cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Portal Hypertension in Pediatrics: Controversies and Challenges 2015 Report

The management of complications of portal hypertension in children remains a challenge due to limited evidenced-based approaches and the marked heterogeneity of the relevant pediatric disorders. It is not necessarily appropriate to apply treatment paradigms developed for adults to children given the marked differences in the pathophysiology of the operant diseases. This review summarizes progress made in the diagnosis and management of pediatric portal hypertension since Baveno V, with a focus on issues related to varices in two disorders, extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) and biliary atresia (BA). Portal hypertension in both diseases presents in the context of relatively preserved hepatocellular function, which distinguishes this from experiences with adults. Approaches to secondary prophylaxis of variceal hemorrhage seem more secure than either screening for or primary prophylaxis of varices. Response to the Kasai hepatoportoenterostomy for BA, in particular the establishment of bile flow, has a potentially marked impact on progression of not only complications of portal hypertension but overall short-term prognosis and therefore the approach to the management of portal hypertension. The ability of the mesoRex bypass to “cure” EHPVO in some children has profound implications for optimal management of this disease. In pediatrics, generalized guidelines are difficult to establish, and a complete understanding of the natural history of a particular pediatric disorder along with knowledge of the pros and cons of potential interventions is critical for relatively informed clinical decision-making.
The benefits and limitations of cell‐free DNA screening for 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

Cell-free DNA testing is increasingly being used to screen pregnant women for fetal aneuploidy. This technology may also identify microdeletion syndromes, including 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, the most common microdeletion syndrome, and the 22q11.2 duplication syndrome. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, to review the early experience with cell-free DNA screening for this deletion and to consider the potential benefits that may be associated with prenatal detection of the deletion. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do Jackhammer contractions lead to achalasia? A longitudinal study.

Background Jackhammer esophagus (JE) is a rare esophageal motility disorder defined in the Chicago Classification of Esophageal Motility by presence of excessively high distal contractile integral (DCI) on high-resolution manometry (HRM), with unknown natural manometric course. We examined the development of achalasia over time in patients with JE. Methods Through a retrospective longitudinal design, patients with Jackhammer contractions who had more than one HRM between 2005 and 2015 were identified. Any change in manometric finding was assessed for the presence of achalasia. Demographic and manometric risk factors for this progression were then sought in univariate analysis. Key Results Of 3363 HRM studies, 229 subjects had multiple manometries, accounting for 528 studies. Twelve subjects met our inclusion criteria for JE on any of the multiple tests, represented by 27 studies for a total of 347 patient-months of manometric follow-up. Subjects with JE whose manometry included impedance demonstrated consistent esophageal bolus clearance. Of 12 subjects with Jackhammer contractions, three subjects progressed to type III achalasia, over a mean of 24 months (range: 19–31 months). At the time of diagnosis with JE, impaired esophago-gastric junction relaxation was seen in all three subjects and was the only risk factor that could predict progression to achalasia (P<.01). Conclusions & Inferences In this unique study of the natural course of JE, we have shown that JE can progress to achalasia. Manometric findings at the time of JE diagnosis might predict this progression.
International Outbound Transactions

This chapter starts with an overview of the US tax-free regimes and then describes international outbound transactions, including the transfer of partnership interests, the branch loss recapture rule, the transfer of intangibles, the liquidation of a foreign corporation into a parent corporation, foreign to foreign rules, as well as the distribution of stock of a foreign corporation.
Long‐Term Potentiation

Virtually all notions about memory hold dear the central notion that learning relies on the modification of synaptic function. In recent years considerable attention has focused on one particular form of use-dependent synaptic plasticity known as long-term potentiation (LTP). LTP was first discovered by Terje Lomo, who observed that repetitive high-frequency electrical stimulations of the pathway from the cortex to the hippocampus resulted in a steeper rise time of the excitatory synaptic potential as well as recruitment of spike activity from a greater number of cells. Moreover, these changes in synaptic and cellular responses to subsequent single shocks lasted several hours, suggesting the possibility of a lasting memory mechanism. Keywords: long-term depression; NMDA receptor; CREB
Rethinking the concept of "information literacy": a German perspective

The purpose of this article is to draw attention to the original and diverse approaches to the concept of information literacy in the German academic world. Unlike the American notion of information literacy, whose pedagogy, methodology and conceptualization follow guidelines set forth by powerful professional organisations such as ACRL (Association of College and Research Libraries) and ALA (American Library Association), the German notion of information literacy is still negotiated on an interdisciplinary market of ideas ranging from communication science to didactics and from cultural anthropology to epistemology. An awareness of this international perspective on information literacy is timely, given the recent debates about the legitimacy of the radically new approach to information literacy put forth in the ACRL Framework.
"Canaries in the mine..." the impact of Affordable Care Act implementation on people with disabilities: Evidence from interviews with disability advocates.

Abstract Background The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has many provisions that could improve health care for people with disabilities, including Medicaid expansion and the ability to purchase qualified health plans (QHPs). Objective To explore how ACA provisions affected people with disabilities' health care experiences during the first enrollment period and to suggest hypotheses for future research. Method We conducted semi-structured interviews with disability community leaders (N = 16) from a maximum variation sample of 10 U.S. states between March and April 2015. Our interdisciplinary team used qualitative description and a series of immersion-crystallization cycles to identify themes. Results Four themes for people with disability emerged. (1) State-based climate influenced ACA implementation decisions (e.g., Medicaid expansion) and thus individual experiences. (2) Medicaid coverage was viewed as more relevant, affordable and comprehensive than QHPs. (3) Despite expanded coverage, pre-enrollment challenges included accessing enrollment resources (e.g., website, helpline) and obtaining detailed plan information and post-enrollment barriers to needed care due to inadequate provider networks, high co-pays, or visit/service limitations. (4) Navigators with prior experience working with people with disabilities attenuated the identified barriers. Conclusion Our results depict a complex interplay between the ACA, state efforts and community outreach that influenced people with disabilities' experience. While coverage gains were generally positive, challenges emerged in plan selection and accessing care following enrollment. Attending to contextual factors like state climate and navigator experience as part of ACA implementation may determine health care access, and, ultimately, the health status, of people with disabilities and other population groups.
A 12 bit split-array switched capacitor power amplifier in 130nm CMOS

This paper presents a 12 bit split-array switched-capacitor power amplifier (SA-SCPA) to improve resolution of an SCPA and hence the linear dynamic range. An attenuation capacitor added between two sub-arrays allows a smaller ratio between the smallest and largest capacitors in the array, accommodating better matching. To compromise between efficiency and linearity, 4 binary bits are chosen for the LSB sub-array and 4 binary + 4 unary bits are chosen for the MSB sub-array. The SA-SCPA is designed and extracted, in a 130nm RF CMOS technology. It delivers a peak output power of 22.6dBm with a peak PAE of 30%. The linearity of the array is simulated using a 64 QAM, OFDM signal with 20 MHz bandwidth and the EVM is 3.8% while meeting the spectral mask.
Considerations of Linear Regression with Errors in both Variables as Applied to Clinical Pharmacokinetics

The straight line equation y = α + βx is often used in the biological sciences to describe the relationship between two measured variables. In clinical pharmacokinetics, a linear model is used in many different situations (to describe the relationship between renal function and drug half-life or for correlating plasma drug concentrations with concentrations in other biological fluids, for example). During the pharmacokinetic analysis of a new antiviral agent, acyclovir, a linear model was sought to correlate the total body clearance (CLtot) with the endogenous creatinine clearance (CLcr). Such a linear model is useful in developing dosage recommendations for patients with varying degrees of renal insufficiency. The almost exclusive approach of finding the “best fit” solution to the straight line equation is by linear least squares regression analysis of y on x. It is not widely recognized that this analysis assumes that only y is subject to error and that α and β are estimated by minimizing the sum of squared deviations of y only. When both x and y are subject to error, the usual least squares regression underestimates the slope and overestimates the intercept.
Fluorescent Tracers for Dispersion Measurements

Laboratory tests on the behavior of the fluorescent dyes rhodamine B, Pontacyl Brilliant Pink B, and fluorescein in surface waters of variable quality indicate that Pontacyl Brilliant Pink B is the most suitable quantitative tracer. Pontacyl Brilliant Pink B and fluorescein demonstrate no physical adsorption on suspended solids indigenous to San Francisco Bay, whereas rhodamine B exhibits quite significant adsorption. The photochemical decay rate of Pontacyl Brilliant Pink B is 1/2 that of rhodamine B and 1/25th that of fluorescein. The use of fluorescein must be restricted to short-term studies in waters of only the highest quality, due to both its exceedingly high photochemical decay rate and natural background levels. Background levels of rhodamine B and Pontacyl Brilliant Pink B are sufficiently low, though significant, to permit their use as tracers in San Francisco Bay. The cost of Pontacyl Brilliant Pink B is appreciably higher than rhodamine B, but its use in most applications is believed justified for attainment of meaningful results from tracer studies.
AB0852 Increased infection rate with concomitant rank ligand inhibitor denosumab and biologic therapies for rheumatic diseases: reality or illusion? experience with 40 patients over 66 months at the university of southern california

Background Patients with autoimmune diseases are at increased risk of early onset osteoporosis due to multiple reasons including prolonged exposure to corticosteroids and the disease process itself in RA patients. Same patients are more likely to be on TNF inhibitors or other biologics, which causes them to be at an increased risk of infections. Denosumab, an anti-RANK ligand inhibitor, itself a biologic, used to treat osteoporosis, is associated with increased infection risk as Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) is also expressed on activated T and B lymphocytes (1). It is unknown if there is an added risk of infections when TNF inhibitors/biologic agents and denosumab are used concomitantly. Objectives To determine if denosumab and biologics are associated with increased infection risk. Methods Data was collected and analyzed on 40 patients in the rheumatology clinic who had been on denosumab and TNF inhibitor/ other biologic for 66 months at the Keck Medical Center of USC. Results Patient characteristics: Mean age: 70±9.8 SD years, Gender: 98% were females, 2% Males. 75% had RA, 10% SLE, 15% had other rheumatic diseases. 70% on TNF inhibitors, 30% on other biologics. Before Denosumab (over 2 years): cumulative infection rate 17.5%, which is 8.75 cases per 100 person-years. 9% hospitalization rate. Post Denosumab: After 12 months: No infections within the first year. After 60 months: incidence rate of infections=12.5 cases/100 person-years. After 66 months, incidence rate of infections=15.9 cases/100 person-years. Urinary tract infection (UTI) accounted for the most common infection (17.5%). No opportunistic infections, and no reactivation of latent TB found in our patients. Conclusions No infections developed within the first year, suggesting a cumulative effect of increased infection risk, if any. We cannot attribute the overall infection rate solely to the combination of denosumab and biologics as patients who developed infections either had Diabetes Mellitus, urinary incontinence, recent surgery, underlying pulmonary disease. Patients did not develop infections beyond what would be expected for their comorbidities and medications. Whether prophylactic antibiotics are indicated in patients with recurrent infections PRIOR to denosumab is uncertain, but may be a consideration in certain patients. References Cummings SR, San Martin J, et al. Denosumab for prevention of fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. N Engl J Med. 2009;361:756–765. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa0809493. Disclosure of Interest None declared
“These Maps Talk for Us:” Participatory Action Mapping as Civic Engagement Practice

Geographers have long been associated with mapping and cartography, because the visual representation of space fits neatly into the wide-ranging discipline that engages both the physical and the so...
The differential relationship between finger gnosis, and addition and subtraction: An fMRI study

The impact of fingers on numerical cognition has received a great deal of attention recently. One sub-set of these studies focus on the relation between finger gnosis (also called finger sense or finger gnosia), the ability to identify and individuate fingers, and mathematical development. Studies in this subdomain have reported mixed findings so far. While some studies reported that finger gnosis correlates with or predicts mathematics abilities in younger children, others failed to replicate these results. The current study explores the relationship between finger gnosis and two arithmetic operations—addition and subtraction. Twenty-four second to third graders participated in this fMRI study. Finger sense scores were negatively correlated with brain activation measured during both addition and subtraction. Three clusters, in the left fusiform, and left and right precuneus were found to negatively correlate with finger gnosis both during addition and subtraction. Activation in a cluster in the left inferior parietal lobule (IPL) was found to negatively correlate with finger gnosis only for addition, even though this cluster was active both during addition and subtraction. These results suggest that the arithmetic fact retrieval may be linked to finger gnosis at the neural level, both for addition and subtraction, even when behavioral correlations are not observed. However, the nature of this link may be different for addition compared to subtraction, given that left IPL activation correlated with finger gnosis only for addition. Together the results reported appear to support the hypothesis that fingers provide a scaffold for arithmetic competency for both arithmetic operations.
Racial and geographic disparities in adherence and discontinuation to adjuvant endocrine therapy in Texas Medicaid-insured patients with breast cancer.

The purpose of the study is to examine disparities in AET adherence and discontinuation among Texas Medicaid-insured early-stage breast cancer patients. Texas Cancer Registry Medicaid-linked database was used from 2000 to 2007 for breast cancer patients aged 20–64. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to test the association of race/ethnicity and geographic factors with AET adherence and discontinuation. Of the 1240 women with breast cancer, 60.8% of non-Hispanic white vs 46.6% of Black patients were adherent to AET in the first year. After adjusting for confounding, Black patients had lower odds of adherence compared to non-Hispanic white patients (Odds ratio 0.62, 95% CI 0.44–0.87), but they were not more likely to discontinue therapy during the study period. Patients from the Texas/Mexico border had higher odds of adherence compared to other regions (OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.29–4.18). There are substantial racial and geographic disparities in AET adherence and discontinuation among Texas Medicaid-insured women.
Association of cocaine use with sperm concentration, motility, and morphology

Use of cocaine within 2 years of their first semen analysis has been found to be twice as common among men with sperm counts less than 20 X 10(6) mL (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0, 4.6). Duration of cocaine use for five or more years was more common in men with low sperm motility (OR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.0, 4.1) and in those with low concentrations and a large proportion of abnormal forms. Other major risk factors for these three indicators of male subfertility also have been identified, but the cocaine risk factors remained after adjustment for them. This association, together with the high prevalence of cocaine use in the general male population, suggests cocaine may now be related to male subfertility and that history of use should be ascertained during diagnostic interviews.
Aspiration from delayed radiation fibrosis of the neck

An unusual case of delayed severe fibrosis of the soft tissues of the neck following radiation therapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx resulting in dysphagia and recurrent aspiration is reported. The patient's case history, radiographic findings, and speech-language pathologic evaluation are presented.
Interaction of Ultrashort Laser Pulses with Solids

Beginning with some basic considerations in electromagnetic theory and solid state physics, I hope, in these four lectures, to develop some appreciation for the wonderfully rich electronic and optical properties of solids and to present an overview of current research in the area of the interaction of ultrashort laser pulses with solids.
Did Liquidity Providers Become Liquidity Seekers? Evidence from the CDS-Bond Basis during the 2008 Financial Crisis

The misalignment of corporate bond and credit default swap spreads (the CDS-bond basis) during the 2008 financial crisis is often attributed to corporate bond dealers' failure to provide liquidity. We investigate this common perception using unique data on dealers' trading. We show that corporate bond dealers provided liquidity in response to major selling activity by clients when the CDS-bond basis widened. Although providing liquidity, dealers did not trade aggressively enough to close the basis, consistent with the limited balance sheet capacity of dealer banks during the financial crisis. We also show that declines in bond prices following Lehman's collapse were concentrated in bonds with available CDS contracts and potentially high levels of activity in CDS-bond basis trades. Overall, our results suggest that liquidity demand due to the unwinding of basis trades by highly levered, non-dealer arbitrageurs was one of the main drivers of the large negative basis and the disruption of the credit market.
Improved quantitative circuit model of realistic patch-based nanoantenna-enabled detectors

Improving the sensitivity of infrared detectors is an essential step for future applications, including satellite- and terrestrial-based systems. We investigate nanoantenna-enabled detectors (NEDs) in the infrared, where the nanoantenna arrays play a fundamental role in enhancing the level of absorption within the active material of a photodetector. The design and optimization of nanoantenna-enabled detectors via full-wave simulations is a challenging task given the large parameter space to be explored. Here, we present a fast and accurate fully analytic circuit model of patch-based NEDs. This model allows for the inclusion of real metals, realistic patch thicknesses, non-absorbing spacer layers, the active detector layer, and absorption due to higher-order evanescent modes of the metallic array. We apply the circuit model to the design of NED devices based on Type II superlattice absorbers, and show that we can achieve absorption of ∼70% of the incoming energy in subwavelength (∼λ/5) absorber layers. The accuracy of the circuit model is verified against full-wave simulations, establishing this model as an efficient design tool to quickly and accurately optimize NED structures.
Eagle’s Syndrome: Viewing a Rare Disorder from a New Perspective (P1.297)

Objective: To highlight a novel approach to evaluate a patient with an uncommon cerebrovascular condition via a versatile, safe, and cost-efficient option through a 3-Dimensional (3D) model. Background: In 1948, Dr. Eagle outlined a subset of cases where patients presented with a characteristic constellation of findings: carotidynia and headache. These symptoms were attributed to an elongated styloid process affecting the ipsilateral carotid artery, termed the styloid-carotid artery syndrome. Design/Methods: We report a 63-year-old gentleman who presented with transient episodes of left-hand weakness and right-eye vision loss following a lengthy airplane trip that was found to be secondary to the styloid-carotid artery syndrome. He reported that he had slept awkwardly for the duration of the flight with his head resting on his right shoulder. Results: The patient’s initial CT of the head and CTA of the head and neck revealed a right internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion and suspected dissection. Subsequent MRI only revealed a punctate acute infarct in the right frontal white matter, but high suspicion remained for a significant abnormality of the R ICA. CTA was repeated after 6 weeks, demonstrating a recanalized vessel and revealing an elongated styloid process in the vicinity of the previous occlusion. Conventional angiography with reproduction of the head tilt that caused the initial event was considered; however, given the risk of instigating another event, a 3D model of the CTA data was created utilizing a 3D printer. The dynamic nature of the model with an artificial spine with flexible joints permitted free manipulation of the patient’s unique anatomy without posing any risk to his condition. Conclusions: This case not only exhibits an uncommon etiology for stroke, but also introduces an innovative method to visualize complex neuroanatomy. Given the relatively low cost and harmless creation of the model, this option may prove beneficial in other similar cases. Disclosure: Dr. Shah has nothing to disclose. Dr. Miller has nothing to disclose.
Light scattering in a spatially-correlated particle field: Role of the radial distribution function

Abstract Radiative transfer through particle-laden media such as clouds can be impacted by variations in particle spatial distributions. Due to mixing and inertial effects of droplets suspended in the almost always turbulent atmosphere, cloud particles are often spatially-correlated. The correlations result in clusters and voids within the droplet field that, even when smaller than the photon mean free path, can lead to deviations from the exponential extinction law. Prior work has numerically investigated these departures from exponential attenuation in absorptive media; this work extends those results for a scattering medium. The problem is explored with a Monte Carlo Ray Tracing (MCRT) program capable of tracking light attenuation through both perfectly random (uncorrelated) and spatially correlated collections of scatterers and/or absorbers. The MCRT program is favorably compared to two-stream flux equations, and numerical exploration of the pure-absorption case is used to determine the sampling statistics necessary to characterize radiative transmission within the numerical simulation. Light transmission through fields of spatially-correlated, non-absorbing, scattering particles is explored. Particles are distributed following a Matern Point Process, which allows cluster strength and size, as well as the usual variables of particle scattering cross section and number density to be varied. The results show that the degree of non-exponential attenuation is determined by the magnitude and shape of the radial distribution function, which describes correlations in discrete (non-continuous) particle distributions. Parametric studies revealed that the number of clusters and cluster radius, factors in the Matern radial distribution function, impact direct, diffuse and backward radiative transfer. The Matern RDF is shown to be consistent with a previous “cloudlet” approach, providing a bridge between the analytical cloudlet model and continuous correlation function approaches.
A Silver River in a Silver World: Dutch Trade in the Rio de la Plata, 1648-1678

Drawing on a wide and rich array of sources, this book explores the nature and extent of Dutch trade and commerce in the Rio de la Plata during three decades of the least-studied century (1650–1750) of Spain's rule in the Americas. In doing so, it raises important questions about trade in colonial South America and how it was impacted by the Dutch, suggesting that these transactions were carried out within the confines of the law, contradicting common beliefs among scholars that this trading was not regulated. The book contributes to a growing literature on contraband trade, administration, networks, and corruption while challenging narratives of exclusively Spanish influence on the Americas.
Chapter 15 – Invertebrates

This chapter ranges across a broad array of taxa without backbones, spanning corals and sponges to various mollusks, to cave-dwelling amphipods and sea spiders. Arranged chronologically, these studies form a progression that closely matches the succession of molecular tools available for providing genetic markers: protein methodologies and histocompatibility bioassays in the early years of molecular ecology; restriction site and sequencing assays of mitochondrial DNA in the middle years; and microsatellite analyses of unlinked nuclear loci in more recent times. The topics that were addressed show a corresponding progression, from assessments of local (and sometimes clonal) population structures, to phylogeographic surveys across species’ ranges, to species’ phylogenies, to refined assessments of genetic paternity, maternity, and mating systems in brood-carrying taxa.
A revision of Attalea (Arecaceae, Arecoideae, Cocoseae, Attaleinae)

A taxonomic revision of the neotropical palm genus Attalea based on morphological data was carried out. Nine hundred and two herbarium specimens were scored for 21 quantitative and 33 qualitative variables. Using the Phylogenetic Species Concept, qualitative variables were used to recognize 30 species. These are widely distributed in Central and South America from Mexico to Bolivia and Paraguay, with one species in Haiti. Nomenclature, descriptions, and distribution maps are provided for each species. Qualitative variables are illustrated, and illustrations of 22 living plants are also provided.
Handling Arabidopsis and Other Brassicaceae: Growth, Preservation of Seeds, Transformation, and Genetic Crosses

Achieving optimal plant growth is essential for the advancement of Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) research. Over the last 20 years, the Arabidopsis Biological Resource Center (ABRC) has collected and developed a series of best-practice protocols, some of which are presented in this chapter. Arabidopsis can be grown in a variety of locations, growth media, and environmental conditions. Some mutant genotypes, natural accessions, and Arabidopsis relatives require strictly controlled growth conditions best provided by growth rooms, chambers, or incubators. Other lines can be grown in less-controlled greenhouse settings. Although the majority of lines can be grown in soil, certain experimental purposes require utilization of sterile solid or liquid growth media. These include the selection of primary transformants, identification of homozygous lethal individuals in a segregating population, or bulking of a large amount of plant material. The importance of controlling, observing, and recording growth conditions is emphasized and appropriate equipment for monitoring these conditions is listed. Proper conditions for seed harvest and preservation, as well as seed quality control procedures, are also described. In addition, plant transformation and genetic crosses, two of the methods that revolutionized Arabidopsis genetics, are discussed.
Correction to: Multi-Agent Systems for Resource Allocation and Scheduling in a Smart Grid

When discussing the development of MAS for Smart Grid and the advantages of distributed MAS over centralized control in the text of this article [1] and describing MAS tools in Table 2, we inadvertently used text from a previous article by Merabet and colleagues [2] and omitted a citation
The Diagnostic Error Index: A Quality Improvement Initiative to Identify and Measure Diagnostic Errors

Objective To develop a diagnostic error index (DEI) aimed at providing a practical method to identify and measure serious diagnostic errors. Study design A quality improvement (QI) study at a quaternary pediatric medical center. Five well-defined domains identified cases of potential diagnostic errors. Identified cases underwent an adjudication process by a multidisciplinary QI team to determine if a diagnostic error occurred. Confirmed diagnostic errors were then aggregated on the DEI. The primary outcome measure was the number of monthly diagnostic errors. Results From January 2017 through June 2019, 105 cases of diagnostic error were identified. Morbidity and mortality conferences, institutional root cause analyses, and an abdominal pain trigger tool were the most frequent domains for detecting diagnostic errors. Appendicitis, fractures, and nonaccidental trauma were the 3 most common diagnoses that were missed or had delayed identification. Conclusions A QI initiative successfully created a pragmatic approach to identify and measure diagnostic errors by utilizing a DEI. The DEI established a framework to help guide future initiatives to reduce diagnostic errors.
A Consumer Perspective on Price‐Matching Refund Policies: Effect on Price Perceptions and Search Behavior

Although price-matching refund policies are common in many retail environments, the impact of such policies on consumers has largely been ignored. This article reports the results of three studies that examine price-matching policies from a consumer perspective. Study 1 shows that consumers perceive price-matching policies as signals of low store prices and that the presence of a refund increases the likelihood of discontinuing price search. Contrary to the predictions based on signaling theory in information economics, studies 2 and 3 show that when search costs are low, the number of stores searched increases in the presence versus absence of a price-matching policy. When search costs are high, consumers appear to accept the price-matching signal at face value and search less in the presence of a refund. The article concludes by discussing the theoretical implications of the findings and suggesting directions for future research.
Synaptic Adaptations at the Rostromedial Tegmental Nucleus Underlie Individual Differences in Cocaine Avoidance Behavior.

Although cocaine is powerfully rewarding, not all individuals are equally prone to abusing this drug. We postulate that these differences arise in part because some individuals exhibit stronger aversive responses to cocaine that protect against cocaine seeking. Indeed, using conditioned place preference (CPP) and a runway operant cocaine self-administration task, we demonstrate that avoidance responses to cocaine vary greatly between individual "high cocaine-avoider" and "low cocaine-avoider" rats. These behavioral differences correlated with cocaine-induced activation of the RMTg, measured using both in vivo firing and cFos, while slice electrophysiological recordings from VTA-projecting RMTg neurons showed that, relative to low-avoiders, high-avoiders exhibited greater intrinsic excitability, greater transmission via calcium-permeable AMPA receptors (CP-AMPARs), and higher presynaptic glutamate release. In behaving animals, blocking CP-AMPARs in the RMTg with NASPM reduced cocaine avoidance. Hence, cocaine addiction vulnerability may be linked to multiple coordinated synaptic differences in VTA-projecting RMTg neurons. Significance statement: While cocaine is highly addictive, not all individuals exposed to cocaine progress to chronic use, for reasons that remain unclear. We find that cocaine9s aversive effects, although less widely studied than its rewarding effects, show more individual variability, are predictive of subsequent propensity to seek cocaine, and are driven by variations in RMTg in response to cocaine that arise from distinct alterations in intrinsic excitability and glutamate transmission onto VTA-projecting RMTg neurons.
New York Welcomes Social Entrepreneurship With the Benefit Corporation

On December 12, 2011, New York became the seventh state to authorize formation of a Benefit Corporation, a new business entity that seeks to provide a “general public benefit.” The Benefit Corporation, or “B Corporation,” is a hybrid business entity that falls between the for-profit and not-for-profit models. It seeks to create both economic wealth for its shareholders and, simultaneously, provide a benefit to society. The B Corporation imposes an affirmative duty on its officers and directors to further a general public benefit. But, unlike the traditional not-for-profit entity, the B Corporation can distribute profits to its shareholders. The legislation added a new Article 17 to the Business Corporation Law (BCL) that, in addition to listing the statutory requirements for the formation, provides an operational and reporting framework for the new entity. Key among the new requirements are the annual reporting obligation (what public benefit has the corporation provided) and the "bench- marking" provision (the reported public benefit must be measured against an independent third-party standard). Apart from the B Corporation provisions, the BCL itself was amended to clarify the new fiduciary duties imposed on the directors of a Benefit Corporation.
Skull Base Neurointerventional Techniques

Neurodiagnostic and neurointerventional radiology (NIR) play a central role in the diagnosis and treatment of skull base disorders. Noninvasive imaging modalities, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, are important in lesion localization, evaluation of lesion extent, and diagnosis, but cannot always be definitive. Image-guided skull base biopsy and percutaneous and endovascular treatment options are important tools in the diagnosis and treatment of head, neck, and skull base disorders. NIR plays an important role in the treatment of vascular disorders of the skull base. This article summarizes the imaging evaluation and interventional therapies pertinent to the skull base.
An All-Round Athletic Championship

(1935). An All-Round Athletic Championship. The Journal of Health and Physical Education: Vol. 6, No. 3, pp. 48-73.
The New Renaissance: Computers and the Next Level of Civilization

Introduction. 1: The Information Revolution. 2: "Theories of Everything" and the New Copernican Revolution. 3: The Computer Revolution in Science and Mathematics. 4: Uncomputable Numbers. 5: The Computer Revolution in Education. 6: Language in the Computer Age. 7: Decimal Delenda Est. 8: The Computer Revolution in the Arts. 9: The Impact of Computers on Everyday Life. 10: On Growth. 11: Conclusion
La evolución de la gestión de recursos humanos desde una perspectiva estratégica

This paper analyzes the development of the multidimensional nature of staff management through the main contributions to the strategic conception of the ﬁeld of knowledge management in organizations. To this end, three major approaches to personnel management are reviewed– universalistic, contingent and conﬁgurational – which encompass different models of existing human resources management, as well as their most important limitations. The main conclusion that can be drawn, despite gaps in the knowledge of the discipline, is the conﬁrmatiom of the strategic value of human resource management, which is supported by empirical studies that conﬁrm the theoretical connections between human resource practices and organizational performance.
A Mathematical Model

Let the thoughts be numbered and let thought number n and its associated pattern of neural excitation be labeled by T(n). It has the structure $$ T(n) = T(n,1)*T(n,2)*...*T(n,N), $$ where $$ T(n,i) = \left[ {T(n,i,1) + T(n,i,2) + ... + T(n,i,{N_{ni}})} \right]. $$
1‐(2‐Methoxycarbonylphenyl)Pyrrole

1-(2-Methoxycarbonylphenyl)pyrrole product: 1-(2-methoxycarbonylphenyl)pyrrole product: 1-(2-carboxyphenyl)pyrrole product: 9-keto-9H-pyrrole-(1,2-a)indole Keywords: annulation, heterocyclic-[5]; cyclization, miscellaneous
Patterns of contraceptive use among female adolescents: Method consistency in a clinic setting

Major changes in contraceptive use among adolescents in the United States have been documented through surveys and analysis of family planning program service statistics. While we know of the changes in the adolescent population as a whole and those served by organized family planning programs, little is known about the patterns of contraceptive use by individuals. This study examines patterns of contraceptive use among 547 clients of a new contraceptive and counseling service for adolescents in New York City. The principal concern is consistency of contraceptive method use as determined from clinic statistics. Findings show generally high degrees of method consistency, with new and current users displaying more consistency than prior users. Among clients who switch methods, two major patterns emerged: switching among the more effective methods and from less effective to more effective methods. Younger new users were the most consistent subgroup suggesting that a service designed for adolescents may have a positive influence on teenagers without prior contraceptive experience. Prior users were the least consistent subgroup suggesting that programs incorporate screening procedures to identify prior users and to develop new approaches to understanding their past contraceptive use patterns to improve their future use.
Metabolic flexibility of enigmatic SAR324 revealed through metagenomics and metatranscriptomics

Summary Chemolithotrophy is a pervasive metabolic lifestyle for microorganisms in the dark ocean. The SAR324 group of Deltaproteobacteria is ubiquitous in the ocean and has been implicated in sulfur oxidation and carbon fixation, but also contains genomic signatures of C1 utilization and heterotrophy. Here, we reconstructed the metagenome and metatranscriptome of a population of SAR324 from a hydrothermal plume and surrounding waters in the deep Gulf of California to gain insight into the genetic capability and transcriptional dynamics of this enigmatic group. SAR324's metabolism is signified by genes that encode a novel particulate hydrocarbon monooxygenase (pHMO), degradation pathways for corresponding alcohols and short-chain fatty acids, dissimilatory sulfur oxidation, formate dehydrogenase (FDH) and a nitrite reductase (NirK). Transcripts of the pHMO, NirK, FDH and transporters for exogenous carbon and amino acid uptake were highly abundant in plume waters. Sulfur oxidation genes were also abundant in the plume metatranscriptome, indicating SAR324 may also utilize reduced sulfur species in hydrothermal fluids. These results suggest that aspects of SAR324's versatile metabolism (lithotrophy, heterotrophy and alkane oxidation) operate simultaneously, and may explain SAR324's ubiquity in the deep Gulf of California and in the global marine biosphere.
Growth patterns and the use of growth hormone in the mucopolysaccharidoses

Short stature is characteristic of patients with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) diseases. For children with skeletal dysplasias, such as MPS, it is important to know the natural history of growth. An understanding of the natural growth pattern in each MPS disease provides a measurement to which treatments can be compared, as well as data which can help families and providers make individualized decisions about growth promoting treatments. Multiple advancements have been made in the treatment of MPS with both hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). The long term benefit of these treatments on growth is unknown. This article will review the published data on growth in children with MPS, and describe preliminary data on the use of human growth hormone (hGH) in children with MPS.
Abstract 254: Absence of Evidence? A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials for In-hospital and Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrests

Background: Cardiac arrests are a major public health problem worldwide. The extent and types of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) - our most reliable source of clinical evidence - that have been conducted in this patient population are unknown. We performed a systematic review of contemporary RCTs in cardiac arrest, with a focus on determining key differences between In-Hospital Cardiac Arrests (IHCA) and Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrests (OHCA), which have different epidemiological patterns and disease mechanisms. Methods: A computerized search query of Medline was performed using the terms “cardiac arrest” or “heart arrest” or “cardiopulmonary resuscitation” from 1995 to 2014, yielding a total of 1652 publications. After manual abstract review, 80 RCTs involving either IHCA or OHCA were then identified for inclusion in the final analysis. The following data were ascertained: number of patients, demographic information, blinded vs. unblinded, geography (US/non-US), single vs. multicenter, a positive or negative study outcome, and the type of intervention being studied. Results: There were a total of 80 RCTs with cardiac arrest performed containing 84,500 subjects between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 2014. Of these 80 RCTs, only 6 studies with 1143 total subjects involved IHCA whereas 74 studies with 83,357 total subjects pertained to OHCA (Table). All six studies with respect to IHCA were not performed in the U.S. In contrast, eight of the OHCA RCTs were performed both in the U.S. and abroad, 15 of the OHCA RCTs were performed in the U.S., and the remaining 51 studies were performed outside of the U.S. Four of the six IHCA studies were blinded, and two of the six IHCA studies were multicenter studies. In contrast, 29 of the OHCA RCTs were blinded and 39 of the OHCA RCTs were multicenter trials. Only two of the six IHCA RCTs demonstrated a positive study outcome and mortality benefit. Conversely, 39 of the 74 OHCA RCTs reported a positive study outcome but only 15 of the 74 OHCA RCTs had a survival benefit. Conclusion: We found limited evidence of high-quality RCTs in cardiac arrest with a striking paucity of evidence with respect to IHCA. Given key differences between IHCA and OHCA, further RCTs directly investigating IHCA are warranted to elucidate our understanding of the evaluation and management of these high-risk patients. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Dis/Identification with Disability Advocacy: Fraternity Brothers Fight against Architectural Barriers, 1967–1975

This article addresses how nondisabled people identify with and become disability advocates and how this identification can also fail to occur. The advocacy work of a group of fraternity brothers in the late 1960s highlights both the local successes that personal connections to disability offer and the shortcomings of large-scale advocacy efforts that lack meaningful engagement with disabled groups. Situated histories of advocacy offer models for how we can build and sustain solidarity across difference, craft more inclusive understandings of accessibility and disability, and engage more thoughtfully in our advocacy work.
Severe retinopathy in convalescent preterm infants with mild or regressing retinopathy of prematurity

Most practicing neonatologists believe that retinopathy of prematurity that does not exceed stage I or II and has begun to regress will resolve without visual sequelae. Based on this perception, it is necessary to counsel parents and schedule follow-up appointments for premature infants who are at risk. At Medical Center Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, we encountered five infants whose cases of retinopathy of prematurity did not follow these premises. During the 22-month period when these five patients were seen, there were 121 surviving very low birth weight infants. Two senior ophthalmologists with an interobserver reliability of 99% have been routinely examining the very low birth weight retinas of infants of very low birth weight since 1983 using first the classification of Quinn et al and then the International Classification of retinopathy of prematurity to describe the findings.
Playing Chicken with People: The Occupational Safety and Health Consequences of Throughput über Alles

The political-economic and legal analysis of regulation in this article argues that the speed of work on disassembly lines in poultry processing plants, the fastest growing factory employment in the United States, is de facto regulated not by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the agency charged with protecting workers, but, perversely, by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In arrogating to itself the power to set line speeds in connection with its inspection of processed carcasses, the Department of Agriculture has one-sidedly promoted chicken oligopolies' interests by accommodating their drive to produce as much product as quickly and cheaply as possible (throughput auber alles) and especially without regard to the incidence of repetitive stress disorders associated with high-speed machine-paced manual production. In contrast, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has failed either to assert its statutory authority over this vital determinant of workers' well-being or to persuade any administrative or judicial tribunal that it possesses such authority. Consequently, the article concludes, the health and safety of 200,000 low-paid and largely unorganized, female, and non-white workers continue to be held hostage to the self-valorization needs of capital and the state's cheap food policy. Language: en