bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In situ examination of osteoblast biomineralization on sulfonated polystyrene-modified substrates using Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy
Authors: Meng Yizhi , Faillace Meghan E. , Dorst Kathryn , Palmaccio Samantha J. , Miller Lisa M. , Qin Yi-Xian
Published: July 2017

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder that is characterized by the loss of bone mineral density (BMD) resulting in increased risk of fracture. However, it has been shown that BMD is not the only indicator of fracture risk, as the strength of bone depends on a number of factors, including bone mass, architecture and material properties. Physiological mineral deposition requires the formation of a properly developed extracellular matrix (ECM), which recruits calcium and phosphate ions into the synthesis of apatite crystals. Temporal and spatial compositional and structural changes of biological apatite greatly depend on the properties of the crystals initially formed. As such, Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy (FTIRM) is capable of examining adaptive remodeling by providing compositional information such as the level of mineralization and carbonate substitution, as well as quality and perfection of the mineral phase. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro mineralization development of MC3T3-E1 murine calvarial preosteoblasts cultured on different substrata by comparing FTIRM measurements from two subclones (mineralizing subclone 4 and nonmineralizing subclone 24) maintained in culture for up to 21 days. The results showed that modulation of the substrate surface using a thin coating of sulfonated polystyrene (SPS) provided favorable conditions for the development of a mineralizable ECM and that the mineral formed by the osteoblasts was similar to that of fully mineralized bone tissue. Specifically, the mineralizing subclone produced significantly more mineral phosphate when cultured on SPS-coated substrates for 21 days, compared to the same culture on bare substrates. In contrast, the level of mineralization in nonmineralizing subclone was low on both SPS-coated and uncoated substrates. The mineralizing subclone also produced comparable amounts of collagen on both substrates; however, mineralization was significantly higher in the SPS culture. The nonmineralizing subclone produced comparable amounts of collagen on day 1 but much less on day 21. Collagen maturity ratio increased in the mineralizing subclone from day 1 to day 21, but remained unchanged in the nonmineralizing subclone. These results suggest that SPS-treatment of the substrate surface may alter collagen remodeling; however, other factors may also influence osteoblast mineralization in the long term.
The effect of moderate consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners on glucose tolerance and body composition in rats
Authors: Tovar Ashley P. , Navalta James W. , Kruskall Laura J. , Young John C.
Published: July 2017

Glucose tolerance and body composition were determined in male rats given non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) (aspartame or sucralose) in drinking water. Areas under the curve for glucose and insulin with NNS did not differ from control. NNS treatment had no effect on weight gain or percent body fat. Epididymal fat pad mass was higher with aspartame and the ratio of trunk to total fat was less with sucralose versus control, suggesting that NNS consumption altered body fat distribution.
Weighing the black hole via quasi-local energy
Authors: Ha Yuan K.
Published: July 2017

We set to weigh the black holes at their event horizons in various spacetimes and obtain masses which are substantially higher than their asymptotic values. In each case, the horizon mass of a Schwarzschild, Reissner–Nordström, or Kerr black hole is found to be twice the irreducible mass observed at infinity. The irreducible mass does not contain electrostatic or rotational energy, leading to the inescapable conclusion that particles with electric charges and spins cannot exist inside a black hole. This is proposed as the External Energy Paradigm. A higher mass at the event horizon and its neighborhood is obligatory for the release of gravitational waves in binary black hole merging. We describe how these horizon mass values are obtained in the quasi-local energy approach and applied to the black holes of the first gravitational waves GW150914.
Quantum interference effects in conformal Weyl gravity
Authors: Hakimov Abdullo , Abdujabbarov Ahmadjon , Narzilloev Bakhtiyor
Published: July 2017

We investigate the effects of conformal gravity as a phase shift by quantum interference and alternate approach of Sagnac effect which is based on the anisotropy of the coordinate speed of light in the fourth-order theory of conformal Weyl space–time. In the nonrelativistic approximation, it has been shown that the phase shift of the interfering particle in neutron interferometer includes the potential terms with the Weyl parameter of the conformal fourth-order theory. Comparing the results of the measurement of the gravitational redshift by the interferometer in the gravitational field of the earth with our theoretical prediction, it has been obtained upper limit for the Weyl parameter as [Formula: see text].
Bilinear form, bilinear Bäcklund transformation and dynamic features of the soliton solutions for a variable-coefficient (3+1)-dimensional generalized shallow water wave equation
Authors: Huang Qian-Min , Gao Yi-Tian
Published: July 2017

Under investigation in this letter is a variable-coefficient (3[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]1)-dimensional generalized shallow water wave equation. Bilinear form and Bäcklund transformation are obtained. One-, two- and three-soliton solutions are derived via the Hirota bilinear method. Interaction and propagation of the solitons are discussed graphically. Stability of the solitons is studied numerically. Soliton amplitude is determined by the spectral parameters. Soliton velocity is not only related to the spectral parameters, but also to the variable coefficients. Phase shifts are the only difference between the two-soliton solutions and the superposition of the two relevant one-soliton solutions. Numerical investigation on the stability of the solitons indicates that the solitons could resist the disturbance of small perturbations and propagate steadily.
Soliton interactions of a (2+1)-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation in a nonlinear photonic quasicrystal or Kerr medium
Authors: Xiao Zi-Jian , Tian Bo , Wu Xiao-Yu , Liu Lei , Sun Yan
Published: July 2017

Under investigation are the soliton interactions for a (2[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]1)-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation, which can describe the dynamics of a nonlinear photonic quasi-crystal or vortex Airy beam in a Kerr medium. With the symbolic computation and Hirota method, analytic bright N-soliton and dark two-soliton solutions are derived. Graphic description of the soliton properties and interactions in a nonlinear photonic quasicrystal or Kerr medium is done. Through the analysis on bright and dark one solitons, effects of the optical wavenumber/linear opposite wavenumber and nonlinear coefficient on the soliton amplitude and width are studied: when the absolute value of the optical wavenumber or linear opposite wavenumber increases, bright soliton amplitude and dark soliton width become smaller; nonlinear coefficient has the same influence on the bright soliton as that of the optical wavenumber or linear opposite wavenumber, but does not affect the dark soliton amplitude or width. Overtaking/periodic interactions between the bright two solitons and overtaking interactions between the dark two solitons are illustrated. Overtaking interactions show that the bright soliton with a larger amplitude moves faster and overtakes the smaller, while the dark soliton with a smaller amplitude moves faster and overtakes the larger. When the absolute value of the optical wavenumber or linear opposite wavenumber increases, the periodic-interaction period becomes longer. All the above interactions are elastic. Through the interactions, soliton amplitudes and shapes keep invariant except for some phase shifts.
Implementation of INC MPPT and CV Charging Using LLC Resonant Converter for Solar Streetlight System
Authors: Tan Adrian S. T. , Iqbal S.
Published: July 2017

Most existing stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) power systems employ pulse-width-modulated (PWM) DC–DC converters for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and battery charging control. However, PWM converters experience high switching loss and high electromagnetic interference when operating at high frequency. Therefore, this paper presents an incremental conductance (INC)-based MPPT with constant voltage (CV) charging using LLC resonant converter for stand-alone solar streetlight system. INC MPPT maximizes the PV power generation while CV charging ensures good battery charging characteristics. Both the INC MPPT and CV charging are implemented in an algorithm using an Arduino Uno board. Detailed design procedure as well as extensive design considerations for a 100[Formula: see text]W prototype LLC resonant converter are presented. Experimental results show good MPPT performance under various environmental conditions such as sudden rise or sudden drop of incident irradiance. Furthermore, the system shows exceptional robustness in toggling between INC MPPT mode and CV charging mode depending on the environmental conditions. The converter displays excellent switching operation by achieving primary-side zero voltage switching and secondary-side zero current switching for the entire design range.
The recurrence coefficients of a semi-classical Laguerre polynomials and the large n asymptotics of the associated Hankel determinant
Authors: Han Pengju , Chen Yang
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we study the recurrence coefficients of a deformed or semi-classical Laguerre polynomials orthogonal with respect to the weight [Formula: see text] Here [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We will describe this problem in terms of the ratio [Formula: see text] where ultimately [Formula: see text] is bounded away from 0, and close to 1.

From the ladder operator approach, and the associated compatibility conditions, the recurrence coefficients satisfy a second order ordinary differential equation (ODE) when viewed as functions of the parameter [Formula: see text] in the weight. Then we work out the large degree asymptotics of their recurrence coefficients. We also discuss the associated Hankel determinant. We show that the logarithmic derivative of [Formula: see text] can be expressed in terms of the recurrence coefficients, and obtained the large degree asymptotics of [Formula: see text]. Based on this result, we compute the probability that an [Formula: see text] (or [Formula: see text]) random matrix from a generalized Gaussian Unitary Ensemble (gGUE) is positive definite.
Comprehensive Treatments for Congenitally Missing Teeth and Generalized Diastema
Authors: Bahrami Mehran , Saleh Saber Fariba , Hendi Amirreza
Published: July 2017

Congenitally missing teeth and/or hypodontia is a prevalent dental anomaly. There are different treatment options available for these conditions such as space maintenance, restoring the space by resin-bonded-fixed-partial-dentures (RBFPDs), and dental implants. This study addresses the comprehensive treatments for congenitally missing tooth and diastema using interdisciplinary approaches. One patient was treated with small-diameter-implants and the other one was treated using an intraoral scanner to make digital impression and fabricating RBFPDs with CAD/CAM system. Both patients were completely satisfied.
A Monte Carlo Study of the Photon Spectrum due to the Different Materials Used in the Construction of Flattening Filters of LINAC
Authors: Jiménez J. S. Estepa , Lagos M. Díaz , Martinez-Ovalle S. A.
Published: July 2017

Different types the spectrum of photons were studied; they were emitted from the flattening filter of a LINAC Varian 2100 C/D that operates at 15 MV. The simplified geometry of the LINAC head was calculated using the MCNPX code based on the studies of the materials of the flattening filter, namely, SST, W, Pb, Fe, Ta, Al, and Cu. These materials were replaced in the flattening filter to calculate the photon spectra at the output of this device to obtain the spectrum that makes an impact with the patient. The different spectra obtained were analyzed and compared to the emission from the original spectra configuration of the LINAC, which uses material W. In the study, different combinations of materials were considered in order to establish differences between the use of different materials and the original material, with the objective of establishing advantages and disadvantages from a clinical standpoint.
Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity and HIV Associated Nephropathy: Mimickers of Myeloma-Like Cast Nephropathy
Authors: Khurram Muhammad Siddique , Alrajjal Ahmed , Ibrar Warda , Edens Jacob , Sheikh Umer , Hamza Ameer , Qu Hong
Published: July 2017

Myeloma cast nephropathy is an obstructing disorder of renal tubules, caused by precipitation of Bence Jones proteins. Myeloma-like cast nephropathy (MLCN) has been reported in the literature to occur in various primary renal and nonrenal diseases. We present a series of three rare cases of cast nephropathy, two of which are HIV patients, and the third patient is receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy. However, in all three patients plasma cell dyscrasia has been ruled out. A 30-year-old male was admitted to the hospital with facial cellulitis. The second patient is a 31-year-old male who presented withPneumocystis jirovecipneumonia. The third patient was treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy for carcinoma. First two cases revealed foci of diffuse tubular dilatation containing hyaline casts and interstitial inflammatory infiltrate, in addition to globally sclerotic glomeruli with ultrastructural foot process fusion and mesangium expansion. The third case showed acute tubular injury and cast formation of irregular casts composed of amorphous or granular material of low density admixed with scattered high electron-dense globules. Myeloma-like cast nephropathy and true myeloma cast nephropathy pose similar destructive effects on renal parenchyma. This new pattern of HIV-related nephropathy should be considered in HIV patients with MLCN, once monoclonal gammopathy is ruled out.
Laparoscopic Repair of a Large Paraesophageal Hernia with Migration of the Stomach into the Mediastinum Creating an Upside-Down Stomach
Authors: Sakran Nasser , Nevo Hadar , Dar Ron , Raziel Asnat , Hershko Dan
Published: July 2017

Upside-down stomach is a relatively rare type of a large paraesophageal hernia characterized by the migration of the stomach into the posterior mediastinum. Upside-down stomach is prone to severe complications and therefore surgery is recommended even in asymptomatic patients. A 62-year-old male presented with frequent abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting that persisted for one year. The patient was obese with fatty liver and was treated medically for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) for 4 years. On upper gastrointestinal CT study a level-IV paraesophageal hernia was detected with upside-down stomach, and he was referred for elective surgery. Laparoscopic surgery included reduction of the stomach into the abdominal cavity followed by dissection of the paraesophageal membrane and hernia sac. The hiatal defect was closed using a wound closure device and nonabsorbable sutures. The defect closure was reinforced using Physiomesh tucked anteriorly and sutured posteriorly to the diaphragm. Follow-up was uneventful and the patient is free of complaints. The results of this surgical intervention support previous reports that laparoscopic repair with the use of biological mesh in the setting of large paraesophageal hernia should be favorably considered.
Bilateral Brachial Artery Disease Presenting with Features of Raynaud’s Phenomenon: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Seegobin Karan , Lyons Brittany , Maharaj Satish , Baldeo Cherisse , Reddy Pramod , Cunningham James
Published: July 2017

Objective. To present a case of bilateral brachial artery disease presenting with features of Raynaud’s phenomenon which was successfully treated with angioplasty and stenting, together with a review of the relevant literature. Case. A 71-year-old female presented with a one-year history of intermittent pallor of both hands precipitated with cold objects. On examination, bilateral radial pulses were reduced. Prior photos showed pallor of the distal aspect of both palms. Angiogram showed high grade stenosis of the right brachial artery and focal occlusion with likely dissection of the left brachial artery. She underwent angioplasty and stenting for both lesions. She was asymptomatic without further episodes of Raynaud’s phenomenon after five months on dual antiplatelet therapy. Upper-extremity vascular stenosis is uncommon. Structural changes in the vessel wall can cause vasospastic attacks, a mechanism described in secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon. We hypothesize that these attacks may have been precipitated by the bilateral brachial artery disease. Furthermore, resolution of the symptoms after stent further supports our theory. Conclusion. Bilateral brachial artery disease is uncommon. Physicians should consider this in patients presenting with Raynaud’s phenomenon. Brachial artery stenosis and occlusion is a treatable disease with good symptomatic outcomes after angioplasty and stenting.
Reliability Assessment for PSC Box-Girder Bridges Based on SHM Strain Measurements
Authors: Chen Chuang , Wang Zonglin , Wang Yinhui , Wang Tao , Luo Zheng
Published: July 2017

A reliability assessment method for prestressed concrete (PSC) continuous box-girder bridges based on structural health monitoring (SHM) strain measurements was proposed. First, due to the fact that measured strain was compositive and the variation periods of its components were different, a series of limit state equations under normal use limit state were given. Then, a linear fitting method was used to determine the relationship between the ambient temperature and the measured strain, which was aimed at extracting the vehicle load effect and the temperature load effect from the measured strain. Finally, according to the equivalent normalization method, the load effects unsatisfying the normal distribution by probability density function fitting were transformed, and the daily failure probabilities of monitored positions were calculated for evaluating the safety state of the girder. The results show that (1) the top plate of the box girder is more sensitive than the bottom plate to the high temperature, (2) the daily and seasonal strain variations induced by uniform temperature reveal an inconsistent tendency to the seasonal variation for mid-span cross sections, and (3) the generalized extreme value distribution is recommended for temperature gradient stress and vehicle induced stress fitting for box-girder bridges.
First Report on Fetal Cerebral Polyglucosan Bodies in Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VII
Authors: Kadhim Hazim , Segers Valérie , Vilain Catheline , Désir Julie , D’Haene Nicky
Published: July 2017

We report on the detection of discordant inclusions in the brain of a 25-week female fetus with a very rare lysosomal storage disease, namely, Sly disease (mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type VII), presenting with nonimmune hydrops fetalis. Besides vacuolated neurons, we found abundant deposition of polyglucosan bodies (PGBs) in the developing brain of this fetus in whom MPS-VII was corroborated by lysosomal beta-glucuronidase-deficiency detected in fetal blood and fetal skin-fibroblasts and by the presence of a heterozygous pathogenic variant in the GUSB gene in the mother. Fetal/neonatal metabolic disorders with PGB-deposition are extremely rare (particularly in relation to CNS involvement) and include almost exclusively subtypes of glycogenosis (types IV and VII). The accumulation of PGBs (particularly in the fetal brain) has so far not been depicted in Sly disease. This is the first report on such “aberrant” association. Besides, the detection of these CNS inclusions at such an early developmental stage is remarkably unique.
Propiedades biomecánicas de la membrana limitante interna tras recibir tratamiento intravítreo con ocriplasmina
Authors: Vielmuth Franziska , Schumann Ricarda G. , Spindler Volker , Wolf Armin , Scheler Renate , Mayer Wolfgang J. , Henrich Paul B. , Haritoglou Christos
Published: July 2017

Objetivo: Evaluar la rigidez de la membrana limitante interna (MLI) humana y evaluar los posibles cambios de las propiedades mecánicas tras administrar una inyección intravítrea de ocriplasmina para tratar la tracción vitreomacular. Métodos: Este estudio se compone de una serie de casos intervencionales y comparativos de 12 muestras de MLI extraídas mediante cirugía y obtenidas de forma consecutiva de 9 ojos de 9 pacientes después de someterse sin éxito a vitreólisis farmacológica con ocriplasmina. Durante el mismo periodo de tiempo, 16 muestras de otros 13 ojos sin tratamiento con ocriplasmina se obtuvieron mediante vitrectomía y sirvieron como controles. Todos los pacientes presentaron agujeros maculares o tracción vitreomacular y se sometieron a vitrectomía con disección de la MLI tanto con tinción con azul brillante (AB) como sin ella. Todas las muestras se analizaron con un microscopio de fuerza atómica con imágenes de las regiones de 25 × 25 μm. En todas las muestras, se analizaron tanto la parte de la retina como la del vítreo de la MLI. Resultados: La microscopia de fuerza atómica no reveló diferencias significativas en cuanto a elasticidad de las muestras de MLI extraídas de ojos con o sin tratamiento con ocriplasmina. Las áreas onduladas de la parte de la retina presentaron una mayor rigidez que la parte del vítreo de la MLI. La cartografía topográfica tanto de la parte del vítreo como de la retina de la MLI no mostró ninguna alteración aparente de la morfología en ojos tratados con ocriplasmina en comparación con los ojos no tratados. La tinción con azul brillante conllevó un aumento de la rigidez tisular. Conclusiones: Las inyecciones intravítreas de ocriplasmina no varían las propiedades biomecánicas de la MLI humana. No existen pruebas de un posible efecto enzimático que interfiera con la rigidez de esta membrana basal.
Circulating Tumor Cells in Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Hoeppner Jens , Kulemann Birte
Published: July 2017

Esophageal cancer (EC) is mostly diagnosed due to clinical symptoms such as dysphagia or anemia. Depending on the staging and the histological subtype, squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma, patients with non-metastasized disease mostly undergo neoadjuvant chemoradiation or perioperative chemotherapy followed by esophageal resection. Nearly 50% of the curatively treated patients develop distant metastasis within 5 years, although no metastases were clinically evident at time of treatment. More recently, the concept of circulating tumor cells (CTC) has also been introduced for EC. CTC are thought to be the means of systemic tumor spread, with the ability to set up metastases in distant organs. Much effort has been made to capture, enrich and detect these very rare cells from the blood stream of EC patients. CTC have been found to be independent risk factors for worse prognosis in patients with EC. Pre- and intra-therapeutic CTC enrichment and detection has the potential to improve preoperative staging, and provide a differential indication for neoadjuvant therapeutic modality and an indication for adjuvant therapy.
Black-White Differences in Incident Fatal, Nonfatal, and Total Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Colantonio Lisandro D. , Gamboa Christopher M. , Richman Joshua S. , Levitan Emily B. , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Howard George , Safford Monika M.
Published: July 2017

Background:

Blacks have higher coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality compared with whites. However, a previous study suggests that nonfatal CHD risk may be lower for black versus white men.

Methods:

We compared fatal and nonfatal CHD incidence and CHD case-fatality among blacks and whites in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study (ARIC), the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS), and the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke study (REGARDS) by sex. Participants 45 to 64 years of age in ARIC (men=6479, women=8488) and REGARDS (men=5296, women=7822), and ≥65 years of age in CHS (men=1836, women=2790) and REGARDS (men=3381, women=4112), all without a history of CHD, were analyzed. Fatal and nonfatal CHD incidence was assessed from baseline (ARIC=1987–1989, CHS=1989–1990, REGARDS=2003–2007) through up to 11 years of follow-up.

Results:

Age-adjusted hazard ratios comparing black versus white men 45 to 64 years of age in ARIC and REGARDS were 2.09 (95% confidence interval, 1.42–3.06) and 2.11 (1.32–3.38), respectively, for fatal CHD, and 0.82 (0.64–1.05) and 0.94 (0.69–1.28), respectively, for nonfatal CHD. After adjustment for social determinants of health and cardiovascular risk factors, hazard ratios in ARIC and REGARDS were 1.19 (95% confidence interval, 0.74–1.92) and 1.09 (0.62–1.93), respectively, for fatal CHD, and 0.64 (0.47–0.86) and 0.67 (0.48–0.95), respectively, for nonfatal CHD. Similar patterns were present among men ≥65 years of age in CHS and REGARDS. Among women 45 to 64 years of age in ARIC and REGARDS, age-adjusted hazard ratios comparing blacks versus whites were 2.61 (95% confidence interval, 1.57–4.34) and 1.79 (1.06–3.03), respectively, for fatal CHD, and 1.47 (1.13–1.91) and 1.29 (0.91–1.83), respectively, for nonfatal CHD. After multivariable adjustment, hazard ratios in ARIC and REGARDS were 0.67 (95% confidence interval, 0.36–1.24) and 1.00 (0.54–1.85), respectively, for fatal CHD, and 0.70 (0.51–0.97) and 0.70 (0.46–1.06), respectively, for nonfatal CHD. Racial differences in CHD incidence were attenuated among older women. CHD case fatality was higher among black versus white men and women, and the difference remained similar after multivariable adjustment.

Conclusions:

After accounting for social determinants of health and risk factors, black men and women have similar risk for fatal CHD compared with white men and women, respectively. However, the risk for nonfatal CHD is consistently lower for black versus white men and women.
New data on the Opheliidae (Annelida) from Lizard Island (Great Barrier Reef, Australia): five new species of the genus Armandia Filippi, 1861
Authors: MOREIRA JUAN , PARAPAR JULIO
Published: July 2017

The study of benthic samples collected in Lizard Island (Great Barrier Reef, Australia) has yielded five additional new species of the genus Armandia (Annelida, Opheliidae). Armandia buccina n. sp. is distinguished by the peculiar buccin-shape of the anal tube, A. casuarina n. sp. by having elongated prechaetal lobe in chaetigers 1–2 and one pair of basal anal papillae provided in turn with small papillae, A. mariacapae n. sp. by the elongated, triangular tip of the prechaetal lobe in all chaetigers, A. opisthoculata n. sp. by having two large pigmented spots at both sides of the unpaired anal cirrus, and A. parva n. sp. has a conspicuous short prostomium that is distally truncated. All species are described and illustrated, and an updated key to all Armandia species from South-East Asia and Australasia is also provided.
Co-Operative Strategies for Energy Security
Authors: Mahalingam Sudha
Published: July 2017

The twenty-first century is witnessing certain key developments on the energy scene. Even as the centre of gravity of global energy markets is shifting rapidly and resolutely to the Asian continent. Russia is emerging as a formidable petro-state. There is a natural synergy between resource-rich Russia and the energy-thirsty economies of China and India. Geographically, the three together constitute a massive and contiguous land mass, home to a third of the global population and rich in natural as well as human resources. This fortuitous configuration opens up possibilities for forging a new regional identity, based on shared interests and mutually beneficial cooperation. Energy cooperation leads the list of such possibilities. This paper identifies potential areas of energy cooperation among the three countries of the region, namely, Russia, China and India, and in doing so, adopts an approach that goes beyond the conventional, to examine prospects that are at once specific, immediate and feasible.
The Gifted Child and Pastoral Counseling
Authors: Yoder Walter H.
Published: July 2017

EDITORIAL NOTE: Many researchers have indicated the need for supplying a model worthy of emulation for the gifted child. This article reinforces this suggestion, for the gifted child, like all others, identifies with the adults in his life, though their behavior is many times inadequate. The author indicates how ineffective, ineffectual, immature parents whose relationships with one another are on a puerile level also supply the model for their gifted son. Pastoral counseling brings about an increment in the functioning level of maturity of the adults. In turn, this positively influences the behavior of the gifted offspring.
Brief Overview of the Activities of the Nea Project
Authors: Bish Charles E.
Published: July 2017

An era of special note for those interested in education of the gifted finished last September with the end of the last Carnegie grant to the NEA for the Academically Talented Student and the retirement of Charles E. Bish, its director for the past decade. It would be hard to name another person who has done so much to influence the education of gifted children during this last decade. His outstanding efforts culminated in his receiving from this organization the citation of merit at the Hartford Convention in 1967. Dr. Bish, whose address is 5114 Duvall Drive, Washington, D. C. 20016, continues his work on behalf of the gifted through an inservice program for teachers in Maryland. He was prevailed upon to write this short and modest account of the most comprehensive effort in behalf of gifred children ever undertaken in this country. We take this opportunity to salute Dr. Bish for his accomplishments, and to wish him many happy years to come.
From Articulation Tests Toward Formulas for Intelligibility
Authors: Griggs Thurston
Published: July 2017

From a project concerning radiotelephone messages in aviation, a procedure was developed for the formulation of hypotheses respecting more intelligible and less intelligible speech sounds. From an analysis of words with poor ratings in articulation tests, several hypotheses are made, and as those same words appear subsequently in articulation tests of phrases and meaningful clusters of words, a study is made of the speech sounds undetected and of the mistaken responses of the listeners. Those missing or misinterpreted elements then are sorted and classified, and are related, when possible, to appropriate hypotheses concerning particular speech sounds. New hypotheses thus are formulated as a guide for selecting the vocabulary of a language of stock-phrases or clichés for specialized use.

It is suggested that the formulation can be further tested by means of specially designed articulation tests and possibly by means of a separate quantitative analysis combining intensity and duration of various speech sounds. Meanwhile the present formulation can be used in working toward immediate pragmatic improvement of recorded or stock messages; and operational tests can be conducted on the endresults achieved for various sets of fixed messages or for languages having specialized applications.
Verbal Labelling and the Learning of a Complex Discrimination By Normal and Severely Subnormal Children
Authors: Bryant P.E.
Published: July 2017

The effect of overt labelling on the learning of a relatively complex sorting discrimination by severely subnormal and normal children was examined. The sorting discrimination consisted of learning to place one colour (S1) in one box and two others (S2) in another. Half the subjects verbally labelled S1. It was found that the effects of S1 verbal labelling were specific with the severely subnormal, and non-specific with the normals. The results of a post-test in which one of the initial test stimuli was held constant, and a novel S was introduced, helped to explain this group difference.
Social Class and the Speech of Four Year Olds : the Effect of Intelligence
Authors: Poole Johnston Rhona
Published: July 2017

In the first experiment reported in this study, four year old children from middle and lower class homes were matched in pairs according to their non-verbal intelligence test scores, and their speech was compared with that of a similar group of four year olds in a second experiment, who had not been matched for intelligence. Speech was elicited from the children in both experiments by the use of a picture strip technique, and analysed according to traditional grammar. Few social class differences emerged in the speech of the first group of four year olds, but in the second experiment a social class difference was found in the use of adjectives, even when verbal intelligence was controlled for statistically. A significant difference found in the use of nouns in the second experiment was found to be due to intelligence differences between the two social class groups, and the frequency of the use of nouns, pronouns, and adverbs was found to be correlated with verbal IQ. The lack of correlation of speech variables with verbal IQ in the first experiment was attributed to the narrowness of the IQ range, which resulted from the experimental matching of intelligence. It is suggested that differences in verbal intelligence do affect the speech that children use, and care should be taken not to confuse this variable with that of social class when studying the speech of young chldren.
The Effect of Temporal Speech Alterations on Speaker Race and Sex Identifications
Authors: Lass Norman J. , Mertz Pamela J. , Kimmel Karen L.
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the importance of temporal features of speech in speaker race and sex identifications. A total of 20 speakers, 10 white (five females and five males) and 10 black (five females and five males) recorded four sentences. Three master tapes were constructed from these recordings, representing the three experimental conditions in the study: forward-played, backward-played, and time-compressed. The master tapes were played to a group of 30 judges who participated in three sessions, one for each of the three experimental conditions. In each session they were asked to judge the race and sex of the speaker of each sentence as well as the confidence of each decision on a seven-point rating scale. Results of their judgments indicate the following: (1) temporal alteration of the speech signal by means of backward-playing and time-compression adversely affected race identifications but not sex identifications; (2) listener accuracy and confidence for sex judgments were considerably greater than for race judgments on each of the three master tapes; (3) for each of the three experimental conditions, listener accuracy for race and sex identifications was better than that expected by chance guessing. Implications of these and other findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Rhythm in Very Rapid R.P.
Authors: Uldall Elizabeth T
Published: July 2017

A very fast reading of a text by a speaker of R.P. is compared with a “Normal” reading by the same speaker. In neither case are the rhythmic “feet” isochronous: the more syllables in a foot-type, the greater the average duration for that type. There is not a great increase in duration from one- to two- to three-syllable feet, but those with four are noticeably longer. Some reasons are suggested, other than greater numbers of syllables, for the greater durations of some of the feet. It is also suggested that the longer feet, though containing only one stress each, do not interfere with the rhythm set up by the commoner type, but may operate at two units each.
Speaker Intelligibility of Black and White School Children for Black and White Adult Listeners Under Varying Listening Conditions
Authors: Harris Nobber E. , Seymour Harry N.
Published: July 2017

Word discrimination scores were obtained from 25 black and 25 white college students. Monosyllabic words were spoken by 24 black and 24 white children from a low socio-economic urban environment. Listening was conducted in quiet, at a 10 dB signal-to-noise ratio, and at a 0 dB signal-to-noise ratio. Results showed black children and white children were equally intelligible to the black adult-listeners, while the white adult-listeners found white children significantly more intelligible than black children. Word discrimination scores for black adults listening to black children were comparable to those of white adults listening to the white children. The quiet listening condition yielded the best scores, 10 dB S/N next best, and 0 dB the poorest. Noise deteriorated word discrimination scores of the black and white listeners differently.
Accor: Instrumentation and Database for the Cross-Language Study of Coarticulation
Authors: Marchal Alain , Hardcastle William J.
Published: July 2017

An unavoidable problem in speech technology, particularly in the development of robust automatic speech recognition systems, is the extreme variability in the acoustic attributes of segments. Segments are highly sensitive to context and bear little resemblance to their intrinsic characteristics manifested when they are uttered in isolation. However, the problem can become tractable if we model the linguistic and physiological aspects of coarticulatory processes, the main source of systematic variability at the segmental level.
The Outlook for World Meat Supply and Demand
Authors: Boonekamp Loek
Published: July 2017

This paper presents a medium-term outlook for world meat supply and demand. Following a broad outline of likely developments in production and consumption of all meats, the focus engages on the outlook for world beef markets over the five-year period from 1997. The projections presented in this paper are based largely on those published by the OECD. So far as non-OECD countries are concerned, the main sources of information have been the Economic Research Service of the US Department for Agriculture and the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute of the Universities of Iowa State and Missouri, Columbia.
The Isomorphism of Local Development Policy: A Case Study of the Formation and Transformation of National Development Zones in Post-Mao Jiangsu, China
Authors: Chien Shiuh-Shen
Published: July 2017

It is often the case, although it has not been well-documented, that local governments aiming for economic growth tend to formulate and implement very similar, or even identical, policies. This phenomenon is referred to as the `isomorphism of local development policy', or `local policy isomorphism'. Five mechanisms are theoretically elaborated in order to explain the phenomenon of local policy isomorphism. The different regions formulate similar development strategies for the following reasons: they face similar pressure from the central government (or international organisations); they are competing for investments that are highly mobile; they engage in mimetic learning attributable to the uncertainties of development; experienced personnel move from advanced regions to underdeveloped areas; and, professional organisations are involved on a consultancy basis. The case of the formation and transformation of national development zones in the Jiangsu province in post-Mao China is used to illustrate the empirical applications of these five mechanisms.
The Mills—Muth Model of Urban Spatial Structure: Surviving the Test of Time?
Authors: Spivey Christy
Published: July 2017

This paper examines the viability of some basic predictions of the Mills—Muth model of city structure for modern cities using US data for the year 2000. The estimation strategy used to test the predictions is very similar to that of Jan Brueckner and David Fansler, who use 1970 data to find support for the model's basic comparative statics predictions—namely, that city area is increasing in population and income but decreasing in agricultural land value and commuting costs. This paper uses different measures for land values and commuting costs where possible and a measure of polycentricity to estimate a slightly modified empirical model. Despite the changing structure of cities, there is evidence that the Mills—Muth comparative statics predictions hold for modern US cities, that densely populated cities are more likely to have sub-centres and that market forces drive urban spatial structure.
Evangelical Approaches to Hindus
Authors: Richard H. L.
Published: July 2017

Five evangelical approaches to Hindus are defined and analyzed. Most popular is a simple gospel approach that is generally unconcerned about wrestling with issues of context. A similar problem is seen in Pentecostal power approaches. Christ as the fulfillment of Hindu scripture is a third approach; impressive concern to respect and interact with Hindu traditions is marred by inadequate interpretations of Hindu scriptures. Worldview confrontation as a fourth approach artificially reads Hinduism as monistic and argues for theism. A fifth approach of holistic contextualization is commended and defined not merely in terms of cultural issues, but with a focus on the identity of individuals within their sociological communities.
The Great Commission Revisited: The Role of God's Reign in Disciple Making
Authors: Hertig Paul
Published: July 2017

This exegetical study explores the great commission as a post-resurrection declaration of God's universal reign. It gives particular attention to the phrase, “teaching them to obey all things I have commanded you,” which is often ignored by interpreters and practitioners of the great commission. This phrase provides the content of what is to be passed on to others in the process of discipleship. It is a safeguard built into the mission mandate which protects disciples through the ages from the narrowing of the broad scope of mission, which like every Christian task, must hinge on the motives of love and authenticity.
The Nature of the Missionary Calling: A Retrospective Look to the Future
Authors: Stamoolis James J.
Published: July 2017

Before the communication of the message comes the call to the messenger. This essay explores the nature of the missionary call looking at the necessity of a call, not only to have a message to deliver, but also to assure the missionary of God's enabling presence during difficult times. The Bible provides examples of how God communicated with humans in calling out his servants as well as providing an understanding of the nature of the message. Throughout history, missionaries have responded to what they perceived as a divine appointment to be ambassadors of the Most High.
The Spirit of Hospitality
Authors: Yong Amos
Published: July 2017

This essay discusses how the centrality of the narrative of the book of Acts in Pentecostal spirituality and piety both poses challenges to Pentecostal missionary and evangelistic approaches in a post-9/11, religiously plural world on the one hand, and yet also provides resources for developing new theological understandings of the religions shaped by the doctrine of the Holy Spirit (pneumatology) on the other. It is further proposed that such a pneumatological theology of religions can be complemented by a theology of hospitality derived from Luke-Acts resulting in a performative pneumatological theology of interreligious hospitality for the church catholic today.
“Baptism of the Holy Ghost & Fire!” the Mission Legacy of Minnie F. Abrams
Authors: McGee Gary B.
Published: July 2017

Minnie F. Abrams served as a missionary in India from 1887 to her untimely death in 1912. A leader in the 1905–1906 spiritual awakening in that country, she trained and promoted women evangelists. She also wrote the popular The Baptism of the Holy Ghost & Fire to promote the need for a post-conversionary experience of purification and empowerment for effective evangelism. Abrams was the most prominent of the veteran missionaries who moved from the women's missionary movement through the ranks of the holiness movement to Pentecostalism. Her long association with schools and charitable institutions and her intense desire to evangelize unreached peoples modeled a Pentecostal adaptation of “Woman's Work for Woman.”
Processing of Ternary Polymer Blends Based on Polyvinyl Chloride, Thermoplastic Polyester Polyurethane and Polyethylene-Co-Acrylate-Co-Co. Part II: Physical and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Modesti M. , Simioni F. , Tiberio M. I. , Veronelli M. , Zinelli G. , Passudetti M.
Published: July 2017

The physical-mechanical behavior of compatible polymer blends based on poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), thermoplastic polyester polyurethane (TPU) and polyethylene- co-n butyl acrylate- co-CO (ENBACO) has been investigated. In particular, the influence of the composition on thermal stability and mechanical performance such as tensile characteristics, specific gravity, hardness and abrasion resistance has been evaluated and plotted by means of 3-D graphics. By analyzing the experimental results by means of the "ECHIP" computer program, it has been possible to optimize the composition of the mixture in order to obtain a material with the best performance/cost ratio for a specific application. An example of industrial application in the footwear industry was reported.
High-Green-Strength Silicone Rubber
Authors: Monroe Carl M.
Published: July 2017

A high-green-strength silicone rubber has been developed which can be processed on equipment designed to handle organic rubber in the uncured state. This paper describes the processing of silicone rubber for curved radiator hose where green strength is needed. A correlation between green strength, room temperature Mooney viscosity, and plasticity has been established and found to be strict enough to allow green strength to be estimated from room temperature Mooney viscosity and plasticity data.

Good shelf life along with excellent processing properties on a 2-roll mill are characteristic of this silicone rubber stock. Data will be presented covering handling properties, immersion tests, typical physical and thermal properties. Currently, this silicone rubber is being used in hose applications and could be considered for others where green strength is a requirement.
Impregnation of Paper Sheets in Vinyl Acetate/Vinyl Chloride Copolymer Solution
Authors: Nada Abd-Alla M. A. , Ayoub Magdy M. H.
Published: July 2017

Bleached wood pulp paper sheets were impregnated in a solution of methylene chloride containing different concentrations of vinyl acetate/vinyl chloride copolymer (2-6 gm/100 ml) for different time intervals (5-60 seconds). The effects of polymer concentration and dipping time on the retained polymer on paper sheets were determined. The effects of heating (softening) treated paper sheets at different temperatures [(100, 110, and 12000) for five minutes and at 110°C for different time intervals (3-15 minutes)] on the physical properties of paper sheets were also investigated. The physical properties of the impregnated paper sheets were highly improved. Breaking length increased from 2.2 to 5.4 km, burst factor increased from 12 to 38, tear factor increased from 64 to 105, and water absorbance decreased from 175 to 46. Softening temperature, heating time, and retained polymer play an important role in the improvement of the physical properties of paper sheets.