project TET 6644 " Machining technologies for nanochannels and interfacing ". Front cover: Signal from a single quantum dot moving inside 1D nanochannels. Back cover: Fluorescent signal inside 2D nanochannels. I would like to dedicate this thesis to my wonderful mother for my upbringing and her support all the time, to my kind father for his pleasure of my achievements, to my sweetheart, Duy Ha...

When banks and firms are connected through interpersonal linkages – such as their respective management having attended college or previously worked together – interest rates are markedly reduced, comparable with single shifts in credit ratings. These rate concessions do not appear to reflect sweetheart deals. Subsequent firm performance, such as future credit ratings or stock returns, improves...

INTRODUCTION: The annual volume of sweet cherries shipped from the Pacific Northwest has risen dramatically to over 80,000 tons over the last five years. There has also been a major expansion in varieties. While Bing, the traditional variety, remains dominant, new varieties have been planted to lengthen the harvest season. The top varieties in terms of volume shipped are: Bing, Lapins, Sweethea...

The public policy of the United States is broadly in favor of competition. Our antitrust laws are premised on the idea that in the absence of such legislation private interests would seek to create monopolies, fix prices, restrain trade, and stifle competition. Moreover, the federal government, as well as the states and municipalities, has laws mandating competitive bidding on government contra...