bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Generation Matter? – Changing the Church from the Inside
Authors: Johansen Kirstine Helboe
Published: October 2018

In this article, possible generational differences between younger and older pastors in the Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Denmark are examined with respect to their understandings of the wedding and the ecclesiological implications of these understandings. Building on the generational theory of Karl Mannheim, the hypothesis is that despite in-group similarities between older and younger pastors, the two generations will show differences in the way they represent their office and thereby the church is changed not only from the outside but also from the inside. An explorative qualitative study of the understanding of the wedding among selected pastors investigates their understanding of the wedding service in three different dimensions and shows that both groups primarily understand the wedding as a traditional ritual, but younger pastors appear to enact this understanding in a relational approach in which the meaning of the wedding emerges in the encounter between pastor and wedding couple. The older pastors appear to link the meaning of the wedding closely to the ritual procedures themselves. At the end of the article, the ecclesiological implications of these different understandings of the wedding service are elaborated.
Race, space and commerce in multi-ethnic Costa Rica: a linguistic landscape inquiry
Authors: Buckingham Louisa
Published: October 2018

Costa Rica officially became a multi-ethnic, pluricultural nation in 2015. Representatives from the principal minorities, in particular Afro-Costa Ricans and indigenous peoples, played an important role in contesting the erstwhile dominant narrative of Costa Rican’s white European settler heritage. One of the intended consequences of the constitutional amendment was to ensure greater salience of ethnic minorities in public policy and social life. This study investigates the public display of linguistic and cultural diversity on commercial and community signage in six urban centres of Limón, the most ethnically diverse province. Undertaken in the same year as the constitutional amendment, the study examines the inclusion of languages and cultural references attributable to three main minority groups (Afro-Caribbean, Chinese and indigenous), and more recent migrant settlers, in public space. Greater salience was found in locations appearing to target a local readership; references to indigenous cultures were almost completely absent, however. Changes in the public narrative on Costa Rican identity may gradually encourage greater salience of official minority groups on public signage. An immediate challenge entails the effects of the expanding tourism sector, as this appears to favour a proliferation of decontextualized international cultural references rather than an appreciation of locality and historical rootedness.
Who speaks what language to whom and when – rethinking language use in the context of European Schools
Authors: Rydenvald Marie
Published: October 2018

European Schools provide a multilingual international education for children of EU employees. However, despite the multilingual context of these schools, little research has been done regarding students’ multilingualism. Employing domain theory and a dynamic perspective on multilingualism, this sociolinguistic study investigates language use and language choice of secondary school students attending a European School in Belgium. The study comprises 56 participants and three different sources of data, i.e. questionnaire, self-recordings, and interviews, during a period of 3½ years. Nexus analysis is used as an analytical tool. The results suggest that the situations of language choice which the participants constantly face appear to be influenced by a taken-for-granted, rational multilingual context, manifested in the principles of inclusion and “the least common denominator”. These principles imply that students choose language based on a combination of their own, and their interlocutors’ preferences. The principles are discussed in the light of the multilingual environment of the European Schools. In addition, the results show a discrepancy between the reported results from the questionnaire and the face-to-face interaction in the self-recordings. The home domain is more multilingual than reported, and interaction with peers more monolingual. These results help to elucidate the heterogeneity of the students’ multilingualism, while discussing and problematizing domain theory.
Antidiarrhoeal properties of Syzygium guineense leaf extract and identification of chemical constituents in its active column fractions
Authors: Ezenyi Ifeoma C. , Igoli John O.
Published: October 2018

Background

Syzygium guineense (Myrtaceae) has been used in traditional medicine against various ailments, including diarrhoea. This study was conducted to scientifically evaluate the antidiarrheal effects of S. guineense extract and fractions.

Methods

An ethanol extract of S. guineense leaves was prepared and tested for its effect on small intestinal propulsion in mice and castor oil-induced fluid accumulation in rats. The extract was also evaluated for its effect on itopride-induced small intestine propulsion in mice. Column fractions were also investigated in rats and sub-fractions were tested for activity on spontaneous contractions of isolated rabbit jejunum.

Results

The results showed that the extract significantly (p<0.05) inhibited intrinsic small intestinal propulsion and itopride-induced propulsive activity, similar to atropine (0.3 mg/kg) although its inhibitory effect against castor oil-induced intestinal fluid accumulation and diarrhoea was statistically insignificant (p>0.05). Column separation yielded 14 fractions, with three fractions producing significant (p<0.001) inhibition of small intestinal propulsion. Sub-fractions 1, 7 and 16 obtained from an active column fraction also exhibited relaxant effects on isolated rabbit jejunum. Spectral analysis (proton, 13C NMR) of sub-fractions 7 and 16 revealed the presence of betulinic acid, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid in 7 and a mixture of luteolin and friedelane-type triterpenes in 16.

Conclusions

These findings provide scientific evidence that S. guineense leaf extract possess antidiarrhoeal activity and may be potentially beneficial in treatment diarrhoeal disease. The identified compounds may also be implicated in its antidiarrhoeal effects.
On so-called “gapless” constructions in Japanese
Authors: Ishii Toru
Published: October 2018

It has been claimed (Inoue, Kazuko. 1976.Henkei Bunpō to Nihongo. [Transformation grammar and Japanese]. Tokyo: Taishūkan.; Kuno, Susumu. 1973.The structure of the Japanese language. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.; Saito, Mamoru. 1985.Some asymmetries in Japanese and their theoretical consequences. Cambridge, MA: MIT dissertation.) that Japanese “gapless” topic constructions and relative clauses are derived by base-generation. Evidence in favor of the base-generation analysis comes from the observation that there does exist any derivational source of the “gapless” construction. Contrary to this widely accepted view, this paper argues that the Japanese “gapless” construction is derived in terms of movement enforced by labeling. Under the proposed analysis, obligatory raising of a phrase to the topic/relative head position, which is required by labeling, accounts for the fact that there does not seem to exist any derivational source of the “gapless” construction at first sight. It is shown that our movement analysis is supported by island, reconstruction, and parasitic gap facts. If our analysis is on the right track, it gives further support for the Free Merge coupled with a labeling algorithm approach (Chomsky, Noam. 2013. Problems of projection.Lingua130. 33–49. and Chomsky, Noam. 2015. Problems of projection: Extensions. In Elisa Di Domenico, Cornelia Hamann & Simona Matteini (eds.),Structures, strategies, and beyond: Studies in honor of Adriana Belletti, 1–16. Amsterdam: John Benjamins.).
Tonal alignment and preaccentuation
Authors: Ito Junko , Mester Armin
Published: October 2018

This paper develops a new analysis of the antepenultimate accent principle that determines the default location of the pitch accent in Japanese words (namely, on the syllable containing the antepenultimate mora). The chief innovation is that this analysis also applies to compounds, where it predicts the location of accent in compounds with “short” N2 (one or two moras) – so-called “preaccentuation” at the end of N1, which often does not coincide with the penultimate mora. In addition, the paper sketches an extension of the analysis subsuming the N2-initial accent characteristic of compounds with “long” N2 (three or four moras).
Floating quantifiers in Japanese passives and beyond
Authors: Kitagawa Yoshihisa
Published: October 2018

This work attempts to defend the so-called Uniform Hypothesis for passives in Japanese by re-examining the empirical phenomena involving quantifier float (Q-float). We will attempt to reinforce the following main tenets of the Uniform Hypothesis — (i) that allni-passive sentences in Japanese involve complementation and the theta-marking of their subjects, and (ii) that they crucially lack NP movement. We will also closely examine the syntactic, semantic, pragmatic and prosodic properties of Q-float in general.
Strong and weak pronouns in the covert system of pronouns
Authors: Miyagawa Shigeru
Published: October 2018

In this article, which is taken almost verbatim from parts ofAgreement Beyond Phi(Miyagawa, Shigeru. 2017.Agreement beyond phi. Linguistic Inquiry Monograph 75. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.), I focus on a puzzling observation about subjectproacross languages: in languages such as Japanese and those of Romance, the subjectprobehaves exactly like a pronoun in being able to freely refer to entities in the discourse with reasonable context, and also to refer sentence internally to a subject, an object, or other phrases. However, in Chinese, the subjectprois extremely limited in its reference potential: it is able to refer to a discourse entity in very narrow contexts, and sentence internally, its antecedent is limited to the subject. I show that the Chinese subjectprodemonstrates the principles of Strong Uniformity, by depending on ϕ-feature agreement for sentence-internal reference, and when that option isn’t taken, switches to the Topic feature to refer to a discourse entity.
On some constraints on right dislocation in Japanese
Authors: Yoshida Tomoyuki , Harada Misaki
Published: October 2018

This paper takes up some constraints on right dislocation in Japanese (JRD) and shows that some of them are sensitive to the presence of an overt correlate for the right-dislocated element while others are not. Adopting a commonly proposed biclausal analysis of JRD, we propose that there are two ways to derive JRD patterns. One involves movement of the right-dislocated element and the other involves no such movement. We show how these two derivations account for island sensitivity and the interpretation of nominal modifiers and adverbs in JRD. The main function of overt correlates in all these cases is to signal where dislocated elements should be interpreted in various syntactic structures. For constraints that are not affected by the presence of overt correlates, we focus on the ones related to phonological phrasing and domains to which multiple RD applies. We show that a binarity constraint can be observed, where it is required for right-dislocated elements to be grouped into two phonological phrases. We then discuss two additional constraints on multiple RD: one on the composition of elements in a phonological phrase, and the other on the domain where multiple RD takes place.
Effects of a magnetic field and initial stress on reflection of SV-waves at a free surface with voids under gravity
Authors: Anya Augustine Igwebuike , Akhtar M.W. , Abo-Dahab Syed Muhammad , Kaneez Hajra , Khan Aftab , Jahangir Adnan
Published: October 2018

The present study deals with the reflection of SV-waves at a free surface in the presence of magnetic field, initial stress, voids and gravity. When an SV-wave incident on the free surface of an elastic half space, two damped P-waves and an SV-wave are reflected. Among these waves, P-waves are only affected by magnetic fields whereas SV-waves are influenced by both, initial stress and magnetic fields. Effect of gravity is negligible whereas voids played a significant role. These observations can be helpful for seismology and earthquake sciences.
320 Gbps Free Space Optic Communication System Deploying Ultra Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing and Polarization Mode Division Multiplexing
Authors: Mohammed Husam Abduldaem
Published: October 2018

This work aims to investigate the integrated ultra-dense wavelength division multiplexing (UDWDM) and polarization division multiplexing (PDM) schemes incorporated in the free space optic (FSO) communication system. Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) are used as post and pre-amplifiers in the proposed UDWDM–PDM–FSO system to boost the transmission power for increasing the distance. Thirty-two channels are transported over the FSO link to realize the total data transmission of 160 and 320 Gbps with 0.08 and 0.1 nm channel spacing, respectively. Results are also reported with non-return to zero modulation schemes. The performance of the proposed UDWDM–PDM–FSO transmission system is measured in terms of bit error rate (BER) and eye diagrams. The transmission distances are 100 and 87 km under clear weather and have acceptable BERs with 0.08 and 0.1 nm channel spacing, respectively. The weather conditions may worsen due to the increase in atmospheric turbulence. Hence, the transmission distances decrease to 3.93 and 2.6 km for heavy rain weather conditions. The UDWDM–PDM–FSO communication system exhibits an excellent performance due to the use of EDFAs with high achievable maximum distance and good and acceptable BER performance. The UDWDM–PDM–FSO communication system considerably enhances the transmission distance compared with the UDWDM–FSO communication system.
The prevalence and volumetry of pituitary cysts in children with growth hormone deficiency and idiopathic short stature
Authors: Krasnow Nicholas , Pogostin Bradley , Haigney James , Groh Brittany , Weiler Winston , Tenner Michael , Kessler Marion , Frey Michael , Noto Richard A.
Published: October 2018

Background

Pituitary cysts have been speculated to cause endocrinopathies. We sought to describe the prevalence and volumetry of pituitary cysts in patients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and idiopathic short stature (ISS).

Methods

Six hundred and eighteen children evaluated for growth failure at the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology at New York Medical College between the years 2002 and 2012, who underwent GH stimulation testing and had a brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prior to initiating GH treatment were randomly selected to be a part of this study. High resolution MRI was used to evaluate the pituitary gland for size and the presence of a cyst. Cyst prevalence, cyst volume and percentage of the gland occupied by the cyst (POGO) were documented.

Results

Fifty-six patients had a cyst, giving an overall prevalence of 9.1%. The prevalence of cysts in GHD patients compared to ISS patients was not significant (13.5% vs. 5.7%, p=0.46). Mean cyst volume was greater in GHD patients than ISS patients (62.0 mm3vs. 29.4 mm3, p=0.01). POGO for GHD patients was significantly greater (p=0.003) than for ISS patients (15.3%±12.8 vs. 7.1%±8.0). Observers were blinded to patient groups.

Conclusions

GHD patients had a significantly greater volume and POGO compared to ISS patients. This raises the question of whether cysts are implicated in the pathology of growth failure.
A case of an infant with extremely low birth weight and hypothyroidism associated with massive cutaneous infantile hemangioma
Authors: Igarashi Aiko , Hata Ikue , Yuasa Miori , Okuno Takashi , Ohshima Yusei
Published: October 2018

Background

Although hepatic infantile hemangioma (IH) may correlate with consumptive hypothyroidism consequent to the overexpression of thyroid hormone inactivating enzyme by hemangioma cells, hypothyroidism has been rarely recognized in infants with cutaneous hemangioma.

Case presentation

A male infant born at 28 weeks of gestational age with an extremely low birth weight (775 g) developed a massive cutaneous hemangioma on his neck and severe abdominal distension. Imaging examinations detected a small mass lesion in the brain but no hepatic hemangioma. Laboratory findings at the age of 26 days revealed hypothyroidism. Although high-dose levothyroxine therapy failed to normalize the thyroid function, hypothyroidism improved and cutaneous hemangioma regressed after initiating propranolol therapy.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that consumptive hypothyroidism should be considered as a critical comorbidity in patients with massive cutaneous IH. Propranolol therapy can effectively normalize thyroid function and cause hemangioma regression.
NPU, LOINC, and SNOMED CT: a comparison of terminologies for laboratory results reveals individual advantages and a lack of possibilities to encode interpretive comments
Authors: Bietenbeck Andreas , Boeker Martin , Schulz Stefan
Published: October 2018

Background

Terminologies facilitate data exchange and enable laboratories to assist in patient care even if complex treatment pathways involve multiple stakeholders. This paper examines the three common terminologiesNomenclature for Properties and Units(NPU),Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes(LOINC), andSNOMED Clinical Terms(SNOMED CT).

Methods

The potential of each terminology to encode five exemplary laboratory results is assessed. The terminologies are evaluated according to scope, correctness, formal representations, and ease of use.

Results

NPU is based on metrological concepts with strict rules regarding the coding of the measurand and the result value. Clinically equivalent results are regularly mapped to the same code but there is little support to differentiate results from non-standardized measurements. LOINC encodes analyses as offered by the laboratory. Its large number of entries allows different mappings for the same analysis. SNOMED CT contains few analyses natively, but its formal composition mechanism allows representing measurements by post-coordinated expressions that are equivalent to LOINC codes. SNOMED CT’s strength lies in its support of many non-numerical result values. Implicit code hierarchies exist in NPU and LOINC. SNOMED CT has explicit, elaborate axioms that elucidate the meaning of its content. Its complexity and its license conditions, however, impede a more widespread use. Interpretive comments, a crucial part of laboratory results, are still difficult to encode with any of the terminologies.

Conclusions

All three terminologies have distinct potentials and limitations, but the approximation of SNOMED CT and LOINC suggests using them together. Terminologies need to be expanded to also cover interpretive comments.
A second-order weak approximation of SDEs using a Markov chain without Lévy area simulation
Authors: Yamada Toshihiro , Yamamoto Kenta
Published: October 2018

This paper proposes a new Markov chain approach to second-order weak approximations of stochastic differential equations (SDEs) driven by d-dimensional Brownian motion.
The scheme is explicitly constructed by polynomials of Brownian motions up to second order, and any discrete moment-matched random variables or the Lévy area simulation method are not used.
The required number of random variables is still d in one-step simulation of the implementation of the scheme. In the Markov chain, a correction term with Lie bracket of vector fields associated with SDEs appears as the cost of not using moment-matched random variables.
Crystal structure of ethyl 2-amino-4-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-5-oxo-4H,5H-pyrano[3,2-c] chromene-3-carboxylate, C23H21NO6
Authors: Liu Xue-Kun , Geng Xiao-Yu , Zhang Meng , Ye Bai-Jun , Shi Zhan , Wang Yan-Qiu
Published: October 2018

C23H21NO6, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 7.624(4) Å, b = 9.197(5) Å, c = 15.058(5) Å, α = 94.13(3)°, β = 102.27(3)°, γ = 106.72(3)°, V = 977.9(8) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt(F) = 0.0662, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1733, T = 296(2) K.
Crystal structure of 1,1′-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis(3-ethyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium)bis(hexafluorido phosphate), C12H20F12N4P2
Authors: Wan-Ming Xiong , Yi-Bo Di , Ying-Dong Lan , Jing Chen , Xu-Liang Nie , Chang-Gan Huang
Published: October 2018

C12H20F12N4P2, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 7.012(2) Å, b = 15.507(5) Å, c = 10.398(2) Å, β = 118.945(15)°, Z = 2, V = 989.4(5) Å3, R
gt(F) = 0.0526, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1537, T = 296(2) K.
Crystal structure of 3-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-ylamino)isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one, C15H10N2O2S
Authors: Xing Ai-Ping , Zeng Dai , Zhang Shu-Ling , Guo Da-Feng , Chu Yi-Xin
Published: October 2018

C15H10N2O2S, monoclinic, Cc (no. 9), a = 10.7988(7) Å, b = 15.7684(10) Å, c = 8.5906(6) Å, β = 112.302(8)°, V = 1353.38(17) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0353, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0922, T = 293(2) K.
Crystal structure of diethyl 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-1,2-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate, C24H25NO5
Authors: Tan Hong-Bo , Meng Jiang-Ping
Published: October 2018

C24H25NO5, triclinic, P1̄, a = 9.2625(8) Å, b = 10.5974(10) Å, c = 11.7431(11) Å, α = 77.836(8)°, β = 87.564(8)°, γ = 66.951(9)°, V = 1035.83(17) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt(F) = 0.0404, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0985, T = 107.5 K.
Crystal structure of 1-(5-bromo-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-7-yl)ethan-1-ol, C17H14BrNO2
Authors: Mphahlele Malose J.
Published: October 2018

C17H14BrNO2, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 31.437(3) Å, b = 5.5224(5) Å, c = 16.6545(16) Å, β = 94.703(4)°, V = 2881.6(5) Å3, Z = 8, R
gt(F) = 0.0251, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.067, T = 173(2) K.
Political Initiatives and Peacekeeping: Assessing Multiple UN Conflict Resolution Tools
Authors: Dorussen Han , Clayton Govinda
Published: October 2018

The United Nations Peacemaking Initiatives (UNPI) data compile information on the full range of instruments the UN employs to advance peace and stability. After briefly introducing the data, we will describe how they help us to identify different types of UN peacemaking instruments based on what they aim to achieve (tasks), when they are applied (trends) and to what conflicts (selection).
Die „Libation des Gottes“ und die Blendung des Kyklopen – Überlegungen zu Euripides’ Kyklops 469–471
Authors: Zerhoch Sebastian
Published: October 2018

The comparison by which the Chorus of Satyrs in Euripides’ Cyclops 469–471 illustrates its wish to participate in the blinding of the Cyclops is regarded as difficult in research on the play, due to the ambiguous expression ὥσπερ ἐκ σπονδῆς θεοῦ (469). There is no consensus either on the question of how the reference to libation is to be understood, nor on whether the transmitted phrasing is correct at all. In the present paper I attempt to show that doubts over the transmission are unfounded and that attempts to refer the comparison not to libation but to the ritual use of water for handwashing at sacrifice are not persuasive. Rather, Euripides in this passage is engaging with the theme of libation on several levels of meaning: when we pay close attention to the context, cult-specific associations and literary applications of libation as a motif in Homer and Aristophanes, the words of the satyrs can be read, firstly, as a metaphorical reference to the two main actions in Odysseus’ plan for revenge, and secondly as a subtle allusion to the use of libation and spit-roasting in sacrificial ritual.
Copper-catalyzed click reactions: quantification of retained copper using 64Cu-spiked Cu(I), exemplified for CuAAC reactions on liposomes
Authors: Wagener Karolin , Renisch Dennis , Schinnerer Meike , Worm Matthias , Jakob Yvonne , Eberhardt Klaus , Rösch Frank
Published: October 2018

The Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) is a powerful, highly reliable and selective reaction which allows for a rapid synthesis in high yields and under mild conditions (pH, temperature). However, the cytotoxicity of copper requires its complete removal prior to an application in vivo. This is an issue especially when it comes to CuAAC reactions on macromolecular structures or drug delivery systems, as copper might be retained by these systems. Thus, a quantification of the final copper content of these systems is inevitable, which we exemplified for a CuAAC reaction on liposomes using 64Cu-spiked Cu(I). In this respect, a Cu(II) nitrate solution was irradiated at the TRIGA Mark II research reactor Mainz to obtain c.a. [64Cu]Cu(II). The irradiated solution was directly used for a CuAAC on liposomes. After purification, their copper content was calculated utilizing γ-ray spectrometry. Only 0.018% of the added 64Cu-activity was still present in the liposome containing fractions after purification. This refers to a total amount of copper of 0.17 ng. The amount of retained copper is so low, that an in vivo application of the liposomes is absolutely reasonable. Besides this particular study, the experimental methodology may be applied to study many other CuAAC reactions, used for the synthesis of radiolabeled or non-radioactive species, which are intended for human applications.
Quantification of trace level rare earth elements in Al matrices by ICP-MS
Authors: Nagar Brijlesh Kumar , Deb Sadhan Bijoy , Saxena Manoj Kumar , Tomar Bhupendra Singh
Published: October 2018

A method has been developed for quantification of trace rare earth (Ce, Dy, Er, Eu, Gd, Ho, La, Nd, Pr, Sm, Tb and Yb) impurities in alumina and aluminum by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after matrix separation. The matrix separation was achieved by selective precipitation of trace elements. Due to its refractory nature a microwave digestion method was developed and optimized for the quantitative dissolution of Al2O3. The analytical methodology was validated by recovery studies with standard addition as well as with an independent γ-spectrometry technique using 152,154Eu tracers. The observed recovery in the synthetic samples was in the range of 93–100% with precision within 6.1–11.6 (%RSD), while the same in the case of radio tracer technique were found to be >98% and <2% (RSD), respectively. The method detection limit was found within 0.5–8.3 μg kg−1, respectively. The procedure is simple, organic waste free and suitable for routine analysis.
Foster-Hart optimization for currency portfolios
Authors: Kurosaki Tetsuo , Kim Young Shin
Published: October 2018

We examine the effectiveness of Foster-Hart optimization for currency portfolios. Compared to stock trading, short selling is quite common in currency trading. Combining long and short positions leads to maintaining positive expected portfolio returns. Foster-Hart optimization is more applicable to currency portfolios than to stock portfolios because the Foster-Hart risk measure is not defined for the gamble whose expected returns are negative. Our sample portfolio consists of ten European currencies. For time series analysis, we employ a generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH) model with multivariate normal tempered stable (MNTS) distributed residuals in order to capture fat-tailedness, skewness, and asymmetric interdependence of exchange rate dynamics. Statistical tests indicate that the model is recommendable among the candidate models. We establish that Foster-Hart optimization is more profitable than standard techniques in this context.
Optimization of the GPU-based data evaluation for the low coherence interferometry
Authors: Li Yinan , Kästner Markus , Reithmeier Eduard
Published: October 2018

Optical interferometers as non-contact measurement devices are very desirable for the measurement of surface roughness and
topography. Compared to phase shifting interferometers (PSIs) with a limited measurement range and a scan step of maximum
λ/4, the optical interferometers like low coherence interferometers (LCIs) evaluating the degree of fringe
coherence allow a larger vertical measurement range. Their vertical measurement range is only limited by the scan length
allowed by the linear piezo stage and the coherence length of the light source. To evaluate the obtained data for a large
range, the common LCIs require much computation time. To overcome this drawback, we present an evaluation algorithm based
on the Hilbert-Transform and curve fitting (Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm) using Compute Unified Device Architecture
(CUDA) technology, which allows parallel and independent data evaluation on General Purpose Graphics Processing Unit
(GPGPU). Firstly, the evaluation algorithm is implemented and tested on an in-house developed LCI, which is based on
Michelson configurations. Furthermore, we focus on the performance optimization of the GPU-based program using the
different approaches to further achieve efficient and accurate massive parallel computing. Finally, the performance
comparison for evaluating measurement data using different approaches is discussed in this paper.
Split noun phrase topicalization in Eshkevarat Gilaki
Authors: Kahnemuyipour Arsalan , Shabani Mansour
Published: October 2018

Split noun phrase topicalizationhas been the subject of intense studies across languages in the syntactic literature of the last few decades. One of the key questions raised for these constructions is whether they involve syntactic movement or base-generation. This paper explores this phenomenon in two understudied Iranian languages, Gilaki (Northwestern Iranian, Caspien) and Persian. In particular, we explore splits in two contexts, possessive constructions and numeral constructions. We develop diagnostics for distinguishing the two derivational possibilities, movement or base-generation, for the cases under investigation. We show that while Gilaki uses both derivational possibilities, movement in possessor split and base-generation in numeral split, Persian only allows for the latter with very similar behavior. We argue that possessor split occurs when the whole possessum DP/DemP moves out of its base position in a small clause. Numeral split occurs when the NP is replaced by a null nominal element, which is associated with an overt or pragmatic antecedent. We end the paper with a discussion of why an operation, movement or base-generation, is available for one construction but not the other.
How Rankings Produce Competition: The Case of Global University Rankings
Authors: Brankovic Jelena , Ringel Leopold , Werron Tobias
Published: October 2018

Der Zusammenhang zwischen Rankings und Konkurrenz wird häufig unterstellt, aber selten genauer untersucht. Der vorliegende Aufsatz geht ihm am Beispiel globaler Universitätsrankings nach. Ausgehend von einem soziologischen Verständnis von Konkurrenz bestimmen wir „Ranken“ als eine soziale Operation, die vier Teiloperationen miteinander kombiniert: Vergleich von Leistungen, Quantifizierung, Visualisierung, und wiederholte Publikation. Visualisierung und Publikation stehen für die in der Literatur bisher kaum berücksichtigte performative Dimension von Rankings, die für die Analyse des Zusammenhangs zwischen Rankings und Konkurrenz von zentraler Bedeutung ist. Auf dieser Grundlage zeigen wir, wie globale Universitätsrankings zur Konstruktion von Konkurrenz beitragen: durch (a) Globalisierung eines spezifischen Exzellenzdiskurses; (b) Verknappung von Reputation; (c) Transformation einer stabilen in eine dynamische Statusordnung. Wir schließen mit einer Diskussion von Implikationen dieser Analyse für die soziologische Erforschung von Konkurrenz und ihrer gesellschaftlichen Effekte.
Structural features of uranyl acrylate complexes with s-, p-, and d-monovalent metals
Authors: Chekhomova Olga A. , Klepov Vladislav V. , Pushkin Denis V. , Alekseev Evgeny V. , Vologzhanina Anna V. , Serezhkina Larisa B. , Serezhkin Viktor N.
Published: October 2018

A series of uranyl acrylate complexes with s-, p-, and d- monovalent cations (Li, Na, Tl, and Ag) was synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy. We demonstrated that the nature of the monovalent cation strongly affects the composition and crystal structure of an uranyl acrylate. Li[UO2(acr)3]·H2O (1, acr=CH2CHCOO−) crystallizes in the tetragonal crystal system and is built of chains which are connected through hydrogen bonding. The presence of an acrylic acid dimer in the reaction results in the monoclinic compound Na3[UO2(acr)3][UO2(acr)2.5(CH2CHCOOCH2CH2COO)0.5]2·5H2O (2), in which the acrylic dimer shares a position with both the acrylate anion and a water molecule. Tl[UO2(acr)3] (3) exists as two polymorphs and crystallizes in either P1̅ (3a) or P2
1
3 (3b) space groups. The polymorphs differ in the dimensionality, 2D for 3a and 3D for 3b, and density. Ag2[UO2(NO3)2(acr)2]·2Hacr (4) is the first example of the Ag atom coordination to the acrylate anion through the vinyl group. In 4, the Ag–C bonds enhances the connectivity of the trinuclear [Ag2UO2(acr)2(Hacr)2(NO3)2] clusters into a layered coordination polymer. A detailed structural study of the obtained compounds was performed using Voronoi-Dirichlet tessellation.
Towards a More Well-Founded Cosmology
Authors: Traunmüller Hartmut
Published: October 2018

First, this paper broaches the definition of science and the epistemic yield of tenets and approaches: phenomenological (descriptive only), well founded (solid first principles, conducive to deep understanding), provisional (falsifiable if universal, verifiable if existential), and imaginary (fictitious entities or processes, conducive to empirically unsupported beliefs). The Big Bang paradigm and the ΛCDM ‘concordance model’ involve such beliefs: the emanation of the universe out of a non-physical stage, cosmic inflation (hardly testable), Λ (fictitious energy), and ‘exotic’ dark matter. They fail in the confidence check that empirical science requires. They also face a problem in delimiting what expands from what does not. In the more well-founded cosmology that emerges, energy is conserved, the universe is persistent (not transient), and the ‘perfect cosmological principle’ holds. Waves and other field perturbations that propagate atc(the escape velocity of the universe) expand exponentially with distance. This results from gravitation. The galaxy web does not expand. Potential Φ varies as −H/(cz) instead of −1/r. Inertial forces reflect gradients present in comoving frames of accelerated bodies (interaction with the rest of the universe – not with space). They are increased where the universe appears blue-shifted and decreased more than proportionately at very low accelerations. A cut-off accelerationa0= 0.168cHis deduced. This explains the successful description of galaxy rotation curves by “Modified Newtonian Dynamics”. A fully elaborated physical theory is still pending. The recycling of energy via a cosmic ocean filled with photons (the cosmic microwave background), neutrinos and gravitons, and the wider implications for science are briefly discussed.
Measuring Flow Pattern Asymmetry of Oil-Water Two Phase Flows Using Multi-channel Rotating Electric Field Conductance Signals
Authors: He Yuansheng , Ren Yingyu , Han Yunfeng , Jin Ningde
Published: October 2018

The present study is a report on the asymmetry of dispersed oil phase in vertical upward oil-water two phase flow. The multi-channel signals of the rotating electric field conductance sensor with eight electrodes are collected in a 20-mm inner diameter pipe, and typical images of low pattern are captured using a high speed camera. With the multi-channel rotating electric field conductance signals collected at pipe cross section, multi-scale time asymmetry (MSA) and an algorithm of multi-scale first-order difference scatter plot are employed to uncover the fluid dynamics of oil-water two phase flow. The results indicate that MSA can characterise the non-linear behaviours of oil-water two phase flow. Besides, the MSA analysis also beneficial for understanding the underlying inhomogeneous distribution of the flow pattern in different directions at pipe cross section.
Riemann–Hilbert Problem and Multi-Soliton Solutions of the Integrable Spin-1 Gross–Pitaevskii Equations
Authors: Wang Xiu-Bin , Han Bo
Published: October 2018

Under investigation in this article is the integrable spin-1 Gross–Pitaevskii (SGP) equations, which can be used to describe light transmission in bimodal nonlinear optical fibres. The spectral analysis with 4 × 4 Lax pairs is performed for the integrable SGP equations, from which a Riemann Hilbert problem is formulated. Furthermore, N-soliton solutions of this integrable SGP equations are expressed in terms of solutions of the Riemann–Hilbert problem by using the Plemelj formulae. Finally, collision dynamics between two solitons is also analyzed. Our results can be used to enrich and explain some related nonlinear phenomena.
An efficient biotransformation of progesterone into 11α-hydroxyprogesterone by Rhizopus microsporus var. oligosporus
Authors: Nickavar Bahman , Vahidi Hossein , Eslami Mehrnoosh
Published: October 2018

Rhizopus microsporus var. oligosporus is a fungus that belongs to the Mucoraceae family that is used for the preparation of some soy-fermented foods. Microbial biotransformation of progesterone by R. microsporus var. oligosporus afforded some monohydroxylated and dihydroxylated metabolites. The main product was purified using chromatographic methods and identified as 11α-hydroxyprogesterone on the basis of its spectroscopic features. Time course studies by high-performance thin-layer chromatography demonstrated that this fungi efficiently hydroxylated progesterone at the 11α-position for 3 days with a yield of 76.48%, but beyond this time, the microorganism transformed 11α-hydroxyprogesterone into dihydroxylated metabolites. 11α-Hydroxyprogesterone is widely used as a precursor in the synthesis of hydrocortisone and other steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
Influence of Carrier Gas Pressure on the Physical Properties of CdO Thin Films
Authors: Anitha M. , Tamilnayagam V. , Anitha N. , Devendhiran Tamiloli , Kumarasamy Keerthika , Thangaraj Vasudevan , Devendhiran Kannagi , Amalraj L.
Published: October 2018

Conducting cadmium oxide (CdO) thin film samples were deposited on amorphous glass substrates at the optimized substrate temperature (200 °C) as a function of carrier gas pressure (10.8, 12.7, 14.7, 16.7 and 18.6 × 104 N m−2 respectively) by spray pyrolysis technique using nebulizer. XRD results showed that all the CdO thin films were polycrystalline in nature along with cubic structure. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed that all the thin films had a sphere like grains without any cracks. The elemental composition of the film is analyzed with EDAX spectrum formed in stochiometric range. Direct energy gap values were found to be had decreased from 2.46 to 2.42 eV as the function of carrier gas pressure had increased from 10.8 to 14.7 × 104 (N m−2) and the energy gap increased further. All the as deposited samples of Cd–O vibration bond (690 cm−1) were confirmed by FTIR spectrum. PL emission spectra revealed that all the CdO thin films exhibit a strong emission (green) peak at 520 nm. High carrier concentration (2.88 × 1019 cm−3), low resistivity (4.76 × 10−3 Ω cm) and high figure of merit (25.0 × 10−3) were observed for 14.7 × 104 (N m−2) carrier gas pressure of CdO thin film.
Improvement of Early-Age Strength of High-Volume Siliceous Fly Ash Concrete with Nanosilica - A Review
Authors: Varghese Lincy , Kanta Rao V. V. L. , Parameswaran Lakshmy
Published: October 2018

High-volume fly ash concrete, which incorporates more than 50 % fly ash as a replacement of cement in concrete, is a breakthrough development in concrete technology. Many of its properties have been investigated through decades of research, and the results have been disseminated. However, the construction industry has never showed confidence in using high-volume fly ash concrete. This is primarily due to its slow rate of strength development at early ages, notwithstanding its promising engineering and environmental benefits. Attempts have been made earlier to improve the early strength of the high-volume fly ash concrete by mechanical grinding, chemical activation of fly ash, addition of supplementary cementitious materials like silica fume, blast furnace slag, and metakaolin, etc. Nanosilica is a recent entry to the family of supplementary cementitious materials and has exhibited a better performance in concrete than other supplementary cementitious materials. This review discusses the limitations of high-volume fly ash concrete, most widely attempted methods to improve its early-age strength, and progress made on the use of nanosilica in this regard. The article also underlines the need for further research on nanosilica-incorporated high-volume fly ash concrete for developing a structurally viable and practically possible high-volume fly ash concrete, which could be a sustainable solution for the construction industry in future.
The effect of delivery type on neonatal blood indices in an Iranian population
Authors: Baharvand Parastoo , Fathi Majid , Eliyasy Hossein , Abdolkarimi Babak , Kiani Ali Asghar
Published: October 2018

Background: Generally, there are two methods for childbirth: normal vaginal and cesarean section (C-section). Each method has advantages and complications. In this study, we investigated the effects of type of delivery on hematological parameters in healthy full-term neonates in an Iranian population, from 2016-2017.

Materials: Three hundred pregnant women, along with their healthy and term babies, were studied. According to the route of delivery, the neonates were divided into two groups: vaginal (n=150) and C-section (n=150). Complete blood count (CBC) and peripheral blood smear (PBS) were performed on the neonates from umbilical cord blood immediately after birth. Data were analyzed by using SPSS v. 22 and statistical analyses were done by student's t-test and correlation tests, with P-value < 0.05 set as the lowest limit of significance.

Results: We observed a significant increase in hematologic parameters, such as red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, red cell distribution width (RDW), platelets, total leukocyte count and neutrophil count, in full-term neonates who delivered vaginally compared to those delivered by cesarean section (p<0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the delivery types in terms of mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), eosinophil count, lymphocyte count, or monocyte count.

Conclusion: According to our study, the mode of delivery influences the hematological parameters in full-term neonates; thrombocytopenia and anemia in neonates were associated with cesarean section delivery. Thus, we recommend that pregnant women do not deliver by C-section unless in emergency situations.
Testing for resistance: Point-of-care testing as a communicational tool in antibiotic prescribing
Authors: Lindell Johanna
Published: October 2018

As antibiotic resistance becomes a growing health emergency, effective strategies are needed to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use. In this article, one such strategy – communicative practices associated with the C-reactive protein point-of care test – is investigated. Building on a collection of 31 videorecorded consultations from Danish primary care, and using conversation analysis, this study finds that the rapid test can be used throughout the consultation to incrementally build the case for a nonantibiotic treatment recommendation, both when the test result is forecast and reported. The study also finds that the format of reports of elevated results differs from that of ‘normal’ results, resulting in a subtle shift of authority from doctor to test.
Shared decision or decision shared? Interactional trajectories in Huntington's disease management clinics
Authors: Duffin Donna , Sarangi Srikant
Published: October 2018

Shared decision making (SDM) as a corrective to paternalism - particularly in relation to treatment options - is a much-discussed theme in healthcare research and practice. The communicative/interactional dimensions of SDM have lately received scholarly attention, albeit limited to a few clinic sites. The Huntington's disease (HD) management clinic, which is the site of this study, involves the co-presence of family members in their carer role, since the patient with HD may lack the cognitive ability to participate adequately in the decision-making process. We closely examine 12 audio-recorded clinic consultation transcripts, using the combined framework of theme-orientated discourse analysis and activity analysis. Our analytical focus is on how decisions are formulated and shared, or not shared, by the co-participants (the consultant, the patient and the carers) and the extent to which the consultant and the carers negotiate their 'expert' assessments of the patient's current and future management scenarios. We first outline a step-wise structure of decision making - to include problem designation, problem confirmation, generation of options and their assessment, and formulation and confirmation of decision. Contrary to how SDM is represented in various models in the literature, these different steps are interactionally dispersed and become negotiable in particular clinic sessions. Our findingssuggest that the consultant routinely uses three main strategies to steer the decision-making process: foregrounding the decision itself, foregrounding the temporal dimension and foregrounding the person/ carer dimension. Moreover, carer participation differs depending on the carer's relationship with the patient and other contingent matters. -
Renewing Theological Education
Authors: Estrada III Rodolfo
Published: October 2018

This article draws from the insights of Andy Lord's Pentecostal network ecclesiology in order to explain the emergence of Bible institutes and the challenges in theological education. By examining the educational history of the Latin American Bible Institute (LABI), we find how the network paradigm enables us to understand why Bible institutes have fostered the success, growth, and education of Latinos/as. Lord's network paradigm is also applied to the problems of diversity and inclusion in theological education. This article aims to offer insights into how theological education can be renewed through ethnocultural networks and pedagogies of inclusion.
Nutrient absorption and accumulation in ‘Paulista’ and ‘Sabará’ jabuticaba cultivars
Authors: Souza Janaina Canaan Rezende de , Rufini José Carlos Moraes , Ferreira Eric Victor de Oliveira , Guedes Mayara Neves Santos , Ramos Martha Cristina Pereira , Campos Matheus Pena
Published: October 2018

Abstract The amount of nutrients accumulated and distributed in young jabuticaba trees are not yet well known. The aim of this work was to verify biomass production, nutrient accumulation and distribution in ‘Paulista’ and ‘Sabará’ jabuticaba seedlings. The experiment was conducted in greenhouse and seedlings were propagated by seeds and transplanted after 150 days into pots containing perlite and cultivated for 450 days in nutrient solution. Nutrient accumulation and distribution in the different plant organs (root, stem and leaves) were evaluated every 90 days. The mean total nutrient accumulation of ‘Paulista’ and ‘Sabará’ seedlings at 450 days were: N (706 and 611), P (81 and 62), K (541 and 409), Ca (488 and 424), Mg (66 and 54) and S (93 and 92) in mg plant-1 and Cu (1578 and 1635), Fe (20887 and 19652), Mn (13975 and 13434), Zn (4921 and 4048) and B (642 and 764) in µg plant-1, respectively. ‘Paulista’ and ‘Sabará’ jabuticaba seedlings presented the following tendency of nutrient accumulation and distribution among organs: leaf > stem > root. Thus, this work can be a useful reference for studies on the fertilization management in jabuticaba seedlings.