Showing papers by "Wichita State University published in 2009"

Entrepreneur Passion And Preparedness In Business Plan Presentations: A Persuasion Analysis Of Venture Capitalists' Funding Decisions

Abstract: We investigated the extent to which venture capitalists' (VCs') perceptions of “entrepreneurial passion” influence the VCs' investment decisions. We defined entrepreneurial passion as an entreprene...

Are animal models predictive for humans

Abstract: It is one of the central aims of the philosophy of science to elucidate the meanings of scientific terms and also to think critically about their application. The focus of this essay is the scientific term predict and whether there is credible evidence that animal models, especially in toxicology and pathophysiology, can be used to predict human outcomes. Whether animals can be used to predict human response to drugs and other chemicals is apparently a contentious issue. However, when one empirically analyzes animal models using scientific tools they fall far short of being able to predict human responses. This is not surprising considering what we have learned from fields such evolutionary and developmental biology, gene regulation and expression, epigenetics, complexity theory, and comparative genomics.

New solar composition: the problem with solar models revisited

Abstract: We construct updated solar models with different sets of solar abundances, including the most recent determinations by Asplund et al. The latter work predicts a larger (~10%) solar metallicity compared to previous measurements by the same authors but significantly lower (~25%) than the recommended value from a decade ago by Grevesse & Sauval. We compare the results of our models with determinations of the solar structure inferred through helioseismology measurements. The model that uses the most recent solar abundance determinations predicts the base of the solar convective envelope to be located at R CZ = 0.724 R ☉ and a surface helium mass fraction of Y surf = 0.231. These results are in conflict with helioseismology data (R CZ = 0.713 ± 0.001 R ☉ and Y surf = 0.2485 ± 0.0035) at 5σ and 11σ levels, respectively. Using the new solar abundances, we calculate the magnitude by which radiative opacities should be modified in order to restore agreement with helioseismology. We find that a maximum change of ~15% at the base of the convective zone is required with a smooth decrease toward the core, where the change needed is ~5%. The required change at the base of the convective envelope is about half the value estimated previously. We also present the solar neutrino fluxes predicted by the new models. The most important changes brought about by the new solar abundances are the increase by ~10% in the predicted 13N and 15O fluxes that arise mostly due to the increase in the C and N abundances in the newly determined solar composition.

Practical Intelligence and the Virtues

Abstract: 1. Practical Intelligence and the Virtues: An Aristotelian Approach PART 1. PHRONESIS, VIRTUE, AND RIGHT ACTION 2. Right Action for Virtue Ethics 3. Right Action and Virtuous Motives 4. Right Action and 'the Virtuous Person' PART 2. THE ENUMERATION PROBLEM 5. The Enumeration Problem 6. Individuating the Virtues 7. Magnificence, Generosity, and Subordination PART 3. SITUATIONS, DISPOSITIONS, AND VIRTUES 8. Situations and Broad-Based Dispositions 9. Situations and Dispositions: Examining the Evidence 10. From Situationism to Virtue Theory PART 4. DEFENDING HARD VIRTUE THEORY 11. Phronesis and the Unity of the Virtues 12. Responsibility for Character Works Cited Index Locorum General Index

Family Firms and Entrepreneurial Orientation in Publicly Traded Firms: A Comparative Analysis of the S&P 500

Abstract: There is considerable disagreement about whether family firm characteristics hinder or support entrepreneurial activities. This article highlights the existence of an entrepreneurial orientation in...

Photosynthetic Reaction Center Mimicry: Low Reorganization Energy Driven Charge Stabilization in Self-Assembled Cofacial Zinc Phthalocyanine Dimer−Fullerene Conjugate

Abstract: By employing well-defined self-assembly methods, a biomimetic bacterial photosynthetic reaction center complex has been constructed, and photoinduced electron transfer originating in this supramolecular donor−acceptor conjugate has been investigated. The biomimetic model of the bacterial “special pair” donor, a cofacial zinc phthalocyanine dimer, was formed via potassium ion induced dimerization of 4,5,4′,5′,4′′, 5′′,4′′′,5′′′-zinc tetrakis(1,4,7,10,13-pentaoxatridecamethylene)phthalocyanine. The dimer was subsequently self-assembled with functionalized fullerenes via “two-point” binding involving axial coordination and crown ether-alkyl ammonium cation complexation to form the donor−acceptor pair, mimicking the noncovalently bound entities of the bacterial photosynthetic reaction center. The adopted self-assembly methodology yielded a supramolecular complex of higher stability with defined geometry and orientation as revealed by the binding constant and computational optimized structure. Unlike the previ...

New asymptotic giant branch models for a range of metallicities

Abstract: We present a new grid of stellar model calculations for stars on the Asymptotic Giant Branch between 1.0 and 6.0 M� . Our grid consists of 10 chemical mixtures with 5 metallicities between Z = 0.0005 and Z = 0.04, and with both solar-like and α-element enhanced metal ratios for each metallicity. We treat consistently the carbon-enhancement of the stellar envelopes by using opacity tables with varying C/O-ratio and by employing theoretical mass loss rates for carbon stars. The low temperature opacities have been calculated specifically for this project. For oxygen stars we use an empirical mass loss formalism. The third dredge-up is naturally obtained by including convective overshooting. Our models reach effective temperatures in agreement with earlier synthetic models, which included approximative carbon-enriched molecular opacities and show good agreement with empirically determined carbonstar lifetimes. A fraction of the models could be followed into the post-AGB phase, for which we provide models in a mass range supplementing previous post-AGB calculations. Our grid constitutes the most extensive set of AGB-models, calculated with the latest physical input data and treating carbon-enhancement due to the third dredge-up most consistently.

Firm and industry effects on firm performance: A generalization and extension for new ventures

Abstract: Our study extends a long-running debate into the domain of entrepreneurship by examining firm and industry effects on the performance of new ventures. We examine to what extent firm and industry levels explain sales, sales growth, and survival among 7,256 young Swedish firms over a five-year period, and compare these findings to a sample of 12,692 established firms. We found that the industry level ‘matters’ little for the survival of either sample of firms, and industry membership matters less for the sales and sales growth of new ventures than for established firms. Post hoc analysis revealed that size affects new venture performance, and that new venture funding is related to both sales and survival. At a broad level, our findings shed new light on the roles of the liabilities of newness and smallness for the performance of new ventures. Copyright © 2009 Strategic Management Society.

A LARGE STELLAR EVOLUTION DATABASE FOR POPULATION SYNTHESIS STUDIES. V. STELLAR MODELS AND ISOCHRONES WITH CNONa ABUNDANCE ANTICORRELATIONS

Abstract: We present a new grid of stellar models and isochrones for old stellar populations, covering a large range of [Fe/H] values, for an heavy element mixture characterized by CNONa abundance anticorrelations as observed in Galactic globular cluster stars. The effect of this metal abundance pattern on the evolutionary properties of low-mass stars, from the main sequence to the horizontal branch phase, is analyzed. We perform comparisons between these new models, and our reference α-enhanced calculations, and discuss briefly implications for color-magnitude diagrams showing multiple main sequence or subgiant branches. A brief qualitative discussion of the effect of CN abundances on color-T eff transformations is also presented, highlighting the need to determine theoretical color transformations for the appropriate metal mixture, if one wants to interpret observations in the Stromgren system, or broadband filters blueward of the Johnson V band.

Supramolecular synthesis based on a combination of hydrogen- and halogen bonds.

Abstract: A family of supramolecular reagents containing two different binding sites, pyridine and amino-pyrimidine, were allowed to react with iodo- or bromo-substituted benzoic acids in order to assemble individual molecules into larger architectures with precise intermolecular interactions, using a combination of hydrogen- and halogen-bonds. The hydrogen-bond based amino-pyrimidine/carboxylic acid or amino-pyrimidinium/carboxylate synthons are responsible for the assembly of the primary structural motif in every case (7/7 times, 100% supramolecular yield), while I···N, Br···N, and I···O, halogen bonds play a structural supporting role by organizing these supermolecules into extended 1D and 2D architectures (5/7 times, 71% supramolecular yield). These results illustrate how two different noncovalent interactions can be employed side-by-side in the reliable construction of extended molecular solid-state networks with predictable connectivity and dimensionality.

School Culture and the Well-Being of Same-Sex-Attracted Youth

Abstract: This study assesses how variations in heteronormative culture in high schools affect the well-being of same-sex-attracted youth. The authors focus on the stigmatization of same-sex attraction (rather than identity or behavior) to better understand how heteronormativity may marginalize a wide range of youth. Specifically, the authors use data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health to examine how variation across schools in football participation, religious attendance, and urban locale affects same-sex-attracted adolescents' depressive symptoms, self-esteem, fighting, and academic failure. The results suggest that though same-sex-attracted youth are at greater risk for decreased well-being, these youth are at higher risk in nonurban schools and in schools where football and religion have a larger presence. Results vary for boys and girls: The urban locale of a school has a larger impact for boys, while school religiosity has a greater impact for girls.

Role of Domain-Specific Facets of Perceived Organizational Support During Expatriation and Implications for Performance

Abstract: In this study, we integrated social exchange theory with a spillover perspective to examine the relationships between two facets of perceived organizational support (POS) among expatriated managers (at Time 1), their work and general adjustment (at Time 2), affective commitment (at Time 2), and job performance (at Time 3). A longitudinal survey sampled 165 expatriate managers in China across three time periods. POS in the current assignment and in off-the-job life were found to interact with each other to predict work and general adjustment. Work and general adjustment were related to higher affective commitment by the expatriate employees, which, in turn, led to better job performance. The theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.

Lubricated revolute joints in rigid multibody systems

Abstract: The main purpose of this work is to present a general methodology for modeling lubricated revolute joints in constrained rigid multibody systems. In the dynamic analysis of journal-bearings, the hydrodynamic forces, which include both squeeze and wedge effects, generated by the lubricant fluid, oppose the journal motion. The hydrodynamic forces are obtained by integrating the pressure distribution evaluated with the aid of Reynolds’ equation, written for the dynamic regime. The hydrodynamic forces built up by the lubricant fluid are evaluated from the system state variables and included into the equations of motion of the multibody system. Numerical examples are presented in order to demonstrate the use of the methodologies and procedures described in this work.

The C+N+O abundances and the splitting of the subgiant branch in the globular cluster NGC 1851

Abstract: Among the newly discovered features of multiple stellar populations in globular clusters (GCs), the cluster NGC 1851 harbours a double subgiant branch (SGB), that can be explained in terms of two stellar generations, only slightly differing in age, the younger one having an increased total C+N+O abundance. Thanks to this difference in the chemistry, a fit can be made to the SGBes, roughly consistent with the C+N+O abundance variations already discovered two decades ago, and confirmed by recent spectroscopic data. We compute theoretical isochrones for the main sequence turnoff (TO), by adopting four chemical mixtures for the opacities and nuclear reaction rates. The standard mixture has Z = 10 -3 and [α/Fe] = 0.4, the others have C+N+O, respectively, equal to 2, 3 and 5 times the standard mixture, according to the element abundance distribution described in the text. We compare tracks and isochrones, and show how the results depend on the total CNO abundance. We note that different initial CNO abundances between two clusters, otherwise similar in metallicity and age, may lead to differences in the TO morphology that can be easily attributed to an age difference. We simulate the main sequence and SGB data for NGC 1851 and show that an increase of C+N+O by a factor of ~3 best reproduces the shift between the SGBes. According to spectroscopic data by Yong et al., the C+N+O abundance in this cluster appears correlated with the abundance of s-process elements, Na and Al, and this makes massive asymptotic giant branches (AGBs) the best progenitors of the C+N+O enriched population. We compare the main sequence width in the colour m F336w- m FS14W with models, and find that the maximum helium abundance compatible with the data is Y ≃ 0.29. We consider the result in the framework of the formation of the second stellar generation in GCs, for the bulk of which we estimate a helium abundance of Y ≲ 0.26. The precise value depends on which are the AGB masses from which the C+N+O enriched matter originates, and on the amount of dilution with the pristine gas.

Supramolecular solar cells: surface modification of nanocrytalline TiO(2) with coordinating ligands to immobilize sensitizers and dyads via metal-ligand coordination for enhanced photocurrent generation.

Abstract: An elegant method of self-assembly for modification of a TiO2 surface using coordinating ligands followed by immobilization of variety of sensitizers and a dyad is reported. This highly versatile method, in addition to testing the photoelectrochemical behavior of different zinc tetrapyrroles, allowed the use of fairly complex structures involving more than one donor entity. Utilization of the zinc porphyrin−ferrocene dyad markedly improved the current−voltage performance of the photoelectrochemical cell through an electron transfer−hole migration mechanism. Incident photon-to-current efficiency values up to 37% were obtained for the electrode modified with the dyad, signifying the importance of photocells built on the basis of biomimetic principles for efficient harvesting of solar energy.

Hip functions influence on knee dysfunction: a proximal link to a distal problem.

Abstract: The purpose of this commentary is to describe the multifactorial relationships between hip-joint strength, range of motion, kinetics/kinematics, and various knee pathologies, specifically as they relate across an individual's life span. Understanding the interdependence between the hip and knee joints in respect to functional activity is a necessary and relevant aspect for clinicians to investigate to ameliorate various pathological presentations at the knee that might have a proximal relationship.

Treating Inpatients With Comorbid Depression and Alcohol Use Disorders: A Comparison of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Versus Treatment as Usual

Abstract: Inpatients involuntarily committed to a chemical dependency unit and exhibiting a co-occurring depressive disorder received either individual sessions of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) or treatment as usual (TAU) within the context of an ongoing 12-step program. Results indicated significant, but equivalent, reductions in levels of depression for both treatment conditions. However, participants randomly assigned to receive ACT (n = 12) required a shorter treatment phase and smaller dose of individual therapy to meet criteria for discharge compared to their TAU counterparts (n = 12). As expected, an analysis of the therapeutic process suggested that a differential reduction in levels of experiential avoidance associated with ACT may have contributed to its apparent relatively greater therapeutic impact. Limitations of the study, as well as its possible implications for the treatment of comorbid depression and alcohol use disorders in particular, and of co-occurring presenting clinical problems in general, are discussed.

Involvement in Knowledge–Acquisition Activities by Venture Team Members and Venture Performance:

Abstract: This research uses concepts of organizational learning to analyze knowledge acquisition by management teams in emerging firms. Involvement in ongoing knowledge–acquisition activities is positively ...

Photosynthetic Antenna−Reaction Center Mimicry: Sequential Energy- and Electron Transfer in a Self-assembled Supramolecular Triad Composed of Boron Dipyrrin, Zinc Porphyrin and Fullerene

Abstract: A self-assembled supramolecular triad, a model to mimic the photochemical events of photosynthetic antenna−reaction center, viz., sequential energy and electron transfer, has been newly constructed and studied. Boron dipyrrin, zinc porphyrin, and fullerene respectively constitute the energy donor, electron donor, and electron acceptor segments of the antenna−reaction center mimicry. For the construction, first, boron dipyrrin was covalently attached to a zinc porphyrin entity bearing a benzo-18-crown-6 host segment at the opposite end of the porphyrin ring. Next, an alkyl ammonium functionalized fullerene was used to self-assemble the crown ether entity via ion−dipole interactions. The newly formed supramolecular triad was fully characterized by spectroscopic, computational, and electrochemical methods. Selective excitation of the boron dipyrrin moiety in the dyad resulted in energy transfer over 97% efficiency creating singlet excited zinc porphyrin. The rate of energy transfer from the decay measurement...

Hip functions influence on knee dysfunction: a proximal link to a distal problem

Abstract: The purpose of this commentary is to describe the multifactorial relationships between hip-joint strength, range of motion, kinetics/kinematics, and various knee pathologies, specifically as they relate across an individual's life span. Understanding the interdependence between the hip and knee joints in respect to functional activity is a necessary and relevant aspect for clinicians to investigate to ameliorate various pathological presentations at the knee that might have a proximal relationship.

Stellar population models and individual element abundances. ii. stellar spectra and integrated light models

Abstract: The first paper in this series explored the effects of altering the chemical mixture of the stellar population on an element-by-element basis on stellar evolutionary tracks and isochrones to the end of the red giant branch. This paper extends the discussion by incorporating the fully consistent synthetic stellar spectra with those isochrone models in predicting integrated colors, Lick indices, and synthetic spectra. Older populations display element ratio effects in their spectra at higher amplitude than younger populations. In addition, spectral effects in the photospheres of stars tend to dominate over effects from isochrone temperatures and lifetimes, but, further, the isochrone-based effects that are present tend to fall along the age-metallicity degeneracy vector, while the direct stellar spectral effects usually show considerable orthogonality.

Amplify-and-forward cooperative OFDM with multiple-relays: performance analysis and relay selection methods

Abstract: In this paper, we investigate a cooperative system with multiple relays and amplify-and-forward relaying over frequency-selective channels. To extract the available multipath diversity, we employ orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) with precoding. Through the derivation of pairwise error probability (PEP), we demonstrate that PEP is not a simple exponential function of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), but it includes a term that involves some power of logarithm of the SNR. If that term is ignored, the diversity order is given by the summation of the channel length in the direct link and the minimum of channel lengths in each relaying link confirmed by simulation results. Based on the PEP expression, we also propose two relay selection strategies; one is on a per-subcarrier basis and the other is on an all-subcarrier basis. Our simulation results indicate that both strategies result in performance improvements although the per-subcarrier method performs better.

The (Mythical?) Housing Wealth Effect

Abstract: Models used to guide policy, as well as some empirical studies, suggest that the effect of housing wealth on consumption is large and greater than the wealth effect on consumption from stock holdings. Recent theoretical work, in contrast, argues that changes in housing wealth are offset by changes in housing consumption, meaning that unexpected shocks in housing wealth should have little effect on non-housing consumption. We reexamine the impact of housing wealth on non-housing consumption, employing the Case-Quigley-Shiller data on U.S. housing wealth that have been used in prior studies to estimate a large housing wealth effect. Existing empirical work fails to control for the fact that changes in housing wealth may be correlated with changes in expected permanent income, biasing the resulting estimates. Once we control for the endogeneity bias resulting from the correlation between housing wealth and permanent income, we find that housing wealth has a small and insignificant effect on consumption. Additional analysis of time-series results provides further support for that view.