When Flexibility Is Stable: Implicit Long-Term Shaping of Olfactory Preferences

Preferences are traditionally assumed to be stable. However, empirical evidence such as preference modulation following choices calls this assumption into question. The evolution of such postchoice preference over long time spans, even when choices have been explicitly forgotten, has so far not been studied. In two experiments, we investigated this question by using a variant of the free choice paradigm: In a first session, participants evaluated the pleasantness of a number of odors. We then formed pairs of similarly rated odors, and asked participants to choose their favorite, for each pair. Participants were then presented with all odors again, and asked for another pleasantness rating. In a second session 1 week later, a third pleasantness rating was obtained, and participants were again asked to choose between the same options. Results suggested postchoice preference modulation immediately and 1 week after choice for both chosen and rejected options, even when choices were not explicitly remembered. A third experiment, using another paradigm, confirmed that choice can have a modulatory impact on preferences, and that this modulation can be long-lasting. Taken together, these findings suggest that although preferences appear to be flexible because they are modulated by choices, this modulation also appears to be stable over time and even without explicit recollection of the choice. These results bring a new argument to the idea that postchoice preference modulation could rely on implicit mechanisms, and are consistent with the recent proposal that cognitive dissonance reduction could to some extent be implicit

Singing classes for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomized controlled trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>There is some evidence that singing lessons may be of benefit to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is not clear how much of this benefit is specific to singing and how much relates to the classes being a group activity that addresses social isolation.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Patients were randomised to either singing classes or a film club for eight weeks. Response was assessed quantitatively through health status questionnaires, measures of breathing control, exercise capacity and physical activity and qualitatively, through structured interviews with a clinical psychologist.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The singing group (n=13 mean(SD) FEV₁ 44.4(14.4)% predicted) and film group (n=11 FEV₁ 63.5(25.5)%predicted) did not differ significantly at baseline. There was a significant difference between the response of the physical component score of the SF-36, favouring the singing group +12.9(19.0) vs -0.25(11.9) (p=0.02), but no difference in response of the mental component score of the SF-36, breathing control measures, exercise capacity or daily physical activity. In the qualitative element, positive effects on physical well-being were reported in the singing group but not the film group.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Singing classes have an impact on health status distinct from that achieved simply by taking part in a group activity.</p> <p>Trials registration</p> <p>Registration Current Controlled Trials - ISRCTN17544114</p

Targeting Bcr-Abl by combining allosteric with ATP-binding-site inhibitors

In an effort to find new pharmacological modalities to overcome resistance to ATP-binding-site inhibitors of Bcr-Abl, we recently reported the discovery of GNF-2, a selective allosteric Bcr-Abl inhibitor. Here, using solution NMR, X-ray crystallography, mutagenesis and hydrogen exchange mass spectrometry, we show that GNF-2 binds to the myristate-binding site of Abl, leading to changes in the structural dynamics of the ATP-binding site. GNF-5, an analogue of GNF-2 with improved pharmacokinetic properties, when used in combination with the ATP-competitive inhibitors imatinib or nilotinib, suppressed the emergence of resistance mutations in vitro, displayed additive inhibitory activity in biochemical and cellular assays against T315I mutant human Bcr-Abl and displayed in vivo efficacy against this recalcitrant mutant in a murine bone-marrow transplantation model. These results show that therapeutically relevant inhibition of Bcr-Abl activity can be achieved with inhibitors that bind to the myristate-binding site and that combining allosteric and ATP-competitive inhibitors can overcome resistance to either agent alone

Gender, gender self-perceptions, and workplace leadership

Female leaders display at least equally effective behaviors as male leaders, but female leaders are still underrepresented in leadership positions. Furthermore, it is more difficult for female leaders than for male leaders to achieve positive leadership outcomes. Role congruity theory suggests that a perceived mismatch between feminine gender role and masculine leadership role can create role conflicts that may hinder women’s progression to leadership positions and may negatively affect the evaluation of women, who have achieved leadership positions. Research evidence suggests that role congruity theory can help explain gender differences in leadership emergence and leadership outcomes. Furthermore, role congruity theory can be meaningfully combined with concepts, such as double standards of competence as well as status incongruence. Further research is needed to determine the relative importance of social roles (i.e., gender role, leadership role) and individual attributes (i.e., categorical gender, gender selfperceptions) for the persistence of gender-inequality in the workplace. From a practical perspective, this implies that both organizational level (e.g., gender belief systems) and individual level (e.g., career advancement for women) need to be addressed simultaneously