bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theory, Stylized Heuristic or Self‐Fulfilling Prophecy? The Status of Rational Choice Theory in Public Administration
Authors: Hay Colin
Published: March 2004

Rational choice is intimately associated with positivism and naturalism, its appeal to scholars of public administration lying in its ability to offer a predictive science of politics that is parsimonious in its analytical assumptions, rigorous in its deductive reasoning and overarching in its apparent applicability. In this paper I re‐examine the ontology and epistemology which underpins this distinctive approach to public administration, challenging the necessity of the generally unquestioned association between rational choice and both positivism and naturalism. Rational choice, I contend, can only defend its claim to offer a predictive science of politics on the basis of an ingenious, paradoxical, and seldom acknowledged structuralism and a series of analytical assumptions incapable of capturing the complexity and contingency of political systems. I argue that analytical parsimony, though itself a condition of naturalism, is in fact incompatible with the deduction of genuinely explanatory/causal inferences. This suggests that the status of rational choice as an explanatory/predictive theory needs to be reassessed. Yet this is no reason to reject rational choice out of hand. For, deployed not as a theory in its own right, but as a heuristic analytical strategy for exploring hypothetical scenarios, it is a potent and powerful resource in post‐positivist public administration.
Political Science, Public Administration and the Danish Civil Service Profession
Authors: Christensen Jørgen Grønnegård , Knudsen Tim
Published: March 2004

The history of Danish political science is young, and public administration has from the beginning been part of the training of political scientists. This background reflects a double strategy: first, in order to ensure political scientists a position in the labour market, they were launched as a new kind of generalist, competing with lawyers and economists. Second, public administration has from the very beginning been seen as a subfield of political science. Even if the institutions engaging in PA research and training have varying profiles, the integration of the discipline in political science is still dominant. So far it has been a success, whether measured at the level of political science graduates in the civil service or the level of PA research. However, the paper argues that in a tougher labour market, generalists with a broad political science background face severe competition from lawyers and economists, and that this must have implications for the direction of research and training in public administration.
Culture Governance: Governing Self‐Reflexive Modernity
Authors: Bang Henrik P.
Published: March 2004

Political and administrative analysis is today said to be taking a narrative turn: to learning by telling and listening to the different stories that constitute political life. However, this new approach to studying the decentring of politics and policy as multiple discursive practices carries a new grand narrative too. A new connection between political authority and political community is taking shape outside the spheres of modern government and representative democracy. Political authority is becoming increasingly both communicative and interactive in order for it to be able to meet complexity with complexity. It is employed for reforming institutions by opening them towards the culture and by tying them to the political attributes and capacities of self‐reflexive individuals and to the transformation and self‐transformation of their conduct. I call this development culture governance. Culture governance is about how political authority must increasingly operate through capacities for self‐and co‐governance and therefore needs to act upon, reform, and utilize individual and collective conduct so that it might be amenable to its rule (Bang 2003; Dean 2003). Culture governance represents a new kind of top‐down steering; it is neither hierarchical nor bureaucratic but empowering and self‐disciplining. It manifests itself as various forms of joined‐up government and network governance and proclaims itself to be genuinely democratic and dialogical. This I shall show by a study of local Danish politics and policy in Copenhagen. Culture governance, I shall argue, constitutes a formidable challenge and threat to democracy, in attempting to colonize the whole field of public reason, everyday political engagement, democratic deliberation, and so on, by its own systems logic of success, effectiveness or influence. It seeks to take charge of the working of the more spontaneous, less programmed and more lowly organized politics of the ordinary in political communities, thus undermining the very idea of a non‐strategic public reasoning as founding the practices of freedoms.
Regional Redemption: Graham Swift's Waterland and the End of History
Authors: Tange Hanne
Published: March 2004

The essay suggests a Scottish approach to Graham Swift's 1983 novel Waterland. Using the Scottish critic Cairns Craig's “Out of History” paradigm as my theoretical basis, I argue that Swift's protagonist, the historian Tom Crick, is compelled to abandon his subject because traditional history has failed to answer his need for explanations. To compensate for this, Crick adopts an English regionalist discourse. Through his emphasis on Fenland geology, landscape and tradition, Crick overcomes the breakdown of history, exchanging a conventional, centralist perspective for an alternative, peripheral vision.
Post‐Colonial Melancholy: An Examination of Sadness in Amitav Ghosh's The Shadow Lines
Authors: Almond Ian
Published: March 2004

The article undertakes an examination of melancholy and sadness in Amitav Ghosh's The Shadow Lines, concentrating on the forlorn figures of Tridip and the narrator in an attempt to analyse and evaluate the melancholy atmosphere of the novel. Bearing in mind Freud's own understanding of melancholy as the unconscious mourning for a lost love object, the article suggests the moments of sadness in Ghosh's text could be better understood as a form of postcolonial melancholy for the lost colonial object – not in any nostalgic sense, but rather the sadness which arises from the crisis of identity both Tridip and, in a larger sense, the postcolonial intellectual faces who wishes to avoid both the imperial identity forced upon him by colonial powers and, at the same time, the narrow, bullying hegemony of an artificially constructed nationalism. The sadness of The Shadow Lines, the article suggests, does spring from the irresolvability of this dilemma.
Family History as National History: Peter Henisch's Novel Die kleine Figur meines Vaters and the Issue of Memory in Austria's Second Republic
Authors: Bushell Anthony
Published: March 2004

This article examines an early but key text in Austria's belated examination of its citizens’ role in the Third Reich. It shows how Peter Henisch's novel exposed unresolved generational conflicts within a prosperous and stable post‐war Austrian society and how the text provided an example of the discussion of uncomfortable societal issues in post‐war Austria through the intimate sphere of family life. Simultaneously, the book reflected upon the limitations and distortions inherent in all creative works of art, distortions that Henisch shows are present in the very process of remembering. Crucially, the work continues to invite the reader to associate the integrity of national memory with the integrity of private memory.
Der blinde Spiegel. Überlegungen zu Walter Benjamins Kafka‐Exegese
Authors: Erbertz Carola
Published: March 2004

Walter Benjamins Lektüre des Werkes von Franz Kafka bewegt sich zwischen den Polen der materialistischen Geschichtsphilosophie und der Mystik. Diese Konstellation steht im Widerspruch zu dem von Benjamin postulierten werkimmanenten Ansatz und zerstört dessen methodischen Ertrag. Denn wenngleich Benjamin sich von einer theologischen Ausdeutung distanziert und daher die Sinnverweigerung der textuellen Strukturen erkennt, so akzeptiert seine dialektische Perspektive die Kafkasche Negativität nicht als solche, sondern stellt sie in die Erwartung von Umschlägigkeit. Deshalb ist seiner Exegese vorzuwerfen, dass sie die ästhetisch relevante Leerstelle des von Benjamin richtig diagnostizierten Ichverlust Kafkas mit einer metaphysischen Medialität auflädt, die nicht mit dem Widerstand der behandelten Texte gegen jedwege Teleologie zu vereinen ist.
Die essayistische Methode Max Rychners und die Kulturkritik Walter Benjamins
Authors: Leśniak Sławomir
Published: March 2004

Die vorliegende Arbeit lässt die essayistische Weltbewältigung Max Rychners und die dialektische Kulturbetrachtung Walter Benjamins in einem Verhältnis erscheinen, in dem die Wesensunterschiede ihrer Denkform, und ihre von Grund auf anders geartete Behandlung der Sprache zum Vorschein kommen. So offenbart sich das Dichterische bei Benjamin vor allem im Bildhaften und Sinnlichen der Metapher. Das Bild wird von ihm in den Dienst des Gedankens gestellt, woraus sich die aphoristische Satzbildung seiner Prosa ergibt. Rychners ,,verstehende Denkmethode“ dagegen gewinnt ihre Evidenz aus dem Widerspiel, das sich in ihr zwischen dem Reflexiven und dem Epischen vollzieht. Die epische Form der Anekdote schafft die dichterische Verwandlungskraft seiner Essays. Die Überlegungen der Arbeit begegnen dem Gedanken Benjamins, der auch die moderne deutsche Essayistik kennzeichnet, von der Unmöglichkeit und der Unzeitgemäßheit der Erzählung in der Prosa, die seit eh und je ein wesentliches Stilelement des klassischen Essays war. Im Lichte der Analysen erweist sich Rychners Methode des Verstehens nicht als ,,vorkritisch“, als diejenige, die ,,dem Anruf der Zeit“ entgeht. Sie stellt sich dar als eine andere Form der Kritik, für die das Verstehen nicht nur ein intellektueller Akt ist, sondern ,,ein bereitwilliges freies Mitschwingen, ein Mitvollziehen geistig‐seelischer Vorgänge.“
Neuroimmunological parameters in panic disorder
Authors: van Duinen M. A. , Schruers K. R. J. , Griez E. J. L. , Maes M.
Published: March 2004

Background:

The interaction between immune cells, neurotransmitters and the neuroendocrinological systems plays a role in affective disorders, especially depression. Although panic disorder (PD) shares a lot of features with depression, it is clearly a distinct disorder. Reports on immunological parameters in PD don't provide a clear picture of the immunological status of PD patients. This can partly be attributed to methodological differences between studies and small patient groups.

Objective:

The present study aims to assemble all studies on immunological parameters in PD in order to combine all available data to gain a broader perspective on this matter.

Method:

PubMed was searched for studies describing immunological parameters in PD patients without comorbid disorders or medication use. All studies had to include a healthy control group and the outcome measures had to be shared by at least one other study.

Results:

Fourteen articles were found. Although the T-lymphocytic branch and the innate immune system were normal, the B-lymphocytic branch showed some differences between PD patients and healthy controls. B-cell counts were increased in PD patients, which was underlined by increased human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-DR counts and increased immunoglobulin A levels. However, B-cell activity following mitogen stimulation was normal.

Conclusions:

PD patients show increased B-cell numbers. The finding that B-cell activity is not increased can possibly be attributed to functional exhaustion of these cells. The meaning of this finding remains unclear, although it may be potentially important in affective disorders as the same has been found in depression.
Panic disorder: from respiration to the homeostatic brain
Authors: Perna Giampaolo , Caldirola Daniela , Bellodi Laura
Published: March 2004

There is some experimental evidence to support the existence of a connection between panic and respiration. However, only recent studies investigating the complexity of respiratory physiology have revealed consistent irregularities in respiratory pattern, suggesting that these abnormalities might be a vulnerability factor to panic attacks. The source of the high irregularity observed, together with unpleasant respiratory sensations in patients with panic disorder (PD), is still unclear and different underlying mechanisms might be hypothesized. It could be the result of compensatory responses to abnormal respiratory inputs or an intrinsic deranged activity in the brainstem network shaping the respiratory rhythm. Moreover, since basic physiological functions in the organism are strictly interrelated, with reciprocal modulations and abnormalities in cardiac and balance system function having been described in PD, the respiratory findings might arise from perturbations of these other basic systems or a more general dysfunction of the homeostatic brain. Phylogenetically ancient brain circuits process physiological perceptions/sensations linked to homeostatic functions, such as respiration, and the parabrachial nucleus might filter and integrate interoceptive information from the basic homeostatic functions. These physiological processes take place continuously and subconsciously and only occasionally do they pervade the conscious awareness as ‘primal emotions’. Panic attacks could be the expression of primal emotion arising from an abnormal modulation of the respiratory/homeostatic functions.
Symptom profiles of natural and laboratory panic attacks
Authors: Schruers K R J , van de Mortel H , Overbeek T , Griez E
Published: March 2004

Background:

Little accurate information is available about the symptomatology of real-life panic attacks and about how well they are reproduced by an experimental model such as the 35% CO2challenge.

Method:

Real-life panic symptoms were assessed in a group of 67 panic disorder patients, using daily life monitoring. Panic symptoms elicited by a 35% CO2challenge were assessed in 61 panic disorder patients, and their frequency was compared with the real-life symptoms.

Results:

The most frequent real-life symptoms were palpitations, dizziness and trembling. The 35% CO2challenge reproduced well the majority of real-life symptoms.

Conclusion:

The findings suggest that the 35% CO2challenge is a marker for spontaneous panic attacks, which are considered the core of panic disorder.
The Frequency and Cost of Corporate Crises1
Authors: Coleman Les
Published: March 2004

This paper sheds light on the pattern and consequences of crises experienced by corporate Australia during the last decade.

Crises are defined here as a single incident or issue with consequences that threaten the organisation's viability; thus, this study observes 55 corporate crises in Australia between 1990 and 2001. Half were operational crises; the prevalence of extortion and product recall made wholesale and retail trade the most crisis‐prone industry. In Australia, over a quarter of companies affected by crisis did not survive.

Direct costs typically exceed $10 million, with a quarter costing over $100 million. Because many crises are due to systemic deficiencies in industries or companies, their causes are often apparent (at least in hindsight).
High Reliability and the Management of Critical Infrastructures
Authors: Schulman Paul , Roe Emery , Eeten Michel van , Bruijne Mark de
Published: March 2004

Organisation theorists and practitioners alike have become greatly interested in high reliability in the management of large hazardous technical systems and society's critical service infrastructures. But much of the reliability analysis is centred in particular organisations that have command and control over their technical cores. Many technical systems, including electricity generation, water, telecommunications and other “critical infrastructures,” are not the exclusive domain of single organisations. Our essay is organised around the following research question: How do organisations, many with competing, if not conflicting goals and interests, provide highly reliable service in the absence of ongoing command and control and in the presence of rapidly changing task environments with highly consequential hazards?

We analyse electricity restructuring in California as a specific case. Our conclusions have surprising and important implications both for high reliability theory and for the future management of critical infrastructures organised around large technical systems.
Understanding EU Crisis Decision‐making: The Case of Chechnya and the Finnish Presidency
Authors: Lintonen Raimo
Published: March 2004

Why did the European Union accept a limited policy risk by adopting sanctions against a difficult target, Russia, in the Chechnya conflict and what does this case tell about the EU's crisis management practice? The explanation of the decision is based on problem framing, the exertion of power and the justifications of decision‐making. The analysis shows that occasionally the Union may adopt a bold policy, if a situation is framed as a grave crisis, a strong leadership of large members emerges advocating a firm response and pressures of public opinion preclude passivity; in addition, the policy is considered justified by groupthink based on anticipation, by institutional arguments as well as lessons learnt, which are likely to lead to stronger commitments. Yet the policy is likely to be a bounded one because of constraining values and goals, previous institutional commitments and practices, countervailing policy lessons and rational recognition of the Union's limited influence. Moreover, a bold policy may prove to be inconsistent over time. As a rule the pivotal role of large EU members, established practices as well as the decentralisation and consensus‐seeking tendencies combine to limit the Union's crisis response to a restricted and supporting diplomatic and economic role. The ongoing efforts to enhance the EU's crisis management capacity are yet to change significantly these habitual patterns.
Partnership research with older people – moving towards making the rhetoric a reality
Authors: Reed Jan , Weiner Robert , Cook Glenda
Published: March 2004

As nursing develops closer partnerships with older people in delivering care, it also needs to develop partnerships in order to create the knowledge base for practice in a way that challenges professional hegemony and empowers older people. However, the process of developing partnerships in research takes place against a background of academic research traditions and norms, which can present obstacles to collaboration. This paper is a reflection on the issues that have arisen in three projects where older people were involved in research at different levels, from sources of data to independent researchers. It points to some of the areas that need further exploration and development.
Social context and outcomes for the ageing breast cancer patient: considerations for clinical practitioners
Authors: Ballantyne Peri J.
Published: March 2004

Current incidence, prevalence and survival rates determine that breast cancer is primarily a disease of older women. This integrative essay provides an extensive review of the literature on (i) the social and psychological factors that influence adjustment to breast cancer and survival from it, (ii) the social and health status of older women, and (iii) the medical treatment of older breast cancer patients. It is concluded that while psychological orientation to the disease, coping strategies and functional continuities of breast cancer patients are important for disease outcome, adjustment to and survival from breast cancer by older women may be compromised by the social context – with respect to marriage and intimate ties, social participation, socio‐economic status, and mental and physical health. The paper concludes with the suggestion that clinical practitioners need to be aware of the both the resources of, and limitations facing the older breast cancer patient, and with the provision of specific recommendations about the clinical management of this population for nurses and other health professionals.
Dementia diagnosis and disclosure: a dilemma in practice
Authors: Monaghan Catherine , Begley Ann
Published: March 2004

Background.  Providing the individual with the correct information about their diagnosis can help maximize the patient's autonomy, however empirical evidence identifies inconsistencies in the practice of diagnosis disclosure in dementia. Within health care, ethical problems arise frequently and these present a challenge for health care professionals. This challenge can also give rise to conflict when professionals are torn between respecting autonomy, doing good and avoiding paternalism.

Aim.  The aim of this paper is to highlight the need for interprofessional collaboration when faced with ethical dilemmas such as diagnosis disclosure in the care of adults with dementia. The use of a dialogue and supplementary notes are used to explore crucial ethical points raised by health care professionals.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The increasing rate of dementia and the need for patients to have access to timely and appropriate information about their diagnosis has prompted much debate about disclosing the diagnosis with the individual who has dementia. This paper may also be useful for educational purposes when used as a framework for discussion/debate in student nurse education.

Conclusion.  Ethical theories are of benefit in assisting the members of the multidisciplinary team to reach a morally defensible decision. Making ethical decisions in practice can cause the nurse concern. While there is no complete set of ‘rules’ that can provide an answer to each ethical dilemma, it is of immense value to nurses working within the multidisciplinary team to possess a sound knowledge of ethical positions in order to analyse the many complex situations that nurses encounter. The pivotal role of the health care professional is to work in collaboration and engage in sharing the diagnosis with the patient. It is hoped that this paper will stimulate and encourage further debate and study regarding the individual with dementia and diagnosis disclosure. Recommendations for practice, education, policy and research will also be highlighted.
Person‐centredness in gerontological nursing: an overview of the literature
Authors: McCormack Brendan
Published: March 2004

Person‐centred practice is a recurring theme in gerontological nursing literature. While there are many descriptive accounts of attempts at developing person‐centred practice, in reality, there are few studies that identify the benefits of this way of working. Thus far, systematic research into person‐centred nursing practice is poorly developed. This paper aims to explore the concept of person‐centredness and person‐centred practice in order to add clarity to discussions about the term in the context of gerontological nursing. This literature‐based exploration discusses the meaning of the word ‘person’ and the way this word is translated into person‐centred practice. It is argued that there are four concepts underpinning person‐centred nursing: (i) being in relation; (ii) being in a social world; (iii) being in place and (iv) being with self. The articulation of these concepts through existing models of person‐centred practice in nursing raises the recurring themes of knowing the person, the centrality of values, biography, relationships, seeing beyond the immediate needs and authenticity. There is a need for further research and development work in gerontological nursing to distinguish between person‐centred practice and good quality care for older people.
Concerns relating to the application of frameworks to promote person‐centredness in nursing with older people
Authors: Dewing Jan
Published: March 2004

There is an increasing need to develop a multi‐dimensional discussion and critique around the concept of ‘person‐centred’ in the context of the delivery of nursing care for older people. As the context of nursing being considered here, it is primarily nurses who should be leading with this discourse, although drawing on a broad range of ideas from outside of nursing. The person‐centred movement, commonly believed to originate in the care of those with dementia in the UK, is growing, especially in the UK and Australia, with signs of it moving across parts of Western Europe and North America. Person‐centredness has a big emotional appeal to many nurses working with older people, perhaps because it ‘has the right feel’ for them and nurses believe it ‘feels right’ for older people. It has grabbed the attention of many practising nurses in the UK in a way that humanistic nursing theory and the various associated nursing models from previous decades, seemed to have missed.

This paper contributes to the discussion by suggesting that there are conceptual frameworks that nurses can draw on to help them understand and enhance their practice. However, it is suggested that these frameworks are either in their infancy or incomplete and they still need to convince nurses of their utility for day to day practice. It is also pointed out that the underpinning concept of ‘personhood’ has not yet been fully clarified by nursing.
Beyond ‘person‐centred’ care: a new vision for gerontological nursing
Authors: Nolan Mike R. , Davies Sue , Brown Jayne , Keady John , Nolan Janet
Published: March 2004

Currently considerable emphasis is placed on the promotion of person‐centred care, which has become a watchword for good practice. This paper takes a constructively critical look at some of the assumptions underpinning person‐centredness, and suggests that a relationship‐centred approach to care might be more appropriate. A framework describing the potential dimensions of relationship‐centred care is provided, and implications for further development are considered.
Physiological and molecular basis for ALS inhibitor resistance in Bromus tectorum biotypes
Authors: Park K W , Mallory‐Smith C A
Published: March 2004

Primisulfuron‐resistant (AR and MR) and ‐susceptible (AS and MS) Bromus tectorum biotypes were collected from a Poa pratensis field at Athena, Oregon, and in research plots at Madras, Oregon. Studies were conducted to characterize the resistance of the B. tectorum biotypes. Whole plant bioassay and acetolactate synthase (ALS) enzyme assay revealed that the AR biotype was highly resistant to the sulfonylurea (SU) herbicides, primisulfuron and sulfosulfuron and to a sulfonylaminocarbonyltriazolinone (SCT) herbicide, propoxycarbazone‐sodium. However, the AR biotype was not resistant to imazamox, an imidazolinone (IMI) herbicide. Results of the whole plant bioassay studies showed that the MR biotype was moderately resistant to all ALS inhibitors tested. However, there were no differences in ALS sensitivities between the MR and MS biotypes. The nucleotide and amino acid sequence analysis of the als gene demonstrated a single‐point mutation from C to T, conferring the exchange of the amino acid proline to serine at position 197 in the AR biotype. However, this mutation was not found in the MR biotype. Results of this research indicate that: the resistance of the AR biotype to SU and SCT herbicides is based on an altered target site due to a single‐point mutation; resistance in the MR biotype is not due to a target site mutation.
Variation in allelopathic activity over 100 years of barley selection and breeding
Authors: Bertholdsson N‐O
Published: March 2004

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) landraces and cultivars from Finland, Sweden, Denmark and the Baltic states, in total 127, were analysed for allelopathic activity against ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). The germplasm covered most of the gene pool used during 100 years of barley breeding. An agar‐based bioassay developed for screening allelopathic activity was used. In the germplasm from all countries a decreasing trend in allelopathic activity was observed with the introduction of new cultivars from 14% for the Swedish to 31% for the Finnish cultivars. In the Finnish, Swedish and Baltic cultivars an increase in root growth was noticed, and changes in root biomass therefore cannot explain the decrease in allelopathy. In fact, the allelopathic activity per milligram root decreased with 32–85%. In contrast, root growth decreased over time in the Danish collection. In the Finnish cultivars both two‐ and six‐row barley cultivars were tested with similar results. Allelopathic activity of barley probably originated from different landraces, and in most cases from a specific landrace from the Swedish island of Gotland. We suspect that more than 100 years of selection and breeding have resulted in a dilution of the genes from landraces and consequently a declining allelopathic activity. In the Swedish collection, two cultivars did not follow the general trend and in both cultivars, several landraces had been combined.
Germination ecology of Leptochloa chinensis: a new weed in the Italian rice agro‐environment
Authors: Benvenuti S , Dinelli G , Bonetti A
Published: March 2004

Leptochloa chinensis is a new weed that has been found with increasing frequency in Italian rice paddies. The germination ecology of L. chinensis seeds was studied in order to investigate the development mechanisms and survival strategy of this weed in rice paddies of northern Italy. Leptochloa chinensis seeds showed no dormancy and exhibited germination even in anoxic conditions. Germination was strongly influenced by temperature (minimum around 15°C; optimal 25–35°C) and light (phytochrome dependent). Temperature fluctuation caused an increase of seed germination in the dark. Seed burial also strongly inhibited germination and emergence of this species. At 5 cm seed burial only 5% of seedlings emerged in flooded conditions, while at the same depth, but with no flooding, no seedling emergence was observed. This phenomenon was not due to oxygen depletion, as germination was not inhibited by complete anoxia, as demonstrated by the fact that some seedlings did emerge in flooding conditions when water was no deeper than 6 cm. Seed burial and concomitant flooding induced an unusual germination: first coleoptile emergence and subsequently emergence of the radicle was observed. The possible exploitation of this knowledge for weed management is discussed.
Relative contribution of genotype, seed size and environment to secondary seed dormancy potential in Canadian spring oilseed rape (Brassica napus)
Authors: Gulden R H , Thomas A G , Shirtliffe S J
Published: March 2004

Secondary seed dormancy has been linked to seedbank persistence of volunteer oilseed rape (Brassica napus) in western Canada. It has been suggested that there is a genetic component to secondary seed dormancy expression in oilseed rape, but little is known of its importance in relation to non‐genetic factors. In a series of experiments we investigated the relative importance of genotype, seed size, time of windrowing and pre‐ and post‐harvest environment on the expression of secondary seed dormancy. We found that genotype contributed between 44 and 82% to the total variation in secondary seed dormancy. A broad range in secondary seed dormancy expression was observed among 16 genotypes examined. Nevertheless, three‐quarters of the genotypes investigated exhibited relatively high potential for the expression of secondary seed dormancy (back‐transformed mean 71% dormant seeds). Seed size contributed 21% to the total variation, while the influence of seed maturity (harvest regime) on secondary seed dormancy expression was negligible. Despite diverging environmental conditions during the four growing seasons spanning these experiments, the influence of pre‐harvest environment on seed dormancy expression was relatively small and ranged from 0.1% to 4.5%. Secondary seed dormancy potential decreased over time during seed storage. This decrease was greatest when seeds were stored at ambient temperatures and least when seeds were stored at −70°C.
Biocontrol options for Cirsium arvense with indigenous fungal pathogens
Authors: Guske S , Schulz B , Boyle C
Published: March 2004

As a first step in the development of a mycoherbicide for biological control of Cirsium arvense indigenous fungal pathogens that had been isolated from diseased hosts were tested both singly and in combination on potted plants under environmental conditions. Disease symptoms (necroses, chloroses and macerations) and parameters of growth and development were evaluated to determine the potential for weed control. During 1998, Phoma destructiva, Phoma hedericola, a Mycelia sterilia and Puccinia punctiformis were inoculated singly. With the exception of the obligate biotroph P. punctiformis (local infections), the single inoculations reduced the measured parameters. A combined inoculum of P. punctiformis and Ph. hedericola was less effective than Ph. hedericola alone. In 1999, Ph. hedericola, Ph. destructiva, Ph. nebulosa and the Mycelia sterila were applied both singly and as a combined inoculum. Of all the tested inocula, the mixture of four pathogens had the greatest potential for biocontrol, significantly reducing reproductive capacity of the plants. These results demonstrate the importance of taking advantage of synergisms in developing a mycoherbicide.
Reduced rates of residual and post‐emergence herbicides for weed control in vineyards
Authors: Monteiro A , Moreira I
Published: March 2004

In 1997 and 1998, five field studies were conducted at four Portuguese wine‐growing regions in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the chemical control of vineyard weeds under Mediterranean conditions using either reduced doses of residual herbicides or only foliar herbicides. Amitrole (3440 g a.i. ha−1), amitrole + glyphosate mono‐ammonium salt (1720 + 900 g a.i. ha−1), amitrole (3400 g a.i. ha−1), amitrole + diuron (2580 + 1500 g a.i. ha−1), amitrole + simazine (2580 + 1500 g a.i. ha−1), amitrole + terbuthylazine (2580 + 1500 g a.i. ha−1) and amitrole + diuron + simazine (2580 + 1300 + 1400 g a.i. ha−1) were assayed and compared with the following reference herbicides: glyphosate isopropylamine salt (1800 g a.i. ha−1), amitrole + diuron (2520 + 1680 g a.i. ha−1), diuron + glyphosate + terbuthylazine (1275 + 900 + 1425 g a.i. ha−1), amitrole + simazine (1900 + 3900 g a.i. ha−1) and glyphosate + simazine (800 + 2200 g a.i. ha−1). The herbicides were applied during late winter. The results indicated that good control was achieved by the application of foliar herbicides alone or of reduced rates of a mixture of residual herbicides with foliar herbicides for at least 2 months. Three months after application, the efficacy of post‐emergence herbicides and lower rates of residual herbicides decreased significantly in clay soils and under heavy rainfall conditions. Convolvulus arvensis– a weed that is becoming increasingly significant in Portuguese vineyards – was poorly controlled, even when glyphosate was used. Despite this, it can be assumed that in those regions in which the trials were conducted, it is possible to employ weed control strategies that entail the elimination or a reduction in the rate of residual herbicides.
Genetic structure of the invasive Chromolaena odorata in China
Authors: Ye W H , Mu H P , Cao H L , Ge X J
Published: March 2004

Chromolaena odorata is one of the world's worst tropical weeds, and it can be found in Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan and Yunnan provinces in China. Genetic variation of 27 C. odorata populations sampled from across its invasive range in China was investigated using inter‐simple sequence repeats (ISSR) analysis. All populations exhibited low levels of genetic variation. On average, 2.35% of the ISSR loci were polymorphic, total genetic diversity (HT) was 0.0406 and Shannon's information index (Hsp) was 0.0623. High genetic identities (I) between populations (0.9687 ± 0.01204) indicated low genetic differentiation. A frequent founder effect was interpreted as the main cause of the genetic structure observed in C. odorata.
Development of microsatellite markers and their effectiveness in Lolium temulentum
Authors: Senda T , Kubo N , Hirai M , Tominaga T
Published: March 2004

Screening a genomic library of Lolium temulentum (darnel) with synthetic (GT)15 and (GA)15 oligonucleotides, we identified microsatellite‐containing clones. Based on the sequence data of the clones, specific primer pairs were synthesized and their effectiveness examined using 10 L. temulentum and two L. persicum accessions from Asia, Africa and Europe. Fifteen primer pairs amplified single fragments, and five of them showed polymorphism in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the L. temulentum and L. persicum accessions. Fifteen primer pairs reported in L. perenne (perennial ryegrass) were also applied in this study. Nine of them amplified the microsatellite alleles, and two of the nine showed polymorphic alleles in L. temulentum and L. persicum. For the polymorphic markers, polymorphic information content values ranged from 0.60 to 0.86 with an average of 0.76 among 10 L. temulentum accessions. The microsatellite markers developed for L. temulentum and L. perenne should be informative and powerful in analysing the intraspecific genetic diversity and the phylogenetic relationships of L. temulentum and L. persicum.
Recovery of non‐target plants affected by airborne bromoxynil‐octanoate and metribuzin
Authors: Follak S , Hurle K
Published: March 2004

The present study was conducted to evaluate the recovery potential of non‐target plants affected by two airborne herbicides. Sunflower at the two‐leaf stage was used as a test plant and exposed for 24 h in a wind tunnel to a range of concentrations of airborne bromoxynil‐octanoate and metribuzin. Quantum yield (φPSII) of exposed leaves and of the second leaf pair developed after exposure was determined at a particular time up to 16 days following exposure. Maximum depression in quantum yield of exposed leaves from which a complete recovery occurred within 16 days was 63% for bromoxynil‐octanoate and 60% for metribuzin respectively. The corresponding maximum concentrations were 1.310 and 0.390 μg m−3 respectively. The second leaf pair was also affected and showed a similar recovery potential. From the results it can be concluded that the significance of airborne bromoxynil‐octanoate and metribuzin must not be overestimated, as sunflower and non‐target plants with a similar sensitivity are likely to recover from air concentrations of both herbicides reported under field conditions.
Stromal tumor of the pancreas with expression of c‐kit protein: Report of a case
Authors: YAMAURA KAZUHIRO , KATO KUNITAKA , MIYAZAWA MASAHISA , HABA YOSHIAKI , MURAMATSU AKIRA , MIYATA KAZUYUKI , KOIDE NAOHIKO
Published: March 2004

Abstract We report on a case of a stromal tumor, similar to a gastrointestinal stromal tumor, originating from the pancreas. The patient was a 54‐year‐old woman, who was seen at the Kofu Municipal Hospital because of an abdominal tumor. On abdominal computed tomography and splenic arteriography, the tumor was detected in the pancreatic tail. The patient underwent distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy. Macroscopically, the cut surface of the tumor showed almost completely surrounded by the normal pancreatic tissue. Microscopically, the tumor composed of spindle‐shaped cells that were immunoreactive for vimentin, CD34, and c‐kit protein. Therefore, the tumor was diagnosed as a stromal tumor of the pancreas. The expression of c‐kit protein suggests that this pancreatic stromal tumor may originate from primitive mesenchymal cells which can be a logical candidate for the origin of gastrointestinal stromal tumors and extra‐gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis in the Asia–Pacific region: Future shock?
Authors: CHITTURI SHIVAKUMAR , FARRELL GEOFFREY C , GEORGE JACOB
Published: March 2004

Clinicians in both the developed and also the newer industrial economies in the Asia–Pacific region will encounter non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with increasing frequency. Although the region has been a significant contributor to the current state of knowledge, the spectrum of NAFLD, its severity and the potential for significant future morbidity and health costs are not widely recognized. Lifestyle changes, the epidemic of childhood and adult obesity and type 2 diabetes sweeping the Asia–Pacific represent the key substrates for the rising prevalence of NAFLD. Physicians in all disciplines need to be aware of clinical clues to the presence of NAFLD in the absence of other liver disease and in those with chronic viral hepatitis and they should be able to identify subsets at risk for liver‐related morbidity. Given the scope of the problem, efforts should focus primarily on preventing or ameliorating the impact of risk factors; the key one is insulin resistance and its associates of diabetes and central obesity. Pharmacotherapy may play a role in selected individuals. A regional agenda for case definition, future study and public health initiatives is urgently required.
Low prevalence of Helicobacter pylori but high prevalence of cytomegalovirus‐associated peptic ulcer disease in AIDS patients: Comparative study of symptomatic subjects evaluated by endoscopy and CD4 counts
Authors: CHIU HAN‐MO , WU MING‐SHIANG , HUNG CHIEN‐CHING , SHUN CHIA‐TUNG , LIN JAW‐TOWN
Published: March 2004

Background and Aims:  The role of Helicobacter pylori infection in gastroduodenal lesions might be different between the general population and AIDS patients. The aim of the present study was to compare the prevalence of H. pylori and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in AIDS patients and HIV‐negative controls. The impact of CD4 lymphocyte counts on H. pylori and CMV infection in the same subjects was also assessed.

Methods:  One hundred and fifty‐six patients (52 HIV‐positive, 104 HIV‐negative) with gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsy. Comparison of the prevalence of H. pylori and CMV infection was made by dividing AIDS patients into two groups: those with CD4 counts >100/mm3 and those with CD4 counts <100/mm3, and ulcer and non‐ulcer patients.

Results:  In comparison with HIV‐negative controls, AIDS patients had a lower prevalence of H. pylori infection (P < 0.0001) but a higher prevalence of CMV infection (P < 0.0001). Cytomegalovirus infection was frequently found in AIDS patients with CD4 count <100/mm3, in comparison with those with a CD4 count >100/mm3. In AIDS patients, CMV was more frequently detected in subjects with peptic ulcers (P = 0.0125). Conversely, the prevalence of H. pylori infection in AIDS patients was not different between those with and without peptic ulcers.

Conclusions:  The low prevalence of H. pylori infection and peptic ulcer in AIDS patients suggests a different role of H. pylori infection in peptic ulcer or even a different mechanism of peptic ulcerogenesis in HIV‐positive subjects. Cytomegalovirus, rather than H. pylori, may be the main causative pathogen of peptic ulcers in AIDS patients.
Role of zinc in subclinical hepatic encephalopathy: Comparison with somatosensory‐evoked potentials
Authors: YANG SIEN‐SING , LAI YUN‐CHIH , CHIANG TSUEY‐RU , CHEN DER‐FANG , CHEN DING‐SHINN
Published: March 2004

Background and Aim:  The purpose of the present paper was to determine the role of zinc in subclinical portosystemic encephalopathy (SPSE).

Methods:  The serum zinc levels were studied for 10 cirrhotic patients who did not suffer SPSE and for 10 patients who did, and the results compared with those deriving from 10 healthy volunteers. The nutritional evaluation included serum prealbumin, albumin, and transferrin levels, body mass index (BMI), mid‐arm muscle circumference (MAMC), and tricep skin‐fold (TSF). The occurrence of SPSE was defined as a situation when the N20–N65 interpeak latencies of median nerve‐stimulated somatosensory‐evoked potentials (SEP) exceeded 2.5 SD of the control mean value.

Results:  Cirrhotic patients suffering SPSE (57.5 ± 10.5 µg/dL) had lower serum zinc levels than those not experiencing SPSE (69.5 ± 16.6 µg/dL, P = 0.03) and controls (77.7 ± 6.8 µg/dL, P < 0.001). Four of the non‐SPSE and nine SPSE patients had zinc levels less than the lower normal limit. Cirrhotic patients suffering SPSE had lower levels of albumin (2.8 ± 0.4 g/dL vs 3.8 ± 0.4 g/dL, P < 0.001), prealbumin (9.0 ± 4.3 mg/dL vs 14.3 ± 6.0 mg/dL, P = 0.02), and transferrin (158 ± 56 g/L vs 218 ± 50 g/L, P = 0.01), but a greater total bilirubin level (1.2 ± 1.5 mg/dL vs 0.9 ± 0.4 mg/dL, P = 0.005) than those not suffering SPSE. The serum zinc levels correlated with N20–N65 interpeak latencies (P = 0.03), serum albumin (P = 0.006), prealbumin (P < 0.001), and total bilirubin (P = 0.02) levels.

Conclusions:  The data show that zinc deficiency is common in cases of non‐alcoholic cirrhosis with SPSE. The early assessment of malnutrition and zinc deficiency are important.
Endoscopic balloon dilatation of benign gastric outlet obstruction
Authors: KOCHHAR RAKESH , SETHY PRADEEPTA KUMAR , NAGI BIRENDER , WIG JAY DEV
Published: March 2004

Background and Aim:  Endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) has been used for the treatment of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). There are several reports on the utility and success of this non‐surgical treatment option in peptic GOO, with variable results. However, there are only a few reports documenting the efficacy of this method for non‐peptic GOO. The authors here report on experience with balloon dilatation in peptic and non‐peptic GOO over a 3‐year period.

Methods:  Twenty‐three patients with benign GOO underwent EBD. Dilatation was carried out with through‐the‐scope balloon dilators after premedication. Dilatation was repeated every week and the response was documented on the basis of symptoms and endoscopic findings and barium studies. Helicobacter pylori was eradicated in patients with peptic GOO, when present.

Results:  The 23 patients with GOO included 11 with peptic ulcer as the etiology, eight with corrosive‐induced and four with chronic pancreatitis (alcohol three, idiopathic one). Patients with peptic GOO required 1–3 sessions (mean 2.0 ± 0.63) to achieve a diameter of 15 mm dilatation, with uniformly good response over a mean follow‐up period of 14.04 ± 9.79 months. Corrosive‐induced GOO required a larger number of dilatation sessions (2–9, mean 5.63 ± 2.88), but the response was equally good, with follow up of 12–30 months. Patients with pancreatitis‐related GOO, however, failed to respond despite a mean of 5.50 (±0.58) dilatations, and continued to have symptoms. All these patients were subjected to surgical bypass. There were no major complications such as perforation.

Conclusions:  A good response can be expected in the majority of patients with peptic and corrosive‐related GOO after balloon dilatation; however, poor results are noted for chronic pancreatitis‐related GOO.