cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of Reporting Incentives and Quantification in Auditors' Evaluations of Earnings Fluctuations

Company managers frequently provide explanations in response to auditor inquiries about unexpected earnings fluctuations. Client-inquiry is particularly common when the financial statement account causing the fluctuation is subjective and involves estimates, as the ability to obtain reliable evidence from other sources often is limited in these situations. In this study, we examine two factors that we expect to affect how auditors evaluate client-provided explanations for an important account that requires significant estimation (i.e., revenue): the client manager's incentives to manage earnings and whether the explanation is quantified (i.e., put into numbers). We expected that auditors' evaluations of client-provided explanations would be a joint function of management's incentives and the type of explanation provided to the auditor. Instead, we found that auditors' views of the persuasiveness of client explanations are primarily affected by the manager's incentives to manage earnings. Focus on client manager incentives is consistent with auditors' and regulators' recent and vociferous concerns about earnings management. However, such a focus implies that when the likelihood of earnings management is low, auditors may underestimate the reliability of quantified explanations that demonstrate how the client's explanation fully accounts for the earnings fluctuation.
Network-Level Connectivity Dynamics of Movie Watching in 6-Year-Old Children.

Better understanding of the developing brain’s functional mechanisms is critical for improving diagnosis and treatment of different developmental disorders. Particularly, characterizing how the developing brain dynamically reorganizes during different cognitive states may offer novel insight into the neuronal mechanisms of cognitive deficits. Imaging the brain during naturalistic conditions, like movie watching, provides a highly practical way to study young children’s developing functional brain systems. In this study we compared the network-level functional organization of 6-year-old children while they were at rest with their functional connectivity as they watched short video clips. We employed both a data-driven independent component analysis (ICA) approach and a hypothesis-driven seed-based analysis to identify changes in network-level functional interactions during the shift from resting to video watching. Our ICA results showed that naturally watching a movie elicits significant changes in the functional connectivity between the visual system and the dorsal attention network when compared to rest (t(32) =5.02, p<.0001). More interestingly, children showed an immature, but qualitatively adult-like, pattern of reorganization among three of the brain’s higher-order networks (frontal control, default-mode and dorsal attention). For both ICA and seed-based approaches, we observed a decrease in the frontal network’s correlation with the dorsal attention network (ICA: t(32) =-2.46, p=.02; Seed-based: t(32) =-1.62, p=.12) and an increase in its connectivity with the default mode network (ICA: t(32) =2.84, p=.008; Seed-based: t(32) =2.28, p=.03), which is highly consistent with the pattern observed in adults. These results offer improved understanding of the developing brain’s dynamic network-level interaction patterns during the transition between different brain states and call for further studies to examine potential alterations to such dynamic patterns in different developmental disorders.
Delayed Complications Following Sinus Trauma

• The most common complication following sinus trauma is sinusitis, usually resulting from edema, blood, retained bone or soft-tissue fragments, or foreign bodies.
Economic Effects of Eliminating Texas' Business Margin Tax

Studies modeling the dynamic fiscal and economic effects of phasing out or repealing Texas' business margin tax find substantial economic benefits. These include potentially tens of thousands of net new private sector jobs created and billions in net new investment and personal income across Texas, increasing sales tax and other tax revenues that could replace much of — if not all — the loss from eliminating the margin tax. Building on the capital and margin tax literature, this paper considers a vector autoregressive model that estimates the responses of real personal income and private sector nonfarm job creation statewide to eliminating this costly tax. Given a 2014 baseline, our forecast results support the findings in previous research that eliminating the margin tax could be highly beneficial for all Texans.
Posttetanic enhancement of striato-pallidal synaptic transmission

The striato (Str)-globus pallidus external segment (GPe) projection plays major roles in the control of neuronal activity in the basal ganglia under both normal and pathological conditions. The pre...
Meningitis Caused by Candida Dubliniensis in a Patient with Cirrhosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Candida species, including Candida dubliniensis, are a rare cause of meningitis. Herein, we report the second case of C. dubliniensis meningitis in a 49-year-old man with a history of hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis, substance use disorder, and recent exposure to intravenous antibiotic therapy, presenting with confusion, abnormal gait, and urinary incontinence. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed marked hydrocephalus and leptomeningeal enhancement. Initial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies were concerning for bacterial meningitis, although cultures were negative. Despite empiric treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics, the patient's mental status declined. The diagnosis of C. dubliniensis meningitis was not made until the third lumbar puncture. The patient was treated with liposomal amphotericin B and flucytosine. Despite improvement of hydrocephalus on MRI of the brain and sterilization of CSF, the patient's mental status declined and he expired. This case highlights the difficulty in the diagnosis of C. dubliniensis meningitis as multiple lumbar punctures may be necessary. C. dubliniensis meningitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for a patient with risk factors such as end-stage liver disease, human immunodeficiency virus infection, recent chemotherapy, substance use disorders, and recent broad-spectrum antibiotic use. A high index of suspicion is necessary as delay in initiation of therapy is associated with high mortality. The optimal treatment strategy has not been determined.
EFFECTS OF "SALESMAN CANDIDATE" SETS ON THE EYSENCK PERSONALITY INVENTORY

Braun and Gomez (1966) studied effects of two faking sets on Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI) scores. Scores were significantly decreased on Neuroticism (N) and significantly increased on Lie (L) under both sets. "Attempt-to-conceal-faking" set produced significantly smaller increases in L at the cost of significantly smaller decreases in N. Extraversion (E) scores were not significantly changed by either set. Star (1962) found that an "ideal-self" set significantly increased E scores on the Maudsley Personality Inventory from which the EPI was derived. The present srudy employed "salesman candidate" faking sets which might have a similar effect on EPI E scores. Introductory psychology students took the EPI anonymously under regular instructions and immediately thereafter under faking instructions. Group 1's (N = 56) instructions were to answer ". . . so as to appear an ideal candidate for a position as a salesman." Group 11's (N = 50) instructions were similar but also stated that the EPI contained provisions for detecting faking and that Ss should fake so as not to be detected. Regular administration means for Group I (Group 11) were 9.48 (9.72), 12.88 (13.08), and 2.23 (2.08) on N, E, and L, respectively, with SDs of 4.83 (4.30), 3.93 (3.54), and 1.63 (1.43). Faked administration means were 2.93 (3.28), 14.84 (15.02), and 6.89 (4.30), with SDs of 3.17 (2.28), 2.47 (2.56), and 1.89 (2.30). For both groups t tests for correlated means showed significant differences (p < .01) between regular and faked administration for N, E, and L. N decreased under faking while E and L increased. Separate analyses of covariance revealed F to be significant (p < .01) for L but not for N or E. Thus, the "attempt-to-conceal-faking" set produced a significantly smaller increase in L, but, contrary to the findings of Braun and Gomez (1966), it did not come at the cost of a smaller decrease in N. Using an L score of 4 as cut-off point, under regular administration there were 20% false positives in Group I and 18% In Group 11. Under faking sets, 95% of Group I and 56% of Group I1 had L of 4 or above; this difference was significant (p < .001). Thus, the "salesman" faking set produced significant changes in EPI N, E, and L scores. L scores were again shown to be of value in detecting faking but not to so great an extent as in the original srudy.
Reducing the energy penalty costs of postcombustion CCS systems with amine-storage.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) can significantly reduce the amount of CO2 emitted from coal-fired power plants but its operation significantly reduces the plant’s net electrical output and decreases profits, especially during times of high electricity prices. An amine-based CCS system can be modified adding amine-storage to allow postponing 92% of all its energy consumption to times of lower electricity prices, and in this way has the potential to effectively reduce the cost of CO2 capture by reducing the costs of the forgone electricity sales. However adding amine-storage to a CCS system implies a significant capital cost that will be outweighed by the price-arbitrage revenue only if the difference between low and high electricity prices is substantial. In this paper we find a threshold for the variability in electricity prices that make the benefits from electricity price arbitrage outweigh the capital costs of amine-storage. We then look at wholesale electricity markets in the Eastern Interconnect of...
Relationship between shortening load, contractility, and myocardial energetics in intact dog

A canine model was developed to estimate left ventricular wall stress, volumes, contractility, and high-energy phosphate metabolites without the need for major surgery. A percutaneously inserted catheter-tip manometer was used to record high-fidelity left ventricular pressure while gradient echo cinemagnetic resonance (cine-MR) imaging alternated with in vivo 31P-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy during pharmacological maneuvers to increase cardiac work. Left ventricular circumferential wall stress, volumes, maximum rate of pressure development (dP/dtmax), and the ratio of phosphocreatine (PCr) to gamma-ATP (PCr/gamma-ATP) were recorded sequentially during control 1, dobutamine infusion, control 2, angiotensin infusion, and control 3 in five anesthetized, closed-chest dogs. PCr/gamma-ATP did not change significantly during controls 1-3, angiotensin, and dobutamine infusion. Left ventricular peak positive dP/dt (+dP/dtmax) increased significantly during dobutamine (3,338 +/- 831 mmHg/s, P < 0.001) but was unchanged during angiotensin (1,818 +/- 317 mmHg/s) and controls 1-3 (1,915 +/- 434 vs. 1,808 +/- 478 vs. 1,859 +/- 414 mmHg/s). However, dobutamine decreased the total systolic stress integral (area under the wall stress-time relationship) and end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, whereas angiotensin increased these parameters compared with control conditions. The unchanged PCr/gamma-ATP is in accord with the results from other open-chest surface coil 31P-NMR experiments in the normal heart. Our assessment of left ventricular functional parameters provides new information that complements these more invasive studies in which heart rate-pressure product was measured during increases in cardiac work.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Effects of mannose-binding lectin on pulmonary gene expression and innate immune inflammatory response to ozone

Ozone is a common, potent oxidant pollutant in industrialized nations. Ozone exposure causes airway hyperreactivity, lung hyperpermeability, inflammation, and cell damage in humans and laboratory animals, and exposure to ozone has been associated with exacerbation of asthma, altered lung function, and mortality. The mechanisms of ozone-induced lung injury and differential susceptibility are not fully understood. Ozone-induced lung inflammation is mediated, in part, by the innate immune system. We hypothesized that mannose-binding lectin (MBL), an innate immunity serum protein, contributes to the proinflammatory events caused by ozone-mediated activation of the innate immune system. Wild-type (Mbl(+/+)) and MBL-deficient (Mbl(-/-)) mice were exposed to ozone (0.3 ppm) for up to 72 h, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was examined for inflammatory markers. Mean numbers of eosinophils and neutrophils and levels of the neutrophil attractants C-X-C motif chemokines 2 [Cxcl2 (major intrinsic protein 2)] and 5 [Cxcl5 (limb expression, LIX)] in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were significantly lower in Mbl(-/-) than Mbl(+/+) mice exposed to ozone. Using genome-wide mRNA microarray analyses, we identified significant differences in transcript response profiles and networks at baseline [e.g., nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2 (NRF2)-mediated oxidative stress response] and after exposure (e.g., humoral immune response) between Mbl(+/+) and Mbl(-/-) mice. The microarray data were further analyzed to discover several informative differential response patterns and subsequent gene sets, including the antimicrobial response and the inflammatory response. We also used the lists of gene transcripts to search the LINCS L1000CDS(2) data sets to identify agents that are predicted to perturb ozone-induced changes in gene transcripts and inflammation. These novel findings demonstrate that targeted deletion of Mbl caused differential levels of inflammation-related gene sets at baseline and after exposure to ozone and significantly reduced pulmonary inflammation, thus indicating an important innate immunomodulatory role of the gene in this model.
Trastornos del volumen y la forma del cráneo

E l volumen de los tres componentes que ocupan el craneo (encefalo, liquido cefalorraquideo y sangre) determina el tamano de este durante la lactancia. La expansion de uno de los componentes se hace a expensas de los otros, de forma que el volumen y la presion intracraneales permanezcan constantes (vease capitulo 4 ). Los espacios extracerebrales (epidural, subdural y subaracnoideo) pueden ampliarse en presencia de una mayor cantidad de sangre, lo que afecta de manera significativa al volumen craneal. Otros factores menos importantes que tambien contribuyen al tamano de la cabeza son el espesor de los huesos del craneo y la velocidad a la que se fusionan.
Strain differences in adrenal CYP2D16 expression in guinea pigs : Relationship to xenobiotic metabolism

Experiments were done to determine the mechanisms responsible for differences in adrenal microsomal xenobiotic metabolism between Strain 13 and English Short-Hair (ESH) guinea pigs. The rates of adrenal xenobiotic metabolism (bufuralol 1'-hydroxylase, benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase, benzphetamine N-demethylase) were 2-3 times greater in microsomes from the Strain 13 animals. In both strains, xenobiotic-metabolizing activities were far greater in the inner zone (zona reticularis) than in the outer zones (zona fasciculata and zona glomerulosa) of the adrenal cortex. Northern blot analyses of total adrenal RNA with a CYP2D16 cDNA as the probe revealed significantly greater amounts of CYP2D16 mRNA in the Strain 13 guinea pigs. In addition, SDS-PAGE and Western blotting of adrenal microsomes demonstrated higher concentrations of CYP2D16 protein in Strain 13 than in ESH animals. Expression of CYP2D16 was predominantly in the inner zone of the adrenal, coinciding with the major site of xenobiotic metabolism. The results demonstrated higher levels of expression of CYP2D16 in adrenal glands from Strain 13 than from ESH guinea pigs, which may account for the strain differences in adrenal xenobiotic metabolism. Strain 13 guinea pigs should serve as a good experimental model for further studies on the regulation of adrenal CYP2D16.
Abstract 304: The Outcomes of Pre-Procedural Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Therapy in patients undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background: Post-procedural outcomes associated with the use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have not been studied. We aimed to determine the association between ACEI use and adverse cardiovascular/ renal outcomes in these patients. Methods: We performed retrospective analysis of 15,485 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention from January 1, 2000 to June 30, 2011. Primary outcome was the incidence of major adverse events (MAE) defined as a composite of mortality, post PCI renal dysfunction, myocardial infarction, and stroke during index hospitalization for PCI. Secondary outcome was the incidence of aforementioned components of MAE analyzed separately. Logistic regression and multivariate analyses were performed. Results: Of the patients undergoing PCI, 6,600 (43%) received pre-PCI ACEI and 8,885 (57%) did not. Patients on ACEI were more likely to be older (64.6 ± 10.9 years vs. 63.6 ± 12.1 years; p Conclusion: Pre-operative ACEI use is not associated with major adverse events in patients undergoing PCI. Key Words: angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor; percutaneous coronary intervention
Higher-order surface plasmon contributions to passive and active plasmonic interferometry

We compare the intensity modulation of passive light transmission and active fluorescence emission in planar plasmonic interferometers consisting of a nano-scale hole flanked by circular grooves etched in a silver film. Discrete fast Fourier transform applied to plasmonic interferograms – i.e., optical interferograms obtained by varying the propagation phase of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) – reveals higher-order interference effects that can be enhanced by optimizing in-plane SPP scattering and reflection. The experimental SPP dispersion relations agree with finite-difference frequency-domain calculations. Finally, we show that odd-order SPP contributions can be suppressed by reducing the spatial coherence of the incident beam.
Characterization of a Heritable Bleeding Disorder in a Horse: Reduce PS-Flip Leads to Progressive Dysfunction in the Common Pathway of Platelet Coagulation.

A 3 year old Thoroughbred horse presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital with a three week history of bleeding. Clinical laboratory findings showed normal complete blood count including a normal platelet count. In addition the horse had normal prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times, as well as normal coagulation factors. These data suggested a defect in platelet function. The common pathway of the coagulation cascade occurs at the platelet surface when phosphatidylserine (PS) is flipped to the outer leaflet of the platelet membrane, providing binding sites for the prothrombinase complex that catalyzes the production of thrombin, which carries out the proteolytic activation of fibrinogen. We characterized the capacity of horse’s platelets to carry out each of these steps. PS-flip in the patient’s platelets was induced using several physiological agonists and found to be significantly reduced after stimulation with thrombin (0.1U/ml). The PS was detected by labeling platelets with FITC-annexin V, and measuring FITC intensity by flow cytometry. In comparison to control platelets, approximately 50% of the patient’s platelets were positive for FITC-annexin V after stimulation with thrombin. The fluorescent intensity of the label on the patient’s positive platelets was 40% that of controls. The reduced PS on the patient’s platelets represents a potential loss of prothrombinase binding sites. Using a prothombinase assay based on the hydrolysis the chromogenic substrate S-2238, we determined the amount of thrombin produced by the patient’s platelets over time. In response to thrombin (0.1U/ml), the patient’s platelets produced thrombin at a rate of 0.023±0.002 NIH-U/min/1 X 108 platelets, which was significantly less than control platelets, 0.053±0.004 NIH-U/min/1 X 108 platelets. Neither resting platelets nor the thrombin used to stimulate them produced appreciable hydrolysis of S-2238. We correlated this reduced prothrombinase activity with the capacity of the patient’s platelets bind FITC-fibrinogen. After stimulation with thrombin (0.1U/ml), control platelets form platelet microaggregates that are intensely labeled with FITC-fibrinogen and can be observed by flow cytometry. The patient’s platelets do not form platelet microaggregates and the FITC-fibrinogen labeling is only 20% that of control platelets. This reduced FITC-fibrinogen labeling is not due to a defect in the function of the a2bb3a integrin, because the patient’s platelets bind normal amounts of FITC-fibrinogen in response to ADP. In this regard, the affected horse is unlike patients with Glannzmann’s thrombasthenia, who cannot bind fibrinogen. Instead, the dysfunction is more closely related to individuals with Scott syndrome, who cannot produce the PS surface that is required for assembly of the prothrombinase and ultimately activation of fibrinogen. Ongoing studies using the techniques described above demonstrate one affected and one normal progeny from the original patient.
Adaptation from Within or from Without: A Reply to Rodrigo et al.

In their letter [1xThe evolutionary value of helpful microbes: a response to Shapira. Rodrigo, A. et al. Trends Ecol. Evol. 2017; 32: 84–85Abstract | Full Text | Full Text PDF | PubMed | Scopus (1)See all References][1] Rodrigo et al. address an assertion I have made in a recent review on the potential significance of gut microbiotas to host evolution [2xGut microbiotas and host evolution: scaling up symbiosis. Shapira, M. Trends Ecol. Evol. 2016; 31: 539–549Abstract | Full Text | Full Text PDF | PubMed | Scopus (28)See all References][2]: that the fidelity of vertical transmission of gut symbionts is related to their functional importance for the host. They point out that evolutionary commitment to a particular mode of transmission likely weighs-in not only the importance of the service provided by the symbionts but also host intrinsic capacity to provide the same service, as well as the trade-offs between maintenance of host-intrinsic capacity and outsourcing it to a symbiont. This is a valid point, adding to the picture that I initially considered. It further raises questions about timescale: whether evolutionary choices between maintaining intrinsic capacity versus outsourcing, or the degree of commitment to symbiont vertical transmission, are on the same timescale. Perhaps more relevant for the original review, however, is the consideration given to the genetic origin of the service provided. The discussion initiated by Rodrigo et al. incorporates the same kind of reasoning that is the basis for the hologenome concept; that is, that genetic variation in the holobiont, on which natural selection operates, could be provided either by the host genome (i.e., host-intrinsic capacity) or by the genomes of its symbionts (‘outsourced’ function). With this in mind, the example they discuss, of bioluminescence in Cephalopoda, is particularly intriguing as it describes different evolutionary paths relying either on intrinsic, host-encoded mechanisms for bioluminescence or on the acquisition of bioluminescent symbionts. The two paths lead to similar adaptive advantages. Better understanding of the appearance/disappearance of such mechanisms (of intrinsic bioluminescence or of bacterial acquisition and maintenance) could provide insights into such evolutionary choices.
Where Do Facts Matter? The Digital Paradox in Magazines' Fact-Checking Practices

Print magazines are unique among nonfiction media in their dedication of staff and resources to in-depth, word-by-word verification of stories. Over time, this practice has established magazines’ reputation for reliability, helped them retain loyal readers amid a glut of information sources, and protected them from litigation. But during the past decade, websites, mobile platforms, and social media have expanded the types of stories and other content that magazines provide for readers. Doing so has shortened the time between the creation and dissemination of content, challenging and in some cases squeezing out fact-checkers’ participation. This study examines the procedures applied to stories in magazines and their non-print platforms, seeking to discern what decisions were made in response to the speed of digital publication, what effects these decisions have had, what lessons have been learned and what changes have been made over time. The results suggest that fact-checking practices for print content r...
In-plane spectrum in superlattices

We show that the existing theory does not give correct in-plane spectrum of superlattices at small in-plane momentum. Magnetoabsorption experiments demonstrate that the energy range of the parabolic region of the spectrum near the electron sub-band bottom is lower by an order of magnitude than the value predicted by the traditional approach. We developed a modified theory according to which the energy range of the parabolic region and carrier in-plane effective masses are determined by the effective band gap of the superlattice rather than by the bulk band gaps of the superlattice layers. The results of this theory are consistent with the experiment.
Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with acute drug intoxication admitted to ICU.

ABSTRACTBackground: Drug overdose continues to be the most common cause of acute poisoning worldwide. There has been a substantial increase in drug overdose incidence and prevalence over the past decade, probably as a result of the emergence of new synthetic designer drugs. The purpose of this study is to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with acute drug intoxication admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).Methods: A single center, prospective, observational study was conducted among all adult patients with clinical signs suggestive of acute drug intoxication admitted from the Emergency Department (ED) to ICU during a 6-month period (September to March).Results: Sixty-five patients were admitted. Their median age was 49 years (mean 48.2, range 20–72), and the majority were male (48, 74%). Median Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score on admission to ICU was 6 (mean 6, range 0–13). Fifty-five patients (85%) had a positive urine and/or serum toxicology screen....
Characteristics of interruptions during medication administration: An integrative review of direct observational studies.

Aims and objectives To synthesise and summarise data gathered by direct observation of the characteristics of interruptions in the context of nursing medication administration (MA) in hospital settings. Background Interruptions are prevalent during the MA process performed by nurses in hospital settings and have been found to be associated with an increase in frequency and severity of nursing MA errors. In addition, interruptions decrease task efficiency, leading to longer MA completion times. Design Integrative review. Methods The electronic databases Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PubMed, PsycARTICLES and Google Scholar were searched using the terms "interruptions" AND "medication administration" AND "direct observation." Nine articles met the inclusion criteria. Results Interruptions are likely to occur at least once during nursing MA processes in hospital settings. This finding applies to medication administered to one patient, termed a medication pass, and medication administered to multiple patients, termed a medication round. Interruptions are most commonly caused by another nurse or staff member or are self-initiated, and last approximately 1 min in length. Conclusions A raised awareness among staff of the most common sources of interruptions may encourage changes that lead to a decrease in the occurrence of interruptions. In addition, nurse leaders can apply an understanding of the common characteristics of interruptions to guide research, policies and educational methods aimed at interruption management strategies. Relevance to clinical practice The findings from this review can be used to guide the identification and development of targeted interventions and strategies that would have the most substantial impact to reduce and manage interruptions during MA. Interruption management strategies have the potential to lead to a decrease in medication errors and an increase in task efficiency.
Stay Rates of Foreign National Doctoral Students in U.S. Economics Programs

This paper examines why enrollment of foreign national students in U.S. economics graduate programs increased so dramatically since the 1960s. The primary contribution of this paper is that it offers new information regarding the "stay rates" (the proportion of foreign doctorates from U.S. universities that stayed in the Unites States after graduation for any reason) of foreign graduate students in economics and other selected science and engineering fields. The paper concludes that growth in the number of foreign national economics graduate students was related to the quality of U.S. graduate programs, growth in foreign social science baccalaureate degree awards, growing foreign incomes, and movement of foreign economies towards markets. These trends were especially pronounced in Asia, where most foreign national economics students are from.
Scholastic Achievement After Early Brain Lesions

Data are summarized for three areas of scholastic achievement in children with lateralized brain lesions: reading; written language including spelling; and mathematics. In general, reading disorders appear to be more common following left than right hemisphere lesions, although the incidence varies widely. Written language deficits are the most common and persistent higher cognitive sequelae noted, yet very little systematic study characterizing these deficits has been undertaken. Spelling deficits have been described particularly following left, but also right brain lesions, although data relating type of spelling deficit to lesion laterality is equivocal. Although several groups of investigators have commented upon mathematics ability in their brain lesioned children, few generalizations emerge from these reports and it appears that no one has described the nature of the mathematical deficits presented. The scant data reported are related, where possible, to lesion laterality, site of lesion within a hemisphere, and age of lesion onset.
Higher Education's Role in the Dialogue on Race

The university is a logical locus for discussionof the role race has played in our society. Perhaps noAmerican institution is more committed to free andopen dialogue than the university. Higher educationcan thus provide a context for the recognition ofissues as well as a forum for the resolution ofinitiatives. To date, however, university attempts atdiversity training have often imbued recipients withself-consciousness, usurping the unity implicit in theword `university' and evoking an even greater tendencytoward separatism. The university's traditional questfor truth has been subverted by a subtle and pervasivesense that some views are more correct than others,that openness is dangerous, and that some issues mighteven be taboo. At best, such an approach to diversityleads to a fragile stalemate among self-containedenclaves. By championing President Clinton's call fora dialogue on race, the university can restore itselfas an institution that puts honesty above all else.Not only is there a resonant rationale for theuniversity's central responsibility in this debate,but there is also a pedagogical means by which itsrole can be realized. This paper proposes a model forethnic dialogue relevant to either a text-based orissues-based class. Borrowing from pedagogy developedin professional schools, we believe that the tenets ofthe `case method' can create a climate conducive tothe substantive scrutiny of race, ethnicity, andprejudice in general. We argue that this dialogueshould not be a mere add-on to college life, butintegrated into existing curricula in the socialsciences, literature, and history. Heated debate canthen occur without anger, and race/ethnicity can bediscussed without fear of recrimination.Paradoxically, the very expression of ethnicity may bethe catalyst that eventually moves multiculturalismtoward interculturalism – where differences are nolonger articulated, measurable or even discernible.
Learning a Policy for Gesture-Based Active Multi-touch Authentication

Multi-touch tablets can offer a large, collaborative space where several users can work on a task at the same time. However, the lack of privacy in these situations makes standard password-based authentication easily compromised. This work presents a new gesture-based authentication system based on users’ unique signature of touch motion when drawing a combination of one-stroke gestures following two different policies, one fixed for all users and the other selected by a model of control to maximize the expected long-term information gain. The system is able to achieve high user recognition accuracy with relatively few gestures, demonstrating that human touch patterns have a distinctive “signature” that can be used as a powerful biometric measure for user recognition and personalization.
A Role for the Vesicular Monoamine Transporter (VMAT2) in Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that typically begins in the 5th to 6th decade of life. It is characterized by a resting tremor, muscular rigidity, slowness of movement and postural instability. The disease affects about 1% the population over age 50.
Nonlinear Resonant Circuits for Coupling-Insensitive Wireless Power Transfer Circuits

Wireless power transfer (WPT) technology is expected to significantly impact many applications ranging from charging of electric vehicles to mobile devices. A major limitation of current WPT technology is its power transfer efficiency (PTE) dependence on the relative position between the transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX). In this paper, a specific class of nonlinear resonant circuits is introduced for the design of coupling-insensitive WPT circuits. Such circuits maintain constant PTE while the coupling factor (k) varies at a fixed operating frequency. A self-adaptive nonlinear WPT circuit is designed using passive nonlinear devices without tuning the operating frequency or employing any active feedback and control circuitry. The presented WPT circuit prototype is capable of transferring 60 W at 2.25 MHz while maintaining a constant PTE of 85% from 5 cm to 25 cm. Compared to conventional WPT circuits, the transmission range is significantly extended by at least 200 % while PTE at the shortest transmission distance is improved by approximately 400%.
Robust Head Detection in Collaborative Learning Environments Using AM-FM Representations

The paper introduces the problem of robust head detection in collaborative learning environments. In such environments, the camera remains fixed while the students are allowed to sit at different parts of a table. Example challenges include the fact that students may be facing away from the camera or exposing different parts of their face to the camera. To address these issues, the paper proposes the development of two new methods based on Amplitude Modulation-Frequency Modulation (AM-FM) models. First, a combined approach based on color and FM texture is developed for robust face detection. Secondly, a combined approach based on processing the AM and FM components is developed for robust, back of the head detection. The results of the two approaches are also combined to detect all of the students sitting at each table. The robust face detector achieved 79% accuracy on a set of 1000 face image examples. The back of the head detector achieved 91% accuracy on a set of 363 test image examples.
Uncovering early adopter’s perceptions and purchase intentions of automated vehicles: Insights from early adopters of electric vehicles in California

Abstract Research on vehicle automation is one of the most current topics in transportation. Some of the questions plaguing the research community include design, cost, and adoption. Many of these questions will remain unanswered until automated vehicles are available to the consumer. In this study, we use a sample of California new electric vehicle buyers to understand if and how current adopters of new vehicle technologies will adopt automated vehicles. We find that many respondents are interested in purchasing an automated vehicle but indicate that they only have average knowledge of the technology. Using an ordinal logit model, we model the interest in purchasing a fully-automated vehicle and find that younger men who purchase higher cost vehicles are more interested in purchasing a fully-automated vehicle. Above all else, those who perceive automated vehicles as being safer than non-automated vehicles have an interest in purchasing an automated vehicle.
Developing Physician Educational Competencies for the Management of Female Genital Cutting: A Call to Action.

Abstract Female genital cutting (FGC), also called female genital mutilation, is defined as “all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to th...
TRENDS IN INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS INCIDENCE, CHARACTERISTICS, AND VALVE REPLACEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH OPIOID USE DISORDERS IN THE UNITED STATES FROM 2005 TO 2014

Current opioid epidemic in the U.S. gave rise to a phenotypically distinct population of infective endocarditis (IE) related to opioid use disorder (OUD). We used the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) data to characterize the trend in the incidence of IE associated with OUD, patient characteristics,
Stakeholders’ shifting values in an evaluation of a literacy professional development programme:

The author uses her experience as an evaluator for a literacy professional development programme with urban elementary schools in the United States to illustrate failures and successes with negotia...
Ibrutinib for the treatment of chronic graft‐vs‐host disease in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients: A single‐center experience

cGVHD is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality after transplant. Ibrutinib has been studied as treatment for cGVHD in the adult population. Pediatric dosing and safety of ibrutinib are unknown. We conducted a retrospective review on the use of ibrutinib in 22 children with cGVHD at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. All patients received a dose of 250 mg/m2 orally, once daily. Responses were measured at 6 months after drug initiation using the 2014 NIH consensus panel response criteria. Twenty-two patients of median age 13.5 years received ibrutinib. cGVHD grades were severe (n = 15), moderate (n = 6), and mild (n = 1). Eight patients stopped ibrutinib prior to 3 months due to adverse events or death and could not be evaluated for 6-month response. Of the 14 evaluable patients, 12 achieved a partial response at 6 months and two patients had progressive disease. Seven evaluable patients with lung involvement had stable lung function at 6 months. One patient had EBV reactivation, and one patient developed pneumococcal sepsis despite appropriate prophylaxis while on ibrutinib therapy. No fungal infections occurred while on ibrutinib. Adverse events leading to discontinuation included recurrent fevers without a source, extensive bruising, oral bleeding, gastrointestinal distress, lower GI bleeding, dizziness, elevated transaminases, and pneumococcal sepsis. Ibrutinib administration of 250 mg/m2 oral daily shows promising responses in pediatric cGVHD. Pediatric-focused pharmacokinetic-directed studies are needed to establish optimal dosing and define efficacy in children.
Chapter 9 – The Cerebellum

The cerebellum is present in vertebrates with similar cellular organization, connectivity, and development across species. Substantial evolutionary expansion of the neocerebellum likely corresponds with increasing capabilities of hominids in motor dexterity, visuomotor control, communication, and cognitive regulation. The uniform structure of the cerebellar cortex contrasts with the functional modularity that organizes in longitudinal zones through multiple, separate cortico-cerebellar feedforward/feedback loops. Three phylogenetic divisions in the cerebellum reflect evolutionary expansion: vestibulocerebellum (equilibrium, gait, vestibulo-ocular reflexes), spinocerebellum (movement control, sensorimotor regulation of actions, and motor learning), and the neocerebellum (acquired motor skill, oculomotor control, visuomotor attention, predictive motor control mechanisms, speech, verbal working memory, cognitive functions involving shifting, planning, working memory, and affective regulation). Disorders of the cerebellum lead to motor deficits (eg, ataxia and dysmetria) and to impaired cognitive processes. Learning-related neuroplasticity in cerebellar circuits is essential for Pavlovian eyeblink conditioning. Neurodevelopmental disruption of cerebellum is implicated in autism and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Relationship Lending and Liquidation Under Imperfect Information

Using a model of a competitive credit market, we study a firm’s choice between financing a production project using a transaction loan and a relationship loan. The project itself is characterized by uncertainty, with regards to both the amount and the timing of revenue. While the transaction lender enjoys a relatively lower cost of funds, the relationship lender’s advantage lies in being able to make a relatively more informed decision about the continuation value of the project in the event that the firm misses its initial payment obligation. In this setting, we make two important findings. First, we document how the firm’s optimal choice of loan type is dependent on both the liquidation value of the project and how accessible transaction credit is to distressed firms. Second, we investigate an opportunity for a lender to improve the quality of its lending relationship with the firm, and find that, under imperfect information, the lender may choose to decline certain welfare improving innovations.
BMI trends, socioeconomic status, and the choice of dataset.

Objective:This study is a descriptive investigation of trends in BMI in the USA over time, across race/ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status (SES) groups, and across different datasets. Methods: The study analyzes micro-level data from three widely used cross-sectional US health datasets: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), from the 1970s to 2008. Consistent race/ethnicity and SES groups are constructed for all datasets. SES is measured by education and income. Focusing on adults aged 20–74 years, the study estimates BMI time trends, distributional shifts, and incremental associations (gradients) with SES. Results: SES-BMI gradients are consistently larger for women than for men, differ across race/ethnicity groups, and are similar across datasets. Trends in mean BMI are comparable across White, Black and Hispanic males, while Hispanic females range between White and Black females. Self-reported BMI in the NHANES differs markedly from self-reports in the NHIS and BRFSS. Conclusion: The NHANES, NHIS, and BRFSS provide similar evidence regarding BMI trends over time and across race/ethnicity, gender, and SES groups. Racial disparities in BMI remain after adjusting for SES and should be studied further.
Computing the conditional entry-state distribution in Erlang loss systems

Abstract We consider an Erlang loss system with state-dependent arrival rates. Given the system is in steady-state and there are j customers being served, the system operator may wish to know about the distribution of arrival states for the j customers in service. Specifically, they may want the steady-state probability that any given customer entered when the system had i servers busy, given j customers are currently being served. We term this metric the conditional entry-state distribution and develop an algorithm to compute it.
Identifying Barriers: Current Breastfeeding Policy in Orthopedic Surgery Residency.

Background Family planning is a challenge for physicians at all stages of their careers but can be particularly difficult during residency. As the field of orthopedic surgery strives to increase diversity and recruit exceptional female candidates, barriers to entry should be identified. For many women, successful family planning including pregnancy, breast-feeding, and childcare, presents a daunting endeavor during residency training and a difficult topic to broach with superiors when planning future careers. Prospective residents often look to websites to obtain information regarding potential residency programs. We sought to identify current breast-feeding policies available at orthopedic residency programs via a thorough review of individual programs websites. Methods Residency program websites from 178 ACGME-accredited orthopedic surgery residencies were reviewed to determine currently available departmental lactation policies and facilities. Region and number of female staff and residents were recorded and organized into a central database. Descriptive analyses to determine programs with available resources was performed. Logistic regression to determine association between region and number of programs written policy available was also performed. Results 178 ACGME-accredited orthopedic surgery programs were reviewed. Five (2.8%) programs were found to have written breastfeeding policies available on the orthopedic surgery residency website. Thirty-six (20%) programs provided links to institutional GME websites which gave written lactation policies. Dedicated lactation facilities were mentioned for 3 (1.7%) programs. The average number of female attendings per program was two (range 0-19), and the average number of female residents per program was three (range 0-14). The odds of a program having a written breastfeeding policy increased along with an increasing number of female attendings, OR 1.1 (CI 1.03-1.24, p=0.01). Programs in the Southwest region of the U.S. were found to have a higher association with presence of a written breastfeeding policy, OR 3.7 (CI 1.01-13.4, p=0.04). Conclusion Scarce information is available to prospective orthopedic surgery residents regarding breast-feeding policies and available lactation facilities. Only 2.8% of current programs have website information discussing breastfeeding support. Ensuring available breastfeeding support for female orthopedic surgeon trainees and the transparency of these policies by orthopedic departments could contribute to an improved perception of childbearing during residency.Level of Evidence: IV.