Regulatory RNAs have been suggested to contribute to the control of gene expression in eukaryotes. Brain cytoplasmic (BC) RNAs are regulatory RNAs that control translation initiation. We now report that neuronal BC1 RNA plays an instrumental role in the proteinsynthesis-dependent implementation of neuronal excitation-repression equilibria. BC1 repression counter-regulates translational stimulation resulting from synaptic activation of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). Absence of BC1 RNA precipitates plasticity dysregulation in the form of neuronal hyperexcitability, elicited by group I mGluR-stimulated translation and signaled through the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway. Dysregulation of group I mGluR function in the absence of BC1 RNA gives rise to abnormal brain function. Cortical EEG recordings from freely moving BC1 Ϫ/Ϫ animals show that group I mGluR-mediated oscillations in the gamma frequency range are significantly elevated. When subjected to sensory stimulation, these animals display an acute group I mGluR-dependent propensity for convulsive seizures. Inadequate RNA control in neurons is thus causally linked to heightened group I mGluR-stimulated translation, neuronal hyperexcitability, heightened gamma band oscillations, and epileptogenesis. These data highlight the significance of small RNA control in neuronal plasticity.

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This research reports an investigation into whether the personality aspect of self-confidence affects the compromise effect. We hypothesize that highly self-confident people have greater certainty in making decisions and are more attracted to risk-taking, which makes them less likely to choose the safe or middle option in a large choice set. The three studies involved are conducted using between- and within-subjects experimental designs. Various product categories are used to generalize the findings. Study 1 looks at purchasing decisions and utilizes three scales of self-confidence, risk preference, and uncertainty; it demonstrates that consumers with high self-confidence are less likely to choose a compromise option due to high certainty in their decision-making. Study 2 discovers that people with low self-confidence are more likely to choose the middle option in a risky condition than in a nonrisky condition. Study 3 decomposes self-confidence into general and specific self-confidence, and reveals that people with low general self-confidence and low specific self-confidence are more likely to choose the middle option.

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Prior research seems to have neglected the factors that influence consumers to use price information as an indicator of quality or sacrifice. Based on the concept of ‘goal looms larger’, Study 1 in the present research demonstrated that the extent to which consumers use price information as an indicator of quality or sacrifice is a function of consumer goal (promotion focus vs prevention focus). Study 2 demonstrated that extremeness aversion is a function of consumer goal. The extent of extremeness aversion is significantly greater for prevention‐focused consumers than for promotion‐focused consumers.

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Guilt no longer a sin: the effect of guilt in the service recovery paradox