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Growth hormone (GH) is fundamental for growth and glucose homeostasis, and prolactin for optimal pregnancy and lactation outcome, but additionally, both hormones have multiple functions that include a strong impact on energetic metabolism. In this respect, prolactin and GH receptors have been found in brown, and white adipocytes, as well as in hypothalamic centers regulating thermogenesis. This review describes the neuroendocrine control of the function and plasticity of brown and beige adipocytes, with a special focus on prolactin and GH actions. Most evidence points to a negative association between high prolactin levels and the thermogenic capacity of BAT, except in early development. During lactation and pregnancy, prolactin may be a contributing factor that limits unneeded thermogenesis, downregulating BAT UCP1. Furthermore, animal models of high serum prolactin have low BAT UCP1 levels and whitening of the tissue, while lack of Prlr induces beiging in WAT depots. These actions may involve hypothalamic nuclei, particularly the DMN, POA and ARN, brain centers that participate in thermogenesis. Studies on GH regulation of BAT function present some controversies. Most mouse models with GH excess or deficiency point to an inhibitory role of GH on BAT function. Even so, a stimulatory role of GH on WAT beiging has also been described, in accordance with whole‐genome microarrays that demonstrate divergent response signatures of BAT and WAT genes to the loss of GH signaling. Understanding the physiology of BAT and WAT beiging may contribute to the ongoing efforts to curtail obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cross-cultural factor invariance of the Humor Styles Questionnaire (HSQ) structure, and its relationships with the HEXACO personality model were analyzed in a large Spanish community sample. The effect of age, gender, and social position on the observed relationships was also investigated. The four-factor structure of the HSQ was largely invariant compared to the original one. Males and younger participants score higher on all four domains of the HSQ, but no relevant effect of social position is observed. The HEXACO-60 dimensions and facets predicted between 17% and 32% of the HSQ domains. Results and discussion broadly support that the HEXACO personality model can be used as an adequate personality framework for the research and understanding of humor styles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, the aims were (a) to obtain, describe, and compare different solutions of three, five, and six first-order factors raised in the previous literature about the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI); (b) analyze the number and nature of the second-order factors; (c) test which model best reproduces the CDI structure; and (d) test possible developmental differences between child and adolescent samples. The CDI was applied to 4,707 Spanish children and adolescents with an age range between 7 and 16 years. Results show that best models considered five or six factors, including Social Problems (Anhedonia), Negative Affect, Externalizing, School Problems, and Negative Self-Esteem (Self-Deprecation). Also, a factor of Biological Dysregulation obtained some support. Higher-order factors do not reproduce the classical distinction between internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Finally, no large developmental differences in the CDI structure were found between children and adolescents' samples. (Contains 4 tables.)

The general ("g") factor is the most general and relevant cognitive ability. This factor is considered to be one of the most important predictors of academic achievement and of many other socially relevant behavioral outcomes. In the last decades, many researchers have investigated the possible changes in the relevance of the "g" factor from childhood to adulthood. The indifferentiation hypothesis states that the variance attributed to the "g" factor and the main cognitive abilities will not change over the life span. In the present study, the authors tested that hypothesis in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood by using 2 different cognitive batteries (Test of Educational Ability [TEA; S. A. TEA, 1999], Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales [WAIS; D. Wechsler, 1955]), which they administered in 2 different countries--Spain (TEA) and the United States (WAIS). The ages of the participants (N = 2,384) ranged from 8 to 54 years. Results showed that the number of factors extracted and the relevance were the same for every age group in both batteries, as predicted by the indifferentiation hypothesis. The authors discuss implications of intelligence assessment. (Contains 3 tables.)

In the present study, the second order structures of the 16PF-5 for 3, 4, 5 and 6 factors are analysed in a sample of 636 undergraduate students and their friends and relatives, with a mean age of 25.09 years (sd: 9.20). A two-stage analysis with Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (EFA and CFA) was performed assigning subjects either to a calibration sample (314 subjects), or to a validation sample (322 subjects). First, EFAs were conducted for each of the 4-factor structures with the calibration sample, and second, CFAs were specified and assessed also for the 4-factor different structures. Four different situations were tested, simple structure, secondary loadings greater than 0.30, modification indices between covariance error terms greater than 20, and modification indices between covariance error terms greater than 15. Results show that the 16PF-5 simple structure yields poor fit indices throughout all models, although when incorporating secondary loadings and correlating the variances of the error terms with modification indices greater than 15, the 5-factor model appears to be the best representation of observed data. The usefulness of CFA in the study of personality structural questionnaires is discussed in the light of these results. (Contains 2 tables.)

Results for 3,340 participants taking a battery of cognitive tests and an analysis of the Spanish standardization of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III support the differentiation of intelligence across the range of ability, with WAIS-III results more supportive of the differentiation theory. (SLD)

Investigated whether average Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) differences can be attributed to "g" using the Spanish standardization sample of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale III (WAIS III) (n=703 females and 666 men). Results support the conclusion that WAIS III FSIQ does not directly or exclusively measure "g" across the full range of population distribution of intelligence. (SLD)

Used the Spanish standardization of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale III (WAIS III) (n=1,369) to test the age dedifferentiation hypothesis. Results show no changes in the percentage of variance accounted for by "g" and four group factors when restriction of range is controlled. Discusses an age indifferentation hypothesis. (SLD)

Studied sex differences in general intelligence in 10,475 adults taking cognitive test batteries. Results suggest a negligible difference in general intelligence, a finding consistent with findings from quite different test batteries and subject samples. (SLD)