Partner Preference Research Articles

Hadza hunter-gatherers with greater exposure to other cultures share more with generous campmates.

Humans are motivated to compete for access to valuable social partners, which is a function of their willingness to share and ability to generate resources. However, relative preferences for each trait should be responsive to socioecological conditions. Here, we test the flexibility of partner choice psychology among Hadza hunter-gatherers of Tanzania. Ninety-two Hadza ranked their campmates on generosity and foraging ability and then shared resources with those campmates. We found Hadza with greater exposure to other cultures shared more with campmates ranked higher on generosity, whereas Hadza with lower exposure showed a smaller preference for sharing with generous campmates. This moderating effect was specific to generosity-regardless of exposure, Hadza showed only a small preference for sharing with better foragers. We argue this difference in preferences is due to high exposure Hadza having more experience cooperating with others in the absence of strong norms of sharing, and thus are exposed to greater variance in willingness to cooperate among potential partners increasing the benefits of choosing partners based on generosity. As such, participants place a greater emphasis on choosing more generous partners, highlighting the flexibility of partner preferences.

Ideology, Threat Perception, and Foreign Policy Preference

This article investigates the role of ideological difference in shaping threat perception and foreign policy preference in South Korea and the United States. Increasing ideological polarization has created different threat perceptions and foreign policy priorities within and between these allies, particularly regarding the geostrategic challenge of China.
 This research analyzes how strongly ideological differences are associated with threat perception, especially regarding China, and how such different ideologies lead to different foreign policy preferences in addressing those threats. To this end, this study analyzes survey data on the South Korean and American voters' understanding of the ROK-US alliance. Empirical analysis reveals threat perception varies by ideological difference in both countries. Data analysis also shows that both conservatives and progressives in South Korea view the US as a preferable foreign policy partner and support South Korea's joining the Quad, which contradicts the conventional understanding that progressives are not closer to the US. Meanwhile, conservative respondents both in South Korea and the US are pessimistic about the future coordination of the alliance as conservatives in South Korea prioritize North Korea's denuclearization, which might be in conflict with the US priority of countering China, while the conservatives in the US are concerned by South Korea's closer relationship with China. These results thereby necessitate the imperative of closer coordination to address pressing issues in the region but also a deeper investigation of the longer-lasting determinants of ideological differences in the two countries.

The emergence and early development of socio-sexual behavior in beluga calves (Delphinapterus leucas)

While the ontogeny of beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) socio-sexual behavior has been documented in animals between 37- and 108-months-old, the first 36 months of life are yet to be examined. This study investigated how socio-sexual behaviors emerge over the first three years of life in a group of belugas in managed care. The emergence of socio-sexual behaviors was relatively consistent among immature animals. More complex behaviors, like s-posture presentations, developed in a piecemeal fashion (i.e., simple components of the behavior sequence emerged before complex components). The presence of an adult male significantly predicted if immature belugas would initiate and participate in socio-sexual behavior. However, partner preferences changed with age. In the first year of life, belugas engaged in sexual behavior with their mother most frequently but preferred to play with older males if given a choice. By the third year of life, belugas engaged in socio-sexual behavior most frequently with other immature animals. These findings enhance our understanding of how belugas develop sexually and socially and have implications for social housing practices of immature belugas.

A multiple-stimulus-without-replacement assessment for sexual partners: Test-retest stability.

The stability of stimulus preference assessment results is an important consideration when using the identified stimuli in treatments and/or additional experiments. Prior research has demonstrated that the preference hierarchies identified by the multiple stimulus without replacement (MSWO) preference assessment are generally stable over time. This stability has been demonstrated with tangible and edible items, yet the extent to which that stability can be expected for other types of stimuli remains unknown. The current study tested the 2-month stability of the MSWO preference assessment in the context of college students' preferred sexual partners. Adequate stability was shown in most cases, suggesting generality of the stability of preference across tasks, populations, and stimuli.

PB1799: KMT2A-REARRANGED PEDIATRIC ACUTE MYELOID LEUKEMIA

Background: Histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2A gene rearrangements (KMT2A-r) are common genetic events in acute leukemia. They demonstrate great molecular heterogeneity with more than 90 partner genes and multiple KMT2A breakpoints involved. These characteristics challenge both the initial molecular diagnostics and MRD monitoring in ALs with KMT2A-r. On the other hand, the profile of accompanying mutations is relatively quiet in this type of leukemia due to strong oncogenic potential of KMT2A rearrangement itself. Aims: Our recent study aims to characterize KMT2A-rearranged acute myeloid leukemia in children in Russian Federation both in terms of partner genes involved and in accompanying mutations study. Methods: A cohort of 313 KMT2A-positive AMLs in children aged 4 days to 18 y.o. (median 2 y.o.; 162 boys and 151 girls) was analyzed using G-banded karyotyping and FISH together with real-time and nested RT-PCR. Transcripts were Sanger sequenced. Patients with rare or unknown translocations were subjected to long-distance inverse PCR (LDI-PCR), anchored multiplex PCR (ArcherDX, CO, USA) or custom targeted KMT2A enrichment panel (Illumina, CA, USA; Meyer et al., 2019). Additional events were characterized by fragment analysis, Sanger sequencing and NGS (Qiagen Myeloid Neoplasms panel, Hilden, Germany) in 113 cases included in Russian AML registration study and AML-MRD-2018 local treatment protocol. Results: The incidence of KMT2A-rs was the highest in children under 2 y.o. inclusive (n=120, 38%) and goes down with age. A total of 26 different KMT2A-rs were found in 296 patients (94.6%). The prevailing translocations were as follows: t(9;11)(p21;q23.3)/KMT2A-MLLT3 (n=129, 41.21%), t(10;11)(p12;q23.3)/KMT2A-MLL10 (n=71, 22.68%), t(11;19)(q23.3;p13.1)/KMT2A-ELL (n=24, 7.67%), t(6;11)(q27;q23.3)/KMT2A-AFDN (n=15, 4.79%), t(11;19)(q23.3;p13.3)/KMT2A-MLLT1 (n=13, 4.15%). Other translocation partners were much rarer, for 15 partner genes only single cases were found. Three novel KMT2A-rs were identified, namely t(11;16)(q23;q23.3)/KMT2A-USP10, t(X;11)(q22.1;q23.3)/KMT2A-BTK and t(X;11)(q26.3;q23.3)/KMT2A-CT45A. KMT2A breakpoint location was analyzed in 274 patients (87,54%). It was found in introns 7 to 12, which is narrower than in ALL, and was most often situated in introns 9 (n=131, 47.81%) and 10 (89 cases, 32.48%) as numbered by Meyer et al. [Meyer et al., 2006]. Intron 9 was also predominant in rearrangements with all but MLLT1 frequent translocation partners and most rare translocation partners. KMT2A break outside the main cluster was found in intron 7 on 4 cases of KMT2A-MLL10. The achieved data on KMT2A translocation partners and breakpoint locations was used for subsequent patient-specific MRD monitoring. The molecular profile of myeloid neoplasms-associated gene was studied in 113 samples. One to 9 additional pathogenic somatic events (median 4) with variant allele frequency above 1% were found in the studied cohort with most of them being subclonal (VAF<10%). Only 62 samples contained additional mutations with VAF greater above 10%. Among them NRAS (n=11 of 62, 17.74%), KRAS (n= 8, 12,90%) and PTEN11 (4, 6,45%) were prevalent. Accompanying mutations did not exhibit translocation partner preference. Summary/Conclusion: Molecular profiling of KMT2A-rearranged AML in Russian Federation reveals the highest incidence of KMT2A-MLLT3 fusion gene and KMT2A intron 9 involvement. Our data also confirms the relatively quiet landscape of accompanying mutations in KMT2A-rearranged AML with RAS pathway most frequently involved.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Relation to Reproductive Health Among Young Albanian Women

OBJECTIVE: National and international health policies focus on improving the sexual and reproductive health among women, therefore, understanding the factors that motivate or refrain women from accessing reproductive health services is central to those policies. This study aimed to document the level of sexual health-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices among women of reproductive age (24-49 years old) in Tirana, Albania. STUDY DESIGN: The main study instrument was a structured questionnaire focusing on knowledge, attitudes, and practices in relation to sexual and reproductive health. Quantitative data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 632 women of reproductive age in Tirana who were randomly selected to participate in the survey. Consent was taken and the data remained confidential. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 14. RESULTS: Women, participating in this study, appeared to be well-informed regarding the risk factors associated with cervical cancer, yet only 32.7% had carried out a Pap-smear test. ‘Being healthy’, lack of diseases, lack of time, and for a minority of 9% the lack of knowledge were the main reasons listed for not undertaking cervical screening. More than half of the women report having good knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases-information that was mainly acquired through television (73.4%) and the internet (50.7%). The majority, 81.2%, of the women perceived themselves as not being at risk for sexually transmitted diseases and only 12% of women report to have gone to the health care center to ask for information or advice on sexually transmitted diseases prevention methods. A similar trend was witnessed regarding contraception. Most participants admitted to not using any mode of contraception or preferring the withdrawal method despite being informed of the main contraceptive options. Reasons for using or not the appropriate method were different. Major factors influencing decision-making on the contraception method were the male partner preferences and lack of knowledge about the role of the primary health care center as information and prescription provider for contraceptives. CONCLUSIONS: The findings do confirm the gap between knowledge and practices and suggest the need to develop and implement sexual and reproductive health services, which integrate adequately communication and health promotion strategies. Equally important is to continually monitor and collect data to better understand the population’s needs and where to focus the efforts to be able to deliver an improved, efficient, and satisfactory sexual health service.

Audience sensitivity in chimpanzee display pant hoots

Audience effects are key in studies of animal social cognition and are typically investigated during directed social interactions. Male chimpanzees, Pan troglodytes, regularly perform aggressive displays in the presence of others, often targeting a specific group member, and combine this agonistic behaviour with acoustic signals. Here, we were interested in whether the production and structure of pant hoots, a long-distance signal, were influenced by audience composition (i.e. presence and absence of specific individuals). We investigated pant hoots produced during displays by adult and subadult males of Budongo Forest, Uganda. We found that males overall called more often when their preferred social partners and females were absent from the party, as well as when more dominant males were present. We then separately analysed the four phases of pant hoots, introduction, build-up, climax and let-down, and found that audience composition and social context could often explain the presence or absence of each phase. In addition, displays were often accompanied by drumming, especially by older males and when male audiences were small. Our study adds to the growing body of literature on audience effects and other social factors and shows their impact on the structure of a sophisticated vocal sequence, which enhances the communicative capacity in a species with limited vocal control.

Current Perspectives on Kisspeptins Role in Behaviour.

The neuropeptide kisspeptin is now well-established as the master regulator of the mammalian reproductive axis. Beyond the hypothalamus, kisspeptin and its cognate receptor are also extensively distributed in extra-hypothalamic brain regions. An expanding pool of animal and human data demonstrates that kisspeptin sits within an extensive neuroanatomical and functional framework through which it can integrate a range of internal and external cues with appropriate neuroendocrine and behavioural responses. In keeping with this, recent studies reveal wide-reaching effects of kisspeptin on key behaviours such as olfactory-mediated partner preference, sexual motivation, copulatory behaviour, bonding, mood, and emotions. In this review, we provide a comprehensive update on the current animal and human literature highlighting the far-reaching behaviour and mood-altering roles of kisspeptin. A comprehensive understanding of this important area in kisspeptin biology is key to the escalating development of kisspeptin-based therapies for common reproductive and related psychological and psychosexual disorders.

The long and short of mistress relationships: Sex-differentiated mate preferences reflect a compromise of mating ideals.

Evolved mate preferences have taken center stage in evolutionary psychology research, yet this literature has been fairly muted on mate preferences for extrapair partners. Here, we examined the mate preferences for mistress relationships (the traits that men prioritize in a mistress and mistresses prioritize in their male partners) and compared these preferences to those of short- and long-term relationships. In two studies (NStudy 1a =104, NStudy 1b =191), we derived dimensions of mate preferences through exploratory factor analyses. In subsequent studies (NStudy 2 =219, NStudy 3 =101), we employed a budget allocation paradigm, where participants designed their ideal mates for different relationship types (short-term, long-term, and mistress relationships). Whereas men focused on fulfilling short-term mating ideals (by prioritizing physical attractiveness) in a mistress relationship, women focused on fulfilling long-term (but also some short-term) mating ideals (prioritizing both physical attractiveness and social status) for a mistress relationship. Findings indicate that mistress relationships reflect a compromise of men's and women's (conflicting) mating ideals and contribute to an understanding of relationships that are neither completely short- nor long-term in nature.

Individual and Combined Effects of Paternal Deprivation and Developmental Exposure to Firemaster 550 on Socio-Emotional Behavior in Prairie Voles.

The prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) is rapidly rising, suggesting a confluence of environmental factors that are likely contributing, including developmental exposure to environmental contaminants. Unfortunately, chemical exposures and social stressors frequently occur simultaneously in many communities, yet very few studies have sought to establish the combined effects on neurodevelopment or behavior. Social deficits are common to many NDDs, and we and others have shown that exposure to the chemical flame retardant mixture, Firemaster 550 (FM 550), or paternal deprivation impairs social behavior and neural function. Here, we used a spontaneously prosocial animal model, the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster), to explore the effects of perinatal chemical (FM 550) exposure alone or in combination with an early life stressor (paternal absence) on prosocial behavior. Dams were exposed to vehicle (sesame oil) or 1000 µg FM 550 orally via food treats from conception through weaning and the paternal absence groups were generated by removing the sires the day after birth. Adult offspring of both sexes were then subjected to open-field, sociability, and a partner preference test. Paternal deprivation (PD)-related effects included increased anxiety, decreased sociability, and impaired pair-bonding in both sexes. FM 550 effects include heightened anxiety and partner preference in females but reduced partner preference in males. The combination of FM 550 exposure and PD did not exacerbate any behaviors in either sex except for distance traveled by females in the partner preference test and, to a lesser extent, time spent with, and the number of visits to the non-social stimulus by males in the sociability test. FM 550 ameliorated the impacts of parental deprivation on partner preference behaviors in both sexes. This study is significant because it provides evidence that chemical and social stressors can have unique behavioral effects that differ by sex but may not produce worse outcomes in combination.

Women's preferences concerning IVF treatment: a discrete choice experiment with particular focus on embryo transfer policy.

STUDY QUESTIONWhat outcomes are important for women to decide on the day of embryo transfer (ET) in IVF?SUMMARY ANSWERThe highest cumulative live birth rate (cLBR) per treatment was the most important treatment outcome for women undergoing an IVF treatment, regardless of the number of transfers needed until pregnancy and impact on quality of life.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADYCleavage stage (Day 3) and blastocyst stage (Day 5) ETs are common transfer policies in IVF. The choice for one or the other day of ET differs between clinics. From the literature, it remains unclear whether the day of transfer impacts the cLBR. Patient preferences for the day of ET have not been examined yet.STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, AND DURATIONA discrete choice experiment (DCE) was performed to investigate female patients’ preferences and their values concerning various aspects of an IVF treatment, with a particular focus on ET policy. A multicenter DCE was conducted between May 2020 and June 2020 in which participants were asked to choose between different treatments. Each treatment was presented using hypothetical scenarios containing the following attributes: the probability of a healthy live birth per IVF treatment cycle, the number of embryos available for transfer (for fresh and frozen-thawed ET), the number of ETs until pregnancy and the impact of the treatment on the quality of life.PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODSWomen (n = 445) were asked to participate in the DCE at the start of an IVF treatment cycle in 10 Dutch fertility clinics. Participating women received an online questionnaire. The attributes’ relative importance was analyzed using logistic regression analyses.MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCEA total of 164 women participated. The most important attribute chosen was the cLBR. The total number of embryos suitable for transfer also influenced women’s treatment preferences. Neither the number of transfers needed until pregnancy, nor the impact on quality of life influenced the treatment preferences in the aggregated data. For women in the older age group (age ≥36 years) and the multipara subgroup, the impact on quality of life was more relevant. Naive patients (patients with no prior experience with IVF treatment) assigned less value to the number of ETs needed until pregnancy and assigned more value to the cLBR than the patients who had experienced IVF.LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTIONAn important limitation of a DCE study is that not all attributes can be included, which might be relevant for making choices. Patients might make other choices in real life as the DCE scenarios presented here are hypothetical and might not exactly represent their personal situation. We tried to avoid potential bias by selecting the attributes that mattered most to the patients obtained through patient focus groups. The final selection of attributes and the assigned levels were established using the input of an expert panel of professionals and by performing a pilot study to test the validity of our questionnaire. Furthermore, because we only included women in our study, we cannot draw any conclusions on preferences for partners.WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGSThe results of this study may help fertility patients, clinicians, researchers and policymakers to prioritize the most important attributes in the choice for the day of ET. The present study shows that cLBR per IVF treatment is the most important outcome for women. However, currently, there is insufficient information in the literature to conclude which day of transfer is more effective regarding the cLBR. Randomized controlled trials on the subject of Day 3 versus Day 5 ETs and cLBR are needed to allow evidence-based counseling.STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)This work received no specific funding and there are no conflicts of interest.TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERN/A.

The Indo-Pacific Consensus: The Past, Present and Future of India’s Vision for the Region

The view that the concept of the Indo-Pacific is not new nor an aberration has anchored New Delhi’s embrace of this geopolitical reality and the articulation of its central role and vision for this dynamic theatre. This revisiting of history has happened, in New Delhi’s understanding, because of drivers such as globalisation, multipolarity and a recognition by the United States that it needs to work with others to manage the disruptive rise of China, among other global challenges. India has always considered itself an Indo-Pacific actor, given its geographical location, its interests and stakes primarily in the Indian Ocean and increasingly in the pacific, its bilateral partnerships which then see a shared interest in the region, its presence in existent Indo-Pacific bodies spanning the two oceans and its growing role as a provider of net security and preferred maritime security partner for many countries in the Indo-Pacific. This article traces the evolution of the Indo-Pacific in New Delhi’s strategic calculus and its pre-eminence as a theatre of geo-strategic and geo-economic opportunity. It argues that three trends have emerged as distinguishable features, which serve as building blocks of cooperation in the Indo-Pacific today, especially for India: (a) issue-based coalitions driven by function, where flexibility of these configurations remains a strategic asset, (b) like-minded countries working together in overlapping bilateral, minilateral and plurilateral formats to expand global initiatives in a way that they are institutionalised within the national agendas of regional like-minded powers and (c) a focused effort on building capacity of countries in the Indo-Pacific to give them viable alternatives which go beyond binaries formed around ideological and political contestation. Post COVID-19, consolidating the India way in the Indo-Pacific will depend on how India strengthens its domestic capacity and shapes geopolitics at the regional and global levels.

Identification of differential hypothalamic DNA methylation and gene expression associated with sexual partner preferences in rams.

The sheep is a valuable model to test whether hormone mechanisms that sexually differentiate the brain underlie the expression of sexual partner preferences because as many as 8% of rams prefer same-sex partners. Epigenetic factors such as DNA methylation act as mediators in the interaction between steroid hormones and the genome. Variations in the epigenome could be important in determining morphological or behavior differences among individuals of the same species. In this study, we explored DNA methylation differences in the hypothalamus of male oriented rams (MORs) and female oriented rams (FORs). We employed reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) to generate a genome-wide map of DNA methylation and RNA-Seq to profile the transcriptome. We found substantial DNA methylation and gene expression differences between FORs and MORs. Although none of the differentially methylated genes yielded significant functional terms directly associated with sex development, three differentially expressed genes were identified that have been associated previously with sexual behaviors. We hypothesize that these differences are involved in the phenotypic variation in ram sexual partner preferences, whereas future studies will have to find the specific mechanisms. Our results add an intriguing new dimension to sheep behavior that should be useful for further understanding epigenetic and transcriptomic involvement.

Is It Bad to Prefer Attractive Partners?

AbstractPhilosophers have rightly condemned lookism—that is, discrimination in favor of attractive people or against unattractive people—in education, the justice system, the workplace, and elsewhere. Surprisingly, however, the almost universal preference for attractive romantic and sexual partners has rarely received serious ethical scrutiny. On its face, it is unclear whether this is a form of discrimination we should reject or tolerate. I consider arguments for both views. On the one hand, a strong case can be made that preferring attractive partners is bad. The idea is that choosing partners based on looks seems essentially similar to other objectionable forms of discrimination. (In particular, the preference for attractive partners is arguably both unfair and harmful to a significant degree.) One can try to resist this conclusion in several ways. I consider three possible replies. The first has to do with the possibility of controlling our partner preferences. The second pertains to attractiveness and ‘good genes’. The last attempts to link certain aspects of attractiveness to a prospective partner's personality and values. I argue that the first two replies fail conclusively, while the third only amounts to a limited defense of a particular kind of attractiveness preference. The idea that we should often avoid preferring attractive partners is thus compelling.

Relationships between use of geosocial mobile dating application “the L″ and self-objectification among Chinese female sexual minorities

A growing number of studies have revealed the significant impact of social networking sites on heterosexual women's self-objectification. The present study examined the association between the use of the L (a dating application designed for female sexual minorities) and self-objectification among Chinese female sexual minorities. A total of 777 participants (515 lesbian, 239 bisexual, and 23 asexual women) were recruited online. Participants completed measurements of the L use patterns, objectification experiences in the L, appearance-oriented in partner preference, and self-objectification. TheL use patterns include general use patterns (i.e., use time, selfies, likes, and comments) and dating motivation use patterns, the latter of which were indexed by seeking sexual or romantic partners and concerning nearby users. Results indicated that general usage time was not associated with self-objectification but had a significant indirect effect on self-objectification via the chain mediator of objectification experiences and appearance-oriented in partner preference. Selfie posting, receiving likes, and positive comments were positively correlated with self-objectification. Users with dating motivation reported higher levels of self-objectification, and the chain mediator of objectification experiences and appearance-oriented in partner preference mediated the relationship between dating motivation and self-objectification. The current findings highlight the effect of dating motivation on self-objectification in Chinese female sexual minorities.

The effect of mating market dynamics on partner preference and relationship quality among Himba pastoralists.

Relative mate value has long been believed to be a critical component of mate choice in humans. However, most empirical work focuses on preferences rather than actual pair formation, and data connecting partner preferences, partnership formation, and relationship quality remain rare. Here, we estimate mate value using >12,000 ratings by opposite-sex, in-group members to understand both hypothetical partnership preferences and actualized relationship dynamics. When evaluating hypothetical partnerships, people generally prefer individuals whose mate value is higher than their own, indicating an aspirational matching strategy. However, mate value comparisons of individuals in marital and nonmarital relationships show a positive correlation, suggesting that individuals tend to pair up with similarly desirable individuals. Furthermore, despite aspirational preferences, couples who are more closely matched reported greater relationship quality, measured through frequency of interactions, reported sexual histories, and partnership length.

From ‘net security provider’ to ‘preferred security partnerships’: the rhetoric, reality and result of India’s maritime security cooperation

ABSTRACT India’s governments since 2011 have rhetorically described a new and ambitious role for the navy as a ‘net security provider’ primarily to island and littoral states of the Indian Ocean. This was primarily based on the navy’s tasks as the ‘first responder’ for maritime disasters and enhanced Maritime Domain Awareness. Yet, the navy preferred instead to be seen in a less expansive role as a ‘provider of net maritime security.’ In late 2020, the navy further adapted this role to become a ‘preferred security partner’ for the littoral and island states of the Indian Ocean. This was essentially the result of budget constraints and capacity shortfalls. But, it also wisely signalled India’s more inclusive and minilateral/multilateral approach towards maritime security cooperation in the aftermath of its border clash with China in June 2020 and China's growing presence, influence and impact in the Indian Ocean region.

Circular RNA circLRCH3 Inhibits Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Colorectal Cancer Cells Through miRNA-223/LPP Axis.

PurposeColorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common carcinomas worldwide with a high mortality rate. Numerous studies suggest that circular RNA (circRNA) plays a crucial role in the progression of various carcinomas, including CRC. The present work focused on exploring the role and underlying molecular mechanism of action of the circRNA circLRCH3 in CRC.MethodsReal-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was conducted to detect expression levels of circLRCH3, miR-233, and lipoma preferred partner (LPP). The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to measure the proliferation of CRC cells and the transwell assay was used to evaluate cell migration and invasion capacity. A flow cytometry assay was used to analyze the effect of circLRCH3 on the distribution of the cell cycle and apoptosis of CRC cells. The expression of LPP was analyzed using Western blotting or an RT-qPCR assay. The relationship between miR-223 and circLRCH3, and that between miR-223 and LPP, was predicted and examined using bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter gene experiments. A xenograft tumor formation assay was also performed.ResultsWe found that the expression level of circLRCH3 was downregulated in CRC cells and negatively correlated with miR-223. The overexpression of circLRCH3 or silencing of miR-223 inhibited the growth, invasion, and migration of CRC cells, but promoted their apoptosis. In contrast, overexpression of miR-223 and depletion of LPP severally abrogated the tumor suppressive roles of circLRCH3 and miR-223 knockdown in CRC cells in vitro. The xenograft experiments in nude mice also proved the antitumor effect of circLRCH3.ConclusionThese results suggested that the circLRCH3/miR-223/LPP axis likely plays a critical role in CRC.

Naked Mole-Rat Social Phenotypes Vary in Investigative and Aggressive Behavior in a Laboratory Partner Preference Paradigm

Here we employed the partner preference test (PPT) to examine how naked mole-rat non-breeding individuals of different behavioral phenotypes make social decisions. Naked mole-rats from six colonies were classified into three behavioral phenotypes (soldiers, dispersers, and workers) using a battery of behavioral tests. They then participated in a 3 h long PPT, where they could freely interact with a tethered familiar or tethered unfamiliar conspecific. By comparing the three behavioral phenotypes, we tested the hypothesis that the PPT can be used to interrogate social decision-making in this species, revealing individual differences in behavior that are consistent with discrete social phenotypes. We also tested whether a shorter, 10 min version of the paradigm is sufficient to capture group differences in behavior. Overall, soldiers had higher aggression scores toward unfamiliar conspecifics than both workers and dispersers at the 10 min and 3 h comparison times. At the 10 min comparison time, workers showed a stronger preference for the familiar animal’s chamber, as well as for investigating the familiar conspecific, compared to both dispersers and soldiers. At the 3 h time point, no phenotype differences were seen with chamber or investigation preference scores. Overall, all phenotypes spent more time in chambers with another animal vs. being alone. Use of the PPT in a comparative context has demonstrated that the test identifies species and group differences in affiliative and aggressive behavior toward familiar and unfamiliar animals, revealing individual differences in social decision-making and, importantly, capturing aspects of species-specific social organization seen in nature.

The Effects of Partner Extraversion and Agreeableness on Trust.

Existing research has documented the social benefits (i.e., higher popularity and liking) of extraversion and agreeableness. Do these positive reputational consequences extend to social dilemma situations that require trust? We found that people do not trust extraverts more than introverts. Instead, people's trust decisions are guided by their partner's level of agreeableness. In a trust game (Studies 1 and 2), individuals were more likely to trust a partner who was described as agreeable (vs. disagreeable); and, in a laboratory study of work groups, participants trusted more (vs. less) agreeable group members (Study 3). Individuals anticipated others' preferences for agreeable partners and tried to come across as more agreeable, but not more extraverted, in social dilemmas (Study 4). These findings suggest that the social benefits of agreeableness (but not extraversion) extend to social interactions involving trust and highlight the importance of target personality traits in shaping trust decisions.