bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary lability of odour‐mediated host preference by the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Lefèvre Thierry , Gouagna Louis‐Clément , Dabire Kounbrobr Roch , Elguero Eric , Fontenille Didier , Costantini Carlo , Thomas Frédéric
Published: January 2009

Many species of disease‐vector mosquitoes display vertebrate host specificity. Despite considerable progress in recent years in understanding the proximate and ultimate factors related to non‐random host selection at the interspecific level, the basis of this selection remains only partially understood. Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto, the main malaria vector in Africa, is considered a highly anthropophilic mosquito, and host odours have been shown to play a major role in the host‐seeking process of this species. Studies on host preference of An. gambiae have been either conducted in controlled conditions using laboratory reared mosquitoes and worn stockings as host‐related stimuli, or have been done in the field with methods that do not account for internal (e.g. age of sampled mosquitoes) and/or environmental effects. We explored differential behavioural responses to host odours between two populations of the same sibling species, An. gambiae in semi‐field conditions in Burkina Faso. The behavioural responses (i.e. degree of activation and strength of anemotaxis) were investigated using a Y‐olfactometer designed to accommodate whole hosts as a source of odour stimuli. Two strains of An. gambiae (3 to 4‐day‐old female) from laboratory Kisumu strain, and from field‐collected individuals were confronted to combinations of stimuli comprising calf odour, human odour and outdoor air. In dual‐choice tests, field mosquitoes chose human odour over calf odour, outdoor air over calf odour and responded equally to human and outdoor air, while laboratory mosquitoes responded equally to human and calf odour, human odour over outdoor air and calf odour over outdoor air. Overall, no effect of CO2 exhaled by humans and calves neither on the proportion of activated mosquitoes nor on the relative attractiveness to odour stimuli was found. We report for the first time an intraspecific variation in host‐odour responses. This study clearly suggests that there may be genetic polymorphism underlying host preference and emphasizes that the highly anthropophilic label given to An. gambiae s.s. must be carefully interpreted and refer to populations rather than the whole sibling species.
Different transmission strategies of a parasite in male and female hosts
Authors: FELLOUS S. , KOELLA J. C.
Published: January 2009

We investigated whether a parasite with two routes of transmission responds to the different transmission opportunities offered by male and female hosts by using different transmission strategies in the two sexes. The parasite Ascogregarina culicis, which infects the mosquito Aedes aegypti, can be transmitted as its host’s pupa transforms into an adult or when a female lays its eggs. As the latter transmission route is missing in males, we expected, and found, that the parasite releases a greater proportion of its infectious forms during emergence when it is within a male than when it infects a female. The transmission route, which influences the parasite’s dispersal and the evolution of its virulence, was also affected by the dose of infection and the parasite’s previous transmission route. Our results emphasize the complexity underlying the development of parasites and show their ability to tune their strategy to their environment.
Estimating the heritability of female lifetime fecundity in a locally adapted Drosophila melanogaster population
Authors: LONG T. A. F. , MILLER P. M. , STEWART A. D. , RICE W. R.
Published: January 2009

The heritability of genome‐wide fitness that is expected in finite populations is poorly understood, both theoretically and empirically, despite its relevance to many fundamental concepts in evolutionary biology. In this study, we used two independent methods of estimating the heritability of lifetime female fecundity (the predominant female fitness component in this population) in a large, outbred population of Drosophila melanogaster that had adapted to the laboratory environment for over 400 generations. Despite strong directional selection on adult female fecundity, we uncovered high heritability for this trait that cannot be explained by antagonistic pleiotropy with juvenile fitness. The evolutionary significance of this high heritability of lifetime fecundity is discussed.
Blood Supply in the Tongue of Nellore Bos indicus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Ferreira J. R. , Nogueira D. J. , Rodrigues B. F. , Alvarenga B. F.
Published: January 2009

Aspects of the vascularization of the tongue of Nellore Bos indicus (Linnaeus, 1758) were evaluated through the vascular injection technique (with latex‐type Neoprene 450, Du Pont do Brasil S.A. and Sulvinil coloring, Glassurit), fixed in formaldehyde at 7% and dissected with magnifying glass. The material was collected at Goiás Carnes Freezer Warehouse in Goiania, Goias. It was found that the deep lingual artery penetrated the lower lateral region of the prominence of the dorsal area of the tongue, advancing rostrally between the hyoid bone and the hypoglossal muscle. In the intravisceral initial third, the artery represents the deep, sinuous continuation branch of the lingual artery, in which path the sublingual artery was stressed in the ventral plan. Then, the artery deepened in the interior of the hypoglossal muscles and genioglossal, supplying dorsal branches (from three to nine) for the lingual torus; from one to five dorsal collateral branches for the lingual cavity; and one or two ventral collateral branches. At the lingual apex, the artery undergoes bifurcation supplying collateral, dorsal and ventral branches with anastomoses between the parallel vessels in the same antimere and between branches of lower caliber hierarchy between opposite antemeres. The large presence of microvessels indicates a significant blood supply to the organ. These results, in comparison with those found in literature, suggest a peculiar vascular pattern for this cattle breed of Indian origin.
Effects of Eavesdropping on Subsequent Signalling Behaviours in Male Canaries
Authors: Amy Mathieu , Leboucher Gérard
Published: January 2009

Signalling interactions could provide information for an observing third party. This behaviour has been labelled as eavesdropping. Studies on eavesdropping in birds have concerned only few species and have mainly been conducted in the wild. Our experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of eavesdropping on subsequent interactions in male canaries in a controlled laboratory context. The experiment had two stages: a presentation stage and a test stage. During the presentation stage, subjects heard three different interaction types: an alternating interaction, an overlapping interaction or two song sequences presented separately one after the other, i.e. without interaction. Then during the test stage, subjects were allowed to listen to the songs previously heard separately. We noted calls emitted by subjects during the two stages. During the presentation stage, responses of male canaries did not differ according to the type of interaction they could hear. During the test stage, we found a clear effect of the song status on the calls emitted by subjects. They emitted less calls during the songs of the winner than during all other songs. Surprisingly, subjects also produced intermediate responses by emitting fewer calls during the second song previously heard during the presentation phase, and during the song of the looser when compared to the three other songs. Our results show that male canaries obtain information on the relative threat from an overlapping interaction whereas an alternating interaction does not seem to provide any kind of relative information on singers’ status. In following encounters, the higher the potential threat of a singer was, the less the subjects emitted calls, probably to avoid the more serious rival. This inhibiting effect is discussed.
Temporal Limitations on Social Learning of Novel Predators by Indian Mynahs, Acridotheres tristis
Authors: Griffin Andrea S.
Published: January 2009

Antipredator vocalizations of social companions are important for facilitating long‐term changes in the responses of prey to novel predator stimuli. However, dynamic variation in the time course of acoustic communication has important implications for learning of predator cues associated with auditory signals. While animals often experience acoustic signals simultaneously with predator cues, they may also at times experience signals and predator stimuli in succession. The ability to learn about stimuli that are perceived not only together, but also after, acoustic signals has the potential to expand the range of opportunities for learning about novel events. Earlier work in Indian mynahs (Acridotheres tristis) has revealed that subjects acquire a visual exploratory response to a novel avian mount after they have experienced it together with conspecific distress vocalizations, a call produced in response to seizure by a predator. The present study explored to what extent such learning occurred if the avian mount was experienced after, rather than simultaneously with, distress calls, such as might happen if call production is interrupted by prey death. Results showed that mynahs that experienced a novel avian mount simultaneously with the sound of distress calls exhibited a sustained exploratory response to the mount after training relative to before that was not apparent in birds that received distress calls and mount in succession. This finding suggests that vocal antipredator signals may only trigger learning of environmental stimuli with which they share some temporal overlap. Recipients may need to access complementary non‐vocal cues from the prey victim to learn about predator stimuli that are perceived after vocal behaviour.
Nest Sanitation Plays a Role in Egg Burial by Yellow Warblers
Authors: Guigueno Mélanie F. , Sealy Spencer G.
Published: January 2009

Some hosts of the brown‐headed cowbird (Molothrus ater) possess defences that eliminate all or most parasitism costs. Yellow warblers (Dendroica petechia) bury cowbird eggs, possibly to clean nests rather than serving strictly as an anti‐parasite defence, as non‐egg‐shaped objects have been ejected, buried, or deserted by other hosts. With two experiments, we tested the ‘nest sanitation’ hypothesis by recording warblers’ responses to objects (1) similar in volume, mass, and colour to cowbird eggs, and (2) half the mass and volume (more easily ejected), placed into nests before and during incubation. We compared outcomes at control nests with responses to objects that were dissimilar (stars) and moderately similar (dumbbells) to eggs, and to real cowbird and warbler eggs. We tested whether rejection (1) declines from stars through dumbbells and real eggs, (2) is similar between stages, and (3) non‐egg‐shaped objects are ejected because this is the least costly rejection method. Large stars were rejected (most buried) significantly more frequently (43.8%) than cowbird eggs (16.3%) in pre‐incubation, suggesting that warblers reject objects shaped unlike their own eggs to rid nests of debris. Objects spent less time in nests the more they diverged from eggs. Warblers rarely rejected large stars and dumbbells, and cowbird eggs during incubation, possibly because burial and desertion are too costly by this time. Responses to small stars and dumbbells, and to foreign yellow warbler eggs did not differ between stages; also warblers rejected stars, mostly by ejection and selective burial, more frequently (28.8%) than dumbbells (1.3%) and warbler eggs (0%). Rejection by yellow warblers, especially burial, may keep nests clean, but also functions in rejecting cowbird eggs.
Home‐Range Dynamics in a Solitary Subterranean Rodent
Authors: Šklíba Jan , Šumbera Radim , Chitaukali Wilbert N. , Burda Hynek
Published: January 2009

Despite an important role of subterranean rodents as ecosystem engineers, their belowground mobility is poorly documented. It is supposed that their underground burrow systems, once established, are relatively stable because of high‐energy costs of digging. We chose the silvery mole‐rat,Heliophobius argenteocinereus(Bathyergidae, Rodentia) from mesic Afrotropics as a representative of solitary subterranean rodents to investigate how, and how fast these rodents process their established burrow systems. We combined radio‐tracking of individual animals with subsequent mapping of their burrow systems, and we developed a new method for assessing the rate of burrowing. Mole‐rats continuously rebuilt their burrow systems; they excavated approx. 0.7 m of new tunnels per day and backfilled on average 64% of all tunnels. On average, every 32 d they established a new nest. They often completely backfilled newly excavated peripheral burrows, while other parts of their burrow systems were more permanent. Their home‐ranges were dynamic and continuously shifted in space. Burrow system processing continued even in the advanced dry season, when soil is difficult to work.
Information Content in Chorus Songs of the Group‐Living Australian Magpie (Cracticus tibicen dorsalis) in Western Australia
Authors: Baker Myron C.
Published: January 2009

Songs of birds encode several kinds of information that may be used during interactions with conspecifics. Some bird species live in social groups and perform territorial advertisement song as a group. Group singing raises questions concerning its function in the social life of the group. Australian magpies (Cracticus tibicen = Gymnorhina tibicen) are group‐living birds that sing chorus songs known as carols. Each carol is composed of a series of individual syllables. Previous spectrographic descriptions of carols in eastern Australian populations found individual‐specific and sex‐specific acoustic characteristics in carol syllables and group‐specific characteristics in carol songs. These findings suggest that carols might reveal not only the identity of the group, but also other properties, such as its size and sex composition, which could influence outcomes in assessment/management interactions between groups. I tape‐recorded and analyzed carols of seven magpie groups in Western Australia, a location and subspecies (C. t. dorsalis) differing from the previous studies of singing by magpies. I analyzed carols of each group to determine acoustic features of syllables, syllable syntax within carols and the way carols are delivered as a repertoire. Visual classification of individual song syllables as seen on sound spectrograms, automated quantification of spectral features of song syllables, examination for carol repertoires and call‐answer syntax within carols all revealed little evidence that magpies have individual‐specific or group‐specific vocal characteristics. Thus, chorus songs do not appear sufficiently distinctive to communicate identity at the level of the group nor reveal group size and composition. Instead, caroling may signal only territory occupancy and willingness to participate in territorial defense. A new hypothesis is advanced suggesting that chorus songs of group‐living birds are an unselected consequence of the coordinated duet songs of the breeding male and female whose duets are joined adventitiously by other group members.
Proof of concept processes in UK university technology transfer: an absorptive capacity perspective
Authors: McAdam Rodney , McAdam Maura , Brown Valerie
Published: January 2009

Successful research commercialisation within the university domain is predicated upon basic research being developed into technology that will attract funding, ultimately resulting in entities such as University spin‐out companies or licensing arrangements. This development process involves considerable risk and uncertainty and may require substantial resources to fund early stage operations while returns are uncertain. Hence there is a need to explore risk‐minimisation approaches relating to proving the potential for development while concurrently allocating resources in an incremental manner. This paper focuses on the development of the Northern Ireland Proof of Concept (PoC) process within a University Science Park Incubator (USI) as a particular approach to addressing these challenges inherent in the United Kingdom University technology transfer. Furthermore, Absorptive Capacity has emerged in the literature as an appropriate theoretical framework or lens for exploring the development and application of new technology. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to explore the PoC process within a USI as a means for improving the commercialisation of University technology transfer using an Absorptive Capacity perspective. A multiple case analysis of PoC applications within a UK university is described. From the findings it emerges that Absorptive Capacity influencing factors such as levels of R&D investment, prior knowledge base and integration of stakeholder and technology planning all impact on PoC outcomes. In addition a number of process improvement areas for PoC are identified in relation to the influencing factors within the Absorptive Capacity framework.
Regression analysis on serial dilution data from virus validation robustness studies
Authors: Van Geloven Nan , Cator Eric A. , Lopuhaä Hendrik P. , Janssen Mart P.
Published: January 2009

To ensure the safety of plasma‐derived medicinal products, the Dutch Blood Supply Foundation (Sanquin) performs virus validation experiments. Data from these experiments are based on serial dilution assays. Regression analysis on assay data faces several problems: only a small number of data points are available, data contain censoring and are subject to sampling error. Furthermore, the process variability inherent to the experiments is not evident. In this paper we address these problems by introducing a regression model for serial dilution data and by analyzing how validation experiments and simulation techniques can help elucidate various sources of variability the experiments are subject to. These are then incorporated into the regression model.
Kursgewinne durch Entlassungspläne? Erste Ergebnisse aus Deutschland
Authors: Neus Werner , Walter Andreas
Published: January 2009

Employing traditional event study methodology we examine the market reaction to layoff announcements of firms listed on the German stock market. We contribute to the international literature in this field with two major results. First, unlike anecdotal and similar to international evidence we report a negative and significant abnormal rate of return of −0.37 percent on the announcement day. Further, we find that the reason for the layoff announcement plays a decisive role in the revaluation process. On the one hand, stocks of firms that announce layoffs as a reaction to declining market conditions are associated with a more intense negative market response. On the other hand, even stocks of firms that intend to enhance their profitability by means of layoffs do not show a significant positive reaction.
Testing for Genetic Association With Constrained Models Using Triads
Authors: Troendle J. F. , Yu K. F. , Mills J. L.
Published: January 2009

It has been shown that it is preferable to use a robust model that incorporated constraints on the genotype relative risk rather than rely on a model that assumes the disease operates in a recessive or dominant fashion. Previous methods are applicable to case‐control studies, but not to family based studies of case children along with their parents (triads). We show here how to implement analogous constraints while analyzing triad data. The likelihood, conditional on the parents genotype, is maximized over the appropriately constrained parameter space. The asymptotic distribution for the maximized likelihood ratio statistic is found and used to estimate the null distribution of the test statistics. The properties of several methods of testing for association are compared by simulation. The constrained method provides higher power across a wide range of genetic models with little cost when compared to methods that restrict to a dominant, recessive, or multiplicative model, or make no modeling restriction. The methods are applied to two SNPs on the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene with neural tube defect (NTD) triads.
The future of genetics in psychology and psychiatry: microarrays, genome‐wide association, and non‐coding RNA
Authors: Plomin Robert , Davis Oliver S.P.
Published: January 2009

Background:  Much of what we thought we knew about genetics needs to be modified in light of recent discoveries. What are the implications of these advances for identifying genes responsible for the high heritability of many behavioural disorders and dimensions in childhood?

Methods:  Although quantitative genetics such as twin studies will continue to yield important findings, nothing will advance the field as much as identifying the specific genes responsible for heritability. Advances in molecular genetics have been driven by technology, especially DNA microarrays the size of a postage stamp that can genotype a million DNA markers simultaneously. DNA microarrays have led to a dramatic shift in research towards genome‐wide association (GWA) studies. The ultimate goal of GWA is to sequence each individual’s entire genome, which has begun to happen.

Results:  GWA studies suggest that for most complex traits and common disorders genetic effects are much smaller than previously considered: The largest effects account for only 1% of the variance of quantitative traits. This finding implies that hundreds of genes are responsible for the heritability of behavioural problems in childhood, and that it will be difficult to identify reliably these genes of small effect. Another discovery with far‐reaching implications for future genetic research is the importance of non‐coding RNA (DNA transcribed into RNA but not translated into amino acid sequences), which redefines what the word gene means. Non‐coding RNA underlines the need for a genome‐wide approach that is not limited to the 2% of DNA responsible for specifying the amino acid sequences of proteins.

Conclusions:  The only safe prediction is that the fast pace of genetic discoveries will continue and will increasingly affect research in child psychology and psychiatry. DNA microarrays will make it possible to use hundreds of genes to predict genetic risk and to use these sets of genes in top‐down behavioural genomic research that explores developmental change and continuity, multivariate heterogeneity and co‐morbidity, and gene–environment interaction and correlation. A crucial question is whether the prediction of genetic risk will be sufficiently robust to translate into genetically based diagnoses, personalised treatments, and prevention programmes.
Nosology and measurement in child and adolescent psychiatry
Authors: Angold Adrian , Jane Costello E.
Published: January 2009

The last 50 years have witnessed enormous strides in the measurement and classification of child and adolescent psychiatric disorders. Debates about whether we should continue to depend upon a categorical nosology still continue, but we argue that, despite the absence of clear dividing lines between psychiatric disorders and normality and ubiquity of diagnostic comorbidity, the current official approach to nosology has served child and adolescent psychiatric research surprisingly well. In particular we point to the utility of non‐developmental diagnostic criteria as tools for discovering developmental effects on psychopathology. We also maintain that the search for sharper boundaries between disorders is fundamentally mistaken. However, official nosologies have tended to privilege information collected in diagnostic interviews and to sideline observational and other methods that cannot easily be made to conform to the format of their criteria. We suggest that it is time to remedy this situation. The ICD‐10 and DSM‐IV are useless for children under the age of about two, while alternatives, such as the DC:0–3, suffer from a profound lack of empirical support. We suggest a way forward through the integration of methods from temperament and psychopathology research. Finally, we deplore the failure of standardized assessment techniques to have penetrated more deeply into everyday clinical assessment.
Perplexities and provocations of eating disorders
Authors: Halmi Katherine A.
Published: January 2009

Background:  Etiological hypotheses of eating disorders, anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa have not produced informative research for predictably effective treatment.

Methods:  The rationale for applying a model of allostasis, a dysregulation of reward circuits with activation of brain and hormonal stress responses to maintain apparent stability, is developed for eating disorders.

Results:  The neurotransmitter systems involved in the allostatic state of a reward system in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa may be similar to those present in drug addiction.

Conclusion:  The biological vulnerabilities underlying the unique features of eating disorders should be intensively investigated with the advancing techniques in genetics and neuroimaging. Preventing chronicity with early diagnosis and adequate treatment before age 18 is necessary.
Prerequisites for global child and adolescent mental health
Authors: Eisenberg Leon , Belfer Myron
Published: January 2009

The epidemiology of the mental and physical health of children and adolescents the world over reflects: the genomes they inherit (and the modifications those genes undergo in utero); the pregnancies that led to their births, whether their mothers survive those pregnancies, and whether their births were welcome; the parents, the neighbors, and the neighborhoods they ‘inherit’ along with their genomes; when and where they live (by cohort, by country, and by province); the air they breathe; the water they drink; what and how much they eat; the schools they attend (and by whom they are taught what and for how long); the energy they expend; the family status in the social order; the friends they have; and last but not least, the amount and kind of medical and psychiatric care they receive.
Community intervention and public policy in the prevention of antisocial behavior
Authors: Dodge Kenneth A.
Published: January 2009

As academic clinical science moves to community intervention to achieve impact on population prevalence of antisocial behavior disorders, exciting potential is tempered by realistic caution. Three kinds of efforts are noted. First, individual evidence‐based therapies are being implemented at scale. Difficulties in high‐fidelity implementation are noted, and the unlikelihood of population impact is highlighted. Second, communities are receiving new resources to support individuals, although connecting community resources to highest‐risk individuals is difficult. Third, community factors are being targeted for change through policy reform, with mixed results. As the field moves in this direction, the importance of adhering to principles of scientific rigor and empirical evidence is emphasized, to keep scientist‐practitioners from overstepping their bounds.
Pediatric depression: is there evidence to improve evidence‐based treatments?
Authors: Brent David A. , Maalouf Fadi T.
Published: January 2009

Although there have been advances in our ability to treat child and adolescent depression, use of evidence‐based treatments still results in many patients with residual symptoms. Advances in our understanding of cognitive, emotional, and ecological aspects of early‐onset depression have the potential to lead to improvements in the assessment and treatment of depression. A search for endophenotypes, i.e., traits that are related to depression, mediate the familial transmission of depression, and are genetically determined, may help in understanding etiology and in personalizing treatment. However, advances in treatment may also come from the identification of biomarkers, i.e., modifiable neurocognitive, physiological, or biochemical indices that are correlated with, or mediate, treatment outcome. More effective treatments may emerge from being able to personalize interventions to the patient’s cognitive, emotional, and developmental profile.
Childhood developmental disorders: an academic and clinical convergence point for psychiatry, neurology, psychology and pediatrics
Authors: Reiss Allan L.
Published: January 2009

Background:  Significant advances in understanding brain development and behavior have not been accompanied by revisions of traditional academic structure. Disciplinary isolation and a lack of meaningful interdisciplinary opportunities are persistent barriers in academic medicine. To enhance clinical practice, research, and training for the next generation, academic centers will need to take bold steps that challenge traditional departmental boundaries. Such change is not only desirable but, in fact, necessary to bring about a truly innovative and more effective approach to treating disorders of the developing brain.

Methods:  I focus on developmental disorders as a convergence point for transcending traditional academic boundaries. First, the current taxonomy of developmental disorders is described with emphasis on how current diagnostic systems inadvertently hinder research progress. Second, I describe the clinical features of autism, a phenomenologically defined condition, and Rett and fragile X syndromes, neurogenetic diseases that are risk factors for autism. Finally, I describe how the fields of psychiatry, psychology, neurology, and pediatrics now have an unprecedented opportunity to promote an interdisciplinary approach to training, research, and clinical practice and, thus, advance a deeper understanding of developmental disorders.

Results:  Research focused on autism is increasingly demonstrating the heterogeneity of individuals diagnosed by DSM criteria. This heterogeneity hinders the ability of investigators to replicate research results as well as progress towards more effective, etiology‐specific interventions. In contrast, fragile X and Rett syndromes are ‘real’ diseases for which advances in research are rapidly accelerating towards more disease‐specific human treatment trials.

Conclusions:  A major paradigm shift is required to improve our ability to diagnose and treat individuals with developmental disorders. This paradigm shift must take place at all levels – training, research and clinical activity. As clinicians and scientists who are currently constrained by disciplinary‐specific history and training, we must move towards redefining ourselves as clinical neuroscientists with shared interests and expertise that permit a more cohesive and effective approach to improving the lives of patients.
Anxiety disorders
Authors: Klein Rachel G.
Published: January 2009

Because of their high prevalence and their negative long‐term consequences, child anxiety disorders have become an important focus of interest. Whether pathological anxiety and normal fear are similar processes continues to be controversial. Comparative studies of child anxiety disorders are scarce, but there is some support for the current classification of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents, except for generalized anxiety disorder. The greatly differing rates of anxiety disorders in child population studies, and of specific disorders in clinical samples, inconsistent findings regarding course, and disparate placebo response rates all suggest a need for more precise, validated, criteria for symptoms, distress, and impairment. Several treatments have documented efficacy, and promising prevention efforts are encouraging.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IN POSTWAR JAPANESE SOCIETY
Authors: Funabashi Harutoshi
Published: January 2009

Abstract  We can distinguish four historical stages of environmental problems in postwar Japanese society. Historical retrospect shows that Japan was one of the worst countries concerning environmental disruption and that it experienced various issues corresponding to the change of main investment domain. Since the late 60s, residents' movements of victims pushed the business world, the national and local goverments to take more strict measures for the protection of the environment. New policy framework was defined in the beginning of the 70s. But further improvement of environment policy was not carried out under stagflation of first oil crisis. As a result of economic growth, Japanese society multiplied its demands on the ecosystem and it became a society characterized by a “separate‐dependent ecosystem” and by “one‐way consumption.” Diseqilibrium of the power balance and defects in the decision‐making process are basic social factors that have accelerated environment destruction in Japan. Despite apparent change, these social conditions continue to exist without change, and constitute an obstacle to the development of an environment‐oriented technology and a transformation into a more “regenerative” society with a “self‐supplying ecosystem.”
On Japanese‐Style Neo‐Corporatism: Era of a Tripartite “Honeymoon?”
Authors: Inagami Takeshi
Published: January 2009

Abstract  Throughout the 1970's and thereafter, especially the first oil crisis, it has remarkably emerged and firmly constructed the Japanese‐style neo‐corporatism: one of whose features is first supplementary macro‐corporatism at the corporate level, secondly whose initiative was voluntarily taken by leaders of ‘encompassing’ unions affiliated with IMF‐JC. thirdly the virtual collapse of traditional left‐wing block between Sohyo and the Japan Socialist Party, fourthly the ‘mild’ neo‐corporatism oriented towards neo‐liberalism not a lesser degree, and fifthly the lack of tradition of social democracy in terms of taking office at the national level and so forth. Rengo established in 1989 is no doubt not only the symbol but also the driving force of Japanese‐style neo‐corporatism. and it has advocated the societal reform from ‘production‐orientation to quality‐of‐life orientation.’ However, Rengo is faced with ‘sectoral clashes’ from within and suffering from the interest representation as well as its own political orientation.
Emerging Orientation to the Life Course Approach In Japan
Authors: Masaoka Kanji
Published: January 2009

Abstract  This paper reviews and describes the various results of the life course approach in Japan in the decade since its introduction. During the latter half of the 1960s and the early part of the 1970s young researchers of the postwar generation were searching for a new perspective with which to describe and explain the world. It was at this time that the life course approach was developed in the American academic community among several interrelated disciplines, such as sociology, anthropology, psychology, and history. In this preliminary phase the FLC research group, organized and administered by Kiyomi Morioka, played a significant role. Since its dissolution, many former members have continued to introduce the life course approach to other researchers, and much work has been done.
Social Theory and Self‐Organization: Toward a Sociology of Postmodernism
Authors: Imada Takatoshi
Published: January 2009

Abstract  Significant changes which represent a linguistic and semantic turn in social theory occurred between in the mid 1970's and the early 1980's. This turn indicates the importance of the social and public dimensions of symbolic meaning that has been distorted functionally by orthodox modernization theory. Modern society is characterized as penetrating the idea of functional primacy into various areas of social life, but in the 1980's skepticism about modernity increased markedly and fluctuation of modernity was resulted. In this paper I discuss the problem of symbolic meaning and fluctuation of modernity from the viewpoint of self‐organization paradigm which emphasizes ‘order from fluctuation’ and self‐reference, and review the possibility of a postmodern sociology through claiming the necessity to ask how anti‐control systems can be built.
Estimate of the Number of International Children in Japan, Based on Trends in Intermarriage
Authors: Hara Toshihiko , Ueki Takeshi , Murakami Masakatsu
Published: January 2009

Abstract  This paper focuses on international children (that is, children whose parents have different nationalities) in Japanese society. Using statistics on intermarriage in Japan between 1965 and 1990, we project the numbers of such children from 1991 to 2000. The important findings are summarized below:

1. There were estimated 165,000 international children under the age of 21 in Japan as of 1991. The number will increase to 528,000 by the end of the century if the intermarriage rate continues to increase as it has recently, but this will still represent less than 2% of the Japanese population under 21.

2. By the year 2000 roughly 75% of these will be children of foreign mothers, due to the rapid increase in marriages between Japanese grooms and foreign brides.

3. The number of children with dual nationality continues to remain much lower in Japan than advanced countries in Europe, despite concern expressed when the Nationality Law was revised in 1985. The number of children born to international couples in Japan is surprisingly small with respect to the number of international marriages, so a dramatic increase is not likely.
Environmental Sociology in Japan and Environmental Problems in Asian Societies
Authors: Iijima Nobuko
Published: January 2009

This paper discusses typical aspects of environmental sociology in Japan and what characteristics can be found in Japanese environmental problems when they are viewed from their relation to environmental problems in Asian societies.

The most prominent feature of environmental sociology in Japan is that it has been mainly the sociology of environmental problems, whereas in the United States is has been mainly the sociology of the environment. The second characteristic is closely related to the first: environmental sociology in Japan has focused on the local community and the life of people and victims affected by environmental problems.

The third property would be that many studies by environmental sociologists have been accumulated by the Japanese Association for Environmental Sociology, which was set up in 1990.

The approach to the study of environmental problems in Asian societies reflects these characteristics. Views from the historical interaction between Japan and other Asian countries are essential to the study of environmental problems in Asian countries.
At Arm's Length: The Filipina Domestic Helper‐Chinese Employer Relationship in Hong Kong
Authors: Ozeki Erino
Published: January 2009

Abstract  This paper aims at examining the influence of the migrant‐host group relations on migration networks by analyzing the case of Filipina migration as domestic helpers to Hong Kong. Since the stability of the migrants' relationship with their host group members is a crucial factor in the formation of migration chain, focus is put on the face‐to‐face relationship between Filipina helpers and Chinese employers.

In regard to the type of helper‐employer relationship, two different aspects have been suggested; one is exploitative and the other genial. The exploitative relationship develops when employers take advantage of 'the migrants' less protected legal status, but it is a threat to sustaining stable, long‐term employment of the helpers. The genial relationship develops from concern, but it also has the danger of deteriorating the basic employer‐employee relationship. In order to avoid these two extremes, the adjusted form of relationship develops, which reduces the strain in the employment relationship by the genial atmosphere, and prevents it from collapsing by providing employers with senior authority in their quasi‐familial relationship with their helpers.

This transformed relationship keeps the helper‐employer relation stable. preventing it from being endangered by its limited geniality, while encouraging them in mutual trust through moderate friendship. Being based on mutual trust, it also facilitates the development of migration networks by duplicating itself through the kinship networks of both parties.
The Lifestyle, Commitment and Satisfaction among Male Workers in Tokyo
Authors: Watanabe Shin
Published: January 2009

Abstract  This study examines the relationship between workers' lifestyle, organizational commitment, and satisfaction. First, this study describes the lifestyle, i.e. cluster of value orientations, of male workers in Tokyo. The sample of this study is 2,003 regular male private firm employees and public (government) employees aged 20‐54 living in the Tokyo metropolitan areas. We measure attitudes of workers toward work and the place of work. The 33 measures of attitudes are analyzed by means of cluster analysis to construct typologies of lifestyle of workers. We obtained three clusters: cluster 1 (career‐oriented generalists, i.e., company man), cluster 2 (stability‐oriented family man), and cluster 3 (work‐oriented specialist). Second, we found demographic differences among the three clusters. Workers in cluster 1 tend to be older. to be more university educated, to obtain higher income, and to have higher positions at their current job. Workers in cluster 2 are more likely to be young, to graduate from senior high school, and to be in the middle‐income group. Workers in cluster 3 tend to graduate from special training school or university and to be in lower‐income group. Finally, we found differences in organizational commitment and job satisfaction among the three clusters. Workers in cluster 2 are more likely than are those in the other two clusters to be dissatisfied with their current job. to have a lower level of identification with their current firm, and consequently to have a greater propensity to leave their present company.
Manager‐subordinate Relationship in Cross‐cultural Organizations: The Case of Japanese Subsidiaries in the United States
Authors: Watanabe Satoko
Published: January 2009

Abstract  The paper examines the perceptions of Japanese expatriate management held by American employees, whilst isolating the factors influencing such perceptions. An analysis of the survey data from 388 American eniployees has revealed that they view Japanese co‐workers as loyal to the organization, competent, trustworthy, somewhat friendly, patient and fair on the one hand; but as secretive, hard to understand, untrusting of others and somewhat indecisive on the other. It has been found that the local employees with higher ranks are likely to perceive the expatriate managers more negatively than the ones with lower ranks; and that the local employees who have worked longer tend to view the expatriate managers more negatively than those who have worked for shorter periods. Further, such perceptions are significantly affectd by position in the organization and the length of contact. These findings can have important implications for human resources management policies in Japanese multinational corporations.
A DESIGN OF NORMATIVE SOCIOLOGY BASED ON THE RATIONAL CHOICE PARADIGM
Authors: Todoroki Makoto
Published: January 2009

Abstract  In this paper, I metatheoretically examine a design of normative sociology. Normative sociology is the normative‐scientific study in sociology. The substance of normative science is the conceptual examination of values or value judgments. According to Coleman (1974) and Faran, (1989) et al., sociologists should contribute to normative science by using ideas from general sociological theory. There is a useful traditional enterprise for this aim in sociology; that is the study of the problem of order, particularly the study of it based on the rational choice paradigm. Seiyama (1992) points to the limits of the rational choice paradigm. I propose three aims of social theory, and claim that the study of the problem of order based on this paradigm is useful when our purpose is normative model‐building. I call the problem of order as a subject of the study for this purpose “the value‐theoretical problem of order.” This examination can clear up some of the theoretical confusion surrounding the problem of order and show the methodological basis of normative sociology based on the rational choice paradigm.
Socioeconomic Status and Mental Illness in Japan*
Authors: Kikuzawa Saeko
Published: January 2009

Abstract  Since the pioneering work of Faris and Dunham (1938), a number of studies in the United States have documented an inverse association between socioeconomic status (SES) and mental illness both at the aggregate and the individual levels, and both for the treated and the general population. However, there are few studies of whether this relationship holds in other countries. This study examines socioeconomic characteristics and mental illness in Japan, which has a very different social stratification system from that of the United States. It was found that, at the aggregate level, the “inverse” association between socioeconomic characteristics and the rate of treated mental illness does not hold in Japan. Instead, the relationship is curvilinear: mental illness is higher in districts with large numbers of blue collar and upper white collar workers than in districts with large numbers of lower white collar workers. The effect of SES on mental illness operates through economic stress embedded in the macro social context. Because different social structures lead to different patterns of economic stress, the inverse relationship between socioeconomic status and mental health cannot be assumed to hold in all countries.
Patron‐Client Relation Reconsidered: Comparing Civil Defense Group in Kanto Earthquake and Jakarta Riots of May 1998
Authors: Dwianto Raphaella D.
Published: January 2009

Abstract  Through comparative sociological analysis, this paper discusses the patron‐client relation in urban locality groups. The civil defense groups as urban locality groups which emerged during the chaotic situation after the Kanto earthquake in September 1923, and during Jakarta riots in May 1998, are the subjects of comparison. Even though the social background and historical context of the societies in question are different, both incidents share some similarities, in the rumors which accelerated the formation of civil defense group in almost every neighborhood. Further analysis on the formation, membership, and activities of the group reveals that the patron‐client relation is not a mere power (vertical) relation, but also a life‐cooperation relation.
Education and Social Mobility in Postwar Japan: Trends and Some Institutional Aspects
Authors: Kondo Hiroyuki
Published: January 2009

Abstract This paper examines the trend in social mobility in postwar Japan, especially focusing on the mediating role of education. The data set is derived from the SSM (Social Stratification and Social Mobility) surveys. Applying log‐linear models to the data of five periods, we analyze the trend of the relationship among origin, education, and destination. Occupations are classified according to type of job, and son's first job is used for the analysis. The result reveals that the unmediating transmission of position has declined, and education is becoming a more significant mediator between origin and destination. These changes proceed in the form of reduction in the random sphere of ‘movers’ as well as replacement of ‘stayers’ with ‘movers’. However, the association between origin and destination has hardly changed for several decades. This stablity results from the inequality in educational resources available to families and the specificities, not universality, of relations surviving into the higher level of education.