Three young children with Smith-Magenis syndrome: their distinct, recognisable behavioural phenotype as the most important clinical symptoms

We report on the development and behaviour of three young children with Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS), del 17p11.2. The behaviour problems and the psychomotor delay in preschool children with SMS are often more striking than the dysmorphic features and can serve as a useful clue to the diagnosis. We compare the behaviour with reported data. The behaviour problems in the three four year olds include very demanding behaviour, severe temper tantrums, hyperactivity, aggressive behaviour, self injurious behaviour, sleeping problems and stereotypic behaviour. Head banging, hand, wrist or finger biting are present. Onychotyllomania is not observed. Insertion of objects in the mouth as well as excessive nose picking is very frequent, although polyembolokoilomania is not present. The so called self hug when excited is present in one child. The behaviour problems and psychomotor delay represent a major management problem for the parents.     

Occurrence of flehmen in male buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) with special reference to estrus

Pheromonal cues present in the urine and vaginal mucus during the estrus period elicit courtship behaviour in mammals including the characteristic flehmen behaviour. In the present study, the flehmen behaviour was assessed in male buffaloes by exposing them to heifers for three consecutive estrous cycles. Behavioural observations revealed that the bulls sniffed the female's external genitalia, responded to the chemical signal(s) and exhibited the flehmen behaviour similar to those reported in other ungulates. The flehmen behaviour was recorded daily during 15-min contact with females for three consecutive estrous cycles. Out of 180 observations during five days estrus periods (-3 to +1 days) which included high frequency of flehmen behaviour and out of 637 observations with or without flehmen behaviour during diestrus periods, the bull displayed 365 and 441 flehmen behaviour, respectively. Average numbers of all (2.03 +/- 0.66) and repeated flehmen (1.05 +/- 0.64) behaviour during estrus periods were significantly higher than those of diestrus periods of all (0.69 +/- 0.25) and repeated flehmen (0.11 +/- 0.10). The statistical significance was higher (P < 0.001) in repeated flehmen behaviour of estrus as compared to that in diestrus. In case of all flehmen behaviour, the statistical significance was higher (P < 0.01) in estrus when compared to that in diestrus. The occurrence of flehmen behaviour in male buffaloes clearly indicates that the specific pheromonal compound(s) present in the urine/vaginal mucus during estrus significantly influence the flehmen behaviour.     

Aromatase and its inhibition in behaviour, obsessive compulsive disorder and parkinsonism

Oestrogens regulate normal behaviour and have been implicated in modulating pathological behaviour such as obsessive compulsive disorder and neurological disorder such as Parkinsonism. Therefore, by regulating the expression of the oestrogen-synthesising enzyme, aromatase, we may identify what behaviour is regulated by oestrogen. Inhibition of aromatase either genetically or pharmacologically has been reported to induce sexual behaviour impairment, compulsive behaviour and susceptibility to neurodegeneration.     

An experimental and theoretical approach of elasticity and viscoelasticity of compact and spongy bone with periodic homogenization

An experimental study on samples from a fresh human femur highlighted the viscoelastic behaviour of bone. The memory aspect of the behaviour is weak compared to the elastic aspect. A theoretical and numerical approach based on the finite element method illustrates the existing bond between the structure and the micro behaviour on the one hand, and the macro behaviour on the other. The orthotropic elastic behaviour observed by various authors is shown numerically. The memory functions of compact and spongy bone are given. The numerical results illustrate the behaviour observed in the experiments.     

Six quantitative trait loci influence task thresholds for hygienic behaviour in honeybees (Apis mellifera)

Honeybee hygienic behaviour provides colonies with protection from many pathogens and is an important model system of the genetics of a complex behaviour. It is a textbook example of complex behaviour under simple genetic control: hygienic behaviour consists of two components – uncapping a diseased brood cell, followed by removal of the contents – each of which are thought to be modulated independently by a few loci of medium to large effect. A worker’s genetic propensity to engage in hygienic tasks affects the intensity of the stimulus required before she initiates the behaviour. Genetic diversity within colonies leads to task specialization among workers, with a minority of workers performing the majority of nest‐cleaning tasks. We identify three quantitative trait loci that influence the likelihood that workers will engage in hygienic behaviour and account for up to 30% of the phenotypic variability in hygienic behaviour in our population. Furthermore, we identify two loci that influence the likelihood that a worker will perform uncapping behaviour only, and one locus that influences removal behaviour. We report the first candidate genes associated with engaging in hygienic behaviour, including four genes involved in olfaction, learning and social behaviour, and one gene involved in circadian locomotion. These candidates will allow molecular characterization of this distinctive behavioural mode of disease resistance, as well as providing the opportunity for marker‐assisted selection for this commercially significant trait.     

Realized heritability and repeatability of risk-taking behaviour in relation to avian personalities

Personalities are general properties of humans and other animals. Different personality traits are phenotypically correlated, and heritabilities of personality traits have been reported in humans and various animals. In great tits, consistent heritable differences have been found in relation to exploration, which is correlated with various other personality traits. In this paper, we investigate whether or not risk-taking behaviour is part of these avian personalities. We found that (i) risk-taking behaviour is repeatable and correlated with exploratory behaviour in wild-caught hand-reared birds, (ii) in a bi-directional selection experiment on 'fast' and 'slow' early exploratory behaviour, bird lines tend to differ in risk-taking behaviour, and (iii) within-nest variation of risk-taking behaviour is smaller than between-nest variation. To show that risk-taking behaviour has a genetic component in a natural bird population, we bred great tits in the laboratory and artificially selected 'high' and 'low' risk-taking behaviour for two generations. Here, we report a realized heritability of 19.3 +/- 3.3% (s.e.m.) for risk-taking behaviour. With these results we show in several ways that risk-taking behaviour is linked to exploratory behaviour, and we therefore have evidence for the existence of avian personalities. Moreover, we prove that there is heritable variation in more than one correlated personality trait in a natural population, which demonstrates the potential for correlated evolution.     

Control of the change from group to pair behaviour by Hodotermes mossambicus reproductives

Groups of Hodotermes mossambicus reproductives exhibit social behaviour. Maintenance of this behaviour by an individual depends on frequent contact of its body by the antennae of other termites. The antennae of the recipient do not play a rôle. Pairs on the other hand exhibit antisocial behaviour. Development of pair behaviour occurs when antenna to body contact is reduced or absent. Furthermore, at least the proximal parts of the antennae are required for full development of pair behaviour. Pheromones are not implicated in the change from group to pair behaviour.     

The behaviour of the common hamster (Cricetus cricetus) under zoo conditions

Studies on the behaviour of the common hamster are very rare and fragmentary. From August till the middle of September 2005 we observed behaviour of six individuals of the common hamster (one female and five juveniles: three males and two females) and from the second part of September till October 2005 we observed behaviour of two juvenile males after they were separated from the group. The “Focal animal sampling” was used as an observation method, and the total time of observation amounted to 75 hours. During our observation 7707 bouts of behaviour were recorded. Both social and non-social behaviour were categorised. The number of the non-social behaviour prevailed significantly over the number of the social behaviour (n=496; 6.4%). The most frequent observed non-social behaviour was: head rearing (n=2019; 28%). Among interindividual interactions “escape” (45.4%; n=225) and “vocalisation” (15.7%; n=78) were noticed most frequently. Play-fighting, direct identification, following and hugging were the only aspects of the social behaviour characteristic of the young.The behaviour repertoire of the common hamster seems to be similar to the behaviour of the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus).     

农药对蜜蜂行为的影响

农药对蜜蜂的安全性评价包括在实验室以及更高层次的半大田和大田水平上的研究。蜜蜂行为是蜜蜂机体是否正常的直接表现,因此也是安全性评价的重要指标。文章概述农药对蜜蜂行为的影响,包括蜂王产卵行为,工蜂分工、采集行为、同群和外群工蜂辨别、学习行为和农药对蜜蜂的驱避性。     

Drosophila larval foraging behaviour: Developmental stages

Two distinct developmentally related behaviour patterns can be identified in third-instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaster, ‘foraging’ behaviour and ‘wandering’, a pre-pupation behaviour. An age-related change in behaviour from foraging to wandering is quantified by measuring larval locomotion at the early, middle and late third instar in an environment where food is distributed in patches. Strain, moisture, food and inhomogeneities in the texture of the surface of the medium significantly influence larval locomotory behaviour.     

Interactive robots in experimental biology

Interactive robots have the potential to revolutionise the study of social behaviour because they provide several methodological advances. In interactions with live animals, the behaviour of robots can be standardised, morphology and behaviour can be decoupled (so that different morphologies and behavioural strategies can be combined), behaviour can be manipulated in complex interaction sequences and models of behaviour can be embodied by the robot and thereby be tested. Furthermore, robots can be used as demonstrators in experiments on social learning. As we discuss here, the opportunities that robots create for new experimental approaches have far-reaching consequences for research in fields such as mate choice, cooperation, social learning, personality studies and collective behaviour.     

Maternal behaviour of free-ranging sows during the first 8 days after farrowing

The maternal behaviour of free-ranging domestic sows was studied. The sows were observed continuously during 1–2 h periods randomly distributed between 0730 and 1930, from farrowing to the 8th day. The behaviour parameters considered and the general experimental layout were the same as ones used in a previous study. In order to more precisely evaluate possible differences of behaviour between the outdoor and the indoor condition, this new study did not reveal great differences in maternal behaviour. Over time, the sows increased initiation and termination of nursing episodes, with no statistical difference between the sows' behaviour. There was a trend to reduce the variability of the behaviour repertoire over post-farrowing days. This may be the result of the sows' freedom of action and their ability to display the natural behaviours. The implications of environmental conditions on behaviour are discussed.     

The behaviour of calves under four levels of lighting

The object of the present paper was to examine the influence of light intensity on the behaviour of calves. For this purpose, 20 calves of both sexes and of the breeds German Friesian, Simmental and their cross-breeds were kept in groups of 5 animals at 4 different levels of lighting: 2, 20, 100 or 130 lx. The behaviour of the animals was observed once a week by video. For each behaviour pattern and each light intensity, duration, frequency and daily rhythm were calculated. Furthermore, the behaviour sequences were examined.At 2 lx, the lowest level of lighting, the longest duration and most frequent phases of resting behaviour were noted. The daily rhythm of resting behaviour was more distinct in the better-lighted stable than in that with less lighting.Differences also occurred in feeding behaviour, which lasted longer at the higher light intensity.The influence of the light was clearest on social behaviour, and mainly on playing behaviour. The duration and frequency of play-fighting and solitary play-running increased with higher light intensity.Licking of objects was also significantly influenced by the level of lighting. It lasted longest at 130 lx and was shortest at 2 lx.Examination of the behaviour sequences showed that grooming and licking of objects were present in the majority of sequences. Apart from their functions, these activities are also of importance as displacement or redirected activities.The differences in the behaviour due to different lighting could be the result of worse visual ability at the lower light intensities.     

Interrelationship between grape snail alimentary and defense behavior command neurons]

Food stimulus (carrot juice), releasing feeding behaviour in intact snails, evoked spike discharges in giant meta-erebral cells (considered to be command neurones of feeding behaviour) and subthreshold EPSPs in giant parietal cells (command neurones of avoidance behaviour) of a half-intact preparation. Tactile stimulation, eliciting avoidance reactions in intact snails, evoked hyperpolarization in command neurones of feeding behaviour and a spike discharge in command neurones of avoidance behaviour. Spikes induced into either of command neurones produced no changes in activity of other command cells. Inhibition of command neurones of feeding behaviour is assumed to be the basis of behavioural choice when food and tactile stimulus are presented simultaneously.     

The social display of the Chilean teal Anas flavirostris flavirostris

Filmed episodes of social display in the Chilean teal were analysed in order to throw light on the function of social display in surface-feeding ducks and the role the female plays in this activity. Four different methods were used to study the associations between different behaviour patterns in several individuals. It appears that the behaviour patterns comprising social display fall into three groups which are described as "attention getting", "close-range" and aggressive. It is proposed that social display allows unpaired males to attract the attention of females in an attempt to establish a pair-bond through the use of the "close-range" behaviour patterns. This forces paired males to compete in "attention-getting" behaviour patterns. Aggression results from this competition and from the threatening presence of unpaired males when the paired males try to strengthen their pair-bonds with the use of the "close-range" behaviour patterns.
Females play an influential role as their behaviour links the "attention-getting" behaviour with the "close-range" and aggressive behaviour. Their "close-range" behaviour suppresses that of other females.     

Quick-change artists: male plastic behavioural responses to rivals

Behavioural plasticity allows animals to attune their behaviour to rapid environmental changes. Here we focus on plasticity in male mating behaviour in response to socio-sexual conditions. We discuss existing theory, generate predictions to facilitate exploration of the benefits of plastic behaviour, and identify parameters with the highest leverage on fitness. Existing data are synthesised to assess whether plasticity occurs pre- and post-copulation, to determine the direction of changes in behaviour, and to examine if plastic behaviour is fully flexible. We find that plasticity in males is widespread and not dominated by responses that occur pre- or post-copulation. Our synthesis also highlights areas that are underexplored, such as the limited data on the ultimate fitness consequences of such plastic behaviour.     

Exploring the Social Environment: a Developmental Study of Teasing in Chimpanzees

Long-term data on the occurrence of “teasing” in young chimpanzees living in the Arnhem Zoo chimpanzee colony are presented. They strengthen the hypotheses—presented in earlier papers—concerning the existence of two functional forms of this so-called quasi-aggressive behaviour and provide insight into the way in which they develop. Developmental changes are visible both in the performance of quasi-aggressive behaviour and in the effects evoked by the behaviour. The purpose of the reducing uncertainty type of quasi-aggressive behaviour, performed by male and female youngsters towards adult females, is to obtain more predictable responses. As youngsters grow older, they engage in this behaviour also to gain control over the responses of the target animals. Eventually, the quasi-aggressive behaviour of male youngsters develops into adult-like bluff and attack behaviour the purpose of which is to establish dominance relationships. The investigating authority type of quasi-aggressive behaviour, directed towards adult males, is associated increasingly with the exercise of power by the target males. The youngsters increasingly behave submissively towards the males and direct quasi-aggressive behaviour especially towards the alpha-male at moments when he is bluffing or involved in other conspicuous social interactions. These and other changes in the relationship between adult males and male youngsters are already visible well before the onset of puberty in the youngsters. It is discussed in how far the development of these exploratory aggression types involves social learning processes and how this fits in with current concepts concerning the development of aggressive behaviour.     

小鼠异常行为及其继代遗传特性

实验室条件下小鼠常表现多种异常行为,通过对跳跃爬行鼠和非跳跃爬行鼠的亲代及F1代的行为观察,研究小鼠异常行为在继代过程中的变化规律以及皮质醇浓度与异常行为的关系。结果表明:两代跳跃爬行鼠和非跳跃爬行鼠的异常行为差异显著(P<0.05),在正常行为中跳跃爬行鼠的平均睡眠时间和修饰行为的次数明显少于非跳跃爬行鼠(P<0.05),而探究行为的次数明显高于非跳跃爬行鼠(P<0.05)。F1代跳跃爬行鼠的异常行为类型基本和母体一致,异常行为的发生次数明显高于亲代,说明异常行为具有遗传基础。通过测定皮质醇浓度,发现跳跃爬行鼠的皮质醇平均浓度明显高于非跳跃爬行鼠(P<0.05),说明皮质醇的分泌量影响着异常行为的发生频率。     

Wild female baboons bias their social behaviour towards paternal half-sisters

Adult female cercopithecines have long been known to bias their social behaviour towards close maternal kin. However, much less is understood about the behaviour of paternal kin, especially in wild populations. Here, we show that wild adult female baboons bias their affiliative behaviour towards their adult paternal half-sisters in the same manner and to the same extent that they bias their behaviour towards adult maternal half-sisters. Females appear to rely heavily on social familiarity as a means of biasing their behaviour towards paternal half-sisters, but may use phenotype matching as well.