bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alcohol, smoking, and obesity epidemiology in Japan
Authors: Tsugane Shoichiro 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe health impact of alcohol drinking, cigarette smoking and obesity differs between Asian and Western countries. The epidemiology of cancer and death related to these lifestyles are described in this article. In Japan, heavy alcohol drinking and cigarette smoking are rather high in men. While there is a worldwide anti‐smoking policy, Japan is still on the way to aiming at this goal, and this delay in health promotion has maintained the high impact of smoking, whether active or passive, on people's health in that country. Public health policy should focus more strongly on the control of smoking and heavy drinking, especially among men. Maintaining the consumption of alcohol at a level below 46 g a day in men and 23 g a day in women appears to minimize the risks of mortality and cancer in the Japanese population. On the other hand, the obesity rate is low and being underweight is common both in men and women. Proportions of cancer attributable to a body mass index of 25 or more are only 0.5% in men and 1.1% in women. Given that many previous studies in Japanese and Asian populations have associated a low body mass index with an increased risk of cancer, the impact of being underweight—not only obese—may warrant further investigation.
Microarray analysis of gastric mucosa among children with Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Ikuse Tamaki , Ohtsuka Yoshikazu , Kudo Takahiro , Hosoi Kenji , Obayashi Naho , Jimbo Keisuke , Aoyagi Yo , Fujii Tohru , Nagata Satoru , Shimizu Toshiaki 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground:  Although initial infection with Helicobacter pylori may occur before 5 years of age, the pediatric mucosal immune response against H. pylori is not clear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate immune responses in the H. pylori‐infected gastric mucosa of children using microarray and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of pediatric gastric samples.Methods:  Gastric samples were obtained from 12 patients undergoing routine endoscopy of chronic abdominal complaints. Six patients (three boys, three girls) aged 10.1–14.6 years had evidence of H. pylori infection, and the remaining six (three boys, three girls) aged 10.3–15.5 years had no evidence of infection and presented no histological changes associated with gastritis. Microarray and real‐time PCR analyses were performed, and the changes in gene expression‐related immune response were also analyzed.Results:  Using microarray analysis, the total number of significantly upregulated and downregulated genes (fold change >5, P < 0.01) was 21 in the antrum and 16 in the corpus when comparing patients with or without infection. Using real‐time PCR, the expression of lipocalin‐2 (Lcn2), C‐C motif chemokine ligand (CCL) 18, C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL) 9 and CXCL11 was upregulated, while the expression of pepsinogen (PG) I and PGII was downregulated when comparing patients with or without infection.Conclusions:  Lcn2, CCL18, CXCL9, CXCL11, PGI and PGII play important roles in childhood H. pylori infection.
Large summer weight gain in relatively overweight preschool Japanese children
Authors: Kato Noriko , Sauvaget Catherine , Kato Tadaaki 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground:  Children's lifestyles have changed recently in Japan. These changes are thought to be associated with their physical growth. The aim of the present paper was to describe and interpret the growth seasonality of children attending day‐nurseries in Osaka Prefecture, Japan.Methods:  Results were based on a 6 year follow‐up study of preschool children aged 0 at baseline to 6 years old at the end of the follow up. Longitudinal growth data for 148 boys and 113 girls, born between April 1990 and March 1991, attending day‐nursery were obtained monthly from April 1990 through to March 1996. Children were divided into two groups: those with a normal (<17) or high (≥17) body mass index (BMI) at 5 years of age. Weight and height seasonal gains were estimated for each group.Results:  Weight gain was higher during autumn among the group with a normal BMI at 5 years of age. Among high BMI group, weight gain was higher during autumn when they were 0 to 4 years of age, while it was higher during summer when they were 5 years of age. Height gain was higher in spring and summer in both BMI groups. Results were similar in boys and girls.Conclusion:  Although the findings are consistent with previous studies for normal BMI children, the present study reports new findings for children with a high BMI at 5 years of age, for whom a large weight gain occurred during summer.
Carbon‐ion radiation therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Ishikawa Hitoshi , Tsuji Hiroshi , Kamada Tadashi , Akakura Koichiro , Suzuki Hiroyoshi , Shimazaki Jun , Tsujii Hirohiko ,   the Working Group for Genitourinary Tumors
Published: February 2012

AbstractIn 1994, carbon‐ion radiotherapy was started at the National Institute of Radiological Sciences using the Heavy‐Ion Medical Accelerator in Chiba. Between June 1995 and March 2000, two phase I/II dose escalation studies (protocols 9402 and 9703) of hypofractionated carbon‐ion radiotherapy for both early‐ and advance‐stage prostate cancer patients had been carried out to establish radiotherapy technique and to determine the optimal radiation dose. To validate the feasibility and efficacy of hypofractionated carbon‐ion radiotherapy, a phase II study (9904) was initiated in April 2000 using the shrinking field technique and the recommended dose fractionation (66 gray equivalents in 20 fractions over 5 weeks) obtained from the phase I/II studies, and was successfully completed in October 2003. The data from 175 patients in the phase II study showed the importance of an appropriate use of androgen deprivation therapy according to tumor risk group. Since November 2003, carbon‐ion radiotherapy for prostate cancer was approved as “Highly Advanced Medical Technology” from the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, and since then approximately 1100 patients have received carbon‐ion radiotherapy as of July 2011. In this review, we introduce our steps thorough three clinical trials carried out at National Institute of Radiological Sciences, and show the updated data of carbon‐ion radiotherapy obtained from approximately 1000 prostate cancer patients. In addition, our recent challenge and future direction will be also described.
Contrast tuned responses in primary auditory cortex of the awake ferret
Authors: Shechter B. , Depireux D. A. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAuditory neurons are often characterized by their spectro‐temporal receptive field (STRF), a linear measure that captures overall trends of neural responses to modulations of the spectro‐temporal envelopes of sounds. We have previously shown that primary auditory cortex neurons of the awake ferret are better characterized by STRFs followed by a non‐trivial non‐linearity. This non‐linearity is a half‐wave rectification followed by a squaring function, indicating that cortical neurons probably encode higher‐order statistics of the spectrum of sounds. In this article, we introduce the concept of a contrast receptive field (CRF) and show that neurons in the auditory cortex encode quadratic statistics of the spectro‐temporal envelope of sounds, which we call auditory contrast. We reveal phase‐dependent contrast tuning in single units. Most units with a reliable STRF also possess a reliable CRF, such that the response to stimulus contrast complements the linear response described by the STRF. The relationship between the STRF and the CRF is analyzed in terms of orthogonality, co‐localization in time–frequency, feature orientation selectivity, and output non‐linearity interdependence. Our study shows that contrast can be used by auditory cortex neurons to sharpen, in a noise‐resistant fashion, their responses to dynamic spectral profiles.
Neural circuit competition in cocaine‐seeking: roles of the infralimbic cortex and nucleus accumbens shell
Authors: LaLumiere Ryan T. , Smith Kyle C. , Kalivas Peter W. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractFollowing cocaine self‐administration and extinction training, activity in the infralimbic cortex (IL) suppresses cocaine‐seeking behavior. IL inactivation induces cocaine‐seeking whereas activation suppresses cocaine‐reinstated drug‐seeking. We asked how the suppression of cocaine‐seeking induced by IL activation integrates with the circuitry promoting reinstated cocaine‐seeking. Following cocaine self‐administration and extinction training, rats underwent cue‐induced reinstatement. In order to activate IL projections, microinjections of PEPA, a positive allosteric modulator of AMPA receptors, were made into the IL in combination with microinjections into a variety of nuclei known to regulate cocaine‐seeking. Intra‐IL PEPA administration suppressed cue‐induced reinstatement without affecting locomotor activity. The suppression of cocaine‐seeking was reversed by activating dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area with microinjections of the μ‐opioid receptor agonist DAMGO, and was partially reversed by dopamine microinjections into the prelimbic cortex or basolateral amygdala. Previous evidence suggests that the nucleus accumbens shell both promotes and suppresses cocaine‐seeking. The suppression of cue‐induced cocaine seeking by PEPA in the IL was reversed by intra‐shell microinjections of either dopamine or the AMPA receptor antagonist CNQX, suggesting that the accumbens shell bidirectionally regulates cocaine‐seeking depending on whether dopamine input is mimicked or glutamate input is inhibited. Together, these findings indicate that the IL acts ‘upstream’ from structures promoting cocaine‐seeking, including from the mesolimbic dopamine projections to the prelimbic cortex and basolateral amygdala, and that the accumbens shell may be a crucial point of integration between the circuits that promote (ventral tegmental area) and inhibit (IL) reinstated cocaine‐seeking.
Predation by generalist predators on the codling moth versus a closely‐related emerging pest the oriental fruit moth: a molecular analysis
Authors: Boreau de Roincé Catherine , Lavigne Claire , Ricard Jean‐Michel , Franck Pierre , Bouvier Jean‐Charles , Garcin Alain , Symondson William O. C. 
Published: February 2012

Biological control by conservation of native natural enemies can, at its best, reduce the need for pesticides and prevent detrimental effects upon the environment. The present study investigated the role of ground‐active generalist predators as natural enemies of two tortricid pests in apple orchards.
Predation rates were compared on the well established codling moth Cydia pomonella and the emerging oriental fruit moth Grapholita molesta, which has recently switched hosts to apples.
The present study hypothesized that the ground‐active predators consumed the two tortricid pests in significant numbers without preference, and attacked the pests at different developmental stages.
Using diagnostic polymerase chain reaction on the gut contents of field‐caught ground‐active predators, no difference in predation rates was found on these two pests. Spiders were the most efficient predators of emergent adult moths in spring, whereas the carabid beetles, feeding on diapausing larvae, were important in the autumn.
The temporal complementarity between spiders and carabid beetles, attacking different stages of the pests at different times of year, highlights the need for diverse predator assemblages to optimize biological control.
Midwifery students' perceived independence within the core competencies expected of the midwifery community upon graduation: an Italian study
Authors: Fasan J. , Zavarise D. , Palese A. , Marchesoni D. 
Published: February 2012

FASAN J., ZAVARISE D., PALESE A. & MARCHESONI D. (2012) Midwifery students' perceived independence within the core competencies expected of the midwifery community upon graduation: an Italian study. International Nursing Review59, 208–214Aim:  The general aim of this article is to describe the independence perceived by midwifery students who are due to qualify with regard to core competencies that are considered essential by the community of professional midwives working in Italian healthcare hospitals.Methods:  A multi‐method research project was undertaken. One hundred sixty‐seven midwives working in 11 regional facilities were approached with the aim of selecting the core competencies expected by graduands. In the same region, all graduands (24) educated at two universities were involved in the study aiming to discover the level of the independence (from 0 none to 10 maximum) perceived in each core competence selected by the midwives.Results:  The average score obtained by graduands in the questionnaire containing 102 core competencies was 717.4 (standard deviation 130.3, median 743). The minimum score was 363 and the highest was 916. Assuming the minimum cut‐off at 612 points, five students (20.8%) had a perceived level of independence below sufficiency.Conclusion:  Italian midwifery education has been reformed five times since 1940. The reduction in the length of the direct entry midwifery programme as introduced in the latest Italian national reform, and the higher standard of education requested also by European Directives, cause an increasing number of students to prefer to extend their course duration and postpone graduation until they feel independent. Any change in curriculum should consider the impact in the short, medium and long terms. For this reason, each new policy should consider carefully the point of view of experts in the disciplines, such as midwifery, with the objective of protecting and developing their competence in taking care of women, newborns and their families.
The Five‐Factor Model of Personality Disorder and DSM‐5
Authors: Trull Timothy J. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe Five‐Factor Model of personality disorders (FFMPD; Widiger & Mullins‐Sweatt, ) developed from the recognition that the popular Five‐Factor Model (FFM) of personality could be used to describe and understand the official personality disorder (PD) constructs from the American Psychiatric Association's (APA) diagnostic manuals (e.g., DSM‐IV‐TR, APA, ). This article provides an overview of the FFM, highlighting its validity and utility in characterizing PDs as well as its ability to provide a comprehensive account of personality pathology in general. In 2013, DSM‐5 is scheduled to appear, and the “hybrid” PD proposal will emphasize a 25–personality trait model. I present the current version of this new model, compare it to the FFMPD, and discuss issues related to the implementation of the FFMPD.
Clinical Utility of the Five‐Factor Model of Personality Disorder
Authors: Mullins‐Sweatt Stephanie N. , Lengel Gregory J. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThere exists a great deal of research regarding the validity of the Five‐Factor Model (FFM) of personality disorder. One of the most common objections to this model is concern regarding clinical utility. This article discusses clinical utility in terms of three fundamental components (i.e., ease of usage, communication, and treatment). In addition, a considerable number of recent empirical studies have examined whether the FFM compares well to personality disorder diagnostic categories with respect to all three components of clinical utility. The purpose of the current article is to provide a description of the implications of each component of clinical utility as it relates to the FFM and to acknowledge and address the empirical findings.
Assessment of Maladaptive Variants of Five‐Factor Model Traits
Authors: Lynam Donald R. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractResearch has shown that the personality disorders (PDs) bear consistent relations to general models of personality functioning, particularly in relation to the Five‐Factor Model (FFM). In addition to suggesting that the PDs might be understood as constellations of traits from the FFM, this research also suggests that these constellations might be used to assess the PDs. The present article reviews previous research using the NEO Personality Inventory–Revised (NEO PI‐R; Costa & McCrae, ) to assess disordered personality and discusses some shortcomings of this approach. Next, I detail studies that have used what is known about the relations between the FFM and disordered personality to construct new assessments that are grounded in the basic science of personality but designed to assess the more pathological aspects. Finally, the advantages of this approach are outlined.
Integrating Normal and Abnormal Personality Structure: The Five‐Factor Model
Authors: Widiger Thomas A. , Costa Paul T. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIt is evident that the conceptualization, diagnosis, and classification of personality disorder (PD) is shifting toward a dimensional model. The purpose of this special issue of Journal of Personality is to indicate how the Five‐Factor Model (FFM) can provide a useful and meaningful basis for an integration of the description and classification of both normal and abnormal personality functioning. This introductory article discusses its empirical support and the potential advantages of understanding personality disorders, including those included within the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and likely future PDs from the dimensional perspective of the FFM.
A Five‐Factor Model Framework for Understanding Childhood Personality Disorder Antecedents
Authors: De Clercq Barbara , De Fruyt Filip 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe present contribution reviews evidence that supports the relevance of childhood antecedents of personality disorders, and advocates that the validity of a Five‐Factor Model framework for describing general trait differences in childhood can be extended towards the field of developmental personality difficulties. In addition, we suggest that several traditional childhood Axis I conditions include a substantial trait component that may be responsible for the recurring finding that childhood Axis I disorders are predictive for adult Axis II disorders. Given the valuable information provided by a trait assessment, we further propose to integrate dimensional personality and personality pathology measures as standard tools in mental health assessments at a young age.
Educational virtual environments as a lens for understanding both precise repeatability and specific variation in learning ecologies
Authors: Zuiker Steven J. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAs a global cyberinfrastructure, the Internet makes authentic digital problem spaces like educational virtual environments (EVEs) available to a wide range of classrooms, schools and education systems operating under different circumstantial, practical, social and cultural conditions. And yet, if the makers and users of EVEs both have a hand in what can be initially achieved and subsequently repeated, then replication is not only a matter of precise repeatability but also specific variation. In this light, the study enlists one EVE in order to examine both classroom learning and educational research methodology. Two Singapore secondary school enactments of the Quest Atlantis Taiga curriculum are compared with one another and with previously published US enactments. Statistically significant learning gains precisely repeat Barab and colleagues' findings while classroom practices specifically vary from its design narratives. Descriptions of the progressive development of Singapore enactments illustrate a methodological tack for understanding continuity and change within Singapore classrooms and between Singapore and US classrooms as necessary functions of diversity. The juxtaposition of these analyses characterize tensions between replication and implementation fidelity and, in turn, frame EVEs as a tool for understanding and leveraging precise repeatability and specific variability of curricula.Practitioner NotesWhat is already known about this topic
Evidence suggests that some educational virtual environments (EVEs) can support learning.
However, the processes through which EVEs operate remain underspecified.
At the same time, it is undesirable to control in every way how teachers and students use EVEs and therefore more difficult to characterize these technologies in terms of causal mechanisms.
What this paper adds
EVEs can more systematically illuminate both a process of learning and a diverse repertoire of supporting strategies.
With such a perspective, this paper describes how two Singapore classrooms make use of the same EVE differently while also documenting statistically significant learning gains.
The paper also enlists the EVE as a frame for juxtaposing differences within and between education systems.
Implications for practice and/or policy
Documenting productive learning experiences across a range of unique locales and attendant facilitation strategies underscores that some curricula can be flexible.
Several successful strategies that teachers employed departed from the EVE design and highlight ways that local adaptations can improve designs in ways that designers simply cannot anticipate.
EVEs can be a useful tool for understanding strategic adaptations and enhancing the implicit partnerships that designers and teachers forge via curricula.
Matrilineal motives: kinship, witchcraft, and repatriation among Congolese refugees
Authors: APTER ANDREW 
Published: February 2012

This article explores the significance of matrilineal descent among Congolese refugees in camp Kala, Zambia. Matriliny mattered in Kala, I argue, because it motivated repatriation, generating witchcraft accusations stemming from variations of the matrilineal puzzle. On the surface, Kala did not ‘look’ particularly matrilineal, given the ad hoc domestic arrangements of surviving refugees. But when placed against the backdrop of matrilineal descent – expressed in broader kinship networks between refugee households, and as an evaluative discourse of illegitimate accumulation – witchcraft‐driven repatriation makes sense as an ‘extreme’ form of lineage fission. Within the confines of the refugee camp, a Central African model of matriliny was effectively reduced to its core dynamics, highlighting a bio‐social economy of the womb and its witchcraft conversions of blood into money. After examining three social dramas of witchcraft and repatriation in Kala, I engage broader considerations of gender and history to recast descent as a regenerative scheme.RésuméL’auteur explore l’importance de la descendance matrilinéaire parmi les réfugiés congolais du camp de Kala, en Zambie. Il avance que la matrilinéarité a eu une importance à Kala parce que c’est elle qui motivait le rapatriement, suscitant des accusations de sorcellerie liées à des écarts dans l’écheveau matrilinéaire. Superficiellement, Kala « n’avait pas l’air » particulièrement matrilinéaire, compte tenu des dispositions domestiques ad hoc prises par les réfugiés survivants. Pourtant, lorsqu’il est replacé dans le contexte de la matrilinéarité, exprimée dans des réseaux de parentéélargis entre les foyers des réfugiés et au travers d’un discours évaluatif sur l’accumulation illégitime, le rapatriement pour motif de sorcellerie s’explique comme une forme « extrême » de fission lignagère. De fait, aux confins du camp de réfugiés, un modèle de matrilinéarité centrafricain a été réduit à sa dynamique fondamentale, mettant en évidence une économie bio‐sociale de la matrice et ses conversions sorcellaires du sang en argent. Après avoir examiné trois épisodes dramatiques de sorcellerie et de rapatriement à Kala, l’auteur s’engage dans des réflexions plus larges sur le genre et l’histoire, afin de recadrer la filiation comme un mode de régénération.