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Selected AbstractsExternal Sources of Innovative Capabilities: The Preferences for Strategic Alliances or Mergers and AcquisitionsJOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, Issue 2 2002John Hagedoorn This paper explores the preferences that companies have as they use alternative (quasi) external sources of innovative competencies such as strategic technology alliances, mergers and acquisitions, or a mix of these. These alternatives are studied in the context of distinct industrial, technological and international settings during the first half of the 1990s. Different strategies followed by companies and the role played by routinized sets of preferences are also taken into consideration. The analysis demonstrates that these options are influenced by both different environmental conditions and firm specific circumstances, such as those related to protecting core businesses. [source] The Decision of the Supply Chain Executive to Support or Impede Supply Chain Integration: A Multidisciplinary Behavioral Agency Perspective,DECISION SCIENCES, Issue 4 2009Verónica H. Villena ABSTRACT Applying the behavioral agency model developed by Wiseman and Gomez-Mejia (1998), this article analyzes human resource factors that induce supply chain executives (SCEs) to make decisions that foster or hinder supply chain integration. We examine two internal sources (compensation and employment risk) and one external source (environmental volatility) of risk bearing that can make SCEs more reluctant to make the decision to promote supply chain integration. We argue and empirically confirm the notion that an employment and compensation system that increases SCE risk bearing reduces the SCE's willingness to make risky decisions and thus discourages supply chain integration. We also reveal that this negative relationship becomes stronger under conditions of high environmental volatility. In addressing the "so what?" question, we found empirical support for the hypothesis that supply chain integration positively influences operational performance. Even though this decision has a positive value for the firm, we showed that SCEs discourage supply chain integration when they face higher risk bearing. Hypotheses are tested using a combination of primary survey data and archival measures in a sample of 133 Spanish firms. [source] Multireference coupled-cluster methods for ground and low-lying excited states.INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF QUANTUM CHEMISTRY, Issue 15 2010A benchmark illustration on CH + potentials Abstract Multireference (MR), general-model-space (GMS), state-universal (SU) coupled-cluster (CC) method that considers singly (S) and doubly (D) excited cluster amplitudes relative to the reference configurations spanning the model space (GMS SU CCSD), as well as its externally corrected (ec) version (N,M)-CCSD that uses N -reference MR CISD as an external source of higher-than-pair cluster amplitudes in a M -reference GMS CCSD, are used to investigate low-lying states of the CH+ ion. Relying on a simple ab initio model that enables a comparison with the exact full configuration interaction energies, the performance of the GMS-based methods is assessed in the whole relevant range of internuclear separations. It is shown that the ec (N,M)-CCSD version provides best results for both the singlet and the triplet states considered. For triplets, the use of high-spin (MS = 1) references is to be preferred. The GMS-based MR SU CC results for the ten low-lying states of CH+ clearly indicate the usefulness and reliability of these approaches. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010 [source] Origin of migmatites by deformation-enhanced melt infiltration of orthogneiss: a new model based on quantitative microstructural analysisJOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 1 2008P. HASALOVÁ Abstract A detailed field study reveals a gradual transition from high-grade solid-state banded orthogneiss via stromatic migmatite and schlieren migmatite to irregular, foliation-parallel bodies of nebulitic migmatite within the eastern part of the Gföhl Unit (Moldanubian domain, Bohemian Massif). The orthogneiss to nebulitic migmatite sequence is characterized by progressive destruction of well-equilibrated banded microstructure by crystallization of new interstitial phases (Kfs, Pl and Qtz) along feldspar boundaries and by resorption of relict feldspar and biotite. The grain size of all felsic phases decreases continuously, whereas the population density of new phases increases. The new phases preferentially nucleate along high-energy like,like boundaries causing the development of a regular distribution of individual phases. This evolutionary trend is accompanied by a decrease in grain shape preferred orientation of all felsic phases. To explain these data, a new petrogenetic model is proposed for the origin of felsic migmatites by melt infiltration from an external source into banded orthogneiss during deformation. In this model, infiltrating melt passes pervasively along grain boundaries through the whole-rock volume and changes completely its macro- and microscopic appearance. It is suggested that the individual migmatite types represent different degrees of equilibration between the host rock and migrating melt during exhumation. The melt topology mimicked by feldspar in banded orthogneiss forms elongate pockets oriented at a high angle to the compositional banding, indicating that the melt distribution was controlled by the deformation of the solid framework. The microstructure exhibits features compatible with a combination of dislocation creep and grain boundary sliding deformation mechanisms. The migmatite microstructures developed by granular flow accompanied by melt-enhanced diffusion and/or melt flow. However, an AMS study and quartz microfabrics suggest that the amount of melt present did not exceed a critical threshold during the deformation to allow free movements of grains. [source] Fine structure of the stability diagram and the amplitude of ion oscillation within hyperboloidal mass spectrometersRAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY, Issue 4 2002Ernst P. Sheretov This article shows that the dependence of the amplitude of ion oscillation within a hyperboloidal mass spectrometers (HMS) as a function of working point location on the stability diagram (in this case all working points lie at one scan line) exhibits a structure with spikes: the amplitude decreases drastically in some points and these dips look like ,reversed spikes'. It is shown that the dips appear at particular values of the stability parameter, ,0, that correspond to intersections of the scan line with lines of parametric resonances (quasi-stability lines) described by us previously. This effect governs the trapping efficiency of ions injected into a radio-frequency ion trap from an external source. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The mode of action of venom from the endoparasitic wasp Pimpla hypochondriaca (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) involves Ca+2 -dependent cell death pathways,ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY (ELECTRONIC), Issue 3 2009David B. Rivers Abstract The endoparasitoid Pimpla hypochondriaca injects venom during oviposition to condition its lepidopteran hosts. Venom is a complex mixture of proteins and polypeptides, many of which have been identified as enzymes, including phenoloxidase, endopeptidase, aminopeptidase, hydrolase, and angiotensin-converting enzyme. Constituents of the venom have been shown to possess cytolytic and paralytic activity, but the modes of action of factor(s) responsible for exerting such effects have not been deciphered. In this study, we examined the mode of action of isolated venom using cultured cells (BTI-TN-5B1-4). A series of blockage and inhibition assays were performed using a potent inhibitor (phenylthiourea, PTU) of venom phenoloxidase, and anti-calreticulin antibodies. Monolayers exposed to venom alone were highly susceptible with more than 84.6±2.3% dead within 15,min. Susceptible cells displayed a retraction of cytoplasmic extensions, rounding, and swelling prior to lysis in more than half (55.7±1.7%) of the dying cells. Within 15,min of exposure to venom, cells displayed qualitative increases in [Ca+2]i as evidenced by staining with the calcium-sensitive probe fluo-4 AM, and mitochondrial membrane potential (,,m) was undetectable by 5,min post-treatment with venom. These venom-mediated changes occurred regardless of whether an external source of calcium was present, or whether venom was pre-treated with PTU. In contrast, venom toxicity was attenuated by treatment with anti-calreticulin antibodies. Not only did fewer cells die when exposed to antibody-treated venom but also cell swelling diminished and no increases in intracellular calcium were detected. A possible mode of action for the venom is discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Producers, Processors and Unions: The Meat Producers Board and Labour Relations in the New Zealand Meat Industry, 1952,1971AUSTRALIAN ECONOMIC HISTORY REVIEW, Issue 2 2001Bruce Curtis In New Zealand, the historical trend towards the rational-capitalistic transformation of agriculture was forestalled in part by producer boards, institutions that were intended to operate in the collective interests of farmers. Recently, there has been renewed interest both in the economic effects of the boards and in the role of farmers themselves within New Zealand's unique arbitral system of industrial relations. This paper bridges these areas of research by examining the influence of the Meat Producers Board on management,labour relations within the export meat industry. Whereas the Board is generally regarded as having empowered family-labour farmers, we argue that its interventions also empowered meatworkers and simultaneously weakened meat-processing companies as employers. The power resources indirectly supplied to meatworkers by the Board were an important external source of union power in the industry. By examining these resources, we identify the neglected effects of a key institution that shaped New Zealand's path of development by preventing the subsumption of ,independent' farming. [source] The Anglo-Saxon Approach to Corporate Governance and its Applicability to Emerging MarketsCORPORATE GOVERNANCE, Issue 4 2006Dennis C. Mueller Almost all firms start out as small, owner-managed companies. Many stay that way throughout their lives. Some create attractive investment opportunities, however, that will allow them to grow rapidly and become leading companies in their country. These firms typically do not have sufficient internal funds flows and must turn to external sources of finance. Among these is the issuance of equity. Once a firm sells shares, however, the cost of the managers engaging in on-the-job consumption falls, and they can be expected to do so at the expense of their shareholders. Knowing this, potential shareholders may be unwilling to purchase a new offering of a young firm's shares, and the firm with attractive investment opportunities is unable to finance them. Strong corporate governance institutions help to protect shareholders from the discretionary use of their firm's resources. This paper reviews the case for having strong corporate governance institutions to facilitate the creation of thick equity markets in the context of developing countries in emerging markets, and examines the case for relying on alternative sources of capital including the state. [source] The Impact of Technological Opportunities and Innovative Capabilities on Firms' Output InnovationCREATIVITY AND INNOVATION MANAGEMENT, Issue 3 2003María J. Oltra In this study, we analyse the effect that external sources of knowledge and absorptive capacity exert on a firm's output innovation. In addition, we examine the moderating influence of absorptive capacity on the effect that technological opportunities have on output innovation. Empirical research was carried out on a sample of 91 Spanish firms from the ceramic tile industry. Absorptive capacity is operationalized by ,systematic or continuous R&D' and output innovation by ,percentage of sales from new products'. Technological opportunities are divided into several industry and non-industry related variables. Our results show the positive effect that both the industry's technological opportunities and a systematic approach to R&D exert on output innovation. Moreover, firms with a systematic approach to R&D usually achieve higher innovation output than firms which do not follow this approach. The innovation results of this second group decrease as a result of embedded technology acquisition. [source] Paediatric emergency guidelines: Could one size fit all?EMERGENCY MEDICINE AUSTRALASIA, Issue 1 2009Sarah Dalton Abstract Objectives: The development of clinical practice guidelines (CPG) is a core task in EDs and CPGs are widely used. The process of CPGs development in Australian and New Zealand ED is unknown. We aim to describe this process in paediatric EDs and examine the feasibility of developing collaborative guidelines. Methods: A piloted questionnaire regarding CPG development, dissemination, implementation and evaluation was circulated to all 13 Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT) sites. Specific questions regarding feasibility of combined guidelines were included. Results: All PREDICT EDs participated in the survey. All used CPGs in EDs and 12/13 had ED-specific guidelines. EDs had an average of 77 guidelines with approximately 5 new guidelines generated annually. Staff at most sites (10/13) also accessed guidelines from external sources. Most hospitals (10/13) had a guideline committee, generally comprising of senior ED and general paediatric staff. Guidelines were usually written by committee members and 10/13 hospitals adopted modified external guidelines. An average committee met six times a year for 90 min and involved seven clinicians. Most sites did not have a project manager or dedicated secretarial support. Few hospitals included literature references (3/13) or levels of evidence (1/13) in their guidelines. Most did not consider implementation, evaluation or teaching packages. Most sites (10/13) supported the development of collaborative guidelines. Conclusions: Paediatric EDs expend significant resources to develop CPGs. Collaborative guidelines would likely decrease duplication of effort and increase the number of available, current and evidence-based CPGs. [source] New Pentadentate Carboxylate-Derivatized Sulfur Ligands Affording Water Soluble Iron Complexes with [Fe(NS4)] Cores that Bind Small Molecules (CO, NO, PMe3) as Co-LigandsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 3 2004Dieter Sellmann Abstract In the search for polydentate sulfur ligands that are able to form water-soluble iron complexes which can bind nitrogenase relevant molecules, the new pentadentate ligands pyCO2MeS4,H2 [2,6-bis[2-mercapto-3-(methoxycarbonyl)phenylthio]dimethylpyridine] (1) and pyCO2HS4,H2 [2,6-bis(2-mercapto-3-carboxyphenylthio)dimethylpyridine] (2) having NS4 donor atom sets and terminal thiolate donors have been synthesized. The starting material was CO2MeS2,H2 (2,3-dimercapto benzoic acid methyl ester) which was alkylated with 2,6-bis[(tosyloxy)methyl]pyridine. The problem of specifically achieving regioselective mono-alkylation of this 1,2-benzene-dithiol derivative was solved by carrying out the alkylation of CO2MeS2,H2 at ,78 °C in the presence of stoichiometric amounts of a base. Saponification of 1 afforded the carboxylic acid derivative. Coordination of pyCO2MeS42, to FeII in the presence of co-ligands (L = CO, PMe3) yielded the complexes [Fe(L)(pyCO2MeS4)] where L = CO (5) or PMe3 (4). Upon treatment with NOBF4, complex 5 afforded [Fe(NO)(pyCO2MeS4)]BF4 (7) which could be subsequently converted to the isolable 19 valence electron species [Fe(NO)(pyCO2MeS4)] (8) upon reduction with N2H4. In the absence of potential co-ligands, coordination of pyCO2MeS42, to FeII afforded the dinuclear complex [Fe(pyCO2MeS4)]2 (6) whilst coordination to NiII gave [Ni(pyCO2MeS4)]x (3). Solubility of these complexes in water could be achieved by replacing the CO2Me groups with CO2H substituents. The ligand pyCO2HS42, afforded the iron complexes [Fe(L)(pyCO2HS4)] [L = CO (10) and PMe3 (12)] and [Fe(NO)(pyCO2HS4)]BF4 (11). Both 10 and 12 could be reversibly deprotonated to give the corresponding water-soluble salts (NMe4)2[Fe(L)(pyCO2S4)] with L = CO {(NMe4)2 [9]} and PMe3 {(NMe4)2 [13]}. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopic methods and X-ray structural determinations. The molecular structure of [Fe(PMe3)(pyCO2HS4)] (12) was found to exhibit inter- and intramolecular O,H···O and O,H···S hydrogen bonds which serve as models for proton transfer steps from external sources to the active sites of metal sulfur enzymes. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004) [source] Quantum field theories coupled to supergravityFORTSCHRITTE DER PHYSIK/PROGRESS OF PHYSICS, Issue 3 2008J. Große Abstract This article is devoted to the investigation of the interplay of supersymmetric Yang,Mills theories (SYM) and supergravity (SUGRA). The topic is studied from two points of view: Firstly from the point of view of AdS/CFT correspondence, which realises the coupling of four dimensional superconformal ,, = 4 SYM theory and ten dimensional type IIB SUGRA in a holographic way. In order to arrive at theories that resemble quantum chromodynamics (QCD) more closely, fundamental fields are introduced using probe D7-branes and non-trivial background configuration are considered. In particular supergravity solutions that are only asymptotically anti-de Sitter and break supersymmetry are used. This allows the description of spontaneous chiral symmetry breaking. The meson spectrum is calculated and the existence of an associated Goldstone mode is demonstrated. Moreover it is shown that highly radially excited mesons are not degenerate. Additionally instanton configurations on the D7-branes are investigated, which lead to a holographic description of the dual field theory's Higgs branch. Finally a holographic description of heavy-light mesons is developed, which are mesons consisting of quarks with a large mass difference, such that a treatment of B mesons can be achieved The second approach is the technique of so-called space-time dependent couplings (also known as "local couplings"), where coupling constants are promoted to external sources. This allows to explore the conformal anomaly of quantum field theories coupled to a classical gravity background. The technique is extended to the superfield description of ,, = 1 supergravity, a complete basis for the anomaly is given and the consistency conditions that arise from a cohomological treatment are calculated. Possible implications for an extension of Zamolodchikov's c -theorem to four dimensional supersymmetric quantum field theories are discussed. [source] Methane efflux in relation to plant biomass and sediment characteristics in stands of three common emergent macrophytes in boreal mesoeutrophic lakesGLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2005Paula Kankaala Abstract Methane efflux was studied in stands of three emergent macrophyte species (Equisetum fluviatile, Schoenoplectus lacustris and Phragmites australis) commonly found in the littoral zone of boreal lakes. In vegetation stands with relatively low methane (CH4) emissions (<0.3 mol m,2 (ice-free period),1), the seasonal variation of CH4 efflux was better correlated with the dynamics of plant growth than variation in sediment temperature. In dense and productive vegetation stands that released high amounts of CH4 (2.3,7.7 mol m,2 (ice-free period),1), the seasonal variation in CH4 efflux was correlated with sediment temperature, indicating that methanogens were more limited by temperature than substrate supply. The bottom type at the growth site of the emergent plants significantly influenced the ratio of CH4 efflux to aboveground biomass of plants (Eff : B). The lowest Eff : B ratio was found in E. fluviatile stands growing on sand bottom under experimental conditions and the highest in P. australis -dominated littoral areas accumulating detritus from external sources. The future changes expected in the hydrology of boreal lakes and rivers because of climatic warming may impact the growth conditions of aquatic macrophytes as well as decomposition and accumulation of detritus and, thus, CH4 effluxes from boreal lakes. [source] Dealing with Tyranny: International Sanctions and the Survival of Authoritarian Rulers,INTERNATIONAL STUDIES QUARTERLY, Issue 2 2010Abel Escribà-Folch This paper examines whether economic sanctions destabilize authoritarian rulers. We argue that the effect of sanctions is mediated by the type of authoritarian regime against which sanctions are imposed. Because personalist regimes and monarchies are more sensitive to the loss of external sources of revenue (such as foreign aid and taxes on trade) to fund patronage, rulers in these regimes are more likely to be destabilized by sanctions than leaders in other types of regimes. In contrast, when dominant single-party and military regimes are subject to sanctions, they increase their tax revenues and reallocate their expenditures to increase their levels of cooptation and repression. Using data on sanction episodes and authoritarian regimes from 1960 to 1997 and selection-corrected survival models, we test whether sanctions destabilize authoritarian rulers in different types of regimes. We find that personalist dictators are more vulnerable to foreign pressure than other types of dictators. We also analyze the modes of authoritarian leader exit and find that sanctions increase the likelihood of a regular and an irregular change of ruler, such as a coup, in personalist regimes. In single-party and military regimes, however, sanctions have little effect on leadership stability. [source] Cellular response to oxidative stress: Signaling for suicide and survival,JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 1 2002Jennifer L. Martindale Reactive oxygen species (ROS), whether produced endogenously as a consequence of normal cell functions or derived from external sources, pose a constant threat to cells living in an aerobic environment as they can result in severe damage to DNA, protein, and lipids. The importance of oxidative damage to the pathogenesis of many diseases as well as to degenerative processes of aging has becoming increasingly apparent over the past few years. Cells contain a number of antioxidant defenses to minimize fluctuations in ROS, but ROS generation often exceeds the cell's antioxidant capacity, resulting in a condition termed oxidative stress. Host survival depends upon the ability of cells and tissues to adapt to or resist the stress, and repair or remove damaged molecules or cells. Numerous stress response mechanisms have evolved for these purposes, and they are rapidly activated in response to oxidative insults. Some of the pathways are preferentially linked to enhanced survival, while others are more frequently associated with cell death. Still others have been implicated in both extremes depending on the particular circumstances. In this review, we discuss the various signaling pathways known to be activated in response to oxidative stress in mammalian cells, the mechanisms leading to their activation, and their roles in influencing cell survival. These pathways constitute important avenues for therapeutic interventions aimed at limiting oxidative damage or attenuating its sequelae. Published 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Current approaches to obesity management in UK Primary Care: the Counterweight ProgrammeJOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 3 2004The Counterweight Project Team Abstract Background/Aims Primary care is expected to develop strategies to manage obese patients as part of coronary heart disease and diabetes national service frameworks. Little is known about current management practices for obesity in this setting. The aim of this study is to examine current approaches to obesity management in UK primary care and to identify potential gaps in care. Method A total of 141 general practitioners (GPs) and 66 practice nurses (PNs) from 40 primary care practices participated in structured interviews to examine clinician self-reported approaches to obesity management. Medical records were also reviewed for 100 randomly selected obese patients from each practice [body mass index (BMI) ,30 kg m,2, n = 4000] to review rates of diet counselling, dietetic or obesity centre referrals, and use of anti-obesity medication. Computerized medical records for the total practice population (n = 206 341, 18,75 years) were searched to examine the proportion of patients with a weight/BMI ever recorded. Results Eighty-three per cent of GPs and 97% of PNs reported that they would raise weight as an issue with obese patients (P < 0.01). Few GPs (15%) reported spending up to 10 min in a consultation discussing weight-related issues, compared with PNs (76%; P < 0.001). Over 18 months, practice-based diet counselling (20%), dietetic (4%) and obesity centre (1%) referrals, and any anti-obesity medication (2%) were recorded. BMI was recorded for 64.2% of patients and apparent prevalence of obesity was less than expected. Conclusion Obesity is under-recognized in primary care even in these 40 practices with an interest in weight management. Weight management appears to be based on brief opportunistic intervention undertaken mainly by PNs. While clinicians report the use of external sources of support, few patients are referred, with practice-based counselling being the most common intervention. [source] External Sources of Innovative Capabilities: The Preferences for Strategic Alliances or Mergers and AcquisitionsJOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, Issue 2 2002John Hagedoorn This paper explores the preferences that companies have as they use alternative (quasi) external sources of innovative competencies such as strategic technology alliances, mergers and acquisitions, or a mix of these. These alternatives are studied in the context of distinct industrial, technological and international settings during the first half of the 1990s. Different strategies followed by companies and the role played by routinized sets of preferences are also taken into consideration. The analysis demonstrates that these options are influenced by both different environmental conditions and firm specific circumstances, such as those related to protecting core businesses. [source] Artifact due to B0 fluctuations in fMRI: Correction using the k- space central lineMAGNETIC RESONANCE IN MEDICINE, Issue 1 2001Emmanuel Durand Abstract Magnetic resonance experiments require the main magnetic field, B0, to remain very stable. Several external sources, such as moving ferromagnetic objects and/or changing electromagnetic fields, can significantly change the value of B0 over time. This work describes an apparent displacement along the phase-encoding axis caused by a variation in B0. This artifact was observed in fMRI images acquired with EPI. The effect was characterized and tested using an immobile phantom. The image displacement motion along the phase-encoding axis closely followed the changes in B0. The phase of the central line in the Fourier space was successfully used to correct this artifact. Fluctuations in B0 may result in artifacts that mimic subject head motion, and must be appropriately corrected. Magn Reson Med 46:198,201, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Authoritative Knowledge and Single Women's Unintentional Pregnancies, Abortions, Adoption, and Single Motherhood: Social Stigma and Structural ViolenceMEDICAL ANTHROPOLOGY QUARTERLY, Issue 3 2003Marcia A. Ellison This article explores the sources of authoritative knowledge that shaped single, white, middle-class women's unintentional pregnancies and childbearing decisions throughout five reproductive eras. Women who terminated a pregnancy were most influenced by their own personal needs and circumstances, birth mothers' decisions were based on external sources of knowledge, such as their mothers, social workers, and social pressures. In contrast, single mothers based their decision on instincts and their religious or moral beliefs. Reproductive policies further constrained and significantly shaped women's experiences. The social stigma associated with these forms of stratified maternity suggests that categorizing pregnant women by their marital status, or births as out-of-wedlock, reproduces the structural violence implicit to normative models of female sexuality and maternity. This mixed-method study included focus groups to determine the kinds of knowledge women considered authoritative, a mailed survey to quantify these identified sources, and one-on-one interviews to explore outcomes in depth, [authoritative knowledge, social stigma, abortion, birth mothers, single mothers, unintentional pregnancies] [source] ,The Heaviest Weight': Circularity and Repetition in a Song by Hugo WolfMUSIC ANALYSIS, Issue 3 2006Matthew Baileyshea ABSTRACT The songs of Hugo Wolf continue to intrigue music theorists, not least because of their characteristic fusion of traditional tonal conventions with sophisticated chromatic processes. This article analyses a particularly intricate example: ,Mühvoll komm ich und beladen' from the Spanisches Liederbuch. The song projects a complex pattern of tonal relationships that reinforces an obsessive sense of repetition and circularity , issues that are explicit in the song's poetic text. The present reading engages a number of external sources, including the philosophy of Nietzsche, the operatic figure of Kundry and the myth of Sisyphus. These elements provide a series of cultural co-ordinates that together serve to illuminate primary facets of the song's structure, including its formal design and distinctive harmonic syntax. Each of these topics is considered in the service of a larger, overriding purpose: to reveal the ways in which the composer seeks to characterise sin and spiritual torment using techniques of cyclic organisation. [source] Sensitivity analysis and external adjustment for unmeasured confounders in epidemiologic database studies of therapeutics,PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 5 2006Sebastian Schneeweiss MD Abstract Background Large health care utilization databases are frequently used to analyze unintended effects of prescription drugs and biologics. Confounders that require detailed information on clinical parameters, lifestyle, or over-the-counter medications are often not measured in such datasets, causing residual confounding bias. Objective This paper provides a systematic approach to sensitivity analyses to investigate the impact of residual confounding in pharmacoepidemiologic studies that use health care utilization databases. Methods Four basic approaches to sensitivity analysis were identified: (1) sensitivity analyses based on an array of informed assumptions; (2) analyses to identify the strength of residual confounding that would be necessary to explain an observed drug-outcome association; (3) external adjustment of a drug-outcome association given additional information on single binary confounders from survey data using algebraic solutions; (4) external adjustment considering the joint distribution of multiple confounders of any distribution from external sources of information using propensity score calibration. Conclusion Sensitivity analyses and external adjustments can improve our understanding of the effects of drugs and biologics in epidemiologic database studies. With the availability of easy-to-apply techniques, sensitivity analyses should be used more frequently, substituting qualitative discussions of residual confounding. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Decisional needs assessment regarding Down syndrome prenatal testing: a systematic review of the perceptions of women, their partners and health professionalsPRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 13 2008Sylvie St-Jacques Abstract Objective To identify decisional needs of women, their partners and health professionals regarding prenatal testing for Down syndrome through a systematic review. Methods Articles reporting original data from real clinical situations on sources of difficulty and/or ease in making decisions regarding prenatal testing for Down syndrome were selected. Data were extracted using a taxonomy adapted from the Ottawa Decision-Support Framework and the quality of the studies was assessed using Qualsyst validated tools. Results In all 40 publications covering 32 unique studies were included. The majority concerned women. The most often reported sources of difficulty for decision-making in women were pressure from others, emotions and lack of information; in partners, emotion; in health professionals, lack of information, length of consultation, and personal values. The most important sources of ease were, in women, personal values, understanding and confidence in the medical system; in partners, personal values, information from external sources, and income; in health professionals, peer support and scientific meetings. Conclusion Interventions regarding a decision about prenatal testing for Down syndrome should address many decisional needs, which may indeed vary among the parties involved, whether women, their partners or health professionals. Very little is known about the decisional needs of partners and health professionals. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Open innovation in the automotive industryR & D MANAGEMENT, Issue 3 2010Serhan Ili Automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) have historically invested in their own research and development (R&D) to boost their innovativeness. Because of an increasing innovation and cost pressure, the automotive industry needs to look outside their own boundaries to escape from this productivity dilemma. While there is a tendency to look outside for external sources to increase the innovativeness, there are hardly any external paths to market outside the current business yet. Our study shows that Open Innovation proves to be more adequate in the attempt to achieve a better R&D productivity for companies in the automotive industry than a closed innovation model. [source] Software innovativeness: outcomes on project performance, knowledge enhancement, and external linkagesR & D MANAGEMENT, Issue 2 2006Gary Jordan The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between product innovativeness and groups of outcomes flowing from the computer software product development process and the associated knowledge acquisition process. Data from interviews of managers in 94 software projects are analysed, and three groups of outcomes are measured: project performance, knowledge enhancement, and the strengthening of linkages to external actors/sources. The high innovative products show higher project performance for all measures of project performance compared with low innovative products. Similar results were found for all measures of personnel knowledge enhancement outcomes. Changes in the importance of linkages to nine different external sources of knowledge used by the firms during the knowledge acquisition process, also show some positive outcomes with respect to rising innovativeness levels. Strengthening of external linkages is found for 66% of the investigated linkages between one or two innovativeness levels. Of these, the linkages to hardware manufacturers, co-operation partners, and universities and other research institutions show strengthening when high innovativeness products are compared with low-level products. As the project performance and knowledge enhancement outcomes are due, in part, to knowledge gained within linkages to external actors/sources, managers could consider whether giving special attention to managing these linkages would be a winning innovation strategy for their particular firm. [source] Changes in the strategic management of technology: results of a global benchmarking studyR & D MANAGEMENT, Issue 2 2002Jakob Edler This contribution analyses main changes in the strategic management of technology of the world's most technology-intensive companies from western Europe, North America and Japan. The results presented here are based on a literature review and a survey which show the following main results: first, R&D and technology have become key cornerstones of corporate and business strategy. Second, there is a growing tendency to acquire technology from external sources throughout the sample. Third, internationalization of R&D plays a very important role in the strategies of the large companies investigated and the data shows that it will certainly gain further momentum. However, internationalization of R&D is confined to the Triad regions and is not ,global'. Based on our analysis, cornerstones of a future generation of R&D/technology management are developed. [source] Internal vs. external learning in new product development: effects on speed, costs and competitive advantageR & D MANAGEMENT, Issue 3 2000Eric H. Kessler The purpose of this study was to investigate how different technology sourcing strategies throughout the new product development process influenced innovation speed, development costs, and competitive advantage. We studied 75 new product development projects from ten large, U.S.-based companies in several industries. Results indicated that: (1) more external sourcing during the early (i.e., idea generation) stage was related with lower competitive success; (2) more external sourcing during the later (i.e., technological development stage was related with slower innovation speed; and (3) development costs tended to rise with greater reliance on external sources of technology, but this result was not statistically significant. [source] Complementing Mass Customization Toolkits with User Communities: How Peer Input Improves Customer Self-Design,THE JOURNAL OF PRODUCT INNOVATION MANAGEMENT, Issue 6 2008Nikolaus Franke In this paper, the authors propose that the canonical customer,toolkit dyad in mass customization (MC) should be complemented with user communities. Many companies in various industries have begun to offer their customers the opportunity to design their own products online. The companies provide Web-based MC toolkits that allow customers who prefer individualized products to tailor items such as sneakers, personal computers (PCs), cars, kitchens, cereals, or skis to their specific preferences. Most existing MC toolkits are based on the underlying concept of an isolated, dyadic interaction process between the individual customer and the MC toolkit. Information from external sources is not provided. As a result, most academic research on MC toolkits has focused on this dyadic perspective. The main premise of this paper is that novice MC toolkit users in particular might largely benefit from information given by other customers. Pioneering research shows that customers in the computer gaming and digital music instruments industries are willing to support each other for the sake of efficient toolkit use (e.g., how certain toolkit functions work). Expanding on their work, the present paper provides evidence that peer assistance appears also extremely useful in the two other major phases of the customer's individual self-design process, namely, the development of an initial idea and the evaluation of a preliminary design solution. Two controlled experiments were conducted in which 191 subjects used an MC toolkit to design their own individual skis. The authors found that during the phase of developing an initial idea, having access to other users' designs as potential starting points stimulates the integration of existing solution chunks into the problem-solving process, which indicates more systematic problem-solving behavior. Peer customer input also turned out to have positive effects on the evaluation of preliminary design solutions. Providing other customers' opinions on interim design solutions stimulated favorable problem-solving behavior, namely, the integration of external feedback. The use of these two problem-solving heuristics in turn leads to an improved process outcome,that is, self-designed products that meet the preferences of the customers more effectively (measured in terms of perceived preference fit, purchase intention, and willingness to pay). These findings have important theoretical and managerial implications. [source] X-rays from the HII Regions and Molecular Clouds near the Galactic CenterASTRONOMISCHE NACHRICHTEN, Issue S1 2003Katsuji Koyama Abstract We report measurements by Chandra of a variety of X-ray sources in the molecular clouds and HII regions of the Sgr B2, Arches, Quintuplet and the Galactic center clusters. Moderately bright X-ray sources are present in the Sgr B2, Quintuplet and the Galactic center clusters at the positions of ultra compact HII regions and bright infrared sources. Their X-ray spectra are fitted with models of a thin thermal plasma with 2,10 keV temperatures and luminosities of ,1032,33erg s,1. The X-ray properties are typical of those of high-mass young stellar objects or clusters of such objects. The Arches Cluster has three bright X-ray sources, at the positions of bright IR and radio stars, with X-ray luminosities of a few ×1033 erg s,1 each, which may indicate an unusual X-ray emission mechanism from high mass YSOs. A unique X-ray feature of molecular clouds and HII regions near the Galactic center is the presence of diffuse emission with a strong 6.4 keV line; in Sgr B2 this is attributable to the fluorescence of gas irradiated by external sources in the Galactic center, while the diffuse emission from Arches is puzzling. [source] Comparative nesting biology of two species of Australian lithocolous ants: Polyrhachis (Hedomyrma) turneri Forel and P. (Hagiomyrma) thusnelda Forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Formicinae)AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 1 2004Simon KA Robson Abstract The nests of both Polyrhachis (Hagiomyrma) thusnelda and P. (Hedomyrma) turneri are restricted to the sides of rock walls (lithocoly), but, despite the similar nesting localities, the nests differ in the types of construction material used. The walls of nests of P. thusnelda are constructed of carton material without any silk, while those of P. turneri are comprised of a thick and diffuse mass of fluffy silk with very little carton. However, unlike other species of Polyrhachis that live in silk nests, the silk material in nests of P. turneri is produced entirely by spiders and not their own larvae. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that the silk strands found in natural P. turneri nests resembled those of nearby spider egg sacs rather than the strands found in the cocoons of their own larvae, and captive brood-right colonies of P. turneri failed to produce silk nests in the absence of an external silk source. These results: confirm the existence of an additional nesting habit within the genus, lithocoly; suggest there are at least two ways by which lithocolous nesting habits can evolve, carton vs. silk; and indicate that the presence of silk within a nest need not imply that ant larvae are the source. Studies of the distribution and evolution of nest-weaving within the genus Polyrhachis may need to be reassessed, now that the presence of silk nests could actually represent the origin of two independent behavioural traits (silk from larvae vs. silk from external sources such as spiders). [source] The effect of fever, febrile illnesses, and heat exposures on the risk of neural tube defects in a Texas-Mexico border populationBIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH, Issue 10 2004Lucina Suarez Abstract BACKGROUND Hyperthermia produces neural tube defects (NTDs) in a variety of animal species. Elevated maternal body temperatures may also place the developing human embryo at risk. We examined the relation between maternal hyperthermia and the development of NTDs in a high-risk Mexican-American population. METHODS Case-women were Mexican-American women with NTD-affected pregnancies who resided and delivered in any of the 14 Texas counties bordering Mexico, during 1995,2000. Control-women were randomly selected from study area residents delivering normal live births, frequency-matched to cases by hospital and year. Information on maternal fevers, febrile illnesses, exposures to heat generated from external sources, and hyperthermia-inducing activities was gathered through in-person interviews, conducted about six weeks postpartum. RESULTS The risk effect (OR) associated with maternal fever in the first trimester, compared to no fever, was 2.9 (95% CI, 1.5,5.7). Women taking fever-reducing medications showed a lower risk effect (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.0,5.6) than those who did not (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.4,10.9). First-trimester maternal exposures to heat devices such as hot tubs, saunas, or electric blankets were associated with an OR of 3.6 (95% CI, 1.1,15.9). Small insignificant effects were observed for activities such as cooking in a hot kitchen (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.0,2.6) and working or exercising in the sun (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.9,2.2). CONCLUSIONS Maternal hyperthermia increases the risk for NTD-affected offspring. Women intending to become pregnant should avoid intense heat exposures, carefully monitor and manage their febrile illnesses, and routinely consume folic acid supplements. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||