bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding structure of urban traffic network based on spatial-temporal correlation analysis
Authors: Yang Yanfang , Jia Limin , Qin Yong , Han Shixiu , Dong Honghui
Published: July 2017

Understanding the structural characteristics of urban traffic network comprehensively can provide references for improving road utilization rate and alleviating traffic congestion. This paper focuses on the spatial-temporal correlations between different pairs of traffic series and proposes a complex network-based method of constructing the urban traffic network. In the network, the nodes represent road segments, and an edge between a pair of nodes is added depending on the result of significance test for the corresponding spatial-temporal correlation. Further, a modified PageRank algorithm, named the geographical weight-based PageRank algorithm (GWPA), is proposed to analyze the spatial distribution of important segments in the road network. Finally, experiments are conducted by using three kinds of traffic series collected from the urban road network in Beijing. Experimental results show that the urban traffic networks constructed by three traffic variables all indicate both small-world and scale-free characteristics. Compared with the results of PageRank algorithm, GWPA is proved to be valid in evaluating the importance of segments and identifying the important segments with small degree.
Impact of Rollover Risk and Corporate Policy on Extreme Risk in the Taiwanese Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Chiu Wan-Chien , Wang Chih-Wei , Wu Wei-Ning , Lin Chuan-Ju
Published: July 2017

We explore the crucial research question of whether the rollover risk effect amplifies or reduces a firm’s extreme risk through an empirical investigation of the Taiwanese manufacturing industry. We also investigate the relationship between corporate policy and extreme risk. On the basis of extensive empirical evidence from 2003 to 2014, we determine significant positive impacts on extreme risk for firms with difficulty in rolling over their maturing debts. Firms with higher investment levels in a financial crisis should consequentially have more tail risk spillover from the financial sector.
Domain size, layer number and morphology control for graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Xue Ruiwen , Abidi Irfan H. , Luo Zhengtang
Published: July 2017

Over the past a few years, high-quality graphene preparation has been evolved from low-yield micromechanical exfoliation in including a wide range of production methods, in particular by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Here, we review the state-of-the-art on synthesis of graphene using CVD method and the strategies to control the graphene grain size, number of layers and morphology, mainly focusing on the graphene growth that uses Cu as substrate. We highlight the success of the past research in the field and provide a review of the methods that were used for such controlled synthesis.
On certain parameters of equitable coloring of graphs
Authors: Sudev N. K. , Chithra K. P. , Satheesh S. , Kok Johan
Published: July 2017

Coloring the vertices of a graph [Formula: see text] according to certain conditions is a random experiment and a discrete random variable [Formula: see text] is defined as the number of vertices having a particular color in the given type of coloring of [Formula: see text] and a probability mass function for this random variable can be defined accordingly. An equitable coloring of a graph [Formula: see text] is a proper coloring [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] which an assignment of colors to the vertices of [Formula: see text] such that the numbers of vertices in any two color classes differ by at most one. In this paper, we extend the concepts of arithmetic mean and variance, the two major statistical parameters, to the theory of equitable graph coloring and hence determine the values of these parameters for a number of standard graphs.
The Clinical Significance of Increased Serum Proinflammatory Cytokines, C-Reactive Protein, and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Authors: Jiménez-Gallo D. , de la Varga-Martínez R. , Ossorio-García L. , Albarrán-Planelles C. , Rodríguez C. , Linares-Barrios M.
Published: July 2017

Objectives. To assess inflammatory serum markers including serum proinflammatory cytokines, C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) according to the clinical inflammatory activity of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Patients and Methods. Seventy-four patients with HS were studied based on the Hidradenitis Suppurativa-Physician Global Assessment (HS-PGA) score and Hurley staging system. Proinflammatory cytokines were measured using a multiplex cytokine assay. Twenty-two healthy volunteers were recruited. Results. Serum interleukin- (IL-) 6, IL-23, soluble tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) receptor I (sTNF-RI), CRP, and ESR were different in the patients with HS compared with those in the healthy controls (P<0.05). The levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-17A, sTNF-RII, CRP, and ESR were significantly elevated according to inflammatory activity based on HS-PGA scores (r>0.25, P<0.05). The levels of IL-6 (r=0.53, P<0.001), CRP (r=0.54, P<0.001), and ESR (r=0.60, P<0.001) were especially well correlated with clinical inflammatory activity based on HS-PGA scores. The levels of IL-6, IL-8, sTNF-RI, sTNF-RII, CRP, and ESR were significantly elevated according to Hurley staging system. Conclusions. Serum proinflammatory cytokines, CRP, and ESR are increased in relation to the clinical inflammatory activity of patients with HS compared with healthy controls. Serum IL-6, CRP, and ESR are effective biomarkers for evaluating the severity of HS.
A Quality Control Method Based on an Improved Random Forest Algorithm for Surface Air Temperature Observations
Authors: Ye Xiaoling , Yang Xing , Xiong Xiong , Shen Yunpei , Hao Man , Gu Rong
Published: July 2017

A spatial quality control method, ARF, is proposed. The ARF method incorporates the optimization ability of the artificial fish swarm algorithm and the random forest regression function to provide quality control for multiple surface air temperature stations. Surface air temperature observations were recorded at stations in mountainous and plain regions and at neighboring stations to test the performance of the method. Observations from 2005 to 2013 were used as a training set, and observations from 2014 were used as a testing set. The results indicate that the ARF method is able to identify inaccurate observations; and it has a higher rate of detection, lower rate of change for the quality control parameters, and fewer type I errors than traditional methods. Notably, the ARF method yielded low performance indexes in areas with complex terrain, where traditional methods were considerably less effective. In addition, for stations near the ocean without sufficient neighboring stations, different neighboring stations were used to test the different methods. Whereas the traditional methods were affected by station distribution, the ARF method exhibited fewer errors and higher stability. Thus, the method is able to effectively reduce the effects of geographical factors on spatial quality control.
Recurrent Upper Extremity Thrombosis Associated with Overactivity: A Case of Delayed Diagnosis of Paget-Schroetter Syndrome
Authors: Sharma Himani , Tiwari Abhinav
Published: July 2017

Paget-Schroetter syndrome is thrombosis of the axillary-subclavian vein that is associated with strenuous and repetitive activity of the upper extremities. Overuse of the arm coupled with external compression results in microtrauma in the intima of the subclavian vein, resulting in the activation of the coagulation cascade. Diagnosis is usually made by Doppler ultrasound and the treatment involves thrombolysis, while routine surgical decompression of the thoracic outlet is controversial. In this report, we present a case of a patient who presented with a second episode of spontaneous right upper extremity deep venous thrombosis. The first episode was inadequately treated with oral anticoagulation alone. During the second episode, Paget-Schroetter syndrome was diagnosed, after careful review of his occupational history. He subsequently underwent angioplasty and decompression of thoracic outlet with no recurrence of thrombosis in a 12-month follow-up period.
MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-4 and Response to Aspirin in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kuliczkowski Wiktor , Radomski Marek , Gąsior Mariusz , Urbaniak Joanna , Kaczmarski Jacek , Mysiak Andrzej , Negrusz-Kawecka Marta , Bil-Lula Iwona
Published: July 2017

Background. High on-aspirin treatment platelets reactivity (HPR) is a significant problem in long-term secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. We hypothesize that imbalance between platelets MMPs/TIMPs results in cardiovascular disorders. We also explored whether chronically elevated blood glucose affects MMP-2/TIMP-4 release from platelets. Materials and Methods. Seventy patients with stable coronary artery disease, supplemented with aspirin, participated in this pilot study. The presence of HPR and/or diabetes mellitus was considered as the differentiating factor. Light aggregometry, impedance aggregometry, and ELISA tests for TXB2, MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-4 were performed in serum, plasma, platelet-rich plasma, and platelets-poor plasma, as appropriate. Results. Aspirin-HPR did not affect plasma MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-4. Arachidonic acid-induced aggregation of platelets from aspirin-HPR patients did not lead to increased release of MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-4. Studying patients at the lowest TXB2 serum concentration quartile revealed that high concentration of plasma TIMP-4 and TIMP-4 negatively correlated with TXB2 and platelet aggregation. Diabetics showed an increased plasma MMP-2 as well as an increased MMP-2 in supernatants after platelet aggregation. However, diabetes mellitus did not affect MMP-9 and TIMP-4. Conclusion. Aspirin-HPR did not affect the translocation and release of MMPs and TIMP-4 from platelets. TIMP-4 may serve as a marker of TXA2-mediated platelet aggregation. Chronically elevated plasma glucose increases plasma MMP-2, and HPR potentiates this phenomenon.
A Review of the Use of Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy of Mammary Tumors for Diagnosis and Research
Authors: Tani Edneia , Fuentes-Martinez Nelson , Skoog Lambert
Published: July 2017

The article “Aspiration Biopsy of Mammary Tumors in Diagnosis and Research - A Critical Review of 2,200 Cases” by Zajicek et al. [Acta Cytol 1967;11:169-175] is composed of two separate parts as can be seen from the title. Both are, however, of great historical interest. The first describes the early days of fine-needle aspiration cytology diagnosis of breast lesions in particular carcinomas. The results are still impressive with a diagnostic accuracy close to 90%. The second deals with the effect of negative pressure on cell viability during the aspiration procedure. These studies were aimed at evaluating the usefulness of aspirated tumor cells to analyze the effects of therapy and the origin of tumor cells.
Dr. Bibbo's Presidential Address on Automation in Cytology: Were Her Predictions Right, Wrong, or Somewhere in the Middle?
Authors: Wilbur David C.
Published: July 2017

In 1983, Dr. Marluce Bibbo gave the Presidential Address at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Cytology in Denver, CO, USA. The lecture was entitled “Analytic and Quantitative Cytology,” a field in which Dr. Bibbo was intimately involved. In the presentation, she included a summary of 30 years of work already accomplished, the present state of the art, and musings about issues encountered, potential resolutions, progress that needed to be made, and her perception of how the field needed to evolve in order to become ultimately successful as a clinical service. This commentary looks back 34 years, with observations about Dr. Bibbo's predictions and how the field of cytology automation did actually evolve in the decades following her address. New challenges are identified and possible paths forward are discussed.
Comparación de la efectividad de ranibizumab intravítreo para el tratamiento del edema macular diabético en ojos vitrectomizados y no vitrectomizados
Authors: Koyanagi Yoshito , Yoshida Shigeo , Kobayashi Yoshiyuki , Kubo Yuki , Yamaguchi Muneo , Nakama Takahito , Nakao Shintaro , Ikeda Yasuhiro , Ohshima Yuji , Ishibashi Tatsuro , Sonoda Kohhei
Published: July 2017

Objetivo: Comparar la efectividad de ranibizumab intravítreo (RIV) para el tratamiento del edema macular diabético (EMD) en ojos con y sin vitrectomía previa. Procedimientos: Evaluamos de manera prospectiva la mejor agudeza visual corregida (MAVC) y el grosor macular central (GMC) tras el tratamiento con RIV durante 6 meses. Resultados: No se observaron diferencias significativas en la MAVC o GMC inicial en ninguno de los dos grupos. En el grupo no vitrectomizado (n = 15), los cambios medios en la MAVC y GMC hasta el sexto mes de tratamiento con respecto al valor inicial resultaron significativos (p < 0,01). En el grupo vitrectomizado (n = 10), se observó una mejora más lenta, y la mejora media en la MAVC no resultó significativa (p = 0,5), aunque la media en la disminución del GMC sí que lo fue (p < 0,05). No se observaron diferencias significativas en los cambios medios en la MAVC y el GMC entre ambos grupos a los 6 meses del tratamiento. Conclusiones: La diferencia en la efectividad de RIV entre ambos grupos no resultó significativa. Ranibizumab intravítreo puede ser una opción de tratamiento incluso en pacientes vitrectomizados con EMD.
Expectations and Projections for the Future of Nongynecolgical Cytology 10 Years Ago: Did They Materialize and How Did We Do?
Authors: Schmitt Fernando C. , Vielh Philippe
Published: July 2017

In 2007, an article entitled “How Technology Is Reshaping the Practice of Nongynecologic Cytology: Frontiers of Cytology Symposium” [Bibbo: Acta Cytol 2007;51:123-152] was published. The moderator and editor was Marluce Bibbo, previous Editor-in-Chief of Acta Cytologica, and 17 participants from countries throughout the world were asked to answer how new technologies were being applied in their respective laboratories and whether future advances and challenges can be predicted. Ten years later, two previous participants in this Golden Anniversary Cytology Symposium were asked by Kari Syrjänen, current Editor-in-Chief of Acta Cytologica, to make a reappraisal of the 2007 predictions.
Stress Measured by Allostatic Load in Neurologically Impaired Children: The Importance of Nutritional Status
Authors: Calcaterra Valeria , Cena Hellas , de Silvestri Annalisa , Albertini Riccardo , De Amici Mara , Valenza Mario , Pelizzo Gloria
Published: July 2017

Background: Allostatic load (AL) is the cumulative physiological wear and tear that results from repeated efforts to adapt to stressors over time. The life stress response is modified by nutritional status. Aim: We estimated AL scores among neurologically impaired (NI) children; the association with malnutrition was also evaluated. Methods: Forty-one patients with severe disabilities were included. Data based on 15 biomarkers were used to create the AL score. A dichotomous outcome of high AL was defined for those who had ≥6 dysregulated components. Body mass index (BMI)-standard deviation score (SDS) <–2 or SDS ≥2 and biochemical markers (≥4) defined malnutrition. Results: High AL was noted in 17/41 of the whole sample (41.47%). Malnutrition occurred in 36.6% of the subjects. A significant correlation between high AL and malnutrition was observed (p = 0.01; ar ea under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.7457). High AL subjects had a significantly higher BMI (p = 0.009) and lower BMI-SDS (p = 0.003) than low AL subjects. AL score correlated with fat mass (p ≤ 0.01) and negatively correlated with fat-free mass (p ≤ 0.02). Conclusion: In NI children, high AL was associated with malnutrition. Body composition is a better indicator than BMI of allostatic adjustments. AL estimation should be considered a measure of health risk and be used to promote quality of life in at-risk disabled populations.
A new species of Alonella Sars, 1862 (Crustacea: Cladocera: Chydoridae) from the Ecuadorian Andes
Authors: ALONSO MIGUEL , KOTOV ALEXEY
Published: July 2017

Several authors have pointed out that the Andean high altitude waters constitute a very interesting hotspot of biodiversity. Studies of these water bodies could significantly increase the number of Neotropical endemics among the Cladocera. One of the above mentioned taxa is described here as Alonella hampelae sp. nov. (Crustacea: Cladocera: Chydoridae). This new species belongs to the “excisa­clathratula” group, characterized by the carapace strongly reticulated and bearing fine striae within the cells of reticulation, but presents several specific morphological characteristics. The most outstanding is the evenly rounded posteroventral angle of the valves that lack any denticles, which is unique within the genus Alonella Sars, 1862.
Two new species of Homidia (Collembola: Entomobryidae) from Southwestern China
Authors: MA YI-TONG , PAN ZHI-XIANG
Published: July 2017

Two new species of Homidia are described here. Homidia nigrifascia sp. nov. is characterised by dark pigment on Abd. II−III and posterior part of Abd. IV. Homidia obliquistria sp. nov. can be identified by its colour pattern, chaetae on ventral side of head and many macrochaetae on Abd. IV. Illustrations are provided for both new species. This is the first report of Homidia from Guizhou Province, China.
Anurogryllus Saussure, 1877 (Orthoptera: Gryllidae: Gryllinae) from southern Brazil: new species and new records
Authors: REDÜ DARLAN RUTZ , ZEFA EDISON
Published: July 2017

The aim of this work was to extend the taxonomic knowledge of the species of Anurogryllus Saussure, 1877 that occurs in the southern municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. We found three different species, Anurogryllus tapes sp. nov. collected in municipalities of Canguçu and Capão do Leão, Anurogryllus patos sp. nov. from Capão do Leão and Anurogryllus toledopizai (de Mello, 1988) recorded from Canguçu, Capão do Leão e São Lourenço do Sul. Here we present the descriptions of morphology, male genitalia and calling songs.
The Physics of Orographic Elevated Heating in Radiative–Convective Equilibrium
Authors: Hu Shineng , Boos William R.
Published: July 2017

Elevated heating of the atmosphere by large plateaus has been argued to influence regional climate in Asia and other regions, but the mechanisms that cause the troposphere to equilibrate at warmer temperatures over elevated terrain are not well understood. This paper quantitatively describes the physics that controls temperatures over elevated terrain in radiative–convective equilibrium (RCE). First, a cloud-system-resolving model (CSRM) is used to simulate RCE states over surfaces with various elevations. Then, a theory for the influence of surface elevation on temperatures in RCE is presented. Together with offline radiative transfer calculations, this theory is used to quantitatively attribute the magnitude of the elevated heating effect to top-of-atmosphere radiative flux changes caused by decreases in longwave absorption, shortwave scattering, and the moist lapse rate that occur as surface pressure drops. Sensitivity functions obtained through these offline calculations suggest that elevated heating is weaker in warmer climates, and additional CSRM simulations support this hypothesis. Under certain circumstances, even the sign of the elevated heating effect can change to produce cooler temperatures at a given pressure level as the surface is lifted in RCE.
Tilting of Horizontal Shear Vorticity and the Development of Updraft Rotation in Supercell Thunderstorms
Authors: Dahl Johannes M. L.
Published: July 2017

The question of how rotation arises in sheared updrafts is analyzed using the shear and curvature vorticity framework. Local rotation exists where the shear and curvature vorticity have a similar magnitude and the same sign, such that parcels are in near-solid-body rotation. It is shown that the tilting terms of the vertical vorticity equation cannot explain the development of local rotation in the canonical cases where the horizontal vorticity is either purely streamwise or purely crosswise. Rather, vertical shear vorticity develops if crosswise vorticity is tilted, and vertical curvature vorticity develops if streamwise vorticity is tilted. To analyze how local rotation develops, two simulations of updrafts in an environment with crosswise and mostly streamwise vorticity, respectively, are discussed. A trajectory analysis is performed and shear and curvature vorticity budgets are analyzed. It is found that much of the horizontal vorticity near the updraft becomes streamwise, which results from pressure gradient accelerations in the vicinity of the updraft. Consequently, in the analyzed scenarios, the tilting mechanism results primarily in vertical curvature vorticity. Local rotation is achieved via an interchange process that facilitates a partial conversion of vertical curvature vorticity to vertical shear vorticity. Updraft rotation in supercells thus does not result from tilting of horizontal vorticity alone, but partial conversion of curvature to shear vorticity is also required.
A Cold Event in Asia during January–February 2012 and Its Possible Association with Arctic Sea Ice Loss
Authors: Wu Bingyi , Yang Kun , Francis Jennifer A.
Published: July 2017

Through both observational analyses and simulation experiments, this study investigates the intraseasonal evolution of atmospheric circulation anomalies associated with a persistent cold event in the Asian continent during late January–early February 2012, and the possible association with Arctic sea ice loss and Arctic atmospheric circulation during the preceding summer. The results suggest that the northeastern Pacific–Aleutian region and central Eurasia are two critical areas where the atmospheric circulation evolution contributed to the development of this cold event. A persistent increase in sea level pressure (SLP) over the Aleutian region was a predominant feature prior to the cold event, and then decreasing SLP over this region was concurrent with both occurrence of a polar blocking high aloft and rapid strengthening of the Siberian high, triggering outbreaks of Arctic air over the Asian continent. Consequently, the influence of the Aleutian region on this cold event (i.e., the downstream effect of the atmospheric circulation) played a critical role. Simulation experiments demonstrate that Arctic atmospheric circulation conditions in the summer of 2011 significantly enhanced a negative feedback of Arctic sea ice loss on atmospheric circulation over the Aleutian region and central Eurasia during the ensuing wintertime, which could have led to the favorable atmospheric circulation that facilitated the occurrence of cold events resembling the one in 2012. This study also implies that the Aleutian low and disturbances in the midlatitudes over the northeastern Pacific may provide precursors that could increase skill in predicting the intraseasonal evolution of extreme cold events over Eurasia.
Motivation as a Predictor of College Success
Authors: Di Vesta Francis J. , Woodruff Asahel D. , Hertel John P.
Published: July 2017

The present Orientation Inventory and the results obtained from its use are still inadequate when compared to its potentialities. At present its usefulness is primarily limited to indicating areas which are important for prediction and secondarily for use in prediction formulas. The findings indicate that an extension in the length of the test with items centered about the areas of motivation, adjustment and study habits, in that order of importance, should produce an instrument highly useful in the prediction of scholastic success. Certain observations are important for the development of such an instrument. Not only should the items be relatively objective in the sense that the individual can easily estimate the actual time factors asked for, but the items should be indicative of the area being measured and still should be somewhat disguised as to their real pupose. The ultimate aim in constructing such tests is to discover items which may be used before the individual enters college.

Certain items in the present Orientation Inventory may be inadequate because the responses established for the individual taking the test are too broad. For example, one item (item 8) provides categories of a 9-point range. This item might be more discriminating if put on a 3- or 6-point range.

The specific items used successfully in this study represent broad areas of psychological importance. They have proved to be reasonably successful in a College of Agriculture where the required portion of the program is not always what the individual expected it to be. The students were selected so as to eliminate this factor insofar as possible by including only the men enrolled in the college. The success of the items in the Orientation Inventory, therefore, may or may not be unique to one college. However, they do provide indications of areas in which further study may profitably be made and in which considerable research is necessary. Studies such as that of May (2) showing the relationship of study hours per week to academic success have been, for some reason, neglected as leads for prediction studies. Although more restricted in scope than the present study they, too, have indicated the importance of motivational influences even though not ostensibly so.
Intelligibility Versus Redundancy - Conditions of Dependency
Authors: Hunnicutt Sharon
Published: July 2017

The relationship between context redundancy and key-word intelligibility was examined in sentences having both high and low redundancy. The study partially replicates work by Philip Lieberman (1963) in which he concluded that the degree of stress and carefulness of articulation of a word varies inversely with its redundancy. More words and more extreme redundancies in word pairs were used in the current study. These word pairs were placed in similar positions in two sets of sentences: sentence pairs that one might find in text, and adages together with sentences that might be spoken. With the text-type sentence pairs, there was an intelligibility advantage for the words in lower-redundancy contexts. For the adage and spoken-sentence pairs, there was no intelligibility advantage for words in either context. It is suggested that the adage is not a good representative of high-redundancy contexts. The result that intelligibility and redundancy are inversely related in some instances (text-type sentences) indicates that information control by a speaker is going on even while reading test sentences. That is, utterance planning for the speech-production mechanism involves interpreting semantic information which may be expressed in fine adjustments in motor control.
Underutilized Fish Meat as a Source of Edible Films and Coatings for the Muscle Food Industry
Authors: Venugopal V.
Published: July 2017

Amajor problem now facing the rapidly expanding packaging industry is the accumulation of non-biodegradable wastes in the form of synthetic packaging materials, and the associated environmental pollution. While efforts such as banning polythene bags or converting wastes into manure are being contemplated in several countries, including India, attention is also being paid to replacing synthetic packaging, as far as possible, with biodegradable and hence environmentally friendly packaging materials. The prospects for biodegradable films are particularly bright in the food industry, which has started to realize that food-grade macromolecules possessing film-forming properties could be used for the development of edible protective films and coatings.
Food Production, Conservation of Crop Plant Biodiversity and Environmental Protection in the Twenty-First Century: The Relevance of Tropical Cropping Systems
Authors: Olasantan F.O.
Published: July 2017

It is now clear that crop production technology and improvement programmes which work in temperate climates for large-scale intensive monoculture, cannot simply be transferred unmodified to the tropics. Tropical agriculture is dominated by small-scale extensive farming systems. Meeting the food and agricultural needs in the region therefore depends on the improvement and diversification of the cropping systems. Tropical cropping systems contribute to the sustainability of ecosystems, enhance the conservation and utilization of local crop diversity for food and agriculture, and take advantage of locally variable conditions. However, tropical agriculture has been seriously threatened by the importation of exotic crop varieties and the diminution of local ones, by the use of heavy machinery and agrochemicals, and by population growth. In order to further enhance sustainable production, more attention should be given to economically and ecologically viable adaptive research and crop variety improvement for mixed systems.
Is Mutuality Possible? An African Response
Authors: Nasimiyu-Wasike Anne
Published: July 2017

This article begins by defining mutuality as a two-way exchange that is open to give and to receive. It looks at the structural injustice that Africa and Africans have received from the legacy of the slave trade, colonialism, and neo-colonialism, and argues that missionaries in their colonial context misinterpreted and misrepresented African cultures and traditional religions. The author discusses present-day social and cultural realities and the negation of social justice and human rights caused by both external and internal forces. She concludes by offering suggestions for cultivating mutual respect for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, class, or age.
Presbyterian Seeds Bear Fruit in Brazil as Doors to Partnerships Open and Close
Authors: George Sherron Kay
Published: July 2017

While sowers and reapers surely rejoice together (John 4:36), the issue of relations between denominations from the North who planted the seeds of the gospel and denominations in the South which developed is complex. North-South partnerships in mission have a history which includes failures and success, cries for autonomy and for interdependence, and experiences of separation and ecumenism, of exclusion and solidarity, of death and resurrection. This essay describes the emergence of three Presbyterian denominations in Brazil and analyzes their relationships with the Presbyterian Church (USA) and its antecedents, as well as the role of missionaries and missions.
The Church as Creation of the Spirit
Authors: Bevans Stephen
Published: July 2017

“It is the work of the Spirit,” Martin Luther wrote, “to make the church.” In this presidential address in the context of the American Society of Missiology's annual meeting theme, “From Asusa Street to the Ends of the Earth,” Stephen Bevans attempts to “unpack” Luther's phrase by reflecting on the image of the church as the creation of the spirit in terms of a missionary image: (1) the Spirit calls the church to be a missionary church; (2) the Spirit equips the church to be a missionary church; and (3) the Spirit challenges the church to be a missionary church.
Ancestor Worship
Authors: Busia K. A.
Published: July 2017

The study of religion in primitive societies and ancient times must not start with its creeds, for they are often secondary, contrived “explanations” for religious behavior. Rather, the functional significance of religious forms like ancestor worship lies in their social bonds, in the way in which they provide a link between the living and their dead kin. Can the individual. Christian participate in that network of social relationships which is so all-important to the African?
“Fire and Flame”: Anna Dengel and the Medical Mission to Women and Children
Authors: Dries Angelyn
Published: July 2017

In 1942, Anna Dengel (1892–1980) noted that “history has been defined as a series of biographies.” This aptly applies to the development of the Society of Catholic Medical Missionaries, the first Roman Catholic congregation of women religious which she founded for the exclusive purpose of providing professional medical assistance as surgeons, midwives, and obstetricians for those most in need. After four years as a lay mission doctor in Rawalpindi, India, Austrian-born Dengel founded the Society in 1925 in Washington, D.C. Almost seven hundred women from five continents are members of the Society today. Dengel's biography illustrates intrepid, creative medical mission leadership especially to assist women and children, in spite of ecclesiastical and cultural hindrances. Her life demonstrates a mission approach that intricately weaves science and religion, social analysis and spirituality.
Modeling the Melt Spinning of Polyethylene Terephthalate
Authors: Ottone Mariel L. , Deiber Julio A.
Published: July 2017

A model is formulated to describe quantitatively the melt spinning of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) within the low range of take up velocities. The rheology of the polymer melt is described with the Phan-Thien and Tanner constitutive equation for the stress tensor by considering both the instantaneous and retarded elastic responses. This theological model gives appropriate predictions of the velocity and temperature profiles of the filament, within the framework of the spinning model proposed in this work. This conclusion arises when numerical results of this model are compared with experimental data as well as other calculations available in the literature.
The Effect of Antistrip Treatments on Asphalt-Aggregate Systems: An Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope Study
Authors: Williams Theresa M. , Miknis Francis P.
Published: July 2017

The performance of three antistrip additives—a lime-treated aggregate, an amine-treated asphalt and a styrene-butadiene rubber-treated aggregate, was studied with an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). Samples were prepared with the untreated asphalt and aggregate, the treated asphalt with untreated aggregate and untreated asphalt with each treated aggregate. The same asphalt and aggregate sources were used in each test and all samples were run in duplicate. All samples were examined along the asphalt-aggregate interface in the ESEM prior to and following each freeze-thaw cycle. The samples were subjected to a total of ten freeze-thaw cycles. All three additives reduced the potential for moisture damage by maintaining asphalt-aggregate adhesion better than the control samples. Based on ESEM observation of the asphalt-aggregate interface before and after freeze-thaw cycling, the styrene-butadiene rubber-coated aggregate samples performed better than the amine-treated asphalt samples which performed better than the lime-treated aggregate samples.
Effect of Fillers on the Properties of Prevulcanized Natural Rubber Latex Film
Authors: Claramma N. M. , Varghese L. , Mathew N. M.
Published: July 2017

Precipitated silica, china clay and whiting were incorporated in NR latex compounds up to 20 phr and prevulcanized at 70°C for 2 h. Cast films were prepared and the effect of leaching in water on mechanical properties evaluated. Rubber-filler interaction, ageing resistance, stress relaxation and morphology of the leached films were also studied. Presence of precipitated silica, china clay and whiting decreased tensile strength and elongation at break but increased the modulus of the prevulcanized latex film. Leaching of the films improved the properties. The presence of precipitated silica and china clay improved the tear strength of the films. Ageing resistance was also increased by the presence, of up to 10 phr, of precipitated silica. The rate of stress relaxation was slightly higher for the film containing precipitated silica followed by those containing china clay and whiting. Morphology of the films revealed uniform distribution of fillers in the rubber matrix.
Coinjection Molded Pregenerated Microcomposites
Authors: Mcleod M. A. , Baird D. G.
Published: July 2017

This work was concerned with the coinjection molding of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) reinforced with regenerated thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer (TLCP) fibrils, where the TLCP (DuPont, HX1000) had a higher melt processing temperature than PET. A novel dual extrusion process was used to spin strands of PET reinforced with HX1000 fibrils. The strands were compression molded into cartridges and then coinjection molded to form plaques. In comparison to conventionally injection molded pregenerated microcomposites, coinjection molded composites had higher flexural moduli. The coinjection molded composites also had smoother surfaces than glass fiber-filled PET. It was determined that the best mechanical properties were achieved using a core of glass fiber-filled PET.
A Micromechanics Model for Predicting the Tensile Strength of Unidirectional Metal Matrix Composites
Authors: Subramanian S.
Published: July 2017

In this paper, a micromechanics model has been developed to predict the tensile strength of unidirectional metal matrix composites (MMC). A simplified shear lag analysis is used to estimate the local stresses in the various constituents (fiber/matrix/interface). In this work, the matrix is assumed to carry both normal and shear stresses. Global matrix plasticity is considered by assuming that the matrix behaves in an elastic-perfectly plastic manner. Local interfacial debonding is assumed to occur when the average interfacial shear stress exceeds the interfacial shear strength value. The shear lag analysis including the effects of interfacial debonding and global matrix plasticity is used to estimate the stress concentration in fibers adjacent to broken fibers and the ineffective length. The tensile strength is estimated by considering the accumulation of fiber fractures. The effects of residual thermal stresses and statistical distribution of strength of the fibers are also included in this analysis.

Parametric studies were conducted to investigate the influence of various parameters such as fiber volume fraction, temperature, interfacial shear strength, matrix properties and fiber strength, on the unidirectional tensile strength of MMC. The model was also used to predict the effects of volume fraction and temperature, on the strength of SCS6/Ti 24-11 composites. The predicted values compared well with the experimental results.
Risk Factors for Neonatal Seizures in Very Low Birthweight Infants
Authors: Kohelet David , Shochat Rina , Lusky Ayala , Reichman Brian
Published: July 2017

The developing brain has an increased susceptibility to seizure activity, and neonatal seizures can adversely affect neurodevelopmental outcome. This study aimed to determine the incidence of neonatal seizures in very low birthweight infants and to identify perinatal and postnatal factors associated with the occurrence of clinical seizures. A population-based cohort of 6525 very low birthweight infants born from 1995 through 1999 comprised the study group. Maternal, perinatal, or postnatal variables that showed a significant association with neonatal seizures in a univariate analysis were tested by a multiple logistic regression to assess the independent effect of each variable on the risk of seizures. The overall incidence of seizures was 5.6%. Significant independent predictors of neonatal seizures were decreasing gestational age, male gender, respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary air leak (pneumothorax and pulmonary interstitial emphysema), intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, patent ductus arteriosus, surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus, necrotizing enterocolitis, and surgical treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis. Neonatal seizures appear to be associated with major morbidities and surgical interventions in very low birthweight infants. Continuous electroencephalographic monitoring could be warranted in infants following surgical treatment. ( J Child Neurol 2004;19:123—128).
Congenital Hypotonia: Is There an Algorithm?
Authors: Paro-Panjan Darja , Neubauer David
Published: July 2017

This study was performed with the aim of determining the diagnostic profile of newborns with hypotonia and of analyzing the usefulness of different procedures in the diagnostic process. One hundred thirty-eight hypotonic newborns were identified through the search of hospital records in a 10-year period: 121 (88%) had central hypotonia and 13 (9%) had peripheral hypotonia, whereas 4 (3%) remained unclassified. Analysis of the contribution of clinical data and results of investigations led to the construction of an algorithm, by which all cases in the group were diagnosed. Step 1, which included clinical data and results of examinations, solved 50% of all diagnosed cases. Neuroimaging techniques made up step 2 and contributed to the diagnosis in 13%. Step 3 was accomplished by a search through Oxford Medical Databases, which yielded the final diagnosis in 9%, whereas karyotyping and fluorescent in situ hybridization for Prader-Willi syndrome comprised step 4 and contributed to the diagnosis in 6.5%. Biochemical tests formed step 5 and contributed to the diagnosis in 6%. Step 6, which included specific investigations of muscle and nerve, was diagnostic in 6%. The remaining cases (6.5%) were diagnosed only after several follow-up examinations. These results could assist the neonatologist when deciding the diagnostic approach to floppy newborns. ( J Child Neurol 2004;19:439-442).
Intermediate myasthenia syndrome following acute organophosphates poisoning-an analysis of 21 cases
Authors: He Fengsheng , Xu Haibing , Qin Fukuang , Xu Li , Huang Jinxiang , He Xiwen
Published: July 2017

1 Twenty-one cases out of 272 patients of acute organophosphates poisoning were diagnosed as intermediate syndrome (IMS) with a prevalence at 7.7%. The responsible OP insecticides included parathion, omethoate and some OP containing pesticide mixtures. IMS occurred mainly in severe OP poisoning patients who recovered from the acute cholinergic crisis at 7-75 h after the onset of acute poisoning.

2 Muscular weakness appeared in the following three categories of muscles: (1) neck flexors and proximal limb muscles; (2) muscles innervated by motor cranial nerves and/or (3) respiratory muscles. Blood acetylcholinesterase activity was persistently inhibited. Electroneuromyography (ENMG) with repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) at frequencies of 20 Hz or 30 Hz in seven patients showed decrements of common muscle action potentials during the presence of myasthenia in five patients and became normal when their muscle strength recovered.

3 Mild IMS recovered within 2-7 days and had a favorable prognosis. Severe IMS patients with respiratory paralysis needed immediate endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. Recovery of weakness of the respiratory muscles and proximal limb muscles took longer, the slowest being 30 days. Four of the patients died of respiratory paralysis and the fatality rate was 19%.

4 The mechanism of IMS remains to be further investigated. The RNS/ENMG changes indicate a post-synaptic block at the neuromuscular junctions.

5 In order to promote the recognition of this syndrome, we proposed to name the syndrome as Intermediate Myasthenia Syndrome (IMS).
The Recognition Memory Test, Digit Span, and Knox Cube Test as Markers of Malingered Memory Impairment
Authors: Iverson Grant L. , Franzen Michael D.
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the efficacy of using the Recognition Memory Test (RMT), Digit Span subtest (WAIS-R), and Knox Cube Test as markers for malingered memory deficits. Participants were 100 subjects from three general populations: university students, federal inmates, and patients with head injuries. Twenty students, 20 inmates, and 20 patients with head injuries resulting in memory impairment were instructed to try their best on the assessment procedures. The remaining 20 students and 20 inmates were instructed to malinger memory impairment on the procedures. The experimental-malingerers (i.e., students and inmates) performed more poorly than the patients with head injuries on nearly every score derived from the three tests. Discriminant function analyses using the age-corrected Digit Span scale score, the Knox Cube Test total score, and the RMT raw scores for words and faces as predictors of group membership resulted in an overall 98% correct classification rate and 100% correct on cross-validation. Simultaneously applying two empirically-derived RMT cutoff scores resulted in an overall correct classification rate of 100%. The extraordinarily high classification rates in this study were likely influenced by the experimental design and procedures.
Long-Term Retest Reliability of Interpersonal Dependency Inventory Scores in College Students
Authors: Bornstein Robert F.
Published: July 2017

Eighty undergraduate students (40 women and 40 men) completed the Interpersonal Dependency Inventory (IDI) twice, with the two testing sessions separated by an 84-week interval. Retest reliability coefficients for IDI whole-scale scores, r = .71, and subscale scores ( rs ranged from .60 to .72) were similar to those obtained in IDI retest reliability studies that used shorter intertest intervals. Gender differences in IDI scores in the present sample paralleled those obtained in previous investigations involving clinical and nonclinical participants. Implications of these results for the construct validity of the IDI as a measure of interpersonal dependency are discussed.
On the Feedback Linearization of the Lorenz System
Authors: Crespo L.G. , Sun J.Q.
Published: July 2017

In this paper we present a control study of the Lorenz system via feedback linearization using the Rayleigh number as a control variable. The effects of the state transformation on the dynamics of the system are studied first. Then, composite controls are derived for both stabilization and tracking problems. The transition through the manifold where the state transformation is singular and the system is insensitive to the control is achieved by inducing the natural chaotic response of the system within a boundary layer. Outside the boundary layer, the control designed via feedback linearization is applied. Tracking problems that involve single and cooperative objectives are studied by using differential flatness. A good understanding of the system dynamics proves to be invaluable in the design of better controls.
What's in a Name? Comments on the Dermatological Dictionary by Ledier, Rosenblum, and Carter
Authors: Jackson Robert
Published: July 2017

Background:

Any scientific discipline needs a sharply defined set of words for exact and reproducible communication. Surprisingly this has never been a strong point in dermatological science, especially as regards the living gross pathology of skin disease.

Objective:

This article briefly reviews the four editions of a dermatological dictionary of words and phrases and gives some thoughts on their usefulness.

Conclusion:

My conclusions are twofold: we need a new dictionary; at the very least, we need a reprinting of the fourth edition of A Dictionary of Dermatologic Terms by Carter.
Cutaneous Bipolaris Infection in a Neutropenic Patient with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Bilu Donna , Movahedi-Lankarani Saeid , Kazin Rebecca A. , Shields Christine , Moresi Margaret
Published: July 2017

Bipolaris spicifera is a darkly pigmented (dematiaceous) fungus that uncommonly causes infections in humans. There are few cases of reported cutaneous Bipolaris infection in the literature. We report a case of a five-year-old boy with B-precursor-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia who developed a cutaneous fungal infection on his left cheek Histopathological and microbiological findings identified the fungus as Bipolaris spicifera. Surgical excision and systemic antifungal therapy are the mainstay of treatment.