@article {pmid40608153, year = {2025}, author = {Damini, S and Blum, CR and Sumasgutner, P and Bugnyar, T}, title = {When to mob? plasticity of antipredator behavior in common ravens' families (Corvus corax) across offspring development.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {28}, number = {1}, pages = {55}, pmid = {40608153}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Male ; *Crows/physiology/growth & development ; *Predatory Behavior ; *Social Behavior ; *Behavior, Animal ; Humans ; }, abstract = {The ability to respond appropriately to predators is essential for survival. Because response options vary with predation context, anti-predator behavior is often flexible, context dependent and shaped by learning. Corvids engage in predator mobbing, which contains a vocal component (scolding) and predator-directed behaviors (approaches, attacks). Individuals typically gang up for mobbing and pass on information about predators; yet their expression of antipredator behavior is influenced by factors such as social status, age, and rearing conditions. Here we investigated the development of antipredator behavior in ravens, specifically the onset of mobbing and the extent to which these responses are affected by parental agitation. We exposed 12 captive families to a potentially dangerous human (DH) at two stages of offspring development: shortly after fledging and near independence. We tested the hypotheses that (i) parents are more protective when the offspring are young and that (ii) offspring show more predator-directed behaviors with increasing age. We found that (i) adults mobbed significantly more during the early test period and (ii) offspring were less likely to ignore the DH and showed increased engagement during the late test period. These findings suggest that parental anti-predator investment diminishes as offspring develop greater motoric and cognitive abilities. This reduced investment may encourage offspring to independently assess and respond to threats. Yet, they hardly engage in mobbing while they are with their parents. Future studies may clarify if the increase in offsprings' interindividual variance in both mobbing components are indicative for the emergence of individuality.}, }
@article {pmid40588966, year = {2025}, author = {Giunti, G and Mylonopoulou, V and Rivera-Romero, O and Isomursu, M}, title = {Power Dynamics Analysis of Participatory Design in Digital Health Research: Case Study.}, journal = {Studies in health technology and informatics}, volume = {328}, number = {}, pages = {454-458}, doi = {10.3233/SHTI250760}, pmid = {40588966}, issn = {1879-8365}, mesh = {Humans ; *Power, Psychological ; *Patient Participation/methods ; *Community-Based Participatory Research/organization & administration ; Digital Health ; }, abstract = {Digital health adoption remains a challenge requiring engagement from patients, healthcare professionals, and family members. Participatory design (PD) enables stakeholders to co-create tools but the relationship among stakeholders influences power dynamics. We explored power dynamics in a series of PD workshops with patients, healthcare professionals and family members taking place in 4 different countries. Data was collected through participant observation, recordings, and facilitator interviews, then analyzed using French and Raven's Bases of Power framework. Findings indicate that each stakeholder group holds distinct types of power that impact the design process. Patients brought referent and informational power derived from lived experiences. Healthcare professionals often wielded expert and legitimate power, while family members sometimes exerted coercive or reward power.}, }
@article {pmid40572814, year = {2025}, author = {Bayir, MC and Mensur, E}, title = {XGBoost-Based Modeling of Electrocaloric Property: A Bayesian Optimization in BCZT Electroceramics.}, journal = {Materials (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {18}, number = {12}, pages = {}, pmid = {40572814}, issn = {1996-1944}, support = {FA9550-21-2-0296//United States Air Force Office of Scientific Research/ ; }, abstract = {Electrocaloric materials, which exhibit adiabatic temperature change under an applied electric field, are promising for solid-state cooling technologies. In this study, the electrocaloric response of lead-free BaxCa1-xZryTi1-yO3 (BCZT) ceramics was modeled to investigate the effects of composition, processing, and measurement conditions on performance. A high-accuracy XGBoost regression model (R[2] = 0.99, MAE = 0.02 °C) was developed using a dataset of 2188 literature-derived data points to predict and design the electrocaloric response of BCZT ceramics. The feature space incorporated compositional ratios, processing parameters, measurement settings, and atomic-level Magpie descriptors, along with Curie temperature to account for phase-transition behavior. Feature importance analysis revealed that electric field, measurement temperature, and proximity to the Curie point are the most critical factors influencing ΔTEC. Bayesian optimization was applied to navigate the design space and identify performance maxima under unconstrained and realistic constraints, offering valuable insights into the nonlinear interactions governing electrocaloric performance. Under room temperature and moderate-field conditions (24 °C, 40 kV/cm), the optimized ΔTEC achieved a value of 1.03 °C for Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.40Ti0.60, to be processed at 1090 °C for 3 h during calcination, 1300 °C for 2 h during sintering. By integrating experimental insight with machine learning and optimization, this study offers a refined, interpretable framework for accelerating the design of high-performance electrocaloric ceramics while reducing the experimental workload.}, }
@article {pmid40550692, year = {2025}, author = {Liao, DA and Schwarzbach, E and Nieder, A}, title = {Exploring Neural Dynamics in the Auditory Telencephalon of Crows using Functional Ultrasound Imaging.}, journal = {The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0016-25.2025}, pmid = {40550692}, issn = {1529-2401}, abstract = {Crows, renowned for advanced cognitive abilities and vocal communication, rely on intricate auditory systems. While the neuroanatomy of corvid auditory pathways is partially explored, the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms are largely unknown. This study used functional ultrasound imaging (fUSi) to investigate sound-induced cerebral blood volume (CBV) changes in the field L complex of the auditory telencephalon in two female crows. FUSi revealed frequency-specific CBV responses, showing a tonotopic organization within the field L complex, with low frequencies in posterior dorsal region and high frequencies in the anterior ventral region. Machine learning analyses showed fUSi signals could be used to classify sound types accurately, in both awake and anesthetized states. Variable CBV responses to longer sound stimuli suggest a delineation of subregions within the field L complex. Together, these findings highlight the potential of fUSi for providing high-resolution insights into functional systems in corvids, enabling future exploration of experimental task-related cognitive dynamics.Significance Statement This study highlights the use of functional ultrasound imaging (fUSi) to explore auditory processing in crows, marking the first application of this technique in songbirds. By revealing the frequency map of the crow's auditory system and demonstrating the ability of fUSi to classify sound types, the research uncovers the neural dynamics supporting complex auditory functions. The findings suggest conserved auditory organization across avian species and provide insights into the evolution of audio-vocal behaviors in birds. This work paves the way for future studies on the neural underpinnings of cognition and communication in corvids, offering significant implications for comparative neuroscience and neuroethology.}, }
@article {pmid40539864, year = {2025}, author = {Llinares-Segura, J and Alarcón, A and Mendoza, ME and Green, JP and Capafons, A}, title = {The Development and Use of the Valencia Scales of Attitudes and Beliefs Toward Hypnosis.}, journal = {The International journal of clinical and experimental hypnosis}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-27}, doi = {10.1080/00207144.2025.2507720}, pmid = {40539864}, issn = {1744-5183}, abstract = {The importance of attitudes and beliefs in relation to people's behavior, both in general and within the context of psychological treatment, is undeniable. This is especially true in the field of hypnosis, where misinformation and myths are widespread. In response to a request from, and as a tribute to, Professor Steven Jay Lynn, we summarize the status of the Valencia Scales of Attitudes and Beliefs toward Hypnosis, both the client (VSABH-C) and therapist (VSABH-T) versions. A literature review was conducted in May 2024 across nine databases. The only inclusion criterion was that the studies had to cite and/or use either or both versions of the VSABH scales as a measurement instrument. A total of 73 references were selected and classified into four categories: psychometric analyses, use of the scales, citations, and unpublished references. The findings indicate that the VSABHs are widely used, useful, robust, and versatile scales with international projection, and its 37-item version is recommended. Scholars and practitioners are encouraged to continue the psychometric and applied study of these scales and to undertake adaptation processes in different languages, cultures, and samples, adhering to the guidelines set forth by the International Test Commission (ITC) rather than relying solely on reverse translations.}, }
@article {pmid40526551, year = {2025}, author = {Zuo, Z and Dong, J and Wu, Y and Qu, Y and Wu, Z}, title = {PADiff: Reconstruction From Patch to Pixel With Normality-Guided Diffusion Model for Unsupervised Anomaly Localization.}, journal = {IEEE transactions on neural networks and learning systems}, volume = {PP}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1109/TNNLS.2025.3572438}, pmid = {40526551}, issn = {2162-2388}, abstract = {Anomaly localization (AL) is an indispensable and challenging task in manufacturing. Recently, diffusion models have been widely used to localize anomalies through discrepancies between original and reconstructed representations, which is based on the hypothesis that diffusion models regard anomalies as noise and reconstruct them to normal representations. However, anomalies usually deviate from prior standard Gaussian distribution and diffusion models cannot reconstruct anomaly parts as normal patterns well due to powerful generalization. These issues hinder the application of diffusion models in AL and lead to suboptimal performance. As a remedy, we present a novel framework for AL based on the diffusion model, dubbed PADiff. To enable the diffusion model to reconstruct abnormal regions to normal regions in an anomaly image, we propose to guide the diffusion model in the reconstruction process using its normal counterpart. High-quality guided normal counterpart plays a key role in our method. Therefore, we propose a patch-substitution strategy to obtain a high-quality-guided normal counterpart. Specifically, we first construct a normal patch memory bank using normal training samples. With a normal memory bank, we find potential anomaly patches in testing images and substitute them with most similar normal patches in the memory bank. After substitution, pseudo-normal images are generated to guide the diffusion model. To make our method more data-efficient, we divide an image into patches and propose patch-wise training and reconstruction. As one of our innovations, we propose to encode each patch into positional embedding and add it on time embedding, which introduces patch-level representation and position information in the diffusion model. Extensive experiments are conducted on three commonly used anomaly detection datasets (MVTec-AD, VisA, and BTAD) to showcase the state-of-the-art (SOTA) performance of the proposed PADiff. The source code is publicly available at https://github.com/Jay-zzcoder/padiff.}, }
@article {pmid40491745, year = {2025}, author = {Gupta, U and Kumar, N}, title = {Feathers, folklore, and eco-literacy: Stories ascribe cultural keystone status to avian scavengers in South Asian cities.}, journal = {Ornithological applications}, volume = {127}, number = {1}, pages = {duae056}, pmid = {40491745}, issn = {2732-4621}, support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {We examined the cultural significance of commensal avian scavenger species-vultures, kites, and crows-and their exploitation of anthropogenic resources and sentiments within Delhi's urban landscapes. For this, we investigated the intrinsic values attributed to these birds by people, which are indicative of complex, rapidly urbanizing social-ecological systems. Semi-structured interviews revealed folk perceptions intertwined with socio-cultural narratives and traditions, shaped by observations of avian morphology, ecology, and behavior. Birds' nesting habits, habitats, home ranges, and foraging behaviors affected people's perceptions, while ecosystem services inspired zoomorphism and anthropomorphism via vernacular-nomenclature (e.g., chidiya collectively for songbirds, giddha for scavenging raptors). Culturally rooted perceptions, which informed ritual feeding practices and shaped prevalent attitudes toward commensal species, fostered mutual tolerance, and brought people into closer contact with urban biodiversity. Such physical and cultural proximity is a defining characteristic distinguishing tropical urban ecosystems from their Western counterparts. We also uncovered the web of social-technological influences on animal-related folk stories. The urbanization of perceptions in vulture extinction zones revealed shifts in social-ecological relationships with wildlife. It adds cultural dimensions to the currently appreciated keystone status of vultures, vital for their erstwhile coexistence at extremely high densities in South Asia. Urban transformations, technological advancements, and media exposure potentially reshaped human-animal interface, with media misinformation affecting personalized ecologies. Conflicts and health concerns arose from media narratives on garbage-consuming animals. Our findings offer insights to prevent severing of people and nature connections due to urbanization (e.g., technological applications can integrate scientific knowledge with biocultural narratives and folklore), promoting a new-age eco-literacy.}, }
@article {pmid40474401, year = {2020}, author = {Freeberg, TM}, title = {On mark-test replication and mirror self-recognition in magpies.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {134}, number = {4}, pages = {361-362}, doi = {10.1037/com0000256}, pmid = {40474401}, issn = {1939-2087}, abstract = {We have known about the importance of replication and reproducibility since our earliest science classes. In animal behavioral studies, the major texts on methods in the field stress the importance of study replication. Nonetheless, there has been a growing call in animal behavior for greater efforts to replicate published studies. An interesting avian candidate for the mark-test is the magpie, Pica pica. Over 10 years ago, a study revealed evidence of two magpies (out of five tested) passing the mark-test (Prior, Schwarz, & Güntürkün, 2008). Given the importance of this finding to the field of comparative cognition, and the aforementioned arguments about the need for increased efforts to replicate such findings, Soler et al. (2020) set out to replicate the earlier magpie study with a slightly larger sample size. The magpies were caught in the wild as adults (whereas those in the earlier study were adults that had been hand-raised in the lab; Prior et al., 2008). During the experiment itself, Soler and colleagues (2020; this issue) tried to follow the experimental steps of the earlier study as closely as possible. Magpies were marked on their throats with different sizes and colors of stickers and were presented with either a mirror or a size-matched cardboard stimulus. Although the magpies showed different social and self-directed behavior in the context of the mirror as compared with the cardboard control stimulus, they did not pass the mark-test. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).}, }
@article {pmid40470745, year = {2025}, author = {Avilés, JM and de la Cruz, C and González-Medina, E and Villegas, A and Valencia, J and Masero, JA}, title = {Body size as a mediator of climatic effects: Insights from a long-term study of social Iberian magpies.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {106}, number = {6}, pages = {e70130}, doi = {10.1002/ecy.70130}, pmid = {40470745}, issn = {1939-9170}, support = {2PR02A080//Junta de Extremadura/ ; IB18089//Junta de Extremadura/ ; IPR99A020//Junta de Extremadura/ ; PRI09A057//Junta de Extremadura/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Body Size/physiology ; Male ; Female ; *Climate Change ; Reproduction ; *Passeriformes/physiology ; *Climate ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {The importance of considering body size in assessing evolutionary responses to climatic change is increasingly recognized, as body size correlates with morphological, physiological, and ecological traits that are climate-sensitive and influence fitness. However, the role of body size in mediating climatic effects in vertebrates remains poorly understood. Here, we examined structural body-size responses to natal and adult-experienced climate in a social bird and assessed whether body size mediates the direction of climatic effects. Using 26 years of data on cooperatively breeding Iberian magpies Cyanopica cooki, we found that adult males reared in late spring nests were smaller than those hatched earlier in the breeding season. This pattern was driven by smaller females, which reproduced later and produced smaller sons. Larger males born in hottest years had lower lifetime fledgling production, while larger males experiencing hotter springs as adults produced more fledglings over their lifetime. Additionally, larger males born in driest years or raised in nests with many brood mates had shorter lifespans. Despite a significant increase in temperature in the study area over 26 years, the average tarsus length of males has not changed, likely due to opposing effects of natal and adult climate on body size. Our findings illustrate how inherited body size mediates climatic effects at different life stages, with these effects acting in contrasting directions on fecundity, resulting in apparent trait stasis despite ongoing climate warming.}, }
@article {pmid40455535, year = {2025}, author = {Shen, J and Palmeri, TJ}, title = {Modeling the dynamics of real-world perceptual expertise.}, journal = {Journal of experimental psychology. Learning, memory, and cognition}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1037/xlm0001496}, pmid = {40455535}, issn = {1939-1285}, support = {//National Science Foundation/ ; //Vanderbilt University/ ; }, abstract = {Novices are faster to verify categories at intermediate ("basic") levels of abstraction (bird) than superordinate (animal) or subordinate (blue jay) levels, whereas experts are equally fast at subordinate and intermediate levels. One explanation ("entry-level hypothesis") is that for novices, categorization at intermediate levels is faster because it is the "entry level" into conceptual knowledge; experts become as fast at the subordinate level because the subordinate level becomes an alternative entry level. An alternative explanation ("differentiation hypothesis") is that for novices, categorization at intermediate levels is faster because that level is more differentiated and informative, not that it happens first; experts become as fast at the subordinate level because representations of objects at that level become more differentiated. We evaluated these hypotheses by fitting the diffusion decision model to accuracy and response time data from online participants with various psychometrically measured levels of birding expertise. We identified the alternative hypotheses with diffusion decision model parameters: Differences in nondecision time across category levels are arguably associated with the entry-level hypothesis, whereas differences in drift rate are arguably associated with the differentiation hypothesis. We fitted the diffusion decision model using a Bayesian hierarchical framework to estimate individual differences in model parameters across conditions. Behaviorally, we replicated the entry-level shift online. Theoretically, we found that differences in categorization speed across levels of expertise were captured by differences in both drift rate and nondecision time across levels. These results provide insights into the changes in representations and processes with the development of perceptual expertise. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).}, }
@article {pmid40418245, year = {2025}, author = {Hunter, H and Blackburn, G and Ashton, BJ and Ridley, AR}, title = {Group size affects spontaneous quantity discrimination performance in wild Western Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen dorsalis).}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {28}, number = {1}, pages = {41}, pmid = {40418245}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; Male ; *Discrimination, Psychological ; Female ; Reward ; *Passeriformes/physiology ; Social Behavior ; Western Australia ; }, abstract = {Animals may benefit from the ability to discriminate between quantities in their environment; for example, when choosing between foraging patches differing in food availability or assessing the size of rival groups. Numerous studies utilising spontaneous quantity discrimination tasks have found that a wide range of species possess the ability to discriminate between quantities, with large interspecific differences being found in these capabilities. However, the causes of variation in quantity discrimination have received less attention, particularly when considering intraspecific variation. Here, we use a spontaneous quantity discrimination task to (i) investigate if Western Australian magpies possess quantity discrimination abilities, and (ii) determine the factors that underlie individual variation in this ability. We found that magpies were able to discriminate between two discrete quantities of a food reward and chose the larger quantity of food more often than expected by chance, with their accuracy increasing as the difference between the two quantities of food items increased (i.e. as the ratio decreased). Individual performance on the assay was significantly affected by group size, with individuals from smaller groups choosing the larger quantity of food more often than individuals from larger groups when presented with the 2 vs. 5 combination. This group size difference may arise because individuals from smaller groups benefit more from enhanced quantity discrimination abilities compared to individuals from larger groups due to the greater risk of competition and loss of resources from intergroup conflict with larger groups. Our study is the first to investigate and identify group size as a source of intraspecific variation in spontaneous quantity discrimination abilities and highlights the importance of considering the causes of individual variation in cognitive performance.}, }
@article {pmid40411979, year = {2025}, author = {Zhang, L and Han, Y and Yan, H and Zhang, C and Li, X and Liang, J and Tang, C and Wu, W and Deng, W and Xie, G and Guo, W}, title = {Decreased left brain specialization in bipolar disorder patients and its association with neurotransmitter and genetic profiles: A longitudinal study.}, journal = {Asian journal of psychiatry}, volume = {109}, number = {}, pages = {104539}, doi = {10.1016/j.ajp.2025.104539}, pmid = {40411979}, issn = {1876-2026}, abstract = {Brain specialization plays a crucial role in human behavior and cognition. Previous studies have suggested abnormal specialization in psychiatric disorders; however, the specialization patterns of bipolar disorder (BD) and the effects of medication on these changes remain unclear. According to Crow's hypothesis regarding the key role of language in the origin of psychoses, BD patients (BDPs) may exhibit abnormal language-related specialization. Here, we aimed to explore brain specialization alterations of BDPs before and after pharmacological treatment. The autonomy index, based on resting-state images, was used to assess brain specialization in 82 BDPs and 88 healthy controls (HCs). Among patients, 43 BDPs who underwent 3 months of pharmacological treatment completed the follow-up. Using autonomy index as input, support vector regression (SVR) analysis was conducted to predict treatment response. Additionally, we conducted cross-sample correlation analyses between autonomy index and genetic profiles or the densities of neurotransmitter receptors/transporters. At baseline, BDPs exhibited reduced autonomy index in the left middle temporal gyrus (MTG) relative to HCs. However, no significant alterations were observed following pharmacological treatment. Using autonomy index, the SVR model could predict treatment response for BDPs with a correlation coefficient of 0.705. Brain specialization patterns were correlated with six genes and neurotransmitters including dopaminergic (D1R, D2R, and DAT) and serotonergic (5-HT2A) transmission. In line with Crow's hypothesis, we found reduced brain specialization in a key node of the language network (LN) in BDPs. We also provided potential genetic and biological mechanisms underlying BD.}, }
@article {pmid40408204, year = {2025}, author = {Kwiatkowski, J and Krawiec, K}, title = {Staged Self-Supervised Learning for Raven Progressive Matrices.}, journal = {IEEE transactions on neural networks and learning systems}, volume = {PP}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1109/TNNLS.2025.3561069}, pmid = {40408204}, issn = {2162-2388}, abstract = {This study presents and investigates abstract compositional transformers (ACTs), a class of deep learning (DL) architectures based on the transformer blueprint, designed to handle abstract reasoning tasks that require completing spatial visual patterns. We combine ACTs with choice-making modules and apply them to Raven progressive matrices (RPMs), logical puzzles that require selecting the correct image from the available answers. We devise a number of ACT variants, train them in several modes and with additional augmentations, subject them to ablations, demonstrate their data scalability, and analyze their behavior and latent representations that emerged in the process. Using self-supervision allows us to successfully train ACTs on relatively small training sets, mitigate several biases identified in RPMs in past studies, and achieve SotA results on the two most popular RPM benchmarks.}, }
@article {pmid40403206, year = {2025}, author = {Zhu, C and Wang, Z and Peng, Y and Xiao, W}, title = {An improved Red-billed blue magpie feature selection algorithm for medical data processing.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {20}, number = {5}, pages = {e0324866}, pmid = {40403206}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {*Algorithms ; Humans ; *Data Mining/methods ; Machine Learning ; Pattern Recognition, Automated/methods ; }, abstract = {Feature selection is a crucial preprocessing step in the fields of machine learning, data mining and pattern recognition. In medical data analysis, the large number and complexity of features are often accompanied by redundant or irrelevant features, which not only increase the computational burden, but also may lead to model overfitting, which in turn affects its generalization ability. To address this problem, this paper proposes an improved red-billed blue magpie algorithm (IRBMO), which is specifically optimized for the feature selection task, and significantly improves the performance and efficiency of the algorithm on medical data by introducing multiple innovative behavioral strategies. The core mechanisms of IRBMO include: elite search behavior, which improves global optimization by guiding the search to expand in more promising directions; collaborative hunting behavior, which quickly identifies key features and promotes collaborative optimization among feature subsets; and memory storage behavior, which leverages historically valid information to improve search efficiency and accuracy. To adapt to the feature selection problem, we convert the continuous optimization algorithm to binary form via transfer function, which further enhances the applicability of the algorithm. In order to comprehensively verify the performance of IRBMO, this paper designs a series of experiments to compare it with nine mainstream binary optimization algorithms. The experiments are based on 12 medical datasets, and the results show that IRBMO achieves optimal overall performance in key metrics such as fitness value, classification accuracy and specificity. In addition, compared with nine existing feature selection methods, IRBMO demonstrates significant advantages in terms of fitness value. To further enhance the performance, this paper also constructs the V2IRBMO variant by combining the S-shaped and V-shaped transfer functions, which further enhances the robustness and generalization ability of the algorithm. Experiments demonstrate that IRBMO exhibits high efficiency, generality and excellent generalization ability in feature selection tasks. In addition, used in conjunction with the KNN classifier, IRBMO significantly improves the classification accuracy, with an average accuracy improvement of 43.89% on 12 medical datasets compared to the original Red-billed Blue Magpie algorithm. These results demonstrate the potential and wide applicability of IRBMO in feature selection for medical data.}, }
@article {pmid40389693, year = {2025}, author = {Wang, Z and Zhan, P}, title = {Eye-tracking-based hidden Markov modeling for revealing within-item cognitive strategy switching.}, journal = {Behavior research methods}, volume = {57}, number = {6}, pages = {175}, pmid = {40389693}, issn = {1554-3528}, support = {24YJA190019//the MOE (Ministry of Education in China) Project of Humanities and Social Sciences/ ; 31900795//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *Markov Chains ; *Problem Solving/physiology ; *Eye-Tracking Technology ; *Cognition/physiology ; Male ; Female ; Young Adult ; Adult ; *Eye Movements/physiology ; }, abstract = {Identifying cognitive strategies in problem-solving helps researchers understand advanced cognitive processes and their applicable contexts. Current methods typically identify strategies for each item of Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices, capturing only between-item cognitive strategy switching (CSS). Although within-item CSS is recognized, methods to dynamically identify and reveal it are lacking. This study introduces the concept of an eye movement snippet, a basic unit for studying within-item CSS, along with a new eye-tracking process measure that quantifies the sequence length of alternatives viewed in a snippet. Combined with hidden Markov modeling, we propose a new method for dynamically identifying within-item cognitive strategies and revealing their switching. Using eye-tracking data from a matrix reasoning test, we demonstrate the value of the proposed method through a series of analyses. The results indicate that during problem-solving: (1) participants predominantly used two strategies-constructive matching and response elimination; (2) there is a high probability of switching from constructive matching to response elimination, but not vice versa; (3) more difficult items lead to more frequent strategy switching; (4) frequent strategy switching decreases time spent in the matrix area and on problem-solving planning; (5) frequent strategy switching correlates with incorrect answers for some items; and (6) frequent strategy switching increases total response time. Additionally, within-item CSS showed three distinct patterns as the test progressed, with significant differences in participants' intelligence levels and total test time among the patterns. Overall, the proposed method effectively identifies within-item cognitive strategies and their switching in matrix reasoning tasks.}, }
@article {pmid40372593, year = {2025}, author = {Loconsole, M and Schnell, AK and Garcia-Pelegrin, E and Clayton, NS}, title = {Uncertainty monitoring in Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius).}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {28}, number = {1}, pages = {37}, pmid = {40372593}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Uncertainty ; Animals ; Male ; *Metacognition ; Female ; Decision Making ; Memory, Short-Term ; Choice Behavior ; *Passeriformes ; Reward ; }, abstract = {Metacognition- namely the capacity to reflect on one's own cognitive processes - provides animals with numerous evolutionary advantages. Metacognition abilities encompass enhanced decision-making in uncertain situations, more efficient resource management, error detection and correction, and improved problem-solving skills. Here, we investigate how Eurasian jays, Garrulus glandarius, monitor uncertainty through a working memory food-retrieval task. In this task, a desirable food item is hidden under one of two cups, which are then shuffled either once (easy treatment) or several times (difficult treatment). The jays then choose to either engage in locating the food or opt out by selecting a third cup that offers a less preferred food reward. Our findings reveal that the difficulty of the task significantly influenced the jays' choice, with a higher tendency to opt out during difficult trials. Individual performance analysis revealed that when jays that typically opted out of difficult trials chose to engage instead, they exhibited significant accuracy. This suggests their decisions were guided by a confidence assessment of their knowledge. Overall, our study indicates that Eurasian jays possess metacognitive abilities that enable them to evaluate their own certainty and make strategic decisions based on perceived task difficulty and confidence in their knowledge. These capabilities likely confer advantages in natural settings, such as caching behaviours, allowing jays to make well-informed decisions about when to store or retrieve food based on environmental cues and internal assessments of uncertainty.}, }
@article {pmid40339952, year = {2025}, author = {Perales, A and Aviño, J and Diaz-Martinez, A and Conde-Agudelo, A and Romero, R and Rojo, L and Serra, V}, title = {Prenatal exposure to vaginal progesterone for the prevention of preterm birth is not associated with abnormal psychopathological and cognitive profiles in dichorionic twins at 6 to 9 years of age: a follow-up study of a randomized controlled trial.}, journal = {American journal of obstetrics and gynecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1016/j.ajog.2025.04.056}, pmid = {40339952}, issn = {1097-6868}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Current evidence indicates that administration of vaginal progesterone to women with a twin gestation and a short cervix reduces the risk of preterm birth occurring at early gestational ages and of neonatal morbidity and mortality. However, the potential long-term effects of prenatal administration of vaginal progesterone for preventing preterm birth on the psychopathological and cognitive profiles of twins remain unknown.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the psychopathological and cognitive profiles at 6 to 9 years of age of surviving children born to mothers who participated in a randomized controlled trial that compared two different daily doses of vaginal progesterone (200 mg and 400 mg) to placebo to prevent preterm birth in dichorionic twin gestations.<br><br>STUDY DESIGN: This is a follow-up study from a multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled trial with three parallel groups (placebo, vaginal progesterone 200 mg/day, and vaginal progesterone 400 mg/day administered from 20 to 34 weeks of gestation or delivery, whichever came first; randomization ratio 1:1:1). The Child Behavior Checklist for ages 6 to 18 questionnaire and the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices test of non-verbal intelligence were applied to the participating mothers and their surviving children aged 6 to 9 years, respectively. The participant mothers, questionnaire collector, and database organizer were blinded to the intervention received in the original trial. The primary outcomes were behavioral, emotional, and social problems evaluated by the Child Behavior Checklist for ages 6 to 18 -18 questionnaire, and the intelligence coefficient percentile evaluated by the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices test. Analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis using descriptive and analytical tests. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.<br><br>RESULTS: A total of 206 children born to 104 mothers (35.4% of those included in the original randomized controlled trial) were included in the study: 75 were exposed to vaginal progesterone 200 mg/d, 63 to vaginal progesterone 400 mg/d, and 68 to placebo. Overall, there were no significant differences in maternal sociodemographic, pregnancy and neonatal characteristics between participants and non-participants in the follow-up study, as well as between the three participating study groups. The mean scores of the 11 psychopathological syndrome scales evaluated by the Child Behavior Checklist for ages 6 to 18 questionnaire among children exposed to vaginal progesterone 200 mg/d, 400 mg/d or 200 &amp; 400 mg/d were not significantly different to those among children exposed to placebo. There were no significant differences in the mean total Child Behavior Checklist score between the vaginal progesterone groups (31.08 &#xb1; 22.58 for the 200 mg/d group, 37.48 &#xb1; 28.59 for the 400 mg/d group, and 34.00 &#xb1; 25.60 for the 200 &amp; 400 mg/d group) and the placebo group (34.60 &#xb1; 25.55) (P=0.38, 0.54, and 0.87, respectively). The mean percentiles of the Raven's test were slightly higher among children exposed to vaginal progesterone 200 mg/d (63.11 &#xb1; 27.03) and 400 mg/d (60.40 &#xb1; 31.51) than among those exposed to placebo (59.40 &#xb1; 30.64) although these differences were not statistically significant (P = 0.44 and 0.85, respectively).<br><br>CONCLUSION: Exposure to 200 or 400 mg/day of vaginal progesterone in the second half of pregnancy for preterm birth prevention, had no effect on the psychopathological and cognitive profiles of dichorionic twins at 6-9 years of age.}, }
@article {pmid40320498, year = {2025}, author = {Smirnova, AA and Cheplakova, MA and Kubenko, KN}, title = {Some Hooded crows (Corvus cornix) understand how a loose string works.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {15569}, pmid = {40320498}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {23-28-00364//Russian Science Foundation/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows/physiology ; *Behavior, Animal/physiology ; }, abstract = {In a loose-string task an out-of-reach tray baited with food can only be retrieved by simultaneously pulling on both ends of a string threaded through the loops on the tray. This task is used to assess an animal's ability to cooperate, with each animal only having access to one end of the string. Some studies use the loose-string task in a pre-training phase, during which animals are individually taught to pull both ends of the string. Usually, no additional tests are conducted to determine whether the animals have understood how the loose string works. It is conceivable that a lack of knowledge of the causal basis of the loose-string task could make it more challenging to grasp how the partner can assist with it. Here, we tested whether Hooded crows could acquire some knowledge of the causal basis of the loose-string task. Prior to the critical test (Phase 3), the birds were presented with two different tasks (Phase 1 and Phase 2) to allow them to acquire some knowledge of the causal basis of the task. The results may indicate that, as a consequence of the experience gained, some crows may have begun to understand how the loose string works.}, }
@article {pmid40319179, year = {2025}, author = {Rajan, P and Goswami, D and Vanlalhmuaka,  and Datta, S and Rabha, B and Kamboj, DV}, title = {Acoustic behaviour and flight tone frequency changes in adult Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {15499}, pmid = {40319179}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {Species-specific wingbeat frequency of mosquitoes has already been shown to be useful in species identification. However, mosquito identification using their fundamental wingbeat frequency requires proper evaluation along with its morphological and ecological characters. An acoustic study was carried out on four species of laboratory reared mosquitoes Aedes albopictus, Culex quinquefasciatus, Anopheles crawfordi, and Armigeres subalbatus. However, a detailed study on wingbeat frequency and its variation at different points of the adult life stages was conducted for Ae. albopictus and Cx. quinquefasciatus. Recorded wingbeat beat frequency during the different point of adult life stages was analyzed using the Raven Pro 1.6.1 sound analysis software. Result showed that there was a significant difference in the fundamental frequency between four study species (F = 81.62; df = 151; p < 0.001). Wingbeat frequency of Ae. albopictus and Cx. quinquefasciatus observed to be low immediately after emergence from the pupal stage and gradually became peak during the swarming stage which is considered as the species' fundamental frequency. These change in wingbeat frequency during the early adult stages leads to uncertainty in species identification based on the fundamental frequency. Swarming and pairing activities in Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae. albopictus exclusively depends on the convergence between male first harmonics (M1) and female second harmonics (F2) of their fundamental frequency and make combined harmonic frequency at 1400-1500 Hz. Interestingly, this study observed that the frequency of adult male and early stages of female did not converge at the M1-F2 harmonics, thereby preventing successful mating. It thus infers that the wingbeat frequency of active male and female have significant role in the selection of potential mates within the species.}, }
@article {pmid40309632, year = {2025}, author = {Yusuf, MA and Ranjan, R and Adhikary, D and Moureen, A and Hakim, M}, title = {Association of Paternal Diabetes With Hemorrhagic Stroke in Bangladeshi Women: The MAGPIE Study.}, journal = {Health science reports}, volume = {8}, number = {5}, pages = {e70809}, pmid = {40309632}, issn = {2398-8835}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Hemorrhagic stroke (HS) accounts for ~10% of all first-time strokes, with an increasing incidence in Asia and a scarcity of information available about sex-related differences. This study investigates the independent predictors of HS among Bangladeshi women.<br><br>METHODS: The Multidimensional Approach of Genotype and Phenotype in Stroke Etiology (MAGPIE) study is a Bangladeshi observational study that recruited nationwide HS patients between 2022 and 2024. We utilized univariate analysis to identify risk patterns in the data sets, whereas a multivariate logistic regression (LR) analysis identified the independent predictors of HS in women.<br><br>RESULTS: We evaluated a total of 1080 hemorrhagic patients with female predominance (59.5%) and similar age of onset to males (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.38). Although males had significantly higher rates of hypertension (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001), diabetes (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.008), chronic constipation (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.03), and systolic blood pressure (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001), females were found to have significantly higher body mass index (23.1&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;3.1 vs. 21.4&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;2.9; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001) and paternal diabetes (9.6% vs. 4.8%; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.004) compared to male. Further, the age-adjusted multivariate LR model found paternal diabetes (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2-3.5, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.007) as a potential independent predictor of HS in females compared to males. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve of 0.67 (95% CI 0.63-0.70, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001) with 67.7% sensitivity and 58.2% specificity presents the goodness of fit of the model.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Bangladeshi women with a history of paternal diabetes have a 2.1-fold heightened risk of HS than men.}, }
@article {pmid40308131, year = {2025}, author = {Aplin, L and Crates, R and Flack, A and McGregor, P}, title = {Social learning and culture in birds: emerging patterns and relevance to conservation.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {380}, number = {1925}, pages = {20240128}, doi = {10.1098/rstb.2024.0128}, pmid = {40308131}, issn = {1471-2970}, support = {//Swiss Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI)/ ; //New South Wales Local Land Services under the Commonwealth of Australia's National Landcare program/ ; //Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Social Learning ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Birds/physiology ; *Social Behavior ; *Culture ; }, abstract = {There is now abundant evidence for a role of social learning and culture in shaping behaviour in a range of avian species across multiple contexts, from migration routes in geese and foraging behaviour in crows, to passerine song. Recent emerging evidence has further linked culture to fitness outcomes in some birds, highlighting its potential importance for conservation. Here, we first summarize the state of knowledge on social learning and culture in birds, focusing on the best-studied contexts of migration, foraging, predation and song. We identify extensive knowledge gaps for some taxa but argue that existing evidence suggests that: (i) social learning and culture are taxonomically clustered and that (ii) reliance on social learning in one behavioural domain does not predict reliance across others. Together, we use this to build a predictive framework to aid conservationists in species-specific decision-making under imperfect knowledge. Second, we review evidence for a link between culture and conservation in birds. We argue that understanding which behaviours birds are likely to learn socially can help refine conservation strategies, improving the trajectories of threatened populations. Last, we present practical steps for how consideration of culture can be integrated into conservation actions including reintroductions, translocations and captive breeding programmes.This article is part of the theme issue 'Animal culture: conservation in a changing world'.}, }
@article {pmid40304112, year = {2025}, author = {Coban, I and Erkmen, FY and Aktaş, GD}, title = {Dynamic Periocular Wrinkle Patterns: An Anatomical Study on Young Adults.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {24}, number = {5}, pages = {e70215}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.70215}, pmid = {40304112}, issn = {1473-2165}, support = {294//Scientific Research Projects Board of Izmir Democracy University/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *Skin Aging/physiology ; Male ; Young Adult ; Adolescent ; Photography ; *Face/anatomy &amp; histology ; Healthy Volunteers ; Eyelids/anatomy &amp; histology ; Observer Variation ; Reproducibility of Results ; Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Aging causes facial wrinkles, especially dynamic wrinkles related to mimic movements, predisposing areas to static wrinkles from a young age, notably in the periorbital region. This study aims to analyze dynamic wrinkle patterns on periorbital skin during mimic movements in healthy young adults to identify wrinkle precursor regions.<br><br>METHODS: Dynamic periorbital wrinkle patterns were analyzed in 184 healthy adults (93 females, 91 males) aged 18-24&#x2009;years. Standardized facial photographs were taken at rest and during various mimic movements. The periorbital region was divided into superior, inferior, lateral, and medial subregions; wrinkle patterns were classified and analyzed. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability were assessed.<br><br>RESULTS: In the upper periorbital region, the most common wrinkle pattern was oblique lines extending from the medial and lateral canthus to the upper corners (Type 3, 56%). Inferiorly, the most common pattern was a linear wave from the lateral canthus to the lateral margin (Type 3, 25.5%). Medially, no specific pattern (Type 6, 33.2%) and an arrowhead-like motif directed toward the medial canthus (Type 2, 20.7%) were prevalent. Laterally, radial waves extending from the lateral canthus to the lateral brow tip were most common (Type 1, 34.8%). The absence of a distinct wrinkle pattern in the medial region was more common in men than in women (48.4% vs. 17.6%). Males were more likely to have wrinkle patterns consisting of oblique short lines in the inferolateral direction in the inferior region (Type 2, 31.2%). Miniature crow's feet-like wrinkles were more common in females.<br><br>CONCLUSION: This study presents a new classification of dynamic wrinkle patterns in the periorbital region in young adults, highlighting sex differences.}, }
@article {pmid40271352, year = {2025}, author = {Liu, H and Zhang, D and Zhu, Y and Ma, H and Xiao, H}, title = {Emotions spread like contagious diseases.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {16}, number = {}, pages = {1493512}, doi = {10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1493512}, pmid = {40271352}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Emotional contagion, that is, the spontaneous synchronization of emotions among individuals, is the basic mechanism of social cohesion and survival of different species. Emotional contagion can be observed in humans and many animals, and it has become an effective means to protect individuals from danger. The study of emotional contagion in different animals is of evolutionary significance, and in human society, emotional contagion has an important impact on mental health and group behavior. However, the existing research still has obvious shortcomings in the similarities and differences of cross-species emotional contagion, the communication dynamics in virtual space and the infectious effect of positive emotions. This paper reviews the mechanisms of emotional contagion in different species, such as rodents, nonhuman primates, dogs, crows and zebrafish, highlighting evolutionary conservatism and species-specific adaptation, and analyzes the role of human children's behavioral mimicry in its early development. Furthermore, we extend the discussion of emotional contagion to virtual social networks, revealing the unique communication mechanism in online environment. In addition, by combing the sociological model and the emerging neurocognitive model, the complex process of emotional contagion can be explained more comprehensively. Through multidisciplinary perspective, it provides systematic theoretical and empirical support for us to understand emotional contagion.}, }
@article {pmid40268688, year = {2025}, author = {Buniyaadi, A and Prabhat, A and Bhardwaj, SK and Kumar, V}, title = {Role of melatonin in physiological mitigation of sleep disruption in an unnatural temporal environment.}, journal = {Journal of neuroendocrinology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e70035}, doi = {10.1111/jne.70035}, pmid = {40268688}, issn = {1365-2826}, support = {//Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi/ ; }, abstract = {Illuminated nights reduce melatonin peak and disrupt sleep. Using this as the basis of the present experimental paradigm, we investigated whether nocturnal melatonin levels were crucial for sleep regulation in a diurnal vertebrate. Acclimated Indian house crows (Corvus splendens) were randomly segregated into three groups of 12 each. For the next 10 days, one group was maintained on 12 L:12 D, as before (LD control); for the other two groups, the absolute darkness was replaced with dim light at night (dLAN; L = ~150 lux, D = ~6 lux). Under dLAN, half an hour before light off time, the LD control and one dLAN group received intraperitoneally 200 μL of vehicle (0.75% physiological saline), while the other dLAN group received a similar 200 μL vehicle but containing melatonin at a dose of 50 μg bird[-1] day[-1]. Under dLAN, exogenous melatonin elevated nocturnal AANAT mRNA and plasma melatonin levels and induced changes in diurnal expressions of clock genes (PER2, CRY1, BMAL1, NPAS2, REVERB) in the pineal gland and hypothalamus, and of genes encoding melatonin receptors (MEL1a, MEL1b) and epigenetic modifiers (HAT1, HDAC2, HDAC4, DNMT3a) in the hypothalamus. Elevated nocturnal melatonin levels bettered sleep with positive effects on the hypothalamic expression of genes associated with nocturnal sleep (cytokine pathway: TLR4, TNFα, IL-1β, NOS1; calcium pathway: CAMK2, SIK3) and awake (ACHM3, EGR1, HOMER1a, OREXIN) states, and with neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity (BDNF, EGR1, CREB). These suggested the role of melatonin in mitigation of the dLAN-induced sleep disruption. Nocturnal melatonin peak levels are a crucial component of the regulatory transcriptional pathways underlying the daily wake-sleep pattern, with far-reaching implications for sleep-related issues in diurnal species including perhaps humans inhabiting an over-lit environment with pervasive light pollution.}, }
@article {pmid40033487, year = {2025}, author = {Huang, MH and Kuan, YH and Tu, PC and Chan, YE and Su, TP}, title = {Differential involvement of trait impulsivity, fluid intelligence, and executive function in creativity among euthymic patients with bipolar disorder.}, journal = {Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA}, volume = {88}, number = {4}, pages = {290-297}, doi = {10.1097/JCMA.0000000000001221}, pmid = {40033487}, issn = {1728-7731}, mesh = {Humans ; *Bipolar Disorder/psychology/physiopathology ; Female ; Male ; *Intelligence ; Adult ; *Impulsive Behavior ; *Creativity ; *Executive Function ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Middle Aged ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: While anecdotal evidence suggests a link between bipolar disorder and heightened creativity, empirical studies are scarce, and the underlying cognitive mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the association between trait impulsivity, executive function, fluid intelligence, and creativity among euthymic patients with bipolar disorder.<br><br>METHODS: Euthymic outpatients with bipolar disorder and age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Creativity was assessed using the Abbreviated Torrance Test for Adults and the Chinese Word Remote Associates Test, which examined divergent thinking and convergent thinking, respectively. Trait impulsivity was measured using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, while cognitive flexibility was evaluated using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Fluid intelligence was assessed using Raven's Progressive Matrices. General linear models were used to assess the associations between these cognitive measures.<br><br>RESULTS: Fifty-seven euthymic patients with bipolar disorder and 56 controls were recruited. Euthymic patients with bipolar disorder exhibited comparable overall creativity to controls but underperformed in convergent thinking. General linear models confirmed a negative association between trait impulsivity and creativity, primarily observed in patients with bipolar disorder. Cognitive flexibility positively correlated with creativity among patients with bipolar disorder, independent of fluid intelligence.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Our study showed that euthymic patients with bipolar disorder do not have heightened creativity. The findings underscore the importance of considering trait impulsivity and cognitive factors in understanding creativity in bipolar disorder.}, }
@article {pmid40242340, year = {2025}, author = {Aota, I and Takano, M and Izawa, EI}, title = {Effects of a short-term removal of the dominant male on vocalization in captive groups of large-billed crows (Corvus macrorynchos).}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {12}, number = {4}, pages = {241458}, pmid = {40242340}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {Dominance hierarchy is widespread among group-living animals as a conflict resolution strategy to avoid the cost and risk of fights among individuals. Dominance signals are well-known mechanisms that allow individuals to assess their opponent's fighting ability without physical contact, thereby maintaining dominance relationships. In fission-fusion societies, where group composition is fluid, dominance status can shift depending on the current group members. In such situations, vocal signals may be particularly useful as dominance signals due to their easy modification by the signaller. In this study, we investigated the relationship between rank-dependent behaviours and rank ascending by temporarily removing individuals from captive groups of large-billed crows (Corvus macrorhynchos). We removed either the first-ranked or third-ranked individuals from the group for 1 day and compared the behaviours of the remaining group members before the removal, during the removal and after the removed individuals rejoined the group. We found that the number of sequential ka calls, which is assumed to be a status signal, increased only during the removal of first-ranked individuals and decreased after they rejoined the group. These results suggest that sequential ka calls serve as dominance signals, and the subordinates flexibly adjust their vocalization depending on the presence of high-ranked individuals.}, }
@article {pmid40242334, year = {2025}, author = {Husby, M and Slagsvold, T}, title = {The Neophobia Hypothesis: nest decoration in birds may reduce predation by corvids.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {12}, number = {4}, pages = {250427}, pmid = {40242334}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {Many birds suffer heavily from nest predation, selecting several behaviours to avoid the risk. Corvids are among the most serious nest predators. However, they are also among the most neophobic of any birds. We suggest that nesting birds may take advantage of this fear by decorating the nest with anthropogenic materials that are novel to the predators (termed the Neophobia Hypothesis). They may also add large, conspicuous feathers that may indicate a site where a bird has recently been killed. In a study in the field, we found that territorial Eurasian magpies Pica pica waited for a longer period to remove eggs from artificial nests decorated with a shiny metal teaspoon, or with large, white feathers compared to adjacent artificial control nests with no decoration. On a landfill, where the birds had become more habituated to forage among anthropogenic material, common ravens Corvus corax also avoided nests decorated with a teaspoon or with feathers. The study supports the hypothesis that birds may suffer less nest predation by corvids if they decorate the nest with anthropogenic material or with large feathers.}, }
@article {pmid39774767, year = {2025}, author = {Gallo, L and Kim, P and Churchill, I and Rae, C and Voineskos, SH and Thoma, A and Pusic, AL and Cano, SJ and Klassen, AF}, title = {Establishing Convergent Validity of the FACE-Q Aesthetics Module Scales.}, journal = {Aesthetic surgery journal}, volume = {45}, number = {5}, pages = {508-513}, doi = {10.1093/asj/sjaf003}, pmid = {39774767}, issn = {1527-330X}, mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Adult ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Esthetics ; Reproducibility of Results ; *Face/surgery ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; Young Adult ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Aged ; Patient Satisfaction ; *Patient Reported Outcome Measures ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: FACE-Q Aesthetics scales can be used to assess patient-important outcomes following both surgical and nonsurgical facial cosmetic interventions. Convergent validity is the degree to which the scores of one measurement relate to another measuring a similar construct.<br><br>OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to establish the convergent validity of 11 FACE-Q Aesthetics appearance scales vs the MERZ Aesthetics (Raleigh, NC) scales.<br><br>METHODS: Data were collected from an online international sample of participants aged &#x2265;20 years, who had presented to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon within the previous 12 months for a minimally invasive facial aesthetic treatment. Participants provided demographic and clinical data and completed 11 FACE-Q Aesthetics scales and 12 MERZ Aesthetics scales. Hypotheses regarding the strength of correlations between these scales were generated a priori. Adequate convergent validity was based on the percentage of correct hypotheses (>75%) and/or correlation &#x2265;0.50 with an instrument measuring a similar construct.<br><br>RESULTS: In total, 1259 participants were included in this survey. The mean [standard deviation] age of the participants was 42.6 [11.9] years old, and most were female (72.5%), Caucasian (76.9%), and living in the United States (49.9%) or the United Kingdom (42.9%). FACE-Q Lines Overall, Lower Face and Jawline, Appraisal of Lines-Forehead/Between Eyebrows/Crow's Feet/Lips/Nasolabial Folds/Marionette, and Lips scales demonstrated adequate convergent validity with patient-reported MERZ Aesthetics scales. The FACE-Q Face Overall and Cheeks scales did not show adequate convergent validity.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence of convergent validity for FACE-Q Aesthetics appearance scales. Establishing the validity of these scales remains an iterative process and further studies comparing the FACE-Q to other related measurement tools are required to strengthen this evidence.}, }
@article {pmid40223762, year = {2025}, author = {Grossmann, D and Srivastava, S and Winkler, V and Brenner, S and Gupta, KJ and Paliwal, A and Singh, K and De Allegri, M}, title = {Determinants of outpatient healthcare-seeking behaviors among the rural poor affected by chronic conditions in India: a population-based cross-sectional study in seven states.}, journal = {Global health action}, volume = {18}, number = {1}, pages = {2480413}, doi = {10.1080/16549716.2025.2480413}, pmid = {40223762}, issn = {1654-9880}, mesh = {Humans ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; India/epidemiology ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Chronic Disease/therapy/epidemiology ; *Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Middle Aged ; *Rural Population/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Young Adult ; *Ambulatory Care/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Adolescent ; Poverty ; Health Services Accessibility ; Aged ; Insurance, Health ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: A rising burden of chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) increases demand for outpatient healthcare. Yet, evidence on preferences and barriers to healthcare services for India's most disadvantaged population, the target of India's largest public health insurance scheme (PM-JAY), is lacking.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: We explore determinants of outpatient healthcare-seeking behavior among PM-JAY eligible individuals with CNCDs in rural areas of seven states.<br><br>METHODS: Using cross-sectional data from a household survey (conducted between November 2019 and March 2020), we employed multilevel multinomial logistic regression to identify factors associated with seeking care from informal (home treatment, pharmacies, traditional healers), formal public, or formal private providers, compared with no care. Anderson's behavioral model informed the selection of independent variables.<br><br>RESULTS: Of 51,820 individuals, 5,061 (9.8%) reported a chronic condition. Despite their disease, 1,168 (23.1%) reported not using regular outpatient care. Another 2,421 individuals (48.0%) used formal private, 922 (18.3%) used formal public, and 535 (10.6%) used informal care. Predictors of formal private care were higher socioeconomic status (RRR&#x2009;=&#x2009;2.441, 95% CI [1.61, 3.70]) and health insurance coverage (RRR&#x2009;=&#x2009;1.478, 95% CI [1.12, 1.95]). Residents of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Gujarat were more likely to use formal public care (RRR&#x2009;=&#x2009;23.915, 95% CI [9.01, 63.44]). Suffering from Major CNCDs or experiencing limitations in daily activities increased the probability of using healthcare across all options.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Future research should explore the reasons for non-utilization of chronic care and the preference for private providers. Policies to enhance public healthcare utilization and expand insurance for outpatient care could improve access and reduce health inequities.}, }
@article {pmid40221436, year = {2025}, author = {Al-Matarneh, FM}, title = {Integrating hybrid bald eagle crow search algorithm and deep learning for enhanced malicious node detection in secure distributed systems.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {12647}, pmid = {40221436}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {A distributed system comprises several independent units, each planned to track its tasks without interconnecting with the rest of them, excluding messaging services. This indicates that a solitary point of failure can reduce a method incapable without caution since no single point can achieve all essential processes. Malicious node recognition is a crucial feature of safeguarding the safety and reliability of distributed methods. Numerous models, ranging from anomaly recognition techniques to machine learning (ML) methods, are used to examine node behaviour and recognize deviances from usual patterns that may designate malicious intent. Advanced cryptographic protocols and intrusion detection devices are often combined to improve the flexibility of these methods against attacks. Moreover, real-time observing and adaptive plans are vital in quickly identifying and answering emerging attacks, contributing to the complete sturdiness of safe distributed methods. This study designs a Hybrid Bald Eagle-Crow Search Algorithm and Deep Learning for Enhanced Malicious Node Detection (HBECSA-DLMND) technique in Secure Distributed Systems. The HBECSA-DLMND technique follows the concept of metaheuristic feature selection with DL-based detection of malicious nodes in distributed systems. To accomplish this, the HBECSA-DLMND technique performs data normalization using the linear scaling normalization (LSN) approach, and the ADASYN approach is employed to handle class imbalance data. Besides, the HBECSA-DLMND method utilizes the HBECSA technique to choose a better subset of features. Meanwhile, the convolutional sparse autoencoder (CSAE) model detects malicious nodes. Finally, the dung beetle optimization (DBO) method is employed for the parameter range of the CSAE method. The experimental evaluation of the HBECSA-DLMND methodology is examined on a benchmark WSN-DS database. The performance validation of the HBECSA-DLMND methodology illustrated a superior accuracy value of 98.99% over existing approaches.}, }
@article {pmid40216860, year = {2025}, author = {Si, S and Jiang, X and Su, Q and Carin, L}, title = {Detecting implicit biases of large language models with Bayesian hypothesis testing.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {12415}, pmid = {40216860}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Bayes Theorem ; *Language ; Humans ; Bias ; Large Language Models ; }, abstract = {Despite the remarkable performance of large language models (LLMs), such as generative pre-trained Transformers (GPTs), across various tasks, they often perpetuate social biases and stereotypes embedded in their training data. In this paper, we introduce a novel framework that reformulates bias detection in LLMs as a hypothesis testing problem, where the null hypothesis [Formula: see text] represents the absence of implicit bias. Our framework leverages binary-choice questions to measure social bias in both open-source and proprietary LLMs accessible via APIs. We demonstrate the flexibility of our approach by integrating classical statistical methods, such as the exact binomial test, with Bayesian inference using Bayes factors for bias detection and quantification. Extensive experiments are conducted on prominent models, including ChatGPT (GPT-3.5-Turbo), DeepSeek-V3, and Llama-3.1-70B, utilizing publicly available datasets such as BBQ, CrowS-Pairs (in both English and French), and Winogender. While the exact Binomial test fails to distinguish between no evidence of bias and evidence of no bias, our results underscore the advantages of Bayes factors, particularly their capacity to quantify evidence for both competing hypotheses and their robustness to small sample size. Additionally, our experiments reveal that the bias behavior of LLMs is largely consistent across the English and French versions of the CrowS-Pairs dataset, with subtle differences likely arising from variations in social norms across linguistic and cultural contexts.}, }
@article {pmid40215319, year = {2025}, author = {Schmidbauer, P and Hahn, M and Nieder, A}, title = {Crows recognize geometric regularity.}, journal = {Science advances}, volume = {11}, number = {15}, pages = {eadt3718}, doi = {10.1126/sciadv.adt3718}, pmid = {40215319}, issn = {2375-2548}, mesh = {*Crows/physiology ; Animals ; Humans ; *Pattern Recognition, Visual/physiology ; }, abstract = {The perception of geometric regularity in shapes, a form of elementary Euclidean geometry, is a fundamental mathematical intuition in humans. We demonstrate this geometric understanding in an animal, the carrion crow. Crows were trained to detect a visually distinct intruder shape among six concurrent arbitrary shapes. The crows were able to immediately apply this intruder concept to quadrilaterals, identifying the one that exhibited differing geometric properties compared to the others in the set. The crows exhibited a geometric regularity effect, showing better performance with shapes featuring right angles, parallel lines, or symmetry over more irregular shapes. This performance advantage did not require learning. Our findings suggest that geometric intuitions are not specific to humans but are deeply rooted in biological evolution.}, }
@article {pmid40212605, year = {2025}, author = {Jiang, X and Liang, W and Zhang, Y}, title = {Host personality and seasonal parasitism risk do not account for egg rejection behavior in the azure-winged magpie.}, journal = {International journal for parasitology. Parasites and wildlife}, volume = {26}, number = {}, pages = {101056}, pmid = {40212605}, issn = {2213-2244}, abstract = {Brood parasitism reduces the reproductive success of hosts and many host birds have evolved a range of anti-parasitism strategies, including egg recognition and egg rejection. Recent studies have shown that host egg rejection behavior can vary according to personality traits and parasitism risk. However, these relationships have not been clearly determined. The aim of this study was to further investigate the influence of seasonal parasitism pressure and host personality traits on egg rejection behavior in the azure-winged magpie (Cyanopica cyanus). Our results showed no significant difference in the proportion of egg rejection between hosts with low (before the arrival of cuckoos) and high (after the arrival of cuckoos) parasitism pressure. In addition, no significant difference was detected in the proportion of egg rejection between bold individuals (shorter flight initiation distance, FID) and shy individuals (longer FID). We hypothesized that the relatively weak effect of the presence or absence of cuckoos on this species could be attributed to their inherently strong egg recognition abilities. Moreover, the quantification of host behavior along a single personality axis (boldness-shyness) may be insufficient to capture behavioral differences that arise from the combined effects of various personality traits. Our study provides novel insights into the influence of seasonal parasitism risk and personality traits on host egg rejection behavior.}, }
@article {pmid40208017, year = {2025}, author = {Gwee, CY and Metzler, D and Fuchs, J and Wolf, JBW}, title = {Reconciling Gene Tree Discordance and Biogeography in European Crows.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e17764}, doi = {10.1111/mec.17764}, pmid = {40208017}, issn = {1365-294X}, support = {WO 14262-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; INST 86/2050-1 FUGG//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; ERCStG-336536 FuncSpecGen/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; }, abstract = {Reconstructing the evolutionary history of young lineages diverging with gene flow is challenging due to factors like incomplete lineage sorting, introgression, and selection causing gene tree discordance. The European crow hybrid zone between all-black carrion crows and grey-coated hooded crows exemplifies this challenge. Most of the genome in Western and Central European carrion crow populations is near-identical to hooded crows, but differs substantially from their Iberian congeners. A notable exception is a single major-effect colour-locus under sexual selection aligning with the 'species' tree. To understand the underlying evolutionary processes, we reconstructed the biogeographic history of the species complex. During the Pleistocene carrion and hooded crows took refuge in the Iberian Peninsula and the Middle East, respectively. Allele-sharing of all-black Western European populations with likewise black Iberian crows at the colour-locus represents the last trace of carrion crow ancestry, resisting gene flow from expanding hooded crow populations that have homogenised most of the genome. A model of colour-locus introgression from an Iberian ancestor into hooded crow populations near the Pyrenées was significantly less supported. We found no positive relationship between introgression and recombination rate consistent with the absence of genome-wide, polygenic barriers in this young species complex. Overall, this study portrays a scenario where few large-effect loci, subject to divergent sexual selection, resist rampant and asymmetric gene exchange. This study underscores the importance of integrating population demography and biogeography to accurately interpret patterns of gene tree discordance following population divergence.}, }
@article {pmid40204817, year = {2025}, author = {Bharath, S and Vasuki, A}, title = {Adaptive energy loss optimization in distributed networks using reinforcement learning-enhanced crow search algorithm.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {12165}, pmid = {40204817}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {Modern power distribution network incorporates distributed generation (DG) for numerous benefits. However, the incorporation creates numerous challenges in energy management and to handle the challenges it requires advanced optimization techniques for an effective operation of the network. Unlike traditional methods such as Genetic Algorithm (GA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and standard Crow Search Algorithm (CSA), which suffer from premature convergence and limited adaptability to real-time variations, Reinforcement Learning Enhanced Crow Search Algorithm (RL-CSA) which is proposed in this research work solves network reconfiguration optimization problem and minimize energy losses. Unlike conventional heuristic methods, which follow predefined search patterns, RL-CSA dynamically refines its search trajectory based on real-time feedback, ensuring superior convergence speed and global search efficiency. The novel RL-CSA enables real-time adaptability and intelligent optimization for energy loss reduction in distributed networks. The proposed model validation is performed on the IEEE 33 and 69 Bus test systems considering diverse performance metrics such as power loss reduction, voltage stability, execution time, utilization efficiency for DG deployment, and energy cost minimization. Comparative results show that RL-CSA achieves a 78% reduction in energy losses, limiting power loss to 5 kW (IEEE 33-Bus) and 8 kW (IEEE 69-Bus) whereas traditional models converge at higher loss levels. The execution time is optimized to 1.4 s (IEEE 33-Bus) and 1.8 s (IEEE 69-Bus), significantly faster than GA, PSO, and CSA, making RL-CSA more efficient for real-time power distribution applications. By balancing exploration-exploitation using CSA while adapting search parameters through reinforcement learning, RL-CSA ensures scalability, improved DG utilization (98%), and better voltage stability (< 0.005 p.u.), making it a robust and intelligent alternative for modern smart grid optimization.}, }
@article {pmid40195903, year = {2025}, author = {Yu, F and Yu, C and Guo, S and Wang, X and Li, J and Li, Z}, title = {The risk perception and response of Azure-winged magpies: On the aspect of feeding behaviour and alarm calls.}, journal = {The Journal of animal ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/1365-2656.70044}, pmid = {40195903}, issn = {1365-2656}, support = {2022YFC3202104//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; BK20211151//Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province, China/ ; }, abstract = {Prey are expected to effectively perceive predation cues, recognise predators and adopt appropriate anti-predator strategies to enhance their chances of survival. Species with high cognitive abilities tend to be better at these processes, while empirical research is still lacking. The role of cognition in avoiding predation requires further investigation, especially in species with complex social structures and communication systems. Azure-winged magpies (Cyanopica cyanus) have demonstrated great talents in cognitive tasks. We conducted model presentation and playback experiments to test their predator detection and information transmission in the wild. We found that magpies exhibited distinct responses according to the model type (pigeon, falcon and cat) and eye condition of models (covered or uncovered). Individuals postponed the visit to the feeder and took less food in response to predator and eye-uncovered models. The cat model was perceived as a higher risk, and magpies would emit alarm calls with a wider bandwidth, a higher frequency of 5%, and a higher frequency of 95%. We also found that the playback of alarm calls could induce different anti-predator behaviours from conspecifics. Our study examined how Azure-winged magpies perceive information and make decisions to avoid predators. It indicates that the alarm calls of Azure-winged magpies function in encoding and sharing information, providing an in-depth understanding of complex vocal communication and risk cognition in birds.}, }
@article {pmid40187177, year = {2025}, author = {Hu, W and Zhang, X and Shao, J and Wang, Y}, title = {Altruistic behavior in Chinese children with hearing impairment: Associations with power cognition and word comprehension.}, journal = {Acta psychologica}, volume = {255}, number = {}, pages = {104981}, doi = {10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.104981}, pmid = {40187177}, issn = {1873-6297}, abstract = {Altruistic behavior is a crucial manifestation in the socialization process of preschool children with hearing impairment, yet research on this topic among Chinese children remains limited. This study investigated the effects of power cognition and word comprehension on altruistic behavior in preschool-aged children with hearing impairment. A sample of 64 children, including both hearing-impaired and typically developing children, completed altruistic behavior tasks, power cognition tasks, word comprehension tasks, and the Raven's Combined Test. The results revealed that: (1) Children with hearing impairment exhibited significantly lower levels of altruistic behavior compared to typically developing children; (2) Both power cognition and word comprehension were positively correlated with altruistic behavior in children with hearing impairment; (3) Word comprehension mediated the relationship between power cognition and altruistic behavior in children with hearing impairment.}, }
@article {pmid40184381, year = {2025}, author = {Ong, K and Norris, DR}, title = {Experimental evidence demonstrating how freeze-thaw patterns affect spoilage of perishable cached food.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {20}, number = {4}, pages = {e0319043}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0319043}, pmid = {40184381}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Freezing ; *Feeding Behavior/physiology ; *Passeriformes/physiology ; }, abstract = {For the small number of temperate and boreal species that cache perishable food, previous research suggests that increasing freeze-thaw events can have a negative impact on fitness by degrading the quality of cached food. However, there is no experimental evidence that directly links freeze-thaw events to cache quality. To examine how the timing, frequency, duration, and intensity of freeze-thaw events influenced cached food mass loss, a proxy for caloric content, we conducted a series of month-long laboratory experiments by placing simulated caches (raw chicken placed between two pieces of black spruce Picea mariana bark) in programmable freezers. Freeze-thaw treatments were modelled after weather data from Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, where a population of Canada jays (Perisoreus canadensis), a species that caches perishable food for overwinter survival and to support late-winter breeding, has declined by > 70% since the 1980s. First, we found no evidence that an increased frequency of freeze-thaw events influenced mass loss, suggesting that microstructural damage caused by crystal reformation does not significantly influence cache quality. Instead, our experimental results demonstrated that mass loss was positively influenced by longer individual thaws, which likely reflects increased microbial growth, oxidation, and progressive drip loss. We also found that caches lost more weight when subjected to early freeze-thaw events compared to late freeze-thaw events. Finally, we show that milder freezes led to less mass loss and, unexpectedly, warmer than average thaws post-freeze also led to less mass loss. Our results suggest that longer thaw periods post-freezing and milder freezes cause or lead to significantly increased spoilage of perishable cached food. All of these temperature-related conditions are closely associated with long-term changes in climate and, thus, the effects on cache degradation reported in these experiments should be applicable to species caching perishable food in the wild.}, }
@article {pmid40180641, year = {2025}, author = {Fielding, MW and Yates, LA and Buettel, JC and Stojanovic, D and Brook, BW}, title = {Carcass use by mesoscavengers varied across modified landscapes in the absence of top carnivores.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {207}, number = {4}, pages = {60}, pmid = {40180641}, issn = {1432-1939}, support = {FL160100101//Australian Research Council/ ; CE170100015//Australian Research Council/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Ecosystem ; Carnivora ; *Feeding Behavior ; Raptors ; *Crows/physiology ; Australia ; }, abstract = {The decomposition of carrion is crucial to the functioning and nutrient cycling of ecosystems, and many species use this high-quality resource. However, the availability and reliability of carrion differs across environments. Modified landscapes, such as farms and roads, often produce a high density of carcasses, with disproportionate benefits for generalist mesoscavengers that can tolerate, or are attracted to, human presence. In this study, we placed carcasses strategically across two large islands in southern Australia and used camera traps to investigate how different scavengers locate and use carrion in forested, farmland and roadside habitats. Forest ravens, an avian generalist, were the dominant scavengers across all three habitat types but were three times more likely to discover carcasses deployed in modified landscapes. Raptors were twice as likely to discover and use carcasses in farmland habitats, indicating enhanced scavenging opportunities in these areas. The discovery rate and use of carcasses by feral cats did not differ between habitat types. In this setting, differences in carrion use between diurnal and nocturnal scavengers are potentially due to the absence of top mammalian carnivores (Tasmanian devils and quolls). Diurnal scavengers, such as forest ravens and raptors, followed expected habitat preferences, albeit with greater access to carrion due to increased persistence. However, feral cats demonstrated no preference for carcasses across habitats, likely due to the reduced landscape of fear. Overall, our study underscores the important role of native mammalian carnivores in structuring scavenger communities and further validates the value of trophic rewilding to restore key ecological functions.}, }
@article {pmid39533155, year = {2025}, author = {Lara Green, R and Joanne Carrington, S and Shaw, DJ and Kessler, K}, title = {Investigating visual perspective taking and belief reasoning in autistic adults: A pre-registered online study.}, journal = {Autism : the international journal of research and practice}, volume = {29}, number = {4}, pages = {920-933}, doi = {10.1177/13623613241290880}, pmid = {39533155}, issn = {1461-7005}, mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Young Adult ; *Theory of Mind ; *Autistic Disorder/psychology ; Middle Aged ; *Autism Spectrum Disorder/psychology ; Reaction Time ; Adolescent ; *Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {As many autistic individuals report mentalizing difficulties into adulthood, the current pre-registered study investigated potential differences in belief reasoning and/or visual perspective taking between autistic and non-autistic adults. The Seeing-Believing task was administered to 121 gender-balanced participants online (57 with a self- reported diagnosis of an autism spectrum condition and 64 without), as well as Raven's Progressive Matrices (on which the groups did not significantly differ) and the Autism Spectrum Quotient. Non-autistic adults replicated previous findings with this task, revealing slower responses to belief-reasoning than to perspective-taking trials. Autistic adults did not show significantly slower or more error-prone performance during perspective taking and/or belief reasoning. In fact, the autistic group committed significantly fewer mistakes, including fewer altercentric intrusions. The main group difference in response times was a steeper increase with increasing angular disparity between self and other in the autistic group. We discuss our findings in terms of differences in self-other control, but emphasise that our findings cannot be explained in terms of simplistic deficit-based notions of autism and suggest that autistic adults might favour slightly different strategies when judging another's perspective or belief.Lay abstractMany autistic individuals report difficulties in social situations, where they are required to think about what goes on in others' minds. These states of the mind can include how others perceive the world around them, their beliefs, or their desires. While research has shown that autistic children could be delayed in developing their full capacity in this regard, less is known about how adults process others' experiences and beliefs. Here we used a novel task and asked adults to participate online. Participants self-reported whether they had been diagnosed with autism or not and we split them into two groups depending on their response. We also asked participants to fill in a self-report questionnaire about social preferences and habits and we also asked them to conduct a test of their nonverbal reasoning ability. Importantly, the autistic and the non-autistic groups did not differ in their nonverbal reasoning abilities, and on our task, we observed that the autistic group committed fewer mistakes than the non-autistic group. Autistic participants were particularly fast and made fewer mistakes on those responses that overlapped with their own view and belief of reality. In conclusion, our findings do not support a simple view of autism in terms of deficits in either social or more general thinking abilities. Instead, autistic adults might favour slightly different ways of thinking about other's experiences and beliefs that is more firmly linked to their own experience and knowledge.}, }
@article {pmid40168984, year = {2025}, author = {van Hasselt, SJ and Martinez-Gonzalez, D and Mekenkamp, GJ and Vyssotski, AL and Verhulst, S and Beckers, GJL and Rattenborg, NC and Meerlo, P}, title = {Sleep pressure causes birds to trade asymmetric sleep for symmetric sleep.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2025.03.008}, pmid = {40168984}, issn = {1879-0445}, abstract = {Sleep is a dangerous part of an animal's life.[1][,][2][,][3] Nonetheless, following sleep loss, mammals and birds sleep longer and deeper, as reflected by increased electroencephalogram (EEG) slow-wave activity (SWA; ≈1-5 Hz spectral power) during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep.[4][,][5] Stimulating a brain region during wakefulness also causes that region to sleep deeper afterwards,[6][,][7][,][8][,][9] indicating that NREM sleep is a local, homeostatically regulated process.[10][,][11] Birds and some marine mammals can keep one eye open during NREM sleep,[12][,][13] a behavior associated with lighter sleep or wakefulness in the hemisphere opposite the open eye-states called asymmetric and unihemispheric NREM sleep, respectively.[13][,][14][,][15][,][16][,][17][,][18][,][19][,][20][,][21][,][22][,][23] Closure of both eyes is associated with symmetric NREM or REM sleep. Birds rely on asymmetric and unihemispheric sleep to stay safe.[17][,][24][,][25] However, as sleeping deeply with only one hemisphere at a time increases the time required for both hemispheres to fulfill their need for NREM sleep, increased sleep pressure might cause birds to engage in symmetric sleep at the expense of asymmetric sleep.[26][,][27] Using high-density EEG recordings of European jackdaws (Coloeus monedula), we investigated intra- and inter-hemispheric asymmetries during normal sleep and following sleep deprivation (SD). The proportion of asymmetric sleep was lower early in the sleep period and following SD-periods of increased sleep pressure. Our findings demonstrate a trade-off between the benefits of sleep and vigilance and indicate that a bird's utilization of asymmetric sleep is constrained by temporal dynamics in their need for sleep.}, }
@article {pmid40040463, year = {2025}, author = {Llewellyn, M}, title = {Ali Smith's queer autobiocritical aesthetics.}, journal = {Journal of lesbian studies}, volume = {29}, number = {2}, pages = {153-169}, doi = {10.1080/10894160.2025.2461903}, pmid = {40040463}, issn = {1540-3548}, mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *Esthetics/history ; Homosexuality, Female/history ; Sexual and Gender Minorities/history ; }, abstract = {Ali Smith's allusive relationship to the literary and cultural canon is a prominent feature of her writing life. Smith's works offer a rich and diverse perspective on the magpie-like appreciation of cultural mo(ve)ments as accretive and cumulative sites of creative re/construction. But they also provide a sense of the writer as reader, thinker and re-visioner of personalised literary and cultural canons including not only books but paintings, films and music. In this essay, I explore Smith's work through what I term the "autobiocritical" - that is literary texts which serve to play with notions of identity, authorial positioning and critical approaches via an allusive, metafictional and theoretically informed exploration of fiction, form and self-representation. The essay focuses on Smith's Artful (2012) in which I suggest she engages in a complex process of homage and adaptation that is invested in the queering of the acts of reading, re-reading and critical perspective. Smith's subversive approach to the nature of critical analysis when divested of personality, character and readerly interaction presents a degree of cynicism and scepticism about the role of the aesthetic when anaesthetised from the quirks and individualities of character and of reading - that are central to Smith's aesthetic.}, }
@article {pmid40127088, year = {2025}, author = {Richman, SN and Tomback, DF and Grevstad, N and Kobobel, D}, title = {Dining with wolves: Are the rewards worth the risks?.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {20}, number = {3}, pages = {e0319565}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0319565}, pmid = {40127088}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {*Wolves/physiology ; Animals ; *Crows/physiology ; Feeding Behavior ; Reward ; Colorado ; Passeriformes/physiology ; Predatory Behavior ; }, abstract = {Where wild populations of gray wolves (Canis lupus) occur in North America, common ravens (Corvus corax) and, in western regions, black-billed magpies (Pica hudsonia) (Family Corvidae), show up quickly at wolf kills and scavenge carcasses, often feeding near wolves. Ravens and magpies also visit wolf enclosures at gray wolf sanctuaries in Colorado, USA, and attempt to take food from wolves, but there is no information regarding how often they obtain food or are injured or killed. Working at the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, Divide, Colorado, we asked whether ravens and magpies associate with gray wolves at feeding time; what proportions of ravens and magpies obtain food per enclosure; whether individual wolves react differently to the birds; and if the birds are harmed by interacting with wolves. We also examined the effects of food type, amount, and air temperature on bird numbers. We counted raven and magpie numbers in wolf enclosures and wolf and bird behaviors during daily feeding tours across 20 visits and within eight wolf enclosures per visit. Wolf reactions within each enclosure were categorized as chasing or ignoring birds or removing food. Cumulatively, across all dates and enclosures, 33% of ravens and 43% of magpies obtained food within each enclosure. Because birds were not individually marked, these percentages could be higher. Individual wolves differed in responses to ravens and magpies but most often ignored bird presence. We found no effect of food type on bird numbers but a trend in reward probability with greater food amount for ravens. There were, however, statistically significant negative relationships between daily maximum and average temperature and raven numbers, and significant positive relationships between daily minimum and average temperature and magpie numbers. We conclude that dining with wolves represented a successful foraging strategy with low risk to ravens and magpies.}, }
@article {pmid40119198, year = {2025}, author = {Hahn, LA and Fongaro, E and Rose, J}, title = {Neuronal correlates of endogenous selective attention in the endbrain of crows.}, journal = {Communications biology}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {470}, pmid = {40119198}, issn = {2399-3642}, support = {Freigeist Fellowship 93299//Volkswagen Foundation (VolkswagenStiftung)/ ; Freigeist Fellowship 93299//Volkswagen Foundation (VolkswagenStiftung)/ ; Freigeist Fellowship 93299//Volkswagen Foundation (VolkswagenStiftung)/ ; Project A19 of the collaborative research center SFB1280 Projektnummer 316803389//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; Project A19 of the collaborative research center SFB1280 Projektnummer 316803389//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows/physiology ; *Attention/physiology ; *Neurons/physiology ; *Memory, Short-Term/physiology ; Male ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Cognition/physiology ; }, abstract = {The ability to direct attention and select important information is a cornerstone of adaptive behavior. Directed attention supports adaptive cognitive operations underlying flexible behavior, for example in extinction learning, and was demonstrated behaviorally in both mammals and in birds. The neural foundation of such endogenous attention, however, has been thoroughly investigated only in mammals and is still poorly understood in birds. And despite the similarities at the behavioral level, cognition of birds and mammals evolved in parallel for over 300 million years, resulting in different architectures of the endbrain, most notably the absence of cortical layering in birds. We recorded neuronal signals from the nidopallium caudolaterale, the avian equivalent to mammalian pre-frontal cortex, while crows employed endogenous attention to perform change detection in a working memory task. The neuronal activity profile clearly reflected attentional enhancement of information maintained by working memory. Our results show that top-down endogenous attention is possible without the layered configuration of the mammalian cortex.}, }
@article {pmid40102499, year = {2025}, author = {Alabduallah, B and Al Dayil, R and Alkharashi, A and Alneil, AA}, title = {Innovative hand pose based sign language recognition using hybrid metaheuristic optimization algorithms with deep learning model for hearing impaired persons.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {9320}, pmid = {40102499}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {KSRG-2024- 238//King Salman Center for Disability Research/ ; }, mesh = {*Sign Language ; Humans ; *Deep Learning ; *Algorithms ; *Gestures ; *Persons with Hearing Disabilities ; Hand/physiology ; }, abstract = {Sign language (SL) is an effective mode of communication, which uses visual-physical methods like hand signals, expressions, and body actions to communicate between the difficulty of hearing and the deaf community, produce opinions, and carry significant conversations. SL recognition (SLR), the procedure of automatically identifying and construing gestures of SL, has gotten considerable attention recently owing to its latent link to the lack of communication between the deaf and the hearing world. Hand gesture detection is its domain, in which computer vision (CV) and artificial intelligence (AI) help deliver non-verbal communication between computers and humans by classifying the significant movements of the human hands. The emergence and constant growth of DL approaches have delivered motivation and momentum for evolving SLR. Therefore, this manuscript presents an Innovative Sign Language Recognition using Hand Pose with Hybrid Metaheuristic Optimization Algorithms in Deep Learning (ISLRHP-HMOADL) technique for Hearing-Impaired Persons. The main objective of the ISLRHP-HMOADL technique focused on hand pose recognition to improve the efficiency and accuracy of sign interpretation for hearing-impaired persons. Initially, the ISLRHP-HMOADL model performs image pre-processing using a wiener filter (WF) to enhance image quality by reducing noise. Furthermore, the fusion of three models, ResNeXt101, VGG19, and vision transformer (ViT), is employed for feature extraction to capture diverse and intricate spatial and contextual details from the images. The bidirectional gated recurrent unit (BiGRU) classifier is implemented for hand pose recognition. To further optimize the performance of the model, the ISLRHP-HMOADL model implements the hybrid crow search-improved grey wolf optimization (CS-IGWO) model for parameter tuning, achieving a finely-tuned configuration that enhances classification accuracy and robustness. A comprehensive experimental study is accomplished under the ASL alphabet dataset to exhibit the improved performance of the ISLRHP-HMOADL model. The comparative results of the ISLRHP-HMOADL model illustrated a superior accuracy value of 99.57% over existing techniques.}, }
@article {pmid39976791, year = {2025}, author = {Accinelli, C and Bruno, V and Abbas, HK and Morena, C and Khambhati, VH and Shier, WT}, title = {Microplastic uptake by birds: from observation to development of a novel seed coating to prevent bird predation of corn seeds.}, journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international}, volume = {32}, number = {10}, pages = {6153-6160}, pmid = {39976791}, issn = {1614-7499}, mesh = {*Microplastics/analysis ; Animals ; Environmental Pollutants/analysis ; *Soil Pollutants/analysis ; *Seeds ; Feeding Behavior ; *Herbivory ; Crops, Agricultural ; Composting ; Environmental Monitoring ; }, abstract = {The occurrence of microplastics in soil is an emerging issue that not only impacts soil ecology but also has the potential to affect terrestrial birds foraging in agricultural fields. Foraging birds may unintentionally take up soil-borne microplastics along with soil adhering to crop residues and seeds of cultivated species. Microplastic uptake by foraging terrestrial bird species, including Pica pica (magpie), Corvus cornix (hooded crow), and Columba palumbus (common wood pigeon), studied using camera traps, showed that the risk of MP uptake by these birds microplastics from compostable plastic bags was elevated by 27 and 78% when the microplastic particles were associated with corn seed grits or corn seeds, respectively. When these film fragments were coated with a slurry containing tannic acid, saponin, and juglone, microplastic uptake was significantly reduced. Similarly, coating corn seeds with this repellent slurry reduced seed predation by birds up to 86%, and completely wrapping corn seeds with a repellent plastic film resulted in no observed seed predation by birds. The same results were obtained when the wrapping film was replaced by a seed coating containing hairy cotton fibers which may have triggered a feather fear or repulsion response in the birds. This study demonstrated that covering corn seeds with natural repellents or hairy filaments provided complete protection from bird predation.}, }
@article {pmid40084976, year = {2025}, author = {Heled, E and Levi, O}, title = {The effect of age and fluid intelligence on working memory in different modalities among elderly individuals: a moderated mediation analysis.}, journal = {Neuropsychology, development, and cognition. Section B, Aging, neuropsychology and cognition}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-15}, doi = {10.1080/13825585.2025.2474472}, pmid = {40084976}, issn = {1744-4128}, abstract = {Working memory (WM), the capacity to temporarily hold and manipulate information, is evaluated using the span paradigm, which consists of forward and backward recall tasks to assess storage and manipulation, respectively. In accordance with the dedifferentiation theory, which suggests that different cognitive abilities compensate for the decline of others during the aging process, the current study aimed to examine whether fluid intelligence mediates the relationship between forward and backward recall across verbal, visuospatial, and tactile modalities while including age as a moderator. A total of 106 healthy older adults aged 60-89 years underwent the Digit Span, Visuospatial Span, Tactual Span, and Raven Colored Progressive Matrices Test. We found positive correlations between forward and backward recall in all three span tasks. Additionally, the tactile and visuospatial moderated mediation models were significant, whereas the tactile model seemed more robust. However, the verbal model was found to be non-significant. These findings suggest that storage and manipulation are associated across different modalities, but fluid intelligence becomes a more significant factor as age progresses, thus compensating for WM decline. Nevertheless, this pattern varies between modalities, indicating a WM modality-specific differentiation dependent on the cognitive load. Our findings have implications for understanding cognitive aging processes and theoretical frameworks concerning WM.}, }
@article {pmid40079980, year = {2024}, author = {Burgers, TA and Kamarei, K and Vora, M and Horne, M}, title = {An Automated On-The-Go Unloading System Reduces Harvest Operator Stress Relative to Manual Operation.}, journal = {Journal of agricultural safety and health}, volume = {30}, number = {3}, pages = {89-106}, doi = {10.13031/jash.15992}, pmid = {40079980}, issn = {1074-7583}, mesh = {Humans ; Adult ; *Automation ; *Occupational Stress/prevention &amp; control ; Male ; Workload ; Farmers ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Crop Production/methods ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {HIGHLIGHTS: Stress was measured in harvest operators who performed on-the-go unloading manually and with an automated system. Automated unloading reduced the average grain cart and combine operator stress rate by 18% and 12%, respectively, compared to manual operation. Harvest operators usually worked more than 9 hours and often worked more than 12hours per workday during harvest. The use of automated unloading systems could positively affect the health of harvest operators.<br><br>ABSTRACT: On-the-go unloading improves harvest operational efficiency, but it requires skilled labor because it is challenging and stressful to balance numerous concurrent tasks. Harvest automation reduces workload, stress, and fatigue. The objective of this study was to determine if using a commercially available, automated on-the-go unloading system (Raven Cart Automation[TM], RCA, Raven Industries) would reduce operator stress compared to manual operation. Nine grain cart tractor operators and six combine operators participated in this study. Operators performed their typical harvest operation, except to alternate on-the-go unloading using RCA or operating manually. Skin conductance (electrodermal activity) was measured with an Empatica E4 wristband, and stressful events were quantified. Machine data was collected from the tractor and combine via CAN logs. Over 200 total unload events were analyzed. Grain cart and combine operators using RCA had an 18% (p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.022) and 12% (p = 0.18) reduction in stress rate, respectively, compared to operating the grain cart tractor manually. RCA reduced the tractor cross-track error standard deviation by 2.5&#xa0;cm on straight passes (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.0001). The use of an automated on-the-go unloading system reduces operator stress during harvest and could positively affect the health of operators, especially during the long harvest workdays.}, }
@article {pmid40052146, year = {2025}, author = {Lingstädt, F and Apostel, A and Rose, J}, title = {"Distribution of dominant wavelengths predicts jackdaw (Corvus monedula) color discrimination performance".}, journal = {Frontiers in physiology}, volume = {16}, number = {}, pages = {1543469}, pmid = {40052146}, issn = {1664-042X}, abstract = {Color vision is an important perceptual ability in most species and a crucial capacity underlying any cognitive task working with color stimuli. Birds are known for their outstanding vision and tetrachromacy. Two jackdaws were trained to indicate whether they perceive two colors as same or different. The dominant wavelengths of the experimental colors were assessed to relate the birds' performance to the physical qualities of the stimuli. The results indicate that the differences or similarities in dominant wavelengths of the colors had a strong influence on the behavioral data. Colors related to a reduced discriminatory performance were colors of particularly close wavelengths, whereas differences in saturation or brightness were less relevant. Overall, jackdaws mostly relied on hue to discriminate color pairs, and their behavior strongly reflected the physical composition of the color set. These findings show that when working with color stimuli, not only the perceptual abilities of the particular species, but also the technical aspects concerning the color presentation have to be considered carefully.}, }
@article {pmid40038068, year = {2025}, author = {Gogola, JV and Joyce, MK and Vijayraghavan, S and Barnum, G and Wildenberg, G}, title = {NSF Workshop Report: Exploring Measurements and Interpretations of Intelligent Behaviors Across Animal Model Systems.}, journal = {The Journal of comparative neurology}, volume = {533}, number = {3}, pages = {e70035}, doi = {10.1002/cne.70035}, pmid = {40038068}, issn = {1096-9861}, support = {//Neuronex: The fabric of the primate neocortex and the origin of mental representations, NSF 2015276/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Intelligence/physiology ; *Models, Animal ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Neurosciences/methods ; Brain/physiology ; }, abstract = {Defining intelligence is a challenging and fraught task, but one that neuroscientists are repeatedly confronted with. A central goal of neuroscience is to understand how phenomena like intelligent behaviors emerge from nervous systems. This requires some determination of what defines intelligence and how to measure it. The challenge is multifaceted. For instance, as we begin to describe and understand the brain in increasingly specific physical terms (e.g., anatomy, cell types, activity patterns), we amplify an ever-growing divide in how we connect measurable properties of the brain to less tangible concepts like intelligence. As our appreciation for evolutionary diversity in neuroscience grows, we are further confronted with whether there can be a unifying theory of intelligence. The National Science Foundation (NSF) NeuroNex consortium recently gathered experts from multiple animal model systems to discuss intelligence across species. We summarize here the different perspectives offered by the consortium, with the goal of promoting thought and debate of this ancient question from a modern perspective, and asking whether defining intelligence is a useful exercise in neuroscience or an ill-posed and distracting question. We present data from the vantage points of humans, macaques, ferrets, crows, octopuses, bees, and flies, highlighting some of the noteworthy capabilities of each species within the context of each species' ecological niche and how these may be challenged by climate change. We also include a remarkable example of convergent evolution between primates and crows in the circuit and molecular basis for working memory in these highly divergent animal species.}, }
@article {pmid40020660, year = {2025}, author = {Linderoth, T and Deaner, L and Chen, N and Bowman, R and Boughton, RK and Fitzpatrick, SW}, title = {Translocations spur population growth but fail to prevent genetic erosion in imperiled Florida Scrub-Jays.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2025.01.058}, pmid = {40020660}, issn = {1879-0445}, abstract = {Land and natural resource use in addition to climate change can restrict populations to degraded and fragmented habitats, catalyzing extinction through the reinforced interplay of small population size and genetic decay. Translocating individuals is a powerful strategy for overcoming direct threats from human development and reconnecting isolated populations but is not without risks.[1] Habitat Management Plan analyses under section 7 of the U.S. Endangered Species Act determined that multiple subpopulations of Federally Threatened Florida Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens, hereafter FSJ) belonging to a metapopulation on Florida's west coast were declining demographic sinks, occupying areas where agriculture and fire suppression had degraded and fragmented the habitat.[2] In order to increase the viability of the overall metapopulation, 51 FSJs from five of these small subpopulations in areas to be mined were translocated throughout 2003-2010 into a larger site of more contiguous, recently restored habitat at the core of the metapopulation, which contained a small resident population.[3] Prior to translocations and for nearly two decades afterward, this core population, referred to as the M4 core region (CR) population, was extensively monitored, yielding a nearly complete pedigree. We used this pedigree, along with temporal genomic analyses and simulations, to show that translocations coupled with habitat restoration generated rapid population growth, but high reproductive skew increased inbreeding and led to genetic erosion. This mechanistic understanding of mixed conservation outcomes highlights the importance of monitoring and the potential need for genetic rescue to offset consequences of reproductive skew following translocations, regardless of demographic recovery.}, }
@article {pmid40019547, year = {2025}, author = {Vernouillet, A and Huang, N and Kelly, DM}, title = {Pinyon Jays (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) and Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana) can discriminate between pilfering and non-pilfering conspecifics, but not between heterospecifics.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {28}, number = {1}, pages = {19}, pmid = {40019547}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {BOF.PDO.2021.0035.01//University of Ghent/ ; RGPIN-2017-04944//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Passeriformes/physiology ; *Feeding Behavior ; Male ; Female ; Social Behavior ; Species Specificity ; Discrimination, Psychological ; }, abstract = {When foraging, individuals often need to assess potential risk from competitors. Within many food-caching (food-storing) species, individuals can modify their caching behavior depending on whether other individuals are present during the caching event. During caching, individuals may interact with not only conspecifics but also heterospecifics. However, the extent to which individual cachers can discriminate between conspecifics and heterospecifics that present a pilfering threat or not, has received little attention. During this study, we examined this issue with food-storing birds, highly social pinyon jays and less social Clark's nutcrackers. Cachers were given a choice to store their seeds in one of two visually distinct trays. Subsequently, one of the trays was given to an individual (either a conspecific or a heterospecific) who pilfered the caches, whereas the other tray was given to an individual (either a conspecific or a heterospecific) who did not pilfer the caches. When the two trays were returned to the cachers, they recached the seeds from the tray given to the pilfering observer individual more so than the tray given to the non-pilfering observer, but only when the pilferer was a conspecific. Our results suggest that the pinyon jays and nutcrackers could distinguish between conspecifics based on their pilfering behavior, but not between heterospecifics. Together, our results reconsider the ability of corvids to discriminate between individuals based on their pilfering risk and the importance of doing so while caching.}, }
@article {pmid40011843, year = {2025}, author = {Singhal, R and Namdev, R and Kumar, A and Bhagol, A and S, S}, title = {Correlation of fluoride intake with haemoglobin level and intelligence quotient in 8-12 year aged children: an observational study from India.}, journal = {BMC public health}, volume = {25}, number = {1}, pages = {788}, pmid = {40011843}, issn = {1471-2458}, support = {F.N. 5/9/1458/2022-Nut//Indian Council of Medical Research/ ; F.N. 5/9/1458/2022-Nut//Indian Council of Medical Research/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Female ; Child ; *Fluorosis, Dental ; India ; *Hemoglobins/analysis ; *Fluorides/urine/analysis ; *Intelligence Tests ; *Intelligence/drug effects ; Drinking Water/chemistry ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Fluorosis caused by excess intake of fluoride can affects various soft tissues of the body, such as the gastrointestinal tract, blood, brain tissues and thyroid gland apart from dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis. Nonskeletal fluorosis is considered reversible if diagnosed early and treated promptly. Therefore, diagnostic methods that can be easily performed even by primary health care workers and depict any ongoing health problems, should be validated. Dental fluorosis, assessment of fluoride in urine and water are tests that fulfill these requirements. To date, no study has correlated haemoglobin (Hb) with dental fluorosis; moreover, studies focusing on intelligence quotient (IQ) had conflicting results and need further research. Hence, study was conducted to determine any relationship among different fluoride assessment parameters (severity of dental fluorosis, fluoride level in urine and drinking water) with IQ status and hemoglobin level of children aged 8-12 years, affected with or without dental fluorosis.<br><br>METHODS: A total of 300 children aged 8-12 years were evaluated for dental fluorosis via Dean's index, IQ level via Raven's coloured progressive matrices test, Hb level, and fluoride content in water and urine.<br><br>RESULTS: Water fluoride, age and gender were significantly associated with Hb. Intelligence was significantly related to urinary fluoride levels. Presence or absence of dental fluorosis and its severity were not significantly related to IQ or Hb.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Excess fluoride intake has adverse effects on hematological parameters and children's cognitive neurodevelopment, which were evaluated by current fluoride exposure markers, i.e., water and urinary fluoride. However, dental fluorosis cannot be used as a definitive assessment marker for these conditions, as it is not significantly correlated with these conditions.}, }
@article {pmid40003498, year = {2025}, author = {Grant, TJ}, title = {COVID-19 as a Mirror: Reflecting the Pandemic of Racism and the Historical Roots of Health Inequities.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {22}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ijerph22020273}, pmid = {40003498}, issn = {1660-4601}, mesh = {*COVID-19/epidemiology/ethnology ; Humans ; *Racism/history ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics/history ; United States/epidemiology ; Health Inequities ; History, 20th Century ; Social Determinants of Health ; Black or African American ; History, 21st Century ; Health Status Disparities ; White ; }, abstract = {Historically, the attribution of biology to race has shaped societies and manifested in innumerable disparities and irreparable harm, especially in communities of color. From the earliest days of the United States to the present day, the dehumanization and "othering" of African Americans have caused deep racial inequities that have been perpetuated and embedded in American culture. The early months of the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the deep racial inequalities in the US, especially in health outcomes for communities of color. Structural racism has played a critical role in exacerbating disparities, with Black, Hispanic, Latinx, and Indigenous populations experiencing higher rates of severe disease and mortality. The interconnectedness of racism with the social determinants of health, concomitant with higher rates of chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension, increases vulnerability to severe COVID-19. Health disparities are compounded by implicit biases in the medical field, a lack of diversity among healthcare providers, and historical medical mistrust among marginalized groups. Underrepresentation in the medical field, biomedical sciences, and academia hinders efforts to address health disparities effectively. This essay seeks to raise awareness of how the concepts of race and racism have resulted in racial hierarchies that perpetuate systems of oppression and impede efforts toward racial and health equity. Specifically, this essay covers time periods in American history, including slavery, the Jim Crow Era, the Civil Rights Movement, and the COVID-19 pandemic, and discusses how addressing race and racism and the achievement of racial health equity require targeted efforts to increase diversity in healthcare and biomedical fields, improve cultural competence, and foster trust between medical professionals and communities of color.}, }
@article {pmid39172397, year = {2025}, author = {Gomes-Ng, S and Gray, Q and Cowie, S}, title = {Pigeons' (Columba livia) intertemporal choice in binary-choice and patch-leaving contexts.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {139}, number = {1}, pages = {26-41}, doi = {10.1037/com0000387}, pmid = {39172397}, issn = {1939-2087}, support = {//Auckland University of Technology/ ; }, mesh = {*Columbidae ; Animals ; *Choice Behavior/physiology ; *Reinforcement, Psychology ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Delay Discounting/physiology ; Conditioning, Operant ; }, abstract = {Typical approaches to study self-control present subjects with a simultaneous choice between a larger-later (LL) reinforcer and a smaller-sooner (SS) reinforcer. In contrast, in patch-leaving tasks, subjects choose between staying at a patch for an SS (or LL) reinforcer and leaving for an LL (or SS) reinforcer. Previous studies show that blue jays, monkeys, humans, and rats prefer the SS reinforcer in binary-choice tasks, whereas the same subjects prefer the LL reinforcer in equivalent patch-leaving tasks. The current study systematically replicated this research using pigeons. Six pigeons responded in a binary-choice task and in two patch-leaving tasks in which staying led to an LL (Patch-L) or SS (Patch-S) reinforcer. Across conditions, the SS reinforcer delay varied from 5 to 55 s; the LL reinforcer delay was always 60 s. In binary-choice conditions, subjects preferred the SS reinforcer. In Patch-L and Patch-S conditions, subjects preferred the LL and SS reinforcer, respectively, reflecting a bias to stay at the patch. This bias persisted when the stay response was more effortful and when the delays to both reinforcers were equal. This may reflect a species-specific win-stay bias and the differential consequences of staying (which led to a stimulus signaling food) versus leaving (which led to a stimulus never associated with food). Thus, we propose a conditioned-reinforcement account of intertemporal choice in patch-leaving contexts. We suggest several avenues for further investigations of the mechanisms underlying intertemporal choice in different contexts and question the economic equivalence of the operant and patch-leaving procedures. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).}, }
@article {pmid39985626, year = {2025}, author = {Daw, F and Beheim, BA and Wascher, CAF}, title = {Evolutionary drivers of caching behaviour in corvids.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {28}, number = {1}, pages = {17}, pmid = {39985626}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; *Feeding Behavior ; Ecosystem ; }, abstract = {Caching has recurrently evolved across a range of animal taxa to withstand fluctuations in food availability and in the context of intraspecific competition. It is widespread in the corvid family, which exhibit considerable interspecific variation in their behavioural and morphological adaptations to caching. However, the evolutionary drivers responsible for this diversity have seldom been explored. The present study systematically reviews the literature on caching behaviour in corvids globally to determine (1) which food caching strategies species have adopted (specialist, generalist or non-cacher) and (2) whether ecological factors affect the occurrence of different strategies, namely (a) climate breadth, (b) trophic niche, (c) habitat breadth, (d) centroid latitude, (e) centroid longitude, (f) breeding system, and (g) body mass. In addition, the ancestral states of caching are reconstructed to assess the evolutionary trajectory of each strategy. Caching strategies were identified in 63 species from 16 genera (out of 128 corvid species and 22 genera). Ancestral state analysis suggested specialist caching as the ancestral state in corvids. Type of caching is associated with distance from equator and by average body mass, with generalist caching concentrated around the equatorial zone and among heavier corvids, while specialist caching occurring more commonly in smaller species found farther from the equator. Although specialist caching most likely was the ancestral state in corvids, both specialist and generalist caching evolved several times independently in the family of corvids. Our results show caching to be widespread in corvids and affected by body size and latitude but ecological factors such as topic niche and habitat breadth and breeding system, not to be strong drivers shaping caching behaviour.}, }
@article {pmid39979404, year = {2025}, author = {Clark, FE and Burdass, J and Kavanagh, A and King, A}, title = {Palaeognath birds innovate to solve a novel foraging problem.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {4512}, pmid = {39979404}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; *Feeding Behavior/physiology ; *Palaeognathae/physiology ; Problem Solving ; Cognition ; Birds/physiology/classification ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; }, abstract = {The ability to innovate implies flexible cognition, and is used as a broad metric of intelligence. Innovation in birds has been intensively studied in the larger and more taxonomically diverse Neognathae clade (particularly crows and parrots) and overlooked in the smaller and more ancestral Palaeognathae clade. The current study provides the first known evidence of technical innovation in palaeognath birds. We tested the ability of nine individuals of three species to move a hole towards a chamber to access a food reward. This problem was different to traditional innovation puzzle-boxes where an obstacle is moved away from a food chamber. Three emus and one rhea produced a wheel-turning innovation, moving the hole in the most efficient direction (closer to the nearest food item) in 90% of cases. One rhea dismantled the task twice by removing the central bolt, which we suggest is a second type of innovation, and it did not persist once they innovated the wheel turning solution. Ostriches did not innovate. We classify innovation in palaeognaths as low level/simplistic, relying on general exploration and asocial trial and error learning. Our research suggests that technical innovation may have evolved far earlier in birds than previously thought, and palaeognath birds are a compelling taxonomic group for further cognitive research.}, }
@article {pmid39978703, year = {2025}, author = {Plinio, SD and Perrucci, MG and Ferrara, G and Sergi, MR and Tommasi, M and Martino, M and Saggino, A and Ebisch, SJ}, title = {Intrinsic Brain Mapping of Cognitive Abilities: A Multiple-Dataset Study on Intelligence and its Components.}, journal = {NeuroImage}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {121094}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuroimage.2025.121094}, pmid = {39978703}, issn = {1095-9572}, abstract = {This study investigates how functional brain network features contribute to general intelligence and its cognitive components by analyzing three independent cohorts of healthy participants. Cognitive scores were derived from 1) the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV), 2) the Raven Standard Progressive Matrices (RPM), and 3) the NIH and Penn cognitive batteries from the Human Connectome Project. Factor analysis on the NIH and Penn cognitive batteries yielded latent variables that closely resembled the content of the WAIS-IV indices and RPM. We employed graph theory and a multi-resolution network analysis by varying the modularity parameter (γ) to investigate hierarchical brain-behavior relationships across different scales of brain organization. Brain-behavior associations were quantified using multi-level robust regression analyses to accommodate variability and confounds at the subject-level, node-level, and resolution-level. Our findings reveal consistent brain-behavior relationships across the datasets. Nodal efficiency in fronto-parietal sensorimotor regions consistently played a pivotal role in fluid reasoning, whereas efficiency in visual networks was linked to executive functions and memory. A broad, low-resolution 'task-positive' network emerged as predictive of full-scale IQ scores, indicating a hierarchical brain-behavior coding. Conversely, increased cross-network connections involving default mode and subcortical-limbic networks were associated with reductions in both general and specific cognitive performance. These outcomes highlight the relevance of network efficiency and integration, as well as of the hierarchical organization in supporting specific aspects of intelligence, while recognizing the inherent complexity of these relationships. Our multi-resolution network approach offers new insights into the interplay between multilayer network properties and the structure of cognitive abilities, advancing the understanding of the neural substrates of the intelligence construct.}, }
@article {pmid39961427, year = {2025}, author = {Yatsuda, C and Izawa, EI}, title = {Sex difference of LiCl-induced feeding suppression and, autonomic and HPA axis responses in crows.}, journal = {Physiology &amp; behavior}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {114846}, doi = {10.1016/j.physbeh.2025.114846}, pmid = {39961427}, issn = {1873-507X}, abstract = {Visceral sensation is crucial for feeding, emotion, and decision making in humans and non-human animals. Visceral discomforting stimulation activates stress-coping systems, such as the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and hypothalamus-pit-adrenal (HPA) axis, with varied responses and thresholds between sexes. Despite these systems working together during visceral discomfort, ANS and HPA have been separately investigated with few studies examining the co-occurrence of the ANS and HPA responses to visceral stimulations. The basic profiles of the ANS and HPA responses to visceral discomfort and sex differences in birds are poorly elucidated. This study investigated the effects of visceral stimulation via intraperitoneal injection of lithium chloride (LiCl) on feeding behavior, ANS and HPA activities, and sex differences in crows. We identified the LiCl dose that suppressed the intake of a preferred food and compared the LiCl-induced feeding suppression between sexes. Changes in heart rate variability (HRV), as a proxy of sympathetic and parasympathetic activities, and serum corticosterone (CORT) levels by LiCl injection were compared. Feeding suppression occurred at higher LiCl doses in males than in females. HRV analysis revealed that LiCl injection reduced HR and increased parasympathetic activity; however, it did not change sympathetic activity, with no sex differences in any variables. In contrast, LiCl injections at lower doses increased serum CORT levels more in males than in females. Our findings provide the first evidence of sex-specific response profiles to feeding suppression and ANS and HPA activities associated with LiCl-induced visceral discomfort in birds.}, }
@article {pmid39957524, year = {2025}, author = {Barrón-Martínez, JB and Salvador-Cruz, J}, title = {Executive function abilities in Mexican people with Down syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic.}, journal = {Journal of intellectual &amp; developmental disability}, volume = {50}, number = {1}, pages = {116-126}, doi = {10.3109/13668250.2024.2410846}, pmid = {39957524}, issn = {1469-9532}, mesh = {Humans ; *Down Syndrome/psychology ; *COVID-19/psychology/epidemiology ; *Executive Function/physiology ; Mexico ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Child ; Neuropsychological Tests ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Memory, Short-Term/physiology ; North American People ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The aim was to explore the executive function profile of a group of Mexican people with Down syndrome (DS) aged 12-30 years during the COVID-19 pandemic.<br><br>AIM: To analyse the relationships between mental, chronological age and eight domains of executive function.<br><br>METHOD: Participants were 42 people with DS with a chronological age (CA) of 12-30 years and a mean nonverbal mental age (MA) of 7 years. MA was evaluated with Raven's Progressive Matrices test and executive function with the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF-2); both were administered online.<br><br>RESULTS: The Monitor, Emotional Control, Initiative, and Organisation of Materials scales showed strengths, while Working Memory, Plan/Organise, Shift, and Inhibit scales showed weaknesses. CA correlated negatively with seven of the eight executive domains. Chronologically older participants showed less impairment in skills such as inhibition, emotional control, working memory, and monitoring. Nonverbal MA correlated negatively with two domains: emotional control and monitoring.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Participants' executive profile during the COVID-19 pandemic was consistent with that reported in studies prior to the pandemic.}, }
@article {pmid39943112, year = {2025}, author = {Yakhlef, V and Magalhães-Sant'Ana, M and Pereira, AL and Azevedo, A}, title = {A Global Survey on the Perception of Conservationists Regarding Animal Consciousness.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {15}, number = {3}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ani15030341}, pmid = {39943112}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {Human perceptions of animal consciousness have evolved over time, influencing how they are treated. This study aimed to assess perceptions of animal consciousness in people working in conservation. An online survey of 87 participants evaluated their perceptions of animals' capabilities across 10 dimensions of consciousness, including self-consciousness, learning, and reasoning. The sum of the answers to the questions was validated as a "perception index" using a principal component analysis. Next, its variation according to taxonomic, demographic, professional factors, and the duration, type, and frequency of interaction with animals was assessed with generalized linear models and stepwise model selection. Participants' perceptions varied with taxonomic class and the level of education, with mammals obtaining higher indexes than birds (-0.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.24, -0.03, p < 0.01) or reptiles (-0.41; 95% CI -0.55, -0.27, p < 0.01), and respondents holding a PhD exhibiting higher perception indexes than those with BScs (-0.19; 95% CI -0.32, -0.06, p < 0.01) or lower education (-0.18; 95% CI -0.32, -0.03, p = 0.01). The attribution of consciousness followed a phylogenetic pattern, but several exceptions (e.g., the octopus and raven) were noted on a finer scale supporting a multifactorial influence on the perception of animal consciousness that emerges upon a baseline phylogenetic pattern. Finally, the results suggest that conservationists are influenced by culture and scientific knowledge, as much as their personal experiences, when evaluating animals' perceptions, highlighting the need for further research on the convergence between perception, belief, and evidence.}, }
@article {pmid39455458, year = {2025}, author = {Yue, Q and Cao, Z and Li, R and Wang, Y and Rui, S and Zhang, T and Liu, L}, title = {"Folding Fan Flap": A Novel and Dependable Surgical Technique for Crow's Feet Correction by Z-Plasty of Orbicularis Oculi Muscle.}, journal = {Aesthetic plastic surgery}, volume = {49}, number = {2}, pages = {484-489}, pmid = {39455458}, issn = {1432-5241}, support = {2021-I2M-1-052//Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Innovation Funds for Medical Sciences/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Male ; Adult ; *Surgical Flaps/transplantation ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Patient Satisfaction/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Blepharoplasty/methods ; Esthetics ; Oculomotor Muscles/surgery ; Cohort Studies ; Eyelids/surgery ; Facial Muscles/surgery ; Follow-Up Studies ; Risk Assessment ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The challenge of crow's feet surgical correction is to minimize the complication caused by orbicularis oculi muscle (OOM) resection while ensuring the operative effect. This study aims to propose a novel technique to solve this problem and evaluate its efficacy.<br><br>METHODS: From January 2022 to April 2024, all patients who received "Folding fan flap" in our institution were included. The outer third of the OOM below the lateral canthus was dissected and received Z-plasty to exchange width for length and reconstruct the muscle dynamics in a non-circular direction. Preoperative and postoperative smiling crow's feet were assessed by two independent physicians using the Lemperle wrinkle scale. At least six months after surgery, patient satisfaction with wrinkle correction, naturalness of facial expression, and local flattening was subjectively evaluated on a five-point scale. Complications including hematomas, incomplete eyelid closure, facial stiffness, and forehead numbness were recorded.<br><br>RESULTS: A total of 32 patients (63 sides) were included with a mean follow-up of 13.9 &#xb1; 5.2 months. Postoperative assessments showed a significant reduction in Lemperle's score from 4.8 &#xb1; 0.4 to 1.5 &#xb1; 0.5 (P=0.000). Regarding the satisfaction of surgical outcomes and the naturalness of facial expressions, thirty patients (93.8%) were very satisfied. There were no severe complications such as hematomas and incomplete eyelid closure.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Preliminary clinical studies demonstrated the efficacy of this technique in ensuring outcomes while preserving normal dynamic expressions. By Z-plasty of the outer circle of OOM, the muscle dynamic was successfully modified rather than eradicated.<br><br>LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .}, }
@article {pmid39928177, year = {2025}, author = {Zhang, R and Guo, R and Xin, Y and Jiang, Q and Qiu, J}, title = {A bibliometric analysis of immune response in oral cancer.}, journal = {Discover oncology}, volume = {16}, number = {1}, pages = {146}, pmid = {39928177}, issn = {2730-6011}, support = {20232BAB216073, 20242BAB25514//Jiangxi Natural Science Foundation/ ; GZY-KJS-2023-028//Key Projects of Jiangxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine/ ; 82260194, 82403716//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), a type of oral cancer, has a high mortality rate and unfavorable outcomes. Its tumor microenvironment (TME) is intricate and adaptable, with research frequently focusing on the immune reaction. Scholars are exploring ways to enhance survival by bolstering the immune response within the TME. However, a comprehensive trend analysis is lacking. Bibliometric analysis can address this by visualizing research patterns. This study aimed to map these trends in OSCC immunology from 2003 to 2023.<br><br>METHODS: An immunology-focused search on OSCC was executed within the Web of Science Core Collection, spanning 2003 to 2023. Despite its narrow focus, the search offers a telling glimpse of current researches in this domain. Bibliometric analysis was performed using VOSviewer, Citespace, Scimago Graphica, and R software.<br><br>RESULTS: From 2003 to 2023, the field has published 805 publications, predominantly from China and the United States. The most valuable contributing author is Friedman Jay, topping co-citation counts. The journal Oral Oncology is the leading journal with the highest publication volume. An analysis of keyword bursts indicated that research into nivolumab and chemotherapy is a prevalent area of interest within the clinical community. These findings suggest that neoadjuvant immunotherapy represents a promising avenue for future therapeutic development.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study presented a summary of the current trends and research frontiers in the field of immunological aspects of OSCC. This summary can serve as a valuable reference and a source of new insights into this area of research.}, }
@article {pmid39921575, year = {2025}, author = {Moll, FW and Kersten, Y and Erdle, S and Nieder, A}, title = {Exploring Anatomical Links Between the Crow's Nidopallium Caudolaterale and Its Song System.}, journal = {The Journal of comparative neurology}, volume = {533}, number = {2}, pages = {e70028}, pmid = {39921575}, issn = {1096-9861}, mesh = {Animals ; *Vocalization, Animal/physiology ; *Crows/anatomy &amp; histology/physiology ; *Neural Pathways/anatomy &amp; histology/physiology ; *Telencephalon/anatomy &amp; histology/physiology/cytology ; Male ; Neurons/physiology/cytology ; }, abstract = {Crows are corvid songbirds that exhibit remarkable cognitive control, including their ability to vocalize on command. The activity of single neurons from the crow's associative telencephalic structure nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL) is correlated with the execution of this vocal and many non-vocal behaviors. However, whether anatomical connections directly link the crow NCL to its "song system" remains unclear. To address this, we used fluorescent tracers along with histological staining methods to characterize the connectivity of the crow's NCL in relation to its song system. Consistent with previous findings in other songbirds, we found that the NCL sends dense projections into the dorsal intermediate arcopallium (AID) directly adjacent to the song system's telencephalic motor output, the robust nucleus of the arcopallium (RA). Similarly, we demonstrate dense NCL projections into the striatum engulfing the basal ganglia song nucleus "area X." Both of these descending projections mirror the projections of the nidopallial song nucleus HVC (proper name) into RA and area X, with extremely sparse NCL fibers extending into area X. Furthermore, we characterized the distribution of cells projecting from the lateral part of the magnocellular nucleus of the anterior nidopallium (MAN) to NCL. Notably, a separate medial population of MAN cells projects to HVC. These two sets of connections-MAN to NCL and MAN to HVC-run in parallel but do not overlap. Taken together, our findings support the hypothesis that the NCL is part of a "general motor system" that parallels the song system but exhibits only minimal monosynaptic interconnections with it.}, }
@article {pmid39911412, year = {2025}, author = {Tomita, KM and Matsuyama, H}, title = {Cleaning Interactions Between Crows and Sika Deer: Implications for Tick-Borne Disease Management.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {15}, number = {2}, pages = {e70845}, pmid = {39911412}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Cleaning interactions between mammals and birds have been widely observed worldwide. Here, we report cleaning interactions between sika deer and crows in Japan, based on a field observations using camera traps and online research. Online research was performed on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and personal blogs. We finally collected 27 cases of cleaning associations between sika deer and crows. Crows associated with male more than female deer and mainly pecked their heads or necks, suggesting that crows remove Ixodid ticks from the deer's surface. Given that ticks on sika deer are vectors of several zoonotic pathogens such as Rickettsia and Borrelia spp., further studies should be conducted to examine the roles of crows as biocontrol agents of ticks and tick-borne diseases.}, }
@article {pmid39904394, year = {2025}, author = {Hahn, LG and Hooper, R and McIvor, GE and Thornton, A}, title = {Pair-bond strength is consistent and related to partner responsiveness in a wild corvid.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {292}, number = {2040}, pages = {20242729}, pmid = {39904394}, issn = {1471-2954}, support = {/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; //Leverhulme Trust/ ; //Natural Environment Research Council/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows/physiology ; *Pair Bond ; Female ; Male ; Social Behavior ; Cognition ; }, abstract = {The need to maintain strong social bonds is widely thought to be a key driver of cognitive evolution. Cognitive abilities to track and respond to information about social partners may be favoured by selection if they vary within populations and confer fitness benefits. Here we evaluate four key assumptions of this argument in wild jackdaws (Corvus monedula), corvids whose long-term pair bonds exemplify one of the putative social drivers of cognitive evolution in birds. Combining observational and experimental behavioural data with long-term breeding records, we found support for three assumptions: (i) pair-bond strength varies across the population, (ii) is consistent within pairs over time and (iii) is positively associated with partner responsiveness, a measure of socio-cognitive performance. However, (iv) we did not find clear evidence that stronger pair bonds lead to better fitness outcomes. Strongly bonded pairs were better able to adjust hatching synchrony to environmental conditions but they did not fledge more or higher quality offspring. Together, these findings suggest that maintaining strong pair bonds is linked to socio-cognitive performance and may facilitate effective coordination between partners. However, they also imply that these benefits are insufficient to explain how selection acts on social cognition. We argue that evaluating how animals navigate trade-offs between investing in long-term relationships versus optimizing interactions in their wider social networks will be a crucial avenue for future research.}, }
@article {pmid39876722, year = {2025}, author = {Hahner, L and Nieder, A}, title = {Volitional spatial attention is lateralized in crows.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {292}, number = {2039}, pages = {20242540}, pmid = {39876722}, issn = {1471-2954}, support = {//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows/physiology ; *Attention ; *Cues ; *Functional Laterality/physiology ; Space Perception/physiology ; Visual Fields/physiology ; Male ; Reaction Time ; Female ; Volition/physiology ; Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {Like humans and many other animal species, birds exhibit left-right asymmetries in certain behaviours due to differences in hemispheric brain functions. While the lateralization of sensory and motor functions is well established in birds, the potential lateralization of high-level executive control functions, such as volitional attention, remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that carrion crows exhibit more pronounced volitional (endogenous) attention for stimuli monocularly viewed with the left eye and thus in the left visual hemifield. We trained four crows on Posner-like spatial cueing tasks using informative cues to evaluate their volitional top-down attention. The crows detected cued targets using either the left or right eye. As a measure of volitional attention, we calculated reaction time differences for detecting targets that were correctly (validly) and incorrectly (invalidly) cued, separately for the left and right visual hemifields. We found that cued targets were detected more quickly and efficiently in the left visual field compared with the right visual field. Because the left-eye system of the crow's brain processes information primarily from the left visual hemifield, these findings suggest that crows, like humans, exhibit superior executive control of attention in the left-eye/right hemisphere system of their brains.}, }
@article {pmid39875490, year = {2025}, author = {Zheng, M and Wan, W and Fang, Z}, title = {Abstract visual reasoning based on algebraic methods.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {3482}, pmid = {39875490}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {2020AAA0109300//Ministry of Science and Technology/ ; 2020AAA0109300//Ministry of Science and Technology/ ; }, abstract = {Extracting high-order abstract patterns from complex high-dimensional data forms the foundation of human cognitive abilities. Abstract visual reasoning involves identifying abstract patterns embedded within composite images, considered a core competency of machine intelligence. Traditional neuro-symbolic methods often infer unknown objects through data fitting, without fully exploring the abstract patterns within composite images and the sequential sensitivity of visual sequences. This paper constructs a relation model with object-centric inductive biases, learning end-to-end multi-granular rule embeddings at different levels. Through a gating fusion module, the model incrementally integrates explicit representations of objects and abstract relationships. The model incorporates a relational bottleneck method from information theory, separating the input perceptual information from the embeddings of abstract representations, thereby restricting and differentiating feature processing to encourage relational comparisons and induce the extraction of abstract patterns. Furthermore, this paper bridges algebraic operations and machine reasoning through the relational bottleneck method, extracting common patterns of multi-visual objects by identifying invariant sequences within the relational bottleneck matrix. Experimental results on the I-RAVEN dataset demonstrate a total accuracy of 96.8%, surpassing state-of-the-art baseline methods and exceeding human performance at 84.4%.}, }
@article {pmid39850750, year = {2025}, author = {Chen, Y and Xu, Y and Wang, J and Chen, T and Liu, B and Chen, P and Lu, C}, title = {The Eurasian Magpie Preys on the Nests of Vinous-throated Parrotbills in Invasive Smooth Cordgrass.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {e70905}, pmid = {39850750}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Native animals worldwide are experiencing long-term coexistence with invasive plants, leading to diverse behavioral changes. Invasive plants may create new habitat structures that affect the distribution or behavior of prey, which in turn might attract predators to these novel habitats, thereby altering predator-prey dynamics within the ecosystem. However, this phenomenon is rarely reported. Our previous research found that in the Yellow Sea wetlands of China, the native bird species, the vinous-throated parrotbill (Sinosuthora webbiana), has adapted to breeding in the invasive smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) by increasing its nesting height. Here, our observations indicate that in cordgrass habitats, the main nest predator of parrotbills was the Eurasian magpie (Pica pica), accounting for 75% of predation events. In contrast, in native habitats, the primary predators were mammals and snakes, accounting for 83% of predation events, with no nests being predated by magpies. We believe that changes in the breeding and nesting behavior of parrotbills may have attracted magpie predation in cordgrass habitats. Our findings may provide an empirical case of how behavioral changes induced by invasive plants can lead to dynamic shifts in predation relationships. We advocate for further research into this intriguing phenomenon, as it could enhance our understanding of changes in interspecific relationships and their ecological consequences within the context of biological invasions.}, }
@article {pmid39839126, year = {2024}, author = {Liu, B and Sun, H and Zhao, Q and Li, L and Tian, R and Lui, S and Zhu, H}, title = {Plastic but not progressive changes in cognitive function and hippocampal volume in an adolescent with bipolar disorder: a case report.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychiatry}, volume = {15}, number = {}, pages = {1507333}, pmid = {39839126}, issn = {1664-0640}, abstract = {Bipolar disorder (BD) is a prevalent mood disorder characterized by alternating episodes of depression and mania, often accompanied by varying degrees of cognitive impairment. Cognitive impairments often serve as indicators of a bleak prognosis or the likelihood of progressing to dementia. Additionally, some studies suggest that individuals diagnosed with BD may undergo a decline in hippocampal volume. However, the potential for reversibility of these changes, particularly in adolescents, remains unclear. We present an intriguing case involving an 18-year-old male student who experiences concurrent occurrences of both BD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), accompanied by a subtle reduction in hippocampal volume. Initially, the individual exhibited impaired general cognitive function, as indicated by an IQ score of 80 on the Standard Raven's Progressive Matrices test, and demonstrated slightly reduced bilateral hippocampal volume compared to the normative reference, as determined through quantitative structural magnetic resonance imaging (qsMRI). The deposition profiles of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide in the brain were not identified with 18F-AV45 PET/MRI. Following six months of combined psychopharmacological treatment and cognitive behavioral therapy, the individual's psychopathological symptoms improved significantly, leading to a restoration of his IQ score to 116 and normalization of hippocampal volume. This case suggests that the hippocampal volume reduction and cognitive impairment seen in some adolescents with BD may demonstrate greater plasticity compared to neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). These findings highlight the potential importance of early intervention in young BD patients with cognitive impairments.}, }
@article {pmid39799780, year = {2025}, author = {van Schijndel, TJP and Jansen, BRJ}, title = {Integrating lines of research on children's curiosity-driven learning.}, journal = {Journal of experimental child psychology}, volume = {252}, number = {}, pages = {106168}, doi = {10.1016/j.jecp.2024.106168}, pmid = {39799780}, issn = {1096-0457}, mesh = {Humans ; Child ; Male ; Female ; *Exploratory Behavior ; *Mental Recall ; *Learning ; *Intelligence/physiology ; Attention ; }, abstract = {Epistemic curiosity is considered indispensable in children's learning, but previous empirical research on children's curiosity-driven learning has been fragmented; separate research lines tend to focus on single learning outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed at integrating different research lines by adapting an existing paradigm to investigate not only the relation between children's state curiosity and their memory performance but also their desire to explore. In addition, this study examined a possible mechanism through which curiosity affects recall: increased attentional processes. Last, this study investigated the role of intelligence and perceived prior knowledge in the relation between curiosity and recall. We applied a within-participants design in which the Trivia task (N = 32) and Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices were administered to 10- to 12-year-olds. In the Trivia task, participants learn answers to trivia questions for which they have high and low curiosity, and subsequently recall is tested. Main findings include that children memorized trivia facts better when they were in a high-curious state rather than a low-curious state, and this positive relation may increase with intelligence. Importantly, the relation between curiosity and recall still held when taking into account perceived prior knowledge. Curiosity was positively related not only to recall but also to children's desire to further explore the concerning topic. Given that in some educational contexts promoting curiosity is not considered a priority and children express little school-related curiosity, an important value of this study for educational practice lies in the reinforcement of the notion of curiosity being a main driver of children's learning.}, }
@article {pmid39790721, year = {2025}, author = {Marie Montenegro, V and Mateo-Tomás, P and Schneider, J and Dent, DH and Crowther, T and Bello, C}, title = {Linking Functional Traits To Trophic Roles In Scavenger Assemblages.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {e70485}, pmid = {39790721}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Scavenging is a widespread feeding strategy involving a diversity of taxa from different trophic levels, from apex predators to obligate scavengers. Scavenger species play a crucial role in ecosystem functioning by removing carcasses, recycling nutrients and preventing disease spread. Understanding the trophic roles of scavenger species can help identify specialized species with unique roles and species that may be more vulnerable to ecological changes. To identify species with specialized roles, we studied three scavenger networks (one in north temperate Spain and two in central-south Mediterranean Spain) that comprised 25 scavenger species (65% birds and 35% mammals), consuming carcasses of four wild ungulate species. We characterized the trophic role of a species by combining four species-level network metrics (normalized degree, specialization, closeness, and betweenness centrality) into a single centrality metric, quantifying how scavenger species interact with carcass species within their ecological network. Higher centrality indicates the species feeds on a greater variety of carcasses and may contribute more to carrion consumption than species with lower centrality, which have more peripheral and specialized roles. The griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) and the azure-winged magpie (Cyanopica cyanus) had the highest centrality. In contrast, the red kite (Milvus milvus) in the northern site had the lowest centrality, and the Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) was among the most peripheral species for all three networks. In general, scavengers with large home ranges and nocturnal or crepuscular activity patterns tended to have more central roles, whereas species that forage silently tended to have more peripheral roles. Changes in species' centrality between sites and the high centrality of species with large home ranges suggest that management strategies in one location can have implications that extend beyond, highlighting the need to implement coordinated transboundary protection efforts to ensure the resilience and functionality of scavenger networks and derived ecosystem services.}, }
@article {pmid39779656, year = {2025}, author = {Worsfold, E and Clayton, NS and Cheke, LG}, title = {Revisiting episodic-like memory in scrub jays: Is there more we can still learn from what-where-when caching behaviour?.}, journal = {Learning &amp; behavior}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {39779656}, issn = {1543-4508}, abstract = {Professor Nicola Clayton is perhaps best known for her work on food-caching scrub jays. Her seminal 1998 paper, together with Anthony Dickinson, showed that scrub jays could remember what food they had cached, where and how long ago, suggesting memory ability that is 'episodic-like' in nature. Here, we present data from a previously unpublished study that sought to replicate and extend these findings. The results replicate previous findings and address potential alternative explanations for earlier results. We argue that the controlled behavioural analyses introduced in this study have the potential to add nuance to our understanding of memory in scrub jay cache retrieval, and to inspire new studies exploring this phenomenon, about which we still have so much to learn.}, }
@article {pmid39754886, year = {2025}, author = {Liao, DA and Moll, FW and Nieder, A}, title = {Bridging the fields of cognition and birdsong with corvids.}, journal = {Current opinion in neurobiology}, volume = {90}, number = {}, pages = {102965}, doi = {10.1016/j.conb.2024.102965}, pmid = {39754886}, issn = {1873-6882}, abstract = {Corvids, readily adaptable across social and ecological contexts, successfully inhabit almost the entire world. They are seen as highly intelligent birds, and current research examines their cognitive abilities. Despite being songbirds with a complete 'song system', corvids have historically received less attention in studies of song production, learning, and perception compared to non-corvid songbirds. However, recent neurobiological studies have demonstrated that songbird vocal production and its neuronal representations are regularly influenced by environmental and cognitive factors. This opinion article discusses the literature on 'corvid song' before introducing other flexible vocal behaviors of corvids in both the wild and controlled laboratory studies. We suggest corvids with their flexible vocal control as promising model species to study the links between brain networks for cognition and vocalization. Studying corvid vocal flexibility and associated cognitive processes in both ecological and lab settings offers complementary insights, crucial for bridging the fields of cognition and birdsong.}, }
@article {pmid39747186, year = {2025}, author = {Bapat, A and Kempf, AE and Friry, S and Boucherie, PH and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Patterns of object play behaviour and its functional implications in free-flying common ravens.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {137}, pmid = {39747186}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {P33960//Austrian Science Fund/ ; P33960//Austrian Science Fund/ ; P33960//Austrian Science Fund/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows/physiology ; *Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Female ; Male ; *Social Behavior ; Play and Playthings/psychology ; Austria ; }, abstract = {Object play has been proposed to provide individuals with information about their environment, facilitating foraging skills and tool use. In species where object play co-occurs with locomotor or social play, it may have additional functional implications, such as facilitating the evaluation of peers or forming social bonds. For instance, ravens judge others' competitiveness via play caching and engage in social play by exchanging objects. However, most raven studies were conducted on a restricted number of individuals and under controlled captive settings. To validate these findings and to gauge the functional scope of object play under field conditions, we investigated the patterns and characteristics of object play in individually marked free-flying ravens in the Austrian Alps. Using two large data sets, we show a decrease in object play with age and a preference for playing longer with novel objects, supporting findings from captivity. We also find adults occasionally playing with objects and no difference in the duration of social or non-social object play bouts across age classes. Taken together, our findings are in line with the assumption that raven object play likely has more than one function and serves to gain information about the individual's physical and social environment.}, }
@article {pmid39738289, year = {2024}, author = {Lanszki, J and Molnár, TG and Erős, T and Ónodi, G and Lanszki, Z and Purger, JJ}, title = {Testing how environmental variables affect the survival of freshwater turtle nests and hatchlings using artificial nests and dummy hatchlings.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {31713}, pmid = {39738289}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {RRF-2.3.1-21-2022-00014//Hungarian National Multidisciplinary Laboratory for Climate Change/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Turtles/physiology ; *Nesting Behavior/physiology ; *Predatory Behavior/physiology ; *Ecosystem ; Fresh Water ; Reproduction/physiology ; Wetlands ; Female ; }, abstract = {The European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) is a wide-ranging, long-living freshwater species with low reproductive success, mainly due to high predation pressure. We studied how habitat variables and predator communities in near-natural marshes affect the survival of turtle eggs and hatchlings. We followed the survival of artificial turtle nests placed in marshes along Lake Balaton (Hungary) in May and June as well as hatchlings (dummies) exposed in September. We found that the fewest nests remained intact in the least disturbed, most extensive area with the largest turtle population without predator control. Hatchlings, compared to nests had a significantly higher probability of survival. The density of carnivore dens indicated the negative influence on the number of exposure days, while marsh vegetation coverage was unrelated. The role of carnivores, especially the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in the predation of nests was more significant, while predation by corvids (Corvidae) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) increased for the hatchlings. Predation by mammals increased with the limited availability of dry terrestrial surfaces suitable for laying eggs and with distance to water. Our multifactorial analyses highlight the need for targeted conservation efforts to improve the reproductive success of turtles in these ecologically sensitive environments.}, }
@article {pmid39730262, year = {2025}, author = {Danek, A}, title = {The 1888 dissertation of a female medical student, Ueber Character-Veränderungen des Menschen in Folge von Laesionen des Stirnhirns (On character changes of man as a consequence of lesions of the frontal lobe).}, journal = {Cortex; a journal devoted to the study of the nervous system and behavior}, volume = {182}, number = {}, pages = {217-227}, doi = {10.1016/j.cortex.2024.11.008}, pmid = {39730262}, issn = {1973-8102}, mesh = {Humans ; Female ; History, 19th Century ; *Frontal Lobe ; Academic Dissertations as Topic ; Brain Injuries ; Switzerland ; }, abstract = {A case of brain injury with a transient syndrome of mainly disinhibited behaviour (Franz Binz) was the subject of the 1888 medical dissertation of Leonore Welt (∗1859 Chernivtsi, Ukraine; †1944 Geneva, Switzerland) which came to be discussed quite controversially. Although Binz was never fully forgotten, the similar "American crow-bar case" (Phineas Gage) attracted more interest. Welt's study, in contrast, provides not only well-illustrated neuropathological findings but also more detailed clinical data. Here, the clinical report and sections of its analysis are translated from the German original. Through comparison with similar cases, Welt proposed the straight gyrus (gyrus rectus) as the main area responsible. The transient nature of the behavioural alteration was taken as indicating a peculiar disease process at that location. She stressed that disinhibited behaviour suggests fronto-orbital lesions, but that the conclusion is not to be reversed. She had noted the absence of symptoms in the majority of similarly situated injuries: normal behaviour thus being no proof of an intact fronto-orbital region. Along with two sisters, Rosa Welt-Straus (1856-1938) and Sara Welt-Kakels (1860-1943), Leonore Gourfein-Welt was among the first females from then Austria to graduate in medicine - against considerable resistance. After her thesis work, she turned to practising ophthalmology in Geneva.}, }
@article {pmid39703216, year = {2024}, author = {Wolff, LM and Stevens, JR}, title = {Less activity means improved welfare? How pair housing influences pinyon jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) behaviour.}, journal = {Animal welfare (South Mimms, England)}, volume = {33}, number = {}, pages = {e49}, pmid = {39703216}, issn = {2054-1538}, abstract = {The activity level and specific behaviours exhibited by captive animals are crucial indicators of welfare. Stereotypies, or repetitive behaviours that have no apparent function or goal, are performed by animals experiencing poor conditions in their environment and indicate welfare concerns. Changes in the housing environment in particular may have critical influences on behaviour and welfare. Here, we measured behavioural changes in a captive pinyon jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) population (n = 10) associated with a shift from single to pair housing. Using automated video processing, we show that pair housing greatly reduced overall activity levels in these birds. The stark reduction in activity was surprising, as we expected that social housing would increase interactions between birds, thus increasing activity levels. Upon further analysis, however, we found that stereotypic behaviours, such as beak scraping, jumping, pecking, and route tracing decreased after pair housing, whereas the positive welfare behaviours of perching and preening increased. Our results indicate that pair housing may reduce overall activity in pinyon jays; however, this reduction is primarily in stereotypic behaviours.}, }
@article {pmid39696032, year = {2024}, author = {Mahjubi, K and Effatpanah, M and Parsaei, M and Mojtahedi, SY and Izadi, A and Tavakolizadeh, R}, title = {Association of anthropometric parameters with intelligence quotient in early school-aged children: a cross-sectional study in Iran.}, journal = {BMC pediatrics}, volume = {24}, number = {1}, pages = {809}, pmid = {39696032}, issn = {1471-2431}, mesh = {Humans ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Male ; Child ; Iran ; *Intelligence/physiology ; *Anthropometry ; Intelligence Tests ; Body Mass Index ; Waist Circumference ; Body Weight ; Linear Models ; Body Height ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: While the link between body growth indices in the first three years of life and neurodevelopment is well established, the relationship between these indicators and intelligence levels in later stages is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the association between various anthropometric indices and Intelligence Quotient in early school-aged children.<br><br>METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited healthy students aged 7 to 8&#xa0;years from four primary schools in Tehran, Iran. Measurements included body weight, height, body mass index, arm circumference, waist circumference, and hip circumference. Intelligence Quotient was assessed using the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices Test, with scores standardized by age according to the Raven's manual. Separate univariate linear regression analyses evaluated the association between each anthropometric index and children's Intelligence Quotient scores. Multivariate linear regression analyses were then performed to adjust for potential confounding factors, including the child's sex, age, and parental education levels.<br><br>RESULTS: A cohort of 160 children (80 females), with a mean age of 7.5&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;0.6&#xa0;years, was included in the study. The participants exhibited the following mean anthropometric values: weight 27.7&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;6.5&#xa0;kg, height 1.2&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;0.1&#xa0;m, body mass index 17.9&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;3.4&#xa0;kg/m[2], arm circumference 20.7&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;2.8&#xa0;cm, waist circumference 56.4&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;6.4&#xa0;cm, and hip circumference 68.1&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;6.6&#xa0;cm. Their mean Intelligence Quotient score was 106&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;16.6. In the univariate analysis, children's weight was not significantly associated with Intelligence Quotient score (P-value&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.153, &#x3b2;&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.288 [-0.108, 0.684]), while height was negatively associated (P-value&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.048, &#x3b2;&#x2009;=&#x2009;-31.685 [-63.142, -0.228]) and body mass index showed a positive association (P-value&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.001, &#x3b2;&#x2009;=&#x2009;1.265 [0.524, 2.006]). Abdominal circumference was not significantly associated with Intelligence Quotient (P-value&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.913, &#x3b2;&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.051 [-0.870, 0.972]), but both waist circumference (P-value&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.007, &#x3b2;&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.542 [0.147, 0.937]) and hip circumference (P-value&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.013, &#x3b2;&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.484 [0.102, 0.866]) demonstrated significant positive associations with Intelligence Quotient. However, none of the anthropometric indices maintained statistically significant associations with Intelligence Quotient after adjusting for potential confounders (P-values&#x2009;>&#x2009;0.05).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated no strong relationship between various body measurements and intelligence levels in school-aged children after adjusting the analyses for confounders. This suggests that intelligence in these children may be largely shaped by genetic and sociodemographic factors, with minimal influence from physical growth patterns.}, }
@article {pmid39691435, year = {2024}, author = {Zuo, T and Wang, J and Liu, J and Liu, J and Zhou, Q and Hou, J}, title = {Recognition of Predator Type and Risk Level in Azure-Winged Magpies (Cyanopica cyanus) Through Visual and Auditory Cues.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {14}, number = {12}, pages = {e70749}, pmid = {39691435}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Predation events are an important key factor determining the survival and reproduction of prey species. To cope, prey species have evolved various anti-predator strategies, including mechanisms for accurate predator identification and distinguishing predator types and risk levels. Birds rely on visual, auditory, and olfactory cues to perceive and categorize predators. However, previous studies have focused on single sensory modalities and have largely been conducted during breeding seasons. Thus, analyses of the accuracy and differences in predator recognition cues, especially during non-breeding periods, are needed. In this study, predator recognition in Azure-winged Magpies (Cyanopica cyanus) was evaluated during the non-breeding season. We examined responses to two predators, Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) and Domestic Cat (Felis catus), and two non-predators, Oriental Magpie (Pica serica) and Oriental Turtle Dove (Streptopelia orientalis). Using specimens and playback experiment, the ability of Azure-winged magpies to identify threats through both visual and auditory cues was evaluated. The results showed that Azure-winged Magpies can identify predator types through both visual and auditory cues, accurately distinguish threat levels, and adjust their foraging behavior accordingly. Notably, they exhibited the strongest anti-predator response to Domestic Cats (frequently encountered under natural conditions), as evidenced by longer observation times, shorter foraging duration, and quicker flight responses. The results indicate that Azure-winged Magpies can correctly identify predator types and threat levels through both visual and auditory cues and exhibit stronger anti-predator behaviors with increasing apparent threat levels.}, }
@article {pmid39685698, year = {2024}, author = {Trinczer, IL and Shalev, L}, title = {Computerised Attention Functions Training Versus Computerised Executive Functions Training for Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomised Controlled Trial.}, journal = {Journal of clinical medicine}, volume = {13}, number = {23}, pages = {}, pmid = {39685698}, issn = {2077-0383}, support = {//Tel Aviv University Argentinian's Friends/ ; //The Minducate Learning Innovation Research and Entrepreneurship Center/ ; }, abstract = {Background: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by deficits in attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Current treatments, such as stimulant medication and behavioural therapy, ameliorate symptoms but do not address the core cognitive dysfunctions. This study aimed to investigate the effects of two computerised neurocognitive training programs, attention functions training and executive functions training, in children with ADHD. Methods: Eighty children with ADHD (ages 8-13) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Attention functions training (AFT), targeting sustained, selective-spatial, orienting, and executive attention; executive functions training (EFT), focusing on working memory, cognitive flexibility, and problem solving; or a passive control group. Training sessions were administered in small groups twice a week for nine weeks. Participants underwent comprehensive assessments of attention (Continuous Performance Test, Conjunctive Visual Search Task), executive functions (Corsi Block-Tapping Tasks), nonverbal reasoning (Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices), parent-rated behavioural symptoms, and arithmetic performance at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up. Results: The AFT group demonstrated significant improvements in sustained and selective-spatial attention, nonverbal reasoning, inattentive symptoms, and arithmetic performance, and most improvements persisted at follow-up. The EFT group showed gains in nonverbal reasoning and inattentive symptoms, although no improvements were documented in working memory or in parent ratings of executive functions. Conclusions: The AFT program that addressed core attentional functions in children with ADHD produced robust cognitive and behavioural benefits, whereas the EFT program yielded behavioural benefits and a limited improvement in executive functions. Future research should explore different training protocols for broader gains in executive functions. These findings support the potential of theory-driven, structured neurocognitive training targeting basic cognitive functions as an effective small-group intervention for ADHD.}, }
@article {pmid39678049, year = {2024}, author = {Bildiren, A and Fırat, T and Kavruk, SZ}, title = {The Validity and Reliability Study of TONI-3 Test for 4-17 Aged Children.}, journal = {Noro psikiyatri arsivi}, volume = {61}, number = {4}, pages = {358-362}, pmid = {39678049}, issn = {1300-0667}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Since there are not enough scales to evaluate the cognitive performance of adolescents in Türkiye, the aim of this study is to conduct a reliability and validity study of the Test of Nonverbal Intelligence-3 (TONI-3) for individuals aged between 14 and 17.<br><br>METHODS: A total of 566 children between the ages of 14-17 were included in the study. A form of TONI-3 test was administered to all participants. Test-retest and parallel form application were made for reliability analyses, and Raven Standard Progressive Matrices Test (RSPM) and Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT-I) tests were applied for validity analyses.<br><br>RESULTS: It has been found that the TONI-3 Test has a high reliability with an average reliability coefficient of 0.92. It was determined that there was a high, positive and significant relationship between Form A and Form B of the TONI-3 Test (r=0.76, p<0.01). The correlation coefficient between the scores was found to be 0.83 between the first application of the TONI-3 test and the test repeated after 4 weeks. A high, positive and significant correlation was found between TONI-3 Test, RSPM Test and NNAT-I (r=0.69, p<0.01; r=0.81, p<0.01).<br><br>CONCLUSION: This study revealed evidence of the reliability and validity of the TONI-3 test between the ages of 14-17. This is the first study of the TONI-3 test in this age group. It is thought that clinicians can practically evaluate cognitive abilities in children who are clinically referred to or determined to have behavior disorders at school through this test.}, }
@article {pmid39666895, year = {2025}, author = {Marsja, E and Holmer, E and Stenbäck, V and Micula, A and Tirado, C and Danielsson, H and Rönnberg, J}, title = {Fluid Intelligence Partially Mediates the Effect of Working Memory on Speech Recognition in Noise.}, journal = {Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHR}, volume = {68}, number = {1}, pages = {399-410}, doi = {10.1044/2024_JSLHR-24-00465}, pmid = {39666895}, issn = {1558-9102}, mesh = {Humans ; *Memory, Short-Term/physiology ; *Intelligence/physiology ; Male ; *Noise ; Female ; *Speech Perception/physiology ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Longitudinal Studies ; Hearing Aids ; Adult ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: Although the existing literature has explored the link between cognitive functioning and speech recognition in noise, the specific role of fluid intelligence still needs to be studied. Given the established association between working memory capacity (WMC) and fluid intelligence and the predictive power of WMC for speech recognition in noise, we aimed to elucidate the mediating role of fluid intelligence.<br><br>METHOD: We used data from the n200 study, a longitudinal investigation into aging, hearing ability, and cognitive functioning. We analyzed two age-matched samples: participants with hearing aids and a group with normal hearing. WMC was assessed using the Reading Span task, and fluid intelligence was measured with Raven's Progressive Matrices. Speech recognition in noise was evaluated using Hagerman sentences presented to target 80% speech-reception thresholds in four-talker babble. Data were analyzed using mediation analysis to examine fluid intelligence as a mediator between WMC and speech recognition in noise.<br><br>RESULTS: We found a partial mediating effect of fluid intelligence on the relationship between WMC and speech recognition in noise, and that hearing status did not moderate this effect. In other words, WMC and fluid intelligence were related, and fluid intelligence partially explained the influence of WMC on speech recognition in noise.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the importance of fluid intelligence in speech recognition in noise, regardless of hearing status. Future research should use other advanced statistical techniques and explore various speech recognition tests and background maskers to deepen our understanding of the interplay between WMC and fluid intelligence in speech recognition.}, }
@article {pmid39646984, year = {2024}, author = {Salinas-Velasco, HV and Valdez-Mondragón, A and Bueno-Villegas, J}, title = {A new species of the spider genus Mexentypesa Raven (Araneae: Nemesiidae) from Hidalgo, Mexico and taxonomic comments on M. chiapas Raven.}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {5453}, number = {2}, pages = {233-244}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5453.2.4}, pmid = {39646984}, issn = {1175-5334}, mesh = {Animals ; *Spiders/classification/anatomy &amp; histology ; Mexico ; Male ; Female ; *Animal Distribution ; Animal Structures/anatomy &amp; histology/growth &amp; development ; Body Size ; Organ Size ; Ecosystem ; }, abstract = {A new species of the enigmatic spider genus Mexentypesa (Raven, 1987) from a cloud forest in Hidalgo state, Mexico is described: M. hidalguensis sp. nov. The description of the species is based on both male and female adult specimens. This discovery increases the diversity of the genus to two species: Mexentypesa chiapas (Raven, 1987) and the new species described herein. Additionally, Aptostichus sabinae syn. nov. (=M. chiapas), which was previously described as a different species, is formally synonymized.}, }
@article {pmid39645881, year = {2024}, author = {Scherz, MD and Rudolph, J and Rakotondratsima, M and Ratsoavina, FM and Crottini, A and Andreone, F and Glaw, F and Vences, M}, title = {Molecular systematics of the subgenus Gephyromantis (Phylacomantis) with description of a new subspecies.}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {5446}, number = {2}, pages = {205-220}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5446.2.3}, pmid = {39645881}, issn = {1175-5334}, mesh = {Animals ; Madagascar ; *Phylogeny ; *Animal Distribution ; Female ; *Anura/anatomy &amp; histology/genetics/classification ; Male ; Animal Structures/anatomy &amp; histology/growth &amp; development ; Body Size ; Organ Size ; Genetic Variation ; }, abstract = {The mantellid subgenus Phylacomantis (genus Gephyromantis) currently contains four species of frogs distributed in the South (G. corvus, G. kintana), West (G. atsingy), North East, North, and Sambirano regions (G. pseudoasper) in Madagascar. We assess the molecular systematics of these amphibians based on extended sampling and analysis of multiple nuclear-encoded and mitochondrial genes. We confirm the delimitation of the four known species, which form monophyletic groups in a mitochondrial tree and separate phylogroups without haplotype sharing in haplotype networks of four nuclear markers. Newly included samples of G. pseudoasper from the North and North East regions confirm a comparatively low genetic variation of this species across its range, with pairwise genetic distance in the 16S gene not exceeding 1.4%. On the contrary, newly collected specimens from three sites in the North East and North West of the island strongly differed from all other Phylacomantis, with genetic distances exceeding 4.8% for the16S gene. Mitochondrial and nuclear markers strongly suggest them to be sister to G. corvus from the South. Due to haplotype sharing in two nuclear genes, absence of detectable morphological differences, and lack of data on bioacoustic differentiation, we describe these populations as a new subspecies, G. corvus bakilana ssp. nov., emphasizing that this taxon may be elevated to species status in the future pending new data. This biogeographic pattern, with apparently disjunct sister lineages in the South vs. North West of Madagascar, is rare among Malagasy anurans and calls for increased exploration of the remaining humid forest fragments in the North West and West of the island.}, }
@article {pmid39644715, year = {2024}, author = {Hirao, AJ and Aoyama, M and Sugita, S}, title = {During the breeding season, lymphocytes assemble into ellipse-shaped clusters in the uropygial gland of the jungle crow Corvus macrorhynchos.}, journal = {Morphologie : bulletin de l'Association des anatomistes}, volume = {109}, number = {364}, pages = {100924}, doi = {10.1016/j.morpho.2024.100924}, pmid = {39644715}, issn = {1286-0115}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Recent studies indicate that the uropygial gland produces intraspecific chemosensory cues. The jungle crow Corvus macrorhynchos, which is a type of passerine, exhibits extreme morphological variation in the gonadal gland during the breeding season. Because the uropygial gland of the jungle crow sometimes exhibits morphological changes during the breeding season, we attempted to clarify the morphological changes in the uropygial gland of the jungle crow according to development and season.<br><br>METHODS: Captured birds were divided into three age groups according to the color of their upper palate: <1 year, 1-2 years, and >2 years old. Paraffin sections of the uropygial gland were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Elastica van Gieson, Giemsa, and a proliferating cell nuclear antigen antibody.<br><br>RESULTS: Sexual dimorphism was not seen in the morphology of the uropygial gland in the jungle crow. However, changes due to growth and season were identified. During the breeding season in birds>2 years old, lymphocytes formed ellipse-shaped clusters around the glandular cavity. These clusters were invaded by collagen fibers from spherical cells.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Collagen fibers, which develop from spherical cells, seem to be related to lymphoid cluster migration. Ellipse-shaped lymphoid clusters may play a crucial role in reproductive behavior during the breeding season.}, }
@article {pmid39638926, year = {2024}, author = {Lois-Milevicich, J and Rat-Fischer, L and de la Colina, MA and Gómez, RO and Reboreda, JC and Kacelnik, A}, title = {Mechanical problem solving by plush-crested jays: are tools special after all?.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {27}, number = {1}, pages = {82}, pmid = {39638926}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {UBACyT 20020170100521BA//Universidad de Buenos Aires/ ; PICT 2015-1628//Agencia Nacional de Promoci&#xf3;n Cient&#xed;fica y Tecnol&#xf3;gica/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Problem Solving ; Male ; Tool Use Behavior ; Female ; Passeriformes/physiology ; }, abstract = {Tool use is taxonomically associated with high behavioural flexibility and innovativeness, and its prevalence is greater in primates and some bird species. This association, however, is not known to be causally determinant of tool-related competence since flexibility and innovativeness are often observed in the absence of tool use and vice versa. For this reason, it is interesting to explore whether animals that can be loosely categorized as outstanding, or 'intelligent' physical problem solvers, are also remarkable using tools innovatively, rather than tool use presenting special constraints. We investigate this problem using plush-crested jays (Cyanocorax chrysops), a corvid new to cognitive research that shows highly flexible and inquisitive behaviour in the wild and has not been reported to use tools. We tested jays in two tasks of apparent similar manipulative complexity and incentive, one involving a tool (T) and the other not (NT). In the NT task birds had to open a box with a transparent lid blocked by a latch to get a reward, whereas in the T task, they had to use a rake to pull out the reward from the box. Eight out of nine subjects succeeded in the NT task, whereas none of them learned to solve the T task. This is consistent with tool use involving dedicated competencies, rather than just high problem-solving proficiency.}, }
@article {pmid39614750, year = {2024}, author = {George, DN and Dwyer, DM and Haselgrove, M and Le Pelley, ME}, title = {Apparent statistical inference in crows may reflect simple reinforcement learning.}, journal = {Quarterly journal of experimental psychology (2006)}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {17470218241305622}, doi = {10.1177/17470218241305622}, pmid = {39614750}, issn = {1747-0226}, abstract = {Johnston et al. report results which they argue demonstrate that crows engage in statistical inference during decision-making. They trained two crows to associate a set of stimuli with different reward probabilities (from 10% to 90%) before choice tests between pairs of stimuli. Across most pairwise combinations, and in a control task in which the number of rewards was equated between probabilities, both crows preferred the stimulus associated with higher reward probability. The magnitude of this preference was affected by the absolute difference between the two probabilities, although (contrary to a claim made by Johnston et al. 2023) preference did not reflect the ratio of prior probabilities independently of absolute differences. Johnston et al. argue that preference for the stimulus with the higher reward probability is "the signature of true statistical inference" (p. 3238), implemented by an analogue magnitude system that represents the reward probability associated with each stimulus. Here, we show that a simple reinforcement learning model, with no explicit representation of reward probabilities, reproduces the critical features of crows' performance-and indeed better accounts for the observed empirical findings than the concept of statistical inference based on analogue magnitude representations, because it correctly predicts the absence of a ratio effect that would reflect magnitudes when absolute distance is controlled. Contrary to Johnston et al.'s claims, these patterns of behaviour do not necessitate retrieval of calculated reward probabilities from long-term memory and dynamic application of this information across contexts, or (more specifically) require the involvement of an analogue magnitude system in representing abstract probabilities.}, }
@article {pmid39593442, year = {2024}, author = {Roodbarani, M and Tagharrobi, Z and Sharifi, K and Sooki, Z and Zare, M}, title = {Influence of Brain Gym on children's behavioral problems with autism spectrum disorder: A randomized controlled clinical trial.}, journal = {Journal of bodywork and movement therapies}, volume = {40}, number = {}, pages = {1248-1254}, doi = {10.1016/j.jbmt.2024.07.048}, pmid = {39593442}, issn = {1532-9283}, mesh = {Humans ; *Autism Spectrum Disorder ; Male ; Female ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Iran ; Exercise Therapy/methods ; Stereotyped Behavior/physiology ; Communication ; Social Interaction ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present with a variety of behavioral problems. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of Brain Gym (BG) on the behavioral problems of children with ASD in Iran.<br><br>METHODS: This clinical trial was conducted on 36 children with ASD at Kashan and Arak in 2019. Samples were selected using the block randomization method and assigned to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received ten sessions of BG according to Dennison's protocol. There was no intervention in the control group. The stereotyped behavior, communication, and social interactions of the behavioral problems were assessed at the beginning (T0), the end of the intervention (T1), and two months later (T2). The data were collected using the Demographics, Rutter, GARS-2, and Raven scales. Data from 33 children were analyzed via per-protocol and intention-to-treat analysis using repeated measures analysis of variance.<br><br>RESULTS: The two groups did not differ significantly in demographic variables. The results showed a significant interaction effect of time and intervention on the severity of behavioral problems (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.0001). There was a significant difference in the severity of behavioral disorders between the two groups at T1 and T2 (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05). A within-group analysis revealed a significant difference in the severity of the behavioral disorder at the three time points between the BG and control groups (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.0001).<br><br>CONCLUSION: BG can alleviate the behavioral problems of children with ASD. This intervention is recommended as a complementary treatment for affected families with children with ASD.<br><br>TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: IRCT20100211003329N5.<br><br>DATE OF REGISTRATION: 2020-07-16.}, }
@article {pmid39585881, year = {2024}, author = {Landini, A and Segovia, M and Palma, M and Nayga, RM}, title = {Food for thought: The impact of short term fasting on cognitive ability.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {19}, number = {11}, pages = {e0312811}, pmid = {39585881}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Humans ; *Fasting/physiology ; *Cognition/physiology ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Young Adult ; Decision Making ; Time Factors ; Adolescent ; }, abstract = {Growing evidence suggests that resource scarcity can severely impede individuals' cognitive capacity, resulting in sub-optimal decision making. Few experimental studies investigate whether food deprivation as a form of resource scarcity influences decisions in other non-hunger related domains. We examine the effect of short term fasting on cognitive capacity by exogenously manipulating individuals' fasting time in a laboratory experiment. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: 1) 3-hour fast; 2) 12-hour fast; and 3) control, in which participants were not required to fast and consumed a protein shake upon arriving to the lab. Following the manipulation, participants completed the Raven's Progressive Matrices test which measures cognitive function. Although we find null treatment effects on cognitive ability, our results provide evidence that short term fasting does not directly inhibit cognition.}, }
@article {pmid39579366, year = {2024}, author = {Fochesatto, CF and Brand, C and Cristi-Montero, C and da Costa, BGG and Dias, AF and Gaya, ACA and Gaya, AR}, title = {Getting up for brain health: Association of sedentary behavior breaks with cognition and mental health in children.}, journal = {Applied neuropsychology. Child}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-8}, doi = {10.1080/21622965.2024.2432342}, pmid = {39579366}, issn = {2162-2973}, abstract = {Children spend most of their waking hours sedentary and reducing this behavior has been challenging. Interrupting prolonged episodes of sedentary behavior with active breaks can provide mental and cognitive health benefits. Considering the multifactorial nature of these health aspects, this study aimed to verify the role of body mass index (BMI), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in the relationship between the break in sedentary time with cognitive and mental health in children. This is a cross-sectional study with 129 children (62 boys), aged between 6 and 11 years (mean 8.73 ± 1.53) from a public school in southern Brazil. For the assessment of fluid intelligence, psychologists applied Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices test. Mental health was measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Sedentary breaks were measured using accelerometers, and CRF was determined using the 6-min walk test. Generalized linear regression analyses were used to verify associations of sedentary breaks with fluid intelligence and mental health, according to children's BMI, CRF, and MVPA. All models were adjusted for sex, age, somatic maturation, and total time of accelerometer use. Our results indicated that sedentary breaks were associated with fluid intelligence in overweight/obese (β = 0.108; p = 0.021) and physically inactive children (β = 0.083; p = 0.010). Regarding mental health, no association was identified with sedentary breaks. In conclusion, sedentary breaks should be encouraged for the benefits of fluid intelligence, especially in children who do not meet physical activity recommendations and are overweight.}, }
@article {pmid39522295, year = {2024}, author = {Musálek, M and Malambo, C and Chrudimský, J and Kokštejn, J and Bačáková, R and Vokounová, &#x160;}, title = {Strength-agility and fine motor are differently associated with non-verbal intelligence in dependency to sex and age in school children: Structural equation modelling multigroup approach.}, journal = {Acta psychologica}, volume = {251}, number = {}, pages = {104546}, doi = {10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104546}, pmid = {39522295}, issn = {1873-6297}, mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Female ; Child ; *Intelligence/physiology ; *Motor Skills/physiology ; Sex Factors ; Age Factors ; Child Development/physiology ; Latent Class Analysis ; Czech Republic ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: In today's digital age, demanding to interpret vast quantities of visual information with speed and accuracy, nonverbal Intelligence has become increasingly crucial for children, as it plays a key role in cognitive development and learning. While motor proficiency has been positively linked to various cognitive functions in children, its relationship with nonverbal Intelligence remains an open question. This study, therefore, explored the structural associations between motor proficiency and nonverbal Intelligence in school-aged children (6 to 11 years), focusing on potential age and sex-specific patterns.<br><br>METHODS: Data were obtained from 396 children aged 6 to 11 (214 boys, 182 girls; mean age 8.9&#xa0;years &#xb1;1.3) divided into younger children 6-8&#xa0;years and older Children 9-11&#xa0;years. Motor proficiency was assessed using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition (BOT-2), and non-verbal Intelligence was evaluated with the Raven Progressive Matrices (RPM). We conducted multigroup structural modelling with non-verbal Intelligence as a dependent latent variable.<br><br>RESULTS: The BOT-2 and RPM models demonstrated an acceptable fit in Czech children. Strength-agility and Fine motor control emerged as the strongest predictors of nonverbal intelligence level assessed by five sets of RPM. Age-specific analyses revealed that the Strength-agility construct was consistently a significant predictor of nonverbal intelligence level in both age categories. However, in older children, also Fine motor control was significantly linked to nonverbal intelligence level. Sex-specific differences were also observed in the structural modelling results, indicating significant predictor non-invariance based on participants' sex. In girls, both Fine motor control and the Strength-agility constructs were significant predictors of nonverbal Intelligence level, showing stronger associations with nonverbal Intelligence than boys. For boys, only the Strength-agility construct was a significant predictor of RPM performance.<br><br>CONCLUSION: This study reveals a nuanced age- and sex-specific relationship between children's motor proficiency and nonverbal Intelligence. The findings underscore the need for targeted physical interventions, particularly those emphasising fine motor and strength-agility exercises, to ensure equitable opportunities for motor skill development. Such interventions may enhance physical abilities and support cognitive development in an increasingly digital world.}, }
@article {pmid39520985, year = {2024}, author = {Urban, L and Becker, R and Ochs, A and Sicks, F and Brecht, M and Kaufmann, LV}, title = {Water-hose tool use and showering behavior by Asian elephants.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {34}, number = {23}, pages = {5602-5606.e1}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2024.10.017}, pmid = {39520985}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; *Elephants/physiology ; Female ; *Tool Use Behavior ; Water ; Animals, Zoo/physiology ; }, abstract = {Since Jane Goodall's famous observations of stick tool use by chimpanzees,[1] animal tool use has been observed in numerous species, including many primates, dolphins, and birds. Some animals, such as New Caledonian crows, even craft tools.[2][,][3] Elephants frequently use tools[4][,][5] and also modify them.[6] We studied water-hose tool use in Asian zoo elephants. Flexibility, extension, and water flow make hoses exceptionally complex tools. Individual elephants differed markedly in their water-hose handling. Female elephant Mary displayed sophisticated hose-showering behaviors. She showed lateralized hose handling, systematically showered her body, and coordinated the trunk-held water hose with limb behaviors. Mary usually grasped the hose behind the tip, using it as a stiff shower head. To reach her back, however, she grasped the hose further from the tip and swung it on her back, using hose flexibility and ballistics. Aggressive interactions between Mary and the younger female elephant, Anchali, ensued around Mary's showering time. At some point, Anchali started pulling the water hose toward herself, lifting and kinking it, then regrasping and compressing the kink. This kink-and-clamp behavior disrupted water flow and was repeated in several sessions as a strict sequence of maneuvers. The efficacy of water flow disruption increased over time. In control experiments with multiple hoses, it was not clear whether Anchali specifically targeted Mary's showering hose. We also observed Anchali pressing down on the water hose, performing an on-hose trunk stand, which also disrupted water flow. We conclude that elephants show sophisticated hose tool use and manipulation. VIDEO ABSTRACT.}, }
@article {pmid39475969, year = {2024}, author = {Liu, J and Zhou, F and Yan, H and Liang, W}, title = {Breeding stages affect egg recognition in azure-winged magpies (Cyanopica cyanus).}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {27}, number = {1}, pages = {71}, pmid = {39475969}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {No. 32160242//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; Nos. 31970427 and 32270526//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Ovum ; Female ; *Recognition, Psychology ; Passeriformes/physiology ; China ; }, abstract = {Egg rejection often involves a cognitive process of recognizing foreign eggs, which can vary not only between species or among different individuals of the same species, but also within the same individual during different breeding stages, leading to markedly different responses to parasitic eggs. We conducted a comparative study in Wuhan, Hubei, and Fusong, Jilin, China, on the recognition and rejection behavior of azure-winged magpies (Cyanopica cyanus) at different breeding stages (pre-egg-laying, one-host-egg, multi-host-egg and early incubation stages). In the Fusong population, there was a significant difference in the rejection rate of model eggs by azure-winged magpies at different stages of the egg-laying period. During the one-host-egg stage, the rejection rate (63.6%) was significantly lower than that during the pre-egg-laying stage (85.7%) and the multi-host-egg stage (100%). The population of azure-winged magpies in Wuhan exhibited a 100% rejection rate towards model eggs during the pre-egg-laying stage. Furthermore, during the incubation stage, azure-winged magpies were able to accurately recognize and reject foreign eggs even when those were in majority. This indicates that azure-winged magpies employ a template-based recognition mechanism rather than relying on discordance mechanism for recognition after the onset of incubation. This study suggests that while azure-winged magpies can truly recognize their own eggs, different breeding stages still influence their rejection response towards parasitic eggs, especially during the pre-egg-laying and egg laying stages.}, }
@article {pmid39474474, year = {2024}, author = {Helmstetter, NA and Conway, CJ and Roberts, S and Adams, JR and Makela, PD and Waits, LP}, title = {Predator-specific mortality of sage-grouse nests based on predator DNA on eggshells.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {14}, number = {10}, pages = {e70213}, pmid = {39474474}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Greater sage-grouse (hereafter sage-grouse; Centrocercus urophasianus) populations have declined across their range. Increased nest predation as a result of anthropogenic land use is one mechanism proposed to explain these declines. However, sage-grouse contend with a diverse suite of nest predators that vary in functional traits (e.g., search tactics or hunting mode) and abundance. Consequently, generalizing about factors influencing nest fate is challenging. Identifying the explicit predator species responsible for nest predation events is, therefore, critical to understanding causal mechanisms linking land use to patterns of sage-grouse nest success. Cattle grazing is often assumed to adversely affect sage-grouse recruitment by reducing grass height (and hence cover), thereby facilitating nest detection by predators. However, recent evidence found little support for the hypothesized effect of grazing on nest fate at the pasture scale. Rather, nest success appears to be similar on pastures grazed at varying intensities. One possible explanation for the lack of observed effect involves a localized response by one or more nest predators. The presence of cattle may cause a temporary reduction in predator density and/or use within a pasture (the cattle avoidance hypothesis). The cattle avoidance hypothesis predicts a decreased probability of at least one sage-grouse nest predator predating sage-grouse nests in pastures with livestock relative to pastures without livestock present during the nesting season. To test the cattle avoidance hypothesis, we collected predator DNA from eggshells from predated nests and used genetic methods to identify the sage-grouse nest predator(s) responsible for the predation event. We evaluated the influence of habitat and grazing on predator-specific nest predation. We evaluated the efficacy of our genetic method by deploying artificial nests with trail cameras and compared the results of our genetic method to the species captured via trail camera. Our molecular methods identified at least one nest predator captured predating artificial nests via trail camera for 33 of 35 (94%) artificial nests. We detected nest predators via our molecular analysis at 76 of 114 (67%) predated sage-grouse nests. The primary predators detected at sage-grouse nests were coyotes (Canis latrans) and corvids (Corvidea). Grazing did not influence the probability of nest predation by either coyotes or corvids. Sagebrush canopy cover was negatively associated with the probability a coyote predated a nest, distance to water was positively associated with the probability a corvid predated a nest, and average minimum temperature was negatively associated with the probability that either a coyote or a corvid predated a nest. Our study provides a framework for implementing an effective, non-invasive method for identifying sage-grouse nest predators that can be used to better understand how management actions at local and regional scales may impact an important component of sage-grouse recruitment.}, }
@article {pmid39465599, year = {2024}, author = {Coombs, S and Trestman, M}, title = {A multi-trait embodied framework for the evolution of brains and cognition across animal phyla.}, journal = {The Behavioral and brain sciences}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-52}, doi = {10.1017/S0140525X24000335}, pmid = {39465599}, issn = {1469-1825}, abstract = {Among non-human animals, crows, octopuses and honeybees are well-known for their complex brains and cognitive abilities. Widening the lens from the idiosyncratic abilities of exemplars like these to those of animals across the phylogenetic spectrum begins to reveal the ancient evolutionary process by which complex brains and cognition first arose in different lineages. The distribution of 35 phenotypic traits in 17 metazoan lineages reveals that brain and cognitive complexity in only three lineages (vertebrates, cephalopod mollusks, and euarthropods) can be attributed to the pivotal role played by body, sensory, brain and motor traits in active visual sensing and visuomotor skills. Together, these pivotal traits enabled animals to transition from largely reactive to more proactive behaviors, and from slow and two-dimensional motion to more rapid and complex three-dimensional motion. Among pivotal traits, high-resolution eyes and laminated visual regions of the brain stand out because they increased the processing demands on and the computational power of the brain by several orders of magnitude. The independent acquisition of pivotal traits in cognitively complex (CC) lineages can be explained as the completion of several multi-trait transitions over the course of evolutionary history, each resulting in an increasing level of complexity that arises from a distinct combination of traits. Whereas combined pivotal traits represent the highest level of complexity in CC lineages, combined traits at lower levels characterize many non-CC lineages, suggesting that certain body, sensory and brain traits may have been linked (the trait-linkage hypothesis) during the evolution of both CC and non-CC lineages.}, }
@article {pmid39463687, year = {2024}, author = {Yuan, K and Yang, S and Liu, J and Liang, W}, title = {Responses of birds to observers holding popguns: Hunting history influences escape behavior of urban birds.}, journal = {Current zoology}, volume = {70}, number = {5}, pages = {631-636}, pmid = {39463687}, issn = {1674-5507}, abstract = {Human activities affect bird behavior both directly and indirectly. Birds constantly regulate their behavior in response to human disturbance. Gun hunting, a major directional disturbance, puts enormous selection pressure on birds. In China, gun bans have been in place for nearly 30 years, and little hunting using guns occurs in modern cities. However, little attention has been paid to whether a history of hunting still affects the behavioral adaptations of urban birds. In this study, we compared the flight initiation distance (FID) of the Eurasian tree sparrow Passer montanus, Azure-winged magpie Cyanopica cyanus, Common hoopoe Upupa epops and Eurasian magpie Pica pica in the presence of observers with or without popguns. The Eurasian tree sparrow, Azure-winged magpie, and Eurasian magpie effectively recognized the difference between the observers, and perceived the armed observer as a greater threat, exhibiting earlier escape behavior, but this phenomenon was not found in the Common hoopoe. The different expressions in FID of experimental bird species in China cities may be affected by the different levels of recognition of hunting pressure due to different hunting histories.}, }
@article {pmid39460872, year = {2025}, author = {Govindharaj, V and Herald Victor, MBB and Garber, PA and Parthasarathy, TN}, title = {Nest raiding by bonnet macaques (Macaca radiata) and the response of nest guarding birds in a suburban habitat.}, journal = {Primates; journal of primatology}, volume = {66}, number = {1}, pages = {41-45}, pmid = {39460872}, issn = {1610-7365}, support = {PU/AD-3/URF-Extension/025191/23F85502/204//Periyar University/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Nesting Behavior ; *Ecosystem ; Female ; India ; *Macaca radiata/physiology ; Predatory Behavior ; Male ; Crows/physiology ; Birds/physiology ; }, abstract = {In many primate species, nest raiding is a form of opportunistic foraging behavior designed to acquire protein-rich eggs and nestlings. In urban environments, this is a significant cause of nest failure in birds. Here, we describe nest raiding and egg predation in bonnet macaques (Macaca radiata) inhabiting a suburban area of Salem, Tamil Nadu, India. During nest raiding, large-billed crows (Corvus macrorhynchos) and house crows (Corvus splendens), actively defended their nest from the macaques. When several macaque foragers jointly raided the nest, they were successful in obtaining and consuming the eggs. In contrast, when a solitary macaque attempted to raid the nest, it was unsuccessful. Bird size appeared to play an important role in nest defense. Small birds, such as the scaly breasted munia (Lonchura punctulata) and the purple sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus) were not able to protect their nests from lone bonnet macaques. These observations indicate that in urban landscapes, bonnet macaques are egg predators of many bird species. When macaques coordinate their actions and forage in small subgroups, they were more successful in preying on the eggs of larger-bodied bird species.}, }
@article {pmid39447325, year = {2024}, author = {Kruger, RF and Pédra, MMG and Fonseca, LDS and Morales, DF and Rodrigues, GD and Marinho, MAT}, title = {The impact of burnt carcass on the occurrence probability of Chrysomya albiceps and Lucilia ochricornis (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.}, journal = {Forensic science international}, volume = {365}, number = {}, pages = {112249}, doi = {10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112249}, pmid = {39447325}, issn = {1872-6283}, mesh = {Animals ; *Calliphoridae/growth &amp; development ; *Forensic Entomology ; *Postmortem Changes ; Brazil ; Swine ; *Feeding Behavior ; Models, Animal ; Fires ; Linear Models ; Diptera ; }, abstract = {We evaluated the impact of burnt carcasses on the probability of finding Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann, 1819) and Lucilia ochricornis (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), and the time it took for them to arrive at the experimental carcasss. These species are biological indicators of the postmortem interval (PMI) in forensic scenarios. Using stillborn pig carcasses, this study analysed how different degrees of burning affect the level of attraction and colonisation by these species. Experimental models were subjected to level 2 (CG2) and 4 (CG4) burning according to the Crow-Glassman (CG) scale, ranging from fresh to skeletonization. Generalised Linear Models (GLM) with a Binomial distribution were used to evaluate the influence of decomposition time and experimental treatment on the probability of occurrence of each species. Additionally, survival analyses with the Weibull distribution were used to investigate how long it takes until the arrival of the first fly species in each experimental group. The results indicate that burning affects the probability of occurrence and colonisation time of the studied fly species. Although both species were affected by high degrees of burning, Lucilia ochricornis was more heavily affected than Chrysomya albiceps. This pattern was reflected in the time it took for the first occurrence of each fly species. In both cases, it took longer for flies to arrive at carcasses that had been more severely burnt. In the case of C. albiceps, the longest mean time until a fly was detected (Weibull, α = 79.9 h) happened in the CG4 group, followed by the CG2 group (α = 65.6 h) and the control group (α = 51.5 h). In contrast, for L. ochricornis, the longest mean first occurrence time (α = 85.4 h) was in CG2 group, followed by the Control (α = 49.1 h) and CG4 (α = 54.4 h) groups. This study emphasises the importance of considering whether or not a carcass was burnt and its degree of burning in forensic investigations, given that this variable can influence the accuracy of PMI estimation in crime scenes.}, }
@article {pmid39437743, year = {2024}, author = {Taylor, AH and Johnston, M}, title = {How do animals understand the physical world?.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {34}, number = {20}, pages = {R996-R999}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2024.07.005}, pmid = {39437743}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal/physiology ; *Cognition/physiology ; Environment ; }, abstract = {The natural world is full of examples of animals interacting with their physical environment in surprising ways: capuchin monkeys crack open nuts with rocks; dolphins use sponges as 'gloves' on their rostra when searching for prey on the sea floor; and New Caledonian crows manufacture stick tools to pull grubs from logs (Figure 1). Deeper into the phylogenetic tree we continue to see interesting examples of behaviors of this kind, such as octopuses using coconut shells for protection, tuskfish breaking open cockles by hitting them against coral heads, and bees learning to pull string to gain out-of-reach food. These sophisticated behavioral interactions with their physical environment suggest that animals might have a deep understanding of their physical world at a cognitive level. In this primer, we review the performances of a variety of species when faced with tasks that probe their understanding of their physical world.}, }
@article {pmid39419984, year = {2024}, author = {Lengyel, K and Rudra, M and Berghof, TVL and Leitão, A and Frankl-Vilches, C and Dittrich, F and Duda, D and Klinger, R and Schleibinger, S and Sid, H and Trost, L and Vikkula, H and Schusser, B and Gahr, M}, title = {Unveiling the critical role of androgen receptor signaling in avian sexual development.}, journal = {Nature communications}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {8970}, pmid = {39419984}, issn = {2041-1723}, mesh = {Animals ; *Receptors, Androgen/metabolism/genetics ; Male ; Female ; *Signal Transduction ; *Chickens/metabolism ; *Testosterone/metabolism ; *Sexual Development ; Sexual Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Fertility ; }, abstract = {Gonadal hormone activities mediated by androgen and estrogen receptors, along with cell-autonomous mechanisms arising from the absence of sex-chromosome dosage compensation, are key factors in avian sexual development. In this study, we generate androgen receptor (AR) knockout chickens (AR[-/-]) to explore the role of androgen signaling in avian sexual development. Despite developing sex-typical gonads and gonadal hormone production, AR[-/-] males and females are infertile. While few somatic sex-specific traits persist (body size, spurs, and tail feathers), crucial sexual attributes such as comb, wattles and sexual behaviors remain underdeveloped in both sexes. Testosterone treatment of young AR[-/-] males fails to induce crow behavior, comb development, or regression of the bursa of Fabricius, which are testosterone-dependent phenotypes. These findings highlight the significance of androgen receptor mechanisms in fertility and sex-specific traits in chickens, challenging the concept of a default sex in birds and emphasizing the dominance of androgen signaling in avian sexual development.}, }
@article {pmid39409738, year = {2024}, author = {Skoracki, M and Nielsen, &#xd3;K and Sikora, B}, title = {Corvisyringophilus, a New Genus in the Family Syringophilidae (Acariformes: Prostigmata) and Its Phylogenetic Position among Primitive Genera.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {14}, number = {19}, pages = {}, pmid = {39409738}, issn = {2076-2615}, support = {UAM ID-UB 094/07/POB1/0013 (to M.S.)//Excellence Initiative Program "Mobility" of the UAM Research University/ ; UAM UD-UB 094/07/POB1/0012 (to B.S.)//Excellence Initiative Program "Mobility" of the UAM Research University/ ; }, abstract = {Syringophilidae is one of the most species-rich families in the superfamily Cheyletoidea, comprising approximately 420 species across 62 genera and two subfamilies. In this paper, we propose a new genus, Corvisyringophilus, and a new species, C. krummi gen. n. et sp. n., found in the wing covert quills of the Common Raven, Corvus corax Linnaeus, in Iceland. Corvisyringophilus is placed among the primitive genera of syringophilid mites, which possess the full complement of idiosomal and leg setae. Phylogenetic analysis based on morphological characters suggests that this genus forms a sister clade to Blaszakia Skoracki &amp; Sikora, 2008, and Charadriphilus Bochkov &amp; Mironov, 1998, which inhabit birds of the orders Musophagiformes and Charadriiformes, respectively. The study proposes that the current distribution patterns of quill mites, based on their morphological characteristics, may result from multiple host switching followed by co-speciation events, highlighting the complex evolutionary dynamics within this family.}, }
@article {pmid39406878, year = {2024}, author = {Lequitte-Charransol, P and Robert, A and Jiguet, F}, title = {Increased adult movements and decreased juvenile apparent survival of urban crows during COVID-19 lockdowns.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {24135}, pmid = {39406878}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {ESOD//Minist&#xe8;re de l'&#xc9;cologie, du D&#xe9;veloppement Durable et de l'&#xc9;nergie/ ; }, mesh = {*Crows/physiology ; Animals ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/mortality/prevention &amp; control ; Humans ; SARS-CoV-2/isolation &amp; purification ; Quarantine ; Paris/epidemiology ; Urban Population ; Population Dynamics ; Cities/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {The increasing abundance of animal species thriving in urban environments is a source of conflicts with managers and users of public spaces. Although opportunistic urban species often use resources originating from human food leftovers, the potential impact of a reduction in these resources on their demography is hard to quantify. The COVID-19 epidemic, which led many countries to set up lockdowns, gave us the opportunity to estimate the impact of a drastic reduction in such food resources and human activities on the demography of an urban bird population. Based on 7 years (2015-2021) of capture-mark-recapture of carrion crows (Corvus corone) in the city of Paris, France, we used multi-state models to examine the intra-annual (3-month time steps) apparent survival and movement patterns of crows during and outside COVID-19 lockdowns. We showed that the apparent survival of juvenile carrion crows decreased down during lockdown, while adult movements increased during this period, with more adult crows moving out of the urban district. Lockdown modified the demography of this urban crow population, suggesting that the reduction in food resources was sufficient to affect fitness and reduce carrying capacity.}, }
@article {pmid39355196, year = {2024}, author = {Agarwalla, S and Chandra, B and Kundu, GK}, title = {Influence of Age and Gender on Emotional Intelligence, Intelligence Quotient, Anxiety, and Behavior of Children in a Dental Setup.}, journal = {International journal of clinical pediatric dentistry}, volume = {17}, number = {5}, pages = {518-523}, pmid = {39355196}, issn = {0974-7052}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Children's age is a significant predictor factor for their panic and conduct intraoperatively. A child's developmental stage influences their ability to handle stress in dental operations, and it seems that younger children are more anxious and have a better capacity to cope with dental procedures. Age and gender are said to have a significant influence on emotional quotient (EQ) and intelligence quotient (IQ), but the data regarding this is extremely sparse in the dental literature.<br><br>AIM: To find the impact of age and gender on EQ, IQ, panic, and conduct of children in an oral care setup.<br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 57 female and 50 male (total 107) children were considered participants aged 7-12 years. The study was executed in two sessions in the pediatric dentistry department. In the first session, "Bar-On emotional quotient inventory: youth version (Bar-On EQ-i: YV)" and the "Raven's colored progressive matrices (RCPM)" tests were administered to evaluate the EQ and IQ of the children, and a clinical psychologist supervised and guided the whole procedure. In the second appointment, anxiety was recorded using the "faces version of the modified child's dental anxiety scale (MCDAS(f))," whereas behavior was recorded with the "sound, eye, and motor (SEM) scale." Interpretation of data was done by statistical methods.<br><br>RESULTS: The difference in IQ scores between the groups aged 7-9 and 10-12 years was not statistically significant. There was a statistically notable difference (p-value of 0.006) in the RCPM IQ scores among male and female participants, where female participants scored better. There was a statistically insignificant variation in total EQ scores between male and female participants. Based on age and gender, a statistically insignificant variation was noted in the anxiety scores (MCDAS(f)) among participants. A statistically notable difference (p-value of 0.018) was seen between the SEM scores of the 7-9 and 10-12 years age-groups. SEM scores of male and female participants showed no significant difference.<br><br>CONCLUSION: There was no influence of age on the IQ and EQ scores of the participants. A gender difference was found in relation to the IQ scores and the intrapersonal and stress management subscales of EQ. Based on age and gender, there was a statistically nonsignificant difference between the anxiety scores (MCDAS(f)) of the participants. A statistically notable variation was seen between the SEM scores for behavior of the 7-9 and 10-12 years age-groups. Statistically insignificant variation was noted between the SEM scores of both genders.<br><br>HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Agarwalla S, Chandra B, Kundu GK. Influence of Age and Gender on Emotional Intelligence, Intelligence Quotient, Anxiety, and Behavior of Children in a Dental Setup. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(5):518-523.}, }
@article {pmid39328063, year = {2024}, author = {Romero, FG and Beaudry, FEG and Hovmand Warner, E and Nguyen, TN and Fitzpatrick, JW and Chen, N}, title = {A new high-quality genome assembly and annotation for the threatened Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens).}, journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)}, volume = {14}, number = {12}, pages = {}, pmid = {39328063}, issn = {2160-1836}, support = {R35 GM133412/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {The Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens), a Federally Threatened, cooperatively-breeding bird, is an emerging model system in evolutionary biology and ecology. Extensive individual-based monitoring and genetic sampling for decades has yielded a wealth of data, allowing for the detailed study of social behavior, demography, and population genetics of this natural population. Here, we report a linkage map and a chromosome-level genome assembly and annotation for a female Florida Scrub-Jay made with long-read sequencing technology, chromatin conformation data, and the linkage map. We constructed a linkage map comprising 4,468 SNPs that had 34 linkage groups and a total sex-averaged autosomal genetic map length of 2446.78 cM. The new genome assembly is 1.33 Gb in length, consisting of 33 complete or near-complete autosomes and the sex chromosomes (ZW). This highly contiguous assembly has an NG50 of 68 Mb and a Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO) completeness score of 97.1% with respect to the Aves database. The annotated gene set has a BUSCO transcriptome completeness score of 95.5% and 17,964 identified protein-coding genes, 92.5% of which have associated functional annotations. This new, high-quality genome assembly and linkage map of the Florida Scrub-Jay provides valuable tools for future research into the evolutionary dynamics of small, natural populations of conservation concern.}, }
@article {pmid39307930, year = {2024}, author = {Micula, A and Holmer, E and Ning, R and Danielsson, H}, title = {Relationships Between Hearing Status, Cognitive Abilities, and Reliance on Visual and Contextual Cues.}, journal = {Ear and hearing}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {39307930}, issn = {1538-4667}, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Visual and contextual cues facilitate speech recognition in suboptimal listening conditions (e.g., background noise, hearing loss, hearing aid signal processing). Moreover, successful speech recognition in challenging listening conditions is linked to cognitive abilities such as working memory and fluid intelligence. However, it is unclear which cognitive abilities facilitate the use of visual and contextual cues in individuals with normal hearing and hearing aid users. The first aim was to investigate whether individuals with hearing aid users rely on visual and contextual cues to a higher degree than individuals with normal hearing in a speech-in-noise recognition task. The second aim was to investigate whether working memory and fluid intelligence are associated with the use of visual and contextual cues in these groups.<br><br>DESIGN: Groups of participants with normal hearing and hearing aid users with bilateral, symmetrical mild to severe sensorineural hearing loss were included (n = 169 per group). The Samuelsson and R&#xf6;nnberg task was administered to measure speech recognition in speech-shaped noise. The task consists of an equal number of sentences administered in the auditory and audiovisual modalities, as well as without and with contextual cues (visually presented word preceding the sentence, e.g.,: "Restaurant"). The signal to noise ratio was individually set to 1 dB below the level obtained for 50% correct speech recognition in the hearing-in-noise test administered in the auditory modality. The Reading Span test was used to measure working memory capacity and the Raven test was used to measure fluid intelligence. The data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects modeling.<br><br>RESULTS: Both groups exhibited significantly higher speech recognition performance when visual and contextual cues were available. Although the hearing aid users performed significantly worse compared to those with normal hearing in the auditory modality, both groups reached similar performance levels in the audiovisual modality. In addition, a significant positive relationship was found between the Raven test score and speech recognition performance only for the hearing aid users in the audiovisual modality. There was no significant relationship between Reading Span test score and performance.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Both participants with normal hearing and hearing aid users benefitted from contextual cues, regardless of cognitive abilities. The hearing aid users relied on visual cues to compensate for the perceptual difficulties, reaching a similar performance level as the participants with normal hearing when visual cues were available, despite worse performance in the auditory modality. It is important to note that the hearing aid users who had higher fluid intelligence were able to capitalize on visual cues more successfully than those with poorer fluid intelligence, resulting in better speech-in-noise recognition performance.}, }
@article {pmid39257567, year = {2024}, author = {Ham, JR and Pellis, SM and Pellis, VC}, title = {Oppositions, joints, and targets: the attractors that are the glue of social interactions.}, journal = {Frontiers in behavioral neuroscience}, volume = {18}, number = {}, pages = {1451283}, pmid = {39257567}, issn = {1662-5153}, abstract = {Social interactions are often analyzed by scoring segments of predefined behavior and then statistically assessing numerical and sequential patterns to identify the structure of the encounters. However, this approach can miss the dynamics of the animals' relationship over the course of the encounter, one that often involves invariant bonds, say a nose-to-nose orientation, with many different movements performed by both partners acting to counteract each other's attempts to break or maintain the relationship. Moreover, these invariant bonds can switch from one configuration to another during an interaction, leading from one stable configuration to another. It is this stepwise sequence of configurational stabilities that lead to functional outcomes, such as mating, aggression, or predation. By focusing on the sequence of invariant relational configurations, the deep structure of interactions can be discerned. This deep structure can then be used to differentiate between compensatory movements, no matter how seemingly stereotyped they may appear, from movement patterns which are restricted to a particular form when more than one option is available. A dynamic perspective requires suitable tools for analysis, and such tools are highlighted as needed in describing particular interactions.}, }
@article {pmid39253095, year = {2024}, author = {d' Isa, R and Parsons, MH and Chrzanowski, M and Bebas, P and Stryjek, R}, title = {Catch me if you can: free-living mice show a highly flexible dodging behaviour suggestive of intentional tactical deception.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {11}, number = {7}, pages = {231692}, pmid = {39253095}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {Intentional tactical deception, the employment of a tactic to intentionally deceive another animal, is a complex behaviour based on higher-order cognition, that has rarely been documented outside of primates and corvids. New laboratory-to-field assays, however, provide the opportunity to investigate such behaviour among free-living mice. In the present study, we placed laboratory-style test chambers with a single entrance near a forest outside Warsaw, where we observed the social interactions of two territorial murids, black-striped and yellow-necked mice, under food competition for seven months. Notably, among the social interactions, we video-recorded 21 instances of deceptive pursuer evasion. In the most obvious cases, an individual inside the chamber, to avoid an incoming mouse, hid by the chamber opening (the only means to enter or exit), paused until the pursuer entered and passed by, and then exploited the distraction of the back-turned pursuer by fleeing through the opening in a direction opposite to the one the pursuer came from. This deceptive dodging is the first evidence of a behaviour suggestive of intentional tactical deception among mice. As such, this deceptive behaviour may be of interest not only for rodent psychology but also, more generally, for the fields of non-human intentionality and theory of mind.}, }
@article {pmid39252993, year = {2024}, author = {Prinja, S and Dixit, J and Nimesh, R and Garg, B and Khurana, R and Paliwal, A and Aggarwal, AK}, title = {Impact of health benefit package policy interventions on service utilisation under government-funded health insurance in Punjab, India: analysis of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY).}, journal = {The Lancet regional health. Southeast Asia}, volume = {28}, number = {}, pages = {100462}, pmid = {39252993}, issn = {2772-3682}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The design of health benefits package (HBP), and its associated payment and pricing system, is central to the performance of government-funded health insurance programmes. We evaluated the impact of revision in HBP within India's Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) on provider behaviour, manifesting in terms of utilisation of services.<br><br>METHODS: We analysed the data on 1.35 million hospitalisation claims submitted by all the 886 (222 government and 664 private) empanelled hospitals in state of Punjab, from August 2019 to December 2022, to assess the change in utilisation from HBP 1.0 to HBP 2.0. The packages were stratified based on the nature of revision introduced in HBP 2.0, i.e., change in nomenclature, construct, price, or a combination of these. Data from National Health System Cost Database on cost of each of the packages was used to determine the cost-price differential for each package during HBP 1.0 and 2.0 respectively. A dose-response relationship was also evaluated, based on the multiplicity of revision type undertaken, or based on extent of price correction done. Change in the number of monthly claims, and the number of monthly claims per package was computed for each package category using an appropriate seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) time series model.<br><br>FINDINGS: Overall, we found that the HBP revision led to a positive impact on utilisation of services. While changes in HBP nomenclature and construct had a positive effect, incorporating price corrections further accentuated the impact. The pricing reforms highly impacted those packages which were originally significantly under-priced. However, we did not find statistically significant dose-response relationship based on extent of price correction. Thirdly, the overall impact of HBP revision was similar in public and private hospitals.<br><br>INTERPRETATION: Our paper demonstrates the significant positive impact of PM-JAY HBP revisions on utilisation. HBP revisions need to be undertaken with the anticipation of its long-term intended effects.<br><br>FUNDING: Deutsche Gesellschaft f&#xfc;r Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).}, }
@article {pmid39228068, year = {2024}, author = {Forbes, SL and Huculak, M and Watson, CJ}, title = {Taphonomic impact of vertebrate scavengers on degradation and dispersal of remains, southeastern British Columbia.}, journal = {Journal of forensic sciences}, volume = {69}, number = {6}, pages = {1985-1995}, doi = {10.1111/1556-4029.15620}, pmid = {39228068}, issn = {1556-4029}, support = {C150-2017-12//The Canada 150 Research Chairs/ ; RGPIN/6098/2019//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; British Columbia ; Swine ; *Feeding Behavior ; Postmortem Changes ; Body Remains ; Forensic Anthropology ; Seasons ; Ursidae ; }, abstract = {Vertebrate scavengers represent important taphonomic agents that can act on a body, particularly when in an outdoor environment. Understanding the effects of these agents will direct how and where to search for human remains and influence the likelihood of discovery in a particular region. The current study aimed to identify the taphonomic impact of scavenger guilds in the peri-urban and rural regions of southeastern British Columbia. Vertebrate scavenger activity on pig carcasses was recorded remotely using trail cameras and analyzed to determine temporal scavenging profiles. Both the peri-urban and rural environments produced comparable scavenger guilds, namely: turkey vultures, American crows/northern ravens (classified as "corvids"), American black bears, and coyotes. Although the two locations had different study lengths due to variable degrees of scavenging, for the period that was common to both locations (summer to early fall), the black bear was the most frequent scavenger followed by coyote. However, the dispersal of remains by the mammalian scavengers was distinctly different between sites. Only 12%-33% of skeletal elements were recovered at the rural sites compared to 80%-90% recovered at the peri-urban sites, even though the latter sites had a longer study timeframe. The extended timeframe of the peri-urban sites confirmed that certain scavengers (e.g., turkey vultures and black bears) are only seasonally active in this region. These findings demonstrate the variability of scavenger behavior and the need to assign caution and local ecological knowledge when predicting scavenger trends. Such taphonomic information is relevant for human remains searches in regions with comparable scavenger guilds.}, }
@article {pmid39227504, year = {2024}, author = {Cornero, FM and Clayton, NS}, title = {Object permanence in rooks (Corvus frugilegus): Individual differences and behavioral considerations.}, journal = {Learning &amp; behavior}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {39227504}, issn = {1543-4508}, abstract = {Piagetian object permanence (OP) refers to the ability to know that an object continues to exist when out of sight: In humans, it develops in six stages. Species of great apes, other mammals, and birds (parrots, corvids, and pigeons) have been shown to possess partial or full OP, which is a prerequisite for more complex physical cognition abilities they may possess. In birds, the greatest variation is in Stage 6 (invisible displacements) and in "A-not-B" errors-incorrectly persevering in searching an empty location rewarded previously. Caching abilities have been invoked as holding explanatory power over results in corvids, for which this error is sometimes completely absent. The rook (Corvus frugilegus), a cognitively advanced, social, caching corvid, has not yet been studied for OP. This study applies tasks of one OP scale commonly adapted for nonhuman animals, Uzgiris and Hunt's Scale 1, as well as later-conceived tasks 16 and S, to a sample of adult, captive rooks. One rook demonstrated full OP (Stage 6b, multiple invisible displacements), whereas other individuals varied, attaining between Stages 5a (single visible displacements) and 6a (single invisible displacements). Like some corvids, a few made transient "A-not-B" errors. Behavioral considerations potentially underlying observed individual variation in results in rooks, including dominance, neophobia, past experiences, and individual idiosyncrasies, are examined. Rooks, like other corvids, possess well-developed OP abilities, and these results support the idea that exertion of executive control is required to avoid "A-not-B" errors, rather than caching abilities or developmental age, as previously suggested.}, }
@article {pmid39224166, year = {2024}, author = {Stone, MM and Afriandi, H and Suwanda, FN and Andono, A and Mahmud, R and Khairani, OK and Clark, AB and Webster, M and McGowan, K and Radcliffe, RW}, title = {Symbiosis between the Javan rhinoceros and slender-billed crow: A novel inferred cleaning mutualism.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {14}, number = {9}, pages = {e70224}, pmid = {39224166}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Over the past century, the Javan rhinoceroses' (Rhinoceros sondaicus) secluded nature and low population size have led to a gap in knowledge of their ecology. With fewer than 80 individuals surviving in a single population in West Java, Indonesia, the Javan rhinoceros is one of the most critically endangered mammals in the world. As part of a pilot bioacoustics study of the Javan rhinoceros in 2019, we systematically reviewed camera trap footage from the core Javan rhinoceros range in Ujung Kulon National Park (UKNP). In doing so, we discovered a previously unknown interaction between the Javan rhinoceros and the slender-billed crow (Corvus enca), in which the crow finds and eats ectoparasites from the rhinoceros (Figure 1). We describe this interaction and suggest that it may represent a cleaning mutualism with benefits for both the crow and the rhinoceros.}, }
@article {pmid39215030, year = {2024}, author = {Malik, S and Patro, SGK and Mahanty, C and Lasisi, A and Al-Sareji, OJ}, title = {Hybrid raven roosting intelligence framework for enhancing efficiency in data clustering.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {20163}, pmid = {39215030}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {The field of data exploration relies heavily on clustering techniques to organize vast datasets into meaningful subgroups, offering valuable insights across various domains. Traditional clustering algorithms face limitations in terms of performance, often getting stuck in local minima and struggling with complex datasets of varying shapes and densities. They also require prior knowledge of the number of clusters, which can be a drawback in real-world scenarios. In response to these challenges, we propose the "hybrid raven roosting intelligence framework" (HRIF) algorithm. HRIF draws inspiration from the dynamic behaviors of roosting ravens and computational intelligence. What distinguishes HRIF is its effective capacity to adeptly navigate the clustering landscape, evading local optima and converging toward optimal solutions. An essential enhancement in HRIF is the incorporation of the Gaussian mutation operator, which adds stochasticity to improve exploration and mitigate the risk of local minima. This research presents the development and evaluation of HRIF, showcasing its unique fusion of nature-inspired optimization techniques and computational intelligence. Extensive experiments with diverse benchmark datasets demonstrate HRIF's competitive performance, particularly its capability to handle complex data and avoid local minima, resulting in accurate clustering outcomes. HRIF's adaptability to challenging datasets and its potential to enhance clustering efficiency and solution quality position it as a promising solution in the world of data exploration.}, }
@article {pmid39195074, year = {2025}, author = {Rasouli, N and Malakouti, SK and Bayat, M and Mahjoubnavaz, F and Fallahinia, N and Khosrowabadi, R}, title = {Frontal Activity of Recent Suicide Attempters: EEG spectrum Power Performing Raven Task.}, journal = {Clinical EEG and neuroscience}, volume = {56}, number = {2}, pages = {140-149}, doi = {10.1177/15500594241273125}, pmid = {39195074}, issn = {2169-5202}, mesh = {Humans ; Male ; *Suicide, Attempted/psychology ; Female ; *Electroencephalography/methods ; Adult ; *Depressive Disorder, Major/physiopathology/psychology ; *Frontal Lobe/physiopathology ; Case-Control Studies ; Problem Solving/physiology ; Young Adult ; Executive Function/physiology ; Prefrontal Cortex/physiopathology ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Middle Aged ; }, abstract = {Background: Deficits in problem-solving may be related to vulnerability to suicidal behavior. We aimed to identify the electroencephalographic (EEG) power spectrum associated with the performance of the Raven as a reasoning/problem-solving task among individuals with recent suicide attempts. Methods: This study with the case-control method, consisted of 61 participants who were assigned to three groups: Suicide attempt + Major Depressive Disorder (SA + MDD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and Healthy Control (HC). All participants underwent clinical evaluations and problem-solving abilities. Subsequently, EEG signals were recorded while performing the Raven task. Results: The SA + MDD and MDD groups were significantly different from the HC group in terms of anxiety, reasons for life, and hopelessness. Regarding brain oscillations in performing the raven task, increased theta, gamma, and betha power extending over the frontal areas, including anterior prefrontal cortex, dlPFC, pre-SMA, inferior frontal cortex, and medial prefrontal cortex, was significant in SA + MDD compared with other groups. The alpha wave was more prominent in the left frontal, particularly in dlPFC in SA + MDD. Compared to the MDD group, the SA + MDD group had a shorter reaction time, while their response accuracy did not differ significantly. Conclusions: Suicidal patients have more frontal activity in planning and executive function than the two other groups. Nevertheless, it seems that reduced activity in the left frontal region, which plays a crucial role in managing emotional distress, can contribute to suicidal tendencies among vulnerable individuals. Limitation The small sample size and chosen difficult trials for the Raven task were the most limitations of the study.}, }
@article {pmid39172108, year = {2024}, author = {Mason, LLK and Masuda, B and Swaisgood, RR and Flanagan, AM}, title = {Nest quality predicts the probability of egg loss in the critically endangered 'Alalā (Corvus hawaiiensis).}, journal = {Zoo biology}, volume = {43}, number = {5}, pages = {481-490}, doi = {10.1002/zoo.21849}, pmid = {39172108}, issn = {1098-2361}, support = {//San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance/ ; //State of Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife/ ; //Max and Yetta Karasik Family Foundation/ ; //National Fish and Wildlife Foundation/ ; //U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/ ; //Anonymous/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Endangered Species ; *Nesting Behavior/physiology ; Male ; Female ; Animal Husbandry/methods ; Ovum/physiology ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Animals, Zoo ; }, abstract = {Conservation breeding programs for endangered species face challenges, notably in the development of husbandry techniques, complicated by the impracticality of conducting controlled experiments. To reduce uncertainty regarding what works in conservation breeding programs, it is essential to capture data. In avian breeding programs, the construction of quality nests and appropriate incubation and handling of eggs by the parents are essential prerequisites to the successful production of offspring. Here, we study factors influencing nest-building and parental incubation outcomes in 'alalā (Corvus hawaiiensis), which is extinct in the wild and numbers fewer than 130 individuals in human care. Using parent-incubated egg data from 2018 to 2021 (171 clutches, 55 pairs), we evaluated the role of husbandry factors in determining the quality of nests constructed by 'alalā and the likelihood of nest quality and other social and environmental factors to predict egg loss (breaking, cannibalization, or ejection of an egg from the nest). More than half of all eggs laid failed to reach the hatch date. Nest quality was the most influential predictor of egg loss, with eggs in higher quality nests more likely to reach the hatch date. Male age also influenced egg loss, with very young (3 years old) and older males (⪞12 years old) experiencing more egg loss. Furthermore, the two facilities and two aviary types also differed in the quality of nests 'alalā constructed, indicating that nest-building behavior can be influenced by husbandry practices. These findings reduce uncertainty and provide insights for recommended management interventions to facilitate successful reproduction in human care.}, }
@article {pmid39148142, year = {2024}, author = {Martínez-Renau, E and Martín-Platero, AM and Bodawatta, KH and Martín-Vivaldi, M and Martínez-Bueno, M and Poulsen, M and Soler, JJ}, title = {Social environment influences microbiota and potentially pathogenic bacterial communities on the skin of developing birds.}, journal = {Animal microbiome}, volume = {6}, number = {1}, pages = {47}, pmid = {39148142}, issn = {2524-4671}, support = {PRE2018-085378//Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovaci&#xf3;n/ ; CGL2017-83103-P//Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovaci&#xf3;n/ ; CGL2017-83103-P//European Regional Development Fund/ ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Animal bacterial symbionts are established early in life, either through vertical transmission and/or by horizontal transmission from both the physical and the social environment, such as direct contact with con- or heterospecifics. The social environment particularly can influence the acquisition of both mutualistic and pathogenic bacteria, with consequences for the stability of symbiotic communities. However, segregating the effects of the shared physical environment from those of the social interactions is challenging, limiting our current knowledge on the role of the social environment in structuring bacterial communities in wild animals. Here, we take advantage of the avian brood-parasite system of Eurasian magpies (Pica pica) and great spotted cuckoos (Clamator glandarius) to explore how the interspecific social environment (magpie nestlings developing with or without heterospecifics) affects bacterial communities on uropygial gland skin.<br><br>RESULTS: We demonstrated interspecific differences in bacterial community compositions in members of the two species when growing up in monospecific nests. However, the bacterial community of magpies in heterospecific nests was richer, more diverse, and more similar to their cuckoo nest-mates than when growing up in monospecific nests. These patterns were alike for the subset of microbes that could be considered core, but when looking at the subset of potentially pathogenic bacterial genera, cuckoo presence reduced the relative abundance of potentially pathogenic bacterial genera on magpies.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the role of social interactions in shaping the assembly of the avian skin bacterial communities during the nestling period, as exemplified in a brood parasite-host system.}, }
@article {pmid39141936, year = {2024}, author = {Nelson, APK and Mole, J and Pombo, G and Gray, RJ and Ruffle, JK and Chan, E and Rees, GE and Cipolotti, L and Nachev, P}, title = {The minimal computational substrate of fluid intelligence.}, journal = {Cortex; a journal devoted to the study of the nervous system and behavior}, volume = {179}, number = {}, pages = {62-76}, doi = {10.1016/j.cortex.2024.07.003}, pmid = {39141936}, issn = {1973-8102}, mesh = {Humans ; *Intelligence/physiology ; Male ; Female ; *Neural Networks, Computer ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Cognition/physiology ; Young Adult ; Intelligence Tests ; Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; }, abstract = {The quantification of cognitive powers rests on identifying a behavioural task that depends on them. Such dependence cannot be assured, for the powers a task invokes cannot be experimentally controlled or constrained a priori, resulting in unknown vulnerability to failure of specificity and generalisability. Evaluating a compact version of Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAPM), a widely used clinical test of fluid intelligence, we show that LaMa, a self-supervised artificial neural network trained solely on the completion of partially masked images of natural environmental scenes, achieves representative human-level test scores a prima vista, without any task-specific inductive bias or training. Compared with cohorts of healthy and focally lesioned participants, LaMa exhibits human-like variation with item difficulty, and produces errors characteristic of right frontal lobe damage under degradation of its ability to integrate global spatial patterns. LaMa's narrow training and limited capacity suggest matrix-style tests may be open to computationally simple solutions that need not necessarily invoke the substrates of reasoning.}, }
@article {pmid39140880, year = {2024}, author = {Machado, RB and Amorim, TOS and de Castro, F and Andriolo, A}, title = {Use of whistles for acoustic classification of delphinids (odontoceti: Delphinidae) in the Western South Atlantic Ocean.}, journal = {The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America}, volume = {156}, number = {2}, pages = {1070-1080}, doi = {10.1121/10.0028170}, pmid = {39140880}, issn = {1520-8524}, mesh = {Animals ; *Vocalization, Animal/classification ; *Acoustics ; Atlantic Ocean ; *Dolphins/classification/physiology ; Sound Spectrography ; Brazil ; Species Specificity ; Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted ; }, abstract = {This study focuses on the acoustic classification of delphinid species at the southern continental slope of Brazil. Recordings were collected between 2013 and 2015 using towed arrays and were processed using a classifier to identify the species in the recordings. Using Raven Pro 1.6 software (Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY), we analyzed whistles for species identification. The random forest algorithm in R facilitates classification analysis based on acoustic parameters, including low, high, delta, center, beginning, and ending frequencies, and duration. Evaluation metrics, such as correct and incorrect classification percentages, global accuracy, balanced accuracy, and p-values, were employed. Receiver operating characteristic curves and area-under-the-curve (AUC) values demonstrated well-fitting models (AUC ≥ 0.7) for species definition. Duration and delta frequency emerged as crucial parameters for classification, as indicated by the decrease in mean accuracy. Multivariate dispersion plots visualized the proximity between acoustic and visual match data and exclusively acoustic encounter (EAE) data. The EAE results classified as Delphinus delphis (n = 6), Stenella frontalis (n = 3), and Stenella longirostris (n = 2) provide valuable insights into the presence of these species between approximately 23° and 34° S in Brazil. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of acousting classification in discriminating delphinids through whistle parameters.}, }
@article {pmid39140629, year = {2024}, author = {Wang, SS and Parikh, JR}, title = {A Radiologist's Wellness Journey: AJR Podcast Series on Wellness, Episode 5.}, journal = {AJR. American journal of roentgenology}, volume = {223}, number = {3}, pages = {e2431888}, doi = {10.2214/AJR.24.31888}, pmid = {39140629}, issn = {1546-3141}, mesh = {Humans ; *Radiologists ; Webcasts as Topic ; Burnout, Professional/prevention &amp; control ; Periodicals as Topic ; Health Promotion/methods ; }, }
@article {pmid39110762, year = {2024}, author = {Zandberg, L and Morfi, V and George, JM and Clayton, DF and Stowell, D and Lachlan, RF}, title = {Bird song comparison using deep learning trained from avian perceptual judgments.}, journal = {PLoS computational biology}, volume = {20}, number = {8}, pages = {e1012329}, pmid = {39110762}, issn = {1553-7358}, mesh = {Animals ; *Deep Learning ; *Vocalization, Animal/physiology ; *Finches/physiology ; Algorithms ; Computational Biology/methods ; Judgment/physiology ; Male ; Sound Spectrography/methods ; Conditioning, Operant/physiology ; Humans ; }, abstract = {Our understanding of bird song, a model system for animal communication and the neurobiology of learning, depends critically on making reliable, validated comparisons between the complex multidimensional syllables that are used in songs. However, most assessments of song similarity are based on human inspection of spectrograms, or computational methods developed from human intuitions. Using a novel automated operant conditioning system, we collected a large corpus of zebra finches' (Taeniopygia guttata) decisions about song syllable similarity. We use this dataset to compare and externally validate similarity algorithms in widely-used publicly available software (Raven, Sound Analysis Pro, Luscinia). Although these methods all perform better than chance, they do not closely emulate the avian assessments. We then introduce a novel deep learning method that can produce perceptual similarity judgements trained on such avian decisions. We find that this new method outperforms the established methods in accuracy and more closely approaches the avian assessments. Inconsistent (hence ambiguous) decisions are a common occurrence in animal behavioural data; we show that a modification of the deep learning training that accommodates these leads to the strongest performance. We argue this approach is the best way to validate methods to compare song similarity, that our dataset can be used to validate novel methods, and that the general approach can easily be extended to other species.}, }
@article {pmid39073820, year = {2024}, author = {Krieger, N and Testa, C and Chen, JT and Johnson, N and Watkins, SH and Suderman, M and Simpkin, AJ and Tilling, K and Waterman, PD and Coull, BA and De Vivo, I and Smith, GD and Diez Roux, AV and Relton, C}, title = {Epigenetic Aging and Racialized, Economic, and Environmental Injustice: NIMHD Social Epigenomics Program.}, journal = {JAMA network open}, volume = {7}, number = {7}, pages = {e2421832}, pmid = {39073820}, issn = {2574-3805}, mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Female ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Middle Aged ; *Epigenomics/methods ; *Aging/genetics ; Aged ; *Epigenesis, Genetic/genetics ; United States ; Racism/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Adult ; Social Justice ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Aged, 80 and over ; }, abstract = {IMPORTANCE: Epigenetic age acceleration is associated with exposure to social and economic adversity and may increase the risk of premature morbidity and mortality. However, no studies have included measures of structural racism, and few have compared estimates within or across the first and second generation of epigenetic clocks.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: To determine whether epigenetic age acceleration is positively associated with exposures to diverse measures of racialized, economic, and environmental injustice measured at different levels and time periods.<br><br>This cross-sectional study used data from the My Body My Story (MBMS) study between August 8, 2008, and December 31, 2010, and examination 5 of the Multi-Ethnic Atherosclerosis Study (MESA) from April 1, 2010, to February 29, 2012. In the MBMS, DNA extraction was performed in 2021; linkage of structural measures to the MBMS and MESA, in 2022. US-born individuals were randomly selected from 4 community health centers in Boston, Massachusetts (MBMS), and 4 field sites in Baltimore, Maryland; Forsyth County, North Carolina; New York City, New York; and St Paul, Minnesota (MESA). Data were analyzed from November 13, 2021, to August 31, 2023.<br><br>MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Ten epigenetic clocks (6 first-generation and 4 second-generation), computed using DNA methylation data (DNAm) from blood spots (MBMS) and purified monocytes (MESA).<br><br>RESULTS: The US-born study population included 293 MBMS participants (109 men [37.2%], 184 women [62.8%]; mean [SD] age, 49.0 [8.0] years) with 224 Black non-Hispanic and 69 White non-Hispanic participants and 975 MESA participants (492 men [50.5%], 483 women [49.5%]; mean [SD] age, 70.0 [9.3] years) with 229 Black non-Hispanic, 191 Hispanic, and 555 White non-Hispanic participants. Of these, 140 (11.0%) exhibited accelerated aging for all 5 clocks whose estimates are interpretable on the age (years) scale. Among Black non-Hispanic MBMS participants, epigenetic age acceleration was associated with being born in a Jim Crow state by 0.14 (95% CI, 0.003-0.27) SDs and with birth state conservatism by 0.06 (95% CI, 0.01-0.12) SDs, pooling across all clocks. Low parental educational level was associated with epigenetic age acceleration, pooling across all clocks, for both Black non-Hispanic (0.24 [95% CI, 0.08-0.39] SDs) and White non-Hispanic (0.27 [95% CI, 0.03-0.51] SDs) MBMS participants. Adult impoverishment was positively associated with the pooled second-generation clocks among the MESA participants (Black non-Hispanic, 0.06 [95% CI, 0.01-0.12] SDs; Hispanic, 0.07 [95% CI, 0.01-0.14] SDs; White non-Hispanic, 0.05 [95% CI, 0.01-0.08] SDs).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The findings of this cross-sectional study of MBMS and MESA participants suggest that epigenetic age acceleration was associated with racialized and economic injustice, potentially contributing to well-documented inequities in premature mortality. Future research should test the hypothesis that epigenetic accelerated aging may be one of the biological mechanisms underlying the well-documented elevated risk of premature morbidity and mortality among social groups subjected to racialized and economic injustice.}, }
@article {pmid39069816, year = {2024}, author = {Connelly, F and Johnsson, RD and Mulder, RA and Hall, ML and Lesku, JA}, title = {Experimental playback of urban noise does not affect cognitive performance in captive Australian magpies.}, journal = {Biology open}, volume = {13}, number = {8}, pages = {}, pmid = {39069816}, issn = {2046-6390}, support = {//Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment/ ; //Ecological Society of Australia/ ; DP170101003//Australian Research Council/ ; //La Trobe University/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Cognition ; *Noise/adverse effects ; Australia ; *Passeriformes/physiology ; Behavior, Animal ; Male ; }, abstract = {Exposure of wildlife to anthropogenic noise is associated with disruptive effects. Research on this topic has focused on behavioural and physiological responses of animals to noise, with little work investigating links to cognitive function. Neurological processes that maintain cognitive performance can be impacted by stress and sleep disturbances. While sleep loss impairs cognitive performance in Australian magpies, it is unclear whether urban noise, which disrupts sleep, can impact cognition as well. To fill this gap, we explored how environmentally relevant urban noise affected the performance of wild-caught, city-living Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen tyrannica) on a cognitive task battery including associative and reversal learning, inhibitory control, and spatial memory. Birds were housed and tested in a laboratory environment; sample sizes varied across tasks (n=7-9 birds). Tests were conducted over 4 weeks, during which all magpies were exposed to both an urban noise playback and a quiet control. Birds were presented with the entire test battery twice: following exposure to, and in the absence of, an anthropogenic noise playback; however, tests were always performed without noise (playback muted during testing). Magpies performed similarly in both treatments on all four tasks. We also found that prior experience with the associative learning task had a strong effect on performance, with birds performing better on their second round of trials. Like previous findings on Australian magpies tested on the same tasks in the wild under noisy conditions, we could not find any disruptive effects on cognitive performance in a controlled experimental laboratory setting.}, }
@article {pmid38954382, year = {2024}, author = {de Almeida, AT and de Sanctis Pecora, C and Marques, ER and Contin, L and de Almeida, CT and da Cunha, AL}, title = {Assessment of the Efficacy and Durability of IncobotulinumtoxinA in the Treatment of the Upper Face in Adult Women.}, journal = {Dermatology and therapy}, volume = {14}, number = {8}, pages = {2093-2108}, pmid = {38954382}, issn = {2193-8210}, support = {001/2022//Merz Pharmaceuticals/ ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: IncobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin®) is used in the treatment of dynamic wrinkles and the aesthetic repositioning of facial structures. The duration of its muscular effect typically extends for around 4 months. However, the residual aesthetic benefit can be observed for a longer period. To date, the long-term aesthetic benefit of incobotulinumtoxinA in facial aesthetics has not been systematically evaluated. This study aimed to evaluate longitudinally the duration and aesthetic benefits of incobotulinumtoxinA in the treatment of the upper face in adult women.<br><br>METHODS: A quasi-experimental, evaluator-blind, clinical trial involving 28 adult women (30-60&#xa0;years old) with facial movement lines, undergoing treatment of the upper face with incobotulinumtoxinA by two injectors, following an individualized protocol (ONE21 and glabellar contraction patterns) was performed. Participants were evaluated on the day of the intervention (day&#xa0;0) and days&#xa0;30, 120, 180, and 240, and subjected to standardized photographs. The following outcomes were evaluated blindly at each visit: Merz Aesthetics Facial Contraction Scale (MAS), GAIS (Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale), and patient satisfaction. Adverse effects were evaluated at each visit.<br><br>RESULTS: Participants ranged in age from 30 to 60&#xa0;years, 93% were self-declared white, and most of their baseline MAS scores for dynamic lines were moderate and severe. All the parameters presented significative reduction from baseline until day&#xa0;180. At day&#xa0;240, the dynamic MAS scores were lower than baseline for forehead lines in 15.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.8-30.0%) of the participants, for glabellar lines in 38.5% (95%&#xa0;CI 18.8-58.1%), and for crow's feet lines in 26.9% (95%&#xa0;CI 9.0-44.8%). Aesthetic improvement compared to baseline was identified in 35% (CI 95% 23&#x2012;50%) of the participants at day&#xa0;240, and 62% (CI 95% 42&#x2012;81%) of the sample kept reporting some satisfaction with the procedure.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The aesthetic treatment of the upper face with incobotulinumtoxinA demonstrates enduring clinical benefits, and patient satisfaction lasting up to 180&#xa0;days in most participants. The length of efficacy, which exceeded those reported in the literature, may be attributed to the use of techniques based on individualized assessment such as ONE21 and glabellar patterns of contraction.}, }
@article {pmid38945195, year = {2024}, author = {Desai, JK and Trangadia, BJ and Patel, UD and Patel, HB and Kalaria, VA and Kathiriya, JB}, title = {Reply to comment on "Neurotoxicity of 4-nonylphenol in adult zebrafish: Evaluation of behaviour, oxidative stress parameters and histopathology of brain" by Jay K. Desai. et al. [Environmental Pollution 334 (2023): 122206].}, journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)}, volume = {357}, number = {}, pages = {124441}, doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124441}, pmid = {38945195}, issn = {1873-6424}, mesh = {Animals ; *Phenols/toxicity ; *Zebrafish ; *Oxidative Stress/drug effects ; *Brain/drug effects/metabolism ; Behavior, Animal/drug effects ; Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity ; Neurotoxicity Syndromes ; }, }
@article {pmid38927338, year = {2024}, author = {Beauchamp, G and Barve, S}, title = {Gazing Strategies among Sentinels of a Cooperative Breeder Are Repeatable but Unrelated to Survival.}, journal = {Biology}, volume = {13}, number = {6}, pages = {}, pmid = {38927338}, issn = {2079-7737}, abstract = {Vigilance is a common behavioural adaptation to increase the chances of detecting predators before it is too late to escape. Behavioural traits are often repeatable among individuals over the long term, suggesting differences in personality. Earlier studies have documented individual consistency in the time allocated to vigilance. However, little is known about individual consistency in the ways vigilance is achieved from one moment to another and whether different patterns of vigilance among individuals are associated with survival. We aimed to determine whether sentinels of a cooperative breeder showed individual consistency in their vigilance and if individual variation was related to annual survival. During sentinel bouts from vantage points, Florida scrub-jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) turn their heads from side to side to monitor their surroundings. Over three field seasons, we found that the head-turning frequency was repeatable in breeders but not in juveniles or non-breeding helpers. The moderate repeatability in breeders was not related to survival. Our results suggest that the head-turning frequency in sentinels of the Florida scrub-jay is repeatable in breeders but not in less experienced juveniles or helpers and, therefore, likely becomes more repeatable as individuals age. The assumption that individual variation in vigilance is related to survival was unsupported in our study and requires further study.}, }
@article {pmid38921693, year = {2024}, author = {Ma, Y and Yin, J and Xuan, H and Ren, X and He, J and Wang, T}, title = {Personality Traits and Family SES Moderate the Relationship between Media Multitasking and Reasoning Performance.}, journal = {Journal of Intelligence}, volume = {12}, number = {6}, pages = {}, pmid = {38921693}, issn = {2079-3200}, support = {32000761//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 20YJC880095//Humanities and Social Science Fund of Ministry of Education of China/ ; 2020FDD04//China Association of Higher Education/ ; }, abstract = {The prevalence of media multitasking has raised concerns regarding its potential impact on cognitive abilities. Despite increasing attention given to this topic, there remains no consensus on how media multitasking is related to cognitive performance. This study aims to shed light on this issue by examining whether and how personality traits and family socioeconomic status (SES) moderate the relationship between media multitasking and reasoning performance. To this end, a large sample of university students (n = 777) completed a battery of measures, including the Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices, the Media Multitasking Inventory, the Big Five Inventory, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, the Grit Scale, and the Family SES Questionnaire. Results revealed a negative correlation between media multitasking and reasoning performance. However, this relationship was substantially moderated by conscientiousness, extraversion, openness, and family SES. Specifically, media multitasking was more detrimental to reasoning performance among individuals with lower levels of conscientiousness, extraversion, openness, and family SES, whereas it was less detrimental to counterparts with higher levels of these personality traits and family SES. The proposed moderation model, for the first time, not only offers novel insights into the theoretical accounts regarding how media multitasking relates to cognitive abilities, but also identifies the protective factors that may buffer the negative impacts of media multitasking.}, }
@article {pmid38906144, year = {2024}, author = {Harten, L and Chen, X and de Marcas, L and Rachum, A and Handel, M and Goldshtein, A and Levi, MF and Rosencwaig, S and Yovel, Y}, title = {Time-mapping and future-oriented behavior in free-ranging wild fruit bats.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {34}, number = {13}, pages = {3005-3010.e4}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2024.05.046}, pmid = {38906144}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; *Chiroptera/physiology/psychology ; Feeding Behavior ; Male ; Female ; }, abstract = {Episodic memory and mental time travel have been viewed as uniquely human traits.[1][,][2][,][3] This view began to shift with the development of behavioral criteria to assess what is referred to as "episodic-like memory" in animals.[4][,][5] Key findings have ranged from evidence of what-where-when memory in scrub-jays, rats, and bees; through decision-making that impacts future foraging in frugivorous primates; to evidence of planning based on future needs in scrub-jays and tool use planning in great apes.[4][,][6][,][7][,][8][,][9][,][10][,][11][,][12][,][13] Field studies of these issues have been rare, though there is field-based evidence for future-oriented behaviors in primates.[8][,][10][,][14][,][15] We report evidence that free-ranging wild fruit bats rely on mental temporal maps and exhibit future-oriented behaviors when foraging. We tracked young bats as they navigated and foraged, documenting every tree they visited over many months. We prevented the bats from foraging outside for different time periods and monitored their foraging decisions, revealing that the bats map the spatiotemporal patterns of resources in their environment. Following a long period in captivity, the bats did not visit those trees that were no longer providing fruit. We show that this time-mapping ability requires experience and is lacking in inexperienced bats. Careful analysis of the bats' movement and foraging choices indicated that they plan which tree to visit while still in the colony, thus exhibiting future-oriented behavior and delayed gratification on a nightly basis. Our findings demonstrate how the need for spatiotemporal mental mapping can drive the evolution of high cognitive abilities that were previously considered exclusive to humans.}, }
@article {pmid38889775, year = {2024}, author = {Hashizume, A and Koda, R and Nakashima, Y}, title = {Infection risk associated with carnivore carcasses may govern trophic interactions between maggots and insectivorous passerine birds.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {20}, number = {6}, pages = {20240069}, pmid = {38889775}, issn = {1744-957X}, support = {//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Food Chain ; *Predatory Behavior ; *Passeriformes/physiology ; Raccoons/physiology ; Larva/physiology ; Japan ; Feeding Behavior ; }, abstract = {Infection risk by pathogenic agents motivates hosts to avoid using resources with high risks. This, in turn, results in increased availability of these resources for other species that are more tolerant of infections. For instance, carcasses of mammalian carnivores are frequently avoided by conspecific or closely related carnivores, allowing them to be almost exclusively used by maggots. This may lead to novel interactions with other species. This study investigated the consumption of maggots from carnivore carcasses by non-corvid passerines. We successfully monitored 66 raccoon carcasses in Hokkaido, Japan, from 2016 to 2019. Vertebrates only scavenged 14 carcasses before maggot dispersal; the other 52 carcasses produced abundant maggots that regularly fed at least 12 species of non-corvid passerines. Surprisingly, predation occurred at a distance from the carcasses, mainly after maggot dispersal for pupation, despite the higher efficiency of feeding on maggot masses on the carcasses. Birds are likely to reduce the potential risk of infection from the carcass and/or from maggots on the carcasses. Overall, only 1% of maggots were consumed. Our results suggest that necrophagous flies could benefit from the infection risk associated with carnivore carcasses, which may decrease scavenging by other carnivores and constrain maggot consumption by insectivorous birds.}, }
@article {pmid38865769, year = {2024}, author = {Graziosi, G and Lupini, C and Favera, FD and Martini, G and Dosa, G and Trevisani, G and Garavini, G and Mannelli, A and Catelli, E}, title = {Characterizing the domestic-wild bird interface through camera traps in an area at risk for avian influenza introduction in Northern Italy.}, journal = {Poultry science}, volume = {103}, number = {8}, pages = {103892}, pmid = {38865769}, issn = {1525-3171}, mesh = {Animals ; *Influenza in Birds/epidemiology/virology ; Italy/epidemiology ; *Animals, Wild ; Poultry Diseases/epidemiology/virology ; Chickens ; Birds ; }, abstract = {Direct or indirect interactions between sympatric wildlife and poultry can lead to interspecies disease transmission. Particularly, avian influenza (AI) is a viral epidemic disease for which the poultry-wild bird interface shapes the risks of new viral introductions into poultry holdings. Given this background, the study hereby presented aimed to identify wild bird species in poultry house surroundings and characterize the spatiotemporal patterns of these visits. Eight camera traps were deployed for a year (January to December 2021) in 3 commercial chicken layer farms, including free-range and barn-type setups, located in a densely populated poultry area in Northern Italy at high risk for AI introduction via wild birds. Camera traps' positions were chosen based on wildlife signs identified during preliminary visits to the establishments studied. Various methods, including time series analysis, correspondence analysis, and generalized linear models, were employed to analyze the daily wild bird visits. A total of 1,958 camera trap days yielded 5,978 videos of wild birds from 27 different species and 16 taxonomic families. The animals were predominantly engaged in foraging activities nearby poultry houses. Eurasian magpies (Pica pica), ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus), and Eurasian collared doves (Streptopelia decaocto) were the most frequent visitors. Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), an AI reservoir species, were observed only in a farm located next to a fishing sport lake. Time series analysis indicated that wild bird visits increased during spring and winter. Farm and camera trap location also influenced visit frequencies. Overall, the results highlighted specific species that could be prioritized for future AI epidemiological surveys. However, further research is required to assess their susceptibility and infectivity to currently circulating AI viruses, essential for identifying novel bridge hosts.}, }
@article {pmid38859176, year = {2024}, author = {Aslan, B and Franchi, R and Biasi, S and Ali, S and Pavesi, L}, title = {On the spectral response of a taiji-CROW device.}, journal = {Optics express}, volume = {32}, number = {9}, pages = {15177-15198}, doi = {10.1364/OE.514629}, pmid = {38859176}, issn = {1094-4087}, abstract = {Physical systems with topological properties are robust against disorder. However, implementing them in integrated photonic devices is challenging because of the various fabrication imperfections and/or limitations that affect the spectral response of their building blocks. One such feature is strong backscattering due to the surface wall roughness of the waveguides, which can flip the propagating modes to counterpropagating modes and destroy the desired topological behavior. Here, we report a study on modeling, designing and testing an integrated photonic structure based on a sequence of two taiji microresonators coupled with a middle link microresonator (a taiji-CROW device, where CROW stands for coupled resonator optical waveguides). Our study provides design constraints to preserve the ideal operation of the structure by quantifying a minimum ratio between the coupling coefficients and the backscattering coefficients. This ratio is valuable to avoid surface roughness problems in designing topological integrated photonic devices based on arrays of microresonators.}, }
@article {pmid38835280, year = {2024}, author = {Speechley, EM and Ashton, BJ and Thornton, A and King, SL and Simmons, LW and Woodiss-Field, SL and Ridley, AR}, title = {Aggressive interactions influence cognitive performance in Western Australian magpies.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {291}, number = {2024}, pages = {20240435}, pmid = {38835280}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; *Cognition ; *Social Behavior ; Western Australia ; *Aggression ; Male ; Passeriformes/physiology ; Female ; }, abstract = {Extensive research has investigated the relationship between the social environment and cognition, suggesting that social complexity may drive cognitive evolution and development. However, evidence for this relationship remains equivocal. Group size is often used as a measure of social complexity, but this may not capture intraspecific variation in social interactions. Social network analysis can provide insight into the cognitively demanding challenges associated with group living at the individual level. Here, we use social networks to investigate whether the cognitive performance of wild Western Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen dorsalis) is related to group size and individual social connectedness. We quantified social connectedness using four interaction types: proximity, affiliative, agonistic and vocal. Consistent with previous research on this species, individuals in larger groups performed better on an associative learning task. However, social network position was also related to cognitive performance. Individuals receiving aggressive interactions performed better, while those involved in aggressive interactions with more group members performed worse. Overall, this suggests that cognitive performance is related to specific types of social interaction. The findings from this study highlight the value of considering fine-grained metrics of sociality that capture the challenges associated with social life when testing the relationship between the social environment and cognition.}, }
@article {pmid38830782, year = {2025}, author = {Higginbotham, GD}, title = {The Dark Side of Safety: A Call for a More Thorough Consideration of Racism and Collective Power Motivations in the Social Psychology of Firearms.}, journal = {Psychological reports}, volume = {128}, number = {1}, pages = {267-304}, doi = {10.1177/00332941241252773}, pmid = {38830782}, issn = {1558-691X}, mesh = {Humans ; *Firearms/legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; *Racism ; *Motivation ; *Safety ; *Power, Psychological ; Psychology, Social ; United States ; Black or African American/psychology/ethnology ; White People/psychology ; Ownership ; White ; }, abstract = {This paper situates current social psychological research on the symbolic use of firearms (e.g., as a source of personal safety) in broader historical context to motivate a more thorough consideration of collective power motives. Historically, firearms have been used to dominate racial outgroup members (e.g., White Americans use of firearms and firearm laws to dispossess indigenous people of land or control free and enslaved Black people) or, at times, attempt to resist group-based oppression (e.g., Black Americans use of firearms to struggle against White Jim Crow terrorism). Given most gun owners report self-protection as their primary reason for firearm ownership and yet anti-Black attitudes are still a consistently important predictor of firearm ownership among dominant group members (e.g., White Americans), this paper examines how guns may function as a perceived source of personal safety and collective power. I center the persistent role of White supremacy and anti-Blackness in original U.S. firearm psychology and policy to illuminate the interrelatedness of personal safety and collective power perceptions, and how perceived threats to in-group power may motivate the use of guns and policies that selectively regulate gun access to mitigate associated safety concerns. Seeking to nudge social psychology to more thoroughly examine firearms' potential function as a symbolic source of collective power, I end by discussing how considering collective power can help us better understand how historically dominant and historically marginalized groups view firearms today while also illuminating some barriers to the pursuit of gun safety for all.}, }
@article {pmid38826666, year = {2024}, author = {Tozzi, A and Peters, JF}, title = {Towards a single parameter for the assessment of EEG oscillations.}, journal = {Cognitive neurodynamics}, volume = {18}, number = {3}, pages = {1209-1214}, pmid = {38826666}, issn = {1871-4080}, abstract = {The single macroscopic flow on the boundary of a closed curve equals the sum of the countless microscopic flows in the enclosed area. According to the dictates of the Green's theorem, the counterclockwise movements on the border of a two-dimensional shape must equal all the counterclockwise movements taking place inside the shape. This mathematical approach might be useful to analyse neuroscientific data sets for its potential capability to describe the whole cortical activity in terms of electric flows occurring in peripheral brain areas. Given a map of raw EEG data to coloured ovals in which different colours stand for different amplitudes, the theorem suggests that the sum of the electric amplitudes measured inside every oval equals the amplitudes measured just on the oval's edge. This means that the collection of the vector fields detected from the scalp can be described by a novel, single parameter summarizing the counterclockwise electric flow detected in the outer electrodes. To evaluate the predictive power of this parameter, in a pilot study we investigated EEG traces from ten young females performing Raven's intelligence tests of various complexity, from easy tasks (n = 5) to increasingly complex tasks (n = 5). Despite the seemingly unpredictable behavior of EEG electric amplitudes, the novel parameter proved to be a valuable tool to to discriminate between the two groups and detect hidden, statistically significant differences. We conclude that the application of this promising parameter could be expanded to assess also data sets extracted from neurotechniques other than EEG.}, }
@article {pmid38788911, year = {2024}, author = {Novčić, I and Mikula, P}, title = {Nearest neighbour distance does not affect escape behaviour in urban hooded crows.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {219}, number = {}, pages = {105057}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2024.105057}, pmid = {38788911}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {*Crows/physiology ; Animals ; *Escape Reaction/physiology ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Male ; Feeding Behavior/physiology ; Female ; }, abstract = {The nearest-neighbour distance is an important property of a group, as individuals can obtain environmental information more quickly and easily from nearby individuals. We examined whether distance to the nearest neighbour affected two components of escape behaviour - alert distance (AD) and flight initiation distance (FID) - in an urban population of hooded crows Corvus cornix, while controlling for confounding variables. We did not find evidence that AD and FID were influenced by the nearest neighbour distance. However, both AD and FID were negatively affected by feeding activity of individuals - focal crows alerted later and escaped at shorter distance if they were feeding during our approach. In addition, AD and FID were positively related to starting distance and grass coverage. The lack of evidence for the nearest neighbour effect on escape behaviour of crows may be due to: (1) disturbance by close neighbours that may impede antipredator behaviour of focal birds, (2) variable distribution of familiar, dominant or experienced individuals within a flock, and (3) dynamic change in position of the nearest neighbour during the potential predator approach.}, }
@article {pmid38783132, year = {2024}, author = {Lenharo, M}, title = {These crows have counting skills previously only seen in people.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {38783132}, issn = {1476-4687}, }
@article {pmid38781375, year = {2024}, author = {Liao, DA and Brecht, KF and Veit, L and Nieder, A}, title = {Crows "count" the number of self-generated vocalizations.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {384}, number = {6698}, pages = {874-877}, doi = {10.1126/science.adl0984}, pmid = {38781375}, issn = {1095-9203}, mesh = {Animals ; Acoustics ; *Crows/physiology ; Cues ; *Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {Producing a specific number of vocalizations with purpose requires a sophisticated combination of numerical abilities and vocal control. Whether this capacity exists in animals other than humans is yet unknown. We show that crows can flexibly produce variable numbers of one to four vocalizations in response to arbitrary cues associated with numerical values. The acoustic features of the first vocalization of a sequence were predictive of the total number of vocalizations, indicating a planning process. Moreover, the acoustic features of vocal units predicted their order in the sequence and could be used to read out counting errors during vocal production.}, }
@article {pmid38777168, year = {2024}, author = {Wascher, CAF and Hillemann, F}, title = {Observation of female-male mounting in the carrion crow.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {219}, number = {}, pages = {105055}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2024.105055}, pmid = {38777168}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows/physiology ; Female ; Male ; *Sexual Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Social Behavior ; Copulation/physiology ; }, abstract = {In the biological sciences, sexual behaviours in non-human animals are traditionally investigated in the context of reproduction and direct fitness benefits. While the evolutionary functions of non-conceptive sexual behaviours ('socio-sexual behaviours') remain less well explored, these interactions and displays have been suggested to be important for shaping and maintaining social relationships. Here, we report an observation of a captive female carrion crow, Corvus corone corone, mounting her co-housed male partner. We highlight the importance of more systematic research, reporting, and discussions of rarely observed behaviours in social evolution research, including considerations for behaviours that transcend binary or heteronormative frameworks, for a more comprehensive understanding of non-conceptive socio-sexual behaviours.}, }
@article {pmid38768208, year = {2024}, author = {Broad, HR and Dibnah, AJ and Smith, AE and Thornton, A}, title = {Anthropogenic disturbance affects calling and collective behaviour in corvid roosts.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {379}, number = {1905}, pages = {20230185}, pmid = {38768208}, issn = {1471-2970}, support = {//Leverhulme Trust/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Vocalization, Animal ; *Crows/physiology ; *Noise ; *Social Behavior ; Anthropogenic Effects ; Human Activities ; }, abstract = {Acoustic communication plays an important role in coordinating group dynamics and collective movements across a range of taxa. However, anthropogenic disturbance can inhibit the production or reception of acoustic signals. Here, we investigate the effects of noise and light pollution on the calling and collective behaviour of wild jackdaws (Corvus monedula), a highly social corvid species that uses vocalizations to coordinate collective movements at winter roosting sites. Using audio and video monitoring of roosts in areas with differing degrees of urbanization, we evaluate the influence of anthropogenic disturbance on vocalizations and collective movements. We found that when levels of background noise were higher, jackdaws took longer to settle following arrival at the roost in the evening and also called more during the night, suggesting that human disturbance may cause sleep disruption. High levels of overnight calling were, in turn, linked to disruption of vocal consensus decision-making and less cohesive group departures in the morning. These results raise the possibility that, by affecting cognitive and perceptual processes, human activities may interfere with animals' ability to coordinate collective behaviour. Understanding links between anthropogenic disturbance, communication, cognition and collective behaviour must be an important research priority in our increasingly urbanized world. This article is part of the theme issue 'The power of sound: unravelling how acoustic communication shapes group dynamics'.}, }
@article {pmid38768205, year = {2024}, author = {Walsh, SL and Townsend, SW and Engesser, S and Ridley, AR}, title = {Call combination production is linked to the social environment in Western Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen dorsalis).}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {379}, number = {1905}, pages = {20230198}, pmid = {38768205}, issn = {1471-2970}, support = {//Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment/ ; //Ecological Society of Australia Incorporated/ ; //Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur F&#xf6;rderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Vocalization, Animal ; Western Australia ; Social Environment ; Social Behavior ; Male ; Passeriformes/physiology ; Female ; Songbirds/physiology ; }, abstract = {It has recently become clear that some language-specific traits previously thought to be unique to humans (such as the capacity to combine sounds) are widespread in the animal kingdom. Despite the increase in studies documenting the presence of call combinations in non-human animals, factors promoting this vocal trait are unclear. One leading hypothesis proposes that communicative complexity co-evolved with social complexity owing to the need to transmit a diversity of information to a wider range of social partners. The Western Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen dorsalis) provides a unique model to investigate this proposed link because it is a group-living, vocal learning species that is capable of multi-level combinatoriality (independently produced calls contain vocal segments and comprise combinations). Here, we compare variations in the production of call combinations across magpie groups ranging in size from 2 to 11 birds. We found that callers in larger groups give call combinations: (i) in greater diversity and (ii) more frequently than callers in smaller groups. Significantly, these observations support the hypothesis that combinatorial complexity may be related to social complexity in an open-ended vocal learner, providing an important step in understanding the role that sociality may have played in the development of vocal combinatorial complexity. This article is part of the theme issue 'The power of sound: unravelling how acoustic communication shapes group dynamics'.}, }
@article {pmid38758592, year = {2024}, author = {Erker, TD and Arif, Y and John, JA and Embury, CM and Kress, KA and Springer, SD and Okelberry, HJ and McDonald, KM and Picci, G and Wiesman, AI and Wilson, TW}, title = {Neuromodulatory effects of parietal high-definition transcranial direct-current stimulation on network-level activity serving fluid intelligence.}, journal = {The Journal of physiology}, volume = {602}, number = {12}, pages = {2917-2930}, pmid = {38758592}, issn = {1469-7793}, support = {F30 AG076259/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; P20 GM144641/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; P20-GM144641//HHS | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; F30-AG076259//HHS | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; R01 MH116782/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; RF1 MH117032/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; S10 OD028751/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; S10-OD028751//HHS | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; RF1-MH117032//HHS | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; F32-NS119375//HHS | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; R01-MH116782//HHS | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; F32 NS119375/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation/methods ; Adult ; *Parietal Lobe/physiology ; Male ; Female ; *Intelligence/physiology ; Young Adult ; Nerve Net/physiology ; Magnetoencephalography/methods ; }, abstract = {Fluid intelligence (Gf) involves rational thinking skills and requires the integration of information from different cortical regions to resolve novel complex problems. The effects of non-invasive brain stimulation on Gf have been studied in attempts to improve Gf, but such studies are rare and the few existing have reached conflicting conclusions. The parieto-frontal integration theory of intelligence (P-FIT) postulates that the parietal and frontal lobes play a critical role in Gf. To investigate the suggested role of parietal cortices, we applied high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) to the left and right parietal cortices of 39 healthy adults (age 19-33 years) for 20 min in three separate sessions (left active, right active and sham). After completing the stimulation session, the participants completed a logical reasoning task based on Raven's Progressive Matrices during magnetoencephalography. Significant neural responses at the sensor level across all stimulation conditions were imaged using a beamformer. Whole-brain, spectrally constrained functional connectivity was then computed to examine the network-level activity. Behaviourally, we found that participants were significantly more accurate following left compared to right parietal stimulation. Regarding neural findings, we found significant HD-tDCS montage-related effects in brain networks thought to be critical for P-FIT, including parieto-occipital, fronto-occipital, fronto-parietal and occipito-cerebellar connectivity during task performance. In conclusion, our findings showed that left parietal stimulation improved abstract reasoning abilities relative to right parietal stimulation and support both P-FIT and the neural efficiency hypothesis. KEY POINTS: Abstract reasoning is a critical component of fluid intelligence and is known to be served by multispectral oscillatory activity in the fronto-parietal cortices. Recent studies have aimed to improve abstract reasoning abilities and fluid intelligence overall through behavioural training, but the results have been mixed. High-definition transcranial direct-current stimulation (HD-tDCS) applied to the parietal cortices modulated task performance and neural oscillations during abstract reasoning. Left parietal stimulation resulted in increased accuracy and decreased functional connectivity between occipital regions and frontal, parietal, and cerebellar regions. Future studies should investigate whether HD-tDCS alters abstract reasoning abilities in those who exhibit declines in performance, such as healthy ageing populations.}, }
@article {pmid38729409, year = {2024}, author = {Espinoza, MJ and Laviada, I and Taberner Cerezo, A and Luna, &#xc1; and Gil-Delgado, JA and Bernat-Ponce, E}, title = {Do birds select the plastics debris used for nest construction? A case study in a Mediterranean agricultural landscape.}, journal = {Environmental research}, volume = {255}, number = {}, pages = {119117}, doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2024.119117}, pmid = {38729409}, issn = {1096-0953}, mesh = {Animals ; *Plastics/analysis ; *Nesting Behavior ; *Agriculture ; Spain ; Waste Products/analysis ; Passeriformes ; Environmental Monitoring ; }, abstract = {Plastic pollution is becoming a global problem due to its ubiquitous occurrence and the impacts detected for many species. However, the research about plastics in nests of terrestrial bird species has remained relatively overlooked in comparison to those devoted to marine ecosystems. Here we study the occurrence and patterns of use of anthropogenic material in nests of two passerine birds, the Eurasian magpie (Pica pica) and the European serin (Serinus serinus), breeding in an orange tree cultivation in Mediterranean Spain. Our results show that both species use extensively plastic debris as nest material; almost 71% of the European serin nests and 96% of nests of Eurasian magpies contained plastic debris. Furthermore, by analyzing the plastic debris availability in the agricultural landscape surveyed we confirmed a selection pattern in the two species. Thus, both species preferably select plastic filaments over other plastic debris. The Eurasian magpie does not select plastic based on size or color but the European serin avoid black plastics prefer smaller fragments in comparison to the average size available. Moreover, we suggest the apparent similarity of plastic filaments with the natural materials typically used by these species, as well as how they use the plastic in their nests could influence their selection behavior. More studies focused on terrestrial birds inhabiting human modified habitats could offer a deeper approach to how plastic debris interacts with wildlife in different ways.}, }
@article {pmid38722645, year = {2024}, author = {Driscoll, RMH and Beaudry, FEG and Cosgrove, EJ and Bowman, R and Fitzpatrick, JW and Schoech, SJ and Chen, N}, title = {Allele frequency dynamics under sex-biased demography and sex-specific inheritance in a pedigreed jay population.}, journal = {Genetics}, volume = {227}, number = {3}, pages = {}, pmid = {38722645}, issn = {1943-2631}, support = {R35 GM133412/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; //National Science Foundation/ ; /NH/NIH HHS/United States ; 1939268//NSF Graduate Research Fellowship/ ; 2109639//NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowship/ ; }, mesh = {Male ; Female ; *Gene Frequency ; Animals ; *Pedigree ; Models, Genetic ; }, abstract = {Sex-biased demography, including sex-biased survival or migration, can alter allele frequency changes across the genome. In particular, we can expect different patterns of genetic variation on autosomes and sex chromosomes due to sex-specific differences in life histories, as well as differences in effective population size, transmission modes, and the strength and mode of selection. Here, we demonstrate the role that sex differences in life history played in shaping short-term evolutionary dynamics across the genome. We used a 25-year pedigree and genomic dataset from a long-studied population of Florida Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) to directly characterize the relative roles of sex-biased demography and inheritance in shaping genome-wide allele frequency trajectories. We used gene dropping simulations to estimate individual genetic contributions to future generations and to model drift and immigration on the known pedigree. We quantified differential expected genetic contributions of males and females over time, showing the impact of sex-biased dispersal in a monogamous system. Due to female-biased dispersal, more autosomal variation is introduced by female immigrants. However, due to male-biased transmission, more Z variation is introduced by male immigrants. Finally, we partitioned the proportion of variance in allele frequency change through time due to male and female contributions. Overall, most allele frequency change is due to variance in survival and births. Males and females make similar contributions to autosomal allele frequency change, but males make higher contributions to allele frequency change on the Z chromosome. Our work shows the importance of understanding sex-specific demographic processes in characterizing genome-wide allele frequency change in wild populations.}, }
@article {pmid38701068, year = {2024}, author = {Stefanova, V and Scheepers, C and Wilson, P and Papageorgiou, KA}, title = {Grandiose narcissism associates with higher cognitive performance under stress through more efficient attention distribution: An eye-tracking study.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {19}, number = {5}, pages = {e0302644}, pmid = {38701068}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Female ; *Narcissism ; *Cognition/physiology ; Adult ; *Attention/physiology ; Young Adult ; Eye-Tracking Technology ; Stress, Psychological ; Adolescent ; Self Concept ; }, abstract = {Narcissism is a part of the Dark Triad that consists also of the traits of Machiavellianism and psychopathy. Two main types of narcissism exist: grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. Being a Dark Triad trait, narcissism is typically associated with negative outcomes. However, recent research suggests that at least the grandiose type may be linked (directly or indirectly) to positive outcomes including lower levels of psychopathology, higher school grades in adolescents, deeper and more strategic learning in university students and higher cognitive performance in experimental settings. The current pre-registered, quasi-experimental study implemented eye-tracking to assess whether grandiose narcissism indirectly predicts cognitive performance through wider distribution of attention on the Raven's Progressive Matrices task. Fifty-four adults completed measures of the Dark Triad, self-esteem and psychopathology. Eight months to one year later, participants completed the Raven's, while their eye-movements were monitored during high stress conditions. When controlling for previous levels of psychopathology, grandiose narcissism predicted higher Raven's scores indirectly, through increased variability in the number of fixations across trials. These findings suggest that grandiose narcissism predicts higher cognitive performance, at least in experimental settings, and call for further research to understand the implications of this seemingly dark trait for performance across various settings.}, }
@article {pmid38689546, year = {2024}, author = {Storms, RF and Carere, C and Musters, R and Hulst, R and Verhulst, S and Hemelrijk, CK}, title = {A robotic falcon induces similar collective escape responses in different bird species.}, journal = {Journal of the Royal Society, Interface}, volume = {21}, number = {214}, pages = {20230737}, pmid = {38689546}, issn = {1742-5662}, support = {//Dutch Research Council (NWO)/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Escape Reaction/physiology ; *Falconiformes/physiology ; *Robotics ; Predatory Behavior/physiology ; Birds/physiology ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Patterns of collective escape of a bird flock from a predator are fascinating, but difficult to study under natural conditions because neither prey nor predator is under experimental control. We resolved this problem by using an artificial predator (RobotFalcon) resembling a peregrine falcon in morphology and behaviour. We imitated hunts by chasing flocks of corvids, gulls, starlings and lapwings with the RobotFalcon, and compared their patterns of collective escape to those when chased by a conventional drone and, in case of starlings, hunted by wild peregrine falcons. Active pursuit of flocks, rather than only flying nearby by either the RobotFalcon or the drone, made flocks collectively escape more often. The RobotFalcon elicited patterns of collective escape in flocks of all species more often than the drone. Attack altitude did not affect the frequency of collective escape. Starlings escaped collectively equally often when chased by the RobotFalcon or a wild peregrine falcon. Flocks of all species reacted most often by collective turns, second most often by compacting and third by splitting into subflocks. This study demonstrates the potential of an artificial aerial predator for studying the collective escape behaviour of free-living birds, opening exciting avenues in the empirical study of prey-predator interactions.}, }
@article {pmid38683398, year = {2024}, author = {Smirnova, AA and Bulgakova, LR and Cheplakova, MA and Jelbert, SA}, title = {Hooded crows (Corvus cornix) manufacture objects relative to a mental template.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {27}, number = {1}, pages = {36}, pmid = {38683398}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {No. 23-28-00364//Russian Science Foundation Project/ ; No. 23-28-00364//Russian Science Foundation Project/ ; No. 23-28-00364//Russian Science Foundation Project/ ; }, mesh = {*Crows ; Animals ; *Tool Use Behavior ; Female ; Male ; Reward ; Cognition ; }, abstract = {It was recently found that not only tool-specialized New Caledonian crows, but also Goffin cockatoos can manufacture physical objects in accordance with a mental template. That is, they can emulate features of existing objects when they manufacture new items. Both species spontaneously ripped pieces of card into large strips if they had previously learned that a large template was rewarded, and small strips when they previously learned that a small template was rewarded. Among New Caledonian crows, this cognitive ability was suggested as a potential mechanism underlying the transmission of natural tool designs. Here, we tested for the same ability in another non-specialised tool user-Hooded crows (Corvus cornix). Crows were exposed to pre-made template objects, varying first in colour and then in size, and were rewarded only if they chose pre-made objects that matched the template. In subsequent tests, birds were given the opportunity to manufacture versions of these objects. All three crows ripped paper pieces from the same colour material as the rewarded template, and, crucially, also manufactured objects that were more similar in size to previously rewarded, than unrewarded, templates, despite the birds being rewarded at random in both tests. Therefore, we found the ability to manufacture physical objects relative to a mental template in yet another bird species not specialized in using or making foraging tools in the wild, but with a high level of brain and cognitive development.}, }
@article {pmid38656932, year = {2024}, author = {Sutton, AO and Strickland, D and Lachapelle, J and Young, RG and Hanner, R and Brunton, DF and Skevington, JH and Freeman, NE and Norris, DR}, title = {Fecal DNA metabarcoding helps characterize the Canada jay's diet and confirms its reliance on stored food for winter survival and breeding.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {19}, number = {4}, pages = {e0300583}, pmid = {38656932}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Seasons ; *Feces/chemistry ; *Diet ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods ; Passeriformes/physiology ; Feeding Behavior ; Breeding ; Canada ; DNA/analysis/genetics ; }, abstract = {Accurately determining the diet of wild animals can be challenging if food items are small, visible only briefly, or rendered visually unidentifiable in the digestive system. In some food caching species, an additional challenge is determining whether consumed diet items have been previously stored or are fresh. The Canada jay (Perisoreus canadensis) is a generalist resident of North American boreal and subalpine forests with anatomical and behavioural adaptations allowing it to make thousands of arboreal food caches in summer and fall that are presumably responsible for its high winter survival and late winter/early spring breeding. We used DNA fecal metabarcoding to obtain novel information on nestling diets and compiled a dataset of 662 published and unpublished direct observations or stomach contents identifications of natural foods consumed by Canada jays throughout the year. We then used detailed natural history information to make informed decisions on whether each item identified to species in the diets of winter adults and nestlings was best characterized as 'likely cached', 'likely fresh' (i.e., was available as a non-cached item when it appeared in a jay's feces or stomach), or 'either possible'. Of the 87 food items consumed by adults in the winter, 39% were classified as 'likely cached' and 6% were deemed to be 'likely fresh'. For nestlings, 29% of 125 food items identified to species were 'likely cached' and 38% were 'likely fresh'. Our results support both the indispensability of cached food for Canada jay winter survival and previous suggestions that cached food is important for late winter/early spring breeding. Our work highlights the value of combining metabarcoding, stomach contents analysis, and direct observations to determine the cached vs. non-cached origins of consumed food items and the identity of food caches, some of which could be especially vulnerable to degradation through climate change.}, }
@article {pmid38640235, year = {2024}, author = {Zhang, C and Jia, B and Zhu, Y and Zhu, SC}, title = {Human-level few-shot concept induction through minimax entropy learning.}, journal = {Science advances}, volume = {10}, number = {16}, pages = {eadg2488}, pmid = {38640235}, issn = {2375-2548}, abstract = {Humans learn concepts both from labeled supervision and by unsupervised observation of patterns, a process machines are being taught to mimic by training on large annotated datasets-a method quite different from the human pathway, wherein few examples with no supervision suffice to induce an unfamiliar relational concept. We introduce a computational model designed to emulate human inductive reasoning on abstract reasoning tasks, such as those in IQ tests, using a minimax entropy approach. This method combines identifying the most effective constraints on data via minimum entropy with determining the best combination of them via maximum entropy. Our model, which applies this unsupervised technique, induces concepts from just one instance, reaching human-level performance on tasks of Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM), Machine Number Sense (MNS), and Odd-One-Out (O[3]). These results demonstrate the potential of minimax entropy learning for enabling machines to learn relational concepts efficiently with minimal input.}, }
@article {pmid38622257, year = {2024}, author = {Schumm, YR and Lederer-Ponzer, N and Masello, JF and Quillfeldt, P}, title = {High prevalence of haemosporidian parasites in Eurasian jays.}, journal = {Parasitology research}, volume = {123}, number = {4}, pages = {182}, pmid = {38622257}, issn = {1432-1955}, support = {LOEWE priority project Nature 4.0 - Sensing Biodiversity//Hessen State Ministry for Higher Education, Research and the Arts/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Parasites ; Prevalence ; DNA, Protozoan ; Phylogeny ; *Songbirds ; *Passeriformes ; *Haemosporida/genetics ; *Bird Diseases/epidemiology/parasitology ; *Protozoan Infections, Animal/epidemiology/parasitology ; }, abstract = {Avian haemosporidians are vector-borne parasites, infecting a great variety of birds. The order Passeriformes has the highest average infection probability; nevertheless, some common species of Passeriformes have been rather poorly studied. We investigated haemosporidians in one such species, the Eurasian jay Garrulus glandarius (Corvidae), from a forest population in Hesse, Central Germany. All individuals were infected with at least one haemosporidian genus (overall prevalence: 100%). The most common infection pattern was a mixed Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon infection, whereas no Plasmodium infection was detected. Results on lineage diversity indicate a rather pronounced host-specificity of Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon lineages infecting birds of the family Corvidae.}, }
@article {pmid38583936, year = {2024}, author = {Hu, B and Wang, JM and Zhang, QX and Xu, J and Xing, YN and Wang, B and Han, SY and He, HX}, title = {Enterococcus faecalis provides protection during scavenging in carrion crow (Corvus corone).}, journal = {Zoological research}, volume = {45}, number = {3}, pages = {451-463}, pmid = {38583936}, issn = {2095-8137}, mesh = {Animals ; Mice ; *Crows ; Enterococcus faecalis ; Ecosystem ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S ; Feeding Behavior ; Birds ; }, abstract = {The gut microbiota significantly influences host physiology and provides essential ecosystem services. While diet can affect the composition of the gut microbiota, the gut microbiota can also help the host adapt to specific dietary habits. The carrion crow (Corvus corone), an urban facultative scavenger bird, hosts an abundance of pathogens due to its scavenging behavior. Despite this, carrion crows infrequently exhibit illness, a phenomenon related to their unique physiological adaptability. At present, however, the role of the gut microbiota remains incompletely understood. In this study, we performed a comparative analysis using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing technology to assess colonic content in carrion crows and 16 other bird species with different diets in Beijing, China. Our findings revealed that the dominant gut microbiota in carrion crows was primarily composed of Proteobacteria (75.51%) and Firmicutes (22.37%). Significant differences were observed in the relative abundance of Enterococcus faecalis among groups, highlighting its potential as a biomarker of facultative scavenging behavior in carrion crows. Subsequently, E. faecalis isolated from carrion crows was transplanted into model mice to explore the protective effects of this bacterial community against Salmonella enterica infection. Results showed that E. faecalis down-regulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and interleukin 6 (IL-6), prevented S. enterica colonization, and regulated the composition of gut microbiota in mice, thereby modulating the host's immune regulatory capacity. Therefore, E. faecalis exerts immunoregulatory and anti-pathogenic functions in carrion crows engaged in scavenging behavior, offering a representative case of how the gut microbiota contributes to the protection of hosts with specialized diets.}, }
@article {pmid38557350, year = {2024}, author = {Wang, Z and Mayer, CH and Li, J}, title = {A psychobiographical analysis of Empress Dowager Cixi: exploring the femininity castrated complex.}, journal = {International review of psychiatry (Abingdon, England)}, volume = {36}, number = {1-2}, pages = {56-68}, doi = {10.1080/09540261.2023.2274934}, pmid = {38557350}, issn = {1369-1627}, mesh = {Female ; Humans ; Animals ; *Femininity ; *Chickens ; }, abstract = {In Chinese culture, there is a widely circulated phrase, 'A hen crows in the morning'. This phrase is used to humiliate women who steal power and engage in the political field. It demonstrates the complicated relationship between women and power in the context of Chinese culture. Women are not completely excluded from the politics, but women in power are often stigmatised. This study explores the life of Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908), the last female dominator in Chinese history, takes psychobiography as the research method, and attempts to understand the complicated relationship between women and power in Chinese culture through analysing Cixi's life from the perspective of complex and cultural complex theory which originated with C.G. Jung and analytical theory. The research findings show that humiliating and suppressing women with political talent can trigger their complexes, both personal and cultural. This study attempts to propose the femininity castrated complex to better describe the conscious and unconscious psychological dynamics impacting on women within patriarchal, political Chinese culture. This complex further relates to (1) denying her biological sex in order to avoid accusations of superego and, (2) the relationship with her son who is not only her son, but also her enemy regarding (political) power.}, }
@article {pmid38553766, year = {2024}, author = {Chambon, R and Paillisson, JM and Fournier-Sowinski, J and Dugravot, S}, title = {Agricultural habitat use and selection by a sedentary bird over its annual life cycle in a crop-depredation context.}, journal = {Movement ecology}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {26}, pmid = {38553766}, issn = {2051-3933}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Modern agriculture has undoubtedly led to increasing wildlife-human conflicts, notably concerning bird damage in productive and attractive crops during some parts of the annual cycle. This issue requires utmost attention for sedentary birds that may impact agricultural crops at any stage of their annual life cycle. Reducing bird-human conflicts requires a better understanding of the relationship between bird foraging activity and the characteristics of agricultural areas, notably with respect to changes in food-resource availability and crop sensitivity across the year.<br><br>METHODS: We explored how GPS-tagged adult male western jackdaws- sedentary corvids- utilize agricultural areas throughout their annual cycle, in a context of crop depredation. More precisely, we described their daily occurrence distribution and the extent of habitat use and selection consistency with respect to landscape composition across time.<br><br>RESULTS: Jackdaws moved in the close agricultural surroundings of their urban nesting place over the year (<&#x2009;2.5&#xa0;km from the nest, on average). Daily occurrence distributions were restricted (<&#x2009;2.2&#xa0;km[2]), relatively centered on the nesting locality (distance between the daily occurrence centroid and the nest&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.9&#xa0;km), and rather spatially stable during each annual life-cycle period (overlap range: 63.4-76.1%). Their foraging patterns highlighted that they fed mainly in grasslands all year round, and foraged complementarily and opportunistically in maize (during sowing- coinciding with the first stages of the birds' breeding period) and cereal crops (during harvesting- their post-fledging period).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate the very limited space use by breeding male jackdaws which foraged preferentially in grasslands. We call for future investigations in other agricultural contexts and also considering non-breeders for extrapolation purposes.}, }
@article {pmid38545615, year = {2024}, author = {Hooper, R and Maher, K and Moore, K and McIvor, G and Hosken, D and Thornton, A}, title = {Ultimate drivers of forced extra-pair copulations in birds lacking a penis: jackdaws as a case-study.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {11}, number = {3}, pages = {231226}, pmid = {38545615}, issn = {2054-5703}, support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {Forced copulation is common, presumably because it can increase male reproductive success. Forced extra-pair copulation (FEPC) occurs in birds, even though most species lack a penis and are widely thought to require female cooperation for fertilization. How FEPC persists, despite a presumed lack of siring success and likely non-negligible costs to the male, is unknown. Using the jackdaw (Corvus monedula) as a case study, we use SNPs to quantify the extra-pair paternity rate through FEPC and evaluate explanations for the persistence of FEPC in species without a penis. We then collate evidence for FEPC across penis-lacking birds. Combining genetic and behavioural analyses, our study suggests that the most likely explanations for the maintenance of FEPC in jackdaws are that it provides a selective advantage to males or it is a relic. Our literature review shows that across birds lacking a penis, FEPC is taxonomically widespread, and yet, little is known about its evolution. A broader implementation of the approach used here, combining both genetic and behavioural data, may shed light on why this widespread sexual behaviour persists. Additional work is necessary to understand whether a penis is needed for paternity through forced copulation and to quantify the costs of FEPC.}, }
@article {pmid38545558, year = {2024}, author = {Tummeleht, L and Häkkä, SSS and Jürison, M and Vilem, A and Nurmoja, I and Viltrop, A}, title = {Wild boar (Sus scrofa) carcasses as an attraction for scavengers and a potential source for soil contamination with the African swine fever virus.}, journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {1305643}, pmid = {38545558}, issn = {2297-1769}, abstract = {The wild boar (Sus scrofa) is a social animal species native to Eurasia. During the last decade, the wild boar population in Estonia has been severely affected by the African swine fever virus (ASFV), which has also affected domestic pig farming. The potential transmission routes of ASFV remain unclear and are currently under intensive investigation. This pilot study aimed to clarify the frequency and characteristics of contacts between living wild boars and the carcasses of their conspecifics, which could play a role in the transmission of ASFV. Wild animals' contact and scavenging behavior on wild boar carcasses were studied using trail cameras in an experimental setting on Hiiumaa, Western Estonia. Four legally hunted carcasses were used in the present study. This study aimed to determine whether intraspecies scavenging occurs in wild boars. The persistence of ASFV DNA in soil contaminated with infected wild boar carcasses was investigated separately. Among the 17 identified wildlife species that visited wild boar carcasses, the common raven (Corvus corax) was the most frequent one (37.26%), followed by raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides; 4.25%), carcass conspecific/wild boars (3.16%), and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes; 2.14%). Regarding the direct contact with the carcass, the same species ranking was detected: common raven (74.95%), raccoon dogs (9.94%), wild boars (4.21%), and red foxes (4.21%). No clear signs of cannibalism were noted among the wild boars, although brief physical contact with the carcasses was evident. The persistence of ASFV DNA in soil contaminated by infected wild boar carcasses was investigated separately. This study revealed that ASFV DNA from infected carcasses could be detected in forest soil for prolonged periods, even after removing the carcasses. Hence, the carcasses of infected wild boars may play an important role in spreading the African swine fever virus in wild boar populations; thus, prompt removal and disinfection of the soil could be considered necessary to limit the spread of the infection.}, }
@article {pmid38538209, year = {2024}, author = {Shatkovska, OV and Ghazali, M and Mytiai, IS and Stegney, MM}, title = {Patterns of integrated growth of body parts in Rook (Corvus frugilegus) ontogeny.}, journal = {Journal of morphology}, volume = {285}, number = {4}, pages = {e21690}, doi = {10.1002/jmor.21690}, pmid = {38538209}, issn = {1097-4687}, support = {2020.02/0247//National Research Foundation of Ukraine/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Wings, Animal ; Chickens ; Hindlimb ; Forelimb ; }, abstract = {The early period of ontogeny is key to understanding the patterns of body plan formation in birds. Most studies of avian development have focused on the development of individual avian characters, leaving their developmental integration understudied. We explored the dynamics and integration of relative percentage increments in body mass, lengths of head, skeletal elements of wing and leg, and primary flight feathers in the embryonic and postnatal development of the Rook (Corvus frugilegus). The relative percentage increments were calculated according to Brody's equation. Groups of similar growing traits (modules) were determined using hierarchical cluster analysis, and the degree of correlation between modules was estimated by PLS analysis. The embryonic and postnatal periods demonstrate significant consistency both in the dynamics of changes in relative percentage increments of studied traits as well as in the clustering of individual modules. The modules mainly include the body mass and head length, as well as the elements that form the fore- and hind limbs. Differences were revealed in the combination of modules into clusters in embryonic and postnatal periods. Hind limb elements clustered together with wing elements in the embryonic period but with body mass and the head in the postnatal period. The strongest modularity was noted for the leg in embryogenesis, and for the wing in postnatal development. The forelimb and especially the primary feathers had more distinctive growth patterns. We suggest the changes in the degree of integration between locomotor modules in ontogenesis are connected with the earlier functioning of the legs in the postnatal period and with the preparation of the wings for functioning after a chick leaves the nest.}, }
@article {pmid38512931, year = {2024}, author = {Gutema, BT and Tariku, EZ and Melketsedik, ZA and Levecke, B and De Henauw, S and Abubakar, A and Abbeddou, S}, title = {Assessing the influence of COVID-19 lockdown measures on cognition and behavior in school age children in Arba Minch Health and Demographic Surveillance site, Southern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.}, journal = {PLOS global public health}, volume = {4}, number = {3}, pages = {e0002978}, pmid = {38512931}, issn = {2767-3375}, abstract = {Ethiopian schools were closed for nearly 40 weeks as a measure to control the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of the study was to evaluate the role of COVID-19 pandemic's restrictive measures on cognition and behavioral difficulties of schoolchildren in Arba Minch Health and Demographic Surveillance Site. Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted in November 2019 (pre-COVID-19-lockdown) and November 2020 (post-COVID-19 lockdown). Data were collected both at the school and homes of the children. Cognitive development of the children was assessed using digit span, Raven's coloured progressive matrices (RCPM) and Visual search using cancellation task. Behavioral difficulties score of the children was assessed using Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare between the cognition outcomes and behavioral difficulties score pre- and post-COVID-19-lockdown. In a sub-group of children who provided data in both surveys, the difference in cognitive and behavioral outcomes was tested using a mixed effect model. Compared to the pre-COVID-19-lockdown, schoolchildren post-COVID-19-lockdown scored lower in the standardized performance index for the visual search task, which measures attention (0.27 SD, 95% confidence intervals (95%CI): -0.40, -0.13). However, they scored higher by 0.26 SD (95%CI: 0.13, 0.40) and 0.36 SD (95%CI: 0.22, 0.49) in digit span and RCPM, respectively, measuring working memory and non-verbal intelligence. There was no significant difference in total difficulties score between pre- and post-COVID-19-lockdown (0.01 SD, 95%CI: -0.12, 0.15). The subgroup analysis showed a significant increase in digit span among children post-COVID-19-lockdown while the other domains did not show a significant change. Factors contributing to the improvement of children's cognitive domains while away from the school environment should be explored and utilized to enhance child development. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04137354 on October 14, 2019.}, }
@article {pmid38464619, year = {2024}, author = {Scognamiglio, C and Sorge, A and Borrelli, G and Perrella, R and Saita, E}, title = {Exploring the connection between childhood trauma, dissociation, and borderline personality disorder in forensic psychiatry: a comprehensive case study.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {15}, number = {}, pages = {1332914}, pmid = {38464619}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {This case study examines the complex relationship between childhood trauma, dissociation, and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) within the context of forensic psychiatry. It focuses on a young murder defendant named "Paul," who has experienced various traumatic events, including childhood maltreatment and domestic violence. These experiences have led to dissociative states marked by high emotional intensity, particularly of an aggressive nature, and impaired impulse control, resulting in violent behavior during dissociative episodes. The study employs advanced assessment tools like Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM), the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III), and the Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (LS/CMI) to gain a comprehensive understanding of Paul's psychopathological condition, risk factors, and rehabilitation needs. The LS/CMI assessment highlights a high risk of recidivism, mainly influenced by family relationships, educational challenges, interpersonal connections, and aggressive tendencies. To address the multifaceted needs of individuals like Paul, the study emphasizes the importance of using transdiagnostic models for trauma and dissociation. This approach informs tailored treatment programs that include processing past traumatic experiences, improving self-identity, nurturing healthy relational patterns, and enhancing emotional regulation. Although this study is based on a single case, it serves as a model for integrating assessment tools and theoretical-clinical models in the field of forensic psychiatry. Understanding the intricate dynamics of childhood trauma, dissociation, and BPD is crucial for making informed decisions, conducting risk assessments, and developing rehabilitation programs within the justice system. Future research should expand the scope of cases and further validate assessment tools to advance our understanding of this complex relationship.}, }
@article {pmid38419376, year = {2024}, author = {Burban, E and Tenaillon, MI and Glémin, S}, title = {RIDGE, a tool tailored to detect gene flow barriers across species pairs.}, journal = {Molecular ecology resources}, volume = {24}, number = {4}, pages = {e13944}, doi = {10.1111/1755-0998.13944}, pmid = {38419376}, issn = {1755-0998}, support = {//R&#xe9;gion Bretagne/ ; ANR-17-EUR-0007//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; ANR-19-CE32-0009-02//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; GDR 3765//Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/ ; }, mesh = {*Gene Flow ; Bayes Theorem ; *Genetic Speciation ; Genomics ; Genome ; }, abstract = {Characterizing the processes underlying reproductive isolation between diverging lineages is central to understanding speciation. Here, we present RIDGE-Reproductive Isolation Detection using Genomic polymorphisms-a tool tailored for quantifying gene flow barrier proportion and identifying the relevant genomic regions. RIDGE relies on an Approximate Bayesian Computation with a model-averaging approach to accommodate diverse scenarios of lineage divergence. It captures heterogeneity in effective migration rate along the genome while accounting for variation in linked selection and recombination. The barrier detection test relies on numerous summary statistics to compute a Bayes factor, offering a robust statistical framework that facilitates cross-species comparisons. Simulations revealed RIDGE's efficiency in capturing signals of ongoing migration. Model averaging proved particularly valuable in scenarios of high model uncertainty where no migration or migration homogeneity can be wrongly assumed, typically for recent divergence times <0.1 2Ne generations. Applying RIDGE to four published crow data sets, we first validated our tool by identifying a well-known large genomic region associated with mate choice patterns. Second, while we identified a significant overlap of outlier loci using RIDGE and traditional genomic scans, our results suggest that a substantial portion of previously identified outliers are likely false positives. Outlier detection relies on allele differentiation, relative measures of divergence and the count of shared polymorphisms and fixed differences. Our analyses also highlight the value of incorporating multiple summary statistics including our newly developed outlier ones that can be useful in challenging detection conditions.}, }
@article {pmid38401133, year = {2024}, author = {Penhale, SH and Arif, Y and Schantell, M and Johnson, HJ and Willett, MP and Okelberry, HJ and Meehan, CE and Heinrichs-Graham, E and Wilson, TW}, title = {Healthy aging alters the oscillatory dynamics and fronto-parietal connectivity serving fluid intelligence.}, journal = {Human brain mapping}, volume = {45}, number = {3}, pages = {e26591}, pmid = {38401133}, issn = {1097-0193}, support = {F31 DA056296/DA/NIDA NIH HHS/United States ; R36-DA059323/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; P20-GM144641/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; P20 GM144641/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R01 DA047828/DA/NIDA NIH HHS/United States ; R01 DA056223/DA/NIDA NIH HHS/United States ; R01-MH116782/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; F31-DA056296/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; R01-MH118013/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; R01-DA056223/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MH118013/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; R01-DA047828/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MH116782/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Aged ; *Healthy Aging ; Brain/diagnostic imaging/physiology ; Magnetoencephalography/methods ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Brain Mapping/methods ; Intelligence/physiology ; }, abstract = {Fluid intelligence (Gf) involves logical reasoning and novel problem-solving abilities. Often, abstract reasoning tasks like Raven's progressive matrices are used to assess Gf. Prior work has shown an age-related decline in fluid intelligence capabilities, and although many studies have sought to identify the underlying mechanisms, our understanding of the critical brain regions and dynamics remains largely incomplete. In this study, we utilized magnetoencephalography (MEG) to investigate 78 individuals, ages 20-65 years, as they completed an abstract reasoning task. MEG data was co-registered with structural MRI data, transformed into the time-frequency domain, and the resulting neural oscillations were imaged using a beamformer. We found worsening behavioral performance with age, including prolonged reaction times and reduced accuracy. MEG analyses indicated robust oscillations in the theta, alpha/beta, and gamma range during the task. Whole brain correlation analyses with age revealed relationships in the theta and alpha/beta frequency bands, such that theta oscillations became stronger with increasing age in a right prefrontal region and alpha/beta oscillations became stronger with increasing age in parietal and right motor cortices. Follow-up connectivity analyses revealed increasing parieto-frontal connectivity with increasing age in the alpha/beta frequency range. Importantly, our findings are consistent with the parieto-frontal integration theory of intelligence (P-FIT). These results further suggest that as people age, there may be alterations in neural responses that are spectrally specific, such that older people exhibit stronger alpha/beta oscillations across the parieto-frontal network during abstract reasoning tasks.}, }
@article {pmid38396520, year = {2024}, author = {Zhang, Z and Bi, J and Zhao, X and Cai, Y and Yang, C}, title = {Comparison of Reproductive Strategies between Two Sympatric Copsychus Passerines.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {14}, number = {4}, pages = {}, pmid = {38396520}, issn = {2076-2615}, support = {32260127//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; }, abstract = {Reproduction plays a crucial role in determining the development, fate, and dynamics of bird populations. However, reproductive strategies vary among species and populations. In this study, we investigated the reproductive strategies of the Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis) and White-rumped Shama (C. malabarica), which are closely related passerines that reproduce in sympatric areas. We found that although these two species were both cavity nesting, their nest-site selection differed; the Shama preferred nesting close to trees and forests, whereas the Magpie Robin nested close to human residential areas. Furthermore, their egg incubation patterns differed; the Shama increased daily incubation frequency with incubation time, but the Magpie Robin maintained its daily incubation time regardless of changes in incubation frequency. However, the nestling heating patterns of these two species were similar, indicating a critical demand for regulating hatchling body temperature during this crucial stage. The feeding frequencies of male parents were strongly correlated with those of females in both species, suggesting equal contribution and good synchronization between the sexes. Nestling feeding frequency was also correlated with nest cleaning frequency, implying coordination between feeding and defecation by parents and offspring, respectively. This research explored the divergence and convergence of reproductive strategies between these two sympatric species, providing valuable insights into the niche differentiation theory.}, }
@article {pmid38381738, year = {2024}, author = {Mustafa, FE and Ahmed, I and Basit, A and Alqahtani, M and Khalid, M}, title = {An adaptive metaheuristic optimization approach for Tennessee Eastman process for an industrial fault tolerant control system.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {19}, number = {2}, pages = {e0296471}, pmid = {38381738}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Reproducibility of Results ; Tennessee ; *Algorithms ; *Environment ; }, abstract = {The Tennessee Eastman Process (TEP) is widely recognized as a standard reference for assessing the effectiveness of fault detection and false alarm tracking methods in intricate industrial operations. This paper presents a novel methodology that employs the Adaptive Crow Search Algorithm (ACSA) to improve fault identification capabilities and mitigate the occurrence of false alarms in the TEP. The ACSA is an optimization approach that draws inspiration from the observed behavior of crows in their natural environment. This algorithm possesses the capability to adapt its search behavior in response to the changing dynamics of the optimization process. The primary objective of our research is to devise a monitoring strategy that is adaptable in nature, with the aim of efficiently identifying faults within the TEP while simultaneously minimizing the occurrence of false alarms. The ACSA is applied in order to enhance the optimization of monitoring variables, alarm thresholds, and decision criteria selection and configuration. When compared to traditional static approaches, the ACSA-based monitoring strategy is better at finding faults and reducing false alarms because it adapts well to changes in process dynamics and disturbances. In order to assess the efficacy of our suggested methodology, we have conducted comprehensive simulations on the TEP dataset. The findings suggest that the monitoring strategy based on ACSA demonstrates superior fault identification rates while concurrently mitigating the frequency of false alarms. In addition, the flexibility of ACSA allows it to efficiently manage process variations, disturbances, and uncertainties, thereby enhancing its robustness and reliability in practical scenarios. To validate the effectiveness of our proposed approach, extensive simulations were conducted on the TEP dataset. The results indicate that the ACSA-based monitoring strategy achieves higher fault detection rates while simultaneously reducing the occurrence of false alarms. Moreover, the adaptability of ACSA enables it to effectively handle process variations, disturbances, and uncertainties, making it robust and reliable for real-world applications. The contributions of this research extend beyond the TEP, as the adaptive monitoring strategy utilizing ACSA can be applied to other complex industrial processes. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the development of advanced fault detection and false alarm monitoring techniques, offering significant benefits in terms of process safety, reliability, and operational efficiency.}, }
@article {pmid38378710, year = {2024}, author = {Khadem, A and Nadery, M and Noori, S and Ghaffarian-Ensaf, R and Djazayery, A and Movahedi, A}, title = {The relationship between food habits and physical activity and the IQ of primary school children.}, journal = {Journal of health, population, and nutrition}, volume = {43}, number = {1}, pages = {29}, pmid = {38378710}, issn = {2072-1315}, mesh = {Child ; Humans ; Male ; Female ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Intelligence Tests ; *Feeding Behavior ; *Exercise ; Schools ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Children's intelligence quotient (IQ) is influenced by various environmental and genetic variables. The current study aimed to determine how children's dietary choices and physical activity levels correlated with their IQ.<br><br>METHODS: A total of 190 students (111 girls and 79 boys) between the ages of 8 and 10 were chosen randomly for this cross-sectional research. For all children, questionnaires were utilized to gather information on their anthropometry, socio-economic position, food habits, and 24-h memory. Children's physical activity questionnaire (CPAQ) was also used to gauge their level of physical activity. Raven's color progressive intelligence test was also used to gauge children's IQ. All the questions may be filled out online with the assistance of parents. SPSS software was used to gather and evaluate the generated data.<br><br>RESULTS: Of 190 respondents, 79 (41.6%) are males, and 111 (58.4%) are girls. The results of the study showed that, a positive correlation between children's IQ and physical activity (P&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.017, r&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.17), if this relationship was not seen by gender. In addition, a positive correlation was observed between the IQ and food habits scores in all children (P&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.001, r&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.24), as well as by gender, that is, male (P&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.04, r&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.23) and female (P&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.006, r&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.26), which indicates that children with better food habits were associated with higher IQ.<br><br>CONCLUSION: It was shown that elementary school children's IQ, food habits, and degree of physical activity are all positively correlated.}, }
@article {pmid38378155, year = {2024}, author = {Betz, A and Bischoff, R and Petschenka, G}, title = {Late-instar monarch caterpillars sabotage milkweed to acquire toxins, not to disarm plant defence.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {291}, number = {2017}, pages = {20232721}, pmid = {38378155}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; Larva ; Latex ; *Butterflies ; *Asclepias ; Cardenolides/toxicity ; }, abstract = {Sabotaging milkweed by monarch caterpillars (Danaus plexippus) is a famous textbook example of disarming plant defence. By severing leaf veins, monarchs are thought to prevent the flow of toxic latex to their feeding site. Here, we show that sabotaging by monarch caterpillars is not only an avoidance strategy. While young caterpillars appear to avoid latex, late-instar caterpillars actively ingest exuding latex, presumably to increase sequestration of cardenolides used for defence against predators. Comparisons with caterpillars of the related but non-sequestering common crow butterfly (Euploea core) revealed three lines of evidence supporting our hypothesis. First, monarch caterpillars sabotage inconsistently and therefore the behaviour is not obligatory to feed on milkweed, whereas sabotaging precedes each feeding event in Euploea caterpillars. Second, monarch caterpillars shift their behaviour from latex avoidance in younger to eager drinking in later stages, whereas Euploea caterpillars consistently avoid latex and spit it out during sabotaging. Third, monarchs reared on detached leaves without latex sequestered more cardenolides when caterpillars imbibed latex offered with a pipette. Thus, we conclude that monarch caterpillars have transformed the ancestral 'sabotage to avoid' strategy into a 'sabotage to consume' strategy, implying a novel behavioural adaptation to increase sequestration of cardenolides for defence.}, }
@article {pmid38375775, year = {2024}, author = {Jariwala, N and Ozols, M and Eckersley, A and Mambwe, B and Watson, REB and Zeef, L and Gilmore, A and Debelle, L and Bell, M and Bradley, EJ and Doush, Y and Keenan, A and Courage, C and Leroux, R and Peschard, O and Mondon, P and Ringenbach, C and Bernard, L and Pitois, A and Sherratt, MJ}, title = {Prediction, screening and characterization of novel bioactive tetrapeptide matrikines for skin rejuvenation.}, journal = {The British journal of dermatology}, volume = {191}, number = {1}, pages = {92-106}, doi = {10.1093/bjd/ljae061}, pmid = {38375775}, issn = {1365-2133}, support = {//Walgreens Boots Alliance/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *Fibroblasts/metabolism/drug effects ; *Skin Aging/drug effects ; *Rejuvenation ; *Oligopeptides/pharmacology ; Skin/drug effects/pathology/metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects ; Extracellular Matrix/metabolism ; Male ; Extracellular Matrix Proteins/metabolism ; Adult ; Aged ; Proteomics/methods ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Extracellular matrices play a critical role in tissue structure and function and aberrant remodelling of these matrices is a hallmark of many age-related diseases. In skin, loss of dermal collagens and disorganization of elastic fibre components are key features of photoageing. Although the application of some small matrix-derived peptides to aged skin has been shown to beneficially affect in vitro cell behaviour and, in vivo, molecular architecture and clinical appearance, the discovery of new peptides has lacked a guiding hypothesis.<br><br>OBJECTIVES: To identify, using protease cleavage site prediction, novel putative matrikines with beneficial activities for skin composition and structure.<br><br>METHODS: Here, we present an in silico (peptide cleavage prediction) to in vitro (proteomic and transcriptomic activity testing in cultured human dermal fibroblasts) to in vivo (short-term patch test and longer-term split-face clinical study) discovery pipeline, which enables the identification and characterization of peptides with differential activities.<br><br>RESULTS: Using this pipeline we showed that cultured fibroblasts were responsive to all applied peptides, but their associated bioactivity was sequence-dependent. Based on bioactivity, toxicity and protein source, we further characterized a combination of two novel peptides, GPKG (glycine-proline-lysine-glycine) and LSVD (leucine-serine-valine-aspartate), that acted in vitro to enhance the transcription of matrix -organization and cell proliferation genes and in vivo (in a short-term patch test) to promote processes associated with epithelial and dermal maintenance and remodelling. Prolonged use of a formulation containing these peptides in a split-face clinical study led to significantly improved measures of crow's feet and firmness in a mixed population.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This approach to peptide discovery and testing can identify new synthetic matrikines, providing insights into biological mechanisms of tissue homeostasis and repair and new pathways to clinical intervention.}, }
@article {pmid38368968, year = {2024}, author = {Le Covec, M and Bovet, D and Watanabe, S and Izawa, EI and Bobin-Bègue, A}, title = {Spontaneous tempo production in cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) and jungle crows (Corvus macrorhynchos).}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {217}, number = {}, pages = {105007}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2024.105007}, pmid = {38368968}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows/physiology ; *Cockatoos/physiology ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Beak/physiology ; Male ; Female ; }, abstract = {Musical and rhythmical abilities are poorly documented in non-human animals. Most of the existing studies focused on synchronisation performances to external rhythms. In humans, studies demonstrated that rhythmical processing (e. g. rhythm discrimination or synchronisation to external rhythm) is dependent of an individual measure: the individual tempo. It is assessed by asking participants to produce an endogenous isochronous rhythm (known as spontaneous motor tempo) without any specific instructions nor temporal cue. In non-human animal literature, studies describing spontaneous and endogenous production of motor tempo without any temporal clue are rare. This exploratory study aims to describe and compare the spontaneous motor tempo of cockatiels and jungle crows. Data were collected on spontaneous beak drumming behaviours of birds housed in laboratory. Inter beak strokes intervals were calculated from sound tracks of videos. The analyses revealed that inter beak strokes intervals are non-randomly distributed intervals and are isochronous. Recorded spontaneous motor tempos are significantly different among some cockatiels. Since we could only conduct statistical analysis with one corvid, we cannot conclude about this species. Our results suggest that cockatiels and jungle crows have individual tempos, thus encouraging further investigations.}, }
@article {pmid38364572, year = {2024}, author = {Brennan Kearns, P and van den Dries, MA and Julvez, J and Kampouri, M and López-Vicente, M and Maitre, L and Philippat, C and Småstuen Haug, L and Vafeiadi, M and Thomsen, C and Yang, TC and Vrijheid, M and Tiemeier, H and Guxens, M}, title = {Association of exposure to mixture of chemicals during pregnancy with cognitive abilities and fine motor function of children.}, journal = {Environment international}, volume = {185}, number = {}, pages = {108490}, doi = {10.1016/j.envint.2024.108490}, pmid = {38364572}, issn = {1873-6750}, support = {CS/16/4/32482/BHF_/British Heart Foundation/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Adult ; Child ; Maternal Exposure/adverse effects ; Cognition ; *Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated ; *Fluorocarbons ; *Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects ; *Environmental Pollutants/toxicity ; *Phthalic Acids ; }, abstract = {Chemical exposures often occur in mixtures and exposures during pregnancy may lead to adverse effects on the fetal brain, potentially reducing lower cognitive abilities and fine motor function of the child. We investigated the association of motheŕs exposure to a mixture of chemicals during pregnancy (i.e., organochlorine compounds, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, phenols, phthalates, organophosphate pesticides) with cognitive abilties and fine motor function in their children. We studied 1097 mother-child pairs from five European cohorts participating in the Human Early Life Exposome study (HELIX). Measurement of 26 biomarkers of exposure to chemicals was performed on urine or blood samples of pregnant women (mean age 31 years). Cognitive abilities and fine motor function were assessed in their children (mean age 8 years) with a battery of computerized tests administered in person (Raveńs Coloured Progressive Matrices, Attention Network Test, N-back Test, Trail Making Test, Finger Tapping Test). We estimated the joint effect of prenatal exposure to chemicals on cognitive abilities and fine motor function using the quantile-based g-computation method, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. A quartile increase in all the chemicals in the overall mixture was associated with worse fine motor function, specifically lower scores in the Finger Tapping Test [-8.5 points, 95 % confidence interval (CI) -13.6 to -3.4; -14.5 points, 95 % CI -22.4 to -6.6, and -18.0 points, 95 % CI -28.6 to -7.4) for the second, third and fourth quartile of the overal mixture, respectively, when compared to the first quartile]. Organochlorine compounds, phthalates, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances contributed most to this association. We did not find a relationship with cognitive abilities. We conclude that exposure to chemical mixtures during pregnancy may influence neurodevelopment, impacting fine motor function of the offspring.}, }
@article {pmid38362616, year = {2024}, author = {Itahara, A and Kano, F}, title = {Gaze tracking of large-billed crows (Corvus macrorhynchos) in a motion capture system.}, journal = {The Journal of experimental biology}, volume = {227}, number = {6}, pages = {}, pmid = {38362616}, issn = {1477-9145}, support = {//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; //Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; //The Leading Graduate Program in Primatology and Wildlife Science/ ; //Academist/ ; 19H01772, 23KJ1303 and 20H05000//Japan Society for Promotion of Science/ ; //Leading Graduate Program in Primatology and Wildlife Science/ ; 422037984//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft Cluster of Excellence/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Eye-Tracking Technology ; Motion Capture ; Vision, Ocular ; Visual Fields ; }, abstract = {Previous studies often inferred the focus of a bird's attention from its head movements because it provides important clues about their perception and cognition. However, it remains challenging to do so accurately, as the details of how they orient their visual field toward the visual targets remain largely unclear. We thus examined visual field configurations and the visual field use of large-billed crows (Corvus macrorhynchos Wagler 1827). We used an established ophthalmoscopic reflex technique to identify the visual field configuration, including the binocular width and optical axes, as well as the degree of eye movement. A newly established motion capture system was then used to track the head movements of freely moving crows to examine how they oriented their reconstructed visual fields toward attention-getting objects. When visual targets were moving, the crows frequently used their binocular visual fields, particularly around the projection of the beak-tip. When the visual targets stopped moving, crows frequently used non-binocular visual fields, particularly around the regions where their optical axes were found. On such occasions, the crows slightly preferred the right eye. Overall, the visual field use of crows is clearly predictable. Thus, while the untracked eye movements could introduce some level of uncertainty (typically within 15 deg), we demonstrated the feasibility of inferring a crow's attentional focus by 3D tracking of their heads. Our system represents a promising initial step towards establishing gaze tracking methods for studying corvid behavior and cognition.}, }
@article {pmid38359753, year = {2024}, author = {Owings, CG and McKee-Zech, HS and Orebaugh, JA and Devlin, JL and Vidoli, GM}, title = {The utility of blow fly (Diptera: Calliphoridae) evidence from burned human remains.}, journal = {Forensic science international}, volume = {356}, number = {}, pages = {111962}, doi = {10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.111962}, pmid = {38359753}, issn = {1872-6283}, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Diptera ; Calliphoridae ; Body Remains ; Insecta ; Entomology ; *Burns ; Larva ; }, abstract = {Burning of human remains is a common method to conceal or destroy evidence associated with homicides and illegal activities. However, data regarding blow fly colonization of burned remains are scarce, with all previously published empirical studies focusing only on non-human animals. It is critically important to obtain basic data on blow fly colonization patterns of burned human remains as such evidence may represent the only feasible method for PMI estimation in cases of burning. In this study, we thermally altered six human donors to a Crow-Glassman Scale Level 3 (CGS-3) and placed them at the Anthropology Research Facility at the University of Tennessee in Summer 2021, Spring 2022, and Summer 2022. Six unburned human donors were used as controls. Observations for insect activity began within 24 h of placement and continued twice weekly through decomposition. Age estimations were performed with immature blow flies to estimate the time of colonization (TOC), and accuracy was assessed against the time of placement for each donor. All burned donors examined in this study were colonized by blow flies. No significant difference in species composition was determined between treatments, though TOC estimations from burned donors were slightly (but significantly) less accurate than TOC estimations from unburned donors (80% vs. 83% accuracy; χ[2] = 0.041, df = 1, P = 0.840). These results indicate that blow flies can successfully colonize human remains burned to CGS-3 and that accurate TOC estimations can still be generated from larval specimens. Though several limitations to this study exist (e.g., inconsistent donor BMI, lack of donor temperature data), our results underscore the utility of entomological evidence in cases of burned human remains.}, }
@article {pmid38350545, year = {2024}, author = {Tariq, A and Ahmad, SR and Qadir, A}, title = {Nesting material adaptation of native bird species with anthropogenic litter along an urbanization gradient in Pakistan.}, journal = {Environmental research}, volume = {249}, number = {}, pages = {118435}, doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2024.118435}, pmid = {38350545}, issn = {1096-0953}, mesh = {Animals ; Pakistan ; *Urbanization ; *Nesting Behavior ; Birds/physiology ; Anthropogenic Effects ; Environmental Monitoring ; Waste Products/analysis ; }, abstract = {Rapid urbanization and associated waste generation have become a mounting ecological concern for wildlife, especially avian communities. Research has primarily focused on investigating the impacts of human activities on marine birds with comparatively less focus on terrestrial species that live in far more anthropized environments and are at significant risk. Our study has explored the abundance and characteristics of anthropogenic litter in 70 nests of four generalist bird species: Bank Myna (Acridotheres ginginianus), Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis), Black Kite (Milvus migrans) and House Crow (Corvus splendens), within the city of Lahore (Pakistan) and its surroundings, by determining and following an urbanization gradient. The overall frequency of litter occurrence (FLO%) for all the sampled nests was 89%. Over 80% of the recorded litter items consisted of plastic materials, primarily dominated by sheet-like plastics. There was a strong association between fabric and Black Kite nests, and metal and House Crow nests. Litter incorporation increased across the gradient from rural to urban habitats. The highest FLO% was found in nests sampled from waste dumping sites and urban sites (95%-100%), where anthropogenic influence was more intense. The high level of litter incorporation is potentially indicative of a species' adaptive response to urbanization, associated with the decline in natural nesting material and availability of anthropogenic litter. These findings highlight the need for strengthening the existing global database for terrestrial litter and its effect on wildlife and devising policy actions for better waste management and conservation of natural ecosystem balance.}, }
@article {pmid38335247, year = {2024}, author = {Sun, C and Hassin, Y and Boonman, A and Shwartz, A and Yovel, Y}, title = {Species and habitat specific changes in bird activity in an urban environment during Covid 19 lockdown.}, journal = {eLife}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {38335247}, issn = {2050-084X}, support = {3-17988//Israeli Ministry of Science/ ; 201906620060//China Scholarship Council/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Ecosystem ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Communicable Disease Control ; Birds ; Introduced Species ; }, abstract = {Covid-19 lockdowns provided ecologists with a rare opportunity to examine how animals behave when humans are absent. Indeed many studies reported various effects of lockdowns on animal activity, especially in urban areas and other human-dominated habitats. We explored how Covid-19 lockdowns in Israel have influenced bird activity in an urban environment by using continuous acoustic recordings to monitor three common bird species that differ in their level of adaptation to the urban ecosystem: (1) the hooded crow, an urban exploiter, which depends heavily on anthropogenic resources; (2) the rose-ringed parakeet, an invasive alien species that has adapted to exploit human resources; and (3) the graceful prinia, an urban adapter, which is relatively shy of humans and can be found in urban habitats with shrubs and prairies. Acoustic recordings provided continuous monitoring of bird activity without an effect of the observer on the animal. We performed dense sampling of a 1.3 square km area in northern Tel-Aviv by placing 17 recorders for more than a month in different micro-habitats within this region including roads, residential areas and urban parks. We monitored both lockdown and no-lockdown periods. We portray a complex dynamic system where the activity of specific bird species depended on many environmental parameters and decreases or increases in a habitat-dependent manner during lockdown. Specifically, urban exploiter species decreased their activity in most urban habitats during lockdown, while human adapter species increased their activity during lockdown especially in parks where humans were absent. Our results also demonstrate the value of different habitats within urban environments for animal activity, specifically highlighting the importance of urban parks. These species- and habitat-specific changes in activity might explain the contradicting results reported by others who have not performed a habitat specific analysis.}, }
@article {pmid38306284, year = {2024}, author = {Clancey, E and MacPherson, A and Cheek, RG and Mouton, JC and Sillett, TS and Ghalambor, CK and Funk, WC and Hohenlohe, PA}, title = {Unraveling Adaptive Evolutionary Divergence at Microgeographic Scales.}, journal = {The American naturalist}, volume = {203}, number = {2}, pages = {E35-E49}, doi = {10.1086/727723}, pmid = {38306284}, issn = {1537-5323}, mesh = {Humans ; Bayes Theorem ; *Selection, Genetic ; *Ecosystem ; Phenotype ; Genetic Variation ; }, abstract = {AbstractStriking examples of local adaptation at fine geographic scales are increasingly being documented in natural populations. However, the relative contributions made by natural selection, phenotype-dependent dispersal (when individuals disperse with respect to a habitat preference), and mate preference in generating and maintaining microgeographic adaptation and divergence are not well studied. Here, we develop quantitative genetics models and individual-based simulations (IBSs) to uncover the evolutionary forces that possibly drive microgeographic divergence. We also perform Bayesian estimation of the parameters in our IBS using empirical data on habitat-specific variation in bill morphology in the island scrub-jay (Aphelocoma insularis) to apply our models to a natural system. We find that natural selection and phenotype-dependent dispersal can generate the patterns of divergence we observe in the island scrub-jay. However, mate preference for a mate with similar bill morphology, even though observed in the species, does not play a significant role in driving divergence. Our modeling approach provides insights into phenotypic evolution occurring over small spatial scales relative to dispersal ranges, suggesting that adaptive divergence at microgeographic scales may be common across a wider range of taxa than previously thought. Our quantitative genetic models help to inform future theoretical and empirical work to determine how selection, habitat preference, and mate preference contribute to local adaptation and microgeographic divergence.}, }
@article {pmid38302714, year = {2024}, author = {Jia, Y and Qiu, L and Zhang, H and Li, Z and Zhao, P and Zhang, Y and Zhang, B}, title = {Efficacy and Safety of Type III Collagen Lyophilized Fibers Using Mid-to-Deep Dermal Facial Injections for the Correction of Dynamic Facial Wrinkles.}, journal = {Aesthetic plastic surgery}, volume = {48}, number = {13}, pages = {2500-2512}, pmid = {38302714}, issn = {1432-5241}, support = {2020089//Scientific research project of Shanxi Provincial Health Commission/ ; 2021047//Scientific research project of Shanxi Provincial Health Commission/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *Skin Aging/drug effects ; Retrospective Studies ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Male ; Injections, Intradermal ; *Collagen Type III ; *Dermal Fillers/administration &amp; dosage/adverse effects ; Patient Satisfaction/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Freeze Drying ; Esthetics ; Face ; Cosmetic Techniques ; Cohort Studies ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of injecting Type III collagen lyophilized fibers into the mid-to-deep layers of the facial dermis to ameliorate dynamic facial wrinkles.<br><br>METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, clinical data were collected from patients exhibiting dynamic facial wrinkles (encompassing frown lines, forehead lines, and crow's feet) with a wrinkle severity rating scale (WSRS) score of 3 or higher. In the control group, 75 participants received collagen implant injections into the mid-to-deep facial dermal layers, whereas 76 participants in the experimental group received injections of Type III collagen lyophilized fibers in similar layers. The study analyzed and compared clinical efficacy, WSRS score alterations, patient satisfaction, and safety profiles between the groups over the 30-day and 90-day treatment periods.<br><br>RESULTS: At the 30-day mark, the therapeutic efficacy was not significantly different between the two groups (P&#xa0;>&#xa0;0.05). However, at 90 days, the treatment efficacy in the experimental group surpassed that in the control group, showing a statistically significant difference (P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05). After 30 days of treatment, the WSRS score improvement in the experimental group was significantly superior to that in the control group (P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05). Conversely, at the 90-day mark, the results revealed no significant variation in WSRS score improvements between the two groups (P&#xa0;>&#xa0;0.05). Regarding treatment satisfaction among researchers and participants post-30 and 90-day treatment in both groups, no statistically significant differences were observed (P&#xa0;>&#xa0;0.05). Similarly, the incidence of adverse reactions between the groups was not statistically significant (P&#xa0;>&#xa0;0.05).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Injections of lyophilized type III collagen fibers into the mid-to-deep layers of the facial dermis have a definitive therapeutic effect on dynamic facial wrinkles. This treatment not only substantially diminishes wrinkle severity but also has a commendable safety profile.<br><br>LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .}, }
@article {pmid38301191, year = {2024}, author = {Rushovich, T and Nethery, RC and White, A and Krieger, N}, title = {1965 US Voting Rights Act Impact on Black and Black Versus White Infant Death Rates in Jim Crow States, 1959-1980 and 2017-2021.}, journal = {American journal of public health}, volume = {114}, number = {3}, pages = {300-308}, pmid = {38301191}, issn = {1541-0048}, mesh = {Humans ; Infant ; *Black or African American ; *Infant Death ; United States ; *Voting/legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; White ; }, abstract = {Objectives. To investigate the impact of the US Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965 on Black and Black versus White infant deaths in Jim Crow states. Methods. Using data from 1959 to 1980 and 2017 to 2021, we applied difference-in-differences methods to quantify differential pre-post VRA changes in infant deaths in VRA-exposed versus unexposed counties, controlling for population size and social, economic, and health system characteristics. VRA-exposed counties, identified by Section 4, were subject to government interventions to remove existing racist voter suppression policies. Results. Black infant deaths in VRA-exposed counties decreased by an average of 11.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.7, 21.0) additional deaths beyond the decrease experienced by unexposed counties between the pre-VRA period (1959-1965) and the post-VRA period (1966-1970). This translates to 6703 (95% CI = 999.6, 12 348) or 17.5% (95% CI = 3.1%, 28.1%) fewer deaths than would have been experienced in the absence of the VRA. The equivalent differential changes were not significant among the White or total population. Conclusions. Passage of the VRA led to pronounced reductions in Black infant deaths in Southern counties subject to government intervention because these counties had particularly egregious voter suppression practices. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(3):300-308. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307518).}, }
@article {pmid38279165, year = {2024}, author = {Ziegler, S and Srivastava, S and Parmar, D and Basu, S and Jain, N and De Allegri, M}, title = {A step closer towards achieving universal health coverage: the role of gender in enrolment in health insurance in India.}, journal = {BMC health services research}, volume = {24}, number = {1}, pages = {141}, pmid = {38279165}, issn = {1472-6963}, mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Female ; *Universal Health Insurance ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; *Sexism ; Insurance, Health ; India ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: There is limited understanding of how universal health coverage (UHC) schemes such as publicly-funded health insurance (PFHI) benefit women as compared to men. Many of these schemes are gender-neutral in design but given the existing gender inequalities in many societies, their benefits may not be similar for women and men. We contribute to the evidence by conducting a gender analysis of the enrolment of individuals and households in India's national PFHI scheme, Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY).<br><br>METHODS: We used data from a cross-sectional household survey on RSBY eligible families across eight Indian states and studied different outcome variables at both the individual and household levels to compare enrolment among women and men. We applied multivariate logistic regressions and controlled for several demographic and socio-economic characteristics.<br><br>RESULTS: At the individual level, the analysis revealed no substantial differences in enrolment between men and women. Only in one state were women more likely to be enrolled in RSBY than men (AOR: 2.66, 95% CI: 1.32-5.38), and this pattern was linked to their status in the household. At the household level, analyses revealed that female-headed households had a higher likelihood to be enrolled (AOR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.14-1.62), but not necessarily to have all household members enrolled.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Findings are surprising in light of India's well-documented gender bias, permeating different aspects of society, and are most likely an indication of success in designing a policy that did not favour participation by men above women, by mandating spouse enrolment and securing enrolment of up to five family members. Higher enrolment rates among female-headed households are also an indication of women's preferences for investments in health, in the context of a conducive policy environment. Further analyses are needed to examine if once enrolled, women also make use of the scheme benefits to the same extent as men do. India is called upon to capitalise on the achievements of RSBY and apply them to newer schemes such as PM-JAY.}, }
@article {pmid38244996, year = {2024}, author = {Williams, ME and Corn, EA and Martinez Ransanz, S and Berl, MM and Andringa-Seed, R and Mulkey, SB}, title = {Neurodevelopmental assessments used to measure preschoolers' cognitive development in Latin America: a systematic review.}, journal = {Journal of pediatric psychology}, volume = {49}, number = {5}, pages = {321-339}, pmid = {38244996}, issn = {1465-735X}, support = {P50 HD105328/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HD102445/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; R01HD102445/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; //Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health &amp; Human Development/ ; R01HD102445/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; //DC Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center/ ; P50HD105328-01/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; //Thrasher Research Fund/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Latin America ; Child, Preschool ; *Child Development/physiology ; *Cognition ; Child ; Neuropsychological Tests/standards/statistics &amp; numerical data ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to systematically review the standardized neurodevelopmental assessments used to study preschool-aged children's cognitive development in Spanish-speaking Latin America.<br><br>METHODS: The authors systematically searched PubMed, PsycINFO, and ERIC databases for peer-reviewed articles from Spanish-speaking Latin American countries. Articles were included if they measured cognitive development among children aged 2-6&#x2009;years using at least one standardized assessment tool; 97 articles were included and reviewed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines to assess their use of these tools.<br><br>RESULTS: Ninety-seven studies across 13 countries used a total of 41 assessments to measure cognitive development; most widely used were the Wechsler intelligence scales (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;46/97), particularly the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;23 and 29, respectively). Other common assessments included the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;9), Raven's Progressive Matrices (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;9), Child Neuropsychological Assessment (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;8), and Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;7). In regions where normative data for a given assessment were unpublished, authors commonly used norms from the United States, Mexico, or Spain or did not report standard scores in their analyses.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The wide range of tools used in these studies presents a challenge for generalizing results when measuring the neurodevelopment of Latin American preschool-aged children. The low availability of normative data for specific regions reveals concerns if some tools are culturally and linguistically appropriate even when Spanish is a common language, particularly in low-resource settings. Future work to forge greater consistency in the use of validated measures, clarity in reporting research methods, and publication of regional normative data would benefit the field.}, }
@article {pmid38239514, year = {2023}, author = {Fathima, A and Jeevanandan, G}, title = {Interrelationship Between Intelligence Quotient and Space Maintainers Among Children: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study.}, journal = {Cureus}, volume = {15}, number = {12}, pages = {e50752}, pmid = {38239514}, issn = {2168-8184}, abstract = {Introduction Intelligence quotient (IQ) is an indicator to measure a child's cognitive ability to learn or understand and to deal with new situations with their logical and analytical skills. Children with better IQ exhibit increased cooperation when undergoing dental treatments, leading to a positive attitude toward dental care. The primary aim of the study was to assess the interrelationship between the IQ of children, space maintainer therapy, and the behavior of children aged 6-10 years. Materials and methods A total of 104 children were divided into two groups: group 1 included children undergoing space maintainer therapy and group 2 included children who did not undergo space maintainer therapy. Their IQ scores were assessed using Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices and behavior and the Frankl behavior rating scale. The data were analyzed by SPSS Version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Independent t-tests were used to evaluate the differences between IQ and children with space maintainers, and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to assess the differences between behavior and space maintainers. Results The mean age of the participants was approximately 8.28 years. The mean IQ score of the group of children undergoing the space maintainer therapy was 90.69 ± 7.65 and that of the control group was 105.59±10.71. Based on the Frankl behavior rating scale, the mean score in the space maintainer group was 35.44 and that of the control group was 69.56. There was a significant association between IQ, behavior, and the presence of space maintainers. Conclusion The group of children undergoing space maintainer therapy demonstrated comparatively lesser IQ, and the majority of children exhibited negative behavior. Also, children wearing space maintainers had undergone one or multiple extractions, which is traumatic for children and may lead to them likely exhibiting a negative behavior than children in the control group. Hence, it may be concluded that intelligence, behavior, and space maintainers are all significantly associated with each other.}, }
@article {pmid38232729, year = {2024}, author = {Wang, X and Kostrzewa, C and Reiner, A and Shen, R and Begg, C}, title = {Adaptation of a mutual exclusivity framework to identify driver mutations within oncogenic pathways.}, journal = {American journal of human genetics}, volume = {111}, number = {2}, pages = {227-241}, pmid = {38232729}, issn = {1537-6605}, support = {P01 CA206980/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; P30 CA008748/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 CA251339/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *Computational Biology/methods ; Likelihood Functions ; *Neoplasms/genetics ; Genomics/methods ; Mutation/genetics ; Algorithms ; }, abstract = {Distinguishing genomic alterations in cancer-associated genes that have functional impact on tumor growth and disease progression from the ones that are passengers and confer no fitness advantage have important clinical implications. Evidence-based methods for nominating drivers are limited by existing knowledge on the oncogenic effects and therapeutic benefits of specific variants from clinical trials or experimental settings. As clinical sequencing becomes a mainstay of patient care, applying computational methods to mine the rapidly growing clinical genomic data holds promise in uncovering functional candidates beyond the existing knowledge base and expanding the patient population that could potentially benefit from genetically targeted therapies. We propose a statistical and computational method (MAGPIE) that builds on a likelihood approach leveraging the mutual exclusivity pattern within an oncogenic pathway for identifying probabilistically both the specific genes within a pathway and the individual mutations within such genes that are truly the drivers. Alterations in a cancer-associated gene are assumed to be a mixture of driver and passenger mutations with the passenger rates modeled in relationship to tumor mutational burden. We use simulations to study the operating characteristics of the method and assess false-positive and false-negative rates in driver nomination. When applied to a large study of primary melanomas, the method accurately identifies the known driver genes within the RTK-RAS pathway and nominates several rare variants as prime candidates for functional validation. A comprehensive evaluation of MAGPIE against existing tools has also been conducted leveraging the Cancer Genome Atlas data.}, }
@article {pmid38225936, year = {2024}, author = {Bugnyar, T}, title = {Why are ravens smart? Exploring the social intelligence hypothesis.}, journal = {Journal of ornithology}, volume = {165}, number = {1}, pages = {15-26}, pmid = {38225936}, issn = {2193-7192}, support = {P 29705/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {Ravens and other corvids are renowned for their 'intelligence'. For long, this reputation has been based primarily on anecdotes but in the last decades experimental evidence for impressive cognitive skills has accumulated within and across species. While we begin to understand the building blocks of corvid cognition, the question remains why these birds have evolved such skills. Focusing on Northern Ravens Corvus corax, I here try to tackle this question by relating current hypotheses on brain evolution to recent empirical data on challenges faced in the birds' daily life. Results show that foraging ravens meet several assumptions for applying social intelligence: (1) they meet repeatedly at foraging sites, albeit individuals have different site preferences and vary in grouping dynamics; (1) foraging groups are structured by dominance rank hierarchies and social bonds; (3) individual ravens memorize former group members and their relationship valence over years, deduce third-party relationships and use their social knowledge in daily life by supporting others in conflicts and intervening in others' affiliations. Hence, ravens' socio-cognitive skills may be strongly shaped by the 'complex' social environment experienced as non-breeders.}, }
@article {pmid38222241, year = {2023}, author = {Gupta, S and Prithviraj, M and Gangwar, A and Rath, RS}, title = {Impact of Sleep Duration, Quality, and Chronotype on Learning and Academic Performance: A Cross-Sectional Study Among First Year Medical Students of a Tertiary Care Institute.}, journal = {Cureus}, volume = {15}, number = {12}, pages = {e50413}, pmid = {38222241}, issn = {2168-8184}, abstract = {Introduction The link between sleep and cognitive processes, such as memory and learning, continues to be one of the most intriguing and perplexing theories. Undergraduate medical students in their first year are particularly vulnerable to sleep disturbances. Academic achievement and learning have been linked to sleep patterns, which include not only the quantity and quality of sleep but also the timing of sleep in relation to the natural sleep onsets, or chronotypes. There have been conflicting reports on the outcomes of sleep and relatively fewer researches focused on the impact of chronotypes on learning and academic achievement among medical students. The current study thus sought to determine the chronotypes of medical students, evaluate the quantity and quality of sleep, and determine the impact of these factors on learning and academic performance. Methods The study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Gorakhpur, India. Sleep health was assessed in 167 first-year medical students using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), morningness-eveningness questionnaire (MEQ), and sleep log books. Learning and memory assessment was performed using Raven's progressive matrices test. Grade point average (GPA) was used to assess their academic performance. The relationship of sleep scores with GPA and RPM scores were obtained by linear regression analysis. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and unpaired t-test were used to investigate other comparisons among categories of chronotypes and those of mean GPA. A p-value of <0.05 was considered as significant. Results The mean GPA and RPM scores obtained in the groups with PSQI ≥ 5 (2.67 ± 1.1, 49.51 ± 6.24, respectively) and PSQI < 5 (3.15 ± 0.59, 54.73 ± 4.01, respectively) and those in the group with ESS ≥ 10 (2.72 ± 1.17, 50.97 ± 5.92, respectively) and ESS < 10 (3.15 ± 0.6, 54.18 ± 3.91, respectively) varied with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). Statistically significant R-squared values for the relationship of PSQI and ESS scores with RPM and GPA scores were obtained. No correlation between academic grades and chronotype was found. Poor GPA scores were found to be associated with reduced mean sleep duration for one week before the exams. Conclusion Learning and academic performance are negatively impacted by poor sleep quality and daytime sleep dysfunction. No definite evidence for the association of sleep chronotypes with the learning and memory could be attained. Higher test performance is more closely linked to the average sleep length over a duration of time preceding the exams.}, }
@article {pmid38191864, year = {2024}, author = {Ramos, HHA and Amaral, V and de Oliveira Afonso, LP and Campagnaro, JCM and Gazzinelli, HCG and Muzy, G and de Almeida, ART}, title = {Advanced Injection of Botulinum Toxin in the Nasal Muscles: A Novel Dynamic Change in Facial Expression.}, journal = {Aesthetic plastic surgery}, volume = {48}, number = {8}, pages = {1511-1521}, pmid = {38191864}, issn = {1432-5241}, mesh = {Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; *Facial Muscles/drug effects ; Female ; *Botulinum Toxins, Type A/administration &amp; dosage ; *Facial Expression ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Injections, Intramuscular ; Treatment Outcome ; Nose ; Cohort Studies ; Esthetics ; Neuromuscular Agents/administration &amp; dosage ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Among the nasal muscles, the levator labii superior alaeque nasi (LLSAN) acts as a transitional muscle that conjugates with other nasal and perinasal muscles. Thus, when treating the nasal region with Botulinum toxin (BTX), it is important to understand local nasal muscular dynamics and how they can influence the muscular dynamics of the entire face.<br><br>METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of cases treated by an injection pattern encompassing the face, including nasal muscles. Photographs were taken at rest and during motion (frontal and oblique views), before and after treatment.<br><br>RESULTS: A total of 227 patients have been treated in the last 18&#xa0;months with the following results: eyebrow tail lifting, softness of crow's feet, improvement of the drooping of the tip of the nose, and shortening of the lip philtrum when smiling. We present cases illustrating the use of this approach.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Treating the facial muscles globally (including the frontal, corrugators, procerus, orbicularis oculi, platysma, DAO, and nasal muscles) can improve the smile and facial expressions. This is believed to occur because the elevated portion of the upper lip muscle becomes stronger as the nasal part of the LLSAN is paralyzed.<br><br>LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .}, }
@article {pmid38183183, year = {2024}, author = {Zhang, L and Feng, J and Liu, C and Hu, H and Zhou, Y and Yang, G and Peng, X and Li, T and Chen, C and Xue, G}, title = {Improved estimation of general cognitive ability and its neural correlates with a large battery of cognitive tasks.}, journal = {Cerebral cortex (New York, N.Y. : 1991)}, volume = {34}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/cercor/bhad510}, pmid = {38183183}, issn = {1460-2199}, support = {2021ZD0200500//STI 2030-Major Projects/ ; 32330039//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 62061136001/DFG TRR169//Sino-German Collaborative Research Project/ ; }, mesh = {Young Adult ; Humans ; Reproducibility of Results ; Neural Pathways ; *Brain/diagnostic imaging ; *Brain Mapping ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods ; Cognition ; }, abstract = {Elucidating the neural mechanisms of general cognitive ability (GCA) is an important mission of cognitive neuroscience. Recent large-sample cohort studies measured GCA through multiple cognitive tasks and explored its neural basis, but they did not investigate how task number, factor models, and neural data type affect the estimation of GCA and its neural correlates. To address these issues, we tested 1,605 Chinese young adults with 19 cognitive tasks and Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAPM) and collected resting state and n-back task fMRI data from a subsample of 683 individuals. Results showed that GCA could be reliably estimated by multiple tasks. Increasing task number enhances both reliability and validity of GCA estimates and reliably strengthens their correlations with brain data. The Spearman model and hierarchical bifactor model yield similar GCA estimates. The bifactor model has better model fit and stronger correlation with RAPM but explains less variance and shows weaker correlations with brain data than does the Spearman model. Notably, the n-back task-based functional connectivity patterns outperform resting-state fMRI in predicting GCA. These results suggest that GCA derived from a multitude of cognitive tasks serves as a valid measure of general intelligence and that its neural correlates could be better characterized by task fMRI than resting-state fMRI data.}, }
@article {pmid38170976, year = {2024}, author = {Atiyeh, B and Ghanem, OA and Oneisi, A and Chalhoub, R}, title = {Long-Term Improvement of Crow's Feet Wrinkles in Combination With Cervicofacial and Temporal Lifting: Review of the Literature.}, journal = {Annals of plastic surgery}, volume = {92}, number = {4}, pages = {474-483}, doi = {10.1097/SAP.0000000000003740}, pmid = {38170976}, issn = {1536-3708}, mesh = {Humans ; *Blepharoplasty/methods ; *Botulinum Toxins, Type A/therapeutic use ; Facial Muscles/surgery ; Lifting ; *Rhytidoplasty/methods ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The lateral orbital crow's feet area is one for which rejuvenation is most frequently requested by patients. Moreover, lateral canthal wrinkles are a common source of dissatisfaction after rhytidoplasty. Botulinum toxin injection has emerged as a most popular, easy, and effective solution; nevertheless, repeated injections are required periodically for long-term effect. Other nonsurgical options have also been described to have some demonstrable advantages. Orbicularis oculi surgical manipulations have been described as well.<br><br>MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic PubMed literature search was conducted to identify clinical cohort studies including more than 10 patients describing surgical approaches for improvement of crows' feet wrinkles in combination with face and/or temporal lifts. The search was complemented by Embase, Medline, and Cochrane searches in addition to screening of reference lists of selected studies and simple term searches about surgical treatment of crow's feet.<br><br>RESULTS: Fourteen studies satisfied the inclusion criteria and were included in this review describing various muscle excision techniques including vertical strip excision, lateral partial resection, wedge resection, muscle resection in "C" pattern, and enlarged myectomy of about one-third of the whole orbital extension in addition to muscle manipulation modalities, including muscle splaying, muscle division, muscle division and splaying, muscle undermining with partial denervation, and muscle suspension. Interposition of fascia between orbicularis muscle and overlying skin was also reported.<br><br>CONCLUSION: View the few studies retrieved and the wide spectrum of reported techniques, it is not possible to determine from this review the most effective modality. Nevertheless, it seems that subcutaneous undermining of the lateral canthal area combined with splaying and traction of the orbicularis oculi muscle and fixation to the temporalis fascia with or without muscle division would yield the best long-term results. This review indicates also that surgical correction of crow's feet during rhytidectomy or temporal lift could be a positive complement to improve aesthetic outcome. Unfortunately, if not underreported, it is definitely neglected. We believe that this review may be an eye-opener for surgeons.}, }
@article {pmid38168159, year = {2023}, author = {Krieger, N and Testa, C and Chen, JT and Johnson, N and Watkins, SH and Suderman, M and Simpkin, AJ and Tilling, K and Waterman, PD and Coull, BA and De Vivo, I and Smith, GD and Roux, AVD and Relton, C}, title = {Epigenetic aging &amp; embodying injustice: US My Body My Story and Multi-Ethnic Atherosclerosis Study.}, journal = {medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {38168159}, support = {R01 AG027122/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92020D00005/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HL135009/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95163/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; UL1 TR001079/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95164/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95168/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; P30 DK063491/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95165/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95159/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92020D00007/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95167/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; UL1 TR000040/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; UL1 TR001881/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92020D00002/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; HHSN268201500003C/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95160/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; T32 AI007358/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; P30 ES000002/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; R01 DK101921/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92020D00001/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95169/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HL101250/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MD014304/MD/NIMHD NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95162/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92020D00003/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95161/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; UL1 TR001420/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92020D00004/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; HHSN268201500003I/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; RF1 AG054474/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HL126477/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92020D00006/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95166/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {IMPORTANCE: Epigenetic accelerated aging is associated with exposure to social and economic adversity and may increase risk of premature morbidity and mortality. However, no studies have included measures of structural racism and few have compared estimates within or across the 1[st] and 2[nd] generation of epigenetic clocks (the latter additionally trained on phenotypic data).<br><br>OBJECTIVE: To determine if accelerated epigenetic aging is associated with exposures to diverse measures of racialized, economic, and environmental injustice measured at different levels and time periods.<br><br>DESIGN: Cross-sectional My Body My Story Study (MBMS; US, 2008-2010) and Exam 5 Multi-Ethnic Atherosclerosis Study (MESA; US, 2010-2012). MBMS DNA extraction: 2021; linkage of structural measures to MBMS and MESA: 2022.<br><br>SETTING: MBMS recruited a random sample of US-born Black non-Hispanic (BNH) and white non-Hispanic (WNH) participants from 4 community health centers in Boston, MA. The MESA Exam 5 epigenetic component included 975 randomly selected US-born BNH, WNH, and Hispanic participants from four field sites: Baltimore, MD; Forsyth County, NC; New York City, NY; St. Paul, MN.<br><br>PARTICIPANTS: US-born persons (MBMS: 224 BNH, 69 WNH; MESA: 229 BNH, 555 WNH, 191 Hispanic).<br><br>MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES: 10 epigenetic clocks (six 1[st] generation; four 2[nd] generation), computed using DNA methylation data (DNAm) from blood spots (MBMS; N = 293) and purified monocytes (MESA; N = 975).<br><br>RESULTS: Among Black non-Hispanic MBMS participants, epigenetic age acceleration was associated with being born in a Jim Crow state by 0.14 standard deviations (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.00, 0.27) and with birth state conservatism (0.06, 95% CI 0.00, 0.05), pooling across all clocks, as was low parental education for both Black non-Hispanic and white non-Hispanic MBMS participants (respectively: 0.24, 95% CI 0.08, 0.39, and 0.27, 95% CI 0.03, 0.51. Adult impoverishment was positively associated with the pooled 2[nd] generation clocks among the MESA participants (Black non-Hispanic: 0.06, 95% CI 0.01, 0.12; white non-Hispanic: 0.05, 95% CI 0.01, 0.08; Hispanic: 0.07, 95% CI 0.01, 0.14).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Epigenetic accelerated aging may be one of the biological mechanisms linking exposure to racialized and economic injustice to well-documented inequities in premature morbidity and mortality.}, }
@article {pmid38165732, year = {2024}, author = {Wagener, L and Nieder, A}, title = {Conscious Experience of Stimulus Presence and Absence Is Actively Encoded by Neurons in the Crow Brain.}, journal = {Journal of cognitive neuroscience}, volume = {36}, number = {3}, pages = {508-521}, doi = {10.1162/jocn_a_02101}, pmid = {38165732}, issn = {1530-8898}, support = {NI 618/6-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Consciousness ; *Crows ; Telencephalon/physiology ; Brain/physiology ; Visual Perception/physiology ; Neurons/physiology ; }, abstract = {The emergence of consciousness from brain activity constitutes one of the great riddles in biology. It is commonly assumed that only the conscious perception of the presence of a stimulus elicits neuronal activation to signify a "neural correlate of consciousness," whereas the subjective experience of the absence of a stimulus is associated with a neuronal resting state. Here, we demonstrate that the two subjective states "stimulus present" and "stimulus absent" are represented by two specialized neuron populations in crows, corvid birds. We recorded single-neuron activity from the nidopallium caudolaterale of crows trained to report the presence or absence of images presented near the visual threshold. Because of the task design, neuronal activity tracking the conscious "present" versus "absent" percept was dissociated from that involved in planning a motor response. Distinct neuron populations signaled the subjective percepts of "present" and "absent" by increases in activation. The response selectivity of these two neuron populations was similar in strength and time course. This suggests a balanced code for subjective "presence" versus "absence" experiences, which might be beneficial when both conscious states need to be maintained active in the service of goal-directed behavior.}, }
@article {pmid38165586, year = {2024}, author = {Rodriguez, JM and Bae, B}, title = {Political Ideology Direction of Policy Agendas and Maternal Mortality Outcomes in the U.S., 1915-2007.}, journal = {Maternal and child health journal}, volume = {28}, number = {5}, pages = {865-872}, pmid = {38165586}, issn = {1573-6628}, mesh = {United States/epidemiology ; Humans ; *Maternal Mortality ; *Policy ; Politics ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: The causes for persistently high and increasing maternal mortality rates in the United States have been elusive.<br><br>METHODS: We use the shift in the ideological direction of the Republican and the Democratic parties in the 1960s, to test the hypothesis that fluctuations in overall and race-specific maternal mortality rates (MMR) follow the power shifts between the parties before and after the Political Realignment (PR) of the 1960s.<br><br>RESULTS: Using time-series data analysis methods, we&#xa0;find that, net of trend, overall and race-specific MMRs were higher under Democratic administrations than Republican ones before the PR (1915-1965)-i.e., when the Democratic Party was a protector of the Jim Crow system. This pattern, however, changed after the PR (1966-2007), with Republican administrations underperforming Democratic ones-i.e., during the period when the Republican Party shifted toward a more economically and socially conservative agenda. The pre-post PR partisan shifts in MMRs were larger for Black (9.5%, p < . 01) relative to White mothers (7.4%, p < . 05) during the study period.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: These findings imply that parties and the ideological direction of their agendas substantively affect the social determinants of maternal health and produce politized health outcomes.}, }
@article {pmid38159630, year = {2024}, author = {Xu, J}, title = {Comment on "neurotoxicity of 4-nonylphenol in adult zebrafish: Evaluation of behaviour, oxidative stress parameters and histopathology of brain"by Jay K. Desai. et al. [Environmental Pollution 334 (2023): 122206].}, journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)}, volume = {343}, number = {}, pages = {123214}, doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123214}, pmid = {38159630}, issn = {1873-6424}, mesh = {Animals ; *Zebrafish/physiology ; *Brain ; Oxidative Stress ; Environmental Pollution ; *Phenols ; }, abstract = {In a recent study by Jay K. Desai et al., (Desai et al., 2023) the authors extensively documented the effects of long-term exposure to 4-nonylphenol neurotoxicity in zebrafish, including oxidative stress markers, behavioral changes, and neuropathology results. The results indicate that, although Neurotoxicity of 4-nonylphenol did not cause evident changes in zebrafish brain tissue pathology, it significantly induced oxidative stress reactions in the zebrafish brain and altered their exploratory behaviors in response to light and dark stimuli.However, upon reviewing the results of this study, we have identified several questionable outcomes and errors in image usage, leading to some concerns.}, }
@article {pmid38154314, year = {2024}, author = {Simonit, F and Da Broi, U and Giudici, F and Sciarappa, OE and Innocenti, D and Desinan, L}, title = {Autopsy findings in fire deaths in relation to manner of death: Analysis of autopsy records in Friuli, Italy (1993-2020).}, journal = {Legal medicine (Tokyo, Japan)}, volume = {67}, number = {}, pages = {102372}, doi = {10.1016/j.legalmed.2023.102372}, pmid = {38154314}, issn = {1873-4162}, mesh = {Humans ; *Suicide ; Homicide ; *Burns ; Autopsy ; Accidents ; Italy/epidemiology ; Cause of Death ; Retrospective Studies ; }, abstract = {The determination of the cause and manner of death can be particularly difficult in burned and charred bodies and autopsy remains a key element in the investigation. In this study, 39 autopsy records of fire deaths were reviewed in relation to the manner of death (25 accidents, 8 suicides, 3 homicides and 3 instances in which the manner of death remained undetermined). The analysis focused on the study of the burns, the degree to which the bodies were consumed by fire and the evidence of signs of vital exposure to fire and of non-fire-related injuries. Total surface body area (TBSA) was found to be significantly higher (p = 0.02) in suicides than in accidents. Moreover, the degree of destruction according to the Crow-Glassman Scale and the presence of a pugilistic posture tended to be higher in suicides compared to accidental deaths, whereas such parameters were found to be variable in homicides. With regard to the anatomical distribution of burns, in contrast with the literature, the feet were affected by burning in all suicides, with a significantly higher prevalence than in accidents (p < 0.01). Traumatic non-fire related injuries were noted in all homicides (with no signs of vital exposure to fire), 1 complicated suicide, 1 undetermined death and 13 accidents. We found that very few studies have focused on the analysis of burn distribution and extension according to manner of death and that there is currently no standardised anatomical model with which to study these variables for forensic purposes.}, }
@article {pmid38117679, year = {2024}, author = {Lipton, LR and Prock, L and Camarata, S and Fogler, J and Nyp, SS}, title = {Developmental Delay and Behavior Challenges in an Internationally Adopted Child.}, journal = {Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBP}, volume = {45}, number = {1}, pages = {e88-e91}, doi = {10.1097/DBP.0000000000001235}, pmid = {38117679}, issn = {1536-7312}, mesh = {Male ; Humans ; Child ; *Child, Adopted ; Social Behavior ; Aggression ; *Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/diagnosis ; *Language Development Disorders/diagnosis ; }, abstract = {Jay is a 6-year-old boy who was referred to a multidisciplinary developmental clinic for evaluation because of speech/language delays and challenging behaviors. He attends kindergarten with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) supporting developmental challenges with speech/language, motor, and academic skills.Jay was reportedly born full-term after an uneventful pregnancy and lived with his biological family for several months before transitioning to institutional care. Shortly before his first birthday, he transitioned to the first of 3 foster homes. It is suspected that Jay experienced malnourishment, neglect, lack of appropriate supervision, and inappropriate levels of responsibility (e.g., providing care to an infant when he was a toddler) as well as limited language input while in foster care. Ages at which he attained developmental milestones are unknown, but he has displayed delays across all developmental domains, including speech/language development in his primary language, which is not English.Jay's adoptive parents report that he is learning English vocabulary well but has been noted to have occasional word-finding difficulties and errors in verb conjugation, pronoun use, and syntax in English. Behavioral concerns include impulsivity, hyperactivity, and aggression exacerbated by new or loud environments and transitions. Socially, he seems to be typically engaged with peers but lacks understanding of personal space/boundaries. His adoptive parents have also noted that he is very sensitive to the emotions of others around him, more irritable in the morning, fascinated by "scary" things, and seems to fear abandonment. During the initial months in his adoptive home, he had frequent night awakenings, fear of the dark, and aggression at bedtime, but all these concerns have improved with time.Neuropsychological testing was completed as part of the multidisciplinary developmental evaluation, and Jay demonstrated low-average cognitive abilities, delayed preacademic skills in all language-based areas, and receptive and expressive language delays. He was socially engaged during the evaluation. Ultimately, he was diagnosed with mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, combined presentation, and unspecified trauma/stress-related disorder.Given what is known about Jay's early history, what factors would you consider in addressing his parents' concerns regarding his speech/language development and behavior challenges?}, }
@article {pmid38109036, year = {2023}, author = {Raymond, S and St Clair, CC}, title = {Urban Magpies Frequently Feed on Coyote Scats and May Spread an Emerging Zoonotic Tapeworm.}, journal = {EcoHealth}, volume = {20}, number = {4}, pages = {441-452}, pmid = {38109036}, issn = {1612-9210}, support = {Canada Graduate Scholarship--Master's//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; Discovery Grant (RGPIN-2017-05915)//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; Faculty of Science Research Fellowship//University of Alberta/ ; Walter H. Johns Graduate Fellowship//University of Alberta/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Coyotes/parasitology ; Animals, Wild/parasitology ; Zoonoses/epidemiology ; Cities ; *Cestoda ; *Parasites ; }, abstract = {Allocoprophagy, in which animals feed on the feces of other individuals or species, has been little studied in vertebrates, despite its relevance to parasite transmission. These relationships may be especially important in cities, where animal density, disease incidence, and spatial overlap of humans and wildlife increase. Our goal was to document the incidence and predictors of coprophagy by black-billed magpies (Pica hudsonia) at coyote (Canis latrans) scats in Edmonton, Canada. We detected scats by following coyote trails and recorded whether coprophagy had occurred. We used multiple logistic regression to determine the top contextual and environmental predictors of coprophagy. Of 668 coyote scats, 37.3% had apparently been fed on. Coprophagy was more likely in winter and when scats were not fresh and did not contain vegetation or garbage. Environmental predictors of coprophagy included proximity to other coyote scats and playgrounds, distance from water and maintained trails, abundant natural land cover, and proximity to encampments of people experiencing homelessness. Our results reveal that magpies frequently access coyote scat and often do so near human-use areas. In Edmonton, where > 50% of coyotes are infected with a zoonotic tapeworm, coprophagy likely causes magpies to transport parasites with implications for zoonotic disease risk.}, }
@article {pmid38107531, year = {2023}, author = {Lohrasbi, S and Moradi, AR and Sadeghi, M}, title = {Exploring Emotion Recognition Patterns Among Iranian People Using CANTAB as an Approved Neuro-Psychological Assessment.}, journal = {Basic and clinical neuroscience}, volume = {14}, number = {2}, pages = {289-295}, pmid = {38107531}, issn = {2008-126X}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Emotion recognition is the main component of social cognition and has various patterns in different cultures and nationalities. The present study aimed to investigate emotion recognition patterns among Iranians using the Cambridge neuro-psychological test automated battery (CANTAB) as a valid neuropsychological test.<br><br>METHODS: In this descriptive-analytical study, 117 males and females (Mean&#xb1;SD of age 32.1&#xb1;6.4) were initially assessed by computerized intelligence and progressive matrices of RAVEN-2. Furthermore, the excitement recognition subtest taken from the Cambridge neuro-psychological test automated battery (CANTAB) was performed. The correct response of participants to each of the six basic emotions as well as the recognition time was used for analysis.<br><br>RESULTS: The maximum correct response rate was 75.83% related to happy emotion. The correct responses for sadness, surprise, disgust, anger, and fear were 70%, 68.48%, 47.84%, 42.54%, and 38.26%, respectively. Moreover, the shortest recognition time was related to disgust at 322 ms, while sadness with a mean response time of 1800 ms and fear response time at 1529 ms indicated the longest recognition time. In addition, participants recognized happiness with a mean response time of 1264 ms better than other emotions; however, post-hoc t-test analyses showed that only the correct responses for sadness and surprised emotions did not differ significantly, (t(112)=-0.59, P=0.55, d=0.05). These results suggested that different emotions have various correct responses. However, sadness and surprise did not differ.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The findings of this study could be beneficial for evaluating cognitive elements, as well as cognitive abilities and inabilities among the Iranian population. Moreover, the findings could be used for investigating social cognition in this population.<br><br>HIGHLIGHTS: Emotion recognition patterns among Iranians were investigated using a valid neuropsychological test.Iranians showed higher accuracy in recognizing happiness and lower accuracy in recognizing fear.Disgust was recognized with the shortest response time, while sadness and fear had the longest recognition time.The findings highlight cultural differences in emotion recognition and can aid in evaluating cognitive abilities and social cognition in the Iranian population.The study emphasizes the importance of considering cultural factors in assessing and understanding emotion recognition.<br><br>PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Understanding how people recognize emotions is crucial for effective communication and building social connections. However, the ability to recognize emotions can vary across cultures. This study aimed to investigate how Iranians recognize emotions using a reliable test. The researchers assessed 117 Iranian adults, both males and females, using a computer-based test. Participants were asked to identify six basic emotions (happiness, sadness, anger, disgust, fear, and surprise) displayed on a screen. The researchers measured the participants' accuracy in identifying each emotion and the time it took them to recognize it. The findings revealed that Iranians were most accurate in recognizing happiness and least accurate in recognizing fear. They were better at identifying positive emotions like happiness and surprise compared to negative emotions like disgust and anger. Participants took the least time to recognize disgust and the longest time to recognize sadness and fear. These results show that Iranians have specific patterns in recognizing emotions, which can be influenced by cultural factors. Understanding these patterns is important for assessing cognitive abilities and social cognition in the Iranian population. Moreover, these findings have broader implications. They highlight the need to consider cultural differences in emotion recognition, as it can impact communication and social interactions. The study's outcomes can be valuable for various applications. For instance, they can aid in developing tests to assess emotion recognition difficulties in individuals with conditions such as autism or schizophrenia. Furthermore, these findings can be useful for professionals, such as employees in customer service or mental health providers, who need to accurately interpret others' emotions. By shedding light on cultural variations in emotion recognition, this research contributes to our understanding of human emotions and their role in interpersonal relationships.}, }
@article {pmid38105971, year = {2023}, author = {Watkins, SH and Testa, C and Simpkin, AJ and Smith, GD and Coull, B and De Vivo, I and Tilling, K and Waterman, PD and Chen, JT and Diez-Roux, AV and Krieger, N and Suderman, M and Relton, C}, title = {An epigenome-wide analysis of DNA methylation, racialized and economic inequities, and air pollution.}, journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {38105971}, issn = {2692-8205}, support = {R01 AG027122/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92020D00005/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HL135009/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95163/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; UL1 TR001079/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95164/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95168/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; P30 DK063491/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95165/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95159/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92020D00007/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95167/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; UL1 TR000040/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; UL1 TR001881/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92020D00002/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; HHSN268201500003C/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95160/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; T32 AI007358/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; P30 ES000002/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; R01 DK101921/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92020D00001/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95169/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HL101250/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MD014304/MD/NIMHD NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95162/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92020D00003/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95161/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; UL1 TR001420/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92020D00004/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; HHSN268201500003I/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; RF1 AG054474/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HL126477/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92020D00006/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95166/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {IMPORTANCE: DNA methylation (DNAm) provides a plausible mechanism by which adverse exposures become embodied and contribute to health inequities, due to its role in genome regulation and responsiveness to social and biophysical exposures tied to societal context. However, scant epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) have included structural and lifecourse measures of exposure, especially in relation to structural discrimination.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: Our study tests the hypothesis that DNAm is a mechanism by which racial discrimination, economic adversity, and air pollution become biologically embodied.<br><br>DESIGN: A series of cross-sectional EWAS, conducted in My Body My Story (MBMS, biological specimens collected 2008-2010, DNAm assayed in 2021); and the Multi Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA; biological specimens collected 2010-2012, DNAm assayed in 2012-2013); using new georeferenced social exposure data for both studies (generated in 2022).<br><br>SETTING: MBMS was recruited from four community health centers in Boston; MESA was recruited from four field sites in: Baltimore, MD; Forsyth County, NC; New York City, NY; and St. Paul, MN.<br><br>PARTICIPANTS: Two population-based samples of US-born Black non-Hispanic (Black NH), white non-Hispanic (white NH), and Hispanic individuals (MBMS; n=224 Black NH and 69 white NH) and (MESA; n=229 Black NH, n=555 white NH and n=191 Hispanic).<br><br>EXPOSURES: Eight social exposures encompassing racial discrimination, economic adversity, and air pollution.<br><br>MAIN OUTCOME: Genome-wide changes in DNAm, as measured using the Illumina EPIC BeadChip (MBMS; using frozen blood spots) and Illumina 450k BeadChip (MESA; using purified monocytes). Our hypothesis was formulated after data collection.<br><br>RESULTS: We observed the strongest associations with traffic-related air pollution (measured via black carbon and nitrogen oxides exposure), with evidence from both studies suggesting that air pollution exposure may induce epigenetic changes related to inflammatory processes. We also found suggestive associations of DNAm variation with measures of structural racial discrimination (e.g., for Black NH participants, born in a Jim Crow state; adult exposure to racialized economic residential segregation) situated in genes with plausible links to effects on health.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Overall, this work suggests that DNAm is a biological mechanism through which structural racism and air pollution become embodied and may lead to health inequities.}, }
@article {pmid38084754, year = {2024}, author = {Forbes, SL and Kjorlien, Y and Watson, CJ}, title = {The taphonomic impact of scavenger guilds in peri-urban and rural regions of central and southern Alberta. Part I - Identification of forensically relevant vertebrate scavengers.}, journal = {Journal of forensic sciences}, volume = {69}, number = {2}, pages = {415-429}, doi = {10.1111/1556-4029.15443}, pmid = {38084754}, issn = {1556-4029}, support = {RGPIN/6098/2019]//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; C150-2017-12//The Canada 150 Research Chair in Forensic Thanatology/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; Alberta ; *Body Remains ; Vertebrates ; Feeding Behavior ; Birds ; Fishes ; *Ursidae ; }, abstract = {As a body decomposes in an outdoor environment, numerous taphonomic agents can act on the process of human decomposition. It is important to understand the impact of these agents as they can vary the rate of soft and hard tissue loss which may alter postmortem interval estimations. One taphonomic factor which has not been extensively investigated in many regions of the world, including Canada, are vertebrate scavengers. The current study aimed to identify scavenger guilds in the peri-urban and rural regions of two major cities in Alberta (Calgary and Edmonton) where human remains are frequently located. Vertebrate scavenger activity was recorded continuously using cellular and noncellular trail cameras. Images were analyzed to determine how the scavenging profiles (i.e., scavenger species, arrival time, and feeding behavior) impacted the loss of soft and hard tissue. We identified a range of mammalian and avian scavengers and found that coyote and black-billed magpie were the predominant scavengers recorded at the Edmonton peri-urban and rural sites, and the Calgary peri-urban sites. In contrast, when a site was within bear territory such as the Calgary rural sites, black and grizzly bears were the predominant scavengers. At all sites, the large mammalian scavengers were responsible for most soft tissue loss and subsequent hard tissue dispersal. None of the scavengers demonstrated a clear preference for open versus closed sites. This taphonomic information is important to consider when searching for human remains at these locations or in other North American regions with comparable scavenger guilds.}, }
@article {pmid38078562, year = {2024}, author = {Trapote, E and Moreno-González, V and Canestrari, D and Rutz, C and Baglione, V}, title = {Fitness benefits of alternated chick provisioning in cooperatively breeding carrion crows.}, journal = {The Journal of animal ecology}, volume = {93}, number = {1}, pages = {95-108}, doi = {10.1111/1365-2656.14033}, pmid = {38078562}, issn = {1365-2656}, support = {CGL2016-77636-P//Spanish Ministerio de Econom&#xed;a y Competitividad/ ; //SEO-Birdlife Research to ET/ ; BB/S018484/1//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Crows ; Cooperative Behavior ; *Songbirds ; Breeding ; Nesting Behavior ; }, abstract = {In most bird species, parents raise offspring cooperatively. In some cases, this cooperation extends to helpers-at-the-nest who assist the breeders with a range of tasks. While cooperative food provisioning might merely arise incidentally, as a result of the efforts of carers that act independently from each other, recent studies suggest that birds may coordinate by taking turns in visiting the nest. However, evidence that such coordination emerges because individuals actively respond to each other's behaviour is controversial, and the potential benefits of carers' alternation remain unknown. We addressed this knowledge gap by analysing a multiyear dataset for cooperatively breeding carrion crows Corvus corone, comprising 8693 nest visits across 50 groups. Our results reveal that turn-taking does occur in this species and that all group members, regardless of their sex and social role (breeder/helper), tend to alternate at the nest with other carers rather than to make repeat visits. Importantly, we found that the body mass of nestlings increased significantly with the degree of carers' alternation, possibly because well-coordinated groups provided food at more regular intervals. Using earlier monitoring data, the observed increase in body mass is predicted to substantially boost postfledging survival rates. Our analyses demonstrate that alternation in nestling provisioning has measurable fitness benefits in this study system. This raises the possibility that cooperatively breeding carrion crows, as well as other bird species with similarly coordinated brood provisioning, exhibit specialized behavioural strategies that enable effective alternation.}, }
@article {pmid38072820, year = {2024}, author = {Bracken, A and Hauss, J and Grinshpun, S and Lasc, D and Hershkovich, A and Yang, Y}, title = {A profile of spatial abilities in people with Down syndrome.}, journal = {Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDR}, volume = {68}, number = {3}, pages = {223-236}, pmid = {38072820}, issn = {1365-2788}, support = {SC2 HD103587/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; SC2HD103587/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Child ; Humans ; Young Adult ; Aptitude ; Cognition ; *Down Syndrome/psychology ; *Spatial Navigation ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Spatial abilities are fundamental cognitive abilities, have direct applications in daily life, serve as a cognitive foundation for many other complex skills and are used in many specialty jobs. The current study aimed to systematically and comprehensively evaluate the spatial abilities of individuals with Down syndrome (DS) relative to mental ability-matched typically developing (TD) children based on Newcombe and Shipley's double-dimension theoretical framework for classifying spatial abilities.<br><br>METHODS: Forty adolescents and young adults with DS and 40 TD children completed a nonverbal intelligence test (Raven's), two measures of static-extrinsic skills (water-level task and cart task), two measures of static-intrinsic skills (figure ground and form completion), two measures of dynamic-extrinsic skills (three mountains task and dog task) and two measures of dynamic-intrinsic spatial skills (mental rotation task and block design task).<br><br>RESULTS: Participants with DS showed reduced performance on two dynamic-intrinsic tasks and one static-extrinsic task (i.e. cart task) relative to TD children. Performances were similar in two dynamic-extrinsic tasks and two static-intrinsic tasks. Analyses of composite accuracy for each spatial category further confirmed deficits in dynamic-intrinsic and static-extrinsic categories for people with DS relative to TD children.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed an uneven profile of spatial abilities in people with DS relative to ability-matched TD children with particular weaknesses in comprehending and manipulating dynamic-intrinsic and static-extrinsic spatial relations. Furthermore, our research has important clinical implications for more targeted interventions to improve spatial abilities in people with DS.}, }
@article {pmid38062030, year = {2023}, author = {Jo, H and McCune, KB and Jablonski, PG and Lee, SI}, title = {Long-term memory of experienced jays facilitates problem-solving by naïve group members in the wild.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {21593}, pmid = {38062030}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Songbirds ; Problem Solving ; Memory, Long-Term ; Mental Recall ; }, abstract = {Long-term memory affects animal fitness, especially in social species. In these species, the memory of group members facilitates the acquisition of novel foraging skills through social learning when naïve individuals observe and imitate the successful foraging behavior. Long-term memory and social learning also provide the framework for cultural behavior, a trait found in humans but very few other animal species. In birds, little is known about the duration of long-term memories for complex foraging skills, or the impact of long-term memory on group members. We tested whether wild jays remembered a complex foraging task more than 3 years after their initial experience and quantified the effect of this memory on naïve jay behavior. Experienced jays remembered how to solve the task and their behavior had significant positive effects on interactions by naïve group members at the task. This suggests that natural selection may favor long-term memory of solutions to foraging problems to facilitate the persistence of foraging skills that are specifically useful in the local environment in social birds with long lifespans and overlapping generations.}, }
@article {pmid38059964, year = {2024}, author = {Gonthier, C and Harma, K and Gavornikova-Baligand, Z}, title = {Development of reasoning performance in Raven's matrices is grounded in the development of effective strategy use.}, journal = {Journal of experimental psychology. General}, volume = {153}, number = {3}, pages = {689-705}, doi = {10.1037/xge0001518}, pmid = {38059964}, issn = {1939-2222}, support = {//City of Rennes/ ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Child ; Humans ; *Problem Solving ; *Cognition ; Intelligence Tests ; Memory, Short-Term ; Neuropsychological Tests ; }, abstract = {Performance in reasoning tasks such as Raven's matrices experiences a dramatic increase over cognitive development, but the mechanisms responsible for this increase are unknown. Many cognitive processes are involved in a matrix task and could potentially change with age; strategy use appears to be a good candidate, as it typically improves over development and has a large impact on reasoning performance in adults. The present study tested the role of effective strategy use in Raven's standard progressive matrices in groups of 6-, 8-, 10-, 12-, 14-, 16-, and 18-year-olds (total N = 474). Strategy use was assessed with behavioral measures of gaze patterns in Raven's matrices. We also measured working memory capacity (WMC), a good predictor of strategy use in adults, using a battery of complex spans. The results showed that the effective strategy of constructive matching substantially increased with age, along with performance. Strategy use mediated over half the effect of age on reasoning performance. Older participants were also better at adapting strategy use to difficulty of the problems. Effective strategy use was beneficial to the same extent for participants of all ages. Age-related improvements in strategy use occurred in tandem with improvements in WMC, but did not appear to be primarily driven by them. Overall, our results indicate that strategy use is a critical underpinning of reasoning performance in children as well as in adults, and that theories of cognitive development of reasoning have to consider the central role of strategy use. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).}, }
@article {pmid38055711, year = {2023}, author = {Miller, R and Davies, JR and Schiestl, M and Garcia-Pelegrin, E and Gray, RD and Taylor, AH and Clayton, NS}, title = {Social influences on delayed gratification in New Caledonian crows and Eurasian jays.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {18}, number = {12}, pages = {e0289197}, pmid = {38055711}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Adult ; Humans ; *Crows ; *Delay Discounting ; Feeding Behavior ; *Songbirds ; *Passeriformes ; Reward ; }, abstract = {Self-control underlies goal-directed behaviour in humans and other animals. Delayed gratification - a measure of self-control - requires the ability to tolerate delays and/or invest more effort to obtain a reward of higher value over one of lower value, such as food or mates. Social context, in particular, the presence of competitors, may influence delayed gratification. We adapted the 'rotating-tray' paradigm, where subjects need to forgo an immediate, lower-quality (i.e. less preferred) reward for a delayed, higher-quality (i.e. more preferred) one, to test social influences on delayed gratification in two corvid species: New Caledonian crows and Eurasian jays. We compared choices for immediate vs. delayed rewards while alone, in the presence of a competitive conspecific and in the presence of a non-competitive conspecific. We predicted that, given the increased risk of losing a reward with a competitor present, both species would similarly, flexibly alter their choices in the presence of a conspecific compared to when alone. We found that species differed: jays were more likely to select the immediate, less preferred reward than the crows. We also found that jays were more likely to select the immediate, less preferred reward when a competitor or non-competitor was present than when alone, or when a competitor was present compared to a non-competitor, while the crows selected the delayed, highly preferred reward irrespective of social presence. We discuss our findings in relation to species differences in socio-ecological factors related to adult sociality and food-caching (storing). New Caledonian crows are more socially tolerant and moderate cachers, while Eurasian jays are highly territorial and intense cachers that may have evolved under the social context of cache pilfering and cache protection strategies. Therefore, flexibility (or inflexibility) in delay of gratification under different social contexts may relate to the species' social tolerance and related risk of competition.}, }
@article {pmid38050565, year = {2023}, author = {Seyyed Hashemi, SF and Tehrani-Doost, M and Khosrowabadi, R}, title = {The Brain Networks Basis for Deductive and Inductive Reasoning: A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study.}, journal = {Basic and clinical neuroscience}, volume = {14}, number = {4}, pages = {529-542}, pmid = {38050565}, issn = {2008-126X}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Frontoparietal (FPN) and cingulo-opercular network (CON) control cognitive functions needed in deductive and inductive reasoning via different functional frameworks. The FPN is a fast intuitive system while the CON is slow and analytical. The default-interventionist model presents a serial view of the interaction between intuitive and analytic cognitive systems. This study aims to examine the activity pattern of the FPN and CON from the perspective of the default-interventionist model via reasoning.<br><br>METHODS: We employed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate cingulo-opercular and frontoparietal network activities in 24 healthy university students during Raven and Wason reasoning tasks. Due to the different operation times of the CON and FPN, the reaction time was assessed as a behavioral factor.<br><br>RESULTS: During Raven's advanced progressive matrices (RAPM) test, both the CON and FPN were activated. Also, with the increase in the difficulty level of the Raven test, a linear increase in response time was observed. In contrast, during the Wason's selection task (WST) test, only the activity of FPN was observed.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The results of the study support the hypothesis that the default-interventionist model of dual-process theory provides an accurate explanation of the cognitive mechanisms involved in reasoning. Thus, the response method (intuitive/analytical) determines which cognitive skills and brain regions are involved in responding.<br><br>HIGHLIGHTS: The cingulo-opercular and fronto-parietal networks (FPNs) control cognitive functions and processes.The frontoparietal network is a fast intuitive system that utilizes short-time attention which is compatible with type 1 processing. In contrast, the cingulo-opercular network (CON) is an analytical time-consuming system that utilizes attention and working memory for a longer time, compatible with type 2 processing.The default-interventionist model of a dual-process theory states that our behaviors are controlled by type 1 processing unless we are confronted with novel and complex problems in which we have no prior experiences.<br><br>PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: The present study examined the activity of two task-based brain networks through performing diffrent type of reasoning tasks. Fronto-parietal and Cingulo-opercular are the two task-based brain networks that are responsible for cognitive control. These two brain networks direct the way to use cognitive skills and executive functions which are necessary to perform cognitive tasks especially higher-order ones as reasoning tasks. Since the two types of inductive and deductive reasoning tasks requier two different bottom-up and top-down cognitive control respectively, different cognitive skills would be needed which affect the activity of fronto-parietal and cingulo-opercular brain networks. Our results showed that through inductive reasoning task which examined by RAVEN, both of the fronto-parietal and cingulo-opercular brain networks were activated but deductive reasoning task which examined by Wason Selection Card test, just the fronto-parietal brain network was activated. It seems that in the case of deductive reasoninf task, there is a higher probability of errors which lead to giving less correct responses. Based on our results, subjects paid not enough attention to details, so had failure to update informations that leaded to responding with errors. Inactivity of cingulo-opercular network through dedeuctive reasoning task clearly showed that the bottom-up cognitive control did not happen successfully. As a result of that, information processing did not proceed properly.}, }
@article {pmid38046123, year = {2023}, author = {Srivastava, P and Jaarsveld, S and Sangani, K}, title = {Verbal-analytical rather than visuo-spatial Raven's puzzle solving favors Raven's-like puzzle generation.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {1205056}, pmid = {38046123}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Raven's advanced progressive matrices (APM) comprise two types of representational codes, namely visuo-spatial and verbal-analytical, that are used to solve APM puzzles. Studies using analytical, behavioral, and imaging methods have supported the multidimensional perspectives of APM puzzles. The visuo-spatial code is expected to recruit operations more responsive to the visual perception tasks. In contrast, the verbal-analytical code is expected to use operations more responsive to the logical reasoning task and may entail different cognitive strategies. Acknowledging different representational codes used in APM puzzle-solving is critical for a better understanding of APM's performance and their relationship with other tasks, especially creative reasoning. We used the eye-tracking method to investigate the role of two representational codes, visuo-spatial and verbal-analytical, in strategies involved in solving APM puzzles and in generating an APM-like puzzle by using a creative-reasoning task (CRT). Participants took longer time to complete the verbal-analytical than visuo-spatial puzzles. In addition, visuo-analytical than visual-spatial puzzles showed higher progressive and regressive saccade counts, suggesting the use of more response elimination than constructive matching strategies employed while solving verbal-analytical than visuo-spatial puzzles. We observed higher CRT scores when it followed verbal-analytical (Mdn = 84) than visuo-spatial (Mdn = 73) APM puzzles, suggesting puzzle-solving specific strategies affect puzzle-creating task performance. The advantage of verbal-analytical over visuo-spatial puzzle-solving has been discussed in light of shared cognitive processing between APM puzzle-solving and APM-like puzzle-creating task performance.}, }
@article {pmid38028983, year = {2023}, author = {Felin Fochesatto, C and Cristi-Montero, C and Ribeiro Bandeira, PF and Brand, C and Dias, AF and Bandeira, DR and Mota, J and Araujo Gaya, AC and Reis Gaya, A}, title = {A network analysis involving mental difficulties, cognition, physical fitness, 24-hour movement components, fatness, and sociodemographic factors in children.}, journal = {Journal of exercise science and fitness}, volume = {21}, number = {4}, pages = {416-423}, pmid = {38028983}, issn = {1728-869X}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Evidence supports the beneficial linear influence of diverse lifestyle behaviors on brain health since childhood; however, multiple behaviors -and not only one-simultaneously affect such outcomes. Therefore, the aim was to explore the multivariate relationship through a network analysis among mental difficulty and cognitive function with physical fitness (PF), 24-h movement components, fatness, and sociodemographic factors in children.<br><br>METHODS: Cross-sectional study involved 226 children (52.2&#xa0;% boys) aged between six and 11 years. Mental difficulties were evaluated through the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and cognitive function by the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices Test. The body mass index and PF were assessed according to the procedures suggested by the Proesp-Br, while moderate-to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) using accelerometry. The socioeconomic level, sleep, and screen time were evaluated by questionnaires. A network analysis was carried out to evaluate the associations among variables and establish centrality measures.<br><br>RESULTS: Age and PF moderated the negative relationship between cognitive function and MVPA. Furthermore, the direct and inverse relationship between cognitive function and mental difficulties appears to be affected by the 24-h movement components. Finally, age, PF, and screen time are the nodes with higher values of expected influence, indicating more sensitivity to interventions for decreasing mental difficulty and improving cognitive function.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Mental health and cognitive function were moderated by the multivariate interaction among age, PF, and the three 24-h movement components. Nonetheless, centrality measures from the network analysis suggest that PF, MVPA, and screen time are crucial nodes in order to implement future interventions.}, }
@article {pmid38016972, year = {2023}, author = {Rolando, A and Basso, C and Brunelli, N and Bocca, M and Laini, A}, title = {The foraging ecology of yellow-billed and red- billed choughs changed between two climatically different years.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {20908}, pmid = {38016972}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; *Ecosystem ; *Passeriformes ; Ecology ; Homing Behavior ; Italy ; }, abstract = {Climate change is affecting the alpine ecosystem at an unprecedented rate, with marked changes in spring phenology and the elevation distribution of birds. Changes in the European Alps are happening rapidly, and it is possible behaviours stand to change from one year to the next. The year 2022 was characterised by climatic extremes: Italy experienced its hottest year ever, and it was the driest since 1800. Here, we assessed whether the foraging ecology of two coexisting upland bird species, the yellow-billed and the red-billed chough, changed from 2021 to 2022. We assessed foraging stay times, flock size, propensity to mixed flocking, foraging home ranges and altitudinal distribution. Stay times of both species when foraging in monospecific flocks significantly shortened in 2022, especially in the case of the red-billed chough. The two corvids are known to influence each other when foraging together. In 2021, as expected, the stay times of the red-billed chough decreased when in the presence of the congener, but this did not occur in 2022. Instead, the yellow-billed chough increased its altitudinal foraging distribution in 2022. The results are in line with the hypothesis that large climate variations may disrupt the foraging ecology of mountain birds. However, as it is not possible to draw solid conclusions from just two years of observations, further field research will have to be planned in the future.}, }
@article {pmid38002488, year = {2023}, author = {Parameshwaran, D and Thiagarajan, TC}, title = {High Variability Periods in the EEG Distinguish Cognitive Brain States.}, journal = {Brain sciences}, volume = {13}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {38002488}, issn = {2076-3425}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel measure of EEG signal variability that distinguishes cognitive brain states.<br><br>METHOD: We describe a novel characterization of amplitude variability in the EEG signal termed "High Variability Periods" or "HVPs", defined as segments when the standard deviation of a moving window is continuously higher than the quartile cutoff. We characterize the parameter space of the metric in terms of window size, overlap, and threshold to suggest ideal parameter choice and compare its performance as a discriminator of brain state to alternate single channel measures of variability such as entropy, complexity, harmonic regression fit, and spectral measures.<br><br>RESULTS: We show that the average HVP duration provides a substantially distinct view of the signal relative to alternate metrics of variability and, when used in combination with these metrics, significantly enhances the ability to predict whether an individual has their eyes open or closed and is performing a working memory and Raven's pattern completion task. In addition, HVPs disappear under anesthesia and do not reappear in early periods of recovery.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: HVP metrics enhance the discrimination of various brain states and are fast to estimate.<br><br>SIGNIFICANCE: HVP metrics can provide an additional view of signal variability that has potential clinical application in the rapid discrimination of brain states.}, }
@article {pmid37989310, year = {2024}, author = {Harrington, KJ and Folkertsma, R and Auersperg, AMI and Biondi, L and Lambert, ML}, title = {Innovative problem solving by wild falcons.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {34}, number = {1}, pages = {190-195.e3}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2023.10.061}, pmid = {37989310}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; Problem Solving ; Cognition ; Learning ; *Parrots ; *Falconiformes ; }, abstract = {Innovation (i.e., a new solution to a familiar problem, or applying an existing behavior to a novel problem[1][,][2]) plays a fundamental role in species' ecology and evolution. It can be a useful measure for cross-group comparisons of behavioral and cognitive flexibility and a proxy for general intelligence.[3][,][4][,][5] Among birds, experimental studies of innovation (and cognition more generally) are largely from captive corvids and parrots,[6][,][7][,][8][,][9][,][10][,][11][,][12] though we lack serious models for avian technical intelligence outside these taxa. Striated caracaras (Phalcoboenus australis) are Falconiformes, sister clade to parrots and passerines,[13][,][14][,][15] and those endemic to the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) show curiosity and neophilia similar to notoriously neophilic kea parrots[16][,][17] and face similar socio-ecological pressures to corvids and parrots.[18][,][19] We tested wild striated caracaras as a new avian model for technical cognition and innovation using a field-applicable 8-task comparative paradigm (adapted from Rössler et al.[20] and Auersperg et al.[21]). The setup allowed us to assess behavior, rate, and flexibility of problem solving over repeated exposure in a natural setting. Like other generalist species with low neophobia,[21][,][22] we predicted caracaras to demonstrate a haptic approach to solving tasks, flexibly switching to new, unsolved problems and improving their performance over time. Striated caracaras performed comparably to tool-using parrots,[20] nearly reaching ceiling levels of innovation in few trials, repeatedly and flexibly solving tasks, and rapidly learning. We attribute our findings to the birds' ecology, including geographic restriction, resource unpredictability, and opportunistic generalism,[23][,][24][,][25] and encourage future work investigating their cognitive abilities in the wild. VIDEO ABSTRACT.}, }
@article {pmid37964353, year = {2023}, author = {Otieno, B and Elson, L and Matharu, AK and Riithi, N and Chongwo, E and Katana, K and Nasambu, C and Mutebi, F and Feldmeier, H and Krücken, J and Fillinger, U and Abubakar, A}, title = {Neurocognitive and mental health outcomes in children with tungiasis: a cross-sectional study in rural Kenya and Uganda.}, journal = {Infectious diseases of poverty}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {100}, pmid = {37964353}, issn = {2049-9957}, support = {405027164//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; KR 2245/7-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; Child ; *Tungiasis/epidemiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Uganda/epidemiology ; Kenya/epidemiology ; Tunga/physiology ; Outcome Assessment, Health Care ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Tungiasis, a neglected tropical parasitosis, disproportionately affects children. Few empirical studies have reported neurocognitive and mental health outcomes of children with ectoparasitic skin diseases like tungiasis. Pathophysiology of tungiasis suggests it could detrimentally affect cognition and behaviour. This study pioneered the investigation of neurocognitive and mental health outcomes in children with tungiasis.<br><br>METHODS: This was a multi-site cross-sectional study including 454 quasi-randomly sampled school-children aged 8-14 from 48 randomly selected schools in two counties in Kenya and a district in Uganda. The participants were stratified into infected and uninfected based on the presence of tungiasis. The infected were further classified into mild and severe infection groups based on the intensity of the infection. Adapted, validated, and standardized measures of cognition and mental health such as Raven Matrices and Child Behaviour Checklist were used to collect data. Statistical tests including a multilevel, generalized mixed-effects linear models with family link set to identity were used to compare the scores of uninfected and infected children and to identify other potential risk factors for neurocognitive and behavioural outcomes.<br><br>RESULTS: When adjusted for covariates, mild infection was associated with lower scores in literacy [adjusted &#x3b2;(a&#x3b2;)&#x2009;=&#x2009;-&#xa0;8.9; 95% confidence interval (CI) -&#xa0;17.2, -&#xa0;0.6], language (a&#x3b2;&#x2009;=&#x2009;-&#xa0;1.7; 95% CI -&#xa0;3.2, -&#xa0;0.3), cognitive flexibility (a&#x3b2;&#x2009;=&#x2009;-&#xa0;6.1; 95% CI&#xa0;-&#xa0;10.4, -&#xa0;1.7) and working memory (a&#x3b2;&#x2009;=&#x2009;-&#xa0;0.3; 95% CI -&#xa0;0.6, -&#xa0;0.1). Severe infection was associated with lower scores in literacy (a&#x3b2;&#x2009;=&#x2009;-&#xa0;11.0; 95% CI -&#xa0;19.3, -&#xa0;2.8), response inhibition, (a&#x3b2;&#x2009;=&#x2009;-&#xa0;2.2; 95% CI -&#xa0;4.2, -&#xa0;0.2), fine motor control (a&#x3b2;&#x2009;=&#xa0;-&#xa0;0.7; 95% CI -&#xa0;1.1, -&#xa0;0.4) and numeracy (a&#x3b2;&#x2009;=&#x2009;-&#xa0;3; 95% CI -&#xa0;5.5, -&#xa0;0.4).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study provides first evidence that tungiasis is associated with poor neurocognitive functioning in children. Since tungiasis is a chronic disease with frequent reinfections, such negative effects may potentially impair their development and life achievements.}, }
@article {pmid37952928, year = {2024}, author = {Gutema, BT and Levecke, B and Sorrie, MB and Megersa, ND and Zewdie, TH and Yesera, GE and De Henauw, S and Abubakar, A and Abbeddou, S}, title = {Effectiveness of intermittent iron and high-dose vitamin A supplementation on cognitive development of school children in southern Ethiopia: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.}, journal = {The American journal of clinical nutrition}, volume = {119}, number = {2}, pages = {470-484}, doi = {10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.11.005}, pmid = {37952928}, issn = {1938-3207}, mesh = {Child ; Female ; Humans ; Cognition ; Dietary Supplements ; Ethiopia ; *Iron ; *Iron Deficiencies ; Vitamin A ; Vitamins ; Male ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Iron is an essential mineral whose deficiency results in cognitive alteration, impaired emotional behaviors, and altered myelination and neurotransmission. In animal models, it has been shown that vitamin A (VA) could affect cognition.<br><br>OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of intermittent iron and VA supplementation on cognitive development of schoolchildren, and to assess the interaction between these supplementations.<br><br>METHODS: Considering a 2 &#xd7; 2 factorial design, 504 children were randomly assigned to 1 of the 4 arms: placebo VA and placebo iron supplement; high-dose vitamin VA and placebo iron supplement; iron supplement and placebo VA; and iron and high-dose vitamin VA supplements. Cognitive development was assessed using Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices, digit span, Tower of London, and visual search tasks.<br><br>RESULTS: The mean [&#xb1; standard deviation (SD)] age of the enrolled children was 9.6 (&#xb1;1.6) y. One-fifth of the children had iron deficiency or anemia, whereas 2.9%, 3.9%, and 12.1% of children had low iron stores, iron deficiency anemia, and VA deficiency, respectively. Intermittent iron supplementation did not result in any significant improvement of children's cognitive development and had a negative effect on the performance index of the visual search task compared with placebo (-0.17 SD, 95% confidence interval: -0.32, -0.02). Effects were evident among children with stunting, thinness, or children coming from understimulating home environments. High-dose VA supplementation resulted in a significant improvement of digit span z-score with a mean difference of 0.30 SD (95% confidence interval: 0.14, 0.46) compared with placebo VA. VA had a more beneficial impact for girls, children infected with helminths, and those from food secure households.<br><br>CONCLUSION: In a population where the prevalence of iron deficiency is low, intermittent iron supplementation did not have any or negative effect on the child's cognitive development outcomes. Conversely, VA supplementation improved the child's working memory.<br><br>TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: The study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04137354 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04137354).}, }
@article {pmid37947547, year = {2023}, author = {Keene, S and Allen, S and McCormick, AKHG and Trottier, C and Bull Shows, B and Hallett, J and Deernose, R and Held, S}, title = {Developing and Implementing a Culturally Consonant Treatment Fidelity Support Plan with the Apsáalooke Nation.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {20}, number = {21}, pages = {}, pmid = {37947547}, issn = {1660-4601}, support = {P20 GM103474/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; U01 MD010619/MD/NIMHD NIH HHS/United States ; U54 GM104944/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {United States ; Humans ; Behavior Therapy ; *Self-Management ; Chronic Disease ; *Health Services, Indigenous ; National Institutes of Health (U.S.) ; }, abstract = {Treatment fidelity remains underreported in health intervention research, particularly among Indigenous communities. One explanation for this gap is the lack of culturally consonant strategies listed in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Behavior Change Consortium (BCC) treatment fidelity framework, the gold standard for understanding and measuring fidelity. This paper focuses on the development and implementation of a culturally consonant treatment fidelity support plan across two of the five BCC fidelity areas, provider training and treatment delivery, within a chronic illness self-management program for the Apsáalooke (Crow) Nation. Our team selected and adapted strategies from, and added strategies to, the BCC framework, that centered on relational accountability and the Apsáalooke culture. To be culturally consonant, we approached treatment fidelity as supporting Aakbaabaaniilea (Apsáalooke program facilitators) rather than monitoring them. This resulted in the development of a fifth treatment fidelity area: building and fostering relationships. We propose that fidelity to relational accountability is the foundation of successful programs in Indigenous communities. This suggests an important shift from tracking what was conducted in an intervention to prioritizing how things were conducted. We encourage others to view the BCC framework as a starting point in developing fidelity strategies that are consonant with local cultures.}, }
@article {pmid37945911, year = {2024}, author = {Bastos, APM}, title = {Crows make optimal choices based on relative probabilities.}, journal = {Learning &amp; behavior}, volume = {52}, number = {3}, pages = {207-208}, pmid = {37945911}, issn = {1543-4508}, mesh = {*Crows ; *Choice Behavior ; Animals ; Probability ; Reward ; Reinforcement, Psychology ; }, abstract = {A recent study by Johnston, Brecht, and Nieder (2023, Current Biology, 33, 3238-3243) finds that carrion crows associate varying rates of reinforcement with novel arbitrary stimuli and make optimal decisions when they must later choose between stimulus pairs. These results demonstrate that crows are capable of not only storing information about reward probabilities in their memory but also making optimal choices based on this information even a month later.}, }
@article {pmid37932494, year = {2023}, author = {Apostel, A and Panichello, M and Buschman, TJ and Rose, J}, title = {Corvids optimize working memory by categorizing continuous stimuli.}, journal = {Communications biology}, volume = {6}, number = {1}, pages = {1122}, pmid = {37932494}, issn = {2399-3642}, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Memory, Short-Term ; Brain ; Cognition ; *Songbirds ; Primates ; }, abstract = {Working memory (WM) is a crucial element of the higher cognition of primates and corvid songbirds. Despite its importance, WM has a severely limited capacity and is vulnerable to noise. In primates, attractor dynamics mitigate the effect of noise by discretizing continuous information. Yet, it remains unclear whether similar dynamics are seen in avian brains. Here, we show jackdaws (Corvus monedula) have similar behavioral biases as humans; memories are less precise and more biased as memory demands increase. Model-based analysis reveal discrete attractors are evenly spread across the stimulus space. Altogether, our comparative approach suggests attractor dynamics in primates and corvids mitigate the effect of noise by systematically drifting towards specific attractors. By demonstrating this effect in an evolutionary distant species, our results strengthen attractor dynamics as general, adaptive biological principle to efficiently use WM.}, }
@article {pmid37903264, year = {2023}, author = {Kirschhock, ME and Nieder, A}, title = {Association neurons in the crow telencephalon link visual signs to numerical values.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {120}, number = {45}, pages = {e2313923120}, pmid = {37903264}, issn = {1091-6490}, support = {NI 618/12-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Phylogeny ; Brain/physiology ; Neurons/physiology ; Telencephalon ; }, abstract = {Many animals can associate signs with numerical values and use these signs in a goal-directed way during task performance. However, the neuronal basis of this semantic association has only rarely been investigated, and so far only in primates. How mechanisms of number associations are implemented in the distinctly evolved brains of other animal taxa such as birds is currently unknown. Here, we explored this semantic number-sign mapping by recording single-neuron activity in the crows' nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL), a brain structure critically involved in avian numerical cognition. Crows were trained to associate visual shapes with varying numbers of items in a number production task. The responses of many NCL neurons during stimulus presentation reflected the numerical values associated with visual shapes in a behaviorally relevant way. Consistent with the crow's better behavioral performance with signs, neuronal representations of numerical values extracted from shapes were more selective compared to those from dot arrays. The existence of number association neurons in crows points to a phylogenetic preadaptation of the brains of cognitively advanced vertebrates to link visual shapes with numerical meaning.}, }
@article {pmid37886251, year = {2023}, author = {Mirzaghavami, M and Sadraei, J and Pirestani, M and Bahadory, S}, title = {The Role of Some Free-Ranging Animals in the Transmission of Multi-Host Species of Cryptosporidium Spp.}, journal = {Iranian journal of parasitology}, volume = {18}, number = {3}, pages = {313-323}, pmid = {37886251}, issn = {1735-7020}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: We aimed to characterize Cryptosporidium spp. in rats, cats, pigeons, and crows.<br><br>METHODS: Fifty-five animal origin Cryptosporidium spp. genome were identified, genotyped and confirmed by nested PCR and of RFLP-PCR analysis as well as sequenced based on 18s rRNA and gp60 genes in Tehran (2012-2019). Finally, the phylogenetic analysis was performed by MEGA software (version 7).<br><br>RESULTS: By the molecular method, Cryptosporidium spp. were detected in 24 (15.2%), 15 (15%), 2 (2%) and 13 (13%) cases of wild rats, cat, pigeon, and crow, respectively. Among the identified species by the RFLP pattern, most isolates were identified as C. parvum (24/157) 17.8% in rats, (15/100) 15% in cats, (13/100) 13%in crew and (2/100) 2% in pigeons; and the rest of the cases were C. muris and C. felis. The results of sequencing did not prove the existence of C. parvum, C. felis, C. muris, and rat genotype. Subtyping of C. parvum was indicated that the dominant subtype family belongs to the IId family and the subtype A20G1 was the most common subtype detected in all hosts while A19G1 was detected in one isolate of cat and pigeon.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Free-ranging animals are infected by species/subtype of Cryptosporidium, which can infect humans. This shows by itself the hygienic importance of the free-ranging animals in urban ecosystems. In the transmission of human cryptosporidiosis, the multi-host Cryptosporidium species such as C. parvum, C. felis, and C. muris can be transferred potentially from these animals to humans.}, }
@article {pmid37883792, year = {2023}, author = {Kirschhock, ME and Nieder, A}, title = {Numerical Representation for Action in Crows Obeys the Weber-Fechner Law.}, journal = {Psychological science}, volume = {34}, number = {12}, pages = {1322-1335}, doi = {10.1177/09567976231201624}, pmid = {37883792}, issn = {1467-9280}, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; Male ; Differential Threshold ; *Crows ; Cognition ; Judgment ; Neurons ; }, abstract = {The psychophysical laws governing the judgment of perceived numbers of objects or events, called the number sense, have been studied in detail. However, the behavioral principles of equally important numerical representations for action are largely unexplored in both humans and animals. We trained two male carrion crows (Corvus corone) to judge numerical values of instruction stimuli from one to five and to flexibly perform a matching number of pecks. Our quantitative analysis of the crows' number production performance shows the same behavioral regularities that have previously been demonstrated for the judgment of sensory numerosity, such as the numerical distance effect, the numerical magnitude effect, and the logarithmical compression of the number line. The presence of these psychophysical phenomena in crows producing number of pecks suggests a unified sensorimotor number representation system underlying the judgment of the number of external stimuli and internally generated actions.}, }
@article {pmid37875131, year = {2024}, author = {Hamilton, JB and Abiri, A and Nicolas, CA and Grant, EJ and Best, NC}, title = {Black Appalachia's Oldest Old: Untold Stories of Experienced Racism and Coping With Religious Practices/Beliefs.}, journal = {The Gerontologist}, volume = {64}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/geront/gnad143}, pmid = {37875131}, issn = {1758-5341}, mesh = {Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Adaptation, Psychological ; Black or African American ; *Racism ; *Religion ; United States ; Male ; Aged ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Racism and religion are recognized as prevailing Social Determinants of Health (SDoH). To explore ways in which racism and religion looms in the daily lives of African Americans, we analyzed the experiences of African Americans born during the Jim Crow years and living in the Southern Appalachian Region of the United States.<br><br>RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty-seven African Americans participated in this qualitative descriptive study that utilized criterion sampling, open-ended semistructured interviews, and content analysis to identify a typology of categories related to experienced racism and ways in which religion was used in response to those experiences.<br><br>RESULTS: Participants were an average age of 82.22 years (SD&#x2005;=&#x2005;5.07); primarily women (n&#x2005;=&#x2005;19, 70.4%); married (n&#x2005;=&#x2005;11, 40.7%); junior high school (n&#x2005;=&#x2005;6, 22.2%), high school or general educational diploma (n&#x2005;=&#x2005;7, 25.9%), completed college or professional school (n&#x2005;=&#x2005;6, 22.2%); were retired (n&#x2005;=&#x2005;27, 100.0%); and affiliated with Baptist churches (n&#x2005;=&#x2005;18, 66.7%). Experiences with racism included inequities in healthcare and education, and racially motivated physical violence. Religious practices/beliefs included forgiveness, humility, and humanity.<br><br>DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Racism experienced by African American participants was likely countered by religious practices/beliefs inspired through intergenerational teachings with affiliations to the Black Church. These experiences of the oldest old) African Americans living in communities of the Southern Appalachia, United States, illustrate the pervasive nature of racism. The religious beliefs that are frequently transmitted intergenerationally through the Black Church are relevant to understand present-day encounters with racism among African Americans and possibly other communities of color.}, }
@article {pmid37863938, year = {2023}, author = {Pendergraft, LT and Marzluff, JM and Cross, DJ and Shimizu, T and Templeton, CN}, title = {American crows that excel at tool use activate neural circuits distinct from less talented individuals.}, journal = {Nature communications}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {6539}, pmid = {37863938}, issn = {2041-1723}, support = {S10 OD017980/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; Adult ; Female ; *Crows ; *Tool Use Behavior ; Hippocampus ; }, abstract = {Tools enable animals to exploit and command new resources. However, the neural circuits underpinning tool use and how neural activity varies with an animal's tool proficiency, are only known for humans and some other primates. We use 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography to image the brain activity of naïve vs trained American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) when presented with a task requiring the use of stone tools. As in humans, talent affects the neural circuits activated by crows as they prepare to execute the task. Naïve and less proficient crows use neural circuits associated with sensory- and higher-order processing centers (the mesopallium and nidopallium), while highly proficient individuals increase activity in circuits associated with motor learning and tactile control (hippocampus, tegmentum, nucleus basorostralis, and cerebellum). Greater proficiency is found primarily in adult female crows and may reflect their need to use more cognitively complex strategies, like tool use, to obtain food.}, }
@article {pmid37862096, year = {2023}, author = {Bahafid, E and Bradtmöller, I and Thies, AM and Nguyen, TTON and Gutierrez, C and Desvoyes, B and Stahl, Y and Blilou, I and Simon, RGW}, title = {The Arabidopsis SHORTROOT network coordinates shoot apical meristem development with auxin-dependent lateral organ initiation.}, journal = {eLife}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37862096}, issn = {2050-084X}, mesh = {*Arabidopsis/metabolism ; Meristem ; *Arabidopsis Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Indoleacetic Acids/metabolism ; Transcription Factors/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Homeodomain Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Cyclins/metabolism ; }, abstract = {Plants produce new organs post-embryonically throughout their entire life cycle. This is due to stem cells present in the shoot and root apical meristems, the SAM and RAM, respectively. In the SAM, stem cells are located in the central zone where they divide slowly. Stem cell daughters are displaced laterally and enter the peripheral zone, where their mitotic activity increases and lateral organ primordia are formed. How the spatial arrangement of these different domains is initiated and controlled during SAM growth and development, and how sites of lateral organ primordia are determined in the peripheral zone is not yet completely understood. We found that the SHORTROOT (SHR) transcription factor together with its target transcription factors SCARECROW (SCR), SCARECROW-LIKE23 (SCL23) and JACKDAW (JKD), promotes formation of lateral organs and controls shoot meristem size. SHR, SCR, SCL23, and JKD are expressed in distinct, but partially overlapping patterns in the SAM. They can physically interact and activate expression of key cell cycle regulators such as CYCLIND6;1 (CYCD6;1) to promote the formation of new cell layers. In the peripheral zone, auxin accumulates at sites of lateral organ primordia initiation and activates SHR expression via the auxin response factor MONOPTEROS (MP) and auxin response elements in the SHR promoter. In the central zone, the SHR-target SCL23 physically interacts with the key stem cell regulator WUSCHEL (WUS) to promote stem cell fate. Both SCL23 and WUS expression are subject to negative feedback regulation from stem cells through the CLAVATA signaling pathway. Together, our findings illustrate how SHR-dependent transcription factor complexes act in different domains of the shoot meristem to mediate cell division and auxin dependent organ initiation in the peripheral zone, and coordinate this activity with stem cell maintenance in the central zone of the SAM.}, }
@article {pmid37857541, year = {2023}, author = {Prinja, S and Bahuguna, P and Singh, MP and Guinness, L and Goyal, A and Aggarwal, V}, title = {Refining the provider payment system of India's government-funded health insurance programme: an econometric analysis.}, journal = {BMJ open}, volume = {13}, number = {10}, pages = {e076155}, pmid = {37857541}, issn = {2044-6055}, mesh = {Humans ; *Insurance, Health ; *Health Care Costs ; Hospital Costs ; Hospitals, Teaching ; Government ; India ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Reimbursement rates in national health insurance schemes are frequently weighted to account for differences in the costs of service provision. To determine weights for a differential case-based payment system under India's publicly financed national health insurance scheme, the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), by exploring and quantifying the influence of supply-side factors on the costs of inpatient admissions and surgical procedures.<br><br>DESIGN: Exploratory analysis using regression-based cost function on data from a multisite health facility costing study-the Cost of Health Services in India (CHSI) Study.<br><br>SETTING: The CHSI Study sample included 11 public sector tertiary care hospitals, 27 public sector district hospitals providing secondary care and 16 private hospitals, from 11 Indian states.<br><br>PARTICIPANTS: 521 sites from 57 healthcare facilities in 11 states of India.<br><br>INTERVENTIONS: Medical and surgical packages of PM-JAY.<br><br>The cost per bed-day and cost per surgical procedure were regressed against a range of factors to be considered as weights including hospital location, presence of a teaching function and ownership. In addition, capacity utilisation, number of beds, specialist mix, state gross domestic product, State Health Index ranking and volume of patients across the sample were included as variables in the models. Given the skewed data, cost variables were log-transformed for some models.<br><br>RESULTS: The estimated mean costs per inpatient bed-day and per procedure were 2307 and 10&#x2009;686 Indian rupees, respectively. Teaching status, annual hospitalisation, bed size, location of hospital and average length of hospitalisation significantly determine the inpatient bed-day cost, while location of hospital and teaching status determine the procedure costs. Cost per bed-day of teaching hospitals was 38-143.4% higher than in non-teaching hospitals. Similarly, cost per bed-day was 1.3-89.7% higher in tier 1 cities, and 19.5-77.3% higher in tier 2 cities relative to tier 3 cities, respectively. Finally, cost per surgical procedure was higher by 10.6-144.6% in teaching hospitals than non-teaching hospitals; 12.9-171.7% higher in tier 1 cities; and 33.4-140.9% higher in tier 2 cities compared with tier 3 cities, respectively.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Our study findings support and validate the recently introduced differential provider payment system under the PM-JAY. While our results are indicative of heterogeneity in hospital costs, other considerations of how these weights will affect coverage, quality, cost containment, as well as create incentives and disincentives for provider and consumer behaviour, and integrate with existing price mark-ups for other factors, should be considered to determine the future revisions in the differential pricing scheme.}, }
@article {pmid37846601, year = {2023}, author = {Blackburn, G and Ashton, BJ and Thornton, A and Woodiss-Field, S and Ridley, AR}, title = {Cognition mediates response to anthropogenic noise in wild Western Australian magpies (Gmynorhina tibicen dorsalis).}, journal = {Global change biology}, volume = {29}, number = {24}, pages = {6912-6930}, doi = {10.1111/gcb.16975}, pmid = {37846601}, issn = {1365-2486}, support = {//Ada Jackson Irwin Street Commemoration Award/ ; //Australian Government Research Training Program/ ; //Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Ecosystem ; Australia ; Noise/adverse effects ; Animals, Wild ; Cognition ; *Passeriformes ; }, abstract = {Anthropogenic noise is a pollutant of growing concern, with wide-ranging effects on taxa across ecosystems. Until recently, studies investigating the effects of anthropogenic noise on animals focused primarily on population-level consequences, rather than individual-level impacts. Individual variation in response to anthropogenic noise may result from extrinsic or intrinsic factors. One such intrinsic factor, cognitive performance, varies between individuals and is hypothesised to aid behavioural response to novel stressors. Here, we combine cognitive testing, behavioural focals and playback experiments to investigate how anthropogenic noise affects the behaviour and anti-predator response of Western Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen dorsalis), and to determine whether this response is linked to cognitive performance. We found a significant population-level effect of anthropogenic noise on the foraging effort, foraging efficiency, vigilance, vocalisation rate and anti-predator response of magpies, with birds decreasing their foraging, vocalisation behaviours and anti-predator response, and increasing vigilance when loud anthropogenic noise was present. We also found that individuals varied in their response to playbacks depending on their cognitive performance, with individuals that performed better in an associative learning task maintaining their anti-predator response when an alarm call was played in anthropogenic noise. Our results add to the growing body of literature documenting the adverse effects of anthropogenic noise on wildlife and provide the first evidence for an association between individual cognitive performance and behavioural responses to anthropogenic noise.}, }
@article {pmid37823489, year = {2023}, author = {Toyoshima, M and Nakaoji, K and Hamada, K and Yamanaka, A and Inaba, Y and Muraoka, K and Tohsuji, E and Sakakibara, K and Saji, N and Jinnin, M}, title = {Analysis of skin aging patterns using a facial imaging system in patients with atopic dermatitis.}, journal = {European journal of dermatology : EJD}, volume = {33}, number = {4}, pages = {383-393}, doi = {10.1684/ejd.2023.4528}, pmid = {37823489}, issn = {1952-4013}, mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; *Skin Aging ; *Dermatitis, Atopic/diagnostic imaging ; Face/diagnostic imaging ; Aging ; Skin ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: There are few studies on skin aging in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD).<br><br>OBJECTIVES: To clarify the characteristics of facial skin aging in AD patients.<br><br>MATERIALS &amp; METHODS: Using facial images obtained by a digital imaging system (VISIA evolution), we compared the severity scores for 10 aging signs in 53 women in the AD group and 29 women in the healthy control group, all 35-49 years old.<br><br>RESULTS: The severity scores for fine lines on the forehead, periorbital wrinkles, nasolabial folds, and texture of the mouth contour were significantly higher in the AD group than in the controls. However, in order to exclude a direct effect of dermatitis at the time of measurement, cases with signs of AD at the evaluation site were excluded from the AD group (defined as the AD [non-lesion] group), revealing no statistical significance between the AD (non-lesion) group and the healthy control group for any of the 10 facial signs. Age subset analysis showed that for individuals in their late 40s, the AD (non-lesion) group exhibited significantly higher scores for crow's feet wrinkle and nasolabial fold compared to the healthy control group. Furthermore, these two scores correlated with one other, suggesting that they may be induced by the same factors.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that skin aging associated with AD is prominent in areas prone to transient wrinkling by frequent blinking and speaking or facial expressions. Understanding of the need for appropriate AD treatment from a cosmetic perspective may increase patient adherence.}, }
@article {pmid37813941, year = {2023}, author = {Graham, BA and Szabo, I and Cicero, C and Strickland, D and Woods, J and Coneybeare, H and Dohms, KM and Burg, TM}, title = {Habitat and climate influence hybridization among three genetically distinct Canada jay (Perisoreus canadensis) morphotypes in an avian hybrid zone complex.}, journal = {Heredity}, volume = {131}, number = {5-6}, pages = {361-373}, pmid = {37813941}, issn = {1365-2540}, mesh = {Animals ; Ecosystem ; Climate ; Hybridization, Genetic ; *Picea/genetics ; *Songbirds ; Canada ; }, abstract = {Examining the frequency and distribution of hybrids across contact zones provide insights into the factors mediating hybridization. In this study, we examined the effect of habitat and climate on hybridization patterns for three phenotypically, genetically, and ecologically distinct groups of the Canada jay (Perisoreus canadensis) in a secondary contact zone in western North America. Additionally, we tested whether the frequency of hybridization involving the three groups (referred to as Boreal, Pacific and Rocky Mountain morphotypes) is similar across the hybrid zones or whether some pairs have hybridized more frequently than others. We reanalyzed microsatellite, mtDNA and plumage data, and new microsatellite and plumage data for 526 individuals to identify putative genetic and phenotypic hybrids. The genetically and phenotypically distinct groups are associated with different habitats and occupy distinct climate niches across the contact zone. Most putative genetic hybrids (86%) had Rocky Mountain ancestry. Hybrids were observed most commonly in intermediate climate niches and in habitats where Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) overlaps broadly with boreal and subalpine tree species. Our finding that hybrids occupy intermediate climate niches relative to parental morphotypes matches patterns for other plant and animal species found in this region. This study demonstrates how habitat and climate influence hybridization patterns in areas of secondary contact and adds to the growing body of research on tri-species hybrid zones.}, }
@article {pmid37801469, year = {2024}, author = {Viviano, A and Mori, E and Manzini, J and Paoletti, E and Hoshika, Y and Cotrozzi, L and Pisuttu, C and Risoli, S and Materassi, A and Moura, BB}, title = {The magpie and the grapes: increasing ozone exposure impacts fruit consumption by a common corvid in a suburban environment.}, journal = {Pest management science}, volume = {80}, number = {11}, pages = {5491-5499}, doi = {10.1002/ps.7819}, pmid = {37801469}, issn = {1526-4998}, mesh = {*Vitis ; *Ozone ; Animals ; *Fruit ; *Passeriformes/physiology ; Feeding Behavior ; Air Pollutants/analysis ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Eurasian magpie Pica pica is a resident bird species able to colonize farmlands and anthropized environments. This corvid shows a wide trophic spectrum by including fruits, invertebrates, small vertebrates and carcasses in its diet. A camera-trap experiment was carried out to test the effect of different ozone (O3) concentrations on potted Vitis vinifera plants, which resulted in different grape consumption rates by suburban birds. The test was performed at an Ozone-Free Air Controlled Exposure (FACE) facility, consisting of nine plots with three ozone (O3) levels: AA (ambient O3 concentration); and two elevated O3 levels, 1.5× AA (ambient air with a 50% increase in O3 concentration) and 2.0× AA (ambient air with a 100% increase in O3 concentration). Camera-traps were located in front of each treatment area and kept active for 24 h day[-1] and for 5 days at a time over a period of 3 months to monitor grape consumption by birds.<br><br>RESULTS: We collected a total of 38 videos. Eurasian magpies were the only grape consumers, with a total of 6.7&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;3.3 passages per hour (mean&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;SD) and no differences across the different O3 treatments. Grapes in the AA treatment were consumed significantly more quickly than those in the 1.5&#xd7; AA treatment, which in turn, were consumed faster than those in the 2.0&#xd7; AA treatment. At 3&#x2009;days from the start of treatment, 94%, 53% and 22% berries from the AA, 1.5&#xd7; AA and 2.0&#xd7; AA treatments had been eaten, respectively. When the O3 was turned off, berries were consumed at the same rate among treatments.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Increasing O3 concentrations limited grape consumption by magpies probably because O3 acted as a deterrent for magpies, although the lower sugar content recorded in the 2.0&#xd7; AA berries did not affect the consumption when O3 was turned off. Our results provided valuable insights to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts in suburban environments. &#xa9; 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley &amp; Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.}, }
@article {pmid37798388, year = {2023}, author = {Abou El Ela, AA and El-Sehiemy, RA and Shaheen, AM and Shalaby, AS and Mouafi, MT}, title = {Reliability constrained dynamic generation expansion planning using honey badger algorithm.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {16765}, pmid = {37798388}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {*Honey ; Reproducibility of Results ; Algorithms ; Heuristics ; Intelligence ; }, abstract = {Generation expansion planning (GEP) is a complex, highly constrained, non-linear, discrete and dynamic optimization task aimed at determining the optimum generation technology mix of the best expansion alternative for long-term planning horizon. This paper presents a new framework to study the GEP in a multi-stage horizon with reliability constrained. GEP problem is presented to minimize the capital investment costs, salvage value cost, operation and maintenance, and outage cost under several constraints over planning horizon. Added to that, the spinning reserve, fuel mix ratio and reliability in terms of Loss of Load Probability are maintained. Moreover, to decrease the GEP problem search space and reduce the computational time, some modifications are proposed such as the Virtual mapping procedure, penalty factor approach, and the modified of intelligent initial population generation. For solving the proposed reliability constrained GEP problem, a novel honey badger algorithm (HBA) is developed. It is a meta-heuristic search algorithm inspired from the intelligent foraging behavior of honey badger to reach its prey. In HBA, the dynamic search behavior of honey badger with digging and honey finding approaches is formulated into exploration and exploitation phases. Added to that, several modern meta-heuristic optimization algorithms are employed which are crow search algorithm, aquila optimizer, bald eagle search and particle swarm optimization. These algorithms are applied, in a comparative manner, for three test case studies for 6-year, 12-year, and 24-year of short- and long-term planning horizon having five types of candidate units. The obtained results by all these proposed algorithms are compared and validated the effectiveness and superiority of the HBA over the other applied algorithms.}, }
@article {pmid37789130, year = {2024}, author = {van Hasselt, SJ and Coscia, M and Allocca, G and Vyssotski, AL and Meerlo, P}, title = {Seasonal variation in sleep time: jackdaws sleep when it is dark, but do they really need it?.}, journal = {Journal of comparative physiology. B, Biochemical, systemic, and environmental physiology}, volume = {194}, number = {3}, pages = {335-345}, pmid = {37789130}, issn = {1432-136X}, support = {OCENW.KLEIN.240//Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Seasons ; *Sleep/physiology ; *Photoperiod ; *Electroencephalography/veterinary ; *Crows/physiology ; Male ; Darkness ; Circadian Rhythm/physiology ; Female ; }, abstract = {Sleep is an important behavioural and physiological state that is ubiquitous throughout the animal kingdom. Birds are an interesting group to study sleep since they share similar sleep features with mammals. Interestingly, sleep time in birds has been shown to vary greatly amongst seasons. To understand the mechanisms behind these variations in sleep time, we did an electro-encephalogram (EEG) study in eight European jackdaws (Coloeus monedula) in winter and summer under outdoor seminatural conditions. To assess whether the amount and pattern of sleep is determined by the outdoor seasonal state of the animals or directly determined by the indoor light-dark cycle, we individually housed them indoors where we manipulated the light-dark (LD) cycles to mimic long winter nights (8:16 LD) and short summer nights (16:8 LD) within both seasons. Jackdaws showed under seminatural outdoor conditions 5 h less sleep in summer compared to winter. During the indoor conditions, the birds rapidly adjusted their sleep time to the new LD cycle. Although they swiftly increased or decreased their sleep time, sleep intensity did not vary. The results indicate that the strong seasonal differences in sleep time are largely and directly driven by the available dark time, rather than an endogenous annual clock. Importantly, these findings confirm that sleep in birds is not a rigid phenomenon but highly sensitive to environmental factors.}, }
@article {pmid37786694, year = {2023}, author = {Wang, X and Kostrzewa, C and Reiner, A and Shen, R and Begg, C}, title = {Adaptation of a Mutual Exclusivity Framework to Identify Driver Mutations within Biological Pathways.}, journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1101/2023.09.19.558469}, pmid = {37786694}, issn = {2692-8205}, abstract = {Distinguishing genomic alterations in cancer genes that have functional impact on tumor growth and disease progression from the ones that are passengers and confer no fitness advantage has important clinical implications. Evidence-based methods for nominating drivers are limited by existing knowledge on the oncogenic effects and therapeutic benefits of specific variants from clinical trials or experimental settings. As clinical sequencing becomes a mainstay of patient care, applying computational methods to mine the rapidly growing clinical genomic data holds promise in uncovering novel functional candidates beyond the existing knowledge-base and expanding the patient population that could potentially benefit from genetically targeted therapies. We propose a statistical and computational method (MAGPIE) that builds on a likelihood approach leveraging the mutual exclusivity pattern within an oncogenic pathway for identifying probabilistically both the specific genes within a pathway and the individual mutations within such genes that are truly the drivers. Alterations in a cancer gene are assumed to be a mixture of driver and passenger mutations with the passenger rates modeled in relationship to tumor mutational burden. A limited memory BFGS algorithm is used to facilitate large scale optimization. We use simulations to study the operating characteristics of the method and assess false positive and false negative rates in driver nomination. When applied to a large study of primary melanomas the method accurately identified the known driver genes within the RTK-RAS pathway and nominated a number of rare variants with previously unknown biological and clinical relevance as prime candidates for functional validation.}, }
@article {pmid37782864, year = {2023}, author = {Jahn, JL and Zubizarreta, D and Chen, JT and Needham, BL and Samari, G and McGregor, AJ and Douglas, MD and Austin, SB and Agénor, M}, title = {Legislating Inequity: Structural Racism In Groups Of State Laws And Associations With Premature Mortality Rates.}, journal = {Health affairs (Project Hope)}, volume = {42}, number = {10}, pages = {1325-1333}, pmid = {37782864}, issn = {2694-233X}, support = {K01 HD103879/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Humans ; United States ; *Systemic Racism ; Mortality, Premature ; *Racism ; }, abstract = {Most evaluations of health equity policy have focused on the effects of individual laws. However, multiple laws' combined effects better reflect the crosscutting nature of structurally racist legal regimes. To measure the combined effects of multiple laws, we used latent class analysis, a method for detecting unobserved "subgroups" in a population, to identify clusters of US states based on thirteen structural racism-related legal domains in 2013. We identified three classes of states: one with predominantly harmful laws ([Formula: see text]), another with predominantly protective laws ([Formula: see text]), and a third with a mix of both ([Formula: see text]). Premature mortality rates overall-defined as deaths before age seventy-five per 100,000 population-were highest in states with predominantly harmful laws, which included eighteen states with past Jim Crow laws. This study offers a new method for measuring structural racism on the basis of how groups of laws are associated with premature mortality rates.}, }
@article {pmid37777561, year = {2023}, author = {Ręk, P and Magrath, RD}, title = {The quality of avian vocal duets can be assessed independently of the spatial separation of signallers.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {16438}, pmid = {37777561}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Vocalization, Animal ; Australia ; *Songbirds ; Territoriality ; *Passeriformes ; }, abstract = {Interactions among groups are often mediated through signals, including coordinated calls such as duets, and the degree of temporal coordination within a group can affect signal efficacy. However, in addition to intrinsic duet quality, the spatial arrangement of callers also affects the timing of calls. So, can listeners discriminate temporal effects caused by intrinsic duet quality compared to spatial arrangement? Such discrimination would allow assessment of quality of duets produced by a pair, as distinct from transient extrinsic spatial effects. To address this issue, we studied experimentally the influence of intrinsic duet quality and spatial arrangement on the efficacy of Australian magpie-lark (Grallina cyanoleuca) vocal duets. Breeding pairs duet at varying distances from each other and to multiple neighbours. Coordinated duets are more effective territorial signals than uncoordinated duets, but it remains unclear whether listeners can discriminate the effects of quality and spatial arrangement. Our playback experiment showed that any deviation from perfect regularity of partners' notes reduced duet efficacy, but that lack of coordination due to spatial separation (slower tempo and offset of notes) had a lower effect on efficacy than effects due to intrinsic quality (irregularity). Our results therefore provide experimental evidence that the temporal organisation of group vocalisations could signal coalition quality independently of spatial effects.}, }
@article {pmid37754146, year = {2023}, author = {Fan, Y and Yang, H and Wang, Y and Xu, Z and Lu, D}, title = {A Variable Step Crow Search Algorithm and Its Application in Function Problems.}, journal = {Biomimetics (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {8}, number = {5}, pages = {}, pmid = {37754146}, issn = {2313-7673}, support = {52175502//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; LH2023E082//The Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province/ ; 2022-KYYWF-0144//The basic research business fee projects of provincial undergraduate universities in Heilongjiang Province/ ; }, abstract = {Optimization algorithms are popular to solve different problems in many fields, and are inspired by natural principles, animal living habits, plant pollinations, chemistry principles, and physic principles. Optimization algorithm performances will directly impact on solving accuracy. The Crow Search Algorithm (CSA) is a simple and efficient algorithm inspired by the natural behaviors of crows. However, the flight length of CSA is a fixed value, which makes the algorithm fall into the local optimum, severely limiting the algorithm solving ability. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a Variable Step Crow Search Algorithm (VSCSA). The proposed algorithm uses the cosine function to enhance CSA searching abilities, which greatly improves both the solution quality of the population and the convergence speed. In the update phase, the VSCSA increases population diversities and enhances the global searching ability of the basic CSA. The experiment used 14 test functions,2017 CEC functions, and engineering application problems to compare VSCSA with different algorithms. The experiment results showed that VSCSA performs better in fitness values, iteration curves, box plots, searching paths, and the Wilcoxon test results, which indicates that VSCSA has strong competitiveness and sufficient superiority. The VSCSA has outstanding performances in various test functions and the searching accuracy has been greatly improved.}, }
@article {pmid37708722, year = {2023}, author = {Becker, D and Meisenberg, G and Dutton, E and Bakhiet, SFA and Alfayez, FA and Essa, YAS}, title = {International differences in the speed of cognitive development: A systematic examination of the existence of the Simber Effect.}, journal = {Acta psychologica}, volume = {240}, number = {}, pages = {104015}, doi = {10.1016/j.actpsy.2023.104015}, pmid = {37708722}, issn = {1873-6297}, mesh = {Child ; Humans ; Child, Preschool ; Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Intelligence Tests ; *Intelligence ; *Cognition ; }, abstract = {The Simber Effect refers to the phenomenon whereby, in Arabic countries, young children have an IQ that is little different from that of Western children but that these differences increase throughout childhood culminating in a difference of around 20 points by adulthood. The true nature of this phenomenon is revealed by an examination of 125 samples from all around the globe measured with Raven's Progressive Matrices. We show that in many cases different speeds of cognitive development increase the IQ score differences between countries mostly between 4 and 9 years of age, and that these increases can in part be explained by poor environmental conditions. However, the patterns are not completely clear, either in terms of regularity or strengths. Methodological problems, in particular the cross-sectional designs of the included samples, as well as the significance of the Simber Effect for country comparisons in intelligence are discussed.}, }
@article {pmid37665095, year = {2023}, author = {Murry, VM and Nyanamba, JM and Hanebutt, R and Debreaux, M and Gastineau, KAB and Goodwin, AKB and Narisetti, L}, title = {Critical examination of resilience and resistance in African American families: Adaptive capacities to navigate toxic oppressive upstream waters.}, journal = {Development and psychopathology}, volume = {35}, number = {5}, pages = {2113-2131}, doi = {10.1017/S0954579423001037}, pmid = {37665095}, issn = {1469-2198}, mesh = {Humans ; *Black or African American/psychology ; *Racism/ethnology/psychology ; *Resilience, Psychological ; *Family/ethnology/psychology ; }, abstract = {African American families navigate not only everyday stressors and adversities but also unique sociocultural stressors (e.g., "toxic upstream waters" like oppression). These adverse conditions are consequences of the historical vestiges of slavery and Jim Crow laws, often manifested as inequities in wealth, housing, wages, employment, access to healthcare, and quality education. Despite these challenges, African American families have developed resilience using strength-based adaptive coping strategies, to some extent, to filter these waters. To advance the field of resilience research, we focused on the following questions: (1) what constitutes positive responses to adversity?; (2) how is resilience defined conceptually and measured operationally?; (3) how has the field of resilience evolved?; (4) who defines what, when, and how responses are manifestations of resilience, instead of, for example, resistance? How can resistance, which at times leads to positive adaptations, be incorporated into the study of resilience?; and (5) are there case examples that demonstrate ways to address structural oppression and the pernicious effects of racism through system-level interventions, thereby changing environmental situations that sustain toxic waters requiring acts of resilience to survive and thrive? We end by exploring how a re-conceptualization of resilience requires a paradigm shift and new methodological approaches to understand ways in which preventive interventions move beyond focusing on families' capacity to navigate oppression and target systems and structures that maintain these toxic waters.}, }
@article {pmid37640493, year = {2023}, author = {Mohanty, SK and Upadhyay, AK and Maiti, S and Mishra, RS and Kämpfen, F and Maurer, J and O'Donnell, O}, title = {Public health insurance coverage in India before and after PM-JAY: repeated cross-sectional analysis of nationally representative survey data.}, journal = {BMJ global health}, volume = {8}, number = {8}, pages = {}, pmid = {37640493}, issn = {2059-7908}, mesh = {Humans ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; *Public Health ; India ; *Insurance Coverage ; Universal Health Insurance ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The provision of non-contributory public health insurance (NPHI) to marginalised populations is a critical step along the path to universal health coverage. We aimed to assess the extent to which Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)-potentially, the world's largest NPHI programme-has succeeded in raising health insurance coverage of the poorest two-fifths of the population of India.<br><br>METHODS: We used nationally representative data from the National Family Health Survey on 633 699 and 601 509 households in 2015-2016 (pre-PM-JAY) and 2019-2021 (mostly, post PM-JAY), respectively. We stratified by urban/rural and estimated NPHI coverage nationally, and by state, district and socioeconomic categories. We decomposed coverage variance between states, districts, and households and measured socioeconomic inequality in coverage. For Uttar Pradesh, we tested whether coverage increased most in districts where PM-JAY had been implemented before the second survey and whether coverage increased most for targeted poorer households in these districts.<br><br>RESULTS: We estimated that NPHI coverage increased by 11.7 percentage points (pp) (95% CI 11.0% to 12.4%) and 8.0 pp (95% CI 7.3% to 8.7%) in rural and urban India, respectively. In rural areas, coverage increased most for targeted households and pro-rich inequality decreased. Geographical inequalities in coverage narrowed. Coverage did not increase more in states that implemented PM-JAY. In Uttar Pradesh, the coverage increase was larger by 3.4 pp (95% CI 0.9% to 6.0%) and 4.2 pp (95% CI 1.2% to 7.1%) in rural and urban areas, respectively, in districts exposed to PM-JAY and the increase was 3.5 pp (95% CI 0.9% to 6.1%) larger for targeted households in these districts.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The introduction of PM-JAY coincided with increased public health insurance coverage and decreased inequality in coverage. But the gains cannot all be plausibly attributed to PM-JAY, and they are insufficient to reach the goal of universal coverage of the poor.}, }
@article {pmid37639294, year = {2023}, author = {Hutton, HE and Aggarwal, S and Gillani, A and Chander, G}, title = {A Digital Counselor-Delivered Intervention for Substance Use Among People With HIV: Development and Usability Study.}, journal = {JMIR formative research}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {e40260}, pmid = {37639294}, issn = {2561-326X}, support = {K24 AA027483/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; UM1 AI068636/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Substance use disorders are prevalent and undertreated among people with HIV. Computer-delivered interventions (CDIs) show promise in expanding reach, delivering evidence-based care, and offering anonymity. Use in HIV clinic settings may overcome access barriers. Incorporating digital counselors may increase CDI engagement, and thereby improve health outcomes.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: We aim to develop and pilot a digital counselor-delivered brief intervention for people with HIV who use drugs, called "C-Raven," which is theory grounded and uses evidence-based practices for behavior change.<br><br>METHODS: Intervention mapping was used to develop the CDI including a review of the behavior change research in substance use, HIV, and digital counselors. We conducted in-depth interviews applying the situated-information, motivation, and behavior skills model and culturally adapting the content for local use with people with HIV. With a user interaction designer, we created various digital counselors and CDI interfaces. Finally, a mixed methods approach using in-depth interviews and quantitative assessments was used to assess the usability, acceptability, and cultural relevance of the intervention content and the digital counselor.<br><br>RESULTS: Participants found CDI easy to use, useful, relevant, and motivating. A consistent suggestion was to provide more information about the negative impacts of drug use and the interaction of drug use with HIV. Participants also reported that they learned new information about drug use and its health effects. The CDI was delivered by a "Raven," digital counselor, programmed to interact in a motivational interviewing style. The Raven was perceived to be nonjudgmental, understanding, and emotionally responsive. The appearance and images in the intervention were perceived as relevant and acceptable. Participants noted that they could be more truthful with a digital counselor, however, it was not unanimously endorsed as a replacement for a human counselor. The C-Raven Satisfaction Scale showed that all participants rated their satisfaction at either a 4 (n=2) or a 5 (n=8) on a 5-point Likert scale and all endorsed using the C-Raven program again.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: CDIs show promise in extending access to care and improving health outcomes but their development necessarily requires integration from multiple disciplines including behavioral medicine and computer science. We developed a cross-platform compatible CDI led by a digital counselor that interacts in a motivational interviewing style and (1) uses evidence-based behavioral change methods, (2) is culturally adapted to people with HIV who use drugs, (3) has an engaging and interactive user interface, and (4) presents personalized content based on participants' ongoing responses to a series of menu-driven conversations. To advance the continued development of this and other CDIs, we recommend expanded testing, standardized measures to evaluate user experience, integration with clinician-delivered substance use treatment, and if effective, implementation into HIV clinical care.}, }
@article {pmid37616390, year = {2024}, author = {Dayan, S and Ogilvie, P and Boyd, C and De Boulle, K and Cavallini, M and Garcia, JK and Musumeci, M}, title = {Self-perception of natural outcome, appearance, and emotional well-being after OnabotulinumtoxinA treatment for upper facial lines: Post hoc analysis across age and gender.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {23}, number = {1}, pages = {107-116}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.15947}, pmid = {37616390}, issn = {1473-2165}, support = {//AbbVie/ ; //Allergan/ ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Male ; Humans ; *Botulinum Toxins, Type A/therapeutic use ; *Neuromuscular Agents/therapeutic use ; Patient Satisfaction ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; Double-Blind Method ; Forehead ; Self Concept ; *Skin Aging ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: OnabotulinumtoxinA (onabotA) is indicated for upper facial lines (UFL). Fear of unnatural-looking outcomes is a frequently reported treatment barrier.<br><br>AIMS: Examine patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after onabotA treatment for UFL.<br><br>METHODS: A post hoc analysis was conducted on two 12-month pivotal studies of onabotA for forehead and glabellar lines (20&#x2009;U each), with/without treatment of crow's feet lines (&#xb1;24&#x2009;U). This analysis used PROs from the Facial Line Satisfaction Questionnaire: Items 4 (natural look), 5 (treatment effect), 11 (met expectations), and Impact Domain (appearance and psychological impact). The analysis included 458 neurotoxin-naive adults achieving a &#x2265;2-grade improvement in forehead line (FHL) severity on the Facial Wrinkle Scale at Day 30 (primary endpoint). [Corrections made on 28 December 2023, after first online publication: 'UFL' in the previous sentence has been corrected to 'forehead line (FHL)' in this version.] Data were further stratified into millennials and men.<br><br>RESULTS: At Day 30, 90.5% of all participants, 94.6% of millennials, and 85.7% of men were satisfied with receiving a natural look. Millennials had higher odds of being satisfied with natural outcomes at Day 30. This measure remained >&#x2009;80% for all groups throughout the 12&#x2009;months. Additionally, &#x2265;80% were satisfied with the treatment effect, and >90% reported results met expectations. At Day 30, &#x2265;50% reported positive impacts on self-perceived appearance and psychological well-being, but millennials had higher, and men had lower odds of reporting these improvements.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Participants achieving a &#x2265;2-grade improvement in FHL severity after onabotA reported high satisfaction with natural outcomes and the treatment effect, with improved self-perceived appearance and psychological well-being. [Corrections made on 28 December 2023, after first online publication: 'UFL' in the previous sentence has been corrected to 'FHL' in this version.] These results may help aesthetic providers and patients address fears regarding unnatural results with onabotA.}, }
@article {pmid37614918, year = {2023}, author = {Zhu, ZQ and Zi, SM and Gao, LF and Zhang, XD and Liu, FY and Wang, Q and Du, B}, title = {A diagnosis model of parental care: How parents optimize their provisioning strategy in brood reduction?.}, journal = {Current zoology}, volume = {69}, number = {4}, pages = {385-392}, pmid = {37614918}, issn = {1674-5507}, abstract = {Altricial birds often display biased preferences in providing parental care for their dependent offspring, especially during food shortages. During this process, such inflexible rules may result in provisioning errors. To demonstrate how parents optimize their provisioning strategies, we proposed a "diagnosis model" of parental care to posit that parents will undergo a diagnosis procedure to test whether selecting against some particular offspring based on phenotype is an optimal strategy. We tested this model in an asynchronous hatching bird, the Azure-winged Magpie Cyanopica cyanus, based on 10 years of data about demography and parental provisioning behaviors. Given their higher daily survival rates, core offspring (those hatched on the first day) merits an investment priority compared with their marginal brood mates (those hatched on later days). However, a marginal offspring also merited a priority if it displayed greater weight gain than the expected value at the early post-hatching days. Parents could detect such a marginal offspring via a diagnosis strategy, in which they provisioned the brood at the diagnosis stage by delivering food to every nestling that begged, then biased food toward high-value nestlings at the subsequent decision stage by making a negative response to the begging of low-value nestlings. In this provisioning strategy, the growth performance of a nestling became a more reliable indicator of its investment value than its hatching order or competitive ability. Our findings provide evidence for this "diagnosis model of parental care" wherein parents use a diagnosis method to optimize their provisioning strategy in brood reduction.}, }
@article {pmid37602217, year = {2023}, author = {Holzinger, A and Saranti, A and Angerschmid, A and Finzel, B and Schmid, U and Mueller, H}, title = {Toward human-level concept learning: Pattern benchmarking for AI algorithms.}, journal = {Patterns (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {4}, number = {8}, pages = {100788}, pmid = {37602217}, issn = {2666-3899}, abstract = {Artificial intelligence (AI) today is very successful at standard pattern-recognition tasks due to the availability of large amounts of data and advances in statistical data-driven machine learning. However, there is still a large gap between AI pattern recognition and human-level concept learning. Humans can learn amazingly well even under uncertainty from just a few examples and are capable of generalizing these concepts to solve new conceptual problems. The growing interest in explainable machine intelligence requires experimental environments and diagnostic/benchmark datasets to analyze existing approaches and drive progress in pattern analysis and machine intelligence. In this paper, we provide an overview of current AI solutions for benchmarking concept learning, reasoning, and generalization; discuss the state-of-the-art of existing diagnostic/benchmark datasets (such as CLEVR, CLEVRER, CLOSURE, CURI, Bongard-LOGO, V-PROM, RAVEN, Kandinsky Patterns, CLEVR-Humans, CLEVRER-Humans, and their extension containing human language); and provide an outlook of some future research directions in this exciting research domain.}, }
@article {pmid37600513, year = {2023}, author = {Matsuda, K and Shinohara, M and Ii, Y and Tabei, KI and Ueda, Y and Nakamura, N and Hirata, Y and Ishikawa, H and Matsuyama, H and Matsuura, K and Satoh, M and Maeda, M and Momosaki, R and Tomimoto, H and Shindo, A}, title = {Magnetic resonance imaging and neuropsychological findings for predicting of cognitive deterioration in memory clinic patients.}, journal = {Frontiers in aging neuroscience}, volume = {15}, number = {}, pages = {1155122}, pmid = {37600513}, issn = {1663-4365}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The severity of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been assessed using hypertensive arteriopathy SVD and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA)-SVD scores. In addition, we reported the modified CAA-SVD score including cortical microinfarcts and posterior dominant white matter hyperintensity. Each SVD score has been associated with cognitive function, but the longitudinal changes remain unclear. Therefore, this study prospectively examined the prognostic value of each SVD score, imaging findings of cerebral SVD, and neuropsychological assessment.<br><br>METHODS: This study included 29 patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia at memory clinic in our hospital, who underwent clinical dementia rating (CDR) and brain MRI (3D-fluid attenuated inversion recovery, 3D-double inversion recovery, and susceptibility-weighted imaging) at baseline and 1 year later. Each SVD score and neuropsychological tests including the Mini-Mental State Examination, Japanese Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices, Trail Making Test -A/-B, and the Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test were evaluated at baseline and 1 year later.<br><br>RESULTS: Twenty patients had unchanged CDR (group A), while nine patients had worsened CDR (group B) after 1 year. At baseline, there was no significant difference in each SVD score; after 1 year, group B had significantly increased CAA-SVD and modified CAA-SVD scores. Group B also showed a significantly higher number of lobar microbleeds than group A at baseline. Furthermore, group B had significantly longer Japanese Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices and Trail Making test-A times at baseline. After 1 year, group B had significantly lower Mini-Mental State Examination, Japanese Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices, and Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test scores and significantly fewer word fluency (letters).<br><br>CONCLUSION: Patients with worsened CDR 1 year after had a higher number of lobar microbleeds and prolonged psychomotor speed at baseline. These findings may become predictors of cognitive deterioration in patients who visit memory clinics.}, }
@article {pmid37593715, year = {2023}, author = {Hahner, L and Nieder, A}, title = {Costs and benefits of voluntary attention in crows.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {10}, number = {8}, pages = {230517}, pmid = {37593715}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {Behavioural signatures of voluntary, endogenous selective attention have been found in both mammals and birds, but the relationship between performance benefits at attended and costs at unattended locations remains unclear. We trained two carrion crows (Corvus corone) on a Posner-like spatial cueing task with dissociated cue and target locations, using both highly predictive and neutral central cues to compare reaction time (RT) and detection accuracy for validly, invalidly and neutrally cued targets. We found robust RT effects of predictive cueing at varying stimulus-onset asynchronies (SOA) that resulted from both advantages at cued locations and costs at un-cued locations. Both crows showed cueing effects around 15-25 ms with an early onset at 100 ms SOA, comparable to macaques. Our results provide a direct assessment of costs and benefits of voluntary attention in a bird species. They show that crows are able to guide spatial attention using associative cues, and that the processing advantage at attended locations impairs performance at unattended locations.}, }
@article {pmid37565028, year = {2023}, author = {Zhu, G and Zheng, M and Lyu, S and Ma, L}, title = {Report of a magpie preying on a post-fledgling Daurian redstart.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {13}, number = {8}, pages = {e10412}, pmid = {37565028}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {A magpie (Pica pica) preying on a fledgling of Daurian redstart (Phoenicurus auroreus) was incidentally recorded with a video shot by mobile phone on 26 May 2021, providing direct evidence for magpie predation. It also shows that predation is an important factor that affects the survival of fledglings, indicating that survival of fledglings should be considered in evaluating breeding success of birds. The fledgling was about 13-day-old posthatching, and it was on its first day of leaving the nest when the incident occurred. It was preyed upon by a magpie 10 m away from the nest by two attempts under strong defensive behaviour from the female.}, }
@article {pmid37559451, year = {2023}, author = {Xu, M and Yu, X and Fan, B and Li, G and Ji, X}, title = {Influence of Mode of Delivery on Children's Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Childhood Intelligence.}, journal = {Psychiatry investigation}, volume = {20}, number = {8}, pages = {714-720}, pmid = {37559451}, issn = {1738-3684}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether differences exist in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and intelligence between children born by cesarean delivery and those born by vaginal delivery.<br><br>METHODS: This retrospective study included singleton children that were born between January 2013 and December 2014. The Chinese version of the Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised (CPRS-48) was required on the probability of psychological and behavioral problems. The China-Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (C-WIRS) was used for evaluation of crystallized intelligence and Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices for evaluation of fluid intelligence.<br><br>RESULTS: A total of 10,568 valid questionnaires were obtained. CPRS-48 ADHD index and detection rate were higher in cesarean delivery group than those in vaginal delivery group. Cesarean delivery groups had a lower performance intelligence quotient score according to C-WISC.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Children born by cesarean delivery were more likely to have a risk of ADHD and a lower performance intelligence quotient compared with those born by vaginal delivery.}, }
@article {pmid37555467, year = {2023}, author = {Naveed, S and Sallinen, T and Eloranta, AM and Skog, H and Jalkanen, H and Brage, S and Ekelund, U and Pentikäinen, H and Savonen, K and Lakka, TA and Haapala, EA}, title = {Effects of 2-year dietary and physical activity intervention on cognition in children-a nonrandomized controlled trial.}, journal = {Scandinavian journal of medicine &amp; science in sports}, volume = {33}, number = {11}, pages = {2340-2350}, doi = {10.1111/sms.14464}, pmid = {37555467}, issn = {1600-0838}, support = {MC_UU_12015/3/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; MC_UU_00006/4/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Child ; Humans ; Cognition ; Diet ; *Exercise/physiology ; Sedentary Behavior ; *Sports ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effects of a combined dietary and PA intervention on cognition in children and whether changes in diet quality, PA, sedentary behavior (SB), and sedentary time (ST) are associated with changes in cognition.<br><br>METHODS: We conducted a 2-year nonrandomized controlled trial in 504 children aged 6-9&#x2009;years at baseline. The children were allocated to a combined dietary and PA intervention group (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;237) or a control group (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;160) without blinding.<br><br>INTERVENTIONS: The children and their parents allocated to the intervention group had six dietary counseling sessions of 30-45&#x2009;min and six PA counseling sessions of 30-45&#x2009;min during the 2-year intervention period. The children were also encouraged to participate in after-school exercise clubs. Cognition was assessed by the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices. We assessed dietary factors by 4&#x2009;days food records and computed the Baltic Sea Diet Score (BSDS) as a measure of diet quality. PA and ST were assessed by a combined heart rate and body movement monitor, types of PA and SB by a questionnaire.<br><br>RESULTS: The intervention had no effect on cognition. Increased BSDS and consumption of low-fat milk and decreased consumption of red meat and sausages were associated with improved cognition over 2&#x2009;years. Increased organized sports, ST, and reading were positively, while unsupervised PA, computer use, and writing were negatively associated with cognition.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Combined dietary and PA intervention had no effect on cognition. Improved diet quality and increased organized sports and reading were associated with improved cognition.}, }
@article {pmid37554031, year = {2023}, author = {Arbon, JJ and Hahn, LG and McIvor, GE and Thornton, A}, title = {Competition and generalization impede cultural formation in wild jackdaws.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {290}, number = {2004}, pages = {20230705}, pmid = {37554031}, issn = {1471-2954}, support = {/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Crows ; Food ; }, abstract = {Animal cultures have now been demonstrated experimentally in diverse taxa from flies to great apes. However, experiments commonly use tasks with unrestricted access to equal pay-offs and innovations seeded by demonstrators who are trained to exhibit strong preferences. Such conditions may not reflect those typically found in nature. For example, the learned preferences of natural innovators may be weaker, while competition for depleting resources can favour switching between strategies and generalizing from past experience. Here we show that in experiments where wild jackdaws (Corvus monedula) can freely discover depleting supplies of novel foods, generalization has a powerful effect on learning, allowing individuals to exploit multiple new opportunities through both social and individual learning. Further, in contrast to studies with trained demonstrators, individuals that were first to innovate showed weak preferences. As a consequence, many individuals ate all available novel foods, displaying no strong preference and no group-level culture emerged. Individuals followed a 'learn from adults' strategy, but other demographic factors played a minimal role in shaping social transmission. These results demonstrate the importance of generalization in allowing animals to exploit new opportunities and highlight how natural competitive dynamics may impede the formation of culture.}, }
@article {pmid37539651, year = {2023}, author = {Taffs, L and Kerridge, I and Lipworth, W}, title = {The silent world of assisted reproduction: A qualitative account of communication between doctors and patients undergoing in vitro fertilisation in Australia.}, journal = {Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy}, volume = {26}, number = {6}, pages = {2340-2348}, pmid = {37539651}, issn = {1369-7625}, mesh = {Child ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Female ; *Fertilization in Vitro ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Australia ; Communication ; *General Practitioners ; }, abstract = {CONTEXT: In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is now a common assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedure globally, with 8 million children alive today having been conceived utilising IVF. For many patients, IVF is a difficult experience with many discontinuing treatment because of emotional, relationship and financial stress, or intolerable physical side effects of hormone treatments.<br><br>DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: A qualitative study, in which 31&#xa0;professionals and 25&#xa0;patients from the ART sector in Australia were interviewed. The interviews were analysed using codebook thematic analysis.<br><br>RESULTS: Our data indicates there are 'silences' within the therapeutic relationship of IVF, which may limit the capacity for patients to prepare emotionally, financially,&#xa0;or medically for the procedure, and may contribute to psychological distress and dissatisfaction with care. These 'silences' include what the patient 'is not told' by their clinician or 'does not hear' and what the patient feels they 'cannot say'.<br><br>DISCUSSION: Drawing upon the work of Jay Katz, Charis Thompson,&#xa0;and Miles Little on 'silences' and performance in clinical practice, we argue that although IVF is a complex and multifaceted procedure that is often conducted in a commercial setting, the clinical and therapeutic relationship between doctor and patient remains pivotal to the experiences of patients. The 'silences' within this relationship may impact negatively on decision-making, and on the delivery and experience of care.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Careful attention to the realities of IVF treatment in the clinic room (and awareness of the performances that hide them) should allow for more present and compassionate care. Such care may leave patients more satisfied with their experience and their choices, regardless of treatment outcomes.<br><br>This article draws on interviews with patients who had undergone or were currently undergoing IVF, as well as a range of representatives from the ART community (including reproductive medicine specialists, general practitioners, fertility nurses, counsellors, administrators in ART businesses&#xa0;and embryologists).}, }
@article {pmid37524930, year = {2023}, author = {Webb, T and Holyoak, KJ and Lu, H}, title = {Emergent analogical reasoning in large language models.}, journal = {Nature human behaviour}, volume = {7}, number = {9}, pages = {1526-1541}, pmid = {37524930}, issn = {2397-3374}, mesh = {Humans ; *Problem Solving ; *Cognition ; Language ; }, abstract = {The recent advent of large language models has reinvigorated debate over whether human cognitive capacities might emerge in such generic models given sufficient training data. Of particular interest is the ability of these models to reason about novel problems zero-shot, without any direct training. In human cognition, this capacity is closely tied to an ability to reason by analogy. Here we performed a direct comparison between human reasoners and a large language model (the text-davinci-003 variant of Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT)-3) on a range of analogical tasks, including a non-visual matrix reasoning task based on the rule structure of Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices. We found that GPT-3 displayed a surprisingly strong capacity for abstract pattern induction, matching or even surpassing human capabilities in most settings; preliminary tests of GPT-4 indicated even better performance. Our results indicate that large language models such as GPT-3 have acquired an emergent ability to find zero-shot solutions to a broad range of analogy problems.}, }
@article {pmid37524636, year = {2023}, author = {Nieder, A}, title = {Neuroscience of cognitive control in crows.}, journal = {Trends in neurosciences}, volume = {46}, number = {10}, pages = {783-785}, doi = {10.1016/j.tins.2023.07.002}, pmid = {37524636}, issn = {1878-108X}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Telencephalon/physiology ; Cognition/physiology ; Cerebral Cortex ; Neurons/physiology ; Mammals ; }, abstract = {Crows, a group of corvid songbird species, show superb behavioral flexibility largely stemming from their advanced cognitive control functions. These functions mainly originate from the associative avian pallium that evolved independently from the mammalian cerebral cortex. This article presents a brief overview of cognitive control functions and their neuronal foundation in crows.}, }
@article {pmid37522597, year = {2023}, author = {Hernández, MC and Lara, RA and Redondo, AJ}, title = {To Mob or Not to Mob: Habitat and Time of Day Influence in Mobbing Behavior in the Azure-Winged Magpie (Cyanopica cookii).}, journal = {Zoological science}, volume = {40}, number = {4}, pages = {273-277}, doi = {10.2108/zs230004}, pmid = {37522597}, issn = {0289-0003}, mesh = {Animals ; *Passeriformes/physiology ; *Strigiformes ; Predatory Behavior ; Ecosystem ; *Bullying ; }, abstract = {While mobbing, individuals utter distinctive calls and perform visual threatening displays. Like any other antipredatory strategies, it involves some costs (time, energy, injuries, and even death). Therefore, mobbing would be expected to vary depending on the perceived magnitude of the predation risk. Moreover, harassment behavior can also serve as a demonstration of social status and to teach juveniles to recognize predators and related behaviors. Therefore, mobbing could also persist even when predation risk is particularly low. To test our hypotheses, we used tawny owl playbacks and a taxidermy mount to elicit the mobbing response in azure-winged magpies throughout the daylight period. To classify mobbing intensity, we created five categories depending on the proximity to the owl model at which the mobbing was performed. The results revealed that mobbing behavior in azure-winged magpies was more intense where predation risk was higher: in the most suitable habitat for the tawny owl, the forest, although considerable levels of mobbing were found in the dehesa and the ecotone, which indicate that mobbing has different purposes. However, we did not find statistically significant differences in mobbing intensity depending on the time of the day. We could not show a daily adjustment of antipredator response, but magpies modulated mobbing depending on the perceived risk linked to the habitat.}, }
@article {pmid37520123, year = {2023}, author = {Tabei, KI and Ogawa, JI and Kamikawa, C and Abe, M and Ota, Y and Satoh, M}, title = {Online physical exercise program with music improves working memory.}, journal = {Frontiers in aging neuroscience}, volume = {15}, number = {}, pages = {1146060}, pmid = {37520123}, issn = {1663-4365}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has limited the implementation of face-to-face non-pharmacological treatment for the prevention of dementia. As a result, online non-pharmacological treatment has become increasingly important. In this study, we used an online conferencing system to implement an online version of a physical exercise program with music, and examined its effect on cognitive function.<br><br>METHODS: The participants were 114 healthy older adults [63 men and 51 women; mean age of 70.7 years (standard deviation = 4.6)]. Seventy-five participants were allocated to the physical exercise with music group (60 min, once a week, total 20 sessions), while the remaining 39 participants were assigned to the control group, and only underwent the examinations. In the physical exercise with music group, we performed neuropsychological examinations and brain tests both before and after the exercise program. Neuropsychological tests included the Mini-Mental State Examination, Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM), the Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test, graphic imitation, word fluency (WF) (animal names and initial sounds), and the Trail Making Test-A/B. As an assessment of brain function, we developed an online examination of subtle cognitive decline, including tests of number and word memory, spatial grasp, the N-back task, and change inference.<br><br>RESULTS: In the N-back task, the physical exercise with music group improved significantly relative to the control group (p = 0.008).<br><br>DISCUSSION: The present findings suggest that the online version of the physical exercise with music program improved working memory, which mainly involves the frontal lobe.}, }
@article {pmid37517728, year = {2023}, author = {Bravo, C and Sarasa, M and Bretagnolle, V and Pays, O}, title = {Hedgerows interact with forests to shape the abundance of mesopredators and their predation rate on eggs in farmland landscapes.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {901}, number = {}, pages = {165712}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165712}, pmid = {37517728}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {Nest predation is the main cause of reproductive failure, particularly in ground-nesting birds on farmlands. Understanding the links between nest predation and habitat change can help design effective management schemes to constrain the negative impact of predation pressure on birds. However, the mechanisms underlying the relationships between landscape attributes, predator distribution, and nest predation are still unclear. Here, we use an experimental approach to examine the effects of distance to the hedgerow as well as hedgerow and forest densities on the abundance of major mesopredators of ground nests of our study area (i.e., corvids) and on the predation rate of artificial ground nests (n = 2576). We found evidence that landscape configuration influenced predation patterns differently depending on the predator species. Nest predation by corvids was more likely in homogeneous and open agricultural landscapes with a low density of forest and hedgerows, whereas predation by other predators was more likely close to hedgerows. Nest predation by corvids and the abundance of corvids also tended to be lower in landscapes dominated by grasslands. Other variables such as road density and distance to human settlements had contrasted effects on the likelihood of a nest being depredated by corvids, i.e., no effect with proximity to human settlements and decreasing trend with road density. Altogether, our results suggest that landscape features interact with mesopredator distribution and their predation rates of ground nests. Therefore, from a conservation and management perspective, a heterogeneous agricultural landscape that includes a mixture of crops associated with patches of forests, hedgerows, and grasslands offering alternative food to generalist predators should contribute to reducing ground-nesting bird predation.}, }
@article {pmid37508746, year = {2023}, author = {Saati, AA and Adly, HM}, title = {Assessing the Correlation between Blood Trace Element Concentrations, Picky Eating Habits, and Intelligence Quotient in School-Aged Children.}, journal = {Children (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {10}, number = {7}, pages = {}, pmid = {37508746}, issn = {2227-9067}, support = {43109025//Deanship of Scientific Research at Umm Al-Qura University/ ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Inadequate levels of iron, zinc, and copper have been linked to growth impairment and cognitive and motor development deficits. The objective of this study is to examine the deficiencies of trace elements and their correlation with selective eating patterns and the intelligence quotient (IQ) of children.<br><br>METHODS AND PATIENTS: The cross-sectional analysis involved 430 children aged between 7 and 10 years. Blood samples were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) to measure the trace elements levels. Children's IQs were assessed using Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices.<br><br>RESULTS: Among the sample group, 20.3% exhibited iron deficiency, 42.5% had zinc deficiency, and 14% had insufficient copper levels. Single trace element deficiency was observed in 56.9% of the children, while 66.7% showed coexisting deficiencies of iron and zinc. Children with lower development levels exhibited significantly lower serum zinc levels compared to those with higher development levels (76.78 &#xb1; 10.67 vs. 81.14 &#xb1; 10.19 &#x3bc;g/dL). The analysis reveals that picky eaters had lower serum iron levels (76.59 &#xb1; 10.42 &#x3bc;g/dL) and higher serum copper levels (123.74 &#xb1; 13.45 &#x3bc;g/dL).<br><br>CONCLUSION: A strong association was observed between zinc deficiency, picky eating habits, and lower developmental stages. The findings underscore the importance of monitoring nutritional status in children, given the significant implications for their cognitive development.}, }
@article {pmid37499083, year = {2023}, author = {Carruthers, A and Carruthers, J and De Boulle, K and Lowe, N and Lee, E and Brin, MF}, title = {Treatment of crow's feet lines and forehead lines with Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA): Development, insights, and impact.}, journal = {Medicine}, volume = {102}, number = {S1}, pages = {e32496}, pmid = {37499083}, issn = {1536-5964}, mesh = {Humans ; *Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; Forehead ; *Neuromuscular Agents ; *Skin Aging ; Patient Satisfaction ; *Cosmetic Techniques/adverse effects ; Treatment Outcome ; Double-Blind Method ; }, abstract = {Extrinsic and age-related intrinsic factors contribute to the development of facial lines, including lateral canthal lines (called crow's feet lines [CFL]) and horizontal forehead lines (FHL). OnabotulinumtoxinA is a highly effective treatment for facial lines that inhibits acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction. This temporary chemical denervation leads to localized muscle relaxation and subsequent wrinkle reduction. Early studies of onabotulinumtoxinA treatment for facial neuronal disorders such as dystonia documented improvements in FHL and CFL. After the neurotoxin was approved for treating frown lines (glabellar lines [GL]), individuals requested treatment for other rhytids, and physicians continued assessing use in new areas. Once onabotulinumtoxinA was in clinical trial development, its efficacy and safety for CFL and FHL were successively evaluated as required by the US Food and Drug Administration and by key global health authorities, including those in the European Union, Japan, and China. Allergan, collaborating with leading physicians, established clinical programs that included novel safety and efficacy measures to meet regulatory requirements. Global, phase 3, randomized, controlled studies of CFL and FHL met rigorous primary endpoints. Some countries mandated clinical trial data beyond US and European regulations, and Allergan conducted 11 studies in total, fulfilling diverse regulatory and study population data requirements. Adverse events associated with local spread, including brow and eyelid ptosis, diplopia, headache, and eyelid sensory disorder, were infrequent and well tolerated. Consequently, onabotulinumtoxinA treatment of upper facial lines is now established globally as a highly effective, minimally invasive treatment for patients to achieve a natural appearance and look younger.}, }
@article {pmid37488542, year = {2023}, author = {Trapote, E and Canestrari, D and Baglione, V}, title = {Effects of meteorological conditions on brood care in cooperatively breeding carrion crow and consequences on reproductive success.}, journal = {Frontiers in zoology}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, pages = {24}, pmid = {37488542}, issn = {1742-9994}, support = {CGL2016 - 77636-P//Spanish National Plan for Scientific and Technical Research and Innovation/ ; }, abstract = {Meteorological stressors (e.g., temperature and rain shortage) constrain brood provisioning in some bird species, but the consequences on reproductive success have been rarely quantified. Here we show, in a cooperatively breeding population of carrion crow Corvus corone in Spain, that individual feeding rates decreased significantly with rising air temperatures both in breeders and helpers, while lack of rain was associated with a significant reduction in the effort of the male helpers as compared to the other social categories. Group coordination, measured as the degree of alternation of nest visits by carers, was also negatively affected by rising temperature. Furthermore, we found that the body condition of the nestlings worsened when temperatures were high during the rearing period. Interestingly, the analysis of a long-term data set on crow reproduction showed that nestling body condition steadily deteriorated over the last 26-years. Although many factors may concur in causing population changes, our data suggest a possible causal link between global warming, brood caring behaviour and the decline of carrion crow population in the Mediterranean climatic region of Spain.}, }
@article {pmid37483973, year = {2023}, author = {Carlón-Beltrán, &#xd3; and Viloria-Gómora, L and Urbán R, J and Martínez-Aguilar, S and Antichi, S}, title = {Whistle characterization of long-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis bairdii) in La Paz Bay, Gulf of California.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {e15687}, pmid = {37483973}, issn = {2167-8359}, mesh = {Animals ; *Common Dolphins ; Bays ; Vocalization, Animal ; Sound Spectrography/methods ; *Dolphins ; }, abstract = {Long-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis bairdii) distribution is limited to the Eastern North Pacific Ocean. Its whistle repertoire is poorly investigated, with no studies in the Gulf of California. The aim of the present study is to characterize the whistles of this species and compare their parameters with different populations. Acoustic monitoring was conducted in La Paz Bay, Gulf of California. Recordings were inspected in spectrogram view in Raven Pro, selecting good quality whistles (n = 270). In the software Luscinia, contours were manually traced to obtain whistle frequencies and duration. Number of steps, inflection points and contour type were visually determined. We calculated the descriptive statistics of the selected whistle parameters and we compared the results with a dolphins population from the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) was performed to test the intraspecific variation of the whistle parameters among groups. In the present study the mean values (±SD) of the whistle parameters were: maximum frequency = 14.13 ± 3.71 kHz, minimum frequency = 8.44 ± 2.58 kHz and duration = 0.44 ± 0.31 s. Whistles with the upsweep contour were the most common ones (34.44%). The coefficient of variation (CV) values for modulation parameters were high (>100%), in accordance with other studies on dolphins. Whistle parameters showed significant differences among groups. Finally, ending and maximum frequencies, duration and inflection points of the whistles recorded in the present study were lower compared with the parameters of the long-beaked common dolphins from the Eastern Pacific Ocean. This study provides the first whistle characterization of long-beaked common dolphin from the Gulf of California and it will help future passive acoustic monitoring applications in the study area.}, }
@article {pmid37439728, year = {2024}, author = {Markiewicz, R and Rahman, F and Apperly, I and Mazaheri, A and Segaert, K}, title = {It is not all about you: Communicative cooperation is determined by your partner's theory of mind abilities as well as your own.}, journal = {Journal of experimental psychology. Learning, memory, and cognition}, volume = {50}, number = {5}, pages = {833-844}, doi = {10.1037/xlm0001268}, pmid = {37439728}, issn = {1939-1285}, support = {//University of Birmingham/ ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Humans ; *Theory of Mind ; Communication ; Social Perception ; }, abstract = {We investigated the relationship between Theory of Mind (ToM) and communicative cooperation. Specifically, we examined whether communicative cooperation is affected by the ToM ability of one's cooperative partner as well as their own. ToM is the attribution of mental states to oneself and others; cooperation is the joint action that leads to achieving a shared goal. We measured cooperation using a novel communicative cooperation game completed by participants in pairs. ToM was measured via the Movies for Assessment of Social Cognition (MASC) task and fluid intelligence via the Raven task. Findings of 350 adults show that ToM scores of both players were predictors of cooperative failure, whereas Raven scores were not. Furthermore, participants were split into low- and high-ToM groups through a median split of the MASC scores: high-ToM individuals committed significantly fewer cooperative errors compared to their low-ToM counterparts. Therefore, we found a direct relationship between ToM and cooperation. Interestingly, we also examined how ToM scores of paired participants determine cooperation. We found that pairs with two high-ToM individuals committed significantly fewer errors compared to pairs with two low-ToM individuals. We speculate that reduced cooperation in low-low ToM pairs is a result of less efficient development of conceptual alignment and recovery from misalignment, compared to high-high ToM dyads. For the first time, we thus demonstrate that it is not all about you; both cooperative partners make key, independent, contributions to cooperative outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).}, }
@article {pmid37408173, year = {2023}, author = {Braccini, F and Catoni, I and Belfkira, F and Lagier, J and Roze, E and Paris, J and Huth, J and Bronsard, V and Cartier, H and David, M and Galatoire, O and Obadia, D and Sabatier, H and Sarfati, E and Kestemont, P and Winter, C and Redaelli, A}, title = {SAMCEP Society consensus on the treatment of upper facial lines with botulinum neurotoxin type A: A tailored approach.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {22}, number = {10}, pages = {2692-2704}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.15768}, pmid = {37408173}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Humans ; *Botulinum Toxins, Type A/therapeutic use ; Consensus ; Forehead ; Facial Muscles ; Treatment Outcome ; *Skin Aging ; *Neuromuscular Agents/therapeutic use ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The safety and efficacy of botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNTA) treatments are well established, but injection techniques, target muscles, and toxin doses continue to evolve, with each refinement producing improvements in treatment outcomes. The recommendations in this consensus move away from standard templates and illustrate how to tailor treatments to individual patterns and strengths of muscle activity, and patient preferences.<br><br>METHODS: Seventeen experts in the fields of plastic surgery, dermatology, ophthalmology, otorhinolaryngology, and neurology convened in 2022 to develop consensus-based recommendations for the use of botulinum toxin A for the treatment of horizontal forehead lines, glabellar frown lines, and crow's feet lines that reflect current clinical practice. The focus was on how to tailor injections to individual patients to optimize treatment outcomes.<br><br>RESULTS: For each upper face indication, consensus members describe how to perform a dynamic assessment to optimize the dose and injection technique for each patient. A tailored treatment protocol is presented for commonly observed patterns of dynamic lines. Units of Inco are defined and the precise location of injection points, illustrated with the use of anatomical images.<br><br>CONCLUSION: This consensus provides up-to-date recommendations on the tailored treatment of upper facial lines based on the latest research and collective clinical experience of the expert injectors. Optimal outcomes require thorough patient evaluation, both at rest and during animation, using both visual and tactile cues; detailed understanding of facial muscular anatomy and how opposing muscles interact; and use of a BoNTA with high precision to target identified zones of excess muscle activity.}, }
@article {pmid37404274, year = {2023}, author = {Prinja, S and Dixit, J and Gupta, N and Dhankhar, A and Kataki, AC and Roy, PS and Mehra, N and Kumar, L and Singh, A and Malhotra, P and Goyal, A and Rajsekar, K and Krishnamurthy, MN and Gupta, S}, title = {Financial toxicity of cancer treatment in India: towards closing the cancer care gap.}, journal = {Frontiers in public health}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {1065737}, pmid = {37404274}, issn = {2296-2565}, mesh = {Humans ; *Financial Stress ; Hospitalization ; Health Expenditures ; Insurance, Health ; Family Characteristics ; *Neoplasms/epidemiology/therapy ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The rising economic burden of cancer on patients is an important determinant of access to treatment initiation and adherence in India. Several publicly financed health insurance (PFHI) schemes have been launched in India, with treatment for cancer as an explicit inclusion in the health benefit packages (HBPs). Although, financial toxicity is widely acknowledged to be a potential consequence of costly cancer treatment, little is known about its prevalence and determinants among the Indian population. There is a need to determine the optimal strategy for clinicians and cancer care centers to address the issue of high costs of care in order to minimize the financial toxicity, promote access to high value care and reduce health disparities.<br><br>METHODS: A total of 12,148 cancer patients were recruited at seven purposively selected cancer centres in India, to assess the out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) and financial toxicity among cancer patients. Mean OOPE incurred for outpatient treatment and hospitalization, was estimated by cancer site, stage, type of treatment and socio-demographic characteristics. Economic impact of cancer care on household financial risk protection was assessed using standard indicators of catastrophic health expenditures (CHE) and impoverishment, along with the determinants using logistic regression.<br><br>RESULTS: Mean direct OOPE per outpatient consultation and per episode of hospitalization was estimated as &#x20b9;8,053 (US$ 101) and &#x20b9;39,085 (US$ 492) respectively. Per patient annual direct OOPE incurred on cancer treatment was estimated as &#x20b9;331,177 (US$ 4,171). Diagnostics (36.4%) and medicines (45%) are major contributors of OOPE for outpatient treatment and hospitalization, respectively. The overall prevalence of CHE and impoverishment was higher among patients seeking outpatient treatment (80.4% and 67%, respectively) than hospitalization (29.8% and 17.2%, respectively). The odds of incurring CHE was 7.4 times higher among poorer patients [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 7.414] than richest. Enrolment in PM-JAY (CHE AOR&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.426, and impoverishment AOR&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.395) or a state sponsored scheme (CHE AOR&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.304 and impoverishment AOR&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.371) resulted in a significant reduction in CHE and impoverishment for an episode of hospitalization. The prevalence of CHE and impoverishment was significantly higher with hospitalization in private hospitals and longer duration of hospital stay (p <&#x2009;0.001). The extent of CHE and impoverishment due to direct costs incurred on outpatient treatment increased from 83% to 99.7% and, 63.9% to 97.1% after considering both direct and indirect costs borne by the patient and caregivers, respectively. In case of hospitalization, the extent of CHE increased from 23.6% (direct cost) to 59.4% (direct+ indirect costs) and impoverishment increased from 14.1% (direct cost) to 27% due to both direct and indirect cost of cancer treatment.<br><br>CONCLUSION: There is high economic burden on patients and their families due to cancer treatment. The increase in population and cancer services coverage of PFHI schemes, creating prepayment mechanisms like E-RUPI for outpatient diagnostic and staging services, and strengthening public hospitals can potentially reduce the financial burden among cancer patients in India. The disaggregated OOPE estimates could be useful input for future health technology analyses to determine cost-effective treatment strategies.}, }
@article {pmid37375457, year = {2023}, author = {Talmi-Frank, D and Byas, AD and Murrieta, R and Weger-Lucarelli, J and Rückert, C and Gallichotte, EN and Yoshimoto, JA and Allen, C and Bosco-Lauth, AM and Graham, B and Felix, TA and Brault, AC and Ebel, GD}, title = {Intracellular Diversity of WNV within Circulating Avian Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Reveals Host-Dependent Patterns of Polyinfection.}, journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {6}, pages = {}, pmid = {37375457}, issn = {2076-0817}, support = {F31 AI134108/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI067380/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; T32 OD010437/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; od010437/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) populations exist as mutant swarms that are maintained between arthropods and vertebrates. West Nile virus (WNV) population dynamics are host-dependent. In American crows, purifying selection is weak and population diversity is high compared to American robins, which have 100- to 1000-fold lower viremia. WNV passed in robins leads to fitness gains, whereas that passed in crows does not. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that high crow viremia allows for higher genetic diversity within individual avian peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), reasoning that this could have produced the previously observed host-specific differences in genetic diversity and fitness. Specifically, we infected cells and birds with a molecularly barcoded WNV and sequenced viral RNA from single cells to quantify the number of WNV barcodes in each. Our results demonstrate that the richness of WNV populations within crows far exceeds that in robins. Similarly, rare WNV variants were maintained by crows more frequently than by robins. Our results suggest that increased viremia in crows relative to robins leads to the maintenance of defective genomes and less prevalent variants, presumably through complementation. Our findings further suggest that weaker purifying selection in highly susceptible crows is attributable to this higher viremia, polyinfections and complementation.}, }
@article {pmid37369211, year = {2023}, author = {Johnston, M and Brecht, KF and Nieder, A}, title = {Crows flexibly apply statistical inferences based on previous experience.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {33}, number = {15}, pages = {3238-3243.e3}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2023.06.023}, pmid = {37369211}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Crows ; Problem Solving ; Behavior, Animal ; Uncertainty ; }, abstract = {Statistical inference, the ability to use limited information to draw conclusions about the likelihood of an event, is critical for decision-making during uncertainty. The ability to make statistical inferences was thought to be a uniquely human skill requiring verbal instruction and mathematical reasoning.[1] However, basic inferences have been demonstrated in both preliterate and pre-numerate individuals,[2][,][3][,][4][,][5][,][6][,][7] as well as non-human primates.[8] More recently, the ability to make statistical inferences has been extended to members outside of the primate lineage in birds.[9][,][10] True statistical inference requires subjects use relative rather than absolute frequency of previously experienced events. Here, we show that crows can relate memorized reward probabilities to infer reward-maximizing decisions. Two crows were trained to associate multiple reward probabilities ranging from 10% to 90% to arbitrary stimuli. When later faced with the choice between various stimulus combinations, crows retrieved the reward probabilities associated with individual stimuli from memory and used them to gain maximum reward. The crows showed behavioral distance and size effects when judging reward values, indicating that the crows represented probabilities as abstract magnitudes. When controlling for absolute reward frequency, crows still made reward-maximizing choices, which is the signature of true statistical inference. Our study provides compelling evidence of decision-making by relative reward frequency in a statistical inference task.}, }
@article {pmid37362274, year = {2023}, author = {He, J and Peng, Z and Zhang, L and Zuo, L and Cui, D and Li, Q}, title = {Enhanced crow search algorithm with multi-stage search integration for global optimization problems.}, journal = {Soft computing}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-31}, pmid = {37362274}, issn = {1432-7643}, abstract = {Crow search algorithm (CSA), as a new swarm intelligence algorithm that simulates the crows' behaviors of hiding and tracking food in nature, performs well in solving many optimization problems. However, while handling complex and high-dimensional global optimization problems, CSA is apt to fall into evolutionary stagnation and has slow convergence speed, low accuracy, and weak robustness. This is mainly because it only utilizes a single search stage, where position updating relies on random following among individuals or arbitrary flight of individuals. To address these deficiencies, a CSA with multi-stage search integration (MSCSA) is presented. Chaos and multiple opposition-based learning techniques are first introduced to improve original population quality and ergodicity. The free foraging stage based on normal random distribution and Lévy flight is designed to conduct local search for enhancing the solution accuracy. And the following stage using mixed guiding individuals is presented to perform global search for expanding the search space through tracing each other among individuals. Finally, the large-scale migration stage based on the best individual and mixed guiding individuals concentrates on increasing the population diversity and helping the population jump out of local optima by moving the population to a promising area. All of these strategies form multi-level and multi-granularity balances between global exploration and local exploitation throughout the evolution. The proposed MSCSA is compared with a range of other algorithms, including original CSA, three outstanding variants of CSA, two classical meta-heuristics, and six state-of-the-art meta-heuristics covering different categories. The experiments are conducted based on the complex and high-dimensional benchmark functions CEC 2017 and CEC 2010, respectively. The experimental and statistical results demonstrate that MSCSA is competitive for tackling large-scale complicated problems, and is significantly superior to the competitors.}, }
@article {pmid37351726, year = {2023}, author = {Martín-Turrero, I and Sureda, X and Escobar, F and Bilal, U and Berasaluce, M and Valiente, R}, title = {How Can We Measure Alcohol Outlet Density Around Schools? A Comparison Between Two Buffer-Based Methods.}, journal = {Journal of urban health : bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine}, volume = {100}, number = {3}, pages = {627-637}, pmid = {37351726}, issn = {1468-2869}, support = {DP5 OD026429/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *Alcoholic Beverages ; *Commerce ; Geographic Information Systems ; Alcohol Drinking/epidemiology ; Residence Characteristics ; Schools ; }, abstract = {Measuring the density of alcohol outlets around schools is a critical step towards understanding the drivers of drinking among adolescents. Different methodologies have been used in the literature for this purpose, but the implications of using one methodology or another have not been clearly assessed. Our aim was to compare different methods to measure alcohol outlet density and highlight under which characteristics of the environment might be best using each approach. We used Geographic Information Systems to geolocate schools (n = 576) and alcohol outlets (n = 21,732) in Madrid. We defined the density of alcohol outlets as the number of establishments within an area of 400 m around schools measured using two buffering methods: crow flies' and street network distances. We evaluated the agreement between both methods visually and through regression models, including street connectivity, population density, and density of recreational venues as predictors of disagreement. The density of alcohol outlets around schools was higher using crow flies' distances compared to street network distances. The differences between methodologies were wider in areas of higher density of outlets, especially in the downtown areas, where there are higher population density and street connectivity. Our results suggest that the spatial characteristics and morphology of the study area (e.g., street connectivity and population density) should be considered when deciding the methodology to be used to measure alcohol outlet density. Future studies should explore the implications of different exposure measures in their association with drinking prevalence and consumption patterns among different geographical contexts.}, }
@article {pmid37349568, year = {2023}, author = {Baumann, C and Hussain, ST and Roblíčková, M and Riede, F and Mannino, MA and Bocherens, H}, title = {Evidence for hunter-gatherer impacts on raven diet and ecology in the Gravettian of Southern Moravia.}, journal = {Nature ecology &amp; evolution}, volume = {7}, number = {8}, pages = {1302-1314}, pmid = {37349568}, issn = {2397-334X}, support = {817564/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Adult ; Humans ; *Crows ; Ecosystem ; Ecology ; Diet ; Bone and Bones ; }, abstract = {The earlier Gravettian of Southern Moravia-the Pavlovian-is notable for the many raven bones (Corvus corax) documented in its faunal assemblages. On the basis of the rich zooarchaeological and settlement data from the Pavlovian, previous work suggested that common ravens were attracted by human domestic activities and subsequently captured by Pavlovian people, presumably for feathers and perhaps food. Here, we report independent δ[15]N, δ[13]C and δ[34]S stable isotope data obtained from 12 adult ravens from the Pavlovian key sites of Předmostí I, Pavlov I and Dolní Věstonice I to test this idea. We show that Pavlovian ravens regularly fed on larger herbivores and especially mammoths, aligning in feeding preferences with contemporaneous Gravettian foragers. We argue that opportunistic-generalist ravens were encouraged by human settlement and carcass provisioning. Our data may thus provide surprisingly early evidence for incipient synanthropism among Palaeolithic ravens. We suggest that anthropogenic manipulation of carrion supply dynamics furnished unique contexts for the emergence of human-oriented animal behaviours, in turn promoting novel human foraging opportunities-dynamics which are therefore important for understanding early hunter-gatherer ecosystem impacts.}, }
@article {pmid37341388, year = {2023}, author = {Flanagan, AM and Masuda, B and Komarczyk, L and Kuhar, A and Farabaugh, S and Swaisgood, RR}, title = {Adapting conservation breeding techniques using a data-driven approach to restore the 'Alalā (Hawaiian crow, Corvus hawaiiensis).}, journal = {Zoo biology}, volume = {42}, number = {6}, pages = {834-839}, doi = {10.1002/zoo.21794}, pmid = {37341388}, issn = {1098-2361}, support = {//Funding for conservation breeding was provided by: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, State of Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, The Max and Yetta Karasik Family Foundation, Moore Family Foundation, and Anonymous Donors/ ; }, mesh = {Female ; Animals ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Crows ; Hawaii ; Animals, Zoo ; Endangered Species ; }, abstract = {For some critically endangered species, conservation breeding is a vital steppingstone toward re-establishing wild populations. The 'Alalā (Hawaiian crow, Corvus hawaiiensis), currently extinct in the wild, exists today only in a conservation breeding program, which, for many years, utilized successful hands-on husbandry approaches such as separating and resocializing pairs, providing partially manmade nests, artificially incubating eggs, and puppet rearing nestlings. Yet, a top priority of any conservation breeding program is to retain natural behaviors essential to postrelease survival and reproduction, to achieve successful reintroduction and restoration to the wild. We describe how we are adapting 'Alalā husbandry techniques to strengthen pair bonds through full-time socialization, enable pairs to build robust nests, encourage females to incubate eggs to hatch, and provide pairs and their offspring with vital parental rearing experiences. We discuss the use of standardized, data-driven methods to objectively track our progress towards successful parental breeding and to select release candidates based on their likelihood to survive and breed in the wild. The information shared in this report can be applied to other conservation breeding programs, particularly those implementing or transitioning to husbandry techniques geared towards preparing species to thrive in the wild.}, }
@article {pmid37323951, year = {2022}, author = {Rostami, M and Faridi, F and Khosrowabadi, R}, title = {Brain Functional Correlates of Intelligence Score in ADHD Based on EEG.}, journal = {Basic and clinical neuroscience}, volume = {13}, number = {6}, pages = {883-900}, pmid = {37323951}, issn = {2008-126X}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: It has been shown that intelligence as a general mental ability is related to the structure and function of the brain regions. However, the specificity of these regional dependencies to the intelligence scores in the typical and atypical developed individuals needs to be well understood. In this study, we hypothesized that neural correlates of IQ should not have a fixed pattern rather they must follow a dynamic pattern to compensate for the functional deficits caused by a neurodevelopmental disorder. Therefore, electroencephalography (EEG) correlates of normal IQ in various subtypes of attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) were compared with a group of healthy controls.<br><br>METHODS: Sixty-three ADHD subjects comprising combined, inattentive, and hyperactive individuals diagnosed by a psychiatrist using structural clinical interview for DSM-V, and 46 healthy controls with similar normal IQ scores were recruited in this study. The subjects' EEG data were then recorded during an eye-closed resting condition. The subjects' intelligence level was measured by Raven's standard progressive matrices. Then, the association between IQ and the power of the EEG signal was computed in the conventional frequency bands. Subsequently, topographical representations of these associations were compared between the groups.<br><br>RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that the association between IQ score and EEG power is not the same in various ADHD subtypes and healthy controls.<br><br>CONCLUSION: This finding suggests a compensatory mechanism in ADHD individuals for changing the regional oscillatory pattern to maintain the IQ within a normal range.}, }
@article {pmid37306010, year = {2023}, author = {Costello, JH and Colin, SP and Gemmell, BJ and Dabiri, JO and Kanso, EA}, title = {A fundamental propulsive mechanism employed by swimmers and flyers throughout the animal kingdom.}, journal = {The Journal of experimental biology}, volume = {226}, number = {11}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1242/jeb.245346}, pmid = {37306010}, issn = {1477-9145}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Engineering ; Hydrodynamics ; Motion ; Movement ; }, abstract = {Even casual observations of a crow in flight or a shark swimming demonstrate that animal propulsive structures bend in patterned sequences during movement. Detailed engineering studies using controlled models in combination with analysis of flows left in the wakes of moving animals or objects have largely confirmed that flexibility can confer speed and efficiency advantages. These studies have generally focused on the material properties of propulsive structures (propulsors). However, recent developments provide a different perspective on the operation of nature's flexible propulsors, which we consider in this Commentary. First, we discuss how comparative animal mechanics have demonstrated that natural propulsors constructed with very different material properties bend with remarkably similar kinematic patterns. This suggests that ordering principles beyond basic material properties govern natural propulsor bending. Second, we consider advances in hydrodynamic measurements demonstrating suction forces that dramatically enhance overall thrust produced by natural bending patterns. This is a previously unrecognized source of thrust production at bending surfaces that may dominate total thrust production. Together, these advances provide a new mechanistic perspective on bending by animal propulsors operating in fluids - either water or air. This shift in perspective offers new opportunities for understanding animal motion as well as new avenues for investigation into engineered designs of vehicles operating in fluids.}, }
@article {pmid37305510, year = {2023}, author = {Angiolillo, A and Leccese, D and Ciccotelli, S and Di Cesare, G and D'Elia, K and Aurisano, N and Matrone, C and Dentizzi, C and Di Costanzo, A}, title = {Effects of Nordic walking in Alzheimer's disease: A single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial.}, journal = {Heliyon}, volume = {9}, number = {5}, pages = {e15865}, pmid = {37305510}, issn = {2405-8440}, abstract = {Non-pharmacological approaches, including exercise programs, have been proposed to improve cognitive function and behavioral symptoms, such as depression, agitation, or aggression, in the management of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Indeed, physical inactivity is one of the main modifiable risk factors in patients with AD, as well as in the development of cardiovascular diseases and related pathologies. Although Nordic Walking (NW), a particular type of aerobic exercise, is known to benefit the health of aging populations, there is little evidence that patients with AD may benefit from this non-pharmacological treatment. In this context, we performed a pilot study in 30 patients with mild/moderate AD to evaluate whether NW influences different cognitive domains, including executive functions, visual-spatial abilities, and verbal episodic memory. To this aim, 15 patients (Control group, CG) underwent reality orientation therapy, music therapy, motor, proprioceptive and postural rehabilitation, and 15 patients (experimental group, EG) in addition to the activities performed by the CG also had the NW with a frequency of twice a week. Neuropsychological assessments and evaluations of daily activities and quality of life were performed at baseline and after 24 weeks. Twenty-two patients, including 13 in the CG and nine in the EG completed the activity program after 24 weeks. The EG showed a significant improvement in the Frontal Assessment Battery, Rey's auditory Verbal Learning Test Delayed Recall, Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices, and completion time for the Stroop Word-Color Interference test, compared to the CG. NW was able to improve cognitive domains like visual-spatial reasoning abilities, verbal episodic memory, selective attention, and processing speed in AD patients. These results, if confirmed by further studies with a larger number of patients and a longer training period, may prospect NW as a safe and likely useful strategy to slow down cognitive impairment in mild/moderate AD.}, }
@article {pmid37304324, year = {2023}, author = {Doumari, SA and Berahmand, K and Ebadi, MJ}, title = {Early and High-Accuracy Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease: Outcomes of a New Model.}, journal = {Computational and mathematical methods in medicine}, volume = {2023}, number = {}, pages = {1493676}, pmid = {37304324}, issn = {1748-6718}, mesh = {Humans ; *Parkinson Disease/diagnosis ; Movement ; Algorithms ; Cluster Analysis ; Language ; }, abstract = {Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the significant common neurological disorders of the current age that causes uncontrollable movements like shaking, stiffness, and difficulty. The early clinical diagnosis of this disease is essential for preventing the progression of PD. Hence, an innovative method is proposed here based on combining the crow search algorithm and decision tree (CSADT) for the early PD diagnosis. This approach is used on four crucial Parkinson's datasets, including meander, spiral, voice, and speech-Sakar. Using the presented method, PD is effectively diagnosed by evaluating each dataset's critical features and extracting the primary practical outcomes. The used algorithm was compared with other machine learning algorithms of k-nearest neighbor (KNN), support vector machine (SVM), naive Baye (NB), multilayer perceptron (MLP), decision tree (DT), random tree, logistic regression, support vector machine of radial base functions (SVM of RBFs), and combined classifier in terms of accuracy, recall, and combination measure F1. The analytical results emphasize the used algorithm's superiority over the other selected ones. The proposed model yields nearly 100% accuracy through various trials on the datasets. Notably, a high detection speed achieved the lowest detection time of 2.6 seconds. The main novelty of this paper is attributed to the accuracy of the presented PD diagnosis method, which is much higher than its counterparts.}, }
@article {pmid37300600, year = {2023}, author = {Lu, C and Gudowska, A and Rutkowska, J}, title = {What do zebra finches learn besides singing? Systematic mapping of the literature and presentation of an efficient associative learning test.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {26}, number = {5}, pages = {1489-1503}, pmid = {37300600}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {2018/31/B/NZ8/02388//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; N18/DBS/000003//Uniwersytet Jagiello&#x144;ski w Krakowie/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Finches ; Vocalization, Animal ; Chickens ; Learning ; Cognition ; }, abstract = {The process of learning in birds has been extensively studied, with a focus on species such as pigeons, parrots, chickens, and crows. In recent years, the zebra finch has emerged as a model species in avian cognition, particularly in song learning. However, other cognitive domains such as spatial memory and associative learning could also be critical to fitness and survival, particularly during the intensive juvenile period. In this systematic review, we provide an overview of cognitive studies on zebra finches, with a focus on domains other than song learning. Our findings indicate that spatial, associative, and social learning are the most frequently studied domains, while motoric learning and inhibitory control have been examined less frequently over 30 years of research. All of the 60 studies included in this review were conducted on captive birds, limiting the generalizability of the findings to wild populations. Moreover, only two of the studies were conducted on juveniles, highlighting the need for more research on this critical period of learning. To address this research gap, we propose a high-throughput method for testing associative learning performance in a large number of both juvenile and adult zebra finches. Our results demonstrate that learning can occur in both age groups, thus encouraging researchers to also perform cognitive tests on juveniles. We also note the heterogeneity of methodologies, protocols, and subject exclusion criteria applied by different researchers, which makes it difficult to compare results across studies. Therefore, we call for better communication among researchers to develop standardised methodologies for studying each cognitive domain at different life stages and also in their natural conditions.}, }
@article {pmid37261488, year = {2024}, author = {Apostel, A and Hahn, LA and Rose, J}, title = {Jackdaws form categorical prototypes based on experience with category exemplars.}, journal = {Brain structure &amp; function}, volume = {229}, number = {3}, pages = {593-608}, pmid = {37261488}, issn = {1863-2661}, support = {SFB 874/B13, project number: 122679504//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Learning ; Cognition ; Brain ; }, abstract = {Categorization represents one cognitive ability fundamental to animal behavior. Grouping of elements based on perceptual or semantic features helps to reduce processing resources and facilitates appropriate behavior. Corvids master complex categorization, yet the detailed categorization learning strategies are less well understood. We trained two jackdaws on a delayed match to category paradigm using a novel, artificial stimulus type, RUBubbles. Both birds learned to differentiate between two session-unique categories following two distinct learning protocols. Categories were either introduced via central category prototypes (low variability approach) or using a subset of diverse category exemplars from which diagnostic features had to be identified (high variability approach). In both versions, the stimulus similarity relative to a central category prototype explained categorization performance best. Jackdaws consistently used a central prototype to judge category membership, regardless of whether this prototype was used to introduce distinct categories or had to be inferred from multiple exemplars. Reliance on a category prototype occurred already after experiencing only a few trials with different category exemplars. High stimulus set variability prolonged initial learning but showed no consistent beneficial effect on later generalization performance. High numbers of stimuli, their perceptual similarity, and coherent category structure resulted in a prototype-based strategy, reflecting the most adaptive, efficient, and parsimonious way to represent RUBubble categories. Thus, our birds represent a valuable comparative animal model that permits further study of category representations throughout learning in different regions of a brain producing highly cognitive behavior.}, }
@article {pmid37256500, year = {2023}, author = {Jensen, TR and Zeiträg, C and Osvath, M}, title = {The selfish preen: absence of allopreening in Palaeognathae and its socio-cognitive implications.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {26}, number = {5}, pages = {1467-1476}, pmid = {37256500}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {2019-03265//Vetenskapsr&#xe5;det/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Palaeognathae ; Social Behavior ; Cognition ; }, abstract = {Preening behaviours are widespread in extant birds. While most birds appear to autopreen (self-directed preening), allopreening (preening directed at conspecifics) seems to have emerged only in certain species, but across many families. Allopreening has been hypothesised to reinforce mutual relationships and cooperation between individuals, and to underpin various socio-cognitive abilities. Palaeognathae is a bird group exhibiting neurocognitively plesiomorphic traits compared to other birds. They share many features with non-avian paravian dinosaurs and are thus important for the study of cognitive evolution in birds. Despite this, and the important correlation of allopreening with many complicated social behaviours, allopreening has not been systematically studied in Palaeognathae. Therefore, we examined the preening behaviours in four species of palaeognaths: common ostriches (Struthio camelus), greater rheas (Rhea americana), emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae), and elegant crested tinamous (Eudromia elegans). We compared findings with common ravens (Corvus corax), a neognath species known for its allopreening and complex social cognition. We found autopreening, but no allopreening, in the palaeognath species, while both autopreening and allopreening was found in common ravens. The absence of allopreening in Palaeognathae suggests an emergence of this behaviour within Neognathae. We contextualise our results in relation to the socio-cognitive underpinnings of allopreening and its implications for the understanding of the evolution of socio-cognitive abilities in non-avian paravian dinosaurs and early birds.}, }
@article {pmid37248481, year = {2023}, author = {Rachel, M and Jia, H and Amina, A and Perez-Garcia, M and Kumar, M and Wicherts, JM}, title = {Psychometric evaluation of the computerized battery for neuropsychological evaluation of children (BENCI) among school aged children in the context of HIV in an urban Kenyan setting.}, journal = {BMC psychiatry}, volume = {23}, number = {1}, pages = {373}, pmid = {37248481}, issn = {1471-244X}, support = {U54 TW012089/TW/FIC NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Child ; Kenya ; *HIV Infections/complications/diagnosis/psychology ; Psychometrics ; Reproducibility of Results ; Case-Control Studies ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Culturally validated neurocognitive measures for children in Low- and Middle-Income Countries are important in the timely and correct identification of neurocognitive impairments. Such measures can inform development of interventions for children exposed to additional vulnerabilities like HIV infection. The Battery for Neuropsychological Evaluation of Children (BENCI) is an openly available, computerized neuropsychological battery specifically developed to evaluate neurocognitive impairment. This study adapted the BENCI and evaluated its reliability and validity in Kenya.<br><br>METHODOLOGY: The BENCI was adapted using translation and back-translation from Spanish to English. The psychometric properties were evaluated in a case-control study of 328 children (aged 6 - 14&#xa0;years) living with HIV and 260 children not living with HIV in Kenya. We assessed reliability, factor structure, and measurement invariance with respect to HIV. Additionally, we examined convergent validity of the BENCI using tests from the Kilifi Toolkit.<br><br>RESULTS: Internal consistencies (0.49&#x2009;<&#x2009;&#x3b1;&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.97) and test-retest reliabilities (-.34 to .81) were sufficient-to-good for most of the subtests. Convergent validity was supported by significant correlations between the BENCI's Verbal memory and Kilifi's Verbal List Learning (r&#x2009;=&#x2009;.41), the BENCI's Visual memory and Kilifi's Verbal List Learning (r&#x2009;=&#x2009;.32) and the BENCI's Planning total time test and Kilifi's Tower Test (r&#x2009;=&#x2009;-.21) and the BENCI's Abstract Reasoning test and Kilifi's Raven's Progressive Matrix (r&#x2009;=&#x2009;.21). The BENCI subtests highlighted meaningful differences between children living with HIV and those not living with HIV. After some minor adaptions, a confirmatory four-factor model consisting of flexibility, fluency, reasoning and working memory fitted well (&#x3c7;[2]&#x2009;=&#x2009;135.57, DF&#x2009;=&#x2009;51, N&#x2009;=&#x2009;604, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;.001, RMSEA&#x2009;=&#x2009;.052, CFI&#x2009;=&#x2009;.944, TLI&#x2009;=&#x2009;.914) and was partially scalar invariant between HIV positive and negative groups.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The English version of the BENCI formally translated for use in Kenya can be further adapted and integrated in clinical and research settings as a valid and reliable cognitive test battery.}, }
@article {pmid37221422, year = {2023}, author = {Majji, R and G, OPP and Rajeswari, R and R, C}, title = {Smart IoT in Breast Cancer Detection Using Optimal Deep Learning.}, journal = {Journal of digital imaging}, volume = {36}, number = {4}, pages = {1489-1506}, pmid = {37221422}, issn = {1618-727X}, mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *Breast Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging ; *Deep Learning ; *Internet of Things ; Algorithms ; Breast ; }, abstract = {IoT in healthcare systems is currently a viable option for providing higher-quality medical care for contemporary e-healthcare. Using an Internet of Things (IoT)-based smart healthcare system, a trustworthy breast cancer classification method called Feedback Artificial Crow Search (FACS)-based Shepherd Convolutional Neural Network (ShCNN) is developed in this research. To choose the best routes, the secure routing operation is first carried out using the recommended FACS while taking fitness measures such as distance, energy, link quality, and latency into account. Then, by merging the Crow Search Algorithm (CSA) and Feedback Artificial Tree, the produced FACS is put into practice (FAT). After the completion of routing phase, the breast cancer categorization process is started at the base station. The feature extraction step is then introduced to the pre-processed input mammography image. As a result, it is possible to successfully get features including area, mean, variance, energy, contrast, correlation, skewness, homogeneity, Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM), and Local Gabor Binary Pattern (LGBP). The quality of the image is next enhanced through data augmentation, and finally, the developed FACS algorithm's ShCNN is used to classify breast cancer. The performance of FACS-based ShCNN is examined using six metrics, including energy, delay, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and True Positive Rate (TPR), with the maximum energy of 0.562 J, the least delay of 0.452 s, the highest accuracy of 91.56%, the higher sensitivity of 96.10%, the highest specificity of 91.80%, and the maximum TPR of 99.45%.}, }
@article {pmid37221167, year = {2023}, author = {Brea, J and Clayton, NS and Gerstner, W}, title = {Computational models of episodic-like memory in food-caching birds.}, journal = {Nature communications}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {2979}, pmid = {37221167}, issn = {2041-1723}, mesh = {Animals ; *Birds ; Conditioning, Classical ; *Crows ; Food ; Computer Simulation ; }, abstract = {Birds of the crow family adapt food-caching strategies to anticipated needs at the time of cache recovery and rely on memory of the what, where and when of previous caching events to recover their hidden food. It is unclear if this behavior can be explained by simple associative learning or if it relies on higher cognitive processes like mental time-travel. We present a computational model and propose a neural implementation of food-caching behavior. The model has hunger variables for motivational control, reward-modulated update of retrieval and caching policies and an associative neural network for remembering caching events with a memory consolidation mechanism for flexible decoding of the age of a memory. Our methodology of formalizing experimental protocols is transferable to other domains and facilitates model evaluation and experiment design. Here, we show that memory-augmented, associative reinforcement learning without mental time-travel is sufficient to explain the results of 28 behavioral experiments with food-caching birds.}, }
@article {pmid37219737, year = {2023}, author = {Federspiel, IG and Schmitt, V and Schuster, R and Rockenbach, C and Braun, A and Loretto, MC and Michels, C and Fischer, J and Mussweiler, T and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Are you better than me? Social comparisons in carrion crows (Corvus corone).}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {26}, number = {4}, pages = {1353-1368}, pmid = {37219737}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; Fi707/18-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; Y366-B17//FWF/ ; Mu 1500/5-1//Leibniz Price/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Crows ; Social Comparison ; Cues ; Biological Evolution ; Primates ; }, abstract = {Comparing oneself to others is a key process in humans that allows individuals to gauge their performances and abilities and thus develop and calibrate their self-image. Little is known about its evolutionary foundations. A key feature of social comparison is the sensitivity to other individuals' performance. Recent studies on primates produced equivocal results, leading us to distinguish between a 'strong' variant of the social comparison hypothesis formulated for humans and a 'weak' variant found in non-human primates that would comprise some elements of human social comparison. Here, we focus on corvids that are distantly related to primates and renowned for their socio-cognitive skills. We were interested in whether crows' task performances were influenced (i) by the presence of a conspecific co-actor performing the same discrimination task and (ii) by the simulated acoustic cues of a putative co-actor performing better or worse than themselves. Crows reached a learning criterion quicker when tested simultaneously as compared to when tested alone, indicating a facilitating effect of social context. The performance of a putative co-actor influenced their performance: crows were better at discriminating familiar images when their co-actor was better than they were. Standard extremity (how pronounced the difference was between the performance of the subject and that of the co-actor), and category membership (affiliation status and sex), of the putative co-actors had no effect on their performance. Our findings are in line with the 'weak' variant of social comparison and indicate that elements of human social comparison can be found outside of primates.}, }
@article {pmid37218453, year = {2023}, author = {Peña-Ruiz, LS and Unar-Munguía, M and Colchero, MA and Alarid-Escudero, F and Pérez-Escamilla, R}, title = {Breastfeeding is associated with the intelligence of school-age children in Mexico.}, journal = {Maternal &amp; child nutrition}, volume = {19}, number = {4}, pages = {e13534}, pmid = {37218453}, issn = {1740-8709}, support = {UL1 TR001863/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Female ; Child ; Humans ; Infant ; *Breast Feeding ; Mexico ; *Child Development ; Intelligence ; Milk, Human ; }, abstract = {Breastfeeding has been consistently associated with higher intelligence since childhood. However, this relation could be confounded due to maternal selection bias. We estimated the association between predominant breastfeeding and intelligence in school-age children considering potential selection bias and we simulated the intelligence gap reduction between low versus higher socioeconomic status children by increasing breastfeeding. We analysed predominant breastfeeding practices (breastmilk and water-based liquids) of children 0-3 years included in the Mexican Family Life Survey (MxFLS-1). Intelligence was estimated as the z-score of the abbreviated Raven score, measured at 6-12 years in the MxFLS-2 or MxFLS-3. We predicted breastfeeding duration among children with censored data with a Poisson model. We used the Heckman selection model to assess the association between breastfeeding and intelligence, correcting for selection bias and stratified by socioeconomic status. Results show after controlling for selection bias, a 1-month increase in predominant breastfeeding duration was associated with a 0.02 SD increase in the Raven z-score (p < 0.05). The children who were predominantly breastfed for 4-6 months versus <1 month had 0.16 SD higher Raven z-score (p < 0.05). No associations were found using multiple linear regression models. Among low socioeconomic status children, increasing predominantly breastfeeding duration to 6 months would increase their mean Raven z-score from -0.14 to -0.07 SD and reduce by 12.5% the intelligence gap with high socioeconomic status children. In conclusion, predominant breastfeeding duration was significantly associated with childhood intelligence after controlling for maternal selection bias. Increased breastfeeding duration may reduce poverty-driven intelligence inequities.}, }
@article {pmid37193990, year = {2023}, author = {Radovics, D and Szabolcs, M and Lengyel, S and Mizsei, E}, title = {Hide or die when the winds bring wings: predator avoidance by activity shift in a mountain snake.}, journal = {Frontiers in zoology}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, pages = {17}, pmid = {37193990}, issn = {1742-9994}, support = {NKFIH-OTKA K106133//Nemzeti Kutat&#xe1;si Fejleszt&#xe9;si &#xe9;s Innov&#xe1;ci&#xf3;s Hivatal/ ; GINOP2.3.3-15-2016-00019//Nemzeti Kutat&#xe1;si Fejleszt&#xe9;si &#xe9;s Innov&#xe1;ci&#xf3;s Hivatal/ ; &#xda;NKP-22-4-II-DE-201//Nemzeti Kutat&#xe1;si &#xe9;s Technol&#xf3;giai Hivatal/ ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Understanding predator-prey relationships is fundamental in many areas of ecology and conservation. In reptiles, basking time often increases the risk of predation and one way to minimise this risk is to reduce activity time and to stay within a refuge. However, this implies costs of lost opportunities for foraging, reproduction, and thermoregulation. We aimed to determine the main potential and observed predators of Vipera graeca, to infer predation pressure by estimating the incidence and the body length and sex distribution of predation events based on body injuries, and to assess whether and how the activity of V. graeca individuals is modified by predation pressure.<br><br>RESULTS: We observed n&#x2009;=&#x2009;12 raptor bird species foraging at the study sites, of which Circaetus gallicus, Falco tinnunculus and Corvus cornix were directly observed as predators of V. graeca. We found injuries and wounds on 12.5% of the studied individuals (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;319). The occurrence of injuries was significantly positively influenced by the body length of vipers, and was more frequent on females than on males, while the interaction of length and sex showed a significant negative effect. The temporal overlap between predator and viper activity was much greater for the vipers' potential activity than their realised activity. Vipers showed a temporal shift in their bimodal daily activity pattern as they were active earlier in the morning and later in the afternoon than could be expected based on the thermal conditions.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The time spent being active on the surface has costs to snakes: predation-related injuries increased in frequency with length, were more frequent in females than in males and occurred in shorter length for males than for females. Our results suggest that vipers do not fully exploit the thermally optimal time window available to them, likely because they shift their activity to periods with fewer avian predators.}, }
@article {pmid37191910, year = {2023}, author = {Yu, F and Wang, X and Zhao, Y and Li, Z}, title = {Influence of age, breeding state and approach direction on sensitivity to human gaze: a field study on Azure-winged magpies.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {26}, number = {4}, pages = {1369-1379}, pmid = {37191910}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {41871294//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022YFC3202104//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; BK20211151//Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Passeriformes ; Cognition ; Predatory Behavior ; Breeding ; Fixation, Ocular ; }, abstract = {In predator-prey interactions, various factors affect the prey's perception of risk and decision to flee. Gaze sensitivity, the ability to react to the presence, direction, or movement of the head and eyes, has been reported in many birds. However, few studies have focussed on variation in sensitivity to human gaze in relation to other risks and potential breeding costs. Here, we studied the influence of human gaze on the escape behaviour of Azure-winged magpies (Cyanopica cyanus) and investigated the effects of breeding state (breeding season and nonbreeding season) and approach direction on gaze sensitivity. In Experiment 1, we tested whether magpies showed different sensitivities to human gaze according to age class and breeding state when approached directly. The results showed that the breeding state could affect the flight initiation distance (FID), with adults in the breeding season having a shorter FID compared to those in the nonbreeding season. Meanwhile, only adults were found to be averse to direct human gaze and juveniles showed no sensitivity. In Experiment 2, we conducted three different gaze treatments on adult magpies in the breeding season under three bypass distances (0 m, 2.5 m, 5 m). The results showed that approach direction had no effect on FID, while the sensitivity to human gaze differed under three bypass distances. Adults could clearly recognise human head and eye direction at a certain bypass distance (2.5 m). Our study reveals the cognitive ability of Azure-winged magpies to human head and eye direction and the effects of age, breeding state and approach direction, which may provide further insights into human-wildlife interactions, especially for birds in urban habitats.}, }
@article {pmid37187933, year = {2023}, author = {Hyeon, JY and Helal, ZH and Appel, A and Tocco, N and Hunt, A and Lee, DH and Risatti, GR}, title = {Whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of West Nile viruses from animals in New England, United States, 2021.}, journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {1085554}, pmid = {37187933}, issn = {2297-1769}, support = {U18 FD006182/FD/FDA HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne Flavivirus which is the leading cause of global arboviral encephalitis. We sequenced WNVs from an American crow found in Connecticut and an alpaca found in Massachusetts which were submitted to the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (CVMDL). We report here the complete protein-coding sequences (CDS) of the WNVs (WNV 21-3957/USA CT/Crow/2021 and WNV 21-3782/USA MA/Alpaca/2021) and their phylogenetic relationship with other WNVs recovered from across the United States. In the phylogenetic analysis, the WNVs from this study belonged to the WNV lineage 1. The WNV 21-3957/USA CT/Crow/2021 clustered with WNVs from a mosquito and birds in New York during 2007-2013. Interestingly, the virus detected in the alpaca, WNV 21-3782/USA MA/Alpaca/2021 clustered with WNVs from mosquitos in New York, Texas, and Arizona during 2012-2016. The genetic differences between the viruses detected during the same season in an American crow and an alpaca suggest that vector-host feeding preferences are most likely driving viral transmission. The CDS of the WNVs and their phylogenetic relationships with other WNVs established in this study would be useful as reference data for future investigations on WNVs. Seasonal surveillance of WNV in birds and mammals and the genetic characterization of detected viruses are necessary to monitor patterns of disease presentations and viral evolution within a geographical area.}, }
@article {pmid37174561, year = {2023}, author = {Beauchamp, G and Barve, S}, title = {Multiple Sentinels in a Cooperative Breeder Synchronize Rather Than Coordinate Gazing.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {13}, number = {9}, pages = {}, pmid = {37174561}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {Sentinels can detect predators and rivals early by monitoring their surroundings from vantage points. Multiple sentinels in a group may reduce the perceived predation risk by diluting the risk and increasing collective detection, especially if sentinels monitor different areas at the same time. We investigated sentinel behavior in groups of the Florida scrub jay (Aphelocoma caerulescens). Sentinels in this species turn their heads frequently to monitor different areas for threats. As predicted, we found that sentinels turned their heads less frequently in the presence of other sentinels. Multiple sentinels, however, tended to gaze in the same direction at the same time more often than predicted by chance alone. Gaze synchronization reduces the efficiency of collective detection by reducing visual coverage at any one time at the group level. Despite the benefits of the presence of other sentinels, our results highlight the limits to collective detection when multiple individuals are vigilant at the same time.}, }
@article {pmid37168985, year = {2023}, author = {Madden, JR and Buckley, R and Ratcliffe, S}, title = {Large-scale correlations between gamebird release and management and animal biodiversity metrics in lowland Great Britain.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {13}, number = {5}, pages = {e10059}, pmid = {37168985}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {The ecological effects on populations of non-game species driven by the annual release and management of tens of millions of gamebirds for recreational shooting are complex and relatively poorly understood. We investigated these effects at a national scale, considering multiple taxa simultaneously. We used records from the UK National Biodiversity Network Atlas to compare animal species and diversity metrics previously suggested to be affected by behaviors of the released birds, or because resources or habitats are influenced by game management or both processes. We contrasted records from 1 km grid squares where gamebirds were reported released in Great Britain, and control squares with similar land cover but where no releases were reported. There were more records overall reported from release grid squares (RGS) compared with controls (CGS), perhaps due to greater reporting effort or greater biological richness. We found fewer foxes in RGS and fewest in grid squares with largest releases, but more carrion crows in RGS. We found no consistent effects for buzzards, ravens, jays, or magpies. There were more rodents and gray squirrels reported from RGS but no differences for reptiles. There were more butterflies but fewer beetles reported from RGS but no consistent patterns for Orthoptera or ground beetles considered common gamebird prey. Farmland and woodland birds exhibited higher abundance, richness, and diversity in RGS when considering absolute records, but woodland bird abundance and richness were lower when correcting for the relative number of records. These nationwide results, despite crude data resolution, reveal diverse effects of gamebird release and management at a national scale and across trophic levels, increasing some non-game animal populations while decreasing others. This should alert practitioners, opponents, and legislators that a focus on single taxa effects, either positive or negative, may obscure the simultaneous changes in other taxa.}, }
@article {pmid37137309, year = {2023}, author = {Wagener, L and Nieder, A}, title = {Categorical representation of abstract spatial magnitudes in the executive telencephalon of crows.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {33}, number = {11}, pages = {2151-2162.e5}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2023.04.013}, pmid = {37137309}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; *Crows ; Learning ; Neurons/physiology ; Telencephalon/physiology ; }, abstract = {The ability to group abstract continuous magnitudes into meaningful categories is cognitively demanding but key to intelligent behavior. To explore its neuronal mechanisms, we trained carrion crows to categorize lines of variable lengths into arbitrary "short" and "long" categories. Single-neuron activity in the nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL) of behaving crows reflected the learned length categories of visual stimuli. The length categories could be reliably decoded from neuronal population activity to predict the crows' conceptual decisions. NCL activity changed with learning when a crow was retrained with the same stimuli assigned to more categories with new boundaries ("short", "medium," and "long"). Categorical neuronal representations emerged dynamically so that sensory length information at the beginning of the trial was transformed into behaviorally relevant categorical representations shortly before the crows' decision making. Our data show malleable categorization capabilities for abstract spatial magnitudes mediated by the flexible networks of the crow NCL.}, }
@article {pmid37027113, year = {2023}, author = {Zeiträg, C and Osvath, M}, title = {Differential responses to con- and allospecific visual cues in juvenile ravens (Corvus corax): the ontogeny of gaze following and social predictions.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {26}, number = {4}, pages = {1251-1258}, pmid = {37027113}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {2019-03265//Vetenskapsr&#xe5;det/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Crows ; Cues ; Social Behavior ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Orientation ; }, abstract = {Gaze following refers to the ability to co-orient with others' gaze directions. Ontogenetic studies on gaze following in animals have predominantly used human experimenters as demonstrators. It is, however, likely that developing animals are initially more attuned to individuals from their own species, which might result in differences in the ontogenetic onset of gaze following with human and conspecific demonstrators. "Checking back" is a signature behaviour in the gaze following repertoires of humans, apes, and some Old world monkeys. It is commonly interpreted as a representation of the referentiality of gaze and is thus diagnostic of social predictions. Recently, "checking back" has been discovered in four avian species, suggesting a shared skill among birds. To investigate effects of con- and allospecific demonstrators on gaze following responses, we studied visual co-orientations of four hand-raised juvenile common ravens (Corvus corax) with human and conspecific gaze cues. Moreover, we for the first time investigated "checking back" in ravens and compared the effects of con- and allospecific demonstrators on this behaviour. Ravens followed human and conspecific gaze with no apparent differences in ontogenetic onset, but after significantly longer latencies with human demonstrators. Subjects moreover already checked back at 30 days old and did so significantly more often with conspecific demonstrators. Our findings suggest differences in processing speed and social predictions of human and conspecific gazes, indicating an underlying neurocognitive mechanism attuned to social information gathering from conspecifics. We propose more studies using conspecific demonstrators to reveal the full gaze following potential of a species.}, }
@article {pmid37023091, year = {2023}, author = {Foss, L and Feiszli, T and Kramer, VL and Reisen, WK and Padgett, K}, title = {Epidemic versus endemic West Nile virus dead bird surveillance in California: Changes in sensitivity and focus.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {18}, number = {4}, pages = {e0284039}, pmid = {37023091}, issn = {1932-6203}, support = {U01 CK000539/CK/NCEZID CDC HHS/United States ; U01CK000539/ACL/ACL HHS/United States ; /CC/CDC HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *West Nile virus/physiology ; *West Nile Fever/epidemiology/veterinary ; Mosquito Vectors ; California/epidemiology ; *Sparrows ; San Francisco ; *Bird Diseases/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {Since 2003, the California West Nile virus (WNV) dead bird surveillance program (DBSP) has monitored publicly reported dead birds for WNV surveillance and response. In the current paper, we compared DBSP data from early epidemic years (2004-2006) with recent endemic years (2018-2020), with a focus on specimen collection criteria, county report incidence, bird species selection, WNV prevalence in dead birds, and utility of the DBSP as an early environmental indicator of WNV. Although fewer agencies collected dead birds in recent years, most vector control agencies with consistent WNV activity continued to use dead birds as a surveillance tool, with streamlined operations enhancing efficiency. The number of dead bird reports was approximately ten times greater during 2004-2006 compared to 2018-2020, with reports from the Central Valley and portions of Southern California decreasing substantially in recent years; reports from the San Francisco Bay Area decreased less dramatically. Seven of ten counties with high numbers of dead bird reports were also high human WNV case burden areas. Dead corvid, sparrow, and quail reports decreased the most compared to other bird species reports. West Nile virus positive dead birds were the most frequent first indicators of WNV activity by county in 2004-2006, followed by positive mosquitoes; in contrast, during 2018-2020 mosquitoes were the most frequent first indicators followed by dead birds, and initial environmental WNV detections occurred later in the season during 2018-2020. Evidence for WNV impacts on avian populations and susceptibility are discussed. Although patterns of dead bird reports and WNV prevalence in tested dead birds have changed, dead birds have endured as a useful element within our multi-faceted WNV surveillance program.}, }
@article {pmid36973988, year = {2023}, author = {Santoprete, R and Hourblin, V and Foucher, A and Dufour, O and Bernard, D and Domanov, Y and Querleux, B and Potter, A}, title = {Reduction of wrinkles: From a computational hypothesis to a clinical, instrumental, and biological proof.}, journal = {Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI)}, volume = {29}, number = {3}, pages = {e13267}, pmid = {36973988}, issn = {1600-0846}, mesh = {Humans ; Aging ; *Glycerol/pharmacology ; Proteomics ; Skin/drug effects ; *Skin Aging/drug effects ; Face ; Facial Expression ; Computer Simulation ; *Dermatologic Agents/pharmacology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Facial wrinkles are clear markers of the aging process, being chronological, photo-induced, or reflecting repetitive facial expressions. The aim of this study is to provide new insights into the biophysical and biological mechanisms involved in the formation, prevention, or elimination of the expression wrinkles.<br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: We use a computational model to get a better understanding of the wrinkle mechanical behavior and evolution after skin softening and suggesting a possible antiaging mechanism. Then, we provide a clinical demonstration of the anti-wrinkle effect of a long-term application of a 20% glycerol in a moisturizer formula (GBM) versus its vehicle on crow's feet. Skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkles visibility were evaluated by a combination of clinical and instrumental in vivo data, inverse finite element analysis, and proteomic data.<br><br>RESULTS: The computational model shows a predominantly compressive stress beneath the wrinkle and its significant decrease by the softening of stratum corneum. The associated clinical study confirmed a significant increase of skin hydration and elasticity as well as a decrease of wrinkle visibility after 2 and 4 months as application for both formulas; this effect being stronger for GBM. A softening effect on stratum corneum and dermis was also observed for the GBM. Furthermore, proteomic data revealed an effect of upregulation of four proteins associated with desquamation, cell-glycan extracellular interactions, and protein glycation/oxidation, functions related to the tissue mechanics and adhesion.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: We provide an in vivo demonstration of the anti-ageing benefit of glycerol at high dose (20%) reflected by a cumulative skin surface softening effect. The use of high moisturizing potent formulations should bring additional performance to other conventional moisturizing formulations.}, }
@article {pmid36919892, year = {2023}, author = {Zemach, M and Vakil, E and Lifshitz, H}, title = {Brain reserve theory: Are adults with intellectual disability more vulnerable to age than peers with typical development?.}, journal = {Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARID}, volume = {36}, number = {4}, pages = {796-811}, doi = {10.1111/jar.13096}, pmid = {36919892}, issn = {1468-3148}, support = {//National Insurance Institute of Israel and the Shalem Fund for Development of Services for People with Intellectual Disabilities in the Local Councils in Israel/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Adult ; *Intellectual Disability/psychology ; *Cognitive Reserve ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Life expectancy is on rise and the intriguing question is: When does cognitive decline occur among adults with intellectual disability, compared to adults with typical development? This cross-sectional study examined cognitive performance of crystallised/fluid intelligence, working and long-term memory of adults with intellectual disability of etiologies other than Down syndrome (IQ 50-68) and adults with typical development (IQ 85-114) in four age cohorts (30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69).<br><br>METHOD: The WAIS III[HEB] and the Rey-AVLT were administered to both groups.<br><br>RESULTS: Four patterns of cognitive performance were found: (a) Vocabulary (crystallised intelligence), Spatial Span Forward and Retention yielded similar scores across all four age cohorts in participants with typical development and with intellectual disability. (b) Similarities, Raven and Digit Span Backward exhibit lower scores only in 50-59 or 60-69 compared to the 30-39 age cohort in both groups, (c) Digit Span Forward, Spatial Span Backward and Total Leaning (LTM) yielded lower scores in the 50-59 or 60-69 age cohorts in the typical group, but similar scores in participants with intellectual disability along the age cohorts, (d) Block Design (fluid intelligence) yielded a lower score in the 50-59 cohort versus lower scores only at ages 60-69 in participants with typical development.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a possible parallel trajectory in age-related cognitive performance for individuals with and without intellectual disability in six measures, and a possible more preserved trajectory in fluid intelligence and some memory measures in adults with intellectual disability compared to their peers. Caution should be exercised regarding Digit and Spatial Span Backwards, which yielded a floor effect in participants with intellectual disability. The Cognitive Reserve Theory, the Safeguard Hypothesis and late maturation might serve as explanations for these findings.}, }
@article {pmid36875397, year = {2023}, author = {Albrecht, L and Kaufeld, KA}, title = {Investigating the impact of environmental factors on West Nile virus human case prediction in Ontario, Canada.}, journal = {Frontiers in public health}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {1100543}, pmid = {36875397}, issn = {2296-2565}, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; Ontario ; *West Nile virus ; Bayes Theorem ; North America ; Climate Change ; }, abstract = {West Nile virus is the most common mosquito borne disease in North America and the leading cause of viral encephalitis. West Nile virus is primarily transmitted between birds and mosquitoes while humans are incidental, dead-end hosts. Climate change may increase the risk of human infections as climatic variables have been shown to affect the mosquito life cycle, biting rate, incubation period of the disease in mosquitoes, and bird migration patterns. We develop a zero-inflated Poisson model to investigate how human West Nile virus case counts vary with respect to mosquito abundance and infection rates, bird abundance, and other environmental covariates. We use a Bayesian paradigm to fit our model to data from 2010-2019 in Ontario, Canada. Our results show mosquito infection rate, temperature, precipitation, and crow abundance are positively correlated with human cases while NDVI and robin abundance are negatively correlated with human cases. We find the inclusion of spatial random effects allows for more accurate predictions, particularly in years where cases are higher. Our model is able to accurately predict the magnitude and timing of yearly West Nile virus outbreaks and could be a valuable tool for public health officials to implement prevention strategies to mitigate these outbreaks.}, }
@article {pmid36866135, year = {2022}, author = {Asokan, S and Pr, GP and Mathiazhagan, T and Viswanath, S}, title = {Association between Intelligence Quotient Dental Anxiety and Oral Health-related Quality of Life in Children: A Cross-sectional Study.}, journal = {International journal of clinical pediatric dentistry}, volume = {15}, number = {6}, pages = {745-749}, pmid = {36866135}, issn = {0974-7052}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Determining the intelligence quotient (IQ) grades of children help in managing dental anxiety (DA) and maintaining the good oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL).<br><br>AIM: To assess the association between IQ, DA, and OHRQoL in children aged 10-11 years.<br><br>DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 202 children aged 10-11 years in the Southern part of Tamil Nadu, India. The IQ level, DA, and OHRQoL were measured using Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM), Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS), and Child Oral Health Impact Profile Short Form (COHIP-SF) 19, respectively. Chi-squared test and Spearman rank order correlation test were used for analysis.<br><br>RESULTS: The results revealed a significant negative correlation (p < 0.05; r = -0.239) between IQ and OHRQoL. DA was negatively correlated with IQ (r = -0.093) and OHRQoL (r = -0.065), but it was not statistically significant. The gender-based comparison revealed no significant difference in the distribution of girls and boys within different grades of IQ levels (p = 0.74), DA (p = 0.29), and OHRQoL (p = 0.85).<br><br>CONCLUSION: Children with higher IQ showed low OHRQoL scores. DA was negatively correlated with IQ and OHRQoL.<br><br>HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Asokan S, PR GP, Mathiazhagan T, et al. Association between Intelligence Quotient Dental Anxiety and Oral Health-related Quality of Life in Children: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(6):745-749.}, }
@article {pmid38692588, year = {2023}, author = {Kantha, SS}, title = {Suicides of elite Japanese writers: The case of Ryunosuke Akutagawa.}, journal = {The National medical journal of India}, volume = {36}, number = {2}, pages = {117-123}, doi = {10.25259/NMJI_389_22}, pmid = {38692588}, issn = {2583-150X}, mesh = {Humans ; *Suicide/history/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Japan/epidemiology ; History, 20th Century ; History, 19th Century ; Famous Persons ; Male ; East Asian People ; }, abstract = {Background . To mark the 130th birth anniversary of Japanese writer Ryunosuke Akutagawa (1892-1927), I revisit his suicide (as recorded by his hand) in comparison to that of his junior contemporaries, who also chose a similar mode of death. Data sources . Two works of Akutagawa, namely Tenkibo (1926: Death Register) and Aru Ahono Issho (1927: The Life of a Stupid Man) in English translation of Jay Rubin were used as the main sources, in addition to published literature about his creativity. Results . In his final work, The Life of a Stupid Man, completed in the penultimate month before suicide, 7 among the 51 brief descriptions, Akutagawa had described his thoughts on illness and death, in addition to visiting his biological mother in a lunatic asylum, and studying a cadaver for his famous short story 'Rashomon'. These descriptions offer a fascinating perspective on Akutagawa's state of mind, before his suicide. Akutagawa's suicide is also compared with the suicides of five other renowned Japanese writers (Osamu Dazai, Yasunari Kawabata, Misuzu Kaneko, Yukio Mishima and Juzo Itami). Conclusion . Before his suicide, doctors offered Akutagawa various diagnoses: 'insomnia, gastric hyperacidity, gastric atony, dry pleurisy, neurasthenia, chronic conjunctivitis, brain fatigue'. Though it is uncertain, what percentage of hereditary factor(s) played a role, why the practitioners of the medical profession in 1920s Japan failed to save the life of this creative individual still remains a question.}, }
@article {pmid36847022, year = {2023}, author = {Bootsma, JN and Campbell, F and McCauley, D and Hopmans, S and Grahovac, D and Cunningham, BJ and Phoenix, M and de Camargo, OK and Geytenbeek, J and Gorter, JW}, title = {Psychometric properties of the English language version of the C-BiLLT evaluated in typically developing Canadian children.}, journal = {Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine}, volume = {16}, number = {1}, pages = {71-81}, pmid = {36847022}, issn = {1875-8894}, mesh = {Humans ; Child ; Psychometrics ; Reproducibility of Results ; Pandemics ; *COVID-19 ; Canada ; Language ; *Cerebral Palsy ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: This study aimed to 1) investigate the convergent and discriminant validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability of the Canadian English version of the Computer-Based instrument for Low motor Language Testing (C-BiLLT-CAN), and 2) explore feasibility of the C-BiLLT assessment for children with cerebral palsy (CP) and complex communication needs in the Canadian health care context.<br><br>METHODS: Eighty typically developing children between 1.5 and 8.5 years of age completed the C-BiLLT-CAN, the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-IV (PPVT-4), the receptive language sub-test of the New Reynell Developmental Language Scales (NRDLS), and/or the Raven's 2. Correlations between raw scores were calculated for estimates of convergent and discriminant validity. Internal consistency was calculated for all items and separately for items pertaining to vocabulary and grammar. To calculate the standard error of measurement (SEM) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), 33 participants were re-tested with the C-BiLLT within three weeks. Feasibility was explored with nine participants with CP.<br><br>RESULTS: C-BiLLT-CAN's convergent validity was good to excellent (Spearman's rho&#x200a;>&#x200a;0.78) and discriminant validity was higher than hypothesized (Spearman's rho&#x200a;>&#x200a;0.8). Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha&#x200a;=&#x200a;0.96), test-retest reliability (ICC&#x200a;>&#x200a;0.9), and measurement error (SEM&#x200a;<&#x200a;5%) were excellent. The feasibility study could not be fully completed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Preliminary data demonstrated some technical and practical barriers for using the C-BiLLT in children with CP in Canada.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The C-BiLLT-CAN showed good to excellent psychometric properties in a sample of typically developing children, indicating that it is an adequate test for measuring language comprehension in English-speaking Canadian children. Further research is needed to investigate the feasibility of the C-BiLLT-CAN in children with CP.}, }
@article {pmid36842286, year = {2023}, author = {Covey, TJ and Shucard, JL and Wang, X and Gregory, MA and Shucard, DW}, title = {Cognitive skill learning in multiple sclerosis: A meaningful component of the neuropsychological profile.}, journal = {Brain and cognition}, volume = {166}, number = {}, pages = {105959}, doi = {10.1016/j.bandc.2023.105959}, pmid = {36842286}, issn = {1090-2147}, mesh = {Humans ; *Multiple Sclerosis/psychology ; *Cognition Disorders ; *Cognitive Dysfunction/diagnosis ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Cognition ; }, abstract = {Cognitive skill learning (CSL) refers to the capacity to improve performance on specific cognitive operations through repeated practice. We hypothesized that high CSL aptitude may promote accumulation of cognitive reserve, and resiliency to cognitive decline, in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Using an adaptive working memory training paradigm, we obtained CSL aptitude indices (amount of improvement on the training task over time) in MS patients for a single session of practice (25-30 min), and longer-term practice (twenty sessions). Neuropsychological performance was assessed with the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), and the Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAPM). CSL aptitude measures were positively correlated with neuropsychological performance, and had high diagnostic accuracy for classifying cognitive impairment in MS, defined as 1.5 SD below the demographics-corrected normative mean of the SDMT. Positive relationships between CSL aptitude measures and neuropsychological performance tended to be more pronounced for individuals with high estimated cognitive reserve, suggesting that high CSL aptitude is a a factor that promotes the protective effects of cognitive reserve. Furthermore, regression analyses indicated that CSL aptitude is separable from baseline cognitive capacity. The findings suggest that CSL aptitude impacts the neuropsychological profile in MS, and may be a factor underlying variance in cognitive resiliency.}, }
@article {pmid36831728, year = {2023}, author = {Pavlinac Dodig, I and Qazzafi, A and Lusic Kalcina, L and Demirovic, S and Pecotic, R and Valic, M and Dogas, Z}, title = {The Associations between Results in Different Domains of Cognitive and Psychomotor Abilities Measured in Medical Students.}, journal = {Brain sciences}, volume = {13}, number = {2}, pages = {}, pmid = {36831728}, issn = {2076-3425}, abstract = {We aimed to investigate the associations between intelligence quotient test scores obtained using the Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM) and psychomotor testing using the Complex Reactionmeter Drenovac (CRD) test battery, while taking into account previous theoretical approaches recognizing intelligent behavior as the cumulative result of a general biological speed factor reflected in the reaction time for perceptual detections and motor decisions. A total of 224 medical students at the University of Split School of Medicine were recruited. Their IQ scores were assessed using Raven's APM, while the computerized tests of CRD-series were used for testing the reaction time of perception to visual stimulus (CRD311), psychomotor limbs coordination task (CRD411), and solving simple arithmetic operations (CRD11). The total test-solving (TTST) and the minimum single-task-solving (MinT) times were analyzed. On the CRD11 test, task-solving times were shorter in students with higher APM scores (r = -0.48 for TTST and r = -0.44 for MinT; p < 0.001 for both). Negative associations between task-solving times and APM scores were reported on CRD311 (r = -0.30 for TTST and r = -0.33 for MinT, p < 0.001 for both). Negative associations between task-solving times in CRD411 and APM scores (r = -0.40 for TTST and r = -0.30 for MinT, p < 0.001 for both) were found. Faster reaction time in psychomotor limbs coordination tasks, the reaction time of perception to visual stimulus, and the reaction time of solving simple arithmetic operations were associated with a higher APM score in medical students, indicating the importance of mental speed in intelligence test performance. However, executive system functions, such as attention, planning, and goal weighting, might also impact cognitive abilities and should be considered in future research.}, }
@article {pmid36821443, year = {2023}, author = {Brecht, KF and Westendorff, S and Nieder, A}, title = {Neural correlates of cognitively controlled vocalizations in a corvid songbird.}, journal = {Cell reports}, volume = {42}, number = {3}, pages = {112113}, doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112113}, pmid = {36821443}, issn = {2211-1247}, mesh = {Animals ; *Songbirds ; Executive Function ; Neurons/physiology ; Telencephalon/physiology ; Cerebral Cortex ; Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {The neuronal basis of the songbird's song system is well understood. However, little is known about the neuronal correlates of the executive control of songbird vocalizations. Here, we record single-unit activity from the pallial endbrain region "nidopallium caudolaterale" (NCL) of crows that vocalize to the presentation of a visual go-cue but refrain from vocalizing during trials without a go-cue. We find that the preparatory activity of single vocalization-correlated neurons, but also of the entire population of NCL neurons, before vocal onset predicts whether or not the crows will produce an instructed vocalization. Fluctuations in baseline neuronal activity prior to the go-cue influence the premotor activity of such vocalization-correlated neurons and seemingly bias the crows' decision to vocalize. Neuronal response modulation significantly differs between volitional and task-unrelated vocalizations. This suggests that the NCL can take control over the vocal motor network during the production of volitional vocalizations in a corvid songbird.}, }
@article {pmid36819998, year = {2023}, author = {Baciadonna, L and Cornero, FM and Clayton, NS and Emery, NJ}, title = {Mirror stimulation in Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius).}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {e14729}, pmid = {36819998}, issn = {2167-8359}, mesh = {Animals ; Horses ; *Songbirds ; Social Behavior ; *Passeriformes/physiology ; *Elephants ; Pan troglodytes ; }, abstract = {Mirror exposure elicits a wide range of behavioral responses, some of which have been considered as part of possible evidence of mirror self-recognition (MSR). These responses can range from social behaviors, indicating that an animal considers its own reflection as a conspecific, to mirror-guided and self-directed actions. Evidence of MSR has been found categorically in only a few species, such as in magpies, chimpanzees, horses, and elephants. Evidence in corvids is currently debated due to inconsistent findings. In this study, we investigated the reaction of Eurasian jays when presenting them with three mirror-stimulation tasks. Based on the overall behavioral patterns across these three tasks, conclusions about birds' understanding of a reflective surface, and their perception of the reflection as either themselves or as a conspecific, appear premature. We highlight how the high neophobia of corvids and other methodological constraints might have hindered the likelihood to approach and explore a mirror, preventing the emergence of behaviors typically associated with MSR. Furthermore, we discuss how motivational factors, methodological constraints and species differences should be considered when interpreting behavioral responses to mirrors.}, }
@article {pmid36818533, year = {2023}, author = {Tomasek, M and Ravignani, A and Boucherie, PH and Van Meyel, S and Dufour, V}, title = {Spontaneous vocal coordination of vocalizations to water noise in rooks (Corvus frugilegus): An exploratory study.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {13}, number = {2}, pages = {e9791}, pmid = {36818533}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {The ability to control one's vocal production is a major advantage in acoustic communication. Yet, not all species have the same level of control over their vocal output. Several bird species can interrupt their song upon hearing an external stimulus, but there is no evidence how flexible this behavior is. Most research on corvids focuses on their cognitive abilities, but few studies explore their vocal aptitudes. Recent research shows that crows can be experimentally trained to vocalize in response to a brief visual stimulus. Our study investigated vocal control abilities with a more ecologically embedded approach in rooks. We show that two rooks could spontaneously coordinate their vocalizations to a long-lasting stimulus (the sound of their small bathing pool being filled with a water hose), one of them adjusting roughly (in the second range) its vocalizations as the stimuli began and stopped. This exploratory study adds to the literature showing that corvids, a group of species capable of cognitive prowess, are indeed able to display good vocal control abilities.}, }
@article {pmid36806418, year = {2023}, author = {Wagener, L and Rinnert, P and Veit, L and Nieder, A}, title = {Crows protect visual working memory against interference.}, journal = {The Journal of experimental biology}, volume = {226}, number = {5}, pages = {}, pmid = {36806418}, issn = {1477-9145}, mesh = {Animals ; *Memory, Short-Term ; *Crows ; Cognition ; Behavior, Animal ; Fenbendazole ; }, abstract = {Working memory, the ability to actively maintain and manipulate information across time, is key to intelligent behavior. Because of the limited capacity of working memory, relevant information needs to be protected against distracting representations. Whether birds can resist distractors and safeguard memorized relevant information is unclear. We trained carrion crows in a delayed match-to-sample task to memorize an image while resisting other, interfering stimuli. We found that the repetition of the sample stimulus during the memory delay improved performance accuracy and accelerated reaction time relative to a reference condition with a neutral interfering stimulus. In contrast, the presentation of the image that constituted the subsequent non-match test stimulus mildly weakened performance. However, the crows' robust performance in this most demanding distractor condition indicates that sample information was actively protected from being overwritten by the distractor. These data show that crows can cognitively control and safeguard behaviorally relevant working memory contents.}, }
@article {pmid36747638, year = {2023}, author = {Frank, DT and Byas, AD and Murrieta, R and Weger-Lucarelli, J and Rückert, C and Gallichotte, E and Yoshimoto, JA and Allen, C and Bosco-Lauth, AM and Graham, B and Felix, TA and Brault, A and Ebel, GD}, title = {Intracellular diversity of WNV within circulating avian peripheral blood mononuclear cells reveals host-dependent patterns of polyinfection.}, journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {36747638}, issn = {2692-8205}, support = {F31 AI134108/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI067380/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; T32 OD010437/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {UNLABELLED: Error-prone replication of RNA viruses generates the genetic diversity required for adaptation within rapidly changing environments. Thus, arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) populations exist in nature as mutant swarms that are maintained between arthropods and vertebrates. Previous studies have demonstrated that West Nile virus (WNV) population dynamics are host dependent: In American crows, which experience extremely high viremia, purifying selection is weak and population diversity is high compared to American robins, which have 100 to 1000-fold lower viremia. WNV passed in robins experiences fitness gains, whereas that passed in crows does not. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that high crow viremia allows higher genetic diversity within individual avian peripheral-blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), reasoning that this could have produced the previously observed host-specific differences in genetic diversity and fitness. Specifically, we infected cells and birds with a novel, barcoded version of WNV and sequenced viral RNA from single cells to quantify the number of WNV barcodes that each contained. Our results demonstrate that the richness of WNV populations within crows far exceeds that in robins. Similarly, rare WNV variants were maintained by crows more frequently than by robins. Our results suggest that increased viremia in crows relative to robins leads to maintenance of defective genomes and less prevalent variants, presumably through complementation. Our findings further suggest that weaker purifying selection in highly susceptible crows is attributable to this higher viremia, polyinfections and complementation. These studies further document the role of particular, ecologically relevant hosts in shaping virus population structure.<br><br>AUTHOR SUMMARY: WNV mutational diversity in vertebrates is species-dependent. In crows, low frequency variants are common, and viral populations are more diverse. In robins, fewer mutations become permanent fixtures of the overall viral population. We infected crows, robins and a chicken cell line with a genetically marked (barcoded) WNV. Higher levels of virus led to multiple unique WNV genomes infecting individual cells, even when a genotype was present at low levels in the input viral stock. Our findings suggest that higher levels of circulating virus in natural hosts allow less fit viruses to survive in RNA virus populations through complementation by more fit viruses. This is significant as it allows less represented and less fit viruses to be maintained at low levels until they potentially emerge when virus environments change. Overall our data reveal new insights on the relationships between host susceptibility to high viremia and virus evolution.}, }
@article {pmid36746831, year = {2023}, author = {Egede, LE and Walker, RJ and Campbell, JA and Linde, S and Hawks, LC and Burgess, KM}, title = {Modern Day Consequences of Historic Redlining: Finding a Path Forward.}, journal = {Journal of general internal medicine}, volume = {38}, number = {6}, pages = {1534-1537}, pmid = {36746831}, issn = {1525-1497}, support = {K24 DK093699/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; K01 DK131319/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; R01 DK120861/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; K23 DK132505/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MD013826/MD/NIMHD NIH HHS/United States ; R01 DK118038/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *Racism ; Residence Characteristics ; Ethnicity ; }, abstract = {There is emerging evidence that structural racism is a major contributor to poor health outcomes for ethnic minorities. Structural racism captures upstream historic racist events (such as slavery, black code, and Jim Crow laws) and more recent state-sanctioned racist laws in the form of redlining. Redlining refers to the practice of systematically denying various services (e.g., credit access) to residents of specific neighborhoods, often based on race/ethnicity and primarily within urban communities. Historical redlining is linked to increased risk of diabetes, hypertension, and early mortality due to heart disease with evidence suggesting it impacts health through suppressing economic opportunity and human capital, or the knowledge, skills, and value one contributes to society. Addressing structural racism has been a rallying call for change in recent years-drawing attention to the racialized impact of historical policies in the USA. Unfortunately, the enormous scope of work has also left people feeling incapable of effecting the very change they seek. This paper highlights a path forward by briefly discussing the origins of historical redlining, highlighting the modern-day consequences both on health and at the societal level, and suggest promising initiatives to address the impact.}, }
@article {pmid36722171, year = {2023}, author = {Walsh, SL and Engesser, S and Townsend, SW and Ridley, AR}, title = {Multi-level combinatoriality in magpie non-song vocalizations.}, journal = {Journal of the Royal Society, Interface}, volume = {20}, number = {199}, pages = {20220679}, pmid = {36722171}, issn = {1742-5662}, mesh = {Animals ; Australia ; *Knowledge ; *Language ; Phenotype ; Sound ; }, abstract = {Comparative studies conducted over the past few decades have provided important insights into the capacity for animals to combine vocal segments at either one of two levels: within- or between-calls. There remains, however, a distinct gap in knowledge as to whether animal combinatoriality can extend beyond one level. Investigating this requires a comprehensive analysis of the combinatorial features characterizing a species' vocal system. Here, we used a nonlinear dimensionality reduction analysis and sequential transition analysis to quantitatively describe the non-song combinatorial repertoire of the Western Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen dorsalis). We found that (i) magpies recombine four distinct acoustic segments to create a larger number of calls, and (ii) the resultant calls are further combined into larger call combinations. Our work demonstrates two levels in the combining of magpie vocal units. These results are incongruous with the notion that a capacity for multi-level combinatoriality is unique to human language, wherein the combining of meaningless sounds and meaningful words interactively occurs across different combinatorial levels. Our study thus provides novel insights into the combinatorial capacities of a non-human species, adding to the growing evidence of analogues of language-specific traits present in the animal kingdom.}, }
@article {pmid36720748, year = {2023}, author = {Hunt, GR and Villard, P}, title = {Oscillatory extraction behaviour suggests functional attributes of crows' hooked-stick tools.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {26}, number = {3}, pages = {1091-1095}, pmid = {36720748}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; *Tool Use Behavior ; *Crows ; Feeding Behavior ; }, abstract = {New Caledonian crows are the only nonhuman animals known to craft hooked-sticks for use in foraging. Since their first description over 25 years ago, researchers have been unable to provide a detailed account of how these complex tools function in natural probe sites. Using close-up video footage, we document how a New Caledonian crow operated a hooked-stick to extract a large tree weta from a chamber in a tree trunk. The extraction technique had two distinct, separate components: (1) simultaneous oscillating head rotation and reciprocating bill action, and (2) measured pulling with the tool. Analysis of this first detailed field observation of hooked-stick use suggests a link between hooked-stick tool characteristics, functionality and skilled manipulation in natural prey extraction by these technological birds. Our findings also provide a rare, if not novel, example of tool-associated oscillatory manipulation in nonhuman animals.}, }
@article {pmid36704643, year = {2023}, author = {Tatebe, LC and Ho, VP and Santry, HP and Tatebe, K}, title = {Redefining trauma deserts: novel technique to accurately map prehospital transport time.}, journal = {Trauma surgery &amp; acute care open}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {e001013}, pmid = {36704643}, issn = {2397-5776}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Prehospital transport time has been directly related to mortality for hemorrhaging trauma patients. 'Trauma deserts' were previously defined as being outside of a 5-mile radial distance of an urban trauma center. We postulated that the true 'desert' should be based on transport time rather than transport distance.<br><br>METHODS: Using the Chicagoland area that was used to describe 'trauma deserts,' a sequential process to query a commercial travel optimization product to map transport times over coordinates that covered the entire urban area at a particular time of day. This produces a heat map representing prehospital transport times. Travel times were then limited to 15&#x2009;minutes to represent a temporally based map of transport capabilities. This was repeated during high and low traffic times and for centers across the city.<br><br>RESULTS: We demonstrated that the temporally based map for transport to a trauma center in an urban center differs significantly from the radial distance to the trauma center. Primary effects were proximity to highways and the downtown area. Transportation to centers were significantly different when time was considered instead of distance (p<0.001). We were further able to map variations in traffic patterns and thus transport times by time of day. The truly 'closest' trauma center by time changed based on time of day and was not always the closest hospital by distance.<br><br>DISCUSSION: As the crow flies is not how the ambulance drives. This novel technique of dynamically mapping transport times can be used to create accurate trauma deserts in an urban setting with multiple trauma centers. Further, this technique can be used to quantify the potential benefit or detriment of adding or removing firehouses or trauma centers.}, }
@article {pmid36704627, year = {2023}, author = {Balasubramanian, K and Ramya, K and Gayathri Devi, K}, title = {Optimized adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system based on hybrid grey wolf-bat algorithm for schizophrenia recognition from EEG signals.}, journal = {Cognitive neurodynamics}, volume = {17}, number = {1}, pages = {133-151}, pmid = {36704627}, issn = {1871-4080}, abstract = {Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that impairs a person's thinking capacity, feelings and emotions, behavioural traits, etc., Emotional distortions, delusions, hallucinations, and incoherent speech are all some of the symptoms of schizophrenia, and cause disruption of routine activities. Computer-assisted diagnosis of schizophrenia is significantly needed to give its patients a higher quality of life. Hence, an improved adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system based on the Hybrid Grey Wolf-Bat Algorithm for accurate prediction of schizophrenia from multi-channel EEG signals is presented in this study. The EEG signals are pre-processed using a Butterworth band pass filter and wICA initially, from which statistical, time-domain, frequency-domain, and spectral features are extracted. Discriminating features are selected using the ReliefF algorithm and are then forwarded to ANFIS for classification into either schizophrenic or normal. ANFIS is optimized by the Hybrid Grey Wolf-Bat Algorithm (HWBO) for better efficiency. The method is experimented on two separate EEG datasets-1 and 2, demonstrating an accuracy of 99.54% and 99.35%, respectively, with appreciable F1-score and MCC. Further experiments reveal the efficiency of the Hybrid Wolf-Bat algorithm in optimizing the ANFIS parameters when compared with traditional ANFIS model and other proven algorithms like genetic algorithm-ANFIS, particle optimization-ANFIS, crow search optimization algorithm-ANFIS and ant colony optimization algorithm-ANFIS, showing high R[2] value and low RSME value. To provide a bias free classification, tenfold cross validation is performed which produced an accuracy of 97.8% and 98.5% on the two datasets respectively. Experimental outcomes demonstrate the superiority of the Hybrid Grey Wolf-Bat Algorithm over the similar techniques in predicting schizophrenia.}, }
@article {pmid36690672, year = {2023}, author = {Likhanov, M and Bogdanova, O and Alenina, E and Kolienko, T and Kovas, Y}, title = {No evidence of a positive effect of learning Chinese language as an L2 on spatial ability.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {1262}, pmid = {36690672}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Child ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests ; *Language ; Learning ; *Spatial Navigation ; }, abstract = {Spatial ability (SA) was shown to be a robust predictor of success in various educational contexts, including STEM. Thus, ways to improve SA are of interest to educational psychology. There is some evidence that SA might be improved via learning character-based language, e.g. Chinese as a second language (CSL), however, the existing research is quite limited. The study aims to investigate an effect of CSL learning on SA in schoolchildren from Year 2 to Year 7. Current study employs a sample of Russian schoolchildren (N = 283), who learnt: English only, English and Spanish; or English and Chinese. Participants completed Raven's progressive matrices and Mental rotation task at the age of 8 and again at the age of 14. Our data showed negligible group differences in the initial SA level at Year 2 (before learning second language). Similar negligible differences were found at Year 7. Regression analysis showed that SA was predicted by intelligence (Raven's) and gender but not language learnt at both ages. This pattern of results indicates that learning a Chinese as a second language is unlikely to affect SA. Further research is needed to investigate whether other factors, such as length, intensity and context of learning, moderate this link.}, }
@article {pmid36655045, year = {2023}, author = {Zhou, L and Lei, J and Zhai, X and Shi, H and Wang, J}, title = {Chinese striped-neck turtles vocalize underwater and show differences in peak frequency among different age and sex groups.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {e14628}, pmid = {36655045}, issn = {2167-8359}, mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Male ; Reproducibility of Results ; *Turtles ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Turtle vocalizations play an important role throughout their lives by expressing individual information (position, emotion, or physiological status), reflecting mating preferences, and synchronizing incubation. The Chinese striped-neck turtle (Mauremys sinensis) is one of the most widely distributed freshwater turtles in China, whose wild population is critically endangered. However, its vocalization has not been studied, which can be the basis for behavioral and ecological studies.<br><br>METHODS: Five different sex-age groups of turtles were recorded underwater in a soundproof room. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis for classification of Chinese striped-neck turtle calls were unreasonable. The turtle calls were manually sought using visual and aural inspection of the recordings in Raven Pro 1.5 software and classified according to differences perceived through auditory inspection and the morphological characteristics of the spectrograms. The results of similarity analysis verified the reliability of manual classification. We compared the peak frequency of the calls among different age and sex groups.<br><br>RESULTS: We identified ten M. sinensis call types, displayed their spectra and waveforms, and described their auditory characteristics. Most calls produced by the turtles were low-frequency. Some high-frequency call types, that are common in other turtle species were also produced. Similar to other turtles, the Chinese striped-neck turtle generates harmonic vocalizations. Courtship behaviors were observed when one of the call types occurred in the mixed-sex group. Adult females produced more high-frequency call types, and subadult males had higher vocalizations than other groups. These results provide a basis for future research on the function of vocalizations, field monitoring, and conservation of this species.}, }
@article {pmid36638508, year = {2023}, author = {Salaün, JP and Chagnot, A and Cachia, A and Poirel, N and Datin-Dorrière, V and Dujarrier, C and Lemarchand, E and Rolland, M and Delalande, L and Gressens, P and Guillois, B and Houdé, O and Levard, D and Gakuba, C and Moyon, M and Naveau, M and Orliac, F and Orliaguet, G and Hanouz, JL and Agin, V and Borst, G and Vivien, D}, title = {Consequences of General Anesthesia in Infancy on Behavior and Brain Structure.}, journal = {Anesthesia and analgesia}, volume = {136}, number = {2}, pages = {240-250}, doi = {10.1213/ANE.0000000000006233}, pmid = {36638508}, issn = {1526-7598}, mesh = {Humans ; Child ; Adult ; Animals ; Mice ; *Brain/diagnostic imaging ; Anesthesia, General/adverse effects ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods ; Memory, Short-Term ; *Anesthetics ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: One in 7 children will need general anesthesia (GA) before the age of 3. Brain toxicity of anesthetics is controversial. Our objective was to clarify whether exposure of GA to the developing brain could lead to lasting behavioral and structural brain changes.<br><br>METHODS: A first study was performed in mice. The behaviors (fear conditioning, Y-maze, and actimetry) and brain anatomy (high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging) of 6- to 8-week-old Swiss mice exposed or not exposed to GA from 4 to 10 days old were evaluated. A second study was a complementary analysis from the preexisting APprentissages EX&#xe9;cutifs et cerveau chez les enfants d'&#xe2;ge scolaire (APEX) cohort to assess the replicability of our data in humans. The behaviors (behavior rating inventory of executive function, emotional control, and working memory score, Backward Digit Span, and Raven 36) and brain anatomy (high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging) were compared in 102 children 9 to 10 years of age exposed or not exposed to a single GA (surgery) during infancy.<br><br>RESULTS: The animal study revealed chronic exacerbated fear behavior in the adult mice (95% confidence interval [CI], 4-80; P = .03) exposed to postnatal GA; this was associated with an 11% (95% CI, 7.5-14.5) reduction of the periaqueductal gray matter (P = .046). The study in humans suggested lower emotional control (95% CI, 0.33-9.10; P = .06) and a 6.1% (95% CI, 4.3-7.8) reduction in the posterior part of the right inferior frontal gyrus (P = .019) in the children who had been exposed to a single GA procedure.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The preclinical and clinical findings of these independent studies suggest lasting effects of early life exposure to anesthetics on later emotional control behaviors and brain structures.}, }
@article {pmid36629935, year = {2023}, author = {Huber, L and Lonardo, L}, title = {Canine perspective-taking.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {26}, number = {1}, pages = {275-298}, pmid = {36629935}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {W 1262/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; W1262-B29//FWF/ ; CS18-012//WWTF/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Dogs/psychology ; Humans ; Attention ; *Cognition ; Cues ; Learning ; Theory of Mind ; }, abstract = {An important question in the study of canine cognition is how dogs understand humans, given that they show impressive abilities for interacting and communicating with us. In this review, we describe and discuss studies that have investigated dogs' perspective-taking abilities. There is solid evidence that dogs are not only sensitive to the gaze of others, but also their attention. We specifically address the question whether dogs have the ability to take the perspective of others and thus come to understand what others can or cannot perceive. From the latter, they may then infer what others know and use this representation to anticipate what others do next. Still, dogs might simply rely on directly observable cues and on what they themselves can perceive when they assess what others can perceive. And instead of making inferences from representations of others' mental states, they may have just learned that certain behaviours of ours lead to certain outcomes. However, recent research seems to challenge this low-level explanation. Dogs have solved several perspective-taking tasks instantly and reliably across a large number of variations, including geometrical gaze-following, stealing in the dark, concealing information from others, and Guesser/Knower differentiation. In the latter studies, dogs' choices between two human informants were strongly influenced by cues related to the humans' visual access to the food, even when the two informants behaved identically. And finally, we review a recent study that found dogs reacting differently to misleading suggestions of human informants that have either a true or false belief about the location of food. We discuss this surprising result in terms of the comprehension of reality-incongruent mental states, which is considered as a hallmark of Theory of Mind acquisition in human development. Especially on the basis of the latter findings, we conclude that pet dogs might be sensitive to what others see, know, intend, and believe. Therefore, this ability seems to have evolved not just in the corvid and primate lineages, but also in dogs.}, }
@article {pmid36617783, year = {2023}, author = {Lima, M and Tábuas-Pereira, M and Durães, J and Vieira, D and Faustino, P and Baldeiras, I and Santana, I}, title = {Neuropsychological Assessment in the Distinction Between Biomarker Defined Frontal-Variant of Alzheimer's Disease and Behavioral-Variant of Frontotemporal Dementia.}, journal = {Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD}, volume = {91}, number = {4}, pages = {1303-1312}, doi = {10.3233/JAD-220897}, pmid = {36617783}, issn = {1875-8908}, mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Male ; *Alzheimer Disease/pathology ; *Frontotemporal Dementia/psychology ; Memory ; Executive Function ; Biomarkers ; Neuropsychological Tests ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Frontal-variant of Alzheimer's disease (fvAD) was purposed for patients with AD pathology that, despite the typical amnestic presentation, show early and progressive deterioration of behavior and executive functions, closely resembling the behavioral-variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). This leads to a challenging differential diagnosis where neuropsychological evaluation and in vivo pathological evidence are essential.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the contribution of a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment (NP) battery in distinguishing between fvAD-dementia and bvFTD supported by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers.<br><br>METHODS: We included 40 patients with a baseline NP profile with prominent early executive and/or behavioral dysfunction, who meet both diagnosis of bvFTD and fvAD-dementia, according to international criteria. All patients underwent comprehensive NP assessment and CSF-AD biomarker evaluation. Neuropsychological domains as well as clinical and sociodemographic features, and APOE genotype were compared between groups.<br><br>RESULTS: 21 patients (52.5%) met the biological criteria for AD (decreased A&#x3b2;42 together with increased T-tau or P-tau in CSF) and were therefore classified as fvAD (mean age was 64.57, with 47.6% female). There were no differences between groups regarding age/age-at-onset, gender, or educational level. Regarding neuropsychological profile, performances in language and memory functions were equivalent in both groups. Significant differences were found in visuo-constructional abilities (p&#x200a;=&#x200a;0.004), Trail Making Test A (p&#x200a;<&#x200a;0.001), and Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (p&#x200a;=&#x200a;0.019), with fvAD patients showing worst performances.<br><br>CONCLUSION: In patients with an early prominent frontal profile, a higher impairment in attention and visuo-spatial functions, signaling additional right hemisphere fronto-parietal dysfunction, point towards a diagnosis of fvAD-dementia and may be useful in clinical practice.}, }
@article {pmid36597822, year = {2023}, author = {Parsa, FR and Bayley, S and Bell, F and Dodd, S and Morris, R and Roberts, J and Wawman, D and Clegg, SR and Dunn, JC}, title = {Epidemiology of protozoan and helminthic parasites in wild passerine birds of Britain and Ireland.}, journal = {Parasitology}, volume = {150}, number = {3}, pages = {297-310}, pmid = {36597822}, issn = {1469-8161}, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Parasites ; United Kingdom/epidemiology ; Ireland/epidemiology ; Bayes Theorem ; Animals, Wild ; *Helminths ; *Passeriformes ; *Bird Diseases/epidemiology/parasitology ; Prevalence ; *Haemosporida ; }, abstract = {Avian endoparasites play important roles in conservation, biodiversity and host evolution. Currently, little is known about the epidemiology of intestinal helminths and protozoans infecting wild birds of Britain and Ireland. This study aimed to determine the rates of parasite prevalence, abundance and infection intensity in wild passerines. Fecal samples (n = 755) from 18 bird families were collected from 13 sites across England, Wales and Ireland from March 2020 to June 2021. A conventional sodium nitrate flotation method allowed morphological identification and abundance estimation of eggs/oocysts. Associations with host family and age were examined alongside spatiotemporal and ecological factors using Bayesian phylogenetically controlled models. Parasites were detected in 20.0% of samples, with corvids and finches having the highest prevalences and intensities, respectively. Syngamus (33%) and Isospora (32%) were the most prevalent genera observed. Parasite prevalence and abundance differed amongst avian families and seasons, while infection intensity varied between families and regions. Prevalence was affected by diet diversity, while abundance differed by host age and habitat diversity. Infection intensity was higher in birds using a wider range of habitats, and doubled in areas with feeders present. The elucidation of these patterns will increase the understanding of parasite fauna in British and Irish birds.}, }
@article {pmid36595212, year = {2023}, author = {Rey, A and Fagot, J}, title = {Associative learning accounts for recursive-structure generation in crows.}, journal = {Learning &amp; behavior}, volume = {51}, number = {4}, pages = {347-348}, pmid = {36595212}, issn = {1543-4508}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; *Learning ; }, abstract = {Recursive sequence generation (i.e., the ability to transfer recursive patterns to novel items) was recently reported in crows (Liao et al., 2022, Science Advances, 8[44], eabq3356). Here, we argue that although the reported data are certainly compatible with the recursion hypothesis, they can also be explained by other, much simpler mechanisms of associative learning.}, }
@article {pmid38625260, year = {2023}, author = {Samal, S and Dash, R}, title = {Developing a novel stock index trend predictor model by integrating multiple criteria decision-making with an optimized online sequential extreme learning machine.}, journal = {Granular computing}, volume = {8}, number = {3}, pages = {411-440}, pmid = {38625260}, issn = {2364-4974}, abstract = {It has always been the goal of many researchers to gain a thorough understanding of the patterns in the stock market and forecast the trends it will follow. The use of an advanced forecasting model can assist with accurately forecasting the future price of stocks, their fluctuations in the markets, as well as make profits in trading. With this motivation, in this study, a novel stock index trend predictor model is designed by integrating Multiple Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) with an optimized Online Sequential Extreme Learning Machine (OSELM). Forecasting the future stock index prices and analyzing the upward or downward trends of these price forecasts are the two objectives of the proposed model. As the performance of OSELM is heavily dependent on the activation functions used in it, suitable selection of the activation function for OSELM is addressed as a MCDM problem. According to this approach, the trend prediction performance of six popular activation functions is assessed based on five regression-based and five classification-based criteria. In this investigation, three MCDM approaches are used to assess the performance matrix and determine which activation function is the best for OSELM based on six alternative models and ten criteria. To further optimize OSELM's performance, a hybrid crow search algorithm (hCSA) is incorporated in its training phase. By introducing the chaotic map and mutation operator in position update scheme and catfish behavior in the search process of original CSA, the proposed hCSA is able to achieve the right balance between exploration and exploitation improving the convergence. The proposed trend predictor model is empirically evaluated over historical data of three stock indices such as BSE SENSEX, S&amp;P 500 and DJIA collected during pre-COVID and COVID time frame. In most of the test cases, the hCSA-OSELM model outperforms the state-of-the-art baseline models in terms of all evaluation criteria. When compared to the second-best baseline model, the suggested model is able to achieve the MSE improvements of 4-6%, 25-31%, and accuracy improvements of 0.4-0.8%, 0.9-1.3% over the pre-COVID and COVID time-frames, respectively. The statistical test also reveals the better performance of the proposed model. The robust and reliable MCDM-based model selection, superior prediction and classification outcomes clearly reveal that the proposed model can be used for financial time-series forecasting amid daily volatility as well as highly volatile markets.}, }
@article {pmid36552280, year = {2022}, author = {Beauchamp, G and Bowman, R}, title = {Visual Monitoring Strategies of Sentinels in a Cooperative Breeder.}, journal = {Biology}, volume = {11}, number = {12}, pages = {}, pmid = {36552280}, issn = {2079-7737}, abstract = {Vigilance is important for early detection of threats. Previous studies have focused on the allocation of time to vigilance but neglected how animals monitor their surroundings during vigilance. Where animals look and how long each look lasts can affect the quality of visual monitoring and thus the ability to detect threats during vigilance. We examined visual monitoring strategies in the Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens), a cooperative breeder with sentinel behaviour. Sentinels in this species make head turns from vantage points to detect the arrival of predators and intruding neighbours. We found that sentinels initiated head turns at regular intervals and also returned their gaze to areas previously monitored at regular intervals, which is predicted when predators and intruders rely on surprise rather than stealth to approach. Sentinels made head turns in several directions, but often more frequently on one side of the body than the other, which was not predicted for regular vigilance. Average look duration during sentinel bouts was shorter in smaller groups and in juveniles. We argue that shorter looks are beneficial to increase visual coverage in more threatening situations. Our study highlights how visual monitoring strategies during vigilance reflect the risk posed by predators and intruders.}, }
@article {pmid36542636, year = {2022}, author = {Mantilla, C and Murad, Z}, title = {Ego-relevance in team production.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {17}, number = {12}, pages = {e0279391}, pmid = {36542636}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Humans ; *Ego ; }, abstract = {We study how individuals' effort contribution to a team production task varies depending on whether the task is ego relevant or not. We conduct an experiment to test the effect of ego-relevance when the team production depends on the team's top- or bottom-performer. Ego-relevance is manipulated by calling the Raven IQ Test an "IQ Task" or a "Pattern Task." We find that the effort contributed to the task is affected by ego-relevance and the impact of the team production function on effort contribution is mediated by the teammate's expected effort contribution. Ego-relevance increases the responsiveness to the teammate's expected effort contributions. Similarly, more responsive behavior is noticeable when the team production depends on the bottom-performer. However, we do not observe interaction-effects between ego-relevance and the team production function that affect effort contributions.}, }
@article {pmid36541516, year = {2022}, author = {O'Coin, D and Mclvor, GE and Thornton, A and Ouellette, NT and Ling, H}, title = {Velocity correlations in jackdaw flocks in different ecological contexts.}, journal = {Physical biology}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1088/1478-3975/aca862}, pmid = {36541516}, issn = {1478-3975}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Crows ; Flight, Animal ; Models, Biological ; Birds ; }, abstract = {Velocity correlation is an important feature for animal groups performing collective motions. Previous studies have mostly focused on the velocity correlation in a single ecological context. It is unclear whether correlation characteristics vary in a single species in different contexts. Here, we studied the velocity correlations in jackdaw flocks in two different contexts: transit flocks where birds travel from one location to another, and mobbing flocks where birds respond to an external stimulus. We found that in both contexts, although the interaction rules are different, the velocity correlations remain scale-free, i.e. the correlation length (the distance over which the velocity of two individuals is similar) increases linearly with the group size. Furthermore, we found that the correlation length is independent of the group density for transit flocks, but increases with increasing group density in mobbing flocks. This result confirms a previous observation that birds obey topological interactions in transit flocks, but switch to metric interactions in mobbing flocks. Finally, in both contexts, the impact of group polarization on correlation length is not significant. Our results suggest that wild animals are always able to respond coherently to perturbations regardless of context.}, }
@article {pmid36503565, year = {2022}, author = {Blum, CR and Fitch, WT and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Social dynamics impact scolding behaviour in captive groups of common ravens (Corvus corax).}, journal = {Frontiers in zoology}, volume = {19}, number = {1}, pages = {32}, pmid = {36503565}, issn = {1742-9994}, support = {W 1262/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Predator avoidance can have immense impacts on fitness, yet individual variation in the expression of anti-predator behaviour remains largely unexplained. Existing research investigating learning of novel predators has focused either on individuals or groups, but not both. Testing in individual settings allows evaluations of learning or personality differences, while testing in group settings makes it impossible to distinguish any such individual differences from social dynamics. In this study, we investigate the effect of social dynamics on individual anti-predator behaviour. We trained 15 captive ravens to recognize and respond to a novel experimental predator and then exposed them to this predator in both group and isolation settings across 1.5 years to tease apart individual differences from social effects and evaluate two hypotheses: (1) weaker anti-predator responses of some individuals in the group occurred, because they failed to recognize the experimental predator as a threat, leading to weak responses when separated, or (2) some individuals had learned the new threat, but their scolding intensity was repressed in the group trials due to social dynamics (such as dominance rank), leading to increased scolding intensity when alone.<br><br>RESULTS: We found that dominance significantly influences scolding behaviour in the group trials; top-ranked individuals scold more and earlier than lower ranking ones. However, in the separation trials scolding duration is no longer affected by rank.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: We speculate that, while top-ranked individuals use their anti-predator responses to signal status in the group, lower-ranking ravens may be suppressed from, or are less capable of, performing intense anti-predator behaviour while in the group. This suggests that, in addition to its recruitment or predator-deterrent effects, alarm calling may serve as a marker of individual quality to conspecifics.}, }
@article {pmid36478284, year = {2022}, author = {Cella, F and Marchak, KA and Bianchi, C and Gelman, SA}, title = {Generic Language for Social and Animal Kinds: An Examination of the Asymmetry Between Acceptance and Inferences.}, journal = {Cognitive science}, volume = {46}, number = {12}, pages = {e13209}, pmid = {36478284}, issn = {1551-6709}, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Language ; }, abstract = {Generics (e.g., "Ravens are black") express generalizations about categories or their members. Previous research found that generics about animals are interpreted as broadly true of members of a kind, yet also accepted based on minimal evidence. This asymmetry is important for suggesting a mechanism by which unfounded generalizations may flourish; yet, little is known whether this finding extends to generics about groups of people (heretofore, "social generics"). Accordingly, in four preregistered studies (n = 665), we tested for an inferential asymmetry for generics regarding novel groups of animals versus people. Participants were randomly assigned to either an Implied Prevalence task (given a generic, asked to estimate the prevalence of a property) or a Truth-Conditions task (given prevalence information, asked whether a generic was true or false). A generic asymmetry was found in both domains, at equivalent levels. The asymmetry also extended to properties varying in valence (dangerous and neutral). Finally, there were differences as a function of property valence in the Implied Prevalence task and a small but consistent interaction between domain and prevalence in the Truth-Conditions task. We discuss the implications of these results for the semantics of generics, theoretical accounts of the asymmetry, and the relation between generics and stereotyping.}, }
@article {pmid36473095, year = {2022}, author = {Hilger, K and Euler, MJ}, title = {Intelligence and Visual Mismatch Negativity: Is Pre-Attentive Visual Discrimination Related to General Cognitive Ability?.}, journal = {Journal of cognitive neuroscience}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-17}, doi = {10.1162/jocn_a_01946}, pmid = {36473095}, issn = {1530-8898}, support = {HI 2185-1/1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; }, abstract = {EEG has been used for decades to identify neurocognitive processes related to intelligence. Evidence is accumulating for associations with neural markers of higher-order cognitive processes (e.g., working memory); however, whether associations are specific to complex processes or also relate to earlier processing stages remains unclear. Addressing these issues has implications for improving our understanding of intelligence and its neural correlates. The MMN is an ERP that is elicited when, within a series of frequent standard stimuli, rare deviant stimuli are presented. As stimuli are typically presented outside the focus of attention, the MMN is suggested to capture automatic pre-attentive discrimination processes. However, the MMN and its relation to intelligence has largely only been studied in the auditory domain, thus preventing conclusions about the involvement of automatic discrimination processes in humans' dominant sensory modality-vision. EEG was recorded from 50 healthy participants during a passive visual oddball task that presented simple sequence violations and deviations within a more complex hidden pattern. Signed area amplitudes and fractional area latencies of the visual MMN were calculated with and without Laplacian transformation. Correlations between visual MMN and intelligence (Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices) were of negligible to small effect sizes, differed critically between measurement approaches, and Bayes Factors provided anecdotal to substantial evidence for the absence of an association. We discuss differences between the auditory and visual MMN, the implications of different measurement approaches, and offer recommendations for further research in this evolving field.}, }
@article {pmid36466137, year = {2022}, author = {Cicero, C and Mason, NA and Oong, Z and Title, PO and Morales, ME and Feldheim, KA and Koo, MS and Bowie, RCK}, title = {Deep ecomorphological and genetic divergence in Steller's Jays (Cyanocitta stelleri, Aves: Corvidae).}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {12}, number = {12}, pages = {e9517}, pmid = {36466137}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {The relationship between ecology and morphology is a cornerstone of evolutionary biology, and quantifying variation across environments can shed light on processes that give rise to biodiversity. Three morphotypes of the Steller's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) occupy different ecoregions in western North America, which vary in climate and landcover. These morphotypes (Coastal, Interior, Rocky Mountain) differ in size, plumage coloration, and head pattern. We sampled 1080 Steller's Jays from 68 populations (plus 11 outgroups) to address three main questions using data on morphology, plumage, genetics (mtDNA, microsatellites), and ecological niches: (1) How do phenotypic and genetic traits vary within and among populations, morphotypes, and ecoregions? (2) How do population-level differences in Steller's Jays compare with other sister species pairs of North American birds? (3) What can we infer about the population history of Steller's Jays in relation to past climates, paleoecology, and niche evolution? We found substantial morphological, genetic, and ecological differentiation among morphotypes. The greatest genetic divergence separated Coastal and Interior morphotypes from the Rocky Mountain morphotype, which was associated with warmer, drier, and more open habitats. Microsatellites revealed additional structure between Coastal and Interior groups. The deep mtDNA split between Coastal/Interior and Rocky Mountain lineages of Steller's Jay (ND2 ~ 7.8%) is older than most North American avian sister species and dates to approximately 4.3 mya. Interior and Rocky Mountain morphotypes contact across a narrow zone with steep clines in traits and reduced gene flow. The distribution of the three morphotypes coincides with divergent varieties of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir. Species distribution models support multiple glacial refugia for Steller's Jays. Our integrative dataset combined with extensive geographic sampling provides compelling evidence for recognizing at least two species of Steller's Jay.}, }
@article {pmid36445847, year = {2023}, author = {Michon, A}, title = {Botulinum toxin for cosmetic treatments in young adults: An evidence-based review and survey on current practice among aesthetic practitioners.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {22}, number = {1}, pages = {128-139}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.15513}, pmid = {36445847}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Humans ; Young Adult ; Aged ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; *Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; Forehead ; Esthetics ; *Neuromuscular Agents ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin A (BoNTA) treatments are popular worldwide. Young adults, less than 41 years of age, are an important cohort of patients seen in practice, and the optimal dosage of BoNTA in this age group remains poorly defined.<br><br>AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: To determine the optimal dosing of BoNTA across different age-matched cohorts by reviewing the literature and to evaluate current BoNTA practices among aesthetic practitioners when treating younger versus older adults.<br><br>METHODS: An evidence-based literature review was performed to evaluate the current evidence on BoNTA injections for cosmetic indications in millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) and young adults. A cross-sectional online survey was distributed to aesthetic practitioners to assess their current practice with BoNTA.<br><br>RESULTS: There is a paucity of high-quality research on BoNT in millennials. Our literature review suggests different patterns of practice when treating younger adults. Specifically, our survey revealed that: (1) younger adults are receiving, on average, fewer units of BoNTA at the glabella, forehead, and crow's feet, (2) younger toxin-na&#xef;ve patients are also afraid to look frozen or unnatural, and (3) wrinkles prevention was the most common reason for seeking treatment in younger patients.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The literature review supports the efficacy of BoNTA for correcting wrinkles in millennials. Our findings provide further insight into the dosing pattern of cosmetic BoNTA and motivating factors for seeking treatments in young adults. This valuable information will help practitioners with treatment planning when seeing patients from different age cohorts. An individualized approach and a lower dosage of BoNTA in toxin-na&#xef;ve younger adults are recommended.}, }
@article {pmid36420534, year = {2023}, author = {Morin, TM and Moore, KN and Isenburg, K and Ma, W and Stern, CE}, title = {Functional reconfiguration of task-active frontoparietal control network facilitates abstract reasoning.}, journal = {Cerebral cortex (New York, N.Y. : 1991)}, volume = {33}, number = {10}, pages = {5761-5773}, doi = {10.1093/cercor/bhac457}, pmid = {36420534}, issn = {1460-2199}, mesh = {*Frontal Lobe/physiology ; *Parietal Lobe/physiology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Humans ; *Nerve Net/physiology ; Functional Neuroimaging ; Male ; Female ; Young Adult ; Adult ; *Cognition ; *Perception ; }, abstract = {While the brain's functional network architecture is largely conserved between resting and task states, small but significant changes in functional connectivity support complex cognition. In this study, we used a modified Raven's Progressive Matrices Task to examine symbolic and perceptual reasoning in human participants undergoing fMRI scanning. Previously, studies have focused predominantly on discrete symbolic versions of matrix reasoning, even though the first few trials of the Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices task consist of continuous perceptual stimuli. Our analysis examined the activation patterns and functional reconfiguration of brain networks associated with resting state and both symbolic and perceptual reasoning. We found that frontoparietal networks, including the cognitive control and dorsal attention networks, were significantly activated during abstract reasoning. We determined that these same task-active regions exhibited flexibly-reconfigured functional connectivity when transitioning from resting state to the abstract reasoning task. Conversely, we showed that a stable network core of regions in default and somatomotor networks was maintained across both resting and task states. We propose that these regionally-specific changes in the functional connectivity of frontoparietal networks puts the brain in a "task-ready" state, facilitating efficient task-based activation.}, }
@article {pmid36353077, year = {2022}, author = {Chevrier, B and Lamore, K and Untas, A and Dorard, G}, title = {Young adult carers' identification, characteristics, and support: A systematic review.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {990257}, pmid = {36353077}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {UNLABELLED: Young Adult Carers (YAC) are informal carers aged 18-25 years. This is an unrecognized population. The present systematic review aims to respond to: (1) how YAC are identified in research; (2) the prevalence of YAC; (3) the characteristics of YAC; and (4) how to support YAC. Five electronic databases (Google Scholar, PsycArticle, PsycInfo, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, and PubMed) were searched for studies, scientific articles, and gray literature on YAC published prior to January 18, 2021. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Crow Critical Appraisal Tool, and a narrative method was used to underline major findings. Twenty-three studies were included and revealed that there were several ways to identify YAC, resulting in heterogeneous prevalence. Nine themes were highlighted for YAC characteristics (way into caring; care receiver; caring responsibilities; amount of caring; self-identification as a carer; living arrangement; physical, psychological, and adaptative outcomes; interpersonal relationships; education and employment); and three for YAC support (needs, available support services, and recommendations). The findings showed the diversity of YAC experiences. Although YAC expressed several needs, there are few or no support services devoted to them. More research is needed to improve political awareness.<br><br>https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021231882, identifier: CRD42021231882.}, }
@article {pmid36342250, year = {2022}, author = {Cohen, JL and Fagien, S and Ogilvie, P and De Boulle, K and Carruthers, J and Cox, SE and Kelly, R and Garcia, JK and Sangha, S}, title = {High Patient Satisfaction for up to 6 Months With OnabotulinumtoxinA Treatment for Upper Facial Lines.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {48}, number = {11}, pages = {1191-1197}, pmid = {36342250}, issn = {1524-4725}, mesh = {Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Botulinum Toxins, Type A/adverse effects ; *Cosmetic Techniques/psychology ; Forehead ; Neuromuscular Agents/adverse effects ; *Patient Satisfaction ; *Skin Aging ; Treatment Outcome ; Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic ; Middle Aged ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: OnabotulinumtoxinA safety and efficacy are well established for upper facial lines (UFL), including forehead lines (FHL), glabellar lines (GL), and crow's feet lines (CFL).<br><br>OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of onabotulinumtoxinA efficacy with patient-reported psychological impacts and satisfaction in UFL.<br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: A pooled analysis of data from 4 pivotal Phase 3 trials (onabotulinumtoxinA vs placebo in FHL &#xb1; GL, FHL + GL &#xb1; CFL, CFL, and CFL + GL for &#x2264;180 days) evaluated investigator-assessed &#x2265;1-grade severity improvement on the Allergan Facial Wrinkle Scale at Day 30 (responders). Facial Line Outcomes (FLO-11) Questionnaire, Facial Line Satisfaction Questionnaire (FLSQ), and Subject Assessment of Satisfaction of Appearance (SASA) were used to evaluate responder appearance-related psychological impacts and satisfaction.<br><br>RESULTS: OnabotulinumtoxinA patients, by primary study focus (FHL, GL, or CFL), totaled 921, 921, and 833, respectively; 786 patients received placebo. Most patients were female, White, and aged 45 to 50 years (median). Through 150 days, >42% FHL, >43% GL, and &#x2265;32% CFL patients were onabotulinumtoxinA responders. Responders reported improvements in appearance-related psychological impacts (FLO-11) and high satisfaction (FLSQ and SASA), sustained through &#x2265;150 days.<br><br>CONCLUSION: A &#x2265;1-grade improvement with onabotulinumtoxinA is a clinically meaningful outcome in UFL, associated with long-lasting improved patient-reported psychological impacts and high satisfaction.}, }
@article {pmid36322648, year = {2022}, author = {Liao, DA and Brecht, KF and Johnston, M and Nieder, A}, title = {Recursive sequence generation in crows.}, journal = {Science advances}, volume = {8}, number = {44}, pages = {eabq3356}, pmid = {36322648}, issn = {2375-2548}, abstract = {Recursion, the process of embedding structures within similar structures, is often considered a foundation of symbolic competence and a uniquely human capability. To understand its evolution, we can study the recursive aptitudes of nonhuman animals. We adopted the behavioral protocol of a recent study demonstrating that humans and nonhuman primates grasp recursion. We presented sequences of bracket pair stimuli (e.g., [ ] and { }) to crows who were instructed to peck at training lists. They were then tested on their ability to transfer center-embedded structure to never-before-seen pairings of brackets. We reveal that crows have recursive capacities; they perform on par with children and even outperform macaques. The crows continued to produce recursive sequences after extending to longer and thus deeper embeddings. These results demonstrate that recursive capabilities are not limited to the primate genealogy and may have occurred separately from or before human symbolic competence in different animal taxa.}, }
@article {pmid36314150, year = {2022}, author = {Schnell, AK and Boeckle, M and Clayton, NS}, title = {Waiting for a better possibility: delay of gratification in corvids and its relationship to other cognitive capacities.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {377}, number = {1866}, pages = {20210348}, pmid = {36314150}, issn = {1471-2970}, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; Pleasure ; *Passeriformes ; *Self-Control ; Pan troglodytes ; *Songbirds ; Cognition ; }, abstract = {Self-control, the ability to resist temptation and wait for better but delayed possibilities, is an important cognitive skill that underpins decision-making and planning. The capacity to exert self-control has been linked to intelligence in humans, chimpanzees and most recently cuttlefish. Here, we presented 10 Eurasian jays, Garrulus glandarius, with a delayed maintenance task, which measured the ability to choose a preferred outcome as well as the ability to sustain the delay prior to that outcome. Jays were able to wait for better possibilities, but maximum wait times varied across the subjects. We also presented them with five cognitive tasks that assessed spatial memory, spatial relationships and learning capacity. These tasks are commonly used as measures of general intelligence within an ecological context. Individual performance was correlated across the cognitive tasks, which suggests that there was a general intelligence factor underlying their performance. Performance in these tasks was correlated significantly with the jays' capacity to wait for better possibilities. This study demonstrates that self-control and intelligence are correlated in jays. The fact that this correlation exists in diverse species suggests that self-control is a fundamental feature of cognition. Our results are discussed in the context of convergent evolution. This article is part of the theme issue 'Thinking about possibilities: mechanisms, ontogeny, functions and phylogeny'.}, }
@article {pmid36308912, year = {2022}, author = {Ioan, I and Weick, D and Sevin, F and Sanlaville, D and De Fréminville, B and Schweitzer, C and Akkari, M and Coutier, L and Putois, B and Plancoulaine, S and Thieux, M and Franco, P}, title = {Neurocognitive evaluation of children with down syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.}, journal = {Sleep medicine}, volume = {100}, number = {}, pages = {542-549}, doi = {10.1016/j.sleep.2022.09.009}, pmid = {36308912}, issn = {1878-5506}, mesh = {Child ; Male ; Humans ; Child, Preschool ; Adolescent ; Female ; *Down Syndrome/complications ; *Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/complications/diagnosis ; Polysomnography ; Sleep ; Arousal ; }, abstract = {Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) treatment has been shown to improve cardiac behavioral and cognitive functions in typically developing children. Early OSAS diagnosis in children with Down syndrome (DS) would be important to prevent its complications, especially cognitive ones, but remains overlooked. The main objective of our study was to assess the cognitive function of children with DS, with and without OSAS. The second objective was to determine the impact of the therapeutic intervention on the cognitive function of children with OSAS. This study included 41 children with DS who underwent polysomnography for OSAS diagnosis and a cognitive evaluation. They were aged between 3.4 and 17.3 years and 24 (59%) were boys. Their median OAHI was 2.6 (0-31)/h of sleep, 30 (73%) were diagnosed with OSAS (15 had mild OSAS, and 15 had moderate/severe OSAS). Some scores of the Raven's colored progressive matrices were negatively correlated with the respiratory arousal index, OAHI tended to be positively correlated with Reiss behavioral problems. 24 (59%) patients received a treatment. Even if we were unable to demonstrate this formally due that only 16 children (39%) accepted a follow-up visit, some displayed improvement in their neuropsychological scores, especially those with moderate/severe OSAS after treatment. Children with DS have low intellectual abilities and more risk of developing OSAS compared to the general population, which may lead to further neurocognitive impairment. Early screening and management are important in this population to prevent any further neurocognitive delay in their development.}, }
@article {pmid36300140, year = {2022}, author = {Takeda, K and Takahashi, N and Izawa, EI}, title = {Social encounters produce different autonomic response between dominants and subordinates in crows.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {9}, number = {10}, pages = {220972}, pmid = {36300140}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {Recent studies of behavioural physiology on animals have suggested the crucial role of peripherally physiological signals in eliciting arousal and emotion. Heart rate (HR) is one of the useful and critical signals to measure autonomic regulation as a physiological basis for arousal and emotion in response to biologically significant stimuli such as social encounter with conspecific individuals. However, our understanding of peripherally physiological response such as HRs and autonomic activities under social contexts of non-human animals is still limited, particularly in birds. Here, we examined the autonomic activity of behaving crows exposed to a dominant and a subordinate conspecific by using non-invasive electrocardiogram recording. We found different patterns of autonomic responses dependent on the relative dominance position: dominant crows encountering subordinates showed the elevation of sympathetic activity, whereas subordinates encountering dominants showed decreased HR with elevated parasympathetic activity. This is the first study in birds to report different autonomic responses dependent on relative dominance positions during dyadic social encounters. The present study advances our understanding of the role of the peripheral autonomic system, as an interactive system with the brain, in eliciting emotion/arousal associated with socially challenging environments from an evolutionary perspective.}, }
@article {pmid36290411, year = {2022}, author = {Bailote, HB and Linhares, D and Carvalho, C and Prazeres, S and Rodrigues, AS and Garcia, P}, title = {Iodine Intake and Related Cognitive Function Impairments in Elementary Schoolchildren.}, journal = {Biology}, volume = {11}, number = {10}, pages = {}, pmid = {36290411}, issn = {2079-7737}, support = {M3.1.a/F/004/2018//Fundo Regional da Ci&#xea;ncia e Tecnologia/ ; }, abstract = {Iodine deficiency, the most common cause of preventable mental impairment worldwide, has been linked to poorer intellectual function in several studies. However, to our knowledge, no studies have been performed in moderate iodine-deficient schoolchildren using the complete form of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-III; Portuguese version). The main purpose of this study was to ascertain whether moderate iodine deficiency would affect the cognitive function of schoolchildren (7-11 years old; 3rd and 4th grades). Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (CPM; Portuguese version) were used for measuring the intelligence quotient (IQ) of the total population (n = 256; median UIC = 66.2 μg/L), and the WISC-III was used to study two selected subgroups: one moderately iodine-deficient (n = 30) and the other with adequate iodine intake (n = 30). WISC-III was shown to be the prime instrument for cognitive function assessment among moderate iodine-deficient schoolchildren; this subgroup had a Full-Scale IQ 15.13 points lower than the adequate iodine intake subgroup, with a magnitude effect of d = 0.7 (p = 0.013). Significant differences were also registered in 6 of the 13 Verbal-Performance IQ subtests. Moderate iodine deficiency has a substantial impact on mental development and cognitive functioning of schoolchildren, with significant impairment in both Performance IQ and Verbal IQ spectrum, adversely impacting their educational performance.}, }
@article {pmid36285494, year = {2022}, author = {Fielding, MW and Cunningham, CX and Buettel, JC and Stojanovic, D and Yates, LA and Jones, ME and Brook, BW}, title = {Dominant carnivore loss benefits native avian and invasive mammalian scavengers.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {289}, number = {1985}, pages = {20220521}, pmid = {36285494}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Cats ; Animals ; *Ecosystem ; Food Chain ; Predatory Behavior ; *Carnivora ; Birds ; Fishes ; }, abstract = {Scavenging by large carnivores is integral for ecosystem functioning by limiting the build-up of carrion and facilitating widespread energy flows. However, top carnivores have declined across the world, triggering trophic shifts within ecosystems. Here, we compare findings from previous work on predator decline against areas with recent native mammalian carnivore loss. Specifically, we investigate top-down control on utilization of experimentally placed carcasses by two mesoscavengers-the invasive feral cat and native forest raven. Ravens profited most from carnivore loss, scavenging for five times longer in the absence of native mammalian carnivores. Cats scavenged on half of all carcasses in the region without dominant native carnivores. This was eight times more than in areas where other carnivores were at high densities. All carcasses persisted longer than the three-week monitoring period in the absence of native mammalian carnivores, while in areas with high carnivore abundance, all carcasses were fully consumed. Our results reveal that top-carnivore loss amplifies impacts associated with carnivore decline-increased carcass persistence and carrion access for smaller scavengers. This suggests that even at low densities, native mammalian carnivores can fulfil their ecological functions, demonstrating the significance of global carnivore conservation and supporting management approaches, such as trophic rewilding.}, }
@article {pmid36285436, year = {2022}, author = {Storms, RF and Carere, C and Musters, R and van Gasteren, H and Verhulst, S and Hemelrijk, CK}, title = {Deterrence of birds with an artificial predator, the RobotFalcon.}, journal = {Journal of the Royal Society, Interface}, volume = {19}, number = {195}, pages = {20220497}, pmid = {36285436}, issn = {1742-5662}, mesh = {Animals ; *Predatory Behavior ; Birds ; *Charadriiformes ; Fear ; }, abstract = {Collisions between birds and airplanes can damage aircrafts, resulting in delays and cancellation of flights, costing the international civil aviation industry more than 1.4 billion US dollars annually. Driving away birds is therefore crucial, but the effectiveness of current deterrence methods is limited. Live avian predators can be an effective deterrent, because potential prey will not habituate to them, but live predators cannot be controlled entirely. Thus, there is an urgent need for new deterrence methods. We developed the RobotFalcon, a device modelled after the peregrine falcon, and tested its effectiveness to deter flocks of corvids, gulls, starlings and lapwings. We compared its effectiveness with that of a drone, and of conventional methods routinely applied at a military airbase. The RobotFalcon scared away bird flocks from fields immediately, and these fields subsequently remained free of bird flocks for hours. The RobotFalcon outperformed the drone and the best conventional method at the airbase (distress calls). Importantly, there was no evidence that bird flocks habituated to the RobotFalcon over the course of the fieldwork. We conclude that the RobotFalcon is a practical and ethical solution to drive away bird flocks with all advantages of live predators but without their limitations.}, }
@article {pmid36262611, year = {2022}, author = {Wang, Y and Song, J and Teng, Z}, title = {An Improved New Caledonian Crow Learning Algorithm for Global Function Optimization.}, journal = {Computational intelligence and neuroscience}, volume = {2022}, number = {}, pages = {9248771}, pmid = {36262611}, issn = {1687-5273}, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Crows ; Algorithms ; }, abstract = {The New Caledonian crow learning algorithm (NCCLA) is a novel metaheuristic algorithm inspired by the learning behavior of New Caledonian crows learning to make tools to obtain food. However, it suffers from the problems of easily falling into local optima and insufficient convergence accuracy and convergence precision. To further improve the convergence performance of NCCLA, an improved New Caledonian crow learning algorithm (INCCLA) is proposed in this paper. By determining the parent individuals based on the cosine similarity, the juveniles are guided to search toward different ranges to maintain the population diversity; a novel hybrid mechanism of complete and incomplete learning is proposed to balance the exploration and exploitation capabilities of the algorithm; the update strategy of juveniles and parent individuals is improved to enhance the convergence speed and precision of the algorithm. The test results of the CEC2013 and CEC2020 test suites show that, compared with the original NCCLA algorithm and four of the best metaheuristics to date, INCCLA has significant advantages in terms of convergence speed, convergence precision, and stability.}, }
@article {pmid36248595, year = {2022}, author = {Passarello, N and Varini, L and Liparoti, M and Troisi Lopez, E and Sorrentino, P and Alivernini, F and Gigliotta, O and Lucidi, F and Mandolesi, L}, title = {Boosting effect of regular sport practice in young adults: Preliminary results on cognitive and emotional abilities.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {957281}, pmid = {36248595}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Several studies have shown that physical exercise (PE) improves behavior and cognitive functioning, reducing the risk of various neurological diseases, protecting the brain from the detrimental effects of aging, facilitating body recovery after injuries, and enhancing self-efficacy and self-esteem. Emotion processing and regulation abilities are also widely acknowledged to be key to success in sports. In this study, we aim to prove that regular participation in sports enhances cognitive and emotional functioning in healthy individuals. A sample of 60 students (mean age = 22.12; SD = 2.40; M = 30), divided into sportive and sedentary, were subjected to a neuropsychological tests battery to assess their overall cognitive abilities (Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices, APM), verbal and graphic fluency (Word Fluency Task and modified Five Point Test, m-FPT), as well as their emotional awareness skills (Toronto Alexithymia Scale, TAS-20). Our results showed that sportive students performed better than sedentary ones in all cognitive tasks. Regarding emotional processing abilities, significant differences were found in the TAS-20 total score as well as in the Difficulty Describing Feelings (DDF) subscale and the Difficulty Identifying Feeling (DIF) subscale. Lastly, gender differences were found in the External-Oriented Thinking (EOT) subscale. Overall, our findings evidence that PE has positive effects on cognitive functioning and emotion regulation, suggesting how sports practice can promote mental health and wellbeing.}, }
@article {pmid36226831, year = {2023}, author = {Majewski, GP and Marchesi, P and Bojanowski, K}, title = {Niacinamide + "Linefade" ameliorate crow's feet wrinkles and facial sagging in a split-face image analysis study.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {22}, number = {2}, pages = {708-709}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.15459}, pmid = {36226831}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Humans ; *Skin Aging ; Patient Satisfaction ; Diagnostic Imaging ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; }, }
@article {pmid36202786, year = {2022}, author = {Romeo, Z and Marino, M and Angrilli, A and Semenzato, I and Favaro, A and Magnolfi, G and Padovan, GB and Mantini, D and Spironelli, C}, title = {Altered language network lateralization in euthymic bipolar patients: a pilot study.}, journal = {Translational psychiatry}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {435}, pmid = {36202786}, issn = {2158-3188}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; *Bipolar Disorder/diagnostic imaging ; Brain/diagnostic imaging ; *Brain Mapping ; Female ; Humans ; Language ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Mania ; Middle Aged ; Pilot Projects ; }, abstract = {Bipolar patients (BD) in the euthymic phase show almost no symptoms, nevertheless possibility of relapse is still present. We expected to find a psychobiological trace of their vulnerability by analyzing a specific network-the Language Network (LN)-connecting many high-level processes and brain regions measured at rest. According to Crow's hypothesis on the key role of language in the origin of psychoses, we expected an altered asymmetry of the LN in euthymic BDs. Eighteen euthymic BD patients (10 females; age = 54.50 ± 11.38 years) and 16 healthy controls (HC) (8 females; age = 51.16 ± 11.44 years) underwent a functional magnetic resonance imaging scan at rest. The LN was extracted through independent component analysis. Then, LN time series was used to compute the fractional amplitude of the low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) index, which was then correlated with clinical scales. Compared with HC, euthymic patients showed an altered LN with greater activation of Broca's area right homologous and anterior insula together with reduced activation of left middle temporal gyrus. The normalized fALFF analysis on BD patients' LN time series revealed that the Slow-5 fALFF band was positively correlated with residual mania symptoms but negatively associated with depression scores. In line with Crow's hypothesis postulating an altered language hemispheric asymmetry in psychoses, we revealed, in euthymic BD patients, a right shift involving both the temporal and frontal linguistic hubs. The fALFF applied to LN allowed us to highlight a number of significant correlations of this measure with residual mania and depression psychiatric symptoms.}, }
@article {pmid36178004, year = {2022}, author = {McElderry, RM and Paxton, EH and Nguyen, AV and Siers, SR}, title = {Predation thresholds for reintroduction of native avifauna following suppression of invasive Brown Treesnakes on Guam.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {32}, number = {8}, pages = {e2716}, pmid = {36178004}, issn = {1939-5582}, mesh = {Animals ; *Predatory Behavior ; Guam ; *Birds ; }, abstract = {The brown treesnake (BTS) (Boiga irregularis) invasion on Guåhan (in English, Guam) led to the extirpation of nearly all native forest birds. In recent years, methods have been developed to reduce BTS abundance on a landscape scale. To help assess the prospects for the successful reintroduction of native birds to Guåhan following BTS suppression, we modeled bird population persistence based on their life history characteristics and relative sensitivity to BTS predation. We constructed individual-based models and simulated BTS predation in hypothetical founding populations for each of seven candidate bird species. We represented BTS predation risk in two steps: risk of being encountered and risk of mortality if encountered. We link encounter risk from the bird's perspective to snake contact rates at camera traps with live animal lures, the most direct practical means of estimating BTS predation risk. Our simulations support the well-documented fact that Guåhan's birds cannot persist with an uncontrolled population of BTS but do indicate that bird persistence in Guåhan's forests is possible with suppression short of total eradication. We estimate threshold BTS contact rates would need to be below 0.0002-0.0006 snake contacts per bird per night for these birds to persist on the landscape, which translates to an annual encounter probability of 0.07-0.20. We simulated the effects of snake-proof nest boxes for Sihek (Todiramphus cinnamominus) and Såli (Aplonis opaca), but the benefits were small relative to the overall variation in contact rate thresholds among species. This variation among focal bird species in sustainable predation levels can be used to prioritize species for reintroduction in a BTS-suppressed landscape, but variation among these species is narrow relative to the required reduction from current BTS levels, which may be four orders of magnitude higher (>0.18). Our modeling indicates that the required predation thresholds may need to be lower than have yet been demonstrated with current BTS management. Our predation threshold metric provides an important management tool to help estimate target BTS suppression levels that can be used to determine when bird reintroduction campaigns might begin and serves as a model for other systems to match predator control with reintroduction efforts.}, }
@article {pmid36173469, year = {2023}, author = {Vanhooland, LC and Szabó, A and Bugnyar, T and Massen, JJM}, title = {A comparative study of mirror self-recognition in three corvid species.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {26}, number = {1}, pages = {229-248}, pmid = {36173469}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {W 1262/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Phylogeny ; *Passeriformes/physiology ; *Crows ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; }, abstract = {Mirror self-recognition (MSR) assessed by the Mark Test has been the staple test for the study of animal self-awareness. When tested in this paradigm, corvid species return discrepant results, with only the Eurasian magpies and the Indian house crow successfully passing the test so far, whereas multiple other corvid species fail. The lack of replicability of these positive results and the large divergence in applied methodologies calls into question whether the observed differences are in fact phylogenetic or methodological, and, if so, which factors facilitate the expression of MSR in some corvids. In this study, we (1) present new results on the self-recognition abilities of common ravens, (2) replicate results of azure-winged magpies, and (3) compare the mirror responses and performances in the mark test of these two corvid species with a third corvid species: carrion crows, previously tested following the same experimental procedure. Our results show interspecies differences in the approach of and the response to the mirror during the mirror exposure phase of the experiment as well as in the subsequent mark test. However, the performances of these species in the Mark Test do not provide any evidence for their ability of self-recognition. Our results add to the ongoing discussion about the convergent evolution of MSR and we advocate for consistent methodologies and procedures in comparing this ability across species to advance this discussion.}, }
@article {pmid36138871, year = {2022}, author = {Zhozhikashvili, N and Zakharov, I and Ismatullina, V and Feklicheva, I and Malykh, S and Arsalidou, M}, title = {Parietal Alpha Oscillations: Cognitive Load and Mental Toughness.}, journal = {Brain sciences}, volume = {12}, number = {9}, pages = {}, pmid = {36138871}, issn = {2076-3425}, support = {17-78-30028//Russian Science Foundation/ ; }, abstract = {Cognitive effort is intrinsically linked to task difficulty, intelligence, and mental toughness. Intelligence reflects an individual’s cognitive aptitude, whereas mental toughness (MT) reflects an individual’s resilience in pursuing success. Research shows that parietal alpha oscillations are associated with changes in task difficulty. Critically, it remains unclear whether parietal alpha oscillations are modulated by intelligence and MT as a personality trait. We examined event-related (de)synchronization (ERD/ERS) of alpha oscillations associated with encoding, retention, and recognition in the Sternberg task in relation to intelligence and mental toughness. Eighty participants completed the Sternberg task with 3, 4, 5 and 6 digits, Raven Standard Progressive Matrices test and an MT questionnaire. A positive dependence on difficulty was observed for all studied oscillatory effects (t = −8.497, p < 0.001; t = 2.806, p < 0.005; t = −2.103, p < 0.05). The influence of Raven intelligence was observed for encoding-related alpha ERD (t = −2.02, p = 0.049). The influence of MT was observed only for difficult conditions in recognition-related alpha ERD (t = −3.282, p < 0.005). Findings indicate that the modulation of alpha rhythm related to encoding, retention and recognition may be interpreted as correlates of cognitive effort modulation. Specifically, results suggest that effort related to encoding depends on intelligence, whereas recognition-related effort level depends on mental toughness.}, }
@article {pmid36133790, year = {2022}, author = {He, L and Huang, L}, title = {A Study on the Effects of a Cartoon Text Version of Health Education Manual with Sandplay on the Psychological Status and Cognitive Function of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.}, journal = {Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM}, volume = {2022}, number = {}, pages = {1816391}, pmid = {36133790}, issn = {1741-427X}, abstract = {PURPOSE: The study aimed to examine the effects of a cartoon text version of a health education manual with sandplay on the psychological status and cognitive function of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).<br><br>METHODS: Eighty cases of children with ADHD admitted from February 2019 to September 2021 were selected for the study. They were numbered according to the order of consultation, and after obtaining family consent, they were divided into the control group (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;40) and the observation group (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;40) using the random number table method. The control group received only medication and verbal health education, while the observation group received a cartoon text version of the health education manual together with sandplay on top of the above, and both groups were treated for 30 weeks. The attention test results and the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham-IV rating scales (SNAP-IV) were used to assess the effectiveness of the treatment for both groups of children. The awareness rate of health education knowledge of children and their families in both groups was counted. The Conners Parent Symptom Questionnaire (PSQ) and the Combined Raven's test (CRT) were used to assess the psychological status and cognitive functioning of the children in both groups.<br><br>RESULTS: After treatment, the response time, the number of errors, and the number of missed alarms in the attention test results were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the inattention, antagonism and defiance, and impulsiveness and hyperactivity scores on SNAP-IV were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the knowledge of disease and treatment, medical and nursing cooperation, safety and protection, and dietary precautions were higher in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the learning problems, conduct problems, psychosomatic problems, anxiety, impulsivity-hyperactivity, and hyperactivity index scores on the PSQ were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the A, B, C, D, and E theme scores in the CRT were higher in the observation group than in the control group, and the IQ score was also higher in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05).<br><br>CONCLUSION: The cartoon text version of the health education manual with sandplay can significantly improve the attention deficit, hyperactive behaviour, psychological status, and cognitive function of children with ADHD on the basis of pharmacological treatment, which has a good clinical application.}, }
@article {pmid36129004, year = {2022}, author = {Poncet, L and Desnous, C and Bellanger, C and Jozet-Alves, C}, title = {Unruly octopuses are the rule: Octopus vulgaris use multiple and individually variable strategies in an episodic-like memory task.}, journal = {The Journal of experimental biology}, volume = {225}, number = {19}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1242/jeb.244234}, pmid = {36129004}, issn = {1477-9145}, support = {ANR-18-CE02-0002//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Cognition ; Decapodiformes ; Humans ; Learning ; Mammals ; *Octopodiformes ; Predatory Behavior ; }, abstract = {Episodic-like memory has mainly been studied through experimental tasks in which subjects have to remember what they ate, where and when or in which context. Seemingly quite common in mammals and corvids, episodic-like memory ability has also been demonstrated in the common cuttlefish, a cephalopod mollusc. To explore whether this ability is common to all cephalopods or whether it has emerged to face specific ecological constraints, we conducted an episodic-like memory task with seven Octopus vulgaris. Only one individual learnt the replenishing rates during training and subsequently showed episodic-like memory ability, whereas the other individuals favoured simpler foraging strategies, such as avoidance of familiarity and alternation, use of a win-stay strategy and risk sensitivity. A high variability in the use of these strategies was observed between and within individuals throughout training. As octopuses seem to live under lighter environmental pressure than cuttlefish, they may not need to rely on episodic-like memory ability to optimize foraging as cuttlefish do. These results highlight the differences in the use of complex cognitive abilities between cuttlefish and octopuses, which might be linked to different environmental and predatory constraints.}, }
@article {pmid36125644, year = {2022}, author = {Loth, A and Güntürkün, O and von Fersen, L and Janik, VM}, title = {Through the looking glass: how do marked dolphins use mirrors and what does it mean?.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {25}, number = {5}, pages = {1151-1160}, pmid = {36125644}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {Gu227/16-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Bottle-Nosed Dolphin ; Elephants ; Fishes ; Crows ; *Behavior, Animal ; Pattern Recognition, Visual ; *Facial Recognition ; }, abstract = {Mirror-guided self-inspection is seen as a cognitive hallmark purportedly indicating the existence of self-recognition. Only a few species of great apes have been reported to pass a standard mark test for mirror self-recognition in which animals attempt to touch a mark. In addition, evidence for passing the mark test was also reported for Asian elephants, two species of corvids, and a species of cleaner fish. Mirror self-recognition has also been claimed for bottlenose dolphins, using exposure of marked areas to a mirror as evidence. However, what counts as self-directed behaviour to see the mark and what does not has been debated. To avoid this problem, we marked the areas around both eyes of the animals at the same time, one with visible and the other with transparent dye to control for haptic cues. This allowed the animal to see the mark easily and us to investigate what side was exposed to the mirror as an indicator for mark observation. We found that the animals actively chose to inspect their visibly marked side while they did not show an increased interest in a marked conspecific in the pool. These results demonstrate that dolphins use the mirror to inspect their marks and, therefore, likely recognise a distinction between self and others.}, }
@article {pmid36118475, year = {2022}, author = {Koo, SJ and Kim, YJ and Seo, E and Park, HY and Min, JE and Bang, M and Park, JY and Lee, E and An, SK}, title = {Relationship of neurocognitive ability, perspective taking, and psychoticism with hostile attribution bias in non-clinical participants: Theory of mind as a mediator.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {863763}, pmid = {36118475}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Hostile attribution bias is reportedly common from non-clinical population to those with serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, and is known to be closely related to theory of mind (ToM). This study aimed to investigate whether ToM skills mediate the relationship among neurocognitive ability, personality traits, and attribution bias.<br><br>METHODS: A total of 198 (101 females) non-clinical youths were recruited. To assess their neurocognitive ability and ToM skills, the participants were asked to complete Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) and the Korean version of the Reading the Mind in Eyes Test (K-RMET). To determine their personality traits, the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (psychoticism) and interpersonal reactivity index (perspective taking) were used. To evaluate hostile attribution bias, the Ambiguous Intentions Hostility Questionnaire was administered. Path analysis and bias-corrected percentile bootstrap methods were used to estimate model fit and the parameters of the mediating effects.<br><br>RESULTS: Based on model comparison, the best model characterized (1) two direct pathways from psychoticism and the K-RMET to hostility attribution bias and (2) three indirect pathways, wherein SPM, perspective taking, and psychoticism influenced hostile attribution bias through K-RMET. The final model fit indices were good [x [2]/df&#x2009;=&#x2009;1.126; comparative fit index&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.996; root mean square error of approximation&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.026; standard root mean square residual&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.026 and Akaike information criterion&#x2009;=&#x2009;28.251] and the K-RMET fully mediated the association between SPM, perspective taking, psychoticism, and hostile attribution bias.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The main findings suggested that ToM skills, such as the RMET, play an important role in explaining the relationship among neurocognitive ability, personality traits, and hostile attribution bias. ToM skills and a remediation strategy may need to be developed to balance the enhanced hostility bias that underlies the paranoia.}, }
@article {pmid36117861, year = {2022}, author = {Ashton, BJ and Thornton, A and Speechley, EM and Ridley, AR}, title = {Does trappability and self-selection influence cognitive performance?.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {9}, number = {9}, pages = {220473}, pmid = {36117861}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {Recent research has highlighted how trappability and self-selection-the processes by which individuals with particular traits may be more likely to be caught or to participate in experiments-may be sources of bias in studies of animal behaviour and cognition. It is crucial to determine whether such biases exist, and if they do, what effect they have on results. In this study, we investigated if trappability (quantified through 'ringing status'-whether or not a bird had been trapped for ringing) and self-selection are sources of bias in a series of associative learning experiments spanning 5 years in the Western Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen dorsalis). We found no evidence of self-selection, with no biases in task participation associated with sex, age, group size or ringing status. In addition, we found that there was no effect of trappability on cognitive performance. These findings give us confidence in the results generated in the animal cognition literature and add to a growing body of literature seeking to determine potential sources of bias in studies of animal behaviour, and how they influence the generalizability and reproducibility of findings.}, }
@article {pmid36099476, year = {2023}, author = {Rahman, E and Mosahebi, A and Carruthers, JDA and Carruthers, A}, title = {The Efficacy and Duration of Onabotulinum Toxin A in Improving Upper Facial Expression Lines With 64-Unit Dose Optimization: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis With Trial Sequential Analysis of the Randomized Controlled Trials.}, journal = {Aesthetic surgery journal}, volume = {43}, number = {2}, pages = {215-229}, doi = {10.1093/asj/sjac253}, pmid = {36099476}, issn = {1527-330X}, mesh = {Humans ; *Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; Facial Expression ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Forehead ; *Skin Aging ; *Neuromuscular Agents/therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Onabotulinumtoxin A (Onabot A) was the first treatment to be approved for aesthetic indications, namely glabellar lines (GLs), crow's feet lines (CFLs), and forehead lines (FHLs), with a cumulative dose of 64 U.<br><br>OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to combine the available data for approved doses for GLs, CFLs, and FHLs to explore the effect and duration of simultaneous treatment with Onabot A.<br><br>METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and other national clinical trial registries were searched for randomized controlled trials from January 2010 to July 2022. The meta-analysis, trial sequential analysis, and investigator-assessed time to return to nonresponder status in GLs, CFLs, and FHLs following Onabot A were plotted to elicit a cumulative dose-adjusted response curve based on Kaplan-Meier analysis with a log-rank test.<br><br>RESULTS: Fourteen randomized controlled trials were eligible for quantitative analysis. A total of 8369 subjects were recruited across the trials. The meta-analysis results show that Onabot A is very effective in reducing moderate to severe GLs, CFLs, and FHLs. The cumulative Z-curve for GLs, CFLs, and FHLs also exceeds the required information size (RIS). Kaplan-Meier analysis with a log-rank test demonstrated that simultaneous treatment of GLs, CFLs, and FHLs requires 182 days (95% CI = 179, 215 days) (P < 0.00002) to return to nonresponder status.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of the upper facial expression lines with Onabot A is effective, and the approved cumulative dose of 64 U gives longer-lasting effects.}, }
@article {pmid36008849, year = {2022}, author = {Jain, V and Bugnyar, T and Cunningham, SJ and Gallego-Abenza, M and Loretto, MC and Sumasgutner, P}, title = {The spatial and temporal exploitation of anthropogenic food sources by common ravens (Corvus corax) in the Alps.}, journal = {Movement ecology}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {35}, pmid = {36008849}, issn = {2051-3933}, support = {P29705//Austrian Science Fund/ ; 798091//European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme/ ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Anthropogenic food sources (AFSs) are widespread in human-transformed landscapes and the current scale at which they occur drives ecological change at the individual, population, and community levels. AFSs are exploited extensively by common ravens, Corvus corax. Understanding how raven populations use AFSs can provide insight into their ecological responses to AFSs.<br><br>METHODS: We equipped 81 ravens in the Austrian Alps with GPS-transmitters over a period of 2.75&#xa0;years. Using these tracking data, we investigated how cohort differences (i.e., age, sex, and origin) and seasonal changes influence raven movement patterns (i.e., occurrence distribution and maximum daily displacement) and AFS-use (i.e., number of AFSs visited and probability of being present at any AFS) at 45 extensively exploited sites.<br><br>RESULTS: We found that proxies for experience and dominance, inferred by age (i.e., juvenile versus adult) and origin (i.e., wild-caught versus captive-bred-released) cohorts, influenced movement patterns and the number of AFSs visited. However, all individuals were equally likely to be present at AFSs, highlighting the importance of AFSs for non-breeders in the study population. Seasonal changes in environmental conditions that&#xa0;affect energetic demands, the availability of natural and anthropogenic food, and foraging competition, &#xa0;influenced individuals' occurrence distributions and AFS-use. We found that under harsher conditions in autumn and winter, individuals ranged wider and depended on AFSs to a larger degree. However, contrary to expectation, they were less likely to be present at AFSs in these seasons compared to spring and summer, suggesting a trade-off between time spent moving and exploiting resources. We attribute the small ranging movements exhibited by non-breeders in spring and summer to the presence of highly territorial and socially dominant breeders. As breeders mostly stay and forage within their territories during these seasons, competition at AFSs decrease, thereby increasing the likelihood of individuals being present at any AFS.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: We emphasize that movement and AFS-use differ according to cohort differences and the seasonality of the environment. Our results highlight that predictable AFSs affect foraging strategies among non-breeding ravens. The extent of AFS-exploitation among non-breeding ravens in our study emphasize the potential of AFSs in shaping raven movement and resource-use.}, }
@article {pmid35957551, year = {2022}, author = {Forbes, SL and Samson, C and Watson, CJ}, title = {Seasonal impact of scavenger guilds as taphonomic agents in central and northern Ontario, Canada.}, journal = {Journal of forensic sciences}, volume = {67}, number = {6}, pages = {2203-2217}, doi = {10.1111/1556-4029.15122}, pmid = {35957551}, issn = {1556-4029}, support = {C150-2017-12//Canada 150 Research Chair in Forensic Thanatology/ ; RGPIN/6098/2019//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Swine ; Animals ; Seasons ; *Feeding Behavior ; Ontario ; *Birds ; Ecosystem ; Fishes ; Foxes ; }, abstract = {The process of human decomposition is driven by biological decomposers, mainly bacteria, vertebrates, and invertebrate scavengers. When vertebrate scavengers have access to a body, they can considerably accelerate decomposition through consumption of soft tissue and dispersal of skeletal elements. Presently, there are limited data available on vertebrate scavenging activity in Canada, particularly in densely populated provinces such as Ontario. This study aimed to determine which vertebrate species belong to the scavenger guilds in central and northern Ontario, and the impact of season and habitat on these taphonomic agents. Seasonal trials were conducted in summer, fall, and spring of 2020/2021 with pig carcasses placed in open (grassland) and closed (forest) sites. Vertebrate scavenger activity was recorded continuously using cellular and non-cellular trail cameras. Photographs were analyzed to identify species, quantify feeding intensity, and document scavenging behavior. We identified four mammalian scavengers, namely coyote, red fox, fisher, and pine marten, and three avian scavengers, namely bald eagle, turkey vulture, and American crows/northern ravens (grouped as corvids) across the trials. Season impacted scavenger presence with feeding and loss of soft tissue occurring more quickly in the summer, followed by spring and fall. None of the scavengers demonstrated a clear preference for the open versus closed sites. Our findings have identified the most prevalent vertebrate scavengers in central and northern Ontario and their taphonomic impact on soft and hard tissues. It is important to consider these agents and their ability to degrade and disperse remains during the search and recovery of human remains.}, }
@article {pmid35897325, year = {2022}, author = {Lima, RA and Soares, FC and van Poppel, M and Savinainen, S and Mäntyselkä, A and Haapala, EA and Lakka, T}, title = {Determinants of Cognitive Performance in Children and Adolescents: A Populational Longitudinal Study.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {19}, number = {15}, pages = {}, pmid = {35897325}, issn = {1660-4601}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Child ; Cognition ; *Exercise ; Female ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Intelligence Tests ; *Life Style ; Longitudinal Studies ; Male ; Physical Fitness ; }, abstract = {We evaluated the determinants of cognitive performance in children and adolescents. This is a longitudinal study, secondary analysis of the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) study. We assessed 502 children (51.6% girls) at middle childhood (range: 6.6 to 9.0 years), at late childhood, 437 children (51.0% girls, range: 8.8 to 11.2 years), and in 277 adolescents (54.5% girls, range: 15.0 to 17.4 years). Raven's progressive matrices tests estimated the participants' cognitive performance (outcome variable) at all time points. In total, we evaluated 29 factors from various dimensions (prenatal, neonatal, child fitness, lifestyle and anthropometrics). None of the neonatal and anthropometric parameters were associated with cognitive performance. Preeclampsia (prenatal) and listening to music, writing, arts and craft and watching TV (lifestyle) were negatively associated with cognitive performance. Shuttle run and box and block tests (fitness), and playing music, reading and time at the computer (lifestyle) were positive determinants of cognitive performance in children and adolescents. Fitness and lifestyle factors during childhood and adolescence diminished the importance of prenatal factors on cognitive performance and lifestyle factors were especially relevant in regard to cognitive performance. Reading was positively associated with cognitive performance, regardless of age and time dedicated, and should be promoted.}, }
@article {pmid35890782, year = {2022}, author = {Bhuiyan, R and Abdullah, J and Hashim, N and Al Farid, F and Mohd Isa, WN and Uddin, J and Abdullah, N}, title = {Deep Dilated Convolutional Neural Network for Crowd Density Image Classification with Dataset Augmentation for Hajj Pilgrimage.}, journal = {Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {22}, number = {14}, pages = {}, pmid = {35890782}, issn = {1424-8220}, mesh = {*Crowding ; Data Collection ; Islam ; Neural Networks, Computer ; Saudi Arabia/epidemiology ; *Travel ; }, abstract = {Almost two million Muslim pilgrims from all around the globe visit Mecca each year to conduct Hajj. Each year, the number of pilgrims grows, creating worries about how to handle such large crowds and avoid unpleasant accidents or crowd congestion catastrophes. In this paper, we introduced deep Hajj crowd dilated convolutional neural network (DHCDCNNet) for crowd density analysis. This research also presents augmentation technique to create additional dataset based on the hajj pilgrimage scenario. We utilized a single framework to extract both high-level and low-level features. For creating additional dataset we divide the process of images augmentation into two routes. In the first route, we utilized magnitude extraction followed by the polar magnitude. In the second route, we performed morphological operation followed by transforming the image into skeleton. This paper presented a solution to the challenge of measuring crowd density using a surveillance camera pointed at a distance. An FCNN-based technique for crowd analysis is included in the proposed methodology, particularly for classifying crowd density. There are several obstacles in video analysis when there are a large number of pilgrims moving around the tawaf area, with densities of between 7 and 8 per square meter. The proposed DHCDCNNet method has achieved accuracy of 97%, 89% and 100% for the JHU-CROWD dataset, the UCSD dataset and the proposed Hajj-Crowd dataset, respectively. The proposed Hajj-Crowd dataset, the UCSD dataset, and the JHU-CROW dataset all had accuracy of 98%, 97% and 97%, respectively, using the VGGNet approach. Using the ResNet50 approach, the proposed Hajj-Crowd dataset, the UCSD dataset, and the JHU-CROW dataset all had an accuracy of 99%, 91% and 97%, respectively.}, }
@article {pmid35879564, year = {2023}, author = {Loh, Z and Hall, EH and Cronin, D and Henderson, JM}, title = {Working memory control predicts fixation duration in scene-viewing.}, journal = {Psychological research}, volume = {87}, number = {4}, pages = {1143-1154}, pmid = {35879564}, issn = {1430-2772}, support = {R01 EY027792/EY/NEI NIH HHS/United States ; R01-EY027792//Foundation for the National Institutes of Health/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *Memory, Short-Term ; *Fixation, Ocular ; Eye Movements ; Saccades ; Cognition ; }, abstract = {When viewing scenes, observers differ in how long they linger at each fixation location and how far they move their eyes between fixations. What factors drive these differences in eye-movement behaviors? Previous work suggests individual differences in working memory capacity may influence fixation durations and saccade amplitudes. In the present study, participants (N = 98) performed two scene-viewing tasks, aesthetic judgment and memorization, while viewing 100 photographs of real-world scenes. Working memory capacity, working memory processing ability, and fluid intelligence were assessed with an operation span task, a memory updating task, and Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices, respectively. Across participants, we found significant effects of task on both fixation durations and saccade amplitudes. At the level of each individual participant, we also found a significant relationship between memory updating task performance and participants' fixation duration distributions. However, we found no effect of fluid intelligence and no effect of working memory capacity on fixation duration or saccade amplitude distributions, inconsistent with previous findings. These results suggest that the ability to flexibly maintain and update working memory is strongly related to fixation duration behavior.}, }
@article {pmid35858056, year = {2022}, author = {Ręk, P and Magrath, RD}, title = {Reality and illusion: the assessment of angular separation of multi-modal signallers in a duetting bird.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {289}, number = {1978}, pages = {20220680}, pmid = {35858056}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Acoustic Stimulation ; Animals ; Auditory Perception/physiology ; Australia ; *Illusions ; Male ; *Passeriformes ; Photic Stimulation ; *Songbirds/physiology ; Territoriality ; Visual Perception/physiology ; }, abstract = {The spatial distribution of cooperating individuals plays a strategic role in territorial interactions of many group-living animals, and can indicate group cohesion. Vocalizations are commonly used to judge the distribution of signallers, but the spatial resolution of sounds is poor. Many species therefore accompany calls with movement; however, little is known about the role of audio-visual perception in natural interactions. We studied the effect of angular separation on the efficacy of multimodal duets in the Australian magpie-lark, Grallina cyanoleuca. We tested specifically whether conspicuous wing movements, which typically accompany duets, affect responses to auditory angular separation. Multimodal playbacks of duets using robotic models and speakers showed that birds relied primarily on acoustic cues when visual and auditory angular separations were congruent, but used both modalities to judge separation between the signallers when modalities were spatially incongruent. The visual component modified the effect of acoustic separation: robotic models that were apart weakened the response when speakers were together, while models that were together strengthened responses when speakers were apart. Our results show that responses are stronger when signallers are together, and suggest that males were are able to bind information cross-modally on the senders' spatial location, which is consistent with a multisensory illusion.}, }
@article {pmid35849899, year = {2022}, author = {Saito, Y and Takeshita, E and Komaki, H and Nishino, I and Sasaki, M}, title = {Determining neurodevelopmental manifestations in Duchenne muscular dystrophy using a battery of brief tests.}, journal = {Journal of the neurological sciences}, volume = {440}, number = {}, pages = {120340}, doi = {10.1016/j.jns.2022.120340}, pmid = {35849899}, issn = {1878-5883}, mesh = {*Autism Spectrum Disorder ; Child ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Humans ; *Intellectual Disability ; Male ; *Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/complications/diagnosis/genetics ; Quality of Life ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: We report neurodevelopmental manifestations in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and evaluate the correlations between mutation location and three neurodevelopmental abnormalities: intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and attentional problems.<br><br>METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 55 Japanese boys with genetically confirmed DMD who visited the outpatient department of the National Center for Psychiatry and Neurology of Japan from October 2017 to April 2018. Neurodevelopmental manifestations were evaluated using the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM), the Parent-Interview Autism Spectrum Disorder Rating Scale-Text Revision (PARS-TR), and the Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder-Rating Scale.<br><br>RESULTS: Among the 55 boys (mean [standard deviation, SD] age, 9.5 [1.6] years), 24 (43.6%) scored below -2.0 SD in RCPM, indicating intellectual disability. Further, 83% had DMD variants in exon 45 or downstream to it (P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.005). On the PARS-TR, 30 (55%) and 21 boys (38%) scored higher than the clinical cutoff score in childhood and present scores, respectively. Stereotyped behavior and restricted interests scores were found to decrease with age (P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.003 and P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.01, respectively).<br><br>DISCUSSION: The results show that boys with DMD who have intellectual disability commonly have DMD variants in exon 45 or downstream to it. Stereotyped behavior and restricted interests improved with age, while intellectual disability did not.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Understanding these characteristics of neurodevelopmental disability may reduce risky behaviors and improve the overall quality of life of patients with DMD.}, }
@article {pmid35844858, year = {2022}, author = {Ram, B and Thakur, R}, title = {Epidemiology and Economic Burden of Continuing Challenge of Infectious Diseases in India: Analysis of Socio-Demographic Differentials.}, journal = {Frontiers in public health}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {901276}, pmid = {35844858}, issn = {2296-2565}, mesh = {*Communicable Diseases/epidemiology ; Family Characteristics ; Female ; Financial Stress ; *Financing, Personal ; Health Expenditures ; Humans ; }, abstract = {Unlike other low- and middle-income countries, infectious diseases are still predominant, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are emerging without replacing the burden of infectious diseases in India, where it is imposing a double burden of diseases on households in the country. This study aimed to analyse the socio-economic and demographic differentials in the magnitude of economic burden and coping strategies associated with health expenditure on infectious diseases in India. National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) data on "Key Indicators of Social Consumption in India: Health, (2017-18)" have been employed in this study. The findings of the study revealed that more than 33% of the individuals are still suffering from infectious diseases out of the total ailing population in India. Based on the various socio-economic and demographic covariates, infectious diseases are highly prevalent among individuals with marginalized characteristics, such as individuals residing in rural areas, females, 0-14 age groups, Muslims, illiterates, scheduled tribes (STs), and scheduled castes (SCs), large family households, and economically poor people in the country. The per capita out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure on infectious diseases is INR 7.28 and INR 29.38 in inpatient and outpatient care, respectively. Whereas, monthly per patient OOP expenditure on infectious diseases by infection-affected populations is INR 881.56 and INR 1,156.34 in inpatient and outpatient care in India. The study found that people residing in rural areas, SCs followed by other backward classes (OBCs), illiterates, poor, and very poor are more dependent on borrowings, sale of assets, and other distressed sources of financing. However, under National Health Policy 2017, many initiatives, such as "Ayushman Bharat," PM-JAY, and National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) in 2021, have been launched by the government of India in the recent years. These initiatives are holistically launched for ensuring better health facilities, but it is early to make any prediction regarding its outcomes; hopefully, the time will define it over the passing of a few more years. Finally, the study proposed the need for proper implementations of policy initiatives, awareness against unhygienic conditions and contamination of illnesses, immunisations/vaccination campaigns, subsidized medical facilities, and the country's expansion of quality primary health-care facilities.}, }
@article {pmid35833319, year = {2022}, author = {Mack, C and Uomini, N}, title = {Modulation of behavioural laterality in wild New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides): Vocalization, age and function.}, journal = {Laterality}, volume = {27}, number = {4}, pages = {379-405}, doi = {10.1080/1357650X.2022.2098969}, pmid = {35833319}, issn = {1464-0678}, mesh = {Animals ; Functional Laterality ; *Crows ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {The New Caledonian crow (Corvus moneduloides) is known for displaying a unique set of tool-related behaviours, with the bird's bill acting as an individually consistently lateralized effector. However, we still fail to understand how such laterality develops, is modulated or even if its expression is consistent across other behavioural categories. Creating the first ethogram for this species allowed us to examine laterality and vocalisations in a population of wild, free-flying New Caledonian crows using detailed analyses of close-up video footage. We revealed the existence of an overall strong left-sided bias during object manipulation only and which was driven by the adult crows of our focal population, the stabilization of individual preferences occurring during the birds' juvenile years. Individually, at least one crow showed consistent side biases to the right and left within different behavioural categories. Our findings highlight previously unknown variability in behavioural laterality in this species, thus advocating for further investigation. Specifically, we argue that a better understanding of the New Caledonian crow's biology and ecology is required if one wishes to pursue the promising comparative road that laterality could be connected to the evolution of tool-making.}, }
@article {pmid35793298, year = {2024}, author = {Malkinski, M and Mandziuk, J}, title = {Multi-Label Contrastive Learning for Abstract Visual Reasoning.}, journal = {IEEE transactions on neural networks and learning systems}, volume = {35}, number = {2}, pages = {1941-1953}, doi = {10.1109/TNNLS.2022.3185949}, pmid = {35793298}, issn = {2162-2388}, abstract = {For a long time, the ability to solve abstract reasoning tasks was considered one of the hallmarks of human intelligence. Recent advances in the application of deep learning (DL) methods led to surpassing human abstract reasoning performance, specifically in the most popular type of such problems-Raven's progressive matrices (RPMs). While the efficacy of DL systems is indeed impressive, the way they approach the RPMs is very different from that of humans. State-of-the-art systems solving RPMs rely on massive pattern-based training and sometimes on exploiting biases in the dataset, whereas humans concentrate on the identification of the rules/concepts underlying the RPM to be solved. Motivated by this cognitive difference, this work aims at combining DL with the human way of solving RPMs. Specifically, we cast the problem of solving RPMs into a multilabel classification framework where each RPM is viewed as a multilabel data point, with labels determined by the set of abstract rules underlying the RPM. For efficient training of the system, we present a generalization of the noise contrastive estimation algorithm to the case of multilabel samples and a new sparse rule encoding scheme for RPMs. The proposed approach is evaluated on the two most popular benchmark datasets [I-RAVEN and procedurally generated matrices (PGM)] and on both of them demonstrate an advantage over the state-of-the-art results.}, }
@article {pmid35789658, year = {2022}, author = {Kang, KH and Nam, KB and Kim, JS and Yoo, JC}, title = {Nest characteristics and composition of the colonial nesting Azure-winged magpie Cyanopica cyanus in South Korea.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {e13637}, pmid = {35789658}, issn = {2167-8359}, mesh = {Animals ; *Nesting Behavior ; Plant Breeding ; *Passeriformes ; Reproduction ; Republic of Korea ; }, abstract = {Bird nests are crucial for reproductive success since they serve as structures to hold the eggs and nestlings safely. Therefore, the structural characteristics of bird nests have optimally evolved to maximize reproductive success, which are known to be affected by various factors. We gathered information on the nest characteristics such as nest structure and constituent materials in the colonial breeding Azure-winged magpie (Cyanopica cyanus) and investigated the relationship between ecologically relevant factors and the size and mass of the nests. The Azure-winged magpie nest can be deconstructed into an outer nest and an inner cup, and the type and mass of materials used for the construction of each part varies. Compared to the inner cup, the outer nest, which constitutes the overall shape of the nest, is composed of relatively harder materials, such as branches and soil. In contrast, the inner cup, which is the part where birds directly incubate eggs and raise nestlings, is composed of more flexible and softer materials, such as fiber and moss. We found that there was no relationship between nest characteristics and ecologically relevant factors. However, as the breeding season progressed, the volume of the inner cup decreased with increasing ambient temperatures. Our results show that Azure-winged magpies use differing materials for structurally distinct parts of the nests during construction. The results also indirectly suggest that the choice regarding the amount of insulating materials relative to changing temperatures during the breeding season may be one of the more significant adaptive strategies in the nest-building behaviors of Azure-winged magpies.}, }
@article {pmid35782054, year = {2022}, author = {Khosrozadeh, M and Ghadimi, S and Kazemzadeh Gharghabi, M and Kharrazifard, MJ and Hamrah, MH and Baghalian, A}, title = {The Correlation between Children's Intelligence Quotient and Their Behavior in Dental Setting: A Cross-Sectional Study.}, journal = {BioMed research international}, volume = {2022}, number = {}, pages = {2299215}, pmid = {35782054}, issn = {2314-6141}, mesh = {Child ; *Child Behavior ; Child, Preschool ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Parents ; }, abstract = {Children with high intelligence quotient (IQ) are more capable of managing adverse situations. These children may show more cooperation to receive dental treatments. This study assessed the effect of intelligence quotient (IQ) of 5-10-year-old children on their cooperation during dental treatments. Eighty children without previous dental history and in need of pulpotomy and stainless steel crowns in one tooth were selected. A written consent was obtained from the parents, and after the children's IQ was measured by Raven intelligence test, the treatments were performed and their cooperation level was determined using Frankl's behavior rating scale with rating 1 to rating 4 (definitely negative, negative, positive, and definitely positive). In this cross-sectional study, the relationship between IQ and cooperation level was analyzed by one-way ANOVA test while the effect of age and gender on IQ and cooperation level was studied by ordinal regression test. Out of the total samples, 5% had definitely negative, 16.2% had negative, 56.3% had positive, and 22.5% had definitely positive level of cooperation according to Frankl criteria. There was a significant and positive correlation between IQ and level of cooperation (r = 0.87, p < 0.001). According to the results of the linear regression analysis, to examine the effect of age, sex, and IQ variables on cooperation, children's age (p value = 0.003) had a positive effect on their cooperation, but gender had no effect on predicting IQ and cooperation level (p value = 0.557). Regarding significant relationship between IQ scores and cooperation level, dentists can predict cooperation in pediatric patients to deliver better treatments and increase patients' satisfaction.}, }
@article {pmid35774139, year = {2022}, author = {Gallego-Abenza, M and Boucherie, PH and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Early social environment affects attention to social cues in juvenile common ravens, Corvus corax.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {9}, number = {6}, pages = {220132}, pmid = {35774139}, issn = {2054-5703}, support = {P 29705/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; P 33960/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; W 1262/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {Social competence, i.e. defined as the ability to adjust the expression of social behaviour to the available social information, is known to be influenced by early-life conditions. Brood size might be one of the factors determining such early conditions, particularly in species with extended parental care. We here tested in ravens whether growing up in families of different sizes affects the chicks' responsiveness to social information. We experimentally manipulated the brood size of 13 captive raven families, creating either small or large families. Simulating dispersal, juveniles were separated from their parents and temporarily housed in one of two captive non-breeder groups. After five weeks of socialization, each raven was individually tested in a playback setting with food-associated calls from three social categories: sibling, familiar unrelated raven they were housed with, and unfamiliar unrelated raven from the other non-breeder aviary. We found that individuals reared in small families were more attentive than birds from large families, in particular towards the familiar unrelated peer. These results indicate that variation in family size during upbringing can affect how juvenile ravens value social information. Whether the observed attention patterns translate into behavioural preferences under daily life conditions remains to be tested in future studies.}, }
@article {pmid35772139, year = {2022}, author = {Zhu, C}, title = {Effects of Musicotherapy Combined with Cognitive Behavioral Intervention on the Cognitive Ability of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.}, journal = {Psychiatria Danubina}, volume = {34}, number = {2}, pages = {288-295}, doi = {10.24869/psyd.2022.288}, pmid = {35772139}, issn = {0353-5053}, mesh = {*Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/diagnosis ; Child ; Cognition ; *Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ; Humans ; Social Skills ; Wechsler Scales ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) mainly manifests as learning difficulties, emotional impulsiveness, excessive activities, and attention deficit disorder. Given that it can influence social communication abilities, as well as physical and psychological health and viability, ADHD rehabilitation has attracted close attention. This study aims to discuss the influences of musicotherapy combined with cognitive behavioral intervention on the cognitive ability of children with ADHD and provide some references for ADHD rehabilitation.<br><br>SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 120 children with ADHD in the Cooperative Hospital of Guangzhou University from June 2018 to May 2021 were chosen as the research objects. They were divided randomly into the control and observation groups with 60 cases in each group via the observing random digital method. The control group was the blank control and did not receive any intervention. The observation group received 16 weeks of musicotherapy combined with cognitive behavioral intervention. Symptoms and the results of the numerical cross-attention test, the Wisconsin card sorting test, the combined Raven's test (CRT), the Wechsler intelligence scale for children test, and Conner's child behavioral scale for parents of the two groups before and after the intervention were compared.<br><br>RESULTS: The relevant indexes of the control group did not show any significant changes after the intervention (P>0.05). In the intervention group, the accurately crossed number and net scores increased significantly, whereas the wrongly crossed number and missed crossed number scores and error; attention deficit; hyperactivity-impulsiveness; and ADHD-RS-&#x2163; total scores declined dramatically after intervention relative to those before the intervention. Moreover, the above indexes of the observation group showed more significant improvements than those of the control group (P<0.05). In the observation group, the conceptual level percentage and the number of completed classes had significantly increased and the number of discontinuous errors and number of continuous errors after the intervention had dropped sharply compared with those before. The above indexes of the observation group had improved significantly compared with those of the control group (P<0.05). Moreover, in both groups, the concentration/attention factor and CRT scores increased dramatically and the scores of Conner's child behavior scale after the intervention had dropped significantly compared with those before. After intervention, the above indexes of the observation group showed greater improvements than those of the control group (P<0.05).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The musicotherapy combined with cognitive behavioral intervention can improve the cognitive functions of children with ADHD and has clinical application values.}, }
@article {pmid35771525, year = {2022}, author = {Baciadonna, L and Jerwood, GM and Farrar, BG and Clayton, NS and Emery, NJ}, title = {Investigation of mirror-self recognition in ravens (Corvus corax).}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {136}, number = {3}, pages = {194-198}, doi = {10.1037/com0000319}, pmid = {35771525}, issn = {1939-2087}, support = {//Templeton World Charity Foundation/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; *Crows ; *Passeriformes ; }, abstract = {Large-brained birds, such as corvids and parrots, tend to fail tests for self-recognition (mirror self-recognition [MSR]), but the limited positive evidence for MSR in these species has been questioned due to methodological limitations. In the present study, we aimed to investigate MSR in ravens by performing three mirror tests: a mirror exposure test, a mirror preference test, and a mark test. Across all three tests, the ravens' behavior was not consistent with MSR. Three out of six ravens infrequently interacted with the mirror and the nonmirror surfaces. Two birds explored the mirror and occasionally displayed contingent behaviors. Finally, the ravens made very few social displays toward the mirror, suggesting that at this stage they did not treat their reflection as a conspecific. These findings, along with the current evidence available, raise further questions on the validity of relying on one test to establish self-recognition and call for the development of methods beyond mirror tests to explore self-recognition in nonhuman animals. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).}, }
@article {pmid35723939, year = {2022}, author = {Cavallini, M and Papagni, M and Augelli, F and Muti, GF and Santorelli, A and Raichi, M}, title = {Heterogeneous crow's feet line patterns and customized botulinum toxin rejuvenating treatment.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {21}, number = {10}, pages = {4294-4300}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.15172}, pmid = {35723939}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Middle Aged ; Humans ; Adolescent ; Adult ; *Skin Aging ; *Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; Esthetics ; Aging ; *Neuromuscular Agents ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: From early dynamic lines in smiling and squinting young people, crow's feet lines in the lateral canthal region evolve through prolonged tissue remodeling into mature, stable rhytids after the mid-to-late thirties, and requests for rejuvenating treatment. Because of the heterogeneous fanning behavior of crow's feet lines, individualizing neuromodulation with botulinum toxin injections might be a sound strategy to maximize aesthetic outcomes.<br><br>AIMS: To investigate the prevalence of variable crow's feet line patterns at maximum contracture and while smiling and comment on the relative distribution of such patterns and the influence of aging. These considerations will be the basis and rationale for future studies that will individualize the total 24-unit dose according to the distribution of crow's feet lines.<br><br>METHODS: Identifying CFL orientation at maximum frown and while smiling; assessment tool: the four-class 2015-version of Kane's classification further modified by converting the former "central fan pattern" into a new, more precisely defined "extended full-fan pattern" class.<br><br>RESULTS: The 323 cohort subjects had a mean age of 51.5&#xa0;&#xb1;&#x2009;9.28&#x2009;years. Although with some differences, outcomes in a central-southern real-world European Caucasian population appear similar to the distribution first studied in 2003 in a highly selected population in New England involved in double-blind clinical trials. The full-fan pattern predominated both at maximum contraction and when smiling, followed in prevalence by the upper-fan pattern at maximum contraction and the extended full-fan pattern while smiling. Age significantly influenced the crow's feet line pattern-lower-fan patterns were more frequent than other patterns in the real-world younger middle-age group (40-49&#x2009;years old); full-fan and extended full-fan patterns progressively more prevalent with aging.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms but somewhat modifies the previous evidence about the non-homogeneous distribution of crow's feet line fanning patterns in different age groups and reinforces the case to individualize the topography of botulinum toxin injections.}, }
@article {pmid35714793, year = {2022}, author = {Buniyaadi, A and Prabhat, A and Bhardwaj, SK and Kumar, V}, title = {Night melatonin levels affect cognition in diurnal animals: Molecular insights from a corvid exposed to an illuminated night environment.}, journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)}, volume = {308}, number = {}, pages = {119618}, doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119618}, pmid = {35714793}, issn = {1873-6424}, mesh = {Animals ; Circadian Rhythm/physiology ; Cognition/physiology ; Hippocampus/metabolism ; Light ; *Melatonin/metabolism/pharmacology ; Photoperiod ; }, abstract = {This study investigated the role of nocturnal melatonin secretion in the cognitive performance of diurnal animals. An initial experiment measured the cognitive performance in Indian house crows treated for 11 days with 12 h light at 1.426 W/m[2] (∼150 lux) coupled with 12 h of 0.058 W/m[2] (∼6-lux) dim light at night (dLAN) or with absolute darkness (0 lux dark night, LD). dLAN treatment significantly decreased midnight melatonin levels and negatively impacted cognitive performance. Subsequently, the role of exogenous melatonin (50 μg; administered intraperitoneally half an hour before the night began) was assessed on the regulation of cognitive performance in two separate experimental cohorts of crows kept under dLAN; LD controls received vehicle. Exogenous melatonin restored its mid-night levels under dLAN at par with those under LD controls, and improved the cognitive performance, as measured in the innovative problem-solving, and spatial and pattern learning-memory efficiency tests in dLAN-treated crows. There were concurrent molecular changes in the cognition-associated brain areas, namely the hippocampus, nidopallium caudolaterale and midbrain. In particular, the expression levels of genes involved in neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity (bdnf, dcx, egr1, creb), and dopamine synthesis and signalling (th, drd1, drd2, darpp32, taar1) were restored to LD control levels in crows treated with illuminated nights and received melatonin. These results demonstrate that the maintenance of nocturnal melatonin levels is crucial for an optimal higher-order brain function in diurnal animals in the face of an environmental threat, such as light pollution.}, }
@article {pmid35713817, year = {2022}, author = {Zhang, Y and Zhang, Z and Zhao, L and Tao, Y and Li, Z}, title = {Azure-winged Magpies would rather avoid losses than strive for benefits based on reciprocal altruism.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {25}, number = {6}, pages = {1579-1588}, pmid = {35713817}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {31772470//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Altruism ; Game Theory ; Cooperative Behavior ; *Passeriformes ; Reward ; Biological Evolution ; }, abstract = {It is no doubt that the reciprocal altruism of humans is unparalleled in the animal world. However, how strong altruistic behavior in the non-human animal is still very controversial. Almost all previous researches allowed only one individual in the dyad for action or dyad to accomplish tasks and obtain rewards simultaneously. Here, we designed current study based on the prisoner's dilemma to investigate reciprocal altruism under interactions of Azure-winged Magpies (Cyanopica cyanus), which is direct reciprocity of allowing subjects obtain rewards, respectively. The results suggest that Azure-winged Magpies failed to show continuously altruistic behavior due to the empiricism that stemmed from interactions, that is, avoiding losses. Meanwhile, the resource exchange game paradigm, which is designed in our study, is worthwhile to study the evolution of cooperation in more species in the future.}, }
@article {pmid35681822, year = {2022}, author = {Gallup, AC and Schild, AB and Ühlein, MA and Bugnyar, T and Massen, JJM}, title = {No Evidence for Contagious Yawning in Juvenile Ravens (Corvus corax): An Observational Study.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {12}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {35681822}, issn = {2076-2615}, support = {W 1262/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {The overt and reflexive matching of behaviors among conspecifics has been observed in a growing number of social vertebrates, including avian species. In general, behavioral contagion-such as the spread of yawning-may serve important functions in group synchronization and vigilance behavior. Here, we performed an exploratory study to investigate yawn contagion among 10 captive juvenile ravens (Corvus corax), across two groups. Using observational methods, we also examined the contagiousness of three other distinct behaviors: stretching, scratching, and shaking. A total of 44 20 min observations were made across both groups, including 28 in the morning and 16 in the afternoon. The time and occurrence of all the behaviors from each bird were coded, and the temporal pattern of each behavior across both groups was then analyzed to assess the degree of social contagion. Overall, we found no evidence for contagious yawning, stretching, scratching, or shaking. However, yawns were relatively infrequent per observation (0.052 ± 0.076 yawns/bird) and thus experimental methods should be used to support this finding.}, }
@article {pmid35623693, year = {2022}, author = {Vermeylen, MK and Knowles, TG and Barron, HW}, title = {The influence of Lake Okeechobee discharges on Karenia brevis blooms and the effects on wildlife along the central west coast of Florida.}, journal = {Harmful algae}, volume = {115}, number = {}, pages = {102237}, doi = {10.1016/j.hal.2022.102237}, pmid = {35623693}, issn = {1878-1470}, mesh = {Animals ; *Animals, Wild ; *Dinoflagellida ; Florida/epidemiology ; Harmful Algal Bloom ; Humans ; Lakes ; }, abstract = {Blooms of the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis (K. brevis) are a common occurrence in the Gulf of Mexico, especially along Florida's coast. The blooms produce brevetoxins, potent neurotoxins that are associated with mortalities of marine wildlife. In recent years, K. brevis blooms seem to have become more frequent and intense. The cause of these suspected increases is highly debated, with one suggested explanation being anthropogenic eutrophication. Patient records from the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) on Sanibel Island, Florida, USA, and K. brevis cell count samples from the west coast of Florida were used to assess trends in red tides and affected wildlife. Flow data from the Okeechobee waterway was used to investigate if discharges from Lake Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee Estuary, where eutrophication is present, influence red tides along Florida's central west coast. Overall, K. brevis blooms show trends of increasing intensity and duration along Florida's coast between 1954 and 2020 (latest data available). This means the amount of wildlife affected will likely increase in the future, as a linear relationship was found between the number of admissions to CROW and K. brevis densities. Furthermore, water discharges from the Okeechobee waterway (including Lake Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee Estuary) into the Gulf of Mexico were significantly correlated with K. brevis densities, which suggests that anthropogenic pollution might play a role in the observed increases. Clear correlations were found between K. brevis densities and brevetoxicosis patient numbers admitted, and this was strongest with overall admissions lagging 23 days behind cell counts. This further confirms brevetoxins as the likely cause of their morbidity and supports previous research on brevetoxin retention in the environment. Different species groups had significant correlations with K. brevis cell counts, double-crested cormorants showing the strongest link, and there were significant differences between these groups in lag times. The differences are likely due to their distinct foraging behaviours or susceptibilities to brevetoxins. These findings can help predict future trends in red tides and can guide further research on the effects of discharges on K. brevis blooms.}, }
@article {pmid35622575, year = {2022}, author = {Rho, NK and Han, KH and Kim, HS}, title = {An Update on the Cosmetic Use of Botulinum Toxin: The Pattern of Practice among Korean Dermatologists.}, journal = {Toxins}, volume = {14}, number = {5}, pages = {}, pmid = {35622575}, issn = {2072-6651}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Asian People ; *Botulinum Toxins/therapeutic use ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Dermatologists ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Republic of Korea ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {The efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin injection have made it a popular aesthetic procedure worldwide. A cross-sectional survey was performed in order to determine the pattern of type A botulinum toxin injections in cosmetic practice, for which an 18-item questionnaire was distributed to dermatologists. A total of 469 Korean board-certified dermatologists participated in the survey, with the following results: the main candidates for type A botulinum toxin injection were individuals in their 40-50 years (46.1%), followed by those in their 20-30 years (33.4%), and people over 60 years of age (20.5%). Overall, the upper face (the glabella, forehead, and crow's line, in decreasing order) was the most favored area of injection (51%). In contrast, body contouring (i.e., shoulder, calf) and treatment for benign masseter hypertrophy were significantly more popular in the 20-30 years age group than their older counterparts. For wrinkle effacement, the most preferred dilution was 100 units/2.5 mL with isotonic sodium chloride injection (51.2%), and the most often used interval was six months (43.6%). About half (46.3%) of the dermatologists reported the experience of clinical cases which were suspicious of botulinum toxin resistance. Despite this, regarding the choice of the product, type A botulinum toxin products with greater cost-effectiveness were favored over products with a lower risk of antibody formation. Other than its cosmetic usage, botulinum toxin is applied for a variety of skin conditions. Further studies are suggested in order to identify the practice pattern of type A botulinum toxin for therapeutic uses in dermatology, such as hyperhidrosis and rosacea.}, }
@article {pmid35609544, year = {2022}, author = {Farine, DR}, title = {Collective behaviour: Jackdaws vote to leave with their voice.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {32}, number = {10}, pages = {R467-R469}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2022.03.070}, pmid = {35609544}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Mass Gatherings ; Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Making a decision as a group requires not only choosing where to go but also when to go. A new study provides experimental evidence that, in jackdaws, vocalisations facilitate synchronous early morning departures from communal roosts.}, }
@article {pmid35601199, year = {2022}, author = {Moyer, RA and Beck, CJ and Van Atter, N and McLane, A}, title = {Advocacy services for survivors of intimate partner violence: Pivots and lessons learned during the COVID-19 quarantine in Tacoma, Washington.}, journal = {Family court review}, volume = {60}, number = {2}, pages = {288-302}, pmid = {35601199}, issn = {1531-2445}, abstract = {The Crystal Judson Family Justice Center (CJFJC), like many advocacy programs for survivors of intimate partner violence, transformed its structure and operating procedures amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the United States was in Washington State, where CJFJC is located, and Governor Jay Inslee acted quickly with a strict stay-at-home order. This paper describes the pre-pandemic, in-person service model used at CJFJC and then the transition to a fully online service model utilizing phone, email and online procedures and platforms. The rapid transition posed many opportunities to learn how to provide services during public pandemics, and how to provide services virtually. We conclude with detailed lessons learned from the experiences of filing domestic violence protection orders online, Zoom court hearings, innovation surrounding community partnerships, and information technology development.}, }
@article {pmid35565633, year = {2022}, author = {Kövér, L and Paládi, P and Benmazouz, I and Šorgo, A and Špur, N and Juhász, L and Czine, P and Balogh, P and Lengyel, S}, title = {Is the Hitchcock Story Really True? Public Opinion on Hooded Crows in Cities as Input to Management.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {12}, number = {9}, pages = {}, pmid = {35565633}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {In recent years, the Hooded crow (Corvus cornix) has become one of the most successful wild bird species in urban environments across Europe. Hooded crows can cause several problems in cities, including trash scattering, noise disturbance, and aggressive behavior toward humans or pets, and they can be potential vectors of pathogens. To find effective solutions, the public has to be involved in the decision-making process in urban planning management, managed by the city administration. In this study, we surveyed the attitude of people in Hungary towards crows and crow management by collecting information using an online questionnaire containing 65 questions published in 14 Facebook groups. We found that many people were familiar with corvid species and had personal experience with them. In most cases, these experiences were not negative, so the crows were not or only rarely perceived to cause problems to people, such as aggressive behavior, damage to cars or stealing something. Most respondents recognized that the presence of large numbers of hooded crows is a problem to be solved and acknowledged that they do not know how to resolve it. The majority of people expressed their interest in raising public awareness of crows but not in their management actions, which they believe should be implemented by experts. Most respondents preferred passive, harmless methods. More direct methods such as egg/chick removal from the nest, control by trapping, poisoned baits or firearms, or oral contraceptives were the least acceptable. These results express the difficulty in identifying a control method for managing hooded crow populations that is both acceptable to most people and effective at the same time. This study demonstrates the importance of involving public opinion in wildlife management and providing more information to citizens to reduce human-crow conflicts.}, }
@article {pmid35527352, year = {2022}, author = {Brynychová, K and Sládeček, M and Pešková, L and Chajma, P and Firlová, V and Elhassan, E and Vozabulová, E and Janatová, V and Almuhery, A and Šálek, M}, title = {Aggressiveness in a subtropical shorebird's nest defense is adjusted to the predator species and shared by conspecifics.}, journal = {Aggressive behavior}, volume = {48}, number = {5}, pages = {475-486}, doi = {10.1002/ab.22032}, pmid = {35527352}, issn = {1098-2337}, mesh = {Aggression ; Animals ; Birds ; *Nesting Behavior ; *Predatory Behavior ; }, abstract = {Aggression is an important component of an animal's defense when protecting offspring from predators. Ground nesting birds use a variety of defense strategies. However, their choice according to situation context is poorly known, especially in nonpasserines and in the subtropics and tropics. The ability to distinguish between differently dangerous predator species and the opportunity to share defense with conspecifics are potentially important but little-studied aspects of nest defense strategy. We experimentally studied the nest defense of Red-Wattled Lapwing in an individually marked population in a desert area near Dubai, UAE. We used three stuffed models representing 1) a predator dangerous both to adults and to nests (a cat), 2) a nest predator (a raven), and 3) a harmless reference model (a moorhen). We confirmed that the lapwings distinguished between predator species (being most aggressive toward the cat, and least aggressive toward the moorhen) and adjusted their defense strategy accordingly. In addition, conspecific visitors play a variety of roles in parents' defense strategy. They can strengthen the parental reaction, or they can assist in distracting a predator. The visitors included not only nesting neighbors but also nonbreeding floaters. Both parents participated in nest defense to a similar extent, regardless of incubation stage and ambient temperature. This study provides new insight into the complexity of the defensive patterns in ground-nesting birds inhabiting a hot environment. Comparative experimental research on a range of environments, with various bird species and predator models, can help us to understand the drivers of these defensive behavioral patterns.}, }
@article {pmid35476231, year = {2022}, author = {Ocañas, AR and Danoff-Burg, JA and Mulroe, K and Walton, SR}, title = {Addressing the raven food subsidy challenge by engaging restaurants to close their dumpsters.}, journal = {Zoo biology}, volume = {41}, number = {5}, pages = {491-500}, doi = {10.1002/zoo.21696}, pmid = {35476231}, issn = {1098-2361}, support = {//Southern California Edison/ ; 8006.19.064748//National Fish and Wildlife Foundation/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Zoo ; *Crows ; Food ; Humans ; *Refuse Disposal ; Restaurants ; }, abstract = {Ravens have benefitted from resource subsidies provided by humans so much that their population has increased by over 800% in the western Mojave desert over the last 50 years. Our food waste is an especially large subsidy. Raven predation is one of the greatest threats to desert tortoise survival in the California desert. We sought to create and evaluate a behavioral change program among restaurants in Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms, California in the western Mojave with elevated raven populations. Half of the 60 restaurants in these two communities received an intervention encouraging them to close their dumpsters while the other half served as controls with no intervention. Treatment restaurants received two in-person visits to discuss the manifold importance of dumpster closure and laminated information signs to display and extend communication to staff. We surveyed all dumpsters for open/closed status five times before the intervention and five times again 3 months after the intervention. We found a significant increase in closure rates among treatment restaurants due to the interventions, with an average of 9.5% increase toward maximum possible lid closure. Restaurants achieving 80%+ closure received "Gold Star Awards" to further stimulate community-wide behavior change by publicly recognizing and encouraging desired behaviors. We summarize dumpster closure rates from similar interventions in nearby Joshua Tree and across the Coachella Valley to illustrate how local social norms may influence behavior.}, }
@article {pmid35459249, year = {2022}, author = {Johnsson, RD and Connelly, F and Gaviraghi Mussoi, J and Vyssotski, AL and Cain, KE and Roth, TC and Lesku, JA}, title = {Sleep loss impairs cognitive performance and alters song output in Australian magpies.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {6645}, pmid = {35459249}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Australia ; Birds ; Cognition ; Mammals ; *Sleep ; *Sleep Deprivation/psychology ; Wakefulness ; }, abstract = {Sleep maintains optimal brain functioning to facilitate behavioural flexibility while awake. Owing to a historical bias towards research on mammals, we know comparatively little about the role of sleep in facilitating the cognitive abilities of birds. We investigated how sleep deprivation over the full-night (12 h) or half-night (6 h) affects cognitive performance in adult Australian magpies (Cracticus tibicen), relative to that after a night of undisturbed sleep. Each condition was preceded and followed by a baseline and recovery night of sleep, respectively. Prior to each treatment, birds were trained on an associative learning task; on the day after experimental treatment (recovery day), birds were tested on a reversal learning task. To glean whether sleep loss affected song output, we also conducted impromptu song recordings for three days. Ultimately, sleep-deprived magpies were slower to attempt the reversal learning task, less likely to perform and complete the task, and those that did the test performed worse than better-rested birds. We also found that sleep-deprived magpies sang longer yet fewer songs, shifted crepuscular singing to mid-day, and during the post-recovery day, song frequency bandwidth narrowed. These results collectively indicate that sleep loss impairs motivation and cognitive performance, and alters song output, in a social adult songbird.}, }
@article {pmid35403214, year = {2022}, author = {Sianta, SA and Kay, KM}, title = {Phylogenomic analysis does not support a classic but controversial hypothesis of progenitor-derivative origins for the serpentine endemic Clarkia franciscana.}, journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution}, volume = {76}, number = {6}, pages = {1246-1259}, pmid = {35403214}, issn = {1558-5646}, mesh = {Animals ; *Clarkia/genetics ; *Dolphins ; Genetic Speciation ; Phylogeny ; }, abstract = {Budding speciation involves isolation of marginal populations at the periphery of a species range and is thought to be a prominent mode of speciation in organisms with low dispersal and/or strong local adaptation among populations. Budding speciation is typically evidenced by abutting, asymmetric ranges of ecologically divergent sister species and low genetic diversity in putative budded species. Yet these indirect patterns may be unreliable, instead caused by postspeciation processes such as range or demographic shifts. Nested phylogenetic relationships provide the most conclusive evidence of budding speciation. A putative case of budding speciation in the serpentine endemic Clarkia franciscana and two closely related widespread congeners was studied by Harlan Lewis, Peter Raven, Leslie Gottlieb, and others over a 20-year period, yet the origin of C. franciscana remains controversial. Here, we reinvestigate this system with phylogenomic analyses to determine whether C. franciscana is a recently derived budded species, phylogenetically nested within one of the other two putative progenitor species. In contrast to the hypothesized pattern of relatedness among the three Clarkia species, we find no evidence for recent budding speciation. Instead, the data suggest the three species diverged simultaneously. We urge caution in using contemporary range patterns to infer geographic modes of speciation.}, }
@article {pmid35370868, year = {2021}, author = {Sofologi, M and Pliogou, V and Bonti, E and Efstratopoulou, M and Kougioumtzis, GA and Papatzikis, E and Ntritsos, G and Moraitou, D and Papantoniou, G}, title = {An Investigation of Working Memory Profile and Fluid Intelligence in Children With Neurodevelopmental Difficulties.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {773732}, pmid = {35370868}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {The present study aims to evaluate the distinct patterns of working memory (WM) capacity of children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), High-functioning children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and children with Down syndrome (DS). More specifically, the current study investigates the complex relationship of fluid intelligence and WM between 39 children with DLD, 20 H igh-functioning children with ASD, and 15 children with DS. All children were evaluated in different measures of Phonological Working Memory, Visual-spatial Working Memory whereas Fluid Intelligence was measured with Raven Progressive Matrices. The result analysis revealed a significant difference among the three groups, both among each function separately and the correlations among them, as well. The results revealed that the DLD groups and High-functioning ASD group exhibited a common picture or an overlap of performances in all Phonological and Visuo-spatial working memory measures, except Backward Digit Recall task. As for the DS group research findings revealed different and unique working memory patterns in comparison to DLD group and High-functioning ASD. Their differences have been studied and further conclusions have been drawn about the different patterns of working memory among the three clinical groups. The implications of these findings are discussed in light of support for learning. The common profile that characterize the two developmental conditions and the distinct pattern of working memory performance in DS group underlies the need for further research in the field.}, }
@article {pmid35365698, year = {2022}, author = {Holtmann, B and Buskas, J and Steele, M and Sokolovskis, K and Wolf, JBW}, title = {Author Correction: Dominance relationships and coalitionary aggression against conspecifics in female carrion crows.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {5537}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-022-09406-3}, pmid = {35365698}, issn = {2045-2322}, }
@article {pmid35352289, year = {2022}, author = {Mechera-Ostrovsky, T and Heinke, S and Andraszewicz, S and Rieskamp, J}, title = {Cognitive abilities affect decision errors but not risk preferences: A meta-analysis.}, journal = {Psychonomic bulletin &amp; review}, volume = {29}, number = {5}, pages = {1719-1750}, pmid = {35352289}, issn = {1531-5320}, mesh = {Humans ; Bayes Theorem ; *Cognition ; *Decision Making ; Probability ; Risk-Taking ; }, abstract = {When making risky decisions, people should evaluate the consequences and the chances of the outcome occurring. We examine the risk-preference hypothesis, which states that people's cognitive abilities affect their evaluation of choice options and consequently their risk-taking behavior. We compared the risk-preference hypothesis against a parsimonious error hypothesis, which states that lower cognitive abilities increase decision errors. Increased decision errors can be misinterpreted as more risk-seeking behavior because in most risk-taking tasks, random choice behavior is often misclassified as risk-seeking behavior. We tested these two competing hypotheses against each other with a systematic literature review and a Bayesian meta-analysis summarizing the empirical correlations. Results based on 30 studies and 62 effect sizes revealed no credible association between cognitive abilities and risk aversion. Apparent correlations between cognitive abilities and risk aversion can be explained by biased risk-preference-elicitation tasks, where more errors are misinterpreted as specific risk preferences. In sum, the reported associations between cognitive abilities and risk preferences are spurious and mediated by a misinterpretation of erroneous choice behavior. This result also has general implications for any research area in which treatment effects, such as decreased cognitive attention or motivation, could increase decision errors and be misinterpreted as specific preference changes.}, }
@article {pmid35302039, year = {2022}, author = {Bravo, C and Sarasa, M and Bretagnolle, V and Pays, O}, title = {Detectability and predator strategy affect egg depredation rates: Implications for mitigating nest depredation in farmlands.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {829}, number = {}, pages = {154558}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154558}, pmid = {35302039}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {Animals ; Farms ; *Nesting Behavior ; *Passeriformes ; Predatory Behavior ; }, abstract = {Predation is a major evolutionary force in animal ecology. Mechanisms by which prey coloration provides camouflage has been widely studied. However, predator response to prey camouflage and concealment has received less attention. Understanding vegetation structure effect on depredation success could help managers design strategies to mitigate the depredation of managed species (e.g., threatened or hunted). We aimed to investigate the relationship between depredation rate, nest camouflage and concealment in ground-nesting birds of farmlands, and their predators. We set up an experiment of 2576 artificial ground nests to assess the role of egg coloration (white, light green, and dark green), egg size (small, medium, and large), and vegetation structure (vegetation height and land use) in nest survival rates. We also explored the role of predator searching strategies by analysing clumped depredation and multiple depredation events. Of the nests, 34.0% were depredated, with corvids as the predators 78.5% of the time. Corvid depredation decreased by 40-60% in grasslands and spring crops above a vegetation height of 30 cm. In contrast, vegetation height and land use may be of far less importance in avoiding depredation by other predators. The probability of depredation was spatially clumped, suggesting that predators increase search effort in areas where a nest was previously encountered. Neighboring depredation and depredation repetition were more frequent in corvids than in other predators. Our study indicates that nests in vegetation higher than 30 cm had a drastic reduction in depredation rates by corvids. Management of vegetation structure is a key tool to mitigate depredation risk, and improving the availability of alternative food resources may be a complementary tool.}, }
@article {pmid35262199, year = {2022}, author = {Cogni, R and Quental, TB and Guimarães, PR}, title = {Ehrlich and Raven escape and radiate coevolution hypothesis at different levels of organization: Past and future perspectives.}, journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution}, volume = {76}, number = {6}, pages = {1108-1123}, doi = {10.1111/evo.14456}, pmid = {35262199}, issn = {1558-5646}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; *Crows ; }, abstract = {The classic paper by Ehrlich and Raven on coevolution will soon be 60 years old. Although they were not the first to develop the idea of coevolution, their thought-provoking paper certainly popularized this idea and inspired several generations of scientists interested in coevolution. Here, we describe some of their main contributions, quantitatively measure the impact of their seminal paper on different fields of research, and discuss how ideas related to their original paper might push the study of coevolution forward. To guide our discussion, we explore their original hypothesis into three research fields that are associated with distinct scales/levels of organization: (1) the genetic mechanisms underlying coevolutionary interactions; (2) the potential association between coevolutionary diversification and the organization of ecological networks; and (3) the micro- and macroevolutionary mechanisms and expected patterns under their hypothesis. By doing so, we discuss potentially overlooked aspects and future directions for the study of coevolutionary dynamics and diversification.}, }
@article {pmid35255297, year = {2022}, author = {González, R and Rojas, M and Rosselli, M and Ardila, A}, title = {Linguistic profiles of variants of primary progressive aphasia.}, journal = {Journal of communication disorders}, volume = {97}, number = {}, pages = {106202}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcomdis.2022.106202}, pmid = {35255297}, issn = {1873-7994}, mesh = {Aged ; *Aphasia, Primary Progressive/diagnosis ; Comprehension ; Female ; Humans ; Language ; Language Tests ; Male ; Semantics ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Several subtypes of primary progressive aphasia (PPA) have been proposed. Most reports use small samples, and few have included Spanish-speaking participants.<br><br>AIM: To analyze the language profile and nonlinguistic deficits in a large sample of PPA Spanish monolingual participants.<br><br>METHOD: 177 individuals were diagnosed with PPA in a sample consisting of 69 men and 108 women (Mage&#xa0;=&#xa0;66.40 years, SD&#xa0;=&#xa0;9.30). The participants were assessed using the Spanish versions of the Western Aphasia Battery Revised (SWAB-R) and the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination (SBDAE). Non-verbal reasoning was evaluated with the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices.<br><br>RESULTS: 41.8% of the sample met the criteria for the logopenic variant (lvPPA), while 28.2% met the criteria for semantic (svPPA), 15.3% for lexical (lxvPPA), and 14.7% for nonfluent/agrammatic (nfvPPA) variants. Language difficulties were similar in all variants except for lxvPPA. Scores on Spontaneous Language, Auditory Comprehension, Repetition, and Naming were significantly higher for the lxvPPA group. Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices scores were significantly lower in lvPPA. Years of education correlated with all test scores, while age was negatively associated with naming. When the PPA variants were classified according to the traditional aphasia classification, discrepancies were evident. Furthermore, the most frequent type of aphasia was Amnesic, while the least frequent was Wernicke's aphasia.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The SWAB-R is useful in describing the clinical characteristics of aphasia for each variant of PPA, but quantitative scores from this battery are not capable of distinguishing between variants of PPA, with the exception of lxvPPA.}, }
@article {pmid35250755, year = {2022}, author = {Nittono, H and Ohashi, A and Komori, M}, title = {Creation and Validation of the Japanese Cute Infant Face (JCIF) Dataset.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {819428}, pmid = {35250755}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Research interest in cuteness perception and its effects on subsequent behavior and physiological responses has recently been increasing. The purpose of the present study was to produce a dataset of Japanese infant faces that are free of portrait rights and can be used for cuteness research. A total of 80 original facial images of 6-month-old infants were collected from their parents. The cuteness level of each picture was rated on a 7-point scale by 200 Japanese people (100 men and 100 women in their 20s-60s). Prototypical high- and low-cuteness faces were created by averaging the top 10 and bottom 10 faces according to the mean cuteness ratings. Then, 50 composite faces were made by mixing two faces randomly chosen from the 60 unused middle-cuteness faces. The normative cuteness ratings of these composite faces were obtained from 229 Japanese men and women in their 20s-60s. The shape of each composite face was transformed to be cuter (+50%) or less cute (-50%) along a continuum between the high- and low-cuteness prototypical faces. A two-alternative forced-choice task (N = 587) confirmed that cuteness discrimination was better than the chance level for all 50 face pairs. Moreover, the results showed that young men had poorer sensitivity to cuteness differences in infant faces than older men and women of any age. This Japanese Cute Infant Face (JCIF, "jay-sif") dataset, including composite face images and normative rating scores, is publicly available online.}, }
@article {pmid37377487, year = {2022}, author = {Notter, IR and Logan, JR}, title = {Residential Segregation under Jim Crow: Whites, Blacks, and Mulattoes in Southern Cities, 1880-1920.}, journal = {City &amp; community}, volume = {21}, number = {1}, pages = {42-61}, pmid = {37377487}, issn = {1535-6841}, support = {P2C HD041020/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HD049493/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; R24 HD041020/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {We study the residential patterns of blacks and mulattoes in 10 Southern cities in 1880 and 1920. researchers have documented the salience of social differences among African Americans in this period, partly related to mulattoes' higher occupational status. Did these differences result in clustering of these two groups in different neighborhoods, and were mulattoes less separated from whites? If so, did the differences diminish in these decades after reconstruction due a Jim Crow system that did not distinguish between blacks and mulattoes? We use geocoded census microdata for 1880 and 1920 to address these questions. Segregation between whites and both blacks and mulattoes was already high in 1880, especially at a fine spatial scale, and it increased sharply by 1920. In this respect, whites did not distinguish between these two groups. However, blacks and mulattoes were quite segregated from one another in 1880, and even more so by 1920. this pattern did not result from mulattoes' moderately higher-class position. Hence, as the color line between whites and all non-whites was becoming harder, blacks and mulattoes were separating further from each other. understanding what led to this pattern remains a key question about racial identities and racialization in the early twentieth century.}, }
@article {pmid37283849, year = {2022}, author = {Ruef, M}, title = {Racial Segregation under Slavery.}, journal = {Social forces; a scientific medium of social study and interpretation}, volume = {100}, number = {3}, pages = {935-960}, pmid = {37283849}, issn = {0037-7732}, support = {P2C HD065563/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Social demographers and historians have devoted extensive research to patterns of racial segregation that emerged under Jim Crow and during the post-Civil Rights era but have paid less attention to the role of slavery in shaping the residential distribution of Black populations in the United States. One guiding assumption has been that slavery rendered racial segregation to be both unnecessary and impractical. In this study, I argue that apart from the master-slave relationship, slavery relentlessly produced racial segregation during the antebellum period through the residential isolation of slaves and free people of color. To explain this pattern, I draw on racial threat theory to test hypotheses regarding interracial economic competition and fear of slave mobilization using data from the 1850 Census, as well as an architectural survey of antebellum sites. Findings suggest that the residential segregation of free people of color increased with their local prevalence, whereas the segregation of slaves increased with the prevalence of the slave population. These patterns continue to hold after controlling for interracial competition over land or jobs and past slave rebellions or conspiracies.}, }
@article {pmid35201636, year = {2022}, author = {Abdel Maksoud, MKM and Ibrahim, AAH and Nabil, TM and Moawad, UK}, title = {Histomorphological, histochemical and scanning electron microscopic investigation of the proventriculus (Ventriculus glandularis) of the hooded crow (Corvus cornix).}, journal = {Anatomia, histologia, embryologia}, volume = {51}, number = {3}, pages = {380-389}, doi = {10.1111/ahe.12798}, pmid = {35201636}, issn = {1439-0264}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Electrons ; Female ; Gizzard, Avian/anatomy &amp; histology ; Male ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning/veterinary ; *Proventriculus/anatomy &amp; histology ; }, abstract = {The current investigation aimed to clarify the histomorphological features, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and histochemistry of the proventriculus in the adult hooded crow (Corvus cornix). Twenty-two adult birds of both sexes were collected from El-Fayoum and Beni-Suef governorates, Egypt; ten were used for anatomical investigation, two were scanned using SEM, and ten were subjected to routine histological technique. The obtained anatomical results revealed a small-sized spindle-shaped proventriculus obliquely located in the left ventral part of the body cavity with an average body weight, length and diameter of 1.689 ± 0.231 gm, 1.54 ± 0.383cm and 3.51 ± 0.416cm, respectively. The histological examination revealed a typical tubular organ. The mucosa exhibited several plicae and sulci that were lined with simple columnar cells. The lamina propria was composed of collagenous connective tissue infiltrated by lymphocytes, lymphatic aggregations and tubular glands. The submucosa consisted of collagenic fibres and compound tubuloalveolar glandular lobules lined with oxynticopeptic cells and enteroendocrine cells. The oxynticopeptic cells reacted negatively with PAS and Alcian Blue stains, whereas the ductal cells reacted positively with PAS only. Enteroendocrine cells were seen singly in the lamina epithelialis mucosae and were abundant in submucosal glands. The tunica musclaris was arranged in two layers covered by serosa. The proventricular glands' openings were noticed by SEM as raised tubes with regular circular outlines surrounded by anastomosed microscopic folds. The obtained histomorphological structure of the hooded crow's proventriculus revealed some shared morphological features with most species of birds and some variations that might be attributed to their diet and feeding behaviour.}, }
@article {pmid35169186, year = {2022}, author = {McCune, KB and Valente, JJ and Jablonski, PG and Lee, SI and Ha, RR}, title = {Social behavior mediates the use of social and personal information in wild jays.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {2494}, pmid = {35169186}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/*psychology ; Association Learning/physiology ; Cognition/*physiology ; Cues ; Ecosystem ; Female ; Male ; Memory/physiology ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Social Environment ; *Social Evolution ; Social Learning/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The factors favoring the evolution of certain cognitive abilities in animals remain unclear. Social learning is a cognitive ability that reduces the cost of acquiring personal information and forms the foundation for cultural behavior. Theory predicts the evolutionary pressures to evolve social learning should be greater in more social species. However, research testing this theory has primarily occurred in captivity, where artificial environments can affect performance and yield conflicting results. We compared the use of social and personal information, and the social learning mechanisms used by wild, asocial California scrub-jays and social Mexican jays. We trained demonstrators to solve one door on a multi-door task, then measured the behavior of naïve conspecifics towards the task. If social learning occurs, observations of demonstrators will change the rate that naïve individuals interact with each door. We found both species socially learned, though personal information had a much greater effect on behavior in the asocial species while social information was more important for the social species. Additionally, both species used social information to avoid, rather than copy, conspecifics. Our findings demonstrate that while complex social group structures may be unnecessary for the evolution of social learning, it does affect the use of social versus personal information.}, }
@article {pmid35153252, year = {2022}, author = {Seguchi, A and Mogi, K and Izawa, EI}, title = {Measurement of urinary mesotocin in large-billed crows by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.}, journal = {The Journal of veterinary medical science}, volume = {84}, number = {4}, pages = {520-524}, pmid = {35153252}, issn = {1347-7439}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds ; *Crows ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/veterinary ; *Oxytocin/analogs &amp; derivatives ; }, abstract = {Mesotocin (MT) is an avian homologue of oxytocin (OT). Behavioral pharmacological studies in birds have suggested the involvement of MT in socially affiliative behavior. However, investigations of peripheral MT levels associated with social behavior are lacking because non-invasive methods to measure surrogate plasma MT have yet to be established. This study aimed to measure urinary MT in crows using a commercially available OT enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Urine samples were collected after intravenous injection of MT and centrifuged to separate urine and fecal components. We found that urinary MT was significantly elevated 15-30 min after MT injection. These results validate our method for the use of urine samples for the measurement of peripheral MT levels in crows.}, }
@article {pmid35145455, year = {2021}, author = {Wang, J and Cui, R and Stolarz-Fantino, S and Fantino, E and Liu, X}, title = {Differences in Mood, Optimism, and Risk-Taking Behavior Between American and Chinese College Students.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {781609}, pmid = {35145455}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Mood and optimism have been demonstrated to influence risk-taking decisions; however, the literature on mood, optimism, and decision-making is mixed and conducted primarily with western samples. This study sought to address this gap in the literature by examining the impact of mood and dispositional optimism on risk-taking and whether these associations differed between undergraduate students from the United States (N = 141) and the People's Republic of China (N = 90). Both samples completed a dispositional optimism questionnaire and an autobiographical mood induction task. They were then tasked with choosing to complete the Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices reasoning task on easy, medium, or hard difficulty for hypothetical money. Selecting harder difficulties was interpreted as more risk-taking due to a higher chance of failure. More positive mood and higher dispositional optimism were associated with decreased risk-taking, i.e., selecting easier puzzle difficulties, in the American sample but increased risk-taking decisions, i.e., selecting harder difficulties, in the Chinese sample (p < 0.05 for all). These findings suggest that the effect of mood and optimism on decision-making may differ by nationality and/or culture.}, }
@article {pmid35132811, year = {2022}, author = {De Mendoza, RS and Gómez, RO}, title = {Ecomorphology of the tarsometatarsus of waterfowl (Anseriformes) based on geometric morphometrics and its application to fossils.}, journal = {Anatomical record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007)}, volume = {305}, number = {11}, pages = {3243-3253}, doi = {10.1002/ar.24891}, pmid = {35132811}, issn = {1932-8494}, mesh = {Animals ; *Anseriformes ; Ducks ; *Fossils ; Geese ; Phylogeny ; Water ; }, abstract = {Anseriformes is a diverse group of birds that comprises screamers, the Magpie Goose, and swans ducks and geese, with a relatively rich fossil record. Waterfowl live in close relation to water bodies, but show a diversity of locomotory habits, being typically categorized as walkers, dabblers, and divers. Owing to its functional significance and high preservation potential, the tarsometatarsus has been considered to be a "key" element upon which to base ecomorphological inferences in fossil waterfowl. For instance, based on features of the tarsometatarsus the Miocene flightless duck Cayaoa bruneti and the Oligocene-Miocene large waterfowl Paranyroca have been inferred as divers. Herein, we use a geometric morphometric approach and comparative methods to assess the phylogenetic and ecomorphological signals in the shape and size of waterfowl tarsometatarsi in relation to their locomotory habits. We also apply phylogenetic flexible discriminant analysis (pFDA) to test the inferred diving habits in the extinct waterfowl Cayaoa and Paranyroca. Extant waterfowl species are largely distributed according to their locomotory habit along the main axis of variation in the shape space, a pattern mirrored by the phylogenetic generalized least squares model, which shows that a third of the shape variation is significantly explained by the habit. The pFDA reclassifies correctly almost all extant species and classified with high posterior probabilities the fossil Cayaoa and Paranyroca as a diver and as a dabbler, respectively. Our quantitative multivariate approach confirms the tarsometatarsus as a useful source of data upon which reliably assesses locomotory habits of fossil waterfowl.}, }
@article {pmid35130984, year = {2022}, author = {Harlow, SD and Burnett-Bowie, SM and Greendale, GA and Avis, NE and Reeves, AN and Richards, TR and Lewis, TT}, title = {Disparities in Reproductive Aging and Midlife Health between Black and White women: The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN).}, journal = {Women's midlife health}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {3}, pmid = {35130984}, issn = {2054-2690}, support = {U19AG063720/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AG062622/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; U01AG012531/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; U01AG017719/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; U01NR004061/NR/NINR NIH HHS/United States ; U01AG012553/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; U01AG012495/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; U01 NR004061/NR/NINR NIH HHS/United States ; U19 AG063720/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; U01 AG012505/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; U01AG012539/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; U01AG012535/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; U01AG012554/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; U01AG012546/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {This paper reviews differences in the experience of the menopause transition and midlife health outcomes between Black and White women who participated in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN), a 25-year, longitudinal, multi-racial/ethnic cohort study. We identify health disparities, i.e., instances in which Black women's outcomes are less favorable than those of White women, and consider whether structural racism may underlie these disparities. Although SWAN did not explicitly assess structural racism, Black women in SWAN grew up during the Jim Crow era in the United States, during which time racism was legally sanctioned. We consider how we might gain insight into structural racism by examining proxy exposures such as socioeconomic characteristics, reports of everyday discrimination, and a range of life stressors, which likely reflect the longstanding, pervasive and persistent inequities that have roots in systemic racism in the US. Thus, this paper reviews the presence, magnitude, and longitudinal patterns of racial disparities observed in SWAN in six areas of women's health - menopause symptoms, sleep, mental health, health related quality of life, cardio-metabolic health, and physical function -and elucidates the contextual factors that are likely influencing these disparities. We review the strengths and weaknesses of SWAN's design and approach to analysis of racial disparities and use this as a springboard to offer recommendations for future cohort studies.}, }
@article {pmid35119577, year = {2022}, author = {Gonthier, C}, title = {Cross-cultural differences in visuo-spatial processing and the culture-fairness of visuo-spatial intelligence tests: an integrative review and a model for matrices tasks.}, journal = {Cognitive research: principles and implications}, volume = {7}, number = {1}, pages = {11}, pmid = {35119577}, issn = {2365-7464}, mesh = {Cross-Cultural Comparison ; Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Neuropsychological Tests ; *Spatial Processing ; }, abstract = {Visuo-spatial reasoning tests, such as Raven's matrices, Cattell's culture-fair test, or various subtests of the Wechsler scales, are frequently used to estimate intelligence scores in the context of inter-racial comparisons. This has led to several high-profile works claiming that certain ethnic groups have lower intelligence than others, presumably due to genetic inferiority. This logic is predicated on the assumption that such visuo-spatial tests, because they are non-verbal, must be culture-fair: that their solution process does not significantly draw on factors that vary from one culture to the next. This assumption of culture-fairness is dubious at best and has been questioned by many authors. In this article, I review the substantial body of psychological and ethnographic literature which has demonstrated that the perception, manipulation and conceptualization of visuo-spatial information differs significantly across cultures, in a way that is relevant to intelligence tests. I then outline a model of how these inter-cultural differences can affect seven major steps of the solution process for Raven's matrices, with a brief discussion of other visuo-spatial reasoning tests. Overall, a number of cultural assumptions appear to be deeply ingrained in all visuo-spatial reasoning tests, to the extent that it disqualifies the view of such tests as intrinsically culture-fair and makes it impossible to draw clear-cut conclusions from average score differences between ethnic groups.}, }
@article {pmid39072224, year = {2022}, author = {Wenig, K and Pacher, L and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Testing the contagious nature of allopreening: bystander ravens are affected by conspecifics' affiliative interactions.}, journal = {Animal behaviour}, volume = {184}, number = {}, pages = {71-80}, pmid = {39072224}, issn = {0003-3472}, support = {P 33960/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; W 1262/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {Emotional contagion refers to the mechanism of aligning with conspecifics' emotional states and is thought to be highly beneficial in social group living. While emotional contagion is well studied in humans, most studies in nonhuman animals fail to clearly distinguish between behavioural and emotional contagion. Furthermore, evidence for positive emotional contagion in nonhuman animals is almost entirely restricted to the context of play. In the present study, we aimed at adding observational evidence of contagion in a positive context, while separating aspects of behavioural and emotional contagion. In a group of nonbreeder common ravens, Corvus corax, we investigated whether witnessing conspecifics in positive social interaction, namely allopreening, would influence a bystander's behavioural and, possibly, emotional state. We recorded behavioural expressions of bystanders in postpreening observation phases and compared them to those in matched-control observation phases. We found effects of witnessing others' allopreening on the bystanders' subsequent affiliative interactions but not on their self-directed behaviours (e.g. autopreening) or agonistic interactions. Specifically, bystanders were more likely to engage in allopreening themselves in the postpreening observation phase than in the matched-control observation phase, which could be explained via behavioural and emotional contagion; however, bystanders also showed elevated levels of nonpreening affiliative interactions and spent more time close to conspecifics after observing others allopreening, which hints towards a more general effect on the bystanders' emotional states. Whether these nonpreening affiliative interactions are indeed an indication of emotional contagion needs to be tested in further studies that measure, and manipulate, emotional states.}, }
@article {pmid35085401, year = {2022}, author = {Suh, YH and Bowman, R and Fitzpatrick, JW}, title = {Staging to join non-kin groups in a classical cooperative breeder, the Florida scrub-jay.}, journal = {The Journal of animal ecology}, volume = {91}, number = {5}, pages = {970-982}, doi = {10.1111/1365-2656.13669}, pmid = {35085401}, issn = {1365-2656}, support = {BSR-8705443//National Science Foundation/ ; BSR-8996276//National Science Foundation/ ; BSR-9021902//National Science Foundation/ ; DEB97-07622//National Science Foundation/ ; //U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Male ; Reproduction/physiology ; *Songbirds/physiology ; }, abstract = {Why unrelated members form groups in animal societies remains a pertinent topic in evolutionary biology because benefits for group members often are not obvious. We studied subordinates that disperse to join unrelated social groups in the Florida scrub-jay Aphelocoma coerulescens, a cooperative breeding species mainly composed of kin-based groups. We evaluated potential adaptive benefits of dispersing to become an unrelated helper (staging) versus remaining home and dispersing only to pair and breed (direct dispersal) to understand why non-kin-based groups form. Using 35 years of demographic data, we quantified life-history aspects of staging individuals and tested associations between social and ecological factors on the natal and staging territories. We compared fitness outcomes between dispersal strategies by analysing survival, breeding recruitment and direct reproductive output. We tested for sexual asymmetry potentially driven by differences in territory acquisition patterns and female-biased dispersal for this species. Of birds that reached 1 year, 28% staged at a non-natal territory before breeding or disappearing. Staging dispersers departed at younger ages and moved greater distances than direct dispersers. When looking at proximate factors on the natal territory associated with staging, males left groups with many same-sex helpers, while females often left when their father disappeared. For both sexes, staging individuals more likely came from high-quality territories and joined groups with fewer same-sex helpers than in their natal group. While staging and direct dispersers did not differ in survival or likelihood of becoming a breeder, staging males became breeders later and had lower lifetime reproductive success than direct dispersers. In Florida scrub-jays, staging appears to be an alternative strategy for female helpers, but a best-of-a-bad-situation for males. This sexual asymmetry is consistent with males having more options than females to achieve higher reproductive success by breeding near home. Trade-offs in cost-benefits of departing the natal territory and joining unrelated groups as a helper seem to best explain alternative dispersal patterns, with optimal social queues primarily driving the benefits. This research highlights plasticity in dispersal behaviour in response to social and environmental conditions and offers a new perspective in our understanding of non-kin-based social groups.}, }
@article {pmid35078329, year = {2022}, author = {Sorensen, MC and Strickland, D and Freeman, NE and Fuirst, M and Sutton, AO and Norris, DR}, title = {Early-life experience shapes patterns of senescence in a food-caching passerine.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {18}, number = {1}, pages = {20210532}, pmid = {35078329}, issn = {1744-957X}, mesh = {Aging ; Animals ; Food ; Male ; *Reproduction ; *Songbirds ; }, abstract = {For many species, breeding performance increases through early adulthood followed by declines later in life. Although patterns of age-specific decline have been shown to vary between individuals, the factors that lead to this individual variation in the intensity of reproductive senescence are yet to be fully understood. We investigated whether early-life social status influenced age-related trends in the breeding performance of male Canada jays (Perisoreus canadensis), year-round residents of North America's boreal and sub-alpine forests. Shortly after young become nutritionally independent, intra-brood dominance struggles lead to one juvenile (Dominant Juvenile) remaining on the natal territory after expelling its subordinate siblings (Ejectees). First, we show via radio tracking that in our declining range-edge population Ejectees either join an unrelated pair (67%), form a breeding pair with another bird (28%) or occupy a territory alone (5%). Second, using 39 years of breeding data, we demonstrate that Ejectee males advanced laying dates and increased the annual number of nestlings until 6 years of age before declining, whereas Dominant Juvenile males advanced laying dates until 11 years and increased annual number of nestlings until 12 years of age before declining. This study documents clear variation in ageing patterns between dominant and expelled young, with implications for the role of early-life experiences and phenotypic quality in determining patterns of ageing.}, }
@article {pmid35060310, year = {2022}, author = {Signorini, M and Piero Fundarò, S and Bertossi, D and Cavallini, M and Cirillo, P and Natuzzi, G and Quartucci, S and Sciuto, C and Patalano, M and Trocchi, G}, title = {OnabotulinumtoxinA from lines to facial reshaping: A new Italian consensus report.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {21}, number = {2}, pages = {550-563}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.14728}, pmid = {35060310}, issn = {1473-2165}, support = {//Allergan SpA/ ; }, mesh = {*Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; Consensus ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; Esthetics, Dental ; Gingiva ; Humans ; *Neuromuscular Agents ; Smiling ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Botulinum neurotoxin type A is the most widely used nonsurgical treatment for esthetic improvement of the face and neck. In 2015, an Italian consensus panel met to discuss the optimal methods for using onabotulinumtoxinA. However, clinical practice continues to evolve and the original report is now considered obsolete.<br><br>AIMS: To provide updated guidance on the esthetic uses of onabotulinumtoxinA in the face and neck.<br><br>METHODS: A panel of 10 Italian specialists (including plastic and maxillofacial surgeons, dermatologists, and esthetic doctors) individually completed a questionnaire on their own clinical practice, and then met to discuss their responses and agree on a revised treatment consensus.<br><br>RESULTS: Recommendations are provided on patient assessment, reconstitution of onabotulinumtoxinA, and preferred procedures (injection sites, doses, anatomical targets, safety precautions, etc.) across a variety of treatment areas, including glabellar, crow's feet, and forehead lines; brow lifting and shaping; lower eyelid hypertrophy; bunny lines; sagging nasal tip; gummy smile; masseter hypertrophy; perioral lines; marionette lines and "sad mouth;" mentalis hypertonia; and platysma bands. Some of the recommended doses are substantially increased from the previous consensus (particularly in the upper third and masseter) for the purpose of achieving longer lasting results without affecting safety. Furthermore, two increasingly popular techniques-the Nefertiti lift and Microbotox-are included in the consensus for the first time.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Optimal practice with onabotulinumtoxinA requires a systematic approach to maximize safety and effectiveness across the range of potential uses. The present consensus was developed to support these aims.}, }
@article {pmid35000442, year = {2022}, author = {Boucherie, PH and Gallego-Abenza, M and Massen, JJM and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Dominance in a socially dynamic setting: hierarchical structure and conflict dynamics in ravens' foraging groups.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {377}, number = {1845}, pages = {20200446}, pmid = {35000442}, issn = {1471-2970}, support = {P 29705/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; P 33960/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Aggression ; Animals ; *Crows ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Social Dominance ; }, abstract = {Dominance hierarchies typically emerge in systems where group members regularly encounter and compete for resources. In birds, the 'open' and dynamic structure of foraging groups may prevent the emergence of structured hierarchies, although this assumption have hardly been tested. We report on agonistic data for ravens Corvus corax, collected over two 18-month periods for 183 marked individuals of a wild (fluid) population and 51 birds from six captive (stable) groups. We show that the dominance structure (steep and transitive) in wild foraging groups is strikingly similar to that found in captivity. In the wild, we found that higher ranks are mainly occupied by males, older and more aggressive individuals that also tend to receive fewer aggressions. Exploring the mechanisms sustaining the wild dominance structure, we confirmed that males are more aggressive than females and, with age, tend to receive fewer aggressions than females. Males that are about to leave the foraging groups for some months are less aggressive than newcomers or locals, while newcomers are specifically targeted by aggressions in their first year (as juveniles). Taken together, our results indicate that the socially dynamic conditions ravens face during foraging do not hinder, but provide opportunities for, using (advanced) social cognition. This article is part of the theme issue 'The centennial of the pecking order: current state and future prospects for the study of dominance hierarchies'.}, }
@article {pmid34997433, year = {2022}, author = {LaFave, SE and Suen, JJ and Seau, Q and Bergman, A and Fisher, MC and Thorpe, RJ and Szanton, SL}, title = {Racism and Older Black Americans' Health: a Systematic Review.}, journal = {Journal of urban health : bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine}, volume = {99}, number = {1}, pages = {28-54}, pmid = {34997433}, issn = {1468-2869}, support = {F31 NR019211/NR/NINR NIH HHS/United States ; TL1 TR003100/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; T32 AG066576/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; DP1 AG069874/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; F31 AG071353/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Black or African American/psychology ; Aged ; Black People ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; *Racism/psychology ; *Social Segregation ; Systemic Racism ; }, abstract = {We reviewed research that examines racism as an independent variable and one or more health outcomes as dependent variables in Black American adults aged 50 years and older in the USA. Of the 43 studies we reviewed, most measured perceived interpersonal racism, perceived institutional racism, or residential segregation. The only two measures of structural racism were birth and residence in a "Jim Crow state." Fourteen studies found associations between racism and mental health outcomes, five with cardiovascular outcomes, seven with cognition, two with physical function, two with telomere length, and five with general health/other health outcomes. Ten studies found no significant associations in older Black adults. All but six of the studies were cross-sectional. Research to understand the extent of structural and multilevel racism as a social determinant of health and the impact on older adults specifically is needed. Improved measurement tools could help address this gap in science.}, }
@article {pmid34990824, year = {2022}, author = {Martin, RJ and Dick, MF and Sherry, DF}, title = {Canada jays (Perisoreus canadensis) balance protein and energy targets simultaneously in both consumed and cached food.}, journal = {Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part A, Molecular &amp; integrative physiology}, volume = {266}, number = {}, pages = {111142}, doi = {10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.111142}, pmid = {34990824}, issn = {1531-4332}, mesh = {Animals ; Canada ; *Feeding Behavior/physiology ; Food ; Seasons ; *Songbirds/physiology ; }, abstract = {Food scarce periods pose serious physiological challenges for birds, especially in energetically demanding conditions. For species in the northern hemisphere, a decrease in available resources during winter adds further physiological stress to the energetic demands of life at low temperatures. Some species cache food to provide a reliable energy and nutrient resource during scarcity. Canada Jays are a year-round food-caching resident of the North American boreal forest. Canada Jays also rear their young prior to spring green up, making food caching not only essential for adult winter survival, but also potentially important for meeting the requirements of growing offspring in late winter and early spring. We examined the diet choices of Canada Jays immediately prior to winter, and the macronutrient composition of the foods Canada Jay consumed and cached at this time. We found that Canada Jays cache the same relative amounts of macronutrients as they consume but did not vary macronutrients seasonally. The similarities in the macronutrient proportions cached and consumed suggest a consistent nutrient intake pattern, and that Canada Jays are foraging to simultaneously meet similar minimum energy and minimum protein targets for both the present and future. These simultaneous targets constrain the caching decisions of jays when presented with dietary choices.}, }
@article {pmid34983896, year = {2022}, author = {Marsja, E and Stenbäck, V and Moradi, S and Danielsson, H and Rönnberg, J}, title = {Is Having Hearing Loss Fundamentally Different? Multigroup Structural Equation Modeling of the Effect of Cognitive Functioning on Speech Identification.}, journal = {Ear and hearing}, volume = {43}, number = {5}, pages = {1437-1446}, doi = {10.1097/AUD.0000000000001196}, pmid = {34983896}, issn = {1538-4667}, mesh = {Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cognition ; *Deafness ; Humans ; Latent Class Analysis ; Middle Aged ; *Presbycusis ; Speech ; *Speech Perception ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Previous research suggests that there is a robust relationship between cognitive functioning and speech-in-noise performance for older adults with age-related hearing loss. For normal-hearing adults, on the other hand, the research is not entirely clear. Therefore, the current study aimed to examine the relationship between cognitive functioning, aging, and speech-in-noise, in a group of older normal-hearing persons and older persons with hearing loss who wear hearing aids.<br><br>DESIGN: We analyzed data from 199 older normal-hearing individuals (mean age = 61.2) and 200 older individuals with hearing loss (mean age = 60.9) using multigroup structural equation modeling. Four cognitively related tasks were used to create a cognitive functioning construct: the reading span task, a visuospatial working memory task, the semantic word-pairs task, and Raven's progressive matrices. Speech-in-noise, on the other hand, was measured using Hagerman sentences. The Hagerman sentences were presented via an experimental hearing aid to both normal hearing and hearing-impaired groups. Furthermore, the sentences were presented with one of the two background noise conditions: the Hagerman original speech-shaped noise or four-talker babble. Each noise condition was also presented with three different hearing processing settings: linear processing, fast compression, and noise reduction.<br><br>RESULTS: Cognitive functioning was significantly related to speech-in-noise identification. Moreover, aging had a significant effect on both speech-in-noise and cognitive functioning. With regression weights constrained to be equal for the two groups, the final model had the best fit to the data. Importantly, the results showed that the relationship between cognitive functioning and speech-in-noise was not different for the two groups. Furthermore, the same pattern was evident for aging: the effects of aging on cognitive functioning and aging on speech-in-noise were not different between groups.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed similar cognitive functioning and aging effects on speech-in-noise performance in older normal-hearing and aided hearing-impaired listeners. In conclusion, the findings support the Ease of Language Understanding model as cognitive processes play a critical role in speech-in-noise independent from the hearing status of elderly individuals.}, }
@article {pmid37387290, year = {2022}, author = {Chłopaś-Konowałek, A and Zawadzki, M and Kurach, &#x141; and Wachełko, O and Ciaputa, R and Tusiewicz, K and Szpot, P}, title = {Simultaneous poisoning of 48 birds of prey - bendiocarb determination with the use of UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS method in fatal case from Eastern Europe.}, journal = {Archiwum medycyny sadowej i kryminologii}, volume = {72}, number = {2}, pages = {67-80}, doi = {10.4467/16891716AMSIK.22.009.16807}, pmid = {37387290}, issn = {1689-1716}, abstract = {AIM: Bendiocarb is used against a wide range of insects but has already been withdrawn from the market in some countries. It poses a high risk to birds as they can accidentally ingest it while searching for food, followed by toxic effects. This paper presents the results of toxicological and histopathological studies of 48 cases of intentional birds of prey poisoning with bendiocarb in Eastern Europe, specifically Poland.<br><br>MATERIAL AND METHODS: A novel ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS) method for bendiocarb determination in animal liver samples was developed and fully validated. The sample preparation technique was based on one-step precipitation of proteins with cold acetonitrile. The internal standard used was carbaryl-d7. Full time of analysis was less than 10 minutes. The application of the UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS method allowed us to achieve the lowest LOQ (1 ng/g) of bendiocarb in biological samples to date.<br><br>RESULTS: Necropsies and histopathological examinations of common ravens (Corvus corax), western marsh harriers (Circus aeruginosus), red kites (Milvus milvus), and a white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) revealed multi-organ toxicity manifested as congestion, oedema, or stagnation of blood. An analytical investigation confirmed the presence of bendiocarb in liver in the 1808-7721 ng/g range. Furthermore, the presence of this compound was qualitatively confirmed in the stomach and beak contents and also in the bait located near the deceased animals.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive forensic examination is crucial to monitor wildlife fatalities, especially applying a combined analytical and histopathological approach to identify and eliminate highly toxic substances which pose a threat to the ecosystem.}, }
@article {pmid34930821, year = {2022}, author = {Willi, Y and Kristensen, TN and Sgrò, CM and Weeks, AR and Ørsted, M and Hoffmann, AA}, title = {Conservation genetics as a management tool: The five best-supported paradigms to assist the management of threatened species.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {119}, number = {1}, pages = {}, pmid = {34930821}, issn = {1091-6490}, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Endangered Species ; Gene Flow ; Genetic Load ; Genetic Markers ; *Genetic Variation ; *Genetics, Population ; *Population Density ; Population Dynamics ; }, abstract = {About 50 y ago, Crow and Kimura [An Introduction to Population Genetics Theory (1970)] and Ohta and Kimura [Genet. Res. 22, 201-204 (1973)] laid the foundations of conservation genetics by predicting the relationship between population size and genetic marker diversity. This work sparked an enormous research effort investigating the importance of population dynamics, in particular small population size, for population mean performance, population viability, and evolutionary potential. In light of a recent perspective [J. C. Teixeira, C. D. Huber, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 118, 10 (2021)] that challenges some fundamental assumptions in conservation genetics, it is timely to summarize what the field has achieved, what robust patterns have emerged, and worthwhile future research directions. We consider theory and methodological breakthroughs that have helped management, and we outline some fundamental and applied challenges for conservation genetics.}, }
@article {pmid34930523, year = {2021}, author = {Klump, BC and St Clair, JJ and Rutz, C}, title = {New Caledonian crows keep 'valuable' hooked tools safer than basic non-hooked tools.}, journal = {eLife}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {34930523}, issn = {2050-084X}, support = {BB/G023913/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/S018484/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/G023913/2/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Female ; Male ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {The temporary storage and re-use of tools can significantly enhance foraging efficiency. New Caledonian crows in one of our study populations use two types of stick tools - hooked and non-hooked - which differ in raw material, manufacture costs, and foraging performance. Using a large sample of wild-caught, temporarily captive New Caledonian crows, we investigated experimentally whether individuals prefer one tool type over the other when given a choice and whether they take better care of their preferred tools between successive episodes of use, safely storing them underfoot or in nearby holes. Crows strongly preferred hooked stick tools made from Desmanthus virgatus stems over non-hooked stick tools. Importantly, this preference was also reflected in subsequent tool-handling behaviour, with subjects keeping hooked stick tools safe more often than non-hooked stick tools sourced from leaf litter. These results suggest that crows 'value' hooked stick tools, which are both costlier to procure and more efficient to use, more than non-hooked stick tools. Results from a series of control treatments suggested that crows altered their tool 'safekeeping' behaviour in response to a combination of factors, including tool type and raw material. To our knowledge, our study is the first to use safekeeping behaviour as a proxy for assessing how non-human animals value different tool types, establishing a novel paradigm for productive cross-taxonomic comparisons.}, }
@article {pmid34915494, year = {2021}, author = {Satoh, M and Tabei, KI and Abe, M and Kamikawa, C and Fujita, S and Ota, Y}, title = {The Correlation between a New Online Cognitive Test (the Brain Assessment) and Widely Used In-Person Neuropsychological Tests.}, journal = {Dementia and geriatric cognitive disorders}, volume = {50}, number = {5}, pages = {473-481}, doi = {10.1159/000520521}, pmid = {34915494}, issn = {1421-9824}, mesh = {Aged ; Brain/diagnostic imaging ; *COVID-19 ; Cognition ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; SARS-CoV-2 ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: There are several problems with standard in-person neuropsychological assessments, such as habituation, necessity of human resources, and difficulty of in-person assessment under societal conditions during the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019. Thus, we developed an online cognitive test (the Brain Assessment [BA]). In this study, we investigated the correlation between the results of the BA and those of established neuropsychological tests.<br><br>PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Seventy-seven elderly persons (mean 71.3 &#xb1; 5.1 years old; range 65-86; male:female = 45:32) were recruited through the internet. Correlations were evaluated between the BA and the following widely used neuropsychological tests: the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), the Raven's colored progressive matrices (RCPM), the logical memory I and II of the Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test, the word fluency (WF) test, and the Trail-Making TestA/B.<br><br>RESULTS: We found moderate correlations between the total cognitive score of the BA and the total score of the MMSE (r = 0.433, p < 0.001), as well as between the total BA score and the total RCPM score (r = 0.582, p < 0.001) and time to complete the RCPM (r = 0.455, p < 0.001). Moderate correlations were also observed between the cognitive score of the memory of words BA subtest and the LM-I (r = 0.518, p < 0.001), the mental rotation subtest and figure drawing (r = 0.404, p < 0.001), the logical reasoning subtest and total RCPM score (r = 0.491, p < 0.001), and the memory of numbers and words subtests and WF (memory of numbers and total WF: r = 0.456, p < 0.001; memory of words and total WF: r = 0.571, p < 0.001).<br><br>DISCUSSION: We found that the BA showed moderate correlations between established neuropsychological tests for intellect, memory, visuospatial function, and frontal function. The MMSE and the RCPM reflect Spearman's s-factor and g-factor, respectively, and thus the BA also covered both factors.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The BA is a useful tool for assessing the cognitive function of generally healthy elderly persons.}, }
@article {pmid34898049, year = {2022}, author = {Yamaguchi, E and Fujii, K and Kayano, M and Sakurai, Y and Nakatani, A and Sasaki, M and Hertl, JA and Grohn, YT}, title = {Is Salmonella enterica shared between wildlife and cattle in cattle farming areas? An 11-year retrospective study in Tokachi district, Hokkaido, Japan.}, journal = {Veterinary medicine and science}, volume = {8}, number = {2}, pages = {758-770}, pmid = {34898049}, issn = {2053-1095}, mesh = {Agriculture ; Animals ; Animals, Wild ; Cattle ; Farms ; Japan/epidemiology ; Retrospective Studies ; *Salmonella Infections, Animal/epidemiology ; *Salmonella enterica/genetics ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Salmonella enterica in cattle has long been problematic and suspected to be transmitted by wildlife in Tokachi, Hokkaido, a major cattle farming area in Japan. Understanding the role of wildlife in S. enterica transmission would be helpful for developing control strategies of bovine salmonellosis.<br><br>OBJECTIVES: We aimed to elucidate the possibility of S. enterica transmission between sympatric wildlife, including raccoons and crows and cattle, in Tokachi from 2008 to 2018 by analysing S. enterica detection records, and the genetic relatedness of serotypes shared between wildlife and cattle.<br><br>METHODS: S. enterica detection records were based on the results of a field survey and existing cattle records at relevant organisations, including clinical reports, a monitoring survey and quarantine for introduced calves at growing farms and public calving farms. S. enterica was identified by polymerase chain reaction assay and serotyped by agglutination assay. The detection records were organised chronologically to investigate whether common serotypes in wildlife and cattle were detected in the same year. The isolates corresponding to detection records were assessed for their genetic patterns by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.<br><br>RESULTS: The prevalence of S. enterica in raccoons and crows was 10.7% (17/159) and 5.7% (55/967), respectively. The following serotypes were detected from both wildlife and cattle: Braenderup, Dublin, Infantis, Mbandaka, Montevideo, 4,[5],12:i:- and Typhimurium. Genetically similar isolates for S. Braenderup, S. Dublin, S. Montevideo and S. 4,[5],12:i:- were detected from both species in the same year.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our long-term retrospective observations supported that S. enterica was shared between wildlife and cattle. Wildlife invasions should be controlled at farms to prevent inter-species transmission of S. enterica from livestock farms.}, }
@article {pmid34875182, year = {2021}, author = {Martin, RJ and Martin, GK and Roberts, WA and Sherry, DF}, title = {No evidence for future planning in Canada jays (Perisoreus canadensis).}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {17}, number = {12}, pages = {20210504}, pmid = {34875182}, issn = {1744-957X}, mesh = {Animals ; Canada ; Feeding Behavior ; Food ; Humans ; *Passeriformes ; *Songbirds ; }, abstract = {In the past 20 years, research in animal cognition has challenged the belief that complex cognitive processes are uniquely human. At the forefront of these challenges has been research on mental time travel and future planning in jays. We tested whether Canada jays (Perisoreus canadensis) demonstrated future planning, using a procedure that has produced evidence of future planning in California scrub-jays. Future planning in this procedure is caching in locations where the bird will predictably experience a lack of food in the future. Canada jays showed no evidence of future planning in this sense and instead cached in the location where food was usually available, opposite to the behaviour described for California scrub-jays. We provide potential explanations for these differing results adding to the recent debates about the role of complex cognition in corvid caching strategies.}, }
@article {pmid34827957, year = {2021}, author = {Benmazouz, I and Jokimäki, J and Lengyel, S and Juhász, L and Kaisanlahti-Jokimäki, ML and Kardos, G and Paládi, P and Kövér, L}, title = {Corvids in Urban Environments: A Systematic Global Literature Review.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {11}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {34827957}, issn = {2076-2615}, support = {SH-00355-004/2019//Stipendium Hungaricum program/ ; NKFIH-OTKA K134391//National Research, Development, and Innovation Office of Hungary/ ; }, abstract = {Urbanization is one of the most prevalent drivers of biodiversity loss, yet few taxonomic groups are remarkably successful at adapting to urban environments. We systematically surveyed the global literature on the effects of urbanization on species of family Corvidae (crows, choughs, jackdaws, jays, magpies, nutcrackers, ravens, rooks, treepies) to assess the occurrence of corvids in urban environments and the factors affecting their success. We found a total of 424 primary research articles, and the number of articles has increased exponentially since the 1970s. Most studies were carried out in cities of Europe and North America (45.5% and 31.4%, respectively) and were directed on a single species (75.2). We found that 30 corvid species (23% of 133 total) regularly occur in urban environments. The majority (72%) of the studies reported positive effects of urbanization on corvids, with 85% of studies detecting population increases and 64% of studies detecting higher breeding success with urbanization. Of the factors proposed to explain corvids' success (availability of nesting sites and food sources, low predation and persecution), food availability coupled with diet shifts emerged as the most important factors promoting Corvidae to live in urban settings. The breeding of corvids in urban environments was further associated with earlier nesting, similar or larger clutches, lower hatching but higher fledging success, reduced home range size and limited territoriality, increased tolerance towards humans and increasing frequency of conflicts with humans. Despite geographic and taxonomic biases in our literature sample, our review indicates that corvids show both flexibility in resource use and behavioral plasticity that enable them to exploit novel resources for nesting and feeding. Corvids can thus be urban exploiters of the large-scale modifications of ecosystems caused by urbanization.}, }
@article {pmid34827796, year = {2021}, author = {Schneider, S and Goettlich, S and Diercks, C and Dierkes, PW}, title = {Discrimination of Acoustic Stimuli and Maintenance of Graded Alarm Call Structure in Captive Meerkats.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {11}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {34827796}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {Animals living in human care for several generations face the risk of losing natural behaviors, which can lead to reduced animal welfare. The goal of this study is to demonstrate that meerkats (Suricata suricatta) living in zoos can assess potential danger and respond naturally based on acoustic signals only. This includes that the graded information of urgency in alarm calls as well as a response to those alarm calls is retained in captivity. To test the response to acoustic signals with different threat potential, meerkats were played calls of various animals differing in size and threat (e.g., robin, raven, buzzard, jackal) while their behavior was observed. The emitted alarm calls were recorded and examined for their graded structure on the one hand and played back to them on the other hand by means of a playback experiment to see whether the animals react to their own alarm calls even in the absence of danger. A fuzzy clustering algorithm was used to analyze and classify the alarm calls. Subsequently, the features that best described the graded structure were isolated using the LASSO algorithm and compared to features already known from wild meerkats. The results show that the graded structure is maintained in captivity and can be described by features such as noise and duration. The animals respond to new threats and can distinguish animal calls that are dangerous to them from those that are not, indicating the preservation of natural cooperative behavior. In addition, the playback experiments show that the meerkats respond to their own alarm calls with vigilance and escape behavior. The findings can be used to draw conclusions about the intensity of alertness in captive meerkats and to adapt husbandry conditions to appropriate welfare.}, }
@article {pmid34813525, year = {2022}, author = {Leopold, SS}, title = {A Conversation with … Jay Nordlinger, the Writer Who Sees Both Sides.}, journal = {Clinical orthopaedics and related research}, volume = {480}, number = {2}, pages = {217-219}, pmid = {34813525}, issn = {1528-1132}, mesh = {*Communication ; *Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Humans ; *Journalism ; Male ; *Periodicals as Topic ; *Physician-Patient Relations ; }, }
@article {pmid34793696, year = {2022}, author = {Miller, R and Lambert, ML and Frohnwieser, A and Brecht, KF and Bugnyar, T and Crampton, I and Garcia-Pelegrin, E and Gould, K and Greggor, AL and Izawa, EI and Kelly, DM and Li, Z and Luo, Y and Luong, LB and Massen, JJM and Nieder, A and Reber, SA and Schiestl, M and Seguchi, A and Sepehri, P and Stevens, JR and Taylor, AH and Wang, L and Wolff, LM and Zhang, Y and Clayton, NS}, title = {Socio-ecological correlates of neophobia in corvids.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {32}, number = {1}, pages = {74-85.e4}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2021.10.045}, pmid = {34793696}, issn = {1879-0445}, support = {P 33960/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; W 1262/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Fear ; Humans ; *Passeriformes/physiology ; Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Behavioral responses to novelty, including fear and subsequent avoidance of novel stimuli, i.e., neophobia, determine how animals interact with their environment. Neophobia aids in navigating risk and impacts on adaptability and survival. There is variation within and between individuals and species; however, lack of large-scale, comparative studies critically limits investigation of the socio-ecological drivers of neophobia. In this study, we tested responses to novel objects and food (alongside familiar food) versus a baseline (familiar food alone) in 10 corvid species (241 subjects) across 10 labs worldwide. There were species differences in the latency to touch familiar food in the novel object and novel food conditions relative to the baseline. Four of seven socio-ecological factors influenced object neophobia: (1) use of urban habitat (versus not), (2) territorial pair versus family group sociality, (3) large versus small maximum flock size, and (4) moderate versus specialized caching (whereas range, hunting live animals, and genus did not), while only maximum flock size influenced food neophobia. We found that, overall, individuals were temporally and contextually repeatable (i.e., consistent) in their novelty responses in all conditions, indicating neophobia is a stable behavioral trait. With this study, we have established a network of corvid researchers, demonstrating potential for further collaboration to explore the evolution of cognition in corvids and other bird species. These novel findings enable us, for the first time in corvids, to identify the socio-ecological correlates of neophobia and grant insight into specific elements that drive higher neophobic responses in this avian family group. VIDEO ABSTRACT.}, }
@article {pmid34744759, year = {2021}, author = {Flores-Santin, J and Burggren, WW}, title = {Beyond the Chicken: Alternative Avian Models for Developmental Physiological Research.}, journal = {Frontiers in physiology}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {712633}, pmid = {34744759}, issn = {1664-042X}, abstract = {Biomedical research focusing on physiological, morphological, behavioral, and other aspects of development has long depended upon the chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) as a key animal model that is presumed to be typical of birds and generally applicable to mammals. Yet, the modern chicken in its many forms is the result of artificial selection more intense than almost any other domesticated animal. A consequence of great variation in genotype and phenotype is that some breeds have inherent aberrant physiological and morphological traits that may show up relatively early in development (e.g., hypertension, hyperglycemia, and limb defects in the broiler chickens). While such traits can be useful as models of specific diseases, this high degree of specialization can color general experimental results and affect their translational value. Against this background, in this review we first consider the characteristics that make an animal model attractive for developmental research (e.g., accessibility, ease of rearing, size, fecundity, development rates, genetic variation, etc.). We then explore opportunities presented by the embryo to adult continuum of alternative bird models, including quail, ratites, songbirds, birds of prey, and corvids. We conclude by indicating that expanding developmental studies beyond the chicken model to include additional avian groups will both validate the chicken model as well as potentially identify even more suitable avian models for answering questions applicable to both basic biology and the human condition.}, }
@article {pmid34738933, year = {2021}, author = {Kas, JJ and Vila, FD and Pemmaraju, CD and Tan, TS and Rehr, JJ}, title = {Advanced calculations of X-ray spectroscopies with FEFF10 and Corvus.}, journal = {Journal of synchrotron radiation}, volume = {28}, number = {Pt 6}, pages = {1801-1810}, doi = {10.1107/S1600577521008614}, pmid = {34738933}, issn = {1600-5775}, support = {DE-AC02-76SF00515//US Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering/ ; DEFG02-97ER45623//US Department of Energy, Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences/ ; DE-AC02-05CH11231//US Department of Energy, Office of Science, National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; X-Rays ; }, abstract = {The real-space Green's function code FEFF has been extensively developed and used for calculations of X-ray and related spectra, including X-ray absorption (XAS), X-ray emission (XES), inelastic X-ray scattering, and electron energy-loss spectra. The code is particularly useful for the analysis and interpretation of the XAS fine-structure (EXAFS) and the near-edge structure (XANES) in materials throughout the periodic table. Nevertheless, many applications, such as non-equilibrium systems, and the analysis of ultra-fast pump-probe experiments, require extensions of the code including finite-temperature and auxiliary calculations of structure and vibrational properties. To enable these extensions, we have developed in tandem a new version FEFF10 and new FEFF-based workflows for the Corvus workflow manager, which allow users to easily augment the capabilities of FEFF10 via auxiliary codes. This coupling facilitates simplified input and automated calculations of spectra based on advanced theoretical techniques. The approach is illustrated with examples of high-temperature behavior, vibrational properties, many-body excitations in XAS, super-heavy materials, and fits of calculated spectra to experiment.}, }
@article {pmid34725818, year = {2022}, author = {Séguin, K and Durand-Guévin, A and Lavallée, C and Ouimet, F and Maisonhaute, J&#xc9; and Watson, CJ and Forbes, SL}, title = {The taphonomic impact of scavenger guilds in southern Quebec during summer and fall in two distinct habitats.}, journal = {Journal of forensic sciences}, volume = {67}, number = {2}, pages = {460-470}, doi = {10.1111/1556-4029.14929}, pmid = {34725818}, issn = {1556-4029}, support = {C150-2017-12//Canada 150 Research Chair in Forensic Thanatology/ ; RGPIN/6098/2019//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Birds ; *Ecosystem ; *Feeding Behavior ; Postmortem Changes ; Quebec ; Seasons ; Swine ; }, abstract = {Decomposition of human remains is a complex process impacted by many intrinsic and extrinsic factors. A less-studied extrinsic factor in forensic taphonomy are the scavengers that consume soft and hard tissue. Scavengers physically degrade and remove soft tissue, disperse, and destroy skeletal elements, which can make locating remains challenging. While invertebrate activity has been largely investigated, there is limited quantitative data available on vertebrate activity, particularly in Canada. This study aimed to determine which species (vertebrate and invertebrate) belong to the scavenger guilds in southern Quebec, and their potential taphonomic impact on the decomposition process. Two independent trials were conducted in 2020 using pig carcasses: one during summer in a forest habitat and one during fall in a grassland habitat. Each carcass was placed a minimum 100 m apart in semi-rural land. Vertebrate scavenger activity was recorded by continuous surveillance using trail cameras. Carcasses were also regularly visited to monitor the decomposition process and the activity of invertebrate scavengers. Overall, the vertebrate scavenger guilds included a narrow range of corvids, turkey vultures, coyotes, and skunks. The intensity of vertebrate scavengers was greater in the grassland habitat (fall), while the intensity of invertebrate scavengers was greater in the forest habitat (summer). With the exception of invertebrate scavengers, very few species visited during the fresh stage of decomposition, and the probability of body displacement increased as decomposition progressed. These results identify which scavengers have the greatest taphonomic impact and highlight the importance of incorporating scavenger impact when searching for human remains.}, }
@article {pmid34703616, year = {2021}, author = {Wascher, CAF and Allen, K and Szipl, G}, title = {Learning and motor inhibitory control in crows and domestic chickens.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {8}, number = {10}, pages = {210504}, pmid = {34703616}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {Cognitive abilities allow animals to navigate through complex, fluctuating environments. In the present study, we tested the performance of a captive group of eight crows, Corvus corone and 10 domestic chickens, Gallus gallus domesticus, in the cylinder task, as a test of motor inhibitory control and reversal learning as a measure of learning ability and behavioural flexibility. Four crows and nine chickens completed the cylinder task, eight crows and six chickens completed the reversal learning experiment. Crows performed better in the cylinder task compared with chickens. In the reversal learning experiment, species did not significantly differ in the number of trials until the learning criterion was reached. The performance in the reversal learning experiment did not correlate with performance in the cylinder task in chickens. Our results suggest crows to possess better motor inhibitory control compared with chickens. By contrast, learning performance in a reversal learning task did not differ between the species, indicating similar levels of behavioural flexibility. Interestingly, we describe notable individual differences in performance. We stress the importance not only to compare cognitive performance between species but also between individuals of the same species when investigating the evolution of cognitive skills.}, }
@article {pmid34677128, year = {2021}, author = {Zeiträg, C and Jacobs, I}, title = {The elusive perspective of a food thief.}, journal = {eLife}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {34677128}, issn = {2050-084X}, mesh = {Animals ; Feeding Behavior ; Food ; *Passeriformes ; *Songbirds ; }, abstract = {Eurasian jays fail to take into account the point of view and desire of other jays when hiding food they can eat later.}, }
@article {pmid34641734, year = {2021}, author = {Baciadonna, L and Solvi, C and La Cava, S and Pilenga, C and Gamba, M and Favaro, L}, title = {Cross-modal individual recognition in the African penguin and the effect of partnership.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {288}, number = {1960}, pages = {20211463}, pmid = {34641734}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; Cues ; Endangered Species ; Humans ; Recognition, Psychology ; *Spheniscidae ; Territoriality ; }, abstract = {An animal's ability to recognize another individual by matching their image to their voice suggests they form internal representations of other individuals. To what extent this ability, termed cross-modal individual recognition, extends to birds other than corvids is unknown. Here, we used an expectancy violation paradigm to determine whether a monogamous territorial seabird (Spheniscus demersus) can cross-modally recognize familiar conspecifics (partners or colony-mates). After pairs of penguins spent time together in an isolated area, one of the penguins was released from the area leaving the focal penguin alone. Subsequently, we played contact calls of the released penguin (congruent condition) or a different penguin (incongruent condition). After being paired with a colony-mate, focal penguins' response latency to the auditory stimulus was faster in the incongruent compared to congruent condition, indicating the mismatch violated their expectations. This behavioural pattern was not observed in focal penguins after being paired with their partner. We discuss these different results in the light of penguins' natural behaviour and the evolution of social communication strategies. Our results suggest that cross-modal individual recognition extends to penguins and reveals, in contrast with previously thought, that social communication between members of this endangered species can also use visual cues.}, }
@article {pmid34636975, year = {2021}, author = {Tomita, K}, title = {Camera traps reveal interspecific differences in the diel and seasonal patterns of cicada nymph predation.}, journal = {Die Naturwissenschaften}, volume = {108}, number = {6}, pages = {52}, pmid = {34636975}, issn = {1432-1904}, support = {21J1301901//the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera ; Nymph ; Predatory Behavior ; Seasons ; *Ursidae ; }, abstract = {Cicadas, a group of large-bodied insects, are preyed upon at both nymphal and adult stages by diverse range of vertebrates such as birds and mammals. Although the behavior of predators toward adult cicadas is well documented, there is a lack of research on the predation on cicada nymphs. In this study, camera traps deployed in conifer plantations, in which high population densities of cicadas Lyristes bihamatus emerge, were used to evaluate the seasonal and diel patterns of predation upon cicada nymphs by three predator species, namely brown bears, red foxes, and jungle crows, from May to September in 2018 and 2019 in northern Japan. Among all three species, cicada nymph predation occurred until early August when the final instar nymphs fully emerged. Bears were observed to constantly dig for cicada nymphs until early August, whereas foxes and crows were frequently observed foraging from late July to early August, during the season of L. bihamatus emergence. In contract to the powerful digging ability of bears, which facilitates efficient predation upon subterranean cicada nymphs, it is generally difficult for foxes and crows with limited or no digging ability to gain access these nymphs until the period of emergence. Cicada nymph predation by bears and crows was observed primarily during the daytime, despite the typical crepuscular/nocturnal emergence schedules of these insects. Contrastingly, the predatory activities of foxes tended to be nocturnal during the period prior to the beginning of cicada emergence, although subsequently became diurnal during the cicada emergence period. These observations indicate that the temporal activity patterns of cicada nymph predators are determined by interspecific differences in predation abilities and cicada emergence schedules. Accordingly, the findings of this study provide evidence to indicate that the timing and duration of trophic interactions between above- and belowground communities might vary among predator species, depending on their predation abilities.}, }
@article {pmid34618523, year = {2021}, author = {Delamater, AR and Wasserman, EA}, title = {Comparative cognition-Conceptual and methodological advancements.}, journal = {Journal of experimental psychology. Animal learning and cognition}, volume = {47}, number = {3}, pages = {219-222}, doi = {10.1037/xan0000309}, pmid = {34618523}, issn = {2329-8464}, mesh = {Animals ; *Cognition ; *Concept Formation ; Dogs ; Mice ; Pan troglodytes ; Rats ; }, abstract = {This special issue originally placed a Call for Papers that emphasized the importance of "Conceptual and Methodological" advances in the field of Comparative Cognition. Represented here is a collection of 14 papers that helps to display some of the diversity of ideas and approaches within this flourishing research area. The first paper in this issue, by Gazes and Lazareva (2021), discusses transitive inference learning from the perspectives of: identifying the problems of contextual variables in studying different species; whether associative processes can or cannot fully account for the behavior and, if not, what alternative representational mechanisms might be at work; and, finally, how ecological considerations may support comparative research by suggesting novel theoretical and empirical questions. The next paper, by Loy et al. (2021) investigates questions related to the complexity of learning in invertebrate species, single-celled organisms, and plants. The paper by Rawlings et al. (2021) reviews the literature on cumulative cultural evolution, primarily in nonhuman primate species, and critically evaluates the importance of identifying the essential conceptual and methodological issues in what many have deemed to be a uniquely human form of behavior. The paper by Goto and Watanabe (2021) explores whether the mouse visual system is sensitive to Gestalt principles, using operant discrimination learning tasks similar to those used previously to document Gestalt processing in chimpanzees and humans. Qadri and Cook (2021) use the innovative approach of "adaptive genetic algorithms" to assess the relative importance of different features of a stimulus in controlling organisms' discrimination learning performance. Wittek et al. (2021) introduce a novel method for studying the importance of visual accumulation processes in pigeons when information is presented to a single hemisphere at a time. The paper by Cowie et al. (2021) focuses on a misallocation model of two-step sequence learning in young children and explores from a behavioranalytic viewpoint the implications of assuming that reinforcement might be misattributed to a misremembered response at the beginning of the behavioral sequence. The paper by López-Tolsa and Pellón (2021) explores whether the opportunity to display schedule-induced drinking as an early response within a behavioral sequence might alter the accuracy of temporal control in different-length fixed-interval schedule tasks with rats. Crystal (2021) reviews the literature examining episodic memory in nonhuman species and considers a variety of criteria and methods thought to be crucial for establishing empirical evidence for episodic memory in nonhumans, in general, and rats, in particular. Vila et al. (2021) discuss the use a novel 'hide-and-seek' task in preschool age children to study episodic-like memory; their work illustrates how memory dynamics can change over time in a manner not very unlike what has been demonstrated in other nonhuman research paradigms. The paper by Krichbaum et al. (2021) discusses some of the methodological difficulties one faces in studying spatial cognition in canines. The paper by Castro et al. (2021) uses a complex categorization learning task in which different sets of display features are diagnostic, or not, of category mastery depending upon context. The paper by Vernouillet et al. (2021) explores the formation of same/different concept learning in two species of corvids (pinyon jays and California scrub jays). The final paper, by Lazarowski et al. (2021) examines the possibility of abstract same/different learning in canines using a trial-unique training matching-to-sample procedure with olfactory stimuli. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).}, }
@article {pmid34613989, year = {2021}, author = {Raymond, S and Schwartz, ALW and Thomas, RJ and Chadwick, E and Perkins, SE}, title = {Temporal patterns of wildlife roadkill in the UK.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {16}, number = {10}, pages = {e0258083}, pmid = {34613989}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Accidents, Traffic/*prevention &amp; control ; Animals ; Animals, Wild/*physiology ; Deer ; *Ecosystem ; Female ; Foxes/physiology ; Humans ; Male ; Rabbits ; Reproduction/*physiology ; Seasons ; United Kingdom/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {Wildlife-vehicle collisions are one of the main causes of mortality for wild mammals and birds in the UK. Here, using a dataset of 54,000+ records collated by a citizen science roadkill recording scheme between 2014-2019, we analyse and present temporal patterns of wildlife roadkill of the 19 most commonly reported taxa in the UK (84% of all reported roadkill). Most taxa (13 out of 19) showed significant and consistent seasonal variations in road mortality and fitted one of two seasonal patterns; bimodal or unimodal: only three species (red fox Vulpes vulpes, European polecat Mustela putorius and Reeves' muntjac deer Muntiacus reevesi) showed no significant seasonality. Species that increase movement in spring and autumn potentially have bimodal patterns in roadkill due to the increase in mate-searching and juvenile dispersal during these respective time periods (e.g. European badger Meles meles). Unimodal patterns likely represent increased mortality due to a single short pulse in activity associated with breeding (e.g. birds) or foraging (e.g. grey squirrels Sciurus carolinensis in autumn). Importantly, these patterns also indicate periods of increased risk for drivers, potentially posing a greater threat to human welfare. In addition to behaviour-driven annual patterns, abiotic factors (temperature and rainfall) explained some variance in roadkill. Notably, high rainfall was associated with decreased observations of two bird taxa (gulls and Eurasian magpies Pica pica) and European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus. By quantifying seasonal patterns in roadkill, we highlight a significant anthropogenic impact on wild species, which is important in relation to conservation, animal welfare, and human safety.}, }
@article {pmid34566706, year = {2021}, author = {Eutrope, J and Novo, A and Barbe, C and Loron, G and Rolland, AC and Caillies, S}, title = {Impact of Executive Functions and Parental Anxiety on the Development of Social Cognition in Premature Children: A Cross-Sectional Case-Control Protocol.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychiatry}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {484571}, pmid = {34566706}, issn = {1664-0640}, abstract = {Background: Recent research has identified neuropsychological disorders, specifically executive function disorders, in premature children. Executive functions support goal-oriented mental activity and play a role in the development of social cognition. This underlies the social and emotional behavior of individuals. Parental anxiety is also an important environmental factor that can influence the psycho-emotional development of children. Objectives: The present protocol aims to compare the development of social cognition in school-age children born prematurely to that of school-age children born full-term, and to determine the impact of executive (dys)function and parental anxiety on such development. Methods/Design: In this cross-sectional protocol, 28 prematurely born children aged 7-10 years ("preterm") and 28 full-term born children aged 7-10 years ("control") will be included. The "preterm" and "control" groups will be matched for sex and age. The neuropsychological evaluation will include that of non-verbal intellectual efficiency (Raven's colored progressive matrices), verbal level (WISC-IV subtests), and executive functions (NEPSY II subtests and the opposite worlds of TEA-CH). The evaluation of social cognition will be conducted via tests of the theory of cognitive and affective mind. Several dimensions of the level of parental anxiety will be collected through the Spielberg Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y, Beck Depression Inventory, Social Support Questionnaire-6, Parental Stress Index and, specifically for mothers, the Modified Perinatal Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Questionnaire. Discussion: The results of this protocol will aid our understanding of the development of social cognition in premature children and to determine the factors that influence such development. This clinical research project, although following a fundamental approach, will have clinical implications because a more precise description of the development of social cognition in this school-age population will make it possible to better determine the cognitive targets of therapeutic actions and to search for predictive indices of the efficacy of practices. Trial Registration:https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03007095, identifier: NCT03007095.}, }
@article {pmid34532917, year = {2022}, author = {Bauch, C and Boonekamp, JJ and Korsten, P and Mulder, E and Verhulst, S}, title = {High heritability of telomere length and low heritability of telomere shortening in wild birds.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {31}, number = {23}, pages = {6308-6323}, pmid = {34532917}, issn = {1365-294X}, mesh = {Animals ; *Telomere Shortening/genetics ; Animals, Wild/genetics ; Birds/genetics ; Biological Evolution ; Telomere/genetics ; *Crows/genetics ; }, abstract = {Telomere length and telomere shortening predict survival in many organisms. This raises the question of the contribution of genetic and environmental effects to variation in these traits, which is still poorly known, particularly for telomere shortening. We used experimental (cross-fostering) and statistical (quantitative genetic "animal models") means to disentangle and estimate genetic and environmental contributions to telomere length variation in pedigreed free-living jackdaws (Corvus monedula). Telomere length was measured twice in nestlings, at ages 4 (n = 715) and 29 days (n = 474), using telomere restriction fragment (TRF) analysis, adapted to exclude interstitial telomeric sequences. Telomere length shortened significantly over the nestling period (10.4 ± 0.3 bp day[-1]) and was highly phenotypically (rP = 0.95 ± 0.01) and genetically (rG > 0.99 ± 0.01) correlated within individuals. Additive genetic effects explained a major part of telomere length variation among individuals, with its heritability estimated at h[2] = 0.74 on average. We note that TRF-based studies reported higher heritabilities than qPCR-based studies, and we discuss possible explanations. Parent-offspring regressions yielded similar heritability estimates for mothers and fathers when accounting for changes in paternal telomere length over life. Year effects explained a small but significant part of telomere length variation. Heritable variation for telomere shortening was low (h[2] = 0.09 ± 0.11). The difference in heritability between telomere length (high) and telomere shortening (low) agrees with evolutionary theory, in that telomere shortening has stronger fitness consequences in this population. Despite the high heritability of telomere length, its evolvability, which scales the additive genetic variance by mean telomere length, was on average 0.48%. Hence, evolutionary change of telomere length due to selection is likely to be slow.}, }
@article {pmid34522959, year = {2022}, author = {Rodríguez, JM and Bae, B and Geronimus, AT and Bound, J}, title = {The Political Realignment of Health: How Partisan Power Shaped Infant Health in the United States, 1915-2017.}, journal = {Journal of health politics, policy and law}, volume = {47}, number = {2}, pages = {201-224}, pmid = {34522959}, issn = {1527-1927}, support = {P2C HD041028/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Government Agencies ; Humans ; Infant ; *Infant Health ; Mass Gatherings ; Policy ; *Politics ; United States ; }, abstract = {The US two-party system was transformed in the 1960s when the Democratic Party abandoned its Jim Crow protectionism to incorporate the policy agenda fostered by the civil rights movement, and the Republican Party redirected its platform toward socioeconomic and racial conservatism. The authors argue that the policy agendas promoted by the two parties through presidents and state legislatures codify a racially patterned access to resources and power detrimental to the health of all. To test the hypothesis that fluctuations in overall and race-specific infant mortality rates (IMRs) shift between the parties in power before and after the political realignment (PR), the authors apply panel data analysis methods to state-level data from the National Center for Health Statistics for the period 1915 through 2017. Net of trend, overall, and race-specific IMRs were not statistically different between presidential parties before the PR. This pattern, however, changed after the PR, with Republican administrations consistently underperforming Democratic ones. Net of trend, non-Southern state legislatures controlled by Republicans underperform Democratic ones in overall and racial IMRs in both periods.}, }
@article {pmid34505575, year = {2021}, author = {Amodio, P and Farrar, BG and Krupenye, C and Ostojić, L and Clayton, NS}, title = {Little evidence that Eurasian jays protect their caches by responding to cues about a conspecific's desire and visual perspective.}, journal = {eLife}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {34505575}, issn = {2050-084X}, support = {BB/M011194/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Cues ; *Feeding Behavior ; Food ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Eurasian jays have been reported to protect their caches by responding to cues about either the visual perspective or current desire of an observing conspecific, similarly to other corvids. Here, we used established paradigms to test whether these birds can - like humans - integrate multiple cues about different mental states and perform an optimal response accordingly. Across five experiments, which also include replications of previous work, we found little evidence that our jays adjusted their caching behaviour in line with the visual perspective and current desire of another agent, neither by integrating these social cues nor by responding to only one type of cue independently. These results raise questions about the reliability of the previously reported effects and highlight several key issues affecting reliability in comparative cognition research.}, }
@article {pmid34465241, year = {2021}, author = {Boeckle, M and Schiestl, M and Frohnwieser, A and Gruber, R and Miller, R and Suddendorf, T and Gray, RD and Taylor, AH and Clayton, NS}, title = {New Caledonian crows' planning behaviour: a reply to de Mahy et al.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {288}, number = {1958}, pages = {20211271}, pmid = {34465241}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; *Crows ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, }
@article {pmid34465238, year = {2021}, author = {de Mahy, D and Esteve, NA and Santariello, A}, title = {New test, old problems: comment on 'New Caledonian crows plan for specific future tool use'.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {288}, number = {1958}, pages = {20210186}, pmid = {34465238}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; Cognition ; *Crows ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, }
@article {pmid34432054, year = {2022}, author = {Johnsson, RD and Connelly, F and Vyssotski, AL and Roth, TC and Lesku, JA}, title = {Homeostatic regulation of NREM sleep, but not REM sleep, in Australian magpies.}, journal = {Sleep}, volume = {45}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/sleep/zsab218}, pmid = {34432054}, issn = {1550-9109}, mesh = {Australia ; *Electroencephalography ; Homeostasis/physiology ; Humans ; Sleep/physiology ; Sleep Deprivation ; Sleep Stages/physiology ; *Sleep, REM/physiology ; }, abstract = {STUDY OBJECTIVES: We explore non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep homeostasis in Australian magpies (Cracticus tibicen tyrannica). We predicted that magpies would recover lost sleep by spending more time in NREM and REM sleep, and by engaging in more intense NREM sleep as indicated by increased slow-wave activity (SWA).<br><br>METHODS: Continuous 72-h recordings of EEG, EMG, and tri-axial accelerometry, along with EEG spectral analyses, were performed on wild-caught Australian magpies housed in indoor aviaries. Australian magpies were subjected to two protocols of night-time sleep deprivation: full 12-h night (n = 8) and first 6-h half of the night (n = 5), which were preceded by a 36-h baseline recording and followed by a 24-h recovery period.<br><br>RESULTS: Australian magpies recovered from lost NREM sleep by sleeping more, with increased NREM sleep consolidation, and increased SWA during recovery sleep. Following 12-h of night-time sleep loss, magpies also showed reduced SWA the following night after napping more during the recovery day. Surprisingly, the magpies did not recover any lost REM sleep.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Only NREM sleep is homeostatically regulated in Australian magpies with the level of SWA reflecting prior sleep/wake history. The significance of emerging patterns on the apparent absence of REM sleep homeostasis, now observed in multiple species, remains unclear.}, }
@article {pmid34427802, year = {2022}, author = {Veselý, P and Syrová, M and Voháňková, M and Havlíček, J and Nácarová, J and Fuchs, R}, title = {Cowards or clever guys: an alternative nest defence strategy employed by shrikes against magpies.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {25}, number = {2}, pages = {307-317}, pmid = {34427802}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {048/2019/P//Jiho&#x10d;esk&#xe1; Univerzita v &#x10c;esk&#xfd;ch Bud&#x11b;jovic&#xed;ch/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Male ; *Passeriformes/physiology ; *Predatory Behavior/physiology ; }, abstract = {Red-backed shrikes (Lanius collurio) show a substantial variability in their nest defence behaviour, which usually follows the rules of optimal parental behaviour, vigorously attacking egg and chick predators and only passively guarding against harmless animals. Nevertheless, shrikes hesitate to attack the Eurasian magpie (Pica pica), which specializes in plundering passerine nests. Our previous studies have suggested that this behaviour may be the result of an alternative defence strategy, relying on nest crypsis. To test this hypothesis, at the shrike nests, we presented a magpie dummy associated with playbacks drawing the predators' attention to the presence of the nest. We predicted that the presentation of a magpie dummy associated with shrike alarm calls moves the parents to action, causing them to chase the magpie away from the nest. We showed that the presence of a magpie dummy associated with shrike alarm calls elicits a significantly more active response in shrike parents compared to a magpie dummy associated with neutral song. Parents actively moved around the dummy and produced alarm calls; nevertheless, most of the tested pairs hesitated to attack the dummy. We may conclude that the low nest defence activity of shrike parents towards magpie dummy was partly the result of an alternative strategy, which may be cancelled out by alerting the predator to the location of the nest; nevertheless, shrikes seem to be afraid of the magpie and hesitate to attack it physically.}, }
@article {pmid34379642, year = {2021}, author = {Wang, H and Parris, JJ}, title = {Popular media as a double-edged sword: An entertainment narrative analysis of the controversial Netflix series 13 Reasons Why.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {16}, number = {8}, pages = {e0255610}, pmid = {34379642}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Bullying ; *Communication ; Drama ; Humans ; Motion Pictures/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Social Media/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Suicide/*psychology ; Television/*standards/trends ; *Suicide Prevention ; }, abstract = {13 Reasons Why is a Netflix original series adapted from Jay Asher's 2007 young adult novel with the same title. Season 1 premiered on March 31, 2017 and featured the sensitive issue of teen suicide along with bullying, substance use, depression, and sexual assault. Unlike the typical teen dramas on popular streaming platforms, this show was created not only for entertainment, but also to stimulate conversations about taboo topics that people often shy away from. However, it also caused significant controversy, especially criticism around the main character Hannah's suicide scene. More than three years into the initial controversy and at least two dozen scholarly publications later, this study is the first to examine the entertainment narrative content of 13 Reasons Why Season 1 to better understand how these health and social issues were portrayed in the show, what specific examples we could identify as potential behavioral modeling, and to what degree it complied with the 2017 WHO guidelines for media professionals. We used the framing theory and social cognitive theory in communication research and media studies as our guiding conceptual frameworks and a narrative analysis approach to investigate a total of 660 cut scenes in all 13 episodes. Our findings provided empirical evidence, along with contextual information and detailed examples, to demonstrate that a popular entertainment program like the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why serves as a double-edged sword. The production team's good will and due diligence are commendable. Yet, additional steps can be taken in the future to effectively promote professional resources and reduce viewers' risks, especially the most vulnerable groups.}, }
@article {pmid34358575, year = {2021}, author = {Tobari, Y and Masuzawa, A and Harada, N and Suzuki, K and Meddle, SL}, title = {Noradrenergic alpha-2A receptor activation suppresses courtship vocalization in male Japanese quail.}, journal = {Behavioural brain research}, volume = {414}, number = {}, pages = {113513}, doi = {10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113513}, pmid = {34358575}, issn = {1872-7549}, support = {BB/P013759/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/M027805/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists/administration &amp; dosage/*pharmacology ; Animals ; Clonidine/pharmacology ; Coturnix ; *Courtship ; Male ; Mesencephalon/drug effects/*metabolism ; Norepinephrine/*physiology ; Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-2/*physiology ; Sexual Behavior, Animal/drug effects/*physiology ; Vocalization, Animal/drug effects/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Male Japanese quail produce high-frequency crow vocalizations to attract females during the breeding season. The nucleus of intercollicularis (ICo) is the midbrain vocal center in birds and electrical stimulation of the ICo produces calls that include crowing. Noradrenaline plays a significant role in sexual behavior but the contribution of noradrenaline in the control of courtship vocalizations in quail has not been well established. Using dose-dependent intracerebroventricular injection of clonidine, an α2-adrenergic receptor-specific agonist, crowing vocalization was immediately suppressed. At the same time as crow suppression by clonidine there was a reduction of immediate early gene, zenk mRNA, in the ICo; no zenk mRNA expression was detected in the dorsomedial division of the nucleus. Using histochemistry, we determined that the ICo receives noradrenergic innervation and expresses α2A-adrenergic receptor mRNA. Taken together, these data suggest that noradrenaline regulates courtship vocalization in quail, possibly via the α2A-adrenergic receptor expressed on ICo neurons.}, }
@article {pmid34341940, year = {2021}, author = {Chang, TY and Gauthier, I}, title = {Domain-specific and domain-general contributions to reading musical notation.}, journal = {Attention, perception &amp; psychophysics}, volume = {83}, number = {7}, pages = {2983-2994}, pmid = {34341940}, issn = {1943-393X}, mesh = {Cognition ; Humans ; *Music ; Reading ; Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {Musical practice may benefit not only domain-specific abilities, such as pitch discrimination and music performance, but also domain-general abilities, like executive functioning and memory. Behavioral and neural changes in visual processing have been associated with music-reading experience. However, it is still unclear whether there is a domain-specific visual ability to process musical notation. This study investigates the specificity of the visual skills relevant to simple decisions about musical notation. Ninety-six participants varying in music-reading experience answered a short survey to quantify experience with musical notation and completed a test battery that assessed musical notation reading fluency and accuracy at the level of individual note or note sequence. To characterize how this ability may relate to domain-general abilities, we also estimated general intelligence (as measured with the Raven's Progressive Matrices) and general object-recognition ability (as measure by a recently proposed construct o). We obtained reliable measurements on our various tasks and found evidence for a domain-specific ability of the perception of musical notation. This music-reading ability and domain-general abilities were found to contribute to performance on specific tasks differently, depending on the level of experience reading music.}, }
@article {pmid34341857, year = {2022}, author = {Borba, A and Matayoshi, S and Rodrigues, M}, title = {Avoiding Complications on the Upper Face Treatment With Botulinum Toxin: A Practical Guide.}, journal = {Aesthetic plastic surgery}, volume = {46}, number = {1}, pages = {385-394}, pmid = {34341857}, issn = {1432-5241}, mesh = {*Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; Face ; Forehead ; Humans ; Rejuvenation ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Currently, botulinum toxin (BoNT) injections are the most commonly performed non-invasive procedure for rejuvenation on the upper face. The therapeutic use of botulinum toxin has generally been safe and well tolerated. Adverse effects are considered mild, transient, and self-limited. However, as with all other injectable procedures, this one is also susceptible to adverse events and complications. When the safety zones are respected, the chance of any of these complications is practically null. Thus, this review aims to describe the main complications of treatment with BoNT on the upper face and to present a practical guide based on current evidence on how to avoid them.<br><br>METHODS: The literature research considered published journal articles (clinical trials or scientific reviews). Studies were identified by searching electronic databases (MEDLINE and PubMed) and reference lists of respective articles.<br><br>RESULTS: The main complications secondary to BoNT injections on the upper face are: ptosis of eyelid or eyebrow, eyebrow asymmetry, diplopia, Lakeophthalmos, Palpebral ectropion, and prominence of the palpebral bags. To avoid such complications, it is necessary to have knowledge of the anatomy of this region and adequate and individualized planning based on the existing patterns of the frontalis muscle, glabella, and crow's feet. This review presents the specificities of each of these regions and practical suggestions to obtain satisfactory results, avoiding complications.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Particularly on the upper face treatment with BoNT offers predictable results, has few adverse effects, and is associated with high patient satisfaction. However, it is suggested that the commented parameters and safety areas be incorporated into daily practice so that the possibilities of complications are minimized as much as possible.<br><br>LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .}, }
@article {pmid34311037, year = {2022}, author = {Berry, OO}, title = {Editorial: Race-Based Traumatic Stress and Vicarious Racism Within the Parent-Child Dyad: Opportunities for Intervention.}, journal = {Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry}, volume = {61}, number = {3}, pages = {362-363}, doi = {10.1016/j.jaac.2021.07.007}, pmid = {34311037}, issn = {1527-5418}, mesh = {*COVID-19 ; Humans ; Pandemics ; Parent-Child Relations ; *Racism ; SARS-CoV-2 ; United States ; }, abstract = {With every disaster, there are fault lines that deepen our understanding of what has happened and what needs to come. The events over the past 18 months including the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as well as the murder of George Floyd and the associated protests throughout the United States brought those fault lines into stark relief by highlighting the history of systemic racism that has fostered marginalization and discrimination against Black Americans. These clouds of systemic racism and discrimination-encompassing 250 years of slavery, 100 years of Jim Crow, police brutality, redlining, and the resulting high rates of poverty and poorer health outcomes-have created systems in which Black Americans face unequal and unequitable stressful situations. The medical community is now beginning to take notice of this race-based traumatic stress, a term coined by Carter in 2007,[1] to describe how social determinants of health impacted by racial discrimination can "get under the skin" through the accumulative effects of ongoing exposure to toxic stress.[2].}, }
@article {pmid34303277, year = {2021}, author = {Spaniol, MM and Magalhães, J and Mevorach, C and Shalev, L and Teixeira, MCTV and Lowenthal, R and de Paula, CS}, title = {Association between attention, nonverbal intelligence and school performance of school-age children with Autism Spectrum Disorder from a public health context in Brazil.}, journal = {Research in developmental disabilities}, volume = {116}, number = {}, pages = {104041}, doi = {10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104041}, pmid = {34303277}, issn = {1873-3379}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Attention ; *Autism Spectrum Disorder ; Brazil ; Child ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Public Health ; Schools ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by impairments in social interaction, restricted and repetitive behaviour, interests or activities. Difficulties in a broad spectrum of cognitive skills is often present, including attentional processes and nonverbal intelligence, which might be related to academic difficulties.<br><br>AIMS: In this study, the association between attentional skills and nonverbal intelligence to school performance of children with ASD was assessed.<br><br>METHODS AND PROCEDURES: 32 children/adolescents between 8-14 years old, who attended a treatment unit linked to the public health system of S&#xe3;o Paulo-Brazil participated in the study. The following instruments were utilized: Cancellation Attention Test; Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices; and School Performance Test.<br><br>OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: After correlation analysis, statistically significant associations were found between attention and nonverbal intelligence with school performance. Regression analysis showed that attention drives school performance irrespective of nonverbal intelligence.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Results evidence the link between attention and school performance in ASD, suggesting that attentional mechanisms may be a promising route to follow in the design of interventions for school improvement of children and adolescents with ASD.}, }
@article {pmid34292115, year = {2022}, author = {Ellis, RJ and Rönnberg, J}, title = {Temporal fine structure: associations with cognition and speech-in-noise recognition in adults with normal hearing or hearing impairment.}, journal = {International journal of audiology}, volume = {61}, number = {9}, pages = {778-786}, doi = {10.1080/14992027.2021.1948119}, pmid = {34292115}, issn = {1708-8186}, mesh = {Adult ; Cognition ; Hearing ; *Hearing Loss ; Humans ; Speech ; *Speech Perception ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To investigate associations between sensitivity to temporal fine structure (TFS) and performance in cognitive and speech-in-noise recognition tests.<br><br>DESIGN: A binaural test of TFS sensitivity (the TFS-LF) was used. Measures of cognition included the reading span, Raven's, and text-reception threshold tests. Measures of speech recognition included the Hearing in noise (HINT) and the Hagerman matrix sentence tests in three signal processing conditions.<br><br>STUDY SAMPLE: Analyses are based on the performance of 324/317 adults with and without hearing impairment.<br><br>RESULTS: Sensitivity to TFS was significantly correlated with both the reading span test and the recognition of speech-in-noise processed using noise reduction, the latter only when limited to participants with hearing impairment. Neither association was significant when the effects of age were partialled out.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The findings are consistent with previous research in finding no evidence of a link between sensitivity to TFS and working memory once the effects of age had been partialled out. The results provide some evidence of an influence of signal processing strategy on the association between TFS sensitivity and speech-in-noise recognition. However, further research is necessary to assess the generalisability of the findings before any claims can be made regarding any clinical implications of these findings.}, }
@article {pmid34287804, year = {2022}, author = {Roberts, WA}, title = {An operant analog of food caching in the pigeon (Columba livia).}, journal = {Learning &amp; behavior}, volume = {50}, number = {1}, pages = {82-88}, pmid = {34287804}, issn = {1543-4508}, mesh = {Animals ; Columbidae/*physiology ; *Feeding Behavior ; Reinforcement Schedule ; *Reinforcement, Psychology ; }, abstract = {Although pigeons do not naturally cache and recover food items as found in members of the corvid and parid families, an operant analog of food caching and recovery in pigeons was studied in four experiments. Pigeons were trained to peck a caching key that added a fixed increment of time to the final duration of reinforcement obtained by pecking a payoff key. The same key served as the caching and payoff keys in Experiment 1, but separate caching and payoff keys were used in Experiments 2-4. In Experiments 2-3, each peck on a left red caching key added 0.5 s of reinforcement earned by pecking a right white payoff key. In Experiment 4, red or green caching keys appeared on different trials, with 0.5 s of reinforcement earned for pecking the red key and 1.0 s of reinforcement earned for pecking the green key. Pigeons showed an increased number of pecks on the caching key over ten sessions in Experiments 1-3 and more pecks on the green caching key than on the red caching key in Experiment 4.}, }
@article {pmid34263015, year = {2021}, author = {Honja Kabero, T and Bosha, T and Feleke, FW and Haile Weldegebreal, D and Stoecker, B}, title = {Nutritional Status and Its Association with Cognitive Function among School Aged Children at Soddo Town and Soddo Zuriya District, Southern Ethiopia: Institution Based Comparative Study.}, journal = {Global pediatric health}, volume = {8}, number = {}, pages = {2333794X211028198}, pmid = {34263015}, issn = {2333-794X}, abstract = {About 1 billion stunted school-aged children are growing up with impaired mental development which can lead to low cognitive performance, reduced school achievement, and low productivity. But there is scarce evidence on cognitive function, school performance and their associated factors among school aged children. The main aim of this study was to assess cognitive function, school performance and determine their association with nutritional status among school children aged 7 to 10 years at Soddo Town and Soddo Zuriya Woreda, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Institutional comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on a total sample of 178 primary school children. The Raven's Color Progressive Matrices (RCPM) and selected tests from Kaufman assessment battery for children second edition were used. Mid-year average students' examination result was also used. Data were analyzed by using SPSS version 25, WHO Anthro plus, and independent sample t-test. Bivariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were also used. Mean (±SD) cognitive test scores of urban study participants was 18.7 ± 3.4 for RCPM which was higher (P < .001) as compared to rural (16.5 ± 3.3). The urban mean cognitive test scores was also higher for both pattern reasoning and visual processing with (P < .001) as compared to rural counterparts. School performance was higher (P < .001) for urban. Maternal education (P < .002) and wealth index (P < .006) were positively predicted while stunting (P < .001) negatively predicted cognitive function test scores and school performance. Cognitive function and school performance of study participants were associated with their nutritional status and rural participants had significantly lower mean scores as compared to urban counterparts. Further study should be done to community level.}, }
@article {pmid34256579, year = {2021}, author = {Breen, AJ}, title = {Animal culture research should include avian nest construction.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {17}, number = {7}, pages = {20210327}, pmid = {34256579}, issn = {1744-957X}, mesh = {Animals ; *Finches ; *Nesting Behavior ; }, abstract = {Material culture-that is, group-shared and socially learned object-related behaviour(s)-is a widespread and diverse phenomenon in humans. For decades, researchers have sought to confirm the existence of material culture in non-human animals; however, the main study systems of interest-namely, tool making and/or using non-human primates and corvids-cannot provide such confirmatory evidence: because long-standing ethical and logistical constraints handicap the collection of necessary experimental data. Synthesizing evidence across decades and disciplines, here, I present a novel framework for (mechanistic, developmental, behavioural, and comparative) study on animal material culture: avian nest construction.}, }
@article {pmid34253607, year = {2021}, author = {Steele, MP and Neaves, LE and Klump, BC and St Clair, JJH and Fernandes, JRSM and Hequet, V and Shaw, P and Hollingsworth, PM and Rutz, C}, title = {DNA barcoding identifies cryptic animal tool materials.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {118}, number = {29}, pages = {}, pmid = {34253607}, issn = {1091-6490}, support = {BB/G023913/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/G023913/2/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; RPG-2015-273/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Crows ; *DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; DNA, Plant/genetics ; Nesting Behavior/physiology ; Phylogeny ; Plant Structures/anatomy &amp; histology/classification/genetics ; Tool Use Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Some animals fashion tools or constructions out of plant materials to aid foraging, reproduction, self-maintenance, or protection. Their choice of raw materials can affect the structure and properties of the resulting artifacts, with considerable fitness consequences. Documenting animals' material preferences is challenging, however, as manufacture behavior is often difficult to observe directly, and materials may be processed so heavily that they lack identifying features. Here, we use DNA barcoding to identify, from just a few recovered tool specimens, the plant species New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides) use for crafting elaborate hooked stick tools in one of our long-term study populations. The method succeeded where extensive fieldwork using an array of conventional approaches-including targeted observations, camera traps, radio-tracking, bird-mounted video cameras, and behavioral experiments with wild and temporarily captive subjects-had failed. We believe that DNA barcoding will prove useful for investigating many other tool and construction behaviors, helping to unlock significant research potential across a wide range of study systems.}, }
@article {pmid34242287, year = {2021}, author = {Nahid, MI and Fossøy, F and Stokke, BG and Abernathy, V and Begum, S and Langmore, NE and Røskaft, E and Ranke, PS}, title = {No evidence of host-specific egg mimicry in Asian koels.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {16}, number = {7}, pages = {e0253985}, pmid = {34242287}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Color ; Egg Shell/physiology ; Host-Parasite Interactions/*physiology ; Linear Models ; Nesting Behavior/physiology ; Ovum/*physiology ; Parasites/physiology ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Avian brood parasitism is costly for the host, in many cases leading to the evolution of defenses like discrimination of parasitic eggs. The parasite, in turn, may evolve mimetic eggs as a counter-adaptation to host egg rejection. Some generalist parasites have evolved host-specific races (gentes) that may mimic the eggs of their main hosts, while others have evolved 'jack-of-all-trades' egg phenotypes that mimic key features of the eggs of several different host species. The Asian koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus) is a widely distributed generalist brood parasite that exploits a wide range of host species. Based on human vision, previous studies have described Asian koel eggs as resembling those of its main host, the house crow (Corvus splendens). Using measurements of egg length and breadth, digital image analysis, reflectance spectrophotometry and avian visual modelling, we examined Asian koel egg variation and potential mimicry in egg size and shape, and eggshell pattern and color in three sympatrically occurring host species in Bangladesh: the common myna (Acridotheres tristis), house crow, and long-tailed shrike (Lanius schach). We found some differences among Asian koel eggs laid in different host nests: a) Asian koel eggs in long-tailed shrike nests were larger than those laid in common myna and house crow nests, and b) Asian koel eggs in house crow nests were less elongated than those in common myna nests. However, these changes in Asian koel egg volume and shape were in the opposite direction with respect to their corresponding host egg characteristics. Thus, our study found no evidence for Asian koel host-specific egg mimicry in three sympatrically occurring host species.}, }
@article {pmid34234956, year = {2021}, author = {Hooper, R and Meekins, E and McIvor, GE and Thornton, A}, title = {Wild jackdaws respond to their partner's distress, but not with consolation.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {8}, number = {6}, pages = {210253}, pmid = {34234956}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {Individuals are expected to manage their social relationships to maximize fitness returns. For example, reports of some mammals and birds offering unsolicited affiliation to distressed social partners (commonly termed 'consolation') are argued to illustrate convergent evolution of prosocial traits across divergent taxa. However, most studies cannot discriminate between consolation and alternative explanations such as self-soothing. Crucially, no study that controls for key confounds has examined consolation in the wild, where individuals face more complex and dangerous environments than in captivity. Controlling for common confounds, we find that male jackdaws (Corvus monedula) respond to their mate's stress-states, but not with consolation. Instead, they tended to decrease affiliation and partner visit rate in both experimental and natural contexts. This is striking because jackdaws have long-term monogamous relationships with highly interdependent fitness outcomes, which is precisely where theory predicts consolation should occur. Our findings challenge common conceptions about where consolation should evolve, and chime with concerns that current theory may be influenced by anthropomorphic expectations of how social relationships should be managed. To further our understanding of the evolution of such traits, we highlight the need for our current predictive frameworks to incorporate the behavioural trade-offs inherent to life in the wild.}, }
@article {pmid34220569, year = {2021}, author = {Faedda, N and Guariglia, C and Piccardi, L and Natalucci, G and Rossetti, S and Baglioni, V and Alunni Fegatelli, D and Romani, M and Vigliante, M and Guidetti, V}, title = {Link Between Topographic Memory and the Combined Presentation of ADHD (ADHD-C): A Pilot Study.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychiatry}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {647243}, pmid = {34220569}, issn = {1664-0640}, abstract = {Background: Topographic memory is the ability to reach various places by recognizing spatial layouts and getting oriented in familiar environments. It involves several different cognitive abilities, in particular executive functions (EF), such as attention, working memory, and planning. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) show impairments in inhibitory control, regulation of attention, planning, and working memory. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the topographic memory in children with ADHD-combined subtype (ADHD-C). Method: Fifteen children (8-10 years) with a diagnosis of ADHD-C (DSM-5) (ADHD-C group) were compared to 15 children with typical development (TD group) of the same age. All children performed Raven's colored progressive matrices (CPM) test to obtain a measure related with cognitive functioning. The walking Corsi test (WalCT), a large-scale version of the Corsi block-tapping test, was used to assess topographic memory in experimental environment. Results: A higher impairment was observed in ADHD-C than TD with significant differences in the WalCT, in particular on the topographic short-term memory (TSTM) task, on the topographic learning (TL) task, and on the repetition number (RN) task during the TL task. Perseverative errors were reported in performing the square-sequence in the WalCT. Zero-order correlations showed a positive correlation between TSTM and auditory attention, and memory of design of NEPSY-II and digit span of WISC-IV. No statistically significant differences were found between the ADHD-C group and TD group in the TL task in the WalCT condition. Conclusion: In ADHD-C, initial topographic learning was compromised whereas the long-term retention of learned topographical material seemed to not be impaired. In particular, these impairments seem to be linked with difficulties in sustained attention, in spatial memory for novel visual materials, in a poor working memory, and in perseverative behaviors.}, }
@article {pmid34211049, year = {2021}, author = {Amor, N and Noman, MT and Petru, M and Mahmood, A and Ismail, A}, title = {Neural network-crow search model for the prediction of functional properties of nano TiO2 coated cotton composites.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {13649}, pmid = {34211049}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {This paper presents a new hybrid approach for the prediction of functional properties i.e., self-cleaning efficiency, antimicrobial efficiency and ultraviolet protection factor (UPF), of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) coated cotton fabric. The proposed approach is based on feedforward artificial neural network (ANN) model called a multilayer perceptron (MLP), trained by an optimized algorithm known as crow search algorithm (CSA). ANN is an effective and widely used approach for the prediction of extremely complex problems. Various studies have been proposed to improve the weight training of ANN using metaheuristic algorithms. CSA is a latest and an effective metaheuristic method relies on the intelligent behavior of crows. CSA has been never proposed to improve the weight training of ANN. Therefore, CSA is adopted to optimize the initial weights and thresholds of the ANN model, in order to improve the training accuracy and prediction performance of functional properties of TiO2 NPs coated cotton composites. Furthermore, our proposed algorithm i.e., multilayer perceptron with crow search algorithm (MLP-CSA) was applied to map out the complex input-output conditions to predict the optimal results. The amount of chemicals and reaction time were selected as input variables and the amount of titanium dioxide coated on cotton, self-cleaning efficiency, antimicrobial efficiency and UPF were evaluated as output results. A sensitivity analysis was carried out to assess the performance of CSA in prediction process. MLP-CSA provided excellent result that were statistically significant and highly accurate as compared to standard MLP model and other metaheuristic algorithms used in the training of ANN reported in the literature.}, }
@article {pmid34200875, year = {2021}, author = {Ciebiera, O and Czechowski, P and Morelli, F and Piekarski, R and Bocheński, M and Chachulska-Serweta, J and Jerzak, L}, title = {Selection of Urbanized Areas by Magpie Pica pica in a Medium Size City in Poland.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {11}, number = {6}, pages = {}, pmid = {34200875}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {The Magpie Pica pica occurs all over open agricultural areas in Poland, especially near human settlements (particularly in western Poland). The aim of this study was to estimate the size of the local Magpie population and characterize, in detail, nest site selection in a medium size city Górzów Wlkp. in the XXI century. For this study, the whole city was divided into a total of 114 squares of 1 × 1 km. Data were collected in spring 2014. A total of 474 Magpie pairs were recorded. The average density was 5.5 pairs/km[2] (min = 0, max = 22 nests/square), in the non-urbanized habitat type-3.7 p/km[2], and in the urbanized habitat type-13.5 p/km[2]. Magpie nests were found most often on Spruces Picea sp. and Poplars Populus sp. The mean height of the nest site was 11.5 m, while the mean height of trees used for nesting was 13.4 m. The type of tree arrangement most frequently used for nesting was tree rows (26.3%), followed by single trees (24.6%) and clusters of 4-10 trees (20.1%). The results for the Magpie's environmental preferences do not differ from the general patterns described earlier. The study shows that magpies can adapt to changing urbanization factors, and changes in the choice of conifers help the species to adapt to highly anthropogenic habitats.}, }
@article {pmid34185776, year = {2021}, author = {Laumer, IB and Massen, JJM and Boehm, PM and Boehm, A and Geisler, A and Auersperg, AMI}, title = {Individual Goffin´s cockatoos (Cacatua goffiniana) show flexible targeted helping in a tool transfer task.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {16}, number = {6}, pages = {e0253416}, pmid = {34185776}, issn = {1932-6203}, support = {P 29084/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Cockatoos/*physiology ; *Creativity ; Female ; Learning/*physiology ; Male ; *Reward ; }, abstract = {Flexible targeted helping is considered an advanced form of prosocial behavior in hominoids, as it requires the actor to assess different situations that a conspecific may be in, and to subsequently flexibly satisfy different needs of that partner depending on the nature of those situations. So far, apart from humans such behaviour has only been experimentally shown in chimpanzees and in Eurasian jays. Recent studies highlight the prosocial tendencies of several bird species, yet flexible targeted helping remained untested, largely due to methodological issues as such tasks are generally designed around tool-use, and very few bird species are capable of tool-use. Here, we tested Goffin's cockatoos, which proved to be skilled tool innovators in captivity, in a tool transfer task in which an actor had access to four different objects/tools and a partner to one of two different apparatuses that each required one of these tools to retrieve a reward. As expected from this species, we recorded playful object transfers across all conditions. Yet, importantly and similar to apes, three out of eight birds transferred the correct tool more often in the test condition than in a condition that also featured an apparatus but no partner. Furthermore, one of these birds transferred that correct tool first more often before transferring any other object in the test condition than in the no-partner condition, while the other two cockatoos were marginally non-significantly more likely to do so. Additionally, there was no difference in the likelihood of the correct tool being transferred first for either of the two apparatuses, suggesting that these birds flexibly adjusted what to transfer based on their partner´s need. Future studies should focus on explanations for the intra-specific variation of this behaviour, and should test other parrots and other large-brained birds to see how this can be generalized across the class and to investigate the evolutionary history of this trait.}, }
@article {pmid34166533, year = {2021}, author = {Agrawal, AA and Zhang, X}, title = {The evolution of coevolution in the study of species interactions.}, journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution}, volume = {75}, number = {7}, pages = {1594-1606}, doi = {10.1111/evo.14293}, pmid = {34166533}, issn = {1558-5646}, mesh = {*Biological Evolution ; Herbivory ; Phylogeny ; Plants ; *Selection, Genetic ; }, abstract = {The study of reciprocal adaptation in interacting species has been an active and inspiring area of evolutionary research for nearly 60 years. Perhaps owing to its great natural history and potential consequences spanning population divergence to species diversification, coevolution continues to capture the imagination of biologists. Here we trace developments following Ehrlich and Raven's classic paper, with a particular focus on the modern influence of two studies by Dr. May Berenbaum in the 1980s. This series of classic work presented a compelling example exhibiting the macroevolutionary patterns predicted by Ehrlich and Raven and also formalized a microevolutionary approach to measuring selection, functional traits, and understanding reciprocal adaptation between plants and their herbivores. Following this breakthrough was a wave of research focusing on diversifying macroevolutionary patterns, mechanistic chemical ecology, and natural selection on populations within and across community types. Accordingly, we breakdown coevolutionary theory into specific hypotheses at different scales: reciprocal adaptation between populations within a community, differential coevolution among communities, lineage divergence, and phylogenetic patterns. We highlight progress as well as persistent gaps, especially the link between reciprocal adaptation and diversification.}, }
@article {pmid34159574, year = {2021}, author = {Pruneti, C and Vanello, N and Paterni, M and Landini, L and Guidotti, S and Ferdeghini, EM}, title = {Combined functional magnetic resonance imaging and skin conductance to detect localized neural response to psychological stress: a pilot study.}, journal = {Archives italiennes de biologie}, volume = {159}, number = {1}, pages = {21-27}, doi = {10.12871/00039829202112}, pmid = {34159574}, issn = {0003-9829}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; *Brain/diagnostic imaging ; Brain Mapping ; Female ; Humans ; *Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pilot Projects ; Stress, Psychological/diagnostic imaging ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This preliminary study aims at investigating the neural correlates of the stress response, intended as an emotional and cognitive response, through the description of the activation of the autonomic nervous system in a problem-solving task and central functional data; in particular, we recorded skin conductance level (SCL) and response (SCR) and observed the correlation with fMRI data.<br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: The results obtained from 6 healthy subjects, 3 males and 3 females, aged between 18 and 45 (average = 27, SD = 7.08) who voluntarily offered to participate in the study were examined. They were previously subjected to a brief clinical psychological assessment (MMPI-2) and then to a psychophysiological evaluation. The real experiment consisted in subjecting the participants to an adapted version of the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices 47 (CPM 47) test to evaluate some consequences on brain activity of attention, orientation, reflex and response to stress during fMRI data acquisition and SCL-SCR recording.<br><br>RESULTS: SCR changes were found to be related to the activity of different brain regions such as bilateral precentral gyrus, right inferior frontal gyrus, right medial frontal gyrus, bilateral superior frontal gyri and left anterior cingulate suggesting a specific relationship between attentive processing and autonomic arousal.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The association of SC measurement with neuroimaging allows to highlight the interaction between emotional and cognitive processes: although preliminary, these results partially confirm what previously found in literature on the neural correlates of psychological stress and underline the interaction between cognitive function and autonomic arousal system during a stressful problem-solving task.}, }
@article {pmid34158103, year = {2021}, author = {Wheeler, SS and Taff, CC and Reisen, WK and Townsend, AK}, title = {Mosquito blood-feeding patterns and nesting behavior of American crows, an amplifying host of West Nile virus.}, journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {331}, pmid = {34158103}, issn = {1756-3305}, support = {13-2735//Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/*physiopathology/virology ; Crows/blood/*physiology/*virology ; Culex/*physiology/*virology ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Male ; Nesting Behavior ; West Nile Fever/physiopathology/*veterinary/virology ; West Nile virus/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/*physiology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Although American crows are a key indicator species for West Nile virus (WNV) and mount among the highest viremias reported for any host, the importance of crows in the WNV transmission cycle has been called into question because of their consistent underrepresentation in studies of Culex blood meal sources. Here, we test the hypothesis that this apparent underrepresentation could be due, in part, to underrepresentation of crow nesting habitat from mosquito sampling designs. Specifically, we examine how the likelihood of a crow blood meal changes with distance to and timing of active crow nests in a Davis, California, population.<br><br>METHODS: Sixty artificial mosquito resting sites were deployed from May to September 2014 in varying proximity to known crow nesting sites, and Culex blood meal hosts were identified by DNA barcoding. Genotypes from crow blood meals and local crows (72 nestlings from 30 broods and 389 local breeders and helpers) were used to match mosquito blood meals to specific local crows.<br><br>RESULTS: Among the 297 identified Culex blood meals, 20 (6.7%) were attributable to crows. The mean percentage of blood meals of crow origin was 19% in the nesting period (1 May-18 June 2014), but 0% in the weeks after fledging (19 June-1 September 2014), and the likelihood of a crow blood meal increased with proximity to an active nest: the odds that crows hosted a Culex blood meal were 38.07 times greater within 10&#xa0;m of an active nest than&#x2009;>&#x2009;10&#xa0;m from an active nest. Nine of ten crow blood meals that could be matched to a genotype of a specific crow belonged to either nestlings in these nests or their mothers. Six of the seven genotypes that could not be attributed to sampled birds belonged to females, a sex bias likely due to mosquitoes targeting incubating or brooding females.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Data herein indicate that breeding crows serve as hosts for Culex in the initial stages of the WNV spring enzootic cycle. Given their high viremia, infected crows could thereby contribute to the re-initiation and early amplification of the virus, increasing its availability as mosquitoes shift to other moderately competent later-breeding avian hosts.}, }
@article {pmid34144393, year = {2021}, author = {Stocker, M and Prosl, J and Vanhooland, LC and Horn, L and Bugnyar, T and Canoine, V and Massen, JJM}, title = {Measuring salivary mesotocin in birds - Seasonal differences in ravens' peripheral mesotocin levels.}, journal = {Hormones and behavior}, volume = {134}, number = {}, pages = {105015}, doi = {10.1016/j.yhbeh.2021.105015}, pmid = {34144393}, issn = {1095-6867}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds ; *Crows ; *Oxytocin/analogs &amp; derivatives ; Seasons ; }, abstract = {Oxytocin is involved in a broad array of social behaviours. While saliva has been used regularly to investigate the role of oxytocin in social behaviour of mammal species, so far, to our knowledge, no-one has tried to measure its homolog, mesotocin, in birds' saliva. Therefore, in this study we measured salivary mesotocin in common ravens (Corvus corax), and subsequently explored its link to three aspects of raven sociality. We trained ravens (n = 13) to voluntarily provide saliva samples and analysed salivary mesotocin with a commercial oxytocin enzyme-immunoassay kit, also suitable for mesotocin. After testing parallelism and recovery, we investigated the effect of bonding status, sex and season on mesotocin levels. We found that mesotocin was significantly more likely to be detected in samples taken during the breeding season (spring) than during the mating season (winter). In those samples in which mesotocin was detected, concentrations were also significantly higher during the breeding than during the mating season. In contrast, bonding status and sex were not found to relate to mesotocin detectability and concentrations. The seasonal differences in mesotocin correspond to behavioral patterns known to be associated with mesotocin/oxytocin, with ravens showing much more aggression during the mating season while being more tolerant of conspecifics in the breeding season. We show for the first time that saliva samples can be useful for the non-invasive determination of hormone levels in birds. However, the rate of successfully analysed samples was very low, and collection and analysis methods will benefit from further improvements.}, }
@article {pmid34141215, year = {2021}, author = {Ormrod, AEC and Doyle, FI and Lawson, KJ and Hodges, KE}, title = {Niche partitioning of avian predators in northern grasslands amended by biosolids.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {11}, number = {11}, pages = {6248-6259}, pmid = {34141215}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Many food webs are affected by bottom-up nutrient addition, as additional biomass or productivity at a given trophic level can support more consumers. In turn, when prey are abundant, predators may converge on the same diets rather than partitioning food resources. Here, we examine the diets and habitat use of predatory and omnivorous birds in response to biosolids amendment of northern grasslands used as grazing range for cattle in British Columbia, Canada. From an ecosystem management perspective, we test whether dietary convergence occurred and whether birds preferentially used the pastures with biosolids. Biosolids treatments increased Orthoptera densities and our work occurred during a vole (Microtus spp.) population peak, so both types of prey were abundant. American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) consumed both small mammals and Orthoptera. Short-eared Owls (Asio flammeus) and Long-eared owls (Asio otus) primarily ate voles (>97% of biomass consumed) as did Northern Harriers (Circus hudsonius, 88% vole biomass). Despite high dietary overlap, these species had minimal spatial overlap, and Short-eared Owls strongly preferred pastures amended with biosolids. Common Ravens (Corvus corax), Black-billed Magpies (Pica hudsonia), and American Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) consumed Orthoptera, Coleoptera, vegetation, and only a few small mammals; crows avoided pastures with biosolids. Thus, when both insect and mammalian prey were abundant, corvids maintained omnivorous diets, whereas owls and Harriers specialized on voles. Spatial patterns were more complex, as birds were likely responding to prey abundance, vegetation structure, and other birds in this consumer guild.}, }
@article {pmid34090340, year = {2021}, author = {Guiglielmoni, N and Houtain, A and Derzelle, A and Van Doninck, K and Flot, JF}, title = {Overcoming uncollapsed haplotypes in long-read assemblies of non-model organisms.}, journal = {BMC bioinformatics}, volume = {22}, number = {1}, pages = {303}, pmid = {34090340}, issn = {1471-2105}, support = {764840//H2020 Marie Sk&#x142;odowska-Curie Actions/ ; }, mesh = {Genome ; *Genomics ; Haplotypes ; *High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Long-read sequencing is revolutionizing genome assembly: as PacBio and Nanopore technologies become more accessible in technicity and in cost, long-read assemblers flourish and are starting to deliver chromosome-level assemblies. However, these long reads are usually error-prone, making the generation of a haploid reference out of a diploid genome a difficult enterprise. Failure to properly collapse haplotypes results in fragmented and structurally incorrect assemblies and wreaks havoc on orthology inference pipelines, yet this serious issue is rarely acknowledged and dealt with in genomic projects, and an independent, comparative benchmark of the capacity of assemblers and post-processing tools to properly collapse or purge haplotypes is still lacking.<br><br>RESULTS: We tested different assembly strategies on the genome of the rotifer Adineta vaga, a non-model organism for which high coverages of both PacBio and Nanopore reads were available. The assemblers we tested (Canu, Flye, NextDenovo, Ra, Raven, Shasta and wtdbg2) exhibited strikingly different behaviors when dealing with highly heterozygous regions, resulting in variable amounts of uncollapsed haplotypes. Filtering reads generally improved haploid assemblies, and we also benchmarked three post-processing tools aimed at detecting and purging uncollapsed haplotypes in long-read assemblies: HaploMerger2, purge_haplotigs and purge_dups.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: We provide a thorough evaluation of popular assemblers on a non-model eukaryote genome with variable levels of heterozygosity. Our study highlights several strategies using pre and post-processing approaches to generate haploid assemblies with high continuity and completeness. This benchmark will help users to improve haploid assemblies of non-model organisms, and evaluate the quality of their own assemblies.}, }
@article {pmid34086914, year = {2021}, author = {Freeman, NE and Norris, DR and Sutton, AO and Strickland, D and Kyser, TK and Newman, AEM}, title = {Early-Life Corticosterone Body Condition Influence Social Status and Survival in a Food-Caching Passerine.}, journal = {Integrative and comparative biology}, volume = {61}, number = {1}, pages = {9-19}, doi = {10.1093/icb/icab038}, pmid = {34086914}, issn = {1557-7023}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; *Corticosterone ; Feathers ; Social Behavior ; *Songbirds/physiology ; }, abstract = {Individuals undergo profound changes throughout their early life as they grow and transition between life-history stages. As a result, the conditions that individuals experience during development can have both immediate and lasting effects on their physiology, behavior, and, ultimately, fitness. In a population of Canada jays in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada, we characterized the diet composition and physiological profile of young jays at three key time points during development (nestling, pre-fledge, and pre-dispersal) by quantifying stable-carbon (δ13C) and -nitrogen (δ15N) isotopes and corticosterone concentrations in feathers. We then investigated the downstream effects of early-life diet composition, feather corticosterone, and environmental conditions on a juvenile's social status, body condition, and probability of being observed in the fall following hatch. Across the three time points, the diet of Canada jay young was composed primarily of vertebrate tissue and human food with the proportion of these food items increasing as the jays neared dispersal. Feather corticosterone concentrations also shifted across the three time points, decreasing from nestling to pre-dispersal. Dominant juveniles had elevated corticosterone concentrations in their feathers grown pre-dispersal compared with subordinates. High body condition as nestlings was associated with high body condition as juveniles and an increased probability of being observed in the fall. Together, our results demonstrate that nestling physiology and body condition influence the social status and body condition once individuals are independent, with potential long-term consequences on survival and fitness.}, }
@article {pmid34082829, year = {2021}, author = {Chakarov, N and Veiga, J and Ruiz-Arrondo, I and Valera, F}, title = {Atypical behavior of a black fly species connects cavity-nesting birds with generalist blood parasites in an arid area of Spain.}, journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {298}, pmid = {34082829}, issn = {1756-3305}, support = {CGL2014-55969//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovaci&#xf3;n y Universidades/ ; BES-2015-075951//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovaci&#xf3;n y Universidades/ ; PGC2018-097426-B-C22//Agencia Estatal de Investigaci&#xf3;n (ES)/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/*blood/etiology/*parasitology ; Blood ; Desert Climate ; *Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Insect Vectors/anatomy &amp; histology/genetics/*parasitology/physiology ; Meals ; Nesting Behavior ; Phylogeny ; Simuliidae/anatomy &amp; histology/genetics/*parasitology/physiology ; Spain ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The feeding behavior of bloodsucking insects determines the transmission, distribution, host spectrum and evolution of blood parasites in the wild. Conventional wisdom suggests that some vector groups (e.g. black flies, family Simuliidae) are consistently exophagous daytime biters. We aimed to understand more about the exceptions to this pattern by combining targeted trapping and molecular identification of parasites in vectors.<br><br>METHODS: In this study, we collected black flies in nest boxes used by European rollers Coracias garrulus in southeastern Spain. We molecularly analyzed 434 individual insects, identifying the black fly species caught in the nest boxes, their potential vertebrate blood meals, and the haemosporidian parasite lineages that they carried.<br><br>RESULTS: Only one black fly species, Simulium rubzovianum, appeared to enter the nest boxes of rollers. Among the trapped specimens, 15% contained vertebrate DNA, which always belonged to rollers, even though only half of those specimens were visibly engorged. Furthermore, 15% of all black flies contained Leucocytozoon lineages, indicating previous feeding on avian hosts but probably not on infected adult rollers. The known vertebrate hosts of the recorded Leucocytozoon lineages suggested that large and/or abundant birds are their hosts. Particularly represented were cavity-nesting species breeding in the vicinity, such as pigeons, corvids and owls. Open-nesting species such as thrushes and birds of prey were also represented.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our data strongly suggest that S. rubzovianum bites uninfected roller nestlings and infected individuals of other species, potentially incubating adults, inside nest boxes and natural cavities. This simuliid does not appear to have a strong preference for specific host clades. Contrary to the general pattern for the group, and possibly enhanced by the harsh environmental conditions in the study area, this black fly appeared to intensively use and may even have a preference for confined spaces such as cavities for feeding and resting. Preferences of vectors for atypical microhabitat niches where hosts are less mobile may enable social and within-family transmission and parasite speciation in the long term. At the same time, a lack of host preference in concentrated multispecies communities can lead to host switches. Both processes may be underappreciated driving forces in the evolution of avian blood parasites.}, }
@article {pmid34077293, year = {2021}, author = {Walker, MA and Uribasterra, M and Asher, V and Getz, WM and Ryan, SJ and Ponciano, JM and Blackburn, JK}, title = {Anthrax Surveillance and the Limited Overlap Between Obligate Scavengers and Endemic Anthrax Zones in the United States.}, journal = {Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)}, volume = {21}, number = {9}, pages = {675-684}, pmid = {34077293}, issn = {1557-7759}, support = {R01 GM117617/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Anthrax/epidemiology/veterinary ; *Bacillus anthracis ; Ecosystem ; *Falconiformes ; United States/epidemiology ; Zoonoses ; }, abstract = {Anthrax is a zoonosis caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis, with potential for high fatality rate, especially in herbivores. Upon host death, spores can enter the soil surrounding the carcass and be ingested by other animals feeding in the same location. Accordingly, surveillance to quickly identify and decontaminate anthrax carcasses is crucial to outbreak prevention. In endemic anthrax areas such as Texas and Africa, vultures are used as a surveillance tool for identifying presence and location of dead animals. However, many anthrax outbreaks in the United States have occurred in areas outside the ranges of both black and turkey vultures. Here, we used a longitudinal camera trap survey at carcass sites in southwestern Montana to investigate the utility of facultative avian scavengers on disease and carcass surveillance in a reemerging anthrax risk zone. From August 2016 to September 2018, camera traps at 11 carcass sites were triggered 1996 times by avian scavengers. While the majority were facultative avian scavengers such as corvids and eagles, our results suggest that facultative scavengers cannot replace vultures as a surveillance tool in this ecosystem due to their absence during the anthrax risk period (June to August), reduced search efficiency, or low flight patterns. We found that the conditions in Montana likely parallel systems elsewhere in the continental United States. Using ecological niche models of B. anthracis distribution overlaid with relative abundance maps of turkey vultures, we found that much of North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Iowa have areas of anthrax risk, but low or absent turkey vulture populations. Without vultures in these areas, surveillance capacity is reduced, and it becomes more difficult to identify anthrax cases, meaning fewer carcasses are decontaminated, and consequently, outbreaks could become more frequent or severe.}, }
@article {pmid34074798, year = {2021}, author = {Garcia-Pelegrin, E and Schnell, AK and Wilkins, C and Clayton, NS}, title = {Exploring the perceptual inabilities of Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius) using magic effects.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {118}, number = {24}, pages = {}, pmid = {34074798}, issn = {1091-6490}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Animals ; Choice Behavior ; Female ; Hand ; Humans ; *Magic ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Perception/*physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {In recent years, scientists have begun to use magic effects to investigate the blind spots in our attention and perception [G. Kuhn, Experiencing the Impossible: The Science of Magic (2019); S. Macknik, S. Martinez-Conde, S. Blakeslee, Sleights of Mind: What the Neuroscience of Magic Reveals about Our Everyday Deceptions (2010)]. Recently, we suggested that similar techniques could be transferred to nonhuman animal observers and that such an endeavor would provide insight into the inherent commonalities and discrepancies in attention and perception in human and nonhuman animals [E. Garcia-Pelegrin, A. K. Schnell, C. Wilkins, N. S. Clayton, Science 369, 1424-1426 (2020)]. Here, we performed three different magic effects (palming, French drop, and fast pass) to a sample of six Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius). These magic effects were specifically chosen as they utilize different cues and expectations that mislead the spectator into thinking one object has or has not been transferred from one hand to the other. Results from palming and French drop experiments suggest that Eurasian jays have different expectations from humans when observing some of these effects. Specifically, Eurasian jays were not deceived by effects that required them to expect an object to move between hands when observing human hand manipulations. However, similar to humans, Eurasian jays were misled by magic effects that utilize fast movements as a deceptive action. This study investigates how another taxon perceives the magician's techniques of deception that commonly deceive humans.}, }
@article {pmid34073851, year = {2021}, author = {Horn, L and Zewald, JS and Bugnyar, T and Massen, JJM}, title = {Carrion Crows and Azure-Winged Magpies Show No Prosocial Tendencies When Tested in a Token Transfer Paradigm.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {11}, number = {6}, pages = {}, pmid = {34073851}, issn = {2076-2615}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {To study the evolution of humans' cooperative nature, researchers have recently sought comparisons with other species. Studies investigating corvids, for example, showed that carrion crows and azure-winged magpies delivered food to group members when tested in naturalistic or simple experimental paradigms. Here, we investigated whether we could replicate these positive findings when testing the same two species in a token transfer paradigm. After training the birds to exchange tokens with an experimenter for food rewards, we tested whether they would also transfer tokens to other birds, when they did not have the opportunity to exchange the tokens themselves. To control for the effects of motivation, and of social or stimulus enhancement, we tested each individual in three additional control conditions. We witnessed very few attempts and/or successful token transfers, and those few instances did not occur more frequently in the test condition than in the controls, which would suggest that the birds lack prosocial tendencies. Alternatively, we propose that this absence of prosociality may stem from the artificial nature and cognitive complexity of the token transfer task. Consequently, our findings highlight the strong impact of methodology on animals' capability to exhibit prosocial tendencies and stress the importance of comparing multiple experimental paradigms.}, }
@article {pmid34049884, year = {2021}, author = {Cunha, FCR and Griesser, M}, title = {Who do you trust? Wild birds use social knowledge to avoid being deceived.}, journal = {Science advances}, volume = {7}, number = {22}, pages = {}, pmid = {34049884}, issn = {2375-2548}, abstract = {Many species give deceptive warning calls, enabled by the high risk of ignoring them. In Siberian jays, a territorial, group-living bird, individuals give warning calls toward perched predators and mob them. However, intruding neighbors can emit these warning calls in the absence of predators to access food, but breeders often ignore these calls. Playback field experiments show that breeders flee sooner and return later after warning calls of former group members than those of neighbors or unknown individuals. Thus, breeders respond appropriately only to warning calls of previous cooperation partners. This mechanism facilitates the evolution and maintenance of communication vulnerable to deceptive signaling. This conclusion also applies to human language because of its cooperative nature and thus, its vulnerability to deception.}, }
@article {pmid34043664, year = {2021}, author = {Joseph, J and Sankar D, H and Nambiar, D}, title = {Empanelment of health care facilities under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) in India.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {16}, number = {5}, pages = {e0251814}, pmid = {34043664}, issn = {1932-6203}, support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Cross-Sectional Studies ; Health Facilities/*economics/supply &amp; distribution ; Health Services/*economics/supply &amp; distribution ; Health Services Accessibility/organization &amp; administration ; Hospitals, Private/organization &amp; administration ; Hospitals, Public/organization &amp; administration ; Humans ; India ; Public Health/*methods ; Universal Health Insurance/*organization &amp; administration ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: India's Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is the world's largest health assurance scheme providing health cover of 500,000 INR (about USD 6,800) per family per year. It provides financial support for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization expenses to about 500 million of India's poorest households through various insurance models with care delivered by public and private empanelled providers. This study undertook to describe the provider empanelment of PM-JAY, a key element of its functioning and determinant of its impact.<br><br>METHODS: We carried out secondary analysis of cross-sectional administrative program data publicly available in PM-JAY portal for 30 Indian states and 06 UTs. We analysed the state wise distribution, type and sector of empanelled hospitals and services offered through PM-JAY scheme across all the states and UTs.<br><br>RESULTS: We found that out of the total facilities empanelled (N = 20,257) under the scheme in 2020, more than half (N = 11,367, 56%) were in the public sector, while 8,157 (40%) facilities were private for profit, and 733 (4%) were private not for profit entities. State wise distribution of hospitals showed that five states (Karnataka (N = 2,996, 14.9%), Gujarat (N = 2,672, 13.3%), Uttar Pradesh (N = 2,627, 13%), Tamil Nadu (N = 2315, 11.5%) and Rajasthan (N = 2,093 facilities, 10.4%) contributed to more than 60% of empanelled PMJAY facilities: We also observed that 40% of facilities were offering between two and five specialties while 14% of empanelled hospitals provided 21-24 specialties.<br><br>CONCLUSION: A majority of the hospital empanelled under the scheme are in states with previous experience of implementing publicly funded health insurance schemes, with the exception of Uttar Pradesh. Reasons underlying these patterns of empanelment as well as the impact of empanelment on service access, utilisation, population health and financial risk protection warrant further study. While the inclusion and regulation of the private sector is a goal that may be served by empanelment, the role of public sector remains critical, particularly in underserved areas of India.}, }
@article {pmid34013520, year = {2021}, author = {Fielding, MW and Buettel, JC and Brook, BW and Stojanovic, D and Yates, LA}, title = {Roadkill islands: Carnivore extinction shifts seasonal use of roadside carrion by generalist avian scavenger.}, journal = {The Journal of animal ecology}, volume = {90}, number = {10}, pages = {2268-2276}, doi = {10.1111/1365-2656.13532}, pmid = {34013520}, issn = {1365-2656}, mesh = {Animals ; Bayes Theorem ; *Carnivora ; *Ecosystem ; Food Chain ; Islands ; Seasons ; }, abstract = {Global road networks facilitate habitat modification and are integral to human expansion. Many animals, particularly scavengers, use roads as they provide a reliable source of food, such as carrion left after vehicle collisions. Tasmania is often cited as the 'roadkill capital of Australia', with the isolated offshore islands in the Bass Strait experiencing similar, if not higher, levels of roadkill. However, native mammalian predators on the islands are extirpated, meaning the remaining scavengers are likely to experience lower interference competition. In this study, we used a naturally occurring experiment to examine how the loss of mammalian carnivores within a community impacts roadside foraging behaviour by avian scavengers. We monitored the locations of roadkill and forest ravens Corvus tasmanicus, an abundant scavenger species, on eight road transects across the Tasmanian mainland (high scavenging competition) and the Bass Strait islands (low scavenging competition). We represented raven observations as one-dimensional point patterns, using hierarchical Bayesian models to investigate the dependence of raven spatial intensity on habitat, season, distance to roadkill and route location. We found that roadkill carcasses were a strong predictor of raven presence along road networks. The effect of roadkill was amplified on roads on the Bass Strait islands, where roadside carrion was a predictor of raven presence across the entire year. In contrast, ravens were more often associated with roadkill on Tasmanian mainland roads in the autumn, when other resources were low. This suggests that in the absence of competing mammalian scavengers, ravens choose to feed on roadside carrion throughout the year, even in seasons when other resources are available. This lack of competition could be disproportionately benefiting forest ravens, leading to augmented raven populations and changes to the vertebrate community structure. Our study provides evidence that scavengers modify their behaviour in response to reduced scavenger species diversity, potentially triggering trophic shifts and highlighting the importance of conserving or reintroducing carnivores within ecosystems.}, }
@article {pmid34010354, year = {2021}, author = {Mantey, AA and Annan, RA and Lutterodt, HE and Twumasi, P}, title = {Iron status predicts cognitive test performance of primary school children from Kumasi, Ghana.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {16}, number = {5}, pages = {e0251335}, pmid = {34010354}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Anemia, Iron-Deficiency/blood/epidemiology/psychology ; Child ; Cognition/*physiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Diet ; Female ; Ferritins/blood ; Ghana/epidemiology ; Hemoglobins/metabolism ; Humans ; Iron/*blood ; Iron Deficiencies ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Nutritional Status ; Schools ; Social Class ; Urban Population ; Zinc/blood ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Good nutritional status of school-aged children is crucial in achieving improved cognition. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between nutritional status and cognition of school-aged children in the Kumasi metropolis, Ghana.<br><br>METHODS: 389 children were selected from ten government-owned schools. Socio-demographic and anthropometric data were collected. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for nutrients levels. Dietary intakes were assessed using food frequency questionnaire and previous day's nutrients intake. Cognition test was performed using the Ravens Colored Progressive Matrix (RCPM).<br><br>RESULTS: Mean age of participants was 8.9&#xb1;1.4 years, mean RCPM score was 17.9&#xb1;5.4. More girls scored RCPM below the 40th percentile (45.5%) than boys (33.7%), while mother's level of education significantly associated with RCPM percentiles of the children (p = 0.037). Four dietary patterns were generated from food frequency data, and scores of the second pattern, depicting vegetables, non-fruits, bread and cereals, showed a weak negative correlation (r = -0.132, p = 0.026) with previous day's dietary zinc intake. Cognitive status did not vary by anthropometric and dietary patterns. More anemic (54.4%) than non-anemic (33.3%) children were below the 40th RCPM percentile. Mean previous day's intake for folate (p<0.001), vitamin B6 (p = 0.018), iron (p<0.001), and zinc (p = 0.001) differed significantly between the cognitive test score percentiles of the children. Spearman rank correlation showed weak positive associations between RCPM score and hemoglobin (r = 0.246, p = 0.003) and serum ferritin (r = 0.176, p = 0.036). Binary regression analysis showed anemic children (aOR = 0.4; 95%CI = 0.2-0.8, p = 0.014), compared with non-anemic had decreased odds, while boys, compared with girls had increased odds (aOR = 2.0 95%CI = 1.0-4.0, p = 0.035) for scoring above the 50th RCPM percentile.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Iron status, especially hemoglobin levels, correlated with the cognitive performance of school-aged children in the metropolis. Thus nutritional strategies aimed at reducing iron deficiency anemia are needed.}, }
@article {pmid34010302, year = {2021}, author = {Bladon, AJ and Donald, PF and Collar, NJ and Denge, J and Dadacha, G and Wondafrash, M and Green, RE}, title = {Climatic change and extinction risk of two globally threatened Ethiopian endemic bird species.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {16}, number = {5}, pages = {e0249633}, pmid = {34010302}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animal Distribution ; Animals ; *Climate Change ; Crows/*physiology ; Ecosystem ; Endangered Species/*trends ; Ethiopia ; Models, Statistical ; Swallows/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Climate change is having profound effects on the distributions of species globally. Trait-based assessments predict that specialist and range-restricted species are among those most likely to be at risk of extinction from such changes. Understanding individual species' responses to climate change is therefore critical for informing conservation planning. We use an established Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) protocol to describe the curious range-restriction of the globally threatened White-tailed Swallow (Hirundo megaensis) to a small area in southern Ethiopia. We find that, across a range of modelling approaches, the distribution of this species is well described by two climatic variables, maximum temperature and dry season precipitation. These same two variables have been previously found to limit the distribution of the unrelated but closely sympatric Ethiopian Bush-crow (Zavattariornis stresemanni). We project the future climatic suitability for both species under a range of climate scenarios and modelling approaches. Both species are at severe risk of extinction within the next half century, as the climate in 68-84% (for the swallow) and 90-100% (for the bush-crow) of their current ranges is predicted to become unsuitable. Intensive conservation measures, such as assisted migration and captive-breeding, may be the only options available to safeguard these two species. Their projected disappearance in the wild offers an opportunity to test the reliability of SDMs for predicting the fate of wild species. Monitoring future changes in the distribution and abundance of the bush-crow is particularly tractable because its nests are conspicuous and visible over large distances.}, }
@article {pmid33999415, year = {2021}, author = {Hancock, ZB and Lehmberg, ES and Bradburd, GS}, title = {Neo-darwinism still haunts evolutionary theory: A modern perspective on Charlesworth, Lande, and Slatkin (1982).}, journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution}, volume = {75}, number = {6}, pages = {1244-1255}, pmid = {33999415}, issn = {1558-5646}, support = {R35 GM137919/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {*Biological Evolution ; Biology/*history ; History, 20th Century ; Models, Biological ; Phylogeny ; *Selection, Genetic ; }, abstract = {The Modern Synthesis (or "Neo-Darwinism"), which arose out of the reconciliation of Darwin's theory of natural selection and Mendel's research on genetics, remains the foundation of evolutionary theory. However, since its inception, it has been a lightning rod for criticism, which has ranged from minor quibbles to complete dismissal. Among the most famous of the critics was Stephen Jay Gould, who, in 1980, proclaimed that the Modern Synthesis was "effectively dead." Gould and others claimed that the action of natural selection on random mutations was insufficient on its own to explain patterns of macroevolutionary diversity and divergence, and that new processes were required to explain findings from the fossil record. In 1982, Charlesworth, Lande, and Slatkin published a response to this critique in Evolution, in which they argued that Neo-Darwinism was indeed sufficient to explain macroevolutionary patterns. In this Perspective for the 75th Anniversary of the Society for the Study of Evolution, we review Charlesworth et al. in its historical context and provide modern support for their arguments. We emphasize the importance of microevolutionary processes in the study of macroevolutionary patterns. Ultimately, we conclude that punctuated equilibrium did not represent a major revolution in evolutionary biology - although debate on this point stimulated significant research and furthered the field - and that Neo-Darwinism is alive and well.}, }
@article {pmid33989896, year = {2021}, author = {Sharma, S and Singh, G and Sharma, M}, title = {A comprehensive review and analysis of supervised-learning and soft computing techniques for stress diagnosis in humans.}, journal = {Computers in biology and medicine}, volume = {134}, number = {}, pages = {104450}, doi = {10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.104450}, pmid = {33989896}, issn = {1879-0534}, mesh = {Algorithms ; *Artificial Intelligence ; Bayes Theorem ; Fuzzy Logic ; Humans ; *Neural Networks, Computer ; }, abstract = {Stress is the most prevailing and global psychological condition that inevitably disrupts the mood and behavior of individuals. Chronic stress may gravely affect the physical, mental, and social behavior of victims and consequently induce myriad critical human disorders. Herein, a review has been presented where supervised learning (SL) and soft computing (SC) techniques used in stress diagnosis have been meticulously investigated to highlight the contributions, strengths, and challenges faced in the implementation of these methods in stress diagnostic models. A three-tier review strategy comprising of manuscript selection, data synthesis, and data analysis was adopted. The issues in SL strategies and the potential possibility of using hybrid techniques in stress diagnosis have been intensively investigated. The strengths and weaknesses of different SL (Bayesian classifier, random forest, support vector machine, and nearest neighbours) and SC (fuzzy logic, nature-inspired, and deep learning) techniques have been presented to obtain clear insights into these optimization strategies. The effects of social, behavioral, and biological stresses have been highlighted. The psychological, biological, and behavioral responses to stress have also been briefly elucidated. The findings of the study confirmed that different types of data/signals (related to skin temperature, electro-dermal activity, blood circulation, heart rate, facial expressions, etc.) have been used in stress diagnosis. Moreover, there is a potential scope for using distinct nature-inspired computing techniques (Genetic Algorithm, Particle Swarm Optimization, Ant Colony Optimization, Whale Optimization Algorithm, Butterfly Optimization, Harris Hawks Optimizer, and Crow Search Algorithm) and deep learning techniques (Deep-Belief Network, Convolutional-Neural Network, and Recurrent-Neural Network) on multimodal data compiled using behavioral testing, electroencephalogram signals, finger temperature, respiration rate, pupil diameter, galvanic-skin-response, and blood pressure. Likewise, there is a wider scope to investigate the use of SL and SC techniques in stress diagnosis using distinct dimensions such as sentiment analysis, speech recognition, handwriting recognition, and facial expressions. Finally, a hybrid model based on distinct computational methods influenced by both SL and SC techniques, adaption, parameter tuning, and the use of chaos, levy, and Gaussian distribution may address exploration and exploitation issues. However, factors such as real-time data collection, bias, integrity, multi-dimensional data, and data privacy make it challenging to design precise and innovative stress diagnostic systems based on artificial intelligence.}, }
@article {pmid33957480, year = {2021}, author = {Park, HY and Seo, E and Park, KM and Koo, SJ and Lee, E and An, SK}, title = {Shame and guilt in youth at ultra-high risk for psychosis.}, journal = {Comprehensive psychiatry}, volume = {108}, number = {}, pages = {152241}, doi = {10.1016/j.comppsych.2021.152241}, pmid = {33957480}, issn = {1532-8384}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Emotions ; Empathy ; *Guilt ; Humans ; *Psychotic Disorders/diagnosis ; Shame ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Feelings of shame and guilt have rarely been investigated in people at ultra-high risk (UHR) for psychosis. We aimed to outline differences in shame and guilt in relation to empathy and theory of mind (ToM) in young people, particularly those at UHR for psychosis.<br><br>METHODS: First, 166 young healthy controls were assessed for their proneness to shame and guilt using the Test of Self-Conscious Affect, empathy and its four subdomains (perspective taking, fantasy, empathic concern, and personal distress) using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), ToM using the ToM picture stories task, and neurocognitive performance using the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM). Next, we evaluated shame and guilt in 24 UHR individuals comparing them to 24 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Finally, we explored relationships for shame and guilt in relation to empathy and ToM in the UHR individuals.<br><br>RESULTS: In the healthy youth, a regression analysis showed fantasy and personal distress in IRI to be significant determinants of shame, while perspective taking and empathic concern in IRI, ToM, and SPM were independent predictors of guilt. Meanwhile, compared to the healthy controls, individuals with UHR exhibited higher levels of shame, which was associated with increased personal distress.<br><br>DISCUSSION: Our findings showed that four subdomains of empathy, ToM, and neurocognition were differentially associated with shame and guilt in healthy young people. Given the correlation between excessive feelings of shame and high levels of the personal distress dimension of empathy in UHR for psychosis, redressing the tendency to focus on self-oriented negative emotions upon witnessing distress of others could possibly reduce self-blame or self-stigma of help-seeking individuals.}, }
@article {pmid33937549, year = {2021}, author = {Mori, S and Osawa, A and Maeshima, S and Sakurai, T and Ozaki, K and Kondo, I and Saitoh, E}, title = {Possibility of Using Quantitative Assessment with the Cube Copying Test for Evaluation of Visuo-spatial Function in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease.}, journal = {Progress in rehabilitation medicine}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {20210021}, pmid = {33937549}, issn = {2432-1354}, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical usefulness of the Cube Copying Test (CCT) for quantitative assessment of visuo-spatial function in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).<br><br>METHODS: The CCT, Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM), and other neuropsychological tests were administered to 152 AD outpatients. For the quantitative assessment of CCT, we scored the points of connection (POC) and the number of plane-drawing errors (PDE) and categorized the pattern classification (PAC). We also measured Functional Assessment Staging (FAST) to assess the severity of AD. The relationships among CCT, RCPM, and FAST were then analyzed.<br><br>RESULTS: The mean POC and PDE scores were 2.7 and 3.6, respectively, and the median PAC score was 6.0. PDE and PAC showed a linear relationship, but POC and PDE, and POC and PAC did not. Each component of CCT showed a significant correlation with RCPM scores. PDE and PAC had closer correlations with RCPM scores than POC did. The PDE and PAC results were significantly different among most of the FAST stages.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative assessment using CCT may be effective for the quick determination of the visuo-spatial function in AD patients.}, }
@article {pmid33935888, year = {2021}, author = {Parishar, P and Mohapatra, AN and Iyengar, S}, title = {Investigating Behavioral Responses to Mirrors and the Mark Test in Adult Male Zebra Finches and House Crows.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {637850}, pmid = {33935888}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Earlier evidence suggests that besides humans, some species of mammals and birds demonstrate visual self-recognition, assessed by the controversial "mark" test. Whereas, there are high levels of inter-individual differences amongst a single species, some species such as macaques and pigeons which do not spontaneously demonstrate mirror self-recognition (MSR) can be trained to do so. We were surprised to discover that despite being widely used as a model system for avian research, the performance of zebra finches (Taenopygia guttata) on the mark test had not been studied earlier. Additionally, we studied the behavioral responses of another species of passerine songbirds (Indian house crows; Corvus splendens) to a mirror and the MSR mark test. Although a small number of adult male zebra finches appeared to display heightened responses toward the mark while observing their reflections, we could not rule out the possibility that these were a part of general grooming rather than specific to the mark. Furthermore, none of the house crows demonstrated mark-directed behavior or increased self-exploratory behaviors when facing mirrors. Our study suggests that self-directed behaviors need to be tested more rigorously in adult male zebra finches while facing their reflections and these findings need to be replicated in a larger population, given the high degree of variability in mirror-directed behaviors.}, }
@article {pmid33931670, year = {2021}, author = {Cuoco, S and Cappiello, A and Scarpa, A and Troisi, D and Autuori, M and Ponticorvo, S and Cassandro, C and Manara, R and Esposito, F and Santangelo, G and Barone, P and Cassandro, E and Pellecchia, MT}, title = {Neuropsychological profile of hearing-impaired patients and the effect of hearing aid on cognitive functions: an exploratory study.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {9384}, pmid = {33931670}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Case-Control Studies ; Cognitive Dysfunction/*psychology/therapy ; Female ; Hearing Aids/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Hearing Loss/*psychology/rehabilitation ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; }, abstract = {Few studies have investigated the neuropsychological profile of Hearing Loss (HL) subjects and the effects of hearing-aid on cognitive decline. We investigated the neuropsychological profile of HL patients at baseline and compared the neuropsychological profiles of patients with and without hearing-aid at 6 month. Fifty-six HL patients and 40 healthy subjects (HC) underwent neuropsychological and behavioral examination and were compared at baseline. Changes at follow-up were compared between HL patients with (N = 25) and without (N = 31) hearing-aids. At baseline, significant differences between HL and HC were found in MOCA test, Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM) and SF-36. Among mild-HL patients, patients with hearing-aid significantly improved on the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) as compared to patients without hearing-aid. Our findings indicate that hearing loss is associated with both a reduced efficiency of the global cognitive state and a worse quality of life as compared to HC, supporting the association between HL and cognitive impairment. Moreover, only patients with mild-HL shows some cognitive improvement after using hearing-aid, suggesting that rehabilitative strategies may be more effective to delay cognitive decline in such patients. However, we cannot exclude that hearing-aids may affect cognitive decline in more severe-HL, but a longer follow-up is needed.}, }
@article {pmid33917146, year = {2021}, author = {Shrader-Frechette, K and Biondo, AM}, title = {Health Misinformation about Toxic-Site Harm: The Case for Independent-Party Testing to Confirm Safety.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {18}, number = {8}, pages = {}, pmid = {33917146}, issn = {1660-4601}, mesh = {*Air Pollutants/analysis ; *Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis ; Child ; Communication ; Environmental Monitoring ; *Environmental Restoration and Remediation ; Gases ; Humans ; Soil ; *Volatile Organic Compounds/analysis ; }, abstract = {Health misinformation can cause harm if regulators or private remediators falsely claim that a hazardous facility is safe. This misinformation especially threatens the health of children, minorities, and poor people, disproportionate numbers of whom live near toxic facilities. Yet, perhaps because of financial incentives, private remediators may use safety misinformation to justify reduced cleanup. Such incentives exist in nations like the United States, where most toxic-site testing/remediation is semi-privatized or voluntary, conducted by private parties, commercial redevelopers, who can increase profits by underestimating health harm, thus decreasing required testing/remediation. Our objective is to begin to determine whether or not interested parties misrepresent health harm (at hazardous facilities that they test/remediate/redevelop) when they use traditional and social media to claim that these sites are safe. Our hypothesis is that, contrary to the safety claims of the world's largest commercial developer, Coldwell Banker Real Estate/Trammell Crow (CBRE/TCC), the authors' screening assessment, especially its lab-certified, toxic-site, indoor-air tests, show violations of all three prominent government, cancer-safety benchmarks. If so, these facilities require additional testing/remediation, likely put site renters at risk, and may reveal problems with privatized hazardous cleanup. To our knowledge, we provide the first independent tests of privatized, toxic-site assessments before cancer reports occur. Our screening assessment of this hypothesis tests indoor air in rental units on a prominent former weapons-testing site (the US Naval Ordnance Testing Station, Pasadena, California (NOTSPA) that is subject to carcinogenic vapor intrusion by volatile organic compounds, VOCs), then compares test results to the redeveloper's site-safety claims, made to government officials and citizens through traditional and social media. Although NOTSPA toxic soil-gas concentrations are up to nearly a million times above allowed levels, and indoor air was never tested until now, both the regulator and the remediator (CBRE/TCC) have repeatedly claimed on social media that "the site is safe at this time." We used mainly Method TO-17 and two-week sampling with passive, sorbent tubes to assess indoor-air VOCs. Our results show that VOC levels at every location sampled-all in occupied site-rental units-violate all three government-mandated safety benchmarks: environmental screening levels (ESLs), No Significant Risk Levels (NSRLs), and inhalation risks based on the Inhalation Unit Risk (IUR); some violations are two orders of magnitude above multiple safety benchmarks. These results support our hypothesis and suggest a need for independent assessment of privatized cleanups and media-enhanced safety claims about them. If our results can be replicated at other sites, then preventing health misinformation and toxic-facility safety threats may require new strategies, one of which we outline.}, }
@article {pmid33875573, year = {2021}, author = {Kirschhock, ME and Ditz, HM and Nieder, A}, title = {Behavioral and Neuronal Representation of Numerosity Zero in the Crow.}, journal = {The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience}, volume = {41}, number = {22}, pages = {4889-4896}, pmid = {33875573}, issn = {1529-2401}, mesh = {Animals ; Cognition/*physiology ; Crows ; Male ; *Mathematical Concepts ; Neurons/physiology ; Telencephalon/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Different species of animals can discriminate numerosity, the countable number of objects in a set. The representations of countable numerosities have been deciphered down to the level of single neurons. However, despite its importance for human number theory, a special numerical quantity, the empty set (numerosity zero), has remained largely unexplored. We explored the behavioral and neuronal representation of the empty set in carrion crows. Crows were trained to discriminate small numerosities including the empty set. Performance data showed a numerical distance effect for the empty set in one crow, suggesting that the empty set and countable numerosities are represented along the crows' "mental number line." Single-cell recordings in the endbrain region nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL) showed a considerable proportion of NCL neurons tuned to the preferred numerosity zero. As evidenced by neuronal distance and size effects, NCL neurons integrated the empty set in the neural number line. A subsequent neuronal population analysis using a statistical classifier approach showed that the neuronal numerical representations were predictive of the crows' success in the task. These behavioral and neuronal data suggests that the conception of the empty set as a cognitive precursor of a zero-like number concept is not an exclusive property of the cerebral cortex of primates. Zero as a quantitative category cannot only be implemented in the layered neocortex of primates, but also in the anatomically distinct endbrain circuitries of birds that evolved based on convergent evolution.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The conception of "nothing" as number "zero" is celebrated as one of the greatest achievements in mathematics. To explore whether precursors of zero-like concepts can be found in vertebrates with a cerebrum that anatomically differs starkly from our primate brain, we investigated this in carrion crows. We show that crows can grasp the empty set as a null numerical quantity that is mentally represented next to number one. Moreover, we show that single neurons in an associative avian cerebral region specifically respond to the empty set and show the same physiological characteristics as for countable quantities. This suggests that zero as a quantitative category can also be implemented in the anatomically distinct endbrain circuitries of birds that evolved based on convergent evolution.}, }
@article {pmid33795571, year = {2021}, author = {Han, HS and Yoo, KH and Lee, JS and Huh, CH and Kwon, SH and Lee, YW and Kim, BJ}, title = {Phase I/III Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of a New Botulinum Toxin (HU-014) Versus OnabotulinumtoxinA in Subjects With Moderate-to-Severe Crow's Feet Lines.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {47}, number = {4}, pages = {e127-e131}, pmid = {33795571}, issn = {1524-4725}, mesh = {Adult ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*therapeutic use ; Double-Blind Method ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuromuscular Agents/therapeutic use ; *Patient Satisfaction ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: HU-014, a newly introduced botulinum toxin type A, has not been investigated for its efficacy and safety in crow's feet line (CFL) treatment.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: Here, we compared the efficacy and safety of HU-014 and onabotulinumtoxinA in CFL treatment.<br><br>METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blind, active drug-controlled, multicenter, 16-week, Phase I/III study designed to determine the noninferiority of HU-014 compared with onabotulinumtoxinA in moderate-to-severe CFL treatment. In the Phase III study, 290 subjects were randomized at a 1:1 ratio to receive a single treatment of HU-014 or onabotulinumtoxinA. The primary endpoint was the proportion of subjects achieving Grade 0 or 1 in the facial wrinkle scale on maximum smile at Week 4.<br><br>RESULTS: The primary endpoint was achieved by 72% of the subjects with HU-014 and onabotulinumtoxinA treatments, supporting the noninferiority of HU-014 compared with onabotulinumtoxinA. All secondary efficacy outcomes were achieved by the subjects. The 2 groups showed no significant differences in the safety analysis.<br><br>CONCLUSION: HU-014 has noninferior efficacy and safety compared with onabotulinumtoxinA in the treatment of CFL.}, }
@article {pmid33776175, year = {2020}, author = {Pendergraft, LT and Lehnert, AL and Marzluff, JM}, title = {Individual and social factors affecting the ability of American crows to solve and master a string pulling task.}, journal = {Ethology : formerly Zeitschrift fur Tierpsychologie}, volume = {126}, number = {2}, pages = {229-245}, pmid = {33776175}, issn = {0179-1613}, support = {S10 OD017980/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; S10 RR024689/RR/NCRR NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Crows and other birds in the family Corvidae regularly share information to learn the identity and whereabouts of dangerous predators, but can they use social learning to solve a novel task for a food reward? Here we examined the factors affecting the ability of 27 wild-caught American crows to solve a common string-pulling task in a laboratory setting. We split crows into two groups; one group was given the task after repeatedly observing a conspecific model the solution, the other solved in the absence of conspecific models. We recorded the crows' estimated age, sex, size, body condition, level of nervousness, and brain volume using DICOM images from a CT scan. Although none of these variables were statistically significant, crows without a conspecific model and large brain volumes consistently mastered the task in the minimum number of days, whereas those with conspecific models and smaller brain volumes required varying and sometimes a substantial number of days to master the task. We found indirect evidence that body condition might also be important for motivating crows to solve the task. Crows with conspecific models were no more likely to initially solve the task than those working the puzzle without social information, but those that mastered the task usually copied the method most frequently demonstrated by their knowledgeable neighbors. These findings suggest that brain volume and possibly body condition may be factors in learning new tasks, and that crows can use social learning to refine their ability to obtain a novel food source, although they must initially learn to access it themselves.}, }
@article {pmid33765401, year = {2022}, author = {Albuquerque, MR and Rennó, GVC and Bruzi, AT and Fortes, LS and Malloy-Diniz, LF}, title = {Association between motor competence and executive functions in children.}, journal = {Applied neuropsychology. Child}, volume = {11}, number = {3}, pages = {495-503}, doi = {10.1080/21622965.2021.1897814}, pmid = {33765401}, issn = {2162-2973}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Aged ; Child ; *Executive Function ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Motor Skills ; }, abstract = {Previous studies investigating the relationship between executive functions (EFs) and motor competence (MC) in typically developing children have produced inconsistent findings regarding the association's strength and nature. Thus, the present study aimed to explore the relationship between EFs and MC in typically developing children aged 6-11 years old. Additionally, we aimed to explore the relationship between EFs and MC in younger (6-8 years old) and older (9-11 years old) typically developing children. In total, 152 children of both sexes performed the Flanker/Reverse Flanker test, Tower of London, Raven's Colored Matrices, Körperkoordinations Test Für Kinder, and Test of Gross Motor Development. Using the global score of MC and EFs and controlling for age, our results showed a significant and medium correlation between MC and EFs (r = 0.380, p < .001). Moreover, the correlation in younger children (r = 0.470), as well as in older (r = 0.272) children were significant. The regression analysis also showed that MC predicts EFs performance in all participants, in younger children, and older children, although with less explained variance for older children. In short, our study suggests that it is needed to promote the development of MC and EFs in children, especially the younger ones.}, }
@article {pmid33751048, year = {2022}, author = {Cohen, JL and Rivkin, A and Dayan, S and Shamban, A and Werschler, WP and Teller, CF and Kaminer, MS and Sykes, JM and Weinkle, SH and Garcia, JK}, title = {Multimodal Facial Aesthetic Treatment on the Appearance of Aging, Social Confidence, and Psychological Well-being: HARMONY Study.}, journal = {Aesthetic surgery journal}, volume = {42}, number = {2}, pages = {NP115-NP124}, pmid = {33751048}, issn = {1527-330X}, support = {//Allergan plc/ ; }, mesh = {Aging ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; Esthetics ; Humans ; Hyaluronic Acid ; Infant ; Patient Satisfaction ; Prospective Studies ; *Skin Aging ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: A global approach to facial rejuvenation involves multiple treatment modalities.<br><br>OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of multimodal facial aesthetic treatment on self-reported psychological and social outcomes.<br><br>METHODS: HARMONY, a prospective, multicenter, 4-month study, enrolled patients aged 35 to 65 years to receive on-label treatment with a combination of hyaluronic fillers (VYC-20L, HYC-24L, and/or HYC-24L+), onabotulinumtoxinA, and bimatoprost. Fillers were injected on Day 1, with touch-ups performed on Day 14. OnabotulinumtoxinA was injected at Month 3 into glabellar lines and/or crow's feet lines. Patients applied bimatoprost to eyelashes once daily for 17 weeks. Mean change from baseline on FACE-Q Psychological Well-being and Social Confidence Scales, FACE-Q Aging Appearance Appraisal Scale, and FACE-Q Age Appraisal Visual Analog Scale were assessed.<br><br>RESULTS: Of 100 patients treated, 93 were evaluated at 4 months posttreatment. Significant improvement vs baseline was observed on the FACE-Q Scales for Psychological Well-being (mean change, -19.9; P < 0.00001), Social Confidence (mean change, -18.2; P < 0.00001), and Aging Appearance (mean change, -28.5; P < 0.0001). On average, patients' self-assessed age was 0.1 years older than actual age at baseline and 4.5 years younger at Month 4 (P < 0.001 vs baseline). Forty-two patients experienced adverse events, all mild to moderate.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Multimodal, full facial aesthetic treatment improves patients' self-reported psychological well-being, social confidence, aging appearance, and perceptions of chronologic age.}, }
@article {pmid33746815, year = {2021}, author = {Somma, F and Bartolomeo, P and Vallone, F and Argiuolo, A and Cerrato, A and Miglino, O and Mandolesi, L and Zurlo, MC and Gigliotta, O}, title = {Further to the Left: Stress-Induced Increase of Spatial Pseudoneglect During the COVID-19 Lockdown.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {573846}, pmid = {33746815}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The measures taken to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, such as the lockdown in Italy, do impact psychological health; yet, less is known about their effect on cognitive functioning. The transactional theory of stress predicts reciprocal influences between perceived stress and cognitive performance. However, the effects of a period of stress due to social isolation on spatial cognition and exploration have been little examined. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible effects and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on spatial cognition tasks, particularly those concerning spatial exploration, and the physiological leftward bias known as pseudoneglect. A right-hemisphere asymmetry for spatial attention processes crucially contributes to pseudoneglect. Other evidence indicates a predominantly right-hemisphere activity in stressful situations. We also analyzed the effects of lockdown on coping strategies, which typically show an opposite pattern of hemispheric asymmetry, favoring the left hemisphere. If so, then pseudoneglect should increase during the lockdown and be negatively correlated with the efficacy of coping strategies.<br><br>METHODS: One week before the start of the lockdown due to COVID-19 in Italy (T1), we had collected data from a battery of behavioral tests including tasks of peri-personal spatial cognition. During the quarantine period, from late April to early May 2020 (T2), we repeated the testing sessions with a subgroup of the same participants (47 right-handed students, mean age = 20, SD = 1.33). At both testing sessions, participants performed digitized neuropsychological tests, including a Cancellation task, Radial Arm Maze task, and Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices. Participants also completed a newly developed COVID-19 Student Stress Scale, based on transactional models of stress, and the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced-New Italian Version (COPE-NIV) to assess coping orientation.<br><br>RESULTS: The tendency to start cancelation from a left-sided item, to explore first a left-sided arm of the maze, and to choose erroneous response items on the left side of the page on Raven's matrices increased from T1 to T2. The degree of pseudoneglect increment positively correlated with perceived stress and negatively correlated with Positive Attitude and Problem-Solving COPE-NIV subscales.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Lockdown-related stress may have contributed to increase leftward bias during quarantine through a greater activation of the right hemisphere. On the other hand, pseudoneglect was decreased for better coping participants, perhaps as a consequence of a more balanced hemispheric activity in these individuals.}, }
@article {pmid33735945, year = {2021}, author = {Johnston, S and Tutticci, N and Theobald, K and Ramsbotham, J}, title = {Comparison of simulation observer tools on engagement and maximising learning: a pilot study.}, journal = {International journal of nursing education scholarship}, volume = {18}, number = {1}, pages = {}, pmid = {33735945}, issn = {1548-923X}, mesh = {Clinical Competence ; Computer Simulation ; Humans ; Pilot Projects ; Problem-Based Learning ; *Simulation Training ; *Students, Nursing ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: This pilot study examined if the Clinical Reasoning Observer Worksheet (CROW) compared to a standard observer worksheet used during simulation, would enhance nursing students active learning behaviours and perceptions of clinical reasoning ability.<br><br>METHODS: This pilot study was undertaken to test the design and processes for a future larger study and reports on preliminary evidence of efficacy of recruitment procedures and instrumentation in addition to student's learning outcomes.<br><br>RESULTS: There was little overall difference in outcomes between groups who used either simulation observer worksheet. Overall, participants who used either worksheet perceived their ability to apply clinical reasoning to an episode of patient care increased.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Modifications were identified as necessary for a larger study including changes to instrumentation, method of survey delivery and training of simulation facilitators. A more definitive evaluation will be achievable with a larger group of students in a main study with the suggested modifications.}, }
@article {pmid33720901, year = {2021}, author = {Luca, A and Nicoletti, A and Donzuso, G and Terravecchia, C and Cicero, CE and D'Agate, C and Rascuná, C and Manna, R and Mostile, G and Zappia, M}, title = {Phonemic Verbal Fluency and Midbrain Atrophy in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.}, journal = {Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD}, volume = {80}, number = {4}, pages = {1669-1674}, doi = {10.3233/JAD-210023}, pmid = {33720901}, issn = {1875-8908}, mesh = {Aged ; Atrophy/pathology ; Executive Function ; Female ; Humans ; Linear Models ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Mesencephalon/diagnostic imaging/*pathology ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Parkinson Disease/*pathology/physiopathology ; *Phonetics ; Supranuclear Palsy, Progressive/*pathology/physiopathology ; Verbal Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The neuropsychological profile of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) patients is mainly characterized by executive dysfunction, but the relationship between the latter and midbrain atrophy is still unclear.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: The aims of the study were to investigate which test evaluating executive functioning is more frequently impaired in PSP patients and to evaluate the relationship between midbrain-based MRI morphometric measures and executive dysfunction.<br><br>METHODS: PSP patients who had undergone a neuropsychological battery assessing executive functioning with the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), the phonemic verbal fluency F-A-S, the Raven's Progressive Colored Matrix, and the Stroop word colors test (time and errors) were enrolled in the study. A group of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients matched by age, sex, education, and global cognitive status was selected. All the enrolled patients also underwent a volumetric T1-3D brain MRI.<br><br>RESULTS: Thirty-five PSP patients and 35 PD patients were enrolled. Patients with PSP as compared to patients with PD showed a significant greater impairment in verbal fluency (16.0&#xb1;7.9 and 23.4&#xb1;8.7 words/180 s; p&#x200a;<&#x200a;0.001) and a significant lower score at the FAB total score (11.5&#xb1;3.8 and 13.7&#xb1;3.4; p&#x200a;=&#x200a;0.013). Midbrain area was significantly smaller in PSP patients than in PD patients (83.9&#xb1;20.1 and 134.5&#xb1;19.9 mm2; p&#x200a;<&#x200a;0.001). In PSP patients, a significant positive correlation between verbal fluency and the midbrain area (r&#x200a;=&#x200a;0.421; p&#x200a;=&#x200a;0.028) was observed.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the phonemic verbal fluency is among the most frequently impaired executive functions in PSP patients and is strongly correlated to midbrain atrophy.}, }
@article {pmid33664383, year = {2021}, author = {Kolkert, HL and Smith, R and Rader, R and Reid, N}, title = {Prey removal in cotton crops next to woodland reveals periodic diurnal and nocturnal invertebrate predation gradients from the crop edge by birds and bats.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {5256}, pmid = {33664383}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Agriculture ; Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Chiroptera/*physiology ; Coleoptera/pathogenicity ; Crops, Agricultural/parasitology ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Forests ; Gossypium/parasitology ; Predatory Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Factors influencing the efficacy of insectivorous vertebrates in providing natural pest control services inside crops at increasing distances from the crop edge are poorly understood. We investigated the identity of vertebrate predators (birds and bats) and removal of sentinel prey (mealworms and beetles) from experimental feeding trays in cotton crops using prey removal trials, camera traps and observations. More prey was removed during the day than at night, but prey removal was variable at the crop edge and dependent on the month (reflecting crop growth and cover) and time of day. Overall, the predation of mealworms and beetles was 1-times and 13-times greater during the day than night, respectively, with predation on mealworms 3-5 times greater during the day than night at the crop edge compared to 95 m inside the crop. Camera traps identified many insectivorous birds and bats over crops near the feeding trays, but there was no evidence of bats or small passerines removing experimental prey. A predation gradient from the crop edge was evident, but only in some months. This corresponded to the foraging preferences of open-space generalist predators (magpies) in low crop cover versus the shrubby habitat preferred by small passerines, likely facilitating foraging away from the crop edge later in the season. Our results are in line with Optimal Foraging Theory and suggest that predators trade-off foraging behaviour with predation risk at different distances from the crop edge and levels of crop cover. Understanding the optimal farm configuration to support insectivorous bird and bat populations can assist farmers to make informed decisions regarding in-crop natural pest control and maximise the predation services provided by farm biodiversity.}, }
@article {pmid33658172, year = {2021}, author = {Mota-Veloso, I and Ramos-Jorge, J and Freitas, LRP and Ferreira, FO and Ramos-Jorge, ML and Paiva, SM and Soares, RV}, title = {The prevalence of malocclusion is higher in schoolchildren with signs of hyperactivity.}, journal = {American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics : official publication of the American Association of Orthodontists, its constituent societies, and the American Board of Orthodontics}, volume = {159}, number = {5}, pages = {653-659}, doi = {10.1016/j.ajodo.2019.11.027}, pmid = {33658172}, issn = {1097-6752}, mesh = {*Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/epidemiology ; Brazil/epidemiology ; Child ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Humans ; *Malocclusion/epidemiology ; Pacifiers ; Prevalence ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder is a behavioral disorder characterized by a lack of focus, impulsive behavior, and or excessive activity. This research aimed to evaluate the association between signs of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and malocclusion in schoolchildren.<br><br>METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a representative sample of 633 children aged 7-12&#xa0;years. The children were clinically examined for malocclusion using the Dental Aesthetic Index. The predominant breathing pattern was also determined. Parents answered a questionnaire addressing socioeconomic characteristics and the presence of nonnutritive sucking habits. The Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Scale-IV was filled out by both parents and teachers to compare behavioral patterns. The children were submitted to a neuropsychological evaluation using the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrix Test. Data analysis involved the chi-square test and Poisson regression analysis.<br><br>RESULTS: The prevalence of malocclusion was 42% higher among children with signs of hyperactivity reported by both parents and teachers (prevalence ratio [PR], 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-1.81; P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.004). In the final Poisson regression model, the prevalence of malocclusion was lower among schoolchildren aged 11 and 12&#xa0;years (PR, 0.62; 95% CI. 0.52-0.73; P&#xa0;<0.001) and higher among those who used a pacifier for at least 4&#xa0;years (PR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.02-1.54; P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.029) as well as those classified as mouth breathers (PR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.09-1.51; P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.003).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of malocclusion was higher among children with signs of hyperactivity independently of age, pacifier use, and mouth breathing.}, }
@article {pmid33647856, year = {2021}, author = {Saviola, F and Bellani, M and Perlini, C and Squarcina, L and Maggioni, E and Zacà, D and Lasalvia, A and Dusi, N and Bonetto, C and Cristofalo, D and Alessandrini, F and Zoccatelli, G and Ciceri, E and Mesiano, L and Semrov, E and Lo Parrino, R and Furlato, K and Pratelli, M and Ruggeri, M and Brambilla, P and Jovicich, J and , }, title = {"First-episode psychosis: Structural covariance deficits in salience network correlate with symptoms severity".}, journal = {Journal of psychiatric research}, volume = {136}, number = {}, pages = {409-420}, doi = {10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.01.044}, pmid = {33647856}, issn = {1879-1379}, mesh = {Brain/diagnostic imaging ; Cerebral Cortex/diagnostic imaging ; Gray Matter/diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; *Psychotic Disorders/diagnostic imaging ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Patterns of coordinated variations of gray matter (GM) morphology across individuals are promising indicators of disease. However, it remains unclear if they can help characterize first-episode psychosis (FEP) and symptoms' severity.<br><br>METHODS: Sixty-seven FEP and 67 matched healthy controls (HC) were assessed with structural MRI to evaluate the existence of distributed GM structural covariance patterns associated to brain areas belonging to salience network. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and structural covariance differences, investigated with salience network seed-based Partial Least Square, were applied to explore differences between groups. GM density associations with Raven's intelligent quotient (IQ) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores were investigated.<br><br>RESULTS: Univariate VBM results gave trend without significant GM differences across groups. GM and IQ correlated positively in both groups: in FEP, mostly in hippocampus, insula, and fronto-temporal structures, while in HC mostly in amygdala, thalamus and fronto-temporal regions. GM and PANSS scores correlated negatively in FEP, with widespread clusters located in limbic regions. Multivariate analysis showed strong and opposite structural GM covariance with salience network for FEP and HC. Moreover, structural covariance of the salience network in FEP correlated negatively with severity of clinical symptoms.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Our study provides evidence supporting the insular dysfunction model of psychosis. Reduced structural GM covariance of the salience network, with its association to symptom's severity, appears a promising morphometry feature for FEP detection.}, }
@article {pmid33626062, year = {2021}, author = {Brooks, J and Onishi, E and Clark, IR and Bohn, M and Yamamoto, S}, title = {Uniting against a common enemy: Perceived outgroup threat elicits ingroup cohesion in chimpanzees.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {16}, number = {2}, pages = {e0246869}, pmid = {33626062}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Aggression/*physiology ; Animals ; *Cooperative Behavior ; Female ; Male ; Pan troglodytes/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Outgroup threat has been identified as an important driver of ingroup cohesion in humans, but the evolutionary origin of such a relationship is unclear. Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) in the wild are notably aggressive towards outgroup members but coordinate complex behaviors with many individuals in group hunting and border patrols. One hypothesis claims that these behaviors evolve alongside one another, where outgroup threat selects for ingroup cohesion and group coordination. To test this hypothesis, 5 groups of chimpanzees (N = 29 individuals) were observed after hearing either pant-hoots of unfamiliar wild chimpanzees or control crow vocalizations both in their typical daily environment and in a context of induced feeding competition. We observed a behavioral pattern that was consistent both with increased stress and vigilance (self-directed behaviors increased, play decreased, rest decreased) and increased ingroup cohesion (interindividual proximity decreased, aggression over food decreased, and play during feeding competition increased). These results support the hypothesis that outgroup threat elicits ingroup tolerance in chimpanzees. This suggests that in chimpanzees, like humans, competition between groups fosters group cohesion.}, }
@article {pmid33619738, year = {2021}, author = {Stocco, A and Prat, CS and Graham, LK}, title = {Individual Differences in Reward-Based Learning Predict Fluid Reasoning Abilities.}, journal = {Cognitive science}, volume = {45}, number = {2}, pages = {e12941}, doi = {10.1111/cogs.12941}, pmid = {33619738}, issn = {1551-6709}, mesh = {Attention ; Basal Ganglia ; Humans ; *Individuality ; Problem Solving ; *Reward ; }, abstract = {The ability to reason and problem-solve in novel situations, as measured by the Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAPM), is highly predictive of both cognitive task performance and real-world outcomes. Here we provide evidence that RAPM performance depends on the ability to reallocate attention in response to self-generated feedback about progress. We propose that such an ability is underpinned by the basal ganglia nuclei, which are critically tied to both reward processing and cognitive control. This hypothesis was implemented in a neurocomputational model of the RAPM task, which was used to derive novel predictions at the behavioral and neural levels. These predictions were then verified in one neuroimaging and two behavioral experiments. Furthermore, an effective connectivity analysis of the neuroimaging data confirmed a role for the basal ganglia in modulating attention. Taken together, these results suggest that individual differences in a neural circuit related to reward processing underpin human fluid reasoning abilities.}, }
@article {pmid33608624, year = {2021}, author = {Walker, MA and Uribasterra, M and Asher, V and Getz, WM and Ryan, SJ and Ponciano, JM and Blackburn, JK}, title = {Factors influencing scavenger guilds and scavenging efficiency in Southwestern Montana.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {4254}, pmid = {33608624}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {R01 GM117617/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {*Biodiversity ; *Ecosystem ; Factor Analysis, Statistical ; Geography ; *Models, Theoretical ; Montana ; }, abstract = {Scavenging of carrion shapes ecological landscapes by influencing scavenger population demography, increasing inter- and intra-specific interactions, and generating ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling and disease moderation. Previous research found the cues promoting, or the constraints limiting, an individual's propensity or ability to scavenge vary widely, depending on anthropogenic and environmental factors. Here we investigated differences in scavenging patterns in a complex scavenger guild in Southwestern Montana. We used camera traps established at 13 carcass sites to monitor carcass detection, visitation, and consumption times, during 2016-2018 and generalized linear models to explore the influence of carcass characteristics, habitat features, and seasonality, on carcass selection and scavenging efficiency. We found that scavenger species diversity was higher at higher elevations and in grassland habitats. Scavenging efficiency was influenced inter alia by seasonality, distance to water, and elevation. We found that most carcass consumption was via facultative scavengers (bears, wolves, magpies, Corvus spp.) rather than turkey vultures, the only obligate scavengers in the study area. However, growing populations of turkey vultures may lead to increased competition with facultative scavengers over carrion, and could have cascading effects on food webs in this ecosystem.}, }
@article {pmid33608384, year = {2021}, author = {Rinnert, P and Nieder, A}, title = {Neural Code of Motor Planning and Execution during Goal-Directed Movements in Crows.}, journal = {The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience}, volume = {41}, number = {18}, pages = {4060-4072}, pmid = {33608384}, issn = {1529-2401}, mesh = {Animals ; Brain Mapping ; Conditioning, Operant ; Crows/*physiology ; Decision Making/*physiology ; Goals ; Head Movements/physiology ; Male ; Movement/*physiology ; Neurons/physiology ; Psychomotor Performance/*physiology ; Single-Cell Analysis ; Telencephalon/physiology ; }, abstract = {The planning and execution of head-beak movements are vital components of bird behavior. They require integration of sensory input and internal processes with goal-directed motor output. Despite its relevance, the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying action planning and execution outside of the song system are largely unknown. We recorded single-neuron activity from the associative endbrain area nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL) of two male carrion crows (Corvus corone) trained to plan and execute head-beak movements in a spatial delayed response task. The crows were instructed to plan an impending movement toward one of eight possible targets on the left or right side of a touchscreen. In a fraction of trials, the crows were prompted to plan a movement toward a self-chosen target. NCL neurons signaled the impending motion direction in instructed trials. Tuned neuronal activity during motor planning categorically represented the target side, but also specific target locations. As a marker of intentional movement preparation, neuronal activity reliably predicted both target side and specific target location when the crows were free to select a target. In addition, NCL neurons were tuned to specific target locations during movement execution. A subset of neurons was tuned during both planning and execution period; these neurons experienced a sharpening of spatial tuning with the transition from planning to execution. These results show that the avian NCL not only represents high-level sensory and cognitive task components, but also transforms behaviorally-relevant information into dynamic action plans and motor execution during the volitional perception-action cycle of birds.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Corvid songbirds have become exciting new models for understanding complex cognitive behavior. As a key neural underpinning, the endbrain area nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL) represents sensory and memory-related task components. How such representations are converted into goal-directed motor output remained unknown. In crows, we report that NCL neurons are involved in the planning and execution of goal-directed movements. NCL neurons prospectively signaled motion directions in instructed trials, but also when the crows were free to choose a target. NCL neurons showed a target-specific sharpening of tuning with the transition from the planning to the execution period. Thus, the avian NCL not only represents high-level sensory and cognitive task components, but also transforms relevant information into action plans and motor execution.}, }
@article {pmid33604599, year = {2021}, author = {Lozano-Ruiz, A and Fasfous, AF and Ibanez-Casas, I and Cruz-Quintana, F and Perez-Garcia, M and Pérez-Marfil, MN}, title = {Cultural Bias in Intelligence Assessment Using a Culture-Free Test in Moroccan Children.}, journal = {Archives of clinical neuropsychology : the official journal of the National Academy of Neuropsychologists}, volume = {36}, number = {8}, pages = {1502&#x2013;1510}, doi = {10.1093/arclin/acab005}, pmid = {33604599}, issn = {1873-5843}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Previous research has shown that cognitive tests can lead to misclassification when applying non-representative norms to measure cognitive performance. The objective of this study was to investigate whether this misclassification also occurs with a non-verbal so-called "culture-free" intelligence test administered to different age groups.<br><br>METHOD: The intelligence of a sample of healthy Moroccan children (N&#xa0;=&#xa0;147) ages 7, 9, and 11 was assessed using the Coloured Raven's Progressive Matrices (CPM). Raw scores were used to study age differences, as well as misclassifications when applying the norms of three countries culturally different from Morocco (United Kingdom, Spain, and Oman).<br><br>RESULTS: Intelligence performance was not within the normal range when non-representative norms were applied to the Moroccan raw scores. Misclassifications accounted for a large percentage of the participants that supposedly displayed intelligence deficits, especially when applying the British norms. Up to 15.68% of the healthy children fell within the "intellectually impaired" range, and up to 62.5% fell "below average," with these percentages especially higher at older ages.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm that "culture-free" tests should be adapted to each culture and applied together with their culture's specific norms to prevent misclassification and allow for a better, unbiased neuropsychological assessment.}, }
@article {pmid33598801, year = {2021}, author = {Güntürkün, O}, title = {The conscious crow.}, journal = {Learning &amp; behavior}, volume = {49}, number = {1}, pages = {3-4}, pmid = {33598801}, issn = {1543-4508}, mesh = {Animals ; Brain ; *Consciousness ; *Crows ; Neurons ; }, abstract = {Nieder, Wagener, &amp; Rinnert (Science, 369(6511), 1626-1629, 2020) demonstrated that some neurons in a prefrontal-like brain area of carrion crows signal neither the physical stimulus nor the intended action but the upcoming choice. This pattern of results implies that neural computations for consciousness can be generated by nonmammalian brains in similar ways as in primates.}, }
@article {pmid33532814, year = {2021}, author = {Kandhari, R and Imran, A and Sethi, N and Rahman, E and Mosahebi, A}, title = {Onabotulinumtoxin Type A Dosage for Upper Face Expression Lines in Males: A Systematic Review of Current Recommendations.}, journal = {Aesthetic surgery journal}, volume = {41}, number = {12}, pages = {1439-1453}, doi = {10.1093/asj/sjab015}, pmid = {33532814}, issn = {1527-330X}, mesh = {*Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; Facial Expression ; Female ; Forehead ; Humans ; Male ; *Neuromuscular Agents ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin injection is the most commonly performed minimally invasive aesthetic procedure in men. Despite various recommendations by experts on the use of onabotulinumtoxin type A in the literature, distinct guidelines for its use in males and females do not exist.<br><br>OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to delineate safe and effective doses for the use of onabotulinumtoxin type A in males for correction of upper facial expression lines.<br><br>METHODS: PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, the Cochrane database, and Google Scholar were searched from 2002 to 2019 inclusive. Three researchers independently assessed trials for inclusion, extracted data, checked for accuracy, and assessed the evidence with AGREE II.<br><br>RESULTS: Average dosing recommended for the treatment of upper face expression lines was specific to glabellar frown lines, crow's feet, and horizontal forehead lines. Changing trends and gender variation was noted in each of the studies. Six of the 11 recommendations suggest the need to alter dosing in male patients, although do not give separate recommendations.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: There is an urgent need for up-to-date recommendations for the use of onabotulinumtoxin type A in upper face expression lines of male patients.}, }
@article {pmid33530934, year = {2021}, author = {Zappa, G and LoMauro, A and Baranello, G and Cavallo, E and Corti, P and Mastella, C and Costantino, MA}, title = {Intellectual abilities, language comprehension, speech, and motor function in children with spinal muscular atrophy type 1.}, journal = {Journal of neurodevelopmental disorders}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {9}, pmid = {33530934}, issn = {1866-1955}, mesh = {Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cognition ; *Comprehension ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Muscular Atrophy, Spinal ; Retrospective Studies ; Speech ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a chronic, neuromuscular disease characterized by degeneration of spinal cord motor neurons, resulting in progressive muscular atrophy and weakness. SMA1 is the most severe form characterized by significant bulbar, respiratory, and motor dysfunction. SMA1 prevents children from speaking a clearly understandable and fluent language, with their communication being mainly characterized by eye movements, guttural sounds, and anarthria (type 1a); severe dysarthria (type 1b); and nasal voice and dyslalia (type 1c). The aim of this study was to analyze for the first time cognitive functions, language comprehension, and speech in natural history SMA1 children according to age and subtypes, to develop cognitive and language benchmarks that provide outcomes for the clinical medication trials that are changing SMA1 course/trajectory.<br><br>METHODS: This is a retrospective study including 22 children with SMA1 (10 affected by subtype 1a-1b: AB and 12 by 1c: C) aged 3-11 years in clinical stable condition with a coded way to communicate "yes" and "no". Data from the following assessments have been retrieved from patient charts: one-dimensional Raven test (RCPM), to evaluate cognitive development (IQ); ALS Severity Score (ALSSS) to evaluate speech disturbances; Brown Bellugy modified for Italian standards (TCGB) to evaluate language comprehension; and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP-INTEND) to assess motor functioning.<br><br>RESULTS: SMA 1AB and 1C children were similar in age, with the former characterized by lower CHOP-INTEND scores compared to the latter. All 22 children had collaborated to RCPM and their median IQ was 120 with no difference (p = 0.945) between AB and C. Global median score of the speech domain of the ALSSS was 5; however, it was 2 in AB children, being significantly lower than C (6.5, p < 0.001). TCGB test had been completed by 13 children, with morphosyntactic comprehension being in the normal range (50). Although ALSSS did not correlate with both IQ and TCGB, it had a strong (p < 0.001) correlation with CHOP-INTEND described by an exponential rise to maximum.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Although speech and motor function were severely compromised, children with SMA1 showed general intelligence and language comprehension in the normal range. Speech impairment was strictly related to global motor impairment.}, }
@article {pmid33523683, year = {2021}, author = {Roelofs, A}, title = {How attention controls naming: Lessons from Wundt 2.0.}, journal = {Journal of experimental psychology. General}, volume = {150}, number = {10}, pages = {1927-1955}, doi = {10.1037/xge0001030}, pmid = {33523683}, issn = {1939-2222}, mesh = {*Attention ; Humans ; }, abstract = {When models of the attentional control of vocal naming, applied to color-word Stroop and picture-word interference, were first computationally implemented and examined in 1990, an implementable model proposed by Wundt (1880, 1902) was not considered. Although these modern computer models, and more recent ones, clarify many aspects of the interference, most models fail to explain its time course, as outlined in Roelofs (2003). Wundt's (1902) model assigns a key role to top-down inhibition, which is absent in most of the modern models. Here, an implementation of his model is presented, called Wundt 2.0. The necessity of perceptual inhibition was demonstrated by computer simulations of the interference and its time course, and supported by existing evidence from oscillatory brain activity in the alpha frequency band. Moreover, a new empirical study showed that Raven scores measuring the general intelligence factor g, discovered by Wundt's student Spearman (1904), predict the magnitude of the Stroop effect in fast errors, in line with the model and evidence on alpha band activity. Also, the study provided evidence that response inhibition is absent during vocal naming in the Stroop task. To conclude, Wundt's model has stood the test of time and provides a number of enduring lessons for our understanding of attention and performance. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).}, }
@article {pmid33513947, year = {2021}, author = {Cukor, J and Linda, R and Andersen, O and Eriksen, LF and Vacek, Z and Riegert, J and Šálek, M}, title = {Evaluation of Spatio-Temporal Patterns of Predation Risk to Forest Grouse Nests in the Central European Mountain Regions.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {11}, number = {2}, pages = {}, pmid = {33513947}, issn = {2076-2615}, support = {TACR TH04030524//Technology Agency of the Czech Republic/ ; RVO 68081766//Akademie V&#x11b;d &#x10c;esk&#xe9; Republiky/ ; }, abstract = {We evaluated the spatiotemporal patterns of predation risk on black grouse nests using artificial nests that were monitored by camera traps in mountain areas with a small extant (Ore Mts.) and already extinct (Jeseníky Mts.) black grouse population. The overall predation rate of artificial nests was 56% and we found significant differences in survival rate courses over time between both study areas (68% Ore Mts. vs. 41%, Jeseníky Mts.). Within the time required for successful egg incubation (25 days), nest survival probability was 0.32 in the Ore Mts. and 0.59 in Jeseníky Mts. The stone marten (Martes foina) was the primary nest predator in both study areas (39% in total), followed by common raven (Corvus corax, 25%) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes, 22%). The proportion of depredated nests did not differ between habitat types (i.e., open forest interior, clearing, forest edge), but we recorded the effect of interaction of study area and habitat. In Ore Mts., the main nest predator was common raven with seven records (37%). The Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius) was responsible for most predation attempts in Jeseníky Mts. (five records, i.e., 83%), while in the Ore Mts., most predation attempts were done by red fox (six records, i.e., 38%).}, }
@article {pmid33503032, year = {2021}, author = {Boone, JD and Witt, C and Ammon, EM}, title = {Behavior-specific occurrence patterns of Pinyon Jays (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) in three Great Basin study areas and significance for pinyon-juniper woodland management.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {16}, number = {1}, pages = {e0237621}, pmid = {33503032}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Conservation of Natural Resources/*methods ; Crows/*metabolism ; Demography ; Ecosystem ; Forests ; Juniperus/growth &amp; development ; Population Density ; Trees ; United States ; }, abstract = {The Pinyon Jay is a highly social, year-round inhabitant of pinyon-juniper and other coniferous woodlands in the western United States. Range-wide, Pinyon Jays have declined ~ 3-4% per year for at least the last half-century. Occurrence patterns and habitat use of Pinyon Jays have not been well characterized across much of the species' range, and obtaining this information is necessary for better understanding the causes of ongoing declines and determining useful conservation strategies. Additionally, it is important to better understand if and how targeted removal of pinyon-juniper woodland, a common and widespread vegetation management practice, affects Pinyon Jays. The goal of this study was to identify the characteristics of areas used by Pinyon Jays for several critical life history components in the Great Basin, which is home to nearly half of the species' global population, and to thereby facilitate the inclusion of Pinyon Jay conservation measures in the design of vegetation management projects. To accomplish this, we studied Pinyon Jays in three widely separated study areas using radio telemetry and direct observation and measured key attributes of their locations and a separate set of randomly-selected control sites using the U. S. Forest Service's Forest Inventory Analysis protocol. Data visualizations, principle components analysis, and logistic regressions of the resulting data indicated that Pinyon Jays used a distinct subset of available pinyon-juniper woodland habitat, and further suggested that Pinyon Jays used different but overlapping habitats for seed caching, foraging, and nesting. Caching was concentrated in low-elevation, relatively flat areas with low tree cover; foraging occurred at slightly higher elevations with generally moderate but variable tree cover; and nesting was concentrated in slightly higher areas with high tree and vegetation cover. All three of these Pinyon Jay behavior types were highly concentrated within the lower-elevation band of pinyon-juniper woodland close to the woodland-shrubland ecotone. Woodland removal projects in the Great Basin are often concentrated in these same areas, so it is potentially important to incorporate conservation measures informed by Pinyon Jay occurrence patterns into existing woodland management paradigms, protocols, and practices.}, }
@article {pmid33497062, year = {2021}, author = {Ing, C and Landau, R and DeStephano, D and Miles, CH and von Ungern-Sternberg, BS and Li, G and Whitehouse, AJO}, title = {Prenatal Exposure to General Anesthesia and Childhood Behavioral Deficit.}, journal = {Anesthesia and analgesia}, volume = {133}, number = {3}, pages = {595-605}, pmid = {33497062}, issn = {1526-7598}, support = {R01 HS026493/HS/AHRQ HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Age Factors ; Anesthesia, General/*adverse effects ; Anesthetics, General/*adverse effects ; Child ; Child Behavior/*drug effects ; Child Behavior Disorders/*chemically induced/diagnosis/physiopathology/psychology ; Child Development/*drug effects ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Nervous System/*drug effects/growth &amp; development ; Pregnancy ; *Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects ; Risk Assessment ; Risk Factors ; Western Australia ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Exposure to surgery and anesthesia in early childhood has been found to be associated with an increased risk of behavioral deficits. While the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned against prenatal exposure to anesthetic drugs, little clinical evidence exists to support this recommendation. This study evaluates the association between prenatal exposure to general anesthesia due to maternal procedures during pregnancy and neuropsychological and behavioral outcome scores at age 10.<br><br>METHODS: This is an observational cohort study of children born in Perth, Western Australia, with 2 generations of participants contributing data to the Raine Study. In the Raine Study, the first generation (Gen1) are mothers enrolled during pregnancy, and the second generation (Gen2) are the children born to these mothers from 1989 to 1992 with neuropsychological and behavioral tests at age 10 (n=2024). In the primary analysis, 6 neuropsychological and behavioral tests were evaluated at age 10: Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (CPM), McCarron Assessment of Neuromuscular Development (MAND), Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT), Symbol Digit Modality Test (SDMT) with written and oral scores, Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF) with Expressive, Receptive, and Total language scores, and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) with Internalizing, Externalizing, and Total behavior scores. Outcome scores of children prenatally exposed to general anesthesia were compared to children without prenatal exposure using multivariable linear regression models adjusting for demographic and clinical covariates (sex, race, income, and maternal education, alcohol or tobacco use, and clinical diagnoses: diabetes, epilepsy, hypertension, psychiatric disorders, or thyroid dysfunction). Bonferroni adjustment was used for the 6 independent tests in the primary analysis, so a corrected P value <.0083 (P = .05 divided by 6 tests, or a 99.17% confidence interval [CI]) was required for statistical significance.<br><br>RESULTS: Among 2024 children with available outcome scores, 22 (1.1%) were prenatally exposed to general anesthesia. Prenatally exposed children had higher CBCL Externalizing behavioral scores (score difference of 6.1 [99.17% CI, 0.2-12.0]; P = .006) than unexposed children. Of 6 tests including 11 scores and subscores, only CBCL Externalizing behavioral scores remained significant after multiple comparisons adjustment with no significant differences found in any other score.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal exposure to general anesthetics is associated with increased externalizing behavioral problems in childhood. However, given the limitations of this study and that avoiding necessary surgery during pregnancy can have significant detrimental effects on the mother and the child, further studies are needed before changes to clinical practice are made.}, }
@article {pmid33488467, year = {2020}, author = {Song, JHH and Loyal, S and Lond, B}, title = {Metacognitive Awareness Scale, Domain Specific (MCAS-DS): Assessing Metacognitive Awareness During Raven's Progressive Matrices.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {607577}, pmid = {33488467}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Metacognition, the cognition about cognition, is closely linked to intelligence and therefore understanding the metacognitive processes underlying intelligence test performance, specifically on Raven's Progressive Matrices, could help advance the knowledge about intelligence. The measurement of metacognition, is often done using domain-general offline questionnaires or domain-specific online think-aloud protocols. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between metacognitive awareness and intelligence via the design and use of a novel Meta-Cognitive Awareness Scale - Domain Specific (MCAS-DS) that encourages reflection of task strategy processes. This domain-specific scale was first constructed to measure participants' awareness of their own metacognition linked to Raven's Progressive Matrices (SPM). Following discriminatory index and Exploratory Factor Analysis, a 15-item scale was derived. Exploratory Factor Analysis showed five factors: Awareness of Engagement in Self-Monitoring, Awareness of Own Ability, Awareness of Responding Speed/Time, Awareness of Alternative Solutions and Awareness of Requisite Problem-Solving Resources. The intelligence level of ninety-eight adults was then estimated using Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices. Participants also completed the MCAS-DS, and further items that examined their test-taking behavior and Confidence level. Metacognitive awareness was positively correlated to standardized IQ scores derived from the SPM whilst Over-Confidence derived using the Confidence level measure was negatively correlated to SPM. Despite some limitations, this study shows promise for elucidating the relationship between metacognitive awareness and intelligence using the task-specific scale.}, }
@article {pmid33474740, year = {2021}, author = {Kersten, Y and Friedrich-Müller, B and Nieder, A}, title = {A histological study of the song system of the carrion crow (Corvus corone).}, journal = {The Journal of comparative neurology}, volume = {529}, number = {10}, pages = {2576-2595}, doi = {10.1002/cne.25112}, pmid = {33474740}, issn = {1096-9861}, mesh = {Animals ; Brain/*anatomy &amp; histology/physiology ; Crows/*anatomy &amp; histology/physiology ; Female ; Male ; Neural Pathways/*anatomy &amp; histology/physiology ; Vocalization, Animal/physiology ; }, abstract = {The song system of songbirds (oscines) is one of the best studied neuroethological model systems. So far, it has been treated as a relatively constrained sensorimotor system. Songbirds such as crows, however, are also known for their capability to cognitively control their audio-vocal system. Yet, the neuroanatomy of the corvid song system has never been explored systematically. We aim to close this scientific gap by presenting a stereotactic investigation of the extended song system of the carrion crow (Corvus corone), an oscine songbird of the corvid family that has become an interesting model system for cognitive neuroscience. In order to identify and delineate the song nuclei, the ascending auditory nuclei, and the descending vocal-motor nuclei, four stains were applied. In addition to the classical Nissl-, myelin-, and a combination of Nissl-and-myelin staining, staining for tyrosine hydroxylase was used to reveal the distribution of catecholaminergic neurons (dopaminergic, noradrenergic, and adrenergic) in the song system. We show that the crow brain contains the important song-related nuclei, including auditory input and motor output structures, and map them throughout the brain. Fiber-stained sections reveal putative connection patterns between the crow's song nuclei comparable to other songbirds.}, }
@article {pmid33450902, year = {2021}, author = {Feklicheva, I and Zakharov, I and Chipeeva, N and Maslennikova, E and Korobova, S and Adamovich, T and Ismatullina, V and Malykh, S}, title = {Assessing the Relationship between Verbal and Nonverbal Cognitive Abilities Using Resting-State EEG Functional Connectivity.}, journal = {Brain sciences}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {}, pmid = {33450902}, issn = {2076-3425}, support = {18-013-00944//Russian Foundation for Basic Research/ ; }, abstract = {The present study investigates the relationship between individual differences in verbal and non-verbal cognitive abilities and resting-state EEG network characteristics. We used a network neuroscience approach to analyze both large-scale topological characteristics of the whole brain as well as local brain network characteristics. The characteristic path length, modularity, and cluster coefficient for different EEG frequency bands (alpha, high and low; beta1 and beta2, and theta) were calculated to estimate large-scale topological integration and segregation properties of the brain networks. Betweenness centrality, nodal clustering coefficient, and local connectivity strength were calculated as local network characteristics. We showed that global network integration measures in the alpha band were positively correlated with non-verbal intelligence, especially with the more difficult part of the test (Raven's total scores and E series), and the ability to operate with verbal information (the "Conclusions" verbal subtest). At the same time, individual differences in non-verbal intelligence (Raven's total score and C series), and vocabulary subtest of the verbal intelligence tests, were negatively correlated with the network segregation measures. Our results show that resting-state EEG functional connectivity can reveal the functional architecture associated with an individual difference in cognitive performance.}, }
@article {pmid33444862, year = {2021}, author = {Rial-Berriel, C and Acosta-Dacal, A and Cabrera Pérez, M&#xc1; and Suárez-Pérez, A and Melián Melián, A and Zumbado, M and Henríquez Hernández, LA and Ruiz-Suárez, N and Rodriguez Hernández, &#xc1; and Boada, LD and Macías Montes, A and Luzardo, OP}, title = {Intensive livestock farming as a major determinant of the exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides in raptors of the Canary Islands (Spain).}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {768}, number = {}, pages = {144386}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144386}, pmid = {33444862}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {Animals ; Anticoagulants ; Europe ; Farms ; Livestock ; *Raptors ; *Rodenticides ; Spain ; }, abstract = {The Canary Islands (Spain) is a biodiversity hotspot, with more than 4500 registered endemic species. However, it is subject to high anthropogenic pressure that threatens its wildlife in various ways. In the context of forensic toxicological surveys, the presence of anticoagulant rodenticides (AR) has been investigated in the liver of 831 animal carcasses with georeferenced data from 2011 to May 2020. The high concentrations of toxic pesticides in carcasses and in baits found close to the corpses indicated that all the reptiles and most of the mammals tested positive for AR were intentionally poisoned, although mainly by other substances. The frequency of detection of AR in non-raptor birds (n = 343) was only 4.1%, being the Canary raven the most frequently affected species (7/97, 7.2%). On the contrary, in raptors (n = 308) the detection frequency was almost 60%, with an average of more than 2 ARs per animal. The highest concentrations were found in the common kestrel. We present for the first-time results of AR contamination in two species of raptors that are very rare in Europe, Eleonora's falcon (n = 4) and Barbary falcon (n = 13). The temporal trend of positive cases remains stable, but since the entry into force of the restriction to the concentration of the active ingredient in baits (<30 ppm), a decrease in the concentrations of these compounds in the raptors' liver has been detected. Conversely, we registered an increase in the number of ARs per animal. From the study of the geographic information system (GIS) it can be deduced that intensive livestock farms are an important determinant in the exposure of raptors to ARs. Those birds that have their territory near intensive production farms have higher levels of exposure than those of birds that live far from such facilities.}, }
@article {pmid33444031, year = {2021}, author = {Tornick, J and Gibson, B}, title = {Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana) use a visual barrier for cache protection.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {135}, number = {2}, pages = {170-175}, doi = {10.1037/com0000262}, pmid = {33444031}, issn = {1939-2087}, mesh = {Animals ; Feeding Behavior ; *Passeriformes ; *Songbirds ; }, abstract = {Previous work with corvids such as scrub jays (Aphelocoma californica) and ravens (Corvus corax) suggests that many social corvids alter their caching behavior when observed by conspecifics to protect their caches. We examined whether the Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana), an asocial corvid, can utilize a barrier to conceal its caching activities from a conspecific observer. Nutcrackers were allowed to cache nuts in a visible or concealed location in either the presence or absence of an observer. Nutcrackers were also given experience of having their caches pilfered. The nutcrackers cached significantly more nuts in the concealed compared to a visible location when observed. Importantly, nutcrackers also recovered a larger percentage of their nuts 24 hr later from a visible cache location but when the observer was no longer present. The results extend recent work suggesting that relatively nonsocial corvids, similar to their more social relatives, also engage in multiple forms of cache protection. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).}, }
@article {pmid33436969, year = {2021}, author = {Amodio, P and Brea, J and Farrar, BG and Ostojić, L and Clayton, NS}, title = {Testing two competing hypotheses for Eurasian jays' caching for the future.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {835}, pmid = {33436969}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {BB/M011194/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {Previous research reported that corvids preferentially cache food in a location where no food will be available or cache more of a specific food in a location where this food will not be available. Here, we consider possible explanations for these prospective caching behaviours and directly compare two competing hypotheses. The Compensatory Caching Hypothesis suggests that birds learn to cache more of a particular food in places where that food was less frequently available in the past. In contrast, the Future Planning Hypothesis suggests that birds recall the 'what-when-where' features of specific past events to predict the future availability of food. We designed a protocol in which the two hypotheses predict different caching patterns across different caching locations such that the two explanations can be disambiguated. We formalised the hypotheses in a Bayesian model comparison and tested this protocol in two experiments with one of the previously tested species, namely Eurasian jays. Consistently across the two experiments, the observed caching pattern did not support either hypothesis; rather it was best explained by a uniform distribution of caches over the different caching locations. Future research is needed to gain more insight into the cognitive mechanism underpinning corvids' caching for the future.}, }
@article {pmid33436920, year = {2021}, author = {Zhang, Y and Yu, C and Chen, L and Li, Z}, title = {Performance of Azure-winged magpies in Aesop's fable paradigm.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {804}, pmid = {33436920}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Cognition/*physiology ; Learning/*physiology ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; }, abstract = {In this study, the improved Aesop's fable paradigm-a series of experiments originally used to test whether some animals understand the causality associated with water replacement-was used to explore the cognitive ability of Azure-winged magpies (Cyanopica cyanus). Experimental results on causal cue tasks showed that the Azure-winged magpies prefer water-filled tubes over sand-filled tubes, heavy objects over light objects, and solid objects over hollow objects. However, they failed to notice the diameter and water level of the tubes. They also failed to pass the counterintuitive U-shaped tube task in arbitrary cue tasks. Our results demonstrated that Azure-winged magpies have a certain cognitive ability but not an understanding of causality, a characteristic comparable to that of other corvids. Moreover, Azure-winged magpies exhibited the ability of training transfer and analogical problem solving from the perspective of cognitive psychology. We believe that object-bias has little effect on Azure-winged magpies in this study. We can conclude that the Azure-winged magpies partially completed the tasks by trial-and-error learning.}, }
@article {pmid33420859, year = {2021}, author = {Wenig, K and Boucherie, PH and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Early evidence for emotional play contagion in juvenile ravens.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {24}, number = {4}, pages = {717-729}, pmid = {33420859}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {W 1262/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; *Crows ; Emotions ; Empathy ; Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Perceiving, evaluating and reacting towards conspecifics' emotional states are important challenges of social group living. Emotional contagion describes an alignment of emotional states between individuals and is widely believed to be based on behavioral synchronization, i.e., behavioral contagion. As basic empathy-like processes, the occurrence of both forms of contagion seems to underlie early ontogenetic trajectories in humans and non-human species. In the present study, we assessed play as a context for studying the development of emotional contagion and its interlink with behavioral contagion in ten juvenile common ravens. Ravens are exceptional players that engage in all three forms of play: object, locomotion and social play. To assess potential ontogenetic patterns of both behavioral and emotional contagion, we tested juvenile ravens at two different periods of early development, at three- and six-month post-hatching. We elicited object play in one or several ravens (demonstrators) in a standardized experimental environment, using a playground setup. At both test ages, we found evidence for emotional contagion as observer ravens showed an increase of locomotion and social play after we provided the demonstrator(s) with the playground setup, but no significant changes in the amount of object play. Hence, observers did not copy motor patterns from demonstrator(s) but engaged in other forms of play. Our findings speak for a transfer of a general mood state in the context of play in ravens as young as 3 months and against behavioral mimicry as a precondition for emotional contagion.}, }
@article {pmid33420703, year = {2021}, author = {Gallego-Abenza, M and Blum, CR and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Who is crying wolf? Seasonal effect on antipredator response to age-specific alarm calls in common ravens, Corvus corax.}, journal = {Learning &amp; behavior}, volume = {49}, number = {1}, pages = {159-167}, pmid = {33420703}, issn = {1543-4508}, support = {P 29705/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Age Factors ; Animals ; *Crows ; *Predatory Behavior ; Seasons ; *Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {Communication about threats including those posed by the presence of predators occurs mainly through acoustic signals called alarm calls. The comprehension of these calls by receivers and their rapid antipredator response are crucial in terms of survival. However, to avoid overreaction, individuals should evaluate whether or not an antipredator response is needed by paying attention to who is calling. For instance, we could expect adults to be more experienced with predator encounters than juveniles and thus elicit stronger antipredator responses in others when alarming. Similarly, we could expect a stronger response to alarm calls when more than one individual is calling. To test these assumptions, we applied a playback experiment to wild ravens, in which we manipulated the age class (adult or juvenile) and the number (one or two) of the callers. Our results revealed a seasonal effect of age class but no effect of number of callers. Specifically, the ravens responded with stronger antipredator behaviour (vigilance posture) towards alarm calls from adults as compared to juveniles in summer and autumn, but not in spring. We discuss alternative interpretations for this unexpected seasonal pattern and argue for more studies on call-based communication in birds to understand what type of information is relevant under which conditions.}, }
@article {pmid33391363, year = {2020}, author = {Gao, LF and Zhang, W and Zhang, HY and Zhu, ZQ and Zhang, XD and Du, B}, title = {Parental dependence on the nest's spatial cues in offspring recognition decreases with nestling growth in the azure-winged magpie.}, journal = {Current zoology}, volume = {66}, number = {6}, pages = {643-648}, pmid = {33391363}, issn = {1674-5507}, abstract = {In altricial birds, to address which cues are used by parents to recognize their offspring, and when they switch between cues during reproduction, it has not been well determined. In this study, we address this question in a Tibetan population of the azure-winged magpie Cyanopica cyanus, by examining the dependence of parents on a nest's spatial position in offspring recognition. During the egg and nestling phases, azure-winged magpie nests were translocated to new positions across various distances from their original site, and parental responses to the translocated nests were investigated. Our findings show that a nest's spatial position is not connected with the survival of its young, but might be used as a cue in parental offspring recognition. When nests are translocated to a new position within a certain distance, parents could recognize their nests and returned to resume their parenting behaviors. Parental dependence on the nest's spatial position in offspring recognition is higher during the egg phase than during the nestling phase, and it decreases with the growth of nestlings. After nestlings reach a certain age, the nest' s spatial position was no longer used by parents as the single cue for offspring recognition. These findings suggest that azure-winged magpies switch their cues in offspring recognition during the different stages of reproduction. After parent-offspring communication has been established, the offspring's phenotypic traits may become a more reliable cue than the nest's spatial position in offspring recognition.}, }
@article {pmid33372273, year = {2021}, author = {Blakey, ML}, title = {Understanding racism in physical (biological) anthropology.}, journal = {American journal of physical anthropology}, volume = {175}, number = {2}, pages = {316-325}, doi = {10.1002/ajpa.24208}, pmid = {33372273}, issn = {1096-8644}, mesh = {Humans ; *Anthropology, Physical/history ; *Racism ; History, 20th Century ; }, abstract = {The mainstream of American physical anthropology began as racist and eugenical science that defended slavery, restricted "non-Nordic" immigration, and justified Jim Crow segregation. After World War II, the field became more anti-racial than anti-racist. It has continued as a study of natural influences on human variation and thus continues to evade the social histories of inequitable biological variation. Also reflecting its occupancy of white space, biological anthropology continues to deny its own racist history and marginalizes the contributions of Blacks. Critical disciplinary history and a shift toward biocultural studies might begin an anti-racist human biology.}, }
@article {pmid33325260, year = {2022}, author = {Maraver, MJ and Gómez-Ariza, CJ and Borella, E and Bajo, MT}, title = {Baseline capacities and motivation in executive control training of healthy older adults.}, journal = {Aging &amp; mental health}, volume = {26}, number = {3}, pages = {595-603}, doi = {10.1080/13607863.2020.1858755}, pmid = {33325260}, issn = {1364-6915}, mesh = {Aged ; Aging/psychology ; Cognition ; *Executive Function/physiology ; Humans ; Memory, Short-Term/physiology ; *Motivation ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Normal aging involves progressive prefrontal declines and impairments in executive control. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of an executive-control training focusing on working memory and inhibition, in healthy older adults, and to explore the role of individual differences in baseline capacities and motivation in explaining training gains.<br><br>METHODS: Forty-four healthy older adults were randomly assigned to an experimental (training executive control) or active control group (training processing speed). Participants completed six online training sessions distributed across two weeks. Transfer effects to working memory (Operation Span test), response inhibition (Stop-Signal test), processing speed (Pattern Comparison) and reasoning (Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices and Cattell Culture Fair test) were evaluated. Furthermore, we explored individual differences in baseline capacities and assessed motivation during and after the intervention.<br><br>RESULTS: The experimental group, but not the active control, showed significant transfer to response inhibition. Moreover, a general compensation effect was found: older adults with lower baseline capacities achieved higher levels of training improvement. Motivation was not related to training performance.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Our results encourage the use of executive control training to improve cognitive functions, reveal the importance of individual differences in training-related gains, and provide further support for cognitive plasticity during healthy aging.}, }
@article {pmid33321971, year = {2020}, author = {Kaplan, G}, title = {Of Great Apes and Magpies: Initiations into Animal Behaviour.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {10}, number = {12}, pages = {}, pmid = {33321971}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {This paper presents three case studies of exceptional human encounters with animals. These particular examples were selected because they enabled analysis of the underlying reasons that led the human participants to respond in new ways to their animal counterparts. The question asked here is whether sudden insights into the needs and abilities of an animal arises purely from an anthropocentric position as empathy because of genetic closeness (e.g., chimpanzees) or is something else and whether new insights can be applied to other phylogenetic orders not close to us, e.g., birds, and change research questions and implicit prejudices and stereotypes. Particularly in avian species, phylogenetically distant from humans, the prejudices (anthroprocentric position) and the belief in human uniqueness (human exceptionalism) might be greater than in the reactions to primates. Interestingly, in studies of great apes, contradictory opinions and controversies about cognitive abilities, especially when compared with humans, tend to be pronounced. Species appropriateness in test designs are desirable present and future goals but here it is suggested how different experiences can also lead to different questions that explode the myth of human uniqueness and then arrive at entirely different and new results in cognitive and affective abilities of the species under investigation.}, }
@article {pmid33317391, year = {2021}, author = {Takeuchi, H and Taki, Y and Nouchi, R and Yokoyama, R and Kotozaki, Y and Nakagawa, S and Sekiguchi, A and Iizuka, K and Hanawa, S and Araki, T and Miyauchi, CM and Sakaki, K and Sassa, Y and Nozawa, T and Ikeda, S and Yokota, S and Magistro, D and Kawashima, R}, title = {General Intelligence Is Associated with Working Memory-Related Functional Connectivity Change: Evidence from a Large-Sample Study.}, journal = {Brain connectivity}, volume = {11}, number = {2}, pages = {89-102}, doi = {10.1089/brain.2020.0769}, pmid = {33317391}, issn = {2158-0022}, mesh = {Brain/diagnostic imaging ; *Brain Mapping ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; *Memory, Short-Term ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Background/Purpose: Psychometric intelligence is closely related to working memory (WM) and the associated brain activity. We aimed to clarify the associations between psychometric intelligence and WM-induced functional connectivity changes. Materials and Methods: Here we determined the associations between psychometric intelligence measured by nonverbal reasoning (using the Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices) and WM-induced changes in functional connectivity during the N-back paradigm, in a large cohort of 1221 young adults. Results: We observed that the measures of general intelligence showed a significant positive correlation with WM-induced changes in the functional connectivity with the key nodes of the frontoparietal network, such as the bilateral premotor cortices and the presupplementary motor area. Those significant correlations were observed for (1) areas showing a WM-induced increase of the functional connectivity with the abovementioned key nodes, such as the lateral parietal cortex; (2) areas showing a WM-induced decrease of the functional connectivity with the abovementioned key nodes (2-a) such as left perisylvian areas and cuneus, the fusiform gyrus, and the lingual gyrus, which play key roles in language processing, (2-b) hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus, which play key roles in memory processing, and (2-c) the key node of the default mode network such as the medial prefrontal cortex; as well as (3) the border areas between (1) and (2). Conclusion: Psychometric intelligence is associated with WM-induced changes in functional connectivity, influencing the way in which WM key nodes dynamically modulate the interaction with other brain nodes in response to WM.}, }
@article {pmid33311334, year = {2020}, author = {Mori, A and Bertani, R}, title = {Revision and cladistic analysis of Psalistops Simon, 1889, Trichopelma Simon, 1888 and Cyrtogrammomma Pocock, 1895 (Araneae: Theraphosidae) based on a cladistic analysis of relationships of Theraphosidae, Barychelidae and Paratropididae.}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {4873}, number = {1}, pages = {zootaxa.4873.1.1}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.4873.1.1}, pmid = {33311334}, issn = {1175-5334}, mesh = {Animal Distribution ; Animals ; Fossils ; *Spiders ; }, abstract = {The genera Psalistops Simon, 1889, Trichopelma, Simon, 1888 and Cyrtogrammomma Pocock, 1895 are revised and included in cladistics analyses including almost all species of these genera. In order to test previous morphological hypotheses on the relationships of Barychelidae, Paratropididae and Theraphosidae and because of the controversial taxonomic position of Psalistops and Trichopelma, a set of terminal taxa representing all subfamilies of Paratropididae (Paratropidinae, Glabropelmatinae), Barychelidae (Barychelinae, Sasoninae, Trichopelmatinae) and most theraphosid subfamilies were included, as well as a diplurid, a nemesiid, and a pycnothelid, the later used to root the cladogram. The matrix with 66 terminal taxa, 2 continuous and 93 discrete characters was analysed with TNT 1.5. We found that Trichopelmatinae is not a monophyletic group, and Psalistops is transferred to Theraphosidae, as well as the barychelid genus Cyrtogrammomma and the paratropidid genus Melloina Brignoli. Cyrtogrammomma was retrieved as the sister group of Trichopelma, and Melloina as the sister group of Holothele Karsch. Psalistops was retrieved as the sister group of Reichlingia Rudloff, and the clade with these two genera is the most basal in Theraphosidae. Barychelidae was found to be monophyletic and the sister group of Theraphosidae. Paratropididae was retrieved as the sister group of Barychelidae + Theraphosidae. The relationship and possible synapomorphies of the three families are herein discussed. This is the first time since Raven (1985) that representatives of all barychelid (Barychelinae, Sasoninae, Trichopelmatinae), paratropidid (Paratropidinae, Glabropelmatinae) and most theraphosid subfamilies have been included in a morphological cladistic analysis. Psalistops comprises two species, P. melanopygius Simon, 1889 (type species) and P. colombianus sp. nov. Psalistops montigena Simon, 1889, P. tigrinus Simon, 1889 and P. zonatus Simon, 1889 are synonymized with P. melanopygius Simon, 1889. Psalistops fulvus Bryant, 1948, P. hispaniolensis Wunderlich, 1988 (fossil), P. maculosus Bryant, 1948, P. venadensis Valerio, 1986 and P. steini (Simon, 1889) are transferred to Trichopelma. Psalistops gasci Maréchal, 1996 is transferred to Hapalopus Ausserer (Theraphosidae); P. opifex (Simon, 1889) and P. solitarius (Simon, 1889) are transferred to Schismatothele Karsch, 1879 (Theraphosidae). Schismatothele solitarius (Simon, 1889) n. comb. is synonymized with Schismatothele lineata Karsch, 1879, n. syn. Psalistops nigrifemuratus Mello-Leitão, 1939 is probably a nemesiid or pycnothelid, and herein considered as nomen dubium in Pycnothelidae. Trichopelma comprises 22 species: Trichopelma nitidum Simon, 1888 (type species), T. coenobita (Simon, 1889), T. steini (Simon, 1889), T. affine (Simon, 1892), T. cubanum (Simon, 1903), T. maculatum (Banks, 1906), T. zebra (Petrunkevitch, 1925), T. banksia Özdikmen Demir, 2012, T. insulanum (Petrunkevitch, 1926), T. fulvus (Bryant, 1948) n. comb., T. laselva Valerio, 1986, T. venadensis (Valerio, 1986) n. comb., T. huffi sp. nov., T. gabrieli sp. nov., T. tostoi sp. nov., T. goloboffi sp. nov., T. juventud sp. nov., T. laurae sp. nov., T.bimini sp. nov., T. loui sp. nov., T. platnicki sp. nov., and T. hispaniolensis Wunderlich, 1988 n. comb. (fossil). Trichopelma maculosus (Bryant, 1948) n. comb. is synonymized with P. fulvus Bryant, 1948; T. corozalis (Petrunkevitch, 1929) is synonymized with T. insulanum (Petrunkevitch, 1926). Trichopelma astutum Simon, 1889 is transferred to Euthycaelus Simon, 1889, and T. maddeni Esposito Agnarsson, 2014 to Holothele Karsch, 1879 (Theraphosidae). Trichopelma flavicomum Simon, 1891 is transferred to Neodiplothele (Barychelidae, Sasoninae). The species T. illetabile Simon, 1888, T. spinosum (Franganillo, 1926), T. scopulatum (Fischel, 1927) and T. eucubanum Özdikmen Demir, 2012 are considered as nomina dubia. Cyrtogrammomma comprises two species: C. monticola Pocock, 1895 (type species) and C. raveni sp. nov.}, }
@article {pmid33305388, year = {2021}, author = {Dussex, N and Kutschera, VE and Wiberg, RAW and Parker, DJ and Hunt, GR and Gray, RD and Rutherford, K and Abe, H and Fleischer, RC and Ritchie, MG and Rutz, C and Wolf, JBW and Gemmell, NJ}, title = {A genome-wide investigation of adaptive signatures in protein-coding genes related to tool behaviour in New Caledonian and Hawaiian crows.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {30}, number = {4}, pages = {973-986}, doi = {10.1111/mec.15775}, pmid = {33305388}, issn = {1365-294X}, support = {BB/G023913/2/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows/genetics ; Hawaii ; *Life History Traits ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Very few animals habitually manufacture and use tools. It has been suggested that advanced tool behaviour co-evolves with a suite of behavioural, morphological and life history traits. In fact, there are indications for such an adaptive complex in tool-using crows (genus Corvus species). Here, we sequenced the genomes of two habitually tool-using and ten non-tool-using crow species to search for genomic signatures associated with a tool-using lifestyle. Using comparative genomic and population genetic approaches, we screened for signals of selection in protein-coding genes in the tool-using New Caledonian and Hawaiian crows. While we detected signals of recent selection in New Caledonian crows near genes associated with bill morphology, our data indicate that genetic changes in these two lineages are surprisingly subtle, with little evidence at present for convergence. We explore the biological explanations for these findings, such as the relative roles of gene regulation and protein-coding changes, as well as the possibility that statistical power to detect selection in recently diverged lineages may have been insufficient. Our study contributes to a growing body of literature aiming to decipher the genetic basis of recently evolved complex behaviour.}, }
@article {pmid33304499, year = {2020}, author = {Gomo, G and Rød-Eriksen, L and Andreassen, HP and Mattisson, J and Odden, M and Devineau, O and Eide, NE}, title = {Scavenger community structure along an environmental gradient from boreal forest to alpine tundra in Scandinavia.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {10}, number = {23}, pages = {12860-12869}, pmid = {33304499}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Scavengers can have strong impacts on food webs, and awareness of their role in ecosystems has increased during the last decades. In our study, we used baited camera traps to quantify the structure of the winter scavenger community in central Scandinavia across a forest-alpine continuum and assess how climatic conditions affected spatial patterns of species occurrences at baits. Canonical correspondence analysis revealed that the main habitat type (forest or alpine tundra) and snow depth was main determinants of the community structure. According to a joint species distribution model within the HMSC framework, species richness tended to be higher in forest than in alpine tundra habitat, but was only weakly associated with temperature and snow depth. However, we observed stronger and more diverse impacts of these covariates on individual species. Occurrence at baits by habitat generalists (red fox, golden eagle, and common raven) typically increased at low temperatures and high snow depth, probably due to increased energetic demands and lower abundance of natural prey in harsh winter conditions. On the contrary, occurrence at baits by forest specialists (e.g., Eurasian jay) tended to decrease in deep snow, which is possibly a consequence of reduced bait detectability and accessibility. In general, the influence of environmental covariates on species richness and occurrence at baits was lower in alpine tundra than in forests, and habitat generalists dominated the scavenger communities in both forest and alpine tundra. Following forecasted climate change, altered environmental conditions are likely to cause range expansion of boreal species and range contraction of typical alpine species such as the arctic fox. Our results suggest that altered snow conditions will possibly be a main driver of changes in species community structure.}, }
@article {pmid33303790, year = {2020}, author = {Pika, S and Sima, MJ and Blum, CR and Herrmann, E and Mundry, R}, title = {Ravens parallel great apes in physical and social cognitive skills.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {20617}, pmid = {33303790}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; *Cognition ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; *Intelligence ; Male ; Pan troglodytes/*physiology ; Pongo/*physiology ; *Psychomotor Performance ; *Social Skills ; }, abstract = {Human children show unique cognitive skills for dealing with the social world but their cognitive performance is paralleled by great apes in many tasks dealing with the physical world. Recent studies suggested that members of a songbird family-corvids-also evolved complex cognitive skills but a detailed understanding of the full scope of their cognition was, until now, not existent. Furthermore, relatively little is known about their cognitive development. Here, we conducted the first systematic, quantitative large-scale assessment of physical and social cognitive performance of common ravens with a special focus on development. To do so, we fine-tuned one of the most comprehensive experimental test-batteries, the Primate Cognition Test Battery (PCTB), to raven features enabling also a direct, quantitative comparison with the cognitive performance of two great ape species. Full-blown cognitive skills were already present at the age of four months with subadult ravens' cognitive performance appearing very similar to that of adult apes in tasks of physical (quantities, and causality) and social cognition (social learning, communication, and theory of mind). These unprecedented findings strengthen recent assessments of ravens' general intelligence, and aid to the growing evidence that the lack of a specific cortical architecture does not hinder advanced cognitive skills. Difficulties in certain cognitive scales further emphasize the quest to develop comparative test batteries that tap into true species rather than human specific cognitive skills, and suggest that socialization of test individuals may play a crucial role. We conclude to pay more attention to the impact of personality on cognitive output, and a currently neglected topic in Animal Cognition-the linkage between ontogeny and cognitive performance.}, }
@article {pmid33269437, year = {2021}, author = {Vernouillet, A and Casidsid, HJM and Kelly, DM}, title = {Conspecific presence, but not pilferage, influences pinyon jays' (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) caching behavior.}, journal = {Learning &amp; behavior}, volume = {49}, number = {1}, pages = {23-35}, pmid = {33269437}, issn = {1543-4508}, mesh = {Animals ; Feeding Behavior ; Food ; *Passeriformes ; Social Behavior ; *Songbirds ; }, abstract = {Caching species store food when plentiful to ensure availability when resources are scarce. These stores may be at risk of pilferage by others present at the time of caching. Cachers may reduce the risk of loss by using information from the social environment to engage in behaviors to secure the resource-cache protection strategies. Here, we examined whether pinyon jays, a highly social corvid, use information from the social environment to modify their caching behavior. Pinyon jays were provided with pine seeds to cache in two visually distinct trays. The cacher could be observed by a non-pilfering conspecific, a pilfering conspecific, or an inanimate heterospecific located in an adjoining cage compartment, or the cacher could be alone. After caching, the pilfered tray was placed in the adjoining compartment where caches were either pilfered (pilfering conspecific and inanimate heterospecific conditions) or remained intact (non-pilfering conspecific and alone conditions). The safe tray was placed in a visible, but inaccessible, location. Overall, pinyon jays reduced the number of pine seeds cached in the pilfered tray when observed, compared with caching alone. However, their caching behavior did not differ between the pilfering conspecific and the non-pilfering conspecific conditions. These results suggest that either pinyon jays were unable to discriminate between the pilfering and non-pilfering conspecifics, or they generalized their experience of risk from the pilfering conspecific to the non-pilfering conspecific. Thus, we report evidence that pinyon jays use cache protection strategies to secure their resources when observed, but respond similarly when observed by pilfering and non-pilfering conspecifics.}, }
@article {pmid33239782, year = {2020}, author = {O'Connor, PM and Turner, AH and Groenke, JR and Felice, RN and Rogers, RR and Krause, DW and Rahantarisoa, LJ}, title = {Late Cretaceous bird from Madagascar reveals unique development of beaks.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {588}, number = {7837}, pages = {272-276}, pmid = {33239782}, issn = {1476-4687}, support = {/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Beak/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Biological Evolution ; Birds/*anatomy &amp; histology/classification ; *Fossils ; Madagascar ; Phylogeny ; }, abstract = {Mesozoic birds display considerable diversity in size, flight adaptations and feather organization[1-4], but exhibit relatively conserved patterns of beak shape and development[5-7]. Although Neornithine (that is, crown group) birds also exhibit constraint on facial development[8,9], they have comparatively diverse beak morphologies associated with a range of feeding and behavioural ecologies, in contrast to Mesozoic birds. Here we describe a crow-sized stem bird, Falcatakely forsterae gen. et sp. nov., from the Late Cretaceous epoch of Madagascar that possesses a long and deep rostrum, an expression of beak morphology that was previously unknown among Mesozoic birds and is superficially similar to that of a variety of crown-group birds (for example, toucans). The rostrum of Falcatakely is composed of an expansive edentulous maxilla and a small tooth-bearing premaxilla. Morphometric analyses of individual bony elements and three-dimensional rostrum shape reveal the development of a neornithine-like facial anatomy despite the retention of a maxilla-premaxilla organization that is similar to that of nonavialan theropods. The patterning and increased height of the rostrum in Falcatakely reveals a degree of developmental lability and increased morphological disparity that was previously unknown in early branching avialans. Expression of this phenotype (and presumed ecology) in a stem bird underscores that consolidation to the neornithine-like, premaxilla-dominated rostrum was not an evolutionary prerequisite for beak enlargement.}, }
@article {pmid33229557, year = {2020}, author = {Kunda, M}, title = {AI, visual imagery, and a case study on the challenges posed by human intelligence tests.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {117}, number = {47}, pages = {29390-29397}, pmid = {33229557}, issn = {1091-6490}, support = {P50 HD103537/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Imagination/*physiology ; *Intelligence Tests ; *Machine Learning ; Models, Psychological ; Neural Networks, Computer ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Spatial Processing/physiology ; Visual Perception/physiology ; }, abstract = {Observations abound about the power of visual imagery in human intelligence, from how Nobel prize-winning physicists make their discoveries to how children understand bedtime stories. These observations raise an important question for cognitive science, which is, what are the computations taking place in someone's mind when they use visual imagery? Answering this question is not easy and will require much continued research across the multiple disciplines of cognitive science. Here, we focus on a related and more circumscribed question from the perspective of artificial intelligence (AI): If you have an intelligent agent that uses visual imagery-based knowledge representations and reasoning operations, then what kinds of problem solving might be possible, and how would such problem solving work? We highlight recent progress in AI toward answering these questions in the domain of visuospatial reasoning, looking at a case study of how imagery-based artificial agents can solve visuospatial intelligence tests. In particular, we first examine several variations of imagery-based knowledge representations and problem-solving strategies that are sufficient for solving problems from the Raven's Progressive Matrices intelligence test. We then look at how artificial agents, instead of being designed manually by AI researchers, might learn portions of their own knowledge and reasoning procedures from experience, including learning visuospatial domain knowledge, learning and generalizing problem-solving strategies, and learning the actual definition of the task in the first place.}, }
@article {pmid33225245, year = {2020}, author = {Wagener, L and Nieder, A}, title = {Categorical Auditory Working Memory in Crows.}, journal = {iScience}, volume = {23}, number = {11}, pages = {101737}, pmid = {33225245}, issn = {2589-0042}, abstract = {The ability to group sensory data into behaviorally meaningful classes and to maintain these perceptual categories active in working memory is key to intelligent behavior. Here, we show that carrion crows, highly vocal and cognitively advanced corvid songbirds, possess categorical auditory working memory. The crows were trained in a delayed match-to-category task that required them to flexibly match remembered sounds based on the upward or downward shift of the sounds' frequency modulation. After training, the crows instantaneously classified novel sounds into the correct auditory categories. The crows showed sharp category boundaries as a function of the relative frequency interval of the modulation. In addition, the crows generalized frequency-modulated sounds within a category and correctly classified novel sounds kept in working memory irrespective of other acoustic features of the sound. This suggests that crows can form and actively memorize auditory perceptual categories in the service of cognitive control of their goal-directed behaviors.}, }
@article {pmid33207724, year = {2020}, author = {Mughal, R and Hill, CM and Joyce, A and Dimitriou, D}, title = {Sleep and Cognition in Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).}, journal = {Brain sciences}, volume = {10}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {33207724}, issn = {2076-3425}, abstract = {Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) experience significantly higher rates of sleep disturbances than their typically developing peers. However, little is known about the association between sleep and the cognitive phenotype in these clinical populations. Structural damage affecting cortical and subcortical connectivity occurs as a result of prenatal alcohol exposure in children with FASD, whilst it is believed an abundance of short-range connectivity explains the phenotypic manifestations of childhood ASD. These underlying neural structural and connectivity differences manifest as cognitive patterns, with some shared and some unique characteristics between FASD and ASD. This is the first study to examine sleep and its association with cognition in individuals with FASD, and to compare sleep in individuals with FASD and ASD. We assessed children aged 6-12 years with a diagnosis of FASD (n = 29), ASD (n = 21), and Typically Developing (TD) children (n = 46) using actigraphy (CamNTech Actiwatch 8), digit span tests of working memory (Weschler Intelligence Scale), tests of nonverbal mental age (MA; Ravens Standard Progressive Matrices), receptive vocabulary (British Picture Vocabulary Scale), and a choice reaction time (CRT) task. Children with FASD and ASD presented with significantly shorter total sleep duration, lower sleep efficiency, and more nocturnal wakings than their TD peers. Sleep was significantly associated with scores on the cognitive tests in all three groups. Our findings support the growing body of work asserting that sleep is significant to cognitive functioning in these neurodevelopmental conditions; however, more research is needed to determine cause and effect.}, }
@article {pmid33192900, year = {2020}, author = {Blum, CR and Fitch, WT and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Rapid Learning and Long-Term Memory for Dangerous Humans in Ravens (Corvus corax).}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {581794}, pmid = {33192900}, issn = {1664-1078}, support = {W 1262/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {Like many predatory species, humans have pronounced individual differences in their interactions with potential prey: some humans pose a lethal threat while others may provide valuable resources. Recognizing individual humans would thus allow prey species to maximize potential rewards while ensuring survival. Previous studies on corvids showed they can recognize and remember individual humans. For instance, wild American crows produced alarm calls toward specifically masked humans up to 2.7 years after those humans had caught and ringed them while wearing that mask. However, individual behavior of the crows or the impact of social features on their responses, was hardly examined. Here, we studied predator learning and social effects on responses, using a similar method, in captive common ravens (Corvus corax). We investigated learning and the impact of key social components on individual reactions to artificial predators. Human experimenters wore two types of masks while walking past two raven aviaries. In four training trials, the "dangerous" mask was presented while carrying a dead raven, whereas the "neutral" mask was presented empty-handed. Between every training trial and in all following trials, we presented both masks without dead ravens. We assessed the subjects' (i) learning speed, (ii) selective long-term response, and (iii) potential effects of social dynamics on individual alarm calling frequency. Ravens learned quickly (often based on the first trial), and some individuals distinguished the dangerous from the neutral mask for the next 4 years. Despite having received the same amount and quality of exposure to the dangerous mask, we found pronounced individual differences in alarm calling that were fairly consistent across test trials in socially stable situations: dominance, but not sex explained individual differences in alarm responses, indicating the potential use of alarm calls as "status symbols." These findings fit to those in wild bird populations and dominant individuals signaling their quality. Changes in the individuals' participation and intensity of alarm calling coincided with changes in group composition and pair formation, further supporting the role of social context on ravens' alarm calling.}, }
@article {pmid33159902, year = {2021}, author = {Shahhosseini, N and Frederick, C and Racine, T and Kobinger, GP and Wong, G}, title = {Modeling host-feeding preference and molecular systematics of mosquitoes in different ecological niches in Canada.}, journal = {Acta tropica}, volume = {213}, number = {}, pages = {105734}, doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105734}, pmid = {33159902}, issn = {1873-6254}, mesh = {Aedes/classification/genetics/physiology ; Algorithms ; Animals ; Blood ; Canada ; Culex/classification/genetics/physiology ; Culicidae/classification/genetics/*physiology ; Deer ; Ecosystem ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; *Host Specificity ; Humans ; Phylogeny ; Swine ; }, abstract = {Several mosquito-borne viruses (mobovirus) cause infections in Canada. Ecological data on mosquito species and host range in Canada remains elusive. The main aim of the current study is to determine the host range and molecular systematics of mosquito species in Canada. Mosquitoes were collected using BG-Sentinel traps and aspirators at 10 trapping sites in Canada during 2018 and 2019. Mosquitoes collected were identified via morphology and molecular techniques. Mosquito sequences were aligned by MUSCLE algorithm and evolutionary systematics were drawn using MEGA and SDT software. Moreover, the source of blood meals was identified using a DNA barcoding technique. A total of 5,708 female mosquitoes over 34 different taxa were collected. DNA barcodes and evolutionary tree analysis confirmed the identification of mosquito species in Canada. Of the total collected samples, 201 specimens were blood-fed female mosquitoes in 20 different taxa. Four mosquito species represented about half (51.47%) of all collected blood-fed specimens: Aede cinereus (39 specimens, 19.11%), Aedes triseriatus (23, 11.27%), Culex pipiens (22, 10.78%), and Anopheles punctipennis (21, 10.29%). The most common blood meal sources were humans (49 mosquito specimens, 24% of all blood-fed mosquito specimen), pigs (44, 21.5%), American red squirrels (28, 13.7%), white-tailed deers (28, 13.7%), and American crows (16, 7.8%). Here, we present the first analysis of the host-feeding preference of different mosquito species in Canada via molecular techniques. Our results on mosquito distribution and behavior will aid in the development of effective mitigation and control strategies to prevent or reduce human/animal health issues in regards to moboviruses.}, }
@article {pmid33159552, year = {2021}, author = {Heasley, LR and Sampaio, NMV and Argueso, JL}, title = {Systemic and rapid restructuring of the genome: a new perspective on punctuated equilibrium.}, journal = {Current genetics}, volume = {67}, number = {1}, pages = {57-63}, pmid = {33159552}, issn = {1432-0983}, support = {K99 GM134193/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM119788/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; 1K99GM13419301/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35GM11978801/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {*Biological Evolution ; Genome, Fungal/*genetics ; Genomic Instability/genetics ; Saccharomyces cerevisiae/*genetics ; }, abstract = {The rates and patterns by which cells acquire mutations profoundly shape their evolutionary trajectories and phenotypic potential. Conventional models maintain that mutations are acquired independently of one another over many successive generations. Yet, recent evidence suggests that cells can also experience mutagenic processes that drive rapid genome evolution. One such process manifests as punctuated bursts of genomic instability, in which multiple new mutations are acquired simultaneously during transient episodes of genomic instability. This mutational mode is reminiscent of the theory of punctuated equilibrium, proposed by Stephen Jay Gould and Niles Eldredge in 1972 to explain the burst-like appearance of new species in the fossil record. In this review, we survey the dominant and emerging theories of eukaryotic genome evolution with a particular focus on the growing body of work that substantiates the existence and importance of punctuated bursts of genomic instability. In addition, we summarize and discuss two recent studies from our own group, the results of which indicate that punctuated bursts systemic genomic instability (SGI) can rapidly reconfigure the structure of the diploid genome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.}, }
@article {pmid33150697, year = {2021}, author = {Armenteros, JA and Caro, J and SÁnchez-GarcÍa, C and Arroyo, B and PÉrez, JA and Gaudioso, VR and Tizado, EJ}, title = {Do non-target species visit feeders and water troughs targeting small game? A study from farmland Spain using camera-trapping.}, journal = {Integrative zoology}, volume = {16}, number = {2}, pages = {226-239}, doi = {10.1111/1749-4877.12496}, pmid = {33150697}, issn = {1749-4877}, mesh = {Animal Feed ; Animals ; *Animals, Wild ; *Drinking Behavior ; *Feeding Behavior ; Photography/veterinary ; Spain ; Water ; }, abstract = {Provision of food and water is a widespread tool implemented around the world for the benefit of game and other wildlife, but factors affecting the use of food and water by non-target species are poorly known. We evaluated visits to feeders and water troughs by non-game species using camera-traps in two separate areas of Spain. Feeders and water troughs were either "protected" (when surrounded by more than 50% of shrubs/forest) or "open" (in the opposite case). A total of 18 948 photos from 5344 camera-trapping days depicted animals, and 75 species were identified. Feeders and water troughs were visited by target species (partridges and lagomorphs, 55.3% of visits) and non-target species (44.7% of visits). Among the latter, corvids were the most common (46.1% of visits), followed by rodents (26.8%), other birds (23.6%, mainly passerines), columbids (1.9%), and other species at minor percentages. The highest proportion of visiting days to feeders and water troughs was from corvids (0.173) followed by other-birds (0.109) and rodents (0.083); the lowest proportion was recorded for columbids (0.016). Use intensity and visit frequency of water troughs tripled that recorded in feeders, and visits to open feeders/troughs were approximately twice those to protected ones. In summary: feeders and water troughs targeting small game species are also used regularly by non-target ones; they should be set close to cover to optimize their use by non-target species that are not competitors of target species (though corvids may visit them); water availability should be prioritized where drought periods are expected.}, }
@article {pmid33149408, year = {2020}, author = {Tharay, N and Nirmala, S and Bavikati, VN and Nuvvula, S}, title = {Dermatoglyphics as a Novel Method for Assessing Intelligence Quotient in Children Aged 5-11 Years: A Cross-sectional Study.}, journal = {International journal of clinical pediatric dentistry}, volume = {13}, number = {4}, pages = {355-360}, pmid = {33149408}, issn = {0974-7052}, abstract = {AIM: To measure the IQ and record dermatoglyphic patterns of children including intellectually disabled aged between 5 years and 11 years and to correlate them.<br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was a cross-sectional study conducted in two private schools in the city corporation limits. A total of 300 children aged between 5 years and 11 years were equally allocated into three groups based on IQ using covariate adaptive randomization. IQ of the children was measured using Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices. Bilateral palmar and finger prints were obtained on A4-size papers by ink method using rolling technique. Prints thus obtained were analyzed for dermatoglyphic variables using magnification lens and are read based on Cummins and Midlo classification for fingertip patterns and Bali and Chaube classification for palmar flexion creases. The data were entered and statistically analyzed. For statistical significance, a two-tailed probability value of less than 0.05 was taken as significant.<br><br>RESULTS: The current study suggests a relationship between different fingertip patterns of digits of I, II, III, and IV of left and right hand and also digit V of right hand with various levels of IQ.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Hence, dermatoglyphics can be considered as a preliminary noninvasive approach for the determination of IQ. Also, it plays an imperative role, especially in distinguishing genetic intellectual disabilities.<br><br>HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Tharay N, Nirmala SVSG, Bavikati VN, et a l. Dermatoglyphics as a Novel Method for Assessing Intelligence Quotient in Children Aged 5-11 Years: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(4):355-360.}, }
@article {pmid33143583, year = {2020}, author = {Boeckle, M and Schiestl, M and Frohnwieser, A and Gruber, R and Miller, R and Suddendorf, T and Gray, RD and Taylor, AH and Clayton, NS}, title = {New Caledonian crows plan for specific future tool use.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {287}, number = {1938}, pages = {20201490}, pmid = {33143583}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; New Caledonia ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {The ability to plan for future events is one of the defining features of human intelligence. Whether non-human animals can plan for specific future situations remains contentious: despite a sustained research effort over the last two decades, there is still no consensus on this question. Here, we show that New Caledonian crows can use tools to plan for specific future events. Crows learned a temporal sequence where they were (a) shown a baited apparatus, (b) 5 min later given a choice of five objects and (c) 10 min later given access to the apparatus. At test, these crows were presented with one of two tool-apparatus combinations. For each combination, the crows chose the right tool for the right future task, while ignoring previously useful tools and a low-value food item. This study establishes that planning for specific future tool use can evolve via convergent evolution, given that corvids and humans shared a common ancestor over 300 million years ago, and offers a route to mapping the planning capacities of animals.}, }
@article {pmid33115663, year = {2021}, author = {Cai, QL and Peng, DJ and Lin-Zhao,  and Chen, JW and Yong-Li,  and Luo, HL and Ou, SY and Huang, ML and Jiang, YM}, title = {Impact of Lead Exposure on Thyroid Status and IQ Performance among School-age Children Living Nearby a Lead-Zinc Mine in China.}, journal = {Neurotoxicology}, volume = {82}, number = {}, pages = {177-185}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuro.2020.10.010}, pmid = {33115663}, issn = {1872-9711}, mesh = {Child ; China/epidemiology ; Diet, Healthy ; Drinking Water/adverse effects ; Female ; Glutamic Acid/blood ; Humans ; Intelligence/*drug effects ; Intelligence Tests ; *Lead/analysis/blood ; Lead Poisoning/*complications/etiology ; Male ; *Mining ; Oryza/chemistry ; Risk Factors ; Thyroid Gland/*drug effects ; Thyroid Hormones/blood ; Thyrotropin/blood ; Tobacco Smoke Pollution/adverse effects ; *Zinc ; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid/blood ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Lead exposure is one of the most concerning public health problems worldwide, particularly among children. Yet the impact of chronic lead exposure on the thyroid status and related intelligence quotient performance among school-age children remained elusive.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of lead exposure on the thyroid hormones, amino acid neurotransmitters balances, and intelligence quotient (IQ) among school-age children living nearby a lead-zinc mining site. Other factors such as rice lead levels, mothers' smoking behavior, and diet intake were also investigated.<br><br>METHODS: A total of 255 children aged 7-12 years old were recruited in this study. Blood lead level (BLL), thyroid hormones including free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and amino acid neurotransmitters such as glutamate (Glu), glutamine (Gln), and &#x3b3;-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were measured using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS), chemiluminescence immunoassay, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Raven's standard progressive matrices (SPM) and the questionnaire were used to determine IQ and collect related influence factors.<br><br>RESULTS: The average BLL of children was 84.8 &#x3bc;g/L. The occurrence of lead intoxication (defined as the BLL &#x2265; 100 &#x3bc;g/L) was 31.8%. Serum TSH levels and IQ of lead-intoxicated children were significantly lower than those without lead toxicity. The GABA level of girls with the lead intoxication was higher than those with no lead-exposed group. Correlation analyses revealed that BLL were inversely associated with the serum TSH levels (R= -0.186, p < 0.05), but positively related with IQ grades (R = 0.147, p < 0.05). Moreover, BLL and Glu were inversely correlated with IQ. In addition, this study revealed four factors that may contribute to the incidence of lead intoxication among children, including the frequency of mother smoking (OR = 3.587, p < 0.05) and drinking un-boiled stagnant tap water (OR = 3.716, p < 0.05); eating fresh fruits and vegetables (OR = 0.323, p < 0.05) and soy products regularly (OR = 0.181, p < 0.05) may protect against lead intoxication.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Lead exposure affects the serum TSH, GABA levels and IQ of school-aged children. Developing good living habits, improving environment, increasing the intake of high-quality protein and fresh vegetable and fruit may improve the condition of lead intoxication.}, }
@article {pmid33102596, year = {2020}, author = {Prabhakar, SK and Rajaguru, H and Kim, SH}, title = {An Amalgamated Approach to Bilevel Feature Selection Techniques Utilizing Soft Computing Methods for Classifying Colon Cancer.}, journal = {BioMed research international}, volume = {2020}, number = {}, pages = {8427574}, pmid = {33102596}, issn = {2314-6141}, mesh = {Algorithms ; Colonic Neoplasms/*genetics/*pathology ; Discriminant Analysis ; Gene Expression/genetics ; Gene Expression Profiling/methods ; Humans ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis/methods ; }, abstract = {One of the deadliest diseases which affects the large intestine is colon cancer. Older adults are typically affected by colon cancer though it can happen at any age. It generally starts as small benign growth of cells that forms on the inside of the colon, and later, it develops into cancer. Due to the propagation of somatic alterations that affects the gene expression, colon cancer is caused. A standardized format for assessing the expression levels of thousands of genes is provided by the DNA microarray technology. The tumors of various anatomical regions can be distinguished by the patterns of gene expression in microarray technology. As the microarray data is too huge to process due to the curse of dimensionality problem, an amalgamated approach of utilizing bilevel feature selection techniques is proposed in this paper. In the first level, the genes or the features are dimensionally reduced with the help of Multivariate Minimum Redundancy-Maximum Relevance (MRMR) technique. Then, in the second level, six optimization techniques are utilized in this work for selecting the best genes or features before proceeding to classification process. The optimization techniques considered in this work are Invasive Weed Optimization (IWO), Teaching Learning-Based Optimization (TLBO), League Championship Optimization (LCO), Beetle Antennae Search Optimization (BASO), Crow Search Optimization (CSO), and Fruit Fly Optimization (FFO). Finally, it is classified with five suitable classifiers, and the best results show when IWO is utilized with MRMR, and then classified with Quadratic Discriminant Analysis (QDA), a classification accuracy of 99.16% is obtained.}, }
@article {pmid33079060, year = {2020}, author = {Horn, L and Bugnyar, T and Griesser, M and Hengl, M and Izawa, EI and Oortwijn, T and Rössler, C and Scheer, C and Schiestl, M and Suyama, M and Taylor, AH and Vanhooland, LC and von Bayern, AM and Zürcher, Y and Massen, JJ}, title = {Sex-specific effects of cooperative breeding and colonial nesting on prosociality in corvids.}, journal = {eLife}, volume = {9}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {33079060}, issn = {2050-084X}, support = {P26806//Austrian Science Fund/International ; JPMJCR17A4//JST CREST/International ; MKJ1905//Keio University ICR Projects/International ; Rutherford Discovery Fellowship//Royal Society of New Zealand/International ; Marie Jahoda grant//University of Vienna/International ; Y366-B17//Austrian Science Fund/International ; CS11-008//Vienna Science and Technology Fund/International ; 31BD30_172465//ERA-Net BiodivERsA/International ; F&#xf6;rderungsstipendium//University of Vienna/International ; Uni:Docs doctoral fellowship//University of Vienna/International ; 17H02653//JSPS KAKENHI/International ; 16H06324//JSPS KAKENHI/International ; 15J02148//JSPS KAKENHI/International ; F&#xf6;rderungsstipendium//University of Vienna/International ; KAKENHI 17H02653//JSPS/International ; KAKENHI 16H06324//JSPS/International ; KAKENHI 15J02148//JSPS/International ; CREST JPMJCR17A4//JST/International ; ICR Projects MKJ1905//Keio University/International ; }, mesh = {Altruism ; Animals ; *Cooperative Behavior ; *Crows ; Female ; Male ; *Nesting Behavior ; Phylogeny ; Sex Factors ; }, abstract = {The investigation of prosocial behavior is of particular interest from an evolutionary perspective. Comparisons of prosociality across non-human animal species have, however, so far largely focused on primates, and their interpretation is hampered by the diversity of paradigms and procedures used. Here, we present the first systematic comparison of prosocial behavior across multiple species in a taxonomic group outside the primate order, namely the bird family Corvidae. We measured prosociality in eight corvid species, which vary in the expression of cooperative breeding and colonial nesting. We show that cooperative breeding is positively associated with prosocial behavior across species. Also, colonial nesting is associated with a stronger propensity for prosocial behavior, but only in males. The combined results of our study strongly suggest that both cooperative breeding and colonial nesting, which may both rely on heightened social tolerance at the nest, are likely evolutionary pathways to prosocial behavior in corvids.}, }
@article {pmid33068445, year = {2021}, author = {Vachiramon, V and Subpayasarn, U and Triyangkulsri, K and Jurairattanaporn, N and Rattananukrom, T}, title = {Different injection patterns of incobotulinumtoxinA for crow's feet: a split-face comparative study.}, journal = {Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV}, volume = {35}, number = {1}, pages = {256-262}, doi = {10.1111/jdv.16997}, pmid = {33068445}, issn = {1468-3083}, mesh = {*Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; Esthetics ; Humans ; Injections, Intradermal ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: IncobotulinumtoxinA has been previously used for the treatment of lateral periorbital lines (crow's feet). However, a standardized injection technique has not been established.<br><br>OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and effect duration of two injection techniques of incobotulinumtoxinA for crow's feet treatment.<br><br>METHODS: Forty-eight patients with crow's feet were recruited and randomly assigned to receive bilateral treatments using either a 3-point intramuscular or a 6-point intradermal injection technique (8-12 units of incobotulinumtoxinA on each side). Improvement was assessed at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24&#xa0;weeks postinjection. An objective evaluation was assessed by the indentation index using a 3D camera and a subjective evaluation was assessed by a blinded dermatologist using the Flynn validated assessment scale (FVAS) for the upper face. The patients assessed the results using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Side-effects were evaluated at each visit.<br><br>RESULTS: After treatment, a significantly greater reduction in the indentation index of periorbital wrinkles on the 3-point intramuscular injection side compared with the 6-point intradermal injection side was observed at 8, 12, and 16&#xa0;weeks. The results from the FVAS and GAIS scores showed significantly longer median times to relapse of the periorbital wrinkle for the 3-point intramuscular injection compared with the 6-point intradermal injection. Pain and bruising were slightly greater with the 6-point intradermal technique.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study reaffirmed the efficacy of incobotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of crow's feet. The 3-point intramuscular injection technique yielded greater efficacy and longer duration of action than the 6-point intradermal injection technique.}, }
@article {pmid33047024, year = {2020}, author = {Muñoz-Ramírez, CP and Barnes, DKA and Cárdenas, L and Meredith, MP and Morley, SA and Roman-Gonzalez, A and Sands, CJ and Scourse, J and Brante, A}, title = {Gene flow in the Antarctic bivalve Aequiyoldia eightsii (Jay, 1839) suggests a role for the Antarctic Peninsula Coastal Current in larval dispersal.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {7}, number = {9}, pages = {200603}, pmid = {33047024}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {The Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) dominates the open-ocean circulation of the Southern Ocean, and both isolates and connects the Southern Ocean biodiversity. However, the impact on biological processes of other Southern Ocean currents is less clear. Adjacent to the West Antarctic Peninsula (WAP), the ACC flows offshore in a northeastward direction, whereas the Antarctic Peninsula Coastal Current (APCC) follows a complex circulation pattern along the coast, with topographically influenced deflections depending on the area. Using genomic data, we estimated genetic structure and migration rates between populations of the benthic bivalve Aequiyoldia eightsii from the shallows of southern South America and the WAP to test the role of the ACC and the APCC in its dispersal. We found strong genetic structure across the ACC (between southern South America and Antarctica) and moderate structure between populations of the WAP. Migration rates along the WAP were consistent with the APCC being important for species dispersal. Along with supporting current knowledge about ocean circulation models at the WAP, migration from the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula to the Bellingshausen Sea highlights the complexities of Southern Ocean circulation. This study provides novel biological evidence of a role of the APCC as a driver of species dispersal and highlights the power of genomic data for aiding in the understanding of the influence of complex oceanographic processes in shaping the population structure of marine species.}, }
@article {pmid33038187, year = {2021}, author = {Ye, P and Feng, XL and Yang, ZH and Li, GP and Sun, J and Wu, HX and Chen, SC}, title = {The Anatomy of the Temporal and Zygomatic Branches of the Facial Nerve: Application to Crow's Feet Wrinkles.}, journal = {The Journal of craniofacial surgery}, volume = {32}, number = {3}, pages = {878-882}, doi = {10.1097/SCS.0000000000007123}, pmid = {33038187}, issn = {1536-3732}, mesh = {Adult ; Cadaver ; Eyelids ; Face ; Facial Muscles ; *Facial Nerve/anatomy &amp; histology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Skin Aging ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Advances in the understanding of wrinkling crow's feet while improving the safety and efficacy of botulinum toxin type A injection has pointed to drug dispersion in the lateral orbital wrinkles as a cause of adverse events of botulinum toxin type A injection. The purpose of this study is to identify the distribution of temporal and zygomatic branches of facial nerve in the orbicularis oculi muscles.<br><br>METHODS: Anatomical dissection of cadavers was performed in 31 cadavers, 13 females and 18 males, with ages ranging from 20 to 60 years, which of all had been embalmed by 10% formalin solution. The facial nerve was identified within subcutaneous tissue close periorbital region and both traced proximal and distal. Its temporal branch, zygomatic branch, facial and muscular entrance were located and accurately measured relative to established surface landmarks.<br><br>RESULTS: Dissection of the facial nerve revealed 2 to 6 entrances of the temporal branch into the orbicularis oculi and 1 to 5 entrances of the zygomatic branch into the orbicularis oculi. Concerning the measurements of neural entering points, distance and angle from orbicularis oculi muscle to lateral ocular angle, a distribution map of its muscular entrance and their patterns of distribution were constructed. According to the dense area of the coordinate map, there were 3 points determined as the muscular entrance points to established surface landmarks.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: An anatomical dissection of cadavers was performed to identify the distribution of temporal and zygomatic branches of the facial nerve in the orbicularis oculi. According to the dense area of the coordinate map, the surface landmarks of 3 points were established as the muscular entrance of the facial nerve (MEF).}, }
@article {pmid33030595, year = {2020}, author = {Fernando, WBPS and Perera, SPPM and Vithanarachchi, RM and Wijesekera, RD and Wijesinghe, MR}, title = {Heavy metal accumulation in two synanthropic avian species in Sri Lanka.}, journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment}, volume = {192}, number = {11}, pages = {688}, doi = {10.1007/s10661-020-08654-y}, pmid = {33030595}, issn = {1573-2959}, mesh = {Animals ; Environmental Monitoring ; *Environmental Pollutants/analysis ; Feathers/chemistry ; Humans ; *Metals, Heavy/analysis ; Sri Lanka ; }, abstract = {We assessed the levels of Pb, Cd, and Mn in contour feathers of the feral pigeon (Columba livia) and house crow (Corvus splendens) obtained from five urban/suburban locations across Sri Lanka, using the AAS following wet digestion. Our key objectives were to compare accumulation levels in the two avian species with different foraging habits and living in common locations, and to establish baseline information on the presence of these metals in multiple locations in Sri Lanka with varying levels of urbanization. Owing to reservations that have been expressed by previous workers regarding the use of feathers for assessing heavy metal pollution, we first tested the efficacy of contour feathers by using our data for comparing the coefficients of variation in metal levels within and between locations. This showed that in over 95% of the cases, variations within locations were lower than between locations, indicating that freshly shed contour feathers that were used in the present study were reliable indicators of the status of bioaccumulation of the heavy metals in the environment. In interspecific comparisons, other than in the two suburban locations, Pb was present at much higher levels in the house crow than in the feral pigeon, whereas accumulation patterns with respect to Cd and Mn were inconsistent, suggesting that granivores may not, in all situations, accumulate lower levels than scavengers in the same environment. Owing to such interspecific variations in the patterns of accumulation of different heavy metals, the selection of a single species for assessing levels of pollution from heavy metals may not be prudent. Pb and Cd levels in both species were strongly and positively associated with human population density. The levels of Pb and Cd were highest in Colombo (commercial capital). In Colombo and Kalutara, the recorded levels in the house crow exceeded the thresholds that have the potential to inflict adverse impacts on avian species.}, }
@article {pmid33017667, year = {2020}, author = {Themelin, M and Ribic, CA and Melillo-Sweeting, K and Dudzinski, KM}, title = {A new approach to the study of relationship quality in dolphins: Framework and preliminary results.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {181}, number = {}, pages = {104260}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2020.104260}, pmid = {33017667}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; *Bottle-Nosed Dolphin ; Ecosystem ; Social Behavior ; Swimming ; }, abstract = {Proximity and synchronous behaviours from surface observations have been used to measure association patterns within and between dolphin dyads. To facilitate an investigation of relationship quality in dolphins, we applied a method used for primates and ravens that examined three main components to describe relationships: value, security, and compatibility. Using pilot data from long-term research of two study populations for this preliminary assessment, these three components were extracted from PCA of eight behavioural variables with more than 80 % variance accounted for in both study groups. Only pair swim position differed between groups. Although value, security, and compatibility are abstract terms, each is based on behaviours identified as important in dolphin social life, at least for these two populations. Examining relationship quality in dolphins with a method used to illustrate dyadic differences for primates and ravens allows for a quantitative, comparative assessment of sociality across disparate taxa. Although these species are diverse in their anatomies and in their social habitats (e.g., aquatic, terrestrial, aerial), they may well share the basic societal building blocks in the factors affecting how relationships are formed. We discuss how an examination of these behavioural variables facilitates understanding relationship quality in dolphins, as well as how dolphin relationships fit into the context of social animals' society.}, }
@article {pmid33003545, year = {2020}, author = {Lin, Y and Zhang, X and Huang, Q and Lv, L and Huang, A and Li, A and Wu, K and Huang, Y}, title = {The Prevalence of Dyslexia in Primary School Children and Their Chinese Literacy Assessment in Shantou, China.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {17}, number = {19}, pages = {}, pmid = {33003545}, issn = {1660-4601}, mesh = {Asian People/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Child ; China ; Dyslexia/*epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Language Tests ; *Literacy ; Male ; Prevalence ; *Reading ; Schools ; }, abstract = {The epidemiological studies of Chinese developmental dyslexia (DD) in China are still limited. In addition, literacy assessment has seldom been performed for children with dyslexia, due to lack of uniform assessment tools. This study was aimed at investigating the prevalence rate of children with dyslexia, and to evaluate their Chinese reading ability. A total of 2955 students aged 7-12 years were enrolled by randomized cluster sampling. The study was divided into three stages. In stage I, all participating students were asked to finish the Combined Raven Test (CRT) and Chinese Vocabulary Test and Assessment Scale. In stage II, the Chinese teachers and parents of the children with suspected dyslexia were interviewed by psychiatrists, and finished the Dyslexia Checklist for Chinese Children (DCCC). In stage III, these children were evaluated by child psychiatrists for the diagnosis with or without dyslexia, according to the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), and their Chinese literacy was further evaluated by using the Chinese Reading Ability Test (CRAT). The prevalence rate of children with dyslexia was 5.4% in Shantou city, 8.4% in boys and 2.3% in girls, with a gender ratio of 3.7:1.0. Children with dyslexia scored lower in all the five subscales of the CRAT tests. including phonological awareness, morphological awareness, rapid automatized naming, orthographic awareness, and reading ability than the control group (all p < 0.001). This study suggested that the prevalence rate of Chinese dyslexia in Shantou city is roughly equivalent to that previously reported in China. Children with dyslexia have a relatively lower Chinese reading ability in all assessments.}, }
@article {pmid32999416, year = {2020}, author = {Massen, JJM and Haley, SM and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Azure-winged magpies' decisions to share food are contingent on the presence or absence of food for the recipient.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {16147}, pmid = {32999416}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Altruism ; Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Cues ; Feeding Behavior/*psychology ; Female ; Food ; *Gift Giving ; Male ; Motivation ; Passeriformes ; Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Helping others is a key feature of human behavior. However, recent studies render this feature not uniquely human, and describe discoveries of prosocial behavior in non-human primates, other social mammals, and most recently in some bird species. Nevertheless, the cognitive underpinnings of this prosociality; i.e., whether animals take others' need for help into account, often remain obscured. In this study, we take a first step in investigating prosociality in azure-winged magpies by presenting them with the opportunity to share highly desired food with their conspecifics i) in a situation in which these conspecifics had no such food, ii) in a situation in which they too had access to that highly desired food, and iii) in an open, base-line, situation where all had equal access to the same food and could move around freely. We find that azure-winged magpies regularly share high-value food items, preferably with, but not restricted to, members of the opposite sex. Most notably, we find that these birds, and specifically the females, seem to differentiate between whether others have food or do not have food, and subsequently cater to that lack. Begging calls by those without food seem to function as cues that elicit the food-sharing, but the response to that begging is condition-dependent. Moreover, analyses on a restricted dataset that excluded those events in which there was begging showed exactly the same patterns, raising the possibility that the azure-winged magpies might truly notice when others have access to fewer resources (even in the absence of vocal cues). This sharing behavior could indicate a high level of social awareness and prosociality that should be further investigated. Further studies are needed to establish the order of intentionality at play in this system, and whether azure-winged magpies might be able to attribute desire states to their conspecifics.}, }
@article {pmid32978628, year = {2021}, author = {Gonzalez, R and Rojas, M and Rosselli, M and Ardila, A}, title = {Acalculia in Aphasia.}, journal = {Archives of clinical neuropsychology : the official journal of the National Academy of Neuropsychologists}, volume = {36}, number = {4}, pages = {455-464}, doi = {10.1093/arclin/acaa072}, pmid = {32978628}, issn = {1873-5843}, mesh = {*Aphasia/diagnosis ; *Dyscalculia ; Educational Status ; Female ; Humans ; Language ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Patients with aphasia can present a type of acalculia referred to as aphasic acalculia.<br><br>AIMS: To investigate the correlation and to test regression models for one- and two-digit calculation skills using verbal and nonverbal predictors.<br><br>METHODS AND PROCEDURES: We selected an aphasia sample of 119 men and 81 women with a mean age of 57.37&#xa0;years (SD&#xa0;=&#xa0;15.56) and an average level of education of 13.52&#xa0;years (SD&#xa0;=&#xa0;4.08). Spanish versions of the Western Aphasia Battery and Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination, plus a Written Calculation test, were individually administered. The calculation section of the Western Aphasia Battery and the Written Calculation tests were used to pinpoint calculation difficulties.<br><br>OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Calculation difficulties were more severe in Global and Mixed non-fluent aphasia; they were very similar in Broca, Conduction, and Amnesic Aphasia. All correlations between the two calculation subtests and the other subtests of the Western Aphasia Battery were statistically significant. Calculation subtests correlated negatively with age and positively with schooling. Sex and time post-onset did not show any correlation with the calculation scores. Education, Reading, Block Design, and Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices were significant predictors of Western Aphasia Battery Calculation. Writing was the only significant predictor of the Written Calculation scores.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Nonverbal abilities were predictors of calculation tests, whereas agraphia defects were predictors of the Written Calculation test. Therefore, calculation abilities can be regarded both as written language-dependent and verbal language-independent.}, }
@article {pmid32974390, year = {2020}, author = {Martínez-de la Puente, J and Soriguer, R and Senar, JC and Figuerola, J and Bueno-Mari, R and Montalvo, T}, title = {Mosquitoes in an Urban Zoo: Identification of Blood Meals, Flight Distances of Engorged Females, and Avian Malaria Infections.}, journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {460}, pmid = {32974390}, issn = {2297-1769}, abstract = {Zoological gardens are home to a large number of vertebrate species and as such are suitable sites for both mosquito breeding and maintenance. They are excellent places for entomological studies of mosquito phenology, diversity, and blood-feeding patterns, as well as for xenomonitoring. During 2016, we sampled mosquitoes in Barcelona Zoo and used molecular methods to determine their blood-feeding patterns and the prevalence and diversity of avian malaria parasites. We also estimated the flight distance of engorged mosquitoes in the area. Overall, 1,384 adult Culex pipiens s.l., Culiseta longiareolata, and Aedes albopictus were captured. Birds dominated the diet of Cx. pipiens s.l. (n = 87) and Cs. longiareolata (n = 6), while humans were the only blood-meal source of Ae. albopictus (n = 3). Mosquitoes had a mean flight distance of 95.67 m after feeding on blood (range 38.71-168.51 m). Blood parasites were detected in the abdomen of 13 engorged Cx. pipiens s.l., eight of which had fed on magpies. Four Plasmodium lineages and a single lineage of the malaria-like parasite Haemoproteus were identified. These results suggest that Cx. pipiens s.l. is involved in the local transmission of avian Plasmodium, which potentially affects the circulation of parasites between and within wildlife and enclosed animals. Vigilance regarding possible mosquito breeding sites in this zoo is thus recommended.}, }
@article {pmid32968948, year = {2021}, author = {Hunt, GR}, title = {New Caledonian crows' basic tool procurement is guided by heuristics, not matching or tracking probe site characteristics.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {24}, number = {1}, pages = {177-191}, pmid = {32968948}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {UOA1208//Marsden Fund/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Comprehension ; *Crows ; Heuristics ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Contrasting findings made it unclear what cognitive processes New Caledonian crows use to procure suitable tools to solve tool tasks. Most previous studies suggested that their tool procurement is achieved by either trial and error or a simple heuristic. The latter provides a fast and cognitively efficient method for stable, routinized behaviour based on past experience with little or no deliberate decision-making. However, early papers by Chappell and Kacelnik reported that two New Caledonian crows procured tools after closely assessing the tool characteristics required for the task, thus using deliberate decision-making, or a 'customized strategy'. Here, I tested eight New Caledonian crows to determine their default behaviour in basic tool procurement tasks as a check on whether or not they use customized strategies. I used two rigorous experiments closely based on Chappell and Kacelnik's experiments. The crows did not use a customized strategy in either experiment, but their behaviour was clearly consistent with tool procurement predominantly guided by a familiarity heuristic. I discuss potential methodological issues that may have led to different conclusions in Chappell and Kacelnik's studies. Heuristic-guided, routinized behaviour in tool procurement has potential implications for understanding how standardization occurs in the early evolution of complex tool manufacture, both in New Caledonian crows and early humans.}, }
@article {pmid32945185, year = {2020}, author = {DeLecce, T and Fink, B and Shackelford, T and Abed, MG}, title = {No Evidence for a Relationship between Intelligence and Ejaculate Quality.}, journal = {Evolutionary psychology : an international journal of evolutionary approaches to psychology and behavior}, volume = {18}, number = {3}, pages = {1474704920960450}, pmid = {32945185}, issn = {1474-7049}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Humans ; Male ; Young Adult ; *Intelligence/physiology ; Phenotype ; *Semen Analysis ; }, abstract = {Genetic quality may be expressed through many traits simultaneously, and this would suggest a phenotype-wide fitness factor. In humans, intelligence has been positively associated with several potential indicators of genetic quality, including ejaculate quality. We conducted a conceptual replication of one such study by investigating the relationship between intelligence (assessed by the Raven Advanced Progressive Matrices Test-Short Form) and ejaculate quality (indexed by sperm count, sperm concentration, and sperm motility) in a sample of 41 men (ages ranging 18 to 33 years; M = 23.33; SD = 3.60). By self-report, participants had not had a vasectomy, and had never sought infertility treatment. We controlled for several covariates known to affect ejaculate quality (e.g., abstinence duration before providing an ejaculate) and found no statistically significant relationship between intelligence and ejaculate quality; our findings, therefore, do not match those of Arden, Gottfredson, Miller et al. or those of previous studies. We discuss limitations of this study and the general research area and highlight the need for future research in this area, especially the need for larger data sets to address questions around phenotypic quality and ejaculate quality.}, }
@article {pmid32928096, year = {2020}, author = {Dai, X and Li, X and Huang, Y and Liu, X}, title = {The speciation and adaptation of the polyploids: a case study of the Chinese Isoetes L. diploid-polyploid complex.}, journal = {BMC evolutionary biology}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, pages = {118}, pmid = {32928096}, issn = {1471-2148}, support = {30870168 &amp; 31170203//National Natural Science Foundation of China/International ; }, mesh = {*Adaptation, Biological ; China ; *Diploidy ; Ecosystem ; *Genetic Speciation ; Phylogeny ; *Polyploidy ; Tracheophyta/*classification ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Chinese Isoetes L. are distributed in a stairway pattern: diploids in the high altitude and polyploids in the low altitude. The allopolyploid I. sinensis and its diploid parents I. yunguiensis and I. taiwanensis is an ideal system with which to investigate the relationships between polyploid speciation and the ecological niches preferences.<br><br>RESULTS: There were two major clades in the nuclear phylogenetic tree, all of the populations of polyploid were simultaneously located in both clades. The chloroplast phylogenetic tree included two clades with different populations of the polyploid clustered with the diploids separately: I. yunguiensis with partial populations of the I. sinensis and I. taiwanensis with the rest populations of the I. sinensis. The crow node of the I. sinensis allopolyploid system was 4.43&#x2009;Ma (95% HPD: 2.77-6.97&#x2009;Ma). The divergence time between I. sinensis and I. taiwanensis was estimated to 0.65&#x2009;Ma (95% HPD: 0.26-1.91&#x2009;Ma). The narrower niche breadth in I.sinensis than those of its diploid progenitors and less niche overlap in the pairwise comparisons between the polyploid and its progenitors.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our results elucidate that I. yunguinensis and I. taiwanensis contribute to the speciation of I. sinensis, the diploid parents are the female parents of different populations. The change of altitude might have played an important role in allopolyploid speciation and the pattern of distribution of I. sinensis. Additionally, niche novelty of the allopolyploid population of I. sinensis has been detected, in accordance with the hypothesis that niche shift between the polyploids and its diploid progenitors is important for the establishment and persistence of the polyploids.}, }
@article {pmid32893046, year = {2020}, author = {Hswen, Y and Qin, Q and Williams, DR and Viswanath, K and Brownstein, JS and Subramanian, SV}, title = {The relationship between Jim Crow laws and social capital from 1997-2014: A 3-level multilevel hierarchical analysis across time, county and state.}, journal = {Social science &amp; medicine (1982)}, volume = {262}, number = {}, pages = {113142}, doi = {10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113142}, pmid = {32893046}, issn = {1873-5347}, support = {T32 MD015070/MD/NIMHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Black or African American ; Humans ; Income ; *Racism ; *Social Capital ; United States ; White People ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Jim Crow laws in the United States promoted racial prejudice, which may have reduced social capital. Our study tests the relationship between Jim Crow laws and social capital.<br><br>METHODS: We conducted 3-level multilevel hierarchical modeling to study differences in the stock of social capital for 1997, 2005, 2009 in Jim Crow states compared to states without Jim Crow laws. We examined the moderation effects of county level median income, percent Black and percent with high school education and Jim Crow laws on social capital.<br><br>RESULTS: Jim Crow laws significantly reduced stock of social capital across 1997, 2005, 2009. The model was robust to the inclusion of random county, states, time and fixed county and state level covariates for median income, percent Black and percent with high school education. The largest percent of between state variations explained for fixed variables was from the addition of Jim Crow laws with 2.86%. These results demonstrate that although Jim Crow laws were abolished in 1965, the effects of racial segregation appear to persist through lower social connectiveness, community and trust. A positive moderation effect was seen for median income and percent Black with Jim Crow laws on social capital.<br><br>DISCUSSION: Our study supports a negative association between Jim Crow laws and reduction in the stock of social capital. This may be attributed to the fracturing of trust, reciprocity and collective action produced by legal racial segregation. Findings from this study offer insight on the potential impacts of historical policies on the social structure of a community. Future research is necessary to further identify the mechanistic pathways and develop interventions to improve social capital.}, }
@article {pmid32863476, year = {2020}, author = {du Pont, A and Karbin, Z and Rhee, SH and Corley, RP and Hewitt, JK and Friedman, NP}, title = {Differential associations between rumination and intelligence subtypes.}, journal = {Intelligence}, volume = {78}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {32863476}, issn = {0160-2896}, support = {R01 AG046938/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MH063207/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; R56 MH063207/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; T32 MH016880/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; P60 DA011015/DA/NIDA NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Although prior theory suggests that rumination contributes to cognitive impairments associated with depression, recent work suggests that rumination is associated with higher levels of intelligence. The present study examined the relations between two ruminative subtypes (brooding and reflective pondering) and multiple measures and types of intelligence (verbal and performance) after controlling for rumination's overlapping variance with depression. Participants were 751 individuals from the Colorado Longitudinal Twin Study who completed the Ruminative Response Scale; the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale and a fully structured clinical interview as measures of depression; and verbal and performance intelligence tasks at age 16 and the Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices at age 23. Reflective pondering was positively associated with all measures of intelligence, whereas brooding was not associated with intelligence. Our findings indicate that any negative associations between rumination and intelligence are attributable to shared variance with depression, and that examination of rumination as a multifaceted construct may provide new insights into the relations between rumination and cognition.}, }
@article {pmid32849085, year = {2020}, author = {Nieder, A}, title = {Absolute Numerosity Discrimination as a Case Study in Comparative Vertebrate Intelligence.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {1843}, pmid = {32849085}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {The question of whether some non-human animal species are more intelligent than others is a reoccurring theme in comparative psychology. To convincingly address this question, exact comparability of behavioral methodology and data across species is required. The current article explores one of the rare cases in which three vertebrate species (humans, macaques, and crows) experienced identical experimental conditions during the investigation of a core cognitive capability - the abstract categorization of absolute numerical quantity. We found that not every vertebrate species studied in numerical cognition were able to flexibly discriminate absolute numerosity, which suggests qualitative differences in numerical intelligence are present between vertebrates. Additionally, systematic differences in numerosity judgment accuracy exist among those species that could master abstract and flexible judgments of absolute numerosity, thus arguing for quantitative differences between vertebrates. These results demonstrate that Macphail's Null Hypotheses - which suggests that all non-human vertebrates are qualitatively and quantitatively of equal intelligence - is untenable.}, }
@article {pmid32794280, year = {2021}, author = {Gewaily, MS and Abumandour, MMA}, title = {Gross morphological, histological and scanning electron specifications of the oropharyngeal cavity of the hooded crow (Corvus cornix pallescens).}, journal = {Anatomia, histologia, embryologia}, volume = {50}, number = {1}, pages = {72-83}, doi = {10.1111/ahe.12602}, pmid = {32794280}, issn = {1439-0264}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*anatomy &amp; histology/physiology ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Male ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning/*veterinary ; Oropharynx/*anatomy &amp; histology ; }, abstract = {The present study was carried out on the oropharyngeal cavity of the hooded crow to investigate the gross and microscopic structures via gross anatomy, light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The gross anatomy clarified the elongated triangular shape of the oropharyngeal cavity with a non-protruding tongue with a bifid apex. The lingual body contained median groove rostrally and separated caudally from the root by a transverse papillary crest. The laryngeal mound located posterior to the lingual root, contained midline laryngeal cleft and bounded caudally by a transverse row of pharyngeal papillae. The palate contained choanal cleft rostrally and infundibular slit caudally in addition to five palatine ridges. By light microscopy, the dorsal lingual epithelium was highly keratinised stratified squamous with a lingual nail in the most rostral part of the apex. Then, the thickness of the keratin layer decreased caudally, while in the ventral surface, the lining epithelium became non-keratinised. The entoglossum supported the lingual body and root, but not extended to the apex. The lining epithelium of the palate was also keratinised stratified squamous and became none-keratinised at the oral side of the choanal cleft. There were numerous lobules of polystomatic salivary glands in the lingual root and the palate. SEM revealed the arrangement of different types of papillae covering both the floor and the roof of the oropharynx besides numerous openings of salivary glands in the lingual root, laryngeal mound and the palate. These findings reflect the functional relationship of the oropharyngeal cavity of the hooded crow during feeding.}, }
@article {pmid32791819, year = {2020}, author = {Seo, E and Koo, SJ and Kim, YJ and Min, JE and Park, HY and Bang, M and Lee, E and An, SK}, title = {Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test: Relationship with Neurocognition and Facial Emotion Recognition in Non-Clinical Youths.}, journal = {Psychiatry investigation}, volume = {17}, number = {8}, pages = {835-839}, pmid = {32791819}, issn = {1738-3684}, support = {2017R1A2B3008214//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; //Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning/ ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) is a common measure of the Theory of Mind. Previous studies found a correlation between RMET performance and neurocognition, especially reasoning by analogy; however, the nature of this relationship remains unclear. Additionally, neurocognition was shown to play a significant role in facial emotion recognition. This study is planned to examine the nature of relationship between neurocognition and RMET performance, as well as the mediating role of facial emotion recognition.<br><br>METHODS: One hundred fifty non-clinical youths performed the RMET. Reasoning by analogy was tested by Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) and facial emotion recognition was assessed by the Korean Facial Expressions of Emotion (KOFEE) test. The percentile bootstrap method was used to calculate the parameters of the mediating effects of facial emotion recognition on the relationship between SPM and RMET scores.<br><br>RESULTS: SPM scores and KOFEE scores were both statistically significant predictors of RMET scores. KOFEE scores were found to partially mediate the impact of SPM scores on RMET scores.<br><br>CONCLUSION: These findings suggested that facial emotion recognition partially mediated the relationship between reasoning by analogy and social cognition. This study highlights the need for further research for individuals with serious mental illnesses.}, }
@article {pmid32787489, year = {2022}, author = {Thomson, ND and Kevorkian, S and Bozgunov, K and Psederska, E and Aboutanos, M and Vasilev, G and Vassileva, J}, title = {Fluid Intelligence Moderates the Link Between Psychopathy and Aggression Differently for Men and Women.}, journal = {Journal of interpersonal violence}, volume = {37}, number = {5-6}, pages = {NP3400-NP3426}, pmid = {32787489}, issn = {1552-6518}, support = {K01 CE003160/CE/NCIPC CDC HHS/United States ; K01CE003160/ACL/ACL HHS/United States ; R01 DA021421/DA/NIDA NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {*Aggression/psychology ; *Antisocial Personality Disorder/psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Male ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Violence/psychology ; }, abstract = {Research on sex differences in the association of psychopathy with fluid intelligence is limited, and it remains unknown if fluid intelligence plays a meaningful role in explaining the psychopathy-aggression link for men and women. The present study aimed to test for sex differences in the relation between the four-facet model of psychopathy and intelligence, and to assess whether fluid intelligence moderates the link between psychopathy and aggression. In a community sample of men (n = 356) and women (n = 196), we assessed psychopathy using the Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version (PCL:SV), fluid intelligence using the Raven's Progressive Matrices, and types of aggression using the Aggression Questionnaire (AQ). Hierarchical regressions showed that the psychopathy lifestyle facet was negatively associated with intelligence and there were no sex differences. Our analyses for types of aggression revealed sex differences and similarities. For both men and women, total AQ scores were predicted by higher antisocial facet scores. Lower intelligence moderated the link between higher antisocial facet scores and aggression in men, but not for women. Physical aggression in women was associated with higher interpersonal, affective, and antisocial facet scores, whereas for men, it was only associated with higher antisocial facet scores. Verbal and indirect aggression were associated with higher intelligence in both men and women. For men only, higher antisocial facet scores were associated with verbal and indirect aggression. Higher intelligence moderated the link between the lifestyle facet and indirect aggression for women, whereas for men, it moderated the link between the affective facet and indirect aggression. This study further highlights sex differences in mechanisms of psychopathy-related aggression, which need to be considered in the development of violence interventions and risk assessment.}, }
@article {pmid32772986, year = {2020}, author = {Taylor, AH and Jelbert, S}, title = {The crow in the room: New Caledonian crows offer insight into the necessary and sufficient conditions for cumulative cultural evolution.}, journal = {The Behavioral and brain sciences}, volume = {43}, number = {}, pages = {e178}, doi = {10.1017/S0140525X20000102}, pmid = {32772986}, issn = {1469-1825}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; *Cultural Evolution ; Humans ; Technology ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {New Caledonian (NC) crow populations have developed complex tools that show suggestive evidence of cumulative change. These tool designs, therefore, appear to be the product of cumulative technological culture (CTC). We suggest that tool-using NC crows offer highly useful data for current debates over the necessary and sufficient conditions for the emergence of CTC.}, }
@article {pmid32772983, year = {2020}, author = {Rutz, C and Hunt, GR}, title = {New Caledonian crows afford invaluable comparative insights into human cumulative technological culture.}, journal = {The Behavioral and brain sciences}, volume = {43}, number = {}, pages = {e177}, doi = {10.1017/S0140525X20000187}, pmid = {32772983}, issn = {1469-1825}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Humans ; Technology ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {The New Caledonian crow may be the only non-primate species exhibiting cumulative technological culture. Its foraging tools show clear signs of diversification and progressive refinement, and it seems likely that at least some tool-related information is passed across generations via social learning. Here, we explain how these remarkable birds can help us uncover the basic biological processes driving technological progress.}, }
@article {pmid32764453, year = {2020}, author = {Zhao, W and Li, H and Zhu, X and Ge, T}, title = {Effect of Birdsong Soundscape on Perceived Restorativeness in an Urban Park.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {17}, number = {16}, pages = {}, pmid = {32764453}, issn = {1660-4601}, mesh = {Animals ; *Birds ; China ; Cities ; Female ; Humans ; Islands ; Male ; Mental Healing ; *Parks, Recreational ; Perception ; Sound ; *Stress, Psychological ; *Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {Natural soundscapes have beneficial effects on the perceived restorativeness of an environment. This study examines the effect of birdsong, a common natural soundscape, on perceived restorativeness in Harbin Sun Island Park in China. Eight sites were selected and a series of questionnaire surveys on perceived restorativeness soundscape scale (PRSS) of four birdsong types were conducted during summer and winter. Two-hundred and forty respondents participated in this survey. Analysis of the survey results shows that different types of birdsong have different perceived restorativeness effects in different seasons. Crow birdsong has the worst effect on the perceived restorativeness in both summer and winter. Moreover, sound comfort and preference are significantly associated with the perceived restorativeness. The perceived restorativeness soundscape is best when birdsong is at a height of 4 m rather than 0.5 m or 2 m. The demographic/social factors of age, education, and stress level are all correlated with perceived restorativeness. There are suggestions for urban park design, especially with constructed natural elements. Creating a suitable habitat for multiple species of birds will improve perceived restorativeness. Moreover, appropriate activities should be provided in city parks to ensure restorativeness environments, especially for subjects with high levels of education and stress.}, }
@article {pmid32757725, year = {2022}, author = {Rostami, M and Razeghi, M and Daneshmandi, H and Hassanzadeh, J and Choobineh, A}, title = {Cognitive and skill performance of individuals at sitting versus standing workstations: a quasi-experimental study.}, journal = {International journal of occupational safety and ergonomics : JOSE}, volume = {28}, number = {1}, pages = {544-554}, doi = {10.1080/10803548.2020.1806565}, pmid = {32757725}, issn = {2376-9130}, mesh = {Cognition ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Sitting Position ; *Standing Position ; Students ; Workplace ; }, abstract = {Objectives. This study aimed to assess cognitive and skill performance at sitting and standing workstations among students from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Methods. Forty students (20 females and 20 males) participated in this quasi-experimental study. Tests were performed among randomly selected participants over two consecutive days: day 1, the Beck depression inventory and Beck anxiety inventory were used to assess the severity of depression and anxiety in the study participants, respectively, and Raven's general intelligence test was used to measure intelligence quotient; day 2, five performance assessment tests (cognitive performance assessment tests 'n-back', 'Stroop' and 'advanced reaction time'; skill performance assessment tests 'two-arm coordination' and 'Purdue pegboard') were randomly selected and presented to individuals at each workstation (sitting and standing workstations). At the end of each sitting and standing position, the comfort of the workstation was measured using a visual analog scale. Results. No statistically significant difference was shown between sitting and standing positions in terms of 'n-back', 'Stroop', 'advanced reaction time', 'two-arm coordination' and 'Purdue pegboard'. Participants were more comfortable in sitting positions and more easily distracted in standing positions. Conclusions. Sitting and standing positions had no significant effects on participants' cognitive and skill performance.}, }
@article {pmid32748851, year = {2020}, author = {Guzzardi, MA and Granziera, F and Sanguinetti, E and Ditaranto, F and Muratori, F and Iozzo, P}, title = {Exclusive Breastfeeding Predicts Higher Hearing-Language Development in Girls of Preschool Age.}, journal = {Nutrients}, volume = {12}, number = {8}, pages = {}, pmid = {32748851}, issn = {2072-6643}, support = {Decree no. 946/2019//Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Universit&#xe0; e della Ricerca/ ; grant agreement no.278603//Seventh Framework Programme/ ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Anthropometry ; Body Mass Index ; *Breast Feeding ; *Child Development ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; *Hearing ; Humans ; Infant ; Intelligence Tests ; *Language Development ; Male ; Pregnancy in Obesity ; Pregnancy ; Schools ; Sex Characteristics ; }, abstract = {Cognitive disorders are increasing in prevalence. Nutritional or metabolic stressors during early life, and female sex, are predisposing conditions towards the development of cognitive diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Though there is evidence that breastfeeding may play a beneficial role in children's neurocognitive development, the literature remains controversial. In this study we aimed at assessing the association between exclusive breastfeeding and children's cognitive development from six months to five years of age, addressing sex differences. In 80 mother-child pairs from the Pisa birth cohort (PISAC), we measured cognitive development in groups of children of 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 60 months by Griffiths Mental Development Scales, parents' intelligence quotient (IQ) by Raven's progressive matrices, and maternal and infants' anthropometric parameters. We found that exclusive breastfeeding was associated with higher hearing-language development in five years old girls, independent of maternal IQ, age and BMI (body mass index). Exclusive breastfeeding in the first three months of life seemed sufficient to establish this positive relationship. In conclusion, our data indicate that exclusive breastfeeding is a positive predictor of cognitive development in preschool-age girls, paving the way for the implementation of sex-specific cognitive disease risk detection and prevention strategies from early life. Further studies are warranted to explore causality and longer term effects.}, }
@article {pmid32726365, year = {2020}, author = {Engel, N and Végvári, Z and Rice, R and Kubelka, V and Székely, T}, title = {Incubating parents serve as visual cues to predators in Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus).}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {15}, number = {7}, pages = {e0236489}, pmid = {32726365}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Ecosystem ; Female ; Nesting Behavior/*physiology ; Ovum/physiology ; Population Density ; Predatory Behavior/physiology ; Reproduction/*physiology ; Resin Cements/chemistry ; }, abstract = {Ground-nesting birds face many challenges to reproduce successfully, with nest predation being the main cause of reproductive failure. Visual predators such as corvids and egg-eating raptors, are among the most common causes of nest failure; thus, parental strategies that reduce the risk of visual nest predation should be favored by selection. To date, most research has focused on egg crypsis without considering adult crypsis, although in natural circumstances the eggs are covered by an incubating parent most of the time. Here we use a ground-nesting shorebird, the Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) as model species to experimentally test whether decoy parents influence nest predation. Using artificial nests with a male decoy, a female decoy or no decoy, we found that the presence of a decoy increased nest predation (N = 107 nests, p < 0.001). However, no difference was found in predation rates between nests with a male versus female decoy (p > 0.05). Additionally, we found that nests in densely vegetated habitats experienced higher survival compared to nests placed in sparsely vegetated habitats. Nest camera images, predator tracks and marks left on eggs identified the brown-necked raven (Corvus ruficollis) as the main visual nest predator. Our study suggests that the presence of incubating parents may enhance nest detectability to visual predators. However, parents may reduce the predation risk by placing a nest in sites where they are covered by vegetation. Our findings highlight the importance of nest site selection not only regarding egg crypsis but also considering incubating adult camouflage.}, }
@article {pmid32721676, year = {2020}, author = {Bravo, C and Pays, O and Sarasa, M and Bretagnolle, V}, title = {Revisiting an old question: Which predators eat eggs of ground-nesting birds in farmland landscapes?.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {744}, number = {}, pages = {140895}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140895}, pmid = {32721676}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {Animals ; *Chickens ; Farms ; Female ; France ; *Nesting Behavior ; Predatory Behavior ; }, abstract = {Nest predation is a major cause of reproductive failure in birds, but predator identity often remains unknown. Additionally, although corvids are considered major nest predators in farmland landscapes, whether breeders or floaters are involved remains contentious. In this study, we aimed to identify nest predators using artificial nests, and test whether territorial or non-breeders carrion crow (Corvus corone) and Eurasian magpie (Pica pica) were most likely involved. We set up an experiment with artificial ground nests (n = 1429) in farmland landscapes of western France, and assessed how different combinations of egg size and egg material (small plasticine egg, large plasticine egg, quail and natural hen eggs) might influence predation rates and predator species involved. Nest predators were identified using remotely triggered cameras and marks left in plasticine eggs. Corvids were by far the predators most involved (almost 80% of all predation events), independent of egg type. Carrion crows alone were involved in 60% of cases. Probability of predation increased with egg size, and predation rate was higher for natural than for artificial eggs, suggesting that, in addition to egg size, predators might perceive plasticine and natural eggs differently. Predation rates of artificial nests by corvids were related significantly to corvid abundance, and far more to breeder than floater abundances, for both carrion crows and magpies. This study emphasizes the importance of identifying predators at species level, and considering their social status when assessing corvid abundance impact on prey population dynamics. Combining camera traps and plasticine eggs can achieve this objective. Given the high predation rate by carrion crows, a better understanding of landscape-mediated changes in predator diet seems mandatory to design mitigation schemes able to confront ecological challenges raised by generalist predators.}, }
@article {pmid32718771, year = {2021}, author = {Labbe, D and Abdulshakoor, A and Fernandez, J}, title = {Retrograde vs spot botulinium toxin facial injection.}, journal = {Annales de chirurgie plastique et esthetique}, volume = {66}, number = {3}, pages = {223-233}, doi = {10.1016/j.anplas.2020.06.006}, pmid = {32718771}, issn = {1768-319X}, mesh = {*Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; Face ; Facial Muscles ; Humans ; *Neuromuscular Agents ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: In this study we have based our research on botulinium toxin injection via targeted neuromuscular end plate zones, specifically in muscles with diffuse distribution of the latter. The muscular surface anatomical variety was also taken into consideration with thorough pre-injection examination of every subject.<br><br>METHOD: With consideration of the facial muscles anatomical variation and neuromuscular bundle distribution, we have applied the method of retrograde botulinium toxin injection on a series of 10 patients on the right side of the face with the left side as a control side, it was injected in a regular perpendicular manner in order to conclude the efficacy of targeted motor end zone injection. Using an auto-injecting syringe, we have delivered 6 Allergan units per zone (frontalis, glabellar lines of corrugator supercilii and orbicularis oculi crow's feet).<br><br>RESULTS: On control day 8 we have noticed a more prominent effect mainly on the level of the orbicularis oculi muscle and the corrugator supercilii muscle on 9 out of 10 patients. Nine patients out of 10 needed the delivery of an additional 6 Allergan units per zone on the control side's glabellar lines and crow's feet rhytids. Where 1 out of 10 patients needed the reinjection of the control side on the glabellar lines zone.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The musculature of the face varies when it comes to neuromuscular plate distribution. Muscles with scattered distribution patterns show an optimal response to botulinum toxin injections when delivered in a retrograde manner. This has allowed us to achieve of optimal results while minimizing injection sites and hence pain, the use of lower dosage and hence treatment cost, as well as lowering the unwanted product dissemination to the neighboring mimic muscles.}, }
@article {pmid32718174, year = {2022}, author = {Miller, EJ and Krumhuber, EG and Dawel, A}, title = {Observers perceive the Duchenne marker as signaling only intensity for sad expressions, not genuine emotion.}, journal = {Emotion (Washington, D.C.)}, volume = {22}, number = {5}, pages = {907-919}, doi = {10.1037/emo0000772}, pmid = {32718174}, issn = {1931-1516}, mesh = {*Emotions ; *Facial Expression ; Happiness ; Humans ; Sadness ; Smiling/psychology ; }, abstract = {The Duchenne marker-crow's feet wrinkles at the corner of the eyes-has a reputation for signaling genuine positive emotion in smiles. Here, we test whether this facial action might be better conceptualized as a marker of emotional intensity, rather than genuineness per se, and examine its perceptual outcomes beyond smiling, in sad expressions. For smiles, we found ratings of emotional intensity (how happy a face is) were unable to fully account for the effect of Duchenne status (present vs. absent) on ratings of emotion genuineness. The Duchenne marker made a unique direct contribution to the perceived genuineness of smiles, supporting its reputation for signaling genuine emotion in smiling. In contrast, across 4 experiments, we found Duchenne sad expressions were not rated as any more genuine or sincere than non-Duchenne ones. The Duchenne marker did however make sad expressions look sadder and more negative, just like it made smiles look happier and more positive. Together, these findings argue the Duchenne marker has an important role in sad as well as smiling expressions, but is interpreted differently in sad expressions (contributions to intensity only) compared with smiles (emotion genuineness independently of intensity). (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).}, }
@article {pmid32710206, year = {2021}, author = {Russo, M and Bonanno, C and Profazio, C and La Foresta, S and Faraone, C and Lizio, A and Vita, GL and Sframeli, M and Aricò, I and Ruggeri, P and Toscano, A and Vita, G and Lunetta, C and Messina, S}, title = {Which are the factors influencing NIV adaptation and tolerance in ALS patients?.}, journal = {Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology}, volume = {42}, number = {3}, pages = {1023-1029}, pmid = {32710206}, issn = {1590-3478}, mesh = {*Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/complications ; Humans ; *Noninvasive Ventilation ; Quality of Life ; *Respiratory Insufficiency ; Retrospective Studies ; }, abstract = {Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a multisystemic disease compromising both the neuromuscular system and the cognitive status. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) has been shown to improve survival and quality of life in ALS patients with respiratory failure, but scanty literature investigated which are the predictors of NIV tolerance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of functional, cognitive, neurobehavioral, and respiratory status on NIV compliance and tolerance in patients with ALS. We retrospectively evaluated clinical data of ALS patients who consecutively underwent a NIV trial during hospitalization. Cognitive and neurobehavioral assessments have been performed using the Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioral ALS Screen (ECAS), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), the Raven's 47 Colored Progressive Matrices (PM47), and the Neurobehavioral Rating Scale Revised (NRSR). Seventy-two patients (mean age ± SD; 63.9 ± 10.6 years) were included. Patients adapted were 63/72 (87.5%). The average time of adaptation was 7.82 ± 5.27 days. The time required to reach a satisfying NIV adaptation was significantly related to the presence of sialorrhea (p = 0.02), respiratory status (Borg Dyspnoea Scale, p = 0.006, and ALS-FRS-R respiratory subscore, p = 0.03) and behavioral and cognitive impairment (NRSR-F1, p = 0.04, NRSR- F5, p = 0.04). Presence of sialorrhea and neurobehavioral impairment, and absence of respiratory symptoms are negative predictors of NIV adaptation. This study highlights the need of a multidisciplinary patient-tailored approach including cognitive-behavioral assessment and a psychological support program to optimize patient's training and compliance to NIV.}, }
@article {pmid32705674, year = {2020}, author = {Waples, RS}, title = {An estimator of the Opportunity for Selection that is independent of mean fitness.}, journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution}, volume = {74}, number = {9}, pages = {1942-1953}, doi = {10.1111/evo.14061}, pmid = {32705674}, issn = {1558-5646}, mesh = {*Genetic Fitness ; Models, Biological ; *Selection, Genetic ; }, abstract = {Variation among individuals in number of offspring (fitness, k) sets an upper limit to the evolutionary response to selection. This constraint is quantified by Crow's Opportunity for Selection (I), which is the variance in relative fitness (I = σ[2]k /(uk)[2]). Crow's I has been widely used but remains controversial because it depends on mean offspring number in a sample (k¯). Here, I used a generalized Wright-Fisher model that allows for unequal probabilities of producing offspring to evaluate behavior of Crow's I and related indices under a wide range of sampling scenarios. Analytical and numerical results are congruent and show that rescaling the sample variance (s[2]k) to its expected value at a fixed k¯2 removes dependence of I on mean offspring number, but the result still depends on choice of k¯2 . A new index is introduced, ΔI = Î - E(Îdrift) = Î - 1/ k¯ , which makes Î independent of sample k¯ without the need for variance rescaling. ΔI has a straightforward interpretation as the component of variance in relative fitness that exceeds that expected under a null model of random reproductive success. ΔI can be used to directly compare estimates of the Opportunity for Selection for samples from different studies, different sexes, and different life stages.}, }
@article {pmid32681160, year = {2020}, author = {Lee, CY and Peralta-Sánchez, JM and Martínez-Bueno, M and Møller, AP and Rabelo-Ruiz, M and Zamora-Muñoz, C and Soler, JJ}, title = {The gut microbiota of brood parasite and host nestlings reared within the same environment: disentangling genetic and environmental effects.}, journal = {The ISME journal}, volume = {14}, number = {11}, pages = {2691-2702}, pmid = {32681160}, issn = {1751-7370}, mesh = {Animals ; Climate ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Humans ; *Parasites ; *Passeriformes ; Phylogeny ; }, abstract = {Gut microbiota are essential for host health and survival, but we are still far from understanding the processes involved in shaping their composition and evolution. Controlled experimental work under lab conditions as well as human studies pointed at environmental factors (i.e., diet) as the main determinant of the microbiota with little evidence of genetic effects, while comparative interspecific studies detected significant phylogenetic effects. Different species, however, also differ in diet, feeding behavior, and environmental characteristics of habitats, all of which also vary interspecifically, and, therefore, can potentially explain most of the detected phylogenetic patterns. Here, we take advantage of the reproductive strategy of avian brood parasites and investigate gut microbiotas (esophageal (food and saliva) and intestinal) of great spotted cuckoo (Clamator glandarius) and magpie (Pica pica) nestlings that grow in the same nests. We also estimated diet received by each nestling and explored its association with gut microbiota characteristics. Although esophageal microbiota of magpies and great spotted cuckoos raised within the same environment (nest) did not vary, the microbiota of cloacal samples showed clear interspecific differences. Moreover, diet of great spotted cuckoo and magpie nestlings explained the microbiota composition of esophageal samples, but not of cloaca samples. These results strongly suggest a genetic component determining the intestinal microbiota of host and parasitic bird species, indicating that interspecific differences in gut morphology and physiology are responsible for such interspecific differences.}, }
@article {pmid32680498, year = {2020}, author = {Wei, W and Zhen, Q and Tang, Z and Oosthuizen, MK}, title = {Risk assessment in the plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae): intensity of behavioral response differs with predator species.}, journal = {BMC ecology}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, pages = {41}, pmid = {32680498}, issn = {1472-6785}, mesh = {Animals ; *Lagomorpha ; Risk Assessment ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The ability of a prey species to assess the risk that a predator poses can have important fitness advantages for the prey species. To better understand predator-prey interactions, more species need to be observed to determine how prey behavioral responses differ in intensity when approached by different types of predators. The plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae) is preyed upon by all predators occurring in its distribution area. Therefore, it is an ideal species to study anti-predator behavior. In this study, we investigated the intensity of anti-predator behavior of pikas in response to visual cues by using four predator species models in Maqu County on the eastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.<br><br>RESULTS: The behavioral response metrics, such as Flight Initiation Distance (FID), the hiding time and the percentage of vigilance were significantly different when exposed to a Tibetan fox, a wolf, a Saker falcon and a large-billed crow, respectively. Pikas showed a stronger response to Saker falcons compared to any of the other predators.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that pikas alter their behavioral (such as FID, the hiding time and the vigilance) response intensity to optimally balance the benefits when exposed to different taxidermy predator species models. We conclude that pikas are able to assess their actual risk of predation and show a threat-sensitive behavioral response.}, }
@article {pmid32679226, year = {2020}, author = {Mohamed Benkada, A and Pontier, F and Dufour, V}, title = {Conflict management in rooks (Corvus frugilegus): Victims do not display post-conflict affiliation but avoid their former aggressor.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {179}, number = {}, pages = {104198}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2020.104198}, pmid = {32679226}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Aggression ; Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; *Crows ; Humans ; Reproduction ; *Sexual Behavior, Animal ; Sexual Partners ; Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Many social species use post-conflict behaviors to mitigate the consequences of conflicts. One of these behaviors is the victim's affiliation with its former opponent following conflict in an attempt to restore the damaged relationship. The victim can also affiliate with a third party. Affiliation with former opponents and third parties also alleviates stress. Studies of conflict management strategies in birds mostly concern corvids, and more specifically rooks (Corvus frugilegus). In this colonial pair-bonded species, the most valuable relationship is with the mate. It is rarely conflictual, meaning that there is generally no need for any post-conflict affiliation. However, conflicts occur with other social partners, and victims may primarily use third-party affiliation to avoid renewed aggression after conflicts. Previous studies of rooks failed to show a protective role of third-party affiliations for rook victims. The present study seeks to further investigate the use and efficiency of these conflict management strategies from the victim's perspective. We recorded conflicts and post-conflict behaviors in captive rooks using the standard post-conflict matched control comparison method. Victims did not affiliate with their former opponent or with third parties after conflict, but rather avoided their former aggressor, thus successfully limiting the risk of renewed aggression. Post-conflict affiliations are not observed in all rook colonies, suggesting that avoidance of the former aggressor may be a more commonly used strategy than previously thought.}, }
@article {pmid32661811, year = {2021}, author = {Baciadonna, L and Cornero, FM and Emery, NJ and Clayton, NS}, title = {Convergent evolution of complex cognition: Insights from the field of avian cognition into the study of self-awareness.}, journal = {Learning &amp; behavior}, volume = {49}, number = {1}, pages = {9-22}, pmid = {32661811}, issn = {1543-4508}, mesh = {Animals ; Brain ; *Cognition ; *Hominidae ; Imagination ; }, abstract = {Pioneering research on avian behaviour and cognitive neuroscience have highlighted that avian species, mainly corvids and parrots, have a cognitive tool kit comparable with apes and other large-brained mammals, despite conspicuous differences in their neuroarchitecture. This cognitive tool kit is driven by convergent evolution, and consists of complex processes such as casual reasoning, behavioural flexibility, imagination, and prospection. Here, we review experimental studies in corvids and parrots that tested complex cognitive processes within this tool kit. We then provide experimental examples for the potential involvement of metacognitive skills in the expression of the cognitive tool kit. We further expand the discussion of cognitive and metacognitive abilities in avian species, suggesting that an integrated assessment of these processes, together with revised and multiple tasks of mirror self-recognition, might shed light on one of the most highly debated topics in the literature-self-awareness in animals. Comparing the use of multiple assessments of self-awareness within species and across taxa will provide a more informative, richer picture of the level of consciousness in different organisms.}, }
@article {pmid32659206, year = {2020}, author = {Slatin, C}, title = {Under the Knee of Jim Crow and Neoliberalism.}, journal = {New solutions : a journal of environmental and occupational health policy : NS}, volume = {30}, number = {2}, pages = {80-82}, doi = {10.1177/1048291120938232}, pmid = {32659206}, issn = {1541-3772}, mesh = {Humans ; *Politics ; Racism ; }, }
@article {pmid32638171, year = {2021}, author = {Wang, L and Zhang, D and Sui, J}, title = {Investigation of cognitive mechanisms and strategy on solving multiple string-pulling problems in Azure-winged magpie (Cyanopica cyanus).}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {24}, number = {1}, pages = {1-10}, pmid = {32638171}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {2015HXFWBHQ-SJL-01//Research Fund for General Survey of Wildlife Resources/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Cognition ; Learning ; Motivation ; *Passeriformes ; *Problem Solving ; }, abstract = {String-pulling tasks are a widely used paradigm in animal cognition research. The present study tested whether ten azure-winged magpies (Cyanopica cyanus) could solve a series of multiple-strings problems with the aim of systematically investigating which rules this species uses to solve different-patterned string tasks, i.e., tasks in which subjects have to choose between two strings only one of which is connected to bait. When the subjects faced the parallel strings task (T1), five birds (C3, C5, C8, C9, and C10) were able to solve the task and acted in a goal-directed manner. Three birds (C5, C8, and C9) successfully solved the oblique parallel strings task (T3). The azure-winged magpies exhibited proximity selection in the oblique parallel strings task (C1 and C4 in T2), and the task with one string folded at a right angle (C3, C6 and C8 in T5). Several subjects also performed simple strategies in other unresolved tasks, e.g., random selection, trial-and-error learning, and side bias strategies (i.e., a certain degree of "left-handed" tendency). These results demonstrated that the azure-winged magpie possesses the potential to solve simple multiple-string tasks, although when faced with more difficult problems they could not solve them.}, }
@article {pmid32631282, year = {2020}, author = {Walker, EV and Yuan, Y and Girgis, S and Goodman, KJ}, title = {Patterns of fish and whale consumption in relation to methylmercury in hair among residents of Western Canadian Arctic communities.}, journal = {BMC public health}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, pages = {1073}, pmid = {32631282}, issn = {1471-2458}, support = {MOP115031, IPH108285, 90386/CAPMC/CIHR/Canada ; 201201159//Alberta Innovates - Health Solutions/ ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Animals ; Arctic Regions ; Diet/methods/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Female ; Fishes ; Food Contamination/*analysis ; Hair/*chemistry ; Humans ; Longitudinal Studies ; Male ; Methylmercury Compounds/*analysis ; Northwest Territories ; Seafood/*analysis ; Seasons ; Whales ; Yukon Territory ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Methylmercury contamination of the environment represents a substantial environmental health concern. Human exposure to methylmercury occurs primarily through consumption of fish and marine mammals. Heavily exposed subgroups include sport or subsistence fishers residing in Arctic communities. We aimed to estimate the association of fish/whale consumption patterns of Canadian Arctic subsistence fishers with the internal dose of methylmercury as measured in hair.<br><br>METHODS: This research was conducted within ongoing community projects led by the CANHelp Working Group in Aklavik and Fort McPherson, Northwest Territories and Old Crow, Yukon. We interviewed each participant using a fish-focused food-frequency questionnaire during September-November 2016 and collected hair samples concurrently. Methylmercury was measured in the full-length of each hair sample using gas chromatography inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Multivariable linear regression estimated beta-coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the effect of fish/whale consumption on hair-methylmercury concentrations.<br><br>RESULTS: Among 101 participants who provided hair samples and diet data, the mean number of fish/whale species eaten was 3.5 (SD:1.9). The mean hair-methylmercury concentration was 0.60&#x2009;&#x3bc;g/g (SD:0.47). Fish/whale consumption was positively associated with hair-methylmercury concentration, after adjusting for sex, hair length and use of permanent hair treatments. Hair-methylmercury concentrations among participants who consumed the most fish/whale in each season ranged from 0.30-0.50&#x2009;&#x3bc;g/g higher than those who consumed <&#x2009;1 meal/week.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: In this population of Canadian Arctic subsistence fishers, hair-methylmercury concentration increased with fish/whale consumption, but the maximum concentrations were below Health Canada's 6.0&#x2009;&#x3bc;g/g threshold for safe exposure.}, }
@article {pmid32612316, year = {2020}, author = {Boucherie, PH and Blum, C and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Effect of rearing style on the development of social behaviour in young ravens (Corvus corax).}, journal = {Ethology : formerly Zeitschrift fur Tierpsychologie}, volume = {126}, number = {6}, pages = {595-609}, pmid = {32612316}, issn = {0179-1613}, abstract = {Early social experiences can affect the development and expression of individual social behaviour throughout life. In particular, early-life social deprivations, notably of parental care, can later have deleterious consequences. We can, therefore, expect rearing procedures such as hand-raising-widely used in ethology and socio-cognitive science-to alter the development of individual social behaviour. We investigated how the rearing style later affected (a) variation in relationship strength among peers and (b) individuals' patterns of social interactions, in three captive groups of juvenile non-breeders consisting of either parent-raised or hand-raised birds, or a mix of both rearing styles. In the three groups, irrespectively of rearing style: strongest relationships (i.e., higher rates of association and affiliations) primarily emerged among siblings and familiar partners (i.e., non-relatives encountered in early life), and mixed-sex and male-male partners established relationships of similar strength, indicating that the rearing style does not severely affect the quality and structure of relationships in young ravens. However, compared to parent-raised ravens, hand-raised ravens showed higher connectedness, i.e., number of partners with whom they mainly associated and affiliated, but formed on average relationships of lower strength, indicating that social experience in early life is not without consequences on the development of ravens' patterns of social interaction. The deprivation of parental care associated with the presence of same-age peers during hand-raising seemed to maximize ravens' propensity to interact with others, indicating that besides parents, interactions with same-age peers matter. Opportunities to interact with, and socially learn from peers, might thus be the key to the acquisition of early social competences in ravens.}, }
@article {pmid32539849, year = {2020}, author = {Chakarov, N and Kampen, H and Wiegmann, A and Werner, D and Bensch, S}, title = {Blood parasites in vectors reveal a united blackfly community in the upper canopy.}, journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {309}, pmid = {32539849}, issn = {1756-3305}, support = {PIEF-GA-2013-625883//H2020 Marie Sk&#x142;odowska-Curie Actions/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/parasitology ; *Blood ; DNA/*genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Female ; *Forests ; Haemosporida/*classification/isolation &amp; purification ; Host Specificity ; Insect Vectors/parasitology/physiology ; Meals ; Phylogeny ; Raptors/genetics/parasitology ; Simuliidae/*parasitology/physiology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The behaviour of blood-sucking arthropods is a crucial determinant of blood protozoan distribution and hence of host-parasite coevolution, but it is very challenging to study in the wild. The molecular identification of parasite lineages in vectors can be a useful key to understand the behaviour and transmission patterns realised by these vectors.<br><br>METHODS: In this study, we collected blackflies around nests of three raptor species in the upper forest canopy in central Europe and examined the presence of vertebrate DNA and haemosporidian parasites in them. We molecularly analysed 156 blackfly individuals, their vertebrate blood meals, and the haemosporidian parasite lineages they carried.<br><br>RESULTS: We identified nine species of Simulium blackflies, largely belonging to the subgenera Nevermannia and Eusimulium. Only 1% of the collected specimens was visibly engorged, and only 4% contained remains of host DNA. However, in 29% of the blackflies Leucocytozoon lineages were identified, which is evidence of a previous blood meal on an avian host. Based on the known vertebrate hosts of the recorded Leucocytozoon lineages, we can infer that large and/or abundant birds, such as thrushes, crows, pigeons, birds of prey, owls and tits are the main targets of ornithophilic blackflies in the canopy. Blackfly species contained similar proportions of host group-specific parasite lineages and thus do not appear to be associated with particular host groups.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The Leucocytozoon clade infecting thrushes, crows, and pigeons present in most represented blackfly species suggests a lack of association between hosts and blackflies, which can increase the probability of host switches of blood parasites. However, the composition of the simuliid species differed between nests of common buzzards, goshawks and red kites. This segregation can be explained by coinciding habitat preferences between host and vector, and may lead to the fast speciation of Leucocytozoon parasites. Thus, subtle ecological preferences and lack of host preference of vectors in the canopy may enable both parasite diversification and host switches, and enforce a habitat-dependent evolution of avian malaria parasites and related haemosporidia.}, }
@article {pmid32537333, year = {2020}, author = {De Boulle, K and Carruthers, A and Solish, N and Carruthers, J and Phillipp-Dormston, WG and Fagien, S and Sangha, S and Silberberg, M and Mao, C}, title = {OnabotulinumtoxinA Treatment for Moderate to Severe Forehead Lines: A Review.}, journal = {Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open}, volume = {8}, number = {3}, pages = {e2669}, pmid = {32537333}, issn = {2169-7574}, abstract = {UNLABELLED: With onabotulinumtoxinA approved for the treatment of glabellar and crow's feet lines and, most recently, for forehead lines (FHL), it is possible to simultaneously treat multiple areas of the upper face that are of high concern and treatment priority for aesthetically oriented individuals. This review aims to present key insights on the use of onabotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of moderate to severe FHL.<br><br>METHODS: Double-blind, placebo-controlled registration trials of onabotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of FHL were included. Using findings from 3 such published studies, we discuss key concepts and clinical experience for the treatment of moderate to severe FHL with onabotulinumtoxinA (20 U in the frontalis and 20 U in the glabellar complex, with/without 24 U in crow's feet lines), including injection pattern, dose selection, efficacy and safety data, and considerations for patient selection.<br><br>RESULTS: Across the 2 pivotal phase 3 studies, responder rates on investigator- and subject-assessed measures of appearance of FHL severity were significantly higher with onabotulinumtoxinA versus placebo for the treatment of FHL at day 30 (P < 0.0001), and results were maintained through 3 cycles of onabotulinumtoxinA.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: OnabotulinumtoxinA treatment also resulted in high patient satisfaction rates. The incidence of eyebrow and of eyelid ptosis was low, and no new safety signals were detected. OnabotulinumtoxinA is safe and effective and an appropriate option for patients with moderate to severe FHL encountered in clinical practice.}, }
@article {pmid32508178, year = {2021}, author = {Layes, S and Lalonde, R and Rebai, M}, title = {Reading-related abilities underlying phonological awareness: a cross-sectional study in children with and without dyslexia.}, journal = {Logopedics, phoniatrics, vocology}, volume = {46}, number = {3}, pages = {110-117}, doi = {10.1080/14015439.2020.1768283}, pmid = {32508178}, issn = {1651-2022}, mesh = {Awareness ; Child ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; *Dyslexia/diagnosis ; Humans ; Phonetics ; *Reading ; Voice Quality ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: The present cross-sectional study examined the individual role of rapid automatized naming (RAN), verbal short-term memory (VSTM), and phonological verbal fluency (PVF) along with word reading performance in predicting phonological awareness (PA).<br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 225 Arabic speaking children from grades 2, 3, 4 and 5 took part in this study, divided into two groups of readers: typical developing readers and dyslexic readers. The participants were tested on word and pseudoword reading, phonological awareness, rapid naming, verbal short-term memory and phonological verbal fluency.<br><br>RESULTS: There are different predictive patterns between the two groups. Whereas Raven and Grade contributed directly in predicting PA in typical readers, VSTM and PVF directly predicted PA in children with dyslexia. However, word reading played a dual role in the both groups as direct predictors of PA, mediating the predictive relationships between PA and the other variables.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The results suggest the potential existence of an underlying phonological representation processing ability shared between PA, phonological access (RAN and PVF), VSTM, and word reading ability.}, }
@article {pmid32487038, year = {2020}, author = {Hasan, H and Deek, MP and Phillips, R and Hobbs, RF and Malek, R and Radwan, N and Kiess, AP and Dipasquale, S and Huang, J and Caldwell, T and Leitzel, J and Wendler, D and Wang, H and Thompson, E and Powell, J and Dudley, S and Deville, C and Greco, SC and Song, DY and DeWeese, TL and Gorin, MA and Rowe, SP and Denmeade, S and Markowski, M and Antonarakis, ES and Carducci, MA and Eisenberger, MA and Pomper, MG and Pienta, KJ and Paller, CJ and Tran, PT}, title = {A phase II randomized trial of RAdium-223 dichloride and SABR Versus SABR for oligomEtastatic prostate caNcerS (RAVENS).}, journal = {BMC cancer}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, pages = {492}, pmid = {32487038}, issn = {1471-2407}, support = {IIRUS2014437//Bayer HealthCare/ ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Animals ; Bone Neoplasms/mortality/secondary/*therapy ; Chemoradiotherapy/adverse effects/*methods ; Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic ; Disease Progression ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Progression-Free Survival ; Prostatic Neoplasms/mortality/pathology/*therapy ; Radioisotopes/administration &amp; dosage/adverse effects ; Radiosurgery/adverse effects/*methods ; Radium/*administration &amp; dosage/adverse effects ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Metastasis directed therapy (MDT) for patients with oligometastatic disease is associated with improvements in progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to systemic therapy alone. Additionally, within a prostate-cancer-specific cohort, MDT is able to forestall initiation of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in men with hormone-sensitive, oligometastatic prostate cancer (HSOPCa) compared to observation. While MDT appears to be safe and effective in HSOPCa, a large percentage of men will eventually have disease recurrence. Patterns of failure in HSOPCa demonstrate patients tend to have recurrence in the bone following MDT, raising the question of sub-clinically-apparent osseous disease. Radium-223 dichloride is a radiopharmaceutical with structural similarity to calcium, allowing it to be taken up by bone where it emits alpha particles, and therefore might have utility in the treatment of micrometastatic osseous disease. Therefore, the primary goal of the phase II RAVENS trial is to evaluate the efficacy of MDT + radium-223 dichloride in prolonging progression free survival in men with HSOPCa.<br><br>METHODS: Patients with HSOPCa and 3 or less metastases with at least 1 bone metastasis will be randomized 1:1 to stereotactic ablative radiation (SABR, also known as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)) alone vs SABR + radium-223 dichloride with a minimization algorithm to balance assignment by institution, primary intervention, prior hormonal therapy, and PSA doubling time. SABR is delivered in one to five fractions and patients in the SABR + radium-223 dichloride arm will receive six infusions of radium-223 dichloride at four-week intervals. The primary end point is progression free survival. The secondary clinical endpoints include toxicity and quality of life assessments, local control at 12&#x2009;months, locoregional progression, time to distant progression, time to new metastasis, and duration of response.<br><br>DISCUSSION: The RAVENS trial will be the first described phase II, non-blinded, randomized study to compare SABR +/- radium-223 dichloride in patients with HSOPCa and 3 or less metastases with at least one bone metastasis. The primary hypothesis is that SABR + radium-223 dichloride will increase median progression-free survival from 10&#x2009;months in the SABR arm to 20&#x2009;months in the SABR + radium-223 dichloride arm.<br><br>TRIAL REGISTRATIONS: Clinicaltrials.gov. Identifier: NCT04037358. Date of Registration: July 30, 2019. Date of First Participant Enrolled: August 9, 2019. Date of Last Approved Amendment: October 16, 2019. Protocol Version: Version 5.}, }
@article {pmid32485232, year = {2020}, author = {Wang, L and Luo, Y and Wang, H and Zou, Y and Yao, H and Ullah, S and Li, Z}, title = {Azure-winged magpies fail to understand the principle of mirror imaging.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {177}, number = {}, pages = {104155}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2020.104155}, pmid = {32485232}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Cognition ; *Passeriformes ; *Recognition, Psychology ; }, abstract = {Mirror self-recognition (MSR) is considered a crucial step in the emergence of self-cognition. The MSR paradigm has become a standard method for evaluating self-cognition in several species. For example, Eurasian magpies and Indian house crows have passed the mark test for self-cognition, whereas efforts to find MSR in other corvid species have failed. However, no literature has conducted MSR tests on azure-winged magpies, a species of corvids. Therefore, the current research aimed to investigate the MSR behaviours of azure-winged magpies upon looking into a mirror for the first time. The study included four tests: (1) mirror preference and standardised mirror exploration, (2) single vertical mirror test, (3) mark test and (4) mirror-triggered search test. The azure-winged magpies displayed immense curiosity towards the mirror and their images in the mirror in Test 1&amp;2. In the subsequent mark tests, they failed to recognise themselves in the mirror and regarded their images as conspecifics. Behaviour analysis showed no significant difference between marked and unmarked behaviours. Finally they seemed to infer the presence of bait from the image in the mirror, but were found to fail to understand that the location of the bait in the mirror was the same as that in the real world. For a better insight into the MSR behaviour of azure-winged magpies, research studies involving prolonged mirror exposure and training are recommended.}, }
@article {pmid32475334, year = {2020}, author = {Uomini, N and Fairlie, J and Gray, RD and Griesser, M}, title = {Extended parenting and the evolution of cognition.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {375}, number = {1803}, pages = {20190495}, pmid = {32475334}, issn = {1471-2970}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; *Cognition ; *Crows/growth &amp; development ; Life History Traits ; *Maternal Behavior ; *Paternal Behavior ; Phylogeny ; Songbirds/growth &amp; development ; }, abstract = {Traditional attempts to understand the evolution of human cognition compare humans with other primates. This research showed that relative brain size covaries with cognitive skills, while adaptations that buffer the developmental and energetic costs of large brains (e.g. allomaternal care), and ecological or social benefits of cognitive abilities, are critical for their evolution. To understand the drivers of cognitive adaptations, it is profitable to consider distant lineages with convergently evolved cognitions. Here, we examine the facilitators of cognitive evolution in corvid birds, where some species display cultural learning, with an emphasis on family life. We propose that extended parenting (protracted parent-offspring association) is pivotal in the evolution of cognition: it combines critical life-history, social and ecological conditions allowing for the development and maintenance of cognitive skillsets that confer fitness benefits to individuals. This novel hypothesis complements the extended childhood idea by considering the parents' role in juvenile development. Using phylogenetic comparative analyses, we show that corvids have larger body sizes, longer development times, extended parenting and larger relative brain sizes than other passerines. Case studies from two corvid species with different ecologies and social systems highlight the critical role of life-history features on juveniles' cognitive development: extended parenting provides a safe haven, access to tolerant role models, reliable learning opportunities and food, resulting in higher survival. The benefits of extended juvenile learning periods, over evolutionary time, lead to selection for expanded cognitive skillsets. Similarly, in our ancestors, cooperative breeding and increased group sizes facilitated learning and teaching. Our analyses highlight the critical role of life-history, ecological and social factors that underlie both extended parenting and expanded cognitive skillsets. This article is part of the theme issue 'Life history and learning: how childhood, caregiving and old age shape cognition and culture in humans and other animals'.}, }
@article {pmid32463251, year = {2020}, author = {Brecht, KF and Müller, J and Nieder, A}, title = {Carrion crows (Corvus corone corone) fail the mirror mark test yet again.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1037/com0000231}, pmid = {32463251}, issn = {1939-2087}, support = {//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; }, abstract = {The mirror mark test is generally considered to be an indicator of an animal's ability to recognize itself in the mirror. For this test, an animal is confronted with a mirror and has a mark placed where it can see the mark only with the help of the mirror. When the animal extensively touches or interacts with the mark, compared with control conditions, the mirror mark test is passed. Many nonhuman animal species have been tested, but few have succeeded. After magpies and Indian house crows passed, there has been a sustained interest to find out whether other corvids would pass the mirror mark test. Here, we presented 12 carrion crows (Corvus corone corone) with the mirror mark test. There was no significant increase of mark-directed behavior in the mirror mark test, compared with control conditions. We find very few occasions of mark-directed behaviors and have to interpret them in the context of self-directed behavior more generally. In addition, we show that our crows were motivated to interact with a mark when it was visible to them without the aid of a mirror. We conclude that our crows fail the test, and thereby replicate previous studies showing a similar failure in corvids, and crows in particular. Because our study adds to the growing literature of corvids failing the mirror mark test, the issue of mirror self-recognition in these birds remains controversial. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).}, }
@article {pmid32437410, year = {2020}, author = {Clarke, MJ and Fraser, EE and Warkentin, IG}, title = {Fine spatial-scale variation in scavenger activity influences avian mortality assessments on a boreal island.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {15}, number = {5}, pages = {e0233427}, pmid = {32437410}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Coleoptera ; *Ecosystem ; *Feeding Behavior ; Forests ; *Islands ; Newfoundland and Labrador ; *Songbirds ; }, abstract = {Bird-window collisions are the second leading cause of human-related avian mortality for songbirds in Canada. Our ability to accurately estimate the number of fatalities caused by window collisions is affected by several biases, including the removal of carcasses by scavengers prior to those carcasses being detected during surveys. We investigated the role of scavenger behavior in modifying perceived carcass removal rate while describing habitat-specific differences for the scavengers present in a relatively scavenger-depauperate island ecosystem. We used motion activated cameras to monitor the fate of hatchling chicken carcasses placed at building (under both windows and windowless walls) and forest (open and closed canopy) sites in western Newfoundland, Canada. We recorded the identity of scavengers, timing of events, and frequency of repeat scavenging at sites. Using 2 treatments, we also assessed how scavenging varied with 2 levels of carcass availability (daily versus every third day). Scavenger activities differed substantially between forest and building sites. Only common ravens (Corvus corax) removed carcasses at building sites, with 25 of 26 removals occurring under windows. Burying beetles (Nicrophorus spp.) dominated scavenging at forest sites (14 of 18 removals), completely removing carcasses from sight in under 24 hours. Availability had no effect on removal rate. These findings suggest that ravens look for carcasses near building windows, where bird-window collision fatalities create predictable food sources, but that this learning preceded the study. Such behavior resulted in highly heterogeneous scavenging rates at fine spatial scales indicating the need for careful consideration of carcass and camera placement when monitoring scavenger activity. Our observations of burying beetle activity indicate that future studies investigating bird collision mortality near forested habitats and with infrequent surveys, should consider local invertebrate community composition during survey design. The high incidence of invertebrate scavenging may compensate for the reduced vertebrate scavenger community of insular Newfoundland.}, }
@article {pmid32428037, year = {2020}, author = {Dierick, F and Buisseret, F and Renson, M and Luta, AM}, title = {Digital natives and dual task: Handling it but not immune against cognitive-locomotor interferences.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {15}, number = {5}, pages = {e0232328}, pmid = {32428037}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Brain/physiology ; *Cell Phone Use ; *Cognition ; Female ; Gait/physiology ; Humans ; Locomotion/*physiology ; Male ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Digital natives developed in an electronic dual tasking world. This paper addresses two questions. Do digital natives respond differently under a cognitive load realized during a locomotor task in a dual-tasking paradigm and how does this address the concept of safety? We investigate the interplay between cognitive (talking and solving Raven's matrices) and locomotor (walking on a treadmill) tasks in a sample of 17 graduate level participants. The costs of dual-tasking on gait were assessed by studying changes in stride interval time and its variability at long-range. A safety index was designed and computed from total relative change between the variability indices in the single walking and dual-task conditions. As expected, results indicate high Raven's scores with gait changes found between the dual task conditions compared to the single walking task. Greater changes are observed in the talking condition compared to solving Raven's matrices, resulting in high safety index values observed in 5 participants. We conclude that, although digital natives are efficient in performing the dual tasks when they are not emotional-based, modification of gait are observable. Due to the variation within participants and the observation of high safety index values in several of them, individuals that responded poorly to low cognitive loads should be encouraged to not perform dual task when executing a primate task of safety to themselves or others.}, }
@article {pmid32406720, year = {2020}, author = {Soler, M and Colmenero, JM and Pérez-Contreras, T and Peralta-Sánchez, JM}, title = {Replication of the mirror mark test experiment in the magpie (Pica pica) does not provide evidence of self-recognition.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1037/com0000223}, pmid = {32406720}, issn = {1939-2087}, support = {//Junta de Andaluc&#xed;a/ ; }, abstract = {Self-recognition in animals is demonstrated when individuals pass the mark test. Formerly, it was thought that self-recognition was restricted to humans, great apes, and certain mammals with large brains and highly evolved social cognition. However, 1 study showed that 2 out of 5 magpies (Pica pica) passed the mark test, suggesting that magpies have a similar level of cognitive abilities to great apes. The scientific advancement depends on confidence in published science, and this confidence can be reached only after rigorous replication of published studies. Here, we present a close replication of the magpie study but using a larger sample size while following a very similar experimental protocol. Like the previous study, in our experiment, magpies showed both social and self-directed behavior more frequently in front of the mirror versus a control cardboard stimulus. However, during the mark test, self-directed behavior proved more frequent in front of the cardboard than in the mirror. Thus, our replication failed to confirm the previous results. Close replications, while not disproving an earlier study, identify results that should be considered with caution. Therefore, more replication studies and additional experimental work is needed to unambiguously demonstrate that magpies are consistently able to pass the mark test. The existence of compelling evidence of self-recognition in other corvid species is discussed in depth. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).}, }
@article {pmid32372855, year = {2020}, author = {Gill, LF and van Schaik, J and von Bayern, AMP and Gahr, ML}, title = {Genetic monogamy despite frequent extrapair copulations in "strictly monogamous" wild jackdaws.}, journal = {Behavioral ecology : official journal of the International Society for Behavioral Ecology}, volume = {31}, number = {1}, pages = {247-260}, pmid = {32372855}, issn = {1045-2249}, abstract = {"Monogamy" refers to different components of pair exclusiveness: the social pair, sexual partners, and the genetic outcome of sexual encounters. Avian monogamy is usually defined socially or genetically, whereas quantifications of sexual behavior remain scarce. Jackdaws (Corvus monedula) are considered a rare example of strict monogamy in songbirds, with lifelong pair bonds and little genetic evidence for extrapair (EP) offspring. Yet jackdaw copulations, although accompanied by loud copulation calls, are rarely observed because they occur visually concealed inside nest cavities. Using full-day nest-box video surveillance and on-bird acoustic bio-logging, we directly observed jackdaw sexual behavior and compared it to the corresponding genetic outcome obtained via molecular parentage analysis. In the video-observed nests, we found genetic monogamy but frequently detected forced EP sexual behavior, accompanied by characteristic male copulation calls. We, thus, challenge the long-held notion of strict jackdaw monogamy at the sexual level. Our data suggest that male mate guarding and frequent intrapair copulations during the female fertile phase, as well as the forced nature of the copulations, could explain the absence of EP offspring. Because EP copulation behavior appeared to be costly for both sexes, we suggest that immediate fitness benefits are an unlikely explanation for its prevalence. Instead, sexual conflict and dominance effects could interact to shape the spatiotemporal pattern of EP sexual behavior in this species. Our results call for larger-scale investigations of jackdaw sexual behavior and parentage and highlight the importance of combining social, sexual, and genetic data sets for a more complete understanding of mating systems.}, }
@article {pmid32364781, year = {2020}, author = {Martínez, JG and Molina-Morales, M and Precioso, M and Avilés, JM}, title = {Age-Related Brood Parasitism and Egg Rejection in Magpie Hosts.}, journal = {The American naturalist}, volume = {195}, number = {5}, pages = {876-885}, doi = {10.1086/708155}, pmid = {32364781}, issn = {1537-5323}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Animals ; *Host-Parasite Interactions ; *Nesting Behavior ; Ovum ; Rejection, Psychology ; *Reproduction ; Songbirds/*physiology ; }, abstract = {When the strength or nature of a host-parasite interaction changes over the host life cycle, the consequences of parasitism can depend on host population age structure. Avian brood parasites reduce hosts' breeding success, and host age may play a role in this interaction if younger hosts are more likely parasitized and/or less able to defend themselves. We analyzed whether the age of female magpie (Pica pica) hosts is associated with parasite attack or their ability to reject foreign eggs. We recorded parasitism and model egg rejection of known-age individuals over their lifetime and established whether the likelihood of parasitism or egg rejection changed with age or longevity. Parasitism probability did not change with female age, and there was a trend toward longer-lived females being less likely to be parasitized. However, model egg rejection probability increased with age for each individual female, and longer-lived females were more prone to reject model eggs. Most females in the population were young, and the majority of them accepted model eggs, suggesting that brood parasites exploiting younger host individuals are benefitting from a lower defense level of their hosts. Our results stress that the intensity of selection by brood parasites may be mediated by the age structure of host populations, a to-date neglected aspect in brood parasite-host research.}, }
@article {pmid32363388, year = {2020}, author = {Chan, CGH and Yow, WQ and Oei, A}, title = {Active Bilingualism in Aging: Balanced Bilingualism Usage and Less Frequent Language Switching Relate to Better Conflict Monitoring and Goal Maintenance Ability.}, journal = {The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences}, volume = {75}, number = {9}, pages = {e231-e241}, doi = {10.1093/geronb/gbaa058}, pmid = {32363388}, issn = {1758-5368}, mesh = {Aged ; Aging/*psychology ; *Cognition ; *Executive Function ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Language ; Male ; Motivation ; *Multilingualism ; Reaction Time ; Speech Production Measurement/methods/psychology ; Task Performance and Analysis ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Experience-related neuroplasticity suggests that bilinguals who actively manage their two languages would develop more efficient neural organization at brain regions related to language control, which also overlap with areas involved in executive control. Our aim was to examine how active bilingualism-manifested as the regular balanced use of two languages and language switching-may be related to the different domains of executive control in highly proficient healthy older adult bilinguals, controlling for age, processing speed, and fluid intelligence.<br><br>METHODS: Participants were 76 community-dwelling older adults who reported being physically and mentally healthy and showed no signs of cognitive impairment. They completed a self-report questionnaire on their language background, two computer measures for previously identified covariates (processing speed as measured by two-choice reaction time (RT) task and fluid intelligence as measured by the Raven's Progressive Matrices), as well as a battery of computerized executive control tasks (Color-shape Task Switching, Stroop, Flanker, and Spatial 2-back task).<br><br>RESULTS: Regression analyses showed that, even after controlling for age, processing speed, and fluid intelligence, more balanced bilingualism usage and less frequent language switching predicted higher goal maintenance (nonswitch trials RT in Color-shape Task Switching) and conflict monitoring abilities (global RT in Color-shape Task Switching and Flanker task).<br><br>DISCUSSION: Results suggest that active bilingualism may provide benefits to maintaining specific executive control abilities in older adult bilinguals against the natural age-related declines.}, }
@article {pmid32330422, year = {2020}, author = {Ksepka, DT and Balanoff, AM and Smith, NA and Bever, GS and Bhullar, BS and Bourdon, E and Braun, EL and Burleigh, JG and Clarke, JA and Colbert, MW and Corfield, JR and Degrange, FJ and De Pietri, VL and Early, CM and Field, DJ and Gignac, PM and Gold, MEL and Kimball, RT and Kawabe, S and Lefebvre, L and Marugán-Lobón, J and Mongle, CS and Morhardt, A and Norell, MA and Ridgely, RC and Rothman, RS and Scofield, RP and Tambussi, CP and Torres, CR and van Tuinen, M and Walsh, SA and Watanabe, A and Witmer, LM and Wright, AK and Zanno, LE and Jarvis, ED and Smaers, JB}, title = {Tempo and Pattern of Avian Brain Size Evolution.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {30}, number = {11}, pages = {2026-2036.e3}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2020.03.060}, pmid = {32330422}, issn = {1879-0445}, support = {MR/S032177/1/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; /HHMI/Howard Hughes Medical Institute/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; Birds/*anatomy &amp; histology/*genetics ; Brain/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Organ Size ; }, abstract = {Relative brain sizes in birds can rival those of primates, but large-scale patterns and drivers of avian brain evolution remain elusive. Here, we explore the evolution of the fundamental brain-body scaling relationship across the origin and evolution of birds. Using a comprehensive dataset sampling> 2,000 modern birds, fossil birds, and theropod dinosaurs, we infer patterns of brain-body co-variation in deep time. Our study confirms that no significant increase in relative brain size accompanied the trend toward miniaturization or evolution of flight during the theropod-bird transition. Critically, however, theropods and basal birds show weaker integration between brain size and body size, allowing for rapid changes in the brain-body relationship that set the stage for dramatic shifts in early crown birds. We infer that major shifts occurred rapidly in the aftermath of the Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction within Neoaves, in which multiple clades achieved higher relative brain sizes because of a reduction in body size. Parrots and corvids achieved the largest brains observed in birds via markedly different patterns. Parrots primarily reduced their body size, whereas corvids increased body and brain size simultaneously (with rates of brain size evolution outpacing rates of body size evolution). Collectively, these patterns suggest that an early adaptive radiation in brain size laid the foundation for subsequent selection and stabilization.}, }
@article {pmid32273542, year = {2020}, author = {Al-Sabah, R and Al-Taiar, A and Rahman, A and Shaban, L and Al-Harbi, A and Mojiminiyi, O}, title = {Season of birth and sugary beverages are predictors of Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices Scores in adolescents.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {6145}, pmid = {32273542}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Child ; *Cognition ; Female ; Humans ; Kuwait ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Psychology, Adolescent ; Risk Factors ; *Seasons ; Sex Factors ; Sugar-Sweetened Beverages/*adverse effects ; }, abstract = {To investigate factors associated with cognitive functioning in healthy adolescents, a school-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 1370 adolescents aged 11-16 years that were randomly selected from all governorates of Kuwait. Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM), a non-verbal test of intelligence, was used to measure cognitive functioning of the study participants. Data on predictors of cognitive functioning were collected from parents and adolescents. Weight and height of the participants were measured in a standardized manner and blood samples were tested in an accredited laboratory under strict measures of quality control. In multivariable linear regression analysis, factors that showed significant association with the SPM score were gender (p = 0.002), season of birth (p = 0.009), place of residence (p < 0.001), father's (p < 0.001) and mother's (p = 0.025) educational level, type of housing (p < 0.001), passive smoking at home (p = 0.031), sleeping hours during weekends (p = 0.017), students' educational level (p < 0.001) and the frequency of consumption of sugary drinks (p < 0.001). The link between cognitive functioning and season of birth seems to be robust in various geographical locations including the Middle East. The association between sugary drinks and cognitive functioning highlights the importance of diet independently of obesity and support efforts to reduce consumption of sugary drinks among children.}, }
@article {pmid32219010, year = {2019}, author = {Wang, Y and Shen, Y and Liu, Z and Liang, PP and Zadeh, A and Morency, LP}, title = {Words Can Shift: Dynamically Adjusting Word Representations Using Nonverbal Behaviors.}, journal = {Proceedings of the ... AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence. AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence}, volume = {33}, number = {1}, pages = {7216-7223}, pmid = {32219010}, issn = {2159-5399}, support = {R01 MH096951/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Humans convey their intentions through the usage of both verbal and nonverbal behaviors during face-to-face communication. Speaker intentions often vary dynamically depending on different nonverbal contexts, such as vocal patterns and facial expressions. As a result, when modeling human language, it is essential to not only consider the literal meaning of the words but also the nonverbal contexts in which these words appear. To better model human language, we first model expressive nonverbal representations by analyzing the fine-grained visual and acoustic patterns that occur during word segments. In addition, we seek to capture the dynamic nature of nonverbal intents by shifting word representations based on the accompanying nonverbal behaviors. To this end, we propose the Recurrent Attended Variation Embedding Network (RAVEN) that models the fine-grained structure of nonverbal subword sequences and dynamically shifts word representations based on nonverbal cues. Our proposed model achieves competitive performance on two publicly available datasets for multimodal sentiment analysis and emotion recognition. We also visualize the shifted word representations in different nonverbal contexts and summarize common patterns regarding multimodal variations of word representations.}, }
@article {pmid32206923, year = {2020}, author = {Lambert, ML and Osvath, M}, title = {Investigating information seeking in ravens (Corvus corax).}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {23}, number = {4}, pages = {671-680}, pmid = {32206923}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; Cebus ; *Crows ; Information Seeking Behavior ; Macaca ; *Metacognition ; }, abstract = {Measuring the responses of non-human animals to situations of uncertainty is thought to shed light on an animal's metacognitive processes; namely, whether they monitor their own knowledge states. For example, when presented with a foraging task, great apes and macaques selectively seek information about the location of a food item when they have not seen where it was hidden, compared to when they have. We presented this same information seeking task to ravens, in which a food item was hidden in one of three containers, and subjects could either watch where the food was hidden, infer its location through visual or auditory clues, or were given no information. We found that unlike several ape species and macaques, but similar to capuchin monkeys, the ravens looked inside at least one tube on every trial, but typically only once, inside the baited tube, when they had either witnessed it being baited or could visually infer the reward's location. In contrast, subjects looked more often within trials in which they had not witnessed the baiting or were provided with auditory cues about the reward's location. Several potential explanations for these ceiling levels of looking are discussed, including how it may relate to the uncertainty faced by ravens when retrieving food caches.}, }
@article {pmid32201438, year = {2020}, author = {Gallego-Abenza, M and Loretto, MC and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Decision time modulates social foraging success in wild common ravens, Corvus corax.}, journal = {Ethology : formerly Zeitschrift fur Tierpsychologie}, volume = {126}, number = {4}, pages = {413-422}, pmid = {32201438}, issn = {0179-1613}, support = {P 29705/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; W 1262/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {Social foraging provides several benefits for individuals but also bears the potential costs of higher competition. In some species, such competition arises through kleptoparasitism, that is when an animal takes food which was caught or collected by a member of its social group. Except in the context of caching, few studies have investigated how individuals avoid kleptoparasitism, which could be based on physical strength/dominance but also cognitive skills. Here, we investigated the foraging success of wild common ravens, Corvus corax, experiencing high levels of kleptoparasitism from conspecifics when snatching food from the daily feedings of captive wild boars in a game park in the Austrian Alps. Success in keeping the food depended mainly on the individuals' age class and was positively correlated with the time to make a decision in whether to fly off with food or consume it on site. While the effect of age class suggests that dominant and/or experienced individuals are better in avoiding kleptoparasitism, the effect of decision time indicates that individuals benefit from applying cognition to such decision-making, independently of age class. We discuss our findings in the context of the ecological and social intelligence hypotheses referring to the development of cognitive abilities. We conclude that investigating which factors underline kleptoparasitism avoidance is a promising scenario to test specific predictions derived from these hypotheses.}, }
@article {pmid32178710, year = {2020}, author = {England, ME and Pearce-Kelly, P and Brugman, VA and King, S and Gubbins, S and Sach, F and Sanders, CJ and Masters, NJ and Denison, E and Carpenter, S}, title = {Culicoides species composition and molecular identification of host blood meals at two zoos in the UK.}, journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {139}, pmid = {32178710}, issn = {1756-3305}, support = {BBS/E/I/00007037/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BBS/E/I/00007039/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BBS/E/I/00007038/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BBS/E/I/00007033/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Zoo/*blood ; Ceratopogonidae/*classification ; *Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Insect Vectors/classification ; Male ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Culicoides biting midges are biological vectors of arboviruses including bluetongue virus (BTV), Schmallenberg virus (SBV) and African horse sickness virus (AHSV). Zoos are home to a wide range of 'at risk' exotic and native species of animals. These animals have a high value both in monetary terms, conservation significance and breeding potential. To understand the risk these viruses pose to zoo animals, it is necessary to characterise the Culicoides fauna at zoos and determine which potential vector species are feeding on which hosts.<br><br>METHODS: Light-suction traps were used at two UK zoos: the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) London Zoo (LZ) and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo (WZ). Traps were run one night each week from June 2014 to June 2015. Culicoides were morphologically identified to the species level and any blood-fed Culicoides were processed for blood-meal analysis. DNA from blood meals was extracted and amplified using previously published primers. Sequencing was then carried out to determine the host species.<br><br>RESULTS: A total of 11,648 Culicoides were trapped and identified (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;5880 from ZSL WZ; n&#x2009;=&#x2009;5768 from ZSL LZ), constituting 25 different species. The six putative vectors of BTV, SBV and AHSV in northern Europe were found at both zoos and made up the majority of the total catch (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;10,701). A total of 31 host sequences were obtained from blood-fed Culicoides. Culicoides obsoletus/C. scoticus, Culicoides dewulfi, Culicoides parroti and Culicoides punctatus were found to be biting a wide range of mammals including Bactrian camels, Indian rhinoceros, Asian elephants and humans, with Culicoides obsoletus/C. scoticus also biting Darwin's rhea. The bird-biting species, Culicoides achrayi, was found to be feeding on blackbirds, blue tits, magpies and carrion crows.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study to directly confirm blood-feeding of Culicoides on exotic zoo animals in the UK and shows that they are able to utilise a wide range of exotic as well as native host species. Due to the susceptibility of some zoo animals to Culicoides-borne arboviruses, this study demonstrates that in the event of an outbreak of one of these viruses in the UK, preventative and mitigating measures would need to be taken.}, }
@article {pmid32160191, year = {2020}, author = {Miller, R and Gruber, R and Frohnwieser, A and Schiestl, M and Jelbert, SA and Gray, RD and Boeckle, M and Taylor, AH and Clayton, NS}, title = {Decision-making flexibility in New Caledonian crows, young children and adult humans in a multi-dimensional tool-use task.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {15}, number = {3}, pages = {e0219874}, pmid = {32160191}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Adult ; Animals ; Child, Preschool ; Cockatoos/physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; *Decision Making ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Pongo/physiology ; *Task Performance and Analysis ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {The ability to make profitable decisions in natural foraging contexts may be influenced by an additional requirement of tool-use, due to increased levels of relational complexity and additional work-effort imposed by tool-use, compared with simply choosing between an immediate and delayed food item. We examined the flexibility for making the most profitable decisions in a multi-dimensional tool-use task, involving different apparatuses, tools and rewards of varying quality, in 3-5-year-old children, adult humans and tool-making New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides). We also compared our results to previous studies on habitually tool-making orangutans (Pongo abelii) and non-tool-making Goffin's cockatoos (Cacatua goffiniana). Adult humans, cockatoos and crows, but not children and orangutans, did not select a tool when it was not necessary, which was the more profitable choice in this situation. Adult humans, orangutans and cockatoos, but not crows and children, were able to refrain from selecting non-functional tools. By contrast, the birds, but not the primates tested, struggled to attend to multiple variables-where two apparatuses, two tools and two reward qualities were presented simultaneously-without extended experience. These findings indicate: (1) in a similar manner to humans and orangutans, New Caledonian crows and Goffin's cockatoos can flexibly make profitable decisions in some decision-making tool-use tasks, though the birds may struggle when tasks become more complex; (2) children and orangutans may have a bias to use tools in situations where adults and other tool-making species do not.}, }
@article {pmid32116601, year = {2020}, author = {Zakharov, I and Tabueva, A and Adamovich, T and Kovas, Y and Malykh, S}, title = {Alpha Band Resting-State EEG Connectivity Is Associated With Non-verbal Intelligence.}, journal = {Frontiers in human neuroscience}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {10}, pmid = {32116601}, issn = {1662-5161}, abstract = {The aim of the present study was to investigate whether EEG resting state connectivity correlates with intelligence. One-hundred and sixty five participants took part in the study. Six minutes of eyes closed EEG resting state was recorded for each participant. Graph theoretical connectivity metrics were calculated separately for two well-established synchronization measures [weighted Phase Lag Index (wPLI) and Imaginary Coherence (iMCOH)] and for sensor- and source EEG space. Non-verbal intelligence was measured with Raven's Progressive Matrices. In line with the Neural Efficiency Hypothesis, path lengths characteristics of the brain networks (Average and Characteristic Path lengths, Diameter and Closeness Centrality) within alpha band range were significantly correlated with non-verbal intelligence for sensor space but no for source space. According to our results, variance in non-verbal intelligence measure can be mainly explained by the graph metrics built from the networks that include both weak and strong connections between the nodes.}, }
@article {pmid32095315, year = {2020}, author = {Tringali, A and Sherer, DL and Cosgrove, J and Bowman, R}, title = {Life history stage explains behavior in a social network before and during the early breeding season in a cooperatively breeding bird.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {8}, number = {}, pages = {e8302}, pmid = {32095315}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {In species with stage-structured populations selection pressures may vary between different life history stages and result in stage-specific behaviors. We use life history stage to explain variation in the pre and early breeding season social behavior of a cooperatively breeding bird, the Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) using social network analysis. Life history stage explains much of the variation we observed in social network position. These differences are consistent with nearly 50 years of natural history observations and generally conform to a priori predictions about how individuals in different stages should behave to maximize their individual fitness. Where the results from the social network analysis differ from the a priori predictions suggest that social interactions between members of different groups are more important for breeders than previously thought. Our results emphasize the importance of accounting for life history stage in studies of individual social behavior.}, }
@article {pmid32094457, year = {2020}, author = {Fongaro, E and Rose, J}, title = {Crows control working memory before and after stimulus encoding.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {3253}, pmid = {32094457}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Attention ; *Behavior, Animal ; Biological Evolution ; Crows/*physiology ; Cues ; Fixation, Ocular ; Male ; *Memory, Short-Term ; *Reaction Time ; }, abstract = {The capacity of working memory is limited and this limit is comparable in crows and primates. To maximize this resource, humans use attention to select only relevant information for maintenance. Interestingly, attention-cues are effective not only before but also after the presentation of to-be-remembered stimuli, highlighting control mechanisms beyond sensory selection. Here we explore if crows are also capable of these forms of control over working memory. Two crows (Corvus corone) were trained to memorize two, four or six visual stimuli. Comparable to our previous results, the crows showed a decrease in performance with increasing working memory load. Using attention cues, we indicated the critical stimulus on a given trial. These cues were either presented before (pre-cue) or after sample-presentation (retro-cue). On other trials no cue was given as to which stimulus was critical. We found that both pre- and retro-cues enhance the performance of the birds. These results show that crows, like humans, can utilize attention to select relevant stimuli for maintenance in working memory. Importantly, crows can also utilize cues to make the most of their working memory capacity even after the stimuli are already held in working memory. This strongly implies that crows can engage in efficient control over working memory.}, }
@article {pmid32069366, year = {2020}, author = {Knief, U and Bossu, CM and Wolf, JBW}, title = {Extra-pair paternity as a strategy to reduce the costs of heterospecific reproduction? Insights from the crow hybrid zone.}, journal = {Journal of evolutionary biology}, volume = {33}, number = {5}, pages = {727-733}, doi = {10.1111/jeb.13607}, pmid = {32069366}, issn = {1420-9101}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*genetics ; Europe ; Female ; *Hybridization, Genetic ; Male ; Paternity ; *Sexual Behavior, Animal ; }, abstract = {Within hybrid zones of socially monogamous species, the number of mating opportunities with a conspecific can be limited. As a consequence, individuals may mate with a heterospecific (social) partner despite possible fitness costs to their hybrid offspring. Extra-pair copulations with a conspecific may thus arise as a possible post hoc strategy to reduce the costs of hybridization. We here assessed the rate of extra-pair paternity in the hybrid zone between all-black carrion crows (Corvus (corone) corone) and grey hooded crows (C. (c.) cornix) and tested whether extra-pair paternity (EPP) was more likely in broods where parents differed in plumage colour. The proportion of broods with at least one extra-pair offspring and the proportion of extra-pair offspring were low overall (6.98% and 2.90%, respectively) with no evidence of hybrid broods having higher EPP rates than purebred nests.}, }
@article {pmid32057691, year = {2020}, author = {Gregory, PA and Seuthprachack, W and Austin, Z}, title = {Community pharmacists' perceptions of leadership.}, journal = {Research in social &amp; administrative pharmacy : RSAP}, volume = {16}, number = {12}, pages = {1737-1745}, doi = {10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.02.001}, pmid = {32057691}, issn = {1934-8150}, mesh = {Attitude of Health Personnel ; *Community Pharmacy Services ; Humans ; Leadership ; Ontario ; Perception ; *Pharmacists ; Professional Role ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Concerns have been expressed regarding a "leadership crisis" in pharmacy. Previous research has identified potential barriers to pharmacists assuming leadership roles and signposted opportunities for further exploration of leadership issues in the profession related to psychological comfort with use of power.<br><br>OBJECTIVES: This study explored community pharmacists' perceptions of the effectiveness and impact of power leveraged by formal and informal pharmacy leaders.<br><br>METHODS: A theoretical framework based on Raven's 7 Sources of Power model was used to guide this research. Semi-structured interviews with community pharmacists in Ontario, Canada were undertaken, and data were coded and categorized using this framework.<br><br>FINDINGS: 29 pharmacists participated in this study. Participants in this study highlighted over-reliance on charismatic power, underuse of rewards and punishments, and general lack of effectiveness or impact in use of informational, expertise, positional, and relational powers amongst pharmacy leaders. Opportunities to broaden the power repertoire of pharmacy leaders, including leadership education, were identified as potentially valuable for individual leaders and the profession as a whole.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Effectively leveraging power is important for leaders. This study has highlighted patterns of power use amongst community pharmacy leaders and identified opportunities for further research in this area and for continuing professional development for leaders.}, }
@article {pmid32050797, year = {2020}, author = {Stockbridge, MD and Newman, RS and Zukowski, A and Slawson, KK and Doran, A and Ratner, NB}, title = {Language profiles in children with concussion.}, journal = {Brain injury}, volume = {34}, number = {4}, pages = {567-574}, doi = {10.1080/02699052.2020.1725836}, pmid = {32050797}, issn = {1362-301X}, mesh = {Attention ; *Brain Concussion/complications/diagnosis ; Child ; Humans ; *Language ; Memory, Short-Term ; }, abstract = {Primary Objective: Inform the production of a screening tool for language in children with concussion. The authors predicted that children with a recent concussion would perform the cognitive-linguistic tasks more poorly, but some tasks may be more sensitive to concussion than others.Methods &amp; Procedures: 22 elementary school aged children within 30 days of a concussion and age-matched peers with no history of concussion were assessed on a battery of novel language and cognitive-linguistic tasks. They also completed an auditory attention task and the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices.Main Outcomes &amp; Results: Children with a recent concussion scored significantly more poorly in novel tasks targeting category identification, grammaticality judgments, and recognizing target words presented in a short story than their age-matched peers with no such injury history. All observed effects had moderate sizes. Inclusion of these three tasks significantly improved prediction of concussion status over symptom score when controlling for the age of participants.Conclusions: The finding supports continued investigation of targeted linguistic tasks in children following concussion, particularly in the domains of semantic and syntactic access and verbal working memory. Future work developing brief language assessments specifically targeting children in this age range may provide a valuable addition to the existing tools for identifying the effects of concussion.}, }
@article {pmid32050472, year = {2020}, author = {Tryjanowski, P and Hetman, M and Czechowski, P and Grzywaczewski, G and Sklenicka, P and Ziemblińska, K and Sparks, TH}, title = {Birds Drinking Alcohol: Species and Relationship with People. A Review of Information from Scientific Literature and Social Media.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {10}, number = {2}, pages = {}, pmid = {32050472}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {Ethanol is a natural by-product of the fermentation process of fruit sugars and is occasionally consumed by fruit-eating and tree sap drinking birds. Information on this form of alcohol consumption features in the scientific literature. However, as pets or as wild animals living close to humans in urban habitats, birds have increasing possibilities to consume alcohol from beverages, such as beer, wine or spirits. Some observations have been discussed in a light-hearted manner in mass media and social media, but without any generalization of why some bird species drink the beverages intentionally or unintentionally provided by humans. To check which species and in what circumstances birds drink alcohol and how this is evaluated by humans, we reviewed the scientific literature and analysed videos from YouTube. In total we found and analysed 8 scientific papers and 179 YouTube videos, from which we identified at least 55 species (in some cases not all birds were identified to species level), 11 in the scientific literature and 47 in videos. The distribution of these species over the avian phylogenetic tree suggests that the origin of this convergent behaviour is mainly by human influence. The two data sources differed in the species covered. Videos typically presented interactions of birds with human-provided alcoholic beverages, and were dominated by two groups of intelligent birds: parrots and corvids. The popularity of YouTube videos for a particular species was positively correlated with the general popularity of the species as measured by the number of hits (results listed) on Google. Human responses to the videos were generally very positive and we analysed how the responses were influenced by factors derived from viewing the videos. Moreover, YouTube videos also provide information on at least 47 new bird species not previously mentioned as using alcohol, and our results suggest that parrots in particular can be potentially good candidates for future restricted laboratory studies on the effect of ethanol on birds and their relationship with humans.}, }
@article {pmid32038192, year = {2020}, author = {Luo, W and Zhou, R}, title = {Can Working Memory Task-Related EEG Biomarkers Measure Fluid Intelligence and Predict Academic Achievement in Healthy Children?.}, journal = {Frontiers in behavioral neuroscience}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {2}, pmid = {32038192}, issn = {1662-5153}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Educational psychology research has linked fluid intelligence (Gf) with working memory (WM), but it is still dubious whether electroencephalography (EEG) markers robustly indicate Gf. This study addresses this issue and notes the relationship between WM task-related EEG markers with Gf and academic performance.<br><br>METHOD: A sample of 62 healthy children between the ages of 9 and 12 years was selected to perform three tasks: (1) Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM) test to assess Gf; (2) 2-back task to assess central executive system (CES); and (3) delayed match-to-sample task to assess short-term storage. These subjects were divided into high ability (HA) and low ability (LA) groups based on their RSPM scores. Support vector machine and logistic regression were used to train the EEG candidate indicators. A multiple regression was used to predict children's academic performance using P3 amplitude, P2 latency, and &#x3b8;-ERS.<br><br>RESULTS: Behavioral results demonstrated that the correct rate of the HA group is higher than that of the LA group. The event-related potential results of the 2-back task showed that the P3 amplitude of the HA group was relatively larger and that the P2 latency was shorter than that observed in the LA group. For the delayed matching to sample task, the &#x3b8;-ERS of the LA group was higher than that of the HA group. However, the area under the curve of these three indicators for Gf was < 0.75 for each and < 0.85 for the combined indicators. In predicting academic performance, only P3 amplitude showed a significant effect.<br><br>CONCLUSION: These results challenge previous findings, which reported that P3, P2, or theta power might be used in standard psychometric tests to assess an individual's intelligence.}, }
@article {pmid32035868, year = {2020}, author = {Swift, KN and Marzluff, JM and Templeton, CN and Shimizu, T and Cross, DJ}, title = {Brain activity underlying American crow processing of encounters with dead conspecifics.}, journal = {Behavioural brain research}, volume = {385}, number = {}, pages = {112546}, pmid = {32035868}, issn = {1872-7549}, support = {S10 OD017980/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; S10 RR024689/RR/NCRR NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Acoustic Stimulation ; Amygdala/diagnostic imaging/physiology ; Animals ; Brain/*diagnostic imaging/physiology ; Corpus Striatum/diagnostic imaging/physiology ; Crows ; *Death ; Decision Making ; Fear/*physiology ; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 ; Functional Neuroimaging ; Hippocampus/diagnostic imaging/physiology ; Learning/*physiology ; Photic Stimulation ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; Radiopharmaceuticals ; Septum of Brain/diagnostic imaging/physiology ; *Social Behavior ; Thanatology ; *Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {Animals utilize a variety of auditory and visual cues to navigate the landscape of fear. For some species, including corvids, dead conspecifics appear to act as one such visual cue of danger, and prompt alarm calling by attending conspecifics. Which brain regions mediate responses to dead conspecifics, and how this compares to other threats, has so far only been speculative. Using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) we contrast the metabolic response to visual and auditory cues associated with a dead conspecific among five a priori selected regions in the American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) brain: the hippocampus, nidopallium caudolaterale, striatum, amygdala, and the septum. Using a repeated-measures, fully balanced approach, we exposed crows to four stimuli: a dead conspecific, a dead song sparrow (Melospiza melodia), conspecific alarm calls given in response to a dead crow, and conspecific food begging calls. We find that in response to observations of a dead crow, crows show significant activity in areas associated with higher-order decision-making (NCL), but not in areas associated with social behaviors or fear learning. We do not find strong differences in activation between hearing alarm calls and food begging calls; both activate the NCL. Lastly, repeated exposures to negative stimuli had a marginal effect on later increasing the subjects' brain activity in response to control stimuli, suggesting that crows might quickly learn from negative experiences.}, }
@article {pmid32024887, year = {2020}, author = {Segura, A and Jimenez, J and Acevedo, P}, title = {Predation of young tortoises by ravens: the effect of habitat structure on tortoise detectability and abundance.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {1874}, pmid = {32024887}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {*Animal Distribution ; Animals ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; Crows/*physiology ; Forests ; Morocco ; Population Density ; Population Dynamics ; *Predatory Behavior ; Turtles/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The predation of young tortoise is considered a major cause of mortality for many tortoise species. The predation by common ravens has been identified as being responsible for significant decreases in tortoise populations. Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise hatchlings and juveniles in Maamora forest (Morocco) were studied in order to describe the size/age class predation of common ravens on young tortoises and infer the drivers of predation risk and population abundance. The results showed a high level of predation on young tortoises (<75 mm carapace length) attributed to ravens in areas with low vegetation cover, representing 100% of the cases of mortality (n = 147), but it was moderate in covered areas (n = 19), representing 12-27%. The population structure of living juveniles differed significantly between covered and uncovered areas, thus suggesting that raven predation might modify juvenile population structure. Finally, N-mixture models showed a positive relationship between (i) bare cover and tortoise detectability that is only evidenced when the plot is far from a perch and (ii) population abundance and shrub species-richness, being higher in uncovered areas. Our results improve the knowledge on predation and survival on this critical stage in life, which is crucial for the conservation of the Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise.}, }
@article {pmid32022303, year = {2020}, author = {Slabe, VA and Anderson, JT and Cooper, J and Miller, TA and Brown, B and Wrona, A and Ortiz, P and Buchweitz, J and McRuer, D and Dominguez-Villegas, E and Behmke, S and Katzner, T}, title = {Feeding Ecology Drives Lead Exposure of Facultative and Obligate Avian Scavengers in the Eastern United States.}, journal = {Environmental toxicology and chemistry}, volume = {39}, number = {4}, pages = {882-892}, doi = {10.1002/etc.4680}, pmid = {32022303}, issn = {1552-8618}, support = {//Virginia Department of Inland Game and Fisheries/International ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/*chemically induced ; *Diet ; Ecology ; Environmental Exposure/*analysis ; Environmental Pollutants/analysis/*toxicity ; Female ; Lead/analysis/*toxicity ; Lead Poisoning/*veterinary ; Liver/chemistry ; Seasons ; Species Specificity ; United States ; }, abstract = {Lead poisoning of scavenging birds is a global issue. However, the drivers of lead exposure of avian scavengers have been understood from the perspective of individual species, not cross-taxa assemblages. We analyzed blood (n = 285) and liver (n = 226) lead concentrations of 5 facultative (American crows [Corvus brachyrhynchos], bald eagles [Haliaeetus leucocephalus], golden eagles [Aquila chrysaetos], red-shouldered hawks [Buteo lineatus], and red-tailed hawks [Buteo jamaicensis]) and 2 obligate (black vultures [Coragyps atratus] and turkey vultures [Cathartes aura] avian scavenger species to identify lead exposure patterns. Species and age were significant (α < 0.05) predictors of blood lead exposure of facultative scavengers; species, but not age, was a significant predictor of their liver lead exposure. We detected temporal variations in lead concentrations of facultative scavengers (blood: median = 4.41 µg/dL in spring and summer vs 13.08 µg/dL in autumn and winter; p = <0.001; liver: 0.32 ppm in spring and summer vs median = 4.25 ppm in autumn and winter; p = <0.001). At the species level, we detected between-period differences in blood lead concentrations of bald eagles (p = 0.01) and red-shouldered hawks during the winter (p = 0.001). During summer, obligate scavengers had higher liver lead concentrations than did facultative scavengers (median = 1.76 ppm vs 0.22 ppm; p = <0.001). These data suggest that the feeding ecology of avian scavengers is a determinant of the degree to which they are lead exposed, and they highlight the importance of dietary and behavioral variation in determining lead exposure. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:882-892. © 2020 SETAC.}, }
@article {pmid32020608, year = {2020}, author = {von Eugen, K and Tabrik, S and Güntürkün, O and Ströckens, F}, title = {A comparative analysis of the dopaminergic innervation of the executive caudal nidopallium in pigeon, chicken, zebra finch, and carrion crow.}, journal = {The Journal of comparative neurology}, volume = {528}, number = {17}, pages = {2929-2955}, doi = {10.1002/cne.24878}, pmid = {32020608}, issn = {1096-9861}, mesh = {Animals ; Chickens ; Columbidae ; Crows ; Dopaminergic Neurons/*physiology ; Finches ; Prefrontal Cortex/*cytology/*physiology ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Despite the long, separate evolutionary history of birds and mammals, both lineages developed a rich behavioral repertoire of remarkably similar executive control generated by distinctly different brains. The seat for executive functioning in birds is the nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL) and the mammalian equivalent is known as the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Both are densely innervated by dopaminergic fibers, and are an integration center of sensory input and motor output. Whereas the variation of the PFC has been well documented in different mammalian orders, we know very little about the NCL across the avian clade. In order to investigate whether this structure adheres to species-specific variations, this study aimed to describe the trajectory of the NCL in pigeon, chicken, carrion crow and zebra finch. We employed immunohistochemistry to map dopaminergic innervation, and executed a Gallyas stain to visualize the dorsal arcopallial tract that runs between the NCL and the arcopallium. Our analysis showed that whereas the trajectory of the NCL in the chicken is highly comparable to the pigeon, the two Passeriformes show a strikingly different pattern. In both carrion crow and zebra finch, we identified four different subareas of high dopaminergic innervation that span the entire caudal forebrain. Based on their sensory input, motor output, and involvement in dopamine-related cognitive control of the delineated areas here, we propose that at least three morphologically different subareas constitute the NCL in these songbirds. Thus, our study shows that comparable to the PFC in mammals, the NCL in birds varies considerably across species.}, }
@article {pmid32019934, year = {2020}, author = {Ditz, HM and Nieder, A}, title = {Format-dependent and format-independent representation of sequential and simultaneous numerosity in the crow endbrain.}, journal = {Nature communications}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {686}, pmid = {32019934}, issn = {2041-1723}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; Male ; Mathematical Concepts ; Neurons/physiology ; Telencephalon/*physiology ; Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {Humans' symbolic counting skills are built on a primordial ability to approximately estimate the number of items, or numerosity. To date it is debated whether numerosities presented in categorically different formats, that is as temporal sequences versus spatial arrays, are represented abstractly in the brain. To address this issue, we identified the behavioral characteristics and neuronal codes for sequential and simultaneous number formats in crows. We find a format-dependent representation by distinct groups of selective neurons during the sensory encoding stage. However, an abstract and format-independent numerosity code emerges once the encoding phase is completed and numerosities needed to be memorized. These results suggest a successive two-stage code for categorically different number formats and help to reconcile conflicting findings observed in psychophysics and brain imaging.}, }
@article {pmid32003106, year = {2020}, author = {Smith, OM and Snyder, WE and Owen, JP}, title = {Are we overestimating risk of enteric pathogen spillover from wild birds to humans?.}, journal = {Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society}, volume = {95}, number = {3}, pages = {652-679}, pmid = {32003106}, issn = {1469-185X}, mesh = {Animal Migration ; Animals ; Animals, Wild ; Bacterial Infections/epidemiology/microbiology/transmission/*veterinary ; Bird Diseases/epidemiology/microbiology/*transmission ; Birds ; Disease Reservoirs/microbiology/veterinary ; Humans ; Livestock ; Prevalence ; Regression Analysis ; Risk Factors ; Virulence ; }, abstract = {Enteric illnesses remain the second largest source of communicable diseases worldwide, and wild birds are suspected sources for human infection. This has led to efforts to reduce pathogen spillover through deterrence of wildlife and removal of wildlife habitat, particularly within farming systems, which can compromise conservation efforts and the ecosystem services wild birds provide. Further, Salmonella spp. are a significant cause of avian mortality, leading to additional conservation concerns. Despite numerous studies of enteric bacteria in wild birds and policies to discourage birds from food systems, we lack a comprehensive understanding of wild bird involvement in transmission of enteric bacteria to humans. Here, we propose a framework for understanding spillover of enteric pathogens from wild birds to humans, which includes pathogen acquisition, reservoir competence and bacterial shedding, contact with people and food, and pathogen survival in the environment. We place the literature into this framework to identify important knowledge gaps. Second, we conduct a meta-analysis of prevalence data for three human enteric pathogens, Campylobacter spp., E. coli, and Salmonella spp., in 431 North American breeding bird species. Our literature review revealed that only 3% of studies addressed the complete system of pathogen transmission. In our meta-analysis, we found a Campylobacter spp. prevalence of 27% across wild birds, while prevalence estimates of pathogenic E. coli (20%) and Salmonella spp. (6.4%) were lower. There was significant bias in which bird species have been tested, with most studies focusing on a small number of taxa that are common near people (e.g. European starlings Sturnus vulgaris and rock pigeons Columba livia) or commonly in contact with human waste (e.g. gulls). No pathogen prevalence data were available for 65% of North American breeding bird species, including many commonly in contact with humans (e.g. black-billed magpie Pica hudsonia and great blue heron Ardea herodias), and our metadata suggest that some under-studied species, taxonomic groups, and guilds may represent equivalent or greater risk to human infection than heavily studied species. We conclude that current data do not provide sufficient information to determine the likelihood of enteric pathogen spillover from wild birds to humans and thus preclude management solutions. The primary focus in the literature on pathogen prevalence likely overestimates the probability of enteric pathogen spillover from wild birds to humans because a pathogen must survive long enough at an infectious dose and be a strain that is able to colonize humans to cause infection. We propose that future research should focus on the large number of under-studied species commonly in contact with people and food production and demonstrate shedding of bacterial strains pathogenic to humans into the environment where people may contact them. Finally, studies assessing the duration and intensity of bacterial shedding and survival of bacteria in the environment in bird faeces will help provide crucial missing information necessary to calculate spillover probability. Addressing these essential knowledge gaps will support policy to reduce enteric pathogen spillover to humans and enhance bird conservation efforts that are currently undermined by unsupported fears of pathogen spillover from wild birds.}, }
@article {pmid31993982, year = {2020}, author = {Goto, K and Watanabe, S}, title = {The whole is equal to the sum of its parts: Pigeons (Columba livia) and crows (Corvus macrorhynchos) do not perceive emergent configurations.}, journal = {Learning &amp; behavior}, volume = {48}, number = {1}, pages = {53-65}, pmid = {31993982}, issn = {1543-4508}, mesh = {Animals ; *Columbidae ; *Crows ; Discrimination Learning ; Humans ; Pan troglodytes ; Reaction Time ; }, abstract = {We previously demonstrated that chimpanzees, like humans, showed better accuracy and faster response time in discriminating visual patterns when the patterns were presented in redundant and uninformative contexts than when they were presented alone. In the present study, we examined the effect of redundant context on pattern discrimination in pigeons (Columba livia) and large-billed crows (Corvus macrorhynchos) using the same task and stimuli as those used in our previous study on chimpanzees. Birds were trained to search for an odd target among homogenous distractors. Each stimulus was presented in one of three ways: (1) alone, (2) with identical context that resulted in emergent configuration to chimpanzees (congruent context), or (3) with identical context that did not result in emergent configuration to chimpanzees (incongruent context). In contrast to the facilitative effect of congruent contexts we previously reported in chimpanzees, the same contexts disrupted target localization performance in both pigeons and crows. These results imply that birds, unlike chimpanzees, do not perceive emergent configurations.}, }
@article {pmid31985169, year = {2020}, author = {Silleresi, S and Prévost, P and Zebib, R and Bonnet-Brilhault, F and Conte, D and Tuller, L}, title = {Identifying Language and Cognitive Profiles in Children With ASD via a Cluster Analysis Exploration: Implications for the New ICD-11.}, journal = {Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism Research}, volume = {13}, number = {7}, pages = {1155-1167}, doi = {10.1002/aur.2268}, pmid = {31985169}, issn = {1939-3806}, mesh = {*Autism Spectrum Disorder/complications ; Child ; Cluster Analysis ; Cognition ; Humans ; *International Classification of Diseases ; Language ; }, abstract = {The new version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) mentions the existence of four different profiles in the verbal part of the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), describing them as combinations of either spared or impaired functional language and intellectual abilities. The aim of the present study was to put ASD heterogeneity to the forefront by exploring whether clear profiles related to language and intellectual abilities emerge when investigation is extended to the entire spectrum, focusing on verbal children. Our study proposed a systematic investigation of both language (specifically, structural language abilities) and intellectual abilities (specifically, nonverbal cognitive abilities) in 51 6- to 12-year-old verbal children with ASD based on explicitly motivated measures. For structural language abilities, sentence repetition and nonword repetition tasks were selected; for nonverbal cognitive abilities, we chose Raven's Progressive Matrices, as well as Matrix Reasoning and Block Design from the Wechsler Scales. An integrative approach based on cluster analyses revealed five distinct profiles. Among these five profiles, all four logically possible combinations of structural language and nonverbal abilities mentioned in the ICD-11 were detected. Three profiles emerged among children with normal language abilities and two emerged among language-impaired children. Crucially, the existence of discrepant profiles of abilities suggests that children with ASD can display impaired language in presence of spared nonverbal intelligence or spared language in the presence of impaired nonverbal intelligence, reinforcing the hypothesis of the existence of a separate language module in the brain. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1155-1167. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: The present work put Autism Spectrum Disorder heterogeneity to the forefront by exploring whether clear profiles related to language and cognitive abilities emerge when investigation is extended to the entire spectrum (focusing on verbal children). The use of explicitly motivated measures of both language and cognitive abilities and of an unsupervised machine learning approach, the cluster analysis, (a) confirmed the existence of all four logically possible profiles evoked in the new ICD-11, (b) evoked the existence of (at least) a fifth profile of language/cognitive abilities, and (c) reinforced the hypothesis of a language module in the brain.}, }
@article {pmid31953130, year = {2020}, author = {Dutour, M and Ridley, AR}, title = {Females sing more often and at higher frequencies than males in Australian magpies.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {172}, number = {}, pages = {104045}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2020.104045}, pmid = {31953130}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; *Sex Characteristics ; Territoriality ; *Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {Birdsong is a particularly useful model for animal communication studies. However, current knowledge is derived mainly from the study of male song, and is therefore incomplete. Here, we investigated whether singing behaviour differs between sexes in the cooperatively breeding Western Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen dorsalis). This subspecies lives in territorial groups, and in our population there is a female-biased sex ratio, which may lead to a high level of female-female competition for males. Observations of 94 magpies (54 females, 40 males) revealed that females sang more often than males. As bird song is a sexually multidimensional signal, we also studied amplitude and structure of the main territorial high-amplitude song in magpie; the carol. We found that females sing at the same amplitude as males, but that male and female carols exhibit differences in frequency. These results highlight the importance of studying female song and may change our perception regarding the evolution of sex-specific traits, given the primary focus on male singing as a sexually selected trait in the literature to date. The next step is to discover additional species in which females sing more than males in order to improve our currently incomplete understanding of the evolution of bird song.}, }
@article {pmid31941921, year = {2020}, author = {Vernouillet, A and Kelly, DM}, title = {Individual exploratory responses are not repeatable across time or context for four species of food-storing corvid.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {394}, pmid = {31941921}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {4944-2017//Gouvernement du Canada | Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (Conseil de Recherches en Sciences Naturelles et en G&#xe9;nie du Canada)/International ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Discrimination, Psychological ; *Environment ; *Exploratory Behavior ; *Feeding Behavior ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Social Behavior ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Exploration is among one of the most studied of animal personality traits (i.e., individual-level behavioural responses repeatable across time and contexts). However, not all species show clear evidence of this personality trait, and this is particularly so for members of the Corvidae family. We assessed the exploratory behaviour of four food-caching corvid species: pinyon jays (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus), Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana), California scrub jays (Aphelocoma californica), and black-billed magpies (Pica hudsonia). Contextual repeatability was assessed through examining behavioural measures during the Novel Environment task and the Novel Object task, whereas temporal repeatability was assessed by examining changes in these measures over repeated trials. Our results suggest that, for corvids, an individual's exploratory behaviour was not repeatable across contexts or over time. Hence, we found no evidence that exploration constitutes a personality trait for these species of corvid. We did find differences in exploratory behaviour, at a species level, that may be explained by relative reliance on cached food.}, }
@article {pmid31938533, year = {2019}, author = {Kövér, L and Lengyel, S and Takenaka, M and Kirchmeir, A and Uhl, F and Miller, R and Schwab, C}, title = {Why do zoos attract crows? A comparative study from Europe and Asia.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {9}, number = {24}, pages = {14465-14475}, pmid = {31938533}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Crows have successfully colonized many cities, and urban zoos have been important in this process. To evaluate why zoos attract crows, we quantified crow numbers and behavior in three zoos in Europe (Debrecen, Edinburgh, Vienna) and one in Asia (Sapporo). Data were collected in 445 surveys over 297 days in summer 2014 and winter 2014-2015. We found that crow numbers were highest in Vienna, intermediate in Debrecen and Edinburgh and lowest in Sapporo, increased significantly from summer to winter (Debrecen, Edinburgh, Vienna), and from mornings to afternoons (Debrecen, Sapporo, Vienna), and were higher in sunny weather than in cloudy weather with precipitation and when visitor numbers were low (Debrecen, Vienna). The crows' use of natural food was highest in Vienna, intermediate in Edinburgh and Sapporo, and low in Debrecen. The use of anthropogenic food was high in Debrecen and Sapporo, where the availability of open grassy areas typically used by crows for natural foraging was low. In Sapporo, food availability was more limited than in other zoos, resulting in strong territoriality and few crows in summer, which decreased further in winter. Our study indicates that crows are primarily attracted to zoos by food availability and secondarily by breeding opportunities and that the relative importance of natural versus anthropogenic food sources may vary with zoo habitat structure. Our study draws attention to a previously overlooked role of zoos in urban biodiversity conservation. It may also provide useful information for the management of crow populations, if necessary, and for the planning of urban areas.}, }
@article {pmid31934505, year = {2020}, author = {Jiang, S and Li, Z and Cheng, X and Wang, X}, title = {The first pterosaur basihyal, shedding light on the evolution and function of pterosaur hyoid apparatuses.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {8}, number = {}, pages = {e8292}, pmid = {31934505}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {The pterosaur is the first known vertebrate clade to achieve powered flight. Its hyoid apparatus shows a simplification similar to that of birds, although samples of the apparatus are rare, limiting the ability to make an accurate determination. In this study we reveal a new pterosaur specimen, including the first definite basihyal. Through the comparison of pterosaur hyoids, a trend has been discovered for the shortened hyoid relative to the length of the skull, indicating a diminished role of lingual retraction during the evolution of the pterosaur. The new material, possibly from a gallodactylid Gladocephaloideus, represents one of the least effective lingual retractions in all pterosaurs. Based on the structure of an elongated ceratobranchial and retroarticular process on mandibles, the function of the Y-shaped istiodactylid tongue bone is similar to those of scavenger crows rather than chameleons, which is consistent with the interpretation of the scavenging behavior of this taxon. More fossil samples are needed for further study on the function of other pterosaur hyoids.}, }
@article {pmid31915061, year = {2020}, author = {Takaya, M and Ishii, K and Kubota, I and Shirakawa, O}, title = {The Landscape Montage Technique for diagnosing frontotemporal dementia starting as primary progressive aphasia: a case report.}, journal = {Journal of medical case reports}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {5}, pmid = {31915061}, issn = {1752-1947}, mesh = {Aphasia, Primary Progressive/*classification/*diagnosis ; Cerebral Cortex/diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Frontotemporal Dementia/*diagnosis ; Humans ; Japan ; Middle Aged ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Landscape Montage Technique was originally developed by Hisao Nakai, a Japanese psychiatrist, to pursue the possibility and application of a psychotherapeutic approach using drawing for patients with schizophrenia. Drawing was initially adopted to evaluate patients with an impaired ability for verbal expression, particularly for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with schizophrenia. Since its development, the Landscape Montage Technique has been utilized in various clinical settings throughout Japan. This study aimed to evaluate the psychiatric conditions of a patient diagnosed as having primary progressive aphasia using the Landscape Montage Technique at a 3-year follow-up.<br><br>CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 64-year-old, right-handed Japanese woman initially diagnosed as having logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia or logopenic aphasia. At a 3-year follow-up, logopenic aphasia progressed to behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia or frontotemporal dementia. According to her husband, she began to have speech difficulties approximately 5&#x2009;years before her first visit. The results&#xa0;of neurocognitive tests suggested mild cognitive impairment or early stages of dementia. Her clinical dementia rating score was 0.5, suggesting a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment. She had a Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices score of 31 out of 36, which indicated a nonverbal cognitive ability that was greater than the 90th percentile for her age. The Japanese Standard Language Test of Aphasia, which was performed at two points during the follow-up, indicated the possibility for a diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia given the progression of her aphasia. Based on her clinical symptoms and Japanese Standard Language Test of Aphasia results, a diagnosis of logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia was established. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed severe predominant left frontal and anterior temporal atrophy, as well as bilateral parietal atrophy. Amyloid beta deposition was negative. At the 3-year follow-up, logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia had progressed to behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia. However, the Landscape Montage Technique allowed for the diagnosis of behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia only 2&#x2009;years after baseline.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that the Landscape Montage Technique can be useful for diagnosing behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia that starts as logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia at earlier stages.}, }
@article {pmid31912522, year = {2020}, author = {Spanoudis, CG and Andreadis, SS and Bray, DP and Savopoulou-Soultani, M and Ignell, R}, title = {Behavioural response of the house mosquitoes Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex pipiens molestus to avian odours and its reliance on carbon dioxide.}, journal = {Medical and veterinary entomology}, volume = {34}, number = {2}, pages = {129-137}, doi = {10.1111/mve.12429}, pmid = {31912522}, issn = {1365-2915}, mesh = {Animals ; Carbon Dioxide/*metabolism ; *Chemotaxis ; Chickens/metabolism ; Columbidae/metabolism ; Culex/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Male ; Odorants/*analysis ; Songbirds/metabolism ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {How Culex (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes select and discriminate between potential avian hosts is critical for understanding the epidemiology of West Nile virus. Therefore, the present authors studied the behavioural responses of Culex quinquefasciatus (Say) and Culex pipiens molestus (Forsskål) to headspace volatiles of three avian species [chicken and pigeon (sexes analysed separately), and magpie], presented either alone or in combination with 600 p.p.m. carbon dioxide (CO2). The attraction of Cx. quinquefasciatus to the headspace volatiles of both sexes of chicken, and of female pigeon, in combination with CO2 was significantly higher than that achieved by the CO2 and solvent control. Although Cx. p. molestus was attracted to headspace volatiles of chickens and magpies, it was repelled by those of female pigeons when combined with CO2 . An increased effect between the avian volatiles and CO2 was observed for Cx. quinquefasciatus, whereas the addition of CO2 had no effect on the attraction of Cx. p. molestus females. The results of this study demonstrate that Cx. quinquefasciatus and Cx. p. molestus are attracted to the odour of potential avian hosts. Future studies aimed at identifying the bioactive volatile compounds in the headspace of chickens may contribute to the potential development of effective surveillance and control tools against Culex species.}, }
@article {pmid31893686, year = {2019}, author = {Abadi, SH and Wacker, DW and Newton, JG and Flett, D}, title = {Acoustic localization of crows in pre-roost aggregations.}, journal = {The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America}, volume = {146}, number = {6}, pages = {4664}, doi = {10.1121/1.5138133}, pmid = {31893686}, issn = {1520-8524}, abstract = {Crows are highly intelligent and social creatures. Each night during the non-breeding period, they gather on large pre-roost aggregations as they move towards their communal roost where they sleep. Crows make numerous and varied vocalizations on these pre-roost aggregations, but the purpose of these calls, and vocal communication in general, in these pre-roost aggregations is not fully understood. In this paper, an array of four microphones is used as a non-intrusive means to observe crow vocal behavior in pre-roost aggregations in the absence of human observers. By passively localizing animal vocalizations, the location of individuals can be monitored while simultaneously recording the acoustic structure and organization of their calls. Simulations and experiment are undertaken to study the performance of two time difference of arrival-based methods (hyperbolic location estimator and maximum likelihood estimator) for call localization. The effect of signal-to-noise ratio and uncertainty in measurement on the localization error is presented. By describing, modeling, and testing these techniques in this innovative context, the authors hope that researchers will employ the authors' approaches in future empirical studies to more fully understand crow vocal behavior.}, }
@article {pmid33776292, year = {2020}, author = {Kumar, A and Singh, AR and Jahan, M}, title = {Application of mindfulness on stress, anxiety, and well-being in an adolescent student: A case study.}, journal = {Industrial psychiatry journal}, volume = {29}, number = {1}, pages = {165-170}, pmid = {33776292}, issn = {0972-6748}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Stress and anxiety are the major problems students face in their lives and specifically in their academic life, which, in turn, has a significant negative impact on their academic performance. There are different approaches to deal with stress and anxiety, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to evaluate the applicability of mindfulness on stress, anxiety, and psychological well-being in an adolescent student.<br><br>METHODS: In this study, single-case study design was used. The Pediatric Symptoms Checklist, Youth Self-Report, Institute of Personality and Ability Testing Anxiety Scale, and Checklist of Psychological Well-Being were administered on ten adolescent students. After the initial assessment, one participant was selected who was having significant level of stress, anxiety, and poor psychological well-being. Further detailed assessment was done using the Raven Standard Progressive Matrices, Parents' Observation Checklist, Teachers' Observation Checklist, and Students' Self-Observation Checklist. The student underwent 24 sessions of mindfulness training with a frequency of three sessions in a week. After completion of sessions, post assessment was done. He was re-assessed after 3 months.<br><br>RESULTS: After completion of mindfulness training, improvement was observed in stress, anxiety, well-being, and other variables, and the improvement was maintained till follow-up.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Mindfulness training has the potential in effectively reducing stress and anxiety and increasing a sense of well-being, but the major barrier is getting fixated with an idea of what's the right way to do mindfulness and feel it.}, }
@article {pmid31875855, year = {2019}, author = {Ashton, BJ and Thornton, A and Ridley, AR}, title = {Larger group sizes facilitate the emergence and spread of innovations in a group-living bird.}, journal = {Animal behaviour}, volume = {158}, number = {}, pages = {1-7}, pmid = {31875855}, issn = {0003-3472}, abstract = {The benefits of group living have traditionally been attributed to risk dilution or the efficient exploitation of resources; individuals in social groups may therefore benefit from access to valuable information. If sociality facilitates access to information, then individuals in larger groups may be predicted to solve novel problems faster than individuals in smaller groups. Additionally, larger group sizes may facilitate the subsequent spread of innovations within animal groups, as has been proposed for human societies. We presented a novel foraging task (where a food reward could be accessed by pushing a self-shutting sliding door) to 16 groups of wild, cooperatively breeding Australian magpies, Cracticus tibicen dorsalis, ranging in size from two to 11 individuals. We found a nonlinear decline in the time taken for the innovative behaviour to emerge with increasing group size, and social information use facilitated the transmission of novel behaviour, with it spreading more quickly in larger than smaller groups. This study provides important evidence for a nonlinear relationship between group size and the emergence of innovation (and its subsequent transmission) in a wild population of animals. Further work investigating the scope and strength of group size-innovation relationships, and the mechanisms underpinning them, will help us understand the potential advantages of living in larger social groups.}, }
@article {pmid31847851, year = {2019}, author = {Ben-David, A and Shamon, H and Izhaki, I and Efronny, R and Maor, R and Dayan, T}, title = {Increased songbird nest depredation due to Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) encroachment in Mediterranean shrubland.}, journal = {BMC ecology}, volume = {19}, number = {1}, pages = {52}, pmid = {31847851}, issn = {1472-6785}, mesh = {Animals ; Nesting Behavior ; *Passeriformes ; *Pinus ; Predatory Behavior ; *Songbirds ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: In recent decades, a decrease of passerine densities was documented in Mediterranean shrublands. At the same time, a widespread encroachment of Aleppo pines (Pinus halepensis) to Mediterranean shrubland occurred. Such changes in vegetation structure may affect passerine predator assemblage and densities, and in turn impact passerine densities. Depredation during the nesting season is an important factor to influence passerine population size. Understanding the effects of changes in vegetation structure (pine encroachment) on passerine nesting success is the main objective of this study. We do so by assessing the effects of Aleppo pine encroachment on Sardinian warbler (Sylvia melanocephala) nest depredation in Mediterranean shrublands. We examined direct and indirect predation pressures through a gradients of pine density, using four methods: (1) placing dummy nests; (2) acoustic monitoring of mobbing events; (3) direct observations on nest predation using cameras; and (4) observation of Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius) behaviour as indirect evidence of predation risk.<br><br>RESULTS: We found that Aleppo pine encroachment to Mediterranean shrublands increased nest predation by Eurasian jays. Nest predation was highest in mixed shrubland and pines. These areas are suitable for warblers but had high occurrence rate of Eurasian jays.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Encroaching pines directly increase activity of Eurasian jays in shrubland habitats, which reduced the nesting success of Sardinian warblers. These findings are supported by multiple methodologies, illustrating different predation pressures along a gradient of pine densities in natural shrublands. Management of Aleppo pine seedlings and removal of unwanted trees in natural shrubland might mitigate arrival and expansion of predators and decrease the predation pressure on passerine nests.}, }
@article {pmid31830510, year = {2020}, author = {Tätte, K and Møller, AP and Mänd, R}, title = {Corvids exhibit dynamic risk assessment during escape.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {170}, number = {}, pages = {104017}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2019.104017}, pmid = {31830510}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; Ecosystem ; Humans ; Population ; Predatory Behavior ; *Risk-Taking ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {It is widely accepted that stationary prey are able to carefully assess the risk levels associated with an approaching predator to make informative decisions on when to escape. However, little is known about subsequent decision-making process. We set out to compare whether escape durations of three species of corvids differ depending on how a human observer (in the role of a predator) behaves after the escape has begun. When birds were being followed during escape, escape durations were the longest, escape trajectory was modified the most during escape, and a larger proportion of individuals changed from terrestrial to aerial escape strategy compared to observations where birds were not followed. Mean horizontal escape angle of ca 120° was also a potential indication that monitoring the threat is taken into account when deciding on the escape trajectory. While there were some differences between the behaviour of these three closely related species, the general patterns supported the notion that birds dynamically assess risk during escape to find an optimal balance between getting caught and spending too much time and energy on escaping. Further research using different predator-prey combinations or making comparisons between habitats could help understand the generality of our results.}, }
@article {pmid31762100, year = {2020}, author = {Jokimäki, J and Suhonen, J and Benedetti, Y and Diaz, M and Kaisanlahti-Jokimäki, ML and Morelli, F and Pérez-Contreras, T and Rubio, E and Sprau, P and Tryjanowski, P and Ibánez-Álamo, JD}, title = {Land-sharing vs. land-sparing urban development modulate predator-prey interactions in Europe.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {30}, number = {3}, pages = {e02049}, doi = {10.1002/eap.2049}, pmid = {31762100}, issn = {1051-0761}, mesh = {Animals ; Biodiversity ; *Birds ; Cats ; Cities ; Ecosystem ; Europe ; Humans ; Nesting Behavior ; Predatory Behavior ; *Urban Renewal ; }, abstract = {Urban areas are expanding globally as a consequence of human population increases, with overall negative effects on biodiversity. To prevent the further loss of biodiversity, it is urgent to understand the mechanisms behind this loss to develop evidence-based sustainable solutions to preserve biodiversity in urban landscapes. The two extreme urban development types along a continuum, land-sparing (large, continuous green areas and high-density housing) and land-sharing (small, fragmented green areas and low-density housing) have been the recent focus of debates regarding the pattern of urban development. However, in this context, there is no information on the mechanisms behind the observed biodiversity changes. One of the main mechanisms proposed to explain urban biodiversity loss is the alteration of predator-prey interactions. Using ground-nesting birds as a model system and data from nine European cities, we experimentally tested the effects of these two extreme urban development types on artificial ground nest survival and whether nest survival correlates with the local abundance of ground-nesting birds and their nest predators. Nest survival (n = 554) was lower in land-sharing than in land-sparing urban areas. Nest survival decreased with increasing numbers of local predators (cats and corvids) and with nest visibility. Correspondingly, relative abundance of ground-nesting birds was greater in land-sparing than in land-sharing urban areas, though overall bird species richness was unaffected by the pattern of urban development. We provide the first evidence that predator-prey interactions differ between the two extreme urban development types. Changing interactions may explain the higher proportion of ground-nesting birds in land-sparing areas, and suggest a limitation of the land-sharing model. Nest predator control and the provision of more green-covered urban habitats may also improve conservation of sensitive birds in cities. Our findings provide information on how to further expand our cities without severe loss of urban-sensitive species and give support for land-sparing over land-sharing urban development.}, }
@article {pmid31761457, year = {2020}, author = {Hirschl, RB and Newman, E and Cooke-Barber, J and Garcia, V}, title = {APSA 5.0: Saving even more lifetimes the Jay and Margie Grosfeld presidential symposium.}, journal = {Journal of pediatric surgery}, volume = {55}, number = {1}, pages = {2-17}, doi = {10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2019.10.004}, pmid = {31761457}, issn = {1531-5037}, mesh = {Humans ; Pediatrics/*organization &amp; administration ; Poverty ; Racism ; United States ; }, abstract = {In light of APSA's 50th Anniversary, the typical Presidential Address was transformed into a "symposium" consisting of talks on the maturation of our organization to APSA 5.0 and the issues and opportunities related to its internal and external environment, especially as they apply to our pediatric surgical patients. Speakers included the President and experts in the fields of diversity, as well as inequity and poverty in the United States.}, }
@article {pmid31753993, year = {2019}, author = {Klump, BC}, title = {Of crows and tools.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {366}, number = {6468}, pages = {965}, doi = {10.1126/science.aaz7775}, pmid = {31753993}, issn = {1095-9203}, support = {BB/G023913/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; *Crows ; Feeding Behavior ; Hawaii ; New Caledonia ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, }
@article {pmid31749114, year = {2019}, author = {Lambert, CT and Sewall, KB and Guillette, LM}, title = {Questioning the developmental effects of group size on cognitive abilities.}, journal = {Learning &amp; behavior}, volume = {47}, number = {4}, pages = {280-283}, pmid = {31749114}, issn = {1543-4508}, mesh = {Animals ; Australia ; *Birds ; Cognition ; *Learning ; }, abstract = {Australian magpies living in larger social groups learned quicker and made fewer errors across four cognitive tasks compared with birds living in smaller social groups, and this pattern may be driven by a developmental effect associated with the cognitive demands of living in larger groups. While Smulders (2018, Learning and Behavior, 1-2, doi:10.3758/s13420-018-0335-0) questioned whether this group size-cognitive performance pattern was driven by motivation rather than cognitive abilities, we question whether there is truly evidence of a developmental effect and whether the relationship between group size and cognitive performance can be explained in other ways. We highlight potential alternative explanations for the relationship between group size and cognitive performance and highlight some of the theoretical issues underlying the developmental effects of group size on cognitive abilities.}, }
@article {pmid31740861, year = {2019}, author = {Khan, A and Chawla, RK and Guo, M and Wang, C}, title = {Risk factors associated with anaemia among adolescent girls: a cross sectional study in District Peshawar, Pakistan.}, journal = {JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association}, volume = {69}, number = {11}, pages = {1591-1595}, doi = {10.5455/JPMA.295006.}, pmid = {31740861}, issn = {0030-9982}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Anemia/*epidemiology/physiopathology ; Child ; Cognition/physiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Exercise Test ; Female ; Heart Rate/physiology ; Hemoglobins/analysis ; Humans ; Literacy/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Pakistan/epidemiology ; Risk Factors ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To assess the risk factors associated with anaemia among adolescent girls.<br><br>METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted at 10 schools in district Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, and comprised adolescent girls aged 10-14 years who were divided into two equal groups on the basis of haemoglobin levels; group 1 had those with haemoglobin <12, and group 2 &#xf0b3;12gm/dl. Anthropometric measurements were taken and haemoglobin concentration was determined by the Hemo'cue method. Physical activity was determined by Modified Harvard step test, cognitive functions were assessed by Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices. SPSS 16 was used for data analysis.<br><br>RESULTS: Of the 100 subjects, 50(50%) each were in the two groups. Illiteracy rate was significantly higher among the fathers and mothers of group 1 girls (p&#xf0a3;0.05). Mean haemoglobin in group 1 was 10.28&#xb1;1.33 g/dl and group 2 12.73&#xb1;0.58 g/dl. Mean number of steps climbed by group 1 girls were 154.6&#xb1;54.6 and a longer period of time was taken to recover the basal pulse rate by them compared to group 2 counterparts (p&#xf0a3;0.05). The mean resting pulse rate in group 1 was significantly higher compared to group 2 (p&#xf0a3;0.05). Also, group 1 scored significantly lower in the cognitive function test(p&#xf0a3;0.05).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Socio-economic status, parent education, body mass index, physical work capacity, cogn itive func tion of anaemic girls was significa ntly lower than non anaemic girls.}, }
@article {pmid31735150, year = {2020}, author = {Nieder, A and Mooney, R}, title = {The neurobiology of innate, volitional and learned vocalizations in mammals and birds.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {375}, number = {1789}, pages = {20190054}, pmid = {31735150}, issn = {1471-2970}, support = {R01 DC013826/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MH117778/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; R01 NS099288/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/physiology ; Brain Mapping ; Emotions ; Female ; Humans ; Language ; Learning/*physiology ; Male ; Mammals ; Motor Cortex ; *Neurobiology ; Neurons ; Phylogeny ; Primates ; Prosencephalon/anatomy &amp; histology/physiology ; Songbirds/anatomy &amp; histology/physiology ; Vocalization, Animal/*physiology ; Volition/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Vocalization is an ancient vertebrate trait essential to many forms of communication, ranging from courtship calls to free verse. Vocalizations may be entirely innate and evoked by sexual cues or emotional state, as with many types of calls made in primates, rodents and birds; volitional, as with innate calls that, following extensive training, can be evoked by arbitrary sensory cues in non-human primates and corvid songbirds; or learned, acoustically flexible and complex, as with human speech and the courtship songs of oscine songbirds. This review compares and contrasts the neural mechanisms underlying innate, volitional and learned vocalizations, with an emphasis on functional studies in primates, rodents and songbirds. This comparison reveals both highly conserved and convergent mechanisms of vocal production in these different groups, despite their often vast phylogenetic separation. This similarity of central mechanisms for different forms of vocal production presents experimentalists with useful avenues for gaining detailed mechanistic insight into how vocalizations are employed for social and sexual signalling, and how they can be modified through experience to yield new vocal repertoires customized to the individual's social group. This article is part of the theme issue 'What can animal communication teach us about human language?'}, }
@article {pmid31729384, year = {2019}, author = {Ling, H and Mclvor, GE and Westley, J and van der Vaart, K and Vaughan, RT and Thornton, A and Ouellette, NT}, title = {Behavioural plasticity and the transition to order in jackdaw flocks.}, journal = {Nature communications}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {5174}, pmid = {31729384}, issn = {2041-1723}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Computer Simulation ; Crows/*physiology ; Models, Biological ; Social Behavior ; Spatial Behavior ; }, abstract = {Collective behaviour is typically thought to arise from individuals following fixed interaction rules. The possibility that interaction rules may change under different circumstances has thus only rarely been investigated. Here we show that local interactions in flocks of wild jackdaws (Corvus monedula) vary drastically in different contexts, leading to distinct group-level properties. Jackdaws interact with a fixed number of neighbours (topological interactions) when traveling to roosts, but coordinate with neighbours based on spatial distance (metric interactions) during collective anti-predator mobbing events. Consequently, mobbing flocks exhibit a dramatic transition from disordered aggregations to ordered motion as group density increases, unlike transit flocks where order is independent of density. The relationship between group density and group order during this transition agrees well with a generic self-propelled particle model. Our results demonstrate plasticity in local interaction rules and have implications for both natural and artificial collective systems.}, }
@article {pmid31712656, year = {2019}, author = {Krasheninnikova, A and Brucks, D and Buffenoir, N and Rivas Blanco, D and Soulet, D and von Bayern, A}, title = {Parrots do not show inequity aversion.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {16416}, pmid = {31712656}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Parrots ; *Social Behavior ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Inequity aversion, the negative reaction to unequal treatment, is considered a mechanism for stabilizing cooperative interactions between non-kin group members. However, this might only be adaptive for species that switch cooperative partners. Utilizing a comparative approach, inequity aversion has been assessed in many mammalian species and recently also in corvids and one parrot species, kea, revealing mixed results. To broaden our knowledge about the phylogenetic distribution of inequity aversion, we tested four parrot species in the token exchange paradigm. We varied the quality of rewards delivered to dyads of birds, as well as the effort required to obtain a reward. Blue-headed macaws and African grey parrots showed no reaction to being rewarded unequally. The bigger macaws were less willing to exchange tokens in the "unequal" condition compared to the "equal high" condition in which both birds obtained high quality rewards, but a closer examination of the results and the findings from the control conditions reveal that inequity aversion does not account for it. None of the species responded to inequity in terms of effort. Parrots may not exhibit inequity aversion due to interdependence on their life-long partner and the high costs associated with finding a new partner.}, }
@article {pmid31706170, year = {2019}, author = {Tallarita, GM and Parente, A and Giovagnoli, AR}, title = {The visuospatial pattern of temporal lobe epilepsy.}, journal = {Epilepsy &amp; behavior : E&amp;B}, volume = {101}, number = {Pt A}, pages = {106582}, doi = {10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106582}, pmid = {31706170}, issn = {1525-5069}, mesh = {Adult ; Analysis of Variance ; Case-Control Studies ; Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe/*pathology ; Female ; Functional Laterality ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods ; Male ; Memory Disorders/pathology ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Temporal Lobe/*pathology ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: Unlike temporal lobe lesions, temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) has no definite effects on visuospatial functions. This retrospective study evaluated these functions in patients with TLE, aiming to clarify their relationships to TLE laterality and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detected brain lesions.<br><br>METHODS: The Raven Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM), Attentive Matrices (AM), Trail Making Test A (TMTA), Street Completion Test (SCT), Rey Complex Figure Copying (RCFC) and Delayed Reproduction (RCFDR), and Corsi Blocks Span (CBS) and Supraspan Learning (CBSSL) were used to assess different visuospatial functions in 198 patients with TLE and 90 healthy subjects.<br><br>RESULTS: In 169 patients (83 left), MRI revealed focal temporal lobe lesions [unilateral mesial temporal lobe sclerosis (MTLS) in 88 cases]. The patients with left or right TLE obtained normal scores on the RCPM, AM, TMTA, SCT, and RCFC, but their scores were significantly low on the CBS, CBSSL, and RCFDR. The patients with MTLS obtained lower scores in comparison with the controls and the patients without lesions, whereas those with other lesions obtained low scores only on the CBSSL and those without lesions performed normally.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Temporal lobe epilepsy does not affect nonmemory visuospatial functions but significantly impairs visuosopatial memory and learning. This pattern is independent of TLE laterality, in keeping with a modality-specific memory model. On the contrary, the type of temporal lobe lesion is relevant to the severity of impairment.}, }
@article {pmid31701217, year = {2020}, author = {Zack, F and Schau, H and Dalchow, A and Rock, M and Blaas, V and Büttner, A}, title = {Lesions and characteristic injury patterns caused by high-voltage fault arcs.}, journal = {International journal of legal medicine}, volume = {134}, number = {4}, pages = {1353-1359}, doi = {10.1007/s00414-019-02173-3}, pmid = {31701217}, issn = {1437-1596}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Burns, Electric/*classification/*mortality/*pathology ; Cause of Death ; Female ; Germany/epidemiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Skin/*injuries ; }, abstract = {Exposure to high-voltage electric arcs as a result of an accident or by means to commit suicide can affect people's health and cause death. There are characteristic external findings that can be found on external examination. These include extensive skin burns, periorbital recesses or "crow's feet," vapor deposition of conductor material, known as metallization, and tightly spaced, roundish, crocodile skin like burns. The Institute of Legal Medicine of the Rostock University Medical Center recorded 16 deaths caused by exposure to electricity between 1990 and 2018. Six of these deaths were caused by exposure to high-voltage electric arcs and five of these deaths (83 %) showed crocodile skin like burns and one had periorbital recesses burns on the face as a result of a fault arc. To our knowledge, the present paper is the first report describing the frequent occurrence of crocodile skin like burns due to high-voltage fault arcs.}, }
@article {pmid31696744, year = {2019}, author = {Suh, DH and Park, HJ and Lee, SJ and Song, KY and Shin, MK}, title = {Superficial intense focused ultrasound on periorbital wrinkle.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology}, volume = {21}, number = {7-8}, pages = {412-416}, doi = {10.1080/14764172.2019.1689272}, pmid = {31696744}, issn = {1476-4180}, mesh = {Aged ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; Face/*pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Patient Satisfaction ; Republic of Korea ; Skin Aging/*pathology ; Ultrasonic Therapy/adverse effects/*methods ; }, abstract = {The periorbital wrinkles are easily perceived evidence of aging, so become a major concern for many patients. Various treatments have been attempted to improve periorbital wrinkles, but the need for new treatments that are less invasive and more effective is still high. In this study, we evaluated the safety, clinical and histological effects of intense focused ultrasound using only a 1.5 mm transducer in the management of periorbital wrinkles. Ten adult Korean females were enrolled. The treatment effect and safety profile were evaluated up to 3 months after 1 session of IFUS treatment on the periorbital wrinkles. The mean subjective satisfaction score was 3.2 ± 0.79 (mean ± standard deviation) by 5- point scale. The mean objective clinical improvement score was highest in the fine wrinkle on the crow's feet area and lowest in the deep wrinkles of the infraorbital and crow's feet area. Histometrically, increase of collagen and elastic fiber density was observed in the all layers of dermis. No serious side effects occurred after the treatment. In conclusion, intense focused ultrasound treatment using a 1.5-mm transducer alone can significantly improve periocular wrinkles after a single treatment with a good safety profile.}, }
@article {pmid31690210, year = {2019}, author = {Coomes, JR and McIvor, GE and Thornton, A}, title = {Correction to 'Evidence for individual discrimination and numerical assessment in collective antipredator behaviour in wild jackdaws (Corvus monedula)'.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {15}, number = {11}, pages = {20190740}, doi = {10.1098/rsbl.2019.0740}, pmid = {31690210}, issn = {1744-957X}, }
@article {pmid31685854, year = {2019}, author = {Holtmann, B and Buskas, J and Steele, M and Sokolovskis, K and Wolf, JBW}, title = {Dominance relationships and coalitionary aggression against conspecifics in female carrion crows.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {15922}, pmid = {31685854}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {*Aggression ; Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; *Social Dominance ; Videotape Recording ; Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {Cooperation is a prevailing feature of many animal systems. Coalitionary aggression, where a group of individuals engages in coordinated behaviour to the detriment of conspecific targets, is a form of cooperation involving complex social interactions. To date, evidence has been dominated by studies in humans and other primates with a clear bias towards studies of male-male coalitions. We here characterize coalitionary aggression behaviour in a group of female carrion crows consisting of recruitment, coordinated chase, and attack. The individual of highest social rank liaised with the second most dominant individual to engage in coordinated chase and attack of a lower ranked crow on several occasions. Despite active intervention by the third most highly ranked individual opposing the offenders, the attack finally resulted in the death of the victim. All individuals were unrelated, of the same sex, and naïve to the behaviour excluding kinship, reproduction, and social learning as possible drivers. Instead, the coalition may reflect a strategy of the dominant individual to secure long-term social benefits. Overall, the study provides evidence that members of the crow family engage in coordinated alliances directed against conspecifics as a possible means to manipulate their social environment.}, }
@article {pmid31640502, year = {2019}, author = {Ling, H and Mclvor, GE and Westley, J and van der Vaart, K and Yin, J and Vaughan, RT and Thornton, A and Ouellette, NT}, title = {Collective turns in jackdaw flocks: kinematics and information transfer.}, journal = {Journal of the Royal Society, Interface}, volume = {16}, number = {159}, pages = {20190450}, pmid = {31640502}, issn = {1742-5662}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; Flight, Animal/*physiology ; *Models, Biological ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {The rapid, cohesive turns of bird flocks are one of the most vivid examples of collective behaviour in nature, and have attracted much research. Three-dimensional imaging techniques now allow us to characterize the kinematics of turning and their group-level consequences in precise detail. We measured the kinematics of flocks of wild jackdaws executing collective turns in two contexts: during transit to roosts and anti-predator mobbing. All flocks reduced their speed during turns, probably because of constraints on individual flight capability. Turn rates increased with the angle of the turn so that the time to complete turns remained constant. We also find that context may alter where turns are initiated in the flocks: for transit flocks in the absence of predators, initiators were located throughout the flocks, but for mobbing flocks with a fixed ground-based predator, they were always located at the front. Moreover, in some transit flocks, initiators were far apart from each other, potentially because of the existence of subgroups and variation in individual interaction ranges. Finally, we find that as the group size increased the information transfer speed initially increased, but rapidly saturated to a constant value. Our results highlight previously unrecognized complexity in turning kinematics and information transfer in social animals.}, }
@article {pmid31630344, year = {2020}, author = {Miller, R and Frohnwieser, A and Schiestl, M and McCoy, DE and Gray, RD and Taylor, AH and Clayton, NS}, title = {Delayed gratification in New Caledonian crows and young children: influence of reward type and visibility.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {23}, number = {1}, pages = {71-85}, pmid = {31630344}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {3399933//FP7 Ideas: European Research Council/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Cebus ; *Crows ; *Delay Discounting ; Humans ; Reward ; *Self-Control ; }, abstract = {Self-control underlies cognitive abilities such as decision making and future planning. Delay of gratification is a measure of self-control and involves obtaining a more valuable outcome in the future by tolerating a delay or investing a greater effort in the present. Contextual issues, such as reward visibility and type, may influence delayed gratification performance, although there has been limited comparative investigation between humans and other animals, particularly non-primate species. Here, we adapted an automated 'rotating tray' paradigm used previously with capuchin monkeys to test for delay of gratification ability that requires little pre-test training, where the subject must forgo an immediate, less preferred reward for a delayed, more preferred one. We tested New Caledonian crows and 3-5-year-old human children. We manipulated reward types to differ in quality or quantity (Experiments 1 and 2) as well as visibility (Experiment 2). In Experiments 1 and 2, both species performed better when the rewards varied in quality as opposed to quantity, though performed above chance in both conditions. In Experiment 1, both crows and children were able to delay gratification when both rewards were visible. In Experiment 2, 5-year-old children outperformed 3- and 4-year olds, though overall children still performed well, while the crows struggled when reward visibility was manipulated, a result which may relate to difficulties in tracking the experimenters' hands during baiting. We discuss these findings in relation to the role of contextual issues on self-control when making species comparisons and investigating the mechanisms of self-control.}, }
@article {pmid31625954, year = {2020}, author = {Palm, MD and Few, J and Patel, T and Safa, M and Drinkwater, A and Mao, C and Garcia, JK}, title = {Efficacy, Patient-Reported Outcomes, and Safety for Millennial Subjects Treated With OnabotulinumtoxinA for Moderate to Severe Horizontal Forehead Lines.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {46}, number = {5}, pages = {653-661}, doi = {10.1097/DSS.0000000000002216}, pmid = {31625954}, issn = {1524-4725}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*administration &amp; dosage ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; Female ; *Forehead ; Humans ; Male ; Neuromuscular Agents/*administration &amp; dosage ; Patient Reported Outcome Measures ; Patient Satisfaction ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Millennials (aged 18-34 years) represent a growing segment of the facial aesthetic market.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: To evaluate investigator-assessed efficacy, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and safety for millennials versus subjects aged at least 35 years after onabotulinumtoxinA treatment of forehead lines (FHL) across 2 phase 3 studies.<br><br>METHODS: Eligible subjects with moderate to severe FHL received onabotulinumtoxinA (FHL: 20 U; glabellar lines: 20 U, with/without 24 U in crow's feet line regions) or placebo. All findings were pooled by the age group.<br><br>RESULTS: Millennials composed 15% of subjects (176/1,178). Day 30 responder rates of at least 1-grade Facial Wrinkle Scale improvement in FHL severity for millennials versus subjects aged 35 years and older were 100% versus 97.8% at maximum eyebrow elevation and 78.4% versus 83.5% at rest, respectively. Responder rates were significantly greater with onabotulinumtoxinA than placebo (p &#x2264; .015) for both groups through Day 180. Similar trends were observed for achieving none/mild severity. Both age groups reported high satisfaction rates and improved psychological impacts with onabotulinumtoxinA treatment. No new safety signals were detected.<br><br>CONCLUSION: OnabotulinumtoxinA treatment was well tolerated, and both age groups experienced significant improvements in FHL severity, high satisfaction, and improved psychological impacts after treatment. Millennials reported numerically greater improvements.}, }
@article {pmid31622915, year = {2019}, author = {Held, S and Hallett, J and Schure, M and Knows His Gun McCormick, A and Allen, S and Milne-Price, S and Trottier, C and Bull Shows, B and Other Medicine, L and Inouye, J}, title = {Improving chronic illness self-management with the Apsáalooke Nation: Development of the Báa nnilah program.}, journal = {Social science &amp; medicine (1982)}, volume = {242}, number = {}, pages = {112583}, pmid = {31622915}, issn = {1873-5347}, support = {P20 GM103474/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; U01 MD010619/MD/NIMHD NIH HHS/United States ; U54 GM104944/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Chronic Disease/ethnology/psychology/*therapy ; Community-Based Participatory Research ; Humans ; Indians, North American/ethnology/*psychology/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Interviews as Topic/methods ; Montana/ethnology ; Qualitative Research ; Self-Management/*psychology/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Universities/organization &amp; administration/statistics &amp; numerical data ; }, abstract = {RATIONALE: Since 1996, members of the Apsáalooke (Crow) Nation and faculty and students at Montana State University have worked in a successful community-based participatory research (CBPR) partnership, leading to increased trust and improvements in health awareness, knowledge, and behaviors. As major barriers to health and healthy behaviors have caused inequities in morbidity and mortality rates for multiple chronic diseases among the Apsáalooke people, community members chose to focus the next phase of research on improving chronic illness management.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: Existing chronic illness self-management programs include aspects inconsonant with Aps&#xe1;alooke culture and neglect local factors seen as vital to community members managing their health conditions. The aim of this study was to use CBPR methods grounded in Aps&#xe1;alooke cultural values to develop an intervention for improving chronic illness self-management.<br><br>METHOD: Community members shared stories about what it is like to manage their chronic illness, including facilitators and barriers to chronic illness management. A culturally consonant data analysis method was used to develop a locally-based conceptual framework for understanding chronic illness management and an intervention grounded in the local culture.<br><br>RESULTS: Components of the intervention approach and intervention content are detailed and similarities and differences from other chronic illness management programs are described.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our collaborative process and product may be helpful for other communities interested in using story data to develop research projects, deepen their understanding of health, and increase health equity.}, }
@article {pmid31617250, year = {2020}, author = {El-Sayed, AK and Hassan, S}, title = {Gross morphological features of the air sacs of the hooded crow (Corvus cornix).}, journal = {Anatomia, histologia, embryologia}, volume = {49}, number = {2}, pages = {159-166}, doi = {10.1111/ahe.12504}, pmid = {31617250}, issn = {1439-0264}, mesh = {Air Sacs/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Animals ; Birds ; Bronchi/anatomy &amp; histology ; Crows/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Lung/anatomy &amp; histology ; }, abstract = {Air sacs are considered to be one of the controlling factors of bird behaviour and habits in addition to their roles in ventilation, regulating body temperature, swimming and flight. As a scavenger and an omnivorous flight bird, air sacs of the hooded crow were the focus of this study. Eight healthy, adult hooded crows were used to examine the morphological characteristics of the air sacs, which were examined grossly and with latex and cast preparations. In general, the morphological overview of the hooded crow air sacs is similar to other avian species. We observed nine air sacs; four paired sacs (cervical, cranial thoracic, caudal thoracic and abdominal air sacs) and one unpaired sac; the clavicular air sac. The cervical air sac communicated to the lung through the medioventral bronchus and had three diverticula; intermuscular, subscapular and subcutaneous. The clavicular air sac communicated with lung through the medioventral bronchus and had subscapular, axillary, humeral, subpectoral and sternal diverticula. The cranial and caudal thoracic air sacs were communicated with lung through the lateroventral bronchi and the both sacs did not have any diverticula. The abdominal air sacs were posterior to the caudal thoracic air sacs. The left abdominal sac was the largest air sac. The right and left abdominal sacs gave off branches to diverticula that pneumatized synsacrum. The abdominal air sacs gave off femoral diverticula behind the hip joint as well as perirenal diverticula.}, }
@article {pmid31589059, year = {2020}, author = {Vanhooland, LC and Bugnyar, T and Massen, JJM}, title = {Crows (Corvus corone ssp.) check contingency in a mirror yet fail the mirror-mark test.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {134}, number = {2}, pages = {158-169}, doi = {10.1037/com0000195}, pmid = {31589059}, issn = {1939-2087}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; *Crows ; Female ; Male ; *Recognition, Psychology ; Social Behavior ; *Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {Mirror reflections can elicit various behavioral responses ranging from social behavior, which suggests that an animal treats its own reflection as a conspecific, to mirror-guided self-directed behaviors, which appears to be an indication for mirror self-recognition (MSR). MSR is scarcely spread in the animal kingdom. Until recently, only great apes, dolphins, and elephants had successfully passed this test. The range of convergence was, however, expanded by an avian species, the Eurasian magpie (Pica pica). Efforts to find MSR in other corvid species have so far failed, and with only a few studies conducted, the cause of these discrepancies is difficult to identify. In the present study, we examined the responses to mirrors and the ability of MSR in hitherto untested species: the carrion and hooded crows (Corvus corone ssp.). These crows showed a pronounced and lasting interest in the mirror; unlike many species, they did not exhibit social behaviors on their first encounters but immediately started investigating the mirror. Some crows showed contingent behaviors in front of the mirror, but none of the crows showed significant mirror-guided self-directed behaviors nor mark-directed behavior during the subsequent mark test. This lack of mark-directed behavior could not be explained by a lack of interest in the mirror nor in the mark. These findings could indicate that crows lack a concept of self, or the need for other means of investigating self-recognition and self-awareness in avian species. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).}, }
@article {pmid31580802, year = {2020}, author = {Tamati, TN and Ray, C and Vasil, KJ and Pisoni, DB and Moberly, AC}, title = {High- and Low-Performing Adult Cochlear Implant Users on High-Variability Sentence Recognition: Differences in Auditory Spectral Resolution and Neurocognitive Functioning.}, journal = {Journal of the American Academy of Audiology}, volume = {31}, number = {5}, pages = {324-335}, pmid = {31580802}, issn = {2157-3107}, support = {K23 DC015539/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adult ; *Cochlear Implantation ; *Cochlear Implants ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Recognition, Psychology ; Speech ; *Speech Perception ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Postlingually deafened adult cochlear implant (CI) users routinely display large individual differences in the ability to recognize and understand speech, especially in adverse listening conditions. Although individual differences have been linked to several sensory (''bottom-up'') and cognitive (''top-down'') factors, little is currently known about the relative contributions of these factors in high- and low-performing CI users.<br><br>PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate differences in sensory functioning and neurocognitive functioning between high- and low-performing CI users on the Perceptually Robust English Sentence Test Open-set (PRESTO), a high-variability sentence recognition test containing sentence materials produced by multiple male and female talkers with diverse regional accents.<br><br>RESEARCH DESIGN: CI users with accuracy scores in the upper (HiPRESTO) or lower quartiles (LoPRESTO) on PRESTO in quiet completed a battery of behavioral tasks designed to assess spectral resolution and neurocognitive functioning.<br><br>STUDY SAMPLE: Twenty-one postlingually deafened adult CI users, with 11 HiPRESTO and 10 LoPRESTO participants.<br><br>DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: A discriminant analysis was carried out to determine the extent to which measures of spectral resolution and neurocognitive functioning discriminate HiPRESTO and LoPRESTO CI users. Auditory spectral resolution was measured using the Spectral-Temporally Modulated Ripple Test (SMRT). Neurocognitive functioning was assessed with visual measures of working memory (digit span), inhibitory control (Stroop), speed of lexical/phonological access (Test of Word Reading Efficiency), and nonverbal reasoning (Raven's Progressive Matrices).<br><br>RESULTS: HiPRESTO and LoPRESTO CI users were discriminated primarily by performance on the SMRT and secondarily by the Raven's test. No other neurocognitive measures contributed substantially to the discriminant function.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: High- and low-performing CI users differed by spectral resolution and, to a lesser extent, nonverbal reasoning. These findings suggest that the extreme groups are determined by global factors of richness of sensory information and domain-general, nonverbal intelligence, rather than specific neurocognitive processing operations related to speech perception and spoken word recognition. Thus, although both bottom-up and top-down information contribute to speech recognition performance, low-performing CI users may not be sufficiently able to rely on neurocognitive skills specific to speech recognition to enhance processing of spectrally degraded input in adverse conditions involving high talker variability.}, }
@article {pmid31574788, year = {2019}, author = {Miyazaki, H and Okuda, K and Ueno, K and Wada, Y and Kumegawa, S and Uemura, K and Sakata, Y and Asamura, S}, title = {Swinging Eyelid Approach to Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fracture.}, journal = {The Journal of craniofacial surgery}, volume = {30}, number = {7}, pages = {e655-e658}, doi = {10.1097/SCS.0000000000005731}, pmid = {31574788}, issn = {1536-3732}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Cicatrix/pathology ; Conjunctiva/surgery ; Ectropion/surgery ; Entropion/surgery ; Eyelids/*surgery ; Female ; Fractures, Bone/*surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Maxilla/surgery ; Middle Aged ; Patient Satisfaction ; }, abstract = {A surgical approach to zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fracture has not been standardized. The authors reviewed 15 cases of ZMC fractures treated with the swinging eyelid approach and evaluated the effectiveness of the technique by an observational study of Japanese patients. Results were assessed from authentic and functional perspectives: the presence of entropion/ectropion, external canthal malposition and chemosis of the conjunctiva. After a minimum follow-up of 10 months, no patients had lower eyelid ectropion, entropion or retraction. Wounds appeared inconspicuous, and a lateral canthal shape was preserved. No post-operative chemosis of the conjunctiva was observed. Each case was evaluated based on patient satisfaction about their aesthetic outcomes. Patient self-assessment is classified into 4 groups (excellent, good, fair, and unsatisfactory). Thirteen patients were assessed to have an "excellent" outcome, and 2 patients were assessed to have a "good" outcome. No patients had "fair" or "unsatisfactory" outcomes. Avoidance of scarring is a goal of every craniofacial surgeon. The swinging eyelid approach to ZMC fractures offers a simple alternative to the conventional technique. It is versatile and provides sufficient exposure to surgical fields with less visible scar because skin incision is made along the natural crease line, "the crow's feet."}, }
@article {pmid31573430, year = {2019}, author = {Coomes, JR and McIvor, GE and Thornton, A}, title = {Evidence for individual discrimination and numerical assessment in collective antipredator behaviour in wild jackdaws (Corvus monedula).}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {15}, number = {10}, pages = {20190380}, pmid = {31573430}, issn = {1744-957X}, support = {BB/H021817/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/H021817/2/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; }, abstract = {Collective responses to threats occur throughout the animal kingdom but little is known about the cognitive processes underpinning them. Antipredator mobbing is one such response. Approaching a predator may be highly risky, but the individual risk declines and the likelihood of repelling the predator increases in larger mobbing groups. The ability to appraise the number of conspecifics involved in a mobbing event could therefore facilitate strategic decisions about whether to join. Mobs are commonly initiated by recruitment calls, which may provide valuable information to guide decision-making. We tested whether the number of wild jackdaws responding to recruitment calls was influenced by the number of callers. As predicted, playbacks simulating three or five callers tended to recruit more individuals than playbacks of one caller. Recruitment also substantially increased if recruits themselves produced calls. These results suggest that jackdaws use individual vocal discrimination to assess the number of conspecifics involved in initiating mobbing events, and use this information to guide their responses. Our results show support for the use of numerical assessment in antipredator mobbing responses and highlight the need for a greater understanding of the cognitive processes involved in collective behaviour.}, }
@article {pmid31565563, year = {2019}, author = {Forti, LR and Haddad, CFB and Leite, F and Drummond, LO and de Assis, C and Crivellari, LB and Mello, CM and Garcia, PCA and Zornosa-Torres, C and Toledo, LF}, title = {Notes on vocalizations of Brazilian amphibians IV: advertisement calls of 20 Atlantic Forest frog species.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {e7612}, pmid = {31565563}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Bioacoustics is a powerful tool used for anuran species diagnoses, given that advertisement calls are signals related to specific recognition and mate attraction. Thus, call descriptions can support species taxonomy. In spite of that, call descriptions are lacking for many species, delaying advances in biodiversity research. Here, we describe the advertisement calls of 20 anuran species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We accessed 50 digital recordings deposited in the Fonoteca Neotropical Jacques Vielliard. Acoustic analyses were carried out in the software Raven pro 1.5. We provide a general comparison of call structure among species inside taxonomic groups and genera. The vocalizations described here belong to poorly known species, which are representatives of six families: Brachycephalidae, Bufonidae, Ceratophryidae, Cycloramphidae, Hylidae, and Phyllomedusidae. Despite this, still there are 163 species of anurans from Atlantic Forest with calls not formally described. Our work represents an important step in providing data for a taxonomic perspective and improving the knowledge of the Atlantic Forest anuran diversity.}, }
@article {pmid31542561, year = {2019}, author = {Blasco, R and Rosell, J and Sánchez-Marco, A and Gopher, A and Barkai, R}, title = {Feathers and food: Human-bird interactions at Middle Pleistocene Qesem Cave, Israel.}, journal = {Journal of human evolution}, volume = {136}, number = {}, pages = {102653}, doi = {10.1016/j.jhevol.2019.102653}, pmid = {31542561}, issn = {1095-8606}, mesh = {Animals ; Archaeology ; *Birds ; Caves ; *Diet ; Feathers ; *Food Chain ; Fossils ; Hominidae/*psychology ; Israel ; *Symbolism ; }, abstract = {The presence of fast-moving small game in the Paleolithic archaeological faunal record has long been considered a key variable to assess fundamental aspects of human behavior and subsistence. Birds occupy a prominent place in this debate not only due to their small size and to the difficulties in capturing them (essentially due to their ability to fly and their elusiveness), but also due to their possible role in the symbolic array in regard to non-nutritional elements (feathers, talons, etc.) and as reflectors of complex human-world relationships. In this study, we attempt to contribute to this topic by presenting taphonomical data of bird specimens from Qesem Cave (Israel), dated between 420 and 200 ka. Human-induced damage, including cut marks, peeling and human gnawing, has been identified on wing bones of Cygnus sp., Columba sp., Corvus ruficollis and Sturnus sp. Our evidence suggests that avian exploitation was not limited to food only-either to complement the human diet or as occasional food item-but also presumably for the use of feathers. While the consumption of birds as a dietary source seems to be evident as early as the Early Pleistocene, the non-alimentary use of inedible elements, such as feathers and talons, appears to be a practice from the Middle Paleolithic onwards. We argue that the combined nutritional and symbolic use of birds is one characteristic of the new mode of adaptation practiced already by the late Lower Paleolithic Acheulo-Yabrudian hominins in the Levant starting 400 ka. The Qesem findings point to the possible emergence of new cognitive and behavioral skills, which are followed in later periods in the Old World. Finally, we discuss the possible ontological and cosmological significance of human-bird interactions to illuminate our hypothesis regarding the emergence of a new perception of human relationships with the world as an integral part of the new Acheulo-Yabrudian mode of adaptation.}, }
@article {pmid31517663, year = {2020}, author = {Kawashima, M and Harii, K and Horiuchi, Y and Seidman, E and Lei, X and Hopfinger, R and Lee, E}, title = {Safety, Efficacy, and Patient Satisfaction With OnabotulinumtoxinA for the Treatment of Upper Facial Lines in Japanese Subjects.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {46}, number = {4}, pages = {483-490}, doi = {10.1097/DSS.0000000000002143}, pmid = {31517663}, issn = {1524-4725}, mesh = {Adult ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*administration &amp; dosage/adverse effects ; Cosmetic Techniques/*adverse effects ; Double-Blind Method ; Eye ; Female ; Forehead ; Humans ; Japan ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuromuscular Agents/*administration &amp; dosage/adverse effects ; Patient Reported Outcome Measures ; *Patient Satisfaction ; Rejuvenation ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: OnabotulinumtoxinA treatment for glabellar lines (GL) or crow's-feet lines (CFL) was previously studied in Japanese subjects.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: To assess safety and efficacy of repeated onabotulinumtoxinA for moderate to severe GL and CFL in Japanese subjects.<br><br>METHODS: This 13-month, double-blind, Phase 3 study randomized subjects to onabotulinumtoxinA 44 U (n = 48) or 32 U (n = 53) for CFL and GL for up to 5 treatments (CFL: 24 U or 12 U; GL: 20 U). Outcomes included proportion of subjects achieving none/mild severity at maximum smile (CFL) and maximum frown (GL), using the Facial Wrinkle Scale with Asian Photonumeric Guide (FWS-A); proportion of &#x2265;1-grade improvement responders at maximum smile and at rest (CFL), at maximum frown and at rest (GL); subject-reported outcomes; and safety.<br><br>RESULTS: Most subjects were responders (none/mild on FWS-A; CFL: 89.6% [44 U], 84.9% [32 U]; GL: 93.8% [44 U], 98.1% [32 U]) on Day 30. Across treatment groups, responder rates were consistent over time and treatments. Most subjects were satisfied with improved CFL appearance and with treatment. Incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and treatment-related TEAEs across groups was similar. All TEAEs but one (peritonitis) were mild or moderate.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Repeated onabotulinumtoxinA was effective and well tolerated.}, }
@article {pmid31517232, year = {2019}, author = {Sense, F and Maaß, S and Gluck, K and van Rijn, H}, title = {Within-Subject Performance on a Real-Life, Complex Task and Traditional Lab Experiments: Measures of Word Learning, Raven Matrices, Tapping, and CPR.}, journal = {Journal of cognition}, volume = {2}, number = {1}, pages = {12}, pmid = {31517232}, issn = {2514-4820}, abstract = {In this data report, we describe a three-session experiment spanning six months. Several well-controlled laboratory tasks (Word Learning, Raven Matrices, and Tapping) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), a complex but well-defined real-world task, were administered. Data are reported from 50 participants for the first session, 40 for the second, and 34 for the third. CPR is a useful domain for studying real-world performance inside the laboratory because clear performance standards can be applied to quantifying learners' proficiency covering both the first steps that need to be taken prior to the initiation of CPR (declarative knowledge) as well as the compressions and ventilations themselves (procedural skill). This research resulted in a rich dataset with a range of different measures for all participants. For all tasks, the complete set of raw data are made available along with relevant aggregate performance scores (see https://osf.io/m8bxe/). The raw data in particular will enable other researchers to explore potential analyses and modeling beyond the scope of our own. The details of the data collection protocol and available data are documented here to facilitate this process.}, }
@article {pmid31515097, year = {2020}, author = {Shekhawat, S and Saxena, A}, title = {Development and applications of an intelligent crow search algorithm based on opposition based learning.}, journal = {ISA transactions}, volume = {99}, number = {}, pages = {210-230}, doi = {10.1016/j.isatra.2019.09.004}, pmid = {31515097}, issn = {1879-2022}, abstract = {Metaheuristics are proven beneficial tools for solving complex, hard optimization problems. Recently, a plethora of work has been reported on bio inspired optimization algorithms. These algorithms are mimicry of behavior of animals, plants and processes into mathematical paradigms. With these developments, a new entrant in this group is Crow Search Algorithm (CSA). CSA is based on the strategic behavior of crows while searching food, thievery and chasing behavior. This algorithm sometimes suffers with local minima stagnation and unbalance exploration and exploitation phases. To overcome this problem, a cosine function is proposed first, to accelerate the exploration and retard the exploitation process with due course of the iterative process. Secondly the opposition based learning concept is incorporated for enhancing the exploration virtue of CSA. The evolved variant with the inculcation of these two concepts is named as Intelligent Crow Search Algorithm (ICSA). The algorithm is benchmarked on two benchmark function sets, one is the set of 23 standard test functions and another is set of latest benchmark function CEC-2017. Further, the applicability of this variant is tested over structural design problem, frequency wave synthesis problem and Model Order Reduction (MOR). Results reveal that ICSA exhibits competitive performance on benchmarks and real applications when compared with some contemporary optimizers.}, }
@article {pmid31454343, year = {2019}, author = {Brecht, KF and Hage, SR and Gavrilov, N and Nieder, A}, title = {Volitional control of vocalizations in corvid songbirds.}, journal = {PLoS biology}, volume = {17}, number = {8}, pages = {e3000375}, pmid = {31454343}, issn = {1545-7885}, mesh = {Acoustics ; Animals ; Cognition/physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Learning/physiology ; Male ; Neurons/physiology ; Songbirds/physiology ; Vocalization, Animal/*physiology ; Volition/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Songbirds are renowned for their acoustically elaborate songs. However, it is unclear whether songbirds can cognitively control their vocal output. Here, we show that crows, songbirds of the corvid family, can be trained to exert control over their vocalizations. In a detection task, three male carrion crows rapidly learned to emit vocalizations in response to a visual cue with no inherent meaning (go trials) and to withhold vocalizations in response to another cue (catch trials). Two of these crows were then trained on a go/nogo task, with the cue colors reversed, in addition to being rewarded for withholding vocalizations to yet another cue (nogo trials). Vocalizations in response to the detection of the go cue were temporally precise and highly reliable in all three crows. Crows also quickly learned to withhold vocal output in nogo trials, showing that vocalizations were not produced by an anticipation of a food reward in correct trials. The results demonstrate that corvids can volitionally control the release and onset of their vocalizations, suggesting that songbird vocalizations are under cognitive control and can be decoupled from affective states.}, }
@article {pmid31431538, year = {2019}, author = {Vonk, J}, title = {Emotional contagion or sensitivity to behavior in ravens?.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {116}, number = {37}, pages = {18168}, pmid = {31431538}, issn = {1091-6490}, mesh = {Animals ; Bias ; Cognition ; *Crows ; Emotions ; }, }
@article {pmid31391480, year = {2019}, author = {Probst, C and Gethmann, J and Amler, S and Globig, A and Knoll, B and Conraths, FJ}, title = {The potential role of scavengers in spreading African swine fever among wild boar.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {11450}, pmid = {31391480}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {African Swine Fever/epidemiology/*transmission/virology ; African Swine Fever Virus/*isolation &amp; purification/pathogenicity ; Animals ; Animals, Wild/*virology ; *Carnivory ; Crows/virology ; Falconiformes/virology ; Female ; Foxes/virology ; Germany/epidemiology ; Male ; Raccoon Dogs/virology ; Risk Factors ; Seasons ; Sus scrofa/*virology ; Swine ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {Understanding the transmission patterns of African swine fever (ASF) among wild boar (Sus scrofa) is an issue of major interest, especially in the wake of the current ASF epidemic. Given the high stability of ASF-virus, there is concern about scavengers spreading infectious carcass material in the environment. Here, we describe scavenging activities on 32 wild boar carcasses in their natural habitat in Germany. Using digital cameras, we detected 22 vertebrates at the study sites, thereof two mammal and three bird species scavenging. The most frequently detected species was the raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides (44% of all visits). Raccoon dogs, red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), and buzzards (Buteo buteo) scavenged in the warm and the cold season, while ravens (Corvus corax) and white-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) scavenged only in the cold season. In summer, however, insects removed most of the carcass biomass. Although most of the material was consumed on the spot, foxes, raccoon dogs and ravens left the study sites in rare cases with a small piece of meat in their mouths or beaks. We conclude that scavengers represent a minor risk factor for spreading ASF, but may contribute to reducing local virus persistence by metabolizing infected carcasses.}, }
@article {pmid31378612, year = {2019}, author = {McCoy, DE and Schiestl, M and Neilands, P and Hassall, R and Gray, RD and Taylor, AH}, title = {New Caledonian Crows Behave Optimistically after Using Tools.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {29}, number = {16}, pages = {2737-2742.e3}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2019.06.080}, pmid = {31378612}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Motivation ; Optimism ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Are complex, species-specific behaviors in animals reinforced by material reward alone or do they also induce positive emotions? Many adaptive human behaviors are intrinsically motivated: they not only improve our material outcomes, but improve our affect as well [1-8]. Work to date on animal optimism, as an indicator of positive affect, has generally focused on how animals react to change in their circumstances, such as when their environment is enriched [9-14] or they are manipulated by humans [15-23], rather than whether complex actions improve emotional state. Here, we show that wild New Caledonian crows are optimistic after tool use, a complex, species-specific behavior. We further demonstrate that this finding cannot be explained by the crows needing to put more effort into gaining food. Our findings therefore raise the possibility that intrinsic motivation (enjoyment) may be a fundamental proximate cause in the evolution of tool use and other complex behaviors. VIDEO ABSTRACT.}, }
@article {pmid31373991, year = {2019}, author = {Wang, J and Su, Y and Zhang, J and Guo, P and Song, B}, title = {Subbrow Blepharoplasty Combined with Periorbital Muscle Manipulation for Periorbital Rejuvenation in Asian Women.}, journal = {Plastic and reconstructive surgery}, volume = {144}, number = {5}, pages = {760e-769e}, doi = {10.1097/PRS.0000000000006144}, pmid = {31373991}, issn = {1529-4242}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Asian People/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Blepharoplasty/*methods ; Cohort Studies ; Esthetics ; Eyebrows ; Eyelids/*surgery ; Facial Muscles/*surgery ; Female ; Forehead/surgery ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Patient Satisfaction/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Photography/*methods ; Preoperative Care/methods ; Prognosis ; Rejuvenation ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Assessment ; Skin Aging ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: With advancing age, Asian women are often plagued by lateral hooding of the upper eyelid skin, eyebrow ptosis, and obvious periorbital wrinkles. The authors propose a novel technique to revive the natural eyelid shape with a stable eyebrow position and alleviate periorbital wrinkles in Asian women.<br><br>METHODS: Sixty-six patients underwent subbrow blepharoplasty combined with periorbital muscle manipulation. An ellipse shape of the skin and subcutaneous tissue below the eyebrow was measured, demarcated, and removed. Then, the orbicularis oculi muscle beneath the subcutaneous tissue was exposed and dissected at the upper third. The lower muscle flap was fixed to the supraorbital rim periosteum and the upper musculocutaneous flaps, forming a cross flap for interlocking fixation. The lateral border of the orbicularis oculi muscle was detached from the subcutaneous tissue, splayed out, and sutured upward and inward to the periosteum. The corrugator supercilii muscle temporal to the origin of the supraorbital nerve notch was separated by 1 to 2 mm. The operation results were evaluated by patient satisfaction and comparisons between preoperative and postoperative photographs.<br><br>RESULTS: Subbrow blepharoplasty combined with periorbital muscle manipulation significantly corrected lateral hooding with a stable eyebrow position and reduced the crow's feet and glabellar frown lines in all patients. The persistence of the improved outcome was stable during the follow-up period. Postoperative scarring was inconspicuous; however, eight cases had transient postoperative forehead numbness.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This novel procedure provides a simple, effective, and comprehensive technique for improving periorbital aging in Asian women. The surgical outcomes are predictable, and the postoperative scarring is inconspicuous.<br><br>Therapeutic, IV.}, }
@article {pmid31343446, year = {2020}, author = {Keaney, TC and Cavallini, M and Leys, C and Rossi, A and Drinkwater, A and Manson Brown, S and Garcia, JK and Mao, C}, title = {Efficacy, Patient-Reported Outcomes, and Safety in Male Subjects Treated With OnabotulinumtoxinA for Improvement of Moderate to Severe Horizontal Forehead Lines.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {46}, number = {2}, pages = {229-239}, doi = {10.1097/DSS.0000000000002047}, pmid = {31343446}, issn = {1524-4725}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*administration &amp; dosage/adverse effects ; Cosmetic Techniques/*adverse effects ; Double-Blind Method ; Esthetics ; Female ; Forehead ; Humans ; Intention to Treat Analysis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuromuscular Agents/*administration &amp; dosage/adverse effects ; Patient Reported Outcome Measures ; *Patient Satisfaction ; Rejuvenation ; Sex Factors ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Men represent a growing segment of the facial aesthetic market.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: To evaluate investigator-assessed efficacy, patient-reported outcomes, and safety after onabotulinumtoxinA treatment of forehead lines (FHL) in men.<br><br>METHODS: Subjects with moderate to severe FHL received onabotulinumtoxinA (frontalis: 20 U; glabellar complex: 20 U, with/without 24 U in crow's feet regions) or placebo in 6-month, double-blind periods of 2 pivotal trials. Results for men were pooled.<br><br>RESULTS: Men comprised 12% (140/1,178) of subjects. Day 30 male responder rates for achieving at least 1-grade Facial Wrinkle Scale (FWS) improvement at maximum eyebrow elevation and at rest were 98.2% and 93.3%, respectively; a significant difference in responder rates was maintained versus placebo (p < .05) through Day 150. Despite men having proportionately more severe FHL at baseline, 81.8% and 79.8% achieved Day 30 FWS ratings of none or mild at maximum eyebrow elevation and at rest, respectively (p < .05); significance versus placebo was maintained through Day 120. Men reported high satisfaction rates and improved psychological impacts. No new safety signals were detected.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Standard dosing and administration of onabotulinumtoxinA significantly improved static and dynamic FHL appearance, despite men having proportionately more severe FHL at baseline. Men reported high satisfaction and appearance-related psychological impact improvements.}, }
@article {pmid31330118, year = {2019}, author = {Moberly, AC and Reed, J}, title = {Making Sense of Sentences: Top-Down Processing of Speech by Adult Cochlear Implant Users.}, journal = {Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHR}, volume = {62}, number = {8}, pages = {2895-2905}, pmid = {31330118}, issn = {1558-9102}, support = {K23 DC015539/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/United States ; UL1 TR001070/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Auditory Threshold ; Cochlear Implantation ; Cochlear Implants/*psychology ; Female ; Hearing Loss/*psychology/surgery ; Humans ; Inhibition, Psychological ; Male ; *Memory, Short-Term ; Nonverbal Communication ; Phonetics ; Postoperative Period ; Problem Solving ; *Recognition, Psychology ; Speech Acoustics ; *Speech Perception ; }, abstract = {Purpose Speech recognition relies upon a listener's successful pairing of the acoustic-phonetic details from the bottom-up input with top-down linguistic processing of the incoming speech stream. When the speech is spectrally degraded, such as through a cochlear implant (CI), this role of top-down processing is poorly understood. This study explored the interactions of top-down processing, specifically the use of semantic context during sentence recognition, and the relative contributions of different neurocognitive functions during speech recognition in adult CI users. Method Data from 41 experienced adult CI users were collected and used in analyses. Participants were tested for recognition and immediate repetition of speech materials in the clear. They were asked to repeat 2 sets of sentence materials, 1 that was semantically meaningful and 1 that was syntactically appropriate but semantically anomalous. Participants also were tested on 4 visual measures of neurocognitive functioning to assess working memory capacity (Digit Span; Wechsler, 2004), speed of lexical access (Test of Word Reading Efficiency; Torgeson, Wagner, &amp; Rashotte, 1999), inhibitory control (Stroop; Stroop, 1935), and nonverbal fluid reasoning (Raven's Progressive Matrices; Raven, 2000). Results Individual listeners' inhibitory control predicted recognition of meaningful sentences when controlling for performance on anomalous sentences, our proxy for the quality of the bottom-up input. Additionally, speed of lexical access and nonverbal reasoning predicted recognition of anomalous sentences. Conclusions Findings from this study identified inhibitory control as a potential mechanism at work when listeners make use of semantic context during sentence recognition. Moreover, speed of lexical access and nonverbal reasoning were associated with recognition of sentences that lacked semantic context. These results motivate the development of improved comprehensive rehabilitative approaches for adult patients with CIs to optimize use of top-down processing and underlying core neurocognitive functions.}, }
@article {pmid31328952, year = {2020}, author = {Lazareva, OF and Gould, K and Linert, J and Caillaud, D and Gazes, RP}, title = {Smaller on the left? Flexible association between space and magnitude in pigeons (Columba livia) and blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata).}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {134}, number = {1}, pages = {71-83}, doi = {10.1037/com0000193}, pmid = {31328952}, issn = {1939-2087}, mesh = {Animals ; *Cognition ; Columbidae/*physiology ; Humans ; Orientation/*physiology ; Space Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Humans and other apes represent magnitudes spatially, demonstrated by their responding faster and more accurately to one side of space when presented with small quantities and to the other side of space when presented with large quantities. This representation is flexible and shows substantial variability between cultural groups in humans and between and within individuals in great apes. In contrast, recent findings suggest that chicks show a spatial representation of magnitude that is highly lateralized and inflexible, implying a qualitatively different underlying representation than in primates. Using methods similar to those used with great apes and humans, we trained adult domestic pigeons (Columba livia) and blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata) to select the smaller (or larger) of two nonadjacent quantity arrays; later, this task was reversed. At test, birds were presented with novel probe pairs consisting of adjacent quantity pairs (e.g., 2 vs. 3). Both species showed robust evidence for a flexible spatial representation of magnitude with considerable individual variability in the orientation of this representation. These results are not consistent with an inflexible, lateralized, left-to-right representation of magnitude in birds, but are consistent with the flexible spatial representation of magnitude observed in apes and humans. We conclude that the tendency to organize quantities spatially may be a fundamental and evolutionarily ancient feature of cognition that is widespread among vertebrates. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).}, }
@article {pmid31320656, year = {2019}, author = {Madsen, SMK and Marschall, M and Dau, T and Oxenham, AJ}, title = {Speech perception is similar for musicians and non-musicians across a wide range of conditions.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {10404}, pmid = {31320656}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {R01 DC005216/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Acoustic Stimulation/methods ; Attention/physiology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Music ; Noise ; Pitch Discrimination/physiology ; Speech/*physiology ; Speech Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {It remains unclear whether musical training is associated with improved speech understanding in a noisy environment, with different studies reaching differing conclusions. Even in those studies that have reported an advantage for highly trained musicians, it is not known whether the benefits measured in laboratory tests extend to more ecologically valid situations. This study aimed to establish whether musicians are better than non-musicians at understanding speech in a background of competing speakers or speech-shaped noise under more realistic conditions, involving sounds presented in space via a spherical array of 64 loudspeakers, rather than over headphones, with and without simulated room reverberation. The study also included experiments testing fundamental frequency discrimination limens (F0DLs), interaural time differences limens (ITDLs), and attentive tracking. Sixty-four participants (32 non-musicians and 32 musicians) were tested, with the two groups matched in age, sex, and IQ as assessed with Raven's Advanced Progressive matrices. There was a significant benefit of musicianship for F0DLs, ITDLs, and attentive tracking. However, speech scores were not significantly different between the two groups. The results suggest no musician advantage for understanding speech in background noise or talkers under a variety of conditions.}, }
@article {pmid31318256, year = {2020}, author = {Gonthier, C and Roulin, JL}, title = {Intraindividual strategy shifts in Raven's matrices, and their dependence on working memory capacity and need for cognition.}, journal = {Journal of experimental psychology. General}, volume = {149}, number = {3}, pages = {564-579}, doi = {10.1037/xge0000660}, pmid = {31318256}, issn = {1939-2222}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Cognition/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; *Individuality ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term/*physiology ; Motivation/physiology ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Strategic behavior plays a key role in fluid intelligence tasks like Raven's matrices. Some participants solve items using the strategy of mentally constructing the answer (constructive matching), which is effective but costly for complex problems; other participants rely on the less accurate strategy of discarding potential answers (response elimination). While this process is relatively well-known, past research hints that intraindividual changes in strategy use may also take place as the task becomes increasingly difficult; however, intraindividual variability in Raven's matrices is poorly understood. The present study aimed to (a) test the hypothesis that participants dynamically shift between strategies during the course of Raven's matrices, as predicted by the literature, and (b) investigate the possibility that these shifts are moderated by individual differences in both ability and motivation. Two samples of 100 participants each completed Raven's advanced progressive matrices, and measures of working memory and need for cognition. The results confirmed that participants tended to turn to the less costly response elimination strategy as the difficulty of the task increased; this variability in strategy use predicted 78% of item-to-item variance in accuracy. Working memory capacity and need for cognition predicted strategy use, and working memory capacity additionally moderated the shift toward response elimination, so that only participants with both high working memory capacity and high need for cognition continued using constructive matching in the later part of the task. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).}, }
@article {pmid31314913, year = {2019}, author = {Flament, F and Velleman, D and Yamamoto, S and Nicolas, A and Udodaira, K and Yamamoto, S and Morimoto, C and Belkebla, S and Negre, C and Delaunay, C}, title = {Clinical impacts of sun exposures on the faces and hands of Japanese women of different ages.}, journal = {International journal of cosmetic science}, volume = {41}, number = {5}, pages = {425-436}, doi = {10.1111/ics.12555}, pmid = {31314913}, issn = {1468-2494}, support = {//L'Or&#xe9;al Research &amp; Innovation Department/ ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Environmental Exposure ; Face/*radiation effects ; Female ; Hand/*radiation effects ; Humans ; Japan ; Life Style ; Middle Aged ; *Skin Aging ; *Sunlight ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To assess the impacts of sun exposures on some skin signs on the faces and hands of differently aged Japanese women, according to their distinct behaviours towards vis à vis sun exposure.<br><br>METHODS: Two comparable cohorts of Japanese women (aged 18-83&#xa0;years) were created according to their usual behaviour towards sun exposure i.e. non-sun-phobic (N&#xa0;=&#xa0;495) and sun-phobic (N&#xa0;=&#xa0;516) and through their regular use(s) of a photo-protective product. Standard photographs (full-face and 45&#xb0; lateral) allowed to focus on 18 facial signs that were graded by 15 experts, using a referential skin ageing Atlas. From these two cohorts, two sub-cohorts (114 and 122 women) were created with regard to the similar clinical aspects of the dorsal side of their hands (Left vs. Right) that were further graded. Absolute differences in the scores of each sign were used (non-sun-phobic minus sun-phobic), by age-ranges, to better ascertain the impact of sun exposures and photo-protection.<br><br>RESULTS: Facial signs related to skin wrinkles/texture and pigmentary spots were found significantly more accentuated among non-sun-phobic women and show an early onset (20-30&#xa0;years). Facial sagging and crow's feet wrinkles appear delayed (30-40&#xa0;years). The severity of vascular disorders was found to be similar in the two cohorts. The absolute differences in the grading's of almost all signs were unsurprisingly found increased with advancing ages, illustrating the combination of chronological and photo-ageing processes. With regard to hands, differences in skin texture and pigmentary disorders are of a late onset (40-50&#xa0;years) and were found much increased at older ages. The cutaneous signs of the hands of Japanese women can hardly be taken as reliable markers of their photo-ageing status.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The present work illustrates, for the first time, some specificities of the impact of sun exposures on the facial skin of Japanese women, pinpointing the fact that some facial signs are of an early onset. Results significantly confirm the importance of both sun avoidance coupled with photo-protective measures.}, }
@article {pmid31306420, year = {2019}, author = {Maharaj, PD and Langevin, SA and Bolling, BG and Andrade, CC and Engle, XA and Ramey, WN and Bosco-Lauth, A and Bowen, RA and Sanders, TA and Huang, CY and Reisen, WK and Brault, AC}, title = {N-linked glycosylation of the West Nile virus envelope protein is not a requisite for avian virulence or vector competence.}, journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases}, volume = {13}, number = {7}, pages = {e0007473}, pmid = {31306420}, issn = {1935-2735}, support = {R01 AI055607/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI061822/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 CI000235/CI/NCPDCID CDC HHS/United States ; U54 AI065359/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Aedes ; Amino Acid Motifs ; Animals ; Chlorocebus aethiops ; Culex/virology ; Culicidae/virology ; Disease Models, Animal ; *Disease Vectors ; Female ; Glycosylation ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Mice ; Mutation ; Phenotype ; Sparrows/virology ; Vero Cells ; Viral Envelope Proteins/genetics/*metabolism ; Viremia ; Virulence ; Virus Replication ; West Nile Fever/*virology ; West Nile virus/genetics/*metabolism ; }, abstract = {The N-linked glycosylation motif at amino acid position 154-156 of the envelope (E) protein of West Nile virus (WNV) is linked to enhanced murine neuroinvasiveness, avian pathogenicity and vector competence. Naturally occurring isolates with altered E protein glycosylation patterns have been observed in WNV isolates; however, the specific effects of these polymorphisms on avian host pathogenesis and vector competence have not been investigated before. In the present study, amino acid polymorphisms, NYT, NYP, NYF, SYP, SYS, KYS and deletion (A'DEL), were reverse engineered into a parental WNV (NYS) cDNA infectious clone to generate WNV glycosylation mutant viruses. These WNV glycosylation mutant viruses were characterized for in vitro growth, pH-sensitivity, temperature-sensitivity and host competence in American crows (AMCR), house sparrows (HOSP) and Culex quinquefasciatus. The NYS and NYT glycosylated viruses showed higher viral replication, and lower pH and temperature sensitivity than NYP, NYF, SYP, SYS, KYS and A'DEL viruses in vitro. Interestingly, in vivo results demonstrated asymmetric effects in avian and mosquito competence that were independent of the E-protein glycosylation status. In AMCRs and HOSPs, all viruses showed comparable viremias with the exception of NYP and KYS viruses that showed attenuated phenotypes. Only NYP showed reduced vector competence in both Cx. quinquefasciatus and Cx. tarsalis. Glycosylated NYT exhibited similar avian virulence properties as NYS, but resulted in higher mosquito oral infectivity than glycosylated NYS and nonglycosylated, NYP, NYF, SYP and KYS mutants. These data demonstrated that amino acid polymorphisms at E154/156 dictate differential avian host and vector competence phenotypes independent of E-protein glycosylation status.}, }
@article {pmid31292844, year = {2020}, author = {Parvathy, VS and Pothiraj, S}, title = {Multi-modality medical image fusion using hybridization of binary crow search optimization.}, journal = {Health care management science}, volume = {23}, number = {4}, pages = {661-669}, doi = {10.1007/s10729-019-09492-2}, pmid = {31292844}, issn = {1572-9389}, mesh = {Algorithms ; Humans ; Image Enhancement/methods ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/*methods ; Multimodal Imaging/*methods ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/*methods ; Wavelet Analysis ; }, abstract = {In clinical applications, single modality images do not provide sufficient diagnostic information. Therefore, it is necessary to combine the advantages or complementarities of different modalities of images. In this paper, we propose an efficient medical image fusion system based on discrete wavelet transform and binary crow search optimization (BCSO) algorithm. Here, we consider two different patterns of images as the input of the system and the output is the fused image. In this approach, at first, to enhance the image, we apply a median filter which is used to remove the noise present in the input image. Then, we apply a discrete wavelet transform on both the input modalities. Then, the approximation coefficients of modality 1 and detailed coefficients of modality 2 are combined. Similarly, approximation coefficients of modality 2 and detailed coefficients of modality 1 are combined. Finally, we fuse the two modality information using novel fusion rule. The fusion rule parameters are optimally selected using binary crow search optimization (BCSO) algorithm. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, we used different quality metrics such as structural similarity index measure (SSIM), Fusion Factor (FF), and entropy. The presented model shows superior results with 6.63 of entropy, 0.849 of SSIM and 5.9 of FF.}, }
@article {pmid31287221, year = {2020}, author = {Schlötelburg, A and Plekat, A and Bellingrath-Kimura, S and Jacob, J}, title = {Self-service traps inspected by avian and terrestrial predators as a management option for rodents.}, journal = {Pest management science}, volume = {76}, number = {1}, pages = {103-110}, doi = {10.1002/ps.5550}, pmid = {31287221}, issn = {1526-4998}, support = {312-06.01-2812NA120//German Federal Office for Food and Agriculture/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Arvicolinae ; Birds ; Predatory Behavior ; *Rodentia ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Worldwide, serval rodent species are major pests in agricultural landscapes. A vole-specific tub-trap combining trapping and natural predators was developed to minimize the migration of rodents into agricultural crops. The trap was tested in enclosures in terms of its trapability of common voles (Microtus arvalis Pallas) and in the field regarding predator access and removal of voles, both in comparison to a commercially available self-service trap (standby-box).<br><br>RESULTS: The trapability of voles was equal for tub-traps and standby-boxes. The removal of voles occurred four times more often from tub-traps by a wider variety of predators (e.g. smaller terrestrial predators, birds of prey). Visits by predators were most likely if study sites were not surrounded by artificial surfaces (70% visit probability by terrestrial predators) or if they were in areas that were more than 25% (semi)natural (95% visit probability by avian predators). Furthermore, visits by avian predators increased with time and a learning effect could be demonstrated for magpies (Pica pica L.). From the first to the fifth day, the visit probability of magpies quadrupled.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Visits by predators decreased with increasing cover of artificial surfaces or decreasing cover of (semi)natural areas, proving the importance of (semi)natural areas in the agricultural landscape. Long-term trials with different baiting techniques and in landscapes characterized by organic farming should be conducted to ensure the regular removal of voles. The use of tub-traps that are frequently visited by predators could support crop protection, which might limit the use of rodenticide and the associated exposure risk of non-target wildlife. &#xa9; 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.}, }
@article {pmid31278972, year = {2019}, author = {Parameshwaran, D and Subramaniyam, NP and Thiagarajan, TC}, title = {Waveform complexity: A new metric for EEG analysis.}, journal = {Journal of neuroscience methods}, volume = {325}, number = {}, pages = {108313}, doi = {10.1016/j.jneumeth.2019.108313}, pmid = {31278972}, issn = {1872-678X}, mesh = {Adult ; Cerebral Cortex/*physiology ; Electroencephalography/*methods ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; *Pattern Recognition, Visual ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: EEG represents a cost-effective mechanism to evaluate brain function. To realize its potential, it is essential to identify aspects of the signal that provide insight into differences in cognitive, emotional and behavioral outcomes and can therefore aid in diagnostic measurement. Here we define a new metric of the EEG signal that assesses the diversity of waveform shapes in the signal.<br><br>NEW METHOD: The metric, which we term waveform complexity, abbreviated as Cw, compares the similarity of the shape of waveforms of long durations by computing the correlation (r) of segments. A distribution of waveform diversity is computed as 1-|r|x100, from which Cw is obtained as the median.<br><br>RESULTS: We identify the length parameter that provides the maximal variance in Cw across the sample population and therefore greatest potential discriminatory power. We also provide insight into the impact of various manipulations of the signal such as sampling rate, filtering, phase shuffling and signal duration. Finally, as a test of potential application, we demonstrate that when applied to eyes closed EEG recordings in subjects taken immediately prior to taking a Raven's progressive matrix test, this measure had a high correlation to participant's scores.<br><br>Cw, while correlated with other similar measures such as spectral entropy, sample entropy and Lempel-Ziv complexity, significantly outperformed these measures in its correlation to participants' task scores.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This waveform complexity measure warrants further investigation as a potential measure of cognitive and other brain states.}, }
@article {pmid31276317, year = {2019}, author = {Valdés Hernández, MDC and Abu-Hussain, J and Qiu, X and Priller, J and Parra Rodríguez, M and Pino, M and Báez, S and Ibáñez, A}, title = {Structural neuroimaging differentiates vulnerability from disease manifestation in colombian families with Huntington's disease.}, journal = {Brain and behavior}, volume = {9}, number = {8}, pages = {e01343}, pmid = {31276317}, issn = {2162-3279}, support = {MC_PC_16031/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/P025315/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Basal Ganglia/*diagnostic imaging ; Colombia ; Disease Progression ; Female ; Humans ; Huntington Disease/*diagnostic imaging ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/*methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuroimaging/*methods ; Thalamus/*diagnostic imaging ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The volume of the striatal structures has been associated with disease progression in individuals with Huntington's disease (HD) from North America, Europe, and Australia. However, it is not known whether the gray matter (GM) volume in the striatum is also sensitive in differentiating vulnerability from disease manifestation in HD families from a South-American region known to have high incidence of the disease. In addition, the association of enlarged brain perivascular spaces (PVS) with cognitive, behavioral, and motor symptoms of HD is unknown.<br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have analyzed neuroimaging indicators of global atrophy, PVS burden, and GM tissue volume in the basal ganglia and thalami, in relation to behavioral, motor, and cognitive scores, in 15 HD patients with overt disease manifestation and 14 first-degree relatives not genetically tested, which represent a vulnerable group, from the region of Magdalena, Colombia.<br><br>RESULTS: Poor fluid intelligence as per the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices was associated with global brain atrophy (p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.002) and PVS burden (p&#xa0;&#x2264;&#xa0;0.02) in HD patients, where the GM volume in all subcortical structures, with the exception of the right globus pallidus, was associated with motor or cognitive scores. Only the GM volume in the right putamen was associated with envy and MOCA scores (p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.008 and 0.015 respectively) in first-degree relatives.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Striatal GM volume, global brain atrophy and PVS burden may serve as differential indicators of disease manifestation in HD. The Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices could be a cognitive test worth to consider in the differentiation of vulnerability versus overt disease in HD.}, }
@article {pmid31270682, year = {2020}, author = {Vonk, J}, title = {Sticks and stones: Associative learning alone?.}, journal = {Learning &amp; behavior}, volume = {48}, number = {3}, pages = {277-278}, doi = {10.3758/s13420-019-00387-4}, pmid = {31270682}, issn = {1543-4508}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Learning ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Gruber et al. (Current Biology, 29, 686-692, 2019) report that New Caledonian crows engage in mental representation to solve a problem involving a tool. Although the crows' success is impressive, an associative account of their behavior calls into question the extent to which the data reflect representation of future states.}, }
@article {pmid31266425, year = {2019}, author = {Ling, H and Mclvor, GE and van der Vaart, K and Vaughan, RT and Thornton, A and Ouellette, NT}, title = {Local interactions and their group-level consequences in flocking jackdaws.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {286}, number = {1906}, pages = {20190865}, pmid = {31266425}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Crows/*physiology ; Flight, Animal/*physiology ; *Social Behavior ; United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {As one of nature's most striking examples of collective behaviour, bird flocks have attracted extensive research. However, we still lack an understanding of the attractive and repulsive forces that govern interactions between individuals within flocks and how these forces influence neighbours' relative positions and ultimately determine the shape of flocks. We address these issues by analysing the three-dimensional movements of wild jackdaws (Corvus monedula) in flocks containing 2-338 individuals. We quantify the social interaction forces in large, airborne flocks and find that these forces are highly anisotropic. The long-range attraction in the direction perpendicular to the movement direction is stronger than that along it, and the short-range repulsion is generated mainly by turning rather than changing speed. We explain this phenomenon by considering wingbeat frequency and the change in kinetic and gravitational potential energy during flight, and find that changing the direction of movement is less energetically costly than adjusting speed for birds. Furthermore, our data show that collision avoidance by turning can alter local neighbour distributions and ultimately change the group shape. Our results illustrate the macroscopic consequences of anisotropic interaction forces in bird flocks, and help to draw links between group structure, local interactions and the biophysics of animal locomotion.}, }
@article {pmid31259563, year = {2019}, author = {Congdon, JV and Hahn, AH and Filippi, P and Campbell, KA and Hoang, J and Scully, EN and Bowling, DL and Reber, SA and Sturdy, CB}, title = {Hear them roar: A comparison of black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) and human (Homo sapiens) perception of arousal in vocalizations across all classes of terrestrial vertebrates.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {133}, number = {4}, pages = {520-541}, doi = {10.1037/com0000187}, pmid = {31259563}, issn = {1939-2087}, mesh = {Animals ; Arousal/*physiology ; Auditory Perception/*physiology ; Concept Formation/physiology ; Conditioning, Operant/physiology ; Discrimination Learning/physiology ; Discrimination, Psychological/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; *Inhibition, Psychological ; Learning/*physiology ; Male ; Songbirds/*physiology ; Species Specificity ; Transfer, Psychology/physiology ; Vocalization, Animal/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Recently, evidence for acoustic universals in vocal communication was found by demonstrating that humans can identify levels of arousal in vocalizations produced by species across three biological classes (Filippi et al., 2017). Here, we extend this work by testing whether two vocal learning species, humans and chickadees, can discriminate vocalizations of high and low arousal using operant discrimination go/no-go tasks. Stimuli included vocalizations from nine species: giant panda, American alligator, common raven, hourglass treefrog, African elephant, Barbary macaque, domestic pig, black-capped chickadee, and human. Subjects were trained to respond to high or low arousal vocalizations, then tested with additional high and low arousal vocalizations produced by each species. Chickadees (Experiment 1) and humans (Experiment 2) learned to discriminate between high and low arousal stimuli and significantly transferred the discrimination to additional panda, human, and chickadee vocalizations. Finally, we conducted discriminant function analyses using four acoustic measures, finding evidence suggesting that fundamental frequency played a role in responding during the task. However, these analyses also suggest roles for other acoustic factors as well as familiarity. In sum, the results from these studies provide evidence that chickadees and humans are capable of perceiving arousal in vocalizations produced by multiple species. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).}, }
@article {pmid31244985, year = {2019}, author = {Graham, LJ and Spake, R and Gillings, S and Watts, K and Eigenbrod, F}, title = {Incorporating fine-scale environmental heterogeneity into broad-extent models.}, journal = {Methods in ecology and evolution}, volume = {10}, number = {6}, pages = {767-778}, pmid = {31244985}, issn = {2041-210X}, abstract = {A key aim of ecology is to understand the drivers of ecological patterns, so that we can accurately predict the effects of global environmental change. However, in many cases, predictors are measured at a finer resolution than the ecological response. We therefore require data aggregation methods that avoid loss of information on fine-grain heterogeneity.We present a data aggregation method that, unlike current approaches, reduces the loss of information on fine-grain spatial structure in environmental heterogeneity for use with coarse-grain ecological datasets. Our method contains three steps: (a) define analysis scales (predictor grain, response grain, scale-of-effect); (b) use a moving window to calculate a measure of variability in environment (predictor grain) at the process-relevant scale (scale-of-effect); and (c) aggregate the moving window calculations to the coarsest resolution (response grain). We show the theoretical basis for our method using simulated landscapes and the practical utility with a case study. Our method is available as the grainchanger r package.The simulations show that information about spatial structure is captured that would have been lost using a direct aggregation approach, and that our method is particularly useful in landscapes with spatial autocorrelation in the environmental predictor variable (e.g. fragmented landscapes) and when the scale-of-effect is small relative to the response grain. We use our data aggregation method to find the appropriate scale-of-effect of land cover diversity on Eurasian jay Garrulus glandarius abundance in the UK. We then model the interactive effect of land cover heterogeneity and temperature on G. glandarius abundance. Our method enables us quantify this interaction despite the different scales at which these factors influence G. glandarius abundance.Our data aggregation method allows us to integrate variables that act at varying scales into one model with limited loss of information, which has wide applicability for spatial analyses beyond the specific ecological context considered here. Key ecological applications include being able to estimate the interactive effect of drivers that vary at different scales (such as climate and land cover), and to systematically examine the scale dependence of the effects of environmental heterogeneity in combination with the effects of climate change on biodiversity.}, }
@article {pmid31217759, year = {2019}, author = {Kunishige, M and Fukuda, H and Iida, T and Kawabata, N and Ishizuki, C and MIyaguchi, H}, title = {Spatial navigation ability and gaze switching in older drivers: A driving simulator study.}, journal = {Hong Kong journal of occupational therapy : HKJOT}, volume = {32}, number = {1}, pages = {22-31}, pmid = {31217759}, issn = {1876-4398}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Driving ability in older people is affected by declining motor, cognitive and visual functions. We compared perceptual and cognitive skills and driving behaviour in a Japanese population.<br><br>METHODS: We used a driving simulator to measure the effects of spatial navigation skills and eye movements on driving ability. Participants were 34 older and 20 young adults who completed a simulated driving task involving a lane change and a right turn at an intersection. We used an eye tracker to measure gaze. We measured visual recognition (Benton Judgment of Line Orientation Test (BJLO)), spatial navigation (Card-Placing Test (CPT A &amp; B)), visual perception (Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM)) and driving ability (Stroke Drivers' Screening Assessment).<br><br>RESULTS: Older participants scored significantly lower on the BJLO, CPT-A &amp; B and RCPM, showed a significant correlation between gaze time and CPT-A &amp; B scores (both p&#x2009;<&#x2009;.01) and had a longer gaze time. There were significant between-group differences in saccade switching (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;.01 right turn), distance per saccade (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;.05 for right turn and lane change) and saccade total distance (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;.05 right turn; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;.01 lane change). There was an association between age and rate of gaze at the right door mirror (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.04).<br><br>CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that older drivers have poorer eye movement control and spatial navigation. This is likely to result in delayed responses and difficulties in predicting the on-coming driving environment. Driving simulation could help older drivers in their driving abilities.}, }
@article {pmid31209171, year = {2019}, author = {Wang, C and Xu, T and Geng, F and Hu, Y and Wang, Y and Liu, H and Chen, F}, title = {Training on Abacus-Based Mental Calculation Enhances Visuospatial Working Memory in Children.}, journal = {The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience}, volume = {39}, number = {33}, pages = {6439-6448}, pmid = {31209171}, issn = {1529-2401}, mesh = {Brain/*physiology ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Learning/*physiology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Mathematics ; Memory, Short-Term/*physiology ; Neuronal Plasticity/*physiology ; *Teaching ; Teaching Materials ; }, abstract = {Abacus-based mental calculation (AMC) involves temporary storage and manipulation of an imaginary abacus closely related to the function of visuospatial working memory (VSWM). The present study thus investigated the effects of AMC training on VSWM and its neural correlates. A total of 144 human subjects (67 boys) were assigned to AMC or control groups at their entry to primary school. The AMC group received 2 h AMC training per week for 5 school years, whereas the control group spent the time in activities, such as conventional calculation and reading. Raven's Intelligence Test was administered both before and after training. Two arithmetic tests and a VSWM task were conducted after training. Among these participants, fMRI data were collected from 64 children for the VSWM task. Behavioral results indicated that the AMC group outperformed controls on both arithmetic and VSWM tasks, but not on Raven's Intelligence Test. While the two groups activated similar regions during the VSWM task, the AMC group showed greater activation than the controls in frontal, parietal, and occipital areas. Interestingly, the activation of right middle frontal gyrus mediated the relation between the arithmetic ability and the VSWM performance in the AMC group, suggesting that the frontal region may be the neural substrate underlying the transfer effect from AMC training to VSWM. Although the transfer effects seem quite limited considering the length and intensity of the training, these findings suggest that long-term AMC training not only improves arithmetic ability but also has a potential positive effect on VSWM.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Plasticity of working memory is one of the most rapidly expanding research fields in the developmental and cognitive sciences. Previous studies suggest that abacus-based mental calculation (AMC) relies on a visuospatial imaginary strategy, which is closely related to visuospatial working memory (VSWM). However, the impacts of AMC training on VSWM and the underlying neural basis remain unclear. Here, we found that AMC training enhanced VSWM in children, which was accompanied by altered activation in frontal, parietal, and occipital areas. Moreover, we observed that activation in right middle frontal gyrus played a significant mediation role in the transfer of AMC training to VSWM. These findings provide a new perspective to VSWM training and also advance our understanding of related brain plasticity.}, }
@article {pmid31182151, year = {2019}, author = {Van Hemert, C and Meixell, BW and Smith, MM and Handel, CM}, title = {Prevalence and diversity of avian blood parasites in a resident northern passerine.}, journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {292}, pmid = {31182151}, issn = {1756-3305}, mesh = {Alaska/epidemiology ; Animals ; Bird Diseases/*epidemiology/parasitology ; Climate Change ; Crows/*parasitology ; DNA, Protozoan/genetics ; Ecosystem ; *Genetic Variation ; Haemosporida/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Host Specificity ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; Parasites/*genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Parasitic Diseases, Animal/*blood/epidemiology ; Phylogeny ; Plasmodium/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Prevalence ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Climate-related changes are expected to influence the prevalence and distribution of vector-borne haemosporidian parasites at northern latitudes, although baseline information about resident birds is still lacking. In this study, we investigated prevalence and genetic diversity of Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon parasites infecting the northwestern crow (Corvus caurinus), a non-migratory passerine with unique life-history characteristics. This species occupies both intertidal and forested habitats and is subject to high prevalence of avian keratin disorder (AKD), a disease that causes gross beak deformities. Investigation of avian blood parasites in northwestern crows at sites broadly distributed across coastal Alaska provided an opportunity to evaluate specific host factors related to parasite infection status and assess geographical patterns of prevalence.<br><br>RESULTS: We used molecular methods to screen for haemosporidian parasites in northwestern crows and estimated genus-specific parasite prevalence with occupancy modeling that accounts for imperfect detection of parasite infection. We observed considerable geographical and annual variation in prevalence of Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon, but these patterns were not correlated with indices of local climatic conditions. Our models also did not provide support for relationships between the probability of parasite infection and body condition or the occurrence of co-infections with other parasite genera or clinical signs of AKD. In our phylogenetic analyses, we identified multiple lineages of each parasite genus, with Leucocytozoon showing greater diversity than Plasmodium or Haemoproteus.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study expand our knowledge about the prevalence and diversity of avian blood parasites in northern resident birds as well as corvids worldwide. We detected all three genera of avian haemosporidians in northwestern crows in Alaska, although only Leucocytozoon occurred at all sites in both years. Given the strong geographical and annual variation in parasite prevalence and apparent lack of correlation with climatic variables, it appears that there are other key factors responsible for driving transmission dynamics in this region. Thus, caution is warranted when using standard climatic or geographical attributes in a predictive framework. Our phylogenetic results demonstrate lower host specificity for some lineages of Leucocytozoon than is typically reported and provide insights about genetic diversity of local haemosporidian parasites in Alaska.}, }
@article {pmid31162385, year = {2019}, author = {Warne, RT and Burton, JZ and Gibbons, A and Melendez, DA}, title = {Stephen Jay Gould's Analysis of the Army Beta Test in The Mismeasure of Man: Distortions and Misconceptions Regarding a Pioneering Mental Test.}, journal = {Journal of Intelligence}, volume = {7}, number = {1}, pages = {}, pmid = {31162385}, issn = {2079-3200}, abstract = {In The Mismeasure of Man, Stephen Jay Gould argued that the preconceived beliefs and biases of scientists influence their methods and conclusions. To show the potential consequences of this, Gould used examples from the early days of psychometrics and allied fields, arguing that inappropriate assumptions and an elitist desire to rank individuals and/or groups produced incorrect results. In this article, we investigate a section of The Mismeasure of Man in which Gould evaluated the Army Beta intelligence test for illiterate American draftees in World War I. We evaluated Gould's arguments that the Army Beta (a) had inappropriate content, (b) had unsuitable administration conditions, (c) suffered from short time limits, and (d) could not have measured intelligence. By consulting the historical record and conducting a pre-registered replication of Gould's administration of the test to a sample of college students, we show that Gould mischaracterized the Army Beta in a number of ways. Instead, the Army Beta was a well-designed test by the standards of the time, and all evidence indicates that it measured intelligence a century ago and can, to some extent, do so today.}, }
@article {pmid31156579, year = {2019}, author = {Sen, K and Berglund, T and Soares, MA and Taheri, B and Ma, Y and Khalil, L and Fridge, M and Lu, J and Turner, RJ}, title = {Antibiotic Resistance of E. coli Isolated From a Constructed Wetland Dominated by a Crow Roost, With Emphasis on ESBL and AmpC Containing E. coli.}, journal = {Frontiers in microbiology}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {1034}, pmid = {31156579}, issn = {1664-302X}, abstract = {Information on the dissemination of antibiotic resistance mechanisms in the environment as well as wild life is needed in North America. A constructed wetland (where ∼15,000 American crows roost) was sampled on the University of Washington Bothell Campus for the presence of antibiotic resistant E. coli (ARE). Crow droppings from individual birds and grab samples of water were collected in 2014-2015. E. coli were isolated by selective agar plating. The most frequent antibiotic resistance (AR) of the fecal isolates was to ampicillin (AMP) (53%), followed by amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (AMC) (45%), streptomycin (S) (40%), and nalidixic acid (NA) (33%). Water isolates had similar AR pattern and ∼40% were multidrug resistant. Isolates from water samples collected during storm events showed higher resistance than isolates from no rain days to tetracycline, AMP, AMC, NA, and gentamycin. Extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) containing E. coli with the bla ctx-M was found in three water and nine fecal isolates while bla cmy-2 in 19 water and 16 fecal isolates. Multilocus Sequence Typing analysis (MLST) yielded 13 and 12 different sequence types (STs) amongst fecal and water isolates, many of which could be correlated to livestock, bird, and humans. MLST identified ESBL E. coli belonging to the clinically relevant ST131 clone in six fecal and one water isolate. Three STs found in feces could be found in water on the same dates of collection but not subsequently. Thus, the strains do not appear to survive for long in the wetland. Phylogenetic analysis revealed similar distribution of the water and fecal isolates among the different phylo-groups, with the majority belonging to the commensal B1 phylo-group, followed by the pathogenic B2 phylo-group. This study demonstrates that corvids can be reservoirs and vectors of ARE and pathogenic E. coli, posing a significant environmental threat.}, }
@article {pmid31152024, year = {2019}, author = {Strøm, M and Mortensen, EL and Kesmodel, US and Halldorsson, T and Olsen, J and Olsen, SF}, title = {Is breast feeding associated with offspring IQ at age 5? Findings from prospective cohort: Lifestyle During Pregnancy Study.}, journal = {BMJ open}, volume = {9}, number = {5}, pages = {e023134}, pmid = {31152024}, issn = {2044-6055}, mesh = {*Breast Feeding ; Child Development/*physiology ; Child, Preschool ; Denmark/epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena/physiology ; Infant, Newborn ; Intelligence/*physiology ; *Intelligence Tests ; Life Style ; Pregnancy ; Prospective Studies ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Breast feeding is associated with health benefits for both mother and child, but many studies focusing on neurodevelopment have lacked information on important confounders and few randomised trials exist. Our objective was to examine the influence of breast feeding on child IQ at 5 years of age while taking maternal IQ and other relevant factors into account.<br><br>DESIGN: Prospective observational study.<br><br>SETTING: Population-based birth cohort in Denmark.<br><br>PARTICIPANTS: We used data from The Lifestyle During Pregnancy Study 1782 mother-child pairs sampled from the Danish National Birth Cohort (n=101&#x2009;042).<br><br>OUTCOME MEASURES: Child IQ was assessed at age 5 years by the Wechsler Primary and Preschool Scales of Intelligence-Revised. On the same occasion maternal intelligence was assessed by Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale and Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices. Exposure data on duration of breast feeding (n=1385) were extracted from telephone interviews conducted when the child was 6 and 18 months, and analyses were weighted by relevant sampling fractions.<br><br>RESULTS: In multivariable linear regression analyses adjusted for potential confounders breast feeding was associated with child IQ at 5 years (categorical &#x3c7;[2] test for overall association p=0.03). Compared with children who were breast fed &#x2264;1&#x2009;month, children breast fed for 2-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10 or more months had 3.06 (95% CI 0.39 to 5.72), 2.03 (95% CI -0.38 to 4.44), 3.53 (95% CI 1.18 to 5.87) and 3.28 (95% CI 0.88 to 5.67) points higher IQ after adjustment for core confounders, respectively. There was no dose-response relation and further analyses indicated that the main difference in IQ was between breast feeding &#x2264;1&#x2009;month versus >1&#x2009;month.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Breastfeeding duration of 1&#x2009;month or shorter compared with longer periods was associated with approximately three points lower IQ, but there was no evidence of a dose-response relation in this prospective birth cohort, where we were able to adjust for some of the most critical confounders, including maternal intelligence.}, }
@article {pmid31148101, year = {2019}, author = {Federspiel, IG and Boeckle, M and von Bayern, AMP and Emery, NJ}, title = {Exploring individual and social learning in jackdaws (Corvus monedula).}, journal = {Learning &amp; behavior}, volume = {47}, number = {3}, pages = {258-270}, pmid = {31148101}, issn = {1543-4508}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; *Crows ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Learning ; Male ; *Social Learning ; }, abstract = {Information about novel environments or foods can be gathered via individual or social learning. Whereas individual learning is assumed to be more costly and less effective than social learning, it also yields more detailed information. Juveniles are often found to be more explorative than adults. Still under the protection of their parents, this allows them to sample their environment in preparation for later in life. We tested individual and social learning in jackdaws (Corvus monedula) of different age groups in a semi-natural group setting. Juvenile and adult jackdaws differed in their learning propensity. Juveniles spent more time at the test apparatus, were more explorative, and caused the apparatus to open. Almost all the openings at the apparatus matched the demonstrated method. As more observers became available, the juveniles could observe each other. Individuals preferentially watched successful conspecifics and those they could scrounge food from. Lower-ranking individuals tended to watch higher ranking ones; higher ranking individuals preferentially watched conspecifics of similar rank. The control group did not manipulate the apparatus. Due to the lack of this baseline, it was difficult to determine for certain whether the opening technique was acquired via individual or social learning. We conclude that if social learning played a role, the underlying mechanism was most likely local or stimulus enhancement. It is, however, more parsimonious to assume that juveniles were more explorative than adults, and that their opening technique was potentially easier to acquire than the one demonstrated to adults.}, }
@article {pmid31110007, year = {2019}, author = {Adriaense, JEC and Martin, JS and Schiestl, M and Lamm, C and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Negative emotional contagion and cognitive bias in common ravens (Corvus corax).}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {116}, number = {23}, pages = {11547-11552}, pmid = {31110007}, issn = {1091-6490}, mesh = {Animals ; Arousal/physiology ; Attention/physiology ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Bias ; Cognition/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Emotions/*physiology ; Empathy/physiology ; Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Emotional contagion is described as an emotional state matching between subjects, and has been suggested to facilitate communication and coordination in complex social groups. Empirical studies typically focus on the measurement of behavioral contagion and emotional arousal, yet, while highly important, such an approach often disregards an additional evaluation of the underlying emotional valence. Here, we studied emotional contagion in ravens by applying a judgment bias paradigm to assess emotional valence. We experimentally manipulated positive and negative affective states in demonstrator ravens, to which they responded with increased attention and interest in the positive condition, as well as increased redirected behavior and a left-eye lateralization in the negative condition. During this emotion manipulation, another raven observed the demonstrator's behavior, and we used a bias paradigm to assess the emotional valence of the observer to determine whether emotional contagion had occurred. Observers showed a pessimism bias toward the presented ambiguous stimuli after perceiving demonstrators in a negative state, indicating emotional state matching based on the demonstrators' behavioral cues and confirming our prediction of negative emotional contagion. We did not find any judgment bias in the positive condition. This result critically expands upon observational studies of contagious play in ravens, providing experimental evidence that emotional contagion is present not only in mammalian but also in avian species. Importantly, this finding also acts as a stepping stone toward understanding the evolution of empathy, as this essential social skill may have emerged across these taxa in response to similar socioecological challenges.}, }
@article {pmid31108570, year = {2019}, author = {Miller, R and Boeckle, M and Jelbert, SA and Frohnwieser, A and Wascher, CAF and Clayton, NS}, title = {Self-control in crows, parrots and nonhuman primates.}, journal = {Wiley interdisciplinary reviews. Cognitive science}, volume = {10}, number = {6}, pages = {e1504}, pmid = {31108570}, issn = {1939-5086}, support = {3399933//FP7 Ideas: European Research Council/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Cognition ; *Crows ; Humans ; *Parrots ; *Primates ; *Self-Control ; }, abstract = {Self-control is critical for both humans and nonhuman animals because it underlies complex cognitive abilities, such as decision-making and future planning, enabling goal-directed behavior. For instance, it is positively associated with social competence and life success measures in humans. We present the first review of delay of gratification as a measure of self-control in nonhuman primates, corvids (crow family) and psittacines (parrot order): disparate groups that show comparable advanced cognitive abilities and similar socio-ecological factors. We compare delay of gratification performance and identify key issues and outstanding areas for future research, including finding the best measures and drivers of delayed gratification. Our review therefore contributes to our understanding of both delayed gratification as a measure of self-control and of complex cognition in animals. This article is categorized under: Cognitive Biology > Evolutionary Roots of Cognition Psychology > Comparative Psychology.}, }
@article {pmid31105617, year = {2019}, author = {Chuang, KY and Chen, YH and Balachandran, P and Liang, WK and Juan, CH}, title = {Revealing the Electrophysiological Correlates of Working Memory-Load Effects in Symmetry Span Task With HHT Method.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {855}, pmid = {31105617}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Complex span task is one of the commonly used cognitive tasks to evaluate an individual's working memory capacity (WMC). It is a dual task consisting of a distractor subtask and a memory subtask. Though multiple studies have utilized complex span tasks, the electrophysiological correlates underlying the encoding and retrieval processes in working memory span task remain uninvestigated. One previous study that assessed electroencephalographic (EEG) measures utilizing complex span task found no significant difference between its working memory loads, a typical index observed in other working memory tasks (e.g., n-back task and digital span task). The following design constructs of the paradigm might have been the reason. (1) The fixed-time limit of the distractor subtask may have hindered the assessment of individual WMC precisely. (2) Employing a linear-system-favoring EEG data analysis method for a non-linear system such as the human brain. In the current study, the participants perform the Raven Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAMP) task on 1 day and the symmetry span (Sspan) task on the other. Prior to the formal Sspan task, the participants were instructed to judge 15 simple symmetry questions as quickly as possible. A participant-specific time-limit is chartered from these symmetry questions. The current study utilizes the Sspan task sequential to a distractor subtask. Instead of the fixed time-limit exercised in the previous study, the distractor subtask of the current study was equipped with the participant-specific time-limit obtained from the symmetry questions. This could provide a precise measure of individual WMC. This study investigates if the complex span task resonates EEG patterns similar to the other working memory tasks in terms of working memory-load by utilizing ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) of Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT). Prior expectations were to observe a decrement in the P300 component of event-related mode (ERM) and a decrement in the power of alpha and beta band frequency with increasing working memory-load. We observed a significantly higher P300 amplitude for the low-load condition compared to the high-load condition over the circumscribed brain network across F4 and C4 electrodes. Time-frequency analysis revealed a significant difference between the high- and low-load conditions at alpha and beta band over the frontal, central, and parietal channels. The results from our study demonstrate precise differences in EEG data pertaining to varied memory-load differences in the complex span task. Thus, assessing complex span tasks with the HHT-based analysis may aid in achieving a better signal to noise ratio and effect size for the results in working memory EEG studies.}, }
@article {pmid31104191, year = {2021}, author = {D'Agati, D and Beaudry, MB and Swartz, K}, title = {Thirteen Reasons Why Revisited: A Monograph for Teens, Parents, and Mental Health Professionals.}, journal = {The Journal of medical humanities}, volume = {42}, number = {3}, pages = {345-353}, pmid = {31104191}, issn = {1573-3645}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Health Personnel ; Homicide ; Humans ; *Mental Health ; Parents ; *Suicide ; United States ; }, abstract = {Jay Asher's novel Thirteen Reasons Why and its Netflix adaptation have enjoyed widespread popularity. While they draw needed attention to issues like bullying and teen estrangement, they may have an unintended effect: they mislead about the etiology of suicide and even glamorize it to a degree. The medical literature has shown that suicide is almost always the result of psychiatric disorder, not provocative stress, in much the same way an asthmatic crisis is primarily the result of an underlying medical condition, not an allergic stimulus. Both the novel and Netflix series ignore this premise and even belittle the idea. Thus, while the story has artistic merits, it also has the potential to be destructive if accessed by young readers and viewers seeking guidance. Approximately ten percent of teens suffer from depression, and suicide recently surpassed homicide as the second-leading cause of death among persons ages ten to twenty-four in the United States. A more balanced view addressing these misconceptions is provided for teens, parents, and mental health professionals.}, }
@article {pmid31062834, year = {2019}, author = {Cumbo, E and Cumbo, S and Torregrossa, S and Migliore, D}, title = {Treatment Effects of Vortioxetine on Cognitive Functions in Mild Alzheimer's Disease Patients with Depressive Symptoms: A 12 Month, Open-Label, Observational Study.}, journal = {The journal of prevention of Alzheimer's disease}, volume = {6}, number = {3}, pages = {192-197}, doi = {10.14283/jpad.2019.24}, pmid = {31062834}, issn = {2426-0266}, mesh = {Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Alzheimer Disease/complications/*drug therapy/*psychology ; Antidepressive Agents/*therapeutic use ; Depression/complications/*drug therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Prospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Vortioxetine/*therapeutic use ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: depressive symptoms are common in Alzheimer's disease(AD). Aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of vortioxetine compared with other conventional antidepressants on cognitive functions in AD patients with depressive symptoms.<br><br>DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, 12 month, parallel-group study.<br><br>SETTING: All participants were evaluated on-site at Neurodegenerative Disorders Unit, ASP2 Caltanissetta(Italy).<br><br>PARTICIPANTS: 108(71 female, 37 male) AD patients with depression(mean age 76.7 &#xb1; 4.3).<br><br>INTERVENTION: Randomized subjects received vortioxetine, 15 mg/day(n=36) or other common antidepressants(n=72).<br><br>MEASURES: Primary outcome was change from baseline in the MMSE; secondary outcomes were change in Attentive Matrices, Raven Coloured Progressive Matrices, Digit Span, HAM-D and Cornell scale.<br><br>RESULTS: Statistically significant improvement vs. controls was observed for vortioxetine on most of the cognitive tests and showed significantly baseline-to-endpoint reduction in both HAM-D and Cornell total scores.The most commonly reported adverse events were nausea and headache for votioxetine; nausea in the control group.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Vortioxetine had a beneficial effect on cognition and mood in elderly AD patients and was safe and well tolerated.}, }
@article {pmid31061474, year = {2019}, author = {Ling, H and Mclvor, GE and van der Vaart, K and Vaughan, RT and Thornton, A and Ouellette, NT}, title = {Costs and benefits of social relationships in the collective motion of bird flocks.}, journal = {Nature ecology &amp; evolution}, volume = {3}, number = {6}, pages = {943-948}, doi = {10.1038/s41559-019-0891-5}, pmid = {31061474}, issn = {2397-334X}, mesh = {Animals ; *Birds ; Cost-Benefit Analysis ; }, abstract = {Current understanding of collective behaviour in nature is based largely on models that assume that identical agents obey the same interaction rules, but in reality interactions may be influenced by social relationships among group members. Here, we show that social relationships transform local interactions and collective dynamics. We tracked individuals' three-dimensional trajectories within flocks of jackdaws, a species that forms lifelong pair-bonds. Reflecting this social system, we find that flocks contain internal sub-structure, with discrete pairs of individuals tied together by spring-like effective forces. Within flocks, paired birds interacted with fewer neighbours than unpaired birds and flapped their wings more slowly, which may result in energy savings. However, flocks with more paired birds had shorter correlation lengths, which is likely to inhibit efficient information transfer through the flock. Similar changes to group properties emerge naturally from a generic self-propelled particle model. These results reveal a critical tension between individual- and group-level benefits during collective behaviour in species with differentiated social relationships, and have major evolutionary and cognitive implications.}, }
@article {pmid31054314, year = {2019}, author = {Lee, DH and Killian, ML and Torchetti, MK and Brown, I and Lewis, N and Berhane, Y and Swayne, DE}, title = {Intercontinental spread of Asian-origin H7 avian influenza viruses by captive bird trade in 1990's.}, journal = {Infection, genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases}, volume = {73}, number = {}, pages = {146-150}, doi = {10.1016/j.meegid.2019.04.028}, pmid = {31054314}, issn = {1567-7257}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild ; Birds/*virology ; Commerce ; Genome, Viral ; Global Health ; History, 20th Century ; *Influenza A Virus, H7N1 Subtype/genetics/pathogenicity ; *Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/genetics/pathogenicity ; Influenza in Birds/epidemiology/history/*transmission/*virology ; Internationality ; Virulence ; }, abstract = {Wild bird migration and illegal trade of infected poultry, eggs, and poultry products have been associated with the spread of avian influenza viruses (AIV). During 1992-1996, H7N1 and H7N8 low pathogenic AIV (LPAIV) were identified from captive wild birds; such as Pekin robin (Leiothrix lutea), magpie robin (Copsychus saularis), flycatcher sp. (genus Empidonax), a species of softbill and parakeet, sun conure (Aratinga solstitialis), painted conure (Pyrrhura picta), fairy bluebird (Irena puella), and common iora (Aegithina tiphia), kept in aviaries or quarantine stations in England, The Netherlands, Singapore and the United States (U.S.). In this study, we sequenced these H7 viruses isolated from quarantine facilities and aviaries using next-generation sequencing and conducted a comparative phylogenetic analysis of complete genome sequences to elucidate spread patterns. The complete genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis suggested that H7 viruses originated from a common source, even though they were obtained from birds in distant geographical regions. All H7N1 and H7N8 viruses were LPAIV, except a H7N1 highly pathogenic AIV (HPAIV), A/Pekin robin/California/30412/1994(H7N1) virus. Our results support the continued need for regulation of the captive wild bird trade to reduce the risk of introduction and dissemination of both LPAIV and HPAIV throughout the world.}, }
@article {pmid31046468, year = {2020}, author = {Snow, PC and Timms, L and Lum, JAG and Powell, MB}, title = {Narrative language skills of maltreated children living in out-of-home care.}, journal = {International journal of speech-language pathology}, volume = {22}, number = {2}, pages = {117-128}, doi = {10.1080/17549507.2019.1598493}, pmid = {31046468}, issn = {1754-9515}, mesh = {Child ; *Child Abuse ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Language Development Disorders/epidemiology/*etiology ; Male ; *Narration ; }, abstract = {Purpose: Children's narrative accounts of their experiences are central to the prosecution of perpetrators of alleged maltreatment. We describe the narrative language skills of children who were placed in out-of-home care (OOHC) following substantiated maltreatment. It was hypothesised that (i) children with such histories would display narrative language skills that fall significantly below published age-expected norms, (ii) narrative language skills and core language skills would be positively correlated and (iii) narrative language skills would be associated with measures of socio-economic disadvantage.Method: Eighty-three children (40 males and 43 females) aged 5;3 to 12;10 (M = 7.9, SD = 2.3) from English-speaking home backgrounds were assessed using the Test of Narrative Language and the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF-4) Core Language Score. The Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices, a measure of nonverbal intelligence, was employed as a covariate.Result: Forty-two percent of children scored in the below-average range on the Narrative Language Index Ability Index. The same proportion scored at/above age-expected levels on the Narrative Comprehension subtest, and 19% scored at/above age-expected levels on Oral Narration. There was a significant correlation between CELF-4 Core Language Scores and the Narrative Language Index Ability Index. Female carers' education was significantly positively associated with overall narrative language scores; however, household income and index of socio-economic disadvantage were not significantly associated with narrative language scores.Conclusion: Children who are victims of substantiated maltreatment should be considered at-risk for compromised ability to provide a narrative account of their experiences. The heterogeneity and often scant oral narrative language skills of these children highlights the importance of police/human services training on best-practice forensic interviewing. Policy and practice implications for speech-language pathology early intervention to support the needs of at-risk children are also discussed.}, }
@article {pmid31040366, year = {2019}, author = {Lee, VE and McIvor, GE and Thornton, A}, title = {Testing relationship recognition in wild jackdaws (Corvus monedula).}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {6710}, pmid = {31040366}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {NE/L002434/1//RCUK | Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)/International ; BB/H021817/1//RCUK | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)/International ; BB/H021817/2//RCUK | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)/International ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Crows ; Female ; Male ; Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {According to the social intelligence hypothesis, understanding the challenges faced by social animals is key to understanding the evolution of cognition. In structured social groups, recognising the relationships of others is often important for predicting the outcomes of interactions. Third-party relationship recognition has been widely investigated in primates, but studies of other species are limited. Furthermore, few studies test for third-party relationship recognition in the wild, where cognitive abilities are deployed in response to natural socio-ecological pressures. Here, we used playback experiments to investigate whether wild jackdaws (Corvus monedula) track changes in their own relationships and the relationships of others. Females were presented with 'infidelity simulations': playbacks of their male partner copulating with a neighbouring female, and their male neighbour copulating with another female, against a congruent control. Our results showed substantial inter-individual variation in responses, but females did not respond more strongly to infidelity playbacks, indicating that jackdaws may not attend and/or respond to relationship information in this experimental context. Our results highlight the need for further study of relationship recognition and other cognitive traits that facilitate group-living in the wild, particularly in non-primates and in a wider range of social systems.}, }
@article {pmid30964426, year = {2019}, author = {McMillan, JR and Marcet, PL and Hoover, CM and Mead, D and Kitron, U and Vazquez-Prokopec, GM}, title = {Feeding Success and Host Selection by Culex quinquefasciatus Say Mosquitoes in Experimental Trials.}, journal = {Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)}, volume = {19}, number = {7}, pages = {540-548}, pmid = {30964426}, issn = {1557-7759}, support = {CC999999/ImCDC/Intramural CDC HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Culex/*physiology ; *Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Georgia ; Mosquito Vectors/physiology ; Passeriformes/*blood/classification ; Species Specificity ; West Nile Fever/transmission ; West Nile virus ; }, abstract = {Arthropod vector feeding preferences are defined as an overutilization of a particular host species given its abundance in relationship to other species in the community. Numerous methods exist to quantify vector feeding preferences; however, controlled host choice experiments are generally an underutilized approach. In this report, we present results from controlled vector host choice experiments using Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes and wild avian hosts identified as important contributors to West Nile virus (WNv) transmission in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. In each experiment, we allowed lab-reared F1Cx. quinquefasciatus to feed freely overnight on two avian individuals of a different species (i.e., northern cardinals, American robins, blue jays, brown thrashers, and gray catbirds). We then estimated WNv transmission potential using vectorial capacity and R0. We found that mosquito blood feeding success was extremely variable among experimental replicates and that patterns of host choice only occasionally aggregated to a particular bird species. Vectorial capacity was highest for American robins and blue jays due to these species' higher reservoir competence for WNv and greater probabilities of mosquito selection of these species. Despite species-specific differences in vectorial capacity, total community capacity was similar among species pairs. R0 estimates were qualitatively similar to capacity, and R0 was below and above unity across species pairs. Our results provide empirical evidence that C. quinquefasciatus is an opportunistic blood feeder and highlight how variability in vector-host contact rates as well as host community composition can influence the likelihood of WNv transmission in avian communities.}, }
@article {pmid30963864, year = {2019}, author = {Jelbert, SA and Miller, R and Schiestl, M and Boeckle, M and Cheke, LG and Gray, RD and Taylor, AH and Clayton, NS}, title = {New Caledonian crows infer the weight of objects from observing their movements in a breeze.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {286}, number = {1894}, pages = {20182332}, pmid = {30963864}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; *Discrimination Learning ; Female ; Male ; }, abstract = {Humans use a variety of cues to infer an object's weight, including how easily objects can be moved. For example, if we observe an object being blown down the street by the wind, we can infer that it is light. Here, we tested whether New Caledonian crows make this type of inference. After training that only one type of object (either light or heavy) was rewarded when dropped into a food dispenser, birds observed pairs of novel objects (one light and one heavy) suspended from strings in front of an electric fan. The fan was either on-creating a breeze which buffeted the light, but not the heavy, object-or off, leaving both objects stationary. In subsequent test trials, birds could drop one, or both, of the novel objects into the food dispenser. Despite having no opportunity to handle these objects prior to testing, birds touched the correct object (light or heavy) first in 73% of experimental trials, and were at chance in control trials. Our results suggest that birds used pre-existing knowledge about the behaviour exhibited by differently weighted objects in the wind to infer their weight, using this information to guide their choices.}, }
@article {pmid30958132, year = {2019}, author = {Klump, BC and Cantat, M and Rutz, C}, title = {Raw-material selectivity in hook-tool-crafting New Caledonian crows.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {15}, number = {2}, pages = {20180836}, pmid = {30958132}, issn = {1744-957X}, support = {BB/G023913/2//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Feeding Behavior ; Plant Leaves ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Animals that manufacture foraging tools face the challenge of identifying suitable raw materials among a multitude of options. New Caledonian crows exhibit strong population-specific material preferences for the manufacture of hooked stick tools, but it is unknown how they identify their favourite plants. We investigated experimentally whether crows pay attention to the stems of plants (from which the tools are made) and/or their leaves (which are usually discarded during manufacture but may enable rapid and reliable species identification at a distance). Subjects were highly selective in choice trials with multiple plant species. Two additional treatments with experimental leaf-stem combinations revealed that birds can identify their preferred plant species by its stems alone, and possibly also its leaves. These findings encourage future experiments that investigate whether New Caledonian crows attend to features of the stem that are required for the production of efficient hooked stick tools. Our study provides one of the most detailed assessments to date of how non-human animals identify raw materials for tool manufacture.}, }
@article {pmid30944451, year = {2019}, author = {Bocanegra, BR and Poletiek, FH and Ftitache, B and Clark, A}, title = {Intelligent problem-solvers externalize cognitive operations.}, journal = {Nature human behaviour}, volume = {3}, number = {2}, pages = {136-142}, doi = {10.1038/s41562-018-0509-y}, pmid = {30944451}, issn = {2397-3374}, mesh = {Academic Success ; Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Psychomotor Performance/*physiology ; Students ; Universities ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Humans are nature's most intelligent and prolific users of external props and aids (such as written texts, slide-rules and software packages). Here we introduce a method for investigating how people make active use of their task environment during problem-solving and apply this approach to the non-verbal Raven Advanced Progressive Matrices test for fluid intelligence. We designed a click-and-drag version of the Raven test in which participants could create different external spatial configurations while solving the puzzles. In our first study, we observed that the click-and-drag test was better than the conventional static test at predicting academic achievement of university students. This pattern of results was partially replicated in a novel sample. Importantly, environment-altering actions were clustered in between periods of apparent inactivity, suggesting that problem-solvers were delicately balancing the execution of internal and external cognitive operations. We observed a systematic relationship between this critical phasic temporal signature and improved test performance. Our approach is widely applicable and offers an opportunity to quantitatively assess a powerful, although understudied, feature of human intelligence: our ability to use external objects, props and aids to solve complex problems.}, }
@article {pmid30930524, year = {2019}, author = {Boucherie, PH and Loretto, MC and Massen, JJM and Bugnyar, T}, title = {What constitutes "social complexity" and "social intelligence" in birds? Lessons from ravens.}, journal = {Behavioral ecology and sociobiology}, volume = {73}, number = {1}, pages = {12}, pmid = {30930524}, issn = {0340-5443}, support = {P 29705/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {In the last decades, the assumption that complex social life is cognitively challenging, and thus can drive mental evolution, has received much support from empirical studies in nonhuman primates. While extending the scope to other mammals and birds, different views have been adopted on what constitutes social complexity and which specific cognitive skills are selected for. Notably, many avian species form "open" groups as non-breeders (i.e., seasonally and before sexual maturity) that have been largely ignored as potential sources of social complexity. Reviewing 30 years of research on ravens, we illustrate the socio-ecological conditions faced by these birds as non-breeders and discuss how these relate to their socio-cognitive skills. We argue that the non-breeding period is key to understand raven social life and, to a larger extent, avian social life in general. We furthermore emphasize how the combination of the large-scale perspective (defining social system components: e.g., social organization, mating system) and the individual-scale perspective on social systems allows to better capture the complete set of social challenges experienced by individuals throughout their life, ultimately resulting on a more comprehensive understanding of species' social complexity.}, }
@article {pmid30916391, year = {2019}, author = {Maron, JL and Agrawal, AA and Schemske, DW}, title = {Plant-herbivore coevolution and plant speciation.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {100}, number = {7}, pages = {e02704}, doi = {10.1002/ecy.2704}, pmid = {30916391}, issn = {1939-9170}, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; *Herbivory ; Insecta ; Phenotype ; Phylogeny ; *Plants ; }, abstract = {More than five decades ago, Ehrlich and Raven proposed a revolutionary idea-that the evolution of novel plant defense could spur adaptive radiation in plants. Despite motivating much work on plant-herbivore coevolution and defense theory, Ehrlich and Raven never proposed a mechanism for their "escape and radiate" model. Recent intriguing mechanisms proposed by Marquis et al. include sympatric divergence, pleiotropic effects of plant defense traits on reproductive isolation, and strong postzygotic isolation, but these may not be general features of herbivore-mediated speciation. An alternate view is that herbivores may impose strong divergent selection on defenses in allopatric plant populations, with plant-herbivore coevolution driving local adaptation resulting in plant speciation. Building on these ideas, we propose three scenarios that consider the role of herbivores in plant speciation. These include (1) vicariance, subsequent coevolution within populations and adaptive divergence between geographically isolated populations, (2) colonization of a new habitat lacking effective herbivores followed by loss of defense and then re-evolution and coevolution of defense in response to novel herbivores, and (3) evolution of a new defense followed by range expansion, vicariance, and coevolution. We discuss the general role of coevolution in plant speciation and consider outstanding issues related to understanding: (1) the mechanisms behind cospeciation of plants and insects, (2) geographic variation in defense phenotypes, (3) how defensive traits and geography map on plant phylogenies, and (4) the role of herbivores in driving character displacement in defense phenotypes of related species in sympatry.}, }
@article {pmid30913135, year = {2019}, author = {Matsui, H and Izawa, EI}, title = {Control of bill-grasping aperture with varying food size in crows.}, journal = {Neuroreport}, volume = {30}, number = {7}, pages = {522-525}, doi = {10.1097/WNR.0000000000001240}, pmid = {30913135}, issn = {1473-558X}, mesh = {Animals ; *Beak ; Crows/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; Psychomotor Performance/*physiology ; Reaction Time ; }, abstract = {Grasping movement in primates is known to be a visually guided behavior and the aperture of hand opening is adjusted to the target size on the basis of visual information. The analogous behavior can be found in birds, called 'pecking', consisting of head-reaching and bill-grasping. Bill-grasping has been investigated mainly in pigeons and an aperture adjustment as seen in primates has been reported. This study focused on kinematics of pecking in crows, known to possess dexterous visuomotor skills, to examine whether crows adjust the grasping aperture to food diameter with a kinematic mechanism similar to that in pigeons. The pecking at a small piece of food was video recorded to analyze the grasping aperture. The results showed that the grasping aperture was proportional to food diameter. Kinematic analysis showed that the aperture adjustment was mediated by grasping velocity and grasping duration, which is consistent with the findings of previous research on pecking in pigeons. However, the relative contribution of grasping velocity was much higher than that of grasping duration. Our findings suggest the different sensorimotor mechanisms to control bill-grasping between the avian species with different foraging ecology.}, }
@article {pmid30911140, year = {2019}, author = {Dobson, AE and Schmidt, DJ and Hughes, JM}, title = {Heritability of plumage colour morph variation in a wild population of promiscuous, long-lived Australian magpies.}, journal = {Heredity}, volume = {123}, number = {3}, pages = {349-358}, pmid = {30911140}, issn = {1365-2540}, mesh = {Animals ; Australia ; Color ; DNA/genetics ; Feathers/anatomy &amp; histology/*metabolism ; Female ; Hybridization, Genetic ; *Inheritance Patterns ; Male ; Passeriformes/anatomy &amp; histology/*genetics ; Phenotype ; Pigmentation/*genetics ; *Quantitative Trait, Heritable ; Reproduction/*genetics ; }, abstract = {Colour polymorphisms have evolutionary significance for the generation and maintenance of species diversity. Demonstrating heritability of polymorphic traits can be challenging for wild populations of long-lived species because accurate information is required on trait expression and familial relationships. The Australian magpie Cracticus tibicen has a continent-wide distribution featuring several distinct plumage morphs, differing primarily in colour of back feathers. Black or white-backed morphs occur in eastern Australia, with intermediate morphs common in a narrow hybrid zone where the two morphs meet. This study investigated heritability of back colour phenotypes in a hybrid zone population (Seymour, Victoria) based on long-term observational data and DNA samples collected over an 18 year period (1993-2010). High extra-pair paternity (~ 36% offspring), necessitated verification of parent-offspring relationships by parentage analysis. A total of 538 birds (221 parents and 317 offspring) from 36 territories were analysed. Back colour was a continuous trait scored on a five-morph scale in the field (0-4). High and consistent estimates of back colour heritability (h[2]) were obtained via weighted mid-parent regression (h[2] = 0.94) and by animal models (h[2] = 0.92, C.I. 0.80-0.99). Single-parent heritability estimates indicated neither maternal nor paternal non-genetic effects (e.g., parent body condition) played a large role in determining offspring back colour, and environmental effects of territory group and cohort contributed little to trait heritability. Distinctive back colouration of the Australian magpie behaves as a quantitative trait that is likely polygenic, although mechanisms responsible for maintaining these geographically structured morphs and the hybrid zone where they meet are unknown.}, }
@article {pmid30905182, year = {2020}, author = {Wu, T and Shen, H and Sheng, Y and Zhao, F and Guo, N and Liao, L and Li, L and Li, Y and Dong, X}, title = {Use of cognitive correction training improves learning for children with mathematics learning disability.}, journal = {Applied neuropsychology. Child}, volume = {9}, number = {2}, pages = {172-178}, doi = {10.1080/21622965.2018.1552866}, pmid = {30905182}, issn = {2162-2973}, mesh = {Child ; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/*methods ; Cognitive Remediation/*methods ; *Executive Function ; Female ; Humans ; *Inhibition, Psychological ; Learning Disabilities/physiopathology/*rehabilitation ; Male ; Mathematics/*education ; *Memory, Short-Term ; Prospective Studies ; Therapy, Computer-Assisted/methods ; }, abstract = {Children with normal intelligence may experience varying degrees of mathematics learning disabilities (MD). This study aims to conduct training to improve the brain's cognitive ability for mathematics learning by focusing on two important mathematical cognitive abilities. This was a prospective study of 70 children in grades 2-5 from two primary schools in Changzhou and with MD enrolled from June 2015 to February 2017. The children were randomized 1:1 to the training and control groups. A training cycle included 40 sessions (5/weeks) (30 min each session). The efficacy of learning was assessed by assessing number learning and graph reasoning, and by using the Raven standard reasoning test score. In the training group, backward number memory (from 6.1 ± 1.8 to 6.7 ± 1.3, P = 0.02), number sequential connection (from 54.4 ± 14.5 to 47.1 ± 12.1, P < 0.01), and rapid graph judgment (from 531.9 ± 76.3 to 557.8 ± 85.7, P = 0.04) were improved by training, while there was no effect on forward number memory (P = 0.13). There were significant differences in total score and scores of b, c, and e series before and after training (all P < 0.05). The children in the control group had no improvement after 8 weeks. There was a correlation between the ability of rapid graphic judgment before and after training and the score of the Raven E series (r = 0.384, P = 0.024), and between the score of the Raven C series and the score of the Raven D series (r = 0.468, P = 0.013). Cognitive correction training improved the sensitivity to numbers and mathematics learning in children with MD.}, }
@article {pmid30893169, year = {2019}, author = {Cheon, HI and Jung, N and Won, CH and Kim, BJ and Lee, YW}, title = {Efficacy and Safety of Prabotulinumtoxin A and Onabotulinumtoxin A for Crow's Feet: A Phase 3, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Split-Face Study.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {45}, number = {12}, pages = {1610-1619}, doi = {10.1097/DSS.0000000000001920}, pmid = {30893169}, issn = {1524-4725}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*administration &amp; dosage/adverse effects ; Cosmetic Techniques/*adverse effects ; Double-Blind Method ; Eye ; Female ; Humans ; Injection Site Reaction/diagnosis/etiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuromuscular Agents/*administration &amp; dosage/adverse effects ; Off-Label Use ; Patient Satisfaction ; Remission, Spontaneous ; Severity of Illness Index ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Prabotulinumtoxin A has been shown to have efficacy for the treatment of upper-limb spasticity and improvement of moderate to severe glabellar lines. However, the efficacy and safety of prabotulinumtoxin A for crow's feet have not been evaluated.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: This study compared the efficacy and safety of prabotulinumtoxin A and onabotulinumtoxin A in the treatment of crow's feet.<br><br>PATIENTS AND METHODS: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, split-face study was conducted in subjects with bilateral symmetric, moderate to severe crow's feet at maximum smile. The investigators assessed the severity of crow's feet by using the facial wrinkle scale, and the subjects reported the improvement in severity, their subjective satisfaction, and perceived age. The primary efficacy outcome was the proportion of subjects with Grade 0 or 1 severity of crow's feet at maximum smile at Week 4 as assessed by the investigators.<br><br>RESULTS: In the primary efficacy outcome assessment, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups (prabotulinumtoxin A, 65.02%; onabotulinumtoxin A, 62.56%; p = .0956). All secondary efficacy outcomes were also achieved. Adverse events related to injection were mild and recovered spontaneously.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Prabotulinumtoxin A and onabotulinumtoxin A have comparable efficacy and safety in the treatment of crow's feet.}, }
@article {pmid30891367, year = {2019}, author = {Policht, R and Hart, V and Goncharov, D and Surový, P and Hanzal, V and Červený, J and Burda, H}, title = {Vocal recognition of a nest-predator in black grouse.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {e6533}, pmid = {30891367}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Corvids count among the important predators of bird nests. They are vocal animals and one can expect that birds threatened by their predation, such as black grouse, are sensitive to and recognize their calls. Within the framework of field studies, we noticed that adult black grouse were alerted by raven calls during periods outside the breeding season. Since black grouse are large, extremely precocial birds, this reaction can hardly be explained by sensitization specifically to the threat of nest predation by ravens. This surprising observation prompted us to study the phenomenon more systematically. According to our knowledge, the response of birds to corvid vocalization has been studied in altricial birds only. We tested whether the black grouse distinguishes and responds specifically to playback calls of the common raven. Black grouse recognized raven calls and were alerted, displaying typical neck stretching, followed by head scanning, and eventual escape. Surprisingly, males tended to react faster and exhibited a longer duration of vigilance behavior compared to females. Although raven calls are recognized by adult black grouse out of the nesting period, they are not directly endangered by the raven. We speculate that the responsiveness of adult grouse to raven calls might be explained as a learned response in juveniles from nesting hens that is then preserved in adults, or by a known association between the raven and the red fox. In that case, calls of the raven would be rather interpreted as a warning signal of probable proximity of the red fox.}, }
@article {pmid30889388, year = {2019}, author = {Bugnyar, T}, title = {Tool Use: New Caledonian Crows Engage in Mental Planning.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {29}, number = {6}, pages = {R200-R202}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2019.01.059}, pmid = {30889388}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Food ; Humans ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {New Caledonian crows are able to flexibly use different tools in a sequence to retrieve food, whereby each step is out-of-sight of the others. Mental planning is thus not a human-specific trait.}, }
@article {pmid30867014, year = {2019}, author = {Gutiérrez-López, R and Martínez-de la Puente, J and Gangoso, L and Soriguer, R and Figuerola, J}, title = {Effects of host sex, body mass and infection by avian Plasmodium on the biting rate of two mosquito species with different feeding preferences.}, journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {87}, pmid = {30867014}, issn = {1756-3305}, support = {CGL2012-30759//Ministerio de Econom&#xed;a, Industria y Competitividad, Gobierno de Espa&#xf1;a (ES)/ ; CGL2015-65055-P//Ministerio de Econom&#xed;a, Industria y Competitividad, Gobierno de Espa&#xf1;a/ ; 2017 Leonardo Grant for Researchers//Fundaci&#xf3;n BBVA/ ; Cultural Creators//Fundaci&#xf3;n BBVA/ ; 747729 "EcoEvoClim"//H2020 Marie Sk&#x142;odowska-Curie Actions/ ; P11-RNM-7038//Agencia de Innovaci&#xf3;n y Desarrollo de Andaluc&#xed;a/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Bird Diseases/parasitology/*transmission ; Crows ; Culex/*parasitology ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Host Specificity ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; Insect Bites and Stings/veterinary ; Malaria/parasitology/transmission/*veterinary ; Male ; Mosquito Vectors/*parasitology ; Ochlerotatus/*parasitology ; Phenotype ; Plasmodium/*physiology ; Sex Factors ; Sparrows ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The transmission of mosquito-borne pathogens is strongly influenced by the contact rates between mosquitoes and susceptible hosts. The biting rates of mosquitoes depend on different factors including the mosquito species and host-related traits (i.e. odour, heat and behaviour). However, host characteristics potentially affecting intraspecific differences in the biting rate of mosquitoes are poorly known. Here, we assessed the impact of three host-related traits on the biting rate of two mosquito species with different feeding preferences: the ornithophilic Culex pipiens and the mammophilic Ochlerotatus (Aedes) caspius. Seventy-two jackdaws Corvus monedula and 101 house sparrows Passer domesticus were individually exposed to mosquito bites to test the effect of host sex, body mass and infection status by the avian malaria parasite Plasmodium on biting rates.<br><br>RESULTS: Ochlerotatus caspius showed significantly higher biting rates than Cx. pipiens on jackdaws, but non-significant differences were found on house sparrows. In addition, more Oc. caspius fed on female than on male jackdaws, while no differences were found for Cx. pipiens. The biting rate of mosquitoes on house sparrows increased through the year. The bird infection status and body mass of both avian hosts were not related to the biting rate of both mosquito species.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Host sex was the only host-related trait potentially affecting the biting rate of mosquitoes, although its effect may differ between mosquito and host species.}, }
@article {pmid30850691, year = {2019}, author = {Shimmura, T and Tamura, M and Ohashi, S and Sasaki, A and Yamanaka, T and Nakao, N and Ihara, K and Okamura, S and Yoshimura, T}, title = {Cholecystokinin induces crowing in chickens.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {3978}, pmid = {30850691}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Chickens/*metabolism/*physiology ; Cholecystokinin/*metabolism ; Crows/*metabolism/*physiology ; Gene Expression/physiology ; Male ; Neurotransmitter Agents/metabolism ; Receptor, Cholecystokinin B/metabolism ; Sound ; Testosterone/metabolism ; Up-Regulation/physiology ; Vocalization, Animal/physiology ; }, abstract = {Animals that communicate using sound are found throughout the animal kingdom. Interestingly, in contrast to human vocal learning, most animals can produce species-specific patterns of vocalization without learning them from their parents. This phenomenon is called innate vocalization. The underlying molecular basis of both vocal learning in humans and innate vocalization in animals remains unknown. The crowing of a rooster is also innately controlled, and the upstream center is thought to be localized in the nucleus intercollicularis (ICo) of the midbrain. Here, we show that the cholecystokinin B receptor (CCKBR) is a regulatory gene involved in inducing crowing in roosters. Crowing is known to be a testosterone (T)-dependent behavior, and it follows that roosters crow but not hens. Similarly, T-administration induces chicks to crow. By using RNA-sequencing to compare gene expression in the ICo between the two comparison groups that either crow or do not crow, we found that CCKBR expression was upregulated in T-containing groups. The expression of CCKBR and its ligand, cholecystokinin (CCK), a neurotransmitter, was observed in the ICo. We also showed that crowing was induced by intracerebroventricular administration of an agonist specific for CCKBR. Our findings therefore suggest that the CCK system induces innate vocalization in roosters.}, }
@article {pmid30846760, year = {2019}, author = {Kojima, M and Nagano, A}, title = {Assessment of physical activity and cognitive function and their potential correlation in convalescent patients of cerebrovascular disease.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {3782}, pmid = {30846760}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Accelerometry/instrumentation/methods ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cerebrovascular Disorders/*physiopathology/psychology ; Cognition/*physiology ; Energy Metabolism ; Exercise/*physiology/psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Sedentary Behavior ; }, abstract = {Physical activity (PA) is known to influence cognitive function. However, the impact of PA on patients with cerebrovascular disease (CVD) has not yet been elucidated. PA and cognitive function have not been measured simultaneously over time, which makes it difficult to evaluate their relationship. The purpose of this study was to investigate the change in the amount of PA recorded by ActiGraph GT3X-BT and six test scores of cognitive function, and the relationship between them in 15 patients with CVD (six women and nine men; 78.0 ± 11.6 years old). Results showed an increase in the amount of PA and scores of cognitive tests, and a significant decrease in the duration of sedentary behavior during the four months (p < 0.05). There were significant correlations between PA Energy Expenditure (PAEE) and Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices test (RCPM) (r = 0.536, p < 0.0001). There were significant correlations between PAEE and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) (r = 0.271, p = 0.036). There were significant correlations between sedentary behavior and RCPM (r = -0.606, p < 0.0001). There were significant correlations between sedentary behavior and SDMT (r = -0.355, p = 0.005). There were significant correlations between Light PA (LPA) and RCPM (r = 0.603, p < 0.0001). There were significant correlations between LPA and SDMT (r = 0.362, p = 0.005).}, }
@article {pmid30829771, year = {2020}, author = {Rivkin, AZ and Ogilvie, P and Dayan, S and Yoelin, SG and Weichman, BM and Garcia, JK}, title = {OnabotulinumtoxinA for Simultaneous Treatment of Upper Facial Lines: Subject-Reported Satisfaction and Impact From a Phase 3 Study.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {46}, number = {1}, pages = {50-60}, doi = {10.1097/DSS.0000000000001883}, pmid = {30829771}, issn = {1524-4725}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*therapeutic use ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; Double-Blind Method ; Female ; *Forehead ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuromuscular Agents/*therapeutic use ; Patient Reported Outcome Measures ; Patient Satisfaction ; *Skin Aging ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Patient-reported outcomes are increasingly recognized as important measures of treatment benefit.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: To evaluate subject-reported satisfaction and impact outcomes with onabotulinumtoxinA treatment in neurotoxin-naive adults with forehead lines (FHL), glabellar lines (GL), and crow's feet lines (CFL).<br><br>METHODS: This Phase 3 study randomized 787 subjects to onabotulinumtoxinA 64 U (FHL 20 U, GL 20 U, and CFL 24 U), 40 U (FHL 20 U, GL 20 U, and CFL placebo), or placebo in double-blind Period 1. Subjects could receive up to 2 additional 64 U treatments in open-label Period 2. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using the validated Facial Line Satisfaction Questionnaire (FLSQ) and 11-item Facial Line Outcomes (FLO-11) Questionnaire.<br><br>RESULTS: The proportion of subjects mostly or very satisfied was significantly greater with onabotulinumtoxinA 64 U and 40 U versus placebo (87.9% and 81.4% vs 3.2%; p < .0001). Responder rates on FLSQ Impact Domain, FLO-11 Items 1, 4, 5, and total score were significantly greater with onabotulinumtoxinA versus placebo on Day 30 (p < .0001). Responder rates favoring onabotulinumtoxinA in Period 1 were maintained with repeated onabotulinumtoxinA 64 U treatment in Period 2.<br><br>CONCLUSION: OnabotulinumtoxinA treatment was associated with high subject satisfaction and significant improvements in appearance-related psychological and emotional impacts.}, }
@article {pmid30816066, year = {2019}, author = {Ploughman, M and Eskes, GA and Kelly, LP and Kirkland, MC and Devasahayam, AJ and Wallack, EM and Abraha, B and Hasan, SMM and Downer, MB and Keeler, L and Wilson, G and Skene, E and Sharma, I and Chaves, AR and Curtis, ME and Bedford, E and Robertson, GS and Moore, CS and McCarthy, J and Mackay-Lyons, M}, title = {Synergistic Benefits of Combined Aerobic and Cognitive Training on Fluid Intelligence and the Role of IGF-1 in Chronic Stroke.}, journal = {Neurorehabilitation and neural repair}, volume = {33}, number = {3}, pages = {199-212}, doi = {10.1177/1545968319832605}, pmid = {30816066}, issn = {1552-6844}, mesh = {Aged ; Chronic Disease/psychology/rehabilitation ; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/*methods ; Combined Modality Therapy/methods ; Exercise Therapy/*methods ; Female ; Humans ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I/*analysis ; *Intelligence ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Stroke/blood/*psychology ; Stroke Rehabilitation/*methods ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Paired exercise and cognitive training have the potential to enhance cognition by "priming" the brain and upregulating neurotrophins.<br><br>METHODS: Two-site randomized controlled trial. Fifty-two patients >6 months poststroke with concerns about cognitive impairment trained 50 to 70 minutes, 3&#xd7; week for 10 weeks with 12-week follow-up. Participants were randomized to 1 of 2 physical interventions: Aerobic (>60% VO2peak using <10% body weight-supported treadmill) or Activity (range of movement and functional tasks). Exercise was paired with 1 of 2 cognitive interventions (computerized dual working memory training [COG] or control computer games [Games]). The primary outcome for the 4 groups (Aerobic + COG, Aerobic + Games, Activity + COG, and Activity + Games) was fluid intelligence measured using Raven's Progressive Matrices Test administered at baseline, posttraining, and 3-month follow-up. Serum neurotrophins collected at one site (N = 30) included brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) at rest (BDNFresting) and after a graded exercise test (BDNFresponse) and insulin-like growth factor-1 at the same timepoints (IGF-1rest, IGF-1response).<br><br>RESULTS: At follow-up, fluid intelligence scores significantly improved compared to baseline in the Aerobic + COG and Activity + COG groups; however, only the Aerobic + COG group was significantly different (+47.8%) from control (Activity + Games -8.5%). Greater IGF-1response at baseline predicted 40% of the variance in cognitive improvement. There was no effect of the interventions on BDNFresting or BDNFresponse; nor was BDNF predictive of the outcome.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic exercise combined with cognitive training improved fluid intelligence by almost 50% in patients >6 months poststroke. Participants with more robust improvements in cognition were able to upregulate higher levels of serum IGF-1 suggesting that this neurotrophin may be involved in behaviorally induced plasticity.}, }
@article {pmid30804304, year = {2019}, author = {Dhanu, G and Havale, R and Shrutha, SP and Quazi, N and Shafna, TP and Ahemd, A}, title = {Assessment of Intelligence Quotient using Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices among school children of Hyderabad Karnataka region and its correlation with prevalence of dental caries.}, journal = {Journal of the Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry}, volume = {37}, number = {1}, pages = {25-30}, doi = {10.4103/JISPPD.JISPPD_236_18}, pmid = {30804304}, issn = {1998-3905}, mesh = {Child ; DMF Index ; Dental Caries/*epidemiology/psychology ; Female ; Humans ; India/epidemiology ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Intelligence is the ability of a mind to acquire knowledge and skills; gain for a fact; to take care of issues; to adjust to new circumstances; and one's ability for rationale, understanding, mindfulness, arranging, and imagination. In a general description, it is a capacity to recognize information and to employ it as knowledge toward a modified behavior within an environment. This thought helps children to maintain oral hygiene in a better way.<br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present research was undertaken on 240 schoolgoing children aged 7-11 years of government schools of Hyderabad-Karnataka region, in order to estimate the relation between intelligence quotient (IQ) of a child with dental caries. IQ level has been assessed by using Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices as an IQ testing scale. Caries status was assessed by using Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth index.<br><br>RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between children with different levels of IQ and dental caries. However, the majority of children who belong to Grade V (intellectually impaired) had higher dental caries.<br><br>CONCLUSION: An increase in IQ causes a decrease in dental caries and vice versa; however, no significant association was observed between the level of intelligence and caries (P = 0.202). There is a promising correlation between IQ and presence or absence of dental caries among children.}, }
@article {pmid30800378, year = {2019}, author = {McCune, KB and Jablonski, P and Lee, SI and Ha, RR}, title = {Captive jays exhibit reduced problem-solving performance compared to wild conspecifics.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {6}, number = {1}, pages = {181311}, pmid = {30800378}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {Animal cognitive abilities are frequently quantified in strictly controlled settings, with laboratory-reared subjects. Results from these studies have merit for clarifying proximate mechanisms of performance and the potential upper limits of certain cognitive abilities. Researchers often assume that performance on laboratory-based assessments accurately represents the abilities of wild conspecifics, but this is infrequently tested. In this experiment, we quantified the performance of wild and captive corvid subjects on an extractive foraging task. We found that performance was not equivalent, and wild subjects were faster at problem-solving to extract the food reward. By contrast, there was no difference in the time it took for captive and wild solvers to repeat the behaviour to get additional food rewards (learning speed). Our findings differ from the few other studies that have statistically compared wild and captive performance on assessments of problem-solving and learning. This indicates that without explicitly testing it, we cannot assume that captive animal performance on experimental tasks can be generalized to the species as a whole. To better understand the causes and consequences of a variety of animal cognitive abilities, we should measure performance in the social and physical environment in which the ability in question evolved.}, }
@article {pmid30800374, year = {2019}, author = {L'Herpiniere, KL and O'Neill, LG and Russell, AF and Duursma, DE and Griffith, SC}, title = {Unscrambling variation in avian eggshell colour and patterning in a continent-wide study.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {6}, number = {1}, pages = {181269}, pmid = {30800374}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {The evolutionary drivers underlying marked variation in the pigmentation of eggs within many avian species remains unclear. The leading hypotheses proposed to explain such variation advocate the roles of genetic differences, signalling and/or structural integrity. One means of testing among these hypotheses is to capitalize on museum collections of eggs obtained throughout a broad geographical range of a species to ensure sufficient variation in predictors pertaining to each hypothesis. Here, we measured coloration and patterning in eggs from 272 clutches of Australian magpies (Cracticus tibicen) collected across most of their geographical range of ca 7 million km[2]; encompassing eight subspecies, variation in environmental parameters, and the presence/absence of a brood parasite. We found considerable variation in background colour, as well as in the extent and distribution of patterning across eggs. There was little evidence that this variation was explained by subspecies or the contemporary presence of a brood parasite. However, measures of maximum temperature, leaf area index and soil calcium all contributed to variation in egg appearance, although their explanatory power was relatively low. Our results suggest that multiple factors combine to influence egg appearance in this species, and that even in species with highly variable eggs, coloration is not readily explained.}, }
@article {pmid30763308, year = {2019}, author = {Bauch, C and Boonekamp, JJ and Korsten, P and Mulder, E and Verhulst, S}, title = {Epigenetic inheritance of telomere length in wild birds.}, journal = {PLoS genetics}, volume = {15}, number = {2}, pages = {e1007827}, pmid = {30763308}, issn = {1553-7404}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/*genetics ; Birds/*genetics ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Epigenesis, Genetic/*genetics ; Epigenomics/methods ; Fathers ; Female ; Heredity/*genetics ; Male ; Paternal Age ; Reproduction/genetics ; Spermatozoa/physiology ; Telomere/*genetics ; }, abstract = {Telomere length (TL) predicts health and survival across taxa. Variation in TL between individuals is thought to be largely of genetic origin, but telomere inheritance is unusual, because zygotes already express a TL phenotype, the TL of the parental gametes. Offspring TL changes with paternal age in many species including humans, presumably through age-related TL changes in sperm, suggesting an epigenetic inheritance mechanism. However, present evidence is based on cross-sectional analyses, and age at reproduction is confounded with between-father variation in TL. Furthermore, the quantitative importance of epigenetic TL inheritance is unknown. Using longitudinal data of free-living jackdaws Corvus monedula, we show that erythrocyte TL of subsequent offspring decreases with parental age within individual fathers, but not mothers. By cross-fostering eggs, we confirmed the paternal age effect to be independent of paternal age dependent care. Epigenetic inheritance accounted for a minimum of 34% of the variance in offspring TL that was explained by paternal TL. This is a minimum estimate, because it ignores the epigenetic component in paternal TL variation and sperm TL heterogeneity within ejaculates. Our results indicate an important epigenetic component in the heritability of TL with potential consequences for offspring fitness prospects.}, }
@article {pmid30758867, year = {2019}, author = {Cho, C and Cho, E and Kim, N and Shin, J and Woo, S and Lee, E and Hwang, J and Ha, J}, title = {Age-related biophysical changes of the epidermal and dermal skin in Korean women.}, journal = {Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI)}, volume = {25}, number = {4}, pages = {504-511}, doi = {10.1111/srt.12679}, pmid = {30758867}, issn = {1600-0846}, mesh = {Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Biophysical Phenomena ; Dermis/metabolism/*pathology ; Elasticity ; Epidermis/metabolism/*pathology ; Face/*pathology/physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Skin Aging/*physiology ; Skin Pigmentation ; Spectrophotometry/methods ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The clinical characteristics of skin were investigated to study the inter-relationship and changes in the biophysical properties of the epidermal and dermal layers associated with aging using noninvasive methods.<br><br>METHODS: Our study included 100 healthy women aged between the early 20s and late 60s. Biophysical characteristics of skin such as color (brightness and spots), transparency, wrinkle on crow's feet, elasticity, hydration, sebum content, glossiness, and transepidermal water loss measured under controlled conditions.<br><br>RESULTS: This study performed in a Korean population demonstrated that aging significantly affects human skin in terms of parameters such as wrinkles, skin color, elasticity, and epidermal hydration. Age-related changes in skin hydration showed varying patterns between the epidermis and dermis. Skin color showed heterogeneous characteristics between the upper and lower epidermal layers associated with aging. Skin elasticity and wrinkles were observed to show and inversely proportional relationship in the early 40s.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed the significant influence of aging on the biophysical properties of skin and determined the distinct age-related biophysical changes in the epidermal and dermal layers of skin using noninvasive method. This study indicates the need for further research to investigate the distinctive age-related changes in characteristics of the epidermal and dermal layers of human skin.}, }
@article {pmid30744978, year = {2019}, author = {Gruber, R and Schiestl, M and Boeckle, M and Frohnwieser, A and Miller, R and Gray, RD and Clayton, NS and Taylor, AH}, title = {New Caledonian Crows Use Mental Representations to Solve Metatool Problems.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {29}, number = {4}, pages = {686-692.e3}, pmid = {30744978}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; *Cognition ; Crows/*physiology ; *Imagination ; *Problem Solving ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {One of the mysteries of animal problem-solving is the extent to which animals mentally represent problems in their minds. Humans can imagine both the solution to a problem and the stages along the way [1-3], such as when we plan one or two moves ahead in chess. The extent to which other animals can do the same is far less clear [4-25]. Here, we presented New Caledonian crows with a series of metatool problems where each stage was out of sight of the others and the crows had to avoid either a distractor apparatus containing a non-functional tool or a non-functional apparatus containing a functional tool. Crows were able to mentally represent the sub-goals and goals of metatool problems: crows kept in mind the location and identities of out-of-sight tools and apparatuses while planning and performing a sequence of tool behaviors. This provides the first conclusive evidence that birds can plan several moves ahead while using tools.}, }
@article {pmid30697741, year = {2019}, author = {Sen, S and Parishar, P and Pundir, AS and Reiner, A and Iyengar, S}, title = {The expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and DARPP-32 in the house crow (Corvus splendens) brain.}, journal = {The Journal of comparative neurology}, volume = {527}, number = {11}, pages = {1801-1836}, doi = {10.1002/cne.24649}, pmid = {30697741}, issn = {1096-9861}, mesh = {Animals ; Brain/*metabolism ; Crows/*metabolism ; Dopamine and cAMP-Regulated Phosphoprotein 32/*metabolism ; Neurons/metabolism ; Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase/*metabolism ; }, abstract = {Birds of the family Corvidae which includes diverse species such as crows, rooks, ravens, magpies, jays, and jackdaws are known for their amazing abilities at problem-solving. Since the catecholaminergic system, especially the neurotransmitter dopamine, plays a role in cognition, we decided to study the distribution of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of catecholamines in the brain of house crows (Corvus splendens). We also studied the expression of DARPP-32 (dopamine and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein), which is expressed in dopaminoceptive neurons. Our results demonstrated that as in other avian species, the expression of both TH and DARPP-32 was highest in the house crow striatum. The caudolateral nidopallium (NCL, the avian analogue of the mammalian prefrontal cortex) could be differentiated from the surrounding pallial regions based on a larger number of TH-positive "baskets" of fibers around neurons in this region and greater intensity of DARPP-32 staining in the neuropil in this region. House crows also possessed distinct nuclei in their brains which corresponded to song control regions in other songbirds. Whereas immunoreactivity for TH was higher in the vocal control region Area X compared to the surrounding MSt (medial striatum) in house crows, staining in RA and HVC was not as prominent. Furthermore, the arcopallial song control regions RA (nucleus robustus arcopallialis) and AId (intermediate arcopallium) were strikingly negative for DARPP-32 staining, in contrast to the surrounding arcopallium. Patterns of immunoreactivity for TH and DARPP-32 in "limbic" areas such as the hippocampus, septum, and extended amygdala have also been described.}, }
@article {pmid30683665, year = {2019}, author = {Matsui, H and Izawa, EI}, title = {Rapid adjustment of pecking trajectory to prism-induced visual shifts in crows as compared with pigeons.}, journal = {The Journal of experimental biology}, volume = {222}, number = {Pt 4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1242/jeb.182345}, pmid = {30683665}, issn = {1477-9145}, mesh = {Animals ; Columbidae/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; *Motor Activity ; Psychomotor Performance/*physiology ; *Vision, Ocular ; }, abstract = {Pecking in birds is analogous to reaching and grasping movements in primates. Earlier studies on visuomotor control in birds, which were conducted mostly in pigeons, suggested that avian pecking is controlled feedforwardly, and is out of the control of visual guidance during movement. However, recent studies using crows suggested a role of vision in pecking control during movement. To unveil what visuomotor mechanisms underlie the flexibility of pecking in crows, we examined whether pigeons and crows adjust their pecking to the visual distortion induced by prisms. Because prisms induce visual shifts of object positions, birds were required to adjust their movements. Pecking kinematics were examined before and after attaching prisms in front of the birds' eyes. Analysis of lateral deviation caused by the prisms showed that crows rapidly adjusted their pecking trajectories, but pigeons did so slowly. Angular displacement also increased in pigeons after attachment of the prism, but decreased in crows. These responses to prisms were consistent among individuals in pigeons but varied in crows, though the adjustment of pecking commonly succeeded in crows. These results suggest that pecking in pigeons predominantly involves feedforward control and that the movement is determined depending on the visual information available before the initiation of pecking. In contrast, the results from crows suggest that their pecking trajectories are corrected during the movement, supporting on-line visual control. Our findings provide the first evidence to suggest the on-line visual control of pecking in birds.}, }
@article {pmid30679660, year = {2019}, author = {Umbers, KDL and White, TE and De Bona, S and Haff, T and Ryeland, J and Drinkwater, E and Mappes, J}, title = {The protective value of a defensive display varies with the experience of wild predators.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {463}, pmid = {30679660}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Australia ; Behavior, Animal ; *Gryllidae ; *Predatory Behavior ; }, abstract = {Predation has driven the evolution of diverse adaptations for defence among prey, and one striking example is the deimatic display. While such displays can resemble, or indeed co-occur with, aposematic 'warning' signals, theory suggests deimatic displays may function independently of predator learning. The survival value of deimatic displays against wild predators has not been tested before. Here we used the mountain katydid Acripeza reticulata to test the efficacy of a putative deimatic display in the wild. Mountain katydids have a complex defence strategy; they are camouflaged at rest, but reveal a striking red-, blue-, and black-banded abdomen when attacked. We presented live katydids to sympatric (experienced) and allopatric (naive) natural predators, the Australian magpie Cracticus tibicen, and observed bird reactions and katydid behaviors and survival during repeated interactions. The efficacy of the katydids' defence differed with predator experience. Their survival was greatest when faced with naïve predators, which provided clear evidence of the protective value of the display. In contrast, katydid survival was consistently less likely when facing experienced predators. Our results suggest that sympatric predators have learned to attack and consume mountain katydids despite their complex defense, and that their post-attack display can be an effective deterrent, particularly against naïve predators. These results suggest that deimatism does not require predator learning to afford protection, but that a predator can learn to expect the display and subsequently avoid it or ignore it. That sympatric predators learn to ignore the defense is a possible explanation for the mountain katydid's counter-intuitive behavior of revealing warning colors only after tactile stimuli from predator attack.}, }
@article {pmid30663512, year = {2019}, author = {Kleider-Offutt, HM}, title = {Afraid of one afraid of all: When threat associations spread across face-types.}, journal = {The Journal of general psychology}, volume = {146}, number = {1}, pages = {93-110}, doi = {10.1080/00221309.2018.1540397}, pmid = {30663512}, issn = {1940-0888}, mesh = {Black or African American/psychology ; Anxiety/*psychology ; Face ; Fear/*psychology ; Female ; Generalization, Psychological/*physiology ; Humans ; Judgment ; Male ; Prejudice/*psychology ; Psychological Distance ; Reaction Time ; *Social Perception ; *Stereotyping ; White People/psychology ; }, abstract = {Fear can be acquired for objects not inherently associated with threat (e.g. birds), and this threat may generalize from prototypical to peripheral category members (e.g. crows vs. penguins). When categorizing people, pervasive stereotypes link Black men to assumed violence and criminality. Faces with Afrocentric features (prototypical) are more often associated with threat and criminality than non-Afrocentric (peripheral) faces regardless of whether the individual is Black or White. In this study, using a priming paradigm, threat associations related to negative racial stereotypes were tested as a vehicle for spreading fear across face-type categories. Results showed more negative than positive judgments for White face targets but only when the prime was primarily non-Afrocentric (i.e. Eurocentric). Black face targets were judged more negatively than positively regardless of prime. This suggests some cognitive processes related to threat generalizations of objects extend to complex social categories.}, }
@article {pmid30650339, year = {2019}, author = {Rubi, TL and Clark, DL and Keller, JS and Uetz, GW}, title = {Courtship behavior and coloration influence conspicuousness of wolf spiders (Schizocosa ocreata (Hentz)) to avian predators.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {162}, number = {}, pages = {215-220}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2018.12.023}, pmid = {30650339}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; *Courtship ; Freezing Reaction, Cataleptic ; Male ; *Mating Preference, Animal ; Passeriformes ; *Pigmentation ; Predatory Behavior ; *Selection, Genetic ; *Spiders ; Walking ; }, abstract = {Signalers must balance the benefits of detection by intended receivers with the costs of detection by eavesdroppers. This trade-off is exemplified by sexual signaling systems, in which signalers experience sexual selection for conspicuousness to mates as well as natural selection for crypsis to predators. In this study, we examined how courtship behavior and body coloration influenced the conspicuousness of males to avian predators in the well-studied brush-legged wolf spider system (Schizocosa ocreata (Hentz)). We focused on three behaviors (courtship, walking, and freezing) and two coloration schemes (natural coloration and idealized background-matching coloration). We presented captive blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata) with video playbacks of male spiders in a presence-absence detection task and characterized conspicuousness by measuring response latency and detectability. We found that any type of motion significantly increased detectability, and that body coloration and behavior interacted to determine detectability while the spiders were in motion. Among spiders in motion, courting spiders were detected faster than walking spiders. Stationary (frozen) spiders, in contrast, were rarely detected. These results illustrate that male S. ocreata can be both highly conspicuous and highly cryptic to avian predators. Thus, while we find that courtship is conspicuous to avian predators in this system, we suggest that behavioral plasticity may mitigate some of the predation costs of the sexual signal.}, }
@article {pmid30638868, year = {2019}, author = {Ames, J and Warner, M and Siracusa, C and Signorini, S and Brambilla, P and Mocarelli, P and Eskenazi, B}, title = {Prenatal dioxin exposure and neuropsychological functioning in the Seveso Second Generation Health Study.}, journal = {International journal of hygiene and environmental health}, volume = {222}, number = {3}, pages = {425-433}, pmid = {30638868}, issn = {1618-131X}, support = {F06 TW002075/TW/FIC NIH HHS/United States ; F31 ES026488/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; R01 ES007171/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; P30 ES001896/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Breast Feeding ; Child ; Environmental Pollutants/*blood ; Female ; Humans ; Italy ; Male ; *Maternal Exposure ; *Maternal-Fetal Exchange ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins/*blood ; Pregnancy ; *Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects ; *Seveso Accidental Release ; Sex Characteristics ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Prenatal 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) exposure has been shown to alter sexual differentiation of the brain in animal models, impacting pubertal development, behavior, cortical dominance, and cognition. The effects of early life exposure to dioxin-like compounds on human neurodevelopment, however, are less clear and warrant further investigation.<br><br>METHODS: The Seveso Women's Health Study (SWHS), initiated in 1996, is a well-characterized cohort of 981 Italian women who lived in proximity to an industrial accident in July 1976 that resulted in one of the highest residential TCDD exposures on record. In 2014-2016, we enrolled offspring born after the accident into the Seveso Second Generation Health Study. Children aged 7-17 years old (n&#x202f;=&#x202f;161) completed a neuropsychological assessment spanning executive function and reverse learning (Wisconsin Card Sort), non-verbal intelligence (Raven's Progressive Matrices), attention and hyperactivity (Connor's Continuous Performance (CPT), and memory (Rey's Auditory Verbal Learning). We used multivariate regression with robust standard error estimates accounting for clustering of siblings to model the associations between these outcomes and prenatal exposure defined as TCDD measured in maternal serum collected soon after the explosion and estimated to pregnancy.<br><br>RESULTS: The children (82 male, 79 female) averaged 13.1 (&#xb1;2.9) years of age. Adjusting for covariates, a 10-fold increase in maternal serum TCDD was not adversely associated with reverse learning/set-shifting, memory, attention/impulsivity, or non-verbal intelligence. In sex-stratified models, prenatal TCDD was associated with more non-perseverative errors in boys but not in girls (pint&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.04). TCDD was also associated with attention deficits on the CPT but only among children with the shortest breastfeeding histories.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: While overall, there were no significant associations, the observed differential neurotoxic sensitivities to TCDD by sex and lactation history may warrant confirmation in future studies.}, }
@article {pmid30598449, year = {2019}, author = {Chen, N and Juric, I and Cosgrove, EJ and Bowman, R and Fitzpatrick, JW and Schoech, SJ and Clark, AG and Coop, G}, title = {Allele frequency dynamics in a pedigreed natural population.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {116}, number = {6}, pages = {2158-2164}, pmid = {30598449}, issn = {1091-6490}, support = {R01 GM108779/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Algorithms ; Animals ; Birds/genetics ; *Gene Frequency ; Genetic Variation ; *Genetics, Population ; Models, Genetic ; *Pedigree ; Population Dynamics ; }, abstract = {A central goal of population genetics is to understand how genetic drift, natural selection, and gene flow shape allele frequencies through time. However, the actual processes underlying these changes-variation in individual survival, reproductive success, and movement-are often difficult to quantify. Fully understanding these processes requires the population pedigree, the set of relationships among all individuals in the population through time. Here, we use extensive pedigree and genomic information from a long-studied natural population of Florida Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) to directly characterize the relative roles of different evolutionary processes in shaping patterns of genetic variation through time. We performed gene dropping simulations to estimate individual genetic contributions to the population and model drift on the known pedigree. We found that observed allele frequency changes are generally well predicted by accounting for the different genetic contributions of founders. Our results show that the genetic contribution of recent immigrants is substantial, with some large allele frequency shifts that otherwise may have been attributed to selection actually due to gene flow. We identified a few SNPs under directional short-term selection after appropriately accounting for gene flow. Using models that account for changes in population size, we partitioned the proportion of variance in allele frequency change through time. Observed allele frequency changes are primarily due to variation in survival and reproductive success, with gene flow making a smaller contribution. This study provides one of the most complete descriptions of short-term evolutionary change in allele frequencies in a natural population to date.}, }
@article {pmid30586006, year = {2019}, author = {Huerta-Franco, MR and Vargas-Luna, M and Somoza, X and Delgadillo-Holtfort, I and Balleza-Ordaz, M and Kashina, S}, title = {Gastric responses to acute psychological stress in climacteric women: a pilot study.}, journal = {Menopause (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {26}, number = {5}, pages = {469-475}, doi = {10.1097/GME.0000000000001274}, pmid = {30586006}, issn = {1530-0374}, mesh = {Abdominal Pain ; Adult ; Anxiety/psychology ; Constipation ; Estradiol/blood ; Female ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Human/blood ; Humans ; Hyperphagia ; Menopause/*physiology/*psychology ; Middle Aged ; *Peristalsis ; Pilot Projects ; Psychological Tests ; Stress, Psychological/*physiopathology ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Women exhibit reduced ovarian sex hormones during the menopausal period that result in well-known physical and psychological symptoms. However, symptoms related to gastric motility (GM) have not been thoroughly investigated. We hypothesized that stress response gastric motility (SRGM) is lower in postmenopausal (PM) and perimenopausal (PERIM) women than in premenopausal (PREM) women. Estrogenic decline leads to neuroendocrine changes in different areas of the brain. These changes can result in hypothalamic vasomotor symptoms, disorders in eating behaviours, and altered blood pressure, in addition to psychological disorders such as stress, anxiety, depression, and irritability related to alterations in the limbic system.<br><br>METHODS: In this pilot study, 55 PREM, PERIM, and PM women were clinically evaluated using the Nowack stress profile (SP) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). GM was assessed via electrical bioimpedance using two psychological stress tests (Stroop and Raven tests).<br><br>RESULTS: Basal SP and STAI-anxiety test scores were similar among the three groups of women (P&#x200a;>&#x200a;0.05). PERIM women had lower GM in the basal state (P&#x200a;<&#x200a;0.05) than did other women. PREM and PM women had significantly decreased GM during the stress tests (P&#x200a;<&#x200a;0.05). However, PERIM did not exhibit GM changes during stress tests (P&#x200a;>&#x200a;0.05).<br><br>CONCLUSION: Changes in sex hormones during PERIM may affect GM and SRGM.}, }
@article {pmid30564390, year = {2018}, author = {Lind, J}, title = {What can associative learning do for planning?.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {5}, number = {11}, pages = {180778}, pmid = {30564390}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {There is a new associative learning paradox. The power of associative learning for producing flexible behaviour in non-human animals is downplayed or ignored by researchers in animal cognition, whereas artificial intelligence research shows that associative learning models can beat humans in chess. One phenomenon in which associative learning often is ruled out as an explanation for animal behaviour is flexible planning. However, planning studies have been criticized and questions have been raised regarding both methodological validity and interpretations of results. Due to the power of associative learning and the uncertainty of what causes planning behaviour in non-human animals, I explored what associative learning can do for planning. A previously published sequence learning model which combines Pavlovian and instrumental conditioning was used to simulate two planning studies, namely Mulcahy &amp; Call 2006 'Apes save tools for future use.' Science 312, 1038-1040 and Kabadayi &amp; Osvath 2017 'Ravens parallel great apes in flexible planning for tool-use and bartering.' Science 357, 202-204. Simulations show that behaviour matching current definitions of flexible planning can emerge through associative learning. Through conditioned reinforcement, the learning model gives rise to planning behaviour by learning that a behaviour towards a current stimulus will produce high value food at a later stage; it can make decisions about future states not within current sensory scope. The simulations tracked key patterns both between and within studies. It is concluded that one cannot rule out that these studies of flexible planning in apes and corvids can be completely accounted for by associative learning. Future empirical studies of flexible planning in non-human animals can benefit from theoretical developments within artificial intelligence and animal learning.}, }
@article {pmid30536039, year = {2019}, author = {Ashton, BJ and Ridley, AR and Thornton, A}, title = {Smarter through group living: A response to Smulders.}, journal = {Learning &amp; behavior}, volume = {47}, number = {4}, pages = {277-279}, pmid = {30536039}, issn = {1543-4508}, support = {DP140101921//Australian Research Council/International ; BB/H021817/2/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Cognition ; Female ; *Motivation ; }, abstract = {We recently identified a strong, positive relationship between group size and individual cognitive performance, and a strong, positive relationship between female cognitive performance and reproductive success (Ashton, Ridley, Edwards, &amp; Thornton in Nature, 554, 364-367, 2018). An opinion piece by Smulders (Learning &amp; Behavior, https://doi.org/10.3758/s13420-018-0335-0, 2018) raised the interesting notion that these patterns may be underlined by motivational factors. In this commentary, we highlight why none of the available data are consistent with this explanation, but instead support the argument that the demands of group living influence cognitive development, with knock-on consequences for fitness.}, }
@article {pmid30534343, year = {2018}, author = {Klump, BC and Masuda, BM and St Clair, JJH and Rutz, C}, title = {Preliminary observations of tool-processing behaviour in Hawaiian crows Corvus hawaiiensis.}, journal = {Communicative &amp; integrative biology}, volume = {11}, number = {4}, pages = {e1509637}, pmid = {30534343}, issn = {1942-0889}, abstract = {Very few animal species habitually make and use foraging tools. We recently discovered that the Hawaiian crow is a highly skilled, natural tool user. Most captive adults in our experiment spontaneously used sticks to access out-of-reach food from a range of extraction tasks, exhibiting a surprising degree of dexterity. Moreover, many birds modified tools before or during deployment, and some even manufactured tools from raw materials. In this invited addendum article, we describe and discuss these observations in more detail. Our preliminary data, and comparisons with the better-studied New Caledonian crow, suggest that the Hawaiian crow has extensive tool-modification and manufacture abilities. To chart the full extent of the species' natural tool-making repertoire, we have started conducting dedicated experiments where subjects are given access to suitable raw materials for tool manufacture, but not ready-to-use tools.}, }
@article {pmid30519433, year = {2018}, author = {Walker, LE and Marzluff, JM and Metz, MC and Wirsing, AJ and Moskal, LM and Stahler, DR and Smith, DW}, title = {Population responses of common ravens to reintroduced gray wolves.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {8}, number = {22}, pages = {11158-11168}, pmid = {30519433}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Top predators have cascading effects throughout the food web, but their impacts on scavenger abundance are largely unknown. Gray wolves (Canis lupus) provide carrion to a suite of scavenger species, including the common raven (Corvus corax). Ravens are wide-ranging and intelligent omnivores that commonly take advantage of anthropogenic food resources. In areas where they overlap with wolves, however, ravens are numerous and ubiquitous scavengers of wolf-acquired carrion. We aimed to determine whether subsidies provided through wolves are a limiting factor for raven populations in general and how the wolf reintroduction to Yellowstone National Park in 1995-1997 affected raven population abundance and distribution on the Yellowstone's Northern Range specifically. We counted ravens throughout Yellowstone's Northern Range in March from 2009 to 2017 in both human-use areas and wolf habitat. We then used statistics related to the local wolf population and the winter weather conditions to model raven abundance during our study period and predict raven abundance on the Northern Range both before and after the wolf reintroduction. In relatively severe winters with greater snowpack, raven abundance increased in areas of human use and decreased in wolf habitat. When wolves were able to acquire more carrion, however, ravens increased in wolf habitat and decreased in areas with anthropogenic resources. Raven populations prior to the wolf reintroduction were likely more variable and heavily dependent on ungulate winter-kill and hunter-provided carcasses. The wolf recovery in Yellowstone helped stabilize raven populations by providing a regular food supply, regardless of winter severity. This stabilization has important implications for effective land management as wolves recolonize the west and global climate patterns change.}, }
@article {pmid30508564, year = {2019}, author = {Kelly, DM and Bisbing, TA and Magnotti, JF}, title = {Use of medial axis for reorientation by the Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana).}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {158}, number = {}, pages = {192-199}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2018.11.011}, pmid = {30508564}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; Cues ; Orientation, Spatial/*physiology ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Space Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Many animals are challenged with the task of reorientation. Considerable research over the years has shown a diversity of species extract geometric information (e.g., distance and direction) from continuous surfaces or boundaries to reorient. How this information is extracted from the environment is less understood. Three encoding strategies that have received the most study are the use of principal axes, medial axis or local geometric cues. We used a modeling approach to investigate which of these three general strategies best fit the spatial search data of a highly-spatial corvid, the Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana). Individual nutcrackers were trained in a rectangular-shaped arena, and once accurately locating a hidden goal, received non-reinforced tests in an L-shaped arena. The specific shape of this arena allowed us to dissociate among the three general encoding strategies. Furthermore, we reanalyzed existing data from chicks, pigeons and humans using our modeling approach. Overall, we found the most support for the use of the medial axis, although we additionally found that pigeons and humans may have engaged in random guessing. As with our previous studies, we find no support for the use of principal axes.}, }
@article {pmid30487308, year = {2018}, author = {Cunningham, CX and Johnson, CN and Barmuta, LA and Hollings, T and Woehler, EJ and Jones, ME}, title = {Top carnivore decline has cascading effects on scavengers and carrion persistence.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {285}, number = {1892}, pages = {}, pmid = {30487308}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; Cats/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; *Food Chain ; Introduced Species ; Marsupialia/*physiology ; Population Dynamics ; *Predatory Behavior ; Tasmania ; }, abstract = {Top carnivores have suffered widespread global declines, with well-documented effects on mesopredators and herbivores. We know less about how carnivores affect ecosystems through scavenging. Tasmania's top carnivore, the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), has suffered severe disease-induced population declines, providing a natural experiment on the role of scavenging in structuring communities. Using remote cameras and experimentally placed carcasses, we show that mesopredators consume more carrion in areas where devils have declined. Carcass consumption by the two native mesopredators was best predicted by competition for carrion, whereas consumption by the invasive mesopredator, the feral cat (Felis catus), was better predicted by the landscape-level abundance of devils, suggesting a relaxed landscape of fear where devils are suppressed. Reduced discovery of carcasses by devils was balanced by the increased discovery by mesopredators. Nonetheless, carcasses persisted approximately 2.6-fold longer where devils have declined, highlighting their importance for rapid carrion removal. The major beneficiary of increased carrion availability was the forest raven (Corvus tasmanicus). Population trends of ravens increased 2.2-fold from 1998 to 2017, the period of devil decline, but this increase occurred Tasmania-wide, making the cause unclear. This case study provides a little-studied potential mechanism for mesopredator release, with broad relevance to the vast areas of the world that have suffered carnivore declines.}, }
@article {pmid30482600, year = {2018}, author = {Kent, SJW and Morrison, R}, title = {Rural and urban differences in orthognathic surgical patients in the north east of Scotland.}, journal = {The British journal of oral &amp; maxillofacial surgery}, volume = {56}, number = {10}, pages = {931-935}, doi = {10.1016/j.bjoms.2018.10.271}, pmid = {30482600}, issn = {1532-1940}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Facial Asymmetry/epidemiology/pathology/surgery ; Female ; Health Services Accessibility/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Humans ; Male ; Malocclusion/epidemiology/pathology/surgery ; Middle Aged ; Orthognathic Surgical Procedures/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Retrospective Studies ; Rural Population/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Scotland/epidemiology ; Severity of Illness Index ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Urban Population/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {We have previously identified differences in the presentation and treatment of cancer between patients who live in rural compared with urban areas, but have not yet seen differences in those treated by orthognathic surgery. We hypothesised that patients from areas further away from the hospital face higher costs to attend and may not present with minor problems as often as those who live nearby. We therefore retrospectively reviewed all those (n=216) who had presented for orthognathic surgery over a six-year period (May 2011 to May 2017). The severity of malocclusion and facial asymmetry was established by combining measurements of intraoperative movements. Rurality was measured as the distance from home to the hospital at the time of operation. Those with smaller intraoperative movements (less than 7mm combined movement) lived significantly closer to the hospital as the crow flies (mean difference 15.13 miles, 95% CI 0.20 to 30.48, p=0.05) and could travel there more quickly (mean difference 65minutes 95% CI 9.8 to 121.7, p=0.02) than those with larger movements. Our results suggest that patients with small malocclusions and slight facial asymmetry who live further away from the hospital, may be less likely to present for operation than those who live closer. We explain why socioeconomic class is unlikely to confound our results, and suggest potential ways to minimise the effect observed.}, }
@article {pmid30457220, year = {2019}, author = {Amici, F}, title = {An Evolutionary Approach to the Study of Collaborative Remembering?.}, journal = {Topics in cognitive science}, volume = {11}, number = {4}, pages = {811-816}, doi = {10.1111/tops.12398}, pmid = {30457220}, issn = {1756-8765}, mesh = {Adaptation, Psychological/physiology ; Biological Evolution ; *Cooperative Behavior ; Humans ; Knowledge ; Memory/*physiology ; Mental Recall/*physiology ; Social Behavior ; Social Learning/physiology ; }, abstract = {Hope and Gabbert (2008) and Jay and colleagues (in press) show us that collaborative remembering, in certain contexts, may result in incomplete and less accurate memories. Here, I will discuss the evolutionary origins of this behavior, linking it to phenomena such as social contagion, conformity, and social learning, which are highly adaptive and widespread across non-human taxa.}, }
@article {pmid30444843, year = {2018}, author = {Mattingly, JK and Castellanos, I and Moberly, AC}, title = {Nonverbal Reasoning as a Contributor to Sentence Recognition Outcomes in Adults With Cochlear Implants.}, journal = {Otology &amp; neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology}, volume = {39}, number = {10}, pages = {e956-e963}, pmid = {30444843}, issn = {1537-4505}, support = {K23 DC015539/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; *Cochlear Implantation ; *Cochlear Implants ; Cognition/*physiology ; Deafness/physiopathology/surgery ; Female ; Hearing Tests ; Humans ; Language ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Speech ; Speech Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {HYPOTHESIS: Significant variability in speech recognition persists among postlingually deafened adults with cochlear implants (CIs). We hypothesize that scores of nonverbal reasoning predict sentence recognition in adult CI users.<br><br>BACKGROUND: Cognitive functions contribute to speech recognition outcomes in adults with hearing loss. These functions may be particularly important for CI users who must interpret highly degraded speech signals through their devices. This study used a visual measure of reasoning (the ability to solve novel problems), the Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM), to predict sentence recognition in CI users.<br><br>METHODS: Participants were 39 postlingually deafened adults with CIs and 43 age-matched normal-hearing (NH) controls. CI users were assessed for recognition of words in sentences in quiet, and NH controls listened to eight-channel vocoded versions to simulate the degraded signal delivered by a CI. A computerized visual task of the RPM, requiring participants to identify the correct missing piece in a 3&#xd7;3 matrix of geometric designs, was also performed. Particular items from the RPM were examined for their associations with sentence recognition abilities, and a subset of items on the RPM was tested for the ability to predict degraded sentence recognition in the NH controls.<br><br>RESULTS: The overall number of items answered correctly on the 48-item RPM significantly correlated with sentence recognition in CI users (r&#x200a;=&#x200a;0.35-0.47) and NH controls (r&#x200a;=&#x200a;0.36-0.57). An abbreviated 12-item version of the RPM was created and performance also correlated with sentence recognition in CI users (r&#x200a;=&#x200a;0.40-0.48) and NH controls (r&#x200a;=&#x200a;0.49-0.56).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Nonverbal reasoning skills correlated with sentence recognition in both CI and NH subjects. Our findings provide further converging evidence that cognitive factors contribute to speech processing by adult CI users and can help explain variability in outcomes. Our abbreviated version of the RPM may serve as a clinically meaningful assessment for predicting sentence recognition outcomes in CI users.}, }
@article {pmid30410111, year = {2018}, author = {Laumer, IB and Call, J and Bugnyar, T and Auersperg, AMI}, title = {Spontaneous innovation of hook-bending and unbending in orangutans (Pongo abelii).}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {16518}, pmid = {30410111}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {P 29075/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; P 29084/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Feeding Behavior/physiology ; Female ; Locomotion ; Male ; Pongo abelii/*physiology ; Stereotyped Behavior/*physiology ; Tool Use Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Betty the crow astonished the scientific world as she spontaneously crafted hook-tools from straight wire in order to lift a basket out of vertical tubes. Recently it was suggested that this species' solution was strongly influenced by predispositions from behavioural routines from habitual hook-tool manufacture. Nevertheless, the task became a paradigm to investigate tool innovation. Considering that young humans had surprising difficulties with the task, it was yet unclear whether the innovation of a hooked tool would be feasible to primates that lacked habitual hook making. We thus tested five captive orangutans in a hook bending and unbending task. Orangutans are habitually tool-using primates that have been reported to use but not craft hooked tools for locomotion in the wild. Two orangutans spontaneously innovated hook tools and four unbent the wire from their first trial on. Pre-experience with ready-made hooks had some effect but did not lead to continuous success. Further subjects improved the hook-design feature when the task required the subjects to bent the hook at a steeper angle. Our results indicate that the ability to represent and manufacture tools according to a current need does not require stereotyped behavioural routines, but can indeed arise innovatively. Furthermore, the present study shows that the capacity for hook tool innovation is not limited to large brained birds within non-human animals.}, }
@article {pmid30405485, year = {2018}, author = {Bobrowicz, K and Osvath, M}, title = {Cats Parallel Great Apes and Corvids in Motor Self-Regulation - Not Brain but Material Size Matters.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {9}, number = {}, pages = {1995}, pmid = {30405485}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {The inhibition of unproductive motor movements is regarded as a fundamental cognitive mechanism. Recently it has been shown that species with large absolute brain size or high numbers of pallial neurons, like great apes and corvids, show the highest performance on a task purportedly measuring this mechanism: the cylinder task. In this task the subject must detour a perpendicularly oriented transparent cylinder to reach a reward through a side opening, instead of directly reaching for it and bumping into the front, which is regarded as an inhibitory failure. Here we test domestic cats, for the first time, and show that they can reach the same levels as great apes and corvids on this task, despite having much smaller brains. We tested subjects with apparatuses that varied in size (cylinder length and diameter) and material (glass or plastic), and found that subjects performed best on the large cylinders. As numbers of successes decreased significantly when the cylinders were smaller, we conducted additionally two experiments to discern which properties (length of the transparent surface, goal distance from the surface, size of the side opening) affects performance. We conclude that sensorimotor requirements, which differ between species, may have large impact on the results in such seemingly simple and apparently comparable tests. However, we also conclude that cats have comparably high levels of motor self-regulation, despite the differences between tests.}, }
@article {pmid30405209, year = {2019}, author = {Shirley, MK and Arthurs, OJ and Seunarine, KK and Cole, TJ and Eaton, S and Williams, JE and Clark, CA and Wells, JCK}, title = {Metabolic rate of major organs and tissues in young adult South Asian women.}, journal = {European journal of clinical nutrition}, volume = {73}, number = {8}, pages = {1164-1171}, pmid = {30405209}, issn = {1476-5640}, support = {MR/R010692/1/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; MR/M012069/1/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; NIHR-CS-012-002//DH | National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)/International ; MR/M012069/1//Medical Research Council (MRC)/International ; CDF-2017-10-037/DH_/Department of Health/United Kingdom ; NIHR-CS-012-002/DH_/Department of Health/United Kingdom ; 8888//Wenner-Gren Foundation/International ; }, mesh = {Absorptiometry, Photon/methods ; Adult ; Asia, Western ; *Basal Metabolism ; Body Mass Index ; Brain/*physiology ; Calorimetry, Indirect/methods ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Heart/*physiology ; Humans ; Kidney/*physiology ; Liver/*physiology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods ; Muscle, Skeletal/*physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Major organ-specific and tissue-specific metabolic rate (Ki) values were initially estimated using in vivo methods, and values reported by Elia (Energy metabolism: tissue determinants and cellular corollaries, Raven Press, New York, 1992) were subsequently supported by statistical analysis. However, the majority of work to date on this topic has addressed individuals of European descent, whereas population variability in resting energy metabolism has been reported. We aimed to estimate Ki values in South Asian females.<br><br>SUBJECTS/METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited 70 healthy young women of South Asian ancestry. Brain and organs were measured using magnetic resonance imaging, skeletal muscle mass by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, fat mass by the 4-component model, and whole-body resting energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry. Organ and tissue Ki values were estimated indirectly using regression analysis through the origin. Preliminary analysis suggested overestimation of heart mass, hence the modeling was repeated with a literature-based 22.5% heart mass reduction.<br><br>RESULTS: The pattern of derived Ki values across organs and tissues matched that previously estimated in vivo, but the values were systematically lower. However, adjusting for the overestimation of heart mass markedly improved the agreement.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our results support variability in Ki values among organs and tissues, where some are more metabolically "expensive" than others. Initial findings suggesting lower organ/tissue Ki values in South Asian women were likely influenced by heart mass estimation bias. The question of potential ethnic variability in organ-specific and tissue-specific energy metabolism requires further investigation.}, }
@article {pmid30402671, year = {2019}, author = {Kumar, SN and Fred, AL and Varghese, PS}, title = {Suspicious Lesion Segmentation on Brain, Mammograms and Breast MR Images Using New Optimized Spatial Feature Based Super-Pixel Fuzzy C-Means Clustering.}, journal = {Journal of digital imaging}, volume = {32}, number = {2}, pages = {322-335}, pmid = {30402671}, issn = {1618-727X}, mesh = {Algorithms ; Brain Diseases/*diagnostic imaging ; Breast Neoplasms/*diagnostic imaging ; Fuzzy Logic ; Humans ; Image Enhancement/methods ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/*methods ; *Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; *Mammography ; Pattern Recognition, Automated/*methods ; }, abstract = {Suspicious lesion or organ segmentation is a challenging task to be solved in most of the medical image analyses, medical diagnoses and computer diagnosis systems. Nevertheless, various image segmentation methods were proposed in the previous studies with varying success levels. But, the image segmentation problems such as lack of versatility, low robustness, high complexity and low accuracy in up-to-date image segmentation practices still remain unsolved. Fuzzy c-means clustering (FCM) methods are very well suited for segmenting the regions. The noise-free images are effectively segmented using the traditional FCM method. However, the segmentation result generated is highly sensitive to noise due to the negligence of spatial information. To solve this issue, super-pixel-based FCM (SPOFCM) is implemented in this paper, in which the influence of spatially neighbouring and similar super-pixels is incorporated. Also, a crow search algorithm is adopted for optimizing the influential degree; thereby, the segmentation performance is improved. In clinical applications, the SPOFCM feasibility is verified using the multi-spectral MRIs, mammograms and actual single spectrum on performing tumour segmentation tests for SPOFCM. Ultimately, the competitive, renowned segmentation techniques such as k-means, entropy thresholding (ET), FCM, FCM with spatial constraints (FCM_S) and kernel FCM (KFCM) are used to compare the results of proposed SPOFCM. Experimental results on multi-spectral MRIs and actual single-spectrum mammograms indicate that the proposed algorithm can provide a better performance for suspicious lesion or organ segmentation in computer-assisted clinical applications.}, }
@article {pmid30356096, year = {2018}, author = {Bayern, AMPV and Danel, S and Auersperg, AMI and Mioduszewska, B and Kacelnik, A}, title = {Compound tool construction by New Caledonian crows.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {15676}, pmid = {30356096}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Cognition ; Crows/*physiology ; Decision Making ; Executive Function ; Female ; Food ; Inventions ; Male ; *Problem Solving ; Reward ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {The construction of novel compound tools through assemblage of otherwise non-functional elements involves anticipation of the affordances of the tools to be built. Except for few observations in captive great apes, compound tool construction is unknown outside humans, and tool innovation appears late in human ontogeny. We report that habitually tool-using New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides) can combine objects to construct novel compound tools. We presented 8 naïve crows with combinable elements too short to retrieve food targets. Four crows spontaneously combined elements to make functional tools, and did so conditionally on the position of food. One of them made 3- and 4-piece tools when required. In humans, individual innovation in compound tool construction is often claimed to be evolutionarily and mechanistically related to planning, complex task coordination, executive control, and even language. Our results are not accountable by direct reinforcement learning but corroborate that these crows possess highly flexible abilities that allow them to solve novel problems rapidly. The underlying cognitive processes however remain opaque for now. They probably include the species' typical propensity to use tools, their ability to judge affordances that make some objects usable as tools, and an ability to innovate perhaps through virtual, cognitive simulations.}, }
@article {pmid30355809, year = {2018}, author = {Ling, H and Mclvor, GE and Nagy, G and MohaimenianPour, S and Vaughan, RT and Thornton, A and Ouellette, NT}, title = {Simultaneous measurements of three-dimensional trajectories and wingbeat frequencies of birds in the field.}, journal = {Journal of the Royal Society, Interface}, volume = {15}, number = {147}, pages = {}, pmid = {30355809}, issn = {1742-5662}, mesh = {Animals ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Crows/*physiology ; Flight, Animal/*physiology ; Wings, Animal/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Tracking the movements of birds in three dimensions is integral to a wide range of problems in animal ecology, behaviour and cognition. Multi-camera stereo-imaging has been used to track the three-dimensional (3D) motion of birds in dense flocks, but precise localization of birds remains a challenge due to imaging resolution in the depth direction and optical occlusion. This paper introduces a portable stereo-imaging system with improved accuracy and a simple stereo-matching algorithm that can resolve optical occlusion. This system allows us to decouple body and wing motion, and thus measure not only velocities and accelerations but also wingbeat frequencies along the 3D trajectories of birds. We demonstrate these new methods by analysing six flocking events consisting of 50 to 360 jackdaws (Corvus monedula) and rooks (Corvus frugilegus) as well as 32 jackdaws and 6 rooks flying in isolated pairs or alone. Our method allows us to (i) measure flight speed and wingbeat frequency in different flying modes; (ii) characterize the U-shaped flight performance curve of birds in the wild, showing that wingbeat frequency reaches its minimum at moderate flight speeds; (iii) examine group effects on individual flight performance, showing that birds have a higher wingbeat frequency when flying in a group than when flying alone and when flying in dense regions than when flying in sparse regions; and (iv) provide a potential avenue for automated discrimination of bird species. We argue that the experimental method developed in this paper opens new opportunities for understanding flight kinematics and collective behaviour in natural environments.}, }
@article {pmid30313452, year = {2018}, author = {Passanha, V and Brescovit, AD}, title = {On the Neotropical spider Subfamily Masteriinae (Araneae, Dipluridae).}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {4463}, number = {1}, pages = {1-73}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.4463.1.1}, pmid = {30313452}, issn = {1175-5334}, mesh = {*Animal Distribution ; Animal Structures ; Animals ; Body Size ; Brazil ; Colombia ; Dominican Republic ; Female ; Martinique ; Organ Size ; Peru ; *Spiders ; Trinidad and Tobago ; Venezuela ; }, abstract = {The Neotropical species of the diplurid subfamily Masteriinae are revised and redefined. Masteriinae now comprises four genera, Masteria L. Koch, 1893, Striamea Raven, 1981, a new genus, Siremata n. gen. and Edwa Raven, 2015, a fossil genus. The type species, Masteria hirsuta L. Koch, 1893, was used as basis for comparison and the knowledge of the genus has increased. Twelve species of Masteria are redescribed and eight new species are described: M. amarumayu n. sp. and M. mutum n. sp., from Brazil; M. yacambu n. sp., from Venezuela; M. sabrinae n. sp., from Martinique; M. tayrona n. sp., from Colombia; M. aguaruna n. sp., from Peru, M. soucouyant n. sp., from Trinidad and Tobago; and M. galipote n. sp., from the Dominican Republic. Females of Masteria aimeae (Alayón, 1995) and M. golovatchi Alayón, 1995 are described for the first time. Females of M. spinosa (Petrunkevitch, 1925), M. petrunkevitchi (Chickering, 1964), M. lewisi (Chickering, 1964), M. barona (Chickering, 1966), M. downeyi (Chickering, 1966), M. simla (Chickering, 1966), M. colombiensis Raven, 1981 and M. pecki Gertsch, 1982 are illustrated for the first time and rediagnosed. Masteria tovarensis (Simon, 1889) and M. cyclops (Simon, 1889) are synonymized with M. lucifuga (Simon, 1889). Masteria modesta (Simon, 1892) is considered as species inquirendae and M. emboaba Pedroso, Baptista Bertani, 2015 is considered as incertae sedis, as the type is lost. Both species of Striamea are revised and redescribed. A new genus, Siremata n. gen., is described and includes three Amazonian species: S. valteri n. sp., S. juruti n. sp., S. lucasae n. sp. Knowledge of the distribution ranges of the Neotropical Masteriinae are increased.}, }
@article {pmid30313189, year = {2018}, author = {Almeida, MQ and Salvatierra, L and De Morais, JW}, title = {A new species of Masteria L. Koch, 1873 (Dipluridae: Masteriinae) from Guyana.}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {4434}, number = {2}, pages = {366-368}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.4434.2.6}, pmid = {30313189}, issn = {1175-5334}, mesh = {Animal Distribution ; Animals ; Guyana ; Male ; *Spiders ; }, abstract = {Mygalomorphs are a diverse spider group with primitive characteristics composed of the largest spider species in the world, however some species may be very small (Bond et al. 2012; Rogerio et al. 2013). The small spiders of the subfamily Masteriinae (Dipluridae, Mygalomorphae) can be found in Asia and South America (Raven 1981; Pedroso et al. 2015; WSC 2017). The subfamily is represented by two genera: Masteria L. Koch, 1873 and Striamea Raven, 1981. Masteria species can be identified by the following combination of characters: absence of cuspules in endites and labium; zero, two, six or eight eyes; and with or without paraembolic apophysis on the male palpal bulb (Raven 1981, 1985, 1991; Alayón 1995; Bertani et al. 2013; Pedroso et al. 2015). Currently, 24 species of Masteria are described, with 6 species found in South America: Masteria colombiensis, Raven, 1981 from Colombia; M. manauara Bertani, Cruz Oliveira 2013 and M. emboaba Pedroso, Baptista Bertani, 2015 from Brazil; M. cyclops (Simon 1889), M. tovarensis (Simon, 1889) and M. lucifuga (Simon, 1889) from Venezuela (WSC 2017). We document herein the first record and description of a new species of the genus Masteria from Guyana.}, }
@article {pmid30307964, year = {2018}, author = {Hausberger, M and Boigné, A and Lesimple, C and Belin, L and Henry, L}, title = {Wide-eyed glare scares raptors: From laboratory evidence to applied management.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {13}, number = {10}, pages = {e0204802}, pmid = {30307964}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Eye/*physiopathology ; Glare ; Predatory Behavior/physiology ; Raptors/*physiology ; Vision, Ocular/physiology ; Visual Perception/physiology ; }, abstract = {Raptors are one of the most important causes of fatalities due to their collisions with aircrafts as well as being the main victims of collisions with constructions. They are difficult to deter because they are not influenced by other airspace users or ground predators. Because vision is the primary sensory mode of many diurnal raptors, we evaluated the reactions of captive raptors to a "superstimulus" (a "paradoxical effect whereby animals show greater responsiveness to an exaggerated stimulus than to the natural stimulus") that combined an "eye shape" stimulus (as many species have an aversion for this type of stimulus) and a looming movement (LE). This looming stimulus mimics an impending collision and induces avoidance in a wide range of species. In captivity, raptors showed a clear aversion for this LE stimulus. We then tested it in a real life setting: at an airport where raptors are abundant. This study is the first to show the efficiency of a visual non-invasive repellent system developed on the basis of both captive and field studies. This system deterred birds of prey and corvids through aversion, and did not induce habituation. These findings suggest applications for human security as well as bird conservation, and further research on avian visual perception and sensitivity to signals.}, }
@article {pmid30288960, year = {2019}, author = {Taufique, ST and Prabhat, A and Kumar, V}, title = {Light at night affects hippocampal and nidopallial cytoarchitecture: Implication for impairment of brain function in diurnal corvids.}, journal = {Journal of experimental zoology. Part A, Ecological and integrative physiology}, volume = {331}, number = {2}, pages = {149-156}, doi = {10.1002/jez.2238}, pmid = {30288960}, issn = {2471-5646}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Brain/*radiation effects ; *Circadian Rhythm ; Cognition/physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Hippocampus/*radiation effects ; Light/*adverse effects ; Neurons/*radiation effects ; Photoperiod ; }, abstract = {Our previous studies have shown that light at night (LAN) impaired cognitive performance and affected neurogenesis and neurochemistry in the cognition-associated brain regions, particularly the hippocampus (HP) and lateral caudal nidopallium (NCL) of Indian house crows (Corvus splendens). Here, we examined the cytoarchitecture and mapped out the morphology of neurons and glia-neuron density in HP and NCL regions of crows that were first entrained to 12-hr light (LL): 12-hr darkness (LD) and then exposed to the light regime in which 12-hr darkness was either replaced by daytime light (i.e., constant light, LL) or by dim light (i.e., dim light at night, dLAN), with controls continued on LD 12:12. Compared with LD, there was a significant decrease in the soma size, suggesting reduced neuronal plasticity without affecting the neuronal density of both HP and NCL of crows under LL and dLAN conditions. In parallel, we found a reduced number of glia cells and, hence, decreased glia-neuron ratio positively correlated with soma size in both, HP and NCL regions. These results for the first time demonstrate LAN-induced negative effects on the brain cytoarchitecture of a diurnal species and give insight for possible influence on the brain health and functions in animals including humans that might be inadvertently exposed to LAN in an emerging night-illuminated urban environment.}, }
@article {pmid30286069, year = {2018}, author = {Mitchell, PW}, title = {The fault in his seeds: Lost notes to the case of bias in Samuel George Morton's cranial race science.}, journal = {PLoS biology}, volume = {16}, number = {10}, pages = {e2007008}, pmid = {30286069}, issn = {1545-7885}, mesh = {Anatomy, Comparative/history ; Craniotomy/*history ; History, 19th Century ; Humans ; Organ Size ; Philadelphia ; Racial Groups ; Racism/*history ; Skull/anatomy &amp; histology ; }, abstract = {The discovery of nearly 180-year-old cranial measurements in the archives of 19th century American physician and naturalist Samuel George Morton can address a lingering debate, begun in the late 20th century by paleontologist and historian of science Stephen Jay Gould, about the unconscious bias alleged in Morton's comparative data of brain size in human racial groups. Analysis of Morton's lost data and the records of his studies does not support Gould's arguments about Morton's biased data collection. However, historical contextualization of Morton with his scientific peers, especially German anatomist Friedrich Tiedemann, suggests that, while Morton's data may have been unbiased, his cranial race science was not. Tiedemann and Morton independently produced similar data about human brain size in different racial groups but analyzed and interpreted their nearly equivalent results in dramatically different ways: Tiedemann using them to argue for equality and the abolition of slavery, and Morton using them to entrench racial divisions and hierarchy. These differences draw attention to the epistemic limitations of data and the pervasive role of bias within the broader historical, social, and cultural context of science.}, }
@article {pmid30283017, year = {2018}, author = {Lewis, MB}, title = {The interactions between botulinum-toxin-based facial treatments and embodied emotions.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {14720}, pmid = {30283017}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Adult ; Affect/drug effects/physiology ; Aged ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*therapeutic use ; Cosmetic Techniques/*psychology ; Emotions/*drug effects ; Facial Expression ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Neuromuscular Agents/therapeutic use ; Neurotoxins/therapeutic use ; Skin Aging/*drug effects/pathology/physiology ; }, abstract = {Botulinum toxin (BTX) injections reduce muscle mobility and are commonly used to treat the appearance of glabellar frown lines. Research shows that this cosmetic treatment leads to a reduction in depression. This reduction is consistent with the theory of embodied emotions because patients have a reduced ability to frown and so receive less negative feedback associated with this action. The current research explored this effect and three further hypotheses for the effects of cosmetic BTX injections based on embodied emotions. It was hypothesised that treatment of crow's feet (or laughter lines) would reduce mood as patients' Duchenne smiles would be impaired. It was hypothesised that facial BTX treatments would impair emotional expression recognition because the ability to mimic emotions would be reduced. Finally, it was hypothesised that, as BTX treatments prevent facial expressions associated with sexual excitement, sexual function would be impaired after treatment. Twenty four BTX-treated and twelve matched participants (all female) were tested before and after treatment. Results found that BTX treatment of laughter lines was associated with increased depression scores. Further, BTX treatment was associated with reduced emotion recognition ability and sexual function. The current results add to our knowledge of the psychological effects of injections of powerful neurotoxins and broaden the scope of the embodiment of emotions.}, }
@article {pmid30282404, year = {2018}, author = {Shin, DA and Kim, C and Yudoyono, F and Yun, Y and Ha, Y and Kang, S}, title = {Feasibility of Percutaneous Robot-Assisted Epiduroscopic System.}, journal = {Pain physician}, volume = {21}, number = {5}, pages = {E565-E571}, pmid = {30282404}, issn = {2150-1149}, mesh = {Animals ; Endoscopy/*instrumentation/methods ; Epidural Space/*surgery ; Feasibility Studies ; Republic of Korea ; Robotic Surgical Procedures/*instrumentation/*methods ; Robotics/instrumentation/methods ; Swine ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Endoscopy has replaced open surgery, especially in spinal surgery. Among them, image-guided epiduroscopy allows pain generators to be identified, including epidural adhesion, fibrotic tissues, root compression, and spinal stenosis. However, the heavy lead apron worn by pain physicians to avoid exposure to radiation can induce occupational hazards, such as orthopedic complications and radiation-induced cancer. Hence, we developed a robotic system to address these problems.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of a robot-controlled epiduroscopic system.<br><br>STUDY DESIGN: In vivo animal experiment.<br><br>SETTING: University in Republic of Korea.<br><br>METHODS: The robot-controlled epiduroscopic system was developed using the open architecture robot system (The Raven Surgical Robotic System, CITRIS, Berkley, CA, USA). The robotic system consists of a lab-made epiduroscope, steering section, robotic arm, and manipulator. For the in vivo study, 2 Yorkshire pigs were used to simulate an epiduroscopic procedure with the robotic system.<br><br>RESULTS: The insertion and steering of the catheter was performed safely, and epiduroscopic visualization was obtained without side effects. There were no device-related complications. Radiation exposure for the primary operator was 80% lower than the levels found during conventional epiduroscopic procedures. All live pigs showed normal behavior without any signs of pain. The mean time to reach the target region was less than 8 minutes.<br><br>LIMITATIONS: The epiduroscopic procedure was performed on pigs and not on humans. The dimensions of the spinal canal of pigs cannot compare to those of humans.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated the feasibility of the robot-assisted epiduroscopic system.<br><br>KEY WORDS: Epiduroscopy, robotic system, spine, pig, animal model.}, }
@article {pmid30256169, year = {2018}, author = {Elderbrock, EK and Small, TW and Schoech, SJ}, title = {Adult Provisioning Influences Nestling Corticosterone Levels in Florida Scrub Jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens).}, journal = {Physiological and biochemical zoology : PBZ}, volume = {91}, number = {6}, pages = {1083-1090}, doi = {10.1086/700258}, pmid = {30256169}, issn = {1537-5293}, mesh = {Animals ; Corticosterone/*blood ; Female ; *Maternal Behavior ; *Nesting Behavior ; Songbirds/*physiology ; }, abstract = {We studied Florida scrub jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) nestlings to examine the relationship between parental feeding rates and levels of corticosterone (CORT), a metabolic and stress-related steroid hormone hypothesized to play a role in mediating begging behavior. It has been documented that nutritional deficiency results in increased glucocorticoid levels in nestling birds. Further, previous studies have found that CORT levels of Florida scrub jay nestlings are negatively correlated with parental nest attendance and provisioning rates; however, the behavioral observations were made several days before the collection of samples to assess CORT levels. Few studies have investigated whether experience immediately before sampling impacts nestling glucocorticoid levels, especially in a free-living species. By monitoring parental activity at the nest before sample collection, we found that nestling CORT levels varied as a function of parental provisioning rate and the time since their last feed. However, counter to our predictions, higher provisioning rates and more recent feedings were associated with higher CORT levels in nestlings rather than lower CORT levels. These results suggest that some aspect of parental provisioning results in increased CORT levels in nestling Florida scrub jays.}, }
@article {pmid30253153, year = {2018}, author = {Rutz, C and Hunt, GR and St Clair, JJH}, title = {Corvid Technologies: How Do New Caledonian Crows Get Their Tool Designs?.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {28}, number = {18}, pages = {R1109-R1111}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2018.08.031}, pmid = {30253153}, issn = {1879-0445}, support = {BB/G023913/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {*Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Recent research shows that New Caledonian crows can incorporate information from researcher-made objects into objects they subsequently manufacture. This 'mental template matching' is one of several possible - mutually compatible - mechanisms for the cultural transmission of tool designs among wild crows.}, }
@article {pmid30238146, year = {2018}, author = {Ganz, K and Jenni, L and Madry, MM and Kraemer, T and Jenny, H and Jenny, D}, title = {Acute and Chronic Lead Exposure in Four Avian Scavenger Species in Switzerland.}, journal = {Archives of environmental contamination and toxicology}, volume = {75}, number = {4}, pages = {566-575}, doi = {10.1007/s00244-018-0561-7}, pmid = {30238146}, issn = {1432-0703}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; *Birds ; Bone and Bones/chemistry ; Crows ; Eagles ; Ecotoxicology/methods ; Environmental Exposure/*analysis ; Environmental Pollutants/*analysis/pharmacokinetics ; Falconiformes ; Lead/*analysis/pharmacokinetics ; Lead Poisoning/*veterinary ; Liver/chemistry ; Species Specificity ; Switzerland ; Tissue Distribution ; }, abstract = {Despite irrefutable evidence of its negative impact on animal behaviour and physiology, lethal and sublethal lead poisoning of wildlife is still persistent and widespread. For scavenging birds, ingestion of ammunition, or fragments thereof, is the major exposure route. In this study, we examined the occurrence of lead in four avian scavengers of Switzerland and how it differs between species, regions, and age of the bird. We measured lead concentration in liver and bone of the two main alpine avian scavengers (golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos and bearded vulture Gypaetus barbatus) over the entire area of the Swiss Alps and two of the main avian scavengers occurring in the lowlands of Switzerland (red kite Milvus milvus and common raven Corvus corax). Of those four species, only the bearded vulture is an obligate scavenger. We found that lead burdens in the two alpine avian scavengers were higher than those found for the same species elsewhere in Europe or North America and reached levels compatible with acute poisoning, whereas lead burdens of the two lowland avian scavengers seemed to be lower. Several golden eagles, but only one red kite with abnormally high bone lead concentrations were found. In all four species, a substantial proportion of birds had elevated levels which presumably represent recent (liver lead levels) or past (bone lead levels) uptake of sublethal doses of lead.}, }
@article {pmid30225178, year = {2018}, author = {Cucco, M and Bowman, R}, title = {Mass fluctuation in breeding females, males, and helpers of the Florida scrub-jay Aphelocoma coerulescens.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {e5607}, pmid = {30225178}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Much evidence suggests that birds actively regulate their body mass reserves relative to their energy needs. Energy requirements during reproduction may differ in relation to sex-specific behavioural roles or, in the case of cooperative breeders, breeders relative to helpers. We measured body mass of free-living Florida scrub-jays throughout the nesting season by training them to land on an electronic balance. Jays exhibited a pattern of diurnal linear mass gain, from morning to afternoon. Day-to-day mass fluctuations, defined as the difference between mass on two consecutive days, were small (>80% were within 2 g, less than 3% of the mass of an adult bird) for all classes of jays: female breeders, male breeders and prebreeding helpers. The jays, which live in subtropical south-central Florida, did not exhibit changes in day-to-day mass fluctuation relative to weather or climate variables or calendar date. Day-to-day mass fluctuations influenced mass fluctuation between the following third and fourth days. These changes were usually compensatory, indicating that jays are able to regulate their body mass on a short-term basis, despite strong differences in their roles in reproduction. During reproduction, jays have a relatively predictable and abundant food supply, thus the appropriate strategy may be to maintain a stable body mass that balances some energy reserves against maintaining a low body mass for efficient flight, as required during reproduction.}, }
@article {pmid30222228, year = {2019}, author = {Townsend, AK and Taff, CC and Jones, ML and Getman, KH and Wheeler, SS and Hinton, MG and Logsdon, RM}, title = {Apparent inbreeding preference despite inbreeding depression in the American crow.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {28}, number = {5}, pages = {1116-1126}, doi = {10.1111/mec.14866}, pmid = {30222228}, issn = {1365-294X}, support = {(13-2735)//ANR Competitive Grant from the University of California at Davis/International ; 1555754//National Science Foundation/International ; }, mesh = {Animals ; California ; Crows/*genetics/physiology ; Heterozygote ; Inbreeding ; Inbreeding Depression/*genetics ; Microsatellite Repeats/*genetics ; New York ; Reproduction/*genetics ; Sexual Behavior, Animal ; }, abstract = {Although matings between relatives can have negative effects on offspring fitness, apparent inbreeding preference has been reported in a growing number of systems, including those with documented inbreeding depression. Here, we examined evidence for inbreeding depression and inbreeding preference in two populations (Clinton, New York, and Davis, California, USA) of the cooperatively breeding American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos). We then compared observed inbreeding strategies with theoretical expectations for optimal, adaptive levels of inbreeding, given the inclusive fitness benefits and population-specific magnitude of inbreeding depression. We found that low heterozygosity at a panel of 33 microsatellite markers was associated with low survival probability (fledging success) and low white blood cell counts among offspring in both populations. Despite these costs, our data were more consistent with inbreeding preference than avoidance: The observed heterozygosity among 396 sampled crow offspring was significantly lower than expected if local adults were mating by random chance. This pattern was consistent across a range of spatial scales in both populations. Adaptive levels of inbreeding, given the magnitude of inbreeding depression, were predicted to be very low in the California population, whereas complete disassortative mating was predicted in the New York population. Sexual conflict might have contributed to the apparent absence of inbreeding avoidance in crows. These data add to an increasing number of examples of an "inbreeding paradox," where inbreeding appears to be preferred despite inbreeding depression.}, }
@article {pmid30218624, year = {2018}, author = {Taufique, SKT and Prabhat, A and Kumar, V}, title = {Illuminated night alters hippocampal gene expressions and induces depressive-like responses in diurnal corvids.}, journal = {The European journal of neuroscience}, volume = {48}, number = {9}, pages = {3005-3018}, doi = {10.1111/ejn.14157}, pmid = {30218624}, issn = {1460-9568}, mesh = {Animals ; Biomarkers/blood ; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/biosynthesis/genetics ; Circadian Rhythm/*physiology ; Corticosterone/blood ; Crows ; Depression/etiology/*genetics/*metabolism ; Gene Expression ; Hippocampus/*metabolism ; Lighting/*adverse effects ; Melatonin/blood/genetics ; Photoperiod ; }, abstract = {Artificial light at night induces circadian disruptions and causes cognitive impairment and mood disorders; yet very little is known about the neural and molecular correlates of these effects in diurnal animals. We manipulated the night environment and examined cellular and molecular changes in hippocampus, the brain region involved in cognition and mood, of Indian house crows (Corvus splendens) exposed to 12 hr light (150 lux): 12 hr darkness (0 lux). Diurnal corvids are an ideal model species with cognitive abilities at par with mammals. Dim light (6 lux) at night (dLAN) altered daily activity:rest pattern, reduced sleep, and induced depressive-like responses (decreased eating and self-grooming, self-mutilation, and reduced novel object exploration); return to an absolute dark night reversed these negative effects. dLAN suppressed nocturnal melatonin levels; however, diurnal corticosterone levels were unaffected. Concomitant reduction of immunoreactivity for DCX and BDNF suggested dLAN-induced suppression of hippocampal neurogenesis and compromised neuronal health. dLAN also negatively influenced hippocampal expression of genes associated with depressive-like responses (bdnf, il-1β, tnfr1, nr4a2), but not of those associated with neuronal plasticity (egr1, creb, syngap, syn2, grin2a, grin2b), cellular oxidative stress (gst, sod3, cat1) and neuronal death (caspase2, caspase3, foxo3). Furthermore, we envisaged the role of BDNF and showed epigenetic modification of bdnf gene by decreased histone H3 acetylation and increased hdac4 expression under dLAN. These results demonstrate transcriptional and epigenetic bases of dLAN-induced negative effects in diurnal crows, and provide insights into the risks of exposure to illuminated nights to animals including humans in an urban setting.}, }
@article {pmid30215276, year = {2019}, author = {Simonds, VW and Kim, FL and LaVeaux, D and Pickett, V and Milakovich, J and Cummins, J}, title = {Guardians of the Living Water: Using a Health Literacy Framework to Evaluate a Child as Change Agent Intervention.}, journal = {Health education &amp; behavior : the official publication of the Society for Public Health Education}, volume = {46}, number = {2}, pages = {349-359}, pmid = {30215276}, issn = {1552-6127}, support = {P20 GM103474/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; P20 GM104417/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Child ; Community-Based Participatory Research ; Feasibility Studies ; Female ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; *Health Literacy ; Humans ; Indians, North American/*psychology ; Male ; Program Development ; Program Evaluation ; *Water Pollution ; *Water Supply ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: American Indian communities in the United States experience considerable health inequities, including increased exposure to environmental contaminants. Consequently, community members of the Apsáalooke (Crow) Nation identified the lack of water-related environmental knowledge among children as an area of concern.<br><br>AIM: The purpose of this study was to provide a feasibility evaluation of an increasingly sophisticated environmental health literacy program for children.<br><br>METHOD: A community-academic partnership developed and piloted the Guardians of the Living Water program to increase environmental health literacy among children and their families on the Crow reservation. Nutbeam's framework for health literacy, a schema based on functional, interactive, and critical literacy, shaped the program evaluation. We used a within-subjects, quasi-experimental design without a control group. Interviews with children and parents were used to assess the feasibility of the program, while pre-/posttests assessed changes in knowledge, skills, and behavior.<br><br>RESULTS: Compared with preintervention responses, those from postintervention indicated significant increases for selected knowledge and attitude components. Based on qualitative interviews with children and caregivers, the camp was a valuable experience and increased knowledge of water quality science and reinforced cultural knowledge.<br><br>DISCUSSION: This success of our program stems from the trust initially built between partners and then expanded throughout the community. The program and the evaluation benefited from both the health literacy framework and from our integration of Aps&#xe1;alooke values.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that a community-based intervention designed to increase environmental health literacy among youth and their social networks is feasible and acceptable to this American Indian community.}, }
@article {pmid30205027, year = {2018}, author = {Wheatcroft, D and Price, TD}, title = {Collective Action Promoted by Key Individuals.}, journal = {The American naturalist}, volume = {192}, number = {4}, pages = {401-414}, doi = {10.1086/698874}, pmid = {30205027}, issn = {1537-5323}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Cooperative Behavior ; Female ; Male ; *Nesting Behavior ; *Predatory Behavior ; *Social Behavior ; Songbirds/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Explaining why individuals participate in risky group behaviors has been a long-term challenge. We experimentally studied the formation of groups of birds (mobs) that aggressively confront predators and avian nest parasites and developed a theoretical model to evaluate the conditions under which mobs arise. We presented taxidermied mounts of predators on adult birds (hawks and owls) and of nest threats (crows and cuckoos) at different distances to nests of Phylloscopus warblers. Even when alone, birds are aggressive toward predators of adult birds, both at and away from their nests. By contrast, birds aggressively confront nest threats alone only when they have a nest nearby. However, strong initial responses by nest owners lead individuals without nearby nests to increase their responses, thereby generating a mob. Building on these findings, we derive the conditions in which individuals are incentivized to invest more when joining a high-gain individual compared to when acting alone. Strong responses of high-gain individuals acting alone tend to reduce the investments of other high-gain individuals that subsequently join. However, individuals that benefit sufficiently little from acting alone increase their investments when joining a high-gain individual and can even be sufficiently incentivized to join in when they would otherwise not act alone. Together, these results suggest an important role for key individuals in the generation of some group behaviors.}, }
@article {pmid30200421, year = {2018}, author = {Rahman, A and Al-Taiar, A and Shaban, L and Al-Sabah, R and Al-Harbi, A and Mojiminiyi, O}, title = {Plasma 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Is Not Associated with Either Cognitive Function or Academic Performance in Adolescents.}, journal = {Nutrients}, volume = {10}, number = {9}, pages = {}, pmid = {30200421}, issn = {2072-6643}, support = {WF02/13//Kuwait University/ ; }, mesh = {*Academic Performance ; Adolescent ; *Adolescent Behavior ; Age Factors ; Biomarkers/blood ; Child ; *Child Behavior ; *Cognition ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Kuwait ; Male ; Risk Factors ; Vitamin D/*analogs &amp; derivatives/blood ; Vitamin D Deficiency/*blood/diagnosis/psychology ; }, abstract = {Several observational studies have reported an association between low levels of vitamin D (VD) and poor cognition in adults, but there is a paucity of data on such an association in adolescents. We investigated the association between VD and cognitive function or academic achievement among 1370 adolescents, who were selected from public middle schools in Kuwait, using stratified multistage cluster random sampling with probability proportional to size. Plasma 25-hydroxy VD (25-OH-D) was measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). An age-adjusted standard score (ASC), calculated from Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices test, was used to evaluate cognitive function; academic achievements were extracted from the schools' records. Data on various covariates were collected from the parents through a self-administered questionnaire and from the adolescents using face-to-face interviews. 25-OH-D was weakly correlated positively with ASC (ρ = 0.06; p = 0.04). Univariable linear regression analysis showed an association between 25-OH-D categories and ASC after adjusting for gender, but adjusting for parental education was sufficient to explain this association. Multivariable analysis showed no association between 25-OH-D and ASC after adjusting for potential confounders whether 25-OH-D was fitted as a continuous variable (p = 0.73), a variable that is categorized by acceptable cutoff points (p = 0.48), or categorized into quartiles (p = 0.88). Similarly, 25-OH-D was not associated with academic performance. We conclude that 25-OH-D is associated with neither cognitive function nor academic performance in adolescents.}, }
@article {pmid30155970, year = {2018}, author = {Pritchard, M and Hilari, K and Cocks, N and Dipper, L}, title = {Psychometric properties of discourse measures in aphasia: acceptability, reliability, and validity.}, journal = {International journal of language &amp; communication disorders}, volume = {53}, number = {6}, pages = {1078-1093}, doi = {10.1111/1460-6984.12420}, pmid = {30155970}, issn = {1460-6984}, mesh = {Aphasia/*physiopathology ; Comprehension ; Humans ; *Language ; Psychometrics/methods ; Qualitative Research ; Reproducibility of Results ; Severity of Illness Index ; *Speech Intelligibility ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Discourse in adults with aphasia is increasingly the focus of assessment and therapy research. A broad range of measures is available to describe discourse, but very limited information is available on their psychometric properties. As a result, the quality of these measures is unknown, and there is very little evidence to motivate the choice of one measure over another.<br><br>AIMS: To explore the quality of a range of discourse measures, targeting sentence structure, coherence, story structure and cohesion. Quality was evaluated in terms of the psychometric properties of acceptability (data completeness and skewness), reliability (inter- and intra-rater), and validity (content, convergent, discriminant and known groups).<br><br>METHODS &amp; PROCEDURES: Participants with chronic mild-to-moderate aphasia were recruited from community groups. They produced a range of discourses which were grouped into Cinderella and everyday discourses. Discourses were then transcribed orthographically and analyzed using macro- and microlinguistic measures (Story Grammar, Topic Coherence, Local Coherence, Reference Chains and Predicate Argument Structure-PAS). Data were evaluated against standard predetermined criteria to ascertain the psychometric quality of the measures.<br><br>OUTCOMES &amp; RESULTS: A total of 17 participants took part in the study. All measures had high levels of acceptability, inter- and intra-rater reliability, and had good content validity, as they could be related to a level of the theoretical model of discourse production. For convergent validity, as expected, 8/10 measures correlated with the Western Aphasia Battery-Revised (WAB-R) spontaneous speech scores, and 7/10 measures correlated with the Kissing and Dancing Test (KDT) scores (r &#x2265; 0.3), giving an overall positive rating for construct validity. For discriminant validity, as predicted, all measures had low correlations with Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM) and WAB-R Auditory Verbal Comprehension scores (r < 0.3), giving an overall positive rating for construct validity. Finally, for known groups validity, all measures indicated a difference between speakers with mild and moderate aphasia except for the Local Coherence measures. Overall, Story Grammar, Topic Coherence, Reference Chains and PAS emerged as the strongest measures in the current study because they achieved the predetermined thresholds for quality in terms of each of the psychometric parameters profiled.<br><br>The current study is the first to psychometrically profile measures of discourse in aphasia. It contributes to the field by identifying Story Grammar, Topic Coherence, Reference Chains and PAS as the most psychometrically robust discourse measures yet profiled with speakers with aphasia. Until further data are available indicating the strength of other discourse measures, caution should be applied when using them.}, }
@article {pmid30132156, year = {2018}, author = {Hennefield, L and Hwang, HG and Weston, SJ and Povinelli, DJ}, title = {Meta-analytic techniques reveal that corvid causal reasoning in the Aesop's Fable paradigm is driven by trial-and-error learning.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {21}, number = {6}, pages = {735-748}, pmid = {30132156}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {F32 HD093273/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Cognition ; Crows/*physiology ; *Learning ; *Problem Solving ; Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {The classic Aesop's fable, Crow and the Pitcher, has inspired a major line of research in comparative cognition. Over the past several years, five articles (over 32 experiments) have examined the ability of corvids (e.g., rooks, crows, and jays) to complete lab-based analogs of this fable, by requiring them to drop stones and other objects into tubes of water to retrieve a floating worm (Bird and Emery in Curr Biol 19:1-5, 2009b; Cheke et al. in Anim Cogn 14:441-455, 2011; Jelbert et al. in PLoS One 3:e92895, 2014; Logan et al. in PLoS One 7:e103049, 2014; Taylor et al. in Gray R D 12:e26887, 2011). These researchers have stressed the unique potential of this paradigm for understanding causal reasoning in corvids. Ghirlanda and Lind (Anim Behav 123:239-247, 2017) re-evaluated trial-level data from these studies and concluded that initial preferences for functional objects, combined with trial-and-error learning, may account for subjects' performance on key variants of the paradigm. In the present paper, we use meta-analytic techniques to provide more precise information about the rate and mode of learning that occurs within and across tasks. Within tasks, subjects learned from successful (but not unsuccessful) actions, indicating that higher-order reasoning about phenomena such as mass, volume, and displacement is unlikely to be involved. Furthermore, subjects did not transfer information learned in one task to subsequent tasks, suggesting that corvids do not engage with these tasks as variants of the same problem (i.e., how to generate water displacement to retrieve a floating worm). Our methodological analysis and empirical findings raise the question: Can Aesop's fable studies distinguish between trial-and-error learning and/or higher-order causal reasoning? We conclude they cannot.}, }
@article {pmid30127351, year = {2018}, author = {Mason, LD and Wardell-Johnson, G and Luxton, SJ and Bateman, PW}, title = {Predators Show Seasonal Predilections for Model Clay Spiders in an Urban Environment.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {12444}, pmid = {30127351}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Environment ; Predatory Behavior/*physiology ; Seasons ; Spiders/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Predator-prey interactions may be altered under human-induced rapid environmental change, such as urbanisation. Extensive clearing in urban areas may leave short-range endemic species, such as mygalomorph spiders, more vulnerable to local extinction through predation in remaining remnants. Predation rates on Australian mygalomorph spiders were assessed using clay models of two size classes (5 cm, 3 cm), during two time periods in 2016 (January-February, July-August). Size and phenology of models resembled the mygalomorph genera Aname and Teyl occurring in these local urban remnants. Local predator guilds were significantly influenced by leaf-litter cover (%) and proportion of surrounding parkland. Preference for spider vs. control models was consistent across all predator types (bird, rodent, lizard and wasp), but specialist spider wasps (Pompilidae) only attacked spider models. Generalist predators (birds, lizards and rodents) were more opportunistic. Lizards and rodents exhibit similar predation behaviour, indicating there may be some inter-specific competition. Invasive generalists (e. g. rodents) or urban adapters (e. g. corvids) are more likely to represent an increased threat to spiders than are co-evolved specialists (e.g. spider wasps).}, }
@article {pmid30111659, year = {2018}, author = {Steyaert, SMJG and Frank, SC and Puliti, S and Badia, R and Arnberg, MP and Beardsley, J and Økelsrud, A and Blaalid, R}, title = {Special delivery: scavengers direct seed dispersal towards ungulate carcasses.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {14}, number = {8}, pages = {}, pmid = {30111659}, issn = {1744-957X}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds ; Ericaceae ; Feces ; Feeding Behavior ; Foxes ; Norway ; Reindeer ; *Seed Dispersal ; Seeds ; }, abstract = {Cadaver decomposition islands around animal carcasses can facilitate establishment of various plant life. Facultative scavengers have great potential for endozoochory, and often aggregate around carcasses. Hence, they may disperse plant seeds that they ingest across the landscape towards cadaver decomposition islands. Here, we demonstrate this novel mechanism along a gradient of wild tundra reindeer carcasses. First, we show that the spatial distribution of scavenger faeces (birds and foxes) was concentrated around carcasses. Second, faeces of the predominant scavengers (corvids) commonly contained viable seeds of crowberry, a keystone species of the alpine tundra with predominantly vegetative reproduction. We suggest that cadaver decomposition islands function as endpoints for directed endozoochory by scavengers. Such a mechanism could be especially beneficial for species that rely on small-scale disturbances in soil and vegetation, such as several Nordic berry-producing species with cryptic generative reproduction.}, }
@article {pmid30094362, year = {2018}, author = {Hunter, MA and Lieberman, G and Coffman, BA and Trumbo, MC and Armenta, ML and Robinson, CSH and Bezdek, MA and O'Sickey, AJ and Jones, AP and Romero, V and Elkin-Frankston, S and Gaurino, S and Eusebi, L and Schumacher, EH and Witkiewitz, K and Clark, VP}, title = {Mindfulness-based training with transcranial direct current stimulation modulates neuronal resource allocation in working memory: A randomized pilot study with a nonequivalent control group.}, journal = {Heliyon}, volume = {4}, number = {7}, pages = {e00685}, pmid = {30094362}, issn = {2405-8440}, abstract = {Mindfulness-based training (MBT) and transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) methods such as direct current stimulation (tDCS) have demonstrated promise for the augmentation of cognitive abilities. The current study investigated the potential compatibility of concurrent "electrical" MBT and tDCS (or eMBT) by testing its combined effects on behavioral and neurophysiological indices of working memory (WM) and attentional resource allocation. Thirty-four healthy participants were randomly assigned to either a MBT task with tDCS group (eMBT) or an active control training task with sham tDCS (Control) group. Training lasted 4-weeks, with up to twenty MBT sessions and with up to eight of those sessions that were eMBT sessions. Electroencephalography was acquired during varying WM load conditions using the n-back task (1-, 2-, 3-back), along with performance on complex WM span tasks (operation and symmetry span) and fluid intelligence measures (Ravens and Shipley) before and after training. Improved performance was observed only on the 3-back and spatial span tasks for eMBT but not the Control group. During 3-back performance in the eMBT group, an increase in P3 amplitude and theta power at electrode site Pz was also observed, along with a simultaneous decrease in frontal midline P3 amplitude and theta power compared to the Control group. These results are consistent with the neural efficiency hypothesis, where higher cognitive capacity was associated with more distributed brain activity (i.e., increase in parietal and decrease in frontal amplitudes). Future longitudinal studies are called upon to further examine the direct contributions of tDCS on MBT by assessing the differential effects of electrode montage, polarity, current strength and a direct contrast between the eMBT and MBT conditions on performance and neuroimaging outcome data. While preliminary, the current results provided evidence for the potential compatibility of using eMBT to modulate WM capacity through the allocation of attention and its neurophysiological correlates.}, }
@article {pmid30071975, year = {2018}, author = {Campo, JV and Bridge, JA}, title = {Exploring the Impact of 13 Reasons Why: Looking for Light Amidst the Heat . .}, journal = {Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry}, volume = {57}, number = {8}, pages = {547-549}, doi = {10.1016/j.jaac.2018.05.012}, pmid = {30071975}, issn = {1527-5418}, mesh = {Adolescent ; *Bullying ; Female ; Hot Temperature ; Humans ; *Suicide ; }, abstract = {A Letter to the Editor by Kieling and collegues[1] in this month's Journal attempts to explore the impact of the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why (13RW) on the thinking and behavior of adolescent viewers. The series is an adaptation of a 2007 novel by Jay Asher, and tells the story of an adolescent girl who dies by suicide following a series of traumas and disappointments that she catalogues before her death on 13 audiotapes. The tapes are left behind with the expectation that each of the individuals presumably responsible for her suicide will listen and better understand their individual and collective failures. Since its release and airing in 2017, the show has generated considerable heated debate and controversy, largely due to concerns about its potential for suicide contagion.}, }
@article {pmid30071683, year = {2018}, author = {Sutton, JT and Helmkampf, M and Steiner, CC and Bellinger, MR and Korlach, J and Hall, R and Baybayan, P and Muehling, J and Gu, J and Kingan, S and Masuda, BM and Ryder, OA}, title = {A High-Quality, Long-Read De Novo Genome Assembly to Aid Conservation of Hawaii's Last Remaining Crow Species.}, journal = {Genes}, volume = {9}, number = {8}, pages = {}, pmid = {30071683}, issn = {2073-4425}, abstract = {Abstract: Genome-level data can provide researchers with unprecedented precision to examine the causes and genetic consequences of population declines, which can inform conservation management. Here, we present a high-quality, long-read, de novo genome assembly for one of the world's most endangered bird species, the 'Alalā (Corvus hawaiiensis; Hawaiian crow). As the only remaining native crow species in Hawai'i, the 'Alalā survived solely in a captive-breeding program from 2002 until 2016, at which point a long-term reintroduction program was initiated. The high-quality genome assembly was generated to lay the foundation for both comparative genomics studies and the development of population-level genomic tools that will aid conservation and recovery efforts. We illustrate how the quality of this assembly places it amongst the very best avian genomes assembled to date, comparable to intensively studied model systems. We describe the genome architecture in terms of repetitive elements and runs of homozygosity, and we show that compared with more outbred species, the 'Alalā genome is substantially more homozygous. We also provide annotations for a subset of immunity genes that are likely to be important in conservation management, and we discuss how this genome is currently being used as a roadmap for downstream conservation applications.}, }
@article {pmid30013855, year = {2018}, author = {Silina, AV}, title = {Sex change in scallop Patinopecten yessoensis: response to population composition?.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {e5240}, pmid = {30013855}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Sex structure is very labile between populations and specific for each population because it is a result of genetic, ontogenetic and biocenotic influences on the mollusks. In this study, the age frequency distribution, age-sex structure, and sex ratio were assessed in the wild populations of the Yeso scallop Patinopecten yessoensis (Jay) observed at fifteen sites in the northwestern Sea of Japan (=East Sea). The sex ratio varied between the populations from 0.83:1 to 1.52:1 (males/females), with the mean sex ratio being 1.03 ± 0.05:1. Within a population, the proportions of males and females in term of number differed between age classes. Males were more numerous than females in the younger age classes, and females prevailed over males in the older age classes. It was found that in different scallop populations the sex change occurred at different ages. In the populations that predominantly consisted of young (two- to four-year-old) individuals, males prevailed over females in the age class 2 yr.; the equal male/female proportion was found in the age class 3 yr.; and in older age classes, females prevailed over males. Another pattern was observed in the populations that consisted mainly of middle-aged (five- to six-year-old) individuals. Here, the age-sex ratio became equal at an age of 4-6 years. In the old populations (mainly 6-12-year-olds) the equal male/female proportion was observed at an age of 8-10 years. Thus, the age of sex change was not uniform for the scallop populations. It depended on the age structure of the population and, thus, was socially controlled. The greater number of females in the older age classes suggests a protandric sex change.}, }
@article {pmid30012749, year = {2018}, author = {Gonçalves, A and Biro, D}, title = {Comparative thanatology, an integrative approach: exploring sensory/cognitive aspects of death recognition in vertebrates and invertebrates.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {373}, number = {1754}, pages = {}, pmid = {30012749}, issn = {1471-2970}, mesh = {Animals ; *Cognition ; *Cues ; *Death ; *Invertebrates ; *Perception ; Thanatology ; *Vertebrates ; }, abstract = {Evolutionary thanatology benefits from broad taxonomic comparisons of non-human animals' responses to death. Furthermore, exploring the sensory and cognitive bases of these responses promises to allow classification of the underlying mechanisms on a spectrum from phylogenetically ancient to more derived traits. We draw on studies of perception and cognition in invertebrate and vertebrate taxa (with a focus on arthropods, corvids, proboscids, cetaceans and primates) to explore the cues that these animals use to detect life and death in others, and discuss proximate and ultimate drivers behind their capacities to do so. Parallels in thanatological behaviour exhibited by the last four taxa suggest similar sensory-cognitive processing rules for dealing with corpses, the evolution of which may have been driven by complex social environments. Uniting these responses is a phenomenon we term 'animacy detection malfunction', whereupon the corpse, having both animate and inanimate attributes, creates states of fear/curiosity manifested as approach/avoidance behaviours in observers. We suggest that integrating diverse lines of evidence (including the 'uncanny valley' effect originating from the field of robotics) provides a promising way to advance the field, and conclude by proposing avenues for future research.This article is part of the theme issue 'Evolutionary thanatology: impacts of the dead on the living in humans and other animals'.}, }
@article {pmid30012745, year = {2018}, author = {Swift, K and Marzluff, JM}, title = {Occurrence and variability of tactile interactions between wild American crows and dead conspecifics.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {373}, number = {1754}, pages = {}, pmid = {30012745}, issn = {1471-2970}, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Crows/*physiology ; *Death ; Feeding Behavior ; Information Storage and Retrieval ; *Motivation ; Territoriality ; Thanatology ; *Touch ; Washington ; }, abstract = {Observations of some mammals and birds touching their dead provoke questions about the motivation and adaptive value of this potentially risky behaviour. Here, we use controlled experiments to determine if tactile interactions are characteristic of wild American crow responses to dead crows, and what the prevalence and nature of tactile interactions suggests about their motivations. In Experiment 1, we test if food or information acquisition motivates contact by presenting crows with taxidermy-prepared dead crows, and two species crows are known to scavenge: dead pigeons and dead squirrels. In Experiment 2, we test if territoriality motivates tactile interactions by presenting crows with taxidermy crows prepared to look either dead or upright and life-like. In Experiment 1, we find that crows are significantly less likely to make contact but more likely to alarm call and recruit other birds in response to dead crows than to dead pigeons and squirrels. In addition, we find that aggressive and sexual encounters with dead crows are seasonally biased. These findings are inconsistent with feeding or information acquisition-based motivation. In Experiment 2, we find that crows rarely dive-bomb and more often alarm call and recruit other crows to dead than to life-like crows, behaviours inconsistent with responses given to live intruders. Consistent with a danger response hypothesis, our results show that alarm calling and neighbour recruitment occur more frequently in response to dead crows than other stimuli, and that touching dead crows is atypical. Occasional contacts, which take a variety of aggressive and sexual forms, may result from an inability to mediate conflicting stimuli.This article is part of the theme issue 'Evolutionary thanatology: impacts of the dead on the living in humans and other animals'.}, }
@article {pmid30002396, year = {2018}, author = {Gómez-Olivencia, A and Sala, N and Núñez-Lahuerta, C and Sanchis, A and Arlegi, M and Rios-Garaizar, J}, title = {First data of Neandertal bird and carnivore exploitation in the Cantabrian Region (Axlor; Barandiaran excavations; Dima, Biscay, Northern Iberian Peninsula).}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {10551}, pmid = {30002396}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Archaeology ; Body Remains ; Carnivory/*physiology ; Crows ; Eagles ; Europe ; Fossils ; Humans ; Lynx ; Neanderthals/*physiology ; Wolves ; }, abstract = {Neandertals were top predators who basically relied on middle- to large-sized ungulates for dietary purposes, but there is growing evidence that supports their consumption of plants, leporids, tortoises, marine resources, carnivores and birds. The Iberian Peninsula has provided the most abundant record of bird exploitation for meat in Europe, starting in the Middle Pleistocene. However, the bird and carnivore exploitation record was hitherto limited to the Mediterranean area of the Iberian Peninsula. Here we present the first evidence of bird and carnivore exploitation by Neandertals in the Cantabrian region. We have found cut-marks in two golden eagles, one raven, one wolf and one lynx remain from the Mousterian levels of Axlor. The obtaining of meat was likely the primary purpose of the cut-marks on the golden eagle and lynx remains. Corvids, raptors, felids and canids in Axlor could have likely acted as commensals of the Neandertals, scavenging upon the carcasses left behind by these hunter-gatherers. This could have brought them closer to Neandertal groups who could have preyed upon them. These new results provide additional information on their dietary scope and indicate a more complex interaction between Neandertals and their environment.}, }
@article {pmid29992421, year = {2019}, author = {Smulders, TV}, title = {Smarter through group living?.}, journal = {Learning &amp; behavior}, volume = {47}, number = {4}, pages = {275-276}, pmid = {29992421}, issn = {1543-4508}, mesh = {Animals ; Australia ; *Cognition ; }, abstract = {Wild Australian magpies living (or growing up) in larger social groups take fewer trials to solve a battery of four cognitive tests than those living (or growing up) in smaller groups. The tests all draw on a common underlying factor, but is this factor cognitive or motivational?}, }
@article {pmid29975360, year = {2018}, author = {Wójciak, P and Rybakowski, J}, title = {Clinical picture, pathogenesis and psychometric assessment of negative symptoms of schizophrenia.}, journal = {Psychiatria polska}, volume = {52}, number = {2}, pages = {185-197}, doi = {10.12740/PP/70610}, pmid = {29975360}, issn = {2391-5854}, mesh = {Emotions ; Humans ; Interview, Psychological/*standards ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales ; Psychological Tests/standards ; Psychotic Disorders/diagnosis ; Schizophrenia/*diagnosis ; *Schizophrenic Psychology ; Social Behavior ; Symptom Assessment/*standards ; }, abstract = {Negative symptoms of schizophrenia constitute a serious diagnostic and therapeutic problem. They substantially account for the impairment of health, social functioning and quality of life whereas treatment is difficult. In this paper the development of the concept of schizophrenia and negative symptoms is presented. The models of positive and negative symptoms, introduced in the 1980's by Timothy Crow and Nancy Andreasen, and William Carpenter's concept of so-called deficit syndrome with the criteria of the division of negative symptoms into the primary and secondary, are discussed. Current views on the pathogenesis of negative symptoms are shown with reference to neuroimaging studies, neurotransmitter alterations, neuropsychological deficits, genetic, immunological and epidemiological studies. A subsection is devoted to the diagnostics tools for negative symptoms. Chronologically, they are divided into scales of the 1st and 2nd generation. The first generation includes: the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Schedule for the Deficit Syndrome (SDS), and the Proxy for Deficit Syndrome. The second generation scales, developed as a result of the recommendation by American experts in 2006, include: the Brief Negative Syndrome Scale (BNSS) and the Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS), also the self-assessment scales: the Motivation and Pleasure Scale - Self Report (MAP-SR) and the Self-assessment of Negative Symptoms (SNS). The BNSS and the SNS scales, whose Polish versions were elaborated in the Department of Adult Psychiatry of Poznan University of Medical Sciences, are discussed in-depth.}, }
@article {pmid29958041, year = {2018}, author = {Hirst, RB and Conaboy, C and Vaughn, D and H Enriquez, R and Wickham, R}, title = {The "Jay-Dar" Phenomenon: Individuals Discriminate Cannabis Users from Nonusers Based Upon a Photograph.}, journal = {Substance use &amp; misuse}, volume = {53}, number = {14}, pages = {2359-2367}, doi = {10.1080/10826084.2018.1474228}, pmid = {29958041}, issn = {1532-2491}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; *Drug Users ; Female ; Humans ; *Judgment ; Male ; *Marijuana Use ; Middle Aged ; Social Perception ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: With increasing legalization of medicinal and recreational cannabis, use is on the rise. Research suggests individuals may be able to guess cannabis user status based upon appearance; however, these findings utilized a small sample of photographs that was not balanced on user status or gender. Further, no studies examined whether raters with cannabis experience are better at judging others' cannabis use, or what physical features they use to make these judgments. This study explored these factors using a larger, balanced photograph database.<br><br>METHOD: An American sample (n = 249, 48.6% female, mean age = 35.19&#xa0;years) rated 36 photographs (18 cannabis users, 18 nonusers) balanced on gender and age on the likelihood that the photographed individuals use cannabis, producing 8964 ratings. Respondents also reported physical features considered in their ratings, as well as their own cannabis use history.<br><br>RESULTS: As hypothesized, photographs of users received higher ratings on the Marijuana Use Likelihood Index relative to nonusers. Further, results revealed a gender by rater user status interaction, indicating that raters with no previous cannabis experience rated males higher than females, while raters with cannabis experience did not demonstrate this rating discrepancy. Cannabis use explained over 9% of the variance in ratings across all photographs.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest individuals do rate cannabis users as more likely to be users, relative to nonusers, based upon appearance alone. These findings have important implications, not only for research on chronic cannabis use effects, but also for social and achievement factors such as potential stigma.}, }
@article {pmid29955154, year = {2018}, author = {Jelbert, SA and Hosking, RJ and Taylor, AH and Gray, RD}, title = {Mental template matching is a potential cultural transmission mechanism for New Caledonian crow tool manufacturing traditions.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {8956}, pmid = {29955154}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Cognition/physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Food Dispensers, Automatic ; Imitative Behavior/physiology ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term/*physiology ; Reward ; Statistics, Nonparametric ; Tool Use Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Cumulative cultural evolution occurs when social traditions accumulate improvements over time. In humans cumulative cultural evolution is thought to depend on a unique suite of cognitive abilities, including teaching, language and imitation. Tool-making New Caledonian crows show some hallmarks of cumulative culture; but this claim is contentious, in part because these birds do not appear to imitate. One alternative hypothesis is that crows' tool designs could be culturally transmitted through a process of mental template matching. That is, individuals could use or observe conspecifics' tools, form a mental template of a particular tool design, and then reproduce this in their own manufacture - a process analogous to birdsong learning. Here, we provide the first evidence supporting this hypothesis, by demonstrating that New Caledonian crows have the cognitive capacity for mental template matching. Using a novel manufacture paradigm, crows were first trained to drop paper into a vending machine to retrieve rewards. They later learnt that only items of a particular size (large or small templates) were rewarded. At test, despite being rewarded at random, and with no physical templates present, crows manufactured items that were more similar in size to previously rewarded, than unrewarded, templates. Our results provide the first evidence that this cognitive ability may underpin the transmission of New Caledonian crows' natural tool designs.}, }
@article {pmid29932821, year = {2018}, author = {Reeve, RA and Reynolds, F and Paul, J and Butterworth, BL}, title = {Culture-Independent Prerequisites for Early Arithmetic.}, journal = {Psychological science}, volume = {29}, number = {9}, pages = {1383-1392}, doi = {10.1177/0956797618769893}, pmid = {29932821}, issn = {1467-9280}, mesh = {*Aptitude ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; *Cognition ; Cross-Cultural Comparison ; Female ; Humans ; Linear Models ; Male ; *Mathematics ; Northern Territory ; Problem Solving ; Psychological Tests ; }, abstract = {In numerate societies, early arithmetic development is associated with visuospatial working memory, executive functions, nonverbal intelligence, and magnitude-comparison abilities. To what extent do these associations arise from cultural practices or general cognitive prerequisites? Here, we administered tests of these cognitive abilities (Corsi Blocks, Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices, Porteus Maze) to indigenous children in remote northern Australia, whose culture contains few counting words or counting practices, and to nonindigenous children from an Australian city. The indigenous children completed a standard nonverbal addition task; the nonindigenous children completed a comparable single-digit addition task. The correlation matrices among variables in the indigenous and nonindigenous children showed similar patterns of relationships, and parallel regression analyses showed that visuospatial working memory was the main predictor of addition performance in both groups. Our findings support the hypothesis that the same cognitive capacities promote competence for learners in both numerate and nonnumerate societies.}, }
@article {pmid29926397, year = {2019}, author = {Hampton, R}, title = {Parallel overinterpretation of behavior of apes and corvids.}, journal = {Learning &amp; behavior}, volume = {47}, number = {2}, pages = {105-106}, pmid = {29926397}, issn = {1543-4508}, support = {P51 OD011132/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; *Hominidae ; }, abstract = {The report by Kabadayi and Osvath (Science, 357(6347), 202-204, 2017) does not demonstrate planning in ravens. The behavior of corvids and apes is fascinating and will be best appreciated through well-designed experiments that explicitly test alternative explanations and that are interpreted without unjustified anthropomorphic embellishment.}, }
@article {pmid29920164, year = {2018}, author = {Komar, N and Panella, NA and Golnar, AJ and Hamer, GL}, title = {Forage Ratio Analysis of the Southern House Mosquito in College Station, Texas.}, journal = {Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)}, volume = {18}, number = {9}, pages = {485-490}, doi = {10.1089/vbz.2018.2285}, pmid = {29920164}, issn = {1557-7759}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*blood ; Culex/*physiology ; *Feeding Behavior ; Mammals/*blood ; Species Specificity ; Texas ; }, abstract = {Culex quinquefasciatus is the principal vector of West Nile virus (WNV) in the South Central United States, yet limited data on host utilization are available. We evaluated host utilization over a 3-month period in 2013 in a residential landscape in College Station, Texas. PCR sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 gene permitted molecular identification of vertebrate bloodmeals to the species level. Forage ratio analysis identified bird species that were overutilized and underutilized by comparing community feeding index values to expected relative abundance values of bird species, derived from eBird data. Community feeding index values were also used in conjunction with reservoir competence data from the literature to generate reservoir capacity index values, a means of identifying relative importance of vertebrate reservoir hosts. Of 498 blood-engorged Cx. quinquefasciatus, 313 (62.9%) were identified to vertebrate species. The majority (95.5%) of bloodmeals originated from avian species with the remainder from mammals, but not humans. Northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) was the principal host for mosquito feeding in June and July, but northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) became primary host in August. Forage ratio analysis revealed the overutilization of house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus), American robin (Turdus migratorius), northern mockingbird, northern cardinal, white-winged dove (Zenaida asiatica), and mourning dove (Zenaida macroura). Great-tailed grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus), blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata), and Carolina wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) were under-utilized relative to availability. Reservoir capacity calculations suggested that northern mockingbird and northern cardinal were the principal amplifiers in the study area. These data identify the primary avian species contributing to the enzootic amplification of WNV in East-Central Texas and reveal that the heavy feeding on moderately competent hosts and no feeding on humans likely limit epidemics in this region.}, }
@article {pmid29908383, year = {2018}, author = {Mwangala, PN and Kariuki, SM and Nyongesa, MK and Mwangi, P and Chongwo, E and Newton, CR and Abubakar, A}, title = {Cognition, mood and quality-of-life outcomes among low literacy adults living with epilepsy in rural Kenya: A preliminary study.}, journal = {Epilepsy &amp; behavior : E&amp;B}, volume = {85}, number = {}, pages = {45-51}, pmid = {29908383}, issn = {1525-5069}, support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; MR/M025454/1/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; 107769/Z/15/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; MR/M025454/1/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Affect/*physiology ; Cognition/*physiology ; Depression/complications/psychology ; Epilepsy/complications/*psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Kenya ; *Literacy ; Male ; *Mental Health ; Quality of Life/*psychology ; Rural Population ; Self Report ; Social Adjustment ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Epilepsy is frequently associated with neurocognitive impairments, mental health, and psychosocial problems but these are rarely documented in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to examine the neurocognitive outcomes, depressive symptoms, and psychosocial adjustments of people with epilepsy (PWE) in Kilifi, Kenya. We evaluated the impact of these outcomes on health-related quality of life. Self-report, interviewer-administered measures of depression (Major Depression Inventory) and quality of life (RAND SF-36) were administered to 63 PWE and 83 community controls. Neurocognitive functioning was assessed using Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices, Digit Span, and Contingency Naming Test. The results show that PWE have poorer scores for executive function, working memory, intelligence quotient (IQ), depression, and quality of life than controls. Twenty-seven (27%) of PWE had depressive symptoms, which was significantly greater than in controls (6%); P < 0.001. Quality-of-life scores were significantly lower in PWE with depressive symptoms than in those without depressive symptoms (Mean QoL scores (standard deviation (SD)): 46.43 (13.27) versus 64.18 (17.69); P = 0.01. On adjusted linear regression models, depression affected total quality-of-life scores (P = 0.07) as well as individual health indicator domains touching on pain (P = 0.04), lethargy/fatigue (P = 0.01), and emotional well-being (P = 0.02). Our results show that epilepsy is associated with a significant burden of mental health and neurocognitive impairments in the community; however, community-based studies are needed to provide precise estimates of these disorders.}, }
@article {pmid29891142, year = {2018}, author = {Hassan, MM and Hoque, MA and Ujvari, B and Klaassen, M}, title = {Live bird markets in Bangladesh as a potentially important source for Avian Influenza Virus transmission.}, journal = {Preventive veterinary medicine}, volume = {156}, number = {}, pages = {22-27}, doi = {10.1016/j.prevetmed.2018.05.003}, pmid = {29891142}, issn = {1873-1716}, mesh = {Animals ; Bangladesh/epidemiology ; Chickens ; *Commerce ; Influenza A virus ; Influenza in Birds/*epidemiology/prevention &amp; control/*transmission ; *Poultry ; }, abstract = {Live bird markets (LBM) are important for trading poultry in many developing countries where they are being considered hotspots of Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) prevalence and contamination. An active surveillance for Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) was conducted on four species of LBM birds (chickens, ducks, quails and pigeons) from 10 of the largest LBM in Chittagong, Bangladesh, and two species of peri-domestic wild birds (house crow and Asian pied starling) in their direct vicinity from November 2012 until September 2016. Our aim was to identify the scale and annual pattern of AIV circulation in both the LBM birds and the two per-domestic wild bird species living in close proximity of the LBM. In the latter two species, the annual pattern in AIV antibody prevalence was additionally investigated. A total of 4770 LBM birds and 1119 peri-domestic wild birds were sampled. We used rt-PCR for detection of the AIV M-gene and AIV subtypes H5, H7 and H9 from swab samples. We used c-ELISA for AIV antibody detection from serum samples of peri-domestic wild birds. Average AIV prevalence among the four LBM species varied between 16 and 28%, whereas no AIV was detected in peri-domestic wild birds by rt-PCR. In all LBM species we found significantly higher AIV prevalence in winter compared to summer. A similar pattern was found in AIV antibody prevalence in peri-domestic wild birds feeding in the direct vicinity of LBM. For the subtypes of AIV investigated, we found a significantly higher proportion of AIV H5 in LBM chickens and H9 in LBM ducks. No H7 was detected in any of the investigated samples. We conclude that AIV and notably AIV H5 and H9 were circulating in the investigated LBM of Bangladesh with clear seasonality that matched the prevalence of AIV antibodies of peri-domestic wild birds. These patterns show great resemblance to the annual outbreak patterns in Bangladeshi poultry industry. Our data suggest considerable exchange of AIV within and among the four LBM bird species and peri-domestic wild birds, which likely contributes to the maintenance of the AIV problems in Bangladesh. Increasing biosecurity and notably reducing the direct and indirect mixing of various domestic bird species and peri-domestic wild birds and developing all-in-all-out selling systems with regular use of disinfectant are likely to reduce the risk of transmission and spread of AIV, including HPAI.}, }
@article {pmid29888933, year = {2019}, author = {Malek, N and Messinger, D and Gao, AYL and Krumhuber, E and Mattson, W and Joober, R and Tabbane, K and Martinez-Trujillo, JC}, title = {Generalizing Duchenne to sad expressions with binocular rivalry and perception ratings.}, journal = {Emotion (Washington, D.C.)}, volume = {19}, number = {2}, pages = {234-241}, doi = {10.1037/emo0000410}, pmid = {29888933}, issn = {1931-1516}, support = {//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council/ ; //Canadian Institutes of Health Research/ ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Affect ; Face ; *Facial Expression ; *Facial Recognition ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Models, Biological ; *Vision Disparity ; *Vision, Binocular ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Discrete emotion theories emphasize the modularity of facial expressions, while functionalist theories suggest that a single facial action may have a common meaning across expressions. Smiles involving the Duchenne marker, eye constriction causing crow's feet, are perceived as intensely positive and sincere. To test whether the Duchenne marker is a general index of intensity and sincerity, we contrasted positive and negative expressions with and without the Duchenne marker in a binocular rivalry paradigm. Both smiles and sad expressions involving the Duchenne marker were perceived longer than non-Duchenne expressions, and participants rated all Duchenne expressions as more affectively intense and more sincere than their non-Duchenne counterparts. Correlations between perceptual dominance and ratings suggested that the Duchenne marker increased the dominance of smiles and sad expressions by increasing their perceived affective intensity. The results provide evidence in favor of Darwin's hypothesis that specific facial actions have a general function (conveying affect intensification and sincerity) across expressions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).}, }
@article {pmid29875298, year = {2018}, author = {Szipl, G and Ringler, E and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Attacked ravens flexibly adjust signalling behaviour according to audience composition.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {285}, number = {1880}, pages = {}, pmid = {29875298}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {*Aggression ; *Animal Communication ; Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; *Social Dominance ; }, abstract = {A fundamental attribute of social intelligence is the ability to monitor third-party relationships, which has been repeatedly demonstrated in primates, and recently also in captive ravens. It is yet unknown how ravens make use of this ability when dealing with different types of social relationships simultaneously during complex real-life situations. Free-ranging non-breeder ravens live in societies characterized by high fission-fusion dynamics and structured by age, pair-bond status and kinship. Here, we show that free-ranging ravens modify communication during conflicts according to audience composition. When being attacked by dominant conspecifics, victims of aggression signal their distress via defensive calls. Victims increased call rates when their kin were in the bystander audience, but reduced call rates when the bystanders were bonding partners of their aggressors. Hence, ravens use social knowledge flexibly and probably based on their own need (i.e. alert nearby allies and avoid alerting nearby rivals).}, }
@article {pmid32026068, year = {2018}, author = {Martineli, AKB and Pizeta, FA and Loureiro, SR}, title = {Behavioral problems of school children: impact of social vulnerability, chronic adversity, and maternal depression.}, journal = {Psicologia, reflexao e critica : revista semestral do Departamento de Psicologia da UFRGS}, volume = {31}, number = {1}, pages = {11}, pmid = {32026068}, issn = {0102-7972}, support = {307394/2014-0//National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq/Brazil)/ ; 307394 / 2014-0//National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq/Brazil)/ ; }, abstract = {This study's objective was to identify the predictive effect of indicators concerning social vulnerability, chronic adversity, and maternal depression on behavioral problems among school-aged children, according to the perceptions of mothers and teachers, considering the presence or absence of difficulties in the contexts of family and school. A total of 85 pairs of mothers and school children were distributed into three groups according to the behavioral problems identified. A General Questionnaire, the PHQ-9, the Chronic Adversity Scale, and the (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) SDQ were applied to the mothers; the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices were applied to the children; and the SDQ was applied to the teachers. Data were analyzed with descriptive, predictive, and comparative statistical procedures (p ≤ 0.05). The results reveal the presence of cumulative risks for children with behavioral problems; mothers more frequently identified behavioral problems than teachers; and maternal depression was a predictor for behavioral problems. Such findings are relevant for devising mental health programs.}, }
@article {pmid29795929, year = {2017}, author = {Zeller, F and Krampen, D and Reiß, S and Schweizer, K}, title = {Do Adaptive Representations of the Item-Position Effect in APM Improve Model Fit? A Simulation Study.}, journal = {Educational and psychological measurement}, volume = {77}, number = {5}, pages = {743-765}, pmid = {29795929}, issn = {1552-3888}, abstract = {The item-position effect describes how an item's position within a test, that is, the number of previous completed items, affects the response to this item. Previously, this effect was represented by constraints reflecting simple courses, for example, a linear increase. Due to the inflexibility of these representations our aim was to examine whether adapted representations are more appropriate than the existing ones. Models of confirmatory factor analysis were used for testing the different representations. Analyses were conducted by means of simulated data that followed the covariance pattern of Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM) items. Since the item-position effect has been demonstrated repeatedly for the APM, it is a very suitable measure for our investigations. Results revealed no remarkable improvement by using an adapted representation. Possible reasons causing these results are discussed.}, }
@article {pmid29790246, year = {2018}, author = {Roos, S and Smart, J and Gibbons, DW and Wilson, JD}, title = {A review of predation as a limiting factor for bird populations in mesopredator-rich landscapes: a case study of the UK.}, journal = {Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society}, volume = {93}, number = {4}, pages = {1915-1937}, doi = {10.1111/brv.12426}, pmid = {29790246}, issn = {1469-185X}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Mammals/*physiology ; Population Density ; *Predatory Behavior ; United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {The impact of increasing vertebrate predator numbers on bird populations is widely debated among the general public, game managers and conservationists across Europe. However, there are few systematic reviews of whether predation limits the population sizes of European bird species. Views on the impacts of predation are particularly polarised in the UK, probably because the UK has a globally exceptional culture of intensive, high-yield gamebird management where predator removal is the norm. In addition, most apex predators have been exterminated or much depleted in numbers, contributing to a widely held perception that the UK has high numbers of mesopredators. This has resulted in many high-quality studies of mesopredator impacts over several decades. Here we present results from a systematic review of predator trends and abundance, and assess whether predation limits the population sizes of 90 bird species in the UK. Our results confirm that the generalist predators Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) and Crows (Corvus corone and C. cornix) occur at high densities in the UK compared with other European countries. In addition, some avian and mammalian predators have increased numerically in the UK during recent decades. Despite these high and increasing densities of predators, we found little evidence that predation limits populations of pigeons, woodpeckers and passerines, whereas evidence suggests that ground-nesting seabirds, waders and gamebirds can be limited by predation. Using life-history characteristics of prey species, we found that mainly long-lived species with high adult survival and late onset of breeding were limited by predation. Single-brooded species were also more likely to be limited by predation than multi-brooded species. Predators that depredate prey species during all life stages (i.e. from nest to adult stages) limited prey numbers more than predators that depredated only specific life stages (e.g. solely during the nest phase). The Red Fox and non-native mammals (e.g. the American Mink Neovison vison) were frequently identified as numerically limiting their prey species. Our review has identified predator-prey interactions that are particularly likely to result in population declines of prey species. In the short term, traditional predator-management techniques (e.g. lethal control or fencing to reduce predation by a small number of predator species) could be used to protect these vulnerable species. However, as these techniques are costly and time-consuming, we advocate that future research should identify land-use practices and landscape configurations that would reduce predator numbers and predation rates.}, }
@article {pmid29774435, year = {2018}, author = {Stow, MK and Vernouillet, A and Kelly, DM}, title = {Neophobia does not account for motoric self-regulation performance as measured during the detour-reaching cylinder task.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {21}, number = {4}, pages = {565-574}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-018-1189-8}, pmid = {29774435}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {312379-2009//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Attention ; Exploratory Behavior ; Fear ; *Learning ; Passeriformes/physiology ; *Self-Control ; }, abstract = {The ability to restrain a prepotent response in favor of a more adaptive behavior, or to exert inhibitory control, has been used as a measure of a species' cognitive abilities. Inhibitory control defines a spectrum of behaviors varying in complexity, ranging from self-control to motoric self-regulation. Several factors underlying inhibitory control have been identified, however, the influence of neophobia (i.e., aversion to novelty) on inhibitory control has not received much attention. Neophobia is known to affect complex cognitive abilities, but whether neophobia also influences more basic cognitive abilities, such as motoric self-regulation, has received less attention. Further, it remains unclear whether an individual's response to novelty is consistent across different paradigms purported to assess neophobia. We tested two North American corvid species, black-billed magpies (Pica hudsonia) and California scrub jays (Aphelocoma californica) using two well-established neophobia paradigms to assess response stability between contexts. We then evaluated neophobia scores against the number of trials needed to learn a motoric self-regulation task, as well as subsequent task performance. Neophobia scores did not correlate across paradigms, nor did the responses during either paradigm account for motoric self-regulation performance.}, }
@article {pmid29768124, year = {2018}, author = {Fronzetti Colladon, A and Grippa, F}, title = {The Importance of Being Honest: Correlating Self-Report Accuracy and Network Centrality with Academic Performance.}, journal = {The Journal of psychology}, volume = {152}, number = {5}, pages = {304-324}, doi = {10.1080/00223980.2018.1459443}, pmid = {29768124}, issn = {1940-1019}, mesh = {Academic Performance/*psychology/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Deception ; Engineering/education ; Female ; Friends/psychology ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Male ; Personality ; Self Report/*standards ; Students/*psychology/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Trust/psychology ; *Truth Disclosure ; Universities ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {This study investigates the correlation of self-report accuracy with academic performance. The sample was composed of 289 undergraduate students (96 senior and 193 junior) enrolled in two engineering classes. Age ranged between 22 and 24 years, with a slight over representation of male students (53%). Academic performance was calculated based on students' final grades in each class. The tendency to report inaccurate information was measured at the end of the Raven Progressive Matrices Test, by asking students to report their exact finishing times. We controlled for gender, age, personality traits, intelligence, and past academic performance. We also included measures of centrality in their friendship, advice and trust networks. Correlation and multiple regression analyses results indicate that lower achieving students were significantly less accurate in self-reporting data. We also found that being more central in the advice network was correlated with higher performance (r = .20, p < .001). The results are aligned with existing literature emphasizing the individual and relational factors associated with academic performance and, pending future studies, may be utilized to include a new metric of self-report accuracy that is not dependent on academic records.}, }
@article {pmid29764777, year = {2018}, author = {Monshizadeh, L and Vameghi, R and Sajedi, F and Yadegari, F and Hashemi, SB and Kirchem, P and Kasbi, F}, title = {Comparison of Social Interaction between Cochlear-Implanted Children with Normal Intelligence Undergoing Auditory Verbal Therapy and Normal-Hearing Children: A Pilot Study.}, journal = {The journal of international advanced otology}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {34-38}, pmid = {29764777}, issn = {1308-7649}, mesh = {Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cochlear Implantation/*adverse effects/methods ; Cochlear Implants/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Correction of Hearing Impairment/methods ; Female ; Hearing/*physiology ; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural/*surgery ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Interpersonal Relations ; Iran/epidemiology ; Language Development ; Male ; Speech Perception/physiology ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: A cochlear implant is a device that helps hearing-impaired children by transmitting sound signals to the brain and helping them improve their speech, language, and social interaction. Although various studies have investigated the different aspects of speech perception and language acquisition in cochlear-implanted children, little is known about their social skills, particularly Persian-speaking cochlear-implanted children. Considering the growing number of cochlear implants being performed in Iran and the increasing importance of developing near-normal social skills as one of the ultimate goals of cochlear implantation, this study was performed to compare the social interaction between Iranian cochlear-implanted children who have undergone rehabilitation (auditory verbal therapy) after surgery and normal-hearing children.<br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive-analytical study compared the social interaction level of 30 children with normal hearing and 30 with cochlear implants who were conveniently selected. The Raven test was administered to the both groups to ensure normal intelligence quotient. The social interaction status of both groups was evaluated using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale, and statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.<br><br>RESULTS: After controlling age as a covariate variable, no significant difference was observed between the social interaction scores of both the groups (p > 0.05). In addition, social interaction had no correlation with sex in either group.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Cochlear implantation followed by auditory verbal rehabilitation helps children with sensorineural hearing loss to have normal social interactions, regardless of their sex.}, }
@article {pmid29743545, year = {2018}, author = {Woods, RD and Kings, M and McIvor, GE and Thornton, A}, title = {Caller characteristics influence recruitment to collective anti-predator events in jackdaws.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {7343}, pmid = {29743545}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {BB/H021817/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/H021817/2/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; 630051486/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {*Animal Communication ; Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; Social Behavior ; *Social Responsibility ; Vocalization, Animal/physiology ; }, abstract = {Across the animal kingdom, examples abound of individuals coming together to repel external threats. When such collective actions are initiated by recruitment signals, individuals may benefit from being selective in whom they join, so the identity of the initiator may determine the magnitude of the group response. However, the role of signaller discrimination in coordinating group-level responses has yet to be tested. Here we show that in wild jackdaws, a colonial corvid species, collective responses to anti-predator recruitment calls are mediated by caller characteristics. In playbacks next to nestboxes, the calls of nestbox residents attracted most recruits, followed in turn by other colony members, non-colony members and rooks (a sympatric corvid). Playbacks in fields outside nestbox colonies, where the immediate threat to broods was lower, showed similar results, with highest recruitment to nearby colony members' calls. Responses were further influenced by caller sex: calls from non-colony member females were less likely to elicit responsive scolding by recruits than other calls, potentially reflecting social rank associated with sex and colony membership. These results show that vocal discrimination mediates jackdaws' collective responses and highlight the need for further research into the cognitive basis of collective actions in animal groups.}, }
@article {pmid29706882, year = {2018}, author = {Tabei, KI and Satoh, M and Ogawa, JI and Tokita, T and Nakaguchi, N and Nakao, K and Kida, H and Tomimoto, H}, title = {Cognitive Function and Brain Atrophy Predict Non-pharmacological Efficacy in Dementia: The Mihama-Kiho Scan Project2.}, journal = {Frontiers in aging neuroscience}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {87}, pmid = {29706882}, issn = {1663-4365}, abstract = {We aimed to determine whether neuropsychological deficits and brain atrophy could predict the efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions. Forty-six participants with mild-to-moderate dementia were monitored for 6 months; 25 underwent an intervention involving physical exercise with music, and 21 performed cognitive stimulation tasks. Participants were categorized into improvement (IMP) and no-IMP subgroups. In the exercise-with-music group, the no-IMP subgroup performed worse than the IMP subgroup on the Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test at baseline. In the cognitive-stimulation group, the no-IMP subgroup performed worse than the IMP subgroup on Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices and the cognitive functional independence measure at baseline. In the no-IMP subgroup, voxel-based morphometric analysis at baseline revealed more extensive gray matter loss in the anterior cingulate gyrus and left middle frontal gyrus in the exercise-with-music and cognitive-stimulation groups, respectively. Participants with mild-to-moderate dementia with cognitive decline and extensive cortical atrophy are less likely to show improved cognitive function after non-pharmaceutical therapy.}, }
@article {pmid29690109, year = {2018}, author = {Hammer, MP and Allen, GR and Martin, KC and Adams, M and Ebner, BC and Raadik, TA and Unmack, PJ}, title = {Revision of the Australian Wet Tropics endemic rainbowfish genus Cairnsichthys (Atheriniformes: Melanotaeniidae), with description of a new species.}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {4413}, number = {2}, pages = {271-294}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.4413.2.3}, pmid = {29690109}, issn = {1175-5334}, mesh = {Animal Distribution ; Animals ; Australia ; Ecosystem ; *Fishes ; Male ; Queensland ; }, abstract = {The freshwater melanotaeniid genus Cairnsichthys is endemic to a relatively small area of specialised habitat within the Wet Tropics bioregion of north-eastern Queensland, Australia. It was previously considered as monotypic, including only a single species, C. rhombosomoides (Nichols Raven, 1928). The recent discovery of an apparently-isolated population in the Daintree rainforest, approximately 120 km north of the known range extent, prompted a detailed investigation of its taxonomic status using a combined lines of evidence approach. We provide compelling evidence from multiple nuclear genetic markers (52 allozyme loci), mitochondrial DNA sequence data (1141 bp cytochrome b) and morphology (examination of a suite of 38 morphometric and meristic characters) that supports north-south splitting of C. rhombosomoides. Accordingly, we describe the northern population as a distinct species, C. bitaeniatus sp. nov., on the basis of 25 specimens, 34.7-65.6 mm SL. The new species differs morphologically primarily by having a more slender and narrow shape, featuring a flatter, straighter predorsal profile and shorter second dorsal fin base; possession of slightly smaller scales, reflected in higher counts of lateral scales and predorsal scales; typically more vertebrae; and colour differences including a more robust, short black stripe across the upper operculum, a pronounced yellow patch on the anteroventral body and usually a more conspicuous second dark stripe on the lower body, with adult males generally having yellowish compared to reddish fins. We also provide a generic diagnosis for Cairnsichthys and a redescription of C. rhombosomoides. Information on the known distribution, habitats and conservation status of species in the genus is summarised, the new species being of particular concern as a narrow range endemic with specific environmental requirements.}, }
@article {pmid29675942, year = {2018}, author = {Janecko, N and Halova, D and Jamborova, I and Papousek, I and Masarikova, M and Dolejska, M and Literak, I}, title = {Occurrence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. recovered from Corvus brachyrhynchos and Corvus corax roosting in Canada.}, journal = {Letters in applied microbiology}, volume = {67}, number = {2}, pages = {130-135}, doi = {10.1111/lam.12993}, pmid = {29675942}, issn = {1472-765X}, mesh = {Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/*pharmacology ; Bird Diseases/*drug therapy/microbiology ; Canada ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Crows/*microbiology ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial/*genetics ; Escherichia coli/*drug effects/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Escherichia coli Infections/drug therapy/microbiology ; Humans ; Klebsiella Infections/drug therapy/microbiology ; Klebsiella pneumoniae/*drug effects/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; Plasmids/*genetics ; Quinolones/*pharmacology ; }, abstract = {UNLABELLED: The spread of antimicrobial resistance from human activity derived sources to natural habitats implicates wildlife as potential vectors of antimicrobial resistance transfer. Wild birds, including corvid species can disseminate mobile genetic resistance determinants through faeces. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. isolates obtained from winter roosting sites of American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) and common ravens (Corvus corax) in Canada. Faecal swabs were collected at five roosting sites across Canada. Selective media isolation and multiplex PCR screening was utilized to identify PMQR genes followed by gene sequencing, pulse-field gel electrophoresis and multilocus sequence typing to characterize isolates. Despite the low prevalence of E. coli containing PMQR (1·3%, 6/449), qnrS1, qnrB19, qnrC, oqxAB and aac(6')-Ib-cr genes were found in five sequence types (ST), including E. coli ST 131. Conversely, one isolate of Klebsiella pneumoniae contained the plasmid-mediated resistance gene qnrB19. Five different K. pneumoniae STs were identified, including two novel types. The occurrence of PMQR genes and STs of public health significance in E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae recovered from corvids gives further evidence of the anthropogenic derived dissemination of antimicrobial resistance determinants at the human activity-wildlife-environment interface.<br><br>This study examined large corvids as possible vector species for the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in indicator and pathogenic bacteria as a means to assess the anthropogenic dissemination of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes. Although rare, PMQR genes were found among corvid populations across Canada. The clinically important Escherichia coli strain ST131 containing aac(6')-Ib-cr gene along with a four-class phenotypic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) pattern as well as one Klebsiella pneumoniae strain containing a qnrB19 gene were identified in one geographical location. Corvids are a viable vector for the circulation of PMQR genes and clinically important clones in wide-ranging environments.}, }
@article {pmid29675138, year = {2018}, author = {Hu, L and Jiang, L and Bi, K and Liao, H and Yang, Z and Huang, X and Bao, Z}, title = {Genomic in situ hybridization in interspecific hybrids of scallops (Bivalvia, Pectinidae) and localization of the satellite DNA Cf303, and the vertebrate telomeric sequences (TTAGGG)n on chromosomes of scallop Chlamys farreri (Jones &amp; Preston, 1904).}, journal = {Comparative cytogenetics}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {83-95}, pmid = {29675138}, issn = {1993-0771}, abstract = {Mitotic chromosome preparations of the interspecific hybrids Chlamys farreri (Jones &amp; Preston, 1904) × Patinopecten yessoensis (Jay, 1857), C. farreri × Argopecten irradians (Lamarck, 1819) and C. farreri × Mimachlamys nobilis (Reeve, 1852) were used to compare two different scallop genomes in a single slide. Although genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) using genomic DNA from each scallop species as probe painted mitotic chromosomes of the interspecific hybrids, the painting results were not uniform; instead it showed species-specific distribution patterns of fluorescent signals among the chromosomes. The most prominent GISH-bands were mainly located at centromeric or telomeric regions of scallop chromosomes. In order to illustrate the sequence constitution of the GISH-bands, the satellite Cf303 sequences of C. farreri and the vertebrate telomeric (TTAGGG)n sequences were used to map mitotic chromosomes of C. farreri by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The results indicated that the GISH-banding pattern presented by the chromosomes of C. farreri is mainly due to the distribution of the satellite Cf303 DNA, therefore suggesting that the GISH-banding patterns found in the other three scallops could also be the result of the chromosomal distribution of other species-specific satellite DNAs.}, }
@article {pmid29649503, year = {2018}, author = {Brem, AK and Almquist, JN and Mansfield, K and Plessow, F and Sella, F and Santarnecchi, E and Orhan, U and McKanna, J and Pavel, M and Mathan, S and Yeung, N and Pascual-Leone, A and Kadosh, RC and , }, title = {Modulating fluid intelligence performance through combined cognitive training and brain stimulation.}, journal = {Neuropsychologia}, volume = {118}, number = {Pt A}, pages = {107-114}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2018.04.008}, pmid = {29649503}, issn = {1873-3514}, mesh = {Brain/*physiology ; Brain Mapping ; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/*methods ; Electric Stimulation/*methods ; Executive Function/physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Male ; Negotiating ; Regression Analysis ; Single-Blind Method ; }, abstract = {It is debated whether cognitive training of specific executive functions leads to far transfer effects, such as improvements in fluid intelligence (Gf). Within this context, transcranial direct current stimulation and recently also novel protocols such as transcranial random noise and alternating current stimulation are being investigated with regards to their ability to enhance cognitive training outcomes. We compared the effects of four different transcranial electrical brain stimulation protocols in combination with nine daily computerized training sessions on Gf. 82 participants were randomly assigned to receive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), random noise stimulation (tRNS), multifocal alternating current stimulation at 40 Hz (mftACS), or multifocal tDCS (mftDCS) in combination with an adaptive and synergistic executive function (EF) training, or to a no-contact control group. EF training consisted of gamified tasks drawing on isolated as well as integrated executive functions (working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility). Transfer was assessed with a combined measure of Gf including three established tests (Bochumer Matrizentest - BOMAT, Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices - RAPM, and Sandia Matrices). We found significant improvements in Gf for the tDCS, mftDCS, and tRNS groups when compared with the no-contact group. In contrast, the mftACS group did not improve significantly and showed a similar pattern as the no-contact group. Mediation analyses indicated that the improvement in Gf was mediated through game progression in the mftDCS and tRNS group. Electrical brain stimulation in combination with sustained EF training can lead to transfer effects in Gf, which are mediated by training progression.}, }
@article {pmid29643220, year = {2018}, author = {Duque, JF and Leichner, W and Ahmann, H and Stevens, JR}, title = {Mesotocin influences pinyon jay prosociality.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {14}, number = {4}, pages = {}, pmid = {29643220}, issn = {1744-957X}, mesh = {Altruism ; Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Oxytocin/*analogs &amp; derivatives/metabolism ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Many species exhibit prosocial behaviour, in which one individual's actions benefit another individual, often without an immediate benefit to itself. The neuropeptide oxytocin is an important hormonal mechanism influencing prosociality in mammals, but it is unclear whether the avian homologue mesotocin plays a similar functional role in birds. Here, we experimentally tested prosociality in pinyon jays (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus), a highly social corvid species that spontaneously shares food with others. First, we measured prosocial preferences in a prosocial choice task with two different pay-off distributions: Prosocial trials delivered food to both the subject and either an empty cage or a partner bird, whereas Altruism trials delivered food only to an empty cage or a partner bird (none to subject). In a second experiment, we examined whether administering mesotocin influenced prosocial preferences. Compared to choices in a control condition, we show that subjects voluntarily delivered food rewards to partners, but only when also receiving food for themselves (Prosocial trials), and administration of high levels of mesotocin increased these behaviours. Thus, in birds, mesotocin seems to play a similar functional role in facilitating prosocial behaviours as oxytocin does in mammals, suggesting an evolutionarily conserved hormonal mechanism for prosociality.}, }
@article {pmid29620454, year = {2018}, author = {Scott, AB and Phalen, D and Hernandez-Jover, M and Singh, M and Groves, P and Toribio, JLML}, title = {Wildlife Presence and Interactions with Chickens on Australian Commercial Chicken Farms Assessed by Camera Traps.}, journal = {Avian diseases}, volume = {62}, number = {1}, pages = {65-72}, doi = {10.1637/11761-101917-Reg.1}, pmid = {29620454}, issn = {1938-4351}, mesh = {*Animal Distribution ; Animal Husbandry ; Animals ; Animals, Wild/*physiology ; Birds ; Chickens/*physiology ; New South Wales ; Photography/*veterinary ; Queensland ; }, abstract = {The types of wildlife and the frequency of their visits to commercial chicken farms in Australia were assessed using infrared and motion-sensing camera traps. Cameras were set up on 14 free-range layer farms, three cage layer farms, two barn layer farms, five non-free-range meat chicken farms, and six free-range meat chicken farms in the Sydney basin region and South East Queensland. Wildlife visits were found on every farm type and were most frequent on cage layer farms (73%), followed by free-range layer farms (15%). The common mynah (Acridotheres tristis) was the most frequent wildlife visitor in the study (23.9%), followed by corvids (22.9%) and Columbiformes (7.5%). Most wildlife visits occurred during the day from 6 am to 6 pm (85%). There were infrequent observations of direct contact between chickens and wildlife, suggesting the indirect route of pathogen transfer may be more significant. The level of biosecurity on the farm is suggested to impact the frequency of wildlife visits more so than the farm type.}, }
@article {pmid29620040, year = {2019}, author = {Kamat, A and Quadros, T}, title = {An observational study on glabellar wrinkle patterns in Indians.}, journal = {Indian journal of dermatology, venereology and leprology}, volume = {85}, number = {2}, pages = {182-189}, doi = {10.4103/ijdvl.IJDVL_211_17}, pmid = {29620040}, issn = {0973-3922}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*supply &amp; distribution ; Cohort Studies ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drug Administration Schedule ; Esthetics ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Forehead ; Humans ; India ; Injections, Subcutaneous ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Assessment ; Skin Aging/*drug effects/*ethnology ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Botulinum A exotoxin is an established treatment for glabellar frown lines, crow's feet, and horizontal furrows of the forehead. The glabella is probably the most common site for botulinum toxin treatment in Asians. Five glabellar contraction patterns have been classified in earlier studies based on eyebrow approximation, depression, and elevation. Unfortunately, this was found to be confusing by many practitioners. Indians, as all Asians, have smaller muscles compared to the European population, and there is no consensus on the optimal dosage per injection site or concentration of toxin to be used.<br><br>AIMS: (a) Identification and classification of glabellar wrinkle patterns in Indians. (b) Optimization of the minimal effective dose of toxin per site.<br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective photographic analysis of 200 patients who received botulinum toxin for the first time to treat glabellar wrinkles was conducted. The wrinkle patterns were identified and classified by the authors based on the prevalence of perpendicular and transverse glabellar lines, nasal, and forehead wrinkles.<br><br>RESULTS: Six patterns were identified: (1) 11 (2) U (3) Pi (4) X (5) W (6) I. The relevant muscles were identified and doses optimized for those sites.<br><br>LIMITATIONS: The doses mentioned in this study are not universal for all patients and toxin units would have to be altered and individualized according to the bulk of the facial muscles and individual needs.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The investigators classification, injection patterns, and dosage may provide valuable guidance to facial esthetic treatment.}, }
@article {pmid29576946, year = {2018}, author = {Brecht, KF and Ostojić, L and Legg, EW and Clayton, NS}, title = {Difficulties when using video playback to investigate social cognition in California scrub-jays (Aphelocoma californica).}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {e4451}, pmid = {29576946}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Previous research has suggested that videos can be used to experimentally manipulate social stimuli. In the present study, we used the California scrub-jays' cache protection strategies to assess whether video playback can be used to simulate conspecifics in a social context. In both the lab and the field, scrub-jays are known to exhibit a range of behaviours to protect their caches from potential pilferage by a conspecific, for example by hiding food in locations out of the observer's view or by re-caching previously made caches once the observer has left. Here, we presented scrub-jays with videos of a conspecific observer as well as two non-social conditions during a caching period and assessed whether they would cache out of the observer's "view" (Experiment 1) or would re-cache their caches once the observer was no longer present (Experiment 2). In contrast to previous studies using live observers, the scrub-jays' caching and re-caching behaviour was not influenced by whether the observer was present or absent. These findings suggest that there might be limitations in using video playback of social agents to mimic real-life situations when investigating corvid decision making.}, }
@article {pmid29563949, year = {2018}, author = {Boeckle, M and Szipl, G and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Raven food calls indicate sender's age and sex.}, journal = {Frontiers in zoology}, volume = {15}, number = {}, pages = {5}, pmid = {29563949}, issn = {1742-9994}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Acoustic parameters of animal signals have been shown to correlate with various phenotypic characteristics of the sender. These acoustic characteristics can be learned and categorized and thus are a basis for perceivers' recognition abilities. One of the most demanding capacities is individual recognition, achievable only after repeated interactions with the same individual. Still, class-level recognition might be potentially important to perceivers who have not previously encountered callers but can classify unknown individuals according to the already learned categories. Especially for species with high fission-fusion dynamics that repeatedly encounter unknown individuals it may be advantageous to develop class-level recognition. We tested whether frequency-, temporal-, and amplitude-related acoustic parameters of vocalizations emitted by ravens, a species showing high fission-fusion dynamics in non-breeder aggregations, are connected to phenotypic characteristics and thus have the potential for class-level recognition.<br><br>RESULTS: The analysis of 418 food calls revealed that some components summarizing acoustic parameters were differentiated by age-classes and sex.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Together, the results provide evidence for the co-variation of vocal characteristics and respective sex and age categories, a prerequisite for class-level recognition in perceivers. Perceivers that are ignorant of the caller's identity can thus potentially recognize these class-level differences for decision-making processes in feeding contexts.}, }
@article {pmid29552564, year = {2018}, author = {Carrasco-Garcia, R and Barroso, P and Perez-Olivares, J and Montoro, V and Vicente, J}, title = {Consumption of Big Game Remains by Scavengers: A Potential Risk as Regards Disease Transmission in Central Spain.}, journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science}, volume = {5}, number = {}, pages = {4}, pmid = {29552564}, issn = {2297-1769}, abstract = {Understanding the role that facultative scavenger species may play in spreading infectious pathogens, and even becoming reservoirs for humans, domestic and wild ungulates or, on the contrary, preventing the spread of disease, requires a prior understanding of the pattern of carrion scavenging in specific scenarios. The objectives of this paper are (i) to describe the guild of vertebrate scavengers and (ii) to study the species-specific, habitat, and management-related factors involved in the usage of gut piles in South Central Spain (SCS), a tuberculosis (TB) endemic area. We used camera trapping at 18 hunting piles on seven hunting estates. A total of eight bird and five mammal taxa were detected at the remains of hunting piles. The most frequently detected species in terms of number of gut piles visited (78%) and scavenged (61%) was the red fox Vulpes vulpes, followed by the griffon vulture Gyps fulvus (56% as regards both presence and scavenging) and the raven Corvus corax (61 and 39% as regards presence and scavenging, respectively). We evidenced that griffon vultures accounted for most of the scavenging activity in open habitats, while facultative mammal scavengers, red fox, and wild boar Sus scrofa made the highest contribution to scavenging in vegetation-covered habitats. In the case of wild boar, the gut piles deposited during the evening and night favored higher rates of scavenging, while the opposite pattern was observed for griffons. Overall, our findings suggest that when disposing of hunting remains in areas of risk as regards disease transmission it is particularly important to consider the access that facultative mammals, and especially wild boar, have to material, while the presence of the resource needs to be safeguarded to protect specialist scavengers of conservation value. These results are of particular relevance in the case of wild boar in the current context of re-emerging TB and emerging African swine fever (ASF) in Europe.}, }
@article {pmid29551415, year = {2018}, author = {Wagener, L and Loconsole, M and Ditz, HM and Nieder, A}, title = {Neurons in the Endbrain of Numerically Naive Crows Spontaneously Encode Visual Numerosity.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {28}, number = {7}, pages = {1090-1094.e4}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2018.02.023}, pmid = {29551415}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Cognition/*physiology ; Crows ; Discrimination, Psychological/*physiology ; *Mathematical Concepts ; Neurons/*physiology ; Telencephalon/*physiology ; Visual Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Endowed with an elaborate cerebral cortex, humans and other primates can assess the number of items in a set, or numerosity, from birth on [1] and without being trained [2]. Whether spontaneous numerosity extraction is a unique feat of the mammalian cerebral cortex [3-7] or rather an adaptive property that can be found in differently designed and independently evolved neural substrates, such as the avian enbrain [8], is unknown. To address this question, we recorded single-cell activity from the nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL), a high-level avian association brain area [9-11], of numerically naive crows. We found that a proportion of NCL neurons were spontaneously responsive to numerosity and tuned to the number of items, even though the crows were never trained to assess numerical quantity. Our data show that numerosity-selective neuronal responses are spontaneously present in the distinct endbrains of diverge vertebrate taxa. This seemingly hard-wired property of the avian endbrain to extract numerical quantity explains how birds in the wild, or right after hatching, can exploit numerical cues when making foraging or social decisions. It suggests that endbrain circuitries that evolved based on convergent evolution, such as the avian endbrain, give rise to the same numerosity code.}, }
@article {pmid29532403, year = {2018}, author = {von Davier, M}, title = {Automated Item Generation with Recurrent Neural Networks.}, journal = {Psychometrika}, volume = {83}, number = {4}, pages = {847-857}, pmid = {29532403}, issn = {1860-0980}, mesh = {Automation ; Humans ; Language ; *Machine Learning ; Models, Theoretical ; *Neural Networks, Computer ; Personality ; Personality Tests ; Psychometrics/methods ; }, abstract = {Utilizing technology for automated item generation is not a new idea. However, test items used in commercial testing programs or in research are still predominantly written by humans, in most cases by content experts or professional item writers. Human experts are a limited resource and testing agencies incur high costs in the process of continuous renewal of item banks to sustain testing programs. Using algorithms instead holds the promise of providing unlimited resources for this crucial part of assessment development. The approach presented here deviates in several ways from previous attempts to solve this problem. In the past, automatic item generation relied either on generating clones of narrowly defined item types such as those found in language free intelligence tests (e.g., Raven's progressive matrices) or on an extensive analysis of task components and derivation of schemata to produce items with pre-specified variability that are hoped to have predictable levels of difficulty. It is somewhat unlikely that researchers utilizing these previous approaches would look at the proposed approach with favor; however, recent applications of machine learning show success in solving tasks that seemed impossible for machines not too long ago. The proposed approach uses deep learning to implement probabilistic language models, not unlike what Google brain and Amazon Alexa use for language processing and generation.}, }
@article {pmid29515467, year = {2018}, author = {Kurachi, M and Takahashi, T and Sumiyoshi, T and Uehara, T and Suzuki, M}, title = {Early Intervention and a Direction of Novel Therapeutics for the Improvement of Functional Outcomes in Schizophrenia: A Selective Review.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychiatry}, volume = {9}, number = {}, pages = {39}, pmid = {29515467}, issn = {1664-0640}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: A recent review reported that the median proportion of patients recovering from schizophrenia was 13.5% and that this did not change over time. Various factors including the duration of untreated psychosis, cognitive impairment, negative symptoms, and morphological changes in the brain influence the functional outcome of schizophrenia. The authors herein reviewed morphological changes in the brain of schizophrenia patients, effects of early intervention, and a direction of developing novel therapeutics to achieve significant improvement of the functional outcome.<br><br>METHODS: A selective review of the literature including studies from our department was performed.<br><br>RESULTS: Longitudinal structural neuroimaging studies on schizophrenia revealed that volume reductions in the peri-Sylvian regions (e.g., superior temporal gyrus and insula), which are related to positive psychotic symptoms, progress around the onset (critical stage) of schizophrenia, but become stable in the chronic stage. On the other hand, morphological changes in the fronto-thalamic regions and lateral ventricle, which are related to negative symptoms, neurocognitive dysfunction, and the functional outcome, progress during both the critical and chronic stages. These changes in the peri-Sylvian and fronto-thalamic regions may provide a pathophysiological basis for Crow's two-syndrome classification. Accumulated evidence from early intervention trials suggests that the transition risk from an at-risk mental state (ARMS) to psychosis is approximately 30%. Differences in the cognitive performance, event-related potentials (e.g., mismatch negativity), and brain morphology have been reported between ARMS subjects who later developed psychosis and those who did not. Whether early intervention for ARMS significantly improves the long-term recovery rate of schizophrenia patients remains unknown. With respect to the development of novel therapeutics, animal models of schizophrenia based on the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor hypofunction hypothesis successfully mimicked behavioral changes associated with cognitive impairments characteristic of the disease. Furthermore, these animal models elicited histological changes in the brain similar to those observed in schizophrenia patients, i.e., decreased numbers of parvalbumin-positive interneurons and dendritic spines of pyramidal neurons in the frontal cortex. Some antioxidant compounds were found to ameliorate these behavioral and histological abnormalities.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Early intervention coupled with novel therapeutics may offer a promising approach for substantial improvement of the functional outcome of schizophrenia patients.}, }
@article {pmid29500409, year = {2018}, author = {Kearns, AM and Restani, M and Szabo, I and Schrøder-Nielsen, A and Kim, JA and Richardson, HM and Marzluff, JM and Fleischer, RC and Johnsen, A and Omland, KE}, title = {Genomic evidence of speciation reversal in ravens.}, journal = {Nature communications}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {906}, pmid = {29500409}, issn = {2041-1723}, mesh = {Animals ; Breeding ; Crows/*genetics ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Gene Flow ; *Genetic Speciation ; *Genome ; *Genomics ; Geography ; Hybridization, Genetic ; Introns/genetics ; Mosaicism ; *Phylogeny ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Reproductive Isolation ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; }, abstract = {Many species, including humans, have emerged via complex reticulate processes involving hybridisation. Under certain circumstances, hybridisation can cause distinct lineages to collapse into a single lineage with an admixed mosaic genome. Most known cases of such 'speciation reversal' or 'lineage fusion' involve recently diverged lineages and anthropogenic perturbation. Here, we show that in western North America, Common Ravens (Corvus corax) have admixed mosaic genomes formed by the fusion of non-sister lineages ('California' and 'Holarctic') that diverged ~1.5 million years ago. Phylogenomic analyses and concordant patterns of geographic structuring in mtDNA, genome-wide SNPs and nuclear introns demonstrate long-term admixture and random interbreeding between the non-sister lineages. In contrast, our genomic data support reproductive isolation between Common Ravens and Chihuahuan Ravens (C. cryptoleucus) despite extensive geographic overlap and a sister relationship between Chihuahuan Ravens and the California lineage. These data suggest that the Common Raven genome was formed by secondary lineage fusion and most likely represents a case of ancient speciation reversal that occurred without anthropogenic causes.}, }
@article {pmid29499250, year = {2018}, author = {Luo, Y and Zhang, L and Teng, Z and DeAngelis, DL}, title = {A parasitism-mutualism-predation model consisting of crows, cuckoos and cats with stage-structure and maturation delays on crows and cuckoos.}, journal = {Journal of theoretical biology}, volume = {446}, number = {}, pages = {212-228}, doi = {10.1016/j.jtbi.2018.02.028}, pmid = {29499250}, issn = {1095-8541}, mesh = {Animals ; Cats/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; *Models, Biological ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Predatory Behavior/*physiology ; *Symbiosis ; }, abstract = {In this paper, a parasitism-mutualism-predation model is proposed to investigate the dynamics of multi-interactions among cuckoos, crows and cats with stage-structure and maturation time delays on cuckoos and crows. The crows permit the cuckoos to parasitize their nestlings (eggs) on the crow chicks (eggs). In return, the cuckoo nestlings produce a malodorous cloacal secretion to protect the crow chicks from predation by the cats, which is apparently beneficial to both the crow and cuckoo population. The multi-interactions, i.e., parasitism and mutualism between the cuckoos (nestlings) and crows (chicks), predation between the cats and crow chicks are modeled both by Holling-type II and Beddington-DeAngelis-type functional responses. The existence of positive equilibria of three subsystems of the model are discussed. The criteria for the global stability of the trivial equilibrium are established by the Krein-Rutman theorem and other analysis methods. Moreover, the threshold dynamics for the coexistence and weak persistence of the model are obtained, and we show, both analytically and numerically, that the stabilities of the interior equilibria may change with the increasing maturation time delays. We find there exists an evident difference in the dynamical properties of the parasitism-mutualism-predation model based on whether or not we consider the effects of stage-structure and maturation time delays on cuckoos and crows. Inclusion of stage structure results in many varied dynamical complexities which are difficult to encompass without this inclusion.}, }
@article {pmid29491998, year = {2017}, author = {Boucherie, PH and Sosa, S and Pasquaretta, C and Dufour, V}, title = {A longitudinal network analysis of social dynamics in rooks corvus frugilegus: repeated group modifications do not affect social network in captive rooks.}, journal = {Current zoology}, volume = {63}, number = {4}, pages = {379-388}, pmid = {29491998}, issn = {1674-5507}, abstract = {Numerous studies have investigated the remarkable variation of social features and the resulting structures across species. Indeed, relationships are dynamic and vary in time according to various factors such as environmental conditions or individuals attributes. However, few studies have investigated the processes that stabilize the structures within a given species, and the behavioral mechanisms that ensure their coherence and continuity across time. Here, we used a dynamic actor-based model, RSiena, to investigate the consistency of the temporal dynamic of relationships of a group of captive rooks facing recurrent modifications in group composition (i.e., the loss and introduction of individuals). We found that changes in relationships (i.e., formation and removal) followed consistent patterns regardless of group composition and sex-ratio. Rooks preferentially interacted with paired congeners (i.e., unpopular attachment) and were more likely to form relationships with individuals bonded to a current social partner (i.e., "friends of friends", or triadic closure). The sex of individuals had no effect on the dynamic of relationships. This robust behavioral mechanisms formed the basis of inter-connected networks, composed of sub-structures of individuals emerging from the enmeshment of dyadic and triadic motifs. Overall, the present study reveals crucial aspects of the behavioral mechanisms shaping rooks social structure, suggesting that rooks live in a well-integrated society, going far beyond the unique monogamous pair-bond.}, }
@article {pmid29491996, year = {2017}, author = {Pesendorfer, MB and Sillett, TS and Morrison, SA}, title = {Spatially biased dispersal of acorns by a scatter-hoarding corvid may accelerate passive restoration of oak habitat on California's largest island.}, journal = {Current zoology}, volume = {63}, number = {4}, pages = {363-367}, pmid = {29491996}, issn = {1674-5507}, abstract = {Scatter hoarding by corvids (crows, jays, magpies, and nutcrackers) provides seed dispersal for many large-seeded plants, including oaks and pines. When hoarding seeds, corvids often choose nonrandom locations throughout the landscape, resulting in differential survival of seeds. In the context of habitat restoration, such disproportional storing of seeds in areas suitable for germination and establishment can accelerate expansion and recovery of large-seeded tree populations and their associated ecosystems. Here, we investigate the spatial preferences of island scrub jays Aphelocoma insularis during scatter hoarding of acorns (Quercus spp.) on Santa Cruz Island. We use a large behavioral data set on the birds' behavior in combination with seedling surveys and spatial analysis to determine whether 1) island scrub jays disproportionally cache seeds in specific habitat types, and 2) whether the preferred habitat type is suitable for oak regeneration. Our results show that the jays nonrandomly cache acorns across the landscape; they use chaparral and coastal sage scrub disproportionally while avoiding open and grassy areas. The areas used most often for caching were also the areas with the highest oak seedling densities. We discuss the potential role of these findings for the recovery of Santa Cruz Island's oak habitat since the 1980s.}, }
@article {pmid29491479, year = {2018}, author = {Bose, A and Dürr, T and Klenke, RA and Henle, K}, title = {Collision sensitive niche profile of the worst affected bird-groups at wind turbine structures in the Federal State of Brandenburg, Germany.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {3777}, pmid = {29491479}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animal Distribution ; Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Ecosystem ; Flight, Animal/*physiology ; Germany ; *Power Plants ; Renewable Energy/*adverse effects ; Risk Assessment ; }, abstract = {Biodiversity-related impacts at wind energy facilities have increasingly become a cause of conservation concern, central issue being the collision of birds. Utilizing spatial information of their carcass detections at wind turbines (WTs), we quantified the detections in relation to the metric distances of the respective turbines to different land-use types. We used ecological niche factor analysis (ENFA) to identify combinations of land-use distances with respect to the spatial allocation of WTs that led to higher proportions of collisions among the worst affected bird-groups: Buntings, Crows, Larks, Pigeons and Raptors. We also assessed their respective similarities to the collision phenomenon by checking for overlaps amongst their distance combinations. Crows and Larks showed the narrowest "collision sensitive niche"; a part of ecological niche under higher risk of collisions with turbines, followed by that of Buntings and Pigeons. Raptors had the broadest niche showing significant overlaps with the collision sensitive niches of the other groups. This can probably be attributed to their larger home range combined with their hunting affinities to open landscapes. Identification of collision sensitive niches could be a powerful tool for landscape planning; helping avoid regions with higher risks of collisions for turbine allocations and thus protecting sensitive bird populations.}, }
@article {pmid29491247, year = {2018}, author = {Okamura, M and Kaneko, M and Ojima, S and Sano, H and Shindo, J and Shirafuji, H and Yamamoto, S and Tanabe, T and Yoshikawa, Y and Hu, DL}, title = {Differential Distribution of Salmonella Serovars and Campylobacter spp. Isolates in Free-Living Crows and Broiler Chickens in Aomori, Japan.}, journal = {Microbes and environments}, volume = {33}, number = {1}, pages = {77-82}, pmid = {29491247}, issn = {1347-4405}, mesh = {Animals ; Campylobacter/classification/*isolation &amp; purification ; Campylobacter Infections/epidemiology/veterinary ; Chickens/*microbiology ; Crows/*microbiology ; Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field ; Genotype ; Japan/epidemiology ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Poultry/microbiology ; Prevalence ; Salmonella/classification/*isolation &amp; purification ; Salmonella Infections, Animal/epidemiology ; Serogroup ; }, abstract = {Salmonella and Campylobacter cause foodborne enteritis mainly via the consumption of raw/undercooked contaminated poultry meat and products. Broiler flocks are primarily colonized with these bacteria; however, the underlying etiology remains unclear. The present study was conducted in order to obtain further information on the prevalence and genotypic distribution of Salmonella and Campylobacter in free-living crows and broiler flocks in a region for 2 years, thereby facilitating estimations of the potential risk of transmission of C. jejuni from crows to broiler flocks. Salmonella serovars Bredeney and Derby were isolated from 8 and 3 out of 123 captured crows, respectively, both of which are not common in broiler chickens. Campylobacter were isolated from all 89 crows tested and C. jejuni was prevalent (85 crows). Pulsed field gel electrophoresis showed broad diversity in the crow isolates of C. jejuni. However, 3 crow isolates and 2 broiler isolates showing similar banding patterns were assigned to different sequence types in multi-locus sequence typing. These results indicate that crows do not share Salmonella serovars with broilers, and harbor various genotypes of C. jejuni that differ from those of broiler flocks. Thus, our results indicate that crows are not a potential vector of these bacteria to broiler flocks in this region.}, }
@article {pmid29454255, year = {2018}, author = {Jóźwiak, S and Veggiotti, P and Moreira, J and Gama, H and Rocha, F and Soares-da-Silva, P}, title = {Effects of adjunctive eslicarbazepine acetate on neurocognitive functioning in children with refractory focal-onset seizures.}, journal = {Epilepsy &amp; behavior : E&amp;B}, volume = {81}, number = {}, pages = {1-11}, doi = {10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.01.029}, pmid = {29454255}, issn = {1525-5069}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Anticonvulsants/*therapeutic use ; Attention/physiology ; Child ; Cognition/physiology ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Dibenzazepines/*therapeutic use ; Double-Blind Method ; Epilepsy/*drug therapy/physiopathology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Memory/physiology ; Quality of Life ; Seizures/*drug therapy/physiopathology ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: This was a phase-II, randomized, double-blind (DB), placebo-controlled study aimed to evaluate neurocognitive effects of eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) as adjunctive therapy in pediatric patients with refractory focal-onset seizures (FOS).<br><br>METHODS: Children (6-16years old) with FOS were randomized (2:1) to ESL or placebo. Treatment started at 10mg/kg/day, was up-titrated up to 30mg/kg/day (target dose), and maintained for 8weeks, followed by one-year open-label follow-up. The primary endpoint was change from baseline to the end of maintenance period in the composite Power of Attention assessed with the Cognitive Drug Research (CDR) system. Behavioral and emotional functioning and quality of life (QOL), secondary endpoints, were assessed with Child Health Questionnaire-Parent Form 50 (CHQ-PF50), Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM). Efficacy was evaluated through changes in standardized seizure frequency (SF), responder rate, and proportion of seizure-free patients. Safety was evaluated by the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs).<br><br>RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-three patients were randomized. A noninferiority analysis failed to reject the null hypothesis that the change from baseline in the Power of Attention score in the ESL group was at least 121ms inferior to the placebo group for all age groups. The CDR scores showed no differences between placebo and ESL in Power of Attention (1868.0 vs 1759.5), Continuity of Attention (1.136 vs -1.786), Quality of Working Memory (-0.023 vs -0.024), and Speed of Memory (-263.4 vs -249.6). Nonsignificant differences between placebo and ESL were seen for CHQ-PF50, CBCL scores, and Raven's SPM. Episodic Memory Index showed significant negative effect on ESL. Efficacy results favored the ESL group (SF least square [LS] means 1.98 vs 4.29). The TEAEs had a similar incidence between treatment groups (41.0% vs 47.5%).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Overall ESL did not produce statistically significant effects on neurocognitive and behavioral functioning in patients with epilepsy aged 6 to 16years. Additionally, ESL was effective in reducing seizure frequency and was well-tolerated.}, }
@article {pmid29414945, year = {2018}, author = {Ashton, BJ and Ridley, AR and Edwards, EK and Thornton, A}, title = {Cognitive performance is linked to group size and affects fitness in Australian magpies.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {554}, number = {7692}, pages = {364-367}, pmid = {29414945}, issn = {1476-4687}, support = {BB/H021817/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/physiology ; Australia ; *Biological Evolution ; Cognition/*physiology ; Female ; *Genetic Fitness ; Intelligence/physiology ; Male ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Population Density ; Reproduction/physiology ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {The social intelligence hypothesis states that the demands of social life drive cognitive evolution. This idea receives support from comparative studies that link variation in group size or mating systems with cognitive and neuroanatomical differences across species, but findings are contradictory and contentious. To understand the cognitive consequences of sociality, it is also important to investigate social variation within species. Here we show that in wild, cooperatively breeding Australian magpies, individuals that live in large groups show increased cognitive performance, which is linked to increased reproductive success. Individual performance was highly correlated across four cognitive tasks, indicating a 'general intelligence factor' that underlies cognitive performance. Repeated cognitive testing of juveniles at different ages showed that the correlation between group size and cognition emerged in early life, suggesting that living in larger groups promotes cognitive development. Furthermore, we found a positive association between the task performance of females and three indicators of reproductive success, thus identifying a selective benefit of greater cognitive performance. Together, these results provide intraspecific evidence that sociality can shape cognitive development and evolution.}, }
@article {pmid29386519, year = {2018}, author = {Stanford, R and Lockley, MG and Tucker, C and Godfrey, S and Stanford, SM}, title = {A diverse mammal-dominated, footprint assemblage from wetland deposits in the Lower Cretaceous of Maryland.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {741}, pmid = {29386519}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Fossils ; Geography ; Geologic Sediments ; *Mammals ; Maryland ; Paleontology ; *Wetlands ; }, abstract = {A newly discovered assemblage of predominantly small tracks from the Cretaceous Patuxent Formation at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Maryland, reveals one of the highest track densities and diversities ever reported (~70 tracks, representing at least eight morphotypes from an area of only ~2 m[2]). The assemblage is dominated by small mammal tracks including the new ichnotxon Sederipes goddardensis, indicating sitting postures. Small crow-sized theropod trackways, the first from this unit, indicate social trackmakers and suggest slow-paced foraging behavior. Tracks of pterosaurs, and other small vertebrates suggest activity on an organic-rich substrate. Large well-preserved sauropod and nodosaurs tracks indicate the presence of large dinosaurs. The Patuxent Formation together with the recently reported Angolan assemblage comprise the world's two largest Mesozoic mammal footprint assemblages. The high density of footprint registration at the NASA site indicates special preservational and taphonomic conditions. These include early, penecontemporaneous deposition of siderite in organic rich, reducing wetland settings where even the flesh of body fossils can be mummified. Thus, the track-rich ironstone substrates of the Patuxent Formation, appear to preserve a unique vertebrate ichnofacies, with associated, exceptionally-preserved body fossil remains for which there are currently no other similar examples preserved in the fossil record.}, }
@article {pmid29375193, year = {2018}, author = {Maziarz, M and Piggott, C and Burgess, M}, title = {Predator recognition and differential behavioural responses of adult wood warblers Phylloscopus sibilatrix.}, journal = {Acta ethologica}, volume = {21}, number = {1}, pages = {13-20}, pmid = {29375193}, issn = {0873-9749}, abstract = {Birds often engage in nest defence against predators to improve breeding success, but defence efficiency requires the capability to assess the threat level posed by potential predators. For species with low breeding-site tenacity, which may encounter varying occurrence and density of predators in different areas, threat recognition could be compromised due to naivety, and so predator recognition may focus on broad key features to diminish the risk of misidentification. We experimentally tested this hypothesis by recording behavioural reactions of the nomadic wood warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix to objects reflecting various levels of threat: least weasel and Eurasian jay taxidermy mounts, an inanimate object and an empty display mount. To assess actual nest predators, we used remote cameras to record predation events at wood warbler nests. As in other studies in Western Europe, Eurasian jay was found to be the main nest predator, with occasional predation by least weasel. The reaction of adult warblers to the models was generally to remain silent and on nests during the incubation stage presumably due to the need to maintain efficient nest camouflage and concealment. During the nestling stage, behavioural responses of adult warblers, calling and suspended feeding of young, showed the strongest effects from the jay taxidermy mount, moderate to the weasel and weakest to the inanimate object and empty mount. As the reaction of wood warblers reflected the degree of genuine threat posed by the predators depicted by the models, we conclude that predator recognition may be present in this species.}, }
@article {pmid29373167, year = {2018}, author = {Claes, R and Muyshondt, PGG and Dirckx, JJJ and Aerts, P}, title = {Do high sound pressure levels of crowing in roosters necessitate passive mechanisms for protection against self-vocalization?.}, journal = {Zoology (Jena, Germany)}, volume = {126}, number = {}, pages = {65-70}, doi = {10.1016/j.zool.2017.12.002}, pmid = {29373167}, issn = {1873-2720}, mesh = {Animals ; Chickens/*physiology ; Crowding/psychology ; Ear/anatomy &amp; histology/physiology ; Female ; Male ; Sex Characteristics ; Sound/adverse effects ; Vocalization, Animal/*physiology ; }, abstract = {High sound pressure levels (>120dB) cause damage or death of the hair cells of the inner ear, hence causing hearing loss. Vocalization differences are present between hens and roosters. Crowing in roosters is reported to produce sound pressure levels of 100dB measured at a distance of 1m. In this study we measured the sound pressure levels that exist at the entrance of the outer ear canal. We hypothesize that roosters may benefit from a passive protective mechanism while hens do not require such a mechanism. Audio recordings at the level of the entrance of the outer ear canal of crowing roosters, made in this study, indeed show that a protective mechanism is needed as sound pressure levels can reach amplitudes of 142.3dB. Audio recordings made at varying distances from the crowing rooster show that at a distance of 0.5m sound pressure levels already drop to 102dB. Micro-CT scans of a rooster and chicken head show that in roosters the auditory canal closes when the beak is opened. In hens the diameter of the auditory canal only narrows but does not close completely. A morphological difference between the sexes in shape of a bursa-like slit which occurs in the outer ear canal causes the outer ear canal to close in roosters but not in hens.}, }
@article {pmid29360051, year = {2018}, author = {Pluta, A and Kulesza, M and Grzegorzewski, P and Kucharska, K}, title = {Assessing advanced theory of mind and alexithymia in patients suffering from enduring borderline personality disorder.}, journal = {Psychiatry research}, volume = {261}, number = {}, pages = {436-441}, doi = {10.1016/j.psychres.2018.01.003}, pmid = {29360051}, issn = {1872-7123}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Affective Symptoms/*diagnosis/epidemiology/*psychology ; Anxiety/diagnosis/epidemiology/psychology ; Borderline Personality Disorder/*diagnosis/epidemiology/*psychology ; Comorbidity ; Depression/diagnosis/epidemiology/psychology ; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; *Personality Assessment/standards ; Personality Inventory/standards ; *Theory of Mind/physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Findings on the theory of mind (ToM) abilities in borderline personality disorder (BPD) have been inconsistent. Surprisingly, no studies have focused on the complex aspects of ToM while simultaneously measuring alexithymia as well as comorbid depressive and anxiety symptoms, therefore, our study aimed to fill this gap. 30 female patients with BPD and 38 healthy controls (HCs) completed the Faux Pas Test (FPT) and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20). The clinical and intellectual assessment comprised of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Axis II Disorders (SCID-II), the Borderline Personality Inventory (BPI), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-Revised (CESD-R), and the Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM). Women with BPD scored significantly worse than HCs on overall ToM abilities. After controlling for the intelligence level, depressive symptoms, and state and trait anxiety, both groups presented a similar overall level of alexithymia. No correlation between the FPT and TAS-20 scores was found, suggesting that both constructs might be unrelated in BPD. Because ToM dysfunctions seem not to result from comorbid clinical symptoms, trait anxiety, or intellectual abilities, our study results suggest that ToM deficits might be considered a core feature of BPD.}, }
@article {pmid29358606, year = {2018}, author = {St Clair, JJH and Klump, BC and Sugasawa, S and Higgott, CG and Colegrave, N and Rutz, C}, title = {Hook innovation boosts foraging efficiency in tool-using crows.}, journal = {Nature ecology &amp; evolution}, volume = {2}, number = {3}, pages = {441-444}, doi = {10.1038/s41559-017-0429-7}, pmid = {29358606}, issn = {2397-334X}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; *Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Male ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {The New Caledonian crow is the only non-human animal known to craft hooked tools in the wild, but the ecological benefit of these relatively complex tools remains unknown. Here, we show that crows acquire food several times faster when using hooked rather than non-hooked tools, regardless of tool material, prey type and extraction context. This implies that small changes to tool shape can strongly affect energy-intake rates, highlighting a powerful driver for technological advancement.}, }
@article {pmid29338711, year = {2018}, author = {Shurulinkov, P and Spasov, L and Stoyanov, G and Chakarov, N}, title = {Blood parasite infections in a wild population of ravens (Corvus corax) in Bulgaria.}, journal = {Malaria journal}, volume = {17}, number = {1}, pages = {33}, pmid = {29338711}, issn = {1475-2875}, support = {PIEF-GA-2013-625883//H2020 Marie Sk&#x142;odowska-Curie Actions/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/*epidemiology/parasitology ; Bulgaria/epidemiology ; *Crows ; Cytochromes b/analysis ; Haemosporida/classification/*isolation &amp; purification ; Phylogeny ; Protozoan Infections, Animal/*epidemiology/parasitology ; Protozoan Proteins/analysis ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Blood parasites have been studied intensely in many families of avian hosts, but corvids, a particularly cosmopolitan family, remain underexplored. Haemosporidian parasites of the common raven (Corvus corax) have not been studied, although it is the largest, most adaptable, and widespread corvid. Genetic sequence data from parasites of ravens can enhance the understanding of speciation patterns and specificity of haemosporidian parasites in corvids, and shed light how these hosts cope with parasite pressure.<br><br>METHODS: A baited cage trap was used to catch 86 ravens and a nested PCR protocol was used to amplify a 479&#xa0;bp fragment of the haemosporidian cytochrome b gene from the samples. The obtained sequences were compared with the MalAvi database of all published haemosporidian lineages and a phylogenetic tree including all detected raven parasites was constructed. An examination of blood smears was performed for assessment of infection intensity.<br><br>RESULTS: Twenty blood parasite lineages were recovered from ravens caught in a wild population in Bulgaria. The prevalence of generalist Plasmodium lineages was 49%, and the prevalence of Leucocytozoon lineages was 31%. Out of 13 detected Leucocytozoon lineages six were known from different corvids, while seven others seem to be specific to ravens. A phylogenetic reconstruction suggests that Leucocytozoon lineages of ravens and other corvids are not monophyletic, with some groups appearing closely related to parasites of other host families.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Several different, morphologically cryptic groups of Leucocytozoon parasites appear to infect corvids. Ravens harbour both generalist corvid Leucocytozoon as well as apparently species-specific lineages. The extraordinary breeding ecology and scavenging lifestyle possibly allow ravens to evade vectors and have relatively low blood parasite prevalence compared to other corvids.}, }
@article {pmid29337074, year = {2018}, author = {Padget, O and Bond, SL and Kavelaars, MM and van Loon, E and Bolton, M and Fayet, AL and Syposz, M and Roberts, S and Guilford, T}, title = {In Situ Clock Shift Reveals that the Sun Compass Contributes to Orientation in a Pelagic Seabird.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {28}, number = {2}, pages = {275-279.e2}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2017.11.062}, pmid = {29337074}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; *Circadian Clocks ; *Orientation, Spatial ; *Solar System ; *Spatial Navigation ; Taxis Response ; Wales ; }, abstract = {Compass orientation is central to the control of animal movement from the scale of local food-caching movements around a familiar area in parids [1] and corvids [2, 3] to the first autumn vector navigation of songbirds embarking on long-distance migration [4-6]. In the study of diurnal birds, where the homing pigeon, Columba livia, has been the main model, a time-compensated sun compass [7] is central to the two-step map-and-compass process of navigation from unfamiliar places, as well as guiding movement via a representation of familiar area landmarks [8-12]. However, its use by an actively navigating wild bird is yet to be shown. By phase shifting an animal's endogenous clock, known as clock-shifting [13-15], sun-compass use can be demonstrated when the animal incorrectly consults the sun's azimuthal position while homing after experimental displacement [15-17]. By applying clock-shift techniques at the nest of a wild bird during natural incubation, we show here that an oceanic navigator-the Manx shearwater, Puffinus puffinus-incorporates information from a time-compensated sun compass during homeward guidance to the breeding colony after displacement. Consistently with homing pigeons navigating within their familiar area [8, 9, 11, 18], we find that the effect of clock shift, while statistically robust, is partial in nature, possibly indicating the incorporation of guidance from landmarks into movement decisions.}, }
@article {pmid29320499, year = {2018}, author = {Morrison, R and Reiss, D}, title = {Precocious development of self-awareness in dolphins.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {e0189813}, pmid = {29320499}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Awareness ; Bottle-Nosed Dolphin/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Mirror-self recognition (MSR) is a behavioral indicator of self-awareness in young children and only a few other species, including the great apes, dolphins, elephants and magpies. The emergence of self-awareness in children typically occurs during the second year and has been correlated with sensorimotor development and growing social and self-awareness. Comparative studies of MSR in chimpanzees report that the onset of this ability occurs between 2 years 4 months and 3 years 9 months of age. Studies of wild and captive bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) have reported precocious sensorimotor and social awareness during the first weeks of life, but no comparative MSR research has been conducted with this species. We exposed two young bottlenose dolphins to an underwater mirror and analyzed video recordings of their behavioral responses over a 3-year period. Here we report that both dolphins exhibited MSR, indicated by self-directed behavior at the mirror, at ages earlier than generally reported for children and at ages much earlier than reported for chimpanzees. The early onset of MSR in young dolphins occurs in parallel with their advanced sensorimotor development, complex and reciprocal social interactions, and growing social awareness. Both dolphins passed subsequent mark tests at ages comparable with children. Thus, our findings indicate that dolphins exhibit self-awareness at a mirror at a younger age than previously reported for children or other species tested.}, }
@article {pmid29316266, year = {2019}, author = {Subias, L and Griffin, AS and Guez, D}, title = {Inference by exclusion in the red-tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii).}, journal = {Integrative zoology}, volume = {14}, number = {2}, pages = {193-203}, doi = {10.1111/1749-4877.12299}, pmid = {29316266}, issn = {1749-4877}, mesh = {Animals ; *Choice Behavior ; *Cockatoos ; Discrimination, Psychological ; Female ; Male ; *Psychomotor Performance ; }, abstract = {Inference by exclusion is the ability to select a given option by excluding the others. When designed appropriately, tests of this ability can reveal choices that cannot be explained by associative processes. Over the past decade, exclusion reasoning has been explored in several non-human taxonomic groups, including birds, mainly in Corvids and Parrots. To increase our understanding of the taxonomic distribution of exclusion reasoning and, therefore, its evolution, we investigated exclusion performances in red-tailed black cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus banksii), an Australian relative of the Goffin cockatoo (Cacatua goffini), using a food-finding task. Cockatoos were required to find a food item hidden in 1 of the 2 experimenter's hands. Following training sessions in which they reliably selected the closed baited hand they had just been shown open, each individual was tested on 4 different conditions. Critical to demonstrating exclusion reasoning was the condition in which they were shown the empty hand and then offered a choice of both closed hands. The performance of all birds was above chance on all experimental conditions but not on an olfactory and/or cuing control condition. The results suggest that the birds might be able to infer by exclusion, although an explanation based on rule learning cannot be excluded. This first experiment in red-tailed black cockatoo highlights the potential of this species as a model to study avian cognition and paves the pathway for future investigations.}, }
@article {pmid29299036, year = {2017}, author = {Szipl, G and Ringler, E and Spreafico, M and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Calls during agonistic interactions vary with arousal and raise audience attention in ravens.}, journal = {Frontiers in zoology}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {57}, pmid = {29299036}, issn = {1742-9994}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Acoustic properties of vocalizations can vary with the internal state of the caller, and may serve as reliable indicators for a caller's emotional state, for example to prevent conflicts. Thus, individuals may associate distinct characteristics in acoustic signals of conspecifics with specific social contexts, and adjust their behaviour accordingly to prevent escalation of conflicts. Common ravens (Corvus corax) crowd-forage with individuals of different age classes, sex, and rank, assemble at feeding sites, and engage in agonistic interactions of varying intensity. Attacked individuals frequently utter defensive calls in order to appease the aggressor. Here, we investigated if acoustic properties of defensive calls change with varying levels of aggression, and if bystanders respond to these changes.<br><br>RESULTS: Individuals were more likely to utter defensive calls when the attack involved contact aggression, and when the attacker was higher in rank than the victim. Defensive calls produced during intense conflicts were longer and uttered at higher rates, and showed higher fundamental frequency- and amplitude-related measures than calls uttered during low-intensity aggression, indicating arousal-based changes in defensive calls. Playback experiments showed that ravens were more likely to react in response to defensive calls with higher fundamental frequency by orientating towards the speakers as compared to original calls and calls manipulated in duration.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Arousal-based changes are encoded in acoustic parameters of defensive calls in attacked ravens, and bystanders in the audience pay attention to the degree of arousal in attacked conspecifics. Our findings imply that common ravens can regulate conflicts with conspecifics by means of vocalizations, and are able to gather social knowledge from conspecific calls.}, }
@article {pmid30956930, year = {2018}, author = {Rubio, E and Sanllorente, O and Tieleman, BI and Ibáñez-Álamo, JD}, title = {Fecal sacs do not increase nest predation in a ground nester.}, journal = {Journal of ornithology}, volume = {159}, number = {4}, pages = {985-990}, pmid = {30956930}, issn = {2193-7192}, abstract = {Most altricial birds remove their nestlings' feces from the nest, but the evolutionary forces driving this behavior are poorly understood. A possible adaptive explanation for this could be that birds avoid the attraction of nest predators to their nests due to the visual or olfactory cues produced by feces (nest predation hypothesis). This hypothesis has received contrasting support indicating that additional experimental studies are needed, particularly with respect to the visual component of fecal sacs. To test this hypothesis, we conducted an experiment manipulating the presence of fecal sacs on inactive Woodlark (Lullula arborea) nests. This ground nester has highly cryptic nests that are mainly depredated by visually oriented nest predators (i.e., corvids) in our study population, making it an excellent system to test for the nest predation hypothesis. Our results showed that the presence of fecal sacs in the nest does not seem to be an important factor explaining nest predation. Interestingly, the effect of nest concealment, the most important factor explaining nest predation in Woodlark nests, depended on whether the nest was depredated the previous year or not, supporting the importance of using different nesting sites between years. Our findings indicate that this important nest sanitation behavior is not likely motivated by nest predation and highlight the need to explore alternative selective pressures in this context.}, }
@article {pmid29285478, year = {2017}, author = {Najafi, M and Akouchekian, S and Ghaderi, A and Mahaki, B and Rezaei, M}, title = {Multiple Intelligences Profiles of Children with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder in Comparison with Nonattention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder.}, journal = {Advanced biomedical research}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {148}, pmid = {29285478}, issn = {2277-9175}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common psychological problem during childhood. This study aimed to evaluate multiple intelligences profiles of children with ADHD in comparison with non-ADHD.<br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive analytical study was done on 50 children of 6-13 years old in two groups of with and without ADHD. Children with ADHD were referred to Clinics of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, in 2014. Samples were selected based on clinical interview (based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV and parent-teacher strengths and difficulties questionnaire), which was done by psychiatrist and psychologist. Raven intelligence quotient (IQ) test was used, and the findings were compared to the results of multiple intelligences test. Data analysis was done using a multivariate analysis of covariance using SPSS20 software.<br><br>RESULTS: Comparing the profiles of multiple intelligence among two groups, there are more kinds of multiple intelligences in control group than ADHD group, a difference which has been more significant in logical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal intelligence (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference with the other kinds of multiple intelligences in two groups (P > 0.05). The IQ average score in the control group and ADHD group was 102.42 &#xb1; 16.26 and 96.72 &#xb1; 16.06, respectively, that reveals the negative effect of ADHD on IQ average value. There was an insignificance relationship between linguistic and naturalist intelligence (P > 0.05). However, in other kinds of multiple intelligences, direct and significant relationships were observed (P < 0.05).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Since the levels of IQ (Raven test) and MI in control group were more significant than ADHD group, ADHD is likely to be associated with logical-mathematical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal profiles.}, }
@article {pmid29278961, year = {2018}, author = {Elridy, AS and Zaki, RGE and Elshinawy, RF}, title = {Comparison of the Clinical Efficacy of Abobotulinumtoxin A (ABO) and Onabotulinumtoxin A (ONA) in the Treatment of Crow's Feet Wrinkles: A Split-Face Study.}, journal = {Seminars in ophthalmology}, volume = {33}, number = {6}, pages = {739-747}, doi = {10.1080/08820538.2017.1418013}, pmid = {29278961}, issn = {1744-5205}, mesh = {Acetylcholine Release Inhibitors/administration &amp; dosage ; Adult ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*administration &amp; dosage ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Injections, Intramuscular ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Patient Satisfaction ; Single-Blind Method ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: Comparing the clinical efficacy of Abobotulinumtoxin A (ABO) and Onabotulinumtoxin A(ONA) using a dosing ratio of 2.5U:1.0U in the treatment of crow's feet wrinkles.<br><br>SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A single-blinded, randomized, split-face study, included 40 subjects, with moderate-to-severe crow's feet wrinkles. Patients were subjected to a dose equivalence of (ABO):(ONA); 2.5:1.0&#xa0;U. Post treatment evaluation was done on 7, 30, and 120&#xa0;days, comparing: Time, Duration, and Degree of Improvement; Patients Satisfaction.<br><br>RESULTS: No significant difference was found between ABO &amp; ONA regarding duration and time to improvement on static posture. While on dynamic posture, ABO showed significantly less time and longer duration. Both products produced highly significant improvement of the wrinkles' severity on both static and dynamic posture in comparison to the baseline severity. Satisfaction was more with ABO.<br><br>CONCLUSION: ABO is a safe, effective alternative to ONA in treating crow's feet wrinkles.}, }
@article {pmid29274762, year = {2018}, author = {Gallup, GG and Anderson, JR}, title = {The "olfactory mirror" and other recent attempts to demonstrate self-recognition in non-primate species.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {148}, number = {}, pages = {16-19}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2017.12.010}, pmid = {29274762}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; *Ego ; Olfactory Perception/*physiology ; Recognition, Psychology/*physiology ; Smell/physiology ; }, abstract = {The recent attempt by Horowitz (2017) to develop an "olfactory mirror" test of self-recognition in domestic dogs raises some important questions about the kinds of data that are required to provide definitive evidence for self-recognition in dogs and other species. We conclude that the "olfactory mirror" constitutes a compelling analog to the mark test for mirror self-recognition in primates, but despite claims to the contrary neither dogs, elephants, dolphins, magpies, horses, manta rays, squid, nor ants have shown compelling, reproducible evidence for self-recognition in any modality.}, }
@article {pmid29257965, year = {2017}, author = {van Casteren, A}, title = {Tool Use: Crows Craft the Right Tool for the Job.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {27}, number = {24}, pages = {R1314-R1316}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2017.10.022}, pmid = {29257965}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Language ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {New research into tool crafting in New Caledonian crows has uncovered factors that influence tool shape and the foraging advantages that these characteristics confer.}, }
@article {pmid31966237, year = {2017}, author = {Tsai, TS and Mao, JJ}, title = {Species Identification of Shed Snake Skins in Taiwan and Adjacent Islands.}, journal = {Zoological studies}, volume = {56}, number = {}, pages = {e38}, pmid = {31966237}, issn = {1810-522X}, abstract = {Tein-Shun Tsai and Jean-Jay Mao (2017) Shed snake skins have many applications for humans and other animals, and can provide much useful information to a field survey. When properly prepared and identified, a shed snake skin can be used as an important voucher; the morphological descriptions of the shed skins may be critical for taxonomic research, as well as studies of snake ecology and conservation. However, few convenient/ expeditious methods or techniques to identify shed snake skins in specific areas have been developed. In this study, we collected and examined a total of 1,260 shed skin samples - including 322 samples from neonates/ juveniles and 938 from subadults/adults - from 53 snake species in Taiwan and adjacent islands, and developed the first guide to identify them. To the naked eye or from scanned images, the sheds of almost all species could be identified if most of the shed was collected. The key features that aided in identification included the patterns on the sheds and scale morphology. Ontogenetic differences and intraspecific variation in the patterns of sheds were evident in some snake species, and the proportion of young snakes with patterned shed skins was larger than that of adults. The retention of markings on the ventral side of the body (especially the ventral head) during sloughing was much lower than that on the dorsal side. We hope that this pioneering work will not only encourage other researchers to develop similar keys for their country, but also promote local schools, organizations, and citizen scientists to conduct snake inventories.}, }
@article {pmid29249025, year = {2018}, author = {Grúz, A and Déri, J and Szemerédy, G and Szabó, K and Kormos, &#xc9; and Bartha, A and Lehel, J and Budai, P}, title = {Monitoring of heavy metal burden in wild birds at eastern/north-eastern part of Hungary.}, journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international}, volume = {25}, number = {7}, pages = {6378-6386}, pmid = {29249025}, issn = {1614-7499}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/*metabolism ; Birds/*metabolism ; Body Burden ; Environmental Monitoring/*methods ; Environmental Pollutants/*analysis ; Feathers/*chemistry ; Hungary ; Metals, Heavy/*analysis ; }, abstract = {Concentrations of different heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, Zn) were examined in the contour feathers of long-eared owl (Asio otus), little owl (Athene noctua), tawny owl (Strix aluco), barn owl (Tyto alba), Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus), rook (Corvus frugilegus), hooded crow (Corvus cornix), carrion crow (Corvus corone), common buzzard (Buteo buteo) and barn swallow (Hirundo rustica). The samples were collected from the Hortobágyi Madárpark (Bird Hospital Foundation) in Hungary. The bird species were classified into six groups based on their nourishment. Feathers were analysed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The aim of our study was to determine the concentration of the above-mentioned heavy metals in the six different groups and to compare them by the groups, to find a possible connection between the concentrations and the age of birds and to get some information about the heavy metal burden of the environment. The highest As concentration was measured in little owl (0.65 ± 0.56 mg/kg). The highest Cd, Cr and Pb concentration was found in the feathers of barn swallow (0.13 ± 0.06 mg/kg; 1.69 ± 0.44 mg/kg; 5.36 ± 1.46 mg/kg), while the highest Cu and Hg concentration (65.45 ± 17.66 mg/kg; 2.72 ± 1.08 mg/kg) in sparrowhawk feathers and the highest Zn concentration in owls (157.21 ± 57.3 mg/kg). Statistically significant difference has been determined between the juvenile and adult crows in the case of Cd (p = 0.011). The higher concentration was measured in adults (0.14 ± 0.04 mg/kg) than that in juveniles (0.08 ± 0.02 mg/kg). Based on our results, the examined area is not contaminated by these heavy metals on that level, which can cause any adverse effect or poisoning in birds, so this region is safe to wildlife.}, }
@article {pmid29244069, year = {2018}, author = {Weinkle, SH and Werschler, WP and Teller, CF and Sykes, JM and Shamban, A and Rivkin, A and Narurkar, VA and Kaminer, MS and Dayan, S and Cohen, JL and Gallagher, CJ}, title = {Impact of Comprehensive, Minimally Invasive, Multimodal Aesthetic Treatment on Satisfaction With Facial Appearance: The HARMONY Study.}, journal = {Aesthetic surgery journal}, volume = {38}, number = {5}, pages = {540-556}, doi = {10.1093/asj/sjx179}, pmid = {29244069}, issn = {1527-330X}, mesh = {Adult ; Bimatoprost/*administration &amp; dosage ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*administration &amp; dosage ; Combined Modality Therapy/methods ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; Dermal Fillers/*administration &amp; dosage ; Esthetics ; Face ; Female ; Humans ; Injections, Intramuscular ; Injections, Subcutaneous ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Patient Satisfaction ; Prospective Studies ; *Rejuvenation ; Self Concept ; Skin Aging ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Individuals seeking aesthetic treatment have concerns regarding multiple facial areas.<br><br>OBJECTIVES: Assess the aesthetic impact and satisfaction achieved with a multimodal approach to aesthetic treatment using a combination of minimally invasive treatments.<br><br>METHODS: Prospective, multicenter, rater-blinded, 4-month HARMONY study evaluated patient satisfaction and aesthetic impact of a combination of fillers (VYC-20L, HYC-24L, and HYC-24L+), onabotulinumtoxinA, and bimatoprost. Males and females aged 35 to 65 years received on-label, staged treatment with fillers, as needed per investigator assessment, on day 1, with touch ups allowed on day 14. Bimatoprost was self-administered once daily for 17 weeks. OnabotulinumtoxinA was injected into glabellar lines, crow's feet lines, or both at month 3. Primary effectiveness measure was mean change from baseline on the FACE-Q 10-item Satisfaction with Facial Appearance Overall Scale.<br><br>RESULTS: Of 100 patients treated, 93 underwent at least the 4-month posttreatment assessment and were assessed for efficacy. The FACE-Q Satisfaction with Facial Appearance Overall Scale total score increased from baseline (41.2) to month 4 (72.9; P < 0.00001; effect size, 2.7). Improvement following multimodal treatment was observed on FACE-Q individual items. Self-perceived age decreased from 0.2 years older than actual age at baseline to 4.6 years younger at month 4. Nearly all patients (99%) rated themselves as improved or much improved on the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale. Investigator assessments also demonstrated improvement. Mild to moderate adverse events occurred in 42 patients.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive, multimodal treatment resulted in improvements in FACE-Q scores and perceived age, indicating a high degree of patient satisfaction and a younger facial appearance.}, }
@article {pmid29238522, year = {2017}, author = {Dohms, KM and Graham, BA and Burg, TM}, title = {Multilocus genetic analyses and spatial modeling reveal complex population structure and history in a widespread resident North American passerine (Perisoreus canadensis).}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {7}, number = {23}, pages = {9869-9889}, pmid = {29238522}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {An increasing body of studies of widely distributed, high latitude species shows a variety of refugial locations and population genetic patterns. We examined the effects of glaciations and dispersal barriers on the population genetic patterns of a widely distributed, high latitude, resident corvid, the gray jay (Perisoreus canadensis), using the highly variable mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region and microsatellite markers combined with species distribution modeling. We sequenced 914 bp of mtDNA control region for 375 individuals from 37 populations and screened seven loci for 402 individuals from 27 populations across the gray jay range. We used species distribution modeling and a range of phylogeographic analyses (haplotype diversity, ΦST, SAMOVA, FST, Bayesian clustering analyses) to examine evolutionary history and population genetic structure. MtDNA and microsatellite markers revealed significant genetic differentiation among populations with high concordance between markers. Paleodistribution models supported at least five potential areas of suitable gray jay habitat during the last glacial maximum and revealed distributions similar to the gray jay's contemporary during the last interglacial. Colonization from and prolonged isolation in multiple refugia is evident. Historical climatic fluctuations, the presence of multiple dispersal barriers, and highly restricted gene flow appear to be responsible for strong genetic diversification and differentiation in gray jays.}, }
@article {pmid29238321, year = {2017}, author = {Kabadayi, C and Jacobs, I and Osvath, M}, title = {The Development of Motor Self-Regulation in Ravens.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {8}, number = {}, pages = {2100}, pmid = {29238321}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Inhibitory control refers to the ability to stop impulses in favor of more appropriate behavior, and it constitutes one of the underlying cognitive functions associated with cognitive flexibility. Much attention has been given to cross-species comparisons of inhibitory control; however, less is known about how and when these abilities develop. Mapping the ontogeny of inhibitory control in different species may therefore reveal foundational elements behind cognitive processes and their evolution. In this study, we tested the development of motor self-regulation in raven chicks (Corvus corax), using two detour tasks that required inhibition of motor impulses to directly reach for a visible reward behind a barrier. One task included a mesh barrier, which partly occluded the reward, and the other task used a completely transparent barrier, the cylinder task. The results suggest that the more visible a reward is, the more difficult it is to inhibit motor impulses toward it, and further, that this inhibitory challenge gradually decreases during development. The mesh barrier is reliably detoured before the animals pass the task with the wholly transparent cylinder. As the majority of the birds begun testing as nestlings, and as we provided them with experiences they normally would not receive in a nest, it is likely that they showed the earliest possible onset of these skills. A control subject, tested at a later age, showed that the mesh detours required no particular training, but that tasks including complete transparency likely require more specific experiences. Adult ravens without explicit training are highly proficient in inhibitory detour tasks, and, together with chimpanzees, they are the best performers of all tested species in the cylinder task. Our results suggest that their skills develop early in life, around their third month. Their developmental pattern of inhibitory skills for detours resembles that of children and rhesus macaques, albeit the pace of development is markedly faster in ravens. Investigating the development of cognition is crucial to understanding its foundations within and across species.}, }
@article {pmid29233938, year = {2018}, author = {Bustillo-Avendaño, E and Ibáñez, S and Sanz, O and Sousa Barros, JA and Gude, I and Perianez-Rodriguez, J and Micol, JL and Del Pozo, JC and Moreno-Risueno, MA and Pérez-Pérez, JM}, title = {Regulation of Hormonal Control, Cell Reprogramming, and Patterning during De Novo Root Organogenesis.}, journal = {Plant physiology}, volume = {176}, number = {2}, pages = {1709-1727}, pmid = {29233938}, issn = {1532-2548}, mesh = {Arabidopsis/*genetics/growth &amp; development ; *Cellular Reprogramming ; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental ; *Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Indoleacetic Acids/*metabolism ; Models, Biological ; Plant Growth Regulators/*metabolism ; Plant Leaves/genetics/growth &amp; development ; Plant Roots/genetics/growth &amp; development ; Regeneration ; *Signal Transduction ; }, abstract = {Body regeneration through formation of new organs is a major question in developmental biology. We investigated de novo root formation using whole leaves of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Our results show that local cytokinin biosynthesis and auxin biosynthesis in the leaf blade followed by auxin long-distance transport to the petiole leads to proliferation of J0121-marked xylem-associated tissues and others through signaling of INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID INDUCIBLE28 (IAA28), CRANE (IAA18), WOODEN LEG, and ARABIDOPSIS RESPONSE REGULATORS1 (ARR1), ARR10, and ARR12. Vasculature proliferation also involves the cell cycle regulator KIP-RELATED PROTEIN2 and ABERRANT LATERAL ROOT FORMATION4, resulting in a mass of cells with rooting competence that resembles callus formation. Endogenous callus formation precedes specification of postembryonic root founder cells, from which roots are initiated through the activity of SHORT-ROOT, PLETHORA1 (PLT1), and PLT2. Primordia initiation is blocked in shr plt1 plt2 mutant. Stem cell regulators SCHIZORIZA, JACKDAW, BLUEJAY, and SCARECROW also participate in root initiation and are required to pattern the new organ, as mutants show disorganized and reduced number of layers and tissue initials resulting in reduced rooting. Our work provides an organ regeneration model through de novo root formation, stating key stages and the primary pathways involved.}, }
@article {pmid29229413, year = {2018}, author = {Taufique, SKT and Prabhat, A and Kumar, V}, title = {Constant light environment suppresses maturation and reduces complexity of new born neuron processes in the hippocampus and caudal nidopallium of a diurnal corvid: Implication for impairment of the learning and cognitive performance.}, journal = {Neurobiology of learning and memory}, volume = {147}, number = {}, pages = {120-127}, doi = {10.1016/j.nlm.2017.12.001}, pmid = {29229413}, issn = {1095-9564}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild ; Association Learning/*physiology ; Cerebral Cortex/metabolism/*physiology ; Circadian Rhythm/*physiology ; Crows/metabolism/*physiology ; Doublecortin Domain Proteins ; Doublecortin Protein ; Hippocampus/physiology ; Microtubule-Associated Proteins/*metabolism ; Neurogenesis/*physiology ; Neuropeptides/*metabolism ; *Photoperiod ; Psychomotor Performance/*physiology ; Spatial Learning/*physiology ; Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase/*metabolism ; }, abstract = {Periodic day-night environment shapes the temporal pattern in the behaviour and physiology (e.g. 24-h activity-rest and sleep-wake cycles) and the advanced brain function, such as learning, memory and decision making. In a previous study, we showed the abolition of 24-h rhythm in the activity-rest pattern, and an attenuated cognitive performance in diurnal Indian house crows (Corvus splendens) under constant light (no-night; LL) environment. Present study extended this, and investigated LL-induced effects on the neurogenesis (birth, maturation and neurite complexity of new born neurons) in the hippocampus and caudal nidopallium, the brain regions directly associated with learning and cognition in birds. We performed immunohistochemistry of doublecortin (DCX; a neurogenesis marker) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH, a key enzyme of the dopamine biosynthesis) in the brain section containing hippocampus or caudal nidopallium of Indian house crows exposed for 2 weeks to LL, with controls maintained under 12L:12D. As expected, crows showed arrhythmicity with a significantly reduced rest period in the 24-h activity-rest pattern, and a decreased cognitive performance when tested for the spatial and pattern association learning tasks under LL. Importantly, there was a significant decrease in DCX-immunoreactive (ir) cells and, as shown by Sholl analysis, in the complexity of DCX-ir neurites in both, the hippocampus and caudal nidopallium of crows under LL, as compared to those under 12L:12D. The anatomical proximity of DCX-ir neurons with TH-ir fibers suggested a functional association of the new born hippocampal and caudal nidopallial neurons with the learning, and perhaps cognition in Indian house crows. These results give insights into possible impact of the loss of night on brain health and functions in an emerging ecosystem in which other diurnal species including humans may be inadvertently exposed to an illuminated night, such as in an overly lighted metropolitan urban habitat.}, }
@article {pmid29225028, year = {2017}, author = {Sugasawa, S and Klump, BC and St Clair, JJH and Rutz, C}, title = {Causes and Consequences of Tool Shape Variation in New Caledonian Crows.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {27}, number = {24}, pages = {3885-3890.e4}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2017.11.028}, pmid = {29225028}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Male ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Hominins have been making tools for over three million years [1], yet the earliest known hooked tools appeared as recently as 90,000 years ago [2]. Hook innovation is likely to have boosted our ancestors' hunting and fishing efficiency [3], marking a major transition in human technological evolution. The New Caledonian crow is the only non-human animal known to craft hooks in the wild [4, 5]. Crows manufacture hooked stick tools in a multi-stage process, involving the detachment of a branch from suitable vegetation; "sculpting" of a terminal hook from the nodal joint; and often additional adjustments, such as length trimming, shaft bending, and bark stripping [4, 6, 7]. Although tools made by a given population share key design features [4, 6, 8], they vary appreciably in overall shape and hook dimensions. Using wild-caught, temporarily captive crows, we experimentally investigated causes and consequences of variation in hook-tool morphology. We found that bird age, manufacture method, and raw-material properties influenced tool morphology, and that hook geometry in turn affected crows' foraging efficiency. Specifically, hook depth varied with both detachment technique and plant rigidity, and deeper hooks enabled faster prey extraction in the provided tasks. Older crows manufactured tools of distinctive shape, with pronounced shaft curvature and hooks of intermediate depth. Future work should explore the interactive effects of extrinsic and intrinsic factors on tool production and deployment. Our study provides a quantitative assessment of the drivers and functional significance of tool shape variation in a non-human animal, affording valuable comparative insights into early hominin tool crafting [9].}, }
@article {pmid29217466, year = {2018}, author = {Elderbrock, EK and Small, TW and Schoech, SJ}, title = {Influence of corticosterone treatment on nestling begging in Florida scrub-jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens).}, journal = {General and comparative endocrinology}, volume = {259}, number = {}, pages = {213-222}, doi = {10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.12.003}, pmid = {29217466}, issn = {1095-6840}, mesh = {Animals ; *Birds ; Corticosterone/pharmacology/*therapeutic use ; Female ; Nesting Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Altricial young are dependent on adults for protection and food, and they display nutritional need by begging to elicit feeding from parents. Begging at high levels can be energetically expensive and attract predators; thus, an individual must balance its nutritional needs with these potential costs. Further, because a parent is limited in the amount of food it can provide, begging can contribute to both parent-offspring conflict and sibling-sibling competition. Many extrinsic and intrinsic factors may contribute to begging behavior. One intrinsic factor of interest is corticosterone (CORT), a metabolic hormone hypothesized to play a role in regulating a nestling's begging behavior. We investigated the hypothesis that increased exposure to CORT influences nestling begging behavior in an altricial species, the Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens). We treated one nestling per treatment nest with a twice-daily dose of exogenous hormone via a CORT-injected waxworm, whereas a second individual received a vehicle-injected waxworm. We monitored individual nestling and adult behavior at all nests with the use of high-definition video cameras on several days during treatment. We found no difference in begging rate between CORT fed and vehicle fed nestlings within a treatment nest. Further, to determine whether CORT treatment had indirect effects on the entire brood, we monitored additional nests, in which nestlings were not manipulated. When treatment and controls were compared, overall begging rates of nestlings in treatment nests were greater than those in control nests. This result suggests that CORT treatment of an individual altered its behavior, as well as that of its siblings.}, }
@article {pmid29213080, year = {2017}, author = {Danel, S and Osiurak, F and von Bayern, AMP}, title = {From the Age of 5 Humans Decide Economically, Whereas Crows Exhibit Individual Preferences.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {7}, number = {1}, pages = {17043}, pmid = {29213080}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Adult ; Animals ; Child, Preschool ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Problem Solving ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Human societies greatly depend on tools, which spare us considerable time and effort. Humans might have evolved a bias to employ tools, using them even when they are unnecessary. This study aimed to investigate whether adult humans and a distantly related habitually tool-using vertebrate species, the New Caledonian crow (Corvus moneduloides), use tools depending on their necessity. In addition, children aged 3 to 5 years were examined to investigate the developmental pattern. The task involved choosing between using a body part (i.e. crows: beak; humans: hand) or a tool for retrieving a reward from a box. All subjects were tested in two conditions. In the Body+/Tool- condition, using the body was more efficient than using the tool, and conversely in the Body-/Tool+ condition. Our results suggest that the capacity to employ tools economically develops late in humans. Crows, however, failed to choose economically. At the individual level, some subjects exhibited striking individual preferences for either using a tool or their beak throughout the task. Whether such biases depend on individual experience or whether they are genetically determined remains to be investigated. Our findings provide new insights about tool use and its cognitive implementation in two outstanding tool-using taxa.}, }
@article {pmid29209190, year = {2017}, author = {Amin, HU and Mumtaz, W and Subhani, AR and Saad, MNM and Malik, AS}, title = {Classification of EEG Signals Based on Pattern Recognition Approach.}, journal = {Frontiers in computational neuroscience}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {103}, pmid = {29209190}, issn = {1662-5188}, abstract = {Feature extraction is an important step in the process of electroencephalogram (EEG) signal classification. The authors propose a "pattern recognition" approach that discriminates EEG signals recorded during different cognitive conditions. Wavelet based feature extraction such as, multi-resolution decompositions into detailed and approximate coefficients as well as relative wavelet energy were computed. Extracted relative wavelet energy features were normalized to zero mean and unit variance and then optimized using Fisher's discriminant ratio (FDR) and principal component analysis (PCA). A high density EEG dataset validated the proposed method (128-channels) by identifying two classifications: (1) EEG signals recorded during complex cognitive tasks using Raven's Advance Progressive Metric (RAPM) test; (2) EEG signals recorded during a baseline task (eyes open). Classifiers such as, K-nearest neighbors (KNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Multi-layer Perceptron (MLP), and Naïve Bayes (NB) were then employed. Outcomes yielded 99.11% accuracy via SVM classifier for coefficient approximations (A5) of low frequencies ranging from 0 to 3.90 Hz. Accuracy rates for detailed coefficients were 98.57 and 98.39% for SVM and KNN, respectively; and for detailed coefficients (D5) deriving from the sub-band range (3.90-7.81 Hz). Accuracy rates for MLP and NB classifiers were comparable at 97.11-89.63% and 91.60-81.07% for A5 and D5 coefficients, respectively. In addition, the proposed approach was also applied on public dataset for classification of two cognitive tasks and achieved comparable classification results, i.e., 93.33% accuracy with KNN. The proposed scheme yielded significantly higher classification performances using machine learning classifiers compared to extant quantitative feature extraction. These results suggest the proposed feature extraction method reliably classifies EEG signals recorded during cognitive tasks with a higher degree of accuracy.}, }
@article {pmid29187607, year = {2017}, author = {Found, R}, title = {Interactions between cleaner-birds and ungulates are personality dependent.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {13}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {29187607}, issn = {1744-957X}, mesh = {Aggression ; Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Deer/*psychology ; *Passeriformes ; Personality ; }, abstract = {While a growing body of literature explores the ecological implications of consistent individual variation in the behaviour of wildlife, few studies have looked at the reciprocal influences of personality within interspecific interactions, despite the potentially significant impacts on biodiversity. Here I used two species involved in cleaner-bird behaviour-black-billed magpies (Pica pica) and Rocky mountain elk (Cervus canadensis)-to show that the exhibition of mutualistic behaviour can depend on the personality of the individual involved. I recorded suites of correlated behaviours in both elk and magpies to derive personality gradients from 'shy' to 'bold', which I compared with observations of interspecific interactions. I measured each half of this mutualistic relationship separately. I found that bold elk were more likely to aggressively reject magpie landings, while shy elk allowed magpies to land and groom them. Contrastingly, I found it was bold magpies that were willing to risk landings, while shy magpies rarely attempted landings. These results show that the exhibition of interspecific behaviour is predicated on the personality of the individuals, and thus likely contributes to the selection and maintenance of personality variation within populations.}, }
@article {pmid29180719, year = {2018}, author = {Krzemińska, U and Morales, HE and Greening, C and Nyári, &#xc1;S and Wilson, R and Song, BK and Austin, CM and Sunnucks, P and Pavlova, A and Rahman, S}, title = {Population mitogenomics provides insights into evolutionary history, source of invasions and diversifying selection in the House Crow (Corvus splendens).}, journal = {Heredity}, volume = {120}, number = {4}, pages = {296-309}, pmid = {29180719}, issn = {1365-2540}, mesh = {Africa ; Animals ; Asia ; Bayes Theorem ; *Biological Evolution ; Codon ; Crows/*genetics ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Ecosystem ; Genetic Variation ; *Genetics, Population ; *Genome, Mitochondrial ; Phylogeny ; Phylogeography ; *Selection, Genetic ; }, abstract = {The House Crow (Corvus splendens) is a useful study system for investigating the genetic basis of adaptations underpinning successful range expansion. The species originates from the Indian subcontinent, but has successfully spread through a variety of thermal environments across Asia, Africa and Europe. Here, population mitogenomics was used to investigate the colonisation history and to test for signals of molecular selection on the mitochondrial genome. We sequenced the mitogenomes of 89 House Crows spanning four native and five invasive populations. A Bayesian dated phylogeny, based on the 13 mitochondrial protein-coding genes, supports a mid-Pleistocene (~630,000 years ago) divergence between the most distant genetic lineages. Phylogeographic patterns suggest that northern South Asia is the likely centre of origin for the species. Codon-based analyses of selection and assessments of changes in amino acid properties provide evidence of positive selection on the ND2 and ND5 genes against a background of purifying selection across the mitogenome. Protein homology modelling suggests that four amino acid substitutions inferred to be under positive selection may modulate coupling efficiency and proton translocation mediated by OXPHOS complex I. The identified substitutions are found within native House Crow lineages and ecological niche modelling predicts suitable climatic areas for the establishment of crow populations within the invasive range. Mitogenomic patterns in the invasive range of the species are more strongly associated with introduction history than climate. We speculate that invasions of the House Crow have been facilitated by standing genetic variation that accumulated due to diversifying selection within the native range.}, }
@article {pmid29176725, year = {2017}, author = {Chen, Z and De Beuckelaer, A and Wang, X and Liu, J}, title = {Distinct neural substrates of visuospatial and verbal-analytic reasoning as assessed by Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {7}, number = {1}, pages = {16230}, pmid = {29176725}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Brain/diagnostic imaging/*physiology ; *Brain Mapping ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Language ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Recent studies revealed spontaneous neural activity to be associated with fluid intelligence (gF) which is commonly assessed by Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices, and embeds two types of reasoning: visuospatial and verbal-analytic reasoning. With resting-state fMRI data, using global brain connectivity (GBC) analysis which averages functional connectivity of a voxel in relation to all other voxels in the brain, distinct neural correlates of these two reasoning types were found. For visuospatial reasoning, negative correlations were observed in both the primary visual cortex (PVC) and the precuneus, and positive correlations were observed in the temporal lobe. For verbal-analytic reasoning, negative correlations were observed in the right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG), dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and temporoparietal junction, and positive correlations were observed in the angular gyrus. Furthermore, an interaction between GBC value and type of reasoning was found in the PVC, rIFG and the temporal lobe. These findings suggest that visuospatial reasoning benefits more from elaborate perception to stimulus features, whereas verbal-analytic reasoning benefits more from feature integration and hypothesis testing. In sum, the present study offers, for different types of reasoning in gF, first empirical evidence of separate neural substrates in the resting brain.}, }
@article {pmid29175405, year = {2018}, author = {Yang, F and Xie, S and Liu, J and Wei, C and Zhang, H and Chen, T and Zhang, J}, title = {Arsenic concentrations and speciation in wild birds from an abandoned realgar mine in China.}, journal = {Chemosphere}, volume = {193}, number = {}, pages = {777-784}, doi = {10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.11.098}, pmid = {29175405}, issn = {1879-1298}, mesh = {Animals ; Arsenates ; Arsenic/*analysis/chemistry ; Arsenicals/*analysis ; Arsenites ; *Birds ; Cacodylic Acid/analysis ; China ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods ; Feathers/chemistry ; Mass Spectrometry/methods ; *Mining ; Muscle, Skeletal/chemistry ; Passeriformes ; Sulfides ; }, abstract = {Birds are at a higher level in the food chain; however, the potential bioaccumulation and biotransformation of arsenic (As) in birds in As mines has rarely been studied. In this study, four passerine bird species (tree sparrow [Passer montanus], light-vented bulbul [Pycnonotus sinensis], Garrulax canorus [Leucodioptron canorus], and magpie [Pica pica]) were collected from an abandoned As mine in China. The highest recorded As concentrations were 4.95 mg/kg and 51.65 mg/kg in muscles and feathers, respectively. Detection using high-performance liquid chromatography inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS) revealed six As species, including arsenite (As(III)), arsenate (As(V)), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), arsenobetaine (AsB) and arsenocholine (AsC), with the former three species as the dominant (>92%) and the latter three as the minor As species (<6.17%). Further analysis of the selected bird samples using the X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) technique revealed the existence of As(III)-tris-glutathione (As(III)-GSH), which can be regarded as equivalent to the non-extractable and unidentified As form in the HPLC-ICP-MS data. Both methods revealed similar patterns of As species in the birds from the As mine, with muscles containing mainly inorganic As and DMA and feathers containing mainly inorganic As. The results of this study contribute to the knowledge regarding As accumulation and speciation in terrestrial organisms.}, }
@article {pmid29163144, year = {2017}, author = {Trammell, JP and MacRae, PG and Davis, G and Bergstedt, D and Anderson, AE}, title = {The Relationship of Cognitive Performance and the Theta-Alpha Power Ratio Is Age-Dependent: An EEG Study of Short Term Memory and Reasoning during Task and Resting-State in Healthy Young and Old Adults.}, journal = {Frontiers in aging neuroscience}, volume = {9}, number = {}, pages = {364}, pmid = {29163144}, issn = {1663-4365}, support = {K25 AG051782/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; R03 MH106922/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Objective: The Theta-Alpha ratio (TAR) is known to differ based upon age and cognitive ability, with pathological electroencephalography (EEG) patterns routinely found within neurodegenerative disorders of older adults. We hypothesized that cognitive ability would predict EEG metrics differently within healthy young and old adults, and that healthy old adults not showing age-expected EEG activity may be more likely to demonstrate cognitive deficits relative to old adults showing these expected changes. Methods: In 216 EEG blocks collected in 16 young and 20 old adults during rest (eyes open, eyes closed) and cognitive tasks (short-term memory [STM]; matrix reasoning [RM; Raven's matrices]), models assessed the contributing roles of cognitive ability, age, and task in predicting the TAR. A general linear mixed-effects regression model was used to model this relationship, including interaction effects to test whether increased cognitive ability predicted TAR differently for young and old adults at rest and during cognitive tasks. Results: The relationship between cognitive ability and the TAR across all blocks showed age-dependency, and cognitive performance at the CZ midline location predicted the TAR measure when accounting for the effect of age (p < 0.05, chi-square test of nested models). Age significantly interacted with STM performance in predicting the TAR (p < 0.05); increases in STM were associated with increased TAR in young adults, but not in old adults. RM showed similar interaction effects with aging and TAR (p < 0.10). Conclusion: EEG correlates of cognitive ability are age-dependent. Adults who did not show age-related EEG changes were more likely to exhibit cognitive deficits than those who showed age-related changes. This suggests that healthy aging should produce moderate changes in Alpha and TAR measures, and the absence of such changes signals impaired cognitive functioning.}, }
@article {pmid29128976, year = {2018}, author = {Hartmann, K and Veit, L and Nieder, A}, title = {Neurons in the crow nidopallium caudolaterale encode varying durations of visual working memory periods.}, journal = {Experimental brain research}, volume = {236}, number = {1}, pages = {215-226}, pmid = {29128976}, issn = {1432-1106}, support = {NI 618/6-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/International ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Crows ; Female ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term/*physiology ; Neurons/*physiology ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; Psychomotor Performance/*physiology ; Telencephalon/*physiology ; Time Perception/*physiology ; Visual Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Adaptive sequential behaviors rely on the bridging and integration of temporally separate information for the realization of prospective goals. Corvids' remarkable behavioral flexibility is thought to depend on the workings of the nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL), a high-level avian associative forebrain area. We trained carrion crows to remember visual items for three alternating delay durations in a delayed match-to-sample task and recorded single-unit activity from the NCL. Sample-selective delay activity, a correlate of visual working memory, was maintained throughout different working memory durations. Delay responses remained selective for the same preferred sample item across blocks with different delay durations. However, selectivity strength decreased with increasing delay durations, mirroring worsened behavioral performance with longer memory delays. Behavioral relevance of delay activity was further evidenced by reduced encoding of the preferred sample item during error trials. In addition, NCL neurons adapted their time-dependent discharges to blocks of different memory durations, so that delay duration could be successfully classified based on population activity a few trials after the delay duration switched. Therefore, NCL neurons not only maintain information from individual trials, but also keep track of the duration for which this information is needed in the context of the task. These results strengthen the role of corvid NCL in maintaining working memory for flexible control of temporally extended goal-directed behavior.}, }
@article {pmid29094992, year = {2018}, author = {Mulligan, NW and Rawson, KA and Peterson, DJ and Wissman, KT}, title = {The replicability of the negative testing effect: Differences across participant populations.}, journal = {Journal of experimental psychology. Learning, memory, and cognition}, volume = {44}, number = {5}, pages = {752-763}, doi = {10.1037/xlm0000490}, pmid = {29094992}, issn = {1939-1285}, mesh = {Adult ; Association Learning/*physiology ; *Cues ; Humans ; Mental Recall/*physiology ; Pattern Recognition, Visual/*physiology ; *Practice, Psychological ; Psychology, Experimental/*methods ; *Reading ; *Research Design ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Although memory retrieval often enhances subsequent memory, Peterson and Mulligan (2013) reported conditions under which retrieval produces poorer subsequent recall-the negative testing effect. The item-specific-relational account proposes that the effect occurs when retrieval disrupts interitem organizational processing relative to the restudy condition. Rawson et al. (2015), in contrast, failed to replicate the negative testing effect despite repeated high-powered attempts. This article examines the discrepant results, ruling out differences in procedures, and concludes that differences in participant population produced the varying outcome. Specifically, participants from the University of North Carolina (UNC) and Kent State University (KSU) completed the same version of the negative-testing paradigm and were assessed on several measures of cognitive ability (working memory capacity, Raven's progressive matrices, and SAT or ACT score). For the UNC sample, free recall scores and the amount of category clustering (a measure of organizational processing) was greater in the restudy than retrieval condition (i.e., the negative testing effect was found); for the KSU sample, there was no difference on either measure. Furthermore, in the restudy condition, recall and clustering was greater for UNC than KSU students whereas in the retrieval condition, there was no effect of site on either measure. As expected, measures of cognitive ability were greater for the UNC than KSU sample. The results indicate that the negative testing effect is replicable but is subject to limitation related to the participant population. An analysis in terms of the relationship between cognitive ability and memory predicted this pattern of results. (PsycINFO Database Record}, }
@article {pmid29081434, year = {2017}, author = {Herzberg, D}, title = {Entitled to Addiction?: Pharmaceuticals, Race, and America's First Drug War.}, journal = {Bulletin of the history of medicine}, volume = {91}, number = {3}, pages = {586-623}, pmid = {29081434}, issn = {1086-3176}, support = {G13 LM012050/LM/NLM NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Drug and Narcotic Control/*history/legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; History, 20th Century ; Humans ; Racism/*history ; Substance-Related Disorders/*history/psychology ; United States ; United States Food and Drug Administration/*history/organization &amp; administration ; }, abstract = {This article rethinks the formative decades of American drug wars through a social history of addiction to pharmaceutical narcotics, sedatives, and stimulants in the first half of the twentieth century. It argues, first, that addiction to pharmaceutical drugs is no recent aberration; it has historically been more extensive than "street" or illicit drug use. Second, it argues that access to psychoactive pharmaceuticals was a problematic social entitlement constructed as distinctively medical amid the racialized reforms of the Progressive Era. The resulting drug control regime provided inadequate consumer protection for some (through the FDA), and overly punitive policing for others (through the FBN). Instead of seeing these as two separate stories-one a liberal triumph and the other a repressive scourge-both should be understood as part of the broader establishment of a consumer market for drugs segregated by class and race like other consumer markets developed in the era of Progressivism and Jim Crow.}, }
@article {pmid29078034, year = {2018}, author = {Hill, SD and Aryal, A and Pawley, MDM and Ji, W}, title = {So much for the city: Urban-rural song variation in a widespread Asiatic songbird.}, journal = {Integrative zoology}, volume = {13}, number = {2}, pages = {194-205}, doi = {10.1111/1749-4877.12284}, pmid = {29078034}, issn = {1749-4877}, mesh = {*Animal Distribution ; Animals ; Asia ; Cities ; Male ; Noise ; Songbirds/*physiology ; Vocalization, Animal/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Song plays a fundamental role in intraspecific communication in songbirds. The temporal and structural components of songs can vary in different habitats. These include urban habitats where anthropogenic sounds and alteration of habitat structure can significantly affect songbird vocal behavior. Urban-rural variations in song complexity, song length and syllable rate are not fully understood. In this study, using the oriental magpie-robin (Copsychus saularis) as a model, we investigated urban-rural variation in song complexity, song length, syllable rate, syllable length and inter-syllable interval. Comparing urban and rural songs from 7 countries across its natural Asiatic range (Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand), we found no significant differences in oriental magpie-robin song complexity. However, we found significant differences in temporal song variables between urban and rural sites. Longer songs and inter-syllable intervals in addition to slower syllable rates within urban sites contributed the most to this variance. This indicates that the urban environment may have driven production of longer and slower songs to maximize efficient transmission of important song information in urban habitats.}, }
@article {pmid29074881, year = {2017}, author = {Scasta, JD and Stam, B and Windh, JL}, title = {Rancher-reported efficacy of lethal and non-lethal livestock predation mitigation strategies for a suite of carnivores.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {7}, number = {1}, pages = {14105}, pmid = {29074881}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; *Carnivora ; Conservation of Natural Resources/*methods ; *Livestock ; *Predatory Behavior ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {Pastoralists have dealt with livestock losses from predators for millennia, yet effective mitigation strategies that balance wildlife conservation and sustainable agriculture are still needed today. In Wyoming, USA, 274 ranchers responded to a retrospective survey, and rated the efficacy of predation mitigation strategies for foxes, dogs, coyotes, wolves, bobcats, mountain lions, bears, and birds (buzzards, eagles, hawks, ravens). Rancher reported efficacy of mitigation varied by predator species, mitigation strategy, and lethality of strategies, but not livestock type. Ranchers perceive they were most effective at mitigating predation by foxes and coyotes, moderately effective at mitigating large carnivores, and the least effective at mitigating birds. Ranchers also reported that avian predators seem to be the most challenging predator type. The general perception was lethal mitigation strategies were more effective than non-lethal strategies, with guard animals showing the most potential among the non-lethal options. In general, ranchers did not perceive non-lethal strategies as a proxy for lethal strategies. However, a few ranchers reported being successful with non-lethal options such as herding, fencing, and stalling at night but more details about such successful applications are needed. Innovation in current or novel non-lethal mitigation strategies, and examples of efficacy, are needed to justify producer adoption.}, }
@article {pmid29065635, year = {2017}, author = {Li, X and Alemzadeh, H and Chen, D and Kalbarczyk, Z and Iyer, RK and Kesavadas, T}, title = {Surgeon Training in Telerobotic Surgery via a Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulator.}, journal = {Journal of healthcare engineering}, volume = {2017}, number = {}, pages = {6702919}, pmid = {29065635}, issn = {2040-2295}, mesh = {Algorithms ; Clinical Competence ; Computers ; Equipment Design ; Feedback ; Humans ; Robotic Surgical Procedures/*education/instrumentation ; *Simulation Training ; Software ; Surgeons/*education ; *Telemedicine ; *User-Computer Interface ; Virtual Reality ; }, abstract = {This work presents a software and hardware framework for a telerobotic surgery safety and motor skill training simulator. The aims are at providing trainees a comprehensive simulator for acquiring essential skills to perform telerobotic surgery. Existing commercial robotic surgery simulators lack features for safety training and optimal motion planning, which are critical factors in ensuring patient safety and efficiency in operation. In this work, we propose a hardware-in-the-loop simulator directly introducing these two features. The proposed simulator is built upon the Raven-II™ open source surgical robot, integrated with a physics engine and a safety hazard injection engine. Also, a Fast Marching Tree-based motion planning algorithm is used to help trainee learn the optimal instrument motion patterns. The main contributions of this work are (1) reproducing safety hazards events, related to da Vinci™ system, reported to the FDA MAUDE database, with a novel haptic feedback strategy to provide feedback to the operator when the underlying dynamics differ from the real robot's states so that the operator will be aware and can mitigate the negative impact of the safety-critical events, and (2) using motion planner to generate semioptimal path in an interactive robotic surgery training environment.}, }
@article {pmid29064988, year = {2017}, author = {Rossi, AM and Eviatar, J and Green, JB and Anolik, R and Eidelman, M and Keaney, TC and Narurkar, V and Jones, D and Kolodziejczyk, J and Drinkwater, A and Gallagher, CJ}, title = {Signs of Facial Aging in Men in a Diverse, Multinational Study: Timing and Preventive Behaviors.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {43 Suppl 2}, number = {}, pages = {S210-S220}, doi = {10.1097/DSS.0000000000001293}, pmid = {29064988}, issn = {1524-4725}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; *Esthetics ; *Face ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Photography ; Racial Groups ; *Skin Aging ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Men are a growing patient population in aesthetic medicine and are increasingly seeking minimally invasive cosmetic procedures.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: To examine differences in the timing of facial aging and in the prevalence of preventive facial aging behaviors in men by race/ethnicity.<br><br>METHODS: Men aged 18 to 75 years in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia rated their features using photonumeric rating scales for 10 facial aging characteristics. Impact of race/ethnicity (Caucasian, black, Asian, Hispanic) on severity of each feature was assessed. Subjects also reported the frequency of dermatologic facial product use.<br><br>RESULTS: The study included 819 men. Glabellar lines, crow's feet lines, and nasolabial folds showed the greatest change with age. Caucasian men reported more severe signs of aging and earlier onset, by 10 to 20 years, compared with Asian, Hispanic, and, particularly, black men. In all racial/ethnic groups, most men did not regularly engage in basic, antiaging preventive behaviors, such as use of sunscreen.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Findings from this study conducted in a globally diverse sample may guide clinical discussions with men about the prevention and treatment of signs of facial aging, to help men of all races/ethnicities achieve their desired aesthetic outcomes.}, }
@article {pmid29062203, year = {2017}, author = {Fadel, HM and Afifi, R and Al-Qabili, DM}, title = {Characterization and zoonotic impact of Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli in some wild bird species.}, journal = {Veterinary world}, volume = {10}, number = {9}, pages = {1118-1128}, pmid = {29062203}, issn = {0972-8988}, abstract = {AIM: Wild birds are considered silent vectors of some zoonotic water and food borne pathogens of public health significance. Owing to the importance of Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) as the most pathogenic among the emerging diarrheagenic E. coli groups that can infect man; the present study was designed to detect the occurrence of STEC among wild birds in Egypt.<br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 177 intestinal content swab samples originating from five wild bird species were investigated for the presence of E. coli and STEC by standard culture methods. Suspect STEC isolates were further characterized by serotyping, random amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction (RAPD PCR), antimicrobial resistance pattern and PCR detection of stx1, stx2, and eae genes.<br><br>RESULTS: A total of 30 suspect STEC isolates from 30 positive birds' samples were detected and identified on STEC CHROMagar (semi-captive pigeons, 15; house crows, 8; cattle egrets, 3; moorhens, 2; and house teals, 2). 25 isolates were grouped into 13 serogroups (O:20, O:25, O:26, O:27, O:63, O:78, O:111, O:114, O:125, O:128, O:142, O:153, and O:158), while five were rough strains. The distribution of STEC virulence genes among wild birds was as follows: 16 birds carried stx1 gene only (nine pigeons [28.1%], six crows [7.1%], and one cattle egret [5.6%]). Stx1 and stx2 genes together were detected in four birds (one cattle egret [5.6%], two moorhens [6.1%], and one house teal, [10%]). Only one pigeon (3.1%) possessed the three alleles. Disk diffusion test results showed that cefixime was the most effective against STEC serotypes with (93.3%) sensitivity, followed by gentamycin (56.7%), and amoxicillin (50%). On the other hand, all the recovered STEC isolates were resistant to cefotaxime, doxycycline, cephalothin, and sulfisoxazole. RAPD fingerprinting using primers OPA-2 and OPA-9 showed that STEC isolates were heterogeneous; they yielded 30 and 27 different clusters, respectively.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Wild birds carry STEC and may add to the contamination of the surrounding environment.}, }
@article {pmid29036268, year = {2018}, author = {Krieger, N and Jahn, JL and Waterman, PD and Chen, JT}, title = {Breast Cancer Estrogen Receptor Status According to Biological Generation: US Black and White Women Born 1915-1979.}, journal = {American journal of epidemiology}, volume = {187}, number = {5}, pages = {960-970}, doi = {10.1093/aje/kwx312}, pmid = {29036268}, issn = {1476-6256}, mesh = {Adult ; Black or African American/history/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Asian/history/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Breast Neoplasms/*epidemiology/*ethnology/metabolism ; China/ethnology ; Female ; History, 20th Century ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Racism/history/legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; Receptors, Estrogen/*analysis ; SEER Program ; United States/epidemiology ; White People/history/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; }, abstract = {Evidence suggests that contemporary population distributions of estrogen-receptor (ER) status among breast cancer patients may be shaped by earlier major societal events, such as the 1965 abolition of legal racial discrimination in the United States (state and local "Jim Crow" laws) and the Great Famine in China (1959-1961). We analyzed changes in ER status in relation to Jim Crow birthplace among the 46,417 black and 339,830 white US-born, non-Hispanic women in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 13 Registry Group who were born between 1915 and 1979 and diagnosed (ages 25-84 years, inclusive) during 1992-2012. We grouped the cases according to birth cohort and quantified the rate of change using the haldane (which scales change in relation to biological generation). The percentage of ER-positive cases rose according to birth cohort (1915-1919 to 1975-1979) only among women diagnosed before age 55. Changes according to biological generation were greater among black women than among white women, and among black women, they were greatest among those born in Jim Crow (versus non-Jim Crow) states, with this group being the only group to exhibit high haldane values (>|0.3|, indicating high rate of change). Our study's analytical approach and findings underscore the need to consider history and societal context when analyzing ER status among breast cancer patients and racial/ethnic inequities in its distribution.}, }
@article {pmid29020746, year = {2017}, author = {Kole, K and Lindeboom, RGH and Baltissen, MPA and Jansen, PWTC and Vermeulen, M and Tiesinga, P and Celikel, T}, title = {Proteomic landscape of the primary somatosensory cortex upon sensory deprivation.}, journal = {GigaScience}, volume = {6}, number = {10}, pages = {1-10}, pmid = {29020746}, issn = {2047-217X}, mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; *Proteomics ; Sensory Deprivation/*physiology ; Somatosensory Cortex/*metabolism ; }, abstract = {Experience-dependent plasticity (EDP) powerfully shapes neural circuits by inducing long-lasting molecular changes in the brain. Molecular mechanisms of EDP have been traditionally studied by identifying single or small subsets of targets along the biochemical pathways that link synaptic receptors to nuclear processes. Recent technological advances in large-scale analysis of gene transcription and translation now allow systematic observation of thousands of molecules simultaneously. Here we employed label-free quantitative mass spectrometry to address experience-dependent changes in the proteome after sensory deprivation of the primary somatosensory cortex. Cortical column- and layer-specific tissue samples were collected from control animals, with all whiskers intact, and animals whose C-row whiskers were bilaterally plucked for 11-14 days. Thirty-three samples from cortical layers (L) 2/3 and L4 spanning across control, deprived, and first- and second-order spared columns yielded at least 10 000 peptides mapping to ∼5000 protein groups. Of these, 4676 were identified with high confidence, and >3000 were found in all samples. This comprehensive database provides a snapshot of the proteome after whisker deprivation, a protocol that has been widely used to unravel the synaptic, cellular, and network mechanisms of EDP. Complementing the recently made available transcriptome for identical experimental conditions (see the accompanying article by Kole et al.), the database can be used to (i) mine novel targets whose translation is modulated by sensory organ use, (ii) cross-validate experimental protocols from the same developmental time point, and (iii) statistically map the molecular pathways of cortical plasticity at a columnar and laminar resolution.}, }
@article {pmid29020745, year = {2017}, author = {Kole, K and Komuro, Y and Provaznik, J and Pistolic, J and Benes, V and Tiesinga, P and Celikel, T}, title = {Transcriptional mapping of the primary somatosensory cortex upon sensory deprivation.}, journal = {GigaScience}, volume = {6}, number = {10}, pages = {1-6}, pmid = {29020745}, issn = {2047-217X}, mesh = {Animals ; Female ; *Gene Expression ; Mice ; Sensory Deprivation/*physiology ; Sequence Analysis, RNA ; Somatosensory Cortex/*physiology ; Vibrissae/physiology ; }, abstract = {Experience-dependent plasticity (EDP) is essential for anatomical and functional maturation of sensory circuits during development. Although the principal synaptic and circuit mechanisms of EDP are increasingly well studied experimentally and computationally, its molecular mechanisms remain largely elusive. EDP can be readily studied in the rodent barrel cortex, where each "barrel column" preferentially represents deflections of its own principal whisker. Depriving select whiskers while sparing their neighbours introduces competition between barrel columns, ultimately leading to weakening of intracortical, translaminar (i.e., cortical layer (L)4-to-L2/3) feed-forward excitatory projections in the deprived columns. The same synapses are potentiated in the neighbouring spared columns. These experience-dependent alterations of synaptic strength are thought to underlie somatosensory map plasticity. We used RNA sequencing in this model system to uncover cortical-column and -layer specific changes on the transcriptome level that are induced by altered sensory experience. Column- and layer-specific barrel cortical tissues were collected from juvenile mice with all whiskers intact and mice that received 11-12 days of long whisker (C-row) deprivation before high-quality RNA was purified and sequenced. The current dataset entails an average of 50 million paired-end reads per sample, 75 base pairs in length. On average, 90.15% of reads could be uniquely mapped to the mm10 reference mouse genome. The current data reveal the transcriptional changes in gene expression in the barrel cortex upon altered sensory experience in juvenile mice and will help to molecularly map the mechanisms of cortical plasticity.}, }
@article {pmid28989768, year = {2017}, author = {Lambert, ML and Schiestl, M and Schwing, R and Taylor, AH and Gajdon, GK and Slocombe, KE and Seed, AM}, title = {Function and flexibility of object exploration in kea and New Caledonian crows.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {4}, number = {9}, pages = {170652}, pmid = {28989768}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {A range of non-human animals frequently manipulate and explore objects in their environment, which may enable them to learn about physical properties and potentially form more abstract concepts of properties such as weight and rigidity. Whether animals can apply the information learned during their exploration to solve novel problems, however, and whether they actually change their exploratory behaviour to seek functional information about objects have not been fully explored. We allowed kea (Nestor notabilis) and New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides) to explore sets of novel objects both before and after encountering a task in which some of the objects could function as tools. Following this, subjects were given test trials in which they could choose among the objects they had explored to solve a tool-use task. Several individuals from both species performed above chance on these test trials, and only did so after exploring the objects, compared with a control experiment with no prior exploration phase. These results suggest that selection of functional tools may be guided by information acquired during exploration. Neither kea nor crows changed the duration or quality of their exploration after learning that the objects had a functional relevance, suggesting that birds do not adjust their behaviour to explicitly seek this information.}, }
@article {pmid28978738, year = {2017}, author = {Ręk, P and Magrath, RD}, title = {Deceptive vocal duets and multimodal display in a songbird.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {284}, number = {1864}, pages = {}, pmid = {28978738}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; Australian Capital Territory ; Female ; Male ; Songbirds/*physiology ; *Territoriality ; *Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {Many group-living animals cooperatively signal to defend resources, but what stops deceptive signalling to competitors about coalition strength? Cooperative-signalling species include mated pairs of birds that sing duets to defend their territory. Individuals of these species sometimes sing 'pseudo-duets' by mimicking their partner's contribution, but it is unknown if these songs are deceptive, or why duets are normally reliable. We studied pseudo-duets in Australian magpie-larks, Grallina cyanoleuca, and tested whether multimodal signalling constrains deception. Magpie-larks give antiphonal duets coordinated with a visual display, with each sex typically choosing a different song type within the duet. Individuals produced pseudo-duets almost exclusively during nesting when partners were apart, but the two song types were used in sequence rather than antiphonally. Strikingly, birds hid and gave no visual displays, implying deceptive suppression of information. Acoustic playbacks showed that pseudo-duets provoked the same response from residents as true duets, regardless of whether they were sequential or antiphonal, and stronger response than that to true duets consisting of a single song type. By contrast, experiments with robot models showed that songs accompanied by movements of two birds prompted stronger responses than songs accompanied by movements of one bird, irrespective of the number of song types or singers. We conclude that magpie-larks used deceptive pseudo-duets when partners were apart, and suppressed the visual display to maintain the subterfuge. We suggest that the visual component of many species' duets provides the most reliable information about the number of signallers and may have evolved to maintain honesty in duet communication.}, }
@article {pmid28968822, year = {2017}, author = {McPhatter, LP and Su, T and Williams, G and Cheng, ML and Dhillon, M and Gerry, AC}, title = {Host-Feeding Patterns of Culex stigmatosoma (Diptera: Culicidae) in Southern California.}, journal = {Journal of medical entomology}, volume = {54}, number = {6}, pages = {1750-1757}, doi = {10.1093/jme/tjx154}, pmid = {28968822}, issn = {1938-2928}, mesh = {Animals ; *Birds ; California ; Cattle ; Cities ; *Culex ; Dogs ; Ecosystem ; Feeding Behavior ; Humans ; }, abstract = {Knowledge of the blood-feeding patterns exhibited by arthropod vectors is essential for understanding the complex dynamics of vector-borne disease transmission. Some species of mosquitoes belonging to the genus Culex have been implicated as having major roles in the transmission of arboviruses such as West Nile virus, Saint Louis encephalitis virus, and Western equine encephalitis virus. Although the host-feeding patterns for many of these Culex species are well studied, the host-feeding patterns of Culex stigmatosoma Dyar are relatively poorly studied, even though this species is suspected to be an important maintenance vector for West Nile virus and other arboviruses. In the current study, bloodmeals from 976 blood-engorged Cx. stigmatosoma, collected from 30 sites in southern California from 2009-2012, were processed for vertebrate host identification by nucleotide sequencing following polymerase chain reaction to amplify portions of the cytochrome oxidase I and cytochrome b genes of vertebrate animals. Vertebrate DNA was amplified, sequenced, and identified from a total of 647 Cx. stigmatosoma bloodmeals, revealing that 98.6% of bloodmeals were from birds, 1.2% from three mammal species, and a single bloodmeal was from a reptile species. In total, 40 different host species were identified. The greatest number of bloodmeals identified was from domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus L.) (38% of bloodmeals), house sparrow (Passer domesticus L.) (23%), house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus Müller) (17%), American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos L.) (4%), and mourning dove (Zenaida macroura L.) (3%). However, chicken bloodmeals were identified almost entirely from a single site where mosquito collection devices were placed in the near vicinity of confined domestic chickens. The strongly ornithophilic feeding behavior shown in this study for Cx. stigmatosoma supports the hypothesis that this mosquito species may be an important maintenance (or endemic) vector for arboviruses that circulate among susceptible birds.}, }
@article {pmid28963599, year = {2017}, author = {Stanton, L and Davis, E and Johnson, S and Gilbert, A and Benson-Amram, S}, title = {Adaptation of the Aesop's Fable paradigm for use with raccoons (Procyon lotor): considerations for future application in non-avian and non-primate species.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {20}, number = {6}, pages = {1147-1152}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-017-1129-z}, pmid = {28963599}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; *Cognition ; Female ; Male ; *Problem Solving ; Raccoons/*psychology ; Reward ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {To gain a better understanding of the evolution of animal cognition, it is necessary to test and compare the cognitive abilities of a broad array of taxa. Meaningful inter-species comparisons are best achieved by employing universal paradigms that standardize testing among species. Many cognitive paradigms, however, have been tested in only a few taxa, mostly birds and primates. One such example, known as the Aesop's Fable paradigm, is designed to assess causal understanding in animals using water displacement. To evaluate the universal effectiveness of the Aesop's Fable paradigm, we applied this paradigm to a previously untested taxon, the raccoon (Procyon lotor). We first trained captive raccoons to drop stones into a tube of water to retrieve a floating food reward. Next, we presented successful raccoons with objects that differed in the amount of water they displaced to determine whether raccoons could select the most functional option. Raccoons performed differently than corvids and human children did in previous studies of Aesop's Fable, and we found raccoons to be innovative in many aspects of this task. We suggest that raccoon performance in this paradigm reflected differences in tangential factors, such as behavior, morphology, and testing procedures, rather than cognitive deficiencies. We also present insight into previously undocumented challenges that should better inform future Aesop's Fable studies incorporating more diverse taxa.}, }
@article {pmid28953940, year = {2017}, author = {Lee, SI and Lee, H and Jablonski, PG and Choe, JC and Husby, M}, title = {Microbial abundance on the eggs of a passerine bird and related fitness consequences between urban and rural habitats.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {12}, number = {9}, pages = {e0185411}, pmid = {28953940}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Climate ; Colony Count, Microbial ; *Ecosystem ; Eggs/*microbiology ; Passeriformes/*microbiology/physiology ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; }, abstract = {Urban environments present novel and challenging habitats to wildlife. In addition to well-known difference in abiotic factors between rural and urban environments, the biotic environment, including microbial fauna, may also differ significantly. In this study, we aimed to compare the change in microbial abundance on eggshells during incubation between urban and rural populations of a passerine bird, the Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica), and examine the consequences of any differences in microbial abundances in terms of hatching success and nestling survival. Using real-time PCR, we quantified the abundances of total bacteria, Escherichia coli/Shigella spp., surfactin-producing Bacillus spp. and Candida albicans on the eggshells of magpies. We found that urban magpie eggs harboured greater abundances of E. coli/Shigella spp. and C. albicans before incubation than rural magpie eggs. During incubation, there was an increase in the total bacterial load, but a decrease in C. albicans on urban eggs relative to rural eggs. Rural eggs showed a greater increase in E. coli/Shigella spp. relative to their urban counterpart. Hatching success of the brood was generally lower in urban than rural population. Nestling survival was differentially related with the eggshell microbial abundance between urban and rural populations, which was speculated to be the result of the difference in the strength of the interaction among the microbes. This is the first demonstration that avian clutches in urban and rural populations differ in eggshell microbial abundance, which can be further related to the difference in hatching success and nestling survival in these two types of environments. We suggest that future studies on the eggshell microbes should investigate the interaction among the microbes, because the incubation and/or environmental factors such as urbanization or climate condition can influence the dynamic interactions among the microbes on the eggshells which can further determine the breeding success of the parents.}, }
@article {pmid28929247, year = {2017}, author = {Kabadayi, C and Krasheninnikova, A and O'Neill, L and van de Weijer, J and Osvath, M and von Bayern, AMP}, title = {Are parrots poor at motor self-regulation or is the cylinder task poor at measuring it?.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {20}, number = {6}, pages = {1137-1146}, pmid = {28929247}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Female ; *Inhibition, Psychological ; Male ; Parrots/*physiology ; Psychomotor Performance ; Research Design ; *Self-Control ; }, abstract = {The ability to inhibit unproductive motor responses triggered by salient stimuli is a fundamental inhibitory skill. Such motor self-regulation is thought to underlie more complex cognitive mechanisms, like self-control. Recently, a large-scale study, comparing 36 species, found that absolute brain size best predicted competence in motor inhibition, with great apes as the best performers. This was challenged when three Corvus species (corvids) were found to parallel great apes despite having much smaller absolute brain sizes. However, new analyses suggest that it is the number of pallial neurons, and not absolute brain size per se, that correlates with levels of motor inhibition. Both studies used the cylinder task, a detour-reaching test where food is presented behind a transparent barrier. We tested four species from the order Psittaciformes (parrots) on this task. Like corvids, many parrots have relatively large brains, high numbers of pallial neurons, and solve challenging cognitive tasks. Nonetheless, parrots performed markedly worse than the Corvus species in the cylinder task and exhibited strong learning effects in performance and response times. Our results suggest either that parrots are poor at controlling their motor impulses, and hence that pallial neuronal numbers do not always correlate with such skills, or that the widely used cylinder task may not be a good measure of motor inhibition.}, }
@article {pmid28922382, year = {2017}, author = {Canestrari, D and Bolopo, D and Turlings, TCJ and Röder, G and Marcos, JM and Baglione, V}, title = {Formal comment to Soler et al.: Great spotted cuckoo nestlings have no antipredatory effect on magpie or carrion crow host nests in southern Spain.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {12}, number = {9}, pages = {e0184446}, pmid = {28922382}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Birds ; Crows ; Nesting Behavior ; *Passeriformes ; Spain ; }, }
@article {pmid28918225, year = {2017}, author = {Ren, X and Schweizer, K and Wang, T and Chu, P and Gong, Q}, title = {On the relationship between executive functions of working memory and components derived from fluid intelligence measures.}, journal = {Acta psychologica}, volume = {180}, number = {}, pages = {79-87}, doi = {10.1016/j.actpsy.2017.09.002}, pmid = {28918225}, issn = {1873-6297}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Executive Function/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Inhibition, Psychological ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term/*physiology ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {The aim of the current study is to provide new insights into the relationship between executive functions and intelligence measures in considering the item-position effect observed in intelligence items. Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM) and Horn's LPS reasoning test were used to assess fluid intelligence which served as criterion in investigating the relationship between intelligence and executive functions. A battery of six experimental tasks measured the updating, shifting, and inhibition processes of executive functions. Data were collected from 205 university students. Fluid intelligence showed substantial correlations with the updating and inhibition processes and no correlation with the shifting process without considering the item-position effect. Next, the fixed-link model was applied to APM and LPS data separately to decompose them into an ability component and an item-position component. The results of relating the components to executive functions showed that the updating and shifting processes mainly contributed to the item-position component whereas the inhibition process was mainly associated with the ability component of each fluid intelligence test. These findings suggest that improvements in the efficiency of updating and shifting processes are likely to occur during the course of completing intelligence measures and inhibition is important for intelligence in general.}, }
@article {pmid28914409, year = {2018}, author = {Despinoy, F and Zemiti, N and Forestier, G and Sánchez, A and Jannin, P and Poignet, P}, title = {Evaluation of contactless human-machine interface for robotic surgical training.}, journal = {International journal of computer assisted radiology and surgery}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {13-24}, pmid = {28914409}, issn = {1861-6429}, mesh = {Gestures ; Humans ; Robotic Surgical Procedures/*education/methods ; *User-Computer Interface ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: Teleoperated robotic systems are nowadays routinely used for specific interventions. Benefits of robotic training courses have already been acknowledged by the community since manipulation of such systems requires dedicated training. However, robotic surgical simulators remain expensive and require a dedicated human-machine interface.<br><br>METHODS: We present a low-cost contactless optical sensor, the Leap Motion, as a novel control device to manipulate the RAVEN-II robot. We compare peg manipulations during a training task with a contact-based device, the electro-mechanical Sigma.7. We perform two complementary analyses to quantitatively assess the performance of each control method: a metric-based comparison and a novel unsupervised spatiotemporal trajectory clustering.<br><br>RESULTS: We show that contactless control does not offer as good manipulability as the contact-based. Where part of the metric-based evaluation presents the mechanical control better than the contactless one, the unsupervised spatiotemporal trajectory clustering from the surgical tool motions highlights specific signature inferred by the human-machine interfaces.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Even if the current implementation of contactless control does not overtake manipulation with high-standard mechanical interface, we demonstrate that using the optical sensor complete control of the surgical instruments is feasible. The proposed method allows fine tracking of the trainee's hands in order to execute dexterous laparoscopic training gestures. This work is promising for development of future human-machine interfaces dedicated to robotic surgical training systems.}, }
@article {pmid28895948, year = {2017}, author = {Marley, SA and Erbe, C and Kent, CPS}, title = {Underwater recordings of the whistles of bottlenose dolphins in Fremantle Inner Harbour, Western Australia.}, journal = {Scientific data}, volume = {4}, number = {}, pages = {170126}, pmid = {28895948}, issn = {2052-4463}, mesh = {Animals ; *Bottle-Nosed Dolphin ; *Vocalization, Animal ; Western Australia ; }, abstract = {Dolphins use frequency-modulated whistles for a variety of social functions. Whistles vary in their characteristics according to context, such as activity state, group size, group composition, geographic location, and ambient noise levels. Therefore, comparison of whistle characteristics can be used to address numerous research questions regarding dolphin populations and behaviour. However, logistical and economic constraints on dolphin research have resulted in data collection biases, inconsistent analytical approaches, and knowledge gaps. This Data Descriptor presents an acoustic dataset of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) whistles recorded in the Fremantle Inner Harbour, Western Australia. Data were collected using an autonomous recorder and analysed using a range of acoustic measurements. Acoustic data review identified 336 whistles, which were subsequently measured for six key characteristics using Raven Pro software. Of these, 164 'high-quality' whistles were manually measured to provide an additional five acoustic characteristics. Digital files of individual whistles and corresponding measurements make this dataset available to researchers to address future questions regarding variations within and between dolphin communities.}, }
@article {pmid28892233, year = {2017}, author = {Choi, SY and Kwon, HJ and Ahn, GR and Ko, EJ and Yoo, KH and Kim, BJ and Lee, C and Kim, D}, title = {Hyaluronic acid microneedle patch for the improvement of crow's feet wrinkles.}, journal = {Dermatologic therapy}, volume = {30}, number = {6}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/dth.12546}, pmid = {28892233}, issn = {1529-8019}, mesh = {Adult ; Cosmetic Techniques/adverse effects/*instrumentation ; Dermal Fillers/*administration &amp; dosage/adverse effects ; Equipment Design ; Esthetics ; Female ; Humans ; Hyaluronic Acid/*administration &amp; dosage/adverse effects ; Injections, Intradermal ; Middle Aged ; *Miniaturization ; *Needles ; Patient Satisfaction ; *Rejuvenation ; Republic of Korea ; *Skin Aging ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {Hyaluronic acid (HA) has an immediate volumizing effect, due to its strong water-binding potential, and stimulates fibroblasts, causing collagen synthesis, with short- and long-term effects on wrinkle improvement. We investigated the efficacy and safety of HA microneedle patches for crow's feet wrinkles. Using a randomized spilt-face design, we compared microneedle patches with a topical application containing the same active ingredients. We enrolled 34 Korean female subjects with mild to moderate crow's feet wrinkles. The wrinkle on each side of the subject's face was randomly assigned to a HA microneedle patch or HA essence application twice a week for 8 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated at weeks 2, 4, and 8. Skin wrinkles were measured as average roughness using replica and PRIMOS. Skin elasticity was assessed using a cutometer. Two independent blinded dermatologists evaluated the changes after treatment using the global visual wrinkle assessment score. Subjects assessed wrinkles using the subject global assessment score. Skin wrinkles were significantly reduced and skin elasticity significantly increased in both groups, although improvement was greater in the patch group at week 8 after treatment. In the primary and cumulative skin irritation tests, the HA microneedle patch did not induce any skin irritation. The HA microneedle patch is more effective than the HA essence for wrinkle improvement and is a safe and convenient without skin irritation.}, }
@article {pmid28886467, year = {2017}, author = {Zhang, H and Yan, C and Zhang, X and Shi, J and Zhu, B}, title = {The relationship between fluid intelligence and sustained inattentional blindness in 7-to-14-year-old children.}, journal = {Consciousness and cognition}, volume = {55}, number = {}, pages = {172-178}, doi = {10.1016/j.concog.2017.08.003}, pmid = {28886467}, issn = {1090-2376}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Attention/*physiology ; Child ; Child Development/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Male ; Motion Perception/physiology ; Pattern Recognition, Visual/physiology ; Visual Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Previous researches have shown that people with higher fluid intelligence are more likely to detect the unexpected stimuli. The current study systematically explored the relationship between fluid intelligence and sustained inattentional blindness in children. In Experiment 1, we measured one hundred and seventy-nine 7-to-14-year-old children's fluid intelligence and sustained inattentional blindness. The results showed that fluid intelligence was negatively related to sustained inattentional blindness only in 7-to-8-year-old children. In Experiment 2, we explored sustained inattentional blindness in sixty children with high Raven's scores. We found that compared with children who have average Raven's scores aged 11-to-12 years old, children with high Raven's scores were unable to better avoid sustained inattentional blindness. In general, this research implies that the relation between fluid intelligence and sustained inattentional blindness is weak. Fluid intelligence could predict sustained inattentional blindness only when children do not have enough perceptual capacities to complete the primary task.}, }
@article {pmid28878059, year = {2017}, author = {Laumer, IB and Bugnyar, T and Reber, SA and Auersperg, AMI}, title = {Can hook-bending be let off the hook? Bending/unbending of pliant tools by cockatoos.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {284}, number = {1862}, pages = {}, pmid = {28878059}, issn = {1471-2954}, support = {J 3404/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; P 29075/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; P 29084/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Cockatoos ; *Learning ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {The spontaneous crafting of hook-tools from bendable material to lift a basket out of a vertical tube in corvids has widely been used as one of the prime examples of animal tool innovation. However, it was recently suggested that the animals' solution was hardly innovative but strongly influenced by predispositions from habitual tool use and nest building. We tested Goffin's cockatoo, which is neither a specialized tool user nor a nest builder, on a similar task set-up. Three birds individually learned to bend hook tools from straight wire to retrieve food from vertical tubes and four subjects unbent wire to retrieve food from horizontal tubes. Pre-experience with ready-made hooks had some effect but was not necessary for success. Our results indicate that the ability to represent and manufacture tools according to a current need does not require genetically hardwired behavioural routines, but can indeed arise innovatively from domain general cognitive processing.}, }
@article {pmid28874011, year = {2017}, author = {Thiemann, TC and Woodward, DL and Fang, Y and Ryan, BM and Nelms, BM and Scott, JJ and Reisen, WK}, title = {Abundance and Bloodfeeding Patterns of Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in an Oak Woodland on the Eastern Slope of the Northern Coast Range of California.}, journal = {Journal of medical entomology}, volume = {54}, number = {5}, pages = {1344-1353}, doi = {10.1093/jme/tjx078}, pmid = {28874011}, issn = {1938-2928}, mesh = {Animals ; *Birds ; California ; Culicidae/enzymology/genetics/*physiology ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; *Food Chain ; Forests ; Insect Proteins/genetics ; *Mammals ; Population Dynamics ; Seasons ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; }, abstract = {The abundance and bloodfeeding patterns of mosquitoes was studied from 2008 to 2010 at an 18 ha. oak woodland in Lake County, CA. Host-seeking females were collected weekly from sunset to sunrise by paired dry-ice-baited CDC style traps, whereas resting females were aspirated from paired walk-in red boxes. Sequences of the COI gene amplified from bloodmeals from engorged resting females were used to identify the bloodmeal hosts. Aedes sierrensis (Ludlow) and Aedes increpitus Dyar complex mosquitoes were univoltine, although the timing of emergence and abundance varied temporally and seemed weather dependent. Abundance of both Anopheles franciscanus McCracken and Anopheles freeborni Aitken peaked in mid to late summer. Females of both genera bloodfed primarily on mule deer and black-tailed jackrabbits, and few fed on either dogs or humans that were consistently present within the woodland. In contrast, multivoltine Culex tarsalis Coquillett and Culex stigmatosoma Dyar were abundant throughout summer, especially from July to September. Both Culex species bloodfed on a wide variety of avian hosts, with most bloodmeals originating from California scrub-jay, wild turkey, oak titmouse, and house finch. Culex tarsalis fed on proportionately more mammals as summer progressed, peaking at 33% in September.}, }
@article {pmid28857604, year = {2017}, author = {Schwing, R and Weber, S and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Kea (Nestor notabilis) decide early when to wait in food exchange task.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {131}, number = {4}, pages = {269-276}, doi = {10.1037/com0000086}, pmid = {28857604}, issn = {1939-2087}, support = {//Austrian Science Fund (FWF)/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Delay Discounting/*physiology ; Female ; Food ; Male ; Psittaciformes/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The ability to forego an immediate reward in favor of a bigger or better one at a later point has been linked with advanced cognitive skills, such as impulse control and forward-planning, and can be assessed by the classic food exchange paradigm. While the ability to perform in such tasks has long been regarded as an exclusive trait of humans and some mammals, that is, primates and dogs, in recent years some bird species have been found to perform similarly as primates. Here we test 10 captive kea (Nestor notabilis), using a food exchange paradigm standardized in earlier experiments, but adding the use of a container to hold the initial item. The subjects reached waiting times of up to 160 s. They also showed significantly different results depending on the difference in the preference level for the presented food items, as well as clearly nonrandom waiting times, displaying forward-planning and economic evaluation of the situation at hand. As in most other species, results were markedly better when exchanging for quality as opposed to quantity. These results provide further evidence for temporal discounting in birds and fit in with the data gained on corvids and parrots in recent years. (PsycINFO Database Record}, }
@article {pmid28847742, year = {2017}, author = {Fausto, F and Cuevas, E and Valdivia, A and González, A}, title = {A global optimization algorithm inspired in the behavior of selfish herds.}, journal = {Bio Systems}, volume = {160}, number = {}, pages = {39-55}, doi = {10.1016/j.biosystems.2017.07.010}, pmid = {28847742}, issn = {1872-8324}, mesh = {*Algorithms ; Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Crows/physiology ; Insecta/physiology ; *Mass Behavior ; *Predatory Behavior ; }, abstract = {In this paper, a novel swarm optimization algorithm called the Selfish Herd Optimizer (SHO) is proposed for solving global optimization problems. SHO is based on the simulation of the widely observed selfish herd behavior manifested by individuals within a herd of animals subjected to some form of predation risk. In SHO, individuals emulate the predatory interactions between groups of prey and predators by two types of search agents: the members of a selfish herd (the prey) and a pack of hungry predators. Depending on their classification as either a prey or a predator, each individual is conducted by a set of unique evolutionary operators inspired by such prey-predator relationship. These unique traits allow SHO to improve the balance between exploration and exploitation without altering the population size. To illustrate the proficiency and robustness of the proposed method, it is compared to other well-known evolutionary optimization approaches such as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Artificial Bee Colony (ABC), Firefly Algorithm (FA), Differential Evolution (DE), Genetic Algorithms (GA), Crow Search Algorithm (CSA), Dragonfly Algorithm (DA), Moth-flame Optimization Algorithm (MOA) and Sine Cosine Algorithm (SCA). The comparison examines several standard benchmark functions, commonly considered within the literature of evolutionary algorithms. The experimental results show the remarkable performance of our proposed approach against those of the other compared methods, and as such SHO is proven to be an excellent alternative to solve global optimization problems.}, }
@article {pmid28845548, year = {2018}, author = {Mazzarello, V and Ferrari, M and Bulla, A and Piu, G and Montella, A}, title = {Antiwrinkle effect of topical adhesive pads on crow's feet: How long does the effect last for?.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {17}, number = {3}, pages = {484-490}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.12395}, pmid = {28845548}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Adhesives ; Adult ; *Elasticity ; Eye ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Patient Satisfaction ; Prospective Studies ; Single-Blind Method ; *Skin Aging ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Adhesive pads should reduce the action of the local muscle contraction on the skin leading to a decrease in the depth of existing wrinkles and the formation of new dynamic wrinkles.<br><br>AIM OF THE WORK: This study aims at assessing the antiwrinkles action of adhesive pads during time, and the temporary improvement of facial skin appearance by reducing the vision of linear wrinkles and improving skin elasticity.<br><br>PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine subjects participated to a placebo-controlled study. In the short-term test, the measurements were taken 15, 30, and 60&#xa0;minutes following 30&#xa0;minutes application of the product; in the long-term test, the measurements were taken after wearing pads every night for 4&#xa0;weeks. The roughness parameter of the skin surface was calculated by using a profilometry software 3D MEX[&#xae;] .<br><br>RESULTS: In the short- and long-term tests, analyzing the average of the elastomeric measurements, no significant change was observed in any of the parameters analyzed after 15, 30, and 60&#xa0;minutes. The adhesive pad decreased significantly all roughness skin parameters 15&#xa0;minutes after short-term application and until 60&#xa0;minutes after long-term application. These changes did not occur in the contralateral untreated zone.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The use of topical adhesive pads improves wrinkles in the crow's feet area in the first hour after use. However, patient self-evaluation indicated that the use of topical adhesive pads for 3&#xa0;weeks may offer subjective improvement in crow's feet zone over a 2&#xa0;hour period. Topical adhesive pads are safe to use and tolerable for most users.}, }
@article {pmid28821812, year = {2017}, author = {Balakhonov, D and Rose, J}, title = {Crows Rival Monkeys in Cognitive Capacity.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {7}, number = {1}, pages = {8809}, pmid = {28821812}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Analysis of Variance ; Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Cognition ; *Crows ; Fixation, Ocular ; *Haplorhini ; Macaca mulatta ; }, abstract = {The present study compares the 'bandwidth of cognition' between crows and primates. Working memory is the ability to maintain and manipulate information over short periods of time - a core component of cognition. The capacity of working memory is tightly limited, in humans correlated with individual intelligence and commonly used synonymously with cognitive capacity. Crows have remarkable cognitive skills and while birds and mammals share neural principles of working memory, its capacity has not been tested in crows. Here we report the performance of two carrion crows on a working memory paradigm adapted from a recent experiment in rhesus monkeys. Capacity of crows is remarkably similar to monkeys and estimated at about four items. In both species, the visual hemifields show largely independent capacity. These results show that crows, like primates evolved a high-capacity working memory that reflects the result of convergent evolution of higher cognitive abilities in both species.}, }
@article {pmid28804468, year = {2017}, author = {Maes, E and Vanderoost, E and D'Hooge, R and De Houwer, J and Beckers, T}, title = {Individual Difference Factors in the Learning and Transfer of Patterning Discriminations.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {8}, number = {}, pages = {1262}, pmid = {28804468}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {In an associative patterning task, some people seem to focus more on learning an overarching rule, whereas others seem to focus on acquiring specific relations between the stimuli and outcomes involved. Building on earlier work, we further investigated which cognitive factors are involved in feature- vs. rule-based learning and generalization. To this end, we measured participants' tendency to generalize according to the rule of opposites after training on negative and positive patterning problems (i.e., A+/B+/AB- and C-/D-/CD+), their tendency to attend to global aspects or local details of stimuli, their systemizing disposition and their score on the Raven intelligence test. Our results suggest that while intelligence might have some influence on patterning learning and generalization, visual processing style and systemizing disposition do not. We discuss our findings in the light of previous observations on patterning.}, }
@article {pmid28776480, year = {2018}, author = {Spaccavento, S and Cafforio, E and Cellamare, F and Colucci, A and Di Palma, A and Falcone, R and Craca, A and Loverre, A and Nardulli, R and Glueckauf, RL}, title = {Italian adaptation of the functional outcome questionnaire - aphasia: initial psychometric evaluation.}, journal = {Disability and rehabilitation}, volume = {40}, number = {24}, pages = {2925-2930}, doi = {10.1080/09638288.2017.1362042}, pmid = {28776480}, issn = {1464-5165}, mesh = {Adult ; *Aphasia/diagnosis/psychology/rehabilitation ; Caregivers/psychology ; Communication ; Female ; Humans ; Italy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Outcome Assessment, Health Care/*methods ; Psychometrics/*methods ; *Quality of Life ; Reproducibility of Results ; Stroke/*psychology ; Stroke Rehabilitation/*methods ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Translations ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Italian version of Functional Outcome Questionnaire - Aphasia.<br><br>METHODS: Two hundred and five persons with stroke-related aphasia and right hemiparesis who received ongoing assistance from a family caregiver were assessed using the Functional Outcome Questionnaire - Aphasia, Aachener Aphasie Test, Token Test, Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices, Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Functional Assessment Measure (FAM), and Quality of Life Questionnaire for Aphasics (QLQA). The Functional Outcome Questionnaire - Aphasia was translated into the Italian language using a translation and back-translation method. Reliability and construct validity of the Functional Outcome Questionnaire - Aphasia were evaluated.<br><br>RESULTS: The Italian version of the Functional Outcome Questionnaire - Aphasia showed good internal consistency and test-retest reliability for the overall scale (&#x3b1;&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.98; ICC&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.95) and subscales (&#x3b1;&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.89 for the communicating basic needs (CBN), &#x3b1;&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.92 for the making routine requests (MRR), &#x3b1;&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.96 for the communicating new information (CNI), &#x3b1;&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.93 for the attention/other communication skills (AO); ICC&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.95 for CBN, ICC&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.96 for MRR, ICC&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.97 for CNI and ICC&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.92 for AO). Significant correlations were found between the Functional Outcome Questionnaire - Aphasia and Token Test, QLQA, Aachener Aphasie Test scores, and FAM linguistic scores, indicating good convergent validity. Low correlations were found between Functional Outcome Questionnaire - Aphasia and Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices and FIM motor scores, showing good discriminant validity.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The overall findings of this study supported the reliability and construct validity of the Italian version of the Functional Outcome Questionnaire - Aphasia. This measure holds considerable promise in assessing the functional outcomes of aphasia rehabilitation in Italian-speaking persons with aphasia. Implications for Rehabilitation Functional Outcome Questionnaire - Aphasia is a reliable and valid questionnaire in assessing functional communication of Italian-speaking people with aphasia. This measure provides critical information about people with aphasia's functional and pragmatic communication in home and community settings, contributing significantly to overall quality of life. Since the use of measures of functional communication is recommended in the clinical evaluation of language disease, the Italian version of Functional Outcome Questionnaire - Aphasia may be effective in tailoring rehabilitation treatment to the presenting communication problems of people with aphasia and their caregivers.}, }
@article {pmid28771477, year = {2017}, author = {Aguillon, SM and Fitzpatrick, JW and Bowman, R and Schoech, SJ and Clark, AG and Coop, G and Chen, N}, title = {Deconstructing isolation-by-distance: The genomic consequences of limited dispersal.}, journal = {PLoS genetics}, volume = {13}, number = {8}, pages = {e1006911}, pmid = {28771477}, issn = {1553-7404}, support = {R01 GM108779/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Genetic Variation ; *Genetics, Population ; Genomics ; Genotype ; Male ; Microsatellite Repeats/*genetics ; Passeriformes/*genetics/physiology ; *Population Density ; Reproductive Isolation ; }, abstract = {Geographically limited dispersal can shape genetic population structure and result in a correlation between genetic and geographic distance, commonly called isolation-by-distance. Despite the prevalence of isolation-by-distance in nature, to date few studies have empirically demonstrated the processes that generate this pattern, largely because few populations have direct measures of individual dispersal and pedigree information. Intensive, long-term demographic studies and exhaustive genomic surveys in the Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) provide an excellent opportunity to investigate the influence of dispersal on genetic structure. Here, we used a panel of genome-wide SNPs and extensive pedigree information to explore the role of limited dispersal in shaping patterns of isolation-by-distance in both sexes, and at an exceedingly fine spatial scale (within ~10 km). Isolation-by-distance patterns were stronger in male-male and male-female comparisons than in female-female comparisons, consistent with observed differences in dispersal propensity between the sexes. Using the pedigree, we demonstrated how various genealogical relationships contribute to fine-scale isolation-by-distance. Simulations using field-observed distributions of male and female natal dispersal distances showed good agreement with the distribution of geographic distances between breeding individuals of different pedigree relationship classes. Furthermore, we built coalescent simulations parameterized by the observed dispersal curve, population density, and immigration rate, and showed how incorporating these extensions to Malécot's theory of isolation-by-distance allows us to accurately reconstruct observed sex-specific isolation-by-distance patterns in autosomal and Z-linked SNPs. Therefore, patterns of fine-scale isolation-by-distance in the Florida Scrub-Jay can be well understood as a result of limited dispersal over contemporary timescales.}, }
@article {pmid28767009, year = {2018}, author = {Costello, KA}, title = {A no-man's-land of sex: Reading Stephen Gordon and "her" critics.}, journal = {Journal of lesbian studies}, volume = {22}, number = {2}, pages = {165-184}, doi = {10.1080/10894160.2017.1342457}, pmid = {28767009}, issn = {1540-3548}, mesh = {Female ; *Gender Identity ; History, 20th Century ; Homosexuality, Female/history/*psychology ; Humans ; *Literature, Modern ; Psychological Theory ; }, abstract = {One of the most read novels of lesbian, transgender, and queer criticism, Radclyffe Hall's novel The Well of Loneliness (1928) has given rise to numerous and contradictory interpretations of the protagonist Stephen Gordon's complex relationship to her body. Some have argued that she is a historically specific example of female masculinity, others that she is a lesbian who wishes she were more feminine, and others still that she is a prototypical transsexual character. Focusing on the exemplary essays by Jack Halberstam, Teresa de Lauretis, and Jay Prosser, I argue that the coexistence of mutually exclusive interpretations of Stephen Gordon's relationship to her femaleness suggests that the novel is, in fact, a demand to readers to unmoor identity from sex and to recognize what I call "sexual indeterminacy." Lesbian, transgender, and queer theory's tendency to elide the literariness of literary objects and their reliance on critique as the primary mode of reading and argumentation have made it impossible for critics to see that the novel is explicitly about what cannot be settled.}, }
@article {pmid28762195, year = {2017}, author = {Kraft, FL and Forštová, T and Utku Urhan, A and Exnerová, A and Brodin, A}, title = {No evidence for self-recognition in a small passerine, the great tit (Parus major) judged from the mark/mirror test.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {20}, number = {6}, pages = {1049-1057}, pmid = {28762195}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Cognition ; Female ; Male ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; *Recognition, Psychology ; Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {Self-recognition is a trait presumed to be associated with high levels of cognition and something previously considered to be exclusive to humans and possibly apes. The most common test of self-recognition is the mark/mirror test of whether an animal can understand that it sees its own reflection in a mirror. The usual design is that an animal is marked with a colour spot somewhere on the body where the spot can only be seen by the animal by using a mirror. Very few species have passed this test, and among birds, only magpies have been affirmatively demonstrated to pass it. In this study, we tested great tits (Parus major), small passerines, that are known for their innovative foraging skills and good problem-solving abilities, in the mirror self-recognition test. We found no indication that they have any ability of this kind and believe that they are unlikely to be capable of this type of self-recognition.}, }
@article {pmid28750832, year = {2017}, author = {Clark, CM and Lawlor-Savage, L and Goghari, VM}, title = {Functional brain activation associated with working memory training and transfer.}, journal = {Behavioural brain research}, volume = {334}, number = {}, pages = {34-49}, doi = {10.1016/j.bbr.2017.07.030}, pmid = {28750832}, issn = {1872-7549}, support = {//CIHR/Canada ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Brain/diagnostic imaging/*physiology ; Brain Mapping ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence/physiology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term/*physiology ; Neuronal Plasticity ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Reaction Time ; Transfer, Psychology/*physiology ; }, abstract = {While behavioural trials of working memory (WM) training have received much attention in recent years, a lesser explored parallel approach is functional neuroimaging. A small literature has suggested a complex time course for functional activation pattern changes following WM training (i.e. not simply increasing or decreasing due to training); however, no study to date has examined such neuroplastic effects in both the training task (dual n-back) and the fluid intelligence transfer task to which the training is purported to transfer (Raven's Matrices). This study investigated neural correlates of WM training in healthy young adults randomized to six weeks of WM training, or an active control condition (processing speed training) with a pre- and post-training fMRI design. Results indicated significant reductions in activation for the WM trained group in key WM-task related areas for trained WM tasks after training compared to the processing speed active control group. The same pattern of training related decreases in activation for the WM trained group was not observed for the transfer task, which is consistent with null results for all cognitive outcomes of the present trial. The observed pattern of results suggests that repetitive practice with a complex task does indeed lead to neuroplastic processes that very likely represent the reduced demand for attentional control while sub-components of the task become more routinized with practice. We suggest that future research investigate neural correlates of WM training in populations for which WM itself is impaired and/or behavioural trials of WM training have returned more promising results.}, }
@article {pmid32026102, year = {2017}, author = {Varanda, CA and Fernandes, FDM}, title = {Cognitive flexibility training intervention among children with autism: a longitudinal study.}, journal = {Psicologia, reflexao e critica : revista semestral do Departamento de Psicologia da UFRGS}, volume = {30}, number = {1}, pages = {15}, pmid = {32026102}, issn = {0102-7972}, support = {150739/2012-5//National Council of Technological and Scientific Development/ ; }, abstract = {Autism is defined by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction in multiple contexts as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. There are also reported difficulties in the dynamic activation and modification of cognitive processes in response to changes in tasks' demands. Such difficulties are believed to be due to poor flexible cognition. This research aimed to assess and intervene in cognitive flexibility in subjects with autism.Ten subjects diagnosed with autism by psychiatrists, aged 5 years to 13 years and 5 months, were assessed in non-verbal intelligence through Raven's Progressive Matrices in pretest. They were also assessed in cognitive flexibility through Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and in patterns of social interactions, behaviors, and communication through Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R). An intervention program of 14 to 21 sessions was established to enhance cognitive flexibility. In posttest, they were assessed in WCST and ADI-R.All measures of cognitive flexibility improved in posttest except for failure to maintain set. Among the measures improved in posttest, perseverative errors and responses improved in posttest with statistical significance as well as categories completed. Total scores on ADI-R were lower in posttest as well as scores on communication abilities.The qualitative improvement showed by the individuals of this research concerning cognitive flexibility and also patterns of restricted behavior, social interaction, and communication abilities suggests that individuals with autism can benefit from the development of strategies for the enhancement of cognitive flexibility. Nevertheless, more research is suggested with a larger sample among subjects on the autism spectrum.}, }
@article {pmid28733805, year = {2017}, author = {Harii, K and Kawashima, M and Furuyama, N and Lei, X and Hopfinger, R and Lee, E}, title = {OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) in the Treatment of Crow's Feet Lines in Japanese Subjects.}, journal = {Aesthetic plastic surgery}, volume = {41}, number = {5}, pages = {1186-1197}, pmid = {28733805}, issn = {1432-5241}, mesh = {Adult ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*administration &amp; dosage ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Double-Blind Method ; Drug Administration Schedule ; Esthetics ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Injections, Intralesional ; Injections, Subcutaneous ; Japan ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuromuscular Agents/*administration &amp; dosage ; Patient Satisfaction/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Reference Values ; Rejuvenation/*physiology ; Skin Aging/*drug effects/physiology ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of onabotulinumtoxinA in Japanese subjects with crow's feet lines (CFL).<br><br>METHODS: This phase 3, multicenter, double-blind, randomized study included 2 treatment periods: 6-month placebo-controlled period followed by a 7-month open-label period. In period 1, subjects with moderate to severe CFL received onabotulinumtoxinA 24 U (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;104) or 12 U (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;99), or placebo (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;97). In period 2, placebo subjects switched to onabotulinumtoxinA 24 U or 12 U (double-blind dose). Up to 5 total treatments were permitted for subjects meeting re-treatment criteria. The primary efficacy measure was the proportion of investigator-assessed responders (achieving CFL severity of none or mild at maximum smile using the Facial Wrinkle Scale with Asian Photonumeric Guide [FWS-A] at day 30 of treatment 1). Additional endpoints included other responders (achieving at least 1-grade improvement at maximum smile and at rest using the FWS-A at day 30), responders at other time points, duration of effect, subject-reported outcomes, and safety.<br><br>RESULTS: All efficacy endpoints were met. At day 30, the proportion of subjects achieving none or mild severity at maximum smile was significantly greater (P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001) in the onabotulinumtoxinA 24 and 12 U groups (68.3 and 56.6%, respectively) compared with the placebo group (8.2%). Efficacy results were consistent over repeated treatments, and subjects' self-assessed outcomes were similar to investigator-assessed results.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with onabotulinumtoxinA 24 and 12 U improved the appearance of CFL in Japanese subjects and was well tolerated, with no new safety findings.<br><br>LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .}, }
@article {pmid28725378, year = {2016}, author = {Inger, R and Cox, DTC and Per, E and Norton, BA and Gaston, KJ}, title = {Ecological role of vertebrate scavengers in urban ecosystems in the UK.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {6}, number = {19}, pages = {7015-7023}, pmid = {28725378}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Recent research has demonstrated how scavenging, the act of consuming dead animals, plays a key role in ecosystem structure, functioning, and stability. A growing number of studies suggest that vertebrate scavengers also provide key ecosystem services, the benefits humans gain from the natural world, particularly in the removal of carcasses from the environment. An increasing proportion of the human population is now residing in cities and towns, many of which, despite being highly altered environments, contain significant wildlife populations, and so animal carcasses. Indeed, non-predation fatalities may be higher within urban than natural environments. Despite this, the fate of carcasses in urban environments and the role vertebrate scavengers play in their removal have not been determined. In this study, we quantify the role of vertebrate scavengers in urban environments in three towns in the UK. Using experimentally deployed rat carcasses and rapid fire motion-triggered cameras, we determined which species were scavenging and how removal of carcass biomass was partitioned between them. Of the 63 experimental carcasses deployed, vertebrate scavenger activity was detected at 67%. There was a significantly greater depletion in carcass biomass in the presence (mean loss of 194 g) than absence (mean loss of 14 g) of scavengers. Scavenger activity was restricted to three species, Carrion crows Corvus corone, Eurasian magpies Pica pica, and European red foxes Vulpes vulpes. From behavioral analysis, we estimated that a maximum of 73% of the carcass biomass was removed by vertebrate scavengers. Despite having low species richness, the urban scavenger community in our urban study system removed a similar proportion of carcasses to those reported in more pristine environments. Vertebrate scavengers are providing a key urban ecosystem service in terms of carcass removal. This service is, however, often overlooked, and the species that provide it are among some of the most disliked and persecuted.}, }
@article {pmid28724689, year = {2017}, author = {Kelley, LA and Clayton, NS}, title = {California scrub-jays reduce visual cues available to potential pilferers by matching food colour to caching substrate.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {13}, number = {7}, pages = {}, pmid = {28724689}, issn = {1744-957X}, mesh = {Animals ; California ; Color ; Cues ; Feeding Behavior ; *Passeriformes ; }, abstract = {Some animals hide food to consume later; however, these caches are susceptible to theft by conspecifics and heterospecifics. Caching animals can use protective strategies to minimize sensory cues available to potential pilferers, such as caching in shaded areas and in quiet substrate. Background matching (where object patterning matches the visual background) is commonly seen in prey animals to reduce conspicuousness, and caching animals may also use this tactic to hide caches, for example, by hiding coloured food in a similar coloured substrate. We tested whether California scrub-jays (Aphelocoma californica) camouflage their food in this way by offering them caching substrates that either matched or did not match the colour of food available for caching. We also determined whether this caching behaviour was sensitive to social context by allowing the birds to cache when a conspecific potential pilferer could be both heard and seen (acoustic and visual cues present), or unseen (acoustic cues only). When caching events could be both heard and seen by a potential pilferer, birds cached randomly in matching and non-matching substrates. However, they preferentially hid food in the substrate that matched the food colour when only acoustic cues were present. This is a novel cache protection strategy that also appears to be sensitive to social context. We conclude that studies of cache protection strategies should consider the perceptual capabilities of the cacher and potential pilferers.}, }
@article {pmid28724626, year = {2017}, author = {Serrano, FJ and Chiappe, LM}, title = {Aerodynamic modelling of a Cretaceous bird reveals thermal soaring capabilities during early avian evolution.}, journal = {Journal of the Royal Society, Interface}, volume = {14}, number = {132}, pages = {}, pmid = {28724626}, issn = {1742-5662}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; Birds/*anatomy &amp; histology/*physiology ; Computer Simulation ; Flight, Animal/*physiology ; Fossils ; *Models, Biological ; }, abstract = {Several flight modes are thought to have evolved during the early evolution of birds. Here, we use a combination of computational modelling and morphofunctional analyses to infer the flight properties of the raven-sized, Early Cretaceous bird Sapeornis chaoyangensis-a likely candidate to have evolved soaring capabilities. Specifically, drawing information from (i) mechanical inferences of the deltopectoral crest of the humerus, (ii) wing shape (i.e. aspect ratio), (iii) estimations of power margin (i.e. difference between power required for flight and available power from muscles), (iv) gliding behaviour (i.e. forward speed and sinking speed), and (v) palaeobiological evidence, we conclude that S. chaoyangensis was a thermal soarer with an ecology similar to that of living South American screamers. Our results indicate that as early as 125 Ma, some birds evolved the morphological and aerodynamic requirements for soaring on continental thermals, a conclusion that highlights the degree of ecological, functional and behavioural diversity that resulted from the first major evolutionary radiation of birds.}, }
@article {pmid28706072, year = {2017}, author = {Kabadayi, C and Osvath, M}, title = {Ravens parallel great apes in flexible planning for tool-use and bartering.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {357}, number = {6347}, pages = {202-204}, doi = {10.1126/science.aam8138}, pmid = {28706072}, issn = {1095-9203}, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; *Crows ; Female ; Hominidae/*psychology ; Male ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {The ability to flexibly plan for events outside of the current sensory scope is at the core of being human and is crucial to our everyday lives and society. Studies on apes have shaped a belief that this ability evolved within the hominid lineage. Corvids, however, have shown evidence of planning their food hoarding, although this has been suggested to reflect a specific caching adaptation rather than domain-general planning. Here, we show that ravens plan for events unrelated to caching-tool-use and bartering-with delays of up to 17 hours, exert self-control, and consider temporal distance to future events. Their performance parallels that seen in apes and suggests that planning evolved independently in corvids, which opens new avenues for the study of cognitive evolution.}, }
@article {pmid28706023, year = {2017}, author = {Boeckle, M and Clayton, NS}, title = {A raven's memories are for the future.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {357}, number = {6347}, pages = {126-127}, doi = {10.1126/science.aan8802}, pmid = {28706023}, issn = {1095-9203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; *Memory ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, }
@article {pmid28695387, year = {2017}, author = {Mitra, S and Karmakar, A and Mukherjee, A and Barik, A}, title = {The Role of Leaf Volatiles of Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) Raven in the Attraction of Altica cyanea (Weber) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).}, journal = {Journal of chemical ecology}, volume = {43}, number = {7}, pages = {679-692}, pmid = {28695387}, issn = {1573-1561}, support = {F. No. - 43-578/2014(SR) from UGC, Govt. of India//University Grants Commission/ ; }, mesh = {Acyclic Monoterpenes ; Animals ; Bicyclic Monoterpenes ; Coleoptera/*physiology ; Female ; *Herbivory ; Monoterpenes/analysis/metabolism ; Olfactometry ; Onagraceae/chemistry/*physiology ; Pest Control, Biological/methods ; Pheromones/analysis/*metabolism ; Plant Leaves/chemistry/*physiology ; Plant Weeds/chemistry/*physiology ; Terpenes/analysis/metabolism ; Volatile Organic Compounds/analysis/*metabolism ; }, abstract = {Larvae and adults of Altica cyanea (Weber) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) feed on the rice-field weed Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) Raven (Onagraceae), commonly known as willow primrose, which is considered a biocontrol agent of the weed. Volatile organic compounds from undamaged plants, plants after 4, 12, and 36 h of continuous feeding by A. cyanea larvae or adult females and after mechanical damaging were identified by GC-MS and GC-FID analyses. Twenty nine compounds were identified from undamaged plants. 2Z-Penten-1-ol, geraniol, and 1-tridecanol were present in all plants damaged by larvae. In contrast, feeding by adults caused the release of 2Z-penten-1-ol only after 12 and 36 h; whereas geraniol and 1-tridecanol appeared only after 36 h. Farnesyl acetone was detected after 12 and 36 h of feeding by larvae and after 36 h of feeding by adults. Farnesene was detected after 36 h of feeding by larvae and adults. Linalool was unique after 36 h of feeding by larvae. In Y-shaped glass tube olfactometer bioassays, A. cyanea females were attracted to volatiles after 36 h of feeding by larvae or adults compared to volatiles released by undamaged plants. The insects were attracted to five synthetic compounds: 3-hexanol, α-pinene, linalool oxide, geraniol, and phytol. Synthetic blends were more attractive than individual compounds. Compared to undamaged plants, volatiles released by plants, damaged by conspecific individuals, were more attractive to A. cyanea females, due to elevated emissions of 3-hexanol, α-pinene, linalool oxide, geraniol, and phytol.}, }
@article {pmid28691148, year = {2017}, author = {Bugelli, V and Papi, L and Fornaro, S and Stefanelli, F and Chericoni, S and Giusiani, M and Vanin, S and Campobasso, CP}, title = {Entomotoxicology in burnt bodies: a case of maternal filicide-suicide by fire.}, journal = {International journal of legal medicine}, volume = {131}, number = {5}, pages = {1299-1306}, pmid = {28691148}, issn = {1437-1596}, mesh = {Adult ; Animals ; Automobiles ; Burns/*pathology ; Carbon Monoxide Poisoning ; Carboxyhemoglobin/analysis ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Diazepam/analysis ; *Diptera ; *Feeding Behavior ; Female ; *Fires ; Gasoline ; *Homicide ; Humans ; Hypnotics and Sedatives/analysis ; Kidney/chemistry ; Larva ; Liver/chemistry ; Male ; Nordazepam/analysis ; Oxazepam/analysis ; *Postmortem Changes ; *Suicide ; }, abstract = {One of the most common methods of maternal filicide is by fire. In this case study, a 40-year-old female and her children were found completely burned in a burnt out car. All bodies showed a degree of destruction by fire consisting to a level 3 of the Crow-Glassman Scale (CGS) and early stage of insect activity. Toxicological analyses were performed on soft tissues and body fluids still available. The results were positive for diazepam and its metabolites only for children with blood concentrations consistent with therapeutic doses of benzodiazepines. Home video surveillance cameras confirmed sedation prior to death recording the mother while administering some drops of sedative drugs in a soft drink to the children just a couple of hours before setting fire to the car. Based on autopsy findings, all victims were still alive at the time of fire. The cause of death was determined as carbon monoxide poisoning and fatal thermal injuries by fire. This case study has a special focus on the entomotoxicology and the potential role of insects in death investigations of burnt bodies, supposed to be an inadequate substratum for insect colonization. It demonstrates that in burnt bodies, arthropod colonization can be quite immediate after fire is extinguished. Toxicological analyses performed on larvae actively feeding on the children's bodies were positive for diazepam and its metabolites in small amount compared with blood concentrations, whereas the larvae collected from the mother's body were totally negative. These data, according to the autopsy findings and the toxicological results from the victim's blood and tissues, supported the suspect of a non-lethal sedation prior to death, which is a common behaviour in maternal filicide.}, }
@article {pmid28689262, year = {2017}, author = {West, EH and Peery, MZ}, title = {Behavioral mechanisms leading to improved fitness in a subsidized predator.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {184}, number = {4}, pages = {787-798}, pmid = {28689262}, issn = {1432-1939}, support = {MSN150028//Save the Redwoods League (US)/International ; MSN160820//Save the Redwoods League (US)/International ; MSN164905//University of Wisconsin Madison Office of the Vice Chancellor Research and Graduate Education/International ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Ecosystem ; *Genetic Fitness ; Human Activities ; Humans ; Predatory Behavior ; Reproduction ; *Songbirds ; }, abstract = {General mechanisms underlying the distribution and fitness of synanthropic predators in human-influenced landscapes remain unclear. Under the consumer resource-matching hypothesis, synanthropes are expected to distribute themselves among habitats according to resource availability, such that densities are greater in human-subsidized habitats, but mean individual fitness is equal among habitats because of negative density dependence. However, "under-matching" to human food resources can occur, because dominant individuals exclude subordinates from subsidized habitats and realize relatively high fitness. We integrated physiological, behavioral, and demographic information to test resource-matching hypotheses in Steller's jays (Cyanocitta stelleri), a synanthropic nest predator, to understand how behavior and social systems can influence how synanthropes respond to food subsidies. Jays consumed more human foods at subsidized (park campground) sites than jays at unsubsidized (interior forest) sites based on stable isotope analyses. Jays that occurred at higher densities were in better body condition (based on feather growth bars and lipid analyses), and had greater reproductive output at subsidized than unsubsidized sites. Jays with breeding territories in subsidized sites maintained relatively small home ranges that overlapped with multiple conspecifics, and exhibited a social system where dominant individuals typically won contests over food. Thus, jays appeared to be under-matched to prevalent resource subsidies despite high densities and behaviors expected to lead to resource matching. Our results also indicate that local resource subsidies within protected areas can result in source habitats for synanthropes, potentially impacting sensitive species over broader spatial scales.}, }
@article {pmid28688117, year = {2018}, author = {Lim, SM and Geervliet, M and Verhagen, JH and Müskens, GJDM and Majoor, FA and Osterhaus, ADME and Martina, BEE}, title = {Serologic evidence of West Nile virus and Usutu virus infections in Eurasian coots in the Netherlands.}, journal = {Zoonoses and public health}, volume = {65}, number = {1}, pages = {96-102}, doi = {10.1111/zph.12375}, pmid = {28688117}, issn = {1863-2378}, mesh = {Animal Migration ; Animals ; Antibodies, Viral/blood ; Bird Diseases/blood/epidemiology/*virology ; Birds ; Cell Line ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/methods/veterinary ; *Flavivirus ; Flavivirus Infections/epidemiology/*veterinary/virology ; Netherlands ; Population Surveillance ; *West Nile virus ; Zoonoses ; }, abstract = {West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are arboviruses that are maintained in enzootic transmission cycles between mosquitoes and birds and are occasionally transmitted to mammals. As arboviruses are currently expanding their geographic range and emerging in often unpredictable locations, surveillance is considered an important element of preparedness. To determine whether sera collected from resident and migratory birds in the Netherlands as part of avian influenza surveillance would also represent an effective source for proactive arbovirus surveillance, a random selection of such sera was screened for WNV antibodies using a commercial ELISA. In addition, sera of jackdaws and carrion crows captured for previous experimental infection studies were added to the selection. Of the 265 screened serum samples, 27 were found to be WNV-antibody-positive, and subsequent cross-neutralization experiments using WNV and USUV confirmed that five serum samples were positive for only WNV-neutralizing antibodies and seven for only USUV. The positive birds consisted of four Eurasian coots (Fulica atra) and one carrion crow (Corvus corone) for WNV, of which the latter may suggest local presence of the virus, and only Eurasian coots for USUV. As a result, the screening of a small selection of serum samples originally collected for avian influenza surveillance demonstrated a seroprevalence of 1.6% for WNV and 2.8% for USUV, suggesting that this sustained infrastructure could serve as a useful source for future surveillance of arboviruses such as WNV and USUV in the Netherlands.}, }
@article {pmid28684773, year = {2017}, author = {O'Hara, M and Mioduszewska, B and von Bayern, A and Auersperg, A and Bugnyar, T and Wilkinson, A and Huber, L and Gajdon, GK}, title = {The temporal dependence of exploration on neotic style in birds.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {7}, number = {1}, pages = {4742}, pmid = {28684773}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {P 29075/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {*Adaptation, Physiological ; Age Factors ; Animals ; Choice Behavior/*physiology ; Exploratory Behavior/*physiology ; Female ; Likelihood Functions ; Male ; Parrots/*physiology ; Pattern Recognition, Visual/physiology ; Songbirds/*physiology ; Species Specificity ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {Exploration (interacting with objects to gain information) and neophobia (avoiding novelty) are considered independent traits shaped by the socio-ecology of a given species. However, in the literature it is often assumed that neophobia inhibits exploration. Here, we investigate how different approaches to novelty (fast or slow) determine the time at which exploration is likely to occur across a number of species. We presented four corvid and five parrot species with a touchscreen discrimination task in which novel stimuli were occasionally interspersed within the familiar training stimuli. We investigated the likelihood that an animal would choose novelty at different stages of its training and found evidence for a shift in the pattern of exploration, depending on neotic style. The findings suggest that faster approaching individuals explored earlier, whilst animals with long initial approach latencies showed similar amounts of exploration but did so later in training. Age rather than species might have influenced the amount of total exploration, with juveniles exploring more than adults. Neotic style varied consistently only for one species and seems to involve a strong individual component, rather than being a purely species-specific trait. This suggests that variation in behavioural phenotypes within a species may be adaptive.}, }
@article {pmid28664998, year = {2017}, author = {Termignoni-García, F and Jaramillo-Correa, JP and Chablé-Santos, J and Liu, M and Shultz, AJ and Edwards, SV and Escalante-Pliego, P}, title = {Genomic footprints of adaptation in a cooperatively breeding tropical bird across a vegetation gradient.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {26}, number = {17}, pages = {4483-4496}, doi = {10.1111/mec.14224}, pmid = {28664998}, issn = {1365-294X}, mesh = {Adaptation, Physiological/*genetics ; Animals ; Breeding ; *Ecosystem ; Gene Flow ; Genetic Variation ; *Genetics, Population ; Genomics ; Mexico ; Passeriformes/*genetics ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; }, abstract = {Identifying the genetic basis of phenotypic variation and its relationship with the environment is key to understanding how local adaptations evolve. Such patterns are especially interesting among populations distributed across habitat gradients, where genetic structure can be driven by isolation by distance (IBD) and/or isolation by environment (IBE). Here, we used variation in ~1,600 high-quality SNPs derived from paired-end sequencing of double-digest restriction site-associated DNA (ddRAD-Seq) to test hypotheses related to IBD and IBE in the Yucatan jay (Cyanocorax yucatanicus), a tropical bird endemic to the Yucatán Peninsula. This peninsula is characterized by a precipitation and vegetation gradient-from dry to evergreen tropical forests-that is associated with morphological variation in this species. We found a moderate level of nucleotide diversity (π = .008) and little evidence for genetic differentiation among vegetation types. Analyses of neutral and putatively adaptive SNPs (identified by complementary genome-scan approaches) indicate that IBD is the most reliable explanation to account for frequency distribution of the former, while IBE has to be invoked to explain those of the later. These results suggest that selective factors acting along a vegetation gradient can promote local adaptation in the presence of gene flow in a vagile, nonmigratory and geographically restricted species. The putative candidate SNPs identified here are located within or linked to a variety of genes that represent ideal targets for future genomic surveys.}, }
@article {pmid28661714, year = {2017}, author = {Chooi, WT and Mohd Zaharim, N and Desrosiers, A and Ahmad, I and Yasin, MAM and Syed Jaapar, SZ and Schottenfeld, RS and Vicknasingam, BK and Chawarski, MC}, title = {Early Initiation of Amphetamine-Type Stimulants (ATS) Use Associated with Lowered Cognitive Performance among Individuals with Co-Occurring Opioid and ATS Use Disorders in Malaysia.}, journal = {Journal of psychoactive drugs}, volume = {49}, number = {4}, pages = {326-332}, pmid = {28661714}, issn = {2159-9777}, support = {R01 DA014718/DA/NIDA NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Amphetamine/*adverse effects ; Amphetamine-Related Disorders/*etiology ; Analgesics, Opioid/*adverse effects ; Central Nervous System Stimulants/*adverse effects ; Cognition/*drug effects ; Humans ; Malaysia ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) use is increasingly prevalent in Malaysia, including among individuals who also use opioids. We evaluated cognitive functioning profiles among individuals with co-occurring opioid and ATS dependence and their lifetime patterns of drug use. Participants (N = 50) enrolling in a clinical trial of buprenorphine/naloxone treatment with or without atomoxetine completed the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices, Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, Digit Span, Trail Making and Symbol Digit Substitution tasks. Multidimensional scaling and a K-means cluster analyses were conducted to classify participants into lower versus higher cognitive performance groups. Subsequently, analyses of variance procedures were conducted to evaluate between group differences on drug use history and demographics. Two clusters of individuals with distinct profiles of cognitive performance were identified. The age of ATS use initiation, controlling for the overall duration of drug use, was significantly earlier in the lower than in the higher cognitive performance cluster: 20.9 (95% CI: 18.0-23.8) versus 25.2 (95% CI: 22.4-28.0, p = 0.038). While adverse effects of ATS use on cognitive functioning can be particularly pronounced with younger age, potentially related to greater vulnerability of the developing brain to stimulant and/or neurotoxic effects of these drugs, the current study findings cannot preclude lowered cognitive performance before initiation of ATS use.}, }
@article {pmid28653410, year = {2017}, author = {Wakefield, ED and Owen, E and Baer, J and Carroll, MJ and Daunt, F and Dodd, SG and Green, JA and Guilford, T and Mavor, RA and Miller, PI and Newell, MA and Newton, SF and Robertson, GS and Shoji, A and Soanes, LM and Votier, SC and Wanless, S and Bolton, M}, title = {Breeding density, fine-scale tracking, and large-scale modeling reveal the regional distribution of four seabird species.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {27}, number = {7}, pages = {2074-2091}, doi = {10.1002/eap.1591}, pmid = {28653410}, issn = {1051-0761}, mesh = {*Animal Distribution ; Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Charadriiformes/physiology ; *Feeding Behavior ; Ireland ; Models, Biological ; *Nesting Behavior ; Population Density ; United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {Population-level estimates of species' distributions can reveal fundamental ecological processes and facilitate conservation. However, these may be difficult to obtain for mobile species, especially colonial central-place foragers (CCPFs; e.g., bats, corvids, social insects), because it is often impractical to determine the provenance of individuals observed beyond breeding sites. Moreover, some CCPFs, especially in the marine realm (e.g., pinnipeds, turtles, and seabirds) are difficult to observe because they range tens to ten thousands of kilometers from their colonies. It is hypothesized that the distribution of CCPFs depends largely on habitat availability and intraspecific competition. Modeling these effects may therefore allow distributions to be estimated from samples of individual spatial usage. Such data can be obtained for an increasing number of species using tracking technology. However, techniques for estimating population-level distributions using the telemetry data are poorly developed. This is of concern because many marine CCPFs, such as seabirds, are threatened by anthropogenic activities. Here, we aim to estimate the distribution at sea of four seabird species, foraging from approximately 5,500 breeding sites in Britain and Ireland. To do so, we GPS-tracked a sample of 230 European Shags Phalacrocorax aristotelis, 464 Black-legged Kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla, 178 Common Murres Uria aalge, and 281 Razorbills Alca torda from 13, 20, 12, and 14 colonies, respectively. Using Poisson point process habitat use models, we show that distribution at sea is dependent on (1) density-dependent competition among sympatric conspecifics (all species) and parapatric conspecifics (Kittiwakes and Murres); (2) habitat accessibility and coastal geometry, such that birds travel further from colonies with limited access to the sea; and (3) regional habitat availability. Using these models, we predict space use by birds from unobserved colonies and thereby map the distribution at sea of each species at both the colony and regional level. Space use by all four species' British breeding populations is concentrated in the coastal waters of Scotland, highlighting the need for robust conservation measures in this area. The techniques we present are applicable to any CCPF.}, }
@article {pmid28635158, year = {2018}, author = {Widen, EM and Kahn, LG and Cirillo, P and Cohn, B and Kezios, KL and Factor-Litvak, P}, title = {Prepregnancy overweight and obesity are associated with impaired child neurodevelopment.}, journal = {Maternal &amp; child nutrition}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {}, pmid = {28635158}, issn = {1740-8709}, support = {P2C HD042849/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; T32 DK007559/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; R00 HD086304/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; T32 ES023772/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; P30 ES009089/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; K99 HD086304/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Body Mass Index ; California/epidemiology ; Child ; Child Development ; Cohort Studies ; Female ; *Fetal Development ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; *Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena ; Neurodevelopmental Disorders/epidemiology/*etiology ; *Neurogenesis ; Obesity/*physiopathology ; Overweight/*physiopathology ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Complications/*physiopathology ; Prevalence ; Prospective Studies ; Recognition, Psychology ; Thinness/physiopathology ; Verbal Learning ; Weight Gain ; }, abstract = {The authors examined the relationship of prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) with child neurodevelopment. Mother-child dyads were a subgroup (n = 2,084) of the Child Health and Development Studies from the Oakland, California, area enrolled during pregnancy from 1959 to 1966 and followed at child age 9 years. Linear regression was used to examine associations between prepregnancy BMI, GWG, and standardized Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test and Raven Progressive Matrices scores and to evaluate effect modification of GWG by prepregnancy BMI. Before pregnancy, 77% of women were normal weight, 8% were underweight, 11% were overweight, and 3% were obese. Associations between GWG and child outcomes did not vary by prepregnancy BMI, suggesting no evidence for interaction. In multivariable models, compared to normal prepregnancy BMI, prepregnancy overweight and obesity were associated with lower Peabody scores (b: -1.29; 95% CI [-2.6, -0.04] and b: -2.7; 95% CI [-5.0, -0.32], respectively). GWG was not associated with child Peabody score [b: -0.03 (95% CI: -0.13, 0.07)]. Maternal BMI and GWG were not associated with child Raven score (all P >0.05). Maternal prepregnancy overweight and obesity were associated with lower scores for verbal recognition in mid-childhood. These results contribute to evidence linking maternal BMI with child neurodevelopment. Future research should examine the role of higher prepregnancy BMI values and the pattern of pregnancy weight gain in child cognitive outcomes.}, }
@article {pmid28624899, year = {2017}, author = {Fasfous, AF and Al-Joudi, HF and Puente, AE and Pérez-García, M}, title = {Neuropsychological Measures in the Arab World: A Systematic Review.}, journal = {Neuropsychology review}, volume = {27}, number = {2}, pages = {158-173}, pmid = {28624899}, issn = {1573-6660}, mesh = {Africa, Northern ; Arab World ; Humans ; Middle East ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; *Neuropsychology/instrumentation/methods ; }, abstract = {Although Arabic is one of the most widely used languages in the world, little is known on the availability of standardized neuropsychological tests in Arabic. We review the literature published before 2016, using the keywords Arab*, cogniti*, and neuropsycholo*, as well as keywords for each Arab country. PubMed, PsycINFO, Education Source, Academic Search Complete, Education Resources Information Center, Shamaa, and Arabpsynet databases were searched, in addition to a selected number of Arabic medical and educational journals. After excluding case reports, studies conducted on Arab groups residing outside the Arab world or Israel, and studies that employed intelligence scales or cognitive screens without standardization, 384 studies were eventually reviewed. Tests with most extensive use, adaptation, validation and norming were identified. The Raven Matrices, with its variants, was the most normed cognitive test for Arab individuals (normed in 16 countries). The rate of neuropsychology publications from the Arab countries combined, per year, was less than half of that of each American journal (top 10 journals pertaining to cognition). Nonetheless, the rate in Arab countries has increased after 2010. Publications were mostly from Egypt and Saudi Arabia, but the ratio of test adaptation-to-publication was the largest in Jordan and Lebanon. Approximately half of these publications did not employ cognitive tests that were developed, translated, adapted, or standardized according to international guidelines of psychological measurement. We provide recommendations on improving clinical neuropsychology to better serve Arab patients.}, }
@article {pmid28619108, year = {2017}, author = {Gomo, G and Mattisson, J and Hagen, BR and Moa, PF and Willebrand, T}, title = {Scavenging on a pulsed resource: quality matters for corvids but density for mammals.}, journal = {BMC ecology}, volume = {17}, number = {1}, pages = {22}, pmid = {28619108}, issn = {1472-6785}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/physiology ; Deer/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Food Chain ; Male ; Norway ; Predatory Behavior ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Human food subsidies can provide predictable food sources in large quantities for wildlife species worldwide. In the boreal forest of Fennoscandia, gut piles from moose (Alces alces) harvest provide a potentially important food source for a range of opportunistically scavenging predators. Increased populations of predators can negatively affect threatened or important game species. As a response to this, restrictions on field dressing of moose are under consideration in parts of Norway. However, there is a lack of research to how this resource is utilized. In this study, we used camera-trap data from 50 gut piles during 1043 monitoring days. We estimated depletion of gut piles separately for parts with high and low energy content, and used these results to scale up gut pile density in the study area. We identified scavenger species and analyzed the influences of gut pile quality and density on scavenging behavior of mammals and corvids (family Corvidae).<br><br>RESULTS: Main scavengers were corvids and red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Parts with high energy content were rapidly consumed, mainly by corvids that were present at all gut piles shortly after the remains were left at the kill site. Corvid presence declined with days since harvest, reflecting reduction in gut pile quality over time independent of gut pile density. Mammals arrived 7-8&#xa0;days later at the gut piles than corvids, and their presence depended only on gut pile density with a peak at intermediate densities. The decline at high gut pile densities suggest a saturation effect, which could explain accumulation of gut pile parts with low energy content.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that remains from moose harvest can potentially be an important food resource for scavengers, as it was utilized to a high degree by many species. This study gives novel insight into how energy content and density of resources affect scavenging patterns among functional groups of scavengers.}, }
@article {pmid28615758, year = {2017}, author = {Anil Kumar, BN and Malhotra, S and Bhattacharya, A and Grover, S and Batra, YK}, title = {Regional Cerebral Glucose Metabolism and its Association with Phenotype and Cognitive Functioning in Patients with Autism.}, journal = {Indian journal of psychological medicine}, volume = {39}, number = {3}, pages = {262-270}, pmid = {28615758}, issn = {0253-7176}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: In spite of three decades of neuroimaging, we are unable to find consistent and coherent anatomical or pathophysiological basis for autism as changes are subtle and there are no studies from India.<br><br>AIM: To study the regional cerebral glucose metabolism in children with autism using positron emission tomography (PET) scan and to study the behavior and cognitive functioning among them.<br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten subjects (8-19 years) meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria for autism were evaluated on Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), trail making test (TMT) A and B, Wisconsin card sorting test, Raven's progressive matrices, and PET scan. A control group of 15 matched subjects without any brain pathology or neurological disorder was similarly studied.<br><br>RESULTS: Four out of the ten patients with autism had abnormal PET scan findings, and in contrast, none of the patients in the control group had abnormal PET scan. Of the four patients with abnormality in the PET scan, two patients had findings suggestive of hypometabolism in cerebellum bilaterally; one patient showed bilateral hypometabolism in anterior temporal cortices and cerebellum, and the fourth patient had hypermetabolism in the bilateral frontal cortices and medial occipital cortices. Subjects with autism performed poorly on neuropsychological testing. Patients with abnormal PET scan findings had significantly higher scores on the "body use" domain of CARS indicating more stereotypy.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Findings of this study support the view of altered brain functioning in subjects with autism.}, }
@article {pmid28610033, year = {2017}, author = {Hernández-Triana, LM and Brugman, VA and Prosser, SWJ and Weland, C and Nikolova, N and Thorne, L and Marco, MF and Fooks, AR and Johnson, N}, title = {Molecular approaches for blood meal analysis and species identification of mosquitoes (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae) in rural locations in southern England, United Kingdom.}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {4250}, number = {1}, pages = {67-76}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.4250.1.5}, pmid = {28610033}, issn = {1175-5334}, mesh = {Animals ; Anopheles ; Cattle ; Culex ; *Culicidae ; Dogs ; England ; Female ; Humans ; Insect Vectors ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; United Kingdom ; West Nile virus ; }, abstract = {Thirty-four species of Culicidae are present in the UK, of which 15 have been implicated as potential vectors of arthropod-borne viruses such as West Nile virus. Identification of mosquito feeding preferences is paramount to the understanding of vector-host-pathogen interactions which, in turn, would assist in the control of disease outbreaks. Results are presented on the application of DNA barcoding for vertebrate species identification in blood-fed female mosquitoes in rural locations. Blood-fed females (n = 134) were collected in southern England from rural sites and identified based on morphological criteria. Blood meals from 59 specimens (44%) were identified as feeding on eight hosts: European rabbit, cow, human, barn swallow, dog, great tit, magpie and blackbird. Analysis of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I mtDNA barcoding region and the internal transcribed spacer 2 rDNA region of the specimens morphologically identified as Anopheles maculipennis s.l. revealed the presence of An. atroparvus and An. messeae. A similar analysis of specimens morphologically identified as Culex pipiens/Cx. torrentium showed all specimens to be Cx. pipiens (typical form). This study demonstrates the importance of using molecular techniques to support species-level identification in blood-fed mosquitoes to maximize the information obtained in studies investigating host feeding patterns.}, }
@article {pmid28589845, year = {2017}, author = {Kryukov, AP and Spiridonova, LN and Mori, S and Arkhipov, VY and Red'kin, YA and Goroshko, OA and Lobkov, EG and Haring, E}, title = {Deep Phylogeographic Breaks in Magpie Pica pica Across the Holarctic: Concordance with Bioacoustics and Phenotypes.}, journal = {Zoological science}, volume = {34}, number = {3}, pages = {185-200}, doi = {10.2108/zs160119}, pmid = {28589845}, issn = {0289-0003}, mesh = {Animals ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; *Genetic Variation ; Haplotypes ; Passeriformes/*genetics/physiology ; Phylogeny ; Phylogeography ; }, abstract = {We examined sequences of the mitochondrial control region in magpies (Pica pica) from the entire distribution range and found deep genetic splits into four major lineages: (1) group West (Europe-Siberia), (2) group East (southern Far East), (3) P. p. mauritanica (North Africa), and (4) P. p. hudsonia (North America). These lineages show a geographic pattern corresponding to known subspecies or subspecies groups. Genetic variation within the widely-distributed group West is low and neutrality tests supported a recent expansion scenario. The haplotypes from Kamchatka, representing a separated sublineage with clear affinity to the European-Siberian group, are almost identical, implying a recent bottleneck. Group East contained two subclades without clear geographic pattern, presumably due to admixing of populations that had diverged in Pleistocene refuges. The homogeneity of the Kyushu population supports historical reports of introduction of the species from Korea. In contrast, the high variation in the recently established Hokkaido population may reflect an ongoing invasion from several populations of the Far Eastern mainland. Bioacoustic data based on chatter call differentiate groups of subspecies and reflect phylogeographic patterns, i.e., mitochondrial lineages. Furthermore, we report the fast spreading of P. p. jankowskii towards the west along the upper Amur River, and a slower shifting of P. p. leucoptera in the opposite direction thus yielding a new contact zone. Overall, our data support a scenario of divergence in geographic isolation, but the ongoing expansion of distribution ranges may lead to major changes in phylogeographic patterns.}, }
@article {pmid28570966, year = {2017}, author = {O'Donnell, LA and Axelson, DA and Kowatch, RA and Schneck, CD and Sugar, CA and Miklowitz, DJ}, title = {Enhancing quality of life among adolescents with bipolar disorder: A randomized trial of two psychosocial interventions.}, journal = {Journal of affective disorders}, volume = {219}, number = {}, pages = {201-208}, pmid = {28570966}, issn = {1573-2517}, support = {R01 MH073871/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MH093676/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; R21 MH097007/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Antipsychotic Agents/therapeutic use ; Bipolar Disorder/psychology/*therapy ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Communication ; Family Relations ; Family Therapy/*methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Patient Education as Topic/*methods ; Quality of Life/*psychology ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Adolescents with bipolar disorder (BD) report lower quality of life (QoL) than adolescents with other psychiatric disorders. This study compared the efficacy of family-focused therapy for adolescents (FFT-A) plus pharmacotherapy to brief psychoeducation (enhanced care, or EC) plus pharmacotherapy on self-rated QoL in adolescents with BD over 2 years.<br><br>METHODS: Participants were 141 adolescents (mean age: 15.6&#xb1;1.4yr) with BD I or II who had a mood episode in the previous 3 months. Adolescents and parents were randomly assigned to (1) FFT-A, given in 21 sessions in 9 months of psychoeducation, communication enhancement training, and problem-solving skills training, or (2) EC, given in 3 family psychoeducation sessions. Study psychiatrists provided patient participants with protocol-based pharmacotherapy for the duration of the study. QoL was assessed with The KINDL[R]Questionnaire (Ravens-Sieberer and Bullinger, 1998) during active treatment (baseline to 9 months) and during a post-treatment follow-up (9-24 months).<br><br>RESULTS: The two treatment groups did not differ in overall QoL scores over 24 months. However, adolescents in FFT-A had greater improvements in quality of family relationships and physical well-being than participants in EC. For quality of friendships, the trajectory during active treatment favored EC, whereas the trajectory during post-treatment favored FFT-A.<br><br>LIMITATIONS: We were unable to standardize medication use or adherence over time. Quality of life was based on self-report rather than on observable functioning.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: A short course of family psychoeducation and skills training may enhance relational functioning and health in adolescents with BD. The effects of different psychosocial interventions on peer relationships deserves further study.}, }
@article {pmid28557688, year = {2017}, author = {Veit, L and Pidpruzhnykova, G and Nieder, A}, title = {Learning Recruits Neurons Representing Previously Established Associations in the Corvid Endbrain.}, journal = {Journal of cognitive neuroscience}, volume = {29}, number = {10}, pages = {1712-1724}, doi = {10.1162/jocn_a_01152}, pmid = {28557688}, issn = {1530-8898}, mesh = {Action Potentials ; Analysis of Variance ; Animals ; Association Learning/*physiology ; Attention/physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Electrodes, Implanted ; Feedback, Psychological/physiology ; Neuronal Plasticity/*physiology ; Neurons/*physiology ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Telencephalon/*physiology ; Visual Perception/physiology ; }, abstract = {Crows quickly learn arbitrary associations. As a neuronal correlate of this behavior, single neurons in the corvid endbrain area nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL) change their response properties during association learning. In crows performing a delayed association task that required them to map both familiar and novel sample pictures to the same two choice pictures, NCL neurons established a common, prospective code for associations. Here, we report that neuronal tuning changes during learning were not distributed equally in the recorded population of NCL neurons. Instead, such learning-related changes relied almost exclusively on neurons which were already encoding familiar associations. Only in such neurons did behavioral improvements during learning of novel associations coincide with increasing selectivity over the learning process. The size and direction of selectivity for familiar and newly learned associations were highly correlated. These increases in selectivity for novel associations occurred only late in the delay period. Moreover, NCL neurons discriminated correct from erroneous trial outcome based on feedback signals at the end of the trial, particularly in newly learned associations. Our results indicate that task-relevant changes during association learning are not distributed within the population of corvid NCL neurons but rather are restricted to a specific group of association-selective neurons. Such association neurons in the multimodal cognitive integration area NCL likely play an important role during highly flexible behavior in corvids.}, }
@article {pmid28537801, year = {2017}, author = {Panev, AS and Tserne, TA and Polugrudov, AS and Bakutova, LA and Petrova, NB and Tatarinova, OV and Kolosova, ON and Borisenkov, MF}, title = {Association of chronotype and social jetlag with human non-verbal intelligence.}, journal = {Chronobiology international}, volume = {34}, number = {7}, pages = {977-980}, doi = {10.1080/07420528.2017.1324473}, pmid = {28537801}, issn = {1525-6073}, mesh = {*Activity Cycles ; Adolescent ; Adult ; *Circadian Rhythm ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Educational Status ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Phenotype ; *Social Behavior ; Time Factors ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chronotype and social jetlag (SJL) on intelligence. Subjects were aged 14-25 years (n = 1008). A significant effect of intelligence on academic performance, as measured by the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices test, was found (F2,917 = 11.75, P < 0.0001, η[2] = 0.03). When SJL was less than 2 hours, the intelligence of people with late chronotype was found to be higher than that of subjects with early and intermediate chronotypes (F2,305 = 3.12, P < 0.05, η[2] = 0.02). A negative effect of SJL on the results of intelligence testing was noted only in subjects with late chronotype (F2,536 = 2.61, P < 0.05, η[2] = 0.02). Our data suggest that people with late chronotype have a higher level of intelligence, but these advantages disappear when SJL ≥2 hours.}, }
@article {pmid28535928, year = {2017}, author = {Luef, EM and Ter Maat, A and Pika, S}, title = {Vocal similarity in long-distance and short-distance vocalizations in raven pairs (Corvus corax) in captivity.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {142}, number = {}, pages = {1-7}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2017.05.013}, pmid = {28535928}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Acoustics ; Animals ; Communication ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; *Pair Bond ; Vocalization, Animal/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Vocal interactions in many birds are characterized by imitation or the matching of vocalizations whereby one individual makes its vocalizations more similar to those of a conspecific. This behaviour is aided by vocal learning, which allows birds to change the vocalizations already in their repertoires, or to add new ones. The majority of studies on vocal similarity have been focussing on the songs of birds rather than their calls, with evidence for vocal similarity in calls being rather scarce. Here, we investigated whether ravens make their calls acoustically similar to one another by analysing the extent to which short- and long-distance calls of their vocal repertoires exhibited vocal similarity. Our results showed that long-distance calls, but not short-distance calls, are highly similar between pair partners. This effect may be explained by the different functions underlying short- and long-distance communication in ravens, with vocal similarity possibly being scaffolded by specific social matrices such as pair-bonds and/or strong social relationships.}, }
@article {pmid28510577, year = {2017}, author = {Baragli, P and Demuru, E and Scopa, C and Palagi, E}, title = {Are horses capable of mirror self-recognition? A pilot study.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {12}, number = {5}, pages = {e0176717}, pmid = {28510577}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Horses ; Pilot Projects ; *Recognition, Psychology ; *Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {Mirror Self-Recognition (MSR) unveils complex cognitive, social and emotional skills and it has been found only in humans and few other species, such as great apes, dolphins, elephants and magpies. In this pilot study, we tested if horses show the capacity of MSR. Four subjects living socially under naturalistic conditions were selected for the experiment. We adopted the classical mark test, which consists in placing a coloured mark on an out-of-view body part, visible only through mirror inspection. If the animal considers the image as its own, it will use its reflection to detect the mark and will try to explore it. We enhanced the classical paradigm by introducing a double-check control. Only in the presence of the reflecting surface, animals performed tactile and olfactory exploration of the mirror and looked behind it. These behaviors suggest that subjects were trying to associate multiple sensory cues (visual, tactile and olfactory) to the image in the mirror. The lack of correspondence between the collected stimuli in front of the mirror and the response to the colored mark lead us to affirm that horses are able to perceive that the reflected image is incongruent when compared with the memorized information of a real horse. However, without replication of data, the self-directed behavior towards the colored marks showed by our horses cannot be sufficient per se to affirm that horses are capable of self-recognition.}, }
@article {pmid28499162, year = {2017}, author = {Jaam, M and Ibrahim, MIM and Kheir, N and Awaisu, A}, title = {Factors associated with medication adherence among patients with diabetes in the Middle East and North Africa region: A systematic mixed studies review.}, journal = {Diabetes research and clinical practice}, volume = {129}, number = {}, pages = {1-15}, doi = {10.1016/j.diabres.2017.04.015}, pmid = {28499162}, issn = {1872-8227}, mesh = {Africa, Northern ; Diabetes Mellitus/*drug therapy/psychology ; Drug Therapy, Combination/psychology ; Humans ; Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology/*therapeutic use ; Medication Adherence/*psychology ; Middle East ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {Multiple systematic reviews were conducted investigating factors associated with medication adherence worldwide. However, investigations from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region were largely underrepresented in those reviews. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review is to identify the factors influencing medication adherence among patients with diabetes in the MENA region. A systematic literature search was conducted through Cochrane Library, EBSCO, EMBASE, Google Scholar, ISI Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, SCOPUS, and ProQuest. Studies were included if they determined factors associated with medication adherence among patients with diabetes within the MENA region. Quality was assessed using Crow Critical Appraisal Tool. Thirty primary studies from 10 MENA countries were included. The factors associated with medication adherence were categorized into demographics-related; disease- and medication-related; perception, attitude and psychological feelings-related; and societal-related factors. Positively associated factors included knowledge about the disease and medications, regular follow-up visits, and patients' positive beliefs about effectiveness and motivations about medications, while negatively associated factors included forgetfulness, side effects, and polypharmacy. Factors associated with medication adherence among patients with diabetes in the MENA region are highly diverse. The identified factors can serve as potential targets for culturally-relevant interventions to improve medication adherence and overall health outcomes.}, }
@article {pmid28499128, year = {2017}, author = {Zarrintab, M and Mirzaei, R}, title = {Stress induced by heavy metals on breeding of magpie (Pica pica) from central Iran.}, journal = {Ecotoxicology and environmental safety}, volume = {143}, number = {}, pages = {28-37}, doi = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.04.047}, pmid = {28499128}, issn = {1090-2414}, mesh = {Animals ; Clutch Size/drug effects ; Ecosystem ; Egg Shell/chemistry ; Environmental Monitoring/*methods ; Environmental Pollutants/analysis/*toxicity ; Feathers/chemistry ; Iran ; Metals, Heavy/analysis/*toxicity ; Ovum/chemistry ; Passeriformes/*metabolism/physiology ; Pica ; Random Allocation ; Reproduction/*drug effects ; Stress, Physiological/*drug effects ; }, abstract = {The aim of this study was to address the impacts of some heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn, Ni and Cu) contamination on laying behavior, egg quality and breeding performance of Pica pica in north of Isfahan Province, Iran. During the breeding season of 2013, magpie's egg content and eggshell as well as nestling excrements and feathers were collected and total concentrations of heavy metals were measured by ICP-OES. Except for Zn in nestling feathers, the significantly higher concentrations of heavy metals were observed in nestling excrements than other samples. Also, comparison of heavy metals concentrations in egg content and eggshell showed that egg content had significantly higher concentrations of Zn and Pb, instead eggshell had significantly higher amount of Cu and Cd. Except for Cu, all heavy metals concentrations in eggshell had a negative relationship with morphological characters; and also concentration of Cu in egg content showed a significantly negative correlation with egg weight and volume. The most of heavy metals in nestling feathers and excrements had strongly positive correlations with each other. Also all heavy metals levels in eggshell and egg content had significantly positive correlations (except for Cu). Unhatched eggs had significantly lower weight but also greater levels of Zn, Cd, and Pb, than randomly collected eggs. No significant differences were observed for morphometric measurements of eggs between different sites, however, a decreased gradient was observed in egg volume toward the brick kiln site. Samples collected in brick kiln site accumulated higher concentrations of heavy metals than other sites. Although numbers of clutch size in brick kiln site were significantly higher than other sites, however, other breeding variable were lower than other sites. It can be suggested that ecosystem contamination may be caused to decrease the reproduction rate of Pica pica in brick kiln, probably by laying more poor quality eggs per clutch and nestling mortality.}, }
@article {pmid28422953, year = {2017}, author = {Soler, M and de Neve, L and Roldán, M and Pérez-Contreras, T and Soler, JJ}, title = {Great spotted cuckoo nestlings have no antipredatory effect on magpie or carrion crow host nests in southern Spain.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {12}, number = {4}, pages = {e0173080}, pmid = {28422953}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Crows/parasitology/*physiology ; Nesting Behavior/*physiology ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Predatory Behavior/*physiology ; Spain ; Symbiosis/physiology ; }, abstract = {Host defences against cuckoo parasitism and cuckoo trickeries to overcome them are a classic example of antagonistic coevolution. Recently it has been reported that this relationship may turn to be mutualistic in the case of the carrion crow (Corvus corone) and its brood parasite, the great spotted cuckoo (Clamator glandarius), given that experimentally and naturally parasitized nests were depredated at a lower rate than non-parasitized nests. This result was interpreted as a consequence of the antipredatory properties of a fetid cloacal secretion produced by cuckoo nestlings, which presumably deters predators from parasitized host nests. This potential defensive mechanism would therefore explain the detected higher fledgling success of parasitized nests during breeding seasons with high predation risk. Here, in a different study population, we explored the expected benefits in terms of reduced nest predation in naturally and experimentally parasitized nests of two different host species, carrion crows and magpies (Pica pica). During the incubation phase non-parasitized nests were depredated more frequently than parasitized nests. However, during the nestling phase, parasitized nests were not depredated at a lower rate than non-parasitized nests, neither in magpie nor in carrion crow nests, and experimental translocation of great spotted cuckoo hatchlings did not reveal causal effects between parasitism state and predation rate of host nests. Therefore, our results do not fit expectations and, thus, do not support the fascinating possibility that great spotted cuckoo nestlings could have an antipredatory effect for host nestlings, at least in our study area. We also discuss different possibilities that may conciliate these with previous results, but also several alternative explanations, including the lack of generalizability of the previously documented mutualistic association.}, }
@article {pmid28412529, year = {2017}, author = {Manrique, HM and Molina, AC and Posada, S and Colell, M}, title = {Vertical string-pulling in green jays (Cyanocorax yncas).}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {140}, number = {}, pages = {74-80}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2017.04.004}, pmid = {28412529}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; Choice Behavior ; Cognition/*physiology ; Conditioning, Operant ; Discrimination Learning ; Female ; Male ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; *Problem Solving ; Psychomotor Performance/physiology ; Reinforcement, Psychology ; }, abstract = {The cognition of green jays (Cyanocorax yncas), a non Corvus corvid species, was investigated by using the string-pulling paradigm. Five adult green jays performed a vertical string-pulling task in which they had to retrieve a worm attached to the end of a vertical hanging string while sitting on their perch. In the first experiment, three of the subjects managed to retrieve the worm by pulling on the string with their beaks and stepping on the resulting loop, and thereafter repeating this sequence until the worm was accessible. When subjects were given a choice between two strings in subsequent experiments 2-4, they chose at random between the string connected to the worm and the one connected to a slice of a wooden dowel. In experiment 5, subjects that had failed the previous discrimination series were able, nevertheless, to solve a more stringent vertical string array in which they had to pull up the whole length of the string without any visual access to the worm at the end. We discuss green jays' performance in comparison with other corvid species in which cognition has been more extensively investigated.}, }
@article {pmid28406672, year = {2018}, author = {Felez-Nobrega, M and Foster, JL and Puig-Ribera, A and Draheim, C and Hillman, CH}, title = {Measuring working memory in the Spanish population: Validation of a multiple shortened complex span task.}, journal = {Psychological assessment}, volume = {30}, number = {2}, pages = {274-279}, doi = {10.1037/pas0000484}, pmid = {28406672}, issn = {1939-134X}, support = {//FI-AGAUR Predoctoral Research/International ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Factor Analysis, Statistical ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; *Memory, Short-Term ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Reproducibility of Results ; Spain ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Working memory plays a key role in cognition as it is a major predictor of a wide range of higher order abilities and behaviors typical to daily life. Shorter versions of the complex span tasks (CSTs) have been recently developed, allowing for the reduction of test administration time without affecting validity and reliability in the measurement of working memory capacity (WMC). However, these short versions have not been validated for the Spanish-speaking population. The present work aimed to validate an English version of the shortened CSTs into Spanish in a sample of 325 university students (40% female; mean age = 21.04; SD = 2.80). Cronbach's coefficient alpha was computed for each complex span task as an index of internal consistency. Validity evidence was evaluated by comparing participants' scores on the three shortened complex span tasks (operation span, symmetry span, and rotation span) with two measures of reasoning ability (Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices and Number Series) and using confirmatory factor analysis. Results indicated that the short version of the Spanish complex span has satisfying qualities for assessing WMC in a sample of university students, which is an initial step toward providing a valid and standardized method for assessing WMC in the Peninsular Spanish-speaking population. (PsycINFO Database Record}, }
@article {pmid28379045, year = {2017}, author = {Davie, C and Clark, AB}, title = {Self-Rehabilitation of a Captive American Crow at Binghamton Zoo.}, journal = {Journal of applied animal welfare science : JAAWS}, volume = {20}, number = {3}, pages = {273-279}, doi = {10.1080/10888705.2017.1307747}, pmid = {28379045}, issn = {1532-7604}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Zoo ; *Crows ; Female ; Flight, Animal/*physiology ; United States ; }, abstract = {The behavioral transition from an entirely unflighted-to-flighted, female yearling American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) in captivity in a specially designed exhibit was documented at the Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park in Binghamton, NY. Upon arrival, the focal crow had no complete primary feathers or retrices and had been in captivity since fledging. She apparently had never flown successfully and was using her legs and an abnormal body orientation to cushion her landing on the ground. In a social and physical environment with 3 flying companion crows and staggered perches, she developed and appeared to "practice" routines that ultimately resulted in her recovering normal body posture and flight ability. The crow's practice routine was recorded during daily observations using an ethogram of social and locomotor behaviors. Both enclosure design and the social environment may have provided an ideal setting for the self-motivation of practice and this recovery. Attention to the potential for such practice could facilitate rehabilitation in individuals for whom rehabilitation was not thought possible.}, }
@article {pmid28364366, year = {2017}, author = {Uomini, N and Hunt, G}, title = {A new tool-using bird to crow about.}, journal = {Learning &amp; behavior}, volume = {45}, number = {3}, pages = {205-206}, pmid = {28364366}, issn = {1543-4508}, mesh = {Animals ; Cognition ; *Crows ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {The Hawaiian crow has been revealed as a skilled tool user, confirmed by testing the last members of this endangered species that survive in captivity. The finding suggests its behavior is tantalizingly similar to that of the famous tool-using New Caledonian crow and has implications for the evolution of tool use and intelligence in birds.}, }
@article {pmid28355292, year = {2017}, author = {Majkić, A and Evans, S and Stepanchuk, V and Tsvelykh, A and d'Errico, F}, title = {A decorated raven bone from the Zaskalnaya VI (Kolosovskaya) Neanderthal site, Crimea.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {12}, number = {3}, pages = {e0173435}, pmid = {28355292}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Archaeology/methods ; Bone and Bones/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Crows/anatomy &amp; histology ; *Fossils ; History, Ancient ; Humans ; Microscopy ; Multivariate Analysis ; Neanderthals/*psychology ; Paleontology/methods ; Russia ; }, abstract = {We analyze a radius bone fragment of a raven (Corvus corax) from Zaskalnaya VI rock shelter, Crimea. The object bears seven notches and comes from an archaeological level attributed to a Micoquian industry dated to between 38 and 43 cal kyr BP. Our study aims to examine the degree of regularity and intentionality of this set of notches through their technological and morphometric analysis, complemented by comparative experimental work. Microscopic analysis of the notches indicate that they were produced by the to-and-fro movement of a lithic cutting edge and that two notches were added to fill in the gap left between previously cut notches, probably to increase the visual consistency of the pattern. Multivariate analysis of morphometric data recorded on the archaeological notches and sets of notches cut by nine modern experimenters on radii of domestic turkeys shows that the variations recorded on the Zaskalnaya set are comparable to experimental sets made with the aim of producing similar, parallel, equidistant notches. Identification of the Weber Fraction, the constant that accounts for error in human perception, for equidistant notches cut on bone rods and its application to the Zaskalnaya set of notches and thirty-six sets of notches incised on seventeen Upper Palaeolithic bone objects from seven sites indicate that the Zaskalnaya set falls within the range of variation of regularly spaced experimental and Upper Palaeolithic sets of notches. This suggests that even if the production of the notches may have had a utilitarian reason the notches were made with the goal of producing a visually consistent pattern. This object represents the first instance of a bird bone from a Neanderthal site bearing modifications that cannot be explained as the result of butchery activities and for which a symbolic argument can be built on direct rather than circumstantial evidence.}, }
@article {pmid28336913, year = {2017}, author = {Loretto, MC and Schuster, R and Itty, C and Marchand, P and Genero, F and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Fission-fusion dynamics over large distances in raven non-breeders.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {7}, number = {1}, pages = {380}, pmid = {28336913}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {P 29705/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Crows ; Europe ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Male ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {The influence of fission-fusion dynamics, i.e., temporal variation in group size and composition, on social complexity has been studied in large-brained mammals that rely on social bonds. Little is known about birds, even though some species like ravens have recently received attention for their socio-cognitive skills and use of social bonds. While raven breeders defend territories year-round, non-breeders roam through large areas and form groups at food sources or night roosts. We here examined the fission-fusion patterns of non-breeding ravens over years, investigating whether birds meet repeatedly either at the same or at different locations. We combined four large datasets: presence-absence observations from two study sites (Austria, Italy) and GPS-tracking of ravens across two study areas (Austria, France). As expected, we found a highly dynamic system in which individuals with long phases of temporary settlement had a high probability of meeting others. Although GPS-tagged ravens spread out over thousands of square kilometres, we found repeated associations between almost half of the possible combinations at different locations. Such a system makes repeated interactions between individuals at different sites possible and likely. High fission-fusion dynamics may thus not hinder but shape the social complexity of ravens and, possibly, other long-term bonded birds.}, }
@article {pmid28327578, year = {2017}, author = {Langin, KM and Sillett, TS and Funk, WC and Morrison, SA and Ghalambor, CK}, title = {Partial support for the central-marginal hypothesis within a population: reduced genetic diversity but not increased differentiation at the range edge of an island endemic bird.}, journal = {Heredity}, volume = {119}, number = {1}, pages = {8-15}, pmid = {28327578}, issn = {1365-2540}, mesh = {Animal Distribution ; Animals ; California ; Evolution, Molecular ; Gene Flow ; Genetic Drift ; *Genetic Variation ; *Genetics, Population ; Genotype ; Islands ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Passeriformes/*genetics ; Population Density ; Spatial Analysis ; }, abstract = {Large-scale population comparisons have contributed to our understanding of the evolution of geographic range limits and species boundaries, as well as the conservation value of populations at range margins. The central-marginal hypothesis (CMH) predicts a decline in genetic diversity and an increase in genetic differentiation toward the periphery of species' ranges due to spatial variation in genetic drift and gene flow. Empirical studies on a diverse array of taxa have demonstrated support for the CMH. However, nearly all such studies come from widely distributed species, and have not considered if the same processes can be scaled down to single populations. Here, we test the CMH on a species composed of a single population: the Island Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma insularis), endemic to a 250 km[2] island. We examined microsatellite data from a quarter of the total population and found that homozygosity increased toward the island's periphery. However, peripheral portions of the island did not exhibit higher genetic differentiation. Simulations revealed that highly localized dispersal and small total population size, but not spatial variation in population density, were critical for generating fine-scale variation in homozygosity. Collectively, these results demonstrate that microevolutionary processes driving spatial variation in genetic diversity among populations can also be important for generating spatial variation in genetic diversity within populations.}, }
@article {pmid28323477, year = {2017}, author = {Adler, JL}, title = {"The Service I Rendered Was Just as True": African American Soldiers and Veterans as Activist Patients.}, journal = {American journal of public health}, volume = {107}, number = {5}, pages = {675-683}, pmid = {28323477}, issn = {1541-0048}, mesh = {Black or African American/*history ; Health Policy/history ; History, 20th Century ; Hospitals, Military/*history ; Humans ; Male ; Military Personnel/*history ; Patient Advocacy/*history ; Prejudice/*history ; United States ; Veterans/*history ; World War I ; }, abstract = {In this article, I examine how African American soldiers and veterans experienced and shaped federally sponsored health care during and after World War I. Building on studies of the struggles of Black leaders and health care providers to win professional and public health advancement in the 1920s and 1930s, and of advocates to mobilize for health care rights in the mid-20th century, I focus primarily on the experiences and activism of patients in the interwar years. Private and government correspondence, congressional testimony, and reports from Black newspapers reveal that African American soldiers and veterans communicated directly with policymakers and bureaucrats regarding unequal treatment, assuming roles as "policy actors" who viewed health and medical care as "politics by other means." In the process, they drew attention to the paradoxes inherent in expanding government entitlements in the era of Jim Crow, and helped shape a veterans' health system that emerged in the 1920s and remained in place for the following century. They also laid the groundwork for the system's precedent-setting desegregation, referred to by advocates of the time as "a shining example to the rest of the country."}, }
@article {pmid28303393, year = {2017}, author = {Castro, J and Molina-Morales, M and Leverkus, AB and Martínez-Baroja, L and Pérez-Camacho, L and Villar-Salvador, P and Rebollo, S and Rey-Benayas, JM}, title = {Effective nut dispersal by magpies (Pica pica L.) in a Mediterranean agroecosystem.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {184}, number = {1}, pages = {183-192}, pmid = {28303393}, issn = {1432-1939}, mesh = {Animals ; Feeding Behavior ; *Nuts ; *Pica ; Rodentia ; Seed Dispersal ; Seeds ; }, abstract = {Scatter-hoarding animals such as corvids play a crucial role in the dispersal of nut-producing tree species. This interaction is well known for some corvids, but remains elusive for other species such as the magpie (Pica pica), an abundant corvid in agroecosystems and open landscapes of the Palearctic region. In addition, the establishment of the individual dispersed seeds-a prerequisite for determining seed-dispersal effectiveness-has never before been documented for the interaction between corvids and nut-producing trees. We analyzed walnut dispersal by magpies in an agroecosystem in southern Spain. We used several complementary approaches, including video recording nut removal from feeders, measuring dispersal distance using radio tracking (with radio transmitters placed inside nuts), and monitoring the fate of dispersed nuts to the time of seedling emergence. Magpies were shown to be highly active nut dispersers. The dispersal distance averaged 39.6 ± 4.5 m and ranged from 4.1 to 158.5 m. Some 90% of the removed walnuts were cached later, and most of these (98%) were buried in the soil or hidden under plant material. By the time of seedling emergence, ca. 33% of nuts remained at the caching location. Finally, 12% of the cached nuts germinated and 4% yielded an emerged seedling, facilitating the transition to the next regeneration stage. The results demonstrate for the first time that magpies can be an effective scatter-hoarding disperser of a nut-producing tree species, suggesting that this bird species may play a key role in the regeneration and expansion of broadleaf forests in Eurasia.}, }
@article {pmid28287785, year = {2017}, author = {Thorvaldsson, V and Skoog, I and Johansson, B}, title = {IQ as moderator of terminal decline in perceptual and motor speed, spatial, and verbal ability: Testing the cognitive reserve hypothesis in a population-based sample followed from age 70 until death.}, journal = {Psychology and aging}, volume = {32}, number = {2}, pages = {148-157}, doi = {10.1037/pag0000150}, pmid = {28287785}, issn = {1939-1498}, support = {P01 AG043362/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Aging/*physiology/psychology ; Cognition Disorders/diagnosis/epidemiology/psychology ; Cognitive Reserve/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Motor Skills/*physiology ; Perception/physiology ; Population Surveillance/methods ; Registries ; Spatial Behavior/*physiology ; Sweden/epidemiology ; Verbal Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Terminal decline (TD) refers to acceleration in within-person cognitive decline prior to death. The cognitive reserve hypothesis postulates that individuals with higher IQ are able to better tolerate age-related increase in brain pathologies. On average, they will exhibit a later onset of TD, but once they start to decline, their trajectory is steeper relative to those with lower IQ. We tested these predictions using data from initially nondemented individuals (n = 179) in the H70-study repeatedly measured at ages 70, 75, 79, 81, 85, 88, 90, 92, 95, 97, 99, and 100, or until death, on cognitive tests of perceptual-and-motor-speed and spatial and verbal ability. We quantified IQ using the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM) test administrated at age 70. We fitted random change point TD models to the data, within a Bayesian framework, conditioned on IQ, age of death, education, and sex. In line with predictions, we found that 1 additional standard deviation on the IQ scale was associated with a delay in onset of TD by 1.87 (95% highest density interval [HDI; 0.20, 4.08]) years on speed, 1.96 (95% HDI [0.15, 3.54]) years on verbal ability, but only 0.88 (95% HDI [-0.93, 3.49]) year on spatial ability. Higher IQ was associated with steeper rate of decline within the TD phase on measures of speed and verbal ability, whereas results on spatial ability were nonconclusive. Our findings provide partial support for the cognitive reserve hypothesis and demonstrate that IQ can be a significant moderator of cognitive change trajectories in old age. (PsycINFO Database Record}, }
@article {pmid28278304, year = {2017}, author = {Jamnadass, ES and Keelan, JA and Russell-Smith, SN and Hickey, M and Maybery, MT and Whitehouse, AJ}, title = {Umbilical cord androgens and estrogens in relation to verbal and nonverbal abilities at age 10 in the general population.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {12}, number = {3}, pages = {e0173493}, pmid = {28278304}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Adult ; Androgens/*metabolism ; Child ; Estrogens/*metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Nonverbal Communication/*physiology ; Pregnancy ; Sex Characteristics ; Umbilical Cord/*metabolism ; Verbal Behavior/*physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Sex differences in verbal and nonverbal abilities are a contentious area of research. Prenatal steroids have been shown to have masculinizing effects on the brain that may affect the development of nonverbal and verbal abilities in later life. The current study examined a wide range of biologically active sex steroids (both androgens and estrogens) in umbilical cord blood at birth in a large pregnancy cohort in relation to performance on nonverbal (Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices) and verbal (Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals-3 and the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-III) measures at age 10 years. Overall, Androgen and Estrogen composites in cord blood were not found to be predictive of performance on verbal and nonverbal measures at age 10. These data suggest that late gestation sex steroids do not exert a major effect on nonverbal and verbal abilities in middle childhood.}, }
@article {pmid28263620, year = {2017}, author = {Marhounová, L and Frynta, D and Fuchs, R and Landová, E}, title = {Object permanence in the food-storing coal tit (Periparus ater) and the non-storing great tit (Parus major): Is the mental representation required?.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {131}, number = {2}, pages = {115-127}, doi = {10.1037/com0000061}, pmid = {28263620}, issn = {1939-2087}, mesh = {Animals ; Coal ; Cognition/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; *Food ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Object permanence is a cognitive ability that enables animals to mentally represent the continuous existence of temporarily hidden objects. Generally, it develops gradually through six qualitative stages, the evolution of which may be connected with some specific ecological and behavioral factors. In birds, the advanced object permanence skills were reported in several storing species of the Corvidae family. In order to test the association between food-storing and achieved performance within the stages, we compared food-storing coal tits (Periparus ater) and nonstoring great tits (Parus major) using an adapted version of Uzgiris &amp; Hunt's Scale 1 tasks. The coal tits significantly outperformed the great tits in searching for completely hidden objects. Most of the great tits could not solve the task when the object disappeared completely. However, the upper limit for both species is likely to be Stage 4. The coal tits could solve problems with simply hidden objects, but they used alternative strategies rather than mental representation when searching for completely hidden objects, especially if choosing between two locations. Our results also suggest that neophobia did not affect the overall performance in the object permanence tasks. (PsycINFO Database Record}, }
@article {pmid28241283, year = {2017}, author = {Neumann, S and Salm, S and Rietz, C and Stenneken, P}, title = {The German Focus on the Outcomes of Communication Under Six (FOCUS-G): Reliability and Validity of a Novel Assessment of Communicative Participation.}, journal = {Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHR}, volume = {60}, number = {3}, pages = {675-681}, doi = {10.1044/2016_JSLHR-L-15-0219}, pmid = {28241283}, issn = {1558-9102}, mesh = {Child Behavior/psychology ; Child, Preschool ; *Communication ; Female ; Humans ; Language Development Disorders/*diagnosis ; Male ; Psychometrics ; Reproducibility of Results ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: Our purpose was to explore the validity and reliability of the German Focus on the Outcomes of Communication Under Six (FOCUS-G; Thomas-Stonell, Oddson, Robertson, &amp; Rosenbaum, 2010, 2012), which is an authorized adaptation of the Focus on the Outcomes of Communication Under Six (Thomas-Stonell et al., 2010) tool, which measures communicative participation in preschool children.<br><br>METHOD: Parents of typically developing children (TDC) and of children with speech impairment (CSI) completed the FOCUS-G and the Questionnaire for Measuring Health-Related Quality of Life in Children (KiddyKINDL; Ravens-Sieberer &amp; Bullinger, 2000). To determine test-retest reliability, the FOCUS-G was readministered to a subsample of parents 1 week later.<br><br>RESULTS: The FOCUS-G had high values for internal consistency (&#x3b1; = .959, &#x3a9; = .941), test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = .974), and split-half reliability (r = .832). Total scores on the FOCUS-G and KiddyKINDL demonstrated significant associations. FOCUS-G total scores and subdomain scores for both samples showed significant correlations, indicating good construct validity. The discriminatory ability of the FOCUS-G was indicated by significantly higher mean scores for TDC (M = 6.03, SD = 0.65) than CSI (M = 5.47, SD = 1.02).<br><br>CONCLUSION: The overall good psychometric properties of this novel assessment of communicative participation support its use by speech-language pathologists for clinical and research purposes with German-speaking children.}, }
@article {pmid28239221, year = {2017}, author = {Munteanu, AM and Stocker, M and Stöwe, M and Massen, JJ and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Behavioural and Hormonal Stress Responses to Social Separation in Ravens, Corvus corax.}, journal = {Ethology : formerly Zeitschrift fur Tierpsychologie}, volume = {123}, number = {2}, pages = {123-135}, pmid = {28239221}, issn = {0179-1613}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {Social life is profitable, but it facilitates conflicts over resources and creates interdependence between individuals. Separating highly social animals triggers intense reactions aimed at re-establishing lost connections. Less is known, however, about behavioural and physiological responses to separation in socially facultative species, where individuals temporarily form groups and may subsequently leave them. Non-breeding common ravens (Corvus corax) gather in large numbers at feeding and roosting sites, but otherwise spend time seemingly solitary or in small subgroups. We here studied how ravens cope with being socially isolated, and investigated the life characteristics that might explain potential individual differences. For this, we individually separated captive subadult ravens (n = 25) and housed them in physical and visual isolation from their group members across 4 d. During the separation period, we collected behavioural data and measured the amount of immunoreactive corticosterone metabolites from bird droppings to assess the ravens' physiological stress response. We found behavioural indicators of stress at the start of the separation, when ravens showed higher levels of tension than of comfort - a pattern that reversed at the end of the separation. Furthermore, we found that the upbringing of ravens affected their behaviour during separation. Hand-raised birds produced more vocalisations in the beginning of the separation, and were less active at the end, while the reverse pattern occurred with parent-raised ravens. Contrary to our predictions, we did not find differences in hormonal responses between the beginning and end of the separation period or any link between hormonal responses and behaviours. Ravens' behavioural responses to social separation stress seem to be dependent on their arousal states, although possible links with hormonal reactions remain unclear. Our results show that behavioural reactions are not always linked with hormonal responses to stress, and further emphasise the importance of investigating effects of early-life experiences.}, }
@article {pmid28222237, year = {2017}, author = {Morinha, F and Dávila, JA and Bastos, E and Cabral, JA and Frías, &#xd3; and González, JL and Travassos, P and Carvalho, D and Milá, B and Blanco, G}, title = {Extreme genetic structure in a social bird species despite high dispersal capacity.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {26}, number = {10}, pages = {2812-2825}, doi = {10.1111/mec.14069}, pmid = {28222237}, issn = {1365-294X}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Gene Flow ; Genetic Drift ; *Genetic Variation ; *Genetics, Population ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Passeriformes/*genetics ; *Social Behavior ; Spain ; }, abstract = {Social barriers have been shown to reduce gene flow and contribute to genetic structure among populations in species with high cognitive capacity and complex societies, such as cetaceans, apes and humans. In birds, high dispersal capacity is thought to prevent population divergence unless major geographical or habitat barriers induce isolation patterns by dispersal, colonization or adaptation limitation. We report that Iberian populations of the red-billed chough, a social, gregarious corvid with high dispersal capacity, show a striking degree of genetic structure composed of at least 15 distinct genetic units. Monitoring of marked individuals over 30 years revealed that long-distance movements over hundreds of kilometres are common, yet recruitment into breeding populations is infrequent and highly philopatric. Genetic differentiation is weakly related to geographical distance, and habitat types used are overall qualitatively similar among regions and regularly shared by individuals of different populations, so that genetic structure is unlikely to be due solely to isolation by distance or isolation by adaptation. Moreover, most population nuclei showed relatively high levels of genetic diversity, suggesting a limited role for genetic drift in significantly differentiating populations. We propose that social mechanisms may underlie this unprecedented level of genetic structure in birds through a pattern of isolation by social barriers not yet described, which may have driven this remarkable population divergence in the absence of geographical and environmental barriers.}, }
@article {pmid28211915, year = {2017}, author = {Hirano, Y and Nakagawa, M and Suyama, T and Murase, K and Shirakawa, M and Takayama, S and Sun, TP and Hakoshima, T}, title = {Structure of the SHR-SCR heterodimer bound to the BIRD/IDD transcriptional factor JKD.}, journal = {Nature plants}, volume = {3}, number = {}, pages = {17010}, pmid = {28211915}, issn = {2055-0278}, support = {R01 GM100051/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Arabidopsis/*genetics/metabolism ; Arabidopsis Proteins/chemistry/*genetics/metabolism ; Carrier Proteins/chemistry/*genetics/metabolism ; Transcription Factors/chemistry/*genetics/metabolism ; }, abstract = {The plant-specific GAI, RGA and SCR (GRAS) family proteins play critical roles in plant development and signalling. Two GRAS proteins, SHORT-ROOT (SHR) and SCARECROW (SCR), cooperatively direct asymmetric cell division and the patterning of root cell types by transcriptional control in conjunction with BIRD/INDETERMINATE DOMAIN (IDD) transcription factors, although precise details of these specific interactions and actions remain unknown. Here, we present the crystal structures of the SHR-SCR binary and JACKDAW (JKD)/IDD10-SHR-SCR ternary complexes. Each GRAS domain comprises one α/β core subdomain with an α-helical cap that mediates heterodimerization by forming an intermolecular helix bundle. The α/β core subdomain of SHR forms the BIRD binding groove, which specifically recognizes the zinc fingers of JKD. We identified a conserved SHR-binding motif in 13 BIRD/IDD transcription factors. Our results establish a structural basis for GRAS-GRAS and GRAS-BIRD interactions and provide valuable clues towards our understanding of these regulators, which are involved in plant-specific signalling networks.}, }
@article {pmid28192043, year = {2017}, author = {West, E and Hofmeister, E and Peery, MZ}, title = {Serosurvey for West Nile Virus Antibodies in Steller's Jays (Cyanocitta stelleri) Captured in Coastal California, USA.}, journal = {Journal of wildlife diseases}, volume = {53}, number = {3}, pages = {582-585}, doi = {10.7589/2016-06-139}, pmid = {28192043}, issn = {1943-3700}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases ; Birds/*virology ; California ; Canada ; Mexico ; New York ; West Nile Fever/*veterinary ; West Nile virus/*isolation &amp; purification ; }, abstract = {West Nile virus (WNV) was first detected in New York in 1999 and, during its expansion across the continental US, southern Canada, and Mexico, members of the Corvidae (ravens, crows, magpies, and jays) were frequently infected and highly susceptible to the virus. As part of a behavioral study of Steller's Jays (Cyanocitta stelleri) conducted from 2011-14 in the coastal California counties of San Mateo and Santa Cruz, 380 Steller's Jays were captured and tested for antibodies to WNV. Using the wild bird immunoglobulin G enzyme linked immunoassay, we failed to detect antibodies to WNV, indicating either that there was no previous exposure to the virus or that exposed birds had died.}, }
@article {pmid28163676, year = {2016}, author = {Qazi, EU and Hussain, M and Aboalsamh, H and Malik, AS and Amin, HU and Bamatraf, S}, title = {Single Trial EEG Patterns for the Prediction of Individual Differences in Fluid Intelligence.}, journal = {Frontiers in human neuroscience}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {687}, pmid = {28163676}, issn = {1662-5161}, abstract = {Assessing a person's intelligence level is required in many situations, such as career counseling and clinical applications. EEG evoked potentials in oddball task and fluid intelligence score are correlated because both reflect the cognitive processing and attention. A system for prediction of an individual's fluid intelligence level using single trial Electroencephalography (EEG) signals has been proposed. For this purpose, we employed 2D and 3D contents and 34 subjects each for 2D and 3D, which were divided into low-ability (LA) and high-ability (HA) groups using Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAPM) test. Using visual oddball cognitive task, neural activity of each group was measured and analyzed over three midline electrodes (Fz, Cz, and Pz). To predict whether an individual belongs to LA or HA group, features were extracted using wavelet decomposition of EEG signals recorded in visual oddball task and support vector machine (SVM) was used as a classifier. Two different types of Haar wavelet transform based features have been extracted from the band (0.3 to 30 Hz) of EEG signals. Statistical wavelet features and wavelet coefficient features from the frequency bands 0.0-1.875 Hz (delta low) and 1.875-3.75 Hz (delta high), resulted in the 100 and 98% prediction accuracies, respectively, both for 2D and 3D contents. The analysis of these frequency bands showed clear difference between LA and HA groups. Further, discriminative values of the features have been validated using statistical significance tests and inter-class and intra-class variation analysis. Also, statistical test showed that there was no effect of 2D and 3D content on the assessment of fluid intelligence level. Comparisons with state-of-the-art techniques showed the superiority of the proposed system.}, }
@article {pmid28151701, year = {2017}, author = {Wright, AA and Magnotti, JF and Katz, JS and Leonard, K and Vernouillet, A and Kelly, DM}, title = {Corvids Outperform Pigeons and Primates in Learning a Basic Concept.}, journal = {Psychological science}, volume = {28}, number = {4}, pages = {437-444}, doi = {10.1177/0956797616685871}, pmid = {28151701}, issn = {1467-9280}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Concept Formation/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Corvids (birds of the family Corvidae) display intelligent behavior previously ascribed only to primates, but such feats are not directly comparable across species. To make direct species comparisons, we used a same/different task in the laboratory to assess abstract-concept learning in black-billed magpies (Pica hudsonia). Concept learning was tested with novel pictures after training. Concept learning improved with training-set size, and test accuracy eventually matched training accuracy-full concept learning-with a 128-picture set; this magpie performance was equivalent to that of Clark's nutcrackers (a species of corvid) and monkeys (rhesus, capuchin) and better than that of pigeons. Even with an initial 8-item picture set, both corvid species showed partial concept learning, outperforming both monkeys and pigeons. Similar corvid performance refutes the hypothesis that nutcrackers' prolific cache-location memory accounts for their superior concept learning, because magpies rely less on caching. That corvids with "primitive" neural architectures evolved to equal primates in full concept learning and even to outperform them on the initial 8-item picture test is a testament to the shared (convergent) survival importance of abstract-concept learning.}, }
@article {pmid28145581, year = {2017}, author = {Laiolo, P}, title = {Phenotypic similarity in sympatric crow species: Evidence of social convergence?.}, journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution}, volume = {71}, number = {4}, pages = {1051-1060}, doi = {10.1111/evo.13195}, pmid = {28145581}, issn = {1558-5646}, mesh = {*Animal Communication ; Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; Crows/*anatomy &amp; histology/*physiology ; Phenotype ; Phylogeny ; Social Behavior ; *Sympatry ; }, abstract = {Crows, rooks, and ravens (Corvus spp.) display marked morphological and voice similarities that have been hypothesized to stem from competitive interactions, as a case of nonaposematic mimicry. Here, I test predictions of the mimicry hypothesis at the macrovolutionary scale, examining whether species morphological and acoustic traits covary with those of coexisting congeners, and whether phenotypic similarity has facilitated the coexistence of related species after secondary contact. Body size and the temporal patterns of the commonest call display high levels of similarity among sympatric species, even after controlling for the effect of shared climate and habitat, and phylogenetic constraints in the production of variation. When sister species differed in these acoustic and morphological traits, their transition to secondary sympatry was delayed relative to those with more similar traits. No similarity was found in the sexual call of crows, suggesting that convergence occurs only when function does not favour maintenance of species-specific traits. Crow similarities in morphological and acoustic features may therefore be associated with coevolving interactions with congeners, in line with a broad array of studies documenting convergence among species that interact aggressively or forage communally.}, }
@article {pmid29693817, year = {2017}, author = {Washio, Y and Frederick, J and Archibald, A and Bertram, N and Crowe, JA}, title = {Community-I nitiated Pilot Program "My Baby's Breath" to Reduce Prenatal Alcohol Use.}, journal = {Delaware medical journal}, volume = {89}, number = {2}, pages = {46-51}, pmid = {29693817}, issn = {0011-7781}, mesh = {Alcohol Drinking/*prevention &amp; control ; Community Health Services ; Female ; Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders/*prevention &amp; control ; *Health Education ; Humans ; Pilot Projects ; *Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Complications/*prevention &amp; control ; United States ; }, abstract = {Prenatal alcohol use puts mothers and their children at risk for complications during pregnancy, birth, and the neonatal periods. This paper describes a currently implemented community-based pilot program to reduce drinking among pregnant mothers. The program has worked in collaboration with case managers from Crow Wing County Social Services. Participants were required to provide daily breath samples with monetary incentives on alcohol-negative sample submissions. The program has treated four pregnant mothers so far, with an average of 94 percent compliance rate and no alcohol-positive breath samples. Future planned adjustments include using a remotely reloadlable debit card to reinforce daily sample submission, switching to completely random monitoring schedules to avoid falsenegative results, and expanding the program service in other counties. The community-based program using mobile technology has promise to increase opportunities to reinforce healthy lifestyle during pregnancy.}, }
@article {pmid28135017, year = {2017}, author = {Griesser, M and Wagner, GF and Drobniak, SM and Ekman, J}, title = {Reproductive trade-offs in a long-lived bird species: condition-dependent reproductive allocation maintains female survival and offspring quality.}, journal = {Journal of evolutionary biology}, volume = {30}, number = {4}, pages = {782-795}, doi = {10.1111/jeb.13046}, pmid = {28135017}, issn = {1420-9101}, mesh = {Animals ; Breeding ; *Clutch Size ; Female ; *Passeriformes ; Predatory Behavior ; *Reproduction ; }, abstract = {Life history theory is an essential framework to understand the evolution of reproductive allocation. It predicts that individuals of long-lived species favour their own survival over current reproduction, leading individuals to refrain from reproducing under harsh conditions. Here we test this prediction in a long-lived bird species, the Siberian jay Perisoreus infaustus. Long-term data revealed that females rarely refrain from breeding, but lay smaller clutches in unfavourable years. Neither offspring body size, female survival nor offspring survival until the next year was influenced by annual condition, habitat quality, clutch size, female age or female phenotype. Given that many nests failed due to nest predation, the variance in the number of fledglings was higher than the variance in the number of eggs and female survival. An experimental challenge with a novel pathogen before egg laying largely replicated these patterns in two consecutive years with contrasting conditions. Challenged females refrained from breeding only in the unfavourable year, but no downstream effects were found in either year. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that condition-dependent reproductive allocation may serve to maintain female survival and offspring quality, supporting patterns found in long-lived mammals. We discuss avenues to develop life history theory concerning strategies to offset reproductive costs.}, }
@article {pmid28132659, year = {2017}, author = {Mitra, S and Sarkar, N and Barik, A}, title = {Long-chain alkanes and fatty acids from Ludwigia octovalvis weed leaf surface waxes as short-range attractant and ovipositional stimulant to Altica cyanea (Weber) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).}, journal = {Bulletin of entomological research}, volume = {107}, number = {3}, pages = {391-400}, doi = {10.1017/S0007485316001012}, pmid = {28132659}, issn = {1475-2670}, mesh = {Alkanes/*pharmacology ; Animals ; *Chemotaxis ; Coleoptera/*physiology ; Fatty Acids/*pharmacology ; Female ; Olfactometry ; Onagraceae/*chemistry ; Oviposition/*drug effects ; Plant Extracts/pharmacology ; Plant Leaves/chemistry ; Weed Control ; }, abstract = {The importance of leaf surface wax compounds from the rice-field weed Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) Raven (Onagraceae) was determined in the flea beetle Altica cyanea (Weber) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Extraction, thin layer chromatography and GC-MS and GC-FID analyses of surface waxes of young, mature and senescent leaves revealed 20, 19 and 19 n-alkanes between n-C15 and n-C35, respectively; whereas 14, 14 and 12 free fatty acids between C12:0 and C22:0 fatty acids were identified in young, mature and senescent leaves, respectively. Tricosane was predominant n-alkane in young and mature leaves, whilst eicosane predominated in senescent leaves. Heneicosanoic acid, palmitic acid and docosanoic acid were the most abundant free fatty acids in young, mature and senescent leaves, respectively. A. cyanea females showed attraction to 0.25 mature leaf equivalent surface waxes compared with young or senescent leaves in a short glass Y-tube olfactometer bioassay. The insects were attracted to a synthetic blend of 0.90, 1.86, 1.83, 1.95, 0.50 and 0.18 µg ml-1 petroleum ether of hexadecane, octadecane, eicosane, tricosane, palmitic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, respectively, comparable with the proportions as present in 0.25 mature leaf equivalent surface waxes. A. cyanea also laid eggs on a filter paper moistened with 0.25 mature leaf equivalent surface waxes or a synthetic blend of 0.90, 1.86, 1.83, 1.95, 0.50 and 0.18 µg ml-1 petroleum ether of hexadecane, octadecane, eicosane, tricosane, palmitic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, respectively. This finding could provide a basis for monitoring of the potential biocontrol agent in the field.}, }
@article {pmid28123676, year = {2016}, author = {Yang, Z and Li, X and Liao, H and Hu, L and Zhang, Z and Zhao, B and Huang, X and Bao, Z}, title = {Physical mapping of immune-related genes in Yesso scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) using fluorescent in situ hybridization.}, journal = {Comparative cytogenetics}, volume = {10}, number = {4}, pages = {529-541}, pmid = {28123676}, issn = {1993-0771}, abstract = {The innate immune system plays a pivotal role in defending invasion of microorganisms for scallops. Previous studies on immune-related genes in the Yesso scallop, Patinopecten yessoensis (Jay, 1857) have mainly focused on characterization and expression pattern in response to bacterial challenge, no research has been carried out on the cytogenetic level yet. In the present study, eight fosmid clones containing the sequences of key immune-related genes (PyNFkB, PyTRAF2, PyTRAF4, PyTRAF7, PyMyd88-1, PyMyd88-3, PyMKK-7 and PyTNFR) were isolated and seven of them were successfully mapped on chromosomes of Patinopecten yessoensis utilizing fluorescence in situ hybridization. Wherein, PyMyd88-1, PyMyd88-3 and PyMKK-7 located on the same chromosome pair with adjacent positions and the other genes were mapped on four non-homologous chromosome pairs, showing a similar distribution to another five model species. The isolation and mapping of such genes of the Yesso scallop will lay a foundation for studies such as assignment of interested genes to chromosomes, construction cytogenetic maps and so on.}, }
@article {pmid28120800, year = {2016}, author = {Horn, L and Scheer, C and Bugnyar, T and Massen, JJ}, title = {Proactive prosociality in a cooperatively breeding corvid, the azure-winged magpie (Cyanopica cyana).}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {12}, number = {10}, pages = {}, pmid = {28120800}, issn = {1744-957X}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Cooperative Behavior ; Motivation ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {One of the contemporary hypotheses concerning the evolution of human altruism is the cooperative breeding hypothesis (CBH) which has recently been tested in non-human primates. Using a similar paradigm, we investigated prosociality in a cooperatively breeding corvid, the azure-winged magpie. We found that the magpies delivered food to their group members at high rates, and unlike other corvids, they did so without any cues provided by others. In two control conditions, the magpies stopped participating over time, indicating that they learned to discriminate prosocial tests from controls. Azure-winged magpies are thus the first birds that experimentally show proactive prosociality. Our findings are in line with the CBH; however, additional corvid species need to be tested in this promising paradigm.}, }
@article {pmid28118584, year = {2017}, author = {Ostojić, L and Legg, EW and Brecht, KF and Lange, F and Deininger, C and Mendl, M and Clayton, NS}, title = {Current desires of conspecific observers affect cache-protection strategies in California scrub-jays and Eurasian jays.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {27}, number = {2}, pages = {R51-R53}, pmid = {28118584}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; *Feeding Behavior ; Mental Recall ; *Motivation ; Passeriformes/classification/*physiology ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Many corvid species accurately remember the locations where they have seen others cache food, allowing them to pilfer these caches efficiently once the cachers have left the scene [1]. To protect their caches, corvids employ a suite of different cache-protection strategies that limit the observers' visual or acoustic access to the cache site [2,3]. In cases where an observer's sensory access cannot be reduced it has been suggested that cachers might be able to minimise the risk of pilfering if they avoid caching food the observer is most motivated to pilfer [4]. In the wild, corvids have been reported to pilfer others' caches as soon as possible after the caching event [5], such that the cacher might benefit from adjusting its caching behaviour according to the observer's current desire. In the current study, observers pilfered according to their current desire: they preferentially pilfered food that they were not sated on. Cachers adjusted their caching behaviour accordingly: they protected their caches by selectively caching food that observers were not motivated to pilfer. The same cache-protection behaviour was found when cachers could not see on which food the observers were sated. Thus, the cachers' ability to respond to the observer's desire might have been driven by the observer's behaviour at the time of caching.}, }
@article {pmid28107074, year = {2016}, author = {Hassanpour, H and Dehkordi, HA and Khosravi, M and Soltani, S and Nasiri, L}, title = {Analysis of the Normal Electrocardiogram in Wild Rooks (Corvus frugilegus).}, journal = {Journal of avian medicine and surgery}, volume = {30}, number = {4}, pages = {329-334}, doi = {10.1647/2015-079}, pmid = {28107074}, issn = {1082-6742}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/*physiology ; Electrocardiography/*veterinary ; Female ; Male ; Songbirds/*physiology ; }, abstract = {To describe the normal electrocardiographic (ECG) patterns and values in unanesthetized rooks (Corvus frugilegus), standard bipolar (I, II, and III) and augmented unipolar limb (aVR, aVL, and aVF) lead ECGs were recorded from 10 clinically healthy wild rooks. Wave forms were analyzed in all leads at 50 mm/s and at 10 mm = 1 mV to determine PR, QRS, ST, and QT durations; the net QRS complex; and P and T amplitudes. The polarity of each waveform was tabulated in all leads. The mean electrical axis (MEA) for the frontal plane was counted by using leads II and III. The mean heart rate was 340 ± 18 beats/min. The P wave was mainly positive in the most leads. The dominant pattern of waveforms of the QRS complexes was QS in leads II, III, and aVF, whereas in leads aVR and aVL, the patterns were rS and R, respectively. The T wave was positive in leads II, III, aVF, and aVL and negative in lead aVR. The mean of the heart MEA was -93 ± 2.2. Interpretation of the ECG values and patterns in rooks may facilitate a better realization of ECG changes of abnormalities in this species.}, }
@article {pmid28093026, year = {2017}, author = {Salter, PS and Kelley, NJ and Molina, LE and Thai, LT}, title = {Out of sight, out of mind: racial retrieval cues increase the accessibility of social justice concepts.}, journal = {Memory (Hove, England)}, volume = {25}, number = {8}, pages = {1139-1147}, doi = {10.1080/09658211.2016.1274037}, pmid = {28093026}, issn = {1464-0686}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Attention/*physiology ; Cues ; Eye Movements/physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mental Recall/*physiology ; Photic Stimulation ; Racism/*psychology ; *Social Justice ; Visual Perception/physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Photographs provide critical retrieval cues for personal remembering, but few studies have considered this phenomenon at the collective level. In this research, we examined the psychological consequences of visual attention to the presence (or absence) of racially charged retrieval cues within American racial segregation photographs. We hypothesised that attention to racial retrieval cues embedded in historical photographs would increase social justice concept accessibility. In Study 1, we recorded gaze patterns with an eye-tracker among participants viewing images that contained racial retrieval cues or were digitally manipulated to remove them. In Study 2, we manipulated participants' gaze behaviour by either directing visual attention toward racial retrieval cues, away from racial retrieval cues, or directing attention within photographs where racial retrieval cues were missing. Across Studies 1 and 2, visual attention to racial retrieval cues in photographs documenting historical segregation predicted social justice concept accessibility.}, }
@article {pmid28053306, year = {2017}, author = {Davidson, G and Miller, R and Loissel, E and Cheke, LG and Clayton, NS}, title = {The development of support intuitions and object causality in juvenile Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius).}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {40062}, pmid = {28053306}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Brain/*physiology ; *Causality ; *Cognition ; *Intuition ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; *Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {Knowledge about the causal relationship between objects has been studied extensively in human infants, and more recently in adult animals using differential looking time experiments. How knowledge about object support develops in non-human animals has yet to be explored. Here, we studied the ontogeny of support relations in Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius), a bird species known for its sophisticated cognitive abilities. Using an expectancy violation paradigm, we measured looking time responses to possible and impossible video and image stimuli. We also controlled for experience with different support types to determine whether the emergence of support intuitions is dependent upon specific interactions with objects, or if reasoning develops independently. At age 9 months, birds looked more at a tool moving a piece of cheese that was not in contact than one that was in direct contact. By the age of 6 months, birds that had not experienced string as a support to hold up objects looked more at impossible images with string hanging from below (unsupported), rather than above (supported). The development of support intuitions may be independent of direct experience with specific support, or knowledge gained from interactions with other objects may be generalised across contexts.}, }
@article {pmid29714876, year = {2017}, author = {Liapi, S and Polychronopoulou, S}, title = {Cognitive and socio-emotional development and manifestation of learning disabilities of 8- to 10-year-old children born after intracytoplasmatic sperm injection compared to naturally conceived children.}, journal = {Clinical and experimental obstetrics &amp; gynecology}, volume = {44}, number = {1}, pages = {104-109}, pmid = {29714876}, issn = {0390-6663}, mesh = {Child ; *Child Development ; *Cognition ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Learning Disabilities ; Male ; *Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the cognitive and socio-emotional development, as well as the mani- festation of learning disabilities of eight- to ten-year-old children born after intracytoplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI).<br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: Developmental outcomes of 40 children born after ICSI were compared with those of 40 children born after spontaneous conception (SC). Outcome measures included the Raven's Progressive Matrices Test, Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and Athina Test of Learning Difficulties.<br><br>RESULTS: Regarding cognitive development, ICSI children tend to obtain a similar intelligence score with SC children on Raven's Test. No significant differences were noted on CBCL's syndrome and abilities' profiles, and on Athina Test.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: ICSI and SC children show a comparable cognitive and socio-emotional development and have the same chances of manifesting learning disabilities. None of the demographic factors taken into consideration (age, sex of the child, and educational level of the parents) nor the mode of conception seem to affect their well-being.}, }
@article {pmid28039662, year = {2017}, author = {Kubricht, JR and Lu, H and Holyoak, KJ}, title = {Individual differences in spontaneous analogical transfer.}, journal = {Memory &amp; cognition}, volume = {45}, number = {4}, pages = {576-588}, pmid = {28039662}, issn = {1532-5946}, mesh = {Adult ; Female ; Humans ; *Individuality ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Male ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Transfer, Psychology/*physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Research on analogical problem solving has shown that people often fail to spontaneously notice the relevance of a semantically remote source analog when solving a target problem, although they are able to form mappings and derive inferences when given a hint to recall the source. Relatively little work has investigated possible individual differences that predict spontaneous transfer, or how such differences may interact with interventions that facilitate transfer. In this study, fluid intelligence was measured for participants in an analogical problem-solving task, using an abridged version of the Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM) test. In two experiments, we systematically compared the effect of augmenting verbal descriptions of the source with animations or static diagrams. Solution rates to Duncker's radiation problem were measured across varying source presentation conditions, and participants' understanding of the relevant source material was assessed. The pattern of transfer was best fit by a moderated mediation model: the positive impact of fluid intelligence on spontaneous transfer was mediated by its influence on source comprehension; however, this path was in turn modulated by provision of a supplemental animation via its influence on comprehension of the source. Animated source depictions were most beneficial in facilitating spontaneous transfer for those participants with low scores on the fluid intelligence measure.}, }
@article {pmid28035889, year = {2017}, author = {Griesser, M and Suzuki, TN}, title = {Naive Juveniles Are More Likely to Become Breeders after Witnessing Predator Mobbing.}, journal = {The American naturalist}, volume = {189}, number = {1}, pages = {58-66}, doi = {10.1086/689477}, pmid = {28035889}, issn = {1537-5323}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; Genetic Fitness ; *Passeriformes ; Predatory Behavior ; *Reproduction ; }, abstract = {Responding appropriately during the first predatory attack in life is often critical for survival. In many social species, naive juveniles acquire this skill from conspecifics, but its fitness consequences remain virtually unknown. Here we experimentally demonstrate how naive juvenile Siberian jays (Perisoreus infaustus) derive a long-term fitness benefit from witnessing knowledgeable adults mobbing their principal predator, the goshawk (Accipiter gentilis). Siberian jays live in family groups of two to six individuals that also can include unrelated nonbreeders. Field observations showed that Siberian jays encounter predators only rarely, and, indeed, naive juveniles do not respond to predator models when on their own but do when observing other individuals mobbing them. Predator exposure experiments demonstrated that naive juveniles had a substantially higher first-winter survival after observing knowledgeable group members mobbing a goshawk model, increasing their likelihood of acquiring a breeding position later in life. Previous research showed that naive individuals may learn from others how to respond to predators, care for offspring, or choose mates, generally assuming that social learning has long-term fitness consequences without empirical evidence. Our results demonstrate a long-term fitness benefit of vertical social learning for naive individuals in the wild, emphasizing its evolutionary importance in animals, including humans.}, }
@article {pmid27988896, year = {2017}, author = {Krieger, N and Jahn, JL and Waterman, PD}, title = {Jim Crow and estrogen-receptor-negative breast cancer: US-born black and white non-Hispanic women, 1992-2012.}, journal = {Cancer causes &amp; control : CCC}, volume = {28}, number = {1}, pages = {49-59}, doi = {10.1007/s10552-016-0834-2}, pmid = {27988896}, issn = {1573-7225}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Black People ; Breast Neoplasms/metabolism/*pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; *Racism ; Receptors, Estrogen/*metabolism ; Risk Factors ; SEER Program ; Socioeconomic Factors ; United States ; White People ; Black or African American ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: It is unknown whether Jim Crow-i.e., legal racial discrimination practiced by 21 US states and the District of Columbia and outlawed by the US Civil Rights Act in 1964-affects US cancer outcomes. We hypothesized that Jim Crow birthplace would be associated with higher risk of estrogen-receptor-negative (ER-) breast tumors among US black, but not white, women and also a higher black versus white risk for ER- tumors.<br><br>METHODS: We analyzed data from the SEER 13 registry group (excluding Alaska) for 47,157 US-born black non-Hispanic and 348,514 US-born white non-Hispanic women, aged 25-84 inclusive, diagnosed with primary invasive breast cancer between 1 January 1992 and 31 December 2012.<br><br>RESULTS: Jim Crow birthplace was associated with increased odds of ER- breast cancer only among the black, not white women, with the effect strongest for women born before 1965. Among black women, the odds ratio (OR) for an ER- tumor, comparing women born in a Jim Crow versus not Jim Crow state, equaled 1.09 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06, 1.13), on par with the OR comparing women in the worst versus best census tract socioeconomic quintiles (1.15; 95% CI 1.07, 1.23). The black versus white OR for ER- was higher among women born in Jim Crow versus non-Jim Crow states (1.41 [95% CI 1.13, 1.46] vs. 1.27 [95% CI 1.24, 1.31]).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The unique Jim Crow effect for US black women for breast cancer ER status underscores why analysis of racial/ethnic inequities must be historically contextualized.}, }
@article {pmid27979010, year = {2016}, author = {Gillum, RF and Dodd, KD}, title = {Soul Mates: Religion, Sex, Love, and Marriage among African Americans and Latinos.}, journal = {Journal of the National Medical Association}, volume = {108}, number = {4}, pages = {244-245}, doi = {10.1016/j.jnma.2016.08.007}, pmid = {27979010}, issn = {0027-9684}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: This book review analyzes the complex and profound impact active religious participation has on relationships and family outcomes among African Americans and Latinos. In Soul Mates, Wilcox and Wolfinger discuss the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow laws and the resulting devastating effects on African American and Latino families despite their high religious involvement. The authors make the case that many African American men are unlikely candidates for marriage or stable relationships due to trends of family instability driven by the declining income-power of working-class men as well as entry of more women into the labor force, government penalties for low-income couples, revolt against traditional values, increased access to birth control and abortion, and the persistence of discrimination and incarceration of minority men.<br><br>METHODS: The authors examine data from six national surveys as well as additional data from interviews, focus groups, ethnographic field work, and an extensive literature review.<br><br>RESULTS: Wilcox and Wolfinger find evidence that when African American couples actively participate in Christian churches, the men are more likely to adhere to a "code of decency" which decreases street behaviors, such as binge drinking, having multiple sex partners, and having multi-partner fertility, which are known to inhibit family stability.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This book will be helpful for health providers who would like to better understand and serve their African American and Latino patients. The findings suggest that health care providers can promote a healthy emotional environment for families by encouraging minority men to renew or maintain church involvement.}, }
@article {pmid27973610, year = {2016}, author = {Neilands, PD and Jelbert, SA and Breen, AJ and Schiestl, M and Taylor, AH}, title = {How Insightful Is 'Insight'? New Caledonian Crows Do Not Attend to Object Weight during Spontaneous Stone Dropping.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {11}, number = {12}, pages = {e0167419}, pmid = {27973610}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; Tool Use Behavior/physiology ; }, abstract = {It is highly difficult to pinpoint what is going through an animal's mind when it appears to solve a problem by 'insight'. Here, we searched for an information processing error during the emergence of seemingly insightful stone dropping in New Caledonian crows. We presented these birds with the platform apparatus, where a heavy object needs to be dropped down a tube and onto a platform in order to trigger the release of food. Our results show New Caledonian crows exhibit a weight inattention error: they do not attend to the weight of an object when innovating stone dropping. This suggests that these crows do not use an understanding of force when solving the platform task in a seemingly insightful manner. Our findings showcase the power of the signature-testing approach, where experiments search for information processing biases, errors and limits, in order to make strong inferences about the functioning of animal minds.}, }
@article {pmid27936242, year = {2016}, author = {Miller, R and Jelbert, SA and Taylor, AH and Cheke, LG and Gray, RD and Loissel, E and Clayton, NS}, title = {Performance in Object-Choice Aesop's Fable Tasks Are Influenced by Object Biases in New Caledonian Crows but not in Human Children.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {11}, number = {12}, pages = {e0168056}, pmid = {27936242}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; *Choice Behavior ; Crows/*physiology ; Humans ; }, abstract = {The ability to reason about causality underlies key aspects of human cognition, but the extent to which non-humans understand causality is still largely unknown. The Aesop's Fable paradigm, where objects are inserted into water-filled tubes to obtain out-of-reach rewards, has been used to test casual reasoning in birds and children. However, success on these tasks may be influenced by other factors, specifically, object preferences present prior to testing or arising during pre-test stone-dropping training. Here, we assessed this 'object-bias' hypothesis by giving New Caledonian crows and 5-10 year old children two object-choice Aesop's Fable experiments: sinking vs. floating objects, and solid vs. hollow objects. Before each test, we assessed subjects' object preferences and/or trained them to prefer the alternative object. Both crows and children showed pre-test object preferences, suggesting that birds in previous Aesop's Fable studies may also have had initial preferences for objects that proved to be functional on test. After training to prefer the non-functional object, crows, but not children, performed more poorly on these two object-choice Aesop's Fable tasks than subjects in previous studies. Crows dropped the non-functional objects into the tube on their first trials, indicating that, unlike many children, they do not appear to have an a priori understanding of water displacement. Alternatively, issues with inhibition could explain their performance. The crows did, however, learn to solve the tasks over time. We tested crows further to determine whether their eventual success was based on learning about the functional properties of the objects, or associating dropping the functional object with reward. Crows inserted significantly more rewarded, non-functional objects than non-rewarded, functional objects. These findings suggest that the ability of New Caledonian crows to produce performances rivaling those of young children on object-choice Aesop's Fable tasks is partly due to pre-existing object preferences.}, }
@article {pmid27933285, year = {2016}, author = {Cardona, F and Valente, F and Miraglia, D and D'Ardia, C and Baglioni, V and Chiarotti, F}, title = {Developmental Profile and Diagnoses in Children Presenting with Motor Stereotypies.}, journal = {Frontiers in pediatrics}, volume = {4}, number = {}, pages = {126}, pmid = {27933285}, issn = {2296-2360}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Motor stereotypies represent a typical example of the difficulty in distinguishing non-clinical behaviors (physiological and transient) from symptoms or among different disorders ["primary stereotypies," associated with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disabilities, genetic syndromes, and sensory impairment]. The aim of this study was to obtain an accurate assessment on the relationship between stereotypies and neurodevelopmental disorders.<br><br>METHODS: We studied 23 children (3 girls), aged 36-95&#x2009;months, who requested a consultation due to the persistence or increased severity of motor stereotypies. None of the patients had a previous diagnosis of ASD. The assessment included the Motor Severity Stereotypy Scale (MSSS), the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R), the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices, the Child Behavior CheckList for ages 1&#xbd;-5 or 4-18 (CBCL), the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-second edition (ADOS 2).<br><br>RESULTS: All patients were showing motor stereotypies for periods of time varying from 6 to 77&#x2009;months. The MSSS showed that each child had a limited number of stereotypies; their frequency and intensity were mild. The interference of stereotypies was variable; the impairment in daily life was mild. The RBS-R scores were positive for the subscale of "stereotypic behaviors" in all children. Moreover, several children presented other repetitive behaviors, mainly "ritualistic behavior" and "sameness behavior." All patients showed a normal cognitive level. The CBCL evidenced behavioral problems in 22% of the children: internalizing problems, attention, and withdrawn were the main complaints. On the SRS, all but one of the tested patients obtained clinical scores in the clinical range for at least one area. On the ADOS 2, 4 patients obtained scores indicating a moderate level of ASD symptoms, 4 had a mild level, and 15 showed no or minimal signs of ASD.<br><br>DISCUSSION: Motor stereotypies in children with normal cognitive level represent a challenging diagnostic issue for which a finely tailored assessment is mandatory in order to define a precise developmental profile. Thus, careful and cautious use of standardized tests is warranted to avoid misdiagnosis. Furthermore, it is hard to consider motor stereotypies, even the primary ones, exclusively as a movement disorder.}, }
@article {pmid27929345, year = {2016}, author = {Ruiz, MJ and Paolieri, D and Colzato, LS and Bajo, MT}, title = {Directed forgetting of memories in cocaine users.}, journal = {Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology}, volume = {24}, number = {6}, pages = {423-435}, doi = {10.1037/pha0000100}, pmid = {27929345}, issn = {1936-2293}, mesh = {Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Cocaine/administration &amp; dosage/adverse effects ; Cocaine-Related Disorders/*psychology/rehabilitation ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Memory/*drug effects ; Mental Recall/*drug effects ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Memory retrieval requires an effective recruitment of inhibitory control to successfully reject unnecessary memories. The use of cocaine is associated with poor cognitive control processes, but little is known about the impact of chronic and recreational use of cocaine on inhibitory control during intentional forgetting. We studied whether chronic and recreational users of cocaine show impairments on the mechanism responsible for intentional forgetting of memories. Two experiments were carried out on chronic cocaine users in rehabilitation (Experiment 1) and recreational cocaine polydrug users (Experiment 2) performing a directed forgetting (DF) task, an index of memory suppression. Participants were matched for sex, age, and intelligence (Raven's standard progressive matrices) with cocaine-free controls and compared on their performance on a DF procedure. Chronic cocaine users in rehabilitation and recreational cocaine polydrug users, as compared with controls, were not able to intentionally suppress the required information and they did not show a reliable DF effect. The consumption of cocaine appears to alter the control processes implicated in intentional suppression of nonrelevant memories in episodic memory. The use of cocaine, even for recreational purposes, seems to be associated with poor performance in effectively triggering this control mechanism. The inability to suppress interference in declarative memory may have repercussion for daily activities. (PsycINFO Database Record}, }
@article {pmid27928244, year = {2016}, author = {Zarrabipoor, H and Tehrani-Doost, M and Shahrivar, Z}, title = {Theory of Mind in Adolescents with Bipolar Disorder in Euthymic Phase: ‎Using the Strange Stories Test.}, journal = {Iranian journal of psychiatry}, volume = {11}, number = {3}, pages = {133-139}, pmid = {27928244}, issn = {1735-4587}, abstract = {Objective: This study evaluated the theory of mind (ToM) in adolescents diagnosed with bipolar disorder ‎‎(BD) during their euthymic period compared to a typically developing (TD) group.‎ Method: The BD group consisted of thirty 11-18 year old inpatients in euthymic phase. The TD ‎group included 30 age, gender, and IQ matched volunteer students. To assess the diagnosis and ‎comorbid disorders, we performed the semi-structured interview of the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders ‎and Schizophrenia-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) for the BD adolescents. To ‎evaluate the severity of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and mania, Conner's ‎Parent Rating Scale-Revised version (CPRS-R), and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) were ‎used, respectively. Ravens Progressive Matrices was conducted to evaluate intellectual ability in ‎the both groups. Happe Strange Stories test was performed to assess ToM in the participants. Data were ‎analyzed using the independent t-test, analysis of covariance, and Pearson Correlation analysis.‎ Results: The two groups did not show any differences in comprehending the stories; however, the BD ‎group's mentalizing scores were significantly weaker than the TD group (p<0.05).‎‎ Conclusion: The ToM impairments in adolescents with BD may be explained as a trait marker which may lead ‎to continuation of social problems even during remission‏.‏.}, }
@article {pmid27922802, year = {2017}, author = {Sándor, AD and Kalmár, Z and Matei, I and Ionică, AM and Mărcuţan, ID}, title = {Urban Breeding Corvids as Disseminators of Ticks and Emerging Tick-Borne Pathogens.}, journal = {Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)}, volume = {17}, number = {2}, pages = {152-154}, doi = {10.1089/vbz.2016.2054}, pmid = {27922802}, issn = {1557-7759}, mesh = {Animal Distribution ; Animals ; Bird Diseases/epidemiology/*parasitology ; Cities ; *Crows ; Humans ; Tick Infestations/parasitology/*veterinary ; Tick-Borne Diseases/transmission/*veterinary ; Ticks/*microbiology ; Zoonoses ; }, abstract = {Crows (Corvidae) are common city dwellers worldwide and are increasingly important subjects of epidemiology studies. Although their importance as hosts and transmitters of a number of zoonotic parasites and pathogens is well known, there are no studies on their importance as tick hosts. After mosquitoes, ticks are the most important vectors of zoonotic pathogens, especially for those causing emerging zoonotic diseases. Pathogenic bacteria, especially Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., and Anaplasma spp., vectored by ticks, are the cause for most vector-borne diseases in Europe. Here we report on ticks and tick-borne pathogens harbored by urban breeding crows. A total of 36 birds (33.33%, n = 108) hosted ticks, with 91 individual ticks belonging to 6 species (Haemaphysalis concinna, Haemaphysalis parva, Haemaphysalis punctata, Hyalomma marginatum, Ixodes arboricola, and Ixodes ricinus). Rickettsia spp. DNA was found in 6.6% of ticks and 1.9% of bird tissues, whereas Anaplasma phagocytophilum was found in 5.9% of ticks and 0.9% of birds. Two rickettsial genospecies were located, Rickettsia helvetica and Rickettsia monacensis. This is the first study to determine such a diverse tick spectrum feeding on urban corvids, while highlighting their importance as tick hosts and raising concerns about their potential risk to human health.}, }
@article {pmid27920957, year = {2016}, author = {Miller, R and Logan, CJ and Lister, K and Clayton, NS}, title = {Eurasian jays do not copy the choices of conspecifics, but they do show evidence of stimulus enhancement.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {4}, number = {}, pages = {e2746}, pmid = {27920957}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Corvids (birds in the crow family) are hypothesised to have a general cognitive tool-kit because they show a wide range of transferrable skills across social, physical and temporal tasks, despite differences in socioecology. However, it is unknown whether relatively asocial corvids differ from social corvids in their use of social information in the context of copying the choices of others, because only one such test has been conducted in a relatively asocial corvid. We investigated whether relatively asocial Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius) use social information (i.e., information made available by others). Previous studies have indicated that jays attend to social context in their caching and mate provisioning behaviour; however, it is unknown whether jays copy the choices of others. We tested the jays in two different tasks varying in difficulty, where social corvid species have demonstrated social information use in both tasks. Firstly, an object-dropping task was conducted requiring objects to be dropped down a tube to release a food reward from a collapsible platform, which corvids can learn through explicit training. Only one rook and one New Caledonian crow have learned the task using social information from a demonstrator. Secondly, we tested the birds on a simple colour discrimination task, which should be easy to solve, because it has been shown that corvids can make colour discriminations. Using the same colour discrimination task in a previous study, all common ravens and carrion crows copied the demonstrator. After observing a conspecific demonstrator, none of the jays solved the object-dropping task, though all jays were subsequently able to learn to solve the task in a non-social situation through explicit training, and jays chose the demonstrated colour at chance levels. Our results suggest that social and relatively asocial corvids differ in social information use, indicating that relatively asocial species may have secondarily lost this ability due to lack of selection pressure from an asocial environment.}, }
@article {pmid27917117, year = {2016}, author = {Maraver, MJ and Bajo, MT and Gomez-Ariza, CJ}, title = {Training on Working Memory and Inhibitory Control in Young Adults.}, journal = {Frontiers in human neuroscience}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {588}, pmid = {27917117}, issn = {1662-5161}, abstract = {Different types of interventions have focused on trying to improve Executive Functions (EFs) due to their essential role in human cognition and behavior regulation. Although EFs are thought to be diverse, most training studies have targeted cognitive processes related to working memory (WM), and fewer have focused on training other control mechanisms, such as inhibitory control (IC). In the present study, we aimed to investigate the differential impact of training WM and IC as compared with control conditions performing non-executive control activities. Young adults were divided into two training (WM/IC) and two (active/passive) control conditions. Over six sessions, the training groups engaged in three different computer-based adaptive activities (WM or IC), whereas the active control group completed a program with low control-demanding activities that mainly involved processing speed. In addition, motivation and engagement were monitored through the training. The WM-training activities required maintenance, updating and memory search processes, while those from the IC group engaged response inhibition and interference control. All participants were pre- and post-tested in criterion tasks (n-back and Stroop), near transfer measures of WM (Operation Span) and IC (Stop-Signal). Non-trained far transfer outcome measures included an abstract reasoning test (Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices) and a well-validated experimental task (AX-CPT) that provides indices of cognitive flexibility considering proactive/reactive control. Training results revealed that strongly motivated participants reached higher levels of training improvements. Regarding transfer effects, results showed specific patterns of near transfer effects depending on the type of training. Interestingly, it was only the IC training group that showed far transfer to reasoning. Finally, all trained participants showed a shift toward a more proactive mode of cognitive control, highlighting a general effect of training on cognitive flexibility. The present results reveal specific and general modulations of executive control mechanisms after brief training intervention targeting either WM or IC.}, }
@article {pmid27893249, year = {2016}, author = {Ujma, PP and Sándor, P and Szakadát, S and Gombos, F and Bódizs, R}, title = {Sleep spindles and intelligence in early childhood-developmental and trait-dependent aspects.}, journal = {Developmental psychology}, volume = {52}, number = {12}, pages = {2118-2129}, doi = {10.1037/dev0000233}, pmid = {27893249}, issn = {1939-0599}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Brain Mapping ; Child ; *Child Development ; Child, Preschool ; Electroencephalography ; Female ; Humans ; *Individuality ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Polysomnography ; *Sex Characteristics ; Sleep/*physiology ; Spectrum Analysis ; }, abstract = {Sleep spindles act as a powerful marker of individual differences in cognitive ability. Sleep spindle parameters correlate with both age-related changes in cognitive abilities and with the age-independent concept of IQ. While some studies have specifically demonstrated the relationship between sleep spindles and intelligence in young children, our previous work in older subjects revealed sex differences in the sleep spindle correlates of IQ, which was never investigated in small children before. We investigated the relationship between age, Raven Colored Progressive Matrices (CPM) scores and sleep spindles in 28 young children (age 4-8 years, 15 girls). We specifically investigated sex differences in the psychometric correlates of sleep spindles. We also aimed to separate the correlates of sleep spindles that are because of age-related maturation from other effects that reflect an age-independent relationship between sleep spindles and general intelligence. Our results revealed a modest positive correlation between fast spindle amplitude and age. Raven CPM scores positively correlated with both slow and fast spindle amplitude, but this effect remained a tendency in males and vanished after correcting for the effects of age. Age-corrected correlations between Raven CPM scores and both slow and fast spindle amplitude were only significant in females. Overall, our results show that in male children sleep spindles are a maturational marker, but in female children they indicate trait-like intelligence, in line with previous studies in adolescent and adult subjects. Thalamocortical white matter connectivity may be the underlying mechanism behind both higher spindle amplitude and higher intelligence in female, but not male subjects. (PsycINFO Database Record}, }
@article {pmid27890937, year = {2016}, author = {Greggor, AL and Jolles, JW and Thornton, A and Clayton, NS}, title = {Seasonal changes in neophobia and its consistency in rooks: the effect of novelty type and dominance position.}, journal = {Animal behaviour}, volume = {121}, number = {}, pages = {11-20}, pmid = {27890937}, issn = {0003-3472}, support = {BB/H021817/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {Neophobia, or the fear of novelty, may offer benefits to animals by limiting their exposure to unknown danger, but can also impose costs by preventing the exploration of potential resources. The costs and benefits of neophobia may vary throughout the year if predation pressure, resource distribution or conspecific competition changes seasonally. Despite such variation, neophobia levels are often assumed to be temporally and individually stable. Whether or not neophobia expression changes seasonally and fluctuates equally for all individuals is crucial to understanding the drivers, consequences and plasticity of novelty avoidance. We investigated seasonal differences and individual consistency in the motivation and novelty responses of a captive group of rooks, Corvus frugilegus, a seasonally breeding, colonial species of corvid that is known for being neophobic. We tested the group around novel objects and novel people to determine whether responses generalized across novelty types, and considered whether differences in dominance could influence the social risk of approaching unknown stimuli. We found that the group's level of object neophobia was stable year-round, but individuals were not consistent between seasons, despite being consistent within seasons. In contrast, the group's avoidance of novel people decreased during the breeding season, and individuals were consistent year-round. Additionally, although subordinate birds were more likely to challenge dominants during the breeding season, this social risk taking did not translate to greater novelty approach. Since seasonal variation and individual consistency varied differently towards each novelty type, responses towards novel objects and people seem to be governed by different mechanisms. Such a degree of fluctuation has consequences for other individually consistent behaviours often measured within the nonhuman personality literature.}, }
@article {pmid27884065, year = {2017}, author = {Wanitphakdeedecha, R and Ungaksornpairote, C and Kaewkes, A and Sathaworawong, A and Lektrakul, N and Manuskiatti, W}, title = {The efficacy of two formulations of botulinum toxin type A for masseter reduction: a split-face comparison study.}, journal = {The Journal of dermatological treatment}, volume = {28}, number = {5}, pages = {443-446}, doi = {10.1080/09546634.2016.1263382}, pmid = {27884065}, issn = {1471-1753}, mesh = {Acetylcholine Release Inhibitors/*administration &amp; dosage ; Adult ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*administration &amp; dosage ; Drug Compounding ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertrophy/diagnostic imaging/*drug therapy ; Masseter Muscle/*abnormalities/diagnostic imaging ; Middle Aged ; Patient Satisfaction ; Republic of Korea ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin type A (BTA) is now extensively used to address cosmetic concerns. OnabotulinumtoxinA (ONA, Botox; Allergan Inc., Irvine, CA) received FDA approval for upper face rejuvenation, including glabella frown lines and crow's-feet lines. The other off-label uses for lower face conditions have been utilized for contouring purposes, especially masseter hypertrophy. Recently, a new Daewoong BTA, (NABOTA[®], NBT, Daewoong Pharmaceutical, Seoul, Korea), was recently introduced.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: To compare efficacy and safety of ONA and NBT for masseter reduction.<br><br>METHODS: Thirty-five subjects with masseter hypertrophy were randomly injected with 25 units of ONA on one side and 25 units of NBT on the other side into masseter. Standardized photographic documentation was obtained at baseline, 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment. The mean volume of masseter was acquired by using three-dimensional computed tomography (3-D CT) at baseline, 3-, and 6-month follow-up visits. In addition, patients' satisfaction and side effects were also record at every follow-up visits.<br><br>RESULTS: The mean masseter volume on the sides treated with ONA and NBT at baseline were 21.20&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;4.23&#x2009;cm[3] and 21.26&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;4.58&#x2009;cm[3], respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean volume of both sides (p=&#x2009;0.827). The mean masseter volume at 3- and 6-month follow-up visits reduced significantly on both ONA and NBT sides (p<&#x2009;0.001 and p<&#x2009;0.001, respectively). However, there was no statistically significant difference in mean masseter volume when comparing between ONA and NBT sides at 3 and 6 months after treatment (p=&#x2009;0.769 and p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.346, respectively). There was also no statistically significant difference in masseter reduction when compared between ONA and NBT sides evaluated by physicians and patients at each follow-up visit. No side effect on both sides was reported after injection.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that ONA and NBT provided comparable efficacy and safety for masseter reduction.}, }
@article {pmid27875321, year = {2017}, author = {Vondrova, D and Kapsdorfer, D and Argalasova, L and Hirosova, K and Samohyl, M and Sevcikova, L}, title = {The impact of selected environmental, behavioral and psychosocial factors on schoolchildren's somatic and mental health.}, journal = {Reviews on environmental health}, volume = {32}, number = {1-2}, pages = {189-192}, doi = {10.1515/reveh-2016-0034}, pmid = {27875321}, issn = {2191-0308}, support = {R13 ES026036/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Anthropometry ; Child ; *Child Health/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Czech Republic ; Female ; *Health Status ; Humans ; Male ; *Mental Health/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Students ; }, abstract = {Children develop rapidly and many exogenous determinants of health significantly affect their somatic and mental development. There is a subjective perception of cognitive load associated with the educational process. The aim of the study is to assess individual environmental, behavioral and psychosocial factors influencing physical health and to investigate the amount of mental load in children. We investigated 87 schoolchildren (47 girls and 40 boys) aged 10-12 years, who were attending primary school in Bratislava. To assess values of selected factors we used a questionnaire form and personality characteristics were estimated by standardized psycho-diagnostic and IQ tests [range of classic fear, social-situation anxiety and jitters [skala Klasickeho strachu a Socialno-situacnej (in Slovak)] (KSAT), Eyesenck Personality Questionnaire for children (EPQ), Raven's IQ test]. Self-reported perception of mental load was assessed by questionnaire of subjective feelings and states (SFS). Children's body parameters were assessed using anthropometric measurements [height, weight, chest, abdominal and hip girth, Rohrer's index (RI), body mass index (BMI)] and a body fat measurement method (skinfold thickness). The results confirmed a significant relationship between higher parameters of overweight and obesity and irregular breakfast eating (p<0.05), absence of family dining (p<0.05), exposure to tobacco smoke in the family environment (p<0.01) and mother's level of education (p<0.05). Almost 60% of children reported high mental effort and cognitive load associated with the educational process. We note a close relationship between the higher mental load and the score of neuroticism (p<0.01). The physical and mental health of schoolchildren is significantly affected by exogenous factors. Therefore, in terms of protection and promotion of children's health, it is important to evaluate and monitor environmental risk factors and to form their healthy habits.}, }
@article {pmid27870033, year = {2016}, author = {Marquis, RJ and Salazar, D and Baer, C and Reinhardt, J and Priest, G and Barnett, K}, title = {Ode to Ehrlich and Raven or how herbivorous insects might drive plant speciation.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {97}, number = {11}, pages = {2939-2951}, doi = {10.1002/ecy.1534}, pmid = {27870033}, issn = {0012-9658}, mesh = {Animals ; *Genetic Speciation ; Herbivory/*physiology ; Insecta/*physiology ; *Models, Biological ; Plant Physiological Phenomena ; Plants/*genetics ; Pollination/genetics/physiology ; }, abstract = {Fifty years ago, Ehrlich and Raven proposed that insect herbivores have driven much of plant speciation, particularly at tropical latitudes. There have been no explicit tests of their hypotheses. Indeed there were no proposed mechanisms either at the time or since by which herbivores might generate new plant species. Here we outline two main classes of mechanisms, prezygotic and postzygotic, with a number of scenarios in each by which herbivore-driven changes in host plant secondary chemistry might lead to new plant lineage production. The former apply mainly to a sympatric model of speciation while the latter apply to a parapatric or allopatric model. Our review suggests that the steps of each mechanism are known to occur individually in many different systems, but no scenario has been thoroughly investigated in any one system. Nevertheless, studies of Dalechampia and its herbivores and pollinators, and patterns of defense tradeoffs in trees on different soil types in the Peruvian Amazon provide evidence consistent with the original hypotheses of Ehrlich and Raven. For herbivores to drive sympatric speciation, our findings suggest that interactions with both their herbivores and their pollinators should be considered. In contrast, herbivores may drive speciation allopatrically without any influence by pollinators. Finally, there is evidence that these mechanisms are more likely to occur at low latitudes and thus more likely to produce new species in the tropics. The mechanisms we outline provide a predictive framework for further study of the general role that herbivores play in diversification of their host plants.}, }
@article {pmid27867222, year = {2016}, author = {St Clair, JJ and Klump, BC and van der Wal, JE and Sugasawa, S and Rutz, C}, title = {Strong between-site variation in New Caledonian crows' use of hook-tool-making materials.}, journal = {Biological journal of the Linnean Society. Linnean Society of London}, volume = {118}, number = {2}, pages = {226-232}, pmid = {27867222}, issn = {0024-4066}, abstract = {Functional tool use requires the selection of appropriate raw materials. New Caledonian crows Corvus moneduloides are known for their extraordinary tool-making behaviour, including the crafting of hooked stick tools from branched vegetation. We describe a surprisingly strong between-site difference in the plant materials used by wild crows to manufacture these tools: crows at one study site use branches of the non-native shrub Desmanthus virgatus, whereas only approximately 7 km away, birds apparently ignore this material in favour of the terminal twigs of an as-yet-unidentified tree species. Although it is likely that differences in local plant communities drive this striking pattern, it remains to be determined how and why crows develop such strong site-specific preferences for certain raw materials.}, }
@article {pmid27864088, year = {2017}, author = {Moll, FW and Nieder, A}, title = {Modality-invariant audio-visual association coding in crow endbrain neurons.}, journal = {Neurobiology of learning and memory}, volume = {137}, number = {}, pages = {65-76}, doi = {10.1016/j.nlm.2016.11.011}, pmid = {27864088}, issn = {1095-9564}, mesh = {Acoustic Stimulation ; Animals ; Auditory Perception/*physiology ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Crows ; Learning/physiology ; Male ; Neurons/*physiology ; Photic Stimulation ; Prefrontal Cortex/physiology ; Telencephalon/*physiology ; Visual Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Single neuron activity in the corvid nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL), the supposed avian functional analog of the prefrontal cortex, represents associations of auditory with visual stimuli. This is of high adaptive value for songbirds that need to rely on audio-visual associations to communicate, find a mate or escape predators. However, it remains unclear whether NCL neurons can represent cross-modal associations in a modality invariant, abstract fashion. To dissociate between modality-dependent and modality-invariant NCL activity, we trained two crows to match auditory sample cues with visual test stimuli, and vice versa, across a temporal memory delay. During sample presentation, NCL activity selectively encoded associations in a modality invariant fashion. During the delay, we observed subject specific, population-level coding biases in NCL activity. Despite of these biases, task relevant information could be decoded equally well from either subject's neuronal delay activity. Decoding success was facilitated by many mixed selectivity neurons, which mediated high dimensional representations of task variables on the NCL population level. These results parallel findings from the mammalian PFC, suggesting common mechanisms responsible for the adaptability of multimodal association areas across taxa.}, }
@article {pmid27853622, year = {2016}, author = {Rutz, C and Sugasawa, S and van der Wal, JE and Klump, BC and St Clair, JJ}, title = {Tool bending in New Caledonian crows.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {3}, number = {8}, pages = {160439}, pmid = {27853622}, issn = {2054-5703}, support = {BB/G023913/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {'Betty' the New Caledonian crow astonished the world when she 'spontaneously' bent straight pieces of garden wire into hooked foraging tools. Recent field experiments have revealed that tool bending is part of the species' natural behavioural repertoire, providing important context for interpreting Betty's iconic wire-bending feat. More generally, this discovery provides a compelling illustration of how natural history observations can inform laboratory-based research into the cognitive capacities of non-human animals.}, }
@article {pmid27849243, year = {2016}, author = {Lamônica, DA and Ribeiro, CD and Ferraz, PM and Tabaquim, ML}, title = {Moyamoya disease: impact on the performance of oral and written language.}, journal = {CoDAS}, volume = {28}, number = {5}, pages = {661-665}, doi = {10.1590/2317-1782/20162016010}, pmid = {27849243}, issn = {2317-1782}, mesh = {Child ; Cognition Disorders/*etiology ; Female ; Humans ; Language Tests ; Learning ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Moyamoya Disease/*complications/diagnosis ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; }, abstract = {Moyamoya disease is an unusual form of occlusive, cerebrovascular disorder that affects the arteries of the central nervous system, causing acquired language alterations and learning difficulties. The study aim was to describe the oral/written language and cognitive skills in a seven-year-and-seven-month-old girl diagnosed with Moyamoya disease. The assessment consisted of interviews with her parents and application of the following instruments: Observation of Communicative Behavior, Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, Academic Performance Test, Profile of Phonological Awareness, Raven's Progressive Matrices Test, Special Scale, Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Bender Visual Motor Gestalt Test, and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Two episodes of stroke in the left and right temporal-parietal and left frontal areas occurred until the age of six years and five months. Revascularization surgery and medication treatment were conducted. The audiologic and ophthalmologic assessments indicated normality. At the time of the study, the girl was attending the second grade of elementary school. She presented changes in oral and written language (syllabic-alphabetic), non-naming of all graphemes, low arithmetic and writing means, reading skill below first grade level and psycholinguistic delay, and pre-school level phonological processing skills. The psychological evaluation indicated satisfactory intellectual level; however, it also showed cognitive performance impairment in verbal and execution tasks and limitations on graphic-perceptual-motor skills and sequential logic organization. The stroke episodes influenced the performance of learning processes, affecting the analysis, integration, and interpretation of relevant visual and auditory information.}, }
@article {pmid27840464, year = {2016}, author = {Deventer, SA and Uhl, F and Bugnyar, T and Miller, R and Fitch, WT and Schiestl, M and Ringler, M and Schwab, C}, title = {Behavioural Type Affects Space Use in a Wild Population of Crows (Corvus corone).}, journal = {Ethology : formerly Zeitschrift fur Tierpsychologie}, volume = {122}, number = {11}, pages = {881-891}, pmid = {27840464}, issn = {0179-1613}, abstract = {While personality-dependent dispersal is well studied, local space use has received surprisingly little attention in this context, despite the multiple consequences on survival and fitness. Regarding the coping style of individuals, recent studies on personality-dependent space use within a habitat indicate that 'proactive' individuals are wider ranging than 'reactive' ones. However, such studies are still scarce and cover limited taxonomic diversity, and thus, more research is needed to explore whether this pattern generalises across species. We examined the link between coping style and space use in a population of crows (Corvus corone) freely inhabiting the urban zoo of Vienna, Austria. We used a binary docility rating (struggle during handling vs. no struggle) and a tonic immobility test to quantify individual coping style. Individual space use was quantified as the number of different sites at which each crow was observed, and we controlled for different number of sightings per individual by creating a space use index. Only the binary docility rating showed repeatability over time, and significantly predicted space use. In contrast to previous studies, we found that reactive crows (no struggle during handling) showed wider ranging space use within the study site than proactive individuals (who struggled during handling). The discrepancy from previous results suggests that the relationship between behavioural type and space use may vary between species, potentially reflecting differences in socioecology.}, }
@article {pmid27838379, year = {2017}, author = {Greggor, AL and Spencer, KA and Clayton, NS and Thornton, A}, title = {Wild jackdaws' reproductive success and their offspring's stress hormones are connected to provisioning rate and brood size, not to parental neophobia.}, journal = {General and comparative endocrinology}, volume = {243}, number = {}, pages = {70-77}, pmid = {27838379}, issn = {1095-6840}, support = {BB/H021817/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/L002264/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Breeding ; Corticosterone/*metabolism ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Nesting Behavior/*physiology ; Phobic Disorders/*physiopathology ; Reproduction/*physiology ; Siblings ; *Social Behavior ; *Stress, Physiological ; }, abstract = {Many species show individual variation in neophobia and stress hormones, but the causes and consequences of this variation in the wild are unclear. Variation in neophobia levels could affect the number of offspring animals produce, and more subtly influence the rearing environment and offspring development. Nutritional deficits during development can elevate levels of stress hormones that trigger long-term effects on learning, memory, and survival. Therefore measuring offspring stress hormone levels, such as corticosterone (CORT), helps determine if parental neophobia influences the condition and developmental trajectory of young. As a highly neophobic species, jackdaws (Corvus monedula) are excellent for exploring the potential effects of parental neophobia on developing offspring. We investigated if neophobic responses, alongside known drivers of fitness, influence nest success and offspring hormone responses in wild breeding jackdaws. Despite its consistency across the breeding season, and suggestions in the literature that it should have importance for reproductive fitness, parental neophobia did not predict nest success, provisioning rates or offspring hormone levels. Instead, sibling competition and poor parental care contributed to natural variation in stress responses. Parents with lower provisioning rates fledged fewer chicks, chicks from larger broods had elevated baseline CORT levels, and chicks with later hatching dates showed higher stress-induced CORT levels. Since CORT levels may influence the expression of adult neophobia, variation in juvenile stress responses could explain the development and maintenance of neophobic variation within the adult population.}, }
@article {pmid27826273, year = {2016}, author = {Clary, D and Kelly, DM}, title = {Clark's Nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana) Flexibly Adapt Caching Behavior to a Cooperative Context.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {1643}, pmid = {27826273}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Corvids recognize when their caches are at risk of being stolen by others and have developed strategies to protect these caches from pilferage. For instance, Clark's nutcrackers will suppress the number of caches they make if being observed by a potential thief. However, cache protection has most often been studied using competitive contexts, so it is unclear whether corvids can adjust their caching in beneficial ways to accommodate non-competitive situations. Therefore, we examined whether Clark's nutcrackers, a non-social corvid, would flexibly adapt their caching behaviors to a cooperative context. To do so, birds were given a caching task during which caches made by one individual were reciprocally exchanged for the caches of a partner bird over repeated trials. In this scenario, if caching behaviors can be flexibly deployed, then the birds should recognize the cooperative nature of the task and maintain or increase caching levels over time. However, if cache protection strategies are applied independent of social context and simply in response to cache theft, then cache suppression should occur. In the current experiment, we found that the birds maintained caching throughout the experiment. We report that males increased caching in response to a manipulation in which caches were artificially added, suggesting the birds could adapt to the cooperative nature of the task. Additionally, we show that caching decisions were not solely due to motivational factors, instead showing an additional influence attributed to the behavior of the partner bird.}, }
@article {pmid27826268, year = {2016}, author = {Corgnet, B and Espín, AM and Hernán-González, R}, title = {Creativity and Cognitive Skills among Millennials: Thinking Too Much and Creating Too Little.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {1626}, pmid = {27826268}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Organizations crucially need the creative talent of millennials but are reluctant to hire them because of their supposed lack of diligence. Recent studies have shown that hiring diligent millennials requires selecting those who score high on the Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT) and thus rely on effortful thinking rather than intuition. A central question is to assess whether the push for recruiting diligent millennials using criteria such as cognitive reflection can ultimately hamper the recruitment of creative workers. To answer this question, we study the relationship between millennials' creativity and their performance on fluid intelligence (Raven) and cognitive reflection (CRT) tests. The good news for recruiters is that we report, in line with previous research, evidence of a positive relationship of fluid intelligence, and to a lesser extent cognitive reflection, with convergent creative thinking. In addition, we observe a positive effect of fluid intelligence on originality and elaboration measures of divergent creative thinking. The bad news for recruiters is the inverted U-shape relationship between cognitive reflection and fluency and flexibility measures of divergent creative thinking. This suggests that thinking too much may hinder important dimensions of creative thinking. Diligent and creative workers may thus be a rare find.}, }
@article {pmid27814545, year = {2016}, author = {Orłowski, G and Siebielec, G and Kasprzykowski, Z and Dobicki, W and Pokorny, P and Wuczyński, A and Polechoński, R and Mazgajski, TD}, title = {Effect of spatial resolution of soil data on predictions of eggshell trace element levels in the Rook Corvus frugilegus.}, journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)}, volume = {219}, number = {}, pages = {288-295}, doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2016.10.048}, pmid = {27814545}, issn = {1873-6424}, mesh = {*Agriculture ; Animals ; Cadmium/analysis ; Copper/analysis ; Egg Shell/*chemistry ; Environment ; Environmental Monitoring ; Metals, Heavy/*analysis ; Nickel/analysis ; *Passeriformes ; Poland ; Soil/*chemistry ; Soil Pollutants/*analysis ; Trace Elements/*analysis ; Zinc/analysis ; }, abstract = {Although a considerable research effort has gone into studying the dietary pathways of metals to the bodies of laying female birds and their eggs in recent years, no detailed investigations have yet been carried out relating the properties of the biogeochemical environment at large spatial scales to eggshell trace element levels in typical soil-invertebrate feeding birds under natural conditions. We used data from a large-scale nationwide monitoring survey of soil quality in Poland (3724 sampling points from the 43 792 available) to predict levels of five trace elements (copper [Cu], cadmium [Cd], nickel [Ni], zinc [Zn] and lead [Pb]) in Rook Corvus frugilegus eggshells from 42 breeding colonies. Our major aim was to test whether differences exist in the explanatory power of soil data (acidity, content of elements and organic matter, and particle size) used as a correlate of concentrations of eggshell trace elements among four different distances (5, 10, 15 and 20 km) around rookeries. Over all four distances around the rookeries only the concentrations of Cu and Cd in eggshells were positively correlated with those in soil, while eggshell Pb was correlated with the soil Pb level at the two longest distances (15 and 20 km) around the rookeries. The physical properties of soil (primarily the increase in pH) adversely affected eggshell Cd and Pb concentrations. The patterns and factors governing metal bioaccumulation in soil invertebrates and eggshells appear to be coincident, which strongly suggests a general similarity in the biochemical pathways of elements at different levels of the food web. The increasing acidification of arable soil as a result of excessive fertilisation and over-nitrification can enhance the bioavailability of toxic elements to laying females and their eggs.}, }
@article {pmid27811974, year = {2016}, author = {Clary, D and Kelly, DM}, title = {Graded Mirror Self-Recognition by Clark's Nutcrackers.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {36459}, pmid = {27811974}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Male ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Recognition, Psychology/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The traditional 'mark test' has shown some large-brained species are capable of mirror self-recognition. During this test a mark is inconspicuously placed on an animal's body where it can only be seen with the aid of a mirror. If the animal increases the number of actions directed to the mark region when presented with a mirror, the animal is presumed to have recognized the mirror image as its reflection. However, the pass/fail nature of the mark test presupposes self-recognition exists in entirety or not at all. We developed a novel mirror-recognition task, to supplement the mark test, which revealed gradation in the self-recognition of Clark's nutcrackers, a large-brained corvid. To do so, nutcrackers cached food alone, observed by another nutcracker, or with a regular or blurry mirror. The nutcrackers suppressed caching with a regular mirror, a behavioural response to prevent cache theft by conspecifics, but did not suppress caching with a blurry mirror. Likewise, during the mark test, most nutcrackers made more self-directed actions to the mark with a blurry mirror than a regular mirror. Both results suggest self-recognition was more readily achieved with the blurry mirror and that self-recognition may be more broadly present among animals than currently thought.}, }
@article {pmid27808198, year = {2016}, author = {}, title = {Animal behaviour: Magpies behave cooperatively.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {539}, number = {7627}, pages = {9}, doi = {10.1038/539009e}, pmid = {27808198}, issn = {1476-4687}, }
@article {pmid27503511, year = {2016}, author = {Levine, RS and Mead, DG and Hamer, GL and Brosi, BJ and Hedeen, DL and Hedeen, MW and McMillan, JR and Bisanzio, D and Kitron, UD}, title = {Supersuppression: Reservoir Competency and Timing of Mosquito Host Shifts Combine to Reduce Spillover of West Nile Virus.}, journal = {The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene}, volume = {95}, number = {5}, pages = {1174-1184}, pmid = {27503511}, issn = {1476-1645}, support = {T32 AI055404/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Culex/virology ; Culicidae/*virology ; Female ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Insect Vectors/virology ; Passeriformes/virology ; Seasons ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; United States/epidemiology ; West Nile Fever/*epidemiology/veterinary ; West Nile virus/*isolation &amp; purification ; }, abstract = {In the eastern United States, human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) result from spillover from urban epizootic transmission between passerine birds and Culex mosquitoes. In Atlanta, GA, substantial WNV presence in hosts and vectors has not resulted in the human disease burden observed in cities with similar infection pressure. Our study goal was to investigate extrinsic ecological conditions that potentially contribute to these reduced transmission rates. We conducted WNV surveillance among hosts and vectors in urban Atlanta and recorded an overall avian seroprevalence of nearly 30%, which was significantly higher among northern cardinals, blue jays, and members of the mimid family, and notably low among American robins. Examination of temporal Culex feeding patterns showed a marked feeding shift from American robins in the early season to northern cardinals in the late season. We therefore rule out American robins as superspreaders in the Atlanta area and suggest instead that northern cardinals and mimids act as WNV "supersuppressor" species, which slow WNV transmission by drawing many infectious bites during the critical virus amplification period, yet failing to amplify transmission due to low host competencies. Of particular interest, urban forest patches provide spillover protection by increasing the WNV amplification fraction on supersuppressor species.}, }
@article {pmid26602225, year = {2016}, author = {Kazemeini, T and Fadardi, JS}, title = {Executive Function: Comparing Bilingual and Monolingual Iranian University Students.}, journal = {Journal of psycholinguistic research}, volume = {45}, number = {6}, pages = {1315-1326}, pmid = {26602225}, issn = {1573-6555}, mesh = {Adult ; Executive Function/*physiology ; Humans ; *Inhibition, Psychological ; Iran ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term/*physiology ; *Multilingualism ; Universities ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {The study aimed to examine whether Kurdish-Persian early Bilingual university students (EBL) and Persian Monolingual university students (ML) differ on tasks of executive function (EF). Thirty male EBL and 30 male ML students from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad completed a Persian Stroop Color-Word task (SCWT), Backward Digit Span Test (BDST), Raven Standard Progressive Matrices, and a demographic questionnaire. The results of an analysis of variance showed EBL students responded faster on the SCWT compared with ML students, suggesting an inhibition advantage for EBL students. Moreover, mean scores of BDST showed better performance of EBL students in working memory than ML students. These results provided evidence of advantaged EF among EBL and were consistent with the possibility that individuals who began speaking a second language (L2) earlier in childhood have greater advantages, due either to effects of acquiring an L2 earlier or to a longer duration of bilingual experience.}, }
@article {pmid32680341, year = {2016}, author = {Azami, S and Moghadas, A and Sohrabi-Esmrood, F and Nazifi, M and Mirmohamad, M and Hemmati, F and Ahmadi, A and Hamzeh-Poor, P and Khari, S and Lakes, K}, title = {A pilot randomized controlled trial comparing computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation, stimulant medication, and an active control in the treatment of ADHD.}, journal = {Child and adolescent mental health}, volume = {21}, number = {4}, pages = {217-224}, doi = {10.1111/camh.12157}, pmid = {32680341}, issn = {1475-357X}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: This research aimed to compare computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation (CACR) psychostimulants (MED) and placebo CACR (PCACR) in the treatment of ADHD using a multiarm parallel design.<br><br>METHODS: Thirty-four boys with ADHD, aged 7-12, were randomly assigned to either CACR (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;12), MED (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;11), or PCACR (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;11). However, the study was not blinded and medication doses might be suboptimal given the lack of titration. Continuous performance test, Tower-of-London, forward/backward digit span, span board, Raven's progressive matrices, and SNAP-IV were completed at baseline, posttest, and follow-up.<br><br>RESULTS: Computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation outperformed both MED and PCACR on backward digit span at posttest and PCACR at follow-up. CACR outperformed PCACR and MED on forward digit span at posttest and PCACR at follow-up. CACR outperformed MED on span board at posttest. CACR outperformed PCACR and MED on Raven's matrices at posttest. CACR and PCACR scored lower than MED on ADHD-PHI at posttest. CACR scored lower than MED on ADHD-C at posttest.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Immediately after interventions, CACR improved certain simple executive functions (EFs) as much as active stimulant medication. On complex EFs, CACR was superior to active stimulant medication and PCACR. CACR reduced behavioral symptoms of ADHD more than active stimulant medication. However, at 3-month follow-up, maintenance of the CACR gains was weak.}, }
@article {pmid27796660, year = {2017}, author = {Bílá, K and Beránková, J and Veselý, P and Bugnyar, T and Schwab, C}, title = {Responses of urban crows to con- and hetero-specific alarm calls in predator and non-predator zoo enclosures.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, pages = {43-51}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-016-1047-5}, pmid = {27796660}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Zoo ; Birds ; Cities ; *Crows ; *Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {Urban animals and birds in particular are able to cope with diverse novel threats in a city environment such as avoiding novel, unfamiliar predators. Predator avoidance often includes alarm signals that can be used also by hetero-specifics, which is mainly the case in mixed-species flocks. It can also occur when species do not form flocks but co-occur together. In this study we tested whether urban crows use alarm calls of conspecifics and hetero-specifics (jackdaws, Corvus monedula) differently in a predator and a non-predator context with partly novel and unfamiliar zoo animal species. Birds were tested at the Tiergarten Schönbrunn in the city of Vienna by playing back con- and hetero-specific alarm calls and control stimuli (great tit song and no stimuli) at predator (wolf, polar bear) and non-predator (eland antelope and cranes, peccaries) enclosures. We recorded responses of crows as the percentage of birds flying away after hearing the playback (out of those present before the playback) and as the number of vocalizations given by the present birds. A significantly higher percentage of crows flew away after hearing either con- or hetero-specific alarm calls, but it did not significantly differ between the predator and the non-predator context. Crows treated jackdaw calls just as crow calls, indicating that they make proper use of hetero-specific alarm calls. Responding similarly in both contexts may suggest that the crows were uncertain about the threat a particular zoo animal represents and were generally cautious. In the predator context, however, a high percentage of crows also flew away upon hearing the great tit control song which suggests that they may still evaluate those species which occasionally killed crows as more dangerous and respond to any conspicuous sound.}, }
@article {pmid27796282, year = {2016}, author = {Vijay, N and Bossu, CM and Poelstra, JW and Weissensteiner, MH and Suh, A and Kryukov, AP and Wolf, JB}, title = {Evolution of heterogeneous genome differentiation across multiple contact zones in a crow species complex.}, journal = {Nature communications}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {13195}, pmid = {27796282}, issn = {2041-1723}, support = {//European Research Council/International ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*genetics ; Female ; *Gene Flow ; Genetic Speciation ; *Genome ; Geography ; Hybridization, Genetic ; Male ; Nucleic Acid Hybridization ; Phenotype ; Pigmentation ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Population Dynamics ; *Reproductive Isolation ; }, abstract = {Uncovering the genetic basis of species diversification is a central goal in evolutionary biology. Yet, the link between the accumulation of genomic changes during population divergence and the evolutionary forces promoting reproductive isolation is poorly understood. Here, we analysed 124 genomes of crow populations with various degrees of genome-wide differentiation, with parallelism of a sexually selected plumage phenotype, and ongoing hybridization. Overall, heterogeneity in genetic differentiation along the genome was best explained by linked selection exposed on a shared genome architecture. Superimposed on this common background, we identified genomic regions with signatures of selection specific to independent phenotypic contact zones. Candidate pigmentation genes with evidence for divergent selection were only partly shared, suggesting context-dependent selection on a multigenic trait architecture and parallelism by pathway rather than by repeated single-gene effects. This study provides insight into how various forms of selection shape genome-wide patterns of genomic differentiation as populations diverge.}, }
@article {pmid27790103, year = {2016}, author = {Casanova, R and Wang, X and Reyes, J and Akita, Y and Serre, ML and Vizuete, W and Chui, HC and Driscoll, I and Resnick, SM and Espeland, MA and Chen, JC}, title = {A Voxel-Based Morphometry Study Reveals Local Brain Structural Alterations Associated with Ambient Fine Particles in Older Women.}, journal = {Frontiers in human neuroscience}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {495}, pmid = {27790103}, issn = {1662-5161}, support = {P30 ES007048/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; P30 ES010126/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; P50 AG005142/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; R21 AG051113/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; UL1 TR001420/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Objective: Exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5: PM with aerodynamic diameters < 2.5 μm) has been linked with cognitive deficits in older adults. Using fine-grained voxel-wise analyses, we examined whether PM2.5 exposure also affects brain structure. Methods: Brain MRI data were obtained from 1365 women (aged 71-89) in the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study and local brain volumes were estimated using RAVENS (regional analysis of volumes in normalized space). Based on geocoded residential locations and air monitoring data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, we employed a spatiotemporal model to estimate long-term (3-year average) exposure to ambient PM2.5 preceding MRI scans. Voxel-wise linear regression models were fit separately to gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) maps to analyze associations between brain structure and PM2.5 exposure, with adjustment for potential confounders. Results: Increased PM2.5 exposure was associated with smaller volumes in both cortical GM and subcortical WM areas. For GM, associations were clustered in the bilateral superior, middle, and medial frontal gyri. For WM, the largest clusters were in the frontal lobe, with smaller clusters in the temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes. No statistically significant associations were observed between PM2.5 exposure and hippocampal volumes. Conclusions: Long-term PM2.5 exposures may accelerate loss of both GM and WM in older women. While our previous work linked smaller WM volumes to PM2.5, this is the first neuroimaging study reporting associations between air pollution exposure and smaller volumes of cortical GM. Our data support the hypothesized synaptic neurotoxicity of airborne particles.}, }
@article {pmid27789089, year = {2016}, author = {Dunn, JC and Gruar, D and Stoate, C and Szczur, J and Peach, WJ}, title = {Can hedgerow management mitigate the impacts of predation on songbird nest survival?.}, journal = {Journal of environmental management}, volume = {184}, number = {Pt 3}, pages = {535-544}, doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.10.028}, pmid = {27789089}, issn = {1095-8630}, mesh = {Agriculture/*methods ; Animals ; Ecosystem ; England ; *Nesting Behavior ; *Predatory Behavior ; Reproduction ; Songbirds/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Nest predators can have significant impacts on songbird reproductive success. These impacts may be amplified by habitat simplification and here we test whether sympathetic management of farmland hedgerows can reduce nest depredation, especially by corvids. We test whether songbirds select nest sites according to structural features of hedgerows (including nest visibility and accessibility), and whether these features influence nest predation risk. Songbirds selected nesting sites affording higher vegetation cover above the nest, increased visibility on the nest-side of the hedgerow and reduced visibility on the far side of the hedge. Nest survival was unrelated to corvid abundance and only weakly related (at the egg stage) to corvid nest proximity. Nest survival at the chick stage was higher where vegetation structure restricted access to corvid-sized predators (averaging 0.78 vs. 0.53), and at nests close to potential vantage points. Overall nest survival was sensitive to hedgerow structure (accessibility) particularly at low exposure to corvid predation, while the overall impact of corvid exposure was dependent on the relationship involving proximity to vantage points. Nest survival over the chick stage was much higher (0.67) in stock-proof, trimmed and mechanically cut hedgerows, (which tended to provide lower side visibility and accessibility) than in recently laid, remnant or leggy hedgerows (0.18). Long-term reductions in the management of British hedgerows may therefore be exposing nesting songbirds to increased predation risk. We recommend regular rotational cutting of hedgerows to maintain a dense woody structure and thereby reduce songbird nest predation.}, }
@article {pmid27709968, year = {2016}, author = {Ostojić, L and Legg, EW and Dits, A and Williams, N and Brecht, KF and Mendl, M and Clayton, NS}, title = {Experimenter expectancy bias does not explain Eurasian jays' (Garrulus glandarius) performance in a desire-state attribution task.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {130}, number = {4}, pages = {407-410}, doi = {10.1037/com0000043}, pmid = {27709968}, issn = {1939-2087}, mesh = {Animals ; *Bias ; *Feeding Behavior ; Female ; *Food ; Male ; *Motivation ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; *Social Behavior ; Social Perception ; }, abstract = {Male Eurasian jays have been found to adjust the type of food they share with their female partner after seeing her eat 1 type of food to satiety. One interpretation of this behavior is that the male encoded the female's decreased desire for the food she was sated on, and adjusted his behavior accordingly. However, in these studies, the male's actions were scored by experimenters who knew on which food the female was sated. Thus, it is possible that the experimenters' expectations (subconsciously) affected their behavior during tests that, in turn, inadvertently could have influenced the males' actions. Here, we repeated the original test with an experimenter who was blind to the food on which the female was sated. This procedure yielded the same results as the original studies: The male shared food with the female that was in line with her current desire. Thus, our results rule out the possibility that the Eurasian jay males' actions in the food sharing task could be explained by the effects of an experimenter expectancy bias. (PsycINFO Database Record}, }
@article {pmid27718536, year = {2017}, author = {Wagener, L and Nieder, A}, title = {Encoding of global visual motion in the nidopallium caudolaterale of behaving crows.}, journal = {The European journal of neuroscience}, volume = {45}, number = {2}, pages = {267-277}, doi = {10.1111/ejn.13430}, pmid = {27718536}, issn = {1460-9568}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Brain/physiology ; Cognition/*physiology ; Crows ; *Motion ; Motion Perception/*physiology ; Neurons/*physiology ; Photic Stimulation/methods ; Songbirds ; Telencephalon/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Songbirds possess acute vision. How higher brain centres represent basic and parameterised visual stimuli to process sensory signals according to their behavioural importance has not been studied in a systematic way. We therefore examined how carrion crows (Corvus corone) and their nidopallial visual neurons process global visual motion information in dynamic random-dot displays during a delayed match-to-sample (DMS) task. The behavioural data show that moderately fast motion speeds (16° of visual angle/s) result in superior direction discrimination performance. To characterise how neurons encode and maintain task-relevant visual motion information, we recorded the single-unit activity in the telencephalic association area 'nidopallium caudolaterale' (NCL) of behaving crows. The NCL is considered to be the avian analogue of the mammalian prefrontal cortex. Almost a third (28%) of randomly selected NCL neurons responded selectively to the motion direction of the sample stimulus, mostly to downward motions. Only few NCL neurons (7.5%) responded consistently to specific motion directions during the delay period. In error trials, when the crows chose the wrong motion direction, the encoding of motion direction was significantly reduced. This indicates that sensory representations of NCL neurons are relevant to the birds' behaviour. These data suggest that the corvid NCL, even though operating at the apex of the telencephalic processing hierarchy, constitutes a telencephalic site for global motion integration.}, }
@article {pmid27669429, year = {2016}, author = {Kiel, JM}, title = {Using Organizational Development for Electronic Medical Record Transformation.}, journal = {The health care manager}, volume = {35}, number = {4}, pages = {305-311}, doi = {10.1097/HCM.0000000000000131}, pmid = {27669429}, issn = {1550-512X}, mesh = {Delivery of Health Care ; Electronic Health Records/*organization &amp; administration ; Humans ; *Models, Organizational ; *Organizational Innovation ; }, abstract = {With mandates requiring the transition from paper medical records to the use of electronic medical records, organizations are embarking on a change process. To engender this process, organizational development models and interventions based predominantly on the theories of Chris Argyris, Warren Bennis, and the team of Paul Lawrence and Jay Lorsch are explored. Interventions are subdivided into behavioral and structural as organizations benefit by recognizing a need for change and, perhaps, a cultural shift in addition to refocusing their mission. To support these interventions, a champion or super user is recommended to maintain the momentum of the transformation and enculturation. With so many changes in the internal and external environments, organizations must respond systematically for, in health care, lives depend on it.}, }
@article {pmid27757574, year = {2017}, author = {McIntosh, CS and Dadour, IR and Voss, SC}, title = {A comparison of carcass decomposition and associated insect succession onto burnt and unburnt pig carcasses.}, journal = {International journal of legal medicine}, volume = {131}, number = {3}, pages = {835-845}, pmid = {27757574}, issn = {1437-1596}, mesh = {Animals ; Case-Control Studies ; *Coleoptera ; *Cremation ; *Diptera ; Entomology ; *Feeding Behavior ; Forensic Sciences ; *Postmortem Changes ; Swine ; Western Australia ; }, abstract = {The rate of decomposition and insect succession onto decomposing pig carcasses were investigated following burning of carcasses. Ten pig carcasses (40-45 kg) were exposed to insect activity during autumn (March-April) in Western Australia. Five replicates were burnt to a degree described by the Crow-Glassman Scale (CGS) level #2, while five carcasses were left unburnt as controls. Burning carcasses greatly accelerated decomposition in contrast to unburnt carcasses. Physical modifications following burning such as skin discolouration, splitting of abdominal tissue and leathery consolidation of skin eliminated evidence of bloat and altered microambient temperatures associated with carcasses throughout decomposition. Insect species identified on carcasses were consistent between treatment groups; however, a statistically significant difference in insect succession onto remains was evident between treatments (PERMANOVA F (1, 224) = 14.23, p < 0.01) during an 8-day period that corresponds with the wet stage of decomposition. Differences were noted in the arrival time of late colonisers (Coleoptera) and the development of colonising insects between treatment groups. Differences in the duration of decomposition stages and insect assemblages indicate that burning has an effect on both rate of decomposition and insect succession. The findings presented here provide baseline data for entomological casework involving burnt remains criminal investigations.}, }
@article {pmid27288106, year = {2016}, author = {Friedman, SG}, title = {Credit where due.}, journal = {Journal of vascular surgery}, volume = {64}, number = {2}, pages = {530-533}, doi = {10.1016/j.jvs.2016.04.033}, pmid = {27288106}, issn = {1097-6809}, mesh = {Biomedical Research/*history ; *Cooperative Behavior ; Correspondence as Topic/history ; History, 20th Century ; Humans ; *Nobel Prize ; Periodicals as Topic/history ; Personality ; Recognition, Psychology ; Vascular Surgical Procedures/*history ; }, abstract = {The history of medicine is filled with stories of tireless researchers who failed to get credit for their hard work. Examples of this include Rosalind Franklin, who helped to elucidate the structure of DNA; Frederick Banting, who helped to discover insulin; and Jay McLean, who discovered heparin. The founding of the field of vascular surgery provides one of the most vivid examples of uncredited work. Even though Alexis Carrel was an unpaid, untitled assistant in Charles Guthrie's laboratory, it was Carrel alone who received a Nobel Prize for their work. In an attempt to give credit where due, the reasons for this injustice are described.}, }
@article {pmid27745723, year = {2018}, author = {Guillod, L and Habersaat, S and Suter, M and Jeanneret, T and Bertoni, C and Stéphan, P and Urben, S}, title = {[Psychological processes of stress management and neuroendocrine regulation in incarcerated adolescent offenders: A pilot study].}, journal = {L'Encephale}, volume = {44}, number = {2}, pages = {111-117}, doi = {10.1016/j.encep.2016.08.012}, pmid = {27745723}, issn = {0013-7006}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Aggression/psychology ; Antisocial Personality Disorder/psychology ; Child ; Humans ; Hydrocortisone/metabolism ; Juvenile Delinquency/*psychology ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Neurosecretory Systems/*metabolism ; Pilot Projects ; Prisoners/*psychology ; *Prisons ; Stress, Psychological/*metabolism/*psychology ; Substance-Related Disorders/complications/psychology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a stressful period where important biological, psychological and social changes occur. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable during this developmental period and can use various strategies to deal with daily stress, such as substance use or externalizing behaviors. In previous studies, stress in adolescents with externalizing behaviors was often linked to ineffective cognitive coping strategies (i.e., constructive thinking) and overlooking the biological aspects involved in stress management such as neuroendocrine regulation. Indeed, repeated activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in chronic stress situations may have long-term effects on subsequent cortisol regulation and lead to psychological difficulties. It was also shown that basal cortisol levels are lower in adolescents with externalizing behaviors. This study aims to assess the links between constructive thinking and neuroendocrine regulation in adolescent offenders and their association with externalizing symptoms (e.g., aggression, delinquency, psychopathic traits, substance use). Identifying particular biopsychological patterns can help to better understand stress management in youth with externalizing behaviors and to improve clinical treatments.<br><br>METHOD: Sixteen adolescent males aged from 12 to 18&#xa0;years were recruited in an institution for juvenile offenders. Exclusion criteria were insufficient reasoning abilities assessed using the Raven Matrices Test. Regarding psychological dimensions, constructive thinking was assessed through the Constructive thinking inventory (CTI), psychopathic traits through the Youth psychopathic traits inventory (YPI), externalizing behaviors through 30&#xa0;items (out of 113) and 2&#xa0;subscales (aggressive behavior and delinquency problems) from the Child behavior checklist-youth self-report (CBCL), and substance use through the Dep-ado. Regarding biological dimensions, cortisol daily secretion and regulation were assessed through saliva samples that were collected during 3&#xa0;consecutive days (4&#xa0;samples per day: directly after awakening, at 10&#xa0;a.m., at 4&#xa0;a.m., and before going to bed).<br><br>RESULTS: Adolescent offenders presented maladaptative thinking styles and a particular neuroendocrine regulation in their daily management with stress. In particular, their level of cortisol in the morning was higher than those expected in a general population (20.34&#xa0;nmol/L while the norm is around 10&#xa0;nmol/L). They also showed more agressive and delinquent behaviors (CBCL) as well as more psychopathic traits (YPI) than the general population. Moreover, constructive thinking style was associated with personality and behavioral dimensions. Indeed, results indicated positive and significant correlations between categorical thinking style (CTI), psychopathic traits (YPI) (r=0.57, P=0.021) and externalizing behaviors (CBCL) (r=0.55, P=0.028). In other words, the more adolescent offenders used categorical thinking, the more they presented psychopathic traits and externalizing behaviors. With respect to the association between psychological and biological dimensions in stress management, we observed a significant and positive correlation between cortisol regulation and esoteric thinking (r=0.57, P=0.028) and a trend with superstitious thinking (r=0.47, P=0.075). The more adolescent offenders used esoteric and superstitious thinking, the poorer was their cortisol regulation. We also observed a trend between the life style scale of the YPI (i.e., impulsive, irresponsible) and the daily secretion of cortisol (r=0.51; P=0.052) as well as cortisol regulation (r=0.49, P=0.065). The more adolescent offenders presented psychopathic traits, the higher tended to be their daily secretion of cortisol and the poorer their cortisol regulation. Finally, cortisol regulation (r=0.54, P=0.038) and secretion (r=0.73, P=0.002) were significantly correlated with the DEP-Ado score. In other words, a poor cortisol regulation and a high secretion of cortisol seem to be associated with substance use.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent offenders face an important amount of daily stress and do not always have the appropriate skills to deal with it. Indeed, we know from clinical experience that they often report a sense of hopelessness toward their lack of professional perspectives as well as familial conflicts which can be important stressors in addition to the incarceration in itself. Therefore, treatment aiming to improve psychic elaboration can help these adolescents to make their thinking styles more flexible and use more appropriate ways of coping with stress instead of externalizing behaviors and substance use. Moreover, considering the complex cases of these adolescents and the many changes of caregivers and institutions where they have lived, which can be important stressors as well, professionals working with these youth should be aware of their emotional reactions toward them and try to encourage continuity of care.}, }
@article {pmid27738383, year = {2016}, author = {Królikowska, N and Szymkowiak, J and Laidlaw, RA and Kuczyński, L}, title = {Threat-sensitive anti-predator defence in precocial wader, the northern lapwing Vanellus vanellus.}, journal = {Acta ethologica}, volume = {19}, number = {3}, pages = {163-171}, pmid = {27738383}, issn = {0873-9749}, abstract = {Birds exhibit various forms of anti-predator behaviours to avoid reproductive failure, with mobbing-observation, approach and usually harassment of a predator-being one of the most commonly observed. Here, we investigate patterns of temporal variation in the mobbing response exhibited by a precocial species, the northern lapwing (Vanellus vanellus). We test whether brood age and self-reliance, or the perceived risk posed by various predators, affect mobbing response of lapwings. We quantified aggressive interactions between lapwings and their natural avian predators and used generalized additive models to test how timing and predator species identity are related to the mobbing response of lapwings. Lapwings diversified mobbing response within the breeding season and depending on predator species. Raven Corvus corax, hooded crow Corvus cornix and harriers evoked the strongest response, while common buzzard Buteo buteo, white stork Ciconia ciconia, black-headed gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus and rook Corvus frugilegus were less frequently attacked. Lapwings increased their mobbing response against raven, common buzzard, white stork and rook throughout the breeding season, while defence against hooded crow, harriers and black-headed gull did not exhibit clear temporal patterns. Mobbing behaviour of lapwings apparently constitutes a flexible anti-predator strategy. The anti-predator response depends on predator species, which may suggest that lapwings distinguish between predator types and match mobbing response to the perceived hazard at different stages of the breeding cycle. We conclude that a single species may exhibit various patterns of temporal variation in anti-predator defence, which may correspond with various hypotheses derived from parental investment theory.}, }
@article {pmid27736663, year = {2016}, author = {Peviani, V and Scarpa, P and Toraldo, A and Bottini, G}, title = {Accounting for ethnic-cultural and linguistic diversity in neuropsychological assessment of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy: A retrospective study.}, journal = {Epilepsy &amp; behavior : E&amp;B}, volume = {64}, number = {Pt A}, pages = {94-101}, doi = {10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.09.011}, pmid = {27736663}, issn = {1525-5069}, mesh = {*Acculturation ; Adult ; Cognitive Dysfunction/*diagnosis/*ethnology/etiology ; Drug Resistant Epilepsy/complications/*ethnology ; *Emigrants and Immigrants ; Female ; Humans ; Italy/ethnology ; Language Tests/*standards ; Male ; *Multilingualism ; Neuropsychological Tests/*standards ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Neuropsychological assessment is critical in both diagnosis and prognosis of patients with epilepsy. Beyond electrophysiological and anatomical alterations, other factors including different ethnic-cultural and linguistic backgrounds might affect neuropsychological performance. Only a few studies considered migration and acculturation effects and they typically concerned nonclinical samples. The current study aimed at investigating the influence of ethnic background and time spent in Italy on a full neuropsychological battery administered to both Italian and foreign-born patients and at providing a brief interview for obtaining relevant information on each patient's transcultural and language-related history. Clinical reports from 43 foreign-born patients with drug-resistant epilepsy were collected from the archives of Milan Niguarda Hospital. Epileptogenic zone, age, education, profession, illness duration, seizure frequency, handedness, and gender were considered in selecting 43 Italian controls. Ethnicity (Italian/foreign-born) and years spent in Italy were analyzed as main predictors on 21 neuropsychological scales by means of General(ized) Linear Models. An additional analysis studied two composite scores of overall verbal and nonverbal abilities. Ethnicity significantly affected the following: the verbal overall score, Verbal Fluency, Naming, Token-test, Digit Span, Attentional Matrices, Trail-Making-Test, Line-Orientation-Test, and Raven matrices; no effects were found on the nonverbal overall score, Word Pairs Learning, Episodic Memory, reading accuracy, visual span, Bells test, Rey Figure, and face memory and recognition. No significant effects of years spent in Italy emerged. While years spent in Italy does not predict neuropsychological performance, linguistic background had a strong impact on it. With respect to Italian-speaking patients, those who were foreign-born showed large task-related variability, with an especially low performance on language-related tests. Hence, language tests should not be considered as valid measures of neuropsychological impairment in this population, not even in foreign-born patients with good Italian fluency. Clinicians should consider such asymmetries in order to improve the accuracy of neuropsychological assessment of foreign-born patients.}, }
@article {pmid27680089, year = {2017}, author = {Cassimiro, L and Fuentes, D and Nitrini, R and Yassuda, MS}, title = {Decision-making in Cognitively Unimpaired Illiterate and Low-educated Older Women: Results on the Iowa Gambling Task.}, journal = {Archives of clinical neuropsychology : the official journal of the National Academy of Neuropsychologists}, volume = {32}, number = {1}, pages = {71-80}, doi = {10.1093/arclin/acw080}, pmid = {27680089}, issn = {1873-5843}, mesh = {Aged ; Aging/*psychology ; Brazil ; Cognition ; *Decision Making ; *Educational Status ; Female ; Gambling/psychology ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; Portugal/ethnology ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the pattern of decision-making (DM) on the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) in a sample of Portuguese speaking healthy older women in Brazil with limited education: illiterate, 1-2 years, and 3-4 years of schooling.<br><br>METHODS: Around 164 non-demented community-dwelling women participated in the study. Among them 60 were illiterate, 52 had 1-2 years of schooling and 52 had 3-4 years of schooling. Participants completed the instruments: Brief Cognitive Screening Battery (BCSB), Mini-Mental State Examination, Verbal Fluency Test (animal category), Clock Drawing Test, Geriatric Depression Scale, Geriatric Anxiety Inventory, Digit Span Forward and Backward, Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and IGT.<br><br>RESULTS: The three education groups were equivalent as to age, number of diseases, medications taken daily, depression, and anxiety symptoms. In the IGT the literate older adults made more advantageous choices than the illiterate and IGT performance improved linearly with higher levels of education. IGT performance correlated significantly with all cognitive test scores with the exception of the memorization of the pictures on the BCSB.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The results suggested that education influences IGT performance, with worse scores among the illiterate. Results may be used by clinicians to interpret IGT performance among seniors with low literacy levels.}, }
@article {pmid27661428, year = {2016}, author = {Jagdeo, J and Keaney, T and Narurkar, V and Kolodziejczyk, J and Gallagher, CJ}, title = {Facial Treatment Preferences Among Aesthetically Oriented Men.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {42}, number = {10}, pages = {1155-1163}, doi = {10.1097/DSS.0000000000000876}, pmid = {27661428}, issn = {1524-4725}, mesh = {Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Choice Behavior ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; *Esthetics ; *Face ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Rejuvenation ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data describing male attitudes toward age-related changes to their facial features and associated preferences for prioritizing treatment.<br><br>METHODS: Injectable-naive but aesthetically oriented men aged 30 to 65 participated in an online study (N = 600). Respondents indicated how concerned they were by the appearance of 15 age-related facial features, and the Maximum Difference scaling system was used to explore which features were most likely to be prioritized for treatment. The correlation between the features of most concern and the areas of treatment priority was assessed. Other aspects regarding the male perspective on aesthetic procedures, such as awareness, motivating factors, and barriers, also were explored.<br><br>RESULTS: Crow's feet and tear troughs were rated as the most likely to be treated first (80% of first preferences) followed by forehead lines (74%), double chin (70%), and glabellar lines (60%). The areas of most concern in order were tear troughs, double chin, crow's feet, and forehead lines. There was a strong correlation between the features of most concern and the areas of treatment priority (r = 0.81).<br><br>CONCLUSION: The periorbital areas, in particular crow's feet and tear troughs, are of most concern and likely to be prioritized for treatment among aesthetically oriented men.}, }
@article {pmid27658204, year = {2016}, author = {Eimes, JA and Lee, SI and Townsend, AK and Jablonski, P and Nishiumi, I and Satta, Y}, title = {Early Duplication of a Single MHC IIB Locus Prior to the Passerine Radiations.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {11}, number = {9}, pages = {e0163456}, pmid = {27658204}, issn = {1932-6203}, abstract = {A key characteristic of MHC genes is the persistence of allelic lineages over macroevolutionary periods, often through multiple speciation events. This phenomenon, known as trans-species polymorphism (TSP), is well documented in several major taxonomic groups, but has less frequently been observed in birds. The order Passeriformes is arguably the most successful terrestrial vertebrate order in terms of diversity of species and ecological range, but the reasons for this success remain unclear. Passerines exhibit the most highly duplicated MHC genes of any major vertebrate taxonomic group, which may generate increased immune response relative to other avian orders with fewer MHC loci. Here, we describe phylogenetic patterns of the MHC IIB in the passerine family Corvidae. Our results indicate wide-spread TSP within this family, with at least four supported MHC IIB allelic lineages that predate speciation by many millions of years. Markov chain Monte Carlo simulations indicate that divergence of these lineages occurred near the time of the divergence of the Passeriformes and other avian orders. We suggest that the current MHC diversity observed in passerines is due in part to the multiple duplication of a single MHC locus, DAB1, early in passerine evolution and that subsequent duplications of these paralogues have contributed to the enormous success of this order by increasing their ability to recognize and mount immune responses to novel pathogens.}, }
@article {pmid27655157, year = {2017}, author = {De Carolis, A and Cipollini, V and Donato, N and Sepe-Monti, M and Orzi, F and Giubilei, F}, title = {Cognitive profiles in degenerative dementia without evidence of small vessel pathology and small vessel vascular dementia.}, journal = {Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology}, volume = {38}, number = {1}, pages = {101-107}, pmid = {27655157}, issn = {1590-3478}, mesh = {Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cognition/*physiology ; Dementia/pathology/*psychology ; Dementia, Vascular/pathology/*psychology ; Disease Progression ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Neurodegenerative Diseases/pathology/*psychology ; Neuropsychological Tests ; }, abstract = {Although a large number of studies have examined possible differences in cognitive performance between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD), the data in the literature are conflicting. The aims of this study were to analyze the neuropsychological pattern of subjects affected by degenerative dementia without evidence of small vessel pathology (DD) and small vessel VaD subjects in the early stages and to investigate differences in the progression of cognitive impairment. Seventy-five patients with probable VaD and 75 patients with probable DD were included. All the subjects underwent a standard neuropsychological evaluation, including the following test: Visual Search, Attentional matrices, Story Recall, Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices, Phonological and Semantic Verbal Fluency, Token, and Copying Drawings. The severity of cognitive impairment was stratified according to the MMSE score. Fifteen subjects with probable DD and 10 subjects with probable VaD underwent a 12-month cognitive re-evaluation. No significant difference was found between DD and VaD subjects in any of the neuropsychological tests except Story Recall in the mild cognitive impairment (P < 0.001). The re-test value was significantly worse than the baseline value in the MMSE (P = 0.037), Corsi (P = 0.041), Story Recall (P = 0.032), Phonological Verbal Fluency (P = 0.02), and Copying Drawings (P = 0.043) in DD patients and in the Visual Search test (P = 0.036) in VaD subjects. These results suggest that a neuropsychological evaluation might help to differentiate degenerative dementia without evidence of small vessel pathology from small vessel VaD in the early stages of these diseases.}, }
@article {pmid27639565, year = {2016}, author = {van Horik, JO and Emery, NJ}, title = {Transfer of physical understanding in a non-tool-using parrot.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {19}, number = {6}, pages = {1195-1203}, pmid = {27639565}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; Cognition ; *Comprehension ; Cues ; *Parrots ; Passeriformes ; }, abstract = {Physical cognition has generally been assessed in tool-using species that possess a relatively large brain size, such as corvids and apes. Parrots, like corvids and apes, also have large relative brain sizes, yet although parrots rarely use tools in the wild, growing evidence suggests comparable performances on physical cognition tasks. It is, however, unclear whether success on such tasks is facilitated by previous experience and training procedures. We therefore investigated physical comprehension of object relationships in two non-tool-using species of captive neotropical parrots on a new means-end paradigm, the Trap-Gaps task, using unfamiliar materials and modified training procedures that precluded procedural cues. Red-shouldered macaws (Diopsittaca nobilis) and black-headed caiques (Pionites melanocephala) were presented with an initial task that required them to discriminate between pulling food trays through gaps while attending to the respective width of the gaps and size of the trays. Subjects were then presented with a novel, but functionally equivalent, transfer task. Six of eight birds solved the initial task through trial-and-error learning. Four of these six birds solved the transfer task, with one caique demonstrating spontaneous comprehension. These findings suggest that non-tool-using parrots may possess capacities for sophisticated physical cognition by generalising previously learned rules across novel problems.}, }
@article {pmid27631734, year = {2016}, author = {Furtado, K and Banks, KH}, title = {A Research Agenda for Racial Equity: Applications of the Ferguson Commission Report to Public Health.}, journal = {American journal of public health}, volume = {106}, number = {11}, pages = {1926-1931}, pmid = {27631734}, issn = {1541-0048}, mesh = {*Health Policy ; Health Status Disparities ; Human Rights ; Humans ; Law Enforcement/methods ; *Public Health ; *Racism ; *Residence Characteristics ; Schools/organization &amp; administration ; *Social Justice ; }, abstract = {The Ferguson Commission was an independent body of 16 commissioners in operation from November 2014 to December 2015 and appointed by Missouri governor Jay Nixon to examine the root causes underlying the death of Michael Brown Jr. Its report, "Forward Through Ferguson: A Path Toward Racial Equity," raises many issues on racial equity that public health is well suited to address, such as trends in police use of force, the health implications of the school-based discipline gap, and the health benefits of a coordinated housing strategy. Public health can also learn from the principles the commission adopted, including being unflinching in the questions asked and conclusions drawn, applying a racial equity lens to public health work, and moving beyond programmatic solutions to policy solutions.}, }
@article {pmid27629645, year = {2016}, author = {Rutz, C and Klump, BC and Komarczyk, L and Leighton, R and Kramer, J and Wischnewski, S and Sugasawa, S and Morrissey, MB and James, R and St Clair, JJ and Switzer, RA and Masuda, BM}, title = {Discovery of species-wide tool use in the Hawaiian crow.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {537}, number = {7620}, pages = {403-407}, pmid = {27629645}, issn = {1476-4687}, mesh = {Aging ; Animals ; Animals, Zoo/physiology ; Biological Evolution ; Cognition ; Crows/classification/*physiology ; Female ; Hawaii ; Male ; Phylogeny ; Species Specificity ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Only a handful of bird species are known to use foraging tools in the wild. Amongst them, the New Caledonian crow (Corvus moneduloides) stands out with its sophisticated tool-making skills. Despite considerable speculation, the evolutionary origins of this species' remarkable tool behaviour remain largely unknown, not least because no naturally tool-using congeners have yet been identified that would enable informative comparisons. Here we show that another tropical corvid, the 'Alalā (C. hawaiiensis; Hawaiian crow), is a highly dexterous tool user. Although the 'Alalā became extinct in the wild in the early 2000s, and currently survives only in captivity, at least two lines of evidence suggest that tool use is part of the species' natural behavioural repertoire: juveniles develop functional tool use without training, or social input from adults; and proficient tool use is a species-wide capacity. 'Alalā and New Caledonian crows evolved in similar environments on remote tropical islands, yet are only distantly related, suggesting that their technical abilities arose convergently. This supports the idea that avian foraging tool use is facilitated by ecological conditions typical of islands, such as reduced competition for embedded prey and low predation risk. Our discovery creates exciting opportunities for comparative research on multiple tool-using and non-tool-using corvid species. Such work will in turn pave the way for replicated cross-taxonomic comparisons with the primate lineage, enabling valuable insights into the evolutionary origins of tool-using behaviour.}, }
@article {pmid27584142, year = {2017}, author = {de Oliveira, RT and Felippe, LA and Bucken Gobbi, LT and Barbieri, FA and Christofoletti, G}, title = {Benefits of Exercise on the Executive Functions in People with Parkinson Disease: A Controlled Clinical Trial.}, journal = {American journal of physical medicine &amp; rehabilitation}, volume = {96}, number = {5}, pages = {301-306}, doi = {10.1097/PHM.0000000000000612}, pmid = {27584142}, issn = {1537-7385}, mesh = {Aged ; *Executive Function ; *Exercise ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Parkinson Disease/*rehabilitation ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: We have made a 3-arm trial (group vs. individual exercise vs. no treatment) to test the effects of a 6-month exercise program upon the executive functions in participants with Parkinson disease.<br><br>METHODS: Twenty-four subjects were randomly allocated in 3 groups and undertook individualized exercises (G1, n = 8), group exercises (G2, n = 8), or monitoring (G3, n = 8). Executive functions were evaluated by means of the Wisconsin card sorting test and the Raven colored matrices, both assessed at the beginning of the program and after 6 months. The statistical analyses consisted of the application of repeated measurement tests, with a significant level of 5%.<br><br>RESULTS: The findings showed similar behavior of groups in terms of the Wisconsin card sorting test (P = 0.792), reporting no benefit of the program on such instrument. Differently, Raven colored matrices evidenced a significant benefit provided by the intervention (P = 0.032). Compared with the control group, individuals from G1 had a substantial improvement on executive functions (P = 0.031) and from G2 had a trend of significance (P = 0.072).<br><br>CONCLUSION: Findings of this study show that 6 months of exercise improved some aspects of executive functions when compared with control peers. Individual therapy seems to have a more prominent improvement than group therapy.}, }
@article {pmid27559324, year = {2016}, author = {Hanaki, N and Jacquemet, N and Luchini, S and Zylbersztejn, A}, title = {Fluid Intelligence and Cognitive Reflection in a Strategic Environment: Evidence from Dominance-Solvable Games.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {1188}, pmid = {27559324}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Dominance solvability is one of the most straightforward solution concepts in game theory. It is based on two principles: dominance (according to which players always use their dominant strategy) and iterated dominance (according to which players always act as if others apply the principle of dominance). However, existing experimental evidence questions the empirical accuracy of dominance solvability. In this study, we study the relationships between the key facets of dominance solvability and two cognitive skills, cognitive reflection, and fluid intelligence. We provide evidence that the behaviors in accordance with dominance and one-step iterated dominance are both predicted by one's fluid intelligence rather than cognitive reflection. Individual cognitive skills, however, only explain a small fraction of the observed failure of dominance solvability. The accuracy of theoretical predictions on strategic decision making thus not only depends on individual cognitive characteristics, but also, perhaps more importantly, on the decision making environment itself.}, }
@article {pmid27546381, year = {2016}, author = {Tella, JL and Dénes, FV and Zulian, V and Prestes, NP and Martínez, J and Blanco, G and Hiraldo, F}, title = {Endangered plant-parrot mutualisms: seed tolerance to predation makes parrots pervasive dispersers of the Parana pine.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {31709}, pmid = {27546381}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Brazil ; *Ecosystem ; Endangered Species ; Feeding Behavior/physiology ; Geography ; Parrots/*physiology ; Pinus/*physiology ; *Seed Dispersal ; Seeds/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Parrots are largely considered plant antagonists as they usually destroy the seeds they feed on. However, there is evidence that parrots may also act as seed dispersers. We evaluated the dual role of parrots as predators and dispersers of the Critically Endangered Parana pine (Araucaria angustifolia). Eight of nine parrot species predated seeds from 48% of 526 Parana pines surveyed. Observations of the commonest parrot indicated that 22.5% of the picked seeds were dispersed by carrying them in their beaks. Another five parrot species dispersed seeds, at an estimated average distance of c. 250 m. Dispersal distances did not differ from those observed in jays, considered the main avian dispersers. Contrary to jays, parrots often dropped partially eaten seeds. Most of these seeds were handled by parrots, and the proportion of partially eaten seeds that germinated was higher than that of undamaged seeds. This may be explained by a predator satiation effect, suggesting that the large seeds of the Parana pine evolved to attract consumers for dispersal. This represents a thus far overlooked key plant-parrot mutualism, in which both components are threatened with extinction. The interaction is becoming locally extinct long before the global extinction of the species involved.}, }
@article {pmid27535065, year = {2017}, author = {ErEl, H and Meiran, N}, title = {A drop in performance on a fluid intelligence test due to instructed-rule mindset.}, journal = {Psychological research}, volume = {81}, number = {5}, pages = {901-909}, pmid = {27535065}, issn = {1430-2772}, mesh = {Educational Measurement/*methods ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; }, abstract = {A 'mindset' is a configuration of processing resources that are made available for the task at hand as well as their suitable tuning for carrying it out. Of special interest, remote-relation abstract mindsets are introduced by activities sharing only general control processes with the task. To test the effect of a remote-relation mindset on performance on a Fluid Intelligence test (Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices, RAPM), we induced a mindset associated with little usage of executive processing by requiring participants to execute a well-defined classification rule 12 times, a manipulation known from previous work to drastically impair rule-generation performance and associated cognitive processes. In Experiment 1, this manipulation led to a drop in RAPM performance equivalent to 10.1 IQ points. No drop was observed in a General Knowledge task. In Experiment 2, a similar drop in RAPM performance was observed (equivalent to 7.9 and 9.2 IQ points) regardless if participants were pre-informed about the upcoming RAPM test. These results indicate strong (most likely, transient) adverse effects of a remote-relation mindset on test performance. They imply that although the trait of Fluid Intelligence has probably not changed, mindsets can severely distort estimates of this trait.}, }
@article {pmid27533282, year = {2016}, author = {Audet, JN and Ducatez, S and Lefebvre, L}, title = {Bajan Birds Pull Strings: Two Wild Antillean Species Enter the Select Club of String-Pullers.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {11}, number = {8}, pages = {e0156112}, pmid = {27533282}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Barbados ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; *Cognition ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; *Problem Solving ; Reward ; }, abstract = {String-pulling is one of the most popular tests in animal cognition because of its apparent complexity, and of its potential to be applied to very different taxa. In birds, the basic procedure involves a food reward, suspended from a perch by a string, which can be reached by a series of coordinated pulling actions with the beak and holding actions of the pulled lengths of string with the foot. The taxonomic distribution of species that pass the test includes several corvids, parrots and parids, but in other families, data are much spottier and the number of individuals per species that succeed is often low. To date, the association between string-pulling ability and other cognitive traits was never tested. It is generally assumed that string-pulling is a complex form of problem-solving, suggesting that performance on string-pulling and other problem-solving tasks should be correlated. Here, we show that individuals of two innovative species from Barbados, the bullfinch Loxigilla barbadensis and the Carib grackle Quiscalus lugubris fortirostris, pass the string-pulling test. Eighteen of the 42 bullfinches tested succeeded, allowing us to correlate performance on this test to that on several other behavioral measurements. Surprisingly, string-pulling in bullfinches was unrelated to shyness, neophobia, problem-solving, discrimination and reversal learning performance. Only two of 31 grackles tested succeeded, precluding correlational analyses with other measures but still, the two successful birds largely differed in their other behavioral traits.}, }
@article {pmid27524823, year = {2016}, author = {Durden, LA and Beckmen, KB and Gerlach, RF}, title = {New Records of Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) From Dogs, Cats, Humans, and Some Wild Vertebrates in Alaska: Invasion Potential.}, journal = {Journal of medical entomology}, volume = {53}, number = {6}, pages = {1391-1395}, doi = {10.1093/jme/tjw128}, pmid = {27524823}, issn = {1938-2928}, mesh = {Alaska ; *Animal Distribution ; Animals ; Bird Diseases/parasitology ; *Birds ; Cat Diseases/parasitology ; Cats ; Dog Diseases/parasitology ; Dogs ; Female ; Humans ; *Introduced Species ; Ixodidae/growth &amp; development/*physiology ; Larva/growth &amp; development/physiology ; Male ; *Mammals ; Nymph/growth &amp; development/physiology ; Tick Infestations/parasitology/*veterinary ; }, abstract = {During 2010-2016, tick specimens were solicited from veterinarians, biologists, and members of the public in Alaska. Eight species of ticks were recorded from domestic dogs. Some ticks were collected from dogs with recent travel histories to other countries or other U.S. states, which appears to explain records of ticks not native to Alaska such as Amblyomma americanum (L.) (lone star tick), Ixodes scapularis (Say) (blacklegged tick), and Ixodes ricinus (L.). However, we recorded Dermacentor variabilis (Say) (American dog tick) from dogs (and humans) both with and without travel history, suggesting that this nonindigenous tick could be establishing populations in Alaska. Other ticks commonly recorded from dogs included the indigenous Ixodes angustus Neumann and the invasive Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille) (brown dog tick). Domestic cats were only parasitized by one tick species, the native I. angustus Six species of ticks were recorded from humans: A. americanum (with and without travel history), Dermacentor andersoni Stiles (Rocky Mountain wood tick; travel associated), D. variabilis (with and without travel history), Haemaphysalis leporispalustris (Packard) (rabbit tick, native to Alaska), I. angustus, and R. sanguineus. Ixodes angustus predominated among tick collections from native mammals. Also, Ixodes texanus Banks (first record from Alaska) was collected from an American marten, Martes americana (Turton), H. leporispalustris was recorded from a snowshoe hare, Lepus americanus Erxleben, and Ixodes auritulus Neumann was collected from a Northwestern crow, Corvus caurinus Baird. The establishment of D. variabilis, D. andersoni, A. americanum, and/or I. scapularis in Alaska would have strong implications for animal and human health.}, }
@article {pmid27503195, year = {2017}, author = {Magnotti, JF and Wright, AA and Leonard, K and Katz, JS and Kelly, DM}, title = {Abstract-concept learning in Black-billed magpies (Pica hudsonia).}, journal = {Psychonomic bulletin &amp; review}, volume = {24}, number = {2}, pages = {431-435}, pmid = {27503195}, issn = {1531-5320}, mesh = {Animals ; Appetitive Behavior ; *Birds ; *Concept Formation ; *Conditioning, Psychological ; *Discrimination Learning ; Female ; Male ; *Pattern Recognition, Visual ; Transfer, Psychology ; }, abstract = {relational concepts depend upon relationships between stimuli (e.g., same vs. different) and transcend features of the training stimuli. Recent evidence shows that learning abstract concepts is shared across a variety species including birds. Our recent work with a highly-skilled food-storing bird, Clark's nutcracker, revealed superior same/different abstract-concept learning compared to rhesus monkeys, capuchin monkeys, and pigeons. Here we test a more social, but less reliant on food-storing, corvid species, the Black-billed magpie (Pica hudsonia). We used the same procedures and training exemplars (eight pairs of the same rule, and 56 pairs of the different rule) as were used to test the other species. Magpies (n = 10) showed a level of abstract-concept learning that was equivalent to nutcrackers and greater than the primates and pigeons tested with these same exemplars. These findings suggest that superior initial abstract-concept learning abilities may be shared across corvids generally, rather than confined to those strongly reliant on spatial memory.}, }
@article {pmid27493780, year = {2016}, author = {Kulahci, IG and Rubenstein, DI and Bugnyar, T and Hoppitt, W and Mikus, N and Schwab, C}, title = {Social networks predict selective observation and information spread in ravens.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {3}, number = {7}, pages = {160256}, pmid = {27493780}, issn = {2054-5703}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {Animals are predicted to selectively observe and learn from the conspecifics with whom they share social connections. Yet, hardly anything is known about the role of different connections in observation and learning. To address the relationships between social connections, observation and learning, we investigated transmission of information in two raven (Corvus corax) groups. First, we quantified social connections in each group by constructing networks on affiliative interactions, aggressive interactions and proximity. We then seeded novel information by training one group member on a novel task and allowing others to observe. In each group, an observation network based on who observed whose task-solving behaviour was strongly correlated with networks based on affiliative interactions and proximity. Ravens with high social centrality (strength, eigenvector, information centrality) in the affiliative interaction network were also central in the observation network, possibly as a result of solving the task sooner. Network-based diffusion analysis revealed that the order that ravens first solved the task was best predicted by connections in the affiliative interaction network in a group of subadult ravens, and by social rank and kinship (which influenced affiliative interactions) in a group of juvenile ravens. Our results demonstrate that not all social connections are equally effective at predicting the patterns of selective observation and information transmission.}, }
@article {pmid27478138, year = {2016}, author = {Taufique, SK and Kumar, V}, title = {Differential activation and tyrosine hydroxylase distribution in the hippocampal, pallial and midbrain brain regions in response to cognitive performance in Indian house crows exposed to abrupt light environment.}, journal = {Behavioural brain research}, volume = {314}, number = {}, pages = {21-29}, doi = {10.1016/j.bbr.2016.07.046}, pmid = {27478138}, issn = {1872-7549}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows ; Dopamine/metabolism ; Hippocampus/*enzymology ; Learning/*physiology ; Light ; Memory/*physiology ; Mesencephalon/*enzymology ; Neurons/metabolism ; Songbirds ; Substantia Nigra/enzymology ; Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase/*metabolism ; }, abstract = {Disruption of the cyclic feature of the day-night environment can cause negative effects on daily activity and advanced brain functions such as learning, memory and decision-making behaviour. These functions in songbirds, including corvids, involve the hippocampus, pallium and midbrain, as revealed by ZENK (a neuronal activation marker) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expressions. TH is rate-limiting marker enzyme of the biosynthesis of dopamine, widely implicated in learning and memory. Here, we measured ZENK and TH immunoreactivity in the hippocampal, pallial and midbrain regions in response to cognitive performance (learning-memory retrieval) tests in Indian house crows (Corvus splendens) exposed to constant light environment (LL) with controls on 12h light:12h darkness. Along with the decay of circadian rhythm in activity behaviour, LL caused a significant decline in the cognitive performance. There was also a decrease under LL in the activity of neurons in the hippocampus, medial and central caudal nidopallium, and hyperpallium apicale, which are widely distributed with TH-immunoreactive fibres. Further, under LL, TH- immunoreactive neurons were reduced in number in midbrain dopamine synthesis sites, the venteral tegmental area (VTA) and substantia nigra (SN), with a negative correlation of co-localized ZENK/TH- immunoreactive cells on errors during the association tasks. These results show decreased activity of learning and memory neural systems, and underscore the role of dopamine in reduced cognitive performance of diurnal corvids with disrupted circadian rhythms under an abrupt light environment.}, }
@article {pmid29491924, year = {2016}, author = {Skórka, P and Sierpowska, K and Haidt, A and Myczko, &#x141; and Ekner-Grzyb, A and Rosin, ZM and Kwieciński, Z and Suchodolska, J and Takacs, V and Jankowiak, &#x141; and Wasielewski, O and Graclik, A and Krawczyk, AJ and Kasprzak, A and Szwajkowski, P and Wylegała, P and Malecha, AW and Mizera, T and Tryjanowski, P}, title = {Habitat preferences of two sparrow species are modified by abundances of other birds in an urban environment.}, journal = {Current zoology}, volume = {62}, number = {4}, pages = {357-368}, pmid = {29491924}, issn = {1674-5507}, abstract = {Every species has certain habitat requirements, which may be altered by interactions with other co-occurring species. These interactions are mostly ignored in predictive models trying to identify key habitat variables correlated with species population abundance/occurrence. We investigated how the structure of the urban landscape, food resources, potential competitors, predators, and interaction between these factors influence the abundance of house sparrow Passer domesticus and the tree sparrow P. montanus in sixty 25 ha plots distributed randomly across residential areas of the city of Poznań (Poland). The abundance of the house sparrow was positively correlated with the abundance of pigeons but negatively correlated with human-related food resources. There were significant interaction terms between abundances of other urban species and habitat variables in statistical models. For example, the abundance of house sparrow was negatively correlated with the abundance of corvids and tree sparrows but only when food resources were low. The abundance of tree sparrows positively correlated with density of streets and the distance from the city center. The abundance of this species positively correlated with the abundance of corvids when food resources were low but negatively correlated at low covers of green area. Our study indicates that associations between food resources, habitat covers, and the relative abundance of two sparrow species are altered by the abundance of other urban species. Competition, niche separation and social facilitation may be responsible for these interactive effects. Thus, biotic interactions should be included not only as an additive effect but also as an interaction term between abundance and habitat variables in statistical models predicting species abundance and occurrence.}, }
@article {pmid29491922, year = {2016}, author = {Loretto, MC and Schuster, R and Bugnyar, T}, title = {GPS tracking of non-breeding ravens reveals the importance of anthropogenic food sources during their dispersal in the Eastern Alps.}, journal = {Current zoology}, volume = {62}, number = {4}, pages = {337-344}, pmid = {29491922}, issn = {1674-5507}, abstract = {In many songbirds, the space use of breeders is well studied but poorly understood for non-breeders. In common ravens, some studies of non-breeders indicate high vagrancy with large individual differences in home range size, whereas others show that up to 40% of marked non-breeders can be regularly observed at the same anthropogenic food source over months to years. The aim of this study was to provide new insights on ravens' behavior during dispersal in the Eastern Alps. We deployed Global Positioning System (GPS) loggers on 10 individuals to gather accurate spatial and temporal information on their movements to quantify: 1) the dimension of the birds' space use (home range size with seasonal effects and daily/long-term travel distances), 2) how long they stayed in a dispersal stage of wandering as opposed to settling temporarily, and 3) their destination of movements. We recorded movements of up to 40 km per hour, more than 160 km within 1 day and more than 11,000 km within 20 months, indicating high vagrancy. Switching frequently between temporarily settling and travelling large distances in short time intervals leads to extensive home ranges, which also explains and combines the different findings in the literature. The destinations are rich anthropogenic food sources, where the birds spent on average 75% of their time. We discuss how ravens may find these "feeding hot spots" and which factors may influence their decision to stay/leave a site. The strong dependence on anthropogenic resources found in this population may have implications for site management and conservation issues.}, }
@article {pmid27470204, year = {2016}, author = {Hofmann, MM and Cheke, LG and Clayton, NS}, title = {Western scrub-jays (Aphelocoma californica) solve multiple-string problems by the spatial relation of string and reward.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {19}, number = {6}, pages = {1103-1114}, pmid = {27470204}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Cognition ; *Passeriformes ; *Problem Solving ; *Reward ; }, abstract = {String-pulling is a widely used paradigm in animal cognition research to assess what animals understand about the functionality of strings as a means to obtain an out-of-reach reward. This study aimed to systematically investigate what rules Western scrub-jays (Aphelocoma californica) use to solve different patterned string tasks, i.e. tasks in which subjects have to choose between two or more strings of which only one is connected to the reward, or where one is more efficient. Arranging strings in a parallel configuration showed that the jays were generally capable of solving multiple-string tasks and acted in a goal-directed manner. The slanted and crossed configurations revealed a reliance on a "proximity rule", that is, a tendency to choose the string-end closest to the reward. When confronted with strings of different lengths attached to rewards at different distances the birds chose according to the reward distance, preferring the reward closest to them, and were sensitive to the movement of the reward, but did not consistently prefer the shorter and therefore more efficient string. Generally, the scrub-jays were successful in tasks where the reward was closest to the string-ends they needed to pull or when string length and reward distance correlated, but the birds had problems when the wrong string-end was closest to the reward or when the food items were in close proximity to each other. These results show that scrub-jays had a partial understanding of the physical principles underlying string-pulling but relied on simpler strategies such as the proximity rule to solve the tasks.}, }
@article {pmid27468639, year = {2016}, author = {Expósito-Granados, M and De La Cruz, C and Parejo, D and Valencia, J and Alarcos, S and Avilés, JM}, title = {Exploratory behaviour modulates the relationship between colony familiarity and helping in a cooperative bird.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {131}, number = {}, pages = {9-14}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2016.07.013}, pmid = {27468639}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; Exploratory Behavior/*physiology ; Female ; Helping Behavior ; Male ; Passeriformes ; Personality/*physiology ; Sexual Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Individuals within animal groups may differ in personality and degree of familiarity raising the question of how this influences their social interactions. In Iberian magpies Cyanopica cooki, a portion of first-year males engage in cooperative behaviours and dispersal, allowing addressing this question. In this study, we first investigate the relationship between colony familiarity (native versus foreign) and reproductive status (breeding versus helping) of males during 21 years. Secondly, we measure the exploratory behaviour and monitor reproductive status of a sample of individuals with different colony familiarity during 2 years. Long-term monitoring revealed that foreign individuals were more likely breeders. The analysis on the subset of individuals in which exploratory behaviour was measured revealed a mediatory effect of exploratory behaviour in the association between colony familiarity and helping behaviour. Specifically, among foreign individuals, higher explorative males were more frequently involved in helping behaviour than lower explorative ones. Conversely, among native males, breeders were more explorative than helpers. Our results suggest that aspects of personality may mediate the value of familiarity in reproductive tasks in social species.}, }
@article {pmid27466440, year = {2016}, author = {Bhat, AA and Mohan, V and Sandini, G and Morasso, P}, title = {Humanoid infers Archimedes' principle: understanding physical relations and object affordances through cumulative learning experiences.}, journal = {Journal of the Royal Society, Interface}, volume = {13}, number = {120}, pages = {}, pmid = {27466440}, issn = {1742-5662}, mesh = {Animals ; Hominidae/*physiology ; Humans ; Learning/*physiology ; Memory, Long-Term/*physiology ; *Models, Neurological ; Nerve Net/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Emerging studies indicate that several species such as corvids, apes and children solve 'The Crow and the Pitcher' task (from Aesop's Fables) in diverse conditions. Hidden beneath this fascinating paradigm is a fundamental question: by cumulatively interacting with different objects, how can an agent abstract the underlying cause-effect relations to predict and creatively exploit potential affordances of novel objects in the context of sought goals? Re-enacting this Aesop's Fable task on a humanoid within an open-ended 'learning-prediction-abstraction' loop, we address this problem and (i) present a brain-guided neural framework that emulates rapid one-shot encoding of ongoing experiences into a long-term memory and (ii) propose four task-agnostic learning rules (elimination, growth, uncertainty and status quo) that correlate predictions from remembered past experiences with the unfolding present situation to gradually abstract the underlying causal relations. Driven by the proposed architecture, the ensuing robot behaviours illustrated causal learning and anticipation similar to natural agents. Results further demonstrate that by cumulatively interacting with few objects, the predictions of the robot in case of novel objects converge close to the physical law, i.e. the Archimedes principle: this being independent of both the objects explored during learning and the order of their cumulative exploration.}, }
@article {pmid27455197, year = {2016}, author = {Wille, M and McBurney, S and Robertson, GJ and Wilhelm, SI and Blehert, DS and Soos, C and Dunphy, R and Whitney, H}, title = {A PELAGIC OUTBREAK OF AVIAN CHOLERA IN NORTH AMERICAN GULLS: SCAVENGING AS A PRIMARY MECHANISM FOR TRANSMISSION?.}, journal = {Journal of wildlife diseases}, volume = {52}, number = {4}, pages = {793-802}, doi = {10.7589/2015-12-342}, pmid = {27455197}, issn = {1943-3700}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/*epidemiology ; Birds ; Canada ; Charadriiformes/*microbiology ; Cholera/epidemiology/*transmission ; Disease Outbreaks ; *Feeding Behavior ; Newfoundland and Labrador/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {Avian cholera, caused by the bacterium Pasteurella multocida , is an endemic disease globally, often causing annual epizootics in North American wild bird populations with thousands of mortalities. From December 2006 to March 2007, an avian cholera outbreak caused mortality in marine birds off the coast of Atlantic Canada, largely centered 300-400 km off the coast of the island of Newfoundland. Scavenging gulls (Larus spp.) were the primary species detected; however, mortality was also identified in Black-legged Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) and one Common Raven (Corvus corax), a nonmarine species. The most common gross necropsy findings in the birds with confirmed avian cholera were acute fibrinous and necrotizing lesions affecting the spleen, air sacs, and pericardium, and nonspecific hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. The etiologic agent, P. multocida serotype 1, was recovered from 77 of 136 carcasses examined, and confirmed or probable avian cholera was diagnosed in 85 cases. Mortality observed in scavenging gull species was disproportionately high relative to their abundance, particularly when compared to nonscavenging species. The presence of feather shafts in the ventricular lumen of the majority of larid carcasses diagnosed with avian cholera suggests scavenging of birds that died from avian cholera as a major mode of transmission. This documentation of an outbreak of avian cholera in a North American pelagic environment affecting primarily scavenging gulls indicates that offshore marine environments may be a component of avian cholera dynamics.}, }
@article {pmid27454122, year = {2016}, author = {Syrová, M and Němec, M and Veselý, P and Landová, E and Fuchs, R}, title = {Facing a Clever Predator Demands Clever Responses - Red-Backed Shrikes (Lanius collurio) vs. Eurasian Magpies (Pica pica).}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {11}, number = {7}, pages = {e0159432}, pmid = {27454122}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Birds ; *Nesting Behavior ; *Predatory Behavior ; }, abstract = {Red-backed shrikes (Lanius collurio) behave quite differently towards two common nest predators. While the European jay (Garrulus glandarius) is commonly attacked, in the presence of the Eurasian magpie (Pica pica), shrikes stay fully passive. We tested the hypotheses that this passive response to the magpie is an alternative defense strategy. Nesting shrikes were exposed to the commonly attacked European kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) in a situation in which i) a harmless domestic pigeon, ii) a commonly attacked European jay, and iii) a non-attacked black-billed magpie are (separately) presented nearby. The kestrel dummy presented together with the magpie dummy was attacked with a significantly lower intensity than when it was presented with the other intruders (pigeon, jay) or alone. This means that the presence of the magpie inhibited the shrike's defense response towards the other intruder. These results support our previous hypotheses that shrikes use an alternative defense strategy in the magpie's presence. We hypothesize that the magpie is able to associate the active defense of the shrikes with the close proximity of a nest and that shrikes try not to draw the magpie's attention to the nest. The reason why this strategy is not used against the jay remains unanswered as jays as well as magpies show very similar cognitive and foraging skills enabling them to individuate the nest presence according to active parental defense.}, }
@article {pmid27453448, year = {2016}, author = {Dobson, KG and Schmidt, LA and Saigal, S and Boyle, MH and Van Lieshout, RJ}, title = {Childhood cognition and lifetime risk of major depressive disorder in extremely low birth weight and normal birth weight adults.}, journal = {Journal of developmental origins of health and disease}, volume = {7}, number = {6}, pages = {574-580}, doi = {10.1017/S2040174416000374}, pmid = {27453448}, issn = {2040-1752}, support = {2009H00529//Canadian Institutes of Health Research/International ; MOP42536//Canadian Institutes of Health Research/International ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; *Birth Weight ; Canada/epidemiology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cognition/*physiology ; Depressive Disorder, Major/*epidemiology/physiopathology ; Female ; Humans ; *Infant, Low Birth Weight ; Infant, Newborn ; Intelligence ; Male ; Social Class ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {In general population samples, better childhood cognitive functioning is associated with decreased risk of depression in adulthood. However, this link has not been examined in extremely low birth weight survivors (ELBW, <1000 g), a group known to have poorer cognition and greater depression risk. This study assessed associations between cognition at age 8 and lifetime risk of major depressive disorder in 84 ELBW survivors and 90 normal birth weight (NBW, ⩾2500 g) individuals up to 29-36 years of age. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Revised (WISC-R), Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices and the Token Test assessed general, fluid, and verbal intelligence, respectively, at 8 years of age. Lifetime major depressive disorder was assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview at age 29-36 years. Associations were examined using logistic regression adjusted for childhood socioeconomic status, educational attainment, age, sex, and marital status. Neither overall intelligence quotient (IQ) [WISC-R Full-Scale IQ, odds ratios (OR)=0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.43-1.77], fluid intelligence (WISC-R Performance IQ, OR=0.98, 95% CI=0.48-2.00), nor verbal intelligence (WISC-R Verbal IQ, OR=0.81, 95% CI=0.40-1.63) predicted lifetime major depression in ELBW survivors. However, every standard deviation increase in WISC-R Full-Scale IQ (OR=0.43, 95% CI=0.20-0.92) and Performance IQ (OR=0.46, 95% CI=0.21-0.97), and each one point increase on the Token Test (OR=0.80, 95% CI=0.67-0.94) at age 8 was associated with a reduced risk of lifetime depression in NBW participants. Higher childhood IQ, better fluid intelligence, and greater verbal comprehension in childhood predicted reduced depression risk in NBW adults. Our findings suggest that ELBW survivors may be less protected by superior cognition than NBW individuals.}, }
@article {pmid27449007, year = {2016}, author = {Freedman, D and Bao, Y and Shen, L and Schaefer, CA and Brown, AS}, title = {Maternal T. gondii, offspring bipolar disorder and neurocognition.}, journal = {Psychiatry research}, volume = {243}, number = {}, pages = {382-389}, pmid = {27449007}, issn = {1872-7123}, support = {R01 MH073080/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; N01HD13334/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; K02 MH065422/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MH069819/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; T32 MH013043/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Antibodies, Protozoan/blood ; Bipolar Disorder/blood/diagnosis/*epidemiology ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cognition/*physiology ; Cognitive Dysfunction/blood/diagnosis/epidemiology ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G/blood ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/blood/diagnosis/*epidemiology ; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/blood/diagnosis/*epidemiology ; Random Allocation ; *Toxoplasma/metabolism ; Toxoplasmosis/blood/diagnosis/*epidemiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Prenatal exposure to maternal Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) IgG antibody titer has been associated previously with an increased risk of offspring schizophrenia (SZ) and cognitive impairment. We examined maternal T. gondii, offspring bipolar disorder (BP) and childhood cognition using a population-based birth cohort. Maternal sera, drawn in the third trimester, were analyzed for T. gondii IgG antibody titer, and offspring cognition at ages 5 and 9-11 was measured with the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT) and the Raven Matrices (Raven). Raw scores were standardized and the ages combined. Potential cases with BP from the cohort were identified by database linkages. This protocol identified 85 cases who were matched 1:2 to controls. Maternal T. gondii IgG was not associated with the risk of BP in offspring. Neither moderate [HR=1.43 (CI: 0.49, 4.17)] nor high IgG titer [HR=1.6 [CI: 0.74, 3.48)] were associated with offspring BP. Associations were not observed between maternal T. gondii and BP with psychotic features or BP type 1. In addition, maternal T. gondii was not associated with childhood cognition. Our study suggests that T. gondii may be specific to SZ among major psychotic disorders, though further studies with larger sample sizes are required.}, }
@article {pmid27437926, year = {2016}, author = {Jacobs, IF and von Bayern, A and Osvath, M}, title = {A novel tool-use mode in animals: New Caledonian crows insert tools to transport objects.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {19}, number = {6}, pages = {1249-1252}, pmid = {27437926}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides) rely heavily on a range of tools to extract prey. They manufacture novel tools, save tools for later use, and have morphological features that facilitate tool use. We report six observations, in two individuals, of a novel tool-use mode not previously reported in non-human animals. Insert-and-transport tool use involves inserting a stick into an object and then moving away, thereby transporting both object and tool. All transported objects were non-food objects. One subject used a stick to transport an object that was too large to be handled by beak, which suggests the tool facilitated object control. The function in the other cases is unclear but seems to be an expression of play or exploration. Further studies should investigate whether it is adaptive in the wild and to what extent crows can flexibly apply the behaviour in experimental settings when purposive transportation of objects is advantageous.}, }
@article {pmid27437006, year = {2016}, author = {Aliabadi, B and Davari-Ashtiani, R and Khademi, M and Arabgol, F}, title = {Comparison of Creativity between Children with and without Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Case-Control Study.}, journal = {Iranian journal of psychiatry}, volume = {11}, number = {2}, pages = {99-103}, pmid = {27437006}, issn = {1735-4587}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare creativity in children with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.<br><br>METHOD: This was an analytic and descriptive study. Participants were 33 children aged 7-12 years selected from a child and adolescent psychiatric clinic at Imam Hossein hospital (Tehran, Iran), who were diagnosed with ADHD by a child and adolescent psychiatrist. They met the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for ADHD and had no comorbidity according to K-SADS (Kiddi-Scadule for Affective disorders and Schizophrenia). They were requested not to take any medication. They took the Figural TTCT (Torrance Test of Creativity Thinking) and Raven Intelligence test after using medication. Thirty-three age and sex-matched children selected from the regional schools were recruited for the control group. They did not have any psychiatric disorders according to K-SADS. The Figural TTCT and Raven Intelligence test were conducted for the controls as well.<br><br>RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found in the intelligence score and the mean&#xb1;SD of the total score of creativity between children with ADHD (125.2 &#xb1; 42.6) and the control group (130.6 &#xb1; 47.5) (P value = 0.49). Children with ADHD had worse function in fluency and flexibility items and were not different in originality and elaboration items.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The creativity of children with ADHD is not different from that of the control group.}, }
@article {pmid27429456, year = {2016}, author = {Greggor, AL and Clayton, NS and Fulford, AJ and Thornton, A}, title = {Street smart: faster approach towards litter in urban areas by highly neophobic corvids and less fearful birds.}, journal = {Animal behaviour}, volume = {117}, number = {}, pages = {123-133}, pmid = {27429456}, issn = {0003-3472}, abstract = {The extent to which animals respond fearfully to novel stimuli may critically influence their ability to survive alongside humans. However, it is unclear whether the fear of novel objects, object neophobia, consistently varies in response to human disturbance. Where variation has been documented, it is unclear whether this variation is due to a change in fear towards specific novel stimuli, or whether it is symptomatic of a general change in fear behaviour. We measured levels of object neophobia in free-flying birds across urban and rural habitats, comparing corvids, a family known for being behaviourally flexible and innovative, with other urban-adapting bird species. Neophobic responses were measured in the presence of different types of objects that varied in their novelty, and were compared to behaviour during a baited control. Corvids were more neophobic than noncorvid species towards all object types, but their hesitancy abated after conspecifics approached in experimental conditions in which objects resembled items they may have experienced previously. Both sets of species were faster to approach objects made from human litter in urban than rural areas, potentially reflecting a category-specific reduction in fear based on experience. These results highlight species similarities in behavioural responses to human-dominated environments despite large differences in baseline neophobia.}, }
@article {pmid27421643, year = {2016}, author = {Remmers, T and Van Kann, D and Thijs, C and de Vries, S and Kremers, S}, title = {Playability of school-environments and after-school physical activity among 8-11 year-old children: specificity of time and place.}, journal = {The international journal of behavioral nutrition and physical activity}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {82}, pmid = {27421643}, issn = {1479-5868}, mesh = {Child ; *Environment Design ; *Exercise ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Play and Playthings ; *Schools ; Sports ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Physical Activity (PA) occurs in several behavioral domains (e.g., sports, active transport), and is affected by distinct environmental factors. By filtering objective PA using children's school schedules, daily PA can be separated into more conceptually meaningful domains. We used an ecological design to investigate associations between "playability" of 21 school-environments and children's objectively measured after-school PA. We also examined to what extent distinct time-periods after-school and the distance from children's residence to their school influenced this association.<br><br>METHODS: PA was measured in 587 8-11 year-old children by accelerometers, and separated in four two-hour time-periods after-school. For each school-environment, standardized playability-scores were calculated based on standardized audits within 800 m network buffers around each school. Schools and children's residences were geocoded, and we classified each child to be residing in 400, 800, 1600, or >1600 m crow-fly buffers from their school. The influence of network-distance buffers was also examined using the same approach.<br><br>RESULTS: Playability was associated with light PA and moderate-to-vigorous PA after-school, especially in the time-period directly after-school and among children who lived within 800 m from their school. Playability explained approximately 30% of the after-school PA variance between schools. Greater distance from children's residence to their school weakened the association between playability of the school-environments and after-school PA.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that relationships between the conceptually matched physical environment and PA can be revealed and made plausible with increasing specificity in time and distance.}, }
@article {pmid27406172, year = {2017}, author = {Szabo, B and Bugnyar, T and Auersperg, AM}, title = {Within-group relationships and lack of social enhancement during object manipulation in captive Goffin's cockatoos (Cacatua goffiniana).}, journal = {Learning &amp; behavior}, volume = {45}, number = {1}, pages = {7-19}, pmid = {27406172}, issn = {1543-4508}, mesh = {Animals ; *Choice Behavior ; *Cockatoos ; Crows ; *Learning ; Parrots ; Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Different types of social relationships can influence individual learning strategies in structured groups of animals. Studies on a number of avian species have suggested that local and/or stimulus enhancement are important ingredients of the respective species' exploration modes. Our aim was to identify the role of enhancement during object manipulation in different social contexts. We used focal observations to identify a linear dominance hierarchy as well as affiliative relationships between individuals in a group of 14 Goffin's cockatoos (Cacatua goffiniana, formerly goffini). Thereafter, in an unrewarded object choice task, several pairs of subjects were tested for a possible influence of social enhancement (local vs. stimulus) in three conditions: dominance, affiliation, and kinship. Our results suggest strong individual biases. Whereas previous studies on ravens and kea had indicated that enhancement in a non-food-related task was influenced by the social relationship between a demonstrator and an observer (affiliated - nonaffiliated), we found no such effects in our study group. In this context, Goffin's cockatoos' object learning seems to take place more on an individual level, despite their generally high motivation to manipulate nonfood items.}, }
@article {pmid27378720, year = {2017}, author = {Thompson-Miller, R and Picca, LH}, title = {"There Were Rapes!": Sexual Assaults of African American Women and Children in Jim Crow.}, journal = {Violence against women}, volume = {23}, number = {8}, pages = {934-950}, doi = {10.1177/1077801216654016}, pmid = {27378720}, issn = {1552-8448}, mesh = {Black or African American/ethnology/*psychology ; Crime Victims/history/*psychology ; Enslavement/ethnology/history ; History, 20th Century ; Humans ; Interviews as Topic/methods ; Prevalence ; Racism/history ; Rape/*psychology ; Southeastern United States/ethnology ; Southwestern United States/ethnology ; White People/ethnology/history/psychology ; }, abstract = {Using data from 92 interviews, this article examines the narratives of African Americans' experiences as children and young adults during Jim Crow in the Southeast and Southwest. It gives voice to the realities of sexual assaults committed by ordinary White men who systematically terrorized African American families with impunity after the post-Reconstruction south until the 1960s. The interviewees discuss the short- and long-term impact of physical, mental, emotional, and sexual assaults in their communities. We discuss the top four prevalent themes that emerged related to sexual assault, specifically (a) the normalization of sexual assaults, (b) protective measures to avoid White violence, (c) the morality of African American women, and (d) the long-term consequences of assaults on children.}, }
@article {pmid27376186, year = {2016}, author = {Frömer, R and Stürmer, B and Sommer, W}, title = {Come to think of it: Contributions of reasoning abilities and training schedule to skill acquisition in a virtual throwing task.}, journal = {Acta psychologica}, volume = {170}, number = {}, pages = {58-65}, doi = {10.1016/j.actpsy.2016.06.010}, pmid = {27376186}, issn = {1873-6297}, mesh = {Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Individuality ; Learning/*physiology ; Male ; Motor Skills/*physiology ; Physical Education and Training/methods ; Psychomotor Performance/*physiology ; Retention, Psychology ; Thinking/*physiology ; Transfer, Psychology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {According to Schmidt's schema theory skill acquisition is based on schema formation where multiple learning incidents with varying task features are abstracted to a unifying pattern, the schema. Practice can be scheduled block-wise, with low contextual interference (CI) or randomly, with high CI. The greater effort during high CI training usually results in reduced training success but enhanced retention and transfer performance. In contrast to well-established CI effects for simple tasks, findings for complex tasks are heterogeneous, supposedly due to the detrimental accumulation of task demands. We assumed that in complex tasks, cognitive reasoning abilities might impose a limit upon schema formation and hence the effectiveness of CI. In a virtual overarm-throwing experiment participants practiced target positions at center, left, or right and were retested for retention - at the center position - and transfer with a larger target distance. Although there was no main effect of CI on performance, either in training, retention or transfer, under high CI, training performance was better for participants with higher reasoning ability, as measured with the Raven matrices. This advantage persisted across retention and transfer. Under low CI, reasoning was positively related to performance improvement only in the last third of training. We argue, that variability of practice is a necessary prerequisite for beneficial effects of reasoning abilities. Based on previous findings, we discuss feedback evaluation as a possible locus of the relationship between reasoning and performance in motor skill acquisition.}, }
@article {pmid27359074, year = {2016}, author = {Miller, R and Schwab, C and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Explorative innovators and flexible use of social information in common ravens (Corvus corax) and carrion crows (Corvus corone).}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {130}, number = {4}, pages = {328-340}, doi = {10.1037/com0000039}, pmid = {27359074}, issn = {1939-2087}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Choice Behavior ; *Crows ; Exploratory Behavior/*physiology ; Humans ; *Problem Solving ; *Social Behavior ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Innovation and social information use are influenced by individual characteristics, and are important for the creation and transmission of novel behavioral patterns. Here, we investigated which individual factors predict innovation rates and social transmission of information in a comparative study with identically reared common ravens (Corvus corax) and carrion crows (Corvus corone corone; Corvus corone cornix). In the innovation experiment (1), we presented the birds with a novel problem-solving task while alone, to determine which individuals would quickly solve ("innovators") or not solve ("noninnovators") this task. We then related these findings to sex, object exploration (frequency of novel item manipulation), object neophobia (latency to novel item interaction), and social rank position. We found that innovators were more explorative than noninnovators, although they did not differ significantly in social rank, object neophobia or sex. In the social information use experiments (2 &amp; 3), subjects first observed a model (Exp. 2: conspecific, heterospecific; Exp. 3: conspecific innovator &amp; noninnovator) demonstrate a specific color selection in a 2-choice cup task, before being allowed to make their own cup selection. Innovator and noninnovator observers did not significantly differ in their tendency to use social information, that is, to select the demonstrated cup first, from a conspecific or heterospecific model. Furthermore, observers did not preferentially use social information from an innovator over a noninnovator model. We discuss our findings in relation to the likely benefits of flexible information use, and the role of other model characteristics, such as relationships, on the use of social information. (PsycINFO Database Record}, }
@article {pmid27346889, year = {2016}, author = {Reber, SA and Boeckle, M and Szipl, G and Janisch, J and Bugnyar, T and Fitch, WT}, title = {Territorial raven pairs are sensitive to structural changes in simulated acoustic displays of conspecifics.}, journal = {Animal behaviour}, volume = {116}, number = {}, pages = {153-162}, pmid = {27346889}, issn = {0003-3472}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {Human language involves combining items into meaningful, syntactically structured wholes. The evolutionary origin of syntactic abilities has been investigated by testing pattern perception capacities in nonhuman animals. New World primates can respond spontaneously to structural changes in acoustic sequences and songbirds can learn to discriminate between various patterns in operant tasks. However, there is no conclusive evidence that songbirds respond spontaneously to structural changes in patterns without reinforcement or training. In this study, we tested pattern perception capacities of common ravens, Corvus corax, in a habituation-discrimination playback experiment. To enhance stimulus salience, call recordings of male and female ravens were used as acoustic elements, combined to create artificial territorial displays as target patterns. We habituated captive territorial raven pairs to displays following a particular pattern and subsequently exposed them to several test and control playbacks. Subjects spent more time visually orienting towards the loudspeaker in the discrimination phase when they heard structurally novel call combinations, violating the pattern presented during habituation. This demonstrates that songbirds, much like primates, can be sensitive to structural changes in auditory patterns and respond to them spontaneously, without training.}, }
@article {pmid27289339, year = {2016}, author = {Vierkötter, A and Hüls, A and Yamamoto, A and Stolz, S and Krämer, U and Matsui, MS and Morita, A and Wang, S and Li, Z and Jin, L and Krutmann, J and Schikowski, T}, title = {Extrinsic skin ageing in German, Chinese and Japanese women manifests differently in all three groups depending on ethnic background, age and anatomical site.}, journal = {Journal of dermatological science}, volume = {83}, number = {3}, pages = {219-225}, doi = {10.1016/j.jdermsci.2016.05.011}, pmid = {27289339}, issn = {1873-569X}, mesh = {Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; *Asian People ; China ; Female ; Germany ; Humans ; Hyperpigmentation/diagnosis/*ethnology ; Japan ; Linear Models ; Middle Aged ; Sex Factors ; Skin Aging/*ethnology ; *Skin Pigmentation ; *White People ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that extrinsic skin ageing manifests differently in Caucasians versus East Asians. In particular, from previous studies it was concluded that Caucasians are more prone to develop wrinkles, whereas pigment spot formation is the hallmark of extrinsic skin ageing in East Asians. However, these assumptions are based on a very limited number of studies which did not include different East Asian populations.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: We here compare the manifestation of extrinsic skin ageing signs in German, Japanese and Chinese women by specifically elucidating the age and anatomical site dependence of any potential ethnic difference.<br><br>METHODS: In the present study, we assessed skin ageing in N=902 German, N=165 Japanese and N=1260 Chinese women ranging from 30 to 90 years by means of SCINEXA&#x2122;. Linear regression analysis was used to test for ethnic differences and their age and site dependence adjusted for educational level, sun exposure, smoking and sun protection behaviours.<br><br>RESULTS: Pigment spots and wrinkles on the face were present among all three ethnic groups and differences were influenced by age and anatomical sites independently of further influencing factors. Pigment spots on the forehead were most pronounced over the whole age range in Chinese and German women and least developed in Japanese. Pigment spots on cheeks were a typical extrinsic skin an ageing sign in the two East Asian populations in all age groups. However, in older German women they reach the same level as observed in the two East Asian populations. In contrast, pigment spots on arms and hands were significantly more pronounced in German women &#x2265;45years of age. Wrinkles were not exclusively a skin an ageing sign of German women, but were also very pronounced in Chinese women on forehead, between the eyebrows and in the crow's feet area.<br><br>CONCLUSION: These results corroborate the previous notion that the occurrence of pigments spots and wrinkles is different between Caucasians and East Asians. In addition, this study shows that this difference depends on age and anatomical site and that it also differs between different ethnic groups from East Asia.}, }
@article {pmid27286247, year = {2016}, author = {Asakawa-Haas, K and Schiestl, M and Bugnyar, T and Massen, JJ}, title = {Partner Choice in Raven (Corvus corax) Cooperation.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {11}, number = {6}, pages = {e0156962}, pmid = {27286247}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Choice Behavior ; Cooperative Behavior ; Crows/*physiology ; Exploratory Behavior ; Female ; Male ; Recognition, Psychology ; *Sexual Behavior, Animal ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Although social animals frequently make decisions about when or with whom to cooperate, little is known about the underlying mechanisms of partner choice. Most previous studies compared different dyads' performances, though did not allow an actual choice among partners. We tested eleven ravens, Corvus corax, in triads, giving them first the choice to cooperate with either a highly familiar or a rather unfamiliar partner and, second, with either a friend or a non-friend using a cooperative string-pulling task. In either test, the ravens had a second choice and could cooperate with the other partner, given that this one had not pulled the string in the meantime. We show that during the experiments, these partner ravens indeed learn to wait and inhibit pulling, respectively. Moreover, the results of these two experiments show that ravens' preferences for a specific cooperation partner are not based on familiarity. In contrast, the ravens did show a preference based on relationship quality, as they did choose to cooperate significantly more with friends than with non-friends and they were also more proficient when cooperating with a friend. In order to further identify the proximate mechanism of this preference, we designed an open-choice experiment for the whole group where all birds were free to cooperate on two separate apparatuses. This set-up allowed us to distinguish between preferences for close proximity and preferences to cooperate. The results revealed that friends preferred staying close to each other, but did not necessarily cooperate with one another, suggesting that tolerance of proximity and not relationship quality as a whole may be the driving force behind partner choice in raven cooperation. Consequently, we stress the importance of experiments that allow such titrations and, suggest that these results have important implications for the interpretations of cooperation studies that did not include open partner choice.}, }
@article {pmid27282438, year = {2016}, author = {Greggor, AL and McIvor, GE and Clayton, NS and Thornton, A}, title = {Contagious risk taking: social information and context influence wild jackdaws' responses to novelty and risk.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {27764}, pmid = {27282438}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {BB/H021817/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Choice Behavior ; Crows/*physiology ; *Exploratory Behavior ; Feeding Behavior ; Motivation ; Risk Factors ; *Risk-Taking ; Seasons ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Although wild animals increasingly encounter human-produced food and objects, it is unknown how they learn to discriminate beneficial from dangerous novelty. Since social learning allows animals to capitalize on the risk-taking of others, and avoid endangering themselves, social learning should be used around novel and unpredictable stimuli. However, it is unclear whether animals use social cues equally around all types of novelty and at all times of year. We assessed whether wild, individually marked jackdaws-a highly neophobic, yet adaptable species-are equally influenced by social cues to consume novel, palatable foods and to approach a startling object. We conducted these tests across two seasons, and found that in both seasons observers were more likely to consume novel foods after seeing a demonstrator do so. In contrast, observers only followed the demonstrator in foraging next to the object during breeding season. Throughout the year more birds were wary of consuming novel foods than wary of approaching the object, potentially leading to jackdaws' greater reliance on social information about food. Jackdaws' dynamic social cue usage demonstrates the importance of context in predicting how social information is used around novelty, and potentially indicates the conditions that facilitate animals' adjustment to anthropogenic disturbance.}, }
@article {pmid27260356, year = {2016}, author = {Taff, CC and Weis, AM and Wheeler, S and Hinton, MG and Weimer, BC and Barker, CM and Jones, M and Logsdon, R and Smith, WA and Boyce, WM and Townsend, AK}, title = {Influence of Host Ecology and Behavior on Campylobacter jejuni Prevalence and Environmental Contamination Risk in a Synanthropic Wild Bird Species.}, journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology}, volume = {82}, number = {15}, pages = {4811-4820}, pmid = {27260356}, issn = {1098-5336}, mesh = {Animal Migration ; Animals ; Animals, Wild/*microbiology/physiology ; Bird Diseases/*microbiology/physiopathology ; Campylobacter jejuni/classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; Crows/*microbiology/physiology ; Disease Reservoirs/*microbiology ; Ecosystem ; }, abstract = {UNLABELLED: Campylobacter jejuni is a foodborne pathogen that often leads to human infections through the consumption of contaminated poultry. Wild birds may play a role in the transmission of C. jejuni by acting as reservoir hosts. Despite ample evidence that wild birds harbor C. jejuni, few studies have addressed the role of host ecology in transmission to domestic animals or humans. We tested the hypothesis that host social behavior and habitat play a major role in driving transmission risk. C. jejuni infection and host ecology were studied simultaneously in wild American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) in Davis, CA, over 3 years. We found that 178 of 337 samples tested were culture positive (53%), with infection varying by season and host age. Among adult crows, infection rates were highest during the winter, when migrants return and crows form large communal roosts. Nestlings had the highest risk of infection, and whole-genome sequencing supports the observation of direct transmission between nestlings. We deployed global positioning system (GPS) receivers to quantify habitat use by crows; space use was nonrandom, with crows preferentially occupying some habitats while avoiding others. This behavior drastically amplified the risk of environmental contamination from feces in specific locations. This study demonstrates that social behavior contributes to infection within species and that habitat use leads to a heterogeneous risk of cross-species transmission.<br><br>IMPORTANCE: Campylobacter jejuni is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in industrialized countries. Despite efforts to reduce the colonization of poultry flocks and eventual infection of humans, the incidence of human C. jejuni infection has remained high. Because wild birds can harbor strains of C. jejuni that eventually infect humans, there has long been speculation that wild birds might act as an important reservoir in the C. jejuni infection cycle. We simultaneously studied infection prevalence, social behavior, and movement ecology in wild American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos). We found that social behavior contributed to patterns of infection and that movement behavior resulted in some areas having a high risk of transmission while others had a low risk. The incorporation of ecological data into studies of C. jejuni in wild birds has the potential to resolve when and how wild birds contribute to domestic animal and human C. jejuni infection, leading to better control of initial poultry contamination.}, }
@article {pmid29737706, year = {2016}, author = {Wang, QY and Zhao, YZ and Luo, X and Hua, JQ and Li, Z and Xu, JL}, title = {[Potential nest predators of Syrmaticus reevesii based on camera traps and artificial nests.].}, journal = {Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology}, volume = {27}, number = {6}, pages = {1968-1974}, doi = {10.13287/j.1001-9332.201606.020}, pmid = {29737706}, issn = {1001-9332}, mesh = {Animals ; *Breeding ; Ecosystem ; *Galliformes ; Nesting Behavior ; *Predatory Behavior ; }, abstract = {In order to understand the background of the field breeding ecology of Reeves's pheasant (Syrmaticus reevesii) inside and outside of protected area, an investigation on nest predation rate, potential nest predators and the habitat factors affecting nest predation was conducted at Dongzhai National Nature Reserve, Henan Province and Pingjingguan Village, Hubei Province, which were protected and non-protected area, respectively. The fieldwork was conducted from March to July 2014, and artificial nests (taking eggs as bait), camera traps and habitat plots were used at these two sites to catch information about nest predation. Experiments were designed in two rounds, including the early-breeding stage (March to April) and mid-breeding stage (May to June). We placed 149 artificial ground nests with 62 randomly picked nest sites, each monitored by one camera. The working days of all cameras were 1315 days, and we finally obtained 7776 pictures and 6950 video clips. The results showed that the rate of nest predation outside the protected areas (Pingjingguan) was higher than that in nature reserve (Dongzhai), with highly significant diffe-rences both in early-breeding and mid-breeding stages. In two stages, more nest predator species (11 and 6 species in two stages, respectively) occurred in Pingjingguan than in Dongzhai (7 and 5 species, respectively). In Pingjingguan, Glires and Corvidae were top predators, while in Dongzhai Raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) was firstly ranked. Slope degree and arbor canopy cover were positively related with the nest predation rate in Pingjingguan, while fallen leaves coverage had significant influence on nest predation in Dongzhai. We also found wild Reeves's pheasant paid visits to 13 artificial nests for 18 times by viewing the pictures and video clips.}, }
@article {pmid27220061, year = {2017}, author = {Zengel, B and Ambler, JK and McCarthy, RJ and Skowronski, JJ}, title = {Spontaneous trait inference and spontaneous trait transference are both unaffected by prior evaluations of informants.}, journal = {The Journal of social psychology}, volume = {157}, number = {3}, pages = {382-387}, doi = {10.1080/00224545.2016.1192099}, pmid = {27220061}, issn = {1940-1183}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; *Character ; *Facial Recognition ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Recognition, Psychology ; *Social Perception ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {This article reports results from a study in which participants encountered either (a) previously known informants who were positive (e.g. Abraham Lincoln), neutral (e.g., Jay Leno), or negative (e.g., Adolf Hitler), or (b) previously unknown informants. The informants ostensibly described either a trait-implicative positive behavior, a trait-implicative negative behavior, or a neutral behavior. These descriptions were framed as either the behavior of the informant or the behavior of another person. Results yielded evidence of informant-trait linkages for both self-informants and for informants who described another person. These effects were not moderated by informant type, behavior valence, or the congruency or incongruency between the prior knowledge of the informant and the behavior valence. Results are discussed in terms of theories of Spontaneous Trait Inference and Spontaneous Trait Transference.}, }
@article {pmid27195059, year = {2016}, author = {Ostojić, L and Cheke, LG and Shaw, RC and Legg, EW and Clayton, NS}, title = {Desire-state attribution: Benefits of a novel paradigm using the food-sharing behavior of Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius).}, journal = {Communicative &amp; integrative biology}, volume = {9}, number = {2}, pages = {e1134065}, pmid = {27195059}, issn = {1942-0889}, abstract = {In recent years, we have investigated the possibility that Eurasian jay food sharing might rely on desire-state attribution. The female's desire for a particular type of food can be decreased by sating her on it (specific satiety) and the food sharing paradigm can be used to test whether the male's sharing pattern reflects the female's current desire. Our previous findings show that the male shares the food that the female currently wants. Here, we consider 3 simpler mechanisms that might explain the male's behavior: behavior reading, lack of self-other differentiation and behavioral rules. We illustrate how we have already addressed these issues and how our food sharing paradigm can be further adapted to answer outstanding questions. The flexibility with which the food sharing paradigm can be applied to rule out alternative mechanisms makes it a useful tool to study desire-state attribution in jays and other species that share food.}, }
@article {pmid27189064, year = {2016}, author = {Freund, D and Wheeler, SS and Townsend, AK and Boyce, WM and Ernest, HB and Cicero, C and Sehgal, RN}, title = {Genetic sequence data reveals widespread sharing of Leucocytozoon lineages in corvids.}, journal = {Parasitology research}, volume = {115}, number = {9}, pages = {3557-3565}, pmid = {27189064}, issn = {1432-1955}, mesh = {Animals ; Base Sequence ; Crows/*parasitology ; Cytochromes b/genetics ; DNA, Protozoan/genetics ; Haemosporida/*classification/enzymology/*genetics ; Host Specificity/*genetics ; Phylogeny ; Protozoan Infections, Animal/*parasitology ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; }, abstract = {Leucocytozoon, a widespread hemosporidian blood parasite that infects a broad group of avian families, has been studied in corvids (family: Corvidae) for over a century. Current taxonomic classification indicates that Leucocytozoon sakharoffi infects crows and related Corvus spp., while Leucocytozoon berestneffi infects magpies (Pica spp.) and blue jays (Cyanocitta sp.). This intrafamily host specificity was based on the experimental transmissibility of the parasites, as well as slight differences in their morphology and life cycle development. Genetic sequence data from Leucocytozoon spp. infecting corvids is scarce, and until the present study, sequence data has not been analyzed to confirm the current taxonomic distinctions. Here, we predict the phylogenetic relationships of Leucocytozoon cytochrome b lineages recovered from infected American Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos), yellow-billed magpies (Pica nuttalli), and Steller's jays (Cyanocitta stelleri) to explore the host specificity pattern of L. sakharoffi and L. berestneffi. Phylogenetic reconstruction revealed a single large clade containing nearly every lineage recovered from the three host species, while showing no evidence of the expected distinction between L. sakharoffi and L. berestneffi. In addition, five of the detected lineages were recovered from both crows and magpies. This absence of the previously described host specificity in corvid Leucocytozoon spp. suggests that L. sakharoffi and L. berestneffi be reexamined from a taxonomic perspective.}, }
@article {pmid27165076, year = {2016}, author = {Mazhirina, KG and Mel'nikov, ME and Pokrovskii, MA and Petrovskii, ED and Savelov, AA and Shtark, MB}, title = {Raven's Progressive Matrices in the Lexicon of Dynamic Mapping of the Brain (MRI).}, journal = {Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine}, volume = {160}, number = {6}, pages = {850-856}, doi = {10.1007/s10517-016-3325-2}, pmid = {27165076}, issn = {1573-8221}, mesh = {Adult ; Brain/*physiology ; Brain Mapping/*methods ; Cognition ; Humans ; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Models, Neurological ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we studied intracerebral dynamics during completion of Raven's Progressive Matrices test. Solving the test organized in sets of progressively increasing difficulty cause changes in cerebellar activation functionally related to cognitive activities and operations. As the tasks became more complicated, we observed gradual suppression of the activity of default mode network (DMN). The most pronounced changes in cerebral activation patterns occurred the second set of the test and involved associative somatosensory area and Wernicke's area that is known to play an important role in cognitive processes associated with synthesis and analysis of information.}, }
@article {pmid27152224, year = {2016}, author = {Kabadayi, C and Taylor, LA and von Bayern, AM and Osvath, M}, title = {Ravens, New Caledonian crows and jackdaws parallel great apes in motor self-regulation despite smaller brains.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {3}, number = {4}, pages = {160104}, pmid = {27152224}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {Overriding motor impulses instigated by salient perceptual stimuli represent a fundamental inhibitory skill. Such motor self-regulation facilitates more rational behaviour, as it brings economy into the bodily interaction with the physical and social world. It also underlies certain complex cognitive processes including decision making. Recently, MacLean et al. (MacLean et al. 2014 Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 111, 2140-2148. (doi:10.1073/pnas.1323533111)) conducted a large-scale study involving 36 species, comparing motor self-regulation across taxa. They concluded that absolute brain size predicts level of performance. The great apes were most successful. Only a few of the species tested were birds. Given birds' small brain size-in absolute terms-yet flexible behaviour, their motor self-regulation calls for closer study. Corvids exhibit some of the largest relative avian brain sizes-although small in absolute measure-as well as the most flexible cognition in the animal kingdom. We therefore tested ravens, New Caledonian crows and jackdaws in the so-called cylinder task. We found performance indistinguishable from that of great apes despite the much smaller brains. We found both absolute and relative brain volume to be a reliable predictor of performance within Aves. The complex cognition of corvids is often likened to that of great apes; our results show further that they share similar fundamental cognitive mechanisms.}, }
@article {pmid27128947, year = {2016}, author = {van Vuuren, K and O'Keeffe, S and Jones, DN}, title = {"Vicious, Aggressive Bird Stalks Cyclist": The Australian Magpie (Cracticus tibicen) in the News.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {6}, number = {5}, pages = {}, pmid = {27128947}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {The Australian Magpie (Cracticus tibicen) is a common bird found in urban Australian environments where its nest defense behavior during spring brings it into conflict with humans. This article explores the role of print media in covering this conflict. Leximancer software was used to analyze newspaper reports about the Australian Magpie from a sample of 634 news stories, letters-to-the editor and opinion pieces, published in newspapers from around Australia between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2014. The results confirm that stories about these birds are primarily published in the daily regional and weekly suburban press, and that the dominant story frame concerns the risk of "swooping" behavior to cyclists and pedestrians from birds protecting their nests during the spring breeding season. The most prominent sources used by journalists are local and state government representatives, as well as members of the public. The results show that the "swooping season" has become a normal part of the annual news cycle for these publications, with the implication that discourse surrounding the Australian Magpie predominantly concerns the risk these birds pose to humans, and ignores their decline in non-urban environments.}, }
@article {pmid27128246, year = {2016}, author = {Narurkar, VA and Cohen, JL and Dayan, S and Kaminer, MS and Rivkin, A and Shamban, A and Sykes, JM and Teller, CF and Weinkle, SH and Werschler, WP and Drinkwater, A and Pucci, ML and Gallagher, CJ}, title = {A Comprehensive Approach to Multimodal Facial Aesthetic Treatment: Injection Techniques and Treatment Characteristics From the HARMONY Study.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {42 Suppl 2}, number = {}, pages = {S177-91}, doi = {10.1097/DSS.0000000000000743}, pmid = {27128246}, issn = {1524-4725}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Antihypertensive Agents/*therapeutic use ; Bimatoprost/*therapeutic use ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*administration &amp; dosage ; *Cosmetic Techniques/psychology ; Dermal Fillers/*administration &amp; dosage ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Eyelashes ; Face ; Female ; Humans ; Hyaluronic Acid/administration &amp; dosage ; Hypotrichosis/drug therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuromuscular Agents/*administration &amp; dosage ; Prospective Studies ; Single-Blind Method ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The HARMONY study is the first clinical trial to assess the impact of a global approach to facial rejuvenation with several minimally invasive modalities, using patient-reported outcome measures.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: Provide details of this treatment approach and describe investigators' experiences and recommendations based on this study.<br><br>METHODS: This multicenter, 4-month study evaluated subject satisfaction with and psychological impact of combined treatment with VYC-20L (Juv&#xe9;derm Voluma XC), HYC-24L (Juv&#xe9;derm Ultra XC), HYC-24L+ (Juv&#xe9;derm Ultra Plus XC), onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox), and bimatoprost 0.3% ophthalmic solution (Latisse). Treatment-naive adults with moderate-to-severe facial lines and folds and eyelash hypotrichosis received on-label, staged treatment with fillers. Bimatoprost was self-administered once daily for 17 weeks from day 1. OnabotulinumtoxinA was administered for glabellar lines, crow's feet lines, or both at month 3.<br><br>RESULTS: Overall, 100 subjects received bimatoprost for eyelash hypotrichosis, 96 received onabotulinumtoxinA for glabellar lines and/or crow's feet lines, and 96 received VYC-20L for midface volume deficit. From 17 to 96 subjects received HYC-24L and/or HYC-24L+ for nasolabial folds, oral commissures, marionette lines, perioral lines, or radial cheek lines. Injections of filler generally progressed from cranial to caudal, with midface injected first. Investigator-reported factors that may have contributed to the potential benefits of this approach include the critical role of the midface in facial aesthetics, use of lower volumes of filler in individual facial areas, and anesthetic effects.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The investigators' perspectives and experience with the injection pattern, sequencing, volumes, and techniques may provide valuable guidance for a multimodal approach to facial aesthetic treatment.}, }
@article {pmid27110893, year = {2016}, author = {Baumann, L and Dayan, S and Connolly, S and Silverberg, N and Lei, X and Drinkwater, A and Gallagher, CJ}, title = {Duration of Clinical Efficacy of OnabotulinumtoxinA in Crow's Feet Lines: Results from Two Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trials.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {42}, number = {5}, pages = {598-607}, pmid = {27110893}, issn = {1524-4725}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*therapeutic use ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; Double-Blind Method ; Esthetics ; *Eye ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuromuscular Agents/*therapeutic use ; Patient Satisfaction ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Duration of esthetic treatments may contribute to subject satisfaction.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: Describe response duration with onabotulinumtoxinA in crow's feet lines (CFL) and the association of duration with perception of improvement.<br><br>METHODS: Subjects from 2 double-blind, placebo-controlled trials received onabotulinumtoxinA 24 U in CFL; Study 2 subjects could also receive 20 U in glabella. At Day 30, responders achieved &#x2265;1-grade improvement in Facial Wrinkle Scale (FWS) scores. Median duration of effect for responders and for responders stratified by Subject's Global Assessment of Change in CFL (SGA-CFL) was determined.<br><br>RESULTS: Of 1,362 subjects, 833 received onabotulinumtoxinA. In Study 2, 305 subjects also received 20 U in glabella. In Study 1 (150-day follow-up), per investigator and subject assessments, respectively, median response duration was 125 and 144 days for dynamic lines and 137 and 148 days for static lines. Median response duration for dynamic and static lines in Study 2 (120-day follow-up) was 119 to 121 days per investigator and subject assessments. Subjects reporting greater improvement on the SGA-CFL tended to have a longer duration of response on investigator FWS scores at maximum smile.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Response duration with onabotulinumtoxinA in CFL was &#x2265;4 months. Subject perception of CFL improvement may be associated with response duration.}, }
@article {pmid27108470, year = {2016}, author = {Graff, G}, title = {Post Civil War African American History: Brief Periods of Triumph, and Then Despair.}, journal = {The Journal of psychohistory}, volume = {43}, number = {4}, pages = {247-261}, pmid = {27108470}, issn = {0145-3378}, mesh = {Black or African American/*history/psychology ; *American Civil War ; Civil Rights/*history/psychology ; History, 19th Century ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Humans ; Prisons/history ; Racism/*history/psychology ; United States ; }, abstract = {During Reconstruction, which is often called the most progressive period in American history, African Americans made great strides. By 1868 African American men constituted a majority of registered voters in South Carolina and Mississippi, and by 1870 eighty-five percent of Mississippi's black jurors could read and write. However, Reconstruction was followed by approximately one hundred years of Jim Crow laws, lynching, disenfranchisement, sharecropping, unequal educational resources, terrorism, racial caricatures, and convict leasing. The Civil Rights Revolution finally ended that period of despair, but the era of mass incarceration can be understood as a reaction to the Civil Rights Movement. This article attempts to understand the persistence of racism in the United States from slavery's end until the present.}, }
@article {pmid27105987, year = {2016}, author = {Bergsman, LD and Hyman, JM and Manore, CA}, title = {A mathematical model for the spread of west nile virus in migratory and resident birds.}, journal = {Mathematical biosciences and engineering : MBE}, volume = {13}, number = {2}, pages = {401-424}, doi = {10.3934/mbe.2015009}, pmid = {27105987}, issn = {1551-0018}, support = {U01 GM097661/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; U01 GM097658/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animal Migration ; Animals ; Bird Diseases/*epidemiology/*transmission ; Crows/virology ; Culicidae/virology ; Forecasting ; *Models, Biological ; Seasons ; Songbirds/virology ; United States/epidemiology ; West Nile Fever/*epidemiology/*transmission ; West Nile virus/physiology ; }, abstract = {We develop a mathematical model for transmission of West Nile virus (WNV) that incorporates resident and migratory host avian populations and a mosquito vector population. We provide a detailed analysis of the model's basic reproductive number and demonstrate how the exposed infected, but not infectious, state for the bird population can be approximated by a reduced model. We use the model to investigate the interplay of WNV in both resident and migratory bird hosts. The resident host parameters correspond to the American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), a competent host with a high death rate due to disease, and migratory host parameters to the American Robin (Turdus migratorius), a competent host with low WNV death rates. We find that yearly seasonal outbreaks depend primarily on the number of susceptible migrant birds entering the local population each season. We observe that the early growth rates of seasonal outbreaks is more influenced by the the migratory population than the resident bird population. This implies that although the death of highly competent resident birds, such as American Crows, are good indicators for the presence of the virus, these species have less impact on the basic reproductive number than the competent migratory birds with low death rates, such as the American Robins. The disease forecasts are most sensitive to the assumptions about the feeding preferences of North American mosquito vectors and the effect of the virus on the hosts. Increased research on the these factors would allow for better estimates of these important model parameters, which would improve the quality of future WNV forecasts.}, }
@article {pmid27092388, year = {2016}, author = {Smångs, M}, title = {Doing Violence, Making Race: Southern Lynching and White Racial Group Formation.}, journal = {AJS; American journal of sociology}, volume = {121}, number = {5}, pages = {1329-1374}, doi = {10.1086/684438}, pmid = {27092388}, issn = {0002-9602}, mesh = {History, 19th Century ; History, 20th Century ; Race Relations/*history/psychology ; Racism/*history ; Socioeconomic Factors/history ; Southeastern United States ; Violence/*history ; }, abstract = {This article presents a theoretical framework of how intergroup violence may figure into the activation and maintenance of group categories, boundaries, and identities, as well as the mediating role played by organizations in such processes. The framework's analytical advantages are demonstrated in an application to southern lynchings. Findings from event- and community-level analyses suggest that "public" lynchings, carried out by larger mobs with ceremonial violence, but not "private" ones, perpetrated by smaller bands without public or ceremonial violence, fed off and into the racial group boundaries, categories, and identities promoted by the southern Democratic Party at the turn of the 20th century and on which the emerging Jim Crow system rested. Highlighting that racialized inequalities cannot be properly understood apart from collective processes of racial group boundary and identity making, the article offers clues to the mechanisms by which past racial domination influences contemporary race relations.}, }
@article {pmid27070019, year = {2015}, author = {Derbyshire, R and Strickland, D and Norris, DR}, title = {Experimental evidence and 43 years of monitoring data show that food limits reproduction in a food-caching passerine.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {96}, number = {11}, pages = {3005-3015}, doi = {10.1890/15-0191.1}, pmid = {27070019}, issn = {0012-9658}, mesh = {Animals ; Ecosystem ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Female ; Genetic Fitness ; Male ; Models, Biological ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Population Dynamics ; Reproduction/*physiology ; Seasons ; }, abstract = {Several species of birds and mammals overcome periods of scarcity by caching food, but for the vast majority of species, it is virtually unknown whether they are food limited during these periods. The Gray Jay (Perisoreus canadensis) is a boreal-resident, food-caching passerine that breeds in late winter when fresh food is scarce. Using a two-year experiment and 43 years of monitoring data, we examined the food limitation hypothesis in a population of Gray Jays in Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada, that has declined by over 50% in the last three decades. Breeding pairs that were experimentally food supplemented during the pre-breeding period laid eggs earlier in the season and had larger brood sizes than non-supplemented controls. From the long-term data, we found strong evidence that pairs that were regularly supplemented by the public (park visitors) tended to lay eggs earlier and have larger clutches and brood sizes compared to pairs that were not supplemented. Nestling body condition (mass controlled for body size) was not influenced by either experimental or public food supplementation. Our results support the hypothesis that Gray Jays are food limited during their late-winter breeding period and suggest that warmer fall temperatures, which have been hypothesized to lead to cache spoilage, may have a significant impact on reproductive success in this declining population. Moreover, our results contribute to understanding how public feeding can influence the fitness of wild animals.}, }
@article {pmid27036232, year = {2016}, author = {Kelly, EM}, title = {Counting on your friends: The role of social environment on quantity discrimination.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {128}, number = {}, pages = {9-16}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2016.03.019}, pmid = {27036232}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; *Choice Behavior ; *Discrimination, Psychological ; Female ; Male ; *Passeriformes ; Social Behavior ; *Social Environment ; }, abstract = {Quantity discrimination has been established in a range of species. However, most demonstrations of quantity discrimination control for social factors by testing animals individually. I tested whether sociality affects quantity discrimination in the wild by comparing the performances of the highly social Mexican jay (MJ; Aphelocoma wollweberi) and the territorial Western scrub jay (WJ; Aphelocoma californica). The birds were given a choice between two lines of peanuts that differed in initial quantity ranging from 2 vs 8 to 14 vs 16. Their choices were recorded until all peanuts were eaten or cached. Whereas non-social WJ selected the larger quantity across all the trials significantly more than chance, social MJ selected the larger line only when the difference in the number of peanuts between lines was small. In MJ, individual choice when selecting the large or small quantity was influenced by what line the previous bird had chosen when the difference in lines was large, with followers significantly more likely to select the smaller quantity. WJ were not significantly affected by the choices of other individuals. The only factors that influenced WJ choice were ratio and total differences between the two quantities. These results suggests that in certain scenarios, both species can discriminate between different quantities. However, MJ were greatly influenced by social factors, a previously untested factor, while WJ were only influenced by ratio and total difference between the quantities, consistent with findings in other species. Overall, this study demonstrates the important role of sociality in numerical cognitive performance, a previously overlooked factor.}, }
@article {pmid27012819, year = {2016}, author = {Renaut, S and Dion-Côté, AM}, title = {History repeats itself: genomic divergence in copepods.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {25}, number = {7}, pages = {1417-1419}, doi = {10.1111/mec.13577}, pmid = {27012819}, issn = {1365-294X}, mesh = {Animals ; Copepoda/*genetics ; *Evolution, Molecular ; *Genetics, Population ; *Transcriptome ; }, abstract = {Press stop, erase everything from now till some arbitrary time in the past and start recording life as it evolves once again. Would you see the same tape of life playing itself over and over, or would a different story unfold every time? The late Steven Jay Gould called this experiment replaying the tape of life and argued that any replay of the tape would lead evolution down a pathway radically different from the road actually taken (Gould 1989). This thought experiment has puzzled evolutionary biologists for a long time: how repeatable are evolutionary events? And if history does indeed repeat itself, what are the factors that may help us predict the path taken? A powerful means to address these questions at a small evolutionary scale is to study closely related populations that have evolved independently, under similar environmental conditions. This is precisely what Pereira et al. (2016) set out to do using marine copepods Tigriopus californicus, and present their results in this issue of Molecular Ecology. They show that evolution can be repeatable and even partly predictable, at least at the molecular level. As expected from theory, patterns of divergence were shaped by natural selection. At the same time, strong genetic drift due to small population sizes also constrained evolution down a similar evolutionary road, and probably contributed to repeatable patterns of genomic divergence.}, }
@article {pmid27009227, year = {2016}, author = {Ditz, HM and Nieder, A}, title = {Numerosity representations in crows obey the Weber-Fechner law.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {283}, number = {1827}, pages = {20160083}, pmid = {27009227}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; *Cognition ; Crows/*physiology ; Differential Threshold ; Female ; Male ; Psychophysics ; Telencephalon/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The ability to estimate number is widespread throughout the animal kingdom. Based on the relative close phylogenetic relationship (and thus equivalent brain structures), non-verbal numerical representations in human and non-human primates show almost identical behavioural signatures that obey the Weber-Fechner law. However, whether numerosity discriminations of vertebrates with a very different endbrain organization show the same behavioural signatures remains unknown. Therefore, we tested the numerical discrimination performance of two carrion crows (Corvus corone) to a broad range of numerosities from 1 to 30 in a delayed match-to-sample task similar to the one used previously with primates. The crows' discrimination was based on an analogue number system and showed the Weber-fraction signature (i.e. the 'just noticeable difference' between numerosity pairs increased in proportion to the numerical magnitudes). The detailed analysis of the performance indicates that numerosity representations in crows are scaled on a logarithmically compressed 'number line'. Because the same psychophysical characteristics are found in primates, these findings suggest fundamentally similar number representations between primates and birds. This study helps to resolve a classical debate in psychophysics: the mental number line seems to be logarithmic rather than linear, and not just in primates, but across vertebrates.}, }
@article {pmid26984123, year = {2016}, author = {Legg, EW and Ostojić, L and Clayton, NS}, title = {Caching at a distance: a cache protection strategy in Eurasian jays.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {19}, number = {4}, pages = {753-758}, pmid = {26984123}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; *Feeding Behavior ; *Passeriformes ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {A fundamental question about the complexity of corvid social cognition is whether behaviours exhibited when caching in front of potential pilferers represent specific attempts to prevent cache loss (cache protection hypothesis) or whether they are by-products of other behaviours (by-product hypothesis). Here, we demonstrate that Eurasian jays preferentially cache at a distance when observed by conspecifics. This preference for a 'far' location could be either a by-product of a general preference for caching at that specific location regardless of the risk of cache loss or a by-product of a general preference to be far away from conspecifics due to low intra-species tolerance. Critically, we found that neither by-product account explains the jays' behaviour: the preference for the 'far' location was not shown when caching in private or when eating in front of a conspecific. In line with the cache protection hypothesis we found that jays preferred the distant location only when caching in front of a conspecific. Thus, it seems likely that for Eurasian jays, caching at a distance from an observer is a specific cache protection strategy.}, }
@article {pmid26979457, year = {2016}, author = {Carruthers, A and Bruce, S and Cox, SE and Kane, MA and Lee, E and Gallagher, CJ}, title = {OnabotulinumtoxinA for Treatment of Moderate to Severe Crow's Feet Lines: A Review.}, journal = {Aesthetic surgery journal}, volume = {36}, number = {5}, pages = {591-597}, doi = {10.1093/asj/sjw025}, pmid = {26979457}, issn = {1527-330X}, mesh = {Acetylcholine Release Inhibitors/administration &amp; dosage/adverse effects/*therapeutic use ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/administration &amp; dosage/adverse effects/*therapeutic use ; Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Facial Muscles/*drug effects ; Humans ; Injections, Intramuscular ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {Lateral canthal lines or crow's feet lines (CFL) may be treated with onabotulinumtoxinA. We identified several key concepts important to understanding the use of onabotulinumtoxinA for treatment of moderate-to-severe CFL. To contextualize and integrate data on the recommended dose and injection patterns of onabotulinumtoxinA for treatment of CFL, we summarized data from pivotal clinical studies in the development of onabotulinumtoxinA for treatment of CFL. Data from key studies of onabotulinumtoxinA for CFL are presented. The efficacy and safety of onabotulinumtoxinA treatment of moderate-to-severe CFL were evaluated in 2 randomized, controlled phase 3 studies comprising 1362 patients. The 24U total dose of onabotulinumtoxinA used in these studies was based on a phase 2 dose-ranging trial. Two injection patterns were available to investigators; each involved 3 injection sites per side in the lateral orbicularis oculi muscle. A cross-sectional analysis of photographs from the phase 3 trials provided detailed information on the frequency of 4 distinct CFL patterns. In the primary efficacy analysis for each phase 3 trial, CFL responder rates were significantly greater with onabotulinumtoxinA vs placebo at day 30 (P< .001). Eyelid edema (1%) was the only adverse event reported in ≥ 1% of patients receiving onabotulinumtoxinA, occurring more frequently with onabotulinumtoxinA than with placebo. The studies showed that onabotulinumtoxinA is effective and generally well-tolerated for CFL treatment. Additionally, 2 different injection patterns allow physicians to tailor treatment based on a patient's CFL pattern.}, }
@article {pmid26974395, year = {2016}, author = {Reisen, WK and Wheeler, SS}, title = {Surveys for Antibodies Against Mosquitoborne Encephalitis Viruses in California Birds, 1996-2013.}, journal = {Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)}, volume = {16}, number = {4}, pages = {264-282}, pmid = {26974395}, issn = {1557-7759}, mesh = {Animals ; Antibodies, Viral/*blood ; Bird Diseases/epidemiology/immunology/*virology ; Birds/*virology ; California/epidemiology ; Encephalitis Virus, St. Louis/immunology ; Encephalitis Virus, Western Equine/immunology ; Encephalitis, St. Louis/blood/immunology/veterinary ; Encephalomyelitis, Equine/blood/immunology/veterinary ; Population Surveillance ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; West Nile Fever/blood/immunology/veterinary ; West Nile virus/immunology ; }, abstract = {From 1996 through 2013, 54,546 individual birds comprising 152 species and 7 orders were banded, bled, and released at four study areas within California, from which 28,388 additional serum samples were collected at one or more recapture encounters. Of these, 142, 99, and 1929 birds from 41 species were positive for neutralizing antibodies against western equine encephalomyelitis virus (WEEV), St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV), or West Nile virus (WNV) at initial capture or recapture, respectively. Overall, 83% of the positive serum samples were collected from five species: House Finch, House Sparrow, Mourning Dove, California Quail, and Western Scrub-Jay. Temporal data supported concurrent arbovirus surveillance and documented the disappearance of birds positive for WEEV in 2008 and SLEV in 2003 and the appearance of birds positive for WNV after its invasion in 2003. Results of these serosurveys agreed well with the host selection patterns of the Culex vectors as described from bloodmeal sequencing data and indicated that transmission of WNV seemed most effective within urban areas where avian and mosquito host diversity was limited to relatively few competent species.}, }
@article {pmid26955788, year = {2016}, author = {Matsui, H and Hunt, GR and Oberhofer, K and Ogihara, N and McGowan, KJ and Mithraratne, K and Yamasaki, T and Gray, RD and Izawa, E}, title = {Adaptive bill morphology for enhanced tool manipulation in New Caledonian crows.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {22776}, pmid = {26955788}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Beak/*anatomy &amp; histology ; *Behavior, Animal ; Biological Evolution ; Crows/*anatomy &amp; histology/*physiology ; Principal Component Analysis ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Early increased sophistication of human tools is thought to be underpinned by adaptive morphology for efficient tool manipulation. Such adaptive specialisation is unknown in nonhuman primates but may have evolved in the New Caledonian crow, which has sophisticated tool manufacture. The straightness of its bill, for example, may be adaptive for enhanced visually-directed use of tools. Here, we examine in detail the shape and internal structure of the New Caledonian crow's bill using Principal Components Analysis and Computed Tomography within a comparative framework. We found that the bill has a combination of interrelated shape and structural features unique within Corvus, and possibly birds generally. The upper mandible is relatively deep and short with a straight cutting edge, and the lower mandible is strengthened and upturned. These novel combined attributes would be functional for (i) counteracting the unique loading patterns acting on the bill when manipulating tools, (ii) a strong precision grip to hold tools securely, and (iii) enhanced visually-guided tool use. Our findings indicate that the New Caledonian crow's innovative bill has been adapted for tool manipulation to at least some degree. Early increased sophistication of tools may require the co-evolution of morphology that provides improved manipulatory skills.}, }
@article {pmid26944218, year = {2016}, author = {Güntürkün, O and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Cognition without Cortex.}, journal = {Trends in cognitive sciences}, volume = {20}, number = {4}, pages = {291-303}, doi = {10.1016/j.tics.2016.02.001}, pmid = {26944218}, issn = {1879-307X}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; Birds ; Brain/*anatomy &amp; histology/physiology ; Cerebral Cortex/*physiology ; Cognition/*physiology ; Humans ; }, abstract = {Assumptions on the neural basis of cognition usually focus on cortical mechanisms. Birds have no cortex, but recent studies in parrots and corvids show that their cognitive skills are on par with primates. These cognitive findings are accompanied by neurobiological discoveries that reveal avian and mammalian forebrains are homologous, and show similarities in connectivity and function down to the cellular level. But because birds have a large pallium, but no cortex, a specific cortical architecture cannot be a requirement for advanced cognitive skills. During the long parallel evolution of mammals and birds, several neural mechanisms for cognition and complex behaviors may have converged despite an overall forebrain organization that is otherwise vastly different.}, }
@article {pmid26941685, year = {2016}, author = {Kenny, L and Hill, E and Hamilton, AF}, title = {The Relationship between Social and Motor Cognition in Primary School Age-Children.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {228}, pmid = {26941685}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {There is increased interest in the relationship between motor skills and social skills in child development, with evidence that the mechanisms underlying these behaviors may be linked. We took a cognitive approach to this problem, and examined the relationship between four specific cognitive domains: theory of mind, motor skill, action understanding, and imitation. Neuroimaging and adult research suggest that action understanding and imitation are closely linked, but are somewhat independent of theory of mind and low-level motor control. Here, we test if a similar pattern is shown in child development. A sample of 101 primary school aged children with a wide ability range completed tests of IQ (Raven's matrices), theory of mind, motor skill, action understanding, and imitation. Parents reported on their children's social, motor and attention performance as well as developmental concerns. The results showed that action understanding and imitation correlate, with the latter having a weak link to motor control. Theory of mind was independent of the other tasks. These results imply that independent cognitive processes for social interaction (theory of mind) and for motor control can be identified in primary school age children, and challenge approaches that link all these domains together.}, }
@article {pmid26932519, year = {2016}, author = {Gethings, OJ and Sage, RB and Leather, SR}, title = {Density-dependent regulation of fecundity in Syngamus trachea infrapopulations in semi-naturally occurring ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) and wild Carrion Crows (Corvus corone).}, journal = {Parasitology}, volume = {143}, number = {6}, pages = {716-722}, doi = {10.1017/S0031182016000135}, pmid = {26932519}, issn = {1469-8161}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/*parasitology ; Body Size ; Crows/*parasitology ; Female ; Fertility/*physiology ; Galliformes/*parasitology ; Male ; Parasite Load ; Population Density ; Strongylida Infections/*parasitology ; Strongyloidea/anatomy &amp; histology/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Previous work has highlighted increased opportunities for the transmission of Syngamus trachea within pheasant release pens, due in part to high levels of environmental contamination around communal areas. Despite this, the distribution of adult worms within their definitive hosts is not significantly different from predicted distributions under Taylor's power law. Therefore, density-dependent processes are probably acting to regulate S. trachea population dynamics. Patterns of nematode fecundity were investigated in a semi-naturally occurring population of ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) and a wild population of carrion crows (Corvus carone). Worm length was a reliable indicator of nematode fecundity, and a negative association between mean worm length and mean worm burden was identified within both the species. The stunting of worms at greater parasite densities was present in both immunologically naïve and previously exposed pheasants, so is unlikely to be a function of age-dependent acquired immunity. Interestingly, the effect of parasite crowding in the crow population explained more of the variation in mean worm length, apparently driven by a greater mean worm burden when compared with pheasants. The findings of the present study suggest that fecundity is a function of parasite density, i.e. parasite-mediated competition and not host-mediated heterogeneities in immunocompetence.}, }
@article {pmid26925331, year = {2016}, author = {Logan, CJ and Harvey, BD and Schlinger, BA and Rensel, M}, title = {Western scrub-jays do not appear to attend to functionality in Aesop's Fable experiments.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {4}, number = {}, pages = {e1707}, pmid = {26925331}, issn = {2167-8359}, support = {R01 MH061994/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Western scrub-jays are known for their highly discriminatory and flexible behaviors in a caching (food storing) context. However, it is unknown whether their cognitive abilities are restricted to a caching context. To explore this question, we tested scrub-jays in a non-caching context using the Aesop's Fable paradigm, where a partially filled tube of water contains a floating food reward and objects must be inserted to displace the water and bring the food within reach. We tested four birds, but only two learned to drop stones proficiently. Of these, one bird participated in 4/5 experiments and one in 2/5 experiments. Both birds passed one experiment, but without attending to the functional differences of the objects, and failed the other experiments. Scrub-jays were not motivated to participate in these experiments, suggesting that either this paradigm was ecologically irrelevant or perhaps their flexibility is restricted to a caching context.}, }
@article {pmid26918704, year = {2016}, author = {Curie, A and Brun, A and Cheylus, A and Reboul, A and Nazir, T and Bussy, G and Delange, K and Paulignan, Y and Mercier, S and David, A and Marignier, S and Merle, L and de Fréminville, B and Prieur, F and Till, M and Mortemousque, I and Toutain, A and Bieth, E and Touraine, R and Sanlaville, D and Chelly, J and Kong, J and Ott, D and Kassai, B and Hadjikhani, N and Gollub, RL and des Portes, V}, title = {A Novel Analog Reasoning Paradigm: New Insights in Intellectually Disabled Patients.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {11}, number = {2}, pages = {e0149717}, pmid = {26918704}, issn = {1932-6203}, support = {R01 AT006364/AT/NCCIH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Cognition ; Down Syndrome/physiopathology/psychology ; Female ; Fragile X Syndrome/physiopathology/psychology ; Homeodomain Proteins/genetics ; Humans ; Intellectual Disability/genetics/physiopathology/*psychology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; *Thinking ; Transcription Factors/genetics ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Intellectual Disability (ID) is characterized by deficits in intellectual functions such as reasoning, problem-solving, planning, abstract thinking, judgment, and learning. As new avenues are emerging for treatment of genetically determined ID (such as Down's syndrome or Fragile X syndrome), it is necessary to identify objective reliable and sensitive outcome measures for use in clinical trials.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: We developed a novel visual analogical reasoning paradigm, inspired by the Progressive Raven's Matrices, but appropriate for Intellectually Disabled patients. This new paradigm assesses reasoning and inhibition abilities in ID patients.<br><br>METHODS: We performed behavioural analyses for this task (with a reaction time and error rate analysis, Study 1) in 96 healthy controls (adults and typically developed children older than 4) and 41 genetically determined ID patients (Fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome and ARX mutated patients). In order to establish and quantify the cognitive strategies used to solve the task, we also performed an eye-tracking analysis (Study 2).<br><br>RESULTS: Down syndrome, ARX and Fragile X patients were significantly slower and made significantly more errors than chronological age-matched healthy controls. The effect of inhibition on error rate was greater than the matrix complexity effect in ID patients, opposite to findings in adult healthy controls. Interestingly, ID patients were more impaired by inhibition than mental age-matched healthy controls, but not by the matrix complexity. Eye-tracking analysis made it possible to identify the strategy used by the participants to solve the task. Adult healthy controls used a matrix-based strategy, whereas ID patients used a response-based strategy. Furthermore, etiologic-specific reasoning differences were evidenced between ID patients groups.<br><br>CONCLUSION: We suggest that this paradigm, appropriate for ID patients and developmental populations as well as adult healthy controls, provides an objective and quantitative assessment of visual analogical reasoning and cognitive inhibition, enabling testing for the effect of pharmacological or behavioural intervention in these specific populations.}, }
@article {pmid26876417, year = {2016}, author = {Pesendorfer, MB and Sillett, TS and Morrison, SA and Kamil, AC}, title = {Context-dependent seed dispersal by a scatter-hoarding corvid.}, journal = {The Journal of animal ecology}, volume = {85}, number = {3}, pages = {798-805}, doi = {10.1111/1365-2656.12501}, pmid = {26876417}, issn = {1365-2656}, mesh = {Animals ; Appetitive Behavior ; *Feeding Behavior ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Quercus/physiology ; *Seed Dispersal ; Seeds ; Territoriality ; }, abstract = {Corvids (crows, jays, magpies and nutcrackers) are important dispersers of large-seeded plants. Studies on captive or supplemented birds suggest that they flexibly adjust their scatter-hoarding behaviour to the context of social dynamics and relative seed availability. Because many corvid-dispersed trees show high annual variation in seed production, context-dependent foraging can have strong effects on natural corvid scatter-hoarding behaviour. We investigated how seed availability and social dynamics affected scatter-hoarding in the island scrub jays (Aphelocoma insularis). We quantified rates of scatter-hoarding behaviour and territorial defence of 26 colour-marked birds over a three-year period with variable acorn crops. We tested whether caching parameters were correlated with variation in annual seed production of oaks as predicted by the predator dispersal hypothesis, which states that caching rates and distances should vary with seed abundance in ways that benefit tree fitness. We also tested whether antagonistic interactions with conspecifics would affect scatter-hoarding adversely, as found in experimental studies. Caching behaviour varied with acorn availability. Caching distances correlated positively with annual acorn crop size, increasing by as much as 40% between years. Caching rates declined over time in years with small acorn crops, but increased when crops were large. Acorn foraging and caching rates were also negatively correlated with rates of territorial aggression. Overall foraging rates, however, were not associated with aggression, suggesting that reduced dispersal rates were not simply due to time constraints. Our field results support laboratory findings that caching rates and distances by scatter-hoarding corvids are context-dependent. Furthermore, our results are consistent with predictions of the predator dispersal hypothesis and suggest that large seed crops and social interactions among scatter-hoarders affect dispersal benefits for oaks and other masting tree species.}, }
@article {pmid26868053, year = {2016}, author = {Droege, G and Töpfer, T}, title = {The Corvids Literature Database--500 years of ornithological research from a crow's perspective.}, journal = {Database : the journal of biological databases and curation}, volume = {2016}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {26868053}, issn = {1758-0463}, mesh = {Animals ; Biology/*methods ; Crows/*physiology ; *Databases, Bibliographic ; Databases, Factual ; Europe ; Geography ; Language ; Phylogeny ; Publications ; Research ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Corvids (Corvidae) play a major role in ornithological research. Because of their worldwide distribution, diversity and adaptiveness, they have been studied extensively. The aim of the Corvids Literature Database (CLD, http://www.corvids.de/cld) is to record all publications (citation format) on all extant and extinct Crows, Ravens, Jays and Magpies worldwide and tag them with specific keywords making them available for researchers worldwide. The self-maintained project started in 2006 and today comprises 8000 articles, spanning almost 500 years. The CLD covers publications from 164 countries, written in 36 languages and published by 8026 authors in 1503 journals (plus books, theses and other publications). Forty-nine percent of all records are available online as full-text documents or deposited in the physical CLD archive. The CLD contains 442 original corvid descriptions. Here, we present a metadata assessment of articles recorded in the CLD including a gap analysis and prospects for future research. Database URL: http://www.corvids.de/cld.}, }
@article {pmid26848954, year = {2016}, author = {Miller, R and Laskowski, KL and Schiestl, M and Bugnyar, T and Schwab, C}, title = {Socially Driven Consistent Behavioural Differences during Development in Common Ravens and Carrion Crows.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {11}, number = {2}, pages = {e0148822}, pmid = {26848954}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Adaptation, Physiological ; Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Crows/growth &amp; development/*physiology ; *Environment ; Female ; Male ; Personality ; *Social Behavior ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Consistent individual differences in behaviour, or 'personality', are likely to be influenced by development, social context, and species ecology, though few comparative, longitudinal studies exist. Here, we investigated the role of development and social context on personality variation in two identically reared, social corvids: common ravens and carrion crows. We repeatedly presented subjects with a variety of novel food and objects, while alone and in a primarily sibling subgroup, from fledging to sub-adulthood. We predicted that consistent individual differences would emerge later in development, and that conspecific presence would facilitate behavioural similarities. In contrast to our predictions, we found that individuals of both species were highly inconsistent in their behavioural responses throughout the development period. In line with our predictions, though in the ravens only, conspecific presence promoted behavioural similarities as individuals were strongly shaped by their subgroup, and it is likely that these effects were driven by social context rather than relatedness. We discuss these findings in relation to developmental steps and the role of social relations in these species. Overall, our findings highlight that these two species are highly adaptable in their behaviour, and the ravens in particular are strongly influenced by their social environment, which may facilitate cooperation and social learning.}, }
@article {pmid26848730, year = {2016}, author = {Mankin, JL and Thompson, C and Branigan, HP and Simner, J}, title = {Processing compound words: Evidence from synaesthesia.}, journal = {Cognition}, volume = {150}, number = {}, pages = {1-9}, pmid = {26848730}, issn = {1873-7838}, support = {617678/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Color ; Color Perception/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Language ; Male ; Perceptual Disorders/*diagnosis/*psychology ; Photic Stimulation/*methods ; *Semantics ; Synesthesia ; *Word Association Tests ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {This study used grapheme-colour synaesthesia, a neurological condition where letters evoke a strong and consistent impression of colour, as a tool to investigate normal language processing. For two sets of compound words varying by lexical frequency (e.g., football vs lifevest) or semantic transparency (e.g., flagpole vs magpie), we asked 19 grapheme-colour synaesthetes to choose their dominant synaesthetic colour using an online colour palette. Synaesthetes could then select a second synaesthetic colour for each word if they experienced one. For each word, we measured the number of elicited synaesthetic colours (zero, one, or two) and the nature of those colours (in terms of their saturation and luminance values). In the first analysis, we found that the number of colours was significantly influenced by compound frequency, such that the probability of a one-colour response increased with frequency. However, semantic transparency did not influence the number of synaesthetic colours. In the second analysis, we found that the luminance of the dominant colour was predicted by the frequency of the first constituent (e.g. rain in rainbow). We also found that the dominant colour was significantly more luminant than the secondary colour. Our results show the influence of implicit linguistic measures on synaesthetic colours, and support multiple/dual-route models of compound processing.}, }
@article {pmid26843781, year = {2016}, author = {Zduniak, P and Kosicki, JZ and Yosef, R}, title = {Sexual aggression by intruders in hooded crow Corvus cornix.}, journal = {Acta ethologica}, volume = {19}, number = {}, pages = {91-94}, pmid = {26843781}, issn = {0873-9749}, abstract = {The hooded crow Corvus cornix is a west Palaearctic, solitary nesting, monogamous corvid. In the breeding season, populations are characterized by a social organization wherein breeding pairs are territorial and non-breeding individuals, called floaters, live in flocks. During a study of the breeding ecology of the hooded crow, conducted in a protected flooded area, we monitored nests with video cameras. We recorded two separate incidents when intruders attacked a female at the nest. We believe that she remained in the nest in order to prevent the strangers cannibalizing the nestlings by mantling over the brood. The spatio-temporal occurrence of these attacks suggests that the observed behaviour is intraspecific sexual aggression wherein non-breeding males mounted an immobilized female.}, }
@article {pmid26843555, year = {2016}, author = {Jelbert, SA and Taylor, AH and Gray, RD}, title = {Does absolute brain size really predict self-control? Hand-tracking training improves performance on the A-not-B task.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {12}, number = {2}, pages = {20150871}, pmid = {26843555}, issn = {1744-957X}, mesh = {Animals ; Brain/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Choice Behavior ; Crows/*physiology ; *Exploratory Behavior ; Female ; Male ; Reward ; *Self-Control ; }, abstract = {Large-scale, comparative cognition studies are set to revolutionize the way we investigate and understand the evolution of intelligence. However, the conclusions reached by such work have a key limitation: the cognitive tests themselves. If factors other than cognition can systematically affect the performance of a subset of animals on these tests, we risk drawing the wrong conclusions about how intelligence evolves. Here, we examined whether this is the case for the A-not-B task, recently used by MacLean and co-workers to study self-control among 36 different species. Non-primates performed poorly on this task; possibly because they have difficulty tracking the movements of a human demonstrator, and not because they lack self-control. To test this, we assessed the performance of New Caledonian crows on the A-not-B task before and after two types of training. New Caledonian crows trained to track rewards moved by a human demonstrator were more likely to pass the A-not-B test than birds trained on an unrelated choice task involving inhibitory control. Our findings demonstrate that overlooked task demands can affect performance on a cognitive task, and so bring into question MacLean's conclusion that absolute brain size best predicts self-control.}, }
@article {pmid26835849, year = {2016}, author = {Bugnyar, T and Reber, SA and Buckner, C}, title = {Ravens attribute visual access to unseen competitors.}, journal = {Nature communications}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {10506}, pmid = {26835849}, issn = {2041-1723}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Competitive Behavior/*physiology ; *Crows ; Female ; Generalization, Psychological ; Male ; Theory of Mind/*physiology ; *Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {Recent studies purported to demonstrate that chimpanzees, monkeys and corvids possess a basic Theory of Mind, the ability to attribute mental states like seeing to others. However, these studies remain controversial because they share a common confound: the conspecific's line of gaze, which could serve as an associative cue. Here, we show that ravens Corvus corax take into account the visual access of others, even when they cannot see a conspecific. Specifically, we find that ravens guard their caches against discovery in response to the sounds of conspecifics when a peephole is open but not when it is closed. Our results suggest that ravens can generalize from their own perceptual experience to infer the possibility of being seen. These findings confirm and unite previous work, providing strong evidence that ravens are more than mere behaviour-readers.}, }
@article {pmid26809620, year = {2016}, author = {Pesendorfer, MB and Koenig, WD}, title = {The effect of within-year variation in acorn crop size on seed harvesting by avian hoarders.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {181}, number = {1}, pages = {97-106}, pmid = {26809620}, issn = {1432-1939}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Birds ; Diet ; Ecology ; *Feeding Behavior ; Germination ; Quercus/growth &amp; development/*physiology ; *Seed Dispersal ; Seeds/*growth &amp; development ; Species Specificity ; Trees/growth &amp; development/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Spatial and temporal variation in resource distribution affect the movement and foraging behavior of many animals. In the case of animal-dispersed trees, numerous studies have addressed masting-the synchronized variation in seed production between years-but the fitness consequences of spatial variation in seed production within a year are unclear. We investigated the effects of variable acorn production in a population of valley oaks (Quercus lobata) on the composition and behavior of the avian-disperser community. We found that western scrub-jays (Aphelocoma californica), high-quality dispersers that store seeds in the ground, were attracted to, and exhibited increased per capita dispersal rates from, trees with large acorn crops. In contrast, acorn woodpeckers (Melanerpes formicivorus), low-quality dispersers that store acorns in trees where they are unlikely to germinate, increased per capita hoarding rates but did not attend trees with large seed crops in higher numbers, suggesting that the two species responded to resources on different spatial scales. Antagonistic interactions within and between species increased with the number of birds attending a tree, resulting in a potential cost for foraging birds, but did not reduce dispersal rates. Using a simulation model, we estimated that trees with large initial crops experienced a greater proportion (77 %) of high-quality seed dispersal events than trees with small crops (62 %). Our findings provide support for a mechanistic link between seed production and foraging behavior of seed dispersers as predicted by the predator dispersal hypothesis for the functional consequences of variable seed production in hoarder-dispersed trees.}, }
@article {pmid26806602, year = {2016}, author = {Beatty, J}, title = {What are narratives good for?.}, journal = {Studies in history and philosophy of biological and biomedical sciences}, volume = {58}, number = {}, pages = {33-40}, doi = {10.1016/j.shpsc.2015.12.016}, pmid = {26806602}, issn = {1879-2499}, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; History, 19th Century ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; *Narration/history ; Natural History/history ; Philosophy/history ; Science/*history ; }, abstract = {Narratives may be easy to come by, but not everything is worth narrating. What merits a narrative? Here, I follow the lead of narratologists and literary theorists, and focus on one particular proposal concerning the elements of a story that make it narrative-worthy. These elements correspond to features of the natural world addressed by the historical sciences, where narratives figure so prominently. What matters is contingency. Narratives are especially good for representing contingency and accounting for contingent outcomes. This will be squared with a common view that narratives leave no room for chance. On the contrary, I will argue, tracing one path through a maze of alternative possibilities, and alluding to those possibilities along the way, is what a narrative does particularly well.}, }
@article {pmid26803346, year = {2016}, author = {Chien, AL and Qi, J and Cheng, N and Do, TT and Mesfin, M and Egbers, R and Xie, W and Chow, C and Chubb, H and Sachs, D and Voorhees, J and Kang, S}, title = {Perioral wrinkles are associated with female gender, aging, and smoking: Development of a gender-specific photonumeric scale.}, journal = {Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology}, volume = {74}, number = {5}, pages = {924-930}, doi = {10.1016/j.jaad.2015.11.042}, pmid = {26803346}, issn = {1097-6787}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Aging/*physiology ; Cohort Studies ; Confidence Intervals ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; *Life Style ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mouth ; Multivariate Analysis ; *Photography ; Regression Analysis ; Risk Factors ; Skin Aging/*physiology ; Smoking/*adverse effects ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Perioral wrinkling is commonly reported among older adults, but its objective evaluation and causes remain poorly understood.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: We sought to develop a photonumeric scale for perioral wrinkling and to elucidate contributory lifestyle factors.<br><br>METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we recruited participants for facial photographs and a survey. A gender-specific photonumeric scale for perioral wrinkling was developed and used by 3 graders to evaluate participant photographs. Scores and survey responses were used to create a multiple regression model to predict perioral wrinkling.<br><br>RESULTS: In all, 143 participants aged 21 to 91 years were enrolled. Intraclass correlation coefficient values for interrater and intrarater reliability were high (>0.8) across 2 trials and 3 graders. A multiple regression model for prediction of perioral wrinkling severity included age, gender, and years of smoking as variables.<br><br>LIMITATIONS: The study was limited by sample size and a predominantly Caucasian study population.<br><br>CONCLUSION: We created a photonumeric scale that accounts for gender differences in perioral wrinkling and highlighted contributory variables to photoaging in this anatomical location.}, }
@article {pmid26801495, year = {2016}, author = {Vernouillet, A and Anderson, J and Clary, D and Kelly, DM}, title = {Inhibition in Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana): results of a detour-reaching test.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {19}, number = {3}, pages = {661-665}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-016-0952-y}, pmid = {26801495}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Cognition ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Learning ; Male ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Problem Solving ; Spatial Behavior/physiology ; }, abstract = {Inhibition (i.e. the ability to restrain ineffective responses to a given stimulus) is a good indicator of complex cognitive abilities in animals. Inhibition has been demonstrated in a broad range of mammals with foraging style and social group size identified as potential influences of this ability. Whether these ecological factors also apply to birds has not been well studied. Corvids, a family of birds well known for being able to accomplish difficult cognitive tasks often requiring inhibition, are a good model for studying inhibitory control. During this study, we measured the ability of Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana), a relatively non-social, food specialist corvid to exercise inhibitory control during a detour-reaching test. Individuals had to retrieve a pine nut inserted into a transparent tube through one of the side openings without pecking directly at the nut from the front of the tube. Overall, nutcrackers were able to inhibit pecking directly at the food (i.e. prepotent response), instead detouring to the side to retrieve the reward. However, the nutcrackers first required a learning period before showing inhibitory control. The nutcrackers' ability to inhibit was lower than other corvids studied to date, and we discuss the implications of this result for the role of sociality and dietary breadth for the evolution of inhibitory control.}, }
@article {pmid26793670, year = {2015}, author = {Habibzadeh, A and Pourabdol, S and Saravani, S}, title = {The effect of emotion regulation training in decreasing emotion failures and self-injurious behaviors among students suffering from specific learning disorder (SLD).}, journal = {Medical journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran}, volume = {29}, number = {}, pages = {279}, pmid = {26793670}, issn = {1016-1430}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: A great deal of attention has been given to the study of learning disorders. Hence, the aim of this research was to study the effect of emotion regulation training in decreasing emotion failures and self-injurious behaviors among students suffering from specific learning disorder.<br><br>METHODS: This was an experimental study with the pre-test, post-test and a control group. Research population included all 5th grade male students suffering from specific learning disorder (case study: 5th grade students in Ardabil in 2015). Research sample included 40 male students suffering from specific learning disorder (SLD) who were selected through multi-step cluster sampling and classified into two groups: Experimental group (n= 20) and control group (n= 20). The following tools were used for data collection: Kay Math mathematic Test, Raven Intelligence Test, Reading Test of Shafiei et al, Falahchay Writing Expression, Emotion Failures Scale, Self-Injurious Behavior Questionnaire and Diagnostic Interview based on DSM-5. Data were analyzed by multivariate of variance analysis (MANOVA) model in the SPSS software version 22.<br><br>RESULTS: The results of MANOVA revealed that emotion regulation training was effective in decreasing emotion failures in all parameters (difficulty in describing feelings, difficulty in identifying feelings, and externally oriented thinking style) and self-injurious behaviors in students suffering from specific learning disorder (p< 0.001).<br><br>CONCLUSION: In this study, it was found that since emotion regulation training can have a remarkable effect on reducing negative emotions and increasing the positive ones; this treatment can play an eminent role in decreasing emotion failures and self-injurious behaviors in such students.}, }
@article {pmid26779962, year = {2016}, author = {Mahat, NA and Zainol-Abidin, NL and Nordin, NH and Abdul-Wahab, R and Jayaprakash, PT}, title = {Patterns of oviposition and development of Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) on burned rabbit carcasses.}, journal = {Forensic science international}, volume = {260}, number = {}, pages = {9-13}, doi = {10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.12.047}, pmid = {26779962}, issn = {1872-6283}, mesh = {Animals ; *Body Remains ; *Burns ; Diptera/*physiology ; *Feeding Behavior ; Fires ; Forensic Pathology ; Models, Animal ; *Oviposition ; Postmortem Changes ; Rabbits ; }, abstract = {Considering that crimes against animals such as illegal killing and cruelty have been alarmingly increasing and since burning is one of the common ways for disposing cadavers, ability to estimate minimum postmortem interval (PMI) using entomological data merits consideration. Chrysomya megacephala and Chrysomya rufifacies are common necrophagous species recovered from cadavers in many countries including Malaysia. Specific studies focusing on the oviposition and developmental patterns of both species on cadavers manifesting different levels of burn as described by the Crow-Glassman Scale (CGS) remain scarce. In four replicates, rabbit carcasses were burned to CGS levels #1, #2 and #3 by varying the amount of petrol used and duration of burning. Oviposition by C. megacephala and C. rufifacies was delayed by one day in the case of carcasses burned to the CGS level #3 (p<0.05) when compared with that of controls. Such delay in oviposition was not observed in the CGS level #1 and #2 carcasses. No significant differences (p>0.05) in the duration of development were found between control and burned carcasses. These findings deserve consideration while estimating minimum PMI since burning as a mean for disposing animal and human cadavers is gaining popularity.}, }
@article {pmid26726808, year = {2016}, author = {Baker, SE and Sharp, TM and Macdonald, DW}, title = {Assessing Animal Welfare Impacts in the Management of European Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), European Moles (Talpa europaea) and Carrion Crows (Corvus corone).}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {e0146298}, pmid = {26726808}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animal Culling/ethics/legislation &amp; jurisprudence/*methods ; Animal Distribution ; *Animal Welfare/ethics/legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; *Crows ; Euthanasia, Animal/ethics/methods ; Human Activities ; Models, Theoretical ; *Moles ; Pest Control/ethics/legislation &amp; jurisprudence/*methods ; *Rabbits ; Restraint, Physical/ethics/instrumentation/methods ; United Kingdom ; Wounds and Injuries/prevention &amp; control/veterinary ; Wounds, Gunshot/veterinary ; }, abstract = {Human-wildlife conflict is a global issue. Attempts to manage this conflict impact upon wild animal welfare, an issue receiving little attention until relatively recently. Where human activities harm animal welfare these effects should be minimised where possible. However, little is known about the welfare impacts of different wildlife management interventions, and opinions on impacts vary widely. Welfare impacts therefore need to be assessed objectively. Our objectives were to: 1) establish whether an existing welfare assessment model could differentiate and rank the impacts of different wildlife management interventions (for decision-making purposes); 2) identify and evaluate any additional benefits of making formal welfare assessments; and 3) illustrate issues raised by application of the model. We applied the welfare assessment model to interventions commonly used with rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), moles (Talpa europaea) and crows (Corvus corone) in the UK. The model ranked interventions for rabbits (least impact first: fencing, head shot, chest shot) and crows (shooting, scaring, live trapping with cervical dislocation). For moles, managing molehills and tunnels scored least impact. Both spring trapping, and live trapping followed by translocation, scored greater impacts, but these could not be compared directly as they scored on different axes of the model. Some rankings appeared counter-intuitive, highlighting the need for objective formal welfare assessments. As well as ranking the humaneness of interventions, the model highlighted future research needs and how Standard Operating Procedures might be improved. The model is a milestone in assessing wildlife management welfare impacts, but our research revealed some limitations of the model and we discuss likely challenges in resolving these. In future, the model might be developed to improve its utility, e.g. by refining the time-scales. It might also be used to reach consensus among stakeholders about relative welfare impacts or to identify ways of improving wildlife management practice in the field.}, }
@article {pmid28989931, year = {2016}, author = {Bird, SR and Held, S and McCormick, A and Hallett, J and Martin, C and Trottier, C}, title = {The Impact of Historical and Current Loss on Chronic Illness: Perceptions of Crow (Apsáalooke) People.}, journal = {International journal of indigenous health}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {198-210}, pmid = {28989931}, issn = {2291-9376}, support = {P20 GM103474/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; P20 GM104417/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; U54 GM104944/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {The purpose of this research was to gain a better understanding of perceptions about the impact of historical and current loss on Apsáalooke (Crow) people acquiring and coping with chronic illness. This study took a qualitative phenomenological approach by interviewing community members with chronic illness in order to gain insight into their perceptions and experiences. Participants emphasized 10 areas of impact of historical and current loss: the link between mental health and physical health/health behaviors; resiliency and strengths; connection and isolation; importance of language and language loss; changes in cultural knowledge and practices; diet; grieving; racism and discrimination; changes in land use and ownership; and boarding schools. The findings from this research are being used to develop a chronic illness self-care management program for Crow people.}, }
@article {pmid26705267, year = {2015}, author = {Kárpáti, J and Donauer, N and Somogyi, E and Kónya, A}, title = {Working Memory Integration Processes in Benign Childhood Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes.}, journal = {Cognitive and behavioral neurology : official journal of the Society for Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology}, volume = {28}, number = {4}, pages = {207-214}, doi = {10.1097/WNN.0000000000000075}, pmid = {26705267}, issn = {1543-3641}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Child ; Epilepsy, Rolandic/complications/*physiopathology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Memory Disorders/etiology/*physiopathology ; Memory, Short-Term/*physiology ; Neuropsychological Tests ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE AND BACKGROUND: Benign epilepsy of childhood with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) is the most frequent focal epilepsy in children; however, the pattern of affected memory processes remains controversial. Previous studies in BECTS imply deficits in complex working memory tasks, but not in simple modality-specific tasks. We studied working memory processes in children with BECTS by comparing performance in memory binding tasks of different complexities.<br><br>METHODS: We compared 17 children with BECTS (aged 6 to 13 years) to 17 healthy children matched for age, sex, and intelligence quotient. We measured spatial and verbal memory components separately and jointly on three single-binding tasks (binding of what and where; what and when; and where and when) and a combined-binding task (integration of what, where, and when). We also evaluated basic visuospatial memory functions with subtests of the Children's Memory Scale, and intellectual abilities with verbal tasks of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition and the Raven Progressive Matrices.<br><br>RESULTS: We found no difference between the BECTS and control groups in single-binding tasks; however, the children with BECTS performed significantly worse on the combined task, which included integration of spatial, verbal, and temporal information. We found no deficits in their intellectual abilities or basic visuospatial memory functions.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Children with BECTS may have intact simple maintenance processes of working memory, but difficulty with high-level functions requiring attentional and executive resources. Our findings imply no specific memory dysfunction in BECTS, but suggest difficulties in integrating information within working memory, and possible frontal lobe disturbances.}, }
@article {pmid26701755, year = {2015}, author = {Troscianko, J and Rutz, C}, title = {Activity profiles and hook-tool use of New Caledonian crows recorded by bird-borne video cameras.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {11}, number = {12}, pages = {20150777}, pmid = {26701755}, issn = {1744-957X}, support = {BB/G023913/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/G023913/2/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Acacia ; Animals ; *Appetitive Behavior ; Crows/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior ; Melaleuca ; New Caledonia ; *Tool Use Behavior ; Video Recording ; }, abstract = {New Caledonian crows are renowned for their unusually sophisticated tool behaviour. Despite decades of fieldwork, however, very little is known about how they make and use their foraging tools in the wild, which is largely owing to the difficulties in observing these shy forest birds. To obtain first estimates of activity budgets, as well as close-up observations of tool-assisted foraging, we equipped 19 wild crows with self-developed miniature video cameras, yielding more than 10 h of analysable video footage for 10 subjects. While only four crows used tools during recording sessions, they did so extensively: across all 10 birds, we conservatively estimate that tool-related behaviour occurred in 3% of total observation time, and accounted for 19% of all foraging behaviour. Our video-loggers provided first footage of crows manufacturing, and using, one of their most complex tool types--hooked stick tools--under completely natural foraging conditions. We recorded manufacture from live branches of paperbark (Melaleuca sp.) and another tree species (thought to be Acacia spirorbis), and deployment of tools in a range of contexts, including on the forest floor. Taken together, our video recordings reveal an 'expanded' foraging niche for hooked stick tools, and highlight more generally how crows routinely switch between tool- and bill-assisted foraging.}, }
@article {pmid26691117, year = {2016}, author = {Burt, RD and Thiede, H}, title = {Reduction in Needle Sharing Among Seattle-Area Injection Drug Users Across 4 Surveys, 1994-2013.}, journal = {American journal of public health}, volume = {106}, number = {2}, pages = {301-307}, pmid = {26691117}, issn = {1541-0048}, support = {U1B PS003250/PS/NCHHSTP CDC HHS/United States ; 5U1BPS003250//PHS HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Drug Users/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Female ; HIV Infections/epidemiology ; Humans ; Longitudinal Studies ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Needle Sharing/adverse effects/*trends ; Risk-Taking ; Substance Abuse, Intravenous/*epidemiology ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Washington/epidemiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: We evaluated time trends in sharing needles and other injection equipment from 1994 to 2013 among injection drug users in the Seattle, Washington area.<br><br>METHODS: We combined data from 4 sources: the Risk Activity Variables, Epidemiology, and Network (RAVEN) study, recruited from institutional settings; the Kiwi study, recruited from jails; National HIV Behavioral Surveillance system (NHBS) surveys, which used respondent-driven sampling; and surveys at needle-exchange sites.<br><br>RESULTS: Levels of needle sharing were higher in the earlier studies: RAVEN, 1994 to 1997 (43%) and Kiwi, 1998 to 2002 (61%). In the NHBS surveys, the initial level of 44% in 2005 declined to 31% in the period 2009 to 2012. Across needle-exchange surveys (2009-2013) the level was 21%. There was a parallel reduction in sharing other injection equipment. These trends persisted after control for sociodemographic and risk-associated variables. There was a contemporaneous increase in the number of needles distributed by local needle exchanges and a decline in the number of reported HIV cases among injection drug users.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The apparent long-term reduction in sharing injection equipment suggests substantial success in public health efforts to reduce the sharing of injection equipment.}, }
@article {pmid26665221, year = {2015}, author = {Papantoniou, G and Moraitou, D and Dinou, M and Katsadima, E and Savvidou, E and Foutsitzi, E and Masoura, E}, title = {Comparing the latent structure of Raven's educational coloured progressive matrices among young children and older adults: A preliminary study.}, journal = {Hellenic journal of nuclear medicine}, volume = {18 Suppl 1}, number = {}, pages = {122-130}, pmid = {26665221}, issn = {1790-5427}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was the comparison of the general cognitive ability (g) between young children and older adults through the investigation of the latent structure qualitative changes in [R] Educational Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM) from age to age, using Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA) and testing a conventional unidimensional model.<br><br>METHOD: The sample consisted of 42 kindergarten and 56 elementary school students (age range: 5-8 years) and 118 new-old adults and 27 old-old adults (age range: 61-88 years). The participants' cognitive abilities were examined in: (a) the Raven's Educational CPM test, and (b) the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).<br><br>RESULTS: CFA applied to data of the total sample, elementary school students subsample and new-old adults subsample, indicating that individual variability across [R] CPM measured variables (total scores for each of the three sets) can be modeled by one latent variable (a single underlying factor). The same pattern of [R] CPM latent structure was not verified for the subsamples of kindergarten students and old-old adults, since the variance of a single underlying factor was not found to be statistically significant.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The results support the existence of a different factor structure in [R] Educational CPM between first- to second- grade elementary school students and new-old adults, on the one hand, and kindergarten students and old-old adults, on the other. This difference could possibly reflect the underdevelopment of inductive reasoning and executive functioning in the group of kindergarten students and the disorganization of them in the group of old-old adults.}, }
@article {pmid26656724, year = {2017}, author = {Veit, L and Hartmann, K and Nieder, A}, title = {Spatially Tuned Neurons in Corvid Nidopallium Caudolaterale Signal Target Position During Visual Search.}, journal = {Cerebral cortex (New York, N.Y. : 1991)}, volume = {27}, number = {2}, pages = {1103-1112}, doi = {10.1093/cercor/bhv299}, pmid = {26656724}, issn = {1460-2199}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; Executive Function ; Female ; Functional Laterality/physiology ; Memory, Short-Term/physiology ; Neurons/*physiology ; Photic Stimulation ; Prefrontal Cortex/*physiology ; Psychomotor Performance/*physiology ; Reaction Time/physiology ; Signal Detection, Psychological/*physiology ; Space Perception/*physiology ; Telencephalon/*physiology ; Visual Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The avian pallial endbrain area nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL) shows important similarities to mammalian prefrontal cortex in connectivity, dopamine neurochemistry, and function. Neuronal processing in NCL has been studied with respect to sensory, cognitive, and reward information, but little is known about its role in more direct control of motor behavior. We investigated NCL activity during the choice period of a delayed match-to-sample task, as 2 trained crows searched and selected a previously remembered visual target among an array of 4 pictures. The crows exhibited behavioral response patterns consistent with serial visual search. Many single NCL neurons were spatially tuned to specific target positions during visual search and directed motor behavior. Moreover, single NCL neurons dynamically changed their tuning properties to represent different behaviorally relevant task variables across the trial. In consecutive task periods, single neurons responded to visual stimuli, stored stimulus information in working memory, guided goal-directed behavior depending on the remembered target picture, and encoded trial outcomes. This flexible encoding of all task-relevant aspects in the executive control of goal-directed behavior represents a striking convergence to neuronal encoding in primate prefrontal cortex. These data highlight key properties of associative endbrain areas underlying flexible cognitive behavior in corvids and primates.}, }
@article {pmid26648878, year = {2015}, author = {Dimitriou, D and Le Cornu Knight, F and Milton, P}, title = {The Role of Environmental Factors on Sleep Patterns and School Performance in Adolescents.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {1717}, pmid = {26648878}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Modern life, with its many distractions, is seeing sleep quantity and quality decline during adolescence. This is a concern as research persuasively demonstrates the negative impact of reduced sleep on academic achievement, both in terms of learning and behavior.<br><br>AIMS: This study examined the relationship between sleep and school functioning in adolescence, with a focus on environmental factors that might mediate this relationship.<br><br>SAMPLE AND METHOD: Forty-seven adolescents took part. Sleep was measured using the School Sleep Habits Survey (SSHS) and a sleep diary. School records of year grade point averages provided a measure of academic achievement. Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices gave a measure of general cognitive processing. Environmental sleep factors falling into three groups, namely, stimulant consumption, media use and exercise, were measured using a self-report questionnaire.<br><br>RESULTS: An average of 7.08 h of sleep was reported. Correlations revealed that Total sleep time (TST) and bedtimes on weekdays were strongly associated with academic achievement. Morning/eveningness and sleep/wake behavior problems had a strong relationship with performance on the Ravens. Stimulant consumption and media use before bed revealed strong relationships with TST and bedtimes on weekdays. Crucially, mediation analyses confirmed that both caffeine consumption and electronic media use before bedtime were negatively associated with academic performance, via the mediating pathway by affecting sleep. Exercise was not associated with any of the sleep variables, but was associated with better academic performance.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The current findings highlight that, now more than ever, parents, schools and policy makers must be aware of the negative effects of caffeinated substances marketed to students, and electronic media use on their sleep habits. Our findings suggest that targeting caffeine consumption and electronic media use before bed may represent effective routes in alleviating modern teenage sleep debt, and in turn enhancing academic performance.}, }
@article {pmid26647979, year = {2015}, author = {Wójcik, A and Merecz-Kot, D and Andysz, A}, title = {Why do employees follow their superiors' instructions? Identification of the reasons to comply with superiors' will in a group of Polish employees.}, journal = {Medycyna pracy}, volume = {66}, number = {5}, pages = {605-614}, doi = {10.13075/mp.5893.00129}, pmid = {26647979}, issn = {0465-5893}, mesh = {*Administrative Personnel ; Adult ; Female ; Humans ; *Interpersonal Relations ; Male ; *Motivation ; Poland ; *Power, Psychological ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Workplace/*organization &amp; administration/*psychology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Managers influence the way organization works as well as the functioning of subordinates - in the context of their work life but non-professional functioning as well e.g., attitude towards work-life balance or taking care of health. We focused on the superior-subordinate relation, referring to social power bases theory by Raven. We identified the reasons why subordinates decide to follow their superiors' orders and determined specific styles of compliance with superiors' will. Understanding why employees listen to their superiors may be valuable in the context of supporting healthy organizational climate and atmosphere of co-operation or communicating values - for example, as regards taking care of own health. We discussed the results referring to the issue of influencing employees in the context of their health behavior.<br><br>MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research involved 100 Polish employees, aged 28 years old on average, who filled in the Interpersonal Power Inventory by Raven et al. for subordinates in a Polish adaptation by Zaleski. The questionnaire includes 11 subscales referring to power bases.<br><br>RESULTS: Based on the cluster analysis results, we recognized people who complied because of: all kinds of power bases (typical for 46% of the respondents); the respect for superiors' professionalism (34%); and formal/objective reasons (20%).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Employees differ in terms of their styles of compliance. Their motives to comply with superiors' instructions constitute compilations of power bases. The superiors' awareness of the reasons why their employees decide to follow orders is necessary for successful management. It may motivate employees to work but also to take care of their own health.}, }
@article {pmid26631484, year = {2016}, author = {Stocker, M and Munteanu, A and Stöwe, M and Schwab, C and Palme, R and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Loner or socializer? Ravens' adrenocortical response to individual separation depends on social integration.}, journal = {Hormones and behavior}, volume = {78}, number = {}, pages = {194-199}, pmid = {26631484}, issn = {1095-6867}, support = {P 26806/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; W 1234/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Corticosterone/*metabolism ; Crows/metabolism/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Psychological Distance ; *Social Isolation ; Stress, Psychological/*metabolism ; }, abstract = {Non-breeding common ravens (Corvus corax) live in complex social groups with a high degree of fission-fusion dynamics. They form valuable relationships and alliances with some conspecifics, while taking coordinated action against others. In ravens, affiliates reconcile their conflicts, console each other after conflicts with a third party, and provide each other with social support - all behaviors that presumably reduce corticosterone levels and alleviate stress. However, how well an individual is socially integrated in a (sub)group might vary substantially. This raises the question whether the social integration of a raven affects its stress responses to fission-fusion dynamics. The present study aims to investigate this effect experimentally by separating single ravens (n=16) individually from their group for four days and subsequently reintroducing them. To determine stress response patterns in the separated individuals we measured the amounts of immunoreactive corticosterone metabolites (CM) in droppings. We compared two enzyme immunoassays, which we validated by conducting an ACTH challenge, and finally decided to apply an 11-oxoetiocholanolone enzyme immunoassay. Additionally, we determined levels of social integration using focal observations. Our findings suggest that a strong social integration is related to low CM levels when the individuals are within the group and high levels during separations, implying that separation leads to stress in these birds. In contrast, poorly socially integrated ravens seem to exhibit the opposite pattern, indicating that to them group living is more stressful than being temporarily separated. We, therefore, conclude that the birds' adrenocortical activity is modulated by their social integration.}, }
@article {pmid26620957, year = {2016}, author = {Stevens, JR and Kennedy, BA and Morales, D and Burks, M}, title = {The domain specificity of intertemporal choice in pinyon jays.}, journal = {Psychonomic bulletin &amp; review}, volume = {23}, number = {3}, pages = {915-921}, pmid = {26620957}, issn = {1531-5320}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Choice Behavior ; Conditioning, Operant ; *Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Food ; Food Storage ; Male ; Passeriformes ; *Self-Control ; }, abstract = {When choosing between a piece of cake now versus a slimmer waistline in the future, many of us have difficulty with self-control. Food-caching species, however, regularly hide food for later recovery, sometimes waiting months before retrieving their caches. It remains unclear whether these long-term choices generalize outside of the caching domain. We hypothesized that the ability to save for the future is a general tendency that cuts across different situations. To test this hypothesis, we measured and experimentally manipulated caching to evaluate its relationship with operant measures of self-control in pinyon jays (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus). We found no correlation between caching and self-control at the individual level, and experimentally increasing caching did not influence self-control. The self-control required for caching food, therefore, does not carry over to other foraging tasks, suggesting that it is domain specific in pinyon jays.}, }
@article {pmid26615214, year = {2016}, author = {Guillot, G and Jónsson, H and Hinge, A and Manchih, N and Orlando, L}, title = {Accurate continuous geographic assignment from low- to high-density SNP data.}, journal = {Bioinformatics (Oxford, England)}, volume = {32}, number = {7}, pages = {1106-1108}, doi = {10.1093/bioinformatics/btv703}, pmid = {26615214}, issn = {1367-4811}, mesh = {*Data Interpretation, Statistical ; *Genotype ; *High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Humans ; Models, Theoretical ; Monte Carlo Method ; *Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; }, abstract = {MOTIVATION: Large-scale genotype datasets can help track the dispersal patterns of epidemiological outbreaks and predict the geographic origins of individuals. Such genetically-based geographic assignments also show a range of possible applications in forensics for profiling both victims and criminals, and in wildlife management, where poaching hotspot areas can be located. They, however, require fast and accurate statistical methods to handle the growing amount of genetic information made available from genotype arrays and next-generation sequencing technologies.<br><br>RESULTS: We introduce a novel statistical method for geopositioning individuals of unknown origin from genotypes. Our method is based on a geostatistical model trained with a dataset of georeferenced genotypes. Statistical inference under this model can be implemented within the theoretical framework of Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation, which represents one of the major recent breakthroughs in statistics, as it does not require Monte Carlo simulations. We compare the performance of our method and an alternative method for geospatial inference, SPA in a simulation framework. We highlight the accuracy and limits of continuous spatial assignment methods at various scales by analyzing genotype datasets from a diversity of species, including Florida Scrub-jay birds Aphelocoma coerulescens, Arabidopsis thaliana and humans, representing 41-197,146 SNPs. Our method appears to be best suited for the analysis of medium-sized datasets (a few tens of thousands of loci), such as reduced-representation sequencing data that become increasingly available in ecology.<br><br>http://www2.imm.dtu.dk/&#x223c;gigu/Spasiba/<br><br>CONTACT: gilles.b.guillot@gmail.com<br><br>SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.}, }
@article {pmid26601258, year = {2015}, author = {Greeney, HF and Meneses, MR and Hamilton, CE and Lichter-Marck, E and Mannan, RW and Snyder, N and Snyder, H and Wethington, SM and Dyer, LA}, title = {Trait-mediated trophic cascade creates enemy-free space for nesting hummingbirds.}, journal = {Science advances}, volume = {1}, number = {8}, pages = {e1500310}, pmid = {26601258}, issn = {2375-2548}, abstract = {The indirect effects of predators on nonadjacent trophic levels, mediated through traits of intervening species, are collectively known as trait-mediated trophic cascades. Although birds are important predators in terrestrial ecosystems, clear examples of trait-mediated indirect effects involving bird predators have almost never been documented. Such indirect effects are important for structuring ecological communities and are likely to be negatively impacted by habitat fragmentation, climate change, and other factors that reduce abundance of top predators. We demonstrate that hummingbirds in Arizona realize increased breeding success when nesting in association with hawks. An enemy-free nesting space is created when jays, an important source of mortality for hummingbird nests, alter their foraging behavior in the presence of their hawk predators.}, }
@article {pmid26598669, year = {2015}, author = {Veit, L and Pidpruzhnykova, G and Nieder, A}, title = {Associative learning rapidly establishes neuronal representations of upcoming behavioral choices in crows.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {112}, number = {49}, pages = {15208-15213}, pmid = {26598669}, issn = {1091-6490}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Crows/*physiology ; *Learning ; Neurons/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The ability to form associations between behaviorally relevant sensory stimuli is fundamental for goal-directed behaviors. We investigated neuronal activity in the telencephalic area nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL) while two crows (Corvus corone) performed a delayed association task. Whereas some paired associates were familiar to the crows, novel associations had to be learned and mapped to the same target stimuli within a single session. We found neurons that prospectively encoded the chosen test item during the delay for both familiar and newly learned associations. These neurons increased their selectivity during learning in parallel with the crows' increased behavioral performance. Thus, sustained activity in the NCL actively processes information for the upcoming behavioral choice. These data provide new insights into memory representations of behaviorally meaningful stimuli in birds, and how such representations are formed during learning. The findings suggest that the NCL plays a role in learning arbitrary associations, a cornerstone of corvids' remarkable behavioral flexibility and adaptability.}, }
@article {pmid26590982, year = {2016}, author = {Brugués, A and Bromuri, S and Barry, M and Del Toro, &#xd3;J and Mazurkiewicz, MR and Kardas, P and Pegueroles, J and Schumacher, M}, title = {Processing Diabetes Mellitus Composite Events in MAGPIE.}, journal = {Journal of medical systems}, volume = {40}, number = {2}, pages = {44}, pmid = {26590982}, issn = {1573-689X}, mesh = {Chronic Disease ; Diabetes Mellitus/*therapy ; *Expert Systems ; *Health Information Exchange ; Humans ; Internet ; *Mobile Applications ; Patient Care Team/*organization &amp; administration ; Smartphone ; Telemetry ; }, abstract = {The focus of this research is in the definition of programmable expert Personal Health Systems (PHS) to monitor patients affected by chronic diseases using agent oriented programming and mobile computing to represent the interactions happening amongst the components of the system. The paper also discusses issues of knowledge representation within the medical domain when dealing with temporal patterns concerning the physiological values of the patient. In the presented agent based PHS the doctors can personalize for each patient monitoring rules that can be defined in a graphical way. Furthermore, to achieve better scalability, the computations for monitoring the patients are distributed among their devices rather than being performed in a centralized server. The system is evaluated using data of 21 diabetic patients to detect temporal patterns according to a set of monitoring rules defined. The system's scalability is evaluated by comparing it with a centralized approach. The evaluation concerning the detection of temporal patterns highlights the system's ability to monitor chronic patients affected by diabetes. Regarding the scalability, the results show the fact that an approach exploiting the use of mobile computing is more scalable than a centralized approach. Therefore, more likely to satisfy the needs of next generation PHSs. PHSs are becoming an adopted technology to deal with the surge of patients affected by chronic illnesses. This paper discusses architectural choices to make an agent based PHS more scalable by using a distributed mobile computing approach. It also discusses how to model the medical knowledge in the PHS in such a way that it is modifiable at run time. The evaluation highlights the necessity of distributing the reasoning to the mobile part of the system and that modifiable rules are able to deal with the change in lifestyle of the patients affected by chronic illnesses.}, }
@article {pmid26582537, year = {2015}, author = {Klump, BC and Sugasawa, S and St Clair, JJ and Rutz, C}, title = {Hook tool manufacture in New Caledonian crows: behavioural variation and the influence of raw materials.}, journal = {BMC biology}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {97}, pmid = {26582537}, issn = {1741-7007}, support = {BB/G023913/1//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Crows/*physiology ; New Caledonia ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: New Caledonian crows use a range of foraging tools, and are the only non-human species known to craft hooks. Based on a small number of observations, their manufacture of hooked stick tools has previously been described as a complex, multi-stage process. Tool behaviour is shaped by genetic predispositions, individual and social learning, and/or ecological influences, but disentangling the relative contributions of these factors remains a major research challenge. The properties of raw materials are an obvious, but largely overlooked, source of variation in tool-manufacture behaviour. We conducted experiments with wild-caught New Caledonian crows, to assess variation in their hooked stick tool making, and to investigate how raw-material properties affect the manufacture process.<br><br>RESULTS: In Experiment 1, we showed that New Caledonian crows' manufacture of hooked stick tools can be much more variable than previously thought (85 tools by 18 subjects), and can involve two newly-discovered behaviours: 'pulling' for detaching stems and bending of the tool shaft. Crows' tool manufactures varied significantly: in the number of different action types employed; in the time spent processing the hook and bending the tool shaft; and in the structure of processing sequences. In Experiment 2, we examined the interaction of crows with raw materials of different properties, using a novel paradigm that enabled us to determine subjects' rank-ordered preferences (42 tools by 7 subjects). Plant properties influenced: the order in which crows selected stems; whether a hooked tool was manufactured; the time required to release a basic tool; and, possibly, the release technique, the number of behavioural actions, and aspects of processing behaviour. Results from Experiment 2 suggested that at least part of the natural behavioural variation observed in Experiment 1 is due to the effect of raw-material properties.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our discovery of novel manufacture behaviours indicates a plausible scenario for the evolutionary origins, and gradual refinement, of New Caledonian crows' hooked stick tool making. Furthermore, our experimental demonstration of a link between raw-material properties and aspects of tool manufacture provides an alternative hypothesis for explaining regional differences in tool behaviours observed in New Caledonian crows, and some primate species.}, }
@article {pmid26581321, year = {2016}, author = {Tornick, JK and Rushia, SN and Gibson, BM}, title = {Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana) are sensitive to distance, but not lighting when caching in the presence of a conspecific.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {123}, number = {}, pages = {125-133}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2015.10.023}, pmid = {26581321}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; Distance Perception/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior/physiology ; Female ; Food Preferences ; Lighting ; Male ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {We examined the caching behavior of the Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana), a relatively asocial corvid bird, during social and non-social conditions with conspecifics. Past work by Dally et al., (2004, 2005a) has found that the related but more social scrub jay (Aphelocoma californica) caches food in locations that are far away or that are more dimly illuminated when in the presence of an observer. Here, we used procedures comparable to those of Dally's group to examine if the less social nutcracker is also sensitive to these same factors when caching in the presence of a conspecific. We found that nutcrackers cached nuts farther away, but showed no preference for caching in a dimly compared to a brightly illuminated area when in the presence of a conspecific observer. When comparing the measures of cache protection used in the past work with scrub jays the results are consistent with the social organization of these birds; that is, the less social nutcracker engaged in fewer cache protection behaviors than the more social scrub jays, However, we explore other possible explanations for our findings given the wider body of literature on corvid cache protection suggesting that nutcrackers and scrub jays may be more comparable.}, }
@article {pmid26539071, year = {2015}, author = {Lee, S and Zipunnikov, V and Reich, DS and Pham, DL}, title = {Statistical image analysis of longitudinal RAVENS images.}, journal = {Frontiers in neuroscience}, volume = {9}, number = {}, pages = {368}, pmid = {26539071}, issn = {1662-4548}, support = {R01 HL123407/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MH095836/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; R01 NS070906/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; K01 AG051348/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; R01 NS060910/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Regional analysis of volumes examined in normalized space (RAVENS) are transformation images used in the study of brain morphometry. In this paper, RAVENS images are analyzed using a longitudinal variant of voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and longitudinal functional principal component analysis (LFPCA) for high-dimensional images. We demonstrate that the latter overcomes the limitations of standard longitudinal VBM analyses, which does not separate registration errors from other longitudinal changes and baseline patterns. This is especially important in contexts where longitudinal changes are only a small fraction of the overall observed variability, which is typical in normal aging and many chronic diseases. Our simulation study shows that LFPCA effectively separates registration error from baseline and longitudinal signals of interest by decomposing RAVENS images measured at multiple visits into three components: a subject-specific imaging random intercept that quantifies the cross-sectional variability, a subject-specific imaging slope that quantifies the irreversible changes over multiple visits, and a subject-visit specific imaging deviation. We describe strategies to identify baseline/longitudinal variation and registration errors combined with covariates of interest. Our analysis suggests that specific regional brain atrophy and ventricular enlargement are associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) disease progression.}, }
@article {pmid26529116, year = {2015}, author = {St Clair, JJH and Burns, ZT and Bettaney, EM and Morrissey, MB and Otis, B and Ryder, TB and Fleischer, RC and James, R and Rutz, C}, title = {Experimental resource pulses influence social-network dynamics and the potential for information flow in tool-using crows.}, journal = {Nature communications}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {7197}, pmid = {26529116}, issn = {2041-1723}, support = {BB/G023913/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/G023913/2//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Computer Simulation ; *Crows ; Environment ; *Information Dissemination ; *Social Behavior ; *Social Learning ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Social-network dynamics have profound consequences for biological processes such as information flow, but are notoriously difficult to measure in the wild. We used novel transceiver technology to chart association patterns across 19 days in a wild population of the New Caledonian crow--a tool-using species that may socially learn, and culturally accumulate, tool-related information. To examine the causes and consequences of changing network topology, we manipulated the environmental availability of the crows' preferred tool-extracted prey, and simulated, in silico, the diffusion of information across field-recorded time-ordered networks. Here we show that network structure responds quickly to environmental change and that novel information can potentially spread rapidly within multi-family communities, especially when tool-use opportunities are plentiful. At the same time, we report surprisingly limited social contact between neighbouring crow communities. Such scale dependence in information-flow dynamics is likely to influence the evolution and maintenance of material cultures.}, }
@article {pmid26521671, year = {2015}, author = {Kline, W}, title = {Communicating a New Consciousness: Countercultural Print and the Home Birth Movement in the 1970s.}, journal = {Bulletin of the history of medicine}, volume = {89}, number = {3}, pages = {527-556}, doi = {10.1353/bhm.2015.0065}, pmid = {26521671}, issn = {0007-5140}, mesh = {*Communication ; Culture ; Female ; History, 20th Century ; Home Childbirth/*history ; Humans ; Midwifery/*history ; Pregnancy ; *Reference Books, Medical ; United Kingdom ; United States ; }, abstract = {This essay analyzes the production of three influential home birth texts of the 1970s written by self-proclaimed lay midwives that helped to fuel and sustain a movement in alternative birth practices. As part of a countercultural lifestyle print culture, early "how-to" books (Raven Lang's The Birth Book, Ina May Gaskin's Spiritual Midwifery) provided readers with vivid images and accounts in stark contrast to those of the sterile hospital delivery room. By the end of the decade, Rahima Baldwin's more mainstream guidebook, Special Delivery, indicated an interest in translating home birth to a wider audience who did not necessarily identify as "countercultural." Lay midwives who were authors of radical print texts in the 1970s played an important role in reshaping expectations about the birth experience, suggesting a need to rethink how we define the counterculture and its legacies.}, }
@article {pmid26507378, year = {2015}, author = {Tamborini, M}, title = {[The Roots of Idiographic Paleontology: Karl Alfred von Zittel's Methodology and Conception of the Fossil Record].}, journal = {NTM}, volume = {23}, number = {3-4}, pages = {117-142}, pmid = {26507378}, issn = {1420-9144}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; *Concept Formation ; Extinction, Biological ; *Fossils ; History, 19th Century ; History, 20th Century ; Humans ; *Knowledge ; Microscopy ; Natural History/*history ; Paleontology/*history ; *Research Design ; Science/history ; }, abstract = {This paper examines Karl Alfred von Zittel’s practice in order to uncover the roots of so-called idiographic paleontology.The great American paleontologist Stephen Jay Gould (1941–2002) defined the discipline of idiographic paleontology as illustration and description of the morphological features of extinct species. However, this approach does not investigate macroevolutionary patterns and processes. On the contrary, the paleobiological revolution of the 1970s implemented an epistemic methodology that illustrates macrovelutionary patterns and laws by combining idiographic data with a nomothetic form of explanation. This article elucidates the features of the idiographic data as well as the acquired knowledge coupled with this approach. First of all, Heinrich G. Bronn’s (1800–1862) statistical method is analyzed. Zittel’s practice arose as a reaction against the approximate conclusions reached by Bronn’s quantitative approach. Second, the details of Zittel’s methodology are described in order to bring out its peculiarities.The microscope played a pivotal role in creating and forming Zittel’s morphological data. This analysis sheds new light on the reasons behind the so-called ideographic paleontology, thus revising Gould’s historical reconstruction, as well as on the notion of paleontological data. However, even though Zittel aimed at reaching precise and stable conclusions,his data cannot be used for elucidating evolutionary mechanisms: they are scientific in a purely descriptive sense, but completely useless for biological investigations. Finally, this paper examines how Zittel’s methodology affects the contemporary paleobiological enterprise and thereby reflects upon the notion of natural history.}, }
@article {pmid26488587, year = {2016}, author = {Hayes, TR and Petrov, AA}, title = {Pupil Diameter Tracks the Exploration-Exploitation Trade-off during Analogical Reasoning and Explains Individual Differences in Fluid Intelligence.}, journal = {Journal of cognitive neuroscience}, volume = {28}, number = {2}, pages = {308-318}, doi = {10.1162/jocn_a_00895}, pmid = {26488587}, issn = {1530-8898}, support = {R21 EY022745/EY/NEI NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Exploratory Behavior/*physiology ; Eye Movement Measurements ; Eye Movements/physiology ; Female ; Humans ; *Individuality ; *Intelligence ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Organ Size ; Pupil/*physiology ; Reaction Time ; Speech ; *Thinking/physiology ; Time ; }, abstract = {The ability to adaptively shift between exploration and exploitation control states is critical for optimizing behavioral performance. Converging evidence from primate electrophysiology and computational neural modeling has suggested that this ability may be mediated by the broad norepinephrine projections emanating from the locus coeruleus (LC) [Aston-Jones, G., &amp; Cohen, J. D. An integrative theory of locus coeruleus-norepinephrine function: Adaptive gain and optimal performance. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 28, 403-450, 2005]. There is also evidence that pupil diameter covaries systematically with LC activity. Although imperfect and indirect, this link makes pupillometry a useful tool for studying the locus coeruleus norepinephrine system in humans and in high-level tasks. Here, we present a novel paradigm that examines how the pupillary response during exploration and exploitation covaries with individual differences in fluid intelligence during analogical reasoning on Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices. Pupillometry was used as a noninvasive proxy for LC activity, and concurrent think-aloud verbal protocols were used to identify exploratory and exploitative solution periods. This novel combination of pupillometry and verbal protocols from 40 participants revealed a decrease in pupil diameter during exploitation and an increase during exploration. The temporal dynamics of the pupillary response was characterized by a steep increase during the transition to exploratory periods, sustained dilation for many seconds afterward, and followed by gradual return to baseline. Moreover, the individual differences in the relative magnitude of pupillary dilation accounted for 16% of the variance in Advanced Progressive Matrices scores. Assuming that pupil diameter is a valid index of LC activity, these results establish promising preliminary connections between the literature on locus coeruleus norepinephrine-mediated cognitive control and the literature on analogical reasoning and fluid intelligence.}, }
@article {pmid26483829, year = {2015}, author = {Satoh, M and Yuba, T and Tabei, K and Okubo, Y and Kida, H and Sakuma, H and Tomimoto, H}, title = {Music Therapy Using Singing Training Improves Psychomotor Speed in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease: A Neuropsychological and fMRI Study.}, journal = {Dementia and geriatric cognitive disorders extra}, volume = {5}, number = {3}, pages = {296-308}, pmid = {26483829}, issn = {1664-5464}, abstract = {BACKGROUND/AIMS: To investigate the effect of singing training on the cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients.<br><br>METHODS: Ten AD patients (mean age 78.1 years) participated in music therapy using singing training once a week for 6 months (music therapy group). Each session was performed with professional musicians using karaoke and a unique voice training method (the YUBA Method). Before and after the intervention period, each patient was assessed by neuropsychological batteries, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed while the patients sang familiar songs with a karaoke device. As the control group, another 10 AD patients were recruited (mean age 77.0 years), and neuropsychological assessments were performed twice with an interval of 6 months.<br><br>RESULTS: In the music therapy group, the time for completion of the Japanese Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices was significantly reduced (p = 0.026), and the results obtained from interviewing the patients' caregivers revealed a significant decrease in the Neuropsychiatric Inventory score (p = 0.042) and a prolongation of the patients' sleep time (p = 0.039). The fMRI study revealed increased activity in the right angular gyrus and the left lingual gyrus in the before-minus-after subtraction analysis of the music therapy intervention.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Music therapy intervention using singing training may be useful for dementia patients by improving the neural efficacy of cognitive processing.}, }
@article {pmid26480857, year = {2015}, author = {Šovčíková, E and Wimmerová, S and Strémy, M and Kotianová, J and Loffredo, CA and Murínová, &#x13d;P and Chovancová, J and Čonka, K and Lancz, K and Trnovec, T}, title = {Simple reaction time in 8-9-year old children environmentally exposed to PCBs.}, journal = {Neurotoxicology}, volume = {51}, number = {}, pages = {138-144}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuro.2015.10.005}, pmid = {26480857}, issn = {1872-9711}, mesh = {Child ; Environmental Exposure/*adverse effects ; Environmental Pollutants/blood/*toxicity ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Polychlorinated Biphenyls/blood/*toxicity ; Reaction Time/*drug effects ; }, abstract = {Simple reaction time (SRT) has been studied in children exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), with variable results. In the current work we examined SRT in 146 boys and 161 girls, aged 8.53 ± 0.65 years (mean ± SD), exposed to PCBs in the environment of eastern Slovakia. We divided the children into tertiles with regard to increasing PCB serum concentration. The mean ± SEM serum concentration of the sum of 15 PCB congeners was 191.15 ± 5.39, 419.23 ± 8.47, and 1315.12 ± 92.57 ng/g lipids in children of the first, second, and third tertiles, respectively. We created probability distribution plots for each child from their multiple trials of the SRT testing. We fitted response time distributions from all valid trials with the ex-Gaussian function, a convolution of a normal and an additional exponential function, providing estimates of three independent parameters μ, σ, and τ. μ is the mean of the normal component, σ is the standard deviation of the normal component, and τ is the mean of the exponential component. Group response time distributions were calculated using the Vincent averaging technique. A Q-Q plot comparing probability distribution of the first vs. third tertile indicated that deviation of the quantiles of the latter tertile from those of the former begins at the 40th percentile and does not show a positive acceleration. This was confirmed in comparison of the ex-Gaussian parameters of these two tertiles adjusted for sex, age, Raven IQ of the child, mother's and father's education, behavior at home and school, and BMI: the results showed that the parameters μ and τ significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased with PCB exposure. Similar increases of the ex-Gaussian parameter τ in children suffering from ADHD have been previously reported and interpreted as intermittent attentional lapses, but were not seen in our cohort. Our study has confirmed that environmental exposure of children to PCBs is associated with prolongation of simple reaction time reflecting impairment of cognitive functions.}, }
@article {pmid26462404, year = {2015}, author = {Graff, G}, title = {Redesigning Racial Caste in America via Mass Incarceration.}, journal = {The Journal of psychohistory}, volume = {43}, number = {2}, pages = {120-133}, pmid = {26462404}, issn = {0145-3378}, mesh = {Black or African American ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Humans ; Prisoners/history ; Prisons/*history ; Racism/*history ; *Residence Characteristics ; Social Class ; Socioeconomic Factors ; United States ; }, abstract = {This article argues that the era of mass incarceration can be understood as a new tactic in the history of American racism. Slavery was ended by the Civil War, but after Reconstruction, the gains of the former slaves were eroded by Jim Crow (a rigid pattern of racial segregation), lynching, disenfranchisement, sharecropping, tenantry, unequal educational resources, terrorism, and convict leasing. The Civil Rights Movement struck down legal barriers, but we have chosen to deal with the problems of poverty and race not so differently than we have in the past. The modern version of convict leasing, is mass incarceration. This article documents the dramatic change in American drug policy beginning with Reagan's October, 1982 announcement of the War on Drugs, the subsequent 274 percent growth in the prison and jail populations, and the devastating and disproportionate effect on inner city African Americans. Just as the Jim Crow laws were a reaction to the freeing of the slaves after the Civil War, mass incarceration can be understood as a reaction to the Civil Rights Movement.}, }
@article {pmid26460512, year = {2015}, author = {Griesser, M and Halvarsson, P and Drobniak, SM and Vilà, C}, title = {Fine-scale kin recognition in the absence of social familiarity in the Siberian jay, a monogamous bird species.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {24}, number = {22}, pages = {5726-5738}, doi = {10.1111/mec.13420}, pmid = {26460512}, issn = {1365-294X}, mesh = {*Aggression ; Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Female ; Male ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Models, Biological ; Passeriformes/*genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Kin recognition is a critical element to kin cooperation, and in vertebrates, it is primarily based on associative learning. Recognition of socially unfamiliar kin occurs rarely, and it is reported only in vertebrate species where promiscuity prevents recognition of first-order relatives. However, it is unknown whether the recognition of socially unfamiliar kin can evolve in monogamous species. Here, we investigate whether genetic relatedness modulates aggression among group members in Siberian jays (Perisoreus infaustus). This bird species is genetically and socially monogamous and lives in groups that are formed through the retention of offspring beyond independence, and the immigration of socially unfamiliar nonbreeders. Observations on feeders showed that genetic relatedness modulated aggression of breeders towards immigrants in a graded manner, in that they chased most intensely the immigrant group members that were genetically the least related. However, cross-fostering experiments showed that breeders were equally tolerant towards their own and cross-fostered young swapped as nestlings. Thus, breeders seem to use different mechanisms to recognize socially unfamiliar individuals and own offspring. As Siberian jays show a high degree of nepotism during foraging and predator encounters, inclusive fitness benefits may play a role for the evolution of fine-scale kin recognition. More generally, our results suggest that fine-graded kin recognition can evolve independently of social familiarity, highlighting the evolutionary importance of kin recognition for social species.}, }
@article {pmid26442633, year = {2015}, author = {Massen, JJ and Ritter, C and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Tolerance and reward equity predict cooperation in ravens (Corvus corax).}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {5}, number = {}, pages = {15021}, pmid = {26442633}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Cooperative Behavior ; Crows ; Female ; *Interpersonal Relations ; Male ; Problem Solving ; *Reward ; }, abstract = {Cooperative decision rules have so far been shown experimentally mainly in mammal species that have variable and complex social networks. However, these traits should not necessarily be restricted to mammals. Therefore, we tested cooperative problem solving in ravens. We showed that, without training, nine ravens spontaneously cooperated in a loose-string task. Corroborating findings in several species, ravens' cooperative success increased with increasing inter-individual tolerance levels. Importantly, we found this in both a forced dyadic setting, and in a group setting where individuals had an open choice to cooperate with whomever. The ravens, moreover, also paid attention to the resulting reward distribution and ceased cooperation when being cheated upon. Nevertheless, the ravens did not seem to pay attention to the behavior of their partners while cooperating, and future research should reveal whether this is task specific or a general pattern. Given their natural propensity to cooperate and the results we present here, we consider ravens as an interesting model species to study the evolution of, and the mechanisms underlying cooperation.}, }
@article {pmid26431173, year = {2015}, author = {Dunn, JC and Hamer, KC and Benton, TG}, title = {Anthropogenically-Mediated Density Dependence in a Declining Farmland Bird.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {10}, number = {10}, pages = {e0139492}, pmid = {26431173}, issn = {1932-6203}, support = {BBSSK200512132//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Agriculture/*methods ; Animal Distribution ; Animals ; Crows/physiology ; *Ecosystem ; Edible Grain ; *Endangered Species ; England ; Food Supply ; *Human Activities ; Insecta ; Nesting Behavior ; Organic Agriculture ; Pesticides ; Population Dynamics ; Predatory Behavior ; Reproduction ; *Songbirds ; Territoriality ; }, abstract = {Land management intrinsically influences the distribution of animals and can consequently alter the potential for density-dependent processes to act within populations. For declining species, high densities of breeding territories are typically considered to represent productive populations. However, as density-dependent effects of food limitation or predator pressure may occur (especially when species are dependent upon separate nesting and foraging habitats), high territory density may limit per-capita productivity. Here, we use a declining but widespread European farmland bird, the yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella L., as a model system to test whether higher territory densities result in lower fledging success, parental provisioning rates or nestling growth rates compared to lower densities. Organic landscapes held higher territory densities, but nests on organic farms fledged fewer nestlings, translating to a 5 times higher rate of population shrinkage on organic farms compared to conventional. In addition, when parental provisioning behaviour was not restricted by predation risk (i.e., at times of low corvid activity), nestling provisioning rates were higher at lower territory densities, resulting in a much greater increase in nestling mass in low density areas, suggesting that food limitation occurred at high densities. These findings in turn suggest an ecological trap, whereby preferred nesting habitat does not provide sufficient food for rearing nestlings at high population density, creating a population sink. Habitat management for farmland birds should focus not simply on creating a high nesting density, but also on ensuring heterogeneous habitats to provide food resources in close proximity to nesting birds, even if this occurs through potentially restricting overall nest density but increasing population-level breeding success.}, }
@article {pmid26414895, year = {2016}, author = {Uguccioni, G and Lavault, S and Chaumereuil, C and Golmard, JL and Gagnon, JF and Arnulf, I}, title = {Long-Term Cognitive Impairment in Kleine-Levin Syndrome.}, journal = {Sleep}, volume = {39}, number = {2}, pages = {429-438}, pmid = {26414895}, issn = {1550-9109}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Attention ; Case-Control Studies ; *Cognition ; Cognition Disorders/*complications/diagnosis/*psychology ; Disorders of Excessive Somnolence/complications ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests ; Kleine-Levin Syndrome/*complications/*psychology ; Male ; Memory Disorders/complications/diagnosis/psychology ; Memory, Episodic ; Memory, Short-Term ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Reaction Time ; Time Factors ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {STUDY OBJECTIVES: In Kleine-Levin syndrome (KLS), episodes of hypersomnia, cognitive, and behavioral disturbances alternate with asymptomatic periods. Because 50% of patients report decreased academic performances, we evaluated their cognitive status during asymptomatic periods, determinants of deficits, and changes during follow-up.<br><br>METHODS: The cognitive assessment during asymptomatic periods in all consecutive patients with typical KLS and healthy controls included the non-verbal intelligence quotient (Raven Progressive Matrices), the Trail Making Test, the Stroop Color-Word Test, the Wechsler Memory Test, verbal fluencies, the Free and Cued Learning Memory Test, and the Rey-Osterreith Complex Figure. Cognitive status was reevaluated after 0.5 to 2 y in 44 patients.<br><br>RESULTS: At baseline, compared with the 42 controls, the 122 patients with KLS exhibited lower non-verbal intelligence quotient, speed of processing, attention, and reduced retrieval strategies in episodic memory. Higher episode frequency, shorter episode duration, shorter time since last episode, deeper sleep, and megaphagia during episodes predicted impaired memory. The visuoconstructional abilities and non-verbal memory were intact. After a mean follow-up of 1.7 &#xb1; 1.0 y, the episode frequency decreased from 4.6 &#xb1; 4.8 to 1.7 &#xb1; 1.9/y. The logical reasoning and attention improved, the processing speed remained low, and the retrieval strategies in verbal memory further worsened.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: In this field study, one-third of patients with KLS have long-term cognitive deficits affecting retrieval and processing speed. Cognitive function should be systematically tested in patients with KLS, which appears important to help patients in their academic studies.}, }
@article {pmid26413890, year = {2015}, author = {Gonthier, C and Thomassin, N}, title = {Strategy use fully mediates the relationship between working memory capacity and performance on Raven's matrices.}, journal = {Journal of experimental psychology. General}, volume = {144}, number = {5}, pages = {916-924}, doi = {10.1037/xge0000101}, pmid = {26413890}, issn = {1939-2222}, mesh = {Adult ; Animals ; Cognition ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Intelligence Tests/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term/*physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Working memory capacity consistently correlates with fluid intelligence. It has been suggested that this relationship is partly attributable to strategy use: Participants with high working memory capacity would use more effective strategies, in turn leading to higher performance on fluid intelligence tasks. However, this idea has never been directly investigated. In 2 experiments, we tested this hypothesis by directly manipulating strategy use in a combined experimental-correlational approach (Experiment 1; N = 250) and by measuring strategy use with a self-report questionnaire (Experiment 2; N = 93). Inducing all participants to use an effective strategy in Raven's matrices decreased the correlation between working memory capacity and performance; the strategy use measure fully mediated the relationship between working memory capacity and performance on the matrices task. These findings indicate that individual differences in strategic behavior drive the predictive utility of working memory. We interpret the results within a theoretical framework integrating the multiple mediators of the relationship between working memory capacity and high-level cognition.}, }
@article {pmid26405563, year = {2015}, author = {Hu, D and Gong, Y and Hannaford, B and Seibel, EJ}, title = {Semi-autonomous Simulated Brain Tumor Ablation with RavenII Surgical Robot using Behavior Tree.}, journal = {IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation : ICRA : [proceedings]. IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation}, volume = {2015}, number = {}, pages = {3868-3875}, pmid = {26405563}, issn = {2152-4092}, support = {R01 EB016457/EB/NIBIB NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Medical robots have been widely used to assist surgeons to carry out dexterous surgical tasks via various ways. Most of the tasks require surgeon's operation directly or indirectly. Certain level of autonomy in robotic surgery could not only free the surgeon from some tedious repetitive tasks, but also utilize the advantages of robot: high dexterity and accuracy. This paper presents a semi-autonomous neurosurgical procedure of brain tumor ablation using RAVEN Surgical Robot and stereo visual feedback. By integrating with the behavior tree framework, the whole surgical task is modeled flexibly and intelligently as nodes and leaves of a behavior tree. This paper provides three contributions mainly: (1) describing the brain tumor ablation as an ideal candidate for autonomous robotic surgery, (2) modeling and implementing the semi-autonomous surgical task using behavior tree framework, and (3) designing an experimental simulated ablation task for feasibility study and robot performance analysis.}, }
@article {pmid26400233, year = {2015}, author = {Amin, HU and Malik, AS and Kamel, N and Chooi, WT and Hussain, M}, title = {P300 correlates with learning &amp; memory abilities and fluid intelligence.}, journal = {Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitation}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {87}, pmid = {26400233}, issn = {1743-0003}, mesh = {Adult ; Brain/physiology ; Electroencephalography ; Event-Related Potentials, P300/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; *Intelligence Tests ; Learning/*physiology ; Male ; Memory/*physiology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Educational psychology research has linked fluid intelligence with learning and memory abilities and neuroimaging studies have specifically associated fluid intelligence with event related potentials (ERPs). The objective of this study is to find the relationship of ERPs with learning and memory recall and predict the memory recall score using P300 (P3) component.<br><br>METHOD: A sample of thirty-four healthy subjects between twenty and thirty years of age was selected to perform three tasks: (1) Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAPM) test to assess fluid intelligence; (2) learning and memory task to assess learning ability and memory recall; and (3) the visual oddball task to assess brain-evoked potentials. These subjects were divided into High Ability (HA) and Low Ability (LA) groups based on their RAPM scores. A multiple regression analysis was used to predict the learning &amp; memory recall and fluid intelligence using P3 amplitude and latency.<br><br>RESULTS: Behavioral results demonstrated that the HA group learned and recalled 10.89&#xa0;% more information than did the LA group. ERP results clearly showed that the P3 amplitude of the HA group was relatively larger than that observed in the LA group for both the central and parietal regions of the cerebrum; particularly during the 300-400&#xa0;ms time window. In addition, a shorter latency for the P3 component was observed at Pz site for the HA group compared to the LA group. These findings agree with previous educational psychology and neuroimaging studies which reported an association between ERPs and fluid intelligence as well as learning performance.<br><br>CONCLUSION: These results also suggest that the P3 component is associated with individual differences in learning and memory recall and further indicate that P3 amplitude might be used as a supporting factor in standard psychometric tests to assess an individual's learning &amp; memory recall ability; particularly in educational institutions to aid in the predictability of academic skills.}, }
@article {pmid26395158, year = {2015}, author = {Liu, Q and Zhu, X and Ziegler, A and Shi, J}, title = {The effects of inhibitory control training for preschoolers on reasoning ability and neural activity.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {5}, number = {}, pages = {14200}, pmid = {26395158}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Brain Waves/physiology ; Child, Preschool ; Cognition/*physiology ; Electroencephalography ; Executive Function/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Learning ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term/physiology ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; Self-Control/*psychology ; Sex Factors ; Video Games/psychology ; }, abstract = {Inhibitory control (including response inhibition and interference control) develops rapidly during the preschool period and is important for early cognitive development. This study aimed to determine the training and transfer effects on response inhibition in young children. Children in the training group (N = 20; 12 boys, mean age 4.87 ± 0.26 years) played "Fruit Ninja" on a tablet computer for 15 min/day, 4 days/week, for 3 weeks. Children in the active control group (N = 20; 10 boys, mean age 4.88 ± 0.20 years) played a coloring game on a tablet computer for 10 min/day, 1-2 days/week, for 3 weeks. Several cognitive tasks (involving inhibitory control, working memory, and fluid intelligence) were used to evaluate the transfer effects, and electroencephalography (EEG) was performed during a go/no-go task. Progress on the trained game was significant, while performance on a reasoning task (Raven's Progressive Matrices) revealed a trend-level improvement from pre- to post-test. EEG indicated that the N2 effect of the go/no-go task was enhanced after training for girls. This study is the first to show that pure response inhibition training can potentially improve reasoning ability. Furthermore, gender differences in the training-induced changes in neural activity were found in preschoolers.}, }
@article {pmid26394718, year = {2015}, author = {Carmona, D and Fitzpatrick, CR and Johnson, MT}, title = {Fifty years of co-evolution and beyond: integrating co-evolution from molecules to species.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {24}, number = {21}, pages = {5315-5329}, doi = {10.1111/mec.13389}, pmid = {26394718}, issn = {1365-294X}, mesh = {Adaptation, Biological/genetics ; *Biological Evolution ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Genetic Fitness ; Genetics/history ; Genetics, Population ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; *Models, Biological ; Selection, Genetic ; }, abstract = {Fifty years after Ehrlich and Raven's seminal paper, the idea of co-evolution continues to grow as a key concept in our understanding of organic evolution. This concept has not only provided a compelling synthesis between evolutionary biology and community ecology, but has also inspired research that extends beyond its original scope. In this article, we identify unresolved questions about the co-evolutionary process and advocate for the integration of co-evolutionary research from molecular to interspecific interactions. We address two basic questions: (i) What is co-evolution and how common is it? (ii) What is the unit of co-evolution? Both questions aim to explore the heart of the co-evolutionary process. Despite the claim that co-evolution is ubiquitous, we argue that there is in fact little evidence to support the view that reciprocal natural selection and coadaptation are common in nature. We also challenge the traditional view that co-evolution only occurs between traits of interacting species. Co-evolution has the potential to explain evolutionary processes and patterns that result from intra- and intermolecular biochemical interactions within cells, intergenomic interactions (e.g. nuclear-cytoplasmic) within species, as well as intergenomic interactions mediated by phenotypic traits between species. Research that bridges across these levels of organization will help to advance our understanding of the importance of the co-evolutionary processes in shaping the diversity of life on Earth.}, }
@article {pmid27547298, year = {2015}, author = {Rutz, C and Morrissey, MB and Burns, ZT and Burt, J and Otis, B and St Clair, JJ and James, R}, title = {Calibrating animal-borne proximity loggers.}, journal = {Methods in ecology and evolution}, volume = {6}, number = {6}, pages = {656-667}, pmid = {27547298}, issn = {2041-210X}, abstract = {Growing interest in the structure and dynamics of animal social networks has stimulated efforts to develop automated tracking technologies that can reliably record encounters in free-ranging subjects. A particularly promising approach is the use of animal-attached 'proximity loggers', which collect data on the incidence, duration and proximity of spatial associations through inter-logger radio communication. While proximity logging is based on a straightforward physical principle - the attenuation of propagating radio waves with distance - calibrating systems for field deployment is challenging, since most study species roam across complex, heterogeneous environments.In this study, we calibrated a recently developed digital proximity-logging system ('Encounternet') for deployment on a wild population of New Caledonian crows Corvus moneduloides. Our principal objective was to establish a quantitative model that enables robust post hoc estimation of logger-to-logger (and, hence, crow-to-crow) distances from logger-recorded signal-strength values. To achieve an accurate description of the radio communication between crow-borne loggers, we conducted a calibration exercise that combines theoretical analyses, field experiments, statistical modelling, behavioural observations, and computer simulations.We show that, using signal-strength information only, it is possible to assign crow encounters reliably to predefined distance classes, enabling powerful analyses of social dynamics. For example, raw data sets from field-deployed loggers can be filtered at the analysis stage to include predominantly encounters where crows would have come to within a few metres of each other, and could therefore have socially learned new behaviours through direct observation. One of the main challenges for improving data classification further is the fact that crows - like most other study species - associate across a wide variety of habitats and behavioural contexts, with different signal-attenuation properties.Our study demonstrates that well-calibrated proximity-logging systems can be used to chart social associations of free-ranging animals over a range of biologically meaningful distances. At the same time, however, it highlights that considerable efforts are required to conduct study-specific system calibrations that adequately account for the biological and technological complexities of field deployments. Although we report results from a particular case study, the basic rationale of our multi-step calibration exercise applies to many other tracking systems and study species.}, }
@article {pmid30082948, year = {2011}, author = {Fitzgibbons, R and O'Leary, D}, title = {Sexual Abuse of Minors by Catholic Clergy.}, journal = {The Linacre quarterly}, volume = {78}, number = {3}, pages = {252-273}, doi = {10.1179/002436311803888276}, pmid = {30082948}, issn = {0024-3639}, abstract = {The reports The Nature and Scope of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Catholic Priests and Deacons in the United States 1950-2002 and the Supplementary Data Analysis, and The Causes and Context study (2011) by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, commissioned by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, concluded that the childhood and adolescent sexual abuse committed by clergy was totally unrelated to homosexuality. The latest John Jay attempt to explain the deliberate homosexual predation and abuse of adolescent males, the primary victims in the crisis, as a crime of opportunity ignores the severe psychological conflicts and grooming behaviors in priests who offended against minors. This article discusses why the studies used to support the view of the abuse of minors as being not related to homosexuality are not applicable to the problem of clergy childhood sexual abuse. The data in the John Jay reports strongly suggests that homosexual abuse of adolescent males is at the heart of the crisis. The psychological causes of homosexual attraction in men to adolescent males are presented. A number of well-designed studies have found that men with SSA are more likely to have psychiatric and substance abuse disorders and STDs than heterosexual males, and are more likely to have a positive attitude to sexual relations between adult and adolescent males. Competent mental-health professionals should offer a second opinion about the causes of the crisis in regard to the psychological conflicts in the priests. Also, priests and seminarians with deep-seated homosexual tendencies have a serious responsibility to pursue appropriate treatment and spiritual direction in order to protect adolescent males, in particular, and the Church from further damage.}, }
@article {pmid32847222, year = {2011}, author = {Flouri, E and Hickey, J and Mavroveli, S and Hurry, J}, title = {Adversity, Emotional Arousal, and Problem Behaviour in Adolescence: The Role of Non-Verbal Cognitive Ability as a Resilience Promoting Factor.}, journal = {Child and adolescent mental health}, volume = {16}, number = {1}, pages = {22-29}, doi = {10.1111/j.1475-3588.2010.00558.x}, pmid = {32847222}, issn = {1475-357X}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: To test whether emotional arousal mediates the moderator effect of non-verbal cognitive ability on the association between cumulative contextual risk (number of proximal and distal adverse life events) and adolescent problem behaviour.<br><br>METHOD: &#x2002; Data from a UK community sample of secondary school aged children were used. The study sample comprised 207 children with a mean age of 13.44&#x2003;years (SD&#x2003;=&#x2003;1.45). Problem behaviour was assessed with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, non-verbal cognitive ability was assessed with Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices Plus, and emotional arousal was measured with the Acting Out Emotions Scale of the Emotion Awareness Questionnaire. Adjustment was made for gender, age, family structure, and socio-economic disadvantage.<br><br>RESULTS: &#x2002; Non-verbal cognitive ability moderated the effect of cumulative contextual risk on overall problem behaviour, and emotional arousal mediated this moderator effect. That is, risk predicted emotional arousal, which predicted overall problem behaviour, but emotional arousal was more strongly related to overall problem behaviour among children of low non-verbal cognitive ability than among children of high non-verbal cognitive ability.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: &#x2002; These findings are important for both theory development and intervention design. They advance theory because they suggest that non-verbal cognitive ability buffers the effect of risk on overall problem behaviour by strengthening control over emotions. They have implications for intervention design because they suggest that interventions carried out to enhance children's emotion regulation skills in the presence of multiple adversity might be more effective if they target children who score low on non-verbal cognitive ability.}, }
@article {pmid32214652, year = {2011}, author = {LaDeau, SL and Calder, CA and Doran, PJ and Marra, PP}, title = {West Nile virus impacts in American crow populations are associated with human land use and climate.}, journal = {Ecological research}, volume = {26}, number = {5}, pages = {909-916}, pmid = {32214652}, issn = {0912-3814}, abstract = {West Nile virus (WNV) was first detected in the western hemisphere during the summer of 1999, reawakening US public awareness of the potential severity of vector-borne pathogens. Since its New World introduction, WNV has caused disease in human, avian, and mammalian communities across the continent. American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) are a highly susceptible WNV host and when modeled appropriately, changes in crow abundances can serve as a proxy for the spatio-temporal presence of WNV. We use the dramatic declines in abundance of this avian host to examine spatio-temporal heterogeneity in WNV intensity across the northeastern US, where WNV was first detected. Using data from the Breeding Bird Survey, we identify significant declines in crow abundance after WNV emergence that are associated with lower forest cover, more urban land use, and warmer winter temperatures. Importantly, we document continued declines as WNV was present in an area over consecutive years. Our findings support the urban-pathogen link that human WNV incidence studies have shown. For each 1% increase in urban land cover we expect an additional 5% decline in the log crow abundance beyond the decline attributed to WNV in undeveloped areas. We also demonstrate a significant relationship between above-average winter temperatures and WNV-related declines in crow abundance. The mechanisms behind these patterns remain uncertain and hypotheses requiring further research are suggested. In particular, a strong positive relationship between urban land cover and winter temperatures may confound mechanistic understanding, especially when a temperature-sensitive vector is involved.}, }
@article {pmid29213642, year = {2009}, author = {de Oliveira, MO and Porto, CS and Brucki, SMD}, title = {S-TOFHLA in mild Alzheimer's disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment patients as a measure of functional literacy: Preliminary study.}, journal = {Dementia &amp; neuropsychologia}, volume = {3}, number = {4}, pages = {291-298}, pmid = {29213642}, issn = {1980-5764}, abstract = {UNLABELLED: The greatest difficulty in diagnosing cognitive loss in our population is the diversity of its education which has a broad spectrum ranging from illiteracy, functional illiteracy and different degrees of literacy, even in those with the same level of schooling.<br><br>OBJECTIVES: To verify whether there is impairment on the S-TOFHLA among individuals with AD and MCI compared with healthy controls, and to compare performance on the S-TOFHLA performance with neuropsychological tests and the scores achieved on the Raven's Colored Matrices and Vocabulary and Block Design (WAIS-III) as a measure of estimated intellectual level.<br><br>METHODS: 59 subjects: controls (n=23; age 70.96&#xb1;8.31y; schooling 10.2&#xb1;5.87y; 6 men), MCI patients (n=11; age 74.18&#xb1;8.12y; schooling 7.55&#xb1;4.32y; 5 men) and AD patients (n=25; age 76.16&#xb1;4.96y; schooling 7.32&#xb1;4.78y; 10 men) were submitted to neuropsychological assessment, S-TOFHLA and functional evaluation.<br><br>RESULTS: Differences on BD, Raven and Estimated IQ were found between controls and MCI patients as well as controls and AD patients. On the S-TOFHLA, differences were found between MCI and AD patients, controls and AD patients, but not between control and MCI groups. S-TOFHLA performance correlated strongly with schooling and all neuropsychological tests, except Clock Drawing.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The S-TOFHLA seems to be a useful measure for determining the level of literacy in MCI patients, but not in AD patients. S-TOFHLA performance was more closely associated with neuropsychological test scores than were years of education and seems to be a good predictor of level of literacy. The Vocabulary subtest proved to be uninfluenced by the disease process in early stages and preserved in both MCI and AD patients, showing that semantic memory and crystallized intelligence are preserved.}, }
@article {pmid28547325, year = {2000}, author = {Soler, J and Soler, M}, title = {Brood-parasite interactions between great spotted cuckoos and magpies: a model system for studying coevolutionary relationships.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {125}, number = {3}, pages = {309-320}, doi = {10.1007/s004420000487}, pmid = {28547325}, issn = {1432-1939}, abstract = {Brood parasitism is one of the systems where coevolutionary processes have received the most research. Here, we review experiments that suggest a coevolutionary process between the great spotted cuckoo (Clamator glandarius) and its magpie (Pica pica) host. We focus on different stages of establishment of the relationship, from cuckoos selecting individual hosts and hosts defending their nests from adult cuckoos, to the ability of magpies to detect cuckoo eggs in their nests. Novel coevolutionary insights emerge from our synthesis of the literature, including how the evolution of "Mafia" behaviour in cuckoos does not necessarily inhibit the evolution of host recognition and rejection of cuckoo offspring, and how different populations of black-billed magpies in Europe have evolved specific host traits (e.g. nest and clutch size) as a result of interactions with the great spotted cuckoo. Finally, the results of the synthesis reveal the importance of using a meta-population approach when studying coevolution. This is especially relevant in those cases where gene flow among populations with different degrees of brood parasitism explains patterns of coexistence between defensive and non-defensive host phenotypes. We propose the use of a meta-population approach to distinguish between the "evolutionary equilibrium" hypothesis and the "evolutionary lag" hypothesis.}, }
@article {pmid28565625, year = {1999}, author = {Soler, JJ and Martinez, JG and Soler, M and Møller, AP}, title = {GENETIC AND GEOGRAPHIC VARIATION IN REJECTION BEHAVIOR OF CUCKOO EGGS BY EUROPEAN MAGPIE POPULATIONS: AN EXPERIMENTAL TEST OF REJECTER-GENE FLOW.}, journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution}, volume = {53}, number = {3}, pages = {947-956}, doi = {10.1111/j.1558-5646.1999.tb05388.x}, pmid = {28565625}, issn = {1558-5646}, abstract = {Host responses toward brood parasitism have been shown to differ among populations depending on the duration of sympatry between host and parasite, although populations not currently parasitized show rejection behavior against parasitic eggs. The persistence of rejection behavior in unparasitized host populations and rapid increases of rejection rate in parasitized ones have sometimes been explained as the result of gene flow of rejecter genes from sympatry to allopatry (rejecter-gene flow hypothesis). We present data on the rejection behavior of magpies (Pica pica) the main European host of the great spotted cuckoo (Clamator glandarius), in 15 populations (nine sympatric six allopatric) across their distribution range in Europe. Rejection rates of mimetic and nonmimetic model eggs were significantly higher in sympatric than in allopatric magpie populations, although differences in rejection rate of both mimetic and nonmimetic model eggs between magpie populations were significantly correlated even after controlling tor phylogenetic effects, with differences between sympatric and allopatric magpie populations being larger for mimetic than for nonmimetic model eggs. Differences in rejection of mimetic model eggs were related to both genetic and geographic distances between populations, but differences in rejection rate of nonmimetic model eggs were unrelated to these distances. However, when comparing only sympatric populations, differences in rejection rate of both mimetic and nonmimetic model eggs were related to geographic distances. A multiple autocorrelation analysis revealed that differences among populations in rejection rates of mimetic model eggs had a strong geographic component whereas the main component of rejection rate of nonmimetic model eggs was genetic rather than geographic. These results support the rejecter-gene flow hypothesis. We discuss differences in rejection rates of mimetic and nonmimetic model eggs that suggest the egg-recognition ability of the host is genetically based, but is affected by a learning process for fine tuning of recognition.}, }
@article {pmid28565191, year = {1999}, author = {Martinez, JG and Soler, JJ and Soler, M and Møller, AP and Burke, T}, title = {COMPARATIVE POPULATION STRUCTURE AND GENE FLOW OF A BROOD PARASITE, THE GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO (CLAMATOR GLANDARIUS), AND ITS PRIMARY HOST, THE MAGPIE (PICA PICA).}, journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution}, volume = {53}, number = {1}, pages = {269-278}, doi = {10.1111/j.1558-5646.1999.tb05352.x}, pmid = {28565191}, issn = {1558-5646}, abstract = {The amount of gene flow is an important determinant of population structure and therefore of central importance for understanding coevolutionary processes. We used microsatellite markers to estimate population structure and gene flow rates of the great spotted cuckoo (Clamator glandarius) and its main host in Europe, the magpie (Pica pica), in a number of populations (seven and 15, respectively) across their distribution range in Europe. The genetic analysis shows that there exists a pattern of isolation by distance in both species, although the cuckoo data are only indicative due to a small sample size. Gene flow seems to be extensive between nearby populations, higher for magpies than cuckoos, and especially high for magpie populations within the area of distribution of the great spotted cuckoo. There is no correlation between genetic distances between magpie populations and genetic distances between cuckoo populations. We discuss the implications of extensive gene flow between magpie populations in sympatry with cuckoos for the population dynamics of hosts, in particular for the occurrence of egg rejection behavior in host populations and how the different rates of migration for both species can affect the dynamics of coevolutionary processes.}, }
@article {pmid28308500, year = {1998}, author = {Martínez, JG and Soler, JJ and Soler, M and Burke, T}, title = {Spatial patterns of egg laying and multiple parasitism in a brood parasite: a non-territorial system in the great spotted cuckoo (Clamator glandarius).}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {117}, number = {1-2}, pages = {286-294}, doi = {10.1007/s004420050660}, pmid = {28308500}, issn = {1432-1939}, abstract = {We analysed the spatial and temporal pattern of egg laying in great spotted cuckoo females using microsatellite typing to determine parentage of the eggs and nestlings found in host (magpie) nests. The results showed that there were no exclusive laying territories in the study area. Cases of multiparasitism could be due to single females laying two or more eggs in a nest, or to several females using the same nest. In the latter case multiparasitism was due to a shortage of available host nests. We argue that the need for very large laying areas and the likely small cost of sharing parental care for chicks make the costs of defending territories higher than the benefits, which has constrained the evolution of territoriality in this species.}, }
@article {pmid28568350, year = {1998}, author = {Janz, N and Nylin, S}, title = {BUTTERFLIES AND PLANTS: A PHYLOGENETIC STUDY.}, journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution}, volume = {52}, number = {2}, pages = {486-502}, doi = {10.1111/j.1558-5646.1998.tb01648.x}, pmid = {28568350}, issn = {1558-5646}, abstract = {A database on host plant records from 437 ingroup taxa has been used to test a number of hypotheses on the interaction between butterflies and their host plants using phylogenetic methods (simple character optimization, concentrated changes test, and independent contrasts test). The butterfly phylogeny was assembled from various sources and host plant clades were identified according to Chase et al.'s rbcL-based phylogeny. The ancestral host plant appears to be associated within a highly derived rosid clade, including the family Fabaceae. As fossil data suggest that this clade is older than the butterflies, they must have colonized already diversified plants. Previous studies also suggest that the patterns of association in most insect-plant interactions are more shaped by host shifts, through colonization and specialization, than by cospeciation. Consequently, we have focused explicitly on the mechanisms behind host shifts. Our results confirm, in the light of new phylogenetic evidence, the pattern reported by Ehrlich and Raven that related butterflies feed on related plants. We show that host shifts have generally been more common between closely related plants than between more distantly related plants. This finding, together with the possibility of a higher tendency of recolonizing ancestral hosts, helps to explain the apparent large-scale conservation in the patterns of association between insects and their host plants, patterns which at the same time are more flexible on a more detailed level. Plant growth form was an even more conservative aspect of the interaction between butterflies and their host plants than plant phylogeny. However, this is largely explained by a higher probability of colonizations and host shifts while feeding on trees than on other growth forms.}, }
@article {pmid28307462, year = {1997}, author = {Hubbard, JA and McPherson, GR}, title = {Acorn selection by Mexican jays: a test of a tri-trophic symbiotic relationship hypothesis.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {110}, number = {1}, pages = {143-146}, doi = {10.1007/s004420050142}, pmid = {28307462}, issn = {1432-1939}, abstract = {By caching acorns, jays serve as important dispersal agents for oak (Quercus) species. Yet little is known about which acorn characteristics affect selection by jays. In the traditional model of jay/oak symbiosis, large, brown, ripe acorns free of invertebrate parasites (e.g., Curculio acorn weevils) are selected by jays. Recently, it has been suggested that a tri-trophic relationship between oaks, jays, and weevils may have evolved to counter the negative dietary effects of acorn tannins. Under the tri-trophic model, jays would preferentially select acorns containing weevil larvae. We tested the assumptions that (1) acorns containing curculionid larvae exist in sufficient quantities to support jay populations and (2) jays can detect, and preferentially select, acorns containing weevil larvae, and investigated the cues by which jays select acorns. Captive Mexican jays (Aphelocomaultramarina) were presented Emory oak (Quercusemoryi) acorns in aviary feeding trials. Large, dense, viable acorns free of curculionid larvae were preferentially selected. Contrary to results of previous research, color did not affect selection. Acorn viability increased and curculionid larval occupancy decreased in adjacent savannas and isolated stands relative to existing oak woodland, perhaps favoring oak recruitment into adjacent lower-elevation grasslands. Our results compel us to reject the tri-trophic model for this system, and are consistent with the traditional jay/oak symbiosis model. Relatively long-distance dispersal of viable acorns favors Emory oak replacement, and spatial patterns of acorn viability and curculionid parasitism suggest expansion of Emory oak into adjacent low-elevation semi-arid grasslands.}, }
@article {pmid28306982, year = {1995}, author = {Norrdahl, K and Suhonen, J and Hemminki, O and Korpimäki, E}, title = {Predator presence may benefit: kestrels protect curlew nests against nest predators.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {101}, number = {1}, pages = {105-109}, pmid = {28306982}, issn = {1432-1939}, abstract = {We studied whether the presence of breeding kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) affected nest predation and breeding habitat selection of curlews (Numenius arquata) on an open flat farmland area in western Finland. We searched for nests of curlews from an area of 6 km[2] during 1985-1993. For each nest found, we recorded the fate of the nest, and the distance to the nearest kestrel nest and to the nearest perch. We measured the impact of breeding kestrels on nest predation by constructing artificial curlew nests in the vicinity of ten kestrel nests in 1993. Curlew nests were closer to kestrel nests than expected from random distribution, eventhough kestrels fed on average 5.5% of curlew chick production. Predation risk by kestrels was lower than predation risk by corvids and other generalist predators, which predated 9% of curlew nests surviving farming practices and an unknown proportion of chicks. Artificial nest experiment showed that nest predation was lower close to kestrel nests than further away suggesting that the breeding association of curlews and kestrels was a behavioural adaptation against nest predation. Thus, the presence of a predator may sometimes be beneficial to prey, and prey animals have behavioural adaptations to these situations.}, }
@article {pmid27755665, year = {1991}, author = {Skagen, SK and Knight, RL and Orians, GH}, title = {Human Disturbance of an Avian Scavenging Guild.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {215-225}, doi = {10.2307/1941814}, pmid = {27755665}, issn = {1051-0761}, abstract = {In order to investigate the effects of human activities on relationships within foraging guilds, we examined inacanus dynamics of eagles, crows, and gulls scavenging on spawned salmon in the Pacific Northwest. We examined several hypotheses that postulate the asymmetric foraging relationships of the three guild members and that reveal the influence of competition and facilitation in these relationships. Spatial and temporal patterns of resource use by the three primary guild members varied with the presence and absence of human activity at experimental feeding stations. At control (undisturbed) stations, eagles preferred to feed >100 m from vegetative cover, whereas gulls fed <50 m from cover. At experimental (disturbed) stations, eagles rarely fed, and feeding activity by gulls increased at both near and far stations. Crows often fed on alternate food sources in fields adjacent to the river, especially when salmon carcasses were scarce, whereas eagles and gulls rarely did so. We also examined if and how the behavior of single guild members changes in the presence or absence of other guild members. In the absence of eagles, gulls and crows preferred stations far from cover, numbers of both increased at feeding stations, birds were distributed nearer to carcasses, and they fed more. We emphasize that guild theory lends important insights to our understanding of the effects of human disturbance on wildlife communities.}, }
@article {pmid28312495, year = {1991}, author = {Henderson, IG and Hart, PJ}, title = {Age-specific differences in the winter foraging strategies of rooks Corvus frugilegus.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {85}, number = {4}, pages = {492-497}, pmid = {28312495}, issn = {1432-1939}, abstract = {Foraging efficiency and intraspecific competition were compared between wild adult and immature rooks Corvus frugilegus with respect to flock size. Behavioural time budgets, and observations of prey selection and prey energetic values revealed that adult rooks in large flocks (> 50 individuals) consumed smaller, less profitable prey, but allocated more time to feeding and fed at a faster rate and with greater success than adults in small flocks. By contrast, immature rooks in flocks of more than 30 individuals allocated proportionally less time to feeding, fed at a lower rate and fed with no increase in success rate than when foraging in smaller flocks. Agonistic encounters and the avoidance of adults by immature rooks appeared responsible for such inefficient foraging. Hence immature rooks showed a preference for smaller flocks (< 50 individuals) with low adult: immature ratios while adults preferred larger flocks (> 50 individuals). We discuss the possible influence of competitive disadvantages on immature rook distribution, flock composition and post-natal dispersal.}, }
@article {pmid29357137, year = {1987}, author = {Webb, SL}, title = {Beech Range Extension and Vegetation History: Pollen Stratigraphy of Two Wisconsin Lakes.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {68}, number = {6}, pages = {1993-2005}, doi = {10.2307/1939890}, pmid = {29357137}, issn = {0012-9658}, abstract = {The pollen stratigraphy of two small lakes in eastern Wisconsin (Radtke Lake, Washington county, and Gass Lake, Manitowoc County) records the Holocene (past 10 000 yr) spread of beech (Fagus grandifolia: Fagaceae). Radiocarbon dates were obtained for the oldest stratigraphic levels at which beech pollen appeared consistently in amounts > 0.5% of terrestrial pollen. A spatially continuous pattern of beech expansion from the north was ruled out, because beech trees grew in Wisconsin by 6000 BP, 2000 yr before adjacent populations were established to the north. Alternative geographic patterns of speed (from the south or east) were spatially discontinuous, requiring seed dispersal distances of perhaps 25-130 km. That beechnuts could be dispersed across such distances suggests (1) the involvement of Blue Jays, Passenger Pigeons, or other vertebrates, and (2) a capacity for reaching climatically controlled range limits, given sufficient time despite such discontinuities in habitat. A lag 1000-2000 yr between the establishment of source populations in Michigan and Indiana and the appearance of beech in Wisconsin suggests that low-probability dispersal events were involved and that dispersal constraints limited the range of beech during this time, although climatic and edaphic explanations for the lag cannot be ruled out. Pollen data from the two sites reveal other features of vegetation history in eastern Wisconsin: an open Picea-Fraxinus woodland prior to 11 000 BP; sequence of Picea, Abies, Betula, and then Pinus forests between 11 000 and 7500 BP; the establishment of a coniferous/deciduous forest ecotone ("tension zone") ° 7000 BP in this region; and the presence of Quercus-dominanted deciduous forests from 7000 BP until 110 BP (time of Euro-American settlement), a period punctuated by a gradual decrease in Ulmus populations (° 4500 and 5700 BP at the two sites) and by an increase in mesophytic tree abundance at the expense of Quercus after 3500 BP.}, }
@article {pmid34949081, year = {1987}, author = {Miller, JS}, title = {HOST-PLANT RELATIONSHIPS IN THE PAPILIONIDAE (LEPIDOPTERA): PARALLEL CLADOGENESIS OR COLONIZATION?.}, journal = {Cladistics : the international journal of the Willi Hennig Society}, volume = {3}, number = {2}, pages = {105-120}, doi = {10.1111/j.1096-0031.1987.tb00501.x}, pmid = {34949081}, issn = {1096-0031}, abstract = {Abstract- Stepwise coevolution, as defined by Ehrlich and Raven (1964) and others, can be equated with parallel cladogenesis or association by descent (Mitter and Brooks, 1983). I review the insect/plant literature and discuss recent cladistic findings for the Papilionidae, and compare two contrasting theories: 1) that insect/host associations have evolved through parallel cladogenesis; or 2) that insects have 'colonized' their hosts subsequent to plant cladogenesis. I conclude that no documented examples of parallel cladogenesis between insects and plants are known. The swallowtail cladograms instead offer evidence in support of the second theory. They suggest that host association patterns in the Papilionidae have resulted from repeated colonization of plants belonging to a relatively small number of families. I discuss data which indicate that plant secondary chemicals have been important 'barriers' to colonization (sensu Ehrlich and Raven, 1964), and have in large part mediated host switching in the Papilionidae.}, }
@article {pmid28311869, year = {1985}, author = {Smiley, JT}, title = {Are chemical barriers necessary for evolution of butterfly-plant associations?.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {65}, number = {4}, pages = {580-583}, pmid = {28311869}, issn = {1432-1939}, abstract = {The association between heliconiine butterflies and Passion flower vines is composed of three or more subassociations, in which each Heliconius species group feeds on a different Passiflora subgenus. The relationships are consistent with the adaptive zone hypothesis of Ehrlich and Raven, which would suggest that (1) species of the subgenus Plectostemma proliferated as a result of chemical barriers to herbivory, which created a herbivore-free adaptive zone in which speciation and diversification took place, and (2) species of the H. erato-charitonia group overcame these barriers and entered a competitor-free adaptive zone, in which they proliferated and speciated with those plants as hosts. The hypothesis that plant secondary chemicals were responsible for creating such barriers to herbivory was tested using heliconiine species as bioassays, in which reduced growth rates indicated presence of chemical barriers to feeding. Contrary to expectation, plants of the subgenus Plectostemma showed little or no chemical defense against any species of heliconiine caterpillar. In contrast many plants of the "primitive" subgenus Granadilla possessed significant chemical barriers against herbivory by heliconiine larvae, excepting those species in the H. numata-melpomene species group. I concluded that chemical barriers to feeding were not responsible for proliferation and diversification in the subgenus Plectostemma, nor did chemicals create a competitor-free "adaptive zone" in which the H. erato-charitonia species-group could proliferate and speciate. Chemical barriers may have been important in the evolution of the subgenus Granadilla-heliconiine association. I suggest that plant allelochemics are only one of many possible barriers to herbivory which can help create "adaptive zones" for plants and their herbivores, and that the patterns of butterfly foodplant specialization discussed by Ehrlich and Raven (1964) are not necessarily the result of biochemical adaptation and counteradaptation.}, }
@article {pmid28136217, year = {1979}, author = {Lapsley, DK and Enright, RD}, title = {The Effects of Social Desirability, Intelligence, and Milieu on an American Validation of the Conservatism Scale.}, journal = {The Journal of social psychology}, volume = {107}, number = {1}, pages = {9-14}, doi = {10.1080/00224545.1979.9922668}, pmid = {28136217}, issn = {1940-1183}, abstract = {The purpose of this investigation was to validate the Conservatism Scale (C-scale) with American Ss, and in the process, test the effects of conservative milieu, dogmatism, social desirability, and intelligence on C-scale responses. It was expected that the C-scale would be related to both dogmatism and intelligence, but not to social desirability. Ninety-four university students from the southern United States were administered the Conservatism, Rokeach's Dogmatism, Crowne-Marlowe's Social Desirability, and Raven's IQ scales. The results indicate that the C-scale is not contaminated by a social desirability response set. Significant positive correlations were obtained with the dogmatism scale, while intelligence was negatively related in a small, though significant way with conservatism. These results are discussed in terms of test format and mediation processes. That the C-scale was administered in a conservative culture had no effect on the pattern of C-scale responses, and there was no evidence that the expression of social attitudes was in any way divorced from underlying personality structure. The results indicate that the C-scale is a reliable and valid measure and can be satisfactorily used with American samples.}, }
@article {pmid26384775, year = {2015}, author = {Perreault, A and Habak, C and Lepore, F and Mottron, L and Bertone, A}, title = {Behavioral evidence for a functional link between low- and mid-level visual perception in the autism spectrum.}, journal = {Neuropsychologia}, volume = {77}, number = {}, pages = {380-386}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2015.09.022}, pmid = {26384775}, issn = {1873-3514}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Autistic Disorder/*physiopathology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Photic Stimulation ; Psychological Tests ; Visual Perception/*physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Most investigations of visuo-perceptual abilities in the Autism Spectrum (AS) are level-specific, using tasks that selectively solicit either lower- (i.e., spatial frequency sensitivity), mid- (i.e., pattern discrimination) or higher-level processes (i.e., face identification) along the visual hierarchy. Less is known about how alterations at one level of processing (i.e., low-level) interact with that of another (i.e., mid-level). The aim of this study was to assess whether manipulating the physical properties (luminance vs texture) of local contour elements of a mid-level, visual pattern interferes with the discrimination of that pattern in a differential manner for individuals with AS.<br><br>METHODS: Twenty-nine AS individuals and thirty control participants (range 14-27 years) were asked to discriminate between perfect circles and Radial Frequency Patterns (RFP) of two, three, five, and 10 radial frequencies (RF), or deformations along the pattern's contour. When RFP have few deformations (<five RF), a global, pattern analysis is needed for shape discrimination. Conversely, when RFP contain many deformations (&#x2265;10 RF), discrimination is dependent on the analysis of local deformations along the RFP contour. The effect of manipulating RF on RFP discrimination was assessed for RFP whose local contour elements were defined by either luminance or texture information, the latter previously found less efficiently processed in AS individuals.<br><br>RESULTS: Two separate mixed factorial ANOVAs [2 (Group)&#xd7;4 (RF)] were conducted on mean deformation thresholds for luminance- and texture-defined conditions. A significant Group&#xd7;RF interaction was found for the luminance-defined condition where thresholds were higher in the AS group for the two and three RF conditions; no between-group differences were found for the five and 10 RF conditions. A significant main effect of group was identified for the texture-defined condition, where mean thresholds were higher for the AS group across all RF conditions assessed (two, three, five and 10); a Group&#xd7;RF interaction effect was not found. Performance for each RFP condition was not affected across group by either chronological age or intelligence, as measured by either Weschler scales or Raven Progressive Matrices.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The ability of AS individuals to discriminate a circular pattern is differentially affected by the availability (number of deformations along the RFP contour) and type (luminance vs texture) of local, low-level elements defining its contour. Performance is unaffected in AS when RFP discrimination is dependent on the analysis of local deformations of luminance-defined contour elements, but decreased across all RF conditions when local contour elements are texture-defined. These results suggest that efficient pattern perception in AS is functionally related to the efficacy with which its local elements are processed, indicative of an early origin for altered mid-level, pattern perception in AS.}, }
@article {pmid26340810, year = {2016}, author = {Fleming, AS and Lonstein, JS and Lévy, F}, title = {Introduction to this Special Issue on parental behavior in honor of Jay S. Rosenblatt.}, journal = {Hormones and behavior}, volume = {77}, number = {}, pages = {1-2}, doi = {10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.08.012}, pmid = {26340810}, issn = {1095-6867}, }
@article {pmid26339539, year = {2015}, author = {Levi, T and Wheat, RE and Allen, JM and Wilmers, CC}, title = {Differential use of salmon by vertebrate consumers: implications for conservation.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {3}, number = {}, pages = {e1157}, pmid = {26339539}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Salmon and other anadromous fish are consumed by vertebrates with distinct life history strategies to capitalize on this ephemeral pulse of resource availability. Depending on the timing of salmon arrival, this resource may be in surplus to the needs of vertebrate consumers if, for instance, their populations are limited by food availability during other times of year. However, the life history of some consumers enables more efficient exploitation of these ephemeral resources. Bears can deposit fat and then hibernate to avoid winter food scarcity, and highly mobile consumers such as eagles, gulls, and other birds can migrate to access asynchronous pulses of salmon availability. We used camera traps on pink, chum, and sockeye salmon spawning grounds with various run times and stream morphologies, and on individual salmon carcasses, to discern potentially different use patterns among consumers. Wildlife use of salmon was highly heterogeneous. Ravens were the only avian consumer that fed heavily on pink salmon in small streams. Eagles and gulls did not feed on early pink salmon runs in streams, and only moderately at early sockeye runs, but were the dominant consumers at late chum salmon runs, particularly on expansive river flats. Brown bears used all salmon resources far more than other terrestrial vertebrates. Notably, black bears were not observed on salmon spawning grounds despite being the most frequently observed vertebrate on roads and trails. From a conservation and management perspective, all salmon species and stream morphologies are used extensively by bears, but salmon spawning late in the year are disproportionately important to eagles and other highly mobile species that are seasonally limited by winter food availability.}, }
@article {pmid26335475, year = {2015}, author = {Hinton, MG and Reisen, WK and Wheeler, SS and Townsend, AK}, title = {West Nile Virus Activity in a Winter Roost of American Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos): Is Bird-To-Bird Transmission Important in Persistence and Amplification?.}, journal = {Journal of medical entomology}, volume = {52}, number = {4}, pages = {683-692}, pmid = {26335475}, issn = {0022-2585}, support = {R01 AI055607/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; AI55607/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animal Migration ; Animals ; California ; Crows/*virology ; Culex/virology ; Feces/virology ; Linear Models ; Seasons ; West Nile Fever/epidemiology/*transmission/veterinary/*virology ; West Nile virus/*genetics ; }, abstract = {Since its emergence in North America, West Nile virus (WNV) has had a large impact on equines, humans, and wild bird communities, yet gaps remain in our understanding of how the virus persists at temperate latitudes when winter temperatures preclude virus replication and host-seeking activity by mosquito vectors. Bird-to-bird transmission at large communal American Crow roosts could provide one mechanism for WNV persistence. Herein, we describe seasonal patterns of crow and Culex mosquito abundance, WNV infection rates, and the prevalence of WNV-positive fecal samples at a winter crow roost to test the hypothesis that bird-to-bird transmission allows WNV to persist at winter crow roosts. Samples were collected from large winter crow roosts in the Sacramento Valley of California from January 2013 until August 2014, encompassing two overwintering roost periods. West Nile virus RNA was detected in local crow carcasses in both summer [13/18 (72% WNV positive)] and winter [18/44 (41% WNV positive)] 2013-2014. Winter infections were unlikely to have arisen by recent bites from infected mosquitoes because Culex host-seeking activity was very low in winter and all Culex mosquitoes collected during winter months tested negative for WNV. Opportunities existed for fecal-oral transfer at the overwintering roost: most carcasses that tested positive for WNV had detectable viral RNA in both kidney and cloacal swabs, suggesting that infected crows were shedding virus in their feces, and >50% of crows at the roost were stained with feces by mid-winter. Moreover, 2.3% of fecal samples collected in late summer, when mosquitoes were active, tested positive for WNV RNA. Nevertheless, none of the 1,119 feces collected from three roosts over two winters contained detectable WNV RNA. This study provided evidence of WNV infection in overwintering American crows without mosquito vector activity, but did not elucidate a mechanism of WNV transmission during winter.}, }
@article {pmid26319224, year = {2016}, author = {Brummelte, S and Galea, LA}, title = {Postpartum depression: Etiology, treatment and consequences for maternal care.}, journal = {Hormones and behavior}, volume = {77}, number = {}, pages = {153-166}, doi = {10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.08.008}, pmid = {26319224}, issn = {1095-6867}, support = {MOP102568//Canadian Institutes of Health Research/Canada ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Animals ; Child Development ; Depression/psychology ; Depression, Postpartum/*etiology/psychology/*therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Maternal Behavior/*psychology ; *Mother-Child Relations ; Mothers/*psychology ; Postpartum Period ; Pregnancy ; Risk Factors ; }, abstract = {This article is part of a Special Issue "Parental Care". Pregnancy and postpartum are associated with dramatic alterations in steroid and peptide hormones which alter the mothers' hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic pituitary gonadal (HPG) axes. Dysregulations in these endocrine axes are related to mood disorders and as such it should not come as a major surprise that pregnancy and the postpartum period can have profound effects on maternal mood. Indeed, pregnancy and postpartum are associated with an increased risk for developing depressive symptoms in women. Postpartum depression affects approximately 10-15% of women and impairs mother-infant interactions that in turn are important for child development. Maternal attachment, sensitivity and parenting style are essential for a healthy maturation of an infant's social, cognitive and behavioral skills and depressed mothers often display less attachment, sensitivity and more harsh or disrupted parenting behaviors, which may contribute to reports of adverse child outcomes in children of depressed mothers. Here we review, in honor of the "father of motherhood", Jay Rosenblatt, the literature on postnatal depression in the mother and its effect on mother-infant interactions. We will cover clinical and pre-clinical findings highlighting putative neurobiological mechanisms underlying postpartum depression and how they relate to maternal behaviors and infant outcome. We also review animal models that investigate the neurobiology of maternal mood and disrupted maternal care. In particular, we discuss the implications of endogenous and exogenous manipulations of glucocorticoids on maternal care and mood. Lastly we discuss interventions during gestation and postpartum that may improve maternal symptoms and behavior and thus may alter developmental outcome of the offspring.}, }
@article {pmid26304026, year = {2015}, author = {Kong, F and Chen, Z and Xue, S and Wang, X and Liu, J}, title = {Mother's but not father's education predicts general fluid intelligence in emerging adulthood: Behavioral and neuroanatomical evidence.}, journal = {Human brain mapping}, volume = {36}, number = {11}, pages = {4582-4591}, pmid = {26304026}, issn = {1097-0193}, mesh = {Adult ; Educational Status ; Fathers/*education ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Male ; Mothers/*education ; Prefrontal Cortex/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Lower parental education impairs cognitive abilities of their offspring such as general fluid intelligence dependent on the prefrontal cortex (PFC), but the independent contribution of mother's and father's education is unknown. We used an individual difference approach to test whether mother's and father's education independently affected general fluid intelligence in emerging adulthood at both the behavioral and neural level. Behaviorally, mother's but not father's education accounted for unique variance in general fluid intelligence in emerging adulthood (assessed by the Raven's advanced progressive matrices). Neurally, the whole-brain correlation analysis revealed that the regional gray matter volume (rGMV) in the medial PFC was related to both mother's education and general fluid intelligence but not father's education. Furthermore, after controlling for mother's education, the association between general fluid intelligence and the rGMV in medial PFC was no longer significant, indicating that mother's education plays an important role in influencing the structure of the medial PFC associated with general fluid intelligence. Taken together, our study provides the first behavioral and neural evidence that mother's education is a more important determinant of general cognitive ability in emerging adulthood than father's education.}, }
@article {pmid26302355, year = {2015}, author = {Poelstra, JW and Vijay, N and Hoeppner, MP and Wolf, JB}, title = {Transcriptomics of colour patterning and coloration shifts in crows.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {24}, number = {18}, pages = {4617-4628}, doi = {10.1111/mec.13353}, pmid = {26302355}, issn = {1365-294X}, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Crows/*genetics ; Feathers ; Male ; Melanins/genetics ; Phenotype ; Pigmentation/*genetics ; Sequence Analysis, RNA ; *Transcriptome ; }, abstract = {Animal coloration is one of the most conspicuous phenotypic traits in natural populations and has important implications for adaptation and speciation. Changes in coloration can occur over surprisingly short evolutionary timescales, while recurrence of similar colour patterns across large phylogenetic distances is also common. Even though the genetic basis of pigment production is well understood, little is known about the mechanisms regulating colour patterning. In this study, we shed light on the molecular elements regulating regional pigment production in two genetically near-identical crow taxa with striking differences in a eumelanin-based phenotype: black carrion and grey-coated hooded crows. We produced a high-quality genome annotation and analysed transcriptome data from a 2 × 2 design of active melanogenic feather follicles from head (black in both taxa) and torso (black in carrion and grey in hooded crow). Extensive, parallel expression differences between body regions in both taxa, enriched for melanogenesis genes (e.g. ASIP, CORIN, and ALDH6), indicated the presence of cryptic prepatterning also in all-black carrion crows. Meanwhile, colour-specific expression (grey vs. black) was limited to a small number of melanogenesis genes in close association with the central transcription factor MITF (most notably HPGDS, NDP and RASGRF1). We conclude that colour pattern differences between the taxa likely result from an interaction between divergence in upstream elements of the melanogenesis pathway and genes that provide an underlying prepattern across the body through positional information. A model of evolutionary stable prepatterns that can be exposed and masked through simple regulatory changes may explain the phylogenetically independent recurrence of colour patterns that is observed across corvids and many other vertebrate groups.}, }
@article {pmid26301340, year = {2015}, author = {Schmelz, M and Krüger, O and Call, J and Krause, ET}, title = {A comparison of spontaneous problem-solving abilities in three estrildid finch (Taeniopygia guttata, Lonchura striata var. domestica, Stagonopleura guttata) species.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {129}, number = {4}, pages = {356-365}, doi = {10.1037/a0039646}, pmid = {26301340}, issn = {1939-2087}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Female ; Finches/*physiology ; Male ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Cognition has been extensively studied in primates while other, more distantly related taxa have been neglected for a long time. More recently, there has been an increased interest in avian cognition, with the focus mostly on big-brained species like parrots and corvids. However, the majority of bird species has never systematically been studied in diverse cognitive tasks other than memory and learning tasks, so not much can yet be concluded about the relevant factors for the evolution of cognition. Here we examined 3 species of the estrildid finch family in problem-solving tasks. These granivorous, non-tool-using birds are distributed across 3 continents and are not known for high levels of innovation or spontaneous problem solving in the wild. In this study, our aim was to find such abilities in these species, assess what role domestication might play with a comparison of 4 genetically separated zebra finch strains, and to look for between-species differences between zebra finches, Bengalese finches, and diamond firetails. Furthermore, we established a 3-step spontaneous problem-solving procedure with increasing levels of complexity. Results showed that some estrildid finches were generally capable of spontaneously solving problems of variable complexity to obtain food. We found striking differences in these abilities between species, but not between strains within species, and offer a discussion of potential reasons. Our established methodology can now be applied to a larger number of bird species for phylogenetic comparisons on the behavioral level to get a deeper understanding of the evolution of cognitive abilities.}, }
@article {pmid26296535, year = {2016}, author = {Ambra, FI and Iavarone, A and Ronga, B and Chieffi, S and Carnevale, G and Iaccarino, L and Cimminella, F and Chiavazzo, A and Garofalo, E}, title = {Qualitative patterns at Raven's colored progressive matrices in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.}, journal = {Aging clinical and experimental research}, volume = {28}, number = {3}, pages = {561-565}, doi = {10.1007/s40520-015-0438-9}, pmid = {26296535}, issn = {1720-8319}, mesh = {Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Alzheimer Disease/*diagnosis ; Animals ; Cognitive Dysfunction/*diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Problem Solving ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Visuo-spatial and problem-solving abilities are commonly impaired in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Conversely, subjects with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) do not exhibit overt involvement of cognitive domains other than memory. Consequently, a detection of an impairment at the Raven's colored progressive matrices (RCPM) could be useful to discriminate aMCI from AD and to mark the progression from one condition to another.<br><br>AIM OF THE STUDY: To describe the pattern of errors at RCPM in subjects suffering from AD as compared with that of aMCI.<br><br>METHODS: Fifteen patients with AD, 15 subjects with aMCI and 31 Healthy Controls (HC) received the RCPM. The errors were classified as: (1) difference (D); (2) inadequate individuation (II); (3) repetition of the pattern (RP); (4) incomplete correlation (IC).<br><br>RESULTS: No difference approached significance between aMCI subjects and HC. AD patients always exhibited a higher number of errors as compared with HC. AD patients showed higher number of errors as compared with aMCI only on RP and IC errors.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the visuo-spatial and problem-solving impairment that characterize AD, and probably subtend the progression from aMCI to dementia, do not affect to the same extent all cognitive dimensions explored by RCPM.}, }
@article {pmid26287671, year = {2015}, author = {Dorazio, RM and Connor, EF and Askins, RA}, title = {Estimating the Effects of Habitat and Biological Interactions in an Avian Community.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {10}, number = {8}, pages = {e0135987}, pmid = {26287671}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {*Animal Communication ; Animals ; Birds ; *Ecosystem ; *Residence Characteristics ; }, abstract = {We used repeated sightings of individual birds encountered in community-level surveys to investigate the relative roles of habitat and biological interactions in determining the distribution and abundance of each species. To analyze these data, we developed a multispecies N-mixture model that allowed estimation of both positive and negative correlations between abundances of different species while also estimating the effects of habitat and the effects of errors in detection of each species. Using a combination of single- and multispecies N-mixture modeling, we examined for each species whether our measures of habitat were sufficient to account for the variation in encounter histories of individual birds or whether other habitat variables or interactions with other species needed to be considered. In the community that we studied, habitat appeared to be more influential than biological interactions in determining the distribution and abundance of most avian species. Our results lend support to the hypothesis that abundances of forest specialists are negatively affected by forest fragmentation. Our results also suggest that many species were associated with particular types of vegetation as measured by structural attributes of the forests. The abundances of 6 of the 73 species observed in our study were strongly correlated. These species included large birds (American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) and Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)) that forage on the ground in open habitats and small birds (Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus), House Wren (Troglodytes aedon), Hooded Warbler (Setophaga citrina), and Prairie Warbler (Setophaga discolor)) that are associated with dense shrub cover. Species abundances were positively correlated within each size group and negatively correlated between groups. Except for the American Crow, which preys on eggs and nestlings of small song birds, none of the other 5 species is known to display direct interactions, so we suspect that the correlations may have been associated with species-specific responses to habitat components not adequately measured by our covariates.}, }
@article {pmid26276368, year = {2016}, author = {Logan, CJ and Breen, AJ and Taylor, AH and Gray, RD and Hoppitt, WJ}, title = {How New Caledonian crows solve novel foraging problems and what it means for cumulative culture.}, journal = {Learning &amp; behavior}, volume = {44}, number = {1}, pages = {18-28}, pmid = {26276368}, issn = {1543-4508}, support = {BB/I007997/1//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Communication ; *Crows ; *Learning ; *Social Behavior ; Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {New Caledonian crows make and use tools, and tool types vary over geographic landscapes. Social learning may explain the variation in tool design, but it is unknown to what degree social learning accounts for the maintenance of these designs. Indeed, little is known about the mechanisms these crows use to obtain information from others, despite the question's importance in understanding whether tool behavior is transmitted via social, genetic, or environmental means. For social transmission to account for tool-type variation, copying must utilize a mechanism that is action specific (e.g., pushing left vs. right) as well as context specific (e.g., pushing a particular object vs. any object). To determine whether crows can copy a demonstrator's actions as well as the contexts in which they occur, we conducted a diffusion experiment using a novel foraging task. We used a nontool task to eliminate any confounds introduced by individual differences in their prior tool experience. Two groups had demonstrators (trained in isolation on different options of a four-option task, including a two-action option) and one group did not. We found that crows socially learn about context: After observers see a demonstrator interact with the task, they are more likely to interact with the same parts of the task. In contrast, observers did not copy the demonstrator's specific actions. Our results suggest it is unlikely that observing tool-making behavior transmits tool types. We suggest it is possible that tool types are transmitted when crows copy the physical form of the tools they encounter.}, }
@article {pmid26270999, year = {2015}, author = {Haapala, EA and Eloranta, AM and Venäläinen, T and Schwab, U and Lindi, V and Lakka, TA}, title = {Associations of diet quality with cognition in children - the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children Study.}, journal = {The British journal of nutrition}, volume = {114}, number = {7}, pages = {1080-1087}, doi = {10.1017/S0007114515001634}, pmid = {26270999}, issn = {1475-2662}, mesh = {Child ; Cognition/*physiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; *Diet ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Motor Activity ; Nutritional Status ; }, abstract = {Evidence on the associations of dietary patterns with cognition in children is limited. Therefore, we investigated the associations of the Baltic Sea Diet Score (BSDS) and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) score with cognition in children. The present cross-sectional study sample included 428 children aged 6-8 years (216 boys and 212 girls). The BSDS and the DASH score were calculated using data from 4 d food records, higher scores indicating better diet quality. Cognition was assessed by the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM) score, a higher score indicating better cognition. Among all children, the BSDS (standardised regression coefficient β = 0·122, P =0·012) and the DASH score (β = 0·121, P =0·015) were directly associated with the Raven's CPM score. Among boys, a lower BSDS (β = 0·244, P< 0·001) and a lower DASH score (β = 0·202, P= 0·003) were related to a lower Raven's CPM score. Boys in the lowest quartile of the BSDS (22·5 v. 25·3, P= 0·029) and the DASH score (22·4 v. 25·7, P= 0·008) had a lower Raven's CPM score than those in the highest quartile of the corresponding score. Among girls, the BSDS or the DASH score were not associated with cognition. In conclusion, a poorer diet quality was associated with worse cognition in children, and the relationship was stronger in boys than in girls.}, }
@article {pmid26267805, year = {2016}, author = {Watanabe, A and Clayton, NS}, title = {Hint-seeking behaviour of western scrub-jays in a metacognition task.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {19}, number = {1}, pages = {53-64}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-015-0912-y}, pmid = {26267805}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Appetitive Behavior ; Cues ; Female ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term ; *Metacognition ; *Passeriformes ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {Metacognitive processes during memory retrieval can be tested by examining whether or not animals can assess their knowledge state when they are faced with a memory test. In a typical foraging task, food is hidden in one of the multiple tubes and the subjects are given an opportunity to check the contents of the tubes before choosing the one that they thought contained food. Following the findings from our previous study that western scrub-jays (Aphelocoma californica) can make prospective metacognition judgements, this study tested the scrub-jays' concurrent metacognition judgements. In a series of experiments, uncertainty about the food location was induced in three ways: by making the baiting process visibly unavailable, by inserting a delay between the baiting and food retrieval, and by moving the location of the bait. The jays looked into the tubes more often during the conditions that were consistent with high uncertainty. In addition, their looking behaviour was associated not with the sight of food but with information about the location of the food. These findings suggest that the jays can differentiate the states of knowing and not knowing about certain information and take appropriate action to complement their missing knowledge.}, }
@article {pmid26266937, year = {2015}, author = {Jelbert, SA and Singh, PJ and Gray, RD and Taylor, AH}, title = {New Caledonian crows rapidly solve a collaborative problem without cooperative cognition.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {10}, number = {8}, pages = {e0133253}, pmid = {26266937}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Cognition/physiology ; *Cooperative Behavior ; Crows/*physiology ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Tool Use Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {There is growing comparative evidence that the cognitive bases of cooperation are not unique to humans. However, the selective pressures that lead to the evolution of these mechanisms remain unclear. Here we show that while tool-making New Caledonian crows can produce collaborative behavior, they do not understand the causality of cooperation nor show sensitivity to inequity. Instead, the collaborative behavior produced appears to have been underpinned by the transfer of prior experience. These results suggest that a number of possible selective pressures, including tool manufacture and mobbing behaviours, have not led to the evolution of cooperative cognition in this species. They show that causal cognition can evolve in a domain specific manner-understanding the properties and flexible uses of physical tools does not necessarily enable animals to grasp that a conspecific can be used as a social tool.}, }
@article {pmid26255848, year = {2015}, author = {Moll, FW and Nieder, A}, title = {Cross-Modal Associative Mnemonic Signals in Crow Endbrain Neurons.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {25}, number = {16}, pages = {2196-2201}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2015.07.013}, pmid = {26255848}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; Choice Behavior ; Crows/*physiology ; *Memory, Long-Term ; *Memory, Short-Term ; Neurons/*physiology ; Telencephalon/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The ability to associate stimuli across time and sensory modalities endows animals and humans with many of the complex, learned behaviors. For successful performance, associations need to be retrieved from long-term memory and maintained active in working memory. We investigated how this is accomplished in the avian brain. We trained carrion crows (Corvus corone) to perform a bimodal delayed paired associate task in which the crows had to match auditory stimuli to delayed visual items. Single-unit recordings from the association area nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL) revealed sustained memory signals that selectively correlated with the learned audio-visual associations across time and modality, and sustained activity prospectively encoded the crows' choices. NCL neurons carried an internal, stimulus-independent signal that was predictive of error and type of error. These results underscore the role of corvid NCL in synthesizing external multisensory information and internal mnemonic data needed for executive control of behavior.}, }
@article {pmid26250000, year = {2015}, author = {Donnellan, SC and Foster, R and Junge, C and Huveneers, C and Rogers, P and Kilian, A and Bertozzi, T}, title = {Fiddling with the proof: the Magpie Fiddler Ray is a colour pattern variant of the common Southern Fiddler Ray (Rhinobatidae: Trygonorrhina).}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {3981}, number = {3}, pages = {367-384}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.3981.3.3}, pmid = {26250000}, issn = {1175-5326}, mesh = {Animal Distribution ; Animal Structures/anatomy &amp; histology/growth &amp; development ; Animals ; Australia ; Body Size ; Coleoptera/anatomy &amp; histology/*classification/growth &amp; development ; Color ; Ecosystem ; Female ; Male ; Organ Size ; Phylogeny ; Skates, Fish/anatomy &amp; histology/*classification/genetics/growth &amp; development ; }, abstract = {The Magpie Fiddler ray, Trygonorrhina melaleuca Scott 1954, is presently South Australia's (SA) rarest fish, represented by only three museum specimens collected near Adelaide over the past 60 years and listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. However, there is some doubt as to whether the Magpie Fiddler Ray is a different species from the widespread and common Southern Fiddler Ray, Trygonorrhina dumerilii (Castelnau 1873), resulting in two very contrasting scenarios for marine conservation. If the Magpie Fiddler Ray is a black and white patterned variant of the Southern Fiddler Ray then it will be removed from the Red List and appear as a synonym of T. dumerilii. Conversely, if it proves to be a different species then it remains SA's rarest fish species and highly data deficient. We analysed mtDNA and the largest ever nuclear gene dataset (>4,000 loci) applied to chondrichthyan species level systematics from the most recently collected Magpie Fiddler Ray specimens and a geographically representative selection of Southern Fiddler Rays to determine the species status of this enigmatic ray. We found that the Magpie Fiddler Rays share a mitochondrial haplotype with 23 Southern Fiddler Rays and are not differentiated from 35 Southern Fiddler Rays at more than 4000 SNPs derived from DArTseq data. The morphological trait values that are putatively diagnostic for the Magpie Fiddler Ray fall within the range of variation observed among Southern Fiddler Rays. Our analyses are consistent with the notion that the Magpie Fiddler Ray is a rare colour and pattern variant of the widespread and abundant Southern Fiddler Ray. We also identified two hybrids between the Eastern and Southern Fiddler Rays, only the third time that hybrids have been identified in nature in chondrichthyans. Our results provide critical guidance in the assessment of its conservation status and an ending to a 60 year old conundrum for marine conservation.}, }
@article {pmid26249225, year = {2015}, author = {Raven, RJ}, title = {A revision of ant-mimicking spiders of the family Corinnidae (Araneae) in the Western Pacific.}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {3958}, number = {}, pages = {1-258}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.3958.1.1}, pmid = {26249225}, issn = {1175-5334}, mesh = {Animal Distribution ; Animal Structures/anatomy &amp; histology/growth &amp; development ; Animals ; Australia ; Body Size ; Ecosystem ; Female ; Fiji ; Male ; Melanesia ; Organ Size ; Spiders/anatomy &amp; histology/*classification/growth &amp; development ; }, abstract = {The Corinnidae of the western Pacific are revised. The formerly sparassid genus Anchognatha Thorell, 1881, and the gnaphosid genus Battalus Karsch, 1878, are transferred to the Castianeirinae. The Corinninae include only the introduced Creugas gulosus Thorell, 1878 and Medmassa christae sp. nov. from the northern Torres Strait islands. Medmassa pallipes (L. Koch, 1873) and Medmassa pusilla Simon, 1896 are newly synonymised with Creugas gulosus. The Castianeirinae from the Western Pacific including Australia includes Battalus Karsch, 1878, Copa Simon, 1886, Leichhardteus Raven &amp; Baehr, 2013, Nyssus Walckenaer, 1805, Poecilipta Simon, 1897, and eight new genera: Disnyssus gen. nov., Iridonyssus gen. nov., Kolora gen. nov., Leptopicia gen. nov., Melanesotypus gen. nov., Nucastia gen. nov., Ozcopa gen. nov. and Ticopa gen. nov. Battalus includes B. adamparsonsi sp. nov., B. baehrae sp. nov., B. bidgemia sp. nov., B. byrneae sp. nov., B. diadens sp. nov., B. helenstarkae sp. nov., B. microspinosus sp. nov., B. rugosus sp. nov., B. spinipes Karsch, 1878, B. wallum sp. nov., B. zuytdorp sp. nov. and B. semiflavus (Simon, 1896), new combination (transferred from Medmassa). Copa, an otherwise African and Sri Lankan genus, includes C. kabana sp. nov. Disnyssus gen. nov. includes D. helenmirrenae sp. nov. and D. judidenchae sp. nov. Iridonyssus gen. nov. includes I. auripilosus sp. nov., I. formicans sp. nov., I. kohouti sp. nov. and I. leucostaurus sp. nov. Kolora gen. nov. includes K. cushingae sp. nov., K. cooloola sp. nov. and K. lynneae sp. nov., and K. sauverubens (Simon, 1896) new combination (transferred from Corinnomma Karsch, 1880). Leichhardteus includes Leichhardteus yagan sp. nov., Leichhardteus evschlingeri sp. nov., Leichhardteus strzelecki sp. nov., as well as eight recently described species. Leptopicia gen. nov. includes only Methesis bimaculata (Simon, 1896) new combination (transferred from Methesis Simon, 1896). Melanesotypus guadal gen. et sp. nov. is described from the Solomon Islands. Nucastia gen. nov., includes N. culburra sp. nov., N. eneabba sp. nov., N. muncoonie sp. nov., N. supunnoides sp. nov. and N. virewoods sp. nov.; Medmassa fusca Hogg, 1900 is transferred to Nucastia but is considered a nomen dubium. The genera Anchognatha and Supunna Simon, 1897 are junior synonyms of Nyssus, which includes Supunna albopunctatus (Hogg, 1896), Anchognatha avida Thorell, 1881, Nyssus coloripes Walckenaer, 1805, N. emu sp. nov., Agroeca insularis L. Koch, 1873 (from Fiji and the Solomon Islands), N. jaredwarden sp. nov., N. jonraveni sp. nov., N. loureedi sp. nov., N. luteofinis sp. nov., N. paradoxus sp. nov., N. pseudomaculatus sp. nov., N. robertsi sp. nov., N. semifuscus sp. nov., N. wendyae sp. nov. and N. yuggera sp. nov. Supunna funerea (Simon, 1896) and Supunna albomaculata (Rainbow, 1902) are junior synonyms of Nyssus albopunctatus; Supunna picta (L. Koch, 1873) and Storena auripes Rainbow, 1916 are junior synonyms of Nyssus coloripes Walckenaer, 1805. Ozcopa gen. nov. includes O. chiunei sp. nov., O. colloffi sp. nov., O. margotandersenae sp. nov., O. mcdonaldi sp. nov., O. monteithi sp. nov. and O. zborowskii sp. nov. Poecilipta includes P. carnarvon sp. nov., P. contorqua sp. nov., P. davidi sp. nov., P. elvis sp. nov., P. formiciforme (Rainbow, 1904) comb. nov. (transferred from Corinnomma), P. gloverae sp. nov., P. harveyi sp. nov., P. kgari sp. nov., P. samueli sp. nov., P. janthina Simon, 1896, P. kohouti sp. nov., P. lugubris sp. nov., P. marengo sp. nov., P. metallica sp. nov., P. micaelae sp. nov., P. qunats sp. nov., P. rawlinsonae sp. nov., P. ruthae Santana &amp; Raven, sp. nov., P. smaragdinea (Simon, 1909) new combination (transferred from Supunna), P. tinda sp. nov., P. venusta Rainbow, 1904, P. waldockae sp. nov., P. wallacei sp. nov., P. yambuna sp. nov., and P. zbigniewi sp. nov. Ticopa gen. nov. includes T. australis sp. nov., T. carnarvon sp. nov., T. chinchilla sp. nov., T. dingo sp. nov., T. hudsoni sp. nov., and T. longbottomi sp. nov. For comparative purposes, males of the South-east Asian Corinnomma severum (Thorell, 1881) (the type-species) and C. javanum Simon, 1905 are figured and supplementary notes provided. Liocranum australiensis L. Koch, 1873 is transferred from Medmassa to Miturga where it is a nomen dubium. One hundred and eight species are treated in this work, of which 77 are new, 21 existing species are recognised; five existing genera are recognised, two are placed in synonymy, eight new genera are added; and one species is transferred to Miturgidae and another is listed as a nomen dubium. The Australian corinnid fauna includes 14 genera and 97 species.}, }
@article {pmid26246543, year = {2015}, author = {Taylor, AH and Cheke, LG and Waismeyer, A and Meltzoff, A and Miller, R and Gopnik, A and Clayton, NS and Gray, RD}, title = {No conclusive evidence that corvids can create novel causal interventions.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {282}, number = {1813}, pages = {20150796}, pmid = {26246543}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; *Cognition ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; *Learning ; Male ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, }
@article {pmid26232613, year = {2015}, author = {Rensel, MA and Ellis, JM and Harvey, B and Schlinger, BA}, title = {Sex, estradiol, and spatial memory in a food-caching corvid.}, journal = {Hormones and behavior}, volume = {75}, number = {}, pages = {45-54}, pmid = {26232613}, issn = {1095-6867}, support = {R01 MH061994/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; NIMH061994//PHS HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Estradiol/*blood/pharmacology ; *Feeding Behavior/drug effects ; Female ; Food ; Hippocampus/drug effects ; Male ; Passeriformes/blood/*physiology ; *Predatory Behavior/drug effects ; Sex Factors ; Songbirds/physiology ; *Spatial Memory/drug effects ; Testosterone/blood ; }, abstract = {Estrogens significantly impact spatial memory function in mammalian species. Songbirds express the estrogen synthetic enzyme aromatase at relatively high levels in the hippocampus and there is evidence from zebra finches that estrogens facilitate performance on spatial learning and/or memory tasks. It is unknown, however, whether estrogens influence hippocampal function in songbirds that naturally exhibit memory-intensive behaviors, such as cache recovery observed in many corvid species. To address this question, we examined the impact of estradiol on spatial memory in non-breeding Western scrub-jays, a species that routinely participates in food caching and retrieval in nature and in captivity. We also asked if there were sex differences in performance or responses to estradiol. Utilizing a combination of an aromatase inhibitor, fadrozole, with estradiol implants, we found that while overall cache recovery rates were unaffected by estradiol, several other indices of spatial memory, including searching efficiency and efficiency to retrieve the first item, were impaired in the presence of estradiol. In addition, males and females differed in some performance measures, although these differences appeared to be a consequence of the nature of the task as neither sex consistently out-performed the other. Overall, our data suggest that a sustained estradiol elevation in a food-caching bird impairs some, but not all, aspects of spatial memory on an innate behavioral task, at times in a sex-specific manner.}, }
@article {pmid26218728, year = {2015}, author = {Rivers, JK and Bertucci, V and McGillivray, W and Muhn, C and Rosen, N and Solish, N and Weichman, BM and Wheeler, S and Daniels, SR and Gallagher, CJ}, title = {Subject satisfaction with onabotulinumtoxinA treatment of glabellar and lateral canthal lines using a new patient-reported outcome measure.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {41}, number = {8}, pages = {950-959}, doi = {10.1097/DSS.0000000000000424}, pmid = {26218728}, issn = {1524-4725}, mesh = {Acetylcholine Release Inhibitors/adverse effects/*therapeutic use ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/adverse effects/*therapeutic use ; Cosmetic Techniques ; Double-Blind Method ; Esthetics ; Eye ; Female ; Forehead ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Patient Outcome Assessment ; *Patient Satisfaction ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; *Surveys and Questionnaires ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Patient satisfaction with treatment is an important outcome in facial aesthetic medicine.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: To evaluate subject satisfaction with onabotulinumtoxinA treatment of glabellar lines (GL) and crow's feet lines (CFL) using the validated Facial Line Satisfaction Questionnaire (FLSQ).<br><br>METHODS: In this randomized double-blind study, subjects with moderate/severe GL and CFL received onabotulinumtoxinA (20 U, GL; 24 U, CFL) or placebo. Over 120 days, the following were assessed: satisfaction, achievement of treatment expectations, satisfaction with duration of treatment (FLSQ), severity of GL and CFL (Facial Wrinkle Scale [FWS]), and aesthetic improvement (Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale).<br><br>RESULTS: Satisfaction in the per-protocol population was significantly greater at Day 60 in the onabotulinumtoxinA group (n = 60) compared with placebo (n = 57) for GL (81.7% vs 0%; p < .001). Most subjects treated with onabotulinumtoxinA remained satisfied up to 120 days. Achievement of treatment expectations (86.7%; Day 60), satisfaction (81.7%; Day 60), and satisfaction with the duration of treatment (61.6%; Day 90) were significantly better with onabotulinumtoxinA than placebo (p < .001) for GL and CFL combined. Efficacy (FWS) and aesthetic improvement were observed in most subjects at Days 30 and 60, respectively.<br><br>CONCLUSION: High satisfaction rates are achieved and sustained in subjects treated with onabotulinumtoxinA for GL and CFL combined.}, }
@article {pmid26216752, year = {2015}, author = {Nordberg, A and Dahlgren Sandberg, A and Miniscalco, C}, title = {Story retelling and language ability in school-aged children with cerebral palsy and speech impairment.}, journal = {International journal of language &amp; communication disorders}, volume = {50}, number = {6}, pages = {801-813}, doi = {10.1111/1460-6984.12177}, pmid = {26216752}, issn = {1460-6984}, mesh = {Aptitude ; Cerebral Palsy/*diagnosis/psychology/*therapy ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Comprehension ; Disability Evaluation ; Female ; Humans ; Language Disorders/*diagnosis/psychology/*therapy ; Male ; *Mental Recall ; *Narration ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Quality of Life/psychology ; Speech Disorders/*diagnosis/psychology/*therapy ; *Verbal Behavior ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Research on retelling ability and cognition is limited in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and speech impairment.<br><br>AIMS: To explore the impact of expressive and receptive language, narrative discourse dimensions (Narrative Assessment Profile measures), auditory and visual memory, theory of mind (ToM) and non-verbal cognition on the retelling ability of children with CP and speech impairment.<br><br>METHODS &amp; PROCEDURES: Fifteen speaking children with speech impairment (seven girls, eight boys) (mean age = 11 years, SD = 1;4 years), and different types of CP and different levels of gross motor and cognitive function participated in the present study. Story retelling skills were tested and analysed with the Bus Story Test (BST) and the Narrative Assessment Profile (NAP). Receptive language ability was tested with the Test for Reception of Grammar-2 (TROG-2) and the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test - IV (PPVT-IV). Non-verbal cognitive level was tested with the Raven's coloured progressive matrices (RCPM), memory functions assessed with the Corsi block-tapping task (CB) and the Digit Span from the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-III. ToM was assessed with the false belief items of the two story tests "Kiki and the Cat" and "Birthday Puppy".<br><br>OUTCOMES &amp; RESULTS: The children had severe problems with retelling ability corresponding to an age-equivalent of 5;2-6;9 years. Receptive and expressive language, visuo-spatial and auditory memory, non-verbal cognitive level and ToM varied widely within and among the children. Both expressive and receptive language correlated significantly with narrative ability in terms of NAP total scores, so did auditory memory.<br><br>CONCLUSION &amp; IMPLICATIONS: The results suggest that retelling ability in the children with CP in the present study is dependent on language comprehension and production, and memory functions. Consequently, it is important to examine retelling ability together with language and cognitive abilities in these children in order to provide appropriate support.}, }
@article {pmid26203594, year = {2015}, author = {Shimmura, T and Ohashi, S and Yoshimura, T}, title = {The highest-ranking rooster has priority to announce the break of dawn.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {5}, number = {}, pages = {11683}, pmid = {26203594}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Chickens/*physiology ; Male ; *Social Dominance ; Vocalization, Animal/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The "cock-a-doodle-doo" crowing of roosters, which symbolizes the break of dawn in many cultures, is controlled by the circadian clock. When one rooster announces the break of dawn, others in the vicinity immediately follow. Chickens are highly social animals, and they develop a linear and fixed hierarchy in small groups. We found that when chickens were housed in small groups, the top-ranking rooster determined the timing of predawn crowing. Specifically, the top-ranking rooster always started to crow first, followed by its subordinates, in descending order of social rank. When the top-ranking rooster was physically removed from a group, the second-ranking rooster initiated crowing. The presence of a dominant rooster significantly reduced the number of predawn crows in subordinates. However, the number of crows induced by external stimuli was independent of social rank, confirming that subordinates have the ability to crow. Although the timing of subordinates' predawn crowing was strongly dependent on that of the top-ranking rooster, free-running periods of body temperature rhythms differed among individuals, and crowing rhythm did not entrain to a crowing sound stimulus. These results indicate that in a group situation, the top-ranking rooster has priority to announce the break of dawn, and that subordinate roosters are patient enough to wait for the top-ranking rooster's first crow every morning and thus compromise their circadian clock for social reasons.}, }
@article {pmid26193673, year = {2015}, author = {Ode, M and Asaba, A and Miyazawa, E and Mogi, K and Kikusui, T and Izawa, E}, title = {Sex-reversed correlation between stress levels and dominance rank in a captive non-breeder flock of crows.}, journal = {Hormones and behavior}, volume = {73}, number = {}, pages = {131-134}, doi = {10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.07.012}, pmid = {26193673}, issn = {1095-6867}, mesh = {Aggression/physiology ; Animal Husbandry ; Animals ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Corticosterone/analysis/metabolism ; Crows/metabolism/*physiology ; Feces/chemistry ; Female ; Glucocorticoids/analysis/metabolism ; Male ; Sex Characteristics ; Sex Factors ; *Social Dominance ; *Stress, Psychological/physiopathology/psychology ; }, abstract = {Group living has both benefits and costs to individuals; benefits include efficient acquisition of resources, and costs include stress from social conflicts among group members. Such social challenges result in hierarchical dominance ranking among group members as a solution to avoid escalating conflict that causes different levels of basal stress between individuals at different ranks. Stress-associated glucocorticoid (corticosterone in rodents and birds; CORT) levels are known to correlate with dominance rank in diverse taxa and to covary with various social factors, such as sex and dominance maintenance styles. Although there is much evidence for sex differences in the basal levels of CORT in various species, the correlation of sex differences in basal CORT with dominance rank is poorly understood. We investigated the correlation between CORT metabolites (CM) in the droppings and social factors, including rank and sex, in a captive non-breeder group of crows. In this group, all the single males dominated all the single females, and dominance ranks were stable among single males but relatively unstable among single females. CM levels and rank were significantly correlated in a sex-reversed fashion: males at higher rank (i.e., more dominant) had higher CM, whereas females at higher rank exhibited lower CM. This is the first evidence of sex-reversed patterns of CM-rank correlation in birds. The results suggest that different mechanisms of stress-dominance relationships operate on the sexes in non-breeder crow aggregations; in males, stress is associated with the cost of aggressive displays, whereas females experience subordination stress due to males' overt aggression.}, }
@article {pmid26192213, year = {2015}, author = {Cacho, NI and Kliebenstein, DJ and Strauss, SY}, title = {Macroevolutionary patterns of glucosinolate defense and tests of defense-escalation and resource availability hypotheses.}, journal = {The New phytologist}, volume = {208}, number = {3}, pages = {915-927}, doi = {10.1111/nph.13561}, pmid = {26192213}, issn = {1469-8137}, mesh = {*Biological Evolution ; Brassicaceae/*genetics/metabolism ; *Ecosystem ; Glucosinolates/*metabolism ; Herbivory ; *Secologanin Tryptamine Alkaloids ; Soil/chemistry ; }, abstract = {We explored macroevolutionary patterns of plant chemical defense in Streptanthus (Brassicaceae), tested for evolutionary escalation of defense, as predicted by Ehrlich and Raven's plant-herbivore coevolutionary arms-race hypothesis, and tested whether species inhabiting low-resource or harsh environments invest more in defense, as predicted by the resource availability hypothesis (RAH). We conducted phylogenetically explicit analyses using glucosinolate profiles, soil nutrient analyses, and microhabitat bareness estimates across 30 species of Streptanthus inhabiting varied environments and soils. We found weak to moderate phylogenetic signal in glucosinolate classes and no signal in total glucosinolate production; a trend toward evolutionary de-escalation in the numbers and diversity of glucosinolates, accompanied by an evolutionary increase in the proportion of aliphatic glucosinolates; some support for the RAH relative to soil macronutrients, but not relative to serpentine soil use; and that the number of glucosinolates increases with microhabitat bareness, which is associated with increased herbivory and drought. Weak phylogenetic signal in chemical defense has been observed in other plant systems. A more holistic approach incorporating other forms of defense might be necessary to confidently reject escalation of defense. That defense increases with microhabitat bareness supports the hypothesis that habitat bareness is an underappreciated selective force on plants in harsh environments.}, }
@article {pmid26190856, year = {2015}, author = {Tranmer, M and Marcum, CS and Morton, FB and Croft, DP and de Kort, SR}, title = {Using the relational event model (REM) to investigate the temporal dynamics of animal social networks.}, journal = {Animal behaviour}, volume = {101}, number = {}, pages = {99-105}, pmid = {26190856}, issn = {0003-3472}, support = {Z01 HG200335/ImNIH/Intramural NIH HHS/United States ; Z99 HG999999/ImNIH/Intramural NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Social dynamics are of fundamental importance in animal societies. Studies on nonhuman animal social systems often aggregate social interaction event data into a single network within a particular time frame. Analysis of the resulting network can provide a useful insight into the overall extent of interaction. However, through aggregation, information is lost about the order in which interactions occurred, and hence the sequences of actions over time. Many research hypotheses relate directly to the sequence of actions, such as the recency or rate of action, rather than to their overall volume or presence. Here, we demonstrate how the temporal structure of social interaction sequences can be quantified from disaggregated event data using the relational event model (REM). We first outline the REM, explaining why it is different from other models for longitudinal data, and how it can be used to model sequences of events unfolding in a network. We then discuss a case study on the European jackdaw, Corvus monedula, in which temporal patterns of persistence and reciprocity of action are of interest, and present and discuss the results of a REM analysis of these data. One of the strengths of a REM analysis is its ability to take into account different ways in which data are collected. Having explained how to take into account the way in which the data were collected for the jackdaw study, we briefly discuss the application of the model to other studies. We provide details of how the models may be fitted in the R statistical software environment and outline some recent extensions to the REM framework.}, }
@article {pmid26183691, year = {2015}, author = {Iuliano, E and di Cagno, A and Aquino, G and Fiorilli, G and Mignogna, P and Calcagno, G and Di Costanzo, A}, title = {Effects of different types of physical activity on the cognitive functions and attention in older people: A randomized controlled study.}, journal = {Experimental gerontology}, volume = {70}, number = {}, pages = {105-110}, doi = {10.1016/j.exger.2015.07.008}, pmid = {26183691}, issn = {1873-6815}, mesh = {Aged ; Attention/*physiology ; Cognition/*physiology ; Cognitive Dysfunction/physiopathology/psychology/*rehabilitation ; Exercise Test/methods ; Exercise Therapy/*methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Motor Activity/physiology ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Postural Balance/physiology ; Resistance Training/methods ; }, abstract = {This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different types of exercise on cognition. Eighty participants, 32 males and 48 females, aged 66.96 ± 11.73, volunteered for this study. The participants were randomly divided into the four following groups: Resistance Group (RG; n=20), involved in high intensity strength training; Cardiovascular Group (CVG; n=20), involved in high intensity cardiovascular training; Postural Group (PG; n=20) involved in low intensity training, based on postural and balance exercises; and Control Group (CG; n=20). Exercises were performed over the course of 12 weeks. All participants were tested for their cognitive functions pre- and post-intervention using the following neurocognitive tests: the Attentive Matrices Test, Raven's Progressive Matrices, Stroop Color and Word Interference Test, Trail Making Test and Drawing Copy Test. Statistical analysis showed that the CVG group improved significantly in the Attentive Matrices Test and Raven's Progressive Matrices (both p=<0.05), whereas the RG group improved in Drawing Copy Test time (p=<0.05). These results confirm that different types of exercise interventions have unique effects on cognition. Cardiovascular training is effective in improving performance attentive and analytic tasks, whereas resistance training is effective in improving praxis. Further investigation is necessary to evaluate the combination of the two exercise types in order to ascertain if their respective effects can be summated when performed together.}, }
@article {pmid26175703, year = {2015}, author = {Massen, JJ and Lambert, M and Schiestl, M and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Subadult ravens generally don't transfer valuable tokens to conspecifics when there is nothing to gain for themselves.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {885}, pmid = {26175703}, issn = {1664-1078}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {The extent to which humans help each other is extraordinary in itself, and difficult to explain from an evolutionary perspective. Therefore, there has been a recent surge in studies investigating the evolution of prosocial behavior using a comparative approach. Nevertheless, most of these studies have focused on primates only, and little is known about other animal orders. In a previous study, common ravens (Corvus corax) have been shown to be indifferent to the gains of conspecifics. However, this may have been due to the experimental set-up, as many studies that use different set-ups report conflicting results within the same species. We therefore tested ravens' prosocial tendencies in a different set-up; i.e., we tested whether sub-adult ravens would transfer a token to a partner and, thereby, provide the partner with the opportunity to exchange a token for a reward. To control and test for effects of partner identity, we tested eight individuals both in a dyadic and in a group setting. Our results show that in general the ravens in our experiment did not show other-regarding preferences. However, some acts of helping did occur spontaneously. We discuss what could be the causes for those sporadic instances, and why in general prosocial tendencies were found to be almost lacking among the ravens in this set-up.}, }
@article {pmid26115863, year = {2015}, author = {Hasan, B and Olsen, B and Alam, A and Akter, L and Melhus, &#xc5;}, title = {Dissemination of the multidrug-resistant extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli O25b-ST131 clone and the role of house crow (Corvus splendens) foraging on hospital waste in Bangladesh.}, journal = {Clinical microbiology and infection : the official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases}, volume = {21}, number = {11}, pages = {1000.e1-4}, doi = {10.1016/j.cmi.2015.06.016}, pmid = {26115863}, issn = {1469-0691}, mesh = {Animals ; Bangladesh ; Crows/*physiology ; Disease Reservoirs ; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial ; Enterobacter cloacae/classification/enzymology/isolation &amp; purification ; Enterobacteriaceae Infections/microbiology/transmission/*veterinary ; Escherichia coli/*classification/enzymology/*isolation &amp; purification ; Feces/microbiology ; Feeding Behavior ; *Genotype ; Hospitals ; Humans ; Klebsiella pneumoniae/classification/enzymology/isolation &amp; purification ; *Medical Waste Disposal ; beta-Lactamases/*metabolism ; }, abstract = {Two hundred and thirty-eight faecal samples from crows foraging on hospital wastes were analysed for extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae. ESBL-producing crow isolates were characterized and compared with 31 patient isolates. Among the crows, 59% carried ESBL producers. These included Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Raoultella terrigena and Enterobacter cloacae harbouring the genes for CTX-M-1, CTX-M-15, CTX-M-55, CTX-M-79, and CTX-M-14. Human isolates carried only the CTX-M-15 gene. Two-thirds of crow E. coli isolates and all human E. coli isolates were multidrug resistant. Crows and patients shared E. coli sequence types, including the epidemic E. coli O25b-ST131 clone. The scavenging behaviour of crows at poorly managed hospital waste dumps made them potential reservoirs of antibiotic resistance, including ESBLs.}, }
@article {pmid26097282, year = {2015}, author = {Miller, R and Bugnyar, T and Pölzl, K and Schwab, C}, title = {Differences in exploration behaviour in common ravens and carrion crows during development and across social context.}, journal = {Behavioral ecology and sociobiology}, volume = {69}, number = {7}, pages = {1209-1220}, pmid = {26097282}, issn = {0340-5443}, abstract = {Exploration is particularly important for young animals, as it enables them to learn to exploit their surroundings. It is likely to be affected by species ecology and social context, though there are few comparative, longitudinal studies that control for effects of early experience. Here, we investigated group level exploration behaviour in two closely related and identically reared, generalist corvid species: common ravens (Corvus corax) and carrion crows (C. corone, C. cornix), during development and across social context. Subjects were repeatedly presented with a range of novel items, whilst alone and in a dyad/ subgroup, at the fledging (1-2 months old), juvenile (3-8 months old) and sub-adult (14-18 months old) stages. Whilst alone, they were also presented with a novel and familiar person, at the fledging and juvenile stages. We expected developmental differences and a facilitating influence of social context on exploration. Developmental differences were present, with both species interacting most frequently with novel items as juveniles, which may relate to major developmental steps, such as dispersal and a neophobia increase as sub-adults. When a conspecific(s) was present, subjects generally interacted more frequently, though took longer to interact, with novel items. Additionally, we found unexpected species differences, with the most striking difference being the crows' significantly lower rate of interaction with the novel person, though not the familiar person; a species difference that was present from fledging. We discuss these findings by relating to potential differences in the two species ecology and behaviour, such as habitat use and caching proficiency.}, }
@article {pmid26089436, year = {2015}, author = {Bergan, JF}, title = {Neural Computation and Neuromodulation Underlying Social Behavior.}, journal = {Integrative and comparative biology}, volume = {55}, number = {2}, pages = {268-280}, doi = {10.1093/icb/icv061}, pmid = {26089436}, issn = {1557-7023}, mesh = {Animals ; Invertebrates/*physiology ; *Nervous System Physiological Phenomena ; *Social Behavior ; Vertebrates/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Social behaviors are as diverse as the animals that employ them, with some behaviors, like affiliation and aggression, expressed in nearly all social species. Whether discussing a "family" of beavers or a "murder" of crows, the elaborate language we use to describe social animals immediately hints at patterns of behavior typical of each species. Neuroscience has now revealed a core network of regions of the brain that are essential for the production of social behavior. Like the behaviors themselves, neuromodulation and hormonal changes regulate the underlying neural circuits on timescales ranging from momentary events to an animal's lifetime. Dynamic and heavily interconnected social circuits provide a distinct challenge for developing a mechanistic understanding of social behavior. However, advances in neuroscience continue to generate an explanation of social behavior based on the electrical activity and synaptic connections of neurons embedded in defined neural circuits.}, }
@article {pmid26087161, year = {2015}, author = {Clayton, NS and Emery, NJ}, title = {Avian Models for Human Cognitive Neuroscience: A Proposal.}, journal = {Neuron}, volume = {86}, number = {6}, pages = {1330-1342}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuron.2015.04.024}, pmid = {26087161}, issn = {1097-4199}, support = {//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Birds ; Brain/anatomy &amp; histology/*physiology ; Cognition/*physiology ; Humans ; Models, Animal ; *Neurosciences ; }, abstract = {Research on avian cognitive neuroscience over the past two decades has revealed the avian brain to be a better model for understanding human cognition than previously thought, despite differences in the neuroarchitecture of avian and mammalian brains. The brain, behavior, and cognition of songbirds have provided an excellent model of human cognition in one domain, namely learning human language and the production of speech. There are other important behavioral candidates of avian cognition, however, notably the capacity of corvids to remember the past and plan for the future, as well as their ability to think about another's perspective, and physical reasoning. We review this work and assess the evidence that the corvid brain can support such a cognitive architecture. We propose potential applications of these behavioral paradigms for cognitive neuroscience, including recent work on single-cell recordings and neuroimaging in corvids. Finally, we discuss their impact on understanding human developmental cognition.}, }
@article {pmid26084679, year = {2015}, author = {Obozova, T and Smirnova, A and Zorina, Z and Wasserman, E}, title = {Analogical reasoning in amazons.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {18}, number = {6}, pages = {1363-1371}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-015-0882-0}, pmid = {26084679}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Amazona/*physiology ; Animals ; *Choice Behavior ; Concept Formation ; *Discrimination, Psychological ; Female ; Male ; *Thinking ; }, abstract = {Two juvenile orange-winged amazons (Amazona amazonica) were initially trained to match visual stimuli by color, shape, and number of items, but not by size. After learning these three identity matching-to-sample tasks, the parrots transferred discriminative responding to new stimuli from the same categories that had been used in training (other colors, shapes, and numbers of items) as well as to stimuli from a different category (stimuli varying in size). In the critical testing phase, both parrots exhibited reliable relational matching-to-sample (RMTS) behavior, suggesting that they perceived and compared the relationship between objects in the sample stimulus pair to the relationship between objects in the comparison stimulus pairs, even though no physical matches were possible between items in the sample and comparison pairs. The parrots spontaneously exhibited this higher-order relational responding without having ever before been trained on RMTS tasks, therefore joining apes and crows in displaying this abstract cognitive behavior.}, }
@article {pmid26067282, year = {2015}, author = {Wascher, CA and Hillemann, F and Canestrari, D and Baglione, V}, title = {Carrion crows learn to discriminate between calls of reliable and unreliable conspecifics.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {18}, number = {5}, pages = {1181-1185}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-015-0879-8}, pmid = {26067282}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; Attention ; Crows/*physiology ; *Discrimination Learning ; Discrimination, Psychological ; Female ; Male ; Social Behavior ; *Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {Partner choice on the basis of an individual's reliability is expected to stabilize social interactions. In this experiment, we tested whether carrion crows (Corvus corone corone) learn to differentiate between calls of reliable or unreliable individuals. Crows were kept in an aviary that comprised four visually but not acoustically isolated compartments, separated by a central room. In an association phase, a dead crow placed in the central compartment was visible only to one of the four crow groups, whilst alert calls of a conspecific were played back. Therefore, these calls were reliable for that group, but unreliable for the three other groups. The procedure was repeated, using a different reliable caller for each group. In two test sessions, 1 month apart, reliable and unreliable model individuals were played back, but no dead crow was presented. We quantified birds' attention behaviour and the number of vocalisations emitted. In the association phase, crows were more attentive towards the reliable compared with the unreliable stimuli and called more in response to reliable compared to unreliable individuals. In the test and repeat phase, attention behaviour did not differ between reliability conditions, but the pattern of vocal behaviour reversed, with crows calling less frequent when listening to reliable compared with unreliable calls. Vocal responses of crows suggest that they can discriminate between reliable and unreliable callers.}, }
@article {pmid26062431, year = {2016}, author = {González-Mariscal, G and Caba, M and Martínez-Gómez, M and Bautista, A and Hudson, R}, title = {Mothers and offspring: The rabbit as a model system in the study of mammalian maternal behavior and sibling interactions.}, journal = {Hormones and behavior}, volume = {77}, number = {}, pages = {30-41}, doi = {10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.05.011}, pmid = {26062431}, issn = {1095-6867}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Suckling/*physiology ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Circadian Rhythm/*physiology ; Female ; Maternal Behavior/*physiology ; Pregnancy ; Rabbits/*physiology ; *Siblings ; }, abstract = {UNLABELLED: This article is part of a Special Issue "Parental Care". Jay Rosenblatt effectively promoted research on rabbit maternal behavior through his interaction with colleagues in Mexico. Here we review the activities of pregnant and lactating rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), their neuro-hormonal regulation, and the synchronization of behavior between mother and kits. Changing concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin throughout gestation regulate nest-building (digging, straw-carrying, fur-pulling) and prime the mother's brain to respond to the newborn. Nursing is the only mother-young contact throughout lactation. It happens once/day, inside the nest, with ca. 24h periodicity, and lasts around 3min. Periodicity and duration of nursing depend on a threshold of suckling as procedures reducing the amount of nipple stimulation interfere with the temporal aspects of nursing, though not with the doe's maternal motivation. Synchronization between mother and kits, critical for nursing, relies on: a) the production of pheromonal cues which guide the young to the mother's nipples for suckling; b) an endogenous circadian rhythm of anticipatory activity in the young, present since birth. Milk intake entrains the kits' locomotor behavior, corticosterone secretion, and the activity of several brain structures. Sibling interactions within the huddle, largely determined by body mass at birth, are important for: a) maintaining body temperature; b) ensuring normal neuromotor and social development. Suckling maintains nursing behavior past the period of abundant milk production but abrupt and efficient weaning occurs in concurrently pregnant-lactating does by unknown factors.<br><br>CONCLUSION: female rabbits have evolved a reproductive strategy largely dissociating maternal care from maternal presence, whose multifactorial regulation warrants future investigations.}, }
@article {pmid26056278, year = {2015}, author = {Ditz, HM and Nieder, A}, title = {Neurons selective to the number of visual items in the corvid songbird endbrain.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {112}, number = {25}, pages = {7827-7832}, pmid = {26056278}, issn = {1091-6490}, mesh = {Animals ; Brain/cytology/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Neurons/*physiology ; }, abstract = {It is unknown whether anatomical specializations in the endbrains of different vertebrates determine the neuronal code to represent numerical quantity. Therefore, we recorded single-neuron activity from the endbrain of crows trained to judge the number of items in displays. Many neurons were tuned for numerosities irrespective of the physical appearance of the items, and their activity correlated with performance outcome. Comparison of both behavioral and neuronal representations of numerosity revealed that the data are best described by a logarithmically compressed scaling of numerical information, as postulated by the Weber-Fechner law. The behavioral and neuronal numerosity representations in the crow reflect surprisingly well those found in the primate association cortex. This finding suggests that distantly related vertebrates with independently developed endbrains adopted similar neuronal solutions to process quantity.}, }
@article {pmid26030086, year = {2015}, author = {Haapala, EA and Lintu, N and Väistö, J and Robinson, LE and Viitasalo, A and Lindi, V and Lakka, TA}, title = {Associations of Physical Performance and Adiposity with Cognition in Children.}, journal = {Medicine and science in sports and exercise}, volume = {47}, number = {10}, pages = {2166-2174}, doi = {10.1249/MSS.0000000000000652}, pmid = {26030086}, issn = {1530-0315}, mesh = {Adiposity/*physiology ; *Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena ; Child ; Cognition/*physiology ; Exercise Test ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Motor Activity/*physiology ; Motor Skills/*physiology ; Muscle Strength ; Muscle, Skeletal/physiology ; *Respiratory Physiological Phenomena ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To investigate the independent and combined associations of cardiorespiratory performance (CP), neuromuscular performance (NP; including motor performance [MP]) and body fat percentage (BF%) with cognition in children.<br><br>METHODS: The participants were 202 boys and 201 girls age 6-8 yr. Cardiorespiratory performance was assessed using maximal cycle ergometer test and was expressed as maximal workload per lean body mass. Neuromuscular performance score included muscle strength, speed, agility, balance, manual dexterity, and flexibility; and MP included speed and agility, balance, and manual dexterity. Body fat percentage was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Cognition was assessed using Raven Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM). Linear regression and general linear models were used to analyze the independent and combined associations of CP, NP, MP, and BF% with Raven CPM score.<br><br>RESULTS: Neuromuscular performance and MP were directly associated with the Raven CPM score (&#x3b2; = 0.138-0.190; P < 0.01). Children in the lowest or the highest thirds of BF% and in the lowest third of MP had a lower Raven CPM score than other children (P < 0.05). Children in the lowest or highest third of BF% along with the poorest MP had a lower Raven CPM score than those in the middle third of BF% and higher MP (P < 0.05). These associations and differences were much stronger in boys than in girls. Cardiorespiratory performance was not related to the Raven CPM score.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Poorer NP and MP were associated with a worse cognition in children and particularly in boys. Cognition was poorer especially among children with the lowest or highest BF% accompanied with a poorer MP.}, }
@article {pmid26010196, year = {2015}, author = {Jelbert, SA and Taylor, AH and Gray, RD}, title = {Reasoning by exclusion in New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides) cannot be explained by avoidance of empty containers.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {129}, number = {3}, pages = {283-290}, doi = {10.1037/a0039313}, pmid = {26010196}, issn = {1939-2087}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/*psychology ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Choice Behavior ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; Thinking/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Whether animals can reason or merely learn associatively is a long-standing debate. Researchers have approached this question by investigating whether dogs, birds, and primates can reason by exclusion (choosing by logically excluding all other alternatives). However, these studies have not resolved whether animals are capable of inferring which option is rewarded or are merely avoiding options known to be incorrect. Here, we used a forced-choice tubes task, where strategies of "reasoning by exclusion" and "avoidance of empty containers" predicted different responses. Two tubes (1 straight, 1 bent) were presented in 5 types of orientation, varying whether the rewarded location could be inferred. We compared predictions from both strategies with the observed performance of 8 wild-caught New Caledonian crows. Two of the 8 birds' choices were entirely consistent with reasoning by exclusion only. A further 4 birds followed a mixed strategy, where both reasoning and avoidance could have influenced their decisions. Thus, although avoidance plays a role, it cannot fully explain the crows' choices. Confirming how animals naturally solve problems is increasingly important in animal cognition; we demonstrate that NC crows can inferentially reason without explicit training, but, like humans, most do not rely solely on reasoning to make decisions.}, }
@article {pmid25996934, year = {2015}, author = {Ronfani, L and Vecchi Brumatti, L and Mariuz, M and Tognin, V and Bin, M and Ferluga, V and Knowles, A and Montico, M and Barbone, F}, title = {The Complex Interaction between Home Environment, Socioeconomic Status, Maternal IQ and Early Child Neurocognitive Development: A Multivariate Analysis of Data Collected in a Newborn Cohort Study.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {10}, number = {5}, pages = {e0127052}, pmid = {25996934}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Adult ; *Child Development ; *Cognition ; *Family ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; *Intelligence ; Italy ; Language Development ; Male ; *Mother-Child Relations ; Motor Activity ; Multivariate Analysis ; Prospective Studies ; Public Health Surveillance ; *Social Class ; Socioeconomic Factors ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The relative role of socioeconomic status (SES), home environment and maternal intelligence, as factors affecting child cognitive development in early childhood is still unclear. The aim of this study is to analyze the association of SES, home environment and maternal IQ with child neurodevelopment at 18 months.<br><br>METHODS: The data were collected prospectively in the PHIME study, a newborn cohort study carried out in Italy between 2007 and 2010. Maternal nonverbal abilities (IQ) were evaluated using the Standard Progressive Matrices, a version of the Raven's Progressive Matrices; a direct evaluation of the home environment was carried out with the AIRE instrument, designed using the HOME (Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment) model; the socioeconomic characteristics were evaluated using the SES index which takes into account parents occupation, type of employment, educational level, homeownership. The study outcome was child neurodevelopment evaluated at 18 months, with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Third Edition (BSID III). Linear regression analyses and mediation analyses were carried out to evaluate the association between the three exposures, and the scaled scores of the three main scales of BSID III (cognitive, language and motor scale), with adjustment for a wide range of potential explanatory variables.<br><br>RESULTS: Data from 502 mother-child pairs were analyzed. Mediation analysis showed a relationship between SES and maternal IQ, with a complete mediation effect of home environment in affecting cognitive and language domains. A direct significant effect of maternal IQ on the BSID III motor development scale and the mediation effect of home environment were found.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that home environment was the variable with greater influence on neurodevelopment at 18 months. The observation of how parents and children interact in the home context is crucial to adequately evaluate early child development.}, }
@article {pmid25994674, year = {2015}, author = {Klump, BC and van der Wal, JE and St Clair, JJ and Rutz, C}, title = {Context-dependent 'safekeeping' of foraging tools in New Caledonian crows.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {282}, number = {1808}, pages = {20150278}, pmid = {25994674}, issn = {1471-2954}, support = {BB/G023913/2//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Crows/*physiology ; *Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Male ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Several animal species use tools for foraging, such as sticks to extract embedded arthropods and honey, or stones to crack open nuts and eggs. While providing access to nutritious foods, these behaviours may incur significant costs, such as the time and energy spent searching for, manufacturing and transporting tools. These costs can be reduced by re-using tools, keeping them safe when not needed. We experimentally investigated what New Caledonian crows do with their tools between successive prey extractions, and whether they express tool 'safekeeping' behaviours more often when the costs (foraging at height), or likelihood (handling of demanding prey), of tool loss are high. Birds generally took care of their tools (84% of 176 prey extractions, nine subjects), either trapping them underfoot (74%) or storing them in holes (26%)--behaviours we also observed in the wild (19 cases, four subjects). Moreover, tool-handling behaviour was context-dependent, with subjects: keeping their tools safe significantly more often when foraging at height; and storing tools significantly more often in holes when extracting more demanding prey (under these conditions, foot-trapping proved challenging). In arboreal environments, safekeeping can prevent costly tool losses, removing a potentially important constraint on the evolution of habitual and complex tool behaviour.}, }
@article {pmid25993609, year = {2015}, author = {Carruthers, J and Rivkin, A and Donofrio, L and Bertucci, V and Somogyi, C and Lei, X and Davis, PG and Campo, A and Beddingfield, FC}, title = {A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Repeated OnabotulinumtoxinA Treatments in Subjects With Crow's Feet Lines and Glabellar Lines.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {41}, number = {6}, pages = {702-711}, doi = {10.1097/DSS.0000000000000357}, pmid = {25993609}, issn = {1524-4725}, mesh = {Adult ; Blepharoptosis/chemically induced ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/adverse effects/*therapeutic use ; Cosmetic Techniques/adverse effects ; Double-Blind Method ; Eye ; Female ; Forehead ; Headache/chemically induced ; Hematoma/chemically induced ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuromuscular Agents/adverse effects/*therapeutic use ; Patient Satisfaction ; Self Concept ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: This is the third study in a Phase 3 program evaluating onabotulinumtoxinA treatment of crow's feet lines (CFL).<br><br>OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of repeated onabotulinumtoxinA treatments of CFL alone or with glabellar lines (GL) in subjects with moderate-to-severe CFL and GL (maximum smile).<br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: This 5-month extension of a 7-month study randomized subjects who originally received onabotulinumtoxinA 24 U (CFL only; n = 227) or 44 U (24 U for CFL + 20 U for GL; n = 260) to retreatment with the same dose. Placebo-treated subjects were rerandomized to onabotulinumtoxinA 44 U (n = 101) or placebo (n = 96). Primary efficacy end point (Day 30) was the proportion of subjects who achieved a CFL severity rating of none or mild (maximum smile) on the investigator-assessed Facial Wrinkle Scale (FWS). Additional efficacy end points and adverse events were evaluated.<br><br>RESULTS: Responder rates (primary end point) were significantly greater in onabotulinumtoxinA-treated groups (24 U: 56.5%; 44 U: 63.6%; placebo: 1.1%; p < .001). Improvements on most patient-reported outcomes (PROs) favored the 44-U group over the 24-U group. Adverse events did not differ among groups; most were mild or moderate.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Repeated onabotulinumtoxinA treatments significantly reduce CFL severity based on FWS and PROs. Adverse event profiles remain consistent with approved GL labeling.}, }
@article {pmid25985093, year = {2015}, author = {Suzuki, TN}, title = {Assessment of predation risk through referential communication in incubating birds.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {5}, number = {}, pages = {10239}, pmid = {25985093}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {*Animal Communication ; Animals ; *Birds ; Female ; *Predatory Behavior ; }, abstract = {Parents of many bird species produce alarm calls when they approach and deter a nest predator in order to defend their offspring. Alarm calls have been shown to warn nestlings about predatory threats, but parents also face a similar risk of predation when incubating eggs in their nests. Here, I show that incubating female Japanese great tits, Parus minor, assess predation risk by conspecific alarm calls given outside the nest cavity. Tits produce acoustically discrete alarm calls for different nest predators: "jar" calls for snakes and "chicka" calls for other predators such as crows and martens. Playback experiments revealed that incubating females responded to "jar" calls by leaving their nest, whereas they responded to "chicka" calls by looking out of the nest entrance. Since snakes invade the nest cavity, escaping from the nest helps females avoid snake predation. In contrast, "chicka" calls are used for a variety of predator types, and therefore, looking out of the nest entrance helps females gather information about the type and location of approaching predators. These results show that incubating females derive information about predator type from different types of alarm calls, providing a novel example of functionally referential communication.}, }
@article {pmid25984564, year = {2014}, author = {Auersperg, AM and Oswald, N and Domanegg, M and Gajdon, GK and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Unrewarded Object Combinations in Captive Parrots.}, journal = {Animal behavior and cognition}, volume = {1}, number = {4}, pages = {470-488}, pmid = {25984564}, issn = {2372-5052}, support = {J 3404/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {In primates, complex object combinations during play are often regarded as precursors of functional behavior. Here we investigate combinatory behaviors during unrewarded object manipulation in seven parrot species, including kea, African grey parrots and Goffin cockatoos, three species previously used as model species for technical problem solving. We further examine a habitually tool using species, the black palm cockatoo. Moreover, we incorporate three neotropical species, the yellow- and the black-billed Amazon and the burrowing parakeet. Paralleling previous studies on primates and corvids, free object-object combinations and complex object-substrate combinations such as inserting objects into tubes/holes or stacking rings onto poles prevailed in the species previously linked to advanced physical cognition and tool use. In addition, free object-object combinations were intrinsically structured in Goffin cockatoos and in kea.}, }
@article {pmid25982732, year = {2015}, author = {Zhu, Y and Sun, L and Garbarino, A and Schmidt, C and Fang, J and Chen, J}, title = {PathRings: a web-based tool for exploration of ortholog and expression data in biological pathways.}, journal = {BMC bioinformatics}, volume = {16}, number = {1}, pages = {165}, pmid = {25982732}, issn = {1471-2105}, mesh = {Computer Graphics ; Computer Simulation ; *Gene Expression ; Genomics/*methods ; Humans ; *Internet ; *Metabolic Networks and Pathways ; Proteins/metabolism ; Proteomics/*methods ; Signal Transduction ; *Software ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: High-throughput methods are generating biological data on a vast scale. In many instances, genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data must be interpreted in the context of signaling and metabolic pathways to yield testable hypotheses. Since humans can interpret visual information rapidly, a means for interactive visual exploration that lets biologists interpret such data in a comprehensive and exploratory manner would be invaluable. However, humans have limited memory capacity. Current visualization tools have limited viewing and manipulation capabilities to address complex data analysis problems, and visual exploratory tools are needed to reduce the high mental workload imposed on biologists.<br><br>RESULTS: We present PathRings, a new interactive web-based, scalable biological pathway visualization tool for biologists to explore and interpret biological pathways. PathRings integrates metabolic and signaling pathways from Reactome in a single compound graph visualization, and uses color to highlight genes and pathways affected by input data. Pathways are available for multiple species and analysis of user-defined species or input is also possible. PathRings permits an overview of the impact of gene expression data on all pathways to facilitate visual pattern finding. Detailed pathways information can be opened in new visualizations while maintaining the overview, that form a visual exploration provenance. A dynamic multi-view bubbles interface is designed to support biologists' analytical tasks by letting users construct incremental views that further reflect biologists' analytical process. This approach decomposes complex tasks into simpler ones and automates multi-view management.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: PathRings has been designed to accommodate interactive visual analysis of experimental data in the context of pathways defined by Reactome. Our new approach to interface design can effectively support comparative tasks over substantially larger collection than existing tools. The dynamic interaction among multi-view dataset visualization improves the data exploration. PathRings is available free at http://raven.anr.udel.edu/~sunliang/PathRings and the source code is hosted on Github: https://github.com/ivcl/PathRings .}, }
@article {pmid25981411, year = {2015}, author = {Kärnä, OM and Grönroos, M and Antikainen, H and Hjort, J and Ilmonen, J and Paasivirta, L and Heino, J}, title = {Inferring the effects of potential dispersal routes on the metacommunity structure of stream insects: as the crow flies, as the fish swims or as the fox runs?.}, journal = {The Journal of animal ecology}, volume = {84}, number = {5}, pages = {1342-1353}, doi = {10.1111/1365-2656.12397}, pmid = {25981411}, issn = {1365-2656}, mesh = {*Animal Distribution ; Animals ; *Biodiversity ; Energy Metabolism ; Finland ; Geography ; Insecta/*physiology ; *Rivers ; }, abstract = {1. Metacommunity research relies largely on proxies for inferring the effect of dispersal on local community structure. Overland and watercourse distances have been typically used as such proxies. A good proxy for dispersal should, however, take into account more complex landscape features that can affect an organism's movement and dispersal. The cost distance approach does just that, allowing determining the path of least resistance across a landscape. 2. Here, we examined the distance decay of assemblage similarity within a subarctic stream insect metacommunity. We tested whether overland, watercourse and cumulative cost distances performed differently as correlates of dissimilarity in assemblage composition between sites. We also investigated the effect of body size and dispersal mode on metacommunity organization. 3. We found that dissimilarities in assemblage composition correlated more strongly with environmental than physical distances between sites. Overland and watercourse distances showed similar correlations to assemblage dissimilarity between sites, being sometimes significantly correlated with biological variation of entire insect communities. In metacommunities deconstructed by body size or dispersal mode, contrary to our expectation, passive dispersers showed a slightly stronger correlation than active dispersers to environmental differences between sites, although passive dispersers also showed a stronger correlation than active dispersers to physical distances between sites. The strength of correlation between environmental distance and biological dissimilarity also varied slightly among the body size classes. 4. After controlling for environmental differences between sites, cumulative cost distances were slightly better correlates of biological dissimilarities than overland or watercourse distances between sites. However, quantitative differences in correlation coefficients were small between different physical distances. 5. Although environmental differences typically override physical distances as determinants of the composition of stream insect assemblages, correlations between environmental distances and biological dissimilarities are typically rather weak. This undetermined variation may be attributable to dispersal processes, which may be captured using better proxies for the process. We suggest that further modifying the measurement of cost distances may be a fruitful avenue, especially if complemented by more direct natural history information on insect dispersal behaviour and distances travelled by them.}, }
@article {pmid25973559, year = {2015}, author = {Carruthers, A and Sadick, N and Brandt, F and Trindade de Almeida, AR and Fagien, S and Goodman, GJ and Raspaldo, H and Smith, K and Darmody, S and Gallagher, CJ and Street, J and Romagnano, L}, title = {Evolution of Facial Aesthetic Treatment Over Five or More Years: A Retrospective Cross-sectional Analysis of Continuous OnabotulinumtoxinA Treatment.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {41}, number = {6}, pages = {693-701}, doi = {10.1097/DSS.0000000000000340}, pmid = {25973559}, issn = {1524-4725}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*administration &amp; dosage/adverse effects ; Combined Modality Therapy/trends ; Cosmetic Techniques/*trends ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Dermatologic Agents/therapeutic use ; Drug Administration Schedule ; Esthetics ; Eye ; Female ; Forehead ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuromuscular Agents/*administration &amp; dosage/adverse effects ; Patient Satisfaction ; Retrospective Studies ; Self Concept ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Little information exists on how facial aesthetic treatments are incorporated into aesthetic regimens.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: Assess the evolution of facial aesthetic treatments in patients receiving long-term continuous onabotulinumtoxinA treatment.<br><br>METHODS: This international retrospective chart review included patients with &#x2265;5 years of continuous onabotulinumtoxinA treatments including &#x2265;1 glabellar lines treatment/year. Charts were reviewed for facial areas treated, number of treatments, doses/treatment visit, concomitant aesthetic procedures, and onabotulinumtoxinA-related adverse events.<br><br>RESULTS: Data were collected from 5,112 onabotulinumtoxinA treatment sessions for 194 patients over an average of 9.1 years. Dosing was relatively stable over time; however, interinjection intervals increased. Glabellar lines' treatment temporally preceded crow's feet lines and forehead lines' treatment. A majority of patients (85%) also received treatment with fillers. Cumulative increases in onabotulinumtoxinA treatments occurred over time and by facial area corresponding with increases in treatments with injectable fillers, energy-based devices, and prescription topical creams. The longer the patients were treated, the younger they perceived themselves to look. Rates of adverse events were low.<br><br>CONCLUSION: OnabotulinumtoxinA treatment evolved over time, coinciding with growth of the facial aesthetics market. Additional treatment modalities were added as complements to onabotulinumtoxinA. Long-term continuous onabotulinumtoxinA injections are an important component of contemporary facial aesthetic treatment regimens.}, }
@article {pmid25957953, year = {2015}, author = {Jayne, K and Lea, SE and Leaver, LA}, title = {Behavioural responses of Eastern grey squirrels, Sciurus carolinensis, to cues of risk while foraging.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {116}, number = {}, pages = {53-61}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2015.05.002}, pmid = {25957953}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Acoustic Stimulation ; Animals ; Appetitive Behavior/*physiology ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Cues ; Feeding Behavior/physiology ; Female ; Male ; *Risk-Taking ; Sciuridae/*physiology ; Social Behavior ; Vocalization, Animal/physiology ; }, abstract = {Previous studies have shown that Eastern grey squirrels modify their behaviour while foraging to offset risks of social and predatory costs, but none have simultaneously compared whether such modifications are performed at a cost to foraging. The present study directly compares how grey squirrels respond to cues of these risks while foraging. We simulated social risk and predatory risk using acoustic playbacks of stimuli that grey squirrels might be exposed to at a foraging patch: calls of conspecifics, heterospecifics (competitor and non-competitor) and predators. We found that grey squirrels responded to predator, heterospecific competitor and conspecific playbacks by altering their foraging and vigilance behaviours. Foraging was most disrupted by increased vigilance when we played calls of predators. Squirrels' response to calls of heterospecific competitors did not differ from their response to conspecific calls, and they resumed foraging more quickly after both compared to predator calls: whereas they showed little response to calls of non-competitor heterospecifics and a white noise control. We conclude that squirrels respond differentially to calls made by conspecifics, heterospecific competitors and predators, with the most pronounced response being to calls of predators. We suggest that squirrels may view conspecific and corvid vocalisations as cues of potential conflict while foraging, necessitating increased vigilance.}, }
@article {pmid25937686, year = {2014}, author = {Miller, R and Schiestl, M and Whiten, A and Schwab, C and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Tolerance and Social Facilitation in the Foraging Behaviour of Free-Ranging Crows (Corvus corone corone; C. c. cornix).}, journal = {Ethology : formerly Zeitschrift fur Tierpsychologie}, volume = {120}, number = {12}, pages = {1248-1255}, pmid = {25937686}, issn = {0179-1613}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {Social foraging provides animals with opportunities to gain knowledge about available food. Studies indicate that animals are influenced by social context during exploration and are able to learn socially. Carrion and hooded crows, which are opportunistic generalists with flexible social systems, have so far received little focus in this area. We combined observational and experimental approaches to investigate social interactions during foraging and social influences on crow behaviour within a free-ranging population at Vienna Zoo, which included 115 individually marked crows. We expected the crows to be tolerant of conspecifics during foraging due to high food abundance. We predicted that social context would enhance familiar object exploration, as well as a specific foraging strategy: predation by crows on other species. We found that crows were highly tolerant of one another, as reflected by their high rates of cofeeding - where they fed directly beside conspecific(s) - relative to affiliative or agonistic interactions. Evidence for social facilitation - when the observer's behaviour is affected by the mere presence of a model - was found in both object exploration and predation behaviour. Specifically, crows touched the objects more frequently when others were present (whilst only approaching the objects when alone), and conspecifics were present more frequently during predation events involving the high-risk target species. Evidence for enhancement during object exploration - where the observer's attention is drawn to a place or object by a model's actions - was not confirmed in this context. Our results highlight the role played by the presence of conspecifics across different contexts: natural foraging behaviour, familiar object exploration and a specific foraging strategy. To our knowledge, this is one of the first corvid studies aimed at teasing apart specific social influence and learning mechanisms in the field. These crows therefore make promising candidates for studying social learning and its consequences under naturalistic conditions.}, }
@article {pmid25919466, year = {2015}, author = {Foss, L and Padgett, K and Reisen, WK and Kjemtrup, A and Ogawa, J and Kramer, V}, title = {WEST NILE VIRUS-RELATED TRENDS IN AVIAN MORTALITY IN CALIFORNIA, USA, 2003-12.}, journal = {Journal of wildlife diseases}, volume = {51}, number = {3}, pages = {576-588}, doi = {10.7589/2014-06-144}, pmid = {25919466}, issn = {1943-3700}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/virology ; Bird Diseases/*mortality/virology ; California/epidemiology ; Crows/microbiology ; Passeriformes/virology ; Population Surveillance ; West Nile Fever/epidemiology/*veterinary ; *West Nile virus ; }, abstract = {West Nile virus (WNV) is an arbovirus transmitted enzootically by Culex mosquitoes among avian hosts. Since 2000, the California Dead Bird Surveillance Program (DBSP) has tracked avian mortality reported by the public on a telephone hotline and website and measured the prevalence of WNV infection in dead birds. We summarize herein WNV prevalence in dead birds tested and variation of WNV transmission over time and space with the use of DBSP data from 2003 to 2012. Prevalence among dead birds was highest in 2004, 2008, and 2012. This pattern was similar to peak WNV infection years for mosquitoes but not to human WNV incidence. Although American Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) were most frequently reported and tested, this species ranked third in infection prevalence (44%) after Yellow-billed Magpies (Pica nuttalli; 62%) and Western Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma californica; 48%). Overall prevalence in American Robin (Turdus migratorius), House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus), and House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) carcasses ranged from 18% to 22%. Corvid WNV prevalence was highest in South Coast, Bay/Delta, Sacramento, and San Joaquin valleys, and Klamath/North Coast bioregions, overlapping areas of elevated WNV activity in other surveillance measurements. Bioregional analysis revealed the avian species most likely to be reported and found positive in each bioregion. Our results may be useful to WNV surveillance and control efforts and provide insight into bird population trends in California.}, }
@article {pmid25912895, year = {2015}, author = {Soler, JJ and Ruiz-Rodríguez, M and Martín-Vivaldi, M and Peralta-Sánchez, JM and Ruiz-Castellano, C and Tomás, G}, title = {Laying date, incubation and egg breakage as determinants of bacterial load on bird eggshells: experimental evidence.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {179}, number = {1}, pages = {63-74}, pmid = {25912895}, issn = {1432-1939}, mesh = {Animals ; *Bacterial Load ; Biological Evolution ; Coturnix/*growth &amp; development/microbiology/parasitology/physiology ; Egg Shell/*microbiology ; Eggs/microbiology ; Female ; Nesting Behavior/*physiology ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Phenotype ; Reproduction ; Seasons ; Symbiosis ; }, abstract = {Exploring factors guiding interactions of bacterial communities with animals has become of primary importance for ecologists and evolutionary biologists during the last years because of their likely central role in the evolution of animal life history traits. We explored the association between laying date and eggshell bacterial load (mesophilic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococci, and Enterococci) in natural and artificial magpie (Pica pica) nests containing fresh commercial quail (Coturnix coturnix) eggs. We manipulated hygiene conditions by spilling egg contents on magpie and artificial nests and explored experimental effects during the breeding season. Egg breakage is a common outcome of brood parasitism by great spotted cuckoos (Clamator glandarius) on the nests of magpie, one of its main hosts. We found that the treatment increased eggshell bacterial load in artificial nests, but not in magpie nests with incubating females, which suggests that parental activity prevents the proliferation of bacteria on the eggshells in relation to egg breakage. Moreover, laying date was positively related to eggshell bacterial load in active magpie nests, but negatively in artificial nests. The results suggest that variation in parental characteristics of magpies rather than climatic variation during the breeding season explained the detected positive association. Because the eggshell bacterial load is a proxy of hatching success, the detected positive association between eggshell bacterial loads and laying date in natural, but not in artificial nests, suggests that the generalized negative association between laying date and avian breeding success can be, at least partially, explained by differential bacterial effects.}, }
@article {pmid25905887, year = {2015}, author = {O'Dell, M}, title = {Meeting Jim Crow.}, journal = {Family medicine}, volume = {47}, number = {5}, pages = {403-404}, pmid = {25905887}, issn = {1938-3800}, mesh = {*Black or African American ; Humans ; Patient Care/*psychology ; *Prejudice/prevention &amp; control/psychology ; Race Relations ; *Racism/prevention &amp; control/psychology ; }, }
@article {pmid25895287, year = {2015}, author = {Trotter, MC}, title = {Lloyd Tevis Miller, MD. Professionalas in the Jim Crow South.}, journal = {Journal of the Mississippi State Medical Association}, volume = {56}, number = {2}, pages = {49-53}, pmid = {25895287}, issn = {0026-6396}, mesh = {Black or African American/*history ; History, 19th Century ; History, 20th Century ; Humans ; Mississippi ; Physicians/*history ; Racism/*history ; }, }
@article {pmid25892848, year = {2015}, author = {Kubitza, RJ and Bugnyar, T and Schwab, C}, title = {Pair bond characteristics and maintenance in free-flying jackdaws Corvus monedula: effects of social context and season.}, journal = {Journal of avian biology}, volume = {46}, number = {2}, pages = {206-215}, pmid = {25892848}, issn = {0908-8857}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {Most birds rely on cooperation between pair partners for breeding. In long-term monogamous species, pair bonds are considered the basic units of social organization, albeit these birds often form foraging, roosting or breeding groups in which they repeatedly interact with numerous conspecifics. Focusing on jackdaws Corvus monedula, we here investigated 1) the interplay between pair bond and group dynamics in several social contexts and 2) how pair partners differ in individual effort of pair bond maintenance. Based on long-term data on free-flying birds, we quantified social interactions between group members within three positive contexts (spatial proximity, feeding and sociopositive interactions) for different periods of the year (non-breeding, pre-breeding, parental care). On the group level, we found that the number of interaction partners was highest in the spatial proximity context while in the feeding and sociopositive contexts the number of interaction partners was low and moderately low, respectively. Interactions were reciprocated within almost all contexts and periods. Investigating subgrouping within the flock, results showed that interactions were preferentially directed towards the respective pair partner compared to unmated adults. When determining pair partner effort, both sexes similarly invested most into mutual proximity during late winter, thereby refreshing their bond before the onset of breeding. Paired males fed their mates over the entire year at similar rates while paired females hardly fed their mates at all but engaged in sociopositive behaviors instead. We conclude that jackdaws actively seek out positive social ties to flock members (close proximity, sociopositive behavior), at certain times of the year. Thus, the group functions as a dynamic social unit, nested within are highly cooperative pair bonds. Both sexes invested into the bond with different social behaviors and different levels of effort, yet these are likely male and female proximate mechanisms aimed at maintaining and perpetuating the pair bond.}, }
@article {pmid25892738, year = {2014}, author = {Hillemann, F and Bugnyar, T and Kotrschal, K and Wascher, CA}, title = {Waiting for better, not for more: corvids respond to quality in two delay maintenance tasks.}, journal = {Animal behaviour}, volume = {90}, number = {}, pages = {1-10}, pmid = {25892738}, issn = {0003-3472}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {Self-control, that is, overcoming impulsivity towards immediate gratification in favour of a greater but delayed reward, is seen as a valuable skill when making future-oriented decisions. Experimental studies in nonhuman primates revealed that individuals of some species are willing to tolerate delays of up to several minutes in order to gain food of a higher quantity or quality. Recently, birds (carrion crows, Corvus corone, common ravens, Corvus corax, Goffin cockatoos, Cacatua goffiniana) performed comparably to primates in an exchange task, contradicting previous notions that birds may lack any impulse control. However, performance differed strikingly with the currency of exchange: individuals of all three species performed better when asked to wait for a higher food quality, rather than quantity. Here, we built on this work and tested whether the apparent difference in levels of self-control expressed in quality versus quantity tasks reflects cognitive constraints or is merely due to methodological limitations. In addition to the exchange paradigm, we applied another established delay maintenance methodology: the accumulation task. In this latter task, food items accumulated to a maximum of four pieces, whereas in the exchange task, an initial item could be exchanged for a reward item after a certain time delay elapsed. In both tasks, birds (seven crows, five ravens) were asked to wait in order to optimize either the quality or the quantity of food. We found that corvids were willing to delay gratification when it led to a food reward of higher quality, but not when waiting was rewarded with a higher quantity, independent of the experimental paradigm. This study is the first to test crows and ravens with two different paradigms, the accumulation and the exchange of food, within the same experiment, allowing for fair comparisons between methods and species.}, }
@article {pmid25888754, year = {2015}, author = {Rizzoli, A and Bolzoni, L and Chadwick, EA and Capelli, G and Montarsi, F and Grisenti, M and de la Puente, JM and Muñoz, J and Figuerola, J and Soriguer, R and Anfora, G and Di Luca, M and Rosà, R}, title = {Understanding West Nile virus ecology in Europe: Culex pipiens host feeding preference in a hotspot of virus emergence.}, journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors}, volume = {8}, number = {}, pages = {213}, pmid = {25888754}, issn = {1756-3305}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/blood/genetics ; Culex/*physiology/virology ; DNA/genetics ; Disease Reservoirs ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Odorants ; Species Specificity ; West Nile Fever/*epidemiology/virology ; West Nile virus/*isolation &amp; purification ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Understanding wildlife disease ecology is becoming an urgent need due to the continuous emergence and spread of several wildlife zoonotic diseases. West Nile Virus (WNV) is the most widespread arthropod-borne virus in the world, and in recent decades there has been an increase both in geographic range, and in the frequency of symptomatic infections in humans and wildlife. The principal vector for WNV in Europe is the common house Culex pipiens mosquito, which feeds on a wide variety of vertebrate host species. Variation in mosquito feeding preference has been described as one of the most influential parameters driving intensity and timing of WNV infection in the United States, but feeding preferences for this species have been little studied in Europe.<br><br>METHODS: Here, we estimated feeding preference for wild Cx. pipiens in northern Italy, using molecular analysis to identify the origin of blood meals, and avian census to control host abundance variations. Additionally, we used host bird odour extracts to test experimentally mosquito preferences in the absence of environmental variations.<br><br>RESULTS: For the first time, we demonstrate a clear feeding preference for the common blackbird (Turdus merula), both for wild collected specimens and in the lab, suggesting a potential important role for this species in the WNV epidemiology in Europe. A seasonal decrease in abundance of blackbirds is associated with increased feeding on Eurasian magpies (Pica pica), and this may be linked to seasonal emergence of WNV in humans. Feeding preferences on blackbirds are more marked in rural areas, while preference for magpies is higher in peridomestic areas. Other species, such as the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) appear to be selected by mosquitoes opportunistically in relation to its abundance.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide new insights into the ecology of Cx. pipiens in Europe and may give useful indications in terms of implementing targeted WNV surveillance plans. However, a clearer understanding of spatio-temporal variations of Cx. pipiens feeding preferences, and targeted studies on reservoir competence for WNV for these species are therefore now urgently needed as this is essential to describe disease dynamics and quantify virus transmission risk.}, }
@article {pmid25876887, year = {2015}, author = {Kalindi, SC and McBride, C and Tong, X and Wong, NL and Chung, KH and Lee, CY}, title = {Beyond phonological and morphological processing: pure copying as a marker of dyslexia in Chinese but not poor reading of English.}, journal = {Annals of dyslexia}, volume = {65}, number = {2}, pages = {53-68}, doi = {10.1007/s11881-015-0097-8}, pmid = {25876887}, issn = {1934-7243}, mesh = {Asian People/*psychology ; Awareness ; Child ; Dyslexia/*diagnosis/*psychology ; Female ; Hong Kong ; Humans ; *Imitative Behavior ; *Language ; Linguistics ; Male ; *Phonetics ; *Reading ; Reference Values ; *Semantics ; *Writing ; }, abstract = {To examine cognitive correlates of dyslexia in Chinese and reading difficulties in English as a foreign language, a total of 14 Chinese dyslexic children (DG), 16 poor readers of English (PE), and 17 poor readers of both Chinese and English (PB) were compared to a control sample (C) of 17 children, drawn from a statistically representative sample of 177 second graders. Children were tested on pure copying of unfamiliar stimuli, rapid automatized naming (RAN), phoneme deletion, syllable deletion, and morphological awareness. With children's ages and Raven's nonverbal reasoning statistically controlled, the PE and PB groups were significantly lower than the C group on phoneme deletion and RAN tasks, while the DG performed significantly better than the PB group on the RAN task. The copying task distinguished the DG group from the C group. Findings particularly highlight the importance of phoneme awareness for word reading in English (but not Chinese), the potential need for fluency training for children with reading difficulties in both Chinese and English, and the important role that copying skills could have specifically in understanding impairment of literacy skills in Chinese (but not English).}, }
@article {pmid25876841, year = {2015}, author = {Jacobs, IF and von Bayern, A and Martin-Ordas, G and Rat-Fischer, L and Osvath, M}, title = {Corvids create novel causal interventions after all.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {282}, number = {1806}, pages = {20142504}, pmid = {25876841}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; *Cognition ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; *Learning ; Male ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, }
@article {pmid25875897, year = {2015}, author = {Rommel, AS and Rijsdijk, F and Greven, CU and Asherson, P and Kuntsi, J}, title = {A longitudinal twin study of the direction of effects between ADHD symptoms and IQ.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {10}, number = {4}, pages = {e0124357}, pmid = {25875897}, issn = {1932-6203}, support = {G0500079/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; R01 HD059215/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; HD044454/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HD044454/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; HD059215/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; G0901245/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Age Factors ; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/genetics/*physiopathology/psychology ; Child ; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ; Female ; Gene-Environment Interaction ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Longitudinal Studies ; Male ; *Models, Neurological ; Phenotype ; Twins, Dizygotic/psychology ; Twins, Monozygotic/psychology ; Vocabulary ; }, abstract = {While the negative association between ADHD symptoms and IQ is well documented, our knowledge about the direction and aetiology of this association is limited. Here, we examine the association of ADHD symptoms with verbal and performance IQ longitudinally in a population-based sample of twins. In a population-based sample of 4,771 twin pairs, DSM-IV ADHD symptoms were obtained from the Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised. Verbal (vocabulary) and performance (Raven's Progressive Matrices) IQ were assessed online. ADHD symptom ratings and IQ scores were obtained at ages 12, 14 and 16 years. Making use of the genetic sensitivity and time-ordered nature of our data, we use a cross-lagged model to examine the direction of effects, while modelling the aetiologies of the association between ADHD symptoms with vocabulary and Raven's scores over time. Although time-specific aetiological influences emerged for each trait at ages 14 and 16 years, the aetiological factors involved in the association between ADHD symptoms and IQ were stable over time. ADHD symptoms and IQ scores significantly predicted each other over time. ADHD symptoms at age 12 years were a significantly stronger predictor of vocabulary and Raven's scores at age 14 years than vice versa, whereas no differential predictive effects emerged from age 14 to 16 years. The results suggest that ADHD symptoms may put adolescents at risk for decreased IQ scores. Persistent genetic influences seem to underlie the association of ADHD symptoms and IQ over time. Early intervention is likely to be key to reducing ADHD symptoms and the associated risk for lower IQ.}, }
@article {pmid25834463, year = {2015}, author = {Pavicic, T and Prager, W and Klöppel, M and Ravichandran, S and Galatoire, O}, title = {IncobotulinumtoxinA use in aesthetic indications in daily practice: a European multicenter, noninterventional, retrospective study.}, journal = {Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology}, volume = {8}, number = {}, pages = {135-142}, pmid = {25834463}, issn = {1178-7015}, abstract = {PURPOSE: To characterize utilization patterns and treatment satisfaction with incobotulinumtoxinA for aesthetic indications and assess adherence to the Summary of Product Characteristics.<br><br>PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively from physicians in Germany, France, and the UK regarding patients (n=638) treated with incobotulinumtoxinA for aesthetic indications. Data on indication, treatment interval, dose injected, physician and patient satisfaction, and adverse drug reactions were recorded according to routine daily practice.<br><br>RESULTS: Most patients (76.0%) received incobotulinumtoxinA for glabellar frown lines (GFL) and were given doses of &#x2264;20 U. The majority of treatment intervals were 5 months or longer. Overall, 64.1% of patients were treated for off-label indications, sometimes in combination with treatment for GFL. The most frequently treated off-label indications were horizontal forehead lines (38.6%) and/or crow's feet (CF; 31.7%); for CF, >95% of injected doses were &#x2264;24 U. In Germany, a smaller proportion of patients were given incobotulinumtoxinA treatment for CF (27.6%), compared with France (40.4%) and the UK (33.2%), although country-specific differences were less prominent when treatment cycle data for CF were examined. Treatment satisfaction among physicians and patients (overall, and for GFL specifically) was very high, with excellent tolerability and only one mild adverse drug reaction reported.<br><br>CONCLUSION: In daily practice, incobotulinumtoxinA is mainly used for GFL; however, its use for CF and horizontal forehead lines (often in combination with GFL) is relatively common. Treatment satisfaction across aesthetic indications is high, and incobotulinumtoxinA is well tolerated, with time intervals of 5 months or longer between injections in the majority of cases. When considering factors such as dose and treatment interval, adherence to the Summary of Product Characteristics when treating GFL in daily practice is good. These results support previous reports that incobotulinumtoxinA is an effective treatment for GFL, with an excellent safety profile. Furthermore, incobotulinumtoxinA may display efficacy and tolerability in other indications.}, }
@article {pmid25829440, year = {2015}, author = {Long, Y and Smet, W and Cruz-Ramírez, A and Castelijns, B and de Jonge, W and Mähönen, AP and Bouchet, BP and Perez, GS and Akhmanova, A and Scheres, B and Blilou, I}, title = {Arabidopsis BIRD Zinc Finger Proteins Jointly Stabilize Tissue Boundaries by Confining the Cell Fate Regulator SHORT-ROOT and Contributing to Fate Specification.}, journal = {The Plant cell}, volume = {27}, number = {4}, pages = {1185-1199}, pmid = {25829440}, issn = {1532-298X}, mesh = {Arabidopsis/*cytology/*metabolism ; Arabidopsis Proteins/genetics/*metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant/genetics/physiology ; Meristem/*cytology/metabolism ; Plant Roots/cytology/metabolism ; }, abstract = {Plant cells cannot rearrange their positions; therefore, sharp tissue boundaries must be accurately programmed. Movement of the cell fate regulator SHORT-ROOT from the stele to the ground tissue has been associated with transferring positional information across tissue boundaries. The zinc finger BIRD protein JACKDAW has been shown to constrain SHORT-ROOT movement to a single layer, and other BIRD family proteins were postulated to counteract JACKDAW's role in restricting SHORT-ROOT action range. Here, we report that regulation of SHORT-ROOT movement requires additional BIRD proteins whose action is critical for the establishment and maintenance of the boundary between stele and ground tissue. We show that BIRD proteins act in concert and not in opposition. The exploitation of asymmetric redundancies allows the separation of two BIRD functions: constraining SHORT-ROOT spread through nuclear retention and transcriptional regulation of key downstream SHORT-ROOT targets, including SCARECROW and CYCLIND6. Our data indicate that BIRD proteins promote formative divisions and tissue specification in the Arabidopsis thaliana root meristem ground tissue by tethering and regulating transcriptional competence of SHORT-ROOT complexes. As a result, a tissue boundary is not "locked in" after initial patterning like in many animal systems, but possesses considerable developmental plasticity due to continuous reliance on mobile transcription factors.}, }
@article {pmid25829100, year = {2015}, author = {Singh, D and Mattoo, SK and Grover, S and Kohli, A}, title = {Effect of co-morbid depression on neurocognitive functioning in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder: a study from India.}, journal = {East Asian archives of psychiatry : official journal of the Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists = Dong Ya jing shen ke xue zhi : Xianggang jing shen ke yi xue yuan qi kan}, volume = {25}, number = {1}, pages = {3-15}, pmid = {25829100}, issn = {2224-7041}, mesh = {Adult ; Cognition ; Cognition Disorders/diagnosis/*etiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Depression/*complications ; Female ; Humans ; India ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder/complications/*psychology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To study neuropsychological function in subjects with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with and without co-morbid depression in comparison with healthy controls (HC).<br><br>METHODS: The 3 sample groups included subjects with OCD without depression (OCD group, n = 30); subjects with OCD and depression (OCDD group, n = 20); and HC (n = 25). All 3 groups were matched for age, gender, and years of education, and they were assessed on the following: Trail Making Tests A and B, Verbal Fluency Test, PGI Memory Scale, Stroop test, Tower of London Test, Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and the Object Alternation Test.<br><br>RESULTS: Both OCD and OCDD groups performed more poorly than HC, whereas the OCDD group performed worse than OCD group. Besides, OCD and OCDD groups had significantly poorer performance on tests of attention, memory, executive functions, verbal fluency, and intelligence. The OCDD group performed worse than the OCD group notably on Verbal Fluency Test, PGI memory test, and Object Alternation Test.<br><br>CONCLUSION: On tests of neurocognitive functioning, the performance of the OCDD group was poorer than the OCD group, and both performed poorer than HC, suggesting that OCD is associated with neurocognitive dysfunction and that this is exacerbated in the presence of depression.}, }
@article {pmid25828040, year = {2015}, author = {Narurkar, V and Shamban, A and Sissins, P and Stonehouse, A and Gallagher, C}, title = {Facial treatment preferences in aesthetically aware women.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {41 Suppl 1}, number = {}, pages = {S153-60}, doi = {10.1097/DSS.0000000000000293}, pmid = {25828040}, issn = {1524-4725}, mesh = {Adult ; Age Factors ; *Choice Behavior ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; *Esthetics ; *Face ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Rejuvenation ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Individuals typically self-identify symptoms of facial aging that lead them to seek facial aesthetic treatments. No systematic data exist to describe preferences for facial areas requiring treatment.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: To determine (1) the facial areas most likely to be treated first, (2) the relationship between the most bothersome facial area and the area first planned for treatment, and (3) differences between younger and older women.<br><br>METHODS: A total of 603 women aged 30 to 65 years considering aesthetic treatments participated in an online research survey using Maximum Difference scaling.<br><br>RESULTS: Maximum Difference analysis revealed that crow's feet lines (CFLs) were most likely to be treated first (82% of the first preferences), followed by oral commissures (74%) and tear troughs (72%). There was a strong correlation between the most bothersome facial area and the area first planned for treatment. In women younger than 45 years, features of the upper face were more likely to be treated first, whereas women aged 50 years or older had an increased preference for treating features of the lower face, with a reduction in preference for upper face treatment.<br><br>CONCLUSION: This cross-sectional survey suggests that aesthetically oriented women have changing facial treatment preferences with age; however, CFLs are of most concern.}, }
@article {pmid25822067, year = {2015}, author = {Klein, RM and Dilchert, S and Ones, DS and Dages, KD}, title = {Cognitive predictors and age-based adverse impact among business executives.}, journal = {The Journal of applied psychology}, volume = {100}, number = {5}, pages = {1497-1510}, doi = {10.1037/a0038991}, pmid = {25822067}, issn = {1939-1854}, mesh = {Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Aging/*physiology ; Aptitude/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mental Processes/*physiology ; Middle Aged ; *Personnel Selection ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Age differences on measures of general mental ability and specific cognitive abilities were examined in 2 samples of job applicants to executive positions as well as a mix of executive/nonexecutive positions to determine which predictors might lead to age-based adverse impact in making selection and advancement decisions. Generalizability of the pattern of findings was also investigated in 2 samples from the general adult population. Age was negatively related to general mental ability, with older executives scoring lower than younger executives. For specific ability components, the direction and magnitude of age differences depended on the specific ability in question. Older executives scored higher on verbal ability, a measure most often associated with crystallized intelligence. This finding generalized across samples examined in this study. Also, consistent with findings that fluid abilities decline with age, older executives scored somewhat lower on figural reasoning than younger executives, and much lower on a letter series test of inductive reasoning. Other measures of inductive reasoning, such as Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices, also showed similar age group mean differences across settings. Implications for employee selection and adverse impact on older job candidates are discussed.}, }
@article {pmid25802816, year = {2015}, author = {Eimes, JA and Townsend, AK and Sepil, I and Nishiumi, I and Satta, Y}, title = {Patterns of evolution of MHC class II genes of crows (Corvus) suggest trans-species polymorphism.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {3}, number = {}, pages = {e853}, pmid = {25802816}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {A distinguishing characteristic of genes that code for the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is that alleles often share more similarity between, rather than within species. There are two likely mechanisms that can explain this pattern: convergent evolution and trans-species polymorphism (TSP), in which ancient allelic lineages are maintained by balancing selection and retained by descendant species. Distinguishing between these two mechanisms has major implications in how we view adaptation of immune genes. In this study we analyzed exon 2 of the MHC class IIB in three passerine bird species in the genus Corvus: jungle crows (Corvus macrorhynchos japonensis) American crows (C. brachyrhynchos) and carrion crows (C. corone orientalis). Carrion crows and American crows are recently diverged, but allopatric, sister species, whereas carrion crows and jungle crows are more distantly related but sympatric species, and possibly share pathogens linked to MHC IIB polymorphisms. These patterns of evolutionary divergence and current geographic ranges enabled us to test for trans-species polymorphism and convergent evolution of the MHC IIB in crows. Phylogenetic reconstructions of MHC IIB sequences revealed several well supported interspecific clusters containing all three species, and there was no biased clustering of variants among the sympatric carrion crows and jungle crows. The topologies of phylogenetic trees constructed from putatively selected sites were remarkably different than those constructed from putatively neutral sites. In addition, trees constructed using non-synonymous substitutions from a continuous fragment of exon 2 had more, and generally more inclusive, supported interspecific MHC IIB variant clusters than those constructed from the same fragment using synonymous substitutions. These phylogenetic patterns suggest that recombination, especially gene conversion, has partially erased the signal of allelic ancestry in these species. While clustering of positively selected amino acids by supertyping revealed a single supertype shared by only jungle and carrion crows, a pattern consistent with convergence, the overall phylogenetic patterns we observed suggest that TSP, rather than convergence, explains the interspecific allelic similarity of MHC IIB genes in these species of crows.}, }
@article {pmid25789814, year = {2015}, author = {Kane, MA and Cox, SE and Jones, D and Lei, X and Gallagher, CJ}, title = {Heterogeneity of crow's feet line patterns in clinical trial subjects.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {41}, number = {4}, pages = {447-456}, doi = {10.1097/DSS.0000000000000336}, pmid = {25789814}, issn = {1524-4725}, mesh = {Acetylcholine Release Inhibitors/administration &amp; dosage ; Adult ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*administration &amp; dosage ; Cosmetic Techniques ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Double-Blind Method ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Patient Satisfaction ; *Self Concept ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Patterns of crow's feet lines (CFLs) vary among individuals.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: To characterize distribution and predictors of CFL patterns.<br><br>METHODS: Patterns of CFLs (full fan, lower fan, central fan, and upper fan) were evaluated at maximum smile and at rest from photographs of subjects with moderate-to-severe CFLs. Relationships between CFL pattern and severity, age, gender, and subject-reported outcomes were explored.<br><br>RESULTS: Evaluations of 2,699 photographs from 1,392 subjects were conducted; 1,389 and 1,310 had evaluable CFL patterns at maximum smile and at rest, respectively. Lower-fan, central-fan, and full-fan patterns were identified in 28.4% to 34.7% at maximum smile and 27.7% to 33.9% at rest; upper fan was found in &#x223c;5%. The pattern distribution of CFLs demonstrated a relationship to baseline CFL severity, age, and gender; full-fan and lower-fan patterns were more common in severe versus moderate CFL at maximum smile; full fan increased with age. Lower fan was more common in males. Subjects with full fan at maximum smile were most dissatisfied with their appearance and perceived themselves to look older versus other patterns.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Baseline CFL severity, age, and gender may predict fan pattern. Patterns may progress with age from central to lower fan or full fan. Pattern heterogeneity of CFLs suggests that tailored treatment may be warranted.}, }
@article {pmid25787714, year = {2016}, author = {Gunnery, SD and Ruben, MA}, title = {Perceptions of Duchenne and non-Duchenne smiles: A meta-analysis.}, journal = {Cognition &amp; emotion}, volume = {30}, number = {3}, pages = {501-515}, doi = {10.1080/02699931.2015.1018817}, pmid = {25787714}, issn = {1464-0600}, mesh = {Humans ; Photic Stimulation ; *Smiling ; *Social Perception ; }, abstract = {A meta-analysis was conducted to compare perceptions of Duchenne smiles, smiles that include activation of the cheek raiser muscle that creates crow's feet around the eyes, with perceptions of non-Duchenne smiles, smiles without cheek raiser activation. In addition to testing the overall effect, moderator analyses were conducted to test how methodological, stimulus-specific and perceiver-specific differences between studies predicted the overall effect size. The meta-analysis found that, overall, Duchenne smiles and people producing Duchenne smiles are rated more positively (i.e., authentic, genuine, real, attractive, trustworthy) than non-Duchenne smiles and people producing non-Duchenne smiles. The difference between Duchenne and non-Duchenne smiles was greater when the stimuli were videos rather than photographs, when smiles were elicited naturally rather than through posing paradigms and when Duchenne and non-Duchenne smiles were not matched for intensity of the lip corner puller in addition to other perceiver and methodological moderators.}, }
@article {pmid25785685, year = {2015}, author = {So, WC and Lui, M and Wong, TK and Sit, LT}, title = {The use of hand gestures to communicate about nonpresent objects in mind among children with autism spectrum disorder.}, journal = {Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHR}, volume = {58}, number = {2}, pages = {373-382}, doi = {10.1044/2015_JSLHR-L-14-0213}, pmid = {25785685}, issn = {1558-9102}, mesh = {Autism Spectrum Disorder/*psychology ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Female ; *Gestures ; Hand ; Humans ; Male ; Nonverbal Communication/*psychology ; *Semantics ; Sign Language ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: The current study examined whether children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), in comparison with typically developing children, perceive and produce gestures to identify nonpresent objects (i.e., referent-identifying gestures), which is crucial for communicating ideas in a discourse.<br><br>METHOD: An experimenter described the uses of daily-life objects to 6- to 12-year-old children both orally and with gestures. The children were then asked to describe how they performed daily activities using those objects.<br><br>RESULTS: All children gestured. A gesture identified a nonpresent referent if it was produced in the same location that had previously been established by the experimenter. Children with ASD gestured at the specific locations less often than typically developing children. Verbal and spatial memory were positively correlated with the ability to produce referent-identifying gestures for all children. However, the positive correlation between Raven's Children Progressive Matrices score and the production of referent-identifying gestures was found only in children with ASD.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Children with ASD might be less able to perceive and produce referent-identifying gestures and may rely more heavily on visual-spatial skills in producing referent-identifying gestures. The results have clinical implications for designing an intervention program to enhance the ability of children with ASD to communicate about nonpresent objects with gestures.}, }
@article {pmid25722512, year = {2015}, author = {Rao, PA and Raman, V and Thomas, T and Ashok, MV}, title = {IQ in Autism: Is there an Alternative Global Cognitive Index?.}, journal = {Indian journal of psychological medicine}, volume = {37}, number = {1}, pages = {48-52}, pmid = {25722512}, issn = {0253-7176}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Intelligence quotient (IQ) but not the core symptoms have been known to predict outcomes in autism. Besides resource issues in India, assessing IQ in presence of autistic symptoms is challenging in general.<br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a pilot study, we explored different global indices of development in 30 children with confirmed autism. These included Wechsler intelligence scale for children or Wechsler preprimary scale of intelligence-revised (n = 10), Raven's progressive matrices (RPM) (n = 10), Vineland adaptive behavior scales II, parent report version (VABS) (n = 30) and teacher's estimate of mental age (TIQ) (n = 30). Three subgroups (Group A) with Wechsler's scales derived IQ (WISIQ), (Group B) with RPM derived IQ and (Group C) those without a formal IQ measure were compared.<br><br>RESULTS: All groups were comparable on age and their scores on Childhood Autism Rating Scale and Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism Adaptive behavior composite scores (Ad Bh composite) derived from VABS and WISIQ showed significant correlations with each other in Group A; TIQ significantly correlated with Ad Bh composite scores, but not with the WISIQ, although the latter two scores themselves did not significantly differ from each other. RPM consistently overestimated children's performance compared to Ad Bh composite or TIQ in Group B, but the Ad Bh composite and TIQ were themselves significantly correlated. In Group C, there were poor correlations between Ad Bh composite and TIQ. The Ad Bh composite score in this group was significantly different from the other two groups.<br><br>CONCLUSION: There is a need to fine tune the assessment for global cognitive measures in autism and explore their real world importance.}, }
@article {pmid25720292, year = {2014}, author = {Solov'ev, AN}, title = {[Breeding dynamic of corvids in urbanized landscapes of the European east].}, journal = {Izvestiia Akademii nauk. Seriia biologicheskaia}, volume = {}, number = {5}, pages = {529-538}, pmid = {25720292}, issn = {1026-3470}, mesh = {Animals ; Breeding ; Cities ; Crows/*physiology ; Homing Behavior/*physiology ; *Population Dynamics ; Russia ; }, abstract = {On the basis of counting and mapping of nests of the rook, hooded crow, and magpie in Kirov in 1975-2012, it was found that, under the conditions of an industrial city, rook colonies are highly unstable. The elimination of the private sector and neglected tree and scrub thickets leads to a reduction in the number of magpies nesting in the city. The nesting abundance of crows is limited by the quarter layout and placement of containers for household waste.}, }
@article {pmid25697970, year = {2015}, author = {Petit, O and Dufour, V and Herrenschmidt, M and De Marco, A and Sterck, EH and Call, J}, title = {Inferences about food location in three cercopithecine species: an insight into the socioecological cognition of primates.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {18}, number = {4}, pages = {821-830}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-015-0848-2}, pmid = {25697970}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; *Appetitive Behavior ; Cercopithecinae/*psychology ; *Cognition ; Problem Solving ; *Social Behavior ; *Thinking ; }, abstract = {Many animal species use a variety of cognitive strategies to locate food resources. One strategy is to make inferences by exclusion, i.e., perceiving the absence of reward as a cue that another location should be investigated. The use of such advanced cognitive strategies may be more prominent in species that are known to frequently solve social challenges, and inferential reasoning has mainly been investigated in social species such as corvids, dogs, dolphins and non-human primates. In this paper, we investigate how far social intricacy may explain the disparity of reasoning performances observed in three cercopithecine species that differ in the density of their social network and the diversity of their social partners. We used standard reasoning tasks, testing the volume concept and inference by exclusion using visual and auditory modalities. We showed that Old World monkeys can infer the location of invisible food by exclusion. In addition, Tonkean macaques and olive baboons had greater performances in most tasks compared to rhesus macaques. These responses are consistent with the social complexity displayed by these three species. We suggest that the cognitive strategies required to navigate through a demanding social world are involved in the understanding of the physical domain.}, }
@article {pmid25697067, year = {2015}, author = {Rangmar, J and Sandberg, AD and Aronson, M and Fahlke, C}, title = {Cognitive and executive functions, social cognition and sense of coherence in adults with fetal alcohol syndrome.}, journal = {Nordic journal of psychiatry}, volume = {69}, number = {6}, pages = {472-478}, doi = {10.3109/08039488.2015.1009487}, pmid = {25697067}, issn = {1502-4725}, mesh = {Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Cognition ; Cognition Disorders/*diagnosis/*psychology ; *Executive Function ; Female ; Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders/*diagnosis/*psychology ; Humans ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Sense of Coherence ; Social Behavior ; *Social Skills ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Primary disabilities in children with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) are the results of alcohol's teratogen effect on the fetal brain. Reduced cognitive and executive functions and social cognition are examples of such disabilities. Little is known about primary disabilities in adults with FAS as well as their sense of coherence (SoC). There is thus a need for knowledge about FAS in adulthood.<br><br>AIMS: To investigate cognitive and executive functions, social cognition and SoC in adults with FAS.<br><br>METHODS: Twenty adults with FAS (mean age: 30 years) were compared with 20 individuals matched on gender and age. Berg's Card-sorting Test-64, the Tower of Hanoi, Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices, Digit Span, Faux Pas and the Swedish version of Antonovsky's Sense of Coherence Scale (SoC-29) were used.<br><br>RESULTS: The FAS group had a weak SoC and displayed deficits in the neuropsychological tests sensitive to cognitive and executive functions and social cognition. The FAS group's median SoC score was 112, lower than the comparison group's median of 133 (P < 0.001). The FAS group had median scores of 29.0 on Raven's Matrices. The median for Digit Span was 5 forwards and 3 backwards, lower than in the comparison group (P < 0.001).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Reduced cognitive and executive functions and impaired social cognition are assumed to have a major impact on life for adults with FAS. We suggest that the findings showing that adults with FAS had a weak SoC, with particularly low scores on the manageability scale, reflect their experiences of living with those primary disabilities.<br><br>CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study may enhance healthcare for individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol. In general, it contributes with knowledge about this group of individuals who need to be more visible in healthcare, and particularly, it demonstrates some of the neuropsychological disabilities they might have.}, }
@article {pmid25689114, year = {2015}, author = {Bobeva, A and Zehtindjiev, P and Ilieva, M and Dimitrov, D and Mathis, A and Bensch, S}, title = {Host preferences of ornithophilic biting midges of the genus Culicoides in the Eastern Balkans.}, journal = {Medical and veterinary entomology}, volume = {29}, number = {3}, pages = {290-296}, doi = {10.1111/mve.12108}, pmid = {25689114}, issn = {1365-2915}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/parasitology/*transmission ; Birds ; Bulgaria ; Ceratopogonidae/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Food Chain ; Haemosporida/physiology ; Insect Vectors/*physiology ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary ; Protozoan Infections, Animal/parasitology/*transmission ; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization/veterinary ; }, abstract = {Many biting midges of the genus Culicoides Latreille, 1809 (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are competent vectors of a diverse number of pathogens. The identification of their feeding behaviour and of vector-host associations is essential for understanding their transmission capacity. By applying two different nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, of which one targeted the avian cyt b gene and the other targeted the COI gene of a wide range of vertebrates, we identified the blood hosts of six biting midge species including Culicoides circumscriptus, Culicoides festivipennis, Culicoides punctatus, Culicoides pictipennis, Culicoides alazanicus and Culicoides cf. griseidorsum, the latter two of which are reported in Bulgaria for the first time. Bird DNA was found in 50.6% of 95 investigated bloodmeals, whereas mammalian DNA was identified in 13.7%. Two Culicoides species were found to feed on both birds and mammals. There was remarkable diversity in the range of avian hosts: 23 species from four orders were identified in the abdomens of four Culicoides species. The most common bird species identified was the magpie, Pica pica (n = 7), which was registered in all four ornithophilic biting midge species. Six bloodmeals from the great tit, Parus major, were recorded only in C. alazanicus. None of the studied species of Culicoides appeared to be restricted to a single avian host.}, }
@article {pmid25688567, year = {2015}, author = {Campobello, D and Hare, JF and Sarà, M}, title = {Social phenotype extended to communities: expanded multilevel social selection analysis reveals fitness consequences of interspecific interactions.}, journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution}, volume = {69}, number = {4}, pages = {916-925}, doi = {10.1111/evo.12629}, pmid = {25688567}, issn = {1558-5646}, mesh = {Animals ; Falconiformes/genetics/physiology ; *Genetic Fitness ; Nesting Behavior ; Passeriformes/genetics/physiology ; Phenotype ; *Reproduction ; *Selection, Genetic ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {In social species, fitness consequences are associated with both individual and social phenotypes. Social selection analysis has quantified the contribution of conspecific social traits to individual fitness. There has been no attempt, however, to apply a social selection approach to quantify the fitness implications of heterospecific social phenotypes. Here, we propose a novel social selection based approach integrating the role of all social interactions at the community level. We extended multilevel selection analysis by including a term accounting for the group phenotype of heterospecifics. We analyzed nest activity as a model social trait common to two species, the lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni) and jackdaw (Corvus monedula), nesting in either single- or mixed-species colonies. By recording reproductive outcome as a measure of relative fitness, our results reveal an asymmetric system wherein only jackdaw breeding performance was affected by the activity phenotypes of both conspecific and heterospecific neighbors. Our model incorporating heterospecific social phenotypes is applicable to animal communities where interacting species share a common social trait, thus allowing an assessment of the selection pressure imposed by interspecific interactions in nature. Finally, we discuss the potential role of ecological limitations accounting for random or preferential assortments among interspecific social phenotypes, and the implications of such processes to community evolution.}, }
@article {pmid25645813, year = {2015}, author = {Langin, KM and Sillett, TS and Funk, WC and Morrison, SA and Desrosiers, MA and Ghalambor, CK}, title = {Islands within an island: repeated adaptive divergence in a single population.}, journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution}, volume = {69}, number = {3}, pages = {653-665}, doi = {10.1111/evo.12610}, pmid = {25645813}, issn = {1558-5646}, mesh = {Adaptation, Biological/*genetics ; Animals ; Beak/*anatomy &amp; histology ; California ; *Ecosystem ; Female ; *Gene Flow ; Genetics, Population ; Genotype ; Islands ; Male ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Models, Genetic ; Passeriformes/anatomy &amp; histology/*genetics ; Phenotype ; Pinus ; Quercus ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; }, abstract = {Physical barriers to gene flow were once viewed as prerequisites for adaptive evolutionary divergence. However, a growing body of theoretical and empirical work suggests that divergence can proceed within a single population. Here we document genetic structure and spatially replicated patterns of phenotypic divergence within a bird species endemic to 250 km(2) Santa Cruz Island, California, USA. Island scrub-jays (Aphelocoma insularis) in three separate stands of pine habitat had longer, shallower bills than jays in oak habitat, a pattern that mirrors adaptive differences between allopatric populations of the species' mainland congener. Variation in both bill measurements was heritable, and island scrub-jays mated nonrandomly with respect to bill morphology. The population was not panmictic; instead, we found a continuous pattern of isolation by distance across the east-west axis of the island, as well as a subtle genetic discontinuity across the boundary between the largest pine stand and adjacent oak habitat. The ecological factors that appear to have facilitated adaptive differentiation at such a fine scale--environmental heterogeneity and localized dispersal--are ubiquitous in nature. These findings support recent arguments that microgeographic patterns of adaptive divergence may be more common than currently appreciated, even in mobile taxonomic groups like birds.}, }
@article {pmid25627601, year = {2014}, author = {Barros, RA and Costa, CA and Pascotto, MC}, title = {Diet and feeding behavior of the White-naped Jay, Cyanocorax cyanopogon (Wied, 1821) (Aves, Passeriformes, Corvidae) in a disturbed environment in central Brazil.}, journal = {Brazilian journal of biology = Revista brasleira de biologia}, volume = {74}, number = {4}, pages = {899-905}, doi = {10.1590/1519-6984.09313}, pmid = {25627601}, issn = {1678-4375}, mesh = {Animals ; Brazil ; *Diet ; *Environment ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Humans ; Passeriformes/classification/*physiology ; Seasons ; }, abstract = {The White-naped Jay Cyanocorax cyanopogon (Wied, 1821) is an omnivorous and opportunistic species, with a multifarious diet. In view of the scarcity of available data in the literature, the aim was to investigate and describe the bird's diet, location of food items, foraging tactics, actual feeding behavior and intraspecific interactions, as a means of defining the items consumed. The study was carried out in a Cerrado area in the Araguaia Campus of the Federal University of Mato Grosso - UFMT, in Pontal do Araguaia, Mato Grosso State, Brazil, from August to December, 2006, and from April to October, 2010. All the feeding events were recorded through 136 hours of animal focal sampling, whereby it was shown that these birds predominantly consume animal nutrients, replenished by vegetable items and human food-waste. Arthropods were predominant in the diet, with ants as the most abundant and frequent item. The fruits, flowers and seeds of eleven plant species were also consumed. Food-waste, representing about 1/10 of the total, was constantly consumed even when other food sources were available. Although active among the various strata, foraging is mainly on the ground. In the event of food-scarcity, the strategy employed is the hierarchical deployment of the members of various-sized groups, with the avoidance of direct competition. This versatility during all seasons, confirms total adaptation to the anthropic environment surrounded by native habitats that characterized the study site.}, }
@article {pmid25604809, year = {2015}, author = {Bechtel, N and Weber, P}, title = {Attention problems in children with epilepsy. How is the long-term outcome?.}, journal = {European journal of paediatric neurology : EJPN : official journal of the European Paediatric Neurology Society}, volume = {19}, number = {3}, pages = {383-385}, doi = {10.1016/j.ejpn.2014.12.020}, pmid = {25604809}, issn = {1532-2130}, mesh = {Epilepsy/*diagnosis/*psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders and frequently seen in other conditions like epilepsy as well. The prevalence of ADHD in the general paediatric population is estimated at 3-6% persisting into adulthood in up to one third of persons affected. The prevalence of ADHD in epilepsy is understood to be significantly higher. Approximately one third of children with epilepsy do also have a diagnosis of ADHD. How these attention problems develop over the years is however not clear. We therefore evaluated the severity of attention problems in children with epilepsy at late childhood and assessed it again in adolescence. Data was being compared with attention problems of children with developmental ADHD.<br><br>METHOD: 16 boys with diagnosed combined idiopathic epilepsy/ADHD and 14 boys with developmental ADHD were investigated twice; at a mean age of 10.94 (SD = 1.63) and then again at a mean age of 15.82 (SD = 2.0). At the baseline examination all patients completed Raven's Progressive Matrices to assess intelligence. To measure symptom severity of ADHD, parents were asked to complete the short version of the Conner's Rating Scale for Parents at both times. Parents of children with combined epilepsy/ADHD furthermore gave information about seizure frequency and intake of anticonvulsants.<br><br>RESULTS: Patient groups did not significantly differ in age and IQ. Results of the baseline examination revealed elevated scores in both patient groups for the Conner's Rating Scales; ADHD group: M = 16.86 (SD = 5.35); Epilepsy/ADHD group: M = 14.77 (SD = 4.76) but no differences between the groups (p = .29; z = .39). Qualitatively, patients with developmental ADHD showed more abnormalities in the area of hyperactivity/impulsivity while patients with epilepsy/ADHD had more problems with inattention. Results of the follow-up examination showed a significant reduction of symptoms in the ADHD group of minus 4.23 points; M = 12.63 (SD = 3.89) (p = .02); The reduction in the epilepsy/ADHD group was even bigger with minus 6.77 points; M = 8.00 (SD = 6.46) (p = .03). However, difference between the two groups reached no significance (p = .079; z = 1.19). None of the patients with epilepsy has had seizures in the meantime.<br><br>CONCLUSION: We found a significant reduction of ADHD symptoms in our patients from the time of late childhood to adolescence. That symptoms of ADHD, especially hyperactivity, lessen with age is known from the literature (Biedermann et al., 2010). We found the same data for patients with idiopathic epilepsy and ADHD. Over the same period of time problems of attention improved substantially. We conclude that development and brain maturation may have a similar positive effect on attention problems in children with epilepsy than in developmental ADHD.}, }
@article {pmid25602306, year = {2015}, author = {Vonk, J}, title = {Corvid cognition: something to crow about?.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {25}, number = {2}, pages = {R69-R71}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2014.12.001}, pmid = {25602306}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; *Choice Behavior ; *Cognition ; Crows/*physiology ; *Problem Solving ; }, abstract = {New research indicates that crows are capable of matching stimuli on the basis of analogical relations: that is, similarity of size, color and shape. This may be the first evidence for spontaneous analogical reasoning outside of the primate order.}, }
@article {pmid25601617, year = {2015}, author = {Hamer, MA and Jacobs, LC and Lall, JS and Wollstein, A and Hollestein, LM and Rae, AR and Gossage, KW and Hofman, A and Liu, F and Kayser, M and Nijsten, T and Gunn, DA}, title = {Validation of image analysis techniques to measure skin aging features from facial photographs.}, journal = {Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI)}, volume = {21}, number = {4}, pages = {392-402}, doi = {10.1111/srt.12205}, pmid = {25601617}, issn = {1600-0846}, mesh = {Face/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Female ; Humans ; Image Enhancement/methods ; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted/*methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Observer Variation ; Pattern Recognition, Automated/*methods ; Photography/*methods ; Reproducibility of Results ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Skin Aging/*pathology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Accurate measurement of the extent skin has aged is crucial for skin aging research. Image analysis offers a quick and consistent approach for quantifying skin aging features from photographs, but is prone to technical bias and requires proper validation.<br><br>METHODS: Facial photographs of 75 male and 75 female North-European participants, randomly selected from the Rotterdam Study, were graded by two physicians using photonumeric scales for wrinkles (full face, forehead, crow's feet, nasolabial fold and upper lip), pigmented spots and telangiectasia. Image analysis measurements of the same features were optimized using photonumeric grades from 50 participants, then compared to photonumeric grading in the 100 remaining participants stratified by sex.<br><br>RESULTS: The inter-rater reliability of the photonumeric grades was good to excellent (intraclass correlation coefficients 0.65-0.93). Correlations between the digital measures and the photonumeric grading were moderate to excellent for all the wrinkle comparisons (Spearman's rho &#x3c1; = 0.52-0.89) bar the upper lip wrinkles in the men (fair, &#x3c1; = 0.30). Correlations were moderate to good for pigmented spots and telangiectasia (&#x3c1; = 0.60-0.75).<br><br>CONCLUSION: These comparisons demonstrate that all the image analysis measures, bar the upper lip measure in the men, are suitable for use in skin aging research and highlight areas of improvement for future refinements of the techniques.}, }
@article {pmid25592823, year = {2015}, author = {Vijayakumar, P and Mishra, A and Ranaware, PB and Kolte, AP and Kulkarni, DD and Burt, DW and Raut, AA}, title = {Analysis of the crow lung transcriptome in response to infection with highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus.}, journal = {Gene}, volume = {559}, number = {1}, pages = {77-85}, doi = {10.1016/j.gene.2015.01.016}, pmid = {25592823}, issn = {1879-0038}, mesh = {Animals ; Avian Proteins/*biosynthesis ; Crows ; *Gene Expression Regulation ; Immunity, Innate ; *Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype ; Influenza in Birds/*metabolism/pathology ; Lung/*metabolism/pathology ; Receptor, Interferon alpha-beta/biosynthesis ; Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins/biosynthesis ; Toll-Like Receptors/biosynthesis ; *Transcriptome ; }, abstract = {The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus, currently circulating in Asia, causes severe disease in domestic poultry as well as wild birds like crow. However, the molecular pathogenesis of HPAIV infection in crows and other wild birds is not well known. Thus, as a step to explore it, a comprehensive global gene expression analysis was performed on crow lungs, infected with HPAI H5N1 crow isolate (A/Crow/India/11TI11/2011) using high throughput next generation sequencing (NGS) (GS FLX Titanium XLR70). The reference genome of crow is not available, so RNA seq analysis was performed on the basis of a de novo assembled transcriptome. The RNA seq result shows, 4052 genes were expressed uniquely in noninfected, 6277 genes were expressed uniquely in HPAIV infected sample and of the 6814 genes expressed in both samples, 2279 genes were significantly differentially expressed. Our transcriptome profile data allows for the ability to understand the molecular mechanism behind the recent lethal HPAIV outbreak in crows which was, until recently, thought to cause lethal infections only in gallinaceous birds such as chickens, but not in wild birds. The pattern of differentially expressed genes suggest that this isolate of H5N1 virus evades the host innate immune response by attenuating interferon (IFN)-inducible signalling possibly by down regulating the signalling from type I IFN (IFNAR1 and IFNAR2) and type II IFN receptors, upregulation of the signalling inhibitors suppressor of cytokine signalling 1 (SOCS1) and SOCS3 and altering the expression of toll-like receptors (TLRs). This may be the reason for disease and mortality in crows.}, }
@article {pmid25569827, year = {2014}, author = {Bozsik, C and Áspán, N and Gádoros, J and Inántsy-Pap, J and Halász, J}, title = {[Conduct symptoms and emotional decision making in non-clinical adolescents].}, journal = {Psychiatria Hungarica : A Magyar Pszichiatriai Tarsasag tudomanyos folyoirata}, volume = {29}, number = {4}, pages = {378-385}, pmid = {25569827}, issn = {0237-7896}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Behavioral Symptoms/*psychology ; Conduct Disorder/psychology ; *Decision Making ; *Emotions ; Female ; Humans ; Hungary ; Male ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: In adults with antisocial personality disorder, literature data indicate alterations in emotional decision making and in the working of the prefrontal cortex. Similar alterations were described in adolescents with psychopathic traits, however, a dimensional link was not established between behavioral variables and variables associated with decision making. The aim of the present study was to describe the relationship between externalizing symptoms and emotional decision making in non-clinical adolescents.<br><br>METHODS: Originally 57, 7th-10th grade students between 13-16 years participated in the study after informed consent, but the data of 4 adolescents were not used because of incomplete data-set (N=53; 24 girls and 29 boys; age=14.7 &#xb1; 1.0 years, mean &#xb1; SD). The parent version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to assess behavioral problems. The Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) performance and Raven IQ measures were also assessed.<br><br>RESULTS: The number of summarized risky choices was positively correlated with Conduct Problems Scale of SDQ (r=0.31, p<0.05). While the number of risky choices was not correlated with conduct problems in the first 20 selections (r=0.11, p=n.s.), a marked positive correlation was present in the above measures in the last 20 selections (r=0.28, p<0.05). The number of risky choices did not depend on Raven IQ, age, and other behavioral scales of SDQ.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Even subthreshold conduct symptoms are associated with altered emotional decision making in adolescents, what might be important in the development of antisocial behavior.}, }
@article {pmid25565916, year = {2014}, author = {Walters, CB and Hill, KG and Zavilla, AR and Erickson, CA}, title = {Students apply research methods to consumer decisions about cognitive enhancing drinks.}, journal = {Journal of undergraduate neuroscience education : JUNE : a publication of FUN, Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {A21-8}, pmid = {25565916}, issn = {1544-2896}, abstract = {The goal of this class project was to provide students with a hands-on research experience that allowed autonomy, but eliminated duplication of effort and could be completed within one semester. Our resources were limited to a small supply budget and an introductory psychology subject pool. Six students from a behavioral neuroscience class tested claims made by a drink company that their product improves cognitive function. The students each chose a cognitive task for their part of the project. The tasks included the Donders Reaction Time Task, the Stroop Task, the Raven's Progressive Matrices, a short-term memory span test, the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test and a simple measure of prefrontal EEG activity. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental or control drink. The experimental group received the putative cognitive enhancing drink and the control group received a placebo drink that was very similar in color and taste. The two drinks shared no active ingredients. Results suggest that the putative cognitive enhancing drink did not improve performance on any of the tasks and decreased performance on the short-term memory task. These findings are discussed in regard to implications for consumers as well as further research into supplements and their ability to improve cognitive performance. Each student presented his/her results at a university-wide research conference. This project provided a rich experience in which students had the opportunity to carry out a research project from conception to presentation.}, }
@article {pmid25561943, year = {2014}, author = {Motamedi, M and Nasergivehch, S and Karamghadiri, N and Noroozian, M}, title = {Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME): Neuropsychological Profile and Related Factors with Cognitive Dysfunction.}, journal = {Iranian journal of psychiatry}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {14-19}, pmid = {25561943}, issn = {1735-4587}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The aim of present study was to verify possible cognitive dysfunction in the patients with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME) and its correlation to factors related to epilepsy and patients demographic variables.<br><br>MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty two consecutive patients with JME and 32 healthy controls were evaluated in neuropsychological domains including orientation, mental control, logical memory, forward and backward digit spans, visual memory, associative learning, and memory quotient (using Persian version of Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS)-Revised), preservative errors (using Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST)), Stroop Test (color and word), IQ score (using Raven's Progressive Matrices test), and depression (using the Persian version of Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)). SPSS 11.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA) software was used for statistical analysis. Student's t-test and the Mann-Whitney U-test were used for independent normally and non-normally distributed continuous variables, respectively.<br><br>RESULTS: Our study showed significant differences between patients with JME and control group with respect to scores of mental control (p=0.015), forward digit span (p=0.004), total digit span (p=0.008) and IQ (p=0.003). In addition, age, education level, duration of epilepsy and medication showed an impact on several cognitive functions in the patients with JME.<br><br>CONCLUSION: It is indicated that JME is associated with impairment in specific cognitive domains, despite any evidence in favor of depression.}, }
@article {pmid25548849, year = {2015}, author = {Mahmoud, BH and Burnett, C and Ozog, D}, title = {Prospective randomized controlled study to determine the effect of topical application of botulinum toxin A for crow's feet after treatment with ablative fractional CO2 laser.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {41 Suppl 1}, number = {}, pages = {S75-81}, doi = {10.1097/01.DSS.0000452642.83894.ab}, pmid = {25548849}, issn = {1524-4725}, mesh = {Administration, Cutaneous ; Adult ; Aged ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*administration &amp; dosage/adverse effects ; Combined Modality Therapy/adverse effects ; Edema/etiology ; Erythema/etiology ; Eye ; Facial Dermatoses/etiology ; Female ; Humans ; Lasers, Gas/adverse effects/*therapeutic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuromuscular Agents/*administration &amp; dosage/adverse effects ; Pain/etiology ; Patient Satisfaction ; Prospective Studies ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin Type A (BoNT A) for the treatment of facial wrinkles is delivered through local injection. We previously demonstrated that topical surface application of BoNT A has negligible cutaneous bioavailability and is not effective in treating wrinkles.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of BoNT A solution applied topically on the skin surface immediately after ablative fractional CO2 laser treatment.<br><br>METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial for patients with periorbital wrinkles (crow's feet) (n = 10). Treatment was performed on both sides of the face with fractional ablative CO2 laser followed by the application of topical solutions of BoNT A on one side and normal saline as control on the other side. Pretreatment assessment was performed, and at 1 and 4 weeks after treatment.<br><br>RESULTS: There was a clinically significant greater degree of improvement in wrinkles after treatment with CO2 laser, on the topically applied BoNT A side. Also, the difference between the 2 treatment types (laser followed by topical BoNT A vs laser followed by saline) at 1 week and at 1 month was statistically significant.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Topically, noninjectable form of BoNT A applied on the surface of the skin after ablative fractional CO2 laser is effective in the treatment of lateral periorbital wrinkles.}, }
@article {pmid25548848, year = {2015}, author = {Dayan, S and Coleman, WP and Dover, JS and De Boulle, K and Street, J and Romagnano, L and Daniels, S and Kowalski, JW and Lei, X and Lee, E}, title = {Effects of OnabotulinumtoxinA treatment for crow's feet lines on patient-reported outcomes.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {41 Suppl 1}, number = {}, pages = {S67-74}, doi = {10.1097/DSS.0000000000000146}, pmid = {25548848}, issn = {1524-4725}, mesh = {Adult ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*therapeutic use ; Double-Blind Method ; Eye ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuromuscular Agents/*therapeutic use ; *Patient Satisfaction ; *Self Concept ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Although millions of aesthetic procedures are performed annually, few patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures have been used in this setting.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of onabotulinumtoxinA treatment for crow's feet lines (CFL) on relevant psychological variables and self-perception of age/appearance in subgroup populations.<br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: Facial Lines Outcomes (FLO-11) Questionnaire, Self-Perception of Age (SPA), and Subject Global Assessment of Change in CFL (SGA-CFL) were PRO measures administered in 2 Phase 3, double-blind placebo-controlled trials for the treatment of CFL alone or CFL/glabellar lines (GL). Patient-reported outcome measures were analyzed by subgroups (age, gender, and baseline CFL severity). Subject satisfaction with appearance was also analyzed.<br><br>RESULTS: Most subgroups receiving onabotulinumtoxinA demonstrated significant improvements in psychological impact (FLO-11 Items 2, 5, and 8) versus placebo at Day 30 (p &#x2264; .05). OnabotulinumtoxinA-treated subjects consistently rated themselves as looking younger on SPA versus placebo in all subgroups at Day 30 (p &#x2264; .05) and showed significant improvements in CFL appearance versus placebo at all time points on SGA-CFL. Overall, subjects were satisfied with their appearance.<br><br>CONCLUSION: OnabotulinumtoxinA-treated subjects experienced significant improvements in perceived appearance, attractiveness, tiredness, age, and satisfaction versus placebo. Subjects treated for CFL and GL experienced even greater effects.}, }
@article {pmid25532894, year = {2015}, author = {Smirnova, A and Zorina, Z and Obozova, T and Wasserman, E}, title = {Crows spontaneously exhibit analogical reasoning.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {25}, number = {2}, pages = {256-260}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2014.11.063}, pmid = {25532894}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; *Choice Behavior ; *Cognition ; Concept Formation ; Crows/*physiology ; *Problem Solving ; }, abstract = {Analogical reasoning is vital to advanced cognition and behavioral adaptation. Many theorists deem analogical thinking to be uniquely human and to be foundational to categorization, creative problem solving, and scientific discovery. Comparative psychologists have long been interested in the species generality of analogical reasoning, but they initially found it difficult to obtain empirical support for such thinking in nonhuman animals (for pioneering efforts, see [2, 3]). Researchers have since mustered considerable evidence and argument that relational matching-to-sample (RMTS) effectively captures the essence of analogy, in which the relevant logical arguments are presented visually. In RMTS, choice of test pair BB would be correct if the sample pair were AA, whereas choice of test pair EF would be correct if the sample pair were CD. Critically, no items in the correct test pair physically match items in the sample pair, thus demanding that only relational sameness or differentness is available to support accurate choice responding. Initial evidence suggested that only humans and apes can successfully learn RMTS with pairs of sample and test items; however, monkeys have subsequently done so. Here, we report that crows too exhibit relational matching behavior. Even more importantly, crows spontaneously display relational responding without ever having been trained on RMTS; they had only been trained on identity matching-to-sample (IMTS). Such robust and uninstructed relational matching behavior represents the most convincing evidence yet of analogical reasoning in a nonprimate species, as apes alone have spontaneously exhibited RMTS behavior after only IMTS training.}, }
@article {pmid25522499, year = {2014}, author = {Kumbar, SM and Ghadage, AB}, title = {Preliminary study on avian fauna of the Krishna River basin Sangli District, Western Maharashtra, India.}, journal = {Journal of environmental biology}, volume = {35}, number = {6}, pages = {1005-1011}, pmid = {25522499}, issn = {0254-8704}, mesh = {Animal Migration ; Animals ; Birds/*classification/*physiology ; Demography ; India ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {The present study on avifaunal diversity carried out for three years at the Krishna River Basin, Sangli District revealed a total of 126 species of birds belonging to 30 families, of which 91 species were resident, 16 migratory, 12 resident and local migratory and 7 species were resident and migratory. Among the migrant birds, Rosy Starling Sturnus roseus was dominant in the study area. Commonly recorded resident bird species were, Red vented bulbul, Jungle crow, House sparrow, Common myna, Brahminy myna, Rock pigeon, Spotted dove, Rose ringed parakeet, Indian robin, White-browed fantail-flycatcher and Small sunbird. Most of the families had one or two species, whereas Muscicapidae family alone had 16 species. Forty one species of waterfowls were recorded in this small landscape. Out of 126 bird species, 38 were insectivorous, 28 piscivorous, 25 omnivorous, 19 carnivorous, 9 granivorous, 5 frugivorous and 2 species were nectar sucker and insectivorous. These results suggest that richness of avifauna in the Krishna River Basin, Western Maharashtra might be due to large aquatic ground, varied vegetations and favourable environmental conditions.}, }
@article {pmid25519726, year = {2014}, author = {Wang, J and Yao, Z and Lei, T and Poon, AW}, title = {Silicon coupled-resonator optical-waveguide-based biosensors using light-scattering pattern recognition with pixelized mode-field-intensity distributions.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {4}, number = {}, pages = {7528}, pmid = {25519726}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Algorithms ; Biosensing Techniques/*instrumentation ; Calibration ; Equipment Design/*instrumentation ; Light ; Pattern Recognition, Automated/methods ; Refractometry/*instrumentation ; Silicon/*chemistry ; }, abstract = {Chip-scale, optical microcavity-based biosensors typically employ an ultra-high-quality microcavity and require a precision wavelength-tunable laser for exciting the cavity resonance. For point-of-care applications, however, such a system based on measurements in the spectral domain is prone to equipment noise and not portable. An alternative microcavity-based biosensor that enables a high sensitivity in an equipment-noise-tolerant and potentially portable system is desirable. Here, we demonstrate the proof-of-concept of such a biosensor using a coupled-resonator optical-waveguide (CROW) on a silicon-on-insulator chip. The sensing scheme is based on measurements in the spatial domain, and only requires exciting the CROW at a fixed wavelength and imaging the out-of-plane elastic light-scattering intensity patterns of the CROW. Based on correlating the light-scattering intensity pattern at a probe wavelength with the light-scattering intensity patterns at the CROW eigenstates, we devise a pattern-recognition algorithm that enables the extraction of a refractive index change, Δn, applied upon the CROW upper-cladding from a calibrated set of correlation coefficients. Our experiments using an 8-microring CROW covered by NaCl solutions of different concentrations reveal a Δn of ~1.5 × 10(-4) refractive index unit (RIU) and a sensitivity of ~752 RIU(-1), with a noise-equivalent detection limit of ~6 × 10(-6) RIU.}, }
@article {pmid25506322, year = {2014}, author = {Bódizs, R and Gombos, F and Ujma, PP and Kovács, I}, title = {Sleep spindling and fluid intelligence across adolescent development: sex matters.}, journal = {Frontiers in human neuroscience}, volume = {8}, number = {}, pages = {952}, pmid = {25506322}, issn = {1662-5161}, abstract = {Evidence supports the intricate relationship between sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) spindling and cognitive abilities in children and adults. Although sleep EEG changes during adolescence index fundamental brain reorganization, a detailed analysis of sleep spindling and the spindle-intelligence relationship was not yet provided for adolescents. Therefore, adolescent development of sleep spindle oscillations were studied in a home polysomnographic study focusing on the effects of chronological age and developmentally acquired overall mental efficiency (fluid IQ) with sex as a potential modulating factor. Subjects were 24 healthy adolescents (12 males) with an age range of 15-22 years (mean: 18 years) and fluid IQ of 91-126 (mean: 104.12, Raven Progressive Matrices Test). Slow spindles (SSs) and fast spindles (FSs) were analyzed in 21 EEG derivations by using the individual adjustment method (IAM). A significant age-dependent increase in average FS density (r = 0.57; p = 0.005) was found. Moreover, fluid IQ correlated with FS density (r = 0.43; p = 0.04) and amplitude (r = 0.41; p = 0.049). The latter effects were entirely driven by particularly reliable FS-IQ correlations in females [r = 0.80 (p = 0.002) and r = 0.67 (p = 0.012), for density and amplitude, respectively]. Region-specific analyses revealed that these correlations peak in the fronto-central regions. The control of the age-dependence of FS measures and IQ scores did not considerably reduce the spindle-IQ correlations with respect to FS density. The only positive spindle-index of fluid IQ in males turned out to be the frequency of FSs (r = 0.60, p = 0.04). Increases in FS density during adolescence may index reshaped structural connectivity related to white matter maturation in the late developing human brain. The continued development over this age range of cognitive functions is indexed by specific measures of sleep spindling unraveling gender differences in adolescent brain maturation and perhaps cognitive strategy.}, }
@article {pmid25502037, year = {2014}, author = {Hernández, MC and Cabrera Walsh, G}, title = {Insect herbivores associated with Ludwigia species, Oligospermum section, in their Argentine distribution.}, journal = {Journal of insect science (Online)}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {25502037}, issn = {1536-2442}, mesh = {Animals ; Argentina ; Biological Control Agents ; Feeding Behavior ; Herbivory ; Insecta/*physiology ; Larva/physiology ; Onagraceae/*parasitology ; }, abstract = {The South American water primroses, Ludwigia grandiflora (Michx.) Greuter &amp; Burdet, L. grandiflora subsp. hexapetala (Hook. &amp; Arn.) G.L. Nesom &amp; Kartesz, Ludwigia peploides (Kunth) P.H. Raven, and L. p. subsp. montevidensis (Spreng.) P.H. Raven (Onagraceae, Section Oligospermum), have become invasive in several watersheds of the United States and Europe. Surveys were carried out in center-east of Argentina to find insect species that might serve as biological control agents for L. g. subsp. hexapetala in California and elsewhere. Stems (0.5-0.6 m) of Ludwigia species, Sect. Oligospermum, were collected in 41 sites and analyzed in the laboratory; immature insects were reared to adults. The plant species found in the area were L. grandiflora (2 sites), L. g. subsp. hexapetala (33 sites), and L. p. subsp. montevidensis (4 sites). There was a variety of insect guilds feeding on L. g. subsp. hexapetala, including six species with stem-borer larvae, one species with fruit-feeding larvae, four species with defoliating larvae, two species with defoliating larvae on young leaves and axil meristems, one species of cell content feeder, and three species of sap feeders. Nine of these species also have defoliating adults. Biological information on most of them is provided. Of these insect herbivores, only two species were also found on L. grandiflora, and one on L. peploides. Several of the species found on L. g. hexapetala, such as the cell-content feeder Liothrips ludwigi (Thysanoptera), the stem-borers Merocnemus binotatus (Boheman) and Tyloderma spp. (Coleoptera), are promising candidates for biocontrol agents.}, }
@article {pmid25497684, year = {2015}, author = {Sotiras, A and Resnick, SM and Davatzikos, C}, title = {Finding imaging patterns of structural covariance via Non-Negative Matrix Factorization.}, journal = {NeuroImage}, volume = {108}, number = {}, pages = {1-16}, pmid = {25497684}, issn = {1095-9572}, support = {HHSN271201300284//PHS HHS/United States ; R01 MH101111/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; HHSN271201300284P/DA/NIDA NIH HHS/United States ; R01-MH070365/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AG014971/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; R01-AG014971/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MH070365/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Algorithms ; Animals ; *Brain ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/*methods ; Mice ; Neuroimaging/*methods ; Principal Component Analysis ; }, abstract = {In this paper, we investigate the use of Non-Negative Matrix Factorization (NNMF) for the analysis of structural neuroimaging data. The goal is to identify the brain regions that co-vary across individuals in a consistent way, hence potentially being part of underlying brain networks or otherwise influenced by underlying common mechanisms such as genetics and pathologies. NNMF offers a directly data-driven way of extracting relatively localized co-varying structural regions, thereby transcending limitations of Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Independent Component Analysis (ICA) and other related methods that tend to produce dispersed components of positive and negative loadings. In particular, leveraging upon the well known ability of NNMF to produce parts-based representations of image data, we derive decompositions that partition the brain into regions that vary in consistent ways across individuals. Importantly, these decompositions achieve dimensionality reduction via highly interpretable ways and generalize well to new data as shown via split-sample experiments. We empirically validate NNMF in two data sets: i) a Diffusion Tensor (DT) mouse brain development study, and ii) a structural Magnetic Resonance (sMR) study of human brain aging. We demonstrate the ability of NNMF to produce sparse parts-based representations of the data at various resolutions. These representations seem to follow what we know about the underlying functional organization of the brain and also capture some pathological processes. Moreover, we show that these low dimensional representations favorably compare to descriptions obtained with more commonly used matrix factorization methods like PCA and ICA.}, }
@article {pmid25495376, year = {2016}, author = {Levy, NK and Milgram, N}, title = {Cognitive contributions to theory of mind ability in children with a traumatic head injury.}, journal = {Child neuropsychology : a journal on normal and abnormal development in childhood and adolescence}, volume = {22}, number = {2}, pages = {177-196}, doi = {10.1080/09297049.2014.985642}, pmid = {25495376}, issn = {1744-4136}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Brain Injuries/*psychology ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; *Cognition ; Cognition Disorders/*psychology ; Comprehension/*physiology ; Craniocerebral Trauma/complications ; Emotions ; *Executive Function ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Severity of Illness Index ; Social Behavior ; *Theory of Mind ; }, abstract = {The objective of the current study is to examine the contribution of intellectual abilities, executive functions (EF), and facial emotion recognition to difficulties in Theory of Mind (ToM) abilities in children with a traumatic head injury. Israeli children with a traumatic head injury were compared with their non-injured counterparts. Each group included 18 children (12 males) ages 7-13. Measurements included reading the mind in the eyes, facial emotion recognition, reasoning the other's characteristics based on motive and outcome, Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices, similarities and digit span (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Revised 95 subscales), verbal fluency, and the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Functions. Non-injured children performed significantly better on ToM, abstract reasoning, and EF measures compared with children with a traumatic head injury. However, differences in ToM abilities between the groups were no longer significant after controlling for abstract reasoning, working memory, verbal fluency, or facial emotion recognition. Impaired ToM recognition and reasoning abilities after a head injury may result from other cognitive impairments. In children with mild and moderate head injury, poorer performance on ToM tasks may reflect poorer abstract reasoning, a general tendency to concretize stimuli, working memory and verbal fluency deficits, and difficulties in facial emotion recognition, rather than deficits in the ability to understand the other's thoughts and emotions. ToM impairments may be secondary to a range of cognitive deficits in determining social outcomes in this population.}, }
@article {pmid25488022, year = {2015}, author = {Silva, KM and Gross, TJ and Silva, FJ}, title = {Task-specific modulation of adult humans' tool preferences: number of choices and size of the problem.}, journal = {Learning &amp; behavior}, volume = {43}, number = {1}, pages = {44-53}, pmid = {25488022}, issn = {1543-4508}, mesh = {Adult ; Choice Behavior ; *Cognition ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Problem Solving ; }, abstract = {In two experiments, we examined the effect of modifications to the features of a stick-and-tube problem on the stick lengths that adult humans used to solve the problem. In Experiment 1, we examined whether people's tool preferences for retrieving an out-of-reach object in a tube might more closely resemble those reported with laboratory crows if people could modify a single stick to an ideal length to solve the problem. Contrary to when adult humans have selected a tool from a set of ten sticks, asking people to modify a single stick to retrieve an object did not generally result in a stick whose length was related to the object's distance. Consistent with the prior research, though, the working length of the stick was related to the object's distance. In Experiment 2, we examined the effect of increasing the scale of the stick-and-tube problem on people's tool preferences. Increasing the scale of the task influenced people to select relatively shorter tools than had selected in previous studies. Although the causal structures of the tasks used in the two experiments were identical, their results were not. This underscores the necessity of studying physical cognition in relation to a particular causal structure by using a variety of tasks and methods.}, }
@article {pmid25485803, year = {2015}, author = {Moers-Carpi, M and Carruthers, J and Fagien, S and Lupo, M and Delmar, H and Jones, D and Somogyi, C and Lee, E and Lei, X and MacKinnon, S and Davis, PG and Yalamanchili, R and Campo, A and Beddingfield, FC}, title = {Efficacy and safety of onabotulinumtoxinA for treating crow's feet lines alone or in combination with glabellar lines: a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {41}, number = {1}, pages = {102-112}, doi = {10.1097/DSS.0000000000000220}, pmid = {25485803}, issn = {1524-4725}, mesh = {Adult ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/adverse effects/*therapeutic use ; *Cosmetic Techniques/adverse effects/psychology ; Double-Blind Method ; Eye ; Female ; Forehead ; Headache/chemically induced ; Hematoma/chemically induced ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuromuscular Agents/adverse effects/*therapeutic use ; Pain/chemically induced ; Patient Satisfaction ; Self Concept ; *Skin Aging ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: This was the second study in a Phase 3 program treating crow's feet lines (CFL) with onabotulinumtoxinA.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of onabotulinumtoxinA treatment of CFL alone or with glabellar lines (GL).<br><br>METHODS: This multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, repeat treatment, 7-month study randomized subjects with moderate-to-severe CFL and GL (maximum contraction) to onabotulinumtoxinA 44 U (CFL: 24 U, GL: 20 U; n = 305), onabotulinumtoxinA 24 U (CFL: 24 U, GL: placebo; n = 306), or placebo (n = 306). Coprimary end points were investigator-assessed and subject-assessed proportion of subjects achieving a CFL Facial Wrinkle Scale Grade of 0 or 1 (maximum smile; Day 30, Cycle 1). Additional efficacy end points and safety/adverse events (AEs) were evaluated.<br><br>RESULTS: All primary and secondary end points were achieved; statistically significant differences favored onabotulinumtoxinA (p < .001, all comparisons vs placebo). Investigator and subject responder rates were: CFL, 54.9% and 45.8%; CFL + GL, 59.0% and 48.5%; and placebo, 3.3% (both), respectively. Responder rates on other end points also significantly favored onabotulinumtoxinA treatments. Most AEs were mild or moderate. Two subjects discontinued: 1 serious AE unrelated to treatment (myocardial infarction) and 1 treatment-related AE (injection site pain).<br><br>CONCLUSION: OnabotulinumtoxinA was effective and well tolerated for treating moderate-to-severe CFL alone or in combination with GL.}, }
@article {pmid25484292, year = {2014}, author = {Martinho, A and Burns, ZT and von Bayern, AM and Kacelnik, A}, title = {Monocular tool control, eye dominance, and laterality in New Caledonian crows.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {24}, number = {24}, pages = {2930-2934}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2014.10.035}, pmid = {25484292}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; *Dominance, Ocular ; Female ; *Functional Laterality ; Male ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Tool use, though rare, is taxonomically widespread, but morphological adaptations for tool use are virtually unknown. We focus on the New Caledonian crow (NCC, Corvus moneduloides), which displays some of the most innovative tool-related behavior among nonhumans. One of their major food sources is larvae extracted from burrows with sticks held diagonally in the bill, oriented with individual, but not species-wide, laterality. Among possible behavioral and anatomical adaptations for tool use, NCCs possess unusually wide binocular visual fields (up to 60°), suggesting that extreme binocular vision may facilitate tool use. Here, we establish that during natural extractions, tool tips can only be viewed by the contralateral eye. Thus, maintaining binocular view of tool tips is unlikely to have selected for wide binocular fields; the selective factor is more likely to have been to allow each eye to see far enough across the midsagittal line to view the tool's tip monocularly. Consequently, we tested the hypothesis that tool side preference follows eye preference and found that eye dominance does predict tool laterality across individuals. This contrasts with humans' species-wide motor laterality and uncorrelated motor-visual laterality, possibly because bill-held tools are viewed monocularly and move in concert with eyes, whereas hand-held tools are visible to both eyes and allow independent combinations of eye preference and handedness. This difference may affect other models of coordination between vision and mechanical control, not necessarily involving tools.}, }
@article {pmid25455033, year = {2014}, author = {Massen, JJ and Szipl, G and Spreafico, M and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Ravens intervene in others' bonding attempts.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {24}, number = {22}, pages = {2733-2736}, pmid = {25455033}, issn = {1879-0445}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {*Aggression ; Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Cooperative Behavior ; Crows/*physiology ; *Object Attachment ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {The competition for power in a complex social world is hypothesized to be a driving force in the evolution of intelligence. More specifically, power may be obtained not only by brute force but also by social strategies resembling human politics. Most empirical evidence comes from primate studies that report unprovoked aggression by dominants to maintain power by spreading fear and third-party interventions in conflicts. Coalitionary support has also been described in other animals and is often linked to social bonding. As coalitions can lead to a gain in power and fitness benefits, individuals may try to prevent coalitionary support or indirectly prevent others from forming social bonds that might lead to coalitions. Although there is some empirical evidence that coalitionary support can be manipulated, little is known about the indirect strategy. We show here that wild ravens (Corvus corax) regularly intervene in affiliative interactions of others even though such interventions are potentially risky and without immediate benefits. Moreover, the identities of both interveners and intervened pairs are not randomly distributed. Ravens with existing ties initiate most interventions, and ravens that are creating new ties are most likely to be the targets of interventions. These patterns are consistent with the idea that interventions function to prevent others from forming alliances and consequently becoming future competitors. We thus show previously undescribed social maneuvers in the struggle for power. These maneuvers are likely to be of importance in other social species as well.}, }
@article {pmid25447513, year = {2015}, author = {Wascher, CA and Heiss, RS and Baglione, V and Canestrari, D}, title = {Behavioural responses to olfactory cues in carrion crows.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {111}, number = {}, pages = {1-5}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2014.11.009}, pmid = {25447513}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; *Cues ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Female ; Individuality ; Male ; *Odorants ; Recognition, Psychology/physiology ; Sex Characteristics ; Smell/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Until recently, the use of olfactory signals in birds has been largely ignored, despite the fact that birds do possess a fully functioning olfactory system and have been shown to use odours in social and foraging tasks, predator detection and orientation. The present study investigates whether carrion crows (Corvus corone corone), a bird species living in complex social societies, respond behaviourally to olfactory cues of conspecifics. During our experiment, carrion crows were observed less often close to the conspecific scent compared to a control side. Because conspecific scent was extracted during handling, a stressful procedure for birds, we interpreted the general avoidance of the 'scent' side as disfavour against a stressed conspecific. However, males, unlike females, showed less avoidance towards the scent of a familiar individual compared to an unfamiliar one, which might reflect a stronger interest in the information conveyed and/or willingness to provide social support.}, }
@article {pmid25437492, year = {2015}, author = {Auersperg, AM and van Horik, JO and Bugnyar, T and Kacelnik, A and Emery, NJ and von Bayern, AM}, title = {Combinatory actions during object play in psittaciformes (Diopsittaca nobilis, Pionites melanocephala, Cacatua goffini) and corvids (Corvus corax, C. monedula, C. moneduloides).}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {129}, number = {1}, pages = {62-71}, doi = {10.1037/a0038314}, pmid = {25437492}, issn = {1939-2087}, support = {J 3404/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Cockatoos ; Crows ; Parrots ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Psittaciformes/*physiology ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {The playful (i.e., not overtly functional) combination of objects is considered a potential ontogenetic and phylogenetic precursor of technical problem solving abilities, as it may lead to affordance learning and honing of mechanical skills. We compared such activities in 6 avian species: 3 psittaciforms (black-headed caiques, red-shouldered macaws, and Goffin cockatoos) and 3 corvids (New Caledonian crows, ravens, and jackdaws). Differences in the type and frequency of object combinations were consistent with species' ecology. Object caching was found predominately in common ravens, which frequently cache food. The most intrinsically structured object combinations were found in New Caledonian crows and Goffin cockatoos, which both stand out for their problem solving abilities in physical tasks. Object insertions prevailed in New Caledonian crows that naturally extract food using tools. Our results support the idea that playful manipulations of inedible objects are linked to physical cognition and problem-solving abilities.}, }
@article {pmid25424402, year = {2014}, author = {Frankel, KA and Croy, CD and Kubicek, LF and Emde, RN and Mitchell, CM and Spicer, P}, title = {Toddler socioemotional behavior in a northern plains Indian tribe: associations with maternal psychosocial well-being.}, journal = {Infant mental health journal}, volume = {35}, number = {1}, pages = {10-20}, doi = {10.1002/imhj.21422}, pmid = {25424402}, issn = {1097-0355}, support = {R01 HD042760/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; HD42760/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Child Behavior/*psychology ; Child, Preschool ; Depression/psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Indians, North American/*psychology ; Male ; Mother-Child Relations/*psychology ; Regression Analysis ; Risk Factors ; Social Isolation/psychology ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Stress, Psychological/psychology ; Substance-Related Disorders/psychology ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {M.C. Sarche, C.D. Croy, C. Big Crow, C. Mitchell, and P. Spicer (2009) provided first-ever information relating the socioemotional development of American Indian toddlers to the immediate context of their mothers' lives. The current study sought to replicate and build on their earlier work by examining the impact of additional maternal risk factors, identified in previous research with non-American Indian populations, on the development of American Indian toddlers: maternal depression, negative social influences, and mother's feelings of isolation. At 27 months, American Indian mothers (N = 110) completed the Parent Demographic Questionnaire, which measured maternal psychosocial characteristics (e.g., depressed affect, social support, drug and alcohol use, isolation) and demographics. Mothers also completed the Infant-Toddler Social Emotional Assessment (A.S. Carter &amp; M.J. Briggs-Gowan, 2006) and the Parent-Child Dysfunctional Interaction subscale of the Parenting Stress Index (R.R. Abidin, 1995, 1997). Some results replicated the original study, but others did not. Reports of a dysfunctional mother-child relationship related to externalizing and internalizing problems, replicating the earlier study. This study also found associations between a dysfunctional mother-child relationship and socioemotional competence as well as dysregulation. The previous finding of a relationship between American Indian identity and socioemotional competence was supported. Adding the effects of maternal depressed affect and isolation significantly increased prediction of toddler behavior problems.}, }
@article {pmid25419053, year = {2015}, author = {Mates, EA and Tarter, RR and Ha, JC and Clark, AB and McGowan, KJ}, title = {Acoustic profiling in a complexly social species, the American crow: caws encode information on caller sex, identity, and behavioural context.}, journal = {Bioacoustics}, volume = {24}, number = {1}, pages = {63-80}, pmid = {25419053}, issn = {0952-4622}, support = {T32 DC000033/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Previous research on inter-individual variation in the calls of corvids has largely been restricted to single call types, such as alarm or contact calls, and has rarely considered the effects of age on call structure. This study explores structural variation in a contextually diverse set of "caw" calls of the American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), including alarm, foraging recruitment and territorial calls, and searches for structural features that may be associated with behavioural context and caller sex, age, and identity. Automated pitch detection algorithms are used to generate 23 pitch-related and spectral parameters for a collection of caws from 18 wild, marked crows. Using principal component analysis and mixed models, we identify independent axes of acoustic variation associated with behavioural context and with caller sex, respectively. We also have moderate success predicting caller sex and identity from call structure. However, we do not find significant acoustic variation with respect to caller age.}, }
@article {pmid25413897, year = {2015}, author = {Ruiz, MJ and Paolieri, D and Colzato, LS and Bajo, MT}, title = {Chronic and recreational use of cocaine is associated with a vulnerability to semantic interference.}, journal = {Psychopharmacology}, volume = {232}, number = {10}, pages = {1717-1726}, pmid = {25413897}, issn = {1432-2072}, mesh = {Adult ; Chronic Disease ; Cocaine/*administration &amp; dosage/*adverse effects ; Cocaine-Related Disorders/diagnosis/*psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Illicit Drugs/*adverse effects ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Photic Stimulation/methods ; *Semantics ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {RATIONALE: Language production requires that speakers effectively recruit inhibitory control to successfully produce speech. The use of cocaine is associated with impairments in cognitive control processes in the non-verbal domain, but the impact of chronic and recreational use of cocaine on these processes during language production remains undetermined.<br><br>OBJECTIVES: This study aims to observe the possible impairment of inhibitory control in language production among chronic and recreational cocaine polydrug users.<br><br>METHOD: Two experiments were carried out on chronic (experiment 1) and recreational (experiment 2) cocaine polydrug users performing a blocked-cycled naming task, yielding an index of semantic interference. Participants were matched for sex, age, and intelligence (Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices) with cocaine-free controls, and their performance was compared on the blocked-cycled naming task.<br><br>RESULTS: Chronic and recreational users showed significantly larger semantic interference effects than cocaine-free controls, thereby indicating a deficit in the ability to inhibit interfering information.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Evidence indicates a relationship between the consumption of cocaine, even at recreational levels, and the inhibitory processes that suppress the overactive lexical representations in the semantic context. This deficit may be critical in adapting and responding to many real-life situations where an efficient self-monitoring system is necessary for the prevention of errors.}, }
@article {pmid25395695, year = {2015}, author = {Hayes, TR and Petrov, AA and Sederberg, PB}, title = {Do We Really Become Smarter When Our Fluid-Intelligence Test Scores Improve?.}, journal = {Intelligence}, volume = {48}, number = {}, pages = {1-14}, pmid = {25395695}, issn = {0160-2896}, support = {R21 EY022745/EY/NEI NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Recent reports of training-induced gains on fluid intelligence tests have fueled an explosion of interest in cognitive training-now a billion-dollar industry. The interpretation of these results is questionable because score gains can be dominated by factors that play marginal roles in the scores themselves, and because intelligence gain is not the only possible explanation for the observed control-adjusted far transfer across tasks. Here we present novel evidence that the test score gains used to measure the efficacy of cognitive training may reflect strategy refinement instead of intelligence gains. A novel scanpath analysis of eye movement data from 35 participants solving Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices on two separate sessions indicated that one-third of the variance of score gains could be attributed to test-taking strategy alone, as revealed by characteristic changes in eye-fixation patterns. When the strategic contaminant was partialled out, the residual score gains were no longer significant. These results are compatible with established theories of skill acquisition suggesting that procedural knowledge tacitly acquired during training can later be utilized at posttest. Our novel method and result both underline a reason to be wary of purported intelligence gains, but also provide a way forward for testing for them in the future.}, }
@article {pmid25331277, year = {2015}, author = {Harrison, TL and Shipstead, Z and Engle, RW}, title = {Why is working memory capacity related to matrix reasoning tasks?.}, journal = {Memory &amp; cognition}, volume = {43}, number = {3}, pages = {389-396}, pmid = {25331277}, issn = {1532-5946}, mesh = {Adult ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Memory, Short-Term/*physiology ; Pattern Recognition, Visual/*physiology ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Thinking/*physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {One of the reasons why working memory capacity is so widely researched is its substantial relationship with fluid intelligence. Although this relationship has been found in numerous studies, researchers have been unable to provide a conclusive answer as to why the two constructs are related. In a recent study, researchers examined which attributes of Raven's Progressive Matrices were most strongly linked with working memory capacity (Wiley, Jarosz, Cushen, &amp; Colflesh, Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 37, 256-263, 2011). In that study, Raven's problems that required a novel combination of rules to solve were more strongly correlated with working memory capacity than were problems that did not. In the present study, we wanted to conceptually replicate the Wiley et al. results while controlling for a few potential confounds. Thus, we experimentally manipulated whether a problem required a novel combination of rules and found that repeated-rule-combination problems were more strongly related to working memory capacity than were novel-rule-combination problems. The relationship to other measures of fluid intelligence did not change based on whether the problem required a novel rule combination.}, }
@article {pmid25307108, year = {2014}, author = {Uchino, E and Watanabe, S}, title = {Self-recognition in pigeons revisited.}, journal = {Journal of the experimental analysis of behavior}, volume = {102}, number = {3}, pages = {327-334}, doi = {10.1002/jeab.112}, pmid = {25307108}, issn = {1938-3711}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; *Columbidae ; Conditioning, Operant ; *Recognition, Psychology ; Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {Recognition of a self-image in a mirror is investigated using the mark test during which a mark is placed onto a point on the body that is not directly visible, and the presence or absence of self-directed behaviors is evaluated for the mirror-observing subjects. Great apes, dolphins, possibly elephants, and magpies have all passed the mark test, that is, displayed self-directed behaviors, whereas monkeys, crows, and other animals have failed the test even though they were able to use a mirror to find a not-directly-visible object. Self-directed behavior and mirror use are prerequisites of a successful mark test, and the absence of these behaviors may lead to false negative results. Epstein, Lanza, and Skinner (1981) reported self-directed behavior of pigeons in front of a mirror after explicit training of self-directed pecking and of pecking an object with the aid of a mirror, but certain other researchers could not confirm the results. The aim of the present study was to conduct the mark test with two pigeons that had received extensive training of the prerequisite behaviors. Crucial points of the training were identical topography (pecking) and the same reinforcement (food) in the prerequisite behaviors as well as sufficient training of these behaviors. After training for the prerequisite behaviors, both pigeons spontaneously integrated the learned self-directed and mirror-use behavior and displayed self-directed behavior in a mark test. This indicates that pigeons display mirror self-recognition after training of suitable ontogenetic contingency.}, }
@article {pmid25285684, year = {2015}, author = {Kane, MAC}, title = {Nonsurgical periorbital and brow rejuvenation.}, journal = {Plastic and reconstructive surgery}, volume = {135}, number = {1}, pages = {63-71}, doi = {10.1097/PRS.0000000000000831}, pmid = {25285684}, issn = {1529-4242}, mesh = {Adult ; Botulinum Toxins/administration &amp; dosage ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; *Eyebrows ; Face ; Female ; Humans ; Hyaluronic Acid/administration &amp; dosage ; *Rejuvenation ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: There is a high patient demand for periorbital rejuvenation because the periorbita are often the first facial areas to show visible signs of aging. In addition to rhytides and skin laxity, aging appearance of the periorbital area is caused by changes in tissue volume resulting from soft-tissue atrophy and bone loss in the aging face. These changes are among the easiest areas to correct using several noninvasive techniques. The author uses three different techniques in his practice.<br><br>METHODS: The author shares his experience using three different techniques for nonsurgical periorbital rejuvenation.<br><br>RESULTS: Patients develop unique crow's feet lines, and treatment with toxins should be adapted to each particular pattern. Low doses generally produce a more natural appearance than high doses. Using hyaluronic acid fillers, three tissue layers within the periorbita can be injected to produce maximally beneficial results and minimize the risk of adverse events. Filling tear troughs depends on whether they occurred early in life or are age-related. The key to avoiding complications is a careful patient analysis and a slow technique.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: One deformity should not be singled out when rejuvenating the periorbita. The best results are obtained when the entire periorbital area is treated at the same time.}, }
@article {pmid25283209, year = {2014}, author = {Bochkov, AV and Klompen, H}, title = {New Harpirhynchinae Dubinin (Acariformes: Harpirhynchidae)--intracutaneous and feather-base parasites of birds.}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {3860}, number = {4}, pages = {301-324}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.3860.4.1}, pmid = {25283209}, issn = {1175-5334}, mesh = {Animal Distribution ; Animal Structures/anatomy &amp; histology/growth &amp; development ; Animals ; Bird Diseases/*parasitology ; Body Size ; Feathers/*parasitology ; Female ; Male ; Mite Infestations/parasitology/*veterinary ; Mites/anatomy &amp; histology/*classification/growth &amp; development ; Organ Size ; Passeriformes/parasitology ; }, abstract = {Seven new species of intracutaneous parasites of the subfamily Harpirhynchinae Dubinin (Acariformes: Cheyletoidea: Harpirhynchidae) are described: Anharpyrhynchus elizae sp. nov. from Cyanocitta cristata (type host), Cyanocitta stelleri (Passeriformes: Corvidae), and Colaptes auratus (Piciformes: Picidae) from the USA; Anharpyrhynchus apodus sp. nov. from Lichmera indistincta (type host) and Phylidonyris novaehollandiae (Passeriformes: Meliphagidae) from Australia; Anharpyrhynchus lukoschusi sp. nov. from Manorina flavigula (type host) and Certhionyx pectoralis (Passeriformes: Meliphagidae) from Australia; Fainharpirhynchus legatus sp. nov. from Legatus leucophaius (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae) from Trinidad and Tobago; Fainharpirhynchus mossi sp. nov. from Myiarchus crinitus (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae) from an unknown locality in North America; Perharpyrhynchus caprimulgus sp. nov. from Caprimulgus fossii (Caprimulgidae: Caprimulgiformes) from Mozambique; Perharpyrhynchus elseyornis sp. nov. from Elseyornis melanops (Charadriiformes: Charadriidae) from Australia. Keys to females of the genera Anharpyrhynchus, Fainharpirhynchus, and Perharpyrhynchus are provided and data on hosts and distributions of all known intracutaneous harpirhynchines are summarized. In addition, a new non-subcutaneous harpirhynchine is described: Trichorhynchiella myiarchus sp. nov. from feather bases of Myiarchus crinitus (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae) from an unknown locality in North America.}, }
@article {pmid25272009, year = {2014}, author = {Soler, M and Pérez-Contreras, T and Ibáñez-Álamo, JD and Roncalli, G and Macías-Sánchez, E and de Neve, L}, title = {Great spotted cuckoo fledglings often receive feedings from other magpie adults than their foster parents: which magpies accept to feed foreign cuckoo fledglings?.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {9}, number = {10}, pages = {e107412}, pmid = {25272009}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Birds ; *Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Male ; *Nesting Behavior ; }, abstract = {Natural selection penalizes individuals that provide costly parental care to non-relatives. However, feedings to brood-parasitic fledglings by individuals other than their foster parents, although anecdotic, have been commonly observed, also in the great spotted cuckoo (Clamator glandarius)--magpie (Pica pica) system, but this behaviour has never been studied in depth. In a first experiment, we here show that great spotted cuckoo fledglings that were translocated to a distant territory managed to survive. This implies that obtaining food from foreign magpies is a frequent and efficient strategy used by great spotted cuckoo fledglings. A second experiment, in which we presented a stuffed-cuckoo fledgling in magpie territories, showed that adult magpies caring for magpie fledglings responded aggressively in most of the trials and never tried to feed the stuffed cuckoo, whereas magpies that were caring for cuckoo fledglings reacted rarely with aggressive behavior and were sometimes disposed to feed the stuffed cuckoo. In a third experiment we observed feedings to post-fledgling cuckoos by marked adult magpies belonging to four different possibilities with respect to breeding status (i.e. composition of the brood: only cuckoos, only magpies, mixed, or failed breeding attempt). All non-parental feeding events to cuckoos were provided by magpies that were caring only for cuckoo fledglings. These results strongly support the conclusion that cuckoo fledglings that abandon their foster parents get fed by other adult magpies that are currently caring for other cuckoo fledglings. These findings are crucial to understand the co-evolutionary arms race between brood parasites and their hosts because they show that the presence of the host's own nestlings for comparison is likely a key clue to favour the evolution of fledgling discrimination and provide new insights on several relevant points such as learning mechanisms and multiparasitism.}, }
@article {pmid25226396, year = {2014}, author = {Silverman, JG and Raj, A}, title = {Intimate partner violence and reproductive coercion: global barriers to women's reproductive control.}, journal = {PLoS medicine}, volume = {11}, number = {9}, pages = {e1001723}, pmid = {25226396}, issn = {1549-1676}, mesh = {*Coercion ; Female ; Global Health/*ethnology/trends ; Humans ; Reproductive Behavior/*ethnology ; Sexual Behavior/ethnology ; Spouse Abuse/*ethnology/*prevention &amp; control ; }, abstract = {Jay Silverman and Anita Raj discuss the policies and interventions required to address the range of poor reproductive outcomes for women and adolescents, including loss of reproductive control, associated with intimate partner violence. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary}, }
@article {pmid25225036, year = {2015}, author = {Thom, JM and Clayton, NS}, title = {Translational research into intertemporal choice: the Western scrub-jay as an animal model for future-thinking.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {112}, number = {}, pages = {43-48}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2014.09.006}, pmid = {25225036}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; *Choice Behavior ; Decision Making ; Forecasting ; Humans ; *Models, Animal ; *Passeriformes ; *Thinking ; Time Factors ; *Translational Research, Biomedical ; }, abstract = {Decisions often involve outcomes that will not materialise until later, and choices between immediate gratification and future consequences are thought to be important for human health and welfare. Combined human and animal research has identified impulsive intertemporal choice as an important factor in drug-taking and pathological gambling. In this paper, we give an overview of recent research into intertemporal choice in non-human animals, and argue that this work could offer insight into human behaviour through the development of animal models. As an example, we discuss the role of future-thinking in intertemporal choice, and review the case for the Western scrub-jay (Aphelocoma californica) as an animal model of such prospective cognition. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Tribute to Tom Zentall.}, }
@article {pmid25216199, year = {2015}, author = {Steinsapir, KD and Rootman, D and Wulc, A and Hwang, C}, title = {Cosmetic Microdroplet Botulinum Toxin A Forehead Lift: A New Treatment Paradigm.}, journal = {Ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery}, volume = {31}, number = {4}, pages = {263-268}, doi = {10.1097/IOP.0000000000000282}, pmid = {25216199}, issn = {1537-2677}, mesh = {Acetylcholine Release Inhibitors/*administration &amp; dosage ; Adult ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*administration &amp; dosage ; Cosmetic Techniques ; *Eyebrows ; Female ; Forehead ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Rhytidoplasty/*methods ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of a microdroplet, cosmetic, periocular botulinum toxin A method that extensively treats the eyebrow depressors but leaves the brow elevators untreated.<br><br>METHODS: This is a 5-year retrospective, consecutive, nonrandomized series of botulinum toxin treatments. The study was reviewed by an institutional review board and complied with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Patients were treated with 33 U onabotulinum toxin (BOTOX, Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA, U.S.A.) injected in microdroplets of 10 to 20 &#x3bc;l. Sixty to 100 injections of microdroplets were needed to complete a treatment pattern concentrated at the brow, glabella, and crows feet area. The forehead was not treated. Patients who returned between 10 and 45 days were studied with image analysis.<br><br>RESULTS: There were 563 consecutive microdroplet treatments on 227 unique patients (female, n = 175, mean age 46 &#xb1; 4 years; male, n = 52, mean age 44 &#xb1; 8 years). The incidence of ptosis was 0.2% and transient. Forty-nine patients returned for a follow-up visit between 10 and 45 days and were included for image analysis to compare the before and after results of treatment. The average brow height was 24.6 mm before and 25 mm after treatment (p = 0.02). Photonumeric scales for forehead lines, brow ptosis, and brow furrow all showed statistically significant improvements (p < 0.0001).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The microdroplet brow lift method safely concentrates cosmetic botulinum toxin treatment along the eyebrow, crows feet, and glabellar area, resulting in a brow lift effect that reduces forehead lines, elevates the eyebrow, and reduces the furrow along the brow. This new treatment paradigm results in an aesthetic improvement to the face and periocular area without the forehead paralysis associated with conventional treatment.}, }
@article {pmid25210590, year = {2014}, author = {Rahman, NA and Fadzly, N and Dzakwan, NM and Zulkifli, NH}, title = {The Numerical Competency of Two Bird Species (Corvus splendens and Acridotheres tristis).}, journal = {Tropical life sciences research}, volume = {25}, number = {1}, pages = {95-103}, pmid = {25210590}, issn = {1985-3718}, abstract = {We conducted a series of experiments to test the numerical competency of two species of birds, Corvus splendens (House Crow) and Acridotheres tristis (Common Myna). Both species were allowed to choose from seven different groups of mealworms with varying proportions. We considered the birds to have made a correct choice when it selected the food group with the highest number of mealworms. Our overall results indicated that the Common Myna is able to count numbers (161 successful choices out of 247 trials) better than House Crows (133 successful choices out of 241 trials). We suspect that House Crows do not rely on a numerical sense when selecting food. Although House Crows mostly chose the cup with more mealworms (from seven food item proportions), only one proportion was chosen at rate above random chance. The Common Myna, however, were slow performers at the beginning but became increasingly more capable of numerical sense during the remainder of the experiment (four out of seven food proportion groups were chosen at a rate above random chance).}, }
@article {pmid25208730, year = {2014}, author = {Gasca-Salas, C and Estanga, A and Clavero, P and Aguilar-Palacio, I and González-Redondo, R and Obeso, JA and Rodríguez-Oroz, MC}, title = {Longitudinal assessment of the pattern of cognitive decline in non-demented patients with advanced Parkinson's disease.}, journal = {Journal of Parkinson's disease}, volume = {4}, number = {4}, pages = {677-686}, doi = {10.3233/JPD-140398}, pmid = {25208730}, issn = {1877-718X}, mesh = {Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Analysis of Variance ; Cognition Disorders/*diagnosis/*etiology ; Disease Progression ; Female ; Humans ; Longitudinal Studies ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Parkinson Disease/*complications ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are frequent in Parkinson's disease (PD). Deficits in some cognitive tests are considered risk factors for dementia in PD. However, how cognitive deficits progress in aged and long-lasting non-demented PD is not known.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: To study the rate and pattern of progression of cognitive deficits in aged and long-lasting non-demented PD.<br><br>METHODS: Forty-nine non-demented patients (23 cognitively normal (PD-CN) and 26 with MCI (PD-MCI)) were studied over 31 months using individual tests and z-scores covering five cognitive domains. All patients were at least 60 year old and have had PD &#x2265; 10 years.<br><br>RESULTS: Attention, executive function and memory worsened in 5 PD-CN patients who progressed to MCI (21.7% of the sample) and in 1 patient who became demented (4.3% of the sample). Eleven PD-MCI patients who developed dementia (42.3% of the sample) showed aggravation of visuospatial, executive and attention domains. Multidomain-MCI and poor execution of Stroop-Words, copy of intersecting pentagons and Raven Progressive Matrices tests were associated with conversion to dementia.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study shows that in long-lasting PD 21.7% of PD-CN patients progress to MCI and 42.3% of PD-MCI progress to dementia over a 31 months observation period. The transition from cognitively normal to MCI is featured by attention, executive and memory dysfunction and the evolution from MCI to dementia is marked by the appearance of visuospatial deficits and worsening of attention and executive function. These data are compatible with the concept that cognitive decline in PD follows a distinct dysfunction pattern with progressive anterior to posterior cortical involvement.}, }
@article {pmid25207993, year = {2015}, author = {Clayton, NS}, title = {Ways of thinking: from crows to children and back again.}, journal = {Quarterly journal of experimental psychology (2006)}, volume = {68}, number = {2}, pages = {209-241}, doi = {10.1080/17470218.2014.943673}, pmid = {25207993}, issn = {1747-0226}, support = {//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Child ; *Child Development ; *Cognition ; Crows ; Humans ; Problem Solving ; Psychomotor Performance/*physiology ; Social Behavior ; Theory of Mind/*physiology ; *Thinking ; }, abstract = {This article reviews some of the recent work on the remarkable cognitive capacities of food-caching corvids. The focus will be on their ability to think about other minds and other times, and tool-using tests of physical problem solving. Research on developmental cognition suggests that young children do not pass similar tests until they are at least four years of age in the case of the social cognition experiments, and eight years of age in the case of the tasks that tap into physical cognition. This developmental trajectory seems surprising. Intuitively, one might have thought that the social and planning tasks required more complex forms of cognitive process, namely Mental Time Travel and Theory of Mind. Perhaps the fact that children pass these tasks earlier than the physical problem-solving tasks is a reflection of cultural influences. Future research will hope to identify these cognitive milestones by starting to develop tasks that might go some way towards understanding the mechanisms underlying these abilities in both children and corvids, to explore similarities and differences in their ways of thinking.}, }
@article {pmid25151937, year = {2014}, author = {Moll, FW and Nieder, A}, title = {The long and the short of it: rule-based relative length discrimination in carrion crows, Corvus corone.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {107}, number = {}, pages = {142-149}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2014.08.009}, pmid = {25151937}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Discrimination, Psychological/*physiology ; Executive Function/*physiology ; Male ; Space Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Birds and other nonhuman animals can choose the larger of two discrete or continuous quantities. However, whether birds possess the conceptual grasp and cognitive control to flexibly switch between relative more-or-less-than judgments remains elusive. We therefore tested carrion crows in a rule-based line-length discrimination task to flexibly select lines presented on a touchscreen according to their relative length. In the first experiment, the crows needed to discriminate a shorter from a longer line, and vice versa. In the second experiment, the crows were required to choose a medium long line among three lines of different length (intermediate-size task). The crows switched effortlessly between "longer than/shorter than" rules, showing no signs of trial history affecting switching performance. They reliably chose the relatively longer and shorter line length, thus demonstrating a concept of greater than/less than with a continuous magnitude. However, both crows failed to discriminate a line of 'medium' length embedded in longer and shorter lines. These results indicate that relational discrimination exhibits different cognitive demands. While a greater than/less than concept requires only one relational comparison (with the respectively greater or smaller magnitude), the discrimination of a 'medium' magnitude demands to relate two or more comparisons, which might overburden crows and maybe animals in general.}, }
@article {pmid25150963, year = {2015}, author = {Tornick, JK and Callahan, ES and Gibson, BM}, title = {An investigation of quantity discrimination in Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana).}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {129}, number = {1}, pages = {17-25}, doi = {10.1037/a0037863}, pmid = {25150963}, issn = {1939-2087}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/physiology ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Discrimination, Psychological/*physiology ; *Mathematical Concepts ; Passeriformes ; }, abstract = {We examined quantity discrimination in the Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana), a corvid bird with a strong dependence upon caching and recovering nuts. We presented 2 sets of nuts simultaneously, in 21 different conditions, to see if the nutcrackers could choose the larger of the 2 quantities. The nutcrackers displayed a strong ability to discriminate quantities of nuts. Like other animals tested previously, the nutcrackers' performance decreased as the ratio of the 2 quantities approached 1. Interestingly, at constant distances, the nutcrackers did not have more difficulty with contrasts containing larger quantities. Thus, nutcrackers have a fine sensitivity for discriminating between 2 quantities. We review the relevant literature and explore the possibility that nutcrackers, like some other birds, may have developed a keen ability to discriminate quantities. This ability may have developed as an adaptive specialization to cope with their scatter-hoarding ecology, though the evidence for such a conclusion is mixed.}, }
@article {pmid25149562, year = {2014}, author = {Bratus, AS and Novozhilov, AS and Semenov, YS}, title = {Linear algebra of the permutation invariant Crow-Kimura model of prebiotic evolution.}, journal = {Mathematical biosciences}, volume = {256}, number = {}, pages = {42-57}, doi = {10.1016/j.mbs.2014.08.006}, pmid = {25149562}, issn = {1879-3134}, mesh = {*Biological Evolution ; *Models, Theoretical ; }, abstract = {A particular case of the famous quasispecies model - the Crow-Kimura model with a permutation invariant fitness landscape - is investigated. Using the fact that the mutation matrix in the case of a permutation invariant fitness landscape has a special tridiagonal form, a change of the basis is suggested such that in the new coordinates a number of analytical results can be obtained. In particular, using the eigenvectors of the mutation matrix as the new basis, we show that the quasispecies distribution approaches a binomial one and give simple estimates for the speed of convergence. Another consequence of the suggested approach is a parametric solution to the system of equations determining the quasispecies. Using this parametric solution we show that our approach leads to exact asymptotic results in some cases, which are not covered by the existing methods. In particular, we are able to present not only the limit behavior of the leading eigenvalue (mean population fitness), but also the exact formulas for the limit quasispecies eigenvector for special cases. For instance, this eigenvector has a geometric distribution in the case of the classical single peaked fitness landscape. On the biological side, we propose a mathematical definition, based on the closeness of the quasispecies to the binomial distribution, which can be used as an operational definition of the notorious error threshold. Using this definition, we suggest two approximate formulas to estimate the critical mutation rate after which the quasispecies delocalization occurs.}, }
@article {pmid25148039, year = {2014}, author = {Overeem, KR and Gabriel, PO and Zirpoli, JA and Black, JM}, title = {Steller sex: infidelity and sexual selection in a social Corvid (Cyanocitta stelleri).}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {9}, number = {8}, pages = {e105257}, pmid = {25148039}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; *Mating Preference, Animal ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Reproduction/genetics ; Selection, Genetic ; }, abstract = {Genetic analysis of avian mating systems has revealed that more than 70% of monogamous species show incidence of offspring parentage that does not match the social partner. Extra-pair parentage (EPP) has been linked to a variety of factors, including size and symmetry of ornamental traits, coloration, resource availability, and local conspecific density. We examined how ornamental plumage traits of individual Steller's jays (Cyanocitta stelleri) and territory characteristics influence genetic fidelity of socially monogamous pairs. We used seven highly polymorphic microsatellite markers to assign paternity to 79 offspring, and identified 12 (15.2%) as extra-pair young (EPY). Steller's jays with extra-pair young had significantly lower values of feather brightness and hue, indicating more ultraviolet-blue shifted coloration, and nested in closer proximity to the forest edge than Steller's jays with no detected EPY. Body size, crest height, asymmetry of ornamental crest stripes, as well as vegetative composition of territories and their proximity to supplemental feeders appeared to have little relationship to EPP. These results indicate that extra-pair parentage plays a role in the evolution of secondary sexual characteristics in both sexes, and suggest local density and availability of resources may influence Steller's jay mating dynamics.}, }
@article {pmid25147048, year = {2014}, author = {Montaz, J and Jacquot, M and Coeurdassier, M}, title = {Scavenging of rodent carcasses following simulated mortality due to field applications of anticoagulant rodenticide.}, journal = {Ecotoxicology (London, England)}, volume = {23}, number = {9}, pages = {1671-1680}, pmid = {25147048}, issn = {1573-3017}, mesh = {4-Hydroxycoumarins/analysis ; Animals ; Arvicolinae ; *Environmental Monitoring ; *Feeding Behavior ; *Food Chain ; France ; *Raptors ; Rodenticides/*analysis ; }, abstract = {Worldwide, agricultural uses of anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) cause poisonings of non-target wildlife as observed in France where bromadiolone is used to control water vole outbreaks. Following bromadiolone field application, a part of the vole population may die aboveground of the treated plots and thus, can represent an important risk of secondary poisoning for scavengers. In this study, water voles were trapped in a non-treated area and their carcasses were placed aboveground in plots located in an area where a vole outbreak occurred. Then, the environmental persistence, the diurnal and nocturnal scavenging rates of water vole carcasses were assessed in autumn 2011 and in spring 2012. The diurnal scavenger species were also identified. The environmental persistence of the carcasses to reach at least a scavenging rate of 87.5 % was 0.5-1.5 day. The average rates of diurnal and nocturnal scavenging ranged from 67 to 100 % and 5 to 100 %, respectively. They depended on the composition of the scavenger community present near the monitored plots; diurnal scavenging rates being higher with corvids than with raptors. In autumn, the red kite and the common buzzard were the main scavengers in one of the plots, what suggests a high risk of poisoning for these raptors during post-nuptial migration. So, the collection of vole carcasses after treatments and the limitations of bromadiolone applications when high densities of predators/scavengers are observed could be implemented to mitigate the risks of secondary poisoning.}, }
@article {pmid25130753, year = {2014}, author = {Clary, D and Cheys, A and Kelly, DM}, title = {Pattern of visuospatial lateralization in two corvid species, black-billed magpies and Clark's nutcrackers.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {107}, number = {}, pages = {94-98}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2014.07.020}, pmid = {25130753}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; Attention/*physiology ; Female ; Functional Laterality/*physiology ; Male ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Space Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Cerebral lateralization is widespread amongst vertebrate species suggesting advantages are gained by having one of the brain's hemispheres exert dominant control over certain cognitive functions. A recently devised task for assessing lateralization of visuospatial attention by birds (Diekamp et al., 2005) has allowed researchers to suggest the corpus callosum may not be necessary for the emergence of such asymmetries. More recently, this task has been adopted to examine the embryonic development of lateralization in birds, research which may provide important insights as to the underlying genetic mechanisms (Chiandetti, 2011; Chiandetti et al., 2013) of vertebrate cerebral lateralization. However, to date only chicks and pigeons have been used in this paradigm. Thus, it is unclear whether other avian species will also show lateralization of visuospatial attention during this task. Here, we examined the pattern of visuospatial lateralization in two corvid species: social black-billed magpies (Pica hudsonia) and non-social Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana). We find that neither the magpies nor the nutcrackers show evidence for population level lateralization or predictable individual level lateralization, as only a subset of individuals of each species showed a significant individual bias, which were rarely stable over repeated testing.}, }
@article {pmid25123853, year = {2015}, author = {Shephard, TV and Lea, SE and Hempel de Ibarra, N}, title = {'The thieving magpie'? No evidence for attraction to shiny objects.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {18}, number = {1}, pages = {393-397}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-014-0794-4}, pmid = {25123853}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; Exploratory Behavior ; *Folklore ; Nesting Behavior ; Object Attachment ; *Passeriformes/physiology ; *Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {It is widely accepted in European culture that magpies (Pica pica) are unconditionally attracted to shiny objects and routinely steal small trinkets such as jewellery, almost as a compulsion. Despite the long history of this folklore, published accounts of magpies collecting shiny objects are rare and empirical evidence for the behaviour is lacking. The latter is surprising considering that an attraction to bright objects is well documented in some bird species. The present study aims to clarify whether magpies show greater attraction to shiny objects than non-shiny objects when presented at the same time. We did not find evidence of an unconditional attraction to shiny objects in either captive or free-living birds. Instead, all objects elicited responses indicating neophobia in free-living birds. We suggest that humans notice when magpies occasionally pick up shiny objects because they believe the birds find them attractive, while it goes unnoticed when magpies interact with less eye-catching items. The folklore may therefore result from observation bias and cultural inflation of orally transmitted episodic events.}, }
@article {pmid25117450, year = {2014}, author = {Meilleur, AA and Berthiaume, C and Bertone, A and Mottron, L}, title = {Autism-specific covariation in perceptual performances: "g" or "p" factor?.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {9}, number = {8}, pages = {e103781}, pmid = {25117450}, issn = {1932-6203}, support = {171795//Canadian Institutes of Health Research/Canada ; }, mesh = {Acoustic Stimulation ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Autistic Disorder/*diagnosis/*psychology ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; *Perception ; Photic Stimulation ; Task Performance and Analysis ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Autistic perception is characterized by atypical and sometimes exceptional performance in several low- (e.g., discrimination) and mid-level (e.g., pattern matching) tasks in both visual and auditory domains. A factor that specifically affects perceptive abilities in autistic individuals should manifest as an autism-specific association between perceptual tasks. The first purpose of this study was to explore how perceptual performances are associated within or across processing levels and/or modalities. The second purpose was to determine if general intelligence, the major factor that accounts for covariation in task performances in non-autistic individuals, equally controls perceptual abilities in autistic individuals.<br><br>METHODS: We asked 46 autistic individuals and 46 typically developing controls to perform four tasks measuring low- or mid-level visual or auditory processing. Intelligence was measured with the Wechsler's Intelligence Scale (FSIQ) and Raven Progressive Matrices (RPM). We conducted linear regression models to compare task performances between groups and patterns of covariation between tasks. The addition of either Wechsler's FSIQ or RPM in the regression models controlled for the effects of intelligence.<br><br>RESULTS: In typically developing individuals, most perceptual tasks were associated with intelligence measured either by RPM or Wechsler FSIQ. The residual covariation between unimodal tasks, i.e. covariation not explained by intelligence, could be explained by a modality-specific factor. In the autistic group, residual covariation revealed the presence of a plurimodal factor specific to autism.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Autistic individuals show exceptional performance in some perceptual tasks. Here, we demonstrate the existence of specific, plurimodal covariation that does not dependent on general intelligence (or "g" factor). Instead, this residual covariation is accounted for by a common perceptual process (or "p" factor), which may drive perceptual abilities differently in autistic and non-autistic individuals.}, }
@article {pmid25111085, year = {2014}, author = {Rokka, K and Pihlaja, M and Siitari, H and Soulsbury, CD}, title = {Sex-specific differences in offspring personalities across the laying order in magpies Pica pica.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {107}, number = {}, pages = {79-87}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2014.07.019}, pmid = {25111085}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Exploratory Behavior/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Personality/*physiology ; Reproduction/*physiology ; Sex Factors ; }, abstract = {Maternal effects provide an important mechanism for mothers to create variation in offspring personality, and to potentially influence offspring life history strategies e.g. creating more/less dispersive phenotypes. However, within-clutch maternal effects often vary and hence there is potential for within-clutch variation in personality. We studied the effects of hatching order on explorative and neophobic behaviour of the magpies Pica pica in relation to sex using novel environment and novel object experiments. Hatching order did affect explorative behaviour in magpie, but did so in opposite directions for either sex. First-hatched females were more explorative and had a tendency to be less neophobic, whereas in males, the reverse was true. Our results suggest that hormonal as well as post-natal environmental mechanisms could be underpinning this pattern. Future research is needed to fully understand the importance of both in creating different offspring personalities. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: insert SI title.}, }
@article {pmid25110694, year = {2014}, author = {Aspan, N and Bozsik, C and Gadoros, J and Nagy, P and Inantsy-Pap, J and Vida, P and Halasz, J}, title = {Emotion recognition pattern in adolescent boys with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.}, journal = {BioMed research international}, volume = {2014}, number = {}, pages = {761340}, pmid = {25110694}, issn = {2314-6141}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/*psychology ; Behavior ; Emotions ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; *Recognition, Psychology ; Statistics, Nonparametric ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Social and emotional deficits were recently considered as inherent features of individuals with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but only sporadic literature data exist on emotion recognition in adolescents with ADHD. The aim of the present study was to establish emotion recognition profile in adolescent boys with ADHD in comparison with control adolescents.<br><br>METHODS: Forty-four adolescent boys (13-16 years) participated in the study after informed consent; 22 boys had a clinical diagnosis of ADHD, while data were also assessed from 22 adolescent control boys matched for age and Raven IQ. Parent- and self-reported behavioral characteristics were assessed by the means of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. The recognition of six basic emotions was evaluated by the "Facial Expressions of Emotion-Stimuli and Tests."<br><br>RESULTS: Compared to controls, adolescents with ADHD were more sensitive in the recognition of disgust and, worse in the recognition of fear and showed a tendency for impaired recognition of sadness. Hyperactivity measures showed an inverse correlation with fear recognition.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that adolescent boys with ADHD have alterations in the recognition of specific emotions.}, }
@article {pmid25107529, year = {2015}, author = {Němec, M and Syrová, M and Dokoupilová, L and Veselý, P and Šmilauer, P and Landová, E and Lišková, S and Fuchs, R}, title = {Surface texture and priming play important roles in predator recognition by the red-backed shrike in field experiments.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {18}, number = {1}, pages = {259-268}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-014-0796-2}, pmid = {25107529}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Male ; Nesting Behavior ; *Predatory Behavior ; *Recognition, Psychology ; *Repetition Priming ; *Songbirds ; }, abstract = {We compared the responses of the nesting red-backed shrikes (Lanius collurio) to three dummies of a common nest predator, the Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius), each made from a different material (stuffed, plush, and silicone). The shrikes performed defensive behaviour including attacks on all three dummies. Nevertheless, the number of attacks significantly decreased from the stuffed dummy through the plush dummy and finally to the silicone dummy. Our results show that wild birds use not only colours but also other surface features as important cues for recognition and categorization of other bird species. Moreover, the silicone dummy was attacked only when presented after the stuffed or plush dummy. Thus, we concluded that the shrikes recognized the jay only the stuffed (with feathered surface) and plush (with hairy surface) dummies during the first encounter. Recognition of the silicon dummy (with glossy surface) was facilitated by previous encounters with the more accurate model. This process resembles the effect of perceptual priming, which is widely described in the literature on humans.}, }
@article {pmid25101235, year = {2014}, author = {Poulin-Lord, MP and Barbeau, EB and Soulières, I and Monchi, O and Doyon, J and Benali, H and Mottron, L}, title = {Increased topographical variability of task-related activation in perceptive and motor associative regions in adult autistics.}, journal = {NeuroImage. Clinical}, volume = {4}, number = {}, pages = {444-453}, pmid = {25101235}, issn = {2213-1582}, support = {MOP-84243//Canadian Institutes of Health Research/Canada ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Anoctamins ; Autistic Disorder/*pathology/physiopathology ; Case-Control Studies ; Cerebral Cortex/blood supply/*pathology ; Chloride Channels ; Female ; Functional Laterality ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Imagination ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Motor Activity/*physiology ; Oxygen/blood ; Photic Stimulation ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales ; Visual Perception/*physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: An enhanced plasticity is suspected to play a role in various microstructural alterations, as well as in regional cortical reallocations observed in autism. Combined with multiple indications of enhanced perceptual functioning in autism, and indications of atypical motor functioning, enhanced plasticity predicts a superior variability in functional cortical allocation, predominant in perceptual and motor regions.<br><br>METHOD: To test this prediction, we scanned 23&#xa0;autistics and 22 typical participants matched on age, FSIQ, Raven percentile scores and handedness during a visuo-motor imitation task. For each participant, the coordinates of the strongest task-related activation peak were extracted in the primary (Brodmann area 4) and supplementary (BA 6) motor cortex, the visuomotor superior parietal cortex (BA 7), and the primary (BA 17) and associative (BAs 18&#xa0;+&#xa0;19) visual areas. Mean signal changes for each ROI in both hemispheres, and the number of voxels composing the strongest activation cluster were individually extracted to compare intensity and size of the signal between groups. For each ROI, in each hemisphere, and for every participant, the distance from their respective group average was used as a variable of interest to determine group differences in localization variability using repeated measures ANOVAs. Between-group comparison of whole-brain activation was also performed.<br><br>RESULTS: Both groups displayed a higher mean variability in the localization of activations in the associative areas compared to the primary visual or motor areas. However, despite this shared increased variability in associative cortices, a direct between-group comparison of the individual variability in localization of the activation revealed a significantly greater variability in the autistic group than in the typical group in the left visuo-motor superior parietal cortex (BA 7) and in the left associative visual areas (BAs 18&#xa0;+&#xa0;19).<br><br>CONCLUSION: Different and possibly unique strategies are used by each autistic individual. That enhanced variability in localization of activations in the autistic group is found in regions typically more variable in non-autistics raises the possibility that autism involves an enhancement and/or an alteration of typical plasticity mechanisms.&#xa0;The current study also highlights the necessity to verify, in fMRI studies involving autistic people, that hypoactivation at the group level does not result from each individual successfully completing a task using a unique brain allocation, even by comparison to his own group.}, }
@article {pmid25100696, year = {2014}, author = {Verhulst, S and Geerdink, M and Salomons, HM and Boonekamp, JJ}, title = {Social life histories: jackdaw dominance increases with age, terminally declines and shortens lifespan.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {281}, number = {1791}, pages = {20141045}, pmid = {25100696}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {*Aging ; Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; Longevity ; Longitudinal Studies ; Male ; *Social Dominance ; }, abstract = {Behaviour may contribute to changes in fitness prospects with age, for example through effects of age-dependent social dominance on resource access. Older individuals often have higher dominance rank, which may reflect a longer lifespan of dominants and/or an increase in social dominance with age. In the latter case, increasing dominance could mitigate physiological senescence. We studied the social careers of free-living jackdaws over a 12 year period, and found that: (i) larger males attained higher ranks, (ii) social rank increased with age within individuals, and (iii) high-ranked individuals had shorter lifespan suggesting that maintaining or achieving high rank and associated benefits comes at a cost. Lastly, (iv) social rank declined substantially in the last year an individual was observed in the colony, and through its effect on resource access this may accelerate senescence. We suggest that behaviour affecting the ability to secure resources is integral to the senescence process via resource effects on somatic state, where behaviour may include not only social dominance, but also learning, memory, perception and (sexual) signalling. Studying behavioural effects on senescence via somatic state may be most effective in the wild, where there is competition for resources, which is usually avoided in laboratory conditions.}, }
@article {pmid25089821, year = {2014}, author = {Lee, WY and Kim, M and Jablonski, PG and Choe, JC and Lee, SI}, title = {Effect of incubation on bacterial communities of eggshells in a temperate bird, the Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica).}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {9}, number = {8}, pages = {e103959}, pmid = {25089821}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria/*growth &amp; development ; Egg Shell/*microbiology ; Nesting Behavior ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Phylogeny ; }, abstract = {Inhibitory effect of incubation on microbial growth has extensively been studied in wild bird populations using culture-based methods and conflicting results exist on whether incubation selectively affects the growth of microbes on the egg surface. In this study, we employed culture-independent methods, quantitative PCR and 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing, to elucidate the effect of incubation on the bacterial abundance and bacterial community composition on the eggshells of the Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica). We found that total bacterial abundance increased and diversity decreased on incubated eggs while there were no changes on non-incubated eggs. Interestingly, Gram-positive Bacillus, which include mostly harmless species, became dominant and genus Pseudomonas, which include opportunistic avian egg pathogens, were significantly reduced after incubation. These results suggest that avian incubation in temperate regions may promote the growth of harmless (or benevolent) bacteria and suppress the growth of pathogenic bacterial taxa and consequently reduce the diversity of microbes on the egg surface. We hypothesize that this may occur due to difference in sensitivity to dehydration on the egg surface among microbes, combined with the introduction of Bacillus from bird feathers and due to the presence of antibiotics that certain bacteria produce.}, }
@article {pmid25081449, year = {2014}, author = {Dronen, NO and Tkach, VV}, title = {Key to the species of Morishitium Wienberg, 1928 (Cyclocoelidae), with the description of a new species from the red-billed blue magpie, Urocissa erythrorhyncha (Boddaert) (Corvidae) from Guizhou Province, People's Republic of China.}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {3835}, number = {2}, pages = {273-282}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.3835.2.7}, pmid = {25081449}, issn = {1175-5334}, mesh = {Animal Distribution ; Animal Structures/anatomy &amp; histology/growth &amp; development ; Animals ; Body Size ; China ; Ecosystem ; Female ; Organ Size ; Ovum/cytology ; Trematoda/anatomy &amp; histology/*classification/growth &amp; development ; }, abstract = {The 11 species currently assigned to Morishitium and the new species described herein are divided into the rauschi, straightum and vagum body types, and keys to species are provided. Morishitium urocissae n. sp. is described from the red-billed blue magpie, Urocissa erythrorhyncha (Corvidae), from the Dashahe Nature Reserve, Guizhou Province, southwestern Peoples Republic of China. Morishitium urocissae n. sp. is similar to M. bivesiculatum by having a similar ratio of the width of the pharynx to the width of the oral sucker (1:1.0-1:1.2 compared to 1:1.0) and a similar sized cirrus sac (470-565 long; 3-5% of body length compared to 400; 4%). Both species also have the anterior extent of the vitelline fields reaching the level of the pharynx, which distinguishes them from all other species in the genus that have an oral sucker present and lack a ventral. The new species differs from M. bivesiculatum by having a larger maximum egg size (135 by 70 compared to 127 by 65), uterine loops that overreach the ceca laterally rather than being intercecal, a shorter distance from the posterior testis to the posterior arch of the cyclocoel (70 [0-110] compared to 400), and by being from a magpie from the People's Republic of China rather than being from a barbet from Sri Lanka. The new species is most similar to M. dumetellae, but differs from this species by having wider eggs (65 compared to 60), a longer body (10,400- 13,350 compared to 8,500), a shorter cirrus sac (470-565; 3-5% of the body length compared to 595; 7%), a smaller ratio of the pharynx to the oral sucker (1:1.0-1:1.3 compared to 1:1.7), more laterally extensive uterine loops (overreaching the ceca compared to being interececal), the anterior extent of the vitelline fields reaching to the level of the pharynx as compared to terminating posterior to the cecal bifurcation, and by being from a magpie from the People's Republic of China rather than from a catbird from the United States.}, }
@article {pmid25065381, year = {2014}, author = {Yuksel, EP and Sahin, G and Aydin, F and Senturk, N and Turanli, AY}, title = {Evaluation of effects of platelet-rich plasma on human facial skin.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology}, volume = {16}, number = {5}, pages = {206-208}, doi = {10.3109/14764172.2014.949274}, pmid = {25065381}, issn = {1476-4180}, mesh = {Adult ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; *Face ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Patient Satisfaction ; *Platelet-Rich Plasma ; *Rejuvenation ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been used for rapid healing and tissue regeneration in many fields of medicine. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of PRP application procedure on human facial skin.<br><br>METHODS: PRP was applied thrice at 2-week intervals on the face of ten healthy volunteers. It was applied to individual's forehead, malar area, and jaw by a dermaroller, and injected using a 27-gauge injector into the wrinkles of crow's feet. Participants were asked to grade on a scale from 0 to 5 for general appearance, skin firmness-sagging, wrinkle state and pigmentation disorder of their own face before each PRP procedure and 3 months after the last PRP procedure. While volunteers were evaluating their own face, they were also assessed by three different dermatologists at the same time by the same five-point scale.<br><br>RESULTS: There was statistically significant difference regarding the general appearance, skin firmness-sagging and wrinkle state according to the grading scale of the patients before and after three PRP applications. Whereas there was only statistically significant difference for the skin firmness-sagging according to the assessment of the dermatologists.<br><br>CONCLUSION: PRP application could be considered as an effective procedure for facial skin rejuvenation.}, }
@article {pmid25055009, year = {2014}, author = {Logan, CJ and Jelbert, SA and Breen, AJ and Gray, RD and Taylor, AH}, title = {Modifications to the Aesop's Fable paradigm change New Caledonian crow performances.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {9}, number = {7}, pages = {e103049}, pmid = {25055009}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Child, Preschool ; *Cognition ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Problem Solving ; Reward ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {While humans are able to understand much about causality, it is unclear to what extent non-human animals can do the same. The Aesop's Fable paradigm requires an animal to drop stones into a water-filled tube to bring a floating food reward within reach. Rook, Eurasian jay, and New Caledonian crow performances are similar to those of children under seven years of age when solving this task. However, we know very little about the cognition underpinning these birds' performances. Here, we address several limitations of previous Aesop's Fable studies to gain insight into the causal cognition of New Caledonian crows. Our results provide the first evidence that any non-human animal can solve the U-tube task and can discriminate between water-filled tubes of different volumes. However, our results do not provide support for the hypothesis that these crows can infer the presence of a hidden causal mechanism. They also call into question previous object-discrimination performances. The methodologies outlined here should allow for more powerful comparisons between humans and other animal species and thus help us to determine which aspects of causal cognition are distinct to humans.}, }
@article {pmid25028778, year = {2014}, author = {Costa, Dde S and Paula, JJ and Alvim-Soares Júnior, AM and Diniz, BS and Romano-Silva, MA and Malloy-Diniz, LF and Miranda, DM}, title = {ADHD inattentive symptoms mediate the relationship between intelligence and academic performance in children aged 6-14.}, journal = {Revista brasileira de psiquiatria (Sao Paulo, Brazil : 1999)}, volume = {36}, number = {4}, pages = {313-321}, doi = {10.1590/1516-4446-2013-1201}, pmid = {25028778}, issn = {1809-452X}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/*physiopathology ; Behavior/physiology ; Brazil ; Child ; Child Behavior Disorders/*physiopathology ; Cognition/*physiology ; Cognition Disorders/physiopathology ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; *Models, Psychological ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Students/*psychology ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Fluid intelligence and the behavioral problems of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are related to academic performance, but how this association occurs is unclear. This study aimed to assess mediation and moderation models that test possible pathways of influence between these factors.<br><br>METHODS: Sixty-two children with ADHD and 33 age-matched, typically developing students were evaluated with Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices and the spelling and arithmetic subtests of the Brazilian School Achievement Test. Dimensional ADHD symptomatology was reported by parents.<br><br>RESULTS: Our findings suggest that fluid intelligence has a significant impact on academic tests through inattention. The inattentive dimension was the principal behavioral source of influence, also accounting for the association of hyperactive-impulsive manifestations with school achievement. This cognitive-to-behavioral influence path seems to be independent of diagnosis related group, and gender, but lower socioeconomic status might increase its strength.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Fluid intelligence is a relevant factor in the influence of ADHD behavioral symptoms on academic performance, but its impact is indirect. Therefore, early identification of both fluid intelligence and inattentive symptoms is of the utmost importance to prevent impaired academic performance and future difficulties in functioning.}, }
@article {pmid25027746, year = {2015}, author = {Schiebener, J and García-Arias, M and García-Villamisar, D and Cabanyes-Truffino, J and Brand, M}, title = {Developmental changes in decision making under risk: The role of executive functions and reasoning abilities in 8- to 19-year-old decision makers.}, journal = {Child neuropsychology : a journal on normal and abnormal development in childhood and adolescence}, volume = {21}, number = {6}, pages = {759-778}, doi = {10.1080/09297049.2014.934216}, pmid = {25027746}, issn = {1744-4136}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Brain/*physiology ; Child ; Cognition/*physiology ; Decision Making/*physiology ; Executive Function/*physiology ; Female ; Games, Experimental ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Risk-Taking ; Thinking ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Previous studies have shown that children and adolescents often tend toward risky decisions despite explicit knowledge about the potential negative consequences. This phenomenon has been suggested to be associated with the immaturity of brain areas involved in cognitive control functions. Particularly, "frontal lobe functions," such as executive functions and reasoning, mature until young adulthood and are thought to be involved in age-related changes in decision making under explicit risk conditions. We investigated 112 participants, aged 8-19 years, with a frequently used task assessing decisions under risk, the Game of Dice Task (GDT). Additionally, we administered the Modified Card Sorting Test assessing executive functioning (categorization, cognitive flexibility, and strategy maintenance) as well as the Ravens Progressive Matrices assessing reasoning. The results showed that risk taking in the GDT decreased with increasing age and this effect was not moderated by reasoning but by executive functions: Particularly, young persons with weak executive functioning showed very risky decision making. Thus, the individual maturation of executive functions, associated with areas in the prefrontal cortex, seems to be an important factor in young peoples' behavior in risky decision-making situations.}, }
@article {pmid25016766, year = {2014}, author = {Siuda, K and Chrobak, AA and Starowicz-Filip, A and Tereszko, A and Dudek, D}, title = {[Emotional disorders in patients with cerebellar damage--case studies].}, journal = {Psychiatria polska}, volume = {48}, number = {2}, pages = {289-297}, pmid = {25016766}, issn = {0033-2674}, mesh = {Adult ; Affective Symptoms/*diagnosis/*etiology ; Cerebellar Diseases/*complications/surgery ; Cerebellum/pathology/surgery ; Cognition Disorders/etiology ; Emotions ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mood Disorders/*diagnosis/*etiology ; Neuropsychological Tests ; }, abstract = {AIM: Growing number of research shows the role of the cerebellum in the regulation of affect. Lesions of the cerebellum can lead to emotional disregulation, a significant part of the Cerebellar Cognitive Affective Syndrome. The aim of this article is to analyze the most recent studies concerning the cerebellar participation in emotional reactions and to present three cases: two female and one male who suffered from cerebellar damage and presented post-traumatic affective and personality change.<br><br>METHOD: The patients' neuropsychological examination was performed with Raven's Progressive Matrices Test--standard version, Trial Making Test, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Auditory Verbal Learning Test by Luria, Benton Visual Retention Test, Verbal Fluency Test, Stroop Interference Test, Attention and Perceptivity Test (Test Uwagi i Spostrzegawczo&#x15b;ci TUS), Frontal Behavioral Inventory (FBI).<br><br>RESULTS: The review of the literature suggest cerebellar participation, especially teh vermis and paravermial regions, in the detection, integration and filtration of emotional information and in regulation of autonomic emotional responses. In the described patients we observed: oversensitivity, irritability, impulsivity and self-neglect. The man and the woman with right-sided lesions presented similar symptoms: rigidity ofthought, stubbornness, lack of criticism,jocular and inappropriate behavior. The woman with left-sided cerebellar lesion was adynamic, apathic and passive, she presented emotional blunting, social isolation, lack of interests and motivation, general cognitive slowdown.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Both the analyzed research and the described cases indicate the connection between the cerebellum and emotion regulation. The symptoms presented by the described patients were most probably a consequence of damaged cerebellar projections to subcortical structures (the limbic system) and frontal areas. The diversification of symptoms depending on the localization of lesions had not been described yet and seems to indicate an interesting direction for future research.}, }
@article {pmid25004080, year = {2014}, author = {Kanai, M and Matsui, H and Watanabe, S and Izawa, E}, title = {Involvement of vision in tool use in crow.}, journal = {Neuroreport}, volume = {25}, number = {13}, pages = {1064-1068}, doi = {10.1097/WNR.0000000000000229}, pmid = {25004080}, issn = {1473-558X}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Male ; Psychomotor Performance ; *Tool Use Behavior ; *Vision, Ocular ; }, abstract = {Birds are capable of dexterous sensory-motor activities such as tool use. Reaching is a crucial component of tool use and is a vision-guided behavior in primates, in which arm movement is monitored online in a stable visual frame. However, vision-guided reaching in primates is enabled by anatomical separation of the head and arm; neck reaching in birds accompanies head movement, which produces unstable vision because the eye necessarily moves with the bill. This anatomical difference raises the question whether tool use in birds involves visuomotor mechanisms that are distinct from those in primates. As the role of vision in avian tool use has been poorly understood, we investigated the role of vision in tool use in the large-billed crow (Corvus macrorhynchos), a nontool user in the wild. Crows were trained to manipulate an L-shaped hook to retrieve food that was otherwise out of reach. After training, an opaque panel was placed on the front window of the platform to block their vision, and the effects on tool use were tested with respect to performance and movement trajectory. Vision blocking caused similar deviation of tool movement trajectories for both near and far targets, as well as far target-specific deviation. This suggests the involvement of vision in tool use by crows, specifically in the premanipulation process for conversion of vision-body coordinates for motor planning and in the process of tool manipulation. This is the first behavioral evidence for the involvement of vision in avian tool use.}, }
@article {pmid25001401, year = {2015}, author = {Kalinowski, RS and Gabriel, PO and Black, JM}, title = {Who's watching influences caching effort in wild Steller's jays (Cyanocitta stelleri).}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {18}, number = {1}, pages = {95-98}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-014-0780-x}, pmid = {25001401}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; Feeding Behavior/*psychology ; Female ; Food ; Male ; *Passeriformes ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Steller's jays (Cyanocitta stelleri) often store food and return to retrieve the stored items at a later time. Between caching and consumption, stored food has the potential to be pilfered by conspecific observers. We investigated whether individually marked Steller's jays in suburban neighborhoods of Arcata, California, USA, adjusted cache concealment effort when in the presence of conspecifics. Both male and female jays traveled the shortest distances to cache when alone, traveled further when a mate was present, and traveled furthest when neighbors from adjacent territories were present. These results suggest that Steller's jays recognize and respond to social contexts when concealing food items.}, }
@article {pmid24984324, year = {2014}, author = {Gavrilov, VM}, title = {Ecological and scaling analysis of the energy expenditure of rest, activity, flight, and evaporative water loss in Passeriformes and non-Passeriformes in relation to seasonal migrations and to the occupation of boreal stations in high and moderate latitudes.}, journal = {The Quarterly review of biology}, volume = {89}, number = {2}, pages = {107-150}, doi = {10.1086/676046}, pmid = {24984324}, issn = {0033-5770}, mesh = {Animal Migration/*physiology ; Animals ; Basal Metabolism ; Birds/physiology ; *Ecology ; Energy Metabolism/*physiology ; Metabolism ; Molting/physiology ; Passeriformes/*metabolism/physiology ; *Seasons ; Temperature ; Water Supply ; }, abstract = {A unified system of bioenergetic parameters that describe thermal regulation and energy metabolism in many passerine and non-passerine species has been developed. These parameters have been analyzed as functions of ambient temperature, and bioenergetic models for various species have been developed. The level of maximum food energy or maximal existence metabolism (MPE) is 1.3 times higher in passerines than in non-passerines, which is consistent with the ratio of their basal metabolic rates (BMR). The optimal ambient temperature for maximizing productive processes (e.g., reproduction, molting) is lower for passerines than for non passerines, which allows passerines to have higher production rates at moderate ambient temperatures. This difference in the optimal ambient temperature may explain the variation in bioenergetic parameters along latitudinal gradients, such as the well-known ecological rule of clutch size (or mass) increase in the more northerly passerine birds. The increased potential for productive energy output in the north may also allow birds to molt faster there. This phenomenon allows passerine birds to occupy a habitat that fluctuates widely in ambient temperature compared with non-passerine birds of similar size. Passerines have a more effective system for maintaining heat balance at both high and low temperatures. The high metabolism and small body sizes of passerines are consistent with omnivore development and with ecological plasticity. Among large passerines, the unfavorable ratio of MPE to BMR should decrease the energy that is available for productive processes. This consequence limits both the reproductive output and the development of long migration (particularly in Corvus corax). The hypothesis regarding BMR increase in passerines was suggested based on an aerodynamic analysis of the flight speed and the wing characteristics. This allometric analysis shows that the flight velocity is approximately 20% lower in Passeriformes than in non-Passeriformes, which is consistent with the inverted ratio of their BMR level. The regressions for the aerodynamic characteristics of wings show that passerines do not change the morphological characteristics of their wings to decrease velocity. Passerine birds prefer forest habitats. The size range of 5-150 g for birds in forest habitats is almost exclusively occupied by passerines because of their large energetic capability.}, }
@article {pmid24967077, year = {2014}, author = {DeGregorio, BA and Weatherhead, PJ and Sperry, JH}, title = {Power lines, roads, and avian nest survival: effects on predator identity and predation intensity.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {4}, number = {9}, pages = {1589-1600}, pmid = {24967077}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {1 Anthropogenic alteration of landscapes can affect avian nest success by influencing the abundance, distribution, and behavior of predators. Understanding avian nest predation risk necessitates understanding how landscapes affect predator distribution and behavior. 2 From a sample of 463 nests of 17 songbird species, we evaluated how landscape features (distance to forest edge, unpaved roads, and power lines) influenced daily nest survival. We also used video cameras to identify nest predators at 137 nest predation events and evaluated how landscape features influenced predator identity. Finally, we determined the abundance and distribution of several of the principal predators using surveys and radiotelemetry. 3 Distance to power lines was the best predictor of predator identity: predation by brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater), corvids (Corvus sp. and Cyanocitta cristata), racers (Coluber constrictor), and coachwhips (Masticophis flagellum) increased with proximity to power lines, whereas predation by rat snakes (Elaphe obsoleta) and raptors decreased. In some cases, predator density may reliably indicate nest predation risk because racers, corvids, and cowbirds frequently used power line right-of-ways. 4 Of five bird species with enough nests to analyze individually, daily nest survival of only indigo buntings (Passerina cyanea) decreased with proximity to power lines, despite predation by most predators at our site being positively associated with power lines. For all nesting species combined, distance to unpaved road was the model that most influenced daily nest survival. This pattern is likely a consequence of rat snakes, the locally dominant nest predator (28% of predation events), rarely using power lines and associated areas. Instead, rat snakes were frequently associated with road edges, indicating that not all edges are functionally similar. 5 Our results suggest that interactions between predators and landscape features are likely to be specific to both the local predators and landscape. Thus, predicting how anthropogenic changes to landscapes affect nesting birds requires that we know more about how landscape changes affect the behavior of nest predators and which nest predators are locally important.}, }
@article {pmid24950485, year = {2014}, author = {deShazo, RD and Smith, R and Skipworth, LB}, title = {Black physicians and the struggle for civil rights: lessons from the Mississippi experience: part 2: their lives and experiences.}, journal = {The American journal of medicine}, volume = {127}, number = {11}, pages = {1033-1040}, doi = {10.1016/j.amjmed.2014.05.042}, pmid = {24950485}, issn = {1555-7162}, mesh = {Black or African American/*history/legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; Civil Rights/*history/legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; Delivery of Health Care/*ethnology/history/legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Humans ; Mississippi ; Physicians/*history/legislation &amp; jurisprudence/supply &amp; distribution ; Racism/*history/legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; *Social Justice ; }, abstract = {Little information is available on the lives and experiences of black physicians who practiced in the South during the Jim Crow era of legalized segregation. In Mississippi and elsewhere, it is a story of disenfranchised professionals who risked life, limb, and personal success to improve the lot of those they served. In this second article on this topic, we present the stories of some of the physicians who were leaders in the civil rights movement in Mississippi as examples. Because the health disparities they sought to address have, not of their own making, been passed on to the next generation of physicians, the lessons learned from their experience are worthy of consideration.}, }
@article {pmid24941459, year = {2014}, author = {deShazo, RD and Smith, R and Skipworth, LB}, title = {Black physicians and the struggle for civil rights: lessons from the Mississippi experience: part 1: the forces for and against change.}, journal = {The American journal of medicine}, volume = {127}, number = {10}, pages = {920-925}, doi = {10.1016/j.amjmed.2014.05.038}, pmid = {24941459}, issn = {1555-7162}, mesh = {Black or African American/*history/legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; Civil Rights/*history/legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; Delivery of Health Care/*ethnology/history/legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; History, 19th Century ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Humans ; Mississippi ; Physicians/*history/legislation &amp; jurisprudence/supply &amp; distribution ; Racism/*ethnology/history/legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; *Social Justice ; }, abstract = {The roles of black physicians in the South in the period leading up to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 have not been fully disclosed. In Mississippi and elsewhere in the South, it is a story of disenfranchised professionals who risked life, limb, and personal success to improve the lot of those they served. This first of 2 articles on the subject provides an overview of the forces for and against the struggle for civil rights and social justice in medicine in the South. We use newly available data from Mississippi as a prime example. An understanding of these forces is essential to an understanding of medical education and medical practice in this period and helps explain why the South remains in last place in most indicators of health today.}, }
@article {pmid24930732, year = {2014}, author = {Gienapp, P and Merilä, J}, title = {Disentangling plastic and genetic changes in body mass of Siberian jays.}, journal = {Journal of evolutionary biology}, volume = {27}, number = {9}, pages = {1849-1858}, doi = {10.1111/jeb.12438}, pmid = {24930732}, issn = {1420-9101}, mesh = {Animals ; Body Size ; Body Weight/*genetics ; Climate Change ; Female ; Finland ; Longitudinal Studies ; Male ; Models, Genetic ; Passeriformes/*genetics/physiology ; Phenotype ; Quantitative Trait, Heritable ; Selection, Genetic ; }, abstract = {Spatial and temporal phenotypic differentiation in mean body size is of commonplace occurrence, but the underlying causes remain often unclear: both genetic differentiation in response to selection (or drift) and environmentally induced plasticity can create similar phenotypic patterns. Studying changes in body mass in Siberian jays (Perisoreus infaustus) over three decades, we discovered that mean body mass declined drastically (ca. 10%) over the first two decades, but increased markedly thereafter back to almost the initial level. Quantitative genetic analyses revealed that although body mass was heritable (h(2) = 0.46), the pronounced temporal decrease in body mass was mainly a product of phenotypic plasticity. However, a concomitant and statistically significant decrease in predicted breeding values suggests a genetic component to this change. The subsequent increase in mean body mass was indicated to be entirely due to plasticity. Selection on body mass was estimated to be too weak to fully account for the observed genetic decline in body mass, but bias in selection differential estimates due to environmental covariance between body mass and fitness is possible. Hence, the observed body mass changes appear to be driven mainly by phenotypic plasticity. Although we were not able to identify the ecological driver of the observed plastic changes, the results highlight the utility of quantitative genetic approaches in disentangling genetic and phenotypic changes in natural populations.}, }
@article {pmid24920476, year = {2014}, author = {Taylor, AH and Cheke, LG and Waismeyer, A and Meltzoff, AN and Miller, R and Gopnik, A and Clayton, NS and Gray, RD}, title = {Of babies and birds: complex tool behaviours are not sufficient for the evolution of the ability to create a novel causal intervention.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {281}, number = {1787}, pages = {}, pmid = {24920476}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; Child, Preschool ; *Cognition ; Conditioning, Operant ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; *Learning ; Male ; New Caledonia ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Humans are capable of simply observing a correlation between cause and effect, and then producing a novel behavioural pattern in order to recreate the same outcome. However, it is unclear how the ability to create such causal interventions evolved. Here, we show that while 24-month-old children can produce an effective, novel action after observing a correlation, tool-making New Caledonian crows cannot. These results suggest that complex tool behaviours are not sufficient for the evolution of this ability, and that causal interventions can be cognitively and evolutionarily disassociated from other types of causal understanding.}, }
@article {pmid24918951, year = {2014}, author = {Margiotta, G and Gabbrielli, M and Carnevali, E and Alberti, T and Carlini, L and Lancia, M and Bacci, M}, title = {Genetic identification by using short tandem repeats analysis in a case of suicide by self-incineration: a case report.}, journal = {The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology}, volume = {35}, number = {3}, pages = {172-175}, doi = {10.1097/PAF.0000000000000101}, pmid = {24918951}, issn = {1533-404X}, mesh = {Burns/*pathology ; *DNA Fingerprinting ; Fires ; Humans ; Male ; *Microsatellite Repeats ; Middle Aged ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; *Suicide ; }, abstract = {Suicide by self-incineration is an uncommon method of suicide in the western world in contrast with Asian countries, where this type of suicide is more common. If there is a lack of witnesses, genetic analysis for identification is mandatory, especially when anthropologic or dental identification is barely significant.The authors report a case of self-incineration of a 55-year-old white man, which occurred near Siena, Tuscany, Italy.The recovered bones were classified according to the Crow-Glassman scale and assigned to category 5 (the highest extent of combustion according to this scale). Therefore, because of the extent of the bone damage, analyzing the residual soft tissue around the pelvic bones was the only way to reach a genetic identification.The authors report this case to emphasize that even if the highest level of burn injury to human body is reached, an accurate analysis of the findings may lead to a genetic identification. In these cases, an efficient cooperation among police, fire experts, and forensics is necessary, especially because it is the only way to determine if the modality of death was accidental, suicidal, or homicidal.}, }
@article {pmid24918939, year = {2014}, author = {Korb, S and With, S and Niedenthal, P and Kaiser, S and Grandjean, D}, title = {The perception and mimicry of facial movements predict judgments of smile authenticity.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {9}, number = {6}, pages = {e99194}, pmid = {24918939}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Adult ; *Facial Expression ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Smiling ; *Social Perception ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {The mechanisms through which people perceive different types of smiles and judge their authenticity remain unclear. Here, 19 different types of smiles were created based on the Facial Action Coding System (FACS), using highly controlled, dynamic avatar faces. Participants observed short videos of smiles while their facial mimicry was measured with electromyography (EMG) over four facial muscles. Smile authenticity was judged after each trial. Avatar attractiveness was judged once in response to each avatar's neutral face. Results suggest that, in contrast to most earlier work using static pictures as stimuli, participants relied less on the Duchenne marker (the presence of crow's feet wrinkles around the eyes) in their judgments of authenticity. Furthermore, mimicry of smiles occurred in the Zygomaticus Major, Orbicularis Oculi, and Corrugator muscles. Consistent with theories of embodied cognition, activity in these muscles predicted authenticity judgments, suggesting that facial mimicry influences the perception of smiles. However, no significant mediation effect of facial mimicry was found. Avatar attractiveness did not predict authenticity judgments or mimicry patterns.}, }
@article {pmid24918502, year = {2014}, author = {Murphy, CF and Zachi, EC and Roque, DT and Ventura, DS and Schochat, E}, title = {Influence of memory, attention, IQ and age on auditory temporal processing tests: preliminary study.}, journal = {CoDAS}, volume = {26}, number = {2}, pages = {105-111}, doi = {10.1590/2317-1782/2014494in}, pmid = {24918502}, issn = {2317-1782}, mesh = {Acoustic Stimulation/methods ; Attention/*physiology ; Child ; Female ; Hearing Tests/methods ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Male ; Memory/*physiology ; Speech Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: To investigate the existence of correlations between the performance of children in auditory temporal tests (Frequency Pattern and Gaps in Noise--GIN) and IQ, attention, memory and age measurements.<br><br>METHOD: Fifteen typically developing individuals between the ages of 7 to 12 years and normal hearing participated in the study. Auditory temporal processing tests (GIN and Frequency Pattern), as well as a Memory test (Digit Span), Attention tests (auditory and visual modality) and intelligence tests (RAVEN test of Progressive Matrices) were applied.<br><br>RESULTS: Significant and positive correlation between the Frequency Pattern test and age variable were found, which was considered good (p<0.01, 75.6%). There were no significant correlations between the GIN test and the variables tested.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Auditory temporal skills seem to be influenced by different factors: while the performance in temporal ordering skill seems to be influenced by maturational processes, the performance in temporal resolution was not influenced by any of the aspects investigated.}, }
@article {pmid24916150, year = {2014}, author = {Molina-Morales, M and Martínez, JG and Martín-Gálvez, D and Dawson, DA and Burke, T and Avilés, JM}, title = {Cuckoo hosts shift from accepting to rejecting parasitic eggs across their lifetime.}, journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution}, volume = {68}, number = {10}, pages = {3020-3029}, doi = {10.1111/evo.12471}, pmid = {24916150}, issn = {1558-5646}, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Female ; Male ; *Nesting Behavior ; *Ovum ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; }, abstract = {One of the best-known outcomes of coevolution between species is the rejection of mimetic parasite eggs by avian hosts, which has evolved to reduce costly cuckoo parasitism. How this behavioral adaptation varies along the life of individual hosts remains poorly understood. Here, we identify for the first time, lifetime patterns of egg rejection in a parasitized long-lived bird, the magpie Pica pica and show that, during the years they were studied, some females accept, others reject, and some others modify their response to model eggs, in all cases switching from acceptance to rejection. Females tested in their first breeding attempt always accepted the model egg, even those individuals whose mothers were egg rejecters. A longitudinal analysis showed that the probability of egg rejection increased with the relative age of the female, but was not related to the risk of parasitism in the population. We conclude that ontogeny plays a fundamental role in the process leading to egg rejection in magpies.}, }
@article {pmid24910278, year = {2014}, author = {Beer, KR and Julius, H and Dunn, M and Wilson, F}, title = {Remodeling of periorbital, temporal, glabellar, and crow's feet areas with hyaluronic acid and botulinum toxin.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {13}, number = {2}, pages = {143-150}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.12082}, pmid = {24910278}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*administration &amp; dosage/adverse effects ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; Dermatologic Agents/*administration &amp; dosage/adverse effects ; Drug Therapy, Combination/adverse effects ; Eye ; Female ; Forehead ; Humans ; Hyaluronic Acid/*administration &amp; dosage/adverse effects ; Middle Aged ; Neuromuscular Agents/*administration &amp; dosage/adverse effects ; Patient Satisfaction ; Pilot Projects ; Rejuvenation/psychology ; Self Concept ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {Botulinum toxins are currently used to reduce facial muscle activity, and hyaluronic acid is used to correct volume loss. This study evaluates the combination of abobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport) and hyaluronic acid 20 mg/mL (Perlane) for rejuvenating specific areas of the upper face. Subjects (n = 20) with mild to moderate temporal volume loss as well as glabellar and/or periorbital rhytids were enrolled in this single-center, open-label, nonrandomized pilot study. Subjects were randomly assigned a number and treated with hyaluronic acid, divided between temporal and glabellar region, and abobotulinumtoxinA in the periorbital and glabellar region. A 1-month touch-up was given if needed. Subjects were evaluated by the investigator, and each subject completed a questionnaire at baseline and at 3, 6, and 9 months after treatment. For glabellar lines and crow's feet, median grades decreased from baseline at 1 month and at 3 months, but returned to baseline values at 6 months. For temporal assessments, the median grade decreased from baseline at 1, 3, and 6 months and returned to baseline at 9 months. Similar trends were observed in subjects' perceived age, perceived social and professional limitations, and desire to alter their facial appearance. Among subjects previously treated with botulinum toxin alone, 64% rated the combination treatment said "superior." Adverse effects were mild and transient. The combination of abobotulinumtoxinA and hyaluronic acid appears to rejuvenate the periorbital, temporal, glabellar, and crow's feet areas with minimal adverse effects.}, }
@article {pmid24899702, year = {2014}, author = {Veit, L and Hartmann, K and Nieder, A}, title = {Neuronal correlates of visual working memory in the corvid endbrain.}, journal = {The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience}, volume = {34}, number = {23}, pages = {7778-7786}, pmid = {24899702}, issn = {1529-2401}, mesh = {Action Potentials/*physiology ; Analysis of Variance ; Animals ; Crows ; Female ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term/*physiology ; Neurons/*physiology ; Photic Stimulation ; ROC Curve ; Reaction Time/physiology ; Telencephalon/*cytology/physiology ; }, abstract = {The concept of working memory is key to cognitive functioning. Working memory encompasses the capacity to retain immediately past information, to process this information, and to use it to guide goal-directed behavior. Corvid songbirds are renowned for their high-level cognitive capabilities, but where and how visual information is temporarily retained by neurons in the avian brain in a behaviorally relevant way remains poorly understood. We trained four carrion crows (Corvus corone) on versions of a delayed match-to-sample task that required the crows to remember a visual stimulus for later comparison. While the crows performed the task, we recorded the activity of single neurons in the nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL), a pallial association area of the avian endbrain. We show that many NCL neurons encode information about visual stimuli and temporarily maintain this information after the stimulus disappeared by sustained delay activity. Selective delay activity allows the birds to hold relevant information in memory and correlates with discrimination behavior. This suggests that sustained activity of NCL neurons is a neuronal correlate of visual working memory in the corvid brain and serves to bridge temporal gaps, thereby offering a workspace for processing immediately past visual information.}, }
@article {pmid24889656, year = {2014}, author = {Shaw, RC and Clayton, NS}, title = {Pilfering Eurasian jays use visual and acoustic information to locate caches.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {17}, number = {6}, pages = {1281-1288}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-014-0763-y}, pmid = {24889656}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Auditory Perception ; Feeding Behavior/*psychology ; Female ; Male ; *Passeriformes/physiology ; *Spatial Memory ; *Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {Pilfering corvids use observational spatial memory to accurately locate caches that they have seen another individual make. Accordingly, many corvid cache-protection strategies limit the transfer of visual information to potential thieves. Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius) employ strategies that reduce the amount of visual and auditory information that is available to competitors. Here, we test whether or not the jays recall and use both visual and auditory information when pilfering other birds' caches. When jays had no visual or acoustic information about cache locations, the proportion of available caches that they found did not differ from the proportion expected if jays were searching at random. By contrast, after observing and listening to a conspecific caching in gravel or sand, jays located a greater proportion of caches, searched more frequently in the correct substrate type and searched in fewer empty locations to find the first cache than expected. After only listening to caching in gravel and sand, jays also found a larger proportion of caches and searched in the substrate type where they had heard caching take place more frequently than expected. These experiments demonstrate that Eurasian jays possess observational spatial memory and indicate that pilfering jays may gain information about cache location merely by listening to caching. This is the first evidence that a corvid may use recalled acoustic information to locate and pilfer caches.}, }
@article {pmid24885177, year = {2014}, author = {Lam, BY and Raine, A and Lee, TM}, title = {The relationship between neurocognition and symptomatology in people with schizophrenia: social cognition as the mediator.}, journal = {BMC psychiatry}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {138}, pmid = {24885177}, issn = {1471-244X}, mesh = {Adult ; China ; *Cognition ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Schizophrenia, Paranoid/*diagnosis/*psychology ; *Social Behavior ; United States ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The relationship between neurocognition and symptomatology in people with schizophrenia has been established. The present study examined whether social cognition could mediate this relationship.<br><br>METHODS: There were 119 participants (58 people with paranoid schizophrenia and 61 healthy controls) participated in this study. Neurocognition was assessed by Raven's Progressive Matrices Test, the Judgment of Line Orientation Test, and the Tower of London Test. Psychiatric symptoms in people with schizophrenia were assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Social cognition was measured by the Faux Pas Test, the "Reading the Mind in the Eyes" Test, and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index.<br><br>RESULTS: Results were consistent with previous findings that neurocognition and social cognition were impaired in the clinical participants. A novel observation is that social cognition significantly mediated the relationship between neurocognition and symptomatology.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that neurocognitive deficits predispose people with schizophrenia to worse psychiatric symptoms through the impairment of social cognition. Findings of the present study provide important insight into a functional model of schizophrenia that could guide the development of cost-effective interventions for people with schizophrenia.}, }
@article {pmid24881811, year = {2014}, author = {Lucchini, RG and Guazzetti, S and Zoni, S and Benedetti, C and Fedrighi, C and Peli, M and Donna, F and Bontempi, E and Borgese, L and Micheletti, S and Ferri, R and Marchetti, S and Smith, DR}, title = {Neurofunctional dopaminergic impairment in elderly after lifetime exposure to manganese.}, journal = {Neurotoxicology}, volume = {45}, number = {}, pages = {309-317}, pmid = {24881811}, issn = {1872-9711}, support = {P30 ES023515/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; R01 ES018990/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; R01 ES019222/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; R01ES019222/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Biomarkers/analysis ; Cognition/drug effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Female ; Humans ; Inhalation Exposure/*analysis ; Iron ; Italy ; Lead/blood ; Male ; Manganese/blood/urine ; Manganese Poisoning/*psychology ; Middle Aged ; Motor Activity/drug effects ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Olfactory Perception/drug effects ; Soil Pollutants/poisoning ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Manganese (Mn) is an essential element that can become neurotoxic through various exposure windows over the lifespan. While there is clear evidence of Mn neurotoxicity in pediatric and adult occupational populations, little is known about effects in the elderly who may exhibit enhanced susceptibilities due to compromised physiology compared to younger adults. In the province of Brescia, Italy, the Valcamonica area has been the site of three ferroalloy plants operating from 1902 to 2001. Metal emissions of Mn and to a lesser extent lead (Pb) have impacted the surrounding environment, where a high prevalence of Parkinsonism was previously observed. This study aimed to assess neurocognitive and motor functions in healthy elderly subjects residing for most of their lifetime in Valcamonica or in a reference area unimpacted by ferroalloy plant activity.<br><br>METHODS: Subjects were enrolled for extensive neurobehavioral assessment of motor, cognitive and sensory functions. Exposure was assessed with 24h personal air sampling for PM10 airborne particles, surface soil and tap water measurement at individual households, Mn levels in blood and urine and Pb in blood. Dose-response relationships between exposure indicators and biomarkers and health outcomes were analyzed with generalized (linear and logistic) additive models (GAM).<br><br>RESULTS: A total of 255 subjects (55% women) were examined; most (52.9%) were within the 65-70 years age class. Average airborne Mn was 26.41 ng/m(3) (median 18.42) in Valcamonica and 20.96 ng/m(3) (median 17.62) in the reference area. Average Mn in surface soil was 1026 ppm (median 923) in Valcamonica and 421 ppm (median 410) in the reference area. Manganese in drinking water was below the LDL of 1 &#x3bc;g/L. The GAM analysis showed significant association between airborne Mn (p=0.0237) and the motor coordination tests of the Luria Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery. The calculation of the Benchmark Dose using this dose-response relationship yielded a lower level confidence interval of 22.7 ng/m(3) (median 26.4). For the odor identification score of the Sniffin Stick test, an association was observed with soil Mn (p=0.0006) and with a significant interaction with blood Pb (p=0.0856). Significant dose-responses resulted also for the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices with the distance from exposure point source (p=0.0025) and Mn in soil (p=0.09), and for the Trail Making test, with urinary Mn (p=0.0074). Serum prolactin (PRL) levels were associated with air (p=0.061) and urinary (p=0.003) Mn, and with blood Pb (p=0.0303). In most of these associations age played a significant role as an effect modifier.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Lifelong exposure to Mn was significantly associated with changes in odor discrimination, motor coordination, cognitive abilities and serum PRL levels. These effects are consistent with the hypothesis of a specific mechanism of toxicity of Mn on the dopaminergic system. Lead co-exposure, even at very low levels, can further enhance Mn toxicity.}, }
@article {pmid24859099, year = {2014}, author = {Douglas, V and Chan, HM and Wesche, S and Dickson, C and Kassi, N and Netro, L and Williams, M}, title = {Reconciling traditional knowledge, food security, and climate change: experience from Old Crow, YT, Canada.}, journal = {Progress in community health partnerships : research, education, and action}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {21-27}, doi = {10.1353/cpr.2014.0007}, pmid = {24859099}, issn = {1557-0541}, mesh = {Arctic Regions ; *Climate Change ; Community-Based Participatory Research/methods/organization &amp; administration ; Culture ; Feeding Behavior/*ethnology ; Focus Groups ; Food Preservation/economics/methods ; Food Storage/economics/methods ; Food Supply/economics/*methods ; Gardening/*education/methods ; Humans ; Indians, North American/*education ; Nutritional Sciences/*education ; Transportation/economics/methods ; Yukon Territory ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Because of a lack of transportation infrastructure, Old Crow has the highest food costs and greatest reliance on traditional food species for sustenance of any community in Canada's Yukon Territory. Environmental, cultural, and economic change are driving increased perception of food insecurity in Old Crow.<br><br>OBJECTIVES: To address community concerns regarding food security and supply in Old Crow and develop adaptation strategies to ameliorate their impact on the community.<br><br>METHODS: A community adaptation workshop was held on October 13, 2009, in which representatives of different stakeholders in the community discussed a variety of food security issues facing Old Crow and how they could be dealt with. Workshop data were analyzed using keyword, subject, and narrative analysis techniques to determine community priorities in food security and adaptation.<br><br>RESULTS: Community concern is high and favored adaptation options include agriculture, improved food storage, and conservation through increased traditional education. These results were presented to the community for review and revision, after which the Vuntut Gwitchin Government will integrate them into its ongoing adaptation planning measures.}, }
@article {pmid24858538, year = {2014}, author = {Liu, C and Yao, R and Wang, Z and Zhou, R}, title = {N450 as a candidate neural marker for interference control deficits in children with learning disabilities.}, journal = {International journal of psychophysiology : official journal of the International Organization of Psychophysiology}, volume = {93}, number = {1}, pages = {70-77}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2014.05.007}, pmid = {24858538}, issn = {1872-7697}, mesh = {Attention/*physiology ; Child ; Electroencephalography/*methods ; Evoked Potentials/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Learning Disabilities/*psychology ; Male ; Psychomotor Performance/physiology ; Reaction Time/physiology ; Stroop Test ; }, abstract = {A deficit in the ability to suppress irrelevant or interfering stimuli may account for a variety of dysfunctional behaviors in children with learning disabilities (LD). However, neural correlates underlying this deficit in interference control in the LD are still unknown. In this study, we recruited a group of children with LD (age: 10.78 ± 0.52) along with an age-matched control group (age: 10.74 ± 0.86) and asked them to perform a numerical Stroop task. During the task, we used electroencephalogram (EEG) to record their event-related potentials (ERPs). We further evaluated performance of these children on a battery of tests, including the Academic Adaptability Test (AAT), an adapted Chinese version of Pupil Rating Scale (PRS), and Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM). Children's scores on recent math and Chinese exams were also obtained. Results showed that: 1) children with LD had worse performance in the incongruent condition of the numerical Stroop task suggesting that children with LD had interference control deficits but not basic numerical cognition; 2) children with LD had larger N450 effects on the frontal and posterior sites, but did not show any difference in early ERP components, suggesting that the behavioral difference was related with interference control rather than early visual perception processing; and 3) N450 effects were correlated with accuracy in the numerical Stroop task, performance in Raven's SPM, as well as school math performance. These results suggest that N450 can serve as a potential electrophysiology marker for identifying and potentially, providing targeted intervention for children with LD.}, }
@article {pmid24843936, year = {2013}, author = {Campbell, R and Thiemann, TC and Lemenager, D and Reisen, WK}, title = {Host-selection patterns of Culex tarsalis (Diptera: Culicidae) determine the spatial heterogeneity of West Nile virus enzootic activity in northern California.}, journal = {Journal of medical entomology}, volume = {50}, number = {6}, pages = {1303-1309}, doi = {10.1603/me13089}, pmid = {24843936}, issn = {0022-2585}, support = {R01-AI65507/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animal Distribution ; Animals ; Birds/physiology ; California ; Culex/*physiology/*virology ; Feeding Behavior ; Insect Vectors/*physiology/*virology ; Mammals/physiology ; West Nile Fever/*transmission ; West Nile virus/*isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; }, abstract = {The spatial heterogeneity of West Nile virus (WNV) activity in Sutter County, CA, as measured by mosquito infection rates, was associated with spatial variation in the prevalence of Culex blood feeding on competent passeriform hosts. Overall, 42 vertebrate host species (31 avian, 11 mammal) were identified from 601 blood-fed Culex tarsalis Coquillett and 151 blood-fed Culex pipiens L. complex females using sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase I gene and the Barcode of Life Data Systems database. WNV infection rates were low at sites where the primary vector, Cx. tarsalis, fed frequently on domestic cattle or incompetent galliform birds and high when females fed frequently on American Robins, American Crows, and Yellow-billed Magpies. Opportunistic host selection by Cx. tarsalis in combination with spatial variation in the presence of highly competent corvid hosts appeared to determine the distribution of WNV activity in rural Sutter County, CA.}, }
@article {pmid24825344, year = {2014}, author = {Krieger, N and Chen, JT and Coull, BA and Beckfield, J and Kiang, MV and Waterman, PD}, title = {Jim Crow and premature mortality among the US Black and White population, 1960-2009: an age-period-cohort analysis.}, journal = {Epidemiology (Cambridge, Mass.)}, volume = {25}, number = {4}, pages = {494-504}, pmid = {24825344}, issn = {1531-5487}, support = {R21 CA168470/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; 1R21CA168470/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Black or African American/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Aged ; Cohort Studies ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; *Mortality, Premature/history ; *Racism/history/legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; United States/epidemiology ; White People/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Scant research has analyzed the health impact of abolition of Jim Crow (ie, legal racial discrimination overturned by the US 1964 Civil Rights Act).<br><br>METHODS: We used hierarchical age-period-cohort models to analyze US national black and white premature mortality rates (death before 65 years of age) in 1960-2009.<br><br>RESULTS: Within a context of declining US black and white premature mortality rates and a persistent 2-fold excess black risk of premature mortality in both the Jim Crow and non-Jim Crow states, analyses including random period, cohort, state, and county effects and fixed county income effects found that, within the black population, the largest Jim Crow-by-period interaction occurred in 1960-1964 (mortality rate ratio [MRR] = 1.15 [95% confidence interval = 1.09-1.22), yielding the largest overall period-specific Jim Crow effect MRR of 1.27, with no such interactions subsequently observed. Furthermore, the most elevated Jim Crow-by-cohort effects occurred for birth cohorts from 1901 through 1945 (MRR range = 1.05-1.11), translating to the largest overall cohort-specific Jim Crow effect MRRs for the 1921-1945 birth cohorts (MRR ~ 1.2), with no such interactions subsequently observed. No such interactions between Jim Crow and either period or cohort occurred among the white population.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Together, the study results offer compelling evidence of the enduring impact of both Jim Crow and its abolition on premature mortality among the US black population, although insufficient to eliminate the persistent 2-fold black excess risk evident in both the Jim Crow and non-Jim Crow states from 1960 to 2009.}, }
@article {pmid24806478, year = {2014}, author = {Fox, MC and Mitchum, AL}, title = {Confirming the cognition of rising scores: Fox and Mitchum (2013) predicts violations of measurement invariance in series completion between age-matched cohorts.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {9}, number = {5}, pages = {e95780}, pmid = {24806478}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; *Cognition ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Intelligence Tests ; Middle Aged ; }, abstract = {The trend of rising scores on intelligence tests raises important questions about the comparability of variation within and between time periods. Descriptions of the processes that mediate selection of item responses provide meaningful psychological criteria upon which to base such comparisons. In a recent paper, Fox and Mitchum presented and tested a cognitive theory of rising scores on analogical and inductive reasoning tests that is specific enough to make novel predictions about cohort differences in patterns of item responses for tests such as the Raven's Matrices. In this paper we extend the same proposal in two important ways by (1) testing it against a dataset that enables the effects of cohort to be isolated from those of age, and (2) applying it to two other inductive reasoning tests that exhibit large Flynn effects: Letter Series and Word Series. Following specification and testing of a confirmatory item response model, predicted violations of measurement invariance are observed between two age-matched cohorts that are separated by only 20 years, as members of the later cohort are found to map objects at higher levels of abstraction than members of the earlier cohort who possess the same overall level of ability. Results have implications for the Flynn effect and cognitive aging while underscoring the value of establishing psychological criteria for equating members of distinct groups who achieve the same scores.}, }
@article {pmid24803737, year = {2014}, author = {de Oliveira, MO and Nitrini, R and Yassuda, MS and Brucki, SM}, title = {Vocabulary is an appropriate measure of premorbid intelligence in a sample with heterogeneous educational level in Brazil.}, journal = {Behavioural neurology}, volume = {2014}, number = {}, pages = {875960}, pmid = {24803737}, issn = {1875-8584}, mesh = {Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Alzheimer Disease/*psychology ; Amnesia/*psychology ; Brazil ; Cognition ; Cognitive Dysfunction/*psychology ; Educational Status ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; *Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; *Vocabulary ; }, abstract = {Crystallized intelligence refers to one's knowledge base and can be measured by vocabulary tests. Fluid intelligence is related to nonverbal aspects of intelligence, depends very little on previously acquired knowledge, and can be measured by tests such as Block Design (BD) and Raven Colored Matrices (RCM). Premorbid intelligence quotient (IQ) refers to one's intellectual ability level previous to the onset of disorders like mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) and it is important to estimate disease severity. The objective was to compare performance in tests that measure crystallized and fluid intelligence in healthy subjects and patients with amnestic MCI (aMCI) and AD. One hundred forty-four participants (aMCI (n = 38), AD (n = 45), and healthy controls (n = 61)) were submitted to neuropsychological tests (WAIS-III vocabulary, BD, and RCM). There were significant among groups, except for vocabulary, indicating a relative stability of crystallized intelligence in the continuum from normal to pathological cognitive decline. Vocabulary seems to be stable during the progression of the disease and useful as a measure of premorbid intelligence, that is, to estimate previous function in relation to the level of education and, as a collateral measure of cognition in people with low education.}, }
@article {pmid24793193, year = {2014}, author = {Orłowski, G and Kasprzykowski, Z and Dobicki, W and Pokorny, P and Wuczyński, A and Polechoński, R and Mazgajski, TD}, title = {Trace-element interactions in Rook Corvus frugilegus eggshells along an urbanisation gradient.}, journal = {Archives of environmental contamination and toxicology}, volume = {67}, number = {4}, pages = {519-528}, doi = {10.1007/s00244-014-0030-x}, pmid = {24793193}, issn = {1432-0703}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds ; *Environmental Monitoring ; Environmental Pollutants/*analysis ; Environmental Pollution/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Metals/analysis ; Ovum/*chemistry/drug effects ; Trace Elements/*analysis ; Urbanization/*trends ; }, abstract = {Concentrations of seven trace elements [arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd)] in the eggshells of Rooks Corvus frugilegus, a focal bird species of Eurasian agricultural environments, are increased above background levels and exceed levels of toxicological concern. The concentrations of Cr, Ni, Pb, Cu, and Zn are greater in eggshells from urban rookeries (large cities) compared with rural areas (small towns and villages) suggesting an urbanisation gradient effect among eggs laid by females. In the present study, the investigators assessed whether the pattern of relationships among the seven trace elements in eggshells change along an urbanisation/pollution gradient. Surprisingly, we found that eggshells with the greatest contaminant burden, i.e., from urban rookeries, showed far fewer significant relationships (n = 4) than eggshells from villages (n = 10), small towns (n = 6), or rural areas (n = 8). In most cases, the relationships were positive. As was an exception: Its concentration was negatively correlated with Ni and Cd levels in eggshells from small town rookeries (where As levels were the highest), whereas eggshells from villages (with a lower As level) showed positive relationships between As and Cd. Our findings suggest that at low to intermediate levels, interactions between the trace elements in Rook eggshells are of a synergistic character and appear to operate as parallel coaccumulation. A habitat-specific excess of some elements (primarily Cr, Ni, Cu, As) suggests their more competitively selective sequestration.}, }
@article {pmid24789893, year = {2014}, author = {Boonekamp, JJ and Mulder, GA and Salomons, HM and Dijkstra, C and Verhulst, S}, title = {Nestling telomere shortening, but not telomere length, reflects developmental stress and predicts survival in wild birds.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {281}, number = {1785}, pages = {20133287}, pmid = {24789893}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/genetics/*physiology ; Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field ; Erythrocytes/chemistry ; *Longevity ; Stress, Physiological/*genetics ; Telomere/chemistry ; *Telomere Shortening ; }, abstract = {Developmental stressors often have long-term fitness consequences, but linking offspring traits to fitness prospects has remained a challenge. Telomere length predicts mortality in adult birds, and may provide a link between developmental conditions and fitness prospects. Here, we examine the effects of manipulated brood size on growth, telomere dynamics and post-fledging survival in free-living jackdaws. Nestlings in enlarged broods achieved lower mass and lost 21% more telomere repeats relative to nestlings in reduced broods, showing that developmental stress accelerates telomere shortening. Adult telomere length was positively correlated with their telomere length as nestling (r = 0.83). Thus, an advantage of long telomeres in nestlings is carried through to adulthood. Nestling telomere shortening predicted post-fledging survival and recruitment independent of manipulation and fledgling mass. This effect was strong, with a threefold difference in recruitment probability over the telomere shortening range. By contrast, absolute telomere length was neither affected by brood size manipulation nor related to survival. We conclude that telomere loss, but not absolute telomere length, links developmental conditions to subsequent survival and suggest that telomere shortening may provide a key to unravelling the physiological causes of developmental effects on fitness.}, }
@article {pmid24770885, year = {2014}, author = {Garland, A and Low, J and Armstrong, N and Burns, KC}, title = {Wild robins (Petroica longipes) respond to human gaze.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {17}, number = {5}, pages = {1149-1156}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-014-0747-y}, pmid = {24770885}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; *Attention ; Choice Behavior ; Cognition ; Cues ; Discrimination, Psychological ; Feeding Behavior/psychology ; Female ; Fixation, Ocular ; Humans ; *Songbirds ; }, abstract = {Gaze following and awareness of attentional cues are hallmarks of human and non-human social intelligence. Here, we show that the North Island robin (Petroica longipes), a food-hoarding songbird endemic to New Zealand, responds to human eyes. Robins were presented with six different conditions, in which two human experimenters altered the orientation or visibility of their body, head or eyes in relation to mealworm prey. One experimenter had visual access to the prey, and the second experimenter did not. Robins were then given the opportunity to 'steal' one of two mealworms presented by each experimenter. Robins responded by preferentially choosing the mealworm in front of the experimenter who could not see, in all conditions but one. Robins failed to discriminate between experimenters who were facing the mealworm and those who had their head turned 90° to the side. This may suggest that robins do not make decisions using the same eye visibility cues that primates and corvids evince, whether for ecological, experiential or evolutionary reasons.}, }
@article {pmid24761929, year = {2014}, author = {Weisberg, M}, title = {Remeasuring man.}, journal = {Evolution &amp; development}, volume = {16}, number = {3}, pages = {166-178}, doi = {10.1111/ede.12077}, pmid = {24761929}, issn = {1525-142X}, mesh = {Anthropology/history ; Cephalometry/history ; History, 19th Century ; Humans ; *Racial Groups ; Racism ; Skull/*anatomy &amp; histology ; }, abstract = {Samuel George Morton (1799-1851) was the most highly regarded American scientist of the early and middle 19th century. Thanks largely to Stephen Jay Gould's book The Mismeasure of Man, Morton's cranial capacity measurements of different races is now held up as a prime example of and cautionary tale against scientific racism. A team of anthropologists recently reevaluated Morton's work and argued that it was Gould, not Morton, who was biased in his analysis. This article is a reexamination of the Morton and Gould controversy. It argues that most of Gould's arguments against Morton are sound. Although Gould made some errors and overstated his case in a number of places, he provided prima facia evidence, as yet unrefuted, that Morton did indeed mismeasure his skulls in ways that conformed to 19th century racial biases. Gould's critique of Morton ought to remain as an illustration of implicit bias in science.}, }
@article {pmid24760177, year = {2014}, author = {Röder, G and Canestrari, D and Bolopo, D and Marcos, JM and Villard, N and Baglione, V and Turlings, TC}, title = {Chicks of the great spotted cuckoo may turn brood parasitism into mutualism by producing a foul-smelling secretion that repels predators.}, journal = {Journal of chemical ecology}, volume = {40}, number = {4}, pages = {320-324}, pmid = {24760177}, issn = {1573-1561}, mesh = {*Animal Communication ; Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Cats ; Crows/*parasitology/physiology ; Falconiformes/physiology ; *Food Chain ; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; Insect Repellents ; Solid Phase Microextraction ; Spain ; *Symbiosis ; Volatile Organic Compounds/*metabolism ; }, abstract = {The great spotted cuckoo (Clamator glandarius) is an important brood parasite of carrion crows (Corvus corone corone) in northern Spain. We recently found that, unlike what is commonly known for cuckoo-host interactions, the great spotted cuckoo has no negative impact on average crow fitness in this region. The explanation for this surprising effect is a repulsive secretion that the cuckoo chicks produce when they are harassed and that may protect the brood against predation. Here, we provide details on the chemical composition of the cuckoo secretion, as well as conclusive evidence that the dominating volatile chemicals in the secretion are highly repellent to model species representative of common predators of the crows. These results support the notion that, in this particular system, the production of a repulsive secretion by the cuckoo chicks has turned a normally parasitic interaction into a mutualistic one.}, }
@article {pmid24755739, year = {2014}, author = {Massen, JJ and Pašukonis, A and Schmidt, J and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Ravens notice dominance reversals among conspecifics within and outside their social group.}, journal = {Nature communications}, volume = {5}, number = {}, pages = {3679}, pmid = {24755739}, issn = {2041-1723}, support = {M 1351/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; W 1234/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Acoustic Stimulation ; Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Emotional Intelligence/*physiology ; Female ; Linear Models ; Male ; Recognition, Psychology/*physiology ; *Social Dominance ; }, abstract = {A core feature of social intelligence is the understanding of third-party relations, which has been experimentally demonstrated in primates. Whether other social animals also have this capacity, and whether they can use this capacity flexibly to, for example, also assess the relations of neighbouring conspecifics, remains unknown. Here we show that ravens react differently to playbacks of dominance interactions that either confirm or violate the current rank hierarchy of members in their own social group and of ravens in a neighbouring group. Therefore, ravens understand third-party relations and may deduce those not only via physical interactions but also by observation.}, }
@article {pmid24725170, year = {2014}, author = {Soler, JJ and Pérez-Contreras, T and De Neve, L and Macías-Sánchez, E and Møller, AP and Soler, M}, title = {Recognizing odd smells and ejection of brood parasitic eggs. An experimental test in magpies of a novel defensive trait against brood parasitism.}, journal = {Journal of evolutionary biology}, volume = {27}, number = {6}, pages = {1265-1270}, doi = {10.1111/jeb.12377}, pmid = {24725170}, issn = {1420-9101}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; *Nesting Behavior ; *Odorants ; *Olfactory Perception ; Passeriformes/parasitology/*physiology ; *Recognition, Psychology ; }, abstract = {One of the most important defensive host traits against brood parasitism is the detection and ejection of parasitic eggs from their nests. Here, we explore the possible role of olfaction in this defensive behaviour. We performed egg-recognition tests in magpie Pica pica nests with model eggs resembling those of parasitic great spotted cuckoos Clamator glandarius. In one of the experiment, experimental model eggs were exposed to strong or moderate smell of tobacco smoke, whereas those of a third group (control) were cleaned with disinfecting wipes and kept in boxes containing odourless cotton. Results showed that model eggs with strong tobacco scent were more frequently ejected compared with control ones. In another experiment, models were smeared with scents from cloacal wash from magpies (control), cloacal wash or uropygial secretions from cuckoos, or human scents. This experiment resulted in a statistically significant effect of treatment in unparasitized magpie nests in which control model eggs handled by humans were more often rejected. These results provide the first evidence that hosts of brood parasites use their olfactory ability to detect and eject foreign eggs from their nests. These findings may have important consequences for handling procedures of experimental eggs used in egg-recognition tests, in addition to our understanding of interactions between brood parasites and their hosts.}, }
@article {pmid24711798, year = {2014}, author = {Little, DR and Lewandowsky, S and Craig, S}, title = {Working memory capacity and fluid abilities: the more difficult the item, the more more is better.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {5}, number = {}, pages = {239}, pmid = {24711798}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {The relationship between fluid intelligence and working memory is of fundamental importance to understanding how capacity-limited structures such as working memory interact with inference abilities to determine intelligent behavior. Recent evidence has suggested that the relationship between a fluid abilities test, Raven's Progressive Matrices, and working memory capacity (WMC) may be invariant across difficulty levels of the Raven's items. We show that this invariance can only be observed if the overall correlation between Raven's and WMC is low. Simulations of Raven's performance revealed that as the overall correlation between Raven's and WMC increases, the item-wise point bi-serial correlations involving WMC are no longer constant but increase considerably with item difficulty. The simulation results were confirmed by two studies that used a composite measure of WMC, which yielded a higher correlation between WMC and Raven's than reported in previous studies. As expected, with the higher overall correlation, there was a significant positive relationship between Raven's item difficulty and the extent of the item-wise correlation with WMC.}, }
@article {pmid24709286, year = {2014}, author = {Giofrè, D and Mammarella, IC and Cornoldi, C}, title = {The relationship among geometry, working memory, and intelligence in children.}, journal = {Journal of experimental child psychology}, volume = {123}, number = {}, pages = {112-128}, doi = {10.1016/j.jecp.2014.01.002}, pmid = {24709286}, issn = {1096-0457}, mesh = {Achievement ; Aptitude Tests ; Child ; Concept Formation ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Intuition ; Male ; *Mathematical Concepts ; *Memory, Short-Term ; Models, Psychological ; Pattern Recognition, Visual ; Problem Solving ; }, abstract = {Although geometry is one of the main areas of mathematical learning, the cognitive processes underlying geometry-related academic achievement have not been studied in detail. This study explored the relationship among working memory (WM), intelligence (g factor), and geometry in 176 typically developing children attending school in their fourth and fifth grades. Structural equation modeling showed that approximately 40% of the variance in academic achievement and in intuitive geometry (which is assumed to be independent of a person's cultural background) was explained by WM and the g factor. After taking intelligence and WM into account, intuitive geometry was no longer significantly related to academic achievement in geometry. We also found intuitive geometry to be closely related to fluid intelligence (as measured by Raven's colored progressive matrices) and reasoning ability, whereas academic achievement in geometry depended largely on WM. These results were confirmed by a series of regressions in which we estimated the contributions of WM, intelligence, and intuitive geometry to the unique and shared variance explaining academic achievement in geometry. Theoretical and educational implications of the relationship among WM, intelligence, and academic achievement in geometry are discussed.}, }
@article {pmid24706029, year = {2014}, author = {Komisaruk, BR and Siegel, HI and Del Cerro, MC and Gonzalez-Mariscal, G and Fleming, AS and Silver, R}, title = {Jay S. Rosenblatt, Ph.D., 1924-2014.}, journal = {Developmental psychobiology}, volume = {56}, number = {5}, pages = {1164-1165}, doi = {10.1002/dev.21216}, pmid = {24706029}, issn = {1098-2302}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Psychology/*history ; }, }
@article {pmid24688856, year = {2014}, author = {Plotnik, JM and de Waal, FB}, title = {Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) reassure others in distress.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {2}, number = {}, pages = {e278}, pmid = {24688856}, issn = {2167-8359}, support = {P51 OD011132/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Contact directed by uninvolved bystanders toward others in distress, often termed consolation, is uncommon in the animal kingdom, thus far only demonstrated in the great apes, canines, and corvids. Whereas the typical agonistic context of such contact is relatively rare within natural elephant families, other causes of distress may trigger similar, other-regarding responses. In a study carried out at an elephant camp in Thailand, we found that elephants affiliated significantly more with other individuals through directed, physical contact and vocal communication following a distress event than in control periods. In addition, bystanders affiliated with each other, and matched the behavior and emotional state of the first distressed individual, suggesting emotional contagion. The initial distress responses were overwhelmingly directed toward ambiguous stimuli, thus making it difficult to determine if bystanders reacted to the distressed individual or showed a delayed response to the same stimulus. Nonetheless, the directionality of the contacts and their nature strongly suggest attention toward the emotional states of conspecifics. The elephants' behavior is therefore best classified with similar consolation responses by apes, possibly based on convergent evolution of empathic capacities.}, }
@article {pmid24671829, year = {2014}, author = {Ostojić, L and Legg, EW and Shaw, RC and Cheke, LG and Mendl, M and Clayton, NS}, title = {Can male Eurasian jays disengage from their own current desire to feed the female what she wants?.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {10}, number = {3}, pages = {20140042}, pmid = {24671829}, issn = {1744-957X}, support = {//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; //Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Female ; *Food ; Male ; *Motivation ; *Social Behavior ; Songbirds/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Humans' predictions of another person's behaviour are regularly influenced by what they themselves might know or want. In a previous study, we found that male Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius) could cater for their female partner's current desire when sharing food with her. Here, we tested the extent to which the males' decisions are influenced by their own current desire. When the males' and female's desires matched, males correctly shared the food that was desired by both. When the female's desire differed from their own, the males' decisions were not entirely driven by their own desires, suggesting that males also took the female's desire into account. Thus, the male jays' decisions about their mates' desires are partially biased by their own desire and might be based upon similar processes as those found in humans.}, }
@article {pmid24667298, year = {2014}, author = {Yang, W and Liu, P and Wei, D and Li, W and Hitchman, G and Li, X and Qiu, J and Zhang, Q}, title = {Females and males rely on different cortical regions in Raven's Matrices reasoning capacity: evidence from a voxel-based morphometry study.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {9}, number = {3}, pages = {e93104}, pmid = {24667298}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Female ; *Functional Neuroimaging ; Humans ; Male ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; Prefrontal Cortex/*physiology ; Problem Solving/physiology ; *Sex Characteristics ; Thinking/*physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Raven's Matrices test (RMT) is a non-verbal test designed to assess individuals' ability to reason and solve new problems without relying extensively on declarative knowledge derived from schooling or previous experience. Despite a large number of behavioral studies that demonstrated gender differences in Raven's Matrices reasoning ability, no neural evidence supported this difference. In this study, voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was used in an attempt to uncover the gender-specific neural basis of Raven's Matrices reasoning ability as measured by the combined Raven's Matrices test (CRT) in 370 healthy young adults. The behavioral results showed no difference between males and females. However, the VBM results showed that the relationship between reasoning ability and regional gray matter volume (rGMV) differed between sexes. The association between CRT scores and rGMV in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (associated with visuospatial ability) was significantly greater in males than in females, whereas the reverse was true for the inferior frontal cortex (relating to verbal reasoning ability) and the medial frontal cortex (engaged in information binding) where the association was greater in females. These findings suggest that males and females use differently structured brains in different ways to achieve similar levels of overall Raven's Matrices reasoning ability.}, }
@article {pmid24653032, year = {2014}, author = {Canestrari, D and Bolopo, D and Turlings, TC and Röder, G and Marcos, JM and Baglione, V}, title = {From parasitism to mutualism: unexpected interactions between a cuckoo and its host.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {343}, number = {6177}, pages = {1350-1352}, doi = {10.1126/science.1249008}, pmid = {24653032}, issn = {1095-9203}, mesh = {Acids/analysis/metabolism ; Animals ; Birds/growth &amp; development/*physiology ; Bodily Secretions/chemistry ; Crows/growth &amp; development/*physiology ; Female ; Indoles/analysis/metabolism ; Male ; *Nesting Behavior ; Phenols/analysis/metabolism ; Predatory Behavior ; Reproduction ; Sulfur Compounds/analysis/metabolism ; *Symbiosis ; Volatilization ; }, abstract = {Avian brood parasites lay eggs in the nests of other birds, which raise the unrelated chicks and typically suffer partial or complete loss of their own brood. However, carrion crows Corvus corone corone can benefit from parasitism by the great spotted cuckoo Clamator glandarius. Parasitized nests have lower rates of predation-induced failure due to production of a repellent secretion by cuckoo chicks, but among nests that are successful, those with cuckoo chicks fledge fewer crows. The outcome of these counterbalancing effects fluctuates between parasitism and mutualism each season, depending on the intensity of predation pressure.}, }
@article {pmid24641609, year = {2014}, author = {Mehryan, P and Zartab, H and Rajabi, A and Pazhoohi, N and Firooz, A}, title = {Assessment of efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on infraorbital dark circles and crow's feet wrinkles.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {72-78}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.12072}, pmid = {24641609}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Adult ; *Dermatologic Agents ; Esthetics ; Eyelids ; Humans ; Injections, Intradermal ; Middle Aged ; Patient Satisfaction ; *Platelet-Rich Plasma ; *Skin Aging ; Skin Pigmentation/drug effects ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Infraorbital skin hyperpigmentation, commonly called dark circles, and crow's feet wrinkles are common cosmetic concerns. Various methods of treatment have been evaluated with variable outcomes.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to assess the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection for treating periorbital dark circles and crow's feet.<br><br>METHODS: Ten participants with a mean age of 41.2&#xa0;years were treated in a single session with intradermal injections of 1.5&#xa0;mL PRP into tear trough area and crow's feet wrinkles on each side. The effects on melanin content, color homogeneity of the treated area, epidermal stratum corneum hydration, and wrinkle volume and visibility index were compared 3&#xa0;months after treatment with baseline. Physician's global assessment and participants' satisfaction and any potential side effects were also assessed.<br><br>RESULTS: The improvement in infraorbital color homogeneity was statistically significant (P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.010), but no statistically significant changes were observed in melanin content, stratum corneum hydration, wrinkle volume, and visibility index. Participant's satisfaction score and physician's global assessment score were 2.2 and 1.7, respectively, on a 0-3 scale.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Platelet-rich plasma may have the potential to improve infraorbital dark circle in terms of color homogeneity of the region, though this remains to be proven using larger, controlled studies using multiple injections.}, }
@article {pmid24641093, year = {2014}, author = {Williams, BR and Sullivan, SK and Morra, LF and Williams, JR and Donovick, PJ}, title = {The similar effects of verbal and non-verbal intervening tasks on word recall in an elderly population.}, journal = {The Clinical neuropsychologist}, volume = {28}, number = {3}, pages = {505-513}, doi = {10.1080/13854046.2014.897758}, pmid = {24641093}, issn = {1744-4144}, mesh = {Aged ; *Aging/psychology ; *Cognition ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Mental Recall ; Middle Aged ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; *Reactive Inhibition ; *Verbal Learning ; *Vocabulary ; }, abstract = {Vulnerability to retroactive interference has been shown to increase with cognitive aging. Consistent with the findings of memory and aging literature, the authors of the California Verbal Learning Test-II (CVLT-II) suggest that a non-verbal task be administered during the test's delay interval to minimize the effects of retroactive interference on delayed recall. The goal of the present study was to determine the extent to which retroactive interference caused by non-verbal and verbal intervening tasks affects recall of verbal information in non-demented, older adults. The effects of retroactive interference on recall of words during Long-Delay recall on the California Verbal Learning Test-II (CVLT-II) were evaluated. Participants included 85 adults age 60 and older. During a 20-minute delay interval on the CVLT-II, participants received either a verbal (WAIS-III Vocabulary or Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-IIIB) or non-verbal (Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices or WAIS-III Block Design) intervening task. Similarly to previous research with young adults (Williams &amp; Donovick, 2008), older adults recalled the same number of words across all groups, regardless of the type of intervening task. These findings suggest that the administration of verbal intervening tasks during the CVLT-II do not elicit more retroactive interference than non-verbal intervening tasks, and thus verbal tasks need not be avoided during the delay interval of the CVLT-II.}, }
@article {pmid24638877, year = {2014}, author = {Legg, EW and Clayton, NS}, title = {Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius) conceal caches from onlookers.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {17}, number = {5}, pages = {1223-1226}, pmid = {24638877}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Feeding Behavior/*psychology ; Female ; Food ; Male ; *Social Behavior ; *Songbirds ; }, abstract = {Animals that cache food risk having their stored food pilfered by conspecifics. Previous research has shown that a number of food-caching species of corvid use strategies that decrease the probability of conspecifics pilfering their caches. In this experiment, we investigated whether Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius) would choose between caching behind an opaque and caching behind a transparent barrier whilst being observed by a conspecific. If caching in out-of-sight locations is a strategy to prevent conspecifics from pilfering these caches, then the jays should place a greater proportion of caches behind the opaque barrier when being observed than when caching in private. In accordance with this prediction, jays cached a greater proportion of food behind the opaque barrier when they were observed than when they cached in private. These results suggest that Eurasian jays may opt to cache in out-of-view locations to reduce the likelihood of conspecifics pilfering their caches.}, }
@article {pmid24611615, year = {2014}, author = {Young, A and Stillman, R and Smith, MJ and Korstjens, AH}, title = {An experimental study of vertebrate scavenging behavior in a Northwest European woodland context.}, journal = {Journal of forensic sciences}, volume = {59}, number = {5}, pages = {1333-1342}, doi = {10.1111/1556-4029.12468}, pmid = {24611615}, issn = {1556-4029}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Birds ; Deer ; Europe ; *Feeding Behavior ; Forests ; Mice ; *Postmortem Changes ; Sciuridae ; Seasons ; }, abstract = {Vertebrate scavengers can modify surface deposited human remains which can hinder forensic investigations. The effects of such scavenging vary between species and regions. Published research into the effects of the scavenging of human remains is dominated by work from North America with few studies covering Northwestern Europe. Forensic scientists, investigators, and police search officers in Northwestern Europe are often left questioning on a basic level as to which scavengers are active and how they might affect human remains. This paper presents the results of a field study utilizing deer (Cervus nippon; Capreolus capreolus) as surface deposits observed by motion detection cameras in a British woodland. The most common avian and rodent scavenger species recorded included the buzzard (Buteo buteo), carrion crow (Corvus corone), wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus), and gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). The scavenging behaviors observed were affected by seasonality, rates of decomposition, and insect activity. Scavenging by buzzards, unlike carrion crows, was most frequent during fall to winter and prior to insect activity. Overall, avian scavengers modified and scavenged soft tissue. Rodents scavenged both fresh and skeletonized remains with gray squirrels only scavenging skeletal remains. Wood mice were most active in winter and scavenged both soft tissue and bone.}, }
@article {pmid24601771, year = {2014}, author = {Kojima, W and Sugiura, S and Makihara, H and Ishikawa, Y and Takanashi, T}, title = {Rhinoceros beetles suffer male-biased predation by mammalian and avian predators.}, journal = {Zoological science}, volume = {31}, number = {3}, pages = {109-115}, doi = {10.2108/zsj.31.109}, pmid = {24601771}, issn = {0289-0003}, mesh = {Animals ; Coleoptera/genetics/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; Predatory Behavior ; Raccoon Dogs/*physiology ; Selection, Genetic ; Sex Factors ; }, abstract = {Male sexually-selected traits often impose an increased risk of predation on their bearers, causing male-biased predation. We investigated whether males of the sap-feeding Japanese rhinoceros beetle Trypoxylus dichotomus were more susceptible to predation than females by comparing the morphology of beetles caught in bait traps with the remains of beetles found on the ground. The males of this species are larger than the females and have a horn on the head. We found that predation pressure was greater for males than for females, and that larger individuals of both sexes were more vulnerable to predation. We identified two predators, the raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides and jungle crow Corvus macrorhynchos, by monitoring sap-site trees with infrared video cameras. Raccoon dogs visited sap-site trees at night, while crows came after daybreak. The highest frequency of visits by both predators was observed in the first half of August, which matches the peak season of T. dichotomus. Raccoon dogs often left bite marks on the remains of prey, whereas crows did not. Bite marks were found on most of the remains collected at two distant localities, which suggested that predation by raccoon dogs is common. Size- and sex-dependent differences in the conspicuousness and active period of T. dichotomus probably explain these biased predation patterns. Our results suggest that having a large horn/body is costly in terms of the increased risk of predation. Predation cost may act as a stabilizing selection pressure against the further exaggeration of male sexual traits.}, }
@article {pmid24599216, year = {2014}, author = {Selva, N and Berezowska-Cnota, T and Elguero-Claramunt, I}, title = {Unforeseen effects of supplementary feeding: ungulate baiting sites as hotspots for ground-nest predation.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {9}, number = {3}, pages = {e90740}, pmid = {24599216}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/physiology ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Geography ; Mammals/*physiology ; Mice ; Nesting Behavior/*physiology ; Poland ; Predatory Behavior/*physiology ; Probability ; Seasons ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {Despite the ubiquity and magnitude of food provision to wildlife, our understanding of its ecological effects and conservation implications is very limited. Supplementary feeding of ungulates, still one of the main paradigms of game management in Europe, occurs in natural areas on an enormous scale. We investigated the indirect effects of this practice on nest predation risk in the Polish Eastern Carpathians (Bieszczady Mountains). We hypothesized that the predators attracted to ungulate baiting sites would also forage for alternative prey nearby, increasing the nest predation risk for ground-nesting birds in the vicinity. We conducted a paired experiment by placing artificial nests (N=120) in feeding and control sites (N=12) at different distances from the ungulate feeding site. We also documented the use of three ungulate feeding sites by potential nest predators with automatic cameras. The proportion of depredated nests was 30% higher in the vicinity of feeding sites than at control sites (65%± 31.5 vs 35%± 32.1). The probability of a nest being depredated significantly increased with time and at shorter distances from the feeding site. We predicted that the area within 1-km distance from the feeding site would have a high risk (>0.5) of nest predation. We recorded 13 species of potential ground-nest predators at ungulate baiting sites. Most frequent were Eurasian jays Garrulus glandarius, mice and voles Muroidea, ravens Corvus corax, brown bears Ursus arctos, and wild boar Sus scrofa. Nest predators made most use of supplementary feeding sites (82% pictures with predators vs 8% with ungulates, the target group). Our study alerts of the impacts of ungulate feeding on alternative prey; this is of special concern when affecting protected species. We urge for a sensible management of ungulate feeding, which considers potential indirect effects on other species and the spatial and temporal components of food provision.}, }
@article {pmid24597991, year = {2015}, author = {Rindermann, H and Stiegmaier, EM and Meisenberg, G}, title = {Cognitive ability of preschool, primary and secondary school children in Costa Rica.}, journal = {Journal of biosocial science}, volume = {47}, number = {3}, pages = {281-310}, doi = {10.1017/S0021932014000066}, pmid = {24597991}, issn = {1469-7599}, mesh = {Austria ; Body Height ; Body Mass Index ; Child ; Child Behavior/psychology ; Child, Preschool ; *Cognition ; Costa Rica ; Family Characteristics ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; *Literacy/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Male ; Parents/psychology ; Schools/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Students/psychology ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {Cognitive abilities of children in Costa Rica and Austria were compared using three age groups (N = 385/366). Cognitive ability tests (mental speed, culture reduced/fluid intelligence, literacy/crystallized intelligence) were applied that differed in the extent to which they refer to school-related knowledge. Preschool children (kindergarten, 5-6 years old, N(CR) = 80, N(Au) = 51) were assessed with the Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM), primary school children (4th grade, 9-11 years old, N(CR) = 71, N(Au) = 71) with ZVT (a trail-making test), Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) and items from PIRLS-Reading and TIMSS-Mathematics, and secondary school students (15-16 years old, N(CR) = 48, N(Au) = 48) with ZVT, Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM) and items from PISA-Reading and PISA-Mathematics. Additionally, parents and pupils were given questionnaires covering family characteristics and instruction. Average cognitive abilities were higher in Austria (Greenwich-IQ M(CR) = 87 and M(Au) = 99, d(IQ) = 12 points) and differences were smaller in preschool than in secondary school (d(IQ) = 7 vs 20 points). Differences in crystallized intelligence were larger than in fluid intelligence (mental speed: d(IQ) = 12, Raven: d(IQ) = 10, student achievement tests: d(IQ) = 17 IQ points). Differences were larger in comparisons at the level of g-factors. Austrian children were also taller (6.80 cm, d = 1.07 SD), but had lower body mass index (BMI(CR) = 19.35 vs BMI(Au) = 17.59, d = -0.89 SD). Different causal hypotheses explaining these differences are compared.}, }
@article {pmid24560277, year = {2014}, author = {Jahidin, AH and Megat Ali, MS and Taib, MN and Tahir, NM and Yassin, IM and Lias, S}, title = {Classification of intelligence quotient via brainwave sub-band power ratio features and artificial neural network.}, journal = {Computer methods and programs in biomedicine}, volume = {114}, number = {1}, pages = {50-59}, doi = {10.1016/j.cmpb.2014.01.016}, pmid = {24560277}, issn = {1872-7565}, mesh = {Brain/*physiology ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; *Neural Networks, Computer ; Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted ; }, abstract = {This paper elaborates on the novel intelligence assessment method using the brainwave sub-band power ratio features. The study focuses only on the left hemisphere brainwave in its relaxed state. Distinct intelligence quotient groups have been established earlier from the score of the Raven Progressive Matrices. Sub-band power ratios are calculated from energy spectral density of theta, alpha and beta frequency bands. Synthetic data have been generated to increase dataset from 50 to 120. The features are used as input to the artificial neural network. Subsequently, the brain behaviour model has been developed using an artificial neural network that is trained with optimized learning rate, momentum constant and hidden nodes. Findings indicate that the distinct intelligence quotient groups can be classified from the brainwave sub-band power ratios with 100% training and 88.89% testing accuracies.}, }
@article {pmid24556949, year = {2014}, author = {Soler, JJ and Avilés, JM and Martín-Gálvez, D and de Neve, L and Soler, M}, title = {Eavesdropping cuckoos: further insights on great spotted cuckoo preference by magpie nests and egg colour.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {175}, number = {1}, pages = {105-115}, pmid = {24556949}, issn = {1432-1939}, mesh = {Animals ; *Choice Behavior ; *Color ; Female ; Linear Models ; *Nesting Behavior ; Ovum/*physiology ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Phenotype ; Reproduction ; }, abstract = {Reproductive success of brood parasites largely depends on appropriate host selection and, although the use of inadvertent social information emitted by hosts may be of selective advantage for cuckoos, this possibility has rarely been experimentally tested. Here, we manipulated nest size and clutch colouration of magpies (Pica pica), the main host of great spotted cuckoos (Clamator glandarius). These phenotypic traits may potentially reveal information about magpie territory and/or parental quality and could hence influence the cuckoo's choice of host nests. Experimentally reduced magpie nests suffered higher predation rate, and prevalence of cuckoo parasitism was higher in magpie nests with the densest roofs, which suggests a direct advantage for great spotted cuckoos choosing this type of magpie nest. Colouration of magpie clutches was manipulated by adding one artificial egg (blue or cream colouration) at the beginning of the egg-laying period. We found that host nests holding an experimental cream egg experienced a higher prevalence of cuckoo parasitism than those holding a blue-coloured egg. Results from these two experiments suggest that great spotted cuckoos cue on magpie nest characteristics and the appearance of eggs to decide parasitism, and confirm, for the first time, the ability of cuckoos to distinguish between eggs of different colours within the nest of their hosts. Several hypothetical scenarios explaining these results are discussed.}, }
@article {pmid24501271, year = {2014}, author = {Davidson, GL and Clayton, NS and Thornton, A}, title = {Salient eyes deter conspecific nest intruders in wild jackdaws (Corvus monedula).}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {10}, number = {2}, pages = {20131077}, pmid = {24501271}, issn = {1744-957X}, support = {BB/H021817/1//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; England ; *Nesting Behavior ; Videotape Recording ; *Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {Animals often respond fearfully when encountering eyes or eye-like shapes. Although gaze aversion has been documented in mammals when avoiding group-member conflict, the importance of eye coloration during interactions between conspecifics has yet to be examined in non-primate species. Jackdaws (Corvus monedula) have near-white irides, which are conspicuous against their dark feathers and visible when seen from outside the cavities where they nest. Because jackdaws compete for nest sites, their conspicuous eyes may act as a warning signal to indicate that a nest is occupied and deter intrusions by conspecifics. We tested whether jackdaws' pale irides serve as a deterrent to prospecting conspecifics by comparing prospectors' behaviour towards nest-boxes displaying images with bright eyes (BEs) only, a jackdaw face with natural BEs, or a jackdaw face with dark eyes. The jackdaw face with BEs was most effective in deterring birds from making contact with nest-boxes, whereas both BE conditions reduced the amount of time jackdaws spent in proximity to the image. We suggest BEs in jackdaws may function to prevent conspecific competitors from approaching occupied nest sites.}, }
@article {pmid24498311, year = {2014}, author = {Huang, ZP and Qi, XG and Garber, PA and Jin, T and Guo, ST and Li, S and Li, BG}, title = {The use of camera traps to identify the set of scavengers preying on the carcass of a golden snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana).}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {9}, number = {2}, pages = {e87318}, pmid = {24498311}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Carnivora/classification/*physiology ; Carnivory/*physiology ; Colobinae/*physiology ; Ecosystem ; Feeding Behavior/physiology ; Murinae/physiology ; Photography/instrumentation/methods ; Reproducibility of Results ; Species Specificity ; Time Factors ; Ursidae/physiology ; Video Recording/instrumentation/*methods ; }, abstract = {There exists very limited information on the set of scavengers that feed on the carcasses of wild primates. Here, we describe, based on information collected using a remote camera trap, carnivores consuming/scavenging the carcass of a wild golden snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) in the Laohegou Nature Reserve, Sichuan, China. During a 3 month behavioral and ecology study of a band of golden snub-nosed monkeys (March through May 2013), we encountered the carcass of an adult male (male golden snub-nosed monkeys weigh approximately 12-16 kg). After examining the dead monkey, we returned it to the death site and set out a camera trap to record the behavior and identity of scavengers. Over the course of 25 days, we collected 4145 photographs taken by the camera trap. Scavengers identified from these photographs include a masked civet (Paguma larvata), Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus), large-billed crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) and the chestnut rat (Rattus fulvescens). No member of the golden snub-nosed monkey's social group, which was composed of approximately 120 individuals, was found to return to the general area of the death site. The masked civet fed principally on the face and intestines of the corpse at night, while the black bear consumed most of the body of the dead monkey during both the daytime and nighttime. These two taxa consumed virtually the entire carcass in one week. We suggest that the use of camera traps offers a powerful research tool to identify the scavenger community of a given ecosystem.}, }
@article {pmid24498238, year = {2014}, author = {Townsend, AK and Barker, CM}, title = {Plastic and the nest entanglement of urban and agricultural crows.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {e88006}, pmid = {24498238}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; California ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Crows ; Humans ; Male ; *Nesting Behavior ; Social Planning ; *Urban Renewal ; }, abstract = {Much attention has been paid to the impacts of plastics and other debris on marine organisms, but the effects of plastic on terrestrial organisms have been largely ignored. Detrimental effects of terrestrial plastic could be most pronounced in intensively human-modified landscapes (e.g., urban and agricultural areas), which are a source of much anthropogenic debris. Here, we examine the occurrence, types, landscape associations, and consequences of anthropogenic nest material in the American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), a North American species that breeds in both urban and agricultural landscapes. We monitored 195 nestlings in 106 nests across an urban and agricultural gradient in the Sacramento Valley, California, USA. We found that 85.2% of crow nests contained anthropogenic material, and 11 of 195 nestlings (5.6%) were entangled in their nests. The length of the material was greater in nests in agricultural territories than in urban territories, and the odds of entanglement increased 7.55 times for each meter of anthropogenic material in the nest. Fledging success was significantly lower for entangled than for unentangled nestlings. In all environments, particularly urban, agricultural, and marine, careful disposal of potential hazards (string, packing and hay bale twine, balloon ribbon, wire, fishing line) could reduce the occurrence of entanglement of nestling birds.}, }
@article {pmid24490852, year = {2014}, author = {Chiplonkar, SA and Kawade, R}, title = {Linkages of biomarkers of zinc with cognitive performance and taste acuity in adolescent girls.}, journal = {International journal of food sciences and nutrition}, volume = {65}, number = {4}, pages = {399-403}, doi = {10.3109/09637486.2014.880667}, pmid = {24490852}, issn = {1465-3478}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adolescent Behavior ; Biomarkers/blood ; *Cognition ; Cognition Disorders/*blood/etiology/physiopathology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Deficiency Diseases/physiopathology ; Erythrocytes/chemistry ; Female ; Humans ; India ; Memory, Short-Term ; Nutritional Status ; Severity of Illness Index ; Task Performance and Analysis ; Taste Disorders/*blood/etiology/physiopathology ; *Taste Perception ; Zinc/*blood/deficiency ; }, abstract = {A cross-sectional study (n = 403) was conducted to examine the relationship of plasma zinc (PZ) and erythrocyte zinc (EZ) levels with cognitive performance and taste acuity for salt in Indian adolescent girls. PZ, EZ and hemoglobin were estimated in schoolgirls (10-16 years). Cognitive performance was assessed by simple-reaction-time (SRT), recognition-reaction-time (RRT), visual-memory, Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM) test. Taste acuity was determined by recognition-thresholds-for-salt (RTS) using 10 different salt concentrations. Low PZ (<0.7 mg/l) and EZ (<8 µg/g of packed cells) were observed in 72% and 23.6% of girls, respectively. PZ and EZ were negatively associated with SRT (r = -0.41, -0.34), RRT (r = -0.49, -0.4), and positively with Memory (r = 0.43, 0.34) and RPM (r = 0.39, 0.31; p < 0.05) and remained significant after adjusting for socio-demographic factors and hemoglobin. RTS was impaired in 18.3% girls and significantly correlated with EZ (r = -0.31, p < 0.05). Zinc deficiency in adolescent girls was associated with poor cognition and taste function implying need for improving their dietary zinc intakes.}, }
@article {pmid24486253, year = {2014}, author = {Yokoyama, R and Nozawa, T and Takeuchi, H and Taki, Y and Sekiguchi, A and Nouchi, R and Kotozaki, Y and Nakagawa, S and Miyauchi, CM and Iizuka, K and Shinada, T and Yamamoto, Y and Hanawa, S and Araki, T and Hashizume, H and Kunitoki, K and Hanihara, M and Sassa, Y and Kawashima, R}, title = {Association between gray matter volume in the caudate nucleus and financial extravagance: findings from voxel-based morphometry.}, journal = {Neuroscience letters}, volume = {563}, number = {}, pages = {28-32}, doi = {10.1016/j.neulet.2014.01.026}, pmid = {24486253}, issn = {1872-7972}, mesh = {Adult ; Caudate Nucleus/*anatomy &amp; histology ; *Choice Behavior ; Exploratory Behavior ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Personality Inventory ; Psychometrics ; *Risk-Taking ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Temperament ; }, abstract = {Consumer behavior differs among individuals; one such common individual difference is financial extravagance. Recent research suggests that the activation of the caudate nucleus plays an important role in consumer behavior. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study has investigated the specific relationship between the caudate nucleus and consumer financial extravagance. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the association between individual differences in financial extravagance and regional gray matter volume in the caudate nucleus by using voxel-based morphometry (VBM). We recruited 776 healthy, right-handed individuals (432 men and 344 women; mean age=20.7 ± 1.8) and used voxel-based morphometry and a financial extravagance questionnaire to determine the association between financial extravagance and gray matter structure in the caudate nucleus. Our measure of financial extravagance was based on the novelty seeking subscales of the Japanese version of the Temperament and Character Inventory. A multiple regression analysis including financial extravagance, age, sex, Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrix score, total intracranial volume, and novelty seeking subscales was conducted to examine what variables were related to regional gray matter volume in the region of interest within the caudate nucleus. A significant positive correlation was found between the obtained financial extravagance score and regional gray matter volume in the caudate nucleus. We found that structural variations in the caudate nucleus contributed to individual differences in financial extravagance. This finding may provide a new neuroscientific approach to understanding individual characteristics of consumers.}, }
@article {pmid24484482, year = {2014}, author = {Yoshimura, A and Koketsu, M and Bando, H and Saiki, E and Suzuki, M and Watanabe, Y and Kanuka, H and Fukumoto, S}, title = {Phylogenetic comparison of avian haemosporidian parasites from resident and migratory birds in northern Japan.}, journal = {Journal of wildlife diseases}, volume = {50}, number = {2}, pages = {235-242}, doi = {10.7589/2013-03-071}, pmid = {24484482}, issn = {1943-3700}, mesh = {*Animal Migration ; Animals ; Bird Diseases/epidemiology/*parasitology ; Birds ; Haemosporida/*isolation &amp; purification ; Japan/epidemiology ; Protozoan Infections, Animal/epidemiology/*parasitology ; }, abstract = {We analyzed blood samples of resident and migratory Japanese birds to evaluate the prevalence and genetic background of avian blood parasites in northern Japan. We used PCR targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene to examine infections of Leucocytozoon, Haemoproteus, and Plasmodium parasites in blood samples from 243 birds of 14 species in three orders (Passeriformes, Columbiformes, and Anseriformes). Sequences were subjected to phylogenetic analysis. The infection rate was 21% in pigeons (Columbiformes) and 17% in Anseriformes. A high infection rate of 93.8% was found in crow species (Passeriformes). Haemoproteus and Plasmodium parasites were detected in only two species. Infected blood samples obtained from seven bird species involved two major clades of Leucocytozoon, which were divided between resident and migratory birds. The parasites, which are genetically distinct from parasites in Japanese resident birds, may have been introduced to Japan by migratory bird species.}, }
@article {pmid24475085, year = {2014}, author = {Soler, M and Pérez-Contreras, T and Peralta-Sánchez, JM}, title = {Mirror-mark tests performed on jackdaws reveal potential methodological problems in the use of stickers in avian mark-test studies.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {e86193}, pmid = {24475085}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Concept Formation ; Crows/*physiology ; Recognition, Psychology/*physiology ; Research Design ; Self Concept ; Visual Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Some animals are capable of recognizing themselves in a mirror, which is considered to be demonstrated by passing the mark test. Mirror self-recognition capacity has been found in just a few mammals having very large brains and only in one bird, the magpie (Pica pica). The results obtained in magpies have enormous biological and cognitive implications because the fact that magpies were able to pass the mark test meant that this species is at the same cognitive level with great apes, that mirror self-recognition has evolved independently in the magpie and great apes (which diverged 300 million years ago), and that the neocortex (which is not present in the bird's brains) is not a prerequisite for mirror self-recognition as previously believed. Here, we have replicated the experimental design used on magpies to determine whether jackdaws (Corvus monedula) are also capable of mirror self-recognition by passing the mark test. We found that our nine jackdaws showed a very high interest towards the mirror and exhibited self-contingent behavior as soon as mirrors were introduced. However, jackdaws were not able to pass the mark test: both sticker-directed actions and sticker removal were performed with a similar frequency in both the cardboard (control) and the mirror conditions. We conclude that our jackdaws' behaviour raises non-trivial questions about the methodology used in the avian mark test. Our study suggests that the use of self-adhesive stickers on sensitive throat feathers may open the way to artefactual results because birds might perceive the stickers tactilely.}, }
@article {pmid24439574, year = {2014}, author = {Kandel, JJ}, title = {Serendipity: translational research, high quality care, and the children's hospital. Jay and Margie Grosfeld Lecture.}, journal = {Journal of pediatric surgery}, volume = {49}, number = {1}, pages = {19-24}, doi = {10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2013.09.023}, pmid = {24439574}, issn = {1531-5037}, mesh = {Child ; Cooperative Behavior ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Hospitals, Pediatric/*history/standards ; Humans ; Interdisciplinary Communication ; Lymphatic Abnormalities/drug therapy/history ; Pediatrics/*history ; Propranolol/history/therapeutic use ; *Quality of Health Care ; Specialties, Surgical/*history ; Translational Research, Biomedical/*history ; United States ; }, abstract = {The word "serendipity" was coined by Horace Walpole, Earl of Orford, in a letter he wrote in January 1754. He defined serendipity as the making of "….discoveries, by accidents and sagacity, of things which [you] were not in quest of….you must observe that no discovery of a thing you are looking for comes under this description." I would like to make the case that a children's hospital can be a superb setting in which to attempt this feat-to generate Serendipity. I would also like to convince you that this attribute is absolutely essential to providing the very best care for children.}, }
@article {pmid24408238, year = {2013}, author = {Cardoso, AM and Silva, MM and Pereira, MM}, title = {Phonological awareness and the working memory of children with and without literacy difficulties.}, journal = {CoDAS}, volume = {25}, number = {2}, pages = {110-114}, doi = {10.1590/s2317-17822013000200004}, pmid = {24408238}, issn = {2317-1782}, mesh = {Awareness ; Child ; Child Language ; Female ; Humans ; Language Tests ; Learning ; Male ; *Memory, Short-Term ; Pattern Recognition, Visual ; *Phonetics ; Reading ; Speech Perception/*physiology ; Task Performance and Analysis ; Writing ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: To investigate phonological awareness and working memory skills as well as their influence on the literacy process in a group of intellectually normal children.<br><br>METHODS: Forty intellectually normal children (7.6-8.0 years) from the second and third grades of elementary school participated. Children were organized in two groups (20 children each): one with and another without literacy difficulties. These participants underwent RAVEN's intelligence quotient test, audiometric assessment, CONFIAS test of phonological awareness, written spelling task, and working memory test.<br><br>RESULTS: Children in the alphabetic phase presented a good development of phonological awareness, and 85% of them showed a high-performance working memory. Children in the syllabic-alphabetic phase had changes in phonological awareness, and 91.6% of them showed an average working memory performance. The subjects at pre-syllabic and syllabic phases demonstrated more difficulties in phonological awareness than those at syllabic-alphabetic and had a poor working memory performance. Between-group differences were observed for CONFIAS and working memory tests (p<0.0001). There was also a significant correlation (r=0.78, p=0.01) between the skills of phonological awareness and working memory for the total sample of individuals.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, it was found that as phonological awareness and working memory levels increased, the literacy phase also advanced, therefore showing that these are directly proportional measures.}, }
@article {pmid24395967, year = {2014}, author = {Martin, GR}, title = {The subtlety of simple eyes: the tuning of visual fields to perceptual challenges in birds.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {369}, number = {1636}, pages = {20130040}, pmid = {24395967}, issn = {1471-2970}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*anatomy &amp; histology/*physiology ; Eye/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Feeding Behavior ; Flight, Animal ; Visual Fields/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Birds show interspecific variation both in the size of the fields of individual eyes and in the ways that these fields are brought together to produce the total visual field. Variation is found in the dimensions of all main parameters: binocular region, cyclopean field and blind areas. There is a phylogenetic signal with respect to maximum width of the binocular field in that passerine species have significantly broader field widths than non-passerines; broadest fields are found among crows (Corvidae). Among non-passerines, visual fields show considerable variation within families and even within some genera. It is argued that (i) the main drivers of differences in visual fields are associated with perceptual challenges that arise through different modes of foraging, and (ii) the primary function of binocularity in birds lies in the control of bill position rather than in the control of locomotion. The informational function of binocular vision does not lie in binocularity per se (two eyes receiving slightly different information simultaneously about the same objects from which higher-order depth information is extracted), but in the contralateral projection of the visual field of each eye. Contralateral projection ensures that each eye receives information from a symmetrically expanding optic flow-field from which direction of travel and time to contact targets can be extracted, particularly with respect to the control of bill position.}, }
@article {pmid24391878, year = {2013}, author = {Loncaric, I and Stalder, GL and Mehinagic, K and Rosengarten, R and Hoelzl, F and Knauer, F and Walzer, C}, title = {Comparison of ESBL--and AmpC producing Enterobacteriaceae and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from migratory and resident population of rooks (Corvus frugilegus) in Austria.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {8}, number = {12}, pages = {e84048}, pmid = {24391878}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Ampicillin/*metabolism ; Animal Diseases/*microbiology ; *Animal Migration ; Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Austria ; Crows ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics ; Enterobacteriaceae/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; Enterobacteriaceae Infections/drug therapy/microbiology/veterinary ; Escherichia coli/classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; Escherichia coli Infections/drug therapy/microbiology/*veterinary ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Phylogeny ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Staphylococcal Infections/drug therapy/microbiology/veterinary ; beta-Lactamases/*genetics ; }, abstract = {In order to test whether rooks (Corvus frugilegus) represent good indicators for the potential circulation of antibiotics in their native habitat, two populations with different migratory behavior were tested for the presence of beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In all, 54 and 102 samples of fresh feces of a migratory and a resident population were investigated. A total of 24 and 3 cefotaxime-resistant enterobacterial isolates were obtained from the migratory and resident population, respectively. In these isolates CTX-M-1 (n = 15), CTX-M-3 (n = 3), and CTX-M-15 (n = 3) genes were detected. TEM-1 and OXA-1 were associated with CTX-M in 3 and 2 isolates, respectively. In two E. coli isolates CMY-2 could be detected, where from one isolate displayed an overexpression of chromosomal AmpC as well. Among E. coli isolates the most common phylogenetic group was A (n = 11) and ST1683 (n = 5). In one E. coli of B2-ST131 the rfbO25b locus was detected. Three Enterobacter isolates were stably derepressed AmpC-producers. In five samples of the migratory population, PVL positive MRSA could be isolated. Two isolates were typed SCCmec IVa, spa type t127, and ST1. Three isolates carried a SCCmec type IVc, with spa type t852 and ST22. The highly significant difference of the occurrence of antibiotic resistance between the migratory population from eastern Europe compared to resident population in our study indicates that rooks may be good indicator species for the evaluation of environmental contamination with antibiotic resistant bacteria, especially due to their ecology, foraging behavior and differing migratory behavior.}, }
@article {pmid24378212, year = {2014}, author = {Thom, JM and Clayton, NS}, title = {No evidence of temporal preferences in caching by Western scrub-jays (Aphelocoma californica).}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {103}, number = {100}, pages = {173-179}, pmid = {24378212}, issn = {1872-8308}, support = {//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; //Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animal Feed ; Animals ; Diet ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Housing, Animal ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Reward ; Time Perception/physiology ; }, abstract = {Humans and other animals often favour immediate gratification over long-term gain. Primates, including humans, appear more willing to wait for rewards than other animals, such as rats or pigeons. Another group displaying impressive patience are the corvids, which possess large brains and show sophisticated cognitive abilities. Here, we assess intertemporal choice in one corvid species, the Western scrub-jay (Aphelocoma californica). These birds cache food for future consumption and respond flexibly to future needs. Cache-theft and cache-degradation are time-dependent processes in scrub-jay ecology that might necessitate sensitivity to delays between caching and retrieval. We adopt a caching paradigm with delays of up to 49 h. Across two experiments we find no evidence of a preference for earlier recovery. We highlight the possibility that, although scrub-jays can discriminate between the present and the future, they may not understand how far into the future an event will occur.}, }
@article {pmid24333834, year = {2014}, author = {Jacobs, IF and Osvath, M and Osvath, H and Mioduszewska, B and von Bayern, AM and Kacelnik, A}, title = {Object caching in corvids: incidence and significance.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {102}, number = {}, pages = {25-32}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2013.12.003}, pmid = {24333834}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Exploratory Behavior/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Female ; Food ; Male ; }, abstract = {Food caching is a paramount model for studying relations between cognition, brain organisation and ecology in corvids. In contrast, behaviour towards inedible objects is poorly examined and understood. We review the literature on object caching in corvids and other birds, and describe an exploratory study on object caching in ravens, New Caledonian crows and jackdaws. The captive adult birds were presented with an identical set of novel objects adjacent to food. All three species cached objects, which shows the behaviour not to be restricted to juveniles, food cachers, tool-users or individuals deprived of cacheable food. The pattern of object interaction and caching did not mirror the incidence of food caching: the intensely food caching ravens indeed showed highest object caching incidence, but the rarely food caching jackdaws cached objects to similar extent as the moderate food caching New Caledonian crows. Ravens and jackdaws preferred objects with greater sphericity, but New Caledonian crows preferred stick-like objects (similar to tools). We suggest that the observed object caching might have been expressions of exploration or play, and deserves being studied in its own right because of its potential significance for tool-related behaviour and learning, rather than as an over-spill from food-caching research. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: CO3 2013.}, }
@article {pmid24333226, year = {2014}, author = {Cibulski, L and Wascher, CA and Weiss, BM and Kotrschal, K}, title = {Familiarity with the experimenter influences the performance of Common ravens (Corvus corax) and Carrion crows (Corvus corone corone) in cognitive tasks.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {103}, number = {100}, pages = {129-137}, pmid = {24333226}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Adult ; Animals ; Anxiety/psychology ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Choice Behavior/physiology ; Cognition/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Motivation/physiology ; Psychology, Experimental/*methods ; Psychomotor Performance/*physiology ; Recognition, Psychology/*physiology ; Seasons ; Species Specificity ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {When humans and animals interact with one another over an extended time span they familiarise and may develop a relationship, which can exert an influence on both partners. For example, the behaviour of an animal in experiments may be affected by its relationship to the human experimenter. However, few studies have systematically examined the impact of human-animal relationships on experimental results. In the present study we investigated if familiarity with a human experimenter influences the performance of Common ravens (Corvus corax) and Carrion crows (Corvus corone corone) in interactive tasks. Birds were tested in two interactive cognitive tasks (exchange, object choice) by several experimenters representing different levels of familiarity (long and short-term). Our findings show that the birds participated more often in both tasks and were more successful in the exchange task when working with long-term experimenters than when working with short-term experimenters. Behavioural observations indicate that anxiety did not inhibit experimental performance but that the birds' motivation to work differed between the two kinds of experimenters, familiar and less familiar. We conclude that human-animal relationships (i.e. familiarity) may affect the experimental performance of corvids in interactive cognitive tasks.}, }
@article {pmid24333225, year = {2014}, author = {Bednekoff, PA and Balda, RP}, title = {Clark's nutcracker spatial memory: the importance of large, structural cues.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {102}, number = {}, pages = {12-17}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2013.12.004}, pmid = {24333225}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; Cues ; Memory/*physiology ; Passeriformes ; Space Perception/*physiology ; Spatial Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Clark's nutcrackers, Nucifraga columbiana, cache and recover stored seeds in high alpine areas including areas where snowfall, wind, and rockslides may frequently obscure or alter cues near the cache site. Previous work in the laboratory has established that Clark's nutcrackers use spatial memory to relocate cached food. Following from aspects of this work, we performed experiments to test the importance of large, structural cues for Clark's nutcracker spatial memory. Birds were no more accurate in recovering caches when more objects were on the floor of a large experimental room nor when this room was subdivided with a set of panels. However, nutcrackers were consistently less accurate in this large room than in a small experimental room. Clark's nutcrackers probably use structural features of experimental rooms as important landmarks during recovery of cached food. This use of large, extremely stable cues may reflect the imperfect reliability of smaller, closer cues in the natural habitat of Clark's nutcrackers. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: CO3 2013.}, }
@article {pmid24322875, year = {2014}, author = {Watanabe, A and Grodzinski, U and Clayton, NS}, title = {Western scrub-jays allocate longer observation time to more valuable information.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {17}, number = {4}, pages = {859-867}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-013-0719-7}, pmid = {24322875}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Learning ; *Passeriformes/physiology ; Social Behavior ; Spatial Memory ; }, abstract = {When humans mentally reconstruct past events and imagine future scenarios, their subjective experience of mentally time travelling is accompanied by the awareness of doing so. Despite recent popularity of studying episodic memory in animals, such phenomenological consciousness has been extremely difficult to demonstrate without agreed behavioural markers of consciousness in non-linguistic subjects. We presented western scrub-jays (Aphelocoma californica) with a task requiring them to allocate observing time between two peepholes to see food being hidden in either of two compartments, one where observing the hiding location was necessary to later relocate the food, and another where food could easily be found without watching. Jays first separately experienced these consequences of possessing information in each compartment and subsequently, once given a choice, made more looks and spent more time looking into the compartment where information was necessary than into the compartment where it was unnecessary. Thus, the jays can collect information to solve a future problem. Moreover, they can differentiate sources of information according to their potential value and modify behaviour to efficiently collect important, usable information. This is the first evidence of metacognition in a species that passes the behavioural criteria for both retrospective and prospective mental time travel.}, }
@article {pmid24309275, year = {2013}, author = {Jozet-Alves, C and Bertin, M and Clayton, NS}, title = {Evidence of episodic-like memory in cuttlefish.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {23}, number = {23}, pages = {R1033-5}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2013.10.021}, pmid = {24309275}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; *Feeding Behavior ; Learning ; *Memory, Episodic ; Mental Recall ; Sepia/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The recollection of past experiences allows us to recall what happened during a particular event, and where and when it occurred [1]. Since the first study on episodic-like memory in scrub-jays [2], there has been widespread acceptance of the idea that tests in animals should integrate the 'what', 'where' and 'when' components of a unique event that occurred in the past [3,4]. This is referred to as episodic-like memory rather than episodic memory per se, in acknowledgement of the lack of evidence for, or against, the phenomenological aspects that accompany episodic recollection in humans. So far, evidence for episodic-like memory has only been found in some birds and mammals. We show here that cuttlefish, cephalopod mollusks, keep track of what they have eaten, and where and how long ago they ate, in order to match their foraging behavior with the time of replenishing of different foods. Foraging in cuttlefish fulfils the criteria of 'what', 'where' and 'when' of unique events and thus provides behavioral evidence of episodic-like memory in an invertebrate.}, }
@article {pmid24301236, year = {2013}, author = {Hexsel, D and Brum, C and Porto, MD and Soirefmann, M and Siega, C and Schilling-Souza, J and Rodrigues, TC}, title = {Full-face injections of variable total doses of abobotulinum toxin type A: A randomized, phase IV clinical trial of safety and efficacy.}, journal = {Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD}, volume = {12}, number = {12}, pages = {1356-1362}, pmid = {24301236}, issn = {1545-9616}, mesh = {Adult ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*administration &amp; dosage/adverse effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Face ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuromuscular Agents/*administration &amp; dosage/adverse effects ; Patient Satisfaction ; Prospective Studies ; *Quality of Life ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) has been used for almost 20 years in cosmetic dermatology to reduce dynamic wrinkles on single or multiple facial areas.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of full-face treatments with various total doses of abobotulinum toxin A (ABO).<br><br>METHODS: A total of 90 participants were enrolled. Subjects had at least two indications for BoNT-A treatments on each third of the face (upper, middle and lower). They were randomized into 3 groups, with pre-defined total dose range of ABO, varying from 120 to 250 U.<br><br>RESULTS: Most of the subjects were women (96.5%). The statistically significant improvement from baseline lasted for more than 24 weeks for glabellar lines, and more than 16 weeks for forehead wrinkles and crow's feet, all P<0.001, with no differences between groups. The most frequent adverse event (excessive perioral weakness) was related to high dose in the perioral area.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to compare safety and efficacy of different doses of ABO administered to the entire face simultaneously. As long as the recommended doses are used, concomitant injections of ABO are safe and efficient, with no increase in adverse events.}, }
@article {pmid24291503, year = {2014}, author = {Zhu, B and Chen, C and Xue, G and Moyzis, RK and Dong, Q and Chen, C and Li, J and He, Q and Lei, X and Wang, Y and Lin, C}, title = {The SEMA5A gene is associated with hippocampal volume, and their interaction is associated with performance on Raven's Progressive Matrices.}, journal = {NeuroImage}, volume = {88}, number = {}, pages = {181-187}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuroimage.2013.11.035}, pmid = {24291503}, issn = {1095-9572}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Hippocampus/*anatomy &amp; histology/diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Intelligence/genetics/*physiology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Membrane Proteins/*genetics ; Nerve Tissue Proteins/*genetics ; Semaphorins ; Thinking/*physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {The Allen Brain Atlas shows that the semaphorin 5A (SEMA5A) gene, which encodes an important protein for neurogenesis and neuronal apoptosis, is predominantly expressed in the human hippocampus. Structural and functional neuroimaging studies have further shown that the hippocampus plays an important role in the performance on Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM), a measure of reasoning ability and general fluid intelligence. Thus far, however, no study has examined the relationships between the SEMA5A gene polymorphism, hippocampal volume, and RPM performance. The current study collected both structural MRI, genetic, and behavioral data in 329 healthy Chinese adults, and examined associations between SEMA5A variants, hippocampal volume, and performance on RAPM (the advanced form of RPM). After controlling for intracranial volume (ICV), sex, and age, SEMA5A genetic polymorphism at the SNP rs42352 had the strongest association with hippocampal volume (p=0.00000552 and 0.000103 for right and left hippocampal volumes, respectively), with TT homozygotes having higher hippocampal volume than the other genotypes. Furthermore, there was a high correlation between right hippocampal volume and RAPM performance (r=0.42, p=0.0000509) for SEMA5A rs42352 TT homozygotes. This study provides the first evidence for the involvement of the SEMA5A gene in hippocampal structure and their interaction on RAPM performance. Future studies of the hippocampus-RPM associations should consider genetic factors as potential moderators.}, }
@article {pmid24289166, year = {2013}, author = {Amiet, C and Gourfinkel-An, I and Laurent, C and Bodeau, N and Génin, B and Leguern, E and Tordjman, S and Cohen, D}, title = {Does epilepsy in multiplex autism pedigrees define a different subgroup in terms of clinical characteristics and genetic risk?.}, journal = {Molecular autism}, volume = {4}, number = {1}, pages = {47}, pmid = {24289166}, issn = {2040-2392}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and epilepsy frequently occur together. Prevalence rates are variable, and have been attributed to age, gender, comorbidity, subtype of pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) and risk factors. Recent studies have suggested disparate clinical and genetic settings depending on simplex or multiplex autism. The aim of this study was to assess: 1) the prevalence of epilepsy in multiplex autism and its association with genetic and non-genetic risk factors of major effect, intellectual disability and gender; and 2) whether autism and epilepsy cosegregate within multiplex autism families.<br><br>METHODS: We extracted from the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) database (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;3,818 children from 1,264 families) all families with relevant medical data (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;664 children from 290 families). The sample included 478 children with ASD and 186 siblings without ASD. We analyzed the following variables: seizures, genetic and non-genetic risk factors, gender, and cognitive functioning as assessed by Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM) and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS).<br><br>RESULTS: The prevalence of epilepsy was 12.8% in cases with ASD and 2.2% in siblings without ASD (P <10-5). With each RCPM or VABS measure, the risk of epilepsy in multiplex autism was significantly associated with intellectual disability, but not with gender. Identified risk factors (genetic or non-genetic) of autism tended to be significantly associated with epilepsy (P&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.052). When children with prematurity, pre- or perinatal insult, or cerebral palsy were excluded, a genetic risk factor was reported for 6/59 (10.2%) of children with epilepsy and 12/395 (3.0%) of children without epilepsy (P&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.002). Finally, using a permutation test, there was significant evidence that the epilepsy phenotype co-segregated within families (P <10-4).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Epilepsy in multiplex autism may define a different subgroup in terms of clinical characteristics and genetic risk.}, }
@article {pmid24285080, year = {2013}, author = {Veit, L and Nieder, A}, title = {Abstract rule neurons in the endbrain support intelligent behaviour in corvid songbirds.}, journal = {Nature communications}, volume = {4}, number = {}, pages = {2878}, doi = {10.1038/ncomms3878}, pmid = {24285080}, issn = {2041-1723}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Biological Evolution ; Brain/anatomy &amp; histology/*cytology/physiology ; Cognition ; *Intelligence ; Neurons/*physiology ; Songbirds/anatomy &amp; histology/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Despite the lack of a layered neocortex and fundamental differences in endbrain organization in birds compared with mammals, intelligent species evolved from both vertebrate classes. Among birds, corvids show exceptional cognitive flexibility. Here we explore the neuronal foundation of corvid cognition by recording single-unit activity from an association area known as the nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL) while carrion crows make flexible rule-guided decisions, a hallmark of executive control functions. The most prevalent activity in NCL represents the behavioural rules, while abstracting over sample images and sensory modalities of the rule cues. Rule coding is weaker in error trials, thus predicting the crows' behavioural decisions. This suggests that the abstraction of general principles may be an important function of the NCL, mirroring the function of primate prefrontal cortex. These findings emphasize that intelligence in vertebrates does not necessarily rely on a neocortex but can be realized in endbrain circuitries that developed independently via convergent evolution.}, }
@article {pmid24277268, year = {2014}, author = {Radnic, B and Atanasijevic, T and Popovic, V and Mihailovic, Z}, title = {"Crow's feet" as an indication of a vital reaction in a gunshot victim.}, journal = {Forensic science, medicine, and pathology}, volume = {10}, number = {2}, pages = {259-261}, pmid = {24277268}, issn = {1556-2891}, mesh = {Adult ; Cheek ; Eyebrows ; Facial Injuries/*pathology ; Female ; Homicide ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Soot ; Suicide ; Wounds, Gunshot/*pathology ; }, }
@article {pmid24268321, year = {2014}, author = {Stolk, A and Noordzij, ML and Volman, I and Verhagen, L and Overeem, S and van Elswijk, G and Bloem, B and Hagoort, P and Toni, I}, title = {Understanding communicative actions: a repetitive TMS study.}, journal = {Cortex; a journal devoted to the study of the nervous system and behavior}, volume = {51}, number = {}, pages = {25-34}, doi = {10.1016/j.cortex.2013.10.005}, pmid = {24268321}, issn = {1973-8102}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Brain/*physiology ; Brain Mapping ; *Communication ; Female ; Functional Laterality/physiology ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Psychomotor Performance/*physiology ; Task Performance and Analysis ; *Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Despite the ambiguity inherent in human communication, people are remarkably efficient in establishing mutual understanding. Studying how people communicate in novel settings provides a window into the mechanisms supporting the human competence to rapidly generate and understand novel shared symbols, a fundamental property of human communication. Previous work indicates that the right posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS) is involved when people understand the intended meaning of novel communicative actions. Here, we set out to test whether normal functioning of this cerebral structure is required for understanding novel communicative actions using inhibitory low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). A factorial experimental design contrasted two tightly matched stimulation sites (right pSTS vs left MT+, i.e., a contiguous homotopic task-relevant region) and tasks (a communicative task vs a visual tracking task that used the same sequences of stimuli). Overall task performance was not affected by rTMS, whereas changes in task performance over time were disrupted according to TMS site and task combinations. Namely, rTMS over pSTS led to a diminished ability to improve action understanding on the basis of recent communicative history, while rTMS over MT+ perturbed improvement in visual tracking over trials. These findings qualify the contributions of the right pSTS to human communicative abilities, showing that this region might be necessary for incorporating previous knowledge, accumulated during interactions with a communicative partner, to constrain the inferential process that leads to action understanding.}, }
@article {pmid24239503, year = {2014}, author = {Pfuhl, G and Gattermayr, M and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Will food-handling time influence agonistic behaviour in sub-adult common ravens (Corvus corax)?.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {103}, number = {}, pages = {67-74}, pmid = {24239503}, issn = {1872-8308}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Agonistic Behavior/*physiology ; Animals ; Conditioning, Operant/physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; *Food Handling ; Interpersonal Relations ; Male ; Motivation ; Problem Solving/physiology ; Psychomotor Performance/physiology ; Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Discovering a food source may invoke either competition or cooperation, depending on many factors such as divisibility and accessibility. We experimentally investigated the influence of effort to procure food on the tolerance towards others during feeding. Nine sub-adult captive ravens were tested in different foraging contexts that differed in foraging effort, namely three string-pulling conditions and two without pulling requirement. We expected that the effort to gain access to food would positively affect the tolerance towards others at feeding. As predicted, we found fewer agonistic interactions, fewer displacements of subordinates from food and prolonged feeding bouts in the three string-pulling conditions compared to the two conditions when no pulling was involved. Further, in the string pulling tasks interactions occurred mostly on the perch before pulling and only rarely was pulling interrupted by agonistic interactions. The rate of interactions did not change over trials. Our data suggests that perceived effort influences social behaviour.}, }
@article {pmid24238393, year = {2013}, author = {Nugnes, R and Zito, E and Mozzillo, E and Camarca, ME and Riccio, MP and Terrone, G and Melis, D and Bravaccio, C and Franzese, A}, title = {Good cognitive performances in a child with Prader-Willi syndrome.}, journal = {Italian journal of pediatrics}, volume = {39}, number = {}, pages = {74}, pmid = {24238393}, issn = {1824-7288}, mesh = {Child ; *Child Behavior ; Child Development ; Cognition/*physiology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Genetics, Behavioral ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Prader-Willi Syndrome/*diagnosis/genetics/*psychology ; Reference Values ; Risk Assessment ; Severity of Illness Index ; }, abstract = {We report the case of a child affected by Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) with good cognitive performances and without relevant behavioral abnormalities.The diagnosis of PWS, suspected on the basis of clinical features and past history, was confirmed by DNA methylation analysis. Additional genetic testing revealed a maternal uniparental disomy. Intellectual profile was analyzed by WISC-III and Raven's Progressive Matrices CPM, while the behavior was evaluated by K-SADS-PL and Child Behavior Checklist/4-18 to the parents.WISC-III test showed a Total Intelligence Quotient (T-IQ = 79) at the border level for age. The Verbal Intelligence Quotient (V-IQ) showed a lower score than the Performance Intelligence Quotient (P-IQ) (78 and 85, respectively). Raven's Matrices CPM showed an intelligence level at 75-90° percentile for age. Concerning behavioral evaluation, a difficulty in impulse control was observed, with persistent but controllable search for food, without a clear psychopathological meaning. Also according to K-SADS-PL no areas of psychopathological dimensions were detected. In conclusion, in presence of consisting clinical features of PWS and high diagnostic suspicion, the diagnosis of PWS should be considered even in presence of a borderline IQ and in absence of psychopathological abnormalities.}, }
@article {pmid24230988, year = {2014}, author = {López-Meraz, ML and Medel-Matus, JS and Morgado-Valle, C and Beltrán-Parrazal, L and Pérez-Estudillo, C and Manzo, J}, title = {Effect of lithium-pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus on ultrasonic vocalizations in the infant rat pup.}, journal = {Epilepsy &amp; behavior : E&amp;B}, volume = {31}, number = {}, pages = {263-266}, doi = {10.1016/j.yebeh.2013.10.006}, pmid = {24230988}, issn = {1525-5069}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Chi-Square Distribution ; Convulsants/*toxicity ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Lithium/*toxicity ; Male ; Maternal Deprivation ; Pilocarpine/*toxicity ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Status Epilepticus/*chemically induced/*physiopathology ; Vocalization, Animal/*drug effects ; }, abstract = {Evidence shows that febrile convulsions induced in rat pups increase ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs); however, the effect of status epilepticus (SE) induced in developing rats on USVs has not been fully investigated. The goal of this study was to analyze USVs following lithium-pilocarpine-induced SE in fourteen-day-old (P14) rat pups. The rat pups were given 3-mEq/kg lithium chloride i.p. on the day before the induction of SE, which was carried out at P14 by subcutaneous injection of 100-mg/kg pilocarpine hydrochloride; control animals were given an equal volume of lithium chloride and saline on P13 and P14, respectively. Ultrasonic vocalizations were monitored at P15, P16, and P21 with a Mini 3 Bat Detector Ultra Sound Advice (15kHz-160kHz) set at 40±4kHz and digitally recorded in WAV format using the Audacity 1.3 beta software. A clear box (60×40×30cm) split down the middle with a holed wall was used; each pup was placed alone in one compartment, whereas its dam was placed on the other cage side at room temperature. Vocalizations were recorded over a 5-minute period, converted to sonograms and spectrograms, and analyzed using the Raven software. Parameters evaluated were as follows: USV frequency, latency to the first USV, and mean USV duration. There was a significant decrease in the latency (35.5±6.9s) and duration (50.8±8.6s) of USVs after SE compared with the control group (81.9±10.8s and 78.1±9.9s, respectively). Status epilepticus affected male and female rats differentially.}, }
@article {pmid24225460, year = {2014}, author = {Polnaszek, TJ and Stephens, DW}, title = {Why not lie? Costs enforce honesty in an experimental signalling game.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {281}, number = {1774}, pages = {20132457}, pmid = {24225460}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {*Animal Communication ; Animals ; Biological Evolution ; *Deception ; *Game Theory ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Reward ; }, abstract = {Communication depends on reliability. Yet, the existence of stable honest signalling presents an evolutionary puzzle. Why should animals signal honestly in the face of a conflict of interest? While students of animal signalling have offered several theoretical answers to this puzzle, the most widely studied model, commonly called the 'handicap principle', postulates that the costs of signals stabilize honesty. This model is the motivating force behind an enormous research enterprise that explores signal costs--whether they are physiological, immunological, neural, developmental or caloric. While there can be no question that many signals are costly, we lack definitive experimental evidence demonstrating that costs stabilize honesty. This study presents a laboratory signalling game using blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata) that provides, to our knowledge, the first experimental evidence showing honesty persists when costs are high and disappears when costs are low.}, }
@article {pmid24223982, year = {2013}, author = {Dohms, KM and Burg, TM}, title = {Molecular markers reveal limited population genetic structure in a North American corvid, Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana).}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {8}, number = {11}, pages = {e79621}, pmid = {24223982}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Base Sequence ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Genetic Markers/*genetics ; Genetics, Population ; Ice ; Microsatellite Repeats/genetics ; Passeriformes/*genetics ; }, abstract = {The genetic impact of barriers and Pleistocene glaciations on high latitude resident species has not been widely investigated. The Clark's nutcracker is an endemic North American corvid closely associated with Pinus-dominated forests. The nutcracker's encompasses known barriers to dispersal for other species, and glaciated and unglaciated areas. Clark's nutcrackers also irruptively disperse long distances in search of pine seed crops, creating the potential for gene flow among populations. Using the highly variable mitochondrial DNA control region, seven microsatellite loci, and species distribution modeling, we examined the effects of glaciations and dispersal barriers on population genetic patterns and population structure of nutcrackers. We sequenced 900 bp of mitochondrial control region for 169 individuals from 15 populations and analysed seven polymorphic microsatellite loci for 13 populations across the Clark's nutcracker range. We used species distribution modeling and a range of phylogeographic analyses to examine evolutionary history. Clark's nutcracker populations are not highly differentiated throughout their range, suggesting high levels of gene flow among populations, though we did find some evidence of isolation by distance and peripheral isolation. Our analyses suggested expansion from a single refugium after the last glacial maximum, but patterns of genetic diversity and paleodistribution modeling of suitable habitat were inconclusive as to the location of this refugium. Potential barriers to dispersal (e.g. mountain ranges) do not appear to restrict gene flow in Clark's nutcracker, and postglacial expansion likely occurred quickly from a single refugium located south of the ice sheets.}, }
@article {pmid24204765, year = {2013}, author = {Krieger, N and Waterman, PD and Kosheleva, A and Chen, JT and Smith, KW and Carney, DR and Bennett, GG and Williams, DR and Thornhill, G and Freeman, ER}, title = {Racial discrimination &amp; cardiovascular disease risk: my body my story study of 1005 US-born black and white community health center participants (US).}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {8}, number = {10}, pages = {e77174}, pmid = {24204765}, issn = {1932-6203}, support = {R01 AG027122/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; 1 R01 AG027122-01/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; R01AG27122-3S1/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adult ; *Black People ; Boston/epidemiology ; Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology/ethnology/*psychology ; *Community Health Centers ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Prejudice ; Racism/*psychology ; Risk Factors ; Socioeconomic Factors ; *White People ; Black or African American ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To date, limited and inconsistent evidence exists regarding racial discrimination and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).<br><br>METHODS: Cross-sectional observational study of 1005 US-born non-Hispanic black (n = 504) and white (n = 501) participants age 35-64 randomly selected from community health centers in Boston, MA (2008-2010; 82.4% response rate), using 3 racial discrimination measures: explicit self-report; implicit association test (IAT, a time reaction test for self and group as target vs. perpetrator of discrimination); and structural (Jim Crow status of state of birth, i.e. legal racial discrimination prior 1964).<br><br>RESULTS: Black and white participants both had adverse cardiovascular and socioeconomic profiles, with black participants most highly exposed to racial discrimination. Positive crude associations among black participants occurred for Jim Crow birthplace and hypertension (odds ratio (OR) 1.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28, 2.89) and for explicit self-report and the Framingham 10 year CVD risk score (beta = 0.04; 95% CI 0.01, 0.07); among white participants, only negative crude associations existed (for IAT for self, for lower systolic blood pressure (SBP; beta = -4.86; 95% CI -9.08, -0.64) and lower Framingham CVD score (beta = -0.36, 95% CI -0.63, -0.08)). All of these associations were attenuated and all but the white IAT-Framingham risk score association were rendered null in analyses that controlled for lifetime socioeconomic position and additional covariates. Controlling for racial discrimination, socioeconomic position, and other covariates did not attenuate the crude black excess risk for SBP and hypertension and left unaffected the null excess risk for the Framingham CVD score.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Despite worse exposures among the black participants, racial discrimination and socioeconomic position were not associated, in multivariable analyses, with risk of CVD. We interpret results in relation to constrained variability of exposures and outcomes and discuss implications for valid research on social determinants of health.}, }
@article {pmid24188622, year = {2014}, author = {Wei, CA and Kamil, AC and Bond, AB}, title = {Direct and relational representation during transitive list linking in pinyon jays (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus).}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {128}, number = {1}, pages = {1-10}, doi = {10.1037/a0034627}, pmid = {24188622}, issn = {1939-2087}, support = {R01-MH069893/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Cognition/*physiology ; Conditioning, Operant/*physiology ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Random Allocation ; }, abstract = {The authors used the list-linking procedure (Treichler &amp; Van Tilburg, 1996) to explore the processes by which animals assemble cognitive structures from fragmentary and often contradictory data. Pinyon jays (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) were trained to a high level of accuracy on 2 implicit transitive lists, A > B > C > D > E and 1 > 2 > 3 > 4 > 5. They were then given linkage training on E > 1, the single pair that linked the 2 lists into a composite, 10-item hierarchy. Following linkage training, the birds were tested on nonadjacent probe pairs drawn both from within (B-D and 2-4) and between (D-1, E-2, B-2, C-3) each original list. Linkage training resulted in a significant transitory disruption in performance, and the adjustment to the resulting implicit hierarchy was far from instantaneous. Detailed analysis of the course of the disruption and its subsequent recovery provided important insights into the roles of direct and relational encoding in implicit hierarchies.}, }
@article {pmid24173526, year = {2013}, author = {Ims, RA and Henden, JA and Thingnes, AV and Killengreen, ST}, title = {Indirect food web interactions mediated by predator-rodent dynamics: relative roles of lemmings and voles.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {9}, number = {6}, pages = {20130802}, pmid = {24173526}, issn = {1744-957X}, mesh = {Animals ; Arctic Regions ; Arvicolinae/*physiology ; Birds/*physiology ; Ecosystem ; Eggs ; *Food Chain ; Nesting Behavior/physiology ; Norway ; Population Density ; Population Dynamics ; *Predatory Behavior ; Regression Analysis ; Risk ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {Production cycles in birds are proposed as prime cases of indirect interactions in food webs. They are thought to be driven by predators switching from rodents to bird nests in the crash phase of rodent population cycles. Although rodent cycles are geographically widespread and found in different rodent taxa, bird production cycles appear to be most profound in the high Arctic where lemmings dominate. We hypothesized that this may be due to arctic lemmings inducing stronger predator responses than boreal voles. We tested this hypothesis by estimating predation rates in dummy bird nests during a rodent cycle in low-Arctic tundra. Here, the rodent community consists of a spatially variable mix of one lemming (Lemmus lemmus) and two vole species (Myodes rufocanus and Microtus oeconomus) with similar abundances. In consistence with our hypothesis, lemming peak abundances predicted well crash-phase nest predation rates, whereas the vole abundances had no predictive ability. Corvids were found to be the most important nest predators. Lemmings appear to be accessible to the whole predator community which makes them particularly powerful drivers of food web dynamics.}, }
@article {pmid24134378, year = {2013}, author = {Krieger, N and Chen, JT and Coull, B and Waterman, PD and Beckfield, J}, title = {The unique impact of abolition of Jim Crow laws on reducing inequities in infant death rates and implications for choice of comparison groups in analyzing societal determinants of health.}, journal = {American journal of public health}, volume = {103}, number = {12}, pages = {2234-2244}, pmid = {24134378}, issn = {1541-0048}, support = {R21 CA168470/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; 1R21CA168470-01/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {*Black or African American ; Censuses ; Civil Rights/*legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; Cohort Studies ; Confidence Intervals ; Humans ; Infant Mortality/*trends ; Infant, Newborn ; Racism/*legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; Supreme Court Decisions ; United States ; *White People ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: We explored associations between the abolition of Jim Crow laws (i.e., state laws legalizing racial discrimination overturned by the 1964 US Civil Rights Act) and birth cohort trends in infant death rates.<br><br>METHODS: We analyzed 1959 to 2006 US Black and White infant death rates within and across sets of states (polities) with and without Jim Crow laws.<br><br>RESULTS: Between 1965 and 1969, a unique convergence of Black infant death rates occurred across polities; in 1960 to 1964, the Black infant death rate was 1.19 times higher (95% confidence interval [CI]&#x2009;=&#x2009;1.18, 1.20) in the Jim Crow polity than in the non-Jim Crow polity, whereas in 1970 to 1974 the rate ratio shrank to and remained at approximately 1 (with the 95% CI including 1) until 2000, when it rose to 1.10 (95% CI&#x2009;=&#x2009;1.08, 1.12). No such convergence occurred for Black-White differences in infant death rates or for White infants.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that abolition of Jim Crow laws affected US Black infant death rates and that valid analysis of societal determinants of health requires appropriate comparison groups.}, }
@article {pmid24132979, year = {2014}, author = {Alderman, H and Hawkesworth, S and Lundberg, M and Tasneem, A and Mark, H and Moore, SE}, title = {Supplemental feeding during pregnancy compared with maternal supplementation during lactation does not affect schooling and cognitive development through late adolescence.}, journal = {The American journal of clinical nutrition}, volume = {99}, number = {1}, pages = {122-129}, pmid = {24132979}, issn = {1938-3207}, support = {MC_U123292701/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; MC-A760-5QX00/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; *Breast Feeding ; Child Development/drug effects ; Cognition/*drug effects ; Cohort Studies ; Dietary Proteins/administration &amp; dosage ; *Dietary Supplements ; Energy Intake ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gambia ; Humans ; Infant ; Lactation/*drug effects ; Male ; *Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena ; Pregnancy ; Rural Population ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The long-term impact of early malnutrition on human capital outcomes remains unclear, and existing evidence has come largely from observational studies.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: We compared the impact of a nutritional supplement given during pregnancy or lactation in rural Gambia on educational performance and cognitive ability in offspring at their maturity.<br><br>DESIGN: This study was a follow-up of a randomized trial of prenatal high protein and energy supplementation conducted between 1989 and 1994. Subjects were 16-22 y of age at follow-up, and information was collected on schooling achievement and cognitive ability by using the Raven's progressive matrices test, Mill Hill vocabulary test, and forward and backward digit-span tests.<br><br>RESULTS: A total of 1459 individuals were traced and interviewed and represented 71% of the original cohort and 81% of the surviving cohort. There was no difference in cognitive ability or educational attainment between treatment groups by using any of the methods of assessment.<br><br>CONCLUSION: We have shown little evidence to support a long-term effect of prenatal protein-energy supplementation compared with supplementation during lactation on cognitive development in rural Gambians. This trial was registered at http://www.controlled-trials.com as ISRCTN72582014.}, }
@article {pmid24121129, year = {2013}, author = {Qiao, L and Wei, DT and Li, WF and Chen, QL and Che, XW and Li, BB and Li, YD and Qiu, J and Zhang, QL and Liu, YJ}, title = {Rumination mediates the relationship between structural variations in ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and sensitivity to negative life events.}, journal = {Neuroscience}, volume = {255}, number = {}, pages = {255-264}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.09.053}, pmid = {24121129}, issn = {1873-7544}, mesh = {*Adaptation, Psychological ; Adolescent ; Adult ; *Affect ; Female ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; *Individuality ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; *Personality ; Prefrontal Cortex/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales ; Stress, Psychological/*psychology ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Individuals have different levels of stress sensitivity. An individual's predisposition to experience negative life events (NLEs) may make him/her more vulnerable to a series of psychopathological and physical diseases. However, the neuroanatomical correlates of individual differences in sensitivity to NLEs remain unknown. In this study, voxel-based morphometry was used to identify the gray matter (GM) associations of individual differences in sensitivity to NLEs measured by adolescent self-rating life events checklist. Results showed that there was a positive association between individual NLEs sensitivity and regional GM volume (rGMV) in the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC). GM was mostly evident in the left frontal operculum and a small part of the left middle frontal gyrus. This region was thought to play an important role in introception. Importantly, our study revealed that rumination served as a mediator between the rGMV of the VLPFC and individual NLEs sensitivity. These findings suggest that people with greater VLPFC might be more inclined to ruminate and the ruminative response style might make them more sensitive to NLEs.}, }
@article {pmid24101898, year = {2013}, author = {de Boer, M and Toni, I and Willems, RM}, title = {What drives successful verbal communication?.}, journal = {Frontiers in human neuroscience}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {622}, pmid = {24101898}, issn = {1662-5161}, abstract = {THERE IS A VAST AMOUNT OF POTENTIAL MAPPINGS BETWEEN BEHAVIORS AND INTENTIONS IN COMMUNICATION: a behavior can indicate a multitude of different intentions, and the same intention can be communicated with a variety of behaviors. Humans routinely solve these many-to-many referential problems when producing utterances for an Addressee. This ability might rely on social cognitive skills, for instance, the ability to manipulate unobservable summary variables to disambiguate ambiguous behavior of other agents ("mentalizing") and the drive to invest resources into changing and understanding the mental state of other agents ("communicative motivation"). Alternatively, the ambiguities of verbal communicative interactions might be solved by general-purpose cognitive abilities that process cues that are incidentally associated with the communicative interaction. In this study, we assess these possibilities by testing which cognitive traits account for communicative success during a verbal referential task. Cognitive traits were assessed with psychometric scores quantifying motivation, mentalizing abilities, and general-purpose cognitive abilities, taxing abstract visuo-spatial abilities. Communicative abilities of participants were assessed by using an on-line interactive task that required a speaker to verbally convey a concept to an Addressee. The communicative success of the utterances was quantified by measuring how frequently a number of Evaluators would infer the correct concept. Speakers with high motivational and general-purpose cognitive abilities generated utterances that were more easily interpreted. These findings extend to the domain of verbal communication the notion that motivational and cognitive factors influence the human ability to rapidly converge on shared communicative innovations.}, }
@article {pmid24101633, year = {2013}, author = {Gowlett, JA}, title = {Elongation as a factor in artefacts of humans and other animals: an Acheulean example in comparative context.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {368}, number = {1630}, pages = {20130114}, pmid = {24101633}, issn = {1471-2970}, mesh = {Animals ; *Hominidae ; Humans ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Elongation is a commonly found feature in artefacts made and used by humans and other animals and can be analysed in comparative study. Whether made for use in hand or beak, the artefacts have some common properties of length, breadth, thickness and balance point, and elongation can be studied as a factor relating to construction or use of a long axis. In human artefacts, elongation can be traced through the archaeological record, for example in stone blades of the Upper Palaeolithic (traditionally regarded as more sophisticated than earlier artefacts), and in earlier blades of the Middle Palaeolithic. It is now recognized that elongation extends to earlier Palaeolithic artefacts, being found in the repertoire of both Neanderthals and more archaic humans. Artefacts used by non-human animals, including chimpanzees, capuchin monkeys and New Caledonian crows show selection for diameter and length, and consistent interventions of modification. Both chimpanzees and capuchins trim side branches from stems, and appropriate lengths of stave are selected or cut. In human artefacts, occasional organic finds show elongation back to about 0.5 million years. A record of elongation achieved in stone tools survives to at least 1.75 Ma (million years ago) in the Acheulean tradition. Throughout this tradition, some Acheulean handaxes are highly elongated, usually found with others that are less elongated. Finds from the million-year-old site of Kilombe and Kenya are given as an example. These findings argue that the elongation need not be integral to a design, but that artefacts may be the outcome of adjustments to individual variables. Such individual adjustments are seen in animal artefacts. In the case of a handaxe, the maker must balance the adjustments to achieve a satisfactory outcome in the artefact as a whole. It is argued that the need to make decisions about individual variables within multivariate objects provides an essential continuity across artefacts made by different species.}, }
@article {pmid24101630, year = {2013}, author = {McGrew, WC}, title = {Is primate tool use special? Chimpanzee and New Caledonian crow compared.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {368}, number = {1630}, pages = {20120422}, pmid = {24101630}, issn = {1471-2970}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; Pan troglodytes/*physiology/*psychology ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {The chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) is well-known in both nature and captivity as an impressive maker and user of tools, but recently the New Caledonian crow (Corvus moneduloides) has been championed as being equivalent or superior to the ape in elementary technology. I systematically compare the two taxa, going beyond simple presence/absence scoring of tool-using and -making types, on four more precise aspects of material culture: (i) types of associative technology (tools used in combination); (ii) modes of tool making; (iii) modes of tool use; and (iv) functions of tool use. I emphasize tool use in nature, when performance is habitual or customary, rather than in anecdotal or idiosyncratic. On all four measures, the ape shows more variety than does the corvid, especially in modes and functions that go beyond extractive foraging. However, more sustained field research is required on the crows before this contrast is conclusive.}, }
@article {pmid24101628, year = {2013}, author = {Teschke, I and Wascher, CA and Scriba, MF and von Bayern, AM and Huml, V and Siemers, B and Tebbich, S}, title = {Did tool-use evolve with enhanced physical cognitive abilities?.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {368}, number = {1630}, pages = {20120418}, pmid = {24101628}, issn = {1471-2970}, mesh = {Animals ; Choice Behavior ; *Cognition ; Crows/*physiology ; Ecuador ; Finches/*physiology ; Logistic Models ; New Caledonia ; Random Allocation ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {The use and manufacture of tools have been considered to be cognitively demanding and thus a possible driving factor in the evolution of intelligence. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that enhanced physical cognitive abilities evolved in conjunction with the use of tools, by comparing the performance of naturally tool-using and non-tool-using species in a suite of physical and general learning tasks. We predicted that the habitually tool-using species, New Caledonian crows and Galápagos woodpecker finches, should outperform their non-tool-using relatives, the small tree finches and the carrion crows in a physical problem but not in general learning tasks. We only found a divergence in the predicted direction for corvids. That only one of our comparisons supports the predictions under this hypothesis might be attributable to different complexities of tool-use in the two tool-using species. A critical evaluation is offered of the conceptual and methodological problems inherent in comparative studies on tool-related cognitive abilities.}, }
@article {pmid24101625, year = {2013}, author = {St Clair, JJ and Rutz, C}, title = {New Caledonian crows attend to multiple functional properties of complex tools.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {368}, number = {1630}, pages = {20120415}, pmid = {24101625}, issn = {1471-2970}, support = {BB/C517392/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/G023913/2/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Binomial Distribution ; *Crows ; *Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Male ; New Caledonia ; *Tool Use Behavior ; Video Recording ; }, abstract = {The ability to attend to the functional properties of foraging tools should affect energy-intake rates, fitness components and ultimately the evolutionary dynamics of tool-related behaviour. New Caledonian crows Corvus moneduloides use three distinct tool types for extractive foraging: non-hooked stick tools, hooked stick tools and tools cut from the barbed edges of Pandanus spp. leaves. The latter two types exhibit clear functional polarity, because of (respectively) a single terminal, crow-manufactured hook and natural barbs running along one edge of the leaf strip; in each case, the 'hooks' can only aid prey capture if the tool is oriented correctly by the crow during deployment. A previous experimental study of New Caledonian crows found that subjects paid little attention to the barbs of supplied (wide) pandanus tools, resulting in non-functional tool orientation during foraging. This result is puzzling, given the presumed fitness benefits of consistently orienting tools functionally in the wild. We investigated whether the lack of discrimination with respect to (wide) pandanus tool orientation also applies to hooked stick tools. We experimentally provided subjects with naturalistic replica tools in a range of orientations and found that all subjects used these tools correctly, regardless of how they had been presented. In a companion experiment, we explored the extent to which normally co-occurring tool features (terminal hook, curvature of the tool shaft and stripped bark at the hooked end) inform tool-orientation decisions, by forcing birds to deploy 'unnatural' tools, which exhibited these traits at opposite ends. Our subjects attended to at least two of the three tool features, although, as expected, the location of the hook was of paramount importance. We discuss these results in the context of earlier research and propose avenues for future work.}, }
@article {pmid24096038, year = {2013}, author = {Wilcoxen, TE and Bridge, ES and Boughton, RK and Hahn, TP and Schoech, SJ}, title = {Physiology of reproductive senescence in Florida scrub-jays: results from a long-term study and GnRH challenge.}, journal = {General and comparative endocrinology}, volume = {194}, number = {}, pages = {168-174}, doi = {10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.09.016}, pmid = {24096038}, issn = {1095-6840}, mesh = {Aging/*metabolism/*physiology ; Animals ; Female ; Florida ; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/*metabolism/*physiology ; Male ; Passeriformes/*metabolism/*physiology ; Reproduction/*physiology ; }, abstract = {In most vertebrates, production of reproductive hormones wanes with age, co-occurring with a decline in reproductive output. Measurement of these hormones can serve as a key marker of the onset of reproductive senescence. Longitudinal studies of physiological parameters in populations of free-living animals are relatively uncommon; however, we have monitored baseline concentrations of hormones for nine years in a population of Florida scrub-jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens). We hypothesized that concentrations of circulating reproductive hormones change with age, and predicted declines in reproductive hormones in the oldest jays. We found that baseline levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (T) were relatively low in both young and old male breeders and reach their highest levels in birds aged 4-7years. Conversely, we found no age-related patterns in baseline levels of LH or estradiol in female jays. In males we determined which component of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is responsible for observed age-based differences, by challenging males of different ages with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH); thereby allowing assessment of pituitary and gonadal responsiveness by measuring plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone and testosterone, respectively. The magnitude of increase in levels of both LH and T in response to GnRH challenge decreased with age in male breeders. Combined with the baseline levels, the results from the GnRH challenge suggest that younger birds have the capability to produce higher levels of reproductive hormone, whereas the old birds may be constrained by senescence in their ability to produce these hormones.}, }
@article {pmid24088010, year = {2014}, author = {Hession, CE and Eastwood, B and Watterson, D and Lehane, CM and Oxley, N and Murphy, BA}, title = {Therapeutic horse riding improves cognition, mood arousal, and ambulation in children with dyspraxia.}, journal = {Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, pages = {19-23}, doi = {10.1089/acm.2013.0207}, pmid = {24088010}, issn = {1557-7708}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Affect/*physiology ; Apraxias/psychology/*therapy ; Child ; Cognition/*physiology ; Equine-Assisted Therapy/*methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Psychological Tests ; Walking/psychology ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of the physical motion of a horse (riding therapy) combined with the audiovisual perception of this motion on a group of children with dyspraxia in terms of cognition, mood arousal, and gait variability.<br><br>DESIGN: The study design was a pretest/post-test.<br><br>SETTINGS/LOCATION: The study was conducted at the Fettercairn Youth Horse Project, Fettercairn, Tallaght, Dublin.<br><br>SUBJECTS: Forty (40) children ranging from 6 to 15 years of age with a primary diagnosis of dyspraxia were the study subjects.<br><br>INTERVENTIONS: Children meeting inclusion criteria participated in six 30-minute horse-riding sessions and two 30-minute audiovisual screening sessions.<br><br>OUTCOME MEASURES: A Standard Progressive Matrices test (also known as the Ravens test) was used to measure aspects of general intelligence. A Childhood Depression Inventory (CDI) questionnaire was used to assess cognitive, affective, and behavioral signs of depression. A GAITRite Pressure Mapping System analyzed foot function and gait variability by measuring single and double support, cycle time, cadence, toe in/out, and stride length.<br><br>RESULTS: Significant improvements were evident on the Ravens test and the CDI by the end of the study period. The amount of both single and double support required while completing the walking task also was significantly reduced. Improvements were visible on toe in/out values, cycle time, and cadence. Changes in stride length did not reach statistical significance.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the theory that riding therapy and/or the perception of beat-based rhythms, as experienced by the rider on the horse, stimulates cognition, mood, and gait parameters. In addition, the data also pointed to the potential value of an audiovisual approach to equine therapy.}, }
@article {pmid24082312, year = {2013}, author = {Terzaghi, M and Zucchella, C and Rustioni, V and Sinforiani, E and Manni, R}, title = {Cognitive performances and mild cognitive impairment in idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder: results of a longitudinal follow-up study.}, journal = {Sleep}, volume = {36}, number = {10}, pages = {1527-1532}, pmid = {24082312}, issn = {1550-9109}, mesh = {Aged ; Case-Control Studies ; Cognition ; Cognitive Dysfunction/*etiology ; Dementia/etiology ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Memory ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Parkinsonian Disorders/etiology ; Prospective Studies ; REM Sleep Behavior Disorder/*complications ; }, abstract = {STUDY OBJECTIVES: To investigate the capacity of neuropsychological deficits in idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) to predict the development of dementia and/or parkinsonism.<br><br>DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal follow-up study.<br><br>SETTING: Tertiary sleep center.<br><br>PATIENTS: Twenty patients with initial iRBD (19 males, mean age 66.1 &#xb1; 7.1) underwent a clinical and neuropsychological follow-up within a mean of 43 &#xb1; 19 months. Neuropsychological performances at baseline were compared with those of healthy controls matched for sex, age, and education.<br><br>INTERVENTIONS: Discontinuation of clonazepam at least 7 days before the follow-up evaluation.<br><br>RESULTS: At follow-up, the Wilcoxon test showed a significant worsening of scores on Raven Colored Matrices 47 (P = 0.01), Attentive matrices (P = 0.002), phonemic (P = 0.04) and sematic (P = 0.04) fluency. Thirteen patients (65%) showed cognitive deterioration involving multiple domains. Of these, four patients (20%) maintained a stable cognitive dysfunction and nine (45%) showed a progression of cognitive dysfunction: six (30%) in constructional abilities (P = 0.03), four (20%) in short-term memory (P = NS), three (15%) in executive functions and non-verbal logic (P = NS), one (5%) in verbal fluency (P = NS), and one (5%) in long-term memory (P = NS) (McNemar test). Seven patients (35%) retained a normal cognitive profile. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was diagnosed at baseline in seven patients (35%). At follow-up, three of these patients showed overt dementia that was accompanied by parkinsonism in all cases; one had worsened from non-amnesic single-domain to nonamnesic multiple-domain MCI, two were stable, and one patient no longer met the criteria for MCI. Four patients (20%) without MCI at baseline had MCI at follow-up. Patients who developed MCI/dementia had an older age at disease onset (65.8 &#xb1; 5.4 versus 56.8 &#xb1; 9.3; P = 0.01) compared with those who did not.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our findings corroborate evidence that visuospatial abilities constitute the area most affected in idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (learning as a stable deficit and copying as an evolving deficit). Cognitive deterioration, involving mainly nonverbal logic, attention, and executive functions, can be observed in rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder follow-up, suggesting an underlying evolving degenerative process. Our data confirm that mild cognitive impairment is frequent in idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder. The presence of mild cognitive impairment predicts the eventual risk of developing dementia, which seemed to be associated with parkinsonism.}, }
@article {pmid24060246, year = {2014}, author = {Ujfalussy, DJ and Miklósi, &#xc1; and Bugnyar, T and Kotrschal, K}, title = {Role of mental representations in quantity judgments by jackdaws (Corvus monedula).}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {128}, number = {1}, pages = {11-20}, doi = {10.1037/a0034063}, pmid = {24060246}, issn = {1939-2087}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Discrimination, Psychological/*physiology ; Judgment/*physiology ; *Mathematical Concepts ; }, abstract = {The representation of quantity by the preverbal or nonverbal mind is a question of considerable interest in the study of cognition, as it should be generally adaptive to most animals to be able to distinguish quantity. We already know that some primate species and human infants represent and enumerate objects in similar ways. Considerable data also exist concerning such abilities in birds. Our aim in this study has been to find out whether jackdaws (Corvus monedula) are capable of performing relative quantity judgments based on mental representations, and if so, what are the limiting factors to their abilities. In our setting the birds were required to make a choice between two visibly and sequentially placed set of food items which, at the moment of choice were not visible to the subjects. We investigated all the number combinations between 1 and 5. Our results show that jackdaws are able to perform relative quantity judgments successfully, even when temporal cues are controlled for, whereas their performance declines in the direction of larger set size (numerical size effect), and when the difference between the two arrays decreases (numerical distance and ratio effect). These signatures are usually interpreted as evidence for the "accumulator" model of mental representation of quantity. Our control results suggest that jackdaws do not use temporal cues, but may well use total volume as basis for discrimination, perhaps among other attributes (choice may be based on multiple cues).}, }
@article {pmid24033987, year = {2014}, author = {Dean, LG and Vale, GL and Laland, KN and Flynn, E and Kendal, RL}, title = {Human cumulative culture: a comparative perspective.}, journal = {Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society}, volume = {89}, number = {2}, pages = {284-301}, doi = {10.1111/brv.12053}, pmid = {24033987}, issn = {1469-185X}, mesh = {*Cultural Characteristics ; *Cultural Diversity ; *Cultural Evolution ; Humans ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Many animals exhibit social learning and behavioural traditions, but human culture exhibits unparalleled complexity and diversity, and is unambiguously cumulative in character. These similarities and differences have spawned a debate over whether animal traditions and human culture are reliant on homologous or analogous psychological processes. Human cumulative culture combines high-fidelity transmission of cultural knowledge with beneficial modifications to generate a 'ratcheting' in technological complexity, leading to the development of traits far more complex than one individual could invent alone. Claims have been made for cumulative culture in several species of animals, including chimpanzees, orangutans and New Caledonian crows, but these remain contentious. Whilst initial work on the topic of cumulative culture was largely theoretical, employing mathematical methods developed by population biologists, in recent years researchers from a wide range of disciplines, including psychology, biology, economics, biological anthropology, linguistics and archaeology, have turned their attention to the experimental investigation of cumulative culture. We review this literature, highlighting advances made in understanding the underlying processes of cumulative culture and emphasising areas of agreement and disagreement amongst investigators in separate fields.}, }
@article {pmid24033371, year = {2014}, author = {Dwyer, JF and Harness, RE and Donohue, K}, title = {Predictive model of avian electrocution risk on overhead power lines.}, journal = {Conservation biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology}, volume = {28}, number = {1}, pages = {159-168}, doi = {10.1111/cobi.12145}, pmid = {24033371}, issn = {1523-1739}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*injuries ; California/epidemiology ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; Electric Injuries/epidemiology/etiology/*veterinary ; Electricity ; Logistic Models ; *Models, Biological ; Seasons ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Electrocution on overhead power structures negatively affects avian populations in diverse ecosystems worldwide, contributes to the endangerment of raptor populations in Europe and Africa, and is a major driver of legal action against electric utilities in North America. We investigated factors associated with avian electrocutions so poles that are likely to electrocute a bird can be identified and retrofitted prior to causing avian mortality. We used historical data from southern California to identify patterns of avian electrocution by voltage, month, and year to identify species most often killed by electrocution in our study area and to develop a predictive model that compared poles where an avian electrocution was known to have occurred (electrocution poles) with poles where no known electrocution occurred (comparison poles). We chose variables that could be quantified by personnel with little training in ornithology or electric systems. Electrocutions were more common at distribution voltages (≤ 33 kV) and during breeding seasons and were more commonly reported after a retrofitting program began. Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) (n = 265) and American Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) (n = 258) were the most commonly electrocuted species. In the predictive model, 4 of 14 candidate variables were required to distinguish electrocution poles from comparison poles: number of jumpers (short wires connecting energized equipment), number of primary conductors, presence of grounding, and presence of unforested unpaved areas as the dominant nearby land cover. When tested against a sample of poles not used to build the model, our model distributed poles relatively normally across electrocution-risk values and identified the average risk as higher for electrocution poles relative to comparison poles. Our model can be used to reduce avian electrocutions through proactive identification and targeting of high-risk poles for retrofitting.}, }
@article {pmid24032453, year = {2014}, author = {Peric, S and Sreckov, M and Basta, I and Lavrnic, D and Vujnic, M and Marjanovic, I and Rakocevic Stojanovic, V}, title = {Dependent and paranoid personality patterns in myotonic dystrophy type 1.}, journal = {Acta neurologica Scandinavica}, volume = {129}, number = {4}, pages = {219-225}, doi = {10.1111/ane.12173}, pmid = {24032453}, issn = {1600-0404}, mesh = {Adult ; Analysis of Variance ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; *Dependency, Psychological ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myotonic Dystrophy/*complications/*psychology ; Paranoid Personality Disorder/*etiology ; Personality Inventory ; Quality of Life ; Severity of Illness Index ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To analyze frequency and type of personality pattern in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), to correlate these findings with clinical data, and to assess its possible influence on quality of life (QoL).<br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study comprised 62 patients with DM1. Following measures were used: Muscular Impairment Rating Scale, Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM), Millon Multiaxial Clinical Inventory I (MMCI), SF-36, and Individualized Neuromuscular Quality of Life (INQoL) questionnaires.<br><br>RESULTS: The presence of at least one pathological personality trait with score above 85 on MMCI was found in 47 (75.8%) patients. After clinical interview, 36 (58.1%) subjects had significant personality impairment. The most common personality trait in our cohort of patients was dependent found in 51.6% of patients, followed by paranoid (38.7%). Higher score on dependent personality scale correlated with lower education (rho = -0.251, P = 0.049). Dependent personality scores significantly differed between patients with physical and intellectual work (93.1 &#xb1; 8.9 vs 66.9 &#xb1; 31.7, P = 0.011). Paranoid score was higher in patients with lower education (rho = -0.293, P = 0.021), lower score on RSPM test (rho = -0.398, P = 0.004) and larger number of CTG repeats (rho = 0.254, P = 0.046). Presence of dependent personality was not in association with QoL scores (P > 0.05). On the other hand, patients with paranoid personality trait had worse QoL than those without it (P < 0.05).<br><br>CONCLUSION: Almost 60% of our patients with DM1 had clinically significant personality impairment, with dependent and paranoid personality patterns being the most common. Paranoid personality may decrease QoL in these patients, which gives us new opportunities for symptomatic therapy in DM1.}, }
@article {pmid23979678, year = {2014}, author = {Aldredge, RA and Boughton, RK and Rensel, MA and Schoech, SJ and Bowman, R}, title = {Hatching asynchrony that maintains egg viability also reduces brood reduction in a subtropical bird.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {174}, number = {1}, pages = {77-85}, pmid = {23979678}, issn = {1432-1939}, mesh = {Animals ; Breeding ; *Clutch Size ; Environment ; Female ; Ovum/*physiology ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; *Reproduction ; }, abstract = {In birds, hatching failure is pervasive and incurs an energetic and reproductive cost to breeding individuals. The egg viability hypothesis posits that exposure to warm temperatures prior to incubation decreases viability of early laid eggs and predicts that females in warm environments minimize hatching failure by beginning incubation earlier in the laying period, laying smaller clutches, or both. However, beginning incubation prior to clutch completion may incur a cost by increasing hatching asynchrony and possibly brood reduction. We examined whether Florida scrub jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) began incubation earlier relative to clutch completion when laying larger clutches or when ambient temperatures increased, and whether variation in incubation onset influenced subsequent patterns of hatching asynchrony and brood reduction. We compared these patterns between a suburban and wildland site because site-specific differences in hatching failure match a priori predictions of the egg viability hypothesis. Females at both sites began incubation earlier relative to clutch completion when laying larger clutches and as ambient temperatures increased. Incubation onset was correlated with patterns of hatching asynchrony at both sites; however, brood reduction increased only in the suburbs, where nestling food is limiting, and only during the late nestling period. Hatching asynchrony may be an unintended consequence of beginning incubation early to minimize hatching failure of early laid eggs. Food limitation in the suburbs appears to result in increased brood reduction in large clutches that hatch asynchronously. Therefore, site-specific rates of brood reduction may be a consequence of asynchronous hatching patterns that result from parental effort to minimize hatching failure in first-laid eggs. This illustrates how anthropogenic change, such as urbanization, can lead to loss of fitness when animals use behavioral strategies intended to maximize fitness in natural landscapes.}, }
@article {pmid23979456, year = {2013}, author = {Striedter, GF}, title = {Bird brains and tool use: beyond instrumental conditioning.}, journal = {Brain, behavior and evolution}, volume = {82}, number = {1}, pages = {55-67}, doi = {10.1159/000352003}, pmid = {23979456}, issn = {1421-9743}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Brain/*anatomy &amp; histology ; *Conditioning, Operant ; Mind-Body Relations, Metaphysical ; *Nerve Net ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Few displays of complex cognition are as intriguing as nonhuman tool use. Long thought to be unique to humans, evidence for tool use and manufacture has now been gathered in chimpanzees, dolphins, and elephants. Outside of mammals, tool use is most common in birds, especially in corvids and parrots. The present paper reviews the evidence for avian tool use, both in the wild and in laboratory settings. It also places this behavioral evidence in the context of longstanding debates about the kinds of mental processes nonhumans can perform. Descartes argued that animals are unable to think because they are soulless machines, incapable of flexible behavior. Later, as human machines became more sophisticated and psychologists discovered classical and instrumental conditioning, skepticism about animal thinking decreased. However, behaviors that involve more than simple conditioning continued to elicit skepticism, especially among behaviorists. Nonetheless, as reviewed here, strong behavioral data now indicate that tool use in some birds cannot be explained as resulting entirely from instrumental conditioning. The neural substrates of tool use in birds remain unclear, but the available data point mainly to the caudolateral nidopallium, which shares both functional and structural features with the mammalian prefrontal cortex. As more data on the neural mechanisms of complex cognition in birds accrue, skepticism about those mental capacities should continue to wane.}, }
@article {pmid23971222, year = {2013}, author = {Swenson, J and Bradley, GA}, title = {Suspected cholecalciferol rodenticide toxicosis in avian species at a zoological institution.}, journal = {Journal of avian medicine and surgery}, volume = {27}, number = {2}, pages = {136-147}, doi = {10.1647/2011-062}, pmid = {23971222}, issn = {1082-6742}, mesh = {Animals ; *Animals, Zoo ; Bird Diseases/*chemically induced/pathology ; Birds ; Cholecalciferol/*toxicity ; Female ; Male ; Rodenticides/*poisoning/toxicity ; }, abstract = {Over a 2-month period, individual birds belonging to species in multiple avian families, including Bucerotidae, Sturnidae, Columbidae, Corvidae, and Anatidae, were presented to the Animal Care Center at the Phoenix Zoo for emergency medical care. Common clinical findings were subdued behavior, weight loss, and an inability to fly. Biochemical abnormalities commonly included high calcium and uric acid concentrations and high to high-normal phosphorus concentrations. In cases in which necropsies were done, mineralization of organs often was present, frequently of the kidneys and cardiovascular system. Because of the high calcium and phosphorus concentrations, mineralization of tissues, cases representing multiple avian species, and the recent addition of rodent bait boxes containing cholecalciferol to the zoo's pest control program, a presumptive diagnosis of cholecalciferol toxicosis was made. Treatment most commonly consisted of daily fluid diuresis. These cases demonstrate that, although cholecalciferol is considered unlikely to cause relay toxicosis, primary toxicosis still should be considered in cases with sudden onset of nonspecific signs when exposure to cholecalciferol was possible.}, }
@article {pmid23937948, year = {2013}, author = {Wogan, ME and Webster-Hoffmeyer, KS and Grgicak, CM}, title = {Corrosion behaviour of four handguns in aqueous environments: corrosion product characterization and effects on estimating the time since deposition.}, journal = {Science &amp; justice : journal of the Forensic Science Society}, volume = {53}, number = {3}, pages = {363-370}, doi = {10.1016/j.scijus.2013.04.010}, pmid = {23937948}, issn = {1355-0306}, abstract = {When a firearm has been disposed of in a body of water and becomes corroded, its appearance is altered and determining a time-since-immersion may be of import to the investigation. Therefore, in this study, the corrosion and mass loss of four handgun slides over a period of 180days were examined. Solid-state characterization of the metals and their corrosion products via SEM/EDX and powder X-ray Diffraction (pXRD) was performed. The pXRDs were analyzed against the NIST Powder Diffraction Database to determine the crystalline phases. Filings from the SS416 standard, Llama and Ruger handgun slide predominantly consisted of iron alloys. After 180-days in solution, pXRD indicated that the adherent corrosion products consisted of 1) γ-FeOOH and 2) iron oxide (Fe3O4 or Fe2O3). Additionally, pXRD analysis indicated that the adherent corrosion products of the SS416 standard also consisted of CrO3. Metal filings from the Raven and Jennings handgun slides were a mixture of iron-nickel-zinc and EDX and pXRD analyses of the corrosion products, when submersed in deionized water, indicated that the products consisted of: 1) γ-FeOOH, 2) iron oxide (Fe3O4 or Fe2O3), and 3) ZnFe2O4 or ZnO; where the Jennings adherent rust contained ZnFe2O4 and the Raven adherent rust contained ZnO. Further, pXRD of the corrosion products from these alloys, when submersed in 25 PSU (Practical Salinity Unit) solution, indicated that the products consisted of: 1) ZnO, 2) Zn(OH)2, 3) α-Ni(OH)2, and 4) NaCl. The data thus indicated that both metal composition and the presence of chloride ions had significant impacts on rates and products of corrosion and suggest that the presence of Cl(-) changes not only the rate of corrosion, but also the corroding species itself. While mechanisms and rates of the chloride driven corrosion processes offer explanations as to the different oxides and hydroxides observed between immersion conditions, they do not offer an explanation for the differences observed between handguns. Therefore, utilizing a general approach where surface area coverage of corrosion products is the sole consideration is not sufficient to determine time-since-immersion. Attempts to determine a time-since-immersion would require a priori knowledge of the mechanism of corrosion for a given metal mixture within a specified environment. The results described herein give indications as to the possible corrosion mechanism driving the process in high and low Cl(-) environments and show the necessity of including the metal composition, rust composition and ion concentration in any models that attempt to elucidate the time-since-immersion of handguns for forensic applications.}, }
@article {pmid23924651, year = {2013}, author = {Okada, HC and Alleyne, B and Varghai, K and Kinder, K and Guyuron, B}, title = {Facial changes caused by smoking: a comparison between smoking and nonsmoking identical twins.}, journal = {Plastic and reconstructive surgery}, volume = {132}, number = {5}, pages = {1085-1092}, doi = {10.1097/PRS.0b013e3182a4c20a}, pmid = {23924651}, issn = {1529-4242}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Diseases in Twins ; Face/*pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Photography ; Skin Aging/*pathology ; Smoking/*adverse effects ; Twins, Monozygotic ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to identify the specific components of facial aging secondary to smoking, by comparing standardized photographs of identical twins with different smoking histories.<br><br>METHODS: During the Twins Days Festival in Twinsburg, Ohio, from 2007 to 2010, 79 pairs of twins were identified, in which only one twin smokes or where one twin smoked at least 5 years longer than his or her counterpart. Questionnaires were obtained and standardized photographs were taken by professional photographers. A panel of three blinded judges analyzed the twins' facial features and graded wrinkles using the validated Lemperle Assessment Scale, and ranked age-related facial features on a four-point scale.<br><br>RESULTS: Smoking twins compared with their nonsmoking counterparts had worse scores for upper eyelid skin redundancy, lower lid bags, malar bags, nasolabial folds, upper lip wrinkles, lower lip vermillion wrinkles, and jowls. Lower lid hyperpigmentation in the smoking group fell just short of statistical significance. Transverse forehead wrinkles, glabellar wrinkles, crow's feet, and lower lip lines accentuated by puckering did not have a statistically significant differences in scores. Among twins with greater than 5 years' difference in smoking duration, twins who had smoked longer had worse scores for lower lid bags, malar bags, and lower lip vermillion wrinkles.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study details the specifics of facial aging brought on by smoking, which primarily affects the middle and lower thirds of the face. It also demonstrates that a 5-year difference in smoking history can cause noticeable differences in facial aging in twins.<br><br>Risk, II.}, }
@article {pmid23923497, year = {2013}, author = {Soler, JJ and Martín-Gálvez, D and de Neve, L and Soler, M}, title = {Brood parasitism correlates with the strength of spatial autocorrelation of life history and defensive traits in Magpies.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {94}, number = {6}, pages = {1338-1346}, doi = {10.1890/12-1350.1}, pmid = {23923497}, issn = {0012-9658}, mesh = {Animals ; Clutch Size ; Demography ; Ecosystem ; *Nesting Behavior ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Environmental characteristics of neighboring locations are generally more similar than those of distant locations. Selection pressures due to parasitism and other environmental conditions shape life history traits of hosts; thus, the probability of parasitism should be associated with the strength of spatial autocorrelation in life history and defensive traits of their hosts. Here we test this hypothesis in three different subpopulations of Magpie (Pica pica) parasitized by the Great Spotted Cuckoo (Clamator glandarius) during three breeding seasons. In some of the years and study plots, we found evidence of positive spatial autocorrelations for clutch size and parasitism rate, but not for laying date. As predicted, brood parasitism was associated with the strength of these spatial autocorrelations. Magpies that bred close to each other in areas of high risk of parasitism responded similarly to experimental parasitic eggs. Moreover, an elevated risk of parasitism eliminated the spatial autocorrelation for clutch size, which became randomly distributed. We discuss possible mechanisms explaining these associations, which may have important consequences for estimating evolutionary responses of hosts to parasitic infections and, therefore, for epidemiological, ecological, and evolutionary studies of host-parasite relationships.}, }
@article {pmid23904991, year = {2013}, author = {Kaplan, G and Rogers, LJ}, title = {Stability of referential signalling across time and locations: testing alarm calls of Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen) in urban and rural Australia and in Fiji.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {1}, number = {}, pages = {e112}, pmid = {23904991}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {In many avian species, vocal repertoire expands and changes throughout life as new syllables are added and sounds adapted to neighbours and circumstances. Referential signals, on the other hand, demand stability and lack of variation so that their meaning can be understood by conspecifics at all times. It is not known how stable such signals may be when the context is changed entirely but the point of reference remains unchanged. We investigated these questions in a rare case of forced translocation of an avian species, the Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen), from Australia to the remote Fijian island of Taveuni decades ago. By using playbacks of vocalisations to 45 magpie groups in Australia, we first established that magpies use functionally referential signals in their alarm call repertoire signalling aerial danger (measured as looking up in response to a specific alarm call even though the speakers were on the ground). With these results in hand, we then used the same playbacks to magpie groups on the island of Taveuni. Our results showed that the meaning of one specific call (eagle alarm call) is stable and maintained even in populations that have been isolated from Australian conspecifics over many (at least 10) generations. To our knowledge, this is the first time such a stability of a referential signal has been shown in the natural habitat.}, }
@article {pmid23891364, year = {2015}, author = {Hartmans, C and Comijs, H and Jonker, C}, title = {The perception of sexuality in older adults and its relationship with cognitive functioning.}, journal = {The American journal of geriatric psychiatry : official journal of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry}, volume = {23}, number = {3}, pages = {243-252}, doi = {10.1016/j.jagp.2013.04.003}, pmid = {23891364}, issn = {1545-7214}, mesh = {Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Aging/*psychology ; Cognition/*physiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; *Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Netherlands/epidemiology ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Prospective Studies ; Registries ; Sexuality/*psychology ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Investigating whether cognitive functioning is associated with the perception of one's sexuality in old age.<br><br>DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis, using observation cycle 2005/2006 of the population-based prospective cohort of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam.<br><br>SETTING: Municipal registries in three Dutch regions.<br><br>PARTICIPANTS: 1,908 older adults (mean [standard deviation] age: 71 [8.87] years; 54% women).<br><br>MEASUREMENTS: Sexuality and intimacy were assessed using four questions. Four cognitive domains were assessed: general cognitive functioning (Mini-Mental State Examination), memory performance (Auditory Verbal Learning Test), processing speed (Coding Task), and fluid intelligence (Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices). Multinomial regression analysis was used, with sexuality as outcome. The interaction effect between gender and sexuality was also tested.<br><br>RESULTS: Lower fluid intelligence was associated with perceiving sexuality as unimportant; lower general cognitive functioning was associated with perceiving sexuality as unimportant; and lower immediate memory recall was associated with evaluating sexual life as unpleasant. Associations were also found between lower fluid intelligence, processing speed, and general cognitive functioning, and agreeing with sexuality no longer being important. Lower processing speed, general cognitive functioning, and delayed memory recall were associated with disagreeing with a remaining need for intimacy when getting older. Finally, the association between fluid intelligence and perceiving sexuality as important, and the association between immediate memory recall score and evaluating sexual life as pleasant, was only significant in women. The association between lower general cognitive functioning and perceiving sexuality as unimportant seemed stronger in women compared with men.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Higher cognitive functioning was associated with the way in which older people perceive their current sexuality.}, }
@article {pmid23881172, year = {2013}, author = {Poelstra, JW and Ellegren, H and Wolf, JB}, title = {An extensive candidate gene approach to speciation: diversity, divergence and linkage disequilibrium in candidate pigmentation genes across the European crow hybrid zone.}, journal = {Heredity}, volume = {111}, number = {6}, pages = {467-473}, pmid = {23881172}, issn = {1365-2540}, mesh = {Animals ; Avian Proteins/*genetics ; Crows/classification/*genetics ; *Genetic Speciation ; *Genetic Variation ; *Linkage Disequilibrium ; Phylogeny ; Pigmentation ; Pigments, Biological/*genetics ; }, abstract = {Colouration patterns have an important role in adaptation and speciation. The European crow system, in which all-black carrion crows and grey-coated hooded crows meet in a narrow hybrid zone, is a prominent example. The marked phenotypic difference is maintained by assortative mating in the absence of neutral genetic divergence, suggesting the presence of few pigmentation genes of major effect. We made use of the rich phenotypic and genetic resources in mammals and identified a comprehensive panel of 95 candidate pigmentation genes for birds. Based on functional annotation, we chose a subset of the most promising 37 candidates, for which we developed a marker system that demonstrably works across the avian phylogeny. In total, we sequenced 107 amplicons (∼3 loci per gene, totalling 60 kb) in population samples of crows (n=23 for each taxon). Tajima's D, Fu's FS, DHEW and HKA (Hudson-Kreitman-Aguade) statistics revealed several amplicons that deviated from neutrality; however, none of these showed significantly elevated differentiation between the two taxa. Hence, colour divergence in this system may be mediated by uncharacterized pigmentation genes or regulatory regions outside genes. Alternatively, the observed high population recombination rate (4Ner∼0.03), with overall linkage disequilibrium dropping rapidly within the order of few 100 bp, may compromise the power to detect causal loci with nearby markers. Our results add to the debate as to the utility of candidate gene approaches in relation to genomic features and the genetic architecture of the phenotypic trait in question.}, }
@article {pmid23880509, year = {2013}, author = {Halász, J and Áspán, N and Bozsik, C and Gádoros, J and Inántsy-Pap, J}, title = {The relationship between conduct symptoms and the recognition of emotions in non-clinical adolescents.}, journal = {Psychiatria Hungarica : A Magyar Pszichiatriai Tarsasag tudomanyos folyoirata}, volume = {28}, number = {2}, pages = {104-110}, pmid = {23880509}, issn = {0237-7896}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Antisocial Personality Disorder/diagnosis/psychology ; Conduct Disorder/diagnosis/psychology ; *Emotions ; *Facial Expression ; Fear ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Recognition, Psychology ; Sex Factors ; *Social Perception ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: In adult individuals with antisocial personality disorder, impairment in the recognition of fear seems established. In adolescents with conduct disorder (antecedent of antisocial personality disorder), only sporadic data were assessed, but literature data indicate alterations in the recognition of emotions. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between emotion recognition and conduct symptoms in non-clinical adolescents.<br><br>METHODS: 53 adolescents participated in the study (13-16 years, boys, n=29, age 14.7&#xb1;0.2 years; girls, n=24, age=14.7&#xb1;0.2 years) after informed consent. The parent version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was used to assess behavioral problems. The recognition of six basic emotions was established by the "Facial expressions of emotion-stimuli and tests", while Raven IQ measures were also performed.<br><br>RESULTS: Compared to boys, girls showed significantly better performance in the recognition of disgust (p<0.035), while no significant difference occurred in the recognition of other emotions. In boys, Conduct Problems score was inversely correlated with the recognition of fear (Spearman R=-0.40, p<0.031) and overall emotion recognition (Spearman R=-0.44, p<0.015), while similar correlation was not present in girls.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between the recognition of emotions and conduct problems might indicate an important mechanism in the development of antisocial behavior.}, }
@article {pmid23866206, year = {2013}, author = {Flores-Mendoza, C and Widaman, K and Mansur-Alves, M and Bacelar, TD and Saldanha, R}, title = {Psychoticism and disruptive behavior can be also good predictors of school achievement.}, journal = {The Spanish journal of psychology}, volume = {16}, number = {}, pages = {E13}, doi = {10.1017/sjp.2013.3}, pmid = {23866206}, issn = {1988-2904}, mesh = {*Achievement ; Adolescent ; Child ; Educational Measurement ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; *Personality ; Students/*psychology/statistics &amp; numerical data ; }, abstract = {The relations of Gf (Standard Progressive Matrices Raven), Gc (verbal scale of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Third Version), personality dimensions (Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Junior Version), and disruptive behavior (TDAH scale) with school achievement (measured by TDE test and PISA test) were investigated. Two samples of students (total N = 534) representing a broad range of socioeconomic status (SES) participated in this study. Path models were conducted. The results demonstrated that (1) in both samples no sex differences related to school achievement were found; (2) in the first sample, after controlling for age and SES differences, Gf and psychoticism predicted (.38 and -.13, respectively) school achievement (measured by TDE test); (3) in the second sample, after controlling for SES differences to which additional measures were administered, Gf and Gc positively predicted (.22 and .40, respectively) school achievement (measured by PISA test). In addition, psychoticism and disruptive behavior also predicted school performance (-.14 and -.28, respectively). Some theoretical and practical implications are discussed.}, }
@article {pmid23864297, year = {2013}, author = {Clary, D and Kelly, DM}, title = {Are Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana) able to discriminate knowledge states of human experimenters during an object-choice task?.}, journal = {Evolutionary psychology : an international journal of evolutionary approaches to psychology and behavior}, volume = {11}, number = {3}, pages = {628-646}, pmid = {23864297}, issn = {1474-7049}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Choice Behavior ; Cues ; Humans ; Knowledge ; *Learning ; *Passeriformes ; *Theory of Mind ; }, abstract = {Corvids and primates have been shown to possess similar cognitive adaptations, yet these animals are seldom tested using similar procedures. Object-choice tasks, which have commonly been used to test whether an animal is able to infer the mental state of a human experimenter based on a gestural cue, provide one potential means of testing these animals using a similar paradigm. The current study used an object-choice task to examine whether the corvid, Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana), is able to use a cognitive strategy to discriminate between the knowledge states of two human experimenters. One experimenter was informed, and the other uninformed, as to the location of a food reward hidden inside one of two opaque containers. During the Uninformed Gesture condition, the nutcrackers were given probe tests during which only the person performing as the uninformed experimenter provided a gesture. Thus, the nutcrackers could not use the experimenter's gesture to reliably find the food. During the Gesture Conflict condition, the nutcrackers were presented with a cue conflict. During probe tests, both the informed and the uninformed experimenter gestured to separate containers. Thus, to find the food the nutcrackers had to use the gesture from the informed experimenter and refrain from using the gesture of the uninformed experimenter. Our results showed that when the uninformed experimenter's gesture was presented alone, the birds continued to follow the gesture even though it was not consistently predictive of the food's location. However, when provided with two conflicting gestures, as a group the nutcrackers responded to the gesture of the informed experimenter at above chance levels. These results suggest that the birds had learned that the gesture was informative, perhaps by associative learning, yet when this mechanism was not reliable the nutcrackers were able to use either the human experimenters' presence/absence during the baiting process, or possibly their knowledge states, to determine which gesture to rely upon.}, }
@article {pmid23826379, year = {2013}, author = {Schlacher, TA and Strydom, S and Connolly, RM and Schoeman, D}, title = {Donor-Control of Scavenging Food Webs at the Land-Ocean Interface.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {8}, number = {6}, pages = {e68221}, pmid = {23826379}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Australia ; Birds ; Brachyura ; *Feeding Behavior ; Fishes ; *Food Chain ; *Oceans and Seas ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {Food webs near the interface of adjacent ecosystems are potentially subsidised by the flux of organic matter across system boundaries. Such subsidies, including carrion of marine provenance, are predicted to be instrumental on open-coast sandy shores where in situ productivity is low and boundaries are long and highly permeable to imports from the sea. We tested the effect of carrion supply on the structure of consumer dynamics in a beach-dune system using broad-scale, repeated additions of carcasses at the strandline of an exposed beach in eastern Australia. Carrion inputs increased the abundance of large invertebrate scavengers (ghost crabs, Ocypode spp.), a numerical response most strongly expressed by the largest size-class in the population, and likely due to aggregative behaviour in the short term. Consumption of carrion at the beach-dune interface was rapid and efficient, driven overwhelmingly by facultative avian scavengers. This guild of vertebrate scavengers comprises several species of birds of prey (sea eagles, kites), crows and gulls, which reacted strongly to concentrations of fish carrion, creating hotspots of intense scavenging activity along the shoreline. Detection of carrion effects at several trophic levels suggests that feeding links arising from carcasses shape the architecture and dynamics of food webs at the land-ocean interface.}, }
@article {pmid23825658, year = {2013}, author = {Seiler, M and Schwitzer, C and Gamba, M and Holderied, MW}, title = {Interspecific semantic alarm call recognition in the solitary Sahamalaza sportive lemur, Lepilemur sahamalazensis.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {8}, number = {6}, pages = {e67397}, pmid = {23825658}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Acoustic Stimulation ; *Animal Communication ; Animals ; Lemuridae/*psychology ; *Recognition, Psychology ; *Semantics ; Sympatry ; }, abstract = {As alarm calls indicate the presence of predators, the correct interpretation of alarm calls, including those of other species, is essential for predator avoidance. Conversely, communication calls of other species might indicate the perceived absence of a predator and hence allow a reduction in vigilance. This "eavesdropping" was demonstrated in birds and mammals, including lemur species. Interspecific communication between taxonomic groups has so far been reported in some reptiles and mammals, including three primate species. So far, neither semantic nor interspecific communication has been tested in a solitary and nocturnal lemur species. The aim of this study was to investigate if the nocturnal and solitary Sahamalaza sportive lemur, Lepilemur sahamalazensis, is able to access semantic information of sympatric species. During the day, this species faces the risk of falling prey to aerial and terrestrial predators and therefore shows high levels of vigilance. We presented alarm calls of the crested coua, the Madagascar magpie-robin and aerial, terrestrial and agitation alarm calls of the blue-eyed black lemur to 19 individual Sahamalaza sportive lemurs resting in tree holes. Songs of both bird species' and contact calls of the blue-eyed black lemur were used as a control. After alarm calls of crested coua, Madagascar magpie-robin and aerial alarm of the blue-eyed black lemur, the lemurs scanned up and their vigilance increased significantly. After presentation of terrestrial alarm and agitation calls of the blue-eyed black lemur, the animals did not show significant changes in scanning direction or in the duration of vigilance. Sportive lemur vigilance decreased after playbacks of songs of the bird species and contact calls of blue-eyed black lemurs. Our results indicate that the Sahamalaza sportive lemur is capable of using information on predator presence as well as predator type of different sympatric species, using their referential signals to detect predators early, and that the lemurs' reactions are based on experience and learning.}, }
@article {pmid23825209, year = {2013}, author = {Cross, DJ and Marzluff, JM and Palmquist, I and Minoshima, S and Shimizu, T and Miyaoka, R}, title = {Distinct neural circuits underlie assessment of a diversity of natural dangers by American crows.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {280}, number = {1765}, pages = {20131046}, pmid = {23825209}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Brain Mapping ; Crows/*physiology ; *Dangerous Behavior ; *Discrimination, Psychological ; Fear ; Nerve Net/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Social animals encountering natural dangers face decisions such as whether to freeze, flee or harass the threat. The American crow, Corvus brachyrhynchos, conspicuously mobs dangers. We used positron emission tomography to test the hypothesis that distinct neuronal substrates underlie the crow's consistent behavioural response to different dangers. We found that crows activated brain regions associated with attention and arousal (nucleus isthmo-opticus/locus coeruleus), and with motor response (arcopallium), as they fixed their gaze on a threat. However, despite this consistent behavioural and neural response, the sight of a person who previously captured the crow, a person holding a dead crow and a taxidermy-mounted hawk activated distinct forebrain regions (amygdala, hippocampus and portion of the caudal nidopallium, respectively). We suggest that aspects of mobbing behaviour are guided by unique neural circuits that respond to differences in mental processing-learning, memory formation and multisensory discrimination-required to appropriately nuance a risky behaviour to specific dangers.}, }
@article {pmid23792265, year = {2013}, author = {Hasegawa, N and Kitamura, H and Murakami, H and Kameyama, S and Sasagawa, M and Egawa, J and Endo, T and Someya, T}, title = {Neural activity in the posterior superior temporal region during eye contact perception correlates with autistic traits.}, journal = {Neuroscience letters}, volume = {549}, number = {}, pages = {45-50}, doi = {10.1016/j.neulet.2013.05.067}, pmid = {23792265}, issn = {1872-7972}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Attention/*physiology ; Autistic Disorder/*physiopathology ; Brain Mapping ; Eye ; Facial Expression ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetoencephalography ; Male ; Photic Stimulation ; *Social Perception ; Temporal Lobe/*physiopathology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {The present study investigated the relationship between neural activity associated with gaze processing and autistic traits in typically developed subjects using magnetoencephalography. Autistic traits in 24 typically developed college students with normal intelligence were assessed using the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ). The Minimum Current Estimates method was applied to estimate the cortical sources of magnetic responses to gaze stimuli. These stimuli consisted of apparent motion of the eyes, displaying direct or averted gaze motion. Results revealed gaze-related brain activations in the 150-250 ms time window in the right posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS), and in the 150-450 ms time window in medial prefrontal regions. In addition, the mean amplitude in the 150-250 ms time window in the right pSTS region was modulated by gaze direction, and its activity in response to direct gaze stimuli correlated with AQ score. pSTS activation in response to direct gaze is thought to be related to higher-order social processes. Thus, these results suggest that brain activity linking eye contact and social signals is associated with autistic traits in a typical population.}, }
@article {pmid23791025, year = {2013}, author = {Fonseca, AL and Albernaz, EP and Kaufmann, CC and Neves, IH and Figueiredo, VL}, title = {Impact of breastfeeding on the intelligence quotient of eight-year-old children.}, journal = {Jornal de pediatria}, volume = {89}, number = {4}, pages = {346-353}, doi = {10.1016/j.jped.2012.12.010}, pmid = {23791025}, issn = {1678-4782}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Brazil ; Breast Feeding/psychology/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Child ; Cognition/physiology ; Cohort Studies ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Regression Analysis ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Time Factors ; Urban Population ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the influence of breastfeeding on the intellectual capacity of children from a cohort in a developing country, with a control for the main confounding factors.<br><br>METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed including all infants born in the hospitals of a medium-size city, and a random sample of these newborns was monitored at 30, 90, and 180 days of life, and at age 8 years. Several aspects of breastfeeding were assessed in the follow-up and, at 8 years, general intellectual capacity was assessed through the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices test. The statistical analyses used Student's t-test, ANOVA, and linear regression and logistics, considering p-values less than 0.05 as statistically significant associations.<br><br>RESULTS: At age 8 years, 560 children were assessed with Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices test. The average score was 22.56 points, with a standard deviation of 5.93. The difference in the averages found between the breastfed and non-breastfed groups at six months of age was 1.33 (p=0.008). Mother's and child's skin color, social and economic class, maternal education and smoking, and breastfeeding at six months of age (p=0.007) were still associated with the outcome.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Children that were breastfed for six months or more had better performance in the general intellectual assessment, even after adjusting for the main confounding factors.}, }
@article {pmid23773916, year = {2013}, author = {Träff, U}, title = {The contribution of general cognitive abilities and number abilities to different aspects of mathematics in children.}, journal = {Journal of experimental child psychology}, volume = {116}, number = {2}, pages = {139-156}, doi = {10.1016/j.jecp.2013.04.007}, pmid = {23773916}, issn = {1096-0457}, mesh = {Adolescent ; *Aptitude ; Aptitude Tests ; Child ; *Cognition ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Mathematics ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Problem Solving ; Psychological Tests ; }, abstract = {This study examined the relative contributions of general cognitive abilities and number abilities to word problem solving, calculation, and arithmetic fact retrieval in a sample of 134 children aged 10 to 13 years. The following tasks were administered: listening span, visual matrix span, verbal fluency, color naming, Raven's Progressive Matrices, enumeration, number line estimation, and digit comparison. Hierarchical multiple regressions demonstrated that number abilities provided an independent contribution to fact retrieval and word problem solving. General cognitive abilities contributed to problem solving and calculation. All three number tasks accounted for a similar amount of variance in fact retrieval, whereas only the number line estimation task contributed unique variance in word problem solving. Verbal fluency and Raven's matrices accounted for an equal amount of variance in problem solving and calculation. The current findings demonstrate, in accordance with Fuchs and colleagues' developmental model of mathematical learning (Developmental Psychology, 2010, Vol. 46, pp. 1731-1746), that both number abilities and general cognitive abilities underlie 10- to 13-year-olds' proficiency in problem solving, whereas only number abilities underlie arithmetic fact retrieval. Thus, the amount and type of cognitive contribution to arithmetic proficiency varies between the different aspects of arithmetic. Furthermore, how closely linked a specific aspect of arithmetic is to the whole number representation systems is not the only factor determining the amount and type of cognitive contribution in 10- to 13-year-olds. In addition, the mathematical complexity of the task appears to influence the amount and type of cognitive support.}, }
@article {pmid23755164, year = {2013}, author = {Lee, SI and Hwang, S and Joe, YE and Cha, HK and Joo, GH and Lee, HJ and Kim, JW and Jablonski, PG}, title = {Direct look from a predator shortens the risk-assessment time by prey.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {8}, number = {6}, pages = {e64977}, pmid = {23755164}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Escape Reaction ; Humans ; Intention ; Models, Biological ; *Predatory Behavior ; Reaction Time ; Recognition, Psychology ; Songbirds/*physiology ; Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {Decision making process is an important component of information use by animals and has already been studied in natural situations. Decision making takes time, which is expressed as a cost in evolutionary explanations of decision making abilities of animals. However, the duration of information assessment and decision making process has not been measured in a natural situation. Here, we use responses of wild magpies (Pica pica) to predictably approaching humans to demonstrate that, regardless of whether the bird perceived high (decided to fly away) or low (resumed foraging) threat level, the bird assessed the situation faster when approaching humans looked directly at it than when the humans were not directly looking at it. This indicates that prey is able to extract more information about the predator's intentions and to respond sooner when the predator is continuously ("intently") looking at the prey. The results generally illustrate how an increase of information available to an individual leads to a shorter assessment and decision making process, confirming one of central tenets of psychology of information use in a wild bird species in its natural habitat.}, }
@article {pmid23728584, year = {2014}, author = {Bogale, BA and Sugita, S}, title = {Shape discrimination and concept formation in the jungle crow (Corvus macrorhynchos).}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {17}, number = {1}, pages = {105-111}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-013-0642-y}, pmid = {23728584}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; *Concept Formation ; Conditioning, Operant ; *Crows/physiology ; Cues ; Discrimination, Psychological ; Female ; *Form Perception ; Male ; Photic Stimulation ; }, abstract = {We investigated whether jungle crows can learn concepts by using printouts of shapes in a simultaneous two-alternative task. Jungle crows were first trained with a red triangle and red square until they reached the discrimination criterion (80% of correct choices in two blocks of 10 trials each). Then, we tested crows with successive transfer tests to investigate both the discrimination cues being used and concept formation ability, by using novel triangular and non-triangular stimuli. All of the jungle crows learnt to discriminate between the triangle and square during training. The discrimination performance was generally not affected either by changes in the colour of the stimuli or when both shape and colour cues conflicted, with the previously non-rewarded shape but matching colour (red square) versus rewarded shape but non-matching colour (green triangle). The use of only outlines of the familiar stimuli also did not affect discrimination behaviour of crows. In addition, crows significantly discriminated novel triangular shapes during the limited trials given, suggesting their ability to form the concept of triangularity. However, failure to discriminate when the novel stimuli size deviated from the original suggests that there is a limit to shape concept formation in a familiar-novel context in the jungle crow.}, }
@article {pmid23708242, year = {2014}, author = {Mole, B}, title = {Accordion wrinkle treatment through the targeted use of botulinum toxin injections.}, journal = {Aesthetic plastic surgery}, volume = {38}, number = {2}, pages = {419-428}, doi = {10.1007/s00266-013-0134-0}, pmid = {23708242}, issn = {1432-5241}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*therapeutic use ; Cohort Studies ; Drug Delivery Systems/*methods ; Esthetics ; *Face ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Injections, Subcutaneous ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Patient Satisfaction/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Rejuvenation ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {UNLABELLED: The term "accordion facies" is used to define a face that has been streaked by an extended network of wrinkles stretching from the orbital frame up to the temples and neck. Although the origin of these wrinkles seems to be the mime muscle effect, it also may be linked to the presence of acetylcholine skin receptors in the superficial skin. This would certainly explain the reason for the presence of these wrinkles far from the muscle areas. Therefore, very superficial and targeted injections of diluted botulinum toxin A can be offered. In the case of strongly dehydrated skin, the toxin may be combined with a weak or not reticulated hyaluronic acid. The use of thin cannulas offers an advanced treatment especially in the resistant crow's feet area with a single entry point and a lower risk of ecchymotic incidents. The results are quite impressive and offer real new options in the management of the aging process. The main drawback remains the risk of unexpected diffusions to the great zygomatic muscle, with some distortion in the extreme smile. Therefore, dilution (up to 3 times) and very precise injections are strongly recommended, especially in the para-commissural area. This report presents a case study of 44 patients who received this treatment, with a follow-up period of 1-25 months. To date, these particularly striking facial distortions had not received a satisfactory answer.<br><br>LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .}, }
@article {pmid23695905, year = {2013}, author = {Peach, RK}, title = {The cognitive basis for sentence planning difficulties in discourse after traumatic brain injury.}, journal = {American journal of speech-language pathology}, volume = {22}, number = {2}, pages = {S285-97}, doi = {10.1044/1058-0360(2013/12-0081)}, pmid = {23695905}, issn = {1558-9110}, mesh = {Adult ; Attention/physiology ; Brain Injuries/complications/*physiopathology ; Cognition/*physiology ; Cognition Disorders/etiology/physiopathology ; Executive Function/physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Language Disorders/etiology/*physiopathology ; Language Tests ; *Linguistics ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term/physiology ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Speech Production Measurement ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: Analyses of language production of individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) place increasing emphasis on microlinguistic (i.e., within-sentence) patterns. It is unknown whether the observed problems involve implementation of well-formed sentence frames or represent a fundamental linguistic disturbance in computing sentence structure. This study investigated the cognitive basis for microlinguistic deficits in individuals with TBI.<br><br>METHOD: Fifteen nonaphasic individuals with severe TBI and 6 age- and education-matched non brain-injured adults participated in this study. Monologic discourse samples were analyzed for pausing patterns, mazes, errors, and abandoned utterances. Measures of cognitive abilities were correlated with the sentence measures.<br><br>RESULTS: The speakers with TBI produced more pauses between clauses (but not within clauses) as well as more mazes than did the non brain-injured speakers. Significant regression models were built. Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (Raven, 1965), a measure associated with working memory, predicted pause behavior, and Likenesses-Differences (Baker &amp; Leland, 1967), a measure of executive function, predicted maze behavior.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Sentence planning impairments following TBI are associated with deficient organization and monitoring of language representations in working memory. These findings suggest that the deficits are due to problems in the recruitment and control of attention for sentence planning. These findings bear on sentence processing models that emphasize the activation, organization, and maintenance of language representations for accurate sentence production.}, }
@article {pmid23681287, year = {2013}, author = {Norris, DR and Flockhart, DT and Strickland, D}, title = {Contrasting patterns of survival and dispersal in multiple habitats reveal an ecological trap in a food-caching bird.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {173}, number = {3}, pages = {827-835}, pmid = {23681287}, issn = {1432-1939}, mesh = {Animal Distribution/*physiology ; Animals ; *Ecosystem ; Feeding Behavior/physiology ; Likelihood Functions ; Longitudinal Studies ; *Models, Biological ; Ontario ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Reproduction/physiology ; Seasons ; Survival Analysis ; Tracheophyta ; }, abstract = {A comprehensive understanding of how natural and anthropogenic variation in habitat influences populations requires long-term information on how such variation affects survival and dispersal throughout the annual cycle. Gray jays Perisoreus canadensis are widespread boreal resident passerines that use cached food to survive over the winter and to begin breeding during the late winter. Using multistate capture-recapture analysis, we examined apparent survival and dispersal in relation to habitat quality in a gray jay population over 34 years (1977-2010). Prior evidence suggests that natural variation in habitat quality is driven by the proportion of conifers on territories because of their superior ability to preserve cached food. Although neither adults (>1 year) nor juveniles (<1 year) had higher survival rates on high-conifer territories, both age classes were less likely to leave high-conifer territories and, when they did move, were more likely to disperse to high-conifer territories. In contrast, survival rates were lower on territories that were adjacent to a major highway compared to territories that did not border the highway but there was no evidence for directional dispersal towards or away from highway territories. Our results support the notion that natural variation in habitat quality is driven by the proportion of coniferous trees on territories and provide the first evidence that high-mortality highway habitats can act as an equal-preference ecological trap for birds. Reproductive success, as shown in a previous study, but not survival, is sensitive to natural variation in habitat quality, suggesting that gray jays, despite living in harsh winter conditions, likely favor the allocation of limited resources towards self-maintenance over reproduction.}, }
@article {pmid23668696, year = {2013}, author = {Shaw, RC and Plotnik, JM and Clayton, NS}, title = {Exclusion in corvids: the performance of food-caching Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius).}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {127}, number = {4}, pages = {428-435}, doi = {10.1037/a0032010}, pmid = {23668696}, issn = {1939-2087}, mesh = {Animals ; Auditory Perception/*physiology ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Choice Behavior/*physiology ; Cues ; Food/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Random Allocation ; *Reward ; Task Performance and Analysis ; Visual Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Choice by exclusion involves selecting a rewarded stimulus by rejecting alternatives that are unlikely to be rewarded. It has been proposed that in corvids, exclusion is an adaptive specialization for caching that, together with object permanence and observational spatial memory, enhances a bird's ability to keep track of the contents of caches. Thus, caching species are predicted to perform well in tasks requiring exclusion. We tested this prediction by assessing the performance of Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius), a highly specialized cacher, in a two-way object choice task in which food was hidden in 1 of 2 cups. Consistent with the corvids' capacity for observational spatial memory, jays were highly accurate when shown the location of the food reward. However, the jays failed to exclude the empty cup when shown its contents. This failure to select the baited cup when shown the empty cup was possibly due to jays attending to the experimenter's movements and erroneously selecting the empty cup by responding to these local enhancement cues. To date, no corvids have been tested in an auditory two-way object choice task. Testing exclusion in the auditory domain requires that a bird use the noise produced when the baited cup is shaken to locate the reward. Although jays chose the baited cup more frequently than predicted by chance, their performance did not differ from trials controlling for the use of conflicting cues provided by the experimenter. Overall, our results provide little support for the hypothesis that caching has shaped exclusion abilities in corvids.}, }
@article {pmid23659111, year = {2013}, author = {Bagotskaia, MS and Smirnova, AA and Zorina, ZA}, title = {[Solution of trap tube test by hooded crows (Corvus cornix L.)].}, journal = {Zhurnal obshchei biologii}, volume = {74}, number = {1}, pages = {23-33}, pmid = {23659111}, issn = {0044-4596}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Cognition/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Learning/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Eight hooded crows (Corvus cornix L.) were tested for their ability to use a piston (a stick with two attached clear plates between which the food is enclosed such that moving the stick would move the food) to get the reward out of a transparent tube avoiding a trap. Six out of eight crows learned to use a piston to extract a food reward from a transparent non-trap tube. One out of these six birds successfully performed the task in which it had to avoid a trap to retrieve a reward, in the first trial showing spontaneous comprehending of the task structure. Four crows learned to perform this task using the trial-and-error method. To find out a mechanism these crows used to perform the task, birds were presented with two transfer tasks (tests) in which we changed the relative positions of components in the apparatus. We found out that crows performed transfer tasks using rather concrete rules than immediate estimation of the relative positions of the components in the apparatus.}, }
@article {pmid23638394, year = {2013}, author = {Koboroff, A and Kaplan, G and Rogers, Lj}, title = {Clever strategists: Australian Magpies vary mobbing strategies, not intensity, relative to different species of predator.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {1}, number = {}, pages = {e56}, pmid = {23638394}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Anti-predator behaviour of magpies was investigated, using five species of model predators, at times of raising offspring. We predicted differences in mobbing strategies for each predator presented and also that raising juveniles would affect intensity of the mobbing event. Fourteen permanent resident family groups were tested using 5 different types of predator (avian and reptilian) known to be of varying degrees of risk to magpies and common in their habitat. In all, 210 trials were conducted (across three different stages of juvenile development). We found that the stage of juvenile development did not alter mobbing behaviour significantly, but predator type did. Aerial strategies (such as swooping) were elicited by taxidermic models of raptors, whereas a taxidermic model of a monitor lizard was approached on the ground and a model snake was rarely approached. Swooping patterns also changed according to which of the three raptors was presented. Our results show that, in contrast to findings in other species, magpies vary mobbing strategy depending on the predator rather than varying mobbing intensity.}, }
@article {pmid23612306, year = {2013}, author = {Vail, AL and Manica, A and Bshary, R}, title = {Referential gestures in fish collaborative hunting.}, journal = {Nature communications}, volume = {4}, number = {}, pages = {1765}, pmid = {23612306}, issn = {2041-1723}, mesh = {*Animal Communication ; Animals ; Anthozoa/physiology ; *Cooperative Behavior ; Fishes/*physiology ; *Gestures ; Octopodiformes/physiology ; Predatory Behavior/*physiology ; Trout/physiology ; }, abstract = {In humans, referential gestures intentionally draw the attention of a partner to an object of mutual interest, and are considered a key element in language development. Outside humans, referential gestures have only been attributed to great apes and, most recently, ravens. This was interpreted as further evidence for the comparable cognitive abilities of primates and corvids. Here we describe a signal that coral reef fishes, the grouper Plectropomus pessuliferus marisrubri and coral trout Plectropomus leopardus, use to indicate hidden prey to cooperative hunting partners, including giant moray eels Gymnothorax javanicus, Napoleon wrasses Chelinus undulatus and octopuses Octopus cyanea. We provide evidence that the signal possesses the five attributes proposed to infer a referential gesture: it is directed towards an object, mechanically ineffective, directed towards a potential recipient, receives a voluntary response and demonstrates hallmarks of intentionality. Thus, referential gesture use is not restricted to large-brained vertebrates.}, }
@article {pmid23578706, year = {2013}, author = {Drake, B and Paterson, R and Cushing, T and Tabin, G and Butler, F}, title = {Reply to Dr Jay Zimmermann's letter.}, journal = {Wilderness &amp; environmental medicine}, volume = {24}, number = {2}, pages = {182-183}, doi = {10.1016/j.wem.2013.01.007}, pmid = {23578706}, issn = {1545-1534}, mesh = {Eye Diseases/*therapy ; Eye Injuries/*therapy ; Humans ; *Practice Patterns, Physicians' ; Wilderness Medicine/*standards ; }, }
@article {pmid22958253, year = {2012}, author = {Ziegler, U and Seidowski, D and Angenvoort, J and Eiden, M and Müller, K and Nowotny, N and Groschup, MH}, title = {Monitoring of West Nile virus infections in Germany.}, journal = {Zoonoses and public health}, volume = {59 Suppl 2}, number = {}, pages = {95-101}, doi = {10.1111/zph.12015}, pmid = {22958253}, issn = {1863-2378}, mesh = {Animal Migration ; Animals ; Antibodies, Viral/blood ; Bird Diseases/blood/*epidemiology/virology ; Birds ; Germany/epidemiology ; Horse Diseases/blood/*epidemiology/virology ; Horses ; Humans ; Population Surveillance ; West Nile Fever/blood/epidemiology/*veterinary/virology ; West Nile virus/immunology ; }, abstract = {West Nile virus (WNV) is a flavivirus that is maintained in an enzootic cycle between ornithophilic mosquitoes, mainly of the Culex genus, and certain wild bird species. Other bird species like ravens, jays and raptors are highly susceptible to the infection and may develop deadly encephalitis, while further species of birds are only going through subclinical infection. The objective of this study was to continue in years 2009-2011 the serological and molecular surveillance in wild birds in Germany (see Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. 10, 639) and to expand these investigations for the first time also to sera from domestic poultry and horses collected between 2005 and 2009. All three cohorts function as indicators for the endemic circulation of WNV. The presence of WNV-specific antibodies was detected in all samples by virus neutralization test (VNT), indirect immunofluorescence test (IFT) and/or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The presence of WNV genomes was monitored in relevant sera using two qRT-PCRs that amplify lineage 1 and 2 strains. A total of 364 migratory and resident wild bird serum samples (with emphasis on Passeriformes and Falconiformes) as well as 1119 serum samples from domestic poultry and 1282 sera from horses were analysed. With the exception of one hooded crow, antibody carriers were exclusively found in migratory birds, but not in resident birds/domestic poultry or in local horses. Crows are facultative, short-distance winter migrants in Germany. WNV-specific nucleic acids could not be demonstrated in any of the samples. According to these data, there is no convincing evidence for indigenous WNV infections in equines and in wild/domestic birds in Germany. However, since a few years, WNV infections are endemic in other European countries such as Austria, Hungary, Greece and Italy, a state-of-the-art surveillance system for the detection of incursions of WNV into Germany deems mandatory.}, }
@article {pmid23485873, year = {2013}, author = {Auersperg, AM and Laumer, IB and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Goffin cockatoos wait for qualitative and quantitative gains but prefer 'better' to 'more'.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {9}, number = {3}, pages = {20121092}, pmid = {23485873}, issn = {1744-957X}, support = {J 3404/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Cockatoos/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior ; }, abstract = {Evidence for flexible impulse control over food consumption is rare in non-human animals. So far, only primates and corvids have been shown to be able to fully inhibit the consumption of a desirable food item in anticipation for a gain in quality or quantity longer than a minute. We tested Goffin cockatoos (Cacatua goffini) in an exchange task. Subjects were able to bridge delays of up to 80 s for a preferred food quality and up to 20 s for a higher quantity, providing the first evidence for temporal discounting in birds that do not cache food.}, }
@article {pmid23437262, year = {2013}, author = {Wascher, CA and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Behavioral responses to inequity in reward distribution and working effort in crows and ravens.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {8}, number = {2}, pages = {e56885}, pmid = {23437262}, issn = {1932-6203}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Cooperative Behavior ; *Crows ; Female ; Male ; *Reward ; }, abstract = {Sensitivity to inequity is considered to be a crucial cognitive tool in the evolution of human cooperation. The ability has recently been shown also in primates and dogs, raising the question of an evolutionary basis of inequity aversion. We present first evidence that two bird species are sensitive to other individuals' efforts and payoffs. In a token exchange task we tested both behavioral responses to inequity in the quality of reward (preferred versus non-preferred food) and to the absence of reward in the presence of a rewarded partner, in 5 pairs of corvids (6 crows, 4 ravens). Birds decreased their exchange performance when the experimental partner received the reward as a gift, which indicates that they are sensitive to other individuals' working effort. They also decreased their exchange performance in the inequity compared with the equity condition. Notably, corvids refused to take the reward after a successful exchange more often in the inequity compared with the other conditions. Our findings indicate that awareness to other individuals' efforts and payoffs may evolve independently of phylogeny in systems with a given degree of social complexity.}, }
@article {pmid23436138, year = {2014}, author = {Halonen, JI and Kivimäki, M and Kouvonen, A and Pentti, J and Kawachi, I and Subramanian, SV and Vahtera, J}, title = {Proximity to a tobacco store and smoking cessation: a cohort study.}, journal = {Tobacco control}, volume = {23}, number = {2}, pages = {146-151}, doi = {10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2012-050726}, pmid = {23436138}, issn = {1468-3318}, support = {MR/K013351/1/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Cohort Studies ; *Commerce ; Data Collection ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sex Factors ; *Smoking ; *Smoking Cessation ; Tobacco Industry ; *Tobacco Products ; *Tobacco Use Disorder ; Walking ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: It is not clear whether the availability of tobacco affects the likelihood of smoking cessation. We examined whether the proximity to a tobacco store and the number of stores were associated with smoking cessation, and compared results for proximity variables based on walking and straight-line (as the crow flies) distance.<br><br>METHODS: The study population consisted of 8751 baseline smokers from the Finnish Public Sector study in 1997-2005. Smoking intensity (cigarettes/day) was determined at baseline and smoking cessation was determined from a follow-up survey in 2008-2009. Proximity was measured using straight-line and walking distance from home to the nearest tobacco store, and another exposure variable was the number of stores within 0.50 km from home. We calculated associations with log-binomial regression models, adjusting for individual-level and area-level confounders.<br><br>RESULTS: Of the participants, 3482 (39.8%) quit smoking during the follow-up (mean follow-up 5.5 years, SD 2.3 years). Among men who were moderate/heavy smokers at baseline and lived <0.50 km walking distance from the nearest tobacco store, the likelihood of smoking cessation was 27% (95% CI 12% to 40%) lower compared with those living &#x2265;0.50 km from a store. Having even one store within 0.50 km walking distance from home decreased cessation in men who were moderate/heavy smokers by 37% (95% CI 19% to 51%). No decrease was found for men who were light smokers at baseline or for women.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Living within walking distance of a tobacco store reduced the likelihood of smoking cessation among men who were moderate/heavy smokers.}, }
@article {pmid23432835, year = {2013}, author = {Chow, BW and Ho, CS and Wong, SW and Waye, MMY and Bishop, DVM}, title = {Generalist genes and cognitive abilities in Chinese twins.}, journal = {Developmental science}, volume = {16}, number = {2}, pages = {260-268}, pmid = {23432835}, issn = {1467-7687}, support = {082498/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; 082498/z/07/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Age Factors ; Asian People/*psychology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; *Cognition ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Language ; *Language Development ; Male ; Models, Genetic ; Multivariate Analysis ; *Reading ; Twins, Dizygotic ; Twins, Monozygotic ; Vocabulary ; }, abstract = {This study considered how far nonverbal cognitive, language and reading abilities are affected by common genetic influences in a sample of 312 typically developing Chinese twin pairs aged from 3 to 11 years. Children were individually given tasks of Chinese word reading, receptive vocabulary, phonological memory, tone awareness, syllable and rhyme awareness, rapid automatized naming, morphological awareness and orthographic skills, and Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices. Factor analyses on the verbal tasks adjusted for age indicated two factors: Language as the first factor and Reading as the second factor. Univariate genetic analyses indicated that genetic influences were substantial for nonverbal cognitive ability and moderate for language and reading. Multivariate genetic analyses showed that nonverbal cognitive ability, language and reading were influenced by shared genetic origins, although there were specific genetic influences on verbal skills that were distinct from those on nonverbal cognitive ability. This study extends the Generalist Genes Hypothesis to Chinese language and reading skills, suggesting that the general effects of genes could be universal across languages.}, }
@article {pmid23401972, year = {2012}, author = {Pleskacheva, MG and Zorina, ZA}, title = {[Solving of Revesh-Krushinsky test by animals of different taxonomic groups].}, journal = {Zhurnal evoliutsionnoi biokhimii i fiziologii}, volume = {48}, number = {6}, pages = {597-612}, pmid = {23401972}, issn = {0044-4529}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Birds/*physiology ; Cognition/physiology ; Humans ; Memory/*physiology ; Movement/physiology ; Primates/*physiology ; Rats ; }, abstract = {There has been compared behavior of rats, corvid birds, and primates of different species at their performance of the Revesh-Krushinsky test (RKT) developed by L. V. Krushinsky to extimate the human capability for revealing rule of discrete translocation of hidden target object. RKT was introduced as an addition to the test for extrapolation of the movement direction of the bait seen only at the initial pathway fragment; this test is close to Piaget's tests (stage 6) evaluating the capability for mental representation and determination of location of the moving hidden object. During RKT, the bait, hidden from the animals, was placed, near where it was previous time: at the first test presentation--under the 1st cylinder, at the 2nd one--under the 2nd cylinder, etc. The animals were tested once. It was shown that they did not catch the necessary for successful solution rule of the bait translocation, direction and step of its translocation in each presentation. Only some of the animals solved RKT, found the bait 3 and more times in succession with no errors or with one error. Nevertheless, in all groups the number of errors was lower than that in the model situation of random search. Such optimization was a consequence of universal for all groups strategy of search in the places where the bait was found recently. With the similar number of errors, rats, birds, and monkeys performed the search differently. Rats were looking for bait mainly among the cylinders where they had found it previously, whereas monkeys and birds chosen the first the new cylinders located near the target one, which implies the existence, to the weak extent, of elements of prognosis. For all groups of animals, RKT turned out to be more difficult both of the test for extrapolation and the Piaget's test.}, }
@article {pmid23401948, year = {2012}, author = {Savage, HM and Kothera, L}, title = {The Culex pipiens complex in the Mississippi River basin: identification, distribution, and bloodmeal hosts.}, journal = {Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association}, volume = {28}, number = {4 Suppl}, pages = {93-99}, doi = {10.2987/8756-971X-28.4.93}, pmid = {23401948}, issn = {8756-971X}, mesh = {Animal Distribution ; Animals ; Birds/*parasitology ; Culex/*classification/genetics/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior ; *Host-Parasite Interactions ; Humans ; Hybridization, Genetic ; Mammals/*parasitology ; United States ; }, abstract = {Members of the Culex pipiens complex are the primary vectors of St. Louis encephalitis virus and West Nile virus in the Mississippi River basin (MRB). The Cx. pipiens complex in the MRB is composed of 4 taxa: Cx. p. pipiens form pipiens, Cx. p. quinquefasciatus, hybrids between Cx. p. pipiens f. pipiens and Cx. p. quinquefasciatus, and Cx. p. pipiens form molestus. Three studies on bloodmeal hosts with large sample sizes have been conducted on members of the Cx. pipiens complex in the MRB including 1 each on Cx. p. quinquefasciatus from Louisiana, Cx. p. pipiens-quinquefasciatus hybrids from Tennessee, and Cx. p. pipiens from Illinois. The top 8 bloodmeal hosts from each of the 3 sites accounted for 68-92% of bloodmeals. Only 14 species accounted for the top 8 bloodmeal hosts at each of the 3 sites. The most often utilized bloodmeal hosts for members of the Culex pipiens complex within the MRB are the American robin, Northern cardinal, human, raccoon, common grackle, house sparrow, mourning dove, dog, Northern mockingbird, blue jay, opossum, domestic horse, house finch and European starling. Human feeding varied widely among sites from 1% to 15.7% of bloodmeals. The proportion of bloodmeals taken on humans is an important epidemiological variable and future studies are needed to define the primary genetic and environmental factors that influence host utilization by members of the Cx. pipiens complex.}, }
@article {pmid23398325, year = {2013}, author = {Cahill, M and O'Donnell, M and Warren, A and Taylor, A and Gowan, O}, title = {Enhancing interprofessional student practice through a case-based model.}, journal = {Journal of interprofessional care}, volume = {27}, number = {4}, pages = {333-335}, doi = {10.3109/13561820.2013.764514}, pmid = {23398325}, issn = {1469-9567}, mesh = {*Cooperative Behavior ; Focus Groups ; Humans ; *Interprofessional Relations ; *Models, Educational ; *Preceptorship ; Qualitative Research ; Queensland ; *Students, Health Occupations ; }, abstract = {Healthcare workers are increasingly being called upon to work collaboratively in practice to improve patient care and it seems imperative that interprofessional working should be mirrored in student education, especially during placements. This short report describes a qualitative evaluation of a client-centered, case-based model of interprofessional education (IPE) which aimed to improve interprofessional communication and team working skills for the students and therapists involved in practice placements. The IPE project implemented the meet, assess, goal set, plan, implement, evaluate (MAGPIE) framework for interprofessional case-based teaching (Queensland-Health (2008)) alongside the International Classification of Function, Disability and Health (ICF) (WHO, 2001). Three separate focus groups explored the experiences of the students, therapists and placement facilitators from the disciplines of occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech and language therapy. Three themes emerged: IPE as a motivating experience, IPE enhancing the depth of learning and clarity of expectations. This report concluded that IPE in the clinical setting, using the client-centered MAGPIE model, provided a strong foundation for enhanced learning in practice education contexts.}, }
@article {pmid23382187, year = {2013}, author = {Ostojić, L and Shaw, RC and Cheke, LG and Clayton, NS}, title = {Evidence suggesting that desire-state attribution may govern food sharing in Eurasian jays.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {110}, number = {10}, pages = {4123-4128}, pmid = {23382187}, issn = {1091-6490}, support = {//Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Female ; Food ; Male ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {State-attribution is the ability to ascribe to others an internal life like one's own and to understand that internal, psychological states such as desire, hope, belief, and knowledge underlie others' actions. Despite extensive research, comparative studies struggle to adequately integrate key factors of state-attribution that have been identified by evolutionary and developmental psychology as well as research on empathy. Here, we develop a behavioral paradigm to address these issues and investigate whether male Eurasian jays respond to the changing desire-state of their female partners when sharing food. We demonstrate that males feed their mates flexibly according to the female's current food preference. Critically, we show that the males need to see what the female has previously eaten to know what food she will currently want. Consequently, the males' sharing pattern was not simply a response to their mate's behavior indicating her preference as to what he should share, nor was it a response to the males' own desire-state. Our results raise the possibility that these birds may be capable of ascribing desire to their mates.}, }
@article {pmid23377331, year = {2013}, author = {Jandhyala, R}, title = {Improving consent procedures and evaluation of treatment success in cosmetic use of incobotulinumtoxinA: an assessment of the treat-to-goal approach.}, journal = {Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {72-78}, pmid = {23377331}, issn = {1545-9616}, mesh = {Adult ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*therapeutic use ; Data Interpretation, Statistical ; Esthetics ; Face ; Female ; Goals ; Humans ; Informed Consent/*standards ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuromuscular Agents/*therapeutic use ; Patient Satisfaction ; Quality Improvement ; Reproducibility of Results ; Risk ; Skin/pathology ; Skin Aging ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Despite the escalating number of patients undergoing aesthetic BoNT-A procedures, a standardized, objective means of setting treatment goals and measuring the success of treatment is lacking. Treat-To-Goal (TTG) is a new approach to consent that utilizes the Merz Aesthetics Scale to set objectively defined start points and treatment goals to better inform the consent process and provide a means of measuring the success of treatment.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the TTG approach vs standard consent procedures in terms of patient understanding of the risks and benefits of treatment.<br><br>METHODS: This study was undertaken in 2 phases among consecutive patients presenting for BoNT-A treatment. Phase 1 consisted of a crossover comparison of patient satisfaction with standard consent vs the TTG approach (n=20). Patient understanding of the likely outcomes and risks associated with treatment following consent and their overall preference were assessed using 10-point visual analog scales (VAS). Phase 2 assigned patients to receive no treatment (n=10) or treatment with BoNT-A (n=54) following consent with the TTG approach. Patients were followed up with 28 days later to assess whether the goals defined during consent had been met.<br><br>RESULTS: The TTG approach significantly improved patient understanding of likely outcomes of BoNT-A treatment compared with standard consent (P=.004 when standard consent assessed first, and P=.002 when TTG assessed first). All patients assessed preferred the TTG approach (median VAS score in favor of TTG: 7.0, P<.0001). Target improvements were successfully met or exceeded in at least one treatment area (forehead, glabellar lines, crow's feet) in all patients treated with BoNT-A. In contrast, none of the untreated patients met their target improvements unless the target was defined as no change.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The TTG approach represents a significant improvement over standard consent in terms of the information it provides to patients. Further investigation of this concept is warranted.}, }
@article {pmid23370226, year = {2013}, author = {Paap, KR and Greenberg, ZI}, title = {There is no coherent evidence for a bilingual advantage in executive processing.}, journal = {Cognitive psychology}, volume = {66}, number = {2}, pages = {232-258}, doi = {10.1016/j.cogpsych.2012.12.002}, pmid = {23370226}, issn = {1095-5623}, mesh = {Cognition/*physiology ; Executive Function/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Multilingualism ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Reaction Time/physiology ; }, abstract = {Three studies compared bilinguals to monolinguals on 15 indicators of executive processing (EP). Most of the indicators compare a neutral or congruent baseline to a condition that should require EP. For each of the measures there was no main effect of group and a highly significant main effect of condition. The critical marker for a bilingual advantage, the Group×Condition interaction, was significant for only one indicator, but in a pattern indicative of a bilingual disadvantage. Tasks include antisaccade (Study 1), Simon (Studies 1-3), flanker (Study 3), and color-shape switching (Studies 1-3). The two groups performed identically on the Raven's Advanced Matrices test (Study 3). Analyses on the combined data selecting subsets that are precisely matched on parent's educational level or that include only highly fluent bilinguals reveal exactly the same pattern of results. A problem reconfirmed by the present study is that effects assumed to be indicators of a specific executive process in one task (e.g., inhibitory control in the flanker task) frequently do not predict individual differences in that same indicator on a related task (e.g., inhibitory control in the Simon task). The absence of consistent cross-task correlations undermines the interpretation that these are valid indicators of domain-general abilities. In a final discussion the underlying rationale for hypothesizing bilingual advantages in executive processing based on the special linguistic demands placed on bilinguals is interrogated.}, }
@article {pmid23345454, year = {2013}, author = {Dymond, S and Haselgrove, M and McGregor, A}, title = {Clever crows or unbalanced birds?.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {110}, number = {5}, pages = {E336}, pmid = {23345454}, issn = {1091-6490}, mesh = {Animals ; Cognition/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Tool Use Behavior/*physiology ; }, }
@article {pmid23338970, year = {2013}, author = {Tornick, JK and Gibson, BM}, title = {Tests of inferential reasoning by exclusion in Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana).}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {16}, number = {4}, pages = {583-597}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-013-0595-1}, pmid = {23338970}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; Choice Behavior ; Cues ; *Passeriformes ; *Problem Solving ; Reinforcement, Psychology ; }, abstract = {We examined inferential reasoning by exclusion in the Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) using two-way object-choice procedures. While other social scatter-hoarding corvids appear capable of engaging in inferential reasoning, it remains unclear if the relatively less social nutcracker is able to do so. In an initial experiment, food was hidden in one of two opaque containers. All of the birds immediately selected the baited container when shown only the empty container during testing. We subsequently examined the nutcrackers in two follow-up experiments using a task that may have been less likely to be solved by associative processes. The birds were trained that two distinctive objects were always found hidden in opaque containers that were always positioned at the same two locations. During testing, one of the two objects was found in a transparent "trash bin" and was unavailable. The birds were required to infer that if one of the objects was in the "trash," then the other object should still be available in its hidden location. Five out of six birds were unable to make this inference, suggesting that associative mechanisms likely accounted for our earlier results. However, one bird consistently chose the object that was not seen in the "trash," demonstrating that nutcrackers may have the ability to use inferential reasoning by exclusion to solve inference tasks. The role of scatter hoarding and social organization is discussed as factors in the ability of corvid birds to reason.}, }
@article {pmid23336028, year = {2012}, author = {Pika, S}, title = {The case of referential gestural signaling: Where next?.}, journal = {Communicative &amp; integrative biology}, volume = {5}, number = {6}, pages = {578-582}, pmid = {23336028}, issn = {1942-0889}, abstract = {Referential acts play a crucial part in our every day communication since human language is, in its essence, a referential system. Reference can be made via icons, indices and signs but also via ostensive/inferential gestural communication, in which the behavior of the actor directs the attention of the recipient to particular aspects of the environment. The earliest uses of ostensive/inferential communication can be observed in human children around the age of nine to 12 mo. However, what about comparable gestures in our closest living relatives, the nonhuman primates or other animal taxa? The present paper aims to provide a brief overview of the state of the art to encourage future research into the evolutionary origins and uses of referential gestural signaling.}, }
@article {pmid23326366, year = {2013}, author = {Thom, JM and Clayton, NS}, title = {Re-caching by Western scrub-jays (Aphelocoma californica) cannot be attributed to stress.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {e52936}, pmid = {23326366}, issn = {1932-6203}, support = {//Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; *Food ; Male ; Memory/physiology ; Motivation/physiology ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Stress, Psychological/*physiopathology ; }, abstract = {Western scrub-jays (Aphelocoma californica) live double lives, storing food for the future while raiding the stores of other birds. One tactic scrub-jays employ to protect stores is "re-caching"-relocating caches out of sight of would-be thieves. Recent computational modelling work suggests that re-caching might be mediated not by complex cognition, but by a combination of memory failure and stress. The "Stress Model" asserts that re-caching is a manifestation of a general drive to cache, rather than a desire to protect existing stores. Here, we present evidence strongly contradicting the central assumption of these models: that stress drives caching, irrespective of social context. In Experiment (i), we replicate the finding that scrub-jays preferentially relocate food they were watched hiding. In Experiment (ii) we find no evidence that stress increases caching. In light of our results, we argue that the Stress Model cannot account for scrub-jay re-caching.}, }
@article {pmid23315084, year = {2013}, author = {Boogert, NJ and Arbilly, M and Muth, F and Seed, AM}, title = {Do crows reason about causes or agents? The devil is in the controls.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {110}, number = {4}, pages = {E273}, pmid = {23315084}, issn = {1091-6490}, mesh = {Animals ; Cognition/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Tool Use Behavior/*physiology ; }, }
@article {pmid23307635, year = {2014}, author = {Savadjiev, P and Whitford, TJ and Hough, ME and Clemm von Hohenberg, C and Bouix, S and Westin, CF and Shenton, ME and Crow, TJ and James, AC and Kubicki, M}, title = {Sexually dimorphic white matter geometry abnormalities in adolescent onset schizophrenia.}, journal = {Cerebral cortex (New York, N.Y. : 1991)}, volume = {24}, number = {5}, pages = {1389-1396}, pmid = {23307635}, issn = {1460-2199}, support = {P41EB015902/EB/NIBIB NIH HHS/United States ; R01MH082918/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MH074794/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; R01MH050740/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; P50MH080272/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; G0500092/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; R01MH074794/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MH092862/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MH050740/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; P41RR013218/RR/NCRR NIH HHS/United States ; U54EB005149/EB/NIBIB NIH HHS/United States ; U54 EB005149/EB/NIBIB NIH HHS/United States ; P50 MH080272/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MH082918/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; P41 RR013218/RR/NCRR NIH HHS/United States ; R01MH092862/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; P41 EB015902/EB/NIBIB NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Depression/etiology ; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Female ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Linear Models ; Male ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales ; Schizophrenia/complications/*pathology ; *Sex Characteristics ; White Matter/growth &amp; development/*pathology ; }, abstract = {The normal human brain is characterized by a pattern of gross anatomical asymmetry. This pattern, known as the "torque", is associated with a sexual dimorphism: The male brain tends to be more asymmetric than that of the female. This fact, along with well-known sex differences in brain development (faster in females) and onset of psychosis (earlier with worse outcome in males), has led to the theory that schizophrenia is a disorder in which sex-dependent abnormalities in the development of brain torque, the correlate of the capacity for language, cause alterations in interhemispheric connectivity, which are causally related to psychosis (Crow TJ, Paez P, Chance SE. 2007. Callosal misconnectivity and the sex difference in psychosis. Int Rev Psychiatry. 19(4):449-457.). To provide evidence toward this theory, we analyze the geometry of interhemispheric white matter connections in adolescent-onset schizophrenia, with a particular focus on sex, using a recently introduced framework for white matter geometry computation in diffusion tensor imaging data (Savadjiev P, Kindlmann GL, Bouix S, Shenton ME, Westin CF. 2010. Local white geometry from diffusion tensor gradients. Neuroimage. 49(4):3175-3186.). Our results reveal a pattern of sex-dependent white matter geometry abnormalities that conform to the predictions of Crow's torque theory and correlate with the severity of patients' symptoms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to associate geometrical differences in white matter connectivity with torque in schizophrenia.}, }
@article {pmid23302603, year = {2013}, author = {Okusaga, O and Stewart, MC and Butcher, I and Deary, I and Fowkes, FG and Price, JF}, title = {Smoking, hypercholesterolaemia and hypertension as risk factors for cognitive impairment in older adults.}, journal = {Age and ageing}, volume = {42}, number = {3}, pages = {306-311}, doi = {10.1093/ageing/afs193}, pmid = {23302603}, issn = {1468-2834}, support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; /BHF_/British Heart Foundation/United Kingdom ; MR/K026992/1/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; G0700704/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; /CSO_/Chief Scientist Office/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Age Factors ; Aged ; Aging/*psychology ; Antihypertensive Agents/therapeutic use ; Biomarkers/blood ; Blood Pressure/drug effects ; Cholesterol/blood ; *Cognition ; Cognition Disorders/diagnosis/*etiology/prevention &amp; control/psychology ; Diastole ; Female ; Humans ; Hypercholesterolemia/blood/*complications/diagnosis/drug therapy ; Hypertension/*complications/diagnosis/drug therapy/physiopathology ; Hypolipidemic Agents/therapeutic use ; Linear Models ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Scotland ; Smoking/*adverse effects ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: the prevalence of all types of cognitive impairment, including dementia, is increasing but knowledge of aetiological factors is still evolving.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: this study aimed to evaluate the association between cardiovascular risk factors and cognitive function in older persons.<br><br>DESIGN, SETTING AND SUBJECTS: a population-based cohort design involving 2,312 men and women (aged 50-75) enrolled in the University of Edinburgh Aspirin for Asymptomatic Atherosclerosis trial.<br><br>METHODS: cognitive tests included the Mill Hill Vocabulary Scale, auditory verbal learning test (AVLT), digit symbol test, verbal fluency test (VFT), Raven's Progressive Matrices and the trail making test. A 'g' score (measure of general intelligence) was computed for each subject. Regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between relevant variables.<br><br>RESULTS: higher diastolic BP was negatively associated with AVLT (&#x3b2; = -0.153, P < 0.01), and with an estimated decline on AVLT (&#x3b2; = -0.125, P < 0.01). Smoking was negatively associated with all the cognitive variables except VFT. The total cholesterol level was not associated with cognitive function or estimated decline.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: smoking and elevated blood pressure may be risk factors for cognitive decline, and thus potential targets for preventive and therapeutic interventions.}, }
@article {pmid23302569, year = {2012}, author = {Chen, Q and Jiang, LL and Zhang, GZ and Wang, Y and Yan, XX and Yang, J and Li, EZ and Zhou, XL and Xu, KM}, title = {[Cognitive function of 172 cases of 6 - 13 years old children with epilepsy in regular school].}, journal = {Zhonghua er ke za zhi = Chinese journal of pediatrics}, volume = {50}, number = {10}, pages = {771-776}, pmid = {23302569}, issn = {0578-1310}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Child ; Cognition/*physiology ; Cognition Disorders/diagnosis/*epidemiology/psychology ; Comorbidity ; Epilepsy/*complications/psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; *Quality of Life ; Reaction Time ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To study the cognitive function, its correlation with and the impact on quality of life in epileptic children aged 6-13 years in regular school.<br><br>METHOD: Cognitive function of 172 children with various types of epilepsy were measured using a computerized neuropsychological test battery including six items. Their scores across the neuropsychological measures were compared with 172 healthy control subjects from the general population strictly matched for age, sex and the region where education was accepted. The quality of life was measured in 105 cases by the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory (QOLIE-31).<br><br>RESULT: (1) After adjusting for age, gender, and education, children with epilepsy performed significantly worse than healthy control subjects on 5 of 6 cognitive tasks, including Raven's progressive matrices correct number (8.6 vs. 14.0), choice reaction time (620.4 ms vs. 489.5 ms), word-rhyming tasks (2796.9 ms vs. 2324.4 ms), simple substraction correct number (28.6 vs. 35.5)as well as number comparision (1002.4 ms vs. 803.1 ms), P < 0.01. When an impairment index was calculated, 44.2% patients had at least one abnormal score on the test battery, compared with 14.5% of healthy volunteers, there was statistically significant differences between the two groups, P < 0.001. (2) Children with new onset epilepsy before the treatment with anti-epilepstic drugs performed significantly worse than healthy controls on 5 of 6 cognitive tasks, including Raven's progressive matrices correct number (9.1 vs. 13.8), choice reaction time (625.8 ms vs.474.5 ms), word-rhyming tasks(3051.8 ms vs. 2575.4 ms), simple substraction correct number (28.9 vs. 35.3) as well as number comparison (942.4 ms vs. 775.8 ms), P < 0.01. (3) Cognitive performance was not related to the age of onset, type of epilepsy, therapy duration or comorbid emotional and behavior disorders, P > 0.05. (4) 105 cases filled in the QOLIE-31 questionaire, the total score of the quality of life in the group without cognitive impairment and psychical conditions was the highest (60.5 &#xb1; 0.9), and the lowest total score was found in group with cognitive impairment and psychical conditions (54.6 &#xb1; 1.5), there were highly significant differences between the groups, P < 0.001.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Almost one-half of the children with epilepsy accepting regular education had at least one abnormal score in the battery tests. Newly diagnosed untreated patients with epilepsy are cognitively compromised before the start of antiepileptic drug medication. Cognitive impairment was not related to the epilepsy-related or psychiatric variables. Cognitive impairment and mental disorders require further attention and essential therapy, which is important to the improvement of the quality of life in epileptic children.}, }
@article {pmid23300592, year = {2012}, author = {Martin-Ordas, G and Schumacher, L and Call, J}, title = {Sequential tool use in great apes.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {7}, number = {12}, pages = {e52074}, pmid = {23300592}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Choice Behavior ; *Decision Making ; Female ; Food ; Hominidae ; Male ; *Problem Solving ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Sequential tool use is defined as using a tool to obtain another non-food object which subsequently itself will serve as a tool to act upon a further (sub)goal. Previous studies have shown that birds and great apes succeed in such tasks. However, the inclusion of a training phase for each of the sequential steps and the low cost associated with retrieving the longest tools limits the scope of the conclusions. The goal of the experiments presented here was, first to replicate a previous study on sequential tool use conducted on New Caledonian crows and, second, extend this work by increasing the cost of retrieving a tool in order to test tool selectivity of apes. In Experiment 1, we presented chimpanzees, orangutans and bonobos with an out-of-reach reward, two tools that were available but too short to reach the food and four out-of-reach tools differing in functionality. Similar to crows, apes spontaneously used up to 3 tools in sequence to get the reward and also showed a strong preference for the longest out-of reach tool independently of the distance of the food. In Experiment 2, we increased the cost of reaching for the longest out-of reach tool. Now apes used up to 5 tools in sequence to get the reward and became more selective in their choice of the longest tool as the costs of its retrieval increased. The findings of the studies presented here contribute to the growing body of comparative research on tool use.}, }
@article {pmid23270271, year = {2012}, author = {Kurbatov, OL and Pobedonostseva, EIu and Gurgenova, FR and Bulaeva, KB}, title = {[Variation of the parameters of natural reproduction and Crow's indices in the ethnic groups of Dagestan].}, journal = {Genetika}, volume = {48}, number = {10}, pages = {1221-1227}, pmid = {23270271}, issn = {0016-6758}, mesh = {Adult ; Age Distribution ; Aged ; *Birth Rate ; Dagestan ; Demography ; Ethnicity/*genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Infertility, Female/genetics ; Middle Aged ; *Population Dynamics ; Pregnancy ; Reproduction/*genetics/physiology ; Selection, Genetic ; }, abstract = {Using the 2002 All-Russian population census data, the parameters of differential fertility as a component of natural selection (Crow's indices) have been calculated for women of seven age cohorts of the seven most numerous ethnic groups of the Republic of Dagestan. It has been shown that in the population of Dagestan in the second half of the 20th century the intensities of two types of selection tended to decrease, viz., intragroup selection relaxed in each ethnic group due to considerable reduction of interfamily variance in fertility and intergroup selection relaxed due to reduction ofinterethnic differences in fertility. A reduction of the average number of offspring (kappa) was observed in all ethnic groups, suggesting the spread of birth regulation practices (abortion and contraception). Nevertheless, all Muslim groups (aboriginal Dagestan ethnic groups and Azerbaijanis) are still characterized by an extended pattern of reproduction (2.7 < kappa < 3.3); in Russians kappa = 2.1. Interethnic differentials in natural reproduction rates, along with migration processes, account for the dynamics of the ethnic composition and gene-pool structure of the population of the Republic of Dagestan.}, }
@article {pmid23264693, year = {2012}, author = {Braun, A and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Social bonds and rank acquisition in raven nonbreeder aggregations.}, journal = {Animal behaviour}, volume = {84}, number = {6}, pages = {1507-1515}, pmid = {23264693}, issn = {0003-3472}, abstract = {Complex social life has been characterized as cognitively challenging and recently, social relationships such as long-term social bonds and alliances have been identified as key elements for brain evolution. Whereas good evidence is available to support the link between social relations and cognition in mammals, it remains unsatisfying for birds. Here we investigated the role of avian social bonds in a nonbreeder aggregation of ravens, Corvus corax, in the Austrian Alps. We individually marked 138 wild ravens, representing approximately half of a population that uses the area of a local zoo for foraging. For 2 years, we observed the dynamics of group composition and the birds' agonistic and affiliative interactions. We identified two levels of organization: the formation of an unrelated local group and the individuals' engagement in social bonds of different length and reciprocity pattern. Whereas belonging to the local group had no significant effect on conflicts won during foraging, the individual bonding type did. Birds that engaged in affiliative relationships were more successful when competing for food than those without such bonds. Bonded birds did suffer from aggression by other bonded birds and, probably as a consequence, most of the ravens' social relations were not stable over time. These results support the idea that social bonding and selective cooperation and competition are prominent features in nonbreeding ravens. Proximately, bonding may qualify as a social manoeuvre that facilitates access to resources; ultimately it might function to assess the quality of a partner in these long-term monogamous birds.}, }
@article {pmid23242676, year = {2012}, author = {Konrad, SK and Miller, SN}, title = {Application of a degree-day model of West Nile virus transmission risk to the East Coast of the United States of America.}, journal = {Geospatial health}, volume = {7}, number = {1}, pages = {15-20}, doi = {10.4081/gh.2012.100}, pmid = {23242676}, issn = {1970-7096}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/*transmission/virology ; Connecticut/epidemiology ; Crows/virology ; Culicidae/*virology ; Feeding Behavior ; Geographic Information Systems ; Insect Vectors/*virology ; Models, Biological ; Risk Assessment/methods ; Seasons ; South Carolina/epidemiology ; Temperature ; United States/epidemiology ; West Nile Fever/*transmission/veterinary/virology ; West Nile virus/pathogenicity ; }, abstract = {A geographical information systems model that identifies regions of the United States of America (USA) susceptible to West Nile virus (WNV) transmission risk is presented. This system has previously been calibrated and tested in the western USA; in this paper we use datasets of WNV-killed birds from South Carolina and Connecticut to test the model in the eastern USA. Because their response to WNV infection is highly predictable, American crows were chosen as the primary source for model calibration and testing. Where crow data are absent, other birds are shown to be an effective substitute. Model results show that the same calibrated model demonstrated to work in the western USA has the same predictive ability in the eastern USA, allowing for a continental-scale evaluation of the transmission risk of WNV at a daily time step. The calibrated model is independent of mosquito species and requires inputs of only local maximum and minimum temperatures. Of benefit to the general public and vector control districts, the model predicts the onset of seasonal transmission risk, although it is less effective at identifying the end of the transmission risk season.}, }
@article {pmid23237197, year = {2013}, author = {Molina-Morales, M and Gabriel Martínez, J and Martín-Gálvez, D and A Dawson, D and Rodríguez-Ruiz, J and Burke, T and Avilés, JM}, title = {Evidence of long-term structured cuckoo parasitism on individual magpie hosts.}, journal = {The Journal of animal ecology}, volume = {82}, number = {2}, pages = {389-398}, doi = {10.1111/1365-2656.12022}, pmid = {23237197}, issn = {1365-2656}, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Birds/genetics/*physiology ; Female ; Genetic Fitness ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; *Nesting Behavior ; Oviposition ; Passeriformes ; }, abstract = {Brood parasites usually reduce their host's breeding success, resulting in strong selection for the evolution of host defences. Intriguingly, some host individuals/populations show no defence against parasitism, which has been explained within the frame of three different evolutionary hypotheses. One of these hypotheses posits that intermediate levels of defence at the population level may result from nonrandom distribution of parasitism among host individuals (i.e. structured parasitism). Empirical evidence for structured brood parasitism is, however, lacking for hosts of European cuckoos due to the absence of long-term studies. Here, we seek to identify the patterns of structured parasitism by studying great spotted cuckoo parasitism on individual magpie hosts over five breeding seasons. We also aim to identify whether individual characteristics of female magpies and/or their territories were related to the status of repeated parasitism. We found that 28·3% of the females in our population consistently escaped from cuckoo parasitism. Only 11·3% of females were always parasitized, and the remaining 60·4% changed their parasitism status. The percentage of females that maintained their status of parasitism (i.e. either parasitized or nonparasitized) between consecutive years varied over the study. Females that never suffered cuckoo parasitism built bigger nests than parasitized females at the beginning of the breeding season and smaller nests than those of parasitized females later in the season. Nonparasitized females also moved little from year to year and preferred areas with different characteristics over the course of the breeding season than parasitized females. Overall, females escaping from cuckoo parasitism reared twice as many chicks per year than those that were parasitized. In conclusion, our study reveals for first time the existence of a structured pattern of cuckoo parasitism based on phenotypic characteristics of individual hosts and of their territories.}, }
@article {pmid23226454, year = {2012}, author = {Martin, LA and Horriat, NL}, title = {The effects of birth order and birth interval on the phenotypic expression of autism spectrum disorder.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {7}, number = {11}, pages = {e51049}, pmid = {23226454}, issn = {1932-6203}, support = {U24 MH081810/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; 1U24MH081810/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {*Birth Intervals ; *Birth Order ; Child ; Child Development Disorders, Pervasive/*pathology ; Demography ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Motor Activity ; Phenotype ; Siblings ; Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {A rise in the prevalence of diagnosed cases of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been reported in several studies in recent years. While this rise in ASD prevalence is at least partially related to increased awareness and broadened diagnostic criteria, the role of environmental factors cannot be ruled out, especially considering that the cause of most cases of ASD remains unknown. The study of families with multiple affected children can provide clues about ASD etiology. While the majority of research on ASD multiplex families has focused on identifying genetic anomalies that may underlie the disorder, the study of symptom severity across ASD birth order may provide evidence for environmental factors in ASD. We compared social and cognitive measures of behavior between over 300 first and second affected siblings within multiplex autism families obtained from the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange dataset. Measures included nonverbal IQ assessed with the Ravens Colored Progressive Matrices, verbal IQ assessed with the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, and autism severity assessed with the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), an instrument established as a quantitative measure of autism. The results indicated that females were more severely impacted by ASD than males, especially first affected siblings. When first and second affected siblings were compared, significant declines in nonverbal and verbal IQ scores were observed. In addition, SRS results demonstrated a significant increase in autism severity between first and second affected siblings consistent with an overall decline in function as indicated by the IQ data. These results remained significant after controlling for the age and sex of the siblings. Surprisingly, the SRS scores were found to only be significant when the age difference between siblings was less than 2 years. These results suggest that some cases of ASD are influenced by a dosage effect involving unknown epigenetic, environmental, and/or immunological factors.}, }
@article {pmid23222444, year = {2013}, author = {Shaw, RC and Clayton, NS}, title = {Careful cachers and prying pilferers: Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius) limit auditory information available to competitors.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {280}, number = {1752}, pages = {20122238}, pmid = {23222444}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {*Acoustic Stimulation ; *Animal Communication ; Animals ; *Competitive Behavior ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Male ; Photic Stimulation ; Songbirds/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Food-storing corvids use many cache-protection and pilfering strategies. We tested whether Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius) reduce the transfer of auditory information to a competitor when caching and pilfering. We gave jays a noisy and a quiet substrate to cache in. Compared with when alone, birds cached less in the noisy substrate when with a conspecific that could hear but could not see them caching. By contrast, jays did not change the amount cached in the noisy substrate when they were with a competitor that could see and hear them caching compared with when they were alone. Together, these results suggest that jays reduce auditory information during caching as a cache-protection strategy. By contrast, as pilferers, jays did not attempt to conceal their presence from a cacher and did not prefer a silent viewing perch over a noisy one when observing caching. However, birds vocalized less when watching caching compared with when they were alone, when they were watching a non-caching conspecific or when they were watching their own caches being pilfered. Pilfering jays may therefore attempt to suppress some types of auditory information. Our results raise the possibility that jays both understand and can attribute auditory perception to another individual.}, }
@article {pmid23219707, year = {2013}, author = {Kearns, AM and Joseph, L and Cook, LG}, title = {A multilocus coalescent analysis of the speciational history of the Australo-Papuan butcherbirds and their allies.}, journal = {Molecular phylogenetics and evolution}, volume = {66}, number = {3}, pages = {941-952}, doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2012.11.020}, pmid = {23219707}, issn = {1095-9513}, mesh = {Animals ; Australia ; Base Sequence ; Bayes Theorem ; *Biodiversity ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; *Ecosystem ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Likelihood Functions ; Models, Genetic ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Papua New Guinea ; Passeriformes/classification/*genetics ; *Phylogeny ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; }, abstract = {Changes in geology, sea-level and climate are hypothesised to have been major driving processes of evolutionary diversification (speciation and extinction) in the Australo-Papuan region. Here we use complete species-level sampling and multilocus (one mitochondrial gene, five nuclear loci) coalescent analyses to estimate evolutionary relationships and test hypotheses about the role of changes in climate and landscape in the diversification of the Australo-Papuan butcherbirds and allies (Cracticinae: Cracticus, Strepera, Peltops). Multilocus species trees supported the current classification of the morphologically, ecologically and behaviourally divergent Australian Magpie (Cracticus tibicen (previously Gymnorhina tibicen)) as a member of an expanded genus Cracticus, which includes seven other species with 'butcherbird' morphology and behaviour. Non-monophyly of currently recognised species within Peltops and the white-throated butcherbird species-group (C.argenteus, C.mentalis, C. torquatus) at both mtDNA and nuclear loci suggest that a comprehensive taxonomic revision is warranted for both of these groups. The time-calibrated multilocus species tree revealed an early divergence between the New Guinean rainforest-restricted Peltops lineage and the largely open-habitat inhabiting Cracticus (butcherbirds and magpies) plus Strepera (currawongs) lineage around 17-28Ma, as well as a relatively recent radiation of lineages within Cracticus over the past 8Ma. Overall, patterns and timings of speciation were consistent with the hypothesis that both the expansion of open sclerophyllous woodlands 25-30Ma and the formation of extensive grassland-dominated woodlands 6-8Ma allowed the radiation of lineages adapted to open woodland habitats.}, }
@article {pmid23161215, year = {2013}, author = {Ujfalussy, DJ and Miklósi, &#xc1; and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Ontogeny of object permanence in a non-storing corvid species, the jackdaw (Corvus monedula).}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {16}, number = {3}, pages = {405-416}, pmid = {23161215}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Age Factors ; Animals ; Cognition ; *Crows/growth &amp; development ; *Feeding Behavior ; Memory ; }, abstract = {The aim of the present study was to investigate the ontogeny of object permanence in a non-caching corvid species, the jackdaw (Corvus monedula). Jackdaws are often presented as typical examples of non-storing corvids, as they cache either very little or not at all. We used Uzgiris and Hunt's Scale 1 tasks to determine the age at which the certain stages set in and the final stage of this capacity that is reached. Our results show that the lack of food-storing behaviour is not associated with inferior object permanence abilities in the jackdaw, as our subjects (N = 19) have reached stage 5 competence (to follow successive visible displacements) at the average age of 61 days post-hatch and showed some evidence of stage 6 competence (to follow advanced invisible displacements) at 81 days post-hatch and thereafter. As we appreciate that object permanence abilities have a very wide ecological significance, our positive results are probably the consequence of other, more fundamental ecological pressures, such as nest-hole reproduction or prey-predator interactions.}, }
@article {pmid23156897, year = {2012}, author = {Obozova, TA and Smirnova, AA and Zorina, ZA}, title = {Relational learning in glaucous-winged gulls (Larus glaucescens).}, journal = {The Spanish journal of psychology}, volume = {15}, number = {3}, pages = {873-880}, doi = {10.5209/rev_sjop.2012.v15.n3.39380}, pmid = {23156897}, issn = {1138-7416}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Charadriiformes/*physiology ; Concept Formation/*physiology ; Discrimination, Psychological/*physiology ; Generalization, Psychological/*physiology ; Male ; }, abstract = {An experimental approach was created for the comparative investigation of the cognitive abilities of the glaucous-winged gull (Larus glaucescens) in their natural habitat. The territoriality of gulls during the breeding period and the fact that the gulls inhabiting the territory of the Komandorsky Reserve are practically not in fear of humans allowed us to work with individually recognized birds directly at their nest sites inside the colony. The possibility of using this approach to investigate their cognitive abilities was demonstrated on 24 gulls, in particular, to investigate their abilities for relative size generalization. The first experiment illustrated that the gulls are able to learn to discriminate two pairs of stimuli according to the feature: 'larger' or 'smaller'. They were then given a test to transfer the discriminative rule in which novel combinations of the same stimuli were used. The gulls successfully coped with only a few of these tests. In the next experiment the birds were taught to discriminate four pairs of similar stimuli. The majority of the birds coped with the tests to transfer the discriminative rule both to the novel combinations of familiar stimuli, and also to the novel stimuli of the familiar category (items of different colour and shape). However, none of the birds transferred the discriminative rule to stimuli of a novel category (sets differing by number of components). Thus, in their ability to generalize at a preconceptual level gulls are more comparable with pigeons, whereas large-brained birds (crows and parrots), are capable of concept formation.}, }
@article {pmid23147227, year = {2013}, author = {Mikolasch, S and Kotrschal, K and Schloegl, C}, title = {Transitive inference in jackdaws (Corvus monedula).}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {92}, number = {}, pages = {113-117}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2012.10.017}, pmid = {23147227}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Learning/*physiology ; Transfer, Psychology ; }, abstract = {Transitive inference (TI) refers to the cognitive ability to derive relationships between items that have never been presented together before. TI could be a useful tool for individuals living in large social groups, as these are confronted with an increasing number of possible dyadic relationships between group members. Through TI, one could potentially identify rank relationships between group members and thereby avoid costly direct agonistic interactions. Jackdaws seem ideal candidates to test for the ability of TI as they live in relatively complex groups, in which such skills could be useful. We presently report the results of jackdaws in a touch screen experiment. Three individuals were trained to memorise an ordered sequence of five differently coloured squares (A-E), which were presented in four pairs consisting of two adjacent colours each (A/B, B/C, C/D, D/E). After reaching the pre-defined criteria in each single colour pair in a time comparable to other species, they were confronted with an unknown pair of two non-adjacent colours (B/D). The birds were able to identify the relationship according to the previously learned sequence by preferring B over D.}, }
@article {pmid23128165, year = {2012}, author = {DeCarolis, A and Corigliano, V and Comparelli, A and Sepe-Monti, M and Cipollini, V and Orzi, F and Ferracuti, S and Giubilei, F}, title = {Neuropsychological patterns underlying anosognosia in people with cognitive impairment.}, journal = {Dementia and geriatric cognitive disorders}, volume = {34}, number = {3-4}, pages = {216-223}, doi = {10.1159/000343488}, pmid = {23128165}, issn = {1421-9824}, mesh = {Aged ; Awareness ; Cognition Disorders/*complications/diagnosis/psychology ; Dementia/*complications/diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales ; Severity of Illness Index ; }, abstract = {AIMS: To investigate, in a group of subjects with cognitive impairment, the relationship between anosognosia, in each dimension of insight, and neuropsychological domains.<br><br>METHODS: Two hundred and seventy-one subjects affected by cognitive impairment were consecutively enrolled. Anosognosia was evaluated by means of the Clinical Insight Rating Scale (CIRS). The general level of cognitive impairment was evaluated by means of the Mini-Mental State Examination, while 8 cognitive domains were examined by means of neuropsychological tests.<br><br>RESULTS: The number of subjects with anosognosia evaluated by means of the CIRS total score as well as those with anosognosia divided according to the reason for visit was higher in moderately cognitively impaired subjects than in mildly cognitively impaired subjects (p < 0.001). A relationship between anosognosia and neuropsychological scores was only found in mild cognitive impairment, with subjects with anosognosia displaying significantly lower Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices Test and Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test-delayed recall scores than subjects without anosognosia.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that the relationship between the severity of cognitive deficits and anosognosia in subjects with cognitive impairment is partial and depends on the specific domain of unawareness. Furthermore, in the early phase of cognitive impairment, the presence of specific cognitive deficits suggests that the nature of anosognosia is domain-specific.}, }
@article {pmid23123143, year = {2013}, author = {Schweitzer, C and Goldstein, MH and Place, NJ and Adkins-Regan, E}, title = {Long-lasting and sex-specific consequences of elevated egg yolk testosterone for social behavior in Japanese quail.}, journal = {Hormones and behavior}, volume = {63}, number = {1}, pages = {80-87}, doi = {10.1016/j.yhbeh.2012.10.011}, pmid = {23123143}, issn = {1095-6867}, mesh = {Animals ; Choice Behavior/drug effects/physiology ; Coturnix/*metabolism ; Egg Yolk/*drug effects/metabolism ; Female ; Male ; Sex Factors ; Sexual Behavior, Animal/*drug effects/physiology ; *Social Behavior ; Testosterone/metabolism/*pharmacology ; }, abstract = {In birds, early exposure to steroid hormones deposited in egg yolks is hypothesized to result in long-lasting effects on brain and behavior. However, the long-term effects of maternal androgens on the development of social behavior, and whether these could interfere with the effects of the endogenous gonadal hormones that mediate sexual differentiation, remain poorly known. To answer these questions, we enhanced yolk testosterone by injecting testosterone (T) in oil into Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) eggs prior to incubation. Vehicle-injected (V) eggs served as controls. From age 3 weeks to 8 weeks, sexual development was measured using morphological and physiological traits, and social behavior was measured, including male-typical sexual behavior. In females, treatment with testosterone boosted growth. Males from T-injected eggs developed an affiliative preference for familiar females and differed from V-injected males in the acoustic features of their crows, whereas sexual interest (looking behavior) and copulatory behavior were not affected. These long-lasting and sex-specific yolk testosterone effects on the development of dimorphic traits, but without disrupting sexual differentiation of reproductive behavior suggest potential organizational effects of maternal testosterone, but acting through separate processes than the endocrine mechanisms previously shown to control sexual differentiation. Separate processes could reflect the action of androgens at different times or on multiple targets that are differentially sensitive to steroids or develop at different rates.}, }
@article {pmid23106562, year = {2012}, author = {Lee, WY and Lee, SI and Jablonski, PG and Choe, JC}, title = {Genetic composition of communal roosts of the Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica) inferred from non-invasive samples.}, journal = {Zoological science}, volume = {29}, number = {11}, pages = {766-769}, doi = {10.2108/zsj.29.766}, pmid = {23106562}, issn = {0289-0003}, mesh = {Alleles ; Animals ; Feces ; *Genetic Variation ; Microsatellite Repeats ; *Social Behavior ; Songbirds/*genetics ; }, abstract = {Many animal species form communal roosts in which they aggregate and sleep together. Several benefits of communal roost have been suggested, but due to lack of data on relatedness among group members, it is unknown whether these benefits can be amplified by the formation of kin-based communal roosts. We investigate the genetic composition of two winter roosts of Eurasian Magpies (Pica pica), using microsatellite markers on non-invasive samples. Using permutation tests by reshuffling the alleles presented in the roosts, we determined that individuals in the communal roosts of magpies were not more related than expected by chance, suggesting that kinship may not be a driving force for the formation of communal roosts in magpies. However, the pairwise relatedness and estimated relationship based on a maximum likelihood approach revealed that the roosts involve both kin and non-kin. Relatedness coefficients varied widely within a roost, indicating that family subgroups form a small proportion of the total number of birds in a roost. Our results suggest that ecological benefits of communal roost in animals are sufficient for the evolution of communal roosts without any involvement of kinship.}, }
@article {pmid23097511, year = {2012}, author = {Taylor, AH and Knaebe, B and Gray, RD}, title = {An end to insight? New Caledonian crows can spontaneously solve problems without planning their actions.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {279}, number = {1749}, pages = {4977-4981}, pmid = {23097511}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; *Cognition ; Conditioning, Operant ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; New Caledonia ; New Zealand ; *Problem Solving ; Psychomotor Performance ; *Tool Use Behavior ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Animals rarely solve problems spontaneously. Some bird species, however, can immediately find a solution to the string-pulling problem. They are able to rapidly gain access to food hung on the end of a long string by repeatedly pulling and then stepping on the string. It is currently unclear whether these spontaneous solutions are produced by insight or by a perceptual-motor feedback loop. Here, we presented New Caledonian crows and humans with a novel horizontal string-pulling task. While the humans succeeded, no individual crow showed a significant preference for the connected string, and all but one failed to gain the food even once. These results clearly show that string pulling in New Caledonian crows is generated not by insight, but by perceptual feedback. Animals can spontaneously solve problems without planning their actions.}, }
@article {pmid23092010, year = {2012}, author = {Culliney, S and Pejchar, L and Switzer, R and Ruiz-Gutierrez, V}, title = {Seed dispersal by a captive corvid: the role of the 'Alalā (Corvus hawaiiensis) in shaping Hawai'i's plant communities.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {22}, number = {6}, pages = {1718-1732}, doi = {10.1890/11-1613.1}, pmid = {23092010}, issn = {1051-0761}, mesh = {Animals ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Crows/*physiology ; Demography ; Ecosystem ; Environmental Monitoring ; Feeding Behavior ; Fruit ; Hawaii ; Plants/*classification ; Seeds/*physiology ; Trees ; }, abstract = {Species loss can lead to cascading effects on communities, including the disruption of ecological processes such as seed dispersal. The endangered 'Alalā (Corvus hawaiiensis), the largest remaining species of native Hawaiian forest bird, was once common in mesic and dry forests on the Big Island of Hawai'i, but today it exists solely in captivity. Prior to its extinction in the wild, the 'Alalā may have helped to establish and maintain native Hawaiian forest communities by dispersing seeds of a wide variety of native plants. In the absence of 'Alalā, the structure and composition of Hawai'i's forests may be changing, and some large-fruited plants may be dispersal limited, persisting primarily as ecological anachronisms. We fed captive 'Alalā a variety of native fruits, documented behaviors relating to seed dispersal, and measured the germination success of seeds that passed through the gut of 'Alalā relative to the germination success of seeds in control groups. 'Alalā ate and carried 14 native fruits and provided germination benefits to several species by ingesting their seeds. Our results suggest that some plants rely heavily on 'Alalā for these services. In captivity, juvenile birds displayed seed dispersal behaviors more often than adult birds for most fruiting plants in our study. We introduced captive 'Alalā to two large-fruited, dry-forest plants, not previously recorded as 'Alalā food resources, but which may once have been part of their natural diet. The seed dispersal behavior that 'Alalā displayed toward these species supports the inclusion of dry and mesic forests in 'Alalā habitat restoration plans and adds weight to the idea that plant dispersal limitation may contribute to the rarity of these plants. Our study provides evidence that 'Alalā have the capacity to play a vital role in maintaining the diversity of fruiting plants in native Hawaiian forests through seed dispersal and enhanced seed germination, thus adding greater urgency to efforts to restore 'Alalā to their former range.}, }
@article {pmid23088375, year = {2013}, author = {Barbeau, EB and Soulières, I and Dawson, M and Zeffiro, TA and Mottron, L}, title = {The level and nature of autistic intelligence III: Inspection time.}, journal = {Journal of abnormal psychology}, volume = {122}, number = {1}, pages = {295-301}, doi = {10.1037/a0029984}, pmid = {23088375}, issn = {1939-1846}, support = {//Canadian Institutes of Health Research/Canada ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Autistic Disorder/*diagnosis/psychology ; Cognition/physiology ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; *Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Regression Analysis ; Speech/physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Across the autism spectrum, level of intelligence is highly dependent on the psychometric instrument used for assessment, and there are conflicting views concerning which measures best estimate autistic cognitive abilities. Inspection time is a processing speed measure associated with general intelligence in typical individuals. We therefore investigated autism spectrum performance on inspection time in relation to two different general intelligence tests. Autism spectrum individuals were divided into autistic and Asperger subgroups according to speech development history. Compared to a typical control group, mean inspection time for the autistic subgroup but not the Asperger subgroup was significantly shorter (by 31%). However, the shorter mean autistic inspection time was evident only when groups were matched on Wechsler IQ and disappeared when they were matched using Raven's Progressive Matrices. When autism spectrum abilities are compared to typical abilities, results may be influenced by speech development history as well as by the instrument used for intelligence matching.}, }
@article {pmid23059587, year = {2012}, author = {Aparna, PV and Austin, RD and Mathew, P}, title = {PICA.}, journal = {Indian journal of dental research : official publication of Indian Society for Dental Research}, volume = {23}, number = {3}, pages = {426-427}, doi = {10.4103/0970-9290.102246}, pmid = {23059587}, issn = {1998-3603}, mesh = {Adult ; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency/*diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Pica/*diagnosis ; Tongue Diseases/diagnosis ; Tooth Attrition/diagnosis ; }, abstract = {"PICA" means perverted appetite for substances not fit as food or of no nutritional value such as, bricks, clay, soil, ice, laundry starch, etc. The word ''PICA'' is derived from Latin word for Magpie, a species of bird that feeds on whatever it encounters. ''PICA'' has been observed in ethnic groups worldwide in primitive and modern cultures, in both sexes and in all age groups. The case presented here reports a 30 year old female patient who had craving for ingestion of gravel and brick fragments since the age of 13 years. Iron deficiency anemia was found after complete blood count and iron studies. The diagnosis of "PICA" requires that the patient is persistently eating non-food substances for at least 1 month and such behavior is appropriate for the child's stage of development.}, }
@article {pmid23049210, year = {2012}, author = {Huerta-Franco, MR and Vargas-Luna, M and Montes-Frausto, JB and Morales-Mata, I and Ramirez-Padilla, L}, title = {Effect of psychological stress on gastric motility assessed by electrical bio-impedance.}, journal = {World journal of gastroenterology}, volume = {18}, number = {36}, pages = {5027-5033}, pmid = {23049210}, issn = {2219-2840}, mesh = {Adult ; Electric Impedance ; Female ; *Gastrointestinal Motility ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Stress, Psychological/*physiopathology ; }, abstract = {AIM: To evaluate gastric motility using electrical bio-impedance (EBI) and gastric changes as a result of stress induced by psychological tests.<br><br>METHODS: A group of 57 healthy women, aged 40-60 years, was recruited, and a clinical history and physical examination were performed. The women were free from severe anxiety, chronic or acute stress, severe depression, mental diseases and conditions that affect gastric activity. The women were evaluated under fasting conditions, and using a four-electrode configuration, the gastric signals were obtained through a BIOPAC MP-150 system. The volunteers were evaluated using the following paradigm: basal state, recording during the Stroop Test, intermediate resting period, recording during the Raven Test, and a final resting period. We analyzed the relative areas of the frequency spectrum: A1 (1-2 cpm), A2 (2-4 cpm), A3 (4-8 cpm), and A4 (8-12 cpm), as well as the median of area A2 + A3. The data were analyzed by an autoregressive method using a Butterworth filter with MatLab and Origin. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Friedman ANOVA (for nonparametric variables) were performed; in addition, pairs of groups were compared using the T dependent and Wilcoxon T tests.<br><br>RESULTS: The results of the main values of area A2 were not significantly different comparing the five steps of the experimental paradigm. Nevertheless, there was a tendency of this A2 region to decrease during the stress tests, with recuperation at the final resting step. When an extended gastric region was considered (1-4 cpm), significant differences with the psychological stress tests were present (F = 3.85, P = 0.005). The A3 region also showed significant changes when the stress psychological tests were administered (F = 7.25, P < 0.001). These differences were influenced by the changes in the adjacent gastric region of A2. The parameter that we proposed in previous studies for the evaluation of gastric motility by electrical bio-impedance (EBI) was the median of the area under the region from 2 to 8 cpm (A2 + A3). The mean values of these frequencies (median of the A2 + A3 area) with the stress test showed significant changes (F = 5.5, P < 0.001). The results of the Wilcoxon T test for the A4 area parameter, which is influenced by the breathing response, changed significantly during the Raven stress test (P < 0.05).<br><br>CONCLUSION: We confirm that the gastric response to acute psychological stress can be evaluated by short-term EBI.}, }
@article {pmid23047668, year = {2012}, author = {Troscianko, J and von Bayern, AM and Chappell, J and Rutz, C and Martin, GR}, title = {Extreme binocular vision and a straight bill facilitate tool use in New Caledonian crows.}, journal = {Nature communications}, volume = {3}, number = {}, pages = {1110}, pmid = {23047668}, issn = {2041-1723}, support = {BB/G023913/1//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Tool Use Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Humans are expert tool users, who manipulate objects with dextrous hands and precise visual control. Surprisingly, morphological predispositions, or adaptations, for tool use have rarely been examined in non-human animals. New Caledonian crows Corvus moneduloides use their bills to craft complex tools from sticks, leaves and other materials, before inserting them into deadwood or vegetation to extract prey. Here we show that tool use in these birds is facilitated by an unusual visual-field topography and bill shape. Their visual field has substantially greater binocular overlap than that of any other bird species investigated to date, including six non-tool-using corvids. Furthermore, their unusually straight bill enables a stable grip on tools, and raises the tool tip into their visual field's binocular sector. These features enable a degree of tool control that would be impossible in other corvids, despite their comparable cognitive abilities. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence for tool-use-related morphological features outside the hominin lineage.}, }
@article {pmid23029321, year = {2012}, author = {Finlayson, C and Brown, K and Blasco, R and Rosell, J and Negro, JJ and Bortolotti, GR and Finlayson, G and Sánchez Marco, A and Giles Pacheco, F and Rodríguez Vidal, J and Carrión, JS and Fa, DA and Rodríguez Llanes, JM}, title = {Birds of a feather: Neanderthal exploitation of raptors and corvids.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {7}, number = {9}, pages = {e45927}, pmid = {23029321}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Cognition ; Feathers/anatomy &amp; histology ; *Fossils ; Neanderthals/*psychology ; Paleontology ; Passeriformes/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Raptors/*anatomy &amp; histology ; }, abstract = {The hypothesis that Neanderthals exploited birds for the use of their feathers or claws as personal ornaments in symbolic behaviour is revolutionary as it assigns unprecedented cognitive abilities to these hominins. This inference, however, is based on modest faunal samples and thus may not represent a regular or systematic behaviour. Here we address this issue by looking for evidence of such behaviour across a large temporal and geographical framework. Our analyses try to answer four main questions: 1) does a Neanderthal to raptor-corvid connection exist at a large scale, thus avoiding associations that might be regarded as local in space or time?; 2) did Middle (associated with Neanderthals) and Upper Palaeolithic (associated with modern humans) sites contain a greater range of these species than Late Pleistocene paleontological sites?; 3) is there a taphonomic association between Neanderthals and corvids-raptors at Middle Palaeolithic sites on Gibraltar, specifically Gorham's, Vanguard and Ibex Caves? and; 4) was the extraction of wing feathers a local phenomenon exclusive to the Neanderthals at these sites or was it a geographically wider phenomenon?. We compiled a database of 1699 Pleistocene Palearctic sites based on fossil bird sites. We also compiled a taphonomical database from the Middle Palaeolithic assemblages of Gibraltar. We establish a clear, previously unknown and widespread, association between Neanderthals, raptors and corvids. We show that the association involved the direct intervention of Neanderthals on the bones of these birds, which we interpret as evidence of extraction of large flight feathers. The large number of bones, the variety of species processed and the different temporal periods when the behaviour is observed, indicate that this was a systematic, geographically and temporally broad, activity that the Neanderthals undertook. Our results, providing clear evidence that Neanderthal cognitive capacities were comparable to those of Modern Humans, constitute a major advance in the study of human evolution.}, }
@article {pmid23025559, year = {2013}, author = {Fox, MC and Mitchum, AL}, title = {A knowledge-based theory of rising scores on "culture-free" tests.}, journal = {Journal of experimental psychology. General}, volume = {142}, number = {3}, pages = {979-1000}, doi = {10.1037/a0030155}, pmid = {23025559}, issn = {1939-2222}, support = {3P01 AG17211/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Cognition ; *Culture ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; *Intelligence Tests ; *Knowledge ; Male ; Thinking ; }, abstract = {Secular gains in intelligence test scores have perplexed researchers since they were documented by Flynn (1984, 1987). Gains are most pronounced on abstract, so-called culture-free tests, prompting Flynn (2007) to attribute them to problem-solving skills availed by scientifically advanced cultures. We propose that recent-born individuals have adopted an approach to analogy that enables them to infer higher level relations requiring roles that are not intrinsic to the objects that constitute initial representations of items. This proposal is translated into item-specific predictions about differences between cohorts in pass rates and item-response patterns on the Raven's Matrices (Flynn, 1987), a seemingly culture-free test that registers the largest Flynn effect. Consistent with predictions, archival data reveal that individuals born around 1940 are less able to map objects at higher levels of relational abstraction than individuals born around 1990. Polytomous Rasch models verify predicted violations of measurement invariance, as raw scores are found to underestimate the number of analogical rules inferred by members of the earlier cohort relative to members of the later cohort who achieve the same overall score. The work provides a plausible cognitive account of the Flynn effect, furthers understanding of the cognition of matrix reasoning, and underscores the need to consider how test-takers select item responses.}, }
@article {pmid23017749, year = {2012}, author = {Ackerman, AR and Khan, B}, title = {Assessing reporting patterns of child sexual abuse within the Catholic Church using discontinuities in model parameter timeseries.}, journal = {Social science research}, volume = {41}, number = {2}, pages = {253-262}, doi = {10.1016/j.ssresearch.2011.11.004}, pmid = {23017749}, issn = {1096-0317}, abstract = {Prior to 2002, little was known about sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. After the Boston Globe broke the story about John Geoghan - a priest in the Boston Archdiocese who was accused of abusing numerous children, convicted of one count of indecent assault, and eventually murdered in prison - the Church had many questions to answer. To this end, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) commissioned John Jay College of Criminal Justice to research the nature and scope, as well as the causes and context of child sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. This research analyzes the data from the John Jay studies using a new quantitative technique, capable of adjusting for distortions introduced by delays in abuse reporting. By isolating discontinuities in model parameter timeseries, we determine changes in reporting patterns occurred during the period 1982-1988. A posteriori to the analysis, we provide some possible explanations for the changes in abuse reporting associated with the change-point. While the scope of this paper is limited to presenting a new methodological approach within the frame of a particular case study, the techniques are more broadly applicable in settings where reporting lag is manifested.}, }
@article {pmid23009612, year = {2012}, author = {Graham, LA and Li, J and Davidson, WS and Davies, PL}, title = {Smelt was the likely beneficiary of an antifreeze gene laterally transferred between fishes.}, journal = {BMC evolutionary biology}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {190}, pmid = {23009612}, issn = {1471-2148}, support = {106612//Canadian Institutes of Health Research/Canada ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Antifreeze Proteins, Type II/*genetics ; Base Sequence ; Chromosomes, Artificial, Bacterial ; Evolution, Molecular ; Expressed Sequence Tags ; Fish Proteins/*genetics ; *Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Lectins, C-Type/genetics ; Molecular Sequence Annotation ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Osmeriformes/*genetics ; Phylogeny ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Type II antifreeze protein (AFP) from the rainbow smelt, Osmerus mordax, is a calcium-dependent C-type lectin homolog, similar to the AFPs from herring and sea raven. While C-type lectins are ubiquitous, type II AFPs are only found in a few species in three widely separated branches of teleost fishes. Furthermore, several other non-homologous AFPs are found in intervening species. We have previously postulated that this sporadic distribution has resulted from lateral gene transfer. The alternative hypothesis, that the AFP evolved from a lectin present in a shared ancestor and that this gene was lost in most species, is not favored because both the exon and intron sequences are highly conserved.<br><br>RESULTS: Here we have sequenced and annotated a 160 kb smelt BAC clone containing a centrally-located AFP gene along with 14 other genes. Quantitative PCR indicates that there is but a single copy of this gene within the smelt genome, which is atypical for fish AFP genes. The corresponding syntenic region has been identified and searched in a number of other species and found to be devoid of lectin or AFP sequences. Unlike the introns of the AFP gene, the intronic sequences of the flanking genes are not conserved between species. As well, the rate and pattern of mutation in the AFP gene are radically different from those seen in other smelt and herring genes.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: These results provide stand-alone support for an example of lateral gene transfer between vertebrate species. They should further inform the debate about genetically modified organisms by showing that gene transfer between 'higher' eukaryotes can occur naturally. Analysis of the syntenic regions from several fishes strongly suggests that the smelt acquired the AFP gene from the herring.}, }
@article {pmid22998145, year = {2012}, author = {Shiba, M and Matsuo, K and Ban, R and Nagai, F}, title = {Evaluation of muscle hyperactivity of the grimacing muscles by unilateral tight eyelid closure and stapedius muscle tone.}, journal = {Journal of plastic surgery and hand surgery}, volume = {46}, number = {5}, pages = {318-325}, doi = {10.3109/2000656X.2012.696196}, pmid = {22998145}, issn = {2000-6764}, mesh = {Adult ; Eyelids/*physiology ; *Facial Expression ; Facial Muscles/innervation/physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Hyperkinesis/*physiopathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Motor Neurons/physiology ; Muscle Contraction/physiology ; Muscle Tonus/*physiology ; Oculomotor Muscles/innervation/*physiology ; Stapedius/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Muscle hyperactivity of grimacing muscles, including the orbicularis oculi and corrugator supercilii muscles that cause crow's feet and a glabellar frown line with ageing, cannot be accurately evaluated by surface observation. In 71 subjects, this study investigated the extent to which grimacing muscles are innervated by the bilateral motor cortices, whether the corticofacial projection to the grimacing muscles affects the facially innervated stapedius muscle tone by measuring static compliance of the tympanic membrane, and whether unilateral tight eyelid closure with contraction of the grimacing muscles changes static compliance. Unilateral tight eyelid closure and its subsequent change in the contralateral vertical medial eyebrow position revealed that motor neurons of the orbicularis oculi and corrugator supercilii muscles were innervated by the bilateral motor cortices with weak-to-strong contralateral dominance. The orbicularis oculi, corrugator supercilii, and stapedius muscles innervated by the bilateral motor cortices had increased muscle hyperactivity, which lowered the vertical medial eyebrow position and decreased the static compliance of the tympanic membrane more than those innervated by the unilateral motor cortex. Unilateral enhanced tight eyelid closure with contraction of the grimacing muscles in certain subjects ipsilaterally decreased the static compliance with increased contraction of the stapedius muscle, which probably occurs to immobilise the tympanic membrane and protect the inner ear from loud sound. Evaluation of unilateral tight eyelid closure and the subsequent change in the contralateral vertical medial eyebrow position as well as a measurement of the static compliance for the stapedius muscle tone has revealed muscle hyperactivity of grimacing muscles.}, }
@article {pmid22988773, year = {2012}, author = {El'chinova, GI and Shishko, AN and Zinchenko, RA}, title = {[Crow's index and reproductive characteristic of the Republic of Tatarstan population].}, journal = {Genetika}, volume = {48}, number = {7}, pages = {872-879}, pmid = {22988773}, issn = {0016-6758}, mesh = {Demography ; *Ethnicity ; Female ; Humans ; *Reproduction ; *Reproductive Behavior ; Rural Population/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Suburban Population/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {On the basis of 1212 questionnaires filled up by women of postreproductive age living in five districts of the Republic of Tatarstan (Arsky, Atninsky, Kukmorsky, Buinsky, and Drozhzhanovsky), the basic reproductive characteristics and Crow's index and its components have been calculated. The rural population is characterized by expanded reproduction with a mean sibship size of 2.68; in district administrative centers, there is only simple reproduction. Crow's index and its components for the rural Tatar population are Im = 0.026, If = 0.172, Itot = 0.202. Graphic analysis of the mutual positions of some populations studied has been carried out.}, }
@article {pmid22988112, year = {2012}, author = {Taylor, AH and Miller, R and Gray, RD}, title = {New Caledonian crows reason about hidden causal agents.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {109}, number = {40}, pages = {16389-16391}, pmid = {22988112}, issn = {1091-6490}, mesh = {Animals ; Cognition/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; New Caledonia ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Tool Use Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The ability to make inferences about hidden causal mechanisms underpins scientific and religious thought. It also facilitates the understanding of social interactions and the production of sophisticated tool-using behaviors. However, although animals can reason about the outcomes of accidental interventions, only humans have been shown to make inferences about hidden causal mechanisms. Here, we show that tool-making New Caledonian crows react differently to an observable event when it is caused by a hidden causal agent. Eight crows watched two series of events in which a stick moved. In the first set of events, the crows observed a human enter a hide, a stick move, and the human then leave the hide. In the second, the stick moved without a human entering or exiting the hide. The crows inspected the hide and abandoned probing with a tool for food more often after the second, unexplained series of events. This difference shows that the crows can reason about a hidden causal agent. Comparative studies with the methodology outlined here could aid in elucidating the selective pressures that led to the evolution of this cognitive ability.}, }
@article {pmid22984177, year = {2012}, author = {Marzluff, JM and Miyaoka, R and Minoshima, S and Cross, DJ}, title = {Brain imaging reveals neuronal circuitry underlying the crow's perception of human faces.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {109}, number = {39}, pages = {15912-15917}, pmid = {22984177}, issn = {1091-6490}, mesh = {Animals ; Brain/diagnostic imaging/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Emotions/physiology ; Escape Reaction/physiology ; Face ; Humans ; *Positron-Emission Tomography ; Radiography ; Visual Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Crows pay close attention to people and can remember specific faces for several years after a single encounter. In mammals, including humans, faces are evaluated by an integrated neural system involving the sensory cortex, limbic system, and striatum. Here we test the hypothesis that birds use a similar system by providing an imaging analysis of an awake, wild animal's brain as it performs an adaptive, complex cognitive task. We show that in vivo imaging of crow brain activity during exposure to familiar human faces previously associated with either capture (threatening) or caretaking (caring) activated several brain regions that allow birds to discriminate, associate, and remember visual stimuli, including the rostral hyperpallium, nidopallium, mesopallium, and lateral striatum. Perception of threatening faces activated circuitry including amygdalar, thalamic, and brainstem regions, known in humans and other vertebrates to be related to emotion, motivation, and conditioned fear learning. In contrast, perception of caring faces activated motivation and striatal regions. In our experiments and in nature, when perceiving a threatening face, crows froze and fixed their gaze (decreased blink rate), which was associated with activation of brain regions known in birds to regulate perception, attention, fear, and escape behavior. These findings indicate that, similar to humans, crows use sophisticated visual sensory systems to recognize faces and modulate behavioral responses by integrating visual information with expectation and emotion. Our approach has wide applicability and potential to improve our understanding of the neural basis for animal behavior.}, }
@article {pmid22973188, year = {2012}, author = {Bourgeois-Gironde, S}, title = {Optimal short-sighted rules.}, journal = {Frontiers in neuroscience}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {129}, pmid = {22973188}, issn = {1662-453X}, abstract = {The aim of this paper is to assess the relevance of methodological transfers from behavioral ecology to experimental economics with respect to the elicitation of intertemporal preferences. More precisely our discussion will stem from the analysis of Stephens and Anderson's (2001) seminal article. In their study with blue jays they document that foraging behavior typically implements short-sighted choice rules which are beneficial in the long run. Such long-term profitability of short-sighted behavior cannot be evidenced when using a self-control paradigm (one which contrasts in a binary way sooner smaller and later larger payoffs) but becomes apparent when ecological patch-paradigms (replicating economic situations in which the main trade-off consists in staying on a food patch or leaving for another patch) are implemented. We transfer this methodology in view of contrasting foraging strategies and self-control in human intertemporal choices.}, }
@article {pmid22962852, year = {2013}, author = {Moriya, S and Tei, K and Miura, H and Inoue, N and Yokoyama, T}, title = {Associations between higher-level competence and general intelligence in community-dwelling older adults.}, journal = {Aging &amp; mental health}, volume = {17}, number = {2}, pages = {242-249}, doi = {10.1080/13607863.2012.717256}, pmid = {22962852}, issn = {1364-6915}, mesh = {Activities of Daily Living/psychology ; *Adaptation, Psychological ; Aged ; Aging/*psychology ; Female ; Health Status Disparities ; Humans ; *Independent Living/psychology/statistics &amp; numerical data ; *Intelligence ; Interpersonal Relations ; Interview, Psychological ; Male ; *Mental Competency ; Regression Analysis ; Self Efficacy ; Sense of Coherence ; *Social Adjustment ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Tokyo ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Higher-level competence is crucial for healthy and socially independent living, and general intelligence may underlie heath status. The aim of this study was to elucidate associations between general intelligence and higher-level competence in elderly individuals without dementia.<br><br>METHODS: A total of 207 community-dwelling elderly persons, aged 70-74 years, were enrolled. A personal interview was performed to obtain data on socio-demographic and medical factors; higher-level competence was evaluated using the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology index of competence (TMIG index). Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM) test was used to assess general intelligence. Correlations between the TMIG index, its subscale scores and the RCPM score were evaluated by Spearman's rank correlation coefficients. Ordinal regression models were conducted with the TMIG index and its subscales as the dependent variables, RCPM as the principal independent variable, and age, sex, type of household, employment status, educational background, chronic medical conditions and number of natural teeth as the potential independent variables.<br><br>RESULTS: There were significant but weak positive correlations between total score on the TMIG index, scores on the intellectual activity and social role subscales and RCPM score. In ordinal regression models, RCPM and educational background were significantly associated with total score on the TMIG index and the intellectual activity subscale, and only RCPM was associated with the social role subscale score, after adjusting for other potential variables.<br><br>CONCLUSION: General intelligence may be significantly associated with higher-level competence, especially with intellectual activity and social role subscales, in community-dwelling older adults.}, }
@article {pmid22930049, year = {2012}, author = {Lobato, L and Miranda, A and Faria, IM and Bethony, JM and Gazzinelli, MF}, title = {Development of cognitive abilities of children infected with helminths through health education.}, journal = {Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical}, volume = {45}, number = {4}, pages = {514-519}, doi = {10.1590/s0037-86822012000400020}, pmid = {22930049}, issn = {1678-9849}, mesh = {Brazil ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Child Development/*physiology ; Cognition Disorders/*parasitology ; Feces/parasitology ; Female ; *Health Education ; Helminthiasis/*complications/drug therapy ; Humans ; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/*complications/drug therapy ; Longitudinal Studies ; Male ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of health education in learning and cognitive development of children infected, previously treated in an endemic area for helminthiasis.<br><br>METHODS: It is a longitudinal, experimental, with random allocation of participants. The study included 87 children of both sexes enrolled in the school hall of Maranh&#xe3;o, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and divided into two groups: intervention and control. Initially the children were submitted to the parasitological fecal examination for infection diagnosis and, when positive, they were treated. For the data collection, a structured questionnaire and the psychological tests Raven, Wisc-III and DAP III were applied, before and after the educational intervention. For the group comparison, the Mann Whitney test was used, and established significance level of 5%.<br><br>RESULTS: It was found that previously infected children who received the educational intervention, children showed higher performance than the control group in strutured questionnaire (p<0.05).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: It is acceptable to suppose the positive influence and the importance in the use of educational interventions in the cognitive recovery and learning of children previously treated with anthelmintics.}, }
@article {pmid22928351, year = {2012}, author = {Sikdar, M}, title = {Socioeconomic covariates and their impact on the opportunity for natural selection in a riparian tribe of Northeast India.}, journal = {Anthropologischer Anzeiger; Bericht uber die biologisch-anthropologische Literatur}, volume = {69}, number = {3}, pages = {273-287}, doi = {10.1127/0003-5548/2012/0195}, pmid = {22928351}, issn = {0003-5548}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Algorithms ; Analysis of Variance ; Anthropology ; Child ; Child Mortality ; *Environment ; Female ; Humans ; India/epidemiology/ethnology ; Infant ; Infant Mortality ; Middle Aged ; Models, Theoretical ; Population Groups/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Reproduction ; *Selection, Genetic ; *Socioeconomic Factors ; }, abstract = {The intensity of natural selection correlates with various bio-social variables which influence the genetic structure of a population. In this paper it has been sought to find out the influence of variable environmental setting and economic condition on selection intensity among the Mising tribal population of Assam, Northeast India. Detailed reproductive pattern of 309 post menopausal women is obtained and a comparison has been made between different environmental as well as economic backgrounds. The impact of secular change on selection intensity has been assessed. For this study I have proposed a modified formula of Johnston &amp; Kensinger's (1971) index for selection intensity. Crow's index of selection intensity has also been used for comparative analyses. After considering standard statistical procedure, a clear disparity of selection intensity has been noticed in terms of varying socioeconomic condition as well as habitational background. It can be concluded from the study that environmental factors act more in terms of selection pressure on infants rather than the other post natal stages.}, }
@article {pmid22912831, year = {2012}, author = {Yamada, T and Ohta, H and Watanabe, H and Kanai, C and Tani, M and Ohno, T and Takayama, Y and Iwanami, A and Kato, N and Hashimoto, R}, title = {Functional alterations in neural substrates of geometric reasoning in adults with high-functioning autism.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {7}, number = {8}, pages = {e43220}, pmid = {22912831}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Adult ; Autistic Disorder/*physiopathology ; Brain/*physiology ; Brain Mapping ; Case-Control Studies ; Cognition/*physiology ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Individuals with autism spectrum condition (ASC) are known to excel in some perceptual cognitive tasks, but such developed functions have been often regarded as "islets of abilities" that do not significantly contribute to broader intellectual capacities. However, recent behavioral studies have reported that individuals with ASC have advantages for performing Raven's (Standard) Progressive Matrices (RPM/RSPM), a standard neuropsychological test for general fluid intelligence, raising the possibility that ASC's cognitive strength can be utilized for more general purposes like novel problem solving. Here, the brain activity of 25 adults with high-functioning ASC and 26 matched normal controls (NC) was measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine neural substrates of geometric reasoning during the engagement of a modified version of the RSPM test. Among the frontal and parietal brain regions involved in fluid intelligence, ASC showed larger activation in the left lateral occipitotemporal cortex (LOTC) during an analytic condition with moderate difficulty than NC. Activation in the left LOTC and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) increased with task difficulty in NC, whereas such modulation of activity was absent in ASC. Furthermore, functional connectivity analysis revealed a significant reduction of activation coupling between the left inferior parietal cortex and the right anterior prefrontal cortex during both figural and analytic conditions in ASC. These results indicate altered pattern of functional specialization and integration in the neural system for geometric reasoning in ASC, which may explain its atypical cognitive pattern, including performance on the Raven's Matrices test.}, }
@article {pmid22903920, year = {2012}, author = {Balfour, A and Lanman, M}, title = {An evaluation of time-limited psychodynamic psychotherapy for couples: a pilot study.}, journal = {Psychology and psychotherapy}, volume = {85}, number = {3}, pages = {292-309}, doi = {10.1111/j.2044-8341.2011.02030.x}, pmid = {22903920}, issn = {2044-8341}, mesh = {Adult ; Analysis of Variance ; Child ; Depression/psychology/therapy ; Female ; Humans ; *Interpersonal Relations ; Male ; Marital Therapy/*methods ; Middle Aged ; Outcome Assessment, Health Care/methods/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Patient Satisfaction ; Personal Satisfaction ; Pilot Projects ; Psychotherapy, Brief/*methods ; Reproducibility of Results ; Self Report ; Sex Factors ; Spouses/*psychology ; Stress, Psychological/psychology/therapy ; Time Factors ; *Videotape Recording ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Psychodynamic Couple Psychotherapy has developed as a modality in only a few organizations in the public and voluntary sectors in this country. Varieties of couple therapy have evolved due to economic or other constraints, some more open-ended, others involving differing time limits or behavioural techniques. In this study, a time limit of 40 sessions was imposed on the Psychodynamic therapy to improve comparability with other therapeutic approaches. We examined work with 18 couples, employing various measures which, while not in the context of a full controlled trial, produced some interesting and indicative results. We aimed to investigate (1) the effects of time-limited psychodynamic couple psychotherapy, and (2) whether the measures used produce interesting results after 40 weeks.<br><br>DESIGN: Within a normal clinical setting, measurements of individual and couple functioning would be taken at fixed points in the course of 40-week couple therapies, and analysed for evidence of significant change. Due to funding and clinical limitations within the setting, a baseline period before therapy started was used instead of a control group.<br><br>METHOD: Couples were invited to opt in to the study when applying to the agency for therapy. They were provided with 40 weekly sessions of couple therapy. Videotapes of sessions at beginning, middle, and end of the therapies were rated by independent observer, using the Personal Relatedness Profile (PRP) (Hobson, Patrick, &amp; Valentine, 1998) adapted for couples (Lanman, Grier, &amp; Evans, 2003), alongside two individual self-report measures, Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation (CORE) (Evans et al., 2000), and the Golombok Rust Inventory of Marital Satisfaction (GRIMS) (Rust, Bennun, Crow, &amp; Golumbok, 1990).<br><br>RESULTS: The couples showed improvement as rated both by therapists and observers (rating the videotaped sessions) on the PRP after 40 sessions. On the CORE measure, participants showed improvement at both 20 and 40 sessions. On the GRIMS measure of marital satisfaction, results were non-significant.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The results provide indicative evidence for the effectiveness of 40-session couple psychotherapy and provide some convergent validation for the utility of the PRP (as adapted for couples) as a measure of change.}, }
@article {pmid22902378, year = {2012}, author = {Heiss, RS and Schoech, SJ}, title = {Oxidative cost of reproduction is sex specific and correlated with reproductive effort in a cooperatively breeding bird, the Florida scrub jay.}, journal = {Physiological and biochemical zoology : PBZ}, volume = {85}, number = {5}, pages = {499-503}, doi = {10.1086/666840}, pmid = {22902378}, issn = {1537-5293}, mesh = {Animals ; Blood Proteins/*metabolism ; Female ; Florida ; Male ; *Protein Carbonylation ; *Reproduction ; Songbirds/*physiology ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {Reproduction is energetically demanding, and how much an individual is able to invest in reproduction is often a function of its health state. An understanding of the relationship between oxidative balance and reproductive decisions, especially in free-living species, is still very limited. We evaluated the relationship between oxidative health and reproductive effort in a free-living population of the cooperatively breeding Florida scrub jay Aphelocoma coerulescens. Specifically, we assessed whether prebreeding oxidative damage levels predicted reproductive effort and subsequently whether postbreeding oxidative damage levels reflected reproductive effort. Prebreeding oxidative damage levels were negatively correlated with reproductive effort in males. In males, postbreeding levels of oxidative damage were significantly greater than prebreeding levels. Given that females exhibited no such patterns, our results suggest that in this species, males bear the brunt of the oxidative costs associated with reproduction.}, }
@article {pmid22899525, year = {2012}, author = {Stoessel, A and Fischer, MS}, title = {Comparative intralimb coordination in avian bipedal locomotion.}, journal = {The Journal of experimental biology}, volume = {215}, number = {Pt 23}, pages = {4055-4069}, doi = {10.1242/jeb.070458}, pmid = {22899525}, issn = {1477-9145}, mesh = {Analysis of Variance ; Animals ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Coturnix/anatomy &amp; histology/*physiology ; Crows/anatomy &amp; histology/*physiology ; Environment ; Hindlimb/anatomy &amp; histology/*physiology ; *Locomotion ; Palaeognathae/anatomy &amp; histology/*physiology ; Videodisc Recording/*methods ; X-Rays ; }, abstract = {Analyses of how intralimb coordination during locomotion varies within and across different taxa are necessary for understanding the morphological and neurological basis for locomotion in general. Previous findings suggest that intralimb proportions are the major source of kinematic variation that governs intralimb coordination across taxa. Also, independence of kinematics from habitat preference and phylogenetic position has been suggested for mammals. This leads to the hypothesis that among equally sized bird species exhibiting equal limb proportions, similar kinematics can be observed. To test this hypothesis, the bipedal locomotion of two distantly related ground-dwelling bird species (Eudromia elegans and Coturnix coturnix) and of a less terrestrial species (Corvus monedula) was investigated by means of a biplanar high-speed X-ray videographic analysis. Birds exhibited similar intralimb proportions and were filmed over a broad range of speed while moving on a treadmill. Joint and limb element angles, as well as pelvic rotations, were quantified. Regarding fore-aft motions of the limb joints and elements, a congruent pattern of intralimb coordination was observed among all experimental species. The sample of species suggests that this is largely independent of their habitat preference and systematic position and seems to be related to demands for coping with an irregular terrain with a minimum of necessary control. Hence, the initial hypothesis was confirmed. However, this congruence is not found when looking at medio-lateral limb motions and pelvic rotations, showing distinct differences between ground-dwellers (e.g. largely restricted to a parasagittal plane) and C. monedula (e.g. increased mobility of the hip joint).}, }
@article {pmid22897051, year = {2012}, author = {Thiemann, TC and Lemenager, DA and Kluh, S and Carroll, BD and Lothrop, HD and Reisen, WK}, title = {Spatial variation in host feeding patterns of Culex tarsalis and the Culex pipiens complex (Diptera: Culicidae) in California.}, journal = {Journal of medical entomology}, volume = {49}, number = {4}, pages = {903-916}, pmid = {22897051}, issn = {0022-2585}, support = {R01 AI055607/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*parasitology ; California ; Cats ; Cattle ; Culex/*physiology ; Dogs ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; *Host-Parasite Interactions ; Humans ; Insect Vectors/*physiology ; Mice ; Rats ; West Nile Fever/transmission ; }, abstract = {West Nile virus (family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus, WNV) is now endemic in California across a variety of ecological regions that support a wide diversity of potential avian and mammalian host species. Because different avian hosts have varying competence for WNV, determining the blood-feeding patterns of Culex (Diptera: Culicidae) vectors is a key component in understanding the maintenance and amplification of the virus as well as tangential transmission to humans and horses. We investigated the blood-feeding patterns of Culex tarsalis Coquillett and members of the Culex pipiens L. complex from southern to northern California. Nearly 100 different host species were identified from 1,487 bloodmeals, by using the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase I (COI). Cx. tarsalis fed on a higher diversity of hosts and more frequently on nonhuman mammals than did the Cx. pipiens complex. Several WNV-competent host species, including house finch and house sparrow, were common bloodmeal sources for both vector species across several biomes and could account for WNV maintenance and amplification in these areas. Highly competent American crow, western scrub-jay and yellow-billed magpie also were fed upon often when available and are likely important as amplifying hosts for WNV in some areas. Neither species fed frequently on humans (Cx. pipiens complex [0.4%], Cx. tarsalis [0.2%]), but with high abundance, both species could serve as both enzootic and bridge vectors for WNV.}, }
@article {pmid22890834, year = {2013}, author = {Di Lascio, F and Nyffeler, F and Bshary, R and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Ravens (Corvus corax) are indifferent to the gains of conspecific recipients or human partners in experimental tasks.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {16}, number = {1}, pages = {35-43}, pmid = {22890834}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Choice Behavior ; Cognition ; *Cooperative Behavior ; *Crows ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; }, abstract = {Although cooperative behaviours are common in animals, the cognitive processes underpinning such behaviours are very likely to differ between species. In humans, other-regarding preferences have been proposed to sustain long-term cooperation between individuals. The extent to which such psychological capacities exist in other animals is still under investigation. Five hand-reared ravens were first tested in an experiment where they could provide food to a conspecific at no cost to themselves. We offered them two behavioural options that provided identical amounts of food to the actor and where one of the two options additionally delivered a reward to a recipient. Subsequently, we made the ravens play a no-cost cooperation game with an experimenter. The experimenter had the same options as the animals and matched the ravens' choices, making the prosocial choice the more profitable option. In both conditions, ravens were indifferent to the effects of their choices and hence failed to help conspecifics and to cooperate with the experimenter. While our negative results should be interpreted with care, overall, our findings suggest that the ravens had no understanding of the consequences of their actions for a potential recipient. This study adds to several others that have used a similar set-up and have reported negative results on other-regarding preferences in animals.}, }
@article {pmid22873805, year = {2012}, author = {Kryukov, A and Spiridonova, L and Nakamura, S and Haring, E and Suzuki, H}, title = {Comparative phylogeography of two crow species: jungle crow Corvus macrorhynchos and carrion crow Corvus corone.}, journal = {Zoological science}, volume = {29}, number = {8}, pages = {484-492}, doi = {10.2108/zsj.29.484}, pmid = {22873805}, issn = {0289-0003}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; Crows/classification/*genetics/*physiology ; Cytochromes b/genetics/metabolism ; Demography ; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic ; Phylogeography ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {The jungle crow Corvus macrorhynchos Wagler, 1827, and the carrion crow Corvus corone L., 1758, are two closely related species with similar ecological requirements that occupy wide distribution ranges in the Palearctic. We studied patterns of their genetic variation by using sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Corvus macrorhynchos demonstrates a low level of variation and differentiation throughout its range, except for a highly diverged population of Cheju Island (Korea). The haplotype network shows two haplogroups. The island group comprises populations of Sakhalin, Hokkaido, Honshu, and Kyushu, while the haplotypes of Taiwan and Ryukyu Islands proved to be closer to the mainland group, which also includes populations from the Primorye, Khabarovsk, Amur, and Magadan regions in the Russian Far East. This pattern allowed us to develop a phylogeographic hypothesis regarding the two modes of settling of the island populations. Concerning C. corone, the presence of two distinct haplogroups was confirmed within the range of C. c. orientalis. Both haplogroups are found within the same populations in Kamchatka and North Sakhalin, which implies secondary contacts there. Populations of C. corone are found to be rather stable in the western parts of its range, while in the Far East populations experienced recent growth, as was observed for C. macrorhynchos in general. The two species appear to have passed through different evolutionary scenarios.}, }
@article {pmid22866773, year = {2012}, author = {Mikolasch, S and Kotrschal, K and Schloegl, C}, title = {The influence of local enhancement on choice performances in African Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) and jackdaws (Corvus monedula).}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {126}, number = {4}, pages = {399-406}, doi = {10.1037/a0028209}, pmid = {22866773}, issn = {1939-2087}, mesh = {Animals ; *Choice Behavior ; *Crows ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Learning ; Male ; *Parrots ; Reward ; }, abstract = {Being attentive to the behavior of others may be advantageous to gain important information, for example, on the location of food. Often, this is achieved through simple local enhancement. However, this is not always beneficial, as it may override cognitive abilities, with negative consequences. Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) and ravens have already succeeded in exclusion tasks, but carrion crows do so only when controlling for local enhancement, and jackdaws (Corvus monedula) fail entirely. Presently, we tested whether jackdaws would still be influenced by local enhancement in a simple choice-task. We compared their performance with those of Grey parrots. Since these birds did not respond to enhancement in the exclusion task, we expected them also to be less susceptible to enhancement here. In our tasks, two pieces of food were visibly hidden under two cups. Then one cup was lifted, the reward was shown to the bird and was either laid back underneath the cup or was removed. Alternatively, both manipulations were combined with the first reward being shown to the bird and the second one being removed or vice versa. Surprisingly, both species had a preference for the last handled cup, irrespective of whether it contained food or not. However, if the birds had to wait for 10 seconds after the presentation, the jackdaws performed better than the Grey parrots. Additionally, the delay improved the performance of both species in conditions in which the reward was removed last and deteriorated their performance in conditions in which the item was shown last.}, }
@article {pmid25892747, year = {2012}, author = {Braun, A and Walsdorff, T and Fraser, ON and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Socialized sub-groups in a temporary stable Raven flock?.}, journal = {Journal of ornithology}, volume = {153}, number = {1 Suppl}, pages = {97-104}, pmid = {25892747}, issn = {2193-7192}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {A complex social life serves as one of the main driving forces behind the evolution of higher cognitive abilities in vertebrates. In birds, however, data are primarily derived from captive animals, which strongly contrast with free-flying birds in terms of the number of interaction partners as well as available space. In captivity, Common Raven Corvus corax, nonbreeder groups show strong social bonds and complex tactical manoeuvring, whereas wild non-breeders are thought to resemble anonymous aggregations. Over 2 years, we observed a free-flying population of Ravens that visits a game park in the northern Alps. We here focus on the daily fission-fusion dynamics, individual spacing, and the influence of spacing on the birds' agonistic and affiliative behaviour. The composition of marked Ravens in the local population changed slowly but constantly, although often remaining stable for several weeks. Birds only flocked for feeding, mobbing and roosting, and spent the rest of the day in loose aggregations, characterised by temporary small subgroups of 2-5 individuals. Aggression was high during crowd foraging but low outside of a feeding context. Affiliative behaviours, such as sitting within reaching distance, allo-preening and social play, were observed particularly in the small subgroups. These findings suggest that Raven aggregations are not as unstructured as previously thought. Birds may spend time and/or interact affilliatively with multiple individuals during the day. This, along with temporary stability in group composition, provides the opportunity for social relationships to develop, and enables the existence of socialised subgroups within free-flying Raven aggregations.}, }
@article {pmid22848384, year = {2012}, author = {Cheke, LG and Loissel, E and Clayton, NS}, title = {How do children solve Aesop's Fable?.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {7}, number = {7}, pages = {e40574}, pmid = {22848384}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Crows/physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Learning/*physiology ; Male ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Studies on members of the crow family using the "Aesop's Fable" paradigm have revealed remarkable abilities in these birds, and suggested a mechanism by which associative learning and folk physics may interact when learning new problems. In the present study, children between 4 and 10 years of age were tested on the same tasks as the birds. Overall the performance of the children between 5-7-years was similar to that of the birds, while children from 8-years were able to succeed in all tasks from the first trial. However the pattern of performance across tasks suggested that different learning mechanisms might be being employed by children than by adult birds. Specifically, it is possible that in children, unlike corvids, performance is not affected by counter-intuitive mechanism cues.}, }
@article {pmid22842292, year = {2012}, author = {Zhang, R and Song, G and Qu, Y and Alström, P and Ramos, R and Xing, X and Ericson, PG and Fjeldså, J and Wang, H and Yang, X and Kristin, A and Shestopalov, AM and Choe, JC and Lei, F}, title = {Comparative phylogeography of two widespread magpies: importance of habitat preference and breeding behavior on genetic structure in China.}, journal = {Molecular phylogenetics and evolution}, volume = {65}, number = {2}, pages = {562-572}, doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2012.07.011}, pmid = {22842292}, issn = {1095-9513}, mesh = {Animals ; Bayes Theorem ; China ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; *Ecosystem ; Genetics, Population ; Introns ; Likelihood Functions ; Models, Genetic ; Passeriformes/*genetics/physiology ; Phylogeny ; *Phylogeography ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; *Sexual Behavior, Animal ; Sympatry ; }, abstract = {Historical geological events and climatic changes are believed to have played important roles in shaping the current distribution of species. However, sympatric species may have responded in different ways to such climatic fluctuations. Here we compared genetic structures of two corvid species, the Azure-winged Magpie Cyanopica cyanus and the Eurasian Magpie Pica pica, both widespread but with different habitat dependence and some aspects of breeding behavior. Three mitochondrial genes and two nuclear introns were used to examine their co-distributed populations in East China and the Iberian Peninsula. Both species showed deep divergences between these two regions that were dated to the late Pliocene/early Pleistocene. In the East Chinese clade of C. cyanus, populations were subdivided between Northeast China and Central China, probably since the early to mid-Pleistocene, and the Central subclade showed a significant pattern of isolation by distance. In contrast, no genetic structure was found in the East China populations of P. pica. We suggest that the different patterns in the two species are at least partly explained by ecological differences between them, especially in habitat preference and perhaps also breeding behavior. These dissimilarities in life history traits might have affected the dispersal and survival abilities of these two species differently during environmental fluctuations.}, }
@article {pmid22808210, year = {2012}, author = {Grarock, K and Tidemann, CR and Wood, J and Lindenmayer, DB}, title = {Is it benign or is it a Pariah? Empirical evidence for the impact of the common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) on Australian birds.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {7}, number = {7}, pages = {e40622}, pmid = {22808210}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Australia ; Birds/*physiology ; *Empirical Research ; Geography ; *Introduced Species ; Nesting Behavior/physiology ; Regression Analysis ; Species Specificity ; Starlings/*physiology ; }, abstract = {There is widespread concern over the impact of introduced species on biodiversity, but the magnitude of these impacts can be variable. Understanding the impact of an introduced species is essential for effective management. However, empirical evidence of the impact of an introduced species can be difficult to obtain, especially when the impact is through competition. Change in species abundance is often slow and gradual, coinciding with environmental change. As a result, negative impacts on native species through competition are poorly documented. An example of the difficulties associated with obtaining empirical evidence of impact due to competition comes from work on the Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis). The species is listed in the World's top 100 worst invaders, despite a lack of empirical evidence of its negative impacts on native species. We assessed the impact of the Common Myna on native bird abundance, using long-term data both pre and post its invasion. At the outset of our investigation, we postulated that Common Myna establishment would negatively affect the abundance of other cavity-nesting species and bird species that are smaller than it. We found a negative relationship between the establishment of the Common Myna and the long-term abundance of three cavity-nesting species (Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Crimson Rosella, Laughing Kookaburra) and eight small bird species (Striated Paradoxes, Rufous Whistler, Willie Wagtail, Grey Fantail, Magpie-lark, House Sparrow, Silvereye, Common Blackbird). To the best of our knowledge, this finding has never previously been demonstrated at the population level. We discuss the key elements of our success in finding empirical evidence of a species impact and the implications for prioritisation of introduced species for management. Specifically, prioritization of the Common Myna for management over other species still remains a contentious issue.}, }
@article {pmid22808144, year = {2012}, author = {Moreno-Rueda, G and Redondo, T and Trenzado, CE and Sanz, A and Zúñiga, JM}, title = {Oxidative stress mediates physiological costs of begging in magpie (Pica pica) nestlings.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {7}, number = {7}, pages = {e40367}, pmid = {22808144}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Likelihood Functions ; Linear Models ; Malondialdehyde/metabolism ; Nesting Behavior/*physiology ; *Oxidative Stress ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Theoretical models predict that a cost is necessary to guarantee honesty in begging displays given by offspring to solicit food from their parents. There is evidence for begging costs in the form of a reduced growth rate and immunocompetence. Moreover, begging implies vigorous physical activity and attentiveness, which should increase metabolism and thus the releasing of pro-oxidant substances. Consequently, we predict that soliciting offspring incur a cost in terms of oxidative stress, and growth rate and immune response (processes that generate pro-oxidants substances) are reduced in order to maintain oxidative balance.<br><br>We test whether magpie (Pica pica) nestlings incur a cost in terms of oxidative stress when experimentally forced to beg intensively, and whether oxidative balance is maintained by reducing growth rate and immune response. Our results show that begging provokes oxidative stress, and that nestlings begging for longer bouts reduce growth and immune response, thereby maintaining their oxidative status.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These findings help explaining the physiological link between begging and its associated growth and immunocompetence costs, which seems to be mediated by oxidative stress. Our study is a unique example of the complex relationships between the intensity of a communicative display (begging), oxidative stress, and life-history traits directly linked to viability.}, }
@article {pmid22717625, year = {2012}, author = {Puerta-Piñero, C and Pino, J and Gómez, JM}, title = {Direct and indirect landscape effects on Quercus ilex regeneration in heterogeneous environments.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {170}, number = {4}, pages = {1009-1020}, pmid = {22717625}, issn = {1432-1939}, mesh = {Animals ; *Ecosystem ; Life Cycle Stages ; Passeriformes ; *Plant Dispersal ; Quercus/*growth &amp; development ; Seedlings/growth &amp; development ; Sus scrofa ; }, abstract = {Understanding how plant-animal interactions shape plant regeneration is traditionally examined at local scales. In contrast, landscape ecologists working at regional scales often have to infer the mechanisms underlying vegetation patterns. In this study, we empirically explored how landscape attributes (patch connectivity, size, shape, irradiance, slope, and elevation) influence biotic interactions in 1- and 2-year seedlings and saplings of Quercus ilex. We combined field data and GIS-based information under a set of five connectivity scenarios, presuming low, intermediate, and long-distance seed dispersal. Our study emphasizes that landscape, apart from its direct effects on plants, plays a key, albeit indirect, role in plant demography through its effects on seed dispersers and predators. Moreover, the effects of landscape on recruitment differed between plant life stages. One-year seedlings and saplings appear to depend more on plant-animal interactions, while 2-year seedlings depend more on irradiance. Differences in patch connectivity resulted in direct and indirect effects on biotic interactions, which, in turn, produced contrasting positive and negative effects on regeneration at different stages of the life cycle. While jays and wild boars seem crucial to all life stages and most of the connectivity scenarios, rodents and herbivores affected only 1-year seedlings and saplings, respectively, and only a few of the connectivity scenarios. By simultaneously including an ensemble of explanatory factors, our study emphasizes that regeneration depends on a set of key drivers, both abiotic (i.e. irradiance) and biotic (i.e. jays and wild boars), whose effects are greatly modulated by landscape traits.}, }
@article {pmid22705121, year = {2012}, author = {Kadum Yakob, H and Manaf Uyub, A and Fariza Sulaiman, S}, title = {Toxicological evaluation of 80% methanol extract of Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) P.H. Raven leaves (Onagraceae) in BALB/c mice.}, journal = {Journal of ethnopharmacology}, volume = {142}, number = {3}, pages = {663-668}, doi = {10.1016/j.jep.2012.05.035}, pmid = {22705121}, issn = {1872-7573}, mesh = {Alanine Transaminase/blood ; Alkaline Phosphatase/blood ; Animals ; Aspartate Aminotransferases/blood ; Cholesterol/blood ; Female ; Leukocyte Count ; Male ; Methanol/chemistry ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; *Onagraceae ; Plant Extracts/*toxicity ; Plant Leaves/chemistry ; Solvents/chemistry ; }, abstract = {Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) P. H. Raven (Family: Onagraceae), as a traditional Malay herbal medicine,has been used to treat gastrointestinal complaints such as diarrhea and dysentery.<br><br>AIM OF THE STUDY: To date there is no safety information about long term use of Ludwigia octovalvis, a traditionally used medicinal plant in Malaysia. Current study is thus aimed to determine the toxicity profile of the 80% methanolic extract of L. octovalvis by evaluating its acute and subacute toxicity in BALB/c mice.<br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the acute toxicity study, a single dose of 5000 mg/kg of the extract was administered orally to six mice (3 males and 3 females). General behaviour, mortality and toxic symptoms were determined daily for 14 days. For the subacute toxicity, four groups of 12 mice of either sex received distilled water (control), 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg of the extract daily for 28 consecutive days by oral gavage. The animals were observed daily for abnormal clinical signs and death. Body weight, relative organ weight, haematological and biochemical parameters of blood as well as heart, kidney, liver, lung and spleen tissues histology were evaluated.<br><br>RESULTS: In acute and subacute toxicity, the extract did not produce mortality or morbidity. A significant increase (p<0.05) in WBC count and significant decrease in ALT, AST and ALP levels were only observed in males and females that received 400 mg/kg of the extract, while a significant decrease in the cholesterol level was observed at the highest dose (800 mg/kg). Gross examination of liver, kidney, spleen, lung and heart showed normal histological feature.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Repeated administration of L. octovalvis extract at dose levels of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg/day for 28 consecutive days to male and female mice did not cause any lethality nor produce any toxicological effects. The results suggest that the extract contains biologically active principles which may have immunostimulatory, hepatoprotective and cardiovascular protective properties.}, }
@article {pmid22642364, year = {2012}, author = {Jønsson, KA and Fabre, PH and Irestedt, M}, title = {Brains, tools, innovation and biogeography in crows and ravens.}, journal = {BMC evolutionary biology}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {72}, pmid = {22642364}, issn = {1471-2148}, mesh = {Animal Distribution ; Animals ; Bayes Theorem ; Brain/*physiology ; Crows/*genetics/physiology ; Feeding Behavior ; Islands ; Likelihood Functions ; Organ Size ; *Phylogeny ; Phylogeography ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Crows and ravens (Passeriformes: Corvus) are large-brained birds with enhanced cognitive abilities relative to other birds. They are among the few non-hominid organisms on Earth to be considered intelligent and well-known examples exist of several crow species having evolved innovative strategies and even use of tools in their search for food. The 40 Corvus species have also been successful dispersers and are distributed on most continents and in remote archipelagos.<br><br>RESULTS: This study presents the first molecular phylogeny including all species and a number of subspecies within the genus Corvus. We date the phylogeny and determine ancestral areas to investigate historical biogeographical patterns of the crows. Additionally, we use data on brain size and a large database on innovative behaviour and tool use to test whether brain size (i) explains innovative behaviour and success in applying tools when foraging and (ii) has some correlative role in the success of colonization of islands. Our results demonstrate that crows originated in the Palaearctic in the Miocene from where they dispersed to North America and the Caribbean, Africa and Australasia. We find that relative brain size alone does not explain tool use, innovative feeding strategies and dispersal success within crows.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our study supports monophyly of the genus Corvus and further demonstrates the direction and timing of colonization from the area of origin in the Palaearctic to other continents and archipelagos. The Caribbean was probably colonized from North America, although some North American ancestor may have gone extinct, and the Pacific was colonized multiple times from Asia and Australia. We did not find a correlation between relative brain size, tool use, innovative feeding strategies and dispersal success. Hence, we propose that all crows and ravens have relatively large brains compared to other birds and thus the potential to be innovative if conditions and circumstances are right.}, }
@article {pmid22611586, year = {2012}, author = {Rose, CN}, title = {Tourism and the Hispanicization of race in Jim Crow Miami, 1945-1965.}, journal = {Journal of social history}, volume = {45}, number = {3}, pages = {735-756}, doi = {10.1093/jsh/shr087}, pmid = {22611586}, issn = {0022-4529}, mesh = {*Cultural Diversity ; Florida/ethnology ; Government/history ; Hispanic or Latino/education/ethnology/history/legislation &amp; jurisprudence/psychology ; History, 20th Century ; Humans ; *Population Groups/education/ethnology/history/legislation &amp; jurisprudence/psychology ; *Race Relations/history/legislation &amp; jurisprudence/psychology ; Social Behavior/history ; Social Class/history ; *Social Control, Formal ; Social Identification ; Social Perception ; *Travel/economics/history/psychology ; }, abstract = {This article examines how Miami's significant presence of Anglo Caribbean blacks and Spanish-speaking tourists critically influenced the evolution of race relations before and after the watershed 1959 Cuban Revolution. The convergence of people from the American South and North, the Caribbean, and Latin America created a border culture in a city where the influx of Bahamian blacks and Spanish-speakers, especially tourists, had begun to alter the racial landscape. To be sure, Miami had many parallels with other parts of the South in regard to how blackness was understood and enforced by whites during the first half of the twentieth century. However, I argue that the city's post-WWII meteoric tourist growth, along with its emergence as a burgeoning Pan-American metropolis, complicated the traditional southern black-white dichotomy. The purchasing power of Spanish-speaking visitors during the postwar era transformed a tourist economy that had traditionally catered to primarily wealthy white transplanted Northerners. This significant change to the city's tourist industry significantly influenced white civic leaders' decision to occasionally modify Jim Crow practices for Latin American vacationers. In effect, Miami's early Latinization had a profound impact on the established racial order as speaking Spanish became a form of currency that benefited Spanish-speaking tourists—even those of African descent. Paradoxically, this ostensibly peculiar racial climate aided the local struggle by highlighting the idiosyncrasies of Jim Crow while perpetuating the second-class status of native-born blacks.}, }
@article {pmid22590576, year = {2012}, author = {Abdelkrim, J and Hunt, GR and Gray, RD and Gemmell, NJ}, title = {Population genetic structure and colonisation history of the tool-using New Caledonian crow.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {7}, number = {5}, pages = {e36608}, pmid = {22590576}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*genetics ; *Genetic Variation ; Genetics, Population/methods ; *Introduced Species ; Microsatellite Repeats/*genetics ; New Caledonia ; }, abstract = {New Caledonian crows exhibit considerable variation in tool making between populations. Here, we present the first study of the species' genetic structure over its geographical distribution. We collected feathers from crows on mainland Grande Terre, the inshore island of Toupéti, and the nearby island of Maré where it is believed birds were introduced after European colonisation. We used nine microsatellite markers to establish the genotypes of 136 crows from these islands and classical population genetic tools as well as Approximate Bayesian Computations to explore the distribution of genetic diversity. We found that New Caledonian crows most likely separate into three main distinct clusters: Grande Terre, Toupéti and Maré. Furthermore, Toupéti and Maré crows represent a subset of the genetic diversity observed on Grande Terre, confirming their mainland origin. The genetic data are compatible with a colonisation of Maré taking place after European colonisation around 1900. Importantly, we observed (1) moderate, but significant, genetic differentiation across Grande Terre, and (2) that the degree of differentiation between populations on the mainland increases with geographic distance. These data indicate that despite individual crows' potential ability to disperse over large distances, most gene flow occurs over short distances. The temporal and spatial patterns described provide a basis for further hypothesis testing and investigation of the geographical variation observed in the tool skills of these crows.}, }
@article {pmid22585591, year = {2012}, author = {Colzato, LS and Ruiz, MJ and van den Wildenberg, WP and Hommel, B}, title = {Khat use is associated with increased response conflict in humans.}, journal = {Human psychopharmacology}, volume = {27}, number = {3}, pages = {315-321}, doi = {10.1002/hup.2229}, pmid = {22585591}, issn = {1099-1077}, mesh = {Adult ; Analysis of Variance ; Case-Control Studies ; Catha/*adverse effects ; *Conflict, Psychological ; Discrimination, Psychological/drug effects ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests ; Linear Models ; Male ; Netherlands ; Plant Extracts/*adverse effects ; Psychomotor Performance/drug effects ; Reaction Time/drug effects ; Time Factors ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Khat consumption has become a worldwide phenomenon broadening from Eastern Africa and the south west of the Arabian Peninsula to ethnic communities in the rest of the world. Only few studies have systematically looked into cognitive impairments in khat users. We studied whether khat use is associated with changes in the emergence and resolution of response conflict, a central cognitive control function.<br><br>METHOD: Khat users (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;16) and khat-free controls (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;16) were matched in terms of sex, ethnicity, socio-economical situation, age, alcohol and cannabis consumption, and IQ (Raven's Progressive Matrices). Groups were tested on response conflict, as measured by the Simon task.<br><br>RESULTS: Khat users performed significantly slower than controls and were more strongly affected by stimulus-induced response conflict.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Khat use is associated with specific impairments in behavioral control: general slowing and less efficient resolution of response conflicts, which is likely to impair decision making in everyday life.}, }
@article {pmid22550848, year = {2012}, author = {Paholpak, S and Piyavhatkul, N and Rangseekajee, P and Krisanaprakornkit, T and Arunpongpaisal, S and Pajanasoontorn, N and Virasiri, S and Singkornard, J and Rongbudsri, S and Udomsri, C and Chonprai, C and Unprai, P}, title = {Breathing meditation by medical students at Khon Kaen University: effect on psychiatric symptoms, memory, intelligence and academic achievement.}, journal = {Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet thangphaet}, volume = {95}, number = {3}, pages = {461-469}, pmid = {22550848}, issn = {0125-2208}, mesh = {*Breathing Exercises ; Educational Status ; Humans ; Intelligence ; *Meditation ; Memory ; Stress, Psychological/*prevention &amp; control ; Students, Medical/*psychology ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To examine the short-term effects on fifth-year medical students of a 4-week, breathing meditation-based, stress reduction intervention on psychiatric symptoms, memory function, intelligence, and academic achievement.<br><br>MATERIALS AND METHOD: Using a randomized control trial, the meditation group practiced every 8.00 to 8.20 a.m. before beginning daily learning schedule. Meditation emphasized mindful awareness of the breath during inhaling and exhaling. The control group went about their normal activities in the other room. The psychiatric symptoms were measured using the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90), the memory used the Wechsler Memory Scale-I (WMS-I), the intelligence used the Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM), and the academic achievement used psychiatry course MCQ examination score. Analysis was done using Ancova statistic.<br><br>RESULTS: Fifty-eight volunteer medical students during their psychiatry rotation between June 2008 and May 2009, were randomized into either in the meditation (n = 30) or the control (non-meditation) (n = 28) group. There was no significant difference between the groups in their respective SCL-90, WMS-I, APM, and psychiatry course MCQ examination score.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Among normal, intelligent, mentally healthy persons, short-term breathing meditation practice will not likely change psychiatric symptoms, memory function, intellectual performance, and academic achievement.}, }
@article {pmid22545765, year = {2012}, author = {Albiach-Serrano, A and Bugnyar, T and Call, J}, title = {Apes (Gorilla gorilla, Pan paniscus, P. troglodytes, Pongo abelii) versus corvids (Corvus corax, C. corone) in a support task: the effect of pattern and functionality.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {126}, number = {4}, pages = {355-367}, doi = {10.1037/a0028050}, pmid = {22545765}, issn = {1939-2087}, mesh = {Animals ; Conditioning, Classical ; *Crows ; Cues ; Female ; Gorilla gorilla/*psychology ; Male ; Pan paniscus/*psychology ; Pan troglodytes/*psychology ; Pattern Recognition, Visual ; Pongo abelii/*psychology ; Problem Solving ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Apes (Gorilla gorilla, Pan paniscus, P. troglodytes, Pong abelii) and corvids (Corvus corax, C. corone) are among the most proficient and flexible tool users in the animal kingdom. Although it has been proposed that this is the result of convergent evolution, little is known about whether this is limited to behavior or also includes the underlying cognitive mechanisms. We compared several species of apes (bonobos, chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans) and corvids (carrion crows and common ravens) using exactly the same paradigm: a support task with elements from the classical patterned-string tasks. Corvids proved able to solve at least an easy pattern, whereas apes outperformed corvids with respect to the complexity of the patterns solved, the relative number of subjects solving each problem, and the speed to reach criterion. We addressed the question of whether subjects based their choices purely on perceptual cues or on a more abstract understanding of the problem. This was done by using a perceptually very similar but causally different condition where instead of paper strips there were strip shapes painted on a platform. Corvids' performance did not differ between conditions, whereas apes were able to solve the real but not the painted task. This shows that apes were not basing their choices just on spatial or arbitrary perceptual cues. Instead, and unlike corvids, they must have had some causal knowledge of the task.}, }
@article {pmid22538713, year = {2012}, author = {Wascher, CA and Szipl, G and Boeckle, M and Wilkinson, A}, title = {You sound familiar: carrion crows can differentiate between the calls of known and unknown heterospecifics.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {15}, number = {5}, pages = {1015-1019}, pmid = {22538713}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Acoustic Stimulation ; Animal Communication ; Animals ; *Auditory Perception ; *Crows ; *Discrimination, Psychological ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Recognition, Psychology ; *Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {In group-living animals, it is adaptive to recognize conspecifics on the basis of familiarity or group membership as it allows association with preferred social partners and avoidance of competitors. However, animals do not only associate with conspecifics but also with heterospecifics, for example in mixed-species flocks. Consequently, between-species recognition, based either on familiarity or even individual recognition, is likely to be beneficial. The extent to which animals can distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar heterospecifics is currently unclear. In the present study, we investigated the ability of eight carrion crows to differentiate between the voices and calls of familiar and unfamiliar humans and jackdaws. The crows responded significantly more often to unfamiliar than familiar human playbacks and, conversely, responded more to familiar than unfamiliar jackdaw calls. Our results provide the first evidence that birds can discriminate between familiar and unfamiliar heterospecific individuals using auditory stimuli.}, }
@article {pmid22538454, year = {2012}, author = {Chotichayapong, C and Wiengsamut, K and Chanthai, S and Sattayasai, N and Tamiya, T and Kanzawa, N and Tsuchiya, T}, title = {Isolation of heat-tolerant myoglobin from Asian swamp eel Monopterus albus.}, journal = {Fish physiology and biochemistry}, volume = {38}, number = {5}, pages = {1533-1543}, pmid = {22538454}, issn = {1573-5168}, mesh = {Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Chemical Fractionation ; Chromatography/methods ; Eels/*metabolism ; Hot Temperature ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Muscle, Skeletal/physiology ; Myoglobin/*chemistry/*metabolism ; Protein Stability ; Spectrometry, Fluorescence ; }, abstract = {Myoglobin from Asian swamp eel Monopterus albus was purified from fish muscle using salt fractionation followed by column chromatography and molecular filtration. The purified Mb of 0.68 mg/g wet weight of muscle was determined for its molecular mass by MALDI-TOF-MS to be 15,525.18 Da. Using isoelectric focusing technique, the purified Mb showed two derivatives with pI of 6.40 and 7.12. Six peptide fragments of this protein identified by LC-MS/MS were homologous to Mbs of sea raven Hemitripterus americanus, yellowfin tuna Thunnus albacores, blue marlin Makaira nigicans, common carp Cyprinus carpio, and goldfish Carassius auratus. According to the Mb denaturation, the swamp eel Mb had thermal stability higher than walking catfish Clarias batrachus Mb and striped catfish Pangasius hypophthalmus Mb, between 30 and 60 (°)C. For the thermal stability of Mb, the swamp eel Mb showed a biphasic behavior due to the O(2) dissociation and the heme orientation disorder, with the lowest increase in both Kd(f) and Kd(s). The thermal sensitivity of swamp eel Mb was lower than those of the other Mbs for both of fast and slow reaction stages. These results suggest that the swamp eel Mb globin structure is thermally stable, which is consistent with heat-tolerant behavior of the swamp eel particularly in drought habitat.}, }
@article {pmid22537095, year = {2012}, author = {Vallat-Azouvi, C and Pradat-Diehl, P and Azouvi, P}, title = {The Working Memory Questionnaire: a scale to assess everyday life problems related to deficits of working memory in brain injured patients.}, journal = {Neuropsychological rehabilitation}, volume = {22}, number = {4}, pages = {634-649}, doi = {10.1080/09602011.2012.681110}, pmid = {22537095}, issn = {1464-0694}, mesh = {Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Brain Injuries/complications/diagnosis/*psychology ; Educational Status ; Female ; Glasgow Coma Scale/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Glasgow Outcome Scale/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Humans ; Male ; Memory Disorders/complications/*diagnosis ; *Memory, Short-Term ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Reference Values ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Sex Characteristics ; Stroke/complications/diagnosis/*psychology ; *Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {The objective of the present study was to develop a scale designed to assess the consequences of working memory deficits in everyday life. The Working Memory Questionnaire (WMQ) is a self-administered scale, addressing three dimensions of working memory: short-term storage, attention, and executive control. The normative sample included 313 healthy participants. The patient group included 69 brain injured patients, who were compared to a subsample of 69 matched healthy controls. The questionnaire was found to have a good internal consistency, both in healthy participants and in patients with brain injury (Cronbach's alpha = .89 and .94, respectively). In healthy participants, significant effects of age (p < .0001) and education (p < .01) were found, due to more complaints in participants aged 60 or more and (unexpectedly) in those aged below 30, and for less educated participants, below high school level. The WMQ was found to have the sensitivity to discriminate patients from matched controls, in the three domains (p < .0001). A good concurrent validity was found with the Cognitive Failure Questionnaire and the Rating Scale of Attentional Behaviour (Spearman's Rho = .90 and .81, respectively, both ps < .0001). In addition, the total complaint score significantly correlated with neuropsychological measures of working memory (visual spans and short-term memory with interference) and with global intellectual efficiency (Raven's Matrices) but not with digit spans. Further studies are needed to measure the internal structure of the scale, and to compare self- and proxy-ratings.}, }
@article {pmid22511972, year = {2012}, author = {Schwab, C and Swoboda, R and Kotrschal, K and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Recipients affect prosocial and altruistic choices in jackdaws, Corvus monedula.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {7}, number = {4}, pages = {e34922}, pmid = {22511972}, issn = {1932-6203}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {*Altruism ; Animals ; *Choice Behavior ; Crows/*physiology ; Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Other-regarding preferences are a critical feature of human cooperation but to what extent non-human animals exhibit these preferences is a matter of intense discussion. We tested whether jackdaws show prosocial behaviour (providing benefits to others at no cost to themselves) and altruism (providing benefits to others while incurring costs) with both sibling and non-sibling recipients. In the prosocial condition, a box was baited on both the actor's and the recipient's side (1/1 option), whereas another box provided food only for the actor (1/0 option). In the altruistic condition, the boxes contained food for either the actor (1/0 option) or the recipient (0/1 option). The proportion of selfish (1/0 option) and cooperative (1/1 and 0/1 option, respectively) actors' choices was significantly affected by the recipients' behaviour. If recipients approached the boxes first and positioned themselves next to the box baited on their side, trying to access the food reward (recipient-first trials), actors were significantly more cooperative than when the actors approached the boxes first and made their choice prior to the recipients' arrival (actor-first trials). Further, in recipient-first trials actors were more cooperative towards recipients of the opposite sex, an effect that was even more pronounced in the altruistic condition. Hence, at no cost to the actors, all recipients could significantly influence the actors' behaviour, whereas at high costs this could be achieved even more so by recipients of different sex. Local/stimulus enhancement is discussed as the most likely cognitive mechanism to account for these effects.}, }
@article {pmid22506964, year = {2012}, author = {Derégnaucourt, S and Saar, S and Gahr, M}, title = {Melatonin affects the temporal pattern of vocal signatures in birds.}, journal = {Journal of pineal research}, volume = {53}, number = {3}, pages = {245-258}, doi = {10.1111/j.1600-079X.2012.00993.x}, pmid = {22506964}, issn = {1600-079X}, mesh = {Animals ; *Coturnix ; Female ; *Finches ; Learning ; Male ; Melatonin/*pharmacology ; *Photoperiod ; Pineal Gland/*physiology ; Social Isolation ; Time Factors ; Vocalization, Animal/*drug effects ; }, abstract = {In humans and other animals, melatonin is involved in the control of circadian biological rhythms. Here, we show that melatonin affects the temporal pattern of behavioral sequences in a noncircadian manner. The zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) song and the crow of the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) are courtship vocalizations composed of a stereotyped sequence of syllables. The zebra finch song is learned from conspecifics during infancy, whereas the Japanese quail crow develops normally without auditory input. We recorded and analyzed the complete vocal activity of adult birds of both species kept in social isolation for several weeks. In both species, we observed a shortening of signal duration following the transfer from a light-dark (LD) cycle to constant light (LL), a condition known to abolish melatonin production and to disrupt circadian rhythmicity. This effect was reversible because signal duration increased when the photoperiod was returned to the previous LD schedule. We then tested whether this effect was directly related to melatonin by removal of the pineal gland, which is the main production site of circulating melatonin. A shortening of the song duration was observed following pinealectomy in LD. Likewise, melatonin treatment induced changes in the temporal structure of the song. In a song learning experiment, young pinealectomized finches and young finches raised in LL failed to copy the temporal pattern of their tutor's song. Taken together, these results suggest that melatonin is involved in the control of motor timing of noncircadian behavioral sequences through an evolutionary conserved neuroendocrine pathway.}, }
@article {pmid22459870, year = {2012}, author = {Walker, BM and Valdez, GR and McLaughlin, JP and Bakalkin, G}, title = {Targeting dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor systems to treat alcohol abuse and dependence.}, journal = {Alcohol (Fayetteville, N.Y.)}, volume = {46}, number = {4}, pages = {359-370}, pmid = {22459870}, issn = {1873-6823}, support = {R13 AA017581/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; R01AA020394/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AA020394-01/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; R13AA017581/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; R28 AA012725/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; R01 DA023924/DA/NIDA NIH HHS/United States ; R15 AA018213/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; R15AA018213/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AA020394-02/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AA020394-03/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AA020394/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Alcoholism/drug therapy/*physiopathology/psychology ; Amygdala/*drug effects/physiopathology ; Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Dynorphins/pharmacology/physiology/therapeutic use ; Ethanol/*pharmacology ; Humans ; Neurotransmitter Agents/pharmacology/physiology/therapeutic use ; Receptors, Opioid, kappa/agonists/*physiology ; Stress, Psychological/*complications ; Substance Withdrawal Syndrome/*drug therapy/physiopathology ; }, abstract = {This review represents the focus of a symposium that was presented at the "Alcoholism and Stress: A Framework for Future Treatment Strategies" conference in Volterra, Italy on May 3-6, 2011 and organized/chaired by Dr. Brendan M. Walker. The primary goal of the symposium was to evaluate and disseminate contemporary findings regarding the emerging role of kappa-opioid receptors (KORs) and their endogenous ligands dynorphins (DYNs) in the regulation of escalated alcohol consumption, negative affect and cognitive dysfunction associated with alcohol dependence, as well as DYN/KOR mediation of the effects of chronic stress on alcohol reward and seeking behaviors. Dr. Glenn Valdez described a role for KORs in the anxiogenic effects of alcohol withdrawal. Dr. Jay McLaughlin focused on the role of KORs in repeated stress-induced potentiation of alcohol reward and increased alcohol consumption. Dr. Brendan Walker presented data characterizing the effects of KOR antagonism within the extended amygdala on withdrawal-induced escalation of alcohol self-administration in dependent animals. Dr. Georgy Bakalkin concluded with data indicative of altered DYNs and KORs in the prefrontal cortex of alcohol dependent humans that could underlie diminished cognitive performance. Collectively, the data presented within this symposium identified the multifaceted contribution of KORs to the characteristics of acute and chronic alcohol-induced behavioral dysregulation and provided a foundation for the development of pharmacotherapeutic strategies to treat certain aspects of alcohol use disorders.}, }
@article {pmid22437450, year = {2012}, author = {Pfuhl, G}, title = {Two strings to choose from: do ravens pull the easier one?.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {15}, number = {4}, pages = {549-557}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-012-0483-0}, pmid = {22437450}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; *Choice Behavior ; Concept Formation ; *Crows ; Cues ; Female ; Judgment ; Male ; }, abstract = {There are simple co-occurrences as well as functional relationships between events. One may assume that animals detect and use causation rather than mere co-variation. However, understanding causation often requires concepts of hidden forces. In string pulling, obstacles may hamper the access to food. Here, I studied whether ravens have an abstract concept of effort. First, in a competitive situation, ravens (Corvus corax) could choose one out of two strings. The strings differed in whether they were baited with meat and in how far away the meat was. Ravens pulled mainly the string containing meat and where the meat was nearer to the perch, respectively. Second, ravens could choose between two strings that had either a functional obstacle or a non-functional obstacle. Optimal performance required the integration of at least two cues: object and height. In 5 ravens, the model that best matched behaviour took into account only that meat was on a string, ignoring the obstacle. However, 2 ravens' performance was best explained by a model that took into account both an object's identity (meat or wood) and its height on the string. Third, one string out of two was loaded with a heavy meat piece. In this overloaded string condition, 5 out of 7 ravens did not try to pull the heavy meat piece but went straight for pulling the smaller piece. The pattern of results indicated that ravens can judge the effort required to pull a string.}, }
@article {pmid22418860, year = {2012}, author = {Rutz, C and Ryder, TB and Fleischer, RC}, title = {Restricted gene flow and fine-scale population structuring in tool using New Caledonian crows.}, journal = {Die Naturwissenschaften}, volume = {99}, number = {4}, pages = {313-320}, pmid = {22418860}, issn = {1432-1904}, support = {BB/G023913/1//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Cluster Analysis ; Crows/classification/*genetics/*physiology ; Ecosystem ; *Gene Flow ; Genetic Variation ; Haplotypes ; Microsatellite Repeats/genetics ; New Caledonia ; Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {New Caledonian crows Corvus moneduloides are the most prolific avian tool users. It has been suggested that some aspects of their complex tool use behaviour are under the influence of cultural processes, involving the social transmission-and perhaps even progressive refinement-of tool designs. Using microsatellite and mt-haplotype profiling of crows from three distinct habitats (dry forest, farmland and beachside habitat), we show that New Caledonian crow populations can exhibit significant fine-scale genetic structuring. Our finding that some sites of <10 km apart were highly differentiated demonstrates considerable potential for genetic and/or cultural isolation of crow groups. Restricted movement of birds between local populations at such small spatial scales, especially across habitat boundaries, illustrates how specific tool designs could be preserved over time, and how tool technologies of different crow groups could diverge due to drift and local selection pressures. Young New Caledonian crows have an unusually long juvenile dependency period, during which they acquire complex tool-related foraging skills. We suggest that the resulting delayed natal dispersal drives population-divergence patterns in this species. Our work provides essential context for future studies that examine the genetic makeup of crow populations across larger geographic areas, including localities with suspected cultural differences in crow tool technologies.}, }
@article {pmid22405675, year = {2012}, author = {von Rhein, M and Dimitropoulos, A and Valsangiacomo Buechel, ER and Landolt, MA and Latal, B}, title = {Risk factors for neurodevelopmental impairments in school-age children after cardiac surgery with full-flow cardiopulmonary bypass.}, journal = {The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery}, volume = {144}, number = {3}, pages = {577-583}, doi = {10.1016/j.jtcvs.2012.02.005}, pmid = {22405675}, issn = {1097-685X}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Cardiac Surgical Procedures/*adverse effects ; Cardiopulmonary Bypass/*adverse effects ; Cerebral Palsy/etiology/physiopathology/psychology ; Child ; *Child Development ; Developmental Disabilities/diagnosis/*etiology/physiopathology/psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Linear Models ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Motor Activity ; Nervous System/*growth &amp; development ; Nervous System Diseases/diagnosis/*etiology/physiopathology/psychology ; Neurologic Examination ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Postural Balance ; Risk Assessment ; Risk Factors ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Switzerland ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in school-age children after full flow open-heart surgery for congenital heart disease.<br><br>METHODS: The outcome was assessed in 117 children without a genetic comorbidity at a mean age of 10.4 &#xb1; 2.5 years. Intelligence was assessed using the Raven's Progressive Matrices and neuromotor function using the Zurich Neuromotor Assessment. Risk factors were retrieved from detailed chart review.<br><br>RESULTS: The mean intelligence score was 89 &#xb1; 16, significantly lower than the norm (P < .001). Cerebral palsy was diagnosed in 10% of patients. Poor neuromotor performance (less than p10) was present in 15% to 20% of the children, depending on the motor task (all P < .001). Pure motor and static balance performance was also significantly impaired when patients with cerebral palsy were excluded (P < .01). Intelligence was only related to socioeconomic status (P = .006), and neuromotor outcome was related to the length of hospital stay and postoperative neurologic abnormalities (P < .03). The extracorporeal circulation time was related to adaptive fine motor performance (P = .05). All other variables were not related to outcome.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Children without a genetic comorbidity are at risk of long-term intellectual and motor impairments also after full-flow cardiac repair. Surgery-related parameters play a less important role for adverse outcomes than postoperative complications. Our findings stress the importance of specialized follow-up assessments for all children with CHD undergoing open heart surgery.}, }
@article {pmid22401959, year = {2012}, author = {Kapogiannis, D and Kisser, J and Davatzikos, C and Ferrucci, L and Metter, J and Resnick, SM}, title = {Alcohol consumption and premotor corpus callosum in older adults.}, journal = {European neuropsychopharmacology : the journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology}, volume = {22}, number = {10}, pages = {704-710}, pmid = {22401959}, issn = {1873-7862}, support = {Z99 AG999999/ImNIH/Intramural NIH HHS/United States ; ZIA AG000191/ImNIH/Intramural NIH HHS/United States ; ZIA AG000975-03/ImNIH/Intramural NIH HHS/United States ; R99 AG999999/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; ZIA AG000191-15/ImNIH/Intramural NIH HHS/United States ; ZIA AG000966-04/ImNIH/Intramural NIH HHS/United States ; N01-AG-3-2124/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Aged ; *Aging ; Alcohol Drinking/*adverse effects/*pathology ; Alcohol-Related Disorders/*pathology/physiopathology ; Baltimore ; Cohort Studies ; Corpus Callosum/*pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Longitudinal Studies ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuroimaging ; Organ Size ; Organ Specificity ; Self Report ; Severity of Illness Index ; Sex Characteristics ; }, abstract = {Heavy alcohol consumption is toxic to the brain, especially to the frontal white matter (WM), but whether lesser amounts of alcohol negatively impact the brain WM is unclear. In this study, we examined the relationship between self-reported alcohol consumption and regional WM and grey matter (GM) volume in fifty-six men and thirty-seven women (70+- 7years) cognitively intact participants of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) with no history of alcohol abuse. We used regional analysis of volumes examined in normalized space (RAVENS) maps methodology for WM and GM segmentation and normalization followed by voxel based morphometry (VBM) implemented in SPM8 to examine the cross-sectional association between alcohol consumption and regional WM (and, separately, GM) volume controlling for age, sex, smoking, blood pressure and dietary thiamine intake. WM VBM revealed that in men, but not in women, higher alcohol consumption was associated with lower volume in premotor frontal corpus callosum. This finding suggests that even moderate amounts of alcohol may be detrimental to corpus callosum and white matter integrity.}, }
@article {pmid22397231, year = {2011}, author = {Bala, G and Katić, R and Krneta, Z}, title = {Do kinesiologic activities change aberrant behavior in preschool children?.}, journal = {Collegium antropologicum}, volume = {35}, number = {4}, pages = {1007-1015}, pmid = {22397231}, issn = {0350-6134}, mesh = {Child ; Child Behavior Disorders/*prevention &amp; control ; Child, Preschool ; *Exercise ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Motor Skills ; }, abstract = {An experimental treatment was carried out in a sample of 117 preschool children by applying kinesiologic activities. The treatment lasting for 60 minutes was applied for a period of 9 months, twice a week. Control group of 139 children were trained according to the program for preschool institutions. Treatment effects were assessed by 7 motor ability tests, one intellectual test (Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices) and 36-item questionnaire for assessing aberrant behavior, which was filled out by parents. Aberrant behavior reduced significantly when motor abilities improved through systematic exercise. These findings point to the importance of motor exercise and applying additional kinesiologic activities with various modalities to reduce aberrant behavior in preschool children.}, }
@article {pmid22396799, year = {2012}, author = {van der Vaart, E and Verbrugge, R and Hemelrijk, CK}, title = {Corvid re-caching without 'theory of mind': a model.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {7}, number = {3}, pages = {e32904}, pmid = {22396799}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Algorithms ; Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Birds/*physiology ; Cognition ; Computer Simulation ; Computers ; *Feeding Behavior ; Food ; Learning ; Memory ; Models, Biological ; Models, Statistical ; Motivation ; Social Behavior ; Theory of Mind ; }, abstract = {Scrub jays are thought to use many tactics to protect their caches. For instance, they predominantly bury food far away from conspecifics, and if they must cache while being watched, they often re-cache their worms later, once they are in private. Two explanations have been offered for such observations, and they are intensely debated. First, the birds may reason about their competitors' mental states, with a 'theory of mind'; alternatively, they may apply behavioral rules learned in daily life. Although this second hypothesis is cognitively simpler, it does seem to require a different, ad-hoc behavioral rule for every caching and re-caching pattern exhibited by the birds. Our new theory avoids this drawback by explaining a large variety of patterns as side-effects of stress and the resulting memory errors. Inspired by experimental data, we assume that re-caching is not motivated by a deliberate effort to safeguard specific caches from theft, but by a general desire to cache more. This desire is brought on by stress, which is determined by the presence and dominance of onlookers, and by unsuccessful recovery attempts. We study this theory in two experiments similar to those done with real birds with a kind of 'virtual bird', whose behavior depends on a set of basic assumptions about corvid cognition, and a well-established model of human memory. Our results show that the 'virtual bird' acts as the real birds did; its re-caching reflects whether it has been watched, how dominant its onlooker was, and how close to that onlooker it has cached. This happens even though it cannot attribute mental states, and it has only a single behavioral rule assumed to be previously learned. Thus, our simulations indicate that corvid re-caching can be explained without sophisticated social cognition. Given our specific predictions, our theory can easily be tested empirically.}, }
@article {pmid22371120, year = {2012}, author = {Silva, FJ and Silva, KM}, title = {More but not less uncertainty makes adult humans' tool selections more similar to those reported with crows.}, journal = {Learning &amp; behavior}, volume = {40}, number = {4}, pages = {494-506}, pmid = {22371120}, issn = {1543-4508}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Choice Behavior/*physiology ; Crows ; Humans ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Tool Use Behavior/*physiology ; Uncertainty ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {In this study, we examined whether adult humans' tool selections in a stick-and-tube problem might resemble previously published results of crows' selections if people had more experience solving the problem or were presented with a more ambiguous problem. In Experiments 1a and 1b, when given multiple opportunities to select a stick from a set of 10 to retrieve a candy located either 8 or 16 cm from the opening of a tube, the participants always selected a stick that was long enough to retrieve the candy; however, they did not generally select either the stick whose length matched the object's distance or the longest stick in the set-two outcomes reported in studies with crows. In Experiment 2, participants who were allowed only a brief period of time to study the problem selected a longer stick than did participants allowed unlimited time to do the same. However, only when the candy's distance was 16 cm did these people reliably select the longest stick in the set. It seems that increasing, but not decreasing, people's uncertainty about a problem can make humans' tool selections more similar to those reported with crows.}, }
@article {pmid22366505, year = {2012}, author = {Ibáñez-Álamo, JD and De Neve, L and Roldán, M and Rodríguez, J and Trouvé, C and Chastel, O and Soler, M}, title = {Corticosterone levels in host and parasite nestlings: is brood parasitism a hormonal stressor?.}, journal = {Hormones and behavior}, volume = {61}, number = {4}, pages = {590-597}, doi = {10.1016/j.yhbeh.2012.02.008}, pmid = {22366505}, issn = {1095-6867}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Competitive Behavior/physiology ; Corticosterone/*blood ; Crows/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior/physiology ; Female ; Male ; Nesting Behavior/*physiology ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Radioimmunoassay ; Temperature ; Wind ; }, abstract = {Parasite chicks from non-evictor species usually try to monopolize host parental care, thereby increasing considerably the level of food competition in the nest. Here, we propose that brood parasitism is an important stressor for host and parasite nestlings and explore this hypothesis in the non-evictor great spotted cuckoo (Clamator glandarius) and its main hosts, the same-sized black-billed magpie (Pica pica) and the larger carrion crow (Corvus corone). We experimentally created 3-nestling broods of different brood compositions (only cuckoo chicks, only host chicks, or cuckoo and host chicks together) and measured baseline corticosterone levels of nestlings along their developmental period (early, middle and late). We found that brood parasitism increased corticosterone levels in magpie nestlings in the mid and late nestling period compared to those raised in unparasitized nests. Interestingly, carrion crow nestlings from parasitized nests only increased their corticosterone levels in the mid nestling period, when the competition for food with the cuckoo nestling was highest. Our results suggest that brood parasitism could be a potential physiological stressor for host nestlings, especially during the developmental stages where food requirements are highest. Conversely, cuckoo nestlings could be physiologically adapted to high competition levels since they did not show significant differences in corticosterone levels in relation to brood composition.}, }
@article {pmid22357936, year = {2012}, author = {Coulon, A and Fitzpatrick, JW and Bowman, R and Lovette, IJ}, title = {Mind the gap: genetic distance increases with habitat gap size in Florida scrub jays.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {8}, number = {4}, pages = {582-585}, pmid = {22357936}, issn = {1744-957X}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; DNA/blood ; *Ecosystem ; *Endangered Species ; Florida ; Gene Flow ; *Genetics, Population ; Genotyping Techniques ; Geography ; Linear Models ; Movement/physiology ; Reproductive Isolation ; Songbirds/*genetics/physiology ; }, abstract = {Habitat gap size has been negatively linked to movement probability in several species occupying fragmented landscapes. How these effects on movement behaviour in turn affect the genetic structure of fragmented populations at local scales is less well known. We tested, and confirmed, the hypothesis that genetic differentiation among adjacent populations of Florida scrub jays--an endangered bird species with poor dispersal abilities and a high degree of habitat specialization--increases with the width of habitat gaps separating them. This relationship was not an artefact of simple isolation-by-distance, as genetic distance was not correlated with the Euclidean distance between geographical centroids of the adjacent populations. Our results suggest that gap size affects movement behaviour even at remarkably local spatial scales, producing direct consequences on the genetic structure of fragmented populations. This finding shows that conserving genetic continuity for specialist species within fragmented habitat requires maintenance or restoration of preserve networks in which habitat gaps do not exceed a species-specific threshold distance.}, }
@article {pmid22344448, year = {2012}, author = {Wei, W and Lu, H and Zhao, H and Chen, C and Dong, Q and Zhou, X}, title = {Gender differences in children's arithmetic performance are accounted for by gender differences in language abilities.}, journal = {Psychological science}, volume = {23}, number = {3}, pages = {320-330}, doi = {10.1177/0956797611427168}, pmid = {22344448}, issn = {1467-9280}, mesh = {*Aptitude ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; *Language ; Male ; *Mathematics ; Sex Factors ; }, abstract = {Studies have shown that female children, on average, consistently outperform male children in arithmetic. In the research reported here, 1,556 pupils (8 to 11 years of age) from urban and rural regions in the greater Beijing area completed 10 cognitive tasks. Results showed that girls outperformed boys in arithmetic tasks (i.e., simple subtraction, complex multiplication), as well as in numerosity-comparison, number-comparison, number-series-completion, choice reaction time, and word-rhyming tasks. Boys outperformed girls in a mental rotation task. Controlling for scores on the word-rhyming task eliminated gender differences in arithmetic, whereas controlling for scores on numerical-processing tasks (number comparison, numerosity estimation, numerosity comparison, and number-series completion) and general cognitive tasks (choice reaction time, Raven's Progressive Matrices, and mental rotation) did not. These results suggest that girls' advantage in arithmetic is likely due to their advantage in language processing.}, }
@article {pmid22324495, year = {2012}, author = {Whitehouse, AJ and Robinson, M and Newnham, JP and Pennell, CE}, title = {Do hypertensive diseases of pregnancy disrupt neurocognitive development in offspring?.}, journal = {Paediatric and perinatal epidemiology}, volume = {26}, number = {2}, pages = {101-108}, doi = {10.1111/j.1365-3016.2011.01257.x}, pmid = {22324495}, issn = {1365-3016}, mesh = {Child ; Child Behavior Disorders/etiology ; Child Development/physiology ; Cognition Disorders/*etiology ; Cohort Studies ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; *Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced ; Language Development ; Language Development Disorders/*etiology ; Language Tests/standards ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests/standards ; Pregnancy ; Regression Analysis ; Risk Factors ; Verbal Behavior/physiology ; Western Australia ; }, abstract = {The current study sought to determine whether hypertensive diseases of pregnancy (gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia) are associated with neurocognitive outcomes in middle childhood. Participants were members of the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study. Data were available for 1389 children (675 females; mean age = 10.59 years; SD = 0.19). Twenty-five per cent of these participants were offspring of pregnancies complicated by either gestational hypertension (n = 279), or pre-eclampsia (n = 34). Verbal ability at age 10 years was assessed with the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test - Revised (PPVT-R), and non-verbal ability with Ravens Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM). Separate multivariable regression analyses, incorporating sociodemographic, antenatal, obstetric and postnatal covariates, investigated the effect of a two- (normotensive pregnancy vs. hypertensive pregnancy) and three-level (normotensive pregnancy vs. gestational hypertension vs. pre-eclampsia) predictor variable on PPVT-R and RCPM scores. Offspring of pregnancies complicated by maternal hypertension (gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia) had a mean PPVT-R score that was 1.83 ([95% confidence interval (CI) -3.48, -0.17], P = 0.03) points lower than children from normotensive pregnancies. Multivariable regression analysis also identified a significant inverse association between the three-level predictor variable and offspring PPVT-R scores (P = 0.02). Gestational hypertension (without pre-eclampsia) reduced offspring PPVT-R scores by 1.71 points [95% CI -3.39, -0.03] and pre-eclampsia led to a reduction of 3.53 points [95% CI -8.41, 1.35], although this latter association did not achieve statistical significance. There was no effect of the two- (P = 0.99) or three-level (P = 0.92) predictor variable on RCPM scores. Maternal hypertensive diseases of pregnancy are a risk factor for a small reduction in offspring verbal ability.}, }
@article {pmid22321688, year = {2012}, author = {van Els, P and Cicero, C and Klicka, J}, title = {High latitudes and high genetic diversity: phylogeography of a widespread boreal bird, the gray jay (Perisoreus canadensis).}, journal = {Molecular phylogenetics and evolution}, volume = {63}, number = {2}, pages = {456-465}, doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2012.01.019}, pmid = {22321688}, issn = {1095-9513}, mesh = {Animals ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; *Genetic Variation ; Genetics, Population ; Geography ; North America ; Passeriformes/*classification/*genetics ; Phylogeny ; *Phylogeography ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; }, abstract = {We describe range-wide phylogeographic variation in gray jays (Perisoreus canadensis), a boreal Nearctic corvid that occurs today primarily in recently glaciated regions. Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA (1041 base pairs ND2 gene; N=205, 50 localities) revealed four reciprocally monophyletic groups. One widespread clade occurs across the North American boreal zone, from Newfoundland to Alaska and southwest into Utah. Three other clades occur at lower latitudes in the montane West in Colorado, the northern Rocky Mountains, and the Pacific Northwest respectively. The geographic distribution of clades in gray jays corresponds with a general pattern that is emerging for boreal taxa, having one widespread northern clade and one or more geographically restricted southwestern clades. Population genetic analyses indicate that the larger boreal clade is genetically structured and harbors significantly more genetic diversity than those clades occurring at lower latitudes. Species distribution modeling (SDM) revealed multiple putative Pleistocene refugia including several occurring at higher latitudes. We suggest that multiple post-glacial colonization routes, some of which originate from these northern refugia, are responsible for the relatively high genetic diversity at high latitudes. Conversely, lower latitude clades show little variation, probably as a result of historical restriction to smaller geographical areas with smaller long-term population sizes. This 'upside-down' pattern of genetic diversity contrasts with the conventional view that populations of north-temperate species occupying previously glaciated habitats should possess lower levels of diversity than their southern counterparts.}, }
@article {pmid22309762, year = {2012}, author = {Ribeiro, RK and Semer, NL and Yazigi, L}, title = {Rorschach Comprehensive System data from a sample of 211 nonpatient children in Brazil.}, journal = {Journal of personality assessment}, volume = {94}, number = {3}, pages = {267-275}, doi = {10.1080/00223891.2011.653727}, pmid = {22309762}, issn = {1532-7752}, mesh = {Brazil ; Child ; Child Behavior/*psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Personality ; Personality Assessment/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Personality Development ; Psychometrics/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Reference Values ; Reproducibility of Results ; Rorschach Test/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; }, abstract = {This study provides Rorschach Comprehensive System normative data for Brazilian boys and girls drawn from public and private schools. Initially, the Child Behavior Checklist was administered to parents to assess the child's social competence and to screen out behavioral disturbances. Afterward, the Raven's Color Progressive Matrices was administered to exclude children with low intellectual development. Finally, the Rorschach Comprehensive System was administered to the selected 211 children who were distributed in 4 subgroups: 7-year-olds (n = 50), 8-year-olds (n = 53), 9-year-olds (n = 52), and 10-year-olds (n = 56). Interrater reliability statistics were calculated, including percentage of agreement and iota. Descriptive statistics of all variables of the Comprehensive System for each subgroup are presented and contrasted with results from other relevant comparison samples.}, }
@article {pmid22298910, year = {2012}, author = {Fraser, ON and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Reciprocity of agonistic support in ravens.}, journal = {Animal behaviour}, volume = {83}, number = {1}, pages = {171-177}, pmid = {22298910}, issn = {0003-3472}, abstract = {Cooperative behaviour through reciprocation or interchange of valuable services in primates has received considerable attention, especially regarding the timeframe of reciprocation and its ensuing cognitive implications. Much less, however, is known about reciprocity in other animals, particularly birds. We investigated patterns of agonistic support (defined as a third party intervening in an ongoing conflict to attack one of the conflict participants, thus supporting the other) in a group of 13 captive ravens, Corvus corax. We found support for long-term, but not short-term, reciprocation of agonistic support. Ravens were more likely to support individuals who preened them, kin and dominant group members. These results suggest that ravens do not reciprocate on a calculated tit-for-tat basis, but aid individuals from whom reciprocated support would be most useful and those with whom they share a good relationship. Additionally, dyadic levels of agonistic support and consolation (postconflict affiliation from a bystander to the victim) correlated strongly with each other, but we found no evidence to suggest that receiving agonistic support influences the victim's likelihood of receiving support (consolation) after the conflict ends. Our findings are consistent with an emotionally mediated form of reciprocity in ravens and provide additional support for convergent cognitive evolution in birds and mammals.}, }
@article {pmid22281207, year = {2012}, author = {Chiappedi, M and Maffioletti, E and Piazza, F and D'Adda, N and Tamburini, M and Balottin, U}, title = {Abilities of preschoolers: comparing different tools.}, journal = {Italian journal of pediatrics}, volume = {38}, number = {}, pages = {3}, pmid = {22281207}, issn = {1824-7288}, mesh = {Attention ; *Child Behavior ; Child, Preschool ; Cognition ; Executive Function ; Female ; Humans ; Learning ; Male ; Memory ; *Mental Processes ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; Psychometrics ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: There is a strong need for studies evaluating tests in terms both of psychometric properties (i.e. their efficacy or ability to be helpful in reaching a diagnosis) and of their cost-effectiveness (i.e. their efficiency). These data are essential for planning a correct evaluation to identify children's needs (both educational and abilitative).<br><br>METHODS: We evaluated 58 children attending for the first time the last year of the Scuola dell'Infanzia. Parental view was obtained with Child Behaviour Check-List and Conners' Rating Scales--Revised, and family socio-economic status was evaluated using Hollingshead's Four Factor Index; teacher compiled the IPDA questionnaire; children were administered Raven's Progressive Matrices, Modified Bell Cancellation Test, BVN 5-11 (a neuropsychological battery).<br><br>RESULTS: A correlational analysis was conducted using Spearman's Rho (since variables were not normally distributed). These asymptomatic children show a good global cognitive functioning, but also a deficit of attention and of Executive Functions. Some of the tests used seem more cost-effective than others and there are some redundancies in information obtained.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that there are significant correlations between different neuropsychological and behavioural measures. It is therefore possible to rationalize diagnostic protocols without a significant information reduction. A deeper analysis will require a preliminary definition of the psychometric properties of used tools.}, }
@article {pmid22265752, year = {2012}, author = {Mohd Nasir, MT and Norimah, AK and Hazizi, AS and Nurliyana, AR and Loh, SH and Suraya, I}, title = {Child feeding practices, food habits, anthropometric indicators and cognitive performance among preschoolers in Peninsular Malaysia.}, journal = {Appetite}, volume = {58}, number = {2}, pages = {525-530}, doi = {10.1016/j.appet.2012.01.007}, pmid = {22265752}, issn = {1095-8304}, mesh = {*Anthropometry ; Body Height ; Body Mass Index ; Body Weight ; Child ; Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena ; Child, Preschool ; Cognition/*physiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; *Diet ; *Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Humans ; Malaysia ; Male ; Parents ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Thinness ; }, abstract = {This study aimed to determine the relationship between child feeding practices, food habits, and anthropometric indicators with cognitive performance of preschoolers aged 4-6 years in Peninsular Malaysia (n=1933). Parents were interviewed on socio-demographic background, nutrition knowledge, child feeding practices and food habits. Height and weight of the preschoolers were measured; BMI-for-age, weight-for-age and height-for-age were determined. Cognitive performance was assessed using Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices. The mean monthly household income was RM3610 and 59.6% of parents attained secondary education. Thirty-three percent of parents had good knowledge on nutrition, 39% satisfactory and 28% poor. For child feeding practices, perceived responsibility had the highest mean score (M=3.99, SD=0.72), while perceived child weight had the lowest (M=2.94, SD=0.38). The prevalence of possible risk of overweight, being overweight, and obesity were 3.9%, 7.9% and 8.1%, respectively, whereas the prevalence of underweight and stunting were 8.0% and 8.4%, respectively. Breakfast was the second most frequently skipped meal (16.8%) after dinner (18.1%). The mean cognitive score was 103.5 (SD=14.4). Height-for-age and consumption of dinner were found to contribute significantly towards cognitive performance after controlling for socio-demographic background and parent's nutrition knowledge.}, }
@article {pmid22247391, year = {2012}, author = {Thinh, TV and Gilbert, M and Bunpapong, N and Amonsin, A and Nguyen, DT and Doherty, PF and Huyvaert, KP}, title = {Avian influenza viruses in wild land birds in northern Vietnam.}, journal = {Journal of wildlife diseases}, volume = {48}, number = {1}, pages = {195-200}, doi = {10.7589/0090-3558-48.1.195}, pmid = {22247391}, issn = {1943-3700}, support = {HHSN266200700007C//PHS HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/virology ; Antibodies, Viral/*blood ; Birds/virology ; Female ; Influenza A virus/classification/*immunology ; Influenza in Birds/blood/*epidemiology/virology ; Male ; Sentinel Surveillance/*veterinary ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; Vietnam/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {Given a paucity of data on the occurrence of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in wild passerines and other small terrestrial species in Southeast Asia and the importance of highly pathogenic Asian-strain H5N1 outbreaks in humans and domestic poultry in these areas, we focused on surveillance for influenza A viral nucleic acids and antibodies for AIVs in wild-caught birds in northern Vietnam. Four of 197 serum samples collected in 2007 from Black-crested Bulbul (Pycnonotus melanicterus), Crow-billed Drongo (Dicrurus annectans), Buff-breasted Babbler (Pellorneum tickelli), and Black-browed Fulvetta (Alcippe grotei) were antibody positive for the H5 subtype. Fourteen of 193 samples collected in 2008 were positive for the influenza A viral M gene by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. These included samples from 10 Japanese White-eyes (Zosterops japonicus), two Puff-throated Bulbuls (Alophoixus pallidus), one White-tailed Robin (Cinclidium leucurum), and one Striped Tit-babbler (Macronous gularis). Almost all positive samples were from bird species that forage in flocks, including Japanese White-eyes with an unusually high prevalence of 14.9%. We collected samples from birds from three habitat types but detected no strong pattern in prevalence. Our results suggest that attention should be given to terrestrial species, particularly flocking passerines, in AIV surveillance and monitoring programs.}, }
@article {pmid22243889, year = {2012}, author = {Sun, YX and Luo, XJ and Mo, L and Zhang, Q and Wu, JP and Chen, SJ and Zou, FS and Mai, BX}, title = {Brominated flame retardants in three terrestrial passerine birds from South China: geographical pattern and implication for potential sources.}, journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)}, volume = {162}, number = {}, pages = {381-388}, doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2011.12.013}, pmid = {22243889}, issn = {1873-6424}, mesh = {Animals ; China ; Electronics ; Environmental Exposure ; *Environmental Monitoring ; Environmental Pollutants/analysis/*metabolism ; Flame Retardants/analysis/*metabolism ; Hydrocarbons, Brominated/analysis/*metabolism ; Industrial Waste ; Passeriformes/*metabolism ; }, abstract = {Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and pentabromotoluene (PBT) were investigated in light-vented bulbul (LVB), long-tailed shrike (LTS) and oriental magpie-robin (OMR) collected from seven sampling sites in South China. ∑PBDEs, DBDPE, PBB 153, and PBT levels ranged from 35 to 15,000, no detected (nd)-130, nd-6800, and nd-6.8 ng/g lipid weight, respectively. Positive correlations were found between δ(15)N values and brominated flame retardant (BFR) concentrations. The BFR geographic pattern indicated that PBDEs were linked to e-waste recycling and local industry activities as well as urbanization; PBB 153 was derived from e-waste; DBDPE was mainly come from local industry activities; and no specific source was observed for PBT. PBDE congener profiles were found to be depended on bird species and sampling sites with relatively high abundances of lower brominated congeners in e-waste site and significantly higher abundance of BDE153 in LTS and OMR than in LVB.}, }
@article {pmid22242144, year = {2011}, author = {Brañas-Garza, P and Rustichini, A}, title = {Organizing effects of testosterone and economic behavior: not just risk taking.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {6}, number = {12}, pages = {e29842}, pmid = {22242144}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Adult ; Attitude ; *Economics ; Female ; Fingers/anatomy &amp; histology ; Humans ; Male ; Negotiating ; Regression Analysis ; *Risk-Taking ; Sex Characteristics ; Task Performance and Analysis ; Testosterone/*metabolism ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Recent literature emphasizes the role that testosterone, as well as markers indicating early exposure to T and its organizing effect on the brain (such as the ratio of second to fourth finger, [Formula: see text]), have on performance in financial markets. These results may suggest that the main effect of T, either circulating or in fetal exposure, on economic behavior occurs through the increased willingness to take risks. However, these findings indicate that traders with a low digit ratio are not only more profitable, but more able to survive in the long run, thus the effect might consist of more than just lower risk aversion. In addition, recent literature suggests a positive correlation between abstract reasoning ability and higher willingness to take risks. To test the two hypotheses of testosterone on performance in financial activities (effect on risk attitude versus a complex effect involving risk attitude and reasoning ability), we gather data on the three variables in a sample of 188 ethnically homogeneous college students (Caucasians). We measure a [Formula: see text] digit ratio, abstract reasoning ability with the Raven Progressive Matrices task, and risk attitude with choice among lotteries. Low digit ratio in men is associated with higher risk taking and higher scores in abstract reasoning ability when a combined measure of risk aversion over different tasks is used. This explains both the higher performance and higher survival rate observed in traders, as well as the observed correlation between abstract reasoning ability and risk taking. We also analyze how much of the total effect of digit ratio on risk attitude is direct, and how much is mediated. Mediation analysis shows that a substantial part of the effect of T on attitude to risk is mediated by abstract reasoning ability.}, }
@article {pmid22239911, year = {2012}, author = {Tachibana, Y and Yoshida, J and Ichinomiya, M and Nouchi, R and Miyauchi, C and Takeuchi, H and Tomita, N and Arai, H and Kawashima, R}, title = {A GO intervention program for enhancing elementary school children's cognitive functions and control abilities of emotion and behavior: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.}, journal = {Trials}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {8}, pmid = {22239911}, issn = {1745-6215}, mesh = {*Behavior Control ; Child ; *Child Behavior ; *Child Development ; *Cognition ; *Emotions ; *Executive Function ; Humans ; Japan ; Neuroimaging ; Neuronal Plasticity ; Neuropsychological Tests ; *Play and Playthings ; *Research Design ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Executive function is critical for children's healthy development. We propose an intervention program to enhance children's executive function using the game, GO. Many neuroimaging studies have revealed that playing GO is related to executive function. In addition, previous studies also revealed that executive function can be enhanced by training. We will perform a randomized controlled trial to investigate the effectiveness of a GO intervention group and a control group without intervention.<br><br>METHODS/DESIGN: 35 elementary school children aged 8 to 10 were recruited from Edogawa elementary school in Tokyo, Japan. They will be randomized into two groups; either the 5-week GO intervention group or no-intervention control group. We will ask the participants of the intervention group to join the GO course which will be held once every week for five weeks (total: six times). In the GO course, the children will be taught GO by the GO masters of the Nihon Ki-in and enjoy it for an hour. Besides the course, the participants will perform GO problems about twenty minutes a day, three times a week during the intervention period. We will use the Stroop task, the digit span, the Raven's colored progressive matrices, the Span-board task, and the Behavioral inhibition/behavioral activation scale for the outcome measures. Outcomes will be measured at a baseline (Assessment 1) and 5 weeks after the intervention program started (Assessment 2). The intervention group will be compared with the control group using one-way analyses of covariance with the difference between Assessment 1 and Assessment 2 measures as dependent variables and pretest scores as covariates.<br><br>DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this study will be the first RCT to investigate the efficacy of a GO intervention program for elementary school children. If this intervention is effective, we will be able to take the next steps in making an educational program to enhance children's executive function and other cognitive abilities using GO. In addition, we further will investigate the transfer effects of the GO intervention program through executive function. We also will investigate neuroplasticity with the GO intervention using neuroimaging.}, }
@article {pmid22217722, year = {2012}, author = {Kondo, N and Izawa, E and Watanabe, S}, title = {Crows cross-modally recognize group members but not non-group members.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {279}, number = {1735}, pages = {1937-1942}, pmid = {22217722}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Acoustic Stimulation ; *Animal Communication ; Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Hierarchy, Social ; Male ; Photic Stimulation ; *Recognition, Psychology ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Recognizing other individuals by integrating different sensory modalities is a crucial ability of social animals, including humans. Although cross-modal individual recognition has been demonstrated in mammals, the extent of its use by birds remains unknown. Herein, we report the first evidence of cross-modal recognition of group members by a highly social bird, the large-billed crow (Corvus macrorhynchos). A cross-modal expectancy violation paradigm was used to test whether crows were sensitive to identity congruence between visual presentation of a group member and the subsequent playback of a contact call. Crows looked more rapidly and for a longer duration when the visual and auditory stimuli were incongruent than when congruent. Moreover, these responses were not observed with non-group member stimuli. These results indicate that crows spontaneously associate visual and auditory information of group members but not of non-group members, which is a demonstration of cross-modal audiovisual recognition of group members in birds.}, }
@article {pmid22209954, year = {2012}, author = {Rutz, C and St Clair, JJ}, title = {The evolutionary origins and ecological context of tool use in New Caledonian crows.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {89}, number = {2}, pages = {153-165}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2011.11.005}, pmid = {22209954}, issn = {1872-8308}, support = {BB/G023913/1//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Appetitive Behavior ; *Biological Evolution ; *Crows ; *Environment ; New Caledonia ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {New Caledonian (NC) crows Corvus moneduloides are the most prolific avian tool users. In the wild, they use at least three distinct tool types to extract invertebrate prey from deadwood and vegetation, with some of their tools requiring complex manufacture, modification and/or deployment. Experiments with captive-bred, hand-raised NC crows have demonstrated that the species has a strong genetic predisposition for basic tool use and manufacture, suggesting that this behaviour is an evolved adaptation. This view is supported by recent stable-isotope analyses of the diets of wild crows, which revealed that tool use provides access to highly profitable hidden prey, with preliminary data indicating that parents preferentially feed their offspring with tool-derived food. Building on this work, our review examines the possible evolutionary origins of these birds' remarkable tool-use behaviour. Whilst robust comparative analyses are impossible, given the phylogenetic rarity of animal tool use, our examination of a wide range of circumstantial evidence enables a first attempt at reconstructing a plausible evolutionary scenario. We suggest that a common ancestor of NC crows, originating from a (probably) non-tool-using South-East Asian or Australasian crow population, colonised New Caledonia after its last emersion several million years ago. The presence of profitable but out-of-reach food, in combination with a lack of direct competition for these resources, resulted in a vacant woodpecker-like niche. Crows may have possessed certain behavioural and/or morphological features upon their arrival that predisposed them to express tool-use rather than specialised prey-excavation behaviour, although it is possible that woodpecker-like foraging preceded tool use. Low levels of predation risk may have further facilitated tool-use behaviour, by allowing greater expenditure of time and energy on object interaction and exploration, as well as the evolution of a 'slow' life-history, in which prolonged juvenile development enables acquisition of complex behaviours. Intriguingly, humans may well have influenced the evolution of at least some of the species' tool-oriented behaviours, via their possible introduction of candlenut trees together with the beetle larvae that infest them. Research on NC crows' tool-use behaviour in its full ecological context is still in its infancy, and we expect that, as more evidence accumulates, some of our assumptions and predictions will be proved wrong. However, it is clear from our analysis of existing work, and the development of some original ideas, that the unusual evolutionary trajectory of NC crows is probably the consequence of an intricate constellation of interplaying factors.}, }
@article {pmid25892846, year = {2012}, author = {Loretto, MC and Fraser, ON and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Ontogeny of Social Relations and Coalition Formation in Common Ravens (Corvus corax).}, journal = {International journal of comparative psychology}, volume = {25}, number = {3}, pages = {180-194}, pmid = {25892846}, issn = {0889-3667}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {The social intelligence hypothesis, originally developed for primates to explain their high intelligence and large relative brain size, assumes that challenges posed by social life in complex societies with many group members lead to the evolution of advanced cognitive abilities. In birds, pair-bonded species have larger brains than non-pair bonded species, indicating that the quality of social relationships better predicts social complexity than group size. Ravens are a long-term monogamous and territorial species, renowned for their sophisticated socio-cognitive skills and complex social relationships. Notably, during their early years they live in fission-fusion-like non-breeder societies in which social relationships could be of particular importance. Here we observed the development of dominance and affiliative relationships in 12 hand-raised captive ravens, examining the influence of age, sex and kinship on social interactions. Furthermore, we investigated at which developmental step a stable hierarchy emerged, whether third-party interventions played a role and how selectively birds intervened in others' conflicts. At 4-5 months post-fledging, we found an increase in socio-positive behaviour and a decrease in aggression, along with the establishment of a linear dominance rank hierarchy. In line with kin selection theory, siblings exhibited a greater degree of tolerance and engaged in more socio-positive behaviour. In their first few months, ravens frequently intervened in others' conflicts but supported mainly the aggressor; later on, their support became more selective towards kin and close social partners. These findings indicate that ravens engage in sophisticated social behaviours and form stable relationships already in their first year of life.}, }
@article {pmid23502563, year = {2012}, author = {Morange, M}, title = {Synthetic biology: a challenge to mechanical explanations in biology?.}, journal = {Perspectives in biology and medicine}, volume = {55}, number = {4}, pages = {543-553}, doi = {10.1353/pbm.2012.0048}, pmid = {23502563}, issn = {1529-8795}, mesh = {Animals ; *Bioengineering ; Biological Evolution ; *Biomedical Research ; Cooperative Behavior ; Humans ; Interdisciplinary Communication ; Models, Biological ; *Synthetic Biology ; Systems Biology ; }, abstract = {In their plans to modify organisms, synthetic biologists have contrasted engineering and tinkering. By drawing this contrast between their endeavors and what has happened during the evolution of organisms by natural selection, they underline the novelty of their projects and justify their ambitions. Synthetic biologists are at odds with a long tradition that has considered organisms as "perfect machines." This tradition had already been questioned by Stephen Jay Gould in the 1970s and received a major blow with the comparison made by François Jacob between organisms and the results of "bricolage" (tinkering). These contrasts between engineering and tinkering, synthetic biology and evolution, have no raison d'être. Machines built by humans are increasingly inspired by observations made on organisms. This is not a simple reversal of the previous trend-the mechanical conception of organisms-in which the characteristics of the latter were explained by comparison with human-built machines. Relations between organisms and machines have always been complex and ambiguous.}, }
@article {pmid22206038, year = {2011}, author = {Thiemann, TC and Wheeler, SS and Barker, CM and Reisen, WK}, title = {Mosquito host selection varies seasonally with host availability and mosquito density.}, journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases}, volume = {5}, number = {12}, pages = {e1452}, pmid = {22206038}, issn = {1935-2735}, support = {R01 AI055607/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01-AI55607/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/parasitology ; Blood Cells ; California ; Culex/growth &amp; development/*physiology ; *Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Humans ; Mammals/parasitology ; Population Density ; Seasons ; }, abstract = {Host selection by vector mosquitoes is a critical component of virus proliferation, particularly for viruses such as West Nile (WNV) that are transmitted enzootically to a variety of avian hosts, and tangentially to dead-end hosts such as humans. Culex tarsalis is a principal vector of WNV in rural areas of western North America. Based on previous work, Cx. tarsalis utilizes a variety of avian and mammalian hosts and tends to feed more frequently on mammals in the late summer than during the rest of the year. To further explore this and other temporal changes in host selection, bloodfed females were collected at a rural farmstead and heron nesting site in Northern California from May 2008 through May 2009, and bloodmeal hosts identified using either a microsphere-based array or by sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene. Host composition during summer was dominated by four species of nesting Ardeidae. In addition, the site was populated with various passerine species as well as domestic farm animals and humans. When present, Cx. tarsalis fed predominantly (>80%) upon the ardeids, with Black-crowned Night-Herons, a highly competent WNV host, the most prevalent summer host. As the ardeids fledged and left the area and mosquito abundance increased in late summer, Cx. tarsalis feeding shifted to include more mammals, primarily cattle, and a high diversity of avian species. In the winter, Yellow-billed Magpies and House Sparrows were the predominant hosts, and Yellow-billed Magpies and American Robins were fed upon more frequently than expected given their relative abundance. These data demonstrated that host selection was likely based both on host availability and differences in utilization, that the shift of bloodfeeding to include more mammalian hosts was likely the result of both host availability and increased mosquito abundance, and that WNV-competent hosts were fed upon by Cx. tarsalis throughout the year.}, }
@article {pmid22194779, year = {2011}, author = {Taylor, AH and Elliffe, DM and Hunt, GR and Emery, NJ and Clayton, NS and Gray, RD}, title = {New Caledonian crows learn the functional properties of novel tool types.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {6}, number = {12}, pages = {e26887}, pmid = {22194779}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Air ; Animals ; Appetitive Behavior ; Crows/*physiology ; Discrimination Learning ; Female ; Learning/*physiology ; Learning Curve ; Male ; New Caledonia ; Silicon Dioxide ; Tool Use Behavior/*physiology ; Water ; }, abstract = {New Caledonian crows were presented with Bird and Emery's (2009a) Aesop's fable paradigm, which requires stones to be dropped into a water-filled tube to bring floating food within reach. The crows did not spontaneously use stones as tools, but quickly learned to do so, and to choose objects and materials with functional properties. Some crows discarded both inefficient and non-functional objects before observing their effects on the water level. Interestingly, the crows did not learn to discriminate between functional and non-functional objects and materials when there was an arbitrary, rather than causal, link between object and reward. This finding suggests that the crows' performances were not based on associative learning alone. That is, learning was not guided solely by the covariation rate between stimuli and outcomes or the conditioned reinforcement properties acquired by functional objects. Our results, therefore, show that New Caledonian crows can process causal information not only when it is linked to sticks and stick-like tools but also when it concerns the functional properties of novel types of tool.}, }
@article {pmid22186631, year = {2012}, author = {Vakil, E and Lifshitz-Zehavi, H}, title = {Solving the Raven Progressive Matrices by adults with intellectual disability with/without Down syndrome: different cognitive patterns as indicated by eye-movements.}, journal = {Research in developmental disabilities}, volume = {33}, number = {2}, pages = {645-654}, doi = {10.1016/j.ridd.2011.11.009}, pmid = {22186631}, issn = {1873-3379}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Cognition ; Cognition Disorders/diagnosis/*physiopathology ; Down Syndrome/diagnosis/*physiopathology ; *Eye Movements ; Humans ; Intellectual Disability/diagnosis/*physiopathology ; Intelligence Tests ; Middle Aged ; Photic Stimulation/methods ; *Problem Solving ; Reaction Time ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Raven matrices are used for assessing fluid intelligence and the intellectual level of groups with low intelligence. Our study addresses qualitative analysis of information processing in Raven matrices performance among individuals with intellectual disability with that of their typically developed (TD) counterparts. Twenty-three adults with non-specific intellectual disability (NSID), 15 adults with Down syndrome (DS) and 35 children with TD matched for mental age, participated. Participants solved the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices and five items from the Raven Standard Progressive Matrices while having their eye movements monitored. The overall percent of correct answers was significantly higher for the TD group compared to two ID group. Comparison of the eye movement pattern of each group indicated that the TD group spent more time on the matrices before shifting to the options, than the two ID groups. The TD group made significantly less switches from one rejoins to another, than the ID groups. The difference in the scanning pattern between the TD and the ID groups is interpreted as a reflection of two different types of strategies, Constructive matching and Response elimination, respectively. There were no differences in eye scanning between participants with NSID and those with DS.}, }
@article {pmid22185481, year = {2011}, author = {Haugstvedt, A and Wentzel-Larsen, T and Rokne, B and Graue, M}, title = {Psychosocial family factors and glycemic control among children aged 1-15 years with type 1 diabetes: a population-based survey.}, journal = {BMC pediatrics}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {118}, pmid = {22185481}, issn = {1471-2431}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Blood Glucose ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/blood/*psychology ; Family/psychology ; Female ; Glycated Hemoglobin/*analysis ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Parenting ; Parents/*psychology ; Regression Analysis ; Social Support ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Being the parents of children with diabetes is demanding. Jay Belsky's determinants of parenting model emphasizes both the personal psychological resources, the characteristics of the child and contextual sources such as parents' work, marital relations and social network support as important determinants for parenting. To better understand the factors influencing parental functioning among parents of children with type 1 diabetes, we aimed to investigate associations between the children's glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and 1) variables related to the parents' psychological and contextual resources, and 2) frequency of blood glucose measurement as a marker for diabetes-related parenting behavior.<br><br>METHODS: Mothers (n = 103) and fathers (n = 97) of 115 children younger than 16 years old participated in a population-based survey. The questionnaire comprised the Life Orientation Test, the Oslo 3-item Social Support Scale, a single question regarding perceived social limitation because of the child's diabetes, the Relationship Satisfaction Scale and demographic and clinical variables. We investigated associations by using regression analysis. Related to the second aim hypoglycemic events, child age, diabetes duration, insulin regimen and comorbid diseases were included as covariates.<br><br>RESULTS: The mean HbA1c was 8.1%, and 29% had HbA1c &#x2264; 7.5%. In multiple regression analysis, lower HbA1c was associated with higher education and stronger perceptions of social limitation among the mothers. A higher frequency of blood glucose measurement was significantly associated with lower HbA1c in bivariate analysis. Higher child age was significantly associated with higher HbA1c both in bivariate and multivariate analysis. A scatterplot indicated this association to be linear.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Most families do not reach recommended treatment goals for their child with type 1 diabetes. Concerning contextual sources of stress and support, the families who successfully reached the treatment goals had mothers with higher education and experienced a higher degree of social limitations because of the child's diabetes. The continuous increasing HbA1c by age, also during the years before puberty, may indicate a need for further exploring the associations between child characteristics, context-related variables and parenting behavior such as factors facilitating the transfer of parents' responsibility and motivation for continued frequent treatment tasks to their growing children.}, }
@article {pmid22173734, year = {2013}, author = {Shelomi, M}, title = {Mad scientist: the unique case of a published delusion.}, journal = {Science and engineering ethics}, volume = {19}, number = {2}, pages = {381-388}, pmid = {22173734}, issn = {1471-5546}, mesh = {Animals ; Biomedical Research/*ethics ; Deception ; *Delusions ; Editorial Policies ; Entomology ; Ethics, Research ; Humans ; Mites ; *Psychotic Disorders ; Publishing/*ethics ; Research Personnel/*ethics ; *Scientific Misconduct ; Social Discrimination/*ethics ; Unconscious, Psychology ; }, abstract = {In 1951, entomologist Jay Traver published in the Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington her personal experiences with a mite infestation of her scalp that resisted all treatment and was undetectable to anyone other than herself. Traver is recognized as having suffered from Delusory Parasitosis: her paper shows her to be a textbook case of the condition. The Traver paper is unique in the scientific literature in that its conclusions may be based on data that was unconsciously fabricated by the author's mind. The paper may merit retraction on the grounds of error or even scientific misconduct "by reason of insanity," but such a retraction raises the issue of discrimination against the mentally ill. This article asks what responsibilities journals have when faced with delusions disguised as science, what right editors have to question the sanity of an author, and what should be done about the Traver paper itself. By placing higher emphasis on article content than author identity, scientific integrity is maintained and a balance is struck between avoiding discrimination against the mentally ill and not preventing patients from seeking needed treatment.}, }
@article {pmid22167757, year = {2011}, author = {Kervan, U and Cicekcioglu, F and Tuluce, H and Ozen, A and Babaroglu, S and Karakas, S and Katircioglu, SF}, title = {Comparison of neurocognitive functions after beating-heart mitral valve replacement without aorta cross-clamping and after standard mitral valve replacement with cardioplegic arrest.}, journal = {The heart surgery forum}, volume = {14}, number = {6}, pages = {E335-9}, doi = {10.1532/HSF98.20101173}, pmid = {22167757}, issn = {1522-6662}, mesh = {Adult ; Anxiety/etiology ; *Cardiopulmonary Bypass ; Case-Control Studies ; Chi-Square Distribution ; Cognition Disorders/*etiology ; Depression/etiology ; Female ; *Heart Arrest, Induced ; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation/*methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mitral Valve Insufficiency/*surgery ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Postoperative Period ; Psychometrics ; Recovery of Function ; Statistics, Nonparametric ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative long-term neurocognitive functions of patients who under-went beating-heart mitral valve replacement on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) without aorta cross-clamping with those of patients who underwent mitral valve replacement via the classic method.<br><br>METHODS: The study group included 25 randomly selected patients who underwent beating-heart mitral valve surgery. During the same period, 25 patients were randomly selected as controls to undergo mitral valve replacement procedures via the standard ascending aorta-cannulation technique. The clinical and postoperative (2 months) neurocognitive functional data of both groups were compared.<br><br>RESULTS: Neurologic deficit was observed in neither group during the postoperative period. There were no statistically significant differences between the control and the study groups with respect to Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) results (HADS: anxiety, P = .653; HADS: depression, P = .225), in the right hemispheric cognitive function test results (Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices [RSPM] and Line Orientation Test [LOT] tests: RSPM, P = .189), and in the left hemispheric cognitive function test results (the Ray Auditory Verbal Learning [RAVL] and Stroop Color-Word Test [SCWT] tests: SCWT 1 time, P = .300; SCWT 2 time, P = .679; SCWT 3 time, P = .336; SCWT 4 time, P = .852; SCWT 5 time, P = .416; RAVL total verbal learning, P = .167; RAVL immediate recall, P = .791; RAVL distraction trial, P = .199; RAVL retention, P = .174; RAVL delayed recall, P = .111; RAVL recognition, P = .282; SCWT 4 mistake, P = .306; SCWT 4 reform, P = .066; SCWT 5 mistake, P = .236; SCWT 5 reform, P = .301).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The technique of mitral valve replacement with normothermic CPB without cross-clamping of the aorta may be safely used for the majority of patients requiring mitral valve replacement without causing deterioration in neurocognitive functions.}, }
@article {pmid22153053, year = {2012}, author = {Abargouei, AS and Kalantari, N and Omidvar, N and Rashidkhani, B and Rad, AH and Ebrahimi, AA and Khosravi-Boroujeni, H and Esmaillzadeh, A}, title = {Refined carbohydrate intake in relation to non-verbal intelligence among Tehrani schoolchildren.}, journal = {Public health nutrition}, volume = {15}, number = {10}, pages = {1925-1931}, doi = {10.1017/S1368980011003302}, pmid = {22153053}, issn = {1475-2727}, mesh = {Child ; Child Development ; Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena/*physiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Diet/standards/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Dietary Carbohydrates/*administration &amp; dosage/classification ; Female ; Food Handling/*methods ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Intelligence Tests ; Iran ; Male ; Socioeconomic Factors ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Nutrition has long been considered one of the most important environmental factors affecting human intelligence. Although carbohydrates are the most widely studied nutrient for their possible effects on cognition, limited data are available linking usual refined carbohydrate intake and intelligence. The present study was conducted to examine the relationship between long-term refined carbohydrate intake and non-verbal intelligence among schoolchildren.<br><br>DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.<br><br>SETTING: Tehran, Iran.<br><br>SUBJECTS: In this cross-sectional study, 245 students aged 6-7 years were selected from 129 elementary schools in two western regions of Tehran. Anthropometric measurements were carried out. Non-verbal intelligence and refined carbohydrate consumption were determined using Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices test and a modified sixty-seven-item FFQ, respectively. Data about potential confounding variables were collected. Linear regression analysis was applied to examine the relationship between non-verbal intelligence scores and refined carbohydrate consumption.<br><br>RESULTS: Individuals in top tertile of refined carbohydrate intake had lower mean non-verbal intelligence scores in the crude model (P < 0.038). This association remained significant after controlling for age, gender, birth date, birth order and breast-feeding pattern (P = 0.045). However, further adjustments for mother's age, mother's education, father's education, parental occupation and BMI made the association statistically non-significant. We found a significant inverse association between refined carbohydrate consumption and non-verbal intelligence scores in regression models (&#x3b2; = -11.359, P < 0.001). This relationship remained significant in multivariate analysis after controlling for potential confounders (&#x3b2; = -8.495, P = 0.038).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The study provides evidence indicating an inverse relationship between refined carbohydrate consumption and non-verbal intelligence among Tehrani children aged 6-7 years. Prospective studies are needed to confirm our findings.}, }
@article {pmid22148903, year = {2012}, author = {Léger, L and Rouet, JF and Ros, C and Vibert, N}, title = {Orthographic versus semantic matching in visual search for words within lists.}, journal = {Canadian journal of experimental psychology = Revue canadienne de psychologie experimentale}, volume = {66}, number = {1}, pages = {32-43}, doi = {10.1037/a0026111}, pmid = {22148903}, issn = {1878-7290}, mesh = {Analysis of Variance ; *Eye Movements ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Pattern Recognition, Visual ; *Reaction Time ; *Reading ; *Semantics ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {An eye-tracking experiment was performed to assess the influence of orthographic and semantic distractor words on visual search for words within lists. The target word (e.g., "raven") was either shown to participants before the search (literal search) or defined by its semantic category (e.g., "bird", categorical search). In both cases, the type of words included in the list affected visual search times and eye movement patterns. In the literal condition, the presence of orthographic distractors sharing initial and final letters with the target word strongly increased search times. Indeed, the orthographic distractors attracted participants' gaze and were fixated for longer times than other words in the list. The presence of semantic distractors related to the target word also increased search times, which suggests that significant automatic semantic processing of nontarget words took place. In the categorical condition, semantic distractors were expected to have a greater impact on the search task. As expected, the presence in the list of semantic associates of the target word led to target selection errors. However, semantic distractors did not significantly increase search times any more, whereas orthographic distractors still did. Hence, the visual characteristics of nontarget words can be strong predictors of the efficiency of visual search even when the exact target word is unknown. The respective impacts of orthographic and semantic distractors depended more on the characteristics of lists than on the nature of the search task.}, }
@article {pmid22127056, year = {2011}, author = {Pika, S and Bugnyar, T}, title = {The use of referential gestures in ravens (Corvus corax) in the wild.}, journal = {Nature communications}, volume = {2}, number = {}, pages = {560}, pmid = {22127056}, issn = {2041-1723}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Austria ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Around the age of one year, human children start to use gestures to coordinate attention towards a social partner and an object of mutual interest. These referential gestures have been suggested as the foundation to engage in language, and have so far only been observed in great apes. Virtually nothing is known about comparable skills in non-primate species. Here we record thirty-eight social interactions between seven raven (Corvus corax) dyads in the Northern Alps, Austria during three consecutive field seasons. All observed behaviours included the showing and/or offering of non-edible items (for example, moss, twigs) to recipients, leading to frequent orientation of receivers to the object and the signallers and subsequent affiliative interactions. We report evidence that the use of declarative gestures is not restricted to the primate lineage and that these gestures may function as 'testing-signals' to evaluate the interest of a potential partner or to strengthen an already existing bond.}, }
@article {pmid22073444, year = {2011}, author = {Puckett, DJ}, title = {Reporting on the Holocaust: the view from Jim Crow Alabama.}, journal = {Holocaust and genocide studies}, volume = {25}, number = {2}, pages = {219-251}, doi = {10.1093/hgs/dcr033}, pmid = {22073444}, issn = {8756-6583}, mesh = {Alabama/ethnology ; *Cross-Cultural Comparison ; Germany/ethnology ; Hierarchy, Social/history ; History, 20th Century ; Holocaust/economics/ethnology/history/legislation &amp; jurisprudence/psychology ; Humans ; *Mass Media/economics/history ; *Population Groups/education/ethnology/history/legislation &amp; jurisprudence/psychology ; *Prejudice ; *Race Relations/history/legislation &amp; jurisprudence/psychology ; Social Problems/economics/ethnology/history/legislation &amp; jurisprudence/psychology ; *Violence/economics/ethnology/history/legislation &amp; jurisprudence/psychology ; World War II ; }, abstract = {The press in Alabama covered major events taking place in Germany from the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazis in 1933 through the Nuremberg Trials in 1946. Journalists in the state provided extensive coverage, and editors did not hesitate to opine on the persecution of the Jews in Europe. Yet, Alabama’s white-run press failed in the end to explain the events as a singularly Jewish tragedy. The state’s black-run press, for its part, used the news of the mass killings of the Jews to warn against the dangers of conceptions of racial superiority—a primary concern for black southerners living in the Jim Crow South.}, }
@article {pmid22072603, year = {2012}, author = {Lenda, M and Skórka, P and Knops, JM and Morón, D and Tworek, S and Woyciechowski, M}, title = {Plant establishment and invasions: an increase in a seed disperser combined with land abandonment causes an invasion of the non-native walnut in Europe.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {279}, number = {1733}, pages = {1491-1497}, pmid = {22072603}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Agriculture ; Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Crows/*physiology ; Europe ; *Introduced Species ; Juglans/growth &amp; development/*physiology ; *Seed Dispersal ; Seeds/growth &amp; development/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Successful invasive species often are established for a long time period before increasing exponentially in abundance. This lag phase is one of the least understood phenomena of biological invasions. Plant invasions depend on three factors: a seed source, suitable habitat and a seed disperser. The non-native walnut, Juglans regia, has been planted for centuries in Central Europe but, until recently, has not spread beyond planted areas. However, in the past 20 years, we have observed a rapid increase in walnut abundance, specifically in abandoned agricultural fields. The dominant walnut disperser is the rook, Corvus frugilegus. During the past 50 years, rooks have increased in abundance and now commonly inhabit human settlements, where walnut trees are planted. Central Europe has, in the past few decades, experienced large-scale land abandonment. Walnut seeds dispersed into ploughed fields do not survive, but when cached into ploughed and then abandoned fields, they successfully establish. Rooks preferentially cache seeds in ploughed fields. Thus, land-use change combined with disperser changes can cause rapid increase of a non-native species, allowing it to become invasive. This may have cascading effects on the entire ecosystem. Thus, species that are non-native and not invasive can become invasive as habitats and dispersers change.}, }
@article {pmid22048890, year = {2012}, author = {Cheke, LG and Clayton, NS}, title = {Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius) overcome their current desires to anticipate two distinct future needs and plan for them appropriately.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {8}, number = {2}, pages = {171-175}, pmid = {22048890}, issn = {1744-957X}, support = {//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; //Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Appetite ; Cognition ; Cues ; *Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Food ; Male ; *Motivation ; Songbirds/*physiology ; Time Perception ; }, abstract = {Western scrub-jays (Aphelocoma californica) have been shown to overcome present satiety to cache food they will desire in the future. Here, we show that another corvid, the Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius), can distinguish between two distinct future desires and plan for each appropriately, despite experiencing a conflicting current motivation. We argue that these data address the criticisms of previous work, and suggest a way in which associative learning processes and future-oriented cognition may combine to allow prospective behaviour.}, }
@article {pmid22046115, year = {2011}, author = {Gustafson, NJ and Daw, ND}, title = {Grid cells, place cells, and geodesic generalization for spatial reinforcement learning.}, journal = {PLoS computational biology}, volume = {7}, number = {10}, pages = {e1002235}, pmid = {22046115}, issn = {1553-7358}, support = {R01 MH087882/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MH087882-03/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; MH087882/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Computer Simulation ; Entorhinal Cortex/cytology/*physiology ; Hippocampus/cytology/*physiology ; Maze Learning/*physiology ; *Models, Neurological ; Neurons/physiology ; Rats ; *Reinforcement, Psychology ; Spatial Behavior ; }, abstract = {Reinforcement learning (RL) provides an influential characterization of the brain's mechanisms for learning to make advantageous choices. An important problem, though, is how complex tasks can be represented in a way that enables efficient learning. We consider this problem through the lens of spatial navigation, examining how two of the brain's location representations--hippocampal place cells and entorhinal grid cells--are adapted to serve as basis functions for approximating value over space for RL. Although much previous work has focused on these systems' roles in combining upstream sensory cues to track location, revisiting these representations with a focus on how they support this downstream decision function offers complementary insights into their characteristics. Rather than localization, the key problem in learning is generalization between past and present situations, which may not match perfectly. Accordingly, although neural populations collectively offer a precise representation of position, our simulations of navigational tasks verify the suggestion that RL gains efficiency from the more diffuse tuning of individual neurons, which allows learning about rewards to generalize over longer distances given fewer training experiences. However, work on generalization in RL suggests the underlying representation should respect the environment's layout. In particular, although it is often assumed that neurons track location in Euclidean coordinates (that a place cell's activity declines "as the crow flies" away from its peak), the relevant metric for value is geodesic: the distance along a path, around any obstacles. We formalize this intuition and present simulations showing how Euclidean, but not geodesic, representations can interfere with RL by generalizing inappropriately across barriers. Our proposal that place and grid responses should be modulated by geodesic distances suggests novel predictions about how obstacles should affect spatial firing fields, which provides a new viewpoint on data concerning both spatial codes.}, }
@article {pmid22039986, year = {2012}, author = {Møller, AP and Peralta-Sánchez, JM and Nielsen, JT and López-Hernández, E and Soler, JJ}, title = {Goshawk prey have more bacteria than non-prey.}, journal = {The Journal of animal ecology}, volume = {81}, number = {2}, pages = {403-410}, doi = {10.1111/j.1365-2656.2011.01923.x}, pmid = {22039986}, issn = {1365-2656}, mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria/*isolation &amp; purification ; Bacterial Load ; Colony Count, Microbial ; Columbidae/microbiology ; Denmark ; Feathers/*microbiology ; *Food Chain ; Fungi/*isolation &amp; purification ; Hawks/*physiology ; Predatory Behavior ; Songbirds/microbiology ; }, abstract = {1. Predators often prey on individuals that are sick or otherwise weakened. Although previous studies have shown higher abundance of parasites in prey, whether prey have elevated loads of micro-organisms remains to be determined. 2. We quantified the abundance of bacteria and fungi on feathers of woodpigeons Columba palumbus L., jays Garrulus glandarius L. and blackbirds Turdus merula L. that either fell prey to goshawks Accipiter gentilis L. or were not depredated. 3. We found an almost three-fold increase in bacterial load of prey compared with non-prey, while there was no significant difference between prey and non-prey in level of fungal infection of the plumage. 4. The results were not confounded by differences in size or mass of feathers, date of collection of feathers, or date of analysis of feathers for micro-organisms. 5. These findings suggest a previously unknown contribution of bacteria to risk of predation, with important implications for behaviour, population ecology and community ecology.}, }
@article {pmid22024660, year = {2012}, author = {Dunlap, AS and Stephens, DW}, title = {Tracking a changing environment: optimal sampling, adaptive memory and overnight effects.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {89}, number = {2}, pages = {86-94}, pmid = {22024660}, issn = {1872-8308}, support = {K12 GM000708/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; T32 HD007151/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Appetitive Behavior ; *Choice Behavior ; *Environment ; *Learning ; *Memory ; Models, Psychological ; Passeriformes ; Retention, Psychology ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {Foraging in a variable environment presents a classic problem of decision making with incomplete information. Animals must track the changing environment, remember the best options and make choices accordingly. While several experimental studies have explored the idea that sampling behavior reflects the amount of environmental change, we take the next logical step in asking how change influences memory. We explore the hypothesis that memory length should be tied to the ecological relevance and the value of the information learned, and that environmental change is a key determinant of the value of memory. We use a dynamic programming model to confirm our predictions and then test memory length in a factorial experiment. In our experimental situation we manipulate rates of change in a simple foraging task for blue jays over a 36 h period. After jays experienced an experimentally determined change regime, we tested them at a range of retention intervals, from 1 to 72 h. Manipulated rates of change influenced learning and sampling rates: subjects sampled more and learned more quickly in the high change condition. Tests of retention revealed significant interactions between retention interval and the experienced rate of change. We observed a striking and surprising difference between the high and low change treatments at the 24h retention interval. In agreement with earlier work we find that a circadian retention interval is special, but we find that the extent of this 'specialness' depends on the subject's prior experience of environmental change. Specifically, experienced rates of change seem to influence how subjects balance recent information against past experience in a way that interacts with the passage of time.}, }
@article {pmid21991394, year = {2011}, author = {Soulières, I and Dawson, M and Gernsbacher, MA and Mottron, L}, title = {The level and nature of autistic intelligence II: what about Asperger syndrome?.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {6}, number = {9}, pages = {e25372}, pmid = {21991394}, issn = {1932-6203}, support = {MOP-84243//Canadian Institutes of Health Research/Canada ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Algorithms ; Asperger Syndrome/*diagnosis ; Autistic Disorder/*diagnosis/psychology ; Child ; Cognition ; Cognition Disorders/diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Speech ; Wechsler Scales ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {A distinctively uneven profile of intelligence is a feature of the autistic spectrum. Within the spectrum, Asperger individuals differ from autistics in their early speech development and in being less likely to be characterized by visuospatial peaks. While different specific strengths characterize different autistic spectrum subgroups, all such peaks of ability have been interpreted as deficits: isolated, aberrant, and irreconcilable with real human intelligence. This view has recently been challenged by findings of autistic strengths in performance on Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM), an important marker of general and fluid intelligence. We investigated whether these findings extend to Asperger syndrome, an autistic spectrum subgroup characterized by verbal peaks of ability, and whether the cognitive mechanisms underlying autistic and Asperger RPM performance differ. Thirty-two Asperger adults displayed a significant advantage on RPM over Wechsler Full-Scale and Performance scores relative to their typical controls, while in 25 Asperger children an RPM advantage was found over Wechsler Performance scores only. As previously found with autistics, Asperger children and adults achieved RPM scores at a level reflecting their Wechsler peaks of ability. Therefore, strengths in RPM performance span the autistic spectrum and imply a common mechanism advantageously applied to different facets of cognition. Autistic spectrum intelligence is atypical, but also genuine, general, and underestimated.}, }
@article {pmid24644455, year = {2011}, author = {Alipour, A and Arefnasab, Z and Babamahmoodi, A}, title = {Emotional Intelligence and Prefrontal Cortex: a Comparative Study Based on Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST).}, journal = {Iranian journal of psychiatry and behavioral sciences}, volume = {5}, number = {2}, pages = {114-119}, pmid = {24644455}, issn = {1735-8639}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Emotional intelligence (EI) is a set of competencies that enable us to engage in sophisticated information processing of emotions and emotion-relevant stimuli and to use this information as a guide for thinking and behavior. Prefrontal cortexes (PFC) of brain and related regions have an important role in emotion and emotional regulation. Accordingly, we conducted a study to investigate the relation between EI and performance in Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) (a neuropsychological test, used to evaluate some of the frontal lobe functions).<br><br>METHODS: In this quasi-experimental study, 250 volunteers from BS and BA students of universities of Tehran were recruited using available sampling method. Bar-on EI, general health questionnaire (GHQ-28) and Raven's Progressive Matrices were completed by the participants. They were categorized into two groups; each group contained 40 students with high and low EI, whose performance in WCST were evaluated thereafter individually. Data was analyzed by MANOVA.<br><br>RESULTS: Our results showed that the high EI group had a better performance in WCST than the low EI group.<br><br>CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that people with better EI may have better PFC functions.}, }
@article {pmid21957464, year = {2011}, author = {Huepe, D and Roca, M and Salas, N and Canales-Johnson, A and Rivera-Rei, &#xc1;A and Zamorano, L and Concepción, A and Manes, F and Ibañez, A}, title = {Fluid intelligence and psychosocial outcome: from logical problem solving to social adaptation.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {6}, number = {9}, pages = {e24858}, pmid = {21957464}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Bullying/psychology ; Child ; Child Abuse/psychology ; Data Collection ; Educational Status ; Executive Function ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence/physiology ; *Logic ; Male ; Mental Health/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Parents ; Perception ; *Problem Solving/physiology ; Psychology ; Self Concept ; *Social Adjustment ; Substance-Related Disorders/psychology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: While fluid intelligence has proved to be central to executive functioning, logical reasoning and other frontal functions, the role of this ability in psychosocial adaptation has not been well characterized.<br><br>A random-probabilistic sample of 2370 secondary school students completed measures of fluid intelligence (Raven's Progressive Matrices, RPM) and several measures of psychological adaptation: bullying (Delaware Bullying Questionnaire), domestic abuse of adolescents (Conflict Tactic Scale), drug intake (ONUDD), self-esteem (Rosenberg's Self Esteem Scale) and the Perceived Mental Health Scale (Spanish adaptation). Lower fluid intelligence scores were associated with physical violence, both in the role of victim and victimizer. Drug intake, especially cannabis, cocaine and inhalants and lower self-esteem were also associated with lower fluid intelligence. Finally, scores on the perceived mental health assessment were better when fluid intelligence scores were higher.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our results show evidence of a strong association between psychosocial adaptation and fluid intelligence, suggesting that the latter is not only central to executive functioning but also forms part of a more general capacity for adaptation to social contexts.}, }
@article {pmid21944570, year = {2012}, author = {Smyth, RM and Jacoby, A and Elbourne, D}, title = {Deciding to join a perinatal randomised controlled trial: experiences and views of pregnant women enroled in the Magpie Trial.}, journal = {Midwifery}, volume = {28}, number = {4}, pages = {E478-85}, doi = {10.1016/j.midw.2011.08.006}, pmid = {21944570}, issn = {1532-3099}, mesh = {Adult ; Altruism ; Anticonvulsants/adverse effects/therapeutic use ; Chi-Square Distribution ; Choice Behavior ; Female ; Humans ; Multicenter Studies as Topic/psychology ; Nursing Methodology Research ; Patient Acceptance of Health Care/*psychology ; Patient Selection ; Pre-Eclampsia/drug therapy/prevention &amp; control/*psychology ; Pregnancy ; Pregnant People/*psychology ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic/*psychology ; Research Subjects/*psychology ; Statistics, Nonparametric ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: to provide insight into pregnant women's experiences of participating in a large multi-centre randomised trial.<br><br>DESIGN: qualitative semi-structured interviews.<br><br>SETTING: six UK maternity units.<br><br>PARTICIPANTS: women recruited to the Magpie Trial. The Magpie Trial was a trial of prophylactic anticonvulsants for women with severe pre-eclampsia. MEASUREMENTS FINDINGS: a number of major but related themes emerged regarding influences on the women's decision-making: unpredictability of pre-eclampsia; quality of information received; role of others in the decision-making process; perceived personal benefit from trial participation; and perception of voluntariness of joining.<br><br>KEY CONCLUSIONS: the data presented give valuable insights into the women's views and experiences of decision-making. Research into many of the other elements of care given during pregnancy and childbirth is still needed, and with this need comes the ethical responsibility of researchers to ensure trials are performed in the most scientifically robust ways, which are also acceptable to women. To examine the experiences of those involved in trial participation and their views about doing so is a crucial way of advancing this. The QUOTE Study increases understanding of the experiences of women participating in a randomised controlled trial.<br><br>IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: the general implication for practice is that procedures are needed that can improve the design and conduct of randomised trials and therefore ultimately enhance the experience for future women. Recommendations include informed consent should be tailored, recognising individual differences in the desire for information. For instance the time individuals need to make consent decisions varies, as do their desires to consult with family before agreeing.}, }
@article {pmid21939742, year = {2011}, author = {Nishizawa, K and Izawa, EI and Watanabe, S}, title = {Neural-activity mapping of memory-based dominance in the crow: neural networks integrating individual discrimination and social behaviour control.}, journal = {Neuroscience}, volume = {197}, number = {}, pages = {307-319}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.09.001}, pmid = {21939742}, issn = {1873-7544}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Brain/*physiology ; *Brain Mapping ; Crows ; Discrimination, Psychological/*physiology ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Memory/*physiology ; Nerve Net/*physiology ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Large-billed crows (Corvus macrorhynchos), highly social birds, form stable dominance relationships based on the memory of win/loss outcomes of first encounters and on individual discrimination. This socio-cognitive behaviour predicts the existence of neural mechanisms for integration of social behaviour control and individual discrimination. This study aimed to elucidate the neural substrates of memory-based dominance in crows. First, the formation of dominance relationships was confirmed between males in a dyadic encounter paradigm. Next, we examined whether neural activities in 22 focal nuclei of pallium and subpallium were correlated with social behaviour and stimulus familiarity after exposure to dominant/subordinate familiar individuals and unfamiliar conspecifics. Neural activity was determined by measuring expression level of the immediate-early-gene (IEG) protein Zenk. Crows displayed aggressive and/or submissive behaviour to opponents less frequently but more discriminatively in subsequent encounters, suggesting stable dominance based on memory, including win/loss outcomes of the first encounters and individual discrimination. Neural correlates of aggressive and submissive behaviour were found in limbic subpallium including septum, bed nucleus of the striae terminalis (BST), and nucleus taeniae of amygdala (TnA), but also those to familiarity factor in BST and TnA. Contrastingly, correlates of social behaviour were little in pallium and those of familiarity with exposed individuals were identified in hippocampus, medial meso-/nidopallium, and ventro-caudal nidopallium. Given the anatomical connection and neural response patterns of the focal nuclei, neural networks connecting pallium and limbic subpallium via hippocampus could be involved in the integration of individual discrimination and social behaviour control in memory-based dominance in the crow.}, }
@article {pmid21936324, year = {2011}, author = {Chuang, TW and Knepper, RG and Stanuszek, WW and Walker, ED and Wilson, ML}, title = {Temporal and spatial patterns of West Nile virus transmission in Saginaw County, Michigan, 2003-2006.}, journal = {Journal of medical entomology}, volume = {48}, number = {5}, pages = {1047-1056}, doi = {10.1603/me10138}, pmid = {21936324}, issn = {0022-2585}, mesh = {Animals ; Antibodies, Viral/isolation &amp; purification ; Bird Diseases/blood/epidemiology/transmission ; Birds/blood/*virology ; Culicidae/classification/physiology/*virology ; Female ; Galliformes/blood/*virology ; Michigan/epidemiology ; Population Dynamics ; Prevalence ; Seasons ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; Species Specificity ; West Nile Fever/blood/epidemiology/*transmission/*veterinary ; West Nile virus/physiology ; }, abstract = {The dynamics of West Nile virus (family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus, WNV) infection in mosquitoes, sentinel pheasants, and wild dead birds were evaluated during 2003-2006 in Saginaw Co., MI. Mosquitoes were collected by New Jersey Light Traps at 22 sites during May-September, pooled by species and sample location, and tested for presence of WNV RNA by using a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay. Oral swabs from wild dead birds submitted by the public were tested by Vec-Test assay. Sentinel pheasants were bled weekly, and serum was tested for antibodies with an inhibition enzyme immunoassay. In total, 37,225 mosquitoes [Aedes vexans (Meigen), Culex pipiens L., and Culex restuans Theobald] were tested in 5,429 pools, of which 59 (1.1%) were positive. Ae. vexans was most abundant but had a comparatively low infection rate (0.06-2.11) compared with Cx. pipiens (1.75-4.59) and Cx. restuans (1.22-15.67). Mosquito abundances were temporally related to variations in 2-wk average weather variables. Infected dead crows appeared earlier each transmission season than blue jays, but infection prevalence for both peaked approximately mid-August. Space-time clusters were found in different locations each year. Sentinel pheasant seroprevalence was 19.3% (16/83), 12.7% (10/79), and 7.7% (5/65) during 2003-2005, respectively. We demonstrated temporal patterns of WNV activity in corvid birds and Culex spp. mosquitoes during the study period, suggesting virus transmission within an enzootic cycle. Despite the absence of human case reports nearby, this surveillance system demonstrated WNV transmission and possible human risk. Maintained surveillance using more appropriate gravid traps and CDC CO2 light traps could improve sensitivity of vector collection and virus detection.}, }
@article {pmid21926182, year = {2011}, author = {Hayes, TR and Petrov, AA and Sederberg, PB}, title = {A novel method for analyzing sequential eye movements reveals strategic influence on Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices.}, journal = {Journal of vision}, volume = {11}, number = {10}, pages = {10}, doi = {10.1167/11.10.10}, pmid = {21926182}, issn = {1534-7362}, mesh = {*Computer Simulation ; Eye Movements/*physiology ; Humans ; *Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Pattern Recognition, Visual/*physiology ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Eye movements are an important data source in vision science. However, the vast majority of eye movement studies ignore sequential information in the data and utilize only first-order statistics. Here, we present a novel application of a temporal-difference learning algorithm to construct a scanpath successor representation (SR; P. Dayan, 1993) that captures statistical regularities in temporally extended eye movement sequences. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the scanpath SR on eye movement data from participants solving items from Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices Test. Analysis of the SRs revealed individual differences in scanning patterns captured by two principal components that predicted individual Raven scores much better than existing methods. These scanpath SR components were highly interpretable and provided new insight into the role of strategic processing on the Raven test. The success of the scanpath SR in terms of prediction and interpretability suggests that this method could prove useful in a much broader context.}, }
@article {pmid21924907, year = {2011}, author = {Koizumi, K and Wu, S and MacRae-Crerar, A and Gallagher, KL}, title = {An essential protein that interacts with endosomes and promotes movement of the SHORT-ROOT transcription factor.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {21}, number = {18}, pages = {1559-1564}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2011.08.013}, pmid = {21924907}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Arabidopsis/genetics/growth &amp; development/*metabolism ; Arabidopsis Proteins/analysis/genetics/metabolism/*physiology ; Carrier Proteins/genetics/metabolism/*physiology ; Cell Nucleus/metabolism ; Endosomes/*metabolism ; Green Fluorescent Proteins/analysis ; Mutagenesis, Site-Directed ; Plant Roots/growth &amp; development/metabolism/physiology ; Protein Transport/physiology ; Transcription Factors/analysis/metabolism/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Plant cells can communicate through the direct transport of transcription factors [1-7]. One of the best-studied examples of this phenomenon is SHORT-ROOT (SHR), which moves from the stele cells into the endodermis and root tip of Arabidopsis, where it specifies endodermal cell identity and stem cell function, respectively [8-10]. In the endodermis, SHR upregulates the transcription factors SCARECROW (SCR) [2] and JACKDAW (JKD), which in turn inhibit movement of SHR from the endodermis [11]. Although much is known about the regulatory pathways that mediate expression and activity of SHR [1, 8-14], little is known about the factors that promote its movement or the movement of other transcription factors. We have identified a novel protein, SHORT-ROOT INTERACTING EMBRYONIC LETHAL (SIEL), that interacts with SHR, CAPRICE (CPC), TARGET OF MONOPTEROUS 7 (TMO7), and AGAMOUS-LIKE 21 (AGL21). Null alleles of SIEL are embryonic lethal. Hypomorphic alleles produce defects in root patterning and reduce SHR movement. Surprisingly, both SHR and SCR regulate expression of SIEL, so that siel/scr and siel/shr double mutants have extremely disorganized roots. SIEL localizes to the nucleus and cytoplasm of root cells where it is associated with endosomes. We propose that SIEL is an endosome-associated protein that promotes intercellular movement.}, }
@article {pmid21923798, year = {2012}, author = {Gruenthal, A and Moffatt, C and Simmons, T}, title = {Differential decomposition patterns in charred versus un-charred remains.}, journal = {Journal of forensic sciences}, volume = {57}, number = {1}, pages = {12-18}, doi = {10.1111/j.1556-4029.2011.01909.x}, pmid = {21923798}, issn = {1556-4029}, mesh = {Analysis of Variance ; Animals ; Burns/*pathology ; Diptera ; Feeding Behavior ; Forensic Anthropology ; Forensic Pathology ; Models, Animal ; *Postmortem Changes ; Rodentia ; Swine ; }, abstract = {Although researchers have examined many aspects of fire modification, the rate and pattern of decomposition in charred remains have not been studied previously. This study utilized 48 domestic pigs, divided into 24 charred (head, neck, and limbs burned to Crow-Glassman level 1 and torso to level 2) and 24 un-charred pig carcasses. Decomposition of control carcasses was scored at 50 accumulated degree days (ADD) intervals, and charred carcasses were also observed and photographed at this time. A Charred Body Scale was subsequently created, and charred carcasses were scored retrospectively for the same ADD intervals. Analysis using a mixed-effect repeated measures model indicated that, while decomposition rate was not statistically different between the two groups (p = 0.2692), the charred remains initially displayed an ostensibly more advanced pattern. Body regions displaying significant charring decomposed at a faster rate (p < 0.001), while areas with very light levels of charring decomposed at a significantly slower rate (p < 0.001).}, }
@article {pmid21922257, year = {2012}, author = {Wilson, AG and Crystal, JD}, title = {Prospective memory in the rat.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {15}, number = {3}, pages = {349-358}, pmid = {21922257}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {R01 MH080052/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MH080052-04/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; R01MH080052/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Anticipation, Psychological ; Feeding Behavior/psychology ; Male ; *Memory, Episodic ; Rats/*psychology ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley/psychology ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {The content of prospective memory is comprised of representations of an action to perform in the future. When people form prospective memories, they temporarily put the memory representation in an inactive state while engaging in other activities, and then activate the representation in the future. Ultimately, successful activation of the memory representation yields an action at an appropriate, but temporally distant, time. A hallmark of prospective memory is that activation of the memory representation has a deleterious effect on current ongoing activity. Recent evidence suggests that scrub jays and non-human primates, but not other species, are capable of future planning. We hypothesized that prospective memory produces a selective deficit in performance at the time when rats access a memory representation but not when the memory representation is inactive. Rats were trained in a temporal bisection task (90 min/day). Immediately after the bisection task, half of the rats received an 8-g meal (meal group) and the other rats received no additional food (no-meal group). Sensitivity to time in the bisection task was reduced as the 90-min interval elapsed for the meal group but not for the no-meal group. This time-based prospective-memory effect was not based on response competition, an attentional limit, anticipatory contrast, or fatigue. Our results suggest that rats form prospective memories, which produces a negative side effect on ongoing activity.}, }
@article {pmid21920957, year = {2012}, author = {Dufour, V and Wascher, CA and Braun, A and Miller, R and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Corvids can decide if a future exchange is worth waiting for.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {8}, number = {2}, pages = {201-204}, pmid = {21920957}, issn = {1744-957X}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Choice Behavior ; Crows/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Motivation ; *Reward ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Evidence for time-dependent calculations about future rewards is scarce in non-human animals. In non-human primates, only great apes are comparable with humans. Still, some species wait for several minutes to obtain a better reward in delayed exchange tasks. Corvids have been shown to match with non-human primates in some time-related tasks. Here, we investigate a delay of gratification in two corvid species, the carrion crow (Corvus corone) and the common raven (Corvus corax), in an exchange task. Results show that corvids success decreases quickly as delay increases, with a maximal delay of up to 320 s (more than 5 min). The decision to wait rests both on the quality of the prospective reward and the time required to obtain it. Corvids also apply tactics (placing the reward on the ground or caching it) that probably alleviate costs of waiting and distract their attention during waiting. These findings contrast previous results on delayed gratification in birds and indicate that some species may perform comparably to primates.}, }
@article {pmid21915741, year = {2012}, author = {Mandarelli, G and Zangaro, S and Raja, M and Azzoni, A and Tatarelli, R and Ferracuti, S}, title = {Competence to consent to sexual activity in bipolar disorder and schizophrenic spectrum disorders.}, journal = {Archives of sexual behavior}, volume = {41}, number = {2}, pages = {507-515}, doi = {10.1007/s10508-011-9840-3}, pmid = {21915741}, issn = {1573-2800}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Bipolar Disorder/*psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Informed Consent/*psychology ; Male ; Mental Competency/*psychology ; Middle Aged ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales ; Psychotic Disorders/*psychology ; Reproducibility of Results ; *Schizophrenic Psychology ; Sexual Behavior/*psychology ; }, abstract = {Little is known about the ability of persons with severe mental disorders to give consent to sexual activity. A possible reason for this shortcoming is the absence of specific criteria and tools to measure sexual consent in psychiatric clinical settings. We developed a clinician oriented semi-structured interview, the Sexual Consent Assessment Scale (SCAS), and investigated sexual consent capacity in a sample of hospitalized patients with bipolar disorder (n = 54, M (age) = 38.1 years, 48% males) and schizophrenic spectrum disorders (n = 31, M (age) = 38.4 years, 29% males). The SCAS items were derived from the criteria proposed by Kennedy and Niederbuhl (Am J Ment Retard, 106:503-510, 2001). The full scale and a shorter scale comprising 10 items (SCAS-10) achieved good initial validity. Patients with schizophrenic spectrum disorders had worse sexual consent capacity than patients with bipolar disorder. This difference was unexpectedly independent from patients' symptomatology, as measured by the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. Conversely, poor cognitive functioning measured by the Raven's Standard Progressive matrices was associated with reduced capacity to give sexual consent in both groups. Subjects in the schizophrenic spectrum disorders group were more frequently judged incapable in basic knowledge of birth control methods and in domains underlying metacognitive abilities. Principal component analysis revealed two SCAS-10 interpretable factors: "appropriateness-recognition" and "consequences-metacognition." Our study suggests that patients with severe psychiatric disorders, especially those with cognitive dysfunction, might be at risk of incapacity to give valid sexual consent.}, }
@article {pmid21910843, year = {2011}, author = {Bartlow, AW and Kachmar, M and Lichti, N and Swihart, RK and Stratford, JA and Steele, MA}, title = {Does multiple seed loading in Blue Jays result in selective dispersal of smaller acorns?.}, journal = {Integrative zoology}, volume = {6}, number = {3}, pages = {235-243}, doi = {10.1111/j.1749-4877.2011.00254.x}, pmid = {21910843}, issn = {1749-4877}, support = {//Howard Hughes Medical Institute/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Feeding Behavior ; Food Chain ; Pennsylvania ; Quercus/*physiology ; *Seed Dispersal ; Seeds/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Songbirds/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Studies from both tropical and temperate systems show that scatter-hoarding rodents selectively disperse larger seeds farther from their source than smaller seeds, potentially increasing seedling establishment in larger-seeded plants. Size-biased dispersal is evident in many oaks (Quercus) and is true both across and within species. Here, we predict that intraspecifc variation in seed size also influences acorn dispersal by the Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata Linnaeus), but in an opposite manner. Blue Jays are gape-limited and selectively disperse smaller acorn species (e.g. pin oaks [Quercus palustris Münchh]), but often carry several acorns in their crop during a single dispersal event. We predict that jays foraging on smaller acorns will load more seeds per trip and disperse seeds to greater distances than when single acorns are carried in the bill. To test this, we presented free-ranging Blue Jays with pin oak acorns of different sizes over a 2-year period. In each of 16 experimental trials, we monitored the birds at a feeding station with remote cameras and determined the number of acorns removed and the distance acorns were dispersed when cached. Jays were significantly more likely to engage in multiple seed loading with smaller seeds in both years of the study. During the second year, these smaller acorns were dispersed farther than larger acorns, and during the first year, larger acorns were dispersed farther, revealing an inconsistent response to seed size during our study. We suggest that in some circumstances, multiple seed loading by Blue Jays may favor dispersal in some plant species.}, }
@article {pmid21900316, year = {2012}, author = {Taylor, AH and Hunt, GR and Gray, RD}, title = {Context-dependent tool use in New Caledonian crows.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {8}, number = {2}, pages = {205-207}, pmid = {21900316}, issn = {1744-957X}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; Fear ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Male ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Humans and chimpanzees both exhibit context-dependent tool use. That is, both species choose to use tools when food is within reach, but the context is potentially hazardous. Here, we show that New Caledonian crows used tools more frequently when food was positioned next to a novel model snake than when food was positioned next to a novel teddy bear or a familiar food bowl. However, the crows showed no significant difference in their neophobic reactions towards the teddy bear and the model snake. Therefore, the crows used tools more in response to a risky object resembling a natural predator than to a less-threatening object that provoked a comparable level of neophobia. These results show that New Caledonian crows, like humans and chimpanzees, are capable of context-dependent tool use.}, }
@article {pmid21887286, year = {2011}, author = {Li, C and Yang, X and Ding, Y and Zhang, L and Fang, H and Tang, S and Jiang, Z}, title = {Do Père David's deer lose memories of their ancestral predators?.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {6}, number = {8}, pages = {e23623}, pmid = {21887286}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Deer/*physiology ; Dogs ; Female ; Male ; Memory/*physiology ; Models, Biological ; Predatory Behavior/*physiology ; Tape Recording ; Vocalization, Animal/physiology ; }, abstract = {Whether prey retains antipredator behavior after a long period of predator relaxation is an important question in predator-prey evolution. Père David's deer have been raised in enclosures for more than 1200 years and this isolation provides an opportunity to study whether Père David's deer still respond to the cues of their ancestral predators or to novel predators. We played back the sounds of crows (familiar sound) and domestic dogs (familiar non-predators), of tigers and wolves (ancestral predators), and of lions (potential naïve predator) to Père David's deer in paddocks, and blank sounds to the control group, and videoed the behavior of the deer during the experiment. We also showed life-size photo models of dog, leopard, bear, tiger, wolf, and lion to the deer and video taped their responses after seeing these models. Père David's deer stared at and approached the hidden loudspeaker when they heard the roars of tiger or lion. The deer listened to tiger roars longer, approached to tiger roars more and spent more time staring at the tiger model. The stags were also found to forage less in the trials of tiger roars than that of other sound playbacks. Additionally, it took longer for the deer to restore their normal behavior after they heard tiger roars, which was longer than that after the trial of other sound playbacks. Moreover, the deer were only found to walk away after hearing the sounds of tiger and wolf. Therefore, the tiger was probably the main predator for Père David's deer in ancient time. Our study implies that Père David's deer still retain the memories of the acoustic and visual cues of their ancestral predators in spite of the long term isolation from natural habitat.}, }
@article {pmid21855614, year = {2011}, author = {Schmidt, J and Scheid, C and Kotrschal, K and Bugnyar, T and Schloegl, C}, title = {Gaze direction - a cue for hidden food in rooks (Corvus frugilegus)?.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {88}, number = {2}, pages = {88-93}, pmid = {21855614}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; Choice Behavior/physiology ; Conditioning, Operant/physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; *Cues ; Eye Movements/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Female ; Fixation, Ocular/*physiology ; Head Movements/*physiology ; Male ; Motivation/physiology ; Photic Stimulation ; Reinforcement Schedule ; Reward ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Other individual's head- and eye-directions can be used as social cues indicating the presence of important events. Among birds, ravens and rooks have been shown to co-orient with conspecifics and with humans by following their gaze direction into distant space and behind visual screens. Both species use screens to cache food in private; also, it had been suggested that they may rely on gaze cues to detect hidden food. However, in an object-choice task, ravens failed to do so, and their competitive lifestyle may have prevented them from relying on these cues. Here we tested closely related and cooperative rooks. Food was hidden in one of two cups and the experimenter gazed at the baited cup. In a second experiment, we aimed to increase the birds' motivation to choose correctly by increasing the investment needed to obtain the reward. To do so, the birds had to pull on a string to obtain the cup. Here, the birds as a group tended to rely on gaze cues. In addition, individual birds quickly learned to use the cue in both experiments. Although rooks may not use gaze cues to find hidden food spontaneously, they may quickly learn to do so.}, }
@article {pmid21829930, year = {2011}, author = {Varanda, Cde A and Fernandes, FD}, title = {[Syntactic awareness: probable correlations with central coherence and non-verbal intelligence in autism].}, journal = {Jornal da Sociedade Brasileira de Fonoaudiologia}, volume = {23}, number = {2}, pages = {142-151}, doi = {10.1590/s2179-64912011000200011}, pmid = {21829930}, issn = {2179-6491}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Autistic Disorder/*psychology ; Awareness/*physiology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cognition ; Female ; Humans ; Language ; *Language Development ; Male ; *Semantics ; Severity of Illness Index ; *Verbal Behavior ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: To evaluate syntactic awareness, central coherence, non-verbal intelligence, social and communication development, interests and behavior of children with autistic spectrum disorders and to examine their probable correlations.<br><br>METHODS: Participants were ten subjects diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder, eight male and two female, with ages between 4 years e 9 months and 13 years and 4 months (mean age 9 years), who used oral language for communication. The following tests were used: Syntactic Awareness Test - Adapted (Prova de Consci&#xea;ncia Sint&#xe1;tica - Adaptada), Computerized jigsaw puzzles with picture and background and only with background; and Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices - Special Scale. Subjects' parents answered the protocol Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised (ADI-R).<br><br>RESULTS: The children with autism presented syntactic awareness performance similar to that of 6-year-old children with typical development. Sixty percent of the subjects showed non-verbal intelligence at a superior or average level. There were no correlations between the performances in syntactic awareness and the other tested variables.<br><br>CONCLUSION: There was no relationship between the performance in syntactic awareness and the results related to central coherence, non-verbal intelligence and social interaction deficits, difficulties in communication and restrict patterns interests of subjects with autism. The results suggest that these children seem to follow the development pattern of typically developing 6-year-old children in syntactic awareness abilities, only delayed.}, }
@article {pmid21827761, year = {2011}, author = {Wilcoxen, TE and Boughton, RK and Bridge, ES and Rensel, MA and Schoech, SJ}, title = {Age-related differences in baseline and stress-induced corticosterone in Florida scrub-jays.}, journal = {General and comparative endocrinology}, volume = {173}, number = {3}, pages = {461-466}, doi = {10.1016/j.ygcen.2011.07.007}, pmid = {21827761}, issn = {1095-6840}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Animals ; Corticosterone/*blood ; Female ; Male ; Passeriformes/metabolism/*physiology ; *Stress, Physiological ; }, abstract = {In physiological studies of free-living species, it is essential to consider the context of the life history stage at which an individual was observed in order to link measures of physiology with ecological parameters. One such measure that is important to consider is the age of an individual. We tested whether baseline or stress-induced corticosterone levels vary with age in free-living Florida scrub-jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) during the pre-breeding period. Corticosterone (CORT), the primary avian stress hormone, is released in response to stressful stimuli, and stimulates gluconeogenesis; however, it also serves as a chemical messenger that can influence other physiological processes, reproduction, and behavior. We monitored both baseline CORT levels longitudinally throughout a five-year period and stress-induced CORT responses over a shorter two-year period. We predicted that older jays would have lower baseline CORT levels and a dampened stress response compared to younger birds, as has been shown in other avian species. We found no significant differences in baseline CORT levels with age. We found a decrease in total corticosterone responses to a stressor with age, however, the oldest birds in the population showed greater total corticosterone responses to a stressor. These results may be a product of age-related changes in physiological processes related to the stress response or a result of selection acting on the population, resulting in only the most responsive individuals surviving to old age.}, }
@article {pmid21826441, year = {2011}, author = {Holm, L and Ullén, F and Madison, G}, title = {Intelligence and temporal accuracy of behaviour: unique and shared associations with reaction time and motor timing.}, journal = {Experimental brain research}, volume = {214}, number = {2}, pages = {175-183}, pmid = {21826441}, issn = {1432-1106}, mesh = {Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Male ; Psychomotor Performance/*physiology ; Reaction Time/*physiology ; Time Perception/*physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Intelligence is associated with accuracy in a wide range of timing tasks. One source of such associations is likely to be individual differences in top-down control, e.g., sustained attention, that influence performance in both temporal tasks and other cognitively controlled behaviours. In addition, we have studied relations between intelligence and a simple rhythmic motor task, isochronous serial interval production (ISIP), and found a substantial component of that relation, which is independent of fluctuations in top-down control. The main purpose of the present study was to investigate whether such bottom-up mechanisms are involved also in the relation between intelligence and reaction time (RT) tasks. We thus investigated whether common variance between the ISIP and RT tasks underlies their respective associations with intelligence. Two hundred and twelve participants performed a simple RT task, a choice RT task and the ISIP task. Intelligence was assessed with the Raven SPM Plus. The analysed timing variables included mean and variability in the RT tasks and two variance components in the ISIP task. As predicted, RT and ISIP variables were associated with intelligence. The timing variables were positively intercorrelated, and a principal component analysis revealed a substantial first principal component that was strongly related to all timing variables, and positively correlated with intelligence. Furthermore, a commonality analysis demonstrated that the relations between intelligence and the timing variables involved a commonality between the timing variables as well as unique contributions from choice RT and ISIP. We discuss possible implications of these findings and argue that they support our main hypothesis, i.e., that relations between intelligence and RT tasks have a bottom-up component.}, }
@article {pmid21806779, year = {2013}, author = {Bogale, A and Stoecker, BJ and Kennedy, T and Hubbs-Tait, L and Thomas, D and Abebe, Y and Hambidge, KM}, title = {Nutritional status and cognitive performance of mother-child pairs in Sidama, Southern Ethiopia.}, journal = {Maternal &amp; child nutrition}, volume = {9}, number = {2}, pages = {274-284}, pmid = {21806779}, issn = {1740-8709}, support = {R01 HD053053/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Anthropometry ; Child, Preschool ; Cognition/*physiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Diet ; Educational Status ; Ethiopia ; Family Characteristics ; *Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Humans ; Malnutrition/*metabolism ; Memory, Short-Term/physiology ; Mothers ; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena ; *Nutritional Status ; Rural Population ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {The purpose of this study was to assess the nutritional status and cognitive performance of women and their 5-year-old children using a cross-sectional design. Cognitive performance of mothers and children was assessed with Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (CPM) and Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children-II (KABC-II). Demographic characteristics, food consumption patterns and anthropometry were also measured. Four rural districts in Sidama, southern Ethiopia served as the setting for this study. Subjects were one hundred women and their 5-year-old children. Mean ± standard deviation age of the mothers was 29 ± 6 years and family size was 7.0 ± 2.6. Maternal body mass index (BMI) ranged from 15.3 to 29.0 with 14% of the mothers having BMI < 18.5. Anthropometric assessment of children revealed 29% to be stunted (height-for-age z-score < -2) and 12% to be underweight (weight-for-age z-score < -2). Mothers' education significantly contributed to prediction of both mothers' and children's cognitive test scores. There were significant differences in mean cognitive test scores between stunted and non-stunted, and between underweight and normal-weight children. Height-for-age z-scores were correlated with scores for short-term memory (r = 0.42, P < 0.001), and visual processing (r = 0.42, P < 0.001) indices and weight-for-age z-scores were also correlated with scores of short-term memory (r = 0.41, P < 0.001) and visual processing (r = 0.43, P < 0.001) indices. Malnutrition in the community likely contributed to the cognitive performance of the subjects. Performance on memory and visual processing tasks was significantly lower in children with growth deficits suggesting that efficient and cost effective methods to alleviate malnutrition and food insecurity would impact not only child health but also cognitive function.}, }
@article {pmid21773746, year = {2012}, author = {Roth, TC and LaDage, LD and Pravosudov, VV}, title = {Evidence for long-term spatial memory in a parid.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {15}, number = {2}, pages = {149-154}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-011-0440-3}, pmid = {21773746}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {MH076797/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; MH079892/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Feeding Behavior/psychology ; *Memory, Long-Term/physiology ; *Songbirds/physiology ; *Space Perception/physiology ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {Many animals use spatial memory. Although much work has examined the accuracy of spatial memory, few studies have explicitly focused on its longevity. The importance of long-term spatial memory for foraging has been demonstrated in several cases. However, the importance of such long-term memory for all animals is unclear. In this study, we present the first evidence that a parid species (the black-capped chickadee, Poecile atricapillus) can remember the location of a single food item for at least 6 months under an associative-learning spatial memory paradigm with multiple reinforcements. We did not detect a significant difference in memory longevity between two populations of chickadees shown previously to differ in short-term spatial memory and hippocampal morphology, an area of the brain involved in spatial memory. Our study showed that small birds such as parids can maintain spatial memories for long periods, a feat shown previously only in corvids. Moreover, we were able to demonstrate this longevity within the context of only 16 repeated trials. We speculate that this ability may potentially be useful in relocating caches if reinforced by repeated visits. Future studies are necessary to test whether our results were specifically due to multiple reinforcements of the food-containing location and whether parids may have similar memory longevity during food-caching experiences in the wild.}, }
@article {pmid21756417, year = {2012}, author = {Vazquez, V and Alonso, V and Luna, F}, title = {Biological fitness and action opportunity of natural selection in an urban population of Cuba: Plaza de la Revolución, Havana.}, journal = {Journal of biosocial science}, volume = {44}, number = {2}, pages = {155-163}, doi = {10.1017/S0021932011000393}, pmid = {21756417}, issn = {1469-7599}, mesh = {*Biological Evolution ; Birth Rate ; Cuba ; Female ; *Fertility ; Humans ; Maternal Mortality/*trends ; Middle Aged ; Pregnancy ; Residence Characteristics ; Selection, Genetic/*genetics/physiology ; Urban Population/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; }, abstract = {This paper describes the biological fitness of an urban population of Havana city, Plaza de la Revolución, which has the lowest fertility and the highest demographic ageing in Cuba. The aim is to assess the biological fitness of this community through the indexes of action opportunity of natural selection, to determine its evolutionary pattern and the influence of its socio-cultural peculiarity. Demographic data were obtained from the reproductive histories of 1200 women between the ages of 55 and 64. Data concerning mortality and surviving offspring from the first embryonic stages until age of reproduction were also collected. In order to measure the level of biological fitness two indexes were used: the Crow index of action opportunity of natural selection and the corrected index proposed by Johnston and Kensinger, which takes into account prenatal mortality. This corrected index was calculated including and excluding induced abortions in order to evaluate the contribution of these to biological fitness. When only postnatal mortality was considered, the results showed an evolutionary pattern similar to that of developed countries, based on low mortality and fertility. However, when prenatal mortality was taken into account, biological fitness decreased and the corrected index of natural selection was 4.5 times higher than when miscarriages and fetal deaths were not considered. Moreover, this corrected index was 2.65 times higher when induced miscarriages were considered, indicating the large decrease in biological fitness as a result of the current reproductive behaviour of frequent induced abortion.}, }
@article {pmid21751005, year = {2012}, author = {Mikolasch, S and Kotrschal, K and Schloegl, C}, title = {Is caching the key to exclusion in corvids? The case of carrion crows (Corvus corone corone).}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {73-82}, pmid = {21751005}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; Choice Behavior ; *Crows ; Feeding Behavior/psychology ; Humans ; Male ; *Problem Solving ; }, abstract = {Recently, two corvid species, food-caching ravens and non-caching jackdaws, have been tested in an exclusion performance (EP) task. While the ravens chose by exclusion, the jackdaws did not. Thus, foraging behaviour may affect EP abilities. To investigate this possibility, another food-caching corvid species, the carrion crow (Corvus corone corone), was tested in the same exclusion task. We hid food under one of two cups and subsequently lifted either both cups, or the baited or the un-baited cup. The crows were significantly above chance when both cups were lifted or when only the baited cup was lifted. When the empty cup was lifted, we found considerable inter-individual variation, with some birds having a significant preference for the un-baited but manipulated cup. In a follow-up task, we always provided the birds with the full information about the food location, but manipulated in which order they saw the hiding or the removal of food. Interestingly, they strongly preferred the cup which was manipulated last, even if it did not contain any food. Therefore, we repeated the first experiment but controlled for the movement of the cups. In this case, more crows found the food reliably in the un-baited condition. We conclude that carrion crows are able to choose by exclusion, but local enhancement has a strong influence on their performance and may overshadow potential inferential abilities. However, these findings support the hypothesis that caching might be a key to exclusion in corvids.}, }
@article {pmid21749994, year = {2011}, author = {Salarirad, S and Staff, RT and Fox, HC and Deary, IJ and Whalley, L and Murray, AD}, title = {Childhood intelligence and brain white matter hyperintensities predict fluid intelligence age 78-81 years: a 1921 Aberdeen birth cohort study.}, journal = {Age and ageing}, volume = {40}, number = {5}, pages = {562-567}, doi = {10.1093/ageing/afr065}, pmid = {21749994}, issn = {1468-2834}, support = {G0700704/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Age Factors ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; *Aging/pathology/psychology ; Brain/*pathology ; *Cerebrovascular Disorders/pathology/psychology ; Chi-Square Distribution ; Child ; *Cognition ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hospitals, University ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Models, Statistical ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Scotland ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the role of childhood intelligence and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) in the prediction of the trajectory of fluid intelligence in healthy old people from age 78 to 81.<br><br>DESIGN: observational follow-up study from 1999 to 2002.<br><br>SETTING: a university teaching hospital in Aberdeen, UK.<br><br>PARTICIPANTS: a total of 106 volunteers born in 1921, with childhood intelligence records at 11, recruited 1997-98 to a follow-up study.<br><br>MEASUREMENTS: participants underwent brain MRI in 1999-2000, to obtain measurements of brain WMH using Scheltens' scale and a test of fluid intelligence (Raven's Progressive Matrices) on three occasions between 1999 and 2002.<br><br>RESULTS: in a latent growth model, we found a significant association between childhood intelligence and the intercept, but not the slope, of fluid cognitive ability in late adulthood. Similarly, baseline WMH score was associated with the intercept of late life cognitive ability, but not the slope. Age at imaging was associated with slope but not intercept. There was no significant association between sex and intercept or slope of late life cognitive ability.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: results suggest that brain MRI measures of WMH (attributed to cerebrovascular disease) and childhood intelligence significantly contribute to late life fluid cognitive ability but not to the trajectory of age-related change in fluid intelligence. We also show that age is associated with the cognitive trajectory from 78 to 81 years, even within our narrow age range sample. This may be a consequence of the recruitment pattern, with those having greater WMH burden, and who subsequently declined, being recruited later in the study.}, }
@article {pmid21715408, year = {2012}, author = {Cornell, HN and Marzluff, JM and Pecoraro, S}, title = {Social learning spreads knowledge about dangerous humans among American crows.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {279}, number = {1728}, pages = {499-508}, pmid = {21715408}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; Face ; Humans ; *Learning ; Seasons ; *Social Behavior ; Visual Perception ; Washington ; }, abstract = {Individuals face evolutionary trade-offs between the acquisition of costly but accurate information gained firsthand and the use of inexpensive but possibly less reliable social information. American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) use both sources of information to learn the facial features of a dangerous person. We exposed wild crows to a novel 'dangerous face' by wearing a unique mask as we trapped, banded and released 7-15 birds at five study sites near Seattle, WA, USA. An immediate scolding response to the dangerous mask after trapping by previously captured crows demonstrates individual learning, while an immediate response by crows that were not captured probably represents conditioning to the trapping scene by the mob of birds that assembled during the capture. Later recognition of dangerous masks by lone crows that were never captured is consistent with horizontal social learning. Independent scolding by young crows, whose parents had conditioned them to scold the dangerous mask, demonstrates vertical social learning. Crows that directly experienced trapping later discriminated among dangerous and neutral masks more precisely than did crows that learned through social means. Learning enabled scolding to double in frequency and spread at least 1.2 km from the place of origin over a 5 year period at one site.}, }
@article {pmid21698275, year = {2011}, author = {Colzato, LS and Ruiz, MJ and van den Wildenberg, WP and Hommel, B}, title = {Khat use is associated with impaired working memory and cognitive flexibility.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {6}, number = {6}, pages = {e20602}, pmid = {21698275}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Adult ; Africa, Eastern ; *Catha ; Cognition Disorders/*etiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Memory Disorders/*etiology ; }, abstract = {RATIONALE: Khat consumption has increased during the last decades in Eastern Africa and has become a global phenomenon spreading to ethnic communities in the rest of the world, such as The Netherlands, United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. Very little is known, however, about the relation between khat use and cognitive control functions in khat users.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: We studied whether khat use is associated with changes in working memory (WM) and cognitive flexibility, two central cognitive control functions.<br><br>METHODS: Khat users and khat-free controls were matched in terms of sex, ethnicity, age, alcohol and cannabis consumption, and IQ (Raven's progressive matrices). Groups were tested on cognitive flexibility, as measured by a Global-Local task, and on WM using an N-back task.<br><br>RESULT: Khat users performed significantly worse than controls on tasks tapping into cognitive flexibility as well as monitoring of information in WM.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest that khat use impairs both cognitive flexibility and the updating of information in WM. The inability to monitor information in WM and to adjust behavior rapidly and flexibly may have repercussions for daily life activities.}, }
@article {pmid21687666, year = {2011}, author = {Auersperg, AM and von Bayern, AM and Gajdon, GK and Huber, L and Kacelnik, A}, title = {Flexibility in problem solving and tool use of kea and New Caledonian crows in a multi access box paradigm.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {6}, number = {6}, pages = {e20231}, pmid = {21687666}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; Food ; Male ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Psittaciformes/*physiology ; Reward ; Time Factors ; Tool Use Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Parrots and corvids show outstanding innovative and flexible behaviour. In particular, kea and New Caledonian crows are often singled out as being exceptionally sophisticated in physical cognition, so that comparing them in this respect is particularly interesting. However, comparing cognitive mechanisms among species requires consideration of non-cognitive behavioural propensities and morphological characteristics evolved from different ancestry and adapted to fit different ecological niches. We used a novel experimental approach based on a Multi-Access-Box (MAB). Food could be extracted by four different techniques, two of them involving tools. Initially all four options were available to the subjects. Once they reached criterion for mastering one option, this task was blocked, until the subjects became proficient in another solution. The exploratory behaviour differed considerably. Only one (of six) kea and one (of five) NCC mastered all four options, including a first report of innovative stick tool use in kea. The crows were more efficient in using the stick tool, the kea the ball tool. The kea were haptically more explorative than the NCC, discovered two or three solutions within the first ten trials (against a mean of 0.75 discoveries by the crows) and switched more quickly to new solutions when the previous one was blocked. Differences in exploration technique, neophobia and object manipulation are likely to explain differential performance across the set of tasks. Our study further underlines the need to use a diversity of tasks when comparing cognitive traits between members of different species. Extension of a similar method to other taxa could help developing a comparative cognition research program.}, }
@article {pmid21681486, year = {2011}, author = {Strickland, D and Kielstra, B and Ryan Norris, D}, title = {Experimental evidence for a novel mechanism driving variation in habitat quality in a food-caching bird.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {167}, number = {4}, pages = {943-950}, pmid = {21681486}, issn = {1432-1939}, mesh = {Animals ; *Ecosystem ; *Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Genetic Fitness ; Ontario ; Population Dynamics ; Reproduction ; Seasons ; Songbirds/*physiology ; Trees/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Variation in habitat quality can have important consequences for fitness and population dynamics. For food-caching species, a critical determinant of habitat quality is normally the density of storable food, but it is also possible that quality is driven by the ability of habitats to preserve food items. The food-caching gray jay (Perisoreus canadensis) occupies year-round territories in the coniferous boreal and subalpine forests of North America, but does not use conifer seed crops as a source of food. Over the last 33 years, we found that the occupancy rate of territories in Algonquin Park (ON, Canada) has declined at a higher rate in territories with a lower proportion of conifers compared to those with a higher proportion. Individuals occupying territories with a low proportion of conifers were also less likely to successfully fledge young. Using chambers to simulate food caches, we conducted an experiment to examine the hypothesis that coniferous trees are better able to preserve the perishable food items stored in summer and fall than deciduous trees due to their antibacterial and antifungal properties. Over a 1-4 month exposure period, we found that mealworms, blueberries, and raisins all lost less weight when stored on spruce and pine trees compared to deciduous and other coniferous trees. Our results indicate a novel mechanism to explain how habitat quality may influence the fitness and population dynamics of food-caching animals, and has important implications for understanding range limits for boreal breeding animals.}, }
@article {pmid21681477, year = {2012}, author = {Goto, K and Watanabe, S}, title = {Large-billed crows (Corvus macrorhynchos) have retrospective but not prospective metamemory.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {27-35}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-011-0428-z}, pmid = {21681477}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Judgment ; Male ; *Memory ; Mental Recall ; Reward ; }, abstract = {Evidence of metamemory, the ability to monitor one's own memory, has been obtained in some primates, but it appears to be weaker in other species. In this study, we examined whether crows flexibly modulate their behavior by monitoring the strength of memory trace in a delayed matching-to-sample task using two paradigms. First, crows performing a memory test were given an escape option to decline taking the test (prospective metamemory). Second, crows were given the escape option as a "not confident" report after completing the test (retrospective metamemory). Accurate memory performance yielded a reward with a higher probability, whereas inaccurate memory performance resulted in no such recompense. The escape option yielded a reward with a lower probability. In the prospective metamemory test, crows escaped the memory test more frequently with longer delay intervals than they did with shorter delay intervals but no more frequently in the sample-omission than the sample-present trials, indicating that the crows decided to take the test or decline it by using the delay interval as a cue. In contrast, in the retrospective metamemory test, the crows escaped the memory test more frequently when their memory-test response was incorrect than correct and more frequently in the sample-omission than the sample-present trials, indicating that the crows recognized confidence regarding their choice in the memory test and utilized the escape option to maximize reward probability. Although these results suggest that crows retrospectively monitor the strength of memory trace, their prospective metamemory ability has not yet been confirmed in the present paradigm.}, }
@article {pmid21676193, year = {2011}, author = {Oehm, J and Juen, A and Nagiller, K and Neuhauser, S and Traugott, M}, title = {Molecular scatology: how to improve prey DNA detection success in avian faeces?.}, journal = {Molecular ecology resources}, volume = {11}, number = {4}, pages = {620-628}, doi = {10.1111/j.1755-0998.2011.03001.x}, pmid = {21676193}, issn = {1755-0998}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; DNA/*genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Feces/*chemistry ; *Feeding Behavior ; Insecta/*genetics ; Molecular Biology/methods ; Specimen Handling/methods ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {The analysis of prey DNA in faeces is a non-invasive approach to examine the diet of birds. However, it is poorly known how gut transition time, environmental factors and laboratory treatments such as storage conditions or DNA extraction procedures affect the detection success of prey DNA. Here, we examined several of these factors using faeces from carrion crows fed with insect larvae. Faeces produced between 30 min and 4 h post-feeding tested positive for insect DNA, representing the gut transition time. Prey detection was not only possible in fresh but also in 5-day-old faeces. The type of surface the faeces were placed on for these 5 days, however, affected prey DNA detection success: samples placed on soil provided the lowest rate of positives compared to faeces left on leaves, on branches and within plastic tubes. Exposing faeces to sunlight and rain significantly lowered prey DNA detection rates (17% and 68% positives in exposed and protected samples, respectively). Storing faeces in ethanol or in the freezer did not affect molecular prey detection. Extracting DNA directly from larger pieces of faecal pellets resulted in significantly higher prey detection rates than when using small amounts of homogenized faeces. A cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide-based DNA extraction protocol yielded significantly higher DNA detection rates (60%) than three commercial kits, however, for small amounts of homogenized faeces only. Our results suggest that collecting faeces from smooth, clean and non-absorbing surfaces, protected from sunlight and rain, improves DNA detection success in avian faeces.}, }
@article {pmid21649816, year = {2011}, author = {Cordero, A and Leon-Dorantes, G and Pons-Guiraud, A and Di Pietro, A and Asensi, SV and Walkiewicz-Cyraska, B and Litvik, R and Turlier, V and Mery, S and Merial-Kieny, C}, title = {Retinaldehyde/hyaluronic acid fragments: a synergistic association for the management of skin aging.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {10}, number = {2}, pages = {110-117}, doi = {10.1111/j.1473-2165.2011.00552.x}, pmid = {21649816}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Administration, Topical ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; Drug Combinations ; Face ; Female ; Humans ; Hyaluronic Acid/administration &amp; dosage/*therapeutic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Patient Satisfaction ; Retinaldehyde/administration &amp; dosage/*therapeutic use ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Viscosupplements/*therapeutic use ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Retinaldehyde (RAL) was proven effective in treating photodamaged skin. Topical treatments with specific intermediate-size hyaluronate fragments (HAFi, 50-400 kDa) have been shown to stimulate keratinocytes proliferation and epidermal hyperplasia. The aim of this open, multicentric, international study was to assess the efficacy of the combination RAL-HAFi in the correction of skin photoaging.<br><br>PATIENTS/METHODS: Either RAL 0.05%-HAFi 0.5% (Eluage&#xae; cream; group 1) or RAL 0.05%-HAFi 1% (Eluage&#xae; antiwrinkle concentrate; group 2) or both products (group 3) were applied daily to the 1462 subjects during 90 days. Overall photoaging severity was evaluated in the three groups by the dermatologists at D0, D30, and D90 based on the Larnier's scale. Wrinkles and/or furrows and clinical signs of aging were evaluated using a 4-point scale. The skin microrelief of the crow's feet, evaluated by optical profilometry, was performed in subjects from group 3.<br><br>RESULTS: The 3-month application significantly improved overall photoaging through decrease of the Larnier's score in the three groups (P<0.001). At D90, significant improvement of wrinkles was shown in groups 2 and 3 [forehead wrinkles (-19% and -10%, respectively, P<0.001), nasolabial folds (-20% and -16%, P<0.001), crow's feet (-27% in the two groups, P<0.001), and perioral wrinkles (-34% and -23%, P<0.001)]. Clinical signs of photoaging on the entire face improved significantly in groups 1 and 3 [elasticity (-32% and -33%, respectively, P<0.001), hyperpigmentation (-34% and -31%, P<0.001), and ptosis (-18% and -22%; P<0.001)]. Results were confirmed using an optical profilometry technique. Products were very well tolerated.<br><br>CONCLUSION: This clinical study showed the efficacy and value of the RAL-HAFi combination in the management of aging skin in a large cohort of patients.}, }
@article {pmid21645913, year = {2012}, author = {Molina-López, R and Cabezón, O and Pabón, M and Darwich, L and Obón, E and Lopez-Gatius, F and Dubey, JP and Almería, S}, title = {High seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in the Common raven (Corvus corax) in the Northeast of Spain.}, journal = {Research in veterinary science}, volume = {93}, number = {1}, pages = {300-302}, doi = {10.1016/j.rvsc.2011.05.011}, pmid = {21645913}, issn = {1532-2661}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/parasitology ; Antibodies, Protozoan/blood ; Bird Diseases/epidemiology/*parasitology ; Coccidiosis/epidemiology/parasitology/*veterinary ; Crows/*parasitology ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect/veterinary ; *Neospora ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; Spain/epidemiology ; *Toxoplasma ; Toxoplasmosis, Animal/epidemiology/*parasitology ; }, abstract = {In recent years, multiple cases of aggressive behavior of Common ravens (Corvus corax) have been reported by farmers in Catalonia (NE Spain), including attacking of newborn animals and consumption of dead foetuses. In the present study, seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum was determined from 113 legally trapped and released Common ravens. T. gondii antibodies were found in 91 (80.5%; CI 95%:72-87) of 113 sera tested by the modified agglutination test. Antibodies to N. caninum were found in 24 (35.8%; IC 95%: 24.5-48.5) of 67 Common ravens tested by an indirect fluorescence antibody test with titers ranging from 1:50 (n=18) to ≥1:100 (n=6). To the author's knowledge, this is the first report of the presence of T. gondii and N. caninum antibodies in C. corax. The seroprevalence detected is one of the highest reported worldwide in wild birds, suggesting an important role for this species in the epidemiology of both parasites.}, }
@article {pmid21641000, year = {2011}, author = {McBride-Chang, C and Chung, KK and Tong, X}, title = {Copying skills in relation to word reading and writing in Chinese children with and without dyslexia.}, journal = {Journal of experimental child psychology}, volume = {110}, number = {3}, pages = {422-433}, doi = {10.1016/j.jecp.2011.04.014}, pmid = {21641000}, issn = {1096-0457}, mesh = {Asian People/psychology ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; *Child Language ; China ; Dyslexia/*psychology ; Female ; *Form Perception ; Humans ; Male ; *Motor Skills ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Pattern Recognition, Visual ; *Reading ; *Writing ; }, abstract = {Because Chinese character learning typically relies heavily on rote character copying, we tested independent copying skill in third- and fourth-grade Chinese children with and without dyslexia. In total, 21 Chinese third and fourth graders with dyslexia and 33 without dyslexia (matched on age, nonverbal IQ, and mother's education level) were given tasks of copying unfamiliar print in Vietnamese, Korean, and Hebrew as well as tests of word reading and writing, morphological awareness, rapid automatized naming (RAN), and orthographic processing. All three copying tasks distinguished dyslexic children from nondyslexic children with moderate effect sizes (.67-.80). Zero-order correlations of the three copying tasks with dictation and reading ranged from .37 to .58. With age, Raven's, group status, RAN, morphological awareness, and orthographic measures statistically controlled, the copying tasks uniquely explained 6% and 3% variance in word reading and dictation, respectively. Results suggest that copying skill itself may be useful in understanding the development and impairment of literacy skills in Chinese.}, }
@article {pmid21639668, year = {2011}, author = {van der Vaart, E and Verbrugge, R and Hemelrijk, CK}, title = {Corvid caching: Insights from a cognitive model.}, journal = {Journal of experimental psychology. Animal behavior processes}, volume = {37}, number = {3}, pages = {330-340}, doi = {10.1037/a0022988}, pmid = {21639668}, issn = {1939-2184}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Cognition/*physiology ; *Crows ; Feeding Behavior/physiology ; *Models, Psychological ; }, abstract = {Caching and recovery of food by corvids is well-studied, but some ambiguous results remain. To help clarify these, we built a computational cognitive model. It is inspired by similar models built for humans, and it assumes that memory strength depends on frequency and recency of use. We compared our model's behavior to that of real birds in previously published experiments. Our model successfully replicated the outcomes of two experiments on recovery behavior and two experiments on cache site choice. Our "virtual birds" reproduced declines in recovery accuracy across sessions, revisits to previously emptied cache sites, a lack of correlation between caching and recovery order, and a preference for caching in safe locations. The model also produced two new explanations. First, that Clark's nutcrackers may become less accurate as recovery progresses not because of differential memory for different cache sites, as was once assumed, but because of chance effects. And second, that Western scrub jays may choose their cache sites not on the basis of negative recovery experiences only, as was previously thought, but on the basis of positive recovery experiences instead. Alternatively, both "punishment" and "reward" may be playing a role. We conclude with a set of new insights, a testable prediction, and directions for future work.}, }
@article {pmid21631967, year = {2011}, author = {Schuster, RC and Wein, EE and Dickson, C and Chan, HM}, title = {Importance of traditional foods for the food security of two First Nations communities in the Yukon, Canada.}, journal = {International journal of circumpolar health}, volume = {70}, number = {3}, pages = {286-300}, doi = {10.3402/ijch.v70i3.17833}, pmid = {21631967}, issn = {2242-3982}, support = {//Cancer Research UK/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Arctic Regions ; Canada ; *Diet ; Female ; *Food Supply ; Humans ; Interviews as Topic ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Population Groups ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate food consumption patterns in the context of food security in two Yukon First Nations communities.<br><br>STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-nine members of Vuntut Gwitchin households in Old Crow and 33 members of Tlingit households in Teslin participated in individual interviews.<br><br>METHODS: Food frequency questionnaires were used to quantify traditional food consumption throughout the spring 2007 and winter 2008 and to identify potential temporal trends through a comparison with data from the early 1990s. Additional questions, including the Health Canada Household Food Security Survey Module, sought to assess food security concerns in each community.<br><br>RESULTS: Overall frequency of traditional food consumption did not change in either community from the 2 time-point analyses. There was, however, a difference in frequency of consumption of certain groups of foods, and this highlighted the degree to which environmental variability affects the availability of foods.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The importance of traditional foods in the diet of Yukon First Nations has not changed over the past 15 years. However, limited availability of food species, access to harvesting equipment and decrease in available time to go out on the land to harvest are food security challenges facing households today.}, }
@article {pmid21614521, year = {2011}, author = {Lee, WY and Lee, SI and Choe, JC and Jablonski, PG}, title = {Wild birds recognize individual humans: experiments on magpies, Pica pica.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {14}, number = {6}, pages = {817-825}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-011-0415-4}, pmid = {21614521}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/psychology ; Cognition ; Discrimination, Psychological ; Humans ; *Passeriformes ; *Recognition, Psychology ; }, abstract = {The ability to distinguish among heterospecific individuals has been reported in only a few animal species. Humans can be viewed as a special type of heterospecifics because individuals differ widely in behavior, ranging from non-threatening to very threatening toward animals. In this study, we asked whether wild magpies can recognize individual humans who had accessed their nests. We compared the behavior of breeding pairs toward individual humans before and after the humans climbed up to the birds' nests, and also toward climbers and non-climbers. We have evidence for (i) aggressive responses of the magpie pairs toward humans who had repeatedly accessed their nests (climbers) and a lack of response to humans who had not accessed the nest (non-climbers); (ii) a total lack of scolding responses toward climbers by magpie pairs whose nests had not been accessed; (iii) a selective aggressive response to the climber when a climber and a non-climber were presented simultaneously. Taken together, these results suggest that wild magpies can distinguish individual humans that pose a threat to their nests from humans that have not behaved in a threatening way. The magpie is only the third avian species, along with crows and mockingbirds, in which recognition of individual humans has been documented in the wild. Here, we propose a new hypothesis (adopted from psychology) that frequent previous exposure to humans in urban habitats contributes to the ability of birds to discriminate among human individuals. This mechanism, along with high cognitive abilities, may predispose some species to learn to discriminate among human individuals. Experimental tests of these two mechanisms are proposed.}, }
@article {pmid21608061, year = {2011}, author = {Lavasani, NM and Stagnitti, K}, title = {A study on fine motor skills of Iranian children with attention deficit/hyper activity disorder aged from 6 to 11 years.}, journal = {Occupational therapy international}, volume = {18}, number = {2}, pages = {106-114}, doi = {10.1002/oti.306}, pmid = {21608061}, issn = {1557-0703}, mesh = {Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/complications/*physiopathology ; Child ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests ; Iran ; Male ; *Motor Skills ; Motor Skills Disorders/complications/*diagnosis ; Reference Values ; }, abstract = {The aim of this study was to compare the fine motor skills of two groups of Iranian children. Of the 55 male Tehranian children aged 6 to 10 years, 29 children were typically developing and 26 were identified as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder. All children were assessed using the Raven Intelligence Test and nine fine motor tasks. There were no significant differences between the groups based on intelligence. In eight of the fine motor tasks, there was a significant difference between the groups. These tasks were cutting, placing dots in a grid pattern without direction, threading beads, drawing a line within 1 and 2 minutes, finger movements and Purdue pegboard. Boys who have been identified as ADHD have poorer fine motor skills compared to typically developing boys of the same age. Children aged 6 to 10 years who have been identified as ADHD will require more attention to their fine motor skill performance to enable greater participation in daily living tasks in Tehran such as writing, fine arts and dressing which require fast and quick hand motor skills. There are still limitations in this area; therefore, research in fine motor skills and ADHD children are recommended for future research.}, }
@article {pmid21605220, year = {2011}, author = {Canestrari, D and Marcos, JM and Baglione, V}, title = {Helpers at the nest compensate for reduced maternal investment in egg size in carrion crows.}, journal = {Journal of evolutionary biology}, volume = {24}, number = {9}, pages = {1870-1878}, doi = {10.1111/j.1420-9101.2011.02313.x}, pmid = {21605220}, issn = {1420-9101}, mesh = {Animals ; Body Weight ; *Clutch Size ; *Cooperative Behavior ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; *Nesting Behavior ; Ovum/*growth &amp; development ; }, abstract = {Life history theory predicts that mothers should trade off current and future reproductive attempts to maximize lifetime fitness. When breeding conditions are favourable, mothers may either increase investment in the eggs to improve the quality of the offspring or save resources for future reproduction as the good raising environment is likely to compensate for a 'bad start'. In cooperatively breeding birds, the presence of helpers improves breeding conditions so that mothers may vary the number, size and quality of the eggs in response to the composition of the group. Here, we show that in cooperatively breeding carrion crows Corvus corone corone, where nonbreeding males are more philopatric and more helpful at the nest than females, breeding females decreased egg size as the number of subordinate males in the group increased. However, despite the smaller investment in egg size, fledglings' weight increased in groups with more male subordinates, improving post-fledging survival and indicating that helpers fully compensated for the initial 'bad start'. These results highlight a 'hidden effect' of helpers that bears profound implications for understanding the ultimate function of helping.}, }
@article {pmid21604851, year = {2011}, author = {Schloegl, C}, title = {What you see is what you get--reloaded: can jackdaws (Corvus monedula) find hidden food through exclusion?.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {125}, number = {2}, pages = {162-174}, doi = {10.1037/a0023045}, pmid = {21604851}, issn = {1939-2087}, mesh = {Animals ; *Appetitive Behavior ; *Choice Behavior ; *Crows ; Female ; Male ; *Memory, Short-Term ; *Orientation ; *Problem Solving ; Species Specificity ; *Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {Choice by exclusion, that is, the ability to base the choice of a target on the rejection of potential alternatives, is becoming increasingly interesting for comparative cognition research. Recently, ravens have been shown to solve an exclusion task and it had been suggested that this ability might benefit ravens in a food-caching context. To investigate this possibility, the raven study was replicated with a closely related, but noncaching, species, the jackdaw (Corvus monedula). In the first test, the birds had to find food hidden in one of two differently shaped tubes. The results suggest that the jackdaws found the food through intensive search behavior, with little evidence for exclusion abilities. In a follow-up experiment, the tubes were replaced by cups, and before the birds made a choice, one of the cups was lifted to inform them about its content. In a final task, this procedure was modified to control for the influence of local enhancement. In both experiments, the jackdaws were successful only if they had seen the food before. These findings are in contrast to the previous results on ravens and support the idea that exclusion abilities may have evolved as specific adaptations to food caching.}, }
@article {pmid21570985, year = {2011}, author = {Grasman, J and Salomons, HM and Verhulst, S}, title = {Stochastic modeling of length-dependent telomere shortening in Corvus monedula.}, journal = {Journal of theoretical biology}, volume = {282}, number = {1}, pages = {1-6}, doi = {10.1016/j.jtbi.2011.04.026}, pmid = {21570985}, issn = {1095-8541}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*genetics ; DNA Damage ; Oxidative Stress ; Poisson Distribution ; *Stochastic Processes ; *Telomere ; }, abstract = {It was recently shown that, within individuals, longer telomeres shorten at a higher rate. This explorative study deals with a mathematical model of this process. It is a nonlinear differential equation describing length-dependent decrease that can be linked to a Poisson process. The model also takes in account telomere shortening due to the end replication problem. Parameters are fitted using data from samples of red blood cells of free-living juvenile corvids. The Poisson process can be related to oxidative stress causing DNA strand breaks. The shortest telomeres in a genome are the best predictors of survival, and one can therefore hypothesize on functional grounds that short telomeres should be better protected by some control mechanism in the cellular system. However, the present study shows that such a mechanism is not required to explain length-dependent telomere shortening: agents of telomere shortening such as oxidative stress with a certain strength modeled by a Poisson process with an appropriately chosen parameter suffice to generate the observed pattern.}, }
@article {pmid21560509, year = {2010}, author = {Gullickson, A}, title = {Racial boundary formation at the dawn of Jim Crow: the determinants and effects of black/mulatto occupational differences in the United States, 1880.}, journal = {AJS; American journal of sociology}, volume = {116}, number = {1}, pages = {187-231}, doi = {10.1086/652136}, pmid = {21560509}, issn = {0002-9602}, mesh = {*Black or African American ; History, 19th Century ; Humans ; Occupations/*history ; *Prejudice ; Race Relations/*history/legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; United States ; White People ; }, abstract = {This article examines variation in the social position of mixed-race populations by exploiting county-level variation in the degree of occupational differentiation between blacks and mulattoes in the 1880 U.S. census. The role of the mixed-race category as either a "buffer class" or a status threat depended on the class composition of whites. Black/mulatto occupational differentiation was greatest where whites had high occupational prestige and thus little to fear from a mulatto group. Furthermore, differentiation increased the risk of lynching where whites had relatively low status and decreased the risk of lynching where whites had relatively high status.}, }
@article {pmid21550932, year = {2011}, author = {Mampel, A and Echeverría, MI and Vargas, AL and Roque, M}, title = {[Numeric alterations in the dys gene and their association with clinical features].}, journal = {Medicina}, volume = {71}, number = {2}, pages = {151-157}, pmid = {21550932}, issn = {0025-7680}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Dystrophin/*genetics/metabolism ; Female ; *Gene Deletion ; Gene Frequency ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/diagnosis/*genetics ; Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/*methods ; Phenotype ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; }, abstract = {The Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy is a hereditary miopathy with a recessive sex-linked pattern. The related gene is called DYS and the coded protein plays a crucial role in the anchorage between the cytoskeleton and the cellular membrane in muscle cells. Different clinical manifestations are observed depending on the impact of the genetic alteration on the protein. The global register of mutations reveals an enhanced frequency for deletions/duplications of one or more exons affecting the DYS gene. In the present work, numeric alterations have been studied in the 79 exons of the DYS gene. The study has been performed on 59 individuals, including 31 independent cases and 28 cases with a familial link. The applied methodology was Multiplex Ligation Dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA). In the 31 independent cases clinical data were established: i.e. the clinical score, the Raven test percentiles, and the creatininphosphokinase (CPK) blood values. Our results reveal a 61.3% frequency of numeric alterations affecting the DYS gene in our population, provoking all of them a reading frame shift. The rate for de novo mutations was identified as 35.2%. Alterations involving a specific region of one exon were observed with high frequency, affecting a specific region. A significant association was found between numeric alterations and a low percentile for the Raven test. These data contribute to the local knowledge of genetic alterations and their phenotypic impact for the Duchenne/Becker disease.}, }
@article {pmid21538135, year = {2011}, author = {Clary, D and Kelly, DM}, title = {Cache protection strategies of a non-social food-caching corvid, Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana).}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {14}, number = {5}, pages = {735-744}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-011-0408-3}, pmid = {21538135}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; *Feeding Behavior ; Female ; *Food ; Male ; *Passeriformes ; Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana), a non-social corvid, cache much of their food in order to survive periods of resource uncertainty. These caches are at risk as they are subject to pilferage from other animals including conspecifics. Potentially, nutcrackers can ensure the safety of these caches by keeping track of whether they have been observed making a cache and subsequently engage in cache protection strategies-strategies that have been shown by other members of the corvid family (e.g., scrub-jays and ravens). Behaviors including creating more caches, eating a higher proportion of seeds, and re-caching existing compromised sites have been shown in laboratory settings with social corvids and have provided preliminary evidence of the complex cognitive abilities of corvids. In the present study, Clark's nutcrackers are shown to engage in similar cache protection behaviors when observed by a conspecific. Furthermore, we show that these behaviors are a result of social, rather than associative, cues.}, }
@article {pmid21535102, year = {2012}, author = {Moriya, S and Tei, K and Toyoshita, Y and Koshino, H and Inoue, N and Miura, H}, title = {Relationship between periodontal status and intellectual function among community-dwelling elderly persons.}, journal = {Gerodontology}, volume = {29}, number = {2}, pages = {e368-74}, doi = {10.1111/j.1741-2358.2011.00483.x}, pmid = {21535102}, issn = {1741-2358}, mesh = {Aged ; Alcohol Drinking ; Chronic Disease ; Dental Care ; Educational Status ; Executive Function/physiology ; Female ; Health Behavior ; Health Status ; Humans ; *Independent Living ; Intelligence/physiology ; Interpersonal Relations ; Japan ; Life Style ; Male ; Memory/physiology ; Mental Processes/*physiology ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Oral Health ; Pattern Recognition, Visual/physiology ; *Periodontal Index ; Smoking ; Toothbrushing ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to indicate the relationship between periodontal status and intellectual function in the elderly.<br><br>BACKGROUND: Periodontal status has been shown to be related to demographic, socioeconomic, and psychological status. Intellectual function is a significant indicator of health status. Nevertheless, the relationship between periodontal status and intellectual function has not been elucidated in detail among the elderly.<br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 152 community-dwelling elderly persons, aged 70-74 years, were enrolled in the study. Periodontal status was evaluated using the WHO Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN). Intellectual function was assessed by four neuropsychological tests: Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM) test, the Verbal Paired Associates 1 (VerPA) task and the Visual Paired Associates 1 (VirPA) task, extracted from the Wechsler Memory Scale Revised Edition, and the Block Design subtest, extracted from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales, Third Edition. Correlations between CPITN and each test were examined using Spearman rank correlation coefficients. The ordinal regression model was constructed with CPITN as the dependent variable and neuropsychological test as the principal independent variable to adjust for demographic factors, general health, lifestyle and oral health behaviour.<br><br>RESULTS: Significant correlations were found between the RCPM test, the VerPA task, the Visual Paired Associates 1 and CPITN. In the ordinal regression model, CPITN was significantly related to measures of RCPM after adjusting for demographic factors, general health status, lifestyle and oral health behaviour.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Intellectual function is considered a significant indicator of periodontal status among community-dwelling elderly persons.}, }
@article {pmid21530162, year = {2011}, author = {Csorba, J and Radvanyi, K and Regenyi, E and Dinya, E}, title = {A study of behaviour profiles among intellectually disabled people in residential care in Hungary.}, journal = {Research in developmental disabilities}, volume = {32}, number = {5}, pages = {1757-1763}, doi = {10.1016/j.ridd.2011.03.003}, pmid = {21530162}, issn = {1873-3379}, mesh = {Adult ; Persons with Disabilities/*psychology/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Female ; Humans ; Hungary/epidemiology ; Inpatients/psychology/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Intellectual Disability/epidemiology/*psychology ; Intelligence ; Male ; Mental Disorders/epidemiology/psychology ; Middle Aged ; Personality Inventory ; *Residential Facilities/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Self-Injurious Behavior/epidemiology/psychology ; Severity of Illness Index ; *Social Behavior ; *Stereotyped Behavior ; }, abstract = {The authors investigated the behavioural dimensions of 269 intellectually disabled (ID) people in residential care in specialized institutions in Tolna county (South-West Hungary) with the aim of screening the frequency and severity of the relevant behavioural symptoms associated with intellectual disability and depending on the level of intellectual impairment. Only 120 residents had an International Classification of Disease (ICD) diagnosis of "mental retardation (MR)" and a valid IQ grading either by means of the Hungarian standard version of the HAWIK or by the coloured Raven test. 4 IQ groups were created: borderline (B), mild (MID), moderate (MOD) and profound (PID) intellectual disability subgroups. The Hungarian pilot version of the Behaviour Problem Inventory (BPI) was used. seventy-two percent of the residents displayed behavioural problems. All scale score means exhibited an enhancing tendency with IQ loss, as both frequency and Seventy increased linearly towards the more severe groups, but significantly only in the category of stereotyped behaviour. The authors focussed on problems of patient recruitment and discussed the measurement of behavioural and other psychiatric symptoms when researchers reported on the increased occurrence of behaviour and psychiatric symptoms in ID populations.}, }
@article {pmid21518060, year = {2011}, author = {Webb, WC and Marzluff, JM and Omland, KE}, title = {Random interbreeding between cryptic lineages of the Common Raven: evidence for speciation in reverse.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {20}, number = {11}, pages = {2390-2402}, doi = {10.1111/j.1365-294X.2011.05095.x}, pmid = {21518060}, issn = {1365-294X}, mesh = {Aging ; Animals ; Crows/*genetics ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Female ; *Genetic Speciation ; Geography ; *Inbreeding ; Male ; Models, Genetic ; Molecular Sequence Data ; *Phylogeny ; Principal Component Analysis ; Sample Size ; Survival Analysis ; United States ; }, abstract = {DNA sequence studies frequently reveal evidence of cryptic lineages in morphologically uniform species, many of which turn out to be evolutionarily distinct species. The Common Raven (Corvus corax) includes two deeply divergent mtDNA lineages: one lineage seems restricted to western North America and the other is Holarctic in distribution. These deep clades hint of the possibility of cryptic species in the western United States. We tested this hypothesis in a population consisting of an equal proportion of both mtDNA clades, by quantifying mating patterns and associated fitness consequences with respect to mtDNA. We also tested for morphological, behavioural and ecological correlates of sex and mtDNA clade membership. Mate pairings were random with respect to mtDNA clades, and there were no differences in reproductive success between assortatively and nonassortatively mated pairs. We found no differences in survival or resource use between clades. There were no differences in morphological or behavioural characters between mtDNA clades, except one clade trended towards greater mobility. These results suggest there are no barriers to gene flow between mtDNA clades and argue that the mtDNA clades have remerged in this population, likely due to a lack of ecological or signal differentiation between individuals in each lineage. Hence, in Common Ravens, phylogeographic structure in mtDNA is a reflection of likely past isolation rather than currently differentiated species.}, }
@article {pmid21503645, year = {2011}, author = {Flouri, E and Panourgia, C}, title = {Adverse life events and emotional and behavioral problems in adolescence: the role of non-verbal cognitive ability and negative cognitive errors.}, journal = {Journal of abnormal child psychology}, volume = {39}, number = {5}, pages = {695-709}, pmid = {21503645}, issn = {1573-2835}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Affective Symptoms/etiology/*psychology ; Child Behavior Disorders/etiology/*psychology ; *Cognition ; Emotions ; Female ; Humans ; *Life Change Events ; Male ; Psychological Tests ; Verbal Behavior ; }, abstract = {The aim of this study was to test whether negative cognitive errors (overgeneralizing, catastrophizing, selective abstraction, and personalizing) mediate the moderator effect of non-verbal cognitive ability on the association between adverse life events (life stress) and emotional and behavioral problems in adolescence. The sample consisted of 430 children (aged 11-15 years) from three state secondary schools in disadvantaged areas in one county in the South East of England. Total difficulties (i.e., emotional symptoms, peer problems, hyperactivity, and conduct problems) were assessed with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Adjustment was made for gender, age, ethnicity, special educational needs, exclusion history, family structure, and family socio-economic disadvantage. Adverse life events were measured with Tiet et al.'s (Journal of the American Academy of Child &amp; Adolescent Psychiatry, 37, 1191-1200, 1998) Adverse Life Events Scale. Non-verbal cognitive ability was measured with Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices Plus. Non-verbal cognitive ability moderated the effect of adverse life events both on total difficulties and on emotional symptoms. Overgeneralizing mediated the moderator effect of non-verbal cognitive ability on the association between adverse life events and total difficulties. Adverse life events were related to a tendency to overgeneralize which was associated with emotional and behavioral problems, but particularly among those adolescents with lower non-verbal cognitive ability.}, }
@article {pmid21490255, year = {2011}, author = {Martín-Gálvez, D and Pérez-Contreras, T and Soler, M and Soler, JJ}, title = {Benefits associated with escalated begging behaviour of black-billed magpie nestlings overcompensate the associated energetic costs.}, journal = {The Journal of experimental biology}, volume = {214}, number = {Pt 9}, pages = {1463-1472}, doi = {10.1242/jeb.050153}, pmid = {21490255}, issn = {1477-9145}, mesh = {Animals ; Cyproheptadine/pharmacology ; Energy Metabolism/drug effects/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior/drug effects/*physiology ; Nesting Behavior/drug effects/*physiology ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Video Recording ; }, abstract = {Several experimental results support the existence of costs associated with exaggerated begging behaviour, which are assumed by some theoretical models of honest signalling in parent-offspring communication. However, to understand how honest begging behaviour is evolutionarily maintained in nature, the long-term cost-benefit output associated with exaggerated signals should also be estimated. As far as we know, the net cost-benefit balance of begging display has not previously been explored. Here, we used an appetite stimulant, cyproheptadine hydrochloride, to increase the feeling of hunger in some magpie nestlings. Supporting the use of cyproheptadine to manipulate hunger level and thereby begging behaviour, we found that experimental nestlings increased the frequency of begging and received more food than their control nestmates. Contrary to the expectation that physiological costs per se counteract the associated benefits of escalated begging signals, we found that near-fledging experimental magpies showed a better physical condition than control nestlings. These findings stress the interesting question of why magpie nestlings do not show to adults an escalated level of hunger if it implies an advantage. We discuss the responsibility of inclusive fitness costs and indirect genetic effects for the maintenance of honesty in parent-offspring communication.}, }
@article {pmid21478653, year = {2011}, author = {Kondoh, D and Nashimoto, M and Kanayama, S and Nakamuta, N and Taniguchi, K}, title = {Ultrastructural and histochemical properties of the olfactory system in the japanese jungle crow, Corvus macrorhynchos.}, journal = {The Journal of veterinary medical science}, volume = {73}, number = {8}, pages = {1007-1014}, doi = {10.1292/jvms.10-0574}, pmid = {21478653}, issn = {1347-7439}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Immunohistochemistry/veterinary ; Japan ; Male ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning/veterinary ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission/veterinary ; Olfactory Bulb/*anatomy &amp; histology/metabolism ; Olfactory Mucosa/*anatomy &amp; histology/innervation/ultrastructure ; Olfactory Nerve/ultrastructure ; Olfactory Receptor Neurons/metabolism ; Phytohemagglutinins/metabolism ; Plant Lectins/metabolism ; Soybean Proteins/metabolism ; }, abstract = {Although it has been commonly believed that birds are more dependent on the vision and audition than the olfaction, recent studies indicate that the olfaction of birds is related to the reproductive, homing, and predatory behaviors. In an attempt to reveal the dependence on the olfactory system in crows, we examined the olfactory system of the Japanese jungle crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) by histological, ultrastructural, and lectin histochemical methods. The olfactory epithelium (OE) of the crow occupied remarkably a small area of the nasal cavity (NC) and had the histological and ultrastructural features like other birds. The olfactory bulb (OB) of the crow was remarkably small and did not possess the olfactory ventricle. The left and right halves of the OB were fused in many cases. In the lectin histochemistry, soybean agglutinin (SBA) and Vicia villosa agglutinin (VVA) stained a small number of the receptor cells (RCs) in the OE and the olfactory nerve layer (ONL) and glomerular layer (GL) on the dorsocaudal region of the OB. Phaseolus vulgaris agglutinin-E (PHA-E) stained several RCs in the OE and the ONL and GL on the ventral region of the OB. These results suggest that 1) the crow has less-developed olfactory system than other birds, and 2) the dedicated olfactory receptor cells project their axons to the specific regions of the OB in the crow.}, }
@article {pmid21473166, year = {2011}, author = {Hsu, H}, title = {Seeing Jay-Z in Taipei.}, journal = {Daedalus}, volume = {140}, number = {1}, pages = {163-173}, doi = {10.1162/daed_a_00068}, pmid = {21473166}, issn = {0011-5266}, mesh = {*Black or African American/education/ethnology/history/legislation &amp; jurisprudence/psychology ; *Asian/education/ethnology/history/legislation &amp; jurisprudence/psychology ; *Cross-Cultural Comparison ; Emigrants and Immigrants/education/history/legislation &amp; jurisprudence/psychology ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Humans ; Population Groups/education/ethnology/history/legislation &amp; jurisprudence/psychology ; Race Relations/history/legislation &amp; jurisprudence/psychology ; *Social Behavior/history ; Social Change/history ; *Social Identification ; Taiwan/ethnology ; *Technology/economics/education/history ; United States/ethnology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {How does the newly arrived immigrant respond to the news that an identity already awaits him? How does an African American hip-hop artist translate his struggles and triumphs across oceanic divides? What significance do American demographic shifts have in a global context? Hsu's essay examines what happens once individuals or identities migrate beyond the contexts that first produced them. He explores a variety of circuits: the satellite communities of Asian immigrant students who arrived on American university campuses in the late 1960s; enduring debates about a "post-city" identity, spurred by advances in cheap, efficient, world-shrinking communication technologies; and the new affinities and categories of self-identification made possible by a present-day culture that prizes interactivity and participation.}, }
@article {pmid21466341, year = {2011}, author = {Yang, C and Zhang, Y and Cai, Y and Stokke, BG and Liang, W}, title = {Female crowing and differential responses to simulated conspecific intrusion in male and female Hainan partridge (Arborophila ardens).}, journal = {Zoological science}, volume = {28}, number = {4}, pages = {249-253}, doi = {10.2108/zsj.28.249}, pmid = {21466341}, issn = {0289-0003}, mesh = {Animals ; China ; Female ; Galliformes/*physiology ; Male ; Sex Factors ; Sexual Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Vocalization, Animal/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Vocalizations of Hainan partridges (Arborophila ardens) during the breeding season were studied, by making use of playback experiments, in Yinggeling Nature Reserve, Hainan Island, China. Both males and females were found to crow and to produce duet calls during the breeding season, and there was a sex difference in crowing as shown by spectrogram analyses. Both sexes responded strongly to simulated intrusion from pairs of conspecifics. However, it was found that males responded to intrasexual intrusion to a greater extent than to intersexual intrusion. Moreover, females responded strongly to both intra- and intersexual intrusion. Female-female response is proposed as a behavioral mechanism that favors monogamy in the Hainan partridge, and a generally high response to any kind of vocal stimuli indicates that females may play an important role in territory defense in this species. To our knowledge, this is the first report for female crowing in the genus Arborophila, and the second case for female crowing in the family Phasianidae.}, }
@article {pmid21464962, year = {2011}, author = {Fraser, ON and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Ravens reconcile after aggressive conflicts with valuable partners.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {6}, number = {3}, pages = {e18118}, pmid = {21464962}, issn = {1932-6203}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {*Aggression ; Animals ; *Conflict, Psychological ; *Cooperative Behavior ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; }, abstract = {Reconciliation, a post-conflict affiliative interaction between former opponents, is an important mechanism for reducing the costs of aggressive conflict in primates and some other mammals as it may repair the opponents' relationship and reduce post-conflict distress. Opponents who share a valuable relationship are expected to be more likely to reconcile as for such partners the benefits of relationship repair should outweigh the risk of renewed aggression. In birds, however, post-conflict behavior has thus far been marked by an apparent absence of reconciliation, suggested to result either from differing avian and mammalian strategies or because birds may not share valuable relationships with partners with whom they engage in aggressive conflict. Here, we demonstrate the occurrence of reconciliation in a group of captive subadult ravens (Corvus corax) and show that it is more likely to occur after conflicts between partners who share a valuable relationship. Furthermore, former opponents were less likely to engage in renewed aggression following reconciliation, suggesting that reconciliation repairs damage caused to their relationship by the preceding conflict. Our findings suggest not only that primate-like valuable relationships exist outside the pair bond in birds, but that such partners may employ the same mechanisms in birds as in primates to ensure that the benefits afforded by their relationships are maintained even when conflicts of interest escalate into aggression. These results provide further support for a convergent evolution of social strategies in avian and mammalian species.}, }
@article {pmid21463696, year = {2011}, author = {Desco, M and Navas-Sanchez, FJ and Sanchez-González, J and Reig, S and Robles, O and Franco, C and Guzmán-De-Villoria, JA and García-Barreno, P and Arango, C}, title = {Mathematically gifted adolescents use more extensive and more bilateral areas of the fronto-parietal network than controls during executive functioning and fluid reasoning tasks.}, journal = {NeuroImage}, volume = {57}, number = {1}, pages = {281-292}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuroimage.2011.03.063}, pmid = {21463696}, issn = {1095-9572}, mesh = {Adolescent ; *Brain Mapping ; Cerebral Cortex/*physiology ; *Child, Gifted ; Executive Function/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted ; Intelligence/physiology ; Male ; Mathematical Concepts ; Memory, Short-Term/physiology ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The main goal of this study was to investigate the neural substrates of fluid reasoning and visuospatial working memory in adolescents with precocious mathematical ability. The study population comprised two groups of adolescents: 13 math-gifted adolescents and 14 controls with average mathematical skills. Patterns of activation specific to reasoning tasks in math-gifted subjects were examined using functional magnetic resonance images acquired while the subjects were performing Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAPM) and the Tower of London (TOL) tasks. During the tasks, both groups showed significant activations in the frontoparietal network. In the math-gifted group, clusters of activation were always bilateral and more regions were recruited, especially in the right hemisphere. In the TOL task, math-gifted adolescents showed significant hyper-activations relative to controls in the precuneus, superior occipital lobe (BA 19), and medial temporal lobe (BA 39). The maximum differences between the groups were detected during RAPM tasks at the highest level of difficulty, where math-gifted subjects showed significant activations relative to controls in the right inferior parietal lobule (BA 40), anterior cingulated gyrus (BA 32), and frontal (BA 9, and BA 6) areas. Our results support the hypothesis that greater ability for complex mathematical reasoning may be related to more bilateral patterns of activation and that increased activation in the parietal and frontal regions of math-gifted adolescents is associated with enhanced skills in visuospatial processing and logical reasoning.}, }
@article {pmid25892825, year = {2011}, author = {Kenward, B and Schloegl, C and Rutz, C and Weir, AA and Bugnyar, T and Kacelnik, A}, title = {On the evolutionary and ontogenetic origins of tool-oriented behaviour in New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides).}, journal = {Biological journal of the Linnean Society. Linnean Society of London}, volume = {102}, number = {4}, pages = {870-877}, pmid = {25892825}, issn = {0024-4066}, support = {BB/C517392/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/G023913/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides) are prolific tool users in captivity and in the wild, and have an inherited predisposition to express tool-oriented behaviours. To further understand the evolution and development of tool use, we compared the development of object manipulation in New Caledonian crows and common ravens (Corvus corax), which do not routinely use tools. We found striking qualitative similarities in the ontogeny of tool-oriented behaviour in New Caledonian crows and food-caching behaviour in ravens. Given that the common ancestor of New Caledonian crows and ravens was almost certainly a caching species, we therefore propose that the basic action patterns for tool use in New Caledonian crows may have their evolutionary origins in caching behaviour. Noncombinatorial object manipulations had similar frequencies in the two species. However, frequencies of object combinations that are precursors to functional behaviour increased in New Caledonian crows and decreased in ravens throughout the study period, ending 6 weeks post-fledging. These quantitative observations are consistent with the hypothesis that New Caledonian crows develop tool-oriented behaviour because of an increased motivation to perform object combinations that facilitate the necessary learning.}, }
@article {pmid21447109, year = {2011}, author = {Shimizu, H and Komori, K and Fukuhara, R and Shinagawa, S and Toyota, Y and Kashibayashi, T and Sonobe, N and Matsumoto, T and Mori, T and Ishikawa, T and Hokoishi, K and Tanimukai, S and Ueno, S and Ikeda, M}, title = {Clinical profiles of late-onset semantic dementia, compared with early-onset semantic dementia and late-onset Alzheimer's disease.}, journal = {Psychogeriatrics : the official journal of the Japanese Psychogeriatric Society}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {46-53}, doi = {10.1111/j.1479-8301.2010.00351.x}, pmid = {21447109}, issn = {1479-8301}, mesh = {Age of Onset ; Aged ; Alzheimer Disease/diagnosis/psychology ; Behavioral Symptoms ; Case-Control Studies ; Cognition ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration/*diagnosis/*psychology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; Stereotyped Behavior ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Semantic dementia (SD) has been recognized as a representative of dementia with presenile onset; however, recent epidemiological studies have shown that SD also occurs in the elderly. There have been few studies about the differences of clinical profiles between early-onset SD (EO-SD) and late-onset SD (LO-SD). Age-associated changes in the brain might cause some additional cognitive and behavioural profiles of LO-SD in contrast to the typical EO-SD cases. The aim of the present study was to clarify the characteristics of neuropsychological, and behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) profiles of LO-SD patients observed in screening tests in comparison with EO-SD patients and late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LO-AD) patients as controls.<br><br>METHODS: Study participants were LO-SD (n = 10), EO-SD (n = 15) and LO-AD (n = 47). We examined the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM), the Short-Memory Questionnaire (SMQ), the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and the Stereotypy Rating Inventory (SRI).<br><br>RESULTS: Both SD groups scored significantly lower than the LO-AD patients in 'naming' of the MMSE. In the 'construction' score of the MMSE and the RCPM score, however, the LO-SD patients as well as the LO-AD patients were significantly lower than the EO-SD patients. In the SMQ score, 'euphoria' and 'disinhibition' scores of the NPI, the SRI total and subscale scores, both SD groups were significantly higher, whereas in the 'delusion' score of the NPI, both SD groups were significantly lower than the LO-AD patients.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Visuospatial and constructive skills of LO-SD patients might be mildly deteriorated compared with EO-SD patients, whereas other cognitive and behavioural profiles of LO-SD are similar to EO-SD. Age-associated changes in the brain should be considered when we diagnose SD in elderly patients.}, }
@article {pmid21428525, year = {2011}, author = {Collins, MD}, title = {Putative audio recordings of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker (Campephilus principalis).}, journal = {The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America}, volume = {129}, number = {3}, pages = {1626-1630}, doi = {10.1121/1.3544370}, pmid = {21428525}, issn = {1520-8524}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Endangered Species ; Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Sound Spectrography ; Species Specificity ; Time Factors ; Video Recording ; *Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {Putative audio recordings of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker (Campephilus principalis) are presented along with discussions of the videos from which they were extracted and the observations that were made when these data were obtained. On two occasions, high-pitched calls were heard coming from the direction of a bird that was identified in the field as an Ivory-billed Woodpecker. These calls seem to match the description of an alarm call that was reported in the 1930s. One of the videos captured a series of the high-pitched calls, which sound similar to the Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) bell call but do not match published sonograms of that call. A putative double knock, which is characteristic of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, was captured in another video a little over a minute before a large bird with characteristics consistent with an Ivory-billed Woodpecker flew into view. Since it is extremely difficult to observe this critically endangered species, information on audio clues could have an impact on its conservation.}, }
@article {pmid21426272, year = {2011}, author = {Aminabadi, NA and Erfanparast, L and Adhami, ZE and Maljaii, E and Ranjbar, F and Jamali, Z}, title = {The impact of emotional intelligence and intelligence quotient (IQ) on child anxiety and behavior in the dental setting.}, journal = {Acta odontologica Scandinavica}, volume = {69}, number = {5}, pages = {292-298}, doi = {10.3109/00016357.2011.568959}, pmid = {21426272}, issn = {1502-3850}, mesh = {Adaptation, Psychological ; Age Factors ; Child ; *Child Behavior ; Cooperative Behavior ; Dental Amalgam ; Dental Anxiety/classification/*psychology ; Dental Care/*psychology ; Dental Caries/therapy ; Dental Cavity Preparation/psychology ; Dental High-Speed Equipment ; Dental Restoration, Permanent/psychology ; *Emotional Intelligence ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Interpersonal Relations ; Male ; Rubber Dams/psychology ; Self Concept ; Stress, Psychological/psychology ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of IQ and EQ on child's anxiety and behavior in the dental setting.<br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and seven children (age range 7-12 years) were selected. BarOn Emotional Quotient Inventory: Youth Version (Baron EQ-I: YV) and the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM) tests were administered on the first examination session. Children's anxiety and behavior were evaluated using the modified child dental anxiety scale (MCDAS) and the sound, eye and motor (SEM) scales, respectively, during the second session.<br><br>RESULTS: The mean (SD) age of subjects was 8.48 (1.41) years old. The result revealed a significant negative correlation between children's behavior and total EQ score (p < 0.01) but there was no relationship found between children's behavior and IQ score. A significant positive correlation was found between anxiety scores on MCDAS and SEM (p < 0.01), but no relationship was found between EQ and MCDAS scores. Both anxiety (p < 0.01) and EQ score (p < 0.01) were effective variables in predicting the child's SEM score.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The major finding of this research suggested that a high EQ may be more effective than a low EQ in moderating the level of cooperation during dental treatment of children. IQ scores, on the other hand, were related to the child's EQ score (r = 0.20) and age (r = - 0.29).}, }
@article {pmid21409436, year = {2011}, author = {Yosef, R and Kabesa, S and Yosef, N}, title = {Set a thief to catch a thief: brown-necked raven (Corvus ruficollis) cooperatively kleptoparasitize Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus).}, journal = {Die Naturwissenschaften}, volume = {98}, number = {5}, pages = {443-446}, pmid = {21409436}, issn = {1432-1904}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Egypt ; Falconiformes/*parasitology/*physiology ; Female ; Nesting Behavior/physiology ; }, abstract = {Our study describes how brown-necked ravens (Corvus ruficollis) are able to take advantage of an ordinarily inaccessible, high-quality food source by relying upon their innovative and manipulative thinking capabilities to exploit methods used by Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) to overcome the problem. In five observed interactions, the ravens were first seen in the vicinity of an abandoned clutch of ostrich eggs (Struthio camelus). The area was frequented by a pair of Egyptian vultures that bred on the cliffs across the road from the nature reserve. The Egyptian vulture exhibits tool use in birds, and is able to crack the hard shells of ostrich eggs by lifting a rock in the beak and pounding at the egg till it breaks open or cracks. If the egg is only cracked, the vulture inserts its narrow bill into the fissure and widens it by opening the mandibles. Pieces of eggshell are removed from around the crack in order to further open the egg. This is the point at which the pair of ravens attacked the vulture and harassed it till it abandoned the egg and left the area. The ravens then jointly enjoyed the contents of the egg which was otherwise inaccessible to them because of the strong egg shell.}, }
@article {pmid21384141, year = {2011}, author = {Péron, F and Rat-Fischer, L and Lalot, M and Nagle, L and Bovet, D}, title = {Cooperative problem solving in African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus).}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {14}, number = {4}, pages = {545-553}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-011-0389-2}, pmid = {21384141}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; *Cooperative Behavior ; Female ; Male ; *Parrots ; *Problem Solving ; }, abstract = {One of the main characteristics of human societies is the extensive degree of cooperation among individuals. Cooperation is an elaborate phenomenon, also found in non-human primates during laboratory studies and field observations of animal hunting behaviour, among other things. Some authors suggest that the pressures assumed to have favoured the emergence of social intelligence in primates are similar to those that may have permitted the emergence of complex cognitive abilities in some bird species such as corvids and psittacids. In the wild, parrots show cooperative behaviours such as bi-parental care and mobbing. In this study, we tested cooperative problem solving in African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus). Our birds were tested using several experimental setups to explore the different levels of behavioural organisation between participants, differing in temporal and spatial complexity. In our experiments, African grey parrots were able to act simultaneously but mostly failed during the delay task, maybe because of a lack of inhibitory motor response. Confronted with the possibility to adapt their behaviour to the presence or absence of a partner, they showed that they were able to coordinate their actions. They also collaborated, acting complementarily in order to solve tasks, but they were not able to place themselves in the partner's role.}, }
@article {pmid21383115, year = {2011}, author = {Nemeth, NM and Thomsen, BV and Spraker, TR and Benson, JM and Bosco-Lauth, AM and Oesterle, PT and Bright, JM and Muth, JP and Campbell, TW and Gidlewski, TL and Bowen, RA}, title = {Clinical and pathologic responses of American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) and fish crows (C ossifragus) to experimental West Nile virus infection.}, journal = {Veterinary pathology}, volume = {48}, number = {6}, pages = {1061-1074}, doi = {10.1177/0300985811398249}, pmid = {21383115}, issn = {1544-2217}, support = {N01-AI25489/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild ; Antibodies, Viral/*blood ; Antigens, Viral/*blood ; Bird Diseases/mortality/*pathology/virology ; Crows/*virology ; Electrocardiography/veterinary ; Feces/virology ; Species Specificity ; Viremia/veterinary ; Virus Replication ; West Nile Fever/mortality/pathology/*veterinary/virology ; West Nile virus/*immunology/isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; }, abstract = {West Nile virus (WNV)-associated disease has a range of clinical manifestations among avian taxa, the reasons for which are not known. Species susceptibility varies within the avian family Corvidae, with estimated mortality rates ranging from 50 to 100%. We examined and compared virologic, immunologic, pathologic, and clinical responses in 2 corvid species, the American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) and the fish crow (C ossifragus), following experimental WNV inoculation. Unlike fish crows, which remained clinically normal throughout the study, American crows succumbed to WNV infection subsequent to dehydration, electrolyte and pH imbalances, and delayed or depressed humoral immune responses concurrent with marked, widespread virus replication. Viral titers were approximately 3,000 times greater in blood and 30,000 to 50,000 times greater in other tissues (eg, pancreas and small intestine) in American crows versus fish crows. Histologic lesion patterns and antigen deposition supported the differing clinical outcomes, with greater severity and distribution of lesions and WNV antigen in American crows. Both crow species had multiorgan necrosis and inflammation, although lesions were more frequent, severe, and widespread in American crows, in which the most commonly affected tissues were small intestine, spleen, and liver. American crows also had inflammation of vessels and nerves in multiple tissues, including heart, kidney, and the gastrointestinal tract. WNV antigen was most commonly observed within monocytes, macrophages, and other cells of the reticuloendothelial system of affected tissues. Collectively, the data support that WNV-infected American crows experience uncontrolled systemic infection leading to multiorgan failure and rapid death.}, }
@article {pmid21373192, year = {2011}, author = {Range, F and Virányi, Z}, title = {Development of gaze following abilities in wolves (Canis lupus).}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {6}, number = {2}, pages = {e16888}, pmid = {21373192}, issn = {1932-6203}, support = {P 21244/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Animal Communication ; Animals ; Attention/*physiology ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; *Biological Evolution ; Cues ; Dogs ; Fixation, Ocular/*physiology ; Habituation, Psychophysiologic/physiology ; Humans ; Models, Biological ; Visual Perception/physiology ; Wolves/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The ability to coordinate with others' head and eye orientation to look in the same direction is considered a key step towards an understanding of others mental states like attention and intention. Here, we investigated the ontogeny and habituation patterns of gaze following into distant space and behind barriers in nine hand-raised wolves. We found that these wolves could use conspecific as well as human gaze cues even in the barrier task, which is thought to be more cognitively advanced than gazing into distant space. Moreover, while gaze following into distant space was already present at the age of 14 weeks and subjects did not habituate to repeated cues, gazing around a barrier developed considerably later and animals quickly habituated, supporting the hypothesis that different cognitive mechanisms may underlie the two gaze following modalities. More importantly, this study demonstrated that following another individuals' gaze around a barrier is not restricted to primates and corvids but is also present in canines, with remarkable between-group similarities in the ontogeny of this behaviour. This sheds new light on the evolutionary origins of and selective pressures on gaze following abilities as well as on the sensitivity of domestic dogs towards human communicative cues.}, }
@article {pmid21359204, year = {2011}, author = {Dekleva, M and Dufour, V and de Vries, H and Spruijt, BM and Sterck, EH}, title = {Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) fail a what-where-when task but find rewards by using a location-based association strategy.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {6}, number = {2}, pages = {e16593}, pmid = {21359204}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Association Learning/*physiology ; Choice Behavior/physiology ; Feeding Behavior/physiology/psychology ; Female ; Food Preferences ; Gestures ; Male ; Memory/*physiology ; Models, Biological ; Pan troglodytes/*physiology/psychology ; Reinforcement, Psychology ; *Reward ; Space Perception/*physiology ; Task Performance and Analysis ; }, abstract = {Recollecting the what-where-when of an episode, or episodic-like memory, has been established in corvids and rodents. In humans, a linkage between remembering the past and imagining the future has been recognised. While chimpanzees can plan for the future, their episodic-like memory has hardly been investigated. We tested chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) with an adapted food-catching paradigm. They observed the baiting of two locations amongst four and chose one after a given delay (15 min, 1 h or 5 h). We used two combinations of food types, a preferred and a less preferred food that disappeared at different rates. The subjects had to base their choices on the time elapsed since baiting, and on their memory of which food was where. They could recover either their preferred food or the one that remained present. All animals failed to obtain the preferred or present foods above chance levels. They were like-wise unsuccessful at choosing baited cups above chance levels. The subjects, thus, failed to use any feature of the baiting events to guide their choices. Nonetheless, their choices were not random, but the result of a developed location-based association strategy. Choices in the second half of the study correlated with the rewards obtained at each location in the first half of the study, independent from the choices made for each location in the first half of the study. This simple location-based strategy yielded a fair amount of food. The animals' failure to remember the what-where-when in the presented set-up may be due to the complexity of the task, rather than an inability to form episodic-like memories, as they even failed to remember what was where after 15 minutes.}, }
@article {pmid21351412, year = {2010}, author = {Terazawa, K}, title = {[Observations on injuries by blunt objects].}, journal = {Nihon hoigaku zasshi = The Japanese journal of legal medicine}, volume = {64}, number = {2}, pages = {103-120}, pmid = {21351412}, issn = {0047-1887}, mesh = {Accidents, Traffic ; Animals ; Autopsy ; Bites and Stings/pathology ; Dogs ; Hemorrhage/pathology ; Humans ; Male ; Rats ; Wounds, Nonpenetrating/*pathology ; }, abstract = {Based on my personal experience publishing case reports on blunt injuries, I hereby focus on issues that have recently come to my attention. 1. Abrasions: 1) As to whether they occurred ante-mortem or post-mortem; those reddish in color cannot always have occurred antemortem. When they overlap with reddish (-purple) discoloration, as in hypostasis, post-mortem abrasions look reddish as well. Abrasions larger than the tip of the finger or the palm of the hand are often seen post-mortem and are thought to occur due to the touching of putrefied skin post-mortem. 2) There are cases where the direction in which the epidermis peeled-off is not apparent, when it peels off in many directions or where there is no residual epidermis. 3) The shape and size of an abrasion can indicate the structure of the offending blunt object. When there is an abrasion on the scalp 3 to 4 cm in diameter, with structures 5 mm in diameter at the margins of the abrasion, it can be inferred that the victim fell on a paved gravel road. 2. Bruises: 1) Inferring the nature of a blunt object: (1) Evidence of a fist blow: Co-existence of the following three features indicates a blow by the fist : 1. macular discoloration, 2. within an area of approximately 8 cm by 5 cm, 3. with an abrasion from the thumb nail. (2) Evidence of being grabbed:Try to grab the corpse with your own hand during autopsy to find how the person was grabbed. Bruise-like discoloration can be generated post-mortem on the upper arm, when a body is being drawn out of water, for example. 2) Tram-line bruises: These appear when a victim was struck by a stick. To estimate the diameter of the object, it is useful to measure two parts of the bruising : the width of the pale part between the bruises and the width between the outer margins of the bruises. 3. Intradermal bleeding: There tends to be a grouping of hemorrhagic spots, the interval between which 1 mm or less. It can be generated by both direct and indirect force. Abrasions may be both present or absent. 4. Contused lacerated wounds: First of all, it is necessary to determine the characteristics of the offending blunt object based on the findings of the wound. When the edge of the end of a column works against the skin at an angle, abrasions are mainly generated on the one margin abraded by the edge. When the smooth round surface of a column is applied, abrasions are not likely to occur on or near the margins. To diagnose a wound as being contused, the following findings are considered valuable : the margins of the wound are more irregular than the incision; the margins are contused; the osseous membrane is detached at the bottom of the wound; and abrasions are present at the margins. Abrasions are generated when the surface of the object is rough and when the sharper edge is at an angle. They tend not to occur when the surface of the object is smooth with no angular edge or when the sharper edge works perpendicularly against the skin. 5. Post-mortem mutilation by animals: It is necessary to distinguish wounds caused by animals from those that are man-made. Crows will tear out the eyeballs, open the intercostal muscle and devour the lungs. They pull and rip off the skin, but do not seem to chew on the bones. Dogs and foxes will chew on the bones, leaving traces of their teeth about 5 mm in width. Rats leave round-shaped parts missing from the skin, the margins of which are quite sharp. They do not seem to chew on the bones. 6. One pattern of injuries from an immersed body: A set of abrasions, bruises, pocket formation (décollement) of the head and face, accompanied by dehiscence or fracture of the spine and drowning indicates jumping into the water face first and banging the head against the bottom of the body of the water, followed by drowning. 7. A case of a traffic accident: The details of the accident became apparent from the following findings in and on the autopsied body: contused lacerations on both knees, abrasions and pocket formation (décollement) on the parietal region of the head, characteristically shaped abrasions on the back, acetabula fractures caused by raising of the femoral head, fractured ribs caused by antero-posterior or posteroanterior compression, and an annular fracture at the base of the skull. The abrasions on the back were determined to have been generated by compression of structures on the underside of the car. The contused lacerations on the knees were considered to have been generated upon impact with the bumper, and the posture of the victim was concluded to have been supine with his knees drawn up. Collaboration with police traffic investigators is considered essential. 8. The medico-legal diagnostic capability of young pathologists could be improved if they observed unexplainable findings during autopsy with their own eyes, researched and discussed the findings with their mentor and colleagues, and published case reports.}, }
@article {pmid21347359, year = {2011}, author = {Chow, BW and Ho, CS and Wong, SW and Waye, MM and Bishop, DV}, title = {Genetic and environmental influences on Chinese language and reading abilities.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {6}, number = {2}, pages = {e16640}, pmid = {21347359}, issn = {1932-6203}, support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; 082498/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; 082498/z/07/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; Cognition/physiology ; *Environment ; Female ; *Heredity ; Humans ; Male ; Models, Genetic ; Nonverbal Communication/physiology ; *Reading ; }, abstract = {This study investigated the etiology of individual differences in Chinese language and reading skills in 312 typically developing Chinese twin pairs aged from 3 to 11 years (228 pairs of monozygotic twins and 84 pairs of dizygotic twins; 166 male pairs and 146 female pairs). Children were individually given tasks of Chinese word reading, receptive vocabulary, phonological memory, tone awareness, syllable and rhyme awareness, rapid automatized naming, morphological awareness and orthographic skills, and Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices. All analyses controlled for the effects of age. There were moderate to substantial genetic influences on word reading, tone awareness, phonological memory, morphological awareness and rapid automatized naming (estimates ranged from .42 to .73), while shared environment exerted moderate to strong effects on receptive vocabulary, syllable and rhyme awareness and orthographic skills (estimates ranged from .35 to .63). Results were largely unchanged when scores were adjusted for nonverbal reasoning as well as age. Findings of this study are mostly similar to those found for English, a language with very different characteristics, and suggest the universality of genetic and environmental influences across languages.}, }
@article {pmid21325371, year = {2011}, author = {Fugard, AJ and Stewart, ME and Stenning, K}, title = {Visual/verbal-analytic reasoning bias as a function of self-reported autistic-like traits: a study of typically developing individuals solving Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices.}, journal = {Autism : the international journal of research and practice}, volume = {15}, number = {3}, pages = {327-340}, doi = {10.1177/1362361310371798}, pmid = {21325371}, issn = {1461-7005}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Aptitude ; Attention ; Child ; Child Development Disorders, Pervasive/classification/*diagnosis/*psychology ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; *Problem Solving ; Psychometrics/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Reference Values ; Social Behavior ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {People with autism spectrum condition (ASC) perform well on Raven's matrices, a test which loads highly on the general factor in intelligence. However, the mechanisms supporting enhanced performance on the test are poorly understood. Evidence is accumulating that milder variants of the ASC phenotype are present in typically developing individuals, and that those who are further along the autistic-like trait spectrum show similar patterns of abilities and impairments as people with clinically diagnosed ASC. We investigated whether self-reported autistic-like traits in a university student sample, assessed using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ; Baron-Cohen, Wheelwright, Skinner, et al., 2001), predict performance on Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices. We found that reporting poorer social skills but better attention switching predicted a higher Advanced matrices score overall. DeShon, Chan, and Weissbein (1995) classified Advanced matrices items as requiring a visuospatial, or a verbal-analytic strategy. We hypothesised that higher AQ scores would predict better performance on visuospatial items than on verbal-analytic items. This prediction was confirmed. These results are consistent with the continuum view and can be explained by the enhanced perceptual functioning theory of performance peaks in ASC. The results also confirm a new prediction about Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices performance in people with ASC.}, }
@article {pmid21324651, year = {2011}, author = {Giovagnoli, AR and Bell, B}, title = {Drawing from memory in focal epilepsy: a cognitive and neural perspective.}, journal = {Epilepsy research}, volume = {94}, number = {1-2}, pages = {69-74}, doi = {10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2011.01.004}, pmid = {21324651}, issn = {1872-6844}, mesh = {Adult ; Analysis of Variance ; Cognition Disorders/*etiology ; Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe/*complications/*pathology ; Female ; Functional Laterality/physiology ; Humans ; Male ; Memory Disorders/classification/*etiology ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Psychomotor Performance/*physiology ; Regression Analysis ; Verbal Behavior/physiology ; }, abstract = {This study provides evidence of non-verbal cognitive functioning in temporal (TLE) and frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE) patients by exploring the mechanisms and neural correlates of drawing abilities. Sixty-six patients with left (n=32) or right TLE (n=34), 30 patients with left (n=18) or right FLE (n=12), and 30 healthy subjects were compared. The Drawing from Memory (DfM) test required participants to design 16 living or non-living items; the total score was the sum of all scores blindly provided by three judges who had to identify the drawings. The verbal and visual Pyramid and Palm Trees Test (PPTT), Raven Colored Progressive Matrices (Raven CPM), Cube Analysis, Token Test, Word Fluency, Card Classification, and Rey Complex Figure Test Copy trial (Rey CFC) assessed different verbal and non-verbal functions. Non-parametric statistics indicated that, with respect to controls, both TLE groups and the left FLE patients had significantly lower DfM scores. In the TLE group, hierarchical regression analyses revealed that the DfM score was predicted by the Raven CPM and PPTT scores, while, in the FLE group, it was predicted by the Rey CFC. Thus, drawing abilities may be impaired by TLE or FLE owing to different mechanisms that involve semantic or executive abilities. Implying cooperation between temporal and frontal areas that support these functions, DfM may be a sensitive index of integrity of cortical areas or neural pathways damaged by focal epilepsy.}, }
@article {pmid21312167, year = {2011}, author = {Horta-Puricelli, K and Dansilio, S}, title = {[Brixton Spatial Anticipation Test, executive function development and the relationship with the Tower of London].}, journal = {Revista de neurologia}, volume = {52}, number = {4}, pages = {211-220}, pmid = {21312167}, issn = {1576-6578}, mesh = {Child ; Executive Function/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; Space Perception/*physiology ; Visual Perception/physiology ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Rule induction and shifting abilities are among executive functions. The Brixton Spatial Anticipation Test (BSAT) was designed for the evaluation of this dimension in adult populations. There are no papers that explore its implementation during development, or its relations to other executive tasks and fluid intelligence.<br><br>AIM: To study the behavior in the BSAT of a primary school population (6 to 11 years), comparing it with the performance on a well-known executive task and a fluid intelligence test level.<br><br>SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Trough a descriptive-correlational, transversal design, the Tower of London (TOL), the BSAT and the Progressive Matrix Raven's Test (PMRT) were applied in 44 children of both sexes, from 1st to 6th grade (primary school), medium to high socio-economical stratum, from Montevideo. The BSAT is applied for the first time in normal children, so it's relevant for its knowledge.<br><br>RESULTS: A similar progressive and ascending performance was observed for both BSAT and TOL. Positive and significative correlations were found between BSAT and PMRT, specially with AB and B series. Positive but non significative correlations were observed between BSAT and TOL.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Executive functions follow a progressive and ascending pattern trough development in children, with light differences in relation to the executive component evaluated by each task. The factor 'g' of fluid intelligence, could be an important predictor of executive components taped by BSAT but not TOL.}, }
@article {pmid21308474, year = {2011}, author = {Kehmeier, S and Schloegl, C and Scheiber, IB and Weiss, BM}, title = {Early development of gaze following into distant space in juvenile Greylag geese (Anser anser).}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {14}, number = {4}, pages = {477-485}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-011-0381-x}, pmid = {21308474}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; Eye Movements/physiology ; Female ; *Fixation, Ocular/physiology ; *Geese/growth &amp; development/physiology ; Male ; Vision, Ocular/physiology ; }, abstract = {Visual co-orientation with another's gaze direction (gaze following) may provide important information about the location of food, social interactions or predators. Gaze following has been shown in a variety of mammals, but only in few bird species, and has not been tested in precocial birds at all. It has been suggested that gaze following is an anti-predator behaviour, and in Common ravens (Corvus corax) and rooks (C. frugilegus), it emerges shortly after fledging, at a time when young birds leave the predator-safe nest. However, if gaze following is adaptive, the developmental pattern should differ between altricial and precocial birds. Greylag geese (Anser anser) are highly social birds with a precocial development. Goslings move and feed independently within 24 h post-hatching, and they are highly vulnerable to aerial predators. We therefore predicted that greylag geese are capable of gaze following and that they develop this skill already pre-fledging. We experimentally tested 19 hand-raised greylag goslings for their ability to follow a conspecific's gaze when they were between 10 days and 6 weeks old. In line with our predictions, first responses were already detectable in 10-day-old goslings. Our results therefore not only demonstrate that greylag geese follow the gaze of conspecifics into distant space, but that they also develop this ability much earlier than altricial birds.}, }
@article {pmid21307048, year = {2011}, author = {Selva, N and Cortés-Avizanda, A and Lemus, JA and Blanco, G and Mueller, T and Heinrich, B and Donázar, JA}, title = {Stress associated with group living in a long-lived bird.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {7}, number = {4}, pages = {608-610}, pmid = {21307048}, issn = {1744-957X}, mesh = {Animals ; Corticosterone/analysis ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; Social Environment ; Stress, Psychological/*etiology ; *Territoriality ; }, abstract = {Many long-lived avian species adopt life strategies that involve a gregarious way of life at juvenile and sub-adult stages and territoriality during adulthood. However, the potential associated costs of these life styles, such as stress, are poorly understood. We examined the effects of group living, sex and parasite load on the baseline concentration of faecal stress hormone (corticosterone) metabolites in a wild population of common ravens (Corvus corax). Corticosterone concentrations were significantly higher in non-breeding gregarious ravens than in territorial adults. Among territorial birds, males showed higher stress levels than their mates. Parasite burdens did not affect hormone levels. Our results suggest a key role of the social context in the stress profiles of the two population fractions, and that group living may be more energetically demanding than maintaining a territory. These findings have implications for understanding hormonal mechanisms under different life styles and may inspire further research on the link between hormone levels and selective pressures modulating gregarious and territorial strategies in long-lived birds.}, }
@article {pmid21306665, year = {2011}, author = {Luna, F and Tarelho, AR and Camargo, AM and Alonso, V}, title = {A study using demographic data of genetic drift and natural selection in an isolated Mediterranean community: Bayárcal (La Alpujarra, south-east Spain).}, journal = {Journal of biosocial science}, volume = {43}, number = {4}, pages = {401-411}, doi = {10.1017/S0021932011000046}, pmid = {21306665}, issn = {1469-7599}, mesh = {Chi-Square Distribution ; Demography ; *Family Characteristics ; Female ; Fertility/*genetics ; *Genetic Drift ; Geography ; Humans ; Mediterranean Region ; Pregnancy ; Retrospective Studies ; Selection, Genetic/*genetics ; Spain ; Statistics as Topic ; }, abstract = {Natural selection and genetic drift are two evolutionary mechanisms that can be analysed in human populations using their fertility and mortality patterns, and their reproductive size and isolation, respectively. This paper analyses the models of natural selection and genetic drift in Bayárcal, south-east Spain, and compares them with the observed models in the rest of the Alpujarran region. Demographic data were obtained from a sample of 77 families (48.45% of the population, with 547 inhabitants). The genetic drift and natural selection action was evaluated with the Coefficient of Breeding Isolation (CBI of Lasker and Kaplan) and Crow's index, respectively. The CBI (23.23/12.61) suggests that genetic drift is near to acting, and Crow's index (I=0.58) is slightly higher than that observed in the rest of La Alpujarra. Although the reproductive isolation of Bayárcal is not effective enough for genetic drift to act, it is near when marital migrants inside the Bayárcal valley are considered as a native population. The natural selection pattern is not different from that of the rest of La Alpujarra, but it tends towards the model of developing communities, where the demographic transition has not yet begun.}, }
@article {pmid21295036, year = {2011}, author = {Rensel, MA and Schoech, SJ}, title = {Repeatability of baseline and stress-induced corticosterone levels across early life stages in the Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens).}, journal = {Hormones and behavior}, volume = {59}, number = {4}, pages = {497-502}, doi = {10.1016/j.yhbeh.2011.01.010}, pmid = {21295036}, issn = {1095-6867}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Animals ; Corticosterone/*blood ; Crows/*blood/growth &amp; development ; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/metabolism ; Pituitary-Adrenal System/metabolism ; Radioimmunoassay ; Reproducibility of Results ; Reproduction/*physiology ; *Stress, Physiological ; }, abstract = {Recent studies have posited that the pattern of glucocorticoid secretion within an individual represents a stable, fixed physiological trait. To test this hypothesis, we assessed the repeatability of baseline and stress-induced corticosterone (CORT) secretion across developmental stages and years in Florida scrub-jays. We sampled individuals from multiple cohorts repeatedly from the age of 11 days post-hatch up to 4 years of age. We found a significant degree of repeatability within individuals in stress-induced corticosterone levels, i.e., the amount of hormone secreted during a standardized stress protocol (corrected integrated corticosterone). However, baseline corticosterone levels were not statistically repeatable, although there was some indication that nestling levels predicted levels at 1 year of age. The results of this study indicate that stress-induced CORT levels are consistent within individual scrub-jays, and the degree to which a young jay mounts an acute stress response appears to be somewhat "set" by the age of nutritional independence. Thus stress-induced corticosterone secretion appears to be a stable, repeatable trait within individuals and as such may be subject to natural selection.}, }
@article {pmid21291887, year = {2011}, author = {Rensel, MA and Wilcoxen, TE and Schoech, SJ}, title = {Corticosterone, brood size, and hatch order in free-living Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) nestlings.}, journal = {General and comparative endocrinology}, volume = {171}, number = {2}, pages = {197-202}, doi = {10.1016/j.ygcen.2011.01.011}, pmid = {21291887}, issn = {1095-6840}, mesh = {Animals ; Corticosterone/*blood ; Female ; Male ; Nesting Behavior ; Passeriformes/*blood ; Radioimmunoassay ; }, abstract = {It is well known that variation in developmental conditions can have profound effects upon lifetime fitness. In altricial avian species, nestlings undergo a substantial portion of development in the nest after hatching, often in the presence of nest-mates. This can result in the formation of brood hierarchies based on age, size, and competitive ability. Measurement of baseline corticosterone (CORT) levels in developing birds may provide a means to assess whether individuals within a brood experience stress due to sibling competition or nutritional state. However, few studies have attempted to correlate corticosterone concentrations with brood hierarchies in free-living, developing birds. We investigated the degree to which corticosterone levels in nestling Florida scrub-jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) were predicted by brood size, hatching order, and body mass. Nestling corticosterone levels were inversely correlated with body mass but did not differ among brood sizes. Within broods of two, second-hatched nestlings had lower CORT than first-hatched nestlings, although there was no effect of hatch order in broods of three or four nestlings. The results of this study suggest that conditions within the nest, particularly those associated with within-brood hierarchies, are manifested through differential body condition and nestling corticosterone secretion. The consequences of this variation in nestling corticosterone are unknown, but development of the adult phenotype, as well as life-long survival, may be impacted.}, }
@article {pmid21267451, year = {2011}, author = {Biedenweg, TA and Parsons, MH and Fleming, PA and Blumstein, DT}, title = {Sounds scary? Lack of habituation following the presentation of novel sounds.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {6}, number = {1}, pages = {e14549}, pmid = {21267451}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {*Acoustic Stimulation ; Animals ; Auditory Perception/physiology ; Australia ; Crows ; Habituation, Psychophysiologic/*physiology ; Macropodidae ; Sound ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Animals typically show less habituation to biologically meaningful sounds than to novel signals. We might therefore expect that acoustic deterrents should be based on natural sounds.<br><br>METHODOLOGY: We investigated responses by western grey kangaroos (Macropus fulignosus) towards playback of natural sounds (alarm foot stomps and Australian raven (Corvus coronoides) calls) and artificial sounds (faux snake hiss and bull whip crack). We then increased rate of presentation to examine whether animals would habituate. Finally, we varied frequency of playback to investigate optimal rates of delivery.<br><br>PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Nine behaviors clustered into five Principal Components. PC factors 1 and 2 (animals alert or looking, or hopping and moving out of area) accounted for 36% of variance. PC factor 3 (eating cessation, taking flight, movement out of area) accounted for 13% of variance. Factors 4 and 5 (relaxing, grooming and walking; 12 and 11% of variation, respectively) discontinued upon playback. The whip crack was most evocative; eating was reduced from 75% of time spent prior to playback to 6% following playback (post alarm stomp: 32%, raven call: 49%, hiss: 75%). Additionally, 24% of individuals took flight and moved out of area (50 m radius) in response to the whip crack (foot stomp: 0%, raven call: 8% and 4%, hiss: 6%). Increasing rate of presentation (12x/min &#xd7;2 min) caused 71% of animals to move out of the area.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The bull whip crack, an artificial sound, was as effective as the alarm stomp at eliciting aversive behaviors. Kangaroos did not fully habituate despite hearing the signal up to 20x/min. Highest rates of playback did not elicit the greatest responses, suggesting that 'more is not always better'. Ultimately, by utilizing both artificial and biological sounds, predictability may be masked or offset, so that habituation is delayed and more effective deterrents may be produced.}, }
@article {pmid21260978, year = {2010}, author = {Bagotskaia, MS and Smirnova, AA and Zorina, ZA}, title = {[Corvidae are able to understand the logical structure in string-pulling tasks].}, journal = {Zhurnal vysshei nervnoi deiatelnosti imeni I P Pavlova}, volume = {60}, number = {5}, pages = {543-551}, pmid = {21260978}, issn = {0044-4677}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; *Problem Solving ; Psychomotor Performance ; Species Specificity ; Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {The ability of the Corvidae to understand the logical structure in string-pulling tasks was studied in a set of experiments with varied position of strings. It was demonstrated that some hooded crows (Corvus cornix L.) and common ravens (Corvus corax L.) successfully completed the tasks where the strings were not intersected but placed so that the bait was positioned opposite the forepart of the empty string. Hooded crows also solved the task where the baits were attached to both strings, but one of the strings was disrupted. The task with two intersected strings where the bait was positioned opposite the forepart of the empty string was not solved by the crows. The results suggest the ability of both examined species to grasp the logical structure of such kind of tasks.}, }
@article {pmid21249510, year = {2011}, author = {Cheke, LG and Bird, CD and Clayton, NS}, title = {Tool-use and instrumental learning in the Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius).}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {14}, number = {3}, pages = {441-455}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-011-0379-4}, pmid = {21249510}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; //Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Conditioning, Operant ; Cues ; Reward ; *Songbirds/physiology ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Recent research with Rooks has demonstrated impressive tool-using abilities in captivity despite this species' classification as a non-tool-user in the wild. Here, we explored whether another non-tool-using corvid, the Eurasian Jay, would be capable of similar feats and investigated the relative contributions of causal knowledge and instrumental conditioning to the birds' performance on the tasks. Five jays were tested on a variety of tasks involving water displacement. Two birds reliably interacted with the apparatuses. In these tasks, both birds showed a preference for inserting stones into a tube containing liquid over a tube containing a solid or a baited 'empty' tube and also for inserting sinkable items over non-sinkable items into a tube of water. To investigate the contribution of instrumental conditioning, subjects were then tested on a series of tasks in which different cues were made available. It was found that, in the absence of any apparent causal cues, these birds showed a clear preference for the rewarded tube when the food incrementally approached with every stone insertion, but not when it simply "appeared" after the correct number of stone insertions. However, it was found that subjects did not prefer to insert stones into a tube rewarded by the incremental approach of food if the available causal cues violated the expectations created by existing causal knowledge (i.e. were counter-intuitive). An analysis of the proportion of correct and incorrect stone insertions made in each trial across tasks offering different types of information revealed that subjects were substantially more successful in experiments in which causal cues were available, but that rate of learning was comparable in all experiments. We suggest that these results indicate that Eurasian jays use the incremental approach of the food reward as a conditioned reinforcer allowing them to solve tasks involving raising the water level and that this learning is facilitated by the presence of causal cues.}, }
@article {pmid21244117, year = {2011}, author = {Wiley, J and Jarosz, AF and Cushen, PJ and Colflesh, GJ}, title = {New rule use drives the relation between working memory capacity and Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices.}, journal = {Journal of experimental psychology. Learning, memory, and cognition}, volume = {37}, number = {1}, pages = {256-263}, doi = {10.1037/a0021613}, pmid = {21244117}, issn = {1939-1285}, mesh = {Adaptation, Psychological ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term/*physiology ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Pattern Recognition, Visual/*physiology ; Photic Stimulation ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Regression Analysis ; *Statistics as Topic ; Students ; Universities ; }, abstract = {The correlation between individual differences in working memory capacity and performance on the Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAPM) is well documented yet poorly understood. The present work proposes a new explanation: that the need to use a new combination of rules on RAPM problems drives the relation between performance and working memory capacity scores. Evidence for this account is supported by an item-based analysis of performance during standard administration of the RAPM and an experiment that manipulates the need to use new rule combinations across 2 subsets of RAPM items. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved).}, }
@article {pmid21228204, year = {2011}, author = {Jackson, BE and Dial, KP}, title = {Scaling of mechanical power output during burst escape flight in the Corvidae.}, journal = {The Journal of experimental biology}, volume = {214}, number = {Pt 3}, pages = {452-461}, doi = {10.1242/jeb.046789}, pmid = {21228204}, issn = {1477-9145}, mesh = {Animals ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Body Size ; Electromyography ; *Energy Metabolism ; Flight, Animal/*physiology ; Locomotion ; Muscle Contraction/physiology ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Pectoralis Muscles/*physiology ; Wings, Animal/anatomy &amp; histology/physiology ; }, abstract = {Avian locomotor burst performance (e.g. acceleration, maneuverability) decreases with increasing body size and has significant implications for the survivorship, ecology and evolution of birds. However, the underlying mechanism of this scaling relationship has been elusive. The most cited mechanistic hypothesis posits that wingbeat frequency alone limits maximal muscular mass-specific power output. Because wingbeat frequency decreases with body size, it may explain the often-observed negative scaling of flight performance. To test this hypothesis we recorded in vivo muscular mechanical power from work-loop mechanics using surgically implanted sonomicrometry (measuring muscle length change) and strain gauges (measuring muscle force) in four species of Corvidae performing burst take-off and vertical escape flight. The scale relationships derived for the four species suggest that maximum muscle-mass-specific power scales slightly negatively with pectoralis muscle mass (M(-0.18)(m), 95% CI: -0.42 to 0.05), but less than the scaling of wingbeat frequency (M(-0.29)(m), 95% CI: -0.37 to -0.23). Mean muscle stress was independent of muscle mass (M(-0.02)(m), 95% CI: -0.20 to 0.19), but total muscle strain (percent length change) scaled positively (M(0.12)(m), 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.18), which is consistent with previous results from ground birds (Order Galliformes). These empirical results lend minimal support to the power-limiting hypothesis, but also suggest that muscle function changes with size to partially compensate for detrimental effects of size on power output, even within closely related species. Nevertheless, additional data for other taxa are needed to substantiate these scaling patterns.}, }
@article {pmid21195645, year = {2011}, author = {Endenburg, N and van Lith, HA}, title = {The influence of animals on the development of children.}, journal = {Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)}, volume = {190}, number = {2}, pages = {208-214}, doi = {10.1016/j.tvjl.2010.11.020}, pmid = {21195645}, issn = {1532-2971}, mesh = {*Animal Assisted Therapy ; Animals ; Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders/psychology/therapy ; Child ; Child Behavior Disorders/psychology/*therapy ; *Child Development ; Child Development Disorders, Pervasive/psychology/*therapy ; *Human-Animal Bond ; Humans ; }, abstract = {There is a widespread belief that interaction with an animal is beneficial for the development of children, and several studies (most with methodological shortcomings) have investigated the influence of (companion) animals on the social-emotional and cognitive development of children. In this article, the 1984 model of Professor Jay Belsky has been used to describe which variables influence the development of children and how the companion animal-child interaction influences these variables. The value of the AAA/AAT (Animal Assisted Activities/Animal Assisted Therapy) programmes in children with a wide variety of clinical and social problems, such as behaviour problems and autistic spectrum symptoms, is discussed. The findings suggest that (companion) animals positively influence children's development and have a valuable role in therapy.}, }
@article {pmid22524072, year = {2011}, author = {Aminabadi, NA and Vafaei, A and Erfanparast, L and Oskouei, SG and Jamali, Z}, title = {Impact of pictorial story on pain perception, situational anxiety and behavior in children: a cognitive-behavioral schema.}, journal = {The Journal of clinical pediatric dentistry}, volume = {36}, number = {2}, pages = {127-132}, doi = {10.17796/jcpd.36.2.3163251527508338}, pmid = {22524072}, issn = {1053-4628}, mesh = {Analysis of Variance ; Chi-Square Distribution ; Child ; *Child Behavior ; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/*methods ; Dental Anxiety/*prevention &amp; control ; Double-Blind Method ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Male ; Manifest Anxiety Scale ; Pain Measurement ; *Pain Perception ; Patient Education as Topic/*methods ; *Reading ; }, abstract = {AIM: The present study evaluated the effect of listening to a pictorial story about going to the dentist on pain perception, situational anxiety and behavioral feedback during dental treatment in pediatric dental patients.<br><br>STUDY DESIGN: Eighty, 6-7-year-old children were included The childhood anxiety-related disorders using Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED) Parent Version scale and intelligence quotient using Raven's Progressive Matrices were evaluated The subjects were randomly assigned to two groups, listening to a pictorial story about going to a dentist (test), or listening to a pictorial story about going to a barbershop (control). A dental treatment was performed on each subject, during which, behavior was assessed using Sound, Eye, and Motor Scale. Pain perception and situational anxiety were then assessed using Wong-Baker Fasces Pain Rating Scale and Faces version of the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale, respectively.<br><br>RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in pain perception (P=0.02) and situational anxiety (P<0.001) in the test group. In addition, the test intervention significantly improved children behavioral feedback during dental treatment (P<0.001).<br><br>CONCLUSION: Preparation of children with pictorial story can be effective in decreasing pain perception and situational anxiety as well as improving behavior during dental treatment.}, }
@article {pmid21184124, year = {2011}, author = {Wimpenny, JH and Weir, AA and Kacelnik, A}, title = {New Caledonian crows use tools for non-foraging activities.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {14}, number = {3}, pages = {459-464}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-010-0366-1}, pmid = {21184124}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {BB/C517392/1//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows/physiology ; Exploratory Behavior ; Female ; Male ; *Tool Use Behavior/physiology ; }, abstract = {Tool use is of great interest for cognitive research, largely because it can be particularly revealing about the underlying information processing mechanisms. Tool use that is inflexible or requires extensive experience to change, and that is only addressed towards specific targets such as food, is not likely to reflect unusual or particularly complex cognition. On the contrary, if tools are employed flexibly and for a variety of innovative purposes, then conventional combinations of inherited predispositions and associative learning are challenged and interesting questions emerge. Since New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides) are especially adept at using and making tools for food extraction, we decided to examine their ability to generalise this to other contexts. We recorded how five pairs of New Caledonian crows interacted with novel objects that were not associated with food. We observed eight occasions in which the first contact with the novel object was mediated by a tool, suggesting that the function of the tool was for exploration. This is the first report of non-foraging tool use in New Caledonian crows, and it implies that the cognitive operations controlling tool-oriented behaviour in this species are more general than previously thought.}, }
@article {pmid21153442, year = {2011}, author = {Gabel, S}, title = {The medical director and the use of power: limits, challenges and opportunities.}, journal = {The Psychiatric quarterly}, volume = {82}, number = {3}, pages = {221-228}, pmid = {21153442}, issn = {1573-6709}, mesh = {Cooperative Behavior ; Health Facility Administrators/*psychology ; Humans ; *Interpersonal Relations ; Leadership ; Mental Health Services/organization &amp; administration ; Models, Psychological ; Physician Executives/*psychology ; *Power, Psychological ; }, abstract = {The organizational leadership in mental health agencies frequently resides in executives who are not psychiatrists and who may or may not have clinical backgrounds. Psychiatrists who are medical directors (MDs) of organizations with this structure are responsible for the success of the clinical programs, but are subordinate to the executive director (ED). The MD/ED relationship therefore is an example of the complexities and challenges of a relationship in which supervisor and supervisee have different types of power, but are mutually dependent on each other for the organization's success. Clarity and differentiation of the types of power of the MD and ED can be helpful in determining appropriate boundaries and facilitating a cooperative relationship that allows the organizational mission to be well served. Raven's model of the bases of social power (French and Raven, Studies in Social Power, 1959; Raven, Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy 8(1):1-22, 2008) provides a useful framework to explore this relationship and the challenges and opportunities inherent in it.}, }
@article {pmid21135641, year = {2010}, author = {Onor, M and Trevisiol, M and Spano, M and Aguglia, E and Paradiso, S}, title = {Alexithymia and aging: a neuropsychological perspective.}, journal = {The Journal of nervous and mental disease}, volume = {198}, number = {12}, pages = {891-895}, pmid = {21135641}, issn = {1539-736X}, support = {K23 AG027837/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; 5K23AG027837/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Affective Symptoms/*etiology/physiopathology ; Aged ; Aging/physiology/*psychology ; Attention/physiology ; Case-Control Studies ; Executive Function/physiology ; Functional Laterality/physiology ; Humans ; Language Tests ; Memory/physiology ; Mental Recall/physiology ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales ; Psychomotor Performance/physiology ; }, abstract = {Consistent with the emotional changes associated with later life, higher alexithymia scores are widely reported in older adults, but their significance has not been fully examined. We posited that association between alexithymia and poorer neurocognition would support the deficit nature of alexithymia in later life. Widely used neurocognitive tests assessing the relative integrity of the left and right hemisphere functions were used to examine the extent to which alexithymia of older age is associated with poor left or right hemisphere functioning. Healthy community-dwelling volunteers (20 young and 20 elderly subjects) were studied with the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Neurocognitive competence was assessed using a neuropsychological battery measuring attention, language, memory, visuospatial abilities, and executive functions. Neurocognitive abilities were strongly age-related and indirectly correlated with alexithymia. Alexithymia total score appeared to be uniquely predicted by Raven Matrices and Rey's Figure Recall. These results support the deficit hypothesis alexithymia of older age.}, }
@article {pmid21132448, year = {2011}, author = {Feenders, G and Smulders, TV}, title = {Magpies can use local cues to retrieve their food caches.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {14}, number = {2}, pages = {235-243}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-010-0357-2}, pmid = {21132448}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; *Cues ; Feeding Behavior/*psychology ; Female ; Food ; Male ; }, abstract = {Much importance has been placed on the use of spatial cues by food-hoarding birds in the retrieval of their caches. In this study, we investigate whether food-hoarding birds can be trained to use local cues ("beacons") in their cache retrieval. We test magpies (Pica pica) in an active hoarding-retrieval paradigm, where local cues are always reliable, while spatial cues are not. Our results show that the birds use the local cues to retrieve their caches, even when occasionally contradicting spatial information is available. The design of our study does not allow us to test rigorously whether the birds prefer using local over spatial cues, nor to investigate the process through which they learn to use local cues. We furthermore provide evidence that magpies develop landmark preferences, which improve their retrieval accuracy. Our findings support the hypothesis that birds are flexible in their use of memory information, using a combination of the most reliable or salient information to retrieve their caches.}, }
@article {pmid21123258, year = {2011}, author = {Soler, JJ and Martín-Gálvez, D and Martínez, JG and Soler, M and Canestrari, D and Abad-Gómez, JM and Møller, AP}, title = {Evolution of tolerance by magpies to brood parasitism by great spotted cuckoos.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {278}, number = {1714}, pages = {2047-2052}, pmid = {21123258}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Birds/genetics/*physiology ; Female ; Genetic Fitness ; *Host-Parasite Interactions ; *Nesting Behavior ; Songbirds/genetics/*parasitology/physiology ; Spain ; }, abstract = {Hosts may use two different strategies to ameliorate negative effects of a given parasite burden: resistance or tolerance. Although both resistance and tolerance of parasitism should evolve as a consequence of selection pressures owing to parasitism, the study of evolutionary patterns of tolerance has traditionally been neglected by animal biologists. Here, we explore geographical covariation between tolerance of magpies (Pica pica) and brood parasitism by the great spotted cuckoo (Clamator glandarius) in nine different sympatric populations. We estimated tolerance as the slope of the regression of number of magpie fledglings (i.e. host fitness) on number of cuckoo eggs laid in non-depredated nests (which broadly equals parasite burden). We also estimated prevalence of parasitism and level of host resistance (i.e. rejection rates of mimetic model eggs) in these nine populations. In accordance with the hypothetical role of tolerance in the coevolutionary process between magpies and cuckoos we found geographical variation in tolerance estimates that positively covaried with prevalence of parasitism. Levels of resistance and tolerance were not associated, possibly suggesting the lack of a trade-off between the two kinds of defences against great spotted cuckoo parasitism for magpies. We discuss the results in the framework of a mosaic of coevolutionary interactions along the geographical distribution of magpies and great spotted cuckoos for which we found evidence that tolerance plays a major role.}, }
@article {pmid21117771, year = {2010}, author = {Hernandez, EN and Solangi, M and Kuczaj, SA}, title = {Time and frequency parameters of bottlenose dolphin whistles as predictors of surface behavior in the Mississippi Sound.}, journal = {The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America}, volume = {127}, number = {5}, pages = {3232-3238}, doi = {10.1121/1.3365254}, pmid = {21117771}, issn = {1520-8524}, mesh = {Analysis of Variance ; Animals ; Bottle-Nosed Dolphin/*physiology ; Discriminant Analysis ; Feeding Behavior ; Mississippi ; Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Social Behavior ; Sound Spectrography ; Swimming ; Time Factors ; *Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {Acoustic characteristics related to contour of the whistle (such as highest and lowest frequency, beginning and ending frequency, whistle duration, and number of turns) of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) whistles were measured to test whether any of the measurements were related to the behavioral state of the dolphins when the whistle was recorded (coded as mill, travel, mill/travel, feed, or social). Objective measures of time and frequency were obtained using Raven, while number of turns in a whistle was determined by human raters. In all a series of discriminant function analyses using the acoustic characteristics to predict the behavioral state, the highest standardized canonical discriminant function coefficients were: lowest frequency, number of turns, and duration. The models that incorporated these variables performed significantly better than chance at correctly assigning the whistles into the surface behavior category in which they were recorded. The rate of whistling was related to group size, surface behavior and season via a series of two-way ANOVAs (analysis of variance).}, }
@article {pmid21109010, year = {2011}, author = {Koester, D and Schiller, NO}, title = {The functional neuroanatomy of morphology in language production.}, journal = {NeuroImage}, volume = {55}, number = {2}, pages = {732-741}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuroimage.2010.11.044}, pmid = {21109010}, issn = {1095-9572}, mesh = {Adult ; Brain/*physiology ; *Brain Mapping ; Female ; Humans ; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Speech/*physiology ; Visual Perception/*physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {The present study investigated the neural correlates of morphological priming in overt Dutch language production using a long-lag priming paradigm. Compound words were read out loud as primes that were morphologically related to picture names (e.g. the word jaszak, 'coat pocket' was used for a picture of a coat; Dutch jas), or primes were form-related, but not morphologically related monomorphemic words (e.g. jasmijn, 'jasmine'). The morphologically related compounds could be semantically transparent (e.g. eksternest, 'magpie nest') or opaque (e.g. eksteroog, lit. 'magpie eye,' 'corn,' for a picture of a magpie, Dutch ekster). These four priming conditions were complemented by two matched, unrelated conditions. The production of morphologically related, complex words but not the production of form-related words facilitated subsequent picture naming. Also, morphologically related but not form-related words led to a neural priming effect in the left inferior frontal gyrus (LIFG). The effects did not differ for transparent and opaque relations. The results point to a functional role of LIFG in morphological information processing during language production contrary to previous meta-analytic findings. Specifically, morphological priming effects in language production seem to be independent from semantic overlap. However, further research should confirm the independence of morphological and phonological factors. It is suggested that LIFG subserves word form encoding in language production.}, }
@article {pmid21103918, year = {2011}, author = {Kunda, M and Goel, AK}, title = {Thinking in Pictures as a cognitive account of autism.}, journal = {Journal of autism and developmental disorders}, volume = {41}, number = {9}, pages = {1157-1177}, pmid = {21103918}, issn = {1573-3432}, mesh = {Autistic Disorder/*psychology ; Child ; *Cognition ; Humans ; *Imagination ; Neuropsychological Tests ; *Pattern Recognition, Visual ; Photic Stimulation/methods ; *Thinking ; *Verbal Behavior ; }, abstract = {We analyze the hypothesis that some individuals on the autism spectrum may use visual mental representations and processes to perform certain tasks that typically developing individuals perform verbally. We present a framework for interpreting empirical evidence related to this "Thinking in Pictures" hypothesis and then provide comprehensive reviews of data from several different cognitive tasks, including the n-back task, serial recall, dual task studies, Raven's Progressive Matrices, semantic processing, false belief tasks, visual search, spatial recall, and visual recall. We also discuss the relationships between the Thinking in Pictures hypothesis and other cognitive theories of autism including Mindblindness, Executive Dysfunction, Weak Central Coherence, and Enhanced Perceptual Functioning.}, }
@article {pmid21098962, year = {2010}, author = {Hoey, RG}, title = {Exploring bird aerodynamics using radio-controlled models.}, journal = {Bioinspiration &amp; biomimetics}, volume = {5}, number = {4}, pages = {045008}, doi = {10.1088/1748-3182/5/4/045008}, pmid = {21098962}, issn = {1748-3190}, mesh = {*Aircraft ; Animals ; *Biomimetic Materials ; Birds/*physiology ; Computer Simulation ; Computer-Aided Design ; Equipment Design ; Flight, Animal/*physiology ; *Models, Biological ; Robotics/instrumentation ; Telemetry/*instrumentation ; Wings, Animal/*physiology ; }, abstract = {A series of radio-controlled glider models was constructed by duplicating the aerodynamic shape of soaring birds (raven, turkey vulture, seagull and pelican). Controlled tests were conducted to determine the level of longitudinal and lateral-directional static stability, and to identify the characteristics that allowed flight without a vertical tail. The use of tail-tilt for controlling small bank-angle changes, as observed in soaring birds, was verified. Subsequent tests, using wing-tip ailerons, inferred that birds use a three-dimensional flow pattern around the wing tip (wing tip vortices) to control adverse yaw and to create a small amount of forward thrust in gliding flight.}, }
@article {pmid21070107, year = {2010}, author = {Xiang, YT and Shum, D and Chiu, HF and Tang, WK and Ungvari, GS}, title = {Association of demographic characteristics, symptomatology, retrospective and prospective memory, executive functioning and intelligence with social functioning in schizophrenia.}, journal = {The Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry}, volume = {44}, number = {12}, pages = {1112-1117}, doi = {10.3109/00048674.2010.514854}, pmid = {21070107}, issn = {1440-1614}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Asian People/psychology ; Demography ; *Executive Function ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Male ; *Memory ; Middle Aged ; Schizophrenia/*diagnosis ; *Schizophrenic Psychology ; Self Care/psychology ; *Social Adjustment ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore the influence of socio-demographic and clinical factors and neurocognitive variables (i.e. prospective and retrospective memory, executive functioning, and intelligence) on social functioning in Chinese schizophrenia patients.<br><br>METHODS: The study sample comprised 110 Chinese schizophrenia patients. Their clinical condition and social functioning were evaluated with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and the Functional Needs Assessment (FNA), respectively. Three prospective memory (PM) tasks (time-, event-, and activity-based), three tests of executive functioning (the Design Fluency Test [DFT], Tower of London [TOL], and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test [WCST]), one test of intelligence (Raven's Progressive Matrices), and two retrospective memory (RM) tasks (the immediate and delayed recall conditions of the Logical Memory subtest of the Wechsler Memory Scales-Revised [WMS-R]) were administered to all patients.<br><br>RESULTS: In correlation analyses higher education and better performance on the WCST (categories completed) and the Logical Memory subtests (delayed and immediate) of the WMS-R are significantly correlated with better social functioning, whereas a lower WCST score (perseverative errors) and more severe negative symptoms are associated with poorer social functioning. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that higher education and a lower WCST score (perseverative errors) independently contribute to better social functioning.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Unexpectedly, most socio-demographic and clinical factors do not seem to have a significant impact on social functioning of Chinese schizophrenia patients living in a Chinese society. Negative symptoms and certain cognitive deficits were the main predictors of social functioning and they should be the main targets for antipsychotic treatment and psychosocial interventions to improve social adjustment in Chinese schizophrenia patients.}, }
@article {pmid21044196, year = {2010}, author = {Kim, KS and Tsuda, Y}, title = {Seasonal changes in the feeding pattern of Culex pipiens pallens govern the transmission dynamics of multiple lineages of avian malaria parasites in Japanese wild bird community.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {19}, number = {24}, pages = {5545-5554}, doi = {10.1111/j.1365-294X.2010.04897.x}, pmid = {21044196}, issn = {1365-294X}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*parasitology ; Culex/*pathogenicity/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Insect Vectors/*pathogenicity/*physiology ; Malaria, Avian/*transmission ; Seasons ; }, abstract = {Heterogeneity in the transmission of mosquito-borne pathogens is determined largely by distribution patterns of mosquito bites among wild animal populations. Although mosquitoes are crucial for transmission of avian malaria parasites, little is known about the ecology of natural vectors. We examined bloodmeal and parasite incidence in Culex pipiens pallens by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based procedure to determine how the feeding pattern of mosquitoes govern transmission dynamics of avian malaria parasites in Japanese wild birds. We collected 881 unfed and 486 blood-fed Cx. pipiens pallens resting on vegetation in a park in Tokyo. The mosquitoes were separated into abdomen and thorax prior to PCR screening. Abdomens of unfed mosquitoes were combined into 95 pools. From these, we amplified Plasmodium DNA in 32 (33.7%) pools. Among blood-fed mosquitoes, 371 individuals were screened for blood-sources and Plasmodium parasites. Plasmodium DNA was amplified from mosquitoes fed on 6 of 13 avian species identified as blood-sources. Ten Plasmodium lineages were identified on the basis of 478 bp of the cytochrome b gene, with 0.2-10% sequence divergence. The three commonest Plasmodium lineages (CXPIP09, SGS1 and PADOM02) were detected in both the abdomens and thoraxes of mosquitoes, strongly suggesting transmission of these lineages. Jungle crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) served as a natural host for the three commonest Plasmodium lineages and made up 63.8% of blood-sources. As a significant increase in feeding of vector mosquitoes on jungle crows coincided with their breeding season, jungle crows were considered to be the primary reservoir of Plasmodium transmission in this study.}, }
@article {pmid20977509, year = {2010}, author = {Li, MH and Merilä, J}, title = {Genetic evidence for male-biased dispersal in the Siberian jay (Perisoreus infaustus) based on autosomal and Z-chromosomal markers.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {19}, number = {23}, pages = {5281-5295}, doi = {10.1111/j.1365-294X.2010.04870.x}, pmid = {20977509}, issn = {1365-294X}, mesh = {Animals ; Bayes Theorem ; Finland ; *Genetic Variation ; *Genetics, Population ; Male ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Passeriformes/*genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Sex Chromosomes/*genetics ; }, abstract = {Sex-bias in natal dispersal patterns can have important genetic and evolutionary consequences; however, reliable information about sex-biased dispersal can be difficult to obtain with observational methods. We analysed the sex-specific patterns of genetic differentiation among three Siberian jay (Perisoreus infaustus) populations, using 11 autosomal and six Z-chromosomal microsatellite markers. Irrespective of marker-type and indices used (viz. F(ST), average pairwise relatedness and effective number of immigrants), all analyses provided strong evidence for male-biased dispersal. Population structuring at autosomal loci (F(ST) =0.046, P<0.05) exceeded that at Z-chromosomal loci (F(ST) =0.033, P<0.05), and levels of introgression were inferred to be significantly higher for Z-chromosomal when compared to autosomal loci. Of the three populations studied, levels of genetic variability were the lowest in the southernmost fringe population, despite the fact that it harboured a group of divergent Z-chromosomal haplotypes that were not found in the other two populations. In general, the results provide strong genetic evidence for male-biased dispersal in Siberian jays, where observational data have previously suggested male philopatry. The results also highlight the utility of Z-chromosomal markers for gaining insights into the genetic diversity and structuring of populations.}, }
@article {pmid20971610, year = {2011}, author = {Van Herwegen, J and Farran, E and Annaz, D}, title = {Item and error analysis on Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices in Williams Syndrome.}, journal = {Research in developmental disabilities}, volume = {32}, number = {1}, pages = {93-99}, doi = {10.1016/j.ridd.2010.09.005}, pmid = {20971610}, issn = {1873-3379}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cognition Disorders/diagnosis/psychology ; Color Perception ; Humans ; *Intelligence Tests ; *Learning ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; Williams Syndrome/*diagnosis/*psychology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM) is a standardised test that is commonly used to obtain a non-verbal reasoning score for children. As the RCPM involves the matching of a target to a pattern it is also considered to be a visuo-spatial perception task. RCPM is therefore frequently used in studies in Williams Syndrome (WS), in order to match WS participants to a control group or as a single measure to predict performance on a test-condition in developmental trajectory analyses. However, little is known about the performance of participants with WS on the RCPM. The current study compared the type of errors and the difficulty of each item for 53 participants with WS to 53 typically developing children who were individually matched on the total raw score for RCPM. Results showed that the participants with WS made the same proportion of error types and that the proportion of error types changed similarly to those of typically developing controls over development. Furthermore, the differential item difficulty between the two groups was highly similar. It is therefore argued that, although participants with WS are delayed on RCPM, their performance is not atypical which suggests that RCPM performance is supported by typical mechanisms. The RCPM is therefore a useful tool to match WS to control groups or to construct developmental trajectories.}, }
@article {pmid20971169, year = {2011}, author = {Bogale, BA and Aoyama, M and Sugita, S}, title = {Categorical learning between 'male' and 'female' photographic human faces in jungle crows (Corvus macrorhynchos).}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {86}, number = {1}, pages = {109-118}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2010.10.002}, pmid = {20971169}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Adult ; Animals ; Color ; Crows/*physiology ; Cues ; *Face ; Female ; Humans ; Learning/*physiology ; Male ; Photic Stimulation ; Photography ; Recognition, Psychology/*physiology ; Sex Characteristics ; Visual Perception/physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {We trained jungle crows to discriminate among photographs of human face according to their sex in a simultaneous two-alternative task to study their categorical learning ability. Once the crows reached a discrimination criterion (greater than or equal to 80% correct choices in two consecutive sessions; binomial probability test, p<.05), they next received generalization and transfer tests (i.e., greyscale, contour, and 'full' occlusion) in Experiment 1 followed by a 'partial' occlusion test in Experiment 2 and random stimuli pair test in Experiment 3. Jungle crows learned the discrimination task in a few trials and successfully generalized to novel stimuli sets. However, all crows failed the greyscale test and half of them the contour test. Neither occlusion of internal features of the face, nor randomly pairing of exemplars affected discrimination performance of most, if not all crows. We suggest that jungle crows categorize human face photographs based on perceptual similarities as other non-human animals do, and colour appears to be the most salient feature controlling discriminative behaviour. However, the variability in the use of facial contours among individuals suggests an exploitation of multiple features and individual differences in visual information processing among jungle crows.}, }
@article {pmid20971091, year = {2011}, author = {Ma, L and Chen, YH and Chen, H and Liu, YY and Wang, YX}, title = {The function of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis in children with ADHD.}, journal = {Brain research}, volume = {1368}, number = {}, pages = {159-162}, doi = {10.1016/j.brainres.2010.10.045}, pmid = {20971091}, issn = {1872-6240}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/*blood ; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/*blood/classification/metabolism/*psychology ; Child ; Humans ; Hydrocortisone/*blood ; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/metabolism ; Impulsive Behavior/blood/psychology ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Pituitary-Adrenal System/metabolism ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in non-stress states.<br><br>METHOD: 128 male children with ADHD aged between 6 and 14 years old were recruited, while 30 healthy male children were chosen as a control group. The diagnostic material was based on DSM-IV. The included ADHD children were further classified into the three sub-groups: ADHD-predominantly inattention type (ADHD-I) (n=44), ADHD-predominantly hyperactive impulsive type (ADHD-HI) (n=32), and ADHD-combined type (ADHD-C) (n=52). The levels of cortisol and adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) were evaluated by the automatic particle enzyme immunoassay and electrochemiluminescence respectively per morning (8:00 am). Intelligence test was assessed by the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices.<br><br>RESULTS: The children with ADHD had significantly lower intelligence quotient (IQ) (84.5&#xb1;11.3) in contrast to the control group (98.6&#xb1;12.4, P<0.01), although the lower level of IQ in ADHD-C group (79.2&#xb1;10.7) was also found when compared with other two sub-groups [ADHD-I (85.6&#xb1;10.4) and ADHD-HI (91.3&#xb1;12.6)]. In addition, no significant difference between the ADHD-HI group and the control group regarding the level of IQ were revealed. The level of cortisol in the ADHD group (226.47&#xb1;129.12 nmol/L) was significantly lower than that of the control group (384.53&#xb1;141.43 nmol/L, P<0.001). The level of cortisol of the ADHD-HI group (154.36&#xb1;71.62 nmol/L) was significantly lower than that of other two groups [ADHD-I group (219.42&#xb1;117.66 nmol/L) (P<0.01) and ADHD-C group (258.30&#xb1;136.39 nmol/L) (P<0.01)]. There were no significant differences in the ACTH level either between the ADHD and the control group (P>0.05), or between sub-groups in ADHD (P>0.05).<br><br>CONCLUSION: In the non-stress states, the existence of dysfunction of the HPA axis (lower plasma cortisol) in children with ADHD might be due to the under-reactivity of the HPA axis ; the low plasma cortisol level might contribute less to the outcomes of cognitive behavior of ADHD children and instead more closely relate to the core domains of attention deficit, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior of ADHD patients.}, }
@article {pmid20957962, year = {2010}, author = {Loayza, AP and Knight, T}, title = {Seed dispersal by pulp consumers, not "legitimate" seed dispersers, increases Guettarda viburnoides population growth.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {91}, number = {9}, pages = {2684-2695}, doi = {10.1890/09-0480.1}, pmid = {20957962}, issn = {0012-9658}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Computer Simulation ; Demography ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Models, Biological ; Rubiaceae/*physiology ; Seeds/*physiology ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {We examined the effect of seed dispersal by Purplish Jays (Cyanocorax cyanomelas; pulp consumers) and the Chestnut-eared Araçari (Pteroglossus castanotis; "legitimate" seed dispersers) on population growth of the small tree Guettarda viburnoides (Rubiaceae) in northeastern Bolivian savannas. Because each bird species differs with respect to feeding and post-feeding behavior, we hypothesized that seed dispersal by each species will contribute differently to the rate of increase of G. viburnoides, but that seed dispersal by either species will increase population growth when compared to a scenario with no seed dispersal. To examine the effects of individual dispersers on the future population size of G. viburnoides, we projected population growth rate using demographic models for G. viburnoides that explicitly incorporate data on quantitative and qualitative aspects of seed dispersal by each frugivore species. Our model suggests that seed dispersal by C. cyanomelas leads to positive population growth of G. viburnoides, whereas seed dispersal by P. castanotis has a detrimental effect on the population growth of this species. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report negative effects of a "legitimate" seed disperser on the population dynamics of the plant it consumes. Our results stress the importance of incorporating frugivore effects into population projection matrices, to allow a comprehensive analysis of the effectiveness of different dispersers for plant population dynamics.}, }
@article {pmid20942587, year = {2010}, author = {Katsarou, Z and Bostantjopoulou, S and Zikouli, A and Kazazi, E and Kafantari, A and Tsipropoulou, V and Kourtesi, G and Peitsidou, E}, title = {Performance of Greek demented and nondemented subjects on the Greek version of the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale. A validation study.}, journal = {The International journal of neuroscience}, volume = {120}, number = {11}, pages = {724-730}, doi = {10.3109/00207454.2010.518779}, pmid = {20942587}, issn = {1563-5279}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Alzheimer Disease/*psychology ; Cognition ; Cognition Disorders/*diagnosis/epidemiology ; Female ; Greece ; Humans ; Language ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; Parkinson Disease/*psychology ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales/*standards ; Severity of Illness Index ; }, abstract = {A translated version of the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (DRS) into Greek ((DRS-GR) was applied to a sample of Greek population (N = 356) comprising normal middle-aged and elderly subjects (controls), as well as patients suffering from Parkinson's (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) to test its reliability and validity. A well-known dementia screening instrument, the Mini Mental State Examination test (MMSE), and a nonverbal measure of abstract reasoning, the Raven Coloured Progressive Matrices, were employed as measures of DRS-GR concurrent validity. Reliability analysis was satisfactory with Cronbach's alpha reaching 0.82 and item to total correlations yielding high coefficients for most items. DRS-GR scores were influenced by age and education, but not by gender. Correlation between MMSE and the total DRS-GR score was significant in patients and normal controls, but correlation between DRS-GR and RCPM was significant in AD and nondemented PD only. Specificity and sensitivity for dementia screening, calculated on a Receiver Operating Characteristic curve, with a cut-off score the mean value minus two standard deviations, corrected for age and education, was 96% and 80%, respectively. Our preliminary findings show that DRS-GR is a reliable and well-adapted instrument for clinical application in the Greek population.}, }
@article {pmid20923605, year = {2010}, author = {Ciancarelli, I and Cofini, V and Carolei, A}, title = {Evaluation of neuropsychological functions in patients with Friedreich ataxia before and after cognitive therapy.}, journal = {Functional neurology}, volume = {25}, number = {2}, pages = {81-85}, pmid = {20923605}, issn = {0393-5264}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Cognition Disorders/etiology/*rehabilitation ; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/*methods ; Female ; Friedreich Ataxia/complications/diagnosis/*rehabilitation ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mood Disorders/etiology/*rehabilitation ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; Statistics, Nonparametric ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Friedreich ataxia (FA) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive nervous system damage resulting in severe disability. Cognitive functions and mood disorders in FA have been studied little and with conflicting results. The aim of this study was to investigate cognitive functions and mood disorders in FA subjects and the role of cognitive rehabilitation therapy (sequential treatments) performed during a scheduled study period. The executive functions of 24 subjects with FA were evaluated over one year during three separate periods of in-hospital rehabilitation. The neuropsychological evaluations performed before and after cognitive therapy did not reveal differences in the mean test scores of the MMSE, the Rey 15-item Memorization Test for long-term memory, Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices, the Phonemic Verbal Fluency Test, the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, or the Zung scale. The mean scores of the Stroop color-word interference task and of the Rey 15-item Memorization Test for short-term memory were increased at the final evaluation. This finding of long-lasting stability of neuropsychological test scores is noteworthy, as it suggests that one-year cognitive rehabilitation therapy (sequential treatments) may at least contribute to reducing cognitive decline. A cognitive rehabilitation therapy in addition to the conventional neuromotor rehabilitation treatment may improve the management of subjects with FA.}, }
@article {pmid20852867, year = {2011}, author = {Suthers, RA and Wild, JM and Kaplan, G}, title = {Mechanisms of song production in the Australian magpie.}, journal = {Journal of comparative physiology. A, Neuroethology, sensory, neural, and behavioral physiology}, volume = {197}, number = {1}, pages = {45-59}, pmid = {20852867}, issn = {1432-1351}, support = {R01 NS029467/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Acoustics ; Animals ; Female ; Functional Laterality ; Male ; Nonlinear Dynamics ; Phonation/*physiology ; Respiratory Mechanics/*physiology ; Songbirds/*physiology ; Sound Spectrography ; Vocalization, Animal/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen) are notable for their vocal prowess. We investigated the syringeal and respiratory dynamics of vocalization by two 6-month-old males, whose songs had a number of adult features. There was no strong lateral syringeal dominance and unilateral phonation was most often achieved by closing the syringeal valve on the contralateral side of the syrinx. Unlike other songbirds studied, magpies sometimes used an alternative syringeal motor pattern during unilateral phonation in which both sides of the syrinx are partially adducted and open to airflow. Also, in contrast to most other songbirds, the higher fundamental frequency during two-voice syllables was usually generated on the left side of the syrinx. Amplitude modulation, a prominent feature of magpie song, was produced by linear or nonlinear interactions between different frequencies which may originate either on opposite sides of the syrinx or on the same side. Pulse tones, similar to vocal fry in human speech, were present in some calls. Unlike small songbirds, the fundamental of the modal frequency can be as low as that of the pulse tone, suggesting that large birds may have evolved pulse tones to increase acoustic diversity, rather than decrease the fundamental frequency.}, }
@article {pmid20847272, year = {2010}, author = {Rutz, C and Bluff, LA and Reed, N and Troscianko, J and Newton, J and Inger, R and Kacelnik, A and Bearhop, S}, title = {The ecological significance of tool use in New Caledonian crows.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {329}, number = {5998}, pages = {1523-1526}, doi = {10.1126/science.1192053}, pmid = {20847272}, issn = {1095-9203}, support = {BB/C517392/1//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/G023913/1//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Aleurites ; Animals ; Bayes Theorem ; Carbon Isotopes/analysis/blood ; Coleoptera ; Crows/*physiology ; Diet ; Feathers/chemistry ; *Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Larva ; Male ; New Caledonia ; Nitrogen Isotopes/analysis/blood ; Nuts ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Tool use is so rare in the animal kingdom that its evolutionary origins cannot be traced with comparative analyses. Valuable insights can be gained from investigating the ecological context and adaptive significance of tool use under contemporary conditions, but obtaining robust observational data is challenging. We assayed individual-level tool-use dependence in wild New Caledonian crows by analyzing stable isotope profiles of the birds' feathers, blood, and putative food sources. Bayesian diet-mixing models revealed that a substantial amount of the crows' protein and lipid intake comes from prey obtained with stick tools--wood-boring beetle larvae. Our calculations provide estimates of larva-intake rates and show that just a few larvae can satisfy a crow's daily energy requirements, highlighting the substantial rewards available to competent tool users.}, }
@article {pmid20838837, year = {2011}, author = {Tornick, JK and Gibson, BM and Kispert, D and Wilkinson, M}, title = {Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana) use gestures to identify the location of hidden food.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {117-125}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-010-0349-2}, pmid = {20838837}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; *Cognition ; Feeding Behavior ; *Passeriformes ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Heterospecific cues, such as gaze direction and body position, may be an important source of information that an animal can use to infer the location of resources like food. The use of heterospecific cues has been largely investigated using primates, dogs, and other mammals; less is known about whether birds can also use heterospecific gestures. We tested six Clark's nutcrackers in a two-way object-choice task using touch, point, and gaze cues to investigate whether these birds can use human gestures to find food. Most of the birds were able to use a touch gesture during the first trial of testing and were able to learn to use point and gaze (eyes and head alternation) cues after a limited number of trials. This study is the first to test a non-social corvid on the object-choice task. The performance of non-social nutcrackers is similar to that of more social and related corvids, suggesting that species with different evolutionary histories can utilize gestural information.}, }
@article {pmid20832314, year = {2010}, author = {Endler, JA and Endler, LC and Doerr, NR}, title = {Great bowerbirds create theaters with forced perspective when seen by their audience.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {20}, number = {18}, pages = {1679-1684}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2010.08.033}, pmid = {20832314}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Male ; *Passeriformes ; *Sexual Behavior, Animal ; *Vision, Ocular ; *Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {Birds in the infraorder Corvida [1] (ravens, jays, bowerbirds) are renowned for their cognitive abilities [2-4], which include advanced problem solving with spatial inference [4-8], tool use and complex constructions [7-10], and bowerbird cognitive ability is associated with mating success [11]. Great bowerbird males construct bowers with a long avenue from within which females view the male displaying over his bower court [10]. This predictable audience viewpoint is a prerequisite for forced (altered) visual perspective [12-14]. Males make courts with gray and white objects that increase in size with distance from the avenue entrance. This gradient creates forced visual perspective for the audience; court object visual angles subtended on the female viewer's eye are more uniform than if the objects were placed at random. Forced perspective can yield false perception of size and distance [12, 15]. After experimental reversal of their size-distance gradient, males recovered their gradients within 3 days, and there was little difference from the original after 2 wks. Variation among males in their forced-perspective quality as seen by their female audience indicates that visual perspective is available for use in mate choice, perhaps as an indicator of cognitive ability. Regardless of function, the creation and maintenance of forced visual perspective is clearly important to great bowerbirds and suggests the possibility of a previously unknown dimension of bird cognition.}, }
@article {pmid20826480, year = {2011}, author = {Bugnyar, T}, title = {Knower-guesser differentiation in ravens: others' viewpoints matter.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {278}, number = {1705}, pages = {634-640}, pmid = {20826480}, issn = {1471-2954}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Association Learning ; Competitive Behavior/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Discrimination Learning/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Memory/physiology ; Observation ; }, abstract = {Differentiating between individuals with different knowledge states is an important step in child development and has been considered as a hallmark in human evolution. Recently, primates and corvids have been reported to pass knower-guesser tasks, raising the possibility of mental attribution skills in non-human animals. Yet, it has been difficult to distinguish 'mind-reading' from behaviour-reading alternatives, specifically the use of behavioural cues and/or the application of associatively learned rules. Here, I show that ravens (Corvus corax) observing an experimenter hiding food are capable of predicting the behaviour of bystanders that had been visible at both, none or just one of two caching events. Manipulating the competitors' visual field independently of the view of the test-subject resulted in an instant drop in performance, whereas controls for behavioural cues had no such effect. These findings indicate that ravens not only remember whom they have seen at caching but also take into account that the other's view was blocked. Notably, it does not suffice for the birds to associate specific competitors with specific caches. These results support the idea that certain socio-ecological conditions may select for similar cognitive abilities in distantly related species and that some birds have evolved analogous precursors to a human theory-of-mind.}, }
@article {pmid20814805, year = {2011}, author = {Liedtke, J and Werdenich, D and Gajdon, GK and Huber, L and Wanker, R}, title = {Big brains are not enough: performance of three parrot species in the trap-tube paradigm.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {143-149}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-010-0347-4}, pmid = {20814805}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; Brain/*anatomy &amp; histology ; *Cognition ; Inhibition, Psychological ; Intelligence ; *Parrots ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {The trap-tube task has become a benchmark test for investigating physical causality in vertebrates. In this task, subjects have to retrieve food out of a horizontal tube using a tool and avoiding a trap hole in the tube. Great apes and corvids succeeded in this task. Parrots with relative brain volumes comparable to those of corvids and primates also demonstrate high cognitive abilities. We therefore tested macaws, a cockatoo, and keas on the trap-tube paradigm. All nine parrots failed to solve the task. In a simplified task, trap tubes with a slot inserted along the top were offered. The slot allowed the birds to move the reward directly with their bills. All but one individual solved this task by lifting the food over the trap. However, the parrots failed again when they were prevented from lifting the reward, although they anticipated that food will be lost when moved into the trap. We do not think that the demanding use of an external object is the main reason for the parrots' failure. Moreover, we suppose these parrots fail to consider the trap's position in the beginning of a trial and were not able to stop their behaviour and move the reward in the trap's opposite direction.}, }
@article {pmid20807260, year = {2011}, author = {Sohm, B and Cenizo, V and André, V and Zahouani, H and Pailler-Mattei, C and Vogelgesang, B}, title = {Evaluation of the efficacy of a dill extract in vitro and in vivo.}, journal = {International journal of cosmetic science}, volume = {33}, number = {2}, pages = {157-163}, doi = {10.1111/j.1468-2494.2010.00606.x}, pmid = {20807260}, issn = {1468-2494}, mesh = {Adult ; Anethum graveolens/*chemistry ; Double-Blind Method ; Elasticity/drug effects ; Epidermis/*drug effects/enzymology ; Female ; Fibroblasts/drug effects/enzymology ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Patient Satisfaction ; Plant Extracts/*pharmacology ; Protein-Lysine 6-Oxidase/metabolism ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Skin Physiological Phenomena/*drug effects ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {Lysyl oxidase-like (LOXL) is an extracellular enzyme that catalyses the cross-linking between microfibrils and tropoelastin (TE), thereby ensuring elastic fibre functionality. With ageing, LOXL expression decreases, thus participating in the loss of skin elasticity. In a previous study, we showed that a dill seed extract [INCI name: Peucedanum graveolens (Dill) extract] could increase LOXL expression in cultured dermal fibroblasts. Besides, we showed a good correlation between the measurements of skin elasticity obtained in vitro and in vivo using a fully automated bio-tribometer designed to measure the biomechanical properties of soft and complex materials like skin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of the dill extract to improve skin elasticity in vitro and in vivo using different models. Using the bio-tribometer, we first showed that the lateral elasticity of dermis equivalents (DEs) treated with the dill extract at 1% was significantly increased by +29% (P < 0.01) when compared to untreated DEs. In vivo, skin firmness and elastic recovery measured using cutometry methods were also significantly improved compared to placebo in volunteers treated for 56 days with a formula containing 1% of dill extract. Moreover, the clinical evaluation evidenced significant improvements in 'skin elasticity' compared to placebo. A majority of subjects treated with the dill extract also noted significant improvements in skin elasticity, firmness and slackness of the jaw line. Finally, mean wrinkle area and length were also significantly reduced compared to placebo after 84 days as measured using silicone replicas taken from the crow's feet. In summary, this study showed that the dill extract could improve elasticity of DEs in vitro as well as skin biomechanical properties and appearance in vivo. It also highlights the relevance of using the bio-tribometer as an exploratory tool for the measurement of skin elasticity in vitro.}, }
@article {pmid20803204, year = {2010}, author = {Fernández-Juricic, E and O'Rourke, C and Pitlik, T}, title = {Visual coverage and scanning behavior in two corvid species: American crow and Western scrub jay.}, journal = {Journal of comparative physiology. A, Neuroethology, sensory, neural, and behavioral physiology}, volume = {196}, number = {12}, pages = {879-888}, pmid = {20803204}, issn = {1432-1351}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Birds/*physiology ; Crows/physiology ; Eye Movements/*physiology ; Head Movements/*physiology ; Space Perception/physiology ; Species Specificity ; Visual Fields/*physiology ; Visual Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Inter-specific differences in the configuration of avian visual fields and degree of eye/head movements have been associated with foraging and anti-predator behaviors. Our goal was to study visual fields, eye movements, and head movements in two species of corvids: American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) and Western scrub jay (Aphelocoma californica). American crows had wider binocular overlap, longer vertical binocular fields, narrower blind areas, and higher amplitude of eye movement than Western scrub jays. American crows can converge their eyes and see their own bill tip, which may facilitate using different foraging techniques (e.g., pecking, probing) and manufacturing and handing rudimentary tools. Western scrub jays had a higher head movement rate than American crows while on the ground, and the opposite between-species difference was found when individuals were perching. Faster head movements may enhance the ability to scan the environment, which may be related to a higher perceived risk of predation of Western scrub jays when on the ground, and American crows when perching. The visual field configuration of these species appears influenced mostly by foraging techniques while their scaning behavior, by predation risk.}, }
@article {pmid20737894, year = {2010}, author = {Bagotskaia, MS and Smirnova, AA and Zorina, ZA}, title = {[Comparative study of the ability to solve a string-pulling task in Corvidae].}, journal = {Zhurnal vysshei nervnoi deiatelnosti imeni I P Pavlova}, volume = {60}, number = {3}, pages = {321-329}, pmid = {20737894}, issn = {0044-4677}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; *Problem Solving ; Psychomotor Performance ; Species Specificity ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {The ability of hooded crows (Corvus cornix L.) and common ravens (Corvus corax L.) to pull up a bait suspended from a horizontal perch by a string was tested. It was shown that some birds of both species successfully solved the string-pulling task. Considerable inter-individual and inter-species differences in task performance are discussed.}, }
@article {pmid20734247, year = {2010}, author = {Abbey, E}, title = {Themes and variation of N. S. Thompson--song.}, journal = {Integrative psychological &amp; behavioral science}, volume = {44}, number = {4}, pages = {348-350}, pmid = {20734247}, issn = {1936-3567}, mesh = {Animals ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Humans ; Poetry as Topic/history ; Songbirds/physiology ; *Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {Nick Thompson studied many animals over the course of his career, including non-human primates, dogs, crows, human babies, and mockingbirds. Amidst such variation, Nick maintained a common focus. He sought to provide more accurate and truthful representations of the particular phenomenon of interest. His writings on mentalism, design, anthropomorphism and use of metaphor have provided fellow scientists with insight and helped advance his field of study.}, }
@article {pmid20711255, year = {2010}, author = {Gienapp, P and Merilä, J}, title = {High fidelity--no evidence for extra-pair paternity in Siberian jays (Perisoreus infaustus).}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {5}, number = {8}, pages = {e12006}, pmid = {20711255}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Breeding ; Female ; Genotype ; Male ; Microsatellite Repeats/genetics ; *Passeriformes/genetics ; Paternity ; Pedigree ; *Sexual Behavior, Animal ; }, abstract = {Extra-pair paternity (EPP) in birds is related to a number of ecological and social factors. For example, it has been found to be positively related with breeding density, negatively with the amount of paternal care and especially high rates have been observed in group-living species. Siberian jays (Perisoreous infaustus) breed at low densities and have extended parental care, which leads to the expectation of low rates of EPP. On the other hand, Siberian jays live in groups which can include also unrelated individuals, and provide opportunities for extra-pair matings. To assess the potential occurrence of EPP in Siberian jays, we analysed a large data pool (n=1029 offspring) covering ca. 30 years of samples from a Finnish Siberian jay population. Paternities were assigned based on up to 21 polymorphic microsatellite markers with the additional information from field observations. We were unable to find any evidence for occurrence of EPP in this species. Our findings are in line with earlier studies and confirm the generally low rates of EPP in related Corvid species. These results suggest that ecological factors may be more important than social factors (group living) in determining costs and benefits of extra-pair paternity.}, }
@article {pmid20708664, year = {2010}, author = {Bond, AB and Wei, CA and Kamil, AC}, title = {Cognitive representation in transitive inference: a comparison of four corvid species.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {85}, number = {3}, pages = {283-292}, pmid = {20708664}, issn = {1872-8308}, support = {R01 MH069893/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; R01-MH069893/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Association Learning ; *Birds ; *Choice Behavior ; *Cognition ; *Conditioning, Operant ; Memory ; Photic Stimulation/methods ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {During operant transitive inference experiments, subjects are trained on adjacent stimulus pairs in an implicit linear hierarchy in which responses to higher ranked stimuli are rewarded. Two contrasting forms of cognitive representation are often used to explain resulting choice behavior. Associative representation is based on memory for the reward history of each stimulus. Relational representation depends on memory for the context in which stimuli have been presented. Natural history characteristics that require accurate configural memory, such as social complexity or reliance on cached food, should tend to promote greater use of relational representation. To test this hypothesis, four corvid species with contrasting natural histories were trained on the transitive inference task: pinyon jays, Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus; Clark's nutcrackers, Nucifraga columbiana; azure-winged magpies, Cyanopica cyanus; and western scrub jays, Aphelocoma californica. A simplified computer model of associative representation displayed a characteristic pattern of accuracy as a function of position in the hierarchy. Analysis of the deviation of each subject's performance from this predicted pattern yielded an index of reliance on relational representation. Regression of index scores against rankings of social complexity and caching reliance indicated that both traits were significantly and independently associated with greater use of relational representation.}, }
@article {pmid20634008, year = {2010}, author = {Rahu, K and Rahu, M and Pullmann, H and Allik, J}, title = {Effect of birth weight, maternal education and prenatal smoking on offspring intelligence at school age.}, journal = {Early human development}, volume = {86}, number = {8}, pages = {493-497}, doi = {10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2010.06.010}, pmid = {20634008}, issn = {1872-6232}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; *Birth Weight ; Child ; *Educational Status ; Estonia/epidemiology ; Female ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Maternal Exposure/*adverse effects ; Mother-Child Relations ; Mothers/psychology ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/etiology/psychology ; Smoke/*adverse effects ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {To examine the combined effect of birth weight, mothers' education and prenatal smoking on psychometrically measured intelligence at school age 1,822 children born in 1992-1999 and attending the first six grades from 45 schools representing all of the fifteen Estonian counties with information on birth weight, gestational age and mother's age, marital status, education, parity and smoking in pregnancy, and intelligence tests were studied. The scores of Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices were related to the birth weight: in the normal range of birth weight (>or=2500 g) every 500 g increase in birth weight was accompanied by around 0.7-point increase in IQ scores. A strong association between birth weight and IQ remained even if gestational age and mother's age, marital status, education, place of residence, parity and smoking during pregnancy have been taken into account. Maternal prenatal smoking was accompanied by a 3.3-point deficit in children's intellectual abilities. Marriage and mother's education had an independent positive correlation with offspring intelligence. We concluded that the statistical effect of birth weight, maternal education and smoking in pregnancy on offspring's IQ scores was remarkable and remained even if other factors have been taken into account.}, }
@article {pmid20628160, year = {2010}, author = {Holzhaider, JC and Hunt, GR and Gray, RD}, title = {Social learning in New Caledonian crows.}, journal = {Learning &amp; behavior}, volume = {38}, number = {3}, pages = {206-219}, pmid = {20628160}, issn = {1543-4494}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Animals ; *Animals, Wild ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Crows/growth &amp; development ; Female ; Hierarchy, Social ; Imitative Behavior ; *Learning ; Male ; Pandanaceae ; Seasons ; *Social Environment ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {New Caledonian (NC) crows are the most sophisticated tool manufacturers other than humans. The diversification and geographical distribution of their three Pandanus tool designs that differ in complexity, as well as the lack of ecological correlates, suggest that cumulative technological change has taken place. To investigate the possibility that high-fidelity social transmission mediated this putative ratchet-like process, we studied the ontogeny of Pandanus tool manufacture and social organization in free-living NC crows. We found that juvenile crows took more than 1 year to reach adult proficiency in their Pandanus tool skills. Although trial-and-error learning is clearly important, juveniles have ample opportunity to learn about Pandanus tool manufacture by both observing their parents and interacting with artifactual material. The crows' social system seems likely to promote the faithful social transmission of local tool designs by both favoring the vertical transmission of tool information and minimizing horizontal transmission. We suggest that NC crows develop their Pandanus tool skills in a highly scaffolded learning environment that facilitates the cumulative technological evolution of tool designs.}, }
@article {pmid20623420, year = {2010}, author = {Zhu, B and Chen, C and Loftus, EF and Lin, C and He, Q and Chen, C and Li, H and Xue, G and Lu, Z and Dong, Q}, title = {Individual differences in false memory from misinformation: cognitive factors.}, journal = {Memory (Hove, England)}, volume = {18}, number = {5}, pages = {543-555}, doi = {10.1080/09658211.2010.487051}, pmid = {20623420}, issn = {1464-0686}, mesh = {Adult ; *Cognition ; *Communication ; Facial Expression ; Female ; Humans ; *Individuality ; Intelligence ; Judgment ; Male ; *Memory ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Recognition, Psychology ; *Repression, Psychology ; Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {This research investigated the cognitive correlates of false memories that are induced by the misinformation paradigm. A large sample of Chinese college students (N=436) participated in a misinformation procedure and also took a battery of cognitive tests. Results revealed sizable and systematic individual differences in false memory arising from exposure to misinformation. False memories were significantly and negatively correlated with measures of intelligence (measured with Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale), perception (Motor-Free Visual Perception Test, Change Blindness, and Tone Discrimination), memory (Wechsler Memory Scales and 2-back Working Memory tasks), and face judgement (Face Recognition and Facial Expression Recognition). These findings suggest that people with relatively low intelligence and poor perceptual abilities might be more susceptible to the misinformation effect.}, }
@article {pmid20592692, year = {2010}, author = {Anker, CJ and Wang, B and Tobler, M and Chapek, J and Shrieve, DC and Hitchcock, YJ and Salter, BJ}, title = {Evaluation of fluence-smoothing feature for three IMRT planning systems.}, journal = {Journal of applied clinical medical physics}, volume = {11}, number = {2}, pages = {3035}, pmid = {20592692}, issn = {1526-9914}, mesh = {Algorithms ; Glioblastoma/*radiotherapy ; Humans ; Male ; Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms/*radiotherapy ; Prostatic Neoplasms/*radiotherapy ; *Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted ; *Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated ; Tongue Neoplasms/*radiotherapy ; }, abstract = {Commercially available intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) inverse treatment planning systems (ITPS) typically include a smoothing function which allows the user to vary the complexity of delivered beam fluence patterns. This study evaluated the behavior of three ITPSs when varying smoothing parameters. We evaluated four cases treated with IMRT in our clinic: sinonasal carcinoma (SNC), glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), base of tongue carcinoma (BOT), and prostate carcinoma (PST). Varian Eclipse v6.5, BrainLAB BrainScan v5.31, and Nomos Corvus v6.2 ITPSs were studied for the SNC, GBM, and PST sites. Only Eclipse and Corvus were studied for BOT due to field size constraints of the BrainLAB MM3 collimator. For each ITPS, plans were first optimized using vendor- recommended default "smoothing" values. Treatment plans were then reoptimized, exploring various smoothing values. Key metrics recorded included a delivery complexity (DC) metric and the Ian Paddick Conformality Index (IPCI). Results varied widely by vendor with regard to the impact of smoothing on complexity and conformality. Plans run on the Corvus ITPS showed the logically anticipated increase in DC as smoothing was decreased, along with associated improved organ-at-risk (OAR) sparing. Both Eclipse and BrainScan experienced an expected trend for increased DC as smoothing was decreased. However, this increase did not typically result in appreciably improved OAR sparing. For Eclipse and Corvus, and to a much lesser extent BrainScan, increases in smoothing decreased DC but eventually caused unacceptable losses in plan quality. Depending on the ITPS, potential benefits from optimizing fluence smoothing levels can be significant, allowing for increases in either efficiency or conformality. Because of variability in smoothing function behavior by ITPS, it is important that users familiarize themselves with the effects of varying smoothing parameters for their respective ITPS. Based on experience gained here, we provide recommended workflows for each ITPS to best exploit the fluence-smoothing features of the system.}, }
@article {pmid20590722, year = {2010}, author = {Morsanyi, K and Holyoak, KJ}, title = {Analogical reasoning ability in autistic and typically developing children.}, journal = {Developmental science}, volume = {13}, number = {4}, pages = {578-587}, doi = {10.1111/j.1467-7687.2009.00915.x}, pmid = {20590722}, issn = {1467-7687}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Age Factors ; Autistic Disorder/*physiopathology/psychology ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term/*physiology ; Pattern Recognition, Visual/physiology ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Task Performance and Analysis ; Verbal Learning/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Recent studies (e.g. Dawson et al., 2007) have reported that autistic people perform in the normal range on the Raven Progressive Matrices test, a formal reasoning test that requires integration of relations as well as the ability to infer rules and form high-level abstractions. Here we compared autistic and typically developing children, matched on age, IQ, and verbal and non-verbal working memory, using both the Raven test and pictorial tests of analogical reasoning. Whereas the Raven test requires only formal analogical reasoning, the other analogy tests require use of real-world knowledge, as well as inhibition of salient distractors. We found that autistic children performed as well as controls on all these tests of reasoning with relations. Our findings indicate that the basic ability to reason systematically with relations, for both abstract and thematic materials, is intact in autism.}, }
@article {pmid20534612, year = {2010}, author = {López-Sepulcre, A and Kokko, H and Norris, K}, title = {Evolutionary conservation advice for despotic populations: habitat heterogeneity favours conflict and reduces productivity in Seychelles magpie robins.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {277}, number = {1699}, pages = {3477-3482}, pmid = {20534612}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; *Biological Evolution ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Ecosystem ; Female ; Male ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Reproduction ; Seychelles ; Social Dominance ; Territoriality ; }, abstract = {Individual preferences for good habitat are often thought to have a beneficial stabilizing effect for populations. However, if individuals preferentially compete for better-quality territories, these may become hotspots of conflict. We show that, in an endangered species, this process decreases the productivity of favoured territories to the extent that differences in productivity between territories disappear. Unlike predictions from current demographic theory on site-dependent population regulation (ideal despotic distribution), we show that population productivity is reduced if resources are distributed unevenly in space. Competition for high-quality habitat can thus have detrimental consequences for populations even though it benefits individuals. Manipulating conflict (e.g. by reducing variation in habitat quality) can therefore prove an effective conservation measure in species with strong social or territorial conflict.}, }
@article {pmid20528140, year = {2010}, author = {Laub, D}, title = {Commentary on "Fragmented testament: letters written by World War II resisters before their execution" by Anne Griffin and Jay Lefer.}, journal = {The journal of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis and Dynamic Psychiatry}, volume = {38}, number = {2}, pages = {285-290}, doi = {10.1521/jaap.2010.38.2.285}, pmid = {20528140}, issn = {1943-2852}, mesh = {*Altruism ; Belgium ; *Capital Punishment ; *Correspondence as Topic ; *Ego ; Female ; *Freudian Theory ; Humans ; Male ; Military Personnel/*psychology ; Morals ; *Politics ; Prisoners/*psychology ; *Social Conformity ; World War II ; }, }
@article {pmid20521213, year = {2010}, author = {Borst, G and Kosslyn, SM}, title = {Individual differences in spatial mental imagery.}, journal = {Quarterly journal of experimental psychology (2006)}, volume = {63}, number = {10}, pages = {2031-2050}, doi = {10.1080/17470211003802459}, pmid = {20521213}, issn = {1747-0226}, mesh = {Analysis of Variance ; *Attention ; Discrimination, Psychological ; Female ; Humans ; Imagination/*physiology ; *Individuality ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Pattern Recognition, Visual/physiology ; Photic Stimulation/methods ; Reaction Time/physiology ; Space Perception/*physiology ; Time Factors ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {In this article, we report a new image-scanning paradigm that allowed us to measure objectively individual differences in spatial mental imagery--specifically, imagery for location. Participants were asked to determine whether an arrow was pointing at a dot using a visual mental image of an array of dots. The degree of precision required to discriminate "yes" from "no" trials was varied. In Experiment 1, the time to scan increasing distances, as well as the number of errors, increased when greater precision was required to make a judgement. The results in Experiment 2 replicated those results while controlling for possible biases. When greater precision is required, the accuracy of the spatial image becomes increasingly important--and hence the effect of precision in the task reflects the accuracy of the image. In Experiment 3, this measure was shown to be related to scores on the Paper Folding test, on the Paper Form Board test, and on the visuospatial items on Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices--but not to scores on questionnaires measuring object-based mental imagery. Thus, we provide evidence that classical standardized spatial tests rely on spatial mental imagery but not object mental imagery.}, }
@article {pmid20519217, year = {2010}, author = {Baglione, V and Canestrari, D and Chiarati, E and Vera, R and Marcos, JM}, title = {Lazy group members are substitute helpers in carrion crows.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {277}, number = {1698}, pages = {3275-3282}, pmid = {20519217}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Cooperative Behavior ; Crows/*growth &amp; development ; Female ; *Helping Behavior ; Linear Models ; Male ; Spain ; Videotape Recording ; }, abstract = {In many cooperatively breeding societies, helping effort varies greatly among group members, raising the question of why dominant individuals tolerate lazy subordinates. In groups of carrion crows Corvus corone corone, helpers at the nest increase breeders' reproductive success, but chick provisioning is unevenly distributed among non-breeders, with a gradient that ranges from individuals that work as much as the breeders to others that completely refrain from visiting the nest. Here we show that lazy non-breeders represent an insurance workforce that fully compensates for a reduction in the provisioning effort of another group member, avoiding a decrease in reproductive success. When we temporarily impaired a carer, decreasing its nest attendance, the laziest non-breeders increased their provisioning rate and individuals that initially refrained from visiting the nest started helping. Breeders, in contrast, did not increase chick provisioning. This shows that lazy non-breeders can buffer a sudden unfavourable circumstance and suggests that group stability relies on the potential contribution of group members in addition to their current effort.}, }
@article {pmid20513850, year = {2010}, author = {Isacsson, G and Rich, CL and Jureidini, J and Raven, M}, title = {The increased use of antidepressants has contributed to the worldwide reduction in suicide rates.}, journal = {The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science}, volume = {196}, number = {6}, pages = {429-433}, doi = {10.1192/bjp.bp.109.076166}, pmid = {20513850}, issn = {1472-1465}, mesh = {Antidepressive Agents/*therapeutic use ; Depressive Disorder/*drug therapy ; Humans ; Internationality ; Risk Factors ; Suicide/statistics &amp; numerical data ; *Suicide Prevention ; }, abstract = {Numerous ecological studies have shown an inverse association between antidepressant use and suicide rates and a smaller number of individual-based studies have shown an association between current antidepressant use and reduced suicide risk. Such evidence is often cited in support of the notion that antidepressants prevent suicide. However, more recently, the premises underlying this proposition, namely that suicide is caused by depression and that antidepressants relieve depression, have been challenged and the potential harm caused by antidepressants has been highlighted. In this article, Goran Isacsson and Charles Rich debate with Jon Jureidini and Melissa Raven the motion that the increased use of antidepressants has contributed to the worldwide reduction in suicide rates.}, }
@article {pmid20485685, year = {2010}, author = {Fraser, ON and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Do ravens show consolation? Responses to distressed others.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {5}, number = {5}, pages = {e10605}, pmid = {20485685}, issn = {1932-6203}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Aggression/psychology ; Animals ; Conflict, Psychological ; *Crows ; *Empathy ; Female ; Male ; Models, Psychological ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Bystander affiliation (post-conflict affiliation from an uninvolved bystander to the conflict victim) may represent an expression of empathy in which the bystander consoles the victim to alleviate the victim's distress ("consolation"). However, alternative hypotheses for the function of bystander affiliation also exist. Determining whether ravens spontaneously offer consolation to distressed partners may not only help us to understand how animals deal with the costs of aggressive conflict, but may also play an important role in the empathy debate.<br><br>This study investigates the post-conflict behavior of ravens, applying the predictive framework for the function of bystander affiliation for the first time in a non-ape species. We found weak evidence for reconciliation (post-conflict affiliation between former opponents), but strong evidence for both bystander affiliation and solicited bystander affiliation (post-conflict affiliation from the victim to a bystander). Bystanders involved in both interactions were likely to share a valuable relationship with the victim. Bystander affiliation offered to the victim was more likely to occur after intense conflicts. Renewed aggression was less likely to occur after the victim solicited affiliation from a bystander.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings suggest that in ravens, bystanders may console victims with whom they share a valuable relationship, thus alleviating the victims' post-conflict distress. Conversely victims may affiliate with bystanders after a conflict in order to reduce the likelihood of renewed aggression. These results stress the importance of relationship quality in determining the occurrence and function of post-conflict interactions, and show that ravens may be sensitive to the emotions of others.}, }
@article {pmid20479189, year = {2010}, author = {Lewandowsky, S and Oberauer, K and Yang, LX and Ecker, UK}, title = {A working memory test battery for MATLAB.}, journal = {Behavior research methods}, volume = {42}, number = {2}, pages = {571-585}, doi = {10.3758/BRM.42.2.571}, pmid = {20479189}, issn = {1554-3528}, mesh = {Adult ; Asian People ; Female ; Humans ; *Language ; Male ; *Memory, Short-Term ; Models, Psychological ; Psychological Tests/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Psychometrics/*instrumentation ; Software ; Verbal Behavior ; }, abstract = {We present a battery of four working memory tasks that are implemented using MATLAB and the free Psychophysics Toolbox. The package includes preprocessing scripts in R and SPSS to facilitate data analysis. The four tasks consist of a sentence-span task, an operation-span task, a spatial short-term memory test, and a memory updating task. These tasks were chosen in order to provide a heterogeneous set of measures of working memory capacity, thus reducing method variance and tapping into two content domains of working memory (verbal, including numerical, vs. spatial) and two of its functional aspects (storage in the context of processing and relational integration). The task battery was validated in three experiments conducted in two languages (English and Chinese), involving more than 350 participants. In all cases, the tasks were found to load on a single latent variable. In a further experiment, the latent working memory variable was found to correlate highly but not perfectly with performance on Raven's matrices test of fluid intelligence. We suggest that the battery constitutes a versatile tool to assess working memory capacity with either English- or Chinese-speaking participants. The battery can be downloaded from www.cogsciwa.com ("Software" button).}, }
@article {pmid20479184, year = {2010}, author = {Matzen, LE and Benz, ZO and Dixon, KR and Posey, J and Kroger, JK and Speed, AE}, title = {Recreating Raven's: software for systematically generating large numbers of Raven-like matrix problems with normed properties.}, journal = {Behavior research methods}, volume = {42}, number = {2}, pages = {525-541}, doi = {10.3758/BRM.42.2.525}, pmid = {20479184}, issn = {1554-3528}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests/*standards ; Male ; Pattern Recognition, Visual ; *Problem Solving ; *Software ; }, abstract = {Raven's Progressive Matrices is a widely used test for assessing intelligence and reasoning ability (Raven, Court, &amp; Raven, 1998). Since the test is nonverbal, it can be applied to many different populations and has been used all over the world (Court &amp; Raven, 1995). However, relatively few matrices are in the sets developed by Raven, which limits their use in experiments requiring large numbers of stimuli. For the present study, we analyzed the types of relations that appear in Raven's original Standard Progressive Matrices (SPMs) and created a software tool that can combine the same types of relations according to parameters chosen by the experimenter, to produce very large numbers of matrix problems with specific properties. We then conducted a norming study in which the matrices we generated were compared with the actual SPMs. This study showed that the generated matrices both covered and expanded on the range of problem difficulties provided by the SPMs.}, }
@article {pmid20444716, year = {2010}, author = {Townsend, AK and Clark, AB and McGowan, KJ and Miller, AD and Buckles, EL}, title = {Condition, innate immunity and disease mortality of inbred crows.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {277}, number = {1695}, pages = {2875-2883}, pmid = {20444716}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/*immunology/microbiology/*mortality ; Crows/genetics/microbiology/*physiology ; Escherichia coli Infections/immunology/microbiology/mortality/*veterinary ; Female ; Immunity, Innate ; Immunocompetence ; *Inbreeding ; Male ; Microsatellite Repeats/genetics ; Nesting Behavior ; Population Dynamics ; Sexual Behavior, Animal ; }, abstract = {Cooperatively breeding American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) suffer a severe disease-mediated survival cost from inbreeding, but the proximate mechanisms linking inbreeding to disease are unknown. Here, we examine indices of nestling body condition and innate immunocompetence in relationship to inbreeding and disease mortality. Using an estimate of microsatellite heterozygosity that predicts inbreeding in this population, we show that inbred crows were in relatively poor condition as nestlings, and that body condition index measured in the first 2-33 days after hatching, in addition to inbreeding index, predicted disease probability in the first 34 months of life. Inbred nestlings also mounted a weaker response along one axis of innate immunity: the proportion of bacteria killed in a microbiocidal assay increased as heterozygosity index increased. Relatively poor body condition and low innate immunocompetence are two mechanisms that might predispose inbred crows to ultimate disease mortality. A better understanding of condition-mediated inbreeding depression can guide efforts to minimize disease costs of inbreeding in small populations.}, }
@article {pmid20438253, year = {2010}, author = {Andrews, S and Hersch, J}, title = {Lexical precision in skilled readers: Individual differences in masked neighbor priming.}, journal = {Journal of experimental psychology. General}, volume = {139}, number = {2}, pages = {299-318}, doi = {10.1037/a0018366}, pmid = {20438253}, issn = {1939-2222}, mesh = {Adult ; Analysis of Variance ; *Cognition ; *Comprehension ; Female ; Humans ; *Individuality ; Male ; Pattern Recognition, Visual ; *Perceptual Masking ; Psychomotor Performance ; Reaction Time ; *Reading ; Regression Analysis ; Vocabulary ; }, abstract = {Two experiments investigated the relationship between masked form priming and individual differences in reading and spelling proficiency among university students. Experiment 1 assessed neighbor priming for 4-letter word targets from high- and low-density neighborhoods in 97 university students. The overall results replicated previous evidence of facilitatory neighborhood priming only for low-neighborhood words. However, analyses including measures of reading and spelling proficiency as covariates revealed that better spellers showed inhibitory priming for high-neighborhood words, while poorer spellers showed facilitatory priming. Experiment 2, with 123 participants, replicated the finding of stronger inhibitory neighbor priming in better spellers using 5-letter words and distinguished facilitatory and inhibitory components of priming by comparing neighbor primes with ambiguous and unambiguous partial-word primes (e.g., crow#, cr#wd, crown CROWD). The results indicate that spelling ability is selectively associated with inhibitory effects of lexical competition. The implications for theories of visual word recognition and the lexical quality hypothesis of reading skill are discussed.}, }
@article {pmid20437062, year = {2010}, author = {Ziegler, U and Seidowski, D and Globig, A and Fereidouni, SR and Ulrich, RG and Groschup, MH}, title = {Sentinel birds in wild-bird resting sites as potential indicators for West Nile virus infections in Germany.}, journal = {Archives of virology}, volume = {155}, number = {6}, pages = {965-969}, doi = {10.1007/s00705-010-0618-z}, pmid = {20437062}, issn = {1432-8798}, mesh = {*Animal Migration ; Animals ; Animals, Wild/*virology ; Antibodies, Viral/blood ; Bird Diseases/diagnosis/epidemiology/virology ; Birds/*virology ; Ducks/*virology ; Germany ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sentinel Surveillance/*veterinary ; West Nile Fever/*veterinary/virology ; *West Nile virus/genetics/immunology/isolation &amp; purification ; }, abstract = {West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-transmitted flavivirus with wild birds as its natural hosts. Ravens, falcons and jays are highly susceptible for WNV and develop deadly encephalitis, while other bird species undergo only subclinical infections. Migratory birds are efficient vectors for geographic spreading of WNV. Until now, WNV infections have not been diagnosed in Germany, but infections in humans and horses have occurred recently in Austria, Hungary and Italy. To investigate potential WNV introduction by infected wild birds, we have monitored the serological status of ducks in three national sentinel stations. No WNV-positive reactions were found, whereas sera from coots from northern Iran were positive.}, }
@article {pmid20420180, year = {2010}, author = {Kuwabara, S}, title = {[Crow-Fukase (POEMS) syndrome].}, journal = {Brain and nerve = Shinkei kenkyu no shinpo}, volume = {62}, number = {4}, pages = {395-400}, pmid = {20420180}, issn = {1881-6096}, mesh = {Angiogenesis Inhibitors/administration &amp; dosage ; Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration &amp; dosage ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized ; Bevacizumab ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains/genetics ; Lenalidomide ; Melphalan/administration &amp; dosage ; *POEMS Syndrome/diagnosis/epidemiology/etiology/therapy ; *Paraneoplastic Syndromes, Nervous System ; Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation ; Thalidomide/administration &amp; dosage/analogs &amp; derivatives ; Transplantation, Autologous ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/immunology ; }, abstract = {Crow-Fukase syndrome is also called POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, and skin changes) syndrome and is a rare cause of demyelinating and axonal mixed neuropathy with multiorgan involvement. The pathogenesis of Crow-Fukase syndrome is not well understood, but overproduction of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), probably mediated by monoclonal proliferation of plasma cells, is likely to be responsible for most of the characteristic symptoms. However, other cytokines are also upregulated and could contribute to the pathophysiology of this syndrome. The etiopathophysiology of peripheral neuropathy is unclear, but VEGF may affect the blood-nerve barrier and allow some neurotoxic substances in the serum to access the nerve parenchyma, resulting in nerve demyelination. Moreover, microangiopathy due to proliferative endothelial cells and hypercoagulability may contribute to the development of neuropathy. A recent molecular biological study has shown oligoclonal usage of V(lambda) subfamily in light chain of the M-protein, suggesting that particular patterns of V(lambda) gene are associated with the development of Crow-Fukase syndrome. There is no established treatment regimen for this syndrome. In appropriate candidates, high-dose chemotherapies with autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation is highly recommended, because this treatment can cause obvious improvement in neuropathy as well as other symptoms, with a significant decrease in serum VEGF levels. The indication for this treatment has not yet been established, and the long-term prognosis is unclear. Potential future therapies include the administration of thalidomide or lenalidomide, and anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody (bevacizumab).}, }
@article {pmid20410040, year = {2010}, author = {Taylor, AH and Elliffe, D and Hunt, GR and Gray, RD}, title = {Complex cognition and behavioural innovation in New Caledonian crows.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {277}, number = {1694}, pages = {2637-2643}, pmid = {20410040}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Cognition ; Crows/*physiology ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Apes, corvids and parrots all show high rates of behavioural innovation in the wild. However, it is unclear whether this innovative behaviour is underpinned by cognition more complex than simple learning mechanisms. To investigate this question we presented New Caledonian crows with a novel three-stage metatool problem. The task involved three distinct stages: (i) obtaining a short stick by pulling up a string, (ii) using the short stick as a metatool to extract a long stick from a toolbox, and finally (iii) using the long stick to extract food from a hole. Crows with previous experience of the behaviours in stages 1-3 linked them into a novel sequence to solve the problem on the first trial. Crows with experience of only using string and tools to access food also successfully solved the problem. This innovative use of established behaviours in novel contexts was not based on resurgence, chaining and conditional reinforcement. Instead, the performance was consistent with the transfer of an abstract, causal rule: 'out-of-reach objects can be accessed using a tool'. This suggests that high innovation rates in the wild may reflect complex cognitive abilities that supplement basic learning mechanisms.}, }
@article {pmid20408013, year = {2010}, author = {Klein, J}, title = {The Lesbian Art Project.}, journal = {Journal of lesbian studies}, volume = {14}, number = {2}, pages = {238-259}, doi = {10.1080/10894160903196541}, pmid = {20408013}, issn = {1540-3548}, mesh = {Art/*history ; Female ; Feminism/history ; History, 20th Century ; Homosexuality, Female/*history ; Humans ; Los Angeles ; Social Identification ; Social Perception ; Stereotyping ; Universities/*history ; }, abstract = {Critics and artists influenced by the tenets of queer theory have dismissed much of the artwork made in the 1970s from a lesbian feminist perspective. The result has been very little being known or written about this pioneering work. This article is concerned with exploring an often overlooked aspect of lesbian art history: the activities and events associated with the Lesbian Art Project (LAP) founded by Terry Wolverton and Arlene Raven at the Woman's Building in Los Angeles. I argue that what is most significant about the LAP is the way in which the participants articulated lesbian identity and lesbian community through performance, art making, and writing.}, }
@article {pmid20379471, year = {2010}, author = {Bakar, EE and Bakar, B}, title = {Neuropsychological assessment of adult patients with shunted hydrocephalus.}, journal = {Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society}, volume = {47}, number = {3}, pages = {191-198}, pmid = {20379471}, issn = {1598-7876}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This study is planned to determine the neurocognitive difficulties of hydrocephalic adults.<br><br>METHODS: THE RESEARCH GROUP CONTAINED HEALTHY ADULTS (CONTROL GROUP, N : 15), and hydrocephalic adults (n : 15). Hydrocephalic group consisted of patients with idiopathic aquaduct stenosis and post-meningitis hydrocephalus. All patients were followed with shunted hydrocephalus and not gone to shunt revision during last two years. They were chosen from either asymptomatic or had only minor symptoms without motor and sensorineural deficit. A neuropsychological test battery (Raven Standart Progressive Matrices, Bender-Gestalt Test, Cancellation Test, Clock Drawing Test, Facial Recognition Test, Line Orientation Test, Serial Digit Learning Test, Stroop Color Word Interference Test-TBAG Form, Verbal Fluency Test, Verbal Fluency Test, Visual-Aural Digit Span Test-B) was applied to all groups.<br><br>RESULTS: Neuropsychological assessment of hydrocephalic patients demonstrated that they had poor performance on visual, semantic and working memory, visuoconstructive and frontal functions, reading, attention, motor coordination and executive function of parietal lobe which related with complex and perseverative behaviour. Eventually, these patients had significant impairment on the neurocognitive functions of their frontal, parietal and temporal lobes. On the other hand, the statistical analyses performed on demographic data showed that the aetiology of the hydrocephalus, age, sex and localization of the shunt (frontal or posterior parietal) did not affect the test results.<br><br>CONCLUSION: This prospective study showed that adult patients with hydrocephalus have serious neuropsychological problems which might be directly caused by the hydrocephalus; and these problems may cause serious adaptive difficulties in their social, cultural, behavioral and academic life.}, }
@article {pmid20356954, year = {2010}, author = {Hassan, H and Scheres, B and Blilou, I}, title = {JACKDAW controls epidermal patterning in the Arabidopsis root meristem through a non-cell-autonomous mechanism.}, journal = {Development (Cambridge, England)}, volume = {137}, number = {9}, pages = {1523-1529}, doi = {10.1242/dev.048777}, pmid = {20356954}, issn = {1477-9129}, mesh = {Arabidopsis/cytology/genetics/*metabolism ; Arabidopsis Proteins/genetics/*physiology ; Carrier Proteins/genetics/*physiology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant/genetics/physiology ; Meristem/cytology/genetics/*metabolism ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Plant Epidermis/cytology/genetics/*metabolism ; Plant Roots/cytology/genetics/*metabolism ; Plants, Genetically Modified/cytology/genetics/metabolism ; }, abstract = {In Arabidopsis, specification of the hair and non-hair epidermal cell types is position dependent, in that hair cells arise over clefts in the underlying cortical cell layer. Epidermal patterning is determined by a network of transcriptional regulators that respond to an as yet unknown cue from underlying tissues. Previously, we showed that JACKDAW (JKD), a zinc finger protein, localizes in the quiescent centre and the ground tissue, and regulates tissue boundaries and asymmetric cell division by delimiting SHORT-ROOT movement. Here, we provide evidence that JKD controls position-dependent signals that regulate epidermal-cell-type patterning. JKD is required for appropriately patterned expression of the epidermal cell fate regulators GLABRA2, CAPRICE and WEREWOLF. Genetic interaction studies indicate that JKD operates upstream of the epidermal patterning network in a SCRAMBLED (SCM)-dependent fashion after embryogenesis, but acts independent of SCM in embryogenesis. Tissue-specific induction experiments indicate non-cell-autonomous action of JKD from the underlying cortex cell layer to specify epidermal cell fate. Our findings are consistent with a model where JKD induces a signal in every cortex cell that is more abundant in the hair cell position owing to the larger surface contact of cells located over a cleft.}, }
@article {pmid25821236, year = {2010}, author = {Fraser, ON and Bugnyar, T}, title = {The quality of social relationships in ravens.}, journal = {Animal behaviour}, volume = {79}, number = {4}, pages = {927-933}, pmid = {25821236}, issn = {0003-3472}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {The quality of a social relationship represents the history of past social interactions between two individuals, from which the nature and outcome of future interactions can be predicted. Current theory predicts that relationship quality comprises three separate components, its value, compatibility and security. This study is the first to investigate the components of relationship quality in a large-brained bird. Following methods recently used to obtain quantitative measures of each relationship quality component in chimpanzees, Pan troglodytes, we entered data on seven behavioural variables from a group of 11 ravens, Corvus corax, into a principal components analysis. The characteristics of the extracted components matched those predicted for value, compatibility and security, and were labelled as such. When the effects of kinship and sex combination on each relationship quality component were analysed, we found that kin had more valuable relationships, whereas females had less secure and compatible relationships, although the effect of sex combination on compatibility only applied to nonkin. These patterns are consistent with what little knowledge we have of raven relationships from aviary studies and show that the components of relationship quality in ravens may indeed be analogous to those in chimpanzees.}, }
@article {pmid20333438, year = {2010}, author = {Fashing, PJ and Nguyen, N and Fashing, NJ}, title = {Behavior of geladas and other endemic wildlife during a desert locust outbreak at Guassa, Ethiopia: ecological and conservation implications.}, journal = {Primates; journal of primatology}, volume = {51}, number = {3}, pages = {193-197}, pmid = {20333438}, issn = {1610-7365}, mesh = {Animals ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Grasshoppers/*physiology ; Population Dynamics ; Theropithecus/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) outbreaks have occurred repeatedly throughout recorded history in the Horn of Africa region, devastating crops and contributing to famines. In June 2009, a desert locust swarm invaded the Guassa Plateau, Ethiopia, a large and unusually intact Afroalpine tall-grass ecosystem, home to important populations of geladas (Theropithecus gelada), Ethiopian wolves (Canis simensis), thick-billed ravens (Corvus crassirostris), and other Ethiopian or Horn of Africa endemics. During the outbreak and its aftermath, we observed many animals, including geladas, ravens, and a wolf, feeding on locusts in large quantities. These observations suggest surprising flexibility in the normally highly specialized diets of geladas and wolves, including the potential for temporary but intensive insectivory during locust outbreaks. To our knowledge, Guassa is the highest elevation site (3,200-3,600 m) at which desert locusts, which require temperatures >20 degrees C for sustained flight, have been reported. Continued monitoring will be necessary to determine whether the June 2009 outbreak was an isolated incident or part of an emerging pattern in the Ethiopian Highlands linked to global warming. The intensive consumption of desert locusts by geladas, wolves, and ravens during the outbreak at Guassa raises concerns about pesticide-based locust control strategies and potential unintended adverse effects on endemic and endangered wildlife.}, }
@article {pmid20215728, year = {2010}, author = {Mehlhorn, J and Hunt, GR and Gray, RD and Rehkämper, G and Güntürkün, O}, title = {Tool-making New Caledonian crows have large associative brain areas.}, journal = {Brain, behavior and evolution}, volume = {75}, number = {1}, pages = {63-70}, doi = {10.1159/000295151}, pmid = {20215728}, issn = {1421-9743}, mesh = {Adaptation, Physiological/*physiology ; Animals ; Association Learning/physiology ; Biological Evolution ; Crows/*anatomy &amp; histology/*physiology ; Exploratory Behavior/physiology ; Intelligence/physiology ; Neural Pathways/anatomy &amp; histology/physiology ; Phylogeny ; Species Specificity ; Telencephalon/*anatomy &amp; histology/*physiology ; Tool Use Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Animals with a high rate of innovative and associative-based behavior usually have large brains. New Caledonian (NC) crows stand out due to their tool manufacture, their generalized problem-solving abilities and an extremely high degree of encephalization. It is generally assumed that this increased brain size is due to the ability to process, associate and memorize diverse stimuli, thereby enhancing the propensity to invent new and complex behaviors in adaptive ways. However, this premise lacks firm empirical support since encephalization could also result from an increase of only perceptual and/or motor areas. Here, we compared the brain structures of NC crows with those of carrion crows, jays and sparrows. The brains of NC crows were characterized by a relatively large mesopallium, striatopallidal complex, septum and tegmentum. These structures mostly deal with association and motor-learning. This supports the hypothesis that the evolution of innovative or complex behavior requires a brain composition that increases the ability to associate and memorize diverse stimuli in order to execute complex motor output. Since apes show a similar correlation of cerebral growth and cognitive abilities, the evolution of advanced cognitive skills appears to have evolved independently in birds and mammals but with a similar neural orchestration.}, }
@article {pmid20206985, year = {2010}, author = {Baldo, JV and Bunge, SA and Wilson, SM and Dronkers, NF}, title = {Is relational reasoning dependent on language? A voxel-based lesion symptom mapping study.}, journal = {Brain and language}, volume = {113}, number = {2}, pages = {59-64}, pmid = {20206985}, issn = {1090-2155}, support = {5 P01 NS040813/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; M01 RR019975-010016/RR/NCRR NIH HHS/United States ; P01 NS040813/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; R01 DC000216-22/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/United States ; 5 R01 DC00216/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/United States ; R01 DC000216/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Aphasia/etiology/physiopathology ; Brain/*physiology ; *Brain Mapping ; Female ; Functional Laterality ; Humans ; *Language ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Stroke/complications/*physiopathology ; }, abstract = {Previous studies with brain-injured patients have suggested that language abilities are necessary for complex problem-solving, even when tasks are non-verbal. In the current study, we tested this notion by analyzing behavioral and neuroimaging data from a large group of left-hemisphere stroke patients (n=107) suffering from a range of language impairment from none to severe. Patients were tested on the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM), a non-verbal test of reasoning that requires participants to complete a visual pattern or sequence with one of six possible choices. For some items, the solution could be determined by visual pattern-matching, but other items required more complex, relational reasoning. As predicted, performance on the relational-reasoning items was disproportionately affected in language-impaired patients with aphasia, relative to non-aphasic, left-hemisphere patients. A voxel-based lesion symptom mapping (VLSM) procedure was used to relate patients' RCPM performance with areas of damage in the brain. Results showed that deficits on the relational reasoning problems were associated with lesions in the left middle and superior temporal gyri, regions essential for language processing, as well as in the left inferior parietal lobule. In contrast, the visual pattern-matching condition was associated with lesions in posterior portions of the left hemisphere that subserve visual processing, namely, occipital and inferotemporal cortex. These findings provide compelling support for the idea that language is critical for higher-level reasoning and problem-solving.}, }
@article {pmid20195481, year = {2010}, author = {Derégnaucourt, S}, title = {Interspecific hybridization as a tool to understand vocal divergence: the example of crowing in quail (Genus Coturnix).}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {5}, number = {2}, pages = {e9451}, pmid = {20195481}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Breeding/*methods ; Coturnix/genetics ; Crows/genetics ; Female ; Genetic Speciation ; Genetic Variation/*genetics ; Hybridization, Genetic/*genetics ; Male ; Seasons ; Sound Spectrography ; Species Specificity ; *Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {Understanding the mechanisms that lead organisms to be separated into distinct species remains a challenge in evolutionary biology. Interspecific hybridization, which results from incomplete reproductive isolation, is a useful tool to investigate such mechanisms. In birds, interspecific hybridization is relatively frequent, despite the fact that closed species exhibit morphological and behavioural differences. Evolution of behaviour is difficult to investigate on a large timescale since it does not 'fossilize'. Here I propose that calls of hybrid non-songbirds that develop without the influence of learning may help in understanding the gradual process that leads to vocal divergence during speciation. I recorded crows produced by the European quail (Coturnix c. coturnix), the domestic Japanese quail (Coturnix c. japonica) and their hybrids (F1, F2 and backcrosses). Most crowing patterns were intermediate to those of the parental species; some were similar to one or the other parental species, or not present in either parental species. I also observed vocal changes in hybrid crows during the breeding season and from one year to the other. This vocal variability resembles those observed during the ontogeny of the crow in quails. It is likely that similar mechanisms involved in vocal changes during ontogeny might have driven vocal divergence in the species of Palearctic quails. I suggest that hybrid crows might have resembled those produced by intermediary forms of quails during speciation.}, }
@article {pmid20187352, year = {2009}, author = {Jemeleddine, E and Bouden, A and Halayem, S and Othman, S and Tabbane, K and Halayem, M}, title = {[Memory impairments during child and adolescent depression].}, journal = {La Tunisie medicale}, volume = {87}, number = {10}, pages = {656-659}, pmid = {20187352}, issn = {0041-4131}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Depression/*physiopathology ; Humans ; Memory Disorders/*physiopathology ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Severity of Illness Index ; }, abstract = {AIM: This study aimed to evaluate basic performances on verbal memory in treatment-naïve children and adolescents with depression and in healthy control subjects.<br><br>METHODS: 34 children and adolescents aged 6-16 years, suffering from a first major depressive disorder (DSM IV) and 34 controls matched on sex, age and cognitive ability were evaluated. Psychiatric diagnosis was assessed with the K-SADS-PL. The Child Depression Rating Scale (CDRS) was used to assess the severity of depression. Progressive matrices of Raven were used to evaluate intelligence. Two different cognitive tasks were administered to assess semantic and working memory: digit span test, and semantic and phonemic verbal fluency.<br><br>RESULTS: A significant effect of diagnosis was found for digit span: patients showed lower performance on forward (p=0,015) and backward (p=0,002) digits. No difference was found between patients and controls on verbal fluency. The young age of the sample and the first depressive episode criteria may explain the absence of severe impairment of this type of semantic and working memory.<br><br>CONCLUSION: These results support the hypothesis that memory deficits in depressive disorders are partly the result of poor encoding caused by a deficit in attention.}, }
@article {pmid20179759, year = {2010}, author = {Taylor, AH and Medina, FS and Holzhaider, JC and Hearne, LJ and Hunt, GR and Gray, RD}, title = {An investigation into the cognition behind spontaneous string pulling in New Caledonian crows.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {5}, number = {2}, pages = {e9345}, pmid = {20179759}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Choice Behavior/physiology ; Cognition/*physiology ; Conditioning, Operant/physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; New Caledonia ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Psychomotor Performance/physiology ; Tool Use Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The ability of some bird species to pull up meat hung on a string is a famous example of spontaneous animal problem solving. The "insight" hypothesis claims that this complex behaviour is based on cognitive abilities such as mental scenario building and imagination. An operant conditioning account, in contrast, would claim that this spontaneity is due to each action in string pulling being reinforced by the meat moving closer and remaining closer to the bird on the perch. We presented experienced and naïve New Caledonian crows with a novel, visually restricted string-pulling problem that reduced the quality of visual feedback during string pulling. Experienced crows solved this problem with reduced efficiency and increased errors compared to their performance in standard string pulling. Naïve crows either failed or solved the problem by trial and error learning. However, when visual feedback was available via a mirror mounted next to the apparatus, two naïve crows were able to perform at the same level as the experienced group. Our results raise the possibility that spontaneous string pulling in New Caledonian crows may not be based on insight but on operant conditioning mediated by a perceptual-motor feedback cycle.}, }
@article {pmid20174519, year = {2010}, author = {Begum, S and Rao, KN and Sudarshan, CY}, title = {Validity of screening tools for emotional problems in school children.}, journal = {Indian journal of psychiatry}, volume = {52}, number = {1}, pages = {57-59}, pmid = {20174519}, issn = {1998-3794}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Emotional problems in school children may result in low level of scholastic performance. The recognition of these disorders needs effective screening tools. The choice lies between self assessment tools or observation based tools. Majority of studies use screening tools based on parental or teachers' observation.<br><br>AIM: This study was designed to compare a self-assessment based screening tool (general health questionnaire; GHQ) with a parental observation based screening tool (CPMS-Childhood Psychopathology Measurement Schedule).<br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and eighteen school children were selected through multistage random sampling. The study was conducted in three stages. In the first stage, all the students were administered six-item version of GHQ to screen for emotional problems. Raven's Progressive Matrices was administered to evaluate IQ. In the second stage, parents assessed their child's behavior using CPMS. In the third stage, all students were subjected for detailed clinical work-up.<br><br>STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Criterion validity of the tools used and their comparison.<br><br>RESULT: GHQ had high sensitivity and specificity compared to CPMS in relation to clinical interview.<br><br>CONCLUSION: It is found that GHQ is a better screening tool than CPMS in children aged between 13 and 14 years.}, }
@article {pmid20171286, year = {2010}, author = {Takeuchi, H and Taki, Y and Sassa, Y and Hashizume, H and Sekiguchi, A and Fukushima, A and Kawashima, R}, title = {White matter structures associated with creativity: evidence from diffusion tensor imaging.}, journal = {NeuroImage}, volume = {51}, number = {1}, pages = {11-18}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuroimage.2010.02.035}, pmid = {20171286}, issn = {1095-9572}, mesh = {Anisotropy ; Brain/*anatomy &amp; histology ; *Creativity ; Diffusion Tensor Imaging ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Nerve Fibers, Myelinated ; Neural Pathways/anatomy &amp; histology ; Psychological Tests ; Psychometrics ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Creativity has been essential to the development of human civilization and plays a crucial role in cultural life. However, despite literature that has proposed the importance of structural connectivity in the brain for creativity, the relationship between regional white matter integrity and creativity has never been directly investigated. In this study, we used diffusion tensor imaging and a behavioral creativity test of divergent thinking to investigate the relationship between creativity and structural connectivity. We examined associations between creativity and fractional anisotropy across the brain in healthy young adult (mean age, 21.7 years old; [SD]=1.44) men (n=42) and women (n=13). After controlling for age, sex, and score on Raven's advanced progressive matrices, a test for psychometric measures of intelligence, significant positive relationships between fractional anisotropy and individual creativity as measured by the divergent thinking test were observed in the white matter in or adjacent to the bilateral prefrontal cortices, the body of the corpus callosum, the bilateral basal ganglia, the bilateral temporo-parietal junction and the right inferior parietal lobule. As a whole, these findings indicate that integrated white matter tracts underlie creativity. These pathways involve the association cortices and the corpus callosum, which connect information in distant brain regions and underlie diverse cognitive functions that support creativity. Thus, our results are congruent with the ideas that creativity is associated with the integration of conceptually distant ideas held in different brain domains and architectures and that creativity is supported by diverse high-level cognitive functions, particularly those of the frontal lobe.}, }
@article {pmid20166940, year = {2010}, author = {Moalic, JM and Le Strat, Y and Lepagnol-Bestel, AM and Ramoz, N and Loe-Mie, Y and Maussion, G and Gorwood, P and Simonneau, M}, title = {Primate-accelerated evolutionary genes: novel routes to drug discovery in psychiatric disorders.}, journal = {Current medicinal chemistry}, volume = {17}, number = {13}, pages = {1300-1316}, doi = {10.2174/092986710790936338}, pmid = {20166940}, issn = {1875-533X}, mesh = {Aldehyde Dehydrogenase/genetics/metabolism ; Aldehyde Dehydrogenase, Mitochondrial ; Animals ; Antipsychotic Agents/therapeutic use ; Drug Discovery ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Humans ; Neurophysins/genetics/metabolism ; Primates ; Protein Precursors/genetics/metabolism ; Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics/metabolism ; Psychotic Disorders/*drug therapy/genetics ; RNA Interference ; Receptors, Dopamine D4/genetics/metabolism ; Receptors, GABA-A/genetics/metabolism ; Vasopressins/genetics/metabolism ; }, abstract = {Novel molecular genetic approaches, at genome-scale in different species allowed characterizing genes that have undergone recent selection. The interest in this research field is not limited to the natural curiosity about our evolutionary past, but it is also to identify novel susceptibility genes for neuropsychiatic disorders by pointing specific human traits, such as behavioral and cognitive abilities. Hypotheses have been proposed to relate specific psychiatric disorders to the origin of modern humans, as evidenced by the theory of Crow about schizophrenia. In the present review, we will focus on genes that underwent positive selection in humans or displayed a human specific evolutionary pattern and which were reported as associated with psychiatric disorders. This will include the (1) DRD4 gene associated with attentiondeficit/ hyperactivity disorder, located in a locus that underwent a positive selection; the (2) GABRB2 gene, a gene associated with schizophrenia and recently reported as the target of a positive selection; (3) MARK1, a candidate gene for autism that was reported as displaying a signature of adaptative evolution in the human lineage, and (4) the ADH and ALDH2 genes which are associated with alcoholism, and for which evidence of positive selection was identified in the human lineage since the divergence between humans and chimpanzees. Identification of novel candidate genes based on recent evolution selection, coupled to genome-wide strategies designed to detect rare structural variants, could lead to a better knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders and might therefore help to develop new medical chemistry.}, }
@article {pmid20156820, year = {2010}, author = {Grodzinski, U and Clayton, NS}, title = {Problems faced by food-caching corvids and the evolution of cognitive solutions.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {365}, number = {1542}, pages = {977-987}, pmid = {20156820}, issn = {1471-2970}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Biological Evolution ; Cognition/physiology ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology/*psychology ; Food ; Memory/physiology ; Songbirds/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The scatter hoarding of food, or caching, is a widespread and well-studied behaviour. Recent experiments with caching corvids have provided evidence for episodic-like memory, future planning and possibly mental attribution, all cognitive abilities that were thought to be unique to humans. In addition to the complexity of making flexible, informed decisions about caching and recovering, this behaviour is underpinned by a motivationally controlled compulsion to cache. In this review, we shall first discuss the compulsive side of caching both during ontogeny and in the caching behaviour of adult corvids. We then consider some of the problems that these birds face and review the evidence for the cognitive abilities they use to solve them. Thus, the emergence of episodic-like memory is viewed as a solution for coping with food perishability, while the various cache-protection and pilfering strategies may be sophisticated tools to deprive competitors of information, either by reducing the quality of information they can gather, or invalidating the information they already have. Finally, we shall examine whether such future-oriented behaviour involves future planning and ask why this and other cognitive abilities might have evolved in corvids.}, }
@article {pmid20156817, year = {2010}, author = {Sherry, DF and Hoshooley, JS}, title = {Seasonal hippocampal plasticity in food-storing birds.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {365}, number = {1542}, pages = {933-943}, pmid = {20156817}, issn = {1471-2970}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Birds/anatomy &amp; histology/growth &amp; development/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Hippocampus/anatomy &amp; histology/growth &amp; development/*physiology ; Neurogenesis/physiology ; Neuronal Plasticity/physiology ; Organ Size ; Photoperiod ; Seasons ; }, abstract = {Both food-storing behaviour and the hippocampus change annually in food-storing birds. Food storing increases substantially in autumn and winter in chickadees and tits, jays and nutcrackers and nuthatches. The total size of the chickadee hippocampus increases in autumn and winter as does the rate of hippocampal neurogenesis. The hippocampus is necessary for accurate cache retrieval in food-storing birds and is much larger in food-storing birds than in non-storing passerines. It therefore seems probable that seasonal change in caching and seasonal change in the hippocampus are causally related. The peak in recruitment of new neurons into the hippocampus occurs before birds have completed food storing and cache retrieval for the year and may therefore be associated with spacing caches, encoding the spatial locations of caches, or creating a neuronal architecture involved in the recollection of cache sites. The factors controlling hippocampal plasticity in food-storing birds are not well understood. Photoperiodic manipulations that produce change in food-storing behaviour have no effect on either hippocampal size or neuronal recruitment. Available evidence suggests that changes in hippocampal size and neurogenesis may be a consequence of the behavioural and cognitive involvement of the hippocampus in storing and retrieving food.}, }
@article {pmid20151985, year = {2010}, author = {Coulon, A and Fitzpatrick, JW and Bowman, R and Lovette, IJ}, title = {Effects of habitat fragmentation on effective dispersal of Florida scrub-jays.}, journal = {Conservation biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology}, volume = {24}, number = {4}, pages = {1080-1088}, doi = {10.1111/j.1523-1739.2009.01438.x}, pmid = {20151985}, issn = {1523-1739}, mesh = {Animals ; *Demography ; *Ecosystem ; Florida ; Gene Flow/genetics ; *Genetics, Population ; Geography ; Linear Models ; Songbirds/genetics/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Studies comparing dispersal in fragmented versus unfragmented landscapes show that habitat fragmentation alters the dispersal behavior of many species. We used two complementary approaches to explore Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) dispersal in relation to landscape fragmentation. First, we compared dispersal distances of color-marked individuals in intensively monitored continuous and fragmented landscapes. Second, we estimated effective dispersal relative to the degree of fragmentation (as inferred from two landscape indexes: proportion of study site covered with Florida Scrub-Jay habitat and mean distance to nearest habitat patch within each study site) by comparing genetic isolation-by-distance regressions among 13 study sites having a range of landscape structures. Among color-banded individuals, dispersal distances were greater in fragmented versus continuous landscapes, a result consistent with other studies. Nevertheless, genetic analyses revealed that effective dispersal decreases as the proportion of habitat in the landscape decreases. These results suggest that although individual Florida Scrub-Jays may disperse farther as fragmentation increases, those that do so are less successful as breeders than those that disperse short distances. Our study highlights the importance of combining observational data with genetic inferences when evaluating the complex biological and life-history implications of dispersal.}, }
@article {pmid20151785, year = {2010}, author = {Lowe, NJ and Shah, A and Lowe, PL and Patnaik, R}, title = {Dosing, efficacy and safety plus the use of computerized photography for botulinum toxins type A for upper facial lines.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology}, volume = {12}, number = {2}, pages = {106-111}, doi = {10.3109/14764170903480013}, pmid = {20151785}, issn = {1476-4180}, mesh = {Adult ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*administration &amp; dosage/adverse effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drug Administration Schedule ; Facial Muscles/*drug effects ; Female ; Forehead ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods ; Injections, Subcutaneous ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuromuscular Agents/*administration &amp; dosage/adverse effects ; Patient Satisfaction ; Rejuvenation ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Several studies confirm that botulinum toxins type A (BTX-A) are effective for reducing facial lines caused by hyperactive muscles. Two different commercial types of BTX-A currently available are BTX-A-1 (Botox) and BTX-A-2 (Dysport). This paper reports further comparison of dosing, efficacy and safety.<br><br>METHODS: Sites treated: glabellar, horizontal forehead lines and crow's feet. Different dilutions and dosages were studied with BTX-A-1 and BTX-A-2. The reduction of facial lines was evaluated by investigators and patients. Computerized photographic numerical assessment was also studied in determining the efficacy of BTX-A for crow's feet lines.<br><br>RESULTS: Study 1: Injecting glabellar lines at doses of BTX-A-1 (30 units) and BTX-A-2 (75 units) (2.5:1 ratio BTX-A2:BTX-A1) showed similar efficacy. Study 2: BTX-A-2 (256 units total) was significantly more effective than BTX-A-1 (64 units total) (i.e. a dose ratio of 4:1) for upper face lines. No differences in the side-effect profiles between the two toxins were observed in either study. Study 3: A computerized photographic numerical assay was an objective assessment of crow's feet severity. Using a dose ratio of BTX-A-2 to BTX-A-1 of 3:1 showed a trend towards BTX-A-2 superiority.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Two different botulinum toxins type A were shown to be effective and safe for hyperfunctional facial lines. The choice of dose, dilution and placement is critical for each individual toxin. Computerized photography gave numerical severity scores of crow's feet severity.}, }
@article {pmid20128785, year = {2010}, author = {Evans, KL and Hatchwell, BJ and Parnell, M and Gaston, KJ}, title = {A conceptual framework for the colonisation of urban areas: the blackbird Turdus merula as a case study.}, journal = {Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society}, volume = {85}, number = {3}, pages = {643-667}, doi = {10.1111/j.1469-185X.2010.00121.x}, pmid = {20128785}, issn = {1469-185X}, mesh = {Animals ; *Cities ; Demography ; *Ecosystem ; *Models, Biological ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Despite increasing interest in urban ecology the factors limiting the colonisation of towns and cities by species from rural areas are poorly understood. This is largely due to the lack of a detailed conceptual framework for this urbanisation process, and of sufficient case studies. Here, we develop such a framework. This draws upon a wide range of ecological and evolutionary theory and the increasing number of studies of how the markedly divergent conditions in urban and rural areas influence the traits of urban populations and the structure of urban assemblages. We illustrate the importance of this framework by compiling a detailed case study of spatial and temporal variation in the urbanisation of the blackbird Turdus merula. Our framework identifies three separate stages in the urbanisation process: (i) arrival, (ii) adjustment, and (iii) spread. The rate of progress through each stage is influenced by environmental factors, especially human attitudes and socio-economic factors that determine the history of urban development and the quality of urban habitats, and by species' ecological and life-history traits. Some traits can positively influence progression through one stage, but delay progression through another. Rigorous assessment of the factors influencing urbanisation should thus ideally pay attention to the different stages. Urbanisation has some similarities to invasion of exotic species, but the two clearly differ. Invasion concerns geographic range expansion that is external to the species' original geographic range, whilst urbanisation typically relates to filling gaps within a species' original range. This process is exemplified by the blackbird which is now one of the commonest urban bird species throughout its Western Palearctic range. This is in stark contrast to the situation 150 years ago when the species was principally confined to forest. Blackbird urbanisation was first recorded in Germany in 1820, yet some European cities still lack urban blackbirds. This is especially so in the east, where urbanisation has spread more slowly than in the west. The timing of blackbird urbanisation exhibits a marked spatial pattern, with latitude and longitude explaining 76% of the variation. This strong spatial pattern contrasts with the weaker spatial pattern in timing of urbanisation exhibited by the woodpigeon Columba palumbus (with location explaining 39% of the variation), and with the very weak spatial pattern in timing of black-billed magpie Pica pica urbanisation (in which location explains 12% of the variation). Strong spatial patterns in timing of urbanisation are more compatible with the leap-frog urbanisation model, in which urban adapted or imprinted birds colonise other towns and cities, than with the independent urbanisation model, in which urban colonisation events occur independently of each other. Spatial patterns in isolation do not, however, confirm one particular model. Factors relating to the arrival and adjustment stages appear particularly likely to have influenced the timing of blackbird urbanisation. Spatial variation in the occurrence of urban populations and the timing of their establishment creates opportunities to assess the factors regulating urbanisation rates, and how the composition of urban assemblages develops as a result. These are major issues for urban ecology.}, }
@article {pmid20126287, year = {2009}, author = {Townsend, AK and Clark, AB and McGowan, KJ and Lovette, IJ}, title = {Reproductive partitioning and the assumptions of reproductive skew models in the cooperatively breeding American crow.}, journal = {Animal behaviour}, volume = {77}, number = {2}, pages = {503-512}, pmid = {20126287}, issn = {0003-3472}, support = {R21 AI064305-01/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Understanding the benefits of cooperative breeding for group members of different social and demographic classes requires knowledge of their reproductive partitioning and genetic relatedness. From 2004-2007, we examined parentage as a function of relatedness and social interactions among members of 21 American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) family groups. Paired female breeders monopolized maternity of all offspring in their broods, whereas paired male breeders sired 82.7% of offspring, within-group auxiliary males sired 6.9% of offspring, and extragroup males sired 10.4% of offspring. Although adult females had fewer opportunities for direct reproduction as auxiliaries than males, they appeared to have earlier opportunities for independent breeding. These different opportunities for direct reproduction probably contributed to the male biased adult auxiliary sex ratio. Patterns of reproductive partitioning and conflict among males were most consistent with a synthetic reproductive skew model, in which auxiliaries struggled with breeders for a limited reproductive share, beyond which breeders could evict them. Counter to a frequent assumption of reproductive skew models, female breeders appeared to influence paternity, although their interests might have agreed with the interests of their paired males. Unusual among cooperative breeders, close inbreeding and incest occurred in this population. Incest avoidance between potential breeders did not significantly affect reproductive skew.}, }
@article {pmid20123167, year = {2010}, author = {Burt, RD and Hagan, H and Sabin, K and Thiede, H}, title = {Evaluating respondent-driven sampling in a major metropolitan area: Comparing injection drug users in the 2005 Seattle area national HIV behavioral surveillance system survey with participants in the RAVEN and Kiwi studies.}, journal = {Annals of epidemiology}, volume = {20}, number = {2}, pages = {159-167}, pmid = {20123167}, issn = {1873-2585}, support = {R01 DA008023-07/DA/NIDA NIH HHS/United States ; R01 DA008023-08/DA/NIDA NIH HHS/United States ; 1R01DA08023/DA/NIDA NIH HHS/United States ; U62/CCU006260//PHS HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Distribution ; Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System ; Data Collection/methods ; Drug Users/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Female ; HIV Seropositivity/*epidemiology/ethnology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Patient Selection ; Sampling Studies ; Sex Distribution ; Substance Abuse, Intravenous/*epidemiology/ethnology ; Urban Health ; Washington/epidemiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: To empirically evaluate respondent-driven sampling (RDS) recruitment methods, which have been proposed as an advantageous means of surveying hidden populations.<br><br>METHODS: The National HIV Behavioral Surveillance system used RDS to recruit 370 injection drug users (IDU) in the Seattle area in 2005 (NHBS-IDU1). We compared the NHBS-IDU1 estimates of participants' area of residence, age, race, sex, and drug most frequently injected to corresponding data from two previous surveys, the RAVEN and Kiwi Studies, and to persons newly diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and reported from 2001 through 2005.<br><br>RESULTS: The NHBS-IDU1 population was estimated to be more likely to reside in downtown Seattle (52%) than participants in the other data sources (22%-25%), be older than 50 years of age (29% vs. 5%-10%), and report multiple races (12% vs. 3%-5%). The NHBS-IDU1 population resembled persons using the downtown needle exchange in age and race distribution. An examination of cross-group recruitment frequencies in NHBS-IDU1 suggested barriers to recruitment across different areas of residence, races, and drugs most frequently injected.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The substantial differences in age and area of residence between NHBS-IDU1 and the other data sources suggest that RDS may not have accessed the full universe of Seattle area injection networks. Further empirical data are needed to guide the evaluation of RDS-generated samples.}, }
@article {pmid20113607, year = {2009}, author = {Chen, YH and Chen, H and Liu, YY and Lin, GX and Wei, LX and Chen, DL}, title = {[Function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder].}, journal = {Zhongguo dang dai er ke za zhi = Chinese journal of contemporary pediatrics}, volume = {11}, number = {12}, pages = {992-995}, pmid = {20113607}, issn = {1008-8830}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/blood ; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/*physiopathology ; Child ; Electroencephalography ; Humans ; Hydrocortisone/blood ; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/*physiopathology ; Intelligence ; Male ; Pituitary-Adrenal System/*physiopathology ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To study the function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).<br><br>METHODS: One hundred and twenty-eight boys with ADHD at ages of 6 to 14 years were enrolled. The diagnosis and grouping of ADHD were based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV): ADHD-predominantly inattention type (ADHD-I, n=44), ADHD-predominantly hyperactive impulsivetype (ADHD-HI, n=32) and ADHD-combined type (ADHD-C, n=52). Thirty healthy boys served as the control group. Plasma levels of cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) were measured by automatic particle enzyme immunoassay and electrochemiluminescence respectively at 8:00 am. The intelligence level was tested by Raven's standard progressive matrices.<br><br>RESULTS: The children with ADHD had lower IQ score (84.5 + or - 11.3) than the control group (94.6 + or - 12.4) (p<0.01). There were significant differences in the IQ score among the three ADHD subgroups (p<0.01). The IQ score in the ADHD-I and the ADHD-C groups was significantly lower than that in the control group. The mean plasma cortisol level in the ADHD group (226.5 + or - 129.1 nmol/L) was significantly lower than that in the control group (384.5 + or - 141.4 nmol/L) (p<0.01). The three ADHD subgroups showed significantly decreased plasma cortisol level compared with the control group (p<0.01). The plasma level of cortisol was the lowest in the ADHD-HI group (154.4 + or - 71.6 nmol/L), followed by the ADHD I group (219.4 + or - 117.7 nmol/L) and the ADHD-C group (258.3 + or - 136.4 nmol/L). There were no significant differences in plasma concentration of ACTH between ADHD and control children.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: In the non-stress state, the HPA axis may be dysfunctional in children with ADHD, which may be attributed to the under reactivity of the HPA axis. Lower plasma cortisol has fewer impacts on the cognitive-behavior function, but it may closely be related to attention deficit, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors.}, }
@article {pmid20090033, year = {2010}, author = {Ludwig, A and Bigras-Poulin, M and Michel, P and Bélanger, D}, title = {Risk factors associated with West Nile virus mortality in American Crow populations in Southern Quebec.}, journal = {Journal of wildlife diseases}, volume = {46}, number = {1}, pages = {195-208}, doi = {10.7589/0090-3558-46.1.195}, pmid = {20090033}, issn = {1943-3700}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Animals ; Animals, Wild/virology ; Bird Diseases/epidemiology/*mortality/transmission ; Crows/*virology ; Disease Reservoirs/veterinary ; Female ; Humans ; Linear Models ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Quebec/epidemiology ; Risk Factors ; Seasons ; Sentinel Surveillance/*veterinary ; West Nile Fever/epidemiology/mortality/transmission/*veterinary ; West Nile virus/isolation &amp; purification ; Zoonoses ; }, abstract = {Soon after the appearance of West Nile virus (WNV) in North America, a number of public health authorities designated the American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) a sentinel for WNV detection. Although preliminary studies have suggested a positive association between American Crow mortality and increased risk of WNV infection in humans, we still know little about dynamic variation in American Crow mortality, both baseline levels and mortality associated with WNV. We hypothesized that the complex social behavior of American Crows, which is shaped by age and seasonal factors, influences both baseline mortality and WNV mortality in American Crow populations. We examined American Crow mortality data from Quebec for the 2005 WNV surveillance year, which lasted from 5 June to 17 September 2005. The variables of interest were age, gender, body condition index, time of year, and land cover. We used a log-linear model to examine baseline mortality. Logistic regression and general linear regression models were constructed to examine variables associated with mortality due to WNV. We found that both age and time of year were key variables in explaining baseline mortality. These two variables were also risk factors for WNV mortality. The probability that a carcass tested positive for WNV increased with the age of the dead bird and as summer progressed. WNV-positive carcasses also had a lower body condition index than WNV-negative carcasses. We believe that the first major wave of American Crow mortality observed in the early summer of 2005 was the result of natural mortality among young American Crows. Because this mortality was not linked to WNV, it appears that American Crow may not be a good species for early detection of WNV activity. Our data also suggest that second-year American Crows play a major role in propagating WNV during their movements to urban land covers during midsummer.}, }
@article {pmid20065352, year = {2010}, author = {Silva, FJ and Silva, KM}, title = {How do adult humans compare with New Caledonian crows in tool selectivity?.}, journal = {Learning &amp; behavior}, volume = {38}, number = {1}, pages = {87-95}, pmid = {20065352}, issn = {1543-4494}, mesh = {Adult ; Animals ; Choice Behavior/*physiology ; Cognition/physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Humans ; Motor Skills/physiology ; New Caledonia ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Species Specificity ; Tool Use Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {We examined humans' tool selections on stick-and-tube tasks similar to those used to study crows' and other avian species' physical cognition. In Experiment 1, the participants selected a stick from a set of 10 to retrieve a candy placed in a horizontal tube. Although the stick that was selected depended on the distance to the candy, the participants generally did not select a stick whose length was the same as the candy's distance from the open end of the tube nor did they select the longest stick in the set-two strategies that have been reported in crows. In Experiments 2 and 3, we used variations of the stick-and-tube task to determine what factors in addition to the candy's distance influenced the participants' selections. The results showed that tool selection depended on the stimulus context (i.e., the number and lengths of the alternative tools).}, }
@article {pmid20056377, year = {2010}, author = {Kozulin, A and Lebeer, J and Madella-Noja, A and Gonzalez, F and Jeffrey, I and Rosenthal, N and Koslowsky, M}, title = {Cognitive modifiability of children with developmental disabilities: a multicentre study using Feuerstein's Instrumental Enrichment--Basic program.}, journal = {Research in developmental disabilities}, volume = {31}, number = {2}, pages = {551-559}, doi = {10.1016/j.ridd.2009.12.001}, pmid = {20056377}, issn = {1873-3379}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/rehabilitation ; Cerebral Palsy/rehabilitation ; Child ; Child Development Disorders, Pervasive/rehabilitation ; Child, Preschool ; Cognition Disorders/rehabilitation ; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/*methods ; Developmental Disabilities/*rehabilitation ; Education of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities/*methods ; Environment Design ; Humans ; Learning ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {The study aimed at exploring the effectiveness of cognitive intervention with the new "Instrumental Enrichment Basic" program (IE-basic), based on Feuerstein's theory of structural cognitive modifiability that contends that a child's cognitive functioning can be significantly modified through mediated learning intervention. The IE-basic progam is aimed at enhancing domain-general cognitive functioning in a number of areas (systematic perception, self-regulation abilities, conceptual vocabulary, planning, decoding emotions and social relations) as well as transferring learnt principles to daily life domains. Participants were children with DCD, CP, intellectual impairment of genetic origin, autistic spectrum disorder, ADHD or other learning disorders, with a mental age of 5-7 years, from Canada, Chile, Belgium, Italy and Israel. Children in the experimental groups (N=104) received 27-90 h of the program during 30-45 weeks; the comparison groups (N=72) received general occupational and sensory-motor therapy. Analysis of the pre- to post-test gain scores demonstrated significant (p<0.05) advantage of experimental over comparison groups in three WISC-R subtests ("Similarities", "Picture Completion", "Picture Arrangement") and Raven Coloured Matrices. Effect sizes ranged from 0.3 to 0.52. Results suggest that it is possible to improve cognitive functioning of children with developmental disability. No advantage was found for children with specific aetiology. Greater cognitive gains were demonstrated by children who received the program in an educational context where all teachers were committed to the principles of mediated learning.}, }
@article {pmid20053646, year = {2010}, author = {Bluff, LA and Troscianko, J and Weir, AA and Kacelnik, A and Rutz, C}, title = {Tool use by wild New Caledonian crows Corvus moneduloides at natural foraging sites.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {277}, number = {1686}, pages = {1377-1385}, pmid = {20053646}, issn = {1471-2954}, support = {BB/C517392/1//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/G023913/1//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {*Aleurites/parasitology ; Animals ; Animals, Wild/physiology ; Behavior, Animal ; Coleoptera/growth &amp; development ; Crows/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Larva ; New Caledonia ; Plant Leaves ; Plant Stems ; Tool Use Behavior/*physiology ; Videotape Recording ; }, abstract = {New Caledonian crows Corvus moneduloides use tools made from sticks or leaf stems to 'fish' woodboring beetle larvae from their burrows in decaying wood. Previous research on this behaviour has been confined to baited sites, leaving its ecological context and significance virtually unexplored. To obtain detailed observations of natural, undisturbed tool use, we deployed motion-triggered video cameras at seven larva-fishing sites. From 1797 camera hours of surveillance over 111 days, we recorded 317 site visits by at least 14 individual crows. Tool use was observed during 150 site visits. Our video footage revealed notable variation in foraging success among identifiable crows. Two nutritionally independent, immature crows spent considerable time using tools, but were much less successful than local adults, highlighting the potential role of individual and social learning in the acquisition of tool-use proficiency. During systematic surveys of larva-fishing sites, we collected 193 tools that crows had left inserted in larva burrows. Comparing these tools with the holes in which they were found, and with raw materials available around logs, provides evidence for tool selectivity by New Caledonian crows under natural conditions. Taken together, these two complementary lines of investigation provide, to our knowledge, the first quantitative description of larva fishing by wild crows in its full ecological context.}, }
@article {pmid20027786, year = {2009}, author = {Patterson, A}, title = {Germs and Jim Crow: the impact of microbiology on public health policies in progressive era American South.}, journal = {Journal of the history of biology}, volume = {42}, number = {3}, pages = {529-559}, pmid = {20027786}, issn = {0022-5010}, mesh = {Black or African American/*history ; Communicable Disease Control/history ; Health Policy/*history ; Healthcare Disparities/history ; History, 20th Century ; Humans ; Microbiology/*history ; *Prejudice ; Public Health Practice/*history ; United States ; }, abstract = {Race proved not merely a disadvantage in securing access to prompt and appropriate medical care, but often became a life and death issue for blacks in the American South during the early decades of the twentieth century. This article investigates the impact some of the new academic disciplines such as anthropology, evolutionary biology, racially based pathology and genetics had in promoting scientific racism. The disproportionately high morbidity and mortality rates among blacks were seen as a consequence of inherent racial deficiencies that rendered any attempt to ameliorate their situation as futile. While the belief in a different pathology in blacks initially deterred most health officials from taking any action, advances in medicine and microbiology, in particular the germ theory, stirred a variety of responses out of sheer self preservation, as fears among whites at the first sign of an epidemic initiated sporadic and limited actions. Ironically, in an era of deepening scientific racism, public health initiatives based on a better understanding of disease causing microorganisms, gradually improved black health. However, some public health measures were hijacked by eugenicists and racists and, rather than addressing the ill health of blacks, public health policy complied with the new laws of heredity by promoting drastic measures such as involuntary sterilization or even abortion. This further complicated the strained relationship between southern blacks and health care professionals and effected ongoing distrust towards public healthcare services.}, }
@article {pmid20025657, year = {2009}, author = {Himler, AG and Machado, CA}, title = {Host specificity, phenotype matching and the evolution of reproductive isolation in a coevolved plant-pollinator mutualism.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {18}, number = {24}, pages = {4988-4990}, doi = {10.1111/j.1365-294X.2009.04429.x}, pmid = {20025657}, issn = {1365-294X}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; *Gene Flow ; *Genetic Fitness ; Moths/genetics/physiology ; Phenotype ; *Pollination ; Species Specificity ; Yucca/genetics ; }, abstract = {Coevolutionary interactions between plants and their associated pollinators and seed dispersers are thought to have promoted the diversification of flowering plants (Raven 1977; Regal 1977; Stebbins 1981). The actual mechanisms by which pollinators could drive species diversification in plants are not fully understood. However, it is thought that pollinator host specialization can influence the evolution of reproductive isolation among plant populations because the pollinator's choice of host is what determines patterns of gene flow in its host plant, and host choice may also have important consequences on pollinator and host fitness (Grant 1949; Bawa 1992). In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Smith et al. (2009) present a very interesting study that addresses how host specialization affects pollinator fitness and patterns of gene flow in a plant host. Several aspects of this study match elements of a seminal mathematical model of plant-pollinator codivergence (Kiester et al. 1984) suggesting that reciprocal selection for matched plant and pollinator reproductive traits may lead to speciation in the host and its pollinator when there is strong host specialization and a pattern of geographic subdivision. Smith et al.'s study represents an important step to fill the gap in our understanding of how reciprocal selection may lead to speciation in coevolved plant-pollinator mutualisms.}, }
@article {pmid20020166, year = {2010}, author = {Scheid, C and Noë, R}, title = {The performance of rooks in a cooperative task depends on their temperament.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {13}, number = {3}, pages = {545-553}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-009-0305-1}, pmid = {20020166}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; *Cooperative Behavior ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Learning/physiology ; Male ; Stress, Psychological/physiopathology ; Temperament/physiology ; }, abstract = {In recent years, an increasing number of studies demonstrated the existence of consistent individual differences in behaviour, often referred to as differences in temperament or personality, in a wide range of animal species. There notably is a growing body of evidence showing that individuals differ in their propensity for risk taking or reacting to stressful situations. This variation has been related to differences in learning abilities or performance in cognitive tasks. In the present study, we examined the consequences of inter-individual variation in boldness on performance in a cooperative task in rooks (Corvus frugilegus). Birds were tested individually to measure a number of behavioural parameters related to boldness. The level of a stress-related hormone, corticosterone, in the faeces of each bird was measured under control conditions and after a stress-provoking event. In parallel, we conducted a cooperative string pulling task in which birds were tested in dyads. Successful cooperation depended to a large extent on the temperament of the two partners involved. Temperament, in turn, correlated well with corticosterone levels under stress. Bolder individuals appeared to be more willing to participate in the task, whereas shyer individuals were more influenced by the behaviour of their partner. These findings suggest that a rook's temperament can limit its options of forming successfully cooperating partnerships under stressful conditions.}, }
@article {pmid19937310, year = {2010}, author = {Ratnayake, CP and Goodale, E and Kotagama, SW}, title = {Two sympatric species of passerine birds imitate the same raptor calls in alarm contexts.}, journal = {Die Naturwissenschaften}, volume = {97}, number = {1}, pages = {103-108}, pmid = {19937310}, issn = {1432-1904}, mesh = {Animal Communication ; Animals ; Ecosystem ; Fear/physiology ; Humans ; Imitative Behavior/*physiology ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; *Predatory Behavior ; Raptors/*physiology ; Species Specificity ; Sri Lanka ; *Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {While some avian mimics appear to select sounds randomly, other species preferentially imitate sounds such as predator calls that are associated with danger. Previous work has shown that the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus paradiseus) incorporates predator calls and heterospecific alarm calls into its own species-typical alarm vocalizations. Here, we show that another passerine species, the Sri Lanka Magpie (Urocissa ornata), which inhabits the same Sri Lankan rainforest, imitates three of the same predator calls that drongos do. For two of these call types, there is evidence that magpies also use them in alarm contexts. Our results support the hypothesis that imitated predator calls can serve as signals of alarm to multiple species.}, }
@article {pmid19933713, year = {2011}, author = {Spironelli, C and Angrilli, A and Calogero, A and Stegagno, L}, title = {Delta EEG band as a marker of left hypofrontality for language in schizophrenia patients.}, journal = {Schizophrenia bulletin}, volume = {37}, number = {4}, pages = {757-767}, pmid = {19933713}, issn = {1745-1701}, mesh = {Adult ; Biomarkers ; Brain Mapping ; *Delta Rhythm ; Dominance, Cerebral/*physiology ; *Electroencephalography ; Female ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Judgment/physiology ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term/physiology ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Phonetics ; Prefrontal Cortex/*physiopathology ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Psychometrics ; Reaction Time/physiology ; Schizophrenia/diagnosis/*physiopathology ; *Schizophrenic Language ; Semantics ; *Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted ; }, abstract = {Frontal hypoactivation has consistently been demonstrated in schizophrenia patients. We hypothesized that this well-known deficit is asymmetrical, ie, centered over left frontal locations and, in-line with Crow's theory, associated with both loss of linguistic asymmetry and correlated with positive symptoms. Electroencephalography delta band was used as a quantitative index of cortical inhibition in 17 paranoid schizophrenia patients with prevailing positive symptoms and 17 matched control subjects. Delta amplitude was measured by 38 electrodes, while participants performed 3 linguistic tasks, visuoperceptual, rhyming, and semantic judgment. Compared with control subjects, patients did not show overall delta band differences, revealing no detrimental effects of pharmacological treatment. In healthy participants, analysis of 4 quadrants/regions of interest revealed higher delta amplitude in right vs left anterior sites, indicating significant left anterior disinhibition during linguistic processing. Instead, patients showed bilateral delta band distribution and, compared with control subjects, significant greater delta amplitude (ie, brain inhibition) in linguistic left anterior centers. Patients' left hypofrontality was functionally related to their lack of hemispheric specialization for language and was positively correlated with higher levels of delusions (P1) and conceptual disorganization (P2) Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale subscales. Results suggest, in schizophrenia patients, a functional deficit of Broca's area, a region playing a fundamental hierarchical role between and within hemispheres by integrating many basic processes in linguistic and conceptual organization. The significant correlation between lack of anterior asymmetry and increased positive symptoms is in-line with Crow's hypothesis postulating the etiological role of disrupted linguistic frontal asymmetry on the onset of the key symptoms of schizophrenia.}, }
@article {pmid19931623, year = {2010}, author = {Bonaccorso, E and Peterson, AT and Navarro-Sigüenza, AG and Fleischer, RC}, title = {Molecular systematics and evolution of the Cyanocorax jays.}, journal = {Molecular phylogenetics and evolution}, volume = {54}, number = {3}, pages = {897-909}, doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2009.11.014}, pmid = {19931623}, issn = {1095-9513}, mesh = {Animals ; Bayes Theorem ; Cell Nucleus/genetics ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Likelihood Functions ; *Models, Genetic ; Passeriformes/*classification/genetics ; *Phylogeny ; Sequence Alignment ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Phylogenetic relationships were studied in the genus Cyanocorax (Aves: Corvidae) and related genera, Psilorhinus and Calocitta, a diverse group of New World jays distributed from the southern United States south to Argentina. Although the ecology and behavior of some species in the group have been studied extensively, lack of a molecular phylogeny has precluded rigorous interpretations in an evolutionary framework. Given the diverse combinations of plumage coloration, size, and morphology, the taxonomy of the group has been inconsistent and understanding of biogeographic patterns problematic. Moreover, plumage similarity between two geographically disjuct species, the Tufted jay (Cyanocorax dickeyi) from western Mexico and the White-tailed jay (C. mystacalis) from western Ecuador and Peru, has puzzled ornithologists for decades. Here, a phylogeny of all species in the three genera is presented, based on study of two mitochondrial and three nuclear genes. Phylogenetic trees revealed the non-monophyly of Cyanocorax, and the division of the whole assemblage in two groups: "Clade A" containing Psilorhinus morio, both species in Calocitta,Cyanocorax violaceus, C. caeruleus, C. cristatellus, and C. cyanomelas, and "Clade B" consisting of the remaining species in Cyanocorax. Relationships among species in Clade A were ambiguous and, in general, not well resolved. Within Clade B, analyses revealed the monophyly of the "Cissilopha" jays and showed no evidence for a sister relationship between C. mystacalis and C. dickeyi. The phylogenetic complexity of lineages in the group suggests several complications for the understanding biogeographic patterns, as well as for proposing a taxonomy that is consistent with morphological variation. Although multiple taxonomic arrangements are possible, recommendations are for recognizing only one genus, Cyanocorax, with Psilorhinus and Calocitta as synonyms.}, }
@article {pmid19929635, year = {2010}, author = {Townsend, AK and Clark, AB and McGowan, KJ}, title = {Direct benefits and genetic costs of extrapair paternity for female American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos).}, journal = {The American naturalist}, volume = {175}, number = {1}, pages = {E1-9}, doi = {10.1086/648553}, pmid = {19929635}, issn = {1537-5323}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/genetics/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; Sexual Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The idea that extrapair paternity (EPP) in birds is part of a mixed reproductive strategy driven primarily by females is controversial. In cooperatively breeding American crows, we compared predictions of four female benefits hypotheses-the genetic diversity, good genes, genetic compatibility, and direct benefits hypotheses-to our predictions if EPP was primarily male driven. We found that genetically diverse broods were not more successful, extrapair young were not in better condition and did not have a higher survival probability, and, contrary to prediction, offspring sired by within-group extrapair males were more inbred than within-pair offspring. There was evidence of direct benefits, however: provisioning rate and number of surviving offspring were higher in groups containing within-group extrapair sires. Females therefore derived no apparent benefits from extragroup extrapair males but both direct benefits and genetic costs from within-group extrapair males. We suggest that males and females both influence the distribution of EPP in this system.}, }
@article {pmid19917211, year = {2009}, author = {Reichelt, KL and Knivsberg, AM}, title = {The possibility and probability of a gut-to-brain connection in autism.}, journal = {Annals of clinical psychiatry : official journal of the American Academy of Clinical Psychiatrists}, volume = {21}, number = {4}, pages = {205-211}, pmid = {19917211}, issn = {1547-3325}, mesh = {Autistic Disorder/*diet therapy/*physiopathology/urine ; Caseins ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Diet, Gluten-Free ; Diet, Protein-Restricted ; Humans ; Peptides/*urine ; Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: We have shown that urine peptide increase is found in autism, and that some of these peptides have a dietary origin. To be explanatory for the disease process, a dietary effect on the brain must be shown to be possible and probable.<br><br>METHODS: Diagnosis was based on DSM-III and DSM-IV criteria. We ran first morning urine samples equivalent to 250 nm creatinine on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) reversed phase C18 columns using trifluoroacetic acid acetonitrile gradients. The elution patterns were registered using 215 nm absorption for largely peptide bonds, 280 nm for aromatic groups, and 325 nm for indolyl components. We referred to a series of published ability tests, including Raven's Progressive Matrices and the Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Ability, which were administered before and after dietary intervention. The literature was also reviewed to find evidence of a gut-to-brain connection.<br><br>RESULTS: In autistic syndromes, we can show marked increases in UV 215-absorbing material eluting after hippuric acid that are mostly peptides. We also show highly significant decreases after introducing a gluten- and casein-free diet with a duration of more than 1 year. We refer to previously published studies showing improvement in children on this diet who were followed for 4 years and a pairwise matched, randomly assigned study with highly significant changes. The literature shows abundant data pointing to the importance of a gut-to-brain connection.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: An effect of diet on excreted compounds and behavior has been found. A gut-to-brain axis is both possible and probable.}, }
@article {pmid19913421, year = {2009}, author = {von Bayern, AM and Heathcote, RJ and Rutz, C and Kacelnik, A}, title = {The role of experience in problem solving and innovative tool use in crows.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {19}, number = {22}, pages = {1965-1968}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2009.10.037}, pmid = {19913421}, issn = {1879-0445}, support = {BB/C517392/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/G023913/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Crows/*physiology ; *Problem Solving ; Task Performance and Analysis ; }, abstract = {Creative problem solving and innovative tool use in animals are often seen as indicators of advanced intelligence because they seem to imply causal reasoning abilities [1]. However, complex behavior can also arise from relatively simple mechanisms [2, 3], and the cognitive operations underlying seemingly "insightful" behavior are rarely examined [4]. By controlling and varying prior experience, it is possible to determine the minimum information animals require to solve a given problem [5]. We investigated how pretesting experience affects the performance of New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides) when facing a novel problem. The task (developed by Bird and Emery [6]) required dropping stones into a vertical tube to collapse an out-of-reach platform in a transparent box and release a food reward. After establishing that the birds had no preexisting tendency to drop stones into holes, subjects were assigned to two experimental groups that were given different kinds of experience with the affordances of the apparatus. Crows that had learned about the mechanism (collapsibility) of the platform without the use of stones passed the task, just like the subjects that had previously been trained to drop stones. This demonstrates that successful innovation was also possible after acquaintance with just the functional properties of the task.}, }
@article {pmid19888292, year = {2010}, author = {Li, MH and Merilä, J}, title = {Extensive linkage disequilibrium in a wild bird population.}, journal = {Heredity}, volume = {104}, number = {6}, pages = {600-610}, doi = {10.1038/hdy.2009.150}, pmid = {19888292}, issn = {1365-2540}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/genetics ; *Linkage Disequilibrium ; Male ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Passeriformes/*genetics ; Pedigree ; }, abstract = {Knowledge about the extent and patterns of linkage disequilibrium (LD) can provide important insights into demographic processes and strategies to identify the genetic basis of complex phenotypes in wild populations. However, data on the extent and patterns of LD from non-model vertebrate species from the wild are still scarce. We conducted so far the most extensive and detailed examination of LD in a pedigreed wild bird population using genotypes from 97 autosomal and 6 gonosomal microsatellites and a recently established linkage map of Siberian jays (Perisoreus infaustus). Analysis of syntenic marker pairs showed high levels of LD that extended over tens of centimorgans or several megabases and generally decayed as an increasing function of intermarker distance. In addition, significant LD was also very common between nonsyntenic markers. Patterns of LD varied across different linkage groups possibly because of the differences in chromosomal structure (macro-, micro-, and Z-chromosome). In particular, the level of LD was significantly lower on the Z-chromosome than on the autosomes at comparable genetic distances. In general, the high levels and extent of LD in this population are likely owing to its relatively small size, significant intrapopulation genetic structure, and occurrence of inbreeding. Whatever the cause, the long-range LD between syntenic loci suggests that LD mapping of phenotypic traits in this population using low-density markers maps is feasible. However, the frequent occurrence of LD between nonsyntenic markers suggests that the combined use of linkage and LD methods is needed to reduce the likelihood of false-positive associations between marker loci and traits of ecological and evolutionary interest.}, }
@article {pmid19879277, year = {2010}, author = {Rensel, MA and Wilcoxen, TE and Schoech, SJ}, title = {The influence of nest attendance and provisioning on nestling stress physiology in the Florida scrub-jay.}, journal = {Hormones and behavior}, volume = {57}, number = {2}, pages = {162-168}, doi = {10.1016/j.yhbeh.2009.10.009}, pmid = {19879277}, issn = {1095-6867}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild ; Corticosterone/*blood ; Female ; Linear Models ; Maternal Behavior/*physiology ; Nesting Behavior/*physiology ; Passeriformes/*blood/*physiology ; Radioimmunoassay ; Stress, Psychological/*blood ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {Stressful conditions during development may have lasting consequences for an animal's lifetime fitness. We investigated the degree to which parental provisioning and nest attendance influenced baseline levels of the stress hormone corticosterone in nestling Florida scrub-jays. Provisioning rates of male and female breeders and nest attendance of female breeders were recorded during focal watches conducted between days 3 and 5 post-hatch. A small blood sample was taken from each nestling on day 11 post-hatch and used to quantify levels of baseline corticosterone. The proportion of time spent by female breeders at a considerable distance from the nest was positively related to nestling corticosterone levels. Nestling corticosterone was also negatively related to parental provisioning rate, although this effect seemed to be secondary to the effect of the female's time away from the nest. These results indicate that parental behavior contributes to nestling stress physiology, which may in turn direct the formation of the adult phenotype and influence an individual's chances of survival.}, }
@article {pmid19877837, year = {2009}, author = {Wang, R and Sun, Y and Zhang, X and Zeng, S and Xie, W and Yu, Y and Zhang, X and Zuo, M}, title = {Song control nuclei in male and female large-billed crows (Corvus macrorhynchos).}, journal = {Zoological science}, volume = {26}, number = {11}, pages = {771-777}, doi = {10.2108/zsj.26.771}, pmid = {19877837}, issn = {0289-0003}, mesh = {Animals ; Brain/*anatomy &amp; histology/*physiology ; Crows/*anatomy &amp; histology/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; *Sex Characteristics ; *Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {We show that the learned vocalizations of male and female large-billed crows (Corvus macrorhynchos) are similar and that their functions and physical features show significant differences from those of other oscine species. We investigate whether the song control nuclei of crows show any sexual differences in size, reflecting differences in their singing behavior, and whether these nuclei are different from those of other songbirds in terms of neural connectivity size and relative to the forebrain. Our Nissl staining results reveal that 1) of the four song nuclei examined (HVC; the robust nucleus of the arcopallium [RA]; Area X; and the dorsolateral medial nucleus [DLM]), HVC, RA, and Area X volumes are significantly larger in males than in females, but DLM volume and body and brain weights show no significant gender differences; and 2) the sizes of song nuclei relative to the forebrain are within the range of other oscines. By injecting a neural tract tracer (DiI) into various song nuclei in brain slices, we found that, as in other songbirds, HVC projects to RA and Area X, while Area X projects to the lateral magnocellular nucleus of the anterior nidopallium (IMAN) and DLM, DLM to IMAN, and IMAN to RA. Our results Indicate that, although the crow has songs very different from those of other oscine species, Its song nuclei and the connections between them are not obviously different.}, }
@article {pmid19853407, year = {2010}, author = {Facon, B and Nuchadee, ML}, title = {An item analysis of Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices among participants with Down syndrome.}, journal = {Research in developmental disabilities}, volume = {31}, number = {1}, pages = {243-249}, doi = {10.1016/j.ridd.2009.09.011}, pmid = {19853407}, issn = {1873-3379}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Child ; *Color Perception ; Down Syndrome/*diagnosis/psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Intellectual Disability/*diagnosis/psychology ; Intelligence Tests/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Male ; *Pattern Recognition, Visual ; *Perceptual Closure ; *Problem Solving ; Psychometrics ; Reproducibility of Results ; }, abstract = {Standardized tests are widely used in intellectual disability research, either as dependent or control variables. Yet, it is not certain that their items give rise to the same performance in various groups under study. In the present work, 48 participants with Down syndrome were matched on their raw score on Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM) with 48 participants with intellectual disability of undifferentiated etiology and 48 typical children. An item analysis was then conducted using the transformed item difficulties method, a statistical approach designed to detect differential item functioning between groups. Results showed that the difficulty of items was highly similar for the three groups. It is concluded that RCPM can be used with considerable confidence in comparative studies including typical, Down syndrome and intellectually disabled participants of undifferentiated etiology. Some methodological implications of these findings are discussed.}, }
@article {pmid19840174, year = {2010}, author = {Nystrand, M and Griesser, M and Eggers, S and Ekman, J}, title = {Habitat-specific demography and source-sink dynamics in a population of Siberian jays.}, journal = {The Journal of animal ecology}, volume = {79}, number = {1}, pages = {266-274}, doi = {10.1111/j.1365-2656.2009.01627.x}, pmid = {19840174}, issn = {1365-2656}, mesh = {Animals ; *Ecosystem ; Energy Metabolism/*physiology ; Environment ; Female ; Male ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Population Dynamics ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {1. There are a number of models describing population structure, many of which have the capacity to incorporate spatial habitat effects. One such model is the source-sink model, that describes a system where some habitats have a natality that is higher than mortality (source) and others have a mortality that exceeds natality (sink). A source can be maintained in the absence of migration, whereas a sink will go extinct. 2. However, the interaction between population dynamics and habitat quality is complex, and concerns have been raised about the validity of published empirical studies addressing source-sink dynamics. In particular, some of these studies fail to provide data on survival, a significant component in disentangling a sink from a low quality source. Moreover, failing to account for a density-dependent increase in mortality, or decrease in fecundity, can result in a territory being falsely assigned as a sink, when in fact, this density-dependent suppression only decreases the population size to a lower level, hence indicating a 'pseudo-sink'. 3. In this study, we investigate a long-term data set for key components of territory-specific demography (mortality and reproduction) and their relationship to habitat characteristics in the territorial, group-living Siberian jay (Perisoreus infaustus). We also assess territory-specific population growth rates (r), to test whether spatial population dynamics are consistent with the ideas of source-sink dynamics. 4. Although average mortality did not differ between sexes, habitat-specific mortality did. Female mortality was higher in older forests, a pattern not observed in males. Male mortality only increased with an increasing amount of open areas. Moreover, reproductive success was higher further away from human settlement, indicating a strong effect of human-associated nest predators. 5. Averaged over all years, 76% of the territories were sources. These territories generally consisted of less open areas, and were located further away from human settlement. 6. The source-sink model provides a tool for modelling demography in distinct habitat patches of different quality, which can aid in identifying key habitats within the landscape, and thus, reduce the risk of implementing unsound management decisions.}, }
@article {pmid19812083, year = {2010}, author = {Bird, CD and Emery, NJ}, title = {Rooks perceive support relations similar to six-month-old babies.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {277}, number = {1678}, pages = {147-151}, pmid = {19812083}, issn = {1471-2954}, support = {//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Cognition/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; *Photic Stimulation ; Random Allocation ; Videotape Recording ; }, abstract = {Some corvids have demonstrated cognitive abilities that rival or exceed those of the great apes; for example, tool use in New Caledonian crows, and social cognition, episodic-like memory and future planning in Western scrub-jays. Rooks appear to be able to solve novel tasks through causal reasoning rather than simple trial-and-error learning. Animals with certain expectations about how objects interact would be able to narrow the field of candidate causes substantially, because some causes are simply 'impossible'. Here we present evidence that rooks hold such expectations and appear to possess perceptual understanding of support relations similar to that demonstrated by human babies, which is more comprehensive than that of chimpanzees.}, }
@article {pmid19811623, year = {2009}, author = {Ludwig, A and Bigras-Poulin, M and Michel, P}, title = {The analysis of crow population dynamics as a surveillance tool.}, journal = {Transboundary and emerging diseases}, volume = {56}, number = {9-10}, pages = {337-345}, doi = {10.1111/j.1865-1682.2009.01090.x}, pmid = {19811623}, issn = {1865-1682}, mesh = {Algorithms ; Animals ; Bird Diseases/*epidemiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Disease Reservoirs/veterinary ; Population Dynamics ; Population Surveillance ; Quebec/epidemiology ; Rural Population ; Time Factors ; Urban Population ; West Nile Fever/*epidemiology ; }, abstract = {West Nile virus (WNV) infection, a zoonotic disease for which birds act as a reservoir, first appeared in North America in August 1999. It was first reported in Quebec in 2002. The Quebec surveillance system for WNV has several components, including the surveillance of mortality in corvid populations, which includes the American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos). The main objectives of this study are to better understand the population dynamics of this species in Quebec and to evaluate the impact of WNV on these dynamics. We obtained observation data for living crows in this province for the period of 1990-2005 and then conducted a spectral analysis of these data. To study changes in crow population dynamics, the analysis was carried out before and after the appearance of WNV and space was divided in two different areas (urban and non-urban). Our results show the importance of cycles with periods of less than 1 year in non-urban areas and cycles with periods of greater than 1 year in urban areas in the normal population dynamics of the species. We obtained expected fluctuations in bird densities using an algorithm derived from spectral decomposition. When we compared these predictions with data observed after 2002, we found marked perturbations in population dynamics beginning in 2003 and lasting up to 2005. In the discussion, we present various hypotheses based on the behaviour of the American crow to explain the normal population dynamics observed in this species and the effect of type of area (urban versus non-urban). We also discuss how the predictive algorithm could be used as a disease surveillance tool and as a measure of the impact of a disease on wild fauna.}, }
@article {pmid19805160, year = {2009}, author = {Agrawal, AA and Fishbein, M and Halitschke, R and Hastings, AP and Rabosky, DL and Rasmann, S}, title = {Evidence for adaptive radiation from a phylogenetic study of plant defenses.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {106}, number = {43}, pages = {18067-18072}, pmid = {19805160}, issn = {1091-6490}, mesh = {Asclepias/*genetics ; Genetic Speciation ; Multifactorial Inheritance ; *Phylogeny ; Selection, Genetic ; }, abstract = {One signature of adaptive radiation is a high level of trait change early during the diversification process and a plateau toward the end of the radiation. Although the study of the tempo of evolution has historically been the domain of paleontologists, recently developed phylogenetic tools allow for the rigorous examination of trait evolution in a tremendous diversity of organisms. Enemy-driven adaptive radiation was a key prediction of Ehrlich and Raven's coevolutionary hypothesis [Ehrlich PR, Raven PH (1964) Evolution 18:586-608], yet has remained largely untested. Here we examine patterns of trait evolution in 51 North American milkweed species (Asclepias), using maximum likelihood methods. We study 7 traits of the milkweeds, ranging from seed size and foliar physiological traits to defense traits (cardenolides, latex, and trichomes) previously shown to impact herbivores, including the monarch butterfly. We compare the fit of simple random-walk models of trait evolution to models that incorporate stabilizing selection (Ornstein-Ulenbeck process), as well as time-varying rates of trait evolution. Early bursts of trait evolution were implicated for 2 traits, while stabilizing selection was implicated for several others. We further modeled the relationship between trait change and species diversification while allowing rates of trait evolution to vary during the radiation. Species-rich lineages underwent a proportionately greater decline in latex and cardenolides relative to species-poor lineages, and the rate of trait change was most rapid early in the radiation. An interpretation of this result is that reduced investment in defensive traits accelerated diversification, and disproportionately so, early in the adaptive radiation of milkweeds.}, }
@article {pmid19796368, year = {2009}, author = {Yamazaki, K}, title = {Crows break off live camphor twigs: an avian disturbance effect on plants.}, journal = {Plant biology (Stuttgart, Germany)}, volume = {11}, number = {6}, pages = {907-910}, doi = {10.1111/j.1438-8677.2009.00218.x}, pmid = {19796368}, issn = {1435-8603}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Biological Evolution ; Cinnamomum camphora/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Japan ; }, abstract = {Birds are usually considered beneficial partners for plants, acting as predators on herbivorous insects, pollinators and seed dispersal agents. However, in an urban area of central Japan, birds break off large quantities of live camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) twigs in winter. This loss of vegetative parts was examined quantitatively to estimate the impact on the trees. I also observed bird foraging behaviour to determine the species involved and the possible reasons underlying this destructive activity. Broken twigs on the forest floor were found to have numerous leaves and spring buds. The densities of leaves and buds in the litter were 288.5 and 54.4 m(-2), respectively. The jungle crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) may have broken off the twigs either to peck the fruits while perching on stable branches, or possibly to remove twigs obstructing access to fruit. In contrast, brown-eared bulbuls (Hypsipetes amaurotis), oriental turtle doves (Streptopelia orientalis) and rove doves (Columba livia) ate fruits without breaking twigs. The interaction between C. camphora and C. macrorhynchos only extends back for about 20 years in urban Japan, indicating that this is unlikely to be a stable, co-evolved relationship.}, }
@article {pmid19784852, year = {2010}, author = {Martin-Ordas, G and Haun, D and Colmenares, F and Call, J}, title = {Keeping track of time: evidence for episodic-like memory in great apes.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {13}, number = {2}, pages = {331-340}, pmid = {19784852}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; Feeding Behavior/psychology ; Female ; Food Preferences/psychology ; Hominidae/*psychology ; Male ; *Mental Recall ; Pan paniscus/psychology ; Pan troglodytes/psychology ; Pongo pygmaeus/psychology ; Time Factors ; *Time Perception ; }, abstract = {Episodic memory, as defined by Tulving, can be described in terms of behavioural elements (what, where and when information) but it is also accompanied by an awareness of one's past (chronesthesia) and a subjective conscious experience (autonoetic awareness). Recent experiments have shown that corvids and rodents recall the where, what and when of an event. This capability has been called episodic-like memory because it only fulfils the behavioural criteria for episodic memory. We tested seven chimpanzees, three orangutans and two bonobos of various ages by adapting two paradigms, originally developed by Clayton and colleagues to test scrub jays. In Experiment 1, subjects were fed preferred but perishable food (frozen juice) and less preferred but non-perishable food (grape). After the food items were hidden, subjects could choose one of them either after 5 min or 1 h. The frozen juice was still available after 5 min but melted after 1 h and became unobtainable. Apes chose the frozen juice significantly more after 5 min and the grape after 1 h. In Experiment 2, subjects faced two baiting events happening at different times, yet they formed an integrated memory for the location and time of the baiting event for particular food items. We also included a memory task that required no temporal encoding. Our results showed that apes remember in an integrated fashion what, where and when (i.e., how long ago) an event happened; that is, apes distinguished between different events in which the same food items were hidden in different places at different times. The temporal control of their choices was not dependent on the familiarity of the platforms where the food was hidden. Chimpanzees' and bonobos' performance in the temporal encoding task was age-dependent, following an inverted U-shaped distribution. The age had no effect on the performance of the subjects in the task that required no temporal encoding.}, }
@article {pmid19779825, year = {2009}, author = {Pleskacheva, MG}, title = {Behavior and spatial learning in radial mazes in birds.}, journal = {Neuroscience and behavioral physiology}, volume = {39}, number = {8}, pages = {725-739}, pmid = {19779825}, issn = {1573-899X}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Birds/*physiology ; Maze Learning/*physiology ; Space Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {This review addresses studies of spatial memory and learning in birds performed using the radial maze method. Descriptions of different versions of this test (standard and "giant" tunnel-type mazes, as well as unstructured "analogs") are described and the methodological problems of testing birds are discussed. Behavioral measures from birds and laboratory rats, as the "standard" system for radial maze studies, are compared. The characteristics of spatial learning in birds of different systematic groups (pigeons, tits, corvids, chickens, etc.) are compared. Particular attention is paid to studies addressing spatial memory in closely related bird species with different ecological features, in terms of the ability to hoard food and finding their hoards after prolonged time periods, as well as to the few reports of results from experiments with migrant birds and homing pigeons.}, }
@article {pmid19772114, year = {2009}, author = {Thomas, M and Dufour, L}, title = {Challenges of diffuse axonal injury diagnosis.}, journal = {Rehabilitation nursing : the official journal of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses}, volume = {34}, number = {5}, pages = {179-180}, doi = {10.1002/j.2048-7940.2009.tb00276.x}, pmid = {19772114}, issn = {0278-4807}, mesh = {Brain Injuries/diagnosis/nursing/rehabilitation ; *Diffuse Axonal Injury/diagnosis/nursing/rehabilitation ; Humans ; Rehabilitation Nursing/*methods ; }, abstract = {"This can't be right. Jay is in a vegetative state following a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), but his computed tomography scan is essentially normal. How am I going to explain this to his mom?" This is a conversation I overhear among my rehabilitation nurse colleagues from time to time. Jay has a type of brain trauma called diffuse axonal injury (DAI). Recent statistics from the National Centers for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC, 2006) indicate 1.4 million people sustain a TBI each year in the United States. The leading causes of TBI are falls (28%), motor vehicle accidents (20%), being struck by or against an object (19%), and assaults (11%; NCIPC). DAI, one of the most important causes of cognitive dysfunction after TBI (Sugiyama et al., 2007), occurs in a more widespread pattern in certain regions of the brain than the localized zone of focal injuries. It is one of the most devastating forms of TBI and a common cause of vegetative state and severe disability. DAI occurs in 40%-50% of all patients who are hospitalized from TBI (Meythaler, Peduzzi, Eleftheriou, &amp; Novack, 2001).}, }
@article {pmid19760529, year = {2010}, author = {Otto-Salaj, LL and Traxel, N and Brondino, MJ and Reed, B and Gore-Felton, C and Kelly, JA and Stevenson, LY}, title = {Reactions of heterosexual African American men to women's condom negotiation strategies.}, journal = {Journal of sex research}, volume = {47}, number = {6}, pages = {539-551}, pmid = {19760529}, issn = {1559-8519}, support = {P30 MH052776/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; P30-MH52776/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; R03-MH58522/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Black or African American/*psychology ; Cluster Analysis ; Condoms/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Contraception Behavior/*ethnology/*psychology ; Female ; HIV Infections ; *Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Heterosexuality/ethnology ; Humans ; Male ; Negotiating/methods/*psychology ; Video Recording ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {This study describes responses of 172 single heterosexual African American men, ages 18 to 35, to condom negotiation attempts. Strategies used included reward, coercive, legitimate, expert, referent, and informational strategies, based on Raven's (1992) influence model. The purpose was (a) to identify strategies influencing participant acquiescence to request and (b) to identify predictors of participant compliance/refusal to comply with negotiation attempts. Participants viewed six videotape segments showing an actress, portrayed in silhouette, speaking to the viewer as a "steady partner." After each segment, participants completed measures of request compliance, positive and negative affect, and attributions concerning the model and themselves. No significant differences were found in men's ratings across all vignettes. However, differences in response existed across subgroups of individuals, suggesting that, although the strategy used had little impact on participant response, the act of suggesting condom use produced responses that differed across participant subgroups. Subgroups differed on levels of AIDS risk knowledge, sexually transmitted disease history, and experience with sexual coercion. Also, the "least willing to use" subgroup was highest in anger-rejection and least likely to make attributions of caring for partner. Effective negotiation of condom use with a male sexual partner may not be determined as much by specific strategy used as by partner characteristics.}, }
@article {pmid19757224, year = {2009}, author = {Hisli Sahin, N and Güler, M and Basim, HN}, title = {[The relationship between cognitive intelligence, emotional intelligence, coping and stress symptoms in the context of type A personality pattern].}, journal = {Turk psikiyatri dergisi = Turkish journal of psychiatry}, volume = {20}, number = {3}, pages = {243-254}, pmid = {19757224}, issn = {1300-2163}, mesh = {*Adaptation, Psychological ; Adolescent ; Adult ; *Cognition ; *Emotional Intelligence ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Personality Tests ; Psychological Tests ; Stress, Psychological/prevention &amp; control/*psychology ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; *Type A Personality ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the relationships between cognitive and emotional intelligence, coping and stress symptoms in the context of Type A personality pattern.<br><br>METHOD: The Raven Progressive Matrices, Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire, Ways of Coping Inventory, Stress Symptoms Scale, and Type A Personality Scale were administered to 271 university students. Two groups, Type As and Type Bs were created according to the Type A Personality Scale scores and were compared in terms of their scores on the other scales that were administered.<br><br>RESULTS: Our analyses showed that stress symptoms were negatively correlated with effective coping, stress management, and general mood dimensions of the Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire. They were also positively correlated with ineffective coping and Type A behaviors. Being female also significantly predicted stress symptoms. When the participants were grouped according to Type A Personality Scale scores as Type As and Type Bs, the regression analysis showed that the stress symptoms of Type As were significantly predicted by the insufficient use of effective coping styles and deficiencies in the general mood component of emotional intelligence, whereas the stress symptoms of Type Bs were predicted by the insufficient use of effective coping styles, overuse of ineffective coping styles, and increase in the intrapersonal abilities component of emotional intelligence.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Stress symptoms can be related to the variables associated with personality styles. It is suggested that stress management programs for Type As should include exercises that increase emotional intelligence, especially the components of drawing pleasure from their life situation, being more positive, hopeful and optimistic.}, }
@article {pmid19747269, year = {2009}, author = {Smyth, RM and Duley, L and Jacoby, A and Elbourne, D}, title = {Women's experiences of participating in the Magpie Trial: a postal survey in the United Kingdom.}, journal = {Birth (Berkeley, Calif.)}, volume = {36}, number = {3}, pages = {220-229}, doi = {10.1111/j.1523-536X.2009.00326.x}, pmid = {19747269}, issn = {1523-536X}, support = {G0800792/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Altruism ; Anticonvulsants/adverse effects/*therapeutic use ; Chi-Square Distribution ; Choice Behavior ; Drug Monitoring/adverse effects/psychology ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Magnesium Sulfate/adverse effects/*therapeutic use ; Multicenter Studies as Topic/psychology ; Nursing Methodology Research ; Patient Acceptance of Health Care/*psychology ; Patient Selection ; *Pre-Eclampsia/prevention &amp; control/psychology ; Pregnancy ; Pregnant People/psychology ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic/*psychology ; Research Subjects/*psychology ; Statistics, Nonparametric ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Magpie Trial compared magnesium sulfate with placebo for women with preeclampsia. The objective of this study was to explore women's views and experiences of participating in the Magpie Trial in the United Kingdom.<br><br>METHODS: Postal questionnaires were sent to 771 women participants in the Magpie Trial to assess long-term health of UK women and children. The questionnaire included three questions exploring women's experience of participating in the trial: (a) If time suddenly went backward, and you had to do it all over again, would you agree to participate in the Magpie Trial? (b) Please tell us if there was anything about the Magpie Trial that you think could have been done better; and (c) Please tell us if there was anything about the Magpie Trial, or your experience of joining the trial, that you think was particularly good.<br><br>RESULTS: Overall, 619 of the 771 women who were sent questionnaires returned them. In response to the three questions: (a) 58 percent (356) of women responded "definitely yes," 27 percent (169) "probably yes," 4 percent (23) "probably no," 5 percent (33) "definitely no," and 5 percent (34) "not sure." No clear evidence was shown of a relationship with allocated treatment, although women who responded "probably or definitely no" were more likely to have had side effects from trial treatment. (b) Although 44 percent of women stated that nothing could have been done better, free text suggestions related to content of recruitment information, and its timing, and wanting to know treatment allocation and trial results. c) Women were generally extremely positive about being followed up and receiving trial results.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Women were largely positive about participation in the trial and its follow-up, but still reported ways they believed the study could have been improved, such as more information, given earlier, which also has implications for clinical care.}, }
@article {pmid19727676, year = {2009}, author = {Colzato, LS and Huizinga, M and Hommel, B}, title = {Recreational cocaine polydrug use impairs cognitive flexibility but not working memory.}, journal = {Psychopharmacology}, volume = {207}, number = {2}, pages = {225-234}, pmid = {19727676}, issn = {1432-2072}, mesh = {Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Cocaine/*toxicity ; Cognition/*drug effects ; Female ; Humans ; Illicit Drugs/*toxicity ; Male ; Memory/*drug effects ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Reaction Time ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {RATIONALE: Chronic use of cocaine is associated with dysfunctions in frontal brain regions and dopamine D2 receptors, with poorer mental flexibility and a reduced ability to inhibit manual and attentional responses. Little is known, however, about cognitive impairments in the upcoming type of recreational cocaine polydrug user (1-4 g monthly consumption).<br><br>OBJECTIVE: We studied whether recreational cocaine polydrug users, who do not meet the criteria for abuse or dependence, showed impairments in working memory (WM) and cognitive flexibility.<br><br>METHODS: Controls and recreational cocaine polydrug users (who abstained from cocaine and other substances more than 1 week) were matched by sex, age, alcohol consumption, and IQ (Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices). Groups were tested by using two cognitive tasks measuring cognitive flexibility and three tasks investigating the maintenance and monitoring of information in WM.<br><br>RESULTS: Recreational cocaine polydrug users performed significantly worse than controls on tasks tapping cognitive flexibility, but show comparable performance in the active maintenance and monitoring of information in WM.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that recreational use of cocaine selectively impairs cognitive flexibility but not the maintenance of information in WM. The inability to adjust behavior rapidly and flexibly may have repercussions for daily life activities.}, }
@article {pmid23293376, year = {2009}, author = {Ellis, JM and Langen, TA and Berg, EC}, title = {Signaling for food and sex? Begging by reproductive female white-throated magpie-jays.}, journal = {Animal behaviour}, volume = {78}, number = {3}, pages = {615-623}, pmid = {23293376}, issn = {0003-3472}, support = {R01 MH060461/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Food begging is common in nutritionally dependent young of many animals, but structurally homologous calls recur in adult signal repertoires of many species. We propose eight functional hypotheses for begging in adults; these stem from observations in birds but apply broadly to other taxa in which begging occurs. Adult cooperatively-breeding white-throated magpie-jays (Calocitta formosa) use loud begging vocalizations, particularly near the nest site during reproduction. We analysed the social context and behavioural phenology of loud calling and allofeeding in this species and compared these with predictions from each functional hypothesis. We found that reproductive females are the primary producers of beg calls, and their begging peaks during the fertile period when reproductive conflict among males and females was highest. Loud begging rates correlated positively with provisioning rates, but females called more in the pre-incubation fertile period than after they initiated incubation. Based on the context, phenology and active space of the signal, we conclude that female loud begging vocalizations function to signal nutritional need to group members, but also have been evolutionarily co-opted to advertise fertility to potential extra-pair partners. The location of calling is likely a consequence of nest guarding by breeding females to prevent intraspecific brood parasitism.}, }
@article {pmid19716165, year = {2009}, author = {Meyer, J and Jaspers, VL and Eens, M and de Coen, W}, title = {The relationship between perfluorinated chemical levels in the feathers and livers of birds from different trophic levels.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {407}, number = {22}, pages = {5894-5900}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2009.07.032}, pmid = {19716165}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {Alkanesulfonic Acids/metabolism ; Animals ; Birds/*metabolism ; Charadriiformes/metabolism ; Columbiformes/metabolism ; Environmental Exposure/analysis ; Environmental Monitoring ; Environmental Pollutants/*metabolism ; Feathers/*metabolism ; Fluorocarbons/*metabolism ; Food Chain ; Liver/*metabolism ; Passeriformes/metabolism ; Raptors/metabolism ; }, abstract = {Although feathers have been used successfully for monitoring heavy metals and organic pollutants, there are currently no data available on the use of feathers as indicators of perfluorinated chemical (PFC) exposure in birds. Also, no study has evaluated PFC levels in birds with different diets from different habitats. In the current study we investigated the PFC exposure of five different bird species from the same geographic region in Belgium, using both feathers and liver tissue. The highest mean liver perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) levels were found in the Grey Heron (476 ng/g ww) followed by the Herring Gull (292 ng/g ww) and Eurasian Sparrowhawk (236 ng/g ww), whereas the Eurasian Magpie (17 ng/g ww) and the Eurasian Collared Dove (12 ng/g ww) had the lowest levels. The PFOS levels in the feathers showed a different pattern. The Grey Heron had the highest feather PFOS levels (247 ng/g dw), the Eurasian Sparrowhawk (102 ng/g dw) had the second highest feather PFOS levels, followed by the Herring Gull (79 ng/g dw) and the Eurasian Collared Dove (48 ng/g dw), and the lowest levels were found in the Eurasian Magpie (31 ng/g dw). Overall, there was a significant positive correlation (Pearson, R=0.622, p<0.01) between the feather and liver PFOS levels, indicating that feathers could be an alternative bioindicator for PFOS exposure in birds. However, caution should be taken as there was no significant correlation between the PFOS levels in the feathers and livers of the individual species. In general, birds from a higher trophic level had higher PFC levels in their tissues. This indicates that diet plays a role in PFC exposure in birds and confirms the bioaccumulation potential of PFC.}, }
@article {pmid19688934, year = {2009}, author = {Malt, JM and Lank, DB}, title = {Marbled murrelet nest predation risk in managed forest landscapes: dynamic fragmentation effects at multiple scales.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {19}, number = {5}, pages = {1274-1287}, doi = {10.1890/08-0598.1}, pmid = {19688934}, issn = {1051-0761}, mesh = {Animals ; British Columbia ; Charadriiformes/*physiology ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Nesting Behavior ; Population Dynamics ; *Predatory Behavior ; Risk Assessment ; *Trees ; }, abstract = {The effects of forest fragmentation on bird populations have been studied primarily as static phenomena. Yet when forests are allowed to regenerate, local edge contrast and landscape matrix composition change with time, and we would expect fragmentation effects to change accordingly. Describing this process is critical for the conservation of avian species sensitive to forest fragmentation, including the Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus), a seabird threatened by ongoing harvest of old-growth forest nesting habitat. We experimentally assessed potential murrelet nest predation probability in four regions of southwestern British Columbia, Canada. We compared the fates of 448 simulated murrelet nests at paired edge and interior treatments, at sites with "hard" edges (recent clearcuts), "soft" edges (regenerating forest), and natural edges (i.e., riparian areas). Motion-sensitive digital nest cameras enabled us to focus on known predators of real nests, and patterns of nest fates did not differ between real and simulated nests. Using information-theoretic model selection (AIC) with the combined data set (116 sites), we assessed effects at patch (approximately 13 ha), landscape (approximately 1700 ha), and regional (approximately 96000 ha) scales. Nest disturbance probability at hard edges was 2.5 times that of interior sites, but soft edges had less than half the disturbance probability of interiors. There was no edge effect at natural edges. At the landscape scale, overall avian disturbance risk declined by as much as 50% with increasing amounts of regenerating forest in the surrounding matrix. These results indicate that initially negative fragmentation effects decrease as forests regenerate, at both patch and landscape scales. There was no evidence that these patterns differed between regions. Predator surveys suggested that Steller's Jays drive patterns of nest predation risk at the regional scale. Assuming that corvids are the most important predators, larger reserves of habitat will lessen negative hard-edge effects. Smaller reserves should be embedded in a protective matrix of regenerating forest to reduce predation risk at both patch and landscape scales. Our results suggest that dynamic fragmentation effects are generalizable across widespread regions and can be broadly applied to both murrelet management and the conservation of old-growth forest-breeding birds in general.}, }
@article {pmid19685971, year = {2009}, author = {Salwiczek, LH and Emery, NJ and Schlinger, B and Clayton, NS}, title = {The development of caching and object permanence in Western scrub-jays (Aphelocoma californica): which emerges first?.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {123}, number = {3}, pages = {295-303}, pmid = {19685971}, issn = {0735-7036}, support = {BB/D000335/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; R01 MH061994/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MH061994-07/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Age Factors ; Animals ; *Appetitive Behavior ; *Attention ; Concept Formation ; Cooperative Behavior ; *Crows ; Exploratory Behavior ; Feeding Behavior ; Memory, Short-Term ; *Mental Recall ; Motion Perception ; Motivation ; *Orientation ; *Pattern Recognition, Visual ; *Perceptual Masking ; Psychomotor Performance ; *Social Environment ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Recent studies on the food-caching behavior of corvids have revealed complex physical and social skills, yet little is known about the ontogeny of food caching in relation to the development of cognitive capacities. Piagetian object permanence is the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are no longer visible. Here, the authors focus on Piagetian Stages 3 and 4, because they are hallmarks in the cognitive development of both young children and animals. Our aim is to determine in a food-caching corvid, the Western scrub-jay, whether (1) Piagetian Stage 4 competence and tentative caching (i.e., hiding an item invisibly and retrieving it without delay), emerge concomitantly or consecutively; (2) whether experiencing the reappearance of hidden objects enhances the timing of the appearance of object permanence; and (3) discuss how the development of object permanence is related to behavioral development and sensorimotor intelligence. Our findings suggest that object permanence Stage 4 emerges before tentative caching, and independent of environmental influences, but that once the birds have developed simple object-permanence, then social learning might advance the interval after which tentative caching commences.}, }
@article {pmid19664926, year = {2009}, author = {Bird, CD and Emery, NJ}, title = {Rooks use stones to raise the water level to reach a floating worm.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {19}, number = {16}, pages = {1410-1414}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2009.07.033}, pmid = {19664926}, issn = {1879-0445}, support = {//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Choice Behavior ; Crows/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior ; *Problem Solving ; Research Design ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {In Aesop's fable "The Crow and the Pitcher," a thirsty crow uses stones to raise the level of water in a pitcher and quench its thirst. A number of corvids have been found to use tools in the wild, and New Caledonian crows appear to understand the functional properties of tools and solve complex physical problems via causal and analogical reasoning. The rook, another member of the corvid family that does not appear to use tools in the wild, also appears able to solve non-tool-related problems via similar reasoning. Here, we present evidence that captive rooks are also able to solve a complex problem by using tools. We presented four captive rooks with a problem analogous to Aesop's fable: raising the level of water so that a floating worm moved into reach. All four subjects solved the problem with an appreciation of precisely how many stones were needed. Three subjects also rapidly learned to use large stones over small ones, and that sawdust cannot be manipulated in the same manner as water. This behavior demonstrates a flexible ability to use tools, a finding with implications for the evolution of tool use and cognition in animals.}, }
@article {pmid19657761, year = {2010}, author = {Fox, MC and Charness, N}, title = {How to gain eleven IQ points in ten minutes: thinking aloud improves Raven's Matrices performance in older adults.}, journal = {Neuropsychology, development, and cognition. Section B, Aging, neuropsychology and cognition}, volume = {17}, number = {2}, pages = {191-204}, doi = {10.1080/13825580903042668}, pmid = {19657761}, issn = {1744-4128}, support = {2P01 AG17211/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Aged ; Aging ; Analysis of Variance ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; *Speech ; *Thinking ; Time Factors ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Few studies have examined the impact of age on reactivity to concurrent think-aloud (TA) verbal reports. An initial study with 30 younger and 31 older adults revealed that thinking aloud improves older adult performance on a short form of the Raven's Matrices (Bors &amp; Stokes, 1998, Educational and Psychological Measurement, 58, p. 382) but did not affect other tasks. In the replication experiment, 30 older adults (mean age = 73.0) performed the Raven's Matrices and three other tasks to replicate and extend the findings of the initial study. Once again older adults performed significantly better only on the Raven's Matrices while thinking aloud. Performance gains on this task were substantial (d = 0.73 and 0.92 in Experiments 1 and 2, respectively), corresponding to a fluid intelligence increase of nearly one standard deviation.}, }
@article {pmid19654864, year = {2009}, author = {Schloegl, C and Dierks, A and Gajdon, GK and Huber, L and Kotrschal, K and Bugnyar, T}, title = {What you see is what you get? Exclusion performances in ravens and keas.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {4}, number = {8}, pages = {e6368}, pmid = {19654864}, issn = {1932-6203}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; Parrots/*physiology ; Task Performance and Analysis ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Among birds, corvids and parrots are prime candidates for advanced cognitive abilities. Still, hardly anything is known about cognitive similarities and dissimilarities between them. Recently, exclusion has gained increasing interest in comparative cognition. To select the correct option in an exclusion task, one option has to be rejected (or excluded) and the correct option may be inferred, which raises the possibility that causal understanding is involved. However, little is yet known about its evolutionary history, as only few species, and mainly mammals, have been studied.<br><br>We tested ravens and keas in a choice task requiring the search for food in two differently shaped tubes. We provided the birds with partial information about the content of one of the two tubes and asked whether they could use this information to infer the location of the hidden food and adjust their searching behaviour accordingly. Additionally, this setup allowed us to investigate whether the birds would appreciate the impact of the shape of the tubes on the visibility of food. The keas chose the baited tube more often than the ravens. However, the ravens applied the more efficient strategy, choosing by exclusion more frequently than the keas. An additional experiment confirmed this, indicating that ravens and keas either differ in their cognitive skills or that they apply them differently.<br><br>CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that corvids and parrots may perform differently in cognitive tasks, highlighting the potential impact of different selection pressures on the cognitive evolution of these large-brained birds.}, }
@article {pmid19654861, year = {2009}, author = {Wimpenny, JH and Weir, AA and Clayton, L and Rutz, C and Kacelnik, A}, title = {Cognitive processes associated with sequential tool use in New Caledonian crows.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {4}, number = {8}, pages = {e6471}, pmid = {19654861}, issn = {1932-6203}, support = {BB/C517392/1//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; *Cognition ; Crows/*physiology ; Task Performance and Analysis ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Using tools to act on non-food objects--for example, to make other tools--is considered to be a hallmark of human intelligence, and may have been a crucial step in our evolution. One form of this behaviour, 'sequential tool use', has been observed in a number of non-human primates and even in one bird, the New Caledonian crow (Corvus moneduloides). While sequential tool use has often been interpreted as evidence for advanced cognitive abilities, such as planning and analogical reasoning, the behaviour itself can be underpinned by a range of different cognitive mechanisms, which have never been explicitly examined. Here, we present experiments that not only demonstrate new tool-using capabilities in New Caledonian crows, but allow examination of the extent to which crows understand the physical interactions involved.<br><br>In two experiments, we tested seven captive New Caledonian crows in six tasks requiring the use of up to three different tools in a sequence to retrieve food. Our study incorporated several novel features: (i) we tested crows on a three-tool problem (subjects were required to use a tool to retrieve a second tool, then use the second tool to retrieve a third one, and finally use the third one to reach for food); (ii) we presented tasks of different complexity in random rather than progressive order; (iii) we included a number of control conditions to test whether tool retrieval was goal-directed; and (iv) we manipulated the subjects' pre-testing experience. Five subjects successfully used tools in a sequence (four from their first trial), and four subjects repeatedly solved the three-tool condition. Sequential tool use did not require, but was enhanced by, pre-training on each element in the sequence ('chaining'), an explanation that could not be ruled out in earlier studies. By analyzing tool choice, tool swapping and improvement over time, we show that successful subjects did not use a random probing strategy. However, we find no firm evidence to support previous claims that sequential tool use demonstrates analogical reasoning or human-like planning.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: While the ability of subjects to use three tools in sequence reveals a competence beyond that observed in any other species, our study also emphasises the importance of parsimony in comparative cognitive science: seemingly intelligent behaviour can be achieved without the involvement of high-level mental faculties, and detailed analyses are necessary before accepting claims for complex cognitive abilities.}, }
@article {pmid19627491, year = {2009}, author = {Berg, EC and Eadie, JM and Langen, TA and Russell, AF}, title = {Reverse sex-biased philopatry in a cooperative bird: genetic consequences and a social cause.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {18}, number = {16}, pages = {3486-3499}, doi = {10.1111/j.1365-294X.2009.04284.x}, pmid = {19627491}, issn = {1365-294X}, mesh = {Animals ; Costa Rica ; Female ; Genetic Variation ; *Genetics, Population ; Male ; *Nesting Behavior ; Passeriformes/*genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; *Sexual Behavior, Animal ; Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {The genetic structure of a group or population of organisms can profoundly influence the potential for inbreeding and, through this, can affect both dispersal strategies and mating systems. We used estimates of genetic relatedness as well as likelihood-based methods to reconstruct social group composition and examine sex biases in dispersal in a Costa Rican population of white-throated magpie-jays (Calocitta formosa, Swainson 1827), one of the few birds suggested to have female-biased natal philopatry. We found that females within groups were more closely related than males, which is consistent with observational data indicating that males disperse upon maturity, whereas females tend to remain in their natal territories and act as helpers. In addition, males were generally unrelated to one another within groups, suggesting that males do not disperse with or towards relatives. Finally, within social groups, female helpers were less related to male than female breeders, suggesting greater male turnover within groups. This last result indicates that within the natal group, female offspring have more opportunities than males to mate with nonrelatives, which might help to explain the unusual pattern of female-biased philopatry and male-biased dispersal in this system. We suggest that the novel approach adopted here is likely to be particularly useful for short-term studies or those conducted on rare or difficult-to-observe species, as it allows one to establish general patterns of philopatry and genetic structure without the need for long-term monitoring of identifiable individuals.}, }
@article {pmid19624325, year = {2009}, author = {Alati, R and Van Dooren, K and Najman, JM and Williams, GM and Clavarino, A}, title = {Early weaning and alcohol disorders in offspring: biological effect, mediating factors or residual confounding?.}, journal = {Addiction (Abingdon, England)}, volume = {104}, number = {8}, pages = {1324-1332}, doi = {10.1111/j.1360-0443.2009.02643.x}, pmid = {19624325}, issn = {1360-0443}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Alcohol-Related Disorders/*diagnosis/epidemiology/prevention &amp; control ; Australia/epidemiology ; Breast Feeding/epidemiology ; Child ; Child Behavior Disorders/chemically induced/epidemiology/*prevention &amp; control ; Child, Preschool ; Epidemiologic Methods ; Female ; Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders/*diagnosis/epidemiology/prevention &amp; control ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Pregnancy ; *Weaning ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {AIMS: This study explores associations between early weaning and alcohol use disorders in youth and mechanisms by which these associations may operate.<br><br>DESIGN: We used data from the Mater University Study of Pregnancy and its outcomes, an Australian birth cohort study based in Brisbane.<br><br>SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: This study is based on a subsample of 2370 participants for whom complete data were available at age 21 years. Length and method of breastfeeding were assessed at 6 months.<br><br>MEASUREMENTS: Alcohol use disorders were assessed at age 21 using the life-time version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview-computerized version (CIDI-Auto). We adjusted for maternal age, marital status, education, alcohol, tobacco use, anxiety, depression and maternal attitudes towards the baby. Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) and Intellect Quotient (IQ) were measured with the Child Behaviour Checklist (5 years) and the Ravens SM (14 years), respectively.<br><br>FINDINGS: Those who had been weaned within 2 weeks of being born and breastfed at regular intervals were at increased risk of meeting criteria for alcohol use disorders at age 21 [odds ratio (OR) 1.71, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.07, 2.72].<br><br>CONCLUSION: This study confirms a small but robust association between early weaning and increased risk of alcohol use disorders.}, }
@article {pmid19620387, year = {2009}, author = {Yokosuka, M and Hagiwara, A and Saito, TR and Tsukahara, N and Aoyama, M and Wakabayashi, Y and Sugita, S and Ichikawa, M}, title = {Histological properties of the nasal cavity and olfactory bulb of the Japanese jungle crow Corvus macrorhynchos.}, journal = {Chemical senses}, volume = {34}, number = {7}, pages = {581-593}, doi = {10.1093/chemse/bjp040}, pmid = {19620387}, issn = {1464-3553}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*anatomy &amp; histology/*physiology ; Japan ; Lectins/analysis/metabolism ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Nasal Cavity/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Olfactory Bulb/*anatomy &amp; histology/metabolism ; Olfactory Nerve/anatomy &amp; histology/metabolism ; Protein Binding ; Quail ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; }, abstract = {The nasal cavity and olfactory bulb (OB) of the Japanese jungle crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) were studied using computed tomography (CT) and histochemical staining. The nasal septum divided the nasal cavity in half. The anterior and maxillary conchae were present on both sides of the nasal cavity, but the posterior concha was indistinct. A small OB was present on the ventral surface of the periphery of the cerebrum. The OB-brain ratio--the ratio of the size of the OB to that of the cerebral hemisphere--was 6.13. The olfactory nerve bundles projected independently to the OB, which appeared fused on gross examination. Histochemical analysis confirmed the fusion of all OB layers. Using a neural tracer, we found that the olfactory nerve bundles independently projected to the olfactory nerve layer (ONL) and glomerular layer (GL) of the left and right halves of the fused OB. Only 4 of 21 lectins bound to the ONL and GL. Thus, compared with mammals and other birds, the jungle crow may have a poorly developed olfactory system and an inferior sense of olfaction. However, it has been contended recently that the olfactory abilities of birds cannot be judged from anatomical findings alone. Our results indicate that the olfactory system of the jungle crow is an interesting research model to evaluate the development and functions of vertebrate olfactory systems.}, }
@article {pmid19606920, year = {2009}, author = {Alati, R and Gunnell, D and Najman, J and Williams, G and Lawlor, D}, title = {Is IQ in childhood associated with suicidal thoughts and attempts? Findings from the Mater University Study of Pregnancy and its outcomes.}, journal = {Suicide &amp; life-threatening behavior}, volume = {39}, number = {3}, pages = {282-293}, doi = {10.1521/suli.2009.39.3.282}, pmid = {19606920}, issn = {0363-0234}, support = {G0600705/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cohort Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; *Intelligence ; Longitudinal Studies ; Male ; *Motivation ; Pregnancy ; Queensland ; Statistics as Topic ; Suicide, Attempted/*psychology ; *Thinking ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {This study explores associations of IQ at age 14 with adult symptoms of suicidal thoughts and attempts at age 21. Analysis was based on the Mater University Study of Pregnancy and its outcomes, an Australian prospective birth cohort study started in Brisbane Australia in 1981. We assessed associations with suicide thoughts, plans, and attempts. We used two measures of IQ: the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices and the Wide Range Achievement Test. In multivariable analyses, there was an inverse association between Raven's IQ and suicide thoughts, plans, and attempts, but no strong evidence of an association between the WRAT3 and the three suicidal items. Specific aspects of intelligence may be associated with suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts.}, }
@article {pmid19605383, year = {2009}, author = {Stulp, G and Emery, NJ and Verhulst, S and Clayton, NS}, title = {Western scrub-jays conceal auditory information when competitors can hear but cannot see.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {5}, number = {5}, pages = {583-585}, pmid = {19605383}, issn = {1744-957X}, support = {//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Acoustic Stimulation ; *Animal Communication ; Animals ; *Competitive Behavior ; Female ; Male ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Photic Stimulation ; Sound ; }, abstract = {Western scrub-jays (Aphelocoma californica) engage in a variety of cache-protection strategies to reduce the chances of cache theft by conspecifics. Many of these strategies revolve around reducing visual information to potential thieves. This study aimed to determine whether the jays also reduce auditory information during caching. Each jay was given the opportunity to cache food in two trays, one of which was filled with small pebbles that made considerable noise when cached in ('noisy' tray), whereas the other one contained soil that made little detectable noise when cached in ('quiet' tray). When the jays could be heard, but not seen, by a competitor, they cached proportionally less food items in the 'noisy' substrate than when they cached alone in the room, or when they could be seen and heard by competitors. These results suggest that western scrub-jays know when to conceal auditory information, namely when a competitor cannot see but can hear the caching event.}, }
@article {pmid19570777, year = {2009}, author = {Bodey, TW and McDonald, RA and Bearhop, S}, title = {Mesopredators constrain a top predator: competitive release of ravens after culling crows.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {5}, number = {5}, pages = {617-620}, pmid = {19570777}, issn = {1744-957X}, mesh = {Animals ; Competitive Behavior ; Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; *Food Chain ; Male ; Population Density ; *Predatory Behavior ; }, abstract = {Although predator control programmes rarely consider complex competitive interactions among predators, it is becoming clear that removal of larger 'superior' competitors often releases the 'inferior' ones and can precipitate trophic cascades. In contrast, our study indicates that culling hooded crows Corvus cornix appears to release a larger competitor, the common raven Corvus corax. Ravens ranged more widely, and the predation of artificial nests was significantly faster (although total predation was similar), after the removal of crows. Our study provides evidence of a novel reversal of competitive release where a larger species was freed from constraints imposed on its distribution and behaviour by a smaller species, and emphasizes the importance of considering community and ecosystem effects of predator manipulations when undertaken for conservation or game management.}, }
@article {pmid19544727, year = {2009}, author = {Heiss, RS and Clark, AB and McGowan, KJ}, title = {Growth and nutritional state of American Crow nestlings vary between urban and rural habitats.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {19}, number = {4}, pages = {829-839}, doi = {10.1890/08-0140.1}, pmid = {19544727}, issn = {1051-0761}, support = {R21-1064305-01//PHS HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Blood Proteins/*metabolism ; Calcium/*blood ; Corticosterone/*blood ; Crows/blood/*growth &amp; development ; Dietary Supplements ; *Ecosystem ; Feeding Behavior ; Malnutrition/blood/therapy/veterinary ; Nesting Behavior ; New York ; Rural Population ; Suburban Population ; }, abstract = {In urbanized areas, many adult birds find sufficient foods to survive, but the anthropogenic foods that are abundant there may be detrimental to nestling growth. In fact, American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) nestlings are smaller in suburban than rural areas, possibly because of nutrient limitation. Here, we seek to identify possible causes of size differences by comparing both size and blood chemistry measures in rural and suburban crow nestlings. We quantified land use in known crow territories and distinguished three distinct environments: suburban-residential, suburban-managed (e.g., golf courses), and rural. We measured nestlings near fledging age in each environment and bled them for determination of unbound plasma calcium, total protein, and corticosterone. We supplemented a subset of broods in suburban-residential and rural areas with a food high in protein and calcium. Rural nestlings were significantly larger than suburban-residential crows and had higher total serum protein. Nestlings in suburban-managed areas were intermediate in size and serum protein but had the lowest plasma calcium levels. Nestling corticosterone levels did not differ significantly among habitats, indicating that, although suburban nestlings may be food-limited, they were not starving. Supplemented nestlings in suburban-residential areas were significantly larger in some growth measures than their unsupplemented counterparts. Unexpectedly, supplemented rural nestlings were significantly smaller than unsupplemented rural ones, suggesting that parents use easily accessible food even when it is nutritionally suboptimal. Our results indicate that nestlings in suburban areas are nutrient restricted, rather than calorie restricted.}, }
@article {pmid19530215, year = {2009}, author = {Soulières, I and Dawson, M and Samson, F and Barbeau, EB and Sahyoun, CP and Strangman, GE and Zeffiro, TA and Mottron, L}, title = {Enhanced visual processing contributes to matrix reasoning in autism.}, journal = {Human brain mapping}, volume = {30}, number = {12}, pages = {4082-4107}, pmid = {19530215}, issn = {1097-0193}, support = {MOP-84243/CAPMC/CIHR/Canada ; P41 RR14075/RR/NCRR NIH HHS/United States ; P41 RR014075/RR/NCRR NIH HHS/United States ; AS2706/AS/Autism Speaks/United States ; P41 RR014075-10/RR/NCRR NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Autistic Disorder/*physiopathology ; *Brain Mapping ; Female ; Humans ; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Intelligence Tests ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Reaction Time/physiology ; Visual Perception/*physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Recent behavioral investigations have revealed that autistics perform more proficiently on Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM) than would be predicted by their Wechsler intelligence scores. A widely-used test of fluid reasoning and intelligence, the RSPM assays abilities to flexibly infer rules, manage goal hierarchies, and perform high-level abstractions. The neural substrates for these abilities are known to encompass a large frontoparietal network, with different processing models placing variable emphasis on the specific roles of the prefrontal or posterior regions. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to explore the neural bases of autistics' RSPM problem solving. Fifteen autistic and eighteen non-autistic participants, matched on age, sex, manual preference and Wechsler IQ, completed 60 self-paced randomly-ordered RSPM items along with a visually similar 60-item pattern matching comparison task. Accuracy and response times did not differ between groups in the pattern matching task. In the RSPM task, autistics performed with similar accuracy, but with shorter response times, compared to their non-autistic controls. In both the entire sample and a subsample of participants additionally matched on RSPM performance to control for potential response time confounds, neural activity was similar in both groups for the pattern matching task. However, for the RSPM task, autistics displayed relatively increased task-related activity in extrastriate areas (BA18), and decreased activity in the lateral prefrontal cortex (BA9) and the medial posterior parietal cortex (BA7). Visual processing mechanisms may therefore play a more prominent role in reasoning in autistics.}, }
@article {pmid19520803, year = {2009}, author = {Salomons, HM and Mulder, GA and van de Zande, L and Haussmann, MF and Linskens, MH and Verhulst, S}, title = {Telomere shortening and survival in free-living corvids.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {276}, number = {1670}, pages = {3157-3165}, pmid = {19520803}, issn = {0962-8452}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/genetics/*physiology ; Longevity/genetics ; Oxidative Stress/genetics ; Telomere/*metabolism ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {Evidence accumulates that telomere shortening reflects lifestyle and predicts remaining lifespan, but little is known of telomere dynamics and their relation to survival under natural conditions. We present longitudinal telomere data in free-living jackdaws (Corvus monedula) and test hypotheses on telomere shortening and survival. Telomeres in erythrocytes were measured using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Telomere shortening rates within individuals were twice as high as the population level slope, demonstrating that individuals with short telomeres are less likely to survive. Further analysis showed that shortening rate in particular predicted survival, because telomere shortening was much accelerated during a bird's last year in the colony. Telomere shortening was also faster early in life, even after growth was completed. It was previously shown that the lengths of the shortest telomeres best predict cellular senescence, suggesting that shorter telomeres should be better protected. We test the latter hypothesis and show that, within individuals, long telomeres shorten faster than short telomeres in adults and nestlings, a result not previously shown in vivo. Moreover, survival selection in adults was most conspicuous on relatively long telomeres. In conclusion, our longitudinal data indicate that the shortening rate of long telomeres may be a measure of 'life stress' and hence holds promise as a biomarker of remaining lifespan.}, }
@article {pmid19490396, year = {2009}, author = {Tsukahara, N and Kamata, N and Nagasawa, M and Sugita, S}, title = {Bilateral innervation of syringeal muscles by the hypoglossal nucleus in the jungle crow (Corvus macrorhynchos).}, journal = {Journal of anatomy}, volume = {215}, number = {2}, pages = {141-149}, pmid = {19490396}, issn = {1469-7580}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*anatomy &amp; histology/physiology ; Female ; Horseradish Peroxidase ; Hypoglossal Nerve/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Male ; Muscle, Skeletal/anatomy &amp; histology/*innervation ; Trachea/anatomy &amp; histology/*innervation ; Vocalization, Animal/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Bird vocalizations are produced by contractions of syringeal muscles, which are controlled by the hypoglossal nucleus. In oscines, syringeal muscles are controlled by the hypoglossal nucleus ipsilaterally, whereas syringeal innervation is bilateral in non-oscines. We have determined the course of hypoglossal nerves in the jungle crow Corvus macrorhynchos. Our results indicate a cross-over of the hypoglossal nerve from the left side to the right side on the trachea 7 mm rostral to the Musculus sternotrachealis. We also investigated the innervation of the syringeal muscles of jungle crows from the hypoglossal nucleus using the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) method. After HRP was injected into the syringeal muscles on each side, HRP-labeled cells were found bilaterally in the hypoglossal nerve. These results suggest that the syringeal muscles of jungle crows are innervated bilaterally from the hypoglossal nucleus, although these birds are categorized as oscines.}, }
@article {pmid19478068, year = {2009}, author = {Bird, CD and Emery, NJ}, title = {Insightful problem solving and creative tool modification by captive nontool-using rooks.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {106}, number = {25}, pages = {10370-10375}, pmid = {19478068}, issn = {1091-6490}, support = {//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Cognition ; *Creativity ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; *Problem Solving ; Reward ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {The ability to use tools has been suggested to indicate advanced physical cognition in animals. Here we show that rooks, a member of the corvid family that do not appear to use tools in the wild are capable of insightful problem solving related to sophisticated tool use, including spontaneously modifying and using a variety of tools, shaping hooks out of wire, and using a series of tools in a sequence to gain a reward. It is remarkable that a species that does not use tools in the wild appears to possess an understanding of tools rivaling habitual tool users such as New Caledonian crows and chimpanzees. Our findings suggest that the ability to represent tools may be a domain-general cognitive capacity rather than an adaptive specialization and questions the relationship between physical intelligence and wild tool use.}, }
@article {pmid19474047, year = {2009}, author = {Griesser, M}, title = {Mobbing calls signal predator category in a kin group-living bird species.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {276}, number = {1669}, pages = {2887-2892}, pmid = {19474047}, issn = {0962-8452}, mesh = {Animals ; Hawks/*physiology ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; *Predatory Behavior ; *Social Behavior ; Strigiformes/*physiology ; *Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {Many prey species gather together to approach and harass their predators despite the associated risks. While mobbing, prey usually utter calls and previous experiments have demonstrated that mobbing calls can convey information about risk to conspecifics. However, the risk posed by predators also differs between predator categories. The ability to communicate predator category would be adaptive because it would allow other mobbers to adjust their risk taking. I tested this idea in Siberian jays Perisoreus infaustus, a group-living bird species, by exposing jay groups to mounts of three hawk and three owl species of varying risks. Groups immediately approached to mob the mount and uttered up to 14 different call types. Jays gave more calls when mobbing a more dangerous predator and when in the presence of kin. Five call types were predator-category-specific and jays uttered two hawk-specific and three owl-specific call types. Thus, this is one of the first studies to demonstrate that mobbing calls can simultaneously encode information about both predator category and the risk posed by a predator. Since antipredator calls of Siberian jays are known to specifically aim at reducing the risk to relatives, kin-based sociality could be an important factor in facilitating the evolution of predator-category-specific mobbing calls.}, }
@article {pmid19466468, year = {2009}, author = {Feeney, MC and Roberts, WA and Sherry, DF}, title = {Memory for what, where, and when in the black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus).}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {12}, number = {6}, pages = {767-777}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-009-0236-x}, pmid = {19466468}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; Feeding Behavior ; Memory/*physiology ; Retention, Psychology ; Songbirds/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Episodic memory is the ability to remember personally experienced past events (Tulving in Organization of memory. Academic Press, San Diego, pp. 381-403, 1972). In non-human animals, the behavioural criterion for episodic-like memory is remembering "what" occurred in conjunction with "when" and "where" (Clayton and Dickinson in Nature 395:272-274, 1998). We conducted tests for "what, where, and when" memory in a food-storing bird, the black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus). In Experiment 1, chickadees found sunflower seeds and mealworms in concealed sites in their home cage. Birds later re-visited these sites after either a short (3 h) or long (123 h) retention interval. Chickadees normally prefer mealworms, but at the long retention interval mealworms were degraded in taste and appearance. Chickadees showed some memory for what kind of food they had encountered and where, but no memory for when food had previously been found. Experiment 2 followed a similar procedure, except that chickadees searched for hidden sunflower seeds and mealworms in trees in an indoor aviary. These more natural conditions increased both the spatial scale of the task and the effort required to find food. In this experiment, birds showed evidence for all three components of what-where-when memory. Unlike some previous studies of episodic-like memory, birds' behaviour cannot be accounted for by differential memory strength for more recent events. The results show that memory for what, where, and when occurs in food-storing birds outside the corvid family, does not require food caching or retrieval, and that remembering "when" can depend on the nature of the task.}, }
@article {pmid19460119, year = {2009}, author = {Chen, YJ and Ho, MY and Chen, KJ and Hsu, CF and Ryu, SJ}, title = {Estimation of premorbid general fluid intelligence using traditional Chinese reading performance in Taiwanese samples.}, journal = {Psychiatry and clinical neurosciences}, volume = {63}, number = {4}, pages = {500-507}, doi = {10.1111/j.1440-1819.2009.01970.x}, pmid = {19460119}, issn = {1440-1819}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Distribution ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Asian People/psychology/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Educational Status ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; *Language ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Psychometrics ; *Reading ; Regression Analysis ; Reproducibility of Results ; Taiwan ; Wechsler Scales/statistics &amp; numerical data ; }, abstract = {AIMS: The aims of the present study were to (i) investigate if traditional Chinese word reading ability can be used for estimating premorbid general intelligence; and (ii) to provide multiple regression equations for estimating premorbid performance on Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM), using age, years of education and Chinese Graded Word Reading Test (CGWRT) scores as predictor variables.<br><br>METHODS: Four hundred and twenty-six healthy volunteers (201 male, 225 female), aged 16-93 years (mean +/- SD, 41.92 +/- 18.19 years) undertook the tests individually under supervised conditions. Seventy percent of subjects were randomly allocated to the derivation group (n = 296), and the rest to the validation group (n = 130).<br><br>RESULTS: RSPM score was positively correlated with CGWRT score and years of education. RSPM and CGWRT scores and years of education were also inversely correlated with age, but the declining trend for RSPM performance against age was steeper than that for CGWRT performance. Separate multiple regression equations were derived for estimating RSPM scores using different combinations of age, years of education, and CGWRT score for both groups. The multiple regression coefficient of each equation ranged from 0.71 to 0.80 with the standard error of estimate between 7 and 8 RSPM points. When fitting the data of one group to the equations derived from its counterpart group, the cross-validation multiple regression coefficients ranged from 0.71 to 0.79. There were no significant differences in the 'predicted-obtained' RSPM discrepancies between any equations.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The regression equations derived in the present study may provide a basis for estimating premorbid RSPM performance.}, }
@article {pmid19455642, year = {2009}, author = {Goin-Kochel, RP and Porter, AE and Peters, SU and Shinawi, M and Sahoo, T and Beaudet, AL}, title = {The MTHFR 677C--&gt;T polymorphism and behaviors in children with autism: exploratory genotype-phenotype correlations.}, journal = {Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism Research}, volume = {2}, number = {2}, pages = {98-108}, doi = {10.1002/aur.70}, pmid = {19455642}, issn = {1939-3806}, support = {T32 NS043124/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Analysis of Variance ; Autistic Disorder/*genetics/*psychology ; Child ; Child Behavior/*psychology ; Genotype ; Humans ; Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)/*genetics ; Odds Ratio ; Phenotype ; Polymorphism, Genetic/*genetics ; }, abstract = {New evidence suggests that autism may be associated with (a) varied behavioral responses to folate therapy and (b) metabolic anomalies, including those in folate metabolism, that contribute to hypomethylation of DNA. We hypothesized that children with autism who are homozygous for the MTHFR 677 T allele (TT) and, to a lesser extent those with the CT variant, would exhibit more behavioral problems and/or more severe problematic behaviors than homozygous wild-type (CC) individuals because of difficulties in effectively converting 5,10-MTHF to 5-MTHF. Data from the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) collection were analyzed for all children who met strict criteria for autism per the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and who had been genotyped for the 677 C to T MTHFR polymorphism (n=147). Chi-square tests, logistic regression, and one-way ANOVAs were used to determine whether differences existed among MTHFR genotypes for specific behaviors on the ADI-R and indices for level of functioning. Exploratory results indicated four behaviors from the ADI-R that were more common and problematic (95% CI) among those with at least one copy of the T allele as compared to homozygous wild-type individuals: direct gaze, current complex body movements, a history of self-injurious behavior, and current overactivity (ORs=2.72, 2.33, 2.12, 2.47, respectively). No differences existed among genotypes for level of functioning as measured with the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Third Edition, Ravens Colored Progressive Matrices, or the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. Findings call for further investigation of the relationship between folate metabolism and problem behaviors among children with autism.}, }
@article {pmid19447669, year = {2009}, author = {Roberts, WA and Feeney, MC}, title = {The comparative study of mental time travel.}, journal = {Trends in cognitive sciences}, volume = {13}, number = {6}, pages = {271-277}, doi = {10.1016/j.tics.2009.03.003}, pmid = {19447669}, issn = {1364-6613}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Concept Formation/*physiology ; Humans ; Mental Recall/*physiology ; *Time Perception ; }, abstract = {People regularly travel through time mentally to remember and reconstruct past events and to anticipate and plan future events. We suggest that a bi-cone structure best describes human mental time travel (MTT) abilities. Experiments with scrub-jays, rats and non-human primates have investigated whether MTT is uniquely human by examining the abilities of these animals to remember what, where and when an event occurred and to anticipate future events. We argue that animal memory for when an event happened must be distinguished from memory for how long ago it happened to properly evaluate parallels with human capabilities. Similarly, tests of future MTT in animals must show that they are planning for a specific time in the future to demonstrate qualitative comparability with human MTT.}, }
@article {pmid19425425, year = {2009}, author = {Dickson, BG and Noon, BR and Flather, CH and Jentsch, S and Block, WM}, title = {Quantifying the multi-scale response of avifauna to prescribed fire experiments in the southwest United States.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {19}, number = {3}, pages = {608-621}, doi = {10.1890/08-0905.1}, pmid = {19425425}, issn = {1051-0761}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Birds/*physiology ; *Ecosystem ; *Fires ; Pinus ponderosa/*physiology ; Population Density ; Population Dynamics ; Southwestern United States ; Species Specificity ; Trees/physiology ; }, abstract = {Landscape-scale disturbance events, including ecological restoration and fuel reduction activities, can modify habitat and affect relationships between species and their environment. To reduce the risk of uncharacteristic stand-replacing fires in the southwestern United States, land managers are implementing restoration and fuels treatments (e.g., mechanical thinning, prescribed fire) in progressively larger stands of dry, lower elevation ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forest. We used a Before-After/Control-Impact experimental design to quantify the multi-scale response of avifauna to large (approximately 250-400 ha) prescribed fire treatments on four sites in Arizona and New Mexico dominated by ponderosa pine. Using distance sampling and an information-theoretic approach, we estimated changes in density for 14 bird species detected before (May-June 2002-2003) and after (May-June 2004-2005) prescribed fire treatments. We observed few site-level differences in pre- and posttreatment density, and no species responded strongly to treatment on all four sites. Point-level spatial models of individual species response to treatment, habitat variables, and fire severity revealed ecological relationships that were more easily interpreted. At this scale, pretreatment forest structure and patch characteristics were important predictors of posttreatment differences in bird species density. Five species (Pygmy Nuthatch [Sitta pygmaea], Western Bluebird [Sialia mexicana], Steller's Jay [Cyanocitta stelleri], American Robin [Turdus migratorius], and Hairy Woodpecker [Picoides villosus]) exhibited a strong treatment response, and two of these species (American Robin and Hairy Woodpecker) could be associated with meaningful fire severity response functions. The avifaunal response patterns that we observed were not always consistent with those reported by more common studies of wildland fire events. Our results suggest that, in the short-term, the distribution and abundance of common members of the breeding bird community in Southwestern ponderosa pine forests appear to be tolerant of low- to moderate-intensity prescribed fire treatments at multiple spatial scales and across multiple geographic locations.}, }
@article {pmid19366459, year = {2009}, author = {Smyth, RM and Spark, P and Armstrong, N and Duley, L}, title = {Magpie Trial in the UK: methods and additional data for women and children at 2 years following pregnancy complicated by pre-eclampsia.}, journal = {BMC pregnancy and childbirth}, volume = {9}, number = {}, pages = {15}, pmid = {19366459}, issn = {1471-2393}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Anticonvulsants/*therapeutic use ; Child Behavior Disorders/chemically induced/epidemiology ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Health Services/statistics &amp; numerical data ; *Health Surveys ; Humans ; Infant ; Infertility/chemically induced/epidemiology ; Magnesium Sulfate/*therapeutic use ; Physicians, Family ; Pre-Eclampsia/*drug therapy/epidemiology ; Pregnancy ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Research Design ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Treatment Outcome ; United Kingdom/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Magpie Trial, a randomised trial comparing magnesium sulphate with placebo for women with pre-eclampsia. This paper describes methods used for follow up in the UK, and presents additional data collected.<br><br>METHODS: In the UK 774 women and their 827 children were included; excluded were women discharged without a surviving child and families who opted out. General practitioners were sent a questionnaire when the child was around 18 months old. When the child was two years, or older, questionnaires asking about the health of the women and children were posted to families. A sample of families was offered a home visit, during which the child was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development.<br><br>RESULTS: Of the women, 12 were lost to follow up and three died. Of the children, 12 were lost to follow up, 5 were excluded and 19 died. General practitioners returned 688/759 (91%) questionnaires, as did 619/759 (82%) women. Responses were largely comparable. 32 women had serious morbidity potentially related to pre-eclampsia. 30% of children were reported to have been admitted to hospital. There were no clear differences between the randomised groups in the child's behaviour, women's fertility or use of health service resources.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Data presented here provide further reassurance about the longer term safety of magnesium sulphate when used for women with pre-eclampsia. Postal questionnaires in the UK to assess the longer term health and wellbeing of women and children recruited to trials are feasible, and can achieve a high response rate. Responses from families and general practitioners were comparable}, }
@article {pmid19345101, year = {2009}, author = {von Bayern, AM and Emery, NJ}, title = {Jackdaws respond to human attentional states and communicative cues in different contexts.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {19}, number = {7}, pages = {602-606}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2009.02.062}, pmid = {19345101}, issn = {1879-0445}, support = {BBS/B/05354/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Attention/*physiology ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; *Communication ; Conflict, Psychological ; Crows/*physiology ; *Cues ; Eye Movements ; Facial Expression ; Fixation, Ocular/*physiology ; Humans ; *Social Behavior ; Visual Perception/physiology ; }, abstract = {Humans communicate their intentions and disposition using their eyes, whereas the communicative function of eyes in animals is less clear. Many species show aversive reactions to eyes, and several species gain information from conspecifics' gaze direction by automatically co-orienting with them. However, most species show little sensitivity to more subtle indicators of attention than head orientation and have difficulties using such cues in a cooperative context. Recently, some species have been found responsive to gaze direction in competitive situations. We investigated the sensitivity of jackdaws, pair-bonded social corvids that exhibit an analogous eye morphology to humans, to subtle attentional and communicative cues in two contexts and paradigms. In a conflict paradigm, we measured the birds' latency to retrieve food in front of an unfamiliar or familiar human, depending on the state and orientation of their eyes toward food. In a cooperative paradigm, we tested whether the jackdaws used familiar human's attentional or communicative cues to locate hidden food. Jackdaws were sensitive to human attentional states in the conflict situation but only responded to communicative cues in the cooperative situation. These findings may be the result of a natural tendency to attend to conspecifics' eyes or the effect of intense human contact during socialization.}, }
@article {pmid19324784, year = {2009}, author = {Townsend, AK and Clark, AB and McGowan, KJ and Buckles, EL and Miller, AD and Lovette, IJ}, title = {Disease-mediated inbreeding depression in a large, open population of cooperative crows.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {276}, number = {1664}, pages = {2057-2064}, pmid = {19324784}, issn = {0962-8452}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/*epidemiology/genetics/mortality ; Crows/genetics/*physiology ; Female ; *Inbreeding ; Male ; Pedigree ; Population Dynamics ; Sexual Behavior, Animal ; }, abstract = {Disease-mediated inbreeding depression is a potential cost of living in groups with kin, but its general magnitude in wild populations is unclear. We examined the relationships between inbreeding, survival and disease for 312 offspring, produced by 35 parental pairs, in a large, open population of cooperatively breeding American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos). Genetic analyses of parentage, parental relatedness coefficients and pedigree information suggested that 23 per cent of parental dyads were first- or second-order kin. Heterozygosity-heterozygosity correlations suggested that a microsatellite-based index of individual heterozygosity predicted individual genome-wide heterozygosity in this population. After excluding birds that died traumatically, survival probability was lower for relatively inbred birds during the 2-50 months after banding: the hazard rate for the most inbred birds was 170 per cent higher than that for the least inbred birds across the range of inbreeding index values. Birds that died with disease symptoms had higher inbreeding indices than birds with other fates. Our results suggest that avoidance of close inbreeding and the absence of inbreeding depression in large, open populations should not be assumed in taxa with kin-based social systems, and that microsatellite-based indices of individual heterozygosity can be an appropriate tool for examining the inbreeding depression in populations where incest and close inbreeding occur.}, }
@article {pmid19324760, year = {2009}, author = {Derégnaucourt, S and Saar, S and Gahr, M}, title = {Dynamics of crowing development in the domestic Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {276}, number = {1665}, pages = {2153-2162}, pmid = {19324760}, issn = {0962-8452}, mesh = {Animals ; Coturnix/*growth &amp; development ; Male ; *Sexual Maturation ; Social Behavior ; Time Factors ; Vocalization, Animal/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Species-specific behaviours gradually emerge, via incomplete patterns, to the final complete adult form. A classical example is birdsong, a learned behaviour ideally suited for studying the neural and molecular substrates of vocal learning. Young songbirds gradually transform primitive unstructured vocalizations (subsong, akin to human babbling) into complex, stereotyped sequences of syllables that constitute adult song. In comparison with birdsong, territorial and mating calls of vocal non-learner species are thought to exhibit little change during development. We revisited this issue using the crowing behaviour of domestic Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Crowing activity was continuously recorded in young males maintained in social isolation from the age of three weeks to four months. We observed developmental changes in crow structure, both the temporal and the spectral levels. Speed and trajectories of these developmental changes exhibited an unexpected high inter-individual variability. Mechanisms used by quails to transform sounds during ontogeny resemble those described in oscines during the sensorimotor phase of song learning. Studies on vocal non-learners could shed light on the specificity and evolution of vocal learning.}, }
@article {pmid19324641, year = {2009}, author = {Sanz, C and Call, J and Morgan, D}, title = {Design complexity in termite-fishing tools of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes).}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {5}, number = {3}, pages = {293-296}, pmid = {19324641}, issn = {1744-9561}, mesh = {Animals ; *Feeding Behavior ; Female ; *Isoptera ; Male ; *Pan troglodytes ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Adopting the approach taken with New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides), we present evidence of design complexity in one of the termite-fishing tools of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) in the Goualougo Triangle, Republic of Congo. Prior to termite fishing, chimpanzees applied a set of deliberate, distinguishable actions to modify herb stems to fashion a brush-tipped probe, which is different from the form of fishing tools used by chimpanzees in East and West Africa. This means that 'brush-tipped fishing probes', unlike 'brush sticks', are not a by-product of use but a deliberate design feature absent in other chimpanzee populations. The specialized modifications to prepare the tool for termite fishing, measures taken to repair non-functional brushes and appropriate orientation of the modified end suggest that these wild chimpanzees are attentive to tool modifications. We also conducted experimental trials that showed that a brush-tipped probe is more effective in gathering insects than an unmodified fishing probe. Based on these findings, we suggest that chimpanzees in the Congo Basin have developed an improved fishing probe design.}, }
@article {pmid19306203, year = {2009}, author = {Coxe, R and Holmes, W}, title = {A comparative study of two groups of sex offenders identified as high and low risk on the static-99.}, journal = {Journal of child sexual abuse}, volume = {18}, number = {2}, pages = {137-153}, doi = {10.1080/10538710902743925}, pmid = {19306203}, issn = {1053-8712}, mesh = {Adult ; Child ; Child Abuse, Sexual/*psychology ; Criminal Psychology/*methods ; Humans ; Interpersonal Relations ; MMPI ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pedophilia/*psychology ; Personality Assessment/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Prisoners/*psychology ; Risk Assessment/methods ; Risk Factors ; }, abstract = {The purpose of this study was to identify possible differences between high- and low-risk sex offenders. The subjects included 285 sex offenders on probation. They were evaluated with the Static-99, Abel Assessment, Raven's, and MMPI-2. A criminal history review identified the number of prior offenses and the age/sex category in the index offense. The high- and low-risk groups were compared on 26 variables: intelligence, age, criminal history, denial patterns, measured sexual interest in children, admission of sexual interests, a childhood history of sexual abuse, victim's age, and personality variables. Four variables significantly accounted for 64% of the variance: age, prior number of felonies, the Cognitive Distortion Score, and the MMPI-2 Infrequency scale score.}, }
@article {pmid19272298, year = {2009}, author = {Fleming, AS and Numan, M and Bridges, RS}, title = {Father of mothering: Jay S. Rosenblatt.}, journal = {Hormones and behavior}, volume = {55}, number = {4}, pages = {484-487}, doi = {10.1016/j.yhbeh.2009.01.001}, pmid = {19272298}, issn = {1095-6867}, mesh = {Animals ; Awards and Prizes ; Female ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Maternal Behavior/*physiology ; United States ; }, }
@article {pmid19252000, year = {2009}, author = {Smith, CL and Evans, CS}, title = {Silent tidbitting in male fowl, Gallus gallus: a referential visual signal with multiple functions.}, journal = {The Journal of experimental biology}, volume = {212}, number = {Pt 6}, pages = {835-842}, doi = {10.1242/jeb.023572}, pmid = {19252000}, issn = {0022-0949}, mesh = {*Animal Communication ; Animals ; Chickens/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {With the notable exception of bee dances, there are no established examples of multimodal referential signals. The food calls of male fowl, Gallus gallus, are functionally referential and the acoustic component of a multimodal display. However, the specificity of the receiver's response to the visual component (tidbitting) has never been tested. Here we provide the first detailed analysis of tidbitting, and test the hypothesis that these characteristic movements are functionally referential. We conducted a playback experiment with five high-definition video stimuli: Silent tidbit, Matched-frequency motion in the opposite direction, Silent crows, Inactive male and Empty cage. Females searched for food more during Silent tidbitting than under any other condition, suggesting that this visual display specifically predicts the presence of food and hence has similar functional properties to food calls. Silent tidbitting was also singularly effective at evoking approach and close inspection, which may enhance signal memorability. These social responses suggest that the visual component of the display has the unique function of triggering assessment of signaler identity and quality as a potential mate. The acoustic and visual components are hence redundant as a food signal, but synergistic when additional functions are considered. These findings emphasize the perceptual complexity of multimodal displays and provide the first demonstration of multimodal referential signaling in a vertebrate.}, }
@article {pmid20522321, year = {2009}, author = {Sherry, DF and Hoshooley, JS}, title = {The seasonal hippocampus of food-storing birds.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {80}, number = {3}, pages = {334-338}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2008.12.012}, pmid = {20522321}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Birds/*physiology ; Cognition/physiology ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Food ; Hippocampus/*physiology ; Memory/*physiology ; Neurons/physiology ; Seasons ; Space Perception/*physiology ; Spatial Behavior/physiology ; }, abstract = {Food storing is seasonal in birds like chickadees, nuthatches and jays, occurring at high levels in fall and winter and low levels in spring and summer. Memory for cache sites is hippocampus dependent in chickadees and both the recruitment of new neurons into the hippocampus and the total size of the hippocampus change seasonally. Unlike seasonal change in the vocal control nuclei of songbirds, however, change in the hippocampus appears not to be controlled by photoperiod. The annual timing of hippocampal neuronal recruitment and change in hippocampal size is quite variable, reaching maximum levels at different times of year in different studies. The amount of food-storing activity by chickadees is known to be influenced by flock dominance structure, energy balance, food availability, and other seasonally varying factors. The variable timing of seasonal change in the hippocampus may indicate that the hippocampus of food-storing birds changes annually in response to change in the intensity of food storing behaviour itself.}, }
@article {pmid19218668, year = {2008}, author = {Menzyk, K and Cajdler, A and Pokorski, M}, title = {Influence of physical activity on psychosomatic health in obese women.}, journal = {Journal of physiology and pharmacology : an official journal of the Polish Physiological Society}, volume = {59 Suppl 6}, number = {}, pages = {441-448}, pmid = {19218668}, issn = {1899-1505}, mesh = {Adult ; Anthropometry ; Body Mass Index ; Depression/epidemiology/psychology ; *Health Status ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Motor Activity/*physiology ; Obesity/*physiopathology/psychology ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales ; Psychometrics ; *Quality of Life ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {It is unclear to what extent the known psychosomatic benefits of exercise hold true for the obese. In the present study, we investigated the hypothesis that the psychosomatic health and components of general intelligence, such as the capacity for logical-deductive tasks, would be better in regularly exercising than non-exercising obese women. We addressed the issue in a self-reported survey study, comprising two groups of middle-aged obese women (age 30-50 years, BMI >30 kg/m(2)) of 25 persons each. The criterion for the group division was regular exercise, minimum twice a week, for at least 2 months. The following psychometric tools were used: Physical Fitness and Exercise Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for depression, Life Satisfaction Scale, General Health Inventory-28, Raven's Matrices Test for intelligence, and a test for selfcontentment with one's body figure shape. The exercising obese women scored significantly better in Life Satisfaction Scale (17.1 +/- 1.2 vs.12.0 +/- 0.9), had a lower level of depression (8.1 +/- 0.6 vs. 13.4 +/- 0.7), and a better assessment of the health status (24.6 +/- 1.6 vs. 36.4 +/- 2.2) (reversed score) compared with non-exercising ones (P<0.05). The exercising obese women also appreciably better assessed their bodily looks. Interestingly, if depression was present in exercising women, it had more detrimental health effects than in physically inactive ones. The study failed to substantiate appreciable changes in general intelligence between active and non-active obese women. In conclusion, physical activity is of benefit for the psychosomatic health in obese women, which should be considered in behavioral counseling.}, }
@article {pmid19240813, year = {2009}, author = {Dall, SR and Wright, J}, title = {Rich pickings near large communal roosts favor 'gang' foraging by juvenile common ravens, Corvus corax.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {4}, number = {2}, pages = {e4530}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0004530}, pmid = {19240813}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Animal Communication ; Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Crows ; *Feeding Behavior ; Seasons ; *Social Behavior ; Social Environment ; }, abstract = {Ravens (Corvus corax) feed primarily on rich but ephemeral carcasses of large animals, which are usually defended by territorial pairs of adults. Non-breeding juveniles forage socially and aggregate in communal winter roosts, and these appear to function as 'information centers' regarding the location of the rare food bonanzas: individuals search independently of one another and pool their effort by recruiting each other at roosts. However, at a large raven roost in Newborough on Anglesey, North Wales, some juveniles have been observed recently to forage in 'gangs' and to roost separately from other birds. Here we adapt a general model of juvenile common raven foraging behavior where, in addition to the typical co-operative foraging strategy, such gang foraging behavior could be evolutionarily stable near winter raven roosts. We refocus the model on the conditions under which this newly documented, yet theoretically anticipated, gang-based foraging has been observed. In the process, we show formally how the trade off between search efficiency and social opportunity can account for the existence of the alternative social foraging tactics that have been observed in this species. This work serves to highlight a number of fruitful avenues for future research, both from a theoretical and empirical perspective.}, }
@article {pmid19223971, year = {2009}, author = {Angrilli, A and Spironelli, C and Elbert, T and Crow, TJ and Marano, G and Stegagno, L}, title = {Schizophrenia as failure of left hemispheric dominance for the phonological component of language.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {4}, number = {2}, pages = {e4507}, pmid = {19223971}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Articulation Disorders/*physiopathology ; Brain Mapping ; Case-Control Studies ; *Dominance, Cerebral ; Evoked Potentials ; Hallucinations ; Humans ; *Language ; Schizophrenia/*physiopathology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: T. J. Crow suggested that the genetic variance associated with the evolution in Homo sapiens of hemispheric dominance for language carries with it the hazard of the symptoms of schizophrenia. Individuals lacking the typical left hemisphere advantage for language, in particular for phonological components, would be at increased risk of the typical symptoms such as auditory hallucinations and delusions.<br><br>Twelve schizophrenic patients treated with low levels of neuroleptics and twelve matched healthy controls participated in an event-related potential experiment. Subjects matched word-pairs in three tasks: rhyming/phonological, semantic judgment and word recognition. Slow evoked potentials were recorded from 26 scalp electrodes, and a laterality index was computed for anterior and posterior regions during the inter stimulus interval. During phonological processing individuals with schizophrenia failed to achieve the left hemispheric dominance consistently observed in healthy controls. The effect involved anterior (fronto-temporal) brain regions and was specific for the Phonological task; group differences were small or absent when subjects processed the same stimulus material in a Semantic task or during Word Recognition, i.e. during tasks that typically activate more widespread areas in both hemispheres.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: We show for the first time how the deficit of lateralization in the schizophrenic brain is specific for the phonological component of language. This loss of hemispheric dominance would explain typical symptoms, e.g. when an individual's own thoughts are perceived as an external intruding voice. The change can be interpreted as a consequence of "hemispheric indecision", a failure to segregate phonological engrams in one hemisphere.}, }
@article {pmid19198528, year = {2009}, author = {Reisen, WK and Carroll, BD and Takahashi, R and Fang, Y and Garcia, S and Martinez, VM and Quiring, R}, title = {Repeated West Nile virus epidemic transmission in Kern County, California, 2004-2007.}, journal = {Journal of medical entomology}, volume = {46}, number = {1}, pages = {139-157}, pmid = {19198528}, issn = {0022-2585}, support = {R01 AI055607/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI055607-05/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI55607/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Aedes/virology ; Animals ; Bird Diseases/virology ; Birds/virology ; California ; Climate ; Culex/virology ; *Disease Outbreaks ; Humans ; Incidence ; Mosquito Control ; Population Density ; Risk Assessment ; West Nile Fever/*epidemiology/transmission ; *West Nile virus ; }, abstract = {West Nile virus (WNV) has remained epidemic in Kern County, CA, since its introduction in 2004 through 2007 when the human case annual incidence increased from 6-8 to 17 per 100,000, respectively. The 2007 increase in human infection was associated with contradicting surveillance indicators, including severe drought, warm spring but cool summer temperature anomalies, decreased rural and urban mosquito abundance but increased early season infection in urban Culex quinquefasciatus Say, moderate avian "herd immunity," and declines in the catch of competent (western scrub-jay and house finch) and noncompetent (California quail and mourning dove) avian species. The decline in these noncompetent avian hosts may have increased contact with competent avian hosts and perhaps humans. The marked increase in home foreclosures and associated neglected swimming pools increased urban mosquito production sites, most likely contributing to the urban mosquito population and the WNV outbreak within Bakersfield. Coalescing five surveillance indicators into a risk assessment score measured each half month provided 2- to 6-wk early warning for emergency planning and was followed consistently by the onset of human cases after reaching epidemic conditions. St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) antibody was detected rarely in wild birds but not mosquitoes or sentinel chickens, indicating that previously infected birds were detected in Kern County, but SLEV reintroduction was not successful. In contrast, western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV) was detected during 3 of 5 yr in Culex tarsalis Coquillett, sentinel chickens, and wild birds, but failed to amplify to levels where tangential transmission was detected in Aedes mosquitoes or humans. A comparison of transmission patterns in Kern County to Coachella Valley in the southeastern desert of California showed the importance of mosquito phenology and spatial distribution, corvids, or other avian "super spreaders" and anthropogenic factors in WNV epidemiology.}, }
@article {pmid19190226, year = {2009}, author = {Hamer, GL and Kitron, UD and Goldberg, TL and Brawn, JD and Loss, SR and Ruiz, MO and Hayes, DB and Walker, ED}, title = {Host selection by Culex pipiens mosquitoes and West Nile virus amplification.}, journal = {The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene}, volume = {80}, number = {2}, pages = {268-278}, pmid = {19190226}, issn = {1476-1645}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/virology ; Blood ; *Culex/physiology/virology ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Humans ; *Insect Vectors/physiology/virology ; Passeriformes/classification/*virology ; Species Specificity ; West Nile Fever/*transmission/virology ; West Nile virus ; }, abstract = {Recent field studies have suggested that the dynamics of West Nile virus (WNV) transmission are influenced strongly by a few key super spreader bird species that function both as primary blood hosts of the vector mosquitoes (in particular Culex pipiens) and as reservoir-competent virus hosts. It has been hypothesized that human cases result from a shift in mosquito feeding from these key bird species to humans after abundance of the key birds species decreases. To test this paradigm, we performed a mosquito blood meal analysis integrating host-feeding patterns of Cx. pipiens, the principal vector of WNV in the eastern United States north of the latitude 36 degrees N and other mosquito species with robust measures of host availability, to determine host selection in a WNV-endemic area of suburban Chicago, Illinois, during 2005-2007. Results showed that Cx. pipiens fed predominantly (83%) on birds with a high diversity of species used as hosts (25 species). American robins (Turdus migratorius) were marginally overused and several species were underused on the basis of relative abundance measures, including the common grackle (Quiscalus quiscula), house sparrow (Passer domesticus), and European starling (Sturnus vulgaris). Culex pipiens also fed substantially on mammals (19%; 7 species with humans representing 16%). West Nile virus transmission intensified in July of both years at times when American robins were heavily fed upon, and then decreased when robin abundance decreased, after which other birds species were selected as hosts. There was no shift in feeding from birds to mammals coincident with emergence of human cases. Rather, bird feeding predominated when the onset of the human cases occurred. Measures of host abundance and competence and Cx. pipiens feeding preference were combined to estimate the amplification fractions of the different bird species. Predictions were that approximately 66% of WNV-infectious Cx. pipiens became infected from feeding on just a few species of birds, including American robins (35%), blue jays (17%, Cyanocitta cristata), and house finches (15%, Carpodacus mexicanus).}, }
@article {pmid19179348, year = {2009}, author = {Subramanian, SV and Jones, K and Kaddour, A and Krieger, N}, title = {Revisiting Robinson: the perils of individualistic and ecologic fallacy.}, journal = {International journal of epidemiology}, volume = {38}, number = {2}, pages = {342-60; author reply 370-3}, pmid = {19179348}, issn = {1464-3685}, support = {K25 HL081275/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {*Bias ; *Data Interpretation, Statistical ; Education/history/legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; Educational Status ; Ethnicity/psychology/statistics &amp; numerical data ; History, 20th Century ; Humans ; Individuality ; Prejudice ; Social Conditions ; United States ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: W S Robinson made a seminal contribution by demonstrating that correlations for the same two variables can be different at the individual and ecologic level. This study reanalyzes and historically situates Robinson's influential study that laid the foundation for the primacy of analyzing data at only the individual level.<br><br>METHODS: We applied a binomial multilevel logistic model to analyse variation in illiteracy as enumerated by the 1930 US. Census (the same data as used by Robinson). The outcome was log odds of being illiterate, while predictors were race/nativity ('native whites', 'foreign-born whites' and 'negroes') at the individual-level, and presence of Jim Crow segregation laws for education at the state-level. We conducted historical research to identify the social and scientific context within which Robinson's study was produced and favourably received.<br><br>RESULTS: Empirically, the substantial state variations in illiteracy could not be accounted by the states' race/nativity composition. Different approaches to modelling state-effects yielded considerably attenuated associations at the individual-level between illiteracy and race/nativity. Furthermore, state variation in illiteracy was different across the race/nativity groups, with state variation being largest for whites and least for foreign-born whites. Strong effects of Jim Crow education laws on illiteracy were observed with the effect being strongest for blacks. Historically, Robinson's study was consonant with the post-World War II ascendancy of methodological individualism.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Applying a historically informed multilevel perspective to Robinson's profoundly influential study, we demonstrate that meaningful analysis of individual-level relationships requires attention to substantial heterogeneity in state characteristics. The implication is that perils are posed by not only ecological fallacy but also individualistic fallacy. Multilevel thinking, grounded in historical and spatiotemporal context, is thus a necessity, not an option.}, }
@article {pmid19169379, year = {2008}, author = {Eisner, T and Aneshansley, D}, title = {"Anting" in Blue Jays: evidence in support of a food-preparatory function.}, journal = {Chemoecology}, volume = {18}, number = {4}, pages = {197-203}, pmid = {19169379}, issn = {0937-7409}, support = {R01 AI002908/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI002908-49/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Anting, the plumage-dipping behavior to which ants (mostly formicines) are commonly subjected by birds (mostly passerines), is shown in tests with hand-raised Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata) and the ant Formica exsectoides to be instinctive: the birds displayed typical renditions of the behavior on the first occasion that they encountered ants. Evidence is presented supportive of the view that anting is a strategy by which birds render ants fit for ingestion. Formicine ants are ordinarily protected by their formic acid-containing spray. Being wiped into the bird's plumage causes them to discharge that spray, without harm to the bird, to the point of almost total emptying of the glandular sac in which the secretion is stored. The ants are therefore essentially secretion-free by the time they are swallowed. Further evidence indicates that it is the ant's possession of the acid sac that triggers the anting behavior in the bird. If F. exsectoides are surgically deprived of their acid sac, they are eaten by the birds without first being subjected to anting. Data are also presented indicating that the ant's crop, which is especially capacious in formicines (its contents may amount to over 30% of the formicine's mass), and which appears to survive the anting procedure intact, constitutes, at least when laden, a valuable component of the trophic package that the bird accesses by anting.}, }
@article {pmid19135159, year = {2009}, author = {Bonaccorso, E}, title = {Historical biogeography and speciation in the neotropical highlands: molecular phylogenetics of the jay genus Cyanolyca.}, journal = {Molecular phylogenetics and evolution}, volume = {50}, number = {3}, pages = {618-632}, doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2008.12.012}, pmid = {19135159}, issn = {1095-9513}, mesh = {Animals ; Bayes Theorem ; Cell Nucleus/genetics ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; *Evolution, Molecular ; *Genetic Speciation ; Geography ; Likelihood Functions ; Passeriformes/classification/*genetics ; *Phylogeny ; Sequence Alignment ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; }, abstract = {Phylogenetic relationships were studied in the genus Cyanolyca, an assemblage of jays distributed from Mexico south to Bolivia. Given its fragmented distribution along the humid forests of the Neotropics, the genus Cyanolyca is a model group for exploring hypotheses on biogeography and speciation. Phylogenetic analyses were based on two mitochondrial and three nuclear loci; taxon sampling includes all species in the genus and most subspecies. Maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian analyses produced trees that were congruent and highly robust at both terminal and deep nodes of the phylogeny. Cyanolyca comprises two major clades: one contains the Mesoamerican "dwarf" jays, and the other consists of two main groups--C. cucullata+C. pulchra and the "core" South American species. Prior hypotheses of relationships were explored statistically using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian approaches. Dispersal-Vicariance analysis revealed the importance of the Northern Andes as a major center for biological diversification, and the effects of dispersal across the Panamanian Land Bridge in the composition of South American and Mesoamerican avifaunas. Phylogenetic patterns are highly congruent with an allopatric mode of speciation. Implications of these results are discussed in the context of the biogeography of Neotropical montane forests.}, }
@article {pmid19128499, year = {2009}, author = {Kulemeyer, C and Asbahr, K and Gunz, P and Frahnert, S and Bairlein, F}, title = {Functional morphology and integration of corvid skulls - a 3D geometric morphometric approach.}, journal = {Frontiers in zoology}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {2}, pmid = {19128499}, issn = {1742-9994}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Sympatric corvid species have evolved differences in nesting, habitat choice, diet and foraging. Differences in the frequency with which corvid species use their repertoire of feeding techniques is expected to covary with bill-shape and with the frontal binocular field. Species that frequently probe are expected to have a relatively longer bill and more sidewise oriented orbits in contrast to species that frequently peck. We tested this prediction by analyzing computed tomography scans of skulls of six corvid species by means of three-dimensional geometric morphometrics. We (1) explored patterns of major variation using principal component analysis, (2) compared within and between species relationships of size and shape and (3) quantitatively compared patterns of morphological integration between bill and cranium by means of partial least squares (singular warp) analysis.<br><br>RESULTS: Major shape variation occurs at the bill, in the orientation of orbits, in the position of the foramen magnum and in the angle between bill and cranium. The first principal component correlated positively with centroid-size, but within-species allometric relationships differed markedly. Major covariation between the bill and cranium lies in the difference in orbit orientation relative to bill-length and in the angle between bill and cranium.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Corvid species show pronounced differences in skull shape, which covary with foraging mode. Increasing bill-length, bill-curvature and sidewise orientation of the eyes is associated with an increase in the observed frequency in probing (vice versa in pecking). Hence, the frequency of probing, bill-length, bill-curvature and sidewise orientation of the eyes is progressively increased from jackdaw, to Eurasian jay, to black-billed magpie, to hooded crow, to rook and to common raven (when feeding on carcasses is considered as probing). Our results on the morphological integration suggest that most of the covariation between bill and cranium is due to differences in the topography of the binocular fields and the projection of the bill-tip therein, indicating the importance of visual fields to the foraging ecology of corvids.}, }
@article {pmid19125367, year = {2009}, author = {Francks, C}, title = {Understanding the genetics of behavioural and psychiatric traits will only be achieved through a realistic assessment of their complexity.}, journal = {Laterality}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {11-16}, doi = {10.1080/13576500802536439}, pmid = {19125367}, issn = {1464-0678}, mesh = {Cadherins/genetics ; Chromosome Mapping ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 2/genetics ; Dominance, Cerebral/*genetics ; Functional Laterality/*genetics ; *Genetics, Behavioral ; Genomic Imprinting/genetics ; Humans ; Membrane Proteins/*genetics ; Nerve Tissue Proteins/*genetics ; Protocadherins ; Schizophrenia/*genetics ; }, abstract = {Francks et al. (2007) performed a recent study in which the first putative genetic effect on human handedness was identified (the imprinted locus LRRTM1 on human chromosome 2). In this issue of Laterality, Tim Crow and colleagues present a critique of that study. The present paper presents a personal response to that critique which argues that Francks et al. (2007) published a substantial body of evidence implicating LRRTM1 in handedness and schizophrenia. Progress will now be achieved by others trying to validate, refute, or extend those findings, rather than by further armchair discussion.}, }
@article {pmid19121221, year = {2009}, author = {Jaari, S and Li, MH and Merilä, J}, title = {A first-generation microsatellite-based genetic linkage map of the Siberian jay (Perisoreus infaustus): insights into avian genome evolution.}, journal = {BMC genomics}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {1}, pmid = {19121221}, issn = {1471-2164}, mesh = {Animals ; Chickens/genetics ; Chromosome Mapping ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Female ; *Genetic Linkage ; Genetic Markers ; Genetics, Population ; Genome ; Genomics ; Genotype ; Male ; *Microsatellite Repeats ; Passeriformes/*genetics ; Pedigree ; Recombination, Genetic ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Sex Factors ; Synteny ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Genomic resources for the majority of free-living vertebrates of ecological and evolutionary importance are scarce. Therefore, linkage maps with high-density genome coverage are needed for progress in genomics of wild species. The Siberian jay (Perisoreus infaustus; Corvidae) is a passerine bird which has been subject to lots of research in the areas of ecology and evolutionary biology. Knowledge of its genome structure and organization is required to advance our understanding of the genetic basis of ecologically important traits in this species, as well as to provide insights into avian genome evolution.<br><br>RESULTS: We describe the first genetic linkage map of Siberian jay constructed using 117 microsatellites and a mapping pedigree of 349 animals representing five families from a natural population breeding in western Finland from the years 1975 to 2006. Markers were resolved into nine autosomal and a Z-chromosome-specific linkage group, 10 markers remaining unlinked. The best-position map with the most likely positions of all significantly linked loci had a total sex-average size of 862.8 cM, with an average interval distance of 9.69 cM. The female map covered 988.4 cM, whereas the male map covered only 774 cM. The Z-chromosome linkage group comprised six markers, three pseudoautosomal and three sex-specific loci, and spanned 10.6 cM in females and 48.9 cM in males. Eighty-one of the mapped loci could be ordered on a framework map with odds of >1000:1 covering a total size of 809.6 cM in females and 694.2 cM in males. Significant sex specific distortions towards reduced male recombination rates were revealed in the entire best-position map as well as within two autosomal linkage groups. Comparative mapping between Siberian jay and chicken anchored 22 homologous loci on 6 different linkage groups corresponding to chicken chromosomes Gga1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and Z. Quite a few cases of intra-chromosomal rearrangements within the autosomes and three cases of inter-chromosomal rearrangement between the Siberian jay autosomal linkage groups (LG1, LG2 and LG3) and the chicken sex chromosome GgaZ were observed, suggesting a conserved synteny, but changes in marker order, within autosomes during about 100 million years of avian evolution.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The constructed linkage map represents a valuable resource for intraspecific genomics of Siberian jay, as well as for avian comparative genomic studies. Apart from providing novel insights into sex-specific recombination rates and patterns, the described maps - from a previously genomically uncharacterized superfamily (Corvidae) of passerine birds - provide new insights into avian genome evolution. In combination with high-resolution data on quantitative trait variability from the study population, they also provide a foundation for QTL-mapping studies.}, }
@article {pmid19120413, year = {2009}, author = {Crone, EA and Wendelken, C and van Leijenhorst, L and Honomichl, RD and Christoff, K and Bunge, SA}, title = {Neurocognitive development of relational reasoning.}, journal = {Developmental science}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {55-66}, pmid = {19120413}, issn = {1467-7687}, support = {P01 NS040813/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; P01 NS040813-06/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; R01NS57146-01/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; R01 NS057146-01/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; R01 NS057146-02/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; R01 NS057146/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Behavior/*physiology ; Brain/*growth &amp; development/physiology ; Child ; Cognition/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Relational reasoning is an essential component of fluid intelligence, and is known to have a protracted developmental trajectory. To date, little is known about the neural changes that underlie improvements in reasoning ability over development. In this event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study, children aged 8-12 and adults aged 18-25 performed a relational reasoning task adapted from Raven's Progressive Matrices. The task included three levels of relational reasoning demands: REL-0, REL-1, and REL-2. Children exhibited disproportionately lower accuracy than adults on trials that required integration of two relations (REL-2). Like adults, children engaged lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) and parietal cortex during task performance; however, they exhibited different time courses and activation profiles, providing insight into their approach to the problems. As in prior studies, adults exhibited increased rostrolateral PFC (RLPFC) activation when relational integration was required (REL-2 > REL-1, REL-0). Children also engaged RLPFC most strongly for REL-2 problems at early stages of processing, but this differential activation relative to REL-1 trials was not sustained throughout the trial. These results suggest that the children recruited RLPFC while processing relations, but failed to use it to integrate across two relations. Relational integration is critical for solving a variety of problems, and for appreciating analogies; the current findings suggest that developmental improvements in this function rely on changes in the profile of engagement of RLPFC, as well as dorsolateral PFC and parietal cortex.}, }
@article {pmid25164800, year = {2009}, author = {Clayton, NS and Russell, J and Dickinson, A}, title = {Are animals stuck in time or are they chronesthetic creatures?.}, journal = {Topics in cognitive science}, volume = {1}, number = {1}, pages = {59-71}, doi = {10.1111/j.1756-8765.2008.01004.x}, pmid = {25164800}, issn = {1756-8765}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Cognition/*physiology ; *Goals ; Humans ; *Memory, Episodic ; *Models, Psychological ; }, abstract = {Although psychologists study both the objective (behavior) and the subjective (phenomenology) components of cognition, we argue that an overemphasis on the subjective drives a wedge between psychology and other closely related scientific disciplines, such as comparative studies of cognition and artificial intelligence. This wedge is particularly apparent in contemporary studies of episodic recollection and future planning, two related abilities that many have assumed to be unique to humans. We shall challenge this doctrine. To do so, we shall adopt an ethological approach to comparative cognition and this necessitates two requirements. The first is that memory and planning need to be characterized in terms of objectively defined properties as opposed to purely phenomenological ones; the ability to remember what happened, where, and how long ago is a critical behavioral criterion for episodic memory. The second requirement is the identification of an ethological context in which these memories would confer a selective advantage. As a consequence, we turn this debate into an empirical evaluation in nonlinguistic animals and one embodied in synthetic creatures. Indeed, our behavioral conception of flexibly deployable information about "what, where, and when" has so far supported a comparative cognition in animals as diverse as corvids and primates. We argue that this approach may clarify and challenge ideas that have been based solely on research with human subjects, without the need to be constrained by phenomenological assumptions based on human-centric ways of thinking.}, }
@article {pmid19108820, year = {2009}, author = {Nation, K and Cocksey, J}, title = {Beginning readers activate semantics from sub-word orthography.}, journal = {Cognition}, volume = {110}, number = {2}, pages = {273-278}, doi = {10.1016/j.cognition.2008.11.004}, pmid = {19108820}, issn = {1873-7838}, mesh = {Child ; Female ; Humans ; Learning ; Male ; Psycholinguistics ; *Reading ; *Semantics ; }, abstract = {Two experiments assessed whether 7-year-old children activate semantic information from sub-word orthography. Children made category decisions to visually-presented words, some of which contained an embedded word (e.g., hip in ship). In Experiment 1 children were slower and less accurate to classify words if they contained an embedded word related in meaning to the category (e.g., slower to reject ship as a 'body part' than an 'animal'), especially when the embedded word was higher in frequency than the carrier word. This demonstrates that young children activate semantic information from sub-word orthographic representations, and that they do so from the relatively early stages of learning to read. Experiment 2 replicated this effect. Furthermore, we observed semantic interference regardless of whether the embedded word shared its pronunciation with the carrier (e.g., the hip in ship) or not (e.g., the crow in crown), and regardless of its position within the carrier, suggesting that interference was not dependent on phonological mediation. These findings show that by 7-years-of age, children have begun to establish an orthographic system that is capable of activating sub-word orthographic patterns, strong enough to connect with meaning, when reading words silently.}, }
@article {pmid19083571, year = {2008}, author = {Har-Shai, Y and Gil, T and Metanes, I and Scheflan, M}, title = {Brow lift for the correction of visual field impairment.}, journal = {Aesthetic surgery journal}, volume = {28}, number = {5}, pages = {512-517}, doi = {10.1016/j.asj.2008.07.009}, pmid = {19083571}, issn = {1527-330X}, mesh = {Aged ; *Eyebrows/anatomy &amp; histology ; Facial Expression ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Rhytidoplasty/*methods ; *Visual Fields ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Eyebrow ptosis and hooding gives the eye a sad, heavy look that often disturbs the visual field.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: A direct extended scalpel-shaped brow lift is proposed to correct this functional and aesthetic disfigurement. This manuscript reviews our experience with the presented technique and evaluates the clinical results in the light of ongoing concerns regarding the appearance of the postoperative scar. In addition, the indications and patient selection criteria are elaborated.<br><br>METHODS: An incision was made along the superior border of the brow, extending laterally and downward, often within a "crow's feet" crease. The upper border of the incision joined the 2 extremities of the skin outline of the lower incision in a gentle convex curve. The general outline of the incision resembled the shape of a No. 20 scalpel blade, in which the maximal width is located laterally at the temple "crow's feet" area.<br><br>RESULTS: Fourteen patients, including 8 males (48-74 yrs of age) and 6 females (67-71 yrs of age) underwent this procedure. The surgical scar was hardly noticeable after 6 to 9 months, and often fell within a preexisting crow's feet crease. Elimination of some of the crow's feet occurred in all the patients. Subjective and objective functional relief with respect to the vision field and the heavy-feeling brow and satisfaction with the aesthetic result were reported by all patients.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The most appropriate candidates for the direct extended scalpel-shaped brow lift are patients older than 50 years of age, with eyebrow ptosis accompanied with lateral hooding, well developed crow's feet, and forehead skin laxity; long, dense eyebrows, and low transverse forehead wrinkles aid in concealment of the scar.}, }
@article {pmid19081174, year = {2009}, author = {Novara, G and Ficarra, V}, title = {Re: Francesco Montorsi, Gerald Brock, Jay Lee, et al. Effect of nightly versus on-demand vardenafil on recovery of erectile function in men following bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy. Eur Urol 2008;54:924-31.}, journal = {European urology}, volume = {55}, number = {5}, pages = {e95-6; author reply e97-8}, doi = {10.1016/j.eururo.2008.11.055}, pmid = {19081174}, issn = {1873-7560}, mesh = {Administration, Oral ; Aged ; Circadian Rhythm ; Cross-Over Studies ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Double-Blind Method ; Drug Administration Schedule ; Erectile Dysfunction/*drug therapy/etiology ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Imidazoles/*therapeutic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Patient Satisfaction ; Piperazines/*therapeutic use ; Prostate/innervation ; Prostatectomy/*adverse effects/methods ; Risk Assessment ; Sulfones/therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome ; Triazines/therapeutic use ; Vardenafil Dihydrochloride ; Vasodilator Agents/therapeutic use ; }, }
@article {pmid19045673, year = {2008}, author = {Heller, JR and Pinezich, JD}, title = {Automatic recognition of harmonic bird sounds using a frequency track extraction algorithm.}, journal = {The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America}, volume = {124}, number = {3}, pages = {1830-1837}, doi = {10.1121/1.2950085}, pmid = {19045673}, issn = {1520-8524}, mesh = {*Algorithms ; Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Charadriiformes/physiology ; Crows/physiology ; Geese/physiology ; *Models, Statistical ; *Pattern Recognition, Automated ; Reproducibility of Results ; *Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted ; *Sound Spectrography ; Time Factors ; Vocalization, Animal/*classification ; }, abstract = {This paper demonstrates automatic recognition of vocalizations of four common bird species (herring gull [Larus argentatus], blue jay [Cyanocitta cristata], Canada goose [Branta canadensis], and American crow [Corvus brachyrhynchos]) using an algorithm that extracts frequency track sets using track properties of importance and harmonic correlation. The main result is that a complex harmonic vocalization is rendered into a set of related tracks that is easily applied to statistical models of the actual bird vocalizations. For each vocalization type, a statistical model of the vocalization was created by transforming the training set frequency tracks into feature vectors. The extraction algorithm extracts sets of frequency tracks from test recordings that closely approximate harmonic sounds in the file being processed. Each extracted set in its final form is then compared with the statistical models generated during the training phase using Mahalanobis distance functions. If it matches one of the models closely, the recognizer declares the set an occurrence of the corresponding vocalization. The method was evaluated against a test set containing vocalizations of both the 4 target species and 16 additional species as well as background noise containing planes, cars, and various natural sounds.}, }
@article {pmid19036412, year = {2009}, author = {Jaspers, VL and Covaci, A and Deleu, P and Eens, M}, title = {Concentrations in bird feathers reflect regional contamination with organic pollutants.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {407}, number = {4}, pages = {1447-1451}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2008.10.030}, pmid = {19036412}, issn = {0048-9697}, mesh = {Animals ; Dichlorodiphenyl Dichloroethylene/*analysis/pharmacokinetics ; Environmental Monitoring/methods ; Feathers/*chemistry/metabolism ; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers/*analysis/pharmacokinetics ; Polychlorinated Biphenyls/*analysis/pharmacokinetics ; Songbirds/*metabolism ; }, abstract = {Feathers have recently been shown to be potentially useful non-destructive biomonitoring tools for organic pollutants. However, the suitability of feathers to monitor regional variations in contamination has not been investigated until now. Here concentrations of organic pollutants were compared in feathers of common magpies (Pica pica) between urban and rural areas in Flanders, Belgium. The results showed that concentrations of p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) were significantly higher in the rural areas (rural: 12-140 ng/g feather, urban: 1.1-7.2 ng/g feather), while polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were significantly more available in an urban environment (sum PCBs--rural: 2.9-22 ng/g feather, urban: 41-240 ng/g feather). This pattern agrees with previous studies using other tissues than feathers as a biomonitoring tool. In addition, differences in PCBs and PBDEs profiles were found with lower halogenated congeners being more prominent in the urban areas in comparison to the rural areas. In summary, feathers seem to reflect regional variations in contamination, which strengthens their usefulness as a non-destructive biomonitor for organic pollutants.}, }
@article {pmid18999894, year = {2008}, author = {Gronesová, P and Trnka, A and Kabát, P and Betáková, T}, title = {Avian influenza viruses detected in European magpie nestlings.}, journal = {Acta virologica}, volume = {52}, number = {3}, pages = {185-186}, pmid = {18999894}, issn = {0001-723X}, mesh = {Animals ; Cloaca/virology ; Europe/epidemiology ; Influenza A Virus, H2N2 Subtype/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Influenza A virus/*classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; Influenza in Birds/*epidemiology/virology ; *Nesting Behavior ; Oropharynx/virology ; Passeriformes/*virology ; Prevalence ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; }, }
@article {pmid18984000, year = {2009}, author = {Clayton, NS and Russell, J}, title = {Looking for episodic memory in animals and young children: prospects for a new minimalism.}, journal = {Neuropsychologia}, volume = {47}, number = {11}, pages = {2330-2340}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2008.10.011}, pmid = {18984000}, issn = {1873-3514}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Child ; Child Development ; Child, Preschool ; Humans ; Memory/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Because animals and young children cannot be interrogated about their experiences it is difficult to conduct research into their episodic memories. The approach to this issue adopted by Clayton and Dickinson [Clayton, N. S., &amp; Dickinson, A. (1998). Episodic-like memory during cache recovery by scrub jays. Nature, 395, 272-274] was to take a conceptually minimalist definition of episodic memory, in terms of integrating information about what was done where and when [Tulving, E. (1972). Episodic and semantic memory. In E. Tulving, &amp; W. Donaldson (Eds.), Organisation of memory (pp. 381-403). New York: Academic Press], and to refer to such memories as 'episodic-like'. Some claim, however, that because animals supposedly lack the conceptual abilities necessary for episodic recall one should properly call these memories 'semantic'. We address this debate with a novel approach to episodic memory, which is minimalist insofar as it focuses on the non-conceptual content of a re-experienced situation. It rests on Kantian assumptions about the necessary 'perspectival' features of any objective experience or re-experience. We show how adopting this perspectival approach can render an episodic interpretation of the animal data more plausible and can also reveal patterns in the mosaic of developmental evidence for episodic memory in humans.}, }
@article {pmid18956787, year = {2008}, author = {Tsukahara, N and Yang, Q and Sugita, S}, title = {Structure of the syringeal muscles in jungle crow (Corvus macrorhynchos).}, journal = {Anatomical science international}, volume = {83}, number = {3}, pages = {152-158}, doi = {10.1111/j.1447-073X.2007.00225.x}, pmid = {18956787}, issn = {1447-6959}, mesh = {Animals ; Bronchi/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Crows/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Fascia/anatomy &amp; histology ; Female ; Male ; Muscles/*anatomy &amp; histology/physiology ; Trachea/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Vocalization, Animal/physiology ; }, abstract = {Birds' vocalizations are produced by the syrinx, which is located between the trachea and the two primary bronchi. Oscine birds have multiple pairs of syringeal muscles in the syrinx. To determine the detailed structure of the syringeal muscle in jungle crows, an oscine bird, a histological study and gross examination of the syrinx were performed. In the histological study, sections of the syrinxes from four jungle crows were stained with Azan and observed. Each syringeal muscle was classified by the limit of the fascia from neighbor fascicules. From the gross examination a 3-D image of the structure of the syringeal muscles was generated. The combined histological and anatomical results show that there are seven pairs of syringeal muscles in jungle crows. Muscle fusions were observed in some of the syringeal muscles. It is likely that each syringeal muscle has a specific role. Jungle crows may be able to generate various calls because they have several pairs of syringeal muscles.}, }
@article {pmid18952187, year = {2008}, author = {Jansson, DS and Fellström, C and Johansson, KE}, title = {Intestinal spirochetes isolated from wild-living jackdaws, hooded crows and rooks (genus Corvus): provisionally designated "Brachyspira corvi" sp. nov.}, journal = {Anaerobe}, volume = {14}, number = {5}, pages = {287-295}, doi = {10.1016/j.anaerobe.2008.09.002}, pmid = {18952187}, issn = {1095-8274}, mesh = {Animals ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; Brachyspira/*classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; Cloaca/microbiology ; Cluster Analysis ; Crows/*microbiology ; DNA, Bacterial/chemistry/genetics ; DNA, Ribosomal/chemistry/genetics ; Genes, rRNA ; Hemolysis ; Hippurates/metabolism ; Indoles/metabolism ; Intestines/*microbiology ; Molecular Sequence Data ; NADH, NADPH Oxidoreductases/genetics ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Bacterial/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid ; Sweden ; Swine ; }, abstract = {Intestinal spirochetes of genus Brachyspira are commonly isolated from mammalian and avian hosts, and several species have been reported to cause enteric disease in pigs and birds. Except for a previous publication on three isolates from corvid birds (order Passeriformes, family Corvidae, genus Corvus), of which two are further studied in this paper, no other reports exist on Brachyspira spp. of passerine birds. In this study, cloacal and intestinal swabs of small and large intestines were collected from 116 corvid birds of three species, i.e. jackdaws (Corvus monedula), hooded crows (Corvus corone cornix) and rooks (Corvus frugilegus), from four separate geographical locations in Sweden. Isolates were obtained by selective culture from 43 of 116 birds. All isolates were weakly hemolytic, indole-negative and lacked hippurate cleavage capacity. Examination by light microscopy did not indicate association with enteric disease in necropsied birds. Pure spirochete cultures were obtained by serial dilution and subculture, and selected isolates were analyzed by PCR (n=14), randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) (n=14), and sequencing of the almost complete 16S rRNA (n=14), and partial nox genes (n=4). Positive reactions were noticed by PCR targeting a hexa-T segment of the 16S rRNA gene, which has been previously reported as a signature characteristic of Brachyspira pilosicoli. By 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the isolates formed a separate cluster related to genus Brachyspira, but not consistent with any presently recognized or proposed Brachyspira sp. The sequence similarity of the 16S rRNA gene among the isolates from corvid birds was 99.7-100%. Compared to 16S rRNA gene sequence data from all presently recognized and several proposed Brachyspira spp. the sequence similarity of the isolates from corvid birds varied between 94.1 and 96.5%. In a radial tree based on nox gene sequences, all four analyzed isolates from corvid birds formed a separate cluster. By RAPD analysis, the banding patterns of the isolates differed from all type strains of Brachyspira spp. Based on the results presented in this paper, we propose that the described isolates from corvid birds belong to a novel species within genus Brachyspira, with the provisional name "Brachyspira corvi" (cor'vi. L gen. n. corvi, of a crow).}, }
@article {pmid18950549, year = {2009}, author = {Mavroveli, S and Petrides, KV and Sangareau, Y and Furnham, A}, title = {Exploring the relationships between trait emotional intelligence and objective socio-emotional outcomes in childhood.}, journal = {The British journal of educational psychology}, volume = {79}, number = {Pt 2}, pages = {259-272}, doi = {10.1348/000709908X368848}, pmid = {18950549}, issn = {0007-0998}, mesh = {*Character ; Child ; *Emotions ; Facial Expression ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Male ; Pattern Recognition, Visual ; Personality Inventory ; Psychometrics/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Reproducibility of Results ; *Self Efficacy ; Sex Factors ; *Social Behavior ; Socialization ; Sociometric Techniques ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Trait emotional intelligence (trait EI or trait emotional self-efficacy) is a constellation of emotion-related self-perceptions and dispositions located at the lower levels of personality hierarchies. This paper examines the validity of this construct, as operationalized by the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Child Form (TEIQue-CF), in primary schoolchildren.<br><br>AIMS: The main aim was to examine the construct validity of trait EI in middle and late childhood by exploring its relationships with cognitive ability, emotion perception, and social behaviour.<br><br>SAMPLE: The sample comprised 140 children aged between 8 and 12 years (M=9.26 years, SD=1.00 year; 63 girls) from two English state primary schools.<br><br>METHOD: Pupils completed the TEIQue-CF, the standard progressive matrices (SPM), the guess who peer assessment, the social skills training (SST) test, and the assessment of children's emotion skills (ACES) during formal class periods. The procedure took approximately two hours with a short break between assessments.<br><br>RESULTS: Trait EI scores were positively related both to peer-rated prosocial behaviour and to overall peer competence. They also predicted emotion perception accuracy beyond overall peer competence. As hypothesized in trait EI theory, the construct was unrelated to IQ (Raven's matrices) and academic performance.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Trait EI is successfully operationalized through the TEIQue-CF and has important and multifaceted implications for the socialization of primary schoolchildren.}, }
@article {pmid18938168, year = {2009}, author = {Schoech, SJ and Rensel, MA and Bridge, ES and Boughton, RK and Wilcoxen, TE}, title = {Environment, glucocorticoids, and the timing of reproduction.}, journal = {General and comparative endocrinology}, volume = {163}, number = {1-2}, pages = {201-207}, doi = {10.1016/j.ygcen.2008.09.009}, pmid = {18938168}, issn = {1095-6840}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/blood/*physiology ; *Environment ; Female ; Glucocorticoids/*blood ; Male ; Reproduction/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Glucocorticoids mediate glucose availability under stressful and non-stressful conditions and, therefore, are essential for life. However, data across taxa demonstrate that chronic or elevated secretion of corticosterone or cortisol (CORT) can have negative effects at many levels and can trigger physiological or behavioral responses that may delay or, even halt reproduction. We present a brief overview of the effects that glucocorticoids, primarily the avian form, corticosterone, can have on the reproductive axis. Considerable data have demonstrated that environmental perturbations can result in elevated CORT levels that alter a bird's investment in current reproduction. Studies in our laboratory have shown a link between CORT and timing of reproduction in Florida scrub-jays: in "bad" years, clutch initiation dates are positively correlated with baseline CORT levels of female breeders. Also, population-level differences in CORT levels may explain timing of reproduction as lower CORT levels in suburban-dwelling jays are coupled with early breeding. Most research on stress and CORT concentrates on transient effects of CORT secretion. However, developmental CORT exposure, either from the yolk or embryo, may have long-term effects upon adult phenotype. For example, CORT levels in nestling scrub-jays predicts later 'personality,' as levels were highly correlated (r(2)=0.84) with fearfulness at 7 months of age. One can imagine that such 'personality' traits might also translate into differential success in gaining a territory or a mate. While speculative, it may be that early CORT exposure effectively programs adult behaviors that have wide ranging effects, including upon reproduction.}, }
@article {pmid18929671, year = {2008}, author = {Dumbacher, JP and Deiner, K and Thompson, L and Fleischer, RC}, title = {Phylogeny of the avian genus Pitohui and the evolution of toxicity in birds.}, journal = {Molecular phylogenetics and evolution}, volume = {49}, number = {3}, pages = {774-781}, doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2008.09.018}, pmid = {18929671}, issn = {1095-9513}, mesh = {Animals ; Bayes Theorem ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Feathers ; Genes, Mitochondrial ; Likelihood Functions ; Markov Chains ; Mitochondria/genetics ; Monte Carlo Method ; Neurotoxins/*genetics ; New Guinea ; Palau ; Passeriformes/classification/*genetics ; *Phylogeny ; Pigmentation ; Sequence Alignment ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; }, abstract = {Bird species in the avian genus Pitohui contain potent neurotoxic alkaloids that may be used for defense. The genus comprises multiple species that are endemic to New Guinea and were presumed to belong to the family Pachycephalidae or Colluricinclidae, within the core corvoidea, an ancient Australasian radiation of crow-like birds. In order to understand the evolution of toxicity within the genus Pitohui, we sequenced three mitochondrial and two nuclear gene segments and reconstructed a phylogeny of the genus Pitohui and its putative relatives. We show that the genus Pitohui is polyphyletic, and consists of five different lineages. Using Bayesian ancestral state reconstruction, we estimate that toxicity likely evolved multiple times within this group. Furthermore, because the morphological and behavioral similarity among these poisonous birds appears to have evolved convergently, we hypothesize that this may be a possible example of Müllerian mimicry in birds. The Morningbird of Palau, Micronesia, that has often been included in the genus Pitohui, actually belongs in the genus Pachycephala and offers an intriguing case of pronounced evolution on a remote oceanic island.}, }
@article {pmid18848946, year = {2009}, author = {Hosokawa, N and Chiba, A}, title = {Embryonic and posthatching treatments with sex steroids demasculinize the motivational aspects of crowing behavior in male Japanese quail.}, journal = {Hormones and behavior}, volume = {55}, number = {1}, pages = {139-148}, doi = {10.1016/j.yhbeh.2008.09.005}, pmid = {18848946}, issn = {1095-6867}, mesh = {Analysis of Variance ; Animals ; Body Weight/drug effects ; Cloaca/drug effects/growth &amp; development ; Coturnix/embryology/*physiology ; Dihydrotestosterone/*pharmacology ; Estradiol/*analogs &amp; derivatives/pharmacology ; Female ; Male ; Organ Size/drug effects ; Sexual Behavior, Animal/*drug effects ; Stress, Psychological ; Testis/drug effects/growth &amp; development ; Testosterone Propionate/*pharmacology ; Vocalization, Animal/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Demasculinizing action of embryonic estrogen on crowing behavior in male Japanese quails was examined. Eggs were treated with either 20 microg of estradiol benzoate (EB) or vehicle on the 10th day of incubation. Chicks hatched from both groups of eggs were injected daily with either testosterone propionate (TP; 10 microg/g b.w.), 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT, a non-aromatizable androgen; 10 microg/g b.w.), or vehicle from 11 to 50 days after hatching, and during this period their calling behaviors were observed. Irrespective of embryonic treatments, all birds received posthatching treatment with either TP or DHT, but not with vehicle, emitted crows in place of distress calls in a stress (non-sexual) context of being isolated in a recording chamber. The posthatching TP, but not posthatching DHT, induced crowing in a sexual context (crowing in their home-cages) from much earlier age than posthatching vehicle in the birds received control embryonic treatment with vehicle. The same TP treatment, however, completely eliminated the crowing in a sexual context in the birds received EB during their embryonic life. In the birds treated with either posthatching DHT or posthatching vehicle, the crowing in a sexual context was only slightly decreased by embryonic EB treatment. These data suggest that posthatching estrogen, derived from testosterone aromatization, enhances the demasculinizing action of embryonic estrogen, and thus strongly reduces the sexual motivation for crowing behavior. This demasculinizing action, however, would not influence vocal control system which generates acoustic pattern of crowing in the presence of androgens allowing the birds to crow in a non-sexual context.}, }
@article {pmid18835075, year = {2009}, author = {Eslinger, PJ and Blair, C and Wang, J and Lipovsky, B and Realmuto, J and Baker, D and Thorne, S and Gamson, D and Zimmerman, E and Rohrer, L and Yang, QX}, title = {Developmental shifts in fMRI activations during visuospatial relational reasoning.}, journal = {Brain and cognition}, volume = {69}, number = {1}, pages = {1-10}, pmid = {18835075}, issn = {1090-2147}, support = {R01 EB000454/EB/NIBIB NIH HHS/United States ; 1-R01-EB00454-01A1/EB/NIBIB NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Age Factors ; Brain/*growth &amp; development/*physiology ; Brain Mapping ; Child ; Cognition/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Linear Models ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Problem Solving/physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {To investigate maturational plasticity of fluid cognition systems, functional brain imaging was undertaken in healthy 8-19 year old participants while completing visuospatial relational reasoning problems similar to Raven's matrices and current elementary grade math textbooks. Analyses revealed that visuospatial relational reasoning across this developmental age range recruited activations in the superior parietal cortices most prominently, the dorsolateral prefrontal, occipital-temporal, and premotor/supplementary cortices, the basal ganglia, and insula. There were comparable activity volumes in left and right hemispheres for nearly all of these regions. Regression analyses indicated increasing activity predominantly in the superior parietal lobes with developmental age. In contrast, multiple anterior neural systems showed significantly less activity with age, including dorsolateral and ventrolateral prefrontal, paracentral, and insula cortices bilaterally, basal ganglia, and particularly large clusters in the midline anterior cingulate/medial frontal cortex, left middle cingulate/supplementary motor cortex, left insula-putamen, and left caudate. Findings suggest that neuromaturational changes associated with visuospatial relational reasoning shift from a more widespread fronto-cingulate-striatal pattern in childhood to predominant parieto-frontal activation pattern in late adolescence.}, }
@article {pmid18831684, year = {2009}, author = {Emery, NJ and Clayton, NS}, title = {Comparative social cognition.}, journal = {Annual review of psychology}, volume = {60}, number = {}, pages = {87-113}, doi = {10.1146/annurev.psych.60.110707.163526}, pmid = {18831684}, issn = {0066-4308}, support = {//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Agonistic Behavior ; Animals ; Appetitive Behavior ; Association Learning ; *Cognition ; Competitive Behavior ; Cooperative Behavior ; Crows ; Dogs/psychology ; Ethology ; Human-Animal Bond ; Humans ; Mental Recall ; Pan troglodytes/psychology ; *Personal Construct Theory ; *Social Behavior ; Socialization ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Theory of mind is said to be uniquely human. Is this statement justified? Thirty years of research on a variety of species has produced differences in opinion, from unequivocal positive evidence to no evidence at all for mental attribution in animals. Our review concludes that animals are excellent ethologists, but on the whole, poor psychologists. Those studies that we believe present a good case for mental attribution all possess high ecological validity, including studies on food competition by chimpanzees and cache-protection strategies by corvids. Even though the current focus of research on prediction rather than explanation may be misplaced, we believe the field is now in a strong position to discover what animals really know about their fellow beings, be it based on simple associations, behavior reading, mind reading, or something else.}, }
@article {pmid18825938, year = {2008}, author = {Pleskacheva, MG}, title = {[Behavior and spatial learning in birds in radial maze].}, journal = {Zhurnal vysshei nervnoi deiatelnosti imeni I P Pavlova}, volume = {58}, number = {4}, pages = {389-407}, pmid = {18825938}, issn = {0044-4677}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Birds/*physiology ; Maze Learning/*physiology ; Space Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Studies of spatial learning and memory of birds in radial maze are reviewed. The radial maze variants (standard, giant and open-field analog) are described; procedural problems of bird testing are discussed. Radial maze task performance of birds is compared with that of laboratory rats as a well-studied standard. Specific features of spatial learning in various taxonomic avian groups (pigeon, tits, corvids, chickens and others) are considered. The results of spatial memory studies in closely-related species with different ecology (food storing behavior, degree of caching specialization) and experiments with migrant birds and homing pigeons are discussed.}, }
@article {pmid18820664, year = {2009}, author = {de Vreeze, RS and de Jong, D and Tielen, IH and Ruijter, HJ and Nederlof, PM and Haas, RL and van Coevorden, F}, title = {Primary retroperitoneal myxoid/round cell liposarcoma is a nonexisting disease: an immunohistochemical and molecular biological analysis.}, journal = {Modern pathology : an official journal of the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology, Inc}, volume = {22}, number = {2}, pages = {223-231}, doi = {10.1038/modpathol.2008.164}, pmid = {18820664}, issn = {1530-0285}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Calmodulin-Binding Proteins/genetics ; Cell Differentiation ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 12 ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4/analysis/genetics ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; *Immunohistochemistry ; Liposarcoma, Myxoid/chemistry/classification/genetics/*pathology/therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics ; *Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-mdm2/analysis/genetics ; RNA-Binding Protein EWS ; RNA-Binding Protein FUS/genetics ; RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics ; Retroperitoneal Neoplasms/chemistry/classification/genetics/*pathology/therapy ; Terminology as Topic ; Transcription Factor CHOP/genetics ; Translocation, Genetic ; }, abstract = {Almost all primary retroperitoneal liposarcomas can be classified as well-/dedifferentiated liposarcoma. Rarely, however, primary retroperitoneal liposarcoma is classified as myxoid/round cell liposarcoma, based on the presence of myxoid areas and vascular crow's feet pattern, which has resulted in a debate on the classification of liposarcoma in the retroperitoneum. Genetically, myxoid/round cell liposarcoma and well-/dedifferentiated liposarcoma are different diseases. Myxoid/round cell liposarcoma is characterized by a translocation causing FUS-CHOP or EWSR1-CHOP fusion, whereas well-/dedifferentiated liposarcoma is characterized by an amplification of the 12q13-15 region, including MDM2 and CDK4 genes. As myxoid/round cell liposarcoma is highly radio- and chemosensitive, differentiation between subtypes is important to optimize treatment. We studied whether primary retroperitoneal liposarcomas diagnosed as myxoid/round cell liposarcoma represent molecularly true myxoid/round cell liposarcoma or are histopathological mimics and represent well-/dedifferentiated liposarcoma. Primary retroperitoneal myxoid/round cell liposarcoma (n=16) were compared to primary extremity myxoid/round cell liposarcoma (n=20). Histopathological and immunohistochemical features were studied. Amplification status of the 12q13-15 region was studied using a multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification analysis, and FUS-CHOP or EWS-CHOP translocations were studied using RT-PCR. In primary retroperitoneal myxoid/round cell liposarcoma, MDM2 and CDK4 staining was both positive in 12 of 15 cases. In primary extremity myxoid/round cell liposarcoma, MDM2 was negative in 18/20 and CDK4 was negative in all cases. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification showed the amplification of 12q13-15 region in 16/16 primary retroperitoneal myxoid/round cell liposarcomas and in 1/20 primary extremity myxoid/round cell liposarcomas. Translocation was present in all (18/18) primary extremity myxoid/round cell liposarcomas, but absent in all primary retroperitoneal myxoid/round cell liposarcomas. On the basis of immunohistochemical and molecular characteristics, apparent primary retroperitoneal myxoid/round cell liposarcoma can be recognized as well-/dedifferentiated liposarcoma with morphological features mimicking myxoid/round cell liposarcoma. In these cases, treatment should probably be specifically designed as for well-/dedifferentiated liposarcoma. Moreover, finding of myxoid/round cell liposarcoma translocations in a retroperitoneal localization is highly suggestive of metastasis and should prompt search for a primary localization outside the retroperitoneum.}, }
@article {pmid18812007, year = {2009}, author = {Kubota, Y and Toichi, M and Shimizu, M and Mason, RA and Findling, RL and Yamamoto, K and Hayashi, T and Calabrese, JR}, title = {Altered prefrontal lobe oxygenation in bipolar disorder: a study by near-infrared spectroscopy.}, journal = {Psychological medicine}, volume = {39}, number = {8}, pages = {1265-1275}, pmid = {18812007}, issn = {1469-8978}, support = {P20 MH066054/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; P20 MH-66054/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Arousal/physiology ; Attention/physiology ; Bipolar Disorder/diagnosis/*physiopathology/psychology ; Cognition Disorders/diagnosis/physiopathology/psychology ; Dominance, Cerebral/physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Oxygen Consumption/*physiology ; Oxyhemoglobins/metabolism ; Prefrontal Cortex/*blood supply/physiopathology ; Psychometrics ; Reference Values ; *Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported prefrontal cortex (PFC) pathophysiology in bipolar disorder.<br><br>METHOD: We examined the hemodynamics of the PFC during resting and cognitive tasks in 29 patients with bipolar disorder and 27 healthy controls, matched for age, verbal abilities and education. The cognitive test battery consisted of letter and category fluency (LF and CF), Sets A and B of the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM-A and RCPM-B) and the letter cancellation test (LCT). The tissue oxygenation index (TOI), the ratio of oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO2) concentration to total hemoglobin concentration, was measured in the bilateral PFC by spatially resolved near-infrared spectroscopy. Changes in HbO2 concentration were also measured.<br><br>RESULTS: The bipolar group showed slight but significant impairment in performance for the non-verbal tasks (RCPM-A, RCPM-B and LCT), with no significant between-group differences for the two verbal tasks (LF and CF). A group x task x hemisphere analysis of variance (ANOVA) on the TOI revealed an abnormal pattern of prefrontal oxygenation across different types of cognitive processing in the bipolar group. Post hoc analyses following a group x task x hemisphere ANOVA on HbO2 concentration revealed that the bipolar group showed a greater increase in HbO2 concentration in the LCT and in RCPM-B, relative to controls.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Both indices of cortical activation (TOI and HbO2 concentration) indicated a discrepancy in the PFC function between verbal versus non-verbal processing, indicating task-specific abnormalities in the hemodynamic control of the PFC in bipolar disorder.}, }
@article {pmid18811660, year = {2009}, author = {López-Sepulcre, A and Norris, K and Kokko, H}, title = {Reproductive conflict delays the recovery of an endangered social species.}, journal = {The Journal of animal ecology}, volume = {78}, number = {1}, pages = {219-225}, doi = {10.1111/j.1365-2656.2008.01475.x}, pmid = {18811660}, issn = {1365-2656}, mesh = {Animals ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Extinction, Biological ; Female ; Male ; Population Growth ; Reproduction/*physiology ; Sexual Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Seychelles ; *Social Dominance ; Songbirds/*physiology ; }, abstract = {1. Evolutionary theory predicts that individuals, in order to increase their relative fitness, can evolve behaviours that are detrimental for the group or population. This mismatch is particularly visible in social organisms. Despite its potential to affect the population dynamics of social animals, this principle has not yet been applied to real-life conservation. 2. Social group structure has been argued to stabilize population dynamics due to the buffering effects of nonreproducing subordinates. However, competition for breeding positions in such species can also interfere with the reproduction of breeding pairs. 3. Seychelles magpie robins, Copsychus sechellarum, live in social groups where subordinate individuals do not breed. Analysis of long-term individual-based data and short-term behavioural observations show that subordinates increase the territorial takeover frequency of established breeders. Such takeovers delay offspring production and decrease territory productivity. 4. Individual-based simulations of the Seychelles magpie robin population parameterized with the long-term data show that this process has significantly postponed the recovery of the species from the Critically Endangered status. 5. Social conflict thus can extend the period of high extinction risk, which we show to have population consequences that should be taken into account in management programmes. This is the first quantitative assessment of the effects of social conflict on conservation.}, }
@article {pmid18796393, year = {2009}, author = {Taylor, AH and Hunt, GR and Medina, FS and Gray, RD}, title = {Do new caledonian crows solve physical problems through causal reasoning?.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {276}, number = {1655}, pages = {247-254}, pmid = {18796393}, issn = {0962-8452}, mesh = {Animals ; *Cognition ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {The extent to which animals other than humans can reason about physical problems is contentious. The benchmark test for this ability has been the trap-tube task. We presented New Caledonian crows with a series of two-trap versions of this problem. Three out of six crows solved the initial trap-tube. These crows continued to avoid the trap when the arbitrary features that had previously been associated with successful performances were removed. However, they did not avoid the trap when a hole and a functional trap were in the tube. In contrast to a recent primate study, the three crows then solved a causally equivalent but visually distinct problem--the trap-table task. The performance of the three crows across the four transfers made explanations based on chance, associative learning, visual and tactile generalization, and previous dispositions unlikely. Our findings suggest that New Caledonian crows can solve complex physical problems by reasoning both causally and analogically about causal relations. Causal and analogical reasoning may form the basis of the New Caledonian crow's exceptional tool skills.}, }
@article {pmid18791878, year = {2008}, author = {Yalçin, K and Karakaş, S}, title = {[Change with age of information processing meta-operations in children].}, journal = {Turk psikiyatri dergisi = Turkish journal of psychiatry}, volume = {19}, number = {3}, pages = {257-265}, pmid = {18791878}, issn = {1300-2163}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Age Factors ; Aging/physiology/*psychology ; Child ; Cognition/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term/physiology ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; Pattern Recognition, Visual/physiology ; Principal Component Analysis ; Problem Solving/physiology ; Sex Factors ; Task Performance and Analysis ; Wechsler Scales ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine meta-systems of cognition and their development,and the pattern of relationships between types of information processing, executive functions, mental ability, and level of cognitive development in children.<br><br>METHOD: The sample consisted of 80 healthy children (39 female and 41 male). Meta-cognition was measured with the Word List and Evaluation of the Degree of Correctness of Knowledge, Feeling of Knowing, and Criterion Test. Executive functions were assessed using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and the TBAG form of the Stroop Test. Mental ability was assessed using Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM). Level of cognitive development was assessed using the Logical Reasoning Test (LRT).<br><br>RESULTS: MANOVA and correlation analyses showed that meta-memory, executive functions, mental ability, and level of cognitive development increased up to the age of 11 years. There were low correlations between executive function and meta-memory test scores, and LRT. There was a low correlation between meta-cognition score and LRT score. There was a low to medium correlation between meta-cognition score and RSPM score. Principal component analysis showed that by 11 years of age, cognitive patterns in the children began to resemble those of adults.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The study showed that the cognitive structure of the children was different from that of adults, as executive functions and meta-cognitive processes in children were similar, but not identical. These processes did not entirely match the Piagetian stages of cognitive development. The results of this study are discussed within the context of the related literature.}, }
@article {pmid18771034, year = {2008}, author = {Oparin, ML}, title = {[Recent fauna of ground-nesting birds in Transvolga steppes and its dynamics in the 20th century].}, journal = {Izvestiia Akademii nauk. Seriia biologicheskaia}, volume = {}, number = {4}, pages = {491-496}, pmid = {18771034}, issn = {1026-3470}, mesh = {Animal Migration/*physiology ; Animals ; *Birds ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Ecosystem ; Forestry ; Nesting Behavior/*physiology ; Population Dynamics ; }, abstract = {It is shown that the structure of the ground-nesting bird fauna in Transvolga steppes has changed during the 20th century. The complex of lark species characteristic of true and dry steppe has disappeared because of climate change and impact of economic activity (the establishment of windbreak and roadside forest strips), which has provided for a sharp increase in the abundance of corvid birds.}, }
@article {pmid18766389, year = {2009}, author = {Schuck-Paim, C and Borsari, A and Ottoni, EB}, title = {Means to an end: neotropical parrots manage to pull strings to meet their goals.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {12}, number = {2}, pages = {287-301}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-008-0190-z}, pmid = {18766389}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; *Cognition ; *Concept Formation ; Female ; Male ; *Parrots ; *Problem Solving ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Although parrots share with corvids and primates many of the traits believed to be associated with advanced cognitive processing, knowledge of parrot cognition is still limited to a few species, none of which are Neotropical. Here we examine the ability of three Neotropical parrot species (Blue-Fronted Amazons, Hyacinth and Lear's macaws) to spontaneously solve a novel physical problem: the string-pulling test. The ability to pull up a string to obtain out-of-reach food has been often considered a cognitively complex task, as it requires the use of a sequence of actions never previously assembled, along with the ability to continuously monitor string, food and certain body movements. We presented subjects with pulling tasks where we varied the spatial relationship between the strings, the presence of a reward and the physical contact between the string and reward to determine whether (1) string-pulling is goal-oriented in these parrots, (2) whether the string is recognized as a means to obtain the reward and (3) whether subjects can visually determine the continuity between the string and the reward, selecting only those strings for which no physical gaps between string and reward were present. Our results show that some individuals of all species were able to use the string as a means to reach a specific goal, in this case, the retrieval of the food treat. Also, subjects from both macaw species were able to visually determine the presence of physical continuity between the string and reward, making their choices consistently with the recognition that no gaps should be present between the string and the reward. Our findings highlight the potential of this taxonomic group for the understanding of the underpinnings of cognition in evolutionarily distant groups such as birds and primates.}, }
@article {pmid18756811, year = {2008}, author = {L'vov, DK and Shchelkanov, MIu and Prilipov, AG and Deriabin, PG and Fediakina, IT and Galkina, IV and Kireev, DE and Frolov, AV and Akanina, DS and Usacheva, OV and Shliapnikova, OV and Poglazov, AB and Morozova, TN and Proshina, ES and Grebennikova, TV and Zaberezhnyĭ, AD and Iakovlev, SS and Shcherbakova, LO and Shapovalov, AB and Zhalin, MV and Rudenko, VP and Pichuev, AE and Litvin, KN and Varkentin, AV and Steshenko, VV and Kharitonov, SP and Proshina, ES and Samokhvalov, EI and Al'khovskiĭ, SV and Aliper, TI and Martynovchenko, VV and Lysenko, SN and Vlasov, NA and Nepoklonov, EA}, title = {[Interpretation of the epizootic outbreak among wild and domestic birds in the south of the European part of Russia in December 2007].}, journal = {Voprosy virusologii}, volume = {53}, number = {4}, pages = {18-23}, pmid = {18756811}, issn = {0507-4088}, mesh = {Amino Acid Substitution ; Animal Migration ; Animals ; Birds/*virology ; Chickens/*virology ; *Disease Outbreaks ; Genome, Viral/genetics ; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; Influenza in Birds/*epidemiology/virology ; Phylogeny ; Risk Factors ; Russia/epidemiology ; Turkeys/*virology ; Viral Proteins/metabolism ; }, abstract = {The paper presents the results of interpreting the epizootic outbreak etiologically associated with high-virulent influenza virus A/H5N1 among domestic and wild birds in the Zernogradsky and Tselinsky districts of the Rostov Region. Epizooty was characterized by a high infection rate in the synanthropic birds of a ground-based complex. RT-PCT revealed influenza virus A/H5 in 60% of pigeons and crows and in around 20% of starlings, and in 10% of tree sparrows. Fifteen viral strains from chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), Indian ducks (Cairina moschata), rooks (Corvus frugilegus), rock pigeons (Columba livia), tree sparrows (Passer montanus), common starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), and great white herons (Egretta alba) were isolated and deposited in the State Collection of Viruses of the Russian Federation. Full-sized genomes of 5 strains were sequenced and deposited in the international database GenBank. The isolated strains belong to the Quinhai-Siberian (2.2) genotype, an Iranian-Northern Caucasian subgroup, they are phylogenetically closest to the strain A/chicken/Moscow/2/2007 (inducing epizooty among poultry in the near-Moscow Region in February 2007) and have 13 unique amino acid replacements as the consensus of the Quinhai-Siberian genotypes in the proteins PB2, PA, HA, NP, NA, and M2, by preserving thereby 4 unique replacements first describes for the strain A/chicken/Moscow/2/2007. The findings are indicative of a different mechanism that is responsible for bringing the virus into the northeastern part of the Azov Sea area in September 2007 (during the fall migration of wild birds) and in December 2007 in the south-western Rostov Region where a human factor cannot be excluded. Mass infection of synanthropic birds endangers the further spread of epizooty, including that in the central regions of the Russian Federation in spring after near migrants return after wintering.}, }
@article {pmid21396068, year = {2008}, author = {Lu, C and Zhu, Q and Deng, Q}, title = {Effect of frugivorous birds on the establishment of a naturally regenerating population of Chinese yew in ex situ conservation.}, journal = {Integrative zoology}, volume = {3}, number = {3}, pages = {186-193}, doi = {10.1111/j.1749-4877.2008.00089.x}, pmid = {21396068}, issn = {1749-4869}, abstract = {The Chinese yew (Taxus chinensis) is catalogued as an endangered species in China because of the small size and senescent status of most populations. Its lack of natural regeneration is the most important reason for its endangered status. We investigated the regeneration of an ex-situ conservation population, which was introduced into the Nanjing Botanical Garden Memorial Sun Yat-Sen in the 1950s, and evaluated the role of frugivorous birds on the establishment of this regenerating population. Two hundred and thirteen individual yew seedlings and saplings were found on the hillside in 2006, and the nearest seedling was found more than 10 m away from mother trees. The spatial pattern of all seedlings and saplings occurred as a clumped distribution, which is typical for vertebrate-dispersed plants. Six bird species were seen ingesting whole "fruits" at yew trees in the present study and 745 visits by avian frugivores were recorded. Red-billed blue magpie (Urocissa erythrorhyncha), Chinese bulbul (Pycnonotus sinensis) and azure-winged magpie (Cyanopica cyana) were the most frequent visitors over the two years of the study. Comparing the flights of departure and perching habitats of the three main bird species, we inferred that U. erythrorhyncha would be the most important disperser. This regeneration population has had good development over the past 20 or more years; frugivorous birds have removed seeds to the hillside every year until now, and seed germination and seedling growth continue to develop well under natural conditions. We suggest that the conservation system of the Chinese yew should be composed of yews, avian dispersers and habitats for seed germination and seedling growth.}, }
@article {pmid18715277, year = {2008}, author = {Aragón, AS and Coriale, G and Fiorentino, D and Kalberg, WO and Buckley, D and Gossage, JP and Ceccanti, M and Mitchell, ER and May, PA}, title = {Neuropsychological characteristics of Italian children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.}, journal = {Alcoholism, clinical and experimental research}, volume = {32}, number = {11}, pages = {1909-1919}, pmid = {18715277}, issn = {1530-0277}, support = {AA014828/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; U01 AA014786/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; U24 AA014811/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; U01 AA014786-03/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; U01 AA014786-02/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; AA014811/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; U01 AA014786-01/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; U24 AA014828/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Attention ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Child Behavior Disorders/diagnosis/*psychology ; Educational Status ; Female ; Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders/*psychology ; Humans ; Intellectual Disability/diagnosis/*psychology ; Intelligence ; Italy ; Language ; Learning ; Male ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; Pregnancy ; Social Class ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) display many problems ranging from deficits in intelligence to behavioral difficulties. Thus, many studies have aimed at defining the neuropsychological characteristics of children with FASD. The current article describes the neuropsychological characteristics of Italian children with severe diagnosis within FASD and compares them with controls. It was expected that intellectual functioning, language comprehension, academic skills, and inattention/hyperactivity would discriminate children with FASD from randomly selected peers without FASD.<br><br>METHODS: This article presents data from a second cohort of children examined in 2005 as part of an in-school epidemiological study of FASD in Italy. Of 80 children, 23 diagnosed with a FASD, and 57 randomly selected control children from the same first-grade classes, participated. After screening for FASD via growth and dysmorphology, the children were administered a test of general intelligence (WISC-R) as well as tests of nonverbal reasoning (Raven Colored Progressive Matrices), language comprehension (Rustioni), academic achievement (IPDA), and problem behavior (Disruptive Behavior Disorder Rating Scale).<br><br>RESULTS: Children diagnosed with a FASD achieved lower scores than control children on Verbal, Performance, and Full Scale IQ. Profile analysis of the WISC-R indicates overall differences between the groups. However, some intact functioning within the FASD group was found, as the Similarities and Vocabulary subtests were similar to the controls. After an alpha adjustment to 0.004, the Block Design, Object Assembly, and Mazes subtests were significantly different from controls. On tests of nonverbal reasoning, language comprehension, and academic achievement, the children with a FASD scored significantly lower. Moreover, teachers rated children with a severe diagnosis within FASD as showing more inattentive symptoms than controls, while hyperactive/impulsive characteristics among children with a FASD were comparable with the control children. Significant correlations between head circumference, child dysmorphology, WISC-R, and Raven CPM scores are also reported.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that a sample of Italian children with a FASD, when compared with control children, display poorer functioning on measures of general intelligence, nonverbal reasoning, academic achievement, and teacher-rated problem behaviors. The findings also contribute to the formulation of a neuropsychological profile of children diagnosed with a FASD.}, }
@article {pmid18715117, year = {2008}, author = {Prior, H and Schwarz, A and Güntürkün, O}, title = {Mirror-induced behavior in the magpie (Pica pica): evidence of self-recognition.}, journal = {PLoS biology}, volume = {6}, number = {8}, pages = {e202}, pmid = {18715117}, issn = {1545-7885}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Crows/*physiology ; Pattern Recognition, Visual ; *Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {Comparative studies suggest that at least some bird species have evolved mental skills similar to those found in humans and apes. This is indicated by feats such as tool use, episodic-like memory, and the ability to use one's own experience in predicting the behavior of conspecifics. It is, however, not yet clear whether these skills are accompanied by an understanding of the self. In apes, self-directed behavior in response to a mirror has been taken as evidence of self-recognition. We investigated mirror-induced behavior in the magpie, a songbird species from the crow family. As in apes, some individuals behaved in front of the mirror as if they were testing behavioral contingencies. When provided with a mark, magpies showed spontaneous mark-directed behavior. Our findings provide the first evidence of mirror self-recognition in a non-mammalian species. They suggest that essential components of human self-recognition have evolved independently in different vertebrate classes with a separate evolutionary history.}, }
@article {pmid18691377, year = {2008}, author = {Leoni, B and Rubolini, D and Romano, M and di Giancamillo, M and Saino, N}, title = {Avian hind-limb digit length ratios measured from radiographs are sexually dimorphic.}, journal = {Journal of anatomy}, volume = {213}, number = {4}, pages = {425-430}, pmid = {18691377}, issn = {1469-7580}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Female ; Hindlimb ; Male ; Radiography ; *Sex Characteristics ; Toe Phalanges/*anatomy &amp; histology/diagnostic imaging ; }, abstract = {Sexual dimorphism in digit length ratios is well established in humans, and has been reported in other vertebrate species as well, including birds. The sign of sexual dimorphism in digit ratios may, however, vary both within and between vertebrate classes. It has been hypothesized that sex differences in digit ratios arise via differential prenatal exposure of the two sexes to steroids, which may affect the expression of the Hox genes controlling the osteometric development of digits and appendices. Among birds, the evidence for sex dimorphism in hind-limb digit ratios is conflicting, though all previous studies were based on measurements of undissected digits, implying that results could be confounded by sex-related variation in soft tissues. Here we report that digit ratios derived from radiographs of both feet of a large passerine bird, the hooded crow (Corvus corone), are sexually dimorphic, males showing larger 2D : 3D (effect size, r = 0.33) and 2D : 4D than females (effect size, r = 0.28). We also observed a good agreement (r = 0.45) between radiographic estimates of digit ratios and digit ratios calculated based on undissected digit measurements (thus including soft tissues). Importantly, we found that the patterns of sex and side differences were largely coherent between the two methods. Therefore, our findings show for the first time in avian species that sex differences in digit ratios have an osteometric basis, a fundamental prerequisite for a role of Hox genes in originating such dimorphism.}, }
@article {pmid18674626, year = {2008}, author = {Koester, D and Schiller, NO}, title = {Morphological priming in overt language production: electrophysiological evidence from Dutch.}, journal = {NeuroImage}, volume = {42}, number = {4}, pages = {1622-1630}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuroimage.2008.06.043}, pmid = {18674626}, issn = {1095-9572}, mesh = {Adult ; Brain/*physiology ; Electroencephalography/*methods ; Evoked Potentials/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; *Language ; Male ; Netherlands ; Semantics ; Speech/*physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {The present study investigated morphological priming in Dutch and its time course in overt speech production using a long-lag priming paradigm. Prime words were compounds that were morphologically related to a picture name (e.g. the word jaszak, 'coat pocket' was used for a picture of a coat; Dutch jas) or form-related monomorphemic words (e.g. jasmijn, 'jasmine'). The morphologically related compounds could be semantically transparent (e.g. eksternest, 'magpie nest') or opaque (e.g. eksteroog, lit. 'magpie eye', 'corn', for a picture of a magpie, Dutch ekster). Behavioral and event-related potential (ERP) data were collected in two sessions. The production of morphologically related and complex words facilitated subsequent picture naming and elicited a reduced N400 compared with unrelated prime words. The effects did not differ for transparent and opaque relations. Mere form overlap between a prime word and a target picture name did not affect picture naming. These results extend previous findings from German to another language and demonstrate the feasibility of measuring cognitive ERP components during overt speech. Furthermore, the results suggest that morphological priming in language production cannot be reduced to semantic and phonological processing. The time course of these priming effects as reflected in the ERP measure is in accordance with a meta-analytic temporal estimate of morphological encoding in speaking [Indefrey, P., &amp; Levelt, W.J.M. (2004). The spatial and temporal signatures of word production components. Cognition, 92, 101-144.] suggesting that morphological relations are encoded at the word form level.}, }
@article {pmid18674604, year = {2008}, author = {Schwab, C and Bugnyar, T and Kotrschal, K}, title = {Preferential learning from non-affiliated individuals in jackdaws (Corvus monedula).}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {79}, number = {3}, pages = {148-155}, pmid = {18674604}, issn = {1872-8308}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior/psychology ; Female ; Learning/*physiology ; Male ; Pair Bond ; Siblings ; *Social Behavior ; Social Environment ; Space Perception ; }, abstract = {It has been suggested that affiliated social relations may facilitate information transfer between individuals. We here tested this rarely examined hypothesis with juvenile and adult jackdaws (Corvus monedula) in three stimulus enhancement tasks, both in a non-food context (experiment 1) and in a food context (experiments 2 and 3). We first show that siblings and pair partners maintain stronger bonded social relations than do non-siblings and non-pair partners. We therefore tested individuals in sibling and non-sibling dyads and, later in ontogeny, in pair and non-pair dyads. Jackdaws either did not learn from any other conspecific (experiment 1), or they learned from non-affiliated individuals (non-siblings, non-pair partners in experiments 2 and 3). This may be related to two main characteristics of jackdaws' affiliated relationships. First, affiliates share food at a high rate and may rely on their knowledgeable partners to secure food rather than learning from them. Second, affiliates spend most time in close spatial proximity to each other which increases the probability that they simultaneously experience occurrences in their environment. Hence, spatially more distant individuals, which are more likely to be non-affiliated, face different foraging situations and may therefore provide more relevant information which may lead to selective social learning.}, }
@article {pmid18671882, year = {2008}, author = {Bello, KD and Goharpey, N and Crewther, SG and Crewther, DP}, title = {A puzzle form of a non-verbal intelligence test gives significantly higher performance measures in children with severe intellectual disability.}, journal = {BMC pediatrics}, volume = {8}, number = {}, pages = {30}, pmid = {18671882}, issn = {1471-2431}, mesh = {Attention/physiology ; Autistic Disorder/diagnosis/psychology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cognition Disorders/diagnosis/*psychology ; Cross-Over Studies ; Down Syndrome/diagnosis/psychology ; Female ; Form Perception/*physiology ; Humans ; Intellectual Disability/diagnosis/*psychology ; Intelligence Tests/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Language Tests/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Reference Values ; Verbal Behavior/physiology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Assessment of 'potential intellectual ability' of children with severe intellectual disability (ID) is limited, as current tests designed for normal children do not maintain their interest. Thus a manual puzzle version of the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM) was devised to appeal to the attentional and sensory preferences and language limitations of children with ID. It was hypothesized that performance on the book and manual puzzle forms would not differ for typically developing children but that children with ID would perform better on the puzzle form.<br><br>METHODS: The first study assessed the validity of this puzzle form of the RCPM for 76 typically developing children in a test-retest crossover design, with a 3 week interval between tests. A second study tested performance and completion rate for the puzzle form compared to the book form in a sample of 164 children with ID.<br><br>RESULTS: In the first study, no significant difference was found between performance on the puzzle and book forms in typically developing children, irrespective of the order of completion. The second study demonstrated a significantly higher performance and completion rate for the puzzle form compared to the book form in the ID population.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Similar performance on book and puzzle forms of the RCPM by typically developing children suggests that both forms measure the same construct. These findings suggest that the puzzle form does not require greater cognitive ability but demands sensory-motor attention and limits distraction in children with severe ID. Thus, we suggest the puzzle form of the RCPM is a more reliable measure of the non-verbal mentation of children with severe ID than the book form.}, }
@article {pmid18670793, year = {2009}, author = {Zinkivskay, A and Nazir, F and Smulders, TV}, title = {What-where-when memory in magpies (Pica pica).}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {119-125}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-008-0176-x}, pmid = {18670793}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {BBS/S/H/2005/12030//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Association Learning ; Color Perception ; *Crows ; *Discrimination Learning ; Female ; Male ; *Recognition, Psychology ; *Retention, Psychology ; Spatial Behavior ; }, abstract = {Some animals have been shown to be able to remember which type of food they hoarded or encountered in which location and how long ago (what-where-when memory). In this study, we test whether magpies (Pica pica) also show evidence of remembering these different aspects of a past episode. Magpies hid red- and blue-dyed pellets of scrambled eggs in a large tray containing wood shavings. They were allowed to make as many caches as they wanted. The birds were then returned either the same day or the next day to retrieve the pellets. If they returned the same day, one colour of pellets was replaced with wooden beads of similar size and colour, while if they returned the next day this would happen to the other colour. Over just a few trials, the birds learned to only search for the food pellets, and ignore the beads, of the appropriate colour for the given retention interval. A probe trial in which all items were removed showed that the birds persisted in searching for the pellets and not the beads. This shows that magpies can remember which food item they hoarded where, and when, even if the food items only differ from each other in their colour and are dispersed throughout a continuous caching substrate.}, }
@article {pmid18612417, year = {2008}, author = {Graham, LA and Lougheed, SC and Ewart, KV and Davies, PL}, title = {Lateral transfer of a lectin-like antifreeze protein gene in fishes.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {3}, number = {7}, pages = {e2616}, pmid = {18612417}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Antifreeze Proteins/chemistry/*genetics ; Codon/metabolism ; Conserved Sequence ; Fish Proteins/chemistry/*genetics ; Fishes/classification/*genetics ; *Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Lectins/*chemistry/genetics ; Models, Molecular ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Mutation, Missense ; Phylogeny ; Protein Conformation ; RNA, Ribosomal/metabolism ; Sequence Alignment ; }, abstract = {Fishes living in icy seawater are usually protected from freezing by endogenous antifreeze proteins (AFPs) that bind to ice crystals and stop them from growing. The scattered distribution of five highly diverse AFP types across phylogenetically disparate fish species is puzzling. The appearance of radically different AFPs in closely related species has been attributed to the rapid, independent evolution of these proteins in response to natural selection caused by sea level glaciations within the last 20 million years. In at least one instance the same type of simple repetitive AFP has independently originated in two distant species by convergent evolution. But, the isolated occurrence of three very similar type II AFPs in three distantly related species (herring, smelt and sea raven) cannot be explained by this mechanism. These globular, lectin-like AFPs have a unique disulfide-bonding pattern, and share up to 85% identity in their amino acid sequences, with regions of even higher identity in their genes. A thorough search of current databases failed to find a homolog in any other species with greater than 40% amino acid sequence identity. Consistent with this result, genomic Southern blots showed the lectin-like AFP gene was absent from all other fish species tested. The remarkable conservation of both intron and exon sequences, the lack of correlation between evolutionary distance and mutation rate, and the pattern of silent vs non-silent codon changes make it unlikely that the gene for this AFP pre-existed but was lost from most branches of the teleost radiation. We propose instead that lateral gene transfer has resulted in the occurrence of the type II AFPs in herring, smelt and sea raven and allowed these species to survive in an otherwise lethal niche.}, }
@article {pmid18611204, year = {2008}, author = {Høie, B and Sommerfelt, K and Waaler, PE and Alsaker, FD and Skeidsvoll, H and Mykletun, A}, title = {The combined burden of cognitive, executive function, and psychosocial problems in children with epilepsy: a population-based study.}, journal = {Developmental medicine and child neurology}, volume = {50}, number = {7}, pages = {530-536}, doi = {10.1111/j.1469-8749.2008.03015.x}, pmid = {18611204}, issn = {0012-1622}, mesh = {Case-Control Studies ; Chi-Square Distribution ; Child ; Child Behavior Disorders/*epidemiology ; *Cognition Disorders/epidemiology/psychology ; Community Health Planning ; Electroencephalography/methods ; Epilepsy/epidemiology/*psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term/physiology ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Photic Stimulation ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Psychometrics ; }, abstract = {The combined burden of psychosocial (Achenbach scales), cognitive (Raven matrices), and executive function (EF) problems was studied in a population-based sample of 6- to 12-year-old children with epilepsy (n=162; 99 males, 63 females) and in an age- and sex-matched control group (n=107; 62 males, 45 females). Approximately 35% of the children with epilepsy had severe non-verbal cognitive problems. In those that did not, mild cognitive problems (26% vs 11%, p=0.005), EF problems (31% vs 11%, p<0.001), and psychosocial problems (45% vs 10%, p<0.001) were each much more common than among controls. Having problems in two or all three of these areas simultaneously was more frequent among the children with epilepsy (14% vs. 3%, p<0.001 and 4% vs 0%, p<0.001 respectively). Excluding those having remote symptomatic epilepsy aetiology did not change the problem load significantly for the children with epilepsy with the important exception that having severe non-verbal problems was approximately halved from 35 to 18%. In 30 children with benign epilepsy of childhood with centrotemporal spikes, mild cognitive problems were somewhat more common, but psychosocial and EF problems were similar compared with control children.}, }
@article {pmid18605440, year = {2008}, author = {Robbins, MS and Horigian, VE and Szapocznik, J}, title = {[Brief strategic family therapy: an empirically-validated intervention for reducing adolescent behavior problems].}, journal = {Praxis der Kinderpsychologie und Kinderpsychiatrie}, volume = {57}, number = {5}, pages = {381-400}, doi = {10.13109/prkk.2008.57.5.381}, pmid = {18605440}, issn = {0032-7034}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Child ; Child Behavior Disorders/diagnosis/psychology/*rehabilitation ; Education/methods ; Family Relations ; Family Therapy/*methods ; Humans ; Psychotherapy, Brief/*methods ; Substance-Related Disorders/diagnosis/psychology/*rehabilitation ; Systems Theory ; }, abstract = {Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT) is an empirically-supported treatment for children and adolescents with behavior problems and substance use problems. For three decades, the efficacy and effectiveness of BSFT has been established through the results of rigorous clinical trials studies conducted at the University of Miami's Center for Family Studies. BSFT is based on family systems approaches, most notably the work of Salvador Minuchin and Jay Haley, but has been refined to meet the pressing needs of youth with behavior problems. BSFT theory and interventions cover four broad domains: joining with family members and the family system, assessing problematic family interactions, creating a motivational context for change, and restructuring family interactions.}, }
@article {pmid18603313, year = {2008}, author = {da Rocha, FF and Malloy-Diniz, L and Lage, NV and Romano-Silva, MA and de Marco, LA and Correa, H}, title = {Decision-making impairment is related to serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism in a sample of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder.}, journal = {Behavioural brain research}, volume = {195}, number = {1}, pages = {159-163}, doi = {10.1016/j.bbr.2008.05.015}, pmid = {18603313}, issn = {1872-7549}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Analysis of Variance ; Decision Making/*physiology ; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ; Female ; Gambling/psychology ; Genotype ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder/*genetics/*physiopathology/psychology ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; *Polymorphism, Genetic ; Promoter Regions, Genetic/*genetics ; Psychomotor Performance/physiology ; Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins/*genetics ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Decision-making impairment is an important feature of some psychiatric disorders, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and substance-use disorders, and is associated with dysfunction of the fronto-subcortical circuit, mainly the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Several data reports support significant correlations between decision-making impairment and the serotonin system. Thus, this neurotransmission system may be a major step in some cognitive features, particularly in OCD because serotonin is associated with this disorder. Therefore, the serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) may be related to the modulation of these cognitive characteristics. In a sample of Caucasian OCD patients, we explored the link between decision-making and the 5-HTTLPR.<br><br>METHOD: We used the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) to measure decision-making in 49 OCD patients, according to the DSM-IV criteria. All patients were submitted to Y-BOCS, BDI, BAI, the Raven Progressive Matrices, the Continuous Performance Task, and the Trail Making Test. We grouped S- and/or Lg-carriers in view of the fact that these act in a nearly dominant way.<br><br>RESULTS: On IGT, S- and/or Lg-carriers had significantly lower scores on the third, fourth, and fifth blocks. These findings were confirmed after adjusting for clinical and cognitive variables.<br><br>DISCUSSION: Inconclusive findings about the link between OCD and 5-HTTLPR may be better elucidated by studying OCD subgroups that could be more related in some genetic characteristics. Based on our study, low performance on IGT is associated with S- and/or Lg-carriers.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Our results corroborate the hypothesis that the pattern of neuropsychological functioning observed in previous studies may constitute a biological marker or heritable endophenotype of OCD.}, }
@article {pmid18592042, year = {2008}, author = {Spironelli, C and Angrilli, A and Stegagno, L}, title = {Failure of language lateralization in schizophrenia patients: an ERP study on early linguistic components.}, journal = {Journal of psychiatry &amp; neuroscience : JPN}, volume = {33}, number = {3}, pages = {235-243}, pmid = {18592042}, issn = {1488-2434}, mesh = {Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Antipsychotic Agents/therapeutic use ; Brain/*physiopathology ; Electroencephalography ; Evoked Potentials/*physiology ; Female ; Functional Laterality/*physiology ; Humans ; *Language ; Language Disorders/*etiology ; *Linguistics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Reaction Time ; Schizophrenia/*complications/drug therapy/*physiopathology ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: In line with Crow's hypothesis, altered hemispheric lateralization of language would cause the main symptoms of schizophrenia. The present experiment aimed to demonstrate the loss of the hemispheric specialization for linguistic processing in schizophrenia patients at the level of early automatic evoked potentials (N150).<br><br>METHODS: A sample of 10 outpatients with schizophrenia treated with low levels of neuroleptics and 10 matched healthy control subjects were administered 3 linguistic tasks based on stimulus pair comparisons (phonological, semantic and word-picture matching tasks). Laterality scores of early evoked potentials were analyzed during 2 time windows corresponding to the N150- and N400-like components.<br><br>RESULTS: The patients failed to develop the typical left hemispheric N150 component evoked by the first word (S1), which was consistently achieved by the healthy control group in posterior sites (p < 0.01). The effect was specific and stable for linguistic stimuli. As well, for the N150 elicited by the target stimulus (S2), the patients exhibited a lack of linguistic lateralization. In the control task (word-picture matching task), in which S2 was a picture, the 2 groups revealed very similar bilateral recognition potentials.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The results point to a failure of language lateralization in patients with schizophrenia, a deficit involving those linguistic networks automatically activated in the earliest phase of word recognition (N150). Consistent with the current view of schizophrenia, this finding may be related to lack of integration among specific processes and reduced interconnection of underlying linguistic networks.}, }
@article {pmid18588695, year = {2008}, author = {McCormack, JE and Bowen, BS and Smith, TB}, title = {Integrating paleoecology and genetics of bird populations in two sky island archipelagos.}, journal = {BMC biology}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {28}, pmid = {18588695}, issn = {1741-7007}, mesh = {Animals ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Ecology ; *Ecosystem ; *Genetic Variation ; *Geography ; Haplotypes ; Ice Cover ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Mutation/genetics ; NADH Dehydrogenase/genetics ; Passeriformes/*genetics/physiology ; Time Factors ; Trees ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Genetic tests of paleoecological hypotheses have been rare, partly because recent genetic divergence is difficult to detect and time. According to fossil plant data, continuous woodland in the southwestern USA and northern Mexico became fragmented during the last 10,000 years, as warming caused cool-adapted species to retreat to high elevations. Most genetic studies of resulting 'sky islands' have either failed to detect recent divergence or have found discordant evidence for ancient divergence. We test this paleoecological hypothesis for the region with intraspecific mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite data from sky-island populations of a sedentary bird, the Mexican jay (Aphelocoma ultramarina). We predicted that populations on different sky islands would share common, ancestral alleles that existed during the last glaciation, but that populations on each sky island, owing to their isolation, would contain unique variants of postglacial origin. We also predicted that divergence times estimated from corrected genetic distance and a coalescence model would post-date the last glacial maximum.<br><br>RESULTS: Our results provide multiple independent lines of support for postglacial divergence, with the predicted pattern of shared and unique mitochondrial DNA haplotypes appearing in two independent sky-island archipelagos, and most estimates of divergence time based on corrected genetic distance post-dating the last glacial maximum. Likewise, an isolation model based on multilocus gene coalescence indicated postglacial divergence of five pairs of sky islands. In contrast to their similar recent histories, the two archipelagos had dissimilar historical patterns in that sky islands in Arizona showed evidence for older divergence, suggesting different responses to the last glaciation.<br><br>CONCLUSION: This study is one of the first to provide explicit support from genetic data for a postglacial divergence scenario predicted by one of the best paleoecological records in the world. Our results demonstrate that sky islands act as generators of genetic diversity at both recent and historical timescales and underscore the importance of thorough sampling and the use of loci with fast mutation rates to studies that test hypotheses concerning recent genetic divergence.}, }
@article {pmid18576864, year = {2009}, author = {Bush, SE and Harbison, CW and Slager, DL and Peterson, AT and Price, RD and Clayton, DH}, title = {Geographic variation in the community structure of lice on western scrub-jays.}, journal = {The Journal of parasitology}, volume = {95}, number = {1}, pages = {10-13}, doi = {10.1645/GE-1591.1}, pmid = {18576864}, issn = {0022-3395}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/epidemiology/*parasitology ; Lice Infestations/epidemiology/parasitology/*veterinary ; Oregon/epidemiology ; Passeriformes/*parasitology ; Phthiraptera/*classification ; Prevalence ; Southwestern United States/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {Parasites are incredibly diverse. An important factor in the evolution of this diversity is the fact that many parasite species are restricted to 1, or just a few, host species. In addition, some parasites exhibit geographic specificity that is nested within their specificity to a particular species of host. The environmental factors that restrict parasites to particular regions within the host's range are poorly understood, and it is often difficult to know whether such patterns of geographic specificity are real, or merely artifacts of uneven host sampling. For over a decade, we sampled communities of ectoparasitic lice (Phthiraptera) from western scrub-jays (Aphelocoma californica) throughout their range in the United States, and found 3 common species of lice. Philopterus crassipes was found throughout the host range, whereas the other 2 species of lice had more restricted distributions. Brueelia deficiens was found only on the woodhouseii host subspecies group, and Myrsidea sp. was found largely on the californica host subspecies group. We suggest that differential tolerance to arid conditions and interspecific competition has led to the restricted geographic distributions of these 2 species of lice.}, }
@article {pmid18569536, year = {2008}, author = {Otto-Salaj, L and Reed, B and Brondino, MJ and Gore-Felton, C and Kelly, JA and Stevenson, LY}, title = {Condom use negotiation in heterosexual African American adults: responses to types of social power-based strategies.}, journal = {Journal of sex research}, volume = {45}, number = {2}, pages = {150-163}, pmid = {18569536}, issn = {0022-4499}, support = {P30 MH052776/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; R03 MH058522-02/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; R03-MH58522/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; R03 MH058522-01/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; P30-MH52776/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Black or African American/*psychology ; Condoms/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Contraception Behavior ; Female ; Heterosexuality/psychology ; Humans ; Interpersonal Relations ; Male ; Negotiating/*psychology ; Power, Psychological ; Safe Sex/*psychology ; Sex Factors ; Sexual Partners/*psychology ; Social Perception ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {This study examined gender differences and preferences in the use of and response to six different styles of condom use negotiation with a hypothetical sexual partner of the opposite gender. Participants were 51 heterosexually active African American adults attending an inner-city community center. Participants completed a semistructured qualitative interview in which they were presented with six negotiation strategies based on Raven's 1992 Power/Interaction Model of Interpersonal Influence. Results showed that female participants responded best to referent, reward, and legitimate strategies, and worst to informational tactics. Male participants responded best to reward strategies, and worst to coercion to use condoms. Further, responses given by a subset of participants indicated that use of negotiation tactics involving coercion to use condoms may result in negative or angry reactions. Response to strategies may vary with the value of the relationship as viewed by the target of negotiation. Implications for HIV prevention efforts are discussed.}, }
@article {pmid18569261, year = {2008}, author = {de Boulle, K}, title = {Patient satisfaction with different botulinum toxin type A formulations in the treatment of moderate to severe upper facial rhytids.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology}, volume = {10}, number = {2}, pages = {87-92}, doi = {10.1080/14764170701854679}, pmid = {18569261}, issn = {1476-4180}, mesh = {Adult ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*therapeutic use ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; Cross-Over Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Patient Satisfaction ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The clinical characteristics of botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) depend on the formulation used.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether switching BoNTA formulations affects patient satisfaction.<br><br>METHODS: Forty patients enrolled and all were satisfied or extremely satisfied with Allergan BoNTA (BoNTA-Allergan) treatment in the glabellar+/-crow's feet+/-forehead area(s) in the preceding 6 months. Once improvement from this previous treatment had started to diminish, treatment was replicated using Ipsen BoNTA (BoNTA-Ipsen) at a 1:2.5 dose ratio.<br><br>RESULTS: The incidence of patients rating treatment as effective or very effective in making them look younger, look rested, and look less stressed was significantly higher with BoNTA-Allergan than BoNTA-Ipsen--83% versus 36%, 90% versus 39%, and 83% versus 33%, respectively--even though evaluations were performed a mean of 20 weeks after BoNTA-Allergan treatment and only 16 weeks after BoNTA-Ipsen treatment. The incidence of patients who were satisfied or extremely satisfied was 100% (BoNTA-Allergan) versus 31% (BoNTA-Ipsen). BoNTA-Allergan was preferred by 69% of patients.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Efficacy, satisfaction, and product preference ratings strongly favor the use of BoNTA-Allergan over BoNTA-Ipsen in the treatment of upper facial lines. Many patients who are satisfied with BoNTA-Allergan treatment become less satisfied if they are switched to BoNTA-Ipsen.}, }
@article {pmid18567354, year = {2008}, author = {Misawa, S}, title = {[Electrophysiologic aspects of Crow-Fukase (POEMS) syndrome--significance in early diagnosis and insights into the pathophysiology].}, journal = {Brain and nerve = Shinkei kenkyu no shinpo}, volume = {60}, number = {6}, pages = {595-601}, pmid = {18567354}, issn = {1881-6096}, mesh = {Angiogenesis Inhibitors/therapeutic use ; Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized ; Bevacizumab ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Early Diagnosis ; Electrophysiology ; Humans ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; Neural Conduction ; POEMS Syndrome/*diagnosis/*etiology/physiopathology/therapy ; Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation ; Peripheral Nerves/blood supply/physiopathology ; Plasmacytoma/metabolism ; Thalidomide/therapeutic use ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/blood/metabolism ; }, abstract = {POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, and skin changes) syndrome is a rare cause of demyelinating and axonal mixed neuropathy with multiorgan involvement. The presence of polyneuropathy is mandatory for the diagnosis of POEMS syndrome, and progressive neuropathy results in the deterioration of patients' quality of life. Although the pathophysiology of nerve damage has not yet been elucidated, nerve conduction abnormalities exhibit characteristic, patterns that can be summarized by a number of features including (1) slow nerve conduction diffusely distributed in the intermediate nerve segment, (2) relatively preserved nerve conduction near the distal nerve terminals, (3) prominent axonal loss in distal lower extremity nerves, and (4) no conduction blocks. These features are useful in differential diagnosis of POEMS syndrome from chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and neuropathy associated with anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein antibody. The pathogenesis of POEMS syndrome is not well understood; however overproduction of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), probably secreted by plasmacytoma, may be responsible for most of the characteristic symptoms, including neuropathy. The patterns of nerve conduction abnormalities suggest that demyelination and axonal degeneration are caused by some serum neurotoxic substances in serum that cannot access the nerve parenchyma under physiological conditions. Elevated serum VEGF level would result in increased permeability and breakdown of the blood-nerve barrier. In addition, endoneurial or perineurial vascular proliferation with altered hematocoaglabilty could partly play a role in the pathogenesis of neuropathy in POEMS syndrome.}, }
@article {pmid18553113, year = {2008}, author = {Osvath, M and Osvath, H}, title = {Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) and orangutan (Pongo abelii) forethought: self-control and pre-experience in the face of future tool use.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {11}, number = {4}, pages = {661-674}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-008-0157-0}, pmid = {18553113}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; *Choice Behavior ; *Concept Formation ; *Discrimination Learning ; Female ; Forecasting ; Goals ; *Intention ; Male ; Pan troglodytes/psychology ; Pongo pygmaeus/psychology ; Probability Learning ; Problem Solving ; Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Planning for future needs has traditionally been considered to be restricted to human cognition. Although recent studies on great ape and corvid cognition challenge this belief, the phylogenesis of human planning remains largely unknown. The complex skill for future planning has not yet been satisfactorily established in any other extant primate species than our own. In humans, planning for future needs rely heavily on two overarching capacities, both of which lie at the heart of our cognition: self-control, often defined as the suppression of immediate drives in favor of delayed rewards, and mental time travel, which could be described as a detached mental experience of a past or future event. Future planning is linked to additional high complexity cognition such as metacognition and a consciousness usually not attributed to animals. In a series of four experiments based on tool use, we demonstrate that chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and orangutans (Pongo abelii) override immediate drives in favor of future needs, and they do not merely rely on associative learning or semantic prospection when confronted with a planning task. These results suggest that great apes engage in planning for the future by out competing current drives and mentally pre-experiencing an upcoming event. This suggests that the advanced mental capacities utilized in human future planning are shared by phylogenetically more ancient species than previously believed.}, }
@article {pmid18546533, year = {2008}, author = {Zheng, F and Zhu, H and Jiang, YJ}, title = {[Psychological behavior of girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty before and after treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue].}, journal = {Zhejiang da xue xue bao. Yi xue ban = Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences}, volume = {37}, number = {3}, pages = {289-294}, doi = {10.3785/j.issn.1008-9292.2008.03.013}, pmid = {18546533}, issn = {1008-9292}, mesh = {Child ; Dehydroepiandrosterone/blood ; Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate/blood ; Female ; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/*analogs &amp; derivatives/therapeutic use ; Humans ; Puberty, Precocious/*drug therapy/*psychology ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To observe the psychological behavior of girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP) before and after treatment by gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa).<br><br>METHODS: Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices(SPM), Achenbach's Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Self-Esteem Scale (SES), and Body-Esteem Scale (BES) were used to assess the psychological behavior in the ICPP girls before and after GnRHa treatment, as well as in control girls. The serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) were measured by ELISA before and after GnRHa treatment.<br><br>RESULT: (1) The SES and BES scores in ICPP were significantly lower than those of controls(P <0.05). The CBCL scores in depressed, withdrawn,aggressive and somatic complaint assessment were significantly higher in ICPP group than those of control group. (2) The SES score, the body strength scores for BES 12 months after treatment were significantly higher than those pretreatment (P <0.05). Serum DHEA levels in ICPP group and control group were Log(0.77 +/-0.36)microg/L and Log (0.28 +/-0.22) microg/L respectively, with a significant difference (P <0.01). Serum DHEA and DHEAS of ICPP 3 months after treatment were decreased from Log(0.83 +/-0.35)microg/L and Log(2.27 +/-0.30)microg/L to Log(0.68 +/-0.44)microg/L and Log (2.11 +/-0.43)microg/L (both P <0.05). The serum DHEA and DHEAS levels 12 months after treatment were Log(0.78 +/-0.30)microg/L and Log(2.40 +/-0.34)microg/L, there was no significant difference before and after treatment (P >0.05). (3) The SES score,the weight concern and body strength scores for BES were negatively correlated with serum DHEA and DHEAS levels in precocious puberty girls (r=-0.492,-0.356,-0.202 and -0.216, all P <0.05). The nine CBCL factors were not correlated with serum DHEA levels.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Precocious puberty girls are prone to lower self-esteem and less confidence, which are correlated with the increase of serum DHEA levels. There is more frequency to be depressed, withdrawn, aggressive and complaining in these girls, however, which are not correlated with serum DHEA levels. GnRHa may reverse the problem of psychological behavior in ICPP girls.}, }
@article {pmid18544512, year = {2008}, author = {McCormack, JE and Smith, TB}, title = {Niche expansion leads to small-scale adaptive divergence along an elevation gradient in a medium-sized passerine bird.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {275}, number = {1647}, pages = {2155-2164}, pmid = {18544512}, issn = {0962-8452}, mesh = {*Adaptation, Biological ; Animals ; Beak/anatomy &amp; histology ; DNA, Mitochondrial/chemistry ; Diet ; Environment ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Gene Flow ; *Genetic Speciation ; Genetic Variation ; Geography ; Male ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Passeriformes/anatomy &amp; histology/genetics/*physiology ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; }, abstract = {Niche expansion can lead to adaptive differentiation and speciation, but there are few examples from contemporary niche expansions about how this process is initiated. We assess the consequences of a niche expansion by Mexican jays (Aphelocoma ultramarina) along an elevation gradient. We predicted that jays at high elevation would have straighter bills adapted to feeding on pine cones, whereas jays at low elevation would have hooked bills adapted to feeding on acorns. We measured morphological and genetic variation of 95 adult jays and found significant differences in hook length between elevations in accordance with predictions, a pattern corroborated by analysis at the regional scale. Genetic results from microsatellite and mtDNA variation support phenotypic differentiation in the presence of gene flow coupled with weak, but detectable genetic differentiation between high- and low-elevation populations. These results demonstrate that niche expansion can lead to adaptive divergence despite gene flow between parapatric populations along an elevation gradient, providing information on a key precursor to ecological speciation.}, }
@article {pmid18528719, year = {2008}, author = {Waite, TA}, title = {Preference for oddity: uniqueness heuristic or hierarchical choice process?.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {11}, number = {4}, pages = {707-713}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-008-0162-3}, pmid = {18528719}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; Awareness ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Choice Behavior ; *Color Perception ; *Decision Making ; Passeriformes ; *Recognition, Psychology ; Risk Assessment ; }, abstract = {Traditional economic theories assume decision makers in multialternative choice tasks "assign" a value to each option and then express rational preferences. Here, I report an apparent violation of such rationality in gray jays (Perisoreus canadensis). I tested the jays' preference in a quaternary choice task where three options were the same color and the fourth option was a different color. All options offered an identical food reward and so the strictly rational expectation was that subjects would choose the odd-colored option in 25% of choices. In clear disagreement, every subject chose the odd option more frequently than expected. I speculate as to how this surprising preference for oddity might have been ecologically rational: by using a unique-choice heuristic, the jays might have been able to bypass a deliberative phase of the decision process and devote more attention to scanning for predators. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the jays did not prefer oddity per se. Instead, they might have used a hierarchical process, assigning options to color categories and then choosing between categories. If so, their behavior matches expectation after all (on average, subjects chose the odd option 50% of the time). It should be straightforward to test these competing hypotheses. The current results can be viewed as a new example of how simple mechanisms sometimes produce economically puzzling yet ecologically rational decision making.}, }
@article {pmid18516169, year = {2008}, author = {Mitsui, T and Wakayama, Y and Onodera, T and Takaya, Y and Oikawa, H}, title = {Observation of light propagation across a 90 degrees corner in chains of microspheres on a patterned substrate.}, journal = {Optics letters}, volume = {33}, number = {11}, pages = {1189-1191}, doi = {10.1364/ol.33.001189}, pmid = {18516169}, issn = {0146-9592}, abstract = {To demonstrate light-path manipulation in arbitrary shapes we fabricated coupled-resonator optical waveguides (CROWs) having a 90 degrees-corner structure on a lithographically patterned substrate. The spectra of propagation light within the CROWs were directly measured by guide-collection-mode near-field scanning optical microscopy. The spectra revealed that the propagation light through the CROWs has a larger transverse-magnetic polarization mode than a transverse-electric (TE) one. The most plausible cause of the lower intensity in the TE mode is that light leaks out to the Si substrate.}, }
@article {pmid18505230, year = {2008}, author = {Heuvelink, AE and Zwartkruis, JT and van Heerwaarden, C and Arends, B and Stortelder, V and de Boer, E}, title = {[Pathogenic bacteria and parasites in wildlife and surface water].}, journal = {Tijdschrift voor diergeneeskunde}, volume = {133}, number = {8}, pages = {330-335}, pmid = {18505230}, issn = {0040-7453}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/*microbiology/*parasitology ; Disease Reservoirs/microbiology/parasitology/veterinary ; Feces/microbiology/parasitology ; Humans ; *Public Health ; Risk Assessment ; Seasons ; Water/*parasitology ; *Water Microbiology ; }, abstract = {In the period October 2003 to August 2005, 897 faecal samples were collected from wild animals and examined for Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., and Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157, the prevalence of which was found to be 0.1%, 13.8%, and 0.5 %, respectively. Campylobacter spp. were isolated mainly from faecal samples collected from corvidae (59.8%), and meadow birds and waterfowl (22.4%). A subset of these samples was also examined for Cryptosporidium and Giardia oocysts and cysts. None of the 247 samples examined contained C. parvum oocysts, and only 1 sample (roe faeces) contained G. lamblia assemblage A cysts. In the period September to November 2006, samples of running or still surface water were collected at 10 sites on 5 days, to investigate the presence of Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., and STEC O157. Twenty (40.8%) of the surface water samples were positive for one or more bacterial pathogens. Seven (14.3%) samples were positiveforSalmonella spp., 14 (28.6%) samples were positive for Campylobacter spp., and 1 (2.0%) sample was positivefor E. coli O157. Samples collected at only 2 of the 10 sites were negative for the pathogens tested; samples collected at the other 8 sites were positive for the pathogens at least once. To gain a better picture of the potential human health risk, this study should be followed up with a more quantitative study of the occurrence of human pathogens in wildlife, taking into account the different natural habitats and behaviour of the different animal populations and a possible seasonal effect. Furthermore, the contamination of surface water with human pathogens should be investigated more extensively.}, }
@article {pmid18504626, year = {2008}, author = {Scheid, C and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Short-term observational spatial memory in Jackdaws (Corvus monedula) and Ravens (Corvus corax).}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {11}, number = {4}, pages = {691-698}, pmid = {18504626}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Association Learning ; Crows ; *Discrimination Learning ; Humans ; Imitative Behavior ; *Memory, Short-Term ; Orientation ; *Recognition, Psychology ; Social Environment ; Space Perception ; *Spatial Behavior ; }, abstract = {Observational spatial memory (OSM) refers to the ability of remembering food caches made by other individuals, enabling observers to find and pilfer the others' caches. Within birds, OSM has only been demonstrated in corvids, with more social species such as Mexican jays (Aphelocoma ultramarine) showing a higher accuracy of finding conspecific' caches than less social species such as Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana). However, socially dynamic corvids such as ravens (Corvus corax) are capable of sophisticated pilfering manoeuvres based on OSM. We here compared the performance of ravens and jackdaws (Corvus monedula) in a short-term OSM task. In contrast to ravens, jackdaws are socially cohesive but hardly cache and compete over food caches. Birds had to recover food pieces after watching a human experimenter hiding them in 2, 4 or 6 out of 10 possible locations. Results showed that for tests with two, four and six caches, ravens performed more accurately than expected by chance whereas jackdaws did not. Moreover, ravens made fewer re-visits to already inspected cache sites than jackdaws. These findings suggest that the development of observational spatial memory skills is linked with the species' reliance on food caches rather than with a social life style per se.}, }
@article {pmid18502593, year = {2008}, author = {Dufour, V and Sterck, EH}, title = {Chimpanzees fail to plan in an exchange task but succeed in a tool-using procedure.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {79}, number = {1}, pages = {19-27}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2008.04.003}, pmid = {18502593}, issn = {0376-6357}, mesh = {Animals ; Choice Behavior/physiology ; Female ; Imitative Behavior/physiology ; Learning/physiology ; Male ; Pan troglodytes/*physiology/psychology ; Problem Solving ; Reward ; *Social Behavior ; Tool Use Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Planning has long been considered a uniquely human capacity. Lately, however, it has been shown that apes and a corvid species act now to derive a material future benefit. Since primates are highly social animals and their sociality is considered a strong selective force that resulted in complex cognitive capacities, planning is also expected in social situations. Unfortunately, prompting from social partners cannot be excluded in a social setting. Therefore, we controlled for this factor by testing the capacity to plan in chimpanzees using an exchange paradigm, that involves both a material and a social component, and a tool-use paradigm, similar to the one used on two other ape species. All chimpanzees failed to plan in the exchange task, but three individuals showed planning behavior in the tool-use task. Our methods controlled for the fact that chimpanzees were not prompted by the visibility of the reward at the moment of planning and also could not repeat a previously acquired routine. The best interpretation for our results is that chimpanzees can plan. However, planning was limited to the situation where the action to attain the future benefit only depended on a chimpanzee's own behavior.}, }
@article {pmid18499223, year = {2008}, author = {Charlestra, L and Courtemanch, DL and Amirbahman, A and Patterson, H}, title = {Semipermeable membrane device (SPMD) for monitoring PCDD and PCDF levels from a paper mill effluent in the Androscoggin River, Maine, USA.}, journal = {Chemosphere}, volume = {72}, number = {8}, pages = {1171-1180}, doi = {10.1016/j.chemosphere.2008.03.057}, pmid = {18499223}, issn = {0045-6535}, mesh = {Benzofurans/*analysis ; Dibenzofurans, Polychlorinated ; Environmental Monitoring ; Geography ; Industrial Waste/*analysis ; Maine ; *Paper ; Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins/*analogs &amp; derivatives/analysis ; Rivers ; Water Pollutants, Chemical/*analysis ; }, abstract = {Paper mill effluents may contain polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) that are normally generated due to chlorinated bleaching of pulp and paper. We used the semipermeable membrane device (SPMD) to monitor PCDD/F levels upstream and downstream of a paper mill on the Androscoggin River, in Jay (ME). Following the 36 day deployment, SPMD dialysis and cleanup, the samples were analyzed by HRGC/HRMS. Total concentrations of PCDD/Fs in SPMDs (sum of all tetra-through octachlorinated congeners) ranged from 4.71 pg g(-1) to 26.26 pg g(-1). Five out of the targeted 17 toxic congeners were detected, including: 2,3,7,8-TCDF; 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDF; 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF; 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD and OCDD. Permeability reference compounds (PRCs) were used for in situ calibration of the SPMD sampling rate (Rs). In all sites, water concentrations were the highest for OCDD (0.081-0.103 pg l(-1)), and the lowest for 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDF (0.005-0.009 pg l(-1)). There was not a consistent pattern of upstream-downstream gradient in the PCDD/F levels. This suggested that processes other than the mill in Jay (multiple sources, river dynamics) governed the flux of PCDD/Fs in the sampling locations. The SPMD results were validated by comparison to other studies on the Androscoggin River and elsewhere, confirming the potential of the device as a useful monitoring technique for PCDD/Fs in large river systems.}, }
@article {pmid18498946, year = {2008}, author = {Koboroff, A and Kaplan, G and Rogers, LJ}, title = {Hemispheric specialization in Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen) shown as eye preferences during response to a predator.}, journal = {Brain research bulletin}, volume = {76}, number = {3}, pages = {304-306}, doi = {10.1016/j.brainresbull.2008.02.015}, pmid = {18498946}, issn = {1873-2747}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; *Dominance, Cerebral ; *Eye ; *Passeriformes ; Predatory Behavior ; Visual Pathways/physiology ; Visual Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Brain lateralization in birds is frequently expressed as a preference to view stimuli with one eye using the lateral monocular visual field. As few studies have investigated lateralized behaviour in wild birds, we scored eye preferences of Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen) performing anti-predator responses. When animals deal with potential predators by mobbing them, constant assessment is needed to consider whether to approach, mob or withdraw. When presented with a taxidermic specimen of a monitor lizard, the magpies assembled on the ground close to the lizard and circled, pecked, jumped over, viewed and approached, or withdrew from it. Using video footage, the monocular fixations prior to or during performance of these activities were scored and the following significant eye preferences were found. Prior to withdrawing, the magpies viewed the lizard with the left eye (LE) (85% of events). Prior to approaching, the right eye (RE) was used (72%). Hence, the left hemisphere is used to process visual inputs prior to approaching the predator and the right hemisphere prior to withdrawing from it. This result is consistent with hemispheric specialization shown in other species, including humans. The LE was used also prior to jumping (73%) and prior to circling (65%), as well as during circling (58%) and for high alert inspection of the predator (72%). Mobbing and perhaps circling are agonistic responses controlled by the LE/right hemisphere, as also seen in other species. Alert inspection involves detailed examination of the predator and likely high levels of fear, known to be right hemisphere function.}, }
@article {pmid18498938, year = {2008}, author = {Kaplan, G}, title = {Alarm calls and referentiality in Australian magpies: between midbrain and forebrain, can a case be made for complex cognition?.}, journal = {Brain research bulletin}, volume = {76}, number = {3}, pages = {253-263}, doi = {10.1016/j.brainresbull.2008.02.006}, pmid = {18498938}, issn = {1873-2747}, mesh = {Adaptation, Biological ; Animals ; Cognition/*physiology ; Humans ; Learning/physiology ; Mesencephalon/*physiology ; Predatory Behavior ; Prosencephalon/*physiology ; *Songbirds ; *Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {The ability to communicate intentionally and referentially about predators by issuing specific and unique alarm calls per predator type, usually considered indicative of forebrain activity, is generally regarded as evidence of complex cognition. However, the neurobiology of such expressions is not well-understood and the relationship of song to alarm calls is not clear. In the very few studies of brain activity in calls of non-songbirds and songbirds so far, it was found that it is only the midbrain that is involved in the production of calls. The paper argues that such midbrain activity, even in so-called referential signalling, may have been misconstrued as higher cognition when, in fact, it may be merely indicative of a well-preserved (even 'clever') midbrain survival mechanism of prey species, and may be based on instantaneous 'non-thinking' activities of the midbrain. This does not rule out that, in specific species of songbird and in specific types of calls, the production of alarm calls may indeed involve activity and interaction of nuclei in midbrain and forebrain. Such a possible interaction in the production of vocalisations (unlearned and learned) has also been shown in some songbirds, including the zebra finch. A study of alarm calls in Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen), a prolific songbird, is used here to give an example of possible considered responses in alarm calling based on behavioural evidence.}, }
@article {pmid18454876, year = {2008}, author = {Macintyre, S and Macdonald, L and Ellaway, A}, title = {Lack of agreement between measured and self-reported distance from public green parks in Glasgow, Scotland.}, journal = {The international journal of behavioral nutrition and physical activity}, volume = {5}, number = {}, pages = {26}, pmid = {18454876}, issn = {1479-5868}, support = {MC_U130059821/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Reviews have reported mixed findings for associations between physical activity and proximity to a range of environmental resources. Initially most studies used self reported proximity, but more are now using GIS techniques to measure proximity objectively. We know little about the extent of agreement between self reported and directly measured proximity of the same resource.<br><br>METHODS: We used previously collected data in a community survey in Glasgow in which 658 respondents aged around 40 and 60 were asked whether they lived within half a mile of a public park. We compared their answers with GIS measures of whether there was a park within a half mile service area of their home (and whether their home was within a half mile crow fly buffer of a park).<br><br>RESULTS: Agreement was poor; percentage agreement between measured network distance and reported residence within 0.5 miles of a park was 62.0%, and the kappa value was 0.095. Agreement was no higher than poor in any socio-demographic subgroup, or when using crow fly buffers instead of service areas.<br><br>CONCLUSION: One should be cautious about assuming that respondents' self reports of proximity to a resource are a valid proxy for actual distance, or vice versa. Further research is needed to establish whether actual or self-reported proximity predict physical activity or other behaviours, and if so which is the strongest predictor. Further, qualitative study, also needs to examine the basis of people's judgements about the location of resources, and the possibility that these are shaped by their social and personal significance.}, }
@article {pmid18454450, year = {2009}, author = {Rezaie, R and Daly, EM and Cutter, WJ and Murphy, DG and Robertson, DM and DeLisi, LE and Mackay, CE and Barrick, TR and Crow, TJ and Roberts, N}, title = {The influence of sex chromosome aneuploidy on brain asymmetry.}, journal = {American journal of medical genetics. Part B, Neuropsychiatric genetics : the official publication of the International Society of Psychiatric Genetics}, volume = {150B}, number = {1}, pages = {74-85}, doi = {10.1002/ajmg.b.30772}, pmid = {18454450}, issn = {1552-485X}, support = {G0701127/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {*Aneuploidy ; Brain/*abnormalities ; Female ; Humans ; Klinefelter Syndrome/genetics ; Male ; *Sex Chromosomes ; Turner Syndrome/genetics ; }, abstract = {The cognitive deficits present in individuals with sex chromosome aneuploidies suggest that hemispheric differentiation of function is determined by an X-Y homologous gene [Crow (1993); Lancet 342:594-598]. In particular, females with Turner's syndrome (TS) who have only one X-chromosome exhibit deficits of spatial ability whereas males with Klinefelter's syndrome (KS) who possess a supernumerary X-chromosome are delayed in acquiring words. Since spatial and verbal abilities are generally associated with right and left hemispheric function, such deficits may relate to anomalies of cerebral asymmetry. We therefore applied a novel image analysis technique to investigate the relationship between sex chromosome dosage and structural brain asymmetry. Specifically, we tested Crow's prediction that the magnitude of the brain torque (i.e., a combination of rightward frontal and leftward occipital asymmetry) would, as a function of sex chromosome dosage, be respectively decreased in TS women and increased in KS men, relative to genotypically normal controls. We found that brain torque was not significantly different in TS women and KS men, in comparison to controls. However, TS women exhibited significantly increased leftward brain asymmetry, restricted to the posterior of the brain and focused on the superior temporal and parietal-occipital association cortex, while KS men showed a trend for decreased brain asymmetry throughout the frontal lobes. The findings suggest that the number of sex chromosomes influences the development of brain asymmetry not simply to modify the torque but in a complex pattern along the antero-posterior axis.}, }
@article {pmid18454005, year = {2008}, author = {Knoll, BI and Attkiss, KJ and Persing, JA}, title = {The influence of forehead, brow, and periorbital aesthetics on perceived expression in the youthful face.}, journal = {Plastic and reconstructive surgery}, volume = {121}, number = {5}, pages = {1793-1802}, doi = {10.1097/PRS.0b013e31816b13fe}, pmid = {18454005}, issn = {1529-4242}, mesh = {Adult ; Aging/*physiology ; Emotions ; *Esthetics ; Eyebrows/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Eyelids/*anatomy &amp; histology ; *Facial Expression ; Female ; Forehead/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Humans ; Male ; Rhytidoplasty/*methods ; Skin Aging/physiology ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; *Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to characterize the relative influence of eyebrow position and shape, lid position, and facial rhytides on perceived facial expression as related to blepharoplasty, with a specific focus on the perception of tiredness.<br><br>METHODS: A standardized photograph of a youthful upper face was modified using digital imaging software to independently alter a number of variables: brow position/shape, upper/lower lid position, pretarsal show, and rhytides. Subjects (n = 20) were presented with 16 images and asked to quantify, on a scale from 0 to 5, the presence of each of seven expressions/emotions as follows: "surprise," "anger," "sadness," "disgust," "fear," "happiness," and "tiredness."<br><br>RESULTS: Statistically significant values for tiredness were achieved by changes of increasing and decreasing the pretarsal skin crease, lowering the upper eyelid, and depressing the lateral brow. Happiness was perceived by elevation of the lower lid or the presence of crow's feet. Brow shape had a greater influence than absolute position on perceived expression. Elevation of the lateral brow was perceived as surprise, whereas depression of the medial brow and rhytides at the glabella were perceived as anger and disgust. Elevation of the medial brow elicited a minimal increase for sadness.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the perception of tiredness is most affected by the length of pretarsal lid height (e.g., ptosis). Surprisingly, simulating the skin resection of an upper blepharoplasty results in a paradoxical increase in the perception of tiredness as well. Modifications of brow contour elicit profound changes in perceived facial mood to a greater degree than absolute brow position.}, }
@article {pmid18448271, year = {2008}, author = {de Vreeze, RS and de Jong, D and Haas, RL and Stewart, F and van Coevorden, F}, title = {Effectiveness of radiotherapy in myxoid sarcomas is associated with a dense vascular pattern.}, journal = {International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics}, volume = {72}, number = {5}, pages = {1480-1487}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijrobp.2008.03.008}, pmid = {18448271}, issn = {1879-355X}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Chondrosarcoma/classification/pathology/radiotherapy/surgery ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Leiomyosarcoma/classification/*pathology/*radiotherapy/surgery ; Liposarcoma, Myxoid/classification/*pathology/*radiotherapy/surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/pathology ; Neoplasm Staging ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: Surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) have long been the standard treatment for most deep-seated sarcomas; however, since the randomized trial from the National Cancer Institute of Canada, which described similar local control for pre- vs. postoperative RT, both modalities are now widely accepted. As a group, sarcomas are classified as radiation resistant. The subgroup of myxoid liposarcoma (MLS), a sarcoma with a typical vascular crow's feet pattern, is highly radiosensitive, but a mechanism for this phenomenon is unknown. Here we describe our results with preoperative RT and propose a mechanism explaining the high sensitivity based on the distinctive vascularization pattern of MLS.<br><br>METHODS AND MATERIALS: Between 2002 and 2006, 31 sarcoma patients, including 10 with MLS, underwent preoperative RT at our institute. Resected specimens were histologically evaluated, focusing on classification, grade, and vascularization patterns.<br><br>RESULTS: Twenty sarcomas showed more than 80% pathologic response after preoperative RT. A pathologic complete response was found in all "pure" MLS specimens after preoperative RT (n = 8). There were no pathologic complete responses in the remaining sarcoma patients (n = 23), although 12 showed 80% to 90% pathologic response. In contrast to the remaining RT-resistant sarcomas, the highly responding specimens contained branching vasculature, partial thrombus formation and inflammation of medium sized arterioles, similar to the vascular changes in MLS.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Both MLS and sarcomas with MLS-like vasculature are highly radiosensitive. Radiation sensitivity may be explained by changes in medium-sized arterioles, obstructing the specific crow's feet vascularization and inducing hypoxia with secondary tumor cell death.}, }
@article {pmid18440242, year = {2008}, author = {Kirsch, JA and Güntürkün, O and Rose, J}, title = {Insight without cortex: lessons from the avian brain.}, journal = {Consciousness and cognition}, volume = {17}, number = {2}, pages = {475-483}, doi = {10.1016/j.concog.2008.03.018}, pmid = {18440242}, issn = {1090-2376}, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; *Cognition ; *Crows ; Mammals ; Memory ; Prosencephalon/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Insight is a cognitive feature that is usually regarded as being generated by the neocortex and being present only in humans and possibly some closely related primates. In this essay we show that especially corvids display behavioral skills within the domains of object permanence, episodic memory, theory of mind, and tool use/causal reasoning that are insightful. These similarities between humans and corvids at the behavioral level are probably the result of a convergent evolution. Similarly, the telencephalic structures involved in higher cognitive functions in both species show a high degree of similarity, although the forebrain of birds has no cortex-like lamination. The neural substrate for insight-related cognitive functions in mammals and birds is thus not necessarily based on a laminated cortical structure but can be generated by differently organized forebrains. Hence, neither is insight restricted to mammals, as predicted from a "scala naturae", nor is the laminated cortex a prerequisite for the highest cognitive functions.}, }
@article {pmid18434093, year = {2008}, author = {Crow, TJ}, title = {Craddock &amp; Owen vs Kraepelin: 85 years late, mesmerised by "polygenes".}, journal = {Schizophrenia research}, volume = {103}, number = {1-3}, pages = {156-160}, doi = {10.1016/j.schres.2008.03.001}, pmid = {18434093}, issn = {0920-9964}, support = {//Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Base Sequence/genetics ; Bipolar Disorder/classification/diagnosis/*genetics/*history ; Epigenesis, Genetic/*genetics ; Genetic Linkage/genetics ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Humans ; Multifactorial Inheritance/*genetics ; Psychotic Disorders/classification/diagnosis/*genetics/*history ; Schizophrenia/classification/diagnosis/*genetics/*history ; Twin Studies as Topic ; }, abstract = {The case for replacing the binary Kraepelinian system with a continuum concept originated with Kraepelin [Kraepelin, E. (1920) Die Erscheinungsformen des Irreseins (translated by H Marshall as: Patterns of mental disorder. In: Themes and Variations in European Psychiatry. Eds S.R. Hirsch &amp; M. Shepherd. Wright, Bristol, pp7-30, l974). Zeitschrift Gesamte Neurologie Psychiatrie, vol. 62, 1-29.], and is based upon studies of familial aggregation and phenomenology. Craddock and Owen's [Craddock, N.J., Owen, M.J. (2007) Rethinking psychosis: the disadvantages of a dichotomous classification now outweigh the advantages. World Psychiatry 6: 20-27.] claim for the "beginning of the end for the Kraepelinian dichotomy" on the basis of linkage and association is undermined by un-replicability of findings across studies (Crow, T.J. (2007) How and why genetic linkage has not solved the problem of psychosis: review and hypothesis. American Journal of Psychiatry, 164, 13-21). Absence of evidence of linkage is consistent with the concept that the variation is epigenetic in form rather than DNA sequence-based. But what are the dimensions that underly the continuum? The BBC Internet survey (Peters, M., Reimers, S., Manning, J.T. (2006) Hand preference for writing and associations with selected demographic and behavioral variables in 255,100 subjects: the BBC internet study. Brain and Cognition 62, 177-189), reinforces the concept that lateralisation is a major and sex-dependent dimension of human variation in verbal and spatial ability: twin studies indicate that inter-individual variation in dominance for language is epigenetic and the paternal age effect can be similarly explained. Thus an epigenetic imprint, arising in relation to the sapiens specific torque and persisting over one or two generations is a better fit to the genetics of the psychotic continuum than Craddock and Owen's elusive "polygenic" variations.}, }
@article {pmid18419560, year = {2008}, author = {Dougherty, CO and Ross, WL and Young, KA}, title = {Ovarian activity is differentially regulated across the breeding season in immature compared with adult American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos).}, journal = {Physiological and biochemical zoology : PBZ}, volume = {81}, number = {3}, pages = {356-365}, doi = {10.1086/587095}, pmid = {18419560}, issn = {1537-5293}, support = {//Howard Hughes Medical Institute/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Breeding ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Ovary/anatomy &amp; histology/*physiology ; *Seasons ; Sexual Maturation/*physiology ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) reproduction is seasonal. While photoperiod alters reproductive physiology and behavior in nesting adults, whether seasonal photoperiod changes alter ovarian activity in nonnesting adult and immature birds was not known. Ovarian follicular composition was examined in immature and nonnesting adult crows. Birds were divided into groups reflecting daylight hour exposure when captured: 12L, 12:30L, 13:30L, and 14L, representing early-, progressing-, peak-, and postbreeding seasons in southern California. Adult ovarian mass peaked in 13:30L and then decreased 65% by 14L. In contrast, immature ovarian mass peaked in 12L and decreased 58% by 14L. Whereas no change in adult follicle composition occurred, primordial follicle numbers increased 42%, and previtellogenic follicles increased 86% in immatures, resulting in an overall follicle number increase in immatures by 13:30L and 14L. Adult atretic follicles declined 68% by 14L, while immature atretic follicle numbers remained constant. Adult apoptotic transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive follicle numbers remained constant until a 52% decrease occurred in 13:30L. TUNEL-positive follicles declined 58% by 12:30L among immatures. These data are the first to demonstrate that follicular composition is differentially regulated between nonnesting adult and immature American crows. Seasonal ovarian activity alterations in nonbreeding adults may serve to prime individuals for potential mating.}, }
@article {pmid18409682, year = {2007}, author = {Albini, E and Benedetti, L and Caruso, A and Marchetti, S and Nan, E and Zoni, S and Lucchini, R}, title = {[Occupational exposure to manganese in ferroalloy industry: neurobehavioral effects in a workers' cohort].}, journal = {Giornale italiano di medicina del lavoro ed ergonomia}, volume = {29}, number = {3 Suppl}, pages = {272-274}, pmid = {18409682}, issn = {1592-7830}, mesh = {Adult ; Behavior/*drug effects ; Cognition/*drug effects ; Humans ; Longitudinal Studies ; Manganese/*adverse effects ; *Metallurgy ; Middle Aged ; Nervous System/*drug effects ; Occupational Exposure/*adverse effects ; Population Surveillance ; }, abstract = {Our Institute has been following for 20 years a group of workers of a ferroalloy industry in order to evaluate neurobehavioral effects due to manganese exposure. Five years after the last study we have planned another one, to evaluate differences in neuromotor e cognitive functions between exposed and controls and to perform a longitudinal evaluation of the results. Environmental and biological sampling were collected, liver and kidney functionality, haemochrome, iron metabolism and sieric prolactine were evaluated. Several tests were administered: postural evaluation, tremor, four tests of the SPES battery, Pursuing Aiming, five tests of the Luria Nebraska Motor Battery, Raven Progressive Matrices, Trail Making Test, Mood Scale, Brief Symptoms Inventory, neuropsychological symptoms questionnaire. Personal habits and working, living and clinical histories were collected. We evaluated 43 exposed workers and 40 controls. Exposure indicators resulted all significantly higher in exposed workers. Neuropsychological examination showed differences in Raven Progressive Matrices and Pursuit Aiming, higher tremor values and differences in postural evaluation between exposed and controls.}, }
@article {pmid18408241, year = {2008}, author = {Pombo, S and Levy, P and Bicho, M and Ismail, F and Cardoso, JM}, title = {Neuropsychological function and platelet monoamine oxidase activity levels in type I alcoholic patients.}, journal = {Alcohol and alcoholism (Oxford, Oxfordshire)}, volume = {43}, number = {4}, pages = {423-430}, doi = {10.1093/alcalc/agn021}, pmid = {18408241}, issn = {1464-3502}, mesh = {Adult ; Alcoholism/*blood/*epidemiology ; Blood Platelets/*metabolism ; Cognition Disorders/*diagnosis/*epidemiology ; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Monoamine Oxidase/*blood ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Prevalence ; Severity of Illness Index ; }, abstract = {AIMS: To explore neuropsychological function in two differentiated patterns of platelet monoamine oxidase B (MAO B) activity in alcoholic patients.<br><br>METHODS: Neuropsychological examination and platelet MAO B activity extracted from blood were collected from 42 alcohol-dependent patients recruited in the alcoholism unit (NETER) of the Psychiatric Service of Santa Maria University Hospital.<br><br>RESULTS: Alcoholics presented significantly low levels of platelet MAO B activity, when compared with control subjects; platelet MAO B activity in alcoholics classified as "under average subgroup" showed significant lower scores in the Raven Progressive Matrix and higher scores in hostility dimension, when compared with platelet MAO B activity in "above average subgroup."<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Results suggested platelet MAO B as a trait marker also to type I alcohol-dependent patients and the two observed associations between platelet MAO B activity with neurocognitive measures of executive functions (nonverbal reasoning) and psychopathological dimension such as hostility may support the notion about the effect of platelet MAO B activity in the further development of an impulsive cognitive style.}, }
@article {pmid18401172, year = {2008}, author = {Shinagawa, S and Toyota, Y and Ishikawa, T and Fukuhara, R and Hokoishi, K and Komori, K and Tanimukai, S and Ikeda, M}, title = {Cognitive function and psychiatric symptoms in early- and late-onset frontotemporal dementia.}, journal = {Dementia and geriatric cognitive disorders}, volume = {25}, number = {5}, pages = {439-444}, doi = {10.1159/000124751}, pmid = {18401172}, issn = {1421-9824}, mesh = {Age of Onset ; Aged ; Cognition Disorders/*diagnosis/*psychology ; Dementia/*diagnosis/*psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Japan ; Male ; Mental Status Schedule ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Outpatients ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND/AIM: Some recent studies mentioned that late-onset frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is more common than previously assumed. Although much research has been done in the field, there are no systematic studies which have compared clinical characteristics of early- and late-onset FTD. The aim of this study was to compare cognitive function and psychiatric symptoms in patients with early- and late-onset FTD.<br><br>METHODS: Study participants were consecutive outpatients. There were 35 FTD patients; their mean age at onset was 63.0 years. We studied sex, education, duration from onset to consultation, Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scores, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM) scores, and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) scores at first consultation of early- and late-onset FTD patients.<br><br>RESULTS: There were no significant differences in sex ratio, education, CDR scores, and duration from onset to consultation. There were significant differences in the total MMSE scores, 'three-word recall task', 'construction task', and RCPM scores; late-onset groups scored significantly lower than early-onset groups. There were significant differences in the apathy domain of NPI and total NPI scores; late-onset groups scored significantly higher than early-onset groups.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Late-onset FTD patients may have memory and visuospatial deficits in addition to their behavioural changes, even if they are clinically diagnosed according to consensus diagnostic criteria. They also present more apathy, and they may have a different histolopathological background.}, }
@article {pmid18399444, year = {2007}, author = {El-Bahrawy, AA and Vijver, MG and De Snoo, GR}, title = {Threats and control of the brown necked ravens (Corvus ruficollis) in Egypt.}, journal = {Communications in agricultural and applied biological sciences}, volume = {72}, number = {2}, pages = {221-232}, pmid = {18399444}, issn = {1379-1176}, mesh = {4-Hydroxycoumarins/toxicity ; Animals ; Crows/*growth &amp; development ; Egypt ; Falconiformes/*physiology ; Female ; Food Preferences ; Male ; Oviposition ; Pest Control/*methods ; Pest Control, Biological ; Population Control/*methods ; Population Density ; Population Growth ; Predatory Behavior/physiology ; }, abstract = {The Suez Canal region is a small fertile area in Egypt that is placed under enormous pressure of existing resources. In these areas, intensive agricultural practices are performed in combination with high population densities. The described problem is that together with agricultural practices and urbanization, Brown necked ravens (Corvus ruficollis) are in huge amounts attracted. The birds are very aggressive and showed to be a serious pest. They spread germs and diseases for human health and food production. Therefore, the birds need to be controlled. Our research focuses on identifying food preferences of raven and on the way raven control is most effective. Ravens are omnivorous birds. From our laboratory study it was seen that most preferable foods were, in descending order: fresh fishes, cow liver, crustacean, watermelons, tomatoes and yoghurt. Under field conditions where stomach content was dissected, animal matters showed to a more preferred food source than plant matters. Observations on olfactory sensitivity showed that ravens could easily locate their food. Biological observations in the field on reproduction of ravens showed that raven females lay two to six eggs. Average number of babies per nest was between one and four. Average number of raven flock before sun rise was more than 100, while it was less than 100 before sun set. The impact of mechanical, biological and chemical control was investigated. Without control, approximately flock numbers of more than 100 ravens were recorded. The average number of raven flock was 60 before mechanical control operation (nests destroyed and using net), while it was 40 after mechanical control. Results of the biological control showed that kestrel (Falco tinnunculus rupicolaeformes) predated raven babies more effective than barn owls (Tyto alba). Within the chemical control experiments, Brodifacoum (0.0005%) was most effective against ravens, followed by Zink phosphide (19%) and Methomyl (90%, carbamate compound).}, }
@article {pmid18376384, year = {2008}, author = {Smith, AJ and Christopher, S and LaFromboise, VR and Letiecq, BL and McCormick, AK}, title = {Apsáalooke women's experiences with Pap test screening.}, journal = {Cancer control : journal of the Moffitt Cancer Center}, volume = {15}, number = {2}, pages = {166-173}, doi = {10.1177/107327480801500209}, pmid = {18376384}, issn = {1073-2748}, mesh = {Female ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Humans ; *Indians, North American ; *Mass Screening ; Patient Acceptance of Health Care ; Patient Satisfaction ; United States ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/*pathology ; *Vaginal Smears ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer mortality rates are among the highest in the United States for Northern Plains Native American women compared with white and other Native American women. The aims of Messengers for Health, a community-based participatory research project based on the Apsáalooke (Crow Indian) Reservation, are to decrease cervical cancer screening barriers, improve knowledge regarding screening and prevention, and increase the proportion of women receiving Pap tests. This paper presents results from a survey assessing women's perceptions of the level of comfort and care received by health care providers in their most recent Pap test appointment.<br><br>METHODS: A survey assessing patient communication and satisfaction with their health care providers was conducted with a random sample of 101 Aps&#xe1;alooke women. Qualitative and quantitative methods were utilized to analyze the survey data.<br><br>RESULTS: Women reported both positive and negative experiences with their provider regarding their Pap test appointments. They noted positive experiences when trust was established and when the provider offered information, reassured or encouraged them, was personable, was familiar or consistent, maintained confidentiality, and was a woman. The women reported negative experiences when the examination was too short, when they did not have a consistent or female provider, and when they did not feel comfortable with the provider's nonverbal communication.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Continued work with both providers and patients is necessary to decrease communication barriers and increase satisfaction with Pap test appointments.}, }
@article {pmid18371014, year = {2008}, author = {Coulon, A and Fitzpatrick, JW and Bowman, R and Stith, BM and Makarewich, CA and Stenzler, LM and Lovette, IJ}, title = {Congruent population structure inferred from dispersal behaviour and intensive genetic surveys of the threatened Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens).}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {17}, number = {7}, pages = {1685-1701}, doi = {10.1111/j.1365-294X.2008.03705.x}, pmid = {18371014}, issn = {1365-294X}, mesh = {Animals ; Bayes Theorem ; Behavior, Animal ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; Demography ; Florida ; *Genetic Variation ; Genetics, Population ; Genotype ; Microsatellite Repeats/genetics ; Multigene Family ; Passeriformes/*genetics ; }, abstract = {The delimitation of populations, defined as groups of individuals linked by gene flow, is possible by the analysis of genetic markers and also by spatial models based on dispersal probabilities across a landscape. We combined these two complimentary methods to define the spatial pattern of genetic structure among remaining populations of the threatened Florida scrub-jay, a species for which dispersal ability is unusually well-characterized. The range-wide population was intensively censused in the 1990s, and a metapopulation model defined population boundaries based on predicted dispersal-mediated demographic connectivity. We subjected genotypes from more than 1000 individual jays screened at 20 microsatellite loci to two Bayesian clustering methods. We describe a consensus method for identifying common features across many replicated clustering runs. Ten genetically differentiated groups exist across the present-day range of the Florida scrub-jay. These groups are largely consistent with the dispersal-defined metapopulations, which assume very limited dispersal ability. Some genetic groups comprise more than one metapopulation, likely because these genetically similar metapopulations were sundered only recently by habitat alteration. The combined reconstructions of population structure based on genetics and dispersal-mediated demographic connectivity provide a robust depiction of the current genetic and demographic organization of this species, reflecting past and present levels of dispersal among occupied habitat patches. The differentiation of populations into 10 genetic groups adds urgency to management efforts aimed at preserving what remains of genetic variation in this dwindling species, by maintaining viable populations of all genetically differentiated and geographically isolated populations.}, }
@article {pmid18364318, year = {2008}, author = {Seed, AM and Clayton, NS and Emery, NJ}, title = {Cooperative problem solving in rooks (Corvus frugilegus).}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {275}, number = {1641}, pages = {1421-1429}, pmid = {18364318}, issn = {0962-8452}, support = {BBS/B/05354/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Cognition ; *Cooperative Behavior ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; Pan troglodytes ; Statistics, Nonparametric ; }, abstract = {Recent work has shown that captive rooks, like chimpanzees and other primates, develop cooperative alliances with their conspecifics. Furthermore, the pressures hypothesized to have favoured social intelligence in primates also apply to corvids. We tested cooperative problem-solving in rooks to compare their performance and cognition with primates. Without training, eight rooks quickly solved a problem in which two individuals had to pull both ends of a string simultaneously in order to pull in a food platform. Similar to chimpanzees and capuchin monkeys, performance was better when within-dyad tolerance levels were higher. In contrast to chimpanzees, rooks did not delay acting on the apparatus while their partner gained access to the test room. Furthermore, given a choice between an apparatus that could be operated individually over one that required the action of two individuals, four out of six individuals showed no preference. These results may indicate that cooperation in chimpanzees is underpinned by more complex cognitive processes than that in rooks. Such a difference may arise from the fact that while both chimpanzees and rooks form cooperative alliances, chimpanzees, but not rooks, live in a variable social network made up of competitive and cooperative relationships.}, }
@article {pmid18342341, year = {2008}, author = {Denny, K}, title = {Cognitive ability and continuous measures of relative hand skill: a note.}, journal = {Neuropsychologia}, volume = {46}, number = {7}, pages = {2091-2094}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2008.02.004}, pmid = {18342341}, issn = {0028-3932}, mesh = {*Achievement ; Aptitude/*physiology ; Child ; Cognition/*physiology ; Cognition Disorders/diagnosis/physiopathology ; Comprehension/physiology ; Functional Laterality/*physiology ; Humans ; Mathematics ; Motor Skills/*physiology ; Problem Solving ; Psychomotor Performance/physiology ; Reading ; Task Performance and Analysis ; Verbal Behavior/physiology ; }, abstract = {This note re-examines a finding by Crow et al. [Crow, T. J., Crow, L. R., Done, D. J., &amp; Leask, S. (1998). Relative hand skill predicts academic ability: Global deficits at the point of hemispheric indecision. Neuropsychologia, 36(12), 1275-1281] that equal skill of right and left hands is associated with deficits in cognitive ability. This is consistent with the idea that failure to develop dominance of one hemisphere is associated with various pathologies such as learning difficulties. Using the same data source but utilising additional data, evidence is found of a more complex relationship between cognitive ability and relative hand skill.}, }
@article {pmid18331244, year = {2008}, author = {Koenig, WD and Walters, EL}, title = {A tale of two worlds: molecular ecology and population structure of the threatened Florida scrub-jay.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {17}, number = {7}, pages = {1632-1633}, doi = {10.1111/j.1365-294X.2008.03704.x}, pmid = {18331244}, issn = {1365-294X}, mesh = {Animals ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Demography ; Ecology ; Florida ; *Genetics, Population ; Passeriformes/*genetics ; }, abstract = {Elsewhere in this issue of Molecular Ecology, Coulon et al. provide a detailed analysis of population structure of the threatened Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) using genetic markers and compare it to that inferred from previous demographic surveys and observed dispersal behaviour in this species. In contrast to previous attempts at such comparisons, estimates from the two methods are reasonably congruent. Although challenges remain, Coulon et al.'s analyses demonstrate the potential for closing the gap between these alternative methodologies, and ultimately for future genetic surveys to be used confidently in conservation planning.}, }
@article {pmid18312561, year = {2008}, author = {Lorenzi, MC and Sella, G}, title = {A measure of sexual selection in hermaphroditic animals: parentage skew and the opportunity for selection.}, journal = {Journal of evolutionary biology}, volume = {21}, number = {3}, pages = {827-833}, doi = {10.1111/j.1420-9101.2008.01513.x}, pmid = {18312561}, issn = {1420-9101}, mesh = {Animals ; Annelida/*genetics/*physiology ; Disorders of Sex Development/*genetics ; Female ; Male ; Reproduction/genetics/physiology ; *Selection, Genetic ; }, abstract = {The role of sexual selection in shaping the mating system of hermaphrodites is currently widely accepted. However, a quantification of the intensity of sexual selection in hermaphroditic animals has never been accomplished. We evaluated the opportunity for sexual selection for both the female and the male functions in the simultaneous outcrossing hermaphrodite Ophryotrocha diadema by measuring focal hermaphrodites' paternal and maternal offspring in experimental replicated monogamous and promiscuous populations, using genetic markers to estimate paternity. Opportunity for sexual selection for each of the two sexual functions was quantified by means of the Crow's index, i.e. the ratio of variance in progeny number to the squared mean number of progeny. In addition, the extent to which the reproductive success was shared among competing individuals was estimated by means of the Nonacs's B index. We documented that the strength of selection on the male and female function in hermaphrodites with external fertilization depends on the reproductive context. Under a promiscuous regime, hermaphrodites have higher opportunities for selection for both the male and the female function than under the monogamous regime. Moreover, the reproductive skew for the female function becomes greater than that for the male function, moving from monogamy to promiscuity. In our model system, allocation to one sexual function is opposed by any degree of allocation to the other, indicating that sex-specific patterns of selection operate in this model species.}, }
@article {pmid18312310, year = {2008}, author = {Pueyo, R and Junqué, C and Vendrell, P and Narberhaus, A and Segarra, D}, title = {Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices as a measure of cognitive functioning in Cerebral Palsy.}, journal = {Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDR}, volume = {52}, number = {Pt 5}, pages = {437-445}, doi = {10.1111/j.1365-2788.2008.01045.x}, pmid = {18312310}, issn = {1365-2788}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Cerebral Palsy/complications/*psychology ; Cognition ; Cognition Disorders/*diagnosis/etiology/psychology ; Color ; Female ; Humans ; Language ; Male ; Memory ; Neuropsychological Tests/*standards/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Reproducibility of Results ; Severity of Illness Index ; Space Perception ; Spain ; Visual Perception ; Vocabulary ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Cognitive dysfunction is frequent in Cerebral Palsy (CP). CP motor impairment and associated speech deficits often hinder cognitive assessment, with the result being that not all CP studies consider cognitive dysfunction. Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices is a simple, rapid test which can be used in persons with severe motor impairment and speech limitations. We studied whether this test can offer a reliable measure of cognitive functioning in CP.<br><br>METHOD: Visuoperceptual, language, memory and frontal lobe functions were evaluated in 30 participants with severe motor impaired CP and a variety of speech difficulties. The relationship between Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices and a variety of tests was analysed.<br><br>RESULTS: Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices performance was associated with visuoperceptual, language, visual and verbal memory but not with frontal functions. Receptive vocabulary and visuospatial measures were the best predictors of Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices raw scores.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices is a fast, easy-to-administer test able to obtain a measure related with linguistic, visuoperceptual, and memory cognitive functioning in persons with CP despite their motor and speech disorders.}, }
@article {pmid18308483, year = {2008}, author = {Tamez, E and Myerson, J and Hale, S}, title = {Learning, working memory, and intelligence revisited.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {78}, number = {2}, pages = {240-245}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2008.01.008}, pmid = {18308483}, issn = {0376-6357}, mesh = {Adult ; *Attention ; *Discrimination, Psychological ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Male ; *Memory, Short-Term ; Pattern Recognition, Visual ; Reaction Time ; Reference Values ; Statistics as Topic ; *Verbal Learning ; }, abstract = {Based on early findings showing low correlations between intelligence test scores and learning on laboratory tasks, psychologists typically have dismissed the role of learning in intelligence and emphasized the role of working memory instead. In 2006, however, B.A. Williams developed a verbal learning task inspired by three-term reinforcement contingencies and reported unexpectedly high correlations between this task and Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAPM) scores [Williams, B.A., Pearlberg, S.L., 2006. Learning of three-term contingencies correlates with Raven scores, but not with measures of cognitive processing. Intelligence 34, 177-191]. The present study replicated this finding: Performance on the three-term learning task explained almost 25% of the variance in RAPM scores. Adding complex verbal working memory span, measured using the operation span task, did not improve prediction. Notably, this was not due to a lack of correlation between complex working memory span and RAPM scores. Rather, it occurred because most of the variance captured by the complex working memory span was already accounted for by the three-term learning task. Taken together with the findings of Williams and Pearlberg, the present results make a strong case for the role of learning in performance on intelligence tests.}, }
@article {pmid18294782, year = {2008}, author = {Izawa, E and Watanabe, S}, title = {Formation of linear dominance relationship in captive jungle crows (Corvus macrorhynchos): implications for individual recognition.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {78}, number = {1}, pages = {44-52}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2007.12.010}, pmid = {18294782}, issn = {0376-6357}, mesh = {Analysis of Variance ; Animals ; *Association Learning ; Crows ; *Dominance-Subordination ; Female ; Male ; *Recognition, Psychology ; Sex Factors ; *Social Environment ; Statistics, Nonparametric ; }, abstract = {Jungle crows (Corvus macrorhynchos) flexibly change their social forms depending on their age, time of the day, and the season. In the daytime, paired adults behave territorially and unpaired subadults form small flocks of ten birds, whereas at night hundreds of birds roost together. In the breeding season, pairings remain in their nest all day. This fission-fusion raises questions about the underlying social structure and the cognitive capability of jungle crows. In this study, dyadic encounters were used to investigate dominance relationships (linear or non-linear) and the underlying mechanisms in captive jungle crows. Fourteen crows were tested in 455 encounters (i.e., 5 encounters per dyad), and a stable linear dominance relationship emerged. Sex and aggressiveness were determinants as individual characteristics for dominance formation. Males dominated females, and more aggressive individuals dominated less aggressive ones. Aggressive interactions in dyads occurred primarily during the first encounter and drastically declined during subsequent encounters without any signs of a confidence effect. These results suggest that, in captive jungle crow, a linear form of dominance is intrinsically determined by sex and aggressiveness and maintained extrinsically by memories of past outcomes associated with specific individuals, implying individual recognition.}, }
@article {pmid18293590, year = {2008}, author = {Seco, J and Sharp, GC and Wu, Z and Gierga, D and Buettner, F and Paganetti, H}, title = {Dosimetric impact of motion in free-breathing and gated lung radiotherapy: a 4D Monte Carlo study of intrafraction and interfraction effects.}, journal = {Medical physics}, volume = {35}, number = {1}, pages = {356-366}, pmid = {18293590}, issn = {0094-2405}, support = {R01 CA111590/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 CA111590-03/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; R01-CA 111590/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Lung/*physiology ; Lung Neoplasms/*radiotherapy ; *Monte Carlo Method ; *Movement ; *Radiation Dosage ; Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted ; *Respiration ; }, abstract = {The purpose of this study was to investigate if interfraction and intrafraction motion in free-breathing and gated lung IMRT can lead to systematic dose differences between 3DCT and 4DCT. Dosimetric effects were studied considering the breathing pattern of three patients monitored during the course of their treatment and an in-house developed 4D Monte Carlo framework. Imaging data were taken in free-breathing and in cine mode for both 3D and 4D acquisition. Treatment planning for IMRT delivery was done based on the free-breathing data with the CORVUS (North American Scientific, Chatsworth, CA) planning system. The dose distributions as a function of phase in the breathing cycle were combined using deformable image registration. The study focused on (a) assessing the accuracy of the CORVUS pencil beam algorithm with Monte Carlo dose calculation in the lung, (b) evaluating the dosimetric effect of motion on the individual breathing phases of the respiratory cycle, and (c) assessing intrafraction and interfraction motion effects during free-breathing or gated radiotherapy. The comparison between (a) the planning system and the Monte Carlo system shows that the pencil beam algorithm underestimates the dose in low-density regions, such as lung tissue, and overestimates the dose in high-density regions, such as bone, by 5% or more of the prescribed dose (corresponding to approximately 3-5 Gy for the cases considered). For the patients studied this could have a significant impact on the dose volume histograms for the target structures depending on the margin added to the clinical target volume (CTV) to produce either the planning target (PTV) or internal target volume (ITV). The dose differences between (b) phases in the breathing cycle and the free-breathing case were shown to be negligible for all phases except for the inhale phase, where an underdosage of the tumor by as much as 9.3 Gy relative to the free-breathing was observed. The large difference was due to breathing-induced motion/deformation affecting the soft/lung tissue density and motion of the bone structures (such as the rib cage) in and out of the beam. Intrafraction and interfraction dosimetric differences between (c) free-breathing and gated delivery were found to be small. However, more significant dosimetric differences, of the order of 3%-5%, were observed between the dose calculations based on static CT (3DCT) and the ones based on time-resolved CT (4DCT). These differences are a consequence of the larger contribution of the inhale phase in the 3DCT data than in the 4DCT.}, }
@article {pmid18274930, year = {2008}, author = {Sikdar, M}, title = {Influence of socio-economic transition on genetic structure: a case study in Upper Assam, India.}, journal = {Annals of human biology}, volume = {35}, number = {1}, pages = {112-120}, doi = {10.1080/03014460701822011}, pmid = {18274930}, issn = {0301-4460}, mesh = {Female ; *Fertility ; *Genetic Variation ; Genetics, Population/*trends ; Humans ; India ; Interviews as Topic ; Male ; Mortality/trends ; Rural Population ; *Selection, Genetic ; *Socioeconomic Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Time Factors ; Urban Population ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Socio-economic transition with time offers us a way to understand the dynamics of evolution by studying the change in selection pressure.<br><br>AIM: The present study aimed to explore the effect of temporal change in socio-economic conditions on the selection pattern of Sonowal Kachari, a major tribal population of Assam, north-east India, over a period of 31 years (from 1975 to 2006). It also attempts to locate the present position of the tribe in the demographic transition model on the basis of the prevalent selection pattern.<br><br>SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Data on differential fertility and differential pre-reproductive mortality were collected from 155 unrelated Sonowal Kachari post-menopausal women from Dibrugarh, Upper Assam. Opportunity for natural selection was calculated on the basis of the indices put forward by Crow (I(c)) and Johnston and Kensinger (I(j)). To compute the opportunity for natural selection, different parameters such as index of selection due to infant mortality (I(m)), index of selection due to fertility (I(f)) and index of selection due to embryonic mortality (I(me)) were taken into consideration. Standard statistical techniques were applied wherever relevant.<br><br>RESULTS: The different components of selection were found to be higher among the rural population than those in the urban one. Without considering the effect of regional variability, the Crow's index (I(c)) of opportunity for natural selection was found to decrease with time from 0.364 in 1975 to 0.244 in 2006. The Johnston and Kensinger index (I(j)) also decreased from 0.541 in 1975 to 0.284 in 2006. Irrespective of the methodology, the mortality component was found to decrease considerably with time without marked reduction in the fertility component.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The study, within its limitations, suggests that at present the Sonowal population is experiencing a selection relaxation due to the temporal improvement of socio-economic conditions. By comparing the fertility and pre-reproductive mortality components it can be argued that the population may have been passing through the initial period of post-transitional stage, which may increase the segregation load in the population.}, }
@article {pmid18262356, year = {2008}, author = {Cnotka, J and Güntürkün, O and Rehkämper, G and Gray, RD and Hunt, GR}, title = {Extraordinary large brains in tool-using New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides).}, journal = {Neuroscience letters}, volume = {433}, number = {3}, pages = {241-245}, doi = {10.1016/j.neulet.2008.01.026}, pmid = {18262356}, issn = {0304-3940}, mesh = {Adaptation, Physiological/physiology ; Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Body Weight/physiology ; Brain/*anatomy &amp; histology/physiology ; Crows/*anatomy &amp; histology/physiology ; Intelligence/*physiology ; New Caledonia ; Organ Size/physiology ; Passeriformes/anatomy &amp; histology/physiology ; Phylogeny ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Sparrows/anatomy &amp; histology/physiology ; Species Specificity ; Tool Use Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {A general correlation exists between brain weight and higher cognitive ability in birds and mammals. In birds this relationship is especially evident in corvids. These animals are well-known for their flexible behavior and problem-solving abilities, and have relatively large brains associated with a pallial enlargement. At the behavioral level, New Caledonian crows stand out amongst corvids because of their impressive object manipulation skills both in the wild and in the laboratory. However, nothing is known about the relative size of their brains. Here we show that NC crows have highly encephalised brains relative to most other birds that have been studied. We compared the relative brain size of five NC crows with combined data for four passerine species (7 European carrion crows, 2 European magpies, 3 European jays and 4 domestic sparrows) and found that NC crows had significantly larger brains. A comparison only with the seven carrion crows also revealed significantly larger brains for NC crows. When compared with brain data for 140 avian species from the literature, the NC crow had one of the highest degrees of encephalisation, exceeding that of the 7 other Corvidae in the data set.}, }
@article {pmid18258048, year = {2007}, author = {Patrican, LA and Hackett, LE and Briggs, JE and McGowan, JW and Unnasch, TR and Lee, JH}, title = {Host-feeding patterns of Culex mosquitoes in relation to trap habitat.}, journal = {Emerging infectious diseases}, volume = {13}, number = {12}, pages = {1921-1923}, pmid = {18258048}, issn = {1080-6040}, support = {R01 AI049724/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI049724-08/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/blood ; Culex/*physiology ; Ecosystem ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Mosquito Control/*instrumentation ; United States ; }, abstract = {Mosquito feeding patterns identify vertebrate species potentially involved in the amplification of West Nile virus. In New York, northern cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) were the predominant hosts in most habitats. Crow (Corvus sp.) blood meals were most frequently identified from sewage treatment plant and storm water catch basin habitats.}, }
@article {pmid18248632, year = {2008}, author = {Kuchta, SR and Krakauer, AH and Sinervo, B}, title = {Why does the yellow-eyed Ensatina have yellow eyes? Batesian mimicry of Pacific newts (genus Taricha) by the salamander Ensatina eschscholtzii xanthoptica.}, journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution}, volume = {62}, number = {4}, pages = {984-990}, doi = {10.1111/j.1558-5646.2008.00338.x}, pmid = {18248632}, issn = {0014-3820}, mesh = {*Adaptation, Biological ; Animals ; Eye ; Feeding Behavior/physiology ; *Pigmentation ; Predatory Behavior/*physiology ; Songbirds/*physiology ; *Caudata ; }, abstract = {Color patterns commonly vary geographically within species, but it is rare that such variation corresponds with divergent antipredator strategies. The polymorphic salamander Ensatina eschscholtzii, however, may represent such a case. In this species, most subspecies are cryptically colored, whereas E. e. xanthoptica, the Yellow eyed ensatina, is hypothesized to be an aposematic mimic of highly toxic Pacific newts (genus Taricha). To test the mimicry hypothesis, we conducted feeding trials using Western Scrub-Jays, Aphelocoma californica. In every feeding trial, we found that jays, following presentation with the presumed model (T. torosa), were more hesitant to contact the presumed mimic (E. e. xanthoptica) than a control subspecies lacking the postulated aposematic colors (E. e. oregonensis). The median time to contact was 315 sec for the mimic and 52 sec for the control. These results support the mimicry hypothesis, and we suggest that E. e. xanthoptica is likely a Batesian mimic, rather a Müllerian or quasi-Batesian mimic, of Pacific newts.}, }
@article {pmid18237780, year = {2008}, author = {Jaspers, VL and Covaci, A and Deleu, P and Neels, H and Eens, M}, title = {Preen oil as the main source of external contamination with organic pollutants onto feathers of the common magpie (Pica pica).}, journal = {Environment international}, volume = {34}, number = {6}, pages = {741-748}, doi = {10.1016/j.envint.2007.12.002}, pmid = {18237780}, issn = {0160-4120}, mesh = {Animals ; Environmental Pollutants/*blood ; Feathers/*chemistry ; *Grooming ; Oils/chemistry ; Organic Chemicals/*blood ; Songbirds/*blood ; }, abstract = {We investigated the possible sources of contamination with organic pollutants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and metabolites, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), in and onto tail feathers of a large songbird, the common magpie (Pica pica). Although feathers are potentially useful as a non-destructive biomonitor for organic pollutants, concentrations may be influenced by external contamination onto the feather surface. In a first approach, a group of magpies was captured after the completion of moult. The third tail feather was pulled out and a blood sample was taken. Most PCBs, DDTs and some PBDEs could be quantified in one single tail feather, indicating that the applicability of feathers goes beyond monitoring with predatory birds, as shown previously. Nevertheless, correlations between levels in serum and feathers were found significant in three cases only (i.e. CB 170, CB 180 and CB 187). This finding may be attributed to different factors, such as varying diet, condition, sample size or external contamination. In a second approach, cadavers of magpies were collected throughout Flanders. The preen gland was removed and the first, third and fifth tail feathers were pulled out at both sides. No significant differences were found among tail feathers within an individual. We compared three washing procedures to remove external contamination with organic pollutants from these feathers: deionised water, acetone and a surfactant/acetone solution. Right feathers were washed and left feathers were kept as control. Concentrations in the resulting washes were found highest in the acetone solutions. Furthermore, feathers washed with acetone or with a surfactant/acetone solution had significantly lower mean concentrations than the control feathers. Highest correlations with levels in preen gland were obtained for the control feathers. Consequently, the source of external contamination with organic pollutants onto feathers seems to be endogenous, originating from the preen gland. This is in great contrast to the extensive airborne pollution that has been reported for most heavy metals. In summary, the results of the current study highlight the usefulness of feathers for non-destructive biomonitoring of organic pollutants.}, }
@article {pmid25948875, year = {2008}, author = {Schwab, C and Bugnyar, T and Schloegl, C and Kotrschal, K}, title = {Enhanced social learning between siblings in common ravens, Corvus corax.}, journal = {Animal behaviour}, volume = {75}, number = {2}, pages = {501-508}, pmid = {25948875}, issn = {0003-3472}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {It has been suggested that social dynamics affect social learning but empirical support for this idea is scarce. Here we show that affiliate relationships among kin indeed enhance the performance of common ravens, Corvus corax, in a social learning task. Via daily behavioural protocols we first monitored social dynamics in our group of captive young ravens. Siblings spent significantly more time in close proximity to each other than did nonsiblings. We subsequently tested birds on a stimulus enhancement task in model-observer dyads composed of both siblings and nonsiblings. During demonstration the observer could watch the model manipulating one particular object (target object) in an adjacent room. After removing the model, the observer was confronted with five different objects including the former target object. Observers from sibling dyads handled the target object for significantly longer periods of time as compared with the other four available objects, whereas observers from nonsibling dyads did not show a preference for the target object. Also, siblings matched the model's decision to cache or not to cache objects significantly more often than did nonsiblings. Hence, siblings were likely to attend to both, the behaviour of the model (caching or noncaching) and object-specific details. Our results support the hypothesis that affiliate relations between individuals affect the transmission of information and may lead to directed social learning even when spatial proximity has been experimentally controlled for.}, }
@article {pmid18220481, year = {2008}, author = {Schmidt, KA and Ostfeld, RS}, title = {Eavesdropping squirrels reduce their future value of food under the perceived presence of cache robbers.}, journal = {The American naturalist}, volume = {171}, number = {3}, pages = {386-393}, doi = {10.1086/527497}, pmid = {18220481}, issn = {1537-5323}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; *Competitive Behavior ; *Feeding Behavior ; Food ; New York ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Sciuridae/*physiology ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Caching behavior frequently occurs within a social context that may include heterospecific cache pilferers. All else equal, the value of cacheable food should decline as the probability of cache recovering declines. We manipulated gray squirrels' (Sciurus carolinensis) estimate of the probability of cache recovery using experimental playbacks of the vocalizations of a potential cache robber, the blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata). We used giving-up densities (GUDs) to quantify relative changes in squirrels' valuation of cacheable and noncacheable foods. We collected GUDs during playback experiments to test whether squirrels (1) eavesdrop on vocalizations to detect jay presence, (2) devalue cacheable food in the (perceived) presence of jays (i.e., perceive jays as cache pilferers), and (3) are sensitive to distant effects (i.e., lower devaluation of cacheable food at sites far from the perceived location of jays). Consistent with our predictions, squirrels decreased the value of cacheable hazelnuts by two nuts, on average, during jay playbacks, but only at foraging stations near the jay playback sites. We conclude that through eavesdropping, squirrels assess site-specific risks of cache pilfering and alter their caching behavior to reduce the likelihood of pilferage. Evidence suggests that tree seed consumers in eastern deciduous forests exist within a complex communication network.}, }
@article {pmid18189327, year = {2008}, author = {Jacob, J and Leukers, A}, title = {Preference of birds for zinc phosphide bait formulations.}, journal = {Pest management science}, volume = {64}, number = {1}, pages = {74-80}, doi = {10.1002/ps.1476}, pmid = {18189327}, issn = {1526-498X}, mesh = {Animal Feed ; Animals ; Columbidae/*physiology ; Coturnix/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Phosphines/*toxicity ; Rodent Control ; Rodenticides/toxicity ; Time Factors ; Zinc Compounds/*toxicity ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Zinc phosphide baits are used for controlling pest rodents but are also highly toxic to other vertebrates. The base for rodent baits containing zinc phosphide is usually wheat kernels which are highly attractive to birds. In this study, wheat-based pellets of different shapes and colours without zinc phosphide were tested for their attractiveness for pigeons (Columba livia Gmelin) and Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica Temm. &amp; Schleg.) in aviaries and for pigeons and corvids (Corvus monedula L., Corvus corone L., Pica pica L.) in the field.<br><br>RESULTS: In aviaries, wheat was clearly preferred over other bait. In the field, some bait formulations were avoided by birds in certain conditions. However, no formulation was avoided consistently across species to lower the potential uptake of zinc phosphide below the LD(50) for highly susceptible bird species (8 mg kg(-1) body weight). The formulations that were not rapidly eaten by birds (blue granules, red lentil-shaped pellets) were not avoided consistently at low and high vegetative cover.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The bait formulations tested may not considerably enhance the safety of birds when using zinc phosphide for rodent control. Field testing other combinations of bait colour and shape to minimise background contrast may result in bait with higher potential for bird protection.}, }
@article {pmid18177716, year = {2008}, author = {Griesser, M}, title = {Referential calls signal predator behavior in a group-living bird species.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {18}, number = {1}, pages = {69-73}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2007.11.069}, pmid = {18177716}, issn = {0960-9822}, mesh = {Animals ; Hawks/*physiology ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; *Predatory Behavior ; Social Behavior ; *Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {Predation is a powerful agent of natural selection, driving the evolution of antipredator calls [1]. These calls have been shown to communicate predator category [2-4] and/or predator distance to conspecifics [5-7]. However, the risk posed by predators depends also on predator behavior [8], and the ability of prey to communicate predator behavior to conspecifics would be a selective advantage reducing their predation risk. I tested this idea in Siberian jays (Perisoreus infaustus), a group-living bird species. Predation by hawks, and to a lesser extent by owls, is substantial and the sole cause of mortality in adult jays [9]. By using field data and predator-exposure experiments, I show here that jays used antipredator calls for hawks depending on predator behavior. A playback experiment demonstrated that these prey-to-prey calls were specific to hawk behavior (perch, prey search, attack) and elicited distinct, situation-specific escape responses. This is the first study to demonstrate that prey signals convey information about predator behavior to conspecifics. Given that antipredator calls in jays aim at protecting kin group members [10, 11], consequently lowering their mortality [9], kin-selected benefits could be an important factor for the evolution of predator-behavior-specific antipredator calls in such systems.}, }
@article {pmid18177178, year = {2008}, author = {Jensen, KK and Larsen, ON and Attenborough, K}, title = {Measurements and predictions of hooded crow (Corvus corone cornix) call propagation over open field habitats.}, journal = {The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America}, volume = {123}, number = {1}, pages = {507}, doi = {10.1121/1.2817363}, pmid = {18177178}, issn = {1520-8524}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows ; *Ecosystem ; Vocalization, Animal/*physiology ; }, abstract = {In a study of hooded crow communication over open fields an excellent correspondence is found between the attenuation spectra predicted by a "turbulence-modified ground effect plus atmospheric absorption" model, and crow call attenuation data. Sound propagation predictions and background noise measurements are used to predict an optimal frequency range for communication ("sound communication window") from an average of crow call spectra predicted for every possible combination of the sender/receiver separations 300, 600, 900, and 1200 m and heights 3,6,9 m thereby creating a matrix assumed relevant to crow interterritorial communication. These predictions indicate an optimal frequency range for sound communication between 500 Hz and 2 kHz. Since this corresponds to the frequency range in which crow calls have their main energy and crow hearing in noise is particularly sensitive, it suggests a specific adaptation to the ground effect. Sound propagation predictions, together with background noise measurements and hearing data, are used to estimate the radius of the hooded crow active space. This is found to be roughly 1 km in moderately windy conditions. It is concluded that the propagation modeling of the sort introduced here could be used for assessing the impact of human noise on animal communication.}, }
@article {pmid18175614, year = {2007}, author = {Rose, AC}, title = {The discovery of southern childhoods: psychology and the transformation of schooling in the Jim Crow South.}, journal = {History of psychology}, volume = {10}, number = {3}, pages = {249-278}, doi = {10.1037/1093-4510.10.3.249}, pmid = {18175614}, issn = {1093-4510}, mesh = {Black or African American/*history/psychology ; Child ; Education/*history ; History, 19th Century ; History, 20th Century ; Humans ; Poverty/history ; Prejudice ; Psychology, Child/*history ; Race Relations/*history/psychology ; Social Change/history ; Southeastern United States ; White People/*history/psychology ; }, abstract = {Although the psychology of race in America has been the subject of significant research, psychological science in the principal region of racial interaction before Brown v. Board of Education-the South--has received little attention. This article argues that the introduction of psychological ideas about children by means of school reform in the South during the half-century before the Brown decision established a cultural foundation for both Black resistance to segregated schools and White determination to preserve them. In 1900, southern children and their schools were an afterthought in a culture more committed to tradition and racial stability than innovation and individual achievement. The advent of northern philanthropy, however, brought with it a new psychology of childhood. Although the reformers did not intend to subvert segregation, their premises downplayed natural endowment, including racial inheritance, and favored concepts highlighting nurture: that personality is developmental, childhood foundational, and adversity detrimental. Decades of discussion of children in their learning environment gave southern Blacks a rationale for protest and Whites a logical defense for conservative reaction.}, }
@article {pmid18166662, year = {2008}, author = {Hayden, J and Cottrell, R and Bernhardt, J}, title = {Ascending the career ladder, with Dr. Jay Bernhardt.}, journal = {Health promotion practice}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {12-15}, doi = {10.1177/1524839907310526}, pmid = {18166662}, issn = {1524-8399}, mesh = {*Career Mobility ; Health Education ; Health Promotion ; Humans ; United States ; }, abstract = {There are many options available for enhancing one's career, including acquiring further education, obtaining certifications, learning new tools of the trade, and writing for publication, to name just a few. Over the years, many of these have been addressed in this journal. One that has not is career development through studying successful careers of others. For the first career case study, the authors are delighted to present Dr. Jay Bernhardt, director of the National Center for Health Marketing at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.}, }
@article {pmid18095479, year = {2007}, author = {Tsukahara, N and Aoyama, M and Sugita, S}, title = {[Differences in vocalization and morphology of the syrinx between Carrion crows (Corvus corone) and Jungle crows (C. macrorhynchos)].}, journal = {Kaibogaku zasshi. Journal of anatomy}, volume = {82}, number = {4}, pages = {129-135}, pmid = {18095479}, issn = {0022-7722}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*anatomy &amp; histology/*physiology ; Female ; Laryngeal Muscles/anatomy &amp; histology ; Larynx/*anatomy &amp; histology/physiology ; Male ; Sound Spectrography ; Species Specificity ; *Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {The vocal characteristics and the morph of the syrinx in Carrion crows (Corvus corone) and those in Jungle crows (C. macrorhynchos) were compared. The vocalizations of both species of crow were recorded into sonograms and analyzed. The appearance and inner configuration of the syrinx were observed using stereoscopic microscope. In addition, the inside diameter of the syrinx, the sizes of the labia and the attached position of the syringeal muscles were measured. The attached figures of syringeal muscles were different between the two species. The vocalizations of Carrion crows were noisier than possibly because their labias were noticeably smaller than those of Jungle crows. The attachment patterns of the syringeal muscles in Jungle crows suggested that they allow for more flexibility on the inside structure of the syrinx. The inner space of the syrinx in Jungle crows was also wider than those of Carrion crows. These results suggested that Jungle crows may be able to make various vocalizations because of these morphological characteristics.}, }
@article {pmid18095280, year = {2009}, author = {Perfetti, B and Saggino, A and Ferretti, A and Caulo, M and Romani, GL and Onofrj, M}, title = {Differential patterns of cortical activation as a function of fluid reasoning complexity.}, journal = {Human brain mapping}, volume = {30}, number = {2}, pages = {497-510}, pmid = {18095280}, issn = {1097-0193}, mesh = {Adult ; Brain Mapping ; Cerebral Cortex/anatomy &amp; histology/*physiology ; Cognition/*physiology ; Female ; Frontal Lobe/anatomy &amp; histology/physiology ; Functional Laterality/physiology ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Intelligence Tests ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Mental Processes/*physiology ; Nerve Net/physiology ; Parietal Lobe/anatomy &amp; histology/physiology ; Thinking/*physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Fluid intelligence (gf) refers to abstract reasoning and problem solving abilities. It is considered a human higher cognitive factor central to general intelligence (g). The regions of the cortex supporting gf have been revealed by recent bioimaging studies and valuable hypothesis on the neural correlates of individual differences have been proposed. However, little is known about the interaction between individual variability in gf and variation in cortical activity following task complexity increase. To further investigate this, two samples of participants (high-IQ, N = 8; low-IQ, N = 10) with significant differences in gf underwent two reasoning (moderate and complex) tasks and a control task adapted from the Raven progressive matrices. Functional magnetic resonance was used and the recorded signal analyzed between and within the groups. The present study revealed two opposite patterns of neural activity variation which were probably a reflection of the overall differences in cognitive resource modulation: when complexity increased, high-IQ subjects showed a signal enhancement in some frontal and parietal regions, whereas low-IQ subjects revealed a decreased activity in the same areas. Moreover, a direct comparison between the groups' activation patterns revealed a greater neural activity in the low-IQ sample when conducting moderate task, with a strong involvement of medial and lateral frontal regions thus suggesting that the recruitment of executive functioning might be different between the groups. This study provides evidence for neural differences in facing reasoning complexity among subjects with different gf level that are mediated by specific patterns of activation of the underlying fronto-parietal network.}, }
@article {pmid18093014, year = {2007}, author = {Flynn, TC}, title = {Botox in men.}, journal = {Dermatologic therapy}, volume = {20}, number = {6}, pages = {407-413}, doi = {10.1111/j.1529-8019.2007.00156.x}, pmid = {18093014}, issn = {1529-8019}, mesh = {Adult ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*administration &amp; dosage ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; Esthetics ; Humans ; Injections, Subcutaneous ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Patient Satisfaction ; Rejuvenation ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; }, abstract = {Men have a growing interest in cosmetic dermatologic treatments. Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) treatment offers a minimally invasive approach to improving facial lines and is often the first cosmetic procedure chosen by male patients. In general, men can be treated with the same techniques as women, but often require more units of BTX-A. Glabellar lines in the male have been the most well-studied with a recommended starting dose of 40 U. Some men may require up to 80 U in the glabellar complex. The most common cause of an inadequate result in male patients is under-dosing. Forehead lines require care, as many men with horizontal lines have low-positioned eyebrows, and excessive relaxation of the lower frontalis muscle can drop their brows further. Special consideration should be given to the male brow when treating men. Lateral orbital lines can be treated with a starting dose of 15 U per crow's foot. Men may need additional injections to the orbicularis oculi muscle as many men have a broad circumferential orbicularis. The lower face is amenable to BTX-A treatment in men. BTX-A can be used to reduce axillary sweating and improve armpit odor. BTX-A shows promise in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, and may in the future become a first-line treatment.}, }
@article {pmid18085921, year = {2007}, author = {Scheid, C and Range, F and Bugnyar, T}, title = {When, what, and whom to watch? Quantifying attention in ravens (Corvus corax) and jackdaws (Corvus monedula).}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {121}, number = {4}, pages = {380-386}, doi = {10.1037/0735-7036.121.4.380}, pmid = {18085921}, issn = {0735-7036}, mesh = {Animals ; Attention/*physiology ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; Sex Factors ; *Social Behavior ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Complex social life requires monitoring of conspecifics. The amount and focus of attention toward others has been suggested to depend on the social relationships between individuals. Yet there are surprisingly few experiments that have tested these assumptions. This study compared attention patterns toward conspecifics in two corvid species, ravens (Corvus corax) and jackdaws (Corvus monedula). Birds were confronted with affiliated and non-affiliated conspecifics engaged in foraging and object manipulation. Visual access to the model bird was provided through two observation holes, which allowed measurement of exactly how often and for how long observers watched the other. Overall, ravens were more attentive to conspecifics than were jackdaws. Moreover, only ravens showed higher interest toward food-related than object-related behaviors of the model and toward close affiliates than non-affiliates by increasing the duration rather than the frequency of looks. These results are in accordance with predictions derived from the species' foraging biology and suggest that the facultative social, but highly manipulative, ravens use and value information from others differently than do the obligate social jackdaws.}, }
@article {pmid18085920, year = {2007}, author = {Bond, AB and Kamil, AC and Balda, RP}, title = {Serial reversal learning and the evolution of behavioral flexibility in three species of North American corvids (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus, Nucifraga columbiana, Aphelocoma californica).}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {121}, number = {4}, pages = {372-379}, doi = {10.1037/0735-7036.121.4.372}, pmid = {18085920}, issn = {0735-7036}, support = {R01-MH069893/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adaptation, Psychological ; Analysis of Variance ; Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Choice Behavior ; Conditioning, Operant/*physiology ; Discrimination Learning/*physiology ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Reversal Learning/*physiology ; Serial Learning/*physiology ; Space Perception/physiology ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {In serial reversal learning, subjects learn to respond differentially to 2 stimuli. When the task is fully acquired, reward contingencies are reversed, requiring the subject to relearn the altered associations. This alternation of acquisition and reversal can be repeated many times, and the ability of a species to adapt to this regimen has been considered as an indication of behavioral flexibility. Serial reversal learning of 2-choice discriminations was contrasted in 3 related species of North American corvids: pinyon jays (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus), which are highly social; Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana), which are relatively solitary but specialized for spatial memory; and western scrub jays (Aphelocoma californica), which are ecological generalists. Pinyon jays displayed significantly lower error rates than did nutcrackers or scrub jays after reversal of reward contingencies for both spatial and color stimuli. The effect was most apparent in the 1st session following each reversal and did not reflect species differences in the rate of initial discrimination learning. All 3 species improved their performance over successive reversals and showed significant transfer between color and spatial tasks, suggesting a generalized learning strategy. The results are consistent with an evolutionary association between behavioral flexibility and social complexity.}, }
@article {pmid18052787, year = {2008}, author = {Wendelken, C and Nakhabenko, D and Donohue, SE and Carter, CS and Bunge, SA}, title = {"Brain is to thought as stomach is to ??": investigating the role of rostrolateral prefrontal cortex in relational reasoning.}, journal = {Journal of cognitive neuroscience}, volume = {20}, number = {4}, pages = {682-693}, doi = {10.1162/jocn.2008.20055}, pmid = {18052787}, issn = {0898-929X}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; *Brain Mapping ; Concept Formation/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Linear Models ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Prefrontal Cortex/*physiology ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Semantics ; Verbal Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Brain imaging studies suggest that the rostrolateral prefrontal cortex (RLPFC), is involved in relational reasoning. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies involving Raven's Progressive Matrices or verbal propositional analogies indicate that the RLPFC is engaged by tasks that require integration across multiple relational structures. Several studies have shown that the RLPFC is more active when people must evaluate an analogy (e.g., Is shoe to foot as glove is to hand?) than when they must simply evaluate two individual semantic relationships, consistent with the hypothesis that this region is important for relational integration. The current fMRI investigation further explores the role of the RLPFC in reasoning and relational integration by comparing RLPFC activation across four different propositional analogy conditions. Each of the four conditions required either relation completion (e.g., Shoe is to foot as glove is to WHAT? --> "hand") or relation comparison (e.g., Is shoe to foot as glove is to hand? --> "yes"). The RLPFC was engaged more strongly by the comparison subtask relative to completion, suggesting that the RLPFC is particularly involved in comparing relational structures.}, }
@article {pmid18042996, year = {2007}, author = {Starr, JM and Deary, IJ and Fox, H and Whalley, LJ}, title = {Blood pressure and cognition in the Aberdeen 1936 birth cohort.}, journal = {Gerontology}, volume = {53}, number = {6}, pages = {432-437}, doi = {10.1159/000111696}, pmid = {18042996}, issn = {1423-0003}, support = {//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; //Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Aged ; *Blood Pressure ; *Cognition ; Cohort Studies ; Female ; Health Surveys ; Humans ; Longitudinal Studies ; Male ; Mental Recall ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; United Kingdom ; Verbal Behavior ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The relationship between blood pressure and cognition in old age remains unclear. Some data indicate that elevated blood pressure causes cognitive deficits whilst others show that lower early life mental ability predicts high blood pressure in adulthood. Longitudinal studies in which mental ability earlier in life is known are needed to clarify the relationship.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: To measure the effect of blood pressure on cognition in late adulthood after adjusting for early life mental ability.<br><br>METHODS: The sample comprised survivors of the 1947 Scottish Mental Survey who had validated IQ scores at age 11. Six cognitive tests - Mini-Mental State Examination, Raven's Progressive Matrices, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Uses of Common Objects Test, Digit Symbol Test and Block Design - were administered at ages 64, 66 and 68 years. Sitting and standing blood pressure was also measured at each wave of follow-up. Mixed general linear models were constructed with each cognitive test treated as a repeated measure of an underlying cognitive trait and with wave of testing also set as a repeated measure. Mental ability at age 11 was entered as a covariate.<br><br>RESULTS: 504 participants were tested at wave 1 with 368 returning at wave 2 and 300 at wave 3. Age 11 mental ability did not predict any of the blood pressure measures. There were several significant associations between blood pressure variables and cognitive test scores in univariate models. After adjusting for significant effects of wave of testing, type of cognitive test, the interaction between these, age 11 mental ability, age, gender and occupation in a multivariate model, the main effect of BP trait was no longer significant (p = 0.44) nor its effect over time (p = 0.26), though there was a significant interaction between blood pressure trait (BP) and test type with a distinctly negative effect of BP on Auditory Verbal Learning Test (p = 0.007, -0.13 points per mm Hg higher, 95% CI -0.22 to -0.033).<br><br>CONCLUSION: The effects of blood pressure on cognition in old age are finely nuanced. Multivariate repeated measures models reveal a differential effect of blood pressure on verbal recall.}, }
@article {pmid18032885, year = {2008}, author = {Corfield, JR and Wild, JM and Hauber, ME and Parsons, S and Kubke, MF}, title = {Evolution of brain size in the Palaeognath lineage, with an emphasis on new zealand ratites.}, journal = {Brain, behavior and evolution}, volume = {71}, number = {2}, pages = {87-99}, doi = {10.1159/000111456}, pmid = {18032885}, issn = {1421-9743}, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Biometry ; Body Weight ; Brain/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Female ; Linear Models ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; New Zealand ; Organ Size ; Palaeognathae/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Skull/diagnostic imaging ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; }, abstract = {Brain size in vertebrates varies principally with body size. Although many studies have examined the variation of brain size in birds, there is little information on Palaeognaths, which include the ratite lineage of kiwi, emu, ostrich and extinct moa, as well as the tinamous. Therefore, we set out to determine to what extent the evolution of brain size in Palaeognaths parallels that of other birds, i.e., Neognaths, by analyzing the variation in the relative sizes of the brain and cerebral hemispheres of several species of ratites and tinamous. Our results indicate that the Palaeognaths possess relatively smaller brains and cerebral hemispheres than the Neognaths, with the exception of the kiwi radiation (Apteryx spp.). The external morphology and relatively large size of the brain of Apteryx, as well as the relatively large size of its telencephalon, contrast with other Palaeognaths, including two species of historically sympatric moa, suggesting that unique selective pressures towards increasing brain size accompanied the evolution of kiwi. Indeed, the size of the cerebral hemispheres with respect to total brain size of kiwi is rivaled only by a handful of parrots and songbirds, despite a lack of evidence of any advanced behavioral/cognitive abilities such as those reported for parrots and crows. In addition, the enlargement in brain and telencephalon size of the kiwi occurs despite the fact that this is a precocial bird. These findings form an exception to, and hence challenge, the current rules that govern changes in relative brain size in birds.}, }
@article {pmid18022623, year = {2008}, author = {Stöwe, M and Bugnyar, T and Schloegl, C and Heinrich, B and Kotrschal, K and Möstl, E}, title = {Corticosterone excretion patterns and affiliative behavior over development in ravens (Corvus corax).}, journal = {Hormones and behavior}, volume = {53}, number = {1}, pages = {208-216}, pmid = {18022623}, issn = {0018-506X}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Age Factors ; Animals ; Corticosterone/analysis/*metabolism ; Crows/growth &amp; development/*metabolism ; Feces/chemistry ; Female ; Grooming/physiology ; Male ; Radioimmunoassay/methods ; *Social Behavior ; *Social Isolation ; Stress, Psychological/*metabolism ; }, abstract = {Averse effects of social stress may be buffered by the presence of social allies, which mainly has been demonstrated in mammals and recently also in birds. However, effects of socio-positive behavior prior to fledging in relation to corticosterone excretion in altricial birds have not been investigated yet. We here monitored corticosterone excretion patterns in three groups of hand raised juvenile ravens (n=5, 6 and 11) in the nest, post-fledging (May-July) and when ravens would be independent from their parents (September-November). We related these corticosterone excretion patterns to socio-positive behavior. Behavioral data were collected via focal sampling in each developmental period considered. We analyzed amounts of excreted immunoreactive corticosterone metabolites (CM) using enzyme immuno assays. We collected fecal samples in each developmental period considered and evaluated the most appropriate assay via an isolation stress experiment. Basal CM was significantly higher during the nestling period than post-fledging or when birds were independent. The time nestlings spent allopreening correlated negatively with mean CM. Post-fledging, individuals with higher CM levels sat close to (distance <50 cm) conspecifics more frequently and tended to preen them longer. When birds were independent and a stable rank hierarchy was established, dominant individuals were preened significantly longer than subordinates. These patterns observed in ravens parallel those described for primates, which could indicate that animal species living in a complex social environment may deal with social problems in a similar way that is not restricted to mammals or primates.}, }
@article {pmid17998276, year = {2008}, author = {Broser, P and Grinevich, V and Osten, P and Sakmann, B and Wallace, DJ}, title = {Critical period plasticity of axonal arbors of layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons in rat somatosensory cortex: layer-specific reduction of projections into deprived cortical columns.}, journal = {Cerebral cortex (New York, N.Y. : 1991)}, volume = {18}, number = {7}, pages = {1588-1603}, pmid = {17998276}, issn = {1460-2199}, mesh = {Aging/pathology/physiology ; Animals ; Axons/*physiology/*ultrastructure ; Female ; Male ; Nerve Net/physiology ; Neural Pathways/physiology ; Neuronal Plasticity/*physiology ; Pyramidal Cells/*cytology/*physiology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Somatosensory Cortex/*cytology/*physiology ; Vibrissae/*innervation/physiology ; }, abstract = {We examined the effect of whisker trimming during early postnatal development on the morphology of axonal arbors in rat somatosensory cortex. Axonal arbors from populations of layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons in the D2 column were labeled by lentivirus-mediated expression of green fluorescent protein. Axonal projection patterns were compared between untrimmed control animals and animals with all whiskers in A-, B-, and C-rows trimmed (D- and E-rows left intact) from postnatal days 7 to 15 (termed from here on DE-pairing). Control animals had approximately symmetrical horizontal projections toward C- and E-row columns in both supra- and infragranular layers. Following DE-pairing, the density of axons in supragranular layers projecting from the labeled neurons in the D2 column was higher in E- than in C-row columns. This asymmetry resulted primarily from a reduction in projection density toward the deprived C-row columns. In contrast, no change was observed in infragranular layers. The results indicate that DE-pairing during early postnatal development results in reduced axonal projection from nondeprived into deprived columns and that cortical neurons are capable of structural rearrangements at subsets of their axonal arbors.}, }
@article {pmid17980944, year = {2008}, author = {Hayashi, M and Kato, M and Igarashi, K and Kashima, H}, title = {Superior fluid intelligence in children with Asperger's disorder.}, journal = {Brain and cognition}, volume = {66}, number = {3}, pages = {306-310}, doi = {10.1016/j.bandc.2007.09.008}, pmid = {17980944}, issn = {0278-2626}, mesh = {Asperger Syndrome/*psychology ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Male ; *Problem Solving ; Reference Values ; *Verbal Behavior ; }, abstract = {Asperger's disorder is one of autistic spectrum disorders; sharing clinical features with autism, but without developmental delay in language acquisition. There have been some studies of intellectual functioning in autism so far, but very few in Asperger's disorder. In the present study, we investigated abstract reasoning ability, whose form of intelligence has been labeled fluid intelligence in the theory of Cattell [Cattell, R. B. (1963). Theory of fluid and crystallized intelligence: A critical experiment. Journal of Educational Psychology, 54, 1-22.], in children with Asperger's disorder. A test of fluid intelligence, the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices Test, was administered to 17 children with Asperger's disorder and 17 age-, gender-, and FIQ-matched normal children. The results showed that children with Asperger's disorder outperformed on the test of fluid reasoning than typically developing children. We suggest that individuals with Asperger's disorder have higher fluid reasoning ability than normal individuals, highlighting superior fluid intelligence.}, }
@article {pmid17968643, year = {2008}, author = {Goin-Kochel, RP and Mazefsky, CA and Riley, BP}, title = {Level of functioning in autism spectrum disorders: phenotypic congruence among affected siblings.}, journal = {Journal of autism and developmental disorders}, volume = {38}, number = {6}, pages = {1019-1027}, pmid = {17968643}, issn = {0162-3257}, support = {MH64547/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; T32 MH020030/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; T32MH-20030/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; T32 NS043124/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MH064547/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; T32NS-43124/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Autistic Disorder/diagnosis/*genetics/psychology ; Child ; Diseases in Twins/diagnosis/*genetics/psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Individuality ; Intelligence/genetics ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; *Phenotype ; Socialization ; Twins, Dizygotic/genetics/psychology ; Twins, Monozygotic/genetics/psychology ; }, abstract = {Little evidence supports that siblings with autism exhibit the same behaviors; however, some findings suggest that level of functioning shows familial aggregation. We tested this notion among multiplex families participating with the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) Consortium, using scores on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Third Edition (N = 204 families), the Ravens Colored Progressive Matrices (N = 226 families), and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (N = 348 families). Intraclass Correlation Coefficients revealed that siblings with autism/autism spectrum disorders (ASD) were more similar on measures of verbal and nonverbal IQ and adaptive functioning than were unrelated children with autism/ASD. Preliminary twin correlations indicated strong genetic effects for some skill domains and the influence of shared environmental factors for others.}, }
@article {pmid17963138, year = {2007}, author = {Clementoni, MT and Gilardino, P and Muti, GF and Beretta, D and Schianchi, R}, title = {Non-sequential fractional ultrapulsed CO2 resurfacing of photoaged facial skin: preliminary clinical report.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology}, volume = {9}, number = {4}, pages = {218-225}, doi = {10.1080/14764170701632901}, pmid = {17963138}, issn = {1476-4172}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Carbon Dioxide/*administration &amp; dosage/adverse effects ; Dermatologic Surgical Procedures ; Dose Fractionation, Radiation ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lasers, Solid-State/*adverse effects/*therapeutic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pigmentation Disorders/diagnosis/*therapy ; Rejuvenation ; Skin Aging/pathology/*radiation effects ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {This study evaluates results, adverse side effects and downtime of the protocol 'ActiveFX' for photodamaged facial skin. A non-sequential fractional ultrapulsed CO2 laser with specific settings is used in addition to a new computer pattern generator (CPG). From September 2006 to March 2007, 55 patients underwent this new 'soft' single-session, single-pass and full-face ablative fractional treatment. The patients were evaluated at baseline and 1 and 3 months after the treatment using a five-point scale. Seven aspects of photodamaged skin were recorded: global score, fine lines, mottled pigmentation, sallow complexion, tactile roughness, coarse wrinkles and telangiectasias. The results were compared with a non-parametric statistical test, the Wilcoxon's exact test. Eight patients received a double-pass treatment on the crow's feet regions and the improvement of the coarse wrinkles was analyzed with a quartile grading scale. Significant differences (p<0.05) between baseline and 1 and 3 months post-treatment were observed for all features except telangiectasias. Coarse wrinkles presented a good improvement only in the regions submitted to a double-pass. Minimal and isolated adverse side effects were noted and the downtime was very low. Non-sequential fractional ultrapulsed CO2 light treatment ('ActiveFX') can be considered an excellent alternative for photodamaged facial skin.}, }
@article {pmid17956752, year = {2007}, author = {Clayton, N}, title = {Animal cognition: crows spontaneously solve a metatool task.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {17}, number = {20}, pages = {R894-5}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2007.08.028}, pmid = {17956752}, issn = {0960-9822}, mesh = {Animals ; Cognition/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Models, Psychological ; Problem Solving/physiology ; Tool Use Behavior/physiology ; }, abstract = {A recent study found that tool-manufacturing New Caledonian crows spontaneously solved a metatool task in which the birds used a tool to obtain a second, longer tool that could then be used to obtain food that was otherwise out of reach.}, }
@article {pmid17949980, year = {2007}, author = {Bugnyar, T and Schwab, C and Schloegl, C and Kotrschal, K and Heinrich, B}, title = {Ravens judge competitors through experience with play caching.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {17}, number = {20}, pages = {1804-1808}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2007.09.048}, pmid = {17949980}, issn = {0960-9822}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Food ; Humans ; Male ; Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Complex social behavior builds on the mutual judgment of individuals as cooperation partners and competitors [1]. Play can be used for assessing the others' dispositions in humans and nonhuman mammals [2], whereas little is known about birds. Recently, food-caching corvids have been found to rival primates in their ability to judge the behaviors and intentions of others in competition for hidden food [3]. Here, we show that ravens Corvus corax quickly learn to assess the competitive strategies of unfamiliar individuals through interactions with them over caches with inedible items and subsequently apply this knowledge when caching food. We confronted birds with two human experimenters who acted differently when birds cached plastic items: the pilferer stole the cached objects, whereas the onlooker did not. Birds responded to the actions of both experimenters with changing the location of their next object caches, either away from or toward the humans, as if they were testing their pilfering dispositions. In contrast, ravens instantly modified their caching behavior with food, preventing only the competitive human from finding the caches. Playful object caching in a social setting could thus aid ravens in evaluating others' pilfering skills.}, }
@article {pmid17940816, year = {2008}, author = {Holzhaider, JC and Hunt, GR and Campbell, VM and Gray, RD}, title = {Do wild New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides) attend to the functional properties of their tools?.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {11}, number = {2}, pages = {243-254}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-007-0108-1}, pmid = {17940816}, issn = {1435-9448}, mesh = {Animals ; Association Learning/*physiology ; *Concept Formation ; Crows/*physiology ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {New Caledonian crows are the most proficient non-hominin tool manufacturers but the cognition behind their remarkable skills remains largely unknown. Here we investigate if they attend to the functional properties of the tools that they routinely use in the wild. Pandanus tools have natural barbs along one edge that enable them to function as hooking implements when the barbs face backwards from the working tip. In experiment 1 we presented eight crows with either a non-functional ('upside-down') or a functional pandanus tool in a baited hole. Four of the crows never flipped the tools. The behaviour of the four flipping birds suggested that they had a strategy of flipping a tool when it was not working. Observations of two of the eight crows picking up pandanus tools at feeding tables in the wild supported the lack of attention to barb direction. In experiment 2 we gave six of the eight crows a choice of either a barbed or a barbless pandanus tool. Five of the crows chose tools at random, which further supported the findings in experiment 1 that the crows paid little or no attention to the barbs. In contrast, a third experiment found that seven out of eight crows flipped non-functional stick tools significantly more than functional ones. Our findings indicate that the crows do not consistently attend to the presence or orientation of barbs on pandanus tools. Successful pandanus tool use in the wild seems to rely on behavioural strategies formed through associative learning, including procedural knowledge about the sequence of operations required to make a successful pandanus tool.}, }
@article {pmid17939981, year = {2008}, author = {Pravosudov, VV}, title = {Mountain chickadees discriminate between potential cache pilferers and non-pilferers.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {275}, number = {1630}, pages = {55-61}, pmid = {17939981}, issn = {0962-8452}, support = {R01 MH076797/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; R21 MH079892/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; MH079892/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; MH076797/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Analysis of Variance ; Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Cognition/*physiology ; Discrimination Learning/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; *Food ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Evolution of complex cognition in animals has been linked to complex social behaviour. One of the costs of sociality is increased competition for food which may be reduced by food caching, but cache theft may undermine the benefits of caching. In birds, sophisticated food-caching-related cognition has been demonstrated only for corvids and attributed to their highly social behaviour. Many non-corvid food-caching species exhibit similar complex social behaviour and here I provide experimental evidence that mountain chickadees (Poecile gambeli) adjust their caching strategies depending on social context. Chickadees were allowed to cache seeds in the presence of potential cache pilferer, either conspecific or heterospecific (red-breasted nuthatch, Sitta canadensis) and a non-pilferer (dark-eyed junco, Junco hyemalis) positioned at the opposite sides of the experimental arena. Available caching sites were either exposed to these observers or hidden from their view while the cacher could always see both observers. Chickadees chose caching sites that were hidden from direct view of the potential pilferers while caching in direct view of the non-pilferers. When no pilferers were present, chickadees made equal use of all available caching substrates and there were no differences in the amount of caching in the presence or absence of pilferers. These results suggest that (i) chickadees may be able to recognize potential cache thieves, both conspecific and heterospecific, and adjust their caching strategies to minimize potential cache pilferage and (ii) chickadees appear to discriminate between caching sites that can or cannot be seen by observers, which may allow them to control visual information available to potential pilferers.}, }
@article {pmid17924785, year = {2007}, author = {de Kort, SR and Correia, SP and Alexis, DM and Dickinson, A and Clayton, NS}, title = {The control of food-caching behavior by Western scrub-jays (Aphelocoma californica).}, journal = {Journal of experimental psychology. Animal behavior processes}, volume = {33}, number = {4}, pages = {361-370}, doi = {10.1037/0097-7403.33.4.361}, pmid = {17924785}, issn = {0097-7403}, support = {BB/D000335/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Appetitive Behavior ; Association Learning ; *Birds ; Choice Behavior ; Extinction, Psychological ; *Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Male ; Mental Recall ; Motivation ; *Orientation ; *Predatory Behavior ; Reward ; }, abstract = {Western scrub-jays (Aphelocoma californica) did not show extinction when caching behavior was never rewarded and they had no choice of where to cache the food. However, when the jays had the choice of caching items in 2 different locations or during 2 successive episodes, and only 1 of each was always rewarded at recovery, they rapidly learned to cache in the rewarded location or episode. When the jays had learned during training trials that their caches were always moved to 1 of 2 locations they did not cache in, then on the test trial they cached in the location that had been previously rewarded. To test whether these jays avoided the location in which their caches had been pilfered or chose the rewarded location, the procedure was repeated to include a 3rd location that was never rewarded. The jays avoided the pilfered location but cached equally in the rewarded and nonrewarded locations.}, }
@article {pmid17920300, year = {2007}, author = {Haring, E and Gamauf, A and Kryukov, A}, title = {Phylogeographic patterns in widespread corvid birds.}, journal = {Molecular phylogenetics and evolution}, volume = {45}, number = {3}, pages = {840-862}, doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2007.06.016}, pmid = {17920300}, issn = {1055-7903}, mesh = {Animals ; Asia ; Birds/classification/*genetics ; Ecology ; Europe ; *Phylogeny ; }, abstract = {Intraspecific genetic diversity and phylogeography of Corvus corone was investigated using the mitochondrial (mt) control region as a molecular marker. A split into two distinct mt lineages was observed. One represents individuals from a wide geographic range spanning from England to the Russian Far East (Kamchatka), while the other one was found in the Primorye and Khabarovsk regions (southern parts of Russian Far East) as well as Japan. For comparison, we investigated several widespread Palearctic corvid taxa with respect to their phylogeographic patterns. A deep split into two lineages was revealed in five cases: Besides C. corone, within Corvus frugilegus, Pica pica, and between the species pairs Corvus monedula-Corvus dauuricus and Cyanopica cyanus-Cyanopica cooki. Although these taxa display a variety of distribution patterns, from disjunct, para/allopatric to continuous, the genetic pattern and level of divergence between clades is very similar. This implies that the differentiation started in about the same time range. In contrast, no differentiation into highly divergent lineages was detected in Corvus corax, Perisoreus infaustus, and Nucifraga caryocatactes. We try to explain the two phylogeographic patterns in corvid birds with ecological factors accompanying the changing climatic conditions during the Pleistocene. The deep genetic splits within several widely distributed Palearctic corvids are discussed with respect to taxonomic questions.}, }
@article {pmid17916693, year = {2007}, author = {Rutz, C and Bluff, LA and Weir, AA and Kacelnik, A}, title = {Video cameras on wild birds.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {318}, number = {5851}, pages = {765}, doi = {10.1126/science.1146788}, pmid = {17916693}, issn = {1095-9203}, support = {BB/C517392/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild ; *Behavior, Animal ; Crows/*physiology ; Ecology ; Feeding Behavior ; Male ; Miniaturization ; Tool Use Behavior ; *Videotape Recording ; }, abstract = {New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides) are renowned for using tools for extractive foraging, but the ecological context of this unusual behavior is largely unknown. We developed miniaturized, animal-borne video cameras to record the undisturbed behavior and foraging ecology of wild, free-ranging crows. Our video recordings enabled an estimate of the species' natural foraging efficiency and revealed that tool use, and choice of tool materials, are more diverse than previously thought. Video tracking has potential for studying the behavior and ecology of many other bird species that are shy or live in inaccessible habitats.}, }
@article {pmid17913134, year = {2007}, author = {Kristan, WB and Boarman, WI}, title = {Effects of anthropogenic developments on common raven nesting biology in the West Mojave Desert.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {17}, number = {6}, pages = {1703-1713}, doi = {10.1890/06-1114.1}, pmid = {17913134}, issn = {1051-0761}, mesh = {Animals ; California ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Crows/growth &amp; development/*physiology ; *Desert Climate ; *Ecosystem ; Geography ; Humans ; Nesting Behavior/*physiology ; Population Dynamics ; }, abstract = {Subsidized predators may affect prey abundance, distribution, and demography. Common Ravens (Corvus corax) are anthropogenically subsidized throughout their range and, in the Mojave Desert, have increased in number dramatically over the last 3-4 decades. Human-provided food resources are thought to be important drivers of raven population growth, but human developments add other features as well, such as nesting platforms. From 1996 to 2000, we examined the nesting ecology of ravens in the Mojave Desert, relative to anthropogenic developrhent. Ravens nested disproportionately near point sources of food and water subsidies (such as towns, landfills, and ponds) but not near roads (sources of road-killed carrion), even though both sources of subsidy enhanced fledging success. Initiation of breeding activity was more likely when a nest from the previous year was present at the start of a breeding season but was not affected by access to food. The relative effect of environmental modifications on fledging success varied from year to year, but the effect of access to human-provided resources was comparatively consistent, suggesting that humans provide consistently high-quality breeding habitat for ravens. Anthropogenic land cover types in the desert are expected to promote raven population growth and to allow ravens to occupy parts of the desert that otherwise would not support them. Predatory impacts of ravens in the Mojave Desert can therefore be considered indirect effects of anthropogenic development.}, }
@article {pmid17908216, year = {2008}, author = {Fleischer, RC and Boarman, WI and Gonzalez, EG and Godinez, A and Omland, KE and Young, S and Helgen, L and Syed, G and McIntosh, CE}, title = {As the raven flies: using genetic data to infer the history of invasive common raven (Corvus corax) populations in the Mojave Desert.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {17}, number = {1}, pages = {464-474}, doi = {10.1111/j.1365-294X.2007.03532.x}, pmid = {17908216}, issn = {0962-1083}, mesh = {Animals ; Base Sequence ; California ; Crows/*genetics/physiology ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; *Demography ; Desert Climate ; Gene Flow ; *Genetics, Population ; Haplotypes/genetics ; Microsatellite Repeats/genetics ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Nevada ; Population Dynamics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; }, abstract = {Common raven (Corvus corax) populations in Mojave Desert regions of southern California and Nevada have increased dramatically over the past five decades. This growth has been attributed to increased human development in the region, as ravens have a commensal relationship with humans and feed extensively at landfills and on road-killed wildlife. Ravens, as a partially subsidized predator, also represent a problem for native desert wildlife, in particular threatened desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii). However, it is unclear whether the more than 15-fold population increase is due to in situ population growth or to immigration from adjacent regions where ravens have been historically common. Ravens were sampled for genetic analysis at several local sites within five major areas: the West Mojave Desert (California), East Mojave Desert (southern Nevada), southern coastal California, northern coastal California (Bay Area), and northern Nevada (Great Basin). Analyses of mtDNA control region sequences reveal an increased frequency of raven 'Holarctic clade' haplotypes from south to north inland, with 'California clade' haplotypes nearly fixed in the California populations. There was significant structuring among regions for mtDNA, with high F(ST) values among sampling regions, especially between the Nevada and California samples. Analyses of eight microsatellite loci reveal a mostly similar pattern of regional population structure, with considerably smaller, but mostly significant, values. The greater mtDNA divergences may be due to lower female dispersal relative to males, lower N(e), or effects of high mutation rates on maximal values of F(ST). Analyses indicate recent population growth in the West Mojave Desert and a bottleneck in the northern California populations. While we cannot rule out in situ population growth as a factor, patterns of movement inferred from our data suggest that the increase in raven populations in the West Mojave Desert resulted from movements from southern California and the Central Valley. Ravens in the East Mojave Desert are more similar to ones from northern Nevada, indicating movement between those regions. If this interpretation of high gene flow into the Mojave Desert is correct, then efforts to manage raven numbers by local control may not be optimally effective.}, }
@article {pmid17900045, year = {2007}, author = {Lombard, J}, title = {Jay Lombard, DO: exploring the brain-mind-body connection. Interview by Frank Lampe and Suzanne Snyder.}, journal = {Alternative therapies in health and medicine}, volume = {13}, number = {5}, pages = {66-76}, pmid = {17900045}, issn = {1078-6791}, mesh = {*Attitude of Health Personnel ; Empathy ; *Evidence-Based Medicine ; Health Promotion/methods ; *Holistic Health ; Humans ; Male ; *Mind-Body Relations, Metaphysical ; *Practice Patterns, Physicians' ; }, }
@article {pmid17892392, year = {2007}, author = {Shafto, MA and Burke, DM and Stamatakis, EA and Tam, PP and Tyler, LK}, title = {On the tip-of-the-tongue: neural correlates of increased word-finding failures in normal aging.}, journal = {Journal of cognitive neuroscience}, volume = {19}, number = {12}, pages = {2060-2070}, pmid = {17892392}, issn = {0898-929X}, support = {R37 AG008835-12/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; R37 AG008835-16S1/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; R37 AG008835-17/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; R37 AG008835-16/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; G19/27/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; AG 08835/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; R37 AG008835/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Aging/*psychology ; *Brain Mapping ; Female ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; *Language ; Language Disorders/*pathology/psychology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods ; Male ; *Mental Recall ; Middle Aged ; Reading ; }, abstract = {Tip-of-the-tongue (TOT) experiences are frustrating word-finding failures where people are temporarily unable to produce a word they are certain they know. TOT frequency increases with normal aging during adulthood, and behavioral evidence suggests that the underlying deficit is in retrieving the complete phonology of the target word during production. The present study investigated the neural correlates of this phonological retrieval deficit. We obtained 3-D T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance images (MRI) for healthy participants between 19 and 88 years old and used voxel-based morphometry to measure gray matter density throughout the brain. In a separate session, participants named celebrities cued by pictures and descriptions, indicating when they had a TOT, and also completed Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM), a task that does not involve phonological production. The number of TOTs increased with age and also with gray matter atrophy in the left insula, an area implicated in phonological production. The relation between TOTs and left insula atrophy cannot be attributed to the correlation of each variable with age because TOTs were related to insula atrophy even with age effects removed. Moreover, errors on the RPM increased with age, but performance did not correlate with gray matter density in the insula. These results provide, for the first time, an association between a region in the neural language system and the rise in age-related word-finding failures and suggest that age-related atrophy in neural regions important for phonological production may contribute to age-related word production failures.}, }
@article {pmid19547539, year = {2007}, author = {Riboli, F and Bettotti, P and Pavesi, L}, title = {Band gap characterization and slow light effects in one dimensional photonic crystals based on silicon slot-waveguides.}, journal = {Optics express}, volume = {15}, number = {19}, pages = {11769-11775}, doi = {10.1364/oe.15.011769}, pmid = {19547539}, issn = {1094-4087}, abstract = {We investigate the photonic properties of one dimensional photonic crystals realized on Silicon On Insulator channel slot-waveguide to engineer slow light effects. Various geometries of the photonic pattern have been characterized and their photonic band-gap structure analyzed. The optimal geometry has been further used to realize a coupled resonator optical waveguide (CROW). A first optimization of these CROW devices shows a group velocity of more than c/10 at 1.55 mum. Full three dimensional calculations based on the planar wave expansion method have been used to compute the band diagram while full three dimensional calculations based on finite difference time domain methods have been used to study light propagation.}, }
@article {pmid17850905, year = {2008}, author = {Biswas, PK and Uddin, GM and Barua, H and Roy, K and Biswas, D and Ahad, A and Debnath, NC}, title = {Survivability and causes of loss of broody-hen chicks on smallholder households in Bangladesh.}, journal = {Preventive veterinary medicine}, volume = {83}, number = {3-4}, pages = {260-271}, doi = {10.1016/j.prevetmed.2007.08.001}, pmid = {17850905}, issn = {0167-5877}, mesh = {Animal Husbandry/*methods ; Animals ; Bangladesh/epidemiology ; Cause of Death ; Chickens/growth &amp; development/*physiology ; Commerce ; Disease Outbreaks ; Female ; Oviposition/*physiology ; Population Density ; Poultry Diseases/epidemiology/*mortality ; Poverty ; *Predatory Behavior ; Risk Factors ; Survival Analysis ; }, abstract = {We determined the flock sizes and rates of loss caused by different factors in broody-hen chicks (BHC) up to 60 days of age on 600 randomly selected smallholdings in Bangladesh. The smallholders were beneficiaries of a village poultry production chain called 'Smallholder Livestock Development Project-2' (SLDP-2) which was undertaken with the financial assistance of the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA). For estimating survival time of BHC, we observed chicks in 80 smallholdings. SLDP-2 aims at ameliorating poverty among women by poultry rearing at village level; in total, 104,000 key rearers, constituting 96% of all of the beneficiaries of the SLDP-2 area, were enrolled in 26 upazilas (a lower administrative unit of Bangladesh). A key rearer is a smallholder who rears at least five 'Sonali' (RIR x Fayoumi) and some indigenous (desi) chickens in a semi-scavenging system. Sonali chickens are supplied from the development project, and have higher egg production while the broodiness of the desi hens is exploited to get chicks hatched for future stocks; thus, the chicks hatched and reared to 60 days old at key rearers' households are called BHC. In this study 32% of the smallholders had BHC each month. At the beginning of a month, the median number of chicks in a flock was 8, and the mean survival time was 50.5 days. Incidence rates of loss of BHC from disease, predation, selling and slaughtering were 0.102, 0.086, 0.009 and 0.002 per chick-month at risk, respectively. The major predators were crows, mongooses and eagles with incidence rates of loss being 0.018, 0.016 and 0.010 per chick-month at risk, respectively. Colibacillosis (both single and mixed infections) contributed to the death of 21% of dead BHC collected; Newcastle disease and salmonellosis contributed to the next highest (14 and 12%) proportional mortalities.}, }
@article {pmid17786812, year = {2007}, author = {Sultan, F and Glickstein, M}, title = {The cerebellum: Comparative and animal studies.}, journal = {Cerebellum (London, England)}, volume = {6}, number = {3}, pages = {168-176}, pmid = {17786812}, issn = {1473-4222}, mesh = {Anatomy, Comparative/history ; Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; Cerebellum/*anatomy &amp; histology/*physiology ; History, 20th Century ; Models, Anatomic ; Nerve Net/cytology/physiology ; }, abstract = {The cerebellum has a uniform cellular structure and microcircuitry, but the size of its subdivisions varies greatly among vertebrates. This variability is a challenge to anatomists to attempt to relate size differences to differences in characteristic behaviour. Here we review the early work of Lodewijk Bolk on the mammalian cerebellum and relate his observations to unfolded maps of the rodent cerebella. We further take insights from the comparative anatomy of the bird cerebella and find that cerebellar enlargement in large brains is not a passive consequence of overall brain enlargement, but is related to specific behaviour. We speculate that for some rodents (e.g., squirrels), primates and some large-brained birds (crows, parrots and woodpeckers), specifically enlarged cerebella are associated with either the elaboration of forelimb control (squirrels and primates) or in the case of the birds with beak control. The elaboration of such motor behaviour combined with increased visual control could have helped to furnish manipulative skills in these animals. Finally, we review the connections of the mammalian cerebellum and show that several pieces of experimental evidence point to an important function of the cerebellum in sensory control of movement reflex adjustment, and motor learning.}, }
@article {pmid17762942, year = {2008}, author = {Schloegl, C and Kotrschal, K and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Do common ravens (Corvus corax) rely on human or conspecific gaze cues to detect hidden food?.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {11}, number = {2}, pages = {231-241}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-007-0105-4}, pmid = {17762942}, issn = {1435-9448}, mesh = {Animal Communication ; Animals ; Attention/*physiology ; *Concept Formation ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; *Fixation, Ocular ; Humans ; Imitative Behavior/*physiology ; Male ; Nonverbal Communication ; *Problem Solving ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {The ability of non-human animals to use experimenter-given cues in object-choice tasks has recently gained interest. In such experiments, the location of hidden food is indicated by an experimenter, e.g. by gazing, pointing or touching. Whereas dogs apparently outperform all other species so far tested, apes and monkeys have problems in using such cues. Since only mammalian species have been tested, information is lacking about the evolutionary origin of these abilities. We here present the first data on object-choice tasks conducted with an avian species, the common raven. Ravens are highly competitive scavengers, possessing sophisticated cognitive skills in protecting their food caches and pilfering others' caches. We conducted three experiments, exploring (i) which kind of cues ravens use for choosing a certain object, (ii) whether ravens use humans' gaze for detecting hidden food and (iii) whether ravens would find hidden food in the presence of an informed conspecific who potentially provides gaze cues. Our results indicate that ravens reliably respond to humans' touching of an object, but they hardly use point and gaze cues for their choices. Likewise, they do not perform above chance level in the presence of an informed conspecific. These findings mirror those obtained for primates and suggest that, although ravens may be aware of the gaze direction of humans and conspecifics, they apparently do not rely on this information to detect hidden food.}, }
@article {pmid17725979, year = {2007}, author = {Jensen, KK and Cooper, BG and Larsen, ON and Goller, F}, title = {Songbirds use pulse tone register in two voices to generate low-frequency sound.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {274}, number = {1626}, pages = {2703-2710}, pmid = {17725979}, issn = {0962-8452}, support = {R01 DC004390/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/United States ; R01 DC006876/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/United States ; R01 DC 04390/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/United States ; R01 DC 06876/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*anatomy &amp; histology/*physiology ; Sound Spectrography ; Video Recording ; Vocalization, Animal/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The principal physical mechanism of sound generation is similar in songbirds and humans, despite large differences in their vocal organs. Whereas vocal fold dynamics in the human larynx are well characterized, the vibratory behaviour of the sound-generating labia in the songbird vocal organ, the syrinx, is unknown. We present the first high-speed video records of the intact syrinx during induced phonation. The syrinx of anaesthetized crows shows a vibration pattern of the labia similar to that of the human vocal fry register. Acoustic pulses result from short opening of the labia, and pulse generation alternates between the left and right sound sources. Spontaneously calling crows can also generate similar pulse characteristics with only one sound generator. Airflow recordings in zebra finches and starlings show that pulse tone sounds can be generated unilaterally, synchronously or by alternating between the two sides. Vocal fry-like dynamics therefore represent a common production mechanism for low-frequency sounds in songbirds. These results also illustrate that complex vibration patterns can emerge from the mechanical properties of the coupled sound generators in the syrinx. The use of vocal fry-like dynamics in the songbird syrinx extends the similarity to this unusual vocal register with mammalian sound production mechanisms.}, }
@article {pmid17714658, year = {2007}, author = {Clayton, NS and Emery, NJ}, title = {The social life of corvids.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {17}, number = {16}, pages = {R652-6}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2007.05.070}, pmid = {17714658}, issn = {0960-9822}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; *Social Behavior ; }, }
@article {pmid17711473, year = {2007}, author = {Martín-Gálvez, D and Soler, JJ and Martínez, JG and Krupa, AP and Soler, M and Burke, T}, title = {Cuckoo parasitism and productivity in different magpie subpopulations predict frequencies of the 457bp allele: a mosaic of coevolution at a small geographic scale.}, journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution}, volume = {61}, number = {10}, pages = {2340-2348}, doi = {10.1111/j.1558-5646.2007.00194.x}, pmid = {17711473}, issn = {0014-3820}, mesh = {Alleles ; Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; Female ; *Gene Frequency ; Genetic Variation ; *Nesting Behavior ; Passeriformes/*genetics/*parasitology/physiology ; Selection, Genetic ; }, abstract = {The level of defense against great spotted cuckoo (Clamator glandarius) parasitism in different European populations of magpie (Pica pica) depends on selection pressures due to parasitism and gene flow between populations, which suggests the existence of coevolutionary hot spots within a European metapopulation. A mosaic of coevolution is theoretically possible at small geographical scales and with strong gene flow, because, among other reasons, plots may differ in productivity (i.e., reproductive success of hosts in the absence of parasitism) and defensive genotypes theoretically should be more common in plots of high productivity. Here, we tested this prediction by exploring the relationship between parasitism rate, level of defense against parasitism (estimated as both rejection rate and the frequency of the 457bp microsatellite allele associated with foreign egg rejection in magpies), and some variables related to the productivity (average laying date, clutch size, and number of hatchlings per nest) of magpies breeding in different subpopulations. We found that both estimates of defensive ability (egg rejection rate and frequency of the 457bp allele) covaried significantly with between-plot differences in probability of parasitism, laying date, and number of hatchlings per nest. Moreover, the parasitism rate was larger in more productive plots. These results confirm the existence of a mosaic of coevolution at a very local geographical scale, and the association between laying date and number of hatchlings with variables related to defensive ability and the selection pressure arising from parasitism supports the prediction of coevolutionary gradients in relation to host productivity.}, }
@article {pmid17702575, year = {2007}, author = {Taylor, AH and Hunt, GR and Holzhaider, JC and Gray, RD}, title = {Spontaneous metatool use by New Caledonian crows.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {17}, number = {17}, pages = {1504-1507}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2007.07.057}, pmid = {17702575}, issn = {0960-9822}, mesh = {Animals ; *Cognition ; *Crows ; Meat ; *Problem Solving ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {A crucial stage in hominin evolution was the development of metatool use -- the ability to use one tool on another [1, 2]. Although the great apes can solve metatool tasks [3, 4], monkeys have been less successful [5-7]. Here we provide experimental evidence that New Caledonian crows can spontaneously solve a demanding metatool task in which a short tool is used to extract a longer tool that can then be used to obtain meat. Six out of the seven crows initially attempted to extract the long tool with the short tool. Four successfully obtained meat on the first trial. The experiments revealed that the crows did not solve the metatool task by trial-and-error learning during the task or through a previously learned rule. The sophisticated physical cognition shown appears to have been based on analogical reasoning. The ability to reason analogically may explain the exceptional tool-manufacturing skills of New Caledonian crows.}, }
@article {pmid17694056, year = {2007}, author = {Brault, AC and Huang, CY and Langevin, SA and Kinney, RM and Bowen, RA and Ramey, WN and Panella, NA and Holmes, EC and Powers, AM and Miller, BR}, title = {A single positively selected West Nile viral mutation confers increased virogenesis in American crows.}, journal = {Nature genetics}, volume = {39}, number = {9}, pages = {1162-1166}, pmid = {17694056}, issn = {1061-4036}, support = {R01 CI000235/CI/NCPDCID CDC HHS/United States ; CI000235/CI/NCPDCID CDC HHS/United States ; R01 AI061822-01/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI061822/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; AI061822/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; U54 AI065359/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; U54 AI065359-010001/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Americas ; Amino Acid Substitution ; Animals ; Bird Diseases/*virology ; Crows/*virology ; Evolution, Molecular ; Genome, Viral ; Geography ; Humans ; *Mutation ; Phylogeny ; RNA Helicases/genetics ; Serine Endopeptidases/genetics ; Viral Nonstructural Proteins/genetics ; Virulence/genetics ; West Nile virus/*genetics/isolation &amp; purification/pathogenicity ; }, abstract = {West Nile virus (WNV), first recognized in North America in 1999, has been responsible for the largest arboviral epiornitic and epidemic of human encephalitis in recorded history. Despite the well-described epidemiological patterns of WNV in North America, the basis for the emergence of WNV-associated avian pathology, particularly in the American crow (AMCR) sentinel species, and the large scale of the North American epidemic and epiornitic is uncertain. We report here that the introduction of a T249P amino acid substitution in the NS3 helicase (found in North American WNV) in a low-virulence strain was sufficient to generate a phenotype highly virulent to AMCRs. Furthermore, comparative sequence analyses of full-length WNV genomes demonstrated that the same site (NS3-249) was subject to adaptive evolution. These phenotypic and evolutionary results provide compelling evidence for the positive selection of a mutation encoding increased viremia potential and virulence in the AMCR sentinel bird species.}, }
@article {pmid17671869, year = {2007}, author = {Casanova, MF}, title = {Schizophrenia seen as a deficit in the modulation of cortical minicolumns by monoaminergic systems.}, journal = {International review of psychiatry (Abingdon, England)}, volume = {19}, number = {4}, pages = {361-372}, doi = {10.1080/09540260701486738}, pmid = {17671869}, issn = {0954-0261}, support = {MH 61606/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; MH 62654/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Biogenic Monoamines/*physiology ; Cerebral Cortex/pathology/*physiopathology ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Nerve Fibers/pathology/physiology ; Neurons/pathology/physiology ; Schizophrenia/*pathology/*physiopathology ; }, abstract = {The highly evolved architecture of the cerebral cortex is organized across hierarchical levels that maximize functional repertoires (emergent properties) and expedite information processing. Minicolumns are nested within this multiscale architecture as the smallest module capable of processing information. Signals are transmitted within minicolumns through massive ion-gated connections and modulated through slower onset second messenger systems. The terminal zones of the modulatory second messenger systems comprise the laminae of the cortex. A comprehensive review of the literature suggests that schizophrenia results from widely distributed changes at the level of the cerebral cortex and little, if any, neuronal somatic changes: (Esiri &amp; Crow, 2002). Concordant with this observation recent studies indicate that schizophrenic patients have an alteration of neuronal connectivity according to both lamina and brain region examined. One possible explanation for this deficit is an alteration in the modulatory system of cortical minicolumns. This ontogenetic deficit propitiates a cascade of neurochemical changes resulting in varying abnormalities relating information processing to behavioural states.}, }
@article {pmid17661818, year = {2007}, author = {Govaerts, LC and Smit, AE and Saris, JJ and VanderWerf, F and Willemsen, R and Bakker, CE and De Zeeuw, CI and Oostra, BA}, title = {Exceptional good cognitive and phenotypic profile in a male carrying a mosaic mutation in the FMR1 gene.}, journal = {Clinical genetics}, volume = {72}, number = {2}, pages = {138-144}, doi = {10.1111/j.1399-0004.2007.00829.x}, pmid = {17661818}, issn = {0009-9163}, support = {R01 HD38038/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adult ; *Cognition ; Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein/*genetics ; Fragile X Syndrome/*diagnosis/*genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Genotype ; Hair/metabolism ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Lymphocytes/metabolism ; Male ; *Mutation ; Phenotype ; }, abstract = {Fragile X (FRAX) syndrome is a commonly inherited form of mental retardation resulting from the lack of expression of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). It is caused by a stretch of CGG repeats within the fragile X gene, which can be unstable in length as it is transmitted from generation to generation. Once the repeat exceeds a threshold length, the FMR1 gene is methylated and no protein is produced resulting in the fragile X phenotype. The consequences of FMRP absence in the mechanisms underlying mental retardation are unknown. We have identified a male patient in a classical FRAX family without the characteristic FRAX phenotype. His intelligence quotient (IQ) is borderline normal despite the presence of a mosaic pattern of a pre-mutation (25%), full mutation (60%) and a deletion (15%) in the FMR1 gene. The cognitive performance was determined at the age of 28 by the Raven test and his IQ was 81. However, FMRP expression studies in both hair roots and lymphocytes, determined at the same time as the IQ test, were within the affected male range. The percentage of conditioned responses after delay eyeblink conditioning was much higher than the average percentage measured in FRAX studies. Moreover, this patient showed no correlation between FMRP expression and phenotype and no correlation between DNA diagnostics and phenotype.}, }
@article {pmid17644273, year = {2008}, author = {Schloegl, C and Kotrschal, K and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Modifying the object-choice task: is the way you look important for ravens?.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {77}, number = {1}, pages = {61-65}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2007.06.002}, pmid = {17644273}, issn = {0376-6357}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; *Choice Behavior ; Crows ; Cues ; Female ; Fixation, Ocular ; Male ; Random Allocation ; Videotape Recording ; }, abstract = {Most animals seem to have difficulties in using gaze cues to find hidden food in object-choice tasks. For instance, chimpanzees usually fail in these tests, even though they are capable of following other's gaze geometrically behind barriers. Similar to chimpanzees, common ravens are skilled in tracking other's gaze but fail in object-choice tasks. We here explored whether procedural modifications, which had been used successfully in chimpanzees, would also yield positive results in ravens. In our modifications (a) the experimenter approached the cup while gazing at it, (b) the gaze cue was accompanied by a sound and (c) the experimenter could actually see the food while giving the gaze cue. Two out of seven birds performed above chance level in some of these conditions. However, we ascribe this improvement to the individuals' learning ability rather than to an understanding of the communicative nature of the task. This interpretation is further supported by results of a follow-up experiment suggesting that ravens may not rely on conspecifics' gaze cues for finding food caches in a natural foraging context. In sum, our results suggest that ravens may not transfer their gaze follow abilities to foraging situations involving hidden food.}, }
@article {pmid17633422, year = {2007}, author = {Pecoraro, HL and Day, HL and Reineke, R and Stevens, N and Withey, JC and Marzluff, JM and Meschke, JS}, title = {Climatic and landscape correlates for potential West Nile virus mosquito vectors in the Seattle region.}, journal = {Journal of vector ecology : journal of the Society for Vector Ecology}, volume = {32}, number = {1}, pages = {22-28}, doi = {10.3376/1081-1710(2007)32[22:calcfp]2.0.co;2}, pmid = {17633422}, issn = {1081-1710}, mesh = {Animals ; Climate ; Culicidae/*virology ; Ecology ; Geography ; Insect Vectors/*virology ; Temperature ; Washington ; West Nile virus/growth &amp; development/*isolation &amp; purification ; }, abstract = {Climatic and landscape patterns have been associated with both relative mosquito abundance and transmission of mosquito-borne illnesses in many parts of the world, especially warm and tropical climes. To determine if temperature, precipitation, or degree of urbanization were similarly important in the number of potential mosquito vectors for West Nile virus in the moderately temperate climate of western Washington, mosquitoes were collected using CDC carbon-dioxide/light traps set throughout the Seattle region during the summers of 2003 and 2004. The type and abundance of recovered species were compared to ecological correlates. Temperature and mosquito abundance were positively correlated, while precipitation was not strongly correlated with numbers of mosquitoes. Potential WNV mosquito vectors were most abundant in urban and suburban sites, including sites near communal roosts of American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos). Exurban sites had the greatest vector species diversity, and Culex pipiens was the most abundant species throughout the region.}, }
@article {pmid17622563, year = {2007}, author = {Pons, J and Pausas, JG}, title = {Acorn dispersal estimated by radio-tracking.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {153}, number = {4}, pages = {903-911}, pmid = {17622563}, issn = {0029-8549}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; *Quercus ; *Radio ; *Seeds ; }, abstract = {Bird-dispersed seeds are difficult to track, especially in the case of long-distance dispersal events. To estimate the oak dispersal distance and the seed shadow generated by the European jay (Garrulus glandarius), we inserted radio-transmitters in 239 acorns, placed them in bird-feeders and then located them by radio-tracking. Using this methodology we located the exact caching site of 94 Quercus ilex and 54 Q. suber acorns and determined the caching habitat characteristics (vegetation type, distance, spatial distribution). The results show that: (1) there is no differences in the dispersal distance distribution between the different acorn species or sizes, (2) dispersal distances range from approximately 3 m up to approximately 550 m (mean = 68.6 m; median = 49.2 m), (3) recently abandoned fields and forest tracks were the sites preferred by jays to cache acorns, whereas fields and shrublands were avoided and (4) seed shadows showed acorn aggregation zones (i.e. clusters of caches) close to the feeder as well as isolated caches at longer distances. The results also suggest that radio-transmitters are a cheap and reliable way to determine seed shadows and quantify both seed dispersal and post-dispersal seed predation for medium to large seeds.}, }
@article {pmid17620633, year = {2007}, author = {Molaei, G and Andreadis, TG and Armstrong, PM and Bueno, R and Dennett, JA and Real, SV and Sargent, C and Bala, A and Randle, Y and Guzman, H and Travassos da Rosa, A and Wuithiranyagool, T and Tesh, RB}, title = {Host feeding pattern of Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) and its role in transmission of West Nile virus in Harris County, Texas.}, journal = {The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene}, volume = {77}, number = {1}, pages = {73-81}, pmid = {17620633}, issn = {0002-9637}, support = {N01-AI25489/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; U50/CCU6806-01-1//PHS HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/virology ; Cats/virology ; Culex/*virology ; Dogs/virology ; Feeding Behavior ; Insect Vectors/*virology ; Mosquito Control ; Texas ; West Nile Fever/prevention &amp; control/*transmission ; West Nile virus/*isolation &amp; purification ; }, abstract = {The vertebrate hosts of 672 blood-engorged Culex quinquefasciatus Say, collected in Harris County, Texas, during 2005, were identified by nucleotide sequencing PCR products of the cytochrome b gene. Analysis revealed that 39.1% had acquired blood from birds, 52.5% from mammals, and 8.3% were mixed avian and mammalian blood meals. Most frequent vertebrate hosts were dog (41.0%), mourning dove (18.3%), domestic cat (8.8%), white-winged dove (4.3%), house sparrow (3.2%), house finch (3.0%), gray catbird (3.0%), and American robin (2.5%). Results are interpreted in conjunction with concurrent avian and mosquito West Nile virus (WNV) surveillance activities in Harris County. We conclude that Cx. quinquefasciatus is an opportunistic feeder and principal mosquito vector of WNV in this metropolitan area; however, transmission by other mosquito species or by other modes of infection, such as ingestion, must account for the high WNV infection rates among local blue jays and American crows.}, }
@article {pmid17582463, year = {2007}, author = {Fang, L and Zheng, M and Zhang, B and Gao, L and Liu, W and Zhao, X}, title = {Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in eggs of eight avian species from Dongting Lake, China.}, journal = {Chemosphere}, volume = {69}, number = {3}, pages = {411-421}, doi = {10.1016/j.chemosphere.2007.04.079}, pmid = {17582463}, issn = {0045-6535}, mesh = {Animals ; Benzofurans/*analysis ; China ; *Eggs ; Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins/*analogs &amp; derivatives/analysis ; Polymers/*analysis ; Quality Control ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) were determined in eggs of eight avian species collected from Dongting Lake of China to assess residue levels, accumulation patterns, and toxic potential in different avian species. Concentrations of total 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDD/Fs were in the range of 10.8-182pgg(-1) lipid weight. Eggs of great egret and lesser pied kingfisher contained higher levels of PCDD/Fs than eggs of other species, indicating the specific exposure and accumulation of PCDD/Fs relating to feeding habits and the life span. PCDD/Fs congener patterns varied among species. The patterns of PCDD/Fs in the eggs may be influenced by feeding habits, specific elimination, and metabolism. In general, concentrations of PCDDs were higher than those of PCDFs in avian eggs. On basis of lipid weight, total 2,3,7,8-TCDD toxic equivalents (TEQs) calculated based on the WHO TEFs for birds ranged from 2.04 to 42.0pgg(-1); and on basis of wet weight, total WHO-TEQs ranged from 0.19 to 1.59pgg(-1). 2,3,7,8-TCDF, 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF, 2,3,7,8-TCDD, 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD were the major contributors to TEQ concentration in most avian eggs, whereas 1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDD also accounted for a major portion of TEQs in eggs of azure-winged magpie. Values of TEQs in avian eggs were lower than toxic threshold values, implying risk reduction and natural restoration of PCDD/Fs contamination in Dongting Lake region.}, }
@article {pmid17574711, year = {2007}, author = {Llewellyn, P and Northway, R}, title = {The views and experiences of learning disability nurses concerning their advocacy education.}, journal = {Nurse education today}, volume = {27}, number = {8}, pages = {955-963}, doi = {10.1016/j.nedt.2007.02.015}, pmid = {17574711}, issn = {0260-6917}, mesh = {Assertiveness ; *Attitude of Health Personnel ; Clinical Competence/standards ; Curriculum/standards ; Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate/standards ; Education, Nursing, Continuing/standards ; Female ; Focus Groups ; Humans ; Intellectual Disability/*nursing ; Male ; Needs Assessment ; Nurse's Role/psychology ; Nursing Education Research ; Nursing Methodology Research ; Nursing Staff/*education/organization &amp; administration/psychology ; Nursing Theory ; *Patient Advocacy ; Prejudice ; Qualitative Research ; Self Efficacy ; Social Support ; Specialties, Nursing/*education/organization &amp; administration ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Wales ; }, abstract = {A mixed methods project [Llewellyn, P., 2005. An investigation into the advocacy role of the learning disability nurse. University of Glamorgan, unpublished PhD Thesis] investigated the advocacy role of learning disability nurses. This paper discusses the section concerned with nurses' advocacy education. Focus groups, interviews and a questionnaire survey enabled nurses from a wide range of grades, seniority and experience to explore their received education in advocacy and their educational requirements concerning their advocacy role. Findings revealed that nurses' received education in advocacy varied according to the syllabus under which they qualified, with those whose education was influenced by the 1979 Jay Report having the highest incidence of advocacy training. Many learning disability nurses who had received theoretical education did not feel confident to advocate for their clients. Many were also unsure of their ability to access independent advocacy services and when it was permissible to do this. Nurse informants expressed a need for ongoing support and training in advocacy relating to The Human Rights Act (1998) and The Disability Discrimination Act (1995); and also specifically in relation to advocacy for clients within their own work area. Most nurses had definite ideas regarding how and by whom their advocacy education and training should be provided.}, }
@article {pmid17550769, year = {2007}, author = {Roberts, WA}, title = {Mental time travel: animals anticipate the future.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {17}, number = {11}, pages = {R418-20}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2007.04.010}, pmid = {17550769}, issn = {0960-9822}, mesh = {Animals ; Appetite ; Cues ; Feeding Behavior/*psychology ; *Motivation ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; *Time Perception ; }, abstract = {Recent behavioral experiments with scrub jays and nonhuman primates indicate they can anticipate and plan for future needs not currently experienced. Combined with accumulating evidence for episodic-like memory in animals, these studies suggest that some animals can mentally time travel into both the past and future.}, }
@article {pmid17543417, year = {2007}, author = {Cserjési, R and Molnár, D and Luminet, O and Lénárd, L}, title = {Is there any relationship between obesity and mental flexibility in children?.}, journal = {Appetite}, volume = {49}, number = {3}, pages = {675-678}, doi = {10.1016/j.appet.2007.04.001}, pmid = {17543417}, issn = {0195-6663}, mesh = {Analysis of Variance ; *Attention/physiology ; Body Mass Index ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Cognition/*physiology ; Cognition Disorders/complications/*diagnosis ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Obesity/etiology/*psychology ; Pattern Recognition, Visual ; Problem Solving ; }, abstract = {Cognitive profiles of 12 schoolboys with obesity were compared with their peers with normal weight. For the cognitive assessment five clinical tasks were selected: digit span memory, Raven's progressive matrices (intelligence), semantic verbal fluency, D2 attention endurance and Wisconsin card sorting test. We found no differences in memory, intelligence and verbal fluency between the two groups. Children with obesity performed worse on D2 and Wisconsin tests. Correlations confirmed relationships between body weight, body mass index, attention and Wisconsin measured perseveration in set-shifting. This suggests that childhood obesity involves cognitive deficits in shifting and attention abilities.}, }
@article {pmid17518555, year = {2007}, author = {Mikolajczak, M and Luminet, O and Leroy, C and Roy, E}, title = {Psychometric properties of the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire: factor structure, reliability, construct, and incremental validity in a French-speaking population.}, journal = {Journal of personality assessment}, volume = {88}, number = {3}, pages = {338-353}, doi = {10.1080/00223890701333431}, pmid = {17518555}, issn = {0022-3891}, mesh = {*Adaptation, Psychological ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Belgium ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Psychometrics ; Social Behavior ; *Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {In this research, we investigated the psychometrical properties of the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue, Petrides &amp; Furnham, 2003) in a French-speaking population. In summary, we found that (a) TEIQue scores were globally normally distributed and reliable; (b) the United Kingdom four-factor structure (well-being, self-control, emotionality, sociability) replicated in our data; (c) TEIQue scores were dependent on gender but relatively independent of age; (d) there was preliminary evidence of convergent/discriminant validity, with TEIQue scores being independent of nonverbal reasoning (Raven's [1976] matrices) but positively related to some personality dimensions (optimism, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness) as well as inversely related to others (alexithymia, neuroticism); (e) there was also preliminary evidence of criterion validity, with TEIQue scores predicting depression, anxiety, and social support as well as future state affectivity and emotional reactivity in neutral and stressful situations; (f) TEIQue scores were susceptible to socially desirable responding; however, (g) TEIQue scores had incremental validity to predict emotional reactivity over and above social desirability, alexithymia, and the Five-factor model of personality. Such results constitute encouraging preliminary findings in favor of the use of the TEIQue.}, }
@article {pmid17498715, year = {2007}, author = {Schoech, SJ and Bowman, R and Bridge, ES and Morgan, GM and Rensel, MA and Wilcoxen, TE and Boughton, RK}, title = {Corticosterone administration does not affect timing of breeding in Florida scrub-jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens).}, journal = {Hormones and behavior}, volume = {52}, number = {2}, pages = {191-196}, doi = {10.1016/j.yhbeh.2007.04.004}, pmid = {17498715}, issn = {0018-506X}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/blood/*physiology ; Corticosterone/blood/*pharmacology ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Feeding Behavior/drug effects ; Female ; Oviparity/drug effects ; Sexual Behavior, Animal/*drug effects ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {Providing supplemental food to Florida scrub-jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) causes a reliable advance in clutch initiation of 1 to 2 weeks. In some years, supplemental food appeared to not only advance laying date but also decrease baseline concentrations of corticosterone (CORT) relative to controls. The coincidence of low CORT levels and early breeding led us to hypothesize that CORT serves to communicate information about environmental conditions to the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which ultimately influences the timing of breeding. To test this hypothesis, we administered small oral doses of CORT three times each day to female breeders that were provisioned with supplemental food. We compared clutch initiation dates of the CORT-dosed females to females with supplementation but no exogenous CORT and to females with neither CORT nor supplemental food. CORT administration had a strong temporary effect on circulating CORT concentrations but clutch initiation did not differ between the two groups of supplemented birds, both of which laid eggs approximately 10 days earlier than nonsupplemented birds. Furthermore, during the year of our study we found no reduction in baseline CORT concentrations in our undosed supplemental groups, as had been observed in past studies.}, }
@article {pmid17479632, year = {2007}, author = {Heinrich, B and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Just how smart are ravens?.}, journal = {Scientific American}, volume = {296}, number = {4}, pages = {64-71}, doi = {10.1038/scientificamerican0407-64}, pmid = {17479632}, issn = {0036-8733}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Crows/*physiology ; Environment ; *Intelligence ; Predatory Behavior ; Problem Solving ; Thinking ; }, }
@article {pmid17478698, year = {2007}, author = {Straub, A}, title = {An intelligent crow beats a lab.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {316}, number = {5825}, pages = {688}, doi = {10.1126/science.316.5825.688b}, pmid = {17478698}, issn = {1095-9203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Cognition ; *Crows ; Dogs ; Intelligence ; Memory ; }, }
@article {pmid17474173, year = {2006}, author = {Wendorff, J and Przygocka, J and Juchniewicz, B}, title = {[Cognitive disturbances in rolandic epilepsy--correlation with electoencephalographic patterns].}, journal = {Przeglad lekarski}, volume = {63 Suppl 1}, number = {}, pages = {14-17}, pmid = {17474173}, issn = {0033-2240}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Child ; Cognition ; Cognition Disorders/*diagnosis/*etiology ; *Electroencephalography ; Epilepsy, Rolandic/*complications/physiopathology ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Problem Solving ; Reaction Time ; Reading ; Space Perception ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Verbal Learning ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Up till now there have been many discussions in the epileptological literature concerning the occurrence of cognitive deficits in children with rolandic epilepsy (RE).<br><br>THE AIM OF STUDY: The aim of this study is to establish whether there exist any differences in general intelligence quotient or in particular cognitive functions in children with RE as compared to healthy children in the same age and if a correlation can be found between EEG and cognitive function in RE.<br><br>MATERIAL AND METHODS: The material comprised two groups: 38 children with RE (1-2 years after diagnosis establishing) and 15 children of the same age and sex - the control group. The study group was then subdivided into: 26 children with typical EEG patterns and 12 with atypical EEG acc. to Dalla Bernardina. The results of WICS, Benton, Raven's test, Bender-Koppitz and Bender-Gestalt test and 16-canal standard wake and sleep EEG were taken into account. Statistical analysis included: Student-test and Fisher exact test.<br><br>RESULTS: IQ of children with RE in all types of scores (full, verbal or non-verbal) did not differ from the control group. Some differences in particular cognitive functions were found: auditory memory (p<0.01), logical thinking (p<0.05). In the group of children with RE and atypical EEG pattern the full and non-verbal score was lower (p< 0.05) and we found in these children statistically significant deficit in analytic-synthetic thinking based on concrete material and hyperactivity (p< 0.05).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: In spite of no difference in general IQ among children with RE and the control group, there are some cognitive deficits in this epilepsy particularly concerning auditory memory and logical thinking. The children with atypical changes in EEG are the risk group of lower full and nonverbal score analytic-synthetic thinking based on concrete material and hyperactivity.}, }
@article {pmid17470009, year = {2007}, author = {Kane, MJ and Conway, ARA and Miura, TK and Colflesh, GJH}, title = {Working memory, attention control, and the N-back task: a question of construct validity.}, journal = {Journal of experimental psychology. Learning, memory, and cognition}, volume = {33}, number = {3}, pages = {615-622}, doi = {10.1037/0278-7393.33.3.615}, pmid = {17470009}, issn = {0278-7393}, mesh = {*Attention ; Humans ; Individuality ; Intelligence ; *Memory, Short-Term ; *Pattern Recognition, Visual ; Problem Solving ; Psychomotor Performance ; Reaction Time ; Semantics ; *Serial Learning ; Verbal Learning ; }, abstract = {The N-back task requires participants to decide whether each stimulus in a sequence matches the one that appeared n items ago. Although N-back has become a standard "executive" working memory (WM) measure in cognitive neuroscience, it has been subjected to few behavioral tests of construct validity. A combined experimental- correlational study tested the attention-control demands of verbal 2- and 3-back tasks by presenting n = 1 "lure" foils. Lures elicited more false alarms than control foils in both 2- and 3-back tasks, and lures caused more misses to targets that immediately followed them compared with control targets, but only in 3-back tasks. N-back thus challenges control over familiarity-based responding. Participants also completed a verbal WM span task (operation span task) and a marker test of general fluid intelligence (Gf; Ravens Advanced Progressive Matrices Test; J. C. Raven, J. E. Raven, &amp; J. H. Court, 1998). N-back and WM span correlated weakly, suggesting they do not reflect primarily a single construct; moreover, both accounted for independent variance in Gf. N-back has face validity as a WM task, but it does not demonstrate convergent validity with at least 1 established WM measure.}, }
@article {pmid17467743, year = {2007}, author = {Nevai, AL and Waite, TA and Passino, KM}, title = {State-dependent choice and ecological rationality.}, journal = {Journal of theoretical biology}, volume = {247}, number = {3}, pages = {471-479}, doi = {10.1016/j.jtbi.2007.03.029}, pmid = {17467743}, issn = {0022-5193}, mesh = {Adaptation, Psychological ; Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Birds/*physiology ; *Choice Behavior ; *Ecology ; *Feeding Behavior ; Food ; Models, Psychological ; Safety ; }, abstract = {Decision makers who minimize costly errors should flexibly adjust the way they trade off competing demands, depending on their current state. We explore how state (amount of hoarded food) affects willingness to take extra predation risk to obtain larger food rewards, particularly in animals that may overemphasize safety. Assuming a sigmoid fitness function, we explore how a supplement in state influences this willingness trade danger for food energy. Above a threshold, the model predicts the supplement will weaken this willingness. Incremental increases in state in the deceleratory phase yield smaller fitness gains, so it pays to increase emphasis on safety after receiving a supplement. Below this threshold, the model makes the opposite prediction because incremental increases in state yield bigger fitness gains and so it pays to decrease emphasis on safety. We use the model to explain why hoarding gray jays (Perisoreus canadensis) were induced by an experimental subsidy to accept greater danger. This formerly puzzling finding makes sense if the jays' effective hoard was relatively small, due to theft and decomposition. We discuss adaptive state-dependent choice as a general explanation for apparently irrational behavior.}, }
@article {pmid17462894, year = {2007}, author = {Correia, SP and Dickinson, A and Clayton, NS}, title = {Western scrub-jays anticipate future needs independently of their current motivational state.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {17}, number = {10}, pages = {856-861}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2007.03.063}, pmid = {17462894}, issn = {0960-9822}, support = {BB/D000335/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Appetite ; Cues ; Feeding Behavior/*psychology ; Humans ; *Motivation ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; *Time Perception ; }, abstract = {Planning for the future has been considered to be a uniquely human trait [1-3]. However, recent studies challenge this hypothesis by showing that food-caching Western scrub-jays (Aphelocoma californica) can relate their previous experience as thieves to the possibility of future cache theft by another bird [4], are sensitive to the state of their caches at recovery ([5] and S. De Kort, S.P.C.C., D. Alexis, A.D., and N.S.C., unpublished data), and can plan for tomorrow's breakfast [6]. Although these results suggest that scrub-jays are capable of future planning, the degree to which these birds act independently of their current motivational state is a matter of contention. The Bischof-Köhler hypothesis [1] holds that nonhuman animals cannot anticipate and act toward the satisfaction of a future need not currently experienced or cued by their present motivational state. Using specific satiety to control for the jays' current and future motivational states, here we specifically test this hypothesis by dissociating current and future motivational states. We report that Western scrub-jays anticipate the recovery of their caches, as well as their own future needs, by acting independently of their current motivational state and immediate needs. The fact that the birds act in favor of a future need as opposed to the current one challenges the hypothesis that this ability is unique to humans.}, }
@article {pmid17432055, year = {2007}, author = {Chavatte, JM and Chiron, F and Chabaud, A and Landau, I}, title = {[Probable speciations by "host-vector 'fidelity'": 14 species of Plasmodium from magpies].}, journal = {Parasite (Paris, France)}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {21-37}, doi = {10.1051/parasite/2007141021}, pmid = {17432055}, issn = {1252-607X}, mesh = {Aedes/*parasitology ; Animals ; Bird Diseases/*parasitology ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; Insect Vectors/parasitology ; *Phylogeny ; Plasmodium/*classification/*isolation &amp; purification ; *Songbirds ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {33 Magpies resident in two parks close to Paris were investigated for the presence of Plasmodium parasites. The majority of the birds were found to be infected with multiple parasite species. A total of 14 species were observed, and of these 10 were novel and consequently described, and two could not be assigned with confidence. It is hypothesized that the unexpected abundance of species is due to a phenomenon which we term "host-vector 'fidelisation'". Indeed, the combination of the eco-biological characteristics of the host (mating pairs in contiguous, but strictly defined territories) with those of the vector (numerous Aedes species with distinct behavior), would generate fragmentation of the niches. This type of isolation overlays others known for parasitic populations (geographical, circadian, microlocalisations), leading to the formation of independent host-parasite niches which in turn lead to speciation.}, }
@article {pmid17416140, year = {2007}, author = {Zeiner, H and Schobesberger, H and Skalicky, M and Stanek, C}, title = {Effect of different claw trimming methods on the pressure distribution under the bovine claw--an in vitro study.}, journal = {Berliner und Munchener tierarztliche Wochenschrift}, volume = {120}, number = {3-4}, pages = {165-172}, pmid = {17416140}, issn = {0005-9366}, mesh = {Animals ; Biomechanical Phenomena/methods ; Cattle/*physiology/surgery ; Cattle Diseases/prevention &amp; control ; Foot Diseases/prevention &amp; control/veterinary ; Hoof and Claw/*physiology/*surgery ; In Vitro Techniques ; Pressure ; Walking/physiology ; Weight-Bearing/physiology ; }, abstract = {This survey focusses on the effects of various claw trimming methods as well as the effect of the different resulting claw shapes on the pressure distribution under the sole. 64 bovine claws were trimmed according to 3 different trimming methods, the functional claw trimming method by Toussaint Raven and two other specially modified methods. The alternative methods resulted on the one hand in long and acute-angled claws, on the other hand in a very steep claw profile. The limb samples were attached to the hydraulic plunger of a material testing machine and pressed onto a pressure distribution plate with a predefined load. The pressure distribution pattern was recorded before and after trimming. An obvious stress concentration could be observed in the bulbar region of the outer claws. All of the applied claw trimming methods induced a redistribution of load onto the inner claws while relieving the bulbar area of the outer claws. The inner claws were the main reason for the enlarged floor contact area caused by the trimming techniques. The results show that all techniques led to an improvement of stress conditions. In some cases, methods 2 and 3 were slightly superior in reducing maximum pressure and enlarging floor contact area.}, }
@article {pmid17407915, year = {2007}, author = {Jensen, KK}, title = {Comodulation detection differences in the hooded crow (Corvus corone cornix), with direct comparison to human subjects.}, journal = {The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America}, volume = {121}, number = {3}, pages = {1783-1789}, doi = {10.1121/1.2434246}, pmid = {17407915}, issn = {0001-4966}, mesh = {Acoustics ; *Animal Communication ; Animals ; Auditory Threshold ; Crows/*physiology ; Humans ; Perceptual Masking ; Psychophysics ; }, abstract = {Envelope modulations have been shown important in determining the effectiveness of masking noises. For example, the threshold for detecting a signal flanked by maskers is lower if the maskers and the signal are modulated with different envelopes, rather than the same envelope (comodulation). This threshold change is called the comodulation detection difference (CDD). CDDs were studied in two wild-caught hooded crows, using a 1.5 kHz signal and two maskers at 0.9 and 2.1 kHz, presented at an overall level of 55 dB SPL (re 20 microPa). For direct comparison with human psychophysics, three human subjects were tested in the same setup. CDDs averaged 15 dB for the two crow subjects and 11 dB for the human subjects. The species difference between average CDDs was insignificant. The significance of the CDD effect in a natural setting is discussed.}, }
@article {pmid17374691, year = {2007}, author = {Neumann, CG and Murphy, SP and Gewa, C and Grillenberger, M and Bwibo, NO}, title = {Meat supplementation improves growth, cognitive, and behavioral outcomes in Kenyan children.}, journal = {The Journal of nutrition}, volume = {137}, number = {4}, pages = {1119-1123}, doi = {10.1093/jn/137.4.1119}, pmid = {17374691}, issn = {0022-3166}, mesh = {Adolescent ; *Adolescent Behavior ; *Adolescent Development ; Animals ; Anthropometry ; Arm ; Child ; *Child Behavior ; *Child Development ; *Cognition ; *Diet ; Education ; Humans ; Kenya ; *Meat ; Milk ; Motor Activity ; Muscle, Skeletal/growth &amp; development ; Plants, Edible ; Play and Playthings ; School Health Services ; }, abstract = {A randomized, controlled school feeding study was conducted in rural Embu District, Kenya to test for a causal link between animal-source food intake and changes in micronutrient nutrition and growth, cognitive, and behavioral outcomes. Twelve primary schools were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups. Children in Standard I classes received the local plant-based dish githeri as a midmorning school snack supplemented with meat, milk, or fat added to equalize energy content in all feedings. The Control children received no feedings but participated in data collection. Main outcome measures assessed at baseline and longitudinally were 24-h food intake recall, anthropometry, cognitive function, physical activity, and behaviors during school free play. For cognitive function, the Meat group showed the steepest rate of increase on Raven's Progressive Matrices scores and in zone-wide school end-term total and arithmetic test scores. The Plain githeri and Meat groups performed better over time than the Milk and Control groups (P < 0.02-0.03) on arithmetic tests. The Meat group showed the greatest increase in percentage time in high levels of physical activity and in initiative and leadership behaviors compared with all other groups. For growth, in the Milk group only younger and stunted children showed a greater rate of gain in height. The Meat group showed near doubling of upper midarm muscle area, and the Milk group a smaller degree of increase. This is the first randomized, controlled feeding study to examine the effect of meat- vs. milk- vs. plant-based snacks on functional outcomes in children.}, }
@article {pmid17342677, year = {2007}, author = {Malloy-Diniz, LF and Bentes, RC and Figuereido, PM and Brandao-Bretas, D and da Costa-Abrantes, S and Parizzi, AM and Borges-Leite, W and Salgado, JV}, title = {[Standardisation of a battery of tests to evaluate language comprehension, verbal fluency and naming skills in Brazilian children between 7 and 10 years of age: preliminary findings].}, journal = {Revista de neurologia}, volume = {44}, number = {5}, pages = {275-280}, pmid = {17342677}, issn = {0210-0010}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Brazil ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; *Language ; *Language Tests ; Male ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; Verbal Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The neuropsychological assessment of language requires instruments that evaluate its receptive and expressive aspects. Due to cultural discrepancies, the use of neuropsychological tests demands normalization studies to the population in which they will be used.<br><br>AIM: To provide normative data for Brazilian schoolchildren in relation to the Token Test, Semantic Verbal Fluency Test and the Minas Gerais Naming Test (animals, body parts and food categories).<br><br>SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 101 children (51 males, 50 females) with ages between 7 to 10 years (mean: 8 years and 8 months), with 2 to 4 years of formal education. Exclusion criteria included score below 25 percentile in the Raven Test. RESULTS. There were no differences between male and female performance. Age was significantly related to performance in all tests.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The results are compatible to the literature and, thought preliminary, they may be used as reference in research and clinical settings in our country.}, }
@article {pmid17330535, year = {2007}, author = {Nejat, F and Kazmi, SS and Habibi, Z and Tajik, P and Shahrivar, Z}, title = {Intelligence quotient in children with meningomyeloceles: a case-control study.}, journal = {Journal of neurosurgery}, volume = {106}, number = {2 Suppl}, pages = {106-110}, doi = {10.3171/ped.2007.106.2.106}, pmid = {17330535}, issn = {0022-3085}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Attention/classification ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cohort Studies ; Educational Status ; Fecal Incontinence/complications ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gait/physiology ; Humans ; Intelligence/*classification ; Male ; Meningomyelocele/complications/*psychology/surgery ; Parents/education ; Social Class ; Urinary Incontinence/complications ; Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt/adverse effects ; Verbal Behavior/classification ; }, abstract = {OBJECT: Meningomyelocele (MMC) is a common central nervous system birth defect. As one of many problems facing patients with MMC, learning disabilities are often overlooked. The aim of this study was to evaluate IQs in a group of children with MMCs and determine if a correlation exists between intelligence level and the presence of an MMC and/or its complications.<br><br>METHODS: A case-control study was conducted at the Children's Hospital Medical Center in Tehran, Iran, from December 2004 through December 2005. The patient group included 50 children with MMC from 5 to 12 years of age who were referred to the authors' institution for treatment of complications or for follow up after surgery for MMC closure. The patient group was individually matched for age and sex with a control group of 50 children referred to the hospital for other reasons and who did not have MMC or other neurological abnormalities. The IQs in all children in this study were evaluated using the Ravens Progressive Matrices test. The children in both groups were similar in the socioeconomic status of the family (p = 0.347) and educational status of the father (p = 0.117) and mother (p = 0.439). Patient age at the time of surgery for MMC closure varied from 1 day to 96 months (mean 4.1 months). Only 20% of the patients with MMC could walk with a normal gait. Forty-six percent of the patients had undergone placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, and half of these patients experienced shunt-related complications; 72% of the children in the patient group were completely incontinent for both urine and feces. The IQ results obtained in the patient group ranged from 73 to 134 with a mean (+/- standard deviation) of 96.62 +/- 13.01. In the control group the IQ range was 70 to 128, and the mean was 104.82 +/- 12.30. Compared with the control group there was a statistically significant correlation between having an MMC and having a lower IQ (p < 0.001, paired t-test).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Although the average IQ in the patient group was significantly lower than that in the control group, it is important to note that all children in the patient group had an average or above-average IQ. In contrast with the results reported in other studies, earlier repair of the MMC, the presence of a shunt or shunt-related complications, walking difficulty, and the spinal level of the lesion did not correlate significantly with IQs. Therefore, the lower IQ and reduced cognitive levels noted in these patients result from the disease process itself and not from the associated complications.}, }
@article {pmid17327633, year = {2007}, author = {Kipiani, T and Tatishvili, N and Sirbiladze, Ts}, title = {Long-term neurological development of the preterm newborns.}, journal = {Georgian medical news}, volume = {}, number = {142}, pages = {42-45}, pmid = {17327633}, issn = {1512-0112}, mesh = {Apgar Score ; Apraxias/*epidemiology ; Cerebral Palsy/*epidemiology ; Developmental Disabilities/*epidemiology ; Epilepsy/*epidemiology ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Prevalence ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {Prematurity represents one of the risk factors of newborns' mortality, morbidity and derangements of long-term neurological development. With the increase of number of preterm newborns, problems with subsequent neurological development have also increased. Preterm population deserves great interest and a lot of investigations have been carried out in order to study their development dynamically. The goal of our study is evaluation of the preterm newborn, with gestation age <=37 weeks, estimation of their neurological developmet at the later age (6-7) and comparing them with full-term born infants of the same age. Objects of our investigation are preterm newborns, with gestation age <=37 weeks. 94 preterm newborns and 50 full-term newborns were estimated in the neonatal period and then later at the age of 6-7; methods of evaluation at the age of 6 years there were used: Standard full neurological investigation, GMFM scale (gross motor functional measure), Towen Scale for evaluation of minor motor activity, Raven Color Matrix for estimation of non-verbal cognitive functions, Coners Questionnaire for parents - for revelation of dysadaptation;. Cerebral palsy among preterm infants was observed in 15 cases-16%; in control group- 1 case-2%; Dyspraxia syndrome was observed in 32 cases-34%, in control group 9 cases-18%. The results of evaluation gross motor function with GMFM score for term group is higher,than for preterm group: 95,86 vs 83,52, p<0,001. The results of the evaluation nonverbal cognitive function with Color matrix of Raven test is higher in term group:20,20 vs 16,6; p<0,001 Syndromes of behavioral disadaptation have been observed more often among preterm newborns Score for each parts(problem of control; impulsivity, index of hyperactivity) are higher in preterm children, p<0,001. Low birth gestation can be a real risk factor for the later neurological development.. Cerebral palsy and dyspraxial syndrome is probably more among newborns with low gestation than among control group contingent;The results of the evaluation nonverbal cognitive function with Color matrix of Raven test is higher in term group. Syndromes of behavioral disadaptation have been observed more often among preterm newborns. Because of frequent//high percent of neurolodevelopmental problems preterm contingent require continuing monitoring,evaluation in dynamicaly for early distincting mild problems.}, }
@article {pmid17322042, year = {2007}, author = {Morell, V}, title = {Nicola Clayton profile. Nicky and the jays.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {315}, number = {5815}, pages = {1074-1075}, doi = {10.1126/science.315.5815.1074}, pmid = {17322042}, issn = {1095-9203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Cognition ; England ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Intelligence ; Memory ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; }, }
@article {pmid17314979, year = {2007}, author = {Raby, CR and Alexis, DM and Dickinson, A and Clayton, NS}, title = {Planning for the future by western scrub-jays.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {445}, number = {7130}, pages = {919-921}, doi = {10.1038/nature05575}, pmid = {17314979}, issn = {1476-4687}, support = {BB/D000335/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology/psychology ; Female ; *Food ; Housing, Animal ; Humans ; Hunger ; Male ; Models, Psychological ; Songbirds/*physiology ; Thinking/*physiology ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {Knowledge of and planning for the future is a complex skill that is considered by many to be uniquely human. We are not born with it; children develop a sense of the future at around the age of two and some planning ability by only the age of four to five. According to the Bischof-Köhler hypothesis, only humans can dissociate themselves from their current motivation and take action for future needs: other animals are incapable of anticipating future needs, and any future-oriented behaviours they exhibit are either fixed action patterns or cued by their current motivational state. The experiments described here test whether a member of the corvid family, the western scrub-jay (Aphelocoma californica), plans for the future. We show that the jays make provision for a future need, both by preferentially caching food in a place in which they have learned that they will be hungry the following morning and by differentially storing a particular food in a place in which that type of food will not be available the next morning. Previous studies have shown that, in accord with the Bischof-Köhler hypothesis, rats and pigeons may solve tasks by encoding the future but only over very short time scales. Although some primates and corvids take actions now that are based on their future consequences, these have not been shown to be selected with reference to future motivational states, or without extensive reinforcement of the anticipatory act. The results described here suggest that the jays can spontaneously plan for tomorrow without reference to their current motivational state, thereby challenging the idea that this is a uniquely human ability.}, }
@article {pmid17313979, year = {2007}, author = {van 't Wout, M and Aleman, A and Kessels, RP and Cahn, W and de Haan, EH and Kahn, RS}, title = {Exploring the nature of facial affect processing deficits in schizophrenia.}, journal = {Psychiatry research}, volume = {150}, number = {3}, pages = {227-235}, doi = {10.1016/j.psychres.2006.03.010}, pmid = {17313979}, issn = {0165-1781}, mesh = {Adult ; Affect ; Automatism ; Decision Making ; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ; *Facial Expression ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Perceptual Disorders/*diagnosis/*epidemiology ; *Recognition, Psychology ; Schizophrenia/*epidemiology ; Severity of Illness Index ; }, abstract = {Schizophrenia has been associated with deficits in facial affect processing, especially negative emotions. However, the exact nature of the deficit remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether schizophrenia patients have problems in automatic allocation of attention as well as in controlled evaluation of facial affect. Thirty-seven patients with schizophrenia were compared with 41 control subjects on incidental facial affect processing (gender decision of faces with a fearful, angry, happy, disgusted, and neutral expression) and degraded facial affect labeling (labeling of fearful, angry, happy, and neutral faces). The groups were matched on estimates of verbal and performance intelligence (National Adult Reading Test; Raven's Matrices), general face recognition ability (Benton Face Recognition), and other demographic variables. The results showed that patients with schizophrenia as well as control subjects demonstrate the normal threat-related interference during incidental facial affect processing. Conversely, on controlled evaluation patients were specifically worse in the labeling of fearful faces. In particular, patients with high levels of negative symptoms may be characterized by deficits in labeling fear. We suggest that patients with schizophrenia show no evidence of deficits in the automatic allocation of attention resources to fearful (threat-indicating) faces, but have a deficit in the controlled processing of facial emotions that may be specific for fearful faces.}, }
@article {pmid17309867, year = {2007}, author = {Clayton, NS and Dally, JM and Emery, NJ}, title = {Social cognition by food-caching corvids. The western scrub-jay as a natural psychologist.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {362}, number = {1480}, pages = {507-522}, pmid = {17309867}, issn = {0962-8436}, support = {BB/D000335/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Cognition/*physiology ; Competitive Behavior/physiology ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Learning ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Food-caching corvids hide food, but such caches are susceptible to pilfering by other individuals. Consequently, the birds use several counter strategies to protect their caches from theft, e.g. hiding most of them out of sight. When observed by potential pilferers at the time of caching, experienced jays that have been thieves themselves, take further protective action. Once the potential pilferers have left, they move caches those birds have seen, re-hiding them in new places. Naive birds that had no thieving experience do not do so. By focusing on the counter strategies of the cacher when previously observed by a potential pilferer, these results raise the intriguing possibility that re-caching is based on a form of mental attribution, namely the simulation of another bird's viewpoint. Furthermore, the jays also keep track of the observer which was watching when they cached and take protective action accordingly, thus suggesting that they may also be aware of others' knowledge states.}, }
@article {pmid17294146, year = {2007}, author = {Scheithauer, MO and Tasman, AJ}, title = {[Endoscopic forehead lifting: surgical anatomy and technique].}, journal = {HNO}, volume = {55}, number = {3}, pages = {225-33; quiz 234}, pmid = {17294146}, issn = {1433-0458}, mesh = {Blepharoplasty/*methods ; Blepharoptosis/*pathology/*surgery ; Endoscopy/*methods ; Forehead/*abnormalities/*surgery ; Humans ; Practice Guidelines as Topic ; Practice Patterns, Physicians' ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/*methods ; }, abstract = {Endoscopic forehead lifting is a widely accepted treatment for brow ptosis. The procedure safely and effectively corrects horizontal forehead rhytids, brow ptosis, upper eyelid dermatochalasis and periorbital crow's feet. The result is a refreshed and more open facial expression. A thorough understanding of basic facial anatomy is the key to successful cosmetic surgery. The procedure is based on a subperiostal and preperiosteal mobilisation of the temporal and frontal soft tissues and a detachment of the periosteum of the orbital rim. An upper eyelid blepharoplasty and selective incomplete or complete myotomies of the corrugator and procerus muscles may be incorporated in the operation. Most surgeons prefer to fixate the elevated soft tissue planes to the calvarium by sutures, titanium or resorbabale polyglactid anchors. While initial enthusiasm for this procedure seems to be declining in several countries, few ENT-surgeons are familiar with this technique in Europe. This article reviews the surgical anatomy of the forehead and temporoparietal region by means of cadaver dissection and describes the surgical procedure for German speaking readers.}, }
@article {pmid17284404, year = {2007}, author = {Hunt, GR and Gray, RD}, title = {Parallel tool industries in New Caledonian crows.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {3}, number = {2}, pages = {173-175}, pmid = {17284404}, issn = {1744-9561}, mesh = {Animals ; Chi-Square Distribution ; Crows/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; New Caledonia ; Plant Leaves ; Plant Stems ; Sex Factors ; Tool Use Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Individual specialization in the use of foraging tools occurs in hunter-gatherer societies but is absent in non-human primate tool use. 'Parallel tool industries' in hunter-gatherers are mainly based on strict sexual division of labour that is highly reliant on social conformity. Here, we show that 12 individuals in a population of New Caledonian crows on Maré Island had strong preferences for either stick tools or pandanus tools. Eight of the 12 crows had exclusive preferences. The individual specialization that we found is probably associated with different foraging niches. However, in spite of sexual size dimorphism there was no significant association between the sex of crows and their tool preferences. Our findings demonstrate that highly organized, strict sexual division of labour is not a necessary prerequisite for the evolution of parallel tool industries.}, }
@article {pmid17258241, year = {2007}, author = {Burke, MR and Adkins-Regan, E and Wade, J}, title = {Laterality in syrinx muscle morphology of the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica).}, journal = {Physiology &amp; behavior}, volume = {90}, number = {4}, pages = {682-686}, pmid = {17258241}, issn = {0031-9384}, support = {MH065907/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MH055488/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; R29 MH055488/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; K02 MH065907/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; MH55488/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Androgens/pharmacology ; Animals ; Coturnix/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Female ; Functional Laterality/drug effects/*physiology ; Laryngeal Muscles/*anatomy &amp; histology/drug effects ; Male ; Sex Characteristics ; Testosterone/pharmacology ; Vocalization, Animal/drug effects/*physiology ; }, abstract = {In the Japanese quail, normally only males crow, but treatment of adult females with testosterone (T) facilitates the behavior. The sternotrachealis muscles are thought to adjust the length of the trachea during inspiration and/or expiration and control rigidity of the cartilages of the vocal organ (syrinx) during phonation. These muscles are heavier in males than females, and T increases their mass in females [Balthazart J, Schumacher M, Otttinger MA. Sexual differences in the japanese quail: Behavior, morphology, and intracellular metabolism of testosterone. Gen Comp Endocrinol 1983; 51:191-207., Schumacher M, Balthazart J. The effects of testosterone and its metabolites on sexual behavior and morphology in male and female Japanese quail. Physiol Behav 1983; 30:335-339.]. To investigate sex differences in morphology and potential effects of T in more detail, we examined several components of male, female, and T-treated female quail syrinx. No group effects were detected on overall tracheal size, size of the tracheal lumen, quantity of cartilage, overall muscle volume, or cross-sectional muscle area. However, the area and estimated volume of the muscles were greater on the right than left, due to increased fiber number. The similarity across groups suggests that if the sternotrachealis muscles are critical for crowing, morphology in females is sufficient, and the sex difference in behavior has another source. In contrast, these muscles may not play as large a role as previously hypothesized. If the increased number of fibers on the right has a functional consequence, it likely reflects one similar in the two sexes, for example a common role in the vocalizations they each produce--the male's crow and the female's cricket call.}, }
@article {pmid17255008, year = {2007}, author = {Emery, NJ and Seed, AM and von Bayern, AM and Clayton, NS}, title = {Cognitive adaptations of social bonding in birds.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {362}, number = {1480}, pages = {489-505}, pmid = {17255008}, issn = {0962-8436}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/anatomy &amp; histology/*physiology ; Brain/*anatomy &amp; histology ; *Cognition ; Cooperative Behavior ; *Pair Bond ; *Social Behavior ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {The 'social intelligence hypothesis' was originally conceived to explain how primates may have evolved their superior intellect and large brains when compared with other animals. Although some birds such as corvids may be intellectually comparable to apes, the same relationship between sociality and brain size seen in primates has not been found for birds, possibly suggesting a role for other non-social factors. But bird sociality is different from primate sociality. Most monkeys and apes form stable groups, whereas most birds are monogamous, and only form large flocks outside of the breeding season. Some birds form lifelong pair bonds and these species tend to have the largest brains relative to body size. Some of these species are known for their intellectual abilities (e.g. corvids and parrots), while others are not (e.g. geese and albatrosses). Although socio-ecological factors may explain some of the differences in brain size and intelligence between corvids/parrots and geese/albatrosses, we predict that the type and quality of the bonded relationship is also critical. Indeed, we present empirical evidence that rook and jackdaw partnerships resemble primate and dolphin alliances. Although social interactions within a pair may seem simple on the surface, we argue that cognition may play an important role in the maintenance of long-term relationships, something we name as 'relationship intelligence'.}, }
@article {pmid17242935, year = {2007}, author = {Zucca, P and Milos, N and Vallortigara, G}, title = {Piagetian object permanence and its development in Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius).}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {10}, number = {2}, pages = {243-258}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-006-0063-2}, pmid = {17242935}, issn = {1435-9448}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Birds/*physiology ; *Cognition ; *Cues ; }, abstract = {Object permanence in Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius) was investigated using a complete version of the Uzgiris and Hunt scale 1. Nine hand-raised jays were studied, divided into two groups according to their different developmental stages (experiment 1, older jays: 2-3 months old, n = 4; experiment 2, younger jays: 15 days old, n = 5). In the first experiment, we investigated whether older jays could achieve piagetian stage 6 of object permanence. Tasks were administered in a fixed sequence (1-15) according to the protocols used in other avian species. The aim of the second experiment was to check whether testing very young jays before their development of "neophobia" could influence the achievement times of piagetian stages. Furthermore, in this experiment tasks were administered randomly to investigate whether the jays' achievement of stage 6 follows a fixed sequence related to the development of specific cognitive abilities. All jays tested in experiments 1 and 2 fully achieved piagetian stage 6 and no "A not B" errors were observed. Performance on visible displacement tasks was better than performance on invisible ones. The results of experiment 2 show that "neophobia" affected the response of jays in terms of achievement times; the older jays in experiment 1 took longer to pass all the tasks when compared with the younger, less neophobic, jays in experiment 2. With regard to the achieving order, jays followed a fixed sequence of acquisition in experiment 2, even if tasks were administered randomly, with the exception of one subject. The results of these experiments support the idea that piagetian stages of cognitive development exist in avian species and that they progress through relatively fixed sequences.}, }
@article {pmid17240341, year = {2007}, author = {Seed, AM and Clayton, NS and Emery, NJ}, title = {Postconflict third-party affiliation in rooks, Corvus frugilegus.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {17}, number = {2}, pages = {152-158}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2006.11.025}, pmid = {17240341}, issn = {0960-9822}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Female ; Male ; Pair Bond ; *Social Behavior ; Stress, Physiological/*prevention &amp; control ; }, abstract = {Conflict features in the lives of many animal species and induces social stress mediated by glucocorticoid hormones [1]. Postconflict affiliation, between former opponents (reconciliation) or between former opponents and a bystander (third-party affiliation), has been suggested as a behavioral mechanism for reducing such stress [2], but has been studied almost exclusively in primates [3]. As with many primates, several bird species live in social groups and form affiliative relationships [4]. Do these distantly related animals also use affiliative behavior to offset the costs of conflict? We studied postconflict affiliation in a captive group of rooks. Unlike polygamous primates, monogamous rooks did not reconcile with former opponents. However, we found clear evidence of third-party affiliation after conflicts. Both initiators and targets of aggression engaged in third-party affiliation with a social partner and employed a specific behavior, bill twining, during the postconflict period. Both former aggressors and uninvolved third parties initiated affiliative contacts. Despite the long history of evolutionary divergence, the pattern of third-party affiliation in rooks is strikingly similar to that observed in tolerant primate species. Furthermore, the absence of reconciliation in rooks makes sense in light of the species differences in social systems.}, }
@article {pmid17228608, year = {2006}, author = {Tomei, G and Tecchio, F and Zappasodi, F and Ercolani, M and Moffa, F and Chiovenda, P and Ciarrocca, M}, title = {[Exposure to traffic noise and effects on attention].}, journal = {Annali di igiene : medicina preventiva e di comunita}, volume = {18}, number = {6}, pages = {507-519}, pmid = {17228608}, issn = {1120-9135}, mesh = {Adult ; *Attention ; Automobiles ; Case-Control Studies ; *Cognition ; Event-Related Potentials, P300 ; Evoked Potentials, Auditory ; Female ; Humans ; Italy ; Male ; Mental Fatigue/physiopathology ; Middle Aged ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; Noise, Transportation/*adverse effects ; Psychomotor Performance ; Reaction Time ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Urban Health ; }, abstract = {This study was aimed to evaluate if workers exposed to environmental stressors, including the urban traffic noise, might show significant differences compared to a control group in neuro-psychological and emotional profile as well as neurophysiological functions. In particular if these differences could be evidenced by the application of the "oddball paradigm" for event related potential P300 component. The study consisted of the following examinations: (1) exposed workers vs. controls under the odd-ball paradigm and the Stroop test in baseline condition; (2) amplitude and latency ofP300 (in baseline condition and after administration of acute urban traffic noise and Stroop test). The research was carried on a sample of 81 volunteers: 39 workers exposed to environmental stressors and 42 controls. The phonometric measurements showed mean levels of noise due urban traffic like 74 dBAeq. In baseline condition significative differences in exposed workers vs. control were found in Raven's Matrices PM 38 (p = 0.002) and Arithmetic reasoning from WAIS-R (p = 0.0024). Attention capacities as measured by Digit Span Forward and Visual Search, emotional functioning as measured by state- and trait-anxiety test and mood profile were not different in the two groups. Either in baseline condition or after acute stimuli no significant changes were found in two groups concerning the odd-ball paradigm. Exposed workers showed a higher execution time at Stroop test compared to controls (p = 0.047). No differences were found in the number of errors at the Stroop test. Before the acute stimulus, P300 amplitude was significant higher in the exposed workers than in controls (p = 0.002) while the latency was not different between two groups. Both noise (p = 0.001) and Stroop test (p = 0.002) stimulation increased the P300 latency of the whole sample, without significant differences between exposed workers and controls. A significative decrease of P300 amplitude due noise both in the exposed workers (p = 0.001) and in controls (p = 0.012) was found, without significant difference between the two groups. These results are interpreted as follows: (1) there are chronic effects on cognitive functioning in the exposed group vs. controls in baseline condition, like showed by significant differences in Raven PM38 and WAIS-R; (2) the exposed workers have a smaller cognitive flexibility, as shown by the Stroop test results; (3) in baseline condition the greater P300 amplitude in exposed workers reflect a greater division of attentive resources vs. controls, probably linked to the chronic stimulation by environmental stressors, especially noise, to which these workers are exposed; (4) the effects on P300 latency and amplitude can document the physiological response both in the exposed and not exposed to the acute stimulus and that the lack of significative differences in P300 latency and amplitude may be due to adaptative response to acute stimuli in exposed too. Our results allow us to consider that in workers exposed to urban stressor, such as noise, there are effects on cognitive functioning, especially on attention, without auditory damages. The valuation of P300 might represent a valid diagnostic instrument to evaluate the effects on cognitive functions especially on attention, in workers chronically and acutely exposed to urban stressors.}, }
@article {pmid17208466, year = {2007}, author = {Piazzini, A and Ramaglia, G and Turner, K and Chifari, R and Kiky, EE and Canger, R and Canevini, MP}, title = {Coping strategies in epilepsy: 50 drug-resistant and 50 seizure-free patients.}, journal = {Seizure}, volume = {16}, number = {3}, pages = {211-217}, doi = {10.1016/j.seizure.2006.12.003}, pmid = {17208466}, issn = {1059-1311}, mesh = {*Adaptation, Psychological ; Adult ; Anticonvulsants/therapeutic use ; Drug Resistance ; Epilepsy/drug therapy/*psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Male ; Psychological Tests ; Quality of Life/*psychology ; Self Concept ; Self Efficacy ; Sex Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {We investigated the coping styles and their correlation to psycho-social functioning in two groups of patients, the first group with drug-resistant epilepsy and the second with well-controlled epilepsy. The instruments administered were the following: the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (non-verbal intelligence), the Echelle Toulousaine de Coping, ETC (coping styles), the Self-esteem Questionnaire (self-esteem), the Self-efficacy Questionnaire (social self-efficacy), a Quality of Life Measure and a semi-structured interview on psycho-social adjustment. We found a significant difference in coping responses between the two groups: drug-resistant patients seemed to adopt the "denial" and the "exclusion" strategies more (P<0.05). On the contrary, seizure-free subjects used the "control" strategy more (P<0.05). A significant correlation between disengagement patterns and poorer social outcomes was pointed out, while "control" was associated with better social adaptation. Our findings provide evidence of the importance of coping assessment, considering the influence of these strategies on the well being of patients. Offering psychological support to epilepsy patients should be considered when orientating the effectiveness of the patients' coping styles.}, }
@article {pmid17186518, year = {2007}, author = {}, title = {Proceedings of a symposium in recognition of Professor Jay S. Rosenblatt held at the 2005 meeting of the International Society for Developmental Psychobiology.}, journal = {Developmental psychobiology}, volume = {49}, number = {1}, pages = {1-70}, doi = {10.1002/dev.20191}, pmid = {17186518}, issn = {0012-1630}, mesh = {Animals ; Developmental Biology ; Female ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Humans ; *Maternal Behavior ; Psychology ; }, }
@article {pmid17186513, year = {2007}, author = {Numan, M}, title = {Motivational systems and the neural circuitry of maternal behavior in the rat.}, journal = {Developmental psychobiology}, volume = {49}, number = {1}, pages = {12-21}, doi = {10.1002/dev.20198}, pmid = {17186513}, issn = {0012-1630}, mesh = {Amygdala/physiology ; Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Behavior, Animal/drug effects/*physiology ; Female ; Maternal Behavior/drug effects/*physiology ; Models, Animal ; Neurons/*physiology ; Nucleus Accumbens/physiology ; Preoptic Area/physiology ; Rats ; Receptors, Dopamine/physiology ; }, abstract = {Jay Rosenblatt's approach-avoidance model of maternal behavior proposes that maternal behavior occurs when the tendency to approach infant stimuli is greater than the tendency to avoid such stimuli. Our research program has uncovered neural circuits which conform to such a model. We present evidence that the medial preoptic area (MPOA: located in the rostral hypothalamus) may regulate maternal responsiveness by depressing antagonistic neural systems which promote withdrawal responses while also activating appetitive neural systems which increase the attractiveness of infant-related stimuli. These MPOA circuits are activated by the hormonal events of late pregnancy. Preoptic efferents may suppress a central aversion system which includes an amygdala to anterior hypothalamic circuit. Preoptic efferents are also shown to interact with components of the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system to regulate proactive voluntary maternal responses. We make a distinction between specific (MPOA neurons) and nonspecific motivational systems (mesolimbic DA system) in the regulation of maternal responsiveness.}, }
@article {pmid17186510, year = {2007}, author = {Fleming, AS}, title = {The three faces of Jay S. Rosenblatt.}, journal = {Developmental psychobiology}, volume = {49}, number = {1}, pages = {2-11}, doi = {10.1002/dev.20193}, pmid = {17186510}, issn = {0012-1630}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Biological Psychiatry/*history ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Maternal Behavior/*physiology/psychology ; Paintings/history ; Psychoanalysis/history ; United States ; }, abstract = {This essay provides an account of the development of Jay S. Rosenblatt's approach and contributions to the study of maternal behavior and the mother-young relationship, focusing on the role in that development of his life as painter, analyst, and scientist. It is personal perspective.}, }
@article {pmid17174112, year = {2007}, author = {Treplin, S and Tiedemann, R}, title = {Specific chicken repeat 1 (CR1) retrotransposon insertion suggests phylogenetic affinity of rockfowls (genus Picathartes) to crows and ravens (Corvidae).}, journal = {Molecular phylogenetics and evolution}, volume = {43}, number = {1}, pages = {328-337}, doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2006.10.020}, pmid = {17174112}, issn = {1055-7903}, mesh = {Animals ; Base Sequence ; Bayes Theorem ; Blotting, Southern ; Cloning, Molecular ; Crows/classification/*genetics ; DNA Primers ; Likelihood Functions ; Models, Genetic ; Molecular Sequence Data ; *Phylogeny ; Retroelements/*genetics ; Sequence Alignment ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; }, abstract = {While the monophyly of the order Passeriformes as well as its suborders suboscines (Tyranni) and oscines (Passeri) is well established, both on morphological and molecular grounds, lower phylogenetic relationships have been a continuous matter of debate, especially within oscines. This is particularly true for the rockfowls (genus Picathartes), which phylogenetic classification has been an ongoing puzzle. Sequence-based molecular studies failed in deriving unambiguously resolved and supported hypotheses. We present here a novel approach: use of retrotransposon insertions as phylogenetic markers in passerine birds. Chicken repeat 1 (CR1) is the most important non-LTR retrotransposon in birds. We present two truncated CR1 loci in passerine birds, not only found in representatives of Corvinae (jays, crows and allies), but also in the West-African Picathartes species which provide new evidence for a closer relationship of these species to Corvidae than has previously been thought. Additionally, we show that not only the absence/presence pattern of a CR1 insertion, but also the CR1 sequences themselves contain phylogenetic information.}, }
@article {pmid17171360, year = {2007}, author = {Tebbich, S and Seed, AM and Emery, NJ and Clayton, NS}, title = {Non-tool-using rooks, Corvus frugilegus, solve the trap-tube problem.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {10}, number = {2}, pages = {225-231}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-006-0061-4}, pmid = {17171360}, issn = {1435-9448}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Cognition/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The trap-tube problem is used to assess whether an individual is able to foresee the outcome of its actions. To solve the task, an animal must use a tool to push a piece of food out of a tube, which has a trap along its length. An animal may learn to avoid the trap through a rule based on associative processes, e.g. using the distance of trap or food as a cue, or by understanding relations between cause and effect. This task has been used to test physical cognition in a number of tool-using species, but never a non-tool-user. We developed an experimental design that enabled us to test non-tool-using rooks, Corvus frugilegus. Our modification of the task removed the cognitive requirements of active tool use but still allowed us to test whether rooks can solve the trap-tube problem, and if so how. Additionally, we developed two new control tasks to determine whether rooks were able to transfer knowledge to similar, but novel problems, thus revealing more about the mechanisms involved in solving the task. We found that three out of seven rooks solved the modified trap-tube problem task, showing that the ability to solve the trap-tube problem is not restricted to tool-using animals. We found no evidence that the birds solved the task using an understanding of its causal properties, given that none of the birds passed the novel transfer tasks.}, }
@article {pmid17166220, year = {2007}, author = {, }, title = {The Magpie Trial: a randomised trial comparing magnesium sulphate with placebo for pre-eclampsia. Outcome for women at 2 years.}, journal = {BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology}, volume = {114}, number = {3}, pages = {300-309}, pmid = {17166220}, issn = {1470-0328}, support = {G116/98/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Anticonvulsants/*therapeutic use ; Child ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Magnesium Sulfate/*therapeutic use ; Maternal Health Services/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Maternal Mortality ; Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Pre-Eclampsia/*drug therapy/mortality ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Risk Factors ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess long-term effects for women following the use of magnesium sulphate for pre-eclampsia.<br><br>DESIGN: Assessment at 2-3 years after delivery for women recruited to the Magpie Trial (recruitment in 1998-2001, ISRCTN 86938761), which compared magnesium sulphate with placebo for pre-eclampsia.<br><br>SETTING: Follow up after discharge from hospital at 125 centres in 19 countries across five continents.<br><br>POPULATION: A total of 7927 women were randomised at the follow-up centres. Of these women, 2544 were not included for logistic reasons and 601 excluded (109 at a centre where <20% of women were contacted, 466 discharged without a surviving child and 26 opted out). Therefore, 4782 women were selected for follow-up, of whom 3375 (71%) were traced.<br><br>METHODS: Questionnaire assessment was administered largely by post or in a dedicated clinic. Interview assessment of selected women was performed. Main outcome measures Death or serious morbidity potentially related to pre-eclampsia at follow up, other morbidity and use of health service resources.<br><br>RESULTS: Median time from delivery to follow up was 26 months (interquartile range 19-36). Fifty-eight of 1650 (3.5%) women allocated magnesium sulphate died or had serious morbidity potentially related to pre-eclampsia compared with 72 of 1725 (4.2%) women allocated placebo (relative risk 0.84, 95% CI 0.60-1.18).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The reduction in the risk of eclampsia following prophylaxis with magnesium sulphate was not associated with an excess of death or disability for the women after 2 years.}, }
@article {pmid17155178, year = {2006}, author = {Bott, SC and Lebedev, SV and Ampleford, DJ and Bland, SN and Chittenden, JP and Ciardi, A and Haines, MG and Jennings, C and Sherlock, M and Hall, G and Rapley, J and Beg, FN and Palmer, J}, title = {Dynamics of cylindrically converging precursor plasma flow in wire-array Z -pinch experiments.}, journal = {Physical review. E, Statistical, nonlinear, and soft matter physics}, volume = {74}, number = {4 Pt 2}, pages = {046403}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevE.74.046403}, pmid = {17155178}, issn = {1539-3755}, abstract = {This paper summarizes the present understanding of the processes leading to precursor column formation in cylindrical wire arrays on the 1 MA MAGPIE generator at Imperial College London. Direct experimental measurements of the diameter variation during the collapse and formation phase of the precursor column are presented, along with soft x-ray emission, and quantitative radiography. In addition, data from twisted cylindrical arrays are presented which give additional information on the behavior of coronal plasma generated in wire array z pinches. Three stages in precursor column formation are identifiable from the data: broad initial density profile, rapid contraction to small diameter, and slow expansion after formation. The correlation of emission to column diameter variation indicates the contraction phase is a nonlinear collapse resulting from the increasing on-axis density and radiative cooling rate. The variation in the minimum diameter is measured for several array materials, and data show good agreement with a pressure balance model. Comparison of column expansion rates to analytical models allows an estimate of column temperature variation, and estimates of the current in the column are also made. Formation data are in good agreement with both fluid and kinetic modeling, but highlight the need to include collisionless flow in the early time behavior.}, }
@article {pmid17148200, year = {2005}, author = {Veiga, JP and Polo, V}, title = {Feathers at nests are potential female signals in the spotless starling.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {1}, number = {3}, pages = {334-337}, pmid = {17148200}, issn = {1744-9561}, mesh = {Animals ; Columbidae/*physiology ; Feathers/*radiation effects ; Female ; Microspectrophotometry ; Nesting Behavior/*physiology ; Photoreceptor Cells/physiology/*radiation effects ; Species Specificity ; Starlings/*physiology ; *Ultraviolet Rays ; }, abstract = {Although the presence of feathers in the nest is widespread among birds, it has not been previously suggested that feathers can be used as sexual signals. Females of the spotless starling (Sturnus unicolor) regularly carry feathers to their nest, mostly during laying and incubation. We show that the arrangement of these feathers was non-random with respect to the side (obverse or reverse) placed upwards (which can be viewed from the nest entrance). Feathers of the wood pigeon (Columba palumbus) and the spotless starling, which exhibit higher ultraviolet and visible reflectance on their reverse side, were predominantly placed with this side upwards. On the contrary, feathers of the jay (Garrulus glandarius) were predominantly found exhibiting the obverse side, which possesses higher reflectance in this species. Feathers of the azure-winged magpie (Cyanopica cyana), with similar reflectance values on either side, were placed indiscriminately in obverse and reverse positions. The results suggest that feathers are arranged to maximize their conspicuousness within the nest and hence that they might be potentially used as intraspecific signals.}, }
@article {pmid17074303, year = {2007}, author = {Abela, JR and Skitch, SA}, title = {Dysfunctional attitudes, self-esteem, and hassles: cognitive vulnerability to depression in children of affectively ill parents.}, journal = {Behaviour research and therapy}, volume = {45}, number = {6}, pages = {1127-1140}, doi = {10.1016/j.brat.2006.09.011}, pmid = {17074303}, issn = {0005-7967}, mesh = {Adolescent ; *Attitude ; Child ; Child of Impaired Parents/*psychology ; Depressive Disorder/*etiology/psychology ; Depressive Disorder, Major ; Disease Susceptibility ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales ; Psychometrics ; Risk Factors ; *Self Concept ; Stress, Psychological/*psychology ; }, abstract = {The current study tested the diathesis-stress component of Beck's [(1967). Depression: Clinical, experimental, and theoretical aspects. New York: Harper &amp; Row, (1983). Cognitive therapy of depression: New perspectives. In P.J. Clayton, J.E. Barnett (Eds.), Treatment of depression: Old controversies and new approaches (pp. 265-290). New York: Raven Press] cognitive theory of depression in a sample of children between the ages of 6 and 14. We also examined whether high self-esteem buffers cognitively vulnerable youth against experiencing increases in depressive symptoms following increases in hassles. To provide a effective test of hypotheses, an at-risk sample (children of parents with a history of major depressive episodes) and a multi-wave longitudinal design were used. At Time 1, children (n=140) completed measures assessing dysfunctional attitudes, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms. Every 6 weeks for the next year, children completed measures assessing depressive symptoms and hassles. Hierarchical linear modeling analyses indicated that children possessing high levels of dysfunctional attitudes and low levels of self-esteem reported greater elevations in depressive symptoms following elevations in hassles than other children.}, }
@article {pmid17024509, year = {2006}, author = {Weir, AA and Kacelnik, A}, title = {A New Caledonian crow (Corvus moneduloides) creatively re-designs tools by bending or unbending aluminium strips.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {9}, number = {4}, pages = {317-334}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-006-0052-5}, pmid = {17024509}, issn = {1435-9448}, support = {BB/C517392/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/C517392/1/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Comprehension ; *Crows ; Female ; Learning ; *Motor Skills ; *Problem Solving ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Previous observations of a New Caledonian crow (Corvus moneduloides) spontaneously bending wire and using it as a hook [Weir et al. (2002) Science 297:981] have prompted questions about the extent to which these animals 'understand' the physical causality involved in how hooks work and how to make them. To approach this issue we examine how the same subject ("Betty") performed in three experiments with novel material, which needed to be either bent or unbent in order to function to retrieve food. These tasks exclude the possibility of success by repetition of patterns of movement similar to those employed before. Betty quickly developed novel techniques to bend the material, and appropriately modified it on four of five trials when unbending was required. She did not mechanically apply a previously learned set of movements to the new situations, and instead sought new solutions to each problem. However, the details of her behaviour preclude concluding definitely that she understood and planned her actions: in some cases she probed with the unmodified tools before modifying them, or attempted to use the unmodified (unsuitable) end of the tool after modification. Gauging New Caledonian crows' level of understanding is not yet possible, but the observed behaviour is consistent with a partial understanding of physical tasks at a level that exceeds that previously attained by any other non-human subject, including apes.}, }
@article {pmid17017250, year = {2006}, author = {Molaei, G and Andreadis, TG}, title = {Identification of avian- and mammalian-derived bloodmeals in Aedes vexans and Culiseta melanura (Diptera: Culicidae) and its implication for West Nile virus transmission in Connecticut, U.S.A.}, journal = {Journal of medical entomology}, volume = {43}, number = {5}, pages = {1088-1093}, doi = {10.1603/0022-2585(2006)43[1088:IOAAMB]2.0.CO;2}, pmid = {17017250}, issn = {0022-2585}, mesh = {Aedes/*physiology ; Animals ; Birds/blood/classification/genetics ; *Blood ; Connecticut ; Culicidae/*physiology ; DNA/chemistry/isolation &amp; purification ; DNA Primers/chemistry ; Feeding Behavior/physiology ; Mammals/blood/classification/genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods ; West Nile Fever/*transmission ; West Nile virus/isolation &amp; purification ; }, abstract = {To evaluate the host-feeding patterns of Aedes vexans (Meigen) and Culiseta melanura (Coquillett) as secondary vectors of West Nile virus (family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus, WNV) in Northeastern United States, we identified the source of vertebrate bloodmeals by sequencing portions of the cytochrome b gene of mitochondrial DNA. Analysis of polymerase chain reaction products from a total of 119 Ae. vexans revealed that 92.4% of individuals acquired blood solely from mammalian and 2.5% from avian hosts. Mixed bloodmeals from both avian and mammalian hosts were detected in 5% of individuals of this species. Ae. vexans obtained vertebrate bloodmeals most frequently from white-tailed deer (80%) followed by domestic horse, American robin, eastern cottontail, and domestic cat. In contrast, Cs. melanura fed predominantly on avian species (89.6%) but exhibited some inclination for mammalian blood (4.2%). Individual mosquitoes containing mixed bloodmeals were also identified in 6% of Cs. melanura. American robin was the most common source of vertebrate blood for Cs. melanura (23%), followed by wood thrush and gray catbird. American crow represented only 2% of the bloodmeals identified in Cs. melanura, as was similarly found with other recognized Culex vectors of WNV in the northeast. These findings support the view that Ae. vexans is likely to be a relatively important "bridge vector" to large mammals, including deer and horse, whereas Cs. melanura likely plays a secondary role in enzootic transmission of WNV among free-ranging birds in more rural environs.}, }
@article {pmid17015367, year = {2006}, author = {Waite, TA and Strickland, D}, title = {Climate change and the demographic demise of a hoarding bird living on the edge.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {273}, number = {1603}, pages = {2809-2813}, pmid = {17015367}, issn = {0962-8452}, mesh = {Animals ; Breeding ; *Climate ; Extinction, Biological ; *Feeding Behavior ; *Nesting Behavior ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Population Density ; Population Dynamics ; Reproduction ; Seasons ; }, abstract = {Population declines along the lower-latitude edge of a species' range may be diagnostic of climate change. We report evidence that climate change has contributed to deteriorating reproductive success in a rapidly declining population of the grey jay (Perisoreus canadensis) at the southern edge of its range. This non-migratory bird of boreal and subalpine forest lives on permanent territories, where it hoards enormous amounts of food for winter and then breeds very early, under still-wintry conditions. We hypothesized that warmer autumns have increased the perishability of hoards and compromised subsequent breeding attempts. Our analysis confirmed that warm autumns, especially when followed by cold late winters, have led to delayed breeding and reduced reproductive success. Our findings uniquely show that weather months before the breeding season impact the timing and success of breeding. Warm autumns apparently represent hostile conditions for this species, because it relies on cold storage. Our study population may be especially vulnerable, because it is situated at the southern edge of the range, where the potential for hoard rot is most pronounced. This population's demise may signal a climate-driven range contraction through local extinctions along the trailing edge.}, }
@article {pmid16953956, year = {2006}, author = {Schwarzwald, J and Koslowsky, M and Brody-Shamir, S}, title = {Factors related to perceived power usage in schools.}, journal = {The British journal of educational psychology}, volume = {76}, number = {Pt 3}, pages = {445-462}, doi = {10.1348/000709905X39189}, pmid = {16953956}, issn = {0007-0998}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Attitude ; Child ; Conflict, Psychological ; Factor Analysis, Statistical ; Faculty ; Female ; Humans ; Interpersonal Relations ; Male ; *Power, Psychological ; *Schools ; *Social Behavior ; Students ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {Based on Raven's (1992) power interaction model, situational and personal variables were examined as determinants of power choice in educational settings. The impact of educational sector (secular, religious), class level, gender and content of conflict on perceived power usage in teacher-pupil conflicts was analysed. A total of 370 elementary and junior high school pupils and 62 teachers from the same schools responded to a series of scenarios where they were asked how often specific power bases are used by teachers in trying to gain compliance. Results indicated that harsh power bases were perceived as more prevalent in the secular educational sector rather than in the religious one, in junior high school rather than elementary school, for boys as compared with girls, and for conflicts stemming from students rather than teachers. Findings were interpreted in terms of conformity level and frequency of conflicts. The discussion also addresses the lack of correspondence between teacher and pupil responses.}, }
@article {pmid16950092, year = {2006}, author = {Byrne, RW}, title = {Animal cognition: know your enemy.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {16}, number = {17}, pages = {R686-8}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2006.08.009}, pmid = {16950092}, issn = {0960-9822}, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; *Cognition ; *Competitive Behavior ; *Feeding Behavior ; *Songbirds ; }, abstract = {Food-storing corvids are able to remember which individual saw them store food, and take preventive action that is tailored to that particular competitor's knowledge. This raises the question of whether abilities like 'theory of mind' have arisen independently more than once in evolution.}, }
@article {pmid16941156, year = {2006}, author = {Hunt, GR and Rutledge, RB and Gray, RD}, title = {The right tool for the job: what strategies do wild New Caledonian crows use?.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {9}, number = {4}, pages = {307-316}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-006-0047-2}, pmid = {16941156}, issn = {1435-9448}, mesh = {Analysis of Variance ; Animals ; Comprehension ; *Crows ; Female ; *Intelligence ; Male ; *Problem Solving ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {New Caledonian crows Corvus moneduloides (NC crows) display sophisticated tool manufacture in the wild, but the cognitive strategy underlying these skills is poorly understood. Here, we investigate what strategy two free-living NC crows used in response to a tool-length task. The crows manufactured tools to extract food from vertical holes of different depths. The first tools they made in visits were of a similar length regardless of the hole depth. The typical length was usually too short to extract food from the deep holes, which ruled out a strategy of immediate causal inference on the first attempt in a trial. When the first tool failed, the crows made second tools significantly longer than the unsuccessful first tools. There was no evidence that the crows made the lengths of first tools to directly match hole depth. We argue that NC crows may generally use a two-stage heuristic strategy to solve tool problems and that performance on the first attempt in a trial is not necessarily the 'gold standard' for assessing folk physics.}, }
@article {pmid16930226, year = {2006}, author = {Brown, LA and Cook, RT and Jerrells, TR and Kolls, JK and Nagy, LE and Szabo, G and Wands, JR and Kovacs, EJ}, title = {Acute and chronic alcohol abuse modulate immunity.}, journal = {Alcoholism, clinical and experimental research}, volume = {30}, number = {9}, pages = {1624-1631}, doi = {10.1111/j.1530-0277.2006.00195.x}, pmid = {16930226}, issn = {0145-6008}, support = {AA010384/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; AA011876/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; AA011975/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; AA013275/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; AA014405/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; AA07731/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; AA08577/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; AA12034/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; AA12034-S1/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; AA12197/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; AA135757/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; AA20169/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; AA20666/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; R13 AA015276/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Alcohol Drinking/*immunology ; Alcoholism/*immunology ; Animals ; Humans ; }, abstract = {This article represents the proceedings of the Alcohol and Immunology Research Interest Group (AIRIG) meeting, a satellite workshop held at the 37th Annual Meeting of the Society for Leukocyte Biology. The meeting was sponsored by the AIRIG and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. The presentations were as follows: (1) Effects of Ethanol on Immune Response to Hepatitis C Virus by Jack R. Wands, (2) Alcohol and Alveolar Macrophage Dysfunction: The Role of Chronic Oxidant Stress by Lou Ann S. Brown, (3) T Cell Responses to Listeria monocytogenes in Mice on a Chronic Ethanol Exposure Protocol by Robert T. Cook, (4) Mechanisms of Acute and Chronic Alcohol Consumption on Severity of Viral Infections by the Liver and Pancreas by Thomas R. Jerrells, (5) Acute and Chronic Effects on Macrophage Ectodomain Shedding: Implications for Lung Host Defenses by Jay K. Kolls, (6) Increased Susceptibility to Pseudomonas Infection of Burn-Injured Mice Given Alcohol Before Injury by Elizabeth J. Kovacs, (7) Regulation of Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha Expression in Macrophages by Chronic Ethanol by Laura E. Nagy, and (8) Hepatitis C Virus Infection and Alcohol Use by Gyongyi Szabo. Meeting coorganizers were Elizabeth J. Kovacs, Lou Ann S. Brown, Thomas R. Jerrells, and Robert T. Cook.}, }
@article {pmid16928635, year = {2006}, author = {Kilpatrick, AM and Daszak, P and Jones, MJ and Marra, PP and Kramer, LD}, title = {Host heterogeneity dominates West Nile virus transmission.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {273}, number = {1599}, pages = {2327-2333}, pmid = {16928635}, issn = {0962-8452}, support = {N01AI25490/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*virology ; Culicidae/*physiology/virology ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; West Nile Fever/*transmission ; West Nile virus/isolation &amp; purification ; }, abstract = {Heterogeneity in host populations and communities can have large effects on the transmission and control of a pathogen. In extreme cases, a few individuals give rise to the majority of secondary infections, which have been termed super spreading events. Here, we show that transmission of West Nile virus (WNV) is dominated by extreme heterogeneity in the host community, resulting in highly inflated reproductive ratios. A single relatively uncommon avian species, American robin (Turdus migratorius), appeared to be responsible for the majority of WNV-infectious mosquitoes and acted as the species equivalent of a super spreader for this multi-host pathogen. Crows were also highly preferred by mosquitoes at some sites, while house sparrows were significantly avoided. Nonetheless, due to their relative rarity, corvids (crows and jays) were relatively unimportant in WNV amplification. These results challenge current beliefs about the role of certain avian species in WNV amplification and demonstrate the importance of determining contact rates between vectors and host species to understand pathogen transmission dynamics.}, }
@article {pmid16922849, year = {2006}, author = {Gimona, A and Brewer, MJ}, title = {Local environmental effects and spatial effects in macroecological studies using mapped abundance classes: the case of the rook Corvus frugilegus in Scotland.}, journal = {The Journal of animal ecology}, volume = {75}, number = {5}, pages = {1140-1146}, doi = {10.1111/j.1365-2656.2006.01134.x}, pmid = {16922849}, issn = {0021-8790}, mesh = {Animals ; Bayes Theorem ; Crows/*physiology ; Ecology ; *Environment ; Geography ; *Models, Biological ; Population Density ; Scotland ; }, abstract = {1. The study of the spatial pattern of species abundance is complicated by statistical problems, such as spatial autocorrelation of the abundance data, which lead to the confusion of environmental effects and dispersal. 2. Atlas-derived data for the rook in Scotland are used as a case study to propose an approach for assessing the likely contribution of dispersal and local environmental effects, based on a Bayesian Conditional Autoregressive (CAR) approach. 3. The availability of moist grasslands is a key factor explaining the spatial pattern of abundance. This is influenced by a combination of climatic and soil-related factors. A direct link to soil properties is for the first time reported for the wide-scale distribution of a bird species. In addition, for this species, dispersal seems to contribute significantly to the spatial pattern and produces a smoother than expected decline in abundance at the north-western edge of its distribution range. Areas where dispersal is most likely to be important are highlighted. 4. The approach described can help ecologists make more efficient use of atlas data for the investigation of the structure of species abundance, and can highlight potential sink areas at the landscape and regional scale. 5. Bayesian spatial models can deal with data autocorrelation in atlas-type data, while clearly communicating uncertainty through the estimation of the full posterior probability distribution of all parameters.}, }
@article {pmid16909235, year = {2006}, author = {Bugnyar, T and Heinrich, B}, title = {Pilfering ravens, Corvus corax, adjust their behaviour to social context and identity of competitors.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {9}, number = {4}, pages = {369-376}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-006-0035-6}, pmid = {16909235}, issn = {1435-9448}, mesh = {Adaptation, Psychological ; Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Competitive Behavior ; Crows/*physiology ; *Deception ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Male ; Social Behavior ; *Social Environment ; }, abstract = {Like other corvids, food-storing ravens protect their caches from being pilfered by conspecifics by means of aggression and by re-caching. In the wild and in captivity, potential pilferers rarely approach caches until the storers have left the cache vicinity. When storers are experimentally prevented from leaving, pilferers first search at places other than the cache sites. These behaviours raise the possibility that ravens are capable of withholding intentions and providing false information to avoid provoking the storers' aggression for cache protection. Alternatively, birds may refrain from pilfering to avoid conflicts with dominants. Here we examined whether ravens adjust their pilfer tactics according to social context and type of competitors. We allowed birds that had witnessed a conspecific making caches to pilfer those caches either in private, together with the storer, or together with a conspecific bystander that had not created the caches (non-storer) but had seen them being made. Compared to in-private trials, ravens delayed approaching the caches only in the presence of storers. Furthermore, they quickly engaged in searching away from the caches when together with dominant storers but directly approached the caches when together with dominant non-storers. These findings demonstrate that ravens selectively alter their pilfer behaviour with those individuals that are likely to defend the caches (storers) and support the interpretation that they are deceptively manipulating the others' behaviour.}, }
@article {pmid16903131, year = {2006}, author = {Schrauf, RW and Weintraub, S and Navarro, E}, title = {Is adaptation of the word accentuation test of premorbid intelligence necessary for use among older, Spanish-speaking immigrants in the United States?.}, journal = {Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society : JINS}, volume = {12}, number = {3}, pages = {391-399}, doi = {10.1017/s1355617706060462}, pmid = {16903131}, issn = {1355-6177}, support = {P30 AG13854/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Alzheimer Disease/diagnosis/*ethnology ; Dementia/diagnosis/*epidemiology ; Emigration and Immigration/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Feasibility Studies ; Hispanic or Latino/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; *Language ; Multilingualism ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Phonetics ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Severity of Illness Index ; United States/epidemiology ; *Vocabulary ; }, abstract = {Adaptations of the National Adult Reading Test (NART) for assessing premorbid intelligence in languages other than English requires (a) generating word-items that are rare and do not follow grapheme-to-phoneme mappings common in that language, and (b) subsequent validation against a cognitive battery normed on the population of interest. Such tests exist for Italy, France, Spain, and Argentina, all normed against national versions of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. Given the varieties of Spanish spoken in the United States, the adaptation of the Spanish Word Accentuation Test (WAT) requires re-validating the original word list, plus possible new items, against a cognitive battery that has been normed on Spanish-speakers from many countries. This study reports the generation of 55 additional words and revalidation in a sample of 80 older, Spanish-dominant immigrants. The Batería Woodcock-Muñoz Revisada (BWM-R), normed on Spanish speakers from six countries and five U.S. states, was used to establish criterion validity. The original WAT word list accounted for 77% of the variance in the BWM-R and 58% of the variance in Ravens Colored Progressive Matrices, suggesting that the unmodified list possesses adequate predictive validity as an indicator of intelligence. Regression equations are provided for estimating BWM-R and Ravens scores from WAT scores.}, }
@article {pmid16897412, year = {2006}, author = {Banks, KH and Kohn-Wood, LP and Spencer, M}, title = {An examination of the African American experience of everyday discrimination and symptoms of psychological distress.}, journal = {Community mental health journal}, volume = {42}, number = {6}, pages = {555-570}, pmid = {16897412}, issn = {0010-3853}, mesh = {Activities of Daily Living/psychology ; Adult ; Anxiety Disorders/diagnosis/*psychology ; Black People/*psychology ; Depressive Disorder/diagnosis/*psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Prejudice ; Risk Factors ; Social Environment ; Black or African American ; }, abstract = {Current theoretical models suggest that the most potent and impacting discrimination experienced by African Americans in the post Jim Crow era are subtle and unconscious forms of discrimination that are experienced on a daily basis. This study investigates the relationship between perceived everyday discrimination and anxiety and depressive symptoms. Further, we examine gender as a moderator of this relationship. Data come from the 1995 Detroit Area Study data with 570 African American respondents. Results indicate that perceived discrimination is directly related to both symptoms of depression and anxiety. Gender moderates the relationship between discrimination and anxiety symptoms, but not discrimination and depressive symptoms. Overall, different patterns of relationships were apparent for men and women.}, }
@article {pmid16896147, year = {2006}, author = {Ward, MP and Raim, A and Yaremych-Hamer, S and Lampman, R and Novak, RJ}, title = {Does the roosting behavior of birds affect transmission dynamics of West Nile virus?.}, journal = {The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene}, volume = {75}, number = {2}, pages = {350-355}, pmid = {16896147}, issn = {0002-9637}, support = {U50/CCU 52051//PHS HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Bird Diseases/*transmission/*virology ; Crows/physiology/virology ; Illinois ; Passeriformes/*physiology/*virology ; Population Dynamics ; Radio Waves ; Time Factors ; West Nile Fever/transmission/*veterinary/virology ; West Nile virus/physiology ; }, abstract = {The potential role of many urban passerine birds in the transmission of West Nile virus (WNV) is well-documented by studies on host competency, seroprevalence in wild birds, and identification of vector blood meal source. In contrast, the impact of bird behavior on transmission dynamics is largely unexplored. Bird roosting (perching) behavior may be a critical component regulating WNV transmission because of the crepuscular/nocturnal feeding behavior of Culex mosquitoes, the primary vectors of WNV. We used radio telemetry to determine the roosting behavior of American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) and northern cardinals (Cardinalus cardinalus). On average, healthy crows moved slightly shorter distances between roosts than viremic crows, 1,038.3 meters versus 1,255.5 meters, while cardinals only moved 54.7 meters. Given the average movements of crows and cardinals between roosts, crows, which are viremic for five days, could spread the virus throughout a mean +/- SE area of 20.84 +/- 0.79 km(2), while viremic cardinals would, on average, only spread the virus over a mean +/- SE area of 0.03 +/- 0.01 km(2). Because the crow population in Illinois is decreasing at a rate of 11.5% per year and up to 35.6% per year in certain locations, crows are becoming scarce in some areas, thus reducing their role as wild bird sentinels. We suggest that if crows are important in dispersing WNV, large decreases in their abundance will shift transmission cycles to a more focal nature because of the differences in roosting behavior of crows compared with other urban birds, such as cardinals.}, }
@article {pmid16893266, year = {2006}, author = {Helme, AE and Clayton, NS and Emery, NJ}, title = {What do rooks (Corvus frugilegus) understand about physical contact?.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {120}, number = {3}, pages = {288-293}, doi = {10.1037/0735-7036.120.3.288}, pmid = {16893266}, issn = {0735-7036}, mesh = {Animals ; *Appetitive Behavior ; Awareness ; *Birds ; Comprehension ; *Concept Formation ; Cues ; Female ; Kinesthesis ; Male ; *Orientation ; Physical Phenomena ; *Physics ; *Problem Solving ; Proprioception ; *Psychomotor Performance ; Transfer, Psychology ; }, abstract = {Rooks (Corvus frugilegus) do not use tools, but rapidly solve tests of physical cognition. The authors tested whether rooks understand the concept of physical contact using a task comprising a clear horizontal tube containing a stick with a disk attached to it and a piece of food. The rooks chose which side to pull the stick from to make the food accessible. Two configurations were used, with either the food or disk central along the tube. All 8 rooks solved the food-central configuration, but failed the disk-central configuration. Although they did not demonstrate an understanding of contact, further tests established that they could learn to solve these tasks provided there were salient stick cues. This result may arise because sticks are ecologically important for rooks.}, }
@article {pmid16878181, year = {2005}, author = {Garamszegi, LZ and Lucas, JR}, title = {Continental variation in relative hippocampal volume in birds: the phylogenetic extent of the effect and the potential role of winter temperatures.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {1}, number = {3}, pages = {330-333}, pmid = {16878181}, issn = {1744-9561}, support = {R01 MH062602-01/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adaptation, Physiological ; Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Birds/*anatomy &amp; histology/classification/genetics/physiology ; Ecology ; Europe ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Hippocampus/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Life Cycle Stages/genetics ; North America ; Phylogeny ; Seasons ; Species Specificity ; Temperature ; }, abstract = {Hippocampal (HC) volume has been hypothesized to increase with an increase in food-hoarding specialization in corvids and parids. Recent studies revealed that (i) the HC/hoarding relationship is significant when a difference in HC volume between Eurasian and North American species is controlled for and (ii) the evolutionary association has been acting on a broader phylogenetic context involving avian families outside the Corvidae and Paridae. However, the phylogenetic extent of the continent effect has not been previously addressed. Using data representing 48 avian species, we performed a phylogenetic analysis to test if continental effects are important in a wider evolutionary spectrum. Our results support the observation that Eurasian species have generally larger HC than North American species if variation in food hoarding, which also varied between continents, was held constant. Surprisingly, the relationship between continental distribution and relative HC volume was significant when we included only non-hoarding families in our analysis, indicating that the extent of the continent effect is much broader than originally described. We investigated the potential role of minimal winter temperatures at the northernmost distribution borders in mediating continent effects. The effect of winter temperatures on HC volume was weak and it did not vary consistently along continents. We suggest that the general continental differences in relative HC size are independent of food hoarding and that its determinants should be sought among other ecological factors and life-history traits.}, }
@article {pmid16860451, year = {2006}, author = {Leask, SJ and Crow, TJ}, title = {A single optimum degree of hemispheric specialisation in two tasks, in two UK national birth cohorts.}, journal = {Brain and cognition}, volume = {62}, number = {3}, pages = {221-227}, doi = {10.1016/j.bandc.2006.06.001}, pmid = {16860451}, issn = {0278-2626}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Brain/*physiology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cognition/*physiology ; Cohort Studies ; Data Interpretation, Statistical ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Functional Laterality/*physiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Motor Skills ; Normal Distribution ; Reference Values ; Sex Factors ; Task Performance and Analysis ; United Kingdom ; Verbal Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {How differences between the two sides of the brain (or 'laterality') relate to level of function are important components of theories of the origin and purpose of hemispheric asymmetry, although different measures show different relationships, and this heterogeneity makes discerning any underlying relationships a difficult task. There are some exceptions, for example it has been concluded that increasing lateralization (eg of hand skill or planum temporale area) occurs at the expense of the non-dominant hemisphere. However, we have previously demonstrated this latter relationship to be an artefact: a consequence of plotting two variables against each other, that are not independent of each other [Leask, S. J., &amp; Crow, T. J. (1997) How far does the brain lateralize? An unbiased method for determining the optimum degree of hemispheric specialisation. Neuropsychologia, 36, 1275-1282; Mazoyer, B. M., &amp; Tzourio-Mazoyer, N. G. (2004). Title Planum temporale asymmetry and models of dominance for language: a reappraisal. Neuroreport, 15, 1057-1059]. Two approaches to discerning any underlying relationships are presented in data from over 20,000 10- and 11-year olds from the 1958 and 1970 UK national cohort studies. These demonstrate that maximal performance, both cognitive and hand function, is found in association with one particular degree of functional lateralization.}, }
@article {pmid16848944, year = {2006}, author = {Unterrainer, JM and Kaller, CP and Halsband, U and Rahm, B}, title = {Planning abilities and chess: a comparison of chess and non-chess players on the Tower of London task.}, journal = {British journal of psychology (London, England : 1953)}, volume = {97}, number = {Pt 3}, pages = {299-311}, doi = {10.1348/000712605X71407}, pmid = {16848944}, issn = {0007-1269}, mesh = {Adult ; *Aptitude ; Female ; *Games, Experimental ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term ; Motivation ; Orientation ; Pattern Recognition, Visual ; *Play and Playthings ; *Problem Solving ; Reaction Time ; Verbal Learning ; }, abstract = {Playing chess requires problem-solving capacities in order to search through the chess problem space in an effective manner. Chess should thus require planning abilities for calculating many moves ahead. Therefore, we asked whether chess players are better problem solvers than non-chess players in a complex planning task. We compared planning performance between chess (N=25) and non-chess players (N=25) using a standard psychometric planning task, the Tower of London (ToL) test. We also assessed fluid intelligence (Raven Test), as well as verbal and visuospatial working memory. As expected, chess players showed better planning performance than non-chess players, an effect most strongly expressed in difficult problems. On the other hand, they showed longer planning and movement execution times, especially for incorrectly solved trials. No differences in fluid intelligence and verbal/visuospatial working memory were found between both groups. These findings indicate that better performance in chess players is associated with disproportionally longer solution times, although it remains to be investigated whether motivational or strategic differences account for this result.}, }
@article {pmid16842939, year = {2007}, author = {O'Callaghan, FV and O'Callaghan, M and Najman, JM and Williams, GM and Bor, W}, title = {Prenatal alcohol exposure and attention, learning and intellectual ability at 14 years: a prospective longitudinal study.}, journal = {Early human development}, volume = {83}, number = {2}, pages = {115-123}, doi = {10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2006.05.011}, pmid = {16842939}, issn = {0378-3782}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adolescent Development/*drug effects ; Adult ; *Alcohol Drinking ; Attention/drug effects/*physiology ; Ethanol/*adverse effects ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence/drug effects/*physiology ; Learning/drug effects/*physiology ; Longitudinal Studies ; Male ; Pregnancy ; *Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects ; Prospective Studies ; Regression Analysis ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: A range of adverse birth outcomes is associated with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure.<br><br>AIM: To examine the effects of moderate levels of alcohol consumption during pregnancy on children's intellectual ability, learning and attention at 14 years of age.<br><br>STUDY DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: The Mater-University of Queensland Study of Pregnancy involves a prospective birth cohort of 7223 singletons whose mothers were enrolled at the first antenatal visit. At 14 years, 5139 mothers and adolescents completed attentional and learning questionnaires, and 3731 adolescents completed psychometric assessments.<br><br>OUTCOME MEASURES: For adolescents, the Wide Range Achievement Test--Revised (WRAT-R) and Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices Test (Raven's) were administered. Mothers completed the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) and adolescents completed the Youth Self Report (YSR). Learning was assessed by a series of questions in the mother and adolescent questionnaires. Maternal measures included the quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption, and the extent of binge drinking.<br><br>RESULTS: For consumption of <1 glass/day in early or late pregnancy, there was no association with any attention, learning or cognitive outcomes. The strongest estimates of effect were found among those consuming > or =1 glasses/day. Exposure in late pregnancy was associated with increased prevalence of overall learning difficulty in the unadjusted, although not the adjusted analysis. Binge drinking was associated with a higher prevalence of Raven's score <85 (1 standard deviation).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Although a number of study limitations need to be considered, the results suggest that consumption at the level of <1 drink/day does not lead to adverse outcomes in relation to attention, learning and cognitive abilities, as measured in the current research.}, }
@article {pmid16834521, year = {2006}, author = {Brown, RP and Day, EA}, title = {The difference isn't black and white: stereotype threat and the race gap on Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices.}, journal = {The Journal of applied psychology}, volume = {91}, number = {4}, pages = {979-985}, doi = {10.1037/0021-9010.91.4.979}, pmid = {16834521}, issn = {0021-9010}, mesh = {Adult ; *Affect ; *Black People ; Cross-Cultural Comparison ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; *Social Behavior ; *Stereotyping ; *White People ; Black or African American ; }, abstract = {This study addresses recent criticisms aimed at the interpretation of stereotype threat research and methodological weaknesses of previous studies that have examined race differences on Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM). African American and White undergraduates completed the APM under three conditions. In two threat conditions, participants received either standard APM instructions (standard threat) or were told that the APM was an IQ test (high threat). In a low threat condition, participants were told that the APM was a set of puzzles and that the researchers wanted their opinions of them. Results supported the stereotype threat interpretation of race differences in cognitive ability test scores. Although African American participants underperformed Whites under both standard and high threat instructions, they performed just as well as Whites did under low threat instructions.}, }
@article {pmid16822747, year = {2006}, author = {Griesser, M and Nystrand, M and Ekman, J}, title = {Reduced mortality selects for family cohesion in a social species.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {273}, number = {1596}, pages = {1881-1886}, pmid = {16822747}, issn = {0962-8452}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Mortality ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Predatory Behavior ; Reproduction ; Sexual Behavior, Animal ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Delayed dispersal is the key to family formation in most kin-societies. Previous explanations for the evolution of families have focused on dispersal constraints. Recently, an alternative explanation was proposed, emphasizing the benefits gained through philopatry. Empirical data have confirmed that parents provide their philopatric offspring with preferential treatment through enhanced access to food and predator protection. Yet it remains unclear to what extent such benefits translate into fitness benefits such as reduced mortality, which ultimately can select for the evolution of families. Here, we demonstrate that philopatric Siberian jay (Perisoreus infaustus) offspring have an odds ratio of being killed by predators 62% lower than offspring that dispersed promptly after independence to join groups of unrelated individuals (20.6% versus 33.3% winter mortality). Predation was the sole cause of mortality, killing 20 out of 73 juveniles fitted with radio tags. The higher survival rate among philopatric offspring was associated with parents providing nepotistic predator protection that was withheld from unrelated group members. Natal philopatry usually involves the suppression of personal reproduction. However, a lower mortality of philopatric offspring can overcome this cost and may thus select for the formation of families and set the scene for cooperative kin-societies.}, }
@article {pmid16814340, year = {2006}, author = {Ständker, L and Béress, L and Garateix, A and Christ, T and Ravens, U and Salceda, E and Soto, E and John, H and Forssmann, WG and Aneiros, A}, title = {A new toxin from the sea anemone Condylactis gigantea with effect on sodium channel inactivation.}, journal = {Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology}, volume = {48}, number = {2}, pages = {211-220}, doi = {10.1016/j.toxicon.2006.05.001}, pmid = {16814340}, issn = {0041-0101}, mesh = {Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Brachyura/drug effects/physiology ; Cells, Cultured ; Cnidarian Venoms/*chemistry ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Guinea Pigs ; Male ; Marine Toxins/chemistry/isolation &amp; purification/*toxicity ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Molecular Weight ; Muscle Contraction/drug effects/physiology ; Neurons/drug effects/metabolism ; Papillary Muscles/drug effects/physiopathology ; Paralysis/chemically induced/physiopathology ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; Sea Anemones/*metabolism ; Sodium Channel Blockers/chemistry/isolation &amp; purification/*toxicity ; Sodium Channels/drug effects ; }, abstract = {A new peptide toxin exhibiting a molecular weight of 5043Da (av.) and comprising 47 amino acid residues was isolated from the sea anemone Condylactis gigantea. Purification of the peptide was achieved by a multistep chromatographic procedure monitoring its strong paralytic activity on crustacea (LD(50) approx. 1microg/kg). Complete sequence analysis of the toxic peptide revealed the isolation of a new member of type I sea anemone sodium channel toxins containing the typical pattern of the six cysteine residues. From 11kg of wet starting material, approximately 1g of the peptide toxin was isolated. The physiological action of the new toxin from C. gigantea CgNa was investigated on sodium currents of rat dorsal root ganglion neurons in culture using whole-cell patch clamp technique (n=60). Under current clamp condition (CgNa) increased action potential duration. This effect is due to slowing down of the TTX-S sodium current inactivation, without modifying the activation process. CgNa prolonged the cardiac action potential duration and enhanced contractile force albeit at 100-fold higher concentrations than the Anemonia sulcata toxin ATXII. The action on sodium channel inactivation and on cardiac excitation-contraction coupling resemble previous results with compounds obtained from this and other sea anemones [Shapiro, B.I., 1968. Purification of a toxin from tentacles of the anemone C. gigantea. Toxicon 5, 253-259; Pelhate, M., Zlotkin, E., 1982. Actions of insect toxin and other toxins derived from the venom of scorpion Androtonus australis on isolated giant axons of the cockroach Periplaneta americana. J. Exp. Biol. 97, 67-77; Salgado, V., Kem, W., 1992. Actions of three structurally distinct sea anemone toxins on crustacean and insect sodium channels. Toxicon 30, 1365-1381; Bruhn, T., Schaller, C., Schulze, C., Sanchez-Rodriquez, J., Dannmeier, C., Ravens, U., Heubach, J.F., Eckhardt, K., Schmidtmayer, J., Schmidt, H., Aneiros, A., Wachter, E., Béress, L., 2001. Isolation and characterization of 5 neurotoxic and cardiotoxic polypeptides from the sea anemone Anthopleura elegantissima. Toxicon, 39, 693-702]. Comprehensive analysis of the purified active fractions suggests that CgNa may represent the main peptide toxin of this sea anemone species.}, }
@article {pmid16809019, year = {2006}, author = {Newman, J and Aucompaugh, AG and Schell, LM and Denham, M and DeCaprio, AP and Gallo, MV and Ravenscroft, J and Kao, CC and Hanover, MR and David, D and Jacobs, AM and Tarbell, AM and Worswick, P and , }, title = {PCBs and cognitive functioning of Mohawk adolescents.}, journal = {Neurotoxicology and teratology}, volume = {28}, number = {4}, pages = {439-445}, doi = {10.1016/j.ntt.2006.03.001}, pmid = {16809019}, issn = {0892-0362}, support = {ES04913-10/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; ES10904-05/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Breast Feeding ; Child ; Cognition/*drug effects ; Environmental Exposure/*adverse effects/analysis ; Environmental Pollutants/*adverse effects/analysis ; Female ; Growth/drug effects ; Humans ; *Indians, North American ; Male ; Memory/drug effects ; Mothers ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Polychlorinated Biphenyls/*adverse effects/analysis ; Schools ; Sexual Maturation/drug effects ; }, abstract = {This paper reports on the relationships between the cognitive functioning and PCB current body burdens of adolescents in the Mohawk Nation of Akwesasne where there is concern about industrial pollution of the environment. Three cognitive tests (Woodcock Johnson-Revised, Test of Memory and Learning, and Ravens Progressive Matrices) provide 13 subtests that allow a variety of cognitive outcomes to be assessed. A summary measure of PCB level was created from the congeners detected in at least 50% of the participants. The most notable finding was the significant negative relationship between PCB levels and two separate measures of long term memory. There was also a negative relationship with a measure of comprehension and knowledge. Significant relationships were not large, but provide evidence of subtle negative effects of PCB exposure.}, }
@article {pmid16802144, year = {2007}, author = {Leaver, LA and Hopewell, L and Caldwell, C and Mallarky, L}, title = {Audience effects on food caching in grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis): evidence for pilferage avoidance strategies.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {23-27}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-006-0026-7}, pmid = {16802144}, issn = {1435-9448}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Birds/physiology ; *Competitive Behavior ; Decision Making ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Female ; *Food ; Male ; Memory ; Sciuridae/*physiology ; }, abstract = {If food pilferage has been a reliable selection pressure on food caching animals, those animals should have evolved the ability to protect their caches from pilferers. Evidence that animals protect their caches would support the argument that pilferage has been an important adaptive challenge. We observed naturally caching Eastern grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) in order to determine whether they used any evasive tactics in order to deter conspecific and heterospecific pilferage. We found that grey squirrels used evasive tactics when they had a conspecific audience, but not when they had a heterospecific (corvid) audience. When other squirrels were present, grey squirrels spaced their caches farther apart and preferentially cached when oriented with their backs to other squirrels, but no such effect was found when birds were present. Our data provide the first evidence that caching mammals are sensitive to the risk of pilferage posed by an audience of conspecifics, and that they utilise evasive tactics that should help to minimise cache loss. We discuss our results in relation to recent theory of reciprocal pilferage and compare them to behaviours shown by caching birds.}, }
@article {pmid16797814, year = {2006}, author = {Peters, M and Reimers, S and Manning, JT}, title = {Hand preference for writing and associations with selected demographic and behavioral variables in 255,100 subjects: the BBC internet study.}, journal = {Brain and cognition}, volume = {62}, number = {2}, pages = {177-189}, doi = {10.1016/j.bandc.2006.04.005}, pmid = {16797814}, issn = {0278-2626}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Alcoholism/epidemiology/ethnology/psychology ; Asthma/epidemiology/ethnology/psychology ; Child ; China ; Cross-Cultural Comparison ; *Demography ; Discrimination Learning ; Dyslexia/epidemiology/ethnology/psychology ; Educational Status ; Ethnicity/*psychology/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Female ; *Functional Laterality ; *Handwriting ; Health Surveys ; Humans ; Internet ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Orientation ; Pattern Recognition, Visual ; Problem Solving ; Sex Factors ; Sexual Behavior ; United Kingdom ; United States ; }, abstract = {In an Internet study unrelated to handedness, 134,317 female and 120,783 male participants answered a graded question as to which hand they preferred for writing. This allowed determination of hand preference patterns across 7 ethnic groups. Sex differences in left-handedness were found in 4 ethnic groups, favoring males, while no significant sex differences were found in three of the groups. Prevalence of left-handedness in the largest of the ethnic groups (self-labelled as "White") was comparable to contemporary hand preference data for this group [Gilbert, A. N., &amp; Wysocki, C. J. (1992). Hand preference and age in the United states. Neuropsychologia, 30, 601-608] but the prevalence of left-handedness in individuals >70 years of age was considerably higher in the present study. Individuals who indicated "either" hand for writing preference had significantly lower spatial performance (mental rotation task) and significantly higher prevalence of hyperactivity, dyslexia, asthma than individuals who had clear left or right hand preferences, in support of Crow et al. [Crow, T., Crow, L., Done, D., &amp; Leask, S. (1998). Relative hand skill predicts academic ability: global deficits at the point of hemispheric indecision. Neuropsychologia, 36, 1275-1282]. Similarly, an association of writing hand preference and non-heterosexual orientation was clearest for individuals with "either" writing hand responses. We conclude that contradictions in the literature as to whether or not these variables are linked to handedness stem largely from different definitions of hand preference. Due to a lack of statistical power in most studies in the literature, the "either" hand writing preference group that yielded the most salient results in this study is not normally available for analysis.}, }
@article {pmid16777748, year = {2006}, author = {Baglione, V and Canestrari, D and Marcos, JM and Ekman, J}, title = {Experimentally increased food resources in the natal territory promote offspring philopatry and helping in cooperatively breeding carrion crows.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {273}, number = {1593}, pages = {1529-1535}, pmid = {16777748}, issn = {0962-8452}, mesh = {Animal Migration ; Animals ; *Breeding ; *Cooperative Behavior ; Crows/*physiology ; *Ecosystem ; Food ; *Homing Behavior ; Nesting Behavior ; Sexual Behavior, Animal ; Spatial Behavior ; }, abstract = {Kin-based societies, where families represent the basic social unit, occur in a relatively small number of vertebrate species. In the majority of avian kin societies, families form when offspring prolong their association with the parents on the natal territory. Therefore, the key to understanding the evolution of families in birds is to understand natal philopatry (i.e. the tendency to remain on the natal territory). It has been shown that, within populations, the strength of the association between parents and offspring (i.e. family stability) increases when offspring dispersal is constrained by external environmental factors, but it is unclear whether and how family wealth influences juvenile dispersal decisions. Here, we show that young carrion crows (Corvus corone corone) from territories that were food-supplemented year-round were more philopatric and more likely to help at their family's nest than the unfed ones. The results suggest that offspring philopatry and helping behaviour are influenced by the quality of 'home' and that the availability of food resources positively affects the cohesion of the family.}, }
@article {pmid16717442, year = {2006}, author = {Iwaniuk, AN and Hurd, PL and Wylie, DR}, title = {Comparative morphology of the avian cerebellum: I. Degree of foliation.}, journal = {Brain, behavior and evolution}, volume = {68}, number = {1}, pages = {45-62}, doi = {10.1159/000093530}, pmid = {16717442}, issn = {0006-8977}, mesh = {Analysis of Variance ; Animals ; Biometry ; Birds/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Cerebellum/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Models, Biological ; Organ Size ; *Phylogeny ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Despite the conservative circuitry of the cerebellum, there is considerable variation in the shape of the cerebellum among vertebrates. One aspect of cerebellar morphology that is of particular interest is the degree of folding, or foliation, of the cerebellum and its functional significance. Here, we present the first comprehensive analysis of variation in cerebellar foliation in birds with the aim of determining the effects that allometry, phylogeny and development have on species differences in the degree of cerebellar foliation. Using both conventional and phylogenetically based statistics, we assess the effects of these variables on cerebellar foliation among 91 species of birds. Overall, our results indicate that allometry exerts the strongest effect and accounts for more than half of the interspecific variation in cerebellar foliation. In addition, we detected a significant phylogenetic effect. A comparison among orders revealed that several groups, corvids, parrots and seabirds, have significantly more foliated cerebella than other groups, after accounting for allometric effects. Lastly, developmental mode was weakly correlated with relative cerebellar foliation, but incubation period and fledging age were not. From our analyses, we conclude that allometric and phylogenetic effects exert the strongest effects and developmental mode a weak effect on avian cerebellar foliation. The phylogenetic distribution of highly foliated cerebella also suggests that cognitive and/or behavioral differences play a role in the evolution of the cerebellum.}, }
@article {pmid16717218, year = {2006}, author = {Pillon, B and Ardouin, C and Dujardin, K and Vittini, P and Pelissolo, A and Cottencin, O and Vercueil, L and Houeto, JL and Krystkowiak, P and Agid, Y and Destée, A and Pollak, P and Vidailhet, M and , }, title = {Preservation of cognitive function in dystonia treated by pallidal stimulation.}, journal = {Neurology}, volume = {66}, number = {10}, pages = {1556-1558}, doi = {10.1212/01.wnl.0000216131.41563.24}, pmid = {16717218}, issn = {1526-632X}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Affect ; Basal Ganglia/physiopathology ; Cholinergic Antagonists/therapeutic use ; *Cognition ; Cognition Disorders/etiology/prevention &amp; control ; Combined Modality Therapy ; *Deep Brain Stimulation ; Dystonic Disorders/drug therapy/psychology/*therapy ; Female ; Frontal Lobe/physiopathology ; *Globus Pallidus ; Humans ; Male ; Mental Processes ; Middle Aged ; Mood Disorders/etiology/prevention &amp; control ; Motor Activity ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Assessment ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of bilateral pallidal deep brain stimulation (DBS) on mood and cognitive performance in patients with dystonia before surgery (at baseline, while patients received their usual treatment) and 12 months postoperatively (while patients received neurostimulation and their medications) in a multicenter prospective study.<br><br>METHODS: Twenty-two patients with primary generalized dystonia were evaluated with tests focused on executive functions. The authors considered the patients' severe disability and selected the following tests: Raven Progressive Matrices 38, Similarities and Arithmetic subtests of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-R, Grober and Buschke, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), verbal fluency, Trail Making Test, and the Beck Depression Inventory. Median age at surgery was 30 years (range = 14 to 54 years), median duration of disease was 18.5 years (range = 4 to 37 years).<br><br>RESULTS: Before surgery, no patients showed cognitive decline or depression. The surgical procedure appeared to be benign cognitively. One year after surgery, free recall improved. There was a significant reduction in the number of errors in the WCST. No behavioral or mood changes were found.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral pallidal stimulation has a good benefit-to-risk ratio as it did not negatively affect cognitive performance and mood in primary dystonia, while a significant motor improvement was obtained. Moreover, a significant mild improvement in executive functions was observed, which may have been related either to the surgical treatment or to the marked decrease in anticholinergic drugs.}, }
@article {pmid16709747, year = {2006}, author = {Dally, JM and Emery, NJ and Clayton, NS}, title = {Food-caching western scrub-jays keep track of who was watching when.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {312}, number = {5780}, pages = {1662-1665}, doi = {10.1126/science.1126539}, pmid = {16709747}, issn = {1095-9203}, support = {BB/D000335/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Cues ; Female ; *Food ; Male ; *Memory ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Western scrub-jays (Aphelocoma californica) hide food caches for future consumption, steal others' caches, and engage in tactics to minimize the chance that their own caches will be stolen. We show that scrub-jays remember which individual watched them during particular caching events and alter their recaching behavior accordingly. We found no evidence to suggest that a storer's use of cache protection tactics is cued by the observer's behavior.}, }
@article {pmid16704786, year = {2006}, author = {Molaei, G and Andreadis, TG and Armstrong, PM and Anderson, JF and Vossbrinck, CR}, title = {Host feeding patterns of Culex mosquitoes and West Nile virus transmission, northeastern United States.}, journal = {Emerging infectious diseases}, volume = {12}, number = {3}, pages = {468-474}, pmid = {16704786}, issn = {1080-6040}, support = {U50/CCU6806-01-1//PHS HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/blood ; Connecticut/epidemiology ; Culex/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Insect Vectors/physiology ; Mammals/blood ; Time Factors ; West Nile Fever/*transmission ; }, abstract = {To evaluate the role of Culex mosquitoes as enzootic and epidemic vectors for WNV, we identified the source of vertebrate blood by polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing portions of the cytochrome b gene of mitochondrial DNA. All Cx. restuans and 93% of Cx. pipiens acquired blood from avian hosts; Cx. salinarius fed frequently on both mammals (53%) and birds (36%). Mixed-blood meals were detected in 11% and 4% of Cx. salinarius and Cx. pipiens, respectively. American robin was the most common source of vertebrate blood for Cx. pipiens (38%) and Cx. restuans (37%). American crow represented <1% of the blood meals in Cx. pipiens and none in Cx. restuans. Human-derived blood meals were identified from 2 Cx. salinarius and 1 Cx. pipiens. Results suggest that Cx. salinarius is an important bridge vector to humans, while Cx. pipiens and Cx. restuans are more efficient enzootic vectors in the northeastern United States.}, }
@article {pmid16690696, year = {2007}, author = {Contarino, MF and Daniele, A and Sibilia, AH and Romito, LM and Bentivoglio, AR and Gainotti, G and Albanese, A}, title = {Cognitive outcome 5 years after bilateral chronic stimulation of subthalamic nucleus in patients with Parkinson's disease.}, journal = {Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry}, volume = {78}, number = {3}, pages = {248-252}, pmid = {16690696}, issn = {1468-330X}, mesh = {Aged ; Bipolar Disorder/etiology ; *Cognition Disorders ; *Deep Brain Stimulation/adverse effects ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Mental Status Schedule ; Middle Aged ; Mood Disorders/etiology ; Parkinson Disease/*therapy ; Patient Selection ; Subthalamic Nucleus/*physiology ; }, abstract = {AIM: To assess the long-term cognitive and behavioural outcome after bilateral deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in patients affected by Parkinson's disease, with a 5-year follow-up after surgery.<br><br>METHODS: 11 patients with Parkinson's disease treated by bilateral DBS of STN underwent cognitive and behavioural assessments before implantation, and 1 and 5 years after surgery. Postoperative cognitive assessments were carried out with stimulators turned on.<br><br>RESULTS: A year after surgery, there was a marginally significant decline on a letter verbal fluency task (p = 0.045) and a significant improvement on Mini-Mental State Examination (p = 0.009). 5 years after surgery, a significant decline was observed on a letter verbal fluency task (p = 0.007) and an abstract reasoning task (p = 0.009), namely Raven's Progressive Matrices 1947. No significant postoperative change was observed on other cognitive variables. No patient developed dementia 5 years after surgery. A few days after the implantation, two patients developed transient manic symptoms with hypersexuality and one patient developed persistent apathy.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The decline of verbal fluency observed 5 years after implantation for DBS in STN did not have a clinically meaningful effect on daily living activities in our patients with Parkinson's disease. As no patient developed global cognitive deterioration in our sample, these findings suggest that DBS of STN is associated with a low cognitive and behavioural morbidity over a 5-year follow-up, when selection criteria for neurosurgery are strict.}, }
@article {pmid16682797, year = {2006}, author = {Castelli, L and Perozzo, P and Zibetti, M and Crivelli, B and Morabito, U and Lanotte, M and Cossa, F and Bergamasco, B and Lopiano, L}, title = {Chronic deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus for Parkinson's disease: effects on cognition, mood, anxiety and personality traits.}, journal = {European neurology}, volume = {55}, number = {3}, pages = {136-144}, doi = {10.1159/000093213}, pmid = {16682797}, issn = {0014-3022}, mesh = {Affect/*physiology/radiation effects ; Aged ; Anxiety/etiology/*surgery ; Cognition/*physiology/radiation effects ; Deep Brain Stimulation/*methods ; Female ; Functional Laterality/physiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Parkinson Disease/complications/pathology/*surgery ; *Personality/radiation effects ; Subthalamic Nucleus/*surgery ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To evaluate modifications occurring in cognitive functions and behavioural aspects in a group of 72 consecutive patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) 15 months after bilateral deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN).<br><br>METHODS: 72 consecutive PD patients bilaterally implanted for DBS of the STN were evaluated before and after surgery with a mean follow-up of 15 months. A neuropsychological assessment was performed to evaluate reasoning (Raven Colour Matrices), memory (Bisyllabic Word Repetition Test, Corsi's Block-Tapping Test, Paired-Associate Learning) and frontal executive functions (Trail Making Test Part B, Nelson Modified Card Sorting Test, phonemic and category verbal fluency tasks). Mood and suicidal ideation were evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Anxiety was measured by means of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and personality traits were evaluated with the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-III-R Axis II Disorders (SCID-II). Assessment of thought disorders and apathy was based on subitems of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale.<br><br>RESULTS: The comparisons between pre- and postoperative neuropsychological test scores showed a significant worsening only in phonemic and semantic verbal fluency tasks, while fewer errors were found in the Nelson Modified Card Sorting Test. Globally, behavioural assessment evidenced a small improvement in mood, as assessed by the BDI, in obsessive-compulsive and paranoid personality traits (SCID-II). Thought disorders worsened while suicidal ideation, anxiety and apathy showed no postoperative modifications. The analysis of individual outcomes (+/-1 SD criterion) evidenced a relevant postoperative cognitive decline in 3 patients out of 65 (4.5%). Moreover, following implantation, 1 patients exhibited psychosis (1.5%), 2 patients experienced a clinically relevant worsening of depressive symptoms (3%), 7 patients showed an increase in anxiety (12%) and 3 patients a worsening in depression and anxiety symptoms (3%). On the contrary, 12 patients (20%) showed a relevant improvement in mood and 14 patients (23%) a relevant reduction of anxiety symptoms after the surgery.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirms that STN DBS is cognitively safe since the only relevant change observed was a mild decrease in verbal fluency tasks. Globally, a small postoperative improvement was found in the BDI, and in two SCID-II subscales concerning obsessive-compulsive and paranoid personality traits, even though postoperative behavioural disturbances can occur in individual patients.}, }
@article {pmid16682154, year = {2006}, author = {Stöwe, M and Bugnyar, T and Loretto, MC and Schloegl, C and Range, F and Kotrschal, K}, title = {Novel object exploration in ravens (Corvus corax): effects of social relationships.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {73}, number = {1}, pages = {68-75}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2006.03.015}, pmid = {16682154}, issn = {0376-6357}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; *Crows ; Exploratory Behavior/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; *Social Behavior ; Social Environment ; }, abstract = {Social context has been shown to encourage, or to delay object exploration and learning. This ambiguity might be due to factors such as social relationships and personality of the individuals involved. Here, we investigated in ravens (Corvus corax) individuals' consistency in response to novel objects over development and across contexts: alone versus social. In the social setting we focussed on the effects of social relationships on social facilitation during the approach to novel objects. We tested 11 hand-raised ravens with novel objects individually at three and six months of age and in dyadic combinations at six months of age. Individuals were consistent over development and contexts in their response to different novel objects. Birds joined siblings faster to approach novel objects than non-siblings. They also spent more time sitting close to siblings than to non-siblings. In male-male dyads but not in female-female dyads, subordinates approached the novel objects significantly faster than dominant birds. In contrast, dominant males were the first to approach the novel objects in mixed-sex combinations. Hence, the effect of social context seems to depend on the social relationships towards the companions and on the combination of the sexes.}, }
@article {pmid16675158, year = {2006}, author = {Range, F and Bugnyar, T and Schlögl, C and Kotrschal, K}, title = {Individual and sex differences in learning abilities of ravens.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {73}, number = {1}, pages = {100-106}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2006.04.002}, pmid = {16675158}, issn = {0376-6357}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; *Crows ; Discrimination Learning/*physiology ; Exploratory Behavior/physiology ; Female ; *Individuality ; Male ; Sex Factors ; Spatial Behavior ; }, abstract = {Behavioral and physiological characteristics of individuals within the same species have been found to be stable across time and contexts. In this study, we investigated individual differences in learning abilities and object and social manipulation to test for consistency within individuals across different tasks. Individual ravens (Corvus corax) were tested in simple color and position discrimination tasks to establish their learning abilities. We found that males were significantly better in the acquisition of the first discrimination task and the object manipulation task, but not in any of the other tasks. Furthermore, faster learners engaged less often in manipulations of conspecifics and exploration of objects to get access to food. No relationship between object and social manipulation and reversal training were found. Our results suggest that individual differences in regard to the acquisition of new tasks may be related to personalities or at least object manipulation in ravens.}, }
@article {pmid16634307, year = {2006}, author = {Preston, KL and Rotenberry, JT}, title = {Independent effects of food and predator-mediated processes on annual fecundity in a songbird.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {87}, number = {1}, pages = {160-168}, doi = {10.1890/05-0344}, pmid = {16634307}, issn = {0012-9658}, mesh = {Analysis of Variance ; Animals ; Ecosystem ; Fertility/*physiology ; *Food Supply ; *Predatory Behavior ; Songbirds/*physiology ; }, abstract = {We investigated the relative importance and interaction of ecological processes affecting annual fecundity in birds by simultaneously manipulating food availability and nest predation risk in a small songbird, the Wrentit (Chamaea fasciata). From 2000 to 2002 we provided supplemental food to individual Wrentit territories, and during 2002 we altered nest predation risk by providing supplemental food to their principal predators, Western Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma californica). These experiments were conducted during a period of high interannual variation in rainfall, with 2002 being one of the driest years on record. Food-supplemented Wrentits in a normal predation environment produced an average of 0.54 more fledglings per year than control pairs over the three breeding seasons. During the feeding plus predation manipulation experiment, Wrentit food supplementation and lowered nest predation risk each independently increased the probability that a Wrentit pair would fledge young; however, the interaction between food supplementation and altered nest predation risk was not significant. Thus, even in an extreme drought year, both food and nest predation had equal but independent effects on reproductive success and annual fecundity. Combining supplemental food with reduced nest predation did not result in a synergistic increase in annual fecundity, primarily because Wrentits did not produce multiple broods. Our results suggest that whether food and predation have additive or synergistic effects on reproductive success depends on the life history of the species and the environment in which they live.}, }
@article {pmid16615207, year = {2006}, author = {de Kort, SR and Clayton, NS}, title = {An evolutionary perspective on caching by corvids.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {273}, number = {1585}, pages = {417-423}, pmid = {16615207}, issn = {0962-8452}, support = {MH2602/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Biological Evolution ; *Feeding Behavior ; Memory ; Passeriformes/genetics/*physiology ; Phylogeny ; }, abstract = {A principal finding in the food-caching literature is that species differences in hoarding propensity are positively correlated with species differences in degree of adaptations to caching behaviour, such as performance on spatial memory tasks and hippocampal volume. However, there are examples that do not fit this pattern. We argue that these examples can be better understood by considering the phylogenetic relatedness between species. We reconstruct the ancestral state for caching behaviour in corvids and assess when transitions in caching behaviour occurred within the corvid phylogeny. Our analysis shows that the common ancestor of all corvids was a moderate cacher. This result suggests that corvids followed a bi-directional evolutionary trajectory in which caching was secondarily lost twice and there were at least two independent transitions from moderate to specialized caching. The independent evolution of specialized cachers in the two groups must, therefore, be a case of convergent evolution. This is exemplified by the fact that specialized cachers show structurally different adaptations serving the same function to intense caching, such as different pouches to transport food. Finally, we argue that convergent evolution may have led to adaptations in memory and hippocampus that serve the same function but differ in design, and that these different adaptations may explain the examples that do not fit the pattern predicted by the adaptive specialization hypothesis.}, }
@article {pmid16608689, year = {2006}, author = {Eggers, S and Griesser, M and Nystrand, M and Ekman, J}, title = {Predation risk induces changes in nest-site selection and clutch size in the Siberian jay.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {273}, number = {1587}, pages = {701-706}, pmid = {16608689}, issn = {0962-8452}, mesh = {Animals ; Clutch Size ; Fear/*physiology/psychology ; Female ; Linear Models ; *Nesting Behavior ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Predatory Behavior ; }, abstract = {Life-history theory predicts that an individual should reduce its reproductive efforts by laying a smaller clutch size when high risk of nest predation reduces the value of current reproduction. Evidence in favour of this 'nest predation hypothesis', however, is scarce and based largely on correlative analyses. Here, we manipulated perceived risk of nest predation in the Siberian jay Perisoreus infaustus using playback involving a mixture of calls by corvid nest predators in the vicinity of nest sites. In response to being exposed to this acoustic cue simulating increased risk of nest predation, the jays chose a nest site offering more protective covering and reduced clutch size. This is the first experimental demonstration of clutch size adjustment and nest site selection as a result of phenotypic plasticity in an open nesting passerine reflecting a facultative response to the perceived risk of nest predation.}, }
@article {pmid16600891, year = {2006}, author = {Hunt, GR and Corballis, MC and Gray, RD}, title = {Design complexity and strength of laterality are correlated in New Caledonian crows' pandanus tool manufacture.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {273}, number = {1590}, pages = {1127-1133}, pmid = {16600891}, issn = {0962-8452}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Biological Evolution ; Crows/*physiology ; Discrimination Learning ; Feeding Behavior ; *Functional Laterality ; Manufactured Materials ; Mental Processes/*physiology ; New Caledonia ; Plant Leaves ; }, abstract = {Population-level laterality is generally considered to reflect functional brain specialization. Consequently, the strength of population-level laterality in manipulatory tasks is predicted to positively correlate with task complexity. This relationship has not been investigated in tool manufacture. Here, we report the correlation between strength of laterality and design complexity in the manufacture of New Caledonian crows' three pandanus tool designs: wide, narrow and stepped designs. We documented indirect evidence of over 5,800 tool manufactures on 1,232 pandanus trees at 23 sites. We found that the strength of laterality in tool manufacture was correlated with design complexity in three ways: (i) the strongest effect size among the population-level edge biases for each design was for the more complex, stepped design, (ii) the strength of laterality at individual sites was on average greater for the stepped design than it was for the simpler wide and narrow, non-stepped designs, and (iii) there was a positive, but non-significant, trend for a correlation between the strength of laterality and the number of steps on a stepped tool. These three aspects together indicate that greater design complexity generally elicits stronger lateralization of crows' pandanus tool manufacture.}, }
@article {pmid16600890, year = {2006}, author = {Ekman, J and Ericson, PG}, title = {Out of Gondwanaland; the evolutionary history of cooperative breeding and social behaviour among crows, magpies, jays and allies.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {273}, number = {1590}, pages = {1117-1125}, pmid = {16600890}, issn = {0962-8452}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; *Cooperative Behavior ; Crows/physiology ; Female ; Male ; Phylogeny ; *Sexual Behavior, Animal ; *Social Behavior ; Songbirds/*physiology ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Cooperative breeding is comparatively rare among birds in the mainly temperate and boreal Northern Hemisphere. Here we test if the distribution of breeding systems reflects a response to latitude by means of a phylogenetic analysis using correlates with geographical range among the corvids (crows, jays, magpies and allied groups). The corvids trace their ancestry to the predominantly cooperative 'Corvida' branch of oscine passerines from the Australo-Papuan region on the ancient Gondwanaland supercontinent, but we could not confirm the ancestral state of the breeding system within the family, while family cohesion may be ancestral. Initial diversification among pair-breeding taxa that are basal in the corvid phylogeny, represented by genera such as Pyrrhocorax and Dendrocitta, indicates that the corvid family in its current form could have evolved from pair-breeding ancestors only after they had escaped the Australo-Papuan shield. Within the family, cooperative breeding (alloparental care/family cohesion) is strongly correlated to latitude and its predominance in species maintaining a southerly distribution indicates a secondary evolution of cooperative breeding in the lineage leading away from the basal corvids. Multiple transitions show plasticity in the breeding system, indicating a response to latitude rather than evolutionary inertia. The evolutionary background to the loss of cooperative breeding among species with a northerly distribution is complex and differs between species, indicating a response to a variety of selection forces. Family cohesion where the offspring provide alloparental care is a main route to cooperatively breeding groups among corvids. Some corvid species lost only alloparental care, while maintaining coherent family groups. Other species lost family cohesion and, as a corollary, they also lost the behaviour where retained offspring provide alloparental care.}, }
@article {pmid16599930, year = {2006}, author = {Martín-Gálvez, D and Soler, JJ and Martínez, JG and Krupa, AP and Richard, M and Soler, M and Møller, AP and Burke, T}, title = {A quantitative trait locus for recognition of foreign eggs in the host of a brood parasite.}, journal = {Journal of evolutionary biology}, volume = {19}, number = {2}, pages = {543-550}, doi = {10.1111/j.1420-9101.2005.01002.x}, pmid = {16599930}, issn = {1010-061X}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Birds/*genetics ; DNA/blood/genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; *Host-Parasite Interactions ; Microsatellite Repeats/genetics ; Oviposition ; Ovum/*physiology ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; *Quantitative Trait Loci ; *Recognition, Psychology ; }, abstract = {Avian brood parasites reduce the reproductive output of their hosts and thereby select for defence mechanisms such as ejection of parasitic eggs. Such defence mechanisms simultaneously select for counter-defences in brood parasites, causing a coevolutionary arms race. Although coevolutionary models assume that defences and counter-defences are genetically influenced, this has never been demonstrated for brood parasites. Here, we give strong evidence for genetic differences between ejector and nonejectors, which could allow the study of such host defence at the genetic level, as well as studies of maintenance of genetic variation in defences. Briefly, we found that magpies, that are the main host of the great spotted cuckoo in Europe, have alleles of one microsatellite locus (Ase64) that segregate between accepters and rejecters of experimental parasitic eggs. Furthermore, differences in ejection rate among host populations exploited by the brood parasite covaried significantly with the genetic distance for this locus.}, }
@article {pmid16581516, year = {2006}, author = {Seed, AM and Tebbich, S and Emery, NJ and Clayton, NS}, title = {Investigating physical cognition in rooks, Corvus frugilegus.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {16}, number = {7}, pages = {697-701}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2006.02.066}, pmid = {16581516}, issn = {0960-9822}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Cognition/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Problem Solving ; }, abstract = {Although animals (particularly tool-users) are capable of solving physical tasks in the laboratory , the degree to which they understand them in terms of their underlying physical forces is a matter of contention. Here, using a new paradigm, the two-trap tube task, we report the performance of non-tool-using rooks. In contrast to the low success rates of previous studies using trap-tube problems , seven out of eight rooks solved the initial task, and did so rapidly. Instead of the usual, conceptually flawed control, we used a series of novel transfer tasks to test for understanding. All seven transferred their solution across a change in stimuli. However, six out of seven were unable to transfer to two further tasks, which did not share any one visual constant. One female was able to solve these further transfer tasks. Her result is suggestive evidence that rooks are capable of sophisticated physical cognition, if not through an understanding of unobservable forces , perhaps through rule abstraction. Our results highlight the need to investigate cognitive mechanisms other than causal understanding in studying animal physical cognition.}, }
@article {pmid16569140, year = {2006}, author = {Bunting, M}, title = {Proactive interference and item similarity in working memory.}, journal = {Journal of experimental psychology. Learning, memory, and cognition}, volume = {32}, number = {2}, pages = {183-196}, doi = {10.1037/0278-7393.32.2.183}, pmid = {16569140}, issn = {0278-7393}, support = {2 T32 HD07460-09/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Analysis of Variance ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mathematics ; Memory, Short-Term/*physiology ; Mental Recall/*physiology ; Neuropsychological Tests/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Paired-Associate Learning ; Pattern Recognition, Visual/*physiology ; *Proactive Inhibition ; Verbal Learning/physiology ; Word Association Tests ; }, abstract = {Proactive interference (PI) may influence the predictive utility of working memory span tasks. Participants in one experiment (N=70) completed Ravens Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAPM) and multiple versions of operation span and probed recall, modified for the type of memoranda (digits or words). Changing memoranda within- or across-trials released PI, but not doing so permitted PI buildup. Scores from PI-build trials, but not PI-release trials, correlated with RAPM and accounted for as much variance in RAPM as unmodified tasks. These results are consistent with controlled attention and inhibition accounts of working memory, and they elucidate a fundamental component of working memory span tasks.}, }
@article {pmid16553307, year = {2006}, author = {Emery, NJ}, title = {Cognitive ornithology: the evolution of avian intelligence.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {361}, number = {1465}, pages = {23-43}, pmid = {16553307}, issn = {0962-8436}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; Birds/*physiology ; Brain/anatomy &amp; histology/physiology ; Cognition/*physiology ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Learning/physiology ; }, abstract = {Comparative psychologists interested in the evolution of intelligence have focused their attention on social primates, whereas birds tend to be used as models of associative learning. However, corvids and parrots, which have forebrains relatively the same size as apes, live in complex social groups and have a long developmental period before becoming independent, have demonstrated ape-like intelligence. Although, ornithologists have documented thousands of hours observing birds in their natural habitat, they have focused their attention on avian behaviour and ecology, rather than intelligence. This review discusses recent studies of avian cognition contrasting two different approaches; the anthropocentric approach and the adaptive specialization approach. It is argued that the most productive method is to combine the two approaches. This is discussed with respects to recent investigations of two supposedly unique aspects of human cognition; episodic memory and theory of mind. In reviewing the evidence for avian intelligence, corvids and parrots appear to be cognitively superior to other birds and in many cases even apes. This suggests that complex cognition has evolved in species with very different brains through a process of convergent evolution rather than shared ancestry, although the notion that birds and mammals may share common neural connectivity patterns is discussed.}, }
@article {pmid16521788, year = {2006}, author = {Jensen, KK and Klokker, S}, title = {Hearing sensitivity and critical ratios of hooded crows (Corvus corone cornix).}, journal = {The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America}, volume = {119}, number = {2}, pages = {1269-1276}, doi = {10.1121/1.2159431}, pmid = {16521788}, issn = {0001-4966}, mesh = {Adaptation, Physiological ; Adult ; Animals ; Auditory Threshold/physiology ; Conditioning, Psychological ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Hearing/*physiology ; Humans ; Male ; Pitch Perception/physiology ; Psychoacoustics ; Time Factors ; Vocalization, Animal/physiology ; }, abstract = {The hearing threshold and critical ratios were estimated psycho-acoustically for captive wild-caught hooded crows by a yes/no procedure and the method of constant stimuli. Human subjects were tested in the same setup for direct comparison and to check for experimental artifacts. The hooded crows were found to have excellent low-frequency hearing capabilities compared to other passerine birds. Their hearing sensitivity is very close to that of humans at and below 5.6 kHz. The distribution of the critical ratios differed from that of the average bird and humans in being rather constant with frequency and not increasing monotonically. It furthermore showed a middle region of 5-6 dB lower critical ratio values between 500 Hz and 2 kHz. It is suggested that this improved range for hearing in noise is an adaptation to long distance communication. Human critical ratios gave the expected values and were between 3 and 6 dB lower than those of the crows.}, }
@article {pmid16521567, year = {2006}, author = {Reznikova, ZhI}, title = {[The study of tool use as the way for general estimation of cognitive abilities in animals].}, journal = {Zhurnal obshchei biologii}, volume = {67}, number = {1}, pages = {3-22}, pmid = {16521567}, issn = {0044-4596}, mesh = {Adaptation, Psychological ; Animals ; *Cognition ; Learning ; Pattern Recognition, Physiological ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Investigation of tool use is an effective way to determine cognitive abilities of animals. This approach raises hypotheses, which delineate limits of animal's competence in understanding of objects properties and interrelations and the influence of individual and social experience on their behaviour. On the basis of brief review of different models of manipulation with objects and tools manufacturing (detaching, subtracting and reshaping) by various animals (from elephants to ants) in natural conditions the experimental data concerning tool usage was considered. Tool behaviour of anumals could be observed rarely and its distribution among different taxons is rather odd. Recent studies have revealed that some species (for instance, bonobos and tamarins) which didn't manipulate tools in wild life appears to be an advanced tool users and even manufacturers in laboratory. Experimental studies of animals tool use include investigation of their ability to use objects physical properties, to categorize objects involved in tool activity by its functional properties, to take forces affecting objects into account, as well as their capacity of planning their actions. The crucial question is whether animals can abstract general principles of relations between objects regardless of the exact circumstances, or they develop specific associations between concerete things and situations. Effectiveness of laboratory methods is estimated in the review basing on comparative studies of tool behaviour, such as "support problem", "stick problem", "tube- and tube-trap problem", and "reserve tube problem". Levels of social learning, the role of imprinting, and species-specific predisposition to formation of specific domains are discussed. Experimental investigation of tool use allows estimation of the individuals' intelligence in populations. A hypothesis suggesting that strong predisposition to formation of specific associations can serve as a driving force and at the same time as obstacle to animals' activity is discussed. In several "technically gifted" species (such as woodpecker finches, New Caledonian crows, and chimpanzees) tool use seems to be guided by a rapid process of trial and error learning. Individuals that are predisposed to learn specific connections do this too quickly and thus become enslaved by stereotypic solutions of raising problems.}, }
@article {pmid16513572, year = {2006}, author = {Hoffman, AM and Robakiewicz, PE and Tuttle, EM and Rogers, LJ}, title = {Behavioural lateralisation in the Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen).}, journal = {Laterality}, volume = {11}, number = {2}, pages = {110-121}, doi = {10.1080/13576500500376674}, pmid = {16513572}, issn = {1357-650X}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Birds ; Brain/*anatomy &amp; histology/*physiology ; Fear ; Female ; Functional Laterality/*physiology ; Male ; }, abstract = {In many vertebrates, the brain is lateralised such that each hemisphere is specialised to serve specific functions. This may translate into lateralisation in behaviour through preferential use of receptors or appendages associated with a particular hemisphere (e.g., handedness) or in differential responses to stimuli perceived on the animal's left or right side. In this study, we investigated behavioural laterality in the Australian magpie, Gymnorhina tibicen. We found that, while the birds did not have a population bias for one antipredator behaviour (visual inspection of an approaching human), there were biases for another (alarm calling); those birds that used their left eye more relative to their right eye gave alarm calls more frequently. We also observed that juvenile birds begged for food on the right side of parents significantly more frequently than on the left side. These trends are consistent with trends in behavioural laterality that have been recorded in captive and lab-reared species. Ours is one of the few studies to observe patterns of laterality in a wild species.}, }
@article {pmid19338893, year = {2006}, author = {Viterbo, F and Lutz, BS}, title = {Extended "C" myectomy of the lateral orbicularis oculi muscle-A safe and successful method for treatment of "crow's feet".}, journal = {Aesthetic surgery journal}, volume = {26}, number = {2}, pages = {131-135}, doi = {10.1016/j.asj.2006.01.004}, pmid = {19338893}, issn = {1527-330X}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Commonly, patients who seek facial rejuvenation complain about "crow's feet." Botulinum toxin injections can effectively correct such wrinkles but require repeated treatments.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: A modification of the earlier described vertical myectomy of the lateral orbicularis oculi muscle is presented.<br><br>METHODS: The skin at the lateral orbit was elevated, using the temporal approach when performing a forehead or face lift, or medially when only a blepharoplasty was performed. The lateral portion of the orbicularis oculi muscle was identified and dissected. A portion measuring from at least 3 cm to 4.5 cm (average 3.1 cm) in length and averaging 1.1 cm in width was resected in a pattern designed as a reversed "C" A small part (approximately 3 mm) of the muscle was preserved medially to keep the orbicularis oculi muscle in continuity for preservation of the sphincter.<br><br>RESULTS: All 28 patients treated in our series were free from relapse after follow-up ranging from 1 to 33 months. One patient developed a moderate hematoma that was treated successfully. Only 1 patient required additional fat grafting.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The extended "C" myectomy of the lateral orbicularis oculi muscle achieves excellent results and is easily performed in conjunction with a face lift or blepharoplasty with negligible morbidity. Usually no fat grafting is necessary.}, }
@article {pmid16496117, year = {2006}, author = {Ocasio-Tascón, ME and Alicea-Colón, E and Torres-Palacios, A and Rodríguez-Cintrón, W}, title = {The veteran population: one at high risk for sleep-disordered breathing.}, journal = {Sleep &amp; breathing = Schlaf &amp; Atmung}, volume = {10}, number = {2}, pages = {70-75}, pmid = {16496117}, issn = {1520-9512}, mesh = {Depression/epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Narcolepsy/epidemiology ; Polysomnography ; Risk Factors ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Severity of Illness Index ; Sleep Apnea Syndromes/*diagnosis/*epidemiology ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/epidemiology ; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/epidemiology ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Veterans/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; }, abstract = {Sleep complaints are very common among the general population and are usually accompanied by significant medical, psychological and social disturbances (Redline S, Strohl K, Otolaryngol Clin North Am, 132:303, 1999). A higher prevalence of sleep complaints has been described in the elderly (Vgontzas AN, Kales A, Annu Rev Med, 50:387-400, 1999). It is manifested by breathing disturbances during sleep, loud snoring, difficulties maintaining sleep, fatigue, daytime sleepiness, mood effects and impairment of daily activities (Lugaresi E, Cirignotta F, Zucconi M et al., Good and poor sleepers: an epidemiological survey of the San Marino population, Raven, New York, pp 1-12, 1983; Kales A, Soldatos CR, Kales JD, Am Fam Physician, 22:101-108, 1980). It has been associated with cardiovascular, endocrine and neurocognitive manifestations. Growing interest in early diagnosis and treatment has been noted in recent years based on emerging knowledge about the potential health consequences when the disease goes untreated (Nanen AM, Dunagan DP, Fleisher A et al., Chest, 121:1741, 2002). The veteran population in the mainland has a higher tendency for obesity, high blood pressure (HBP), sleep disorders and chronic alcohol consumption (Mustafa M, Erokwu N, Ebose I, Strohl K, Sleep Breath, 9:57-63, 2005). The Hispanic veteran population has never been studied in detail for sleep disorders and related conditions. We used previously validated screening tools for sleep disturbance breathing. Two hundred and forty-five questionnaires were administered. We found a higher prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS) in our population compared with data from the mainland (USA). The mean age was 64 years (+/-11). Ninety seven per cent were males. The mean body mass index was 25 kg/cm(2); mean Epworth Sleepiness Scale score was 8. Thirty-four per cent met high-risk criteria for sleep apnea, 53% for insomnia, 13% for symptoms suggestive of narcolepsy and 13% for those suggestive of restless leg syndrome. There were high incidences of alcohol consumption (37.6%), diabetes (32.7%), hypercholesterolemia (31.8%), depression (31.8%), hypertension (39.6%) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (9.8%).}, }
@article {pmid16481615, year = {2006}, author = {Bond, AB and Kamil, AC}, title = {Spatial heterogeneity, predator cognition, and the evolution of color polymorphism in virtual prey.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {103}, number = {9}, pages = {3214-3219}, pmid = {16481615}, issn = {0027-8424}, support = {R01 MH068426/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; MH68426/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; Cognition/*physiology ; *Color ; *Environment ; Moths/physiology ; Phenotype ; *Polymorphism, Genetic ; Predatory Behavior/*physiology ; Songbirds/physiology ; }, abstract = {Cryptically colored prey species are often polymorphic, occurring in multiple distinctive pattern variants. Visual predators promote such phenotypic variation through apostatic selection, in which they attack more abundant prey types disproportionately often. In heterogeneous environments, disruptive selection to match the coloration of disparate habitat patches could also produce polymorphism, but how apostatic and disruptive selection interact in these circumstances is unknown. Here we report the first controlled selection experiment on the evolution of prey coloration on heterogeneous backgrounds, in which blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata) searched for digital moths on mixtures of dark and light patches at three different scales of heterogeneity. As predicted by ecological theory, coarse-grained backgrounds produced a functional dimorphism of specialists on the two patch types; fine-grained backgrounds produced generalists. The searching strategies of the jays also varied with the habitat configuration, however. Complex backgrounds with many moth-like features elicited a slow, serial search that depended heavily on selective attention. The result was increased apostatic selection, producing a broad range of moth phenotypes. Backgrounds with larger, more uniform patches allowed the birds to focus on the currently most rewarding patch type and to search entire patches rapidly in parallel. The result was less apostatic selection and lower phenotypic variability. The evolution of polymorphism in camouflaged prey depends on a complex interaction between habitat structure and predator cognition.}, }
@article {pmid16462007, year = {2005}, author = {Szérémi, A and Tárnok, Z and Farkas, L and Dótzi, J and Gádoros, J}, title = {[Neurocognitive symptoms of childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder].}, journal = {Psychiatria Hungarica : A Magyar Pszichiatriai Tarsasag tudomanyos folyoirata}, volume = {20}, number = {4}, pages = {299-311}, pmid = {16462007}, issn = {0237-7896}, mesh = {Analysis of Variance ; *Attention ; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/*diagnosis/*psychology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; *Cognition ; Cognition Disorders/diagnosis ; Factor Analysis, Statistical ; Humans ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is the most common childhood-onset disorder that has been characterized with the dysfunction of executive functions. These functions are related to the frontal lobe, especially to different frontostriatal networks. The purpose of this study was to examine executive functions of 5-7 years old (non-literate) children with and without ADHD.<br><br>METHOD: We used well-known neuropsychological tests (and some other tests developed by us) which measure the organisation and execution of behavior and thinking. 31 children with ADHD and 26 healthy children without ADHD -- comparable to the other sample with respect to age and sex -- participated in this examination. We compared the two groups in terms of various aspects of executive functions, such as inhibition, attention, motor implementation and visual memory. The test battery used included the Colour Raven Test, a version of the Tower of Hanoi for children, the Bender A and B Test, the Block Design Subtest of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale, the children version of Rey Complex Figure Test, the Picture Attention Test and the Fruit Stroop Test. In order to explore the characteristics of the variables, the factor-analytic method was used by which the various aspects of executive functions could be separated.<br><br>RESULTS: Statistical comparison of the two groups revealed that several aspects of executive dysfunctions (strategy-constitution, inhibition, attention and motor implementation) can be seen in ADHD.}, }
@article {pmid16460886, year = {2006}, author = {Lazareva, OF and Wasserman, EA}, title = {Effect of stimulus orderability and reinforcement history on transitive responding in pigeons.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {72}, number = {2}, pages = {161-172}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2006.01.008}, pmid = {16460886}, issn = {0376-6357}, mesh = {Animals ; *Appetitive Behavior ; *Association Learning ; Attention ; *Color Perception ; Columbidae ; Crows ; *Discrimination Learning ; Feedback ; *Mental Recall ; Motivation ; Pattern Recognition, Visual ; Problem Solving ; *Reinforcement Schedule ; Size Perception ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Transitive responding in humans and non-human animals has attracted considerable attention because of its presumably inferential nature. In an attempt to replicate our earlier study with crows [Lazareva, O.F., Smirnova, A.A., Bagozkaja, M.S., Zorina, Z.A., Rayevsky, V.V., Wasserman, E.A., 2004. Transitive responding in hooded crows requires linearly ordered stimuli. J. Exp. Anal. Behav. 82, 1-19], we trained pigeons to discriminate overlapping pairs of colored squares (A+ B-, B+ C-, C+ D-, and D+ E-). For some birds, the colored squares, or primary stimuli, were followed by a circle of the same color (feedback stimuli) whose diameter decreased from A to E (Ordered Feedback group); these circles were made available to help order the stimuli along a physical dimension. For other birds, all of the feedback stimuli had the same diameter (Constant Feedback group). In later testing, novel choice pairs were presented, including the critical BD pair. The pigeons' reinforcement history with Stimuli B and D was controlled, so that the birds should not have chosen Stimulus B during the BD test. Unlike the crows, the pigeons selected Stimulus B over Stimulus D in both ordered and Constant Feedback groups, suggesting that the orderability of the post-choice feedback stimuli did not affect pigeons' transitive responding. Post hoc simulations showed that associative models [Wynne, C.D.L., 1995. Reinforcement accounts for transitive inference (TI) performance. Anim. Learn. Behav. 23, 207-217; Siemann, M., Delius, J.D., 1998. Algebraic learning and neural network models for transitive and non-transitive responding. Eur. J. Cogn. Psychol. 10, 307-334] failed to predict pigeons' responding in the BD test.}, }
@article {pmid16446742, year = {2006}, author = {Harris, SE and Fox, H and Wright, AF and Hayward, C and Starr, JM and Whalley, LJ and Deary, IJ}, title = {The brain-derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met polymorphism is associated with age-related change in reasoning skills.}, journal = {Molecular psychiatry}, volume = {11}, number = {5}, pages = {505-513}, doi = {10.1038/sj.mp.4001799}, pmid = {16446742}, issn = {1359-4184}, support = {MC_U127561128/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Aging/*genetics ; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/*genetics ; Child ; Cognition/*physiology ; Cohort Studies ; Follow-Up Studies ; Genetics, Behavioral ; Geriatric Assessment ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Population Surveillance ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Reference Values ; Wechsler Scales ; }, abstract = {A polymorphism (Val66Met) in the gene encoding brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has previously been associated with impaired hippocampal function and scores on the Logical Memory subtest of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R). Despite its widespread expression in the brain, there have been few studies examining the role of BDNF on cognitive domains, other than memory. We examined the association between BDNF Val66Met genotype and non-verbal reasoning, as measured by Raven's standard progressive matrices (Raven), in two cohorts of relatively healthy older people, one aged 79 (LBC1921) and the other aged 64 (ABC1936) years. LBC1921 and ABC1936 subjects had reasoning measured at age 11 years, using the Moray House Test (MHT), in the Scottish Mental Surveys of 1932 and 1947, respectively. BDNF genotype was significantly associated with later life Raven scores, controlling for sex, age 11 MHT score and cohort (P = 0.001). MHT, Verbal Fluency and Logical Memory scores were available, in later life, for LBC1921 only. BDNF genotype was significantly associated with age 79 MHT score, controlling for sex and age 11 MHT score (P = 0.016). In both significant associations, Met homozygotes scored significantly higher than heterozygotes and Val homozygotes. This study indicates that BDNF genotype contributes to age-related changes in reasoning skills, which are closely related to general intelligence.}, }
@article {pmid16401246, year = {2005}, author = {Kashiwa, Y and Kitabayashi, Y and Narumoto, J and Nakamura, K and Ueda, H and Fukui, K}, title = {Anosognosia in Alzheimer's disease: association with patient characteristics, psychiatric symptoms and cognitive deficits.}, journal = {Psychiatry and clinical neurosciences}, volume = {59}, number = {6}, pages = {697-704}, doi = {10.1111/j.1440-1819.2005.01439.x}, pmid = {16401246}, issn = {1323-1316}, mesh = {Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Alzheimer Disease/*complications/*psychology ; Cognition Disorders/*etiology/*psychology ; Depressive Disorder/psychology ; Female ; Frontal Lobe/physiology ; Humans ; Male ; Memory/physiology ; Memory Disorders/*etiology/*psychology ; Mental Disorders/*etiology/*psychology ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales ; Verbal Behavior ; }, abstract = {Anosognosia is one of the major problems in the treatment and care of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. The aim of the study was to determine the patient characteristics, psychiatric symptoms, and cognitive deficits associated with anosognosia, because these are currently poorly understood. Eighty-four patients who met the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disease and Stroke-Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association criteria for probable AD were examined for anosognosia based on the difference between questionnaire scores of the patient and their caregiver. The relationship of anosognosia with patient characteristics (age, age at onset, duration of illness, education, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), Hyogo Activities of Daily Living Scale (HADLS)), psychiatric symptoms (Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)), and cognitive function (Digit Span, Word Fluency Test, Trail Making Test, Stroop Test, Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices Test) were studied. Anosognosia showed positive correlations with age, age at onset, duration of illness, CDR, HADLS, and NPI disinhibition, and negative correlations with MMSE and GDS. Regarding cognitive function, only Part III of the Stroop Test was a predictor of anosognosia. The severity of anosognosia increased with disease progression and with a later age at onset. Subjective complaints of depression requiring self-monitoring of mood tended to decrease and, in contrast, inhibition of socially unsuitable behavior became more difficult as anosognosia worsened. Regarding cognitive function, anosognosia appeared to be associated with response inhibition impairment. Both disinhibition, as a psychiatric symptom, and response inhibition impairment are known to be correlated with disturbance of orbitofrontal function, which therefore may be associated with anosognosia.}, }
@article {pmid16400058, year = {2006}, author = {Zimmermann, MB and Connolly, K and Bozo, M and Bridson, J and Rohner, F and Grimci, L}, title = {Iodine supplementation improves cognition in iodine-deficient schoolchildren in Albania: a randomized, controlled, double-blind study.}, journal = {The American journal of clinical nutrition}, volume = {83}, number = {1}, pages = {108-114}, doi = {10.1093/ajcn/83.1.108}, pmid = {16400058}, issn = {0002-9165}, mesh = {Albania/epidemiology ; Child ; Cognition/*drug effects ; Dietary Supplements ; Double-Blind Method ; Female ; Goiter/blood/*drug therapy/epidemiology ; Humans ; Iodine/administration &amp; dosage/*deficiency/urine ; Iodized Oil/*administration &amp; dosage ; Male ; Motor Activity/*drug effects ; Prevalence ; Psychometrics ; Thyroid Gland/*diagnostic imaging ; Thyroid Hormones/*blood ; Thyrotropin/blood ; Thyroxine/blood ; Treatment Outcome ; Ultrasonography ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Iodine is required for the production of thyroid hormones, which are necessary for normal brain development and cognition. Although several randomized trials examined the effect of iodine supplementation on cognitive performance in schoolchildren, the results were equivocal.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: We aimed to ascertain whether providing iodized oil to iodine-deficient children would affect their cognitive and motor performance.<br><br>DESIGN: In a double-blind intervention trial, 10-12-y-old children (n = 310) in primary schools in rural southeastern Albania were randomly assigned to receive 400 mg I (as oral iodized oil) or placebo. We measured urinary iodine (UI), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and total thyroxine (TT4) concentrations and thyroid gland volume (by ultrasound). The children were given a battery of 7 cognitive and motor tests, which included measures of information processing, working memory, visual problem solving, visual search, and fine motor skills. Thyroid ultrasound and the biochemical and psychological tests were repeated after 24 wk.<br><br>RESULTS: At baseline, the children's median UI concentration was 43 microg/L; 87% were goitrous, and nearly one-third had low concentrations of circulating TT4. Treatment with iodine markedly improved iodine and thyroid status: at 24 wk, median UI in the treated group was 172 microg/L, mean TT4 was approximately 40% higher, and the prevalence of hypothyroxinemia was < 1%. In the placebo group after the intervention, these variables did not differ significantly from baseline. Compared with placebo, iodine treatment significantly improved performance on 4 of 7 tests: rapid target marking, symbol search, rapid object naming, and Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (P < 0.0001).<br><br>CONCLUSION: Information processing, fine motor skills, and visual problem solving are improved by iodine repletion in moderately iodine-deficient schoolchildren.}, }
@article {pmid16397201, year = {2006}, author = {Dwyer, E}, title = {Psychiatry and race during World War II.}, journal = {Journal of the history of medicine and allied sciences}, volume = {61}, number = {2}, pages = {117-143}, doi = {10.1093/jhmas/jrj035}, pmid = {16397201}, issn = {0022-5045}, mesh = {Black or African American/*psychology ; Combat Disorders/ethnology/*history/therapy ; Health Services Needs and Demand ; History, 20th Century ; Humans ; *Mental Health Services ; Military Personnel/*psychology ; Military Psychiatry/*history ; *Prejudice ; United States ; White People/*psychology ; *World War II ; }, abstract = {Although the American literature on "war neuroses" expanded during World War II, psychiatrists remained more interested in dramatic instances of "combat fatigue" than in the problems of soldiers who broke down far from the field of battle. This bias in the medical literature shaped both diagnosis and treatment. It had an especially powerful effect on African American soldiers who, in the "Jim Crow" army of World War II, were assigned in disproportionate numbers to service units. When military neuropsychiatrists did write about troubled young African Americans, many revealed a racial conservatism that was surprising given the liberal environmentalist paradigm of the day. (Here, a particularly useful source is the two-volume history of Neuropsychiatry in World War II, produced by the Medical Department of the U.S. Army.) The major challenge to such views came from the National Medical Association (NMA). Despite its many criticisms of military medicine, the NMA argued that African American soldiers and veterans needed more, not fewer, psychiatric services. NMA members also joined their white counterparts in the campaign to diminish the stigma of mental illness, especially among the families of soldiers returning home. We need more investigation of the subsequent history of race and psychiatry, especially within the Veterans Administration.}, }
@article {pmid16383072, year = {2005}, author = {Abdel-Khalek, AM}, title = {Reliability and factorial validity of the standard progressive matrices among Kuwaiti children ages 8 to 15 years.}, journal = {Perceptual and motor skills}, volume = {101}, number = {2}, pages = {409-412}, doi = {10.2466/pms.101.2.409-412}, pmid = {16383072}, issn = {0031-5125}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Child ; Cross-Cultural Comparison ; *Developing Countries ; Factor Analysis, Statistical ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests/*standards/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Kuwait ; Language ; Male ; Psychometrics/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Reference Values ; Reproducibility of Results ; }, abstract = {The Raven Standard Progressive Matrices was administered to a sample of 6,529 children in Kuwait ranging in age from 8 to 15 years. Test-retest reliability (N = 968) ranged between .69 and .85, while Cronbach coefficients alpha ranged from .88 to .93, showing from acceptable to good temporal stability and from good to high internal consistency. The loadings of the five sets of matrices on the only salient factor ranged from .73 to .89 indicating the good factorial validity of the scale. The rtest seems useful in the Kuwaiti context.}, }
@article {pmid16356325, year = {2005}, author = {Wheatley, T and Weisberg, J and Beauchamp, MS and Martin, A}, title = {Automatic priming of semantically related words reduces activity in the fusiform gyrus.}, journal = {Journal of cognitive neuroscience}, volume = {17}, number = {12}, pages = {1871-1885}, doi = {10.1162/089892905775008689}, pmid = {16356325}, issn = {0898-929X}, mesh = {Adult ; Cerebrovascular Circulation/physiology ; Cues ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Oxygen Consumption/physiology ; Psycholinguistics ; *Reading ; Semantics ; Temporal Lobe/*physiology ; Touch/*physiology ; }, abstract = {We used rapid, event-related fMRI to identify the neural systems underlying object semantics. During scanning, subjects silently read rapidly presented word pairs (150 msec, SOA = 250 msec) that were either unrelated in meaning (ankle-carrot), semantically related (fork-cup), or identical (crow-crow). Activity in the left posterior region of the fusiform gyrus and left inferior frontal cortex was modulated by word-pair relationship. Semantically related pairs yielded less activity than unrelated pairs, but greater activity than identical pairs, mirroring the pattern of behavioral facilitation as measured by word reading times. These findings provide strong support for the involvement of these areas in the automatic processing of object meaning. In addition, words referring to animate objects produced greater activity in the lateral region of the fusiform gyri, right superior temporal sulcus, and medial region of the occipital lobe relative to manmade, manipulable objects, whereas words referring to manmade, manipulable objects produced greater activity in the left ventral premotor, left anterior cingulate, and bilateral parietal cortices relative to animate objects. These findings are consistent with the dissociation between these areas based on sensory- and motor-related object properties, providing further evidence that conceptual object knowledge is housed, in part, in the same neural systems that subserve perception and action.}, }
@article {pmid16338748, year = {2005}, author = {Ramanathan, MP and Chambers, JA and Taylor, J and Korber, BT and Lee, MD and Nalca, A and Dang, K and Pankhong, P and Attatippaholkun, W and Weiner, DB}, title = {Expression and evolutionary analysis of West Nile virus (Merion strain).}, journal = {Journal of neurovirology}, volume = {11}, number = {6}, pages = {544-556}, pmid = {16338748}, issn = {1355-0284}, mesh = {Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Bird Diseases/virology ; Birds ; Cell Line ; Evolution, Molecular ; *Gene Expression Regulation, Viral ; Humans ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Open Reading Frames ; Phylogeny ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; West Nile Fever/epidemiology/veterinary/*virology ; West Nile virus/*classification/genetics/metabolism ; }, abstract = {The authors report a new strain of West Nile virus (WNV) with the expression analysis of its individual open reading frames. Since its sudden appearance in the summer of 1999 in New York City, the virus has spread rapidly across the continental United States into Canada and Mexico. Besides, its rapid transmission by various vectors, the spread of this virus through organ transplantation, blood transfusion, and mother-child transmission through breast milk is of concern. In order to understand molecular variations of WNV in North America and to generate new tools for understanding WNV biology, a complete clone of WNV has been constructed. Investigations so far have focused only on half of its genes products and a detailed molecular and cell biological aspects on all of WNV gene have yet to be clearly established. The open reading frames of WNV were recovered through an reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-PCR using brain tissue from a dead crow collected in Merion, PA, and cloned into a mammalian expression vector. The deduced amino acid sequences of individual open reading frames were analyzed to determine various structural motifs and functional domains. Expression analysis shows that in neuronal cells, C, NS1, and NS5 proteins are nuclear localized whereas the rest of the antigens are confined to the cytoplasm when they are expressed in the absence of other viral antigens. This is the first report that provides an expression analysis as well as intracellular distribution pattern for all of WNV gene products, cloned from an infected bird. Evolutionary analysis of Merion strain sequences indicates that this strain is distinct phylogenetically from the previously reported WNV strains.}, }
@article {pmid16314590, year = {2005}, author = {Lawlor, DA and O'Callaghan, MJ and Mamun, AA and Williams, GM and Bor, W and Najman, JM}, title = {Socioeconomic position, cognitive function, and clustering of cardiovascular risk factors in adolescence: findings from the Mater University Study of Pregnancy and its outcomes.}, journal = {Psychosomatic medicine}, volume = {67}, number = {6}, pages = {862-868}, doi = {10.1097/01.psy.0000188576.54698.36}, pmid = {16314590}, issn = {1534-7796}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adolescent Behavior/*psychology ; Age Factors ; Child ; Cluster Analysis ; Cognition Disorders/diagnosis/*epidemiology ; Cohort Studies ; Comorbidity ; Coronary Disease/diagnosis/*epidemiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension/epidemiology ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Obesity/epidemiology ; Pregnancy ; *Pregnancy Outcome ; Prevalence ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Smoking/epidemiology ; *Social Class ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to examine the extent of clustering of smoking, high levels of television watching, overweight, and high blood pressure among adolescents and whether this clustering varies by socioeconomic position and cognitive function.<br><br>METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional analysis of 3613 (1742 females) participants of an Australian birth cohort who were examined at age 14.<br><br>RESULTS: Three hundred fifty-three (9.8%) of the participants had co-occurrence of three or four risk factors. Risk factors clustered in these adolescents with a greater number of participants than would be predicted by assumptions of independence having no risk factors and three or four risk factors. The extent of clustering tended to be greater in those from lower-income families and among those with lower cognitive function. The age-adjusted ratio of observed to expected co-occurrence of three or four risk factors was 2.70 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.80-4.06) among those from low-income families and 1.70 (95% CI, 1.34-2.16) among those from more affluent families. The ratio among those with low Raven's scores (nonverbal reasoning) was 2.36 (95% CI, 1.69-3.30) and among those with higher scores was 1.51 (95% CI, 1.19-1.92); similar results for the WRAT 3 score (reading ability) were 2.69 (95% CI, 1.85-3.94) and 1.68 (95% CI, 1.34-2.11). Clustering did not differ by sex.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Among adolescents, coronary heart disease risk factors cluster, and there is some evidence that this clustering is greater among those from families with low income and those who have lower cognitive function.}, }
@article {pmid16300442, year = {2005}, author = {Pravosudov, VV and Lavenex, P and Omanska, A}, title = {Nutritional deficits during early development affect hippocampal structure and spatial memory later in life.}, journal = {Behavioral neuroscience}, volume = {119}, number = {5}, pages = {1368-1374}, doi = {10.1037/0735-7044.119.5.1368}, pmid = {16300442}, issn = {0735-7044}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Animals ; Association Learning/physiology ; Behavior, Animal ; Birds ; Body Mass Index ; Chi-Square Distribution ; Hippocampus/*growth &amp; development/*physiopathology ; Malnutrition/*physiopathology ; Memory/*physiology ; Spatial Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Development rates vary among individuals, often as a result of direct competition for food. Survival of young might depend on their learning abilities, but it remains unclear whether learning abilities are affected by nutrition during development. The authors demonstrated that compared with controls, 1-year-old Western scrub jays (Aphelocoma californica) that experienced nutritional deficits during early posthatching development had smaller hippocampi with fewer neurons and performed worse in a cache recovery task and in a spatial version of an associative learning task. In contrast, performance of nutritionally deprived birds was similar to that of controls in 2 color versions of an associative learning task. These findings suggest that nutritional deficits during early development have long-term consequences for hippocampal structure and spatial memory, which, in turn, are likely to have a strong impact on animals' future fitness.}, }
@article {pmid16226849, year = {2006}, author = {Stephens, DW and McLinn, CM and Stevens, JR}, title = {Effects of temporal clumping and payoff accumulation on impulsiveness and cooperation.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {71}, number = {1}, pages = {29-40}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2005.09.003}, pmid = {16226849}, issn = {0376-6357}, support = {R01-MH64151-01/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Birds ; *Cooperative Behavior ; Impulsive Behavior/*psychology ; *Play and Playthings ; Reward ; Social Behavior ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {Animals show impulsiveness when they prefer a smaller more immediate option, even though a larger more delayed option produces a higher intake rate. This impulsive behavior has implications for several behavioral problems including social cooperation. This paper presents two experiments using captive blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata) that consider the effects of payoff accumulation and temporal clumping on impulsiveness and cooperation. Payoff accumulation refers to a situation where the benefits gained from each choice trial accumulate from one trial to the next, and only become available to the animal after it has completed a fixed number of trials. We hypothesized that this would reduce impulsiveness because it removes the advantage of quickly realizing food gains. Clumping refers to situation in which the animal experiences several choice trials in quick succession followed by a long pause before the next clump. We hypothesized that if payoffs accumulated over a clump of trials this would enhance the effect of accumulation. We tested the effects of accumulation and clumping on impulsiveness in a self-control situation. We found a significant interaction between clumping and accumulation. Payoff accumulation reduced impulsiveness, but only when trials were clumped. Post hoc analyses suggest that clumping alone increases impulsiveness. A second experiment applied these results to cooperation. This experiment reveals an interaction between payoff accumulation and trial's position within the clump. Jays were more likely to cooperate on the first trial of a clump, but the likelihood of cooperation dropped after the first trial. However, this drop was larger when payoffs did not accumulate. This observation suggests that the difference between accumulated and un-accumulated treatments that we reported previously may be largely due to differences in how animals behave in the first trial of a clump.}, }
@article {pmid16222349, year = {2005}, author = {, }, title = {General practitioners' perceptions of barriers to their provision of mental healthcare: a report on Mental Health and General Practice Investigation (MaGPIe).}, journal = {The New Zealand medical journal}, volume = {118}, number = {1222}, pages = {U1654}, pmid = {16222349}, issn = {1175-8716}, mesh = {Adult ; Age Distribution ; *Attitude of Health Personnel ; Confidentiality ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Education, Medical/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Educational Status ; Family Practice/economics/education/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Fees, Medical/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Female ; Health Services Accessibility/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Humans ; Male ; Mental Disorders/*therapy ; Mental Health Services/economics/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Middle Aged ; New Zealand ; Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Professional Practice/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Random Allocation ; Sex Distribution ; *Social Perception ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {AIM: To explore GP attitudes and perceptions of barriers to providing mental healthcare.<br><br>METHODS: The MaGPie study included a cross-sectional survey of a random sample of 78 GPs in the lower part of North Island, New Zealand. GPs completed a questionnaire about aspects of their provision of mental healthcare including consultation fees, perceived barriers to providing mental healthcare, and factors likely to increase detection of mental illness in general practice patients.<br><br>RESULTS: Seventy (90%) GPs completed the questionnaire. GPs reported that consultations with patients with mental health problems took longer and could lead to increased waiting times for other patients. Many GPs subsidised mental health consultations either by not charging for longer consultations or writing-off fees. GPs thought that funded longer consultation times and more training in interviewing techniques would increase recognition of mental health problems in general practice.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Structural aspects of general practice at the time of this survey presented a barrier to the provision of primary mental healthcare. The subsequent establishment of primary health organisations provides potential for improving primary mental healthcare through specific contracts for mental healthcare allowing variation in consultation length and the addition of mental health professionals to the general practice team.}, }
@article {pmid16219995, year = {2006}, author = {Pravosudov, VV and de Kort, SR}, title = {Is the western scrub-jay (Aphelocoma californica) really an underdog among food-caching corvids when it comes to hippocampal volume and food caching propensity?.}, journal = {Brain, behavior and evolution}, volume = {67}, number = {1}, pages = {1-9}, doi = {10.1159/000088855}, pmid = {16219995}, issn = {0006-8977}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Body Weight/physiology ; Brain/anatomy &amp; histology/cytology/physiology ; Crows ; Hippocampus/anatomy &amp; histology/*physiology ; Predatory Behavior/*physiology ; Telencephalon/anatomy &amp; histology/physiology ; }, abstract = {Food caching has been linked to better performance on spatial memory tasks and enlarged hippocampal volume in both birds and mammals. Within food-caching birds, it has also been predicted that species less reliant on stored food should have inferior spatial memory and a smaller hippocampus compared to species that depend heavily on food caches. Several comparisons suggest that North American corvids have a significantly smaller hippocampus and overall brain volume compared to the Eurasian corvid species and that western scrub-jays (Aphelocoma californica) have a smaller hippocampus compared to the more specialized Clark's nutcracker. Here we present the largest data set of scrub-jay brains and, in contrast to previous reports, show that relative to body mass western scrub-jays have a brain size similar to the largest brain size of Eurasian corvids. The relative hippocampal volume of scrub-jays is also among the largest of all investigated corvids. These findings may not be surprising considering that scrub-jays have been reported to have remarkable cognitive capacities such as episodic-like memory and experience projection. Our data suggest that many previously made assumptions about western scrub-jays as less specialized food hoarders might be an oversimplification and that simple categorization of species into specialized and non-specialized hoarders might not provide useful insights into the evolution of memory and the hippocampus.}, }
@article {pmid16210683, year = {2005}, author = {Christopher, S and McCormick, AK and Smith, A and Christopher, JC}, title = {Development of an interviewer training manual for a cervical health project on the Apsáalooke Reservation.}, journal = {Health promotion practice}, volume = {6}, number = {4}, pages = {414-422}, doi = {10.1177/1524839904268521}, pmid = {16210683}, issn = {1524-8399}, mesh = {Female ; Health Promotion/*organization &amp; administration ; Humans ; *Indians, North American ; Inservice Training/*methods ; *Interviews as Topic ; *Manuals as Topic ; Montana ; United States ; *Uterine Cervical Diseases/prevention &amp; control ; }, abstract = {This article describes strategies used to develop a survey interview training manual for use on the Apsáalooke (Crow Indian) Reservation and delineates how this process and product differed from those discussed in the extant literature on survey interview training. Working to ensure cultural appropriateness is especially important due to past research improprieties with Native American populations. This manual was developed as a part of a cervical health intervention program, Messengers for Health. Areas covered include goals of survey research, recruitment and enrollment, manner of the interviewer, nonverbal behavior, beginning the interview, and language use. Limitations of this work and suggestions for conducting survey research with Native American populations are also included.}, }
@article {pmid16205374, year = {2005}, author = {Hoek, J and Thiele, GM and Klassen, LW and Mandrekar, P and Zakhari, S and Cook, RT and Ray, NB and Happel, KI and Kolls, JK and Kovacs, EJ and Szab, G}, title = {RSA 2004: combined basic research satellite symposium-mechanisms of alcohol-mediated organ and tissue damage: inflammation and immunity and alcohol and mitochondrial metabolism: at the crossroads of life and death session one: alcohol, cellular and organ damage.}, journal = {Alcoholism, clinical and experimental research}, volume = {29}, number = {9}, pages = {1735-1743}, doi = {10.1097/01.alc.0000179313.64522.56}, pmid = {16205374}, issn = {0145-6008}, support = {AA-013275/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; AA-014405/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; AA-09598/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; AA12034/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; AA12034-S1/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AA08577/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Antigen Presentation/drug effects ; Burns/immunology ; Cytokines/biosynthesis ; Dendritic Cells/drug effects/physiology ; Ethanol/*toxicity ; Female ; Humans ; Immune System/*drug effects ; Immunity, Innate/*drug effects ; Inflammation/*etiology ; Listeriosis/immunology ; Lung/immunology ; Macrophages/drug effects/immunology ; Male ; Sex Characteristics ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics ; }, abstract = {This article summarizes content proceedings of a satellite meeting held at the 2004 Research Society on Alcoholism Annual Scientific Meeting in Vancouver, Canada. The aim of the satellite conference was to facilitate the interaction of scientists investigating the mechanisms of alcohol-mediated organ or tissue damage, and enable the discussion and sharing of new ideas and concepts that may be common in each of the organs or tissues affected by chronic ethanol consumption. The original planned program on immunity was expanded to incorporate a session on a closely related topic "Alcohol and Mitochondrial Metabolism: At the Crossroads of Life and Death" organized by Dr. Jan Hoek and Dr. Sam Zakhari. The conference was arranged into four sessions: 1) Alcohol, Cellular and Organ Damage 2) Toll-like receptors and Organ Damage 3) Alcohol and Mitochondrial Metabolism: At the Crossroads of Life and Death and 4) Hepatitis virus and alcohol interactions in Immunity and Liver Disease. The keynote address was given by Dr. Bruce Beutler from the Scripps Institute on "TLRs in Inflammation and Immunity."The Combined Basic Research Satellite Symposium entitled, "Mechanisms of Alcohol-Mediated Organ and Tissue Damage: Inflammation and Immunity and Alcohol and Mitochondrial Metabolism: At the Crossroads of Life and Death" was convened at the 2004 Research Society on Alcoholism meeting in Vancouver, BC. Session One featured five speakers who discussed various aspects of the role of the immune system in initiating or exacerbating cellular and organ damage following alcohol consumption. The presentations were (1) Innate Immune responses of Alcohol-exposed mice and macrophage-like cells following infections with Listeria monocytogenes by Robert T. Cook 2) Alcohol, cytokines and host defense by Kyle Happel 3) Decreased antigen presentation and anergy induced by alcohol in myeloid dendritic cells by Pranoti Mandrekar 4) Transcriptional regulation of TNF-alpha in human monocytes by chronic ethanol: role of the cellular redox state by Jay Kolls 5) Estrogen and gender differences in inflammatory responses after alcohol and burn injury by Elizabeth Kovacs. This session highlighted the growing information on the role of pattern recognition molecules in alcohol-mediated tissue damage or dysfunction. The new techniques and ideas presented will be helpful in future studies in this area of research, and should result in some exciting avenues of study.}, }
@article {pmid16202093, year = {2005}, author = {Burg, TM and Gaston, AJ and Winker, K and Friesen, VL}, title = {Rapid divergence and postglacial colonization in western North American Steller's jays (Cyanocitta stelleri).}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {14}, number = {12}, pages = {3745-3755}, doi = {10.1111/j.1365-294X.2005.02710.x}, pmid = {16202093}, issn = {0962-1083}, mesh = {Animals ; Genetic Drift ; *Genetic Variation ; Microsatellite Repeats/genetics ; Northwestern United States ; Passeriformes/*genetics ; Phylogeny ; }, abstract = {Post-Pleistocene avian colonization of deglaciated North America occurred from multiple refugia, including a coastal refugium in the northwest. The location of a Pacific Coastal refugium is controversial; however, multiple lines of evidence suggest that it was located near the Queen Charlotte Islands (also known as Haida Gwaii). The Queen Charlotte Islands contain a disproportionately large number of endemic plants and animals including the Steller's jay Cyanocitta stelleri carlottae. Using five highly variable microsatellite markers, we studied population structure among eight populations of Steller's jay (N = 150) from geographical areas representing three subspecies in western North America: C. s. carlottae, C. s. stelleri and C. s. annectens. Microsatellite analyses revealed genetic differentiation between each of the three subspecies, although more extensive sampling of additional C. s. annectens populations is needed to clarify the level of subspecies differentiation. High levels of population structure were found among C. s. stelleri populations with significant differences in all but two pairwise comparisons. A significant isolation by distance pattern was observed amongst populations in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. In the C. s. carlottae population, there was evidence of reduced genetic variation, higher number of private alleles than northern C. s. stelleri populations and higher levels of divergence between Queen Charlotte Island and other populations. We were unable to reject the hypothesis that the Queen Charlotte Islands served as a refugium during the Pleistocene. Steller's jay may have colonized the Queen Charlotte Islands near the end of the last glaciation or persisted throughout the Pleistocene, and this subspecies may thus represent a glacial relic. The larger number of private alleles, despite reduced genetic variation, morphological distinctiveness and high divergence from other populations suggests that the Queen Charlotte Island colonization pre-dates that of the mainland. Furthermore, our results show rapid divergence in Steller's jay populations on the mainland following the retreat of the ice sheets.}, }
@article {pmid16191755, year = {2005}, author = {Dubroff, JG and Stevens, RT and Hitt, J and Maier, DL and McCasland, JS and Hodge, CJ}, title = {Use-dependent plasticity in barrel cortex: intrinsic signal imaging reveals functional expansion of spared whisker representation into adjacent deprived columns.}, journal = {Somatosensory &amp; motor research}, volume = {22}, number = {1-2}, pages = {25-35}, doi = {10.1080/08990220500084990}, pmid = {16191755}, issn = {0899-0220}, support = {HD044831-01/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; NS31829/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; NS40779/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Brain Mapping/*methods ; Cricetinae ; Denervation ; Female ; Male ; Mesocricetus ; Neuronal Plasticity/*physiology ; Optics and Photonics ; Physical Stimulation ; Somatosensory Cortex/*physiology ; Vibrissae/*innervation/physiology ; }, abstract = {We used optical imaging of intrinsic cortical signals, elicited by whisker stimulation, to define areas of activation in primary sensory cortex of normal hamsters and hamsters subjected to neonatal follicle ablation at postnatal day seven (P7). Follicle ablations were unilateral, and spared either C-row whiskers or the second whisker arc. This study was done to determine if the intrinsic cortical connectivity pattern of the barrel cortex, established during the critical period, affects the process of representational plasticity that follows whisker follicle ablation. Additionally, we tested the ability to monitor such changes in individual cortical whisker representations using intrinsic signal imaging. Stimulation of a single whisker yielded peak activation of a barrel-sized patch in the somatotopically appropriate location in normal cortex. In both row and arc-spared animals, functional representations corresponding to spared follicles were significantly stronger and more oblong than normal. The pattern of activation differed in the row-sparing and arc-sparing groups, in that the expansion was preferentially into deprived, not spared areas. Single whisker stimulation in row-spared cases preferentially activated the corresponding barrel arc, while stimulation of one whisker in arc-spared cases produced elongated activation down the barrel row. Since whisker deflection normally has a net inhibitory effect on neighboring barrels, our data suggest that intracortical inhibition fails to develop normally in deprived cortical columns. Because thalamocortical projections are not affected by follicle ablation after P7, we suggest that the effects we observed are largely cortical, not thalamocortical.}, }
@article {pmid16180624, year = {2005}, author = {Gray, JR and Burgess, GC and Schaefer, A and Yarkoni, T and Larsen, RJ and Braver, TS}, title = {Affective personality differences in neural processing efficiency confirmed using fMRI.}, journal = {Cognitive, affective &amp; behavioral neuroscience}, volume = {5}, number = {2}, pages = {182-190}, pmid = {16180624}, issn = {1530-7026}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Affect/*physiology ; Brain/anatomy &amp; histology/*blood supply/physiology ; Brain Mapping ; Female ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods ; *Individuality ; *Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Oxygen/blood ; Personality/*physiology ; Statistics as Topic ; }, abstract = {To test for a relation between individual differences in personality and neural-processing efficiency, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to assess brain activity within regions associated with cognitive control during a demanding working memory task. Fifty-three participants completed both the self-report behavioral inhibition sensitivity (BIS) and behavioral approach sensitivity (BAS) personality scales and a standard measure of fluid intelligence (Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices). They were then scanned as they performed a three-back working memory task. A mixed blocked/ event-related fMRI design enabled us to identify both sustained and transient neural activity. Higher BAS was negatively related to event-related activity in the dorsal anterior cingulate, the lateral prefrontal cortex, and parietal areas in regions of interest identified in previous work. These relationships were not explained by differences in either behavioral performance or fluid intelligence, consistent with greater neural efficiency. The results reveal the high specificity of the relationships among personality, cognition, and brain activity. The data confirm that affective dimensions of personality are independent of intelligence, yet also suggest that they might be interrelated in subtle ways, because they modulate activity in overlapping brain regions that appear to be critical for task performance.}, }
@article {pmid16178933, year = {2005}, author = {Milner, KM and Craig, EE and Thompson, RJ and Veltman, MW and Thomas, NS and Roberts, S and Bellamy, M and Curran, SR and Sporikou, CM and Bolton, PF}, title = {Prader-Willi syndrome: intellectual abilities and behavioural features by genetic subtype.}, journal = {Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, and allied disciplines}, volume = {46}, number = {10}, pages = {1089-1096}, doi = {10.1111/j.1469-7610.2005.01520.x}, pmid = {16178933}, issn = {0021-9630}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Analysis of Variance ; Autistic Disorder/*genetics/psychology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Chromosome Deletion ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 15/genetics ; Female ; *Genetics, Behavioral ; Humans ; Intelligence/*genetics ; Male ; Matched-Pair Analysis ; Middle Aged ; Prader-Willi Syndrome/classification/*genetics/*psychology ; Single-Blind Method ; Uniparental Disomy ; United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Studies of chromosome 15 abnormality have implicated over-expression of paternally imprinted genes in the 15q11-13 region in the aetiology of autism. To test this hypothesis we compared individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) due to uniparental disomy (UPD--where paternally imprinted genes are over-expressed) to individuals with the 15q11-13 deletion form of the syndrome (where paternally imprinted genes are not over-expressed). We also tested reports that PWS cases due to the larger type I (TI) form of deletion show differences to cases with the smaller type II (TII) deletion.<br><br>METHOD: Ninety-six individuals with PWS were recruited from genetic centres and the PWS association. Forty-nine individuals were confirmed as having maternal UPD of chromosome 15 and were age and sex matched to 47 individuals with a deletion involving 15q11-13 (32 had the shorter (T II) deletion, and 14 had the longer (TI) deletion). Behavioural assessments were carried out blind to genetic status, using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), the Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI), the Autism Screening Questionnaire (ASQ), the Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (CY-BOCS), the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (VABS), and measurements of intellectual ability, including the Wechsler and Mullen Scales and Raven's Matrices.<br><br>RESULTS: UPD cases exhibited significantly more autistic-like impairments in reciprocal social interaction on questionnaire, interview and standardised observational measures. Comparison of TI and TII deletion cases revealed few differences, but ability levels tended to be lower in the TI deletion cases.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Findings from a large study comparing deletion and UPD forms of Prader-Willi syndrome were consistent with other evidence in indicating that paternally imprinted genes in the 15q11-13 region constitute a genetic risk factor for aspects of autistic symptomatology. These genes may therefore play a role in the aetiology of autism. By contrast with another report, there was no clear-cut relationship between the size of the deletion and the form of cognitive and behavioural phenotype.}, }
@article {pmid16160783, year = {2005}, author = {Maul, JD and Smiley, PC and Cooper, CM}, title = {Patterns of avian nest predators and a brood parasite among restored riparian habitats in agricultural watersheds.}, journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment}, volume = {108}, number = {1-3}, pages = {133-150}, pmid = {16160783}, issn = {0167-6369}, mesh = {Agriculture ; Animals ; Arvicolinae ; Biodiversity ; Colubridae ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Environment ; Environmental Monitoring ; Female ; Mice ; Mississippi ; Nesting Behavior ; *Passeriformes ; *Predatory Behavior ; Rats ; Rivers ; Shrews ; Water Supply ; }, abstract = {In fragmented edge-dominated landscapes, nest predation and brood parasitism may reduce avian reproductive success and, ultimately, populations of some passerine species. In the fragmented agroecosystem of northwest Mississippi, placement of drop-pipe structures has been used as a restoration technique for abating gully erosion along stream banks. These actions have formed small herbaceous and woody habitat extensions into former agricultural lands. We quantified species relative abundances, species richness, and evenness of avian nest predators and a brood parasite within four categories of constructed habitat resulting from drop-pipe installation. Differences in the abundance of two nest predators, cotton mouse (Peromyscus gossypinus) and blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata), were observed among constructed habitats. However, relative abundances of other predators such as common grackle (Quiscalus quiscula), American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), and hispid cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus), and the obligate brood parasite brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater) did not differ among four habitat categories. Although species richness, abundance, and evenness of potential nest predators were generally similar among the constructed habitats, predator species composition varied, suggesting that these habitats supported different predator communities. This difference is important because as each predator species is added to or deleted from the community, variation may occur in the framework of prey search methods, predator strategies, and potentially overall predation pressure. We suggest that land managers using drop-pipes as part of stream restoration projects allow for the development of the constructed habitat with the largest area and greatest vegetative structure.}, }
@article {pmid16154324, year = {2005}, author = {Nouveau-Richard, S and Yang, Z and Mac-Mary, S and Li, L and Bastien, P and Tardy, I and Bouillon, C and Humbert, P and de Lacharrière, O}, title = {Skin ageing: a comparison between Chinese and European populations. A pilot study.}, journal = {Journal of dermatological science}, volume = {40}, number = {3}, pages = {187-193}, doi = {10.1016/j.jdermsci.2005.06.006}, pmid = {16154324}, issn = {0923-1811}, mesh = {Adult ; Age Factors ; Asian People/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; China/epidemiology ; Environmental Exposure ; Female ; France/epidemiology ; Humans ; Life Style ; Middle Aged ; Pilot Projects ; Prevalence ; *Skin Aging ; Skin Pigmentation ; Smoking/ethnology ; Sunlight ; White People/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Although limited data are available, it is commonly considered that Europeans and Asians have different skin ageing features.<br><br>OBJECTIVES: The present studies have been carried out to evaluate the influence of age and sun-exposure on the main clinical signs of Asian skin ageing.<br><br>METHODS: One hundred and sixty Chinese and 160 French age-matched women (age range: 20-60 years old) were clinically examined and scored by the same dermatologist. Facial wrinkles (crow's-feet, glabella and perioral wrinkles) and pigmented spots (on face and hands) were assessed in situ and standardized photographs of the face were taken. Lifelong sun-exposure was estimated from answers to a questionnaire. Comparisons were made between 10-year age groups.<br><br>RESULTS: Results show that, for each facial skin area, wrinkle onset is delayed by about 10 years in Chinese women as compared to French women. Facial wrinkling rate over the years is linear in French women and not linear in Chinese women who appear to experience a fast ageing process between age 40 and 50. Pigmented spot intensity is a much more important ageing sign in Chinese women (severe for 30% of women over 40) than in French women (severe for less than 8% of women, irrespective of age).<br><br>CONCLUSION: These first results underline that main skin ageing features (wrinkles, spots) progress differently in the Chinese and French women we have studied. They require to be confirmed on broad multicentre studies involving larger cohorts.}, }
@article {pmid16120107, year = {2005}, author = {Bonanni, E and Maestri, M and Tognoni, G and Fabbrini, M and Nucciarone, B and Manca, ML and Gori, S and Iudice, A and Murri, L}, title = {Daytime sleepiness in mild and moderate Alzheimer's disease and its relationship with cognitive impairment.}, journal = {Journal of sleep research}, volume = {14}, number = {3}, pages = {311-317}, doi = {10.1111/j.1365-2869.2005.00462.x}, pmid = {16120107}, issn = {0962-1105}, mesh = {Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Alzheimer Disease/*epidemiology/*physiopathology ; *Circadian Rhythm ; Cognition Disorders/diagnosis/*epidemiology ; Demography ; Disorders of Excessive Somnolence/diagnosis/*epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polysomnography ; Severity of Illness Index ; }, abstract = {The increased tendency to fall asleep during the daytime together with increased wakefulness during the night has been demonstrated in patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aim of this study was to assess daytime sleep propensity in a cohort of patients with mild/moderate AD and to correlate it with cognitive impairment. Twenty drug-free AD patients meeting the NINCDS-ADRDA criteria for probable AD were evaluated. According to their Clinical Dementia Rating scores, subjects were classified into mild (CDR1; n=11) and moderate (CDR2; n=9) dementia patients. A group of 12 healthy subjects was taken as controls. The subjects were evaluated by the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) after their nocturnal sleep pattern had been assessed by a polysomnographic recording throughout the night before. Both groups of AD patients showed a higher level of daytime sleepiness, which was statistically significant for mean daytime sleep latency (MDSL) (controls versus CDR1 and versus CDR2, CDR1 versus CDR2) and for 10:00 and 12:00 hour naps (controls versus CDR1, controls versus CDR2). In the entire group of AD patients, MDSL was significantly related with MMSE, De Renzi's Token test, verbal fluency, verbal digit span, story recall, Raven's Progressive Matrices, Weigl test and Benton's three-dimensional test. These data indicate that an increased sleep propensity during daytime occurs also in patients with mild/moderate AD detected by objective neurophysiological techniques.}, }
@article {pmid16120103, year = {2005}, author = {Bódizs, R and Kis, T and Lázár, AS and Havrán, L and Rigó, P and Clemens, Z and Halász, P}, title = {Prediction of general mental ability based on neural oscillation measures of sleep.}, journal = {Journal of sleep research}, volume = {14}, number = {3}, pages = {285-292}, doi = {10.1111/j.1365-2869.2005.00472.x}, pmid = {16120103}, issn = {0962-1105}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Cortical Synchronization/*methods ; Electroencephalography ; Eye Movements/physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neurons/*physiology ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Prefrontal Cortex/physiology ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Sleep/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The usual assessment of general mental ability (or intelligence) is based on performance attained in reasoning and problem-solving tasks. Differences in general mental ability have been associated with event-related neural activity patterns of the wakeful working brain or physical, chemical and electrical brain features measured during wakeful resting conditions. Recent evidences suggest that specific sleep electroencephalogram oscillations are related to wakeful cognitive performances. Our aim is to reveal the relationship between non-rapid eye movement sleep-specific oscillations (the slow oscillation, delta activity, slow and fast sleep spindle density, the grouping of slow and fast sleep spindles) and general mental ability assessed by the Raven Progressive Matrices Test (RPMT). The grouping of fast sleep spindles by the cortical slow oscillation in the left frontopolar derivation (Fp1) as well as the density of fast sleep spindles over the right frontal area (Fp2, F4), correlated positively with general mental ability. Data from those selected electrodes that showed the high correlations with general mental ability explained almost 70% of interindividual variance in RPMT scores. Results suggest that individual differences in general mental ability are reflected in fast sleep spindle-related oscillatory activity measured over the frontal cortex.}, }
@article {pmid16097398, year = {2005}, author = {Friborg, O and Barlaug, D and Martinussen, M and Rosenvinge, JH and Hjemdal, O}, title = {Resilience in relation to personality and intelligence.}, journal = {International journal of methods in psychiatric research}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {29-42}, pmid = {16097398}, issn = {1049-8931}, mesh = {*Adaptation, Psychological ; Adult ; Data Collection/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Data Interpretation, Statistical ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Male ; Military Personnel/*psychology ; Norway ; Personality Inventory/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Psychometrics/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Reproducibility of Results ; Self Concept ; Social Adjustment ; Stress, Psychological/complications ; Students/psychology ; Survivors/*psychology ; }, abstract = {Resilience is a construct of increasing interest, but validated scales measuring resilience factors among adults are scarce. Here, a scale named the Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA) was crossvalidated and compared with measures of personality (Big Five/5PFs), cognitive abilities (Raven's Advanced Matrices, Vocabulary, Number series), and social intelligence (TSIS). All measures were given to 482 applicants for the military college. Confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the fit of the five-factor model, measuring 'personal strength', 'social competence', 'structured style', 'family cohesion' and 'social resources'. Using Big Five to discriminate between well adjusted and more vulnerable personality profiles, all resilience factors were positively correlated with the well adjusted personality profile. RSA-personal strength was most associated with 5PFs-emotional stability, RSA-social competence with 5PFs-extroversion and 5PFs-agreeableness, as well as TSIS-social skills, RSA-structured style with 5PFs-conscientiousness. Unexpectedly but interestingly, measures of RSA-family cohesion and RSA-social resources were also related to personality. Furthermore, the RSA was unrelated to cognitive abilities. This study supported the convergent and discriminative validity of the scale, and thus the inference that individuals scoring high on this scale are psychologically healthier, better adjusted, and thus more resilient.}, }
@article {pmid16087417, year = {2005}, author = {Bugnyar, T and Heinrich, B}, title = {Ravens, Corvus corax, differentiate between knowledgeable and ignorant competitors.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {272}, number = {1573}, pages = {1641-1646}, pmid = {16087417}, issn = {0962-8452}, mesh = {Animals ; Competitive Behavior/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Discrimination Learning/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; Memory/physiology ; Observation ; }, abstract = {Human social behaviour is influenced by attributing mental states to others. It is debated whether and to what extent such skills might occur in non-human animals. We here test for the possibility of ravens attributing knowledge about the location of food to potential competitors. In our experiments, we capitalize on the mutually antagonistic interactions that occur in these birds between those individuals that store food versus those that try to pilfer these caches. Since ravens' pilfer success depends on memory of observed caches, we manipulated the view of birds at caching, thereby designing competitors who were either knowledgeable or ignorant of cache location and then tested the responses of both storers and pilferers to those competitors at recovery. We show that ravens modify their cache protection and pilfer tactics not simply in response to the immediate behaviour of competitors, but also in relation to whether or not they previously had the opportunity of observing caching. Our results suggest that the birds not only recall whom they had seen during caching, but also know that obstacles can obstruct the view of others and that this affects pilfering.}, }
@article {pmid16085784, year = {2005}, author = {Bierman, EJ and Comijs, HC and Jonker, C and Beekman, AT}, title = {Effects of anxiety versus depression on cognition in later life.}, journal = {The American journal of geriatric psychiatry : official journal of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry}, volume = {13}, number = {8}, pages = {686-693}, doi = {10.1176/appi.ajgp.13.8.686}, pmid = {16085784}, issn = {1064-7481}, mesh = {Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Alzheimer Disease/*diagnosis/epidemiology/psychology ; Anxiety/*diagnosis/epidemiology/psychology ; Cognition Disorders/*diagnosis/epidemiology/psychology ; Comorbidity ; Depression/*diagnosis/epidemiology/psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Longitudinal Studies ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Netherlands ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Personality Assessment ; Statistics as Topic ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The authors investigated the relationship between anxiety and cognition in older persons, taking account of comorbid depression.<br><br>METHODS: Data were used from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA), a large epidemiological study of 3,107 elderly citizens in The Netherlands. Anxiety and depression were measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety subscale and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale. In measuring cognitive performance, general cognitive functioning was measured by means of Mini-Mental State Exam, episodic memory was measured with the Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT), fluid intelligence by using the RAVEN, and information-processing speed by the coding task. Analysis of variance examined the association between anxiety symptoms and cognition in persons with and without depression.<br><br>RESULTS: Main effects of anxiety symptoms were found for learning and delayed recall of the AVLT. Depression symptoms showed significant main effects on almost all cognitive performance tests. Mild anxiety symptoms were associated with better cognitive performance, whereas severe anxiety symptoms were negatively associated with cognitive functioning. In contrast, depressive symptoms showed a linear association with cognition; more depression was associated with worse cognition.<br><br>CONCLUSION: This study suggests that anxiety has a curvilinear relationship with cognition. Depressive symptoms, however, were always negatively associated with cognitive performance.}, }
@article {pmid16035403, year = {2004}, author = {Burns, JK}, title = {An evolutionary theory of schizophrenia: cortical connectivity, metarepresentation, and the social brain.}, journal = {The Behavioral and brain sciences}, volume = {27}, number = {6}, pages = {831-55; discussion 855-85}, doi = {10.1017/s0140525x04000196}, pmid = {16035403}, issn = {0140-525X}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; Cerebral Cortex/*physiopathology ; Cognition ; Cortical Synchronization ; Electroencephalography ; Humans ; Models, Neurological ; Models, Psychological ; Nerve Net/*physiopathology ; Primates ; Psychological Theory ; Schizophrenia/diagnosis/genetics/*physiopathology ; Selection, Genetic ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Schizophrenia is a worldwide, prevalent disorder with a multifactorial but highly genetic aetiology. A constant prevalence rate in the face of reduced fecundity has caused some to argue that an evolutionary advantage exists in unaffected relatives. Here, I critique this adaptationist approach, and review--and find wanting--Crow's "speciation" hypothesis. In keeping with available biological and psychological evidence, I propose an alternative theory of the origins of this disorder. Schizophrenia is a disorder of the social brain, and it exists as a costly trade-off in the evolution of complex social cognition. Paleoanthropological and comparative primate research suggests that hominids evolved complex cortical interconnectivity (in particular, frontotemporal and frontoparietal circuits) to regulate social cognition and the intellectual demands of group living. I suggest that the ontogenetic mechanism underlying this cerebral adaptation was sequential hypermorphosis and that it rendered the hominid brain vulnerable to genetic and environmental insults. I argue that changes in genes regulating the timing of neurodevelopment occurred prior to the migration of Homo sapiens out of Africa 100,000-150,000 years ago, giving rise to the schizotypal spectrum. While some individuals within this spectrum may have exhibited unusual creativity and iconoclasm, this phenotype was not necessarily adaptive in reproductive terms. However, because the disorder shared a common genetic basis with the evolving circuitry of the social brain, it persisted. Thus schizophrenia emerged as a costly trade-off in the evolution of complex social cognition.}, }
@article {pmid16002068, year = {2006}, author = {Chiba, A and Hosokawa, N}, title = {Effects of androgens and estrogens on crowings and distress callings in male Japanese quail, Coturnix japonica.}, journal = {Hormones and behavior}, volume = {49}, number = {1}, pages = {4-14}, doi = {10.1016/j.yhbeh.2005.05.020}, pmid = {16002068}, issn = {0018-506X}, mesh = {Aggression/drug effects ; Aging/physiology ; Androgens/*pharmacology ; Animals ; Body Weight/drug effects ; Cloaca/drug effects ; Coturnix/*physiology ; Dihydrotestosterone/pharmacology ; Estradiol/analogs &amp; derivatives/pharmacology ; Estrogens/*pharmacology ; Female ; Male ; Organ Size/drug effects ; Sexual Behavior, Animal/*drug effects ; Sexual Maturation/drug effects ; Testis/drug effects ; Testosterone Propionate/pharmacology ; Vocalization, Animal/*drug effects ; }, abstract = {In male Japanese quail, crowing behavior is considered to be strictly androgen-dependent. It was previously shown that in chicks, treatment with either testosterone or 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (5alpha-DHT; a non-aromatizable androgen) induced crowing with motivation for distress calling in acutely isolated conditions. Many studies, however, have shown that the potencies of testosterone and 5alpha-DHT in activating crowing in castrated males are different. To clarify the effects of androgenic and estrogenic actions on the production of crows and distress calls, we injected quail daily from 11 to 42 days after hatching (Day 11 to 42) with testosterone propionate (TP), 5alpha-DHT, estradiol benzoate (EB) or vehicle and examined their calling behaviors both in a recording chamber (acutely isolated conditions) and in their home-cages (well-acclimated conditions). Both TP- and 5alpha-DHT-treated birds began to crow by Day 13 when isolated in the recording chamber. The TP-treated birds, however, crowed less frequently than 5alpha-DHT-treated ones. This, combined with the observations that distress calling was strongly inhibited in EB-treated birds, suggests that estrogen converted from testosterone may inhibit the motivation for distress calling. On the other hand, after chronic treatment of TP, but not of 5alpha-DHT, birds began to crow intensely in their home-cages earlier than vehicle treated controls, suggesting that estrogen is needed to initiate crowing behavior in sexually active males. Taken together, it is suggested that estrogenic actions affect the motivation underlying vocal behaviors, while the androgenic action is indispensable in generating crowing.}, }
@article {pmid15971493, year = {2005}, author = {Gibson, BM and Kamil, AC}, title = {The fine-grained spatial abilities of three seed-caching corvids.}, journal = {Learning &amp; behavior}, volume = {33}, number = {1}, pages = {59-66}, pmid = {15971493}, issn = {1543-4494}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Birds ; Discrimination Learning ; Psychophysics/*methods ; Space Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {We used a psychophysical method to examine the ability of three corvid species to discern fine-grained spatial information. Nutcrackers, pinyon jays, and scrub-jays were required to discriminate the distance between two landmarks on a computer screen in an operant chamber. All three species were able to discriminate between arrays that differed by 20 mm; the discrimination gradients for scrub-jays and pinyon jays were sharper than those for nutcrackers, however. The results suggest that differences in spatial memory among these species are not related to differences in fine-grained perception.}, }
@article {pmid15951861, year = {2005}, author = {Bella, H and Khalil, MS and Al-Almaie, SM and Kurashi, NY and Wahas, S}, title = {The effects of birth interval on intellectual development of Saudi school children in Eastern Saudi Arabia.}, journal = {Saudi medical journal}, volume = {26}, number = {5}, pages = {741-745}, pmid = {15951861}, issn = {0379-5284}, mesh = {Analysis of Variance ; *Birth Intervals ; Child ; Child Welfare ; Contraception Behavior ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Educational Status ; Family Characteristics ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Male ; Mother-Child Relations ; Saudi Arabia ; Urban Population ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effect of birth intervals on some aspects of intellectual ability of Saudi primary school boys.<br><br>METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of Saudi school children comparing their intellectual ability (general intelligence) in relation to the length of the birth interval before and after the birth of the index child. The study area comprised 3 townships in the eastern province; Khobar, Thogba and Dhahran. The study was conducted in 2000/2001 and the study population comprised Saudi primary school boys aged 9-10 years from a middle class background. A 2 stage random sampling technique was adopted. Data were collected using student data sheet, a family questionnaire and the Standard Progressive Raven Matrices Test of intellectual ability, standardized for use in Saudi Arabia. Data were analyzed using SPSS software.<br><br>RESULTS: More than 90% of children born after a birth interval greater than 35 months were classified as average and above according to the Raven Matrices Test, compared to 79% of children born after a birth interval of less than 19 months (p<0.03). Analysis of variance showed that test scores increased consistently as the succeeding birth interval increased. Multivariate analysis showed the most import predicting variables in the Raven Matrices Test to be family income and height.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Longer birth intervals were shown to be associated with higher general intelligence levels in the 9-10 year olds. These results confirm those obtained in a previous study in Singapore conducted more than 2 decades ago. Our results have also shown that the succeeding birth interval is more significant than the preceding interval in relation to perceptive ability of children. The findings enable us to advise parents that by observing a birth interval between 2-3 years would make their children grow and do better at school.}, }
@article {pmid15933313, year = {2005}, author = {West, J and Wright, J and Tuffnell, D and Jankowicz, D and West, R}, title = {Do clinical trials improve quality of care? A comparison of clinical processes and outcomes in patients in a clinical trial and similar patients outside a trial where both groups are managed according to a strict protocol.}, journal = {Quality &amp; safety in health care}, volume = {14}, number = {3}, pages = {175-178}, pmid = {15933313}, issn = {1475-3901}, mesh = {*Clinical Protocols ; Drug Monitoring ; England ; Female ; Humans ; Magnesium Sulfate/pharmacology/*therapeutic use ; Obstetrics ; Patient Participation ; *Patient Selection ; *Practice Guidelines as Topic ; Pre-Eclampsia/*therapy ; Pregnancy ; *Process Assessment, Health Care ; Research Design ; Therapeutic Human Experimentation ; *Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The conventional view that participants in randomised controlled trials sacrifice themselves for the good of future patients is challenged by increasing evidence to suggest that individual patients benefit from participation in trials.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that trial participants receive higher quality care and, as a consequence, have better outcomes than patients receiving guideline driven routine care.<br><br>METHODS: Retrospective comparative study of 408 women with pre-eclampsia all managed according to a strict protocol. Trial participants were 86 women who participated in a multicentre randomised controlled trial of magnesium sulphate for the treatment of pre-eclampsia (Magpie Trial); 322 non-participants formed the control group. Indicators of the process of care and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups.<br><br>RESULTS: Trial participants were significantly more likely to have received daily blood tests (odds ratio (OR) 6.82, 95% CI 1.62 to 28.72) and had their respiration rate measured hourly (OR 3.42, 95% CI 1.69 to 6.92) than control patients. There were no significant differences in other markers of clinical process and no significant difference in clinical outcomes.<br><br>CONCLUSION: This study shows minor differences in process markers and no difference in clinical outcomes between patients in a clinical trial and patients receiving protocol driven care. The benefits of improved clinical care that have previously been associated with being in a trial may be explained by the use of clear clinical protocols. In routine practice, patients may be well advised to insist on treatment as part of a protocol.}, }
@article {pmid19495348, year = {2005}, author = {Sumetsky, M}, title = {Uniform coil optical resonator and waveguide: transmission spectrum, eigenmodes, and dispersion relation.}, journal = {Optics express}, volume = {13}, number = {11}, pages = {4331-4340}, doi = {10.1364/opex.13.004331}, pmid = {19495348}, issn = {1094-4087}, abstract = {The coil optical resonator (COR) is an optical microfiber coil tightly wound on an optical rod. The resonant behavior of this all-pass device is determined by evanescent coupling between the turns of the microfiber. This paper investigates the uniform COR with N turns. Its transmission characteristics are surprisingly different from those of the known types of resonators and of photonic crystal structures. It is found that for certain discrete sequences of propagation constant and interturn coupling, the light is completely trapped by the resonator. For N ? degrees degrees , the COR spectrum experiences a fractal collapse to the points corresponding to the second order zero of the group velocity. For a relatively small coupling between turns, the COR waveguide behavior resembles that of a SCISSOR (side-coupled integrated spaced sequence of resonators), while for larger coupling it resembles that of a CROW (coupled resonator optical waveguide).}, }
@article {pmid15896534, year = {2005}, author = {Yosef, R and Pinshow, B}, title = {Impaling in true shrikes (Laniidae): a behavioral and ontogenetic perspective.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {69}, number = {3}, pages = {363-367}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2005.02.023}, pmid = {15896534}, issn = {0376-6357}, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; Predatory Behavior/*physiology ; Raptors/*physiology ; Sexual Behavior, Animal ; Species Specificity ; Territoriality ; }, abstract = {The impaling of prey is a behavioral trait restricted to the true shrikes (Laniidae). Here, we suggest the ontogeny of this behavior. We believe impaling originated from wedging behavior that occurs among several other groups of birds, including corvids. Accidental impaling during wedging was likely the behavioral precursor of purposeful impaling. Fidelity to impaling sites lead to the creation of caches, which were eventually used by females for male evaluation. Caching allowed males to increase their fitness by using the caches as a display to attract potential mates. Further, caching is used by shrikes to demarcate territories, store food for inclement weather or periods of stress in the breeding cycle, divide labor between the breeding pair, and for "aging" while deterrent chemicals in prey decompose.}, }
@article {pmid15896533, year = {2005}, author = {Izawa, E and Kusayama, T and Watanabe, S}, title = {Foot-use laterality in the Japanese jungle crow (Corvus macrorhynchos).}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {69}, number = {3}, pages = {357-362}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2005.02.001}, pmid = {15896533}, issn = {0376-6357}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior/physiology ; Female ; *Foot ; Functional Laterality/*physiology ; Male ; }, abstract = {Laterality of foot-use behaviour was examined in jungle crows (Corvus macrorhynchos). Consistency of laterality was also verified in comparison with two different behaviours. One was beak-scratching, and another was food-holding. Significant bias of foot-use laterality was found in 11 of 13 tested subjects for beak-scratching and in 10 of 12 tested subjects for food-holding. Bias of foot-use laterality was not common among footed subjects, suggesting no population-level bias. However, a significant number of footed subjects (10 of 12) who were tested in both behaviours showed consistent laterality irrespective of behavioural differences. These results suggest that jungle crows have strong individual-level laterality in foot-use behaviour.}, }
@article {pmid15866326, year = {2005}, author = {Jausovec, N and Jausovec, K}, title = {Differences in induced gamma and upper alpha oscillations in the human brain related to verbal/performance and emotional intelligence.}, journal = {International journal of psychophysiology : official journal of the International Organization of Psychophysiology}, volume = {56}, number = {3}, pages = {223-235}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2004.12.005}, pmid = {15866326}, issn = {0167-8760}, mesh = {Adult ; Algorithms ; *Alpha Rhythm ; Brain/*physiology ; *Electroencephalography ; Emotions/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Language ; Male ; Psychomotor Performance/*physiology ; Sex Characteristics ; Verbal Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Participating in the study were 30 respondents, who could be clustered as high-average verbal/performance intelligent (HIQ/AIQ), or emotionally intelligent (HEIQ/AEIQ). The EEG was recorded while students were performing two tasks: the Raven's advanced progressive matrices (RAPM), and identifying emotions in pictures (IDEM). Significant differences in event-related desynchronization/synchronization (ERD/ERS) related to verbal/performance intelligence were only observed while respondents solved the RAPM. The HIQ and AIQ groups displayed temporal and spatial differently induced gamma band activity. Significant differences in ERD/ERS related to emotional intelligence were only observed for the IDEM task. HEIQ individuals displayed more gamma band ERS and less upper alpha band ERD than did AEIQ individuals. It can be concluded that HIQ and HEIQ individuals employed more adequate strategies for solving the problems at hand. The results further suggest that emotional intelligence and verbal/performance intelligence represent distinct components of the cognitive architecture.}, }
@article {pmid15851662, year = {2005}, author = {Håstad, O and Victorsson, J and Odeen, A}, title = {Differences in color vision make passerines less conspicuous in the eyes of their predators.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {102}, number = {18}, pages = {6391-6394}, pmid = {15851662}, issn = {0027-8424}, mesh = {Adaptation, Physiological ; *Animal Communication ; Animals ; Color Perception/*physiology ; *Environment ; Feathers/*physiology ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Pigmentation/*physiology ; *Selection, Genetic ; Sex Factors ; Species Specificity ; Spectrophotometry ; Sweden ; }, abstract = {Sexual selection often favors brighter and exaggerated traits, which also increase the risk of detection by predators. Signals that are preferentially conspicuous to conspecifics would reduce the predation cost of signaling and, therefore, might facilitate the evolution of stronger sexual and social signals. This selective signaling is possible if predators and prey have differently tuned sensory systems. By using a retinal model to compare reflectance from the plumages of Swedish songbirds to the reflectance of their natural backgrounds, we found their color badges to be significantly more conspicuous to other songbirds (which have a UV-tuned visual system) than to raptors and corvids (which have a violet-tuned system) in both coniferous and deciduous forests, consistent with an adaptive private communication system.}, }
@article {pmid15851508, year = {2005}, author = {Vandevelde, S and Broekaert, E and Schuyten, G and Van Hove, G}, title = {Intellectual abilities and motivation toward substance abuse treatment in drug-involved offenders: a pilot study in the Belgian criminal justice system.}, journal = {International journal of offender therapy and comparative criminology}, volume = {49}, number = {3}, pages = {277-297}, doi = {10.1177/0306624X04270779}, pmid = {15851508}, issn = {0306-624X}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Belgium ; Criminal Law/*legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; Criminal Psychology/legislation &amp; jurisprudence/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Internal-External Control ; Male ; *Motivation ; Patient Acceptance of Health Care/*psychology/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Personality Inventory/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Prisoners/legislation &amp; jurisprudence/*psychology/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Prognosis ; Psychometrics ; Substance-Related Disorders/epidemiology/psychology/*rehabilitation ; Violence/psychology/statistics &amp; numerical data ; }, abstract = {A sample of Belgian drug-involved inmates (N=116) completed the European Addiction Severity Index, the Raven Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM), and the Circumstances, Motivation, and Readiness Scales. The pilot results demonstrate that nearly 50% of the participating drug-involved offenders display low intellectual abilities (SPM score definitely below average). Legal difficulties, drug abuse, and psychological problems are identified as the most severe problem areas for the total group. The participants display low to moderately low scores regarding motivation, readiness, and external reasons to stay in or leave treatment. No to very limited correlations between motivational attributes and other variables such as the length of the prison sentence and the number of violent crimes are found. Participants with high intellectual abilities are less motivated to enter substance abuse treatment compared to their counterparts with average and low intellectual abilities. Implications for treatment are discussed.}, }
@article {pmid15839770, year = {2005}, author = {Clayton, NS and Dally, J and Gilbert, J and Dickinson, A}, title = {Food caching by western scrub-jays (Aphelocoma californica) is sensitive to the conditions at recovery.}, journal = {Journal of experimental psychology. Animal behavior processes}, volume = {31}, number = {2}, pages = {115-124}, doi = {10.1037/0097-7403.31.2.115}, pmid = {15839770}, issn = {0097-7403}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Birds ; *Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Male ; Memory ; Reinforcement, Psychology ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {Western scrub-jays (Aphelocoma californica) cached perishable and nonperishable food items, which they could recover after both short and long retention intervals. When perishable items were always degraded at recovery, jays decreased the number of perishable items cached and increased their caching of nonperishable items, relative to a control group whose caches were always fresh at recovery. Jays reduced the number of nonperishable items cached, however, when highly preferred food items were degraded only after the long retention intervals. The findings are discussed in terms of the role of retrospective and prospective processes in the control of caching.}, }
@article {pmid15831180, year = {2005}, author = {Ripley, K and Yuill, N}, title = {Patterns of language impairment and behaviour in boys excluded from school.}, journal = {The British journal of educational psychology}, volume = {75}, number = {Pt 1}, pages = {37-50}, doi = {10.1348/000709905X27696}, pmid = {15831180}, issn = {0007-0998}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Child ; Child Behavior Disorders/*epidemiology ; Child Language ; Humans ; Language Disorders/diagnosis/*epidemiology ; Language Tests ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Nonverbal Communication ; Student Dropouts/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: High levels of behaviour problems are found in children with language impairments, but less is known about the level and nature of language impairment in children with severe behavioural problems. In particular, previous data suggest that at primary age, receptive impairments are more closely related to behaviour problems, whereas expressive language has a closer link at a later age.<br><br>AIMS: The study assessed expressive and receptive language problems in boys excluded from primary and secondary schools, to investigate the extent of impairment, the pattern of relations between age, receptive and expressive language, and relations with different aspects of behaviour.<br><br>SAMPLE: Nineteen boys (8 - 16 years of age) who had been excluded from school and 19 non-excluded controls matched for age and school participated.<br><br>METHOD: The sample was given assessments of: receptive language from the British Picture Vocabulary Scale (BPVS), and Wechsler Objective Language Dimensions (WOLD); expressive-language evaluations from the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC); auditory working memory evaluations from the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF); verbal reasoning (from the WISC); and non-verbal IQ assessments Raven's matrices. Teachers completed behaviour ratings using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).<br><br>RESULTS: Excluded boys were significantly poorer than controls on expressive measures but similar on receptive language and non-verbal IQ. Boys excluded from primary school were poorer than controls on auditory working memory. Expressive problems were linked with high levels of emotional symptoms.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Many of the excluded boys had previously unidentified language problems, supporting the need for early recognition and assessment of language in boys with behaviour problems. Expressive problems in particular may be a risk factor.}, }
@article {pmid15801583, year = {2004}, author = {Dally, JM and Emery, NJ and Clayton, NS}, title = {Cache protection strategies by western scrub-jays (Aphelocoma californica): hiding food in the shade.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {271 Suppl 6}, number = {Suppl 6}, pages = {S387-90}, pmid = {15801583}, issn = {0962-8452}, support = {MH2602/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; NS35465-05/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; *Light ; Observation ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; *Social Behavior ; Video Recording ; }, abstract = {In the presence of conspecifics, food-caching western scrub-jays (Aphelocoma californica) implement a variety of strategies to reduce the chances of cache theft. This experiment aimed to determine whether the jays could exploit an environmental variable, the level of ambient light, to reduce the transfer of visual information to potential pilferers. Each jay was allowed to cache non-degradable food in two trays, one of which was well lit, whereas the other was in shadow. In some trials the birds cached in private and in others they were observed; however, they always recovered their caches in private. When observed the jays preferentially cached in the shaded tray, whereas both trays were used equally when caching in private. By caching in shaded sites, the quality and transfer of visual information available to the observer may be reduced, thereby making the location of cache sites less certain. These results suggest that western scrub-jays may selectively cache in the shade as a strategy to reduce the chance of cache theft by observing conspecifics.}, }
@article {pmid15778139, year = {2004}, author = {Smith, A and Christopher, S and McCormick, AK}, title = {Development and implementation of a culturally sensitive cervical health survey: a community-based participatory approach.}, journal = {Women &amp; health}, volume = {40}, number = {2}, pages = {67-86}, doi = {10.1300/J013v40n02_05}, pmid = {15778139}, issn = {0363-0242}, mesh = {Adult ; Community Health Planning/*standards ; Community Participation/*methods ; Cultural Characteristics ; Female ; Health Education/*methods ; Humans ; Indians, North American/*psychology ; Mass Screening/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Middle Aged ; Models, Organizational ; Montana ; Program Development ; Program Evaluation ; Social Change ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/*prevention &amp; control/psychology ; Vaginal Smears ; Women's Health Services/*standards ; }, abstract = {Cervical cancer mortality rates are higher for Great Plains Native American women than for Caucasian women and other Native women. Messengers for Health, a project based on the Apsáalooke (Crow Indian) reservation, utilizes a lay health advisor approach to decrease cervical cancer screening barriers, increase knowledge regarding screening and prevention, and increase the proportion of women receiving Pap tests among Apsáalooke women aged 18 and older. This project utilizes a community-based participatory research model, which emphasizes community member involvement in all phases of the project. The initial phase of this project was the development and implementation of a culturally sensitive survey used to guide the program and benefit the community. The process and preliminary results are presented.}, }
@article {pmid15729495, year = {2005}, author = {Rosci, C and Sacco, D and Laiacona, M and Capitani, E}, title = {Interpretation of a complex picture and its sensitivity to frontal damage: a reappraisal.}, journal = {Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology}, volume = {25}, number = {6}, pages = {322-330}, doi = {10.1007/s10072-004-0365-6}, pmid = {15729495}, issn = {1590-1874}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Brain Damage, Chronic/diagnosis/*pathology/psychology ; Female ; Frontal Lobe/*pathology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Neuropsychological Tests/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Photic Stimulation/methods ; Pilot Projects ; *Portraits as Topic ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Trail Making Test/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Verbal Behavior/physiology ; Visual Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {A. R. Luria introduced the interpretation of a meaningful picture as a tool for assessing pre-frontal impairment. We gave this test to 196 normal adults, who were asked to communicate what was happening in the portrayed scene (a boy chases a mouse hidden under a cupboard, while three frightened girls assist). The same subjects were given two other frontal tests (verbal fluency on phonemic cue and Trail Making Test (TMT)) and Raven's Matrices. Twenty-three normal subjects (12%) failed to correctly interpret the picture. We also examined 20 patients whose brain lesion encroached upon pre-frontal areas, in order to check if this version of the test could be easily administered to this type of patient, and if its difficulty level was appropriate for avoiding ceiling and floor effects. Twelve patients were unable to interpret the picture (60%). A similar failure rate was observed with the same subjects on verbal fluency and TMT, while Raven's Matrices were less impaired (35%). Some dissociation was found between Picture Interpretation and the TMT. The Italian version of the Picture Interpretation Test is suitable for the examination of pre-frontal patients.}, }
@article {pmid15694292, year = {2005}, author = {Clayton, N and Emery, N}, title = {Corvid cognition.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {15}, number = {3}, pages = {R80-1}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2005.01.020}, pmid = {15694292}, issn = {0960-9822}, mesh = {Animals ; Cognition/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior/physiology ; Intelligence ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; }, }
@article {pmid15685959, year = {2005}, author = {Fabio, RA}, title = {Dynamic assessment of intelligence is a better reply to adaptive behavior and cognitive plasticity.}, journal = {The Journal of general psychology}, volume = {132}, number = {1}, pages = {41-64}, doi = {10.3200/GENP.132.1.41-66}, pmid = {15685959}, issn = {0022-1309}, mesh = {*Adaptation, Psychological ; Adolescent ; Attention ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cognition/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Male ; Neuronal Plasticity/*physiology ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; }, abstract = {In the present study, the author conducted 3 experiments to examine the dynamic testing of potential intelligence. She investigated the relationship between dynamic measures and other factors such as (a) static measures of intelligence (Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices Test [J. C. Raven, J. H. Court, &amp; J. Raven, 1979] and the D48 [J. D. Black, 1961]) and (b) codifying speed, codifying accuracy, and school performance. The participants were kindergarten children (n = 150), primary school children (n = 287), and teenaged students (n = 198) who were all trained to master problem solving tests with dynamic measures of intelligence. The results showed that dynamic measures predict more accurately the relationships of codifying speed, codifying accuracy, and school performance.}, }
@article {pmid15680688, year = {2005}, author = {Charlier, TD and Ball, GF and Balthazart, J}, title = {Sexual behavior activates the expression of the immediate early genes c-fos and Zenk (egr-1) in catecholaminergic neurons of male Japanese quail.}, journal = {Neuroscience}, volume = {131}, number = {1}, pages = {13-30}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuroscience.2004.09.068}, pmid = {15680688}, issn = {0306-4522}, support = {MH50388/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Catecholamines/*physiology ; Coturnix/*physiology ; DNA-Binding Proteins/*genetics ; Early Growth Response Protein 1 ; *Gene Expression Regulation ; *Genes, fos ; Immediate-Early Proteins/*genetics ; Male ; Neurons/*physiology ; *Sexual Behavior, Animal ; Transcription Factors/*genetics ; }, abstract = {We analyzed the expression of the immediate early genes c-fos and Zenk (egr-1) in the brain of male quail that were gonadally intact (I) or castrated and treated (CX+T) or not (CX) with testosterone and had been exposed for 60 min either to a sexually mature female (F), or to an empty arena (EA) or were left in their home cage (HC). Alternate sections in the brains collected 90 min after the start of behavioral interactions were stained by immunocytochemistry for the proteins FOS or ZENK alone or in association with tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), a marker of catecholaminergic neurons. C-fos and Zenk expression was statistically increased in six brain areas of sexually active birds (I+F, CX+T+F) compared with controls (CX+F, CX+T+EA, CX+T+HC), i.e. the preoptic area, bed nucleus striae terminalis, arcopallium, nucleus intercollicularis, periaqueductal gray and the ventral tegmental area. Interestingly, c-fos and Zenk expression was high in the nucleus intercollicularis, a midbrain vocal control nucleus, of I+F and CX+T+F birds that displayed copulatory behavior but emitted few crows but not in the nucleus intercollicularis of CX+T+EA birds that crowed frequently. Increases in c-fos expression were observed in TH-immunoreactive cells in the periaqueductal gray and ventral tegmental area, but not in the substantia nigra, of I+F and CX+T+F birds indicating the activation of dopaminergic neurons during sexual behavior. Together, these data confirm the implication of the steroid-sensitive preoptic area and bed nucleus striae terminalis in the control of copulation and support the notion that dopamine is involved in its control.}, }
@article {pmid15671224, year = {2005}, author = {Beard, JL and Hendricks, MK and Perez, EM and Murray-Kolb, LE and Berg, A and Vernon-Feagans, L and Irlam, J and Isaacs, W and Sive, A and Tomlinson, M}, title = {Maternal iron deficiency anemia affects postpartum emotions and cognition.}, journal = {The Journal of nutrition}, volume = {135}, number = {2}, pages = {267-272}, doi = {10.1093/jn/135.2.267}, pmid = {15671224}, issn = {0022-3166}, mesh = {Adult ; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency/*psychology ; Ascorbic Acid ; *Cognition ; Demography ; Depression/prevention &amp; control ; Dietary Supplements ; Educational Status ; *Emotions ; Female ; Ferric Compounds ; Humans ; Income ; Placebos ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Complications/*psychology ; Puerperal Disorders/*prevention &amp; control ; South Africa ; Stress, Psychological/*prevention &amp; control ; }, abstract = {The aim of this study was to determine whether iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in mothers alters their maternal cognitive and behavioral performance, the mother-infant interaction, and the infant's development. This article focuses on the relation between IDA and cognition as well as behavioral affect in the young mothers. This prospective, randomized, controlled, intervention trial was conducted in South Africa among 3 groups of mothers: nonanemic controls and anemic mothers receiving either placebo (10 microg folate and 25 mg vitamin C) or daily iron (125 mg FeS0(4), 10 microg folate, 25 mg vitamin C). Mothers of full-term normal birth weight babies were followed from 10 wk to 9 mo postpartum (n = 81). Maternal hematologic and iron status, socioeconomic, cognitive, and emotional status, mother-infant interaction, and the development of the infants were assessed at 10 wk and 9 mo postpartum. Behavioral and cognitive variables at baseline did not differ between iron-deficient anemic mothers and nonanemic mothers. However, iron treatment resulted in a 25% improvement (P < 0.05) in previously iron-deficient mothers' depression and stress scales as well as in the Raven's Progressive Matrices test. Anemic mothers administered placebo did not improve in behavioral measures. Multivariate analysis showed a strong association between iron status variables (hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, and transferrin saturation) and cognitive variables (Digit Symbol) as well as behavioral variables (anxiety, stress, depression). This study demonstrates that there is a strong relation between iron status and depression, stress, and cognitive functioning in poor African mothers during the postpartum period. There are likely ramifications of this poorer "functioning" on mother-child interactions and infant development, but the constraints around this relation will have to be defined in larger studies.}, }
@article {pmid15650729, year = {2005}, author = {Kenward, B and Weir, AA and Rutz, C and Kacelnik, A}, title = {Behavioural ecology: tool manufacture by naive juvenile crows.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {433}, number = {7022}, pages = {121}, doi = {10.1038/433121a}, pmid = {15650729}, issn = {1476-4687}, support = {BB/C517392/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior/physiology ; Female ; Learning/physiology ; Male ; *Manufactured Materials ; }, abstract = {New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides) are the most prolific avian tool-users. Regional variation in the shape of their tools may be the result of cumulative cultural evolution--a phenomenon considered to be a hallmark of human culture. Here we show that hand-raised juvenile New Caledonian crows spontaneously manufacture and use tools, without any contact with adults of their species or any prior demonstration by humans. Our finding is a crucial step towards producing informed models of cultural transmission in this species, and in animals in general.}, }
@article {pmid15639383, year = {2005}, author = {Dahlin, CR and Balda, RP and Slobodchikoff, C}, title = {Food, audience and sex effects on pinyon jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) communication.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {68}, number = {1}, pages = {25-39}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2004.09.003}, pmid = {15639383}, issn = {0376-6357}, mesh = {*Animal Communication ; Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Birds ; Discrimination, Psychological ; Female ; Food ; Male ; Sex Factors ; Social Behavior ; Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {Pinyon jays (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) have a complex social system that may require a complex communication system. They need to interact with multiple flock members, and they form life-long pair-bonds. We researched whether pinyon jays would selectively vocalize depending on the presence or absence of food and certain flock members. We recorded the vocalizations of nine pinyon jays (four pair-bonds and one single male) in response to different audience types. The calls of the test bird were recorded after it was given either an empty food cup or one containing 50 pinyon pine (Pinus edulis) seeds, and the bird was in the presence of one of the following audience types: (1) two males and two females including subject's mate; (2) two males and two females excluding subject's mate; (3) four males excluding mate; (4) three females excluding mate; and (5) no audience. Birds gave fewer calls when there was food. When alone, birds called in a manner that may maximize long-distance transmission. Trends indicate that birds call differently to their mate. A sex effect was also found in that males and females called in a distinct manner, possibly reflecting differences in dominance status. Overall, birds responded to the presence or absence of an audience.}, }
@article {pmid15620818, year = {2005}, author = {Merten, T}, title = {Factor structure of the Hooper Visual Organization Test: a cross-cultural replication and extension.}, journal = {Archives of clinical neuropsychology : the official journal of the National Academy of Neuropsychologists}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, pages = {123-128}, doi = {10.1016/j.acn.2004.03.001}, pmid = {15620818}, issn = {0887-6177}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Attention ; Brain Damage, Chronic/*diagnosis/psychology ; *Cross-Cultural Comparison ; Discrimination Learning ; Female ; Germany ; Humans ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; *Orientation ; *Pattern Recognition, Visual ; Psychometrics/statistics &amp; numerical data ; *Psychomotor Performance ; Reaction Time ; Reproducibility of Results ; *Verbal Learning ; }, abstract = {To investigate construct validity of the Hooper Visual Organization Test (VOT), a principal-axis analysis was performed on the neuropsychological test results of 200 German-speaking neurological patients who received a comprehensive battery, encompassing tests of visuospatial functions, memory, attention, executive functions, naming ability, and vocabulary. A four-factor solution was obtained with substantial loadings of the VOT only on the first factor, interpreted as a global dimension of non-verbal cognitive functions. This factor loaded significantly on numerous measures of visuospatial processing and attention (with particularly high loadings on WAIS-R Block Design, Trails A and B, and Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices). The remaining three factors were interpreted as memory, verbal abilities (vocabulary), and a separate factor of naming abilities.}, }
@article {pmid15620600, year = {2005}, author = {Palma, L and Beja, P and Tavares, PC and Monteiro, LR}, title = {Spatial variation of mercury levels in nesting Bonelli's eagles from Southwest Portugal: effects of diet composition and prey contamination.}, journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)}, volume = {134}, number = {3}, pages = {549-557}, doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2004.05.017}, pmid = {15620600}, issn = {0269-7491}, mesh = {Animals ; Diet ; Environmental Pollutants/*analysis ; Female ; Food Contamination ; Male ; Mercury/*analysis ; Nesting Behavior ; Portugal ; Predatory Behavior ; Raptors/*metabolism ; }, abstract = {Mercury (Hg) was determined in adult Bonelli's eagles (Hieraaetus fasciatus) and their avian prey, from samples of feathers collected between 1992 and 2001 at the nesting sites of 21 pairs in Southwest Portugal. Eagle Hg levels showed great variation, reflecting primarily differences in diet composition and food chain biomagnification. Concentrations were positively correlated with the dietary proportion of insectivorous and omnivorous birds (e.g. egrets, corvids and thrushes), with very low levels for pairs feeding mainly on herbivores (e.g. rabbits, pigeons and partridges). Differences in prey contamination among breeding territories added to dietary effects in determining variation of Hg levels in eagles, shaping a spatial pattern that was largely consistent with a source of contamination in a coal-burning power-plant lying upwind of the study area. Despite this presumed contamination, Hg levels seemed to be of little concern to this eagle population, though there might be subtle deleterious effects on the reproductive output of a few pairs. This study emphasizes the need to account for dietary effects when biomonitoring Hg contamination using birds of prey.}, }
@article {pmid15591194, year = {2004}, author = {Emery, NJ and Clayton, NS}, title = {The mentality of crows: convergent evolution of intelligence in corvids and apes.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {306}, number = {5703}, pages = {1903-1907}, doi = {10.1126/science.1098410}, pmid = {15591194}, issn = {1095-9203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Biological Evolution ; Brain/anatomy &amp; histology/physiology ; *Cognition ; *Crows/anatomy &amp; histology/physiology ; Hominidae/physiology ; Imagination ; *Intelligence ; Memory ; Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Discussions of the evolution of intelligence have focused on monkeys and apes because of their close evolutionary relationship to humans. Other large-brained social animals, such as corvids, also understand their physical and social worlds. Here we review recent studies of tool manufacture, mental time travel, and social cognition in corvids, and suggest that complex cognition depends on a "tool kit" consisting of causal reasoning, flexibility, imagination, and prospection. Because corvids and apes share these cognitive tools, we argue that complex cognitive abilities evolved multiple times in distantly related species with vastly different brain structures in order to solve similar socioecological problems.}, }
@article {pmid15590591, year = {2004}, author = {Lucas, JR and Brodin, A and de Kort, SR and Clayton, NS}, title = {Does hippocampal size correlate with the degree of caching specialization?.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {271}, number = {1556}, pages = {2423-2429}, pmid = {15590591}, issn = {0962-8452}, support = {R01 MH062602-01/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adaptation, Physiological/physiology ; Analysis of Variance ; Animals ; Body Weights and Measures ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Geography ; Hippocampus/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Passeriformes/*anatomy &amp; histology/*physiology ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {A correlation between the degree of specialization for food hoarding and the volume of the hippocampal formation in passerine birds has been accepted for over a decade. The relationship was first demonstrated in family-level comparisons, and subsequently in species comparisons within two families containing a large number of hoarding species, the Corvidae and the Paridae. Recently, this approach has been criticized as invalid and excessively adaptationist. A recent test of the predicted trends with data pooled from previous studies found no evidence for such a correlation in either of these two families. This result has been interpreted as support for the critique. Here we reanalyse the original dataset and also include additional new data on several parid species. Our results show a surprising difference between continents, with North American species possessing significantly smaller hippocampi than Eurasian ones. Controlling for the continent effect makes the hoarding capacity/hippocampal formation correlation clearly significant in both families. We discuss possible reasons for the continent effect.}, }
@article {pmid15589662, year = {2005}, author = {Elliott, JE and Miller, MJ and Wilson, LK}, title = {Assessing breeding potential of peregrine falcons based on chlorinated hydrocarbon concentrations in prey.}, journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)}, volume = {134}, number = {2}, pages = {353-361}, doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2004.08.002}, pmid = {15589662}, issn = {0269-7491}, mesh = {Animals ; Charadriiformes ; Columbidae ; DDT/analysis ; Dichlorodiphenyl Dichloroethylene/analysis ; Eggs/analysis ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects ; Environmental Monitoring/methods ; Environmental Pollutants/*analysis ; Falconiformes/*physiology ; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated/*analysis ; Insecticides/analysis ; Pesticides/analysis ; Predatory Behavior ; Reproduction/*drug effects/physiology ; Risk Assessment/methods ; Songbirds ; }, abstract = {Peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) now breed successfully in most areas of North America from which they were previously extirpated. The loss during the mid-part of the last century of many of the world's peregrine populations was largely a consequence of impaired reproduction caused by the effects of DDE on eggshell quality and embryo hatchability. Population recovery has been attributed to re-introduction efforts, coupled with regulatory restrictions on the use of organochlorine pesticides. Peregrines have not returned to breed in some areas, such as the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia. That region has been extensively planted in fruit orchards which were treated annually with DDT during the early 1950s to the 1970s. Ongoing contamination of avian species, including potential peregrine prey, inhabiting orchards has been documented. In response to an initiative to release peregrines around the city of Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley, we collected potential peregrine prey species and analyzed whole bodies for chlorinated hydrocarbon residues. We used a simple bioaccumulation model to predict concentrations of DDE in peregrine eggs using concentrations in prey and estimates of dietary makeup as input. Peregrines would be expected to breed successfully only if they fed on a diet primarily of doves. Feeding on as little as 10% of other species such as starlings, robins, gulls and magpies would produce DDE concentrations in peregrine eggs greater than the threshold of 15 mg/kg. We also estimated the critical concentration of DDE in total prey to be about 0.5 mg/kg, one half of the previous most conservative criterion for peregrine prey. Concentrations of dieldrin and PCBs in peregrine prey are less than suggested critical levels.}, }
@article {pmid15555498, year = {2004}, author = {Schoech, SJ and Bowman, R and Reynolds, SJ}, title = {Food supplementation and possible mechanisms underlying early breeding in the Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens).}, journal = {Hormones and behavior}, volume = {46}, number = {5}, pages = {565-573}, doi = {10.1016/j.yhbeh.2004.06.005}, pmid = {15555498}, issn = {0018-506X}, mesh = {Animal Feed ; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena ; Animals ; Corticosterone/*blood ; Dietary Proteins/*metabolism ; Dietary Supplements ; *Ecosystem ; Energy Metabolism/physiology ; Estradiol/*blood ; Female ; Florida ; Male ; Reproduction/*physiology ; Rural Population ; Sexual Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Songbirds/*blood ; Testosterone/*blood ; Time Factors ; Urban Population ; }, abstract = {Food supplementation studies demonstrate the importance of resources in the timing of reproduction. Studies of Florida Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) found that supplemented jays bred earlier than unsupplemented jays and that protein may play a critical role. In this study, free-living scrub-jays were provided with supplemental diets high in fat and protein (HFHP) or high in fat and low in protein (HFLP). Jays in both treatments bred earlier than unsupplemented controls (CNT), but HFHP-supplemented jays bred earlier than HFLP jays. To assess possible mechanisms, we measured testosterone (T) in males, estradiol (E2) in females, and corticosterone (CORT) in both. HFHP males had higher T than HFLP and CNT males, but treatment did not affect E2 levels of females. Pilot studies of scrub-jays in suburban environments suggest that the spatial and temporal predictability of food may influence corticosterone (CORT) levels. Suburban jays have year-round access to human-provided foods and breed earlier than wildland jays; thus, we compared CORT in all treatments in the natural site (wildlands) with those of suburban jays. CORT levels of suburban jays were lower than HFLP, HFHP, and CNT jays. HFHP-supplemented jays had lower CORT levels than those of HFLP and CNT jays. The observed differences in the timing of breeding, both between suburban and wildland populations and between experimental groups in the wildlands, may result from differences in the spatial and temporal predictability of food, and the nutritional differences in diets. Because CORT can negatively affect the reproductive axis, we postulate that nutrient availability, the predictability of food, CORT levels, and initiation of reproduction are inextricably linked.}, }
@article {pmid15533553, year = {2004}, author = {Storms, G and Saerens, J and De Deyn, PP}, title = {Normative data for the Boston Naming Test in native Dutch-speaking Belgian children and the relation with intelligence.}, journal = {Brain and language}, volume = {91}, number = {3}, pages = {274-281}, doi = {10.1016/j.bandl.2004.03.005}, pmid = {15533553}, issn = {0093-934X}, mesh = {Belgium ; Child ; Culture ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; *Language ; Language Disorders/*diagnosis ; *Language Tests ; Male ; North America ; Semantics ; }, abstract = {This paper reports the results of a normative study of the 60-item version of the Boston Naming Test (BNT) in a group of 371 native Dutch-speaking Flemish children between the ages of 6 and 12 years. Analysis of test results revealed that BNT performance was significantly affected by age and gender. The gathered norms were shown to be significantly lower than published norms for comparable North-American children. Error analysis disclosed remarkable similarities with data from elderly subjects, with verbal semantic paraphasias and 'don't know' responses occurring most frequently. Finally, BNT scores were shown to correlate strongly with general intelligence as measured with the Raven Progressive Matrices. The relation between both measures can be of help in the diagnosis of identification naming deficits and impaired word-retrieval capacities.}, }
@article {pmid15528866, year = {2004}, author = {Aruji, Y and Tamura, K and Sugita, S and Adachi, Y}, title = {Intestinal microflora in 45 crows in Ueno Zoo and the in vitro susceptibilities of 29 Escherichia coli isolates to 14 antimicrobial agents.}, journal = {The Journal of veterinary medical science}, volume = {66}, number = {10}, pages = {1283-1286}, doi = {10.1292/jvms.66.1283}, pmid = {15528866}, issn = {0916-7250}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Zoo/*microbiology ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/*pharmacology ; Crows/*microbiology ; Drug Resistance, Microbial/*physiology ; Escherichia coli/*drug effects/physiology ; Intestines/*microbiology ; Japan ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; }, abstract = {Microorganisms from 45 jungle crows (Corvus macrorhynchos) captured from July to December 2002 at Ueno Zoo, Tokyo were identified as Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter agglomerans, Pseudomonas maltophila, Staphylococcus spp., Micrococcus spp., and Streptococcus spp. E. coli showed the highest rate of isolation (21.6%). In an in vitro susceptibility test for 29 isolates of E. coli to 14 antimicrobial agents, all the isolates were resistant to penicillin G, vancomycin, erythromycin, lincomycin, bicozamycin, sulfadimethoxine, and olaquindox. Several isolates of them were also resistant to tetracycline, oxytetracycline, streptomycin, chloramphenicol, and ampicillin. Twenty-nine isolates were divided into 19 serogroups and the most frequently identified serogroups were O8, O114 and O144, which showed the same multidrug-resistant patterns.}, }
@article {pmid15504013, year = {2004}, author = {Weir, AA and Kenward, B and Chappell, J and Kacelnik, A}, title = {Lateralization of tool use in New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides).}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {271 Suppl 5}, number = {Suppl 5}, pages = {S344-6}, pmid = {15504013}, issn = {0962-8452}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior ; *Functional Laterality ; Motor Skills/*physiology ; New Caledonia ; Plant Stems ; Video Recording ; }, abstract = {We studied laterality of tool use in 10 captive New Caledonian (NC) crows (Corvus moneduloides). All subjects showed near-exclusive individual laterality, but there was no overall bias in either direction (five were left-lateralized and five were right-lateralized). This is consistent with results in non-human primates, which show strong individual lateralization for tool use (but not for other activities), and also with observations of four wild NC crows by Rutledge &amp; Hunt. Jointly, these results contrast with observations that the crows have a population-level bias for manufacturing tools from the left edges of Pandanus sp. leaves, and suggest that the manufacture and use of tools in this species may have different neural underpinnings.}, }
@article {pmid15481673, year = {2004}, author = {Alfonso-Sánchez, MA and Calderón, R and Peña, JA}, title = {Opportunity for natural selection in a Basque population and its secular trend: evolutionary implications of epidemic mortality.}, journal = {Human biology}, volume = {76}, number = {3}, pages = {361-381}, pmid = {15481673}, issn = {0018-7143}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Birth Rate ; Cholera/epidemiology/*mortality ; *Disease Outbreaks ; Female ; Fertility ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Mortality ; *Population Dynamics ; Registries/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Rural Population ; *Selection, Genetic ; Spain/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {Analysis of the interaction between mortality patterns and opportunity for natural selection could help to elucidate potential evolutionary implications of epidemic mortality. In this paper secular trends are studied in relation to Crow's index (It) and its components of mortality (Im) and fertility (If), using parish records for family reconstitution in a Basque population. A principal components analysis (91% of the variance accounted for) showed marked quantitative and qualitative variations of Im and If depending on the stage of demographic transition of the population analyzed: In pretransitional societies the opportunity for natural selection is determined mainly by differential prereproductive mortality, whereas in posttransitional societies selection resulting from differential fertility plays a key role. The highest values for the mortality component (range 0.81-1.26) and for the relative contribution of Im, to It (range 47.1-57.2%) were observed in periods with a high incidence of infectious diseases and when the most severe mortality crises were detected (1830-1859, 1860-1889, and 1890-1919). A differential incidence of epidemic mortality was also found at prereproductive ages (before 16 years) and at reproductive ages (16-45 years), which provides strong support for the idea of the long-term genetic consequences of mortality crises.}, }
@article {pmid15478751, year = {2004}, author = {Oaksford, M and Moussakowski, M}, title = {Negations and natural sampling in data selection: ecological versus heuristic explanations of matching bias.}, journal = {Memory &amp; cognition}, volume = {32}, number = {4}, pages = {570-581}, pmid = {15478751}, issn = {0090-502X}, mesh = {Bias ; *Choice Behavior ; *Cognition ; Decision Making ; *Ecology ; Humans ; *Judgment ; Probability ; Psychology/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Reaction Time ; }, abstract = {Matching bias occurs when people ignore negations when testing a hypothesis--for example, if A, then not 2--and select possible data types that are named in the hypothesis (i.e., A and 2; Evans &amp; Lynch, 1973). There are two explanations of this bias: the heuristic account and the contrast class account. The latter is part of Oaksford and Chater's (1994) ecological approach to data selection. On this account, a contrast set (i.e., birds that are not ravens) has a higher probability than the original set (i.e., birds that are ravens). This article reports two experiments in which these accounts make divergent predictions. The same materials were used as those in Yama (2001), who found more support for the heuristic approach. Experiment 1 replicated Yama with Western participants. Experiment 2 used a procedure introduced by Oaksford and Wakefield (2003). Rather than present participants with one of each of the four possible data types all at once, 50 were presented one at a time. The proportions of each data type reflected the relevant probabilities. The results supported the ecological approach, showing that people constructed contrast sets that strongly influenced their data selection behavior. The results were not consistent with the heuristic approach.}, }
@article {pmid15467290, year = {2005}, author = {Iwaniuk, AN and Dean, KM and Nelson, JE}, title = {Interspecific allometry of the brain and brain regions in parrots (psittaciformes): comparisons with other birds and primates.}, journal = {Brain, behavior and evolution}, volume = {65}, number = {1}, pages = {40-59}, doi = {10.1159/000081110}, pmid = {15467290}, issn = {0006-8977}, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Birds/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Brain/*anatomy &amp; histology/physiology ; *Brain Mapping ; Organ Size ; Parrots/anatomy &amp; histology ; Primates/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Psittaciformes/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Despite significant progress in understanding the evolution of the mammalian brain, relatively little is known of the patterns of evolutionary change in the avian brain. In particular, statements regarding which avian taxa have relatively larger brains and brain regions are based on small sample sizes and statistical analyses are generally lacking. We tested whether psittaciforms (parrots, cockatoos and lorikeets) have larger brains and forebrains than other birds using both conventional and phylogenetically based methods. In addition, we compared the psittaciforms to primates to determine if cognitive similarities between the two groups were reflected by similarities in brain and telencephalic volumes. Overall, psittaciforms have relatively larger brains and telencephala than most other non-passerine orders. No significant difference in relative brain or telencephalic volume was detected between psittaciforms and passerines. Comparisons of other brain region sizes between psittaciforms and other birds, however, exhibited conflicting results depending upon whether body mass or a brain volume remainder (total brain volume - brain region volume) was used as a scaling variable. When compared to primates, psittaciforms possessed similar relative brain and telencephalic volumes. The only exception to this was that in some analyses psittaciforms had significantly larger telencephala than primates of similar brain volume. The results therefore provide empirical evidence for previous claims that psittaciforms possess relatively large brains and telencephala. Despite the variability in the results, it is clear that psittaciforms tend to possess large brains and telencephala relative to non-passerines and are similar to primates in this regard. Although it could be suggested that this reflects the advanced cognitive abilities of psittaciforms, similar studies performed in corvids and other avian taxa will be required before this claim can be made with any certainty.}, }
@article {pmid15459452, year = {2004}, author = {Sugiyama, A and Inoue-Murayama, M and Miwa, M and Ohashi, R and Kayang, BB and Mizutani, M and Nirasawa, K and Odai, M and Minezawa, M and Watanabe, S and Ito, S}, title = {Polymorphism of dopamine receptor D4 exon I corresponding region in chicken.}, journal = {Zoological science}, volume = {21}, number = {9}, pages = {941-946}, doi = {10.2108/zsj.21.941}, pmid = {15459452}, issn = {0289-0003}, mesh = {Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Birds/genetics ; Breeding/methods ; Chickens/*genetics ; Exons/*genetics ; Gene Amplification ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Humans ; Molecular Sequence Data ; *Polymorphism, Genetic ; Receptors, Dopamine D2/*genetics ; Receptors, Dopamine D4 ; Selection, Genetic ; }, abstract = {In stockbreeding, there are indications that behavioral traits of livestock have an effect on breeding and production. If the variation in individual behavior is related to that in neurotransmitter-related genes such as in humans, it would be possible to breed pedigrees composed of individuals having behavioral traits that are useful to production and breeding using selection based on genotypes. In this study, we investigated the exon I region of dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4), in which variation is related to psychiatric disorder in humans, in major poultry species namely Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica), chicken (Gallus gallus), ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) and helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagris). Furthermore, we investigated Japanese cormorant (Phalacrocorax capillatus) and Japanese jungle crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) as an out-group. In these species of birds, the repeat of proline was identified in the region corresponding to the human polymorphic region. The repeat number was 9 in Japanese quail, ring-necked pheasant and Japanese cormorant; 12 in helmeted guinea fowl; and 3 in Japanese jungle crow. However, no polymorphism was found in these species. In contrast, polymorphism was observed in chicken and two alleles with 8 and 9 repeats were identified. Although 9 repeats (allele 9) were predominant in most chicken breeds, Black Minorca had only 8 repeats (allele 8). Intra-breed polymorphism was found in 6 out of 12 breeds, and two alleles (alleles 8 and 9) were detected in these breeds. This polymorphism, which is the first to be reported on a neurotransmitter-related gene in birds, would contribute significant information for elucidation of differences in behavioral traits in chicken breeds.}, }
@article {pmid15375691, year = {2004}, author = {Hobson, KA and Bowen, GJ and Wassenaar, LI and Ferrand, Y and Lormee, H}, title = {Using stable hydrogen and oxygen isotope measurements of feathers to infer geographical origins of migrating European birds.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {141}, number = {3}, pages = {477-488}, pmid = {15375691}, issn = {0029-8549}, mesh = {Animals ; *Birds ; Europe ; Feathers/*chemistry ; Female ; Hydrogen/analysis ; Male ; *Movement ; Oxygen Isotopes/analysis ; Population Dynamics ; Seasons ; }, abstract = {Successful application of stable-hydrogen isotope measurements (deltaDf) of feathers to track origins of migratory birds and other wildlife requires a fundamental understanding of the correlation between deltaDf and deuterium patterns in rainfall (deltaDp) over continental scales. A strong correlation between deltaDp and deltaDf has been confirmed for birds and insects in North America, but not yet for other continents. Here, we compare deltaDf data from resident European birds to new deltaDp basemaps for Europe. Three maps, representing growing-season and mean annual deltaDp estimates from an elevation-explicit, detrended interpolation model and growing-season deltaDp estimates from simple Kriging, all indicate that strong isotope gradients occur across Europe with a general depletion occurring in a northeast direction. The feather data, representing 141 individuals of 25 avian species from 38 sites, ranged from -131 to -38 per thousand. Regression analysis showed that strong correlations existed between both mean annual and growing-season deltaDp estimated by detrended interpolation and deltaDf of non-aquatic and non-corvid birds (r2=0.66 and 0.65, respectively). We also examined mean annual and growing-season delta18Op vs. delta18Of for our samples. Both oxygen regressions were similar (r2=0.56 and 0.57, respectively) but poorer than for deuterium. Our study reveals that deltaD measurements of feathers from migratory birds in Europe may be used to track their origin and movements, and so provide a powerful investigative tool for avian migration research in Europe.}, }
@article {pmid15327911, year = {2004}, author = {Marx, G and Jurkevich, A and Grossmann, R}, title = {Effects of estrogens during embryonal development on crowing in the domestic fowl.}, journal = {Physiology &amp; behavior}, volume = {82}, number = {4}, pages = {637-645}, doi = {10.1016/j.physbeh.2004.05.010}, pmid = {15327911}, issn = {0031-9384}, mesh = {Androgens/blood ; Animals ; Aromatase/metabolism ; Chick Embryo ; Chickens/*physiology ; Energy Metabolism/drug effects/physiology ; Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology ; Estradiol/biosynthesis/pharmacology ; Estrogen Antagonists/pharmacology ; Estrogens/*pharmacology ; Fadrozole/pharmacology ; Female ; Male ; Sex Characteristics ; Vocalization, Animal/*drug effects ; }, abstract = {In the domestic fowl, crowing is typically a male-specific vocal behavior while the females normally do not crow. These sex differences in vocalization may result from organizational actions of estrogens during specific periods of embryonic development. To further investigate the role of estrogens in differentiation of crowing and development of the acoustic characteristics of crow calls, male domestic fowls were treated on Incubation Day 8 with estradiol benzoate (EB) or either oil or saline vehicles. On the same incubation day, the female fowls were treated with an aromatase inhibitor, fadrozole, or saline vehicle. An adulthood vocalization of cocks and hens was recorded during corresponding tests of sexual behavior. The exposure to EB or fadrozole had no effect on sexual differentiation of the gonads and all fadrozole-treated hens laid eggs at a rate similar to the control hens that received saline. While the levels of plasma testosterone at adulthood did not differ in treated and untreated cocks, the incidence of crowing rate was significantly lower in cocks that were exposed to estradiol. Acoustic analysis revealed a considerable reduction in duration and acoustic energy of calls while the main frequency characteristics were not changed. Four out of the seven tested fadrozole-treated hens demonstrated regularly crow-like vocalization with shorter duration and lower energy of calls in comparison to crows of the control males. These findings point out to a role for estradiol in organization of crowing behavior and a specific temporal pattern of the crowing call.}, }
@article {pmid15321842, year = {2004}, author = {Bar Joseph, N and Reisfeld, D and Tirosh, E and Silman, Z and Rennert, G}, title = {Neurobehavioral and cognitive performances of children exposed to low-dose radiation in the Chernobyl accident: the Israeli Chernobyl Health Effects Study.}, journal = {American journal of epidemiology}, volume = {160}, number = {5}, pages = {453-459}, doi = {10.1093/aje/kwh231}, pmid = {15321842}, issn = {0002-9262}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/epidemiology/*etiology ; Child ; Child Behavior/radiation effects ; Child, Preschool ; Cognition/*radiation effects ; Educational Status ; Embryonic and Fetal Development/radiation effects ; Epidemiologic Methods ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Israel/epidemiology ; Male ; Psychomotor Disorders/epidemiology/*etiology ; *Radioactive Hazard Release ; Ukraine/ethnology ; }, abstract = {Exposure to low levels of ionizing radiation after the Chernobyl accident in the Ukraine could potentially have influenced the neurobehavioral and cognitive performances of exposed children. A cohort study of adolescents who were children at the time of the accident and who subsequently emigrated to Israel was conducted in 1998-2001. A total of 1,629 children (59% of all 2,769 invited) were included in the study (41% from higher contamination areas, 25% from lower contamination areas, 34% from noncontaminated areas). Mean scores of the Raven Standard Progressive Matrices Test were highest in children in all exposure groups whose parents had a high level of education. No overall relation was found between the cognitive function scores of the child and his/her putative radiation exposure level. Conners' test T scores did not differ significantly by level of exposure. Mothers of all exposure groups who were pregnant at the time of the accident gave their children significantly higher Conners' test scores than did those who were not pregnant. Scores for hyperactivity and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder were significantly higher among those who were in utero at the time of the accident. These results do not show differences of neurobehavioral or cognitive performance in exposed versus nonexposed children. There is a possible behavioral effect among offspring of pregnant mothers or mothers of very young children in all exposure levels.}, }
@article {pmid15315684, year = {2004}, author = {Bhagabati, NK and Brown, JL and Bowen, BS}, title = {Geographic variation in Mexican jays (Aphelocoma ultramarina): local differentiation, polyphyly or hybridization?.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {13}, number = {9}, pages = {2721-2734}, doi = {10.1111/j.1365-294X.2004.02290.x}, pmid = {15315684}, issn = {0962-1083}, mesh = {Animals ; Base Sequence ; Beak/growth &amp; development ; Body Constitution ; Cluster Analysis ; DNA Primers ; Gene Frequency ; *Genetic Variation ; Geography ; *Hybridization, Genetic ; Locus Control Region/genetics ; Mexico ; Microsatellite Repeats/genetics ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Ovum/physiology ; *Phylogeny ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Social Behavior ; Songbirds/*genetics ; Species Specificity ; Vocalization, Animal/physiology ; }, abstract = {Studies of genetic variation within highly variable taxa can provide valuable insight into the factors influencing biological diversification. We examined six microsatellite loci, a nuclear intron and the mitochondrial control region to determine if the Mexican jay subspecies Aphelocoma ultramarina couchii and A. u. potosina have hybridized with western scrub-jays (A. californica). We suspected hybridization because these Mexican Jay populations resemble scrub-jays in several traits. We sampled six Mexican jay (N = 105) and four scrub-jay (N = 78) populations. Suspected hybrid Mexican Jay populations did not share any mitochondrial types or intron alleles with scrub-jays. All microsatellite alleles found in the suspected hybrid Mexican jay populations are also found in the control Mexican jay populations. Genetic distance-based trees from microsatellites supported reciprocal monophyly of Mexican jays and scrub-jays with bootstrap support > 80%. We randomized genotypes among populations to test scenarios consistent with hybridization. In some areas where Mexican jays and scrub-jays occur in sympatry or geographical proximity, randomization tests yield results expected under hybridization (100% support for seven of nine scenarios). However, these populations were not the primary candidates for hybridization based on phenotype. Even if low-level hybridization did occur, hybridization does not appear to be the main reason some Mexican jay populations resemble scrub-jays more than others. The scrub-jay-like traits in these populations may be due to drift, adaptation or plasticity. Alternatively, ancient hybridization, followed by selection for scrub-jay like traits in some Mexican jay populations, might have given rise to the observed variation.}, }
@article {pmid15310336, year = {2004}, author = {Gokulshankar, S and Ranganathan, S and Ranjith, MS and Ranjithsingh, AJ}, title = {Prevalence, serotypes and mating patterns of Cryptococcus neoformans in the pellets of different avifauna in Madras, India.}, journal = {Mycoses}, volume = {47}, number = {7}, pages = {310-314}, doi = {10.1111/j.1439-0507.2004.00995.x}, pmid = {15310336}, issn = {0933-7407}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/*epidemiology/microbiology ; Birds/classification/microbiology ; Columbidae/microbiology ; Cryptococcosis/epidemiology/microbiology/*veterinary ; Cryptococcus neoformans/*classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Feces/*microbiology ; India/epidemiology ; Prevalence ; Serotyping ; Songbirds/microbiology ; }, abstract = {A total of 887 pellets of different avifauna were screened for the presence of Cryptococcus neoformans. One hundred and six of 887 samples (12%) yielded Cr. neoformans in culture. The report on the isolation of Cr. neoformans from the pellets of the crow appears to be new and of greater significance because of the ubiquitous prevalence of this bird in India. The prevalence of both MAT a and MAT alpha mating types were recorded. The serotype D was predominant over serotype A. The findings of the present study reveal the growing diverse ecological niche of Cr. neoformans in a the pellets of various avifauna in India.}, }
@article {pmid15306809, year = {2004}, author = {Paz-Y-Miño C, G and Bond, AB and Kamil, AC and Balda, RP}, title = {Pinyon jays use transitive inference to predict social dominance.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {430}, number = {7001}, pages = {778-781}, doi = {10.1038/nature02723}, pmid = {15306809}, issn = {1476-4687}, mesh = {Animals ; Cognition/*physiology ; Group Structure ; Male ; *Social Dominance ; Songbirds/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Living in large, stable social groups is often considered to favour the evolution of enhanced cognitive abilities, such as recognizing group members, tracking their social status and inferring relationships among them. An individual's place in the social order can be learned through direct interactions with others, but conflicts can be time-consuming and even injurious. Because the number of possible pairwise interactions increases rapidly with group size, members of large social groups will benefit if they can make judgments about relationships on the basis of indirect evidence. Transitive reasoning should therefore be particularly important for social individuals, allowing assessment of relationships from observations of interactions among others. Although a variety of studies have suggested that transitive inference may be used in social settings, the phenomenon has not been demonstrated under controlled conditions in animals. Here we show that highly social pinyon jays (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) draw sophisticated inferences about their own dominance status relative to that of strangers that they have observed interacting with known individuals. These results directly demonstrate that animals use transitive inference in social settings and imply that such cognitive capabilities are widespread among social species.}, }
@article {pmid15306330, year = {2004}, author = {Bugnyar, T and Stöwe, M and Heinrich, B}, title = {Ravens, Corvus corax, follow gaze direction of humans around obstacles.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {271}, number = {1546}, pages = {1331-1336}, pmid = {15306330}, issn = {0962-8452}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Animals ; Attention/*physiology ; *Eye Movements ; Orientation/*physiology ; Songbirds/*physiology ; Statistics, Nonparametric ; Videotape Recording ; Visual Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The ability to follow gaze (i.e. head and eye direction) has recently been shown for social mammals, particularly primates. In most studies, individuals could use gaze direction as a behavioural cue without understanding that the view of others may be different from their own. Here, we show that hand-raised ravens not only visually co-orient with the look-ups of a human experimenter but also reposition themselves to follow the experimenter's gaze around a visual barrier. Birds were capable of visual co-orientation already as fledglings but consistently tracked gaze direction behind obstacles not before six months of age. These results raise the possibility that sub-adult and adult ravens can project a line of sight for the other person into the distance. To what extent ravens may attribute mental significance to the visual behaviour of others is discussed.}, }
@article {pmid15291199, year = {2004}, author = {Shaunessy, E and Karnes, FA and Cobb, Y}, title = {Assessing potentially gifted students from lower socioeconomic status with nonverbal measures of intelligence.}, journal = {Perceptual and motor skills}, volume = {98}, number = {3 Pt 2}, pages = {1129-1138}, doi = {10.2466/pms.98.3c.1129-1138}, pmid = {15291199}, issn = {0031-5125}, mesh = {Child ; *Child, Gifted ; Culture ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; *Nonverbal Communication ; Socioeconomic Factors ; *Students ; }, abstract = {The screening and identification of gifted students has historically been conducted using verbal measures of intelligence. However, the underrepresentation in gifted programs of culturally diverse children, who may have limited English proficiency or cultural values different from those measured in traditional intelligence tests, has prompted researchers to consider other measures. Nonverbal measures of intelligence have been utilized to increase the number of gifted children from diverse backgrounds. Researchers in the current study sought to increase the number of culturally diverse gifted students at a rural public school enrolling predominantly African-American students from low socioeconomic homes. 169 students in Grades 2 through 6 were assessed using three nonverbal measures of intelligence: the Culture-Fair Intelligence Test, the Naglieri Nonverbal Abilities Test, and the Raven Standard Progressive Matrices. The scores on these nonverbal measures indicated that the Culture-Fair Intelligence Test and the Raven Standard Progressive Matrices identified more students than the Naglieri Nonverbal Abilities Test. A discussion of the results and implications for research are presented.}, }
@article {pmid15273648, year = {2004}, author = {Gheorge, MD and Baloescu, A and Grigorescu, G}, title = {Premorbid cognitive and behavioral functioning in military recruits experiencing the first episode of psychosis.}, journal = {CNS spectrums}, volume = {9}, number = {8}, pages = {604-606}, doi = {10.1017/s1092852900002777}, pmid = {15273648}, issn = {1092-8529}, mesh = {Adaptation, Psychological ; Adult ; Cognition Disorders/*diagnosis/psychology ; Cohort Studies ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Early Diagnosis ; Humans ; Male ; Mental Disorders/*diagnosis/psychology ; Military Personnel/*psychology ; Romania ; Schizophrenia/*diagnosis ; *Schizophrenic Psychology ; Schizotypal Personality Disorder/*diagnosis/psychology ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To characterize the premorbid cognitive and behavioral abilities in apparently healthy adolescents who at a later time will be diagnosed with schizophreniform disorder or schizophrenia.<br><br>BACKGROUND: Clarifying the pathological relationship between subtle intellectual and behavioral abnormalities and disease could provide markers for the early prediction of future psychosis.<br><br>METHOD: Premorbid data on young male patients admitted to the Department of Psychiatry of the Central Military Hospital in Bucharest, Romania, between 1996 and 2002 and diagnosed with a first episode of psychosis or schizophreniform disorder were collected. The premorbid data consisted in the test scores of intellectual functioning and personality traits were collected by the Romanian Draft Board in order to assesses their aptitude to serve in the military. Premorbid cognitive and behavioral scores of male patients (cases=157) were compared with the scores of healthy male individuals (non-cases=169) matched for age, education, and geographic area of residence. The tests were administered when subjects were 18 years of age (initial screening) and the entire assessment was completed and concluded when subjects reached 20 years of age (actual conscription).<br><br>RESULTS: As a group, apparently healthy males later admitted for a first episode of psychosis or schizophreniform disorder, obtained lower (worse) scores on the Raven Progressive Matrices test and on relevant personality traits in comparison to controls.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The results add to the accumulating body of evidence suggesting that aspects of schizophrenia manifest years before the illness is formally diagnosed. Despite these results, more studies are needed to improve the diagnosing specificity and predictive value of the premorbid cognitive and behavioral manifestations, before they can be used as markers in models of primary or secondary prevention.}, }
@article {pmid15259606, year = {2003}, author = {Ramana, SP and Atluri, JB and Reddi, CS}, title = {Autecology of the tailed jay butterfly Graphium agamemnon (Lepidoptera : Rhopalocera : Papilionidae).}, journal = {Journal of environmental biology}, volume = {24}, number = {3}, pages = {295-303}, pmid = {15259606}, issn = {0254-8704}, mesh = {Animals ; *Butterflies/growth &amp; development/physiology ; Diet ; *Feeding Behavior ; Flowers ; India ; Larva/growth &amp; development ; Ovum/growth &amp; development ; Pollen ; Population Dynamics ; *Reproduction ; }, abstract = {The Tailed Jay Graphium agamemnon is one of the attractive papilionid butterflies that enliven the environment of Visakhapatnam. It occurs throughout the year. It lays eggs singly on young leaves of the mast tree Polyalthia longifolia var. pendula (Annonaceae). The eggs take 3-4 days to hatch. The larvae go through 5 instars over a period of 15-16 days. The pupal period is 13-14 days. The total period from egg to adult emergence spans over 33-36 days. Based on this short life cycle, and larval and pupal development success studied every month, this butterfly can be multivoltine with a minimum of 7-8 broods in a year. Both CI and GR decreased with the age of larva, their average figures being 3.78 and 0.43 respectively. AD values are high (average 92%) and decreased through successive instars. Both ECD and ECI followed a similar pattern with an increase from instar I up to II, then a decrease up to IV and again an increase in instar V and the highest value is with fifth instar. Adults frequently visited flowers (12-35 flowers in a min) spending 1.0 to 3.2 seconds on a flower. The nectar concentration ranged between 16 and 58%. Peak foraging activity mostly fell between 0900-1000 h. The proboscis received pollen in most of the floral species visited, thus satisfying one of the characteristics of butterfly pollination. Being a fast and strong flier it is treated as "high energy" pollinator promoting cross-pollination.}, }
@article {pmid15217673, year = {2004}, author = {Gunn, DM and Jarrold, C}, title = {Raven's matrices performance in Down syndrome: evidence of unusual errors.}, journal = {Research in developmental disabilities}, volume = {25}, number = {5}, pages = {443-457}, doi = {10.1016/j.ridd.2003.07.004}, pmid = {15217673}, issn = {0891-4222}, support = {G9423916/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Age Factors ; Child ; Down Syndrome/*psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Learning Disabilities/*psychology ; Male ; Psychometrics ; Reproducibility of Results ; Task Performance and Analysis ; }, abstract = {The aim of this study was to investigate the types of errors produced by three participant groups (individuals with Down syndrome, with moderate learning disability, and typically developing children) whilst completing the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices task. An analysis of error categories revealed that individuals with Down syndrome produced a significantly different pattern of errors to the comparison groups. This difference remained, though was less marked, when the groups were matched on overall task performance. Consequently, even when the groups were making the same number of errors, they were not making the same type of errors. An investigation of age-related error patterns revealed that there was a significant change in the types of errors made by typically developing individuals with age. However, no significant age-related change was found in the types of errors made by participants with Down syndrome. The analysis also provided evidence that individuals with Down syndrome were not producing error types appropriate for their chronological age, or for their overall level of task performance. Possible explanations for these differences in terms of problems of integration of perceptual information, reduced visual acuity, and a lax criterion for task completion in Down syndrome are considered.}, }
@article {pmid15207437, year = {2004}, author = {Sinforiani, E and Banchieri, L and Zucchella, C and Pacchetti, C and Sandrini, G}, title = {Cognitive rehabilitation in Parkinson's disease.}, journal = {Archives of gerontology and geriatrics. Supplement}, volume = {}, number = {9}, pages = {387-391}, doi = {10.1016/j.archger.2004.04.049}, pmid = {15207437}, issn = {0924-7947}, mesh = {Aged ; Cognition Disorders/*complications/diagnosis/*rehabilitation ; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/*methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Parkinson Disease/*complications ; Severity of Illness Index ; Therapy, Computer-Assisted/instrumentation ; }, abstract = {A rehabilitation program of 6 weeks, including both motor and cognitive training, was applied to 20 patients affected by Parkinson's disease (PD) in the early stages, presenting with mild cognitive deficits, but no dementia. Cognitive rehabilitation has been performed by utilizing a software elaborated for neuropsychological training (TNP). At the end of the scheduled sessions, the patients showed a significant improvement at verbal fluency, logic memory and Raven's matrices tests, as compared to baseline. These results remained stable over the time. We hypothesize that rehabilitative training exerts its positive effects by reinforcing cognitive strategies, in particular, by enhancing frontal function, which are typically impaired in PD, and suggests that this instrument could be implemented in nonpharmacological treatment of this pathology.}, }
@article {pmid15204024, year = {2004}, author = {Kilani, M and Micallef, J and Soubrouillard, C and Rey-Lardiller, D and Dematteï, C and Dib, M and Philippot, P and Ceccaldi, M and Pouget, J and Blin, O}, title = {A longitudinal study of the evolution of cognitive function and affective state in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.}, journal = {Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other motor neuron disorders : official publication of the World Federation of Neurology, Research Group on Motor Neuron Diseases}, volume = {5}, number = {1}, pages = {46-54}, doi = {10.1080/14660820310017560}, pmid = {15204024}, issn = {1466-0822}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/*complications/psychology ; Analysis of Variance ; Case-Control Studies ; Cognition Disorders/*etiology ; Depression/*etiology ; Emotions/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Longitudinal Studies ; Male ; Mental Status Schedule ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Psychometrics ; Time Factors ; Trail Making Test ; Wechsler Scales ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to evaluate cognitive function and emotional reactivity in 18 patients with ALS, compared to 19 matched controls, and assess their evolution over a 12-month period.<br><br>METHODS: 18 ALS patients and 19 matched controls were included, and assessed at inclusion, six months and twelve months later. Depression was evaluated with the Geriatric Depression Scale, and cognitive function with the Folstein Mini Mental State. A battery of psychometric tests (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), the numerical Empan test, the Trail-making test, the Boston Naming Test, the 15-word Rey memory test, the Benton visual retention test and the Raven Progressive Matrix) was used to measure frontal processing and non-frontal function. Emotional reactivity was measured with the film-evoked emotions test.<br><br>RESULTS: ALS patients were significantly more depressed than controls, as measured on the Geriatric Depression Scale, and depression increased over the study period. There was a very mild defect in cognitive function, and a performance deficit in the Trail-making test, a measure of frontal processing. These deficits, unlike neuromuscular function and depression, did not aggravate over the 12 months of the study. There was no observable change in non-frontal function. Emotional reactivity did not differ significantly between ALS patients and controls.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study provides further evidence for a mild defect in frontal cognitive processing in ALS patients that evolves only slowly, if at all, with time.}, }
@article {pmid15198697, year = {2004}, author = {Alexander, RM}, title = {Bipedal animals, and their differences from humans.}, journal = {Journal of anatomy}, volume = {204}, number = {5}, pages = {321-330}, pmid = {15198697}, issn = {0021-8782}, mesh = {Animals ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Energy Metabolism/physiology ; Gait/*physiology ; Humans ; Posture/*physiology ; Range of Motion, Articular/physiology ; Running/physiology ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Humans, birds and (occasionally) apes walk bipedally. Humans, birds, many lizards and (at their highest speeds) cockroaches run bipedally. Kangaroos, some rodents and many birds hop bipedally, and jerboas and crows use a skipping gait. This paper deals only with walking and running bipeds. Chimpanzees walk with their knees bent and their backs sloping forward. Most birds walk and run with their backs and femurs sloping at small angles to the horizontal, and with their knees bent. These differences from humans make meaningful comparisons of stride length, duty factor, etc., difficult, even with the aid of dimensionless parameters that would take account of size differences, if dynamic similarity were preserved. Lizards and cockroaches use wide trackways. Humans exert a two-peaked pattern of force on the ground when walking, and an essentially single-peaked pattern when running. The patterns of force exerted by apes and birds are never as markedly two-peaked as in fast human walking. Comparisons with quadrupedal mammals of the same body mass show that human walking is relatively economical of metabolic energy, and human running is expensive. Bipedal locomotion is remarkably economical for wading birds, and expensive for geese and penguins.}, }
@article {pmid15193583, year = {2004}, author = {Nagano-Saito, A and Kato, T and Arahata, Y and Washimi, Y and Nakamura, A and Abe, Y and Yamada, T and Iwai, K and Hatano, K and Kawasumi, Y and Kachi, T and Dagher, A and Ito, K}, title = {Cognitive- and motor-related regions in Parkinson's disease: FDOPA and FDG PET studies.}, journal = {NeuroImage}, volume = {22}, number = {2}, pages = {553-561}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuroimage.2004.01.030}, pmid = {15193583}, issn = {1053-8119}, mesh = {Biological Transport ; Brain/diagnostic imaging/*physiopathology ; Brain Mapping/*methods ; Cognition/*physiology ; Dihydroxyphenylalanine/*analogs &amp; derivatives/pharmacokinetics ; Female ; Fluorine Radioisotopes ; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18/pharmacokinetics ; Functional Laterality ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Motor Activity/*physiology ; Parkinson Disease/*physiopathology ; Radiopharmaceuticals/pharmacokinetics ; Regression Analysis ; Tomography, Emission-Computed ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Using 6-[(18)F]fluoro-L-dopa (FDOPA) and [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucoce (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET), multiple regression analyses were performed to determine the specific brain regions that are related to cognitive and motor symptoms in nondemented patients with Parkinson's disease.<br><br>METHODS: Spatially normalized images of FDOPA influx rate constant (Ki) values and relative regional cerebral metabolic rates for glucose (rrCMRglc) were created. Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM) scores and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor scores were used to determine the patients' cognitive and motor functions, respectively. Multiple correlation analyses between the FDOPA and FDG images and the cognitive and motor scores were performed for each voxel.<br><br>RESULTS: RCPM score was significantly positively correlated with the FDOPA Ki in the left hippocampus and with the rrCMRglc in the left middle frontal gyrus and right retrosplenial cortex. Motor function was significantly positively correlated with the FDOPA Ki in the bilateral striatum and with the rrCMRglc in association areas and primary visual cortex. The level of motor function was significantly inversely correlated with the FDOPA Ki in the anterior cingulate gyrus and with the rrCMRglc in bilateral primary motor cortex and right putamen.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Changes of striatal FDOPA uptake and rrCMRglc in the primary motor cortex likely represent dysfunction in the motor system involving the corticobasal ganglia-thalamocortical loop. Change of FDOPA uptake in the anterior cingulate gyrus may be related to up-regulation of dopamine synthesis in surviving dopamine neurons. The regions where correlation with cognitive function was observed belong to a cognitive frontoparietal-hippocampal network.}, }
@article {pmid15190094, year = {2004}, author = {Populin, LC and Tollin, DJ and Yin, TC}, title = {Effect of eye position on saccades and neuronal responses to acoustic stimuli in the superior colliculus of the behaving cat.}, journal = {Journal of neurophysiology}, volume = {92}, number = {4}, pages = {2151-2167}, doi = {10.1152/jn.00453.2004}, pmid = {15190094}, issn = {0022-3077}, support = {P51 RR000167/RR/NCRR NIH HHS/United States ; R01 DC007177/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/United States ; DC-03693/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/United States ; DC-00116/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/United States ; DC-02840/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {*Acoustic Stimulation ; Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Cats ; Ear, External/physiology ; Eye Movements/*physiology ; Mesencephalon/physiology ; Neurons/*physiology ; Saccades/*physiology ; Sound Localization/physiology ; Superior Colliculi/*physiology ; }, abstract = {We examined the motor error hypothesis of visual and auditory interaction in the superior colliculus (SC), first tested by Jay and Sparks in the monkey. We trained cats to direct their eyes to the location of acoustic sources and studied the effects of eye position on both the ability of cats to localize sounds and the auditory responses of SC neurons with the head restrained. Sound localization accuracy was generally not affected by initial eye position, i.e., accuracy was not proportionally affected by the deviation of the eyes from the primary position at the time of stimulus presentation, showing that eye position is taken into account when orienting to acoustic targets. The responses of most single SC neurons to acoustic stimuli in the intact cat were modulated by eye position in the direction consistent with the predictions of the "motor error" hypothesis, but the shift accounted for only two-thirds of the initial deviation of the eyes. However, when the average horizontal sound localization error, which was approximately 35% of the target amplitude, was taken into account, the magnitude of the horizontal shifts in the SC auditory receptive fields matched the observed behavior. The modulation by eye position was not due to concomitant movements of the external ears, as confirmed by recordings carried out after immobilizing the pinnae of one cat. However, the pattern of modulation after pinnae immobilization was inconsistent with the observations in the intact cat, suggesting that, in the intact animal, information about the position of the pinnae may be taken into account.}, }
@article {pmid15185956, year = {2004}, author = {Cupp, EW and Tennessen, KJ and Oldland, WK and Hassan, HK and Hill, GE and Katholi, CR and Unnasch, TR}, title = {Mosquito and arbovirus activity during 1997-2002 in a wetland in northeastern Mississippi.}, journal = {Journal of medical entomology}, volume = {41}, number = {3}, pages = {495-501}, pmid = {15185956}, issn = {0022-2585}, support = {R01 AI049724/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI049724-04/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01-AI-49724/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Arboviruses/classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; Base Sequence ; Birds/parasitology ; Climate ; *Culex/physiology/virology ; *Culicidae/physiology/virology ; DNA Primers ; Environment ; Feeding Behavior ; Mississippi ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; }, abstract = {The species composition and population dynamics of adult mosquitoes in a wetland near Iuka, MS, were analyzed over a 6-yr period (1997-2002) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection rates of arboviruses determined during five of those years. Blood meals of three likely vector species were identified using a PCR-based method that allows identification of the host to species. Culex erraticus (Dyar &amp; Knab) composed 51.9% of the population during the 6-yr period with 295 females collected per trap night. Eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE) virus was detected in six genera of mosquitoes [Coquillettidia perturbans (Walker), Culex restuans Theobald, Culex salinarius Coquillett, Culex erraticus (Dyar &amp; Knab), Anopheles crucians Wiedemann, Anopheles quadrimaculatus Say, Aedes vexans (Meigen), Ochlerotatus triseriatus Say, and Psorophora ferox Humboldt) with positive pools occurring in 1998, 1999, and 2002. Culiseta melanura Coquillett occurred at a low level (< 1%) and was not infected. Saint Louis encephalitis virus was detected once in a single pool of Cx. erraticus in 1998. Neither West Nile virus nor LaCrosse virus was found. Minimum infection rates per 1000 females tested of competent vectors of EEE virus were variable and ranged from 0.14 for Cx. erraticus to 40.0 for Oc. triseriatus. Thirty-nine species of birds were identified in the focus with blood-engorged mosquitoes found to contain meals (n = 29) from eight avian species. The majority of meals was from the great blue heron, Ardea herodias L. (n = 55%), but when bird abundance data were adjusted for avian mass, the brown-headed cowbird, Molothrus ater (Boddaert); blue jay, Cyanocitta cristata (L.); and northern mockingbird, Mimus polyglottos (L.), were overrepresented as hosts.}, }
@article {pmid15177684, year = {2004}, author = {Komiyama, T and Ikeo, K and Gojobori, T}, title = {The evolutionary origin of long-crowing chicken: its evolutionary relationship with fighting cocks disclosed by the mtDNA sequence analysis.}, journal = {Gene}, volume = {333}, number = {}, pages = {91-99}, doi = {10.1016/j.gene.2004.02.035}, pmid = {15177684}, issn = {0378-1119}, mesh = {Aggression ; Animals ; Chickens/classification/*genetics ; DNA, Mitochondrial/chemistry/*genetics ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Female ; Genetics, Behavioral ; Geography ; Japan ; Male ; Models, Genetic ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Phylogeny ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; }, abstract = {Chickens with exceptionally long crow are often favored all over the world, and connoisseur breeders have bred certain types of chicken exclusively for this trait. In Japan, three chicken varieties have been specifically bred to develop an exceptionally long crow of over 15 s. Although these three long-crowing chickens, Naganakidori, are honored as heritage varieties of Japan, the domestication process and genealogical origin of long-crowing chickens remain unclear. The purpose of this study is to clarify these issues using nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial DNA D-loop region. Blood samples from a total of nine long-crowing chickens and 74 chickens from 11 Japanese native varieties were collected. DNA sequence data of two Junglefowl species were also collected from the International DNA database (DDBJ /EMBL/GenBank) for use as the outgroup. A phylogenetic tree was then constructed revealing that all three Naganakidori varieties were monophyletic and originated from a fighting cock, a Shamo, for cockfighting. These results suggest that these three long-crowing chickens share a common origin in spite of their conspicuously different characters, and that human cultures favoring long-crowing chickens might have been preceded by a tradition of cockfighting. Moreover, these long-crowing varieties first separated from the fighting cocks of Okinawa, which is geographically closer to Southern China and Indochina than Mainland Japan (Honshu/Kyushu). This implies that Japanese long-crowing chickens were first brought to Mainland Japan as fighting cocks from the surrounding regions of Southern China or Indochina and through Okinawa.}, }
@article {pmid15171181, year = {2004}, author = {Asamura, H and Takayanagi, K and Ota, M and Kobayashi, K and Fukushima, H}, title = {Unusual characteristic patterns of postmortem injuries.}, journal = {Journal of forensic sciences}, volume = {49}, number = {3}, pages = {592-594}, pmid = {15171181}, issn = {0022-1198}, mesh = {Aged ; Animals ; *Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Fires ; *Forensic Anthropology ; Humans ; *Postmortem Changes ; Songbirds ; Wounds and Injuries/*pathology ; }, abstract = {Animal scavenging is one of the most significant causes of postmortem injuries. A large variety of scavenging animals have been reported on in previous papers. Although postmortem injuries attributable to birds are well known in the case of "aerial burial," the custom in Tibet, few cases of bird scavenging have been reported. In the two cases discussed herein, postmortem injuries were attributed to crows. Both cases, shared characteristic patterns of postmortem injuries, and in both cases death was attributed to fire. Although massive tissue loss by the crow scavenging made it difficult to determine the cause of the death and rendered personal identification difficult, 1 mL of blood drawn from the intracranial cavity and DNA analysis enabled this information to be determined, albeit with some difficulty.}, }
@article {pmid15155993, year = {2004}, author = {Garvin, MC and Tarvin, KA and Smith, J and Ohajuruka, OA and Grimes, S}, title = {Patterns of West Nile virus infection in Ohio blue jays: implications for initiation of the annual cycle.}, journal = {The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene}, volume = {70}, number = {5}, pages = {566-570}, pmid = {15155993}, issn = {0002-9637}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Animals ; Bird Diseases/*epidemiology ; Birds ; Ohio ; Prevalence ; Time Factors ; West Nile Fever/*veterinary ; West Nile virus/isolation &amp; purification ; }, abstract = {West Nile virus (WNV) was first detected in North America in New York City in 1999 and rapidly moved westward. Understanding the mechanisms by which the amplification cycle is reinitiated each year increases our ability to predict epizootics and geographic expansion of the disease. Such understanding is enhanced by knowledge of the patterns of infection in the vertebrate reservoir hosts. Blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata) may serve as reservoir hosts for WNV. We examined the influence of age and date on the prevalence of WNV in jay carcasses in Ohio during May-August 2002. Percent of carcasses that were infected increased significantly with time from 3% in May to more than 90% by August. We found no difference in prevalence between juvenile (nestlings and fledglings) and adult jays early in the season, which contradicts the expected pattern if the majority of the adults sampled in 2002 had been exposed to the virus in 2001. Therefore, jays infected in 2001 were unlikely to have been important in initiating the 2002 virus cycle in Ohio.}, }
@article {pmid15155036, year = {2004}, author = {Croizet, JC and Després, G and Gauzins, ME and Huguet, P and Leyens, JP and Méot, A}, title = {Stereotype threat undermines intellectual performance by triggering a disruptive mental load.}, journal = {Personality &amp; social psychology bulletin}, volume = {30}, number = {6}, pages = {721-731}, doi = {10.1177/0146167204263961}, pmid = {15155036}, issn = {0146-1672}, mesh = {Adult ; Cognition ; Female ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Reproducibility of Results ; *Stereotyping ; *Stress, Psychological ; }, abstract = {Research on stereotype threat has repeatedly demonstrated that the intellectual performance of social groups is particularly sensitive to the situational context in which tests are usually administered. In the present experiment, an adaptation of the Raven Advanced Progressive Matrices Test was introduced as a measure of cognitive ability. Results showed that individuals targeted by a reputation of intellectual inferiority scored lower on the test than did other people. However, when the identical test was not presented as a measure of cognitive ability, the achievement gap between the target and the control group disappeared. Using heart rate variability indices to assess mental workload, our findings showed that the situational salience of a reputation of lower ability undermined intellectual performance by triggering a disruptive mental load. Our results indicate that group differences in cognitive ability scores can reflect different situational burdens and not necessarily actual differences in cognitive ability.}, }
@article {pmid15147999, year = {2004}, author = {Crone, EA and van der Molen, MW}, title = {Developmental changes in real life decision making: performance on a gambling task previously shown to depend on the ventromedial prefrontal cortex.}, journal = {Developmental neuropsychology}, volume = {25}, number = {3}, pages = {251-279}, doi = {10.1207/s15326942dn2503_2}, pmid = {15147999}, issn = {8756-5641}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Factors ; Analysis of Variance ; Case-Control Studies ; Chi-Square Distribution ; Child ; Concept Formation/physiology ; Decision Making/*physiology ; Feedback ; Female ; Gambling/*psychology ; Humans ; Male ; *Neuropsychological Tests/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Prefrontal Cortex/*physiology ; Psychomotor Performance/*physiology ; Sex Factors ; }, abstract = {Patients with bilateral lesions of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, when performing gambling tasks modeling real-life decision-making, opt for choices that yield high immediate gains in spite of higher future losses. Under the hypothesis that the prefrontal cortex is the last brain region to mature, it was examined whether young children would show a similar preference for immediate prospects. In Experiment 1, 4 age groups (6-9, 10-12, 13-15 and 18-25 years olds) performed 2 versions of a computerized variant of the original Iowa gambling task under 3 different feedback conditions (no feedback, global feedback, and option-specific feedback) and completed the Raven Standard Progressive Matrices as an index of inductive reasoning ability. In Experiment 2, 3 age groups (7-8, 11-12, and 15-16 year olds) performed both task versions in addition to a working memory task ("Digit Span Backwards"). Results showed a developmental increase in the sensitivity to future consequences, positive or negative, that could not be explained by developmental changes in working memory capacity or inductive reasoning. It was concluded that young children share with ventromedial prefrontal patients the failure to anticipate on future outcomes.}, }
@article {pmid15133731, year = {2004}, author = {Fernández-Juricic, E and Jokimäki, J and McDonald, JC and Melado, F and Toledano, A and Mayo, C and Martín, B and Fresneda, I and Martín, V}, title = {Effects of opportunistic predation on anti-predator behavioural responses in a guild of ground foragers.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {140}, number = {1}, pages = {183-190}, pmid = {15133731}, issn = {0029-8549}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; *Food Chain ; Models, Biological ; *Predatory Behavior ; Songbirds/physiology ; }, abstract = {We studied factors that affect prey selection by a generalist predator that opportunistically attacks prey species, and the associated inter- and intra-specific responses of prey to this type of predation. Our model system was a guild of ground-foraging birds that are preyed upon by magpies (Pica pica) during the breeding season. We found that magpies attacked up to 12 species during three consecutive breeding seasons. The overall capture success was estimated to be 4.9%. Magpies tended to attack from the air, targeting solitary prey, either on the ground or flying. Inter-specific prey responses to the risk of magpie predation included a reduction in the mean number of species occupying a foraging patch when magpies were present and a decrease in the distance between heterospecific neighbours. Intra-specific responses to magpie predation varied between species that were subject to different attack rates. Preferentially attacked prey enhanced their risk responses (increase in scanning time and scanning rate in the presence of magpies) relative to those species attacked in proportion to their abundance (increase only in scanning rate with magpies). Species attacked infrequently, relative to their abundance, showed no antipredator response. The probability of being attacked, rather than mortality rate, appears to be the factor to which prey species respond.}, }
@article {pmid15129966, year = {2004}, author = {Drovetski, SV and Zink, RM and Rohwer, S and Fadeev, IV and Nesterov, EV and Karagodin, I and Koblik, EA and Red'kin, YA}, title = {Complex biogeographic history of a Holarctic passerine.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {271}, number = {1538}, pages = {545-551}, pmid = {15129966}, issn = {0962-8452}, mesh = {Animals ; Base Sequence ; DNA Primers ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; *Demography ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Genetics, Population ; Geography ; Likelihood Functions ; Models, Genetic ; Molecular Sequence Data ; *Phylogeny ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Songbirds/*genetics ; }, abstract = {Our analysis of the ND2 sequences revealed six clades within winter wrens (Troglodytes troglodytes). These clades corresponded to six geographical regions: western Nearctic, eastern Nearctic, eastern Asia, Nepal, Caucasus and Europe, and differed by 3-8.8% of sequence divergence. Differences among regions explained 96% of the sequence variation in winter wren. Differences among individuals within localities explained 3% of the sequence variation, and differences among localities within regions explained 1%. Grouping sequences into subspecies instead of localities did not change these proportions. Proliferation of the six clades coincided with Early and Middle Pleistocene glaciations. The distribution of winter wren clades can be explained by a series of five consecutive vicariant events. Western Nearctic wrens diverged from the Holarctic ancestor 1.6 Myr before the present time (MYBP). Eastern Nearctic and Palaearctic wrens diverged 1 MYBP. Eastern and western Palaearctic birds diverged 0.83 MYBP. Nepalese and east Asian wrens diverged 0.67 MYBP, and Caucasian birds diverged from European wrens 0.54 MYBP. The winter wren has a much greater degree of inter- and intracontinental differentiation than the three other Holarctic birds studied to date--dunlin (Calidris alpina), common raven (Corvus corax) and three-toed woodpecker (Picoides trydactylus)--and represents an example of cryptic speciation that has been overlooked.}, }
@article {pmid15118882, year = {2004}, author = {Formisano, R and Carlesimo, GA and Sabbadini, M and Loasses, A and Penta, F and Vinicola, V and Caltagirone, C}, title = {Clinical predictors and neuropsychological outcome in severe traumatic brain injury patients.}, journal = {Acta neurochirurgica}, volume = {146}, number = {5}, pages = {457-462}, doi = {10.1007/s00701-004-0225-4}, pmid = {15118882}, issn = {0001-6268}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Brain Injuries/complications/*physiopathology/psychology ; Case-Control Studies ; Cognition/*physiology ; Coma, Post-Head Injury/etiology/physiopathology/psychology ; Enteral Nutrition ; Female ; Glasgow Outcome Scale ; Humans ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Recovery of Function ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome ; Verbal Behavior/physiology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible significant role of some clinical factors in predicting cognitive outcome in a group of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients, with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) lower than 8 and duration of unconsciousness for at least 15 days (prolonged coma).<br><br>METHOD: A consecutive sample of 25 survivors of severe TBI attending the Physical and Cognitive Rehabilitation program participated in this study. The neuropsychological test battery included: Word-list Learning, Prose recall, Rey Figure Delayed recall, Word fluency, Raven's Progressive Matrices' 47. The clinical variables evaluated in correlation with the neuropsychological outcome were the following: age, duration of unconsciousness, duration of post-traumatic amnesia, interval from head trauma to neuropsychological evaluation, interval from head trauma to recovery of oral feeding, and finally interval from head trauma to first verbal communication.<br><br>FINDINGS: The clinical variable with a significant predictive value on most neuropsychological scores was the interval from head trauma to the recovery of oral feeding.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: If this result is confirmed in larger samples, time interval of oral feeding recovery from head trauma should be considered as a possible predictor of neuropsychological outcome in TBI patients with prolonged coma.}, }
@article {pmid15101428, year = {2004}, author = {Hunt, GR and Gray, RD}, title = {The crafting of hook tools by wild New Caledonian crows.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {271 Suppl 3}, number = {Suppl 3}, pages = {S88-90}, pmid = {15101428}, issn = {0962-8452}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Learning/*physiology ; Motor Skills/*physiology ; New Caledonia ; Plant Stems ; Songbirds/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The 'crafting' of tools involves (i) selection of appropriate raw material, (ii) preparatory trimming and (iii) fine, three-dimensional sculpting. Its evolution is technologically important because it allows the open-ended development of tools. New Caledonian crows manufacture an impressive range of stick and leaf tools. We previously reported that their toolkit included hooked implements made from leafy twigs, although their manufacture had never been closely observed. We describe the manufacture of 10 hooked-twig tools by an adult crow and its dependent juvenile. To make all 10 tools, the crows carried out a relatively invariant three-step sequence of complex manipulations that involved (i) the selection of raw material, (ii) trimming and (iii) a lengthy sculpting of the hook. Hooked-twig manufacture contrasts with the lack of sculpting in the making of wooden tools by other non-humans such as chimpanzees and woodpecker finches. This fine, three-stage crafting process removes another alleged difference between humans and other animals.}, }
@article {pmid15098953, year = {2004}, author = {Mottron, L}, title = {Matching strategies in cognitive research with individuals with high-functioning autism: current practices, instrument biases, and recommendations.}, journal = {Journal of autism and developmental disorders}, volume = {34}, number = {1}, pages = {19-27}, pmid = {15098953}, issn = {0162-3257}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Asperger Syndrome/psychology ; Autistic Disorder/physiopathology/*psychology ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; *Cognition ; Control Groups ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests ; Practice Guidelines as Topic ; Reproducibility of Results ; *Research Design ; Wechsler Scales ; }, abstract = {A meta-analysis was performed on the 133 cognitive and behavioral papers in autism using comparison groups in the 1999-2002 period. High-functioning (average IQ: 84.7), adolescents (average, 14.4 years) are largely dominant. IQ is the most frequent matching variable in use (51.2%). The instruments that are most frequently used to determine IQ or general level are Wechsler scales (46.9%), British Picture Vocabulary Scale (BPVS; 22.3%), and Raven Progressive Matrices (RPM; 16.9%). In order to determine if these instruments were equivalent when applied to individuals with pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs), Wechsler IQ, EVIP (a French Canadian translation of the BPVS), and RPM were given to a group of 14 individuals with autism and 12 with Asperger syndrome. Comparison of Wechsler and RPM IQs values, expressed as percentiles, to percentile values of EVIP score revealed that EVIP (and to a lesser extent RPM) considerably overestimates the level of all PDD participants as compared to Wechsler Verbal IQ (VIQ), Performance IQ (PIQ), or Full-Scale IQ (FSIQ), whereas these instruments are reported to be strongly correlated in typically developing individuals. This study reveals that identification of objects from a verbal label--the BPVS-PPVT-EVIP task--is a peak of ability in high functioning individuals with PDDs. This peak of ability, even superior to that of block design, has a detrimental effect on matching based on this instrument. A recommendation to replace BPVS/PPVT/EVIP or RPM by Wechsler scale as a basis of IQ/level matching is provided. Accordingly, the former instruments are a potential source of type-1 (for cognitive deficits) or type-2 (for cognitive hyperfunctioning) errors.}, }
@article {pmid15069612, year = {2004}, author = {Chappell, J and Kacelnik, A}, title = {Selection of tool diameter by New Caledonian crows Corvus moneduloides.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {7}, number = {2}, pages = {121-127}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-003-0202-y}, pmid = {15069612}, issn = {1435-9448}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; *Choice Behavior ; Discrimination Learning ; *Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Functional Laterality ; *Manufactured Materials ; *Plant Leaves ; *Problem Solving ; *Songbirds ; Technology ; }, abstract = {One important element of complex and flexible tool use, particularly where tool manufacture is involved, is the ability to select or manufacture appropriate tools anticipating the needs of any given task-an ability that has been rarely tested in non-primates. We examine aspects of this ability in New Caledonian crows-a species known to be extraordinary tool users and manufacturers. In a 2002 study, Chappell and Kacelnik showed that these crows were able to select a tool of the appropriate length for a task among a set of different lengths, and in 2002, Weir, Chappell and Kacelnik showed that New Caledonian crows were able to shape unfamiliar materials to create a usable tool for a specific task. Here we examine their handling of tool diameter. In experiment 1, we show that when facing three loose sticks that were usable as tools, they preferred the thinnest one. When the three sticks were presented so that one was loose and the other two in a bundle, they only disassembled the bundle when their preferred tool was tied. In experiment 2, we show that they manufacture, and modify during use, a tool of a suitable diameter from a tree branch, according to the diameter of the hole through which the tool will have to be inserted. These results add to the developing picture of New Caledonian crows as sophisticated tool users and manufacturers, having an advanced level of folk physics.}, }
@article {pmid15069611, year = {2004}, author = {Hunt, GR and Gray, RD}, title = {Direct observations of pandanus-tool manufacture and use by a New Caledonian crow (Corvus moneduloides).}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {7}, number = {2}, pages = {114-120}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-003-0200-0}, pmid = {15069611}, issn = {1435-9448}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Discrimination Learning ; *Feeding Behavior ; *Functional Laterality ; Manufactured Materials ; *Plant Leaves ; *Songbirds ; }, abstract = {New Caledonian crows are reported to have impressive pandanus-tool manufacture abilities. These claims are based on an extensive artefact record. However, inferring behavioural and cognitive abilities without direct observation of tool manufacture is problematic. Here we report (and document on video) direct observations of a crow making and using stepped pandanus tools at Pic Ningua. We observed (1) a bias for making tools on left edges consistent with that previously found at the site, (2) faithful manufacture of a stepped design with high overall congruence in the shapes of tools, (3) the use of convergent rips to first form the tapered end working away from the trunk then the wide end working towards the trunk, (4) appropriate functional use of stepped tools by use of the leaf-edge barbs to hook food from holes, and (5) consistent holding of tools on the left side of its head when using them. Our observations verify most of the claims based on the artefact record, but the crow's exact manufacture technique was slightly different to that inferred previously.}, }
@article {pmid15069605, year = {2004}, author = {Bugnyar, T and Kotrschal, K}, title = {Leading a conspecific away from food in ravens (Corvus corax)?.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {7}, number = {2}, pages = {69-76}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-003-0189-4}, pmid = {15069605}, issn = {1435-9448}, mesh = {Animals ; *Association Learning ; Behavior, Animal ; Competitive Behavior ; *Deception ; *Dominance-Subordination ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Food ; Male ; *Problem Solving ; Social Environment ; *Songbirds ; }, abstract = {Active misleading of conspecifics has been described as a social strategy mainly for primates. Here we report a raven leading a competitor away from food in a social foraging task. Four individuals had to search and compete for hidden food at color-marked clusters of artificial food caches. At the beginning of the experiment, a subordinate male found and exploited the majority of the food. As a result, the dominant male displaced him from the already opened boxes. The subordinate male then developed a pattern, when the loss of reward to the dominant got high, of moving to unrewarded clusters and opening boxes there. This diversion often led the dominant to approach those unrewarded clusters and the subordinate then had a head start for exploiting the rewarded boxes. Subsequently, however, the dominant male learned not to follow the subordinate to unrewarded clusters and eventually started searching for the reward himself. These interactions between the two males illustrate the ravens' potential for deceptively manipulating conspecifics. We discuss under which circumstances ravens might use this capacity.}, }
@article {pmid15061281, year = {2004}, author = {Garvin, MC and Tarvin, KA and Stark, LM and Woolfenden, GE and Fitzpatrick, JW and Day, JF}, title = {Arboviral infection in two species of wild jays (Aves: Corvidae): evidence for population impacts.}, journal = {Journal of medical entomology}, volume = {41}, number = {2}, pages = {215-225}, doi = {10.1603/0022-2585-41.2.215}, pmid = {15061281}, issn = {0022-2585}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/virology ; Antibodies, Viral/blood ; Arbovirus Infections/epidemiology/*veterinary ; Arboviruses/classification/*isolation &amp; purification ; Encephalitis Virus, Eastern Equine/*isolation &amp; purification ; Encephalomyelitis, Eastern Equine/epidemiology/veterinary ; Hemagglutination Inhibition Tests/veterinary ; Population Density ; Songbirds/*virology ; United States/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {We examined the prevalence of antibodies to three mosquito-borne arboviruses in blue jays, Cyanocitta cristata, and Florida scrub-jays, Aphelocoma coerulescens, to identify the effects on host survival, the influence of sex and age on infection, and the temporal patterns of antibody prevalence. Blood samples from 306 blue jays and 219 Florida scrub-jays were collected at Archbold Biological Station (Lake Placid, FL) from April 1994 through December 1995. Sera were analyzed for hemagglutination-inhibition antibody to eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and St. Louis encephalitis (SLE) viruses, and neutralizing antibodies to EEE, Highlands J (HJ), and SLE viruses. Overall, 31.4% of blue jay samples and 22.1% of scrub-jay samples had antibodies to EEE. Antibodies to HJ were detected in slightly >15% of samples in each jay species, and SLE was detected in <3% of the samples in each jay species. A single EEE virus isolation was made from the blood of an 11-d-old scrub-jay nestling. Survival of adult blue jays seropositive to EEE was significantly lower than that of seronegative birds based on resight rates, but infection did not seem to affect survival of adult or juvenile Florida scrub-jays.}, }
@article {pmid15018775, year = {2004}, author = {Apperson, CS and Hassan, HK and Harrison, BA and Savage, HM and Aspen, SE and Farajollahi, A and Crans, W and Daniels, TJ and Falco, RC and Benedict, M and Anderson, M and McMillen, L and Unnasch, TR}, title = {Host feeding patterns of established and potential mosquito vectors of West Nile virus in the eastern United States.}, journal = {Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)}, volume = {4}, number = {1}, pages = {71-82}, pmid = {15018775}, issn = {1530-3667}, support = {R01 AI049724/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI049724-04/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01-AI49724/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/parasitology/virology ; Birds/parasitology/virology ; Culicidae/classification/*physiology/*virology ; Disease Reservoirs/veterinary ; Feeding Behavior ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; Humans ; Insect Vectors/classification/*physiology/*virology ; Mammals/parasitology/virology ; New Jersey/epidemiology ; New York/epidemiology ; Tennessee/epidemiology ; United States/epidemiology ; West Nile Fever/epidemiology/*transmission ; West Nile virus/isolation &amp; purification ; }, abstract = {An important variable in determining the vectorial capacity of mosquito species for arthropod-borne infections is the degree of contact of the vector and the vertebrate reservoir. This parameter can be estimated by examining the host-feeding habits of vectors. Serological and polymerase chain reaction based methods have been used to study the host-feedings patterns of 21 mosquito species from New York, New Jersey, and Tennessee, 19 of which previously have been found infected with West Nile virus. Mammalophilic mosquito species in New Jersey and New York fed primarily upon white-tailed deer, while those from Memphis, Tennessee, fed mainly upon domestic dogs. A total of 24 different avian host species were detected among the avian-derived blood meals. American Robin, Northern Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird, Tufted Titmouse, and Brown-headed Cowbird were common avian hosts, while blood meals derived from the American Crow were relatively rare. Although the majority of common host species were potentially among the most abundant birds at each location, the proportion of blood meals from the most commonly fed upon avian species was greater than was predicted based upon the likely abundance of these species alone. These findings suggest that vector species for West Nile virus may preferentially feed upon certain avian hosts.}, }
@article {pmid14995084, year = {2004}, author = {Wicksell, RK and Kihlgren, M and Melin, L and Eeg-Olofsson, O}, title = {Specific cognitive deficits are common in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.}, journal = {Developmental medicine and child neurology}, volume = {46}, number = {3}, pages = {154-159}, doi = {10.1017/s0012162204000283}, pmid = {14995084}, issn = {0012-1622}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Attention ; Auditory Perceptual Disorders/diagnosis/psychology ; Child ; Cognition Disorders/*diagnosis/psychology ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term ; Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/*diagnosis/psychology ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; Orientation ; Pattern Recognition, Visual ; Perceptual Disorders/diagnosis/psychology ; Problem Solving ; Psychometrics ; Psychomotor Disorders/diagnosis/psychology ; Reference Values ; Speech Perception ; }, abstract = {A neuropsychological assessment was conducted to study cognition, with emphasis on memory, information processing/learning ability, and executive functions in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). A group of 20 boys with DMD, aged 7 to 14 years (mean age 9 years 5 months, SD 2 years 2 months), was contrasted with 17 normally developing age-matched comparison individuals, using specific neuropsychological tests (Block Span, Digit Span, Story Recall, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Rey Complex Figure Test, Spatial Learning Test, Verbal Fluency, Trail Making Test, Tower of London, Memory for Faces, and Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices). The DMD group performed significantly worse on all aspects of memory, learning, and executive functions. There was no significant difference in general intellectual ability between the two groups. Analyses of group differences indicate that problems in short-term memory are the most apparent, suggesting specific cognitive deficits. The differences between the groups were similar for both verbal-auditory and visuospatial tests, thus contradicting the idea that cognitive deficits are related to type of stimulus presented. It is concluded from this study that short-term memory deficits might play a critical role in the cognitive impairment and intellectual development seen in those with DMD.}, }
@article {pmid14970927, year = {2004}, author = {Luttbeg, B and Langen, TA}, title = {Comparing alternative models to empirical data: cognitive models of western scrub-jay foraging behavior.}, journal = {The American naturalist}, volume = {163}, number = {2}, pages = {263-276}, doi = {10.1086/381319}, pmid = {14970927}, issn = {0003-0147}, mesh = {Animals ; Bayes Theorem ; California ; Cognition/*physiology ; *Decision Theory ; *Feeding Behavior ; Likelihood Functions ; *Models, Biological ; Songbirds/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Animals often select one item from a set of candidates, as when choosing a foraging site or mate, and are expected to possess accurate and efficient rules for acquiring information and making decisions. Little is known, however, about the decision rules animals use. We compare patterns of information sampling by western scrub-jays (Aphelocoma californica) when choosing a nut with three decision rules: best of n (BN), flexible threshold (FT), and comparative Bayes (CB). First, we use a null hypothesis testing approach and find that the CB decision rule, in which individuals use past experiences to make nonrandom assessment and choice decisions, produces patterns of behavior that more closely correspond to observed patterns of nut sampling in scrub-jays than the other two rules. This approach does not allow us to quantify how much better CB is at predicting scrub-jay behavior than the other decision rules. Second, we use a model selection approach that uses Akaike Information Criteria to quantify how well alternative models approximate observed data. We find that the CB rule is much more likely to produce the observed patterns of scrub-jay behavior than the other rules. This result provides some of the best empirical evidence of the use of Bayesian information updating by a nonhuman animal.}, }
@article {pmid14967850, year = {2004}, author = {Mak, SK and Spurgeon, P}, title = {The effects of acute sleep deprivation on performance of medical residents in a regional hospital: prospective study.}, journal = {Hong Kong medical journal = Xianggang yi xue za zhi}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {14-20}, pmid = {14967850}, issn = {1024-2708}, mesh = {Adult ; Cognition ; Female ; Hong Kong ; Humans ; *Internship and Residency ; Male ; Occupational Diseases/psychology ; Physician's Role ; Physicians/*psychology ; Prospective Studies ; Sleep Deprivation/*psychology ; Stress, Psychological/psychology ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of acute sleep deprivation on the level of perceived occupational stress and cognitive functioning in a group of medical residents.<br><br>DESIGN: Prospective study.<br><br>SETTING: Regional hospital, Hong Kong.<br><br>PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-one residents who had regular in-hospital on-call duties.<br><br>MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: From January to April 2002, participants were asked to complete the Raven Advanced Progressive Matrices (sets I and II) and Occupational Stress Inventory-Revised tests at the beginning of an on-call day. They then repeated the tests towards the end of their on-call duties on their next on-call day, at a mean (standard deviation) interval of 8.9 (2.3) days. Occupational Stress Inventory-Revised test scores were transformed into T-scores to provide information about an individual's scores relative to the scores of participants in a normative sample.<br><br>RESULTS: The group slept for a mean (standard deviation) of 2.9 (1.0) hours during 29.3 (3.8) hours of on-call duties. Before the on-call duties, participants' mean T-scores for the Occupational Stress Inventory-Revised test ranged from 50.6 to 54.5 for the Occupational Role Questionnaire, 52.0 to 57.0 for the Personal Strain Questionnaire, and 37.3 to 52.3 for the Personal Resources Questionnaire. After on-call duties, apart from a slight increase in Role Insufficiency T-scores (50.6 [5.9] versus 52.1 [6.0]; P=0.044), there was no significant change in all other scales of the Occupational Stress Inventory-Revised test. The scores of the Raven Advanced Progressive Matrices test remained stable after the on-call duties (11.3 [1.2] versus 11.5 [0.8], P=0.129 for set I; 29.9 [5.5] versus 30.2 [6.3], P=0.2 for set II).<br><br>CONCLUSION: Acute sleep deprivation among medical residents was not associated with any significant changes in both cognitive functioning and level of stress perceived.}, }
@article {pmid14967548, year = {2004}, author = {Langdon, R and Coltheart, M}, title = {Recognition of metaphor and irony in young adults: the impact of schizotypal personality traits.}, journal = {Psychiatry research}, volume = {125}, number = {1}, pages = {9-20}, doi = {10.1016/j.psychres.2003.10.005}, pmid = {14967548}, issn = {0165-1781}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Humans ; *Language ; Male ; *Metaphor ; Phobic Disorders/psychology ; *Recognition, Psychology ; Schizotypal Personality Disorder/diagnosis/*psychology ; Semantics ; Severity of Illness Index ; *Speech Perception ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Wechsler Scales ; *Wit and Humor as Topic ; }, abstract = {Patients with schizophrenia demonstrate two dissociable impairments of pragmatic language comprehension: (1) an insensitivity to irony, which is associated with poor theory-of-mind (i.e. a difficulty with inferring other people's thoughts); and (2) poor recognition of metaphors, which may reflect degraded semantics. This study investigated whether non-clinical high-schizotypal adults show similar impairments of pragmatic language. Thirty-six university students completed the Raine Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire, the Wechsler Memory Scale Logical-Memories subtest, Raven's Progressive Matrices and a story comprehension task that tested the ability to discriminate between incongruous statements and appropriate uses of ironical, metaphorical or literal speech. Counter to the pattern found for patients, high-schizotypal adults were just as capable as low-schizotypal adults of identifying appropriate metaphors, suggesting a discontinuity between schizophrenia and schizotypy for the metaphor-recognition problem. This study's finding of intact metaphor recognition in high-schizotypal adults contrasts with previous findings of poor proverb comprehension in these individuals and is interpreted in terms of different semantic processes required for recognizing and interpreting metaphors. Consistent with the pattern found for patients, high-schizotypal adults were significantly impaired in their ability to appreciate when a literally contradictory utterance could be interpreted as ironical, suggesting continuity between schizophrenia and schizotypy for the irony-appreciation problem.}, }
@article {pmid14753646, year = {2003}, author = {Boarman, WI}, title = {Managing a subsidized predator population: reducing common raven predation on desert tortoises.}, journal = {Environmental management}, volume = {32}, number = {2}, pages = {205-217}, pmid = {14753646}, issn = {0364-152X}, mesh = {Animals ; *Birds ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; Desert Climate ; Ecology ; Environment ; Population Dynamics ; Predatory Behavior ; *Turtles ; }, abstract = {Human communities often are an inadvertent source of food, water, and other resources to native species of wildlife. Because these resources are more stable and predictable than those in a natural environment, animals that subsist on them are able to increase in numbers and expand their range, much to the detriment of their competitors and species they prey upon. In the Mojave Desert, common ravens (Corvus corax) have benefited from human-provided resources to increase in population size precipitously in recent years. This trend has caused concern because ravens prey on juvenile desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizi), a federally threatened species. In this paper, I discuss management strategies to reduce raven predation on desert tortoises. The recommendations fall into three categories: (1) managing raven populations by reducing access to anthropogenic resources; (2) removing offending ravens or other birds in specially targeted tortoise management zones; and (3) continuing research on raven ecology, raven behavior, and methods of reducing raven predation on tortoises. I also recommend approaching the problem within an adaptive management framework: management efforts should first be employed as scientific experiments--with replicates and controls--to yield an unbiased assessment of their effectiveness. Furthermore, these strategies should be implemented in concert with actions that reduce other causes of desert tortoise mortality to aid the long-term recovery of their populations. Overall, the approaches outlined in this paper are widely applicable to the management of subsidized predators, particularly where they present a threat to a declining species of prey.}, }
@article {pmid14725285, year = {2003}, author = {Marr, JS and Calisher, CH}, title = {Alexander the Great and West Nile virus encephalitis.}, journal = {Emerging infectious diseases}, volume = {9}, number = {12}, pages = {1599-1603}, pmid = {14725285}, issn = {1080-6040}, mesh = {*Famous Persons ; Greece, Ancient ; History, Ancient ; West Nile Fever/*history ; West Nile virus/growth &amp; development ; }, abstract = {Alexander the Great died in Babylon in 323 BC. His death at age 32 followed a 2-week febrile illness. Speculated causes of death have included poisoning; assassination, and a number of infectious diseases. One incident, mentioned by Plutarch but not considered by previous investigators, may shed light on the cause of Alexander's death. The incident, which occurred as he entered Babylon, involved a flock of ravens exhibiting unusual behavior and subsequently dying at his feet. The inexplicable behavior of ravens is reminiscent of avian illness and death weeks before the first human cases of West Nile virus infection were identified in the United States. We posit that Alexander may have died of West Nile virus encephalitis.}, }
@article {pmid14723175, year = {2004}, author = {Kellerman, B}, title = {Thinking about ... leadership. Warts and all.}, journal = {Harvard business review}, volume = {82}, number = {1}, pages = {40-5, 112}, pmid = {14723175}, issn = {0017-8012}, mesh = {Administrative Personnel/ethics/*psychology ; Humans ; Interprofessional Relations ; *Leadership ; *Morals ; Politics ; Power, Psychological ; Professional Competence ; *Psychological Theory ; Social Dominance ; }, abstract = {Does using Tyco's funds to purchase a $6,000 shower curtain and a $15,000 dog-shaped umbrella stand make Dennis Kozlowski a bad leader? Is Martha Stewart's career any less instructive because she may have sold some shares on the basis of a tip-off? Is leadership synonymous with moral leadership? Before 1970, the answer from most leadership theorists would certainly have been no. Look at Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot, Mao Tsetung--great leaders all, but hardly good men. In fact, capricious, murderous, high-handed, corrupt, and evil leaders are effective and commonplace. Machiavelli celebrated them; the U.S. constitution built in safeguards against them. Everywhere, power goes hand in hand with corruption--everywhere, that is, except in the literature of business leadership. To read Tom Peters, Jay Conger, John Kotter, and most of their colleagues, leaders are, as Warren Bennis puts it, individuals who create shared meaning, have a distinctive voice, have the capacity to adapt, and have integrity. According to today's business literature, to be a leader is, by definition, to be benevolent. But leadership is not a moral concept, and it is high time we acknowledge that fact. We have as much to learn from those we would regard as bad examples as we do from the far fewer good examples we're presented with these days. Leaders are like the rest of us: trustworthy and deceitful, cowardly and brave, greedy and generous. To assume that all good leaders are good people is to be willfully blind to the reality of the human condition, and it severely limits our ability to become better leaders. Worse, it may cause senior executives to think that, because they are leaders, they are never deceitful, cowardly, or greedy. That way lies disaster.}, }
@article {pmid14714466, year = {2003}, author = {Spiridonova, LN and Chelomina, GN and Kriukov, AP}, title = {[Genetic diversity of carrion and jungle crows from RAPD-PCR analysis data].}, journal = {Genetika}, volume = {39}, number = {11}, pages = {1516-1526}, pmid = {14714466}, issn = {0016-6758}, mesh = {Animals ; Base Sequence ; DNA Primers ; Phylogeny ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique ; Songbirds/*genetics ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {RAPD-PCR analysis of the genetic diversity of the carrion crow (Corvus corone) and jungle crow (C. macrorhynchos) living in the continental parts of their species ranges and on some Russian and Japanese Far Eastern islands has been performed. Taxon-specific molecular markers have been found for each species. The genetic diversity of the carrion crow is considerably less than that of the jungle crow at the same genetic distance (P95 = 68.2%, DN = 0.27 and P95 = 88.4%, DN = 0.24, respectively). In both species, the genetic polymorphism of island samples is almost two times greater than that of continental samples (62 and 31.8%, respectively, for C. corone and 81.5 and 47.2%, respectively, for C. macrorhynchos). In addition, differences in genetic diversity between males and females (P95 = 55.1 and P95 = 72.1, respectively) has been found in the carrion crow but not in the jungle crow. The gene diversity of C. macrorhynchos is greater than that of C. corone: the mean numbers of alleles per locus are 2 and 1.81, effective numbers of alleles are 1.62 and 1.43, and the mean expected heterozygosities are 0.39 and 0.30, respectively. The phenograms and phylograms significantly segregate the clusters of the carrion and jungle crows. The clustering patterns of carrion crows corresponds to the intraspecies taxonomic and geographic differentiation: subspecies C. c. corone and C.c. orientalis living in the western and eastern parts of the species range, respectively, form different subclusters. The cluster of the jungle crow does not exhibit differentiation into subspecies C. m. mandshuricus and C. m. japonensis; molecular genetic differences between them are small.}, }
@article {pmid14704392, year = {2003}, author = {Montoro-Rodriguez, J and Kosloski, K and Montgomery, RJ}, title = {Evaluating a practice-oriented service model to increase the use of respite services among minorities and rural caregivers.}, journal = {The Gerontologist}, volume = {43}, number = {6}, pages = {916-924}, doi = {10.1093/geront/43.6.916}, pmid = {14704392}, issn = {0016-9013}, mesh = {Alzheimer Disease/ethnology/*nursing ; Caregivers/*psychology ; Chi-Square Distribution ; Ethnicity ; Humans ; Regression Analysis ; Respite Care/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Rural Population ; United States ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to evaluate the practice-oriented model of service use (Yeatts, Crow, &amp; Folts, 1992) relative to the more widely used behavioral model (Andersen, 1968) in its ability to explain the use of respite services by caregivers of Alzheimer's patients. Unlike the behavioral model, which focuses primarily on characteristics of the service user, the practice-oriented model focuses primarily on characteristics of the service.<br><br>DESIGN AND METHODS: Interview data from 1,158 caregivers participating in the Alzheimer's Disease Demonstration Grants to States program (Montgomery, Kosloski, Karner, &amp; Schaefer, 2002) were analyzed. Separate regression models were estimated for adult day care and in-home respite, using the full information maximum likelihood procedure described by Arbuckle (1996), and ordinary least squares regression with listwise deletion of missing data.<br><br>RESULTS: The findings indicate that the factors related to respite use tapped by the practice-oriented model add significantly to explanatory models of service use over models that use only the factors typically represented by the behavioral model. Additional analyses, including a set of interactions with ethnicity, indicated that this improvement occurs primarily for White and Hispanic caregivers, and less so for African Americans.<br><br>IMPLICATIONS: The findings are discussed in terms of their implications for enhancing the timely use of respite services and directions for future research.}, }
@article {pmid14700386, year = {2003}, author = {Hustad, KC and Jones, T and Dailey, S}, title = {Implementing speech supplementation strategies: effects on intelligibility and speech rate of individuals with chronic severe dysarthria.}, journal = {Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHR}, volume = {46}, number = {2}, pages = {462-474}, pmid = {14700386}, issn = {1092-4388}, mesh = {Adult ; Analysis of Variance ; Cerebral Palsy/complications ; Communication Devices for People with Disabilities ; Dysarthria/etiology/physiopathology/*therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Reproducibility of Results ; *Speech Acoustics ; *Speech Intelligibility ; Speech Therapy/*methods ; }, abstract = {A growing body of experimental research suggests that speech supplementation strategies can markedly increase speech intelligibility for individuals with dysarthria (D. Beukelman &amp; K. Yorkston, 1977; E. Crow &amp; P. Enderby, 1989; L. Hunter, T. Pring, &amp; S. Martin, 1991; K. C. Hustad &amp; D. R. Beukelman, 2001). However, studies in which speech supplementation strategies were actually implemented by speakers with dysarthria are limited, leaving their clinical efficacy unknown. The present study compared intelligibility and speech rate differences following speaker implementation of 3 strategies (topic, alphabet, and combined topic and alphabet supplementation) and a habitual (noncued) speech control condition for 5 speakers with severe dysarthria. Results revealed that combined cues and alphabet cues yielded significantly higher intelligibility scores and slower speech rates than topic cues and noncued speech. Overall, topic cues and noncued speech did not differ from one another with regard to intelligibility or speech rate. Combined cues and alphabet cues did not differ from one another with regard to intelligibility; however, speech rate was significantly different between the 2 strategies. Individual differences among speakers were generally consistent with group findings. Results were somewhat different from previous research in which strategies were experimentally superimposed on the habitual speech signal. However, findings provide evidence that alphabet cues and combined cues can have an important effect on intelligibility for speakers with severe dysarthria.}, }
@article {pmid14658059, year = {2004}, author = {Griffin, DR and Speck, GB}, title = {New evidence of animal consciousness.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {7}, number = {1}, pages = {5-18}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-003-0203-x}, pmid = {14658059}, issn = {1435-9448}, mesh = {Animal Communication ; Animals ; Awareness ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Consciousness ; }, abstract = {This paper reviews evidence that increases the probability that many animals experience at least simple levels of consciousness. First, the search for neural correlates of consciousness has not found any consciousness-producing structure or process that is limited to human brains. Second, appropriate responses to novel challenges for which the animal has not been prepared by genetic programming or previous experience provide suggestive evidence of animal consciousness because such versatility is most effectively organized by conscious thinking. For example, certain types of classical conditioning require awareness of the learned contingency in human subjects, suggesting comparable awareness in similarly conditioned animals. Other significant examples of versatile behavior suggestive of conscious thinking are scrub jays that exhibit all the objective attributes of episodic memory, evidence that monkeys sometimes know what they know, creative tool-making by crows, and recent interpretation of goal-directed behavior of rats as requiring simple nonreflexive consciousness. Third, animal communication often reports subjective experiences. Apes have demonstrated increased ability to use gestures or keyboard symbols to make requests and answer questions; and parrots have refined their ability to use the imitation of human words to ask for things they want and answer moderately complex questions. New data have demonstrated increased flexibility in the gestural communication of swarming honey bees that leads to vitally important group decisions as to which cavity a swarm should select as its new home. Although no single piece of evidence provides absolute proof of consciousness, this accumulation of strongly suggestive evidence increases significantly the likelihood that some animals experience at least simple conscious thoughts and feelings. The next challenge for cognitive ethologists is to investigate for particular animals the content of their awareness and what life is actually like, for them.}, }
@article {pmid14650979, year = {2003}, author = {}, title = {Project teams produce successful turnaround for Illinois hospital.}, journal = {Performance improvement advisor}, volume = {7}, number = {10}, pages = {134-7, 129}, pmid = {14650979}, issn = {1543-6160}, mesh = {Cooperative Behavior ; Efficiency, Organizational ; Financial Management, Hospital ; Hospitals, Voluntary/*organization &amp; administration ; Illinois ; Income ; *Institutional Management Teams ; *Management Audit ; Organizational Innovation ; Patient Care Planning ; *Process Assessment, Health Care ; }, abstract = {When Jay Kreuzer was hired as president and CEO of West Suburban Health Care, it didn't take him long to realize the organization was headed in the wrong direction. The not-for-profit system, which includes a 258-bed medical center, was projected to end fiscal year 2001 with a loss of $19 million. Kreuzer put together a team that implemented an organization-wide performance improvement effort. In just two years the turnaround has been completed, as West Suburban ended fiscal year 2003 with a small surplus.}, }
@article {pmid14629522, year = {2003}, author = {Conwell, LS and O'Callaghan, MJ and Andersen, MJ and Bor, W and Najman, JM and Williams, GM}, title = {Early adolescent smoking and a web of personal and social disadvantage.}, journal = {Journal of paediatrics and child health}, volume = {39}, number = {8}, pages = {580-585}, doi = {10.1046/j.1440-1754.2003.00240.x}, pmid = {14629522}, issn = {1034-4810}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adolescent Behavior/*psychology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Queensland/epidemiology ; Risk Factors ; Sex Distribution ; Smoking/epidemiology/*psychology ; Smoking Prevention ; *Social Environment ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To examine concurrent physical, educational, behavioural, social and family factors associated with cigarette smoking in adolescents at 14 years.<br><br>METHODOLOGY: This study reports cross-sectional data on 14-year-old adolescents and their mothers, drawn from a prospective cohort study commencing at the time of the first antenatal visit. At 14 years, 5247 adolescents completed questionnaires on current cigarette smoking. Adolescents and mothers completed health, psychological, school and social questionnaires relating to the youth. A total of 3864 adolescents were assessed physically, and undertook the Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT) and Ravens Progressive Matrices Test.<br><br>RESULTS: Cigarette smoking at 14 years was associated with externalizing and internalizing behaviour problems, school suspension, contact with children's services and alcohol/illicit drug use. Apart from internalizing behaviour problems, these problems were more prevalent in boys. Poor school performance on maternal/adolescent reports was associated with increased smoking quantity for both genders, though WRAT scores were only decreased in male smokers. The Ravens Progressive Matrices Test scores were lower for boys with greater smoking quantity. The trend was less marked in girls. Body mass index and exercise frequency were not associated with cigarette smoking at 14 years, though girls who smoked had a higher reported prevalence of asthma. Parental smoking, marital conflict, maternal depression, lower income, and mothers aged in their teens and with a lower level of education at the time of this pregnancy were also positively associated with adolescent tobacco use.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Findings of this study indicate that cigarette smoking, at this critical time of smoking initiation, is associated with a broad spectrum of personal and social disadvantage that needs to be considered in intervention strategies.}, }
@article {pmid14629394, year = {2003}, author = {Nielsen, R and Tarpy, DR and Reeve, HK}, title = {Estimating effective paternity number in social insects and the effective number of alleles in a population.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {12}, number = {11}, pages = {3157-3164}, doi = {10.1046/j.1365-294x.2003.01994.x}, pmid = {14629394}, issn = {0962-1083}, support = {NIGMS-0201037/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {*Alleles ; Animals ; Computer Simulation ; Genetics, Population ; Insecta/*genetics/physiology ; *Models, Genetic ; Monte Carlo Method ; Reproduction/physiology ; *Sexual Behavior, Animal ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Estimating paternity and genetic relatedness is central to many empirical and theoretical studies of social insects. The two important measures of a queen's mating number are her actual number of mates and her effective number of mates. Estimating the effective number of mates is mathematically identical to the problem of estimating the effective number of alleles in population genetics, a common measure of genetic variability introduced by Kimura &amp; Crow (1964). We derive a new bias-corrected estimator of effective number of types (mates or alleles) and compare this new method to previous methods for estimating true and effective numbers of types using Monte Carlo simulations. Our simulation results suggest that the examined estimators of the true number of types have very similar statistical properties, whereas the estimators of effective number of types have quite different statistical properties. Moreover, our new proposed estimator of effective number of types is approximately unbiased, and has considerably lower variance than the original estimator. Our new method will help researchers more accurately estimate intracolony genetic relatedness of social insects, which is an important measure in understanding their ecology and social behaviour. It should also be of use in population genetic studies in which the effective number of alleles is of interest.}, }
@article {pmid14629358, year = {2003}, author = {Hughes, JM and Mather, PB and Toon, A and Ma, J and Rowley, I and Russell, E}, title = {High levels of extra-group paternity in a population of Australian magpies Gymnorhina tibicen: evidence from microsatellite analysis.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {12}, number = {12}, pages = {3441-3450}, doi = {10.1046/j.1365-294x.2003.01997.x}, pmid = {14629358}, issn = {0962-1083}, mesh = {Animals ; DNA Primers ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Lod Score ; Male ; Microsatellite Repeats/genetics ; *Sexual Behavior, Animal ; Songbirds/*genetics/*physiology ; Territoriality ; Western Australia ; }, abstract = {Breeding systems vary widely in birds, from monogamous pairs through to complex group systems where subordinates assist breeding individuals to rear young each season. The Australian magpie varies geographically both in plumage patterns and social organization. Some populations of both eastern and western plumage forms are plural breeders with group size varying from three to over 15 mature individuals. This study used variation at microsatellite loci to determine the level of extra-group paternity in a population of the western form near Perth in Western Australia. Extra-group paternity was the highest recorded for any bird species to date (82%) and indicates that few offspring within a territory are sired by the social partner of the female. In addition, the data indicated that nearly 10% of juveniles were not the genetic offspring of any female within their territory, suggesting some intraspecific brood parasitism. Taken together, these findings are remarkable considering the highly territorial nature of the species and the extent of territorial defence practised by all members of the group towards extra-group conspecifics during daylight hours.}, }
@article {pmid14614551, year = {2003}, author = {Bain, GH and Lemmon, H and Teunisse, S and Starr, JM and Fox, HC and Deary, IJ and Whalley, LJ}, title = {Quality of Life in healthy old age: relationships with childhood IQ, minor psychological symptoms and optimism.}, journal = {Social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology}, volume = {38}, number = {11}, pages = {632-636}, doi = {10.1007/s00127-003-0685-5}, pmid = {14614551}, issn = {0933-7954}, mesh = {Activities of Daily Living/psychology ; Aged/*psychology ; Aged, 80 and over ; Anxiety/diagnosis/psychology ; *Attitude ; *Cognition ; Cohort Studies ; Depression/diagnosis/psychology ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Male ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales ; Quality of Life/*psychology ; Regression Analysis ; Scotland ; Sex Factors ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine relationships in old age between Quality of Life (QoL), childhood IQ, current cognitive performance and minor psychological symptoms, and to estimate possible contributions to these relationships made by sex, education, socioeconomic deprivation, current living group, sex, and balance and 6m walk time.<br><br>METHODS: We conducted a follow-up study on 88 community residents without dementia who were survivors of the Aberdeen City 1921 birth cohort. QoL was measured by the Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual QoL-Direct Weighting (SEIQoL-DW), current cognition by MMSE and Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM), childhood IQ, minor psychological symptoms as assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and optimism by the Life Orientation Test (LOT); we included balance, 6m walk time and demographic data.<br><br>RESULTS: QoL was better in men than in women. Women reported more anxiety and depression. QoL correlated significantly with current cognition measured by RPM, childhood intelligence, anxiety and depressive symptoms, optimism and balance. The best model to predict QoL relied on childhood intelligence (13.4% of the variance) and was improved by addition of HADS (8.8 %) and LOT (4.8 %). Other variables did not contribute to the prediction of QoL.<br><br>CONCLUSION: In the absence of dementia, childhood IQ, HADS and LOT explain 26.9% of the variance in QoL as reported by community-resident old people. The direction of association between current anxiety and depressive symptoms and lower QoL is uncertain. Lower childhood IQ may contribute to coping less well with later life. Lower QoL is not an invariable concomitant of mild cognitive decline.}, }
@article {pmid14560490, year = {2003}, author = {Wiener, D and Rybakowski, J}, title = {[Schizophrenia in the light of the evolutionary theories].}, journal = {Psychiatria polska}, volume = {37}, number = {4}, pages = {601-613}, pmid = {14560490}, issn = {0033-2674}, mesh = {*Adaptation, Physiological ; Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; Humans ; *Models, Psychological ; *Psychological Theory ; *Schizophrenia ; }, abstract = {The aim of the article was to review the hypotheses of schizophrenia in the light of the evolutionary theory. The authors distinguished adaptationist and non-adaptationist hypotheses concerning the evolutionary underpinnings of schizophrenia. The adaptationist hypotheses are firmly based on notions of adaptation, natural selection and proximate and ultimate causes. The standard hypotheses of this sort proposed by Steven and Price as well as by Pollimeni and Reiss were discussed. Also, the other similar conceptions originated from McGuire and Troisi and proposed by David Horrobin were presented of which the latter is especially promising and worth further investigating. The non-adaptationistic authors criticised many assumptions of the adapationist program i.e. too broad use of term "adaptation" in the area of human behaviour or the very idea of proximate and ultimate causes. Unlike the adaptionists, they focus their attention on other aspects of the evolutionary processes i.e. the role of the mutation and also they are searching in a much intensive way than their opponents for verification of the hypotheses based on the empirical evidence. The theories developed by Crow and by Yeo were listed among the non-adaptationistic ones and presented.}, }
@article {pmid14504483, year = {2003}, author = {Kane, MA}, title = {Classification of crow's feet patterns among Caucasian women: the key to individualizing treatment.}, journal = {Plastic and reconstructive surgery}, volume = {112}, number = {5 Suppl}, pages = {33S-39S}, doi = {10.1097/01.PRS.0000082192.45787.B6}, pmid = {14504483}, issn = {0032-1052}, mesh = {Adult ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; Eye ; *Face ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; *Skin Aging ; *White People ; }, abstract = {One of the most common complaints of aging patients is the appearance of crow's feet lines in the lateral canthal region. Many different treatment methods, including chemical peels, surgical procedures, filler material injections, botulinum toxin injections, and laser resurfacing, have been used for effacement of these lines among aging patients and patients with sun damage. Despite the fact that many scientific articles have been written regarding the treatment of crow's feet lines, the actual patterns of these lines have not been adequately studied or classified. Several different patterns of animation in this area have been observed. These different patterns and their frequencies are described. All crow's feet patterns are not the same, and it follows that treatment of different patterns of crow's feet lines should be adapted to the particular patterns.}, }
@article {pmid14501826, year = {2003}, author = {Levine, PH and Wei, XJ and Gagner, JP and Flax, H and Mittal, K and Blank, SV}, title = {Pleomorphic liposarcoma of the uterus: case report and literature review.}, journal = {International journal of gynecological pathology : official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Pathologists}, volume = {22}, number = {4}, pages = {407-411}, doi = {10.1097/01.pgp.0000092156.33490.89}, pmid = {14501826}, issn = {0277-1691}, mesh = {Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal/*adverse effects ; Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy/prevention &amp; control ; Female ; Humans ; Liposarcoma/*chemically induced/*pathology/surgery ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/prevention &amp; control ; Tamoxifen/*adverse effects ; Uterine Neoplasms/*chemically induced/*pathology/surgery ; }, abstract = {A 62-year-old woman with a history of breast carcinoma being treated with tamoxifen presented with a rapidly enlarging pelvic mass. Imaging studies suggested a uterine leiomyoma with possible sarcomatous transformation. Laparotomy revealed a 15-cm, oval, well-circumscribed mass emanating from the posterior cervix and left uterosacral ligament. The tumor had a variegated fleshy, tan, myxoid, and necrotic sectioned surface. Microscopic examination revealed a variety of patterns and cell types characteristic of liposarcoma that included myxoid/round cell, storiform/pleomorphic, epithelioid, and spindle cell areas. Lipogenic areas exhibited a "crow's feet" vasculature and characteristic lipoblasts. The tumor cells were highly pleomorphic with numerous mitotic figures, some of them atypical. The tumor cells were immunoreactive for vimentin, estrogen receptors, and S-100. The tumor recurred 9 months postoperatively. Although a variety of uterine tumors have been associated with tamoxifen treatment, this appears to be the first example of tamoxifen-associated uterine liposarcoma.}, }
@article {pmid12953359, year = {2003}, author = {Howe, EG}, title = {Lessons from "Jay Carter".}, journal = {The Journal of clinical ethics}, volume = {14}, number = {1-2}, pages = {109-117}, pmid = {12953359}, issn = {1046-7890}, mesh = {Asperger Syndrome/psychology/therapy ; Beneficence ; Guidelines as Topic ; Humans ; Informed Consent/*ethics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Narration ; Periodicals as Topic ; Personal Autonomy ; Physician-Patient Relations/*ethics ; Psychiatry/*ethics ; Publishing/*ethics ; }, }
@article {pmid12908975, year = {2003}, author = {Brodin, A and Lundborg, K}, title = {Is hippocampal volume affected by specialization for food hoarding in birds?.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {270}, number = {1524}, pages = {1555-1563}, pmid = {12908975}, issn = {0962-8452}, mesh = {Adaptation, Physiological/physiology ; Animals ; Body Weights and Measures ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Hippocampus/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Memory/physiology ; Songbirds/*anatomy &amp; histology/*physiology ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {The hypothesis that spatial-memory specialization affects the size of the hippocampus has become widely accepted among scientists. The hypothesis comes from studies on birds primarily in two families, the Paridae (tits, titmice and chickadees) and the Corvidae (crows, nutcrackers, jays, etc.). Many species in these families store food and rely on spatial memory to relocate the cached items. The hippocampus is a brain structure that is thought to be important for memory. Several studies report that hoarding species in these families possess larger hippocampi than non-hoarding relatives, and that species classified as large-scale hoarders have larger hippocampi than less specialized hoarders. We have investigated the largest dataset on hippocampus size and food-hoarding behaviour in these families so far but did not find a significant correlation between food-hoarding specialization and hippocampal volume. The occurrence of such an effect in earlier studies may depend on differences in the estimation of hippocampal volumes or difficulties in categorizing the degree of specialization for hoarding or both. To control for discrepancies in measurement methods we made our own estimates of hippocampal volumes in 16 individuals of four species that have been included in previous studies. Our estimates agreed closely with previous ones, suggesting that measurement methods are sufficiently consistent. Instead, the main reasons that previous studies have found an effect where we did not are difficulties in assessing the degree of hoarding specialization and the fact that smaller subsets of species were compared than in our study. Our results show that a correlation between food-hoarding specialization and hippocampal volume cannot be claimed on the basis of present data in these families.}, }
@article {pmid12900711, year = {2003}, author = {Mazzone, D and Nicolosi, A and Aliberti, C and Mazzone, L and Caruso-Nicoletti, M}, title = {[Psychological findings in children with short stature].}, journal = {Minerva pediatrica}, volume = {55}, number = {3}, pages = {261-266}, pmid = {12900711}, issn = {0026-4946}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Anxiety/etiology ; *Body Height ; Child ; Depression/etiology ; Female ; Growth Disorders/*psychology ; Humans ; Male ; }, abstract = {AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the psychological findings in patients with short stature.<br><br>METHODS: We studied 19 subjects, 13 males and 6 females, with age range 7-14 years. We evaluated heigth, growth velocity, bone age, target height and growth hormone secretion after provocative stimuli. Psychological evaluation included: Kovacs Scale, Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), Anxiety Scale (Busnelli-Dall'Aglio-Farina); drawing of the human figure (Goodenough Test); Raven Test for neuropsychological performances (P.M. 38 and 47). Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U-test.<br><br>RESULTS: We diagnosed familial short stature (FSS) in 7 patients and growth hormone deficit (GHD) in 12. No statistical difference was found in the anxiety and depression tests, although the score was higher in GHD patients. The human figure drawing and the interview revealed low self-esteem, sense of inadequacy, dependence from parents, social inhibition in all patients. These characteristics were more evident in patients with GHD. Neuropsycho-logical evaluation by Raven test showed normal score in all patients, however subjects with FSS exhibited a higher score than with GHD (p<0.05).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest a negative influence of short stature on the affective field of children with short stature; GHD patients exhibited lower neuropsychological performances and more psychological problems than patients with FSS.}, }
@article {pmid12897278, year = {2003}, author = {O'Keeffe, MJ and O'Callaghan, M and Williams, GM and Najman, JM and Bor, W}, title = {Learning, cognitive, and attentional problems in adolescents born small for gestational age.}, journal = {Pediatrics}, volume = {112}, number = {2}, pages = {301-307}, doi = {10.1542/peds.112.2.301}, pmid = {12897278}, issn = {1098-4275}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/*epidemiology/etiology ; Cognition Disorders/etiology ; Female ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature/*psychology ; Infant, Small for Gestational Age/*psychology ; *Intelligence ; Learning Disabilities/*epidemiology/etiology ; Male ; Prospective Studies ; *Psychology, Adolescent ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the presence, severity, or symmetry of growth restriction in term infants is an independent risk factor for learning, cognitive, and attentional problems in adolescence.<br><br>METHODS: A total of 7388 term infants have been followed prospectively since birth. At 14 years, 5059 mothers completed a Child Behavior Checklist and provided information on their child's school progress. A total of 5051 adolescents completed a Youth Self Report, with 3703 also undergoing psychometric testing with Ravens Progressive Matrices and Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT) reading subtest. Outcomes were compared on the basis of birth weight groups and measures of body symmetry and were adjusted for the level of social risk at birth.<br><br>RESULTS: Adolescents who were born small for gestational age (SGA), when compared with their appropriately grown counterparts (>10th percentile), were more likely to experience learning difficulties, with a higher prevalence in those of birth weight < or =3rd percentile. Girls of birth weight < or =3rd percentile were more likely to have attentional problems and low WRAT reading scores. There was no significant difference in Ravens IQ or mean WRAT reading scores between SGA and non-SGA groups. There was no association between body symmetry and any of the outcomes studied.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: SGA status seems to have only modest independent effects on learning, cognition, and attention in adolescence. Severity but not symmetry of growth restriction predicted learning difficulties.}, }
@article {pmid12894243, year = {2003}, author = {Clayton, NS and Bussey, TJ and Dickinson, A}, title = {Can animals recall the past and plan for the future?.}, journal = {Nature reviews. Neuroscience}, volume = {4}, number = {8}, pages = {685-691}, doi = {10.1038/nrn1180}, pmid = {12894243}, issn = {1471-003X}, mesh = {Animal Population Groups/*physiology/*psychology ; Animals ; *Forecasting ; Mental Recall/*physiology ; Planning Techniques ; }, abstract = {According to the 'mental time travel hypothesis' animals, unlike humans, cannot mentally travel backwards in time to recollect specific past events (episodic memory) or forwards to anticipate future needs (future planning). Until recently, there was little evidence in animals for either ability. Experiments on memory in food-caching birds, however, question this assumption by showing that western scrub-jays form integrated, flexible, trial-unique memories of what they hid, where and when. Moreover, these birds can adjust their caching behaviour in anticipation of future needs. We suggest that some animals have elements of both episodic-like memory and future planning.}, }
@article {pmid12889205, year = {2003}, author = {Smirnova, AA and Bagotskaia, MS and Zorina, ZA}, title = {[Analysis of the effect of a training regime for the correct choice of matched learning in gray crows].}, journal = {Zhurnal vysshei nervnoi deiatelnosti imeni I P Pavlova}, volume = {53}, number = {3}, pages = {321-328}, pmid = {12889205}, issn = {0044-4677}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Concept Formation/physiology ; Conditioning, Psychological/*physiology ; Discrimination Learning/*physiology ; Form Perception/physiology ; Generalization, Psychological ; Memory/physiology ; Songbirds ; Visual Perception/physiology ; }, abstract = {It was shown that a large set of training stimuli promotes abstract concept learning. These experiments were designed to assess whether an application of a large set of training stimuli would facilitate matching learning in crows. Four hooded crows were trained with a set of 72 unique combinations of stimuli in two-alternative simultaneous matching tasks with stimuli of three different categories: achromatic color (white, light-grey, dark-grey, and black), shape (Arabic numerals from 1 to 4 used as visual shapes only), and number of elements (heterogeneous graphic arrays from 1 to 4 items). Although the performance of all crows was significantly above chance (p < 0.01) in some 72-trial blocks, birds were unable to establish matching and to reach the criterion of learning 80% correct or better over 72 consecutive trials) in 5184 trials. Thus, the modified training procedure was less efficient than the training technique previously used (successive cyclic repetition of three small sets of training stimuli), which allowed four of six crows to acquire the matching rule after 1780, 2360, 3830, and 5260 trials [4,9].}, }
@article {pmid12853960, year = {2003}, author = {Day, M and Langston, R and Morris, RG}, title = {Glutamate-receptor-mediated encoding and retrieval of paired-associate learning.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {424}, number = {6945}, pages = {205-209}, doi = {10.1038/nature01769}, pmid = {12853960}, issn = {1476-4687}, mesh = {2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate/pharmacology ; 6-Cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione/pharmacology ; Animals ; Association Learning/*physiology ; Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists/pharmacology ; Food Preferences ; Hippocampus/physiology ; Male ; Mental Recall ; Rats ; Receptors, AMPA/antagonists &amp; inhibitors/*physiology ; Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/antagonists &amp; inhibitors/*physiology ; Spatial Behavior ; }, abstract = {Paired-associate learning is often used to examine episodic memory in humans. Animal models include the recall of food-cache locations by scrub jays and sequential memory. Here we report a model in which rats encode, during successive sample trials, two paired associates (flavours of food and their spatial locations) and display better-than-chance recall of one item when cued by the other. In a first study, pairings of a particular foodstuff and its location were never repeated, so ensuring unique 'what-where' attributes. Blocking N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors in the hippocampus--crucial for the induction of certain forms of activity-dependent synaptic plasticity--impaired memory encoding but had no effect on recall. Inactivating hippocampal neural activity by blocking alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptors impaired both encoding and recall. In a second study, two paired associates were trained repeatedly over 8 weeks in new pairs, but blocking of hippocampal AMPA receptors did not affect their recall. Thus we conclude that unique what-where paired associates depend on encoding and retrieval within a hippocampal memory space, with consolidation of the memory traces representing repeated paired associates in circuits elsewhere.}, }
@article {pmid12846519, year = {2003}, author = {Alanazi, FM and Rodrigues, A}, title = {Power bases and attribution in three cultures.}, journal = {The Journal of social psychology}, volume = {143}, number = {3}, pages = {375-395}, doi = {10.1080/00224540309598451}, pmid = {12846519}, issn = {0022-4545}, mesh = {Anger ; Brazil ; Cross-Cultural Comparison ; *Culture ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Power, Psychological ; Saudi Arabia ; United States ; }, abstract = {The authors used a Saudi context to verify the cross-cultural generality of findings (A. Rodrigues &amp; K. L. Lloyd, 1998) reported for U.S. and Brazilian samples in which compliant behavior caused by reward, informational, and referent influences was perceived as more controllable and more internal than compliant behavior resulting from legitimate, expert, and coercive influences. This differential attribution led, in turn, to different affective and behavioral responses. In the present study, cognitive and affective reactions of Saudi students were measured with regard to compliant behavior (leading to a good outcome or a bad outcome) caused by each of the 6 bases of power described by B. H. Raven (1965). As expected, power bases had significant effects. However, when the outcome of the compliant behavior was bad, compliant behavior caused by a coercive influence led to the perception of more internality and controllability. Also--and not found in previous studies--the perception of less internality and controllability of compliant behavior was caused by an informational influence. Findings are discussed in the light of related research and Saudi cultural characteristics.}, }
@article {pmid12832827, year = {2003}, author = {Tokita, M}, title = {The skull development of parrots with special reference to the emergence of a morphologically unique cranio-facial hinge.}, journal = {Zoological science}, volume = {20}, number = {6}, pages = {749-758}, doi = {10.2108/zsj.20.749}, pmid = {12832827}, issn = {0289-0003}, mesh = {Adaptation, Physiological ; Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; *Biological Evolution ; Diet ; *Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Male ; Parrots/*anatomy &amp; histology/*embryology/growth &amp; development ; Phylogeny ; Skull/*anatomy &amp; histology/*embryology/growth &amp; development ; }, abstract = {The order Psittaciformes (parrots) has unique morphological features in the head that are evolutionarily novel. To better understand the unique evolution of the head in parrots, the developmental pattern of the skull of the budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) was initially described on the basis of transparent skeletal specimens. Although the fundamental pattern of the skull development of birds is conserved in parrots, some differences were observed between parrots and other groups of birds. In parrots, the vacuity in the interorbital septum did not emerge throughout ontogeny, in contrast to other lineages of birds, for example Galliformes and Coliiformes. This feature seems to be concerned with the attachment of the unique jaw muscle of parrots, M. ethmomandibularis, to the interorbital septum. In spite of a prokinetic skull, the cranio-facial hinge of parrots was brought about by secondary transformation of dermal bones unlike that of birds with a standard prokinetic skull (e.g. Corvus) in which the nasal-frontal suture directly becomes a hinge of bending. To further understand the evolution of "pseudoprokinesis" in parrots, the construction of a robust avian phylogeny is desired. The parrot-specific suborbital arch and cranio-facial hinge are not seen until birds leave the nest and can feed themselves. In conclusion, these structures are considered to be essential for eating hard and/or large meals.}, }
@article {pmid12827547, year = {2004}, author = {Emery, NJ and Dally, JM and Clayton, NS}, title = {Western scrub-jays (Aphelocoma californica) use cognitive strategies to protect their caches from thieving conspecifics.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {7}, number = {1}, pages = {37-43}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-003-0178-7}, pmid = {12827547}, issn = {1435-9448}, support = {MH2602/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; NS 35465-05/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Female ; *Food ; Male ; *Memory ; }, abstract = {Food caching birds hide food and recover the caches when supplies are less abundant. There is, however, a risk to this strategy because the caches are susceptible to pilfering by others. Corvids use a number of different strategies to reduce possible cache theft. Scrub-jays with previous experience of pilfering other's caches cached worms in two visuospatially distinct caching trays either in private or in the presence of a conspecific. When these storers had cached in private, they subsequently observed both trays out of reach of a conspecific. When these storers had cached in the presence of a conspecific, they subsequently watched the observer pilfering from one of the trays while the other tray was placed in full view, but out of reach. The storers were then allowed to recover the remaining caches 3 h later. Jays cached more worms when they were observed during caching. At the time of recovery, they re-cached more than if they had cached in private, selectively re-caching outside of the trays in sites unbeknown to potential thieves. In addition, after a single pilfering trial, the jays switched their recovery strategy from predominantly checking their caches (i.e. returning to a cache site to see whether the food remained there) to predominantly eating them. Re-caching remained constant across the three trials. These results suggest that scrub-jays use flexible, cognitive caching and recovery strategies to aid in reducing potential future pilfering of caches by conspecifics.}, }
@article {pmid12826731, year = {2003}, author = {Searcy, YM and Caine, NG}, title = {Hawk calls elicit alarm and defensive reactions in captive Geoffroy's marmosets (Callithrix geoffroyi).}, journal = {Folia primatologica; international journal of primatology}, volume = {74}, number = {3}, pages = {115-125}, doi = {10.1159/000070645}, pmid = {12826731}, issn = {0015-5713}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Callithrix/*physiology/psychology ; Female ; Male ; Motor Activity ; Predatory Behavior ; Raptors/*physiology ; Reflex, Startle ; Tape Recording ; *Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {Most descriptions of callitrichid antipredator behavior have come from observations of visual encounters with predators, but there is also anecdotal evidence suggesting that callitrichids may use auditory cues associated with raptors for the early detection of potential danger. In the present study, Geoffroy's marmosets consistently reacted to the tape-recorded calls of a red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) with high-intensity antipredator behaviors. Compared to the taped calls of a raven (Corvus corax) and the taped sound of a power drill, the hawk calls elicited more startle reactions, more alarm calls, longer freeze times, increased use of safe areas of their enclosure and greater disruption in ongoing behavior. Once in a relatively safe location in the enclosure, the marmosets visually monitored the site of origin of the calls for 10 min and minimized locomotion for 30 min, but resumed baseline levels of other activities that had been disrupted by the hawk calls. Marmosets may use the auditory cues associated with predators for early detection, and subsequent avoidance, of a potential predator in the vicinity.}, }
@article {pmid12817149, year = {2003}, author = {Baglione, V and Canestrari, D and Marcos, J and Ekman, J}, title = {Kin selection in cooperative alliances of carrion crows.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {300}, number = {5627}, pages = {1947-1949}, doi = {10.1126/science.1082429}, pmid = {12817149}, issn = {1095-9203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Biological Evolution ; *Breeding ; Cooperative Behavior ; Female ; Male ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Reproduction ; *Selection, Genetic ; Sexual Behavior, Animal ; Social Behavior ; Songbirds/genetics/*physiology ; Spain ; Territoriality ; }, abstract = {In most cooperative vertebrates, delayed natal dispersal is the mechanism that leads to the formation of kin societies. Under this condition, the possibility that kin-based cooperative breeding is an unselected consequence of dispersal patterns can never be ruled out because helpers can only help their relatives. Here we show that a population of carrion crows (Corvus corone corone) fully fits the central prediction of kin selection theory that cooperative breeding should arise among relatives. On their territory, resident breeders are aided not only by nonbreeding retained offspring but also by immigrants (mainly males), with whom they share matings. Philopatry cannot account, however, for the high degree of genetic relatedness found between breeders and immigrants of the same sex that cooperate at a nest, indicating that crows actively choose to breed cooperatively with their relatives.}, }
@article {pmid12743708, year = {2003}, author = {de Kort, SR and Emery, NJ and Clayton, NS}, title = {Food offering in jackdaws (Corvus monedula).}, journal = {Die Naturwissenschaften}, volume = {90}, number = {5}, pages = {238-240}, pmid = {12743708}, issn = {0028-1042}, mesh = {Animals ; DNA/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *Feeding Behavior ; Male ; Social Behavior ; Songbirds/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Food sharing among unrelated same-sex individuals has received considerable interest from primatologists and evolutionary biologists because of its apparent altruistic nature and implications for the evolution of complex social cognition. In contrast to primates, food sharing in birds has received relatively little attention. Here we describe three types of food sharing in jackdaws, with the initiative for the transfer either with the receiver or the giver. The latter situation is of particular interest because the food transfer takes place through active giving. Compared to primates, jackdaws show high rates of food sharing. Finally we discuss the implications of food sharing in jackdaws, and in birds in general.}, }
@article {pmid12739380, year = {2002}, author = {Yamamoto, T and Oishi, K and Oya, Y and Ogawa, M and Kawai, M}, title = {[Compulsive repetition of movements in a case of progressive supranuclear palsy].}, journal = {Rinsho shinkeigaku = Clinical neurology}, volume = {42}, number = {10}, pages = {925-929}, pmid = {12739380}, issn = {0009-918X}, mesh = {*Compulsive Behavior ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Supranuclear Palsy, Progressive/*psychology ; }, abstract = {A 51-year-old right-handed man with an 8-year history of progressive supranuclear palsy developed a peculiar behavior including compulsive repetition of movements. At the age of 47, it was noted that he continuously scratched his trunk with the right hand. He also scratched his thighs until his trousers were torn. On the scalp, posterior neck and forearms, patches of skin were scraped away and the bleeding wounds were scratched over and over again. Although he perceived pain, he could not terminate the strange scratching movement. He could not stop his eating action even after the bowl became empty. He could not leave the bathroom because he continued to wipe the anus after defecation. Yet the patient was not demented. Psychometric assessments including Wechsler adult intelligence scale revised, meaningful and meaningless syllables memory test. Raven's color matrix test, Wisconsin card sorting test (Keio version), and modified Stroop test were within the normal range. When requested to write a letter or a figure, he was always successful, however, he endlessly wrote the same letter or figure until he was told to stop. Although he repeated the behavior and could not terminate the action by himself, he immediately stopped the action on verbal command. When another task was given during the repetitive action, he responded quickly and successfully. His strange behavior was compulsive because he wanted to cease it, but it was not compulsive-obsessive behavior because he did not feel anxiety or pain when his repetitive action was stopped. It was different from stereotypy because he repeated not only meaningless movements but also meaningful complex actions. Unlike perseveration, he changed his activity immediately and successfully when a new task was given. Magnetic resonance imaging findings were remarkable only for mild atrophy of the midbrain tegmentum. Single photon emission computed tomography with ethyl cysteinate dimer demonstrated hypoperfusion in the frontal lobes and the left thalamus. A thalamofrontal disconnection or dysfunction is suggested as the mechanism underlying the compulsive repetifim of moving its based on the SPECT findings in this patient.}, }
@article {pmid12737666, year = {2003}, author = {Hunt, GR and Gray, RD}, title = {Diversification and cumulative evolution in New Caledonian crow tool manufacture.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {270}, number = {1517}, pages = {867-874}, pmid = {12737666}, issn = {0962-8452}, mesh = {Animal Communication ; Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Biological Evolution ; Birds/*physiology ; Environment ; Manufactured Materials ; Mental Processes ; New Caledonia ; *Technology ; }, abstract = {Many animals use tools but only humans are generally considered to have the cognitive sophistication required for cumulative technological evolution. Three important characteristics of cumulative technological evolution are: (i) the diversification of tool design; (ii) cumulative change; and (iii) high-fidelity social transmission. We present evidence that crows have diversified and cumulatively changed the design of their pandanus tools. In 2000 we carried out an intensive survey in New Caledonia to establish the geographical variation in the manufacture of these tools. We documented the shapes of 5550 tools from 21 sites throughout the range of pandanus tool manufacture. We found three distinct pandanus tool designs: wide tools, narrow tools and stepped tools. The lack of ecological correlates of the three tool designs and their different, continuous and overlapping geographical distributions make it unlikely that they evolved independently. The similarities in the manufacture method of each design further suggest that pandanus tools have gone through a process of cumulative change from a common historical origin. We propose a plausible scenario for this rudimentary cumulative evolution.}, }
@article {pmid12735938, year = {2003}, author = {Noveck, IA and Posada, A}, title = {Characterizing the time course of an implicature: an evoked potentials study.}, journal = {Brain and language}, volume = {85}, number = {2}, pages = {203-210}, doi = {10.1016/s0093-934x(03)00053-1}, pmid = {12735938}, issn = {0093-934X}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Brain/physiology ; Electroencephalography ; Electrooculography ; Evoked Potentials/*physiology ; Functional Laterality/physiology ; Humans ; Language ; Reaction Time ; *Semantics ; Speech Perception ; }, abstract = {This work employs Evoked Potential techniques as 19 participants are confronted with sentences that have the potential to produce scalar implicatures, like in Some elephants have trunks. Such an Underinformative utterance is of interest to pragmatists because it can be considered to have two different truth values. It can be considered true when taken at face value but false if one were to treat Some with the implicature Not All. Two accounts of implicature production are compared. The neo-Gricean approach (e.g., Levinson, 2000) assumes that implicatures intrude automatically on the semantics of a term like Some. Relevance Theory (Sperber &amp; Wilson, 1985/1996) assumes that implicatures are effortful and not automatic. In this experiment, the participants are presented with 25 Underinformative sentences along with 25 sentences that are Patently True (e.g. Some houses have bricks) and 25 that are Patently False (e.g. Some crows have radios). As reported in an earlier study (Noveck, 2001), Underinformative sentences prompt strong individual differences. Seven participants here responded true to all (or nearly all) of the Underinformative sentences and the remaining 12 responded false to all (or nearly all) of them. The present study showed that those who responded false to the Underinformative sentences took significantly longer to do so that those who responded true. The ERP data indicate that: (a) the Patently True and Patently False sentences prompt steeper N400's--indicating greater semantic integration--than the Underinformative sentences and that (b) regardless of one's ultimate response to the Underinformative sentences, the N400's were remarkably flat, indicating no particular reaction to these sentences. Collectively, the data are taken to show that implicatures are part of a late-arriving, effort-demanding decision process.}, }
@article {pmid12703337, year = {2003}, author = {Moss, SW}, title = {John A. Kenney, MD, and the North Jersey Medical Society. Taking on Jim Crow.}, journal = {New Jersey medicine : the journal of the Medical Society of New Jersey}, volume = {100}, number = {4}, pages = {37-41}, pmid = {12703337}, issn = {0885-842X}, mesh = {Black or African American/*history ; History, 20th Century ; Hospitals, Voluntary/history ; Humans ; New Jersey ; Periodicals as Topic/history ; Prejudice ; Societies, Medical/*history ; }, }
@article {pmid12693851, year = {2003}, author = {Ngo, KA and Kramer, LD}, title = {Identification of mosquito bloodmeals using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with order-specific primers.}, journal = {Journal of medical entomology}, volume = {40}, number = {2}, pages = {215-222}, doi = {10.1603/0022-2585-40.2.215}, pmid = {12693851}, issn = {0022-2585}, support = {U50CCU22053201/CC/ODCDC CDC HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Base Sequence ; Birds/*blood/classification/parasitology ; *Blood ; Culicidae/genetics/*physiology ; Cytochrome b Group/*blood/*genetics ; *DNA Primers ; *Feeding Behavior ; Geography ; New York ; Restriction Mapping ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Songbirds/blood/classification/parasitology ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol was developed to identify host bloodmeals from mosquitoes. Primers for the cytochrome b gene were designed to distinguish between mammalian and avian bloodmeals and further differentiate among four avian orders: passeriformes, falconiformes, columbiformes, and galliformes. The assay was validated by testing tissues from 18 species of passeriformes, three species of falconiformes, three species of columbiformes, and two species of galliformes. American crows were distinguished from other passeriformes by restriction enzyme digestion. Host bloodmeals from engorged mosquitoes collected in New York State were identified to avian order level. PCR was able to detect the mosquito bloodmeal for up to 3 d after feeding on a quail. Significantly, these studies use order-specific primers in a single PCR test to identify mosquito bloodmeals.}, }
@article {pmid12685080, year = {2003}, author = {Garvin, MC and Homer, BL and Greiner, EC}, title = {Pathogenicity of Haemoproteus danilewskyi, Kruse, 1890, in blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata).}, journal = {Journal of wildlife diseases}, volume = {39}, number = {1}, pages = {161-169}, doi = {10.7589/0090-3558-39.1.161}, pmid = {12685080}, issn = {0090-3558}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/*blood/pathology ; Erythrocytes/parasitology ; Female ; Haemosporida/growth &amp; development/*pathogenicity ; Leukocyte Count/veterinary ; Liver/parasitology/pathology ; Lung/parasitology/pathology ; Male ; Parasitemia/veterinary ; Protozoan Infections, Animal/*blood/pathology ; Random Allocation ; Songbirds/*parasitology ; Spleen/parasitology/pathology ; }, abstract = {Although the impact of blood parasite infections on passerine birds is potentially great, little is known of their pathologic effects. We studied Haemoproteus danilewskyi in experimentally infected captive and naturally infected free-ranging blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata) to determine patterns of infection and examine the pathologic effects of the parasite on the host. Physiologic changes, such as elevated numbers of lymphocytes, heterophils, basophils, eosinophils, and monocytes and decreased packed cell volume in the peripheral blood were associated with the erythrocytic phase of experimental infections of captive juvenile jays. Sublethal pathologic changes associated with the pre-erythrocytic phase of infections were observed in the liver, lung, and spleen. Schizonts were observed in the pulmonary capillaries of a 1 yr old jay necropsied 31 days post-inoculation, but not in 20 juvenile jays necropsied 57 days post-inoculation. In free-ranging naturally infected jays plasma protein concentration increased with density of natural infections.}, }
@article {pmid12685063, year = {2003}, author = {Garvin, MC and Greiner, EC}, title = {Epizootiology of Haemoproteus danilewskyi (Haemosporina: Haemoproteidae) in blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata) in southcentral Florida.}, journal = {Journal of wildlife diseases}, volume = {39}, number = {1}, pages = {1-9}, doi = {10.7589/0090-3558-39.1.1}, pmid = {12685063}, issn = {0090-3558}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Animals ; Animals, Wild ; Bird Diseases/*epidemiology/parasitology ; Ceratopogonidae/parasitology ; Female ; Florida/epidemiology ; Haemosporida/*isolation &amp; purification ; Insect Vectors/parasitology ; Male ; Prevalence ; Protozoan Infections, Animal/*epidemiology/parasitology ; Seasons ; Songbirds/*parasitology ; }, abstract = {Prevalence and density of Haemoproteus danilewskyi was studied in a population of free-ranging blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata) in southcentral Florida (USA) from May 1992 to December 1995. Prevalence of infection was 27% for data combined over years, seasons, ages, and sexes. Prevalence did not vary between sexes or among years, but increased with age and varied with season, being highest in June-July and lowest in November-January. Parasite density did not vary between sexes or among seasons, but was higher in younger birds when controlling for season. To determine periods of natural transmission, seasonal patterns of infection were compared with previous month abundance of the biting fly vectors. Mean monthly prevalence of H. danilewskyi in older jays was positively correlated with previous month abundance of Culicoides edeni and C. arboricola, both capable of sporogonic development of H. danilewskyi.}, }
@article {pmid12675982, year = {2003}, author = {McKinzey, RK and Prieler, J and Raven, J}, title = {Detection of children's malingering on Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices.}, journal = {The British journal of clinical psychology}, volume = {42}, number = {Pt 1}, pages = {95-99}, doi = {10.1348/014466503762842048}, pmid = {12675982}, issn = {0144-6657}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Malingering/*diagnosis ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; Reproducibility of Results ; *Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {A formula for detecting faked Raven's SPM profiles was cross-validated on 44 children and adolescents (ages 7-17). It yielded a false negative rate of 64%. However, a rule using three very easy items (i.e., any of A3, A4 or B1 missed) yielded a hit rate of 95%, with 5% false positive and negative rates. All but two of the participants were able to produce lower scores when asked to fake the test.}, }
@article {pmid12614689, year = {2003}, author = {Degroot, A and Treit, D}, title = {Septal GABAergic and hippocampal cholinergic systems interact in the modulation of anxiety.}, journal = {Neuroscience}, volume = {117}, number = {2}, pages = {493-501}, doi = {10.1016/s0306-4522(02)00651-6}, pmid = {12614689}, issn = {0306-4522}, mesh = {Animals ; Anxiety/drug therapy/*metabolism ; Cholinergic Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Cholinergic Fibers/drug effects/*physiology ; Hippocampus/drug effects/*physiology ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Septum of Brain/drug effects/*physiology ; }, abstract = {According to Gray [(1982) The neuropsychology of anxiety: an enquiry into the function of the septo-hippocampal system. Oxford: Oxford University Press; (1991) Neural systems, emotion and personality. In: Neurobiology of learning, emotion, and affect (Madden J, ed), pp 273-306. New York: Raven Press; Gray JA, McNaughton N (2000) The neuropsychology of anxiety. Oxford: Oxford University Press], the septum and the hippocampus act in concert to control anxiety. In the present study we examined a possible interaction between septal GABAergic and hippocampal cholinergic systems in the shock-probe burying test, an animal model of anxiety. In experiment 1, we found that a 10-ng infusion of muscimol in the medial septum produced a significant suppression of burying behavior, whereas lower doses (2.5 and 5.0 ng) did not. In experiment 2, we found a significant suppression of burying behavior after a 20-microg infusion of physostigmine into the dorsal hippocampus, but not after lower-dose infusions (5 and 10 microg). In experiment 3, we infused combined sub-effective doses of physostigmine and muscimol in the hippocampus and medial septum respectively. The combination of sub-effective doses of physostigmine (5 microg) and muscimol (2.5 ng) significantly reduced burying of the shock probe. The results indicate that the hippocampal cholinergic and septal GABAergic systems act synergistically in the modulation of anxiety.}, }
@article {pmid12592404, year = {2003}, author = {Gray, JR and Chabris, CF and Braver, TS}, title = {Neural mechanisms of general fluid intelligence.}, journal = {Nature neuroscience}, volume = {6}, number = {3}, pages = {316-322}, doi = {10.1038/nn1014}, pmid = {12592404}, issn = {1097-6256}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Attention/physiology ; Brain/*physiology ; Brain Mapping ; Choice Behavior ; Cognition/physiology ; Conflict, Psychological ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Intelligence Tests ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term/physiology ; Multivariate Analysis ; Parietal Lobe/physiology ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Prefrontal Cortex/physiology ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Reference Values ; Regression Analysis ; Verbal Behavior/physiology ; }, abstract = {We used an individual-differences approach to test whether general fluid intelligence (gF) is mediated by brain regions that support attentional (executive) control, including subregions of the prefrontal cortex. Forty-eight participants first completed a standard measure of gF (Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices). They then performed verbal and nonverbal versions of a challenging working-memory task (three-back) while their brain activity was measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Trials within the three-back task varied greatly in the demand for attentional control because of differences in trial-to-trial interference. On high-interference trials specifically, participants with higher gF were more accurate and had greater event-related neural activity in several brain regions. Multiple regression analyses indicated that lateral prefrontal and parietal regions may mediate the relation between ability (gF) and performance (accuracy despite interference), providing constraints on the neural mechanisms that support gF.}, }
@article {pmid12561130, year = {2003}, author = {Clayton, NS and Yu, KS and Dickinson, A}, title = {Interacting Cache memories: evidence for flexible memory use by Western Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma californica).}, journal = {Journal of experimental psychology. Animal behavior processes}, volume = {29}, number = {1}, pages = {14-22}, pmid = {12561130}, issn = {0097-7403}, support = {NS35465-03/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Appetitive Behavior ; Association Learning ; *Discrimination Learning ; Feeding Behavior ; *Food Preferences ; *Retention, Psychology ; Songbirds/*physiology ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {When Western Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma californica) cached and recovered perishable crickets, N. S. Clayton, K. S. Yu, and A. Dickinson (2001) reported that the jays rapidly learned to search for fresh crickets after a 1-day retention interval (RI) between caching and recovery but to avoid searching for perished crickets after a 4-day RI. In the present experiments, the jays generalized their search preference for crickets to intermediate RIs and used novel information about the rate of decay of crickets presented during the RI to reverse these search preferences at recovery. The authors interpret this reversal as evidence that the birds can integrate information about the caching episode with new information presented during the RI.}, }
@article {pmid12549800, year = {2002}, author = {Benjasuwantep, B and Ruangdaraganon, N and Visudhiphan, P}, title = {Prevalence and clinical characteristics of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder among primary school students in Bangkok.}, journal = {Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet thangphaet}, volume = {85 Suppl 4}, number = {}, pages = {S1232-40}, pmid = {12549800}, issn = {0125-2208}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/*diagnosis/*epidemiology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Prevalence ; Schools/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Students/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Thailand/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an important disorder because it is the most prevalent chronic health condition affecting school aged children. Children with ADHD are at risk for academic and behavior problems. There are several studies in many countries worldwide. In Thailand, there have been a few published papers about ADHD. Most of them were studies in a clinically referred population. Four hundred and thirty-three first to sixth grade students from Wat Samiennaree School were included in this study. All children were administered Raven's progressive matrices test for estimation of intellectual functioning and were observed for their behavior in the classrooms by one researcher. Their demographic data was collected by questionnaires. The revised Conners rating scales were scored for each student. Students whose parents did not score the Conners parent rating scale were excluded. The parents of students, whose scores were positive for ADHD, were interviewed according to DSM IV criteria. 353 (81.5%) students from 433 were enrolled in this study. 23 students were diagnosed with ADHD making a prevalence of 6.5 per cent. There were 11 boys and 12 girls. The ratio of male to female was 1:1.09. The ADHD students had lower scores in mathematics than the group without this diagnosis with statistical significance (p = 0.006).}, }
@article {pmid12539930, year = {2002}, author = {Jones, JE and Antoniadis, E and Shettleworth, SJ and Kamil, AC}, title = {A comparative study of geometric rule learning by nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana), pigeons (Columba livia), and jackdaws (Corvus monedula).}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {116}, number = {4}, pages = {350-356}, doi = {10.1037/0735-7036.116.4.350}, pmid = {12539930}, issn = {0735-7036}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Birds ; Feeding Behavior/physiology ; Learning/*physiology ; *Mathematics ; Random Allocation ; Spatial Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Three avian species, a seed-caching corvid (Clark's nutcrackers; Nucifraga columbiana), a non-seed-caching corvid (jackdaws; Corvus monedula), and a non-seed-caching columbid (pigeons; Columba livia), were tested for ability to learn to find a goal halfway between 2 landmarks when distance between the landmarks varied during training. All 3 species learned, but jackdaws took much longer than either pigeons or nutcrackers. The nutcrackers searched more accurately than either pigeons or jackdaws. Both nutcrackers and pigeons showed good transfer to novel landmark arrays in which interlandmark distances were novel, but inconclusive results were obtained from jackdaws. Species differences in this spatial task appear quantitative rather than qualitative and are associated with differences in natural history rather than phylogeny.}, }
@article {pmid12533100, year = {2003}, author = {Greenberg, SA}, title = {The history of dermatome mapping.}, journal = {Archives of neurology}, volume = {60}, number = {1}, pages = {126-131}, doi = {10.1001/archneur.60.1.126}, pmid = {12533100}, issn = {0003-9942}, mesh = {Animals ; History, 19th Century ; History, 20th Century ; Humans ; Neurology/*history ; Skin/*innervation ; Spinal Cord/physiology ; }, abstract = {Dermatome maps are commonly used in clinical neurology. These maps are valuable for the localization of varied sensory phenomena in patients with neurological disorders. The methods used in the construction of the classic maps by Sir Henry Head, Sir Charles Sherrington, Otfrid Foerster, and Jay Keegan and Frederic Garrett are of historical interest and are relevant to the current understanding of dermatome anatomy and physiology. In particular, the work of Derek Denny-Brown and his colleagues demonstrates that patterns of dermatomal sensory loss depend on the anatomical and physiological characteristics of large regions of nervous tissue, multiple adjacent dorsal ganglia, and the nearby caudal and rostral spinal cord.}, }
@article {pmid12530710, year = {2002}, author = {Brown, RD and Cothern, CM}, title = {Individual differences in faking integrity tests.}, journal = {Psychological reports}, volume = {91}, number = {3 Pt 1}, pages = {691-702}, doi = {10.2466/pr0.2002.91.3.691}, pmid = {12530710}, issn = {0033-2941}, mesh = {Adult ; *Attitude ; *Deception ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Male ; Personality Inventory/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; *Personnel Loyalty ; Psychometrics ; Reproducibility of Results ; Students/psychology ; Theft/*psychology ; }, abstract = {The present study assessed whether success at faking a commercially available integrity test relates to individual differences among the test takers. We administered the Reid Report, an overt integrity test, twice to a sample of college students with instructions to answer honestly on one administration and "fake good" on the other. These participants also completed a measure of general cognitive ability, the Raven Advanced Progressive Matrices. Integrity test scores were 1.3 standard deviations higher in the faking condition (p<.05). There was a weak, but significant, positive relation between general cognitive ability and faking success, calculated as the difference in scores between the honest and faked administrations of the Reid Report (r=.17, p<.05). An examination of the correlations between faking success and general cognitive ability by item type suggested that the relation is due to the items that pose hypothetical scenarios, e.g., "Should an employee be fired for stealing a few office supplies?" (r=.22, p<.05) and not the items that ask for admissions of undesirable past behaviors. e.g., "Have you ever stolen office supplies?" (r=.02, p>.05: t=2.06, p<.05) for the difference between correlations. These results suggest that general cognitive ability is indeed an individual difference relevant to success at faking an overt integrity test.}, }
@article {pmid12530279, year = {2002}, author = {Rahman, A and Maqbool, E and Zuberi, HS}, title = {Lead-associated deficits in stature, mental ability and behaviour in children in Karachi.}, journal = {Annals of tropical paediatrics}, volume = {22}, number = {4}, pages = {301-311}, doi = {10.1179/027249302125001958}, pmid = {12530279}, issn = {0272-4936}, mesh = {Age Distribution ; Body Height/*drug effects ; Body Weight ; Child ; Child Behavior/*drug effects ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Educational Status ; Environmental Exposure/*adverse effects ; Female ; Head/anatomy &amp; histology ; Hemoglobins/analysis ; Humans ; Intelligence/*drug effects ; Lead/*adverse effects/analysis/blood ; Male ; Pakistan ; Regression Analysis ; Sex Distribution ; Tooth/metabolism ; }, abstract = {This study was conducted to evaluate the cumulative and steady-state lead burden in children from Karachi, an area of high lead exposure, and to assess the degree of damage to physical growth and mental ability related to lead exposure. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in seven primary schools from around Karachi. Shed primary teeth and blood samples were collected from students of grades I to III (age range 6-10 years) and were analysed for lead by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Haemoglobin concentration, height, weight and head circumference were measured. IQ was estimated using Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices. Classroom behaviour was rated by teachers and school performance was estimated from the percentage mark in a school examination taken just before the date of the IQ test. Complete data were available for 138 children. Over 80% of children had lead levels above the safety limit set by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The blood lead levels in boys did not differ significantly from that in girls. Significant differences were observed between the schools. Univariate analysis showed negative association of blood lead with haemoglobin, IQ and height. Tooth lead was negatively associated with height, classroom behaviour and performance. When adjusted for other confounding variables, blood lead was negatively associated with haemoglobin and IQ, whereas tooth lead was negatively associated only with classroom behaviour. Height was negatively associated with blood or tooth lead. These results were further supported when the upper and lower quintiles for blood or tooth lead were compared. Tooth lead level was not a better marker of lead poisoning than blood lead level in our study population. These data demonstrate the association of increased lead with impaired learning and adverse behaviour in Karachi children and call for strict government regulations to limit environmental lead burden.}, }
@article {pmid12512511, year = {2003}, author = {Parekh, V}, title = {Smart crows win out.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {299}, number = {5603}, pages = {45}, doi = {10.1126/science.299.5603.45}, pmid = {12512511}, issn = {1095-9203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Cognition ; *Problem Solving ; *Songbirds ; }, }
@article {pmid12500864, year = {2002}, author = {Ackerman, PL and Beier, ME and Boyle, MO}, title = {Individual differences in working memory within a nomological network of cognitive and perceptual speed abilities.}, journal = {Journal of experimental psychology. General}, volume = {131}, number = {4}, pages = {567-589}, pmid = {12500864}, issn = {0096-3445}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Humans ; *Individuality ; *Intelligence ; Male ; *Mental Recall ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Orientation ; Pattern Recognition, Visual ; Problem Solving ; *Reaction Time ; Retention, Psychology ; Speech Perception ; Verbal Learning ; Vocabulary ; }, abstract = {It has become fashionable to equate constructs of working memory (WM) and general intelligence (g). Few investigations have provided direct evidence that WM and g measures yield similar ordering of individuals. Correlational investigations have yielded mixed results. The authors assess the construct space for WM and g and demonstrate that WM shares substantial variance with perceptual speed (PS) constructs. Thirty-six ability tests representing verbal, numerical, spatial, and PS abilities; the Raven Advanced Progressive Matrices; and 7 WM tests were administered to 135 adults. A nomological representation for WM is provided through a series of cognitive and PS ability models. Construct overlap between PS and WM is further investigated with attention to complexity, processing differences, and practice effects.}, }
@article {pmid12486275, year = {2003}, author = {Starr, JM and Leaper, SA and Murray, AD and Lemmon, HA and Staff, RT and Deary, IJ and Whalley, LJ}, title = {Brain white matter lesions detected by magnetic resonance [correction of resosnance] imaging are associated with balance and gait speed.}, journal = {Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry}, volume = {74}, number = {1}, pages = {94-98}, pmid = {12486275}, issn = {0022-3050}, mesh = {Aged ; Brain/pathology/physiopathology ; Brain Diseases/*diagnosis/epidemiology/*physiopathology ; Brain Stem/pathology/physiopathology ; Cohort Studies ; Comorbidity ; Depression/diagnosis/epidemiology/physiopathology ; Female ; Gait ; Gait Disorders, Neurologic/*diagnosis/epidemiology/*physiopathology ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests ; Longitudinal Studies ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Multivariate Analysis ; Neuropsychological Tests ; *Postural Balance ; Scotland/epidemiology ; Visual Acuity ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relations between premorbid and current mental ability, mood, and white matter signal abnormalities detected by T2 weighted brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and impairment of balance and mobility in older adults.<br><br>METHODS: 97 subjects from the Aberdeen 1921 birth cohort underwent brain MRI, evaluation of balance, and measurement of gait speed. White matter hyperintensities detected on T2 weighted MRI scans were rated by three independent raters on three variables: white matter lesions; periventricular lesions; and brain stem lesions.<br><br>RESULTS: Decreased gait speed was correlated with impaired visual acuity (p = 0.020), shorter stature (p = 0.008), a lower childhood IQ (p = 0.030), a lower current Raven's progressive matrices score (Raven score) (p < 0.001), a higher hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) score (p = 0.004), and an increased grade of brain stem lesions on MRI. Inability to balance was correlated with Raven score (p = 0.042), brain stem lesions (p = 0.003), white matter lesions (p = 0.003), and periventricular lesions (p = 0.038). Binary logistic regression identified brain stem lesions (odds ratio (OR) 0.22; 95% confidence interval 0.09 to 0.54) and HADS depression score (OR 0.75; 0.58 to 0.97) as the only significant associations with balance. Structural equation modelling detected an association between two latent traits representing white matter disease and an integrating function, respectively.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort, white matter lesions, periventricular lesions, and brain stem lesions were associated with impaired balance. Current mental ability was strongly related to gait speed. There appears to be a concordance between motor skills and intellect in old age, which is degraded by white matter disease.}, }
@article {pmid12481142, year = {2002}, author = {Stephens, DW and McLinn, CM and Stevens, JR}, title = {Discounting and reciprocity in an Iterated Prisoner's Dilemma.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {298}, number = {5601}, pages = {2216-2218}, doi = {10.1126/science.1078498}, pmid = {12481142}, issn = {1095-9203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Cooperative Behavior ; *Feeding Behavior ; Food ; *Game Theory ; Random Allocation ; *Songbirds ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {The Iterated Prisoner's Dilemma (IPD) is a central paradigm in the study of animal cooperation. According to the IPD framework, repeated play (repetition) and reciprocity combine to maintain a cooperative equilibrium. However, experimental studies with animals suggest that cooperative behavior in IPDs is unstable, and some have suggested that strong preferences for immediate benefits (that is, temporal discounting) might explain the fragility of cooperative equilibria. We studied the effects of discounting and strategic reciprocity on cooperation in captive blue jays. Our results demonstrate an interaction between discounting and reciprocity. Blue jays show high stable levels of cooperation in treatments with reduced discounting when their opponent reciprocates, but their levels of cooperation decline in all other treatment combinations. This suggests that stable cooperation requires both reduced discounting and reciprocity, and it offers an explanation of earlier failures to find cooperation in controlled payoff games.}, }
@article {pmid12475131, year = {2002}, author = {Suutama, T and Ruoppila, I and Stig, B}, title = {Changes in cognitive functioning from 75 to 80 years of age: a 5-year follow-up in two Nordic localities.}, journal = {Aging clinical and experimental research}, volume = {14}, number = {3 Suppl}, pages = {29-36}, pmid = {12475131}, issn = {1594-0667}, mesh = {Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Aging/*psychology ; *Cognition ; Demography ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Male ; Memory ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Psychometrics/methods ; Psychomotor Performance ; Scandinavian and Nordic Countries ; Thinking ; Verbal Behavior ; Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {The purpose of the study was to analyze changes and stability in cognitive functions among older persons aged from 75 to 80 years, as well as differences in this development between two Nordic localities. The number of subjects taking part in the follow-up phase was 188 in Jyväskylä, Finland, and 184 in Göteborg, Sweden. Cognitive functions were assessed using conventional memory tests (Digit Span Forward and Backward for assessing primary working memory; Visual Reproduction for visual memory) and intelligence tests (Digit Symbol for assessing psychomotor speed; Word Fluency for verbal ability; Raven's Matrices for non-verbal reasoning). With few exceptions, the mean test scores declined significantly among the retested men and women in both localities. Analyses showed that generally over half of the subjects maintained their level of performance over the 5-year period, while a part of the deteriorating minority had a steep decline. There were significant differences in the test performance between the localities both at the baseline and follow-up assessments, but few differences between women and men. On the whole, however, the groups of older women and men from the two Nordic localities had a similar pattern of cognitive development from 75 to 80 years of age.}, }
@article {pmid12461598, year = {2002}, author = {Waite, TA}, title = {Interruptions improve choice performance in gray jays: prolonged information processing versus minimization of costly errors.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {5}, number = {4}, pages = {209-214}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-002-0146-7}, pmid = {12461598}, issn = {1435-9448}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Choice Behavior ; Female ; Learning ; Male ; Models, Biological ; Motivation ; Reinforcement Schedule ; Songbirds/*physiology ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {Under the assumption that selection favors minimization of costly errors, erroneous choice may be common when its fitness cost is low. According to an adaptive-choice model, this cost depends on the rate at which an animal encounters the choice: the higher this rate, the smaller the cost of choosing a less valuable option. Errors should thus be more common when interruptions to foraging are shorter. A previous experiment supported this prediction: gray jays, Perisoreus canadensis, were more error prone when subjected to shorter delays to access to food rewards. This pattern, though, is also predicted by an attentional-constraints model. Because the subjects were able to inspect the rewards during delays, their improved performance when subjected to longer delays could have been a byproduct of the experimentally prolonged opportunity for information processing. To evaluate this possibility, a follow-up experiment manipulated both delay to access and whether rewards could be inspected during delays. Depriving jays of the opportunity to inspect rewards (using opaque lids) induced only a small, nonsignificant increase in error rate. This effect was independent of length of delay and so the jays' improved performance when subjected to longer delays was not simply a byproduct of prolonged information processing. More definitively, even when the jays were prevented from inspecting rewards during delays, their performance improved when subjected to longer delays. The findings are thus consistent with the adaptive-choice model.}, }
@article {pmid12437797, year = {2002}, author = {Doubleday, EK and King, P and Papageorgiou, C}, title = {Relationship between fluid intelligence and ability to benefit from cognitive-behavioural therapy in older adults: a preliminary investigation.}, journal = {The British journal of clinical psychology}, volume = {41}, number = {Pt 4}, pages = {423-428}, doi = {10.1348/014466502760387542}, pmid = {12437797}, issn = {0144-6657}, mesh = {Aged ; Anxiety Disorders/diagnosis/*therapy ; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/*methods ; Counseling/methods ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Severity of Illness Index ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to conduct a preliminary evaluation of the hypothesis that fluid intelligence in older adults is associated with the ability to benefit from cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), but unrelated to the ability to benefit from non-directive supportive counselling (SC).<br><br>METHOD: A sample of 32 older adults who had completed a randomized controlled trial course of either CBT (N = 16) or SC (N = 16) for anxiety disorders took part in the study. The Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM) test was used to assess fluid intelligence. The Beck Anxiety Inventory change scores between pre-treatment and post-treatment were used as an index of ability to benefit from therapy. A measure of depressive symptomatology was also administered to control statistically for the effects of depression on intellectual functioning.<br><br>RESULTS: The results for the SC group showed a significant and positive association between fluid intelligence scores and anxiety change scores, such that older adults with higher levels of fluid intelligence demonstrated the most benefit from this intervention. In contrast, there was no significant association between level of fluid intelligence and ability to benefit from therapy in the CBT group.<br><br>CONCLUSION: CBT for anxiety disorders is suitable for older adults, irrespective of their fluid intelligence, while the nature of SC may render it more sensitive to level of fluid intelligence.}, }
@article {pmid12405482, year = {2002}, author = {von Gontard, A and Backes, M and Laufersweiler-Plass, C and Wendland, C and Lehmkuhl, G and Zerres, K and Rudnik-Schöneborn, S}, title = {Psychopathology and familial stress - comparison of boys with Fragile X syndrome and spinal muscular atrophy.}, journal = {Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, and allied disciplines}, volume = {43}, number = {7}, pages = {949-957}, doi = {10.1111/1469-7610.00098}, pmid = {12405482}, issn = {0021-9630}, mesh = {Adaptation, Psychological ; Adolescent ; Child ; Chronic Disease ; Family/*psychology ; Fragile X Syndrome/*psychology ; Humans ; Male ; Muscular Atrophy, Spinal/*psychology ; Psychopathology ; Social Support ; *Stress, Psychological ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Chronic illness and mental retardation are both associated with an increased rate of behavioural problems in children and with considerable emotional strain in families. The aim of the study was to analyse and compare the specific effects of two exemplary conditions on familial stress and coping.<br><br>METHODS: Forty-nine boys with Fragile X syndrome (FXS) were compared with 46 boys with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and 32 male controls. Intelligence was measured with the RAVEN or K-ABC tests. Psychopathology was assessed with the CBCL questionnaire and a structured psychiatric interview (Kinder-DIPS), parental stress with the QRS, coping with the F-COPES and social support with the F-SOZU questionnaires.<br><br>RESULTS: The mean age of the FXS boys was 8.6, of the SMA boys 12.7 and of the controls 11.2 years. The mean IQ was 47 for the FXS, 112 for the SMA and 103 for the control groups. According to the CBCL, 89.8% of the FXS boys, 21.7% of the SMA and 15.7% of the controls had a total score in the borderline or clinical range. The rates were 63.3%, 34.8% and 21.9% for internalising and 67.3%, 10.9% and 18.8% for externalising behaviour, respectively. 81.6% of the FXS and 10.9% of the SMA patients had a DSM-IV or ICD-10 psychiatric diagnosis. The most common were ADHD (FXS: 36) and Separation Anxiety Disorder (SMA: 4). In total, parental stress was significantly higher in the FXS than in the SMA families (and in both compared to controls). There were no major inter-group differences regarding social support and familial coping.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Children with FXS are severely mentally retarded and have a high rate of mainly externalising disorders. Despite good coping abilities and social support, this is associated with high familial stress. The SMA boys, with an intelligence in the upper normal range, are no more deviant than their healthy controls. Parental stress is lower in the SMA families with good coping abilities. In conclusion, families with mentally retarded children are in even greater need of help than those of children with severe chronic illness/physical handicap.}, }
@article {pmid12373368, year = {2002}, author = {Evdokimidis, I and Smyrnis, N and Constantinidis, TS and Stefanis, NC and Avramopoulos, D and Paximadis, C and Theleritis, C and Efstratiadis, C and Kastrinakis, G and Stefanis, CN}, title = {The antisaccade task in a sample of 2,006 young men. I. Normal population characteristics.}, journal = {Experimental brain research}, volume = {147}, number = {1}, pages = {45-52}, doi = {10.1007/s00221-002-1208-4}, pmid = {12373368}, issn = {0014-4819}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Computer Graphics ; Epidemiologic Methods ; Humans ; Male ; Psychomotor Performance/*physiology ; Reaction Time/physiology ; Reference Values ; Saccades/*physiology ; }, abstract = {A population of 2,075 young men aged 18-25 years selected from the conscripts of the Greek Air Force performed an antisaccade task as part of a prospective study for the identification of risk factors in the development of psychoses. The aim of this study, which is ongoing, is to follow this population and investigate the possible predictive value of oculomotor, cognitive, and psychometric factors for the development of psychosis and other psychiatric conditions. In this report we present data concerning the antisaccade task in this population. We measured performance indices, including the percentage of errors (PE), the latencies of different eye movement responses (latency for correct antisaccades, errors, corrections), and performance in perseveration-prone trials. These indices were also evaluated with respect to IQ (measured by the Raven progressive matrices test) and educational level. Mean PE was 23%, with 17% variance. This large variance is of particular importance whenever the detection of a putative deviant behavior is explored. As mean latency of the first eye movement decreased, the PE increased, as did the latency variance. While the negative correlation between percentage of error and mean latency is well established, the relationship of the latency variability of the first response to error production has not been studied before. Thus, optimal performance appears to require both an intermediate mean latency and a small variability. Furthermore, performance seems to be affected by IQ (the higher the IQ score, the lower the percentage of errors). This report offers an analysis of the interindividual variation in the performance of the antisaccade task and discusses some of the sources of this variation.}, }
@article {pmid12365854, year = {2002}, author = {Natsopoulo, D and Christou, C and Koutselini, M and Raftopoulos, A and Karefillidou, C}, title = {Structure and coherence of reasoning ability in Down Syndrome adults and typically developing children.}, journal = {Research in developmental disabilities}, volume = {23}, number = {4}, pages = {297-307}, doi = {10.1016/s0891-4222(02)00088-4}, pmid = {12365854}, issn = {0891-4222}, mesh = {Adult ; Child, Preschool ; *Concept Formation ; Down Syndrome/*diagnosis/psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Logic ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; *Problem Solving ; Reference Values ; }, abstract = {The present study investigates the ability of Down Syndrome (DS) adults to reason: (a) deductively with transitivity (linear and reverse relations) and categorical syllogisms (all-some relations); (b) inductively with classical verbal analogies and non-verbal analogical reasoning (Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices); and (c) to retain information in short-term memory. The results have shown that: (i) The Down Syndrome adults did not differ from typically developing children, matched on expressive and verbal ability, in transitivity and non-verbal analogical thinking; (ii) they differed in categorical reasoning, classical verbal analogies and short-term memory. Application of a structural model demonstrated that, despite differences in slope means in the three measures, the structure of functioning within-and-across all domains of cognition tests and its growth pattern, equally reliable and coherent, goes in parallel for the Down Syndrome adults and the typically developing children. The results are discussed within the context of the two-group developmental and difference approach.}, }
@article {pmid12298188, year = {2002}, author = {Karwowska-Polecka, W and Halicka, D and Jakubów, P and Braszko, JJ}, title = {[The effect of enalapril and captopril on emotional processes in hypertensive patients].}, journal = {Psychiatria polska}, volume = {36}, number = {4}, pages = {591-601}, pmid = {12298188}, issn = {0033-2674}, mesh = {Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/*pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Antihypertensive Agents/*pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Captopril/*pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Emotions/*drug effects ; Enalapril/*pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension/*drug therapy/*psychology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Single-Blind Method ; Stress, Psychological/*etiology ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {This study was aimed at the estimation of influence of enalapril and captopril on emotional processes in hypertensive patients. Hypertensive subjects evaluated before introducing drug treatment and normotensive persons comprised the control groups. All groups were examined with the psychological methods (BDI, HSC, Raven's Matric test). In BDI, there were no significant differences between the groups in the total score and particular factors as well. In HSC, there were significant differences in the total ratings between untreated hypertensive subjects and the normotensive group (p < 0.05). The depression/anxiety profile was the main contributing factor being itself significantly different (p < 0.05) in those groups. Enalapril and captopril reversed the negative behavioural changes caused by hypertension only moderately with no statistical significance. There were no alterations in intellectual abilities tested by the Raven's Matric test in any group examined. In conclusion, significant negative emotional effects of high blood pressure are only partly reversed by the antihypertensive doses of enalapril and captopril.}, }
@article {pmid12210104, year = {2002}, author = {Shaw, BK and Kennedy, GG}, title = {Evidence for species differences in the pattern of androgen receptor distribution in relation to species differences in an androgen-dependent behavior.}, journal = {Journal of neurobiology}, volume = {52}, number = {3}, pages = {203-220}, doi = {10.1002/neu.10079}, pmid = {12210104}, issn = {0022-3034}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Chickens ; Chimera ; Coturnix ; Immunohistochemistry ; Mesencephalon/*chemistry/physiology ; Receptors, Androgen/*analysis ; Rhombencephalon/*chemistry/physiology ; Species Specificity ; Vocalization, Animal/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) and Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica), two closely related gallinaceous bird species, exhibit a form of vocalization-crowing-which differs between the species in two components: its temporal acoustic pattern and its accompanying postural motor pattern. Previous work utilizing the quail-chick chimera technique demonstrated that the species-specific characteristics of the two crow components are determined by distinct brain structures: the midbrain confers the acoustic pattern, and the caudal hindbrain confers the postural pattern. Crowing is induced by androgens, acting directly on androgen receptors. As a strategy for identifying candidate neurons in the midbrain and caudal hindbrain that could be involved in crow production, we performed immunocytochemistry for androgen receptors in these brain regions in both species. We also investigated midbrain-to-hindbrain vocal-motor projections. In the midbrain, both species showed prominent androgen receptor immunoreactivity in the nucleus intercollicularis, as had been reported in previous studies. In the caudal hindbrain, we discovered characteristic species differences in the pattern of androgen receptor distribution. Chickens, but not quail, showed strong immunoreactivity in the tracheosyringeal division of the hypoglossal nucleus, whereas quail, but not chickens, possessed strong immunoreactivity in a region of the ventrolateral medulla. Some of these differences in hindbrain androgen receptor distribution may be related to the species differences in the postural component of crowing behavior. The results of the present study imply that the spatial distribution of receptor proteins can vary even between closely related species. Such variation in receptor distribution could underlie the evolution of species differences in behavior.}, }
@article {pmid12204132, year = {2002}, author = {Ekman, J and Griesser, M}, title = {Why offspring delay dispersal: experimental evidence for a role of parental tolerance.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {269}, number = {1501}, pages = {1709-1713}, pmid = {12204132}, issn = {0962-8452}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Cooperative Behavior ; Female ; *Intergenerational Relations ; Male ; Parenting ; Population Dynamics ; Reproduction ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Approximately 3% of all bird species live in families based on a prolonged parent-offspring association. Formation of family groups often appears to be associated with various constraints on the possibilities of independent reproduction for the offspring. However, delayed dispersal is not the only alternative for offspring that defer reproduction. To account for the formation of a family group it is also necessary to explain why non-dispersing offspring forego the alternative options to join other groups as 'extra birds' or to become 'floaters' and roam between territories. We removed fathers from Siberian jay Perisoreus infaustus family groups to test the proposal that nepotistic parental tolerance gives the natal territory a special value for the offspring, which they cannot find elsewhere and that makes them stay. In this species, parents are more tolerant of their retained offspring than towards immigrant extra birds. In response to the removal of fathers, retained offspring dispersed, whereas there was no similar response among the unrelated extra birds. Retained offspring, however, left only after despotic immigrant alpha-males replaced removed fathers, indicating that the presence of fathers is an essential motive for offspring to delay their dispersal. By blocking immigrant and unrelated males from becoming alpha-males and by being tolerant themselves, fathers provide a 'safe haven' in the natal territory where retained offspring can avail themselves of available resources without any, or only mild, competitive interference.}, }
@article {pmid12201415, year = {2002}, author = {Hossain, M and Houser, CJ and Galvin, JM}, title = {Output variation from an intensity modulating dynamic collimator.}, journal = {Medical physics}, volume = {29}, number = {8}, pages = {1693-1697}, doi = {10.1118/1.1493782}, pmid = {12201415}, issn = {0094-2405}, mesh = {Equipment Failure Analysis/*methods ; *Models, Biological ; Quality Control ; Radiotherapy Dosage ; *Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted ; Radiotherapy, Conformal/*instrumentation/*methods ; Reproducibility of Results ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Water ; }, abstract = {Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) offers a method of delivering radiation dose conforming to the shape of targets while minimizing the dose to the surrounding tissue and nearby critical organs. One popular device is the NOMOS MIMiC Collimator coupled to the CORVUS treatment planning system. The MIMiC collimator, mounted on a linac head, opens and closes one or more of its 40 small leaves as determined by the planner while the linac delivers radiation and the gantry rotates. This dynamic IMRT allows the intensity to be modulated yielding a highly conformal dose distribution. However, the dose output becomes a function of the detailed manner in which the leaves open and close, since the opening and closing are not instantaneous. We investigate the effect of switch rates and delay in the open/close events on the output profiles. The output is enhanced as the switch rate increases. The enhancement factor at any point of measurement is dependent on its distance from the central plane. We interpret these variations in terms of a simple model, which includes the effect of leaf travel time during the process of opening and closing. We also include the time delay in establishing the specified pressure in the pneumonic device, which controls the opening and closing of the leaves. The information presented here offers a means for incorporating these output changes into the planning system. This may avoid the current situation where many patient plans need to be renormalized based on the actual measurement taken during the delivery of the specified intensity pattern to a phantom.}, }
@article {pmid12169726, year = {2002}, author = {Weir, AA and Chappell, J and Kacelnik, A}, title = {Shaping of hooks in New Caledonian crows.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {297}, number = {5583}, pages = {981}, doi = {10.1126/science.1073433}, pmid = {12169726}, issn = {1095-9203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Cognition ; Female ; Male ; Songbirds/*physiology ; }, }
@article {pmid12169334, year = {2002}, author = {Hayashi, M and Morikawa, T and Hori, T}, title = {Circasemidian 12 h cycle of slow wave sleep under constant darkness.}, journal = {Clinical neurophysiology : official journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology}, volume = {113}, number = {9}, pages = {1505-1516}, doi = {10.1016/s1388-2457(02)00168-2}, pmid = {12169334}, issn = {1388-2457}, mesh = {Adult ; Analysis of Variance ; Circadian Rhythm/physiology ; *Darkness ; Electroencephalography ; Electromyography ; Electrooculography ; Humans ; Male ; *Periodicity ; Polysomnography ; Reference Values ; Sensory Deprivation/*physiology ; Sleep/*physiology ; Sleep, REM/physiology ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Afternoon sleepiness is a widespread phenomenon. The present study aimed to test Broughton's hypothesis (Sleep and alertness: chronobiological, behavioral, and medical aspects of napping. New York, NY: Raven Press, 1989. p. 71-98) that afternoon sleep propensity might reflect the circasemidian 12h cycle of slow wave sleep (SWS).<br><br>METHODS: Nine subjects (21-27 year) stayed alone under constant darkness (0 lux) without social contact for 72 h. They were allowed to sleep and eat freely. Their polysomnograms during 72 h of constant darkness were analyzed.<br><br>RESULTS: The total sleep time (TST) accounted for 41.6h (57.9%) of the 72 h and decreased progressively as a function of time. The reduction in TST was dependent on the decrease in sleep stage 2 and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. The amount of SWS did not significantly change among the days. The circadian (1 cycle/day) and circasemidian (2cycles/day) cycles were observed in SWS. Those accounted for 13.9 and 11.1% of the total variance, respectively. SWS during the time corresponding to daytime occurred 9-10h before and 15-16 h after the nocturnal sleep gate. In addition, weak but significant correlations were observed between the amounts of SWS and the waking time before the sleep episodes (r=0.332) and prior REM sleep (r=-0.236).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest that SWS might occur not only always in a homeostatic manner as a function of prior wakefulness, but also as a circasemidian rhythmic function.}, }
@article {pmid12082994, year = {2002}, author = {McLean, RG and Ubico, SR and Bourne, D and Komar, N}, title = {West Nile virus in livestock and wildlife.}, journal = {Current topics in microbiology and immunology}, volume = {267}, number = {}, pages = {271-308}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-642-59403-8_14}, pmid = {12082994}, issn = {0070-217X}, mesh = {Amphibians/virology ; Animals ; Animals, Domestic/*virology ; Animals, Wild/*virology ; Birds/virology ; Disease Outbreaks/veterinary ; Disease Reservoirs ; Ecosystem ; Horse Diseases/etiology ; Horses/virology ; Humans ; Insect Control ; Mammals/virology ; Population Surveillance ; Reptiles/virology ; West Nile Fever/etiology/*veterinary ; West Nile virus/*isolation &amp; purification/*pathogenicity ; }, abstract = {WN virus is one of the most ubiquitous arboviruses occurring over a broad geographical range and in a wide diversity of vertebrate host and vector species. The virus appears to be maintained in endemic foci on the African continent and is transported annually to temperate climates to the north in Europe and to the south in South Africa. Reports of clinical disease due to natural WN virus infection in wild or domestic animals were much less common than reports of infection (virus isolation or antibody detection). Until recently, records of morbidity and mortality in wild birds were confined to a small number of cases and infections causing encephalitis, sometimes fatal, in horses were reported infrequently. In the period 1996-2001, there was an increase in outbreaks of illness due to WN virus in animals as well as humans. Within the traditional range of WN virus, encephalitis was reported in horses in Italy in 1998 and in France in 2000. The first report of disease and deaths caused by WN virus infection in domestic birds was reported in Israel in 1997-1999, involving hundreds of young geese. In 1999 WN virus reached North America and caused an outbreak of encephalitis in humans in the New York area at the same time as a number of cases of equine encephalitis and deaths in American crows and a variety of other bird species, both North American natives and exotics. Multi-state surveillance for WN virus has been in place since April 2000 and has resulted in the detection of WN virus in thousands of dead birds from an increasing number of species in North America, and also in several species of mammals. The surveillance system that has developed in North America because of the utility of testing dead birds for the rapid detection of WN virus presence has been a unique integration of public health and wildlife health agencies. It has been suggested that the recent upsurge in clinical WN virus infection in wild and domestic animals as well as in humans may be related to the emergence of one or more new strains of WN virus. Virus isolated in New York in 1999 was found to be identical to that from Israel. It was alarming for WN virus to so easily invade the United States and surprising that it became established so quickly in the temperature climate of New York. Its persistence and rapid expansion in the United States leave a number of unanswered questions. New disease characteristics and patterns have occurred and more are evolving as WN virus further invades the western hemisphere. Additional animal research is needed to answer these questions. Some of the research needs include bird migration as a mechanism of virus dispersal, vector and vertebrate host relationships, virus persistence mechanisms, laboratory diagnosis, viral pathogenesis, risk factor studies, vaccine development, and WN virus impact on wildlife (CDC 2001a). Determination of the primary reservoir host species that are involved in the epidemiology of WN virus and the suitable sentinel species for active surveillance are also important research areas.}, }
@article {pmid12079661, year = {2002}, author = {Ruegg, KC and Smith, TB}, title = {Not as the crow flies: a historical explanation for circuitous migration in Swainson's thrush (Catharus ustulatus).}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {269}, number = {1498}, pages = {1375-1381}, pmid = {12079661}, issn = {0962-8452}, mesh = {*Animal Migration ; Animals ; Biological Evolution ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Female ; *Flight, Animal ; Haplotypes/genetics ; Male ; North America ; Phylogeny ; Population Dynamics ; Seasons ; Songbirds/*genetics/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Many migratory songbirds follow circuitous migratory routes instead of taking the shortest path between overwintering and breeding areas. Here, we study the migration patterns in Swainson's thrush (Catharus ustulatus), a neartic-neotropical migrant songbird, using molecular genetic approaches. This species is presently separated into genetically distinct coastal and continental populations that diverged during the Late Pleistocene (as indicated by molecular dating), yet appear to have retained ancestral patterns of migration. Low nucleotide diversity, a star-like haplotype phylogeny and unimodal mismatch distributions all support the hypothesis that both the coastal and the continental populations have undergone recent demographic expansions. Nearctic-neotropical banding and genetic data show nearly complete segregation of migratory routes and of overwintering locations: coastal populations migrate along the Pacific Coast to overwintering sites in Central America and Mexico, whereas continental populations migrate along an eastern route to overwintering sites in Panama and South America. Nearctic-neotropical banding data also show that continental birds north, northwest and east of this migratory divide fly thousands of miles east before turning south. We conclude that circuitous migration in the Swainson's thrush is an artefact of a Late Pleistocene range expansion.}, }
@article {pmid12065041, year = {2002}, author = {Baglione, V and Canestrari, D and Marcos, JM and Griesser, M and Ekman, J}, title = {History, environment and social behaviour: experimentally induced cooperative breeding in the carrion crow.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {269}, number = {1497}, pages = {1247-1251}, pmid = {12065041}, issn = {0962-8452}, mesh = {Animals ; Breeding ; *Cooperative Behavior ; *Environment ; Female ; Male ; *Phylogeny ; *Reproduction ; Sexual Behavior, Animal ; Social Behavior ; Songbirds/genetics/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Kin-based cooperative breeding, where grown offspring delay natal dispersal and help their parents to rear new young, has a long history in some avian lineages. Family formation and helping behaviour in extant populations may therefore simply represent the retention of ancestral features, tolerated under current conditions, rather than a current adaptive process driven by environmental factors. Separating these two possibilities challenges evolutionary biologists because of the tight coupling that normally exists between phylogeny and the environmental distribution of species and populations. The carrion crow Corvus corone corone, which exhibits extreme interpopulational variation in the extent of cooperative breeding, with populations showing no delayed dispersal and helping at all, provides a unique opportunity for an experimental approach. Here we show that offspring of non-cooperative carrion crows from Switzerland will remain on the natal territory and express helping behaviour when raised in a cooperative population in Spain. When we transferred carrion crow eggs from Switzerland to Spain, five out of six transplanted juveniles delayed dispersal, and two of those became helpers in the following breeding season. Our results provide compelling experimental evidence of the causal relationship between current environmental conditions and expression of cooperative behaviour.}, }
@article {pmid12013662, year = {2002}, author = {Smirnova, AA and Lazareva, OF and Zorina, ZA}, title = {[Prototype symbolization in hooded crows].}, journal = {Zhurnal vysshei nervnoi deiatelnosti imeni I P Pavlova}, volume = {52}, number = {2}, pages = {241-254}, pmid = {12013662}, issn = {0044-4677}, mesh = {*Animal Communication ; Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The ability in prototype symbolization was studied in four crows trained in matching concept. The experimental approach was characterized by the absence of direct training providing an association between the pictured arrays and Arabic numerals. Experimental sessions were divided into demonstrative and test phases. In the demonstrative phases, the sample and the reinforced stimulus belonged to the same category: if the sample was a pictured array, the reinforced stimulus was also the pictured array, if the sample was a numeral, the reinforced stimulus was likewise a numeral. Matching-to-sample competence was sufficient to perform this task successfully. In case of a correct choice a crow received some mealworms, their number was equal to the number of items in the pictured array or the Arabic numeral. In the test phases, the sample and the comparison stimuli were of different categories. If the sample was a pictured array, the comparison stimuli were numerals; if the sample was a numeral, the comparisons were the pictured arrays. Such tests required the birds to choose a numeric symbol corresponding to the pictured array or to choose the array of pictured items numerically equal to the Arabic symbol. All four crows performed this task successfully. Birds were able to set up a correspondence between the Arabic numeral from 1 to 4 and the number of elements in pictured arrays by way of mental juxtaposition of the earlier received information. Similar experiments showed that crows are likely to be able to perform mental operations with numerals analogous to simple arithmetic addition.}, }
@article {pmid11944836, year = {2002}, author = {Staples, JK and Krall, BS and Bartelt, RJ and Whitman, DW}, title = {Chemical defense in the plant bug Lopidea robiniae (Uhler).}, journal = {Journal of chemical ecology}, volume = {28}, number = {3}, pages = {601-615}, pmid = {11944836}, issn = {0098-0331}, mesh = {Alcohols/isolation &amp; purification/pharmacology ; Aldehydes/isolation &amp; purification/pharmacology ; Animals ; *Avoidance Learning ; *Birds ; Exocrine Glands ; Female ; Heteroptera/*chemistry/*physiology ; Male ; Odorants ; Predatory Behavior ; }, abstract = {Secretions from the metathoracic glands (MTG) of the black locust bug, Lopidea robiniae (Uhler) (Heteroptera: Miridae) contained six major compounds, including (E)-2-hexenal, (E)-2-hexen-1-ol, (E)-2-octenal, (E)-2-octen-1-ol (E)-2-heptenal, and (Z)-3-octen-1-ol. Males and females did not differ significantly in the relative compositions of identified compounds. In feeding trials, six bird species [robin (Turdus migratorious), blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata), brown thrasher (Toxostoma rufum), killdeer (Charadrius vociferus), starling (Sturnus vulgaris), and house wren (Troglodytes aedon)] demonstrated feeding aversions towards L. robiniae implying that black locust bugs are chemically defended. Bugs discharged the liquid contents of their MTG when attacked, thereby producing a strong and distinct odor. Some birds immediately ejected bugs out of their mouth after biting them, suggesting that the MTG secretion was a deterrent.}, }
@article {pmid11921166, year = {2002}, author = {Cibert, C}, title = {Axonemal activity relative to the 2D/3D-waveform conversion of the flagellum.}, journal = {Cell motility and the cytoskeleton}, volume = {51}, number = {2}, pages = {89-111}, doi = {10.1002/cm.10016}, pmid = {11921166}, issn = {0886-1544}, mesh = {Animals ; Flagella/*physiology/ultrastructure ; Male ; Sea Urchins ; Sperm Motility/*physiology ; Spermatozoa/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The waveform of the flagellum of the sea urchin spermatozoon is mainly planar, but its 3D-properties were evoked for dynamic reasons and described as helical. In 1975, the apparent twisting pattern of the sea urchin axoneme was described [Gibbons I. 1975. The molecular basis of flagellar motility in sea urchin spermatozoa. In: Inoué S, Stephens R, editors. Molecular and cellular movement. New York: Raven Press, p. 207-232.] and was considered to be one of the main elements involved in axonemal behaviour. Recently, planar, quasi-planar, and helical waveforms were observed when the flagellum of sea urchin sperm cells was submitted to an increase in viscosity. The quasi-planar conformation seemed to be due to the alternating torsion of the inter-bend segments [Woolley D, Vernon G. 2001. A study of helical and planar waves on sea urchin sperm flagella, with a theory of how they are generated. J. Exp. Biol. 204:1333-1345]. These three waveforms, which are due to a change in axonemal activity, are possibly used by the sperm cells to adapt their movement to variations in the physico-chemical characteristics of the medium (seawater) in which the cells normally swim. We constructed a simple model to describe qualitatively the central shear (between the axonemal doublets and the central pair) and the tangential shear (between the doublets themselves). In this model, the 3D-bending is resolved into components in two perpendicular planes and each of the nine planes of inter-doublet interaction defines a potential bending plane that is independently regulated. These shears were calculated for the three waveforms and their inter-conversion. This allowed us to propose that axoneme is resolved in successive modules delineated by abscissas where the sliding is always nil. We discuss these data concerning the axonemal machinery, and especially the alternating activity of opposite sides of (two) neutral surface(s) that seem(s) to be responsible for this inter-conversion, and for the possible twist of the axoneme during the beating.}, }
@article {pmid11832937, year = {2002}, author = {Bond, AB and Kamil, AC}, title = {Visual predators select for crypticity and polymorphism in virtual prey.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {415}, number = {6872}, pages = {609-613}, doi = {10.1038/415609a}, pmid = {11832937}, issn = {0028-0836}, mesh = {Algorithms ; Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Color ; Computer Simulation ; Ecology ; *Genetic Variation ; Moths/anatomy &amp; histology/genetics ; Phenotype ; *Predatory Behavior ; Selection, Genetic ; Songbirds/genetics/*physiology ; *Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {Cryptically coloured animals commonly occur in several distinct pattern variants. Such phenotypic diversity may be promoted by frequency-dependent predation, in which more abundant variants are attacked disproportionately often, but the hypothesis has never been explicitly tested. Here we report the first controlled experiment on the effects of visual predators on prey crypticity and phenotypic variance, in which blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata) searched for digital moths on computer monitors. Moth phenotypes evolved via a genetic algorithm in which individuals detected by the jays were much less likely to reproduce. Jays often failed to detect atypical cryptic moths, confirming frequency-dependent selection and suggesting the use of searching images, which enhance the detection of common prey. Over successive generations, the moths evolved to become significantly harder to detect, and they showed significantly greater phenotypic variance than non-selected or frequency-independent selected controls.}, }
@article {pmid11816861, year = {2001}, author = {Martin, DS and Craft, A and Sheng, ZN}, title = {The impact of cognitive strategy instruction on deaf learners: an international comparative study.}, journal = {American annals of the deaf}, volume = {146}, number = {4}, pages = {366-378}, doi = {10.1353/aad.2012.0156}, pmid = {11816861}, issn = {0002-726X}, mesh = {Child ; *Cognition ; Cross-Cultural Comparison ; *Deafness ; Humans ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Problem Solving ; *Teaching ; }, abstract = {Teacher cohorts in England and China received special training in techniques for teaching higher-level critical and creative cognitive strategies to deaf learners. Both cohorts implemented the strategies in the classroom at least twice weekly for 6 months. Measures included Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (1959), a systematic observation checklist for cognitive behaviors (Martin &amp; Craft, 1998), and critical and creative problem situations to which students had to respond. Results were compared with those from a study of similar learners in the United States (Martin &amp; Jonas, 1985), and little difference was found. Students in all three countries improved in reasoning, devising real-world problem solutions involving critical thinking (but not creative thinking), using cognitive vocabulary in the classroom, and expressing others' viewpoints. Postintervention focus groups showed teachers in China used a more invariant sequence in teaching the cognitive strategies, but teachers in all three countries experienced similar expansion in cognitive terminology and self-perceptions as teachers of problem solving.}, }
@article {pmid11806591, year = {2001}, author = {Amador-Campos, JA and Kirchner-Nebot, T}, title = {Children's embedded figures test and matching familiar figures test-20: factorial structure for boys and girls from 6 to 11 years old.}, journal = {Perceptual and motor skills}, volume = {93}, number = {3}, pages = {709-712}, doi = {10.2466/pms.2001.93.3.709}, pmid = {11806591}, issn = {0031-5125}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Child ; *Discrimination Learning ; Female ; *Field Dependence-Independence ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Male ; *Pattern Recognition, Visual ; Personality Assessment/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; *Personality Development ; Psychometrics ; Reproducibility of Results ; }, abstract = {The factorial structure of two tests of cognitive style (the Children's Embedded Figures Test and the Matching Familiar Figures Test-20) and one test of cognitive ability (Raven Progressive Matrices) was examined in this study with a sample of 337 boys and 287 girls between ages 6 and 11 years. Factor I related to Impulsivity and Factor II related to cognitive ability and disembedding skills, which were stable across age groups and sex and accounted for 84.6% of variance.}, }
@article {pmid11797807, year = {2001}, author = {Kramer, LD and Bernard, KA}, title = {West Nile virus infection in birds and mammals.}, journal = {Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences}, volume = {951}, number = {}, pages = {84-93}, doi = {10.1111/j.1749-6632.2001.tb02687.x}, pmid = {11797807}, issn = {0077-8923}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/*epidemiology ; Birds/*virology ; Brain/virology ; Culex ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Horses ; Humans ; Kidney/virology ; Mammals/*virology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C/virology ; New York City/epidemiology ; West Nile Fever/epidemiology/*veterinary ; West Nile virus/*pathogenicity ; }, abstract = {West Nile virus (WNV) was found throughout New York State in year 2000. The epicenter was located in New York City with a high level of activity in the immediately surrounding counties, including Rockland, Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk. During 2000, WNV testing was performed by the Wadsworth Center on 3,687 dead birds, representing 153 species, 46 families, and 18 orders. There were 1,203 WNV-positive birds, representing 63 species, 30 families and 14 orders. The percentage of WNV-positive birds was 33% for all birds tested throughout the state, with no significant difference in infection rates in migratory versus resident birds, although significantly more resident birds were submitted for testing. The highest apparent mortality for the entire season was observed in American crows in Staten Island, a location that also showed the highest minimal infection rate in Culex pipiens complex mosquitoes. Studies examining tissue tropism of WNV in corvids and noncorvids from the epicenter and from remote locations indicated that the kidney was the most consistently infected tissue in birds, regardless of level of infection. The brain was the next most consistently positive tissue. The differences in infection among the tissues were most apparent when low levels of virus were present. Experimental mouse inoculation demonstrated a classical flavivirus infection pattern.}, }
@article {pmid11797804, year = {2001}, author = {McLean, RG and Ubico, SR and Docherty, DE and Hansen, WR and Sileo, L and McNamara, TS}, title = {West Nile virus transmission and ecology in birds.}, journal = {Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences}, volume = {951}, number = {}, pages = {54-57}, doi = {10.1111/j.1749-6632.2001.tb02684.x}, pmid = {11797804}, issn = {0077-8923}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/*epidemiology/*transmission ; Culex ; Humans ; *Songbirds ; United States/epidemiology ; West Nile Fever/epidemiology/transmission/*veterinary ; West Nile virus/*pathogenicity ; }, abstract = {The ecology of the strain of West Nile virus (WNV) introduced into the United States in 1999 has similarities to the native flavivirus, St. Louis encephalitis (SLE) virus, but has unique features not observed with SLE virus or with WNV in the old world. The primary route of transmission for most of the arboviruses in North America is by mosquito, and infected native birds usually do not suffer morbidity or mortality. An exception to this pattern is eastern equine encephalitis virus, which has an alternate direct route of transmission among nonnative birds, and some mortality of native bird species occurs. The strain of WNV circulating in the northeastern United States is unique in that it causes significant mortality in exotic and native bird species, especially in the American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos). Because of the lack of information on the susceptibility and pathogenesis of WNV for this species, experimental studies were conducted at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center. In two separate studies, crows were inoculated with a 1999 New York strain of WNV, and all experimentally infected crows died. In one of the studies, control crows in regular contact with experimentally inoculated crows in the same room but not inoculated with WNV succumbed to infection. The direct transmission between crows was most likely by the oral route. Inoculated crows were viremic before death, and high titers of virus were isolated from a variety of tissues. The significance of the experimental direct transmission among captive crows is unknown.}, }
@article {pmid11769885, year = {2001}, author = {Karádi, K and Kállai, J and Kovács, B}, title = {Cognitive subprocesses of mental rotation: why is a good rotator better than a poor one?.}, journal = {Perceptual and motor skills}, volume = {93}, number = {2}, pages = {333-337}, doi = {10.2466/pms.2001.93.2.333}, pmid = {11769885}, issn = {0031-5125}, mesh = {Adult ; Attention ; *Concept Formation ; Decision Making ; *Depth Perception ; Female ; Humans ; Individuality ; Intelligence ; Male ; Mental Recall ; *Orientation ; *Pattern Recognition, Visual ; *Problem Solving ; Saccades ; }, abstract = {The Vanderberg-Kuse Mental Rotation Test is a standard test of mental rotation ability. Recent experiments have demonstrated that mental rotation is a complex cognitive process wherein different subprocesses (focused attention, visual scanning, perceptual decision, visual memory) play important roles in performance. We classified the population as good and poor rotators by performance of mental rotation (ns = 47: 22 men and 25 women, respectively; mean age: 20.7 yr.). To examine differences cognitive subprocesses of mental rotation of these two groups were compared. There were significant differences between poor and good rotators in performance on Raven's test and the Pieron Focused Attention test scores. The good rotators scored better because their perceptual decision-analytical intelligence (Raven) and focused attention scores were higher.}, }
@article {pmid11757995, year = {2001}, author = {Bischoff, K and Morgan, S and Chelsvig, J and Spencer, D}, title = {4-aminopyridine poisoning of crows in the Chicago area.}, journal = {Veterinary and human toxicology}, volume = {43}, number = {6}, pages = {350-352}, pmid = {11757995}, issn = {0145-6296}, mesh = {4-Aminopyridine/*poisoning ; Animals ; Bird Diseases/*chemically induced ; Fatal Outcome ; Female ; Potassium Channel Blockers/*poisoning ; Seizures/chemically induced ; *Songbirds ; Vocalization, Animal ; Zea mays/chemistry ; }, abstract = {Poisoning of crows with the avicide 4-aminopyridine is reported. Seven crows had frequent vocalization and nervous signs; 6 died. Postmortem examination of 4 found evidence of trauma and corn-based bait present in the gastrointestinal tract. The bait contained 4-aminopyridine, a rapidly fatal nervous system toxin. When utilized by pest control professionals using manufacturer's recommendations, 4-aminopyridine has little risk of direct or relay toxicosis to non-target species. Treatment of exposed individuals involves symptomatic care and control of seizures.}, }
@article {pmid11742382, year = {2001}, author = {Hunt, GR and Corballis, MC and Gray, RD}, title = {Animal behaviour: Laterality in tool manufacture by crows.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {414}, number = {6865}, pages = {707}, doi = {10.1038/414707a}, pmid = {11742382}, issn = {0028-0836}, mesh = {Animals ; Feeding Behavior ; Functional Laterality/*physiology ; Humans ; Songbirds/*physiology ; }, abstract = {New Caledonian crows (Fig. 1) fashion tapered tools from either the left or the right edge of the long narrow leaves of pandanus trees or screw pines, which they use to extract invertebrates in rainforest vegetation. Although right-handedness is thought to be uniquely human, we show here that crows from different localities display a widespread laterality in making their tools, indicating that this behaviour is unlikely to be attributable to local social traditions or ecological factors. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of species-level laterality in manipulatory skills outside humans.}, }
@article {pmid11719804, year = {2001}, author = {Emery, NJ and Clayton, NS}, title = {Effects of experience and social context on prospective caching strategies by scrub jays.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {414}, number = {6862}, pages = {443-446}, doi = {10.1038/35106560}, pmid = {11719804}, issn = {0028-0836}, mesh = {Animals ; *Feeding Behavior ; Learning ; Social Behavior ; Songbirds/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Social life has costs associated with competition for resources such as food. Food storing may reduce this competition as the food can be collected quickly and hidden elsewhere; however, it is a risky strategy because caches can be pilfered by others. Scrub jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) remember 'what', 'where' and 'when' they cached. Like other corvids, they remember where conspecifics have cached, pilfering them when given the opportunity, but may also adjust their own caching strategies to minimize potential pilfering. To test this, jays were allowed to cache either in private (when the other bird's view was obscured) or while a conspecific was watching, and then recover their caches in private. Here we show that jays with prior experience of pilfering another bird's caches subsequently re-cached food in new cache sites during recovery trials, but only when they had been observed caching. Jays without pilfering experience did not, even though they had observed other jays caching. Our results suggest that jays relate information about their previous experience as a pilferer to the possibility of future stealing by another bird, and modify their caching strategy accordingly.}, }
@article {pmid11707507, year = {2001}, author = {Boggs, DF and Baudinette, RV and Frappell, PB and Butler, PJ}, title = {The influence of locomotion on air-sac pressures in little penguins.}, journal = {The Journal of experimental biology}, volume = {204}, number = {Pt 20}, pages = {3581-3586}, doi = {10.1242/jeb.204.20.3581}, pmid = {11707507}, issn = {0022-0949}, mesh = {Abdominal Muscles/physiology ; Air Sacs/*physiology ; Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Electromyography ; Motor Activity/*physiology ; Muscle, Skeletal/physiology ; Oxygen Consumption ; Pressure ; Swimming/physiology ; Transducers, Pressure ; Walking/physiology ; Wings, Animal ; }, abstract = {Air-sac pressures have been reported to oscillate with wing beat in flying magpies and with foot paddling in diving ducks. We sought to determine the impact on air-sac pressure of wing beats during swimming and of the step cycle during walking in little penguins (Eudyptula minor). Fluctuations averaged 0.16+/-0.06 kPa in the interclavicular air sacs, but only 0.06+/-0.04 kPa in the posterior thoracic sac, generating a small differential pressure between sacs of 0.06+/-0.02 kPa (means +/- S.E.M., N=4). These fluctuations occurred at approximately 3 Hz and corresponded to wing beats during swimming, indicated by electromyograms from the pectoralis and supracoracoideus muscles. There was no abdominal muscle activity associated with swimming or exhalation, but the abdominal muscles were active with the step cycle in walking penguins, and oscillations in posterior air-sac pressure (0.08+/-0.038 kPa) occurred with steps. We conclude that high-frequency oscillations in differential air-sac pressure enhance access to and utilization of the O(2) stores in the air sacs during a dive.}, }
@article {pmid11705708, year = {2001}, author = {Garver, DL and Holcomb, J and Mapua, FM and Wilson, R and Barnes, B}, title = {Schizophrenia spectrum disorders: an autosomal-wide scan in multiplex pedigrees.}, journal = {Schizophrenia research}, volume = {52}, number = {3}, pages = {145-160}, doi = {10.1016/s0920-9964(01)00157-8}, pmid = {11705708}, issn = {0920-9964}, mesh = {Chromosomes, Human/genetics ; Ethnicity/genetics ; Genetic Heterogeneity ; *Genetic Linkage ; *Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Humans ; *Pedigree ; Phenotype ; Schizophrenia/ethnology/*genetics ; }, abstract = {Genome-wide linkage studies, examining the relationship between the schizophrenia syndrome(s) and possible susceptibility regions within the human genome have identified multiple regions within which linkage to the syndrome may be explored. No regions have been found to provide supportive evidence for linkage in all cohorts. These findings are consistent with the schizophrenia syndrome being genetically heterogeneous, with genetic susceptibility arising from multiple sites which are differentially distributed in from pedigree to pedigree. The authors present data from an autosomal-wide scan of 30 multiplex pedigrees, each with a mean of 4.1 members affected with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder with respect to regions of interest for linkage with the schizophrenia spectrum disease(s). Partial, though not significant replications of susceptibility sites at D1S518 (P=0.029) described by Shaw et al. (1998: Shaw, S.H., Kelly, M., Smith, A.B., Shields, G., Hopkins, P.J., Loftus, J., Laval, S.H., Vita, A., DeHert, M., Cardon, L.R., Crow, T.J., Sherrington, R., DeLisi, L.E., 1998. A Genome-wide search for schizophrenia susceptibility genes. Am. J. Med. Genet. (Neuropsychiatric Genet.) 81, 364-376.), and at D5S426 (P=0.015) described by : Silverman, J.M., Greenberg, D.A., Altstiel, L.D., Siever, L.J., Mohs, R.C., Smith, C.J., Zhou, G., Hollander, T.Y., Yang, X.-P., Kedache, M., Li, G., Zaccario, M.L., Davis, K.L., 1996. Evidence of a locus for schizophrenia and related disorders on the short arm of chromosome 5 in a large pedigree. Am. J. Med. Genet. 67, 162-171.) were documented using multipoint non-parametric (NPL) statistics. Two additional novel regions worthy of further investigation were identified at D1S1150 (P=0.004) and at D20S171 (P=0.009). Previously reported genomic regions of interest for the schizophrenias are reviewed in the context of the same/flanking markers utilized with the present cohort of pedigrees. The data further suggests that only a fraction of pedigrees multiplex for schizophrenia link at any single susceptibility region.}, }
@article {pmid16571495, year = {1997}, author = {Annett, M}, title = {Schizophrenia and autism considered as the products of an agnosic right shift gene.}, journal = {Cognitive neuropsychiatry}, volume = {2}, number = {3}, pages = {195-214}, doi = {10.1080/135468097396333}, pmid = {16571495}, issn = {1354-6805}, abstract = {Crow (1995a) has argued that schizophrenia is caused by a gene associated with the evolution of human language and cerebral specialisation. This paper suggests a mechanism for Crow's theory which requires only one new assumption for the right shift genetic model of handedness and cerebral dominance (Annett, 1978). The proposal is that the RS+ allele, whose normal function is to induce the left hemisphere to serve speech by impairing speech-related cortex in the right hemisphere, tends to lose its directional coding. It becomes agnosic (RS+ a) for right versus left and impairs the left or right hemisphere at random. Schizophrenia is likely to develop when the RS+ a gene is paired with a normal RS+ gene but only in the 50% of cases where both hemispheres are affected. In the 50% where RS+ a affects the right hemisphere, development is normal as in the RS+ RS+ genotype. The risks for schizophrenia in monozygotic and dizygotic twins and other relatives are as expected for 50% expression of a Mendelian gene which is paired with a particular allele, but not alternative alleles at the same locus. The frequency of homozygotes for the agnosic gene is about 4 in 10,000, the rate observed for autism. A random pattern of double hemisphere deficits would give scope for a range of developmental strengths and weaknesses as observed within the spectrum of autistic disorders. Tests of the model require brain-imaging studies sensitive to individual differences in hemisphere lateralisation and a search for a genetic locus with human and nonhuman primate alleles, together with a mutant of the human form with a frequency of about 2%.}, }
@article {pmid25420198, year = {1997}, author = {Grant, J and Karmiloff-Smith, A and Gathercole, SA and Paterson, S and Howlin, P and Davies, M and Udwin, O}, title = {Phonological Short-term Memory and its Relationship to Language in Williams Syndrome.}, journal = {Cognitive neuropsychiatry}, volume = {2}, number = {2}, pages = {81-99}, doi = {10.1080/135468097396342}, pmid = {25420198}, issn = {1354-6805}, abstract = {Williams syndrome (WS), a rare neurodevelopmental disorder of genetic origin, is characterised by a relative advantage of language over more serious deficits in other cognitive domains. In this study the relationship of phonological short-term memory to WS language, in particular vocabulary, was explored. Using Gathercole and Baddeley's Children's Test of Nonword Repetition (CNRep) (Gathercole &amp; Baddeley, 1996), we examined the pattern of performance by WS participants on that task and compared it to performance on measures of receptive language, visuospatial ability, and digit span. In addition, a comparison was made of WS nonword repetition score with those of two groups of individually matched normally developing 5-year-olds, one on the basis of nonverbal test age and the other on the basis of verbal test age. As expected WS repetition scores showed an effect of nonword length but not of phonological complexity. Nonwords that were relatively wordlike were better repeated than nonwords that were less wordlike. CNRep scores were correlated with test ages on TROG, Ravens, and digit span but not with chronological age. Test age on the CNRep was at a similar level to that on TROG, Ravens, and digit span but significantly lower than on BPVS. The results lend support to the view that phonology in WS is a relative strength. In contrast, despite relatively good productive and receptive vocabulary, certain aspects of the processes of word learning in WS do not seem to develop beyond that of normal 4year-olds. The good vocabulary scores of older children and adults with WS may be simply due to their relatively good phonological short-term memory.}, }
@article {pmid24896081, year = {1996}, author = {Koene, P}, title = {Temporal structure of red jungle fowl crow sequences: single-case analysis.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {38}, number = {2}, pages = {193-202}, doi = {10.1016/s0376-6357(96)00028-9}, pmid = {24896081}, issn = {0376-6357}, abstract = {Vocalisations can be indicators of the physical state or condition of an animal, for instance the crow of a rooster. There are no published data on the temporal structure of crow sequences. In this paper 536 crows in 22 sequences of one red jungle fowl rooster (rooster 1) were recorded and analysed. Calls were very characteristic and there was little variation between the calls. Rooster 1 crowed with a mean latency of 287 s after onset of a light in the early morning. The average crow sequence consisted of 29 calls which lasted for 1416 ms on average. A gradual increase in pre-call interval was characteristic of each sequence. The variation in note durations is systematic and especially the last note correlated highly with the total call duration. Both the pre-call interval and the duration of the 4th note (doooo) may be parameters of fatigue and thus of physical condition. The number of crows in a sequence was positively related to air pressure outdoors. An experiment is done in which the physical condition of a rooster (rooster 2) is manipulated by food deprivation. The results are analysed with single case randomisation tests. The number of crows in a sequence is significantly reduced after food deprivation, while the pre-call intervals are significantly increased. Prediction of the number of crows in the sequence can be done on base of the pre-call interval of the second call: both rooster 1 and 2 showed long pre-call intervals in short call sequences. Food deprivation and the possible loss of condition have a significant effect on the temporal structure of crow sequences and cause a decrease in the number of crows in a call sequence.}, }
@article {pmid12346528, year = {1995}, author = {Mackinnon, A}, title = {Were women present at the demographic transition? Questions from a feminist historian to historical demographers.}, journal = {Gender &amp; history}, volume = {7}, number = {2}, pages = {222-240}, doi = {10.1111/j.1468-0424.1995.tb00022.x}, pmid = {12346528}, issn = {0953-5233}, mesh = {*Birth Rate ; *Demography ; Developed Countries ; Europe ; *Feminism ; Fertility ; Population ; *Population Dynamics ; *Social Change ; Social Sciences ; }, }
@article {pmid24487135, year = {1993}, author = {Natsopoulos, D and Bostantzopoulou, MS and Katsarou, Z and Grouios, G and Mentenopoulos, G}, title = {Space deficits in Parkinson's disease patients: quantitative or qualitative differences from normal controls?.}, journal = {Behavioural neurology}, volume = {6}, number = {4}, pages = {193-206}, doi = {10.3233/BEN-1993-6404}, pmid = {24487135}, issn = {0953-4180}, abstract = {Twenty-seven patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) and the same number of normal controls (NCs) were studied on a test battery including five conceptual categories of spatial ability. The two groups of subjects were matched for age, sex, years of education, socioeconomic status and non-verbal (Raven Standard Progressive Matrices) intelligence. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) showed that the PD patients performed less efficiently on almost all the tasks. A logistic regression analysis (LRA) classified 81.48% of the subjects into the PD group and 92.59% into NC group, indicating that left-right and back-front Euclidean orientation, three dimensional mental rotation and visuospatial immediate recognition memory of mirror image patterns discriminate well between the two groups. Application of a structural model (confirmatory factor analysis) demonstrated that both PD patients and the NC group stemmed from a homogeneous population, suggesting that the differences found between the two groups are of a quantitative rather than of a qualitative nature.}, }
@article {pmid14591130, year = {1989}, author = {Parks, RW and Crockett, DJ and McGeer, PL}, title = {Systems model of cortical organization: positron emission tomography and neuropsychological test performance.}, journal = {Archives of clinical neuropsychology : the official journal of the National Academy of Neuropsychologists}, volume = {4}, number = {4}, pages = {335-349}, pmid = {14591130}, issn = {0887-6177}, abstract = {Positron Emission Tomography (PET) has allowed researchers to examine in vivo brain-behavior relationships. Correlations of metabolic increases measured by PET with simple sensory tasks involving hearing, vision, and tactile/motor responses have generally produced metabolic changes in agreement with known neuronal pathways. However, complex neuropsychological tests such as Raven's Matrices and Verbal Fluency have resulted in cortical activation of unexpected areas as well as some negative correlations between test performance and metabolism. These observations provide the first demonstration of complex relationships between neuropsychological functioning and activation of the normal brain. Since PET technology offers a means of computing the simultaneous proportional contribution of multiple brain regions, the issue of "localization" of neuropsychological test performance might appropriately be considered for redefinition in terms of a "systems" approach. In spite of the advances brought about by PET, methodological problems still remain for researchers. Future studies will need to take into account the subtle regional effects of neuropsychological paradigms.}, }
@article {pmid12281421, year = {1986}, author = {Farley, R}, title = {Assessing black progress: voting and citizenship rights, residency and housing, education.}, journal = {Economic outlook USA}, volume = {13}, number = {2}, pages = {16-19}, pmid = {12281421}, issn = {0095-3830}, mesh = {*Black or African American ; Americas ; Culture ; Demography ; Developed Countries ; Economics ; *Education ; *Educational Status ; Ethnicity ; *Geography ; *Hispanic or Latino ; *Housing ; *Human Rights ; North America ; Population ; Population Characteristics ; *Prejudice ; *Residence Characteristics ; Social Class ; Socioeconomic Factors ; United States ; *Urban Population ; *Urbanization ; *White People ; }, }
@article {pmid19467109, year = {1984}, author = {Corcuff, P and Chatenay, F and Leveque, JL}, title = {A fully automated system to study skin surface patterns.}, journal = {International journal of cosmetic science}, volume = {6}, number = {4}, pages = {167-176}, doi = {10.1111/j.1467-2494.1984.tb00373.x}, pmid = {19467109}, issn = {0142-5463}, abstract = {Synopsis An image analysis method to measure the human skin microrelief has been previously proposed. This new method has been recently automated, using a 'robot'electronically driven by a Quantimet 900. This 'robot'consists of a change-over specimen driven by four motors, and allows forty Silflo(R) replicas to be analysed in 6 hours, each analysis giving the main directions of the furrows, their density and their mean depth. For example, the volar forearm microrelief was studied from the detected shadows created by a 26 degrees angle lighting, in the range of 5 to 100 mum deep furrows. A 38 degrees angle lighting allows such measurements from 50 to 1000mum and is used for studying 'crow's feet'wrinkles of the face. Results clearly show that deep wrinkles appear as early as 30 years old on the human face. The consequences of actinic and mechanical stresses over the life span are discussed.}, }
@article {pmid24318600, year = {1984}, author = {Brower, LP and Seiber, JN and Nelson, CJ and Lynch, SP and Holland, MM}, title = {Plant-determined variation in the cardenolide content, thin-layer chromatography profiles, and emetic potency of monarch butterflies,Danaus plexippus L. Reared on milkweed plants in California: 2.Asclepias speciosa.}, journal = {Journal of chemical ecology}, volume = {10}, number = {4}, pages = {601-639}, pmid = {24318600}, issn = {0098-0331}, abstract = {The pattern of variation in gross cardenolide concentration of 111Asclepias speciosa plants collected in six different areas of California is a positively skewed distribution which ranges from 19 to 344 μg of cardenolide per 0.1 g dry weight with a mean of 90 μg per 0.1 g. Butterflies reared individually on these plants in their native habitats ranged from 41 to 547 μg of cardenolide per 0.1 g dry weight with a mean of 179 μg. Total cardenolide per butterfly ranged from 54 to 1279 μg with a mean of 319 μg. Differences in concentrations and total cardenolide contents in the butterflies from the six geographic areas appeared minor, and there were no differences between the males and the females, although the males did weigh significantly more than females. The uptake of cardenolide by the butterflies was found to be a logarithmic function of the plant concentration. This results in regulation: larvae which feed on low-concentration plants produce butterflies with increased cardenolide concentrations relative to those of the plants, and those which feed on high-concentration plants produce butterflies with decreased concentrations. No evidence was adduced that high concentrations of cardenolides in the plants affected the fitness of the butterflies. The mean emetic potencies of the powdered plant and butterfly material were 5.62 and 5.25 blue jay emetic dose fifty units per milligram of cardenolide and the number of ED50 units per butterfly ranged from 0.28 to 6.7 with a mean of 1.67. Monarchs reared onA. speciosa, on average, are only about one tenth as emetic as those reared onA. eriocarpa. UnlikeA. eriocarpa which is limited to California,A. speciosa ranges from California to the Great Plains and is replaced eastwards byA. syriaca L. These two latter milkweed species appear to have a similar array of chemically identical cardenolides, and therefore both must produce butterflies of relatively low emetic potency to birds, with important ecological implications. About 80% of the lower emetic potency of monarchs reared on A. speciosa compared to those reared onA. eriocarpa appears attributable to the higher polarity of the cardenolides inA. speciosa. Thin-layer Chromatographie separation of the cardenolides in two different solvent systems showed that there are 23 cardenolides in theA. speciosa plants of which 20 are stored by the butterflies. There were no differences in the cardenolide spot patterns due either to geographic origin or the sex of the butterflies. As when reared onA. eriocarpa, the butterflies did not store the plant cardenolides withR f values greater than digitoxigenin. However, metabolic transformation of the cardenolides by the larvae appeared minor in comparison to when they were reared onA. eriocarpa. AlthoughA. eriocarpa andA. speciosa contain similar numbers of cardenolides and both contain desglucosyrioside, the cardenolides ofA. speciosa overall are more polar. ThusA. speciosa has no or only small amounts of the nonpolar labriformin and labriformidin, whereas both occur in high concentrations inA. eriocarpa. A. speciosa plants and butterflies also contain uzarigen, syriogenin, and possibly other polar cardenolides withR f values lower than digitoxin. The cardenolide concentration in the leaves is not only considerably less than inA. eriocarpa, but the latex has little to immeasurable cardenolide, whereas that ofA. eriocarpa has very high concentrations of several cardenolides. Quantitative analysis ofR f values of the cardenolide spots, their intensities, and their probabilities of occurrence in the chloroform-methanol-formamide TLC system produced a cardenolide fingerprint pattern very different from that previously established for monarchs reared onA. eriocarpa. This dispels recently published skepticism about the predictibility of chemical fingerprints based upon ingested secondary plant chemicals.}, }
@article {pmid24415043, year = {1982}, author = {Brower, LP and Seiber, JN and Nelson, CJ and Lynch, SP and Tuskes, PM}, title = {Plant-determined variation in the cardenolide content, thin-layer chromatography profiles, and emetic potency of monarch butterflies,Danaus plexippus reared on the milkweed,Asclepias eriocarpa in California.}, journal = {Journal of chemical ecology}, volume = {8}, number = {3}, pages = {579-633}, pmid = {24415043}, issn = {0098-0331}, abstract = {This paper is the first in a series on cardenolide fingerprinting of the monarch butterfly. New methodologies are presented which allow both qualitative and quantitative descriptions of the constituent cardenolides which these insects derive in the wild from specificAsclepias foodplants. Analyses of thin-layer Chromatographic profiles ofAsclepias eriocarpa cardenolides in 85 individual plant-butterfly pairs collected at six widely separate localities in California indicate a relatively invariant pattern of 16-20 distinct cardenolides which we here define as theAsclepias eriocarpa cardenolide fingerprint profile. Cardenolide concentrations vary widely in the plant samples, but monarchs appear able to regulate total storage by increasing their concentrations relative to their larval host plant when reared on plants containing low concentrations, and vice versa. Forced-feeding of blue jays with powdered butterfly and plant material and with one of the constituent plant cardenolides, labriformin, established that theA. eriocarpa cardenolides are extremely emetic, and that monarchs which have fed on this plant contain an average of 16 emetic-dose fifty (ED50) units. The relatively nonpolar labriformin and labriformidin in the plant are not stored by the monarch but are metabolized in vivo to desglucosyrioside which the butterfly does store. This is chemically analogous to the way in which monarchs and grasshoppers metabolize another series of milkweed cardenolides, those found inA. curassavica. It appears that the sugar moiety through functionality at C-3' determines which cardenolides are metabolized and which are stored. The monarch also appears able to store several lowR f cardenolides fromA. eriocarpa without altering them. Differences in the sequestering process in monarchs and milkweed bugs (Oncopeltus) may be less than emphasized in the literature. The monarch is seen as a central organism involved in a coevolutionary triad simultaneously affecting and affected by both its avian predators and the secondary chemistry of the milkweeds with which it is intimately involved.}, }
@article {pmid17249120, year = {1981}, author = {Slatkin, M}, title = {Estimating levels of gene flow in natural populations.}, journal = {Genetics}, volume = {99}, number = {2}, pages = {323-335}, pmid = {17249120}, issn = {0016-6731}, abstract = {The results from a simulation model of selection, mutation and genetic drift in a geographically subdivided population are presented. The infinite-alleles mutation model of Kimura and Crow (1964) is asumed, and both advantageous and deleterious mutations are considered. It is shown that the average frequency of an allele conditioned on the number of local populations it appears in-the conditional average frequency-is approximately independent of both the selection intensity and mutation rates assumed, but depends strongly on the overall level of gene flow. This result justifies the use of the conditional average frequency to obtain a rough estimate of the level of gene flow in a subdivided population. Data from 16 species are presented and discussed. There are large differences in the conditional average frequencies of different species, although there is some consistency within taxa. Some species apparently have high levels of gene flow and others, particularly salamanders, have low levels. Alternative explanations for the patterns found in the data are considered.}, }
@article {pmid17756814, year = {1980}, author = {}, title = {Erratum.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {209}, number = {4456}, pages = {544}, doi = {10.1126/science.209.4456.544-e}, pmid = {17756814}, issn = {0036-8075}, abstract = {In the report "Associative behavioral modification in Hermissenda: Cellular correlates" by T. J. Crow and D. L. Alkon (18 July, p. 412), the last sentence on page 412, column 2, paragraph 1, should read, "We have now found that modification of the photopositive response in Hermissenda is correlated with cellular changes in the type B photo-receptors."}, }
@article {pmid17249043, year = {1980}, author = {Trippa, G and Loverre, A and Cicchetti, R}, title = {Cytogenetic Analysis of an SD Chromosome from a Natural Population of DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER.}, journal = {Genetics}, volume = {95}, number = {2}, pages = {399-412}, pmid = {17249043}, issn = {0016-6731}, abstract = {The discovery and the cytogenetic characterization of a new SD (Segregation Distorter) chromosome 2 from a natural population in Ranna (Sicily, Italy), SD(Ra), are reported. The main features of this chromosome are as follows: (a) it contains an Sd(Ra) gene with a moderate degree of segregation distortion (k = 0.72), (b) a recessive female sterile gene, fs(2)(TLM), responsible for modifications of the morphology and structure of the tests and ovaries is located at 89.7, (c) SD(Ra)/SD(Ra) males and females are viable but sterile, the females due to homozygosis of fs(2)(TLM) and the males because of homozygosis of a region containing the Sd locus, and (d) SDi/SDj combinations are fertile, thus suggesting that the different Sd factors found in natural populations constitute a multiple allelic series.-These data may indicate that each population containing SD chromosomes has evolved its own genetic architecture for the complex SD system, with specific modifiers and perhaps different Sd genes. The possibility of reconstructing the evolutionary pattern of the SD(Ra) chromosome in the natural Ranna population after the model of Charlesworth and Hartl (1978) and Crow (1979) is considered.}, }
@article {pmid17248992, year = {1980}, author = {Fuerst, PA and Ferrell, RE}, title = {The stepwise mutation model: an experimental evaluation utilizing hemoglobin variants.}, journal = {Genetics}, volume = {94}, number = {1}, pages = {185-201}, pmid = {17248992}, issn = {0016-6731}, abstract = {The stepwise mutation model of Ohta and Kimura (1973) was proposed to explain patterns of genetic variability revealed by means of electrophoresis. The assumption that electrophoretic mobility was principally determined by unit changes in net molecular charge has been criticized by Johnson (1974, 1977). This assumption has been tested directly using hemoglobin. Twenty-seven human hemoglobin variants with known amino acid substitutions, and 26 nonhuman hemoglobins with known sequences were studied by starch gel electrophoresis. Of these hemoglobins, 60 to 70% had electrophoretic mobilities that could be predicted solely on the basis of net charge calculated from the amino acid composition alone, ignoring tertiary structure. Only four hemoglobins showed a mobility that was clearly different from an expected mobility calculated using only the net charge of the molecule. For the remaining 30% of hemoglobins studied, mobility was determined by a combination of net charge and other unidentified components, probably reflecting changes in ionization of some amino acid residues as a result of small alterations in tertiary structure due to the amino acid substitution in the variant. For the nonhuman hemoglobins, the deviation of a sample from its expected mobility increased with increasing amino acid divergence from human hemoglobin A.-It is concluded that the net electrostatic charge of a molecule is the principal determinant of electrophoretic mobility under the conditions studied. However, because of the significant deviation from strict stepwise mobility detected for 30 to 40% of the variants studied, it is further concluded that the infinite-allele model of Kimura and Crow (1964) or a "mixed model" such as that proposed by Li (1976) may be more appropriate than the stepwise mutation model for the analysis of much of the available electrophoretic data from natural populations.}, }
@article {pmid24924254, year = {1977}, author = {Tamm, S}, title = {Social dominance in captive jackdaws (Corvus monedula).}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {2}, number = {3}, pages = {293-299}, doi = {10.1016/0376-6357(77)90032-8}, pmid = {24924254}, issn = {0376-6357}, abstract = {Social hierarchy was studied in two flocks (14 and 10 individuals, respectively) of captive jackdaws. Parent birds acquired high-ranking positions during the nesting period. Outside the breeding season the hierarchy seemed to be stable. Males generally dominated females. When the top-ranking male arrived at the feeding place it tended to supplant one of the feeding birds rather than choose an unoccupied site.}, }
@article {pmid12277533, year = {1976}, author = {}, title = {Korea: household distribution program resulted in one-third increase in effective method use.}, journal = {International family planning digest}, volume = {2}, number = {3}, pages = {5-7}, pmid = {12277533}, issn = {0362-4056}, mesh = {Asia ; Community Health Workers/education ; Contraception Behavior ; Contraceptive Devices, Male ; Contraceptives, Oral ; *Cost-Benefit Analysis ; Costs and Cost Analysis ; *Delivery of Health Care ; Developing Countries ; *Evaluation Studies as Topic ; Family Planning Services ; Asia, Eastern ; Female ; Health Personnel ; *Health Planning ; Humans ; Intrauterine Devices ; Korea ; Male ; Marketing of Health Services ; Organization and Administration ; Rural Population ; Sex Education ; }, }
@article {pmid16811876, year = {1975}, author = {Powell, RW and Kelly, W}, title = {A method for the objective study of tool-using behavior.}, journal = {Journal of the experimental analysis of behavior}, volume = {24}, number = {2}, pages = {249-253}, pmid = {16811876}, issn = {0022-5002}, abstract = {Key pecking for food was shaped in four crows within a conventional operant-conditioning test chamber. When pecking stabilized, a metal screen with openings 2.5 cm high by 1.0 cm wide, was placed over the response key, so that the crow could still see but could no longer peck the key. At the same time, several dozen wooden matchsticks, which could be used to operate the key, were placed in the test chamber. The crows made no use of these during 50 to 75 hr of exposure to this condition. Subsequently, the behavior of two crows was shaped so that they approached the matchsticks, picked one up in their beaks, approached the response key with the matchstick in their beak, and finally operated the response key by poking the matchstick through the screen. This shaping procedure was ineffective with the two other crows. However, these birds were successfully trained through positional fading of the tool. This involved suspending a metal rod from the ceiling so that it hung directly in front of the response key, and the crow had only to peck it to operate the key. Then, the rod was gradually lowered by lengthening its tether until it eventually rested on the floor of the test chamber. The principal advantage of this methodology is the automatic recording of the terminal (tool-using) behavior under study.}, }
@article {pmid17806587, year = {1973}, author = {Jones, TB and Kamil, AC}, title = {Tool-making and tool-using in the northern blue jay.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {180}, number = {4090}, pages = {1076-1078}, doi = {10.1126/science.180.4090.1076}, pmid = {17806587}, issn = {0036-8075}, abstract = {Laboratory-raised Northeirn blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata) have been observed tearing pieces from pages of newspaper and utilizing them as tools to rake in food pellets which were otherwise out of reach. The frequency of this behavior was dependenit upon the motivational state of the jay and the presence of food pellets.}, }
@article {pmid14161265, year = {1964}, author = {SHEPARD, P}, title = {THE CORVIDEAN MILLENNIUM; OR, LETTER FROM AN OLD CROW.}, journal = {Perspectives in biology and medicine}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {331-342}, doi = {10.1353/pbm.1964.0037}, pmid = {14161265}, issn = {0031-5982}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior ; *Birds ; *Crows ; *Culture ; *Ecology ; }, }
@article {pmid14088852, year = {1963}, author = {SKVRNOVA, E}, title = {[ATTACK ON A CHILD BY A JACKDAW].}, journal = {Ceskoslovenska pediatrie}, volume = {18}, number = {}, pages = {828-829}, pmid = {14088852}, issn = {0069-2328}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Birds ; Child ; *Crows ; *Facial Injuries ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; *Social Behavior ; }, }
@article {pmid11697945, year = {2001}, author = {Christoff, K and Prabhakaran, V and Dorfman, J and Zhao, Z and Kroger, JK and Holyoak, KJ and Gabrieli, JD}, title = {Rostrolateral prefrontal cortex involvement in relational integration during reasoning.}, journal = {NeuroImage}, volume = {14}, number = {5}, pages = {1136-1149}, doi = {10.1006/nimg.2001.0922}, pmid = {11697945}, issn = {1053-8119}, support = {AG112/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; AG12995/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Brain Mapping ; Discrimination Learning/physiology ; Female ; Hemodynamics/physiology ; Humans ; *Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Pattern Recognition, Visual/physiology ; Prefrontal Cortex/*physiology ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Reaction Time/physiology ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; }, abstract = {Patient and neuroimaging studies indicate that complex reasoning tasks are associated with the prefrontal cortex (PFC). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the process of relational integration, or considering multiple relations simultaneously, is a component process of complex reasoning that selectively recruits PFC. We used fMRI to examine brain activation during 0-relational, 1-relational, and 2-relational problems adapted from the Raven's Progressive Matrices and hypothesized that PFC would be preferentially recruited by the 2-relational problem type. Event-related responses were modeled by convolving a canonical hemodynamic response function with the response time (RT) associated with each trial. The results across different analyses revealed the same pattern: PFC activation was specific to the comparison between 2- and 1-relational problems and was not observed in the comparison between 1- and 0-relational problems. Furthermore, the process of relational integration was specifically associated with bilateral rostrolateral PFC (RLPFC; lateral area 10) and right dorsolateral PFC (areas 9 and 46). Left RLPFC showed the greatest specificity by remaining preferentially recruited during 2-relational problems even after comparisons were restricted to trials matched for RT and accuracy. The link between RLPFC and the process of relational integration may be due to the associated process of manipulating self-generated information, a process that may characterize RLPFC function.}, }
@article {pmid11672936, year = {2001}, author = {Derégnaucourt, S and Guyomarc'h, J and Richard, V}, title = {Classification of hybrid crows in quail using artificial neural networks.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {56}, number = {2}, pages = {103-112}, doi = {10.1016/s0376-6357(01)00188-7}, pmid = {11672936}, issn = {1872-8308}, abstract = {In galliforms, calls are strongly determined genetically and no influence of learning has ever been demonstrated. Hybridization is a useful tool for investigating patterns of heritability. The vocal repertoire of the European quail (Coturnix c. coturnix) and of the Japanese quail (C. c. japonica) are similar except for their crows. The European quail possesses two forms of crows and the Japanese quail only one form. We produced hybrids from the following crosses; F(1), F(2) and backcrosses. Visual analysis of spectrograms showed that hybrid crows presented all intermediaries between the three forms of crows produced by the two subspecies. According to the level of analysis of a crow, visual classifications of spectrograms probably include some subjectivity. Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) are now widely used as a powerful classification technique in behavioural sciences. We trained an ANN to recognize the three crows of the two subspecies. Then we analysed its classification of hybrid crows. The ANN revealed important inter-individual variability between the crows of the F(1) and the F(2) crosses. Birds issued from backcrosses produced crows similar to those of the European quail to which they were backcrossed. This study confirms that ANN is a useful tool to classify spectrograms rapidly.}, }
@article {pmid11604050, year = {2001}, author = {Ezzell, GA and Schild, SE and Wong, WW}, title = {Development of a treatment planning protocol for prostate treatments using intensity modulated radiotherapy.}, journal = {Journal of applied clinical medical physics}, volume = {2}, number = {2}, pages = {59-68}, pmid = {11604050}, issn = {1526-9914}, mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging/*radiotherapy ; Radiotherapy Dosage ; Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted/*methods ; Radiotherapy, Conformal/*methods ; Rectum/diagnostic imaging ; Reproducibility of Results ; Seminal Vesicles/diagnostic imaging ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Urinary Bladder ; }, abstract = {We have developed a treatment planning protocol for intensity-modulated radiation therapy of the prostate using commercially available inverse planning software. Treatment plans were developed for ten patients using the Corvus version 3.8 planning system, testing various prescription options, including tissue types, dose volume histogram values for the target and normal structures, beam arrangements, and number of intensity levels. All plans were scaled so that 95% of the clinical target volume received 75.6 Gy; mean doses to the prostate were typically 79 Gy. The reproducibility of the inverse planning algorithm was tested by repeating a set of the plans five times. Plans were deemed acceptable if they satisfied predefined dose constraints for the targets and critical organs. Figures of merit for target coverage, target dose uniformity, and organ sparing were used to rank acceptable plans. Certain systematic behaviors of the optimizer were noted: the high dose regions for both targets and critical organs were 5-10 Gy more than prescribed; reducing bladder and rectum tolerance increased the range of doses within the target; increasing the number of fields incrementally improved plan quality. A set of planning parameters was found that usually satisfied the minimum requirements. Repeating the optimization with different beam order produced similar but slightly different dose distributions, which was sometimes useful for finding acceptable solutions for difficult cases. The standard set of parameters serves as a useful starting point for individualized planning.}, }
@article {pmid11602010, year = {2001}, author = {Ezzell, GA and Chungbin, S}, title = {The overshoot phenomenon in step-and-shoot IMRT delivery.}, journal = {Journal of applied clinical medical physics}, volume = {2}, number = {3}, pages = {138-148}, pmid = {11602010}, issn = {1526-9914}, mesh = {Computer Simulation ; Dose Fractionation, Radiation ; Film Dosimetry ; Head and Neck Neoplasms/radiotherapy ; Humans ; Male ; *Medical Errors ; Particle Accelerators/*standards ; Prostatic Neoplasms/radiotherapy ; Quality Control ; Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted/*instrumentation ; }, abstract = {The control loop in the Varian DMLC system (V4.8) requires approximately 65 msec to monitor and halt the irradiation of a segment, causing an "overshoot" effect: the segment ends on a fractional monitor unit larger than that planned. As a result, the actual MU delivered may differ from that planned. In general, for step-and-shoot treatments, the first segment receives more, the last receives less, and intermediate segments vary. The overshoot for each segment (DeltaMU) is small, approximately 0.6 MU at 600 MU/min. Our IMRT planning system (Corvus) produces plans often having more than 20% of the segments with less than 1 MU/segment. Such segments may be skipped if the DeltaMU exceeds the segments' planned MU. Furthermore, QA filming often requires reducing the total MU by a factor of 4-6, increasing the potential for dosimetric error. This study measured DeltaMU over a range of MU/min and MU/segment. At >5 MU/segment, the DeltaMU was stable, corresponding to a delay of 62 msec. DeltaMU became larger and more variable at <1 MU/segment. The behavior was modeled in a computer program that predicted the change in delivered MU/segment and total change in delivered MU to each beamlet. Beams were analyzed for patients receiving 5 field prostate or 9 field head and neck treatments. At 400 MU/min, 28% and 16%, respectively, of the planned segments were skipped. For QA filming, up to 75% of the segments were skipped. The cumulative error averaged <0.1 MU/beamlet, but individual beamlets had errors exceeding 200%. The effect is most significant for low dose regions. Recommendations are given for deciding when to treat or do QA studies with lower MU/min. In general, treatments are not significantly affected, but QA films taken at reduced MU may be improved if irradiated at lowered MU/min.}, }
@article {pmid11593951, year = {2001}, author = {Durbrow, EH and Schaefer, BA and Jimerson, SR}, title = {Learning-related behaviours versus cognitive ability in the academic performance of Vincentian children.}, journal = {The British journal of educational psychology}, volume = {71}, number = {Pt 3}, pages = {471-483}, doi = {10.1348/000709901158622}, pmid = {11593951}, issn = {0007-0998}, mesh = {*Achievement ; Adolescent ; Anxiety/psychology ; *Aptitude ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; *Developing Countries ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; *Learning ; Male ; Personality Assessment ; Social Environment ; West Indies ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The few studies of children's academic performance in developing countries have largely focused on effects of early risks and cognitive ability and usually neglected other factors such as attention and anxiety. Previously, we reported that scores on the Learning Behaviour Scale (LBS) and the Revised Behaviour Problem Checklist (RBPC) were correlated with academic scores and achievement test scores for village children in St Vincent, the West Indies.<br><br>AIMS: We examined the stability of LBS and RBPC scores and their ability to predict academic and achievement scores in the same population.<br><br>SAMPLE: Vincentian village children, ages 6-12, participated in the study: 65 participated in the one-year sample and 68 participated in the two-year sample.<br><br>METHOD: Children completed a curriculum-based achievement test and the Raven Coloured Progressive Matrices. Teachers completed the LBS and an adjusted RBPC and reported children's academic scores in 1998 and 1999.<br><br>RESULTS: LBS scores were stable over one year and RBPC scores were stable over two years. LBS, RBPC, and Raven scores predicted achievement and academic scores. For both academic scores and achievement test scores, the greatest improvement in prediction came when the RBPC's attention and anxiety subscales were added to regression models.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Results provide additional support for the finding that Caribbean village children's academic performance is greatly influenced by attention and anxiety problems, not just their cognitive ability. Despite cultural differences, LBS and RBPC scores were as predictive of academic performance in this population as in American populations. The best way to improve academic performance for these children may be to reduce attention problems.}, }
@article {pmid11589045, year = {2001}, author = {Chelomina, G and Kryukov, A and Suzuki, H}, title = {Phylogenetic relationships of three species of crows (Corvidae, Aves) based on the restriction site variation of nuclear ribosomal RNA gene.}, journal = {TSitologiia i genetika}, volume = {35}, number = {1}, pages = {52-57}, pmid = {11589045}, issn = {0564-3783}, mesh = {Animals ; Cell Nucleus/genetics ; DNA, Ribosomal/*genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; Genetic Variation ; Phylogeny ; Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid ; Restriction Mapping ; Songbirds/*genetics ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Southern blot analysis of nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) was carried out to examine phylogenetic relationships between three species of crows: Corvus cornix, C. corone and C. macrorhynchos. In this purpose DNA samples of birds were digested by 12 restriction enzymes (EcoRI, HindIII, PstI, BamHI, DraI, PvuII, KpnI, XbaI, BglII, BclI, SacI and AatI) and hybridized with the clones of mouse rDNA probes (18S, 28S and INT). Based on the data obtained and Gallus gallus restriction map as a standard the restriction site maps of the main rDNA repeating unit types (repetypes) were constructed. The length of crow rDNA genes was estimated to be 22.5 kb for Jungle and 22.0 kb for Hooded and Carrion crows. C. corone and C. cornix shared a common repetype which differed, by presence of two restriction sites (XbaI and PvuII) in the spacer region, from that of C. macrorhynchos with the estimated sequence divergence of 0.26%. Restriction-size variation was revealed between individuals of C. corone and C. cornix, although the substantial meanings of this variation remain unclear yet. These data suggest that the crow species evolve with slower rate of molecular evolution, as generally observed in other avian species, compared with the higher extent in external morphology, ecological features and behavior.}, }
@article {pmid11574436, year = {2001}, author = {McAulay, V and Deary, IJ and Ferguson, SC and Frier, BM}, title = {Acute hypoglycemia in humans causes attentional dysfunction while nonverbal intelligence is preserved.}, journal = {Diabetes care}, volume = {24}, number = {10}, pages = {1745-1750}, doi = {10.2337/diacare.24.10.1745}, pmid = {11574436}, issn = {0149-5992}, mesh = {Adult ; *Attention ; Blood Glucose/analysis ; Cognition Disorders/*etiology ; Female ; Glucose Clamp Technique ; Hearing ; Humans ; Hyperinsulinism ; Hypoglycemia/*complications ; *Intelligence ; Male ; Memory ; Verbal Behavior ; Vision, Ocular ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Experimentally induced hypoglycemia in humans causes progressive but reversible cognitive dysfunction, but it is not known to what extent neuropsychological tests index abilities of cognitive functioning that are important in everyday life. This study examines the effects of acute insulin-induced hypoglycemia on attention and intelligence in nondiabetic humans.<br><br>RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A hyperinsulinemic glucose clamp was used to achieve controlled euglycemia (4.50 [0.22] mmol/l) and hypoglycemia (blood glucose 2.59 [0.19] mmol/l) in 20 healthy volunteers. Subjects were studied on two occasions in a counterbalanced order. During each study condition, subjects completed parallel tests of cognitive function. Cognitive function was assessed by the Test of Everyday Attention and Raven's Progressive Matrices.<br><br>RESULTS: Hypoglycemia induced a significant deterioration in tests sensitive to both visual and auditory selective attention. During hypoglycemia, attentional flexibility deteriorated and speed of information processing was delayed. Sustained attention was preserved and intelligence scores did not deteriorate during hypoglycemia.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: During hypoglycemia, a significant deterioration occurs in attentional abilities, whereas fluid intelligence is preserved. On the basis of these results, it can be surmised that many complex attention tasks relevant to everyday life are impaired during moderate hypoglycemia.}, }
@article {pmid11571038, year = {2001}, author = {Clayton, NS and Griffiths, DP and Emery, NJ and Dickinson, A}, title = {Elements of episodic-like memory in animals.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {356}, number = {1413}, pages = {1483-1491}, doi = {10.1098/rstb.2001.0947}, pmid = {11571038}, issn = {0962-8436}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Memory/*physiology ; }, abstract = {A number of psychologists have suggested that episodic memory is a uniquely human phenomenon and, until recently, there was little evidence that animals could recall a unique past experience and respond appropriately. Experiments on food-caching memory in scrub jays question this assumption. On the basis of a single caching episode, scrub jays can remember when and where they cached a variety of foods that differ in the rate at which they degrade, in a way that is inexplicable by relative familiarity. They can update their memory of the contents of a cache depending on whether or not they have emptied the cache site, and can also remember where another bird has hidden caches, suggesting that they encode rich representations of the caching event. They make temporal generalizations about when perishable items should degrade and also remember the relative time since caching when the same food is cached in distinct sites at different times. These results show that jays form integrated memories for the location, content and time of caching. This memory capability fulfils Tulving's behavioural criteria for episodic memory and is thus termed 'episodic-like'. We suggest that several features of episodic memory may not be unique to humans.}, }
@article {pmid11566209, year = {2001}, author = {Griffiths, DP and Clayton, NS}, title = {Testing episodic memory in animals: a new approach.}, journal = {Physiology &amp; behavior}, volume = {73}, number = {5}, pages = {755-762}, doi = {10.1016/s0031-9384(01)00532-7}, pmid = {11566209}, issn = {0031-9384}, support = {N0T-99-022//PHS HHS/United States ; NS35465/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Appetitive Behavior/*physiology ; Attention/*physiology ; Brain/physiology ; Genetics, Behavioral ; Mental Recall/*physiology ; Mice ; Mice, Knockout/genetics ; Mice, Transgenic/genetics ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Episodic memory involves the encoding and storage of memories concerned with unique personal experiences and their subsequent recall, and it has long been the subject of intensive investigation in humans. According to Tulving's classical definition, episodic memory "receives and stores information about temporally dated episodes or events and temporal-spatial relations among these events." Thus, episodic memory provides information about the 'what' and 'when' of events ('temporally dated experiences') and about 'where' they happened ('temporal-spatial relations'). The storage and subsequent recall of this episodic information was thought to be beyond the memory capabilities of nonhuman animals. Although there are many laboratory procedures for investigating memory for discrete past episodes, until recently there were no previous studies that fully satisfied the criteria of Tulving's definition: they can all be explained in much simpler terms than episodic memory. However, current studies of memory for cache sites in food-storing jays provide an ethologically valid model for testing episodic-like memory in animals, thereby bridging the gap between human and animal studies memory. There is now a pressing need to adapt these experimental tests of episodic memory for other animals. Given the potential power of transgenic and knock-out procedures for investigating the genetic and molecular bases of learning and memory in laboratory rodents, not to mention the wealth of knowledge about the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of the rodent hippocampus (a brain area heavily implicated in episodic memory), an obvious next step is to develop a rodent model of episodic-like memory based on the food-storing bird paradigm. The development of a rodent model system could make an important contribution to our understanding of the neural, molecular, and behavioral mechanisms of mammalian episodic memory.}, }
@article {pmid11518436, year = {2001}, author = {Hadas-Lidor, N and Katz, N and Tyano, S and Weizman, A}, title = {Effectiveness of dynamic cognitive intervention in rehabilitation of clients with schizophrenia.}, journal = {Clinical rehabilitation}, volume = {15}, number = {4}, pages = {349-359}, doi = {10.1191/026921501678310153}, pmid = {11518436}, issn = {0269-2155}, mesh = {Activities of Daily Living ; Adult ; Analysis of Variance ; Cognition ; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/*methods ; Community Mental Health Services/standards ; Female ; Humans ; Israel ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales ; Schizophrenia/etiology/*rehabilitation ; *Schizophrenic Psychology ; Self Concept ; Social Adjustment ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy of dynamic cognitive treatment in rehabilitation of schizophrenic clients.<br><br>SUBJECTS: Fifty-eight schizophrenic clients that were matched equally into two groups: a study group (n = 29) (treated by Instrumental Enrichment) and a control group (treated with traditional occupational therapy methods).<br><br>SETTING: The subjects were treated in a day rehabilitation centre in the community.<br><br>STUDY DESIGN: The programme lasted one year, the same schedule was provided for both groups. Subjects were randomly assigned and assessed before and after intervention with the same battery and at a follow-up six months later, work and residence status were evaluated.<br><br>MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Instruments included: (1) memory and thought processes, measured by a battery of structured tests from the Learning Potential Assessment Device (LPAD), Raven Progressive Matrices and General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB); (2) functional outcomes, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), measured by a questionnaire; work and residence status; (3) self-concept measured with Fitts questionnaire.<br><br>RESULTS: Results showed significant differences between the groups on almost all the cognitive tests (MANOVA revealed significant differences between the two groups for both memory and thought process (F(2.52) = 13.75, p < 0.001; and F(1.46) = 7.28, p < 0.001, respectively) as well as in work (chi2 = 14.30, p < 0.001), and residence (chi2 = 3.86, p < 0.05) status. There were no significant differences in IADL questionnaire or the self-concept scale.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The successful outcome points to the importance of including long-term cognitive intervention in rehabilitation of schizophrenic clients. This work suggests that the classic view of schizophrenia as a progressive irreversible decline that cannot be altered may be wrong.}, }
@article {pmid11517096, year = {2001}, author = {Angelsen, NK and Vik, T and Jacobsen, G and Bakketeig, LS}, title = {Breast feeding and cognitive development at age 1 and 5 years.}, journal = {Archives of disease in childhood}, volume = {85}, number = {3}, pages = {183-188}, pmid = {11517096}, issn = {1468-2044}, support = {1-HD-1-3127/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; 1-HD-4-2803/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {*Breast Feeding ; Child Development/*physiology ; Child, Preschool ; Cognition/*physiology ; Educational Status ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Maternal Age ; Mothers ; Prospective Studies ; Psychomotor Performance/physiology ; Statistics as Topic ; Time Factors ; Wechsler Scales ; }, abstract = {AIM: To examine whether duration of breast feeding has any effect on a child's cognitive or motor development in a population with favourable environmental conditions and a high prevalence of breast feeding.<br><br>METHODS: In 345 Scandinavian children, data on breast feeding were prospectively recorded during the first year of life, and neuromotor development was assessed at 1 and 5 years of age. Main outcome measures were Bayley's Scales of Infant Development at age 13 months (Mental Index, MDI; Psychomotor Index, PDI), Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scales of Intelligence (WPPSI-R), and Peabody Developmental Scales at age 5.<br><br>RESULTS: Children breast fed for less than 3 months had an increased risk, compared to children breast fed for at least 6 months, of a test score below the median value of MDI at 13 months and of WPPSI-R at 5 years. Maternal age, maternal intelligence (Raven score), maternal education, and smoking in pregnancy were significant confounders, but the increased risk of lower MDI and total IQ scores persisted after adjustment for each of these factors. We found no clear association between duration of breast feeding and motor development at 13 months or 5 years of age.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that a longer duration of breast feeding benefits cognitive development.}, }
@article {pmid11509196, year = {2001}, author = {Degroot, A and Kashluba, S and Treit, D}, title = {Septal GABAergic and hippocampal cholinergic systems modulate anxiety in the plus-maze and shock-probe tests.}, journal = {Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior}, volume = {69}, number = {3-4}, pages = {391-399}, doi = {10.1016/s0091-3057(01)00541-x}, pmid = {11509196}, issn = {0091-3057}, mesh = {Animals ; *Anxiety ; Cholinesterase Inhibitors/pharmacology ; Exploratory Behavior/drug effects/physiology ; GABA Agonists/pharmacology ; Hippocampus/drug effects/*physiology ; Male ; Muscimol/pharmacology ; Physostigmine/pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptors, Cholinergic/*physiology ; Receptors, GABA/*physiology ; Septum of Brain/drug effects/*physiology ; }, abstract = {According to Gray [The neuropsychology of anxiety: an inquiry into the function of the septo-hippocampal system. Oxford: Oxford Univ. Press, 1982; Neural systems, emotion and personality. In: Madden VJ, editor. Neurobiology of learning, emotion, and affect. New York: Raven Press, 1991. p. 273-306.] the septum and hippocampus act in concert to control anxiety. In the present study we examined the roles of these structures in two animal models of anxiety: the elevated plus-maze and the shock-probe burying tests. We found that microinfusions (20 ng/0.4 microl) of the GABA(A) agonist muscimol into either the lateral or the medial septum increased rats' open-arm exploration in the plus-maze test, and decreased their burying behavior in the shock-probe test. We also found that infusions of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor physostigmine (10 microg/microl) into the dorsal hippocampus, like intraseptal muscimol (20 ng/0.4 microl), increased open-arm exploration in the plus-maze test, and decreased burying behavior in the shock-probe test. Although combined infusions of intraseptal muscimol and intrahippocampal physostigmine did not increase the magnitude of anxiolysis, this may have been due to "ceiling" effects. Overall, the results confirm that septal GABAergic and hippocampal cholinergic systems are both involved in the modulation of anxiety.}, }
@article {pmid11500573, year = {2000}, author = {Verstappen, M and Aerts, P}, title = {Terrestrial locomotion in the black-billed magpie. I. Spatio-temporal gait characteristics.}, journal = {Motor control}, volume = {4}, number = {2}, pages = {150-164}, doi = {10.1123/mcj.4.2.150}, pmid = {11500573}, issn = {1087-1640}, mesh = {Animals ; *Birds ; *Gait ; *Locomotion ; Running ; Walking ; }, abstract = {Spatio-temporal gait characteristics are determined for walking, running, and out of phase hopping magpies, at velocities ranging from 0.4 to 4 m/s. Below 1 m/s, magpies walk. At higher velocities they either run or hop, the latter being preferred. Stride length and frequency during walking and running relate to speed in an identical way. It is suggested that the control of walking and running, despite the abrupt drop in duty factor and step length at the transition from walking to either running or hopping, is represented by one single intrinsic pattern. Swing phase duration is independent of speed and similar of the three gaits, pointing to a passive, mechanical control. Stride frequencies during hopping barely change with velocity, while its stride length relates to velocity in a way highly comparable to that of walking and running. Hopping step length and duty factor are indifferent from those of running. These facts, combined with the similar spatio-temporal behavior of both legs in hopping suggest fairly comparable intra-limb coordination for running and hopping, and a simple phase-shift in inter-limb coordination to transform a run into a hop.}, }
@article {pmid11428945, year = {2000}, author = {Black, D and Del Pozo, A and Lagarde, JM and Gall, Y}, title = {Seasonal variability in the biophysical properties of stratum corneum from different anatomical sites.}, journal = {Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI)}, volume = {6}, number = {2}, pages = {70-76}, doi = {10.1034/j.1600-0846.2000.006002070.x}, pmid = {11428945}, issn = {1600-0846}, abstract = {BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: A 10-month-long study on a panel of 24 young female subjects was carried out to determine whether various biophysical aspects of the stratum corneum (SC) varied with season. METHODS: Three different anatomical sites (calf, inner forearm and crow's foot wrinkle area of the face) were assessed in February, April, July and December of the same year. The assessments made were skin surface hydration using an electrical capacitance technique, transepidermal water loss by evaporimetry, number of corneocytes released using a turbine stimulation method, and skin surface topography using optical profilometry. RESULTS: The results showed significant anatomical differences: with the crow's foot site > forearm > calf, for skin surface hydration and corneocyte numbers; and the crow's foot site > forearm and calf, with no difference between the latter two sites, for TEWL measurements. With these techniques, seasonal differences were observed mainly in the calf, to a lesser extent in the forearm, but not in the crow's foot area. These mainly involved increases in these three parameters in July, as opposed to the other time-points. Parameters of skin surface topography however, showed no consistent seasonal pattern, but markedly higher values were observed for the forearm in comparison to the calf and crow's foot sites, which were similar. From meteorological data obtained, the average daily maximum temperature and hours of sunshine increased to peak values in July, as did the absolute humidity derived from relative humidity data. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the results are most likely to represent changes in the SC due to climatic factors, with the calf and forearm sites being most affected in comparison to the face (crow's foot wrinkle area), which seems unaffected. The reasons for this latter site remaining unchanged may be due to its greater UV exposure, sebum content, and that the use of facial cosmetics was allowed.}, }
@article {pmid11403342, year = {2001}, author = {Bostantjopoulou, S and Kiosseoglou, G and Katsarou, Z and Alevriadou, A}, title = {Concurrent validity of the Test of Nonverbal Intelligence in Parkinson's disease patients.}, journal = {The Journal of psychology}, volume = {135}, number = {2}, pages = {205-212}, doi = {10.1080/00223980109603691}, pmid = {11403342}, issn = {0022-3980}, mesh = {Aged ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests/*standards ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests/standards ; Nonverbal Communication/*psychology ; Parkinson Disease/*psychology ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Regression Analysis ; Reproducibility of Results ; }, abstract = {The Test of Nonverbal Intelligence (TONI-2; L. Brown, R. J. Sherbenou, &amp; S. Johnsen, 1990) and Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM; J. C. Raven, 1965) are defined as language-free measures of cognitive ability. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relation between the RCPM and the TONI-2 for samples of patients with Parkinson's disease (n = 75) and controls (n = 47). A regression equation was computed to evaluate the relation of the RCPM scores to the TONI-2 quotient. Regression equation results indicate that there is a significant overlapping linear variance between the two measures in both patients and controls.}, }
@article {pmid11377732, year = {2001}, author = {Deng, C and Kaplan, G and Rogers, LJ}, title = {Similarity of the song nuclei of male and female Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen).}, journal = {Behavioural brain research}, volume = {123}, number = {1}, pages = {89-102}, doi = {10.1016/s0166-4328(01)00200-5}, pmid = {11377732}, issn = {0166-4328}, mesh = {Animals ; Basal Nucleus of Meynert/anatomy &amp; histology/cytology/physiology ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Birds/*physiology ; Brain/anatomy &amp; histology/cytology/*physiology ; Coloring Agents ; Courtship ; Female ; Male ; Neostriatum/anatomy &amp; histology/cytology/physiology ; Sex Characteristics ; Tissue Fixation ; Vocalization, Animal/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The organisation of the song control nuclei of the Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen), a species with highly complex song, was investigated. In contrast to most of the songbirds studied so far, the Australian magpie sings throughout the year and both males and females sing. All of the forebrain song nuclei, including the high vocal centre (HVC), the robust nucleus of the archistriatum (RA), Area X and the lateral and medial magnocellular nuclei of the anterior neostriatum (lMAN and mMAN) were found to be well developed in both male and female magpies. Consistent with the known vocal competence of juvenile magpies, all of the song nuclei were also well-developed in juvenile magpies (2--3 months old). HVC in both male and female magpies consists of a rostrolateral and a caudomedial region. The ventromedial part of RA differs from the dorsolateral part by having medium-sized neurons packed in higher density. The HVC to RA projections were labelled anterogradely by DiI and DiA. However, no HVC to Area X projections were labeled by DiI or DiA, suggesting a possible difference from songbirds studied previously.}, }
@article {pmid11345328, year = {2001}, author = {Sonerud, GA and Smedshaug, CA and Bråthen, O}, title = {Ignorant hooded crows follow knowledgeable roost-mates to food: support for the information centre hypothesis.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {268}, number = {1469}, pages = {827-831}, doi = {10.1098/rspb.2001.1586}, pmid = {11345328}, issn = {0962-8452}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Food ; Male ; Models, Biological ; Social Behavior ; Songbirds/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Communal roosting in birds may function to enhance foraging efficiency as explained by the information centre hypothesis, which predicts that successful foragers return from the roost to the rewarding food patch and that birds ignorant of this food follow knowledgeable roost-mates. We tested these predictions by exposing 34 radio-tagged, free-ranging, flock-living hooded crows (Corvus corone cornix) to a novel experimental set-up mimicking a superfluous food patch with maximum temporal and spatial unpredictability Each replicate lasted two days and was located on a new site. Data were collected during ten replicates over three years. First, a crow was more likely to visit the experimental food patch on the second day when it had been there on the first day. Second, when a crow had not been at this food patch on the first day, it was more likely to visit it on the second day if it had roosted together with a crow that had been there on the first day, but only if this knowledgeable roost-mate returned to the food patch on the second day. Our results support the information centre hypothesis and suggest that communal roosting might function to enhance foraging efficiency in hooded crows.}, }
@article {pmid11327166, year = {2001}, author = {Shine, R and LeMaster, MP and Moore, IT and Olsson, MM and Mason, RT}, title = {Bumpus in the snake den: effects of sex, size, and body condition on mortality of red-sided garter snakes.}, journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution}, volume = {55}, number = {3}, pages = {598-604}, doi = {10.1554/0014-3820(2001)055[0598:bitsde]2.0.co;2}, pmid = {11327166}, issn = {0014-3820}, mesh = {Animals ; Asphyxia ; *Colubridae/growth &amp; development ; Female ; Male ; Manitoba ; *Mortality ; Predatory Behavior ; Sex Factors ; Songbirds ; Starvation ; }, abstract = {Huge breeding aggregations of red-sided garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) at overwintering dens in Manitoba provide a unique opportunity to identify sources of mortality and to clarify factors that influence a snake's vulnerability to these factors. Comparisons of sexes, body sizes, and body condition of more than 1000 dead snakes versus live animals sampled at the same time reveal significant biases. Three primary sources of mortality were identified. Predation by crows, Corvus brachyrhynchos (590 snakes killed), was focussed mostly on small snakes of both sexes. Crows generally removed the snake's liver and left the carcass, but very small snakes were sometimes brought back to the nest. Suffocation beneath massive piles of other snakes within the den (301 dead animals) involved mostly small males and (to a lesser extent) large females; snakes in poor body condition were particularly vulnerable. Many emaciated snakes (n = 142, mostly females) also died without overt injuries, probably due to depleted energy reserves. These biases in vulnerability are readily interpretable from information on behavioral ecology of the snakes. For example, sex biases in mortality reflect differences in postemergence behavior and locomotor capacity, the greater attractiveness of larger females to males, and the high energy costs of reproduction for females.}, }
@article {pmid11316380, year = {2001}, author = {Lowe, MR and Foster, GD and Kerzhnerman, I and Swain, RM and Wadden, TA}, title = {Restrictive dieting vs. "undieting" effects on eating regulation in obese clinic attenders.}, journal = {Addictive behaviors}, volume = {26}, number = {2}, pages = {253-266}, doi = {10.1016/s0306-4603(00)00106-4}, pmid = {11316380}, issn = {0306-4603}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Ambulatory Care Facilities ; Body Mass Index ; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ; *Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Obesity/*diet therapy/*psychology ; Random Allocation ; Weight Loss ; }, abstract = {This study tested predictions from restraint theory [Herman &amp; Polivy (1984). A boundary model for the regulation of eating. In: A. J. Stunkard, &amp; E. Stellar (Eds.), Eating and its disorders (pp. 141-156) New York: Raven Press.] and the three-factor model of dieting [Psychol. Bull. 114 (1993) 100.] using an eating regulation paradigm. Participants were 42 obese, nonbinge eaters assigned to either a weight loss group (restrictive dieters or RDs) or a group designed to eliminate dieting ("undieters" or UDs). Participants took part in an ostensible ice cream taste test with or without a preload, both before and after the weight control intervention. At pretest, restraint theory's prediction that participants would engage in counter-regulatory eating was not supported. At posttest, after 8 weeks of the dieting interventions, RDs increased and UDs decreased their intake following a preload, a pattern most consistent with the predictions of restraint theory. This counter-regulatory trend was observed in spite of a significant decrease in RDs' Disinhibition scale scores following treatment. Implications of these findings for restraint theory, the three-factor model of dieting, and relapse in obesity treatment were discussed.}, }
@article {pmid11310888, year = {2001}, author = {Perez, M and Henke, SE and Fedynich, AM}, title = {Detection of aflatoxin-contaminated grain by three granivorous bird species.}, journal = {Journal of wildlife diseases}, volume = {37}, number = {2}, pages = {358-361}, doi = {10.7589/0090-3558-37.2.358}, pmid = {11310888}, issn = {0090-3558}, mesh = {Aflatoxins/*analysis ; Animal Feed/*microbiology ; Animals ; Aspergillus ; Aspergillus flavus ; Avoidance Learning/physiology ; Colinus/*physiology ; Columbidae/*physiology ; Food Preferences/*physiology ; Random Allocation ; Songbirds/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Supplemental feeding of game species and the use of backyard feeders to attract avian wildlife are common practices throughout the United States. However, these activities may expose wildlife to aflatoxins. We tested the hypothesis that wild birds would avoid consuming aflatoxin-contaminated feed. Individual northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus), white-winged doves (Zenaida asiatica), and green jays (Cyanocorax yncas) were presented with feeders that had four compartments, which contained milo that was contaminated with aflatoxin levels of 0, 100, 500, and 1,000 microg/kg, respectively. Feed remaining was weighed at 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 hr after the initiation of the trial. White-winged doves and northern bobwhites did not avoid contaminated feed. However, green jays selected against aflatoxin-tainted grain. Because white-winged doves and northern bobwhites did not avoid contaminated feed, the risk of exposure to this potentially hazardous toxin exists for these species.}, }
@article {pmid11276911, year = {2000}, author = {Anderson, B}, title = {The g factor in non-human animals.}, journal = {Novartis Foundation symposium}, volume = {233}, number = {}, pages = {79-90; discussion 90-5}, pmid = {11276911}, issn = {1528-2511}, mesh = {Animals ; Brain/anatomy &amp; histology/*physiology ; Cognition ; Columbidae ; Haplorhini ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Learning/physiology ; Mice ; Pan troglodytes ; Raccoons ; Raptors ; Rats ; Thinking ; *Vertebrates ; }, abstract = {Animals possess the attributes we label as 'intelligent' in humans. 'Insight' and 'reasoning' have been demonstrated in chimpanzees, monkeys, racoons, rats, mice, ravens and pigeons. In the rat, the animal species best characterized psychologically and neuroanatomically, reasoning ability correlates with other cognitive capacities and brain size. Other learning task paradigms tested on mice and rats have confirmed consistent individual differences, indicated a neuroanatomical network for learning, and shown the presence of genetic influences for cognitive ability. Animals offer an opportunity to test ideas about intelligence that cannot be performed on humans. Methylazoxymethanol (MAM) administered prenatally can arrest cortical cell division and produce a 'mentally retarded' microcephalic rat. This intellectual deficiency can be ameliorated by postnatal induction of dendritic arborization and synapse formation with naltrexone, suggesting the relevance of neuronal and synapse number for behavioural variation in rat g. Inbred mice lines differ in brain size and behaviour, permitting, through the use of recombinant inbred strains, the determination of genetic loci with quantitative effects on structure and function. Lastly, genetic contributions to g can be directly tested by modifying gene expression and determining the anatomical, physiological, and behavioural benefits.}, }
@article {pmid11276904, year = {2000}, author = {Flynn, JR}, title = {IQ gains, WISC subtests and fluid g: g theory and the relevance of Spearman's hypothesis to race.}, journal = {Novartis Foundation symposium}, volume = {233}, number = {}, pages = {202-16; discussion 216-27}, doi = {10.1002/0470870850.ch13}, pmid = {11276904}, issn = {1528-2511}, mesh = {Brain/*physiology ; Child ; Cross-Cultural Comparison ; Educational Status ; Humans ; *Intelligence/genetics/physiology ; Learning ; Models, Psychological ; *Psychometrics ; *Wechsler Scales ; }, abstract = {IQ gains over time were calculated for each WISC (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children) subtest and the subtests ranked by size of gain. Verbal similarities led at 20 points per generation--larger than gains on Raven's Progressive Matrices. Similarities measures on-the-spot problem-solving (something akin to fluid g); verbal subtests that do not measure this show low rates of gain. WISC subtests were also ranked by their correlations with Raven's, the latter being used as a marker for fluid g. The r between the two hierarchies was calculated to approximate a correlation between IQ gains and fluid g. The result of 0.50 contrasts with the negative correlation between IQ gains and the g generated by factor analysing the WISC battery itself, which is generally viewed as predominately a crystallized g. In sum, it appears that human groups can make massive fluid g gains in a period too short to accommodate radical change in the speed and efficiency of neural processes. Moreover, once gains in intelligent behaviour over historical time are seen to be independent of brain physiology, does g really provide a criterion for assessing their significance? Finally, not only a measure of fluid g (which is highly heritable) but also inbreeding depression are shown to be correlated with IQ gains--gains overwhelmingly environmental in origin. Therefore, correlations between such genetically influenced factors and the size of the black/white IQ gap do not show that the gap has a genetic component.}, }
@article {pmid11262845, year = {2001}, author = {Otonicar, B and Velikonja, V and Zorn, B}, title = {[Personality traits of men with Klinefelter syndrome and their partners].}, journal = {Gynecologie, obstetrique &amp; fertilite}, volume = {29}, number = {2}, pages = {123-128}, doi = {10.1016/s1297-9589(00)00059-x}, pmid = {11262845}, issn = {1297-9589}, mesh = {Adult ; Attitude ; Female ; Humans ; Infertility, Male/etiology ; Intelligence ; Klinefelter Syndrome/complications/*psychology ; Labor, Obstetric ; Male ; *Personality ; Pregnancy ; Sexual Partners ; Sexuality ; Social Behavior ; Spouses ; }, abstract = {The aim of the study was to find whether personality traits of men with Klinefelter syndrome and their partners (group 1-n = 17) differ from those of couples affected by idiopathic infertility (group 2; n = 16) and from those of fertile couples (group 3 n = 17). We further investigated the attitudes of the three groups towards pregnancy, labour and sexuality to find potential différences among the three groups. Besides, we verified the hypotheses of below average or low average intelligence of men with Klinefelter syndrome, and of inferior quality of social life in these men. The data were collected using the interview on medical history, the questionnaire on attitudes towards pregnancy, labour and sexuality (S-S-G), the personality questionnaire MMPI-2. The Raven progressive matrices were used only in group 1. The results show that men with Klinefelter syndrome and their partners do not differ significantly from the couples with idiopathic infertility (group 2), having some shizoide traits in their personality structure and mostly negative attitudes towards pregnancy, labour and sexuality. However, a significant difference has been found between the Klinefelter syndrome group and the fertile couples group. The hypothesis of below average intelligence has not been confirmed, but the quality of social life of men with Klinefelter syndrome has been found inférior. We may thus conclude that in the management of infertile couples in whom the man has been affected by Klinefelter syndrome, the personality structure, importantly affecting the outcome of treatment, should be taken into consideration.}, }
@article {pmid11240007, year = {2001}, author = {Yamamoto, K and Furuya, I and Watanabe, S}, title = {Near-field visual acuity in Japanese jungle crows (Corvus macrorhynchos).}, journal = {Physiology &amp; behavior}, volume = {72}, number = {1-2}, pages = {283-286}, doi = {10.1016/s0031-9384(00)00356-5}, pmid = {11240007}, issn = {0031-9384}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Discrimination, Psychological/physiology ; Photic Stimulation ; Songbirds/*physiology ; Vision, Binocular/physiology ; Visual Acuity/*physiology ; Visual Fields/physiology ; }, abstract = {The near-field visual acuity of three Japanese jungle crows (Corvus macrorhynchos) was determined by means of operant conditioning. The task was discrimination of grating stimuli, and the threshold was measured by up-and-down method between sessions. To keep observing distance constant, a photo sensor was used and the head position was behaviorally fixed. The average visual acuity was 8.4 cycles/degree. When compared with other birds, this result is better than that of pigeons, and worse than that of predators.}, }
@article {pmid11222131, year = {2001}, author = {Rosén, M and Hedenström, A}, title = {Gliding flight in a jackdaw: a wind tunnel study.}, journal = {The Journal of experimental biology}, volume = {204}, number = {Pt 6}, pages = {1153-1166}, doi = {10.1242/jeb.204.6.1153}, pmid = {11222131}, issn = {0022-0949}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Female ; Flight, Animal/*physiology ; Mathematics ; Models, Biological ; Physical Phenomena ; Physics ; Songbirds/anatomy &amp; histology/*physiology ; Tail/anatomy &amp; histology/physiology ; Wings, Animal/anatomy &amp; histology/physiology ; }, abstract = {We examined the gliding flight performance of a jackdaw Corvus monedula in a wind tunnel. The jackdaw was able to glide steadily at speeds between 6 and 11 m s(-1). The bird changed its wingspan and wing area over this speed range, and we measured the so-called glide super-polar, which is the envelope of fixed-wing glide polars over a range of forward speeds and sinking speeds. The glide super-polar was an inverted U-shape with a minimum sinking speed (V(ms)) at 7.4 m s(-1) and a speed for best glide (V(bg)) at 8.3 m s(-)). At the minimum sinking speed, the associated vertical sinking speed was 0.62 m s(-1). The relationship between the ratio of lift to drag (L:D) and airspeed showed an inverted U-shape with a maximum of 12.6 at 8.5 m s(-1). Wingspan decreased linearly with speed over the whole speed range investigated. The tail was spread extensively at low and moderate speeds; at speeds between 6 and 9 m s(-1), the tail area decreased linearly with speed, and at speeds above 9 m s(-1) the tail was fully furled. Reynolds number calculated with the mean chord as the reference length ranged from 38 000 to 76 000 over the speed range 6-11 m s(-1). Comparisons of the jackdaw flight performance were made with existing theory of gliding flight. We also re-analysed data on span ratios with respect to speed in two other bird species previously studied in wind tunnels. These data indicate that an equation for calculating the span ratio, which minimises the sum of induced and profile drag, does not predict the actual span ratios observed in these birds. We derive an alternative equation on the basis of the observed span ratios for calculating wingspan and wing area with respect to forward speed in gliding birds from information about body mass, maximum wingspan, maximum wing area and maximum coefficient of lift. These alternative equations can be used in combination with any model of gliding flight where wing area and wingspan are considered to calculate sinking rate with respect to forward speed.}, }
@article {pmid11199511, year = {2001}, author = {Clayton, NS and Yu, KS and Dickinson, A}, title = {Scrub jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) form integrated memories of the multiple features of caching episodes.}, journal = {Journal of experimental psychology. Animal behavior processes}, volume = {27}, number = {1}, pages = {17-29}, pmid = {11199511}, issn = {0097-7403}, support = {NS3546503/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Birds ; *Feeding Behavior ; *Memory ; Space Perception ; Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {Four experiments examined whether food-storing scrub jays remember when and where they cached different foods. The scrub jays cached and recovered perishable and nonperishable foods in visuospatially distinct and trial-unique cache sites. They rapidly learned to avoid searching for foods that had perished by the time of recovery, while continuing to search for the same foods after shorter retention intervals when the foods were still fresh. The temporal control of searching at recovery was also observed when the familiarity of cache sites did not provide any information about the time of caching and when the same food was cached in distinct sites at different times. The authors argue that the jays formed an integrated memory for the location and time of caching of particular foods.}, }
@article {pmid11169904, year = {2001}, author = {Jantz, RL and Owsley, DW}, title = {Variation among early North American crania.}, journal = {American journal of physical anthropology}, volume = {114}, number = {2}, pages = {146-155}, doi = {10.1002/1096-8644(200102)114:2&lt;146::AID-AJPA1014&gt;3.0.CO;2-E}, pmid = {11169904}, issn = {0002-9483}, mesh = {Adult ; Anthropology, Physical/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Anthropometry ; Female ; Fossils ; Humans ; *Indians, North American ; Male ; North America ; Reference Values ; Skull/*anatomy &amp; histology ; }, abstract = {The limited morphometric work on early American crania to date has treated them as a single, temporally defined group. This paper addresses the question of whether there is significant variability among ancient American crania. A sample of 11 crania (Spirit Cave, Wizards Beach, Browns Valley, Pelican Rapids, Prospect, Wet Gravel male, Wet Gravel female, Medicine Crow, Turin, Lime Creek, and Swanson Lake) dating from the early to mid Holocene was available. Some have recent accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dates, while others are dated geologically or archaeologically. All are in excess of 4500 BP, and most are 7000 BP or older. Measurements follow the definitions of Howells [(1973) Cranial variation in man, Cambridge: Harvard University). Some crania are incomplete, but 22 measurements were common to all fossils. Cranial variation was examined by calculating the Mahalanobis distance between each pair of fossils, using a pooled within sample covariance matrix estimated from the data of Howells. The distance relationships among crania suggest the presence of at least three distinct groups: 1) a middle Archaic Plains group (Turin and Medicine Crow), 2) a Paleo/Early Archaic Great Lakes/Plains group (Browns Valley, Pelican Rapids, Lime Creek), and 3) a spatially and temporally heterogeneous group that includes the Great Basin/Pacific Coast (Spirit Cave, Wizards Beach, Prospect) and Nebraska (Wet Gravel specimens and Swanson Lake). These crania were also compared to Howells' worldwide recent sample, which was expanded by including six additional American Indian samples. None of the fossils, except for the Wet Gravel male, shows any particular affinity to recent Native Americans; their greatest similarities are with Europe, Polynesia, or East Asia. Several crania would be atypical in any recent population for which we have data. Browns Valley, Pelican Rapids, and Lime Creek are the most distinctive. They provide evidence for the presence of an early population that bears no similarity to the morphometric pattern of recent American Indians or even to crania of comparable date in other regions of the continent. The heterogeneity among early American crania makes it inadvisable to pool them for purposes of morphometric analysis. Whether this heterogeneity results from different early migrations or one highly differentiated population cannot be established from our data. Our results are inconsistent with hypotheses of an ancestor-descendent relationship between early and late Holocene American populations. They suggest that the pattern of cranial variation is of recent origin, at least in the Plains region.}, }
@article {pmid11166080, year = {2001}, author = {Lipp, HP and Pleskacheva, MG and Gossweiler, H and Ricceri, L and Smirnova, AA and Garin, NN and Perepiolkina, OP and Voronkov, DN and Kuptsov, PA and Dell'Omo, G}, title = {A large outdoor radial maze for comparative studies in birds and mammals.}, journal = {Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews}, volume = {25}, number = {1}, pages = {83-99}, doi = {10.1016/s0149-7634(00)00050-6}, pmid = {11166080}, issn = {0149-7634}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Mammals/*physiology ; Maze Learning/*physiology ; Psychology, Comparative/*instrumentation ; Rats ; }, abstract = {For a comparative neurobiological analysis of spatial learning and memory, a large outdoor eight-arm radial maze was constructed which permits behavioral assessment of many avian and mammalian species both from the laboratory or the wild, using the same metric space and session schedules. It consists of a central part of 250cm diameter, and has arms of 650cm length, 170cm height and 80cm width. In order to determine appropriate training schedules for comparison of different species, we tested four mammalian and two avian species during 9-15 sessions: 18 albino rats (Rattus norvegicus), nine outdoors and nine in a conventional small indoor maze; six guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus); six rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus); five hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus); seven hooded crows (Corvus corone cornix) and six chickens (Gallus domesticus). Rats learned fast in both mazes yet significantly better in the large one. Good-to-excellent learning was also observed in juvenile rabbits and wild-caught crows, although the latter tended to avoid arms in the vicinity of the observer. Hedgehogs and chickens did not show significant learning as a group, but some individuals appeared to learn the task. Guinea pigs remained continuously passive and could not be trained. Thus, in spite of species-specific demands for reward, adaptation and pre-training, this type of radial maze permits to directly compare a wide variety of species. Such comparability is essential for an analysis of underlying neurobiological mechanisms.}, }
@article {pmid11124886, year = {2000}, author = {Li, SH and Brown, JL}, title = {High frequency of extrapair fertilization in a plural breeding bird, the Mexican jay, revealed by DNA microsatellites.}, journal = {Animal behaviour}, volume = {60}, number = {6}, pages = {867-877}, doi = {10.1006/anbe.2000.1554}, pmid = {11124886}, issn = {0003-3472}, abstract = {We used tetra-nucleotide microsatellite DNA typing to estimate the frequency of extrapair fertilization (EPF) in a plural breeding species, the Mexican jay, Aphelocoma ultramarina, in Arizona. We found EPF in 32 of 51 complete broods (63%) and 55 of 139 nestlings (40%) for which the putative father had been identified (one of the highest rates of EPF known for birds). At least 96.1% of EPF fathers came from within the group. This is by far the highest known within-group EPF rate among socially monogamous, communally rearing species. Most (70%) males of breeding age (3+ years) had no genetic paternity in a given year. Social fathers (i.e. those with nests and mated females) rarely obtained EPFs; of 25 social fathers, 23 had young in only one nest and only two had young in two nests by virtue of EPF. Of the 27 males known to be EPF fathers without a nest of their own, none had young in more than one nest. Only 7% of EPF fathers had their own broods reaching banding age (day 14), compared with 29.7% of social fathers. The proportion of EPF young was significantly larger in smaller broods. Breeding females in all age classes were equally likely to have EPF young. Copyright 2000 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.}, }
@article {pmid11103763, year = {2000}, author = {Pinzur, MS and Shields, N and Trepman, E and Dawson, P and Evans, A}, title = {Current practice patterns in the treatment of Charcot foot.}, journal = {Foot &amp; ankle international}, volume = {21}, number = {11}, pages = {916-920}, doi = {10.1177/107110070002101105}, pmid = {11103763}, issn = {1071-1007}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Arthropathy, Neurogenic/diagnosis/etiology/*therapy ; Benchmarking ; Data Collection ; Diabetes Complications ; Foot Deformities, Acquired/diagnosis/etiology/*therapy ; Humans ; Immobilization ; Middle Aged ; Orthopedics/*standards/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Orthotic Devices ; *Tarsal Joints ; }, abstract = {Treatment of Charcot foot osteoarthropathy has emerged as a major component of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Diabetes 2000 Initiative. A two-part survey described treatment patterns and current footwear use of patients with Charcot osteoarthropathy of the foot and ankle. In the first part, 94 consecutive patients with a history of Charcot foot and ankle presenting for care were questioned on their foot-specific treatment and current footwear use. A history of diabetic foot ulcer was given by 39 (41%) patients, and an infection had been present in a foot of 20 (21%) patients. The initial treatment of the Charcot foot and ankle had been a total contact cast in 46 (49%) patients, and a pre-fabricated walking boot in 19 (20%). Charcot related surgery had consisted of 76 procedures in 46 (49%) patients. Sixty-three (67%) patients were currently using accommodative footwear (depth-inlay shoes in 46 [49%], custom shoes in 10 [11%], and CROW in 7 [7%] patients), and 72 (77%) were currently using custom accommodative foot orthoses. The second part of this study consisted of a questionnaire completed by 37 orthopaedic surgeons (members of AOFAS) interested in forming a Charcot Study Group. They treated an average of 11.8 patients having Charcot foot or ankle per month. Thirty (81%) used the Semmes-Weinstein 5.07 monofilament as a screening tool for peripheral neuropathy. For treatment of Eichenholtz Stage I, 29 (78%) used a total contact cast and 15 (41%) allowed weightbearing; for Stage II, 30 (81%) physicians used a total contact cast and 18 (49%) allowed weightbearing. Although the literature contains uniform recommendations for immobilization and non-weightbearing as treatment for the initial phases of Charcot arthropathy, the results of this benchmarking study reveal that currenl treatment is varied.}, }
@article {pmid11082237, year = {2000}, author = {Hall, ML}, title = {The function of duetting in magpie-larks: conflict, cooperation, or commitment?.}, journal = {Animal behaviour}, volume = {60}, number = {5}, pages = {667-677}, doi = {10.1006/anbe.2000.1517}, pmid = {11082237}, issn = {0003-3472}, abstract = {Avian duetting is a poorly understood phenomenon despite many hypotheses as to its function. Contrary to the recent view that duetting functions for mate guarding and is a result of conflict between the sexes, Australian magpie-larks, Grallina cyanoleuca, do not use duetting as a paternity guard. I used a playback experiment to investigate the role of antiphonal duetting in territorial defence and pair bond maintenance, two traditional hypotheses about the function of duetting. The experiment showed that, like many nonduetting species, magpie-larks recognize neighbours on the basis of song. It also provided evidence of functional differences between duetting and solo singing which indicate that temporal coordination of song between partners is used to maintain the territory and pair bond. Duets were more threatening territorial signals than solo songs: males initiated more vocalizations in response to playback of duets than playback of solos. Simulated intrusion also caused males and females to approach the speaker together and coordinate more of their vocalizations to form duets. Females did not engage in sex-specific territorial defence, responding equally strongly to playback of male and female song, and maintaining both territory and pair bond by attempting to exclude intruders of either sex. Males initiated more vocalizations in response to playback of male than female song, and their likelihood of duetting appeared to be related more to threats to the pair bond, in particular desertion by their partner. Copyright 2000 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.}, }
@article {pmid11081956, year = {2000}, author = {Torralva, T and Dorrego, F and Sabe, L and Chemerinski, E and Starkstein, SE}, title = {Impairments of social cognition and decision making in Alzheimer's disease.}, journal = {International psychogeriatrics}, volume = {12}, number = {3}, pages = {359-368}, doi = {10.1017/s1041610200006463}, pmid = {11081956}, issn = {1041-6102}, mesh = {Aged ; Alzheimer Disease/*complications ; Cognition Disorders/*complications/*diagnosis ; *Decision Making ; Female ; Humans ; Judgment ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Severity of Illness Index ; *Social Perception ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To investigate the nature of deficits in social cognition and real-life decision making in a group of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).<br><br>DESIGN: A comprehensive neuropsychological and psychiatric assessment, including the Moral Judgment Interview and the Bechara's Card Test, was carried out in 25 patients with AD and 20 age-comparable normal controls.<br><br>SETTING: Outpatient clinic.<br><br>RESULTS: AD patients had significantly lower scores in the Moral Judgment Interview and obtained significantly less earnings in the card test when compared to the normal control group. The Moral Judgment Interview score correlated significantly with Raven's Progressive Matrices and Block Design, whereas the card test correlated significantly with both the Benton Visual Retention Test and the Buschke Selective Reminding Test. No significant correlations were observed between the experimental tasks and the psychiatric variables.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: AD patients demonstrated significant deficits on tasks assessing social cognition and real-life decision making. These impairments correlated with deficits on specific neuropsychological tasks, but not with behavioral problems frequently found in AD patients.}, }
@article {pmid11055049, year = {2000}, author = {Velásquez, M and Arcos-Burgos, M and Toro, ME and Castaño, A and Madrigal, L and Moreno, S and Jaramillo, N and Lopera, F}, title = {[Factorial and discriminant analyses of neuropsychological variables in familial and sporadic late onset Alzheimer disease].}, journal = {Revista de neurologia}, volume = {31}, number = {6}, pages = {501-506}, pmid = {11055049}, issn = {0210-0010}, mesh = {Age of Onset ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Alzheimer Disease/*epidemiology/*genetics/pathology ; Brain/pathology ; Cognition Disorders/*diagnosis/*epidemiology ; Discriminant Analysis ; Factor Analysis, Statistical ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Severity of Illness Index ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Prevalence of late onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) both familial and sporadic is increasing with the raising proportion of third-age population. There are evidences either supporting or rejecting the existence of differences in the behavior of neuropsychological variables between familial and sporadic cases of LOAD.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: To identify neuropsychological variables discriminating between familial and sporadic cases of LOAD, in order to detect clinical manifestations that may provide information on the pathological process of the neurodegenerative process.<br><br>PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using sequential sampling, we selected individuals affected by LOAD according to the criteria of the DSM-IV and NINCS-ADRDA. The following neuropsychological protocol was used: CERAD, Wisconsin, Phonological Fluency, Rey's Figure, Raven, A Cancellation Test, WAIS (Arithmetic); also used were: Global Deterioration Scale, Functional Assessment Staging of Reisberg (FAST), Barthel and Yesavage. Parametrical and non-parametrical univariate, factorial (principal components) and discriminant analyses were performed. In total, 52 patients were analyzed (average age: 74.8 years; mean age at onset of the disease: 69 years; time of disease's evolution: 5.7 years; average of educational level: 6.4 years).<br><br>RESULTS: No significant statistical differences were found in clinical or neuropsychological variables between familial and sporadic cases of LOAD. Additionally, neither variables nor models were detected discriminating significantly between them.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Familial and sporadic cases of LOAD present the same clinical and neuropsychological phenotype which makes very probable that sporadic cases are low penetrance familial ones.}, }
@article {pmid11016790, year = {2000}, author = {Shaw, BK}, title = {Involvement of a midbrain vocal nucleus in the production of both the acoustic and postural components of crowing behavior in Japanese quail.}, journal = {Journal of comparative physiology. A, Sensory, neural, and behavioral physiology}, volume = {186}, number = {7-8}, pages = {747-757}, doi = {10.1007/s003590000128}, pmid = {11016790}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Coturnix/*physiology ; Electric Stimulation ; Electrodes ; Female ; Male ; Mesencephalon/*physiology ; Nerve Net/physiology ; Posture/*physiology ; Vocalization, Animal/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Many bird species produce vocalizations which are accompanied by distinctive postural displays, but the neural mechanisms that allow such integrated production of vocal and postural motor patterns are not understood. In the crowing behavior of Japanese quail, a characteristic vocal pattern is accompanied by and coordinated with a postural display that consists of a sequence of rapid, patterned head movements. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of a midbrain vocal nucleus, the nucleus intercollicularis, in the production of the acoustic and postural components of crowing in quail. Brief electrical stimuli were applied to the nucleus intercollicularis during spontaneously emitted crows in quail with chronically implanted electrodes, to determine if perturbing neural activity in the nucleus intercollicularis resulted in a disruption of ongoing crowing behavior. The most common effect of such stimuli was a concurrent, premature termination of both the acoustic and head movement components of the crow. These results imply that the nucleus intercollicularis plays a role in the production of both the acoustic and postural components of crowing in quail.}, }
@article {pmid11012719, year = {2000}, author = {Baker, AM and Mather, PB and Hughes, JM}, title = {Population genetic structure of Australian magpies: evidence for regional differences in juvenile dispersal behaviour.}, journal = {Heredity}, volume = {85 (Pt 2)}, number = {}, pages = {167-176}, doi = {10.1046/j.1365-2540.2000.00733.x}, pmid = {11012719}, issn = {0018-067X}, mesh = {Animals ; Australia ; DNA, Mitochondrial ; Genetic Markers ; Genetics, Population ; Isoenzymes/genetics ; Songbirds/*genetics ; }, abstract = {Territorial group size in Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen) ranges from monogamous pairs to groups of more than 20 individuals. It has been hypothesized that large territorial groups result from the retention of juveniles after a breeding effort. If this is true, local populations consisting of large groups are likely to exhibit the most genetic structure, because over time similar genotypes will tend to be confined to limited areas if juveniles are predominantly philopatric. The objective of the present study was to test this hypothesis using allozyme and mitochondrial DNA data to provide indirect estimates of regional gene flow (derived from hierarchical population subdivision analyses). These data were used in combination with estimates of group size to infer patterns of dispersal among magpie populations across mainland Australia. Territorial groups were significantly larger in the south-west compared to three eastern regions. Although inferred levels of gene flow were substantial for all four regions, a striking pattern emerged from both sets of genetic data: more differentiation was evident among populations in the south-western region than in any eastern region. We conclude that levels of juvenile dispersal influence group size in G. tibicen, because in the south-western region where groups were largest, populations were most genetically differentiated. Our results suggest that contrasting population genetic structures may develop within a single species as a result of differences in social system.}, }
@article {pmid10983832, year = {2000}, author = {Griffin, LR and Thomas, CJ}, title = {The spatial distribution and size of rook (Corvus frugilegus) breeding colonies is affected by both the distribution of foraging habitat and by intercolony competition.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {267}, number = {1451}, pages = {1463-1467}, doi = {10.1098/rspb.2000.1165}, pmid = {10983832}, issn = {0962-8452}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Birds/*physiology ; Breeding ; *Competitive Behavior ; Demography ; Habits ; Multivariate Analysis ; }, abstract = {Explanations for the variation in the number of nests at bird colonies have focused on competitive or habitat effects without considering potential interactions between the two. For the rook, a colonial corvid which breeds seasonally but forages around the colony throughout the year, both the amount of foraging habitat and its interaction with the number of competitors from surrounding colonies are important predictors of colony size. The distance over which these effects are strongest indicates that, for rooks, colony size may be limited outside of the breeding season when colony foraging ranges are larger and overlap to a greater extent.}, }
@article {pmid10945084, year = {2000}, author = {Rabinowitz, J and Reichenberg, A and Weiser, M and Mark, M and Kaplan, Z and Davidson, M}, title = {Cognitive and behavioural functioning in men with schizophrenia both before and shortly after first admission to hospital. Cross-sectional analysis.}, journal = {The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science}, volume = {177}, number = {}, pages = {26-32}, doi = {10.1192/bjp.177.1.26}, pmid = {10945084}, issn = {0007-1250}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Case-Control Studies ; Cognition Disorders/physiopathology ; Disease Progression ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Israel ; Male ; Mental Disorders/*physiopathology ; *Schizophrenic Psychology ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The extent of premorbid changes associated with the onset of schizophrenia are debated.<br><br>AIMS: The study examined cognitive and behavioural functioning prior to, and after, first hospitalisation for schizophrenia.<br><br>METHOD: Data from the Israeli Draft Board Register of intelligence, social functioning and behaviour testing for all Israeli males aged 16-17 was linked with data from the National Psychiatric Hospitalisation Case Register. This identified 692 men who had been admitted to hospital for schizophrenia. Cases and non-cases matched on age and school were compared, as were cases aggregated by the time that had elapsed between testing and first admission to hospital.<br><br>RESULTS: Cases performed worse than non-cases on all measures. On Social Functioning and on Raven's Progressive Matrices-R, differences between cases and non-cases were progressively greater for cases admitted closer to the time of testing. These differences were greatest for persons tested after first psychiatric hospitalisation.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm premorbid deficits associated with schizophrenia and support the hypothesis that decline is progressive.}, }
@article {pmid10913462, year = {2000}, author = {Shevitz, SA}, title = {Jay Haley revisited: the art of being a failure as an administrator.}, journal = {Psychiatric services (Washington, D.C.)}, volume = {51}, number = {8}, pages = {1047-1048}, doi = {10.1176/appi.ps.51.8.1047}, pmid = {10913462}, issn = {1075-2730}, mesh = {Mental Disorders/therapy ; *Patient Care Management ; Treatment Failure ; }, }
@article {pmid10890586, year = {2000}, author = {Pollok, B and Prior, H and Güntürkün, O}, title = {Development of object permanence in food-storing magpies (Pica pica).}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {114}, number = {2}, pages = {148-157}, doi = {10.1037/0735-7036.114.2.148}, pmid = {10890586}, issn = {0735-7036}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Birds ; *Cognition ; *Food ; *Memory ; }, abstract = {The development of object permanence was investigated in black-billed magpies (Pica pica), a food-storing passerine bird. The authors tested the hypothesis that food-storing development should be correlated with object-permanence development and that specific stages of object permanence should be achieved before magpies become independent. As predicted, Piagetian Stages 4 and 5 were reached before independence was achieved, and the ability to represent a fully hidden object (Piagetian Stage 4) emerged by the age when magpies begin to retrieve food. Contrary to psittacine birds and humans, but as in dogs and cats, no "A-not-B error" occurred. Although magpies also mastered 5 of 6 invisible displacement tasks, evidence of Piagetian Stage 6 competence was ambiguous.}, }
@article {pmid10890243, year = {1999}, author = {Biederman, GB and Stepaniuk, S and Davey, VA and Raven, K and Ahn, D}, title = {Observational learning in children with Down syndrome and developmental delays: the effect of presentation speed in videotaped modelling.}, journal = {Down's syndrome, research and practice : the journal of the Sarah Duffen Centre}, volume = {6}, number = {1}, pages = {12-18}, doi = {10.3104/reports.93}, pmid = {10890243}, issn = {0968-7912}, mesh = {Child ; Child Behavior/physiology ; Developmental Disabilities/*diagnosis ; *Down Syndrome ; Female ; Humans ; Learning/*physiology ; Male ; *Photic Stimulation ; Social Behavior ; Time Factors ; Videotape Recording ; }, abstract = {Children with severe developmental delays (three with Down syndrome and three with autism as the primary diagnosis) observed a videotaped model performing two basic dressing skills without prompting, verbal or otherwise, or explanation by an instructor. In a within-subjects design, dressing skills that were presented at a relatively slow presentation speed through videotaped modelling were eventually performed better than those presented at a relatively fast speed. These data in combination with evidence from this laboratory that passive modelling of basic skills is more effective than interactive modelling (e.g., Biederman, Fairhall, Raven, &amp; Davey, 1998; Biederman, Davey, Ryder, &amp; Franchi, 1994; Biederman, Ryder, Davey, &amp; Gibson, 1991) suggest that standard instructional techniques warrant reexamination both from the basis of instructional effectiveness and the efficient use of the allotment of teacher time.}, }
@article {pmid10877899, year = {2000}, author = {Midford, PE and Hailman, JP and Woolfenden, GE}, title = {Social learning of a novel foraging patch in families of free-living Florida scrub-jays.}, journal = {Animal behaviour}, volume = {59}, number = {6}, pages = {1199-1207}, doi = {10.1006/anbe.1999.1419}, pmid = {10877899}, issn = {0003-3472}, abstract = {Free-living juvenile Florida scrub-jays, Aphelocoma coerulescens, learned to forage in a novel patch (the centre of a ring) when in proximity to other family members that foraged successfully. We were able to distinguish the contributions of social learning and of individual learning, and to show that social learning occurred. The foraging task required individual jays to dig for peanut bits (chopped fragments) buried in sand in the centre of a 33-cm plastic ring. Jays were trained in their family groups to perform the task during a summer season, and were allowed to perform the task in the presence of juveniles (aged 40-85 days) in later years. Jays living in 18 control families received partial exposure to the training situation, but received no exposure to the ring before being presented with the task in the presence of their young. Juveniles in 16 families with trained jays were able to witness demonstrations and to scrounge peanut pieces from the models as they completed the task. These 41 juveniles learned more of the task than the 33 juveniles in control families. Seven juvenile jays and two older, nonbreeding jays in the trained families completed the task at least once, whereas no jays in control families completed the task. A modified task that prevented snatching also prevented transmission of the complete task, although the 22 juveniles that observed the modified task learned more of the task than the 33 control juveniles. Further analysis indicated that demonstrations had their greatest effect in increasing the probability that juveniles would enter the ring. Copyright 2000 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.}, }
@article {pmid10862728, year = {2000}, author = {Verstappen, M and Aerts, P and Van Damme, R}, title = {Terrestrial locomotion in the black-billed magpie: kinematic analysis of walking, running and out-of-phase hopping.}, journal = {The Journal of experimental biology}, volume = {203}, number = {Pt 14}, pages = {2159-2170}, doi = {10.1242/jeb.203.14.2159}, pmid = {10862728}, issn = {0022-0949}, mesh = {Animals ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Birds/anatomy &amp; histology/*physiology ; Hindlimb/anatomy &amp; histology/physiology ; Locomotion/*physiology ; Running/physiology ; Video Recording ; Walking/physiology ; }, abstract = {The inter-limb kinematic patterns of walking, running and out-of-phase hopping in black-billed magpies (Pica pica) were studied using high-speed video recordings. The flexion/extension patterns of the joints were similar between the gait types, suggesting that the within-leg control of the angular excursions is similar. This result is further supported by the fact that running and hopping are alternative gaits at speeds higher than walking; however, magpies show a preference for hopping. Moreover, only small differences occur between the kinematic patterns of the two limbs during out-of-phase hopping, during which the legs are believed to have different functions. The hindlimb kinematic patterns of magpies are like those of other flying and more terrestrial bird species; however, striking differences are found in comparison with humans at the level of the internal angles. This is probably due to the differences in the morphology and configuration of their legs.}, }
@article {pmid10840506, year = {2000}, author = {Everatt, J and Smythe, I and Adams, E and Ocampo, D}, title = {Dyslexia screening measures and bilingualism.}, journal = {Dyslexia (Chichester, England)}, volume = {6}, number = {1}, pages = {42-56}, doi = {10.1002/(SICI)1099-0909(200001/03)6:1&lt;42::AID-DYS157&gt;3.0.CO;2-0}, pmid = {10840506}, issn = {1076-9242}, mesh = {Child ; Dyslexia/*diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Language ; Male ; *Multilingualism ; Verbal Learning ; }, abstract = {A series of measures used in a number of dyslexia screening tests was administered to groups of 7-8-year old English monolinguals and Sylheti/English bilinguals. Within these groups a subgroup of children was distinguished by poor spelling and reading in the absence of general ability, sensory, emotional or behavioural problems, i.e. specific literacy difficulties (SpLD). General ability (assessed by Raven's matrices), chronological age, male/female ratio and mono/bilingualism were controlled between SpLD and control groups. Screening measures assessed phonological skills, rapid naming, the ability to recite or repeat sequences of verbal and non-verbal stimuli, and visual and motor skills. Sample sizes were small owing to the selection criteria used and the small number of bilingual SpLD children identified. However, the results were encouraging in differentiating SpLD bilinguals from their peers, with the phonological measures in particular presenting consistent findings across bilingual and monolingual groupings. Those differences found between bilinguals and monolinguals are discussed in terms of a bilingual influence on the skills assessed or the reduced reliability of the measure.}, }
@article {pmid10800626, year = {2000}, author = {Pontón, MO and Gonzalez, JJ and Hernandez, I and Herrera, L and Higareda, I}, title = {Factor analysis of the Neuropsychological Screening Battery for Hispanics (NeSBHIS).}, journal = {Applied neuropsychology}, volume = {7}, number = {1}, pages = {32-39}, doi = {10.1207/S15324826AN0701_5}, pmid = {10800626}, issn = {0908-4282}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Attention ; *Cognition ; Factor Analysis, Statistical ; Female ; Hispanic or Latino/*psychology ; Humans ; *Language ; Learning ; Male ; Memory ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests/*standards ; Reproducibility of Results ; }, abstract = {The Neuropsychological Screening Battery for Hispanics (NeSBHIS; Pontón et al., 1996) was developed to provide clinicians and researchers with appropriate tests and norms to assess the Latino population. However, the construct validity of the NeSBHIS is unclear, and its clinical utility is untested. This study provides data on the construct validity of this battery via factor analytic methodology. Five factors were identified: (a) a language factor, which included the Controlled Oral Word Association Test, the Pontón-Satz Boston Naming Test, and the Escala de Inteligencia Wechsler para Adultos (EIWA; Wechsler, Green, &amp; Martinez, 1968) Digit Span; (b) a verbal learning factor, which included all the World Health Organization--University of California, Los Angeles Auditory Verbal Learning Test scores (Trials V, VII, and VIII); (c) an attentional-mental control factor, which included the EIWA Digit Symbol, Color Trails 1 and 2, and the EIWA Block Design; (d) a visuospatial factor, made up of the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test Copy and Memory and the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices total score; and (e) a psychomotor factor, the Pin Test. This was a stable factor structure, suggesting that the NeSBHIS has a robust construct validity.}, }
@article {pmid10784007, year = {2000}, author = {Smirnova, AA and Lazareva, OF and Zorina, ZA}, title = {Use of number by crows: investigation by matching and oddity learning.}, journal = {Journal of the experimental analysis of behavior}, volume = {73}, number = {2}, pages = {163-176}, pmid = {10784007}, issn = {0022-5002}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Concept Formation/physiology ; Learning/*physiology ; *Mathematics ; Songbirds ; }, abstract = {Hooded crows were trained in two-alternative simultaneous matching and oddity tasks with stimulus sets of three different categories: color (black and white), shape (Arabic Numerals 1 and 2, which were used as visual shapes only), and number of elements (arrays of one and two items). These three sets were used for training successively and repeatedly; the stimulus set was changed to the next one after the criterion (80% correct or better over 30 consecutive trials) was reached with the previous one. Training was continued until the criterion could be reached within the first 30 to 50 trials for each of the three training sets. During partial transfer tests, familiar stimuli (numerals and arrays in the range from 1 to 2) were paired with novel ones (numerals and arrays in the range from 3 to 4). At the final stage of testing only novel stimuli were presented (numerals and arrays in the range from 5 to 8). Four of 6 birds were able to transfer in these tests, and their performance was significantly above chance. Moreover, performance of the birds on the array stimuli did not differ from their performance on the color or shape stimuli. They were capable of recognizing the number of elements in arrays and comparing the stimuli by this attribute. It was concluded that crows were able to apply the matching (or oddity) concept to stimuli of numerical category.}, }
@article {pmid10781324, year = {2000}, author = {Lazareva, OF and Smirnova, AA and Rayevsky, VV and Zorina, ZA}, title = {Transitive inference in hooded crows: preliminary data.}, journal = {Doklady biological sciences : proceedings of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Biological sciences sections}, volume = {370}, number = {}, pages = {30-32}, pmid = {10781324}, issn = {0012-4966}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Learning ; Songbirds/*physiology ; }, }
@article {pmid10768763, year = {2000}, author = {Toledo, R and Muñoz-Antolí, C and Esteban, JG}, title = {The life-cycle of Echinostoma friedi n. sp. (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae) in Spain and a discussion on the relationships within the 'revolutum' group based on cercarial chaetotaxy.}, journal = {Systematic parasitology}, volume = {45}, number = {3}, pages = {199-217}, pmid = {10768763}, issn = {0165-5752}, mesh = {Animals ; Chickens ; Cricetinae ; Echinostoma/anatomy &amp; histology/*classification/*growth &amp; development ; Echinostomiasis/parasitology/veterinary ; Lymnaea/parasitology ; Mice ; Muridae/parasitology ; Rats ; Sense Organs/physiology ; Snails/parasitology ; Spain ; }, abstract = {The morphology of the different stages and life-cycle of Echinostomna friedi n. sp. are described and figured. The freshwater snail Lymnaea peregra (Gastropoda: Lymnaeidae) serves as the natural and experimental first intermediate host and L. corvus and Gyraulus chinensis (Gastropoda: Planorbidae) as experimental first intermediate hosts. These, and Physella acuta (Gastropoda: Physidae), also serve as second intermediate hosts. Adult worms, possessing 37 collar spines, were obtained from naturally infected Rattus norvegicus and experimentally from albino rats, golden hamsters and chickens. Mice were not suitable experimental definitive hosts. E. friedi differs from the most closely related species in the 'revolutum' group mainly in terms of several morphological and biological features of the life-cycle stages and in its cercarial chaetotaxy. The chaetotaxy patterns of the species of the 'revolutum' group are analyzed and the results show that a taxonomic comparison of these species may be carried out on the basis of the number of sensilla in the clusters CIII VI, CIII V2 (or CIII V1 + CIII V2), CIV DL and UVb. These clusters appear adequate to establish taxonomic relationships between different species within the 'revolutum' group.}, }
@article {pmid10759810, year = {2000}, author = {Trelles, MA and Pardo, L and Benedetto, AV and García-Solana, L and Torrens, J}, title = {The significance of orbital anatomy and periocular wrinkling when performing laser skin resurfacing.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {26}, number = {3}, pages = {279-286}, doi = {10.1046/j.1524-4725.2000.09313.x}, pmid = {10759810}, issn = {1076-0512}, mesh = {Aging/pathology ; *Blepharoplasty ; Facial Muscles/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Humans ; *Laser Therapy ; Orbit/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Retrospective Studies ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {Knowledge of orbital anatomy and the interaction of muscle contractions, gravitational forces and photoagingis fundamental in understanding the limitations of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser skin resurfacing when rejuvenating the skin of the periocular area. Laser resurfacing does not change the mimetic behavior of the facial muscles nor does it influence gravitational forces. When resurfacing periocular tissue, the creation of scleral show and ectropion are a potential consequence when there is an over zealous attempt at improving the sagging malar fat pad and eyelid laxity by performing an excess amount of laser passes at the lateral portion of the lower eyelid. This results in an inadvertent widening of the palpebral fissure due to the lateral pull of the Orbicularis oculi. Retrospectively, 85 patients were studied, who had undergone periorbital resurfacing with a CO2 laser using anew treatment approach. The Sharplan 40C CO2 Feather Touchlaser was programmed with a circular scanning pattern and used just for the shoulders of the wrinkles. A final laser pass was performed with the same program over the entire lower eyelid skin surface, excluding the outer lateral portion (e.g. a truncated triangle-like area),corresponding to the lateral canthus. Only a single laser pass was delivered to the lateral canthal triangle to avoid widening the lateral opening of the eyelid, which might lead to the potential complications of scleral show and ectropion. When the area of the crows' feet is to be treated, three passes on the skin of this entire lateral orbital surface are completed by moving laterally and upward toward the hairline. Patients examined on days 1, 7, 15, 30, 60, and one year after laser resurfacing showed good results. At two months after treatment, the clinical improvement was rated by the patient and physician as being "very good" in 81 of the 85 patients reviewed. These patients underwent laser resurfacing without complications. The proposed technique of periocular resurfacing prevents complications of scleral show and laxity in the lateral eyelid opening and even ectropion, because treatment conforms to the osseo-muscular anatomical relationship of eyelid structures.}, }
@article {pmid10758330, year = {2000}, author = {Dogan, N and Leybovich, LB and Sethi, A and Krasin, M and Emami, B}, title = {A modified method of planning and delivery for dynamic multileaf collimator intensity-modulated radiation therapy.}, journal = {International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics}, volume = {47}, number = {1}, pages = {241-245}, doi = {10.1016/s0360-3016(99)00557-x}, pmid = {10758330}, issn = {0360-3016}, mesh = {*Particle Accelerators ; *Phantoms, Imaging ; Physical Phenomena ; Physics ; *Radiotherapy Dosage ; Radiotherapy, Conformal/*instrumentation/standards ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: To develop a modified planning and delivery technique that reduces dose nonuniformity for tomographic delivery of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).<br><br>METHODS AND MATERIALS: The NOMOS-CORVUS system delivers IMRT in a tomographic paradigm. This type of delivery is prone to create multiple dose nonuniformity regions at the arc abutment regions. The modified technique was based on the cyclical behavior of arc positions as a function of a target length. With the modified technique, two plans are developed for the same patient, one with the original target and the second with a slightly increased target length and the abutment regions shifted by approximately 5 mm compared to the first plan. Each plan is designed to deliver half of the target prescription dose delivered on alternate days, resulting in periodic shifts of abutment regions. This method was experimentally tested in phantoms with and without intentionally introduced errors in couch indexing.<br><br>RESULTS: With the modified technique, the degree of dose nonuniformity was reduced. For example, with 1 mm error in couch indexing, the degree of dose nonuniformity changed from approximately 25% to approximately 12%.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Use of the modified technique reduces dose nonuniformity due to periodic shifts of abutment regions during treatment delivery.}, }
@article {pmid10722223, year = {2000}, author = {Hunt, GR}, title = {Human-like, population-level specialization in the manufacture of pandanus tools by New Caledonian crows Corvus moneduloides.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {267}, number = {1441}, pages = {403-413}, pmid = {10722223}, issn = {0962-8452}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Biological Evolution ; Humans ; Models, Biological ; Plant Leaves ; Population ; Songbirds/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The main way of gaining insight into the behaviour and neurological faculties of our early ancestors is to study artefactual evidence for the making and use of tools, but this places severe constraints on what knowledge can be obtained. New Caledonian crows, however, offer a potential analogous model system for learning about these difficult-to-establish aspects of prehistoric humans. I found new evidence of human-like specialization in crows' manufacture of hook tools from pandanus leaves: functional lateralization or 'handedness' and the shaping of these tools to a rule system. These population-level features are unprecedented in the tool behaviour of free-living non-humans and provide the first demonstration that a population bias for handedness in tool-making and the shaping of tools to rule systems are not concomitant with symbolic thought and language. It is unknown how crows obtain their tool behaviour. Nevertheless, at the least they can be studied in order to learn about the neuropsychology associated with early specialized and/or advanced population features in tool-making such as hook use, handedness and the shaping of tools to rule systems.}, }
@article {pmid10697827, year = {1999}, author = {Kalsi, G and Gamble, D and Curtis, D and Brynjolfsson, J and Sigmundsson, T and Butler, R and Read, T and Murphy, P and Petursson, H and Gurling, HM}, title = {No evidence for linkage of schizophrenia to DXS7 at chromosome Xp11.}, journal = {Psychiatric genetics}, volume = {9}, number = {4}, pages = {197-199}, doi = {10.1097/00041444-199912000-00006}, pmid = {10697827}, issn = {0955-8829}, mesh = {Chromosome Mapping ; *Chromosomes, Human, Pair 11 ; Female ; *Genetic Linkage ; Genetic Markers ; Humans ; Iceland ; Lod Score ; Male ; Pedigree ; Schizophrenia/*genetics ; Statistics, Nonparametric ; United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {There have been claims that a gene on the X chromosome may contribute to susceptibility to schizophrenia. Crow (1988) initially proposed that such a gene might lie in the pseudoautosomal region, but when evidence that weakened this hypothesis accumulated, he proposed that a susceptibility locus might be present elsewhere on the sex chromosomes instead. DeLisi et al. (1994) found a small nonsignificant positive lod score between the marker DXS7 and schizophrenia, but other failed to replicate this finding. Another study reported by Crow and DeLisi's group was also weakly positive for this marker (Dann et al., 1997). This locus was then investigated in a collaborative study by Laval et al. (1997), which produced a nonparametric lod score of 2.44. Using a sample of 17 pedigrees from Britain and Iceland, we have also tested the hypothesis of linkage between DXS7 and schizophrenia. The 17 families were selected from a larger sample on the basis of an absence of male-to-male transmission for schizophrenia. These families were originally selected for having multiple cases of schizophrenia within them and for having no cases of bipolar affective disorder. We genotyped subjects for a marker at DXS7 and performed classical lod score and model-free linkage analysis using broad and narrow definitions of affection with schizophrenia. We found strongly negative lod scores and no evidence for linkage using model-free analysis. Therefore, this study does not support the hypothesis of linkage of schizophrenia to DXS7, and the evidence for a susceptibility locus on this part of the X chromosome is weakened.}, }
@article {pmid10682246, year = {1999}, author = {Pearson, JT and Tazawa, H}, title = {Development of cardiac rhythms in altricial avian embryos.}, journal = {Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part A, Molecular &amp; integrative physiology}, volume = {124}, number = {4}, pages = {475-482}, doi = {10.1016/s1095-6433(99)00140-3}, pmid = {10682246}, issn = {1095-6433}, mesh = {Animals ; Ballistocardiography ; Body Constitution/physiology ; Chick Embryo/*physiology ; Electrocardiography ; Heart/*embryology/*physiology ; Heart Rate/*physiology ; Parakeets ; Songbirds ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Mean heart rate (MHR) was determined during incubation and in hatchlings of 14 altricial avian species to investigate (1) if there is a common developmental pattern of heart rate in altricial embryos and (2) if heart rate changes during incubation are correlated with changes in embryonic growth rate. On the basis of normalized incubation MHR increased approximately linearly in 12 of 14 species from as early as 30-40% of incubation to that of pipped embryos. The MHR of hatchlings was equal to or higher than that of pipped embryos in seven species. Passerine embryos and hatchlings maintained higher MHR in comparison to parrots of similar egg mass, which may reflect phylogenetic differences in development. Embryonic MHR increased at a higher rate while embryonic growth rates were highest during the first 40% of incubation in tit, budgerigar and crow embryos than during subsequent development when relative growth rates decreased. MHR became independent of yolk-free wet mass at a smaller fraction of hatchling mass in budgerigar and crow than in the tit, suggesting that MHR is more likely to increase continuously after 40% of incubation in small altricial species than larger species.}, }
@article {pmid10629976, year = {1999}, author = {Berger, J}, title = {Anthropogenic extinction of top carnivores and interspecific animal behaviour: implications of the rapid decoupling of a web involving wolves, bears, moose and ravens.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {266}, number = {1435}, pages = {2261-2267}, doi = {10.1098/rspb.1999.0917}, pmid = {10629976}, issn = {0962-8452}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Birds ; Carnivora/*psychology ; Deer/*psychology ; North America ; *Statistical Distributions ; Ursidae/psychology ; Wolves/psychology ; }, abstract = {The recent extinction of grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) and wolves (Canis lupus) by humans from 95-99% of the contiguous USA and Mexico in less than 100 years has resulted in dramatically altered and expanded prey communities. Such rampant ecological change and putative ecological instability has not occurred in North American northern boreal zones. This geographical variation in the loss of large carnivores as a consequence of anthropogenic disturbance offers opportunities for examining the potential consequences of extinction on subtle but important ecological patterns involving behaviour and interspecific ecological interactions. In Alaska, where scavengers and large carnivores are associated with carcasses, field experiments involving sound playback simulations have demonstrated that at least one prey species, moose (Alces alces), is sensitive to the vocalizations of ravens (Corvus corax) and may rely on their cues to avoid predation. However, a similar relationship is absent on a predator-free island in Alaska's Cook Inlet and at two sites in the Jackson Hole region of the Rocky Mountains (USA) where grizzly bears and wolves have been extinct for 50-70 years. While prior study of birds and mammals has demonstrated that prey may retain predator recognition capabilities for thousands of years even after predation as a selective force has been relaxed, the results presented here establish that a desensitization in interspecific responsiveness can also occur in less than ten generations. These results affirm (i) a rapid decoupling in behaviour involving prey and scavengers as a consequence of anthropogenic-caused predator-prey disequilibriums, and (ii) subtle, community-level modifications in terrestrial ecosystems where large carnivores no longer exist. If knowledge about ecological and behavioural processes in extant systems is to be enhanced, the potential effects of recently extinct carnivores must be incorporated into current programmes.}, }
@article {pmid10620932, year = {1999}, author = {Booth, C}, title = {Cosmetic surgery. Light makes right for everything from crow's-feet to blotchy skin, lasers are the cosmetic quick fix of the moment.}, journal = {Time}, volume = {154}, number = {15}, pages = {66, 69-70}, pmid = {10620932}, issn = {0040-781X}, mesh = {Cicatrix/surgery ; Hair Removal/methods ; *Health Education ; Humans ; Laser Therapy ; Surgery, Plastic/*methods ; Tooth Discoloration/therapy ; United States ; }, }
@article {pmid10619279, year = {1999}, author = {Croona, C and Kihlgren, M and Lundberg, S and Eeg-Olofsson, O and Eeg-Olofsson, KE}, title = {Neuropsychological findings in children with benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes.}, journal = {Developmental medicine and child neurology}, volume = {41}, number = {12}, pages = {813-818}, doi = {10.1017/s0012162299001620}, pmid = {10619279}, issn = {0012-1622}, mesh = {Achievement ; Adolescent ; Child ; Child Behavior Disorders/complications/diagnosis ; Cognition Disorders/complications/diagnosis ; Electroencephalography ; Epilepsy, Rolandic/complications/*diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Problem Solving ; Severity of Illness Index ; Speech Disorders/complications/diagnosis ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {Benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BCECTS) is a well-known idiopathic age- and localization-related epileptic syndrome with characteristic clinical and EEG manifestations. Due to the reported benign evolution of this epilepsy syndrome, neuropsychological assessment has been considered unnecessary. However, the benign nature of BCECTS has recently been challenged: verbal dysfunction as well as impaired visuomotor coordination, specific learning disabilities, and attention deficit have been noticed. These findings prompted this research study in which all children with BCECTS attending our epilepsy clinic underwent neuropsychological assessment. Seventeen children (10 boys and seven girls) aged 7 to 14 years were investigated with a neuropsychological test battery focusing on immediate and delayed recall of auditory-verbal and visual material, verbal fluency, problem-solving ability, and visuospatial constructional ability. Raven's coloured matrices and questionnaires regarding school functioning and behaviour were also administered. The children were matched with control subjects for age, sex, and school. Children with BCECTS had significantly lower scores than their control subject partners on the neuropsychological items. Intellectual abilities did not differ and neither did school functioning or behaviour according to teachers. Parents, however, recognized greater difficulties with concentration, temperament, and impulsiveness in children with BCECTS.}, }
@article {pmid10608569, year = {1999}, author = {Templeton, JJ and Kamil, AC and Balda, RP}, title = {Sociality and social learning in two species of corvids: the pinyon jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) and the Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana).}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {113}, number = {4}, pages = {450-455}, doi = {10.1037/0735-7036.113.4.450}, pmid = {10608569}, issn = {0735-7036}, mesh = {Analysis of Variance ; Animals ; *Appetitive Behavior ; Attention ; *Birds ; Discrimination, Psychological ; *Learning ; *Social Behavior ; *Social Facilitation ; Transfer, Psychology ; }, abstract = {The hypothesis that social learning is an adaptive specialization for social living predicts that social species should learn better socially than they do individually, but that nonsocial species should not exhibit a similar enhancement of performance under social learning conditions. The authors compared individual and social learning abilities in 2 corvid species: the highly social pinyon jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) and the less social Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana). The birds were tested on 2 different tasks under individual and social learning conditions. Half learned a motor task individually and a discrimination task socially; the other half learned the motor task socially and the discrimination task individually. Pinyon jays learned faster socially than they did individually, but nutcrackers performed equally well under both learning conditions. Results support the hypothesis that social learning is an adaptive specialization for social living in pinyon jays.}, }
@article {pmid10608564, year = {1999}, author = {Clayton, NS and Dickinson, A}, title = {Scrub jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) remember the relative time of caching as well as the location and content of their caches.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {113}, number = {4}, pages = {403-416}, doi = {10.1037/0735-7036.113.4.403}, pmid = {10608564}, issn = {0735-7036}, support = {NS35465-03/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Appetitive Behavior ; Birds ; *Food ; *Memory ; *Mental Processes ; }, abstract = {Two experiments examined whether food-storing scrub jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) could remember when they cached particular food items as well as what they cached and where. In Experiment 1, scrub jays cached and recovered perishable "wax worms" (wax moth larvae) and nonperishable peanuts in 2 visuospatially distinct and trial-unique trays. The birds searched preferentially for fresh wax worms if they had cached them 4 hr earlier but rapidly learned to search for peanuts and avoid decayed wax worms that had been cached 124 hr previously. This pattern also was observed when the food items were removed before recovery on test trials. These results were replicated in Experiment 2 using a procedure in which both types of food were cached in different sides of the same caching tray: On the basis of a single, trial-unique experience, scrub jays could remember the relative time of caching as well as what type of food was cached in each cache site.}, }
@article {pmid10590833, year = {1999}, author = {McKinzey, RK and Podd, MH and Krehbiel, MA and Raven, J}, title = {Detection of malingering on Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices: a cross-validation.}, journal = {The British journal of clinical psychology}, volume = {38}, number = {4}, pages = {435-439}, doi = {10.1348/014466599162935}, pmid = {10590833}, issn = {0144-6657}, mesh = {Adult ; False Positive Reactions ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Malingering/*diagnosis/psychology ; Mental Disorders/diagnosis ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales/*standards ; Reproducibility of Results ; }, abstract = {A formula for detecting faked Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices profiles was cross-validated on 46 experimental malingerers and 381 people from the standardization sample. The formula yielded a cross-validated 26% false-negative rate and a 5% false-positive rate.}, }
@article {pmid10577266, year = {1999}, author = {Giovagnoli, AR}, title = {Verbal semantic memory in temporal lobe epilepsy.}, journal = {Acta neurologica Scandinavica}, volume = {99}, number = {6}, pages = {334-339}, doi = {10.1111/j.1600-0404.1999.tb07361.x}, pmid = {10577266}, issn = {0001-6314}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Age of Onset ; Case-Control Studies ; Cognition Disorders/physiopathology ; Concept Formation/*physiology ; Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe/*physiopathology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Memory Disorders/classification/*physiopathology ; Neuropsychological Tests ; *Semantics ; Statistics as Topic ; Temporal Lobe/physiopathology ; Verbal Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) may determine memory difficulties not explained by episodic memory impairment. The present study was aimed to verify the presence of specific semantic memory dysfunctions in TLE and to explore their relations to epilepsy variables.<br><br>SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-seven patients with lateralized temporal (n = 26) or extra-temporal lobe epilepsy (n = 21) and 23 healthy subjects were compared. Picture Naming and Pointing to a Picture were used to explore expressive and receptive vocabulary and the Semantic Questionnaire evaluated semantic judgment of verbally presented items. The Selective Reminding Procedure for word list learning and Story Recall were used to assess episodic memory. Spontaneous speech and the Token Test controlled for language disturbances, and Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices were used to evaluate abstract reasoning ability.<br><br>RESULTS: Multivariate analysis of variance of test scores showed significant impairment of semantic memory in patients with left TLE compared to healthy controls, whereas episodic memory was impaired in left temporal and extra-temporal epilepsy (as measured by word learning) and all epilepsy groups (as measured by Story Recall). In the TLE groups, naming abilities were more compromised than single-word comprehension and semantic judgment - which were not significantly affected. No deficits in language abilities or in abstract reasoning were found in any patient group. Factor analysis of memory tests scores in the patients produced two factors, one semantic and the other episodic. Regression analysis revealed that the semantic factor was related to abstract reasoning, left hemisphere lateralization of seizures, and age of seizure onset; while the episodic factor was related to age.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Left TLE may determine significant verbal semantic memory compromise, maybe due to impaired access to the semantic-lexical storage. In non-aphasic epilepsy patients, comparison of performance on semantic and episodic memory tests may be useful for assessing the nature of memory failures, and may complement clinical and neurophysiological means for defining the epileptic center.}, }
@article {pmid10564596, year = {1999}, author = {Vleck, CM and Brown, JL}, title = {Testosterone and social and reproductive behaviour in Aphelocoma jays.}, journal = {Animal behaviour}, volume = {58}, number = {5}, pages = {943-951}, doi = {10.1006/anbe.1999.1226}, pmid = {10564596}, issn = {0003-3472}, abstract = {When there is a direct relationship between testosterone level and payoff in reproductive success through aggression, testosterone levels should be elevated. Elevated testosterone, however, has fitness costs, particularly a decreased tendency to display parental care. Thus the pattern of testosterone secretion in males should vary with the social and mating system. Western scrub-jays, Aphelocoma californica woodhouseii, form monogamous pairs on territories during the breeding season. Mexican jays, A. ultramarina, live in large, stable groups and up to five females within a group attempt nesting each spring. In both species, testosterone levels rose rapidly in March and peak levels did not differ. Elevated testosterone levels were only observed for about 3 weeks in the monogamous western scrub-jay, but were observed into May in Mexican jays, a reflection of prolonged opportunity for males to mate with multiple females and continual interaction with other competing males. In Mexican jays, nonbreeding yearlings had lower testosterone levels than all other age groups. Testosterone in males owning nests did not differ from that in other adult males, many of whom engage in extrapair fertilizations. Testosterone was elevated throughout the incubation phase, but was significantly lower when chicks were present in any nest in the group. Nearly all birds in the group fed all chicks. These observations support the hypothesis that testosterone is elevated when male-male competition is frequent and mating opportunities depend on the outcome of that competition, and testosterone is decreased when the necessity for parental or alloparental care would make its effects deleterious. Copyright 1999 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.}, }
@article {pmid10512655, year = {1999}, author = {Robert, M and Sorci, G and Møller, AP and Hochberg, ME and Pomiankowski, A and Pagel, M}, title = {Retaliatory cuckoos and the evolution of host resistance to brood parasites.}, journal = {Animal behaviour}, volume = {58}, number = {4}, pages = {817-824}, doi = {10.1006/anbe.1999.1205}, pmid = {10512655}, issn = {0003-3472}, abstract = {We present a dynamic model of the evolution of host resistance to avian brood parasites, when the latter can retaliate against hosts that reject parasitic eggs. In a verbal model, Zahavi (1979, American Naturalist, 113, 157-159) suggested that retaliatory cuckoos might prevent the evolution of host resistance by reducing the reproductive success of rejecter hosts (i.e. by destroying their eggs or nestlings). Here we develop a model based on the association between the great spotted cuckoo, Clamator glandarius, and its main host, the European magpie, Pica pica, because this is the only system that has provided supportive evidence, to date, for the existence of retaliatory behaviour. Our aims were (1) to derive the conditions for invasion of the retaliation strategy in a nonretaliatory parasite population and (2) to investigate the consequences of retaliation for the evolution of host defence. If we assume a cost of discrimination for rejecter hosts in the absence of parasitism, and a cost paid by a retaliator for monitoring nests, our model shows cyclical dynamics. There is no evolutionarily stable strategy, and populations of both hosts and parasites will cycle indefinitely, the period of the cycles depending on mutation and/or migration rate. A stable polymorphism of acceptors and rejecters occurs only when parasites are nonretaliators. The spread of retaliator parasites drives rejecter hosts to extinction. Copyright 1999 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.}, }
@article {pmid10555129, year = {1999}, author = {Fischbein, S and Guttman, R and Nathan, M}, title = {Genetic and environmental influences on pupil performances.}, journal = {Twin research : the official journal of the International Society for Twin Studies}, volume = {2}, number = {3}, pages = {183-195}, doi = {10.1375/136905299320565852}, pmid = {10555129}, issn = {1369-0523}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Child ; *Cognition ; *Cross-Cultural Comparison ; Female ; Humans ; Israel ; Language Tests ; *Learning ; Male ; Mathematics ; Reading ; Rural Population ; Sex Characteristics ; Sweden ; Teaching/*methods ; *Twins ; Urban Population ; }, abstract = {The results presented in this paper are part of a current comparative study of genetic and environmental influences in three educational settings: Stockholm, Jerusalem and the Israeli kibbutz. We specifically wanted to investigate whether a more restrictive educational setting would decrease genetic influences. Here we report on comparisons of cognitive performance measures at several time points for twins/controls, boys/girls and within-pair similarity in MZ, DZ and controls. The tests used were the Raven Progressive Matrices, verbal, reading comprehension and arithmetic. The results show no differences between twins and controls, whilst gender differences seem to be smallest in the Stockholm sample and largest in Jerusalem. A pattern of genetic influences on cognitive performance was also clearly visible in Jerusalem. In Stockholm shared environmental influences at home and at school seemed even stronger than in the kibbutz. No consistent differences were found between tests or occasions.}, }
@article {pmid10544420, year = {1999}, author = {Blough, LK and Rittenhouse, RK and Dancer, J}, title = {Identification of gifted deaf children: a complex but critical educational process.}, journal = {Perceptual and motor skills}, volume = {89}, number = {1}, pages = {219-221}, doi = {10.2466/pms.1999.89.1.219}, pmid = {10544420}, issn = {0031-5125}, mesh = {Attitude ; Child ; Child, Gifted/*classification/*education ; Deafness/complications/*psychology/rehabilitation ; *Education, Special ; Humans ; Psychological Tests/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Sign Language ; Teaching ; }, abstract = {11 deaf students in a large midwestern school for the deaf were divided into gifted and nongifted groups by ratings of teachers and school administrators. There were six subjects in the gifted group (3 boys and 3 girls) and five subjects in the comparison group (3 boys and 2 girls). There was no statistically significant difference between mean raw scores of the two groups on Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices. Also, teachers' rankings of the subjects identified as gifted did not correlate significantly with their Raven scores. Identification of gifted deaf students is too complex to be based only on teachers' ratings.}, }
@article {pmid10507514, year = {1999}, author = {Crow, TJ}, title = {Commentary on Annett, Yeo et al., Klar, Saugstad and Orr: cerebral asymmetry, language and psychosis--the case for a Homo sapiens-specific sex-linked gene for brain growth.}, journal = {Schizophrenia research}, volume = {39}, number = {3}, pages = {219-231}, doi = {10.1016/s0920-9964(99)00076-6}, pmid = {10507514}, issn = {0920-9964}, mesh = {*Biological Evolution ; Cerebral Cortex/growth &amp; development ; Developmental Disabilities/genetics ; Dominance, Cerebral/*genetics ; Female ; Genetic Linkage ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease/genetics ; Humans ; Language ; Language Development ; Male ; *Models, Genetic ; Psychotic Disorders/*genetics ; Selection, Genetic ; Sex Chromosomes/*genetics ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Annett, Yeo et al. and Klar have each proposed theories that relate the genetics of cerebral lateralization to predisposition to psychosis. These theories are considered in relation to the central paradox that psychosis is associated with a substantial biological disadvantage. Annett's heterozygote advantage hypothesis critically identified lateralization as a major determinant of ability, but it appears that what is inherited is degrees (as suggested by Yeo et al.) rather than (or as well as) direction of lateralization. Relative hand skill has been shown (Crow, T.J., Crow, L.R., Done, D.J., Leask, S.J., 1998. Relative hand skill predicts academic ability: global deficits at the point of hemispheric indecision. Neuropsychologia 36, 1275-1282.) to be a powerful predictor (interacting with sex) of academic ability but the greatest region of vulnerability (that includes reading disability and predisposition to psychosis) is close to the point of equal hand skill ('hemispheric indecision'). In contrast with Annett's single locus, Yeo's polygenic and Klar's strand-segregation hypotheses, each of which postulates an autosomal locus or loci, the hypothesis of a single gene for asymmetry located in a sex-specific region of homology on both X and Y chromosomes can account for sex differences, as observed in age of onset, and premorbid precursors of psychosis, as well as differences in the general population in relation to degrees of hand skill, verbal ability and cerebral asymmetry. The evolutionarily recent transposition to, and subsequent paracentric inversion in, the Y chromosome short arm of a 4-Mb block from Xq21.3 (the proximal long arm of the X) are candidates for speciation events in the lineage that led to Homo sapiens. A gene associated with a range of variation (that may be due to a high mutation site, or perhaps to epigenetic modification) on the Y that overlaps with, but differs quantitatively from, that on the X may explain the sex differences associated with psychosis, and may be relevant to its persistence. Such a gene could be the principal determinant in Man of the rate of brain growth, as suggested by Saugstad and by the findings of a recent study of adolescent onset psychosis (James, A., Crow, T.J., Renowden, S., Wardell, M., Smith, D.M., Anslow, P., in press. Is the course of brain development in schizophrenia delayed? Evidence from onsets in adolescence. Schizophr. Res.).}, }
@article {pmid10507510, year = {1999}, author = {Annett, M}, title = {The theory of an agnosic right shift gene in schizophrenia and autism.}, journal = {Schizophrenia research}, volume = {39}, number = {3}, pages = {177-182}, doi = {10.1016/s0920-9964(99)00072-9}, pmid = {10507510}, issn = {0920-9964}, mesh = {Autistic Disorder/*genetics/physiopathology ; Cerebral Cortex/growth &amp; development/physiopathology ; Dominance, Cerebral/*genetics ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease/genetics ; Genotype ; Humans ; Language Development ; Language Disorders/*genetics ; Models, Genetic ; Models, Neurological ; Schizophrenia/*genetics/physiopathology ; }, abstract = {The right shift (RS) theory (Annett, M., 1972. The distribution of manual asymmetry. Br. J. Psychol. 63, 343-358; Annett, M., 1985. Left, Right, Hand and Brain: The Right Shift Theory. Lawrence Erlbaum, London) suggests that the typical pattern of human cerebral and manual asymmetries depends on a single gene (RS+) which impairs speech-related cortex of the right hemisphere. The theory offers solutions to several puzzles, including the distribution of handedness in families (Annett, M., 1978. A Single Gene Explanation of Right and Left Handedness and Brainedness. Lanchester Polytechnic, Coventry; Annett, M., 1996. In defense of the right shift theory. Percept. Motor Skills 82, 115-137), relations between handedness and cerebral speech laterality (Annett, M., 1975. Hand preference and the laterality of cerebral speech. Cortex 11, 305-328; Annett, M., Alexander, M.P., 1996. Atypical cerebral dominance: predictions and tests of the right shift theory. Neuropsychologia 34, 1215-1227) and handedness and dyslexia (Annett, M. et al., 1996. Types of dyslexia and the shift to dextrality. J. Child Psychol. Psychiatry 37, 167-180). If Crow's (Crow, T.J. et al., 1989. Schizophrenia as an anomaly of development of cerebral asymmetry. A postmortem study and a proposal concerning the genetic basis of the disease. Arch. Gen. Psychiatry 46, 1145-1150; Crow, T.J., 1997. Is schizophrenia the price that Homo sapiens pays for language? Schizophr. Res. 28, 127-141) theory that schizophrenia is due to an anomaly of cerebral dominance is correct, and if the RS theory is correct, schizophrenia could be due to an anomaly of the RS+ gene. If the RS+ gene were at risk for a mutation which caused a loss of directional coding, the mutant could be described as 'agnosic' for left and right. Such a gene would impair either hemisphere at random. When paired with another RS+ gene, both hemispheres would be impaired in 50% of cases. The other 50% and people in whom the agnosic gene is paired with an RS-allele (neutral for asymmetry and not giving hemisphere impairment) would have one unaffected hemisphere and, thus, normal development. Quantitative predictions based on the RS genetic theory as previously developed, plus an agnosic mutant with frequency required to give schizophrenia in 1% of the population, are consistent with estimates of concordance for schizophrenia in relatives. Homozygotes of the agnosic mutant would occur at about the rate estimated for autism.}, }
@article {pmid10489761, year = {1999}, author = {Ambrus, E and Szekeres, G and Kéri, S and Csernay, L and Janka, Z and Pávics, L}, title = {[Regional cerebral blood flow changes in schizophrenic patients detected by SPECT studies under resting and active conditions].}, journal = {Orvosi hetilap}, volume = {140}, number = {32}, pages = {1783-1786}, pmid = {10489761}, issn = {0030-6002}, mesh = {Adult ; *Cerebrovascular Circulation ; Chronic Disease ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Motor Activity ; Rest ; Schizophrenia/*diagnosis/physiopathology ; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon ; }, abstract = {Brain SPECT studies in schizophrenia revealed changes in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF). The rCBF changes can be detected more accurate by activating tests. The aim of this study was to assess rCBF changes under resting and activation condition by the Raven test. Four control patients (2 male, 2 female, average age 45 years, 26-57 years) and 11 chronic, treated schizophrenic patients (4 male, 7 female, average age: 46 years, 33-56 years) were studied in two HMPAO brain SPECT sessions, 48 hours apart, both resting and during activation task. The images were evaluated visually and semiquantitatively. Under resting condition in the control group, there were no significant rCBF changes. In the Raven activation test, a significantly higher blood flow in the prefrontal region was seen (p < 0.05). The schizophrenic group had a significantly lower rCBF in the temporal region under resting condition (p < 0.05): four patients displayed left, 4 right temporal hypoperfusion and 3 exhibited no rCBF abnormality. In the Raven activation tests 5 patients had prefrontal hyperperfusion, and the remaining 6 patients had no such activation answer. Five patients had hypoperfusion in the temporal region. In our sample, patients with chronic schizophrenia displayed significant temporal hypoperfusion. Moreover the chronic schizophrenic group exhibited a poor response to prefrontal activation compared to the control group.}, }
@article {pmid10457181, year = {1999}, author = {Bronchti, G and Corthésy, ME and Welker, E}, title = {Partial denervation of the whiskerpad in adult mice: altered patterns of metabolic activity in barrel cortex.}, journal = {The European journal of neuroscience}, volume = {11}, number = {8}, pages = {2847-2855}, doi = {10.1046/j.1460-9568.1999.00720.x}, pmid = {10457181}, issn = {0953-816X}, mesh = {Animals ; Denervation ; Deoxyglucose/pharmacokinetics ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Nerve Regeneration/physiology ; Nervous System Physiological Phenomena ; Neuronal Plasticity/physiology ; Physical Stimulation ; Reference Values ; Somatosensory Cortex/*physiology ; Vibrissae/*innervation ; }, abstract = {One hundred days after unilateral C-row nerve transection in the adult mouse whiskerpad, the caudal follicles of row C are reinnervated with approximately 80 % of the original number of axons [Corthésy, M.-E., Bronchti, G. &amp; Welker, E. (1999) Eur. J. Neurosci. , 11, 2835-2846]. To what extent is this reinnervation functional, and how does it interact with the enlargement of the functional representation of neighbouring rows subsequent to the denervation? Using the autoradiographic deoxyglucose method, we studied the whisker representation at the level of the barrel cortex 100 days post lesionem. We stimulated whiskers belonging to the denervated row C, the neighbouring rows B and D, or to all five rows A-E. The deoxyglucose uptake was measured in tangential sections through layer IV. The results indicate that, 100 days post lesionem, whiskers of row C reactivate their cortical barrels. However, (i) the magnitude of this cortical response was reduced; (ii) row C barrels were equivalently activated by the stimulation of the neighbouring rows; and (iii) when all whiskers were stimulated, we observed a significantly reduced deoxyglucose uptake over the representation of nonlesioned whiskers of rows D and E. Therefore, 100 days after the peripheral nerve lesion the reinnervation of the whiskerpad had not restored a normal pattern of activation at the level of the barrel cortex. We propose that this is due to a modified interaction between the representations of the various rows of follicles at the cortical level that does not return to normal.}, }
@article {pmid10407837, year = {1999}, author = {Löffler, W and Häfner, H}, title = {[Dimensions of schizophrenic symptomatology. Comparative testing of several theoretical models in a first-episode population sample].}, journal = {Der Nervenarzt}, volume = {70}, number = {5}, pages = {416-429}, doi = {10.1007/s001150050457}, pmid = {10407837}, issn = {0028-2804}, mesh = {Acute Disease ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Factor Analysis, Statistical ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Models, Psychological ; Negativism ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Prospective Studies ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales ; Sampling Studies ; Schizophrenia/*diagnosis/*physiopathology ; *Schizophrenic Psychology ; *Social Adjustment ; }, abstract = {The issue of this study was the investigation of the dimensional structure of non-psychotic and psychotic symptoms in 232 first-episode schizophrenic patients (ICD-9 295., 297., 298.3, 298.4). The study was conducted within the ABC-Schizophrenia-Study. The three-factor-model of Liddle with three factors (psychomotor poverty, disorganisation, reality distortion) was replicated for the time at first admission. The model is also valid for first-episode-patients as well as to chronic patients. The comparison of the three-factor-model of Liddle with Crow's dual process model, Andreasen's bipolar model and the "severity-liability" model was done by means of confirmatory factor analysis. The comparison shows that at first admission, the three-factor-model fitted in best with the data. In contrast to previous analyses within the ABC-Study, in which positive correlations have been found between positive and negative symptoms, no positive correlation exists between Liddle's negative and positive dimensions. This may be the consequence of the subdivision of the positive dimension into the two dimensions disorganisation and psychotic symptoms. As within the three-factor-model only the negative dimension and disorganisation correlated weekly, the three dimensions are best viewed as relatively independent for the time at first admission. There are no associations between sex, type of onset, age at onset and the three dimensions of Liddle's model. Patients with the familial load are more disorganized and patients with obstetric complications show more negative symptoms. While the negative dimension shows a high stability over five years, the dimensions "disorganisation" and "positive symptoms" are not stable over time. However, there is a high degree of correlation for the dimensions "disorganization" and "positive symptoms" among cross-sections while the negative dimension was independent of the other two dimensions. The negative dimension is a highly significant predictor for social disability and social development over five years, whereas the dimensions "disorganization" and "positive symptoms" have no prognostic importance for the outcome in the long term.}, }
@article {pmid10378043, year = {1999}, author = {Sigrist, T}, title = {["Crow's feet wrinkles" as a sign of preserved consciousness].}, journal = {Archiv fur Kriminologie}, volume = {203}, number = {3-4}, pages = {103-107}, pmid = {10378043}, issn = {0003-9225}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Autopsy/*legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; Burns/pathology ; *Consciousness ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Electric Injuries/pathology ; Eyelids ; Humans ; Male ; *Skin Aging ; Suicide/legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; Wounds and Injuries/*pathology ; }, abstract = {We report on 3 deaths after the influence of high voltage current, fire and traumatic injury respectively. In all cases we found radial bands beside the eyes--so called "crow's feet". They are a sign of vital reaction in the cases of traumatic and thermic injury, possibly also in high-voltage burns due to sparking. In general, the "crow's feet" show that the person was conscious at the moment of the event.}, }
@article {pmid10355679, year = {1999}, author = {Esposito, G and Kirkby, BS and Van Horn, JD and Ellmore, TM and Berman, KF}, title = {Context-dependent, neural system-specific neurophysiological concomitants of ageing: mapping PET correlates during cognitive activation.}, journal = {Brain : a journal of neurology}, volume = {122 (Pt 5)}, number = {}, pages = {963-979}, doi = {10.1093/brain/122.5.963}, pmid = {10355679}, issn = {0006-8950}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aging/*physiology ; Brain Mapping/*methods ; Cerebrovascular Circulation/physiology ; Cognition Disorders/*diagnosis/physiopathology ; *Cues ; Data Interpretation, Statistical ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Nervous System Physiological Phenomena ; Prefrontal Cortex/physiology ; Problem Solving ; Tomography, Emission-Computed ; }, abstract = {We used PET to explore the neurophysiological changes that accompany cognitive disability in ageing, with a focus on the frontal lobe. Absolute regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was measured in 41 healthy volunteers, evenly distributed across an age range of 18-80 years, during two task paradigms: (i) the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), which depends heavily on working memory and is particularly sensitive to dysfunction of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC); and (ii) Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM), which may also have a working memory component, but depends more on visuo-spatial processing and is most sensitive to dysfunction of postrolandic regions. We used voxel-wise correlational mapping to determine age-related changes in WCST and RPM activation and developed a method to quantitate and localize statistical differences between the correlation maps for the two task paradigms. Because both WCST and RPM performance declined with age, as expected, correlational analyses were performed with and without partialling out the effect of task performance. Task-specific reductions of rCBF activation with age were found in the DLPFC during the WCST and in portions of the inferolateral temporal cortex involved in visuo-spatial processing during the RPM. We also found reduced ability to suppress rCBF in the right hippocampal region during the WCST and in mesial and polar portions of the prefrontal cortex during both task conditions. Task-dependent alterations with age in the relationship between the DLPFC and the hippocampus were also documented; because the collective pattern of changes in the hippocampal-DLPFC relationship with ageing was opposite to that seen in a previous study using dextroamphetamine, we postulated a dopaminergic mechanism. These results indicate that, despite some cognitive overlap between the two tasks and the age-related cognitive decline in both, many of the changes in rCBF activation with age were task-specific, reflecting functional alteration of the different neural circuits normally engaged by young subjects during the WCST and RPM. Reduced activation of areas critical for task performance (i.e. the DLPFC during the WCST and posterior visual association areas of the inferolateral temporal cortex during the RPM), in conjunction with the inability to suppress areas normally not involved in task performance (i.e. the left hippocampal region during the WCST and mesial polar prefrontal cortex during both the WCST and RPM), suggest that, overall, reduced ability to focus neural activity may be impaired in older subjects. The context dependency of the age-related changes is most consistent with systems failure and disordered connectivity.}, }
@article {pmid10053079, year = {1999}, author = {Bogliani, G and Sergio, F and Tavecchia, G}, title = {Woodpigeons nesting in association with hobby falcons: advantages and choice rules.}, journal = {Animal behaviour}, volume = {57}, number = {1}, pages = {125-131}, doi = {10.1006/anbe.1998.0959}, pmid = {10053079}, issn = {0003-3472}, abstract = {Many bird species nest in close association with other bolder and more aggressive birds which provide protection against nest predators. The woodpigeons, Columba palumbus, that nest in poplar plantations in Northern Italy are found almost exclusively clumped around hobby, Falco subbuteo, nests. Woodpigeons settle in the area and build their nests after the hobby has started nesting. We carried out experiments with dummy nests and observations on woodpigeon nests. Dummy woodpigeon nests placed near a hobby's nest suffered less depredation by hooded crows, Corvus corone cornix, than those placed far from it. A logistic regression analysis showed that three variables, hobby nesting stage, distance from the hobby's nest and the hobby's aggressiveness, influenced the probability of nest predation. The degree of protection varied during the hobby's nesting period and was highest when chicks were in the nest. The hobby's aggressiveness against intruders varied both between and within individuals during different nesting phases. The predation rate of dummy nests associated with the falcon was negatively correlated with the aggressiveness score of the hobby during the 6 days of dummy nest exposure. Observations on real nests showed that woodpigeons selected hobbies that had a high fledging success, and a more vigorous defensive behaviour. Clues that would allow woodpigeons to choose the best protector may be early nesting by the hobby and its aggressiveness. Hobbies preyed on adult woodpigeons, but the risk incurred by the woodpigeons was low compared with the very high risk of nest predation in this area. Copyright 1999 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.}, }
@article {pmid10049484, year = {1999}, author = {Clayton, NS and Dickinson, A}, title = {Motivational control of caching behaviour in the scrub jay, Aphelocoma coerulescens.}, journal = {Animal behaviour}, volume = {57}, number = {2}, pages = {435-444}, doi = {10.1006/anbe.1998.0989}, pmid = {10049484}, issn = {0003-3472}, abstract = {We investigated the motivational control of caching behaviour in scrub jays using a two-stage procedure to examine the effects of prefeeding and/or precaching (stage 1) on subsequent caching behaviour (stage 2). Experiment 1 demonstrated that both prefeeding and precaching reduced the subsequent caching of both edible (peanuts) and inedible (stones) items. The reduction in caching was greatest when the items available for storing were the same in the two stages. This item specificity was confirmed in experiment 2 using two food types, peanuts and dog food kibbles. The final experiment demonstrated that the effect of prefeeding on subsequent caching can also be food specific, in that birds that received food in a powdered form that they could eat, but not cache in stage 1, showed a reduction in subsequent caching in stage 2 only when the food type was the same in the two stages. These results suggest that caching behaviour is controlled by both the feeding system and an independent caching system, and that this control is mediated by the incentive value of the specific items rather than by a general motivational state. Copyright 1999 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.}, }
@article {pmid10049468, year = {1999}, author = {Delestrade, A}, title = {Foraging strategy in a social bird, the alpine chough: effect of variation in quantity and distribution of food.}, journal = {Animal behaviour}, volume = {57}, number = {2}, pages = {299-305}, doi = {10.1006/anbe.1998.0951}, pmid = {10049468}, issn = {0003-3472}, abstract = {I conducted feeding experiments to determine the effect of variations in food availability on individual flocking behaviour and foraging efficiency in a social corvid, the alpine chough Pyrrhocorax graculus, which lives in large flocks all year round. In 37 trials I varied both food quantity and the number of food patches. A decrease in the amount of available food reduced the mean flock size, the proportion of birds that had access to food, and their mean pecking rate. A decrease in the number of patches, on the other hand, reduced only the proportion of birds that had access to food. The number of choughs foraging was not influenced by food competition but depended only on the number visiting the site. Females competed less well than males: when food was made scarce, they frequented the site in the same proportion as did males, but had less access to food. I suggest that in this social corvid, long-term advantages to flocking related to social bonds, such as the maintenance of pair bonds, may compensate for short-term costs such as a reduction in foraging efficiency. Copyright 1999 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.}, }
@article {pmid10234230, year = {1999}, author = {Griffiths, D and Dickinson, A and Clayton, N}, title = {Episodic memory: what can animals remember about their past?.}, journal = {Trends in cognitive sciences}, volume = {3}, number = {2}, pages = {74-80}, doi = {10.1016/s1364-6613(98)01272-8}, pmid = {10234230}, issn = {1879-307X}, abstract = {The question of whether episodic memory, the ability to recall unique, personal experiences, is restricted to humans is a matter of current controversy. Recent work on food-storing jays suggests that several features of episodic memory may not be as exclusive to humans as previously thought. In this review we outline the critical features of episodic memory in humans, its relationship to declarative memory, and recent results revealing that jays can learn to perform a task that depends on certain features of episodic memory and can thus be considered 'episodic-like'. Finally, we compare this avian performance with a contemporary definition of human episodic memory and consider the implications for studies of hippocampal function and animal cognition.}, }
@article {pmid10216669, year = {1998}, author = {Tandon, A and Ramji, S and Kumari, S and Goyal, A and Chandra, D and Nigam, VR}, title = {Cognitive abilities of asphyxiated survivors beyond 5 years of age.}, journal = {Indian pediatrics}, volume = {35}, number = {7}, pages = {605-612}, pmid = {10216669}, issn = {0019-6061}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Asphyxia Neonatorum/*physiopathology ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Child Behavior ; Child Development/*physiology ; Child, Preschool ; Cognition/*physiology ; Cohort Studies ; Educational Status ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Intelligence ; Interpersonal Relations ; Longitudinal Studies ; Male ; Neurologic Examination ; Psychomotor Performance ; *Survivors ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the intellectual, psychoeducational and social maturity of a cohort of unimpaired asphyxiated survivors beyond 5 years of age.<br><br>DESIGN: Case control study on hospital based cohorts on a longitudinal follow up at High Risk and Well Baby Clinics of a teaching hospital.<br><br>METHODS: The demographic data of these children was recorded. A detailed physical examination was performed. The tests of cognition included the Stanford Binet and the Raven's Progressive matrices. Academic achievement was evaluated by the Wide range achievement test-Revised (WRAT-R). Assessment of visuo-motor integration was done by the Bender Gestalt Test. The proportion of children having soft neurological signs was determined. Vineland Social Maturity Scale was performed on all children.<br><br>RESULTS: Fifty-four asphyxiated and 57 matched control children participated in the study. Of the 54 asphyxiated children, 27 were tested at a mean age of 7.2 +/- 1.6 years (Group 1) and 27 were tested at a mean age of 10.9 +/- 1.52 years (Group 2). The asphyxiated children as a group performed in the normal range on tests of cognition and academic achievement but were significantly disadvantaged (p < 0.005) as compared to controls. A higher percentage of asphyxiated children had low scores on the Bender Gestalt Test as compared to controls but the difference was not significant. A significantly higher proportion of asphyxiated children of both the groups showed the presence of soft neurological signs as compared to controls. Approximately 11% of the asphyxiated children performed in the abnormal range in the Vineland Social Maturity Scale.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Cognitive abilities of asphyxiated children beyond the age of 5 years are impaired in comparison to controls, emphasizing the need for early detection and referral for special education.}, }
@article {pmid10210858, year = {1998}, author = {Brazzelli, M and Spinnler, H}, title = {An example of lack of frontal inhibition: the 'utilization behaviour'.}, journal = {European journal of neurology}, volume = {5}, number = {4}, pages = {357-353}, doi = {10.1046/j.1468-1331.1998.540347.x}, pmid = {10210858}, issn = {1468-1331}, abstract = {The focus of this report is utilization behaviour (UB) conceived as part of the Environmental Dependency Syndrome following frontal damage. An historical sketch is provided on the many conceptualizations of the frontal lobe functions relevant to the understanding of UB. The detailed study of the neuropsychological picture presented by a patient (PG) with massive herpetic damage is then outlined. Emphasis is put on PG's prominent UB as well as on her several dissociations between impaired (as expected) and spared (non expected) cognitive abilities. Such dissociations are discussed with reference to the historical conceptualizations outlined above. The question is raised of whether a great inter-subjects variability of the topo-functional arrangements in the healthy frontal lobes could be the main cause of the variability of symptoms observed in patients with frontal lesions. Copyright 1998 Lippincott-Raven Publishers}, }
@article {pmid10077861, year = {1999}, author = {Yazaki, Y and Matsushima, T and Aoki, K}, title = {Testosterone modulates stimulation-induced calling behavior in Japanese quails.}, journal = {Journal of comparative physiology. A, Sensory, neural, and behavioral physiology}, volume = {184}, number = {1}, pages = {13-19}, doi = {10.1007/s003590050302}, pmid = {10077861}, mesh = {Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal/metabolism/*pharmacology ; Brain Chemistry/*physiology ; Cell Size/drug effects/physiology ; Coturnix ; Dendrites/drug effects/physiology ; Electric Stimulation ; Female ; Male ; Mesencephalon/cytology/physiology ; Neuronal Plasticity/*drug effects/physiology ; Neurons/cytology/physiology/ultrastructure ; Sex Characteristics ; Silver Staining ; Testosterone/*pharmacology/physiology ; Vocalization, Animal/*drug effects/physiology ; }, abstract = {Japanese quails have a variety of calling patterns depending on sex and age. Sexually mature adult males emit a characteristic crow which has a frequency-modulated acoustical trill element. Recently we reported that the intercollicular nucleus of the mesencephalon is the vocal neural system for producing the distress call in untreated chick and the crowing vocalization in testosterone-treated chick in Japanese quails. We postulated that the intercollicular nucleus could mediate this testosterone action on vocal behavior. The present study showed histologically that the intercollicular nucleus neurons of adult males have many more dendrites than those of females. The adult males produced the call with trill element with electrical stimulation of the intercollicular nucleus alone. Females produced the simple call, which has no frequency modulation, with electrical stimulation; 4 days after the testosterone treatment together with electrical stimulation, they also produced the call with trill element, the characteristic call of males. We suggest that the vocal neural system in the intercollicular nucleus is modulated by testosterone during development and produces the crow in males, and the intercollicular nucleus neurons in adults mediate the action of testosterone on vocal behavior. The crow of adult males could therefore be due to effects of testosterone on the neural mechanism in the intercollicular nucleus.}, }
@article {pmid10075193, year = {1999}, author = {Gully, KJ and Britton, H and Hansen, K and Goodwill, K and Nope, JL}, title = {A new measure for distress during child sexual abuse examinations: the genital examination distress scale.}, journal = {Child abuse &amp; neglect}, volume = {23}, number = {1}, pages = {61-70}, doi = {10.1016/s0145-2134(98)00111-2}, pmid = {10075193}, issn = {0145-2134}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Child ; Child Abuse, Sexual/*diagnosis ; Child, Preschool ; Discriminant Analysis ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Physical Examination/*psychology ; *Stress, Psychological ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The primary aim was to develop a simple scale to quantify indices of emotional distress during the rectal-genital (anogenital) phase of a child sexual abuse examination.<br><br>METHOD: A scale successfully developed to measure reactions of children to painful procedures, in particular bone marrow aspirations, was used as a model (Elliot, Jay, &amp; Woody, 1987). This new scale was developed to have a simplified rating format, more relevant operational definitions and possibly a different set of behavioral categories. This new scale was developed using 300 children being examined for possible child sexual abuse. Intraclass correlation coefficients identified reliable items to use. Factor analysis and Cronbach alpha were employed to understand the internal structure of the scale. Paired t-tests, Pearson correlations and hierarchical regression were used to explore validity.<br><br>RESULTS: A simple 7-item scale was developed along with two subscales representing agitated and verbally mediated distress. Ratings of distress were significantly greater during the anogenital phase than the general physical part of the examination. Increased distress was associated with positive physical findings. Ratings by the children that they disliked the physician looking at their bodies provided discriminant validity by correlating with increased scores for emotional distress during the anogenital segment of the examination.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The Genital Examination Distress Scale (GEDS) has been developed for measuring the emotional distress of children during the anogenital component of child sexual abuse examinations. The GEDS has been provided for prudent use. Descriptive data offer a comparative standard for other programs and research.}, }
@article {pmid10070795, year = {1999}, author = {Xing, L and Curran, B and Hill, R and Holmes, T and Ma, L and Forster, KM and Boyer, AL}, title = {Dosimetric verification of a commercial inverse treatment planning system.}, journal = {Physics in medicine and biology}, volume = {44}, number = {2}, pages = {463-478}, doi = {10.1088/0031-9155/44/2/013}, pmid = {10070795}, issn = {0031-9155}, support = {CA43840/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Algorithms ; Equipment Design ; Humans ; *Phantoms, Imaging ; Radiotherapy/instrumentation/*methods ; *Radiotherapy Dosage ; *Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted ; Software ; Water ; }, abstract = {A commercial three-dimensional (3D) inverse treatment planning system, Corvus (Nomos Corporation, Sewickley, PA), was recently made available. This paper reports our preliminary results and experience with commissioning this system for clinical implementation. This system uses a simulated annealing inverse planning algorithm to calculate intensity-modulated fields. The intensity-modulated fields are divided into beam profiles that can be delivered by means of a sequence of leaf settings by a multileaf collimator (MLC). The treatments are delivered using a computer-controlled MLC. To test the dose calculation algorithm used by the Corvus software, the dose distributions for single rectangularly shaped fields were compared with water phantom scan data. The dose distributions predicted to be delivered by multiple fields were measured using an ion chamber that could be positioned in a rotatable cylindrical water phantom. Integrated charge collected by the ion chamber was used to check the absolute dose of single- and multifield intensity modulated treatments at various spatial points. The measured and predicted doses were found to agree to within 4% at all measurement points. Another set of measurements used a cubic polystyrene phantom with radiographic film to record the radiation dose distribution. The films were calibrated and scanned to yield two-dimensional isodose distributions. Finally, a beam imaging system (BIS) was used to measure the intensity-modulated x-ray beam patterns in the beam's-eye view. The BIS-measured images were then compared with a theoretical calculation based on the MLC leaf sequence files to verify that the treatment would be executed accurately and without machine faults. Excellent correlation (correlation coefficients > or = 0.96) was found for all cases. Treatment plans generated using intensity-modulated beams appear to be suitable for treatment of irregularly shaped tumours adjacent to critical structures. The results indicated that the system has potential for clinical radiation treatment planning and delivery and may in the future reduce treatment complexity.}, }
@article {pmid10068494, year = {1999}, author = {Maney, DL and Schoech, SJ and Sharp, PJ and Wingfield, JC}, title = {Effects of vasoactive intestinal peptide on plasma prolactin in passerines.}, journal = {General and comparative endocrinology}, volume = {113}, number = {3}, pages = {323-330}, doi = {10.1006/gcen.1998.7220}, pmid = {10068494}, issn = {0016-6480}, mesh = {Animals ; Depression, Chemical ; Female ; Injections, Intravenous ; Male ; Prolactin/*blood ; Radioimmunoassay ; Restraint, Physical ; Songbirds/*blood ; Species Specificity ; Stress, Psychological/metabolism ; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide/administration &amp; dosage/*pharmacology ; }, abstract = {Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a potent releaser of prolactin (PRL) in domestic fowl, turkey, and ring doves. However, few comparative studies have investigated this in wild species. We tested the effects of intravenously administered chicken VIP on plasma PRL concentrations in four passerine species: the white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii), the dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis), the Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens), and the western scrub-jay (A. californica). In the white-crowned sparrow, junco, and Florida scrub-jay, which were tested during the breeding season, VIP induced a rapid increase in plasma PRL. Serial plasma samples taken after VIP injection in the white-crowned sparrow show a 10-fold increase in PRL within 2 min of treatment, followed by a gradual decline. Effects of VIP, as compared to saline, remained significant for at least 20 min after treatment. Western scrub-jays did not respond to intravenous VIP with a significant rise in PRL secretion, possibly because they were tested after termination of the breeding season. This study indicates that VIP control of PRL release may be widespread among avian species, and that seasonal changes in plasma PRL may be mediated in part at the level of the pituitary. In addition, analysis of the control data revealed no increase in plasma PRL as a result of injection or restraint, suggesting that unlike in mammals, PRL is not released during acute stress in passerines.}, }
@article {pmid10202087, year = {1999}, author = {Fritz, J and Kotrschal, K}, title = {Social learning in common ravens, Corvus corax.}, journal = {Animal behaviour}, volume = {57}, number = {4}, pages = {785-793}, doi = {10.1006/anbe.1998.1035}, pmid = {10202087}, issn = {0003-3472}, abstract = {We conducted an experiment to investigate whether the presence of a conspecific model can promote the acquisition of a motor task in common ravens. For this purpose, dyads, either of control birds or of model-observer pairings, were allowed to operate together in an arena with a set of identical boxes. Each box consisted of two compartments each containing a reward of three pieces of meat. The compartments were closed by gliding lids with red flaps on their front, opening horizontally in opposite directions. Naive control individuals opened the lids exclusively by levering, that is, jumping on top of the box, inserting the beak at the posterior rim of the lid and pushing it open. Models were trained to demonstrate an alternative opening technique, pulling at the front flap, then jumping on top of the box to get at the reward. In contrast to the control birds, observers initially opened boxes both ways, by pulling and levering. Furthermore, observers approached the boxes more quickly and showed less fearful behaviour than the control birds, which we attribute to the enhancing effect of the model. We discuss both stimulus enhancement and motor imitation as possible learning mechanisms. Even though observers initially obtained a considerable amount of reward produced by the models, scrounging evidently did not inhibit learning. Copyright 1999 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.}, }
@article {pmid9987859, year = {1999}, author = {Clayton, NS and Dickinson, A}, title = {Memory for the content of caches by scrub jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens).}, journal = {Journal of experimental psychology. Animal behavior processes}, volume = {25}, number = {1}, pages = {82-91}, pmid = {9987859}, issn = {0097-7403}, mesh = {Animals ; *Appetitive Behavior ; *Birds ; Female ; Male ; *Mental Recall ; Motivation ; *Orientation ; Retention, Psychology ; }, abstract = {To test whether scrub jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) remember the contents of food caches, in Experiment 1 birds cached peanuts and kibbles in two distinct caching trays and recovered them 4 or 172 hr later. The relative incentive value of the foods was manipulated by prefeeding one of the foods immediately before cache recovery. Birds preferentially searched for non-prefed food caches even when the caches had been pilfered prior to the recovery test. In Experiment 2, birds cached both foods in different sites within each tray, recovering peanuts from one tray and kibbles from the other tray 3 hr later. After prefeeding with one food, birds preferentially searched tray sites in which they had cached but not retrieved the non-prefed food. Thus jays remember the specific foods they cache and recover by a mnemonic process that cannot be explained in terms of simple associations between the foods and their cache locations.}, }
@article {pmid9949535, year = {1998}, author = {Smirnova, AA and Lazareva, OF and Zorina, ZA}, title = {[Teaching hooded crows (Corvus cornix L.) the abstract rule of choice by the matching/oddity of the sample].}, journal = {Zhurnal vysshei nervnoi deiatelnosti imeni I P Pavlova}, volume = {48}, number = {5}, pages = {855-867}, pmid = {9949535}, issn = {0044-4677}, mesh = {Analysis of Variance ; Animals ; Choice Behavior/*physiology ; Discrimination Learning/*physiology ; Generalization, Psychological/physiology ; Photic Stimulation/methods ; Reinforcement, Psychology ; Songbirds/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Six hooded crows (Corvus cornix) were trained in alternative simultaneous matching-to-sample and oddity-from-sample tasks with visual stimuli. Bird's ability to acquire the abstract same/different concept was investigated. For this purpose three stimulus sets of the following categories were used: color (black and white cards), shape (Arabic numerals "1" and "2"), and numerousness (heterogeneous arrays of 1 or 2 elements). These three sets were used for training successively and repeatedly; each time the stimulus set was changed for the next one after the criterion (80% correct or better over 30 successive trials) was reached with the previous one. The training procedure was repeated until the criterion could be reached for each of the three stimulus sets within the initial 30-50 trials. After that, the abstractness of the rule acquired by birds was tested. First, the "partial" transfer tests were conducted, which consisted in presentation of novel stimuli with familiar ones (numerals and arrays in the range from 1 to 4). At the final stage, only sets of novel numerals and arrays in the range from 5 to 8 were presented. The crows demonstrated successful transfer in all of these tests, including the test with absolutely novel stimuli (in the first 24 presentations: min 75.0%, p < 0.02; max 83.3%, p < 0.01). The level of correct choices did not differ from the baseline (p > 0.05). This allows us to conclude that birds are capable for formation of the abstract same/different concept.}, }
@article {pmid9927214, year = {1999}, author = {Hagan, H and McGough, JP and Thiede, H and Weiss, NS and Hopkins, S and Alexander, ER}, title = {Syringe exchange and risk of infection with hepatitis B and C viruses.}, journal = {American journal of epidemiology}, volume = {149}, number = {3}, pages = {203-213}, doi = {10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a009792}, pmid = {9927214}, issn = {0002-9262}, support = {1F31DA05680/DA/NIDA NIH HHS/United States ; 1RO1DA08023/DA/NIDA NIH HHS/United States ; U62/CCU006260//PHS HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Cohort Studies ; Confounding Factors, Epidemiologic ; Female ; Hepatitis B/epidemiology/*prevention &amp; control ; Hepatitis C/epidemiology/*prevention &amp; control ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Needle Sharing/*adverse effects ; *Needle-Exchange Programs ; Risk-Taking ; *Substance Abuse, Intravenous ; Time Factors ; Washington/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {The authors utilized a cohort study among Seattle injection drug users (IDUs) to assess whether participation in a syringe exchange program was associated with incidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Susceptible IDU subjects (187 seronegative for antibody to HCV, and 460 seronegative for core antibody to HBV) were identified in drug treatment, corrections, and social service agencies from June 1994 to January 1996, and followed for seroconversion one year later. The subjects included in the analysis were Seattle-King County (Washington State) area IDUs enrolled in a larger multipurpose cohort study, the Risk Activity Variables, Epidemiology, and Network Study (RAVEN Study). There were 39 HCV infections (20.9/100/year) and 46 HBV infections (10.0/100/year). There was no apparent protective effect of syringe exchange against HBV (former exchange users, relative risk (RR) = 0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2-2.5; sporadic exchange users, RR = 2.4, 95% CI 0.9-6.5; regular users, RR = 1.81, 95% CI 0.7-4.8; vs. RR = 1.0 for nonusers of the exchange; adjusted for daily drug injection). Neither did the exchange protect against HCV infection (sporadic users, RR = 2.6, 95% CI 0.8-8.5; regular users, RR = 1.3, 95% CI 0.8-2.2; vs. RR = 1.0 for nonusers; adjusted for recent onset of injection and syringe sharing prior to enrollment). While it is possible that uncontrolled confounding or other bias obscured a true beneficial impact of exchange use, these data suggest that no such benefit occurred during the period of the study.}, }
@article {pmid9880836, year = {1998}, author = {Wilkes, J and Weigel, A}, title = {[Comparison of WISC-R and Raven's Progressive Matrices tests in a clinical consultation population].}, journal = {Zeitschrift fur Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und Psychotherapie}, volume = {26}, number = {4}, pages = {261-265}, pmid = {9880836}, issn = {1422-4917}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Child ; Child Behavior Disorders/diagnosis/psychology ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Male ; Mental Disorders/diagnosis/psychology ; Psychometrics ; Reproducibility of Results ; Wechsler Scales/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: What are the differences between measuring intelligence with the WISC-R or with the Progressive Matrices Tests?<br><br>METHODS: 702 children were tested as outpatients of the Child and Adolescent Department of the Psychiatric University Hospital Erlangen-Nuremberg by means of the WISC-R and the Progressive Matrices Tests (CPM and SPM).<br><br>RESULTS: Highly significant differences in the mean were found. The mean IQ was 10 points higher on the CPM than on the WISC-R but 6 points lower than the WISC-R on the SPM. At 0.67 the correlations between WISC-R and the Matrices Tests were each in the middle high range. Differences between the tests were substantial and remain unchanged despite the recently newly normed SPM.}, }
@article {pmid9870053, year = {1998}, author = {Shenk, D and Zablotsky, D and Croom, MB}, title = {Thriving older African American women: aging after Jim Crow.}, journal = {Journal of women &amp; aging}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {75-95}, doi = {10.1300/j074v10n01_06}, pmid = {9870053}, issn = {0895-2841}, mesh = {Black or African American/*psychology ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Aging/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; *Prejudice ; Self Concept ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {This paper is based on the findings of small group discussions with self-defined successful African American women age 60+ in Charlotte, North Carolina. These women, who lived through the Jim Crow era and thrived in spite of the obstacles, continue to seek meaning in their lives through the roles they play in their families, churches, and communities. They feel strongly that there is a core of key values that continue to hold meaning and struggle to impart these values to those whose lives they touch. The key values identified include education, religion, work, and giving back to the community, and illustrate the integration of both traditional and nontraditional definitions of success. Mentoring is proposed as an important concept for understanding the lives of African American women in later life.}, }
@article {pmid9865799, year = {1998}, author = {Shimomura, T and Mori, E and Yamashita, H and Imamura, T and Hirono, N and Hashimoto, M and Tanimukai, S and Kazui, H and Hanihara, T}, title = {Cognitive loss in dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer disease.}, journal = {Archives of neurology}, volume = {55}, number = {12}, pages = {1547-1552}, doi = {10.1001/archneur.55.12.1547}, pmid = {9865799}, issn = {0003-9942}, mesh = {Aged ; Alzheimer Disease/diagnosis/*psychology ; Cognition/*classification ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Memory ; Motor Skills ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; Parkinson Disease/diagnosis/*psychology ; Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is emerging as a common cause of degenerative dementia. Some preliminary evidence exists that the pattern of cognitive impairment in DLB is different from that in Alzheimer disease (AD).<br><br>OBJECTIVE: To delineate features of cognitive impairment of DLB on standardized neuropsychological tests.<br><br>METHODS: We performed neuropsychological assessments of 26 patients with probable DLB (based on criteria of the consortium on DLB international workshop) and of 52 patients with probable AD (based on criteria of the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke [now the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke])-Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association) who were matched to the patients with DLB 2:1 by age, sex, education, and Mini-Mental State Examination score.<br><br>RESULTS: Compared with the group with probable AD, the group with probable DLB scored significantly lower on the picture arrangement, block design, object assembly, and digit symbol substitution subtests of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised and on the Raven Colored Progressive Matrices test and significantly higher on the Mini-Mental State Examination locational orientation subtest and the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale word recall subtest. A discriminant analysis revealed that the word recall score on the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale and the block design score on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised were the best discriminant factors.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The disproportionately severe visuoperceptual, visuoconstructive, and visuospatial dysfunction and the disproportionately mild memory impairment in DLB compared with AD, which likely reflect the distribution of the pathologic changes in DLB, can help to differentiate DLB from AD.}, }
@article {pmid9819322, year = {1998}, author = {Heinrich, B and Pepper, Jw}, title = {Influence of competitors on caching behaviour in the common raven, Corvus corax.}, journal = {Animal behaviour}, volume = {56}, number = {5}, pages = {1083-1090}, doi = {10.1006/anbe.1998.0906}, pmid = {9819322}, issn = {0003-3472}, abstract = {Both territorial breeding common ravens and nonbreeding vagrants scatter-hoard carcass meat extensively. We show experimentally with four captive nonbreeders in a large semi-natural enclosure that common ravens alter their caching behaviour in the presence of conspecifics. When four birds were simultaneously given a small amount of food, which any one bird by itself could easily remove in several trips, all four birds decreased the latency to begin caching and increased caching speed. In contrast, when the four birds were given only enough food for a single individual to control, caching was greatly delayed. If, as these results suggest, competition between conspecifics over food sources induces caching behaviour, then individuals should cache close to the food source to reduce travelling time and increase the time available to effectively compete for food in the presence of conspecifics. Here we show, that in the presence of competitors, common ravens instead cached further from the food source, provided they had space into which they could escape from the sight of the competitors. When escape from competitor vigilance was not possible, common ravens delayed caching and/or hid food when the competitor was preoccupied. A second factor that influenced caching behaviour was cache robbing; ravens not only recovered their own caches, but also routinely recovered the caches they saw others make. Copyright 1998 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.}, }
@article {pmid9790707, year = {1998}, author = {Kono, H and Reid, PJ and Kamil, AC}, title = {The effect of background cuing on prey detection.}, journal = {Animal behaviour}, volume = {56}, number = {4}, pages = {963-972}, doi = {10.1006/anbe.1998.0847}, pmid = {9790707}, issn = {0003-3472}, abstract = {Studies of prey detection have typically focused on how search image affects the capture of cryptic items. This study also considers how background vegetation influences cryptic prey detection. Blue jays, Cyanocitta cristata, searched digitized images for two Catocala moths: C. ilia, which is cryptic on oak, and C. relicta, which is cryptic on birch. Some images contained moths while others did not. The ability of blue jays to detect prey during repeated presentations of one prey type within a session was compared with their performance during randomly alternating presentations of both prey types within a session to examine search-image formation under two background conditions (informative and ambiguous). In the informative background condition, both trees in the image were of the same species and therefore, the background was a reliable indicator of which prey type might be present. In the ambiguous background condition, there was one tree of each species in the image and either prey type could be present. The results indicate that: (1) a search-image effect was observed only for the more cryptic prey type and only when the background was informative; (2) as accuracy on prey images (those with moths) increased, response latency remained unchanged; (3) performance on nonprey images (those without moths) was primarily determined by the difficulty of searching the background and not by the prey type in the accompanying prey images; and (4) search-image effects disappeared with extended practice. These results suggest that the ability to detect prey is influenced by background and that the presence of either multiple backgrounds or multiple prey types interferes with search-image formation. Copyright 1998 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.}, }
@article {pmid9802510, year = {1998}, author = {Caine, NG}, title = {Cutting costs in response to predatory threat by Geoffroy's marmosets (Callithrix geoffroyi).}, journal = {American journal of primatology}, volume = {46}, number = {3}, pages = {187-196}, doi = {10.1002/(SICI)1098-2345(1998)46:3&lt;187::AID-AJP1&gt;3.0.CO;2-B}, pmid = {9802510}, issn = {0275-2565}, mesh = {Animals ; Callithrix/*physiology ; Escape Reaction/*physiology ; Female ; Locomotion ; Male ; Predatory Behavior/*physiology ; Risk Assessment ; }, abstract = {Ideally, prey should respond to their predators efficiently, without over- or underreacting to the threat. This may be particularly important for small-bodied species for whom metabolic demands are high and predatory risk is great. In the current study, two family groups of Callithrix geoffroyi living outside in a rural setting at the Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species, San Diego Wild Animal Park, were observed before, during, and after ten presentations of a great horned owl model. The owl was mounted on a post on a nearby hillside, simulating a situation in which a real but nonimminent threat is posed. As controls, a model of a crow and a cloth bag were also presented, each for ten trials. During the 10 min presentations of the owl, rates of play and foraging decreased, and rates of locomotion and vigilant looking increased from baseline rates. Data on occupation of the best viewing area suggest that the marmosets shared the job of monitoring a potential threat. After the owl was removed, behavior quickly returned to baseline rates, with the exception of looking at the place where the owl had been, and play. Neither the bag nor the crow generated significant differences from the baseline condition that preceded it. Marmosets may reduce the costs of antipredator behavior by appropriately assessing the degree of risk and by quickly resuming important activities once a potential threat has passed.}, }
@article {pmid9784887, year = {1998}, author = {Wogar, MA and van den Broek, MD and Bradshaw, CM and Szabadi, E}, title = {A new performance-curve method for the detection of simulated cognitive impairment.}, journal = {The British journal of clinical psychology}, volume = {37}, number = {3}, pages = {327-339}, doi = {10.1111/j.2044-8260.1998.tb01389.x}, pmid = {9784887}, issn = {0144-6657}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Brain Injuries/complications ; Cognition Disorders/*diagnosis/etiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Malingering/*diagnosis ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a new performance-curve method for detecting simulated cognitive impairment.<br><br>DESIGN: The method was based on quantitative analysis of choice reaction times in a series of eight matching-to-sample tasks of graded complexity, in which participants were required to identify which of two comparison stimuli was identical to a simultaneously presented sample stimulus. The stimuli consisted of arrays of letters, the number of letters ranging from 1 to 10 in the eight tasks.<br><br>METHODS: Mean reaction times of a standardization group of 20 healthy young adults were used to construct regression equations to describe the behaviour of three test groups: 20 healthy individuals instructed to perform to the best of their ability (non-simulators), 20 healthy individuals instructed to simulate cognitive impairment incurred as a result of a head injury (simulators), and 25 patients with a history of closed head injury (patients).<br><br>RESULTS: There was a linear relationship between individual participants' latencies and the mean latencies of the standardization sample; the patient group showed steeper slopes, and the simulators higher intercepts, than the non-simulator group. A univariate measure of performance, based on the proportionate increase in latency corresponding to a standard increase in the standardization group's latency was able to identify 14/20 simulators while misclassifying 2/20 non-simulators and 2/25 patients. Other measures, including the number of errors made in the choice reaction time task and in recognition memory tasks, and a performance-curve measure based on Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices, were less successful in identifying simulators.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This new performance-curve method may prove to be a useful addition to tests currently used to diagnose simulated cognitive impairment in clinical and medicolegal settings.}, }
@article {pmid9772017, year = {1998}, author = {Gainotti, G and Marra, C and Villa, G and Parlato, V and Chiarotti, F}, title = {Sensitivity and specificity of some neuropsychological markers of Alzheimer dementia.}, journal = {Alzheimer disease and associated disorders}, volume = {12}, number = {3}, pages = {152-162}, doi = {10.1097/00002093-199809000-00006}, pmid = {9772017}, issn = {0893-0341}, mesh = {Aged ; Alzheimer Disease/*diagnosis/psychology ; Dementia/diagnosis/psychology ; Dementia, Multi-Infarct/diagnosis/psychology ; Depressive Disorder/diagnosis/psychology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Factitious Disorders/diagnosis/psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Parkinson Disease/diagnosis/psychology ; Psychometrics ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Supranuclear Palsy, Progressive/diagnosis/psychology ; }, abstract = {A standardized neuropsychological test battery was administered to 167 patients with different forms of mild-to-moderate dementia: probable Alzheimer dementia (AD: n = 49), multi-infarct dementia (n = 43), idiopathic Parkinson disease with dementia (n = 35), depressive pseudodementia (n = 26), and progressive supranuclear palsy (n = 14). Results obtained were used (a) to analyze the profiles of cognitive impairment shown by the different dementia groups; (b) to assess the incidence of some neuropsychological patterns that we hypothesized to be more characteristic of AD, in the various groups; and hence (c) to evaluate the reliability of these patterns as diagnostic markers of AD. Four of the patterns investigated were derived from a verbal learning task (Rey's Auditory Verbal Learning test): (1) absence of the primacy effect; (2) tendency to produce intrusion errors during free recall of a word list; (3) absolute decay of memory trace; and (4) tendency to produce false alarms during delayed recognition of the same word list. Two additional patterns were derived from visual-spatial tasks (copying drawings and Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices): (5) occurrence of the closing-in phenomenon in copying drawings; and (6) tendency to choose globalistic or odd responses in Raven's matrices. Though all the six patterns were somewhat useful for identifying AD patients, no pattern met the criteria of being both highly sensitive and highly specific, which should characterize an ideal marker. In fact, intrusions and false alarms were observed in many AD patients, but also in patients affected by other forms of dementia. The absence of the primacy effect, the closing-in phenomenon, and the absolute decay of memory trace were more specific, but could be observed in only one-third of AD patients. We also computed the number of positive patterns shown by each patient and assumed the presence of two or more patterns as a global index suggestive of a dementia of the Alzheimer type. With this cumulative method, a higher level of sensitivity and specificity was achieved in the identification of AD patients.}, }
@article {pmid9751053, year = {1998}, author = {Clayton, NS and Dickinson, A}, title = {Episodic-like memory during cache recovery by scrub jays.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {395}, number = {6699}, pages = {272-274}, doi = {10.1038/26216}, pmid = {9751053}, issn = {0028-0836}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Food Preferences ; Learning ; Memory/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The recollection of past experiences allows us to recall what a particular event was, and where and when it occurred, a form of memory that is thought to be unique to humans. It is known, however, that food-storing birds remember the spatial location and contents of their caches. Furthermore, food-storing animals adapt their caching and recovery strategies to the perishability of food stores, which suggests that they are sensitive to temporal factors. Here we show that scrub jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) remember 'when' food items are stored by allowing them to recover perishable 'wax worms' (wax-moth larvae) and non-perishable peanuts which they had previously cached in visuospatially distinct sites. Jays searched preferentially for fresh wax worms, their favoured food, when allowed to recover them shortly after caching. However, they rapidly learned to avoid searching for worms after a longer interval during which the worms had decayed. The recovery preference of jays demonstrates memory of where and when particular food items were cached, thereby fulfilling the behavioural criteria for episodic-like memory in non-human animals.}, }
@article {pmid9744024, year = {1998}, author = {Emanuelson, I and von Wendt, L and Beckung, E and Hagberg, I}, title = {Late outcome after severe traumatic brain injury in children and adolescents.}, journal = {Pediatric rehabilitation}, volume = {2}, number = {2}, pages = {65-70}, doi = {10.3109/17518429809068157}, pmid = {9744024}, issn = {1363-8491}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Analysis of Variance ; Brain Injuries/psychology/*rehabilitation ; *Cognition ; *Children with Disabilities/classification ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Motor Skills ; Severity of Illness Index ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Eighteen surviving adolescents with severe traumatic brain injury were re-examined a mean period of 7.1 years after their trauma in order to determine their life situation, motor, cognitive functions and pattern of handicap.<br><br>METHODS: A structured interview, the EB test of motor function, Ravens's progressive matrices, Peabody's neuropsychological test, SPIQ and the WHO classification of handicap were used.<br><br>RESULTS: The group had a mean WHO Classification of Handicap score of 1.61 (SD 1.60) revealing mild handicap, and performed as a group significantly subnormal (p < 0.0001) in gross motor, fine motor, sensibility and perception sub-tests. The EB test revealed a mean value of 2.23 (SD 0.89) corresponding to mild disability. The mean non-verbal IQ score of 93.1 (SD 13.9) and the verbal score of 93.4 (SD 14.8) were within normal limits.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Only 28% of the group of surviving adolescent TBI victims functioned within normal limits. The most crucial disabling component was poor social integration, which was clearly demonstrated in the WHO score.}, }
@article {pmid9704985, year = {1998}, author = {Clayton, NS}, title = {Memory and the hippocampus in food-storing birds: a comparative approach.}, journal = {Neuropharmacology}, volume = {37}, number = {4-5}, pages = {441-452}, doi = {10.1016/s0028-3908(98)00037-9}, pmid = {9704985}, issn = {0028-3908}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Birds/*physiology ; *Food ; Hippocampus/*physiology ; Memory/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Comparative studies provide a unique source of evidence for the role of the hippocampus in learning and memory. Within birds and mammals, the hippocampal volume of scatter-hoarding species that cache food in many different locations is enlarged, relative to the remainder of the telencephalon, when compared with than that of species which cache food in one larder, or do not cache at all. Do food-storing species show enhanced memory function in association with the volumetric enlargement of the hippocampus? Comparative studies within the parids (titmice and chickadees) and corvids (jays, nutcrackers and magpies), two families of birds which show natural variation in food-storing behavior, suggest that there may be two kinds of memory specialization associated with scatter-hoarding. First, in terms of spatial memory, several scatter-hoarding species have a more accurate and enduring spatial memory, and a preference to rely more heavily upon spatial cues, than that of closely related species which store less food, or none at all. Second, some scatter-hoarding parids and corvids are also more resistant to memory interference. While the most critical component about a cache site may be its spatial location, there is mounting evidence that food-storing birds remember additional information about the contents and status of cache sites. What is the underlying neural mechanism by which the hippocampus learns and remembers cache sites? The current mammalian dogma is that the neural mechanisms of learning and memory are achieved primarily by variations in synaptic number and efficacy. Recent work on the concomitant development of food-storing, memory and the avian hippocampus illustrates that the avian hippocampus may swell or shrivel by as much as 30% in response to presence or absence of food-storing experience. Memory for food caches triggers a dramatic increase in the total number of number of neurons within the avian hippocampus by altering the rate at which these cells are born and die.}, }
@article {pmid9693666, year = {1998}, author = {Levy, PM and Salomon, D}, title = {Use of Biobrane after laser resurfacing.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {24}, number = {7}, pages = {729-734}, doi = {10.1111/j.1524-4725.1998.tb04241.x}, pmid = {9693666}, issn = {1076-0512}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Analgesics/therapeutic use ; Biocompatible Materials/*therapeutic use ; Carbon Dioxide ; *Coated Materials, Biocompatible ; Dermatitis, Irritant/prevention &amp; control ; Erythema/prevention &amp; control ; Female ; Glycosaminoglycans/administration &amp; dosage/therapeutic use ; Humans ; Hyperpigmentation/etiology ; Hypopigmentation/etiology ; *Laser Therapy ; Middle Aged ; *Occlusive Dressings ; Ointments ; Pain, Postoperative/prevention &amp; control ; Patient Satisfaction ; Retrospective Studies ; Rhytidoplasty/*methods ; Skin Aging ; Skin Care ; Wound Healing ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Laser skin resurfacing has become an ever more popular and effective technique for the treatment of photoaged skin. Often a prolonged postoperative healing period adversely affects patients and physician satisfaction. Erythema and a certain degree of patient discomfort are often believed to be inevitable as they are thought to reflect depth of wounding and consequently the efficacy of wrinkle removal. In addition, a high incidence of irritant contact dermatitis has been observed, complicating recovery.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: To develop a simplified wound dressing protocol aimed at achieving mild, short-term erythema and minimal side effects following effective rhytidectomy performed by laser resurfacing.<br><br>METHODS: In a retrospective study from September 1995 to May 1997, 85 patients undergoing laser resurfacing for rhytid removal were placed on a postoperative wound care protocol consisting of immediate postsurgical once-only application, for 6 days, of Biobrane, a biosynthetic semipermeable dressing followed by the topical use of only a 10% cartilage extract in ointment.<br><br>RESULTS: Thirty-eight full-face/three-quarter face, 26 supralabial, 13 perioral, and eight lower eyelid/crow's feet cosmetic units were treated. The fine and course wrinkles were improved in most patients, comparing favorably with other reported series. In 94% of patients erythema was absent to light pink at 4 weeks. Mild pain necessitating a medication was used in only five patients. Twenty-six patients developed transient hyperpigmentation and three patients developed focal hypopigmentation. Delayed irritant contact dermatitis presented in three patients. No infections developed and no scarring was observed.<br><br>CONCLUSION: With this wound healing protocol, carbon dioxide laser skin resurfacing can effectively improved facial rhytids with minimal to insignificant erythema or discomfort.}, }
@article {pmid10185011, year = {1998}, author = {Keiser, JF and Howard, BJ}, title = {Critical pathways: design, implementation, and evaluation.}, journal = {Clinical laboratory management review : official publication of the Clinical Laboratory Management Association}, volume = {12}, number = {5}, pages = {317-332}, pmid = {10185011}, issn = {0888-7950}, mesh = {*Critical Pathways ; Data Collection ; Episode of Care ; Evaluation Studies as Topic ; Forms and Records Control ; Laboratories, Hospital/standards ; Organizational Innovation ; *Outcome Assessment, Health Care ; *Patient Care Team ; Planning Techniques ; Practice Guidelines as Topic ; Quality of Health Care ; United States ; United States Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality ; }, abstract = {As David M. Eddy, M.D., Ph.D., Senior Advisor for Health Policy and Management to Southern California Kaiser Permanente, discusses in his excellent book, Clinical Decision Making: From Theory to Practice (1), we are now in a time where we must rethink what we are doing and how we are doing it. Substantial variations among physicians in almost every aspect of the diagnostic process have been documented repeatedly, and these variations appear to cause patients to be treated differently. Eddy says these variations are not the fault of physicians or anyone else because of the complexity of the medical decision process. Nonetheless, the cost and quality of health care have suffered as a result. Numerous articles and individuals such as Jay McDonald, M.D., Professor and Chair of the Department of Pathology at the University at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical Center, also have highlighted these variables in practice patterns and their consequences (2). Dr. Eddy, Dr. McDonald, Michael G. Bissell, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Clinical Pathology, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and other leaders in the field have stressed the need for more standardization of health care; clinical decisions concerning diagnostic testing and therapeutic choices must be based on scientific evidence that demonstrates the practice being used is truly effective (1-6). This evidence, as well as other parameters discussed below, are known as outcomes. As expressed by Dr. McDonald, "there is a transition that is going on from doing what seems best to doing what one knows is best" (2). Practice guidelines and critical pathways now are seen by many as one solution to providing more standardization of health care and to meeting the demands of the rapidly changing medical environment for simultaneously increasing the quality of care while decreasing the costs.}, }
@article {pmid9678746, year = {1998}, author = {Andersson, S and Finset, A}, title = {Heart rate and skin conductance reactivity to brief psychological stress in brain-injured patients.}, journal = {Journal of psychosomatic research}, volume = {44}, number = {6}, pages = {645-656}, doi = {10.1016/s0022-3999(97)00305-x}, pmid = {9678746}, issn = {0022-3999}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Analysis of Variance ; Brain Injuries/diagnosis/*psychology ; Cerebrovascular Disorders/diagnosis/*psychology ; Female ; Functional Laterality ; Galvanic Skin Response/*physiology ; Heart Rate/*physiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Stress, Psychological/*psychology ; }, abstract = {Autonomic reactivity in response to two mentally challenging tasks was studied in 74 patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI; n=33), cerebrovascular insults (CVA; n=27), and hypoxic brain damage (n = 14). Heart rate, skin conductance level, and number of spontaneous skin conductance responses were recorded during baseline and two problem-solving stress conditions consisting of Raven progressive matrices and mental arithmetic. CVA and TBI patients with focal right hemisphere injury showed significantly reduced stress reactivity compared to patients with focal left hemisphere injury. This right-left hemisphere difference was maintained when controlled for diagnosis, gender, sex, age, and stressor task performance and involvement. The results indicate that lateralization of lesion rather than diagnosis or etiology is the critical factor in autonomic stress hyporeactivity in brain-injured patients. The results are discussed in relation to brain lateralization of autonomic reactivity and possible clinical consequences of autonomic hyporeactivity for rehabilitation of patients with acquired brain injury.}, }
@article {pmid9674775, year = {1998}, author = {Rae, C and Karmiloff-Smith, A and Lee, MA and Dixon, RM and Grant, J and Blamire, AM and Thompson, CH and Styles, P and Radda, GK}, title = {Brain biochemistry in Williams syndrome: evidence for a role of the cerebellum in cognition?.}, journal = {Neurology}, volume = {51}, number = {1}, pages = {33-40}, doi = {10.1212/wnl.51.1.33}, pmid = {9674775}, issn = {0028-3878}, mesh = {Adenosine Triphosphate/analysis ; Adolescent ; Adult ; *Brain Chemistry ; Cerebellum/chemistry/*physiology ; Child ; Cognition/*physiology ; Ethanolamines/analysis ; Female ; Frontal Lobe/chemistry ; Glycerophosphates/analysis ; Hexosephosphates/analysis ; Humans ; Inositol Phosphates/analysis ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Parietal Lobe/chemistry ; Phosphocreatine/analysis ; Phosphorus Radioisotopes ; Phosphorylcholine/analysis ; Phosphoserine/analysis ; Protons ; Radionuclide Imaging ; Williams Syndrome/diagnostic imaging/metabolism/*physiopathology ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To determine what biochemical changes may occur in the brain in Williams syndrome (WS) and whether these changes may be related to the cognitive deficits.<br><br>BACKGROUND: WS is a rare, congenital disorder with a characteristic physical, linguistic, and behavioral phenotype with known cognitive deficits.<br><br>METHODS: We obtained 31P magnetic resonance spectra (MRS) from a region consisting of mostly frontal and parietal lobe of 14 patients with WS (age, 8 to 37 years) and 48 similarly-aged controls. 1H MRS (27 cm3) localized to the left cerebellum obtained from the WS cohort were compared with those from 16 chronological age- and sex-matched normal controls. A battery of cognitive tests were administered to all subjects undergoing 1H MRS.<br><br>RESULTS: WS brains exhibited significant biochemical abnormalities. All 31P MRS ratios containing the phosphomonoester (PME) peak were significantly altered in WS, suggesting that PME is significantly decreased. Ratios of choline-containing compounds and creatine-containing compounds to N-acetylaspartate (Cho/NA and Cre/NA) were significantly elevated in the cerebellum in WS cf. controls, whereas the ratio of Cho/Cre was not altered. This suggests a decrease in the neuronal marker N-acetylaspartate in the cerebellum. Significant correlations were found between the cerebellar ratios Cho/NA and Cre/NA and the ability of all subjects at various neuropsychological tests, including Verbal and Performance IQ, British Picture Vocabulary Scale, Ravens Progressive Matrices, and Inspection Time.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The correlations can be interpreted in two ways: 1) Our sampling of cerebellar biochemistry reflects a measure of "global" cerebral biochemistry and is unrelated to cerebellar function, or 2) The relations indicate that cerebellar neuronal integrity is a requirement (on a developmental time scale or in real-time) for ability on a variety of cognitive tests.}, }
@article {pmid9673101, year = {1998}, author = {Vineis, P}, title = {[Interactions between genetics and environment].}, journal = {La Medicina del lavoro}, volume = {89}, number = {2}, pages = {117-123}, pmid = {9673101}, issn = {0025-7818}, mesh = {Aged ; *Carcinogens, Environmental ; Case-Control Studies ; Confidence Intervals ; Disease Susceptibility ; *Environment ; Ethics, Medical ; Female ; Genetic Testing ; Helicobacter Infections/complications ; Helicobacter pylori ; Humans ; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin/etiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasms/chemically induced/*etiology/*genetics ; Occupational Diseases/*chemically induced/prevention &amp; control ; *Occupational Exposure ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Racial Groups ; Smoking/adverse effects ; Stomach Neoplasms/etiology ; Tuberculosis/etiology ; }, abstract = {From a scientific point of view, the idea that genes exert an important role in explaining human pathology has gained much popularity in recent decades. However, according to Stephen Jay Gould, the "genetic fallacy" has been repeatedly used to avoid environmental action. In the case of occupational cancer, genetic screening of workers for their susceptibility to the action of chemical carcinogens, on the basis of "metabolic polymorphisms", would be unacceptable because of racial discrimination, related to uneven racial distribution of most polymorphisms, for example, 90% of Africans and 10% of Asians have the "slow" acetylator genotype. Therefore, not only technical and scientific aspects of genetic susceptibility to cancer, but also ethical and social implication have to be considered.}, }
@article {pmid9658793, year = {1998}, author = {Saccomani, L and Vercellino, F and Rizzo, P and Becchetti, S}, title = {[Adolescents with scoliosis: psychological and psychopathological aspects].}, journal = {Minerva pediatrica}, volume = {50}, number = {1-2}, pages = {9-14}, pmid = {9658793}, issn = {0026-4946}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Factors ; Anxiety/etiology ; Body Image ; Child ; Depression/etiology ; Female ; Humans ; Interview, Psychological ; Male ; Psychological Tests ; Scoliosis/*psychology/therapy ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The present study focuses on psychological and psychopathological aspects in children and adolescents with scoliosis.<br><br>METHODS: The case series included 28 subjects with scoliosis (7 males, 21 females; range 9-25 years; mean age 15.8 years) admitted to the Dept. of Orthopaedics of Gaslini Institute and referred to our observation. Psychological approach included semi-structured interviews focused on the evolution of scoliosis and based on questions about consciousness of illness, family and patient emotional reactions during treatment; familial, social and school adaptation; body image; onset of psychopathological disorders. Family relational and educational attitudes were also considered. The following psychological tests were also performed: Raven Progressive Matrices; "Draw-a-Person" test; Sacks' battery of incomplete sentences to evaluate cognitive aspects, body image, familial and social relationships, interactive aspects.<br><br>RESULTS: During adolescence consciousness of illness appeared concomitantly with the beginning of treatment. Most subjects presented intellectual-relational compensation strategies, but in a reasonable number of cases they showed insecurity and inferiority feelings. On a conscious level, body image appeared normal in most cases, but unconsciously (in 45% of cases) there were anguish aspects related to feelings of body deterioration. During long-term treatments anxious reactions, sometimes temporary, (in 36% of cases) and depressive aspects (in 9% of cases) were observed.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained stress the importance of the family and the medical staff in providing a reassuring and firm support, in order to face difficulties related to the patient's illness.}, }
@article {pmid9654465, year = {1998}, author = {Woessner, DE and Bansal, N}, title = {Temporal characteristics of NMR signals from spin 3/2 nuclei of incompletely disordered systems.}, journal = {Journal of magnetic resonance (San Diego, Calif. : 1997)}, volume = {133}, number = {1}, pages = {21-35}, doi = {10.1006/jmre.1998.1423}, pmid = {9654465}, issn = {1090-7807}, support = {R29 HL54574/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; RR02584/RR/NCRR NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Algorithms ; Biocompatible Materials/chemistry ; Chemical Phenomena ; Chemistry, Physical ; Computer Simulation ; Diffusion ; Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy ; Energy Transfer ; Filtration ; Humans ; Hydrogen/chemistry ; Macromolecular Substances ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy/*methods ; Models, Chemical ; Sodium/chemistry ; Time Factors ; Water/chemistry ; }, abstract = {Anisotropic nuclear quadrupole interactions can produce residual quadrupole splitting in the NMR spectra of rapidly moving quadrupolar nuclei in incompletely disordered aqueous heterogeneous systems. Such systems may include hydrated sodium nuclei in biological tissue and biopolymer gels. To describe the NMR signals from such samples, we use a domain model in which each domain is characterized by a quadrupole frequency and a residence time of the nucleus. We show that the signals from each domain after one pulse, the quadrupole echo sequence, and the various multiple quantum filters (MQFs) can be expressed as a linear combination of five different phase coherences. To simulate the effect of various distributions (Pake powder pattern, Gaussian, etc.) of quadrupole frequencies for different domains on the NMR signal, we have written the computer program CORVUS. CORVUS also includes the effects of exchange between different domains using diffusion and random jump models. The results of computer simulations show that the Gaussian and Pake powder pattern quadrupole frequency distributions produce very different phase coherences and observable NMR signals when the exchange rate (1/taue) between different domains is slow. When 1/taue is similar to the root mean square quadrupole frequency (final sigma), the signals from the two distributions are similar. When 1/taue is an order of magnitude greater than final sigma, there is no apparent evidence of quadrupole splitting in the shape of the signal following one pulse, but the residual effects of the quadrupole splitting make a significant contribution to the fast transverse relaxation rate. Therefore, in this case, it is inappropriate to use the observed biexponential relaxation rates to obtain a single correlation time. The quadrupole echo and the various MQF signals contain an echo from the satellite transitions in the presence of quadrupole splitting. The peak of this echo is very sensitive to 1/taue. The time domain analysis of these signals is more direct and less ambiguous than the frequency domain analysis because the echo does not occur at the beginning of data acquisition. The quadrupole echo pulse sequence is the most sensitive detector of residual quadrupole splitting and exchange of sodium ions between different domains. However, if the sample is compartmentalized so that only a fraction of the nuclei have quadrupole splitting, the double quantum magic angle filter (DQ-MA) is more suitable. This is because the DQ-MA signal contains only the contributions from satellite transitions. Use of simulations to analyze signals from various one-pulse, quadrupole echo, and multiple quantum filter pulse sequences can yield information on substrate order and aid in quantitation of multiple quantum filter signals.}, }
@article {pmid9648950, year = {1998}, author = {Gevenois, PA and de Maertelaer, V and Madani, A and Winant, C and Sergent, G and De Vuyst, P}, title = {Asbestosis, pleural plaques and diffuse pleural thickening: three distinct benign responses to asbestos exposure.}, journal = {The European respiratory journal}, volume = {11}, number = {5}, pages = {1021-1027}, doi = {10.1183/09031936.98.11051021}, pmid = {9648950}, issn = {0903-1936}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Asbestos/*adverse effects ; Asbestosis/*diagnostic imaging ; Cluster Analysis ; Environmental Exposure ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pleural Diseases/diagnostic imaging/*etiology ; Radiography, Thoracic ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; }, abstract = {The aim of this study was to investigate by computed tomography (CT) whether asbestosis, diffuse pleural thickening and/or pleural plaques are statistically associated. We also tried to find criteria to differentiate between diffuse and circumscribed pleural thickening. From 231 exposed workers, only those subjects whose radiograph showed neither bilateral calcified pleural plaques nor small pulmonary opacities higher than 1/1 grade according to the 1980 International Labour Office (ILO) Classification were considered. Scans were assessed for the presence of subpleural curvilinear lines, septal and intralobular lines, parenchymal bands, honeycombing, rounded atelectasis, pleural plaques and diffuse pleural thickening. CT scans revealed pleural and/or lung abnormalities in 99 workers. Pleural plaques were unilateral in one-third of cases with plaques. Diffuse pleural thickening, parenchymal bands and rounded atelectasis were unilateral in, respectively, 62 and 69 and 75% of cases with the abnormality. Septal and intralobular lines, and honeycombing were always bilateral. CT signs could be grouped into three patterns: 1) septal and intralobular lines, and honeycombing corresponding to pulmonary fibrosis; 2) pleural plaques corresponding to parietal pleural fibrosis; and 3) diffuse pleural thickening, rounded atelectasis and parenchymal bands corresponding to visceral pleural fibrosis. In these workers with a normal or near-normal radiograph, three groups of subjects with different responses were distinguished. Crow's feet and rounded atelectasis help to differentiate plaques from diffuse thickening.}, }
@article {pmid9600810, year = {1998}, author = {Grandjean, P and Weihe, P and White, RF and Debes, F}, title = {Cognitive performance of children prenatally exposed to "safe" levels of methylmercury.}, journal = {Environmental research}, volume = {77}, number = {2}, pages = {165-172}, doi = {10.1006/enrs.1997.3804}, pmid = {9600810}, issn = {0013-9351}, support = {ES06112/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Cognition/*drug effects/physiology ; Eye Movements/drug effects/physiology ; Female ; Fingers/physiology ; Hand/physiology ; Humans ; Male ; Maternal Exposure/*adverse effects ; Maximum Allowable Concentration ; Mercury/administration &amp; dosage/adverse effects ; Mercury Poisoning/etiology/physiopathology/psychology ; Methylmercury Compounds/administration &amp; dosage/*adverse effects ; Motor Activity/drug effects/physiology ; Movement/drug effects/physiology ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Psychomotor Performance/*drug effects/physiology ; Reaction Time/drug effects/physiology ; }, abstract = {Within a cohort of 1022 consecutive singleton births in the Faroe Islands, we assessed prenatal methylmercury exposure from the maternal hair mercury concentration. At approximately 7 years of age, 917 of the children underwent detailed neurobehavioral examination. Little risk is thought to occur as long as the hair mercury concentration in pregnant women is kept below 10-20 microg/g (50-100 nmol/l). A case group of 112 children whose mothers had a hair mercury concentration of 10-20 microg/g was therefore matched to children with exposure below 3 microg/g, using age, sex, time of examination, and the mother's score on Raven's Progressive Matrices as matching criteria. The two groups were almost identical with regard to other factors that might affect neurobehavioral performance in this community. On six neuropsychological test measures, the case group showed mild decrements, relative to controls, especially in the domains of motor function, language, and memory. Subtle effects on brain function therefore seem to be detectable at prenatal methylmercury exposure levels currently considered to be safe.}, }
@article {pmid9562305, year = {1998}, author = {Roudier, M and Marcie, P and Grancher, AS and Tzortzis, C and Starkstein, S and Boller, F}, title = {Discrimination of facial identity and of emotions in Alzheimer's disease.}, journal = {Journal of the neurological sciences}, volume = {154}, number = {2}, pages = {151-158}, doi = {10.1016/s0022-510x(97)00222-0}, pmid = {9562305}, issn = {0022-510X}, mesh = {Alzheimer Disease/*psychology ; *Discrimination, Psychological ; *Dissociative Disorders ; *Emotions ; *Facial Expression ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mental Status Schedule ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To investigate processing of human faces identity and of emotional expressions in patients with Alzheimer's Disease (AD).<br><br>BACKGROUND: Mechanisms responsible for discriminating facial identity may be dissociated from those involved in discriminating facial expressions. Patients with prosopagnosia often have preserved capacities for processing emotional facial expressions and occasionally, patients with focal lesions may recognize human faces without being able to recognize their facial expression. Such a dissociation has not been clearly shown in groups of AD patients.<br><br>METHODS: Thirty-one probable AD patients and 14 control subjects were administered tasks of discrimination of faces and of emotions.<br><br>RESULTS: AD patients were significantly impaired in discriminating facial identities and in naming and pointing to named emotions, but were comparable to controls in discriminating facial expressions of emotion. The deficits of facial discrimination and of identification of emotions were, on the whole, correlated with the MMS and Raven scores. Discrimination of emotions was not correlated to either test, suggesting that this ability is based on cognitive processes different from those underlying the MMS and the PM47.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This dissociation implies two separate systems, one dedicated to discrimination of facial identities and the other to discrimination of emotions. This is compatible with the modular organization of cognitive deficits in AD and may explain the well known experience that nonverbal communication often remains effective even in patients with severe dementia.}, }
@article {pmid9526819, year = {1998}, author = {Spence, JE}, title = {Vaginal and uterine anomalies in the pediatric and adolescent patient.}, journal = {Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {3-11}, doi = {10.1016/s1083-3188(98)70100-7}, pmid = {9526819}, issn = {1083-3188}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Congenital Abnormalities/diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Uterus/*abnormalities ; Vagina/*abnormalities ; }, abstract = {Congenital malformations of the vagina, cervix, and uterus, although rare, may have profound implications for the young gynecological patient. These anomalies are often detected in the adolescent period. For proper management, the physician requires a thorough understanding of normal embryology and sexual differentiation. Although clinical experience helps the gynecologist appreciate the disturbed anatomic configurations, each and every individual who presents with a defect must be thoroughly evaluated because genital tract aberrations do not necessarily follow any defined and consistent pattern. Other anomalies often coexist, particularly related to the renal tract, so a thorough assessment is warranted. Genital malformations can be particularly disturbing to the patient and her family because they not only have reproductive implications but also significant psychological and sexual overtones that need to be addressed and dealt with in a sensitive and reassuring manner. This report is meant to provide an overview of the various abnormalities encountered and guide the clinician by providing an approach to management. A more indepth discussion is best found in the classic textbooks (Rock JA: Surgery for anomalies of the müllerian ducts. In: Te Linde's Operative Gynecology (8th ed). Edited by J Rock, J. Thompson. Philadelphia, Lippincott-Raven, 1997; Edmonds DK: Sexual development anomalies and their reconstruction: upper and lower tracts. In: Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Edited by J Sanfilippo, D Muram, P Lee, J Dewhurst. Philadelphia, W.B. Saunders, 1994; Jones HW Jr: Reconstruction of congenital uterovaginal anomalies. In: Female Reproductive Surgery. Edited by J Rock, A Murphy, HW Jones Jr. Baltimore, Williams &amp; Wilkins, 1992).}, }
@article {pmid9517831, year = {1998}, author = {Castagna, C and Absil, P and Foidart, A and Balthazart, J}, title = {Systemic and intracerebroventricular injections of vasotocin inhibit appetitive and consummatory components of male sexual behavior in Japanese quail.}, journal = {Behavioral neuroscience}, volume = {112}, number = {1}, pages = {233-250}, doi = {10.1037//0735-7044.112.1.233}, pmid = {9517831}, issn = {0735-7044}, support = {R01 MH50388/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Appetitive Behavior/*drug effects ; Brain/*drug effects ; Copulation/*drug effects ; Coturnix ; Diuresis/drug effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Injections, Intramuscular ; Injections, Intraventricular ; Male ; Sexual Behavior, Animal/*drug effects ; Testosterone/pharmacology ; Vasotocin/*pharmacology ; Vocalization, Animal/drug effects ; }, abstract = {The authors investigated the behavioral actions of vasotocin (VT) in castrated testosterone-treated male Japanese quail. The appetitive and consummatory components of sexual behavior as well as the occurrence frequency of crows were inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, by injections of VT. The authors observed opposite effects after injection of the V1 receptor antagonist, dPTyr(Me)AVP. Lower doses of VT were more active after central than after systemic injection, and effects of systemic injections of VT were blocked by a central injection of dPTyr(Me)AVP. The behavioral inhibition was associated with a modified diuresis after systemic but not central injection. These results provide direct evidence that VT affects male sexual behavior in quail by a direct action on the brain independent of its peripheral action on diuresis.}, }
@article {pmid9453699, year = {1997}, author = {Willey, P and Galloway, A and Snyder, L}, title = {Bone mineral density and survival of elements and element portions in the bones of the Crow Creek massacre victims.}, journal = {American journal of physical anthropology}, volume = {104}, number = {4}, pages = {513-528}, doi = {10.1002/(SICI)1096-8644(199712)104:4&lt;513::AID-AJPA6&gt;3.0.CO;2-S}, pmid = {9453699}, issn = {0002-9483}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Anthropology, Physical/*methods ; Archaeology/*methods ; *Bone Density ; Bone and Bones ; Cannibalism ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; }, abstract = {The interpretation of archaeologically-derived skeletal series is dependent on the elements and portions of elements preserved for examination. Bone and bone portion survival is affected by factors, both intrinsic and extrinsic to the elements themselves, that influence deterioration and preservation. Among the intrinsic variables, the density of the element and element portion are particularly important with respect to the degree of preservation. Recently reported bone mineral density values from a contemporary human sample are compared to the survival of prehistoric limb bones of the Crow Creek specimens, a fourteenth-century massacre skeletal series. The contemporary density values are positively correlated with Crow Creek element and element portion survival. Two calculations of bone mineral density, however, are more closely related to preservation than a third. Such density information has implications for assessing minimum number of elements and individuals and documenting taphonomic processes.}, }
@article {pmid9446525, year = {1997}, author = {Fieguth, A and Kistenmacher, L and Tröger, HD and Kleemann, WJ}, title = {[Fatalities caused by exposure to heat].}, journal = {Archiv fur Kriminologie}, volume = {200}, number = {3-4}, pages = {79-86}, pmid = {9446525}, issn = {0003-9225}, mesh = {Accidents/*legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Burns/*pathology ; Carbon Monoxide Poisoning/pathology ; Cause of Death ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Heat Exhaustion/*pathology ; Homicide/*legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; Humans ; Lung/pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Suicide/*legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; }, abstract = {Between 1978 and 1987 52 cases of death by burning or in connection with fire (13 females and 39 males) were examined at the Institute of Legal Medicine of the Medical School of Hannover. The causes were fires in flats (25), cars (15) and buildings(4), clothes set on fire (3) and explosions (3). In two cases death was caused by scalding. These cases could be divided into accidents (30), over 1/3 caused by smoking (11)), suicides (9) and homicides (6). The other seven cases could not be clarified definitively. Evidence of CO-elevation (38), soot inhalation (33), petechiae (11) and "crow's feet" (6) were noted. However, isolated findings cannot lead to a satisfactory assessment after death by burning. The reconstruction of events requires a comprehensive evaluation of the case history, the scene of death and the autopsy as well as complementary analyses. Therefore intensive cooperation between criminal investigators and forensic physicians is absolutely necessary.}, }
@article {pmid9398375, year = {1997}, author = {Soler, M and Soler, JJ and Martinez, JG}, title = {Great spotted cuckoos improve their reproductive success by damaging magpie host eggs.}, journal = {Animal behaviour}, volume = {54}, number = {5}, pages = {1227-1233}, doi = {10.1006/anbe.1997.0524}, pmid = {9398375}, issn = {0003-3472}, abstract = {Adult great spotted cuckoos, Clamator glandariusdamage the eggs of their magpie, Pica picahost without removing or eating them. The number of damaged magpie eggs was recorded in 360 parasitized nests of which 62.2% contained between one and eight damaged magpie eggs. Egg-destroying behaviour may be adaptive if it reduces nestling competition and/or enhances the hatching success of the cuckoo. To clarify the role of egg destruction for the reproductive success of great spotted cuckoos, unparasitized magpie nests were experimentally parasitized (without egg damage) by introducing cuckoo eggs or chicks. Egg damage was common in parasitized nests but the eggs were not damaged by the hosts. Egg damage increased the breeding success of the cuckoos, by both reducing the number of competing host chicks in the nest and increasing the likelihood that late-laid cuckoo eggs would hatch.Copyright 1997 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour1997The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour}, }
@article {pmid9360313, year = {1997}, author = {Tobalske, BW and Olson, NE and Dial, KP}, title = {Flight style of the black-billed magpie: variation in wing kinematics, neuromuscular control, and muscle composition.}, journal = {The Journal of experimental zoology}, volume = {279}, number = {4}, pages = {313-329}, doi = {10.1002/(sici)1097-010x(19971101)279:4&lt;313::aid-jez1&gt;3.0.co;2-r}, pmid = {9360313}, issn = {0022-104X}, mesh = {Animals ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Birds/*physiology ; Electromyography ; Flight, Animal/*physiology ; Muscle Fibers, Fast-Twitch/physiology ; Muscle, Skeletal/anatomy &amp; histology/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Black-billed magpies (Pica pica; Corvidae) exhibit an unusual flight style with pronounced, cyclic variation in wingbeat frequency and amplitude during level, cruising flight. In an effort to better understand the underlying internal mechanisms associated with this flight style, we studied muscle activity patterns, fiber composition of the pectoralis muscle, and wingbeat kinematics using both laboratory and field techniques. Over a wide range of speeds in a windtunnel (0-13.4 m s-1), wingbeat frequency, wingtip elevation, and relative intensity of electromyographic (EMG) signals s-1 from the flight muscles were least at intermediate speeds, and increased at both slower and faster speeds, in approximate agreement with theoretical models that predict a U-shaped curve of power output with flight speed. Considerable variation was evident in kinematic and electromyographic variables, but variation was continuous, and, thus, was not adequately described by the simple two-gait system which is currently accepted as describing gait selection during vertebrate flight. Indirect evidence suggests that magpies vary their flight style consistent with reducing average power costs in comparison to costs associated with continuous flapping at a fixed level of power per wingbeat. The range of variation for the kinematic variables was similar in the field and lab; however, in the field, proportionally fewer flights showed significant correlations between wingbeat frequency and the other variables. Average flight speed in the field was 8.0 m s-1. Average wingbeat frequency was less in the field than in the windtunnel, but mean values for wingtip elevation and wingspan at midupstroke were not significantly different. Histological study revealed that the pectoralis muscle of magpies contained only fast-twitch (acid-stable) muscle fibers, which were classified as red (R) and intermediate (I) based on oxidative and glycolytic capacities along with fiber diameter. This fiber composition may be related to variation in wingbeat kinematics, but such composition is found in the pectoralis of other bird species. This suggests that the muscle fibers commonly found in the pectoralis of small to medium sized birds are capable of a wider range of efficient contractile velocities than predicted by existing theory. Future studies should explore alternative explanations for variation in wingbeat kinematics, including the potential role of nonverbal communication among cospecifics.}, }
@article {pmid9343133, year = {1997}, author = {Zuccalà, G and Cattel, C and Manes-Gravina, E and Di Niro, MG and Cocchi, A and Bernabei, R}, title = {Left ventricular dysfunction: a clue to cognitive impairment in older patients with heart failure.}, journal = {Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry}, volume = {63}, number = {4}, pages = {509-512}, doi = {10.1136/jnnp.63.4.509}, pmid = {9343133}, issn = {0022-3050}, mesh = {Aged ; Analysis of Variance ; Cognition Disorders/diagnosis/*etiology ; Female ; Functional Laterality ; Heart Failure/*complications ; Humans ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Severity of Illness Index ; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/*complications ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Cognitive impairment has been reported in middle aged patients with end stage heart failure. This cross sectional study assessed the prevalence and determinants of cognitive dysfunction in older patients with mild to moderate heart failure.<br><br>METHODS: 57 consecutive patients (mean age 76.7 years) with chronic heart failure underwent physical examination, blood chemistry, urinalysis, chest radiography ECG, Doppler echocardiography, and the mini mental state examination (MMSE), mental deterioration battery, depression scale of the Center for Epidemiological Studies (CES-D), Katz activities of daily living, and instrumental activities of daily living 24 hours before hospital discharge.<br><br>RESULTS: MMSE scores <24 were found in 53% of participants. The MMSE score was associated with left ventricular ejection fraction according to a non-linear correlation, so that cognitive performance was significantly lower in subjects with left ventricular ejection fraction < or =30%. The same pattern of correlation was evidenced between left ventricular ejection fraction and both the attention sub-item of MMSE and the Raven test score. In a multivariate linear regression model, after adjusting for age, sex, and a series of clinical data and objective tests, both age (beta=-0.30; P=0.038) and the natural log of left ventricular ejection fraction (beta=0.58; P=0.001) were associated with the MMSE score.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Cognitive impairment in older patients with chronic heart failure is common, and independently associated with lower left ventricular ejection fraction. Given the overwhelming incidence and prevalence of heart failure in older populations, early detection of cognitive impairment in these subjects with prompt, intensive treatment of left ventricular systolic dysfunction may prevent or delay a remarkable proportion of dementia in advanced age.}, }
@article {pmid9308329, year = {1997}, author = {Lai, KA and Lin, CJ and Su, FC}, title = {Gait analysis of adult patients with complete congenital dislocation of the hip.}, journal = {Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan yi zhi}, volume = {96}, number = {9}, pages = {740-744}, pmid = {9308329}, issn = {0929-6646}, mesh = {Adult ; Female ; *Gait ; Hip Dislocation, Congenital/*physiopathology ; Humans ; }, abstract = {Comprehensive gait analysis is valuable in understanding the performance of patients with lower limb disorders. The gait pattern of adult patients with untreated congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH) has not yet been reported. We studied the gait pattern in nine women (mean age 31.4 years) with Crows group IV CDH. Six had unilateral and three had bilateral involvement. They were not treated during childhood and had no pain at the time of study. A control group comprised 15 normal female subjects of the same age group. Gait was studied using a motion-analysis system, force plateforms, and computer calculation during level walking. Common abnormal gait patterns seen in patients with both unilateral and bilateral CDH were slower walking velocity, which was due to a shorter stride length, less forward tilting of the pelvis, insufficient flexion, and excessive internal rotation of the hips. The patients with unilateral CDH had a shorter step length, lower pelvis, a lateral shift of the ground reaction force, decreased maximum adduction moments of the hip and knee on the diseased side, and increased maximum adduction moments of the hip and knee on the unaffected side. This asymmetry may have been due to leg length inequality. Thus, correlation of the leg length discrepancy may be important for unilateral CDH patients in improving their gait.}, }
@article {pmid9381236, year = {1997}, author = {Sandiford, P and Cassel, J and Sanchez, G and Coldham, C}, title = {Does intelligence account for the link between maternal literacy and child survival?.}, journal = {Social science &amp; medicine (1982)}, volume = {45}, number = {8}, pages = {1231-1239}, doi = {10.1016/s0277-9536(97)00042-7}, pmid = {9381236}, issn = {0277-9536}, mesh = {Adult ; Child ; *Child Welfare ; *Educational Status ; Female ; Housing ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant Mortality ; *Intelligence ; Maternal Behavior ; Nicaragua ; Socioeconomic Factors ; }, abstract = {The strong and consistent correlation between maternal education and child health is now well known, and numerous studies have shown that wealth and income cannot explain the link. Policy-makers have therefore assumed that the relationship is causal and explicitly advocate schooling as a child health intervention. However, there are other factors which could account for the apparent effect of maternal education on child morbidity and mortality, one of which is intelligence. This paper examines the effect of maternal intelligence on child health and looks at the degree to which it can explain the literacy associations with child survival and risk of malnutrition. The data are from a retrospective cohort study of 1294 mothers and their 7475 offspring, of whom 454 were women who had learned to read and write as adults in Nicaragua's literacy programme, 457 were illiterate, and 383 had become literate as young girls attending school. The women's intelligence was tested using Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices. Acquisition of literacy was strongly related to intelligence. Statistically significant associations with maternal literacy were found for under five mortality, infant mortality, and the risk of low mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC) for age, before and after controlling for a wide range of socio-economic factors. Under five, child (one to four years), infant and post-neonatal mortality plus the risk of low height for age were significantly correlated with intelligence, but only with infant and under mortality rates did the association remain significant after controlling for socio-economic factors. A significant interaction between intelligence and literacy for under five mortality was due to literacy having a strong effect in the women of low intelligence, and a negligible effect among those of high intelligence. This study provides evidence that intelligence is an important determinant of child health among the illiterate, and that education may have the greatest impact on child health for mothers of relatively low intelligence.}, }
@article {pmid9284386, year = {1997}, author = {Ley, DH and Berkhoff, JE and Levisohn, S}, title = {Molecular epidemiologic investigations of Mycoplasma gallisepticum conjunctivitis in songbirds by random amplified polymorphic DNA analyses.}, journal = {Emerging infectious diseases}, volume = {3}, number = {3}, pages = {375-380}, pmid = {9284386}, issn = {1080-6040}, mesh = {Animals ; Base Sequence ; Bird Diseases/*epidemiology/*microbiology ; Birds ; Conjunctivitis, Bacterial/epidemiology/microbiology/*veterinary ; DNA Primers/genetics ; DNA, Bacterial/*genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Disease Outbreaks/veterinary ; Mycoplasma/*genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; Mycoplasma Infections/epidemiology/microbiology/*veterinary ; Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique ; United States/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {An ongoing outbreak of conjunctivitis in free-ranging house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) began in 1994 in the eastern United States. Bacterial organisms identified as Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) were isolated from lesions of infected birds. MG was also isolated from a blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) that contracted conjunctivitis after being housed in a cage previously occupied by house finches with conjunctivitis, and from free-ranging American goldfinches (Carduelis tristis) in North Carolina in 1996. To investigate the molecular epidemiology of this outbreak, we produced DNA fingerprints of MG isolates by random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD). We compared MG isolates from songbirds examined from 1994 through 1996 in 11 states, representing three host species, with vaccine and reference strains and with contemporary MG isolates from commercial poultry. All MG isolates from songbirds had RAPD banding patterns identical to each other but different from other strains and isolates tested. These results indicate that the outbreak of MG in songbirds is caused by the same strain, which suggests a single source; the outbreak is not caused by the vaccine or reference strains analyzed; and MG infection has not been shared between songbirds and commercial poultry.}, }
@article {pmid9212721, year = {1997}, author = {Prabhakaran, V and Smith, JA and Desmond, JE and Glover, GH and Gabrieli, JD}, title = {Neural substrates of fluid reasoning: an fMRI study of neocortical activation during performance of the Raven's Progressive Matrices Test.}, journal = {Cognitive psychology}, volume = {33}, number = {1}, pages = {43-63}, doi = {10.1006/cogp.1997.0659}, pmid = {9212721}, issn = {0010-0285}, support = {AG12995/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Brain/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; *Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; }, abstract = {We examined brain activation, as measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging, during problem solving in seven young, healthy participants. Participants solved problems selected from the Raven's Progressive Matrices Test, a test known to predict performance on a wide range of reasoning tasks. In three conditions, participants solved problems requiring (1) analytic reasoning; (2) figural or visuospatial reasoning; or (3) simple pattern matching that served as a perceptual-motor control. Right frontal and bilateral parietal regions were activated more by figural than control problems. Bilateral frontal and left parietal, occipital, and temporal regions were activated more by analytic than figural problems. All of these regions were activated more by analytic than match problems. Many of these activations occurred in regions associated with working memory. Figural reasoning activated areas involved in spatial and object working memory. Analytic reasoning activated additional areas involved in verbal working memory and domain-independent associative and executive processes. These results suggest that fluid reasoning is mediated by a composite of working memory systems.}, }
@article {pmid9170282, year = {1997}, author = {Hanson, MT and Coss, RG}, title = {Age differences in the response of California ground Squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) to avian and mammalian predators.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {111}, number = {2}, pages = {174-184}, doi = {10.1037/0735-7036.111.2.174}, pmid = {9170282}, issn = {0735-7036}, mesh = {Aging/*psychology ; Animals ; Arousal ; Birds ; Discrimination Learning ; Dogs ; *Escape Reaction ; *Fear ; Female ; Male ; *Predatory Behavior ; Problem Solving ; Sciuridae/*psychology ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {The antipredator behavior of juvenile and adult California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) was videotaped in Experiment 1 to measure the effects of age on assessment of a briefly presented live dog and a model red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) in simulated flight. Adult squirrels treated the hawk as more dangerous than the dog, whereas juvenile squirrels showed less differentiation of the predator types. Juvenile squirrels also perceived the dog as a more immediate danger than adult squirrels did. For Experiment 2, the red-tailed hawk model was compared with models of a nonthreatening turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) and crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos). Neither age class differentiated the avian models; however, the adult squirrels treated these birds as more threatening than the juvenile squirrels did. Both studies suggest that learning may contribute to predator assessment.}, }
@article {pmid9385085, year = {1997}, author = {Agmo, A}, title = {Male rat sexual behavior.}, journal = {Brain research. Brain research protocols}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {203-209}, doi = {10.1016/s1385-299x(96)00036-0}, pmid = {9385085}, issn = {1385-299X}, mesh = {Animals ; Copulation/physiology ; Ejaculation/physiology ; Female ; Male ; Neurosciences/*methods ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred Strains ; Reaction Time ; *Sex Characteristics ; Sexual Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The male rat's sexual behavior constitutes a highly ordered sequence of motor acts involving both striate and smooth muscles. It is spontaneously displayed by most adult made rats in the presence of a sexually receptive female. Although the behavior is important for the survival of the species it is not necessary for survival of the individual. In that way it is different from other spontaneous behaviors such as eating, drinking, avoidance of pain, respiration or thermoregulation. Among other things, this means that it is difficult to talk about sexual deprivation or need. Nevertheless, studies of male sex behavior distinguish sexual motivation (the ease by which behavior is activated, "libido") from the execution of copulatory acts (performance, "potency") (Meisel, R.L. and Sachs, B.D., The physiology of male sexual behavior. In: E. Knobil and J.D. Neill (Eds.), The Physiology of Reproduction, 2nd Edn., Vol. 2, Raven Press, New York, 1994, pp. 3-105 [13]). The hormonal control of male sexual behavior has been extensively studied. It is clear that steroid hormones, androgens and estrogens, act within the central nervous system, modifying neuronal excitability. The exact mechanism by which these hormones activate sex behavior remains largely unknown. However, there exists a considerable amount of knowledge concerning the brain structures important for sexual motivation and for the execution of sex behavior. The modulatory role of some non-steroid hormones is partly known, as well as the consequences of manipulations of several neurotransmitter systems.}, }
@article {pmid9106083, year = {1997}, author = {Ellis, DA and Tan, AK}, title = {Cosmetic upper-facial rejuvenation with botulinum.}, journal = {The Journal of otolaryngology}, volume = {26}, number = {2}, pages = {92-96}, pmid = {9106083}, issn = {0381-6605}, mesh = {Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*therapeutic use ; Contraindications ; Drug Monitoring ; Facial Expression ; Humans ; Neuromuscular Agents/*therapeutic use ; Prospective Studies ; Rhytidoplasty/adverse effects/*methods ; Skin Aging/*drug effects/pathology ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate the cosmetic use of botulinum toxin type A (Botox), which blocks the release of acetylcholine at the presynaptic neuromuscular junction leading to an irreversible, but temporary chemical denervation muscular paralysis and weakness. This produces a significant cosmetic improvement of wrinkling in the upper face due to hyperfunctional animation.<br><br>METHOD: A prospective clinical study representing our experience with this new technique is presented. Patient selection and evaluation, classification of animation lines, techniques, results and complications are discussed. In a 15-month period, 23 patients with seven anatomic sites were injected. Twenty-three patients had the lateral aspect and the inferior aspect of their squint lines injected, and 26 patients had their glabellar frownlines injected.<br><br>RESULTS: Significant improvement occurred to the average depth and length of the glabellar frownlines. The subjective improvement by the patients was also significant. Regarding the crow's feet, the lateral canthal lines showed more improvement than the inferior lateral canthal lines because the latter has a greater component of zygomaticus major and minor muscle, which contributes to the inferior lateral squint line.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Botox is a safe, easy-to-use, effective modality for the temporary elimination of hyperfunctioning upper-facial muscles.}, }
@article {pmid9386912, year = {1997}, author = {Sherry, DF}, title = {Cross-species comparisons.}, journal = {Ciba Foundation symposium}, volume = {208}, number = {}, pages = {181-9; discussion 189-94}, doi = {10.1002/9780470515372.ch10}, pmid = {9386912}, issn = {0300-5208}, mesh = {*Adaptation, Psychological ; Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Birds ; *Choice Behavior ; Food ; Hippocampus ; Humans ; }, abstract = {Cognitive and neural adaptations in animals have been analysed using the comparative method. Comparisons between closely related species that differ in a cognitive or neural character, and comparison between distantly related species that share a cognitive or neural character, can be used to identify adaptations. Recent research has identified adaptive modifications of memory and the hippocampus that have evolved convergently in two clades of food-storing birds, the chickadees and tits (Paridae), and the jays and nutcrackers (Corvidae). Similar modifications of the hippocampus occur in other groups of animals, such as the cowbird brood parasites, in which there has been selection for spatial memory. Three general patterns that emerge from the comparative study of animal cognition provide a framework for research on human psychological adaptations: the existence of both specialized and general cognitive capacities; a clear relation between specialized capacities and specific selective pressures; and evolutionary change in the relative size of brain areas with cognitive functions.}, }
@article {pmid9319310, year = {1997}, author = {Boggs, D and Seveyka, J and Kilgore, D and Dial, K}, title = {Coordination of respiratory cycles with wingbeat cycles in the black-billed magpie (Pica pica).}, journal = {The Journal of experimental biology}, volume = {200}, number = {Pt 9}, pages = {1413-1420}, doi = {10.1242/jeb.200.9.1413}, pmid = {9319310}, issn = {1477-9145}, abstract = {Magpies fly with a variable pattern of wingstroke, including high-amplitude rapid flaps and low-amplitude slower flaps with interspersed brief glides. This allowed us to test the hypothesis that if phasic coordination between respiratory and wingbeat cycles is important mechanically and energetically, then, as a bird changes its wingbeat cycle, its respiratory cycle should change with it. We also tested the strength of the drive to coordinate respiratory to locomotor cycles by stimulating breathing with 5 % CO2 during flight. We found that magpies (N=5) do shorten their breath cycle time when they shorten their wingbeat cycle time and prolong their breath cycle time when they glide. When the coordination ratio of wingbeat cycles to breaths is 3:1, the pattern of phasic coordination ensures two upstrokes per inspiration and two downstrokes per expiration. Upstroke tends to coincide with the transition into inspiration or with early inspiration and late inspiration. Downstroke tends to coincide with the transition into expiration or with early expiration and late expiration. When magpies switch from a 3:1 ratio to a 2:1 ratio of wingbeat cycles to breaths, they shorten inspiratory time to ensure that upstroke occurs through most of inspiration and downstroke corresponds to the transition into expiration. These phasic coordination patterns ensure that the compression of the airsacs during downstroke can provide a net assistance to expiration and that the expansion of the airsacs with upstroke can provide a net assistance to inspiration. The failure of an atmosphere containing 5 % CO2 to disrupt these phasic coordination patterns between respiratory and locomotory cycles suggests that there may be a potent mechanical and energetic benefit to such coordination.}, }
@article {pmid9319297, year = {1997}, author = {Boggs, D and Jenkins, F and Dial, K}, title = {The effects of the wingbeat cycle on respiration in black-billed magpies (Pica pica).}, journal = {The Journal of experimental biology}, volume = {200}, number = {Pt 9}, pages = {1403-1412}, doi = {10.1242/jeb.200.9.1403}, pmid = {9319297}, issn = {1477-9145}, abstract = {Interclavicular and posterior thoracic airsac pressures, tracheal airflows and pectoralis muscle activity were recorded simultaneously to determine the effect of the wingbeat cycle upon the function of the respiratory system. The effects of the wingbeat cycle on the relative positions of thoraco-abdominal skeletal structures were also assessed using high-speed X-ray cinematography of magpies Pica pica flying in a windtunnel. We found that the furcula bends laterally on the downstroke and recoils medially on the upstroke, as previously described for starlings, and that the coraco-sternal joint (the most consistently visible point on the sternum for digitization) is displaced dorsally during the downstroke and ventrally, with respect to the vertebral column, during the upstroke. In magpies, there are generally three wingbeat cycles during a respiratory cycle. When downstroke occurs during inspiration, its compressive effect reduces the inspiratory subatmospheric airsac pressure by an average of 92 % (0.35 kPa), whereas when upstroke occurs during expiration its expansive effect can reduce the expiratory supra-atmospheric airsac pressure by 63 % (0.23 kPa). Corresponding changes occur in tracheal airflow. Changes in respiratory parameters during short flights with respect to resting values include a doubling of tidal volume and a tripling of respiratory frequency. We conclude that the wingbeat cycle can have a substantial impact on respiratory system function in the flying magpie, and that this represents a mechanical basis for breathing patterns and patterns of phasic coordination between wingbeat and respiratory cycles that may result in minimal interference and maximal assistance from the wingbeat upon the respiratory cycle.}, }
@article {pmid9231378, year = {1997}, author = {Schoech, SJ and Mumme, RL and Wingfield, JC}, title = {Corticosterone, reproductive status, and body mass in a cooperative breeder, the Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens).}, journal = {Physiological zoology}, volume = {70}, number = {1}, pages = {68-73}, doi = {10.1086/639545}, pmid = {9231378}, issn = {0031-935X}, mesh = {Analysis of Variance ; Animals ; Bird Diseases/blood/physiopathology ; Birds/*blood/*physiology ; *Body Mass Index ; Breeding ; Corticosterone/*blood ; Female ; Florida ; Handling, Psychological ; Linear Models ; Male ; Radioimmunoassay ; Reproduction/*physiology ; Stress, Physiological/blood/physiopathology/veterinary ; }, abstract = {In the cooperatively breeding Florida scrub-jay, nonbreeders are subordinate to the breeders with which they share a territory. Corticosterone is secreted in response to a wide range of stressors, including social stress, and suppresses reproductive and territorial behaviors in several taxa; thus, elevated baseline levels of corticosterone might be a causal mechanism of reproductive suppression. To test the hypothesis that nonbreeder Florida scrub-jays are reproductively suppressed through the actions of corticosterone, we compared corticosterone levels of nonbreeders and breeders and found no differences. However, baseline corticosterone levels only provide information about a bird's current hormonal status. Virtually all species exhibit a rapid rise in glucocorticoids in response to an acute stressor. If the adrenocortical response of nonbreeders is greater than that of breeders, this might be a mechanism whereby nonbreeders remain reproductively quiescent. We compared the responses of breeders and nonbreeders to the acute stress of being captured and held for 1 h. Both exhibited significant but equivalent increases in corticosterone titers. Because in some species heavier or fatter individuals have reduced glucocorticoid responses to stressors, we examined whether body mass was correlated with corticosterone titers. Both baseline and maximum corticosterone levels covaried with body mass, and the effect of body mass on corticosterone levels explained the increase due to capture and handling. Our data do not support the hypothesis that Florida scrub-jay nonbreeders are reproductively suppressed through the actions of corticosterone.}, }
@article {pmid8936896, year = {1996}, author = {Bachanas, PJ and Blount, RL}, title = {The Behavioral Approach-Avoidance and Distress Scale: an investigation of reliability and validity during painful medical procedures.}, journal = {Journal of pediatric psychology}, volume = {21}, number = {5}, pages = {671-681}, doi = {10.1093/jpepsy/21.5.671}, pmid = {8936896}, issn = {0146-8693}, mesh = {*Adaptation, Psychological ; Adult ; *Avoidance Learning ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Defense Mechanisms ; Escape Reaction ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Pain/*psychology ; Pain Measurement/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Personality Assessment/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Psychometrics ; Reproducibility of Results ; *Sick Role ; Vaccination/*psychology ; }, abstract = {Validated the use of the Behavioral Approach-Avoidance and Distress Scale (BAADS; Hubert, Jay, Saltoun, &amp; Hayes, 1988), which was reported to be easily completed and scored in an analog situation, for measuring children's distress and coping style during actual painful medical procedures. 60 preschool children who were receiving immunizations at a health department were subjects. Objective measures (Observational Scale of Behavioral Distress and Child-Adult Medical Procedure Interaction Scale-Revised) and subjective measures (child-, parent-, and nurse-report) were used. Results of the current study support the internal consistency and concurrent validity of the Distress subscale of the BAADS; however, some caution is suggested in interpreting the Approach-Avoidance subscale. Discussion focuses on the utility of this scale in clinical settings and the cost-effectiveness of this measure for assessing pediatric patients.}, }
@article {pmid8922086, year = {1996}, author = {Araya, M and Espinoza, J and Zegers, B and Cruchet, S and Brunser, O and Humphreys, D and Fernandez, CL}, title = {Altered maternal psychological profile as health risk factor in poor urban infants.}, journal = {Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)}, volume = {85}, number = {10}, pages = {1213-1216}, doi = {10.1111/j.1651-2227.1996.tb18231.x}, pmid = {8922086}, issn = {0803-5253}, mesh = {Adult ; Analysis of Variance ; Chile ; Diarrhea, Infantile/*epidemiology ; Female ; Health Status Indicators ; Humans ; Infant ; Intelligence Tests ; *Maternal Behavior ; Mental Health ; *Poverty ; *Psychotic Disorders ; Regression Analysis ; Respiratory Tract Diseases/*epidemiology ; Risk Factors ; Rorschach Test ; Urban Population ; }, abstract = {To test the hypothesis that the increased health risk of children selected by a previously calculated and validated predictive model is associated with some maternal psychological characteristics, the universe of 107 mothers of children selected by this model was evaluated by means of Goldberg's General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30), Raven (Ra) and Rorschach (Ro) tests; 37.4% were cases according to GHQ-30, 80.9% were < 50th percentile in Ra and 85% exhibited deviant responses in Ro tests. Children whose mother's IQ was < 50th percentile suffered more episodes of total morbidity (Tm) and of diarrhoea (p = 0.0364). Children whose mothers were normal in Ro had less Tm (p = 0.0364) and fewer respiratory symptoms (p = 0.0300) and tended to have less diarrhoea (p = 0.0690). In poor urban families in Santiago psychological maternal characteristics are associated with an increased health risk for the infants. Supportive programmes should consider both biological characteristics of the infants and maternal psychological needs.}, }
@article {pmid8840682, year = {1996}, author = {Hubálek, Z and Anderson, JF and Halouzka, J and Hájek, V}, title = {Borreliae in immature Ixodes ricinus (Acari:Ixodidae) ticks parasitizing birds in the Czech Republic.}, journal = {Journal of medical entomology}, volume = {33}, number = {5}, pages = {766-771}, doi = {10.1093/jmedent/33.5.766}, pmid = {8840682}, issn = {0022-2585}, support = {AI30548/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/*parasitology ; Borrelia burgdorferi Group/*isolation &amp; purification ; Ixodes/*microbiology ; Tick Infestations/*veterinary ; }, abstract = {Of 411 forest birds of 33 species examined near Valtice, Czech Republic, 29% were infested with Ixodes ricinus (L.); 2.2% were parasitized by Haemaphysalis concinna Koch. Borreliae were detected in 5.1 and 11.7% of larval and nymphal I. ricinus, respectively. None of the 13 H. concinna tested was infected. In total, 3.2% of the birds examined were parasitized by I. ricinus immatures infected by borreliae. Borreliae-containing ticks parasitized European robin, Erithacus rubecula (L.); Eurasian blackbird, Turdus merula L.; Blackcap, Sylvia atricapilla (L.); Eurasian chiffchaff, Phylloscopus collybita (Vieillot); Great tit, Parus major L.; and Eurasian jay, Garrulus glandarius (L.). The isolate BR-34 from a nymphal I. ricinus off a Eurasian blackbird had a sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis protein pattern, reactions to monoclonal antibodies, and fragments of HindIII digested DNA probed with fla and ospA genes that suggested to us that it belongs to the genospecies Borrelia garinii. Free-living birds may be involved in the circulation of B. burgdorferi sensu lato principally as disseminators of infected ixodid ticks to new area.}, }
@article {pmid8764668, year = {1996}, author = {Mattay, VS and Berman, KF and Ostrem, JL and Esposito, G and Van Horn, JD and Bigelow, LB and Weinberger, DR}, title = {Dextroamphetamine enhances "neural network-specific" physiological signals: a positron-emission tomography rCBF study.}, journal = {The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience}, volume = {16}, number = {15}, pages = {4816-4822}, pmid = {8764668}, issn = {0270-6474}, mesh = {Adult ; Analysis of Variance ; Brain/*diagnostic imaging ; Cerebrovascular Circulation/*drug effects ; Cognition/drug effects ; Dextroamphetamine/*pharmacology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Memory/drug effects ; Tomography, Emission-Computed ; }, abstract = {Previous studies in animals and humans suggest that monoamines enhance behavior-evoked neural activity relative to nonspecific background activity (i.e., increase signal-to-noise ratio). We studied the effects of dextroamphetamine, an indirect monoaminergic agonist, on cognitively evoked neural activity in eight healthy subjects using positron-emission tomography and the O15 water intravenous bolus method to measure regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF). Dextroamphetamine (0.25 mg/kg) or placebo was administered in a double-blind, counterbalanced design 2 hr before the rCBF study in sessions separated by 1-2 weeks. rCBF was measured while subjects performed four different tasks: two abstract reasoning tasks--the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task (WCST), a neuropsychological test linked to a cortical network involving dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and other association cortices, and Ravens Progressive Matrices (RPM), a nonverbal intelligence test linked to posterior cortical systems--and two corresponding sensorimotor control tasks. There were no significant drug or task effects on pCO2 or on global blood flow. However, the effect of dextroamphetamine (i.e., dextroamphetamine vs placebo) on task-dependent rCBF activation (i.e., task - control task) showed double dissociations with respect to task and region in the very brain areas that most distinctly differentiate the tasks. In the superior portion of the left inferior frontal gyrus, dextroamphetamine increased rCBF during WCST but decreased it during RPM (ANOVA F (1,7) = 16.72, p < 0.0046). In right hippocampus, blood flow decreased during WCST but increased during RPM (ANOVA F(1,7) = 18.7, p < 0.0035). These findings illustrate that dextroamphetamine tends to "focus" neural activity, to highlight the neural network that is specific for a particular cognitive task. This capacity of dextroamphetamine to induce cognitively specific signal augmentation may provide a neurobiological explanation for improved cognitive efficiency with dextroamphetamine.}, }
@article {pmid8876010, year = {1996}, author = {Dupont, RM and Rourke, SB and Grant, I and Lehr, PP and Reed, RJ and Challakere, K and Lamoureux, G and Halpern, S}, title = {Single photon emission computed tomography with iodoamphetamine-123 and neuropsychological studies in long-term abstinent alcoholics.}, journal = {Psychiatry research}, volume = {67}, number = {2}, pages = {99-111}, doi = {10.1016/0925-4927(96)02769-2}, pmid = {8876010}, issn = {0165-1781}, support = {MH-13899/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; MH-30914/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; MO1-RR00827/RR/NCRR NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Alcoholism/*diagnosis ; Brain/blood supply ; Humans ; Male ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; Smoking ; *Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon ; }, abstract = {Ten long-term abstinent alcoholics (mean abstinence = 7.7 years) were compared with 13 recently detoxified substance-dependent inpatients (mean abstinence = 25 days) and 8 nonalcoholic control subjects on global end regional measures of cortical cerebral blood flow (CBF), and on neuropsychological measures. CBF was assessed using 123iodoamphetamine (IMP) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) under conditions of behavioral challenge (Raven's Progressive Matrices). CBF and neuropsychological test performance were worse in the recently detoxified inpatients. Of greater interest, there was a dissociation in the long-term abstinent group, which, while neuropsychologically indistinguishable from controls, showed significantly decreased mean cortical IMP uptake. We conclude that there may be persistent physiologic abnormalities in long-term abstinent alcoholics who have achieved full behavioral recovery. Smoking on the day of SPECT scanning was also identified to be a significant confound to understanding CBF changes in alcoholism.}, }
@article {pmid8912342, year = {1996}, author = {Zorina, ZA and Smirnova, AA}, title = {Quantitative evaluations in gray crows: generalization of the relative attribute "larger set".}, journal = {Neuroscience and behavioral physiology}, volume = {26}, number = {4}, pages = {357-364}, pmid = {8912342}, issn = {0097-0549}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Choice Behavior/physiology ; Conditioning, Operant/physiology ; Generalization, Psychological ; Size Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Four gray crows were trained to choose the larger of two sets presented to them within the "1-12" range. The color, form, and size of the stimulus elements on cards, as well as the patterns of their disposition, were varied constantly during training, while at the same time prohibiting the use of extraneous features not relating to the number of elements. In order to exclude choice on the basis of the total area of the elements, series of presentations with variation of the ratio of the number of elements and their total area were carried out: in half of the presentations the larger set consisted of small elements, and the smaller set of large elements; in the second half, the reverse. In this range all of the birds demonstrated a high accuracy of evaluations (75.3 +/- 2.4%), including when there were minimal differences between the sets to be compared. Thus, in the "1-12" range, the crows were found to be capable of accurately comparing sets precisely on the basis of the number of elements in them. When a transition was made to a new "10-20" range, all of the crows demonstrated a successful transfer of the developed reaction (71.5 +/- 2.3%). However, when the ratio of the number of elements and their total area was varied, only two birds were able to cope with this task (71.9 +/- 3.6%). Overall, the results obtained indicate a capacity of crows for the formation of the concept "larger set," and are regarded as a manifestation of a high level of development of reflective activity.}, }
@article {pmid8767042, year = {1996}, author = {Verdoux, H and Bourgeois, M}, title = {[Schizophrenic deficit syndrome and neurologic tolerance].}, journal = {L'Encephale}, volume = {22 Spec No 2}, number = {}, pages = {45-47}, pmid = {8767042}, issn = {0013-7006}, mesh = {Antipsychotic Agents/*adverse effects/therapeutic use ; Depression/classification/diagnosis/*drug therapy/psychology ; Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced/*diagnosis/psychology ; Humans ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales ; Risk Factors ; Schizophrenia/classification/diagnosis/*drug therapy ; *Schizophrenic Psychology ; }, abstract = {Risk factors promoting the occurrence of neuroleptic-related tardive dyskinesia remain poorly understood. It has been hypothesized that type II schizophrenia, based on Crow's classification, would be more liable to this complication due to cerebral structural abnormalities involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia characterized by deficitary symptoms. Association between tardive dyskinesia and cognitive deficit is currently the most firmly established. Data in the literature concerning the association between tardive dyskinesia and the other features of type II schizophrenia are more contradictory.}, }
@article {pmid8767037, year = {1996}, author = {Samuelian, JC}, title = {[Incidence of the deficit form in refractory schizophrenia].}, journal = {L'Encephale}, volume = {22 Spec No 2}, number = {}, pages = {19-23}, pmid = {8767037}, issn = {0013-7006}, mesh = {Antipsychotic Agents/*therapeutic use ; Chronic Disease ; Depression/classification/diagnosis/*drug therapy ; Humans ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales ; Schizophrenia/classification/diagnosis/*drug therapy ; *Schizophrenic Psychology ; Treatment Failure ; }, abstract = {The treatment and management of schizophrenic patients "resistant" to neuroleptics is one of the major problem areas in current psychiatry, as is deficitary (non-productive) schizophrenia, which is considered to be the least curable clinical form of the disease. What is the scope of these definitions? The majority of definitions amalgamate affective blunting, social withdrawal, poverty of ideas and speech when describing the deficitary clinical picture. Even though there are differences between authors such as Andreasen and Kay, the consensus opinion holds that there is impoverished emotional range and diminished spontaneous movement. The term "resistance" refers to resistance to neuroleptic treatments. Kane, for example, stipulates that 3 antipsychotic treatments at effective doses and prescribed for an adequate length of time must have proved to be ineffective before the patient can be termed "treatment-resistant". Based on studies, 5 to 20% of these patients are also intolerant of neuroleptics, in particular of their extrapyramidal effects, which induce Parkinson's syndrome, akathisia and tardive dyskinesia. The sedative and extrapyramidal effects of neuroleptics may incidentally augment the negative symptoms (Möller, 1993). Currently there is no scientific method of predicting the likely profile of responders and non-responders to neuroleptics. Collaborative studies carried out by the National Institute of Mental Health (Cole et al., 1964, 1966) on the response to neuroleptics in the acute phase of schizophrenia showed that 3% of patients were worsened, 22% marginally improved and 69% greatly improved by treatment. Recognition of negative forms in resistant schizophrenia also requires distinction between depressive features which develop during the course of schizophrenia. Symptoms such as anhedonia, apathy, social withdrawal and poverty of speed which are typical of depressive illness are also considered to be schizophrenic symptoms (Maier et al., 1990). It is currently accepted that 10 to 25% of schizophrenic patients may be considered as non-responders to antipsychotic treatments. When evaluating this response not only the disappearance of positive and negative symptoms, but also the ability to function socially and professionally and the number of hospitalizations must be taken into account (Strauss and Carpenter, 1972), (Brenner, 1990). It is highly appropriate to evaluate the beneficial effects of treatments on positive and negative symptoms. Johnstone et al. (1978) verified the hypothesis that the traditional neuroleptics were less effective against negative symptoms. Kay and Opler (1987) showed that improvement in these symptoms took longer to become established. The negative symptoms which characterize type II schizophrenia described by Crow (1980, 1985) are considered to be non-responders to treatment. However, authors such as Goldberg (1985) and Meltzer et al. (1986) in the French tradition have dismissed this argument. Studies on the evaluation of treatment currently tend to make a sharp distinction between negative and positive poles. In all cases, biological treatment is rarely adequate and it is essential to combine it with psychosocial therapy. Information from patient and family on the type of illness involved and on the different types of assistance which can be provided, as much medical as purely social, invariably proves useful.}, }
@article {pmid11363530, year = {1996}, author = {Levy, JA}, title = {Scanning the headlines with Jay A. Levy, MD. Interview by Mark Mascolini.}, journal = {Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care}, volume = {2}, number = {5}, pages = {40-44}, pmid = {11363530}, issn = {1081-454X}, mesh = {Animals ; Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use ; Disease Models, Animal ; Genes, nef ; HIV/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; *HIV Infections/complications/drug therapy/immunology ; Humans ; Needlestick Injuries ; Papio ; Sarcoma, Kaposi/virology ; Sexual Behavior ; Simplexvirus/isolation &amp; purification/pathogenicity ; }, }
@article {pmid8767044, year = {1996}, author = {Brazo, P and Ribeyre, JM and Petit, M and Dollfus, S}, title = {[Identification by typological analysis of distinct groups of schizophrenic patients. Applicability of a disorganized schizophrenia subtype].}, journal = {L'Encephale}, volume = {22}, number = {3}, pages = {165-174}, pmid = {8767044}, issn = {0013-7006}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cluster Analysis ; Cohort Studies ; Depressive Disorder/classification/diagnosis/psychology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Psychiatric Status Rating Scales/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Psychometrics ; Reproducibility of Results ; Schizophrenia, Disorganized/*classification/diagnosis/psychology ; Thinking ; }, abstract = {Since Crow, Andreasen et al. have described schizophrenia in terms of negative and positive symptoms, the dichotomic approach has been well established. As a matter of fact, factor analyses, especially principal components analyses, led with symptomatic specific scales, have proved their validity. But they have shown their limits too : some authors think that the dichotomic model fails to explain all of the schizophrenic psychopathology and that a third dimension including formal thought disorders, most of the time called "disorganization", should systematically be taken into account. In this study, the authors have hypothesized that a categorial approach could describe this "disorganization". Using a cluster analysis they investigated the existence of subtypes in a population including 136 schizophrenic patients assessed with the PANSS (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Kayet al., 1987). The results suggested at least five subtypes: a pure positive subtype, characterized by high scores on items delusions, hallucinatory behavior, suspiciousness/persecution, and by a low score on conceptual disorganization item; a disorganized positive subtype, characterized by high scores on positive items, including conceptual disorganization item, and also high scores on unusual thought content and autistic preoccupation items; a negative subtype, characterized by high scores on negative items and low scores on positive items, including conceptual disorganization item; a mixed subtype, characterized by high scores on the most positive, negative and general psychopathological items; a residual subtype, characterized by low scores on all the positive, negative and general psychopathological items. The good validity of this analysis was showed since differences on a number of clinical characteristics were observed between the five clusters. These results demonstrated the oversimplication of the positive-negative dichotomy and the relevance of a disorganized subtype.}, }
@article {pmid8700448, year = {1996}, author = {Pollitt, E and Jacoby, E and Cueto, S}, title = {School breakfast and cognition among nutritionally at-risk children in the Peruvian Andes.}, journal = {Nutrition reviews}, volume = {54}, number = {4 Pt 2}, pages = {S22-6}, doi = {10.1111/j.1753-4887.1996.tb03894.x}, pmid = {8700448}, issn = {0029-6643}, mesh = {Child ; *Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena ; Cognition/*physiology ; *Food Services ; Humans ; Nutrition Disorders ; Peru ; Risk Factors ; *Schools ; }, }
@article {pmid8618971, year = {1996}, author = {Mogelvang, C}, title = {Brow lift by flap transposition in the glabrous brow area.}, journal = {Plastic and reconstructive surgery}, volume = {97}, number = {5}, pages = {1040-50; discussion 1051-2}, doi = {10.1097/00006534-199604001-00025}, pmid = {8618971}, issn = {0032-1052}, mesh = {Aged ; *Eyebrows ; Facial Expression ; Female ; Forehead ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Care ; Preoperative Care ; Rhytidoplasty/*methods ; Surgical Flaps/*methods ; Suture Techniques ; }, abstract = {In brow lift, if a direct approach is utilized, the suture line medially is placed in a normal frontalis crease, and then the lateral part of the suture line, by lateral transfer of a small superiorly based flap, is caused to fall into a natural "laugh line" or "crow's feet" crease, three improvements result: 1. Greater control and predictability of shaping and position than with other techniques; 2. A more normal appearance, including better lateral lift and a much more inconspicuous scar than with supraciliary direct lift; 3. A longer-lasting result. In approximately 150 patients, scar appearance has been very gratifying indeed, with only 3 limited segmental scar revisions and 2 secondary midforehead elliptical excisions. It is believed that the principle exhibited in the tightening of the upper suture line by flap transfer, referred to by analogy as the worm principle, accounts for much of the improvement, especially in durability. This principle is seen as an aid in thinking through the mechanics of several other plastic surgical situations as well.}, }
@article {pmid8901169, year = {1996}, author = {Richardson, K and Webster, DS}, title = {Analogical reasoning and the nature of context: a research note.}, journal = {The British journal of educational psychology}, volume = {66 (Pt 1)}, number = {}, pages = {23-32}, doi = {10.1111/j.2044-8279.1996.tb01173.x}, pmid = {8901169}, issn = {0007-0998}, mesh = {*Attention ; Child ; Discrimination Learning ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mental Recall ; *Pattern Recognition, Visual ; *Problem Solving ; *Thinking ; }, abstract = {Recent theorising about children's reasoning has tended to move towards a 'contextualist' view of cognition and away from the idea of an overall, context-free, mechanism, varying in efficiency, which is the presupposition underlying traditional standardised reasoning tests. An earlier study suggesting improved reasoning performance among children on socio-cognitively meaningful versions of Raven's Matrices tended to support this shift. The main purpose of the study reported here was to observe whether a similar improvement would be found with contextually-based analogical reasoning problems as well. Ten analogy items from a standardised test were administered to 11-year-olds together with 10 structurally-equivalent knowledge-based items. The results reflected improved performance on the latter, overall, and additional analyses led to further suggestions about the nature of the 'contextual advantage' and the origins of item difficulty.}, }
@article {pmid8867407, year = {1996}, author = {Jay, SJ}, title = {A conversation with C. Everett Koop, M.D.. Interview by Stephen J. Jay.}, journal = {Indiana medicine : the journal of the Indiana State Medical Association}, volume = {89}, number = {2}, pages = {116-120}, pmid = {8867407}, issn = {0746-8288}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Advertising/legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; Child ; Health Education/legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; Humans ; Smoking/adverse effects/legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; *Smoking Prevention ; United States ; }, }
@article {pmid8833689, year = {1996}, author = {Thomas, P and Kearney, G and Napier, E and Ellis, E and Leuder, I and Johnson, M}, title = {Speech and language in first onset psychosis differences between people with schizophrenia, mania, and controls.}, journal = {The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science}, volume = {168}, number = {3}, pages = {337-343}, doi = {10.1192/bjp.168.3.337}, pmid = {8833689}, issn = {0007-1250}, mesh = {Bipolar Disorder/*psychology ; Cognition Disorders/diagnosis ; Educational Status ; Female ; Humans ; *Language ; Male ; Psychotic Disorders/*psychology ; *Schizophrenia ; Severity of Illness Index ; Social Class ; *Speech ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Several studies have revealed linguistic differences between diagnostic groups. This study investigates the extent to which these differences are accounted for by factors such as chronicity, or disturbances in cognition associated with acute psychosis.<br><br>METHOD: Transcripts of interviews with patients suffering from RDC schizophrenia (n=38), mania (n=11) and controls (n=16) were examined using the Brief Syntactic Analysis (BSA). Patients were within two years of first onset of psychotic symptoms, and received tests of working memory and attention.<br><br>RESULTS: The speech of patients with schizophrenia was syntactically less complex than that of controls. Patients with schizophrenia and mania made more errors than controls. These differences were, to some extent, related to group differences in social class, working memory and attention, although significant group differences in language persisted after the effects of covariates were removed.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms the existence of differences in the speech of psychiatric patients. Low complexity appears to be a particular feature of speech in schizophrenia, even in the earliest stages of the condition. The importance of this finding is discussed in relation to two recent theories of schizophrenia: Crow's evolutionary model, and Frith's neuro-psychological model.}, }
@article {pmid8726576, year = {1996}, author = {Zorina, ZA and Smirnova, AA}, title = {[The numerousness judgement by the hooded crow of a set consisting of 12-25 elements].}, journal = {Zhurnal vysshei nervnoi deiatelnosti imeni I P Pavlova}, volume = {46}, number = {2}, pages = {389-392}, pmid = {8726576}, issn = {0044-4677}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Choice Behavior/physiology ; Discrimination, Psychological/physiology ; Higher Nervous Activity/*physiology ; *Mathematics ; Photic Stimulation/methods ; }, }
@article {pmid8639154, year = {1996}, author = {Reynolds, CA and Baker, LA and Pedersen, NL}, title = {Models of spouse similarity: applications to fluid ability measured in twins and their spouses.}, journal = {Behavior genetics}, volume = {26}, number = {2}, pages = {73-88}, pmid = {8639154}, issn = {0001-8244}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; *Aptitude ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence/*genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Models, Genetic ; Pedigree ; Phenotype ; *Social Environment ; Spouses/*psychology ; Twins/*genetics/psychology ; Twins, Dizygotic/genetics/psychology ; Twins, Monozygotic/genetics/psychology ; }, abstract = {Genetic influences have consistently been reported to be the principal explanation for resemblance among relatives for intelligence, with shared environmental effects playing a much smaller role. However, crucial to understanding the nature of environmental influences are the mechanisms of assortative mating. Phenotypic assortment, albeit widely assumed or modeled in biometrical analyses, may be less important than other assortment processes, such as social homogamy. Consequently, effects of shared environment may play a greater role than prior studies have suggested. The goal of this study was to resolve environmental and genetic influences on fluid ability based on alternative models of assortment by examining the similarity of monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins and their spouses. Raven's Progressive Matrices scores were available from a population-based Swedish sample of 138 twin kinships. The effects of both social homogamy and phenotypic assortment were tested simultaneously in each of two alternate assortment models. A factor/delta path model represented social homogamy as a common factor and phenotypic assortment as a delta path, while a delta/delta path model represented both social homogamy and phenotypic assortment as delta paths. Overall, the factor/delta path model was found to be superior. Results suggested that social homogamy completely explained spouse similarity; phenotypic assortment was not significant. The results of these analyses suggest the presence of shared environmental effects among twins and their spouses, which would have been underestimated if only phenotypic modeled phenotypic assortment may have underestimated the effects of environment.}, }
@article {pmid8604259, year = {1996}, author = {Rubin, DH and Erickson, CJ and San Agustin, M and Cleary, SD and Allen, JK and Cohen, P}, title = {Cognitive and academic functioning of homeless children compared with housed children.}, journal = {Pediatrics}, volume = {97}, number = {3}, pages = {289-294}, pmid = {8604259}, issn = {0031-4005}, mesh = {Anxiety ; Child ; Cognition Disorders/diagnosis/*etiology/psychology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Depression ; Developmental Disabilities/diagnosis/*etiology/psychology ; Educational Status ; Ethnicity ; Female ; *Homeless Youth ; *Housing ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Male ; Mothers/psychology ; Social Class ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: During the past 10 years, the number of homeless families has increased in every region of the United States. Despite several studies of this population, there are few data regarding the cognitive functioning of these homeless children. The aim of this controlled study was to determine the effect of homelessness on cognitive and academic functioning of children aged 6 to 11 years.<br><br>METHODS: Homeless children (N = 102) and their mothers living in shelters were compared with a housed group of children (N = 178) and their mothers selected from the homeless child's classroom in New York City between August 1990 and August 1992. Groups were compared using standardized cognitive and academic performance instruments.<br><br>RESULTS: Controlling for child's age, sex, race, social class, and family status, verbal intelligence (estimated by the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test) and nonverbal intelligence (estimated by the Raven's Progressive Matrices) were not significantly different between the groups. However, academic achievement (measured by the Wide Range Achievement Test-Revised [WRAT-R]) was significantly poorer in reading, (75% of homeless children compared with 48% of housed children were below grade level), spelling (72.4% of the homeless children compared with 50% of housed children were below grade level) and arthmetic (53.6% of homeless children compared with 21.7% of housed children were below grade level). These dramatic differences in academic performance did not appear to be related to the mother's report of the number of days missed from school or the length of homelessness, but were associated with: (1) the number of school changes for the WRAT-R reading subtest and (2) grade repetition for the WRAT-R spelling subtest.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrae no difference in cognitive functioning between homeless and housed children. However, homeless children performed significantly more poorly than housed children in tests of academic performance.}, }
@article {pmid8839295, year = {1996}, author = {Kumari, V and Corr, PJ}, title = {Menstrual cycle, arousal-induction, and intelligence test performance.}, journal = {Psychological reports}, volume = {78}, number = {1}, pages = {51-58}, doi = {10.2466/pr0.1996.78.1.51}, pmid = {8839295}, issn = {0033-2941}, mesh = {Adult ; Aptitude ; *Arousal ; Female ; Humans ; India ; *Intelligence ; Menstrual Cycle/*psychology ; Stress, Psychological/complications ; Time Perception ; }, abstract = {Regularly menstruating students (aged 19 to 25 yr.) were tested in the morning under high and low arousal-induction conditions (with time-pressure instructions vs without time-pressure instructions) during either midcycle (n = 16 or menstruation phase (n = 16) to study the interactive effects of menstrual phases and time-pressure stress-induced arousal on intelligence test scores on Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices and Hundal's General Mental Ability Test. A crossover interactive effect of menstrual phase and stress-induced arousal was found on performance of the Hundal test, suggesting that performance of subjects who were tested during the midcycle phase (putatively High Basal Arousal) was impaired under the time-pressure instructions condition (High-induced Arousal) as compared to performance under the without time-pressure instructions condition (Low-induced Arousal), with the reverse pattern of effects being true for subjects who were tested during the menstruation phase. Scores on Hundal's test conform to the Yerkes-Dodson (1908) law which relates arousal to task performance and suggests that the menstrual cycle and performance on the intelligence test was arousal-based. No effects, however, were observed for Raven's Matrices, raising the possibility that task characteristics may mediate the relationship between arousal and performance.}, }
@article {pmid8531285, year = {1996}, author = {Hargarten, SW and Karlson, TA and O'Brien, M and Hancock, J and Quebbeman, E}, title = {Characteristics of firearms involved in fatalities.}, journal = {JAMA}, volume = {275}, number = {1}, pages = {42-45}, pmid = {8531285}, issn = {0098-7484}, mesh = {Data Collection ; *Firearms/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Homicide/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Humans ; Suicide/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Wisconsin/epidemiology ; Wounds, Gunshot/*mortality ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To document the types of firearms associated with firearm fatalities, and to determine the availability of information on firearm characteristics in existing data sources.<br><br>DESIGN: Review of police, medical examiner, and crime laboratory records for all firearm homicides and review of medical examiner records for all suicides and unintentional and undetermined firearm fatalities.<br><br>SETTING: City of Milwaukee, Wis, from 1990 through 1994.<br><br>POPULATION: A total of 175 firearm suicides and 524 firearm homicides.<br><br>MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Source of data; circumstances and means of death; host demographic characteristics; firearm make, model, caliber, barrel length, and serial number.<br><br>RESULTS: Handguns accounted for 468 (89%) of 524 firearm homicides and 124 (71%) of 175 firearm suicides. Handguns of .25 caliber accounted for 14% (n = 63) of 438 firearm homicides and 12% (n = 15) of all firearm suicides in which caliber was known. The Raven MP-25 was the single most commonly identified firearm and accounted for 10% (n = 15) of 153 handgun homicide cases and 7% (n = 7) of the 76 suicide cases in which the manufacturer of the firearm was identified. From all data sources combined, information on firearm type was available in 681 (97%) of 699 cases, caliber/gauge in 636 cases (91%), manufacturer/model in 309 cases (44%), and serial number in 276 cases (40%).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Inexpensive, short-barreled .25-caliber handguns were the most common weapon type associated with firearm homicides and suicides in Milwaukee during 1990 through 1994. Product-specific information is a crucial part of planning appropriate injury countermeasures for firearms. In combination, police, crime laboratory, and medical examiner data can supply this information with modest changes in data collection procedures.}, }
@article {pmid9317775, year = {1996}, author = {Tobalske, B and Dial, K}, title = {Flight kinematics of black-billed magpies and pigeons over a wide range of speeds.}, journal = {The Journal of experimental biology}, volume = {199}, number = {Pt 2}, pages = {263-280}, doi = {10.1242/jeb.199.2.263}, pmid = {9317775}, issn = {1477-9145}, abstract = {To investigate how birds that differ in morphology change their wing and body movements while flying at a range of speeds, we analyzed high-speed (60 Hz) video tapes of black-billed magpies (Pica pica) flying at speeds of 4-14 m s-1 and pigeons (Columba livia) flying at 6-20 m s-1 in a wind-tunnel. Pigeons had higher wing loading and higher-aspect-ratio wings compared with magpies. Both species alternated phases of steady-speed flight with phases of acceleration and deceleration, particularly at intermediate flight speeds. The birds modulated their wingbeat kinematics among these phases and frequently exhibited non-flapping phases while decelerating. Such modulation in kinematics during forward flight is typical of magpies but not of pigeons in the wild. The behavior of the pigeons may have been a response to the reduced power costs for flight in the closed wind-tunnel relative to those for free flight at similar speeds. During steady-speed flight, wingbeat frequency did not change appreciably with increasing flight speed. Body angle relative to the horizontal, the stroke-plane angles of the wingtip and wrist relative to the horizontal and the angle describing tail spread at mid-downstroke all decreased with increasing flight speed, thereby illustrating a shift in the dominant function of wing flapping from weight support at slow speeds to positive thrust at fast speeds. Using wingbeat kinematics to infer lift production, it appeared that magpies used a vortex-ring gait during steady-speed flight at all speeds whereas pigeons used a vortex-ring gait at 6 and 8 m s-1, a transitional vortex-ring gait at 10 m s-1, and a continuous-vortex gait at faster speeds. Both species used a vortex-ring gait for acceleration and a continuous-vortex gait or a non-flapping phase for deceleration during flight at intermediate wind-tunnel speeds. Pigeons progressively flexed their wings during glides as flight speed increased but never performed bounds. Wingspan during glides in magpies did not vary with flight speed, but the percentage of bounds among non-flapping intervals increased with speed from 10 to 14 m s-1. The use of non-flapping wing postures seemed to be related to the gaits used during flapping and to the aspect ratio of the wings. We develop an 'adverse-scaling' hypothesis in which it is proposed that the ability to reduce metabolic and mechanical power output using flap-bounding flight at fast flight speeds is scaled negatively with body mass. This represents an alternative to the 'fixed-gear' hypothesis previously suggested by other authors to explain the use of intermittent flight in birds. Future comparative studies in the field would be worthwhile, especially if instantaneous flight speeds and within-wingbeat kinematics were documented; new studies in the laboratory should involve simultaneous recording of wing kinematics and aerodynamic forces on the wing.}, }
@article {pmid9317563, year = {1996}, author = {Sherry, D and Duff, S}, title = {Behavioural and neural bases of orientation in food-storing birds.}, journal = {The Journal of experimental biology}, volume = {199}, number = {Pt 1}, pages = {165-172}, doi = {10.1242/jeb.199.1.165}, pmid = {9317563}, issn = {1477-9145}, abstract = {Food-storing birds retrieve hoarded food by remembering the locations of large numbers of spatially dispersed caches. The basic patterns of spatial orientation in these animals have been established in research on two major groups of food-storing birds, chickadees and tits (Paridae), and jays and nutcrackers (Corvidae). Experiments using displacement of landmark arrays show that food-storing birds rely on visual information from nearby landmarks to locate concealed caches. The appearance of the cache sites themselves seems to be relatively unimportant in cache retrieval, perhaps because local features are subject to change during the lifetime of a cache. Under some conditions, food-storing birds use sun-compass information to orient their search for caches, but appear to integrate sun-compass information with landmark information. Lesions of the avian hippocampus disrupt cache retrieval and other spatial tasks in food-storing birds without disrupting the formation of simple associations. Comparative studies show that food-storing birds possess a hippocampus larger than that of non-food-storing birds, probably as an evolutionary consequence of their dependence on spatial orientation for cache retrieval. Experience with cache retrieval plays a role in the development of increased hippocampal size, and there are indications of seasonal variation in hippocampal size in food-storing species.}, }
@article {pmid8680849, year = {1996}, author = {Basil, JA and Kamil, AC and Balda, RP and Fite, KV}, title = {Differences in hippocampal volume among food storing corvids.}, journal = {Brain, behavior and evolution}, volume = {47}, number = {3}, pages = {156-164}, doi = {10.1159/000113235}, pmid = {8680849}, issn = {0006-8977}, mesh = {Animals ; Appetitive Behavior/*physiology ; *Biological Evolution ; Birds/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Body Weight/physiology ; Brain Mapping ; Hippocampus/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Mental Recall/*physiology ; Organ Size/physiology ; Orientation/*physiology ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {The hippocampal complex (hippocampus and parahippocampalis) is known to play a role in spatial memory in birds and is known to be larger in food-storing versus non-storing birds. In the present study, we investigated the relative volume of the hippocampal complex in four food-storing corvids: gray-breasted jays (Aphelocoma ultramarina), scrub jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens), pinyon jays (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus), and Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana). The results show that Clark's nutcrackers have a larger hippocampal complex, relative to both body and total brain size, than the other three species. Clark's nutcrackers rely more extensively on stored food in the wild than the other three species. Clark's nutcrackers also perform better during cache recovery and operant tests of spatial memory than scrub jays. Thus, greater hippocampal volume is associated with better performance in laboratory tests of spatial memory and with stronger dependence on food stores in the wild.}, }
@article {pmid8618869, year = {1995}, author = {Edwards, SV and Wakeland, EK and Potts, WK}, title = {Contrasting histories of avian and mammalian Mhc genes revealed by class II B sequences from songbirds.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {92}, number = {26}, pages = {12200-12204}, pmid = {8618869}, issn = {0027-8424}, mesh = {Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Base Sequence ; *Biological Evolution ; Birds/*genetics/immunology ; DNA Primers ; *Genes, MHC Class II ; Histocompatibility Antigens Class II/chemistry/*genetics ; *Major Histocompatibility Complex ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Phylogeny ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods ; Protein Sorting Signals/genetics ; Protein Structure, Secondary ; Sequence Homology, Amino Acid ; Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid ; Species Specificity ; Spleen/immunology ; }, abstract = {To explore the evolutionary dynamics of genes in the major histocompatibility complex (Mhc) in nonmammalian vertebrates, we have amplified complete sequences of the polymorphic second (beta1) and third (beta2) exons of class II beta chain genes of songbirds. The pattern of nucleotide substitution in the antigen-binding site of sequences cloned from three behaviorally and phylogenetically divergent songbirds [scrub jays Aphelocoma coerulescens), red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), and house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) reveals that class II B genes of songbirds are subject to the same types of diversifying forces as those observed at mammalian class II loci. By contrast, the tree of avian class II B genes reveals that orthologous relationships have not been retained as in placental mammals and that, unlike class II genes in mammals, genes in songbirds and chickens have had very recent common ancestors within their respective groups. Thus, whereas the selective forces diversifying class II B genes of birds are likely similar to those in mammals, their long-term evolutionary dynamics appear to be characterized by much higher rates of concerted evolution.}, }
@article {pmid8721199, year = {1995}, author = {Mauri, MC and Bravin, S and Fabiano, L and Invernizzi, G}, title = {[Effects of psychopathological components of the onset of Alzheimer's disease].}, journal = {Minerva psichiatrica}, volume = {36}, number = {4}, pages = {203-207}, pmid = {8721199}, issn = {0374-9320}, mesh = {Activities of Daily Living ; Age of Onset ; Aged ; Alzheimer Disease/diagnosis/physiopathology/*psychology ; Brain/physiopathology ; Cognition Disorders/diagnosis ; Depressive Disorder/psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; }, abstract = {A particular importance can assume, especially during the onset of Alzheimer's disease, the psychiatric symptomatology characterized by depressive mood, auto and hetero-aggressive behaviour, psychomotor agitation, anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, delusions and hallucinations, these pictures showing a prevalence of 30%. 13 patients affected by Alzheimer's disease at the onset, of both sexes, age ranging from 45 to 80 years, were included in the study. The clinical picture was assessed by BDS, GDS, ICS, IADL, BIMC, MMSE, ADAS, a neuropsychological test battery such as Token Test, verbal fluency test for semantic categories, prose memory test, scribble discrimination test, numeric matrix test, Raven test, judgement of line orientation. A computerized test battery by NYU Computerized Test Battery have been also administered. The psychiatric clinical picture has been evaluated by HRS-D and the non cognitive session of ADAS. There was a positive significant (r = 0.85, p = 0.0004) correlation between depressive symptomatology evaluated at HRS-D and deterioration of daily living activities evaluated at the Blessed Dementia Scale (BDS). On the other hand the deterioration of cognitive capacities was not significantly correlated with a worsening of behavioural aspects. In conclusion seems to have a particular importance, at the onset of Alzheimer's disease, the psychopathological component that often seems to be the principal component in the determination of the early deterioration of daily living and behaviour or patients.}, }
@article {pmid8564010, year = {1995}, author = {Edwards, SV and Grahn, M and Potts, WK}, title = {Dynamics of Mhc evolution in birds and crocodilians: amplification of class II genes with degenerate primers.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {4}, number = {6}, pages = {719-729}, doi = {10.1111/j.1365-294x.1995.tb00272.x}, pmid = {8564010}, issn = {0962-1083}, mesh = {Alligators and Crocodiles/*genetics/*immunology ; Animals ; Base Sequence ; *Biological Evolution ; Birds/*genetics/*immunology ; Cloning, Molecular ; Conserved Sequence ; DNA Primers/genetics ; Ecosystem ; Gene Amplification ; *Genes, MHC Class II ; Genetic Variation ; *Major Histocompatibility Complex ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid ; }, abstract = {Genes of the major histocompatibility complex (Mhc) are the most polymorphic functional loci in mammalian populations, but little is known of Mhc variability in natural populations of nonmammalian vertebrates. To help extend such studies to birds and relatives, we present a pair of degenerate primers that amplify polymorphic segments of one chain (the beta chain) of the class II genes from the major histocompatibility complex (Mhc) of archosaurs (birds+crocodilians). The primers target two conserved regions lying within portions of the antigen-binding site (ABS) encoded by the second exon and amplify multiple genes from both genomic DNA and cDNA. The pattern of nucleotide substitution in ABS codons of 51 sequences amplified and cloned from five species of passerine birds and an alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) indicates that archosaurian class II beta genes are subject to selective forces similar to those operating in mammalian populations. Hybridization of a genomic clone generated by the primers revealed highly polymorphic bands in a sample of Florida scrub jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens coerulescens). Because the primers amplify only part of the ABS from multiple class II genes, they will be useful primarily for generating species specific clones, thereby providing a critical inroad to more detailed structural and evolutionary studies.}, }
@article {pmid7572983, year = {1995}, author = {Eskenazi, B and Trupin, LS}, title = {Passive and active maternal smoking during pregnancy, as measured by serum cotinine, and postnatal smoke exposure. II. Effects on neurodevelopment at age 5 years.}, journal = {American journal of epidemiology}, volume = {142}, number = {9 Suppl}, pages = {S19-29}, doi = {10.1093/aje/142.supplement_9.s19}, pmid = {7572983}, issn = {0002-9262}, mesh = {Biomarkers/blood ; Child Behavior/drug effects ; Child, Preschool ; Cotinine/*blood ; Female ; Humans ; Linear Models ; Male ; *Maternal Exposure ; Nervous System/*drug effects/growth &amp; development ; Odds Ratio ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Complications/*blood ; *Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects ; Smoking/*adverse effects/blood ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Tobacco Smoke Pollution/*adverse effects ; }, abstract = {The authors sought to determine the neurobehavioral effects of prenatal exposure to maternal active smoking and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), assessed by maternal serum cotinine level, and of postnatal exposure to smoke based on maternal report. Five-year-old children (n = 2,124) who were participants in the Child Health and Development Studies in Oakland, California, between 1964 and 1967 were evaluated with the use of the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT) and the Raven Coloured Progressive Matrices Test, and also assessed on a behavioral rating scale completed by the mother that included questions on activity level. Children of ETS-exposed women did not differ from children of other nonsmokers on neurobehavioral assessment. Children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy had somewhat higher adjusted Raven (p = 0.10) and PPVT scores (p = 0.06) than children of nonsmokers, although they did not differ in their activity level (p = 0.32). However, children smoke-exposed during childhood did have lower adjusted Raven (p = 0.01) and PPVT scores (p = 0.16), and were rated more active by their mothers (p = 0.04). These differences may be attributed to uncontrolled confounding of sociobehavioral variables. However, the authors cannot rule out the possibility that ETS exposure during childhood may be more hazardous to neurodevelopment than prenatal exposure.}, }
@article {pmid8545507, year = {1995}, author = {Meissner, WW}, title = {In the shadow of death.}, journal = {Psychoanalytic review}, volume = {82}, number = {4}, pages = {535-557}, pmid = {8545507}, issn = {0033-2836}, mesh = {*Attitude to Death ; Fantasy ; Humans ; Male ; *Paintings ; *Psychoanalytic Interpretation ; Religion and Psychology ; Suicide/psychology ; Symbolism ; Unconscious, Psychology ; }, abstract = {Death dogged Vincent's footsteps throughout his life, and formed a core component of his unconscious fantasy system. It cast a lugubrious shadow over all of his undertakings--he found little joy and less love in life. It found its way onto his canvases, both directly--the grinning death's head--and indirectly. It found expression in his portrayals of sowers and reapers, in his representations of trees--especially the highly symbolic treatments of cypresses--in the menacing crows hovering over storm-darkened fields of wheat, and finally in the images of Christ, suffering and dead, held in the embrace of a loving and grieving mother. If death was a bottomless pit that haunted him with its terrors, it was also a siren song that drew him ever closer to his destiny, ever closer to the edge of the pit. The power of that attraction lies in his identification with the dead Vincent whose place he had taken and whose name he bore. It was through that identification, and through the passageway of suffering and death that he would surcease in the arms of a loving and accepting mother whose warm embrace he had sought throughout his odyssey, but in vain. It was to be gained only in and through death. It was only through death that he would find rest from his pain and would gain the heavenly reward of his suffering in eternal love and bliss.}, }
@article {pmid8749046, year = {1995}, author = {Pruneti, CA and Boem, A}, title = {Physiological response in healthy subjects and in patients after myocardial infarction, elicited by a new computerised version of the Raven Coloured PM 47 as a mental stress test.}, journal = {Functional neurology}, volume = {10}, number = {4-5}, pages = {195-201}, pmid = {8749046}, issn = {0393-5264}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Arousal/*physiology ; Autonomic Nervous System/physiopathology ; Electromyography ; Galvanic Skin Response/physiology ; Heart Rate/physiology ; Humans ; Male ; *Microcomputers ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction/*physiopathology/psychology ; Pattern Recognition, Visual/*physiology ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Respiration/physiology ; Skin Temperature/physiology ; Social Environment ; Stress, Psychological/*complications ; Type A Personality ; }, abstract = {The Raven Progressive Matrices Test, in its various versions, has frequently been used in research on stress related diseases. In this paper the preliminary data relating to the administration of this version of test performed by a personal computer are presented. The "Coloured" version of the PM 47 was used, with the addition of a series of visual and acoustic stress stimuli; a maximum 30-second matrix presentation time was also introduced. Two groups took part in the test modified in this way: the first was made up of 23 male subjects aged 30 to 65 who had had a myocardial infarction in the previous six months; the second, a control group of the first, was composed of an equal number of subjects, without present or past cardiovascular or psychiatric disorders or illness. Frontal EMG, skin conductance response, peripheral temperature, heart rate and respiration rate were recorded at rest and during the test administration. The results obtained from the psychophysiological profile carried out on the two groups demonstrated the effectiveness of the methodology used in eliciting constant and stable stress responses.}, }
@article {pmid8540255, year = {1995}, author = {Zorina, ZA and Kalinina, TS and Markina, NV}, title = {[The capacity for transitive inference in birds: the solving of the Gillan test by Corvidae and pigeons].}, journal = {Zhurnal vysshei nervnoi deiatelnosti imeni I P Pavlova}, volume = {45}, number = {4}, pages = {716-722}, pmid = {8540255}, issn = {0044-4677}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Color ; Columbidae/*physiology ; Discrimination Learning/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior/physiology ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Psychophysiology ; Reinforcement, Psychology ; }, abstract = {Transitive inference in birds was investigated using D. J. Gillan (1981) experimental procedure. In the initial experiment 11 pigeons and 14 crows were trained to differentiate colour stimuli in pairs of adjacent ones from five-stimulus succession A, B, C, D, and E. The birds learned that stimulus E was associated with more food items than D, D, in turn, signalled less food items than C, and so on. Then the birds were tested by newly formed pairs of stimuli from the same succession (BD, CE, and BE). There were two series of testing. Both crows and pigeons solved the transitive inference test successfully (choosing D and E) in the series with small numbers of food items. In the series with larger numbers of food items the pigeons shifted to random performance while in crows the percentage of correct choices decreased. The proportion of adequate test solutions grew with the absolute difference between the numbers of food items associated with stimuli to compare. The capacity for solving the test in our experiments can be considered as the result of immediate comparison of the absolute numbers of food items associated with each stimulus. Thus, the data cannot be regarded as the final proof that these species are capable for transitive inference.}, }
@article {pmid8540254, year = {1995}, author = {Pleskacheva, MG and Zorina, ZA and Chebykina, LI and Kostyna, ZA}, title = {[The solving of the Revecz-Krushinskiĭ test by Norway rats].}, journal = {Zhurnal vysshei nervnoi deiatelnosti imeni I P Pavlova}, volume = {45}, number = {4}, pages = {701-715}, pmid = {8540254}, issn = {0044-4677}, mesh = {Animals ; Choice Behavior/physiology ; Conditioning, Psychological/physiology ; Feeding Behavior/physiology ; Male ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Rats ; Reinforcement, Psychology ; }, abstract = {Reasoning abilities of Norway rats were studied in Revecz-Krushinskiĭ test. In this test 12 opaque plastic cylinders were placed in a row. Rats obtained the bait (sunflower seeds) after tipping the goal cylinder (from the feeder situated under it) independently of the number of one tipped before. Positions of the baits were changed in the following order: the cylinder No 1 in the first trial, No 2--in the second and so on up to the twelfth one. Rats were tested 3 times (12 trials, once a week) in a rectangular box with a starting chamber and a working part with a special device which excluded the influence of olfactory stimuli. Solution scores demonstrated that rats chose cylinders in the nonrandom manner and their behaviour scores were similar to those of crows and monkeys. Analysis of errors and strategies of behaviour of rats showed that quick improvement of feeding was at least partly determined by easy acquisition of recent food positions (i.e., the algorithm of shifting).}, }
@article {pmid7623016, year = {1995}, author = {Haraldsson, E}, title = {Personality and abilities of children claiming previous-life memories.}, journal = {The Journal of nervous and mental disease}, volume = {183}, number = {7}, pages = {445-451}, doi = {10.1097/00005053-199507000-00004}, pmid = {7623016}, issn = {0022-3018}, mesh = {Achievement ; Adolescent ; Attitude ; Child ; Child Behavior Disorders/epidemiology/psychology ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Memory ; *Parapsychology ; Parents/psychology ; *Personality ; Psychological Tests/statistics &amp; numerical data ; *Psychology, Child ; Social Adjustment ; Sri Lanka/epidemiology ; Suggestion ; Teaching ; }, abstract = {Young children who claim memories of a previous life can be found in many countries, particularly in Asia. The child frequently states where he/she lived previously, often claims violent death in the previous life and shows phobias/philias, and sometimes has birthmarks or deformities that he/she associates with the previous life. The Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale, Raven Progressive Matrices, Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, and the Child Behavior Checklist were administered to 23 children in Sri Lanka who, mostly at an earlier age, had consistently been claiming memories of a previous life. They had greater verbal skills and better memory than their peers, performed much better in school, and were more socially active, but were not more suggestible. As judged by their parents, they had a higher Child Behavior Checklist problem score than their peers, but not according to their teachers.}, }
@article {pmid7758292, year = {1995}, author = {Olson, DJ and Kamil, AC and Balda, RP and Nims, PJ}, title = {Performance of four seed-caching corvid species in operant tests of nonspatial and spatial memory.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {109}, number = {2}, pages = {173-181}, doi = {10.1037/0735-7036.109.2.173}, pmid = {7758292}, issn = {0735-7036}, support = {MH44200/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Appetitive Behavior ; Attention ; *Birds ; Choice Behavior ; Feeding Behavior ; *Mental Recall ; *Orientation ; Retention, Psychology ; *Space Perception ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {The performance of 4 seed-caching corvid species was tested using 2 different operant nonmatching tasks. These species differ in their dependence on stored food, and differences in spatial memory tests have been correlated with better performance by the more cache-dependent species. Acquisition and retention of a color non-matching-to-sample task was tested in Experiment 1. Acquisition of the color task was not correlated with cache dependence, and no differences between species in performance during memory testing were found. Acquisition and retention of an operant spatial non-matching-to-sample task was tested in Experiment 2. Species differences in the spatial task were found for acquisition and during retention testing. The influence of natural history on the evolution of memory is discussed.}, }
@article {pmid7645324, year = {1995}, author = {Zorina, ZA and Smirnova, AA}, title = {[Numerousness judgement in hooded crows: generalization by the "more than" concept].}, journal = {Zhurnal vysshei nervnoi deiatelnosti imeni I P Pavlova}, volume = {45}, number = {3}, pages = {490-499}, pmid = {7645324}, issn = {0044-4677}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Choice Behavior/physiology ; Discrimination, Psychological ; Feeding Behavior/physiology ; Generalization, Psychological/*physiology ; Higher Nervous Activity/*physiology ; *Mathematics ; Photic Stimulation/methods ; }, abstract = {Four carrion crows were trained to choose the greater array from pairs of numerousness discriminanda in the range of 1-12. In the process of training all irrelevant attributes of the arrays (geometric form, size and color of elements, patterns of distribution) were varied. Several control procedures were employed to make extraneous cues unlikely. In particular, in order to preclude the use of cumulative area or other magnitude cues the ratio of cumulative area of elements to their number was varied (in a half of presentations the greater array consisted of bigger elements while the lesser array consisted of smaller elements and in the other half the greater array consisted of smaller elements while the lesser array consisted of bigger elements). All the crows demonstrated high accuracy of comparisons (75.3 +/- 2.4%). Correct performance dominated also under conditions with minimal difference between the compared arrays. It was concluded that these crows were able to compare the arrays in the range of 1-12 by numerosity itself. When arrays in the new range of 10-20 were presented all the crows demonstrated successful transfer of acquired reaction without any additional training (71.5 +/- 2.3%). However, when the ratio of cumulative area of elements to their number varied only two of the four crows performed successfully (71.9 +/- 3.6). Taken together these data suggest that crows are capable of forming the concept "more than" based on numerical discrimination up to 20.}, }
@article {pmid7636014, year = {1995}, author = {Miller, MW}, title = {Relationship of the time of origin and death of neurons in rat somatosensory cortex: barrel versus septal cortex and projection versus local circuit neurons.}, journal = {The Journal of comparative neurology}, volume = {355}, number = {1}, pages = {6-14}, doi = {10.1002/cne.903550104}, pmid = {7636014}, issn = {0021-9967}, support = {AA 06916/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; AA 07568/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; DE 07734/DE/NIDCR NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Brain Mapping ; Cell Death/physiology ; Cell Differentiation/physiology ; Cell Movement/physiology ; Cell Survival/physiology ; Gestational Age ; Neural Pathways/physiology ; Neurons/*physiology ; Rats ; Somatosensory Cortex/embryology/*pathology ; }, abstract = {The birth of a neuron initiates a series of ontogenetic events, e.g., neuronal migration and differentiation. The outcomes of these events are neurons that successfully integrate into the cortical circuitry and neurons that are unsuccessful and ultimately die. The present study determined whether there is a relationship between the generation and death of cortical neurons. The decrease in the density of postmigratory neurons (heavily labeled by a single injection of [3H]thymidine) during normal development was used as an index of neuronal death. The survival indices of neurons varied with their times of origin. Neurons born from gestational day (G) 15 to G18 had the highest rates of survival. In contrast, the earliest and latest generated neurons (i.e., those born on G12-G13 and those born on G19-G21, respectively) had the lowest survival rates. The role of neuronal death in the formation of cortical patterns was determined by assessing the survival of neurons in the barrels and septa of somatosensory cortex. No differences in the survival index were determined for neurons in the C-row barrels and adjacent septa with a particular time of origin. The survival rate of projection and local circuit neurons was determined with a double-labeling technique. One label, [3H]thymidine, was used to determine the time of origin of the neurons. The second label was used to identify the chemical or hodological characteristics of a neuron; projection neurons were labeled either by retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase or by glutamate immunohistochemistry, and local circuit neurons were immunohistochemically identified with an antibody directed against gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) antibody.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)}, }
@article {pmid7759344, year = {1995}, author = {Lee, MB and Hezekiah, J and Watters, D}, title = {Rural women and power in Pakistan.}, journal = {Health care for women international}, volume = {16}, number = {2}, pages = {125-133}, doi = {10.1080/07399339509516164}, pmid = {7759344}, issn = {0739-9332}, mesh = {Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Analysis of Variance ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Pakistan ; *Power, Psychological ; *Rural Population ; Self Concept ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Women/*psychology ; }, abstract = {Perceptions of power in women living in rural villages in Pakistan were explored. The Lee-Hezekiah Power Perception Scale was developed by the authors to measure women's perception of their power. The instrument was administered in interviews conducted by a group of Lady Health Visitors who were participating in a project funded by the Canadian International Development Agency. Sixty-nine women ranging in age from 20 to 65 were interviewed. One-way analysis of variance revealed that the oldest group perceived themselves to have more power than the youngest group perceived themselves to have. Stepwise multiple regression indicated that the number of male children a woman had was predictive of the amount of power she perceived herself to have. The results are discussed in relation to existing literature on women and power in developing countries. Implications for further research on women's perceptions of power and health are discussed.}, }
@article {pmid7876847, year = {1995}, author = {Pillon, B and Gouider-Khouja, N and Deweer, B and Vidailhet, M and Malapani, C and Dubois, B and Agid, Y}, title = {Neuropsychological pattern of striatonigral degeneration: comparison with Parkinson's disease and progressive supranuclear palsy.}, journal = {Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry}, volume = {58}, number = {2}, pages = {174-179}, pmid = {7876847}, issn = {0022-3050}, mesh = {Analysis of Variance ; Corpus Striatum/*pathology ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; *Nerve Degeneration ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Parkinson Disease/pathology/*psychology ; Substantia Nigra/*pathology ; Supranuclear Palsy, Progressive/pathology/*psychology ; }, abstract = {To study the neuropsychological pattern of striatonigral degeneration (SND), 14 consecutive patients with probable SND were submitted to an extensive battery of neuropsychological tests. Compared with controls the performance of patients with SND was impaired on category and phonemic fluency, frontal behaviours, trail making test A and B, and free recall of the Grober and Buschke test, but normal on the revised WAIS verbal scale, Raven 47 coloured progressive matrices, Wechsler memory scale, California verbal learning test, Wisconsin card sorting test, and the Stroop interference condition. The performance of patients with SND was also compared with that of 14 patients with Parkinson's disease and 14 patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) matched for age at onset, duration of disease, severity of intellectual deterioration, and depression. The results showed that the dysexecutive syndrome of SND is similar to that of Parkinson's disease and less severe than in PSP.}, }
@article {pmid7809273, year = {1995}, author = {Cuadros, CL and Driscoll, CL and Rothkopf, DM}, title = {The anatomy of the lower serratus anterior muscle: a fresh cadaver study.}, journal = {Plastic and reconstructive surgery}, volume = {95}, number = {1}, pages = {93-7; discussion 98-9}, pmid = {7809273}, issn = {0032-1052}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Cadaver ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Muscles/*anatomy &amp; histology/blood supply ; *Surgical Flaps ; Thorax ; }, abstract = {Forty fresh cadaver dissections were studied to determine variations in the anatomy of the lower portion of the serratus anterior muscle. In all cases, the lower three to five slips of the serratus anterior muscle were supplied by one to three branches from the thoracodorsal artery, the so-called serratus branches. Three vascular patterns were identified: type I with one branch (40 percent), type II with two branches (50 percent), and type III with three branches (10 percent). The mean dimensions of the lower serratus anterior flap were 18.0 x 9.0 cm (range 12.0 x 8.0 cm to 21.0 x 15.0 cm). The mean pedicle length was 11.3 +/- 2.8 cm (range 7.3 to 13.3 cm). A crow's foot landmark has been identified to facilitate flap dissection. This landmark marks the juncture of the long thoracic nerve and the dominant serratus branch. This juncture can be found at the superior border of the sixth or seventh rib. The lower serratus anterior flap is ideal for reconstruction of small to moderate-sized defects because of its flat, broad dimensions and its long vascular pedicle.}, }
@article {pmid7778398, year = {1995}, author = {Kozlova, IA and Pukhovskiĭ, AA and Riabukhin, VIu}, title = {[The psychological and psychiatric study of children living in Kaluga and Bryansk provinces, Russia (the aftermath of the Chernobyl accident)].}, journal = {Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova}, volume = {95}, number = {1}, pages = {70-74}, pmid = {7778398}, issn = {1997-7298}, mesh = {Child ; Environmental Exposure/*adverse effects/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Humans ; Japan ; Nuclear Warfare ; Parents/psychology ; *Power Plants ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Psychological Tests/statistics &amp; numerical data ; *Psychology, Child/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Radioactive Hazard Release/*psychology/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Russia ; Ukraine ; }, abstract = {According to WHO project "Brain Damage in Utero" in the framework of the screening phase of the programme, 1025 children (725 in experimental group-Novozybkov and Klintsy towns of Bryansk region; 300 in control group--Obninsk town of Kaluga region) and 600 parents (300 in experimental group and 300 in control group) were studied using standardized methods of psychological psychiatric assessment (Draw-a-man test, British picture vocabulary test, Raven coloured matrices, Parental and teacher Rutter Scales, CHQ-28, Verbal subtest of Wechsler test) for potential psychological and psychiatric effects of Chernobyl accident on child's intelligence, behavioural and emotional state, mental health of parents and parental intellectual level. The following results were obtained: comparison of verbal IQ scores in children revealed a 6-fold increase of these values in experiment group. Comparison of nonverbal IQ scores in children revealed that these values are 4 times higher in experimental group. Comparison of scores according to Rutter parental and teacher scales revealed that emotional and behavioural disorders are 1.5 times more prevalent in children of experimental group. All the above differences were statistically significant. Comparison of CHQ-28 scores was indicative of relative prevalence of these values in parents of experimental group, but there was no statistically significant difference between such score in experimental and control groups. Comparison of scores of parental IQ showed relative prevalence of these values in experimental group. The results obtained can not be completely estimated without thorough identification of individual doses received by mothers and their children. Only after obtaining these data it will be possible to solve the problem of dose effect.}, }
@article {pmid7591376, year = {1995}, author = {Musolino, SV}, title = {Comments on "Breast cancer: evidence for a relation to fission products in the diet".}, journal = {International journal of health services : planning, administration, evaluation}, volume = {25}, number = {3}, pages = {475-80; discussion 481-8}, doi = {10.2190/0Y05-MRGU-VY2E-DGF3}, pmid = {7591376}, issn = {0020-7314}, mesh = {Air Pollutants, Radioactive/*adverse effects ; Bias ; Breast Neoplasms/*etiology/mortality ; Data Interpretation, Statistical ; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation ; Female ; *Food Contamination, Radioactive ; Humans ; Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced/*etiology/mortality ; Power Plants ; Risk Factors ; Survival Analysis ; United States ; }, abstract = {For over 30 years, Ernest Sternglass (recently joined by Jay Gould) has claimed that large occurrences of health effects result from small exposures to ionizing radiation. A recent study published in the Journal claimed to show a "supralinear" dose-effect relationship versus curies per million persons. The authors of this article show that Sternglass and Gould did not follow accepted scientific methods, never calculated the dose equivalent to the population studied, misinterpreted the raw data, and did not evaluate any possible confounding factors that could influence the observed breast cancer mortality. The reanalysis of the raw data shows that, while there may have been changes in the mortality patterns from breast cancer in the four geographical regions reported, Sternglass and Gould failed to demonstrate a relationship between the operational histories of the Haddam Neck, Millstone, and Indian Point reactors and breast cancer mortality.}, }
@article {pmid7541600, year = {1995}, author = {von Knorring, L and Lindström, E}, title = {Principal components and further possibilities with the PANSS.}, journal = {Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica. Supplementum}, volume = {388}, number = {}, pages = {5-10}, doi = {10.1111/j.1600-0447.1995.tb05937.x}, pmid = {7541600}, issn = {0065-1591}, mesh = {Affective Symptoms/classification/*diagnosis/drug therapy/psychology ; Antipsychotic Agents/therapeutic use ; Humans ; Isoxazoles/therapeutic use ; Piperidines/therapeutic use ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Psychometrics ; Reproducibility of Results ; Risperidone ; Schizophrenia/classification/*diagnosis/drug therapy ; *Schizophrenic Psychology ; Syndrome ; }, abstract = {At the end of the last century, Hughlings-Jackson suggested that positive and negative syndromes should be kept apart in psychotic disorders. When the concepts of dementia praecox and schizophrenia were introduced by Kraepelin and Bleuler, emphasis was laid on the negative symptoms, regarded as fundamental. After the introduction of the "first rank symptoms" by Schneider emphasis switched to the positive symptoms in schizophrenia and these symptoms were included in most diagnostic criteria. In the 1980s Andreasen and Crow suggested a dichotomy into positive and negative syndromes in schizophrenia. Kay and co-workers introduced a Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) for schizophrenia. In the original studies satisfactory construct validity and inter-rater reliability were demonstrated. However, in studies outside the USA a high construct validity was found for the negative scales but not for the positive and general psychopathology scales. Furthermore, the inter-rater reliability of the negative scale was a problem. After introduction of the Structured Clinical Interview for the PANSS (SCI-PANSS) the inter-rater reliability increased for all three scales. In an early study Kay and Sevy found seven factors in a principal component analysis of the PANSS and suggested a four factor pyramidical model. Later principal component analyses by Lepine, Peralta et al. and Kawasaki et al. suggested that the four factor model was an oversimplification and Lindström and von Knorring suggested a five factor pyramidical model. A similar model was later suggested by Bell et al. after a reanalysis of the original series of Kay and Sevy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)}, }
@article {pmid7813195, year = {1994}, author = {Kamil, AC and Balda, RP and Olson, DJ}, title = {Performance of four seed-caching corvid species in the radial-arm maze analog.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {108}, number = {4}, pages = {385-393}, doi = {10.1037/0735-7036.108.4.385}, pmid = {7813195}, issn = {0735-7036}, support = {MH44200/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; *Birds ; Feeding Behavior ; Habituation, Psychophysiologic ; Learning ; Memory ; Space Perception ; *Spatial Behavior ; *Task Performance and Analysis ; }, abstract = {Four seed-caching corvid species were tested in an open-room analog of the radial-arm maze. During Experiment 1, the species more dependent on stored food. Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana) and pinyon jays (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus), acquired the task more quickly and to higher accuracy levels than either scrub jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) or Mexican jays (A. ultramarina). During Experiment 2, performance after retention intervals was tested. When intervals of 30-210 min were tested in ascending order, species differences observed during acquisition were again obtained. However, when intervals of 5-300 min were tested in random order, the species differed only at shorter intervals. During Experiment 3, only nutcrackers gave any indication of performing above chance after a 24-hr retention intervals. Results support the hypothesis of species differences in spatial information processing that correlate with dependence on stored food.}, }
@article {pmid7892431, year = {1994}, author = {Stough, C and Mangan, G and Bates, T and Pellett, O}, title = {Smoking and Raven IQ.}, journal = {Psychopharmacology}, volume = {116}, number = {3}, pages = {382-384}, pmid = {7892431}, issn = {0033-3158}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Autonomic Pathways/drug effects/physiology ; Decision Making/drug effects ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Parasympathetic Nervous System/drug effects/physiology ; Receptors, Nicotinic/drug effects ; Smoking/*psychology ; }, abstract = {Nicotine has recently been shown to enhance measures of information processing speed including the decision time (DT) component of simple and choice reaction time and the string length measure of evoked potential waveform complexity. Both (DT and string length) have been previously demonstrated to correlate with performance on standard intelligence tests (IQ). We therefore hypothesised that nicotine is acting to improve intellectual performance on the elementary information processing correlates of IQ. In the current experiment we tested this hypothesis using the Raven Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM) test. APM scores were significantly higher in the smoking session compared to the non-smoking session, suggesting that nicotine acts to enhance physiological processes underlying performance on intellectual tasks.}, }
@article {pmid7879454, year = {1994}, author = {Golubeva, TB}, title = {[A delay in the development of hearing and a shift in the leading afferentation in the early behavioral ontogeny of birds].}, journal = {Zhurnal vysshei nervnoi deiatelnosti imeni I P Pavlova}, volume = {44}, number = {6}, pages = {992-1003}, pmid = {7879454}, issn = {0044-4677}, mesh = {Acoustic Stimulation/instrumentation/methods ; Afferent Pathways/physiology ; Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Auditory Threshold/physiology ; Birds/embryology/*physiology ; Cochlear Microphonic Potentials/physiology ; Electrodes, Implanted ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Hearing/*physiology ; Vision, Ocular/physiology ; }, abstract = {Development of auditory sensitivity was studied by recording microphonic component of cochlear potentials during the period of opening the eyes in 6 species of birds with different types of ontogeny (Anas plathyrynchos, Larus canus and L. argentatus, Sterna paradisaea, Coloeus monedula and Corvus frugeleus). The onset of opening the eyes is accompanied by a delay in development of auditory sensitivity and temporary decrease of upper frequency limit of the audible range. Before such a delay acoustic afferentation is leading in feeding behaviour or in response of following in nestlings or chicks. After the period of delay pure tones lose the efficacy in eliciting feeding and following reactions, and the correlation between the low-frequency range of increased sensitivity and the efficacy of pure tone signals disappears, while the new peak of sensitivity appears which fits the maximal energetic component of the parental acoustic signals. It seems possible that the delay may be the result of brain temperature decrease while eyes open the thermoregulation being unstable. Such a delay may facilitate also the substitution of acoustic afferentation for visual in the main behavioural responses in early ontogeny.}, }
@article {pmid7832614, year = {1994}, author = {Grellner, W and Madea, B}, title = {["Crows' feet wrinkles" in high voltage electric accident--a sign of survival?].}, journal = {Archiv fur Kriminologie}, volume = {194}, number = {5-6}, pages = {164-170}, pmid = {7832614}, issn = {0003-9225}, mesh = {Accidents, Occupational/*legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; Adult ; Burns, Electric/pathology ; Electric Injuries/*pathology ; Facial Muscles/*pathology ; Humans ; Male ; Muscle Contraction/*physiology ; *Postmortem Changes ; Skin/pathology ; }, abstract = {A "crowsfoot-like" pattern is considered as being a sign of vitality in fatalities due to the effects of smoke, fire or high voltage (active or reflex contraction of mimic muscles). Introducing the autopsy results of a high voltage accident (66,600 V) it is discussed, whether this phenomenon and the underlying contraction of the facial muscles could also be caused by electrical current in the agony or supravital period. It seems possible that this mechanism of direct muscle contraction anticipates a nerval indirect stimulation of muscle fibres by innervating motoneurones--active or on the basis of a polysynaptic extraneous reflex. If the electrophysiological course discussed should be right, a "crowsfoot-like" pattern in equivalent cases could be interpreted as a vital sign only with great reserve.}, }
@article {pmid7929066, year = {1994}, author = {Askew, GR and Lingrel, JB}, title = {Identification of an amino acid substitution in human alpha 1 Na,K-ATPase which confers differentially reduced affinity for two related cardiac glycosides.}, journal = {The Journal of biological chemistry}, volume = {269}, number = {39}, pages = {24120-24126}, pmid = {7929066}, issn = {0021-9258}, support = {HL 41496/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Amino Acid Sequence ; Amino Acids/genetics/*metabolism ; Base Sequence ; Cardiac Glycosides/*metabolism ; DNA, Complementary ; Digitoxin/pharmacology ; Digoxin/pharmacology ; HeLa Cells ; Humans ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Phenotype ; Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase/antagonists &amp; inhibitors/genetics/*metabolism ; Substrate Specificity ; }, abstract = {The ouabain-resistant cell line H1C1 displays a 30-fold differential of reduced sensitivity to the structurally related cardiac glycosides digoxin and digitoxin (Baker, R. M. (1976) in Biogenesis and Turnover of Membrane Macromolecules (Cook, J.S., ed) pp. 93-103, Raven Press, New York). Since these ligand congeners differ only by the presence of a hydroxyl group at C-12 of digoxin we predicted that the H1C1 phenotype must reflect a mutation which alters the binding site of the cardiac glycoside receptor (Na,K-ATPase). Complementary DNA encoding the alpha 1 Na,K-ATPase was prepared from H1C1 cell total RNA by reverse transcription-coupled polymerase chain reaction and these cDNAs were cloned. Sequence analysis of the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction clones revealed several independent isolates containing a G > A transition at nucleotide 332 of the propeptide coding sequence, generating the amino acid substitution C108Y. The ability of this substitution to confer differential sensitivity for digoxin and digitoxin was tested and confirmed by expressing a human alpha 1 C108Y-Na,K-ATPase in wild type HeLa cells and assaying for inhibition of cell growth and inhibition of Na,K-ATPase activity. Phenylalanine or alanine substitutions of this cysteine also confer this pattern of ligand discrimination. Ouabain-resistant Na,K-ATPase substitutions, at positions other than Cys-108 failed to exhibit differential sensitivity indicating that this ligand discrimination is unique to Cys-108 substitutions rather than a general property of cardiac glycoside-resistant mutants. It is proposed that differential resistance of the C108Y receptor for these ligands is a consequence of altering two features of the ligand-receptor interaction; one, a disruption of a common hydrogen bond resulting in general loss of affinity for cardiac glycosides and the other, formation of a new H-bond between the C-12 hydroxyl of digoxin and the receptor, specifically augmenting the stability of this ligand-receptor complex.}, }
@article {pmid7804933, year = {1994}, author = {Wein, EE}, title = {The high cost of a nutritionally adequate diet in four Yukon communities.}, journal = {Canadian journal of public health = Revue canadienne de sante publique}, volume = {85}, number = {5}, pages = {310-312}, pmid = {7804933}, issn = {0008-4263}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Costs and Cost Analysis ; *Feeding Behavior/ethnology ; Female ; Food/*economics ; Food Services/economics ; Food Supply/economics/standards ; Humans ; *Indians, North American ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Nutritional Requirements ; Poverty ; Yukon Territory ; }, abstract = {The cost of purchasing a nutritionally adequate diet in four Yukon communities was examined, based on the 46 food items and quantities of the federal government's Northern Food Basket. In Old Crow, unit purchase prices were on average 250% of those in Edmonton, while in three southern Yukon communities, unit purchase prices were about 125% of those in Edmonton. In quantities needed to meet weekly nutrient needs of a family of four, the cost in Old Crow was 320% of that in Edmonton, while in three southern Yukon communities, it was 140%. It appears that due to financial necessity, Yukon aboriginal people need continuing access to traditional food resources (wild game animals, birds, fish and berries). Since the Northern Food Basket does not include any traditional foods, it alone is of limited acceptability to these people. The high cost of marketed food and the role of traditional foods in contemporary diets should be considered in giving dietary advice and in determining food allowances in social assistance programs.}, }
@article {pmid7999913, year = {1994}, author = {Otsuka, Y and Okada, Y and Makino, S and Maruyama, T}, title = {Isolation of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis from city-living crows captured in a zoo.}, journal = {The Journal of veterinary medical science}, volume = {56}, number = {4}, pages = {785-786}, doi = {10.1292/jvms.56.785}, pmid = {7999913}, issn = {0916-7250}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/microbiology ; Animals, Zoo/microbiology ; Bird Diseases/microbiology/transmission ; Birds/*microbiology ; Disease Reservoirs/veterinary ; Japan ; Yersinia pseudotuberculosis/*isolation &amp; purification ; Yersinia pseudotuberculosis Infections/microbiology/transmission/veterinary ; }, abstract = {To study the distribution of pathogenic Yersinia in city-living birds, 145 wild jungle crows were captured in a zoo between June, 1992 and April, 1993. Although pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica was not isolated, Y. pseudotuberculosis belonging to serovar 4b was independently isolated from 7 caecal contents, respectively. All 7 isolates were positive on temperature-dependent autoagglutination and had a 70 Kb large plasmid. The plasmid DNAs from the 7 strains had the same BamHI digestion pattern. These results suggest that the wild crows in a zoo are one of the possible reservoirs of Yersinia.}, }
@article {pmid8072225, year = {1994}, author = {Takeshita, S and Yamakado, M and Nagano, M and Umezu, M and Tagawa, H}, title = {[A case of Crow-Fukase syndrome associated with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis].}, journal = {Nihon Jinzo Gakkai shi}, volume = {36}, number = {7}, pages = {858-862}, pmid = {8072225}, issn = {0385-2385}, mesh = {Adult ; Female ; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative/*complications/pathology ; Humans ; POEMS Syndrome/*complications ; }, abstract = {Crow-Fukase syndrome is a rare multiorgan disorder. Although renal disorders, such as proteinuria, and renal impairment, have been observed in half the cases of this syndrome, there have been few reports describing the renal lesions. We report here a case of this syndrome associated with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. A 43-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of hyperglycemia. She had also been suffering from hyperpigmentation, hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, polyneuropathy and endocrine dysfunction, including diabetes mellitus and amenorrhea. Serum electrophoresis showed M protein and immunoelectrophoresis revealed IgA (lambda). Bone marrow aspiration showed a slight increase in the number of plasma cells. Urine protein was 30 mg/dl, BUN was 17 mg/dl and creatinine 0.8 mg/dl. Light microscopic examinations showed enlargement of glomeruli with proliferation of mesangial cells and matrix, a lobular pattern of the glomeruli and thickening of the glomerular basement membrane and associated double contour. Electron microscopic examinations showed thickened capillary walls, associated mesangial interposition and subendothelial dense deposits. Moreover, fine granular deposits of IgM, C3, and fibrinogen along the basement membrane were observed on immunofluorescent studies.}, }
@article {pmid7988405, year = {1994}, author = {Ribeyre, JM and Dollfus, S and Lesieur, P and Ménard, JF and Petit, M}, title = {[Schedule for evaluation of the deficit syndrome in schizophrenia: Schedule for Deficit Syndrome (SDS) (Kirkpatrick et al.). Importance pertinence of the SDS. Introduction of the French version].}, journal = {L'Encephale}, volume = {20}, number = {4}, pages = {413-419}, pmid = {7988405}, issn = {0013-7006}, mesh = {*Arousal ; *Cross-Cultural Comparison ; Depression/classification/*diagnosis/psychology ; Humans ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Psychometrics ; Reproducibility of Results ; Schizophrenia/classification/*diagnosis ; *Schizophrenic Psychology ; }, abstract = {The negative symptoms of schizophrenia have generated a great interest leading some authors (Crow, Andreasen, Kay) to delineate schizophrenic subtypes based on their presence or absence. Carpenter et al. have recently proposed another subtype, the deficit syndrome, based on Kraepelin's clinical description. This differs from other proposed negative subtypes and refers to the presence or absence of prominent, enduring and primary negative symptoms. Primary negative symptoms have to be due to psychophrenia itself, in other words, independent of factors such as depression, anxiety, akinesia... Kirkpatrick et al. have proposed the Schedule for the Deficit Syndrome (SDS) to reliably identify this deficit syndrome. Some studies using this instrument have supported the validity of the deficit syndrome concept. Particularly, deficit patients have clinical, neuropsychological, neurological, eye-tracking and brain imaging impairments compared to nondeficit patients. We realized a french translation of SDS and used it to study a biological index (plasma homovanillic acid, pHVA) among deficit and nondeficit schizophrenic patients. Our data suggest a specific biochemical basis for the deficit syndrome, ie, significant lower mean pHVA levels with a lack of diurnal variation for deficit patients. The french version of SDS was validated by Kirkpatrick after english back translation. We present here our psychometric data regarding reliability (assessed by weighted and unweighted kappa coefficients) and cohesiveness of the construct (assessed by rank-order correlations of each negative symptoms with the other five, using Spearman's rho). These data are quite significant and in agreement with the SDS authors.}, }
@article {pmid7981593, year = {1994}, author = {Bresolin, N and Castelli, E and Comi, GP and Felisari, G and Bardoni, A and Perani, D and Grassi, F and Turconi, A and Mazzucchelli, F and Gallotti, D}, title = {Cognitive impairment in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.}, journal = {Neuromuscular disorders : NMD}, volume = {4}, number = {4}, pages = {359-369}, doi = {10.1016/0960-8966(94)90072-8}, pmid = {7981593}, issn = {0960-8966}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Animals ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cognition Disorders/diagnosis/*etiology ; Gene Deletion ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Language ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Memory ; Muscular Dystrophies/*complications/genetics/psychology ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Psychometrics ; Psychomotor Performance ; Tomography, Emission-Computed ; }, abstract = {Cognitive function and dystrophin gene mutations were investigated in 50 DMD patients (mean age 11.1 yr; range 3.5-20.3). General intelligence assessment showed 31% of patients with Wechsler full intelligence quotient (FIQ) lower than 75 (normal values: 100 +/- 14), and only 24% with appropriate FIQ level. Modal distribution of Wechsler verbal, performance, and FIQs, and Raven IQs was normal. Verbal IQ was more affected than performance IQ (PIQ) only in the younger group of subjects. Low PIQ correlated with the presence of macroglossia, detected in 13 out of 50 patients. Impairment of productive language was of non-dysphasic nature and correlated with defects of short-term memory, which was also affected in non-verbal skills. DMD patients shared the same spectrum of neuropsychological defects, regardless of whether they were or were not mentally retarded. The proportion of patients with dystrophin gene deletions was 64%. No statistically significant correlations were found between genetic data and psychometric assessment. Finally, (18F)-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography studies demonstrated cerebellar hypometabolism in all the DMD patients examined and variable involvement of associative cortical areas. These findings suggest a possible role of the cerebral and cerebellar hypometabolism in the cognitive impairment of DMD.}, }
@article {pmid8054178, year = {1994}, author = {Babcock, RL}, title = {Analysis of adult age differences on the Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices Test.}, journal = {Psychology and aging}, volume = {9}, number = {2}, pages = {303-314}, doi = {10.1037//0882-7974.9.2.303}, pmid = {8054178}, issn = {0882-7974}, support = {AG06826/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Aging/*physiology/psychology ; Goals ; Humans ; Logic ; Memory, Short-Term ; Middle Aged ; Pattern Recognition, Automated ; *Psychological Tests ; Reaction Time ; Regression Analysis ; }, abstract = {The purpose of this project was to examine the nature of performance, and specifically, age-related performance, on the Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM) Test (Raven, Court, &amp; Raven, 1983). In the 1st of 2 studies, 2 tests presumed to measure each of 4 hypothesized components of the APM and 3 tests presumed to measure processing speed were presented to 165 young adults. On the basis of correlational and confirmatory analyses, 1 of the components was not included in Study 2. The 2nd study was designed to examine the influence of the 3 remaining components, processing speed, and working memory on the individual and age-related differences on the APM. Participants included 183 adults between the ages of 21 and 83. The results suggest that although all 3 components are important to performance on the APM, rule application tasks seem to hold the most promise in accounting for age-related variance on the APM.}, }
@article {pmid7961050, year = {1994}, author = {Mitrushina, M and Stamm, J}, title = {Task-induced differential cortical activation pattern.}, journal = {International journal of psychophysiology : official journal of the International Organization of Psychophysiology}, volume = {17}, number = {1}, pages = {15-23}, doi = {10.1016/0167-8760(94)90051-5}, pmid = {7961050}, issn = {0167-8760}, mesh = {Adult ; Attention/physiology ; Cerebral Cortex/*physiology ; Cognition/*physiology ; *Electroencephalography ; Fourier Analysis ; Functional Laterality/physiology ; Humans ; Male ; Models, Neurological ; Space Perception/physiology ; Verbal Behavior/physiology ; }, abstract = {Measures of task-dependent cortical activation were assessed by bilateral EEG recordings from frontal, temporal, parietal and occipital areas. Two pictorial tests, the Raven Advanced Progressive Matrices and the Space Relations Test were used for verbal and spatial conditions, respectively. Recordings were obtained for 20 trials of each task from 22 right-handed adult males and 16 s. trial epochs were subjected to Fast Fourier analyses. Averaged intensity values for the alpha band were compared between verbal and spatial tasks for all subjects and between subgroups of verbalizers and visualizers, allotted on the basis of subject's performance index, derived from response speed and accuracy on the two tasks. The results were as follows: (1) The most pronounced EEG discriminators between the two performance subgroups are the left and right parietal and the right frontal area; (2) The left parietal zone provides the most pronounced discrimination between two groups; (3) There were significant interactions between the left parietal and the right frontal region; (4) The two parietal areas show characteristic frequency shifts in opposite directions for the task conditions. The findings imply complex interplay among the two parietal and right frontal areas, associated with sequential and holistic strategies. The results urge researchers to take into consideration subjectively preferred cognitive strategy, which along with objective task demands influences the process of problem solving and accompanying physiological changes.}, }
@article {pmid7941728, year = {1994}, author = {Zorina, ZA and Smirnova, AA}, title = {[Relative quantitative estimations in pigeons and crows: the spontaneous choice of a greater set of food items].}, journal = {Zhurnal vysshei nervnoi deiatelnosti imeni I P Pavlova}, volume = {44}, number = {3}, pages = {618-621}, pmid = {7941728}, issn = {0044-4677}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Choice Behavior/*physiology ; Columbidae/*physiology ; Food Deprivation/physiology ; Food Preferences/*physiology ; }, }
@article {pmid8031493, year = {1994}, author = {Healy, SD and Clayton, NS and Krebs, JR}, title = {Development of hippocampal specialisation in two species of tit (Parus spp.).}, journal = {Behavioural brain research}, volume = {61}, number = {1}, pages = {23-28}, doi = {10.1016/0166-4328(94)90004-3}, pmid = {8031493}, issn = {0166-4328}, mesh = {Aging/*physiology ; Animals ; Appetitive Behavior/*physiology ; Birds/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Brain Mapping ; Cell Count ; Feeding Behavior/physiology ; Female ; Hippocampus/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Male ; Mental Recall/*physiology ; Neurons/ultrastructure ; Orientation/*physiology ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Food storing birds have been shown to have a larger hippocampus, relative to the rest of the telencephalon, than do non-storers. A previous study reported that this difference in relative hippocampal volume is not apparent in a comparison of nestling birds, but emerges after birds have fledged. This conclusion was based on a comparison of a storing and a non-storing species in the corvid family. The present study compared another storer/non-storer pair of species in order to test whether the results of the previous study can be replicated in another family of birds. The volumes of the hippocampal region and remainder of the telencephalon were measured and estimates of neuron size, density and total number in the hippocampal region were made for nestlings and adults of the food-storing marsh tit Parus palustris and non-storing blue tit Parus caeruleus. Relative hippocampal volume did not differ between nestlings of the two species, whilst the relative hippocampal volume of adult marsh tits was greater than that of blue tits. The difference between adults arose because in marsh tits but not blue tits, adults had a significantly larger relative hippocampal volume than did nestlings. Neuron density was significantly higher in both species in nestlings than in adults and adult blue tits had fewer neurons than did adult marsh tits. The results of this study are largely consistent with the earlier study comparing a storing and non-storing species of corvid, suggesting that the observed patterns may reflect a general difference between storers and non-storers in the development of the hippocampal region.}, }
@article {pmid8037075, year = {1994}, author = {Blennerhassett, L and Strohmeier, SJ and Hibbett, C}, title = {Criterion-related validity of Raven's Progressive Matrices with deaf residential school students.}, journal = {American annals of the deaf}, volume = {139}, number = {2}, pages = {104-110}, doi = {10.1353/aad.2012.0053}, pmid = {8037075}, issn = {0002-726X}, mesh = {Achievement ; Adolescent ; *Deafness ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence ; *Intelligence Tests ; Language ; Male ; *Reproducibility of Results ; *Residential Facilities ; *Schools ; *Students ; }, abstract = {Criterion-related validity of Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM) was investigated using a sample of 107 deaf residential adolescents. Data collection involved retrieval of psychoeducational test scores (RPM; WISC-R Performance IQ; VMI-R; Bender-Gestalt; and SAT-HI Reading Comprehension, Spelling, and Language) from student files. Concurrent validity between the Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) and WISC-R PIQ was established, with significant (p .001) correlations of .598 (using WISC-R deaf norms) and .616 (using WISC-R hearing norms). Predictive validity was supported by significant correlations between the SPM and SAT-HI Reading Comprehension, Spelling, and Language scores.}, }
@article {pmid8014253, year = {1994}, author = {Saarnio, P}, title = {A comparative study of dynamic and static testing in abstinent alcoholics.}, journal = {Journal of clinical psychology}, volume = {50}, number = {2}, pages = {272-280}, doi = {10.1002/1097-4679(199403)50:2&lt;272::aid-jclp2270500221&gt;3.0.co;2-7}, pmid = {8014253}, issn = {0021-9762}, mesh = {Adult ; Alcoholism/psychology/*rehabilitation ; Discrimination Learning/drug effects ; Ethanol/*adverse effects ; Field Dependence-Independence ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Orientation/drug effects ; Pattern Recognition, Visual/drug effects ; Problem Solving/drug effects ; Substance-Related Disorders/classification/*diagnosis/psychology ; Temperance/*psychology ; Transfer, Psychology ; }, abstract = {The performance of 44 Finnish alcoholics was measured on a Vygotskian version of the Raven's Progressive Matrices and four traditional static tests (the Digit Symbol and Block Design subtests from the WAIS, Part B of the Trial Making Test, and the Embedded Figures Test). Of the static tests only the Block Design showed consistent congruence with the results of the learning potential test. The other static tests discriminated only partially from each other the groups which were formed according to learning potential. The most fruitful way to test alcoholics is probably to have a flexible combination of static and dynamic tests. We also need to have tests that are applicable to both static and dynamic testing.}, }
@article {pmid8157394, year = {1994}, author = {Lange, P and Schnohr, P}, title = {The relationship between facial wrinkling and airflow obstruction.}, journal = {International journal of dermatology}, volume = {33}, number = {2}, pages = {123-126}, doi = {10.1111/j.1365-4362.1994.tb01541.x}, pmid = {8157394}, issn = {0011-9059}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Pulmonary Ventilation ; Skin Aging/*physiology ; Smoking ; Vital Capacity ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Similar smoking-related changes in the collagen and elastin could play a role in the pathogenesis of both skin wrinkling and chronic airflow obstruction. The hypothesis was tested by analyzing whether increased facial wrinkling, especially in smokers, is associated with the presence of airflow obstruction.<br><br>METHODS: An age-stratified randomized sample of the general population comprising 6034 men and 7152 women between 30 and 80 years of age was analyzed. The recording of wrinkling in the crow's foot area of the right eye was performed according to an earlier described severity score. As an index of airflow obstruction, we used the ratio between forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity in percent (FEV1/FVC%).<br><br>RESULTS: Multiple regression analysis comprising current and previous smokers showed that, after controlling for age, subjects with highest wrinkle scores had on average FEV1/FVC% that was 1.2-1.9% lower than in subjects with lower wrinkle scores. No association between facial wrinkling and airflow obstruction was observed among lifetime nonsmokers.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Increased facial wrinkling is independent of age when associated with airflow obstruction in smokers, but not in never-smokers. The magnitude of this association, however, is small.}, }
@article {pmid8182355, year = {1994}, author = {Bürger, R and Hofbauer, J}, title = {Mutation load and mutation-selection-balance in quantitative genetic traits.}, journal = {Journal of mathematical biology}, volume = {32}, number = {3}, pages = {193-218}, pmid = {8182355}, issn = {0303-6812}, mesh = {Alleles ; Diploidy ; Mathematics ; *Models, Genetic ; *Mutation ; *Selection, Genetic ; }, abstract = {Haldane (1937) showed that the reduction of equilibrium mean fitness in an infinite population due to recurrent deleterious mutations depends only on the mutation rate but not on the harmfulness of mutants. His analysis, as well as more recent ones (cf. Crow 1970), ignored back mutation. The purpose of the present paper is to extend these results to arbitrary mutation patterns among alleles and to quantitative genetic traits. We derive first-order approximations for the equilibrium mean fitness (and the mutation load) and determine the order of the error term. For a metric trait under mutation-stabilizing-selection balance our result differs qualitatively from that of Crow and Kimura (1964), whose analysis is based on a Gaussian assumption. Our general approach also yields a mathematical proof that the variance under the usual mutation-stabilizing-selection model is, to first order, micro/s (the house-of cards approximation) as micro/s tends to zero. This holds for arbitrary mutant distributions and does not require that the population mean coincide with the optimum. We show how the mutant distribution determines the order of the error term, and thus the accuracy of the house-of-cards approximation. Upper and lower bounds to the equilibrium variance are derived that deviate only to second order as micro/s tends to zero. The multilocus case is treated under the assumption of global linkage equilibrium.}, }
@article {pmid8123260, year = {1994}, author = {Bathurst, K and Kee, DW}, title = {Finger-tapping interference as produced by concurrent verbal and nonverbal tasks: an analysis of individual differences in left-handers.}, journal = {Brain and cognition}, volume = {24}, number = {1}, pages = {123-136}, doi = {10.1006/brcg.1994.1007}, pmid = {8123260}, issn = {0278-2626}, mesh = {Adult ; *Attention ; Dominance, Cerebral ; Female ; *Functional Laterality ; Humans ; *Individuality ; Male ; Mental Recall ; *Motor Activity ; *Motor Skills ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Orientation ; Pattern Recognition, Visual ; Problem Solving ; *Verbal Behavior ; }, abstract = {Verbal cerebral asymmetry was examined in 96 right- and left-handed college students using dual-task methods. The manual task was finger-tapping; verbal tasks were anagram-solution in silent and aloud conditions; nonverbal tasks were solution of Raven's Progressive Matrices and forms memory. Both handedness groups were sensitive to the task manipulation, i.e., verbal tasks produced a significant change in tapping rate from a no-change rate of zero; nonverbal tasks produced no significant change in tapping rate. Right-handers experienced the expected asymmetric manual performance indicative of left-hemisphere language laterality. Left-handers as a group experienced no asymmetric pattern but rather a percentage decrease in both hands which suggested bilateralization of language functions. Only when examining manual performance patterns within specific left-handed subpopulations (composed of a complete crossing of handwriting posture, familial sinistrality, and sex) did laterality patterns emerge. Specifically, asymmetric manual performance was found only in familial sinistral inverted posture females. Results demonstrate the advantage of controlling for subject characteristics when assessing cerebral laterality in left-handers.}, }
@article {pmid7914043, year = {1994}, author = {Schooler, NR}, title = {Deficit symptoms in schizophrenia: negative symptoms versus neuroleptic-induced deficits.}, journal = {Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica. Supplementum}, volume = {380}, number = {}, pages = {21-26}, doi = {10.1111/j.1600-0447.1994.tb05827.x}, pmid = {7914043}, issn = {0065-1591}, mesh = {Affective Symptoms/chemically induced/diagnosis/psychology ; Antipsychotic Agents/*adverse effects/therapeutic use ; Arousal/*drug effects ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Humans ; *Motivation ; Neurologic Examination ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales ; Schizophrenia/diagnosis/*drug therapy ; *Schizophrenic Psychology ; }, abstract = {Definitions of negative symptoms and deficit syndromes are reviewed in this article; rating scale criteria (the Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale); Crow's type II syndrome; Carpenter's deficit syndrome; and the draft of DSM-IV. The core negative symptoms identified by these investigators also describe the neuroleptic-induced deficit syndrome (NIDS). Study designs and assessment methods to distinguish NIDS from the symptoms of schizophrenia are presented. Assessment methods include rating scales and a novel method that uses descriptive symptom vignettes. Designs include neuroleptic discontinuation studies, dose comparisons and comparison of atypical antipsychotic medicines to typical neuroleptic drugs.}, }
@article {pmid8138864, year = {1993}, author = {Powers, SW and Blount, RL and Bachanas, PJ and Cotter, MW and Swan, SC}, title = {Helping preschool leukemia patients and their parents cope during injections.}, journal = {Journal of pediatric psychology}, volume = {18}, number = {6}, pages = {681-695}, doi = {10.1093/jpepsy/18.6.681}, pmid = {8138864}, issn = {0146-8693}, mesh = {*Adaptation, Psychological ; Behavior Therapy ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Injections, Intramuscular/*psychology ; Injections, Intravenous/*psychology ; Mothers/education/*psychology ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/*psychology/therapy ; *Sick Role ; }, abstract = {Taught 4 preschool leukemia patients (ages 3-5) to engage in specific coping behaviors before and during painful intramuscular and intravenous injections. Parents were taught to coach their children in the use of the coping behaviors. Intervention was delivered in a multiple baseline across-subjects design. Parent and child behavior was coded using the Child-Adult Medical Procedure Interaction Scale-Revised (CAMPIS-R, Blount, Powers, &amp; Sturges) and Observation Scale of Behavioral Distress (OSBD, Elliott, Jay, Woody). Parents and nurses rated child behavior as well. Results indicated that parents learned coping-promoting behaviors, children learned specific coping behaviors, and children displayed less behavioral distress. Maintenance of behavior change was addressed. Contributions of this study to the current literature on children's coping with invasive medical procedures and implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.}, }
@article {pmid8277851, year = {1993}, author = {Helm-Bychowski, K and Cracraft, J}, title = {Recovering phylogenetic signal from DNA sequences: relationships within the corvine assemblage (class aves) as inferred from complete sequences of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome-b gene.}, journal = {Molecular biology and evolution}, volume = {10}, number = {6}, pages = {1196-1214}, doi = {10.1093/oxfordjournals.molbev.a040072}, pmid = {8277851}, issn = {0737-4038}, mesh = {Animals ; Base Sequence ; Birds/classification/*genetics ; Cytochrome b Group/*genetics ; DNA Primers ; DNA, Mitochondrial/analysis/*genetics ; Models, Genetic ; Molecular Sequence Data ; *Phylogeny ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Phylogenetic analysis of cytochrome-b sequences and cranial osteological characters for nine genera of corvine passerine birds supports the hypothesis that the two major groups of birds of paradise, the manucodines and paradisaeinines, constitute a monophyletic group and that their postulated sister group is the Corvidae (crows, jays, and allies). The data are also consistent with the hypothesis that the bowerbirds are not closely related to the birds of paradise but instead lie near the base of the corvine assemblage. The corvine radiation exemplifies a case of multiple star phylogenies embedded within a major clade, with the branching pattern characterized by very short internodal divergence times. Such histories are difficult to resolve no matter what type of data is employed, because little change accumulates between branching events. With respect to sequence data, reconstructed tree topologies are sensitive to the choice of outgroup and to the method of analysis (e.g., transversion vs. global parsimony). In such cases, assessing the "reliability" of a best-fit or most-parsimonious tree inferred from any particular data set becomes problematic. Statistical tests of tree topologies that depend on random sampling of characters will generally be inconclusive in that all cladistic components will tend to be poorly supported because relatively few character-state changes will be recorded between branching events. It is suggested, on the other hand, that congruence in cladistic signal across different data sets may be a potentially more useful method for evaluating the reliability of the signal of any one data set. Resolution of star phylogenies will probably be possible only if DNA sequence and morphological characters are combined in a single analysis.}, }
@article {pmid8222450, year = {1993}, author = {Morgan, JM and Biehl, WC and Wagner, FW}, title = {Management of neuropathic arthropathy with the Charcot Restraint Orthotic Walker.}, journal = {Clinical orthopaedics and related research}, volume = {}, number = {296}, pages = {58-63}, pmid = {8222450}, issn = {0009-921X}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Arthropathy, Neurogenic/diagnostic imaging/*therapy ; Diabetic Neuropathies/complications/*therapy ; Female ; Fractures, Bone/etiology/*therapy ; Humans ; Locomotion ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Orthotic Devices ; Patient Satisfaction ; Radiography ; }, abstract = {A recently designed Charcot Restraint Orthotic Walker (CROW) was used in the treatment of 18 patients with diabetic neuroarthropathy involving the foot and ankle. Eight of these patients had no surgery before the use of the CROW. In ten patients, the device was used for prolonged immobilization after surgery for complications of neuropathic joint disease. The CROW is a rigid, custom, full-foot enclosure ankle-foot orthosis. It was used after an initial period of cast immobilization. The CROW effectively controls limb edema, returns the patient to ambulatory activities, and prevents significant progression of deformity. All patients rated their satisfaction with the device as good or excellent. The CROW is an attractive alternative to currently used methods to provide the prolonged immobilization and protection necessary for healing in neuropathic arthropathy.}, }
@article {pmid11656324, year = {1993}, author = {Pellegrino, ED}, title = {Autonomy, beneficence, and the experimental subject's consent: a response to Jay Katz.}, journal = {Saint Louis University law journal}, volume = {38}, number = {1}, pages = {55-62}, pmid = {11656324}, issn = {0036-3030}, mesh = {*Altruism ; *Beneficence ; Decision Making ; *Disclosure ; Ethics Committees ; Ethics Committees, Research ; Federal Government ; *Freedom ; Government ; Government Regulation ; *Human Experimentation ; Human Rights ; Humans ; *Informed Consent ; Moral Obligations ; *Paternalism ; Patients ; Peer Review ; *Personal Autonomy ; Physician-Patient Relations ; *Physicians ; Privacy ; *Research Personnel ; *Research Subjects ; *Researcher-Subject Relations ; Social Control, Formal ; Social Responsibility ; *Social Values ; *Virtues ; }, }
@article {pmid8306646, year = {1993}, author = {Templer, DI and Kaiser, G and Siscoe, K}, title = {Correlates of pathological gambling propensity in prison inmates.}, journal = {Comprehensive psychiatry}, volume = {34}, number = {5}, pages = {347-351}, doi = {10.1016/0010-440x(93)90022-v}, pmid = {8306646}, issn = {0010-440X}, mesh = {Adult ; Gambling/*psychology ; Humans ; MMPI/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Male ; Mental Disorders/classification/diagnosis/psychology ; Middle Aged ; Nevada ; Prisoners/*psychology ; Psychometrics ; }, abstract = {The South Oaks Gambling Inventory was administered to 136 consecutively admitted inmates in a medium-security prison in Nevada. According to the criteria of the authors of this instrument, 22.79% of these inmates had some problem and 26% were probable pathological gamblers. Significant positive correlations with the F, depression, psychopathic deviate, psychasthenia, paranoia, schizophrenia, and Mac Andrew alcoholism scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) were found. Gambling score was negatively correlated with the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices measure of intelligence. Clinical implications are suggested.}, }
@article {pmid8369962, year = {1993}, author = {Taniguchi, M and Murakami, N and Nakamura, H and Nasu, T and Shinohara, S and Etoh, T}, title = {Melatonin release from pineal cells of diurnal and nocturnal birds.}, journal = {Brain research}, volume = {620}, number = {2}, pages = {297-300}, doi = {10.1016/0006-8993(93)90169-n}, pmid = {8369962}, issn = {0006-8993}, mesh = {8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate/pharmacology ; Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Cells, Cultured ; *Circadian Rhythm ; Columbidae/*physiology ; Melatonin/*metabolism ; *Motor Activity ; Pineal Gland/cytology/drug effects/*metabolism ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Melatonin release from the pineal cells of chicks, pigeons and crows (diurnal birds) in vitro was compared with that from owls (a nocturnal bird). The pineal cells of diurnal birds secreted large amounts of melatonin during the dark period, whereas owl pineal cells released virtually no melatonin over 24 h and did not respond to exogenous stimulant agents. Histological examination revealed that the owl pineal gland is very small and has a poor vascular network. These results suggest that the pineal gland of owls may have degenerated and is not involved in the circadian clock mechanism in this species.}, }
@article {pmid8348321, year = {1993}, author = {Montagnese, CM and Krebs, JR and Székely, AD and Csillag, A}, title = {A subpopulation of large calbindin-like immunopositive neurones is present in the hippocampal formation in food-storing but not in non-storing species of bird.}, journal = {Brain research}, volume = {614}, number = {1-2}, pages = {291-300}, doi = {10.1016/0006-8993(93)91047-v}, pmid = {8348321}, issn = {0006-8993}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Calbindins ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Female ; Hippocampus/*cytology ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Neurons/*metabolism/ultrastructure ; S100 Calcium Binding Protein G/immunology/*metabolism ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {The avian hippocampal formation (HP) is thought to play a role in the processing of spatial memory related to food-storing behaviour. The HP of two food-storing species (marsh tit (Parus palustris) and magpie (Pica pica)) and two non-storing species (great tit (Parus major) and jackdaw (Corvus monedula)) were compared following calbindin-like immunostaining. In the dorsal hippocampal region, both species of food-storing birds had larger calbindin-immunoreactive cells than did the two non-storing species. The fact that this association between storing behaviour and cell morphology is seen in two unrelated families of birds, the Paridae (marsh tit versus great tit) and Corvidae (magpie versus jackdaw) suggests that there may be a direct link between food-storing behaviour and the dorsal hippocampal calbindin-immunoreactive cell population.}, }
@article {pmid8518987, year = {1993}, author = {Cashman, FE and Gilbert, R}, title = {Blue jay mania.}, journal = {Canadian journal of psychiatry. Revue canadienne de psychiatrie}, volume = {38}, number = {4}, pages = {299}, doi = {10.1177/070674379303800419}, pmid = {8518987}, issn = {0706-7437}, mesh = {Adult ; Arousal ; *Baseball ; Bipolar Disorder/*psychology ; Humans ; Male ; Social Facilitation ; }, }
@article {pmid8415191, year = {1993}, author = {Cianchetti, C and Marrosu, MG}, title = {[The analysis of nervous system functions in dysmorphic syndromes].}, journal = {La Pediatria medica e chirurgica : Medical and surgical pediatrics}, volume = {15 Suppl 1}, number = {}, pages = {26-28}, pmid = {8415191}, issn = {0391-5387}, mesh = {Congenital Abnormalities/diagnosis/*physiopathology ; Electroencephalography ; Electrophysiology ; Humans ; Nervous System/*physiopathology ; Neurologic Examination ; Neuropsychological Tests ; }, abstract = {The involvement of the C.N.S. in dysmorphic syndromes is very frequent; therefore a systematic analysis of the functions of the nervous system is important in the clinical definition of these syndromes. Besides the morphological aspects, studied by magnetic resonance imaging, investigations should be carried out in the neuroelectrophysiological and neuropsychological fields. For the former, the following examinations are proposed: EEG in wakefulness and sleep, multimodal evoked potentials (VEP, BAEP, SEP), cortical magnetic stimulation and P300 (P3). For the neuropsychological field, a general intelligence test appropriate to the mental age of the subject (the Wechsler, Terman-Merrill, or Brunet-Lezine scale) and, whenever possible, the following complementary tests: Raven's Progressive Matrices, Bender's and Santucci's graphic tests, go-no go, Goodenough draw-a-person, reading and writing tests, Langeot's scale for development of the logical thinking, sorting test and verbal and spatial memory tests. In some cases, the behaviour should be defined, through Conner's scale for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorders, the Autism Diagnostic Interview, the Adaptive Behaviour Scale and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale.}, }
@article {pmid8101009, year = {1993}, author = {Adames, AJ and Dutary, B and Tejera, H and Adames, E and Galindo, P}, title = {[The relationship between mosquito vectors and aquatic birds in the potential transmission of 2 arboviruses].}, journal = {Revista medica de Panama}, volume = {18}, number = {2}, pages = {106-119}, pmid = {8101009}, issn = {0379-1629}, mesh = {Animals ; Antibodies, Viral/blood ; Birds/*immunology ; Culicidae/*microbiology ; *Disease Vectors ; Encephalitis Virus, St. Louis/immunology/*isolation &amp; purification ; Encephalitis Virus, Venezuelan Equine/immunology/*isolation &amp; purification ; Encephalitis, St. Louis/immunology/microbiology/*transmission ; Encephalomyelitis, Venezuelan Equine/immunology/microbiology/*transmission ; Insect Vectors/*microbiology ; Nesting Behavior ; Panama ; }, abstract = {The authors studied for two years the role of the chicks of aquatic birds in the arboviral cycles in coastal lagoons in central Panama in order to determine the relation between Culex (Melanoconion) ocossa and Mansonia (Mansonia) dyari mosquitoes in the transmission and dissemination of the viruses of Saint Louis Encephalitis (SLE) and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (VEE). Mosquitoes were captured every fifteen days on two consecutive nights to isolate the virus, using light traps (CDC) and baited traps. The attempts to isolate the virus were made using Vero cell cultures and the determination of antibodies was performed. The results of the serologic tests seem to indicate that four bird species: the ex (?) heron (Bubulcus ibis), the American heron (Casmerodius albus), the spoon-billed duck (Cochlearius cochlearius) and the needle crow (Anhinga anhinga) could function as intermediate hosts in the transmission cycle of SLE. Two species, the ibis (Endocimus albus) and the spoon-billed duck (Cochlearius cochlearius) could also be intermediate hosts of VEE in the coastal lagoons of Panama. The presence of antibodies in chicks could indicate an infection acquired recently, after their birth, in this area. The VEE virus was recovered from blood filled mosquitoes which had fed on a spoon-billed duck probably infected and exposed in a Trinidad #10 trap. No SLE virus was isolated. Other unknown viruses were isolated from mosquitoes selected for these studies, such as C. ocossa and M. dyari. The results obtained with these studies indicate the need for more studies utilizing new field techniques in order to establish a link between SLE and VEE, the vector mosquitoes and the aquatic birds in the coastal lagoons of the area under investigation.}, }
@article {pmid8466658, year = {1993}, author = {Healy, SD and Krebs, JR}, title = {Development of hippocampal specialisation in a food-storing bird.}, journal = {Behavioural brain research}, volume = {53}, number = {1-2}, pages = {127-131}, doi = {10.1016/s0166-4328(05)80272-4}, pmid = {8466658}, issn = {0166-4328}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Hippocampus/anatomy &amp; histology/cytology/*growth &amp; development ; Neurons/physiology ; Species Specificity ; Telencephalon/anatomy &amp; histology/growth &amp; development/physiology ; }, abstract = {Previous studies demonstrated that amongst food-storing passerine birds the hippocampal region (dorso-medial cortex) is enlarged relative to the rest of the telencephalon. It has been hypothesised that this hippocampal specialisation is related to the spatial memory requirements of retrieving large numbers of stored items. Here we compare the development of the hippocampus in a food-storing and a non-storing corvid, the adults of which differ in relative hippocampal volume. The volume, cell density and number of cells in the hippocampal region of nestling (5-25 days post hatching) and adult (> 320 days old) magpies Pica pica (food-storing) and jackdaws Corvus monedula (non-storing) were measured. In both species the volume of the hippocampus increases with the volume of the rest of the telencephalon during the nestling growth phase. The relative volume of the hippocampus in 5- to 25-day-old nestlings of the two species does not differ significantly. In the food-storing magpie, the relative volume of the adult hippocampus is significantly larger than that of nestlings, whilst in the jackdaw, adults and nestlings do not differ. The density of neurons declines with increasing age and this effect is more marked in jackdaws than in magpies. Neuron number did not change significantly with age, but is significantly greater in adult magpies than in adult jackdaws. These results are discussed in relation to the possibility that changes in hippocampal volume and cell number are related to the use of spatial memory in retrieving stored food.}, }
@article {pmid8501311, year = {1993}, author = {Sabhesan, S and Natarajan, M}, title = {Long-term outcome following head injury.}, journal = {Journal of the Indian Medical Association}, volume = {91}, number = {2}, pages = {37-39}, pmid = {8501311}, issn = {0019-5847}, mesh = {Craniocerebral Trauma/*complications/epidemiology ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; India/epidemiology ; Mental Disorders/epidemiology/*etiology ; Nervous System Diseases/epidemiology/*etiology ; Prospective Studies ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {In a perspective study of follow-up of 141 head-injured patients, neurological, behavioural, neuropsychological and psychosocial parameters of outcome were used to measure the patient's functional status for 18 months. Neurophysical sequelae including seizure disorders were seen in 29 patients. Cortical functional disturbances observed were nominal difficulties in 5 patients, perseveration in 5 patients, disturbed kinetic melodies in 9 patients, frontal acalculia in 4 patients, constructional apraxia in one patient and left side neglect in one patient. These deficits were reversed except in 13 cases. Only 32 patients (22.7%) did not suffer from any behavioural changes. The role of compensation as an aetiologic factor was found in 5 patients. Out of 94 patients in whom scores in memory test was done, 11 patients performed better than their age and education-related norms. Scores in Raven's matrices for level of intellectual performance were done in 71 patients. The score was below 25th percentile in majority (58 cases). Among 130 patients with some jobs, 56 patients (43%) were fully restored. Out of 105 married patients, 45 patients (43%) had disturbed relations after head injury. Seven patients had separation of marriage. Compared to neurological deficits, behavioural and neuropsychological impairments were more prevalent and disabling. Psychosocial outcome, particularly vocational restoration was adversely affected by behavioural changes and cognitive deficits. Need for a multidisciplinary intervention to minimise the avoidable morbidity is emphasised.}, }
@article {pmid8467276, year = {1993}, author = {Cockburn, J and Smith, PT}, title = {Correlates of everyday memory among residents of Part III homes.}, journal = {The British journal of clinical psychology}, volume = {32}, number = {1}, pages = {75-77}, doi = {10.1111/j.2044-8260.1993.tb01029.x}, pmid = {8467276}, issn = {0144-6657}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Aged ; *Homes for the Aged ; Humans ; Intelligence ; *Memory ; Self Care ; Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Performance on the Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test (RBMT) of 43 residents of Part III homes was compared with performance on Raven's Coloured Progressive matrices and the National Adult Reading Test (NART). Health, medication, selfcare and social activity were also measured. Results show that although Raven's score was the best predictor of memory test performance, it had a high refusal rate. Age was not a significant predictor of overall memory test score but results were complicated by age of entry into Part III, with older people performing better on some items. Medication, in particular drugs acting on the central nervous system, enhanced performance on some items.}, }
@article {pmid8243509, year = {1993}, author = {Botez-Marquard, T and Botez, MI}, title = {Cognitive behavior in heredodegenerative ataxias.}, journal = {European neurology}, volume = {33}, number = {5}, pages = {351-357}, doi = {10.1159/000116970}, pmid = {8243509}, issn = {0014-3022}, mesh = {Adult ; Cerebellum/physiopathology ; Cognition Disorders/*etiology/physiopathology ; Female ; Friedreich Ataxia/*psychology ; Functional Laterality ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Olivopontocerebellar Atrophies/*psychology ; Reaction Time ; }, abstract = {Fifteen patients with Friedreich's ataxia (FA) and 15 others with olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA) were evaluated with a comprehensive neuropsychological battery of tests. They were pair-matched with normal controls for age, sex and education. Depressed patients were excluded from the study as were those with extrapyramidal signs. The following results were obtained: (1) the Raven test, untimed block design performance in OPCA and quantitative analysis of Rey figure drawing revealed a visuospatial deficit suggestive of a mild parietal-like syndrome; signs of mild frontal-like syndrome were also found; (2) cognition was slowed in the FA group; (3) simple visual and auditory reaction times were increased in both patient groups. It appears that the cerebellum may interfere indirectly with cognition through various physiological and neurochemical 2-way cerebellocortical loops. Finally, the cerebellum seems to interfere directly also with basic speed of information processing.}, }
@article {pmid8120349, year = {1993}, author = {Bonnyman, G}, title = {Unmasking Jim Crow.}, journal = {Journal of health politics, policy and law}, volume = {18}, number = {4}, pages = {871-879}, doi = {10.1215/03616878-18-4-871}, pmid = {8120349}, issn = {0361-6878}, mesh = {*Black or African American ; *Civil Rights ; Health Care Reform/*legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; Health Services Accessibility/*legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; Insurance, Health ; Medicaid/legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; Prejudice ; *Race Relations ; United States ; }, }
@article {pmid8063505, year = {1993}, author = {Sandyk, R}, title = {Aggressive behavior in schizophrenia: relationship to age of onset and cortical atrophy.}, journal = {The International journal of neuroscience}, volume = {68}, number = {1-2}, pages = {1-10}, doi = {10.3109/00207459308994254}, pmid = {8063505}, issn = {0020-7454}, mesh = {Adult ; Age of Onset ; Aggression/*psychology ; Atrophy/pathology ; Cerebral Cortex/*pathology ; Female ; Functional Laterality ; Hospitalization ; Hospitals, Psychiatric ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Schizophrenia/*diagnosis/pathology ; *Schizophrenic Psychology ; Serotonin/metabolism ; Suicide/psychology ; }, abstract = {Aggressive behavior is a common feature of schizophrenia and is associated with the presence of 'soft' neurological signs. Since early age of onset of schizophrenia has been found to be associated with the negative syndrome, which according to Crow (1982) is related to structural brain abnormalities, I predicted that early age of onset may be a biological risk factor for aggressive behavior in the disease. To test this hypothesis, I investigated in 52 chronic institutionalized schizophrenic patients (mean age = 32.8 years; SD = 8.0), the association between age of onset of the disease and the severity of belligerent behavior. The age of onset was judged from the patient's histories as the age at which florid symptoms first emerged. Patients with early onset schizophrenia had a significantly higher belligerent score compared to those with later-onset schizophrenia (p < .05). These findings support the hypothesis of an association between early age of onset of schizophrenia and the risk of aggressive behavior and suggest, furthermore, that schizophrenic symptoms which emerge early may predict a higher risk of aggressive behavior. Furthermore, this study suggest that the neurochemical mechanisms which underlie the early emergence of symptoms may also predispose to aggressive behavior in schizophrenia. Specifically, since aggressive behavior has been linked to impairment of serotonergic (5-HT) functions, I propose that the timing of onset of schizophrenia may be partly associated with dysregulation of the 5-HT system. In a second study, I investigated whether schizophrenic patients with aggressive (suicide) behavior are characterized by more extensive brain damage and hence greater degree of cerebral atrophy on CT scan. The study, which involved 26 schizophrenic patients (mean age: 31.3 years; SD = 6.8), revealed that patients with aggressive behavior had a significantly greater degree of parieto-occipital atrophy on CT scan (p < .05). In contrast, ventricular size and prefrontal cortical atrophy did not distinguish aggressive from nonaggressive patients. These findings suggest that cortical atrophy may be a neuroradiological marker of aggressive behavior in schizophrenia.}, }
@article {pmid1282461, year = {1992}, author = {Rossi, A and Decchi, B and Vecchione, V}, title = {Supraspinal influences on recurrent inhibition in humans. Paralysis of descending control of Renshaw cells in patients with mental retardation.}, journal = {Electroencephalography and clinical neurophysiology}, volume = {85}, number = {6}, pages = {419-424}, doi = {10.1016/0168-5597(92)90056-h}, pmid = {1282461}, issn = {0013-4694}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Electric Stimulation/methods ; H-Reflex/physiology ; Humans ; Intellectual Disability/*physiopathology ; Interneurons/*physiology ; Isometric Contraction/physiology ; Motor Neurons/physiology ; Neural Inhibition/*physiology ; Paralysis/*physiopathology ; Posture/physiology ; Recurrence ; Spinal Cord/*physiopathology ; }, abstract = {The recurrent inhibition of alpha motoneurons was studied in 8 mentally retarded subjects (age 16-35 years), six of whom also had non-pyramidal or extrapyramidal motor alterations, manifesting as rigid and inflexible voluntary and/or postural movements. Despite a similar degree of mental retardation (Raven spatial general intelligence test), the other 2 cases showed much more modest changes in motor behavior. At rest, recurrent inhibition on soleus motoneurons was normal in all patients. In the 6 cases exhibiting more severe motor abnormality, the changes in Renshaw cell excitability, which occur during postural or voluntary contractions in normal subjects, were not found. This expressed the lack of supraspinal influences on Renshaw cells in these patients. On the other hand, supraspinal modulating influences on Renshaw cells were virtually normal in the remaining 2 patients. The absence of excitability changes of recurrent inhibition to postural or voluntary movements is discussed in relation to the abnormality of motor behavior observed in these patients. In addition, since paralysis of adaptive changes of recurrent inhibition has so far only been described in spastic subjects, the present study demonstrates that the descending pathways, which control recurrent inhibition gain, are different from those which, when damaged, lead to spasticity. Finally, our results indicate that the changes in motor behavior often associated with mental retardation cannot be regarded merely as the consequence of defective motor learning.}, }
@article {pmid1502338, year = {1992}, author = {Blackburn, JR and Pfaus, JG and Phillips, AG}, title = {Dopamine functions in appetitive and defensive behaviours.}, journal = {Progress in neurobiology}, volume = {39}, number = {3}, pages = {247-279}, doi = {10.1016/0301-0082(92)90018-a}, pmid = {1502338}, issn = {0301-0082}, mesh = {Aggression/*physiology/psychology ; Animals ; Appetitive Behavior/*physiology ; Dopamine/*physiology ; Humans ; }, abstract = {The data reviewed here are compatible with the hypothesis that telencephalic dopamine activity is elicited by motivationally significant stimuli which in turn creates a neural state in which animals are more prepared to respond to significant stimuli in the environment. This analysis may be viewed as extensions of both the sensorimotor hypothesis, which depicts dopamine as potentiating the ability of stimuli to elicit responses (Clody and Carlton, 1980; Marshall et al., 1974; White, 1986) and of the incentive motivational hypothesis, which emphasizes the importance of dopamine in responding to stimuli that serve as signals of biologically significant events (Blackburn et al., 1989a; Crow, 1973; Mogenson and Phillips, 1976). In addition, we have sought to emphasize that not all responses are equally dependent upon the integrity of forebrain dopamine activity. Some responses, such as ingestion of standard foods by hungry animals, copulation, and escape, are relatively impervious to dopamine disruption. Further, once other behaviours, such as avoidance or appetitive operant responses, have been acquired, they can be maintained at an initially high rate despite perturbation of dopamine systems, although performance deteriorates with repeated testing. This analysis has emerged from the joint consideration of how both appetitive and defensive behaviours are influenced by dopamine antagonists, along with an examination of dopamine release during sequences of behaviour. The data reviewed suggest that dopamine is involved in fundamental psychological processes through which environmental stimuli come to exert control over certain aspects of behaviour. In the future, as knowledge in this field advances, there will have to be an integration of the literature on dopamine and motivation with the literature on dopamine and motor systems. We expect that dopamine release will be seen as a mechanism by which important environmental cues, of innate or learned significance, lead to a general enhancement of motor skeletal responses directed towards distal cues. We conclude with a caveat: Caution must be exercised when attempting to infer a general role of any neurotransmitter in motivated behaviour based on the study of a limited number of motivational systems. Although neurotransmitter pathways may figure prominently in the control of certain behaviours, it is incorrect to think of neurotransmitters as having a single role in behaviour. However, when comparative analyses reveal a common thread among different motivational systems, as is becoming apparent for the general role of mesotelencephalic dopamine pathways in behaviour, then the goal of generating coherent and comprehensive theory concerning a neurotransmitter's function in behaviour will begin to be realised.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)}, }
@article {pmid1410181, year = {1992}, author = {Lyytinen, H and Blomberg, AP and Näätänen, R}, title = {Event-related potentials and autonomic responses to a change in unattended auditory stimuli.}, journal = {Psychophysiology}, volume = {29}, number = {5}, pages = {523-534}, doi = {10.1111/j.1469-8986.1992.tb02025.x}, pmid = {1410181}, issn = {0048-5772}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Arousal/*physiology ; Attention/*physiology ; Autonomic Nervous System/*physiology ; Cerebral Cortex/physiology ; *Electroencephalography ; Evoked Potentials, Auditory/physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Pitch Discrimination/*physiology ; Problem Solving/physiology ; }, abstract = {Event-related brain potentials (ERPs) and autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses to occasional pitch and rise-time changes in a task-irrelevant auditory stimulus repeating at short intervals were measured while the subject performed a difficult intellectual task (Raven Matrices). It was found that deviant stimuli elicited the mismatch negativity (MMN) component of the ERP even when they elicited no ANS response. There was no significant difference in the mismatch negativity between trials in which the skin conductance response was or was not elicited. The pitch deviant tone also elicited heart rate deceleration, whereas the rise-time deviant tone tended to elicit a later heart rate acceleration. Neither heart rate change correlated with the mismatch negativity. The pattern of results obtained suggests that the mismatch negativity is generated by an automatic discrimination process associated with the cerebral events initiating the orienting response to stimulus change, but does not necessarily lead to the orienting response elicitation. Longer-latency ERP components tended to show slight covariation with ANS responses. The P3 was larger when a skin conductance response was elicited than when it was not elicited. Further, heart rate change trials tended to be accompanied by larger slow waves than trials with no heart rate response. Heart rate acceleration trials were accompanied by a larger slow parietal positivity and a smaller frontal negativity than were heart rate deceleration trials.}, }
@article {pmid1326904, year = {1992}, author = {Braggio, JT and Pishkin, V}, title = {Systolic blood pressure and neuropsychological test performance of alcoholics.}, journal = {Alcoholism, clinical and experimental research}, volume = {16}, number = {4}, pages = {726-733}, doi = {10.1111/j.1530-0277.1992.tb00669.x}, pmid = {1326904}, issn = {0145-6008}, mesh = {Adult ; Alcoholism/*physiopathology/psychology/rehabilitation ; Blood Pressure/*drug effects/physiology ; Brain/physiopathology ; Concept Formation/drug effects/physiology ; Ethanol/*adverse effects ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Mental Recall/drug effects/physiology ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; Psychomotor Performance/drug effects/physiology ; Substance Abuse Treatment Centers ; Substance-Related Disorders/*physiopathology/psychology/rehabilitation ; }, abstract = {This study examined resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) as a mediator of neuropsychological (NP) test performance in nonhypertensive alcoholics and controls. A median-split was used to assign alcoholics and controls to low and high SBP groups. Results showed that: (1) When SBP level was not considered, alcoholics only performed worse than controls on the WAIS Comprehension subtest. (2) Alcoholics and controls in the high SBP groups had fewer correct items on the WAIS Comprehension and Raven's, Set I tests than subjects in the low SBP groups. (3) Significant Diagnostic Group by SBP Group interaction was found for the Sentence Writing test. For this test only controls in the High SBP Group did worse than controls in the Low SBP Group. (4) Individual group comparisons for all NP tests showed that alcoholics in the High SBP Group were more impaired than controls in the Low SBP Group on the WAIS Comprehension, Shipley Abstraction Age and Stark Visual-Spatial tests; but alcoholics in the Low SBP Group did not differ from, or outperformed, controls in the High SBP Group on the WAIS Comprehension, Shipley Abstraction Age, Raven's, Set I, and Stark Visual-Spatial tests. These data demonstrate that both alcoholism and high SBP adversely and differentially affect the NP test performance of alcoholics and controls.}, }
@article {pmid1517761, year = {1992}, author = {van Dijk, JG and Jennekens-Schinkel, A and Caekebeke, JF and Zwinderman, AH}, title = {Are event-related potentials in multiple sclerosis indicative of cognitive impairment? Evoked and event-related potentials, psychometric testing and response speed: a controlled study.}, journal = {Journal of the neurological sciences}, volume = {109}, number = {1}, pages = {18-24}, doi = {10.1016/0022-510x(92)90088-3}, pmid = {1517761}, issn = {0022-510X}, mesh = {Cognition Disorders/diagnosis/*etiology/physiopathology ; Evoked Potentials ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests ; Motor Activity ; Multiple Sclerosis/complications/physiopathology/*psychology ; Neural Conduction ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Psychomotor Performance ; Reaction Time ; }, abstract = {Bimodal event-related potentials (ERPs), together with evoked potentials (EPs), measures of motor speed (tapping test, EMG latencies and reaction times (RT)), and psychometric test results were studied in a group of 30 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and 19 controls. ERPs have been advocated as objective tests of cognitive function. In the present study ERPs were compared with the results of psychometric tests, which have a proven validity in measuring aspects of cognitive function that are important in daily life. Abnormal EMG, RT and tapping speed confirmed that motor aspects of performance were slowed in the MS group. In contrast, cognitive non-motor variables such as Raven-IQ and MQ were not significantly abnormal. The proportions of abnormal ERP N2 and P3 latencies did not differ between the groups. It is concluded that the slow performance of MS subjects is therefore most likely not due to cognitive speed decrement, but to motor, executive impairments. No significant relationships between ERP latencies and psychometric test results were found. This held even for a subgroup of 5 MS patients with psychometrically established cognitive impairments. Based on these results, we query the relevance of ERPs as subtle indicators of cognitive impairment in MS.}, }
@article {pmid11645801, year = {1992}, author = {Campbell, CS}, title = {It never dies: assessing the Nazi analogy in bioethics.}, journal = {The Journal of medical humanities}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {21-29}, pmid = {11645801}, issn = {1041-3545}, mesh = {*Bioethical Issues ; *Bioethics ; Biomedical Research ; *Complicity ; Democracy ; Double Effect Principle ; *Ethical Analysis ; Ethical Theory ; *Ethics ; Ethics, Medical ; Eugenics ; Euthanasia ; Euthanasia, Active ; Euthanasia, Passive ; Fetal Tissue Transplantation ; Germany ; Health Care Rationing ; History ; Human Experimentation ; Humans ; Intention ; Metaphor ; *Morals ; Motivation ; *National Socialism ; Patient Selection ; Physicians ; *Political Systems ; Prejudice ; *Professional Misconduct ; Quality of Life ; Research ; *Social Values ; United States ; Value of Life ; Wedge Argument ; }, abstract = {... As should be evident from the foregoing analysis, I have significant reservations about the moral utility of the Nazi analogy in debates over bioethics issues. Nevertheless, I am unable to dismiss its force entirely. I want to suggest that the real threat to the moral and human values expressed by the analogy will come not from responsibly formulated and clearly articulated proposals that undergo debate and scrutiny in the public forum, and whose practical impact in a democratic society is limited by institutional review and procedural safeguards. My concern instead is with the psychology of moral distancing, in which moral conscience is compartmentalized from vocational interests, such as the pursuit of scientific knowledge through biomedical research. It is the kind of psychology that Robert Jay Lifton has referrred to as "doubling: the division of the self into two functioning wholes, so that a part-self acts as an entire self," and which Lifton believes enabled the transformation of physicians from healers to killers in Nazi Germany....}, }
@article {pmid1572947, year = {1992}, author = {Gainotti, G and Parlato, V and Monteleone, D and Carlomagno, S}, title = {Neuropsychological markers of dementia on visual-spatial tasks: a comparison between Alzheimer's type and vascular forms of dementia.}, journal = {Journal of clinical and experimental neuropsychology}, volume = {14}, number = {2}, pages = {239-252}, doi = {10.1080/01688639208402826}, pmid = {1572947}, issn = {1380-3395}, mesh = {Aged ; Alzheimer Disease/diagnosis/*psychology ; Attention ; Dementia, Multi-Infarct/diagnosis/psychology ; Dementia, Vascular/diagnosis/*psychology ; Depth Perception ; Dominance, Cerebral ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; *Orientation ; *Pattern Recognition, Visual ; Psychomotor Performance ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; }, abstract = {The incidence of the "closing-in" phenomenon and of the tendency to give "primitive answers" on the Raven's Colored Matrices was studied in 50 normal subjects and in two groups of Alzheimer's type (n = 41) and of vascular (n = 35) dementia patients, carefully matched as for the overall severity of dementia and the degree of visual-spatial impairment. The aims of this research were to determine if these patterns of behavior can be considered as neuropsychological markers of dementia and if their incidence is similar in the two dementia groups. Results show that both the closing-in phenomenon and the tendency to give globalistic and odd responses on the Raven's Colored Matrices are good markers of dementia and that, in particular, they point to a degenerative, rather than to a vascular form of dementia. From the clinical point of view, these data suggest that a qualitative analysis of the patient's behavior can increase the diagnostic efficacy of neuropsychological tests and that neuropsychological markers of dementia point more to Alzheimer's disease (considered as the most prototypic form of dementia) than to a vascular form of dementia even when the two groups of patients are well balanced in terms of visual-spatial impairment and the overall severity of dementia.}, }
@article {pmid1293200, year = {1992}, author = {Buehler, JA}, title = {Traditional Crow Indian health beliefs and practices. Toward a grounded theory.}, journal = {Journal of holistic nursing : official journal of the American Holistic Nurses' Association}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {18-33}, doi = {10.1177/089801019201000104}, pmid = {1293200}, issn = {0898-0101}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Attitude to Health/*ethnology ; Female ; *Holistic Health ; Humans ; *Indians, North American ; Interviews as Topic ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Montana ; Nursing Methodology Research ; Transcultural Nursing/*methods ; }, abstract = {An important element in American Indian cultures is a holistic view of wellness. Nurses attempting to provide holistic, culturally sensitive health services to American Indian clients must assess the cultural orientation of their clients and have culture-specific knowledge. A pilot qualitative study was conducted at the Crow Indian Reservation in south central Montana. Qualitative analysis of data identified categories of traditional contemporary health practices of Crow Indians. These categories are use of rituals/ceremonies, indigenous healers, and sacred objects. Five patterns of use of traditional health practices were also discovered. These are (a) initial use of traditional practices followed by modern health services, (b) initial use of modern health services followed by traditional practices, (c) simultaneous bicultural use, (d) traditional use only, and (e) modern use only.}, }
@article {pmid1544616, year = {1992}, author = {Pakesch, G and Pfersmann, D and Loimer, N and Grünberger, J and Linzmayer, L and Mayerhofer, S}, title = {[Noopsychological changes and psychopathological characteristics of HIV-1 patients of various risk groups].}, journal = {Fortschritte der Neurologie-Psychiatrie}, volume = {60}, number = {1}, pages = {17-27}, doi = {10.1055/s-2007-999121}, pmid = {1544616}, issn = {0720-4299}, mesh = {AIDS Dementia Complex/*diagnosis/psychology ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; *HIV-1 ; Homosexuality/psychology ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests ; MMPI ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neurocognitive Disorders/diagnosis/psychology ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; Risk Factors ; Substance Abuse, Intravenous/complications/psychology ; }, abstract = {Reports on neuropsychological assessment and psychopathological symptoms in HIV-1 patients are rather different. The aim of the study was to assess frequency and extent of noopsychic changes and psychopathological symptoms in HIV-1 patients of different risk groups. Of the 77 patients being included in the study 35 patients belonged to risk group 1, 42 to risk group 2. The patient groups were compared to a control-group of healthy volunteers (n = 50) and to a control-group of HIV-negative i.v. drug-addicts (n = 31). The psychometric test battery included Raven and MWT Test, Benton Test, numerical memory Test, ARG Test. Personality variables were assessed by MMPI, Psychopathology by AMDP-System, Hamilton Depression Scale, Wellbeing Scale (von Zerssen), STAI 1 and 2 and BPRS. Patients of risk group 1 showed significantly less impairment of noopsychic performance than patients of risk group 2. Risk group 1 showed only in the Benton Test significant impairment compared to healthy volunteers while risk group 2 in most of the tests was impaired. Risk group 2 did not show impairment compared to the control-group of seronegative drug users. Depressive syndromes mainly in risk group 2 showed a significant influence on the noopsychic performance.}, }
@article {pmid1340050, year = {1992}, author = {Spencer, HG}, title = {Assortative versus selective mating: is the distinction worthwhile?.}, journal = {Social biology}, volume = {39}, number = {3-4}, pages = {310-315}, doi = {10.1080/19485565.1992.9988827}, pmid = {1340050}, issn = {0037-766X}, support = {GM-21179/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Alleles ; Animals ; Fertility ; *Genetics, Population ; Genotype ; Heterozygote ; *Models, Genetic ; Phenotype ; Random Allocation ; *Selection, Genetic ; *Sexual Behavior, Animal ; }, abstract = {The study examines the distinction between assortative and selective mating made by Lewontin, Kirk, and Crow in 1968 and finds it unproductive. Not only has the difference been ignored on many occasions even as it was invoked, but maintaining it obscures several useful properties of both nonrandom mating schemes and some formally equivalent systems such as fertility selection. The elucidation of these similarities could have accelerated the work of population biologists.}, }
@article {pmid1295275, year = {1992}, author = {Rhenius, D and Locher, J}, title = {[Evaluation algorithm for eye movement patterns during a problem solving task].}, journal = {Zeitschrift fur experimentelle und angewandte Psychologie}, volume = {39}, number = {4}, pages = {646-661}, pmid = {1295275}, issn = {0044-2712}, mesh = {*Algorithms ; *Attention ; *Eye Movements ; *Fixation, Ocular ; Humans ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Pattern Recognition, Visual ; *Problem Solving ; }, abstract = {Cognitive processes are accompanied by eye movements, which are interrupted by fixations of an almost infinite number of points in the visual field. To investigate these processes, a systematic analysis of those movements is required to structure the long sequences of fixations. This task is possible if there are interrelationships between the ongoing thought processes and the fixations. Such interrelationships may manifest themselves through certain patterns of eye movements. It often happens that subsets of visual points are being looked at repeatedly. This is because a cognitive connection among the subset's elements is being discovered or created by such repetition. The method presented here attempts to achieve automatic recognition of fixation point patterns. Its usefulness is demonstrated using data from an experiment where eye movements were recorded while subjects were solving Raven Test items. The method may be characterized as a variant of time series analysis for nominal data. It is suitable for non-numerical data in general.}, }
@article {pmid1816594, year = {1991}, author = {Sosnowski, T and Nurzynska, M and Polec, M}, title = {Active-passive coping and skin conductance and heart rate changes.}, journal = {Psychophysiology}, volume = {28}, number = {6}, pages = {665-672}, doi = {10.1111/j.1469-8986.1991.tb01011.x}, pmid = {1816594}, issn = {0048-5772}, mesh = {Adaptation, Psychological/*physiology ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Arousal/*physiology ; Female ; Galvanic Skin Response/*physiology ; Heart Rate/*physiology ; Humans ; Problem Solving/physiology ; Psychophysiology ; Verbal Behavior/physiology ; }, abstract = {Sixty subjects were administered 33 tasks, selected from the Raven Progressive Matrices, in conditions that differed by type of monetary reinforcement (reward, frustration, and control group). Subjects were tested in pairs. One subject, assigned as the active one, was asked to solve a problem while the other was only a passive observer. Heart rate level and the amplitude of evoked skin conductance responses were measured. Statistical analysis detected a higher heart rate level in active versus passive subjects at the beginning stage of the experiment, as well as a faster heart rate decrease in the former versus the latter group during subsequent blocks of four tasks. Changes in skin conductance response magnitude during the ensuing task phases exhibited a descending trend in passive subjects and an ascending trend in active subjects. The monetary reinforcement manipulation was not effective. The results support a concept put forward by Fowles (1988), who maintained that tonic heart rate and skin conductance response amplitude may serve as indices of the behavioral activation system and behavioral inhibition system, respectively, as postulated by Gray's model of arousal.}, }
@article {pmid1744593, year = {1991}, author = {Olson, DJ}, title = {Species differences in spatial memory among Clark's nutcrackers, scrub jays, and pigeons.}, journal = {Journal of experimental psychology. Animal behavior processes}, volume = {17}, number = {4}, pages = {363-376}, doi = {10.1037//0097-7403.17.4.363}, pmid = {1744593}, issn = {0097-7403}, support = {MH44200/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Appetitive Behavior ; *Birds ; *Columbidae ; Conditioning, Operant ; *Mental Recall ; *Orientation ; Retention, Psychology ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {An operant nonmatching to sample procedure was used to compare the spatial memory abilities of 3 avian species. A trial consisted of the presentation of a spatially defined sample, a delay interval, and a 2-choice test during which the correct location was the new location. A single spatial location served as the sample in Experiment 1. The delay interval was manipulated using a titration procedure. In Experiment 2, 1, 2, or 3 sequentially illuminated locations served as the sample. The delay was 1 of 4 predetermined intervals. In Experiment 3, sample presentation was the same as Experiment 2, but the delay interval was titrated. In all of the experiments, the performance of nutcrackers was consistently better than the performance of scrub jays and pigeons (Experiment 1) and was correlated with differences in their foraging ecology.}, }
@article {pmid1935002, year = {1991}, author = {Campbell, CB and Hodos, W}, title = {The Scala naturae revisited: evolutionary scales and anagenesis in comparative psychology.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {105}, number = {3}, pages = {211-221}, doi = {10.1037/0735-7036.105.3.211}, pmid = {1935002}, issn = {0735-7036}, support = {EY00735/EY/NEI NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {*Adaptation, Physiological ; Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; Humans ; *Phylogeny ; *Psychology, Comparative ; *Social Environment ; }, abstract = {Recent suggestions that evolutionary scales have a place in theorization about the evolution of behavior have been based on the concept of anagenesis, formerly associated with notions of biological progress. An associated concept is that of grades, often used as units of anagenetic advance. Advocates of anagenetic analysis in comparative psychology cite the writings of biologists Bernard Rensch, Julian Huxley, George Gaylord Simpson, and Stephen Jay Gould to support the usefulness of anagenesis but treat the positions of each of these theorists as if they were the same. In fact, they differ considerably in their definition of anagenesis and in its application to specific issues in evolution. The anagenetic approach is criticized as axiological and frequently anthropocentric. Although the formation of grades can be useful, a sequence of grades must not be assumed to represent historical stages in the evolution of specific structures or behaviors.}, }
@article {pmid1745729, year = {1991}, author = {Yoerg, SI}, title = {Ecological frames of mind: the role of cognition in behavioral ecology.}, journal = {The Quarterly review of biology}, volume = {66}, number = {3}, pages = {287-301}, doi = {10.1086/417243}, pmid = {1745729}, issn = {0033-5770}, mesh = {Adaptation, Psychological ; Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Cognition ; *Ecology ; Memory ; Models, Psychological ; }, abstract = {Cognitive psychology is the study of how information, from the senses and from memory, is used in the production of behavior. Investigation of the specifics of behavioral adaptation has already led some behavioral ecologists into the domain of animal cognition. I make several arguments for the benefits and the necessity of a sophisticated assessment by ecologists of the cognitive aspects of behavioral adaptation. First, because cognition typically serves to produce adaptive behavior, cognitive structure and function should reflect ecological demands; studies of cognition in ecological contexts are opportunities to understand adaptation. Furthermore, constraints on cognitive properties may help determine how behavior meets the environment. Studies of spatial memory in food-caching corvids exemplify how cognitive aspects of behavior may both reflect and determine specifics of adaptation. Second, many models in behavioral ecology assume certain cognitive abilities, such as timing or counting. Cognitive theory and methodology should be used to determine whether animals possess these abilities. I have provided examples. Third, consideration of cognitive function can lead to original ideas about the details of behavioral adaptation. Without a thorough integration of cognitive psychology with behavioral ecology, our understanding of the relation between behavior and selective pressures will be compromised.}, }
@article {pmid1652757, year = {1991}, author = {Ylinen, AM and Miettinen, R and Pitkänen, A and Gulyas, AI and Freund, TF and Riekkinen, PJ}, title = {Enhanced GABAergic inhibition preserves hippocampal structure and function in a model of epilepsy.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {88}, number = {17}, pages = {7650-7653}, pmid = {1652757}, issn = {0027-8424}, mesh = {4-Aminobutyrate Transaminase/metabolism ; Animals ; Electric Stimulation ; Electroencephalography ; Epilepsy/pathology/*physiopathology ; Hippocampus/pathology/*physiology/physiopathology ; Male ; Models, Neurological ; Neurons/cytology/pathology/physiology ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred Strains ; Synapses/physiology ; Synaptic Transmission ; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Extensive electrical stimulation of the perforant pathway input to the hippocampus results in a characteristic pattern of neuronal death, which is accompanied by an impairment of cognitive functions similar to that seen in human temporal lobe epilepsy. The excitotoxic hypothesis of epileptic cell death [Olney, J. W. (1978) in Kainic Acid as a Tool in Neurobiology, eds. McGeer, E., Olney, J. W. &amp; McGeer, P. (Raven, New York), pp. 95-121; Olney, J. W. (1983) in Excitotoxins, eds. Fuxe, K., Roberts, P. J. &amp; Schwartch, R. (Wenner-Gren International Symposium Series, Macmillan, London), Vol. 39, pp. 82-96; and Rothman, S. M. &amp; Olney, J. W. (1986) Ann. Neurol. 19, 105-111] predicts an imbalance between excitation and inhibition, which occurs probably as a result of hyperactivity in afferent pathways or impaired inhibition. In the present study, we investigated whether the enhancement of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated (GABAergic) inhibition of neurotransmission by blocking the GABA-metabolizing enzyme, GABA transaminase, could influence the histopathological and/or the behavioral outcome in this epilepsy model. We demonstrate that the loss of pyramidal cells and hilar somatostatin-containing neurons can be abolished by enhancing the level of synaptically released GABA, and that the preservation of hippocampal structure is accompanied by a significant sparing of spatial memory as compared with placebo-treated controls. These results suggest that enhanced GABAergic inhibition can effectively block the pathophysiological processes that lead to excitotoxic cell death and, as a result, protect the brain from seizure-induced cognitive impairment.}, }
@article {pmid1897579, year = {1991}, author = {Cianchetti, C and Sannio-Fancello, G and Fratta, AL and Manconi, F and Orano, A and Pischedda, MP and Pruna, D and Spinicci, G and Archidiacono, N and Filippi, G}, title = {Neuropsychological, psychiatric, and physical manifestations in 149 members from 18 fragile X families.}, journal = {American journal of medical genetics}, volume = {40}, number = {2}, pages = {234-243}, doi = {10.1002/ajmg.1320400222}, pmid = {1897579}, issn = {0148-7299}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Autistic Disorder ; Child ; Face/abnormalities ; Female ; Fragile X Syndrome/genetics/*psychology ; *Heterozygote ; Humans ; Hyperkinesis ; *Intelligence ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales ; }, abstract = {One hundred forty-nine subjects from 18 families with fragile X [fra(X)] syndrome were evaluated for their neuropsychological, psychiatric, and physical characteristics. The 36 fra(X) males had intelligence quotients ranging from less than 20 to 61, which prevented the delineation of a reliable neuropsychological profile. Behaviour fitted DSM-III-R and ADI diagnostic criteria of autism in only 2 subjects, both with very low intelligence level (IQ less than 20). Of 36 heterozygotes (HZ), 22 had an IQ between 20 and 80 and 14 between 81 and 99. The neuropsychological profile of the latter was compared with IQ-age-environment-matched 14 normal females and 14 normal males. Significantly poorer results in HZ were found on immediate digit memory and on Raven's progressive matrices (a visuo-spatial test of logical capabilities). The latter result, in conjunction with those results on the Bender visual-motor gestalt test and on some WAIS subtests, suggests a frequent deficit in spatial capabilities in such subjects. Such results tended to be confirmed by the profiles of the 22 HZ with IQ 20-80. No psychiatric abnormalities were found in HZ, except in one subject with IQ less than 20 which fitted DSM-III-R and ADI criteria for autism. Typical physical manifestations, especially cranio-facial, were more frequently present in the HZ group with lower IQ. Subnormal IQ was probably the most reliable abnormality for the detection of HZ in 49 females at 50% and 25% risk of heterozygosity.}, }
@article {pmid1879671, year = {1991}, author = {Schmidt, LG and Bradshaw, SD and Follett, BK}, title = {Plasma levels of luteinizing hormone and androgens in relation to age and breeding status among cooperatively breeding Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen Latham).}, journal = {General and comparative endocrinology}, volume = {83}, number = {1}, pages = {48-55}, doi = {10.1016/0016-6480(91)90104-e}, pmid = {1879671}, issn = {0016-6480}, mesh = {Aging ; Animals ; Birds/*blood/growth &amp; development/physiology ; Breeding ; Dihydrotestosterone/*blood ; Luteinizing Hormone/*blood ; Male ; Sexual Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Testosterone/*blood ; }, abstract = {Plasma levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T), and 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were measured in relation to age and social/breeding status among free-living male Australian magpies. Magpies live in territorial groups of up to 20 individuals and due to a largely age-related dominance hierarchy among males, many individuals are prevented from breeding. Adult plumage is not attained until the fourth year, but males can produce motile sperm in their first year. Plasma levels of LH and T peaked just prior to egg-laying among breeding males, but DHT levels remained steady or declined slightly during the breeding period. Adults (greater than 3.5 years) had significantly higher levels of both LH and androgens than did subadults (less than 3.5 years) during the breeding season. Nonbreeding adults had similar levels to those found among the breeding adults, but breeding subadults had higher levels of both LH and androgens than the nonbreeding subadults. These results are interpreted in terms of the opportunities for each of these classes to obtain copulations and are discussed in relation to age-related hormonal secretion in other species.}, }
@article {pmid1683623, year = {1991}, author = {Vanelle, JM and Loloum, T}, title = {[Principles of chemotherapy of paranoid schizophrenia].}, journal = {L'Encephale}, volume = {17}, number = {4}, pages = {235-240}, pmid = {1683623}, issn = {0013-7006}, mesh = {Antipsychotic Agents/*therapeutic use ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Humans ; Psychotropic Drugs/*therapeutic use ; Schizophrenia, Paranoid/*drug therapy ; }, abstract = {The pharmacological treatment for paranoid schizophrenia is based on antipsychotic drugs. Their actions is only suspensive but not curative. In 1980 Crow proposed a division of schizophrenia in two major syndromes, type 1 being characterized by prominent positive symptoms. Andreasen in 1982 suggested similar criteria for positive subtype. Many others have described schizophrenia subtypes over the years. The paranoid schizophrenia criteria are very close to Crow's type 1 criteria. Since chlorpromazine was synthetized in France in 1952, the French speaking psychiatrists have classified neuroleptics according to their therapeutic efficacy and their side effects. So Deniker and Ginestet categorized neuroleptics on the basis of their behavioural efficacy and distinguished sedative neuroleptics from anti-delusional neuroleptics and anti-autistic neuroleptics. French psychiatrists consider that there are qualitative differences between various neuroleptics. In USA, equivalent doses are established with chlorpromazine for many neuroleptic drugs, but equivalency doses are considered as crude at best by some, such as J.M. Kane. The typical neuroleptic treatment is reviewed: target symptoms, choice of drug, dosage, route of administration, combined medications, predictive clinical and biological parameters of response, duration of treatment. Failure to response to neuroleptic treatment is not uncommon. Some strategies are detailed for the treatment-resistant patients. Combination of neuroleptics like haloperidol + thioproperazine or haloperidol + trifluoperazine may be useful.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)}, }
@article {pmid1891324, year = {1991}, author = {Frey, PD and Pinelli, B}, title = {Visual discrimination and visuomotor integration among two classes of Brazilian children.}, journal = {Perceptual and motor skills}, volume = {72}, number = {3 Pt 1}, pages = {847-850}, doi = {10.2466/pms.1991.72.3.847}, pmid = {1891324}, issn = {0031-5125}, mesh = {Brazil ; Child ; *Cross-Cultural Comparison ; *Discrimination Learning ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Male ; *Pattern Recognition, Visual ; Psychometrics ; *Psychomotor Performance ; *Social Class ; Socioeconomic Factors ; }, abstract = {The Raven Matrices, Beery, and Bender-Gestalt tests were given to 415 Brazilian children in public and private schools corresponding to two socioeconomic statuses. Both social class and grade in school influenced all scores more than age. The Raven Matrices appeared to be the most affected by social class differences. Visual-motor integration and visual discrimination skills were moderately (.47-.69) correlated, especially among the private school students. Maturational differences based on age and school grade were considered somewhat better assessed by the Beery than the Raven or Bender-Gestalt tests. The wide age range at each grade and the decreasing enrollment in higher grades makes interpretation difficult.}, }
@article {pmid2065259, year = {1991}, author = {Tartaglione, A and Inglese, ML and Bandini, F and Spadavecchia, L and Hamsher, K and Favale, E}, title = {Hemisphere asymmetry in decision making abilities. An experimental study in unilateral brain damage.}, journal = {Brain : a journal of neurology}, volume = {114 (Pt 3)}, number = {}, pages = {1441-1456}, doi = {10.1093/brain/114.3.1441}, pmid = {2065259}, issn = {0006-8950}, mesh = {Attention ; Brain Damage, Chronic/*physiopathology/psychology ; Choice Behavior ; *Decision Making ; *Functional Laterality ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Movement ; Reaction Time ; Reference Values ; }, abstract = {Thirty control subjects and 60 unilateral brain-damaged patients, 30 with left hemisphere (LH) damage and 30 with right hemisphere (RH) disease, underwent a disjunctive 4-choice reaction time study. Speed of reaction (as defined by the reciprocal of reaction time (RT), movement time (MT) and total response time (TRT] and accuracy of response (as represented by the sum of errors in selecting the correct response key) were investigated comparatively as a function of side of lesion and of performance on Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (PM47). In contrast to movement speed (1/MT), reaction speed (1/RT) as well as total response speed (1/TRT) showed a lesion effect independent of side of damage. Conversely, accuracy was differentially impaired, LH damage being associated with a significantly higher number of errors. Speed and accuracy had different relationships with the performance on the PM47 in the two hemisphere groups. Speed was affected in parallel with changes in PM47 performance both in the LH and in RH groups, whereas accuracy was altered only in LH patients. It was concluded that speed of motor reaction is affected by unilateral brain lesions irrespective of their side, whereas decision making processes, as expressed by accuracy of response, seem to be specifically impaired by LH damage.}, }
@article {pmid2063944, year = {1991}, author = {Garber, SL and Dyerly, LR}, title = {Wheelchair cushions for persons with spinal cord injury: an update.}, journal = {The American journal of occupational therapy : official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association}, volume = {45}, number = {6}, pages = {550-554}, doi = {10.5014/ajot.45.6.550}, pmid = {2063944}, issn = {0272-9490}, mesh = {Beds/*standards/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Consumer Behavior ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Occupational Therapy/*standards ; Prescriptions/*standards ; Pressure Ulcer/etiology/*prevention &amp; control/psychology ; Spinal Cord Injuries/*complications ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Wheelchairs/*standards ; }, abstract = {Occupational therapists frequently prescribe wheelchair cushions to reduce the risk of pressure sores in patients with spinal cord injury. In an earlier study (Garber, 1985b), Roho cushions were prescribed for the greatest number of subjects studied. The present study of 197 subjects updates these data and describes current prescription patterns, the use of cushions over time, satisfaction with prescribed cushions, and the occurrence of pressure sores with prescribed cushions. The study shows that the Jay cushion was prescribed most frequently for the current subjects, although it was not recommended for all persons with spinal cord injury. In the second phase of the present study, involving 30 subjects, 30% of the subjects discontinued use of the prescribed cushion. Skin breakdown and the discovery of alternative solutions were given as primary reasons. There was no significant difference in the incidence of pressure sores between subjects who continued to use their prescribed cushions and those who did not. This research supports the conclusion of earlier studies that no one wheelchair cushion is universally effective for all persons and that individual evaluation and routine reassessment are essential in reducing the occurrence of pressure sores.}, }
@article {pmid1799130, year = {1991}, author = {Larraguibel, M and Lolas Stepke, F}, title = {[Oral and written affective expression in children of low socioeconomic status].}, journal = {Acta psiquiatrica y psicologica de America latina}, volume = {37}, number = {2}, pages = {129-135}, pmid = {1799130}, issn = {0001-6896}, mesh = {Anxiety ; Child ; Chile ; Female ; Hostility ; Humans ; Male ; Psychological Tests ; *Psychology, Child ; Socioeconomic Factors ; *Verbal Behavior ; *Writing ; }, abstract = {Descriptive data on affective expression of 58 children (33 girls and 25 boys) of low socioeconomic status (Graffar index), with ages between 8 and 12 are presented. Intelligence was assessed by means of Raven Progressive Matrixes Test, all subjects exhibiting mean level. Evaluated were the six forms of anxiety and the four hostility forms defined by the Gottschalk method of verbal content analysis. Hope scores, positive and negative, were also obtained from the same verbal samples. The oral sample consisted in speech produced spontaneously during 5 minutes, in response to a standard instruction, and the written sample consisted in brief stories produced under standardized conditions during 15 minutes. The most frequently expressed form of anxiety was separation anxiety, while the most frequently expressed form of hostility was directed outwards covert hostility. "Positive" hope was expressed more frequently than "negative" hope. Data are discussed in terms of their contribution to the establishment of population norms in Spanish-speaking populations for the psychological constructs explored. It is concluded that the method of content analysis of verbal behavior may represent a useful tool for the study of child psychology in different contexts.}, }
@article {pmid1652645, year = {1991}, author = {Lawler, KA and Lacy, J and Armstead, CA and Lawler, JE}, title = {Family history of hypertension, gender, and cardiovascular responsivity during stress.}, journal = {Journal of behavioral medicine}, volume = {14}, number = {2}, pages = {169-186}, pmid = {1652645}, issn = {0160-7715}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Blood Pressure/physiology ; Female ; *Heart Rate/physiology ; Humans ; Hypertension/etiology/*genetics ; Male ; Prospective Studies ; Reaction Time ; Receptors, Adrenergic, beta/physiology ; Risk Factors ; Sex Factors ; Stress, Psychological/*complications ; Task Performance and Analysis ; }, abstract = {The relationships of family history of hypertension and gender to cardiovascular responses to stress were investigated in this research. One hundred twenty-three subjects were monitored while they rested and performed two tasks, reaction time and Ravens progressive matrices. Positive-family history males exhibited higher levels of systolic blood pressure than the negative male group and higher levels of rate pressure product than the positive-family history female group. Positive-family history males also had heart rate levels as high as the females. Female subjects did not differ from each other based on family history. In addition, subjects were grouped by gender and by high- or low-heart rate reactivity. The results suggest that heart rate reactivity has equally broad effects on cardiovascular function for males and females; for males, this reactivity during rests and tasks also tends to be associated with family history of hypertension.}, }
@article {pmid2019516, year = {1991}, author = {Fleming, J}, title = {Child health and education in Kenyan schools programmes.}, journal = {Health visitor}, volume = {64}, number = {3}, pages = {80-81}, pmid = {2019516}, issn = {0017-9140}, mesh = {Child ; Community Health Nursing/*organization &amp; administration/standards ; Health Education/*organization &amp; administration/standards ; Humans ; Kenya ; School Health Services/*organization &amp; administration/standards ; }, abstract = {Jane Fleming describes the health education in schools programme launched by the Aga Khan Health Services in Kisumu, Kenya. The project has brought major improvements in child health and mortality rates as well as better health awareness to the community as a whole.}, }
@article {pmid1887655, year = {1991}, author = {Krause, W and Voigt, C and Donczik, J and Michels, W and Gstöttner, H}, title = {[Assisted spontaneous delivery vs. Bracht manual aid within the scope of vaginal delivery in breech presentation. Late morbidity in children 5-7 years of age].}, journal = {Zeitschrift fur Geburtshilfe und Perinatologie}, volume = {195}, number = {2}, pages = {76-81}, pmid = {1887655}, issn = {0300-967X}, mesh = {Brain Damage, Chronic/diagnosis/*etiology/psychology ; *Breech Presentation ; Child ; *Extraction, Obstetrical ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Functional Laterality/physiology ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests ; Neurocognitive Disorders/diagnosis/*etiology/psychology ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Pregnancy ; Risk Factors ; Social Adjustment ; Social Environment ; }, abstract = {For judgment of late morbidity we investigated 52 children after vaginal delivery in breech presentation age from 5 to 7 years. This concerned 27 children after assisted spontaneous labour and 25 children after manual expression according to Bracht. All the children were mature and eutrophic and without neonatal distress after delivery. They were explored with help of an voluminous screening programme, concerning not only the intellectual development but also the psychomotoric capacity. The result was an very high intellectual conduct in frame of the test according to Raven (PR greater than 75). The difference in confrontation to the collective after manual expression according to Bracht was statistical significant (p less than 0.05). Neuropsychologic investigations according to Simernitzkaja demonstrated evident differences in disfavour to children after manual expression according to Bracht concerning the visual memory performance for symbols and letters. Further investigations referring to the graphomotoric accomplishment of one hand or both hands reinforced the opinion; that means the visual motoric totality performance in a narrowed sense or the psychomotoric performance in a enlarged sense was statistical significant poorer pronounced (p less than 0.05). The results underline the claim to estimate more critical the manual expression according to Bracht till now.}, }
@article {pmid1651621, year = {1991}, author = {Zorin, ZA and Kalinina, TS and Maĭorova, ME and Mikitich, IuB and Khurtina, AV}, title = {[Relative numerousness judgements in crows and pigeons in the urgent comparison of stimuli earlier linked to different amounts of reinforcement].}, journal = {Zhurnal vysshei nervnoi deiatelnosti imeni I P Pavlova}, volume = {41}, number = {2}, pages = {306-313}, pmid = {1651621}, issn = {0044-4677}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Color ; Columbidae/*physiology ; Discrimination, Psychological/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior/physiology ; Problem Solving/physiology ; *Reinforcement, Psychology ; }, abstract = {The ability of pigeons (Colomba livia, L.) and crows (Corvus corone cornix, L.) was studied to realize urgent numerousness judgement of reinforcement consisting of discrete elements (wheat grains and meal worm larvae, respectively). In the process of preliminary training the birds mastered the information about the conformity of the feeder colour with the definite number (1-9 for pigeons and 5-12 for crows) of reinforcement units at isolated presentation of feeders. In test at presentation of pairs formed from these feeders, pigeons and crows chose the stimulus connected with a greater quantity of reinforcement. In the range of 1-8 units the precision of choice in pigeons depended on absolute and relative differences between comparing values. In crows in the range of 6-12 this dependence was not revealed. The ability to solve the given test is considered as one of manifestations of elementary reasoning.}, }
@article {pmid1947875, year = {1991}, author = {Lenzenweger, MF and Dworkin, RH and Wethington, E}, title = {Examining the underlying structure of schizophrenic phenomenology: evidence for a three-process model.}, journal = {Schizophrenia bulletin}, volume = {17}, number = {3}, pages = {515-524}, doi = {10.1093/schbul/17.3.515}, pmid = {1947875}, issn = {0586-7614}, mesh = {Adult ; Diseases in Twins/psychology ; Humans ; Interpersonal Relations ; *Personality Development ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales ; Psychometrics ; Schizophrenia/classification/*diagnosis/rehabilitation ; *Schizophrenic Psychology ; *Social Adjustment ; *Social Environment ; }, abstract = {The present report examined the latent structure of schizophrenic phenomenology. Schizophrenic patient case histories (n = 192) were rated for positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and premorbid social adjustment and the observed covariation among these clinical features was evaluated using a model-based confirmatory factor analytic approach. Our results indicated that schizophrenic phenomenology was best characterized by three distinct underlying structures. These data provide empirical support for Strauss et al.'s (1974) three-process model, which suggests that positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and disordered premorbid personal-social relationships are three distinct classes of phenomenology possibly reflective of three relatively independent pathological processes in schizophrenia. The data are also consistent with Crow's (1980, 1985, 1987) model of schizophrenic symptomatology, differentiating social impairment from both positive and negative symptoms. The heuristic implications of these data for the development of schizophrenia are discussed and the utility of a replication of the present study is noted.}, }
@article {pmid1978882, year = {1990}, author = {Southern, JP and Smith, RM and Palmer, SR}, title = {Bird attack on milk bottles: possible mode of transmission of Campylobacter jejuni to man.}, journal = {Lancet (London, England)}, volume = {336}, number = {8728}, pages = {1425-1427}, doi = {10.1016/0140-6736(90)93114-5}, pmid = {1978882}, issn = {0140-6736}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Birds/*microbiology ; Campylobacter Infections/microbiology/*transmission ; Campylobacter jejuni/*isolation &amp; purification ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Disease Vectors ; Epidemiologic Methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Milk/*microbiology ; Wales/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {A case-control study was carried out to test the hypothesis that the rise in the rate of Campylobacter jejuni infection in the Brigend area of South Wales during May was due to the consumption or handling of milk from bottles that had been attacked by birds. 32 of 36 cases meeting the case definition were interviewed, along with 2 controls per case, matched for age, sex, and area of residence. There were strong associations between campylobacter infection and doorstep delivery of milk bottles, a history of milk bottle attack by birds, milk bottle attack by birds during the week before illness, and consumption of milk from attacked bottles during the week before illness. There was a very strong dose-response relation between frequency of bird attack and illness. Controls with a history of milk bottle attack by birds were more likely than cases to have taken preventive measures against bird attack and consumption of contaminated milk. Although few people witnessed the attacks, the likely culprits are magpies (Pica pica) and jackdaws (Corvus monedula).}, }
@article {pmid2286656, year = {1990}, author = {Diesfeldt, HF}, title = {Recognition memory for words and faces in primary degenerative dementia of the Alzheimer type and normal old age.}, journal = {Journal of clinical and experimental neuropsychology}, volume = {12}, number = {6}, pages = {931-945}, doi = {10.1080/01688639008401032}, pmid = {2286656}, issn = {1380-3395}, mesh = {Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Alzheimer Disease/diagnosis/*psychology ; *Attention ; Dementia/diagnosis/psychology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Face ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Mental Recall ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; *Pattern Recognition, Visual ; Psychometrics ; Retention, Psychology ; *Verbal Learning ; }, abstract = {The suitability of Warrington's Recognition Memory Test (RMT) for discriminating between patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type and nondemented elderly subjects was tested in a study with 44 patients (aged 59 to 94) and 45 normal elderly (aged 69 to 92). The patients showed a significant memory deficit, both in Recognition Memory for Words (RMW) and Recognition Memory for Faces (RMF), even when the scores were corrected for verbal intelligence score (WAIS Vocabulary) or a measure of visuoperceptual ability (Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices, CPM). Word-face discrepancy scores did not differentiate between dementia and normal old age. At the 95%-specificity level, the sensitivity of RMW and RMF for the detection of memory impairment in dementia was 81% and 100% for subjects below 80, and, less satisfactory, 59% and 76% for subjects of 80 years or older. Correlational analysis showed that the patients' RMW and RMF scores were moderately correlated (r = .40). The significant correlation (r = .45) between CPM and RMF suggests that visuoperceptual deficits are involved in deficient face recognition.}, }
@article {pmid2081404, year = {1990}, author = {Drebing, CE and Takushi, RY and Tanzy, KS and Murdock, GA and Stewart, JC and Majovski, LV}, title = {Re-examination of CPM performance and neglect in lateralized brain injury.}, journal = {Cortex; a journal devoted to the study of the nervous system and behavior}, volume = {26}, number = {4}, pages = {661-664}, doi = {10.1016/s0010-9452(13)80316-4}, pmid = {2081404}, issn = {0010-9452}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Brain Damage, Chronic/*diagnosis/psychology ; *Dominance, Cerebral ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; }, abstract = {The current study examines the effects of lateralized brain injury on Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM) performance. Archival data on 106 unilateral brain-damage patients, 59 with right hemisphere damage and 47 with left, was utilized to examine four aspects of differential performance. Right brain-damaged subjects performed significantly lower than left brain-damaged subjects overall on the CPM. They also showed evidence of a higher incidence of and greater severity of hemi-neglect. After partialling out the effects of hemi-neglect, the subject groups were no longer significantly different on overall CPM performance. Evidence supporting the presence of heterogeneous subtests was not found. The results support the emerging pattern in research findings indicating that hemi-neglect plays a central role in differential performance. The CPM appears limited in its application and interpretation for patients with hemi-neglect.}, }
@article {pmid2150054, year = {1990}, author = {Sladkova, SV and Revazov, AA and Golubtsov, VI and Kadoshnikova, MIu}, title = {[Analysis of the structure of the urban and rural populations of the central portion of Krasnodar Krai].}, journal = {Genetika}, volume = {26}, number = {11}, pages = {2070-2075}, pmid = {2150054}, issn = {0016-6758}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Family Planning Services/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Female ; Genetics, Population ; Humans ; Male ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Outcome/epidemiology ; Rural Population/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; Russia ; Transients and Migrants ; Urban Population/*statistics &amp; numerical data ; }, abstract = {The structure of the populations in Korenovsk and Ust-Labinsk districts--sexual, age, family and migrant is described Reproduction is low in these populations. The after-reproduction age class in rural populations prevailed, which affects the ratio of recessive and dominant forms in hereditary pathology of these populations. Family planning in towns accounts for small size of the families and decrease of the role of natural selection. Gametic and endogamy indexes for these populations indicate that intensive migrant processes take place in populations studied, as shown by the level of recessive pathology. The results obtained can be used in the medical-genetic studies for this territory.}, }
@article {pmid2282490, year = {1990}, author = {Grassi, S and Ottaviani, F and Bambagioni, D}, title = {Vocalization-related stapedius muscle activity in different age chickens (Gallus gallus), and its role in vocal development.}, journal = {Brain research}, volume = {529}, number = {1-2}, pages = {158-164}, doi = {10.1016/0006-8993(90)90823-t}, pmid = {2282490}, issn = {0006-8993}, mesh = {Aging ; Animals ; Chickens ; Electric Stimulation ; Electromyography ; Male ; Mesencephalon/physiology ; Muscle Development ; Muscles/innervation ; Occipital Lobe/physiology ; Reference Values ; Sexual Maturation ; Stapedius/growth &amp; development/*physiology ; *Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {The stapedius muscle activity associated with vocalization was analyzed in young and adult roosters. Our results show that remarkable differences in the behavior of vocalization-related stapedius muscle activity exist between these two ages. Unlike young roosters, electrical stimulation in the midbrain of adult cocks yields vocalizations associated with stapedius muscle EMG responses that always show a higher threshold and a longer latency than those of the vocalization induced. Moreover, the maximal amplitude of the stapedius muscle EMG response is consistently lower than that detected in young roosters, despite the fact that the maximal vocalization amplitude of the adult birds is much higher. On the whole our results demonstrate that vocalization-related stapedius muscle activity is strongly reduced in adulthood. The possibility that stapedius muscle may play a role during the vocal development was verified by comparing the crow of normal roosters with that of cocks from which the stapedius muscle had been removed shortly after hatching. Strong differences exist in the amplitude/frequency distribution of the crowing of normal and stapedectomized roosters, suggesting that the stapedius muscle exerts an important role in auditory feedback modulation, and that this feedback is used for normal vocal development.}, }
@article {pmid2394747, year = {1990}, author = {Verweij, CL and Guidos, C and Crabtree, GR}, title = {Cell type specificity and activation requirements for NFAT-1 (nuclear factor of activated T-cells) transcriptional activity determined by a new method using transgenic mice to assay transcriptional activity of an individual nuclear factor.}, journal = {The Journal of biological chemistry}, volume = {265}, number = {26}, pages = {15788-15795}, pmid = {2394747}, issn = {0021-9258}, support = {CA 39612/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; CA 42551/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; HL 33942/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Cell Line ; Cell Nucleus/metabolism ; Cyclosporins/pharmacology ; Humans ; *Lymphocyte Activation ; Mice ; Mice, Transgenic ; Nuclear Proteins/*genetics/metabolism ; Organ Specificity ; Plasmids ; RNA, Messenger/genetics ; Restriction Mapping ; Spleen/immunology ; T-Lymphocytes/*immunology ; Transcription Factors/*genetics/metabolism ; *Transcription, Genetic/drug effects ; Transfection ; }, abstract = {Nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT-1) is a transcription factor which is considered to be an important regulator in early T-cell activation. We have developed a system to monitor the transcriptional activity of NFAT-1 at the single cell level in whole animals. The system is based on the use of an oligomerized NFAT-1 binding motif that directs transcription of SV40 T-antigen in transgenic mice. This report represents the first demonstration that a multimerized short binding motif can function appropriately in transgenic mice. NFAT-1 activity had previously been thought to be confined to activated T-lymphocytes upon release of intracellular calcium. By targeting NFAT-1-dependent gene expression in transgenic mice we discovered new sites of NFAT-1 activity. Besides in T-lymphocytes NFAT-1 activity could also be induced in T-lymphocyte-depleted spleen cells and purified B-lymphocytes and requires agents that both release intracellular calcium and activate protein kinase C. A difference in the time course of appearance of NFAT-1 activity between T-lymphocytes and non-T-lymphocytes was revealed. Constitutive expression was observed in a small population of cells in the dermis and some mice have developed skin lesions. Interestingly, the tissue pattern of expression of the NFAT-1 activity resembles the expression pattern described for HIV-LTR/tat transgenic mice (Vogel, J., Hinrichs, S. H., Reynolds, R. K., Luciw, P. A., and Jay, G. (1988) Nature 335, 606-611). This similarity in expression and the fact that NFAT-1 has been shown to bind functional sequences in HIV-LTR suggest a role for NFAT-1 in dermal activation of the HIV-LTR.}, }
@article {pmid2249440, year = {1990}, author = {Villa, G and Gainotti, G and De Bonis, C and Marra, C}, title = {Double dissociation between temporal and spatial pattern processing in patients with frontal and parietal damage.}, journal = {Cortex; a journal devoted to the study of the nervous system and behavior}, volume = {26}, number = {3}, pages = {399-407}, doi = {10.1016/s0010-9452(13)80089-5}, pmid = {2249440}, issn = {0010-9452}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Analysis of Variance ; Cognition ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Parietal Lobe/*injuries ; *Space Perception ; Temporal Lobe/*injuries ; *Time Perception ; }, abstract = {One hundred and twenty nine patients affected by a cerebral lesion confined to a single lobe, underwent a battery of tests including the "Temporal Rule Induction" (TRI) and the Raven's "Coloured Progressive Matrices" (CPM). Frontal patients scored lower than any other group on TRI and parietal patients on CPM. This contrasting pattern of performance provides strong empirical support to the hypothesis that the frontal lobe is specifically involved in tasks that require a control on temporally ordered information whereas the parietal lobe is concerned with cognitive activities that imply visuo-spatial analysis.}, }
@article {pmid2236395, year = {1990}, author = {Harriman, AE and Fry, EG}, title = {Solution acceptance by common ravens (Corvus corax) given two-bottle preference tests.}, journal = {Psychological reports}, volume = {67}, number = {1}, pages = {19-26}, doi = {10.2466/pr0.1990.67.1.19}, pmid = {2236395}, issn = {0033-2941}, mesh = {Animals ; *Birds ; *Choice Behavior ; Discrimination Learning ; Female ; Male ; *Taste ; Taste Threshold ; }, abstract = {Two-bottle tests of solution acceptance were conducted in an outdoor aviary with eight common ravens (Corvus corax). Aqueous concentrations of the following chemicals were used: five common sugars, three salts, two acids, quinine hydrochloride, and sodium saccharin. Solution acceptance, as recorded for the different ravens on each test, was the percentage of preference shown for a test solution over water (comparison solution). Mid-range saccharin concentrations (0.10% to 0.80% [w/w]) were preferred over water in the tests. The preference for saccharin contrasts with all other reports on avian response to the chemical in two-bottle tests. Nonetheless, the ravens nonpreferentially accepted lower concentrations or were averse at higher concentrations to drinking sugar solutions. Similar, though more sharply marked, shifts from indifference to aversion were noted in tests with the other chemicals. The possible relevance of these latter findings to the food habits of ravens is discussed.}, }
@article {pmid2381998, year = {1990}, author = {Carpenter, PA and Just, MA and Shell, P}, title = {What one intelligence test measures: a theoretical account of the processing in the Raven Progressive Matrices Test.}, journal = {Psychological review}, volume = {97}, number = {3}, pages = {404-431}, pmid = {2381998}, issn = {0033-295X}, support = {MH-00661/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; MH-00662/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Attention ; *Concept Formation ; *Discrimination Learning ; *Form Perception ; Humans ; *Intelligence Tests ; *Pattern Recognition, Visual ; *Problem Solving ; Psychometrics ; }, abstract = {The cognitive processes in a widely used, nonverbal test of analytic intelligence, the Raven Progressive Matrices Test (Raven, 1962), are analyzed in terms of which processes distinguish between higher scoring and lower scoring subjects and which processes are common to all subjects and all items on the test. The analysis is based on detailed performance characteristics, such as verbal protocols, eye-fixation patterns, and errors. The theory is expressed as a pair of computer simulation models that perform like the median or best college students in the sample. The processing characteristic common to all subjects is an incremental, reiterative strategy for encoding and inducing the regularities in each problem. The processes that distinguish among individuals are primarily the ability to induce abstract relations and the ability to dynamically manage a large set of problem-solving goals in working memory.}, }
@article {pmid2313303, year = {1990}, author = {Berman, KF and Weinberger, DR}, title = {Lateralisation of cortical function during cognitive tasks: regional cerebral blood flow studies of normal individuals and patients with schizophrenia.}, journal = {Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry}, volume = {53}, number = {2}, pages = {150-160}, pmid = {2313303}, issn = {0022-3050}, mesh = {Adult ; Arousal/physiology ; Cerebral Cortex/*blood supply ; Cognition Disorders/*physiopathology ; Dominance, Cerebral/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Neurocognitive Disorders/*physiopathology ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; Regional Blood Flow/physiology ; Schizophrenia/*physiopathology ; *Schizophrenic Psychology ; Xenon Radioisotopes ; }, abstract = {To assess cognitively-related regional asymmetries of brain function, regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was determined by the xenon inhalation method while normal subjects performed 10 different tasks and also while they were at rest. In addition to healthy subjects, patients with schizophrenia were also studied. A total of 447 rCBF studies were carried out during the following conditions: the Wisconsin Card Sort Test, a numbers matching test, a symbols matching test, Raven's Progressive Matrices, an auditory discrimination test, an auditory control task, two versions of a visual continuous performance task, line orientation, semantic classification, and resting. On the whole, those tasks that seem to require or allow for internal verbalisation resulted in the greatest activation of the left hemisphere compared with the right; right hemisphere activation predominated only in the two tasks primarily involving attention and vigilance. Furthermore, a consistent regional topography of normal cerebral functional laterality was seen: under most conditions left prefrontal cortical activity exceeded that of right prefrontal cortex; during all non-auditory tasks, parieto-occipital cortical activity had an opposite pattern-greater right than left. During most conditions the schizophrenic patients displayed the same pattern. While several cognitively specific between-group differences were found, no single cortical region was consistently implicated and no specific direction of abnormal asymmetry predominated. These data suggest that there is a predominant task-independent functional pattern of cortical activity emphasising relatively greater left anterior and right posterior activation. This pattern may reflect the verbal and attentional primacy of these areas, respectively.}, }
@article {pmid2603175, year = {1989}, author = {Diesfeldt, HF and Vink, MT}, title = {[Visual pattern analysis and reasoning: Ravens' Coloured Progressive Matrices in old-age and very-old-age adults].}, journal = {Tijdschrift voor gerontologie en geriatrie}, volume = {20}, number = {6}, pages = {241-247}, pmid = {2603175}, issn = {0167-9228}, mesh = {Aged/*psychology ; Aged, 80 and over/*psychology ; *Cognition ; Educational Status ; Female ; *Form Perception ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; Sex Factors ; }, abstract = {Sixty-five non-demented elderly adults, born between 1895 and 1918 (mean age +/- sd: 80.0 +/- 5.4) were tested with Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM). Subjects were recruited from homes for the aged and were rated by the staff as free from any symptoms of dementia or other psychiatric disease. Mean number of years of education was 8.2 (range 5 to 18). CPM scores ranged from 9 to 35 with mean +/- sd of 25.9 +/- 5.9. Subjects who had received more formal education performed better on the CPM (Pearson's r: 0.49). When education was controlled for in the analysis, the correlation between age and performance was attenuated and did not reach statistical significance (Pearson's r: -0.24). Test results appeared to be specific for generations, regardless of age. Mean performance in this sample was significantly higher than less recently published norms suggest. Analysis of item content revealed that the CPM consists of three main types of problems: two of a predominantly visuospatial type (12 items of simple continuous pattern-completion and 15 concrete items showing progressive changes in one or two directions) and 9 items of an abstract reasoning type. The concrete visuospatial items appear very useful in the assessment of visuoperceptive dysfunction, as for example in visual apperceptive agnosia. The abstract matrices were very difficult for most of our elderly subjects, so that these items cannot be used to detect deviations from normal old age.}, }
@article {pmid2606469, year = {1989}, author = {Clifton, PG and Andrew, RJ}, title = {Contrasting effects of pre- and posthatch exposure to gonadal steroids on the development of vocal, sexual, and aggressive behavior of young domestic fowl.}, journal = {Hormones and behavior}, volume = {23}, number = {4}, pages = {572-589}, doi = {10.1016/0018-506x(89)90043-3}, pmid = {2606469}, issn = {0018-506X}, mesh = {Aggression/*drug effects ; Animals ; Arousal/drug effects ; Chickens ; Dihydrotestosterone/*analogs &amp; derivatives/pharmacology ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Estradiol/*pharmacology ; Male ; Sex Differentiation/*drug effects ; Sexual Behavior, Animal/*drug effects ; Sexual Maturation/*drug effects ; Testosterone/*pharmacology ; Vocalization, Animal/*drug effects ; }, abstract = {Prehatch treatment of domestic chicks with 17 beta-estradiol dipropionate (EDP) reduces later testosterone-facilitated sexual behavior, crowing, and suppression of peeping. Prehatch treatment with 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone propionate (DHTP) reduces later testosterone-facilitated aggressive behavior and produces greatly enhanced avoidance that interferes with sexual behavior in some test situations. It also disturbs crowing by removing trilled call elements and increasing the number of elements/crow but has little effect on crowing posture. The majority of these results can be understood as "demasculinizing" effects of gonadal steroids on the developing male fetus, but the possibility that some result from more extreme pathological changes is also discussed. Posthatch treatment with DHTP facilitates attack and cackling but has no effect on sexual behavior or crowing; the synthetic androgen R1881 has similar effects on cackling and also has no effect on sexual behavior or crowing. Posthatch treatment with EDP enhances sexual behavior but has no effect on attack; the aromatase inhibitor 1,4,6-Androstatrien-3,17-dione (ATD) blocked the suppression of peeping by testosterone but had no effect on testosterone-facilitated sexual behavior. Combined posthatch treatment with EDP and DHTP facilitated crowing although treatment with either steroid alone was ineffective.}, }
@article {pmid2514087, year = {1989}, author = {Arendt, G and Hefter, H and Elsing, C and Neuen-Jakob, E and Strohmeyer, G and Freund, HJ}, title = {[New electrophysiological findings on the incidence of brain involvement in clinically and neurologically asymptomatic HIV infections].}, journal = {EEG-EMG Zeitschrift fur Elektroenzephalographie, Elektromyographie und verwandte Gebiete}, volume = {20}, number = {4}, pages = {280-287}, pmid = {2514087}, issn = {0012-7590}, mesh = {AIDS-Related Complex/physiopathology ; Basal Ganglia Diseases/etiology ; Brain/pathology/*physiopathology ; Electrophysiology ; Female ; HIV Infections/pathology/*physiopathology ; HIV Seropositivity/physiopathology ; Humans ; Male ; Models, Statistical ; Motor Activity ; Psychometrics ; Reaction Time ; Tremor/etiology ; }, abstract = {Motor (postural tremor of the outstretched hands, most rapid voluntary alternating index finger movements and rise times of most rapid voluntary isometric index finger extensions) and psychometric tests (multiple choice vocabulary test - form b, syndrome short test, the German version of the standard progressive matrices - Raven, and the psychic and somatic findings according to the AMDP-system) as well as MRI-Scans were analysed in 100 HIV-infected patients of all stages according to the actual CDC-classification, but without any central-nervous or psychic deficit. Patients with drug, alcohol or tranquilizer abuse, opportunistic, cerebral infections or fever were excluded from the study. Tremor-peak-frequencies and reaction times did not show any significant difference to an age- and sex-matched control group; the other motor parameters revealed significant slowing in the patient group and a worsening with the CDC-stages. MRI-scans of all the patients were normal. The psychometric tests did not show significant alterations on a group statistical level, especially not in the depression scales. Morphologically, the motor performances of the HIV-infected patients resembled those of patients with basal ganglia diseases (M. Huntington, M. Wilson, M. Parkinson). Correspondingly, in some cases of clinically demented HIV-positive patients, MRI-scans showed lesions in the basal ganglia. It can be concluded, that there is an early subclinical central-nervous system affection in HIV-infected patients, especially of the basal ganglia, detectable with appropriate motor function tests sometimes considerably preceeding structural deficits seen later in the course of the disease in MRI-scans.}, }
@article {pmid2629389, year = {1989}, author = {Zorina, ZA and Salimov, RM}, title = {[Evaluation of the ability to solve the Revecz-Krushinskiĭ test in corvine birds].}, journal = {Zhurnal vysshei nervnoi deiatelnosti imeni I P Pavlova}, volume = {39}, number = {6}, pages = {1056-1060}, pmid = {2629389}, issn = {0044-4677}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Computer Simulation ; Decision Trees ; Feeding Behavior/physiology ; Models, Psychological ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Psychophysiology ; Stochastic Processes ; }, abstract = {Reasoning ability in crows was investigated by means of the Revecz-Krushinskiĭ test, in which the bird has to apprehend the rule of stimulus (food bait) displacement: "In each next trial the food bait is hidden in a new place--one step further along the row". By means of computer modelling the criteria of statistical evaluation of this problem solving were established. The test was considered solved when the number of trials which preceded the detection of food was less than those which were calculated for chance performance. High level of reasoning ability in crows is discussed.}, }
@article {pmid2795648, year = {1989}, author = {Olurin, J and Sturmey, P}, title = {The psychometric properties of the Social Training and Achievement Record: II. Reliabilities and concurrent validities.}, journal = {Journal of mental deficiency research}, volume = {33 (Pt 5)}, number = {}, pages = {423-427}, doi = {10.1111/j.1365-2788.1989.tb01497.x}, pmid = {2795648}, issn = {0022-264X}, mesh = {*Activities of Daily Living ; Humans ; Intellectual Disability/*diagnosis ; Intelligence ; Psychometrics ; }, abstract = {Three studies are reported which investigated the test-retest and inter-rater reliabilities of the Social Training and Achievement Record as well as concurrent validities with intelligence. Reliabilities of total and sub-scale scores as well as individual items are reported. Test-retest reliabilities over the period of one month were good for total scores, subscale scores and individual items. Inter-rater reliabilities were more modest. At times, inter-rater reliabilities of a small proportion of items were only at chance levels. Concurrent validities with Raven's Matrices and the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale were comparable with other measures of adaptive behaviour. The role of direct observation in the assessment of adaptive behaviour, in particular with respect to individual skills being selected for teaching, is discussed.}, }
@article {pmid2790318, year = {1989}, author = {Diesfeldt, H and Vink, M}, title = {Recognition memory for words and faces in the very old.}, journal = {The British journal of clinical psychology}, volume = {28}, number = {3}, pages = {247-253}, doi = {10.1111/j.2044-8260.1989.tb01374.x}, pmid = {2790318}, issn = {0144-6657}, mesh = {Aged ; Aged, 80 and over/*psychology ; Attention ; Face ; Female ; *Form Perception ; Humans ; Male ; *Memory ; *Mental Recall ; Neuropsychological Tests ; *Pattern Recognition, Visual ; Semantics ; *Verbal Learning ; }, abstract = {The assessment of very elderly people is hindered by a scarcity of normative and reliability data for non-verbal memory tests. We tested the suitability of Warrington's Recognition Memory Test (RMT) for use with the elderly. The RMT consists of verbal (Recognition Memory for Words, RMW) and non-verbal (Recognition Memory for Faces, RMF) subtests. The facial recognition test was used in the standard format and a Dutch-language version of the word recognition test was developed using low frequency (10 or less/million) monosyllabic words. Eighty-nine subjects, varying in age from 69 to 93, were tested with the RMF. Means and SD are provided for three age groups (69-79, 80-84 and 85-93). Forty-five consecutive subjects were tested both with the RMW and the RMF. Recognition memory for words was better than recognition memory for faces in this sample. Moderate correlations (0.30-0.48) were found between RMT and WAIS Vocabulary and Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices scores. Warrington's RMT was well tolerated, even by very elderly adults. The standardization data for the elderly over 70 add to the usefulness of this test of verbal and non-verbal episodic memory.}, }
@article {pmid2789816, year = {1989}, author = {Shuttleworth, EC and Huber, SJ}, title = {The picture absurdities test in the evaluation of dementia.}, journal = {Brain and cognition}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {50-59}, doi = {10.1016/0278-2626(89)90004-3}, pmid = {2789816}, issn = {0278-2626}, mesh = {Aged ; Alzheimer Disease/*diagnosis/psychology ; *Attention ; Dementia/*diagnosis/psychology ; Dementia, Vascular/*diagnosis/psychology ; Depressive Disorder/*diagnosis/psychology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; *Form Perception ; Humans ; Male ; Mental Recall ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; Orientation ; *Pattern Recognition, Visual ; Psychomotor Performance ; }, abstract = {Recognition of picture absurdities was found to be significantly impaired in a group of patients with dementia of Alzheimer type compared to patients with dementia syndrome of depression and cerebrovascular dementia, even when matched for age, education, and dementia severity. None of the other neuropsychological measures investigated, including visual recent memory, Raven's progressive matrices, geographic orientation, and copying of geometric figures, resulted in a similar pattern. Although uncertainty remains as to what the picture absurdities test measures, normal performance likely depends on the integrity of many independently assessable variables, in addition to cognition and judgment utilizing visual data.}, }
@article {pmid2773846, year = {1989}, author = {Pollitt, E and Hathirat, P and Kotchabhakdi, NJ and Missell, L and Valyasevi, A}, title = {Iron deficiency and educational achievement in Thailand.}, journal = {The American journal of clinical nutrition}, volume = {50}, number = {3 Suppl}, pages = {687-96; discussion 696-7}, doi = {10.1093/ajcn/50.3.687}, pmid = {2773846}, issn = {0002-9165}, mesh = {Anthelmintics/administration &amp; dosage ; Blood Cell Count ; Child ; Erythrocyte Volume ; Erythrocytes/analysis ; Ferritins/analysis ; Ferrous Compounds/therapeutic use ; Hematocrit ; Hemoglobinopathies/diagnosis ; Hemoglobins/analysis ; Humans ; Intelligence ; *Iron Deficiencies ; Learning Disabilities/*etiology ; Protoporphyrins/blood ; Thailand ; Thalassemia/diagnosis ; Transferrin/analysis ; }, abstract = {This double-blind clinical trial was conducted in Thailand to assess the impact of iron treatment on the IQ and educational attainment of 1358 9-11-y-old children. The children were classified into one of three groups: iron replete, iron depleted, and iron-deficient anemic. The Raven Progressive Matrices was used to measure IQ. A Thai language and a math test were administered to assess school attainment. A 50-mg/d tablet of ferrous sulphate was given for 2 wk and a 100 mg/d tablet, for 14 wk. An anthelminthic drug was given on the day of the blood test before treatment and 3 mo after the intervention started. There is evidence of a positive association between iron status and IQ and a language school achievement test but there is no support for the internal validity of the hypothesis that this association is causal.}, }
@article {pmid2765145, year = {1989}, author = {Barnes, SJ and Mercer, DM and Cochrane, TD}, title = {Flash burns to the face.}, journal = {Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries}, volume = {15}, number = {4}, pages = {250-251}, doi = {10.1016/0305-4179(89)90042-9}, pmid = {2765145}, issn = {0305-4179}, mesh = {Adult ; Burns/*pathology ; Burns, Electric/*pathology ; *Eye ; Facial Injuries/*pathology ; Gasoline/adverse effects ; Humans ; Male ; }, abstract = {A characteristic 'crow's foot' pattern is seen around the eye in many flash burns. The protective blink reflex underlies this, and the injury is due to convected rather than radiant energy.}, }
@article {pmid11650222, year = {1989}, author = {Caplan, AL}, title = {The meaning of the Holocaust for bioethics.}, journal = {The Hastings Center report}, volume = {19}, number = {4}, pages = {2-3}, pmid = {11650222}, issn = {0093-0334}, mesh = {*Biomedical Research ; Economics ; Ethical Theory ; Ethics ; Eugenics ; Euthanasia ; Euthanasia, Active ; Germany ; History ; *Human Experimentation ; Humans ; Hypothermia ; Jews ; *Metaphor ; *National Socialism ; Nontherapeutic Human Experimentation ; Physicians ; *Political Systems ; Prisoners ; *Research ; Research Personnel ; *Scientific Misconduct ; Social Desirability ; Warfare ; }, }
@article {pmid2802400, year = {1989}, author = {Serrano Luna, JL and Sabater García, A}, title = {[Prognosis for encopresis].}, journal = {Anales espanoles de pediatria}, volume = {31}, number = {1}, pages = {10-14}, pmid = {2802400}, issn = {0302-4342}, mesh = {Child ; Child, Preschool ; Encopresis/drug therapy/*physiopathology/psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Prognosis ; }, abstract = {Here is presented a study concerning a hundred children with encopresis, aged from three to twelve years old, controlled for eleven years, so that the period of its evolution can be determined. We have contrasted the data with that obtained by other authors referring to different parameters: pregnancy, delivery, neonatal pathology, etc. We have compared the study of the prediction concerning the time of its evolution, and we have only found two citations in the looked-up bibliography. We have concluded that this time of evolution will be the more shortened when it is a secondary encopresis, there is good scholastic performance, there aren't any disturbances in the EEG, when the dark enema is normal, because the C1 in the Goodenough test is bigger, and so is the percentage in the Raven test and when there is no feeling of guilt, jealousy or introversion.}, }
@article {pmid2640710, year = {1989}, author = {Skłodowski, H and Stańczak, J and Gaszyński, W and Zboralski, K}, title = {[Psychological evaluation of postoperative pain and its significance for treatment].}, journal = {Polski tygodnik lekarski (Warsaw, Poland : 1960)}, volume = {44}, number = {20}, pages = {456-459}, pmid = {2640710}, issn = {0032-3756}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Humans ; Manifest Anxiety Scale ; Meperidine/therapeutic use ; Pain Measurement/methods ; Pain, Postoperative/diagnosis/etiology/*psychology/therapy ; Psychophysiologic Disorders/diagnosis/*etiology/therapy ; Stress, Psychological/*complications ; Surgical Procedures, Operative/*psychology ; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation ; }, abstract = {The results of tests applied to two groups of the patients who underwent elective surgeries are being discussed. The patients were selected with the aid of J.C. Raven's Intelligence Quotient, H.J. Eysenck's Personality Inventory, J. Taylor's Personality Scale, and Spielberg's S.T.A.I. The patients were operated at the Casualty and Orthopaedic Surgery Department of the Surgical Institute, Military Academy of Medicine. Postoperative analgesia was achieved with i.m. pethidine (1 mg/kg b.w.) in the group of 30 patients with low intensity of neurosis and anxiety while the group of 60 patients with high level of neurosis and anxiety required three different techniques: pethidine (dose as above) intravenously, electric stimulation and placebo stimulation. The following tests were applied to all patients before surgery and on the three postoperative days: 1) evaluation of anxiety level, 2) determination and detection of pain points, 3) pain intensity determination, 4) determination of the dose of analgetic agent required for pain abolishment. Other factors determined included: 1) efficiency of both electric and placebo efficacy, 2) analgesic drug dose vs. pain intensity, 3) pain vs. anxiety ratio. The obtained results indicated that considerable oscillations of the emotional tension are observed in both pre- and postoperative periods. Intensity of pain and its compliance to the treatment are closely related to the level of anxiety. Psychological examination performed in patients preoperatively enables to foresee the postoperative pain intensity and to plan the course of therapy.}, }
@article {pmid2723683, year = {1989}, author = {Jennekens-Schinkel, A and van der Velde, EA and Sanders, EA and Lanser, JB}, title = {Visuospatial problem solving, conceptual reasoning and sorting behaviour in multiple sclerosis out-patients.}, journal = {Journal of the neurological sciences}, volume = {90}, number = {2}, pages = {187-201}, doi = {10.1016/0022-510x(89)90101-9}, pmid = {2723683}, issn = {0022-510X}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Cognition Disorders/*etiology/physiopathology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multiple Sclerosis/complications/physiopathology/*psychology ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Visuospatial problem solving, conceptual reasoning and shifting of set were studied in out-patients with definite and probable MS. The sample of MS patients was homogeneous with respect to 2 important dimensions. All were out-patients, leading a normal although handicap-restricted social life. Furthermore, in all patients relapse or obvious instability of the disease were absent for at least a month. On Raven's Progressive Matrices, the Category test and the Wisconsin Modified Card Sorting test, no significant differences were found between the group of MS patients and a control group of healthy volunteers. However, 18% of MS patients and 4% of controls were rated as performing slightly below the expected levels of cognition. Stepwise regression analysis failed to reveal effects of illness variables, and no difference between patients with definite and probable MS could be detected. Clearly, most socially integrated MS patients in stable disease stages are capable of normal visuospatial problem solving, abstract reasoning and shifting of set.}, }
@article {pmid2649157, year = {1989}, author = {Pandurangi, AK and Goldberg, SC and Brink, DD and Hill, MH and Gulati, AN and Hamer, RM}, title = {Amphetamine challenge test, response to treatment, and lateral ventricle size in schizophrenia.}, journal = {Biological psychiatry}, volume = {25}, number = {2}, pages = {207-214}, doi = {10.1016/0006-3223(89)90165-0}, pmid = {2649157}, issn = {0006-3223}, mesh = {Adult ; Cerebral Ventricles/*pathology ; Clinical Trials as Topic ; *Dextroamphetamine ; Double-Blind Method ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales ; Random Allocation ; Schizophrenia/*diagnosis/pathology ; *Schizophrenic Psychology ; }, abstract = {The hypothesis of two independent pathologies in schizophrenia proposed by Crow (1980) were tested. Two dimensions of the dopamine variable, namely, the behavioral response during the Amphetamine Challenge Test (ACT) and the response to neuroleptic treatment, were studied in a cohort of 19 subjects with a research diagnosis of schizophrenia (n = 18) or schizoaffective disorder (n = 1) in an acute inpatient setting. The size of the lateral ventricle was assessed by mesauring the ventricle-brain ratio (VBR) on the computerized tomographic brain scan. Patients who had greater symptom reduction with the neuroleptic treatment worsened more in their positive psychotic symptoms during the ACT. Those with larger VBRs showed less treatment responsiveness and no worsening during the ACT. The findings are supportive of Crow's hypothesis. The ACT has the potential to be an index of both Type I and Type II pathologies.}, }
@article {pmid2913573, year = {1989}, author = {Ward, TB and Stagner, BH and Scott, JG and Marcus-Mendoza, ST and Turner, D}, title = {Classification behavior and measures of intelligence: dimensional identity versus overall similarity.}, journal = {Perception &amp; psychophysics}, volume = {45}, number = {1}, pages = {71-76}, pmid = {2913573}, issn = {0031-5117}, support = {MH 39369/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adult ; *Attention ; *Discrimination Learning ; *Form Perception ; Humans ; Individuality ; *Orientation ; *Pattern Recognition, Visual ; Wechsler Scales ; }, abstract = {Individuals tend to adopt either analytic or holistic modes of categorizing objects. In two studies, we examined the relation between these categorization tendencies and cognitive abilities as measured by standard psychometric instruments. The participants in both studies were pretested with a restricted classification task in which it was possible for them to classify simple stimuli by dimensional identity or overall similarity. Those making a large number of either type of categorization were then tested with subtests of the WAIS-R and with the Raven's progressive matrices. Across both studies, the analytic individuals (many dimensional identity classifications) scored higher than the holistic individuals (many overall similarity classifications) on some but not all of the subtests. The results are consistent with the idea that holistic modes of categorization may be more "primitive" than analytic modes. The findings are discussed in terms of the association between categorization mode and either general or specific cognitive abilities.}, }
@article {pmid2800733, year = {1989}, author = {Hochmeister, M and Dirnhofer, R}, title = {[Formation of a "crow's foot pattern" in the smoke residue in homicide by forehead gunshot injury].}, journal = {Zeitschrift fur Rechtsmedizin. Journal of legal medicine}, volume = {102}, number = {8}, pages = {545-548}, doi = {10.1007/BF00200653}, pmid = {2800733}, issn = {0044-3433}, mesh = {Brain Injuries/*pathology ; Female ; Forehead/*injuries ; Homicide/*legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Skin/pathology ; *Smoke ; Suicide/legislation &amp; jurisprudence ; Wounds, Gunshot/*pathology ; }, abstract = {We report a "crowsfoot-like" pattern in the smoke marks around the entrance of a close-range bullet wound in the center of the forehead; the weapon in this homicide was a revolver. This pattern only occurs if the facial muscles that form expression are completely contracted at the moment the shooting occurs and if the victim expects the event. The wrinkles gather around the entrance of the bullet, and this wound pattern may indicate that the shot was expected by the victim and represent a piece of the mosaic that might help clarify the circumstances in a case.}, }
@article {pmid2724530, year = {1989}, author = {Mazzuero, G and Zotti, AM and Bertolotti, G and Tavazzi, L}, title = {Hemodynamic response to different types of mental stress in patients with recent myocardial infarction.}, journal = {Japanese heart journal}, volume = {30}, number = {1}, pages = {35-46}, doi = {10.1536/ihj.30.35}, pmid = {2724530}, issn = {0021-4868}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; *Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Male ; Mathematics ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction/*complications ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Noise ; Stress, Psychological/complications/etiology/*physiopathology ; }, abstract = {The purpose of this study was to analyze the cardiovascular effects induced by mental stress evoked by different stressors in patients with recent uncomplicated myocardial infarction. Twenty four males, aged 52 +/- 10 years, were studied 45 +/- 22 days after uncomplicated myocardial infarction in the absence of specific cardiovascular drugs. During electrocardiographic and hemodynamic monitoring with a Swan-Ganz catheter the patients underwent 4 different stressors: mental arithmetic, Sacks test, Raven progressive matrices, white noise. All hemodynamic parameters were significantly (p less than 0.001) modified by 3 of the 4 stressors, while noise significantly affected (p less than 0.005) only blood pressure. Mental arithmetic was more powerful in inducing hemodynamic effects than either the Sacks test or the Raven matrices. Thus, experimentally induced mental stress challenges the recently infarcted patient's cardiovascular system to a quantifiable extent, causing important increments in left ventricular filling pressure. Hemodynamic response is different depending on the stressor employed.}, }
@article {pmid2638547, year = {1989}, author = {Szymczak, JT}, title = {Influence of environmental temperature and photoperiod on temporal structure of sleep in corvids.}, journal = {Acta neurobiologiae experimentalis}, volume = {49}, number = {6}, pages = {359-366}, pmid = {2638547}, issn = {0065-1400}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; *Circadian Rhythm ; *Cold Temperature ; Electroencephalography ; Sleep/*physiology ; Sleep Stages/physiology ; Temperature ; }, abstract = {A survey is presented of the author's own investigations on the effects of ambient temperature and photoperiod on sleep in corvids. Daily sleep patterns of rook, Corvus frugilegus and magpie, Pica pica have been studied electrographically under natural ambient conditions of light and temperature. The daily amount of total sleep time (TST) was positively correlated with night duration, whereas the proportion of TST spent in paradoxical sleep (PS) was strongly reduced in low ambient temperature (Ta). The mean duration of sleep cycle was found to be positively correlated with Ta. The temporal structure of PS in contrast to that of slow wave sleep (SWS) underwent dramatic changes due to cold exposure. In cold PS episodes appeared randomly throughout the night. The systematic trend observed in nocturnal distributions of SWS did not vary significantly when Ta changed from thermoneutral to moderate cold. This study provided indirect support for the view that PS in birds, like in mammals, is associated with inhibition of thermoregulatory responses.}, }
@article {pmid2611638, year = {1989}, author = {Sherry, DF and Vaccarino, AL and Buckenham, K and Herz, RS}, title = {The hippocampal complex of food-storing birds.}, journal = {Brain, behavior and evolution}, volume = {34}, number = {5}, pages = {308-317}, doi = {10.1159/000116516}, pmid = {2611638}, issn = {0006-8977}, mesh = {Animals ; Appetitive Behavior/*physiology ; *Biological Evolution ; Birds/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Brain Mapping ; Feeding Behavior/physiology ; Hippocampus/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Memory/*physiology ; Mental Recall/*physiology ; Organ Size/physiology ; Orientation/*physiology ; Social Environment ; Space Perception/*physiology ; *Species Specificity ; Telencephalon/anatomy &amp; histology ; }, abstract = {Three families of North American passerines--chickadees, nuthatches and jays--store food. Previous research has shown that memory for the spatial locations of caches is the principal mechanism of cache recovery. It has also been previously shown that the hippocampal complex (hippocampus and area parahippocampalis) plays an important role in memory for cache sites. The present study determined the volume of the hippocampal complex and the telencephalon in 3 food-storing families and in 10 non-food-storing families and subfamilies of passerines. The hippocampal complex is larger in food-storing birds than in non-food-storing birds. This difference is greater than expected from allometric relations among the hippocampal complex, telencephalon and body weight. Food-storing families are not more closely related to each other than they are to non-food-storing families and subfamilies, and the greater size of the hippocampal complex in food-storing birds is therefore the result of evolutionary convergence. Natural selection has led to a larger hippocampal complex in birds that rely on memory to recover spatially dispersed food caches.}, }
@article {pmid3058719, year = {1988}, author = {Vivarelli, E and Brown, WE and Whalen, RG and Cossu, G}, title = {The expression of slow myosin during mammalian somitogenesis and limb bud differentiation.}, journal = {The Journal of cell biology}, volume = {107}, number = {6 Pt 1}, pages = {2191-2197}, pmid = {3058719}, issn = {0021-9525}, mesh = {Animals ; Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Differentiation ; Cells, Cultured ; Extremities/*embryology ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique ; Gestational Age ; Mice ; Muscles/*embryology ; Myosins/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The developmental pattern of slow myosin expression has been studied in mouse embryos from the somitic stage to the period of secondary fiber formation and in myogenic cells, cultured from the same developmental stages. The results obtained, using a combination of different polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, indicate that slow myosin is coexpressed in virtually all the cells that express embryonic (fast) myosin in somites and limb buds in vivo as well as in culture. On the contrary fetal or late myoblasts (from 15-d-old embryos) express in culture only embryonic (fast) myosin. At this stage, muscle cells in vivo, as already shown (Crow, M.T., and F.A. Stockdale. 1986. Dev. Biol. 113:238-254; Dhoot, G.K. 1986. Muscle &amp; Nerve. 9:155-164; Draeger, A., A.G. Weeds, and R.B. Fitzsimons. 1987. J. Neurol. Sci. 81:19-43; Miller, J.B., and F.A. Stockdale. 1986. J. Cell Biol. 103:2197-2208), consist of primary myotubes, which express both myosins, and secondary myotubes, which express preferentially embryonic (fast) myosin. Under no circumstance neonatal or adult fast myosins were detected. Western blot analysis confirmed the immunocytochemical data. These results suggest that embryonic myoblasts in mammals are all committed to the mixed embryonic-(fast) slow lineage and, accordingly, all primary fibers express both myosins, whereas fetal myoblasts mostly belong to the embryonic (fast) lineage and likely generate fibers containing only embryonic (fast) myosin. The relationship with current models of avian myogenesis are discussed.}, }
@article {pmid2460389, year = {1988}, author = {Bandman, E and Bennett, T}, title = {Diversity of fast myosin heavy chain expression during development of gastrocnemius, bicep brachii, and posterior latissimus dorsi muscles in normal and dystrophic chickens.}, journal = {Developmental biology}, volume = {130}, number = {1}, pages = {220-231}, doi = {10.1016/0012-1606(88)90428-9}, pmid = {2460389}, issn = {0012-1606}, support = {AR31731/AR/NIAMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Age Factors ; Animals ; Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Differentiation ; Chick Embryo ; Chickens ; Epitopes ; Immunoenzyme Techniques ; Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/*metabolism ; Myosins/*metabolism ; Peptide Mapping ; }, abstract = {The expression of fast myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms was examined in developing bicep brachii, lateral gastrocnemius, and posterior latissimus dorsi (PLD) muscles of inbred normal White Leghorn chickens (Line 03) and genetically related inbred dystrophic White Leghorn chickens (Line 433). Utilizing a highly characterized monoclonal antibody library we employed ELISA, Western blot, immunocytochemical, and MHC epitope mapping techniques to determine which MHCs were present in the fibers of these muscles at different stages of development. The developmental pattern of MHC expression in the normal bicep brachii was uniform with all fibers initially accumulating embryonic MHC similar to that of the pectoralis muscle. At hatching the neonatal isoform was expressed in all fibers; however, unlike in the pectoralis muscle the embryonic MHC isoform did not disappear. With increasing age the neonatal MHC was repressed leaving the embryonic MHC as the only detectable isoform present in the adult bicep brachii muscle. While initially expressing embryonic MHC in ovo, the post-hatch normal gastrocnemius expressed both embryonic and neonatal MHCs. However, unlike the bicep brachii muscle, this pattern of expression continued in the adult muscle. The adult normal gastrocnemius stained heterogeneously with anti-embryonic and anti-neonatal antibodies indicating that mature fibers could contain either isoform or both. Neither the bicep brachii muscle nor the lateral gastrocnemius muscle reacted with the adult specific antibody at any stage of development. In the developing posterior latissimus dorsi muscle (PLD), embryonic, neonatal, and adult isoforms sequentially appeared; however, expression of the embryonic isoform continued throughout development. In the adult PLD, both embryonic and adult MHCs were expressed, with most fibers expressing both isoforms. In dystrophic neonates and adults virtually all fibers of the bicep brachii, gastrocnemius, and PLD muscles were identical and contained embryonic and neonatal MHCs. These results corroborate previous observations that there are alternative programs of fast MHC expression to that found in the pectoralis muscle of the chicken (M.T. Crow and F.E. Stockdale, 1986, Dev. Biol. 118, 333-342), and that diversification into fibers containing specific MHCs fails to occur in the fast muscle fibers of the dystrophic chicken. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that avian muscular dystrophy is a developmental disorder that is associated with alterations in isoform switching during muscle maturation.}, }
@article {pmid3169393, year = {1988}, author = {Smith, IM and Bryson, SE}, title = {Monozygotic twins concordant for autism and hyperlexia.}, journal = {Developmental medicine and child neurology}, volume = {30}, number = {4}, pages = {527-531}, doi = {10.1111/j.1469-8749.1988.tb04780.x}, pmid = {3169393}, issn = {0012-1622}, mesh = {Autistic Disorder/genetics/psychology ; Child ; Child Development ; *Diseases in Twins ; Humans ; Intellectual Disability/genetics ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Reflex, Abnormal/*genetics/psychology ; Twins, Monozygotic ; }, abstract = {The authors describe male monozygotic twins, Jon and Jay, who are concordant for autism and hyperlexia. Autism and mental retardation were diagnosed at the age of 2 years 5 months. Jay was the more advanced twin in motor co-ordination, attention span and receptive abilities, but had frequent tantrums. When psychologically assessed at 7 years 2 months, Jon showed borderline/severe mental retardation on the measure of non-verbal intelligence and Jay was moderately retarded. Their receptive language age was greater than their expressive language age: Jon's speech was less mature but more communicative and Jay's was perseverative and ritualistic. Even though Jon was the more mentally retarded twin, Jay was the more autistic in some behavioral aspects. These twins highlight the relationship between autism and hyperlexia.}, }
@article {pmid3382321, year = {1988}, author = {Berman, KF and Illowsky, BP and Weinberger, DR}, title = {Physiological dysfunction of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in schizophrenia. IV. Further evidence for regional and behavioral specificity.}, journal = {Archives of general psychiatry}, volume = {45}, number = {7}, pages = {616-622}, doi = {10.1001/archpsyc.1988.01800310020002}, pmid = {3382321}, issn = {0003-990X}, mesh = {Adult ; Cerebral Cortex/metabolism/physiopathology ; Cerebrovascular Circulation ; Chronic Disease ; Cognition/physiology ; Dopamine/metabolism/physiology ; Female ; Frontal Lobe/blood supply/metabolism/*physiopathology ; Humans ; Male ; Problem Solving/physiology ; Psychological Tests ; Schizophrenia/metabolism/*physiopathology ; Xenon Radioisotopes ; }, abstract = {In previous studies we found that patients with chronic schizophrenia had lower regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) than did normal subjects during performance of the Wisconsin Card Sort Test, an abstract reasoning task linked to DLPFC function. This was not the case during less complex tasks. To examine further whether this finding represented regionally circumscribed pathophysiology or a more general correlate of abstract cognition, 24 medication-free patients and 25 age- and sex-matched normal control subjects underwent rCBF measurements with the xenon 133 technique while they performed two tasks: Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM) and an active baseline control task. While performing RPM, normal subjects activated posterior cortical areas over baseline, but did not activate DLPFC, as had been seen during the Wisconsin Card Sort Test. Like normal subjects, patients showed maximal rCBF elevations posteriorly and, moreover, they had no significant DLPFC or other cortical deficit while performing RPM. These results suggest that DLPFC dysfunction in schizophrenia is linked to pathophysiology of a regionally specific neural system rather than to global cortical dysfunction, and that this pathophysiology is most apparent under prefrontally specific cognitive demand.}, }
@article {pmid2969321, year = {1988}, author = {Jaffe, B and Harlap, S and Baras, M and Gordon, L and Lieblich, A and Magidor, S and Sanchez, M}, title = {Long-term effects of MPA on human progeny: intellectual development.}, journal = {Contraception}, volume = {37}, number = {6}, pages = {607-619}, doi = {10.1016/0010-7824(88)90007-8}, pmid = {2969321}, issn = {0010-7824}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Contraceptive Agents, Female/*adverse effects ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence/*drug effects ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Medroxyprogesterone/adverse effects/*analogs &amp; derivatives ; Medroxyprogesterone Acetate ; Pregnancy ; *Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects ; }, abstract = {Tests of verbal and spatial ability were done on 450 boys and 537 girls in their late teens of whom 73 and 97, respectively, had been exposed in utero to MPA. Exposed boys achieved higher raw scores than controls on verbal and spatial tests but the differences were explained by their more favorable demographic and social characteristics. Exposed girls did not differ from controls. Although, mothers of exposed boys reported that their offspring talked and walked later than controls, our results support the hypothesis that intrauterine exposure to MPA at contraceptive doses has no long-term effect on intellectual development.}, }
@article {pmid3066134, year = {1988}, author = {van Manen, J and van Veelen, CW}, title = {Experiences in psycho-surgery in The Netherlands.}, journal = {Acta neurochirurgica. Supplementum}, volume = {44}, number = {}, pages = {167-169}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-7091-9005-0_32}, pmid = {3066134}, mesh = {Epilepsy/surgery ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Mental Disorders/*surgery ; Netherlands ; Psychosurgery/*methods ; Stereotaxic Techniques ; }, abstract = {The authors report on their experiences in 54 cases operated upon for various psychiatric diseases including compulsive neurosis, depression, anxiety, tension and in some of this group also automutilation; intractable temporal lobe epilepsy and aggressive behaviour; aggressive behaviour and minor epileptic problems; severe mental retardation, restlessness, automultilation and in some of this group also aggression. Operative procedures have been fronto-basal lesions according to Knight and Bridges, as well as lesions in the cingulum, the paracingular white matter, the anterior part of the radiation of the corpus callosum and the basal frontal region, using the technique of Crow. Amygdalotomy and thalamotomy was performed for epilepsy, aggression and automutilation in the mentally retarded patients. Because of the small number of patients and the variety of different diseases and techniques no statistically valid analysis of the results is possible.}, }
@article {pmid3625580, year = {1987}, author = {Szymczak, JT}, title = {Daily distribution of sleep states in the rook Corvus frugilegus.}, journal = {Journal of comparative physiology. A, Sensory, neural, and behavioral physiology}, volume = {161}, number = {2}, pages = {321-327}, pmid = {3625580}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Brain/physiology ; Electroencephalography ; Evoked Potentials ; Motor Activity/physiology ; Seasons ; Sleep Stages/*physiology ; Sleep, REM/physiology ; Temperature ; Wakefulness/physiology ; }, abstract = {Sleep and wake states were monitored polygraphically in the rook Corvus frugilegus, under the natural photoperiod and temperature. The indices of sleep and wake states in the rook were similar to those described previously for birds in general. The appearance of sleep episodes was confined to the dark part of the photoperiod. Slow wave sleep (SWS) showed a tendency to increase during the course of the night, while paradoxical sleep (PS) showed the opposite trend. The distribution of short SWS episodes were clustered into two groups, one group occurred in the period following the onset of sleep and the other, less prominent group occurred towards the end of sleep. The longest episodes of SWS appeared in the second half of the night, whereas those of PS appeared after onset of sleep.}, }
@article {pmid3307511, year = {1987}, author = {Nagoshi, CT and Wilson, JR}, title = {Influence of family alcoholism history on alcohol metabolism, sensitivity, and tolerance.}, journal = {Alcoholism, clinical and experimental research}, volume = {11}, number = {4}, pages = {392-398}, doi = {10.1111/j.1530-0277.1987.tb01330.x}, pmid = {3307511}, issn = {0145-6008}, support = {AA-03527/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; DA-07043/DA/NIDA NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adoption ; Adult ; Alcohol Drinking/*psychology ; Alcoholism/*genetics/metabolism ; *Diseases in Twins ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Psychological Tests ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Twins, Dizygotic ; Twins, Monozygotic ; }, abstract = {As part of the Colorado Alcohol Research on Twins and Adoptees (CARTA), 35 subjects who reported having an alcoholic parent or sibling [family alcoholism history positive (FHP)] were matched with 35 controls [family alcoholism history negative (FHN)]. All subjects were tested three times on a battery of physiological, motor, and cognitive performance tasks before the ingestion of alcohol, then were tested three more times over a 3-hr period during which their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was brought up to and maintained at about 0.10 g/dl by an initial large dose of ethanol and subsequent topping doses. FHP subjects scored significantly lower than FHN subjects on the Raven's Progressive Matrices and on some of the cognitive tasks before alcohol ingestion. FHP and FHN subjects, however, did not significantly differ in absorption and clearance of alcohol or in sensitivity and acute tolerance scores calculated on the repeated measures. Contrary to expectations, FHP subjects perceived themselves as being more impaired by alcohol than FHN subjects, and there was little evidence to suggest that they were less sensitive to variations in BAC.}, }
@article {pmid3625568, year = {1987}, author = {Ziv, A}, title = {The effect of humor on aggression catharsis in the classroom.}, journal = {The Journal of psychology}, volume = {121}, number = {4}, pages = {359-364}, doi = {10.1080/00223980.1987.9712676}, pmid = {3625568}, issn = {0022-3980}, mesh = {*Abreaction ; Adolescent ; Aggression/*psychology ; *Catharsis ; Female ; Frustration ; Humans ; Learning Disabilities/*psychology ; Male ; *Wit and Humor as Topic ; }, abstract = {Two studies were designed to measure the cathartic effects of humor on aggressive responses. In the first study, two versions (easy and difficult) of Raven's intelligence test were administered to two groups of high school students. Only the easy version could be solved in the alloted time. Rosenzweig's (1951) Picture Frustration test was then administered and the students' aggressive responses were scored. Results showed that those who did not solve the problems had significantly higher scores on aggressivity than did the others. The second study, using four different groups, was planned according to a modified Solomon design. Two of the four groups of students completed the difficult part of the Raven test, and then two video-tapes were presented: a humorous one to two groups and a neutral one to the others. Finally, the Rosenzweig Picture Frustration test was administered to all four groups. An analysis of variance computed on the aggressivity scores showed one significant difference: frustrated students who viewed the humorous videotape had lower scores than those viewing the neutral one.}, }
@article {pmid3627917, year = {1987}, author = {Manschreck, TC and Ames, D and Maher, BA and Schneyer, ML}, title = {Impoverished written responses and negative features of schizophrenia.}, journal = {Perceptual and motor skills}, volume = {64}, number = {3 Pt 2}, pages = {1163-1169}, doi = {10.2466/pms.1987.64.3c.1163}, pmid = {3627917}, issn = {0031-5125}, mesh = {Humans ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales ; Schizophrenia/*diagnosis ; Schizophrenic Language ; *Schizophrenic Psychology ; Semantics ; Thinking ; *Writing ; }, abstract = {Repetition in the written language of schizophrenics and its possible relationships to other aspects of schizophrenic disorders are not well understood. We investigated repetitiousness in written utterances, finding schizophrenic subjects to be more repetitive than affective controls and normal controls. Over-all, written repetitiousness was more strongly correlated with psychopathologic features than oral repetitiousness. As in previous work, thought-disordered schizophrenic subjects produced the most repetitive responses. Poverty of content and illogical thinking were correlated with scores for written repetition. Measures of other negative features, disturbed mental functioning and motor behavior were also associated with repetitiousness in both written and oral modes. That these negative features are linked (namely, linguistic repetitiousness, negative formal thought disorder, voluntary motor abnormalities, and deficient mental functioning) is consistent with Crow's concept of a defect syndrome (Type 2) in schizophrenia.}, }
@article {pmid3666548, year = {1987}, author = {Basso, A and Capitani, E and Laiacona, M}, title = {Raven's coloured progressive matrices: normative values on 305 adult normal controls.}, journal = {Functional neurology}, volume = {2}, number = {2}, pages = {189-194}, pmid = {3666548}, issn = {0393-5264}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; *Color Perception ; Female ; *Form Perception ; Humans ; *Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Pattern Recognition, Visual ; Reference Values ; }, abstract = {The use of Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (PM 47) in experiments with brain-damaged patients is briefly reviewed. Because norms for adults are still not available, normative data were calculated on 305 normals; corrections for age and education and centile allocation of the scores are furnished.}, }
@article {pmid3108067, year = {1987}, author = {Foster, GD and Moon, TW}, title = {Metabolism in sea raven (Hemitripterus americanus) hepatocytes: the effects of insulin and glucagon.}, journal = {General and comparative endocrinology}, volume = {66}, number = {1}, pages = {102-115}, doi = {10.1016/0016-6480(87)90355-8}, pmid = {3108067}, issn = {0016-6480}, mesh = {Animals ; Carbon Dioxide/metabolism ; Fishes/*metabolism ; Glucagon/antagonists &amp; inhibitors/*pharmacology ; Gluconeogenesis/drug effects ; Glucose/metabolism ; Glycogen/metabolism ; Insulin/*pharmacology ; Liver/drug effects/*metabolism ; Serine/metabolism ; }, abstract = {The metabolism of the sea raven, Hemitripterus americanus, hepatocyte preparation was studied, emphasizing the roles of insulin and glucagon on carbohydrate status. Sea raven hepatocyte glycogen was depleted throughout the preincubation and 2-hr incubation period in the presence of either glucose or serine. Bovine glucagon stimulated glycogen loss and increased glucose levels and serine flux to glucose. Porcine insulin prevented glycogen depletion at least over 1.5 hr of incubation, but did not affect glucose levels in the hepatocytes. It also significantly increased serine flux to glucose, glycogen, and protein, and alanine flux to glucose, CO2, and protein. Teleost insulin did not alter the pattern of hepatic glycogen depletion, while it did increase glucose levels and serine flux to glucose, glycogen, and lipids, and alanine flux to CO2 and glucose. Both glucagon and porcine insulin increased glucose flux to glycogen, but neither altered glucose conversion to CO2, lactate, or protein. The teleost insulin had no effect on glucose conversion to any product tested. Teleost insulin had an additive effect on the glucagon-induced increases in total glucose production and gluconeogenesis from serine, while glucagon offset the insulin stimulation of serine flux to glycogen and CO2. The results demonstrate that glucagon functions to increase glucose production from gluconeogenic precursors and glycogen in sea raven hepatocytes, while insulin demonstrates anabolic effects through gluconeogenic precursors. It is suggested that insulin functions in sea raven hepatocytes to increase glycogen stores through increased amino acid utilization and/or to increase glucose production for transport to, and storage in, glucose-utilizing tissues (e.g., muscle). An antagonism between insulin and glucagon on the glycolytic/gluconeogenic pathways as is found in mammalian livers is not as clear in sea raven hepatocytes. These findings are consistent with the carnivorous diet of the sea raven and a preferentially gluconeogenic role for the liver of this species.}, }
@article {pmid11649915, year = {1987}, author = {Caplan, AL}, title = {Can we talk? A review of Jay Katz, The Silent World of Doctor and Patient.}, journal = {Western New England law review}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {43-52}, pmid = {11649915}, issn = {0190-6593}, mesh = {Attitude ; *Communication ; *Decision Making ; Disclosure ; Economics ; *Freedom ; Human Experimentation ; Humans ; *Informed Consent ; Medicine ; Moral Obligations ; *Paternalism ; Patient Care ; *Patient Participation ; Patients ; *Personal Autonomy ; *Physician-Patient Relations ; Research Personnel ; Research Subjects ; Social Dominance ; Social Responsibility ; Social Values ; }, }
@article {pmid3594512, year = {1987}, author = {Tavazzi, L and Zotti, AM and Mazzuero, G}, title = {Acute pulmonary edema provoked by psychologic stress. Report of two cases.}, journal = {Cardiology}, volume = {74}, number = {3}, pages = {229-235}, doi = {10.1159/000174202}, pmid = {3594512}, issn = {0008-6312}, mesh = {Acute Disease ; Aged ; *Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pulmonary Edema/*etiology ; Stress, Psychological/*complications/physiopathology ; }, abstract = {Emotional stress has been considered responsible for life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias but acute stress-induced heart failure has not been reported in man. Two patients with recent uncomplicated myocardial infarction presenting acute pulmonary edema immediately after psychologic stress testing are the object of this report. Four stressors, mental arithmetic, 30 emotionally involving questions (Sacks' test modified), an image quiz (Raven's matrices) and white noise were administered during hemodynamic monitoring (Swan-Ganz catheter) in a 3-min stress-5-min recovery sequence. Response to the stressors was not unusual; greatest cardiovascular response occurred during mental arithmetic, least during noise and intermediate patterns were induced by the other stressors. Heart rate and systemic blood pressure, markers of autonomic activation, increased moderately. Neither ventricular arrhythmias nor ischemic electrocardiographic changes were observed during or after stress testing. Complete recovery followed each stress-induced cardiovascular response. About 10 min after completing stress testing, acute pulmonary edema occurred in both patients neither of whom had presented other episodes of acute pulmonary edema, suggesting that psychologic stress may induce pump dysfunction in patients with latent heart failure.}, }
@article {pmid3445809, year = {1987}, author = {Bruck, JC and Baker, TJ and Gordon, H}, title = {Facial mimics and the coronal brow lift.}, journal = {Aesthetic plastic surgery}, volume = {11}, number = {4}, pages = {199-201}, pmid = {3445809}, issn = {0364-216X}, mesh = {Eyebrows/*surgery ; Facial Expression ; Facial Muscles/*surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Surgery, Plastic/*methods ; }, abstract = {The classic rhytidectomy leaves the upper third of the face without improvement. Yet the eye-eyebrow region is the most influential in determining facial expressions. There is only a narrow range of positions of the eyebrows in which they are perceived as attractive. The influence of the coronal browlift on facial mimics is discussed as it seems to be a way to predictably reposition the eyebrows and improve crow's feet and forehead, and glabellar wrinkles at the same time. The results of 56 patients surveyed 1-3 years postoperatively are presented.}, }
@article {pmid3434128, year = {1987}, author = {Guttman, R and Nathan, M and Esrachi, A}, title = {Restrictiveness-permissiveness of their environment as perceived by kibbutz twins and singletons.}, journal = {Acta geneticae medicae et gemellologiae}, volume = {36}, number = {2}, pages = {165-170}, doi = {10.1017/s0001566000004396}, pmid = {3434128}, issn = {0001-5660}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Authoritarianism ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Faculty ; Humans ; Infant ; Israel ; Parents ; Permissiveness ; Psychological Tests ; *Social Environment ; *Social Perception ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Twins/*psychology ; }, abstract = {This research compares similarities and differences between kibbutz twins and singletons on individual perceptions of extent of restriction imposed by their fathers and mothers, teachers, caretakers and peers with regard to the children's choices, plans, and actual activities. During the past two years, the parents of all kibbutz twins in Israel of age 1 to 18 have been contacted. They provided background information about themselves and their twin children. In each kibbutz, two control singletons were selected of the same sex and age for each twin pair, yielding a "quartet". With the aid of a mapping sentence, questionnaires were constructed to help ascertain the child's role in life areas such as family, friendship, school, hobbies, work, amusement. Questionnaires with the same facet design are being administered to children (twin and singleton), mothers, fathers, teachers, and caretakers. In addition, each child is given a battery of tests--including the verbal WISC, Block Design, Raven Matrices, and Reading Comprehension. The children will be interviewed and tested in three successive years, beginning either in grade 4 or 5. Data will thus be obtained on changes in perception of permissiveness-restrictiveness and their relation to performance at ages 9 to 13. To date 9-year-olds in 14 kibbutzim have been interviewed. Analyses of responses to four questions are presented in this paper. The preliminary analyses indicate that twins and singletons have similar means and distributions with regard to the extent to which the children feel they are told what to do by either parent.}, }
@article {pmid3792119, year = {1986}, author = {Szymczak, JT}, title = {Daily distribution of sleep states in the jackdaw, Corvus monedula.}, journal = {Chronobiologia}, volume = {13}, number = {3}, pages = {227-235}, pmid = {3792119}, issn = {0390-0037}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Circadian Rhythm ; Electroencephalography ; Sleep Stages/*physiology ; Sleep, REM/physiology ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {Polygraphic and behavioral studies of the jackdaws Corvus monedula have revealed a strong influence of the natural day-night cycle on their daily wakefulness-sleep activity. The jackdaws were behaviorally active during the light part of the photoperiod. The daily distribution of slow wave sleep (SWS) was symmetric and that of paradoxical sleep (PS) was asymmetric. The amount of PS was greater in the second half of the night than in the first. Short and intermediate length episodes occurred almost homogeneously throughout the night. The longest sleep episodes clustered toward the middle part of the night and did not occur in the periods following onset of sleep and before the end of sleep.}, }
@article {pmid3591362, year = {1986}, author = {Szymczak, JT}, title = {Sleep pattern in the rook, Corvus frugilegus.}, journal = {Acta physiologica Polonica}, volume = {37}, number = {4-5}, pages = {191-198}, pmid = {3591362}, issn = {0044-6033}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Electroencephalography/veterinary ; Electromyography/veterinary ; Electrooculography/veterinary ; Sleep Stages/*physiology ; Wakefulness/physiology ; }, abstract = {In the rook, Corvus frugilegus, electrographic and behavioural correlates of sleep and wakefulness have been determined under natural lighting conditions. Slow wave sleep (SWS) was characterized by high amplitude slow EEG activity, low neck EMG, and behavioural inactivity. Paradoxical sleep (PS) was characterized by low amplitude fast EEG activity and inconsistent decrease in EMG. PS episodes always commenced with head downward. Several eye movements occurred activity were present. The rook spent in sleep 31.8% of the 24-h period. PS however, eye movements, high tonic neck EMG activity, and behavioural activity were present. The rook spent in sleep 31.8% of the 24-h period. PS constituted 1.8% of total sleep, while the rest of total sleep was occupied by SWS. On the average, episodes of SWS and PS lasted 10.8 min and 24 s respectively. The daily percentage of SWS was highly correlated with the mean episode duration. PS amount was better correlated with the number of episodes than with their mean duration. Our data suggest that over-short period of recovery from surgery and adaptation with implanted electrodes could lead to underestimation of sleep duration in rook.}, }
@article {pmid11608464, year = {1986}, author = {}, title = {Reproduction: a behavioral and neuroendocrine perspective. In honor of Jay S. Rosenblatt.}, journal = {Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences}, volume = {474}, number = {}, pages = {1-465}, pmid = {11608464}, issn = {0077-8923}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; History, 20th Century ; History, Modern 1601- ; Hormones/*physiology ; *Neurosecretion ; New Jersey ; *Reproduction/drug effects ; United States ; }, }
@article {pmid3960998, year = {1986}, author = {Harriman, AE and Berger, RH}, title = {Olfactory acuity in the common raven (Corvus corax).}, journal = {Physiology &amp; behavior}, volume = {36}, number = {2}, pages = {257-262}, doi = {10.1016/0031-9384(86)90013-2}, pmid = {3960998}, issn = {0031-9384}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Cues ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Female ; Food ; Male ; Odorants ; Smell/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The efficacy with which ravens can locate concealed carrion and similar foods has been noted from antiquity. This ability has been claimed in folklore to indicate an acute sense of smell. Contemporary opinion among ornithologists is that the sense of smell is weak at best in passerines, and particularly so in corvids which lack developed olfactory apparatus. Four studies were performed to test whether ravens could find hidden food (fresh ground fish) under conditions where scent was presumed to be the sole cue. The subjects, captive juvenile ravens (five males and three females) capably chose which one in a pair of containers held food buried under 2.0 cm of No. 4 gravel, discovered food concealed under as much as 2.5 cm of gravel, and located as little as 1.0 g of food covered by 1.5 cm of gravel. The several findings are consistent with the possibility that ravens can use olfactory cues to find food.}, }
@article {pmid3944243, year = {1986}, author = {Gainotti, G and D'Erme, P and Villa, G and Caltagirone, C}, title = {Focal brain lesions and intelligence: a study with a new version of Raven's Colored Matrices.}, journal = {Journal of clinical and experimental neuropsychology}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {37-50}, doi = {10.1080/01688638608401295}, pmid = {3944243}, issn = {1380-3395}, mesh = {Aphasia/physiopathology/*psychology ; Female ; Functional Laterality/physiology ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Language Tests ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Spatial Behavior ; Visual Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Contrasting results have been obtained in previous investigations, which have used the standard version of Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices for studying the effects of localized brain lesion on visual-spatial intelligence. Some of these discrepancies might be due to the fact that specific factors, such as unilateral spatial neglect, could contribute to decreased performance obtained on Raven's test by patients with focal brain lesions. A new set of Colored Matrices, devised to minimize the influence of unilateral spatial neglect without changing the essential features of the original task, was therefore constructed. The test was administered to 76 normal controls, 74 right brain-damaged patients, 87 aphasics, and 61 nonaphasic left brain-damaged patients, in order to study the effect of laterality of lesions and of language impairment on Raven's scores. The results show that, if the influence of unilateral spatial neglect is minimized and Raven's scores are corrected in reference to age, educational level, and lesion size, then: no significant differences are observed between right and left brain-damaged patients; aphasics score worse than nonaphasic left brain-damaged patients; impairment is greater in patients with Wernicke's and Global aphasia (i.e., in patients with severe language comprehension disorders) than in patients classified as Broca's, Anomic, or Conduction aphasia; impairment is greater in patients with semantic-lexical discrimination errors than in patients free from semantic-lexical comprehension disorders.}, }
@article {pmid3557641, year = {1986}, author = {North, AJ and Ulatowska, HK and Macaluso-Haynes, S and Bell, H}, title = {Discourse performance in older adults.}, journal = {International journal of aging &amp; human development}, volume = {23}, number = {4}, pages = {267-283}, doi = {10.2190/BPF0-2BWD-BGNQ-HWCW}, pmid = {3557641}, issn = {0091-4150}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Aged ; *Aging ; Cognition ; Female ; Humans ; *Language ; Mental Recall ; Middle Aged ; Speech ; }, abstract = {Thirty-three elderly women, whose mean age was 76.2 years, and eighteen middle-aged women, whose mean age was 45.6 years, were assessed on a number of linguistic discourse tasks. The women were well educated, and most of them were or had been engaged in the teaching profession. Each woman was given narrative discourse tasks involving recall of stories, summarizing stories, giving the morals of the stories, procedural discourse tasks, interview to assess cognitive functioning and communicative abilities, and the following cognitive tests: Block Design, Symbol-Digit, Raven Coloured Progressive Matrices, and Word Fluency. The findings were that the older group generally performed more poorly than did the middle-aged group on most of the discourse tasks and cognitive tests. Within the older group, measures of quality of discourse were generally negatively related to age and positively related to scores on cognitive tests.}, }
@article {pmid3530358, year = {1986}, author = {Beardsley, EH}, title = {Good-bye to Jim Crow: the desegregation of Southern hospitals, 1945-70.}, journal = {Bulletin of the history of medicine}, volume = {60}, number = {3}, pages = {367-386}, pmid = {3530358}, issn = {0007-5140}, mesh = {Black or African American ; History, 20th Century ; Hospitals/*history ; Humans ; *Prejudice ; United States ; White People ; }, }
@article {pmid4078185, year = {1985}, author = {Tzuriel, D and Klein, PS}, title = {The assessment of analogical thinking modifiability among regular, special education, disadvantaged, and mentally retarded children.}, journal = {Journal of abnormal child psychology}, volume = {13}, number = {4}, pages = {539-552}, pmid = {4078185}, issn = {0091-0627}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Color Perception ; *Concept Formation ; *Education of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Pattern Recognition, Visual ; *Problem Solving ; Prognosis ; *Psychological Tests ; Size Perception ; Socioeconomic Factors ; *Thinking ; }, abstract = {The objectives of the current study were (a) to develop a measure of children's analogical thinking modifiability (CATM) based on the Feuerstein, Rand, and Hoffman (1979) theory of dynamic assessment of cognitive modifiability, (b) to compare the performance of groups assumed to be differentially modified by intervention, (c) to compare CATM performance with performance on a conventional test, and (d) to study qualitative changes after a learning process. Subjects were disadvantaged, regular, and special education kindergarten children (N = 140), and mentally retarded children (N = 20). The CATM was administered together with the Ravens Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM) in a balanced order. Disadvantaged and regular children achieved higher gain scores than other groups in both none-or-all and partial credit methods (p less than .01). The MR and the special education groups showed small gains according to the none-or-all credit method; however, according to the partial credit method, the MR group showed high gains and the special education group a performance decrease. Performance scores on the CATM were higher than on the RCPM, especially in comparison to the B8-B12 items--differences reach a peak of 61% and 67% for the disadvantaged and regular groups, respectively. Qualitative analysis indicated that form mistakes were most resistant to change, whereas color mistakes were most easy to modify. Results were explained within Feuerstein's theoretical framework of cognitive modifiability. Impaired cognitive functions as well as analytic versus synthetic processes were suggested to explain group differences.}, }
@article {pmid4010218, year = {1985}, author = {Holldack, J and Kalff, R and Schindler, H and Rappen, U and Havers, W}, title = {[Neurologic and psychosocial disorders in children with brain tumors].}, journal = {Klinische Padiatrie}, volume = {197}, number = {3}, pages = {188-191}, doi = {10.1055/s-2008-1033966}, pmid = {4010218}, issn = {0300-8630}, mesh = {*Adaptation, Psychological ; Adolescent ; Brain Damage, Chronic/psychology ; Brain Neoplasms/*psychology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Learning Disabilities/psychology ; Male ; Neurocognitive Disorders/*psychology ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Psychomotor Performance ; }, abstract = {We studied 15 tumor-free patients, that had already finished treatment at the university-hospital Essen. Beside from a neurological check-up our complete assessment included the following tests: CMM (Columbia Mental Maturity Scale), BM and CM (Raven Test), PPVT (Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test), BA (Following Directions), KP (Dotting), d2, HAWIK-Test (Mathematical part), LOS (Lincoln Oseretzky Motor Development Scale) and GFT (Göttinger Formreproduktionstest). A half structured interview of parents was performed, too. All, but two patients, had neurological disorders of different degrees. All these 13 patients had signs of ataxia. For the intelligence- and development-tests (CMM, BA, BM, CM and PPVT) the results for all patients were better than the 50th percentile, for the KP and LOS-test worse (40-47%). A diminished ability for concentration and slowness shows the d2-reached only a rate of 22 percent. The results of the HAWIK-test shows a test-age-equivalent, which is 3,4 years above the actual age. From the results of the GFT you can conclude, that these disorders are caused by brain damage. Parents mentioned during the interviews abnormalities in behaviour, interaction-problems between siblings and inadequate emotional reactions. For all these reasons we want to point out, that for an overall assessment of these patients and there families a well-planed therapeutical procedure including rehabilitive measures is necessary for diminishing the described disturbances as far as possible.}, }
@article {pmid3978355, year = {1985}, author = {Todman, J and Gibb, CM}, title = {High speed memory scanning in retarded and non-retarded adolescents.}, journal = {British journal of psychology (London, England : 1953)}, volume = {76 (Pt 1)}, number = {}, pages = {49-57}, doi = {10.1111/j.2044-8295.1985.tb01930.x}, pmid = {3978355}, issn = {0007-1269}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Female ; Humans ; Intellectual Disability/*psychology ; Intelligence ; Male ; *Memory ; Pattern Recognition, Visual ; *Reaction Time ; }, abstract = {Four groups of 13-14-year-olds, classified on the basis of Raven's Progressive Matrices scores as intellectually above average, average, below average and retarded, were subjects in a Sternberg (1966) type memory scanning task in which memory sets of two, three and four letters were used. Slope values of the memory search function did not differ between groups, whereas intercept values decreased with higher intelligence up to the average intelligence level. There was an overall inverse relation between intercept values and intelligence (r = -0.77) and similar relations obtained within the three non-retarded groups (rs greater than or equal to -0.57), but not within the retarded group (r = -0.06). Possible connections between these results and findings from inspection time studies are discussed.}, }
@article {pmid4035303, year = {1985}, author = {Cornblatt, BA and Lenzenweger, MF and Dworkin, RH and Erlenmeyer-Kimling, L}, title = {Positive and negative schizophrenic symptoms, attention, and information processing.}, journal = {Schizophrenia bulletin}, volume = {11}, number = {3}, pages = {397-408}, doi = {10.1093/schbul/11.3.397}, pmid = {4035303}, issn = {0586-7614}, support = {MH-30906-06/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; MH-34206/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adult ; *Attention ; Depressive Disorder/psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mental Recall ; Pattern Recognition, Visual ; Schizophrenia/*diagnosis ; *Schizophrenic Psychology ; Speech Perception ; }, abstract = {This study was concerned with the relationship between attentional and information-processing deficits and positive vs. negative symptoms in schizophrenia. Sixteen schizophrenic patients, rated for extent of positive and negative symptomatology, 17 depressed patients, and 31 normal control subjects were tested on a measure of distractibility and ability to process under information overload. To establish the validity of our measures, schizophrenic patients were compared with depressed patients and with normal control subjects. Lowered processing capacity appeared to be specific to schizophrenia, although the specificity of differential distractibility was less clear. For schizophrenic patients, positive symptoms were related to distractibility, whereas negative symptoms were associated with lowered processing capacity. These findings were interpreted as supporting Crow's (1981) hypothesis that the two clinical syndromes reflect independent pathological processes.}, }
@article {pmid3974855, year = {1985}, author = {Basso, A and Capitani, E and Luzzatti, C and Spinnler, H and Zanobio, ME}, title = {Different basic components in the performance of Broca's and Wernicke's aphasics on the Colour-Figure Matching Test.}, journal = {Neuropsychologia}, volume = {23}, number = {1}, pages = {51-59}, doi = {10.1016/0028-3932(85)90043-0}, pmid = {3974855}, issn = {0028-3932}, mesh = {Aphasia/*psychology ; Aphasia, Broca/*psychology ; Aphasia, Wernicke/*psychology ; Brain Damage, Chronic/physiopathology/psychology ; Cerebral Cortex/physiopathology ; Cognition/physiology ; Dominance, Cerebral/physiology ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Male ; }, abstract = {It is known that focal damage of the left hemisphere causes poor performances in a number of tasks devoid of overt verbal connotation, often referred to as "non-verbal intelligence", "association" or "abstract attitude" tasks. However, it is not clear whether the existence of a unitary basic functional defect to account for the faulty performances outlined above can be supposed. In this investigation we have compared the behaviour of left-hemisphere damaged patients grouped according to aphasia type and have studied the extent to which two different, widely used tests of this supposed "non-verbal basic ability" (i.e. the Weigl Sorting Test and the Raven Progressive Matrices) overlap in their predictive power of the performance of a non-verbal association task, i.e. the Colour-Figure Matching Test. Notwithstanding the identical level of performance in the three tests between groups having different aphasia types, a clear-cut dissociation was found between Broca's and Wernicke's aphasics; in the former group the Colour-Figure Matching Test was highly correlated only with Weigl Sorting Test and in the latter only with Progressive Matrices. The conclusions are that in this case the breakdown of non-verbal basic resources does not coincide in patients with different types of aphasia, and the hypothesis of the existence of a unitary basic defect caused by left hemisphere damage is not in line with our findings.}, }
@article {pmid3972946, year = {1985}, author = {Seltzer, CC and Oechsli, FW}, title = {Psychosocial characteristics of adolescent smokers before they started smoking: evidence of self-selection. A prospective study.}, journal = {Journal of chronic diseases}, volume = {38}, number = {1}, pages = {17-26}, doi = {10.1016/0021-9681(85)90004-9}, pmid = {3972946}, issn = {0021-9681}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Personality ; Personality Tests ; Prospective Studies ; Psychological Tests ; *Psychology, Adolescent ; *Smoking ; }, abstract = {Evidence of noncomparability of self-formed smoker and nonsmoker groups of adolescents from the Child Health and Development Studies of the University of California, Berkeley, was found in a study of antecedent psychosocial characteristics (observed at age 10) before the adoption of the smoking habit. With possible confounding factors controlled, eventual smokers showed significantly greater prevalence than nonsmokers of Type A personality traits, extraversion, psychoticism, anger, and restless sleep. Eventual smokers were lower in socioeconomic status than nonsmokers, and also exhibited significantly lower mean scores for the Raven Progressive Matrices and Peabody Picture Vocabulary tests. For each trait, the trends of the data were consistent in boys and girls. Since many of these traits are shown to "track" into adult life, where they are then related to coronary heart disease, the role of self-selection requires further consideration in causal inferences about smoking and coronary heart disease.}, }
@article {pmid3965643, year = {1985}, author = {Crow, T}, title = {Conditioned modification of phototactic behavior in Hermissenda. II. Differential adaptation of B-photoreceptors.}, journal = {The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience}, volume = {5}, number = {1}, pages = {215-223}, doi = {10.1523/JNEUROSCI.05-01-00215.1985}, pmid = {3965643}, issn = {0270-6474}, support = {HD15793/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Action Potentials/radiation effects ; Adaptation, Physiological ; Animals ; Conditioning, Psychological/*physiology ; *Light ; Mollusca/*physiology ; Movement ; Photoreceptor Cells/*physiology/radiation effects ; Synapses/physiology ; }, abstract = {Changes in the response of B-type photoreceptors to illumination were examined in the isolated nervous systems of Hermissenda following the conditioning procedures described in the preceding paper. Analysis of the transient peak amplitude of the depolarizing generator potential at the onset of two of the three light intensities used in the behavioral studies did not reveal an enhanced photoresponse to the light. However, when the activity of the same B-photoreceptors was examined after 5 min of continuous light, there was a significant decrease in the light-adapted discharge rate and a decreased generator potential amplitude in conditioned animals as compared to the random controls. An examination of the light adapted photoresponse in preparations where spike generation and synaptic interactions were eliminated showed that the decreased photoresponse of conditioned animals was due to factors that are intrinsic to the B-photoreceptors. These results are consistent with previous work suggesting that conditioning produces substantial adaptation effects in B-photoreceptors (Crow, T. (1982) Soc. Neurosci. Abstr. 8: 824). Since the cellular changes qualitatively follow the behavioral changes and are observed at times and light intensities that are similar to those where the suppression of phototactic behavior is expressed, phototactic suppression may be directly related to the changes in the B-photoreceptors and may not require the previously proposed complex network interactions within the eyes of Hermissenda.}, }
@article {pmid3885384, year = {1985}, author = {Sohlberg, SC and Yaniv, S}, title = {Social adjustment and cognitive performance of high-risk children.}, journal = {Schizophrenia bulletin}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {61-65}, doi = {10.1093/schbul/11.1.61}, pmid = {3885384}, issn = {0586-7614}, mesh = {Attention ; Child ; *Cognition ; Environment ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Male ; Mathematics ; Risk ; Schizophrenia/*genetics ; *Social Adjustment ; Social Desirability ; Social Isolation ; Sociometric Techniques ; }, abstract = {The study children were given two group-administered tests: the Raven's Matrices and an arithmetic achievement test. In addition they were observed in their classrooms, and also ranked by their classmates in terms of standard sociometric measures. The index children tended to perform somewhat more poorly on the arithmetic and Raven's Matrices tests than the controls. Classroom observations suggested that index cases concentrated more poorly and showed more forms of withdrawal behavior than controls; moreover, they had a lower social status, as viewed by their peers. The relationship of these findings to prior work is discussed, as is the importance of gathering naturalistic observational data.}, }
@article {pmid3860070, year = {1985}, author = {Brower, LP and Fink, LS}, title = {A natural toxic defense system: cardenolides in butterflies versus birds.}, journal = {Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences}, volume = {443}, number = {}, pages = {171-188}, doi = {10.1111/j.1749-6632.1985.tb27072.x}, pmid = {3860070}, issn = {0077-8923}, mesh = {Animals ; Appetitive Behavior/*drug effects ; Avoidance Learning/*drug effects ; Birds ; *Butterflies ; Cardenolides/*pharmacology ; Conditioning, Classical/*drug effects ; Discrimination Learning/drug effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Eating/drug effects ; *Lepidoptera ; Predatory Behavior/*drug effects ; Taste/*drug effects ; }, abstract = {We have verified that wild birds can become conditioned to reject naturally toxic insects either visually (experiment 1) or by taste (experiment 2). We have also verified, however, that unconditioned taste rejection of noxious chemicals by wild birds also occurs (experiment 3). Such unconditioned responses to the aposematic visual and taste cues of many insects, in fact, often appear to be as important as, or more important than, conditioned responses. In a large number of laboratory feeding experiments with wild birds as predators of aposematic insects, initial and/or long-term rejection occurs without prior laboratory conditioning experience. Although in some experiments the birds may have previously been exposed to (and therefore perhaps conditioned by) the aposematic prey in the wild, other experiments have used naive birds or insects whose ranges do not overlap those of the birds. Wiklund and Jarvi, for example, tested the response of 47 naive hand-raised birds of four species to five aposematic insect species, and found that 69/136 (51%) insects were rejected visually without even tasting, while 63 were tasted and then rejected. Only four of the insects were actually ingested. Similarly, in Bowers' study of the response of Massachusetts blue jays to aposematic western U.S. Euphydryas butterflies, several blue jays consistently rejected the butterflies visually or by taste without having eaten any. While these studies were not designed to separate neophobic effects from innate visual and/or taste aversions, they do differentiate between conditioned and unconditioned responses. Since both conditioned and unconditioned rejections can be demonstrated in the lab by insectivorous birds, and our available field evidence does not yet let us distinguish the mechanisms behind the observed patterns, our initial question, of the relative importance of conditioned versus unconditioned rejection mechanisms in different natural situations, is not yet answerable. The most important requirement of a food-rejection strategy is that it prevents both poisoning and starvation. We have shown, however, that rejection of a noxious insect by a bird can take place at four distinct levels (visual, non-destructive taste sampling, destructive taste sampling, or post-ingestional physiological rejection), the first three of which may be either unconditioned or conditioned by a physiological reaction to ingestion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)}, }
@article {pmid2863872, year = {1985}, author = {Goldberg, SC}, title = {Negative and deficit symptoms in schizophrenia do respond to neuroleptics.}, journal = {Schizophrenia bulletin}, volume = {11}, number = {3}, pages = {453-456}, doi = {10.1093/schbul/11.3.453}, pmid = {2863872}, issn = {0586-7614}, mesh = {Antipsychotic Agents/*therapeutic use ; Arousal/drug effects ; Humans ; Interpersonal Relations ; Neurocognitive Disorders/drug therapy ; Schizophrenia/*drug therapy ; Schizophrenia, Disorganized/drug therapy ; Schizophrenic Language ; *Schizophrenic Psychology ; Social Environment ; Verbal Behavior/drug effects ; }, abstract = {Five large-scale placebo-controlled studies are cited to show that, contrary to the contention of Johnstone et al. (1976) and Crow (1980), negative and/or deficit symptoms in schizophrenia do indeed respond to neuroleptic treatment. Further evidence is given that it is the "organic-like" symptoms (visual and olfactory hallucinations, disorientation, and memory deficit) that do not respond to neuroleptics. This would more sensibly reformulate the hypothesis of Johnstone et al. (1976) and Crow (1980) to state that schizophrenic patients with enlarged ventricles tend to show symptoms of organicity and tend not to respond to neuroleptics.}, }
@article {pmid6522499, year = {1984}, author = {Wasserman, FE and Dowd, C and Byman, D and Schlinger, BA and Battista, SP and Kunz, TH}, title = {Aversion/attraction of blue jays to microwave irradiation.}, journal = {Physiology &amp; behavior}, volume = {33}, number = {5}, pages = {805-807}, doi = {10.1016/0031-9384(84)90051-9}, pmid = {6522499}, issn = {0031-9384}, mesh = {Animals ; Biophysical Phenomena ; Biophysics ; Birds/*physiology ; Escape Reaction ; *Microwaves ; Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Aversion/attraction experiments were conducted to determine whether birds can perceive the presence of 2.45 GHz continuous wave microwave irradiation by observing whether Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata) exhibit an attraction or an aversion to the field when exposed to 25 and 50 mW/cm2. At power densities of 25 and 50 mW/cm2 Blue Jays exhibit an aversion to microwave irradiation.}, }
@article {pmid6240202, year = {1984}, author = {Berry, P and Groeneweg, G and Gibson, D and Brown, RI}, title = {Mental development of adults with Down syndrome.}, journal = {American journal of mental deficiency}, volume = {89}, number = {3}, pages = {252-256}, pmid = {6240202}, issn = {0002-9351}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Factors ; Deinstitutionalization ; Down Syndrome/*psychology/rehabilitation ; *Education of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Male ; Psychological Tests ; *Social Adjustment ; }, abstract = {Measures of cognitive, verbal, and functional performance obtained at widely separated time periods were examined for adults with Down syndrome. Comparisons of first and last test profiles for Raven Coloured Progressive Matrices, Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, and Adaptive Functioning Index (Social Education) Test all demonstrated significant increases over a mean time span of 5 years. These increases could not be attributed to year of entry into program, history of institutionalization, or age of the individuals. The findings indicate that mental development of adults with Down syndrome continues well into the third and fourth decade of life.}, }
@article {pmid6539540, year = {1984}, author = {Krause, W and Daute, KH and Thiele, G and Fuhrmeister, EM and Burgmeier, J and Donczik, J and Michels, W}, title = {[Morbidity of term and low-birth weight infants born in breech presentation by vaginal or abdominal delivery].}, journal = {Zeitschrift fur Geburtshilfe und Perinatologie}, volume = {188}, number = {2}, pages = {80-86}, pmid = {6539540}, issn = {0300-967X}, mesh = {Apgar Score ; Attention ; *Birth Weight ; *Breech Presentation ; *Cesarean Section ; Child ; *Child Development/physiology ; Child, Preschool ; Extraction, Obstetrical ; Female ; Humans ; Infant, Low Birth Weight ; Infant, Newborn ; Intelligence ; *Labor Presentation ; Morbidity ; Motor Activity ; Pregnancy ; Psychological Tests ; }, abstract = {182 children born in breech presentation were investigated at the age of 5 to 6 years with regard to late morbidity after vaginal delivery and caesarean section. From case historical data, development in early childhood was assessed comparing the criteria of walking, speaking and "dryness". An attempt was made to find a relation between neonatal data and late morbidity. 156 children (85,7%) had a birthweight of not less than 2 500 g. 26 children (14,3%) were preterm and/or small for date. 80 term babies and 8 preterm and/or small for date babies were delivered by caesarean section. The birth weight of the preterm and/or small for date babies was 2 212,5 +/- 286,5 g for those delivered by caesarean section and 2 070,5 +/- 312,0 g for those delivered vaginally. The investigation program consisted of the following items: A. Assessment of intellectual development by means of the Raven-test, B. Examination of total and minute motor activity by means of the Rostock- Oseretzky -scale, C. Assessment of concentration abilities according to Koch- Pleissner . Statistically significant advantages in all items investigated were found in the group of term as well as preterm and/or small for date babies delivered by caesarean section. Except for intellectual development, analogous results were found for term delivered babies. Concerning development in early childhood, as reflected in walking, speaking and "dryness", there were no statistically significant differences between children delivered vaginally and those delivered by caesarean section. No relation could be found between neonatal data (Apgar-score, pH-value in the umbilical artery) and late morbidity. Problems of birth management are discussed.}, }
@article {pmid6489764, year = {1984}, author = {Köberle, S and Spiegel, R}, title = {A long-term study with co-dergocrine mesylate (Hydergine) in healthy pensioners. Results after 3 years.}, journal = {Gerontology}, volume = {30 Suppl 1}, number = {}, pages = {3-52}, doi = {10.1159/000212674}, pmid = {6489764}, issn = {0304-324X}, mesh = {Aged ; Aging/*drug effects ; Alcohol Drinking ; Blood Chemical Analysis ; Blood Pressure/drug effects ; Cardiovascular System/drug effects ; Dihydroergotoxine/blood/*pharmacology ; Electrocardiography ; Electroencephalography ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Health Status ; Hemodynamics/*drug effects ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Psychological Tests ; *Retirement ; Smoking ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {Started in 1976, a long-term study in healthy pensioners is now in progress in Basel, Switzerland, to investigate medical, psychological, and electrophysiological aspects of the normal aging process and to establish whether these can be influenced by drug treatment. The subjects are receiving co-dergocrine mesylate (Hydergine) 1.5 three times daily or placebo orally under double-blind conditions. At 1-year intervals each subject's case history is reviewed, a clinical examination and laboratory tests are carried out, an ECG and an EEG are recorded, and a shortened form of the Hamburg-Wechsler Intelligence Test for Adults (German version of the WAIS, i.e., the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale), the Raven Coloured Progressive Matrices Test, and the Maudsley Personality Inventory are administered. Treatment compliance is being monitored by pill counting and determination of drug plasma levels. The results after 3 years of the study are presented. The subjects included in this evaluation are those who have undergone all examinations under double-blind conditions (n = 99). During the 3-year period, 27 of the 148 subjects (64 women and 84 men, mean age 63 years) initially recruited for the study have withdrawn, mainly because serious illness has supervened. Three subjects in the placebo group and 1 in the co-dergocrine mesylate group have died. The double-blind code has been broken for medical reasons in 18 cases; these subjects have continued to participate under open conditions. During this 3-year period, the following changes have been observed: A slight but statistically significant rise in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the sample as a whole (mean increase 12 mm Hg). A decrease in systolic blood pressure in subjects with high initial values (mean decrease 6 mm Hg in the placebo group, and 18 mm Hg in the co-dergocrine mesylate group). An increase in systolic blood pressure in subjects with low initial values (mean increase 17 mm Hg in the placebo group and 16 mm Hg in the co-dergocrine mesylate group). A significant decrease in pulse rate in all subjects (mean decrease 7 beats/min). An increase in the number of subjects with pathological ECGs. A significant decrease in mean serum creatinine and lipid levels (all subjects) and a decrease of about 70% in the number of subjects with pathologically raised values. A decrease in the number of subjects from both groups with pathological signs in the EEG.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)}, }
@article {pmid6483175, year = {1984}, author = {Vocate, DR}, title = {Differential cerebral speech lateralization in Crow Indian and Anglo children.}, journal = {Neuropsychologia}, volume = {22}, number = {4}, pages = {487-494}, doi = {10.1016/0028-3932(84)90043-5}, pmid = {6483175}, issn = {0028-3932}, mesh = {Child ; *Dominance, Cerebral ; Humans ; Indians, North American/*psychology ; *Language ; Montana ; Phonetics ; Semantics ; *Speech Perception ; }, abstract = {Sixty pairs of dichotically presented CV syllables were administered to matched samples of bilingual Native American Crow and monolingual Anglo subjects. While sex and grade were not significant factors, a significant variance was found between the performance of the bilingual Native American Crow and the monolingual Anglo subjects. As predicted (1) the bilingual children demonstrated a more symmetrical cerebral representation for language processing than the monolingual children; and (2) the bilingual primary Crow speakers had a greater right hemisphere involvement in receptive language processing than the monolingual English speakers. Possible factors influencing these results are discussed.}, }
@article {pmid6605734, year = {1983}, author = {Masutani-Noda, T and Yamada, E}, title = {The mosaic pattern of the inner surface of vertebrate retina.}, journal = {Archivum histologicum Japonicum = Nihon soshikigaku kiroku}, volume = {46}, number = {3}, pages = {393-400}, doi = {10.1679/aohc.46.393}, pmid = {6605734}, issn = {0004-0681}, mesh = {Animals ; Basement Membrane/ultrastructure ; Birds/anatomy &amp; histology ; Cattle/anatomy &amp; histology ; Humans ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Rana catesbeiana/anatomy &amp; histology ; Retina/*ultrastructure ; Species Specificity ; Swine/anatomy &amp; histology ; }, abstract = {Retinas of various vertebrates (bullfrog, crow, bull, pig and human) were treated with HCl and collagenase for removal of the basement membrane. The exposed basal surface of Müller cells was observed under a scanning electron microscope. In the nerve fiber layer, the Müller cells divide into small basal processes which extend towards the basal surface, where they terminate with a mosaic pattern. This pattern varies somewhat from species to species and from region to region of the retina.}, }
@article {pmid6876379, year = {1983}, author = {Frey, MA and Siervogel, RM}, title = {Cardiovascular response to a mentally stressful stimulus.}, journal = {Japanese heart journal}, volume = {24}, number = {3}, pages = {315-323}, doi = {10.1536/ihj.24.315}, pmid = {6876379}, issn = {0021-4868}, support = {R01-HL-23194/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Blood Pressure ; Child ; Electrocardiography ; Female ; Forearm/blood supply ; Heart Rate ; *Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Regional Blood Flow ; *Stress, Psychological ; Stroke Volume ; }, abstract = {The purpose of this study was to investigate multivariable cardiovascular responses to a non-mathematical mental task. Fifty-two subjects, 8 to 69 years of age, were monitored at rest and while attempting to solve a Raven's matrix test without prodding or pressure from the experimentors. Adults (greater than or equal to 18 years) had higher blood pressures (BP) and longer pre-ejection periods (PEP) at rest than did the children. Women had higher resting heart rates (HR) than men. The task induced significant increases in systolic and diastolic BP and HR in adults and children, with the adults exhibiting larger BP responses. During the stressful stimulus significant decreases in left ventricular ejection time occurred in men and women, and significant increases in forearm blood flow occurred in men. The stability in PEP during the stressful period when both BP and HR were increased is evidence of enhanced contractility brought on by the stress. In general, men and women responded similarly. Thus, even a mild, non-mathematical stress of short duration elicits the multiple cardiovascular responses, including increases in BP, HR, muscle blood flow, and contractility, which are observed with more threatening tasks.}, }
@article {pmid6826764, year = {1983}, author = {Leftoff, S}, title = {Psychopathology in the light of brain injury: a case study.}, journal = {Journal of clinical neuropsychology}, volume = {5}, number = {1}, pages = {51-63}, doi = {10.1080/01688638308401150}, pmid = {6826764}, issn = {0165-0475}, mesh = {Adult ; Aphasia/psychology ; Brain Damage, Chronic/*psychology ; Cerebral Infarction/*psychology ; Cognition Disorders/psychology ; Concept Formation ; Humans ; Interpersonal Relations ; Male ; Mental Recall ; Neurocognitive Disorders/*psychology ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Paranoid Disorders/psychology ; Social Adjustment ; Social Isolation ; Wechsler Scales ; }, abstract = {A case study of late onset psychopathology following brain injury is presented to illustrate the effects of cognitive and perceptual loss on personality functions. Based on Hughling Jackson's (1884/1958) notion of the duality of the symptom, we proposed a model of the development and process of psychopathology following brain injury, which views the development of the psychopathological behavior as a product of acquired cognitive and perceptual defects and ensuing compensatory strategies. For the present case study of paranoia, this involved defects in long-term memory, conceptual ability, and compensatory strategies of confabulation and self-referential orientation. Neuropsychological testing established defects in concept formation tasks including the Raven Progressive Matrices, the Leiter International Performance Scale, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting test, as well as long-term memory defects where cognitive reorganization was needed. The paranoid process was understood as a product of disordered conceptual ability in interpersonal situations, and a self-referential conceptual classification system, which took time, and changed social relations, to emerge. The implications of this model for psychotherapy with brain injury is elaborated in our case study, in which psychotherapeutic intervention included training on interpersonal hypothesis formation.}, }
@article {pmid6829717, year = {1983}, author = {Long, KA}, title = {The experience of repeated and traumatic loss among Crow Indian children: response patterns and intervention strategies.}, journal = {The American journal of orthopsychiatry}, volume = {53}, number = {1}, pages = {116-126}, doi = {10.1111/j.1939-0025.1983.tb03356.x}, pmid = {6829717}, issn = {0002-9432}, mesh = {Art Therapy ; Child ; Death ; Denial, Psychological ; Family ; Female ; Grief ; Humans ; Indians, North American/*psychology ; Interpersonal Relations ; Male ; Montana ; *Object Attachment ; Psychotherapy/*methods ; }, abstract = {Crow Indian children residing on the Montana Reservation appear to experience traumatic losses of family members and friends with much greater frequency than children in the population at large. Responses to these losses include interpersonal distancing, and sadness without apparent anger. Assessment and clinical intervention are considered within the sociocultural context of Indian child client and white, middle-class clinician.}, }
@article {pmid6667891, year = {1983}, author = {Lilja, C}, title = {A comparative study of postnatal growth and organ development in some species of birds.}, journal = {Growth}, volume = {47}, number = {4}, pages = {317-339}, pmid = {6667891}, issn = {0017-4793}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/anatomy &amp; histology/*growth &amp; development ; Organ Specificity ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {An hypothesis has been formulated stating that the rate at which postnatal growth proceeds is at least partly determined by the distribution of growth between different organs. In order to test the hypothesis a series of studies of organ growth has been undertaken in some birds with widely varying growth rate capacities (geese, quail, turkeys, fieldfares and jackdaws). With regard to nidifugous birds the data show that the growth pattern of the goose, a species which has a high growth rate capacity, is characterized by a rapid early development of the digestive organs and the liver whereas that of the quail and the turkey, species which have low growth rate capacities, is characterized by a rapid early development of the pectorals and the feathers. The growth pattern of the nidicolous species, the fieldfare and the jackdaw which also show high growth rate capacities, is similar to that of the goose. These results are in close agreement with the hypothesis.}, }
@article {pmid6413270, year = {1983}, author = {Alvarez, MA and Barroso, CC and Arce, B}, title = {Psychological characterization of testicular feminization syndrome.}, journal = {Reproduccion}, volume = {7}, number = {1-2}, pages = {9-15}, pmid = {6413270}, issn = {0303-5220}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Androgen-Insensitivity Syndrome/blood/*psychology ; Body Image ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone/blood ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests ; Luteinizing Hormone/blood ; MMPI ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sexual Behavior ; }, abstract = {Ten cases with testicular feminization syndrome (TFS) diagnosed at the National Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, were studied. The patients were interviewed and subjected to the following psychological tests: Raven's Progressive Matrices, the MMPI, the 16PF, and the TAT. Laboratory determinations included: nuclear chromatin, karyotype, FHS, LH, estradiol, testosterone and nitrogen retention test. Intellectual achievement was found normal, and as far as psychological stability is concerned (MMPI) there was no common profile typical of the group. Psychosexual attitudes showed alterations related to acceptance of body image, fears to be unable to maintain the stability of the couple, and lack of a strong maternal drive. Personality profile manifested two outstanding traits in the group: Dominance (E+) and Shrewdness (N+), the former being remarkably high for a female population. A hypothesis is advanced in regard to the psychological alterations of the possible role of partial androgenization of the central nervous system in these patients.}, }
@article {pmid7158030, year = {1982}, author = {Krushinskiĭ, LZ and Zorina, ZA}, title = {[New method of evaluation of reasoning ability in birds].}, journal = {Zhurnal vysshei nervnoi deiatelnosti imeni I P Pavlova}, volume = {32}, number = {5}, pages = {895-900}, pmid = {7158030}, issn = {0044-4677}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Birds/*physiology ; Choice Behavior ; *Conditioning, Operant ; *Higher Nervous Activity ; Methods ; }, abstract = {A study was made on 52 birds of five Corvidae species of the ability to solve an elementary logical problem proposed by L. V. Krushinsky and N. P. Popova for the assessment of non-verbal human thinking. In the problem the bait was placed in turn in each of twelve similar food cups located in one row and covered with lids. The first and second time the bird could detect the bait only by means of random search, while by the third presentation it obtained the information necessary and sufficient for errorless determination of the bait location. It was found that 25% of the studied birds coped with the problem, although some solutions were "incomplete" since along with errorless choices, the bird found the bait only after opening one or two empty cups, located near by. The data obtained attest that the Corvidae are capable of a determination of a discrete stimulus displacement schedule presented by the experimenter. This fact may be considered as one more evidence of a high level of the Corvidae reasoning ability, since the problem presents a greater degree of complexity as compared with the tests previously used.}, }
@article {pmid7152225, year = {1982}, author = {Nikodémusz, E and Imre, R}, title = {Pathological features of 3-chloro-4-methyl benzamine HCl toxicity in rooks (Corvus frugilegus L.) and pheasants (Phasianus colchicus L.).}, journal = {Gegenbaurs morphologisches Jahrbuch}, volume = {128}, number = {5}, pages = {753-761}, pmid = {7152225}, issn = {0016-5840}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/chemically induced/mortality/*pathology ; Birds ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Kidney/pathology ; Liver/pathology ; Lung/pathology ; Pericardium/pathology ; Pesticides/*toxicity ; Species Specificity ; Toluidines/*toxicity ; }, abstract = {Gross and microscopic changes in response to single po. doses of avicide 3-chloro-4-methyl benzamine HCl were studied in rooks (Corvus frugilegus L.) and pheasants (Phasianus colchicus L.). The observed changes followed a dose- and survival time related pattern and rooks were considerable more susceptible than pheasants to the toxicity of the compound. No effect was found in rooks and pheasants which survived safely 0.7 to 1.0 and 7.0 to 10.0 mg/kg doses, respectively. Early acute effect, in rooks died from 7.0 to 16.0 mg/kg within 16 to 18 h, included: congestion of the major organs, fatty degeneration of the liver, and extensive parenchymal degeneration of the kidney, particularly the proximal tubular epithelial cells. Progressive late effect developed in rooks and pheasants at 2.2 to 5.0 and 16.0 to 120.0 mg/kg doses, respectively, which died in coma between 32 to 80 h. It was characterized by a grayish white, frost-like material of uric acid overlaying the serosal surfaces of the various organs, accompanied by sterile inflammation and necrosis in the affected and adjacent tissues. Few urate deposition was also seen in some of the kidneys. Infrequently, interstitial pneumonia did also occur. The lesions produced by the toxic effect of the test compound seemed to be analogous to that of avian visceral gout.}, }
@article {pmid7299031, year = {1981}, author = {Rudolph, J}, title = {Aggression in the service of the ego and the self.}, journal = {Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association}, volume = {29}, number = {3}, pages = {559-579}, doi = {10.1177/000306518102900304}, pmid = {7299031}, issn = {0003-0651}, mesh = {Aggression/*psychology ; Child ; Child Behavior Disorders/*psychology ; *Ego ; Humans ; Male ; Narcissism ; Object Attachment ; Psychoanalytic Therapy ; }, abstract = {With Jay, as with other patients in psychoanalysis, the pathological has shed light on the normal. First, during symbiosis, physical illness markedly disrupted his sense of well-being. He did not develop sufficient reserves of narcissism and instead built up a superabundance of hostile aggression. In the differentiation subphase of separation-individuation, his aggression could not be used constructively in the service of differentiation. In the practicing subphase, still immobilized, he was unable to effect even physical separation, let alone psychic separation. These subphase inadequacies, of course, influenced the character of his rapprochement subphase. With functioning already impaired by earlier subphase experience, continuing emotional pain and frustration affected his ability to negotiate the rapprochement subphase. Missing for Jay were the contributions that an adequate rapprochement subphase furnishes the organizing function of the ego. Not only did the rapprochement subphase fail to correct the inadequacies of the earlier subphases, the failures of rapprochement represented the last and final blow to the development of even a semblance of self- and object constancy, so that borderline pathology was the result. We can follow the progress made by the analysand by his own statements: Early: "I don't have a reserve of self-love to carry me through." Later, "I'm at a stage when I feel I can organize things without great anxiety. Plan things. Going ahead and slipping back sometimes too, but feeling confident." It has been the aim of this paper to show how the most malignant narcissistic rage has been converted into constructive aggression. Despite the greatest intrinsic and environmental odds, this patient, because of his good endowment, and aided by psychoanalysis, succeeded in gradually converting destructive aggression into constructive aggression by amalgamating it with more and more libido. Along with this, he also developed a sound secondary narcissism, so that his prognosis at eighteen years of age is optimistic.}, }
@article {pmid7220226, year = {1980}, author = {Schmidtke, A and Schaller, S}, title = {Comparative study of factor structure of Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices.}, journal = {Perceptual and motor skills}, volume = {51}, number = {3 Pt 2}, pages = {1244-1246}, doi = {10.2466/pms.1980.51.3f.1244}, pmid = {7220226}, issn = {0031-5125}, mesh = {Child ; Child, Preschool ; *Color Perception ; Discrimination Learning ; *Form Perception ; Humans ; *Pattern Recognition, Visual ; Perceptual Closure ; }, abstract = {The Raven Coloured Progressive Matrices were administered on group or individual bases to children ranging in age from 4 yr. 9 mo. to 11 yr. 0 mo. (N = 728). Factor analysis yielded three factors: 1. Perceptual closure involving complex figures and patterns with heterogeneous inner structures, 2. Concrete and abstract reasoning, 3. Completion of homogeneous patterns and recognition of given elements. Factor matrix comparisons across age groups resulted in a mean similarity coefficient of .75. Comparisons of data with earlier analyses also resulted in high similarity. This supports the hypothesis of a three-factor structure rather than a four-factor solution or a simple dual classification into items which can be solved by perceptual processes and those which require conceptual solutions.}, }
@article {pmid7193453, year = {1980}, author = {Foch, TT and Plomin, R}, title = {Specific cognitive abilities in 5- to 12-year-old twins.}, journal = {Behavior genetics}, volume = {10}, number = {6}, pages = {507-520}, pmid = {7193453}, issn = {0001-8244}, mesh = {Child ; Child, Preschool ; *Cognition ; Environment ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Male ; Memory ; Pregnancy ; Space Perception ; Twins/*psychology ; Twins, Dizygotic/psychology ; Twins, Monozygotic/psychology ; Verbal Behavior ; Visual Perception ; Wechsler Scales ; }, abstract = {Eleven tests of specific cognitive abilities were administered to 108 pairs of young twins (average age of 7.6 years). Internal consistencies are high for all measures except Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices and Delayed Picture Memory. Two-month, test-retest reliabilities are also reported. The twin sample is representative in terms of both means and variances when compared to normative data from standardization samples, and twin correlations for height and weight are similar to those obtained in six other twin studies. Because all measures were highly correlated with age (average correlation with age was 0.64), scores were aged adjusted. Previous twin studies of specific cognitive abilities in adolescents and adults found genetic variance for nearly all tests. In contrast, our study of young twins yielded significant genetic influence for only 1 of the 11 measures, PIAT Reading Recognition, and suggested the possibility of genetic influence on 2 others (vocabulary and WISC-R mazes). Environmental influences seem to dominate, particularly for nonverbal measures, as children begin their education. In accord with other studies, we found that between-family environmental factors have an important influence on the development of nearly all of the measures of specific cognitive abilities. However, we found that our tests of perceptual speed and memory were substantially influenced by within-family environmental factors independent of error.}, }
@article {pmid7372836, year = {1980}, author = {Kish, GB and Hagen, JM and Woody, MM and Harvey, HL}, title = {Alcoholics' recovery from cerebral impairment as a function of duration of abstinence.}, journal = {Journal of clinical psychology}, volume = {36}, number = {2}, pages = {584-589}, doi = {10.1002/jclp.6120360234}, pmid = {7372836}, issn = {0021-9762}, mesh = {*Alcohol Drinking ; Alcoholism/psychology/*rehabilitation ; Cognition Disorders/*chemically induced/psychology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Psychological Tests ; }, abstract = {There is clear evidence in the literature for permanent cerebral impairment due to prolonged alcohol abuse. Observation also suggests that there is a component of this cerebral impairment that is found immediately subsequent to heavy drinking and that is reversible. This study examined the time-course of recovery from this temporary impairment and delineated more specifically the neuropsychological functions that participate in the recovery. Four groups (N = 87) of hospitalized male alcoholics were tested after 6, 15, 21, and 110 days of abstinence using the Raven Progressive Matrices, the Trail-Making Test, the Memory for Designs, and the following subscales of the WAIS: Arithmetic, Digit Span, Block Design, Similarities, and Digit Symbol. The results indicated that significant improvement occurred during the third week of abstinence (between 15 and 21 days) on the Digit Span, Block Design, Similarities, Memory for Designs, Raven, and Trail-Making tests, but not on the Arithmetic and Digit Symbol tests. These results suggest that treatment programs that use a preliminary "drying-out" period should consider lengthening this period to 3 weeks to insure that patients are maximally responsive to psychotherapy.}, }
@article {pmid525972, year = {1979}, author = {Ulizzi, L and San Martini, A and Terrenato, L}, title = {Changes of selection opportunities with a changing environment: regional heterogeneity in Italy.}, journal = {Annals of human genetics}, volume = {43}, number = {2}, pages = {137-141}, doi = {10.1111/j.1469-1809.1979.tb02006.x}, pmid = {525972}, issn = {0003-4800}, mesh = {Educational Status ; *Environment ; Fertility ; Humans ; Italy ; Mortality ; *Selection, Genetic ; }, abstract = {The mortailty and fertility components of the index of opportunity for selection (the Crow index) have been studied in the various Italian regions during the last century. To estimate the relevance of environmental factors on both components, their trends and those of their interregional variances have been compared with illiteracy. The results show that the selection opportunities due to mortality have decreased in a smiliar way in all the regions with a trend parallel to that of the national percentage of illiteracy, suggesting that this component is directly affected by the general socio-cultural level. As to the component due to fertility differentials, the regions, though scattered in the time scale, show a characteristic cycle of rise and fall. Moreover, the interregional variances of this component and of illiteracy are quite parallel, thus supporting the hypothesis that the reproductive pattern is strongly influenced by the individual cultural level.}, }
@article {pmid520382, year = {1979}, author = {Panek, PE and Rush, MC}, title = {Intellectual and personality differences between community-living and institutionalized older adult females.}, journal = {Experimental aging research}, volume = {5}, number = {3}, pages = {239-250}, doi = {10.1080/03610737908257201}, pmid = {520382}, issn = {0361-073X}, mesh = {Aged ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; *Nursing Homes ; *Personality ; Social Adjustment ; *Social Environment ; }, abstract = {The purpose of the present study was to investigate simultaneously differences between normal institutionalized older adults and community-living older adults with respect to intelligence/cognitive test performance and personality. Participants were 25 community-living females (M age = 72.9 yrs, SD = 6.34) and 25 institutionalized females (M age = 80.0 yrs, SD = 6.46). Intellectual/cognitive ability was assessed by the WAIS, Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale (Form L-M), Ravens Coloured Progressive Matrices; personality was assessed by the Hand Test, a projective technique. Several multivariate analyses (discriminant analysis) were conducted. Results suggested that even when controlling for age and level of education, institutionalization appears to be associated with intellectual/cognitive as well as personality deficits. The findings were discussed in terms of the potential implications for the professional working with institutionalized older adults.}, }
@article {pmid111841, year = {1979}, author = {Andrieux, M}, title = {[Operant vocal conditioning in the raven (Corvus corax L.)].}, journal = {Comptes rendus des seances de l'Academie des sciences. Serie D, Sciences naturelles}, volume = {288}, number = {15}, pages = {1191-1194}, pmid = {111841}, issn = {0567-655X}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Conditioning, Operant/*physiology ; Psychophysiology/methods ; Vocalization, Animal/*physiology ; }, }
@article {pmid570956, year = {1979}, author = {Vogel, F and Schalt, E and Krüger, J and Propping, P and Lehnert, KF}, title = {The electroencephalogram (EEG) as a research tool in human behavior genetics: psychological examinations in healthy males with various inherited EEG variants. I. Rationale of the study. Material. Methods. Heritability of test parameters.}, journal = {Human genetics}, volume = {47}, number = {1}, pages = {1-45}, pmid = {570956}, issn = {0340-6717}, mesh = {Adult ; *Electroencephalography ; England ; Female ; Genetic Variation ; *Genetics, Behavioral/history ; Genetics, Medical ; Germany, West ; History, 19th Century ; History, 20th Century ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Male ; Mathematics ; Personality Assessment ; Pregnancy ; *Psychological Tests ; *Research Design ; Twins ; United States ; }, abstract = {In the first section of this paper, various research designs in human behavior genetics are compared. In this context, the commonly used concept of biometric genetics is critically evaluated from the point of view of science theory. It is contrasted with the Mendelian gene concept, which, in principle, leads to a much deeper theoretical understanding by offering clues for basic mechanisms. To explore this advantage fully, a research strategy is needed that first looks for genetic variability in a physiological parameter of possible importance for human behavior and then tries to explore the influence of this parameter on the function of the human brain and on behavior. If possible, this genetic parameter should be selected in a way that inferences as to the mechanism of its influence on behavior become feasible. Such genetic variability is provided by the hereditary variants of the normal EEG discovered by earlier work (cf. Vogel, 1970). In the following section, a research program on 298 adult healthy males, most of them soldiers, with various inherited EEG variants is described. Apart from controls with inconspicuous EEGs, this material comprises probands with the following EEG variants: low-voltage (N); low-voltage borderline (NG); monotonous alpha-waves (R); occipital fast alpha-variants (BO); fronto-precentral beta-groups (BG), and diffuse beta-waves (BD). In addition to an EEG examination, the probands were examined with various test methods measuring intelligence (IST; LPS; Raven); working speed and concentration (d-2; KLT); personal attitudes (MMPI; 16PF; RKS); and sensory and motor abilities (flicker fusion; tachistoscopy; reaction time to optic, acoustic and combined stimuli; two-hand dexterity; pursuit rotor; tapping). In a supplementary twin study on 52 male adult twin pairs (26 MZ, 26 DZ), heritabilities were determined for the test scores included in the main study. For most test scores, heritabilities are relatively low; the data are compared with those from the literature. We conclude that the test methods utilized in the main study (on EEG variants) are expected to demonstrate at the most a small to moderate correlation of the EEGs with psychological phenotypes as defined by test examinations, even if a major part of the genetic variability underlying these phenotypes would be due to differences in brain physiology that could be revealed by EEG variation.}, }
@article {pmid520838, year = {1979}, author = {Gol'tsova, TV and Sukernik, RI}, title = {[Genetic structure of an isolated group of the indigenous population of northern Siberia, the Nganasans (Tavginians) of Taĭmir].}, journal = {Genetika}, volume = {15}, number = {3}, pages = {734-744}, pmid = {520838}, issn = {0016-6758}, mesh = {Birth Rate ; Demography ; *Ethnicity ; Female ; *Genetics, Population ; Humans ; Male ; Population Dynamics ; Sex Ratio ; Siberia ; }, abstract = {Demographic data of genetic interest were studied in presently living population in comparison with preseding generations of Nganasans. Decrease of sex ratio in the whole population has been revealed along with the reduction of reproductive and, possibly, effective size. The number and variance of livebirths per female were 7.29 and 9.86 respectively. Crow' index of the opportunity for selection (I) and its components (Im and If) were estimated. I was found to be 1.17, whereas Im and If--1.56 and 0.18 respectively. Linear pattern of settling in the past as well as the type of migration between adjoining subpopulations depended on culture and economy of arctic reindeer hunters as well as landscape character.}, }
@article {pmid434780, year = {1979}, author = {Terrenato, L and Ulizzi, L and San Martini, A}, title = {The effects of demographic transition on the opportunity for selection: changes during the last century in Italy.}, journal = {Annals of human genetics}, volume = {42}, number = {3}, pages = {391-399}, doi = {10.1111/j.1469-1809.1979.tb00671.x}, pmid = {434780}, issn = {0003-4800}, mesh = {*Demography ; Female ; Fertility ; History, 19th Century ; History, 20th Century ; Humans ; Italy ; Mortality ; *Selection, Genetic ; United States ; }, abstract = {The index of opportunity for selection proposed by Crow has been calculated for the Italian population during the last century. The evolution of its two components, the pre-reproductive mortality and the variance in fertility, has been also analysed and compared with similar data for the United States. The results clearly show the relevance of socio-economic changes to the evolution of selective patterns in our species; in particular the relative incidence of mortality and fertility to selection intensity: the total index has in fact been reduced by 75% during the last century, the relative amount due to fertility increasing from 57 to 89%. The probable different relevance of genetic factors in the two components has also been discussed.}, }
@article {pmid724421, year = {1978}, author = {Foort, J and Hannah, R and Cousins, S}, title = {Rehabilitation engineering as the crow flies. Part IV--Criteria and constraints.}, journal = {Prosthetics and orthotics international}, volume = {2}, number = {2}, pages = {81-85}, doi = {10.1080/03093647809177774}, pmid = {724421}, issn = {0309-3646}, mesh = {Activities of Daily Living ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; *Biomedical Engineering ; Humans ; Orthotic Devices ; *Patient Care Planning ; Prosthesis Design ; *Rehabilitation ; }, abstract = {When engineers function in a biomechanics clinic team, collecting information for the definition and solution of problems, and developing solutions in a logical pattern, then establishment of criteria by which to judge actions and results at various stages are essential. In our procedures, we make the most general statement we can which will indicate the goal we have for the patient or the type of patient being considered. Based on this, we proceed with a breakdown of the goal into increasingly explicit statements keeping the objective in focus. Eventually, with the criteria we need in order to decide "yes or no" to any aspect of the solution developing, we consider the constraints. These we see as imposed by the life-requirements of the patient, the effects of the physical environment, the limitations imposed by the social environment, and the limits of available technology including the skills of the designers, the manufacturing capabilities and the distribution system with which the designers must cope. When a "checklist" of requirements and limits has been established, the "critical eye" watches over the rehabilitation engineer as he in effect watches over himself!}, }
@article {pmid567911, year = {1978}, author = {Miller, DB}, title = {Species-typical and individually distinctive acoustic features of crow calls of red jungle fowl.}, journal = {Zeitschrift fur Tierpsychologie}, volume = {47}, number = {2}, pages = {182-183}, doi = {10.1111/j.1439-0310.1978.tb01830.x}, pmid = {567911}, issn = {0044-3573}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild ; Birds/*physiology ; Chickens/physiology ; Humans ; Male ; Sex Factors ; Species Specificity ; Stereotyped Behavior ; *Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {Crow calls of red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus) were analyzed for the purposes of (a) determining the extent of commonality and variability of acoustic features within and between individual roosters, and (b) characterizing the modal crow call of this species. Comparisons were made between crow calls of jungle fowl and those of domestic fowl to assess the extent to which domestication has affected these motor patterns.}, }
@article {pmid655202, year = {1978}, author = {Carlson, JS and Wiedl, KH}, title = {Use of testing-the-limits procedures in the assessment of intellectual capabilities in children with learning difficulties.}, journal = {American journal of mental deficiency}, volume = {82}, number = {6}, pages = {559-564}, pmid = {655202}, issn = {0002-9351}, mesh = {Child ; Feedback ; Form Perception ; Humans ; *Intelligence Tests ; Learning Disabilities/*psychology ; Perceptual Closure ; Problem Solving ; Verbal Behavior ; }, abstract = {Various testing-the-limits procedures were employed in administering the Raven Coloured Progressive Matrices test to 108 subjects with learning difficulties (age range 8.4 to 12.9 years). Both the picture and the puzzle forms of the test were employed in a repeated-measures format. Results revealed significant improvement in performance due to testing condition, test version, and repeated testing. Testing conditions involving verbalization and feedback were most salient. Performance on the second testing was higher than on the first testing. Localization of these effects was made to subgroupings of items on the test. The results were discussed in theoretical and practical terms.}, }
@article {pmid320829, year = {1977}, author = {Miceli, G and Caltagirone, C and Gainotti, G}, title = {Gangliosides in the treatment of mental deterioration. A double-blind comparison with placebo.}, journal = {Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica}, volume = {55}, number = {2}, pages = {102-110}, doi = {10.1111/j.1600-0447.1977.tb00145.x}, pmid = {320829}, issn = {0001-690X}, mesh = {Clinical Trials as Topic ; Drug Evaluation ; Educational Status ; Gangliosides/*therapeutic use ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests ; Mental Disorders/*drug therapy ; Neurocognitive Disorders/drug therapy ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Placebos ; Psychological Tests ; Spatial Behavior ; Verbal Behavior ; }, abstract = {Thirty patients showing signs of mental deterioration were submitted to a neuropsychological battery before and after treatment with gangliosides. Their performances were compared, in a double-blind study, with those obtained on the same tests by 30 patients affected by similar degrees of dementia and treated with placebo. The improvement shown on Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices and on Immediate Visual Memory by the active group was significantly higher than that shown by the placebo group. Furthermore, an evaluation of the overall effect of gangliosides therapy showed a highly significant difference between the active and placebo group, still in favour of the subjects treated with gangliosides. It is concluded that gangliosides may exert a positive effect in the treatment of demential syndromes.}, }
@article {pmid1012884, year = {1976}, author = {Hartlage, LC and Lucas, TL}, title = {Differential correlates of Bender-Gestalt and Beery visual motor integration test for black and for white children.}, journal = {Perceptual and motor skills}, volume = {43}, number = {3 Pt 2}, pages = {1039-1042}, doi = {10.2466/pms.1976.43.3f.1039}, pmid = {1012884}, issn = {0031-5125}, mesh = {Achievement ; *Black or African American ; *Bender-Gestalt Test ; Child ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Learning Disabilities/diagnosis ; *Motor Skills ; Pattern Recognition, Visual ; *Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {The Bender-Gestalt and Beery Developmental Test of Visual Motor Integration were administered to 58 black and 33 white children, aged 10-5, mean IQ of 81, of comparable socioeconomic class. WISC, Peabody, Raven Matrices, and Wide Range Achievement Test scores were correlated separately for each racial group. No test appeared to have unique value in helping alleviate possible racial differences in test performance, correlated with achievement test scores at levels exceeding correlation of the WISC with such scores.}, }
@article {pmid956802, year = {1976}, author = {Andreasen, NC}, title = {Do depressed patients show thought disorder?.}, journal = {The Journal of nervous and mental disease}, volume = {163}, number = {3}, pages = {186-192}, doi = {10.1097/00005053-197609000-00006}, pmid = {956802}, issn = {0022-3018}, mesh = {Adult ; Association ; *Depression/therapy ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; *Thinking ; Verbal Behavior ; }, abstract = {Twenty-one patients suffering from major depressive disorder are compared for evidence of thought disorder on admission and at the time of discharge. Two aspects of cognition are evaluated: the ability to abstract, and the quality of association. These aspects of cognition were tested using the Shipley-Hartford, the Raven Progressive Matrices, and the Goldstein-Scheerer Object Sorting Test. Althouh the patients showed some improvement in ability to abstract, and although their associations became somewhat less underinclusive or improverished, these improvements did not achieve statistical significance. Consequently, this group of depressed patients did not appear to show any thought disorder of the type under investigation.}, }
@article {pmid961120, year = {1976}, author = {Simons, D}, title = {["Counting" experiments with ravens using "matching-from-sample" methods. A contribution on problem-solving behavior in higher aniMALS].}, journal = {Zeitschrift fur Tierpsychologie}, volume = {41}, number = {1}, pages = {1-33}, pmid = {961120}, issn = {0044-3573}, mesh = {Animals ; *Birds ; Concept Formation ; Female ; Male ; *Problem Solving ; }, abstract = {The research goal is divided into two parts: 1. Detailed analysis of behavior in selection in a 6-choice matching-from-sample task. 2. Discussion of all observed preferences on the basis of the models of Sutherland and Mackintosh and of Miller, Galanter and Pribram. The experiments were run with 4 one-year-old ravens (Corvus corax); two of them were probably 2 males. The design is similar to Koehler's. In the task the correct responses were equally distributed between all stimuli and positions (random system). Although the task ("counting") was learned, a lot of relevant preferences for stimuli, positions, patterns etc. show that problem-solving in higher animals can be very complex. It could be shown that only a detailed analysis may clarify animal learning processes.}, }
@article {pmid773368, year = {1976}, author = {Carter-Saltzman, L and Scarr-Salapatek, S and Barker, WB and Katz, S}, title = {Left-handedness in twins: incidence and patterns of performance in an adolescent sample.}, journal = {Behavior genetics}, volume = {6}, number = {2}, pages = {189-203}, pmid = {773368}, issn = {0001-8244}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Black or African American ; Child ; Cognition/*physiology ; Concept Formation/physiology ; Female ; *Functional Laterality ; Humans ; Male ; Pregnancy ; Projective Techniques ; Sex Factors ; Space Perception/physiology ; *Twins ; Twins, Dizygotic ; Twins, Monozygotic ; Verbal Behavior/physiology ; }, abstract = {Data on handedness and cognitive performance in an adolescent sample of same-sex twins were collected, and questions about incidence of left-handedness in twins and the relation between handedness and cognitive performance were considered. Same-sex twins have been found to have a higher incidence of left-handedness than that usually reported in the general population. There is a high incidence of handedness discordance (one twin right-handed and his cotwin left-handed) in both monozygotic and dizygotic twin pairs. In this sample, males and Blacks had particularly high rates of left-handedness. Among the monozygotic and dizygotic discordant pairs, quite different patterns of cognitive performance were found. On the Raven Progressive Matrices, the Columbia Test of Mental Maturity, and the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, the left-handers did better than their right-handed cotwins in the monozygotic pairs and the right-handers did better than their left-handed cotwins in the dizygotic pairs. Within subjects, no signficant differences were found for superiority of spatial or verbal abilities for either right-handers or left-handers. No general statements can be made about the performance of left-handed twins, since performance differs according to zygosity and handedness of cotwin configurations.}, }
@article {pmid1261281, year = {1976}, author = {Costa, LD}, title = {Interset variability on the raven coloured progressive matrices as an indicator of specific ability deficit in brain-lesioned patients.}, journal = {Cortex; a journal devoted to the study of the nervous system and behavior}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {31-40}, doi = {10.1016/s0010-9452(76)80027-5}, pmid = {1261281}, issn = {0010-9452}, mesh = {Brain Diseases/complications/*diagnosis ; *Dominance, Cerebral ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Perceptual Disorders/*diagnosis/etiology ; *Psychological Tests ; *Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {Patients with right cerebral lesions were found to have lower RCPM scores than a matched group of patients with left lesions. Analysis of interset patterns of performance demonstrated relatively greater difficulty for right lesion patients, especially those with posterior lesions on the Ab set. The findings were interpreted in terms of the abilities that Raven maintains underly test performance.}, }
@article {pmid941527, year = {1976}, author = {Hartung, ML and Lehrl, S}, title = {[Psychological findings in a group of patients with perioral dermatitis].}, journal = {Zeitschrift fur Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychoanalyse}, volume = {22}, number = {1}, pages = {110-114}, pmid = {941527}, issn = {0340-5613}, mesh = {Dermatitis/*diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Interpersonal Relations ; MMPI ; Mouth Diseases/*diagnosis ; *Personality ; Personality Inventory ; Personality Tests ; Rorschach Test ; Social Conformity ; }, abstract = {Female patients suffering from perioral dermatitis were given the Raven Test, two personality inventories (MMPI and FPI) and the Rorschach Test. The results of these four tests show statistically significant differences from controls, indicating emotional immaturity combined with high intelligence level, inability to achieve satisfactory interpersonal relationships contrasting with an overemphasis upon social conformity, and a tendency to 'hysteriform' reactions.}, }
@article {pmid1218375, year = {1975}, author = {Kertesz, A and McCabe, P}, title = {Intelligence and aphasia: performance of aphasics on Raven's coloured progressive matrices (RCPM).}, journal = {Brain and language}, volume = {2}, number = {4}, pages = {387-395}, doi = {10.1016/s0093-934x(75)80079-4}, pmid = {1218375}, issn = {0093-934X}, mesh = {*Aphasia ; Brain Damage, Chronic ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; *Intelligence Tests ; Language ; Speech ; }, }
@article {pmid1155587, year = {1975}, author = {Crawford, MH and Goldstein, E}, title = {Demography and evolution of an urban ethnic community: Polish Hill, Pittsburgh.}, journal = {American journal of physical anthropology}, volume = {43}, number = {1}, pages = {133-140}, doi = {10.1002/ajpa.1330430117}, pmid = {1155587}, issn = {0002-9483}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Communicable Diseases/mortality ; Cultural Characteristics ; Demography ; *Ethnicity ; Female ; Fertility ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mortality ; Pennsylvania ; Poland/ethnology ; *Selection, Genetic ; Sex Ratio ; Urban Population ; }, abstract = {Polish Hill is an urban, ethnic enclave of approximately 3000 residents residing in a 25-block area of Pittsburgh. This paper documents changes in the fertility, morbidity, and mortality patterns in the community from the turn of the century to the present. The demographic reconstruction is based upon baptismal and marriage records, the administration of demographic proformae and population censuses. The high mortality, morbidity, and fertility variance suggest that the immigrant population has experienced a period of high opportunity for selection in the early 1900's and that Crow's index was gradually reduced to its present level.}, }
@article {pmid1115226, year = {1975}, author = {Neel, JV and Weiss, KM}, title = {The genetic structure of a tribal population, the Yanomama Indians. XII. Biodemographic studies.}, journal = {American journal of physical anthropology}, volume = {42}, number = {1}, pages = {25-51}, doi = {10.1002/ajpa.1330420105}, pmid = {1115226}, issn = {0002-9483}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Birth Rate ; Blood Group Antigens ; Brazil ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Consanguinity ; Demography ; Female ; Fertility ; *Genetics, Population ; Humans ; *Indians, South American ; Infant ; Infant Mortality ; Infant, Newborn ; Infanticide ; Male ; Menarche ; Middle Aged ; Models, Theoretical ; Mortality ; Physical Examination ; Population Growth ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Tests ; Sex Factors ; Venezuela ; }, abstract = {The Yyanomama Indians of Southern Venezuela and Northern Brazil are one of the largest, relatively unacculturated tribes of the tropical rain forest. Over a period of eight years data have been collected from a considerable portion of their territory on estimated age, sex ratio, fertility rates (as determined by physical examination and urine tests), and infant death rates. Although it has been impossible to collect direct data on infanticide, this subject can be approached indirectly through distortions of the sex ratio and anecdotal information. Some historical data are also available as a basis for estimating tribal expansion in the past 100 years. With this material it has been possible to construct Life Tables for the anomama,, and to explore the results of various perturbations of the input parameters. Data are also presented on patterns of mating and reproduction: number of spouses, mean and variance in number of surviving children, frequency of "extra-marital conceptions" based on the results of extensive blood group typings, and consanguinity rates as determined by observation and computer simulation. Although we do not present the Yanomama as typical, these data are seen as providing a basis for more realistic population models than have existed in the past. In addition, the data provide a basis for relatively precise estimates of such demographic measures as Fisher's Reproductive Value, Crow's Index of Total Selection, and Weiss' Index of Growth Regulation.}, }
@article {pmid4413556, year = {1974}, author = {Guttman, R}, title = {Genetic analysis of analytical spatial ability: Raven's progressive matrices.}, journal = {Behavior genetics}, volume = {4}, number = {3}, pages = {273-284}, pmid = {4413556}, issn = {0001-8244}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Factors ; *Aptitude Tests ; Child ; *Family ; Female ; Form Perception ; Genetics, Medical ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pattern Recognition, Visual ; Sex Factors ; *Space Perception ; }, }
@article {pmid4841590, year = {1974}, author = {Ligon, JD}, title = {Green cones of the piñon pine stimulate late summer breeding in the piñon jay.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {250}, number = {461}, pages = {80-82}, doi = {10.1038/250080a0}, pmid = {4841590}, issn = {0028-0836}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Diet ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Male ; Plants ; *Reproduction ; *Seasons ; *Seeds ; }, }
@article {pmid4852001, year = {1974}, author = {Cross, KW and Turner, RD}, title = {Factors affecting the visiting pattern of geriatric patients in a rural area.}, journal = {British journal of preventive &amp; social medicine}, volume = {28}, number = {2}, pages = {133-139}, pmid = {4852001}, issn = {0007-1242}, mesh = {Aged ; England ; Female ; *Geriatrics ; Hospital Planning ; *Hospital Units ; *Hospitalization ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Male ; Residence Characteristics ; *Rural Population ; }, abstract = {For a period of one week, all visitors to Shropshire patients in geriatric units were interrogated about the method, duration, and starting point of their journey to hospital. These data, together with those of the patients, were used to examine the extent to which the duration of hospital stay, and the `crow-fly' distances of patients' and visitors' homes from the hospitals, affected visiting rates. The pronounced effect of the first factor underlines the need to consider separately those patients requiring assessment and rehabilitation from those requiring mainly custodial care when the siting of hospitals for geriatric patients is being planned. The visiting pattern for the former type of patient was not materially affected by the distance of the patient's home from hospital (within a range of 0-32 kilometres), whereas visiting rates for long-stay patients decreased rapidly as distance increased beyond 16 kilometres (10 miles).}, }
@article {pmid4823247, year = {1974}, author = {Powell, RW}, title = {Comparison of differential reinforcement of low rates (DRL) performance in pigeons (Columba livia) and crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos).}, journal = {Journal of comparative and physiological psychology}, volume = {86}, number = {4}, pages = {736-746}, doi = {10.1037/h0036167}, pmid = {4823247}, issn = {0021-9940}, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Birds/*physiology ; Color Perception ; Columbidae/*physiology ; *Conditioning, Operant ; Discrimination, Psychological ; Extinction, Psychological ; Feeding Behavior ; Inhibition, Psychological ; Photic Stimulation ; *Reinforcement Schedule ; Species Specificity ; Time Factors ; }, }
@article {pmid4833580, year = {1974}, author = {Ohta, T and Kimura, M}, title = {Simulation studies on electrophoretically detectable genetic variability in a finite population.}, journal = {Genetics}, volume = {76}, number = {3}, pages = {615-624}, pmid = {4833580}, issn = {0016-6731}, mesh = {*Alleles ; Animals ; Electrophoresis ; Enzymes ; Gene Frequency ; *Genetic Variation ; Humans ; *Models, Biological ; Mutation ; *Operations Research ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Selection, Genetic ; }, abstract = {Using a new model of isoalleles, extensive Monte Carlo experiments were performed to examine the pattern of allelic distribution in a finite population. In this model it was assumed that the set of allelic states is represented by discrete points on a one-dimensional lattice and that change of state by mutation occurs in such a way that an allele moves either one step in the positive direction or one step in the negative direction on the lattice. Such a model was considered to be appropriate for estimating theoretically the number of electrophoretically detectable alleles within a population. The evenness of allelic distribution was measured by the ratio of the effective to the actual number of alleles (n(e)/n(a)). The results of the Monte Carlo experiments have shown that this ratio is generally larger under the new model of isoalleles than under the conventional Kimura-Crow model of neutral isoalleles. In other words, the distribution of allelic frequencies within a population is expected to be more uniform in the new model. By comparing the Monte Carlo results with actual observations, it was concluded that the observed deviation from what is predicted under the new model with selective neutrality is not in the direction of conforming to the overdominance hypothesis but is, in fact, in the opposite direction.}, }
@article {pmid4784918, year = {1973}, author = {Kertesz, A}, title = {Intelligence and aphasia. Performance of aphasies on Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices.}, journal = {Transactions of the American Neurological Association}, volume = {98}, number = {}, pages = {126-128}, pmid = {4784918}, issn = {0065-9479}, mesh = {Adult ; *Aphasia/complications ; Brain Damage, Chronic ; Evaluation Studies as Topic ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Language ; Mental Disorders/etiology ; }, }
@article {pmid5026942, year = {1972}, author = {Rauchfleisch, U and Rauchfleisch-Malisius, R}, title = {[Relation between Raven's progressive matrices test and the Hamburg Wechsler intelligence test for adults. Significance of these tests for children and juveniles with behavior disorders].}, journal = {Praxis der Kinderpsychologie und Kinderpsychiatrie}, volume = {21}, number = {2}, pages = {54-58}, pmid = {5026942}, issn = {0032-7034}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Brain Damage, Chronic/diagnosis ; Electroencephalography ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Social Behavior Disorders ; }, }
@article {pmid5134897, year = {1971}, author = {Daniell, HW}, title = {Smoker's wrinkles. A study in the epidemiology of "crow's feet".}, journal = {Annals of internal medicine}, volume = {75}, number = {6}, pages = {873-880}, doi = {10.7326/0003-4819-75-6-873}, pmid = {5134897}, issn = {0003-4819}, mesh = {*Aging ; Body Weight ; Environmental Exposure ; *Face ; Methods ; *Skin Manifestations ; *Smoking ; Sunlight ; Time Factors ; *Weather ; }, }
@article {pmid5937238, year = {1966}, author = {Jay, JM}, title = {Production of lysozyme by staphylococci and its correlation with three other extracellular substances.}, journal = {Journal of bacteriology}, volume = {91}, number = {5}, pages = {1804-1810}, pmid = {5937238}, issn = {0021-9193}, mesh = {Coagulase ; Hemolysin Proteins/biosynthesis ; In Vitro Techniques ; Muramidase/*biosynthesis ; Staphylococcus/*metabolism ; }, abstract = {Jay, James M. (Wayne State University, Detroit, Mich.). Production of lysozyme by staphylococci and its correlation with three other extracellular substances. J. Bacteriol. 91:1804-1810. 1966.-Lysozyme production was determined on plates containing 1 mg/ml of Lysozyme Substrate in Heart Infusion Agar with incubation at 37 C for 48 hr. Its production was compared with that of alpha-hemolysin and sheep hemolysin and egg-yolk precipitation, by use of both coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative strains of staphylococci. Of 126 coagulase-positive strains tested, 120 or 95.2% produced lysozyme, 117 or 92.9% produced alpha-hemolysin, 108 or 85.7% precipitated egg yolk, and 102 or 81% produced sheep hemolysin. Of the 49 coagulase-negative strains (which included 22 pathogens), only 4 or 8.1% produced lysozyme, 14 or 28.6% produced alpha-hemolysin, 13 or 26.5% produced sheep hemolysins, and 5 or 10.2% precipitated egg yolk. Only two of the six coagulase-positive strains which failed to produce lysozyme showed any consistent patterns in relation to the four characteristics determined. The four coagulase-negative strains which produced lysozyme were inconsistent for the other characteristics measured. It is suggested that lysozyme production is more a property of coagulase-positive staphylococci, and therefore a better ancillary test of pathogenicity, than either production of alpha-hemolysin or egg-yolk precipitation, because the incidence of lysozyme producers is higher among this group than among those producing the other substances and because fewer coagulase-negative staphylococci produced lysozyme than hemolysins or egg-yolk precipitation. Of 16 other species of bacteria and yeasts tested, all were found negative except Bacillus subtilis. Lysozyme production by staphylococci in heavily contaminated foods was not inhibited on plates containing sodium azide, whereas media containing 7.5% salt and sorbic acid were unsuitable. The possible relationship of lysozyme production to staphylococcal pathogenicity is discussed.}, }
@article {pmid5995353, year = {1966}, author = {Gwinner, E}, title = {[On several kinetic plays of the common raven (Corvus corax L.)].}, journal = {Zeitschrift fur Tierpsychologie}, volume = {23}, number = {1}, pages = {28-36}, pmid = {5995353}, issn = {0044-3573}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Birds ; Motor Activity ; *Play and Playthings ; }, }