Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Magneto-optical trapping of metastable xenon: Isotope-shift measurements.

We have magneto-optically trapped the nine stable isotopes of xenon. Using the Zeeman slowing method to decelerate a beam of xenon atoms in the metastable 6s 3/2 [3/2${]}_{2}$ state (notation representing nl ${\mathit{J}}_{\mathrm{core}}$ [K=${\mathit{J}}_{\mathrm{core}}$+l${]}_{\mathit{J}}$), we load our trap to a collisionally limited density of more than ${10}^{10}$ atoms/${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$. The two odd isotopes are trapped without a repumping frequency, even though they have hyperfine structure. The sensitivity of the trapping process to the laser frequency is exploited to make accurate measurements of the isotope shifts for the 6s 3/2 [3/2${]}_{2}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}6p 3/2 [5/2${]}_{3}$ laser-cooling transition and of the hyperfine constants for $^{131}\mathrm{Xe}$.
Transformational Leadership: Is It Time For A Recall?

The purpose of this paper is to re-examine the two most prominent approaches to leadership: transformational leadership and inspirational leadership. Based on a review of the relevant literature, it is evident that the very concept of transformational leadership is ambiguous. The literature review also suggests that the idea of transformational leadership is being overshadowed by the model of inspirational leadership which despite its imperfections is more potent in practice. The paper draws on a comparison between these two approaches and argues that inspirational leadership is more practical and suitable in dynamic or non-business environments.
JOURNAL OF FINANCIAL AND QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS September 1972 MEAN-VARIANCE ANALYSIS IN A FINITE WORLD

Despite the enormous attention received by the single-period mean-variance model in the literature, its structural relationship to the empirical world is still largely unexplored. The purpose of this note is to show that when certain consistency requirements and equilibrium conditions in the financial markets are taken into account, the collective judgment of the present literature concerning the mean-variance approach is in some respects too lenient and in other respects too harsh. In addition, it will be noted that the mean-variance model can only achieve consistency with the von Neumann-Morgenstern postulates and absolute preference (also known as first-order stochastic dominance) at the price of a severe upper bound on the risk aversion that can be possessed by the decision maker.
Targeted Delivery of CX3CL1 to Multiple Lung Tumors by Mesenchymal Stem Cells

MSCs are nonhematopoietic stem cells capable of differentiating into various mesoderm‐type cells. MSCs have been considered to be a potential vehicle for cell‐based gene therapy because MSCs are relatively easily expanded in vitro and have the propensity to migrate to and proliferate in the tumor tissue after systemic administration. Here, we demonstrated the tropism of mouse MSCs to tumor cells in vitro and multiple tumor tissues in the lung after i.v. injection of green fluorescent protein‐positive MSCs in vivo. We transduced CX3CL1 (fractalkine), an immunostimulatory chemokine, to the mouse MSCs ex vivo using an adenoviral vector with the Arg‐Gly‐Asp‐4C peptide in the fiber knob. Intravenous injection of CX3CL1‐expressing MSCs to the mice bearing lung metastases of C26 and B16F10 cells strongly inhibited the development of lung metastases and thus prolonged the survival of these tumor‐bearing mice. This antitumor effect depended on both innate and adaptive immunity. These results suggest that MSCs can be used as a vehicle for introducing biological agents into multiple lung tumor tissues.
Non-Bayesian Decision Theory. Beliefs and Desires as Reasons for Action , Martin Peterson. Theory and Decision Library, Springer, 2008. ix + 170 pages.

Anyone concerned in the foundations of normative decision theory and who feels puzzled by the way this theory typically proceeds will doubtless welcome Martin Peterson’s Non-Bayesian Decision Theory. It offers a prima facie intriguing view of rational choice under uncertainty: a ‘non-Bayesian’ defence of subjective expected utility theory. The view is intriguing because for most people, both inside and outside the field, ‘Bayesian decision theory’ and ‘subjective expected utility’ (henceforth SEU) are taken to be interchangeable. Actually, Peterson confers a very specific meaning to the term ‘Bayesian’. According to him, the Bayesian account of SEU consists in viewing subjective probability (on the relevant state space) and utility (on the outcomes) as defined in terms of (or determined by, or generated from) preferences over uncertain prospects. By contrast, a non-Bayesian account of SEU views subjective probability and utility as given antecedently to preferences over uncertain prospects, and rational choice under uncertainty as the choice of an uncertain prospect which maximizes the expected utility induced by these antecedently given probability and utility. The non-Bayesian challenge raises four basic questions:
From Nosy Little Brothers to Stranger-Danger: Children and Parents' Perception of Mobile Threats

The rise in mobile media use by children has heightened parents' concerns for their online safety. Through semi-structured interviews of parent-child dyads, we explore the perceived privacy and security threats faced by children aged seven to eleven along with the protection mechanisms employed. We identified four models of privacy held by children. Furthermore, we found that children's concerns fit into four child-adversary threat models: child-peers, child-media, child-strangers, and child-parents. Their concerns differed from the five threat models held by the parents: child-peers, child-media, child-strangers, child-technology, and child-self. Parents used a variety of protection strategies to minimize children's exposure to external threats. In reality, however, our results suggest that security and privacy risks from an internal family member or a friend are far more common than harm from outsiders.
Characterization of the Alpha Interferon-Induced Postentry Block to HIV-1 Infection in Primary Human Macrophages and T Cells

ABSTRACT Type I interferon (IFN) inhibits virus replication by activating multiple antiviral mechanisms and pathways. It has long been recognized that alpha interferon (IFN-α) can potently block both early and late stages of HIV-1 replication. The mechanistic basis for the early block(s) to infection is unknown, as is the identity of the participating antiviral factor(s). Here, we define the effect(s) of IFN-α on HIV-1 infection of primary human macrophages and CD4+ T cells, as well as several monocytic and T-cell lines. We demonstrate that IFN-α treatment of macrophages, THP-1 cells, and, to a lesser extent, primary CD4+ T cells markedly inhibits infection, whereas the effects are minimal in CD4+ T-cell lines. Virus entry is essentially unaffected by IFN-α, but substantial decreases (sometimes >99%) in nascent cDNA accumulation correlate closely with losses in infectivity. Interestingly, proteasome inhibitors rescue viral cDNA accumulation, revealing a link between the ubiquitin-proteasome system and IFN-α-induced viral restriction. We also found that diverse primate and nonprimate retroviruses were susceptible to suppression by IFN-α. Importantly, all the primary and immortalized cells used here are proficient at responding to IFN-α, as judged by the induced expression of numerous IFN-stimulated genes, including PKR and OAS1, indicating that a general deficiency in IFN-α responsiveness does not underlie IFN-α's inability to elicit an antiviral state in CD4+ T-cell lines. Rather, we speculate that IFN-α fails to induce antiretroviral factors in these cells and that comparative transcriptional profiling with responsive cells, such as macrophages, invokes a strategy for identifying new host-encoded antiviral effectors.
From skills revolution to productivity miracle - Not as easy as it sounds?

This article surveys the potential impact of skill on productivity. It opens with a review of the utility of productivity as a measure of systemic economic performance, and then goes on to explore the oft-assumed close and strong relationship between skills and productivity. The importance of other factors and types of investment is stressed. These complementary elements may be at least as important as skill in boosting performance, and their absence may negate the impact of public investment in education and training. The ability of economic development policy, particularly as it relates to the Regional Development Agencies, to address skills and economic development is assessed, and questions are raised about what type and level of skill might have the largest impact on economic performance. In conclusion, we discuss the demands that new policy approaches are making upon the machinery and personnel of government.
An Ordinal Random Forest and Its Parallel Implementation with MapReduce

Ordinal decision tree (ODT) can effectively deal with monotonic classification problems. However, it is difficult for the existing ordinal decision tree algorithms to learning ODT from large data sets. Based on the variable consistency dominance based rough set approach (VC-DRSA), an ordinal random forest algorithm is proposed in this paper. Combining with the computing framework of MapReduce, the proposed ordinal random forest algorithm is paralleled on the platform of Hadoop, which improves the efficiency of the proposed algorithm. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified by the experimental results.
How to Adjust Media Recommendations on Reporting Suicidal Behavior to New Media Developments

This study examines the inclusion of preventive factors and new media developments in media recommendations on suicide reporting. Of the 193 member states of the United Nations screened for media recommendations, information was available for 74 countries. Similarities and differences in their contents were analyzed by cluster analysis. Results indicate that of these 74 countries, 38% have national suicide prevention programs, 38% have media recommendations, and 25% have press codes including suicide reporting. Less than 25% of the media recommendations advise against mentioning online forums, suicide notes, pacts, clusters, hotspots, details of the person, and positive consequences. No more than 15% refer to self-help groups, fictional and online reporting. We conclude that media recommendations need to be revised by adding these preventive factors and by including sections on new media reporting.
High-Resolution Ultrastructural Comparison of Renal Glomerular and Tubular Basement Membranes

Background/Aims: Glomerular basement membranes (GBM) and tubular basement membranes (TBM) consist of a fine meshwork composed mainly of type IV collagen. Each segment of tubules has specialized physiologic functions, and thus we investigated the ultrastructure of various basement membranes in rat kidneys. Methods: Since purifying basement membranes from different tubule segments is technically challenging, we employed tissue negative staining rather than conventional negative staining to compare the ultrastructures of proximal and distal TBM and GBM in normal rats. We also assessed the distribution of extracellular matrix components including type IV collagen, laminin, heparan sulfate proteoglycan, and fibronectin in the basement membranes by immunohistochemistry. Results: TBM and GBM of normal rats showed a fine meshwork structure consisting of fibrils forming small round to oval pores. Short- and long-pore diameters in proximal tubules were 3.3 ± 0.5 and 3.9 ± 0.6 nm, respectively, and in distal tubules 3.5 ± 0.7 and 4.3 ± 0.8 nm, respectively. For GBM the respective diameters were 2.5 ± 0.5 and 3.0 ± 0.5 nm. Immunohistochemical analysis showed no significant difference in distribution of extracellular matrix components between proximal and distal TBM. However, immunofluorescence scores of α1 chain of type IV collagen, fibronectin, and laminin were higher in the TBM than in the GBM. On the other hand, heparan sulfate proteoglycan was higher in the GBM. Conclusion: Ultrastructural differences in renal basement membranes may be related to differences in physiologic function in each segment.
Environmental Shocks and SME Alliance Formation Intentions in an Emerging Economy: Evidence from the Asian Financial Crisis in Indonesia

Environmental shocks can occur when emerging country governments open their markets to outside influences. We extend research conducted primarily in mature economies on how managers react to environmental shocks by evaluating how environmental shock type, a firm's strategic orientation, and its slack resources affected strategic alliance formation intentions during and immediately following the Asian Financial Crisis. Results from two Indonesian small– and medium–sized enterprises (SME) samples show that these factors influenced alliance intentions, although not always in ways that were consistent with previous research findings in more mature markets. Overall, our results provide critical insights into emerging market firms’ strategic actions, particularly related to key managerial motivations for SME alliance formation.
Effect of Stratified Care for Low Back Pain in Family Practice (IMPaCT Back): A Prospective Population-Based Sequential Comparison

PURPOSE We aimed to determine the effects of implementing risk-stratified care for low back pain in family practice on physician’s clinical behavior, patient outcomes, and costs. METHODS The IMPaCT Back Study (IMplementation to improve Patient Care through Targeted treatment) prospectively compared separate patient cohorts in a preintervention phase (6 months of usual care) and a postintervention phase (12 months of stratified care) in family practice, involving 64 family physicians and linked physical therapy services. A total of 1,647 adults with low back pain were invited to participate. Stratified care entailed use of a risk stratification tool to classify patients into groups at low, medium, or high risk for persistent disability and provision of risk-matched treatment. The primary outcome was 6-month change in disability as assessed with the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire. Process outcomes captured physician behavior change in risk-appropriate referral to physical therapy, diagnostic tests, medication prescriptions, and sickness certifications. A cost-utility analysis estimated incremental quality-adjusted life-years and back-related health care costs. Analysis was by intention to treat. RESULTS The 922 patients studied (368 in the preintervention phase and 554 in the postintervention phase) had comparable baseline characteristics. At 6 months follow-up, stratified care had a small but significant benefit relative to usual care as seen from a mean difference in Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire scores of 0.7 (95% CI, 0.1–1.4), with a large, clinically important difference in the high risk group of 2.3 (95% CI, 0.8–3.9). Mean time off work was 50% shorter (4 vs 8 days, P = .03) and the proportion of patients given sickness certifications was 30% lower (9% vs 15%, P = .03) in the postintervention cohort. Health care cost savings were also observed. CONCLUSIONS Stratified care for back pain implemented in family practice leads to significant improvements in patient disability outcomes and a halving in time off work, without increasing health care costs. Wider implementation is recommended.
The learning style of medical students

Summary. Recent research indicates that students' learning styles and approaches to study may have a significant bearing on their academic success. A study was undertaken on first‐, third‐and final‐year medical students to analyse their preferred learning styles and approaches to study, using the Lancaster Approaches to Learning Inventory. The results showed that students entering the medical school had preferences which were more similar to science students than arts students' . The medical students had high scores on reproducing orientation (surface approach) in all years tested. The first‐year students had low scores on meaning orientation (deep approach) but the scores from students in later years showed a progressive rise.
Chile: Una prosperidad no democrática

It is argued that in the Latin American case in general, and in the Chilean case in particular, growth in prosperity does not imply an equivalent secularization like the one experimented by the ﬁrst world in economical growth. There is tension between Modernness and Traditionalism, between progress and costumes. This generates acceptance of certain beneﬁts of modernness, but rationality is postponed, thus emerging substitutes of it, like technocracy. All which have been mentioned, leads us in Chile to a limited democracy. In this way, the growth of income gives personal beneﬁts to each without any equivalent collective beneﬁt. This individual - and in a sense, not democratic - prosperity consolidates distrust. On the other hand, the process of change of values has been slow, measured by the speed of the last 16 years. At this speed, Chile will take 30 or 40 years to reach the average of values in most prosperous European societies. It is interesting, in that context, that the values associated to free market are decreasing, regardless of the levels of growth shown in the last years. This occurs because in a society where prosperity is not democratic, the access to market is limited for many. Therefore, the notion of “non democratic prosperity” is the best way to deﬁne the point of development in which Chile is in 2007.
Integrated single-inductor dual-output DC-DC converter with power-distributive control

This paper presents an integrated single-inductor dual-output (SIDO) buck-boost or boost-boost with powerdistributive (PD) control. The proposed converter adopts voltage-mode control to achieve better noise immunity. Only one signal loop contains a compensation circuit, which reduces cost and makes the converter suitable for SoC applications. The proposed SIDO converter was fabricated in TSMC 0. 18μm 1P6M 3.3V CMOS process with supply voltage 1.6V to 3.3V. The first output in the proposed converter can operate in either buck or boost mode according to the supply voltage while the other one operates in boost mode.
The determinants of demand for single family housing in Alabama urbanized areas

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze factors that determine the demand for single family houses in Alabama urbanized areas, commonly referred to as metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). Design/methodology/approach – This paper builds and estimates a housing demand model that incorporates both macroeconomic and housing‐related variables using a panel time series data for 1988‐2007. The study is different from past research, which mainly focuses on housing demand at the state or national level, by looking at the factors influencing demand for housing at the MSAs level.Findings – The study finds that demand for new single family houses in Alabama MSAs is influenced by both national economic factors and local factors. Population growth and increased sale of existing houses increase demand for new single family houses in the MSAs. On the contrary, increased cost of building a new house, higher real mortgage interest rates and unemployment rates are found to reduce the demand for new houses.Origina.
Fabrication of large-area PDMS triangle nanopillar arrays

This paper presents an approach for fabricating periodic triangle nanopillar arrays by a combination of bilayer self-assembly, oxygen etching and poly (dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) moulding. A bilayer of polystyrene (PS) nanospheres is used on a substrate as a template for replicating the PDMS nanostructure. The gaps in nanoscale is tuned by reducing the diameter of the top layer nanospheres using oxygen etching. Good uniformity is observed in the triangle structures. The feature size of the triangle structures can be tuned by controlling the etching time. The simplicity and low cost of this approach may make widespread applications of these PDMS nanopatterns.
Private Rental Housing in Hong Kong

This paper examines selected aspects of housing policy and its influence on private rental housing in Hong Kong. Its ambitions are modest, in part because so little research has been conducted on the sector, as a consequence of the small size of the sector as well as the concentration of socio-political, economic and policy analyses on the other major housing sectors, namely public renting and home ownership. It is argued that a fundamental function of private renting, to provide a functional substitute and counter-balance to distortions in the market for private home ownership, has been systematically undermined in Hong Kong. In spite of its historical importance in meeting Hong Kong people's housing needs, the sector's decline has been steep and it can now be fairly described as a marginalised tenure, despite incomplete structural adjustment post- Asian Financial Crisis. It is suggested that a fundamental reason for the decline of the private rental sector has been the impact of government policy, which undermined the private rental sector and thus an important element of the market mechanism in housing provision. The government's ideology of home ownership has also functioned to transfer lower middle-income families into the owner occupied sector. Although the Hong Kong government has not been as overtly hostile to this sector as governments have been elsewhere, it nevertheless also seems to envisage no real role for the private rental sector in a housing delivery system molded by policy preference for home ownership, rather than fostering viable economic competition by also facilitating an efficient private rental sector.
Indian research on suicide

The suicide rate in India is 10.3. In the last three decades, the suicide rate has increased by 43% but the male female ratio has been stable at 1.4 : 1. Majority (71%) of suicide in India are by persons below the age of 44 years which imposes a huge social, emotional and economic burden. Fifty four articles on suicides have been published in IJP. Several studies reveal that suicidal behaviours are much more prevalent than what is officially reported. Poisoning, hanging and self immolation (particularly women) were the methods to commit suicide. Physical and mental illness, disturbed interpersonal relationships and economic difficulties were the major reasons for suicide. The vulnerable population was found to be women, students, farmers etc. A social and public health response in addition to a mental health response is crucial to prevent suicidal behaviour in India.
Health sector reform and human resource management: Britain in comparative perspective

This article examines the impact of health service restructuring for employment practices in Europe, using Britain as the basis of comparison. It first considers trends in West European health care reform and examines the extent to which reform measures have been accompanied by changes in employment practices. It focuses on reforms of pay determination arrangements and work organization, examining in particular the experience of nurses, who form the largest occupational group. Finally, some of the implications for a future research agenda are considered. It concludes that research on health sector employment practices is under-developed and outlines a research agenda that recognizes the importance of workplace restructuring within a comparative framework.