Financial services used by small businesses: evidence from the 1998 survey of small business finances

Using newly available data from the 1998 Survey of Small Business Finances, this article offers preliminary findings regarding the characteristics of small businesses in the United States and their use of credit and other financial services. The main goals of the survey are to provide information on credit accessibility for small businesses, their use of financial services, and the sources of those services. The survey also provides a general-purpose database that can be used to study small business financing. Preliminary findings suggest that although the financial landscape has changed markedly since the previous survey in 1993, financing patterns and the use of particular suppliers have not.Small business ; Financial services industry

'Making it count': incentives, student effort and performance

This paper examines how incentives to participate in online assessments (quizzes) affect students’ effort and performance. Our identification strategy exploits within-student weekly variation in incentives to attempt online quizzes. We find tournament incentives and participation incentives to be ineffective in increasing quiz participation. In contrast, making the quiz counts towards the final grade substantially increases participation. We find no evidence of displacement of effort between weeks. Using a natural experiment which provides variation in assessment weighting of the quizzes between two cohorts, we find that affected students obtain better exam grades. We estimate the return to 10% assessment weighting to be around 0.27 of a standard deviation in the in-term exam grade. We find no evidence that assessment weighting has unintended consequences, i.e., that increased quiz effort: displaces effort over the year; reduces other forms of effort; or reduces (effort and thus) performance in other courses. Finally, assessment weighting induced effort increases most for students at and below median ability, resulting in a reduction of the grade gap by 17%

The spectrum and clinical impact of epigenetic modifier mutations in myeloma

Epigenetic dysregulation is known to be an important contributor to myeloma pathogenesis but, unlike in other B cell malignancies, the full spectrum of somatic mutations in epigenetic modifiers has not been previously reported. We sought to address this using results from whole-exome sequencing in the context of a large prospective clinical trial of newly diagnosed patients and targeted sequencing in a cohort of previously treated patients for comparison.Whole-exome sequencing analysis of 463 presenting myeloma cases entered in the UK NCRI Myeloma XI study and targeted sequencing analysis of 156 previously treated cases from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. We correlated the presence of mutations with clinical outcome from diagnosis and compared the mutations found at diagnosis with later stages of disease.In diagnostic myeloma patient samples we identify significant mutations in genes encoding the histone 1 linker protein, previously identified in other B-cell malignancies. Our data suggest an adverse prognostic impact from the presence of lesions in genes encoding DNA methylation modifiers and the histone demethylase KDM6A/UTX. The frequency of mutations in epigenetic modifiers appears to increase following treatment most notably in genes encoding histone methyltransferases and DNA methylation modifiers.Numerous mutations identified raise the possibility of targeted treatment strategies for patients either at diagnosis or relapse supporting the use of sequencing-based diagnostics in myeloma to help guide therapy as more epigenetic targeted agents become available

Interaction of galectin-3 with MUC1 on cell surface promotes EGFR dimerization and activation in human epithelial cancer cells

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an important regulator of epithelial cell growth and survival in normal and cancerous tissues and is a principal therapeutic target for cancer treatment. EGFR is associated in epithelial cells with the heavily glycosylated transmembrane mucin protein MUC1, a natural ligand of galectin-3 that is overexpressed in cancer. This study reveals that the expression of cell surface MUC1 is a critical enhancer of EGF-induced EGFR activation in human breast and colon cancer cells. Both the MUC1 extracellular and intracellular domains are involved in EGFR activation but the predominant influence comes from its extracellular domain. Binding of galectin-3 to the MUC1 extracellular domain induces MUC1 cell surface polarization and increases MUC1–EGFR association. This leads to a rapid increase of EGFR homo-/hetero-dimerization and subsequently increased, and also prolonged, EGFR activation and signalling. This effect requires both the galectin-3 C-terminal carbohydrate recognition domain and its N-terminal ligand multi-merization domain. Thus, interaction of galectin-3 with MUC1 on cell surface promotes EGFR dimerization and activation in epithelial cancer cells. As MUC1 and galectin-3 are both commonly overexpressed in most types of epithelial cancers, their interaction and impact on EGFR activation likely makes important contribution to EGFR-associated tumorigenesis and cancer progression and may also influence the effectiveness of EGFR-targeted cancer therapy

Early participation in a prenatal food supplementation program ameliorates the negative association of food insecurity with quality of maternal-infant interaction.

Food insecurity is detrimental to child development, yet little is known about the combined influence of food insecurity and nutritional interventions on child development in low-income countries. We proposed that women assigned to an early invitation time to start a prenatal food supplementation program could reduce the negative influence of food insecurity on maternal-infant interaction. A cohort of 180 mother-infant dyads were studied (born between May and October 2003) from among 3267 in the randomized controlled trial Maternal Infant Nutritional Interventions Matlab, which was conducted in Matlab, Bangladesh. At 8 wk gestation, women were randomly assigned an invitation time to start receiving food supplements (2.5 MJ/d; 6 d/wk) either early (~9 wk gestation; early-invitation group) or at the usual start time (~20 wk gestation; usual-invitation group) for the government program. Maternal-infant interaction was observed in homes with the use of the Nursing Child Assessment Satellite Training Feeding Scale, and food-insecurity status was obtained from questionnaires completed when infants were 3.4-4.0 mo old. By using a general linear model for maternal-infant interaction, we found a significant interaction (P = 0.012) between invitation time to start a prenatal food supplementation program and food insecurity. Those in the usual-invitation group with higher food insecurity scores (i.e., more food insecure) had a lower quality of maternal-infant interaction, but this relationship was ameliorated among those in the early-invitation group. Food insecurity limits the ability of mothers and infants to interact well, but an early invitation time to start a prenatal food supplementation program can support mother-infant interaction among those who are food insecure

Multifaceted roles of GSK-3 and Wnt/β-catenin in hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis: opportunities for therapeutic intervention

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is well documented to participate in a complex array of critical cellular processes. It was initially identified in rat skeletal muscle as a serine/threonine kinase that phosphorylated and inactivated glycogen synthase. This versatile protein is involved in numerous signaling pathways that influence metabolism, embryogenesis, differentiation, migration, cell cycle progression and survival. Recently, GSK-3 has been implicated in leukemia stem cell pathophysiology and may be an appropriate target for its eradication. In this review, we will discuss the roles that GSK-3 plays in hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis as how this pivotal kinase can interact with multiple signaling pathways such as: Wnt/β-catenin, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Ras/Raf/MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), Notch and others. Moreover, we will discuss how targeting GSK-3 and these other pathways can improve leukemia therapy and may overcome therapeutic resistance. In summary, GSK-3 is a crucial regulatory kinase interacting with multiple pathways to control various physiological processes, as well as leukemia stem cells, leukemia progression and therapeutic resistance. GSK-3 and Wnt are clearly intriguing therapeutic targets

The Role of Race and Birth Place in Welfare Usage among Comparable Women: Evidence from the U.S.

There is evidence that women are more likely to live in poverty than men. Given the fact that the poor are more likely to use welfare, it becomes useful to consider welfare usage among women. A-priori welfare programs are set up in such a way that welfare usage should be based primarily on economic needs and health concerns. However, it is possible that an individual's experiences could affect their perception and preferences for using government assistance. In this scenario, differences in welfare usage will exist for individuals with similar characteristics but different experiences. We explore this possibility among women and investigate if race/ethnicity and birthplace still have a role to play in the decision to use welfare even after controlling for income, health and other demographic factors like employment. We find that race does not matter for welfare usage among comparable women. In addition, we do not find any significant differences in welfare usage among women based on birthplace - suggesting that comparable naturalized and native born women share similar preference for welfare. The only exception is women born in US territories. Our results suggest that among comparable women, women born in U.S territories seem to be more inclined to welfare usage in comparison to US born White women

Асортиментний аналіз лікарських препаратів з хлоргексидином та дані закупівель державних і комунальних організацій

Chlorhexidine is an effective cationic antiseptic and disinfectant that has been used in medical practice for decades. It is generally recommended to use different concentrations of aqueous or alcoholic solutions of chlorhexidine for different therapeutic purposes. Objective. To determine the proportions of different chlorhexidine concentrations in medicines purchased by state and municipal organizations and to identify possible issue of chlorhexidine formulations utilization in the suboptimal or insufficient concentrations. Results. The vast majority of the chlorhexidine-containing medicines found in the State Register of Medicines of Ukraine are 0.05% solutions for external use, 0.05% gels for dental and urological use and vaginal suppositories (pessaries) with 16 mg of chlorhexidine in one dose. While the most common representatives of chlorhexidine-containing medicines abroad are solutions with a concentration of 4% and 2%, as well as mouthwashes with a concentration of 0.12%. The highest share - 96% - among the procurements of chlorhexidine-containing medicines by state and municipal organizations is 0.05% aqueous solution for external use. Instructions for medical use of 0.05% aqueous chlorhexidine solution for external use contain indications that are not supported by international documents: WHO Model List of Essential Medicines and British National Formulary. Conclusions. The obtained results suggest probable cases of irrational use of chlorhexidine medicines in medical practice in Ukraine. The consequences of such cases are not limited to the failure to achieve therapeutic goals or to the development of nosocomial infection, but includes also the selection of chlorhexidine-resistant strains of microorganisms. Key words: chlorhexidine; assortment analysis; medicinal procurements study; suboptimal concentration; rational pharmacotherapyХлоргексидин является эффективным катионным антисептиком и дезинфектантом, который десятилетиями используется в медицинской практике. При этом для различных терапевтических целей рекомендуется применение различных по силе концентраций водных или спиртовых растворов хлоргексидина. Цель исследования. Определение соотношения между различными концентрациями хлоргексидина в препаратах, которые закупаются государственными и коммунальными организациями, а также идентификация возможной актуальной проблемы, связанной с применением препаратов хлоргексидина для целей, при которых концентрация активного фармацевтического ингредиента является неоптимальной или недостаточной. Результаты. В Государственном реестре лекарственных средств Украины подавляющее большинство ассортимента лекарственных средств на основе хлоргексидина составляют 0,05% растворы для наружного применения, 0,05% гели для стоматологического и урологического применения, вагинальные суппозитории (пессарии) с 16 мг хлоргексидина в одной дозе. Тогда как наиболее распространенными представителями лекарственных препаратов с хлоргексидином за рубежом являются растворы концетрации 4% и 2%, а также жидкости для полоскания полости рта концетрации 0,12%. Самую высокую долю - 96% - среди заказов лекарственных препаратов хлоргексидина государственными и коммунальными учреждениями занимает 0,05% водный раствор для наружного применения. Инструкции к применению лекарственных препаратов 0,05% водного раствора для наружного применения содержат показания, которые не поддерживаются международными документами: Модельным перечнем основных лекарственных средств ВОЗ и Британским национальным формуляром. Выводы. Полученные результаты позволяют предположить возможные случаи нерационального применения препаратов хлоргексидина в отечественной медицинской практике. Следствием таких случаев может быть не только недостижение терапевтических целей и развитие внутрибольничной инфекции, но и селекция резистентых к действию хлоргексидина штаммов микроорганизмов. Ключевые слова: хлоргексидин; ассортиментный анализ; исследования закупок лекарственных средств; субоптимальная концентрация; рациональная фармакотерапияХлоргексидин є ефективним катіонним антисептиком та дезінфектантом, що десятиліттями використовується у медичній практиці. При цьому для різних терапевтичних цілей рекомендується застосування різних за силою концентрацій водних чи спиртових розчинів хлоргексидину. Мета дослідження. Визначення співвідношення між різними концентраціями хлоргексидину у препаратах, які закуповуються державними і комунальними організаціями, та ідентифікація можливої актуальної проблеми, пов’язаної із застосуванням препаратів хлоргексидину для цілей, при яких концентрація активного фармацевтичного інгредієнта є неоптимальною чи недостатньою. Результати. У Державному реєстрі лікарських засобів України переважну більшість асортименту лікарських засобів на основі хлоргексидину становлять 0,05% розчини для зовнішнього застосування, 0,05% гелі для стоматологічного та урологічного застосування та вагінальні супозиторії (песарії) із 16 мг хлоргексидину в одній дозі. Тоді як найбільш поширеними представниками лікарських препаратів з хлоргексидином за кордоном є розчини з концетрацією 4% та 2%, а також рідини для полоскання ротової порожнини з концетрацією 0,12%. Найвищу частку – 96%, – серед замовлень лікарських препаратів хлоргексидину державними та комунальними закладами займає 0,05% водний розчин для зовнішнього застосування. Інструкції до медичного застосування лікарських препаратів 0,05% водного розчину для зовнішнього застосування містять показання, які не підтримуються міжнародними документами: Модельним переліком основних лікарських засобів ВООЗ та Британським національним формуляром. Висновки. Отримані результати дозволяють припустити імовірні випадки нераціонального застосування препаратів хлоргексидину у вітчизняній медичній практиці. Наслідком таких випадків може бути не тільки недосягнення терапевтичних цілей та розвиток внутрішньолікарняної інфекції, а й виведення резистентих до дії хлоргексидину штамів мікроорганізмів. Ключові слова: хлоргексидин; асортиментний аналіз; дослідження закупівель лікарських засобів; субоптимальна концентрація; раціональна фармакотерапі

A Nutritional Survey of Commercially Available Grass-Finished Beef

Consumer interest in the source of their food, its environmental footprint, and the impact of diet on health has supported the growth of the grass-finished beef (GFB) industry. Studies have concluded that GFB has distinct nutritional differences from conventionally-finished beef. As the GFB industry continues to expand, it is vital to continue to explore the nutritional complexities and variation in the product. To achieve this, a survey of grass-finishing production systems throughout the USA was conducted, and beef finished on the participating farms was analyzed for its nutritional composition, including fatty acid (FA), mineral and fat-soluble vitamin contents. Samples were analyzed from 12 producers and annual production capacity of farms ranged from 25 to 5,000 cattle, with a mean age of cattle at harvest of 26.8 ± 2.30 mo. An array of finishing diets included grazing exclusively in perennial pasture, incorporating annual forage crops, and feeding a variety of harvested forages with supplementation of non-starch feed byproducts. Beef muscle tissue FA content was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The mean ratio of omega-6 (n-6) to omega-3 (n-3) FA in samples varied significantly by producer, ranging from 1.80 to 28.3 (P < 0.0001), with an overall sample set median of 4.10. A selection of minerals including iron, magnesium, and potassium were analyzed by ICP emission spectroscopy and mineral content significantly differed by producer for all minerals (P < 0.001). Mean α-tocopherol and β-carotene content was 610.6 µg/100 g beef and 32.2 µg/100 g, respectively. The amount of these antioxidants also varied between producers (P < 0.0001), but tended to be greater in beef finished solely on fresh forages. This survey indicates that commercially available GFB can vary in nutritional composition due to the diverse practices used to grass-finish cattle

The Impacts of Reduced Access to Abortion and Family Planning Services: Evidence from Texas

Between 2011 and 2014, Texas enacted three pieces of legislation that significantly reduced funding for family planning services and increased restrictions on abortion clinic operations. Together this legislation creates cross-county variation in access to abortion and family planning services, which we leverage to understand the impact of family planning and abortion clinic access on abortions, births, and contraceptive purchases. In-state abortions fell 20% and births rose 3% in counties that no longer had an abortion provider within 50 miles. Births increased 1% and contraceptive purchases rose 8% in counties without a publicly-funded family planning clinic within 25 miles