Showing papers by "Aarhus University published in 1996"

InterViews: Learning the Craft of Qualitative Research Interviewing

Abstract: List of Boxes, Figures, and Tables Preface to the Third Edition Acknowledgments About the Author Introduction 1. Introduction to Interview Research Conversation as Research Three Interview Sequences Interview Research in History and in the Social Sciences The Interview Society Methodological and Ethical Issues in Research Interviewing Overview of the Book Interviewing as a Craft Interviewing as a Social Production of Knowledge Interviewing as a Social Practice Part I: Conceptualizing the Research Interview Part II: Seven Stages of Research Interviewing Concluding Perspectives PART I. Conceptualizing the Research Interview 2. Characterizing Qualitative Research Interviews A Qualitative Research Interview on Learning Phenomenology and the Mode of Understanding in a Qualitative Research Interview Power Asymmetry in Qualitative Research Interviews Philosophical Dialogues, Therapeutic Conversations, and Research Interviews Therapeutic Interviews and Research Interviews Qualitative Interviews as Research Instruments and Social Practices 3. Epistemological Issues of Interviewing The Interviewer as a Miner or as a Traveler Interviews in a Postmodern Age Seven Features of Interview Knowledge Knowledge and Interviews in a Positivist Conception A Rehabilitation of Classical Positivism? Methodological Positivism Qualitative Interviewing Between Method and Craft Research Interviewing: Method or Personal Skills The Craft of Research Interviewing Learning the Craft of Research Interviewing 4. Ethical Issues of Interviewing Interviewing as a Moral Inquiry Ethical Issues Throughout an Interview Inquiry Ethical Positions: Rules and Procedures or Personal Virtues? Ethical Guidelines Informed Consent Confidentiality Consequences The Role of the Researcher Learning Ethical Research Behavior 5. The Qualitative Research Interview as Context Interviewers and Interviewees The Interviewer The Interviewee Bodies and Nonhumans Nonhumans and Surroundings PART II. Seven Stages of an Interview Investigation 6. Thematizing and Designing an Interview Study Seven Stages of an Interview Inquiry Thematizing an Interview Study Designing an Interview Study Mixed Methods 7. Conducting an Interview A Class Interview About Grades Setting the Interview Stage Scripting the Interview Interviewer Questions The Art of Second Questions 8. Interview Variations Interview Subjects Interviewing Subjects Across Cultures Interviews With Children Interviews With Elites Interview Forms Computer-Assisted Interviews Focus Group Interviews Factual Interviews Conceptual Interviews Narrative Interviews Discursive Interviews Confrontational Interviews 9. Interview Quality Hamlet's Interview Interview Quality The Interview Subject Interviewer Qualifications Standard Objections to the Quality of Interview Research Leading Questions 10. Transcribing Interviews Oral and Written Language Recording Interviews Transcribing Interviews Transcription Reliability, Validity, and Ethics 11. Preparing for Interview Analysis The 1,000-Page Question A Method of Analyzing the Question? Steps and Modes of Interview Analysis Computer Tools for Interview Analysis Coding 12. Interview Analyses Focusing on Meaning Meaning Condensation Meaning Interpretation The Issue of Multiple Interpretations Hermeneutical Interpretation of Meaning The Primacy of the Question in Interpretation Analytic Questions Posed to an Interview Text The Quest for the "Real Meaning" 13. Interview Analyses Focusing on Language Linguistic Analysis Conversation Analysis Narrative Analysis Discourse Analysis Deconstruction 14. Eclectic and Theoretical Analyses of Interviews Interview Analysis as Bricolage Interview Analysis as Theoretical Reading 15. The Social Construction of Validity Objectivity of Interview Knowledge Reliability and Validity of Interview Knowledge Validity as Quality of Craftsmanship Communicative Validity Pragmatic Validity Generalizing From Interview Studies 16. Reporting Interview Knowledge Contrasting Audiences for Interview Reports Boring Interview Reports Ethics of Reporting Investigating With the Final Report in Mind Standard Reports and Ways of Enhancing Them Method Results Enriching Interview Reports Journalistic Interviews Dialogues Therapeutic Case Histories Narratives Metaphors Visualizing Collage Publishing Qualitative Research 17. Conversations about Interviews Critiques of the Quality of Interview Knowledge Developing the Craft of Research Interviewing An Epistemology of Interview Knowledge The Object Determines the Method The Social Science Dogma of Quantification Research Interviewing as Social Practice Research Interviewing in a Social Context Interview Ethics in a Social Context Appendix: Learning Tasks Glossary References Index

The Current State of Solar Modeling

Abstract: Data from the Global Oscillation Network Group (GONG) project and other helioseismic experiments provide a test for models of stellar interiors and for the thermodynamic and radiative properties, on which the models depend, of matter under the extreme conditions found in the sun. Current models are in agreement with the helioseismic inferences, which suggests, for example, that the disagreement between the predicted and observed fluxes of neutrinos from the sun is not caused by errors in the models. However, the GONG data reveal subtle errors in the models, such as an excess in sound speed just beneath the convection zone. These discrepancies indicate effects that have so far not been correctly accounted for; for example, it is plausible that the sound-speed differences reflect weak mixing in stellar interiors, of potential importance to the overall evolution of stars and ultimately to estimates of the age of the galaxy based on stellar evolution calculations.

T-ray imaging

Abstract: The use of terahertz pulses for imaging has opened new possibilities for scientific and industrial applications in the terahertz frequency range. In this article, we describe the technology necessary to perform terahertz "T-ray" imaging, novel imaging techniques, and commercial applications of T-ray imaging.

Generation and detection of terahertz pulses from biased semiconductor antennas

Abstract: We propose a simple model based on the Drude–Lorentz theory of carrier transport to account for the details of the ultrashort terahertz pulses radiated from small photoconductive semiconductor antennas. The dynamics of the bias field under the influence of the space-charge field from the accelerated carriers is included in the model. We consider in detail the optical system used to image the terahertz radiation onto the terahertz detector, and we calculate the frequency-dependent response of the detector. The proposed model is compared with several different experiments, each focusing on different parameters of the model. Agreement between experiment and model is found in all cases, supporting the validity of this simple and appropriate model.

Coloured Petri nets (2nd ed.): basic concepts, analysis methods and practical use: volume 1

Abstract: This three-volume work presents a coherent description of the theoretical and practical aspects of coloured Petri nets. These CP-nets are shown to be a full-fledged language for the design, specification, simulation, validation and implementation of large software systems.The introductory first volume contains the formal definition of CP-nets and the mathematical theory behind their analysis methods. It gives a detailed presentation of many small examples and a brief overview of some industrial applications. The purpose of the book is to teach the reader how to construct CP-net models and analyse them by means of simulation. The book is also attractive to readers who are more interested in applications than in the underlying mathematics.

A Framework for Evaluation of Secondary Data Sources for Epidemiological Research

Abstract: Background As part of the development in information technology, increasing amounts of health care data are available for epidemiological research. Methods In this review, we discuss the following factors affecting the value of secondary data in research: 1) completeness of registration of individuals, 2) the accuracy and degree of completeness of the registered data, 3) the size of the data source, 4) the registration period, 5) data accessibility, availability and cost, 6) data format, and 7) possibilities of linkage with other data sources (record linkage). Results and conclusion The importance of these issues depends on the use of the data and on the problems they have to address. If the evaluation is satisfactory with respect to the above-mentioned factors relevant to the particular study, the data source could be a very cost-effective way of solving the research problem.

Paternity in eusocial Hymenoptera

Abstract: Variation in paternity frequency in colonies of eusocial insects has profound effects on the relatedness among offspring and on the genetic diversity of colonies. Data on queen \`mating-frequency' in eusocial Hymenoptera vary in both quality and the phase of the \`mating' process they address. Some are observational studies of the range or maximum number of copulations; others are derived from estimates of the number of sperm in males and queens; others use genetic techniques to determine the paternity of different males among female offspring. Only the latter data can be used to calculate relatedness among offspring females. Previous reviews drew attention to these problems, but their results have established the impression that high paternity frequencies are common, largely because multiple copulations are frequently observed. For ants, we show that: (i) the range of observed copulations overestimates effective paternity frequency; and (ii) the mean effective paternity frequency in 19 species, for which accurate data based on allozyme analysis of mother - offspring combinations are available, is only 1.16 (range 1-1.48). Over one third of these species have queens in which only one male contributes to paternity. Data from 34 species, which include less detailed genetic studies and four species studied using sperm counts, give similar results. Only two species, both Atta leaf cutter ants and both studied using data on sperm stored in queen spermathecas, appear to have effective insemination frequencies above two. Data on bees and wasps show a similar trend. We conclude that reliably documented high paternity or insemination frequencies (> 2) are currently restricted to one phylogenetically isolated and highly eusocial taxon each in ants, eusocial bees and wasps (Atta, Apis and Vespula, respectively). This pattern justifies the working hypothesis that multiple mating, by lowering the relatedness between female offspring and thereby the benefits of reproductive helping behaviour, has not been a general constraint for the evolution of eusociality in the Hymenoptera. Using reliable data on paternity frequency and insemination, we re-analyse two factors that it has been suggested correlate with mating frequency: colony population and number of egg-laying queens per colony. We find the following. 1. There is a significant positive correlation between paternity/insemination frequency and colony size for monogynous ants, but not for polygynous ants. This result seems to support the `sperm limitation' hypothesis, that queens which need to be highly fecund copulate multiply to store sufficient sperm. We note, however, that the same trend is expected when large and/or long-lived colonies profit more from having genetically diverse offspring. 2. There is no significant negative correlation between paternity/insemination frequency and number of queens per colony. However, when the analysis is restricted to species with large colonies and no intranidal mating, the correlation between paternity frequency and queen number becomes marginally significant. Several previous reviews have addressed the possible adaptive significance of multiple paternity. In contrast, and in keeping with the data that show single paternity to be frequent, we discuss selective reasons for single or low paternity. We compare the relative effects of multiple paternity and multiple maternity on genetic diversity within colonies and show that they are not equivalent, and we also discuss directions for future research on paternity issues in social insects.

The influence of low back pain on muscle activity and coordination during gait: a clinical and experimental study

Abstract: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a major clinical problem with a substantial socio-economical impact. Today, diagnosis and therapy are insufficient, and knowledge concerning interaction between musculoskeletal pain and motor performance is lacking. Most studies in this field have been performed under static conditions which may not represent CLBP patients' daily-life routines. A standardized way to study the sensory-motor interaction under controlled motor performances is to induce experimental muscle pain by i.m. injection of hypertonic saline. The aim of the present controlled study was to analyze and compare electromyographic (EMG) activity of and coordination between lumbar muscles (8 paraspinal recordings) during gait in 10 patients with CLBP and in 10 volunteers exposed to experimental back muscle pain induced by bolus injection of 5% hypertonic saline. When the results are compared to sex- and age-matched controls, the CLBP patients showed significantly increased EMG activity in the swing phase; a phase where the lumbar muscles are normally silent. These changes correlated significantly to the intensity of the back pain. Similar EMG patterns were found in the experimental study together with a reduced peak EMG activity in the period during double stance where the back muscles are normally active. Generally, these changes were localized ipsilaterally to the site of pain induction. The clinical and experimental findings indicate that musculoskeletal pain modulates motor performance during gait probably via reflex pathways. Initially, these EMG changes may be interpreted as a functional adaptation to muscle pain, but the consequences of chronic altered muscle performance are not known. New possibilities to monitor and investigate altered motor performance may help to develop more rational therapies for CLBP patients.

Control of root growth and development by cyclin expression

Abstract: Root development is plastic, with post-embryonic organogenesis being mediated by meristems. Although cell division is intrinsic to meristem initiation, maintenance and proliferative growth, the role of the cell cycle in regulating growth and development is unclear. To address this question, we examined the expression of cdc2 and cye genes, which encode the catalytic and regulatory subunits, respectively, of cyclin-dependent protein kinases that control progression through the cell cycle. Unlike cdc2, which is expressed not only in apical meristems but also before lateral root initiation in quiescent, pericycle cells arrested in the G2 phase of the cell cycle, cyc1At transcripts accumulate specifically in dividing cells immediately before cytokinesis. Ectopic expression of cyc1At under the control of the cdc2aAt promoter in Arabidopsis plants markedly accelerates growth without altering the pattern of lateral root development or inducing neoplasia. Thus cyclin expression is a limiting factor for growth, which in turn drives indeterminate development of the root system.

Differential Rotation and Dynamics of the Solar Interior

Abstract: Splitting of the sun's global oscillation frequencies by large-scale flows can be used to investigate how rotation varies with radius and latitude within the solar interior. The nearly uninterrupted observations by the Global Oscillation Network Group (GONG) yield oscillation power spectra with high duty cycles and high signal-to-noise ratios. Frequency splittings derived from GONG observations confirm that the variation of rotation rate with latitude seen at the surface carries through much of the convection zone, at the base of which is an adjustment layer leading to latitudinally independent rotation at greater depths. A distinctive shear layer just below the surface is discernible at low to mid-latitudes.

Involvement of N‐acyl‐l‐homoserine lactone autoinducers in controlling the multicellular behaviour of Serratia liquefaciens

Abstract: Summary Several bacterial species possess the ability to differentiate into highly motile swarmer cells capable of rapid surface colonization. In Serratia liquefaciens, we demonstrate that initiation of swarmer-cell differentiation involves diffusible signal molecules that are released into the growth medium. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), high resolution mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, we identified N-butanoyl-l-homoserine lactone (BHL) and N-hexanoyl-l-homoserine lactone (HHL) in cell-free Serratia culture supernatants. BHL and HHL are present in a ratio of approximately 10:1 and their structures were unequivocally confirmed by chemical synthesis. The swrlswarmer initiation) gene, the predicted translation product of which exhibits substantial homology to the Luxl family of putative Nacyl homoserine lactone (AHL) synthases is responsible for directing synthesis of both BHL and HHL. In an swrl mutant, swarming motility is abolished but can be restored by the addition of an exogenous AHL. These results add swarming motility to the rapidly expanding list of phenotypes known to be controlled through quorum sensing.

Recycling and Morality: A Critical Review of the Literature

Abstract: In affluent industrial societies, people tend to mentally classify environmental behaviors like recycling within the domain of morality. Intentions in this area are not based on a thorough calculation (conscious or unconscious) of the balance of costs and benefits but are a function of beliefs in what is right or wrong. I provide a brief review of the literature with the intention of uncovering problems and shortcomings in the framework of the Subjective Expected Utility model and the Theory of Reasoned Action with regard to understanding recycling behavior, and discuss examples of misleading policy conclusions. Within the framework of cognitive psychology, Schwartz's model of altruistic behavior offers a more satisfying starting point for understanding recycling behavior in affluent industrial societies.

The effect of ketamine on phantom pain: a central neuropathic disorder maintained by peripheral input

Abstract: Hyperactivity of N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors may be one of the factors in the maintenance of persistent stump and phantom limb pain. Ketamine (bolus at 0.1 mg/kg/5 min followed by an infusion of 7 micrograms/kg/min) was administered intravenously to 11 patients with established stump and phantom limb pain in a double-blind saline-controlled study. All 11 patients responded with a decrease in the rating of stump and phantom limb pain assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) and McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ). Ketamine increased pressure-pain thresholds significantly. Wind-up like pain (pain evoked by repeatedly tapping the dysaesthetic skin area) was reduced significantly by ketamine. In contrast, no effect was seen on pain evoked by repeated thermal stimuli. Side effects were observed in nine patients. The results support the notion that stump and phantom pain are generated by activity in afferent fibres activated by mechanical but not by thermal stimuli and that the NMDA receptor is involved in the maintenance of postamputation pain states. NMDA receptor antagonists may have a potential in the treatment of stump and phantom limb pain.

On the Expressive Completeness of the Propositional mu-Calculus with Respect to Monadic Second Order Logic

Abstract: Monadic second order logic (MSOL) over transition systems is considered. It is shown that every formula of MSOL which does not distinguish between bisimilar models is equivalent to a formula of the propositional Μ-calculus. This expressive completeness result implies that every logic over transition systems invariant under bisimulation and translatable into MSOL can be also translated into the Μ-calculus. This gives a precise meaning to the statement that most propositional logics of programs can be translated into the Μ-calculus.

Pushdown Processes: Games and Model Checking

Abstract: Games given by transition graphs of pushdown processes are considered. It is shown that if there is a winning strategy in such a game then there is a winning strategy which is realized by a pushdown process. This fact turns out to be connected with the model checking problem for push-down automata and the propositional μ-calculus. It is show that this model checking problem is DEXPTIME-complete.

Involuntary Autobiographical Memories

Abstract: Results from a diary study of involuntary memories are presented (14 subjects; 7 males, 7 females, average age 23 years). Virtually all of the recorded memories had identifiable cues. Memory access was biased towards (a) mood-congruent (b) recent and (c) distinctive (unusual) events. The memories were most frequently rated as emotionally positive and prior rehearsal was rated low. Also, the memories were found to influence current mood consonant with the emotional valence of the memories. Stressful and repetitive involuntary recollections—as they are observed in clinical settings subsequent to traumatic events—may be viewed as a malignant effect of normal mechanisms of involuntary memories.

Biological significance of IgA1 proteases in bacterial colonization and pathogenesis: critical evaluation of experimental evidence*

Abstract: IgA1 protease activity, which allows bacteria to cleave human IgA1 in the hinge region, represents a striking example of convergent evolution of a specific property in bacteria Although it has been known since 1979 that IgA1 protease is produced by the three leading causes of bacterial meningitis in addition to important urogenital pathogens and some members of the oropharyngeal flora, the exact role of this enzyme in bacterial pathogenesis is still incompletely understood owing to lack of a satisfactory animal model Cleavage of IgA1 by these post-proline endopeptidases efficiently separates the monomeric antigen-binding fragments from the secondary effector functions of the IgA1 antibody molecule Several in vivo and in vitro observations indicate that the enzymes are important for the ability of bacteria to colonize mucosal membranes in the presence of S-IgA antibodies Furthermore, the extensive cleavage of IgA sometimes observed in vivo, suggests that IgA1 protease activity results in a local functional IgA deficiency that may facilitate colonization of other microorganisms and the penetration of potential allergens It has been hypothesized that IgA1 protease activity of Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, under special immunological circumstances, allows these bacteria to take advantage of specific IgA1 antibodies in a strategy to evade other immune factors of the human body The decisive factor is the balance between IgA antibodies against surface antigens of the respective bacteria and their IgA1 protease Recent studies have shown that serine-type IgA1 proteases of H influenzae, meningococci, and gonococci belong to a family of proteins used by a diverse group of Gram-negative bacteria for colonization and invasion

Bisimulation from Open Maps

Abstract: An abstract definition of bisimulation is presented It makes possible a uniform definition of bisimulation across a range of different models for parallel computation presented as categories As examples, transition systems, synchronisation trees, transition systems with independence (an abstraction from Petri nets), and labelled event structures are considered On transition systems the abstract definition readily specialises to Milner's strong bisimulation On event structures it explains and leads to a strengthening of the history-preserving bisimulation of Rabinovitch and Traktenbrot and van Glabeek and Goltz A tie-up with open maps in a (pre)topos, as they appear in the work of Joyal and Moerdijk, brings to light a new model, presheaves on categories of pomsets, into which the usual category of labelled event structures embeds fully and faithfully As an indication of its promise, this new presheaf model has “refinement” operators The general approach yields a logic, generalising Hennessy?Milner logic, which is characteristic for the generalised notion of bisimulation

Hypokalemia-induced downregulation of aquaporin-2 water channel expression in rat kidney medulla and cortex.

Abstract: Prolonged hypokalemia causes vasopressin-resistant polyuria. We have recently shown that another cause of severe polyuria, chronic lithium therapy, is associated with decreased aquaporin-2 (AQP2) water channel expression (Marples, D., S. Christensen, E.I. Christensen, P.D. Ottosen, and S. Nielsen, 1995. J. Clin. Invest., 95: 1838-1845). Consequently, we studied the effect in rats of 11 days' potassium deprivation on urine production and AQP2 expression and distribution. Membrane fractions were prepared from one kidney, while the contralateral kidney was perfusion-fixed for immunocytochemistry. Immunoblotting and densitometry revealed a decrease in AQP2 levels to 27+/-3.4% of control levels (n=11, P<0.001) in inner medulla, and 34+/-15% of controls (n=5, P<0.05) in cortex. Urine production increased in parallel, from 11+/-1.4 to 30+/-4.4 ml/day (n=11, P<0.01). After return to a potassium-containing diet both urine output and AQP2 labels normalized within 7 d. Immunocytochemistry confirmed decreased AQP2 labeling in principal cells of both inner medullary and cortical collecting ducts. AQP2 labeling was predominantly associated with the apical plasma membrane and intracellular vesicles. Lithium treatment for 24 d caused a more extensive reduction of AQP2 levels, to 4+/-1% of control levels in the inner medulla and 4+/-2% in cortex, in association with severe polyuria. The similar degree of downregulation in medulla and cortex suggests that interstitial tonicity is not the major factor in the regulation of AQP2 expression. Consistent with this furosemide treatment did not alter AQP2 levels. In summary,hypokalemia, like lithium treatment, results in a decrease in AQP2 expression in rat collecting ducts, in parallel with the development of polyuria, and the degree of downregulation is consistent with the level of polyuria induced, supporting the view that there is a causative link.

Estimation of the number of somatostatin neurons in the striatum: an in situ hybridization study using the optical fractionator method.

Abstract: Somatostatin-containing neurons of the striatum constitute fewer than 5% of the total neuronal population. Their involvement in the feedforward inhibition of the spiny projection neurons, the modulation of other interneurons, and the regulation of regional blood flow indicates that this small population of neurons plays an important role in the processing of information in the striatum. As a first step in developing a quantitative structural framework within which a more rigorous analysis can be made of the functional circuitry of the striatum, we used modern unbiased stereological techniques to make estimates of the total number of neurons expressing mRNA for somatostatin in the striatum of rats. The strategy developed involved the application of the optical fractionator technique to relatively thick tissue sections that were hybridized in situ with a relatively short oligonucleotide probe conjugated to a nonradioactive reporter molecule. The approach is generally applicable to other subpopulations of in situ hybridized cells in other parts of the brain and can provide a link between molecular neurobiology and stereology. The mean total number of neurons on one side of the striatum was estimated to be 21,300. An analysis of the sampling scheme indicated that counting no more than 200 neurons in a systematic sample of not more than 15 sections per individual results in an estimate with a precision that is more than sufficient for comparative and experimental studies. The issues that must be considered when analyzing in situ hybridized tissue with modern stereological methods, the interpretive caveats inherent in the resulting data, and the unique perspectives provided by data like that presented here for striatal somatostatin neurons are discussed.

Effect of fish oil on heart rate variability in survivors of myocardial infarction: a double blind randomised controlled trial

Abstract: Marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may protect against ischaemic heart disease.1 In the diet and reinfarction trial patients with an acute myocardial infarction advised to eat fish rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids had a 29% reduction in two year all cause mortality compared with controls.2 The authors hypothesised that dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids might reduce malignant ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, as reported in animals.3 We investigated a possible antiarrhythmic effect of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in survivors of myocardial infarction. Patients were eligible for study if they had been discharged from the department of cardiology at Aalborg Hospital between November 1991 and August 1993 after a myocardial infarction and had a ventricular ejection fraction below 0.40. We excluded patients aged over 75, patients with pacemakers or permanent tachyarrhythmias, and those with serious non-cardiac disease. Eighty one patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and 55 gave informed consent to a double blind placebo controlled trial. Patients were randomly …

Scanning tunnelling microscopy studies of metal surfaces

Abstract: Scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) has proved to be a fascinating and powerful technique in the field of surface science. The fact that sets the STM apart from most other surface sensitive techniques is its ability to resolve the structure of surfaces on an atomic scale, that is atom-by-atom, and furthermore its ability to study the dynamics of surface processes. This article presents a survey of recent STM studies of well characterized single crystal metal surfaces under ultra-high vacuum conditions. It particularly addresses STM investigations of clean metal surfaces, adsorbates on metal surfaces, adsorbate-induced restructuring of metal surfaces, chemical reactions on metal surfaces, metal-on-metal growth and finally studies of electron confinement and quantum size effects on metal surfaces.

Creating conditions for participation: conflicts and resources in systems development

Abstract: User participation has been recognized as a way of gaining more knowledge about work and improving the quality of the computer application to be designed Often the problems of user participation have been discussed from the point of view of researchers getting access to the users Yet user participation should also be seen from the point of view of the conditions of the participation process-that is, how the conditions are set for the users to participate with designers (and managers) Experiences from participatory design projects show problems that participatory design research needs to deal with This article suggests that the Scandinavian collective resource projects can help research in this process However, these projects were carried out under circumstances quite different from those of corporations in the 1990s, and this fact must certainly be considered when investigating the creation of conditions for participation The article presents a recent project, AT project, to discuss the concerns and conditions of participatory design projects today In the AT project, the actors differed from the collective resource projects in that the actors included several different groups of workers as well as management This caused the project to focus on resource acquisition for the whole organization as well as groups within it Part of the idea was to utilize standard technology; at the same time, the project was to develop and implement overall visions about the use of computer technology in the organization Inspired by philosophical approaches to human development, this article reconsiders the resources acquired in such settings and juxtaposes the work of setting up a technical platform for everyday use with the expansive codevelopment of accompanying visions The article goes on to suggest that new alliances between groups in organizations-with due concern for their diversity of resources, and with constructive use of the conflicts inherent in the organization-can be a way forward in empowering organizations, making room for groups and individuals within them to act

Megalin/gp330 mediates uptake of albumin in renal proximal tubule.

Abstract: Serum albumin filtered in renal glomeruli is reabsorbed very efficiently in the proximal tubule by endocytosis. The present study was undertaken to determine whether megalin/gp330 binds and mediate...

The GTP binding motif: variations on a theme.

Abstract: GTP binding proteins (G-proteins) have wide-ranging functions in biology, being involved in cell proliferation, signal transduction, protein synthesis, and protein targeting. Common to their functioning is that they are active in the GTP-bound form and inactive in the GDP-bound form. The protein synthesis elongation factor EF-Tu was the first G-protein whose nucleotide binding domain was solved structurally by X-ray crystallography to yield a structural definition of the GDP-bound form, but a still increasing number of new structures of G-proteins are appearing in the literature, in both GDP and GTP bound forms. A common structural core for nucleotide binding is present in all these structures, and this core has long been known to include common consensus sequence elements involved in binding of the nucleotide. Nevertheless, subtle changes in the common sequences reflect functional differences. Therefore, it becomes increasingly important to focus on how these differences are reflected in the structures, ...

The role of glycation cross-links in diabetic vascular stiffening

Abstract: Previous studies have shown that biomechanical analysis of aorta from diabetic subjects reveals a marked increase in stiffness compared to aorta from age-matched control subjects. In the present paper we have proposed that this increased stiffness can be attributed to glycation-induced inter-molecular cross-links based on a direct analysis of the two known glycation cross-links, the fluorescent pentosidine and the non-fluorescent NFC-1. There was a significant difference in the increase in concentration of both cross-links with increasing age for both the intima (p<0.0025) and the media (p<0.0005) from the diabetic compared to the control subjects, but no correlation with the mature enzymic cross-link hydroxylysyl-pyridinoline. Finally, we have obtained a significant correlation of stiffness with both glycation cross-links (NFC-1, r=0.86; p<0.005 and pentosidine r=0.75, p<0.05), but the concentration of NFC-1 is about 50 times greater than that of pentosidine, indicating that it is the major glycation cross-link responsible for the stiffening of the aorta.