bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacteriophage influence Campylobacter jejuni types populating broiler chickens
Authors: Scott Andrew E. , Timms Andrew R. , Connerton Phillippa L. , El‐Shibiny Ayman , Connerton Ian F.
Published: June 2007

The characteristics that allow one Campylobacter jejuni genotype to succeed over another under the influence of bacteriophage predation have been examined in experimental broiler chickens following the observation that this succession appeared to occur in naturally colonized broiler chicken flocks. Examination of three C. jejuni strains from a single flock indicated that horizontal transfer of at least 112 kb of genomic DNA from strain F2C10 (bacteriophage sensitive) to strain F2E1 (bacteriophage insensitive) had created strain F2E3. Transfer of this DNA was associated with acquisition of sensitivity to 6 of 25 lytic bacteriophage isolated from the same flock. All strains tested were capable of colonizing broiler chickens but cocolonization revealed that the bacteriophage sensitive strains F2E3 and F2C10 had a competitive advantage over the bacteriophage insensitive strain F2E1. With the addition of lytic bacteriophage the situation was completely reversed, with F2E1 dominating. The inability to replicate bacteriophage is associated with a significant fitness cost that renders the insensitive strain competitive only in the presence of bacteriophage. We demonstrate that interstrain recombination in vivo can generate genome diversity in C. jejuni and that bacteriophage predation is a strong selective pressure that influences the relative success of emergent strains in broiler chickens.
Rapid growth rates of aerobic anoxygenic phototrophs in the ocean
Authors: Koblížek Michal , Mašín Michal , Ras Josephine , Poulton Alex J. , Prášil Ondřej
Published: June 2007

We analysed bacteriochlorophyll diel changes to assess growth rates of aerobic anoxygenic phototrophs in the euphotic zone across the Atlantic Ocean. The survey performed during Atlantic Meridional Transect cruise 16 has shown that bacteriochlorophyll in the North Atlantic Gyre cycles at rates of 0.91–1.08 day−1 and in the South Atlantic at rates of 0.72–0.89 day−1. In contrast, in the more productive equatorial region and North Atlantic it cycled at rates of up to 2.13 day−1. These results suggest that bacteriochlorophyll‐containing bacteria in the euphotic zone of the oligotrophic gyres grow at rates of about one division per day and in the more productive regions up to three divisions per day. This is in striking contrast with the relatively slow growth rates of the total bacterial community. Thus, aerobic anoxygenic phototrophs appear to be a very dynamic part of the marine microbial community and due to their rapid growth, they are likely to be larger sinks for dissolved organic matter than their abundance alone would predict.
The increasing use of intravesical therapies for stage T1 bladder cancer coincides with decreasing survival after cystectomy
Authors: Lambert Erica H. , Pierorazio Phillip M. , Olsson Carl A. , Benson Mitchell C. , McKiernan James M. , Poon Steven
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE

Intravesical therapy (IVT), chemo and immunotherapy, has made conservative, bladder‐sparing strategies a viable option for managing patients with high grade T1 bladder cancer. However, many of these patients will have recurrence and occasionally progression, questioning delayed intervention. This study examines the patterns of use of IVT in high‐grade T1 bladder cancer and the subsequent impact on survival for patients ultimately proceeding to radical cystectomy (RC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 1990 and 2005, 104 patients were identified with T1 high‐grade transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) and who underwent RC. Patients were divided into two groups; those having RC before 1998 (median year of surgery) and those after 1998. Trends in time from diagnosis to RC, courses of IVT, recurrence and pathological stage were analysed using two‐sample t‐tests with 95% confidence intervals. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to determine the disease‐free and overall survival rates.

RESULTS

Before 1998, 28 of 38 patients (74%) proceeded directly to RC with no IVT, vs 20 of 47 (43%) after 1998 (P = 0.004). The mean number of IVT courses per patient was 0.53 before 1998 and 1.2 afterward (P = 0.016). Patients who had RC before 1998 had a 69.7% disease‐free survival at 5 years, vs 39.6% for those after 1998 (P = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In the past 15 years, our experience indicates that patients having RC for T1 high‐grade TCC after 1998 were more likely to receive IVT. These same patients had a worsening disease‐free survival. In very few other cancers has disease‐free survival decreased over time. We postulate that the decrease in survival might be related to an increased use of IVT.
Intrarenal manipulation of flexible ureteroscopes: a comparative study
Authors: Monga Manoj , Weiland Derek , Pedro Renato N. , Lynch Alexandria C. , Anderson Kyle
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE

To compare the relative ease of manipulation around a calyceal model in the hands of experienced ureteroscopists of four flexible ureteroscopes (FUs), as new‐generation FUs provide exaggerated active deflection to facilitate intrarenal manipulation.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Four FUs of <7.5 F were tested: the FlexVision U‐500 (SF) (Stryker Endoscopy, San Jose, CA, USA), the Dur‐8 Elite (D8E) (ACMI, Southborough, MA, USA), the Viper (Richard Wolf Medical Instruments, Vernon Hills, IL, USA) and the URF‐P3 (Olympus Surgical, Orangeburg, NY, USA). Eight experienced ureteroscopists, each with a minimum of 100 flexible ureteroscopies over the preceding 3 years, assessed the FUs. The Mediskills calyceal model represents a moderately hydronephrotic collecting system, with a renal pelvic width of 2 cm, infundibular widths of 1 cm and infundibular lengths of 2 cm. The middle calyx infundibular angle was 80° and the lower calyx infundibular angle was 100°. The model does not allow for significant passive secondary deflection. The surgeons manoeuvred systematically around a four‐point course, from the pelvi‐ureteric junction, to anterior lower calyx, to anterior middle calyx, to posterior lower calyx, to posterior middle calyx, touching a metal sensor with an fulguration electrode, to trigger an automated signal at each calyx. The order of FU used by each surgeon was randomized. Each surgeon performed the course twice with each FU, ending with the first FU they started with, to diminish the impact of ‘learning the course’.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in the mean (sd) total time for manipulation through the four‐point course, for the Viper, SF, D8E and URF‐P3, at 29 (11), 37 (23), 38 (20) and 50 (24) s, respectively (P = 0.034). The URF‐P3 took longer to reach the posterior lower pole, at 18.1 (14.5) s than the Viper, SF and D8E, at 6.3 (2.8) (P = 0.004), 6.6 (3.3) (P = 0.008) and 7.7 (4.9) (P = 0.008), respectively. The Viper was quicker to reach the posterior middle pole, at 7.3 (4.0) s, than the URF‐P3, SF and D8E, at 14.9 (13.1) (P = 0.036), 14.7 (14.3) (P = 0.056) and 12.7 (14.0) s (P = 0.115), respectively. Subjectively, six of eight endoscopists stated that the Viper was the better FU for ease of manipulation, while five of eight stated that the URF‐P3 was the most difficult. Notably, all eight endoscopists had more clinical experience with the URF‐P3 than with the other three FUs tested.

CONCLUSIONS

In a model of a moderately hydronephrotic kidney with long infundibulum and limited ability to perform passive secondary deflection, FUs with exaggerated active deflection outmanoeuvred the URF‐P3. The Viper was better for manipulation in the hands of experienced endoscopists.
Mood changes, body mass index and bioavailable testosterone in healthy men: results of the Androx Vienna Municipality Study
Authors: Kratzik Christian W. , Schatzl Georg , Lackner Jakob E. , Lunglmayr Gerhard , Brandstätter Nadja , Rücklinger Ernst , Huber Johannes
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether sex hormones alone or in combination with body mass index (BMI) influence mood in men.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Blood samples were taken from 669 manual workers (aged 43–67 years) to measure sex hormone levels, in particular bioavailable testosterone (BAT). At the same time BMI was calculated. All participants completed the Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) for the evaluation of depression. Then BMI and BAT were correlated to the BDI scores, to determine a possible interaction.

RESULTS

There was a quadratic main effect for BAT on the BDI scores, i.e. an increased risk of depression with an odds ratio of 1.871 (P = 0.029) for hypo‐ and hypergonadal men. Also, there was an interaction between BAT and BMI, which was mainly detected in underweight and obese men. This U‐shaped effect for underweight and obese men was not detected in men with a ‘normal’ weight, who had a significantly linear decrease in the risk of depression by changing from the hypogonadal to the eugonadal subgroup, as well as for changing from the eugonadal to the hypergonadal subgroup, with a mean odds ratio of 0.513 (P = 0.032).

CONCLUSIONS

Depression depends on BAT and BMI; in men of normal weight, an increase in BAT reduces the risk of depression, which is not the case in underweight and obese men. Consequently eugonadal men with normal testosterone levels have the lowest risk of depression.
What determines early exercise of employee stock options in Australia?
Authors: Boyd Tristan , Brown Philip , Szimayer Alex
Published: June 2007

Employee stock options (ESOs) are a popular way of remunerating employees. We analyse factors at the firm and option level affecting the employee's decision to exercise ESOs before they mature. Exercises over the period 1998–2004 are analysed and the key factor influencing early exercise is found to be dividends. Exercises frequently occur well before maturity, but in most cases little time value is sacrificed. Our findings have implications for the ‘fair’ valuation of ESOs in companies’ financial statements, as required by the relevant Australian accounting standard, AASB 2.
Effect of perceived conflict among multiple performance goals and goal difficulty on task performance
Authors: Cheng Mandy M. , Luckett Peter F. , Mahama Habib
Published: June 2007

Contemporary performance measurement systems, such as the balanced scorecard, often advocate the use of an array of financial and non‐financial measures. Despite many claimed advantages for these systems, recent research shows that the inclusion of multiple performance measures sometimes has undesirable effects. The present study examines one of the potential problems of implementing these systems; namely, the impact of perceived goal conflict on task performance. Using survey data from employees working in multiple call centres in a telecommunication company, we find that perceived goal difficulty increases perceived goal conflict. Additionally, perceived goal difficulty also has a negative, indirect effect of task performance, through the mediating role of perceived goal conflict. Our results have important implications for both the research literature and the designers of performance measurement systems.
Global ranking of accounting programmes and the elite effect in accounting research
Authors: Chan Kam C. , Chen Carl R. , Cheng Louis T. W.
Published: June 2007

We provide a global ranking of accounting research and examine the elite degree and elite affiliation effect. Based on 24 accounting journals during the period 1991–2005, the top 5 most productive countries in accounting research are in the following order: the USA, the UK, Australia, Canada and Hong Kong. We find a significant elite degree effect, indicating that authors who graduated from elite accounting programmes have a disproportionate share of publications in top‐notch journals. The same conclusion is also supported by the elite affiliation effect in which leading accounting journals have higher concentration of authors who are affiliated with elite institutions.
A Bourgeois Geography of Domestic Bicycling: Using Public Space Responsibly in Toronto and Niagara‐on‐the‐Lake, 1890–1900
Authors: MACKINTOSH PHILLIP GORDON
Published: June 2007

Abstract Domestic bicycling emerged in thefin de siécleas a response to perceived violations ofhaute bourgeoispublic decorum and comportment. It promoted domestic, aestheticized and “womanly” bicycling and bicycling activities as alternatives to the anti‐domestic bicycling behaviour demonstrated by reckless men and indecorous women. The domestic notion of responsible bicycling in public included the bicycle gymkhana, where the competition was not so much athletic as floral. Accordingly, Toronto's interest in the Niagara‐on‐the‐Lake bicycle gymkhana demonstrates a progressive era impulse to substitute the chaotic with bourgeois constructions of the orderly.
Gender Ideology and Disease Theory: Classifying Cancer in Nineteenth Century Britain
Authors: COMEAU TAMMY DUERDEN
Published: June 2007

Abstract This paper examines cancer discourse as a case study of the social construction of biomedicine. According to medical historians, cancer has long been associated with women. During the 19th century, there were renewed efforts to classify cancerous tumours. Through an analysis of British 19th century medical literature, I explore the intersections between gender ideologies and cancer classifications. My findings indicate that historical associations between women and cancer informed early cancer classifications. In the mid‐19th century, when scientific advances challenged these models, British surgeons incorporated new aspects of prevailing gender ideologies suggesting a biomedical commitment to view cancer in gendered terms.
Distance‐Ranked Connectivity Compression of Triangle Meshes
Authors: Marais P. , Gain J. , Shreiner D.
Published: June 2007

We present a new, single‐rate method for compressing the connectivity information of a connected 2‐manifold triangle mesh with or without boundary. Traditional compression schemes interleave geometry and connectivity coding, and are thus typically unable to utilize information from vertices (mesh regions) they have not yet processed. With the advent of competitive point cloud compression schemes, it has become feasible to develop separate connectivity encoding schemes that can exploit complete, global vertex position information to improve performance.

Our scheme demonstrates the utility of this separation of vertex and connectivity coding. By traversing the mesh edges in a consistent fashion, and using global vertex information, we can predict the position of the vertex that completes the unprocessed triangle attached to a given edge. We then rank the vertices in the neighborhood of this predicted position by their Euclidean distance. The distance rank of the correct closing vertex is stored. Typically, these rank values are small, and the set of rank values thus possesses low entropy and compresses very well. The sequence of rank values is all that is required to represent the mesh connectivity—no special split or merge codes are necessary.

Results indicate improvements over traditional valence‐based schemes for more regular triangulations. Highly irregular triangulations or those containing a large number of slivers are not well modelled by our current set of predictors and may yield poorer connectivity compression rates than those provided by the best valence‐based schemes.
Real‐Time GPU Silhouette Refinement using Adaptively Blended Bézier Patches
Authors: Dyken C. , Reimers M. , Seland J.
Published: June 2007

We present an algorithm for detecting and extracting the silhouette edges of a triangle mesh in real time using Graphical Processing Units (GPUs). We also propose a tessellation strategy for visualizing the mesh with smooth silhouettes through a continuous blend between Bézier patches with varying level of detail. Furthermore, we show how our techniques can be integrated with displacement and normal mapping. We give details on our GPU implementation and provide a performance analysis with respect to mesh size.
Teaching, Exploring, Learning—Developing Tutorials for In‐Class Teaching and Self‐Learning
Authors: Beckhaus S. , Blom K. J.
Published: June 2007

This paper presents an experience report on a novel approach for a course on intermediate and advanced computer graphics topics. The approach uses Teachlet Tutorials, a combination of traditional seminar–type teaching with interactive exploration of the content by the audience, plus development of self‐contained tutorials on the topic. In addition to a presentation, an interactive software tool is developed by the students to assist the audience in learning and exploring the topic's details. This process is guided through set tasks. The resulting course material is developed for two different contexts: (a) for classroom presentation and (b) as an interactive, self‐contained, self‐learning tutorial. The overall approach results in a more thorough understanding of the topic both for the student teachers as well as for the class participants. In addition to detailing the Teachlet Tutorial approach, this paper presents our experiences implementing the approach in our Advanced Computer Graphics course and presents the resultant projects. Most of the final Teachlet Tutorials were surprisingly good and we had excellent feedback from the students on the approach and course.
Graphics‐Based Learning in First‐Year Computer Science
Authors: Davis T. A.
Published: June 2007

This paper proposes a method for teaching a first‐year course in computer science using graphics‐based problems as the teaching medium. Specifically, we present a method for instruction in programming using a semester‐long project of developing a ray tracer. This effort is part of a larger project, known as
, in which a broad range of undergraduate courses are taught using computer graphics as the motivating application. An overview of this project is provided, along with description and results from the first trial CS2 course instructed using this technique.
Optimal Reconstruction Periods for Stochastically Deteriorating Infrastructures
Authors: Pasupathy Raghu , Labi Samuel , Sinha Kumares C.
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  In this article we address the problem of identifying the optimal period between reconstructions, also called reconstruction periods, for an infrastructure system whose performance deteriorates stochastically over time. Performance may refer to the physical condition, such as pavement or bridge condition. We first demonstrate that for any stochastic deterioration process and reconstruction period, the long‐term cost‐effectiveness, defined as the ratio of the total non‐monetary benefit to the total monetary cost across several reconstruction periods, is simply the ratio of the expected benefit to the expected cost up to the first reconstruction, assuming that reconstructions bring the facility back to the new state. We then select four popular mathematical forms of facility performance and present methods to determine the optimal reconstruction periods. The reconstruction cost is assumed to satisfy a certain specified structure.
Risk Modeling of Dependence among Project Task Durations
Authors: Yang I‐Tung
Published: June 2007

Abstract: Project risk management requires assessments of project duration and activity criticality. The assessments, however, can be strongly influenced by the dependence between task durations. In light of the need to address the dependence, the present study proposes a computer simulation model to incorporate and augment NORTA, a method for multivariate random number generation. The proposed model allows arbitrarily specified marginal distributions for task durations (need not be members of the same distribution family) and any desired correlation structure. This level of flexibility is of great practical value when systematic data is not available and planners have to rely on experts' subjective estimation. The application of the proposed model is demonstrated through scheduling a road pavement project. The proposed model is validated by showing that the sample correlation coefficients between task durations closely match the originally specified ones. Empirical comparisons between the proposed model and two conventional approaches, PERT and conventional simulation (without correlations), are used to illustrate the usefulness of the proposed model.
Formal versus informal knowledge networks in R&D: a case study using social network analysis
Authors: Allen James , James Andrew D. , Gamlen Phil
Published: June 2007

The existence of informal social networks within organizations has long been recognized as important and the unique working relationships among scientific and technical personnel have been well documented by both academics and practitioners. The growing interest in knowledge management practices has led to increased attention being paid to social network analysis as a tool for mapping the nature and membership of informal networks. However, despite the knowledge‐intensive nature of research and development (R&D) activities, social network analyses of the R&D function remain relatively rare. This paper discusses the role of informal networks in the development, exchange and dissemination of knowledge within the R&D function. A case study using social network analysis is used to compare and contrast formal and informal knowledge networks within ICI. Marked differences between the informal organization and ICI's formal structures for knowledge exchange are revealed and a series of insights into the working habits of technical staff are presented. The implications for managers are clear: through a better understanding of the informal organization of R&D staff, they can more successfully capture and exploit new ideas; more efficiently disseminate information throughout the function; and more effectively understand the working habits and activities of employees.
Person–project fit and R&D performance: a case study of Industrial Technology Research Institute of Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Sen‐Hao , Wang Yau‐De , Horng Ruey‐Yun , Huang Yung‐Chang
Published: June 2007

This study examined the relation between the research and development (R&D) performance and the fit between a researcher's cognitive type and the task demand of the project that was implied in Wang, Wu & Horng's (1999) study. Three hundred and eighteen research projects completed by 205 project leaders in the 3 years were classified into Unsworth's four creativity types along two dimensions: (1) whether the research addressed an open‐ or closed‐ended problem and (2) whether the project was assigned or actively sought by the researcher. Each researcher's personal traits were assessed using Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and Kirton's Adaptor–Innovator Scale (KAI). Results show that researchers with a conforming, feeling, or judging‐type cognition performed better with assigned projects for solving closed problems. Those with an originality and intuitive‐type cognition performed better on self‐initiated projects for solving open‐ended problems. Researchers with sensing‐type cognition performed better with assigned projects for solving open‐ended questions. Thus, a careful match between a researcher's cognitive type and the task demand of project is important for R&D management.
Assessing the technological capabilities of firms: developing a policy tool
Authors: Rush Howard , Bessant John , Hobday Mike
Published: June 2007

The development of technological capabilities results from an extended learning process and external policy agents can play an important role in its development. This paper outlines trends in governmental and non‐governmental policy initiatives and the use of concepts such as capability and absorptive capacity, which are positioned within generic‐staged models of capability maturity. This paper describes the development of a technology capability assessment/audit tool that has been designed to help locate firms within four archetypes based upon their level of maturity on nine key dimensions of the management of technology. The tool is intended to help bridge the gap between our theoretical understanding of the principles of technology management and policy practice – allowing policy makers to design mechanisms that focus resources in areas of greatest need through the appropriate selection of policy mechanisms and the targeted design of policy. The use of this tool in field experiments is described along with the implications for policy making.
Clustering and the R&D management of high‐technology small firms: in theory and practice
Authors: Oakey Ray
Published: June 2007

Much of the policy assistance for high‐technology small firms (HTSFs) over recent years has been directed at encouraging their research and development (R&D) collaboration through local networking and technology transfer. Following a consideration of why HTSFs are formed, and how they perform R&D in order to cope with the competitive environment, this paper explores the value of external collaborative R&D to internal R&D management, inside geographically concentrated incubators, science parks or clusters. It is concluded that, although R&D collaboration with external partners occurs in limited instances, much HTSF R&D is highly confidential, competitive and wholly internalised. This tendency, as far as it relates to R&D management, is significant in that it minimises the likelihood that local management collaboration between co‐located firms will improve the performance of R&D projects.
THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE AND THE COASE THEOREM
Authors: Szymanski Stefan
Published: June 2007

This paper considers the relevance of the Coase Theorem to the analysis of sports leagues. It is widely believed that there exists an ideal competitive balance between teams in a sporting contest, and that without competitive restraints to redistribute resources championships will be too unbalanced. The paper reviews the empirical evidence on this issue to date, and then examines a model where the outcome may be either too little or too much competitive balance. Empirical evidence from English football suggests that the bias is likely to be in favour of too much competitive balance. The implications for European football in general and the Champions League in particular are then discussed.
RATIONAL EXPECTATIONS AND PRO SPORTS LEAGUES
Authors: Fort Rodney , Quirk James
Published: June 2007

We put a new set of shoes on that old workhorse, the competitive talent market (CTM) model in sports economics. There exist unique rational expectations equilibria for both national football league (NFL‐type leagues) and major league baseball (MLB‐type leagues) under the CTM model. A cursory statistical test fails to reject the empirical implications for the NFL‐type league. The model also suggests empirical tests of whether or not talent demand (marginal revenues from talent), including induced effects, actually slopes down. But like all models, the competitive talent model should be applied in its context. It describes highly cooperative North American sports leagues that have a wealth of common information. But it may not do the same for other leagues if they lack this common information.
THE PECULIAR INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL IN EUROPE
Authors: Kesenne Stefan
Published: June 2007

Most European industries have a history of gradually opening international markets, with growing international capital mobility and increasing free trade of goods and services. However, although labour markets have been officially deregulated as well, there is much less international mobility of labour, mainly due to cultural and social barriers. An apparent exception to the rule been the industry of professional team sports in Europe, where the Bosman verdict in 1995 has freed the European player market while the product market was still nationally protected. In this paper, we try to derive the consequences of this deviant evolution in the European sports industry, concentrating on the competitive balance within and between national leagues and on the player salary levels, using a simplified ‘two country–four team’ model with quadratic revenue functions.
THE FOOTBALL PLAYERS' LABOR MARKET: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM THE MAJOR EUROPEAN LEAGUES
Authors: Frick Bernd
Published: June 2007

The growing economic importance of professional football and the recent fundamental changes in the regulatory regime governing the football players' labor market together with the availability of detailed information on player salaries, transfer fees and contract lengths have convinced an increasing number of economists from all over Europe to devote their attention to the operation of that particular market. The following paper reviews the available evidence on the various dimensions of that market (remuneration, transfers, contracts and mobility) and points out some promising directions for further research.
The multi‐functionality of accounts in advice giving1
Authors: Waring Hansun Zhang
Published: June 2007

Accounts have traditionally been understood as explanations designed to exonerate the speaker from an untoward act (e.g. account for lateness) (Scott and Lyman 1968). In this paper, I examine the use of accounts in advice giving, adopting a broader view of accounts as the reasoning provided to bolster the viability of the advice. The data set consists of 15 graduate peer tutoring sessions and a total of 143 advising sequences collected over a period of four years. Using the methodology of conversation analysis, I show that besides their remedial utility of ‘repairing the broken,’ accounts can also be used proactively to validate and promote a current agenda. In particular, I argue for the multi‐functionality of accounts in addressing face threats, managing resistance, and doing pedagogy.
Old Dreams, New Means: an Exploration of Visions and Situated Knowledge in Information Technology
Authors: Jansson Maria , Mörtberg Christina , Berg Elisabeth
Published: June 2007

The aim of this article is to explore the tensions and ambivalences of new and old technology and political visions of keeping viable, quality care and services for elderly citizens through the use of new information technologies. The visions of politicians and social service managers of keeping alive the welfare state and retaining its ability to offer quality care and services for elderly citizens are compared with the experiences of female care assistants and their expectations of technology. A feminist figure — the cyborg — will be used in this exploration. We consider how care assistants are integrated in networks of socio‐technical relations between humans and non‐humans, and the extent to which gender or asymmetrical power relations between women and men intervene in their stories.
‘Allowed into a Man's World’ Meanings of Work–Life Balance: Perspectives of Women Civil Engineers as ‘Minority’ Workers in Construction
Authors: Watts Jacqueline H.
Published: June 2007

This article discusses how women working as civil engineers within the UK construction industry perceive work–life balance and considers strategies they use to achieve this. The findings are presented of a qualitative research project that explored the experiences of women in this role, focusing on the subcultural context of a profession that is dominated by the values of presenteeism and infinite availability. A feminist post‐structuralist framework is used to analyse how women negotiate their personal and professional time and the extent to which their other roles as carers and nurturers unsettle male work practices in this highly gendered profession. There are gradually increasing numbers of women in professional construction roles and their success appears to depend on being able to fit in to the dominant masculine culture of long working hours and the male pub gathering. Despite an increased presence, women's minority status in construction continues to challenge their professional identity and this is central to the conflict many face between the dual roles of corporate worker and private non‐work person.
Geography and the Future of Stock Exchanges: Between Real and Virtual Space
Authors: WÓJCIK DARIUSZ
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT  This paper aims to contribute to the debate on the future of stock exchanges and financial centres by focusing on two questions. First, whether, how, why, and which stock exchange activities are prone to concentration in financial centres? Second, are they prone to concentration in national or international financial centres? Through a detail‐rich analysis of stock exchange activities, including trading system, as well as relationships with members, issuers, and investors, the paper suggests a framework for the geography of stock exchange activities based on two dimensions—proneness to concentration in a financial centre and proneness to international consolidation. With this framework, predictions are made about the future geography of stock exchange activities led by the argument that while significant geographical reconfigurations are likely to unfold, driven primarily by the development of international networks of stock market institutions, stock exchanges, and financial centres will remain crucially important for each other.
Mobile Marketplaces—Consequences of the Changing Governance of European Stock Exchanges
Authors: GROTE MICHAEL H.
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT  Deregulation and increasing cross‐border competition in the financial industry are affecting not only firms but also those organisations that provide markets, i.e., stock exchanges. The process of changing governance structures is exemplified in this paper by the case of Deutsche Börse AG, the Frankfurt‐based main German stock exchange. The paper focuses on the reasons for relocations of national stock exchanges, and possible consequences for local firms. Secondary trading is based mainly on the exchange of (price) information, so traders were able to move away from the Frankfurt floor quite easily. However, many of them gathered together in London because of the knowledge‐intensive communications between them, e.g., interpretations of rumours, market mood, etc. On the other hand, the primary markets—firms issuing new shares—are also based on the exchange of tacit knowledge. With two spatially separated groups of users, traders in London in the secondary markets and firms in Germany in the primary market, Deutsche Börse faces a “user‐producer interface dilemma.” Thus, a possible relocation of executive functions to London combined with the complex interplay between information and knowledge exchange in financial markets could have negative consequences for the financing conditions of local firms.
INSENSITIVITY
Authors: RAMSAY HAYDEN
Published: June 2007

Ethical theories do not always focus sufficiently on the correct characterization of morally bad choices. Standard accounts include: acts that are unprincipled, low‐utility, badly directed, or in violation of contracts. These standard accounts of immorality are inadequate. The concept of vices – a key part of virtue theory – offers a better account of bad choice. Most virtue ethics focuses on the warm vices (greed, lust, pride, anger, acquisitiveness …), but the cool vices – the vices of insensitivity – may pose as many dangers to human life and happiness. I discuss a range of insensitivities and the ways in which they can infiltrate personality, often spreading so as to affect the entire character. I address the objection that insensitivity is a weak account of bad choice since insensitivity is often an involuntary characteristic. I borrow from Adam Smith the concept of ‘piacularity’ to explain how involuntary habits (and the acts they cause) can be bad despite the fact they are not culpable.
The Moderating Influence of Personality and Culture on Social Loafing in Typical versus Maximum Performance Situations
Authors: Klehe Ute‐Christine , Anderson Neil
Published: June 2007

The current paper combines research from personality, cultural, social, and work‐ and organizational psychology. More precisely, it addresses the motivating effects of situations that either foster or inhibit social loafing under typical vs maximum performance conditions. It further tests how these effects are moderated by the three individual difference variables of conscientiousness, agreeableness, and openness to experience, and the two cultural dimension variables of collectivism and power distance. Results reveal positive main effects for inherently motivating situations, maximum performance conditions, conscientiousness, agreeableness and collectivism, as well as a significant interaction between the degree to which the situation invites social loafing and the typical vs maximum performance condition. These findings thus confirm a possible overlap between the theories of social loafing and of typical vs maximum performance. Finally, power distance showed a number of surprising interactions that may, in part, account for cultural differences found in the social loafing literature. Implications for theory building, empirical research and practice are discussed.
A Comparison of WAIS‐R and WAIS‐III in the Lower IQ Range: Implications for Learning Disability Diagnosis
Authors: Fitzgerald Suzanne , Gray Nicola S. , Snowden Robert J.
Published: June 2007

Background  Whether the Flynn effect (the increase in the populations’ IQ over time) affects the IQ scores of people with learning disability or borderline learning disability remains unclear. The issue is important as the Flynn effect should alter the number of people eligible for health service resources. A comparison of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale‐Revised (WAIS‐R) with the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale‐Third Edition (WAIS‐III) in individuals with learning disability or borderline learning disability was conducted.

Method  All participants completed the WAIS‐R and the WAIS‐III. Discrepancy scores were calculated for the Full Scale IQ score and the Verbal and Performance subscale scores.

Results  WAIS‐III Full Scale scores were significantly lower by over 4 IQ points. Verbal and Performance Scale IQ scores were also significantly lower than the corresponding WAIS‐R scores.

Conclusion  The shift from WAIS‐R to WAIS‐III means that 66% more people meet criterion A for the diagnosis of learning disability and hence this has major resource implications for health service providers.
Parents Plus Programme 1: Evaluation of Its Effectiveness for Pre‐School Children with Developmental Disabilities and Behavioural Problems
Authors: Quinn Mark , Carr Alan , Carroll Louise , O'Sullivan David
Published: June 2007

Background  This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Parents Plus programme with families of pre‐school children with developmental disabilities and significant behavioural problems in the Irish health service. The Parents Plus programme is a group‐based parent training package involving video modelling, which was designed to be effective for children with conduct problems, but without developmental disabilities.

Materials and methods  Pre‐ and post‐treatment assessments were conducted with 22 treated cases and 19 waiting‐list controls with a protocol that included the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, the Child Behaviour Checklist, the General Health Questionnaire‐12, the Kansas Parental Satisfaction Scale, the Family Assessment Device, the Perceived Social Support Scale, the Family Inventory of Life Events and Changes, the Parenting Stress Index and the Questionnaire on Resources and Stress.

Results  Following the treatment, a comparison of treatment and control group means showed that the treated group showed better adjustment on the total difficulties scale of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. These gains were maintained at 10‐month follow‐up. Fifty per cent of treated cases showed clinically significant improvement and 14% showed reliable change on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. The treatment group reported a high level of satisfaction with the Parents Plus programme and showed significant goal attainment after treatment and at follow‐up.

Conclusions  For some families of pre‐school children with developmental disabilities and significant behavioural problems, the Parents Plus programme is an effective intervention and may be incorporated into routine early intervention clinics in the Irish health service.
Enhancing the Emotion Recognition Skills of Individuals With Learning Disabilities: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Wood Pamela Margaret , Kroese Biza Stenfert
Published: June 2007

Background  It has been repeatedly demonstrated that individuals with intellectual disabilities experience significant difficulties in recognizing facial expressions of emotion. The aim of this review was to address whether such skills can be enhanced amongst individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Materials and Methods  The PsychInfo database on Dialog DataStar (1972–2006) was searched for all published journal articles investigating whether emotion recognition skills can be enhanced amongst individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Results  Four relevant articles were identified. Training in emotion recognition skills resulted in improvements in all four studies, with one study maintaining improvements at 8‐month follow‐up.

Conclusions  The four published studies identified that emotion recognition skills can be enhanced and maintained over time. Despite claims in the literature that training in emotion recognition skills will enhance the social skills of individuals with intellectual disabilities, none of the studies considered the impact of training upon everyday functioning, leaving the ultimate efficacy of such training open to question.
Functional respiratory morphology in the newborn quokka wallaby (Setonix brachyurus)
Authors: Makanya A. N. , Tschanz S. A. , Haenni B. , Burri P. H.
Published: June 2007

A morphological and morphometric study of the lung of the newborn quokka wallaby (Setonix brachyurus) was undertaken to assess its morphofunctional status at birth. Additionally, skin structure and morphometry were investigated to assess the possibility of cutaneous gas exchange. The lung was at canalicular stage and comprised a few conducting airways and a parenchyma of thick‐walled tubules lined by stretches of cuboidal pneumocytes alternating with squamous epithelium, with occasional portions of thin blood–gas barrier. The tubules were separated by abundant intertubular mesenchyme, aggregations of developing capillaries and mesenchymal cells. Conversion of the cuboidal pneumocytes to type I cells occurred through cell broadening and lamellar body extrusion. Superfluous cuboidal cells were lost through apoptosis and subsequent clearance by alveolar macrophages. The establishment of the thin blood–gas barrier was established through apposition of the incipient capillaries to the formative thin squamous epithelium. The absolute volume of the lung was 0.02 ± 0.001 cm3 with an air space surface area of 4.85 ± 0.43 cm2. Differentiated type I pneumocytes covered 78% of the tubular surface, the rest 22% going to long stretches of type II cells, their precursors or low cuboidal transitory cells with sparse lamellar bodies. The body weight‐related diffusion capacity was 2.52 ± 0.56 mL O2 min−1 kg−1. The epidermis was poorly developed, and measured 29.97 ± 4.88 µm in thickness, 13% of which was taken by a thin layer of stratum corneum, measuring 4.87 ± 0.98 µm thick. Superficial capillaries were closely associated with the epidermis, showing the possibility that the skin also participated in some gaseous exchange. Qualitatively, the neonate quokka lung had the basic constituents for gas exchange but was quantitatively inadequate, implying the significance of percutaneous gas exchange.
Postcranial skeletal pneumaticity: a case study in the use of quantitative microCT to assess vertebral structure in birds
Authors: Fajardo R. J. , Hernandez E. , O’Connor P. M.
Published: June 2007

Limb elements in birds have been characterized as exhibiting a reduction in trabecular bone, thinner cortices and decreased bending strength when pneumatized, yet it is unclear if these characteristics generalize to the axial skeleton. Thin section techniques, the traditional gold standard for bone structure studies, have most commonly been applied to the study of avian bone. This destructive technique, however, makes it subsequently impossible to use the same samples in experimental testing systems that allow researchers to correlate structure with the mechanical properties of the bone. Micro‐computed tomography (µCT), a non‐destructive X‐ray imaging technique, can be used to assess the effect of pneumatization on vertebral cortical and trabecular bone through virtual extraction and structural quantification of each tissue type. We conducted a preliminary investigation of the application of µCT methods to the study of cortical and trabecular bone structure in a small sample of pneumatic and apneumatic thoracic vertebrae. The sample consisted of two similar‐sized anatids,Aix sponsa(n = 7) andOxyura jamaicensis(n = 5). Volumes of interest were created that contoured (outlined) the boundaries of the ventral cortical bone shell, the trabecular compartment and the whole centrum (cortical bone + trabecular bone), and allowed independent structural analysis of each volume of interest. Results indicated that bone volume fraction of the whole centrum was significantly higher in the apneumaticO. jamaicensisthan in the pneumatizedA. sponsa(A. sponsa = 36%,O. jamaicensis = 48%,P < 0.05). In contrast, trabecular bone volume fraction was similar between the two species. The ventral cortical bone shell was approximately 23% thinner (P < 0.05) inA. sponsa(0.133 mm) compared with apneumaticO. jamaicensis(0.172 mm). This case study demonstrates that µCT is a powerful non‐destructive imaging technique that may be applied to the three‐dimensional study of avian bone. The preliminary results suggest that pneumatic and apneumatic vertebrae of comparably sized avian species differ in relative bone volume, with the largest difference apparent at the level of the cortex, and not within trabecular bone. The presence of relatively thin cortices in pneumatic vertebrae is consistent with previous studies contrasting diaphyseal cortical bone between pneumatic and apneumatic long bones. Methodological issues related to this and any comparative µCT study of bone structure are discussed.
Slit–Robo interactions during cortical development
Authors: Andrews William D. , Barber Melissa , Parnavelas John G.
Published: June 2007

Interneurons are an integral part of cortical neuronal circuits. During the past decade, numerous studies have shown that these cells, unlike their pyramidal counterparts that are derived from the neuroepithelium along the lumen of the lateral ventricles, are generated in the ganglionic eminences in the subpallium. They use tangential migratory paths to reach the cortex, guided by intrinsic and extrinsic cues. Evidence is now emerging which suggests that the family of Slit proteins, acting through Robo receptors, play a role not only in axon guidance in the developing forebrain, but also as guiding signals in the migration of cortical interneurons. Here we describe the patterns of expression of Slit and Robo at different stages of forebrain development and review the evidence in support of their role in cortical interneuron migration. Slit–Robo signal transduction mechanisms are also important during normal development in a number of systems in the body and in disease states, making them potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of neurological disorders and certain types of cancer.