Expectations of obese trainees: How stigmatized trainee characteristics influence training effectiveness.

This study identifies stigma as a potential precursor to self-fulfilling prophecies in training interactions. Expectations held by leaders often result in actions that elicit expectancy-confirming behaviors from their subordinates. The results of the present study suggest that trainee weight (manipulated with a photograph depicting the trainee as either obese or average weight for height) influenced female trainer expectations and evaluations of the training and trainee. Furthermore, the results suggest that negative expectations held by trainers were related to trainee evaluations of the training and the trainer and, for less flexible trainers, to decrements in trainee performance on the trained task. Overall, the results suggest that trainer expectations can be influenced by stereotypes held about trainee characteristics, thus undermining training effectiveness. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Optical absorption and fluorescence studies in high pressure cesium-xenon mixtures

The pressure and temperature dependent absorption and fluorescence spectra of the cesium-xenon (CsXe) molecule have been examined. In contrast to previous investigations of the alkali-rare gas molecules, cesium atomic states that have weakly allowed optical transitions have been studied and have been shown to form excimer levels that are attractive for application as potential dissociation lasers. In particular, the (Cs[7^{2}S]Xe)* excimer appears promising as a source of high-energy laser radiation due to 1) its large dissociation energy (0.132 eV), 2) its stimulated emission cross section ofsimeq10^{-17}cm², and 3) its small population threshold inversion densities (simeq10^{13}cm^-3).     

Implicit leadership theory as a determinant of the factor structure underlying supervisory behavior scales.

Examined implicit leadership theory (preconceptions about the patterning of leadership variables) in 235 college students. Ss completed the Survey of Organizations questionnnaire on a fictitious "Plant X" about which they were given little information. Factor analysis, performed on the items purported to measure 4 leadership factors, resulted in the conceptualized factor structure. Since no information was given regarding supervisory behavior in Plant X, the factor structure was attributed to an implicit leadership theory. Factor analysis on subsamples indicated the factor structure could not be attributed to either experience in organizations or previous instruction in management. It is suggested that responses to questionnaires regarding organizational variables may be contaminated by implicit theory and that multitrait-multimethod procedures may be required to validate questionnaires. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

In Situ Production of Biofunctionalized Few‐Layer Defect‐Free Microsheets of Graphene

Biological interfacing of graphene has become crucial to improve its biocompatibility, dispersability, and selectivity. However, biofunctionalization of graphene without yielding defects in its sp²‐carbon lattice is a major challenge. Here, a process is set out for biofunctionalized defect‐free graphene synthesis through the liquid phase ultrasonic exfoliation of raw graphitic material assisted by the self‐assembling fungal hydrophobin Vmh2. This protein (extracted from the edible fungus Pleurotus ostreatus) is endowed with peculiar physicochemical properties, exceptional stability, and versatility. The unique properties of Vmh2 and, above all, its superior hydrophobicity, and stability allow to obtain a highly concentrated (≈440–510 μg mL^?1) and stable exfoliated material (ζ‐potential, +40/+70 mV). In addition controlled centrifugation enables the selection of biofunctionalized few‐layer defect‐free micrographene flakes, as assessed by Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and electrophoretic mobility. This biofunctionalized product represents a high value added material for the emerging applications of graphene in the biotechnological field such as sensing, nanomedicine, and bioelectronics technologies.     

Microdischarge arrays: a new family of photonic devices

The optical and electrical characteristics of microdischarge devices and arrays fabricated in semiconductors and metal/polymer structures are described. Devices as small as (10 μm)² in emitting area (nanoliters in volume) and arrays as large as 30 × 30 have been demonstrated and operated at gas pressures up to and exceeding one atmosphere. This new generation of microoptical sources is capable of producing photons from the infrared to the vacuum ultraviolet and beyond and is well suited for integration with microoptoelectronic, fluidic, and mechanical systems