Composition and microstructure of silicon carbide whiskers

The bulk and surface chemistries of four sets of commercially available SiC whiskers made by three manufacturers were determined. The oxygen content varied significantly, ranging in the bulk from 1.9 to 0.6 at.% and on the surface from 35 to 15 at.%. Surface analysis as obtained by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy also indicated that the oxygen species differed significantly with whisker supplier; each of three of the whisker sets contained a surface species that is very similar to that found in a Si-O-C glass, while one whisker surface appeared to have a silica-rich surface. Surface carbon concentrations varied significantly, while silicon concentrations did not. Scanning transmission electron micrographs indicate significant morphological variations (i.e., twinning, branching, kinks, surface roughness, etc.) occur in all of the whisker types.     

Perceptions of time and punctuality in the United States and Brazil.

Conducted 3 cross-national experiments to investigate the hypothesis that differences between Americans (A's) and Brazilians (B's) in punctuality may be explained by divergent standard errors in their perception of time. Results of Exp I show that public clocks were less accurate in Brazil (B) than in the US. Results of Exp II with 205 A's and 202 B's show that watches were less accurate in B, watchless B's were less accurate than watchless A's in estimating the time of day, and B's were less exact than A's in reporting the time on their watches. Exp III, a questionnaire study of 107 A's and 91 B's, found that B's were more often late for appointments and social gatherings, were more flexible in their definitions of "early" and "late," and expressed less regret over being late than A's. However, A's had more negative overall impressions of a person who is frequently late and rated punctuality as a more important trait in a businessperson and friend than did B's. Thus, standards of timeliness may be broader and less salient for B's than for A's. (13 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The application of thermogravimetric analysis to an electrophoretically deposited polymer coating

An electrophoretically deposited poly(vinylidene chloride)–poly(vinyl chloride) and epoxy ester coating has been shown to provide adequate protection for Be-Cu from hostile environments. The data presented show that thermogravimetric analysis can be readily applied for drying analysis and quality control of the polymer ratio.     

Agreement with Ethical Standards.

The Department of Psychology, University of Alabama wishes to notify their colleagues that, despite the considerable turmoil (over court-ordered desegregation) on their campus, the undersigned members of the Department continue in total agreement with the Ethical Standards of Psychologists, particularly with reference to Principle 1.13-1, as adopted by the APA in 1952. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The Southeast Collaboratory for Structural Genomics: a high-throughput gene to structure factory

The Southeast Collaboratory for Structural Genomics consists of four working groups. The protein production group supplies/develops high-output production of Pyrococcus furiosus, Caenorhabditis elegans, and selected human proteins. The X-ray crystallography group conducts high-throughput structure production in parallel with production-related research/development in nanocrystallization robotics, capillary crystallization cassette, synchrotron/home X-ray instrumentation, sample mounting robotics, data processing and pipelined structure analysis, combined refinement/validation protocols, and direct use of unlabeled native crystals (Direct Crystallography). The NMR group emphasizes/develops sample screening and backbone structure determination from residual dipolar coupling data. The bioinformatics group implements/develops local database interfaces, pipelined sequence/structure information search/updates, and database/bioinformatics toolkits.     

Column fractionation of polymers. VII. Computer program for determination of molecular weight distributions from gel permeation chromatography

Gel permeation chromatography produces a type of differential molecular weight distribution directly and rapidly. Conversion of these data to conventional molecular weight distributions and plots of distributions is time-consuming. A computer program is described to perform these operations readily. Input data from the automated chromatograph, elution volume, and recorder deflection are converted to unit sensitivity and base line corrections applied. The curve is then numerically integrated and a calibration curve used to convert elution volumes into molecular weights. Various calibration curves can readily be introduced into the program. The output, in addition to tabulation of cumulative and differential molecular weight distributions, contains values of M?_n, M?_v, M?_w, M?_z, and M?_z+1. Importantly, a reduced absolute area, i. e., area computed for unit sensitivity on a unit concentration basis, is tabulated. An additional time-saving eature is the printing out of differential and cumulative molecular weight distribution curves and of a differential histogram.     

Carbonization and liquid-crystal (mesophase) development. 18. carbonization of coal-extract solutions (non-hydrogenated): influence of digestion conditions upon optical texture of cokes

Coal-extract solutions have been produced by the dissolution of a prime coking coal in anthracene oil followed by the removal of the undissolved solids. A range of coal-extract solutions prepared under different conditions was carbonized and the optical texture of the polished surfaces of the resultant cokes were assessed. The coal-extract solution prepared with the longest digestion time and at the highest temperature produced a coke with the largest anisotropic domains with some flow structure. Removal of the anthracene oil component of the coal-extract solution by extraction with selected solvents modified the carbonization behaviour such that although the coke yield increased substantially there was a significant decrease in the size of the anisotropic domains of the resultant cokes.     

Modelling Count Data Time Series with Markov Processes Based on Binomial Thinning

Abstract. We obtain new models and results for count data time series based on binomial thinning. Count data time series may have non‐stationarity from trends or covariates, so we propose an extension of stationary time series based on binomial thinning such that the univariate marginal distributions are always in the same parametric family, such as negative binomial. We propose a recursive algorithm to calculate the probability mass functions for the innovation random variable associated with binomial thinning. This simplifies numerical calculations and estimation for the classes of time series models that we consider. An application with real data is used to illustrate the models.     

Optical and scanning electron microscope study of brown coals

Mid-European brown coals, especially topographical features, structure as revealed in polished surfaces, and the elemental composition of inorganic constituents, have been examined. It is suggested that the SEM and EDAX methods should be useful in future studies of their petrographic classification and in cataloguing petrological components.     

Assessing a cross-border logistics policy using a performance measurement system framework: the case of Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta region

For the most rapidly growing economic entity in the world, China, a new logistics operation called the indirect cross-border supply chain model has recently emerged. The primary idea of this model is to reduce logistics costs by storing goods at a bonded warehouse with low storage cost in certain Chinese regions, such as the Pearl River Delta (PRD). This research proposes a performance measurement system (PMS) framework to assess the direct and indirect cross-border supply chain models. The PMS covers four categories including cost, time, quality and flexibility in the assessment of the performance of direct and indirect models. Furthermore, a survey was conducted to investigate the logistics performance of third party logistics (3PLs) at the PRD regions, including Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong. The significance of the proposed PMS framework allows 3PLs accurately pinpoint the weakness and strengths of it current operations policy at four major performance measurement categories. Hence, this helps 3PLs further enhance the competitiveness and operations efficiency through better resources allocation at the area of warehousing and transportation.