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Understanding the profiles of sexual offenders, such as the presence of psychopathic traits, is key to preventing future sexual crimes. The self-report psychopathy-III (SRP-III) is a tool used to assess the characteristics of psychopathy, but improvements on its interpretation are required to maximize its precision. The SRP-III can be interpreted by examining the scores on each of the four facets (interpersonal manipulation, callous affect, erratic lifestyle, antisocial behavior), on each of two factors (factor 1, factor 2), or by examining the total score. Here, we investigate the interpretation of the results from the SRP-III using these three approaches of analysis of the data for predicting types of sexual crimes, sexually deviant preferences (measured via PPG), and the validity of the sexual deviance results. Logistic regressions were carried out using either the four facets, two factors, or the total score of the SRP-III. Data were previously obtained from 198 Canadian men who were convicted of, or who admitted to committing, at least one sexual crime, or who reported experiencing sexually deviant fantasies. We also examined the point-biserial correlations between each of the methods of interpreting the SRP-III results and each of the dependent variables. We find that SRP-III facet scores most precisely predict types of sexual crimes, sexually deviant preferences, and sexual deviance index validity, followed by SRP-III factor scores, and lastly SRP-III total scores. Additionally, significant correlations are only found between SRP-III scores and one dependent variable. Potential reasons for this are discussed. Based on these findings, we recommend that future studies consider facet and factor scores in addition to the standard practice of examining total scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the presented review, we analyzed the physiology of male sexual arousal and its relation to the motivational aspects of this behavior. We highlighted the distinction between these processes based on observable physiological and behavioral parameters. Thus, we proposed the experimentally applicable differentiation between sexual arousal (SA) and sexual motivation (SM). We propose to define sexual arousal as an overall autonomic nervous system response leading to penile erection, triggered selectively by specific sexual cues. These autonomic processes include both spinal and supraspinal neuronal networks, activated by sensory pathways including information from sexual partner and sexual context, as well as external and internal genital organs. To avoid misinterpretation of experimental data, we also propose to precise the term "sexual motivation" as all actions performed by the individual that increase the probability of sexual interactions or increase the probability of exposition to sexual context cues. Neuronal structures such as the amygdala, bed nucleus of stria terminalis, hypothalamus, nucleus raphe, periaqueductal gray, and nucleus paragigantocellularis play crucial roles in controlling the level of arousal and regulating peripheral responses via specific autonomic effectors. On the highest level of CNS, the activity of cortical structures involved in the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, such as the insula and anterior cingulate cortex, can visualize an elevated level of SA in both animal and human brains. From a preclinical perspective, we underlie the usefulness of the noncontact erection test (NCE) procedure in understanding factors influencing sexual arousal, including studies of sexual preference in animal models. Taken together results obtained by different methods, we wanted to focus attention on neurophysiological aspects that are distinctly related to sexual arousal and can be used as an objective parameter, leading to higher translational transparency between basic, preclinical, and clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the profiles of sexual offenders, such as the presence of psychopathic traits, is key to preventing future sexual crimes. The self-report psychopathy-III (SRP-III) is a tool used to assess the characteristics of psychopathy, but improvements on its interpretation are required to maximize its precision. The SRP-III can be interpreted by examining the scores on each of the four facets (interpersonal manipulation, callous affect, erratic lifestyle, antisocial behavior), on each of two factors (factor 1, factor 2), or by examining the total score. Here, we investigate the interpretation of the results from the SRP-III using these three approaches of analysis of the data for predicting types of sexual crimes, sexually deviant preferences (measured via PPG), and the validity of the sexual deviance results. Logistic regressions were carried out using either the four facets, two factors, or the total score of the SRP-III. Data were previously obtained from 198 Canadian men who were convicted of, or who admitted to committing, at least one sexual crime, or who reported experiencing sexually deviant fantasies. We also examined the point-biserial correlations between each of the methods of interpreting the SRP-III results and each of the dependent variables. We find that SRP-III facet scores most precisely predict types of sexual crimes, sexually deviant preferences, and sexual deviance index validity, followed by SRP-III factor scores, and lastly SRP-III total scores. Additionally, significant correlations are only found between SRP-III scores and one dependent variable. Potential reasons for this are discussed. Based on these findings, we recommend that future studies consider facet and factor scores in addition to the standard practice of examining total scores.

Diagnosing pedohebephilia is fraught with obstacles given the tabooed nature of this sexual preference. The viewing reaction time effect (VRT) provides a non-intrusive indirect measure of sexual interest in minors. In forensic populations, the ability of the difference between the latencies while viewing child and adult sexual stimuli (VRT index) to discern child sexual offenders from a range of control groups has been ascertained meta-analytically. Given that the effect has been studied almost exclusively in forensic samples, its dependence or independence on prior overt (deviant) sexual behavior remains unclear. The present study sought to examine the relationship of prior sexual and non-sexual behaviors with the VRT in a sample of 282 self-referring, help-seeking men with and without pedohebephilia with and without a history of prior child sexual offenses (CSO) or a use of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) recruited outside a forensic context. We found that (1) the clinical diagnosis of pedohebephilia but not prior CSO or CSAM showed a significant association with the VRT index; (2) the discriminatory ability of the VRT index did not differ significantly between samples with and without a history of prior overt sexual behavior with children; (3) the VRT index correlated positively with a behavioral marker of pedohebephilia in a subsample of individuals with prior judicially detected or undetected overt sexual behavior with children; and (4) in the same subsample, the VRT index correlated positively with markers of sexual interests in minors or hypersexuality but not of antisociality. Equivalence testing failed to refute a potential effect of prior sexual behavior on the VRT index. Our study showed that the VRT may provide an unintrusive diagnostic tool for pedohebephilia. The effect of prior overt sexual behavior with children needs further examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the presented review, we analyzed the physiology of male sexual arousal and its relation to the motivational aspects of this behavior. We highlighted the distinction between these processes based on observable physiological and behavioral parameters. Thus, we proposed the experimentally applicable differentiation between sexual arousal (SA) and sexual motivation (SM). We propose to define sexual arousal as an overall autonomic nervous system response leading to penile erection, triggered selectively by specific sexual cues. These autonomic processes include both spinal and supraspinal neuronal networks, activated by sensory pathways including information from sexual partner and sexual context, as well as external and internal genital organs. To avoid misinterpretation of experimental data, we also propose to precise the term “sexual motivation” as all actions performed by the individual that increase the probability of sexual interactions or increase the probability of exposition to sexual context cues. Neuronal structures such as the amygdala, bed nucleus of stria terminalis, hypothalamus, nucleus raphe, periaqueductal gray, and nucleus paragigantocellularis play crucial roles in controlling the level of arousal and regulating peripheral responses via specific autonomic effectors. On the highest level of CNS, the activity of cortical structures involved in the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, such as the insula and anterior cingulate cortex, can visualize an elevated level of SA in both animal and human brains. From a preclinical perspective, we underlie the usefulness of the non-contact erection test (NCE) procedure in understanding factors influencing sexual arousal, including studies of sexual preference in animal models. Taken together results obtained by different methods, we wanted to focus attention on neurophysiological aspects that are distinctly related to sexual arousal and can be used as an objective parameter, leading to higher translational transparency between basic, preclinical, and clinical studies.

The processing of information regarding the sex and reproductive state of conspecific individuals is critical for successful reproduction and survival in males. Generally, male mice exhibit a preference toward the odor of sexually receptive (RF) over nonreceptive females (XF) or gonadally intact males (IM). Previous studies suggested the involvement of estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) expressed in the medial amygdala (MeA) in male preference toward RF. To further delineate the role played by ERβ in the MeA in the neuronal network regulating male preference, we developed a new ERβ-iCre mouse line using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Fiber photometry Ca2+ imaging revealed that ERβ-expressing neurons in the postero-dorsal part of the MeA (MeApd-ERβ+ neurons) were more active during social investigation toward RF compared to copresented XF or IM mice in a preference test. Chemogenetic inhibition of MeApd-ERβ+ neuronal activity abolished a preference to RF in "RF vs. XF," but not "RF vs. IM," tests. Analysis with cre-dependent retrograde tracing viral vectors identified the principal part of the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNSTp) as a primary projection site of MeApd-ERβ+ neurons. Fiber photometry recording in the BNSTp during a preference test revealed that chemogenetic inhibition of MeApd-ERβ+ neurons abolished differential neuronal activity of BNSTp cells as well as a preference to RF against XF but not against IM mice. Collectively, these findings demonstrate for the first time that MeApd-ERβ+ neuronal activity is required for expression of receptivity-based preference (i.e., RF vs. XF) but not sex-based preference (i.e., RF vs. IM) in male mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stresses in early ontogenesis can influence anxiety-depressive, defensive and social behavior, as well as the immune and hormonal reactivity of adult animals. The model of early pro-inflammatory stress assumes activation of the immune system by the introduction of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in early ontogenesis. Whether neonatal LPS stress impacts aggressive behavior or sexual motivation is still unknown. Pathological aggressiveness and disorders in sexual behavior are characteristic of many neuropsychiatric diseases, therefore, the study of the prerequisites for their occurrence is highly relevant. On the 3rd and 5th day after birth, the rats were injected with either LPS at a dose of 50 µg/kg (LPS group) or saline solution (SAL group, control). The aggressive behavior of adult rats in the resident-intruder test after a week of social isolation was analyzed, as well as the sexual preference of males or females in a three-chamber test. The behavior of rats was compared with baseline levels of corticosterone and interleukin 1-beta in blood serum. The males of the LPS group compared with the control had more attacks on the intruder in the resident-intruder test, and the number of attacks did not decrease by the end of the experiment. The males of the LPS group had an increased interaction time with the female at the diestrus stage in the social preference test of males and females. There were no changes in aggressive behavior in females after the administration of LPS in early ontogenesis. The baseline level of interleukin-1-beta was higher in males, and corticosterone was higher in females, there were no differences between the LPS and SAL groups in biochemical parameters. The results obtained indicate an increase in aggressiveness provoked by social isolation, as well as sexual motivation in adult males after early pro-inflammatory stress, i.e., a change in the motivational and emotional component in social behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many reviews on sexual arousal in humans focus on different brain imaging methods and behavioral observations. Although neurotransmission in the brain is mainly performed through electrochemical signals, there are no systematic reviews of the electrophysiological correlates of sexual arousal. We performed a systematic search on this subject and reviewed 255 studies including various electrophysiological methods. Our results show how neuroelectric signals have been used to investigate genital somatotopy as well as basic genital physiology during sexual arousal and how cortical electric signals have been recorded during orgasm. Moreover, experiments on the interactions of cognition and sexual arousal in healthy subjects and in individuals with abnormal sexual preferences were analyzed as well as case studies on sexual disturbances associated with diseases of the nervous system. In addition, 25 studies focusing on brain potentials during the interaction of cognition and sexual arousal were eligible for meta-analysis. The results showed significant effect sizes for specific brain potentials during sexual stimulation (P3: Cohen's d = 1.82, N = 300, LPP: Cohen's d = 2.30, N = 510) with high heterogeneity between the combined studies. Taken together, our review shows how neuroelectric methods can consistently differentiate sexual arousal from other emotional states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Of all the issues explored in anthropological, social and behavioral sciences, homosexuality perhaps is most controversial and has evoked more arguments and strong feelings in the general public. Homosexuality is often associated wit anger, love, intimacy, hostility, strong negative attitudes (e.g., severe discrimination and violence), and compassion. This subject involves many things: gender identity and orientation, a way of behaving intimately, a wide range of sexual preferences, a stigma, and a badge of pride and self-assertion. One objective of this paper is to clarify the meanings of homosexuality as well as its psychological, behavioral, and social correlates. Most research on homosexuality has taken the individual as the focus of analysis. A. C. Kinsey's pioneering work investigated the sexual behaviors of the individual and used biographical information to locate the person on a continuum from exclusive homosexuality to exclusive heterosexuality. Other individualistic approaches include studies of the homosexual identity, personality characteristics, subjective well-being, and life histories of gay men and lesbians. Sociocultural analyses, typically undertaken by anthropologists, historians, and sociologists, focus on the societal patterns of homosexuality. Sociocultural researchers seek to describe and explain societal reactions to homosexuality, cultural and subcultural variations in homosexuality, social rules and institutions that regulate homosexuality, etc. In contrast, a relationship perspective takes as the central phenomenon of interest the sexual and romantic relationships that occur between same-sex partners. During the past decades, the prevalence of negative stereotypes against homosexuality has been reduced substantially in most Western societies. Nevertheless, concern remains about the occurence of negative stereotyping attitudes and homophobia in some segments of the general population. Therefore, homosexuality will be analyzed in relation to heterosexism, homophobia, and sexual prejudice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychiatric conditions in general, including eating disorders, are stigmatizing conditions. The stigma of eating disorders is even more pronounced among males. We conducted an anonymous, online survey to explore the feasibility of recruiting participants for collecting sensitive information, and the relation among eating disorders, drive for muscularity, satisfaction with life, and sexual preference in males (N = 824) aged 15-30 years in Sweden. Internet survey method was a feasible way of recruiting males and obtaining sensitive information. Drive for muscularity was positively related to eating psychopathology. Interestingly, only the attitudinal aspect of the drive for muscularity was negatively related to satisfaction with life, whereas the behavioral component of the drive for muscularity was unrelated to quality of life. Drive for muscularity and disordered eating were not significantly different across participants with various sexual orientations. Our findings corroborate and extend previous research by using an anonymous Internet-based survey that may be less contaminated by social desirability or reporting bias due to the sensitivity of some of the questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A promising line of research on forensic assessment of paraphilic sexual interest focuses on behavioral measures of visual attention using sexual stimuli as distractors. The present study combined event-related potentials (ERPs) with behavioral measures to investigate whether detection of a hidden sexual preference can be improved with ERPs. Normal variants of sexual orientation were used for a proof-of-concept investigation. Accordingly, 40 heterosexual and 40 gay men participated in the study. Within each group, half of the participants were instructed to hide their sexual orientation. The results showed that a match between sexual orientation and stimulus delays responses and influences ERP before motor responses. Late ERP components showed higher potential in differentiating hidden sexual preferences than motor responses, thereby showing how ERPs can be used in combination with reaction time measures to potentially facilitate the detection of hidden sexual preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postweaning is a pivotal period for brain development and individual growth. As an important chemical used in medicines, foods and beverages, sodium citrate (SC) is commonly available. Although some effects of SC exposure on individual physiology have been demonstrated, the potential long-lasting effects of postweaning dietary SC exposure on social behaviours are still elusive. Both postweaning male and female C57BL/6 mice were exposed to SC through drinking water for a total of 3 weeks. A series of behavioural tests, including social dominance test (SDT), social interaction test (SIT), bedding preference test (BPT) and sexual preference test (SPT), were performed in adolescence and adulthood. After these tests, serum oxytocin (OT) levels and gut microbiota were detected. The behavioural results revealed that postweaning SC exposure decreased the social dominance of male mice in adulthood and female mice in both adolescence and adulthood. SC exposure also reduced the sexual preference rates of both males and females, while it had no effect on social interaction behaviour. ELISA results indicated that SC exposure decreased the serum OT levels of females but not males. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed a significant difference in β-diversity after SC exposure in both males and females. The correlation coefficient indicated the correlation between social behaviours, OT levels and dominant genera of gut microbiota. Our findings suggest that postweaning SC exposure may have enduring and sex-dependent effects on social behaviours, which may be correlated with altered serum OT levels and gut microbiota composition. • Long-lasting effects of postweaning citrate exposure on mice were observed. • Citrate supplementation affects social behaviours in male and female mice. • Citrate decreased social dominance and reversed the sexual preference ratio of mice. • Citrate exposure alters oxytocin levels in a sex-dependent manner. • Citrate exposure alters dominant genera of gut microbiota in a sex-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2014, the Prevention Project for Juveniles (PPJ) has offered diagnostic and therapeutic assistance to adolescents between 12 and 18 years who feel sexually attracted to preand/or early pubescent children. The PPJ, as part of a pilot project of the leading association of German statutory health insurers and in keeping with § 65d of the German Social Code V, provides anonymous and confidential treatment of affected juveniles. In the following article, the history of the project is presented, and the diagnostic and therapeutic principles of the project are explained. The current case report is followed by an overview of the experiences and future prospects. Since 2014, the Prevention Project for Juveniles (PPJ) has offered diagnostic and therapeutic assistance to adolescents between 12 and 18 years who feel sexually attracted to preand/or early pubescent children. The PPJ, as part of a pilot project of the leading association of German statutory health insurers and in keeping with § 65d of the German Social Code V, provides anonymous and confidential treatment of affected juveniles. In the following article, the history of the project is presented, and the diagnostic and therapeutic principles of the project are explained. The current case report is followed by an overview of the experiences and future prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Birdsong is culturally transmitted, and geographical variations of song have been found in several songbird species. There is evidence that such dialects contribute to reproductive isolation through variation in female preference. In the wild, there is no report of consistent dialects in populations of zebra finches. However, under laboratory conditions, we were able to artificially create different colony‐wide song dialects. In this species, song plays a crucial role in mate choice and the importance of both subadult and adult song experience in shaping song preferences has been well documented. Therefore, we expected females to prefer songs corresponding to their colony's dialect. We measured this preference using an operant test: females could either trigger a song corresponding to their Colony Song Type (CST) sang by an unfamiliar individual, or another conspecific song, corresponding to a Non‐Colony Song Type (N‐CST). Most females preferred the CST over the N‐CST, supporting the idea that zebra finch females exhibit a preference for songs similar to their colony's song. It also reveals that song dialects matter to female zebra finches. It has been proposed that song could be used as an affiliative signal in highly social species. Therefore, preferring the colony dialect could be the consequence of a sexual preference, but also of a social preference. We discuss the potential role of song dialects in the context of social learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The copulation of insects takes place in antipodal, inverse antipodal, sympodal, inverse sympodal, reverse sympodal, pseudosympodal, epipodal, reverse epipodal, crucipodal, semiepipodal, reverse semiepipodal, clinopodal, schizopodal, reverse schizopodal, inverse schizopodal, semischizopodal, reverse semischizopodal, orthopodal, reverse orthopodal, lateralopodal, parallelopodal, indirect parallelopodal, indirect frontalopodal, pseudoepipodal, inverse pseudoepipodal, cyclopodal, pseudocyclopodal and sinusoidal position of male and female. The copulation of stick insects or walking sticks (Phasmatodea) takes mainly place in epipodal and semiepipodal position of male and female as well as subordinately to accessorily also in crucipodal, schizopodal, parallelopodal, inverse antipodal, orthopodal and antipodal position of both partners, whereas other positions of male and female do not occur in the pairing of stick insects or walking sticks. The copulation of heelwalkers or gladiators (Mantophasmatodea) takes exclusively place in epipodal and partially established crucipodal position of male and female, whereas other positions of both partners do not occur in the pairing of heelwalkers or gladiators. The copulation of ice crawlers and rock crawlers (Grylloblattodea) takes mainly place in epipodal and partially established crucipodal position of male and female as well as subordinately also in antipodal position of both partners, whereas other positions of male and female do not occur in the pairing of ice crawlers and rock crawlers. The copulation of cockroaches (Blattodea) takes almost exclusively place in antipodal position of male and female and only occasionally probably also in epipodal position of both partners, whereas other positions of male and female do not occur in the pairing of cockroaches. The copulation of twisted wings (Strepsiptera) takes exclusively place in inverse pseudoepipodal position of male and female, whereas other positions of both partners do not occur in the pairing of twisted wings. The copulation of fringed wings or thripses (Thysanoptera) takes place in reverse epipodal, reverse semiepipodal, crucipodal, reverse schizopodal and antipodal position of male and female, whereas other positions of both partners do not occur in the pairing of fringed wings or thripses. The copulation of earwigs (Dermaptera) takes mainly place in antipodal position of male and female as well as subordinately to accessorily also in schizopodal and parallelopodal position of both partners, whereas other positions of male and female do not occur in the pairing of earwigs. The copulation of moss bugs or beetle bugs (Hemiptera: Coleorrhyncha) takes probably place in epipodal position of male and female. The copulation of fleas (Siphonoptera) takes exclusively place in reverse epipodal position of male and female, whereas other positions of both partners do not occur in the pairing of fleas. The copulation of barklice and booklice (Psocoptera) takes mainly place in reverse epipodal position of male and female as well as subordinately also in antipodal and reverse orthopodal position of both partners and possibly sometimes even in epipodal position of male and female, whereas other positions of both partners do not occur in the pairing of barklice and booklice. The copulation von plant lice (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha) takes mainly place in epipodal and orthopodal position of male and female and occasionally also in schizopodal and parallelopodal position of both partners, whereas other positions of male and female do not occur in the pairing of plant lice. The copulation of lice (Phthiraptera) takes mainly place in reverse epipodal and inverse antipodal position of male and female as well as possibly occasionally also in epipodal and schizopodal position of both partners, whereas other positions of male and female do not occur in the pairing of lice. The copulation of ground lice or angel insects (Zoraptera) takes mainly place in inverse antipodal position of male and female as well as subordinately also in reverse epipodal and parallelopodal position of both partners, whereas other positions of male and female do not occur in the pairing of ground lice or angel insects. The copulation of jumping bristletails (Archaeognatha), silverfish or fishmoths (Zygentoma) and two-pronged bristletails (Diplura) takes exclusively place in indirect parallelopodal position of male and female, whereas other positions of both partners do not occur in the pairing of jumping bristletails, silverfish or fishmoths and two-pronged bristletails. The copulation of springtails (Collembola) takes mainly place in indirect parallelopodal position of male and female and subordinately also in indirect frontalopodal position of both partners, whereas other positions of male and female do not occur in the pairing of springtails. The different positions during the copulation of stick insects or walking sticks (Phasmatodea), heelwalkers or gladiators (Mantophasmatodea), ice crawlers and rock crawlers (Grylloblattodea), cockroaches (Blattodea), twisted wings (Strepsiptera), fringed wings or thripses (Thysanoptera), earwigs (Dermatoptera), moss bugs or beetle bugs (Hemiptera: Coleorrhyncha), fleas (Siphonaptera), barklice and booklice (Psocoptera), plant lice (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha), lice (Phthiraptera), ground lice or angel insects (Zoraptera), jumping bristletails (Archaeognatha), silverfish or fishmoths (Zygentoma), springtails (Collembola) and two-pronged bristletails (Diplura) are described, and the systematical distribution of the different positions during the pairing is explained and illustrated with examples from the individual orders, families and genera of stick insects or walking sticks (Phasmatodea), heelwalkers or gladiators (Mantophasmatodea), ice crawlers and rock crawlers (Grylloblattodea), cockroaches (Blattodea), twisted wings (Strepsiptera), fringed wings or thripses (Thysanoptera), earwigs (Dermatoptera), moss bugs or beetle bugs (Hemiptera: Coleorrhyncha), fleas (Siphonaptera), barklice and booklice (Psocoptera), plant lice (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha), lice (Phthiraptera), ground lice or angel insects (Zoraptera), jumping bristletails (Archaeognatha), silverfish or fishmoths (Zygentoma), springtails (Collembola) and two-pronged bristletails (Diplura). Distribution and abundance of the different positions in the copulation of male and female in the different orders of insects are summarized in the tables 1 - 6 in the attachment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, sexual selection has been seen as a process in which choosy females select non‐choosy males. Recent studies, however, have challenged this view by showing that males can also be choosy in many species. We assessed the sexual preferences in males of the tropical jumping spider Hasarius adansoni (Audouin, 1826). We measured mating effort in males and determined how female quality influences offspring quality, quantity, and survival. We also estimated total sperm load and how much sperm was invested in a mating with a particular female. We found no evidence of male mating effort in terms of mating frequency nor sperm investment. Similarly, there was no relationship between female quality (i.e., size and condition) and offspring quality (i.e., survival and feeding performance) or quantity. We found strong evidence that the sperm invested in a particular female is a function of the amount of sperm the male had available for usage at that particular mating. The fact that males probably find females sequentially, along with the lack of relationship between female quality and offspring quality/quantity, likely explains the lack of differences in mating effort by males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compassionate feelings for people who are victimized because of their perceived sexual deviance (e.g., gay men) may be incompatible with support for heterosexual norms among heterosexual men. But, indifference (or passivity) toward such victims could raise concern over heterosexual men's gay-tolerance attitude. Two classic social psychological theories offer competing explanations on when heterosexual men might be passive or compassionate toward gay victims of hate crime. The bystander model proposes passivity toward victims in an emergency situation if other bystanders are similarly passive, but compassionate reactions if bystanders are responsive to the victims. Conversely, the social loafing model proposes compassionate reactions toward victims when bystanders are passive, but passivity when other bystanders are already responsive toward the victims' predicament. We tested and found supportive evidence for both models across two experiments (Ntotal = 501) in which passivity and compassionate reactions to gay victims of a purported hate crime were recorded after heterosexual men's concern for social evaluation was either accentuated or relaxed. We found that the bystander explanation was visible only when the potential for social evaluation was strong, while the social loafing account occurred only when the potential for social evaluation was relaxed. Hence, we unite both models by showing that the bystander explanation prevails in situations where cues to social evaluation are strong, whereas the social loafing effect operates when concern over social judgement is somewhat muted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlordecone (CD) is one of the common persistent organic pollutants in nature and has a profound impact on the environment and on public health. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that neonatal exposure of CD influences adult physiology and behavior due to its estrogenic properties. Using socially monogamous mandarin voles as an experimental animal model, the present study aimed to evaluate the impact of neonatal exposure to CD on female social behaviors and central estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) expression in adulthood. After receiving a single subcutaneous injection with sesame seed oil (female control group), 17 beta-estradiol (E2 group), or CD group on postnatal Day 1, the social behaviors of adult animals and ERα expression in specific brain regions were assessed. The data indicated that CD or E2-treated female animals displayed increased affiliative behaviors and decreased aggressive behaviors with regard to the unfamiliar females in the social interaction test. In addition, CD or E2-treated female voles exhibited significant preferences to females over males in the sexual preference test. Moreover, CD-treated female animals exhibited higher levels of ERα expression in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the central amygdala, the medial amygdala and the medial preoptic area compared with those of the control voles. The results suggested that neonatal exposure to CD may masculinize female social behaviors, possibly via CD-induced changes in the ERα expression of relevant brain regions. Graphical Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxytocin is a central neuromodulator required for facilitating mate preferences for familiar individuals in a monogamous rodent (prairie vole), irrespective of sex. While the role of oxytocin in mate choice is only understood in a few monogamous species, its function in nonmonogamous species, comprising the vast majority of vertebrate species, remains unclear. To address this issue, we evaluated the involvement of an oxytocin homolog (isotocin, referred herein as oxt) in mate choice in medaka fish (Oryzias latipes). Female medaka prefer to choose familiar mates, whereas male medaka court indiscriminately, irrespective of familiarity. We generated mutants of the oxt ligand (oxt) and receptor genes (oxtr1 and oxtr2) and revealed that the oxt-oxtr1 signaling pathway was essential for eliciting female mate preference for familiar males. This pathway was also required for unrestricted and indiscriminate mating strategy in males. That is, either oxt or oxtr1 mutation in males decreased the number of courtship displays toward novel females, but not toward familiar females. Further, males with these mutations exhibited enhanced mate-guarding behaviors toward familiar females, but not toward novel females. In addition, RNA-sequencing (seq) analysis revealed that the transcription of genes involved in gamma-amino butyric acid metabolism as well as those encoding ion-transport ATPase are upregulated in both oxt and oxtr1 mutants only in female medaka, potentially explaining the sex difference of the mutant phenotype. Our findings provide genetic evidence that oxt-oxtr1 signaling plays a role in the mate choice for familiar individuals in a sexspecific manner in medaka fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual preference for the opposite sex is a fundamental behavior underlying reproductive success, but the neural mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we examined the role of dopamine signaling in the nucleus accumbens core (NAcc) in governing chemosensory-mediated preference for females in TrpC2−/− and wild-type male mice. TrpC2−/− males, deficient in VNO-mediated signaling, do not display mating or olfactory preference toward females. We found that, during social interaction with females, TrpC2−/− males do not show increased NAcc dopamine levels, observed in wild-type males. Optogenetic stimulation of VTA-NAcc dopaminergic neurons in TrpC2−/− males during exposure to a female promoted preference response to female pheromones and elevated copulatory behavior toward females. Additionally, we found that signaling through the D1 receptor in the NAcc is necessary for the olfactory preference for female-soiled bedding. Our study establishes a critical role for the mesolimbic dopaminergic system in governing pheromone-mediated responses and mate choice in male mice.

Objective: No study has comprehensively evaluated the effect of postweaning isolation on the social and sexual behaviors of a certain strain of rodents in ethology. The present study aims to explore how and to what extent isolation rearing after postweaning affects the social and sexual behaviors of male CD-1 mice in adulthood systematically.Methods: Male CD-1 mice were randomly assigned to two groups: isolation reared (IS, one mouse per cage, n = 30) and group housed (GH, five mice per cage, n = 15). The mice underwent isolation rearing from postnatal day 23 to day 93. Then, social affiliation, recognition and memory were measured through selection task experiments. Social interaction under a home cage and novel environment were measured via resident–intruder and social interaction test, respectively. Furthermore, sexual preference, homosexual and heterosexual behaviors were measured.Results: Our study found that postweaning isolation increased the social affiliation for conspecifics (p = 0.001), reduced social recognition (p = 0.042) and impaired social memory. As for social interaction, isolated mice showed a remarkably increased aggression toward the intruder male in a home cage or novelty environment. For instance, isolated mice presented a short attack latency (p < 0.001), high attack frequency (p < 0.001) and long attack duration (p < 0.001). In addition, isolated mice exhibited further social avoidance. Contrastingly, isolated mice displayed a reduced sexual preference for female (IS: 61.47 ± 13.80%, GH: 70.33 ± 10.06%, p = 0.038). As for heterosexual behavior, isolated mice have a short mating duration (p = 0.002), long mounting latency (p = 0.002), and long intromission latency (p = 0.015). However, no association was observed between postweaning isolation and homosexual behavior in male CD-1 mouse.Conclusion: Postweaning isolation increased the social affiliation, impaired the social cognition and considerably increased the aggression in social interaction of adult male CD-1 mice. Postweaning isolation induced a decreased sexual preference for female in adulthood. Postweaning isolation extended the latency to mate, thereby reducing mating behavior. No association was observed between isolation and homosexual behavior.

The copulation of insects takes place in antipodal, inverse antipodal, sympodal, inverse sympodal, reverse sympodal, pseudosympodal, epipodal, reverse epipodal, semiepipodal, reverse semiepipodal, clinopodal, schizopodal, inverse schizopodal, semischizopodal, orthopodal, reverse orthopodal, lateralopodal, parallelopodal, pseudoepipodal, cyclopodal, pseudocyclopodal and sinusoidal position of male and female. The copulation of beakflies (Mecoptera) takes mainly place in schizopodal and sympodal position of male and female as well as subordinately also in epipodal and antipodal position of both partners, whereas an inverse antipodal, inverse sympodal, reverse sympodal, pseudosympodal, reverse epipodal, semiepipodal, reverse semiepipodal, clinopodal, inverse schizopodal, semischizopodal, orthopodal, reverse orthopodal, lateralopodal, parallelopodal, pseudoepipodal, cyclopodal, pseudocyclopodal and sinusoidal position of both partners does not occur in the pairing of beakflies. The copulation of beakflies (Mecoptera) takes place in different positions in the scorpionflies (Panorpidae), the hangingflies (Bittacidae) and the snow scorpionflies (Boreidae). The schizopodal position of both partners in the pairing occurs in the copulation of beakflies (Mecoptera) only in the scorpionflies (Panorpidae) but not in the hangingflies (Bittacidae) and the snow scorpionflies (Boreidae). The epipodal position of both partners in the pairing occurs in the copulation of beakflies (Mecoptera) only in the snow scorpionflies (Boreidae) but not in the scorpionflies (Panorpidae) and the hangingflies (Bittacidae). The sympodal position of both partners in the pairing and the antipodal position of both partners in the pairing occur in the copulation of beakflies (Mecoptera) only in the scorpionflies (Panorpidae) and the hangingflies (Bittacidae) but not in the snow scorpionflies (Boreidae). The copulation of snakeflies (Raphidioptera) takes mainly place in inverse antipodal, epipodal, semiepipodal and antipodal position of male and female as well as subordinately also in semischizopodal position of both partners, whereas a sympodal, inverse sympodal, reverse sympodal, pseudosympodal, reverse epipodal, reverse semiepipodal, clinopodal, schizopodal, inverse schizopodal, orthopodal, reverse orthopodal, lateralopodal, parallelopodal, pseudoepipodal, cyclopodal, pseudocyclopodal and sinusoidal position of both partners does not occur in the pairing of snakeflies. The copulation of alderflies (Megaloptera: Sialidae) takes place in epipodal, reverse semiepipodal, orthopodal, lateralopodal and antipodal position of male and female, whereas an inverse antipodal, sympodal, inverse sympodal, reverse sympodal, pseudosympodal, reverse epipodal, semiepipodal, clinopodal, schizopodal, inverse schizopodal, semischizopodal, reverse orthopodal, lateralopodal, parallelopodal, pseudoepipodal, cyclopodal, pseudocyclopodal and sinusoidal position of both partners does not occur in the pairing of alderflies. The copulation of fishflies (Megaloptera: Corydalidae) takes place in antipodal, epipodal and clinopodal position of male and female, whereas an inverse antipodal, sympodal, inverse sympodal, reverse sympodal, pseudosympodal, reverse epipodal, semiepipodal, reverse semiepipodal, schizopodal, inverse schizopodal, semischizopodal, orthopodal, reverse orthopodal, lateralopodal, parallelopodal, pseudoepipodal, cyclopodal, pseudocyclopodal and sinusoidal position of both partners does not occur in the pairing of fishflies. The copulation of stoneflies (Plecoptera) takes mainly place in epipodal position of male and female as well as subordinately also in antipodal, lateralopodal, schizopodal, inverse schizopodal and orthopodal position of both partners, whereas an inverse antipodal, sympodal, inverse sympodal, reverse sympodal, pseudosympodal, reverse epipodal, semiepipodal, reverse semiepipodal, clinopodale, semischizopodal, reverse orthopodal, parallelopodal, pseudoepipodal, cyclopodal, pseudocyclopodal and sinusoidal position of both partners does not occur in the pairing of stoneflies. The copulation of caddisflies (Trichoptera) takes mainly place in antipodal position of male and female as well as subordinately also in schizopodal, orthopodal and pseudosympodal position of both partners, whereas an inverse antipodal, sympodal, inverse sympodal, reverse sympodal, epipodal, reverse epipodal, semiepipodal, reverse semiepipodal, clinopodal, inverse schizopodal, semischizopodal, reverse orthopodal, lateralopodal, parallelopodal, pseudoepipodal, cyclopodal, pseudocyclopodal and sinusoidal position of both partners does not occur in the pairing of caddisflies. The copulation of mayflies (Ephemeroptera) takes mainly place in reverse semiepipodal position of male and female as well as subordinately also in antipodal and sympodal position of both partners, whereas an inverse antipodal, inverse sympodal, reverse sympodal, pseudosympodal, epipodal, reverse epipodal, semiepipodal, clinopodal, schizopodal, inverse schizopodal, semischizopodal, orthopodal, reverse orthopodal, lateralopodal, parallelopodal, pseudoepipodal, cyclopodal, pseudocyclopodal and sinusoidal position of both partners does not occur in the pairing of mayflies. The different positions during the copulation of beakflies (Mecoptera), snakeflies (Raphidioptera), alderflies (Megaloptera: Sialidae), stoneflies (Plecoptera), caddisflies (Trichoptera) and mayflies (Ephemeroptera) are described, and the systematical distribution of the different positions during the pairing is explained and illustrated with examples from the individual orders, families and genera of beakflies (Mecoptera), snakeflies (Raphidioptera), alderflies (Megaloptera: Sialidae), stoneflies (Plecoptera), caddisflies (Trichoptera) and mayflies (Ephemeroptera). Distribution and abundance of the different positions in the copulation of male and female in the most important orders of insects are summarized in the tables 1 - 3 in Mader (2019). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: No study has comprehensively evaluated the effect of postweaning isolation on the social and sexual behaviors of a certain strain of rodents in ethology. The present study aims to explore how and to what extent isolation rearing after postweaning affects the social and sexual behaviors of male CD-1 mice in adulthood systematically. Methods: Male CD-1 mice were randomly assigned to two groups: isolation reared (IS, one mouse per cage, n = 30) and group housed (GH, five mice per cage, n = 15). The mice underwent isolation rearing from postnatal day 23 to day 93. Then, social affiliation, recognition and memory were measured through selection task experiments. Social interaction under a home cage and novel environment were measured via resident–intruder and social interaction test, respectively. Furthermore, sexual preference, homosexual and heterosexual behaviors were measured. Results: Our study found that postweaning isolation increased the social affiliation for conspecifics (p = 0.001), reduced social recognition (p = 0.042) and impaired social memory. As for social interaction, isolated mice showed a remarkably increased aggression toward the intruder male in a home cage or novelty environment. For instance, isolated mice presented a short attack latency (p < 0.001), high attack frequency (p < 0.001) and long attack duration (p < 0.001). In addition, isolated mice exhibited further social avoidance. Contrastingly, isolated mice displayed a reduced sexual preference for female (IS: 61.47 ± 13.80%, GH: 70.33 ± 10.06%, p = 0.038). As for heterosexual behavior, isolated mice have a short mating duration (p = 0.002), long mounting latency (p = 0.002), and long intromission latency (p = 0.015). However, no association was observed between postweaning isolation and homosexual behavior in male CD-1 mouse. Conclusion: Postweaning isolation increased the social affiliation, impaired the social cognition and considerably increased the aggression in social interaction of adult male CD-1 mice. Postweaning isolation induced a decreased sexual preference for female in adulthood. Postweaning isolation extended the latency to mate, thereby reducing mating behavior. No association was observed between isolation and homosexual behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, most notably HPV16, the central cause of anal cancer, is increased by anal sexual intercourse and worsened by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positivity.Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of type-specific anal HPV prevalence in men, compared according to sexual preference, HIV status, and, when available, anal cytopathology.Results: Seventy-nine eligible studies included: 1805 HIV-negative men who have sex with women (MSW), 924 HIV-positive MSW, 8213 HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM), and 12758 HIV-positive MSM. Irrespective of anal cytopathology, HPV16 prevalence was significantly higher in MSM than MSW, both among HIV-negative (14% vs 3%; prevalence ratio (PR) 4.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.5-8.9) and HIV-positive men (30% vs 11%; PR = 2.8; 95% CI, 1.9-4.1). Likewise, HPV16 was significantly higher in HIV-positive than HIV-negative men, both among MSW (PR = 3.5; 95% CI, 1.6-7.7) and MSM (PR = 2.1; 95% CI, 1.8-2.5). Anal HPV16 prevalence was similar between HIV-positive MSW and HIV-negative MSM. For MSM, anal HPV16 prevalence was significantly higher from studies with anal cytopathology, suggesting population sampling effects.Conclusion: Sexual preference and HIV infection are independent strong determinants of male anal HPV16 infection, confirming HIV-positive MSM as priorities for anal cancer prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Prevention Project of Child Sexual Abuse by Juveniles (PPJ), which was launched in April 2014 at the Institut für Sexualwissenschaft und Sexualmedizin at the Charité Berlin, offers diagnostic and therapeutic assistance to adolescents aged 12 to 18 who are sexually attracted to pre- and/or early pubescent children. Since January 2018 the project has been financed as part of a five-year pilot program of the leading association of German statutory health insurers in keeping with § 65d of the German Social Code V, which allows for anonymous diagnostic and therapeutic care, i.e., does not require the collection and submission of the patients' data. While previous publications have treated the social relevance and diagnostic approach of the project, the present article discusses the current state of the program in the fifth year of its existence and its extension to include mentally retarded young people. Two case studies illustrate the program's procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The copulation of insects takes place in antipodal, inverser antipodal, sympodal, inverser sympodal, reverse sympodal, epipodal, reverse epipodal, semiepipodal, reverse semiepipodal, clinopodal, schizopodal, semischizopodal, orthopodal, reverse orthopodal, lateralopodal, parallelopodal, pseudoepipodal, cyclopodal, pseudocyclopodal and sinusoidal position of male and female. The copulation of grasshoppers (Orthoptera) takes mainly place in epipodal position of male and female as well as subordinately also in inverse antipodal, antipodal, clinopodal and schizopodal position of both partners and occasionally even in sympodal, inverse sympodal, orthopodal, reverse orthopodal, reverse epipodal, reverse semiepipodal and lateralopodal orientation of male and female, whereas a cyclopodal, sinusoidal, reverse sympodal, semiepipodal, semischizopodal, parallelopodal, pseudoepipodal and pseudocyclopodal position of both partners does not occur in the pairing of grasshoppers. The copulation of praying mantids (Mantodea) takes mainly place in epipodal position of male and female as well as subordinately also in clinopodal and schizopodal position of both partners and occasionally even in sympodal and parallelopodal orientation of male and female, whereas a cyclopodal, sinusoidal, antipodal, inverse antipodal, inverse sympodal, reverse sympodal, reverse epipodal, semiepipodal, reverse semiepipodal, semischizopodal, orthopodal, reverse orthopodal, lateralopodal, pseudoepipodal and pseudocyclopodal position of both partners does not occur in the pairing of praying mantids. The copulation of dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) takes exclusively place in cyclopodal position of male and female. The different positions during the copulation of grasshoppers (Orthoptera) and praying mantids (Mantodea) as well as dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) are described, and the systematical distribution of the different positions during the pairing is explained and illustrated with examples from the individual orders, families and genera of grasshoppers and praying mantids as well as dragonflies and damselflies. Distribution and abundance of the different positions in the copulation of male and female in the most important orders of insects are summarized in the tables 1 - 3 in the attachment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theocritus' Idyll 5 details an amoebaean singing contest between two herdsmen in which the goatherd, Comatas, sings an opening couplet and the shepherd, Lacon, replies with a second. This paper considers one exchange between the competitors which has been the cause of particular frustration to readers of the poem due to an obscure, and likely obscene, pastoral analogy offered by Lacon at lines 94-95. After a consideration of evidence drawn from the text, Theocritean scholia and Greek lyric and elegiac poetry, an interpretation of the exchange is offered which may provide some clarity to a much-cited problem in Idyll 5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: To provide a critical analysis of purported claims to have cured pedophilia, including their scientific and policy implications.Recent Findings: A single recent study has been in published in which authors claimed to find evidence that half of pedophiles cease to be pedophiles, when tested with a phallometric test in use at those authors’ facility. Bootleg simulation of the original dataset confirmed prior criticisms: When analyzed correctly, the data were indistinguishable from random. Despite that the study was not a treatment study, claims continue to appear that pedophiles can become non-pedophiles.Summary: To tell pedophiles that they cease to be pedophiles relieves them from any need to develop skills for managing that pedophilia (the current clinical consensus of the field). Although it is hoped that there may one day be methods to “convert” pedophiles into non-pedophiles, there is no evidence we are there yet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of the Review: In the present manuscript, we review the most important sexual cues in rodents and mammals that influence mate choice. Sexual cues lead to the approach and selection of a partner.Recent Findings: In both sexes, hormone levels play an important role by increasing the sensitivity towards the sexual signals emitted by the potential partners and determining the expression of sexual signals that allows the potential partner or intra-sexual competitor to identify the reproductive status. Similarly, sexual cues emitted by both sexes can modify the hormonal status of the potential partner or intra-sexual competitors, so that they can be better skilled reproductively for sexual competition.Summary: Future research should analyze the impact of the use of hormonal contraceptives, since it has been shown that they alter the sexual signals emitted and could influence the selection of partners in humans. In addition, this review will be important for anyone using a rodent model to understand sexual motivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual sadism can be described as the sexual pleasure produced by acts of cruelty and bodily punishment. The most common method for evaluating sexual sadism is clinical evaluation, that is, evaluation based on the diagnostic criteria of nosological instruments such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( DSM) or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). It is also possible to evaluate sadistic sexual preferences by phallometry, which provides a physiological measure of sexual excitation by deviant and nondeviant scenarios. The most recently developed evaluation method is the Severe Sexual Sadism Scale (SESAS), a dimensional instrument that has been empirically validated. Despite the availability of all these measurement techniques, very little research has been conducted on their degree of convergence. Consequently, the aim of the current study was to assess the relationship between these three measures of sexual sadism. Our analyses were conducted on a sample of rapists ( N = 72), assessed in a maximum-security penitentiary. There was no significant relation between phallometric scores and other measures of sexual sadism. There was, however, an important correlation between SESAS scores and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV) sexual sadism diagnosis. Our results are consistent with other phallometric studies, which reported no difference in the penile responses of individuals diagnosed as sadists and those not diagnosed as sadists. Results and implications for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurofunctional correlates of sexual arousal are of interest in basic research as well as in clinical science. In forensic psychiatry, it is important to use designs which are potentially robust against susceptibility to manipulation or deception. We tested a new design to measure neurofunctional correlates of sexual preference. Twenty-two healthy heterosexual men had to solve a mental rotation task while sexually preferred or non-preferred distractors were presented simultaneously. With this challenging active task, subjects' possibility to manipulate their response to the sexual stimuli should be lower than in easier tasks and in passive designs. Participants needed more time to solve the mental rotation task when distractors of women and girls were presented compared to distractors of men and boys. FMRI-results showed a network of three brain regions which specifically responded to sexually preferred distractors. Female and adult distractors evoked stronger responses than male and child distractors in regions comprising parahippocampal/fusiform gyrus and amygdala/basal ganglia/thalamus, respectively. Women distractors elicited stronger responses in the inferior parietal lobe compared to all other distractors. Specifically, sexually preferred distractors elicited a weaker downregulation than other distractors. We suppose a different emotion regulation with respect to the sexual relevance of the distractors. To our knowledge, this study is the first to show neurofunctional correlates of sexual preference under cognitive demand. Further studies should examine whether this design is more robust against susceptibility to manipulation than others, in order to be applied as a measurement of sexual preference in forensic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]