Suffolk University

About: Suffolk University is a education organization based out in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Sugar beet. The organization has 6462 authors who have published 9321 publications receiving 235328 citations.

Gender Comparisons in Strategic Decision‐Making: An Empirical Analysis of the Entrepreneurial Strategy Matrix

Abstract: The strategic decision-making of male and female small businesspersons and entrepreneurs has been investigated in prior research, but the findings are mixed. This article reports on a gender comparison testing of the Entrepreneurial Strategy Matrix, a situational model which suggests strategies for new and ongoing ventures in response to the identification of different levels of venture innovation and risk. A national sample of 184 small firm owers (59 percent male/41 percent female) was tested. Results indicate that there are no significant gender differences in venture innovation/risk situation or in strategies chosen by business owners. Male respondents did indicate a higher overall satisfaction with venture performance than did females.

Prevalence of Ehrlichia, Borrelia, and Rickettsial Agents in Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae) Collected from Nine States

Abstract: Ambyomma americanum (L.) (Acari: Ixodidae) is an aggressive tick that feeds on humans during all postembryonic life stages. In many regions of the United States, it is the tick most commonly found attached to humans. Public health interest has grown recently, due to the recognition of new human pathogens transmitted by A. americanum and the expanding distribution of the tick. A.americanum is a vector of several bacteria pathogenic to humans. Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia ewingii cause moderate-to-severe febrile illness. "Rickettsia amblyommii," a member of the spotted fever group Rickettsia, also has recently been implicated as a possible human pathogen based on serologic evidence from persons recovering from illness after a tick bite. We have determined the prevalence of infection of Ehrlichia chaffeensis, E. ewingii, "Borrelia lonestari," and R. amblyommii within A. americanum ticks from 29 sites in nine states. Overall infection prevalences were 4.7% for E. chaffeensis (range, 0 Ð27%), 3.5% for E. ewingii (range, 0 Ð18.6%), 2.5% for B. lonestari (range, 0 Ð12.2%), and 41.2% for R. amblyommii (range, 0 Ð 84.0%). In addition, 87 ticks (4.3%) were infected with two or more bacteria. This report documents new distribution records for E.ewingii,B.lonestari, and R. amblyommii and underscores the nonhomogeneous distribution of pathogen foci of infection. Additional surveillance throughout the range of A.americanum is warranted to increase physician and public awareness of the risk of disease to humans from exposure to the agents transmitted by this tick.

Treatment of chronic painful diabetic neuropathy with isosorbide dinitrate spray: a double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over study

Abstract: OBJECTIVE —Considerable evidence implicates impaired nitric oxide (NO) generation in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathic pain. We therefore conducted a pilot study to examine the effects of isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN), a NO donor with local vasodilating properties, in spray form in the management of chronic neuropathic pain. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS —The study was of double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, and two-period cross-over design. After a 2-week run-in period, 22 diabetic patients (13 men, 20 with type 2 diabetes, age [mean ± SE] 63.7 ± 1.8 years, duration of diabetes 9.1 ± 1.5 years, duration of painful neuropathy 2.6 ± 0.4 years) were randomized to receive ISDN or placebo sprays for 4 weeks, exchanging their treatment for a further 4 weeks after a 2-week wash-out period. The patients administered the spray to both feet before bedtime. Biweekly pain and other sensory symptoms were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) and the Lickert scale, respectively. RESULTS —ISDN spray reduced overall neuropathic pain ( P = 0.02) and burning sensation ( P = 0.006). No treatment difference was observed with other sensory modalities (hot/cold sensation, tingling, numbness, hyperesthesia, and jabbing-like sensation). At study completion, 11 patients (50%) reported benefit and wished to continue using the ISDN spray, 4 (18%) preferred the placebo spray, and the remaining 7 (32%) were undecided. CONCLUSIONS —ISDN spray offers an alternative and effective pharmacological option in relieving overall pain and burning sensation in the management of painful diabetic neuropathy. The potential of ISDN spray in alleviating other specific sensory symptoms associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy merits further study.

Radio over fiber for mobile communications

Abstract: Radio over fiber is becoming an increasingly important technology for the in-building wireless market. The dynamic range requirements and optimum choice of laser are identified for this application. Furthermore, a novel architecture based on switched radio over fiber is proposed, which gives important benefits in terms of design, installation and operation of the systems used.