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The roles of brain asymmetry in Drosophila are diverse, encompassing the regulation of behavior, the creation of memory, neurodevelopment, and evolution. A comprehensive examination of the Drosophila brain has the potential to enhance our understanding of the functional significance of brain asymmetry in cognitive and behavioral processes, as well as its role in evolutionary perspectives. This study explores the influence of brain asymmetry on interval timing behaviors in Drosophila, with a specific focus on the asymmetric body (AB) structure. Despite being bilaterally symmetric, the AB exhibits functional asymmetry and is located within the central complex of the fly brain. Interval timing behaviors, such as rival-induced prolonged mating duration: longer mating duration behavior (LMD) and sexual experience-mediated shorter mating duration behavior (SMD), are essential for Drosophila. We utilize genetic manipulations to selectively activate or inhibit AB neurons and evaluates their impact on LMD and SMD behaviors. The results indicate that specific populations of AB neurons play unique roles in orchestrating these interval timing behaviors. Notably, inhibiting GAL4R38D01-labeled AB neurons disrupts both LMD and SMD, while GAL4R42C09 neuron inhibition affects only LMD. Moreover, hyperexcitation of GAL4R72A10-labeled AB neurons perturbs SMD. Our study identifies NetrinB (NetB) and Abdominal-B (Abd-B) are important genes for AB neurons in LMD and highlights the role of 5-HT1B neurons in generating LMD through peptidergic Pigment-dispersing factor (PDF) signaling. In summary, this study underscores the importance of AB neuron asymmetry in mediating interval timing behaviors and provides insights into the underlying mechanisms of memory formation and function in Drosophila. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The functions of proteins generally depend on their assembly into complexes. During evolution, some complexes have transitioned from homomers encoded by a single gene to heteromers encoded by duplicate genes. This transition could occur without adaptive evolution through intermolecular compensatory mutations. Here, we experimentally duplicated and evolved a homodimeric enzyme to determine whether and how this could happen. We identified hundreds of deleterious mutations that inactivate individual homodimers but produce functional enzymes when co-expressed as duplicated proteins that heterodimerize. The structure of one such heteromer reveals how both losses of function are buffered through the introduction of asymmetry in the complex that allows them to sub functionalize. Constructive neutral evolution can thus occur by gene duplication followed by only one deleterious mutation per duplicate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Adult upper limb asymmetry is used to reconstruct behavior. However, the developmental trajectory of asymmetry in bone length, cross‐sectional geometry (CSG), and joint dimensions is poorly understood. This study examines the development trajectory of humeral asymmetry and if asymmetry in bone length, joint size, and CSG develop in concert. Materials and Methods: Linear measurements of bone length and metaphyseal/epiphyseal breadth, bending rigidity (Imax and Imin), and cross‐sectional shape (Imax/Imin) at 30%, 50%, and 70% of bone length were acquired from 3D models of humeri from four skeletal samples of prehistoric hunter‐gatherer populations (n = 82). Dental age cohorts were used to assess ontogenetic trends. Percent absolute (%AA) and directional (%DA) asymmetry were calculated for paired measures. Percentage of matching direction of asymmetry across variables and correlation analysis tested relationships between variables. Results: Within the total pooled sample, Imax shows the highest %AA and %DA, followed by shape and linear dimensions. Asymmetry is lowest in neonates and increases with age, particularly %DA of Imax in mid‐proximal sections. Correlations among variables are low to moderate and strongest between Imax measures. Matching direction of asymmetry between variables is low and generally increases with age. Discussion: Higher correlations with age in CSG likely indicate greater responsiveness to mechanical loading. Low correlations in magnitude of asymmetry and side dominance suggest independence in the development of asymmetry between maximum rigidity, shape, and linear measures. Differences in how asymmetric loading affects the ontogeny of linear and CSG variables may account for the heterogeneous development of asymmetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread globally, primarily due to long-term anthropogenic pollution sources. Since PAHs tend to accumulate in soil sediments, liverwort plants, such as Lunularia cruciata, are susceptible to their adverse effects, making them good models for bioindicators. The aim of this study was to probe the impact of anthracene, a three-ring linear PAH, on the growth parameters of L. cruciata and the relationship established with the internalization of the pollutant throughout the phenology of the plant. Intrinsic plant responses, isolated from external factors, were assessed in vitro. L. cruciata absorbed anthracene from the culture medium, and its bioaccumulation was monitored throughout the entire process, from the gemma germination stage to the development of the adult plant, over a total period of 60 days. Consequently, plants exposed to concentrations higher than 50 μM anthracene, decreased the growth area of the thallus, the biomass and number of tips. Moreover, anthracene also impinged on plant symmetry. This concentration represented the maximum limit of bioaccumulation in the tissues. This study provides the first evidence that architectural variables in liverwort plants are suitable parameters for their use as bioindicators of PAHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nucleosomes constitute the fundamental building blocks of chromatin. They are comprised of DNA wrapped around a histone octamer formed of two copies each of the four core histones H2A, H2B, H3, and H4. Nucleosomal histones undergo a plethora of posttranslational modifications that regulate gene expression and other chromatin-templated processes by altering chromatin structure or by recruiting effector proteins. Given their symmetric arrangement, the sister histones within a nucleosome have commonly been considered to be equivalent and to carry the same modifications. However, it is now clear that nucleosomes can exhibit asymmetry, combining differentially modified sister histones or different variants of the same histone within a single nucleosome. Enabled by the development of novel tools that allow generating asymmetrically modified nucleosomes, recent biochemical and cell-based studies have begun to shed light on the origins and functional consequences of nucleosomal asymmetry. These studies indicate that nucleosomal asymmetry represents a novel regulatory mechanism in the establishment and functional readout of chromatin states. Asymmetry expands the combinatorial space available for setting up complex sets of histone marks at individual nucleosomes, regulating multivalent interactions with histone modifiers and readers. The resulting functional consequences of asymmetry regulate transcription, poising of developmental gene expression by bivalent chromatin, and the mechanisms by which oncohistones deregulate chromatin states in cancer. Here, we review recent progress and current challenges in uncovering the mechanisms and biological functions of nucleosomal asymmetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Anthropocene, intensifying ecological disturbances pose significant challenges to our predictive capabilities for ecosystem responses. Macroecology—which focuses on emergent statistical patterns in ecological systems—unveils consistent regularities in the organization of biodiversity and ecosystems. These regularities appear in terms of abundance, body size, geographical range, species interaction networks, or the flux of matter and energy. This paper argues for moving beyond qualitative resilience metaphors, such as the 'ball and cup', towards a more quantitative macroecological framework. We suggest a conceptual and theoretical basis for ecological resilience that integrates macroecology with a stochastic diffusion approximation constrained by principles of biological symmetry. This approach provides an alternative novel framework for studying ecological resilience in the Anthropocene. We demonstrate how our framework can effectively quantify the impacts of major disturbances and their extensive ecological ramifications. We further show how biological scaling insights can help quantify the consequences of major disturbances, emphasizing their cascading ecological impacts. The nature of these impacts prompts a re-evaluation of our understanding of resilience. Emphasis on regularities of ecological assemblages can help illuminate resilience dynamics and offer a novel basis to predict and manage the impacts of disturbance in the Anthropocene more efficiently. This article is part of the theme issue 'Ecological novelty and planetary stewardship: biodiversity dynamics in a transforming biosphere'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Left–right (LR) asymmetry is crucial for animal development, particularly in Drosophila where LR‐asymmetric morphogenesis of organs hinges on cellular‐level chirality, termed cell chirality. In this species, two class I myosins, Myosin1D (Myo1D), and Myosin1C (Myo1C), respectively determine dextral (wild type) and sinistral (mirror image) cell chirality. Previous studies demonstrated Myo1D's ability to propel F‐actin in leftward circles during in vitro gliding assays, suggesting its mechanochemical role in defining dextral chirality. Conversely, Myo1C propels F‐actin without exhibiting LR‐directional preference in this assay, suggesting at other properties governing sinistral chirality. Given the interaction of Myo1D and Myo1C with the membrane, we hypothesized that differences in their membrane behaviors might be critical in dictating their dextral or sinistral activities. In this study, employing single‐molecule imaging analyses, we investigated the dynamic behaviors of Myo1D and Myo1C on the plasma membrane. Our findings revealed that Myo1C exhibits a significantly greater proportion of slow‐diffusing population compared to Myo1D. Importantly, this characteristic was contingent upon both head and tail domains of Myo1C. The distinct diffusion patterns of Myo1D and Myo1C did not exert mutual influence on each other. This divergence in membrane diffusion between Myo1D and Myo1C may be crucial for dictating cell and organ chirality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) stands as a prominent global cause of disability, with motor deficits being a common consequence. Despite its widespread impact, the precise pathological mechanisms underlying motor deficits after TBI remain elusive. In this study, hindlimb postural asymmetry (HL-PA) development in rats subjected to focal TBI was investigated to explore the potential roles of collagen IV and laminin within the extracellular matrix (ECM) of selected hindlimb muscles in the emergence of motor deficits following TBI. A focal TBI was induced by ablating the left sensorimotor cortex in rats and motor deficits were assessed by measuring HL-PA. The expression of laminin and collagen IV in eight selected muscles on each side of the hindlimbs from both TBI- and sham-operated rats were studied using immunohistochemistry and semi-quantitatively analyzed. The results indicated that the TBI rats exhibited HL-PA, characterized by flexion of the contralateral (right) hindlimb. In the sham-operated rats, the immunoreactive components of laminin and collagen IV were evenly and smoothly distributed along the border of the muscle fibers in all the investigated muscles. In contrast, in the TBI rats, the pattern was broken into aggregated, granule-like, immunoreactive components. Such a labeling pattern was detected in all the investigated muscles both from the contra- and ipsilateral sides of the TBI rats. However, in TBI rats, most of the muscles from the contralateral hindlimb showed a significantly increased expression of these two proteins in comparison with those from the ipsilateral hindlimb. In comparison to sham-operated rats, there was a significant increase in laminin and collagen IV expression in various contralateral hindlimb muscles in the TBI rats. These findings suggest potential implications of laminin and collagen IV in the development of motor deficits following a focal TBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a summary of a special issue of the journal Symmetry titled "Fluctuating Asymmetry as a Measure of Stress: Influence of Natural and Anthropogenic Factors." The issue includes four articles that examine the impact of stress on different organisms. One article analyzes the effect of climatic factors on woody plants, another focuses on the asymmetry of an alga's frustules, a third assesses the impact of habitat fragmentation on small mammals, and the final article explores the variation in meristic characteristics of sand lizards. The authors conclude that fluctuating asymmetry (FA) can be used as a biomonitoring tool to assess the health of ecosystems and the condition of organisms, and it can aid in the conservation of endangered species. [Extracted from the article]

Polyploidy is a prominent mechanism of plant speciation and adaptation, yet the mechanistic understandings of duplicated gene regulation remain elusive. Chromatin structure dynamics are suggested to govern gene regulatory control. Here, we characterized genome-wide nucleosome organization and chromatin accessibility in allotetraploid cotton, Gossypium hirsutum (AADD, 2 n = 4 X = 52), relative to its two diploid parents (AA or DD genome) and their synthetic diploid hybrid (AD), using DNS-seq. The larger A-genome exhibited wider average nucleosome spacing in diploids, and this intergenomic difference diminished in the allopolyploid but not hybrid. Allopolyploidization also exhibited increased accessibility at promoters genome-wide and synchronized cis -regulatory motifs between subgenomes. A prominent cis -acting control was inferred for chromatin dynamics and demonstrated by transposable element removal from promoters. Linking accessibility to gene expression patterns, we found distinct regulatory effects for hybridization and later allopolyploid stages, including nuanced establishment of homoeolog expression bias and expression level dominance. Histone gene expression and nucleosome organization are coordinated through chromatin accessibility. Our study demonstrates the capability to track high-resolution chromatin structure dynamics and reveals their role in the evolution of cis -regulatory landscapes and duplicate gene expression in polyploids, illuminating regulatory ties to subgenomic asymmetry and dominance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Anatolian Clinic Journal of Medical Sciences is the property of Hayat Saglik ve Sosyal Hizmetler Vakfi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Continuity of behaviors requires animals to make smooth transitions between mutually exclusive behavioral states. Neural principles that govern these transitions are not well understood. Caenorhabditis elegans spontaneously switch between two opposite motor states, forward and backward movement, a phenomenon thought to reflect the reciprocal inhibition between interneurons AVB and AVA. Here, we report that spontaneous locomotion and their corresponding motor circuits are not separately controlled. AVA and AVB are neither functionally equivalent nor strictly reciprocally inhibitory. AVA, but not AVB, maintains a depolarized membrane potential. While AVA phasically inhibits the forward promoting interneuron AVB at a fast timescale, it maintains a tonic, extrasynaptic excitation on AVB over the longer timescale. We propose that AVA, with tonic and phasic activity of opposite polarities on different timescales, acts as a master neuron to break the symmetry between the underlying forward and backward motor circuits. This master neuron model offers a parsimonious solution for sustained locomotion consisted of mutually exclusive motor states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presently, active detectors are widely used to detect mines, providing high accuracy. However, the principle of the operation of active detectors can lead to the explosion of hidden mines. The novelty of this work is the development of the morphology of a neural network for the classification of mines made of different materials (metallic, semi-metallic, plastic) with high accuracy (99.23%), based on a vector of input features with the following components: the value of the output voltage of the FLC-100 magnetic field sensor, which measures magnetic field anomalies in the vicinity of mines with an accuracy of 10−10–10−4 Tesla; six different soil types, depending on the humidity; and the height at which the magnetic field sensor is located above the mine. Due to the fact that mines, when made of different materials (metallic, semi-metallic, plastic), have different magnetic properties, the neural network method of mine classification, based on the sensor data regarding anomalies of the magnetic field in the vicinity of mines, allows the classification of mines made of different materials. The accuracy of mine classification was assessed with two-layer and three-layer neural networks on various metrics (confusion matrix, ROC curves, accuracy–loss curves), using ADAM, RMSprop, and SGD optimisers, and analyses and comparisons were then carried out. The impact of asymmetry in the neuron number and the types of activation functions in the first and second hidden layers on the values of the accuracy and loss metrics was studied. In particular, it was established that the asymmetry of the number of neurons in the first and second hidden layers relative to the plane of symmetry between the hidden layers has a significant effect on the accuracy of the model (decrease in accuracy by 25%), while the loss function, when the symmetry of the neurons number in the hidden layers is violated, increases to a maximum of 50%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The asymmetry observed in rhynchonellid brachiopod shells has been discussed for decades and continues to attract attention. This noteworthy modification of the anterior margin morphology during the ontogeny has evolved several times in rhynchonellids, and seems to reflect a genetic basis. First, we try to clarify the terminology regarding asymmetrical, dissymmetrical and symmetrical shells that has existed since the beginning of the 20th century. The Cretaceous populations observed clearly exhibit antisymmetry (also called random asymmetry). During the Cretaceous, some populations of Cyclothyris McKoy, 1844 include a mixture of truly asymmetrical specimens and others that exhibit an intermediate degree of asymmetry, herein called atypical morphologies. Shapes of specimens coming from two different locations in France were captured using geometric morphometrics. We used the range of different morphologies: 1) to test alternative hypotheses about the ontogeny of asymmetry; 2) to test for the possibility of several morphogroups; and 3) to discuss the determinism of the asymmetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synchronous dynamics play a pivotal role in various cognitive processes. Previous studies extensively investigate noise-induced synchrony in coupled neural oscillators, with a focus on scenarios featuring uniform noise and equal coupling strengths between neurons. However, real-world or experimental settings frequently exhibit heterogeneity, including deviations from uniformity in coupling and noise patterns. This study investigates noise-induced synchrony in a pair of coupled excitable neurons operating in a heterogeneous environment, where both noise intensity and coupling strength can vary independently. Each neuron is an excitable oscillator, represented by the normal form of Hopf bifurcation (HB). In the absence of stimulus, these neurons remain quiescent but can be triggered by perturbations, such as noise. Typically, noise and coupling exert opposing influences on neural dynamics, with noise diminishing coherence and coupling promoting synchrony. Our results illustrate the ability of asymmetric noise to induce synchronization in such coupled neural oscillators, with synchronization becoming increasingly pronounced as the system approaches the excitation threshold (i.e., HB). Additionally, we find that uneven coupling strengths and noise asymmetries are factors that can promote in-phase synchrony. Notably, we identify an optimal synchronization state when the absolute difference in coupling strengths ismaximized, regardless of the specific coupling strengths chosen. Furthermore, we establish a robust relationship between coupling asymmetry and the noise intensity required to maximize synchronization. Specifically, when one oscillator (receiver neuron) receives a strong input from the other oscillator (source neuron) and the source neuron receives significantly weaker or no input from the receiver neuron, synchrony is maximized when the noise applied to the receiver neuron is much weaker than that applied to the source neuron. These findings reveal the significant connection between uneven coupling and asymmetric noise in coupled neuronal oscillators, shedding light on the enhanced propensity for in-phase synchronization in two-neuron motifs with one-way connections compared to those with two-way connections. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the functional roles of network motifs that may serve within neuronal dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies focused on morphological variation are key for chrono- and biostratigraphy. Morphological variability can be induced by biological and taphonomical biases. Their distinction can become a difficult task due to the lack of population control. Here, we analyse three populations belonging to the genus Protoryctocephalus, two populations from China (P. arcticus and P. balangensis) and a third population of P. arcticus from Greenland. Protoryctocephalus balangensis was collected from the lowermost part of the Kaili Formation where fossils are tectonically deformed while P. arcticus from the 'Tsinghsutung' and Greenland specimens are non-deformed. Geometric morphometrics analysis shows that these three populations indeed belong to the same species. However, the large allometry measured in P. balangensis compared with the 'Tsinghsutung' population and the Greenland population, which is represented by meraspid and early holaspid individuals, suggested that the morphological variation is taphonomically controlled and non-biological. The results suggest that Protoryctocephalus arcticus from the 'Tsinghsutung' Formation is suitable for international correlation, and further studies focus on different aspects such as ontogeny, segment development or fluctuating asymmetry and modularity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article delves into the concept of autopoiesis, which refers to the self-creation and self-maintenance of living systems. It argues that aesthetic preference can impact evolution, challenging the notion of linear and mechanistic progress. The authors propose that aesthetic choices can drive and disrupt evolutionary patterns, resulting in a wide range of forms and ways of life. The article also critiques traditional adaptationist narratives in evolutionary biology and highlights the creativity and agency of living systems. It explores the role of aesthetic evolution in shaping the behaviors and traits of living beings, emphasizing the significance of mate preferences and sensory evaluations. The text suggests that aesthetic evolution can occur beyond sexual reproduction, such as in the coevolution between flowers and their pollinators. It underscores the importance of noise and variability in evolutionary systems and questions the idea of stability in complex systems. Overall, the text underscores the dynamic and changeable nature of evolution and the potential for aesthetic preferences to influence evolutionary paths. It challenges the notion that evolution is solely driven by survival and adaptation, arguing that aesthetic preferences and choices also play a significant role. The authors provide examples from nature, such as the vibrant feathers of peacocks and the intricate patterns of orchids, to illustrate how mate choice and aesthetic evolution shape the animal world. They stress the importance of considering aesthetic judgment in our understanding of evolution and the decisions we make regarding the environment and species preservation. [Extracted from the article]

Protein dynamics result from physical, chemical, and biological interactions. Establishment of self-sustained patterning is essential in the Caenorhabditis elegans embryo, where asymmetries of fate determinants are achieved by reaction–diffusion mechanisms. Protein dynamics happen at undetectable spatial/temporal scales. The average molecular behaviour is experimentally observed and described by analytical modelling. Stochastic computations instead allow the prediction of protein dynamics and interactions at the molecular level. Single-molecule approaches help to detect the dynamics of different PAR oligomerisation states and of the switch between slow- and fast-diffusing cytoplasmic proteins in vivo. These measurements allow models with no free parameters and the identification of protein states relevant for asymmetries. Cortical polarity in the C. elegans embryo is important to determine the correct redistribution of cytoplasmic factors, but data show that cytoplasmic polarity signals back to the cortex for the establishment and maintenance of polarity. Molecules inside cells are subject to physical forces and undergo biochemical interactions, continuously changing their physical properties and dynamics. Despite this, cells achieve highly ordered molecular patterns that are crucial to regulate various cellular functions and to specify cell fate. In the Caenorhabditis elegans one-cell embryo, protein asymmetries are established in the narrow time window of a cell division. What are the mechanisms that allow molecules to establish asymmetries, defying the randomness imposed by Brownian motion? Mathematical and computational models have paved the way to the understanding of protein dynamics up to the 'single-molecule level' when resolution represents an issue for precise experimental measurements. Here we review the models that interpret cortical and cytoplasmic asymmetries in the one-cell C. elegans embryo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Stem cell therapy is considered a promising treatment for several neurodegenerative diseases. However, there are very few studies on the use of this therapy in glaucoma models. By detecting the changes produced by glaucoma early, cell therapy could help prevent the events that lead to blindness. In this study, early changes in the optic nerve head (ONH) as detected by optical coherence tomography (OCT) after the application of human Wharton's jellyderived mesenchymal stromal cells (hWJ-MSCs) in an experimental model of ocular hypertension (OH) were evaluated. Materials and Methods: Fifteen New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into the following three groups: G1: OH, G2: hWJ-MSCs, and G3: OH + hWJ-MSCs. An OH model was constructed, and the intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured regularly. At week 7, 105/100 µL hWJ-MSCs were intravitreally injected. Retinography and OCT were used to evaluate structural changes in ONH. Results: IOP increased significantly in G1 and G3 from week 3 onward. Retinography revealed more significant optic nerve changes, that is, papillary asymmetry suggestive of optic nerve excavation, vascular alterations, and irregular hypopigmentation peripheral to the optic disk margin, in G1 compared with G3. OH locates the hWJ-MSCs solution in the vitreous in front of the optic nerve. OCT revealed retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) reduction in all groups, reduced optic cup volume in G2 and G3 between weeks 1 and 9, and significant ganglion cell layer thickness reduction in G1 and a slight increase in G3. Conclusion: Intravitreal hWJ-MSCs injection produced changes in optic cup volume, which were detected early on by OCT; however, RNFL could not be restored in this OH model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of the evolutionary game on complex networks provides a fresh framework for studying cooperation behavior between complex populations. Numerous recent progress has been achieved in studying asymmetric games. However, there is still a substantial need to address how to flexibly express the individual asymmetric nature. In this paper, we employ mutual cognition among individuals to elucidate the asymmetry inherent in their interactions. Cognition arises from individuals' subjective assessments and significantly influences their decision-making processes. In social networks, mutual cognition among individuals is a persistent phenomenon and frequently displays heterogeneity as the influence of their interactions. This unequal cognitive dynamic will, in turn, influence the interactions, culminating in asymmetric outcomes. To better illustrate the inter-individual cognition in asymmetric snowdrift games, the concept of favor value is introduced here. On this basis, the evolution of cognition and its relationship with asymmetry degree are defined. In our simulation, we investigate how game cost and the intensity of individual cognitive changes impact the cooperation frequency. Furthermore, the temporal evolution of individual cognition and its variation under different parameters was also examined. The simulation results reveal that the emergence of heterogeneous cognition effectively addresses social dilemmas, with asymmetric interactions among individuals enhancing the propensity for cooperative choices. It is noteworthy that distinctions exist in the rules governing cooperation and cognitive evolution between regular networks and Watts–Strogatz small-world networks. In light of this, we deduce the relationship between cognition evolution and cooperative behavior in co-evolution and explore potential factors influencing cooperation within the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although understanding mutualism stability has advanced over the last few decades, two fundamental problems still remain in explaining how mutualisms maintain stable. (i) How does resolve conflict between mutualists over resources? (ii) In the presence of less cooperative and/or uncooperative symbionts, how does prevent symbiont populations from becoming dominated by uncooperative individuals? Many past explanations of mutualism stability have assumed that interactions between mutualists are symmetrical. However, in most mutualisms, interactions between hosts and symbionts show varying degrees of asymmetry at different levels. Here, we review three major types of asymmetric interactions within obligate mutualisms: (i) asymmetric payoffs, which is also defined as individual power differences, (ii) asymmetric potential rates of evolutionary change, and (iii) asymmetric information states between hosts and symbionts. We suggest that these asymmetries between mutualists help explain why cooperation and conflict are inherent in the evolution of mutualisms, and why both hosts and symbionts present diversified phenotypes while cooperation predominates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies investigating facial attractiveness in humans have frequently been limited to studying the effect of individual morphological factors in isolation from other facial shape components in the same population. In this study, we go beyond this approach by focusing on multiple components and populations while combining geometric morphometrics of 72 standardized frontal facial landmarks and a Bayesian statistical framework. We investigate preferences in both sexes for three structural components of other sex facial beauty that are traditionally considered indicators of biological quality: symmetry, sexual dimorphism, and distinctiveness (i.e., the opposite of averageness). Based on a large sample of faces (n = 1550) from 10 populations across the world (Brazil, Cameroon, Czechia, Colombia, India, Namibia, Romania, Turkey, UK, and Vietnam), we found that distinctiveness negatively affects the perception of attractiveness in both sexes and that this association is stable across all studied populations. We corroborated some previous results indicating both a positive effect of femininity on male assessment of female facial beauty and a null or weak effect of masculinity on female evaluation of male facial attractiveness. Facial symmetry had no effect on facial attractiveness. In concert with other recent studies, our results support the importance of facial prototypicality but cast doubt on the role of symmetry as one of the key constituents of attractiveness in the human face. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the basis of 109 sample plots laid in Hungarian-oak, Durmast and Turkey-oak dendrocoenoses, the structures in thickness, and more precisely the asymmetry of the distribution of the numbers of trees according to thickness, have been studied. New theoretically proved indices for establishing and studying asymmetry and a new asymmetry indicator have been introduced. The results show that: a) The asymmetry index and the asymmetry indicator (which is derived from the indices) are closely correlated (R2=0.98) with the asymmetry coefficients, and are suitable for generalised comparative studies. b) The asymmetry indicator used previously (the zero natural indicator) showed a lower correlation with the asymmetry coefficient as compared with the asymmetry index and the asymmetry indicator, namely: R2=0.62. c) The comparison of the indices of asymmetry of the thickness structure with the indices of steepness in the height structure showed a general trend towards a change in direct ratio in them, with a correlation coefficient R = 0.26. In general, the conclusion is that the indices and indicators of asymmetry are fully suitable for and effective in general comparative studies, such as the comparison of the thickness structures with height structures of forest dendrocoenoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although alpha asymmetry has been found to correlate with depression, there is some inconsistency across the wider literature, suggesting the influence of other factors. Some of these may be the presence of peripheral inflammation, age, and sex of participants. To test the interaction of these factors in terms of the association between alpha asymmetry and depression in a community sample, in this study, data were collected on resting frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) under eyes closed and eyes open conditions, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), age, and self-rated depression in a sample of 44 males and 56 females aged from 18 to 75 years (M = 32.5 yr, SD = 14.1 yr). Using regression models, the results indicated a complex set of associations. FAA values across the FP2-FP1 sites predicted depression in the eyes open condition, but not for any other pairing of sites. Increases in CRP concentration predicted increases in depression for women but not for men. CRP predicted FAA across two frontal sites (F8-F7) under the eyes open condition only. As CRP increased, FAA favoured the left hemisphere for that pair of frontal sites, a result found more strongly for males. Age did not influence these associations. By reflecting a complex, multi-factor interaction, these findings may tentatively provide some explanation for the inconsistency in the wider literature for the FAA–depression hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small African pangolins (genus Phataginus) presently face a general decline in population due to reduced survivability resulting from captive breeding failure and trafficking. We here present a postnatal evaluation of skull developmental signaling in a small African pangolin, emphasizing evolutionary trends in ontogeny. Forty digitally processed skulls and foramina magna from different geographic locations were assessed for asymmetry, foramen magnum shape and modularity using geometric and elliptical Fourier analyses. Multivariate regression of log transformed centroid size and the asymmetric component of shape suggested significant asymmetry through ontogeny where size accounted for 81.34% of asymmetric shape changes. Analysis of variance demonstrated low but directional fluctuating asymmetry in dorsal and ventral views. Allometric trajectories followed rostro-caudal and caudo-lateral directions; intercepts for shape/size predictions were parallel. Mahalanobis distances between centroids were significant. Foramen magnum outline descriptors by incremental harmonics revealed that the first four effective PCs defined 96.98% of shape properties, and 3.02% constituted finer details. The studied samples confirmed directional "handedness" and fluctuating asymmetries. Foramen magnum shape assumed priority over size in ontogeny with profound asymmetry (from the 5th harmonic), suggestive of attenuated ability of paired symmetric bilaterality of cranial integration modules. Our observation postulates a rapid cranial evolution in the small African pangolin due to natural selection constraints occasioned by population inconsistencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cultura, Ciencia y Deporte is the property of Cultura, Ciencia y Deporte and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between maxillomandibular characteristics and the severity of temporomandibular disc displacement in female patients with a skeletal class III (SKIII) pattern. METHODS: Fifty‑seven samples were included in the study. The evaluation of articular disc conditions was conducted using magnetic resonance imaging, while 25 cephalometric variables from lateral and postero‑anterior (P‑A) cephalograms were measured to determine their maxillomandibular characteristics. The samples were categorized into three groups based on the articular disc conditions: (1) normal disc position (NDP), (2) disc displacement with reduction (DDwR), and (3) disc displacement without reduction (DDwoR). The relationship between the maxillomandibular characteristics and disc conditions was examined through both basic statistical analysis and multivariate analysis using principal component analysis (PCA). RESULTS: The Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn–Bonferroni tests revealed a significant difference between the groups in terms of the deviation of mandibular characteristics observed on the P‑A cephalogram. The DDwoR group exhibited significantly larger menton deviation, ramal height asymmetry index, and total mandibular length asymmetry index compared to the NDP and DDwR groups. Moreover, the PCA successfully extracted all cephalometric variables into eight principal components. Among them, only the principal component related to mandibular asymmetry was able to differentiate the SKIII samples with DDwoR from the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study highlight a significant relationship between mandibular asymmetry and the severity of disc displacement, particularly DDwoR, in female patients with a SKIII pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to understand the relationship between midline deviations and the inherent asymmetry that can be observed in a human face. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a frontal smile photograph of a female which was altered on Adobe Photoshop software version 23.0 into eight different photographs by deviating the dental midlines by 2 mm, 4 mm, and 6 mm towards and away from the facial flow line (FFL). 4 mm of chin deviation was incorporated in all the pictures except for the first picture in which the midline and chin were kept symmetric. Orthodontic residents evaluated those photographs on an interrupted visual analogue scale (VAS) with 0 being the least attractive and 10 being the most. Simple linear regression was applied to observe factors associated with VAS score. RESULTS: Highest score was observed for picture with midline and chin on (MLCon) with a score of 9.4 ± 0.7, followed by picture with midline on and chin deviated (MLon) 8.7 ± 0.8. The deviations towards green zone received higher scores in comparison to deviations towards red zone. Linear regression revealed highly statistically significant differences between the constant and the rest of the pictures. CONCLUSIONS: The formation of green and red zones by the FFL influences the perception of midline deviation as judged by orthodontic residents. Midline when deviated towards the green zone, was judged to be more aesthetic than when shifted towards the red zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Past computational studies of planet-induced vortices have shown that the dust asymmetries associated with these vortices can be long-lived enough that they should be much more common in mm/sub-mm observations of protoplanetary discs, even though they are quite rare. Observed asymmetries also have a range of azimuthal extents from compact to elongated even though computational studies have shown planet-induced vortices should be preferentially elongated. In this study, we use 2D and 3D hydrodynamic simulations to test whether those dust asymmetries should really be so long-lived or so elongated. With higher resolution (29 cells radially per scale height) than our previous work, we find that vortices can be more compact by developing compact cores when higher-mass planets cause them to re-form, or if they are seeded by tiny compact vortices from the vertical shear instability (VSI), but not through dust feedback in 3D as was previously expected in general. Any case with a compact vortex or core(s) also has a longer lifetime. Even elongated vortices can have longer lifetimes with higher-mass planets or if the associated planet is allowed to migrate, the latter of which can cause the dust asymmetry to stop decaying as the planet migrates away from the vortex. These longer dust asymmetry lifetimes are even more inconsistent with observations, perhaps suggesting that discs still have an intermediate amount of effective viscosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coding sequences of developmental genes are expected to be deeply conserved, with cis- regulatory change driving the modulation of gene function. In contrast, proteins with roles in defense are expected to evolve rapidly, in molecular arms races with pathogens. However, some gene families include both developmental and defense genes. In these families, does the tempo and mode of evolution differ between genes with divergent functions, despite shared ancestry and structure? The leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase (LRR-RLKs) protein family includes members with roles in plant development and defense, thus providing an ideal system for answering this question. LRR-RLKs are receptors that traverse plasma membranes. LRR domains bind extracellular ligands; RLK domains initiate intracellular signaling cascades in response to ligand binding. In LRR-RLKs with roles in defense, LRR domains evolve faster than RLK domains. To determine whether this asymmetry extends to LRR-RLKs that function primarily in development, we assessed evolutionary rates and tested for selection acting on 11 subfamilies of LRR-RLKs, using deeply sampled protein trees. To assess functional evolution, we performed heterologous complementation assays in Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis). We found that the LRR domains of all tested LRR-RLK proteins evolved faster than their cognate RLK domains. All tested subfamilies of LRR-RLKs had strikingly similar patterns of molecular evolution, despite divergent functions. Heterologous transformation experiments revealed that multiple mechanisms likely contribute to the evolution of LRR-RLK function, including escape from adaptive conflict. Our results indicate specific and distinct evolutionary pressures acting on LRR versus RLK domains, despite diverse organismal roles for LRR-RLK proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Priapulida form a small relict group of marine invertebrates characterized by a vermiform shape, an annulated trunk, and an eversible anterior part. Worms with a comparable body plan were diverse and abundant throughout the Cambrian Era, although uncertainties remain concerning their relation to modern priapulids. The problem lies in the lack of morphological detail (ornament, symmetry) available from Cambrian worms and the fact that a comprehensive phylogeny of Cambrian worms with a robust homology framework is not available to define priapulids. The exceptionally preserved worm Ercaivermis sparios, described here from the early Cambrian of China, displays an unusual octagonal symmetry, suggesting that different symmetry types may have co-existed in the early history of Priapulida, before five-fold symmetry was naturally selected to become overwhelmingly dominant. The vast majority of early Paleozoic ecdysozoan worms are often resolved as stem-group Priapulida based on resemblances with the rare modern representatives of the group, such as the structure of the introvert and the number and distribution of scalids (a spiny cuticular outgrowth) and pharyngeal teeth. In Priapulida, both scalids and teeth create symmetry patterns, and three major diagnostic features are generally used to define the group: 25 longitudinal rows of scalids (five-fold symmetry), 8 scalids around the first introvert circle and the pentagonal arrangement of pharyngeal teeth. Here we describe Ercaivermis sparios gen. et sp. nov., a new priapulid from the early Cambrian Chengjiang Lagerstätte, characterized by an annulated trunk lacking a sclerotized ornament, four pairs of anal hooks and 16 longitudinal rows of scalids along its introvert and eight scalids around each introvert circle, giving the animal an unusual octoradial symmetry. Cladistic analyses resolve Ercaivermis as a stem-group priapulid. Ercaivermis also suggests that several biradial symmetry patterns (e.g., pentagonal, octagonal) expressed in the cuticular ornament, may have co-existed among early Cambrian priapulids and that the pentaradial mode may have become rapidly dominant during the course of evolution, possibly via the standardization of patterning, i.e., the natural selection of one symmetry type over others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Facial directional asymmetry research, including age-related changes, is crucial for the evaluation of treatment of craniofacial malformations/trauma in orthodontics, facial surgery and forensic sciences. The aim was to describe facial directional asymmetry (DA) in different age categories of adults using 3D methods. According to our hypothesis, facial shape DA (1) depends on sex; (2) differs among age groups; and (3) has wider variability in older age. Material and methods: A cross-sectional sample of healthy Czech adults without craniofacial trauma or anomalies consisted of 300 3D facial models (151 females). The age-range in the study was between 20–80 years. The shape asymmetry of 28 3D landmarks was evaluated using geometric morphometrics and multivariate statistics. Results: The manifestation of DA was similar in both sexes and in each age category; however, there were some statistical differences. In contrast to the ideal symmetrical face, the mean asymmetrical faces tended to create a slightly bent "C" shape of the midline. Therefore, the upper face was rotated slightly clockwise and the lower face counter-clockwise. The right eye was located slightly higher, with the nasal tip and mandibular region tilting to the left. Sex differences in facial DA were significant before the age of 40. DA was more significant in the youngest males than in the oldest, while the women's DA did not change. Conclusions: The DA patterns were similar in both sexes and in all age categories (a slightly bent C shape of the midline); however, some significant local differences between male age groups were found. A significantly more pronounced asymmetry compared to other age groups was found only in the youngest males from 20 to 40 years. Moreover, significant sexual dimorphism of DA rapidly decreased after middle age, likely caused by the same age-related changes of the face during aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cooperation is the foundation of society and has been the subject of numerous studies over the past three decades. However, the mechanisms underlying the spread of cooperation within a group are not yet fully comprehended. We analyze cooperation in multiplex networks, a model that has recently gained attention for successfully capturing certain aspects of human social connections. Previous studies on the evolution of cooperation in multiplex networks have shown that cooperative behavior is promoted when the two key processes in evolution, interaction and strategy replacement, are performed with the same partner as much as possible, that is, symmetrically, in a variety of network structures. We focus on a particular type of symmetry, namely, symmetry in the scope of communication, to investigate whether cooperation is promoted or hindered when interactions and strategy replacements have different scopes. Through multiagent simulations, we found some cases where asymmetry can promote cooperation, contrasting with previous studies. These results hint toward the potential effectiveness of not only symmetrical but also asymmetrical approaches in fostering cooperation within particular groups under certain social conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition with several major hallmarks, including loss of substantia nigra neurons, reduction in striatal dopaminergic function, and formation of α-synuclein-rich Lewy bodies. Mutations in SNCA, encoding for α-synuclein, are a known cause of familial PD, and the G51D mutation causes a particularly aggressive form of the condition. CRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to introduce the G51D mutation into the endogenous rat SNCA gene. SNCAG51D/+ and SNCAG51D/G51D rats were born in Mendelian ratios and did not exhibit any severe behavourial defects. L-3,4-dihydroxy-6-18Ffluorophenylalanine (18F-DOPA) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging was used to investigate this novel rat model. Wild-type (WT), SNCAG51D/+ and SNCAG51D/G51D rats were characterized over the course of ageing (5, 11, and 16 months old) using 18F-DOPA PET imaging and kinetic modelling. We measured the influx rate constant (Ki) and effective distribution volume ratio (EDVR) of 18F-DOPA in the striatum relative to the cerebellum in WT, SNCAG51D/+ and SNCAG51D/G51D rats. A significant reduction in EDVR was observed in SNCAG51D/G51D rats at 16 months of age indicative of increased dopamine turnover. Furthermore, we observed a significant asymmetry in EDVR between the left and right striatum in aged SNCAG51D/G51D rats. The increased and asymmetric dopamine turnover observed in the striatum of aged SNCAG51D/G51D rats reflects one aspect of prodromal PD, and suggests the presence of compensatory mechanisms. SNCAG51D rats represent a novel genetic model of PD, and kinetic modelling of 18F-DOPA PET data has identified a highly relevant early disease phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrites receive and process signals from other neurons. The range of signal intensities that can be robustly distinguished by dendrites is quantified by the dynamic range. We investigate the dynamic range and information transmission efficiency of dendrites in relation to dendritic morphology. We model dendrites in a neuron as multiple excitable binary trees connected to the soma where each node in a tree can be excited by external stimulus or by receiving signals transmitted from adjacent excited nodes. It has been known that larger dendritic trees have a higher dynamic range. We show that for dendritic tress of the same number of nodes, the dynamic range increases with the number of somatic branches and decreases with the asymmetry of dendrites, and the information transmission is more efficient for dendrites with more somatic branches. Moreover, our simulated data suggest that there is an exponential association (decay resp.) of overall relative energy consumption (dynamic range resp.) in relation to the number of somatic branches. This indicates that further increasing the number of somatic branches (e.g. beyond 10 somatic branches) has limited ability to improve the transmission efficiency. With brain-wide neuron digital reconstructions of the pyramidal cells, 90% of neurons have no more than 10 dendrites. These suggest that actual brain-wide dendritic morphology is near optimal in terms of both dynamic range and information transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Random deviation from perfect symmetry of organisms is defined as fluctuating asymmetry. Fluctuating asymmetry is widely considered to be a marker of developmental instability, developmental noise and phenotypic quality at the population level. In this study, we investigated hypothesized relationship between 2D:4D digit ratios as a proxy measure of prenatal sex hormones and developmental instability levels in young adult humans. Materials and Methods: In the study, seven bilateral traits were measured for fluctuating asymmetry, as well as second and fourth digit lengths on both hands of 185 individuals, 87 men (mean age: 22.42 ± 3.37) and 97 women (mean age: 22.88 ± 3.87). The second digit length was divided by the fourth digit length and the resulting value was used as the digit ratio (2D:4D). Composite fluctuating asymmetry was calculated using five bilateral traits displaying fluctuating asymmetry. Results: Only the right hand 2D:4D ratio is lower in men than in women. However, this difference disappears when the effect of digit lengths is controlled. Composite fluctuating asymmetry results reveal that men are more asymmetrical than women. There was no significant relationship between digit ratios and composite fluctuating asymmetry. Conclusion: In this study, the 2D:4D digit ratios appear to be influenced (at least in humans) by different digit lengths. This study also confirms previous studies that digit ratios as a proxy measure of exposure to either high testosterone or estrogen levels during early development does not appear to affect levels of developmental instability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecosystems under stress may respond abruptly and irreversibly through tipping points. Although mechanisms leading to alternative stable states are much studied, little is known about how such ecosystems could have emerged in the first place. We investigate whether evolution by natural selection along resource gradients leads to bistability, using shallow lakes as an example. There, tipping points occur between two alternative states dominated by either submersed or floating macrophytes depending on nutrient loading. We model the evolution of macrophyte depth in the lake, identify the conditions under which the ancestor population diversifies and investigate whether alternative stable states dominated by different macrophyte phenotypes occur. We find that eco‐evolutionary dynamics may lead to alternative stable states, but under restrictive conditions. Such dynamics require sufficient asymmetries in the acquisition of both light and nutrient. Our analysis suggests that competitive asymmetries along opposing resource gradients may allow bistability to emerge by natural selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In conventional disorder–order phase transitions, a system shifts from a highly symmetric state, where all states are equally accessible (disorder) to a less symmetric state with a limited number of available states (order). This transition may occur by varying a control parameter that represents the intrinsic noise of the system. It has been suggested that stem cell differentiation can be considered as a sequence of such symmetry-breaking events. Pluripotent stem cells, with their capacity to develop into any specialized cell type, are considered highly symmetric systems. In contrast, differentiated cells have lower symmetry, as they can only carry out a limited number of functions. For this hypothesis to be valid, differentiation should emerge collectively in stem cell populations. Additionally, such populations must have the ability to self-regulate intrinsic noise and navigate through a critical point where spontaneous symmetry breaking (differentiation) occurs. This study presents a mean-field model for stem cell populations that considers the interplay of cell–cell cooperativity, cell-to-cell variability, and finite-size effects. By introducing a feedback mechanism to control intrinsic noise, the model can self-tune through different bifurcation points, facilitating spontaneous symmetry breaking. Standard stability analysis showed that the system can potentially differentiate into several cell types mathematically expressed as stable nodes and limit cycles. The existence of a Hopf bifurcation in our model is discussed in light of stem cell differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many organs of Drosophila show stereotypical left-right (LR) asymmetry; however, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we have identified an evolutionarily conserved ubiquitin-binding protein, AWP1/Doctor No (Drn), as a factor required for LR asymmetry in the embryonic anterior gut. We found that drn is essential in the circular visceral muscle cells of the midgut for JAK/STAT signaling, which contributes to the first known cue for anterior gut lateralization via LR asymmetric nuclear rearrangement. Embryos homozygous for drn and lacking its maternal contribution showed phenotypes similar to those with depleted JAK/STAT signaling, suggesting that Drn is a general component of JAK/STAT signaling. Absence of Drn resulted in specific accumulation of Domeless (Dome), the receptor for ligands in the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, in intracellular compartments, including ubiquitylated cargos. Dome colocalized with Drn in wildtype Drosophila. These results suggest that Drn is required for the endocytic trafficking of Dome, which is a crucial step for activation of JAK/STAT signaling and the subsequent degradation of Dome. The roles of AWP1/Drn in activating JAK/STAT signaling and in LR asymmetric development may be conserved in various organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal behaviors are often characterized by functional asymmetry, or lateralization, which is at least in part due to morphological asymmetry of the body and/or brain. To test the hypothesis that functional asymmetry of grooming is associated with morphological asymmetry of the antennae in the cockroach Periplaneta americana, we measured the morphological parameters of the antennae and their segments (total antenna length, scape diameter, pedicel diameter and length, flagellomeral diameter and length) on either side of the body and analyzed behavioral changes induced by the presentation of the sex pheromone component periplanone B. The data obtained indicate a statistically significant lateralization of antennal morphology: the length of each segment is greater in the left antennae, while the width is greater in the right antennae, except for a short region near the antenna base. Correlation analysis revealed the following relationships: the longer right antenna matches longer time spent on its cleaning; the larger diameter of the right scape correlates with antennal grooming frequency; segment asymmetry does not affect grooming asymmetry. Sex pheromone presentation at a suprathreshold dose increased antennal grooming asymmetry, while the asymmetry of leg cleaning was generally intact. Thus, antennal grooming asymmetry, resulting at least in part from morphological asymmetry, changes significantly in the presence of a biologically important olfactory stimulus, the sex pheromone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the asymmetric dorsal preservation technique for correcting I-shaped crooked nose deformity (CND). Methods: Patients with I-shaped CND who underwent asymmetric dorsal preservation in the period from September 2020 to September 2021 were included in this retrospective study. The Rhinomanometry and Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey (SCHNOS) was used to assess the outcomes. Deviation angle (DA) measurements were used to evaluate the degree of crookedness. The results were recorded both preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. Results: Twenty-three patients were included in the study. Total nasal airflow and long-side nasal airflow were significantly higher 12 months postoperatively (p=0.001 each). Total nasal resistance, long-side nasal resistance, SCHNOS scores and DA measurements were significantly lower 12 months postoperatively (p<0.001 each). Conclusion: Asymmetric dorsal preservation is a successful alternative technique for correcting I-shaped CND and achieving optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xenophallus umbratilis is a freshwater livebearing fish that exhibits unique antisymmetry in the male gonopodium, which terminates in either a dextral or sinistral twist. This asymmetry in the gonopodium suggests that males might exhibit side-biased behavior when interacting with females to mate. We conducted two assays to assess the laterality of male and female mating interactions based on gonopodial morphology. We observed lateralized mating behavior in one test where males with sinistral gonopodial morphology interacted with a single female. However, we did not find lateralized mating behavior in males with dextral gonopodial morphology. We also examined male and female positioning in trials that placed a single female with five males, all with the same morphology. These trials also showed no evidence of lateralized body positioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modal asymmetry between truth-telling and lying refers to the impossibility of a world in which everyone lies, while on the contrary, a world in which everyone tells the truth is possible. This ethical issue is relevant to modern concerns about epistemic security, or the safety of knowledge. The breakdown of epistemic security leads to the erosion of trust and, hence, to an 'impossible' world since a willingness to believe in others is essential for the functioning of society. Here, we examine the threat of disinformation to epistemic security using an individual-based model in which individuals are both senders and receivers of signals and are characterized by their credulity and deceptiveness, which are targets of natural selection. The possible worlds are those favored by natural selection. Lies that significantly harm believers lead to the Kantian scenario: trust is completely eroded and the winners of the evolutionary race are incredulous. However, if the lies are not too harmful, our game evolutionary model predicts a world in which the individuals are both credulous and mildly untruthful. These two possible worlds are separated by a discontinuous phase transition in the limit of infinite population size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Size and shape are important features of most living beings, and the capacity of the organism to regulate size and shape during growth, containing the effects of developmental disturbances of different origins, is considered a key adaptation. Through a morphological study on the larvae of the cabbage butterfly Pieris brassicae, reared in conditions close to the natural environment, we found that the regulatory mechanisms for limiting the effects of developmental disturbances, known to be effective under strictly controlled, very stable laboratory conditions, are also effective during growth under more natural environmental conditions. This study may contribute to better characterization of these regulatory mechanisms and their combined effects in the developmental interactions between the organism and its environment. Size and shape are important determinants of fitness in most living beings. Accordingly, the capacity of the organism to regulate size and shape during growth, containing the effects of developmental disturbances of different origin, is considered a key feature of the developmental system. In a recent study, through a geometric morphometric analysis on a laboratory-reared sample of the lepidopteran Pieris brassicae, we found evidence of regulatory mechanisms able to restrain size and shape variation, including bilateral fluctuating asymmetry, during larval development. However, the efficacy of the regulatory mechanism under greater environmental variation remains to be explored. Here, based on a field-reared sample of the same species, by adopting identical measurements of size and shape variation, we found that the regulatory mechanisms for containing the effects of developmental disturbances during larval growth in P. brassicae are also effective under more natural environmental conditions. This study may contribute to better characterization of the mechanisms of developmental stability and canalization and their combined effects in the developmental interactions between the organism and its environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]