bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An all‐or‐nothing thinking turns into darkness: Relations between dichotomous thinking and personality disorders1
Authors: OSHIO ATSUSHI 
Published: April 2012

AbstractDichotomous thinking is an individual's propensity to think in terms of binary opposition. While this thinking style may be useful for quick decision‐making, some clinical psychologists have indicated that such a style is related to personality disorders. Oshio (2009) revealed that the Dichotomous Thinking Inventory (DTI) has significant positive correlations with borderline personality and narcissism. This study examines whether dichotomous thinking is associated with cluster A, B, and C personality disorders. The participants comprised 152 Japanese undergraduates (84 male and 68 female). They completed the DTI and Ten Personality Styles scale (10 PesT; Nakazawa (2006)), developed from the definitions of personality disorders in the DSM‐IV. Structural equation modeling supported the hierarchical factor structure of personality disorders. The dichotomous thinking effects “cluster” level of disorders more than other levels. The results indicated that thinking dichotomously may lead to wide‐ranging personality disorders.
Learning about oneself through others: experiences of a group‐based patient education programme about irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Håkanson Cecilia , Sahlberg‐Blom Eva , Ternestedt Britt‐Marie , Nyhlin Henry 
Published: April 2012

Background:  People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often experience severe illness‐related troubles in their everyday lives. Many persons also perceive their disease‐related knowledge to be insufficient, and they feel dissatisfied with their inability to improve well‐being. Previous research about patient education and IBS has emphasized biomedical outcomes of symptoms, health‐promoting behaviours, coping and health‐related quality of life, rather than people’s experiences.Aim:  To explore people’s experiences of participating in a multidisciplinary group‐based patient education programme about IBS and of the influence of this programme on everyday life with illness.Methods:  Focus group interviews were performed with 31 persons after their participation in the patient education programme. Interpretive description guided the inductive analysis of data. The study was approved by the local research ethics committee.Findings:  The analysis revealed four patterns; being part of a safe community, learning about oneself through others, understanding and controlling the body and illness as a whole, and being outside of the community. The pattern of learning about oneself through others can be described as a reciprocal activity of learning by listening to, telling and observing others. Being among similar others had created feelings among most of the focus group participants of being part of a safe community where taboo subjects related to IBS‐symptoms could be outspoken. Understanding the body and illness as a whole had enhanced their ability to interpret bodily signals and to handle trouble some situations with greater self‐confidence, and this regained their access to the social everyday world.Conclusion:  The combination of reciprocal sharing of experiences and the provision of professional scientific knowledge during the patient education programme together contributed to a growing readiness to improve well‐being in everyday life, for most of the participating individuals. This was based on new understandings of the body and illness as a whole and of new abilities to make knowledge‐based decisions about what strategies to use in overcoming illness‐related troubles.
Effects of cattle manure on selected soil physical properties of smallholder farms on two soils of Murewa, Zimbabwe
Authors: Dunjana N. , Nyamugafata P. , Shumba A. , Nyamangara J. , Zingore S. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe effects of cattle manure and inorganic N‐fertilizer application on soil organic carbon (SOC), bulk density, macro‐aggregate stability and aggregate protected carbon were determined on clay and sandy soils of the Murewa smallholder farming area, Zimbabwe. Maize was grown in four fields termed homefields (HFs) and outfields (OFs) because of spatial variability induced by management practices and with the following fertility treatments: control (no fertility amelioration), 5, 15 and 25 t/ha cattle manure + 100 kg/ha N applied annually for seven consecutive years. The addition of cattle manure resulted in significant (P < 0.01) increases in SOC, macro‐aggregate stability and aggregate protected carbon in clay soils from at least the 5 t/ha cattle manure rate and was comparable between HFs and OFs on clay soils. Aggregate protected carbon in clay soils was significantly higher from the 15 and 25 t/ha cattle manure rates compared to the 5 t/ha cattle manure treatment. In contrast, only SOC was significantly (P < 0.05) increased with the addition of cattle manure on the sandy soils, while bulk density, macro‐aggregate stability and aggregate protected carbon were not significantly changed. Bulk density was also not significantly (P > 0.05) different on the clay soils. A significant and positive linear relationship (r2 = 0.85) was found between SOC and macro‐aggregate stability, while an r2 value of 0.82 was obtained between SOC and aggregate protected carbon on the clay soils. However, no regressions were performed on data from the sandy soils because of the lack of significant changes in soil physical properties. Application of cattle manure and inorganic N‐fertilizer significantly increased (P < 0.05) maize grain yield on both soil types. Results show that inorganic N‐fertilizer combined with cattle manure at 5–15 t/ha per yr is necessary to increase maize yields and SOC on sandy soils in Murewa, while at least 15 t/ha per yr cattle manure is required on the clay soils to improve physical properties in addition to maize yields and SOC.
Use of crop residues with alkaline slag to ameliorate soil acidity in an Ultisol
Authors: Wang L. , Butterly C. R. , Yang X. L. , Wang Y. , Herath H. M. S. K. , Jiang X. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractInformation regarding the interaction between liming agents and crop residues on soil acidity amelioration is limited. A laboratory incubation study was undertaken to investigate the combined application of alkaline slag (AS, the major component is CaO) and crop residues with different C/N ratios and ash alkalinity content. Incorporation of amendments was effective in reducing soil exchangeable acidity and Al saturation and increasing exchangeable base cations (P < 0.05), but the effect of AS on soil pH adjustment was reduced when added with a high amount of residue with a low C/N ratio. Initial increases in soil pH were attributed to the release of alkalinity from the combined amendments and the mineralization of organic nitrogen (N). During subsequent incubation, the soil pH decreased because of nitrification. Crop residues with a high C/N ratio increased N immobilization and reduced net nitrification, resulting in a slight pH decrease. Crop residues with a low C/N ratio resulted in a sharp decrease in soil pH when applied with low levels of AS because of stimulated soil nitrification, whereas high AS had no consistent effect on net nitrification. Hence, compared to the control (pH = 4.21), a large increase in soil pH occurred, especially when peanut straw was applied at 10 g/kg (pH = 5.16). It is suggested that crop residues with high C/N ratio and also combined with a liming agent such as AS are preferred to ameliorate soil acidity. The liming effect of AS is likely to be negated if added in combination with residues with high N contents.
Measurement Issues: Screening and diagnostic instruments for autism spectrum disorders – lessons from research and practise
Authors: Charman Tony , Gotham Katherine 
Published: April 2012

Background and ScopeSignificant progress has been made over the past two decades in the development of screening and diagnostic instruments for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). This article reviews this progress, including recent innovations, focussing on those instruments for which the strongest research data on validity exists, and then addresses issues arising from their use in clinical settings.FindingsResearch studies have evaluated the ability of screens to prospectively identify cases of ASD in population‐based and clinically referred samples, as well as the accuracy of diagnostic instruments to map onto ‘gold standard’ clinical best estimate diagnosis. However, extension of the findings to clinical services must be done with caution, with a full understanding that instrument properties are sample‐specific. Furthermore, we are limited by the lack of a true test for ASD which remains a behaviourally defined disorder. In addition, screening and diagnostic instruments help clinicians least in the cases where they are most in want of direction, as their accuracy will always be lower for marginal cases.ConclusionInstruments help clinicians to collect detailed, structured information and increase accuracy and reliability of referral for in‐depth assessment and recommendations for support, but further research is needed to refine their effective use in clinical settings.
Peripheral blood cytopaenia limiting initiation of treatment in chronic hepatitis C patients otherwise eligible for antiviral therapy
Authors: Giannini Edoardo G. , Marenco Simona , Fazio Valentina , Pieri Giulia , Savarino Vincenzo , Picciotto Antonino 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundIn patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the presence of peripheral blood cytopaenia may represent an obstacle to pegylated interferon and ribavirin treatment.AimsTo evaluate the prevalence of anaemia, neutropaenia and thrombocytopaenia potentially limiting initiation of pegylated interferon and ribavirin treatment in patients with chronic HCV infection who were otherwise eligible for antiviral therapy.MethodsWe studied 3059 consecutive anti‐HCV and HCV‐RNA positive patients referred to our centre to be evaluated for antiviral therapy from June 2002 to May 2011. The European Association for the Study of Liver HCV guidelines were applied to assess eligibility for antiviral therapy.ResultsIn the study cohort, 1,521 patients (49.7%) were not eligible for treatment because of reasons different from haematological abnormalities. In the remaining 1,538 patients the overall prevalence of any peripheral blood cytopaenia potentially preventing patients from being treated with antiviral therapy was 15.1%. In particular, anaemia (haemoglobin level < 12 g/dL for women, <13 g/dL for men) was a relative contraindication to treatment in 8.9% (137/1,538) of the patients, while thrombocytopaenia (platelet count cut‐off, 90 × 109/L) and neutropaenia (absolute neutrophil count < 1.5 × 109/L) limited treatment in 6.5% (100/1358) and 3.2% (48/1358) of patients respectively. These haematological abnormalities were more prevalent in patients with older age (P < 0.004) and cirrhosis (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe presence of peripheral blood cytopaenia may potentially limit initiation of antiviral therapy in one in every seven patients with chronic HCV infection who are otherwise eligible for treatment.
Harmonia axyridis invasions: Deducing evolutionary causes and consequences
Authors: SLOGGETT John J. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractI consider evolutionary approaches to deducing factors that have made the ladybird beetle Harmonia axyridis such a successful invader, and the contribution that studies of this species in its native range can make. Work aiming to demonstrate which (pre)adaptations have made the species so successful often fails to compare these putative characters with those of other ladybirds. This has led to a tendency for “argument by design”‐type claims on characters widely shared by non‐invasive coccinellids. There is good evidence from genetic studies that evolutionary change occurred in invasive populations, contributing to their success. There is some evidence for subsequent evolutionary change after the establishment of invasive H. axyridis, primarily in the native organisms with which the ladybird interacts. I show here that there appears to have been little adaptation in H. axyridis, over about 20 generations, to the alkaloids of one North American native intraguild prey, the ladybird Coleomegilla maculata. Studies of H. axyridis in its native range are important, as they provide a snapshot of the ancestral ladybird, unobscured by subsequent evolutionary change related to its invasiveness. They provide baseline data about phenomena such as interactions with natural enemies and intraguild predation, and they also can provide pointers as to how H. axyridis might further adapt in the regions it has colonized. Harmonia axyridis represents an ideal opportunity for greater international co‐operation between scientists studying this species in its native range in Asia and scientists studying it in Europe, America and Africa, where it is an invasive exotic.
Fistula First Breakthrough Initiative: Targeting Catheter Last in Fistula First
Authors: Vassalotti Joseph A. , Jennings William C. , Beathard Gerald A. , Neumann Marianne , Caponi Susan , Fox Chester H. , Spergel Lawrence M. ,   the Fistula First Breakthrough Initiative Community Education Committee
Published: April 2012

AbstractAn arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the optimal vascular access for hemodialysis (HD), because it is associated with prolonged survival, fewer infections, lower hospitalization rates, and reduced costs. The AVF First breakthrough initiative (FFBI) has made dramatic progress, effectively promoting the increase in the national AVF prevalence since the program’s inception from 32% in May 2003 to nearly 60% in 2011. Central venous catheter (CVC) use has stabilized and recently decreased slightly for prevalent patients (treated more than 90 days), while CVC usage in the first 90 days remains unacceptably high at nearly 80%. This high prevalence of CVC utilization suggests important specific improvement goals for FFBI. In addition to the current 66% AVF goal, the initiative should include specific CVC usage target(s), based on the KDOQI goal of less than 10% in patients undergoing HD for more than 90 days, and a substantially improved initial target from the current CVC proportion. These specific CVC targets would be disseminated through the ESRD networks to individual dialysis facilities, further emphasizing CVC avoidance in the transition from advanced CKD to chronic kidney failure, while continuing to decrease CVC by prompt conversion of CVC‐based hemodialysis patients to permanent vascular access, utilizing an AVF whenever feasible.
Exploring the Global Journey of Nickel with Markov Chain Models
Authors: Eckelman Matthew J. , Reck Barbara K. , Graedel T. E. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryMarkov chain (MC) modeling is a versatile tool in policy analysis and has been applied in several forms to analyze resource flows. This article builds on previous discussions of the relationship among absorbing Markov chains (AMCs), material flow analysis (MFA), and input‐output (IO) analysis, and presents a full‐scale application of MC modeling for a particular globally relevant, nonrenewable resource, namely nickel. The MC model presented here is built on comprehensive, recently compiled nickel flow data for 52 geographic regions. Considering all possible cycles of recycling and reuse, nickel extracted in 2005 is estimated to have a technological lifetime of 73 ± 7 years. During its global journey, nickel enters use, for some application somewhere in the world, an average of three times, the largest share of which occurs in China. Nickel entering fabrication in 2005 is estimated to enter use approximately four times. Over time, nickel is lost to the environment and as a tramp element in carbon steel; the final distribution of nickel among these absorbing states is 78% and 22%, respectively. Of all the nickel in ore extracted in 2005, fully 28% will eventually end up in the tailings, slag, and landfills of China. MC results are also combined with geographically specific life cycle inventory data to determine the overall energy invested in nickel during its many cycles of use. MCs provide a powerful tool for tracking resources through the network of global production, use, and waste management, and opportunities for further integration with other modeling efforts are also discussed.
Systematic Review Checklist
Authors: Zumsteg Jennifer M. , Cooper Joyce S. , Noon Michael S. 
Published: April 2012

SummarySystematic review, including meta‐analysis, is increasingly utilized in life cycle assessment (LCA). There are currently no widely recognized guidelines for designing, conducting, or reporting systematic reviews in LCA. Other disciplines such as medicine, ecology, and software engineering have both recognized the utility of systematic reviews and created standardized protocols for conducting and reporting systematic reviews. Based largely on the 2009 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement, which updated the preferred format for reporting of such reviews in biomedical research, we provide an introduction to the topic and a checklist to guide the reporting of future LCA reviews in a standardized format. The standardized technique for assessing and reporting reviews of LCA (STARR‐LCA) is a starting point for improving the utility of systematic reviews in LCA.
Ectopic Ureters in Dogs: Clinical Features, Surgical Techniques and Outcome
Authors: Reichler Iris M. , Eckrich Specker Christine , Hubler Madeleine , Alois Boos , Haessig Michael , Arnold Susi 
Published: April 2012

ObjectiveTo compare clinical features of ectopic ureter (EU) in male and female dogs and outcome after neoureterostomy with resection restricted to the intravesical part of the ureter for intramural ectopic ureter (iEU) or of ureteroneocystostomy for extramural ectopic ureter (eEU).Study designRetrospective case series.AnimalsFemale dogs (n = 26) with 32 iEUand 8 eEU; male dogs (n = 24) with 25 iEUand 18 eEU.MethodsData were collected from medical records (1992–2008). Long‐term follow‐up information after surgical correction by modified neoureterostomy or ureteroneocystostomy was gathered by owner questionnaire.ResultsMedian age at first occurrence ofUIwas significantly lower in females (<2 months) than in males withEU(8 months;P= 0.0015). Bilateral occurrence and an extramural course of the ureter were more common in males (n = 19 and n = 20, respectively) compared with females (14 and 12, respectively), but the outcome of surgical treatment was comparable in both genders.ConclusionsThe prognosis after surgery is fair with a success rate of 72% and a complication rate of 26%. Resection of only the intravesicular ectopic ureter resulted in resolution of incontinence in a high percentage of dogs and thus is an acceptable alternative to removal of the entire ureteral remnant.
Transaction Costs in the Trading System of Cashew Nuts in the North of Benin: A Field Study
Authors: DEGLA PAMPHILE KOKOU 
Published: April 2012

AbstractCashew nut trading is an activity with growing economic importance in the north of Benin. Among the cost categories supported by the trading actors are transaction costs to which rare empirical studies have been devoted. Therefore, based on the theoretical concept this article empirically analyzes the importance of the transaction costs generated by cashew nut trading in the north of Benin. The empirical data were collected in two villages. Using a paired‐sample T test this study shows that the transaction costs are relatively important, but are not the major cost category. The average “production cost” is higher than the average transaction cost incurred by the trading actors. Although the transaction costs are on average lower than the other costs category, they are viewed by most actors (82 percent) as a serious constraint in the trading system due to moral hazard problems arising from the existence of these costs. By analyzing the specific factors that influence the magnitude of the transaction costs borne by the actors, the article shows that some socio‐cultural and environmental characteristics of the actors are determinant of the level of transaction costs incurred.
Intangible Flow Theory
Authors: CARDAO‐PITO TIAGO 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe intangible flow theory explains that flows of economic material elements (such as physical goods; or cash) are consummated by human related intangible flows (such as work flows; service flows; information flows; or communicational flows) that cannot be precisely appraised at an actual or approximate value, and have properties precluding them from being classified as assets or capitals. Thus, although mathematical/quantitative research methodologies are very relevant for science, they are insufficient to study economy and society.Due to its prejudice against non‐mathematical/quantitative scientific reasoning, neoclassical economics could not be technologically prepared to reach the intangible flow dynamics of economic phenomena. Furthermore, the neoclassical solution to call people human capital or assets, besides being ethically very questionable, offers performative non‐scientific metaphors that intervene in the production of the reality they claim to represent; and sabotages the study of well delimited research questions by scientific approaches outside the realm of neoclassical economics.
Contra Private Fairness*
Authors: WILSON BART J. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThis article attempts to clarify our understanding of the everyday use of the word “fair” as we apply it to economic behavior. I first examine the decomposition offairinto its semantic primitives and discuss implications of recent research that indicates that the word is one‐to‐one untranslatable into any other language, that is, the concept offairis distinctly Anglo. I also make a Wittgensteinian appeal to context and human sociality as an indispensable tether for what we mean by a fair experience and what we know, epistemologically speaking, about fairness. The principal implication of this is that rules that guide fair behavior are not located in an individual's private utility function but instead reside in the connections that the individual has to his cultural environs.