Showing papers by "University of Manchester published in 1994"

The Delphi technique: a methodological discussion.

Abstract: As in nursing, recent curriculum reform in radiographer education has resulted in the development of undergraduate programmes, and a study referred to in this paper investigated the activities of supervising radiographers in support of the undergraduate curriculum. Following on from 'ward learning environments' research in nursing, the most important activities which assist radiography students' clinical learning were investigated by means of the Delphi technique. At the design stage, a deficiency in previous work using the technique was identified, in that decisions relating to consensus among research respondents appeared to be based on arbitrary or post hoc rationales rather than predetermined or objective criteria. As the Delphi technique is being increasingly employed in nursing and similar research, it is important to explore issues of consensus, validity and reliability. The paper makes recommendations for improving these aspects in future studies.

Deconstructing Developmental Psychology

Abstract: What is childhood and why, and how, did psychology come to be the arbiter of 'correct'or 'normal' development? How do actual lived childhoods connect with theories about child development? In this completely revised and updated edition, Deconstructing Developmental Psychology interrogates the assumptions and practices surrounding the psychology of child development, providing a critical evaluation of the role and contribution of developmental psychology within social practice. In the decade since the first edition was published, there have been many major changes. The role accorded childcare experts and the power of the 'psy complex' have, if anything, intensified. This book addresses how shifts in advanced capitalism have produced new understandings of children, and a new (and more punitive) range of institutional responses to children. It engages with the paradoxes of childhood in an era when young adults are increasingly economically dependent on their families, and in a political context of heightened insecurity. The new edition includes an updated review of developments in psychological theory (in attachment, evolutionary psychology, theory of mind, cultural-historical approaches), as well as updating and reflecting upon the changed focus on fathers and fathering. It offers new perspectives on the connections between Piaget and Vygotsky and now connects much more closely with discussions from the sociology of childhood and critical educational research. Coverage has been expanded to include more material on child rights debates, and a new chapter addresses practice dilemmas around child protection, which engages even more with the "raced" and gendered effects of current policies involving children.

An evidential reasoning approach for multiple-attribute decision making with uncertainty

Abstract: A new evidential reasoning based approach is proposed that may be used to deal with uncertain decision knowledge in multiple-attribute decision making (MADM) problems with both quantitative and qualitative attributes. This approach is based on an evaluation analysis model and the evidence combination rule of the Dempster-Shafer theory. It is akin to a preference modeling approach, comprising an evidential reasoning framework for evaluation and quantification of qualitative attributes. Two operational algorithms have been developed within this approach for combining multiple uncertain subjective judgments. Based on this approach and a traditional MADM method, a decision making procedure is proposed to rank alternatives in MADM problems with uncertainty. A numerical example is discussed to demonstrate the implementation of the proposed approach. A multiple-attribute motor cycle evaluation problem is then presented to illustrate the hybrid decision making procedure. >

High birth velocities of radio pulsars

Abstract: NEUTRON stars are usually born during the supernova explosion of a massive star. Any small asymmetry during the explosion can result in a substantial ‘kick’ velocity1 to the neutron star. Pulsars (rapidly rotating, magnetized neutron stars) have long been known to have high space velocities2,3, but new measurements of proper motion4–6, adoption of a new distance scale for the pulsars7 and the realization that some previous velocities were systematically low by a factor of 2 (ref. 8) have prompted us to reassess these velocities. Here, taking into account a strong selection effect that makes the observed velocities unrepresentative of those acquired at birth9, we arrive at a mean pulsar birth velocity of 450 ± 90 km s–1 This exceeds the escape velocity from binary systems, globular clusters and the Galaxy, and so will affect our understanding of the retention of neutron stars in these systems. Those neutron stars that are retained by the Milky Way will be distributed more isotropically than has been thought10–12, which may result in a distribution like that of the γ-ray burst sources.

Waardenburg syndrome type 2 caused by mutations in the human microphthalmia (MITF) gene.

Abstract: Waardenburg syndrome type 2 (WS2) is a dominantly inherited syndrome of hearing loss and pigmentary disturbances. We recently mapped a WS2 gene to chromosome 3p12.3-p14.1 and proposed as a candidate gene MITF, the human homologue of the mouse microphthalmia (mi) gene. This encodes a putative basic-helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper transcription factor expressed in adult skin and in embryonic retina, otic vesicle and hair follicles. Mice carrying mi mutations show reduced pigmentation of the eyes and coat, and with some alleles, microphthalmia, hearing loss, osteopetrosis and mast cell defects. Here we show that affected individuals in two WS2 families have mutations affecting splice sites in the MITF gene.

Qualitative methods in organizational research: a practical guide

Abstract: Qualitative Research in Work Contexts - Catherine Cassell and Gillian Symon The Qualitative Research Interview - Nigel King The Twenty Statements Test - Anne Rees and Nigel Nicholson Question-Asking and Verbal Protocol Techniques - Graham I Johnson and Pamela Briggs Repertory Grid Technique in Constructive Interaction - John G Gammack and Robert A Stephens Discourse Analysis in an Occupational Context - Harriette Marshall Participant Observation - David Waddington Group Methods of Organizational Analysis - Chris Steyaert and Ren[ac]e Bouwen The Analysis of Company Documentation - Nick Forster Tracer Studies - Pat Hornby and Gillian Symon Stakeholder Analysis - John G Burgoyne Case Studies in Organizational Research - Jean F Hartley Intervention Techniques - David Fryer and Norman T Feather

Neutralising antibody to TGF-beta 1,2 reduces cutaneous scarring in adult rodents

Abstract: Scarring is a major cause of many clinical problems. Scar tissue interferes with growth, impairs function and is aesthetically unpleasant. However, scarring does not appear to be a problem of embryonic life. Embryonic wounds heal with a lower inflammatory and angiogenic response and have a different growth factor profile compared to adult wounds. We have used neutralising antibody to transforming growth factor-beta 1,2 (TGF-beta 1,2) to alter the growth factor profile of cutaneous wounds in adult rodents and studied the effect on scar tissue formation. This paper extends our preliminary report that neutralising antibody to TGF-beta reduces cutaneous scarring in adult rodents. To be effective, the neutralising antibody to TGF-beta needs to be administered at the time of wounding or soon thereafter. The antiscarring effects of this neutralising antibody to TGF-beta were dose dependent. Exogenous addition of neutralising antibody to TGF-beta to incisional wounds reduced the inflammatory and angiogenic responses and reduced the extracellular matrix deposition in the early stages of wound healing without reducing the tensile strength of the wounds. Importantly, the architecture of the neodermis of wounds treated with neutralising antibody to TGF-beta resembled more closely that of normal dermis compared to the unmanipulated control wounds, which healed with an abnormal neodermal architecture resulting in obvious scarring. This study suggests a novel therapeutic approach to reducing scarring in post-natal life.

Structure of the microporous titanosilicate ETS-10

Abstract: INORGANIC microporous framework solids such as zeolites are of considerable technological importance as shape-selective catalysts, ion-exchange materials and molecular sieves1. Most microporous materials known until recently were silicates, aluminosilicates1 or aluminophosphates2–4, all of which contain tetrahedrally coordinated metal atoms. In 1989, a family of microporous titanosilicates (generically denoted ETS) was discovered in which the metal atoms (Ti4+) are octahedrally coordinated5–8. A full understanding of the potential of any microporous solid to act as a molecular sieve and selective catalyst, and of the nature of the catalytic centres, requires that its structure be known. But that of the ETS materials has proved elusive because of the considerable degree of disorder that they contain. Using a combination of high-resolution electron microscopy, electron and powder X-ray diffraction, solid-state NMR, molecular modelling and chemical analysis, we have now been able to solve the structure of a prominent member of this family, ETS-10. This structure comprises corner-sharing SiO4 tetrahedra and TiO6 octahedra linked through bridging oxygen atoms. The pore system contains 12-membered rings and displays a considerable degree of disorder. Many ordered variants of ETS-10 exist, some of which are chiral.

Healthy Mind; Healthy Organization— A Proactive Approach to Occupational Stress

Abstract: Against a background of mounting research evidence (Cooper & Payne, 1988), there can be little dispute that stress has a dysfunctional impact on both individual and organizational outcomes. Links have been demonstrated between stress and the incidence of Coronary Heart Disease, mental breakdown, poor health behaviors, job dissatisfaction, accidents, family problems and certain forms of cancer (e.g., McLean, 1980; Frese, 1985; Cooper & Watson, 1991). Almost half of all premature deaths in the U.K. are attributed to lifestyle and stress-related illnesses (Palmer, 1989).

The incidence of rheumatoid arthritis in the united kingdom: results from the norfolk arthritis register

Abstract: This paper provides the first data on the incidence of RA based on a prospective population-based register. All new cases of inflammatory polyarthritis in the Norwich Health Authority are notified by general practitioners to the Norfolk Arthritis Register. The patients are then clinically evaluated by metrologists and blood taken for RF estimation. Cases of RA were defined as all those notified with an onset of symptoms in 1990; who presented by 31 December 1991; and who satisfied the 1987 ARA criteria for RA at the time of presentation. Two hundred and ten patients were notified in the defined time-frame, of whom 104 were classified as having RA. The annual incidence rate was 36/100,000 for women and 14/100,000 for men. RA was rare in men aged under 45 yr. The incidence in men rose steeply with age. The incidence in women rose up to age 45 yr, plateaued to age 75 yr, and fell in the very elderly.

Tensile-compressive yield asymmetries in high strength wrought magnesium alloys

Abstract: Owing to magnesium's very low density (of 17 g/cm[sup 3]) there is potential for producing Mg alloys with higher specific strengths than those of existing aluminium alloys for applications where weight savings are at a premium Magnesium alloys can also have greater creep resistance and superior elevated temperature specific tensile properties than those of Al However, the hexagonal crystal structure of magnesium severely limits its available slip systems and preferred orientations can develop during working processes, slip occurring predominantly on the basal planes which leads to their alignment parallel to the direction of metal flow As a geometric consequence of the c/a ratio of magnesium being less than ideal, twinning can theoretically only occur in compression, parallel to the basal planes, which would be expected to result in there being large asymmetries between the tensile and compressive yield stresses in textured wrought products The compressive yield stresses in wrought magnesium alloys have been previously found in forgings to the 06--07 times those of the tensile Such an asymmetric yield behavior, resulting in a poor compressive yield stress, would prohibit many potential applications for wrought Mg alloys The aim of this paper is to investigate how significant the problem of yieldmore » asymmetry can be in two typical high strength wrought Mg alloys, the Mg-Y-Nd mischmetal based alloy, WE54, and the Mg-Zn-Cu based alloy, ZC71« less

Cytokine-mediated regulation of chronic intestinal helminth infection.

Abstract: Most inbred strains of mouse infected with the intestinal nematode Trichuris muris are resistant to infection expelling the parasite before adult worms establish. However, a few susceptible strains exist that are incapable of worm expulsion and harbor chronic infections of mature adult worms. Analyses of in vitro cytokine production by cells from the draining lymph node (mesenteric lymph node) have indicated that expulsion phenotype is tightly correlated with the selective expansion of helper T cells (Th) of the Th1 or Th2 cell subset within the mesenteric lymph node, resulting in susceptibility and resistance to T. muris, respectively. We have now confirmed and extended our in vitro observations in a series of experiments involving the in vivo manipulation of host cytokine levels. Depletion of interferon (IFN)-gamma in normally susceptible mice resulted in expulsion of the parasite, representing the first evidence for a role for IFN-gamma in the establishment of chronic helminth infection. Blocking interleukin (IL)-4 function in normally resistant animals prevented the generation of a protective immune response allowing adult stages of the parasite to develop. Conversely the administration of IL-4 to a normally susceptible host facilitated expulsion and indeed enabled established adult worms to be expelled when administered late in infection. In all cases assessment of a variety of in vivo parameters indicative of a Th1- or Th2-type response (parasite-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G2a and the parasite-specific IgG1, total IgE levels and intestinal mastocytosis, respectively) demonstrated that the in vivo modulation of a Th1- or Th2-specific cytokine allowed the reciprocal Th cell subset to expand and become dominant with dramatic consequences for worm expulsion.

Approximation theory of fuzzy systems/spl minus/SISO case

Abstract: In this paper, the approximation properties of MIMO fuzzy systems generated by the product inference are discussed. We first give an analysis of fuzzy basic functions (FBF's) and present several properties of FBF's. Based on these properties of FBF's, we obtain several basic approximation properties of fuzzy systems: 1) basic approximation property which reveals the basic approximation mechanism of fuzzy systems; 2) uniform approximation bounds which give the uniform approximation bounds between the desired (control or decision) functions and fuzzy systems; 3) uniform convergent property which shows that fuzzy systems with defined approximation accuracy can always be obtained by dividing the input space into finer fuzzy regions; and 4) universal approximation property which shows that fuzzy systems are universal approximators and extends some previous results on this aspect. The similarity between fuzzy systems and mathematical approximation is discussed and an idea to improve approximation accuracy is suggested based on uniform approximation bounds. >

Complete Dna-Sequence Of Yeast Chromosome-Xi

Abstract: The complete DNA sequence of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosome XI has been determined. In addition to a compact arrangement of potential protein coding sequences, the 666,448-base-pair sequence has revealed general chromosome patterns; in particular, alternating regional variations in average base composition correlate with variations in local gene density along the chromosome. Significant discrepancies with the previously published genetic map demonstrate the need for using independent physical mapping criteria.

Complex Phase Behavior of Polyisoprene-Polystyrene Diblock Copolymers Near the Order-Disorder Transition

Abstract: The phase behavior of polyisoprene-polystyrene (PI-PS) diblock copolymers near the order disorder transition was investigated using dynamic mechanical measurements, TEM, SAXS and SANS at polyisoprene volume fractions 0.33< F PI < 0.42. Two new ordered morphologies have been documented between hexagonally packed cylinders (HEX) and lamellae (LAM). At low temperatures a hexagonally perforated layered (HPL) microstructure occurs, that transforms into a bicontinuous cubic phase characterized by Ia3d space group symmetry near the order disorder transition (ODT). The ordered-bicontinuous double diamind (OBDD) phase was not found at any temperature or composition studied

Sequence Variation of the Hydroxymethyldihydropterin Pyrophosphokinase: Dihydropteroate Synthase Gene in Lines of the Human Malaria Parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, with Differing Resistance to Sulfadoxine

Abstract: Dihydropteroate synthase (H2Pte synthase) is the target of the sulfur-based antimalarial drugs, which are frequently used in synergistic combination with inhibitors of dihydrofolate reductase (H2folate reductase) to combat chloroquine-resistant malaria. We have isolated the H2Pte synthase coding sequence of the most pathogenic human parasite Plasmodium falciparum. It forms part of a longer coding sequence, located on chromosome 8, that also specifies 6-hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin pyrophosphokinase (CH2OH-H2pterinPP kinase) at its 5′ proximal end. This domain is unusually large, with two long insertions relative to other CH2OH-H2pterinPP kinase molecules. To investigate a possible genetic basis for clinical resistance to sulfa drugs, we sequenced the complete H2Pte synthase domains from eleven isolates of P. falciparum with diverse geographical origins and levels of sulfadoxine resistance. Overall, point mutations in five positions were observed, affecting four codons. Parasite lines exhibiting high-level resistance were found to carry either a double mutation, altering both Ser436 and Ala613, or a single mutation affecting Ala581. The mutations at positions 436 and 581 have the same location relative to each of two degenerate repeated amino acid motifs that are conserved across all other known H2Pte synthase molecules. The amino acid alteration at residue 613 is identically positioned relative to a different conserved motif. The fourth amino acid residue (437) affected by mutation, though adjacent to the apparently crucial residue 436, shows no obvious correlation with resistance. Although these mutations have no exact counterparts in any other organism, that at position 581 falls within a region of three amino acids where H2Pte synthase is modified in various ways in a number of sulfonamide-resistant pathogenic bacteria. Copy-number analysis indicated that there was no amplification of the H2Pte synthase domain in resistant parasite lines of P. falciparum, compared to sensitive lines.

Chemical process design

Abstract: The hierarchy of flowsheet synthesis choice of reactor choice of separator the synthesis of reaction-separation systems distillation sequencing heat exchanger network and utilities - energy targets, capital and total cost targets economic trade-offs safety and health considerations waste minimization heat exchanger network design overall strategy for flowsheet synthesis preliminary economic evaluation heat exchanger network area target number of shells target for heat exchanger capital cost target for heat exchanger networks.

Evolutionary Economics and Technology Policy

Abstract: In this brief paper I propose to explore the economics of technology policy from an evolutionary perspective. As with any evolutionary argument the central concern is with the mechanisms of economic change, in this case in relation to the development of new technologies and patterns of organisation, and their spread into the wider economic system. In this sense we build upon one of the major stylized facts of modern growth, structural change at all levels from the microeconomic to the macroeconomic. To any observer of the policy making process let alone a practitioner, the contrast between the theory which underpins policy and the implementation of policy will seem acute. As Nelson and Winter (I982) have rightly insisted, research into policy is shaped by policy questions not by an agenda relating to how economic theory can be developed to deal with innovation. Setting priorities, designing instruments and evaluating outcomes do not link easily with the general ideas dealt with below. Among the general points we will stress, two will be of critical importance. First that the innovation activities of firms involve a wider range of other institutions supplying the knowledge and skills which underpin the efforts of individual firms. We term this the systems perspective on innovation (Nelson, I993). Secondly, it is not helpful to treat innovation and the diffusion of innovation as separate categories, in fact they are inseparable, with feedback from diffusion being one of the critical elements shaping how a technology is developed. We begin with a brief review of the familiar market failure perspective on policy and build from this into a brief overview of the evolutionary approach. The paper concludes with an outline of the systems perspective on technology policy. It is taken as read that virtually any economic policy can have implications in principle for the process of innovation. However, we treat technology policy in a narrow sense even though it spills over into questions of education policy, science policy and competition policy.

Separate Spheres and Public Places: Reflections on the History of Science Popularization and Science in Popular Culture:

Abstract: L'A. demontre qu'il faudrait reconsiderer la negligence des etudes historiques de la science populaire et de la popularisation en fonction de l'hegemonie de la science elle-meme

Structure of trypanothione reductase from Crithidia fasciculata at 2.6 Å resolution; enzyme–NADP interactions at 2.8 Å resolution

Abstract: Trypanothione reductase is an FAD-dependent disulfide oxidoreductase which catalyses the reduction of trypanothione using NADPH as co-factor. The enzyme is unique to protozoan parasites from the genera Trypanosoma and Leishmania and is an important target for the design of improved antitrypanocidal drugs. We present details of the structure of trypanothione reductase from Crithidia fasciculata solved by molecular replacement, using human glutathione reductase as a search model, and refined to an R factor of 16.1% with data between 8.0 and 2.6 A resolution. The model comprises two subunits (one containing 487 residues, the other 486), an FAD prosthetic group, plus 392 solvent molecules. The last four C-terminal residues are not seen in either subunit and the density is poor for the N-terminal residue of subunit B. The model has a root-mean-square deviation from ideality of 0.016 A for bond lengths and 3.2° for bond angles. Each subunit was independently refined in the latter stages of the analysis but the subunits remain similar as indicated by the root-mean-square deviation of 0.35 A for Cα atoms. Trypanothione reductase has 36% sequence identity with human glutathione reductase and the root-mean-square deviation between the 462 Cα atoms in the secondary structural units common to the two proteins is 1.1 A. However, there are large differences in the loop regions and significant shifts in the orientation of the four domains within each subunit. Domain II, which binds the dinucleotide co-factor, and domain IV, which forms the interface between the two subunits, are both rotated by approximately 5° with respect to domain I, which binds the FAD moiety, when compared with glutathione reductase. Crystals of trypanothione reductase have been soaked in the dinucleotide co-factor NADPH and N1-glutathionylspermidine disulfide substrate and the structure of the resulting complex determined at 2.8 A resolution. Strong density is observed for the adenosine end of the co-factor which forms many charged interactions with the protein though the density for the nicotinamide moiety is more diffuse. The mode of binding indicates that NADP is bound to the enzyme in a similar conformation to that observed with human glutathione reductase.

Face Perception in Children with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome

Abstract: Children with diagnoses of either autism or Asperger's syndrome were matched on measures of verbal mental age with nonautistic control children. They were tested on their abilities to process both facial and nonfacial stimuli. There were no significant differences between the low ability autistic and control groups, but the high ability autistic and Asperger's children performed significantly worse than controls across all tests. Group averages masked substantial individual variation. The results are seen as indicating a general perceptual deficit that is not specific to faces or emotions. This appears to be a common correlate of autism and Asperger's syndrome, rather than a core symptom.

All hyped up and no place to go

Abstract: In this paper we think about the performance of sexual identities in space, and try to explore the notions of transgression and parody implicit in recent queer theory, particularly in the work of Judith Butler. To do this, we take a long hard look at two current dissident sexual identities—the hypermasculine ‘gay skinhead’ and the hyperfeminine ‘lipstick lesbian’. We describe their evolution as sexual‐outlaw styles of the 1990s, and assess the effects of their performance in spaces which are, we argue, actively constructed as heterosexual. Although we are ultimately unsure and unable to agree about what kinds of trouble these identities cause, and for whom, and where, we want to share our unease, our questions, our own troubles.