Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On current injection into single quantum dots through oxide-confined pn-diodes

Current injection into single quantum dots embedded in vertical pn-diodes featuring oxide apertures is essential to the technological realization of single-photon sources. This requires efficient electrical pumping of sub-micron sized regions under pulsed excitation to achieve control of the carrier population of the desired quantum dots. We show experimental and theoretical evidence for a rapid lateral spreading of the carriers after passing the oxide aperture in the conventional p-i-n-design in the low-injection regime suitable for single-photon emitters. By an alternative design employing p-doping up to the oxide aperture the current spreading can be suppressed resulting in an enhanced current confinement and increased injection efficiencies.
Helicobacter pylori Activates the Histidine Decarboxylase Promoter through a Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Pathway Independent of Pathogenicity Island-encoded Virulence Factors*

Helicobacter pylori infection of the gastric mucosa is accompanied by an activated histamine metabolism. Histamine plays a central role in the regulation of gastric acid secretion and is involved in the pathogenesis of gastroduodenal ulcerations. Histidine decarboxylase (HDC) is the rate-limiting enzyme for histamine production, and its activity is regulated through transcriptional mechanisms. The present study investigated the effect of H. pylori infection on the transcriptional activity of the human HDC (hHDC) promoter in a gastric epithelial cell line (AGS) and analyzed the underlying molecular mechanisms. Our studies demonstrate that H. pylori infection potently transactivated the hHDC promoter. The H. pylori-responsive element of the hHDC gene was mapped to the sequence +1 to +27 base pairs, which shows no homology to known cis-acting elements and also functions as a gastrin-responsive element. H. pylori regulates the activity of this element via a Raf-1/MEK/ERK pathway, which was activated in a Ras-independent manner. Furthermore, we found that H. pylori-induced transactivation of the hHDC promoter was independent of the cag pathogenicity island and the vacuolating cytotoxin A gene and therefore may be exerted through (a) new virulence factor(s). A better understanding of H. pylori-directed hHDC transcription can provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of H. pylori-dependent gene regulation in gastric epithelial cells and may lead to new therapeutic approaches.
Healthcare Institution Risk Assessments: Concentration on “Process” or “Outcome”?

Healthcare institutions currently demonstrate increasing attention to risk analysis and risk management. A particular manifestation for English public sector healthcare providers was a “Controls Assurance” risk assessment and action planning framework. This required annual, very detailed, reports to central government, spanning 22 major areas from infection control to fire safety. Much of this framework continues into a successor system giving greater local flexibility but “regulated” via significant external audit. To help establish an analytical approach suitable for the new requirements, we have attempted to dissect out factors strongly influencing risk judgements made for Controls Assurance. Focussing on the “Medical Devices Management” area, which required a particularly detailed self‐assessment against 31 specified criteria, we paid close attention to issues of process (policies and committees) as against outcome (appropriate equipment operated by a trained practitioner). We also reviewed organisational (“system”) issues as against individual and, as far as practicable, subjective risk judgements as against those for which objective evidence could be presented. Our key finding was that criteria yielding poor Controls Assurance (high risk) scores were predominantly outcome orientated. From this we suggest that future analyses should pay explicit attention to the process–outcome balance within the structure of the assessment process.
Identification of a Mammalian Golgi Sec1p-like Protein, mVps45*

Our understanding of lysosomal biogenesis and general vesicular transport in animal cells has been greatly enhanced by studies of vacuolar biogenesis in yeast. Genetic screens have identified a number of proteins that play direct roles in the proper sorting of vacuolar hydrolases. These include t-SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) proteins and Sec1p-like proteins, which have recently been implicated as key regulators of vesicle fusion. In this study we have extended these observations in yeast and have isolated and characterized a novel member of the Sec1p-like family of proteins from mammalian cells, mVps45. mVps45 shares a high level of identity with the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sec1p-like protein Vps45p that is believed to function with the t-SNARE Pep12p in the fusion of Golgi-derived transport vesicles with a prevacuolar compartment. We found that mVps45 is a ubiquitously expressed peripheral membrane protein that localized to perinuclear Golgi-like and trans-Golgi network compartments in Chinese hamster overy cells. We found that mVps45 could bind specifically to yeast Pep12p and to the mammalian Pep12p-like protein, syntaxin 6, in vitro
On the Equivalence of Walrasian and Non-walrasian Equilibria in Contract Markets: Complete Contracts

This paper explores two models of an economy in which contracts are exchanged. In the rst version contracts are exchanged on a competitive market in which traders expectations concerning conditions that prevail within specic markets adjust until markets`clear'. In the second model contract designers compete directly against one another by oering alternate contracts. It is shown that the two models are equivalent in the sense that an allocation is supported by some equilibrium in one model if and only if there is an economy in which the allocation is supported by equilibrium in the other.
Is Out of Sight, Out of Mind? An Empirical Study of Social Loafing in Technology-Supported Groups

Research on group behavior has identified social loafing, i.e., the tendency of members to do less than their potential, as a particularly serious problem plaguing groups. Social Impact Theory (SIT) helps explain social loafing in terms of two theoretical dimensions--the dilution effect (where an individual feels submerged in the group) and the immediacy gap (where an individual feels isolated from the group). In this study, which employed a controlled experiment, we investigated these dimensions of social loafing in the context of group decision making, using collocated and distributed teams of varying sizes. Our results--in line with SIT--indicate that small groups, signifying a small dilution effect, had increased individual contributions and better group outcomes compared to their larger counterparts. However, support for SIT's arguments about the immediacy gap was mixed: Members contributed visibly more when they were collocated, but no significant differences in group outcomes were evident. Regardless of dimension, the quality of the input (ideas generated) determined the quality of the output (decisions made). Also, contrary to the literature on brainstorming, having more ideas to work with resulted in poorer-quality decisions. This apparent paradox is explained using the notion of integrative complexity, which challenges conventional wisdom regarding the relationship between individual inputs and group outputs. The implications of these results for practice and research are examined.
Acanthodasys caribbeanensis sp. n., a new species of Thaumastodermatidae (Gastrotricha, Macrodasyida) from Belize and Panama

Abstract We describe one new species of Acanthodasys (Gastrotricha, Macrodasyida, Thaumastodermatidae) collected from sublittoral sites around Carrie Bow Cay, Belize and Isla Colón in the Bocas del Toro archipelago, Panama. Though eight species of Acanthodasys are currently recognized, no species has yet been reported from the Caribbean. Acanthodasys caribbeanensis sp. n. is characterized by the lack of lateral adhesive tubes, the presence of ventrolateral adhesive tubes, and with cuticular armature in the form of both spineless and spined scales. The spineless scales are not elliptical as in other species of Acanthodasys, but are instead variable in shape and closely resemble the spineless scales of species of Diplodasys. Spined scales bear uniancres up to 50 µm long and are the largest reported in the genus. Uniancres are arranged dorsally around the mouth rim and distributed in five distinguishable columns. Adult size varies from 325–625 µm long.
Cognitive Complexity of Expectations and Adjustment to University in the First Year

Expectations about university and subsequent adjustment in the first year were examined in a longitudinal study of the transition to university. Two hundred and twenty-six students (158 females and 68 males) completed a preuniversity questionnaire in the summer prior to beginning university, and another questionnaire in February of their first year. The preuniversity questionnaire contained measures that assessed perceived stress and the amount and sources of information students had about university, as well as open-ended questions concerning their expectations about university. Responses to the open-ended questions were coded for integrative complexity of thought. The February questionnaire contained measures of adjustment to university. Results indicated that students with more complex expectations about university tended to adjust better to stressful circumstances than did students who had simpler expectations. The stress-buffering properties of complex expectations are discussed, as are some of the factors that may contribute to more complex thinking about university.
School policies on bullying and cyberbullying: perspectives across three Australian states

Abstract Background: Despite decades of research, bullying in all its forms is still a significant problem within schools in Australia, as it is internationally. Anti-bullying policies and guidelines are thought to be one strategy as part of a whole school approach to reduce bullying. However, although Australian schools are required to have these policies, their effectiveness is not clear. As policies and guidelines about bullying and cyberbullying are developed within education departments, this paper explores the perspectives of those who are involved in their construction. Purpose: This study examined the perspectives of professionals involved in policy construction, across three different Australian states. The aim was to determine how their relative jurisdictions define bullying and cyberbullying, the processes for developing policy, the bullying prevention and intervention recommendations given to schools and the content considered essential in current policies. Sample: Eleven key stakeholders from three Australian states with similar education systems were invited to participate. The sample selection criteria included professionals with experience and training in education, cyber-safety and the responsibility to contribute to or make decisions which inform policy in this area for schools in their state. Design and methods: Participants were interviewed about the definitions of bullying they used in their state policy frameworks; the extent to which cyberbullying was included; and the content they considered essential for schools to include in anti-bullying policies. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically. Findings: Seven themes were identified in the data: (1) Definition of bullying and cyberbullying; (2) Existence of a policy template; (3) Policy location; (4) Adding cyberbullying; (5) Distinguishing between bullying and cyberbullying; (6) Effective policy; and (7) Policy as a prevention or intervention tool. The results were similar both across state boundaries and also across different disciplines. Conclusion: Analysis of the data suggested that, across the themes, there was some lack of information about bullying and cyberbullying. This limitation could affect the subsequent development, dissemination and sustainability of school anti-bullying policies, which have implications for the translation of research to inform better student outcomes.
Regulation of cell motile behavior by crosstalk between cadherin- and integrin-mediated adhesions

During normal development and in disease, cohesive tissues undergo rearrangements that require integration of signals from cell adhesions to neighboring cells and to the extracellular matrix (ECM). How a range of cell behaviors is coordinated by these different adhesion complexes is unknown. To analyze epithelial cell motile behavior in response to combinations of cell–ECM and cell–cell adhesion cues, we took a reductionist approach at the single-cell scale by using unique, functionalized micropatterned surfaces comprising alternating stripes of ECM (collagenIV) and adjustable amounts of E-cadherin-Fc (EcadFc). On these surfaces, individual cells spatially segregated integrin- and cadherin-based complexes between collagenIV and EcadFc surfaces, respectively. Cell migration required collagenIV and did not occur on surfaces functionalized with only EcadFc. However, E-cadherin adhesion dampened lamellipodia activity on both collagenIV and EcadFc surfaces and biased the direction of cell migration without affecting the migration rate, all in an EcadFc concentration-dependent manner. Traction force microscopy showed that spatial confinement of integrin-based adhesions to collagenIV stripes induced anisotropic cell traction on collagenIV and migration directional bias. Selective depletion of different pools of αE-catenin, an E-cadherin and actin binding protein, identified a membrane-associated pool required for E-cadherin–mediated adhesion and down-regulation of lamellipodia activity and a cytosolic pool that down-regulated the migration rate in an E-cadherin adhesion-independent manner. These results demonstrate that there is crosstalk between E-cadherin– and integrin-based adhesion complexes and that E-cadherin regulates lamellipodia activity and cell migration directionality, but not cell migration rate.
Experimental Results of an E-Field Probe Using Variable Resistors to Improve Performance

In this letter, experimental results are shown for an E-field probe using variable chip resistor values to improve performance. The E-field probe consists of three small orthogonal dipoles with a diode and a lossy transmission line. Since the transmission line does not receive transmitted signals directly or indirectly, a high impedance value of the transmission line is required. To achieve such a high impedance value, chip resistors are inserted in the transmission line. In this letter, variable resistors are used in the transmission line to improve probe performance of such areas as sensitivity and isotropy. Finally, probes with identical and variable resistance values are fabricated, performance levels are measured, and characteristics are compared.
Cigarette smoking and psychotic symptoms in bipolar affective disorder

Background An association exists between smoking and schizophrenia, independent of other factors and related to psychotic symptomatology. Aims To determine whether smoking is associated with psychosis in bipolar affective disorder. Method Smoking data were collected from 92 unrelated patients with bipolar affective disorder. An ordinal logistic regression analysis tested the relationship between smoking severity and psychotic symptomatology, allowing for potential confounders. Results A significant relationship was detected between smoking/heavy smoking and history of psychosis (68.7%, n=44). Smoking was less prevalent in patients who were less symptomatic (56.5%, n=13) than in patients with a more severe psychosis (75.7%, n=31). Prevalence and severity of smoking predicted severity of psychotic symptoms (P=0.001), a relationship independent of other variables (P=0.0272). Conclusion A link between smoking and psychosis exists in bipolar affective disorder and may be independent of categorical diagnosis.
Combined hormonal contraceptives and the risk of venous and arterial thromboembolism and cardiovascular death: misuse of automated databases

Background In December 2011, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) convened a public Advisory Committee meeting to review evidence from a study commissioned by the agency. An analysis of findings derived from four databases was published on the FDA website, and presented at the meeting. Among users of combined hormonal contraceptives containing ethinylestradiol (EE) plus drospirenone (DRSP) the risks of venous (VTE) and arterial thromboembolism (ATE) were higher than among users of older reference contraceptives containing other progestogens. The findings have now been published in a peer-reviewed journal. Objective To evaluate the published evidence. Methods Generally accepted epidemiological principles of causality are applied. Results The findings did not satisfy the criteria of time order, bias, confounding, statistical stability and strength of association, duration-response, internal consistency, external consistency, or biological plausibility. Conclusions The best evidence continues to suggest that the increased risk of VTE in combined hormonal contraceptive users is dependent on the dose of estrogen, and independent of the progestogen used. The best evidence also suggests that DRSP does not increase the risk of ATE, and may reduce it.
Is party type relevant to an explanation of policy congruence? Catchall versus ideological parties in the Portuguese case

Most research on policy congruence has failed to provide an explanation for it. Party characteristics are acknowledged to be relevant, but the literature has not achieved a consensus as to their effective importance. Nor has there thus far been an analysis of the implications for results of using different methods to assess congruence. The present article seeks to test the importance of party type (catchall versus ideological) for an explanation of levels of intra-party congruence, with a control using the main congruence-assessment methods. The article focuses on the Portuguese party system and makes use of a set of 19 policy issues across two dimensions: socioeconomic left–right and libertarian–authoritarian (plus left–right self-placement), which introduces additional controls of the assessment of party-type relevance. As far as we know, such an in-depth analysis of party-type congruence has not been done before. Findings support the notion that Portuguese catchall parties tend to display higher levels of MP–voter congruence than ideological parties, but the type of policy issue is also relevant: levels of congruence diverge across parties depending on the issue at stake. These results were supported by the different methods used.
Risk Perception and Technological Development at a Societal Level

This article tests the hypothesis that the exposure to the threat to societies posed by the introduction of new technologies is associated with a normalization of risk perception. Data collected in 2000 by the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) on environmental issues were used to explore this hypothesis. Representative samples from 25 countries were employed to assess the national levels of perceived threat to the environment associated with a series of technologies and activities. These values were correlated with economic indicators (mainly from the World Bank) of the diffusion of each of the technologies or activities in each country. Results indicate a negative association of risk perception with the level of technological prevalence (societal normalization effect) and a positive association with the rate of growth of the technology (societal sensitivity effect). These results indicate that the most acute levels of perceived environmental risk are found in those countries where the level of technological prevalence is low but where there has recently been substantial technological development. Environmental awareness is a mediator of the relationship between risk perception and the indices of technological diffusion. This result means that: (1) societal normalization of risk is not a direct consequence of prevalence of the technology, but is driven by awareness of technological development and that (2) societal sensitivity to risk is associated with lower levels of environmental awareness.
Drifting down the Gulf Stream: navigating the cultures of disability studies

This paper explores the divergent theoretical developments in the UK and US disability studies and posits some explanations for these differing trajectories. History, politics, space, place and the search for identity have all played important roles. These emergent and hotly debated developments add a wealth of material to the epistemological project. The recent collections by Barnes et al. (2002) Disability studies today, and Snyder et al. (2002) Disability studies: enabling the humanities, will be used as pivotal works. However, the question remains as to what explanatory power discourses developed within western metropolitan national cultures have for exploring the experience of disability in cultures on the peripheries. This analysis is being undertaken by an English born academic, who has been living in Australia for over 20 years and has been keenly watching and participating in the transatlantic battles over the past decade.
Evaluation of a rapid, multiphase MRE sequence in a heart‐simulating phantom

The aims of this study were to validate stiffness estimates of a phantom undergoing cyclic deformation obtained using a multiphase magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) imaging sequence by comparison with those obtained using a single‐phase MRE sequence and to quantify the stability of the multiphase‐derived stiffness estimates as a function of deformation frequency and imaging parameters. A spherical rubber shell of 10 cm diameter and 1 cm thickness was connected to a computerized flow pump to produce cyclic pressure variations within the phantom. The phantom was imaged at cyclic pressures between 18–72 bpm using single‐phase and multiphase MRE acquisitions. The shear stiffness of the phantom was resolved using a spherical shell wave inversion algorithm. Shear stiffness was averaged over the slice of interest and plotted against pressure within the phantom. A linear correlation was observed between stiffness and pressure. Good correlation (R2 = 0.98) was observed between the stiffness estimates obtained using the standard single‐phase and the multiphase pulse sequences. Stiffness estimates obtained using multiphase MRE were stable when the fraction of the deformation period required for acquisition of a single image was not greater than 42%. The results demonstrate the potential of multiphase MRE technique for imaging dynamic organs, such as the heart. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.