Masters Theses in the Pure and Applied Sciences was first conceived, published, and disseminated by TPRC at Purdue University in 1957, starting its coverage of theses with the academic year 1955. Beginning with Volume 13, the printing and dissemina tion phases of the activity was transferred to University Microfilms/Xerox of Ann Arbor, Michigan, with the thought that such an arrangement would be more beneficial to the academic and general scientific and technical community. After five years of this joint undertaking we have concluded that it will be in the interest of all concerned if the printing and distribution of the volume were handled by a well-known publishing house to assure improved service and better communication. Hence, effective with this Volume 18, Masters Theses in the Pure and Applied Sciences will be disseminated on a worldwide basis by Plenum Publishing Corporation of New York. All back issues can also be ordered from Plenum. As we embark on this new partnership with Plenum, we also initiate a new venture in that this important annual reference work now covers Canadian universities as well as those in the United States. We are sure that this broader base will greatly enhance the value of these volumes.

Surface characteristics represent a critical issue facing pavement owners and the concrete paving industry. The traveling public has come to expect smoother, quieter, and better drained pavements, all without compromising safety. The overall surface characteristics issue is extremely complex since all pavement surface characteristics properties, including texture, noise, friction, splash/spray, rolling resistance, reflectivity/illuminance, and smoothness, are complexly related. The following needs and gaps related to achieving desired pavement surface characteristics need to be addressed: determine how changes in one surface characteristic affect, either beneficially or detrimentally, other characteristics of the pavement, determine the long-term surface and acoustic durability of different textures, and develop, evaluate, and standardize new data collection and analysis tools. It is clear that an overall strategic and coordinated research approach to the problem must be developed and pursued to address these needs and gaps.