cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
When Does the Pre-Entry Experience of New Entrants Improve Their Performance? A Meta-Analytical Investigation of Critical Moderators

While pre-entry experience is widely regarded as a critical asset that positively relates to new entrant performance, empirical support is mixed. To address this inconsistency, we meta-analyze the empirical findings in 272 papers that examine the performance implications of pre-entry experience. We draw theoretically on the organizational learning literature to argue that the relationship between pre-entry experience and new entrant performance will be contingent on the characteristics (i.e., levels and types) of pre-entry experience, the environmental context of the new entrant, and the interaction between the two. In particular, we examine the effects of two levels of pre-entry experience (firm and founder), four types of founder-level pre-entry experience (entrepreneurial, managerial, industry, and functional experience), and two types of environments (industry and institutional). The meta-analysis results show a significant and positive correlation between founder-level pre-entry experience and performance of 0.07, and a partial correlation of 0.06. Meanwhile, the failure rates of spin-outs and de alio entrants are 11% lower than that of de novo entrants. The moderating analysis results show that the correlation of pre-entry experience and economic performance is lower in knowledge or technology intensive (KTI) industries, but higher in manufacturing and service industries that are low KTI. The correlation is also higher in institutions with high power distance and individualism. These findings provide compelling new evidence for the importance of pre-entry experience, and advance our understanding of the boundary conditions on the relationship between pre-entry experience and new entrant performance.
Protein-based immune profiles of basal-like vs. luminal breast cancers.

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes play an important, but incompletely understood role in chemotherapy response and prognosis. In breast cancer, there appear to be distinct immune responses by subtype, but most studies have used limited numbers of protein markers or bulk sequencing of RNA to characterize immune response, in which spatial organization cannot be assessed. To identify immune phenotypes of Basal-like vs. Luminal breast cancer we used the GeoMx® (NanoString) platform to perform digital spatial profiling of immune-related proteins in tumor whole sections and tissue microarrays (TMA). Visualization of CD45, CD68, or pan-Cytokeratin by immunofluorescence was used to select regions of interest in formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue sections. Forty-four antibodies representing stromal markers and multiple immune cell types were applied to quantify the tumor microenvironment. In whole tumor slides, immune hot spots (CD45+) had increased expression of many immune markers, suggesting a diverse and robust immune response. In epithelium-enriched areas, immune signals were also detectable and varied by subtype, with regulatory T-cell (Treg) markers (CD4, CD25, and FOXP3) being higher in Basal-like vs. Luminal breast cancer. Extending these findings to TMAs with more patients (n = 75), we confirmed subtype-specific immune profiles, including enrichment of Treg markers in Basal-likes. This work demonstrated that immune responses can be detected in epithelium-rich tissue, and that TMAs are a viable approach for obtaining important immunoprofiling data. In addition, we found that immune marker expression is associated with breast cancer subtype, suggesting possible prognostic, or targetable differences. The breast cancer immune microenvironment was analyzed with the nanoString GeoMx® Digital Spatial Profiler (DSP) in cases from the Carolina Breast Cancer Study. Basal-like breast cancers showed increased expression of markers for regulatory T cells. The results were highly reproducible between whole sections and tissue microarrays.
Novel flexibility index formulations for the selection of the operating range within a design space

Abstract The importance of the Design Space (DS) definition lies in the assurance of quality, a key goal of Quality by Design, and in the broadening from a single acceptable operating point, to a collection of feasible operating regions. Therefore, properly defining the limits of the design space is vital to provide manufacturing flexibility and quality assurance. In this work, we propose new MINLP reformulations to the extended flexibility analysis, where we distinguish between process and model parameters, to efficiently calculate a new flexibility index for process parameters. This index defines a hyperrectangular operating region within a design space of a pharmaceutical process in terms of the process parameters and accounts for the uncertainty in the model parameters, described by hyperrectangle and ellipsoidal sets. We illustrate the application of these novel techniques on several examples.
TOPICAL ANTIFUNGAL AGENTS

Current knowledge of fungal cell architecture and biochemistry allows limited understanding of the mode of action of presently available topical antifungal agents. Nystatin, first introduced in the 1950s for treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis, has been surpassed by the imidazoles and triazoles as the first choice of treatment for vulvovaginal candidiasis. The lack of clear superiority of any one azole agent or dosing regimen leads some authors to recommend a short course of therapy (1-3 days) for acute uncomplicated candidal vaginitis using factors including anatomic distribution of inflammation and patient preference (such as previous hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to the agent, the cost of the agent, and the preferred vehicle for administration of the agent) to choose the specific antifungal agent (see Table 1). Recurrent cases or treatment during pregnancy may require longer therapy (6-14 days), again using an agent chosen because of these factors. Although theoretic risks may exist, actual harm to the fetus or pregnancy has not been demonstrated with the use of the topical azoles during any trimester of pregnancy. The development of antimycotic resistance need not be considered in infrequent and occasional episodes of candidal vaginitis, and it is rarely a cause of treatment failure even in chronic or recurrent cases.
Hydrogen exchange dynamics of the P22 virion determined by time-resolved Raman spectroscopy. Effects of chromosome packaging on the kinetics of nucleotide exchanges.

Abstract We describe the application of laser Raman spectroscopy to probe hydrogen isotope exchange dynamics of nucleic acid and protein constituents in a double-stranded DNA virus, the icosahedral bacteriophage P22. The Raman dynamic method employs a dialysis flow cell to control D2O efflux into an H2O solution of the virus sample while the rates of deuterium exchange of protons in the viral nucleic acid and protein molecules are measured spectrophotometrically in real time. The method provides structural and kinetic information about three different and distinct classes of exchangable protons of the native virion: (1) labile imino (NH) and amino (NH2) protons of the bases which participate in Watson-Crick hydrogen bonding in the packaged genome; (2) pseudolabile purinic (8CH) protons that line the major groove of packaged P22 DNA; and (3) main-chain amide (NH) protons of viral subunits comprising the shell that encapsidates the DNA. The results obtained on P22 demonstrate that interchange of aqueous solvent with the virion interior is rapid and complete. We find that while labile protons of packaged DNA exchange rapidly, most amide protons in capsid subunits are resistant to solvent-catalyzed exchange. Further, stereospecific retardation of exchange is observed for major-groove protons of the packaged P22 genome. The quantitative measurements can be summarized and interpreted as follows. (1) Imino and amino protons of all bases in packaged P22 DNA exchange more rapidly (approximately 2-fold faster) than the corresponding protons in unpackaged P22 DNA. Remarkably, packaging actually accelerates labile imino and amino hydrogen exchanges of the viral DNA, an effect which can be attributed to selective stabilization in the packaged chromosome of a base-pair open state (breathing model). (2) Conversely, purine 8CH exchange rates in packaged P22 DNA are significantly retarded in comparison to those of unpackaged P22 DNA. The observed 8CH exchange retardation effects are similar for both adenine and guanine residues, indicating that they do not originate from purine-specific interactions but probably reflect steric shielding of the major groove of packaged DNA from free access to solvent. This effect is likely distributed throughout the 43,400 base-pair genome. (3) Only a small population (≈ 15 to 20%) of subunit amide protons exchanges within the time frame of complete exchange of all protons of packaged P22 DNA. Complete exchange of the capsid is not achieved even after several months of incubation at 40°C. The viral capsid thus represents a largely non-exchangable shell which packages a highly exchangable double-stranded DNA molecule. The present results confirm that the B form secondary structure of P22 DNA is essentially fully conserved with packaging. The exchange dynamics of P22 DNA and capsid molecules are considered in the light of available structural data and models proposed for condensation of double-stranded B DNA in icosahedral viruses.
Word, Image, Woman. Gavarni’s and the Goncourts’ Portrayal of the Lorette

Abstract The article presents a comparative analysis of Gavarni’s lithographic series, “Les Lorettes” (1840-1843), and the Goncourt brothers’ verbal portrait, La lorette (1853). The two texts result in a change of tone: from promiscuous young woman to corrupt prostitute, and of medium: from image to word. The article considers these shifts in terms of the aesthetic and material conditions of caricature and verbal narrative. The pairing of Gavarni and the Goncourts also foregrounds the artists’ use of the lorette . Passed from caricaturist to writers, woman serves as a canvas, a stake in the artists’ aesthetic and commercial claims. And in the changing cultural field of nineteenth-century France, where caricature emerges as literary model and competitor, the stakes are high. Resume Cet article propose une analyse comparee d’une serie lithographique de Gavarni, «Les Lorettes» (1840-1843) et d’un portrait verbal des freres Goncourt, La lorette (1853). Les deux oeuvres different a la fois quant a leur tonalite (on passe de la jeune femme promiscue a la prostituee corrompue) et quant a leur medium (on passe des images aux mots). L’article examine ces changements a la lumiere des conditions esthetiques et materielles de la caricature d’une part et du recit d’autre part. La comparaison des deux oeuvres fait ressortir aussi l’usage que les artistes font du personnage de la lorette. Chez les caricatures comme chez les ecrivains, la femme sert de pretexte a des debats de nature esthetique mais aussi commerciale. Et dans la culture sans cesse changeant de la France du 19e siecle, ou la caricature occupe une place capitale, les enjeux de ces debats sont tres eleves.
Responses of a Spar Platform In Random Waves And Currents (Experiment Vs. Theory)

The response characteristics of a large slack-moored floating spar in regular waves, bichromatic waves, and unidirectional irregular waves with or without sheared currents are investigated by experimentation and numerical analysis. A time domain nonlinear motion analysis computer program was developed to numerically to simulate the performance of the spar for various wave and current conditions. It was found that the linear wave-body interaction theory alone was not adequate and the second-order wave-body interaction theory including the effects of viscous and wave drift dampings had to be used for the reliable motion prediction of a spar. The complete first- and second-order diffraction/radiation programs for bichromatic, bi-directional waves were developed using the higher order boundary element method, and the viscous drag forces were computed from the Morison drag formula based on the relative velocity squared. The wave drift damping was computed using the modified drift gradient method. The two-term Volterra series were used to calculate the time series of nonlinear potential excitations in random seas. The resulting numerical results agreed well with the measured data. It was seen that the low-frequency surge and pitch responses were in general greater than the wave-frequency responses and the slowly-varying responses were appreciably reduced in the presence of currents. The total response amplitudes were found to be practically acceptable in the survival condition characterized by an 100-year storm sea.
Serum homocysteine is related to food intake in adolescents: the Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health.

Background An understanding of the relation in adolescents between serum homocysteine and foods rich in vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, and folate is important because high homocysteine concentrations in childhood and adolescence may be a risk factor for later cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about the relation between food intake and homocysteine in adolescents.
Studies on the Localization of Newly Added Membrane in Growing Neurites

SUMMARY Explant culture of the adult goldfish retina results in vigorous neuritic growth, provided that the optic nerve has been previously crushed in vivo. The site of new membrane addition in these growing neurites was studied with a membrane-binding lectin Concanavalin A (Con A) in conjunction with a fluorescent indirect antibody method. Explant cultures were labeled with Con A, followed by rabbit antibodies to Con A. This treatment was shown to immobilize Con A receptors while permitting growth. Twenty-four hours later, the washed preparation was treated with fluorescent goat antirabbit antibodies. The bound fluorescent antibodies appeared as a pattern of contiguous fluorescent speckles confined to the area of old growth while regions near the distal end of the neurite were not fluorescent. These results are compatible with the hypothesis that new membrane is added in the region of the growing tip of the neurite.
Same-source crosstalk in the WDM-OXC

In a dynamic WDM-OXC, due to the various available paths for an incoming signal, there exits a special kind of samewavelength crosstalk, termed same-source crosstalk. Its impact on the system is more severe than that of other kinds of crosstalk under the worst case. This paper also points out that, by introducing light path differences between different channel, one can distinctly reduce the impact of the same-source crosstalk with simple and minimum hardware cost.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A curved crystal spectrometer for energy calibration and spectral characterization of mammographic x-ray sources

Clinical efficacy of diagnostic radiology for mammographic examinations is critically dependent on source characteristics, detection efficiency, image resolution and applied high voltage. In this report we focus on means for evaluation of source-dependent issues including noninvasive determination of the applied high voltage, and characterization of intrinsic spectral distributions which in turn reflect the effects of added filtration and target and window contamination. It is shown that a particular form of x-ray curved crystal spectrometry with electronic imaging can serve to determine all relevant parameters within the confines of a standard clinical exposure.
The accuracy of the approximations in classical nucleation theory

The mathematical approximations involved in the theory of homogeneous nucleation are shown to produce negligible error in the predicted rates of nucleation.
The Impact of Third Places on Community Quality of Life

Older cities struggling with issues of survival focus on jobs and the economy, but competition requires all cities to pay attention to the quality of life that attracts residents. Creating such an inviting environment includes “third places” that foster community and communication among people outside of home and work, yet we have little empirical evidence that speaks to the subject, or their importance for a community’s quality of life. Here we report on a national U.S. survey that asked people to identify such places in their community, producing a wide variety of “third places” that ranged from the most popular community centers, coffee shops and restaurants to parks and malls. While a few relationships are found between population/diversity and the popularity of particular third places, the most important result confirms a hypothesized relationship between perceptions that third places are accessible in their community and the perceived quality of life.
On the shoulders of giants: A historical perspective of unique experimental methods in mammary gland research

While most organs undergo development in utero, the mouse mammary gland orchestrates five major developmental stages following birth: pre-puberty, puberty, pregnancy, lactation, and involution. Induced by both local and systemic factors, these five developmental stages transpire with dramatic alterations in glandular morphology and cellular function. As an experimental system, the mammary gland provides remarkable accessibility to processes regulating stem cell function, hormone response, and epithelial-stromal-extracellular matrix interactions. This review will provide a historical perspective of the unique in vitro and in vivo techniques used to study the mammary gland and how these methods have provided valuable insight into the biology of this organ.
Molecular and dissociative bonding of amines with the Si(1 1 1)-(7×7) surface

The interaction of trimethylamine (TMA) and dimethylamine (DMA) with the Si(1 1 1)-(7×7) surface has been studied by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS). STM data for TMA at low coverage show molecular features exhibiting a strong preference for bonding at the center adatom sites. XPS data show that at low coverage the majority of molecules form a highly ionic dative-bonded molecular adduct in which the N atom donates electron density to the surface, leading to a very high N(1s) binding energy of 402.4 eV. UPS data show that the interaction of TMA with the Si(1 1 1)-(7×7) surface also involves the restatom, suggesting that formation of dative bonds may also alter the restatom state. At very high exposures, a new, dissociative pathway becomes important, leading to dissociation and the appearance of new fragments with lower N(1s) binding energies of 399.1 eV. Corresponding studies for DMA only show dissociative bonding on Si(1 1 1), forming H atoms and N(CH3)2 species. While the N(CH3)2 species bonds primarily to the adatoms, the H atoms can bond to either adatoms or restatoms. Possible reaction mechanism and the reactivity of the different types of surface silicon atoms are discussed.
Crystal Structure–Ionic Conductivity Relationships in Doped Ceria Systems

In the past, it has been suggested that the maximum ionic conductivity is achieved in ceria, when doped with an acceptor cation that causes minimum distortion in the cubic fluorite crystal lattice. In the present work, this hypothesis is tested by measuring both the ionic conductivity and elastic lattice strain of 10 mol% trivalent cation-doped ceria systems at the same temperatures. A consistent set of ionic conductivity data is developed, where the samples are synthesized under similar experimental conditions. On comparing the grain ionic conductivity, Nd 0.10 Ce 0.90 O 2-δ exhibits the highest ionic conductivity among other doped ceria systems. The grain ionic conductivity is around 17% higher than that of Gd 0.10 Ce 0.90 O 2-δ at 500°C, in air. X-ray diffraction profiles are collected on the sintered powder of all the compositions, from room temperature to 600°C, in air. From the lattice expansion data at high temperatures, the minimal elastic strain due to the presence of dopant is observed in Dy 0.10 Ce 0.90 O 2-δ . Nd 0.10 Ce 0.90 O 2-δ exhibits larger elastic lattice strain than Dy 0.10 Ce 0.90 O 2-δ with better ionic conductivity at intermediate temperatures. Therefore, it is shown that the previously proposed crystal structure-ionic conductivity relationship based on minimum elastic strain is not sufficient to explain the ionic conductivity behavior in ceria-based system.
Cardiac Contractile and Calcium Transport Function after Burn Injury in Adult and Aged Guinea Pigs

Abstract Cardiac dysfunction occurs after a major burn injury regardless of age; whether burn trauma causes greater myocardial contractile depression in the older subject due to reduced cardiac reserves that normally occur with adult aging is not known. The cellular basis for burn-induced cardiac dysfunction is not known, but several studies have suggested that alterations occur in the rate of Ca 2+ delivery to the contractile proteins as well as in the rate of Ca 2+ removal from the sarcoplasm by the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). To determine if agerelated differences in the cardiac contractile response to burn injury are associated with differences in SR Ca 2+ transport, an isolated heart preparation was used to examine mechanical function, and myocardial homogenate preparations were used to assess SR Ca 2+ transport. Guinea pigs from both age groups (adult, 6-8 months, and senescent, 34-36 months of age) were divided into two subgroups—control and 45% cutaneous scald burn. Cardiac dysfunction associated with adult aging alone was indicated by lower systolic pressure and lower rates of left ventricular (LV) pressure rise and fall, as well as decreased responses to isoproterenol, exogenous Ca 2+ , increased coronary flow rate, and electrical pacing. Myocardial depression in senescent control hearts was accompanied by a decreased maximal Ca 2+ uptake in myocardial homogenates, suggesting that altered SR calcium transport may contribute to the diminished contractile function associated with aging. Burn injury impaired cardiac function in all animals regardless of age as evidenced by a leftward shift of LV function curves and altered responses to receptor- and nonreceptor-mediated inotropic interventions. However, the percentage change in cardiac function after burn injury was similar in both age groups compared to those of their respective controls. Significant alterations in SR Ca 2+ transport were observed in myocardial homogenates isolated from both adult and senescent hearts after burn injury. Our data confirm that burn injury induced cardiac contractile dysfunction as well as alterations in SR Ca 2+ transport function regardless of age, and we conclude that altered SR Ca 2+ transport function contributes, in part, to the diminished cardiac function after burn injury.
The Wheel Shimmy Problem: Its Relationship to Wheel and Road Irregularities

SUMMARY The equations of motion are derived for a single wheel steerable pneumatic tire system. Included in this system are a built-in wheel wobble and wheel-tire irregularities which produce oscillation of the normal load. Special emphasis is placed on the dynamic characterization of the tire cornering force and aligning torque. The results show that the built-in wheel wobble causes a steady shimmy which is large when the wheel rotation frequency is close to the natural shimmy frequency. The results also show that a normal load oscillation which has a frequency approximately twice the natural shimmy frequency causes a decrease in shimmy stability.
Pharmacogenetics of methylation: Relationship to drug metabolism

Pharmacogenetics is the study of inherited variation in drug response. Genetic differences in drug metabolism are the most common causes for inherited variations in drug response or adverse reactions to medications. Methyl conjugation is an important pathway in the biotransformation of many drugs. Experiments performed during the past decade showed that individual variations in the activities of enzymes that catalyze S-methylation, O-methylation and N-methylation are under genetic control in human tissue. These inherited variations are responsible for individual differences in metabolism, effect, and toxicity of drugs that undergo methyl conjugation. The approach used to study the pharmacogenetics of methylation may also be applicable to the study of inherited variations in other pathways of drug metabolism.
Homeostatic regulation of the proteasome via an Rpn4-dependent feedback circuit

The 26S proteasome is a complex protease consisting of at least 32 different subunits. Early studies showed that Rpn4 (also named Son1 and Ufd5) is a transcriptional activator of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae proteasome genes, and that Rpn4 is rapidly degraded by the 26S proteasome. These observations suggested that in vivo proteasome abundance may be regulated by an Rpn4-dependent feedback circuit. Here, we present direct evidence to support the Rpn4-proteasome feedback model. We show that proteasome expression is increased when proteasome activity is impaired, and that this increase is Rpn4-dependent. Moreover, we demonstrate that expression of a stable form of Rpn4 leads to elevation of proteasome expression. Our data also reveal that the Rpn4-proteasome feedback circuit is critical for cell growth when proteasome activity is compromised, and plays an important role in response to DNA damage. This study provides important insights into the mechanism underlying proteasome homeostasis.
Mode reflectivity of narrow stripe-geometry double heterostructure lasers

The mode reflectivity of narrow stripe-geometry double heterostructure (DH) lasers is computed taking into account lateral (parallel to the junction) confinement in addition to transverse (normal to the junction) confinement. For most practical stripe width devices, the addition of lateral confinement insignificantly alters the reflectivity of the lowest order mode; calculations based upon transverse confinement alone (broad-area lasers) are analytically and numerically shown to provide an adequate description of the mirror reflectivities of most narrow stripe-geometry lasers.
Call for papers special issue: Developing the ability to communicate

THE third-quarter 1984 issues of the IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON EDUCATION and the IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION will have a jointly prepared set of papers on education for communication from both the academic and the industrial points of view.
Converse method measurements of electrostriction coefficients in low-K dielectrics

Abstract Methods for measuring electrostrictive coefficients are discussed and a set of converse method measurements on low-K dielectrics presented. The Q11 values measured in this work, in m4/C2, range from −0.49 for CaF2 through smaller values like 0.34 for MgO up to 1.48 for BeO. Coefficients for BaF2, SrF2, KMnF3, Al2O3, LiF, spodumene (Li2O·Al2O3·4SiO2) glass, and calcite (CaCO3) are also presented. The separated Qij coefficients measured before in good agreement with confirmed measurements available in the literature. Most of the non-cubic samples have been measured here reliably for the first time. A simple ion-chain model of electrostriction is also presented, and the results compared to experimental values of the hydrostatic electrostriction coefficient Qh.
A model of semitendinosus muscle sarcomere length, knee and hip joint interaction in the frog hindlimb.

The interaction between the semitendinosus muscle and both hip and knee joint angles was examined in the frog (Rana pipiens) hindlimb. Sarcomere length was measured by laser diffraction in passive muscle during hip and knee rotation. A model was then developed to predict semitendinosus sarcomere length as a function of both hip and knee flexion angle. Based on published frog muscle fiber length-tension [Gordon, A. M. et al., J. Physiol.184, 170–192 (1966)] and force-velocity [Edman, K. A. P., J. Physiol.291, 143–159 (1979)] properties, and published joint angles during hopping [Calow, L. J. and Alexander, R. McN., J. Zool. (Lond.)171, 293–321 (1973)], muscle sarcomere length, force and hip and knee torque during a hop were predicted. The semitendinosus muscle generally operated on the descending limb of the length-tension curve at normal joint angle combinations. The model predicted that, during a single coordinated movement, a period of sarcomere shortening (concentric) was followed by a period of sarcomere lengthening (eccentric). Based on calculated torque profiles at the hip and knee joints, this study suggested that the semitendinosus muscle probably functions more as a hip extensor than a knee flexor. In addition, based on the nature of the shortening-lengthening cycle, the semitendinosus may act to mechanically link the force of knee extension to hip extension.
Confidentiality risks in fine scale aggregations of health data

Abstract Spatial confidentiality concerns limit the sharing of data between health data guardians and other researchers. This reduces the contribution GIScience might play in understanding spatial patterns of poor health. This paper takes a first step towards easing data sharing by investigating the confidentiality risks in releasing aggregated data at a fine spatial resolution. A randomly generated cancer map is exported as a graduated color overlay to Google Earth and test subjects are asked to locate where they believe the disease cases reside. Risk is measured by both the separating distance and the number of alternate parcels between the “choice” and a randomly generated disease case. The paper also develops a simulation approach that can be used to test the level of risk involved with these choices. Results suggest that across the scales of aggregation tested in this paper, the finest of which is a 0.5 km grid, there was relatively little risk in revealing sensitive information. In addition, the closest student choice to a disease case was not consistent across aggregations, suggesting no underlying geographic vulnerability. Although the results presented here are encouraging, a series of subsequent investigations are needed before data sharing guidelines can be proposed.
THE USE OF DEBT BY BLACK-OWNED FIRMS: RECENT EVIDENCE FROM THE 2003 SURVEY OF SMALL BUSINESS FINANCES

Black-owned firms are growing in terms of both number and economic importance. They play an important role in providing jobs as well as products and services, particularly in urban communities. In spite of this, prior research indicates that black-owned firms experience greater difficulty in securing sources of external capital. This study revisits this issue using newly released data from the 2003 Survey of Small Business Finances. Results reveal that black-owned firms were no less likely to have loans than white-owned firms controlling for firm and owner characteristics. Nevertheless, black-owned firms were still significantly more likely to be turned down for loans and more likely to refrain from applying because they assumed they would be turned down. Further, black firm owners who were approved for loans paid significantly higher rates of interest.
The tracheal nonadrenergic noncholinergic inhibitory system during antigen challenge

This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that malfunction of the nonadrenergic noncholinergic inhibitory system (NANCIS) induces hyperreactive airways. Antigen sensitized guinea pigs were divided into four groups: (1) antigen challenge (n = 6), (2) 2 min oxyhemoglobin (HbO2) + antigen challenge (n = 5), (3) 27 min HbO2 + antigen challenge (n = 4), and (4) 2 min HbO2 + transmural stimulation (TS) + antigen challenge (n = 6). These animals were sensitized with ovalbumin 10 days before the study. In addition, 12 normal control animals without antigen sensitization were used for comparison. Under artificial ventilation, the anesthetized-paralyzed animals were hourly injected with atropine (0.2 mg/kg) and propranolol (1 mg/kg). Cervical segment of the trachea was converted to a closed tracheal pouch filled with Krebs solution containing also atropine (1 microM) and propranolol (3.5 microM). A change in the pouch pressure (Pp) reflected NANCIS TS- or antigen (5 micrograms) challenge-induced relaxation and/or constriction. HbO2 was used to inhibit NANCIS transmitter. There was no significant difference between normal and sensitized animals in the NANCIS TS-induced relaxation. Antigen challenge resulted in biphasic alteration in Pp, an initial increase and then a decrease after about 7 min. HbO2 pretreatment alone did not potentiate antigen-induced increase in Pp. HbO2 + TS, however, significantly abolished the late relaxation phase after antigen challenge.
Effect of a single short-term reduction in photoperiod on photorefractoriness in turkey hens.

Abstract In a prior study, we reported that a high proportion of hens in a winter-laying flock became relatively photorefractory (rPR) early in the reproductive cyand that successive short-term reductions in photoperiod in such hens each initially depressed egg production but then caused a rebound in rate of lay to briefly exceed that of hens that did not exhibit rPR. The present study was conducted to assess rPR in a summer-laying flock and to determine whether a single short-term reduction in day length early in the reproductive cycle might enhance egg production and delay the onset of absolute photorefractoriness (aPR). Control hens received a photoperiod of 16L:8D throughout the experiment. Experimental hens were photostimulated with 16L:8D, received a reduced (but still stimulatory) photoperiod of 11.5L:12.5D for 2 wk beginning 8 wk after photostimulation, and then were returned to 16L:8D for the remainder of the 23-wk test period. Results showed that a single 2-wk reduction in day length shortly after the hens reached peak egg production did not significantly reduce overall flock egg production, but it also did not improve late-season egg production or retard the onset or incidence of aPR. The incidence of rPR was substantially less in this study than we had observed with a winter-laying flock (32.9 vs. 67.1%), but similar proportions of treated hens exhibited the most severe rPR response (a brief but complete cessation of egg production) in both studies (21.1 vs. 24.0%), and all treated hens that subsequently became aPR had shown this severe rPR response to the test photoperiod. We concluded that a core proportion of hens (approximately one-fifth) exhibited a strong rPR response when presented with a reduced photoperiod early in the reproductive cycle, regardless of season of the year, and that such hens were more likely to subsequently exhibit poor egg production or become aPR than flockmates that did not exhibit rPR. Therefore, some indication of the incidence of rPR early in the lay period may have a predictive value for the overall egg production of the flock.
Integration of transcriptomic and proteomic data from a single wheat cultivar provides new tools for understanding the roles of individual alpha gliadin proteins in flour quality and celiac disease.

The complement of alpha gliadins expressed in a single wheat cultivar was examined by assembling expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from Triticum aestivum cv. Butte 86. Twelve of 19 resulting contigs encoded complete proteins, but only two were identical to proteins reported previously. Eight contained various combinations of epitopes important in celiac disease (CD), while four lacked typical CD epitopes. One alpha gliadin contained an additional cysteine residue that could allow incorporation of the protein into glutenin polymers. In addition, two new types of alpha gliadins ending in GFFGTN and GIMSTN were identified. Based on the number of ESTs, genes encoding proteins that contained the greatest numbers of CD epitopes were expressed at the highest levels. Proteins corresponding to 12 contigs were distinguished in Butte 86 flour by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Unique peptide tags for individual alpha gliadins, including some that lack CD epitopes and the protein containing the extra cysteine, are reported. The ability to distinguish closely related alpha gliadins by MS/MS makes it possible to explore the roles of individual proteins in flour quality, better define relationships between specific proteins and celiac disease, and devise strategies to reduce the immunogenic potential of wheat flour for patients with CD.
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ regulates neuroendocrine function of the limbic-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Abstract We examined the effects of the neuropeptide nociceptin/orphanin FQ on activity of the limbic–hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (also known as the stress axis) in rats. This axis regulates important metabolic functions, and initiates critical neuroendocrine responses that cope with environmental threats and challenges to homeostatic functioning. Disregulation of the limbic–hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis is associated with impaired physical and psychological health. In the present experiments, rats were treated with intracerebroventricular injections of nociceptin/orphanin FQ in the presence or absence of acute stressors. Plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone and corticosterone concentrations were assayed 15 or 30 min after injections. In the rats that were not exposed to stress, nociceptin/orphanin FQ produced dose-orderly elevations of circulating adrenocorticotrophic hormone and corticosterone concentrations. These effects were also found after administration of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ analogues, des-Phe orphanin FQ and [Phe1ψ(CH2–NH)Gly2]nociceptin(1–13)NH2. In rats that were exposed to the mild stress of a novel environment, nociceptin/orphanin FQ administration enhanced the stress-induced elevations of plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone concentrations and prolonged the stress-induced elevations of plasma corticosterone concentrations. In rats that were exposed to restraint stress, nociceptin/orphanin FQ administration did not augment the stress-induced elevations in plasma hormones, perhaps because of a ceiling effect. We conclude that administration of nociceptin/orphanin FQ activates neuroendocrine activity of the limbic–hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis even in the absence of a stressor, and may delay the shutdown of these physiological responses after exposure to acute mild stress. In light of the known functions of this axis, it appears that nociceptin/orphanin FQ participates in the regulation of important metabolic functions, and may be implicated in physiological responses to stress. This interaction between nociceptin/orphanin FQ and the limbic–hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis implicates nociceptin/orphanin FQ in important aspects of physiological and psychological well-being.
Comparison of use of meditation and rest in treatment of test anxiety.

Undergraduate volunteers (16 men, 19 women) were randomly assigned to either a meditation or a control condition balanced for expectancy to compare the function of these treatments in the alleviation of test anxiety. Self-report, performance, and physiological indices were assessed as moderated by gender, Scholastic Aptitude Test score, frequency of practice, repression, and expectancy of relief. The treatments were equally effective in reducing test anxiety. The moderators showed no consistent relation to outcome. Results are discussed with reference to different procedures for assessing these constructs.
A matrix metalloproteinase-1/protease activated receptor-1 signaling axis promotes melanoma invasion and metastasis

Hallmarks of malignant melanoma are its propensity to metastasize and its resistance to treatment, giving patients with advanced disease a poor prognosis. The transition of melanoma from non-invasive radial growth phase (RGP) to invasive and metastatically competent vertical growth phase (VGP) is a major step in tumor progression, yet the mechanisms governing this transformation are unknown. Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) is highly expressed by VGP melanomas, and is thought to contribute to melanoma progression by degrading type I collagen within the skin to facilitate melanoma invasion. Protease activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) is activated by MMP-1, and is also expressed by VGP melanomas. However, the effects of MMP-1 signaling through PAR-1 have not been examined in melanoma. Here, we demonstrate that an MMP-1/PAR-1 signaling axis exists in VGP melanoma, and is necessary for melanoma invasion. Introduction of MMP-1 into RGP melanoma cells induced gene expression associated with tumor progression and promoted invasion in vitro, and enhanced tumor growth and conferred metastatic capability in vivo. This study demonstrates that both the type I collagenase and PAR-1 activating functions of MMP-1 are required for melanoma progression, and suggests that MMP-1 may be a major contributor to the transformation of melanoma from non-invasive to malignant disease.
The effect of temperature on rhodopsinporphyropsin ratios in a fish

Abstract The effect of water temperature on the rhodopsin-porphyropsin ratio in the retina of the golden shiner,Notemigonus crysoleucas, was investigated. High temperature (21°C) increased the proportion of rhodopsin and low temperature (7°C) that of porphyropsin. The golden shiner responds to light and darkness in the same manner as the rudd,Scardinius, but the potential for demonstrating this response appears to be dependent on the experimental temperature. Seasonal changes in water temperature may be partly responsible for the seasonal changes in the rhodopsin-porphyropsin ratio, which appear to be quite similar among several species of fishes. It is suggested that temperature be carefully considered for its experimental effect in future studies.
Microwave irradiation of nadic‐end‐capped polyimide resin (RP‐46) and glass–graphite–RP‐46 composites: cure and process studies

Microwave energy was investigated to cure nadic-end-capped polyimide precursors (RP-46 resin) using a Cober Electronics Model LBM 1.2A/7703 microwave oven at a frequency of 2.45 GHz. Both neat resin samples and glass cloth and hybrid glass cloth–graphite cloth–RP-46 resin composites were studied. For the resin studies, the effect of various parameters, such as power level, sample size, processing temperature, time, and graphite fiber absorber, were investigated. The variables investigated with the composite study were the power level, mold material, vacuum, and low pressure. The results showed that microwave energy was effective in curing both neat resin samples and composite specimens. The presence of a small quantity of absorber (chopped carbon fiber) accelerates the cure dramatically. Moreover, soapstone mold material was found to be an efficient absorber for glass and glass–graphite composite processing, causing an effective cure in less than 1 h. Glass and glass–graphite hybrid composites with flexural strengths of 372–588 MPa (54–85 ksi) and moduli of 28.7–31.7 GPa (4.2–4.6 Msi) have been fabricated. This is equivalent to 50 to 80% of the properties of composites fabricated by conventional means. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 73: 2391–2411, 1999
Inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome as sequelae of violence against women: the role of depression, hostility, and sleep disturbance

Women who experience violence are significantly more likely to have serious health problems above and beyond any injuries they might incur. The intriguing question is why this is so. In this article, the author describes how three sequelae of violence against women-depression, hostility, and sleep disturbance-can increase the risk of disease. One possible mechanism by which these sequelae increase risk is by elevating levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These cytokines have an adaptive function in fighting infection and repairing injured tissues. However, chronically high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines have been implicated in a wide range of diseases. The author focuses on two illnesses that have not received much attention in the violence against women (VAW) literature: cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome, the precursor to type 2 diabetes. Preliminary studies also suggest that treatments that can lower inflammation may be promising adjuncts for survivors of VAW. Language: en
Is routine CT scanning necessary in the preoperative evaluation of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy

Abstract To evaluate the usefulness of CT scanning before carotid endarterectomy, a prospective study was performed on 469 consecutive patients considered for carotid endarterectomy during a 5-year period. All patients underwent carotid duplex scanning and CT scanning before carotid arteriography. Two hundred thirty-seven patients (51%) had transient ischemic attacks, 109 (23%) had a prior stroke, and 122 (26%) were asymptomatic. Results of the CT scan were abnormal in 68 (62%) of the 109 patients with stroke. Fifty-one of the 360 patients (14%) without a clinical history of stroke had an abnormal CT scan outcome. Of patients with a stroke documented by CT scanning, 27 had lacunar infarcts, and 92 had cortical infarcts; these findings did not change surgical management in any patient. CT scanning did not reveal any unsuspected infarcts or tumors. Two hundred thirty carotid endarterectomies were performed on 206 patients. Forty-seven patients (23%) in the operative group had abnormal CT scan findings, but the scan did not influence operative decisions or timing in any case. Seventy-two patients (27%) in the nonoperative group had abnormal CT scan results, but CT scan findings did not exclude any patient from arteriography or surgery. Three perioperative strokes (1.3%) occurred. CT scan findings did not correlate with postoperative neurologic complications. Cost of CT scanning was one-half million dollars in our study alone. Routine CT scanning is unnecessary before carotid endarterectomy and is not cost-effective. (J VASC SURG 1991;14:267-70.)
Usefulness of abdominal flat plate radiographs in patients with suspected ureteral calculi

A total of 120 plain abdominal radiographs (PARs) from intravenous pyelograms (IVPs) were presented without patient history in a random manner to a staff radiologist and staff emergency physician (EP). Scout films were used as the PAR to minimize calculus movement. Each reader examined each film for the presence of ureteral calculi. The readers localized all calculi and rated the likelihood of their presence. Fifty-one PARs from IVPs demonstrated ureteral calculus disease; 40 of these films demonstrated 41 radiopaque calculi, while 11 films demonstrated obstruction without radiopaque calculi. These readings were then matched to the known IVP results. Together the readers were correct on 50% of the predictions (radiologist, 51%; EP, 48%). The EP and the radiologist had similarly correct percentages on PARs from positive IVPs (33% and 36%, respectively) and on PARs from negative IVPs (60% and 64%). True-positive (33% and 25%), true-negative (76% and 71%), false-positive (27% and 35%), and false-negative (36% and 55%) rates were constructed for the radiologist and EP, respectively. Our study demonstrates that PARs are unreliable and do not appear to add useful information in the evaluation of suspected ureteral colic.
"In Teams We Trust: The Influence of Team Processes on Perceived Ability, Benevolence and Integrity"

While much of trust research examines determinants of trust by focusing on the trustor (the individual rendering trust judgments), the trustee (the target of trust) or dyadic exchanges, we theorize...