cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Church Marketing: Strategies for Retaining and Attracting Members

ABSTRACT Membership has been declining in Christian churches since the early 1970s. Being able to retain current members and attract prospective members is essential in solving this problem. Thus, pastors of three Protestant denominations were surveyed to determine the effectiveness of their marketing communications efforts for retaining and attracting members. Findings show that personal contact through referrals and direct mail are the most effective dual-purpose tools. Monthly and weekly newsletters and bulletins are effective in retaining members, whereas radio and Yellow Page advertisements are effective in attracting members. Ineffective media include television, community cable access, and door-to-door canvassing.
Editorial peer review for electronic journals: current issues and emerging models

This article reviews the evolution and growth of electronic journals, and describes the various emerging models of editorial peer review in an electronic environment. There is some debate about whether the traditional model of editorial peer review should be altered. Medicine, physics, and psychology are taking different approaches with editorial peer review in an electronic environment. This article summarizes several studies of peer review in an electronic environment. Studies to date have focused on attitudes toward electronic publications and citation patterns of electronic journals. Future trends and levels of acceptance of the new models are discussed.
A near infrared angioscope visualizing lipid within arterial vessel wall based on multi-spectral image in 1.7 μm wavelength band

We have developed a near infrared (NIR) angioscope that takes multi-wavelength images in 1.7μm band for visualizing lipid-rich coronary plaques. The angioscope comprises light source, camera, and angioscopic catheter. The light source, containing a supercontinuum source and a switching optical filter, emits 1.60, 1.65, 1.73 and 1.76μm wavelengths sequentially in synchronization to the camera frame. The supercontinuum is seeded by 1.55μm wavelength pulses, whose spectrum is spread by an optical fiber with ring loops for reducing peak power so that light in 1.7μm band is generated efficiently. The switching filter contains 1×4 fiber-optic path switches and interferometric band-pass filters. The camera detects NIR images by an InGaAs/GaAsSb type-II quantum well sensor at 100 frames/s. The source wavelength and the camera frame are synchronized with each other by an FPGA. The angioscopic catheter, based on a silica-based image-guide designed for 1.7 μm wavelength, transmits 1300-pixel NIR images and has 0.73 mm outer diameter, which is compatible with the conventional angioscope and suited for continuous flushing to displace blood. We have also developed image processing software that calculates spectral contribution of lipid as lipid score at each pixel and create lipid-enhanced color images at 12 frames/s. The system also includes conventional visible light source and camera, and takes visible light images synchronously with the lipid-enhanced images. The performance of the angioscope for detecting lipid-rich plaque has been verified in bench tests using a plaque model made by injecting lard into excised swine carotid arterial vessel. The plaque models are imaged in water at working distances of 0 to 2 mm, and significantly distinguished from normal vessels.
Silicon-on-glass pore network micromodels with oxygen-sensing fluorophore films for chemical imaging and defined spatial structure

Pore network microfluidic models were fabricated by a silicon-on-glass technique that provides the precision advantage of dry etched silicon while creating a structure that is transparent across all microfluidic channels and pores, and can be imaged from either side. A silicon layer is bonded to an underlying borosilicate glass substrate and thinned to the desired height of the microfluidic channels and pores. The silicon is then patterned and through-etched by deep reactive ion etching (DRIE), with the underlying glass serving as an etch stop. After bonding on a transparent glass cover plate, one obtains a micromodel in oxygen impermeable materials with water-wet surfaces where the microfluidic channels are transparent and structural elements such as the pillars creating the pore network are opaque. The advantageous features of this approach in a chemical imaging application are demonstrated by incorporating a Pt porphyrin fluorophore in a PDMS film serving as the oxygen-sensing layer and a bonding surface, or in a polystyrene film coated with a PDMS layer for bonding. The sensing of a dissolved oxygen gradient was demonstrated using fluorescence lifetime imaging, and it is shown that different matrix polymers lead to optimal use in different ranges of oxygen concentration. Imaging with the opaque pillars in between the observation direction and the continuous fluorophore film yields images that retain defined spatial structure in the sensor image.
Middle America Trench: Topography and Structure

From 1952 to 1959, during nine expeditions of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and one of the U. S. Navy Electronics Laboratory, research vessels recorded 31,950 miles of echo-sounding traverses in and adjacent to the Middle America Trench, which extends from the Islas Tres Marias off western Mexico to the Cocos Ridge southwest of Costa Rica. The Middle America Trench is continuous at depths greater than 2400 fathoms (4400 m) for 1260 miles, except off Manzanillo and Zihuatanejo, Mexico, where submarine mountains lie in the trench. It is deeper than 3000 fathoms (5500 m) for 380 miles as the Guatemala Deep. Northwest of Acapulco it is generally U-shaped in cross section, with a steeper shoreward flank and a flat bottom suggesting sedimentary fill. From Acapulco southeast to the west side of the Gulf of Tehuantepec, the trench shoals, in a series of basins, to 2700 fathoms (5000 m). To the southeast it widens and deepens abruptly to a maximum 3500 fathoms (6400 m) off western Guatemala, then shoals gradually to merge into the sea floor off Costa Rica. The southeast segment is also asymmetrical in cross section but is V-shaped with irregular bottom. A northeast-trending band of ridge-and-trough topography, 60 miles wide, separates the 1800- to 1900-fathom sea floor outside the trench off southern Mexico from the 2100- to 2200-fathom Guatemala Basin. This zone has been traced from several hundred miles offshore to an intersection with the trench near the west side of the Gulf of Tehuantepec. Seismic-refraction studies reported in an accompanying paper (Shor and Fisher, 1961) were employed in determining the trench structure. Three refraction stations were taken along the axis of the trench west of Acapulco and two along its axis off Guatemala and El Salvador. Another station was shot on the shelf and one 60 miles seaward of the trench off Guatemala. Thick sediments were found in the Tres Marias Basin off Manzanillo and at the shelf station off Guatemala. Arrivals from rock with compressional wave velocity of 4–6 km/sec were observed at the Tres Marias Basin and Guatemala shelf stations. Off Guatemala, on a section normal to the trench, the depth below sea level to the M discontinuity is interpreted from these seismic data as about 9 km (Pacific Basin), 10 km (outer ridge), 16 km (trench), and 17 km (shelf). Below the sea floor the crust thickens from 5–7 to 10–17 km along this section. The M discontinuity is deeper and the crust below the sediments thicker under the two southern stations than under the two central trench stations. The mantle is deeper under the Tres Marias Basin, where thick (1½ km) sediments are found, than under the central stations. The Gulf of Tehuantepec marks a major change in trench configuration and possibly in age. Northwest of Tehuantepec the flat trench bottom developed in most places suggests a greater age. Southeast of the gulf the deep V-shaped trench, with thicker crustal layers but very little fill, borders a volcanically active coast. The zone of ridge-and-trough topography trending southwest from Tehuantepec may be another evidence of this boundary.
Different effects of vagotomy and atropine on hypothalamic stimulation-induced feeding

The effects of subdiaphragmatic vagotomy and atropine administration on thresholds for stimulation-induced feeding and self-stimulation were investigated in male rats. The animals first received permanent bipolar-stimulating electrode implants in the lateral hypothalamus. Once stable thresholds for stimulation-elicited feeding and self-stimulation were obtained, bilateral subdiaphragmatic vagotomies were performed (Experiment 1) or intraperitoneal injections of atropine sulfate were administered (Experiment 2). The first experiment indicated that vagotomy produces a marked disruption of stimulation-elicited feeding but does not interfere with either self-stimulation elicited from the same electrode or stimulation-induced gnawing obtained from comparable lateral hypothalamic sites. Additional observations suggest that a quantitative histological analysis of the vagal trunks can predict the degree of disruption of stimulus-elicited feeding and may provide a discriminating test for completeness of vagotomy. In the second experiment, production of an acute blockade of efferent vagal activity by an injection of atropine sulfate (8 mg/kg) 1 hr before testing had little effect on either feeding or self-stimulation. These results suggest that the vagus may play a significant role in the mediation of stimulation-induced feeding and that the effects of vagotomy on feeding cannot be reproduced by acute cholinergic blockade. The effects of surgical vagotomy on stimulation-induced feeding may reflect interruption of afferent mechanisms, elimination of atropine-refractory efferent systems, or disruption of feeding behavior caused by the sequelae of chronic vagal dysfunction.
Exercise during pregnancy among US women

This report describes the prevalence and pattern of exercise during pregnancy among US women. It is based on 9953 randomly selected women who gave birth to live infants in 1988 and participated in the National Maternal and Infant Health Survey, a cross-sectional survey with a stratified systematic sampling in 48 states, the District of Columbia, and New York City. Self-reported exercise before and during pregnancy, specific activities, and number of months of exercise were examined in relation to maternal demographic characteristics, reproductive history, and prenatal care. Forty-two percent of all women reported exercising during pregnancy, half of whom exercised longer than 6 months. Walking was the leading activity (43% of all activities reported), followed by swimming (12%) and aerobics (12%). Older mothers and women who had multiple gestations, previous children, or an unfavorable reproductive history were less likely to exercise during pregnancy. Given this high prevalence of exercise in pregnancy, more research is warranted on both the beneficial and adverse maternal and fetal effects of exercise in pregnancy.
Abstract CN04-02: Tumor and genomic heterogeneity in breast cancer prevention

Prevention of breast cancer, first and foremost, requires an understanding of the etiology of the disease. Although epidemiological studies have identified a number of risk factors for breast cancer over the last several decades, there is still a sizeable proportion of variability in disease incidence that is unexplained. It is likely that heterogeneity, both in tumor biology and in inherent genomic make up, may blur potential associations. If we accept that breast cancer is more than one disease, as increasingly demonstrated by better understanding of breast tumor subtypes, then it stands to reason that risk factors may differ in etiologic pathways. For example, parity has long been considered to reduce risk of breast cancer. However, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that having children does reduce risk of estrogen receptor (ER) positive or luminal A breast cancer, but actually increases risk of ER negative and/or basal-like breast cancer, which occurs more often in women of African ancestry. Further examination of risk factors by breast cancer subtypes may clarify some of the uncertainty regarding associations between other exposures and breast cancer risk. In addition to tumor heterogeneity, the genetic make-up of at-risk populations is known to vary substantially. Common differences in genomic DNA, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), occur in genes that are involved in numerous pathways that could be related to breast cancer risk, including hormone metabolism, carcinogen activation and detoxification, DNA repair, and cell cycle control. Although there has been focused attention on the potential role of gene/environment interactions in breast cancer risk over the last decades, with some persuasive findings, the majority of these studies have not examined such associations in relation to breast tumor subtypes. In this presentation, the role of tumor and genomic heterogeneity in breast cancer risk will be presented, particularly in relation to breast cancer in African American women, and potential preventive strategies will be discussed. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2011;4(10 Suppl):CN04-02.
Mass Spectrometric Separation and Quantitation of Overlapping Isotopologues. Deuterium Containing Hydrides of As, Sb, Bi, Sn, and Ge

Mass spectra of fully and partially deuterated As, Sb, Bi, Ge, and Sn hydrides have been obtained using several mathematical approaches aimed at signal extraction and reconstruction. Study of such hydride mixtures is important for the elucidation of hydride generation mechanisms. In this approach, mass spectra of partially deuterated isotopomers, i.e., AsH2D and AsHD2, are extracted using the weighted two-band target entropy minimization method. Alternatively, these mass spectra were constructed from the mass spectra of fully deuterated and hydrogenated hydrides using the statistical approach in fragmentation pathways. Concentration profiles of all deuterated hydrides were obtained from their overlapping mixture mass spectra using least-squares deconvolution.
A case study of defects due to process marginalities in deep sub-micron technology

Abstract The difficulties in identifying the precise defect location and real leakage path is increasing as the integrated circuit design and process have become more and more complicated in and below deep sub-micron technology node. Most of the defects causing chip leakage are detectable with only one of the failure analysis (FA) tools such as liquid crystal detection (LCD) or photon emission microscope (PEM). However, due to process marginalities some defects are often not detectable with only one FA tool [Hung-Sung Lin, Wen-Tung Chang, Chun-Lin Chen, Tsui-Hua Huang, Vivian Chiang, Chun-Ming Chen. A study of asymmetrical behaviour in advanced nano SRAM devices. In: 13th IPFA proceedings; July 2006. p. 63–6; Kruseman Bram, Majhi Ananta, Hora Camelia, Eichenberger Stefan, Meirlevede Johan. Systematic defects in deep sub-micron technologies. ITC international test conference, 2004. p. 290–9.]. This paper present an example of an abnormal power consumption process related defect which could only be detected with more advanced FA tools.
On the efficiency of night ventilation techniques for thermostatically controlled buildings

Abstract A new, integrated method to calculate the energy contribution of night ventilation techniques to the cooling load of a building is presented in this paper. The method is based on the principle of “Balance Point Temperature” and permits the calculation of the energy required to cool a building to acceptable comfort conditions when night ventilation techniques are used. It also permits the calculation of the energy contribution of night ventilated buildings compared to conventional air conditioned buildings. The proposed method is successfully validated with data from an extended and detailed simulation procedure using the TRNSYS simulation programme to calculate dynamically the thermal performance of buildings using night ventilation techniques. It is found that the method is of sufficient accuracy and can be used during the predesign as well as the design phase of a building to access the performance of night ventilated buildings.
Adaptive Robust Control via Transfer Function Uncertainty Estimation

An adaptive control system is examined where the traditional parameter estimator is replaced by a parameter set estimator which provides a measure of uncertainty of the estimated parameters. It is shown how to construct a parameter set estimator with the property that the true system is always in the model set, and furthermore, how to design the estimation experiment so that the set of uncertainty is as small as possible given some a priori information.
Improving Impact Studies of Teachers’ Professional Development: Toward Better Conceptualizations and Measures

The author suggests that we apply recent research knowledge to improve our conceptualization, measures, and methodology for studying the effects of teachers’ professional development on teachers and students. She makes the case that there is a research consensus to support the use of a set of core features and a common conceptual framework in professional development impact studies. She urges us to move away from automatic biases either for or against observation, interviews, or surveys in such studies. She argues that the use of a common conceptual framework would elevate the quality of professional development studies and subsequently the general understanding of how best to shape and implement teacher learning opportunities for the maximum benefit of both teachers and students.
Simulation technique for difficult intubation: Teaching tool or new hazard?

This investigation evaluated the risks of a simulation drill designed to improve the skill of anesthesia personnel in dealing with an unexpected difficult intubation. In a controlled prospective study, 40 patients with normal airways scheduled to undergo noncardiothoracic surgery were randomized into two groups of 20 patients. In the control group, intubation was performed by standard techniques. In the simulation group, intubation of a difficult airway was simulated and performed with the aid of an endotracheal tube introducer. Heart rate (HR); systolic, mean, and diastolic blood pressures (BPs); and arterial oxygen saturation were measured noninvasively during the preinduction period and 1 minute postintubation. A record was kept of all adverse events, including electrocardiogram (EKG) evidence of myocardial ischemia or cardiac arrhythmias, esophageal intubation, pulmonary aspiration, or tracheal injury. There were no significant differences in percent changes in HR, BP, or oxygen saturation between the two groups. There were five uncomplicated esophageal intubations in the simulation group compared with none in the control group (p = 0.001). No other adverse events were recorded. The potential hazards of esophageal intubation should be considered before this simulation drill is performed.
Determination of precise harmonic force constants for alanine polypeptides

We have developed a precise harmonic force field for alanine polypeptides extracted directly from the Hessian tensor of density functional theory calculations. The results yield force constants with very small deviations among the bonds and angles of different size of polypeptides providing a force field that reproduces the vibrational spectrum needed to perform molecular dynamics simulations focusing in the use of the vibrational spectrum to transfer information. In this first principles method, no fitting procedures are used in the formalism for the generation of force field constants.
Restructuring and Renewal: Capturing the Power of Democracy

Allen and Glickman begin Part 2 of this section of the Handbook by examining restructuring and renewal as strategies of educational change. They draw on their own experience of establishing and working with The League of Professional Schools in order to do so. Schools belonging to this league commit to “a belief in the powers of democracy to guide school restructuring in order to bring about on-going school renewal thatfocussed on students. “ Changing the governance of the school to more shared, democratic forms is regarded as one fundamental way of enacting this belief
Mechanisms of Resistance of Malaria Parasites to Antifolates

Antifolate antimalarial drugs interfere with folate metabolism, a pathway essential to malaria parasite survival. This class of drugs includes effective causal prophylactic and therapeutic agents, some of which act synergistically when used in combination. Unfortunately, the antifolates have proven susceptible to resistance in the malaria parasite. Resistance is caused by point mutations in dihydrofolate reductase and dihydropteroate synthase, the two key enzymes in the folate biosynthetic pathway that are targeted by the antifolates. Resistance to these drugs arises relatively rapidly in response to drug pressure and is now common worldwide. Nevertheless, antifolate drugs remain first-line agents in several sub-Saharan African countries where chloroquine resistance is widespread, at least partially because they remain the only affordable, effective alternative. New antifolate combinations that are more effective against resistant parasites are being developed and in one case, recently introduced into use. Combining these antifolates with drugs that act on different targets in the parasite should greatly enhance their effectiveness as well as deter the development of resistance. Molecular epidemiological techniques for monitoring parasite drug resistance may contribute to development of strategies for prolonging the useful therapeutic life of this important class of drugs.
Polyethylene glycol vs. sodium phosphate for bowel preparation: A treatment arm meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Results of meta-analyses of randomized trials comparing PEG and NaP are inconsistent and have not included trials comparing either or both preps to less traditional ones. AIM: To perform a meta-analysis by treatment arm. Using MEDLINE and EMBASE, we identified English-language trials published from 1990 to 2008 that included PEG and/or NaP, and aggregated them by treatment arm into: 4 liter (L) PEG; 2 L PEG; split-dose PEG; two 45 ml doses of NaP +/- adjunctive medication; and NaP tablets. We compared prep quality and the proportion completing the prep. Among 71 trials (patient N = 10,201), excellent prep quality was present in 34% (CI, 26-41%) for 4 L PEG alone; 39% (CI, 26-51%) for 2 L PEG; 37% (CI, 28-46%) for split-dose PEG; 42% (CI, 33-51%) for NaP solution; 44% (CI, 38-51%) for NaP with adjunctive meds; and 58% (CI, 49-67%) for NaP tablets. Patients receiving NaP were more likely to complete the prep (97% [CI, 96-98%] vs. 90% [CI, 87-92%] for 4L PEG alone); however, completion rates for 2L PEG (98%) and split dose PEG (95%) were similar to NaP. NaP tablets resulted in better prep quality and higher completion rates compared to other regimens. In comparisons limited by sample size, split dose PEG was not statistically different from NaP solution for completion rate or prep quality.
Factor matrix text filtering and clustering

The presence of trivial words in text databases can affect record or concept (words/phrases) clustering adversely. Additionally, the determination of whether a word/phrase is trivial is context-dependent. Our objective in the present article is to demonstrate a context-dependent trivial word filter to improve clustering quality. Factor analysis was used as a context-dependent trivial word filter for subsequent term clustering. Medline records for Raynaud's Phenomenon were used as the database, and words were extracted from the record abstracts. A factor matrix of these words was generated, and the words that had low factor loadings across all factors were identified, and eliminated. The remaining words, which had high factor loading values for at least one factor and therefore were influential in determining the theme of that factor, were input to the clustering algorithm. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses were used to show that factor matrix filtering leads to higher quality clusters and subsequent taxonomies.
The sales and marketing practices of English-language internet alcohol vendors.

Aims This study aimed to fill information gaps about the sales and marketing practices of internet alcohol vendors and their implications for addressing youth access and other legal violations. Further, it aimed to expand the limited scientific literature on internet alcohol sales using systematic survey methods to inform future efforts to regulate this industry and prevent sales to minors. Design The design was a cross-sectional website content analysis survey. Setting [Not applicable]. Participants A total of 105 internet alcohol vendor websites. Measurements Six key content analysis topics were explored: products offered, average prices and proportions of vendors using different promotions, policy statements and methods for age verification, payment and delivery. Findings Websites sell and promote a variety of alcohol products, offered as cheaply as $1.93 for a 750-ml bottle. Vendors rely heavily upon age verification methods that are unlikely to prevent sales to minors. Many vendors advertise shipping of products via methods through which it is illegal or against delivery company policies to transport alcohol, and 99% of vendors accept credit cards. Limiting and enforcing delivery and payment options are types of policy interventions that have been used successfully with internet cigarette vendors that may be applicable to internet alcohol vendors as well. Conclusions Internet alcohol vendor practices are insufficient to prevent sales to minors, and need further regulation and enforcement of existing policies. Their sales practices are similar to those of internet cigarette vendors prior to regulation, and similar regulatory approaches may be effective in reducing internet alcohol sales to minors.
On upsampling, downsampling, and rational sampling rate filter banks

Solutions to the problem of design of rational sampling rate filter banks in one dimension has previosly been proposed. The ability to interchange the operations of upsampling, downsampling, and filtering plays an important role in these solutions. The present paper develops a complete theory for the analysis of arbitrary combinations of upsamplers, downsamplers and filters in multiple dimensions. Although some of the simpler results are well known, the more difficult results concerning swapping upsamplers and downsamplers and variations thereof are new. As an application of this theory, the authors obtain algebraic reductions of the general multidimensional rational sampling rate problem to a multidimensional uniform filter bank problem. However, issues concerning the design of the filters themselves are not addressed. In multiple dimensions, upsampling and downsampling operators are determined by integer matrices (as opposed to scalars in one dimension), and the noncommutativity of matrices makes the problem considerably more difficult. Cascades of upsamplers and downsamplers in one dimension are easy to analyze. The new results for the analysis of multidimensional upsampling and downsampling operators are derived using the Aryabhatta/Bezout identity over integer matrices as a fundamental tool. A number of new results in the theory of integer matrices that a relevant to the filter bank problem are also developed. Special cases of some of the results pertaining to the commutativity of upsamplers/downsamplers have been obtained in parallel by several authors. >
Quantification of Urinary Light Chains

Monoclonal gammopathies are usually monitored with serum and/or urine protein electrophoresis (PEL)(1). In addition, quantitative immunoglobulins are often ordered for patients with large serum M-spikes. For patients with monoclonal light-chain diseases, diagnosis and monitoring can be a challenge, and free light-chain (FLC) quantification in serum has become an important additional test(2). Although there have been some conflicting reports, serum FLC should not replace urine PEL for monitoring patients with a urine M-spikes(3)(4)(5). The purpose of this study was to determine if measuring urine FLCs or urine total light chains (TLCs) is useful in addition to measuring urine PEL for monitoring patients, in a manner analogous to measuring quantitative immunoglobulin as a complement to measuring serum PEL. Sequential waste urines (n = 336) were obtained from excess samples in which a monoclonal protein was detected by urine immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE). We performed PEL assays with agarose gel electrophoresis (REP, Helena Laboratories) after we increased the protein concentration in urine samples up to 200-fold to achieve a protein concentration of 20–80 g/L. IFE assays were performed with Helena reagent sets. The FLCs and TLCs were …
Semiclassical gravity theory and quantum fluctuations

We discuss the limits of validity of the semiclassical theory of gravity in which a classical metric is coupled to the expectation value of the stress tensor. It is argued that this theory is a good approximation only when the fluctuations in the stress tensor are small. We calculate a dimensionless measure of these fluctuations for a scalar field on a flat background in particular cases, including squeezed states and the Casimir vacuum state. It is found that the fluctuations are small for states which are close to a coherent state, which describes classical behavior, but tend to be large otherwise. We find in all cases studied that the energy density fluctuations are large whenever the local energy density is negative. This is taken to mean that the gravitational field of a system with negative energy density, such as the Casimir vacuum, is not described by a fixed classical metric but is undergoing large metric fluctuations. We propose an operational scheme by which one can describe a fluctuating gravitational field in terms of the statistical behavior of test particles. For this purpose we obtain an equation of the form of the Langevin equation used to describe Brownian motion.
Ionic-Liquid–Nanoparticle Hybrid Electrolytes: Applications in Lithium Metal Batteries†

Development of rechargeable lithium metal battery (LMB) remains a challenge because of uneven lithium deposition during repeated cycles of charge and discharge. Ionic liquids have received intensive scientific interest as electrolytes because of their exceptional thermal and electrochemical stabilities. Ionic liquid and ionic-liquid–nanoparticle hybrid electrolytes based on 1-methy-3-propylimidazolium (IM) and 1-methy-3-propylpiperidinium (PP) have been synthesized and their ionic conductivity, electrochemical stability, mechanical properties, and ability to promote stable Li electrodeposition investigated. PP-based electrolytes were found to be more conductive and substantially more efficient in suppressing dendrite formation on cycled lithium anodes; as little as 11 wt % PP-IL in a PC-LiTFSI host produces more than a ten-fold increase in cell lifetime. Both PP- and IM-based nanoparticle hybrid electrolytes provide up to 10 000-fold improvements in cell lifetime than anticipated based on their mechanical modulus alone. Galvanostatic cycling measurements in Li/Li4Ti5O12 half cells using IL–nanoparticle hybrid electrolytes reveal more than 500 cycles of trouble-free operation and enhanced rate capability.
Reduced anticonvulsant efficacy of valproic acid in dopamine β-hydroxylase knockout mice

Valproic acid (VPA) is a widely used treatment for both epilepsy and bipolar disorders, although its therapeutic mechanism of action is not fully understood. Because norepinephrine (NE) is implicated in seizure susceptibility and affective disorders, and given previous findings indicating that VPA can act on the NE system, it is possible that NE may mediate some of the therapeutic actions of VPA. To test this hypothesis, we measured flurothyl-induced seizure susceptibility and severity parameters after both acute and chronic VPA treatments in dopamine beta-hydroxylase knockout (Dbh -/-) mice that lack NE. We found that the protective effects of acute VPA on seizure susceptibility, as measured by latency to first myoclonic jerk, were attenuated in Dbh -/- mice. Further, while acute VPA reduced the number of control mice that progressed to tonic extension, VPA did not reduce seizure severity in Dbh -/- mice. The carryover anticonvulsant effects following cessation of chronic VPA treatment were similar in both genotypes. Therefore, we conclude that NE is involved in some of the anticonvulsant effects of VPA, especially the effect of acute VPA on seizure severity.
Does Private Religious Activity Prolong Survival? A Six-Year Follow-up Study of 3,851 Older Adults

Background. Previous studies have linked higher religious attendance and longer survival. In this study, we examine the relationship between survival and private religious activity. Methods. A probability sample of elderly community-dwelling adults in North Carolina was assembled in 1986 and followed for 6 years. Level of participation in private religious activities such as prayer, meditation, or Bible study was assessed by self-report at baseline, along with a wide variety of sociodemographic and health variables. The main outcome was time (days) to death or censoring. Results. During a median 6.3-year follow-up period, 1,137 subjects (29.5%) died. Those reporting rarely to never participating in private religious activity had an increased relative hazard of dying over more frequent participants, but this hazard did not remain significant for the sample as a whole after adjustment for demographic and health variables. When the sample was divided into activity of daily living (ADL) impaired and unimpaired, the effect did not remain significant for the ADL impaired group after controlling for demographic variables (hazard ratio [RH] 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91‐1.35). However, the increased hazard remained significant for the ADL unimpaired group even after controlling for demographic and health variables (RH 1.63, 95% CI 1.20‐2.21), and this effect persisted despite controlling for numerous explanatory variables including health practices, social support, and other religious practices (RH 1.47, 95% CI 1.07‐2.03).
Synergism between cover crop residue and herbicide activity on emergence and early growth of weeds

Abstract Cover crop residues and other biologically based approaches often provide incomplete and inconsistent weed control. This research was conducted to evaluate interactions between hairy vetch residue on the surface of soil and the herbicide metolachlor. Herbicide was applied and incorporated with simulated rainfall before residue placement, residue was applied to the soil surface at precise rates, and potentially confounding variables such as nitrogen and soil moisture were controlled in a greenhouse experiment. Emphasis was placed on the use of suboptimal rates of both residue and metolachlor to explore the potential synergistic interactions between these factors. Deviation from a multiplicative model that included a quadratic response to hairy vetch residue and a log-logistic response to metolachlor was used to demonstrate the presence or absence of synergism. This model effectively showed that emergence of smooth pigweed, common lambsquarters, giant foxtail, and velvetleaf and early growth of smo...
Abstract 1600: A xenograft model of spontaneous metastases in NOD SCID mice of human non-small cell lung cancer

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Introduction: Xenograft models of human non small cell lung cancer cell lines have been unreliable in studying distal organ metastases. Although the flank, as a primary xenograft site, is typically used for the convenience of measurement, rarely do even the most aggressive cell lines develop metastases. Methods: Using 15 anesthetized NOD.CB17-Prkdcscid/NcrCrl (NOD/SCID) mice, we xenografted 10,000 A549 cells into the liver under direct visualization and allowed the tumors to grow for 7 weeks. The mice were then euthanized, perfused with formalin, and grossly dissected. The liver, lung and spleen were processed, embedded in paraffin, sectioned and stained. A second group of 7 NOD/SCID mice were subsequently xenografted in the liver with A549, and a mouse each week was euthanized for 7 weeks and evaluated. Results: At 7 weeks, all 15 mice had gross primary tumor in the liver as well as grossly evident splenic (10/15) and mediastinal metastases (5/15). There were no gross pulmonary metastases observed (0/15). Histologic review, however, confirmed multiple microscopic foci of metastatic disease in all mice (15/15) throughout the lungs bilaterally, the mediastinal lymph nodes and spleen. Serially euthanized mice revealed histological evidence of a gradual spontaneous metastatic model system. Histologically evident primary tumor was apparent by week 1 with gross primary tumor development in the liver by week 2. Weeks 3 and 4 showed gross and histologic progression of primary tumor size with no apparent evidence of microscopic distal metastases. By week 5, the first histological findings of micrometastases appeared in the lungs which became wide spread in all the pulmonary parenchyma by week 7. Splenic and mediastinal lymph node involvement were observed histologically by week 6. Conclusions: Liver xenografting of A549 into NOD/SCID mice is a reliable way of developing widespread micrometastases to the lungs, mediastinal lymph nodes, and spleen. This model is clinically relevant since, unlike tail vein injection, it allows the study of the biology and treatment of a gradually developing primary lung tumor with subsequent metastatic spread. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1600. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1600
SEMANTIC DIFFERENTIAL MEASUREMENTS OF CONNOTATIONS OF VERBAL TERMS AND THEIR DOUBLESPEAK FACSIMILES IN SENTENCE CONTEXTS

To test whether the self-serving euphemisms labeled “doublespeak” have different connotative meanings than noneuphemistic expressions, 77 college students rated 16 pairs of such terms embedded in sentences on semantic differential scales. Analysis showed that “doublespeak” may be at least partially successful.
Bayou Country Bloodsport: The Culture of Cockfighting in Southern Louisiana Jon Griffin Donlon. Jefferson: McFarland, 2014.

Bayou Country Bloodsport: The Culture of Cockfighting in Southern Louisiana Jon Griffin Donlon. Jefferson: McFarland, 2014.In the twenty-first century urban American setting, what Donlon calls the "conventional, mainstream view" (32) is that cockfighting is aberrant and deviant. Yet, as the ethnographer and anthropologist explains, this view, when closely examined, defies logic. Donlon considers that cockfighting traditions and its long history contradict the more recent perceptions of the sport. He states that his "field work uncovered strong variance between public or popular (or perhaps, preferred) descriptions of these events and legitimate accounts" (19). The author's arguments against the cruelty of the sport are that its opponents have had no problem refusing basic needs to the inner city poor; have resisted providing a livable minimum wage; have not protested against life-threatening injuries to athletes in other sports; and have made little effort to change conditions in chicken slaughterhouses, all much more reprehensible in his opinion. Worse, the approach to the eradication of cockfighting has been to slaughter the animals.Donlon introduces the culture of cockfighting in Louisiana with a historical perspective and a comparison to other versions of this entertainment around the world. He establishes its credentials and asserts that, throughout the ages, it has been seen "in a positive way, with the courage and regal attitude of the bird associated with good attributes of human character" (27). According to Donlon, cockfighting in South Louisiana was a way to develop loyalty within the community, create bonds, and acquire prestige. The anthropologist discusses the nature of the diversion through, among others, the writings of Huizinga and Callois that debate the characteristics of play. The lack of seriousness and moral obligation inherent to play can be overlooked when an educational approach is taken and new values emerge as a result. According to its followers, "erosion of family values, decline of civil responsibility, [and] general collapse of morality" (52) can be reversed with participation in the sport. Yet, in the nineteenth century, as efforts were made to regulate leisure for workers, in great part because industrialization and capitalism had reduced this leisure, traditional rural pastimes were altered, marginalized, and forbidden. The author establishes parallels between cockfighting and foxhunting or hawking-both sports of the elite, prestigious, allowed in many parts of the world-and bullfighting or pig sticking-more popular, seen as depraved, to be eliminated. …
Insecticide-induced dispersal in the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.) (Orthoptera: Blattellidae).

Dispersal of a laboratory susceptible strain (VPI) of German cockroaches, Blattella germanica (L.), was compared with that of a field-collected, propoxur-resistant strain (BP) in laboratory experiments. VPI-strain adults dispersed significantly faster from 18.9-liter aquaria than BP strain adults after exposure to vapors of a formulation of 1% propoxur in oil. No differences occurred in control experiments or between dispersal of VPI and BP middle-instar or early instar nymphs. Early instars of both strains dispersed the least but found refuge in water-vial sponges. Reasonsfor decreased avoidance by the BP-resistant strain are discussed.
Two-Coordinate, Quasi-Two-Coordinate, and Distorted Three Coordinate, T-Shaped Chromium(II) Amido Complexes: Unusual Effects of Coordination Geometry on the Lowering of Ground State Magnetic Moments

The synthesis and characterization of the mononuclear chromium(II) terphenyl substituted primary amido-complexes Cr{N(H)ArPri6}2 (ArPri6 = C6H3-2,6-(C6H2-2,4,6-iPr3)2 (1), Cr{N(H)ArPri4}2 (ArPri4 = C6H3-2,6-(C6H3-2,6-iPr2)2 (2), Cr{N(H)ArMe6}2 (ArMe6 = C6H3-2,6-(C6H2-2,4,6-Me3)2 (4), and the Lewis base adduct Cr{N(H)ArMe6}2(THF) (3) are described. Reaction of the terphenyl primary amido lithium derivatives Li{N(H)ArPri6} and Li{N(H)ArPri4} with CrCl2(THF)2 in a 2:1 ratio afforded complexes 1 and 2, which are extremely rare examples of two coordinate chromium and the first stable chromium amides to have linear coordinated high-spin Cr2+. The reaction of the less crowded terphenyl primary amido lithium salt Li{N(H)ArMe6} with CrCl2(THF)2 gave the tetrahydrofuran (THF) complex 3, which has a distorted T-shaped metal coordination. Desolvation of 3 at about 70 °C gave 4 which has a formally two-coordinate chromous ion with a very strongly bent core geometry (N–Cr–N= 121.49(13)°) with secondary Cr--C(aryl ring)...
Improvement in Long-Term Survival among Patients Hospitalized with Acute Myocardial Infarction, 1970 to 1980

The mortality rate associated with coronary heart disease in the United States has declined steadily since 1968, but the reasons for this favorable trend have not been completely elucidated. In particular, it is not clear to what extent the decline reflects decreasing incidence as opposed to improved survival. To assess whether improved survival after myocardial infarction has contributed to the decline, the Minnesota Heart Survey compared the four-year survival rate in patients discharged with a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction from hospitals in the Twin Cities area in 1970 and 1980. After adjustment for clinical characteristics related to outcome, the survival rate among patients with a definite myocardial infarction was significantly higher in the 1980 than in the 1970 group. The four-year survival for men was 35 percent better in the 1980 than in the 1970 group (95 percent confidence interval, 21 to 50 percent), and for women it was 27 percent better (95 percent confidence interval, 1 to 46 percent). Improvement in survival during the period of hospitalization accounted for 70 percent of the overall gain in survival between 1970 and 1980 in men and for virtually all of the gain in women. We conclude that improved long-term survival among patients with acute myocardial infarction has made an important contribution to the decline in mortality from coronary disease.
Student Perceptions about a Live Interactive Telecommunications Course

Shortage of faculty, decreased budgets, and student demand for specific courses stimulated development of live fully interactive telecommunications (ITV) courses between Colorado State University (CSU) and University of Wyoming (UW). The use of ITV for delivery of university courses can extend the geographic area served and provide opportunities to expand course offerings. We used the ITV format to deliver a course titled Agricultural Experimental Design from a live studio classroom at CSU via microwave to a distant studio classroom at UW. The ITV delivery had interactive audio and video exchange between both classrooms. We conducted a survey before and after the ITV course experience to determine if student perceptions about teaching and learning were changed by the course experience. Students perceptions at CSU about learning, classroom participation, accessibility of teachers/assistants, lack of distraction from the alternate classroom, interactions with the teacher, and overall satisfaction with the ITV format improved after the course experience, while students at UW differed in postcourse perceptions. Students at UW were less willing to ask questions and less confident about the effectiveness of ITV delivery after the course. Students at both institutions indicated a preference for courses taught in a conventional classroom rather than in an ITV setting. This survey indicated that innovative teaching methods must be developed to ensure that students at the distant site are fully integrated members of the classroom.
Low-Temperature Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Electrochemistry of Ni-Rich Spinel-like LiNi2–yMnyO4 (0.4 ≤ y ≤ 1)

The thermal conversion of chemically delithiated layered Li0.5Ni1–yMnyO2 (0.2 ≤ y ≤ 0.5) into spinel-like LiNi2–yMnyO4 (0.4 ≤ y ≤ 1) has been systematically investigated. The formed spinel-like phases are metastable and cannot be accessed by a conventional high-temperature solid-state method. The layered-to-spinel transformation mechanism has been studied by the Rietveld refinement of in situ neutron diffraction as a function of temperature (25–300 °C). In particular, the ionic diffusion of Li and M ions is quantified at different temperatures. Electrochemistry of the metastable spinel-like phases obtained has been studied in lithium-ion cells. A bond valence sum map has been performed to understand the ionic diffusion of lithium ions in the Ni-rich layered, spinel, and rock-salt structures. The study can aid the understanding of the possible phases that could be formed during the cycling of Ni-rich layered oxide cathodes.
Blood gas measurements.

Ventilation, oxygenation, and acid-base disturbances can be identified by characteristic changes in pH and blood gas values. In ventilation disorders, the primary change is in partial pressure of carbon dioxide; in oxygenation disorders, the primary change is in partial pressure of oxygen. Acid-base imbalance is reflected in pH and bicarbonate concentration.