bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Values, science and the quest for demarcation
Authors: de Zeeuw Gerard 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAlthough the study of human values is excluded by classical science, it is a major area of interest in systems science. Its difficulties challenge much of the field's creative force. This manifests itself in a strong tendency to propose what is ‘new’: directions of research, methodologies, paradigms. This variety poses problems of evaluation. A tool is described to solve these problems. It simplifies the process of comparing studies, and suggests how to improve on them.
Beyond the fads: Systems thinking for managers
Authors: Jackson Mike C. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper makes a comparison between research work going on in management science, particularly that taking a systems approach, and the research which underlies what is being offered to managers on the market in the form of the so‐called management ‘fads’—concentrating here on guru theory, total quality management, business process re‐engineering and the learning organization. This comparison proves favourable to the systems approach which, with its carefully crafted foundations, seems to offer much more to managers than the fads. Broadening the debate beyond management, a final section discusses the relationship between systems thinking and postmodernism—the latter usually associated with a pessimism about adopting any systemic or systematic approach.
Developing a family declaration of interdependence: A methodology for systems design within a small social unit
Authors: Dyer Gordon 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe paper offers a possible approach to the development of a Family Declaration of Interdependence as a framework for future‐creating social system design. A methodology for its introduction, incorporation and further development within the social unit, together with a draft family Bill of Rights and Responsibilities, are suggested. The methodology is intended for those with lay appreciation of systems design in the hope that this will speed the diffusion of design competence. The word ‘family’ is interpreted broadly, and the methodology is seen as applicable to a wide range of small social units and cultural settings, e.g. club, association, learning or development group where a form of contract which recognizes members' interdependence, and which generates commitment, participation and sustainability, would be desirable. An adaptation of the Declaration currently evolving within the International Systems Institute is described.
Perspectives from the Boulding files
Authors: Hammond Debora 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper draws upon research for my dissertation, which is a history of the general systems movement, focusing specifically on the Society for General Systems Research. In the dissertation I examine the backgrounds of the individual founders of the Society in order to understand the influences that led them to establish the Society and to clarify their intentions in doing so. In this paper I discuss Kenneth Boulding's interdisciplinary social science seminars at the University of Michigan as background for his work at the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences at Stanford during its opening year (1954–55), where the idea for the Society was developed and realized. I also discuss the role of the Ford Foundation in establishing the Center and promoting interdisciplinary work in the behavioral sciences during the postwar era. An understanding of this context may enhance appreciation for the significance of Boulding's contribution to the systems movement.
Yeast genome evolution—the origin of the species
Authors: Scannell Devin R. , Butler Geraldine , Wolfe Kenneth H. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWith almost 20 genomes sequenced from unicellular ascomycetes (Saccharomycotina), and the prospect of many more in the pipeline, we review the patterns and processes of yeast genome evolution. A central core of about 4000 genes is shared by all the sequenced yeast genomes. Gains of genes by horizontal gene transfer seem to be very rare. Gene losses are more frequent, and losses of whole sets of genes in some pathways in some species can be understood in terms of species‐specific differences in biology. The wholesale loss of redundant copies of duplicated genes after whole‐genome duplication in the ancestor of one clade of yeasts is likely to have caused the emergence of many reproductively isolated lineages of yeasts at that time, but other processes are responsible for species barriers that arose more recently among close relatives ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adequacy of health‐related quality of life measures in children under 5 years old: systematic review
Authors: Grange Angela , Bekker Hilary , Noyes Jane , Langley Pauline 
Published: July 2007

Abstract Title. Adequacy of health‐related quality of life measures in children under 5 years old: systematic review Aim.  This paper is a report of a systematic review to assess the adequacy of measures evaluating generic health‐related quality of life outcomes in children less than 5 years old.Background.  Evaluating generic health‐related quality of life outcomes in children is important to assess the effectiveness of interventions, nursing care and services.Methods.  A methodological systematic review was carried out for the period 1980–2005 in accord with the UK Centre of Reviews and Dissemination guidelines on systematic reviews. We searched multiple electronic databases, hand‐searched key texts, and contacted investigators. We included all English language publications describing primary empirical research of generic health‐related quality of life, health status, functional status or wellbeing measures, with published psychometric evidence. All measures (proxy and/or self‐complete) for use in children under 5 years were included; single dimension measures were excluded.Results.  Seventy‐six papers (70 studies) referring to 16 generic health‐related quality of life measures met our inclusion criteria. None of the 16 measures were adequate in terms of their conceptual content or psychometric criteria; quality scores were poor (0–8). No current, generic health‐related quality of life measure is both psychometrically and conceptually robust, although the Health Utilities Index has the most comprehensive psychometric data published. However, not all dimensions of health are assessed, with little evidence of reliability in children under 5 years of age.Conclusion.  There is a need to develop empirically robust and conceptually comprehensive health‐related quality of life measures, particularly in the context of proxy‐completion measures for very young children.
Concept analysis of forgiveness with a multi‐cultural emphasis
Authors: Recine Ann Gentry , Werner Joan Stehle , Recine Louis 
Published: July 2007

Abstract Title. Concept analysis of forgiveness with a multi‐cultural emphasis Aim.  This paper is a report of a concept analysis of forgiveness.Background.  Worldwide interest in and funding for forgiveness research has brought about a body of knowledge from many disciplines that could be clinically useful to nursing. At this time, nurse scholars are beginning to challenge one another to focus on this important area of inquiry. To date, however, most scholarship on forgiveness has been conducted in related disciplines, rather than in nursing. Conceptual and theoretical work is needed in nursing to promote knowledge development in this area.Method.  The CINAHL, Medline and PsycInfo databases were searched for papers published between 1990 and 2007 using the keywords, forgiveness, forgive, or reconciliation in the title or abstract. The non‐linear evolutionary process of concept analysis was used to identify the concept of interest, its origins, realm, attributes and context, characteristics, and implications. Forgiveness was also explored from an international multi‐cultural perspective. An exemplar is included to illuminate the concept. A total of 34 scholarly works from a variety of disciplines were included in the analysis.Findings.  A definition of forgiveness emerged from the analysis, as well as a multi‐cultural understanding of the concept. Three important attributes of forgiveness are that it is the relinquishing of a negative response, replacing the negative response with a benevolent response, and a process that occurs over time. Multi‐cultural attributes centre on group harmony, re‐establishing harmonious connections between people, and the morality of considering others as worthy of love and understanding.Conclusion.  A multi‐cultural understanding of forgiveness may provide the impetus for further theory development and research in nursing, and could be used to educate nurses on beginning interventions in this area.
The influence of growth conditions on biomass, toxins and pathogenicity of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. orthoceras, a potential agent for broomrape biocontrol
Authors: DOR E , EVIDENTE A , AMALFITANO C , AGRELLI D , HERSHENHORN J 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThe influence of different combinations of illumination and shaking on the growth dynamics, pathogenicity and toxin production of the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. orthoceras, a biocontrol agent of Orobanche cumana, was studied. The fastest biomass accumulation was obtained under shaking, with or without illumination, with the highest biomass obtained after 3–4 weeks of growth. The biological activity of chloroform extracts of the culture filtrate was characterised: it contained at least two main toxic metabolites that caused necrosis and wilting of various plants and led to mortality of germinating seeds of O. cernua, O. aegyptiaca, O. ramosa and O. cumana. The highest toxic activity of the chloroform extract was obtained under illumination without shaking after 3–4 weeks of growth. The two toxic metabolites were purified and identified as fusaric acid (FA) and 9,10‐dehydrofusaric acid (DFA). Both FA and DFA production began in the first week of growth, increasing gradually to their maxima after 4 weeks. The highest level of pathogenic activity of the fungus was obtained after three or more weeks of fungal growth. It can be concluded that in order to produce high levels of toxin and pathogenic activity, the fungus should be grown under illumination without shaking for 4 weeks.
Effects of after‐harvest period and environmental factors on seed dormancy of Amaranthus species
Authors: CRISTAUDO A , GRESTA F , LUCIANI F , RESTUCCIA A 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThe effects of seven constant temperatures (10–40°C at 5°C intervals) and seven after‐harvest periods (30–540 days after harvest) were evaluated on seed germination of nine Amaranthus species (A. albus, A. blitoides, A. cruentus, A. deflexus, A. graecizans, A. hybridus, A. lividus, A. retroflexus and A. viridis). Seeds of A. blitoides and A. viridis were also tested at alternating temperatures of 10/30°C (12/12 h thermoperiod) in continuous darkness and in an alternating 12/12 h dark/light photoperiod. With the exception of A. blitoides and A. viridis, germination increased as temperature increased from 20 to 35°C; the latter representing the optimum temperature (70–100% germination). At 10 and 15°C constant temperatures, no significant seed germination occurred in A. albus, A. deflexus, A. graecizans and A. lividus, while in A. cruentus, A. hybridus and A. retroflexus there was no germination at 10°C, but at 15°C more than 60% germination occurred. Germination was influenced strongly by after‐ripening period in A. cruentus, A. hybridus and A. retroflexus, partially in A. deflexus, and barely in A. graecizans and A. lividus. Seeds of A. blitoides and A. viridis required alternating temperatures and light to achieve high germination percentage (>90%). Primary dormancy in Amaranthus plays a fundamental role in extending germination over a longer period, so that the probability of seedling survival is maximised. The present study adds to the understanding of the environmental control and germination ecology of Amaranthus species and provides data that can contribute to predicting weed emergence dynamics.
Reuse of liver graft from a brain dead recipient
Authors: Nafidi Otmane , Letourneau Richard , Willems Bernard E , Lapointe Real W 
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  Background:  Brain death in fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) is a rare occurrence after successful orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Reuse of the liver graft may be considered. We report a successful OLT using such an organ in a 62‐yr‐old man with hematochromatosis‐related cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods:  Liver donor was 56‐yr‐old man with normal liver function tests. First recipient was a 26‐yr‐old woman with an acetaminophen‐induced FHF. Before OLT, she developed progressive coma without obvious cerebral edema on the cerebral CT‐scan. The transplantation proceeded as planned and was uneventful. However, patient exhibited bilateral non‐reactive mydriasis during postoperative hours and was declared brain dead. Transplanted liver was functioning adequately. Its reuse was discussed with her family and the second recipient. After informed consent, the transplanted liver and heart were harvested. First and second liver cold ischemia times were 10 h and 75 min, respectively.Results:  Second recipient recovered uneventful and discharged 23 d after OLT. Liver function is still normal 30 months after OLT without rejection or hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence.Conclusion:  Even after OLT, brain death remains possible in FHF. In absence of contraindications, reuse of transplanted liver allows for a rational use of already rare liver grafts.
Vegetative phase change among sweet corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids varying for reaction to common rust (Puccinia sorghi Schw.)
Authors: Chandler M. A. , Tracy W. F. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn maize, timing of vegetative phase change has been implicated in the response to certain pests and environmental stresses. Common rust is the most serious disease of sweet corn in the north central United States. Sweet corn hybrids differing for resistance to common rust were evaluated for vegetative phase change traits. There were significant differences among hybrids for all vegetative phase change traits measured, as well as resistance to common rust. Certain hybrids displayed rapid transition (within two leaves) from juvenile to adult vegetation, while others displayed prolonged transition (within four leaves). There were no significant correlations between vegetative phase change traits and common rust severity among the commercial sweet corn hybrids evaluated in this experiment.
Strong evidence for a fire blight resistance gene of Malus robusta located on linkage group 3
Authors: Peil A. , Garcia‐Libreros T. , Richter K. , Trognitz F. C. , Trognitz B. , Hanke M.‐V. , Flachowsky H. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractFire blight (FB), caused by the Gram‐negative bacterium Erwinia amylovora is a dangerous disease on pome fruit, including apple. The FB‐susceptible cultivar ‘Idared’ was crossed with the resistant wild species clone Malus × robusta 5. A segregating population of 146 progeny has been tested by artificial shoot inoculation for susceptibility to FB. Progeny were infected from 0% to 100% of the shoot length. To identify chromosomal regions or loci responsible for resistance to FB of Malus × robusta 5, a set of microsatellite markers (simple sequence repeat, SSRs) was chosen covering all linkage groups of apple. Up to eight different microsatellites were bulked to one mutliplex PCR using four different labels and a fifth label for a size standard. Fifty‐nine microsatellite markers out of 72 SSRs were polymorphic. Fifty‐four of 66 loci detected could be mapped and were useful for the detection of related resistant loci. Alleles of microsatellites Hi03d06, CH03g07 and CH03e03 originating from the resistant donor M. robusta were associated with resistance to Erwinia amylovora. Up to eighty percent of the phenotypic variation could be explained by the interval spanned by SSRs CH03g07 and CH03e03, indicating the presence of a major resistance gene. All three microsatellites are located on the distal part of linkage group 3, spanning 15 cM. The SSR marker CH03e03 can be regarded as diagnostic marker for FB resistance. Only seven progeny expressing allele b (184 bp) of CH03e03 showed blighted shoot lengths of more than 30% and only nine progeny lacking allele b showed blighted shoot lengths of <30%. By setting a threshold of 30% shoot necrosis for resistance to FB, the 146 individuals segregate into 71 susceptible and 75 resistant plants, and resistance to FB maps 9 cM away from marker CH03e03.
ACTIVATION OF PERIPHERAL CHEMORECEPTORS CAUSES POSITIVE INOTROPIC EFFECTS IN A WORKING HEART–BRAINSTEM PREPARATION OF THE RAT
Authors: Braga Valdir A , Zoccal Daniel B , Soriano Renato N , Antunes Vagner R , Paton Julian F , Machado Benedito H , Nalivaiko Eugene 
Published: July 2007

SUMMARYThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of peripheral chemoreceptor activation on myocardial contractility in an anaesthetic‐free decerebrated rat preparation.In the decerebrated and retrogradely perfused working heart–brainstem preparation, we recorded phrenic nerve activity, left ventricular (LV) pressure (microtip Millar catheter), LV dP/dT, heart rate and aortic perfusion pressure before and after activating peripheral chemoreceptors with bolus intra‐arterial injections of KCN.Without cardiac pacing, chemoreflex activation caused falls in heart rate (–108 ± 21 b.p.m.) and complex polyphasic changes in LV pressure and LV dP/dT. If the heart was paced, chemoreflex activation caused significant rises in LP pressure (+16 ± 3 mmHg) and LV dP/dt (+778 ± 93 mmHg/s). These positive inotropic effects were significantly and substantially attenuated by β‐adrenoceptor blockade with atenolol. In all instances, chemoreflex activation elicited potent tachypnoeic responses.In conclusion, activation of peripheral chemoreceptors in non‐anaesthetized rats evokes a positive inotropic response that is sympathetically mediated. This observation may be relevant for the evaluation of neurally induced effects of acute hypoxia on the ventricular myocardium.
Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of ulcerative colitis in Chinese population: Experience from a single center in Hong Kong
Authors: Lok Ka‐Ho , Hung Hiu‐Gong , Ng Chi‐Ho , Kwong Kuifa Chang , Yip Wai‐Man , Lau Siu‐Fai , Li Kin‐Kong , Li Kam‐Fu , Szeto Ming‐Leung 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Rising incidence and prevalence of ulcerative colitis (UC) had been observed in Asian countries. We conducted a study in an Asian center, aiming to describe the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of UC in local Chinese population.Methods:  This is a retrospective analysis of patients with diagnosis of UC in our hospital from June 1990 to December 2006. The diagnosis of UC has to satisfy the internationally accepted criteria. All patients were Chinese residents in a well‐defined catchment area. Clinical and epidemiological data were obtained from medical records and patient interviews.Results:  Seventy‐three Chinese UC patients had been managed in our hospital. The hospital‐based prevalence had risen by three times over a 10‐year period, but no definite rising incidence can be demonstrated. The mean age at diagnosis was 40.6 years and the median duration of disease is 72 months. In our patient cohort, 38.4% had ulcerative proctitis and 26% had left‐sided UC, whereas 35.6% had extensive UC at presentation. The majority presented with mild (39.7%) or moderate (30.2%) disease activity, but 27.4% presented with severe disease. Two patients (2.7%) present with fulminant disease with one of them developed toxic megacolon. Extra‐gastrointestinal manifestations occurred in 13.7%. During the follow‐up period, most patients (86.3%) were in disease remission. Four patients (5.5%) underwent colectomy, four patients (5.5%) died, and two patients (2.7%) were lost to follow up.Conclusion:  The prevalence but not the incidence of UC is rising in Chinese population. It usually affects young patients and a substantial proportion of patients presented with severe and fulminant disease. The disease activity of most Chinese patients can be controlled with medical treatment, though a small proportion of patients need surgery or have fatal outcome.
Vaccination with a neural‐derived peptide plus administration of glutathione improves the performance of paraplegic rats
Authors: Martiñon S. , García E. , Flores N. , Gonzalez I. , Ortega T. , Buenrostro M. , Reyes R. , Fernandez‐Presas A. M. , Guizar‐Sahagún G. , Correa D. , Ibarra A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAfter damage to the central nervous system (CNS) the body is protected by an adaptive immune response which is directed against myelin‐associated proteins. Active immunization with nonpathogenic derivatives of CNS‐associated peptides (DCAP) reduces the degeneration of neurons and promotes motor recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. In order to improve even more the neurological outcome obtained with this therapy, either a combination of DCAP immunization plus glutathione monoethyl ester (GSHE) or a double DCAP immunization were performed. GSHE is a cell‐permeant derivative of glutathione, a potent antioxidant agent that significantly inhibits lipid peroxidation after SCI. After a contusive or compressive SCI, the combination of GSHE + DCAP immunization, induced better motor recovery, a higher number of myelinated axons and better rubrospinal neuron survival than immunization alone. On the other hand, double‐DCAP immunization counteracted the protective effect of DCAP therapy. Motor recovery and neuronal survival of double‐immunized rats were similar to those observed in control animals (PBS‐treated). Further studies revealed that double immunization was not encephalitogenic but inhibited the proliferative response of T‐cells specific to the DCAP‐immunized peptide. This clonal dysfunction was probably secondary to anergy. GSHE improves the protective effect induced by DCAP immunization while double immunization, reverts it.
The Territorial Impact of the Farmers' Early Retirement Scheme
Authors: Bika Zografia 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis article considers the causal relationships between the European farmers' early retirement policy instrument and structural and social outcomes. The member states of Greece, Ireland and France have been among the main beneficiaries of this policy scheme, which encourages farmers aged between 55 and 66 to retire and transfer their land to a younger farmer, with multiple effects. The analysis in this article suggests that the accrued pension income is mostly higher than applicants' previous earnings from farming, while the policy instrument is only moderately successful in enlarging farms or encouraging new entrants, with the majority of transfers occurring between members of the same family. The farmers' early retirement scheme appears to be connected more to the regional traditions of inheritance than to farm structures per se. The impact on an unbalanced European age–farmer structure is evaluated as differing little from what would have happened anyway, with only short‐term effects reported in relation to the time scale. In summary, the scheme is subject to manipulation in terms of region‐specific circumstances and thus fulfils social objectives rather than the purpose of structural cohesion.