MI 745 Seminar in Missiology

Engaging Unbelief: A Captivating Strategy from Augustine and Aquinas Downers Grove, Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 2000 We will read this book in four installments during the month of October.https://place.asburyseminary.edu/syllabi/3037/thumbnail.jp

Customer Concentration and Cost Structure

This study examines the effects of customer concentration levels on firm cost structure decisions. Analyzing cost data from a sample of manufacturing firms from 1976 through 2013, we find a negative relationship between customer concentration and cost elasticity whereby firms exhibit lower proportions of variable-to-fixed costs in the presence of higher levels of customer concentration. Additionally, we find that greater customer bargaining power, proxied by supplier industry competition and product market fluidity, leads to lower cost elasticity as customer concentration becomes greater. These results are robust to alternate specifications as well as controlling for endogeneity using a two-stage model. Our results suggest that suppliers respond to customer concentration by pursuing increased mutual dependence and cooperation with customers rather than attempting to reduce the effect of power imbalances within the supplier-customer relationship

Mapping Nearby Terrain in 3D by Use of a Grid of Laser Spots

A proposed optoelectronic system, to be mounted aboard an exploratory robotic vehicle, would be used to generate a three-dimensional (3D) map of nearby terrain and obstacles for purposes of navigating the vehicle across the terrain and avoiding the obstacles. The difference between this system and the other systems would lie in the details of implementation. In this system, the illumination would be provided by a laser. The beam from the laser would pass through a two-dimensional diffraction grating, which would divide the beam into multiple beams propagating in different, fixed, known directions. These beams would form a grid of bright spots on the nearby terrain and obstacles. The centroid of each bright spot in the image would be computed. For each such spot, the combination of (1) the centroid, (2) the known direction of the light beam that produced the spot, and (3) the known baseline would constitute sufficient information for calculating the 3D position of the spot

An {\it ab initio} relativistic coupled-cluster theory of dipole and quadrupole polarizabilities: Applications to a few alkali atoms and alkaline earth ions

We present a general approach within the relativistic coupled-cluster theory framework to calculate exactly the first order wave functions due to any rank perturbation operators. Using this method, we calculate the static dipole and quadrupole polarizabilities in some alkali atoms and alkaline earth-metal ions. This may be a good test of the present theory for different rank and parity interaction operators. This shows a wide range of applications including precise calculations of both parity and CP violating amplitudes due to rank zero and rank one weak interaction Hamiltonians. We also give contributions from correlation effects and discuss them in terms of lower order many-body perturbation theory.Comment: Three tables and one figur

Electoral reform in Asia: institutional engineering against "money politics"

This paper argues that the concept of intraparty competition – as opposed to interparty competition – provides the most useful lens through which to understand recent cases of electoral reform in East Asia. Various democracies in the region have over the past two decades replaced ‘extreme’ systems on the intraparty dimension with more moderate types. Pressure for reform built up as these systems were increasingly blamed for a number of social ills, such as "money politics" and economic mismanagement. The paper will conclude by arguing that the effect of electoral reform has been rather limited. In particular, particularistic strategies of voter mobilization – such as clientelism and vote buying – remain an important electoral tool for many politicians

Denaturation and unfolding of human anaphylatoxin C3a: an unusually low covalent stability of its native disulfide bonds.

The complement C3a anaphylatoxin is a major molecular mediator of innate immunity. It is a potent activator of mast cells, basophils and eosinophils and causes smooth muscle contraction. Structurally, C3a is a relatively small protein (77 amino acids) comprising a N-terminal domain connected by 3 native disulfide bonds and a helical C-terminal segment. The structural stability of C3a has been investigated here using three different methods: Disulfide scrambling; Differential CD spectroscopy; and Reductive unfolding. Two uncommon features regarding the stability of C3a and the structure of denatured C3a have been observed in this study. (a) There is an unusual disconnection between the conformational stability of C3a and the covalent stability of its three native disulfide bonds that is not seen with other disulfide proteins. As measured by both methods of disulfide scrambling and differential CD spectroscopy, the native C3a exhibits a global conformational stability that is comparable to numerous proteins with similar size and disulfide content, all with mid-point denaturation of [GdmCl](1/2) at 3.4-5M. These proteins include hirudin, tick anticoagulant protein and leech carboxypeptidase inhibitor. However, the native disulfide bonds of C3a is 150-1000 fold less stable than those proteins as evaluated by the method of reductive unfolding. The 3 native disulfide bonds of C3a can be collectively and quantitatively reduced with as low as 1mM of dithiothreitol within 5 min. The fragility of the native disulfide bonds of C3a has not yet been observed with other native disulfide proteins. (b) Using the method of disulfide scrambling, denatured C3a was shown to consist of diverse isomers adopting varied extent of unfolding. Among them, the most extensively unfolded isomer of denatured C3a is found to assume beads-form disulfide pattern, comprising Cys(36)-Cys(49) and two disulfide bonds formed by two pair of consecutive cysteines, Cys(22)-Cys(23) and Cys(56)-Cys(57), a unique disulfide structure of polypeptide that has not been documented previously

Toward closure of upwelling radiance in coastal waters

We present three methods for deriving water-leaving radiance Lw(λ) and remote-sensing reflectance using a hyperspectral tethered spectral radiometer buoy (HyperTSRB), profiled spectroradiometers, and Hydrolight simulations. Average agreement for 53 comparisons between HyperTSRB and spectroradiometric determinations of Lw(λ) was 26%, 13%, and 17% at blue, green, and red wavelengths, respectively. Comparisons of HyperTSRB (and spectroradiometric) Lw(λ) with Hydrolight simulations yielded percent differences of 17% (18%), 17% (18%), and 13% (20%) for blue, green, and red wavelengths, respectively. The differences can be accounted for by uncertainties in model assumptions and model input data (chlorophyll fluorescence quantum efficiency and the spectral chlorophyll-specific absorption coefficient for the red wavelengths, and scattering corrections for input ac-9 absorption data and volume scattering function measurements for blue wavelengths) as well as radiance measurement inaccuracies [largely differences in the depth of the Lu(λ, z) sensor on the HyperTSRB]. © 2003 Optical Society of America

Enhancing Oxygen Uptake Efficiency Through Nasal Breathing in Aerobic Exercise

An individual’s ability to use oxygen to sustain aerobic performance, as denoted by the oxygen uptake efficiency (OUE), is calculated by dividing oxygen uptake (VO2) by ventilation (VE). Whether nasal breathing (NB) during exercise would improve OUE more significantly compared to combined breathing (CB) remains uncertain. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of utilizing NB during exercise on OUE. METHODS: Fourteen males (age: 20.57 ± 1.22 yrs; BMI: 26.03 ± 3.16 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to the NB (n = 8) or CB (n = 6) group for a 4-week supervised aerobic exercise intervention conducted four times per week for 30 minutes at moderate intensity (70% maximal heart rate). VO2max tests were performed during the pre- (week 0) and post-study (week 4) periods on a recumbent bike to determine the change in OUE, VO2, and VE at varying intensities (40%, 55%, 70%, 85%, and 100% of VO2max). The OUE was calculated as VO2 (L) ÷ VE (L). A one-way ANCOVA, controlling for OUE, VO2, and VE at pre-study, was utilized to examine if NB elicited cardiorespiratory adaptations that were superior to the CB training at post-study. A paired-sample t-test examined changes in OUE, VO2, and VE throughout the GXT from week 0 to week 4. Data are presented as mean ± standard error. RESULTS: The NB group demonstrated significantly greater [F(1,11) = 7.213, p = 0.021] OUE (0.048 ± 0.002) at 85% of VO2max than the CB (0.037 ± 0.003) group. Similarly, the NB group had a significantly greater (p = 0.014) OUE (0.025 ± 0.001) at 100% of VO2max than the CB (0.021 ± 0.001) group. Only the NB group experienced significant improvements after exercise training in VO2 at 40% ( p = 0.003, 12.02 ± 0.50 to 13.72 ± 0.59 mL·kg·min-1], 55% (p = 0.006, 16.68 ± 0.71 to 18.87 ± 0.81 mL·kg·min-1), 70% (p = 0.005, 21.16 ± 0.93 to 24.00 ± 1.01 mL·kg·min-1), 85% (p = 0.004, 25.81 ± 1.11 to 29.03 ± 1.23 mL·kg·min-1), and 100% VO2max (p = 0.005, 30.31 ± 1.30 to 34.18 ± 1.48 mL·kg·min-1). While not statistically significant, the NB group displayed a trend of reduced VE compared to the CB group. CONCLUSION: The integration of NB during aerobic exercise enhanced the OUE, particularly at higher intensities, compared to CB. This adaptation is noteworthy, as the NB group achieved a comparable range of VO2 as the CB group while maintaining a lower VE after just 1-month of training. This denotes that NB could promote enhanced oxygen movement. Future studies are warranted to investigate additional health adaptations resulting from such training benefits

Interannual variability of the tropical Atlantic independent of and associated with ENSO: Part I. The North Tropical Atlantic

The interannual variability of the tropical Atlantic ocean-atmosphere system is examined using 50 years of sea-surface temperature (SST) and re-analysis data, and satellite data when available. A singular value decomposition analysis of 12- to 72-month bandpass filtered SST and zonal wind stress reveals two dominant modes of interannual variability. The SST anomalies are confined to the North Tropical Atlantic (NTA) in the first mode and extend over the equatorial and South Tropical Atlantic in the second mode. No evidence is found for an Atlantic SST dipole. The structure of the first (NTA) mode is examined in detail here, while the second mode has been described in a companion paper. In particular, the relationship of the NTA mode with El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is investigated. There are 12 NTA events (seven warm and five cold) that are associated with ENSO, and 18 NTA events (seven warm and 11 cold) that are independent of ENSO. The ENSO-associated NTA events appear to be a passive response to remote ENSO forcing, mainly via a Pacific-North America (PNA)-like wave train that induces SST anomalies over the NTA through changes in the surface wind and latent heat flux. The NTA anomalies peak four months after ENSO. There does not appear to be an atmospheric response to the NTA SST anomalies as convection over the Atlantic is suppressed by the anomalous Walker circulation due to ENSO. The ENSO-independent NTA events also appear to be induced by an extratropical wave train from the Pacific sector (but one that is independent of Pacific SST), and forcing by the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) also contributes. As the event matures, the atmosphere does respond to the NTA SST anomalies, with enhanced convection over the Caribbean and a wave train that propagates northeastward to Europe

Authenticity of the Ratio of Inorganic Phosphate to Phosphocreatine as a Marker for Respiratory Stress During a Maximal Aerobic Exercise

Under the context of assessing the effects of mitochondrial stress on skeletal muscles, consideration for the ratio of inorganic phosphate to phosphocreatine (Pi:PCr) may be used as a surrogate marker. Furthermore, assessing the systemic Pi:PCr, under states of high metabolic and respiratory demands with reduced oxygen supply (VO2), such as strenuous exercise while only using nasal breathing (NB), might provide valuable information regarding respiratory strain to a given exercise bout. PURPOSE: To determine if the systemic assessment of the Pi:PCr ratio can serve as an indicator of respiratory stress. METHODS: Fourteen young males (age = 20.57 ± 1.22 yrs) completed a graded maximal exercise test (GXT) on a recumbent bike using either NB (n = 8) or combined (CB, n = 6) breathing. Plasma Pi and PCr were measured pre- and immediately post-GXT. Pi was analyzed using the malachite green colorimetric method, and PCr was quantified via sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The Pi:PCr was calculated by Pi ÷ PCr. A paired-sample t-test examined the Pi: PCr change following a GXT. A Pearson correlational analysis examined the relationship between the Pi:PCr and the respiratory performance during preset intensities (40%, 55%, 70%, 85%, and 100% VO2max). Data are presented as mean ± SD. RESULTS: The Pi:PCr ratio significantly decreased in the NB group (0.589 ± 0.313 to 0.530 ± 0.304, p = 0.034) mainly due to the elevated PCr (601.68 ± 318.88 mmol/L to 689.40 ± 410.60 mmol/L, p = 0.033). The Pi:PCR ratio was negatively correlated with VO2 only in the NB group throughout all preset intensities of the GXT. After controlling for the pre-GXT Pi:PCr as a covariate, the NB group showed a non-significant (p = 0.340) but higher mean concentration for post-exercise Pi:PCr compared to the CB group [NB: 0.451 ± 0.027 mmol/L versus CB: 0.407 ± 0.320 mmol/L. CONCLUSION: The results from the present study suggest that the assessment of the Pi:PCr ratio could serve as a valuable marker of physical strain pertaining to high respiratory demands. Moreover, the assignment of NB during exercise is becoming a novel method due to its postulated benefits towards respiratory function, which may induce a more significant cellular stress as denoted by an increase in the post-exercise Pi:PCr ratio