bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finnish managers' careers in ICT and paper business sectors
Authors: Heilmann Pia
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this research paper is to examine managers' careers, describe and compare career paths between the two most important business sectors in Finland: ICT industry and paper industry. The main research question of this study is: how do the managers construct their careers in ICT and the paper business sectors? Attempts to find out if there exists some regularity in how their careers unfold in these different working environments. What are the main factors in manager's life that direct their careers? Do they differ depending on the business sector? These questions are approached with the help of metaphors, career anchors and career ladders.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary research data were gathered in 2002 by interviews in Finnish ICT and paper companies where 30 managers were interviewed. The interviews were held in three companies from ICT sector and three companies from paper industry. Every interview used also a short questionnaire concerning career anchors.

Findings

According to the research data there can be noticed three types of career paths. These paths are path of a general manager, specialist and project manager. The career in both sectors begins in a position of specialist then directs towards one of these three paths. When comparing eight career anchors between ICT and paper sectors it was surprising that the greatest difference between the sectors existed concerning the security/stability anchor. Secure employment and compensation were more important to ICT managers than to paper managers. Security and stability matters seemed to be more self‐evident for the paper managers.

Research limitations/implications

The research group consisted of only 30 managers and, therefore, no generalizations to a more extensive group of managers can be made. This paper concerned only two business sectors. The results of this paper cannot be transferred directly to other business sectors.

Practical implications

This approach can be useful in the area of career research. For example, it has already benefited a career research concerning women ICT professionals. This paper can also benefit managers in ICT and paper sectors.

Originality/value

This paper cover enlighten career researchers about the importance of the business sector.
A worker's group selection problem
Authors: Gomes Orlando
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the behavior of a worker within an organization. There are two groups inside the firm that develop their work in different ways (sharing different codes). The worker will choose to converge to one of those groups, through an investment in learning the correspondent languages and skills.

Design/methodology/approach

The convergence process is analyzed under an optimality setup. Also, the choice among investment alternatives is addressed.

Findings

The framework allows the determination of steady state points for both investment alternatives; it is not optimal to converge to a full identification with one group, given that the worker benefits from the proximity to both groups, and therefore, the steady state is found to be an intermediate point somewhere in between the groups’ locations. Under a discrete choice setup, where adaptation and entropy are considered, one observes that the least likely investment process might be chosen (there is a positive probability associated with such an option).

Originality/value

The paper considers a firm where two groups share different codes and cultures. It shows that the groups develop activities that are useful for the organization and that give rise to individual rewards.
Location/allocation and routing decisions in supply chain network design
Authors: Lashine Sherif H. , Fattouh Mohamed , Issa Abeer
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to present an integrated model for the location of warehouse, the allocation of retailers to warehouses, and finding the number of vehicles to deliver the demand and the required vehicle routing in order to minimize total transportation costs, fixed and operating costs, and routing costs.

Design/methodology/approach

The model assumes that the number of plants has already been determined and answers the following questions: what is the number of warehouses to open? How warehouse are allocated to plants? How retailers are allocated to warehouses? Who are the retailers that will be visited and in what order? How many vehicles are required for each route? What are the total minimum costs?

Findings

The model was formulated as a mixed integer linear programming model and solved using Lagrange relaxation and sub‐gradient search for the location/allocation module and a traveling salesman heuristic for the routing module. The results for the randomly selected problems show that the deviation in objective function value ranges between 0.29 and 2.05 percent from the optimum value. Also, from the CPU time point of view, the performance was very good.

Originality/value

An attempt is made to integrate location, allocation, and routing decisions in the design of a supply chain network.
The double‐X factor: harnessing female human capital for economic growth
Authors: Jones Linda , Snelgrove Alexandra , Muckosy Pamela
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present MEDA programs in small enterprise development – value chain and microfinance projects – to illustrate that the human capital of even hard to reach women can be harnessed for a community's and even a nation's economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides evidence, in the form of case studies, demonstrating that with a relatively low investment of resources, women are empowered to contribute to the growth of the small business sector which is a cornerstone of a robust private sector.

Findings

Working with disadvantaged populations that have been relegated to the bottom of the socio‐economic heap has challenges. Program design must overcome a host of constraints including illiteracy and innumeracy, lack of technical and business skills, and the psycho‐social consequences of generations of disenfranchisement. Yet, case after case has proven that these seemingly intractable obstacles diminish with appropriate project interventions. Whether or not the program “targets” or “mainstreams” women should be based on the context and an understanding of women's situation. MEDA has had varying degrees of success with these two approaches, and preliminary findings suggest that value chain projects derive greater benefit from targeted activities than do microfinance programs. The impact of business women's efforts extends well beyond their own businesses, to finance family enterprises, educate children, improve household nutrition, organize community groups, and build more equitable social structures. These “indirect” benefits of the economic empowerment of women will serve any nation committed to the growth of trade and commerce. In fact, some would argue, the authors included, that they are necessary conditions of sustainable wealth creation.

Originality/value

The paper presents original case material from a number of MEDA value chain and microfinance projects, both past and present, to illustrate the concept, and share project design and implementation learnings.
A Consensus Data Mining secondary structure prediction by combining GOR V and Fragment Database Mining
Authors: Sen Taner Z. , Cheng Haitao , Kloczkowski Andrzej , Jernigan Robert L.
Published: September 2006

The major aim of tertiary structure prediction is to obtain protein models with the highest possible accuracy. Fold recognition, homology modeling, and de novo prediction methods typically use predicted secondary structures as input, and all of these methods may significantly benefit from more accurate secondary structure predictions. Although there are many different secondary structure prediction methods available in the literature, their cross‐validated prediction accuracy is generally <80%. In order to increase the prediction accuracy, we developed a novel hybrid algorithm called Consensus Data Mining (CDM) that combines our two previous successful methods: (1) Fragment Database Mining (FDM), which exploits the Protein Data Bank structures, and (2) GOR V, which is based on information theory, Bayesian statistics, and multiple sequence alignments (MSA). In CDM, the target sequence is dissected into smaller fragments that are compared with fragments obtained from related sequences in the PDB. For fragments with a sequence identity above a certain sequence identity threshold, the FDM method is applied for the prediction. The remainder of the fragments are predicted by GOR V. The results of the CDM are provided as a function of the upper sequence identities of aligned fragments and the sequence identity threshold. We observe that the value 50% is the optimum sequence identity threshold, and that the accuracy of the CDM method measured by Q3 ranges from 67.5% to 93.2%, depending on the availability of known structural fragments with sufficiently high sequence identity. As the Protein Data Bank grows, it is anticipated that this consensus method will improve because it will rely more upon the structural fragments.
NMR characterizations of an amyloidogenic conformational ensemble of the PI3K SH3 domain
Authors: Ahn Hee‐Chul , Le Yen T.H. , Nagchowdhuri Partha S. , DeRose Eugene F. , Putnam‐Evans Cindy , London Robert E. , Markley John L. , Lim Kwang Hun
Published: September 2006

Amyloid formation is associated with structural changes of native polypeptides to monomeric intermediate states and their self‐assembly into insoluble aggregates. Characterizations of the amyloidogenic intermediate state are, therefore, of great importance in understanding the early stage of amyloidogenesis. Here, we present NMR investigations of the structural and dynamic properties of the acid‐unfolded amyloidogenic intermediate state of the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) SH3 domain—a model peptide. The monomeric amyloidogenic state of the SH3 domain studied at pH 2.0 (35°C) was shown to be substantially disordered with no secondary structural preferences. 15N NMR relaxation experiments indicated that the unfolded polypeptide is highly flexible on a subnanosecond timescale when observed under the amyloidogenic condition (pH 2.0, 35°C). However, more restricted motions were detected in residues located primarily in the β‐strands as well as in a loop in the native fold. In addition, nonnative long‐range interactions were observed between the residues with the reduced flexibility by paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) experiments. These indicate that the acid‐unfolded state of the SH3 domain adopts a partly folded conformation through nonnative long‐range contacts between the dynamically restricted residues at the amyloid‐forming condition.
Insights into the architecture of the Ure2p yeast protein assemblies from helical twisted fibrils
Authors: Ranson Neil , Stromer Thusnelda , Bousset Luc , Melki Ronald , Serpell Louise C.
Published: September 2006

The protein Ure2 from baker's yeast is associated with a heritable and transmissible phenotypic change in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Such prion properties are thought to arise from the fact that Ure2p is able to self‐assemble into insoluble fibrils. Assemblies of Ure2p are composed of full‐length proteins in which the structure of the globular, functional, C‐terminal domain is retained. We have carried out structural studies on full‐length, wild‐type Ure2p fibrils with a regularly twisted morphology. Using electron microscopy and cryo‐electron microscopy with image analysis we show high‐resolution images of the twisted filaments revealing details within the fibrillar structure. We examine these details in light of recent proposed models and discuss how this new information contributes to an understanding of the architecture of Ure2p yeast prion fibrils.
Folding and misfolding mechanisms of the p53 DNA binding domain at physiological temperature
Authors: Butler James S. , Loh Stewart N.
Published: September 2006

p53 modulates a large number of cellular response pathways and is critical for the prevention of cancer. Wild‐type p53, as well as tumorigenic mutants, exhibits the singular property of spontaneously losing DNA binding activity at 37°C. To understand the molecular basis for this effect, we examine the folding mechanism of the p53 DNA binding domain (DBD) at elevated temperatures. Folding kinetics do not change appreciably from 5°C to 35°C. DBD therefore folds by the same two‐channel mechanism at physiological temperature as it does at 10°C. Unfolding rates, however, accelerate by 10,000‐fold. Elevated temperatures thus dramatically increase the frequency of cycling between folded and unfolded states. The results suggest that function is lost because a fraction of molecules become trapped in misfolded conformations with each folding‐unfolding cycle. In addition, at 37°C, the equilibrium stabilities of the off‐pathway species are predicted to rival that of the native state, particularly in the case of destabilized mutants. We propose that it is the presence of these misfolded species, which can aggregate in vitro and may be degraded in the cell, that leads to p53 inactivation.
Characterisation of dic(9;20)(p11–13;q11) in childhood B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia by tiling resolution array‐based comparative genomic hybridisation reveals clustered breakpoints at 9p13.2 and 20q11.2
Authors: Schoumans Jacqueline , Johansson Bertil , Corcoran Martin , Kuchinskaya Ekaterina , Golovleva Irina , Grandér Dan , Forestier Erik , Staaf Johan , Borg Åke , Gustafsson Britt , Blennow Elisabeth , Nordgren Ann
Published: September 2006

Although the dic(9;20)(p11–13;q11) is a recurrent chromosomal abnormality in paediatric B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (BCP ALL), occurring in approximately 2% of the cases, its molecular genetic consequences have not been elucidated. In the present study, high‐resolution genome‐wide array‐based comparative genomic hybridisation (array‐CGH) and fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) were used to characterise the 9p and 20q breakpoints (BPs) in seven childhood BCP ALLs with dic(9;20), which was shown to be unbalanced in all of them, resulting in loss of 9p13.2‐pter. Five of the cases had loss of 20q11.2‐qter, whereas two displayed gain of 20cen‐pter. All BPs on 9p clustered in a 1.5 Mb segment of the sub‐band 9p13.2; in three of the cases, the 20q BPs mapped to three adjacent clones covering a distance of 350 kb at 20q11.2. Thus, the aberration should be designated dic(9;20)(p13.2;q11.2). One of the ALLs, shown to have a complex dic(9;20), was further investigated by FISH, revealing a rearrangement of the haemapoietic cell kinase isoform p61 (HCK) gene at 20q11. The disruption of HCK may result in a fusion gene or in loss of function. Unfortunately, lack of material precluded further analyses of HCK. Thus, it remains to be elucidated whether dic(9;20)(p13.2;q11.2) leads to a chimaeric gene or whether the functionally important outcome is loss of 9p and 20q material.
Little evidence for climate effects on local‐scale structure and dynamics of California kelp forest communities
Authors: HALPERN BENJAMIN S. , COTTENIE KARL
Published: September 2006

Climatic variables such as temperature and precipitation play an important role in controlling local and regional scale differences in population dynamics and species distributions, and large‐scale climatic events such as El Niño southern oscillation (ENSO) have been shown to affect population dynamics of key species in many ecosystems, particularly in kelp forests. Few studies have been able to evaluate the consequences of climate variables on the structure and dynamics of biological communities, in large part because the lack of data at appropriate spatial and temporal scales has made it difficult to adequately address local‐scale responses of species and communities to such events over relevant time scales. Here, we combined an unprecedented dataset of kelp forest species' abundances from the Channel Islands, California with data for several local, regional, and global scale climatic variables to evaluate the temporal and spatial scale at which one can detect community‐wide effects of climate variables, in particular ENSO events. We found large and significant local‐scale differences in community structure, but these differences were not related to differences in climatic variables. Moreover, giant kelp abundance, which has been shown to be highly sensitive to water temperature and storm disturbance, was a poor predictor of community differences, and all communities tended to decline in abundance over the 20‐year sampling period, suggesting a press perturbation to the system such as PDO cycles or sustained fishing pressure. Although ENSO events can have dramatic impacts on the abundance and distribution of giant kelp itself across the range of the species, such events appear to have little effect on local‐scale kelp forest community structure or dynamics.
Use of multiple peptides containing T cell epitopes is a feasible approach for peptide‐based immunotherapy in Can f 1 allergy
Authors: Immonen Anu K. , Taivainen Antti H. , Närvänen Ale T. O. , Kinnunen Tuure T. , Saarelainen Soili A. , Rytkönen‐Nissinen Marja A. , Virtanen Tuomas I.
Published: September 2006

We have previously shown that the major dog allergen Can f 1 contains seven T cell epitope regions, none of which was preferentially recognized. To identify the immune characteristics of Can f 1 epitopes and to verify their suitability for peptide‐based allergen immunotherapy, short‐term T cell lines were generated with epitope‐containing peptides from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of Can f 1 skinprick test‐positive allergic and healthy control subjects. The lines were examined for their proliferative capacity and cytokine production upon stimulation with the allergen peptide, a homologous peptide from human tear lipocalin (TL) and Can f 1 and TL proteins. Can f 1 peptides induced proliferation of T cells and gave rise to T cell lines with comparable efficiencies. In particular, the T cell lines of allergic subjects induced with p33–48 and p107–122 favoured the production of interferon‐γ and interleukin‐10, respectively. A greater number of Can f 1‐specific T cell lines were generated from allergic than from healthy individuals. Two p107–122‐induced Can f 1‐specific T cell lines also reacted to a homologous peptide of human TL. Our results suggest that several T cell epitope‐containing peptides should be used in combination for specific immunotherapy in Can f 1 allergy.
Analysis of the immune response to Neospora caninum in a model of intragastric infection in mice
Authors: TEIXEIRA L. , BOTELHO A. S. , BATISTA A. R. , MEIRELES C. S. , RIBEIRO A. , DOMINGUES H. S. , CORREIA DA COSTA J. M. , CASTRO A. G. , FAUSTINO A. M. R. , VILANOVA M.
Published: September 2006

To study experimental Neospora caninum infection initiated at the gastrointestinal tract, Toll‐like Receptor 4‐ and functional IL‐12Rβ2 chain‐deficient C57BL/10 ScCr mice were challenged intragastrically with 5 × 106 N. caninum tachyzoites. All parasite‐inoculated mice eventually died with disseminated infection. In contrast, immunocompetent BALB/c mice challenged with 1 × 107 N. caninum tachyzoites by the intragastric (i.g.) or the intraperitoneal (i.p.) route remained alive for at least 6 months. Expansion of splenic B‐ and T‐cells, the latter displaying both activated and regulatory phenotypes, and increased levels of IFN‐γ and IL‐10 mRNA were detected in both groups of infected BALB/c mice compared with non‐infected controls, whereas in the Peyer's patches only IFN‐γ mRNA levels were found to be increased. Parasite‐specific IgG1, IgG2a and IgA antibody levels were elevated in the sera of all infected mice, whereas increased N. caninum‐specific IgA levels were detected in intestinal lavage fluids of i.g. challenged mice only. These results show that N. caninum infection can be successfully established in mice by i.g. administration of tachyzoites. They also show that the immune response elicited in i.g. or i.p. infected BALB/c mice, although conferring some degree of protection, was not sufficient for complete parasite clearance.
Can sexual selection drive female life histories? A comparative study on Galliform birds
Authors: KOLM N. , STEIN R. W. , MOOERS A. Ø. , VERSPOOR J. J. , CUNNINGHAM E. J. A.
Published: September 2006

Sexual selection has been identified as a major evolutionary force shaping male life history traits but its impact on female life history evolution is less clear. Here we examine the impact of sexual selection on three key female traits (body size, egg size and clutch size) in Galliform birds. Using comparative independent contrast analyses and directionaldiscreteanalyses, based on published data and a new genera‐level supertree phylogeny of Galliform birds, we investigated how sexual selection [quantified as sexual size dimorphism (SSD) and social mating system (MS)] affects these three important female traits. We found that female body mass was strongly and positively correlated with egg size but not with clutch size, and that clutch size decreased as egg size increased. We established that SSD was related to MS, and then used SSD as a proxy of the strength of sexual selection. We found both a positive relationship between SSD and female body mass and egg size and that increases in female body mass and egg size tend to occur following increases in SSD in this bird order. This pattern of female body mass increases lagging behind changes in SSD, established using our directionaldiscreteanalysis, suggests that female body mass increases as a response to increases in the level of sexual selection and not simply through a strong genetic relationship with male body mass. This suggests that sexual selection is linked to changes in female life history traits in Galliformes and we discuss how this link may shape patterns of life history variation among species.
Mating preferences, sexual selection and patterns of cladogenesis in ray‐finned fishes
Authors: MANK J. E.
Published: September 2006

Evolutionary theory predicts that sexual selection may increase taxonomic diversity when emergent mating preferences result in reproductive isolation and therefore speciation. This theory has been invoked to explain patterns of diversity in ray‐finned fishes (most notably in the cichlids), but the theory has not been tested comparatively in fish. Additionally, several other unrelated factors have been identified as promoters of cladogenesis, so it is unclear how important sexual selection might be in diversification. Using sister‐clade analysis, I tested the relationship between the presence of sexually selected traits and taxonomic diversification in actinopterygiian fishes, a large clade that shows substantial diversity in mating preferences and related sexually selected traits. In all identified sister‐families that differed with regard to the proportion of species manifesting sexually selected traits, sexual selection was correlated with increased diversification, and this association was significant across all sister clades (P = 0.02). This suggests that sexual selection, when present, is a substantial driver of diversification in the ray‐finned fishes, and lends further empirical support to the theoretical link between mating preferences and accelerated cladogenesis.
EXTENT OF RENAL EFFECT OF CYCLO‐OXYGENASE‐2‐SELECTIVE INHIBITORS IS PHARMACOKINETIC DEPENDENT
Authors: Harirforoosh Sam , Aghazadeh‐Habashi Ali , Jamali Fakhreddin
Published: September 2006

Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause renal side‐effects. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the extent of the renal effects of cyclo‐oxygenase (COX)‐2‐selective NSAIDs is linked to their pharmacokinetics.

A single oral dose of rofecoxib (10 mg/kg), celecoxib (40 mg/kg), meloxicam (3 mg/kg) or placebo was administered to rats. Urinary excretion of electrolytes, a marker of renal effects, and plasma and kidney concentrations of NSAIDs were measured. Rofecoxib and celecoxib, but not meloxicam, significantly decreased urinary sodium and potassium excretion. There was a significant correlation between the area under the 24 h plasma concentration–time curve (AUC0−24) of rofecoxib and the change in sodium (r = –0.65;P < 0.02) and potassium (r = –0.82;P < 0.0006) excretion. The AUC0−24of celecoxib was correlated with sodium (r = –0.80;P < 0.05) but not potassium excretion. The ratios of kidney to plasma drug concentrations were 1.72, 3.16 and 0.17 for rofecoxib, celecoxib and meloxicam, respectively.

The renal effect of the COX‐2‐selective NSAIDs examined, marked by their ability to reduce the excretion of electrolytes, is influenced by systemic exposure to the drugs. The relatively higher distribution into the kidneys of rofecoxib and celecoxib compared with meloxicam suggests involvement of direct drug exposure in the kidneys in the adverse renal effect.
A PROTEOMIC ANALYSIS OF THE ACUTE EFFECTS OF HIGH‐INTENSITY EXERCISE ON SKELETAL MUSCLE PROTEINS IN FASTED RATS
Authors: Guelfi Kym J , Casey Tammy M , Giles Jeffrey J , Fournier Paul A , Arthur Peter G
Published: September 2006

Quantitative proteomics is a technique that allows for large‐scale comparison of the levels of individual proteins present in a biological sample. This technique has not previously been applied to examine the response of skeletal muscle proteins to an acute bout of exercise.

In the present study, quantitative proteomics was applied to investigate whether the levels of individual skeletal muscle proteins are acutely affected by a short bout of high‐intensity exercise.

Gastrocnemius muscle was sampled from fasted rats either at rest, immediately following 3 min of high‐intensity exercise or after 30 min of recovery. Muscle samples were submitted to two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and 61 of the resulting protein spots were selected for quantitative analysis.

It was found that skeletal muscle protein levels were generally not acutely affected by a short bout of high‐intensity exercise, with only four of the 61 proteins selected for analysis being significantly altered. These altered proteins were identified using liquid chromatography electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry as creatine kinase, troponin T and a combination of heat shock 20 kDa protein and adenylate kinase 1.

In conclusion, quantitative proteomics is sensitive enough to detect acute changes in skeletal muscle protein levels in response to exercise. We have found that the levels of most individual skeletal muscle proteins are not immediately altered in response to a short bout of high‐intensity exercise and recovery in fasted rats.
A scientific approach to agent selection
Authors: Van Klinken Rieks D , Raghu S
Published: September 2006

Abstract  The prioritisation of potential agents on the basis of likely efficacy is an important step in biological control because it can increase the probability of a successful biocontrol program, and reduce risks and costs. In this introductory paper we define success in biological control, review how agent selection has been approached historically, and outline the approach to agent selection that underpins the structure of this special issue on agent selection. Developing criteria by which to judge the success of a biocontrol agent (or program) provides the basis for agent selection decisions. Criteria will depend on the weed, on the ecological and management context in which that weed occurs, and on the negative impacts that biocontrol is seeking to redress. Predicting which potential agents are most likely to be successful poses enormous scientific challenges. ‘Rules of thumb’, ‘scoring systems’ and various conceptual and quantitative modelling approaches have been proposed to aid agent selection. However, most attempts have met with limited success due to the diversity and complexity of the systems in question. This special issue presents a series of papers that deconstruct the question of agent choice with the aim of progressively improving the success rate of biological control. Specifically they ask: (i) what potential agents are available and what should we know about them? (ii) what type, timing and degree of damage is required to achieve success? and (iii) which potential agent will reach the necessary density, at the right time, to exert the required damage in the target environment?
Refining the process of agent selection through understanding plant demography and plant response to herbivory
Authors: Raghu S , Wilson John R , Dhileepan K
Published: September 2006

Abstract  Understanding plant demography and plant response to herbivory is critical to the selection of effective weed biological control agents. We adopt the metaphor of ‘filters’ to suggest how agent prioritisation may be improved to narrow our choices down to those likely to be most effective in achieving the desired weed management outcome. Models can serve to capture our level of knowledge (or ignorance) about our study system and we illustrate how one type of modelling approach (matrix models) may be useful in identifying the weak link in a plant life cycle by using a hypothetical and an actual weed example (Parkinsonia aculeata). Once the vulnerable stage has been identified we propose that studying plant response to herbivory (simulated and/or actual) can help identify the guilds of herbivores to which a plant is most likely to succumb. Taking only potentially effective agents through the filter of host specificity may improve the chances of releasing safe and effective agents. The methods we outline may not always lead us definitively to the successful agent(s), but such an empirical, data‐driven approach will make the basis for agent selection explicit and serve as testable hypotheses once agents are released.
Inside Management Teams: Developing a Teamwork Survey Instrument
Authors: Senior Barbara , Swailes Stephen
Published: September 2006

This article reports the development of a measure of teamwork for use with management teams. A five‐stage process was followed. First, a model of teamwork including team processes was generated through empirical research involving the elicitation of 600 team performance constructs from members of management teams and from theoretical considerations. Second, items were written to operationalize the model. Third, data from 220 members of management teams working in private‐ and public‐sector organizations were factor analysed in order to establish the scale structure of the instrument. Fourth, data from a second sample of 16 complete management teams were collected in order to assess within‐team properties of the instrument. Lastly, convergent and criterion‐related validity were assessed. The resulting ‘Teamwork Survey’, is a 7‐scale, 36‐item general‐purpose questionnaire that can be used in further research and in consulting interventions.
Telling cultures: ‘cultural’ issues for staff reporting concerns about colleagues in the UK National Health Service
Authors: Ehrich Kathryn
Published: September 2006

Recent UK health policy initiatives promote a ‘no blame culture’ and learning from adverse events to enhance patient safety in the NHS. Similar initiatives exist in the USA and Australia. Changing the ‘blame culture’ in the NHS has been advocated in policy documents and inquiry reports for over a decade. Some key concepts that are used in the policy discourse –‘blame’; mistakes, errors and misdemeanours; and ‘culture’– are examined and considered in the light of pertinent social science literature to question some of the assumptions concerning these terms in the policy discourse, and to suggest some alternative questions and perspectives. The Three Inquiries, a recent series of statutory inquiries held in the UK, are used as a case study to explore some of the intra‐ and inter‐professional difficulties of reporting errors and misconduct by medical practitioners. The paper offers an interpretive social science perspective as an alternative to more policy oriented and managerial approaches to patient safety issues, focusing on deeper structural aspects of organisational phenomena implicated in the ability or otherwise of medical and other healthcare staff to report mistakes and misconduct as one aspect of patient safety.
Guilt, blame and responsibility: men's understanding of their role in the transmission of BRCA1/2 mutations within their family
Authors: Hallowell Nina , Arden‐Jones Audrey , Eeles Ros , Foster Claire , Lucassen Anneke , Moynihan Clare , Watson Maggie
Published: September 2006

Men and women who have a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer may be offered a predictive genetic test to determine whether or not they carry the family specific BRCA1/2 mutation. The sons and daughters of mutation carriers have a 50 per cent chance of inheriting a mutation, which will increase their risk of developing cancer. Little is known about at‐risk men's feelings about the part they play in the transmission of BRCA1/2 mutations within their families. This study investigated high risk men's responses to BRCA1/2 predictive genetic testing. Seventeen in‐depth interviews were undertaken with carrier (n= 5) and non‐carrier men (n= 12). All men described genetic testing as a familial duty. It is observed that carriers and non‐carriers mobilised differing explanations about their role in the aetiology of risk. It is noted that men engage in a form of narrative reconstruction in which they draw upon discourses of guilt and blame or fate and predestiny in an effort to present themselves as morally responsible or blameless. It is argued that narrative reconstruction enables these men to reconcile their genetic identity, self and family.
TOWARDS A NON‐POSSESSIVE CONCEPT OF KNOWLEDGE: ON THE RELATION BETWEEN REASON AND LOVE IN AQUINAS AND BALTHASAR1
Authors: SCHINDLER DAVID C.
Published: September 2006

Because of the consistent emphasis he places on the supremacy of love, Hans Urs von Balthasar has occasionally been thought to incline toward a problematic irrationalism. This essay addresses this charge through a comparison of Aquinas and Balthasar on the question of the relationship between intellect and will. It is argued that the superiority of intellect over will generally attributed to Aquinas itself leads paradoxically to irrationalism whenever the object exceeds the soul, and that Balthasar's insistence on the supremacy of love—precisely because it integrates will and intellect and thereby makes the intellectual act structurally ecstatic—in fact allows us to avoid such an irrationalism.
Effects of sex hormones on ECG parameters and expression of cardiac ion channels in dogs
Authors: Fülöp L. , Bányász T. , Szabó G. , Tóth I. B. , Bíró T. , Lôrincz I. , Balogh Á. , Petô K. , Mikó I. , Nánási P. P.
Published: September 2006

Aim: The aim of the study was to examine the effects of testosterone and oestrogen on the ECG parameters and expression of cardiac ion channels in male and female dogs, and to compare the dofetilide‐induced lengthening of QTc interval in control, castrated and hormone‐treated animals.

Methods: ECG records were taken from male and female anaesthetized dogs (n = 10 in each group) before castration, after castration, and following inverted hormone substitution. The animals were challenged with dofetilide at each stage of the experiment. Finally, the hearts were excised and expression of ion channels was studied using Western blot technique.

Results: Heart rate was decreased and PQ interval increased by deprivation of sex hormones in both genders (orchiectomy or ovarectomy), while inverted hormonal substitution restored control values. Orchiectomy significantly increased the duration of QT and QTc intervals, QTc‐dispersion and the dofetilide‐induced lengthening of QTc, while testosterone treatment of castrated females had opposite effects. Intraventricular conduction (QRS duration) was independent of the endocrine status of the animals. Ovarectomy or oestrogen treatment of castrated males failed to alter significantly these parameters except for QTc‐dispersion. Expression of ion channel proteins responsible for mediation of IK1and Itocurrents (Kir2.1 and Kv4.3, respectively), was significantly higher in the testosterone‐treated castrated females and normal males than in the oestrogen‐treated castrated males and normal females.

Conclusion: Repolarization of canine ventricular myocardium is significantly modified by testosterone, but not oestrogen, in both genders. This effect is likely due to augmentation of expression of K+‐channel proteins, and thus may provide protection against arrhythmiasviaincreasing the repolarization reserve.
Robust hybrid thin films that incorporate lamellar phospholipid bilayer assemblies and transmembrane proteins
Authors: Gupta Gautam , Atanassov Plamen , López Gabriel P.
Published: September 2006

This study describes facile methods based on sol-gel processing for the formation of robust thin films that incorporate phospholipid bilayer membranes and transmembrane proteins as multilamellar assemblies in cross-linked silica matrices. Transmission electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction were used to examine the lamellar structure of the hybrid thin films containing 1, 2-dioleyl-sn-glycero-3-phospoethanolamine (DOPE), an unsaturated lipid, and 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC), a saturated lipid. While the d spacing measured for DOPE containing films varied (from 35 to 48 Å) depending on the amount of DOPE added to the coating solution (10-1 wt %), similar changes were not observed for the films containing saturated lipid, DMPC (d spacing ∼43 Å). Addition of purple membrane containing bacteriorhodopsin to the DOPE/silica coating solution led to the formation of multilamellar vesicle-like structures within the thin films. Mild sonication of these solutions containing the purple membrane prior to coating led to the formation thin films with planar multilamellar structures that exhibit uniform d spacing. The study further investigates the effects of incorporation of gramicidin and sonication on the structure of hybrid films and speculates on the eventual application of thin films prepared in this manner.
The new particles—what good are they?
Authors: Dreitlein Joseph
Published: September 2006

A simple quark model incorporating charm is to discuss the properties of the Ψ (3095) and Ψ (3684) particles. (AIP)
Superconducting ring fluxmeters
Authors: Long Chris
Published: September 2006

A brief review is given of the Meissner effect and its application to squids. (AIP)
Teachers’ pets IV: Mirrors in air and water
Authors: Gardner Robert
Published: September 2006

We invite you to contribute your own pet demonstration or experimental activity. Send them to the Editor, directed to this column.
New particle detectors—The multiwire proportional chamber and the drift chamber
Authors: Charpak G. , Southworth Brian
Published: September 2006

A brief discussion is given of the operation, construction, and applications of multiwire proportional counters and the newer drift chambers.(AIP)
A correction
Authors: Liefeld Robert J.
Published: September 2006

PHTEA,15,186,1977
The universe: Open or closed?
Authors: Belserene Emilia P.
Published: September 2006

A simple mathematical interpretation is given to the meaning of a closed universe. Both two- and three-dimensional calculations are presented.(AIP)
Good reading from other journals
Authors: Neff Robert
Published: September 2006

A busy teacher can’t read all the professional literature but every journal is perused by someone. In this column Bob Neff heads a panel of reporters who can save you time by drawing your attention to worthwhile articles in a number of journals. The journals now being surveyed are: American Journal of Physics, American Scientist, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, Chemistry, Journal of Chemical Education, Journal of College Science Teaching, National Geographic, New Scientist, Phi Delta Kappan, Physics Education, School Science and Mathematics, Science, Scientific American, Sky and Telescope, Smithsonian, Technology Review, and The Science Teacher. If you spot an excellent article elsewhere please send a short (<100 word) report to Bob.
Physics-related problems of coal-fired power plant pollution
Authors: Devaney Joseph J.
Published: September 2006

The air pollution problems associated with coal burning are discussed. The movement of the pollutants and their natural removal from the atmosphere are reviewed as are the general inefficiencies at emission control attempts. (AIP)
Health risks of nuclear power
Authors: Cohen Bernard L.
Published: September 2006

The processing and dangers of nuclear power plant wastes are discussed for both solid and gaseous wastes. The handing of Pu is considered. The possibility of a reactor accident is studied.(AIP)
Geothermal energy—the furnace in the basement
Authors: Smith Morton C.
Published: September 2006

A brief discussion of the properties of hot-water reservoirs is given followed by a detailed report on the Fenton Hill hot dry rock facility.(AIP)
Ionospheric method of detecting tsunami-generating earthquakes
Authors: Najita Kazutoshi
Published: September 2006

It is suggested that a radio Doppler sounder can be used to detect ionospheric disturbances due to acoustic waves that have been created by Rayleigh waves on the Earth’s surface. (AIP)
Particulate air contamination in Puerto Rico: A student involvement project
Authors: Eckert Richard R.
Published: September 2006

The results of a 114-day study of the air pollution in Ponce, Puerto Rico are presented. Techniques of instrument calibration and statistical analysis are also discussed. (AIP)
Probing the atmosphere with infrasound
Authors: Rind David
Published: September 2006

Recently there has been increased interest in weather conditions in the upper atmosphere. This has been due to interest in the effects of ozone depletion in the upper atmosphere, and recognition that sunspot activities probably affect climate by changing the energy balance in the upper atmosphere in subtle ways. The use of infrasound as a technique to observe weather conditions is discussed. This includes a discussion of what infrasound is, how it is generated by ocean waves, and what happens to it as it propagates in the atmosphere. The way in which recording infrasound can be used to determine sound velocity, a function of wind and temperature, at upper level reflection heights is explained.
The impact of carbon dioxide on climate
Authors: MacDonald Gordon J.
Published: September 2006

Statistics concerning the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere by fossil fuel burning are presented and discussed. Despite unknown factors in the carbon cycle, changes in climate are seen as very likely to occur. (AIP)
ISABELLE
Authors: Schewe Phillip , Wanderer Peter
Published: September 2006

The physics that will be possible at Brookhaven National Laboratory ISABELLE is reviewed in basic terms. Among the topics discussed are gluons, intermediate vector bosons, jets, and total cross sections.(AIP)
Size effects in conductivity and superconductivity
Authors: Lindenfeld Peter
Published: September 2006

Using aluminum as a specific example, the effects of grain size on superconductivity and specific heat are discussed. (AIP)
Energy conservation in West Germany
Authors: Aubrecht Gordon J.
Published: September 2006

The efficient consumption of energy in West Germany is reported. The mass transit systems are discussed as well as the widespread use of home water heaters.(AIP)
Magnetic confinement of fusion plasmas
Authors: Lasche George Patrick
Published: September 2006

Starting with the Lorentz force law, the basic physics involved in magnetic confinement in thermonuclear reactors is reviewed. Among the topics covered are magnetic bottles, tokamaks, tandem mirrors, and energy balance considerations.(AIP)
High-energy neutrons and spin
Authors: Crabb Donald G. , Krisch Alan D.
Published: September 2006

A 1978 experiment at the Argonne ZGS is described. Spin-spin effects in elastic neutron-proton scattering were determined using polarized deuteron beams of 12 GeV/c.(AIP)
Lasers
Authors: Schewe Phillip F.
Published: September 2006

A review of the basics of the lasing process (stimulated emission, mode locking, etc.) and uses of laser radiation (spectroscopy, fusion, etc.) is given. (AIP)
Matter from outside our solar system–new insights Part II. Experimental measurements and interpretation
Authors: Wefel John P.
Published: September 2006

One of the prerequisites for the study of cosmic-ray isotopic composition was the development of detector technology capable of providing measurements of the required precision. This was accomplished during the 1970s, and these technological advances are described in the next section. This description is between different experiments and extrapolation of the data to the cosmic-ray source, unfolding the effects of galactic propagation and solar modulation. The comparison between cosmic-ray source matter and solar-system material is given and several models for the nucleosynthesis and the evolution of cosmic-ray source matter are also presented. (AIP)
Particle physics meets cosmology-The search for decaying neutrinos
Authors: Henry Richard C.
Published: September 2006

The relationship between Grand Unified Theories and the evolution of the universe are discussed.
New ideas about neutrino masses
Authors: Witten Edward
Published: September 2006

The review of the problems of neutrino detection and mass measurement is given. The astrophysical consequences of a nonzero neutrino mass are considered along with recent developments on neutrino oscillations. (AIP)
The Brookhaven superconducting power transmission system
Authors: Forsyth E. B.
Published: September 2006

Results of tests on underground transmission lines made of superconducting materials are given. The cryogenic enclosures needed for the cables are discussed. (AIP)
Design and performance of electric vehicles
Authors: Liao Thomas T.
Published: September 2006

The physics related to the evaluation of second-generation electric vehicles is briefly sketched. Computer simulation techniques are employed. (AIP)
The fine-beam cathode-ray tube and the observant and enquiring student Part 4
Authors: Webb John le P.
Published: September 2006

An alternative method of using the Fine-Beam Cathode-Ray Tube to obtain a value for the Specific Electronicl Charge e/m.
Home energy use
Authors: Hodges Laurent
Published: September 2006

The Home Heating Index is defined and proposed as an accurate measure of home energy efficiency. (AIP)
Women in physical science: From drudges to discoverers
Authors: Brush Stephen C.
Published: September 2006

The story of science is the history of man, from his first attemps to make a fire to his first footstep on the moon.
Yukawa and the birth of meson theory fiftieth anniversary for nuclear forces
Authors: Spradley Joseph L.
Published: September 2006

The education and early work of Hideki Yukawa are reviewed. The significance of his suggestion of the existence of the meson is discussed. (AIP)
Joseph Henry
Authors: Andrews C. L.
Published: September 2006

The purpose of this article is to nominate Joseph Henry as Patron Saint of the teachers of high school physics in the United States. Henry's methods of teaching and research are illustrated by selections from his own journal articles. It is proposed that we express our respect to Joseph Henry by emulating ten principles of procedure that he exhibited at Albany and Princeton.
Sonic Boom
Authors: Emrich Raymond J.
Published: September 2006

The thunderclap you hear when a supersonic plane flies overhead is the signal to you that the air is getting out of the way of the plane. It is called "sonic boom." This violent signal is a shock wave. What is a shock wave? When does a shock wave occur? Can the sonic boom be eliminated by some new discovery? How does a shock wave break windows and knock down walls?