elevated in EGF‐treated animals. These findings suggest that the hyperactivity and enhanced GABA release of GP neurons represent the key pathophysiological features of this cytokine‐exposure model for schizophrenia.
Good tolerance to goat's milk in patients with recurrent aphthous ulcers with increased immunoreactivity to cow's milk proteins
Authors: Besu Irina , Jankovic Ljiljana , Konic‐Ristic Aleksandra , Damjanovic Ana , Besu Valeri , Juranic Zorica 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundRecurrent aphthous ulcers (RAU) represent a very common, but poorly understood mucosal disorder. The connection between immunity to cow's milk proteins (CMP) and oral diseases was noted earlier. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of the increased levels of serum antibodies to goat's milk proteins (GMP), by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test, in subjects who have RAU and proven increased immunity to CMP.MethodsFifty subjects with RAU (36 with proven increased immunity to CMP and 14 without this increased immunity) were included in this research. Levels of serum IgA, IgG, and IgE antibodies to the same quantity of the examined antigens were determined by ELISA. The statistical analysis of data was performed by Wilcoxon rank‐sum test and Mann–Whitney test.ResultsThe levels of serum antifresh cow's milk IgA, IgG, and IgE antibodies were significantly higher than the levels of serum antifresh goat's milk, in subjects with RAU with proven increased immunoreactivity to CMP (P = 0.0003; P < 0.0001; P < 0.0001).ConclusionsThese results indicate that patients with RAU with increased immunity to CMP could consider the use of goat's milk as the alternative protein source.
Meaning in Life in Emerging Adulthood: A Person‐Oriented Approach
Authors: Dezutter Jessie , Waterman Alan S. , Schwartz Seth J. , Luyckx Koen , Beyers Wim , Meca Alan , Kim Su Yeong , Whitbourne Susan Krauss , Zamboanga Byron L. , Lee Richard M. , Hardy Sam A. , Forthun Larry F. , Ritchie Rachel A. , Weisskirch Robert S. , Brown Elissa J. , Caraway S. Jean 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe present study investigated naturally occurring profiles based on two dimensions of meaning in life: Presence of Meaning and Search for Meaning. Cluster analysis was used to examine meaning‐in‐life profiles, and subsequent analyses identified different patterns in psychosocial functioning for each profile. A sample of 8,492 American emerging adults (72.5% women) from 30 colleges and universities completed measures on meaning in life, and positive and negative psychosocial functioning. Results provided support for five meaningful yet distinguishable profiles. A strong generalizability of the cluster solution was found across age, and partial generalizability was found across gender and ethnicity. Furthermore, the five profiles showed specific patterns in relation to positive and negative psychosocial functioning. Specifically, respondents with profiles high on Presence of Meaning showed the most adaptive psychosocial functioning, whereas respondents with profiles where meaning was largely absent showed maladaptive psychosocial functioning. The present study provided additional evidence for prior research concerning the complex relationship between Presence of Meaning and Search for Meaning, and their relation with psychosocial functioning. Our results offer a partial clarification of the nature of the Search for Meaning process by distinguishing between adaptive and maladaptive searching for meaning in life.
Full House of Fears: Evidence That People High in Attachment Anxiety Are More Accurate in Detecting Deceit
Authors: Ein‐Dor Tsachi , Perry Adi 
Published: February 2013

AbstractLying is deep‐rooted in our nature, as over 90% of all people lie. Laypeople, however, do only slightly better than chance when detecting lies and deceptions. Recently, attachment anxiety was linked with people's hypervigilance toward threat‐related cues. Accordingly, we tested whether attachment anxiety predicts people's ability to detect deceit and to play poker—a game that is based on players' ability to detect cheating. In Study 1, 202 participants watched a series of interpersonal interactions that comprised subtle clues to the honesty or dishonesty of the speakers. In Study 2, 58 participants watched clips in which such cues were absent. Participants were asked to decide whether the main characters were honest or dishonest. In Study 3, we asked 35 semiprofessional poker players to participate in a poker tournament, and then we predicted the amount of money won during the game. Results indicated that attachment anxiety, but not other types of anxiety, predicted more accurate detection of deceitful statements (Studies 1–2) and a greater amount of money won during a game of poker (Study 3). Results are discussed in relation to the possible adaptive functions of certain personality characteristics, such as attachment anxiety, often viewed as undesirable.
Influences on Boys' Marijuana Use in High School: A Two‐Part Random Intercept Growth Model
Authors: Washburn Isaac J. , Capaldi Deborah M. 
Published: February 2013

This study examined differences in predictors of marijuana use versus quantity of marijuana use across the high school years, using annual assessments from theOregon Youth Study (OYS) and a two‐part model for semicontinuous data. TheOYSis a community sample of at‐risk boys followed from age 10 years. To capture dynamic prediction effects, change scores of predictors, as well as baseline scores, were included. Baseline predictors predominantly showed associations with the intercepts but not with the slopes of growth models. Change scores for parental monitoring, peer substance use, and antisocial behavior and deviant associations were associated with both parts of the model. Findings highlight the importance of looking at marijuana use compared with the quantity of marijuana use.
Detection of Aster Yellows Phytoplasma (16SrI) Associated with Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum schinifolium S. et Z.) witches' Broom Disease in Korea
Authors: Han Sang‐Sub , Lee Kui‐Jae , Kamala‐Kannan Seralathan 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPrickly ash trees with shortened internodes, proliferation of shoots, phyllody and witches' brooms were observed for the first time in Korea. A phytoplasma was detected in infected trees by polymerase chain reaction amplification of 16S rDNA, 16S–23S intergenic spacer region and the fragment of rp operon sequences. The 16S rDNA sequences exhibited maximum (99.6%) similarity with Iranian lettuce phytoplasma, and the sequences of rp operon exhibited maximum (100%) similarity with golden rain phytoplasma. Based on the sequence analysis and phylogenetic studies, it was confirmed that phytoplasma infecting prickly ash trees in Korea belongs to the aster yellows group (subgroup 16SrI‐B).
Differential outcomes of skill training, group counseling, and individual cognitive therapy for persons with acquired visual impairment
Authors: Ueda Yukihiko , Tsuda Akira 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAs part of the Living Skills Training Program, group counseling and individual cognitive therapy were implemented to decrease psychological distress for adults with acquired visual impairment. This quasi‐experimental design study compared the outcomes of a 6‐month skill training program combined with a group counseling program (n = 37), with (n = 9) or without (n = 10) individual cognitive therapy, and with a control group (n = 42). The outcome measures were the Profile of Mood States and the Nottingham Adjustment Scale Japanese Version. The results showed that participants with low psychological distress decreased anxiety and increased acceptance of disability, even when they did not participate in group counseling. However, among the participants with high distress, they did not show any improvement without group counseling or individual therapy. The participants with high distress who engaged in group counseling showed an improving trend in attitudes toward others. Moreover, the participants who chose to engage in individual therapy in addition to group counseling showed decreased tension‐anxiety, depression, and fatigue, and significantly improved acceptance of disability. These results suggest that group counseling, combined with individual cognitive therapy, can be an effective part of rehabilitation treatment for clients who have high psychological distress.
Effect of Estrogen on Molecular and Functional Characteristics of the Rodent Vaginal Muscularis
Authors: Basha Maureen E. , Chang Shaohua , Burrows Lara J. , Lassmann Jenny , Wein Alan J. , Moreland Robert S. , Chacko Samuel 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Vaginal atrophy is a consequence of menopause; however, little is known concerning the effect of a decrease in systemic estrogen on vaginal smooth muscle structure and function. As the incidence of pelvic floor disorders increases with age, it is important to determine if estrogen regulates the molecular composition and contractility of the vaginal muscularis.

Aim
The goal of this study was to determine the effect of estrogen on molecular and functional characteristics of the vaginal muscularis utilizing a rodent model of surgical menopause.

Methods
Three- to 4-month old Sprague-Dawley rats underwent sham laparotomy (Sham, N = 18) or ovariectomy (Ovx, N = 39). Two weeks following surgery, animals received a subcutaneous osmotic pump containing vehicle (Sham, Ovx) or 17β-estradiol (Ovx). Animals were euthanized 1 week later, and the proximal vagina was collected for analysis of contractile protein expression and in vitro studies of contractility. Measurements were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc analysis (α = 0.05).

Main Outcome Measures
Protein and mRNA transcript expression levels of contractile proteins, in vitro measurements of vaginal contractility.

Results
Ovariectomy decreased the expression of carboxyl-terminal myosin heavy chain isoform (SM1) and h-caldesmon and reduced the amplitude of contraction of the vaginal muscularis in response to KCl. Estradiol replacement reversed these changes. No differences were detected in the % vaginal muscularis, mRNA transcript expression of amino-terminal MHC isoforms, l-caldesmon expression, and maximal velocity of shortening.

Conclusion
Systemic estrogen replacement restores functional and molecular characteristics of the vaginal muscularis of ovariectomized rats. Our results indicate that menopause is associated with changes in the vaginal muscularis, which may contribute to the increased incidence of pelvic floor disorders with age.
Synchronization as a Classroom Dynamic: A Practitioner's Perspective
Authors: Kent Alexis 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTWhile carefully plotted lesson plans are invaluable in a classroom, tuning into the flow of the moment is just as essential. My experience has shown me that the most effective teaching happens when everyone in the room is in synch with one another. Teaching requires intuiting what each student is experiencing individually and adjusting in order to bring the room to a united rhythm. Too often we define teaching in terms of curriculum, assessment, and practical measures that do not encompass this instinctive evolutionary skill. Teaching is a natural cognitive ability that requires human interaction and is optimal when a form of synchrony or flow exists in interactions. As an experienced classroom teacher, I describe how these principles infuse my practice, which I hope serves as a useful lens for the Mind, Brain, and Education (MBE) research community in its quest to uncover the underlying processes of teaching.
Consumers Favor “Right Brain” Training: The Dangerous Lure of Neuromarketing
Authors: Lindell Annukka K. , Kidd Evan 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTOver the past decade the neuromarketing of educational products has become increasingly common. Researchers have however expressed concern about the misapplication of neuroscience to education marketing, fearing that consumers may be deceived into investing in apparently “brain‐based” products under the misapprehension that they will be more effective. This study provides the first demonstration that these fears are justified. We presented 180 participants with one of four advertisements for an identical educational program, named either “Right Brain” or “Right Start” Training; the advertisements either did, or did not, include an MRI brain image in one corner. Results demonstrated that “Right Brain” training was deemed more interesting, educationally valuable, and scientifically strong than an identical product named “Right Start” training. Advertisements including an unrelated brain image enhanced ratings of scientific rationale. These results confirm that by implying a strong scientific basis, “brain‐based” product names are remarkably effective in implicitly manipulating consumer opinion.
Cognitive Control Predicts Academic Achievement in Kindergarten Children
Authors: Coldren Jeffrey T. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTChildren's ability to shift behavior in response to changing environmental demands is critical for successful intellectual functioning. While the processes underlying the development of cognitive control have been thoroughly investigated, its functioning in an ecologically relevant setting such as school is less well understood. Given the alarming number of children who face failure in the U.S. school system, the purpose of this project is to determine whether subtly different measures of cognitive control differentially predict academic achievement. Sixty‐five kindergarten children were given two versions of a Dimensional Change Card Sort task—a geometric version followed by a linguistic version. Educational outcomes consisted of a standardized measure of academic achievement as well as assessments used by the school district. Results revealed that cognitive control, particularly as assessed by the linguistic variant, predicted children's academic performance on math and school‐based assessments, thereby suggesting that deficient cognitive control negatively impacts educational success.
A New Twist on Studying the Development of Dynamic Spatial Transformations: Mental Paper Folding in Young Children
Authors: Harris Justin , Newcombe Nora S. , Hirsh‐Pasek Kathy 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTThe relation of spatial skills to academic success in areas such as math and science has sparked discussion in early education around how spatial thinking skills might be included in early schooling. Planning and evaluating new curricula or interventions requires understanding these skills and having the means to assess them. Prior developmental research focused primarily on one aspect of dynamic spatial transformations (DST), namely mental rotation. This study broadens our knowledge by addressing another important DST, namely mental folding. We devised a new test suitable for young children. Performance of 180 children between 4 and 7 years suggests that mental folding appears at around 5.5 years of age, although there were also marked individual differences. These data on the emergence of DST suggest that educational programs targeting this skill could start in preschool or kindergarten and provide a means to assess the effectiveness of such efforts.
A cryptic rock‐paper‐scissors game between Drosophila males
Authors: Chippindale Adam K. 
Published: February 2013

Explaining the maintenance of genetic variation in characters associated with Darwinian fitness is a preoccupation of evolutionary biologists. Spatial or temporal variation in the environment can certainly promote polymorphism, yet even populations of ‘model organisms’, like fruit flies, kept on invariant protocols for hundreds of generations in the laboratory often show fitness variation that exceeds what would be expected from the input of new mutations alone. Such observations suggest either complexities of selection or of genetic architecture, and offer a powerful tool for the study of mechanisms that promote stable polymorphism. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Zhang et al. () report examples of nontransitivity in the outcome of postcopulatory sexual selection in the fruit fly, Drosophila, that follow the rules of the popular stalemate‐breaking game roshambo – or rock, paper, scissors (RPS). The important feature of RPS is that while each strategy beats one other, it in turn is beaten by the third. Using chromosome extraction lines, the authors confirm earlier findings that the outcome of postcopulatory sexual selection via sperm competition for a male depends, in part, upon the competitor male's genotype. But taking it one step further, they demonstrate the nontransitivities between males required for circular RPS cycles in sperm competition between males, and are able to identify at least four associated loci. Because the postmating phenotype involves hundreds of potentially interacting peptides and receptors, this is an important step to understanding the persistence of variation in a critical component of male fitness.
Breeding with rare defective alleles (BRDA): a natural Populus nigra HCT mutant with modified lignin as a case study
Authors: Vanholme Bartel , Cesarino Igor , Goeminne Geert , Kim Hoon , Marroni Fabio , Van Acker Rebecca , Vanholme Ruben , Morreel Kris , Ivens Bart , Pinosio Sara , Morgante Michele , Ralph John , Bastien Catherine , Boerjan Wout 
Published: February 2013

Summary

Next‐generation (NG) sequencing in a natural population of Populus nigra revealed a mutant with a premature stop codon in the gene encoding hydroxycinnamoyl‐CoA : shikimate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase1 (HCT1), an essential enzyme in lignin biosynthesis.

The lignin composition of P. nigra trees homozygous for the defective allele was compared with that of heterozygous trees and trees without the defective allele. The lignin was characterized by phenolic profiling, lignin oligomer sequencing, thioacidolysis and NMR. In addition, HCT1 was heterologously expressed for activity assays and crosses were made to introduce the mutation in different genetic backgrounds.

HCT1 converts p‐coumaroyl‐CoA into p‐coumaroyl shikimate. The mutant allele, PnHCT1‐Δ73, encodes a truncated protein, and trees homozygous for this recessive allele have a modified lignin composition characterized by a 17‐fold increase in p‐hydroxyphenyl units.

Using the lignin pathway as proof of concept, we illustrated that the capture of rare defective alleles is a straightforward approach to initiate reverse genetics and accelerate tree breeding. The proposed breeding strategy, called ‘breeding with rare defective alleles’ (BRDA), should be widely applicable, independent of the target gene or the species.