Examining the Neural Basis of Congruent and Incongruent Configural Contexts during Associative Retrieval.

Disrupting the configural context, or relative organization and orientation of paired stimuli, between encoding and retrieval negatively impacts memory. Using univariate and multivariate fMRI analyses, we examined the effect of retaining and manipulating the configural context on neural mechanisms supporting associative retrieval. Behavioral results showed participants had significantly higher hit rates for recollecting pairs in a contextually congruent, versus incongruent, configuration.

Implementation and Analysis of a Lean Six Sigma Program in Microsurgery to Improve Operative Throughput in Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction.

Purpose: Perforator flaps have become a preferred method of breast reconstruction but can consume considerable resources. We examined the impact of a Six Sigma program on microsurgical breast reconstruction at an academic medical center.

Methods: Using methods developed by Motorola and General Electric, we applied critical pathway planning, workflow analysis, lean manufacturing, continuous quality improvement, and defect reduction to microsurgical breast reconstruction.