cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a Two-component System in Streptococcus pyogenes Which Is Involved in Regulation of Hyaluronic Acid Production

Hyaluronic acid production by group A streptococci is regulated by transcriptional control. In this study, transposon mutagenesis of an unencapsulated strain yielded an encapsulated mutant. Two genes homologous to sensors and response regulators of bacterial two-component systems were identified downstream of the transposon insertion. Inactivation of the putative sensor gene, csrS, in three different unencapsulated strains yielded encapsulated mutant strains. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays determined factor(s) in a cytoplasmic extract of an unencapsulated group A streptococcal strain was binding to a double-stranded DNA fragment derived from the has operon promoter. In contrast, similarly prepared cytoplasmic extracts from acsrS deletion mutant did not shift the fragment. The putative response regulator, CsrR, was partially purified and was shown to bind the has operon promoter fragment. The affinity and specificity of CsrR for the fragment were increased significantly after incubation with acetyl phosphate. DNase I footprinting determined that the acetyl phosphate-treated CsrR was binding to key sequences in the promoter and the coding region of hasA. Therefore, a two-component system is repressing the production of hyaluronic acid in group A streptococci using a phosphorylation-dependent binding interaction between the response regulator CsrR and the promoter region of the has operon.
Identification of hydroquinone and catechol as impurities in reagent‐grade phenol using high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet and electrochemical detectors

Several impurities which were suspected to be present in commercial reagent-grade phenol were separated using high performance liquid chromatography following sample concentration by steam distillation. A reverse-phase, microparticulate column and 5 solvent systems containing 5% to 25% methanol in 0.05 M phosphoric acid were used. A variable wavelength ultraviolet detector and an electrochemical detector were connected in series, in that order, to the column. Capacity factors (ḱ) for pyrogallol, hydroquinone, resorcinol, catechol, orcinol and phenol were determined in the 5 solvent systems and compared to ḱ-values of impurities present in the residue remaining from the steam distillation of phenol. Co-chromatography of standards suspected as contaminants and possessing ḱ-values similar to those of impurities were carried out in 3 solvent systems to confirm identical retention characteristics. Detector response ratios of contaminants and suspected standards, using various wavelengths and voltage potential settings, were utilized as major identification parameters. Two of the several contaminants separated were identified as hydroquinone and catechol.
SPECTRAL DISTRIBUTIONS OF LIGHT SCATTERED IN DILUTE GASES AND GAS MIXTURES

The analysis of Rayleigh-Brillouin scattering in dilute gases requires a molecular treatment when the wavelengths of the fluctuations observed become comparable to the collision mean free path. An initial-value problem based on the linearized Boltzmann equation can be formulated to calculate density correlation functions at any ratio of the wavelength to mean free path. In the present paper this approach is applied to binary gas mixtures. The presence of different types of density fluctuations causes the spectral distribution of scattered light to have interesting variations with the density and polarizability of each species. As specific applications, results of the analysis of recent measurements on xenon-helium mixtures by Clark and Benedek are discussed and a similar experiment on xenon-argon mixtures is proposed.
Ego—Depletion and Prejudice: Separating Automatic and Controlled Components

Abstract This study investigated the effect of ego—depletion on the automatic and controlled components of stereotype—based responses. Participants engaged in a depleting task for either a short or a long period of time. They then performed a weapon identification task, which served as a measure of race stereotyping. Analyses guided by the L.L. Jacoby's (1991) process dissociation procedure indicated that ego—depletion reduced the controlled component of responses, but did not affect the automatic component. Further, ego—depletion increased stereotypical responses only among those participants who showed strong automatic stereotype activation. The discussion focuses on methodologically and theoretically integrating notions of self—control and cognitive control.
TPD study of the adsorption and reaction of nitromethane and methyl nitrite on ordered Pt–Sn surface alloys

Abstract The adsorption and reaction of the isomers nitromethane (CH 3 NO 2 ) and methyl nitrite (CH 3 ONO) on two ordered Sn/Pt(111) surface alloys were studied using TPD, AES, and LEED. Even though the Sn–O bond is stronger than the Pt–O bond and Sn is more easily oxidized than Pt, alloying with Sn reduces the reactivity of the Pt(111) surface for both of these oxygen-containing molecules. This is because of kinetic limitations due to a weaker chemisorption bond and an increased activation energy for dissociation for these molecules on the alloys compared to Pt(111). Nitromethane only weakly adsorbs on the Sn/Pt(111) surface alloys, shows no thermal reaction during TPD, and undergoes completely reversible adsorption under UHV conditions. Methyl nitrite is a much more reactive molecule due to the weak CH 3 O–NO bond, and most of the chemisorbed methyl nitrite decomposes below 240 K on the alloy surfaces to produce NO and a methoxy species. Surface methoxy is a stable intermediate until ∼300 K on the alloys, and then it dehydrogenates to evolve gas phase formaldehyde with high selectivity against complete dehydrogenation to form CO on both alloy surfaces.
7-Oxo-4,7-dihydrothieno[3,2-b]pyridine-6-carboxamides: Synthesis and biological activity of a new class of highly potent inhibitors of human cytomegalovirus DNA polymerase

We report a new class of non-nucleoside antivirals, the 7-oxo-4,7-dihydrothieno[3,2-b]pyridine-6-carboxamides, some of which possess remarkable potency versus a broad spectrum of herpesvirus DNA polymerases and excellent selectivity compared to human DNA polymerases. A critical factor in the level of activity is hypothesized to be conformational restriction of the key 2-aryl-2-hydroxyethylamine sidechain by an adjacent methyl group.
Terthiophene-containing copolymers and homopolymer blends as high-performance dielectric materials.

This work explores the dielectric and polarization properties of block copolymers and homopolymer blends containing a terthiophene-rich, electronically polarized block (PTTEMA) and an insulating polystyrene block (PS). PTTEMA-b-PS block copolymers were synthesized by reverse addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, and PTTEMA/PS homopolymer blends with the same PTTEMA weight percentages were produced by solution blending. DSC and XRD characterization show that crystallinity increases with PTTEMA content, indicating the presence of terthiophene-rich crystalline domains. Under an applied electric field, these domains are electronically polarized, but the insulating PS block inhibits current leakage, resulting in enhanced dielectric properties. Impedance measurements show that relative permittivity increases with PTTEMA content. The permittivity values are higher in PTTEMA-b-PS copolymers with moderate PTTEMA content due to the ability of the PS block to inhibit PTTEMA association, result...
Beam dynamics performances and applications of a low-energy electron-beam magnetic bunch compressor

Abstract Many front-end applications of electron linear accelerators rely on the production of temporally compressed bunches. The shortening of electron bunches is often realized with magnetic bunch compressors located in high-energy sections of accelerators. Magnetic compression is subject to collective effects including space charge and self interaction via coherent synchrotron radiation. In this paper we explore the application of magnetic compression to low-energy ( ∼ 40 MeV ) , high-charge (nC) electron bunches with low normalized transverse emittances ( 5 μ m ) .
Central Park: Nature, context, and human wellbeing

This paper considers evidence that social and physical contexts, particularly natural environments, are surprisingly important for human wellbeing. In particular, the pursuit of happiness seems to be less a matter of individual choice than is commonly supposed. These ideas are explored through an examination of New York’s Central Park.
Placental permeability for morphine-3-β-D-glucuronide in the guinea pig

Abstract The fetal Vd and the PS of the major metabolite of morphine, M3G, were studied in pregnant guinea pigs during the last half of gestation. Fetal Vd was determined to be 0.334 ml/g of fetal plus placental weight and did not vary as the gestation progressed. The mean ± s.e. PS for M3G was 3.7 ± 0.3 × 10 −5 ml/sec/g and was independent of anaesthesia. This value was consistent with previous studies of other hydrophilic compounds, indicating that diffusion governs the placental passage of M3G. The PS value increased with increasing fetal weight which was consistent with structural changes in the guinea pig placenta as fetal age progresses in late gestation.
A novel impedance sensor design for measuring the distribution and transport of fluids at the interface

Given the deleterious effects of fluids on adhesion, it is of great interest to know the transport rate and concentration of fluid at an adhesive interface. Utilizing constant frequency interfacial impedance spectroscopy (IIS) and a novel interdigitated electrode sensor design, changes in the concentration of absorbed fluid near the interface as a function of exposure time were correlated to the measured capacitance. These novel IIS sensors measure the impedance of mapped areas of the sensor defined with respect to the free edge of the coating. Consequently, these sensors can be used to measure the distribution and transport of fluids at the interface. We report results obtained for the absorption of acetone into a pressure sensitive adhesive tape with an aluminum foil backing bonded to the sensor. Because the backing is impermeable, diffusion was confined parallel to the bond plane. We demonstrate that the IIS technique is capable of detecting changes in the relative concentration of a fluid diffusing into an adhesive joint with respect to the exposed free edge of the sensor as a function of exposure time.
Prisons and Crime, Backwards in High Heels

Prisons reduce crime rates, but crime increases prison populations. OLS estimates of the effects of prisons on crime combine the two effects and are biased toward zero. The standard solution—to identify the crime equation by finding instruments for prison—is suspect, because most variables that predict prison populations can be expected to affect crime, as well. An alternative is to identify the prison equation by finding instruments for crime, allowing an unbiased estimate of the effect of crime on prisons. Because the two coefficients in a simultaneous system are related through simple algebra, we can then work backward to obtain an unbiased estimate of the effect of prisons on crime. Potential instruments for crime are tested and used to identify the prison equation for the 50 U.S. states for the period 1978–2009. The effect of prisons on crime consistent with this relationship is obtained through algebra; standard errors are obtained through Monte Carlo simulation. Resulting estimates of the effect of prisons on crime are around −0.25 ± 0.15. This is larger than biased OLS estimates, but similar in size to previous estimates based on standard instruments. When estimating the effect of a public policy response on a public problem, it may be more productive to find instruments for the problem and work backward than to find instruments for the response and work forward.
Notch and Presenilin Regulate Cellular Expansion and Cytokine Secretion but Cannot Instruct Th1/Th2 Fate Acquisition

Recent reports suggested that Delta1, 4 and Jagged1, 2 possessed the ability to instruct CD4+ T cell into selection of Th1 or Th2 fates, respectively, although the underlying mechanism endowing the cleaved Notch receptor with memory of ligand involved in its activation remains elusive. To examine this, we prepared artificial antigen-presenting cells expressing either DLL1 or Jag1. Although both ligands were efficient in inducing Notch2 cleavage and activation in CD4+ T or reporter cells, the presence of Lunatic Fringe in CD4+ T cells inhibited Jag1 activation of Notch1 receptor. Neither ligand could induce Th1 or Th2 fate choice independently of cytokines or redirect cytokine-driven Th1 or Th2 development. Instead, we find that Notch ligands only augment cytokine production during T cell differentiation in the presence of polarizing IL-12 and IL-4. Moreover, the differentiation choices of naive CD4+ T cells lacking γ-secretase, RBP-J, or both in response to polarizing cytokines revealed that neither presenilin proteins nor RBP-J were required for cytokine-induced Th1/Th2 fate selection. However, presenilins facilitate cellular proliferation and cytokine secretion in an RBP-J (and thus, Notch) independent manner. The controversies surrounding the role of Notch and presenilins in Th1/Th2 polarization may reflect their role as genetic modifiers of T-helper cells differentiation.
A novel hepatic nucleotide is correlated with the carbohydrate induction of messenger ribonucleic acid-S14.

To determine whether the rapid response of hepatic mRNA-Sl4 to carbohydrate feeding was associated with an alteration in a specific hepatic nucleotide, acid extracts of liver tissue were analyzed by ion-paired reverse phase HPLC. A nucleotide present in nanomoles per g quantity correlated with the induction of this mRNA by sucrose. Four hours after sucrose feeding the content of this compound was 7 times greater than that in fasted rats. Furthermore, the response was rapid, attaining maximal levels 30 min after feeding, and remaining elevated for at least 4 h. The content of this nucleotide also correlated with the content of mRNA-Sl4 in the steady state, with the lowest levels of both mRNA-Sl4 and this nucleotide in fasted rats, intermediate levels in rats maintained on a regular chow diet, and the highest levels in rats fed a 60% sucrose diet for 4 days. Lastly, while the response of mRNA-Sl4 to thyroid hormone and sucrose is synergistic, the thyroidal state does not influence the response of this compo...
Computed-tomography imaging spectrometer: experimental calibration and reconstruction results

A temporally and spatially nonscanning imaging spectrometer is described in terms of computedtomography concepts, specifically the central-slice theorem. A sequence of three transmission sinusoidalphase gratings rotated in 60° increments achieves dispersion in multiple directions and into multiple orders. The dispersed images of the system's field stop are interpreted as two-dimensional projections of a three-dimensional (x, y, λ) object cube. Because of the size of the finite focal-plane array, this imaging spectrometer is an example of a limited-view-angle tomographic system. The imaging spectrometer's point spread function is measured experimentally as a function of wavelength and position in the field of view. Reconstruction of the object cube is then achieved through the maximum-likelihood, expectation-maximization algorithm under the assumption of a Poisson likelihood law. Experimental results indicate that the instrument performs well in the case of broadband and narrow-band emitters.
Integrating Data from Multiple Public Sources Opportunities and Challenges for Evaluators

This article aims to inform evaluators about issues involved in using and integrating administrative databases from public agencies. With the growing focus on monitoring and oversight of public programs for health, mental health and substance abuse problems, existing data sets in public agencies became an important source of evaluation and planning information. The focus of this article is on the methods used to find, integrate and analyze multiple existing databases. Primary challenges that confront the evaluator in identifying and accessing data sources and in addressing the technical issues involved are discussed.
Institutional Similarity and Interstate Conflict

This paper makes two arguments. First, the political and economic institutions of a state affect that state's foreign policy preferences. Second, dyads with similar political and economic institutions are less likely to experience conflict than other types of dyads. After developing the logic of these arguments, I create measures of political and economic institutional similarity and test the hypotheses against the empirical record. The empirical analysis supports the argument that dyadic institutional similarity reduces the likelihood of conflict. The most noteworthy finding is that economic institutional similarity, even when the political institutions in a dyad are dissimilar, reduces the likelihood of militarized conflict.
The Electrocorticogram as a Feedback Control Signal for Deep Brain Stimulation of the Subthalamic Nucleus in the hemi-Parkinsonian Rat

Electrocorticogram (ECoG) recordings of the 6-OHDA lesioned rat have shown an increase in the power of beta (15-30 Hz) oscillatory frequency on the lesioned side of the brain which reduces with dopamine agonist administration. Here, we were able to demonstrate that implantation and stimulation of an electrode at certain physiologic parameters in the subthalamic nucleus was able to modify the power of the beta oscillations. By measuring ECoG recordings, a deep brain stimulation (DBS) device may be able to vary its parameters to achieve a reduction in p power similar to that seen with medication.
Alloys in energy development

The development of new and advanced energy systems often requires the tailoring of new alloys or alloy combinations to meet the novel and often stringent requirements of those systems. Longer life at higher temperatures and stresses in aggressive environments is the most common goal. Alloy theory helps in achieving this goal by suggesting uses of multiphase systems and intermediate phases, where solid solutions were traditionally used. However, the use of materials under non-equilibrium conditions is now quite common - as with rapidly solidified metals - and the application of alloy theory must be modified accordingly. Under certain conditions, as in a reactor core, the rate of approach to equilibrium will be modified; sometimes a quasi-equilibrium is established. Thus an alloy may exhibit enhanced general diffusion at the same time as precipitate particles are being dispersed and solute atoms are being carried to vacancy sinks. We are approaching an understanding of these processes and can begin to model these complex systems.
Signal Transduction Pathways Mediated by PECAM-1: New Roles for an Old Molecule in Platelet and Vascular Cell Biology

Recent studies of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1 [CD31])-deficient mice have revealed that this molecule plays an important role in controlling the activation and survival of cells on which it is expressed. In this review, we focus on the complex cytoplasmic domain of PECAM-1 and describe what is presently known about its structure, posttranslational modifications, and binding partners. In addition, we summarize findings that implicate PECAM-1 as an inhibitor of cellular activation via protein tyrosine kinase–dependent signaling pathways, an activator of integrins, and a suppressor of cell death via pathways that depend on damage to the mitochondria. The challenge of future research will be to bridge our understanding of the functional and biochemical properties of PECAM-1 by establishing mechanistic links between signals transduced by the PECAM-1 cytoplasmic domain and discrete cellular responses.
Preparation and redox properties of a cyclodextrin based ferredoxin model

Abstract A tetrameric iron-sulfur complex [Fe4S4(SR)4]−2 containing thiocyclodextrin ligands has been prepared and analyzed with adsorption spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility and electrochemical measurements. Comparisons between the biomimetic analogs and the naturally occurring iron-sulfur clusters in redoxin proteins reveal that the several hydroxyl groups in the cyclodextrin ligands substantially increase the ease of reduction of the FeS core. The observed E 1 2 values, intermediate between those for FeS proteins in water and those for clusters with alkyl ligands in aprotic solvents, are discussed in terms of local solvation and the inductive effects of the ligands.
Quantifying the effects of stream discharge on summer river temperature

Abstract Control of summer river temperature is needed for maintaining water temperature standards to protect aquatic biota and wildlife habitats. Given the fact that instream discharge, among meteorological and hydrological factors, may be the only one that can be practically managed, is it feasible to moderate summer river temperature through reservoir and streamflow regulations? An analysis is conducted to quantify the effects of the magnitude of instream flow on summer river temperature with weather as a reference. Relationships between water temperature and river discharge or flow depth are developed using a simplified model and adopting the concept of equilibrium temperature and bulk surface heat exchange coefficient. The relationships are validated against continuous 5-year field measurements at the central Platte River, Nebraska, USA. It was found that the variation of daily maximum water temperature with flow was stronger than that of daily mean. A critical discharge was obtained, which divides d...
Do we listen to advice just because we paid for it? The impact of advice cost on its use

When facing a decision, people often rely on advice received from others. Previous studies have shown that people tend to discount others’ opinions. Yet, such discounting varies according to several factors. This paper isolates one of these factors: the cost of advice. Specifically, three experiments investigate whether the cost of advice, independent of its quality, affects how people use advice. The studies use the Judge–Advisor System (JAS) to investigate whether people value advice from others more when it costs money than when it is free, and examine the psychological processes that could account for this effect. The results show that people use paid advice significantly more than free advice and suggest that this effect is due to the same forces that have been documented in the literature to explain the sunk costs fallacy. Implications for circumstances under which people value others’ opinions are discussed.
Improved Temperature Sounding and Quality Control Methodology Using AIRS/AMSU Data: The AIRS Science Team Version 5 Retrieval Algorithm

This paper describes the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) Science Team Version 5 retrieval algorithm in terms of its three most significant improvements over the methodology used in the AIRS Science Team Version 4 retrieval algorithm: the use of AIRS clear-column radiances in the entire 4.3-μm CO2 absorption band in the retrieval of temperature profiles T(p) during both day and night, with tropospheric sound ing of 15-μm CO2 observations now being used primarily in the generation of clear-column radiances Ri for all channels; development of a new methodology to provide accurate case-by-case error estimates for retrieved geophysical parameters and for channel-by-channel clear column radiances and their use in a new approach for quality control; and an approach to provide AIRS soundings in partially cloudy conditions that does not require use of any microwave data. This new AIRS-only sounding methodology, referred to as AIRS Version 5 AO, was developed as a backup to AIRS Version 5 should the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU)-A instrument fail. Results are shown that compare the relative performance of the AIRS Version 4, Version 5, and Version 5 AO. Results using Version 5 retrievals in conjunction with different quality control thresholds are also shown for a recent period to demonstrate that empirical coefficients continue to be applicable in later time periods. The Goddard Data and Information Services Center (DISC) is now generating and distributing products derived using the AIRS Science Team Version 5 retrieval algorithm. This paper describes the quality control flags contained in the DISC AIRS/AMSU retrieval products and their intended use for scientific purposes.
Intraspecific variation in a predator drives cascading variation in primary producer community composition

Predation has important cascading impacts on primary producer biomass and community composition in many ecosystems. While most studies have focused on the consequences of interspecific or density differences in predators, it is recognized that phenotypic variation within species can have strong and cascading community and ecosystem consequences at lower trophic levels. In coastal New England lakes, both the presence and life history form of the zooplanktivorous fish alewife, Alosa pseudoharengus, have strong influence on the biomass, size structure and community composition of crustacean zooplankton communities. Here we test the hypothesis that alewife presence and life history will have cascading impacts on phytoplankton biomass and community composition in a mesocosm experiment that previously reported strong biomass and compositional differences of crustacean zooplankton communities among alewife treatments. We show that alewife life history led to small but statistically significant differences in phytoplankton community composition among treatments. This compositional difference was driven primarily by an increase in the density of two edible phytoplankton genera associated with lower zooplankton biomass in the anadromous alewife treatment. Our results show that intraspecific variation in a predator can have cascading effects on primary producer communities. However we did not observe significant differences in total algal biomass.
Novel Compounds Containing Multiple Guanide Groups That Bind the HIV Coreceptor CXCR4

The G-protein-coupled receptor CXCR4 acts as a coreceptor for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, as well as being involved in signaling cell migration and proliferation. Compounds that block CXCR4 interactions have potential uses as HIV entry inhibitors to complement drugs such as maraviroc that block the alternate coreceptor CCR5 or in cancer therapy. The peptide T140, which contains five arginine residues, is the most potent antagonist of CXCR4 developed to date. In a search for nonpeptide CXCR4 ligands that could inhibit HIV entry, three series of compounds were synthesized from 12 linear and branched polyamines with 2, 3, 4, 6, or 8 amino groups, which were substituted to produce the corresponding guanidines, biguanides, or phenylguanides. The resulting compounds were tested for their ability to compete with T140 for binding to the human CXCR4 receptor expressed on mammalian cells. The most effective compounds bound CXCR4 with a 50% inhibitory concentration of 200 nM, and all of the compounds had very low cytotoxicity. Two series of compounds were then tested for their ability to inhibit the infection of TZM-bl cells with X4 and R5 strains of HIV-1. Spermine phenylguanide and spermidine phenylguanide inhibited infection by X4 strains, but not by R5 strains, at low micromolar concentrations. These results support further investigation and development of these compounds as HIV entry inhibitors.
Dissociable Neural Subsystems Underlie Abstract and Specific Object Recognition

Participants named objects presented in the left or right visual field during a test phase, after viewing centrally presented same-exemplar objects, different-exemplar objects, and words that name objects during an initial encoding phase. In two experiments, repetition priming was exemplar-abstract yet visual when test objects were presented directly to the left cerebral hemisphere, but exemplar-specific when test objects were presented directly to the right cerebral hemisphere, contrary to predictions from single-system theories of object recognition. In two other experiments, stimulus degradation during encoding and task demands during test modulated these results in predicted ways. The results support the theory that dissociable neural subsystems operate in parallel (not in sequence) to underlie visual object recognition: An abstract-category subsystem operates more effectively than a specific-exemplar subsystem in the left hemisphere, and a specific-exemplar subsystem operates more effectively than an...
An excess of males: skewed sex ratios in bat flies (Diptera: Streblidae)

Ectoparasitic insects often exhibit female-biased sex ratios, a pattern usually explained by greater female longevity and the likelihood that smaller, more active males will disperse or be groomed off the host. Theory predicts that unbalanced sex ratios should favor males when resources are abundant and predictable, and when males are the dispersing sex. Sex ratios of streblid bat flies were evaluated based on a large biodiversity survey in Venezuela–more than 25,000 bats representing 130 species were searched for flies, yielding more than 36,500 bat flies of 116 species. These samples allowed us to analyze sex ratios in 112 bat fly metapopulations. Our results indicate that fully one-third of these metapopulations were significantly male-biased. Traditional explanations for sex-ratio bias, such as sampling effects, unequal longevity between the sexes, and differential dispersal capability are refuted for bat flies in favor of an alternative hypothesis—selective host grooming. Because host grooming is the principal cause of mortality for these slow-reproducing parasites, and because females are larger than males and gravid for a significant portion of their adult life, host grooming activity is more likely to kill or remove females than males. Incomplete understanding of population dynamics, such as mating behavior, dispersal, and reproductive success, cloud applications of male-biased sex ratios in bat flies to support or refute theoretical predictions. Population studies of mating competition and sex-related dispersal dynamics of this male-dominated group should yield important insights into sex ratio theory.
Fertility and Intergroup Bias in Racial and Minimal-Group Contexts Evidence for Shared Architecture

Recent research has shown that White women’s bias against Black men increases with elevated fertility across the menstrual cycle. We demonstrate that the association between fertility and intergroup bias is not limited to groups defined by race, but extends to group categories that are minimally defined, and may depend on the extent to which women associate out-group men with physical formidability. In Study 1, Black and White women with strong associations between the racial out-group and physical formidability displayed greater bias against out-group men as conception risk increased. Study 2 replicated these results in a minimal-group paradigm. These findings are consistent with the notion that women may be endowed with a psychological system that generates intergroup bias via mechanisms that rely on categorization heuristics and perceptions of the physical formidability of out-group men, particularly when the costs of sexual coercion are high.
Issues in the development of a thesaurus for patients' chief complaints in the emergency department

When a patient visits the Emergency Department (ED), the reason the patient is seeking care is recorded as the Chief Complaint (CC). Beyond its role in the patient's care, there is interest in the CC for secondary uses. Clinicians and epidemiologists can use CC for research. ED clinicians and administrators incorporate CC data into quality monitoring and improvement efforts. Public health officials can use it as data for health surveillance. But there is no controlled vocabulary for recording CC, or standard for a CC component in the patient record. Travers (2003) completed a crucial first step toward the creation of a thesaurus for CC by analyzing a corpus of CCs to determine the nature of the language used by triage nurses, and the concepts that were expressed. Her analysis also illuminated many issues concerning the content and structure of a CC thesaurus that must be discussed before the thesaurus can be developed. Using Cimino's 1998 article, “Desiderata for Controlled Medical Vocabularies in the Twenty-First Century”, as a framework, we discuss these issues and the resulting decisions that the thesaurus development team, along with other stakeholders, will encounter.
Disruption of plastid acyl:acyl carrier protein synthetases increases medium chain fatty acid accumulation in seeds of transgenic Arabidopsis

Engineering transgenic plants that accumulate high levels of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) has been least successful for shorter chain lengths (e.g., C8). We demonstrate that one limitation is the activity of acyl-ACP synthetase (AAE) that re-activates fatty acids released by acyl-ACP thioesterases. Seed expression of Cuphea pulcherrima FATB acyl-ACP thioesterase in a double mutant lacking AAE15/16 increased 8:0 accumulation almost 2-fold compared to expression in wild type. These results also provide an in planta demonstration that AAE enzymes participate not only in activation of exogenously added MCFA but also in activation of MCFA synthesized in plastids.
The Political Construction of Business Interests: The Origins of Sector Coordination in Germany

Introduction Despite the influential estate tradition in conceptions of German society, the organization of employers is significantly weaker in Germany than in Denmark. Multisectoral encompassing peak associations are limited in both collective bargaining and policymaking, and coordination transpires at the lower level of the industrial sector. The peak associations are functionally divided, with one set devoted to industrial relations and another to political negotiations and intraindustry collaboration. Moreover, the state plays a virtually nonexistent role in institutions for nonmarket coordination but delegates authority over collective bargaining, finance-producer relations, and the provision of collective business goods to the labor market partners. Of course, the German political economy and institutions for coordination have varied tremendously across profoundly different epochs. To grasp fully the ongoing revisions of the German model, one must explore the specific historical context at critical junctures, emergent political coalitions that capture and convert older forms for shifting purposes, and the evolution of German managerial control. Yet postwar business institutions share significant features with those of the Weimar Republic, and we seek to understand how sector coordination was created and renegotiated across the changing political landscape. We argue that the structure of political competition shaped the collective articulation of business interests before and after World War I: German sectoral coordination reflects the political dimensions of multiparty competition within a federal government. Both the predemocratic elite parties and Weimar parties specialized in regions and were weakly developed at the national level; thus, no national party held most employers. Federalism reinforced regional economic diversity, sustained high levels of regional (especially Prussian) legislative power vis-a-vis the national Reichstag and made it easier for industry groups (often with pronounced regional identities) to retain power at the sectoral level. The first wave of multisector groups created by the authoritarian state to compensate for the deficiencies of ineffectual, decentralized parties and the later industrial relations associations had different purposes. Absence of a robust national business party combined with employers’ disgruntlement with state interventions in industrial relations during Weimar (and the Third Reich) encouraged business to resist state interference in labor market negotiations. All of these contributed to torpid peak multisector associations and stronger sector coordination.
TFG -Related Neurologic Disorders: New Insights Into Relationships Between Endoplasmic Reticulum and Neurodegeneration

The tropomyosin-receptor kinase fused gene(TFG), which is located on chromosome 3q12.2, was originally identified as a fusion partner that results in the formation of oncogenic products associated with multiple cancers. TFG protein interacts directly with Sec16, the scaffolding protein for coat protein II-coated vesicles that regulate endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-to-Golgi transport at ER exit sites. In 2012, a heterozygous mutation of TFG was identified as the causative gene for autosomal-dominant hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy with proximal dominant involvement. In 2013, a homozygous mutation of TFG was reported in a family with early onset spastic paraplegia, optic atrophy, and neuropathy. Another novel mutation in TFG was discovered in 2014 as a cause of dominant axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2. These findings suggest that mutations of TFG cause ER dysfunction and neurodegeneration in this disease spectrum, which is tightly associated with ER function. Here, we review the clinical phenotypes of these diseases and present recent insights that suggest causal roles of ER dysfunction in TFG-related neurologic disorders. Although the precise pathogenetic mechanisms underlying these TFG mutations remain to be elucidated, experimental manipulations suggest that the dysregulations of ER homeostasis that occur due to mutations in TFG lead to neurodegeneration.
Deactivation of Pt Catalysts during Hydrothermal Decarboxylation of Butyric Acid

Decarboxylation of fatty acids is a path to hydrocarbon fuels from renewable biomass resources. We explored the deactivation of Pt catalysts during the hydrothermal decarboxylation of butyric acid at 350 °C and 3000 psi in a continuous flow reactor. DRIFTS spectra of the used catalyst showing characteristic absorptions at 2900 and 1500 cm–1 suggested that unsaturated hydrocarbons are responsible for catalyst poisoning. The restoration of appreciable catalyst activity due to controlled oxidation indicated that coke had formed during the decarboxylation experiment. BET measurements showed that the Vulcan XC-72R carbon support pore volume decreased from 1.41 to 0.55 cm3/g. Thus, a combination of poisoning, coking, and pore structure changes in the carbon support caused the Pt/C catalyst to deactivate over a period of 24 h on stream. The first-order deactivation rate constant for Pt/C was 0.063 ± 0.006 h–1. These results provide insight into interventions that may lead to prolonged catalyst activity for hydro...
K+ alters cytochrome P-450-dependent arachidonate metabolism by rabbit renomedullary cells

We studied the effects of K+ on cytochrome P-450-dependent arachidonic acid (P450-AA) metabolism by cells isolated from the rabbit medullary thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (MTAL) by varying K+ from 0 to 7.5 mM in the incubating medium because of the known effects of K+ on AA metabolism. Rabbit MTAL cells convert AA to metabolites that segregate into two peaks (P1 and P2) on reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography; P1 contains vasodilator material and P2 an inhibitor(s) of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity. Formation of P450-AA metabolites by MTAL was enhanced by reducing external K+ (P less than 0.01) and was not affected by changes in external Cl- but was dependent on the presence of intact MTAL cells, suggesting that P450-AA metabolism was related to altering ion fluxes and/or cell volume changes. The effects of altered external K+ on MTAL P450-AA metabolism could be nullified by increasing K+ intake before killing the rabbits. Evidence for the absence of a direct effect of zero K+ on Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase was provided by the demonstration that ouabain failed to affect AA metabolism in MTAL cells. We conclude that P450-AA metabolism by MTAL cells can be influenced either directly by altering external K+ in the incubate or indirectly by changing dietary K+ before killing the rabbits. Furthermore, MTAL P450-AA metabolism was independent of changes in external Cl- and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity.
Practice patterns of general gynecologic surgeons versus gynecologic subspecialists for concomitant apical suspension during vaginal hysterectomy for uterovaginal prolapse.

OBJECTIVES We hypothesized that subspecialists perform more concomitant apical suspensions during transvaginal hysterectomy for uterovaginal prolapse as compared with general gynecologists. METHODS Retrospective analysis of the MedStar Health EXPLORYS database for women undergoing transvaginal hysterectomy for prolapse. Appropriate International Classification of Diseases-9 codes for uterine prolapse and incomplete and complete uterovaginal prolapse along with Current Procedural Terminology codes were used to determine frequency of transvaginal hysterectomy alone, transvaginal hysterectomy plus nonapical repair, and transvaginal hysterectomy plus concomitant apical suspension. RESULTS A total of 946 patients underwent vaginal hysterectomy for prolapse, with 5.5 years follow-up. Thirty-five percent (n = 334) underwent transvaginal hysterectomy alone, 20% (n = 184) underwent transvaginal hysterectomy plus nonapical repair, and 45% (n = 428) underwent transvaginal hysterectomy plus apical suspension. Seventy-two percent of patients operated on by general gynecologists compared with 4% of patients operated on by urogynecologists had a transvaginal hysterectomy alone. Only 10% of patients operated on by general gynecologic surgeons compared with 78% operated on by urogynecologists received a concomitant apical suspension for prolapse (P < 0.0001). Forty-four patients (4.7%) required repeat surgery for recurrent prolapse. Because of the small number of repeat surgeries, preoperative degree of prolapse and type of index procedure did not significantly affect the need for repeat surgery. CONCLUSIONS The majority of prolapse procedures involving hysterectomies performed by general gynecologists do not include apical suspension, whereas urogynecologic subspecialists consistently perform apical suspension.
Conservative Treatment of Endometriosis Externa: the Effects of Methyltestosterone Therapy *

Twenty-four women with documented endometriosis externa were treated with methyltestosterone. Twenty-one of these patients desired fertility and three conceived (one after methyltestosterone therapy alone, two after conservative operation followed by methyltestosterone treatment). Ten patients later required surgical therapy for recurrence of pain, although all but one patient had initial relief of pain (3 to 6 months after therapy). These results of therapy are contrasted to those of similar studies in the literature in which methyltestosterone and other agents were used.
Adolescents and Young Adults With Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Who Undergo Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Are At Increased Risk Of Mortality Compared To Younger Patients

Abstract Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a potentially life-threatening disorder of immune deregulation characterized by overwhelming immune activation and inflammation. Primary HLH was once thought to affect predominantly infants and young children. However, with increasing awareness, HLH is being diagnosed in adolescents and young adults. Currently, allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is the only curative therapy available for primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (primary HLH). There is limited data on HCT outcome for adolescents and young adults with HLH. We reviewed the allogeneic HCT outcomes of 19 adolescents and young adults with HLH (12 males and 7 females) who underwent HCT from January 2000 to June 2013 at our center. The median age at transplantation was 18.2 years (range: 15.2 -27.2). The Majority (15/19) underwent reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) regimen consisting of alemtuzumab, fludarabine, and melphalan. Thirteen patients received transplants from HLA- matched donors (10 MUD and 3 MSD). Bone marrow was the source of stem cells in 15 patients. The HCT outcome of this group was compared to outcome of children with HLH less than 15 years of age. Median follow up of adolescent and young adult patients following HCT is 280 days (range 9-1643 days). Mixed donor chimerism was noted in 20% (3/15) of patients who received RIC. Acute GVHD grade II-IV was noted in four patients. Overall survival for adolescent and young adult patients was 42.1% (8/19). In patients who received RIC, Kaplan Meier analysis revealed a long term estimated survival of 57%, compared to 75% for children less than 15 years of age (p=0.03). Cox proportional hazard modeling revealed a reduced risk of mortality in young patients undergoing RIC HCT compared to adolescent and young adult patients (HR 0.379 [0.154-0.933], p=0.035), controlling for donor match and source. Deaths in adolescent and young adult patients occurred from days +9 to +568 following HCT. The cause of death varied from fulminant bacterial sepsis (n=4), acute refractory GVHD (n=2), disseminated aspergillus and fungal sepsis (n=2), viral infection (n=2), and refractory chronic GVHD (n=1). In conclusion, adolescents and young adults with HLH who undergo allogeneic HCT are at increased risk of mortality compared to younger patients. Further studies are needed to identify risk factors and potential interventions to improve HCT outcome for adolescents and young adults with HLH. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Improved Survival for Patients Undergoing Autologous Stem Cell Transplant for Primary CNS Lymphoma in First or Later Remission.

Abstract Abstract 1222 Poster Board I-244 Background Survival for patients with primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL), in general, is poor with patients requiring frequent chemotherapy treatments or receiving whole-brain radiation therapy, which can potentially result in significant neurologic decline and dementia. Because of the improved survival of high risk patients with aggressive lymphoma undergoing autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT), we began ASCT for patients with PCNSL in first or later remission with chemotherapy sensitive disease. We now update on outcomes of patients who have had at least 100 day follow up post ASCT. Baseline characteristics Between June, 2000 and January, 2009, 22 patients underwent ASCT for PCNSL. Median age at transplant was 50 years old (range 26-67). Median number of prior treatments 1 (range 1-3). Median time from diagnosis to transplant was 7.2 months (range 2.9 to 75.8). Median International Extranodal Working Study Group Prognostic Score: 2 (range 0-3). Disease status at transplant: First CR 10 patients, later CR or PR 12 patients. Results Twenty-two patients underwent ASCT for PCNSL and have a minimum of 100 days follow-up. All patients received BEAM conditioning. Median follow up post-transplant was 30 months (range 3-107 months). Eight patients have relapsed at a median of 217 days (range 40-1349). Of the patients who relapsed, four have died of disease progression and the remaining four are alive after additional therapy. Median overall survival from diagnosis or transplant has not been reached. Median progression free survival from transplant was 70 months. Conclusions Although limited by patient selection and retrospective biases, this review suggests that ASCT for PCNSL demonstrates improved overall survival when compared to historical controls with similar PCNSL Prognostic Scores (2 year survival for patients from diagnosis with PS 2-3 was 48% in a prior published study). ASCT in first remission in patients with PCNSL appears promising and may limit the need for additional therapy which can be myelosuppressive or result in neurologic decline secondary to radiation therapy in patients who are appropriate candidates. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.