bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Baby Schema in Infant Faces Induces Cuteness Perception and Motivation for Caretaking in Adults
Authors: Glocker Melanie L. , Langleben Daniel D. , Ruparel Kosha , Loughead James W. , Gur Ruben C. , Sachser Norbert 
Published: January 2009

AbstractEthologist Konrad Lorenz proposed that baby schema (‘Kindchenschema’) is a set of infantile physical features such as the large head, round face and big eyes that is perceived as cute and motivates caretaking behavior in other individuals, with the evolutionary function of enhancing offspring survival. Previous work on this fundamental concept was restricted to schematic baby representations or correlative approaches. Here, we experimentally tested the effects of baby schema on the perception of cuteness and the motivation for caretaking using photographs of infant faces. Employing quantitative techniques, we parametrically manipulated the baby schema content to produce infant faces with high (e.g. round face and high forehead), and low (e. g. narrow face and low forehead) baby schema features that retained all the characteristics of a photographic portrait. Undergraduate students (n = 122) rated these infants’ cuteness and their motivation to take care of them. The high baby schema infants were rated as more cute and elicited stronger motivation for caretaking than the unmanipulated and the low baby schema infants. This is the first experimental proof of the baby schema effects in actual infant faces. Our findings indicate that the baby schema response is a critical function of human social cognition that may be the basis of caregiving and have implications for infant–caretaker interactions.
Ability of Murid Rodents to Find Buried Seeds in the Monte Desert
Authors: Taraborelli Paula , Borruel Natalia , Mangeaud Arnaldo 
Published: January 2009

AbstractRodents have developed a great capacity to for finding and storing seeds, and the ability of each species to find seeds in sufficient numbers could determine rodent abundance. To investigate this ability, we compared the differential ability of four murid rodents (Akodon molinae, Graomys griseoflavus, Calomys musculinus and Eligmodontia typus) to detect buried seeds. We also measured the variables (seed type, number of seeds in caches, soil depth and soil moisture) that would be affecting such ability. Results showed a differential ability to find seeds among rodents, E. typus was the most successful species, and C. musculinus and G. griseoflavus were the least successful. Conditions of wet sand and grouped seeds were the most favourable for murids to find higher number of seeds. These rodents showed preference for the sunflower seed, which is large, with good hygroscopic capacity and high in lipids, whereas millet is the opposite. The use of food storage strategies would give murid species a differential adaptive advantage, providing them with a greater ability to locate and exploit food sources more efficiently in periods of lower food abundance and after rainfall events.
Language Background, Ethno‐Racial Origin, and Academic Achievement of Students at a Canadian University
Authors: Grayson J. Paul 
Published: January 2009

AbstractResearch conducted in Canada and the United States shows that the age of arrival of immigrant children, language spoken in the home, and ethno‐racial origin have consequences for English language acquisition and academic attainment. So far, however, the degree to which these factors have consequences for academic achievement at the post‐secondary level has scarcely been studied. In this study, it is found that the communication skills of university students who are the sons and daughters of immigrants, independent of length of time in Canada, are not as high as those of native‐born English‐speaking Canadians. Moreover, all else being equal, independent of length of time in the country, the university GPAs of immigrant and non‐European origin groups are generally lower than those of native‐born Canadians. Findings such as these suggest the presence of social and cultural processes at the family, community, and educational system level that continue to disadvantage identifiable groups of post‐secondary students.
Dealing with the Dilemmas: Integration at the Street‐level in Norway
Authors: Hagelund Anniken 
Published: January 2009

AbstractIn Norway, as elsewhere in Europe, the debates about immigration, increasing cultural diversity and the need for integration, are heated and polarised. For welfare state workers and institutions, the perceived task and challenge of integration has to a large extent been to both provide space for cultural diversity and to promote social equality through participation in the labour market, education, and civil society. Amidst all this ongoing debate, a large number of people deal with these issues as a part of their daily work. This paper focuses on the dilemmas such street‐level bureaucrats, or diversity workers, encounter in their work with refugees, immigrants and their children. Most of all, it explores the strategies they have developed to handle such situations. Street‐level bureaucrats have a range of strategies to get around integration dilemmas, which are presented here as five distinct response repertoires. The analytical construction of these repertoires is useful because it provides us with a tool to describe and understand what is going on when policies are translated into institutional practices. It shows how public sector employees are handling the everyday dilemmas that policy does not provide the solutions for. Finally, this analysis of repertoires can also be useful in thinking normatively about what kinds of strategies particular institutions ought to nurture and how they can achieve this.
Unterschiede im Denken zwischen Ökonomen und Laien – Erklärungsansätze zur Verbesserung der wirtschaftspolitischen Beratung
Authors: Enste Dominik H. , Haferkamp Alexandra , Fetchenhauer Detlef 
Published: January 2009

AbstractRecent findings in Economic Psychology on the thinking and judgment of economic laymen can help to improve economic policy advice. First, based on psychological theories and empirical findings, the notion of the Homo oeconomicus is challenged. The economic situation is judged by laymen using implicit theories and biases, which are not in line with neoclassical economics. Then, the relevance of these theories and heuristics is shown empirically by the systematically different opinions of economists and non-economists on economic policy measures like minimum wages and maximum salaries. Conclusions for policy advisors complement the analysis.
Analysis of RET, ZEB2, EDN3 and GDNF Genomic Rearrangements in 80 Patients with Hirschsprung Disease (Using multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification)
Authors: Serra A. , Görgens H. , Alhadad K. , Ziegler A. , Fitze G. , Schackert H. K. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryHirschsprung disease (HSCR) is transmitted in a complex pattern of inheritance and is mostly associated with variants in the RET proto‐oncogene. However, RET mutations are only identified in 15–20% of sporadic HSCR cases and solely in 50% of the familial cases. Since genomic rearrangements in particularly sensitive areas of the RET proto‐oncogene and/or associated genes may account for the HSCR phenotype in patients without other detectable RET variants, the aim of the present study was to identify rearrangements in the coding sequence of RET as well as in three HSCR‐associated genes (ZEB2, EDN3 and GDNF) in HSCR patients by using Multiplex Ligation‐dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA). We have screened 80 HSCR patients for genomic rearrangements in RET, ZEB2, EDN3 and GDNF and did not identify any deletion or amplification in these four genes in all patients. We conclude that genomic rearrangements in RET are rare and were not responsible for the HSCR phenotype in individuals without identifiable germline RET variants in our group of patients, yet this possibility cannot be excluded altogether because the confidence to identify variation in at least two percent of the individuals was only 95%.
Contemporary Social Problems in Japan: A Study of the Suicide and Depopulation Problems
Authors: Yamamoto Tsutomu 
Published: January 2009

Abstract  Two complementary investigations were undertaken:1. Research into the relationship between suicide and depopulation in Shimane Prefecture.2. Research into the relationship between the perception of social problems and unwanted objective conditions, employing suicide as the example of unwanted conditions.To summarize the most important findings:1. The suicide rates have been notably higher in depopulated areas.2. The partial correlation of suicide to depopulation was high, when the effect of aging of population was removed.3. This partial correlation has increased since 1975. There has been an aggravation of the problem of suicide as a depopulation problem.4. The correlation of suicide to aging of the population vanished, when the effect of depopulation was removed.5. At 70 and over, the suicide rates have been notably higher in depopulated areas.6. The correlation of the age‐specific suicide rate with the depopulation rate, increases with age and the correlation of the suicide rate among old people to the depopulation rate, was notably higher.7. These suicidal tendencies express the mores of society. Morality underlies the perception of social problems, while morality could not exist without generating suicide at a certain point. Both suicide and the perception of suicide as social problems are largely determined by morality. This is our paradoxical hypothesis.8. Lastly, we emphasize that there are serious depopulation problems in Japan. This is particularly obvious, if suicide is employed as the indicator of depopulation severity.
A Comparative Study of Social Movements in the Post‐Nuclear Energy Era in Japan and The United States*
Authors: Hasegawa Koichi 
Published: January 2009

Abstract  In contrast with skepticism in most western advanced countries, recent east Asian countries share pro‐nuclear energy policy. Using my scheme of “the enlarged political process model” and qualitative data from my case studies in Japan and the United States, this paper analyzes the main characteristics of the nuclear energy issues and citizens' movements in both countries.Four historical stages of anti‐nuclear energy movement in Japan are analyzed focusing on main actors, issues, value orientation and mode of action. The socio‐political reasons for the failure in gaining more wide‐spread political influence in the last three stages are examined.In the US, a more decentralized and relatively open system pushed movements toward an instrumental and policy‐oriented posture. Especially in California in recent years, in collaboration with state regulatory agencies and electrical utilities. environmental groups were the major influence on changes in the management of utilities for the post nuclear era, by stressing energy efficiency and exploring renewable energy resources.
The Folk and the Sociology of Takata Yasuma: —His Life and Thoughts—
Authors: Yonemura Shoji 
Published: January 2009

Abstract  Takata Yasuma, hailed as the father of sociology in Japan and recipient of the prestigious Cultural Meritorious Award in 1964, was also admired by western sociologists for his originality. In this article I discuss The Folk in 1941 with his discussions on ethnic problems around the year 1940 in connection with his inner life and thoughts.First, I point out Takata makes much of the subjective aspect of the folk, or folk‐consciousness, and distinguishes it by this ethnic ego from similar but enforced groups such as nation‐state. Then I analyze his folk theory in connection with class, the modern state, nationalism, capitalism and imperialism, and conclude that Takata conflates nationalism quite easily and directly with imperialism without defining narrow‐minded nationalism clearly though he rejects Lenin's view of imperialism as the consequence of the development of capitalism.Secondly I consider the interrelationship of the folk with the slowly but enlarging world society, and make clear that Takata appreciates the socialization of interest (Vergesellschaftung) in the progress of society, though in his heart he has pursued Gemeinschaft 9s the child of a village in spirit. Finally, I emphasize that folk theory thoroughly reflects his inner life and thoughts: the perfect leveler, a free‐spoken person, a village child in spirit, and a scholar of originality
Social Welfare Related Volunteer Activity: Relevance, Definition and Reality in Rural Japan
Authors: Rausch Anthony S. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract  This paper examines three aspects of sustained social welfare volunteer activity in a rural setting: relevance, definition and reality. Volunteer activity is relevant to social welfare needs resolution in contemporary Japan. Survey results indicate that Hirosaki city residents ascribe secondary, or supplementary welfare resolution expectation to regional society. Given the factors of urbanization, increased mobility, weakening of the traditional family, and instability in the post‐bubble economy, the volunteer organization becomes one representative form of this regional society. Hirosaki residents appear to have a fairly clear definition of what constitutes volunteer activity. This definition reflects volunteer activity motivation, characteristics of the volunteer activity itself, and aspects pertaining to volunteer activity's social role. Finally, the reality of volunteer activity as found in the Hirosaki city survey data is that it is highly dependent on maintenance of human relations, possibly at the expense of direct social welfare directed activity. Furthermore, the present reality of Japanese volunteerism is that its success ultimately depends on administrative support, support which is lacking in the Hirosaki case.These results are based on a survey investigation comprised of a citizen survey, an active welfare volunteer survey, and a social welfare related volunteer organization survey conducted in Hirosaki city. Aomori prefecture in 1994.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SOCIALIZATION BETWEEN JAPANESE AND ENGLISH PRE‐SCHOOL CHILDREN
Authors: SATO YOSHIKO 
Published: January 2009

Abstract  This author conducted a comparative study among the following three sample groups: Japanese mother‐child pairs in London, English mother‐child pairs in London, Japanese mother‐child pairs in Tokyo. By comparing the mother's developmental expectation, child rearing practices and the development of self‐regulation in children, this author explored the extent to which mothers in different societies introduce cultural values of interpersonal relationships in raising their children.Research method for this study were 1) the Picture Self‐Regulation Test (PSRT) for preschool children, and 2) a questionnaire for the mothers indicating the mothers' acknowledgement of the development of self‐regulation in their children, evaluation of their child's behaviour and patterns of feedback.No significant difference was found among three sample groups on the PSRT. In the Mother's Questionnaire, English mothers acknowledged the early development of self‐assertion in their children, unlike Japanese mothers in London and Tokyo. There was no significant difference in the mothers' acknowledgment of self‐inhibition among the three sample groups.Analysis of feedback of mothers in the three sample groups revealed that English mothers adopted ‘positive and active’ discipline for their children, while Japanese mothers in London and Tokyo adopted ‘receptive’ discipline.
A Lifecourse Study of Stem Family Women in Rural Japan: A Comparison of the Changes over Three Generations
Authors: Tsutsumi Masae 
Published: January 2009

Abstract  The aim of this study is to clarify the changes in the lifecourses of rural stem family women, and how they are influenced by society and the family. Our lifecourses are characterized by the sequence of events in our lifetime. Women's lifecourses are mainly influenced and varied by the experiences of marriage, childbirth and childcare.We used the event of marriage as the basis for finding how the lifecourses of three generations of women had changed. The Mother generation (MI refers to the parent; the Wife generation (W) refers to the child; and the Grandchild generations are the daughters (F) and Son's Wives (SW).Our findings revealed that the Agriculture Continuation type lifecourse had decreased with each generation. About 80% of (MI women helped on the family farm before marrying into another farming family, while this type no longer existed in the grandchild generations. The (W) women were the first to start working in various jobs (outside the farm) after graduating from their last schooling, but they usually quit their jobs after marriage. Many (SW) women followed this same pattern. Many (F) women also worked outside the farm after their last schooling, then became full‐time housewives after marriage. Few women in the grandchild generation worked in agriculture when they were young.The lifecourses of (M) and (W) women followed basically a fixed pattern, but began to diversify for the grandchild generations, as their order of life events also diversified. Correlation and changes were found between society and individuals.
Towards a New Paradigm of Religious Organizations
Authors: Miki Hizuru 
Published: January 2009

Abstract  In contemporary Japan, religion is an important issue. Various types of religions such as new religions, occultism, the new age movement, traditional religions etc., attract supporters and exerts a favorable influence on certain aspects of their lives. But, such circumstances are not restricted to Japan. All over the world today, religions have the power to sway national policy and are indispensable in influencing human consciousness and behavior.Religion is alive and influential even in the secularized world. As such, a cross‐cultural study of religions is increasingly needed. Furthermore, the typology of religious organizations provides a means with which to make a comparative study of religion throughout the world.However, we cannot help but conclude that the theoretical framework developed so far cannot sufficiently deal with the subject in question. This is primarily due to its strong bias towards Christianity, which renders it invalid for analyzing religions in non‐Christian regions. This paper will focus on the “cult”. The term cult, unlike church‐sect‐denomination, seems to be applicable to any religious tradition and culture. It is not confined to a specific one such as the Christian tradition and culture.It should be noted that the cult as previously treated is problematic, too, because it is not free from a bias towards Christianity, and has too negative a connotation for a scientific concept. In this paper, utilizing the merits of the concept of cult, I would like to elaborate a new paradigm of religious organizations. This should allow for a cross‐cultural comparison between religious phenomena.
Diagnostic value of zinc protoporphyrin in a screening strategy for α‐thalassemia
Authors: Sardón Estévez Nadia , Herruer Martinus H. , Jansen Ruud , Bergkamp Ferry J. M. , Gorgels Jozef P. M. C. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe definitive diagnosis of α‐thalassemia involves detection of a deletion of one or more α‐globin that encode the α‐chains of Hb (hemoglobin). To determine whether DNA analysis is indicated, screening tests such as mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and Hb typing are employed. α‐Thalassemia often correlates with normal or low HbA2 values. Zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) is usually high in ferropenic anemia or lead‐poisoning and is normal or slightly raised in ß‐thalassemia. Therefore, ZPP is currently used as a marker to discriminate between ferropenic anemia and β‐thalassemia. We investigated the diagnostic potential of ZPP < 150 μmol/mol heme in a screening strategy for α‐thalassemia. We measured ZPP and performed DNA analysis for detecting the seven most prevalent α‐thalassemia deletions, namely, α3.7, SEA, α20.5, α4.2, MED, FIL, and THAI, in the blood samples of 200 patients with MCV < 70 fL and HbA2 ≤ 3.5%. Deletions were detected in 9% subjects in the ZPP ≥ 150 group (n = 175) and 56% subjects in the ZPP < 150 group (n = 29); this difference was statistically significant (chi‐square test, P < 0.001). We conclude that ZPP < 150 μmol/mol heme can be used in a new screening strategy for α‐thalassemia.
Development of microsatellite markers from loquat, Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.
Authors: GISBERT A. D. , LOPEZ‐CAPUZ I. , SORIANO J. M. , LLACER G. , ROMERO C. , BADENES M. L. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractLoquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is a minor fruit which has become an interesting alternative into the European fruit industry. This interest resulted in a loquat germplasm collection established at the Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias, Valencia, Spain. Currently, it is the main reservoir of this species outside Asia. We developed and characterized the first 21 polymorphic microsatellite loci from a CT/AG‐enriched loquat genomic library. The observed heterozygosity ranged between 0.20 and 1.00, expected heterozygosity ranged between 0.17 and 0.81, three markers were multilocus and eight loci departed significantly from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. These markers will facilitate diversity and genetic studies into the species.
A new set of universal de novo sequencing primers for extensive coverage of noncoding chloroplast DNA: new opportunities for phylogenetic studies and cpSSR discovery
Authors: EBERT DANIEL , PEAKALL ROD 
Published: January 2009

AbstractWe present a new set of universal de novo sequencing primers targeting noncoding chloroplast DNA. The set of 107 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers span approximately 86% of the noncoding nucleotides in the large single copy region of Nicotiana tabacum, Oryza sativa and the orchid Phalaenopsis aphrodite. PCR tests confirmed the primers are effective in a wide range of monocots and dicots. More than 19.5 kb of cpDNA sequence was obtained across representative orchid genera with up to 82 chloroplast simple sequence repeats (cpSSRs) detected per genus. This primer set will facilitate both phylogenetic studies and rapid discovery of cpSSRs for plants, such as orchids, where there are limited genomic resources.
Species identification of North American guinea worms (Nematoda: Dracunculus) with DNA barcoding
Authors: ELSASSER SARAH C. , FLOYD ROBIN , HEBERT PAUL D. N. , SCHULTE‐HOSTEDDE ALBRECHT I. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract Dracunculus insignis is a nematode parasite that infects the subcutaneous tissues of mammals such as raccoon (Procyon lotor), mink (Neovison vison) and fisher (Martes pennanti). D. lutrae, a morphologically similar species, has only been recovered from the otter (Lontra canadensis). Species identification of these two North American guinea worms has only been achieved by morphology of males and host identity. As a result, where only female specimens are present, accurate identifications are not possible. To date, specimens recovered from otter have been assumed to be D. lutrae, while those from all other hosts are assumed to be D. insignis. This study uses DNA barcoding to differentiate between these two North American dracunculoids. Our results show that D. insignis is a ‘true’ generalist, showing little sequence divergence regardless of host association, although our studies did validate its occurrence in a new host — the otter. Interestingly, specimens of the host specialist, D. lutrae, showed some sequence divergence, although it was low. The finding of D. insignis in otter substantiates the need to supplement morphology‐based methods in providing species identifications for certain dracunculoids.