A Functional Imaging Study of Cooperation in Two-Person reciprocal Exchange

Cooperation between individuals requires the ability to infer each other’s mental states to form shared expectations over mutual gains and make cooperative choices that realize these gains. From evidence that the ability for mental state attribution involves the use of prefrontal cortex, we hypothesize that this area is involved in integrating theory-of-mind processing with cooperative actions. We report data from a functional MRI experiment designed to test this hypothesis. Subjects in a scanner played standard two-person ‘‘trust and reciprocity’’ games with both human and computer counterparts for cash rewards. Behavioral data shows that seven subjects consistently attempted cooperation with their human counterpart. Within this group prefrontal regions are more active when subjects are playing a human than when they are playing a computer following a fixed (and known) probabilistic strategy. Within the group of five noncooperators, there are no significant differences in prefrontal activation between computer and human conditions.Neuroeconomics; Exchange; Trust; Theory-of-Mind; functional Imaging of brain

Reducing Disparities by way of a Cancer Disparities Research Training Program

Background: For minority populations, there is a continuing disparity in the burden of death and illness from cancer. Research to address this disparity should be conducted by investigators who can best understand and address the needs of culturally diverse communities. However, minorities are under-represented in health-related research. The goal of this project was to develop and evaluate an approach to motivating and preparing master’s degree students for careers dedicated to cancer disparities research. Method: A Cancer Disparities Research Training Program (CDRTP) was initiated in 2010. The program consists of coursework, practicum experiences, and research opportunities. Assessment of the curriculum is based on monitoring achievement of evaluation indicators and includes a quantitative assessment and qualitative approach. Results: In its first three years, the program graduated 20 trainees, all of whom were minorities (18 African Americans and two Asians). When asked about career goals, two-thirds of the trainees indicated interest in pursuing careers in research on cancer prevention and control. The trainees expressed high satisfaction with the courses, instructor, materials, and curriculum. Although trainees had suggestions about course details, evaluations overall were positive. Across focus groups, three recurrent themes emerged regarding activities to enhance the student experience: having a wider variety of topics, more guest speakers, and field trips. Conclusion: The CDRTP was intended to recruit students – primarily African Americans – into research on prevention and control of cancer disparities. Although final evaluation of the program’s overall outcome will not be available for several years, a preliminary evaluation indicates the program is being successful

Ανάπτυξη υβριδικών (ανόργανων / οργανικών) ημιαγωγών πολλαπλών στρωμάτων με βάση το CdSe. Μελέτη της δομής και της φωτοηλεκτροχημικής συμπεριφοράς τους

Pteropid bats (flying-foxes) are the natural reservoir of Hendra virus, an emergent paramyxovirus responsible for fatal infection in horses and humans in Australia. Pteropus alecto (the Black flying-fox) and the paraphyletic P. conspicillatus (the Spectacled flying-fox) appear to be the primary reservoir hosts. Previous studies have suggested that physiological and ecological factors may underpin infection dynamics in flying-foxes, and subsequent spillover to horses and in turn humans. We sought to examine temporal trends in urinary cortisol concentration in wild Australian flying-fox populations, to elucidate the putative relationship between Hendra virus infection and physiological stress. Pooled and individual urine samples were non-invasively collected from under roosting flying-foxes at two latitudi-nally disparate regions in the eastern Australian state of Queensland. Hendra virus detection, and (in individual urine samples) sex and species determination were PCR-based. Urinary cortisol measurement used a validated enzyme immunoassay. We found no direct correlation between increased urinary cortisol and Hendra virus excretion, but our findings do suggest a biologically plausible association between low winter temperatures and elevated cortisol levels in P. alecto in the lower latitude Southeast Queensland roosts. We hypothesize an indirect association between low winter temperatures and increased Hendra virus infection and excretion, mediated by the physiological cost of thermoregulation. Our findings and our approach are directly relevant to elaboration of the disease ecology of Nipah virus and other emerging henipaviruses in bats. More broadly, they inform investigation of emerging disease infection dynamics across the wildlife/livestock/human interface

Context-Specific Associations of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior With Cognition in Children

In the present study, we investigated how overall and specific domains of physical activity and sedentary behavior at the age of 7 years were associated with cognition at the age of 11 years in 8,462 children from the Millennium Cohort Study. Data were collected from 2001 to 2013. Participation in domains of physical activity and sedentary behavior at 7 years of age were reported. Activity levels were also measured objectively. Cognition was assessed using the British Ability Scales. General linear models were used to assess longitudinal associations of physical activity and sedentary behavior, measured both objectively and via self-report, with cognition. Analyses were adjusted for prespecified covariates. Sports/physical activity club attendance (B = 0.6, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.2, 1.1), doing homework (B = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.0, 0.9), and objectively measured sedentary time (B = 0.8, 95% CI: 0.1, 1.4) at age 7 years were positively associated with cognition at age 11 years in final the models. Television viewing was negatively associated with cognition (B = −1.7, 95% CI: −2.4, −1.0), although the association was attenuated to the null after adjustments for baseline cognition. Objectively measured light physical activity was inversely associated with cognition (B = −0.7, 95% CI: −1.3, −0.1). Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was also inversely associated with cognition in girls only (B = −1.1, 95% CI: −2.0, −0.3). Associations of physical activity and sedentary behavior with cognition appear to be context-specific in young people

Prenatal Diagnosis of Fetal Cystic Hygromas Associated with Generalized Lymphangiectasis

Ultrasonography has made possible the prenatal diagnosis of many congenital fetal abnormalities. This report describes two cases of bilateral cystic hygromas of the neck associated with generalized lymphangiectasis that were diagnosed by ultrasound. Ultrasonic scans revealed moderate polyhydramnios: thick, edematous placenta and edematous fetus with large cystic mass occupying both sides of the neck and extending to the upper chest wall, ascites, and pleural effusion at gestational ages of 21.5 and 24 weeks, respectively. In one case, chromosomal study from amniotic fluid cell culture revealed X chromosome monosomy, often associated with lymphatic anomalies. The prenatal diagnosis was confirmed at birth: both infants delivered prematurely, were stillborn, and showed gross evidence of cystic hygromas of the neck. In this lymphatic defect, chromosomal analysis may be used for the diagnosis and in genetic counseling for subsequent pregnancies

Mothers' perceived proximity to green space is associated with TV viewing time in children: the Growing Up in Scotland study

Objective. The aim of this study is to investigate whether mothers' perception of distance from home to green/ open spaces is associated with their child's screen time. Method. We used mother-reported data from sweep six (2010–2011) of the Growing Up in Scotland study (n = 3586 children aged 5.9 yrs) to examine associations between walking distance from home to green/open space and screen time (TV viewing time/computer use). Analyses were adjusted for age, sex and other prespecified covariates, including sport/exercise participation, mental and general health, birth weight, parental socio-economic group (SEG) and smoking status. Results. Children living the furthest distance from green/open spaces (N20 minutes' walking distance) displayed over 2 h (95% CI, 0.65 to 3.51) more weekly TV time than the reference category (b5 minutes' walking distance). Compared to children in the reference category, those in the N20 minute category had worse mental health (mean SDQ [Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire] score ± SD, 7.0 ± 4.6 vs. 8.7 ± 6.2) and general health (% fair–poor, 4.6 vs. 8.6), and were more likely to come from lower SEG households. Conclusion. Mothers' perceived distance from home to green/open spaces was associated with child's TV time at age 5.9 years

Mothers' perceived proximity to green space is associated with TV viewing time in children: the Growing Up in Scotland study

Objective. The aim of this study is to investigate whether mothers' perception of distance from home to green/ open spaces is associated with their child's screen time. Method. We used mother-reported data from sweep six (2010–2011) of the Growing Up in Scotland study (n = 3586 children aged 5.9 yrs) to examine associations between walking distance from home to green/open space and screen time (TV viewing time/computer use). Analyses were adjusted for age, sex and other prespecified covariates, including sport/exercise participation, mental and general health, birth weight, parental socio-economic group (SEG) and smoking status. Results. Children living the furthest distance from green/open spaces (N20 minutes' walking distance) displayed over 2 h (95% CI, 0.65 to 3.51) more weekly TV time than the reference category (b5 minutes' walking distance). Compared to children in the reference category, those in the N20 minute category had worse mental health (mean SDQ [Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire] score ± SD, 7.0 ± 4.6 vs. 8.7 ± 6.2) and general health (% fair–poor, 4.6 vs. 8.6), and were more likely to come from lower SEG households. Conclusion. Mothers' perceived distance from home to green/open spaces was associated with child's TV time at age 5.9 years

Early life cognitive function and health behaviours in late childhood: testing the neuro-selection hypothesis

Background: Higher cognitive function in childhood is associated with healthier behaviours and a reduced risk of chronic disease in adulthood, but it is unclear whether this selection of healthier behaviours occurs in childhood or later in life. The present study investigated how cognitive function at age 3-7 years was associated with health behaviours at age 11. Methods: Verbal, non-verbal and spatial abilities were assessed using the British Ability Scales at ages 3-7. At age 11, children reported how often they engaged in sport/physical activity, sedentary behaviours (e.g. reading and games console usage), cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds of engaging in health behaviours at age 11 according to early life cognition. Results: A one standard deviation increase in early childhood verbal ability was associated with reduced odds of attempting smoking by age 11 in boys and girls (OR 0.69 [95% CI 0.57, 0.84]) and reduced odds of computer gaming in girls (OR 0.79 [95% CI 0.72, 0.86]). Verbal ability was also associated with reduced odds of regular participation at age 11 in sport/active games and increased odds of reading for enjoyment. Non-verbal ability was associated with reduced odds of alcohol consumption in boys and girls (OR 0.92 [95% CI 0.85, 0.99]) and reduced odds of online messaging (OR 0.89 [95% CI 0.81, 0.98]). Spatial ability was associated with reduced odds of participating in sport/active games in boys. Conclusion: Neuroselection may occur during early life resulting in some, but not all, healthier behaviours

Aggio et al. Respond to "Lessons for Research on Cognitive Aging"

Aggio et al. Respond to "Lessons for Research on Cognitive Aging