University of Bath

About: University of Bath is a education organization based out in Bath, Bath and North East Somerset, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 15830 authors who have published 39608 publications receiving 1358769 citations. The organization is also known as: Bath University.

Colloquium : Looking at a soliton through the prism of optical supercontinuum

Abstract: A traditional view on solitons in optical fibers as robust particlelike structures suited for information transmission has been significantly altered and broadened over the past decade when solitons have been found to play the major role in generation of octave broad supercontinuum spectra in photonic crystal and other types of optical fibers. This remarkable spectral broadening is achieved through complex processes of dispersive radiation being scattered from, emitted, and transformed by solitons. Thus solitons have emerged as the major players in nonlinear frequency conversion in optical fibers. Unexpected analogies of these processes have been found with dynamics of ultracold atoms and ocean waves. This Colloquium focuses on recent understanding and new insights into physics of soliton-radiation interaction and supercontinuum generation.

Reasons for deliberate self-harm: comparison of self-poisoners and self-cutters in a community sample of adolescents.

Abstract: Objective To compare motives and premeditation between adolescent deliberate self-poisoners and self-cutters. Method In a sample of 6,020 pupils aged 15 and 16 years who completed a self-report questionnaire, those who had deliberately cut themselves in the previous year ( n = 220) were compared with those who had taken overdoses ( n = 86). Results More adolescents who took overdoses than those who cut themselves said that they had wanted to die (66.7% versus 40.2%, χ 2 = 14.94, p 2 = 4.14, p = .042). Female self-cutters were more likely than male self-cutters to say that they had wanted to punish themselves (51.0% versus 25.0%, χ 2 = 9.25, p = .002) and had tried to get relief from a terrible state of mind (77.2% versus 60.9%, χ 2 = 4.78, p = .029). More self-cutters than self-poisoners had thought about the act of self-harm for less than an hour beforehand (50.9% versus 36.1%, χ 2 = 5.25, p = .021) Conclusions There are differences between adolescents' motives for overdoses and for self-cutting, and also gender differences in the reasons for self-cutting. The often impulsive nature of these acts (especially self-cutting) means that prevention should focus on encouraging alternative methods of managing distress, problem-solving, and help-seeking before thoughts of self-harm develop.

Glutamate-gated chloride channels and the mode of action of the avermectin/milbemycin anthelmintics.

Abstract: The macrocyclic lactones are the biggest selling and arguably most effective anthelmintics currently available. They are good substrates for the P-glycoproteins, which might explain their selective toxicity for parasites over their vertebrate hosts. Changes in the expression of these pumps have been implicated in resistance to the macrocyclic lactones, but it is clear that they exert their anthelmintic effects by binding to glutamate-gated chloride channels expressed on nematode neurones and pharyngeal muscle cells. This effect is quite distinct from the channel opening induced by glutamate, the endogenous transmitter acting at these receptors, which produces rapidly opening and desensitising channels. Ivermectin-activated channels open very slowly but essentially irreversibly, leading to a very long-lasting hyperpolarisation or depolarisation of the neurone or muscle cell and therefore blocking further function. Molecular and genetic studies have shown that there are multiple GluCl isoforms in both free-living and parasitic nematodes: the exact genetic make-up and functions of the GluCl may vary between species. The known expression patterns of the GluCl explain most of the observed biological effects of treatment with the macrocyclic lactones, though the reason for the long-lasting inhibition of larval production in filarial species is still poorly understood.

SMEs: aligning IS and the strategic context

Abstract: Based on multiple-case research, this paper develops a model of strategic information systems (IS) investment in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). IS investment is modelled as a function of an SME's strategic context as defined by its strategic focus, i.e. cost reduction versus value added and its market positioning, i.e. few versus many customers. The paper first investigates the ways in which IS may add value to organizations. It then outlines the use of IS in SMEs. This is followed by an analysis of competitiveness in small businesses. The paper develops an analytical model, which is termed the focus-dominance model, analyses case studies of 27 firms and reports that IS investment is strongly influenced by an SME's strategic context. Four cases are presented in order to illustrate the four different IS profiles identified. Finally, the implications for theory and practice are discussed.