bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Making an Impact on Juvenile Delinquents: An Approach to Victim Impact Statements that Everyone Can Embrace
Authors: WOLF KERRIN C.
Published: July 2009

The use of victim impact statements occurs in the majority of states' juvenile court proceedings. Many victims' rights advocates celebrate the use of these statements as a valuable means of victim empowerment, as victim impact statements allow victims to convey the personal effects that delinquent acts had on their lives directly to the courts. Yet at the same time, many oppose the use of victim impact statements in juvenile courts because they inhibit judges' ability to focus on delinquent juveniles' rehabilitative needs by infusing the victims' feelings and emotions into the disposition‐crafting process. This article suggests that a balance can be struck between these competing concerns by incorporating victim impact statements into the rehabilitative programs prescribed in the dispositions of delinquent youths, instead of using the statements as an influencing force in crafting the dispositions.
Protecting and Supporting Children in the Child Welfare System and the Juvenile Court
Authors: RYAN BARBARA , BASHANT JUDGE CYNTHIA , BROOKS DEENA
Published: July 2009

The impact of childhood trauma can be substantial and long term. Prevention of additional trauma should be the guiding principle for all professionals working with children in the child welfare and juvenile court systems. This article addresses ways these two systems can protect and support children before they enter the courtroom. This is accomplished by obtaining, sharing, and utilizing a complete trauma history on the child, as well as putting measures in place to protect against system‐generated trauma. It will also address how to reduce the trauma associated with testifying using psycho‐educational programs, and involving a caring, sensitive judge.
Advancing Competency Development: A White Paper for Pennsylvania
Authors: TORBET PATRICIA , THOMAS DOUGLAS
Published: July 2009

One of the fundamental purposes of Pennsylvania's juvenile justice system is to develop “competencies” in delinquent youth. But what does that mean? Why is it important? How is it done? The White Paper. originally published in 2005, attempted to answer those questions, articulating basic principles and identifying research‐supported practices for competency development, the least understood of the three balanced and restorative justice goals. Practitioners and policy makers in other states who are interested in helping juvenile offenders acquire the knowledge and skills they need to become productive, connected, and law‐abiding community members will find it directly relevant.
Arkansas Legislative Reforms Provide Framework for Change While Supporting Parens Patriae Philosophy of Juvenile Court
Authors: HAMILTON LAUREN , MOAK STACY C. , GOLDEN JAMES W.
Published: July 2009

Changes in Arkansas's juvenile laws resulting from the school shootings in Jonesboro impacted two separate issues of the juvenile court process. The first law changed aspects of transfer provisions for processing juveniles as adults. Secondly, the law created new provisions allowing blended sentencing for juveniles who commit certain enumerated offenses. Both provisions are examined in this article. The authors examine the impact those changes had on the types and numbers of cases handled by the court and argue that the framework provided by Arkansas's Extended Juvenile Jurisdiction law illustrates a legislative response to juvenile violence that supports the concept of parens patriae and promotes the original purpose for which juvenile courts were created while balancing concerns for public safety.
Public Safety Outcomes of Virginia's Detention Assessment Instrument
Authors: REINER SCOTT , MILLER JARED B. , GANGAL TRIPTI
Published: July 2009

The placement of juveniles in secure detention has been the subject of considerable attention recently. For the past several years, Virginia has been engaged in efforts to improve detention practices at both the state and local levels. One important policy and practice change is the implementation of a standardized, structured decision‐making instrument to guide detention decisions by intake officers of the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). This report will present a brief background on the Detention Assessment Instrument (DAI); an analysis of the performance of the DAI on key public safety outcomes; and an overview of Virginia's participation in the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI).
MODELING IMPACTS OF BIOENERGY MARKETS ON NONINDUSTRIAL PRIVATE FOREST MANAGEMENT IN THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES
Authors: SUSAETA ANDRES , ALAVALAPATI JANAKI R.R. , CARTER DOUGLAS R.
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe potential impacts of bioenergy markets on slash pine plantation management on nonindustrial private forestlands in the southeastern United States were analyzed. We developed an integrated Black–Scholes and modified Hartman model to achieve this task. The risk of damage from catastrophic natural disturbances such as wildfires and pest outbreaks associated with the exclusion/incorporation of thinnings and variation in timber salvage rates was also included. Three scenario sets were considered: status quo or no thinning scenario, thinning scenario for pulpwood, and thinning scenario for bioenergy at differing levels of risk and salvage. The results indicated that the incorporation of thinnings either for pulpwood or bioenergy increases the forestland value regardless of the risk when the salvage value of the stand is 0.8. When the two thinning scenarios were compared, the land expectation value for the thinning scenario for bioenergy was greater at any level of risk compared with the thinning scenario for pulpwood, averaging a difference of 11.5% and 11.7% for salvageable portions of 0.8 and 0, respectively.
Investigation of Hydrogen Assisted Cracking in High and Low Strength Steels
Authors: Homrossukon Samerjit , Mostovoy Sheldon , Todd Judith A.
Published: July 2009

Hydrogen assisted cracking (HAC) has been investigated in a high strength 4140 steel and a low strength AISI-SAE grade 1022 steel (supplied by Amoco, Naperville, IL—now BP), charged at −50 mA/cm2 in 1N H2SO4+25 mg/lAs2O3 and tested under three-point-bend decreasing load. The HAC growth rate for the 1022 steel (1.4×10−7 cm/s) was found to be approximately two orders of magnitude slower than that of the 4140 steel (3.3×10−5 cm/s), while the threshold stress intensity factor for the 1022 steel (37.0±1.0 MPa m1/2) was significantly higher than that of the 4140 steel (7.0±0.5 MPa m1/2). This research develops an analytical model, based on the hypothesis that hydrogen both reduces crack resistance (R) and increases crack driving force (G), to explain HAC in 4140 and 1022 steels. The model predicts the hydrogen concentration required to initiate HAC as a function of the applied stress intensity factor and yield strength of the steel. Hydrogen-induced reduction in R was found to dominate HAC in the 4140 steel, while hydrogen-induced reduction in R was combined with an increase in G for HAC cracking of the 1022 steel.
A Reliability-Based Approach for the Design of Nuclear Piping for Internal Pressure
Authors: Avrithi Kleio , Ayyub Bilal M.
Published: July 2009

Nuclear pipes are designed to withstand primary membrane stresses generated by internal pressure according to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel (B&PV) Code, Section III, Parts NB-3641, NC-3641, and ND-3641, which uses the allowable stress design (ASD) method. This paper presents limit states and equations for the design of nuclear pipes for internal pressure based on the load and resistance factor design (LRFD) method. The LRFD method is shown and explained to be more consistent than the ASD method. The paper presents the procedure for the derivation of the partial safety factors. Moreover, these factors are evaluated, example calculations are provided, and comparisons with the present design are made.
Investigation of Fatigue Strength of Welded Tube-to-Tubesheet Joint
Authors: Su Wenxian , Ma Ning , Sang Zhifu , Widera G. E. O.
Published: July 2009

The tube-to-tubesheet joint of heat exchangers is an important aspect in the design and fabrication process. This paper discusses the fatigue strength of welded tube-to-tubesheet joint under a periodic axial load along the tube by test and by 3D finite element analysis. The testing shows that expanding, in addition to welding, may slightly enhance the fatigue strength of a welded joint. From a microscopic view, the fatigue crack begins at the half melt coarse grain zone of the welded seam on the outer wall of tube and then propagates to the zone of the welded seam on the inner wall of the tube. In the fracture zone, the fracture face is at an angle of 45 deg to the tube wall face and the explicit plastic deformation is present. The analysis, by electronic energy spectrum, shows that there exist many fatigue striations in the fracture face. A 3D finite element analysis correlates with the experimental results.
Theoretical Modeling of TLD With Different Tank Geometries Using Linear Long Wave Theory
Authors: Deng X. , Tait M. J.
Published: July 2009

This study focuses on the modeling of tuned liquid dampers (TLDs) with triangular-bottom, sloped-bottom, parabolic-bottom, and flat-bottom tanks using the linear long wave theory. The energy dissipated by damping screens is modeled theoretically utilizing the method of virtual work. In this proposed model, only the fundamental sloshing mode is considered, and the assumption of small free surface fluid response amplitude is made. Subsequently, the equivalent mechanical properties including effective mass, natural frequency, and damping ratio of the TLDs, having different tank geometries, are compared. It is found that the normalized effective mass ratio values for a parabolic-bottom tank and a sloped-bottom tank with a sloping angle of 20 deg are larger than the normalized effective mass ratio values for triangular-bottom and flat-bottom tanks. An increase in the normalized effective mass ratio indicates that a greater portion of the water inside the tank participates in the sloshing motion. The derived equivalent mechanical models for the TLD tank geometries considered in this study can be used for the preliminary design of structural-TLD systems.
Design of a Single-Acting Constant-Force Actuator Based on Dielectric Elastomers
Authors: Berselli Giovanni , Vertechy Rocco , Vassura Gabriele , Castelli Vincenzo Parenti
Published: July 2009

The interest in actuators based on dielectric elastomer films as a promising technology in robotic and mechatronic applications is increasing. The overall actuator performances are influenced by the design of both the active film and the film supporting frame. This paper presents a single-acting actuator, which is capable of supplying a constant force over a given range of motion. The actuator is obtained by coupling a rectangular film of silicone dielectric elastomer with a monolithic frame designed to suitably modify the force generated by the dielectric elastomer film. The frame is a fully compliant mechanism whose main structural parameters are calculated using a pseudo-rigid-body model and then verified by finite element analysis. Simulations show promising performance of the proposed actuator.
A Statically Balanced Gough/Stewart-Type Platform: Conception, Design, and Simulation
Authors: Carricato Marco , Gosselin Clément
Published: July 2009

Gravity compensation of spatial parallel manipulators is a relatively recent topic of investigation. Perfect balancing has been accomplished, so far, only for parallel mechanisms in which the weight of the moving platform is sustained by legs comprising purely rotational joints. Indeed, balancing of parallel mechanisms with translational actuators, which are among the most common ones, has been traditionally thought possible only by resorting to additional legs containing no prismatic joints between the base and the end-effector. This paper presents the conceptual and mechanical designs of a balanced Gough/Stewart-type manipulator, in which the weight of the platform is entirely sustained by the legs comprising the extensible jacks. By the integrated action of both elastic elements and counterweights, each leg is statically balanced and it generates, at its tip, a constant force contributing to maintaining the end-effector in equilibrium in any admissible configuration. If no elastic elements are used, the resulting manipulator is balanced with respect to the shaking force too. The performance of a study prototype is simulated via a model in both static and dynamic conditions, in order to prove the feasibility of the proposed design. The effects of imperfect balancing, due to the difference between the payload inertial characteristics and the theoretical/nominal ones, are investigated. Under a theoretical point of view, formal and novel derivations are provided of the necessary and sufficient conditions allowing (i) a body arbitrarily rotating in space to rest in neutral equilibrium under the action of general constant-force generators, (ii) a body pivoting about a universal joint and acted upon by a number of zero-free-length springs to exhibit constant potential energy, and (iii) a leg of a Gough/Stewart-type manipulator to operate as a constant-force generator.
Use of Different Inhibitory Quotients To Predict Early Virological Response to Tipranavir in Antiretroviral-Experienced Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients
Authors: Morello Judit , De Mendoza Carmen , Soriano Vincent , Anta Lourdes , González-Pardo Gema , Corral Angélica , Blanco Francisco , Jiménez-Nácher Inmaculada , González-Lahoz Juan , Rodríguez-Novoa Sonia
Published: July 2009

Information about the relationship between pharmacological parameters and an early virological response to tipranavir (TPV) is scarce. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients who had received TPV as part of a salvage regimen were analyzed retrospectively. A virological response was defined as a decline in the HIV RNA level of ≥1 log unit or to <50 copies/ml between weeks 4 and 12 of therapy. The virtual inhibitory quotient (vIQ) was calculated as the ratio of the TPV plasma trough concentration (
C
trough
)/virtual change in the 50% inhibitory concentration. Three genotypic inhibitory quotients (gIQs) were calculated by using different TPV resistance mutation scores (from the International AIDS Society—USA [IAS-USA], Randomized Evaluation of Strategic Intervention in Multidrug-Resistant Patients with Tipranavir [RESIST], and Agence Nationale de Recherches sur le Sida et les Hépatites Virales [ANRS] trials). The sensitivities, specificities, positive predictive values (PPVs), negative predictive values (NPVs), and likelihood ratios for a positive result (LHR
+
) and a negative result (LHR
−
) [LHR
+
= sensitivity/(1 − specificity); LHR
−
= (1 − sensitivity)/specificity] were calculated. A total of 57 HIV-infected patients were analyzed. A virological response was achieved by 77% of the patients. TPV resistance mutations, TPV
C
trough
, vIQs, and gIQs were all significantly associated with a virological response. The vIQ had the best PPV and NPV (97% and 78%, respectively). The values of the LHR
+
were 7.8 for vIQ, 3.4 for the RESIST gIQ, 3.3 for the IAS-USA gIQ, 3.1 for the ANRS gIQ, 2.2 for TPV
C
trough
, and 1.3 for the IAS-USA and RESIST scores. The values of LHR
−
were 0 for the RESIST score, 0.07 for vIQ, 0.09 for the IAS-USA score, 0.27 for the RESIST gIQ, 0.32 for the IAS-USA gIQ, 0.37 for the ANRS gIQ, and 0.48 for TPV
C
trough
. HIV-infected patients who initiate a salvage regimen based on TPV may benefit from baseline drug resistance testing and TPV plasma concentration determination, as vIQ is the best predictor of a virological response.
Diversity of β-Lactamases Produced by Ceftazidime-Resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Isolates Causing Bloodstream Infections in Brazil
Authors: Picão Renata C. , Poirel Laurent , Gales Ana C. , Nordmann Patrice
Published: July 2009

A retrospective survey was conducted to characterize β-lactamases in a collection of 43 ceftazidime-resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates recovered from patients with bloodstream infections hospitalized at a Brazilian teaching hospital between January and December 2005. Resistance rates for carbapenems, aminoglycosides, and quinolones were over 80%, with only colistin remaining active against all isolates. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis identified seven different genotypes. AmpC overproduction was found to be the sole β-lactamase-mediated mechanism responsible for ceftazidime resistance in four isolates (9.3%). Nine isolates (20.9%) produced an extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), either GES-1 (
n
= 7, 16.3%) or CTX-M-2 (
n
= 2, 4.6%). Carbapenemase activity was detected in 30 (70%) additional isolates. Among those isolates, two isolates (4.6%) produced the ESBL GES-5, possessing the ability to hydrolyze imipenem; a single isolate (2.3%) produced the metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) IMP-1; and 27 isolates produced the MBL SPM-1 (62.8%). None of the isolates coproduced both ESBL and MBL. Insertion sequence elements IS
CR4
and IS
CR1
were associated with
bla
SPM-1
and
bla
CTX-M-2
genes, respectively, whereas the
bla
GES-1
and
bla
GES-5
genes were part of class 1 integron structures. This study underlines the spread of MBL- and ESBL-producing
P. aeruginosa
isolates as an important source of ceftazidime resistance in Brazil.
Lipoprotein Processing Is Essential for Resistance of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
to Malachite Green
Authors: Banaei Niaz , Kincaid Eleanor Z. , Lin S.-Y. Grace , Desmond Edward , Jacobs William R. , Ernst Joel D.
Published: July 2009

Malachite green, a synthetic antimicrobial dye, has been used for over 50 years in mycobacterial culture medium to inhibit the growth of contaminants. The molecular basis of mycobacterial resistance to malachite green is unknown, although the presence of malachite green-reducing enzymes in the cell envelope has been suggested. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of lipoproteins in resistance of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
to malachite green. The replication of an
M. tuberculosis
lipoprotein signal peptidase II (
lspA
) mutant (Δ
lspA
::
lspA
mut
) on Middlebrook agar with and without 1 mg/liter malachite green was investigated. The
lspA
mutant was also compared with wild-type
M. tuberculosis
in the decolorization rate of malachite green and sensitivity to sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) detergent and first-line antituberculosis drugs. The
lspA
mutant has a 10
4
-fold reduction in CFU-forming efficiency on Middlebrook agar with malachite green. Malachite green is decolorized faster in the presence of the
lspA
mutant than wild-type bacteria. The
lspA
mutant is hypersensitive to SDS detergent and shows increased sensitivity to first-line antituberculosis drugs. In summary, lipoprotein processing by LspA is essential for resistance of
M. tuberculosis
to malachite green. A cell wall permeability defect is likely responsible for the hypersensitivity of
lspA
mutant to malachite green.
The Diarylquinoline R207910 Is Bactericidal against
Mycobacterium leprae
in Mice at Low Dose and Administered Intermittently
Authors: Gelber Robert , Andries Koen , Paredes Rose Maria D. , Andaya Cora Evelyn S. , Burgos Jasmin
Published: July 2009

The diarylquinoline R207910 is profoundly bactericidal in a murine model of tuberculosis. Previously, R207910 was also found to be bactericidal for
Mycobacterium leprae
-infected mice during lag phase. Herein we evaluate the bactericidal efficacy of R207910 (1 to 120 mg/kg of body weight) when administered five times weekly, once weekly, and once monthly during logarithmic multiplication of
M. leprae
organisms. All treatments were found to be bactericidal, suggesting that both low and intermittent dosing with R207910 holds promise for leprosy patients.
Cellular Responses to Mycobacterial Antigens Are Present in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Used in the Diagnosis of Sarcoidosis
Authors: Oswald-Richter Kyra A. , Culver Daniel A. , Hawkins Charlene , Hajizadeh Rana , Abraham Susamma , Shepherd Bryan E. , Jenkins Cathy A. , Judson Marc A. , Drake Wonder P.
Published: July 2009

Considerable evidence supports the concept that CD4+T cells are important in sarcoidosis pathogenesis, but the antigens responsible for the observed Th1 immunophenotype remain elusive. The epidemiologic association with bioaerosols and the presence of granulomatous inflammation support consideration of mycobacterial antigens. To explore the role of mycobacterial antigens in sarcoidosis immunopathogenesis, we assessed the immune recognition of mycobacterial antigens, the 6-kDa early secreted antigenic protein (ESAT-6) and catalase-peroxidase (KatG), by T cells derived from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid obtained during diagnostic bronchoscopy. We report the presence of antigen-specific recognition of ESAT-6 and KatG in T cells from BAL fluid of 32/44 sarcoidosis subjects, compared to 1/27 controls (P< 0.0001). CD4+T cells were primarily responsible for immune recognition (32/44 sarcoidosis subjects), although CD8+T-cell responses were observed (25/41 sarcoidosis subjects). Recognition was significantly absent from BAL fluid cells of patients with other lung diseases, including infectious granulomatous diseases. Blocking of Toll-like receptor 2 reduced the strength of the observed immune response. The presence of immune responses to mycobacterial antigens in cells from BAL fluid used for sarcoidosis diagnosis suggests a strong association between mycobacteria and sarcoidosis pathogenesis. Inhibition of immune recognition with monoclonal antibody against Toll-like receptor 2 suggests that induction of innate immunity by mycobacteria contributes to the polarized Th1 immune response.
CT043, a Protective Antigen That Induces a CD4+Th1 Response duringChlamydia trachomatisInfection in Mice and Humans
Authors: Meoni Eva , Faenzi Elisa , Frigimelica Elisabetta , Zedda Luisanna , Skibinski David , Giovinazzi Serena , Bonci Alessandra , Petracca Roberto , Bartolini Erika , Galli Giuliano , Agnusdei Mauro , Nardelli Filomena , Buricchi Francesca , Norais Nathalie , Ferlenghi Ilaria , Donati Manuela , Cevenini Roberto , Finco Oretta , Grandi Guido , Grifantini Renata
Published: July 2009

Despite several decades of intensive studies, no vaccines againstChlamydia trachomatis, an intracellular pathogen causing serious ocular and urogenital diseases, are available yet. Infection-induced immunity in both animal models and humans strongly supports the notion that for a vaccine to be effective a strong CD4+Th1 immune response should be induced. In the course of our vaccine screening program based on the selection of chlamydial proteins eliciting cell-mediated immunity, we have found that CT043, a protein annotated as hypothetical, induces CD4+Th1 cells both in chlamydia-infected mice and in human patients with diagnosedC. trachomatisgenital infection. DNA priming/protein boost immunization with CT043 results in a 2.6-log inclusion-forming unit reduction in the murine lung infection model. Sequence analysis of CT043 fromC. trachomatishuman isolates belonging to the most representative genital serovars revealed a high degree of conservation, suggesting that this antigen could provide cross-serotype protection. Therefore, CT043 is a promising vaccine candidate againstC. trachomatisinfection.
Involvement of Toll-Like Receptors 2 and 4 in the Innate Immune Response toTreponema denticolaand Its Outer Sheath Components
Authors: Nussbaum Gabriel , Ben-Adi Shimon , Genzler Tamar , Sela Michael , Rosen Graciela
Published: July 2009

Treponema denticolais considered an important oral pathogen in the development and progression of periodontal diseases. In the present study, the mechanisms of recognition and activation of murine macrophages byT. denticolaand its major outer sheath protein (MSP) and lipooligosaccharide (LOS or glycolipid) were investigated.T. denticolacells and the MSP induced innate immune responses through TLR2-MyD88, whereas LOS induced a macrophage response through TLR4-MyD88. The presence of gamma interferon (IFN-γ), or of high numbers ofT. denticola, circumvented the requirement for TLR2 for the macrophage response toT. denticola, although the response was still dependent on MyD88. In contrast, synergy with IFN-γ did not alter the TLR dependence of the response to theT. denticolasurface components LOS and MSP, despite enhanced sensitivity. These data suggest that although there is flexibility in the requirements for recognition ofT. denticolacells (TLR2 dependent or independent), MyD88 is a requirement for the downstream signaling events that lead to inflammation. We also demonstrate that both outer sheath molecules LOS and MSP induce macrophage tolerance to further stimulation with enterobacterial lipopolysaccharide. Tolerance induced byT. denticolacomponents during mixed infections may represent a general mechanism through which bacteria evade clearance.
Toll-Like Receptor 5-Dependent Regulation of Inflammation in Systemic
Salmonella enterica
Serovar Typhimurium Infection
Authors: Fournier Bénédicte , Williams Ifor R. , Gewirtz Andrew T. , Neish Andrew S.
Published: July 2009

Salmonella enterica
, a gram-negative pathogen, causes a spectrum of human infections including enterocolitis and typhoid fever. We previously showed that
Salmonella
flagellin played a role in suppressing intestinal mucosal inflammation in a murine model of acute enterocolitis. In this study, we examined the role of flagellin in the typhoid-like systemic murine
Salmonella
infection by measuring bacterial proliferation, inflammation, leukocyte recruitment, and cellular apoptosis in Peyer's patches (PPs), mesenteric lymph node (MLN), and spleen. We found that relative to an isogenic wild-type (WT) strain, aflagellate
Salmonella
exhibited increased proliferation at 4 days postinfection in PPs and MLN but not spleen. The aflagellate mutant also elicited increased local and systemic secretion of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β, gamma interferon, and tumor necrosis factor alpha and enhanced surface expression of ICAM-1 on macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs). Furthermore, the recruitment of macrophages and DCs in PPs and MLN, but not spleen, was enhanced upon infection with aflagellate
Salmonella
. The relative differences between WT and aflagellate
Salmonella
were highly attenuated in Toll-like receptor 5-deficient (TLR5
−/−
) mice, indicating involvement of TLR5-dependent signaling. Interestingly, infection with the aflagellate mutant also resulted in decreased levels of T-cell apoptosis in PPs relative to infection with WT
Salmonella
. We postulate that the initial lack of detection of the aflagellate mutant in the mucosa permits increased proliferation within the host and enhances inflammatory signaling in nonepithelial cell types, which subsequently promotes leukocyte recruitment. In contrast, lack of difference in any disease parameter measured in the spleen likely reflects that
Salmonella
expression of flagellin is downregulated in this organ. Thus, the characteristic inflammatory pathology of
Salmonella
infection occurs only in PPs and to a lesser extent in MLN during the initial phases of infection and these early responses are dependent on TLR5.
Clinical Chemistry of Congenic Mice with Quantitative Trait Loci for Predicted Responses to
Trypanosoma congolense
Infection
Authors: Rathkolb Birgit , Noyes Harry A. , Brass Andy , Dark Paul , Fuchs Helmut , Gailus-Durner Valérie , Gibson John , de Angelis Martin Hrabé , Ogugo Moses , Iraqi Fuad , Kemp Steve J. , Naessens Jan , Pope Mathew E. , Wolf Eckhard , Agaba Morris
Published: July 2009

Trypanosoma congolense
is a protozoan parasite that causes severe diseases in livestock. Three major quantative trait loci (QTL),
Tir1
,
Tir2
, and
Tir3
, control the survival time of mice after infection with
T. congolense
. Congenic mice carrying the C57BL/6 resistance alleles on the A/J background were developed for each of these loci. The congenic mice were used to physically map the regions containing the QTL gene(s) and to investigate the physiological effect of each locus. Clinical chemistry data for infected A/J, C57BL/6, and BALB/c mice were obtained for 15 analytes at five time points. Congenic mice were assessed for survival, parasitemia, and anemia as well as seven clinical-chemical analytes. The survival times were significantly increased in the
Tir1
and
Tir2
mice but not
Tir3
congenic mice. The survival time of the parental inbred mice correlated negatively with parasitemia but positively with alanine aminotransferase activities in serum, suggesting that inflammatory reactions in the liver had a beneficial effect possibly associated with reduced parasitemia. However, there was no difference in parasitemia or liver enzyme activities of
Tir1
and
Tir2
congenic mice relative to their controls, showing that survival, parasitemia, and degree of liver damage are not associated with each other, despite the correlation in the parental lines. These data suggest that the congenic loci affect survival but do not affect control of parasite number. They may therefore act by limiting the pathological consequences of
T. congolense
infection.
Role of the Type III Secretion System in a Hypervirulent Lineage of
Bordetella bronchiseptica
Authors: Buboltz Anne M. , Nicholson Tracy L. , Weyrich Laura S. , Harvill Eric T.
Published: July 2009

Despite the fact that closely related bacteria can cause different levels of disease, the genetic changes that cause some isolates to be more pathogenic than others are generally not well understood. We use a combination of approaches to determine which factors contribute to the increased virulence of a
Bordetella bronchiseptica
lineage. A strain isolated from a host with
B. bronchiseptica
-induced disease, strain 1289, was 60-fold more virulent in mice than one isolated from an asymptomatically infected host, strain RB50. Transcriptome analysis and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR showed that the type III secretion system (TTSS) genes were more highly expressed by strain 1289 than strain RB50. Compared to strain RB50, strain 1289 exhibited greater TTSS-mediated cytotoxicity of a mammalian cell line. Additionally, we show that the increase in virulence of strain 1289 compared to that of RB50 was partially attributable to the TTSS. Using multilocus sequence typing, we identified another strain from the same lineage as strain 1289. Similar to strain 1289, we implicate the TTSS in the increased virulence of this strain. Together, our data suggest that the TTSS is involved in the increased virulence of a
B. bronchiseptica
lineage which appears to be disproportionately associated with disease. These data are consistent with the view that
B. bronchiseptica
lineages can have different levels of virulence, which may contribute to this species' ability to cause different severities of respiratory disease.
Acupuncture Stimulation Improves Balance Function in Stroke Patients: A Single-Blinded Controlled, Randomized Study
Authors: Liu Sen-Yung , Hsieh Ching-Liang , Wei Ta-Sen , Liu Peng-Ta , Chang Yu-Jun , Li Tsai-Chung
Published: July 2009

The disturbance of balance function is one of main etiology resulting in falling down in stroke patients. A number of studies report that acupuncture may improve the motor function of stroke patients. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of acupuncture on balance function. We designed a single-blinded, controlled, randomized study. A total of 30 stroke patients were randomized into experimental and control groups. Experimental groups received acupuncture treatment accompanied by the manual twisting of needles and obtaining of qi (the subjects experienced sensations of soreness, numbness, swelling and heaviness, while the acupuncturist experienced a sensation of needle resistance), whereas the control group did not receive manual twisting of needles and without obtaining of qi. All of the subjects were first-time stroke patients; infarction location was limited to either the left or right hemisphere, and all subjects were able to walk for at least 6 meters. Acupuncture stimulation (AS) was applied to Baihui (GV 20) acupoint as well as to 4 spirit acupoints (1.5 cun anterior, posterior, left and right laterals from Baihui acupoint, respectively) for 20 min. Balance function outcome measures were: (1) the displacement area of the patient's center of gravity; (2) the time taken for a patient to stand vertically from a seated position; (3) the time taken for a patient to walk a distance of 6 meters; (4) muscle strength of both lower extremities. Results indicated that the displacement area from the center of gravity decreased in the experimental group, but not in the control group. There was greater reduction in the displacement area in the experimental group than in the control group. Following AS, the time taken to reach a standing position from a seated position, as well as the time taken to walk 6 meters was decreased equally in both the experimental and control groups. The muscle strength of the hip flexor and knee extensor were increased in the paralyzed and non-paralyzed sides of patients in the experimental group, but not in the control group. The results of the present study suggest that acupuncture stimulation may induce an immediate effect that improves balance function in stroke patients.
OPTIMIZATION OF PHASE CHANGE MEMORY WITH THIN METAL INSERTED LAYER ON MATERIAL PROPERTIES
Authors: HARNSOONGNOEN SANCHAI , SA-NGIAMSAK CHIRANUT , SIRITARATIWAT APIRAT
Published: July 2009

This works reports, for the first time, the thorough study and optimisation of Phase Change Memory (PCM) structure with thin metal inserted chalcogenide via electrical resistivity (ρ) using finite element modeling. PCM is one of the best candidates for next generation non-volatile memory. It has received much attention recently due to its fast write speed, non-destructive readout, superb scalability, and great compatibility with current silicon-based mass fabrication. The setback of PCM is a high reset current typically higher than 1mA based on 180nm lithography. To reduce the reset current and to solve the over-programming failure, PCM with thin metal inserted chalcogenide (bottom chalcogenide/metal inserted/top chalcogenide) structure has been proposed. Nevertheless, reports on optimisation of the electrical resistivity using the finite element method for this new PCM structure have never been published. This work aims to minimize the reset current of this PCM structure by optimizing the level of the electrical resistivity of the PCM profile using the finite element approach. This work clearly shows that PCM characteristics are strongly affected by the electrical resistivity. The 2-D simulation results reveal clearly that the best thermal transfer of and self-joule-heating at the bottom chalcogenide layer can be achieved under conditions; ρ_bottom chalcogenide > ρ_metal inserted > ρ_top chalcogenide More specifically, the optimized electrical resistivity of PCMTMI is attained with ρ_top chalcogenide: ρ_metal inserted: ρ_bottom chalcogenide ratio of 1:6:16 when ρ_top chalcogenide is 10-3 Ωm. In conclusion, high energy efficiency can be obtained with the reset current as low as 0.3mA and with high speed operation of less than 30ns.
EFFECTS OF ELECTRICAL PARAMETERS ON TITANIA FILM GROWN BY MICRO ARC OXIDATION
Authors: LEE YONG K.
Published: July 2009

The effects of electrical parameters including applied voltages, duty cycles, and frequencies, on the structures of titania film by micro arc oxidation (MAO) technology were studied. Micro arc oxidation was conducted for Ti with pulsed dc power supply. The voltage was controlled at various constant applied voltages (200, 230, 270 V) with various pulse frequencies (dc, 20, 30, 40, 50 kHz) for 3 minutes, and the pulse current was measured with time. There seems to be a minimum absolute duty period (26 μs) in order to allow oxide thickness to grow, because with a duty period lower than 26 μs, the oxide may stop growing. In other words, with less than 26 μs, it is hard for Ti ions to diffuse through the oxide film to grow to a certain thickness.
Recent developments in the synthesis of homo- and heteroarrays of porphyrins and phthalocyanines
Authors: Pereira Ana M.V.M. , Soares Ana R.M. , Calvete Mário J.F. , de la Torre Gema
Published: July 2009

Here, we report the progress in the chemistry of porphyrin-phthalocyanine and phthalocyanine-phthalocyanie multinuclear systems being developed by the organic chemistry groups of Cavaleiro and Torres.
Unsymmetrically functionalized phthalocyanines as versatile platforms for the preparation of molecular materials
Authors: Victoria Martínez-Díaz M. , Díaz Díaz David
Published: July 2009

The application of modern synthetic methods to the unsymmetrical functionalization of phthalocyanines has allowed in the last years the preparation of a plethora of phthalocyanine-based molecules, some of which have found remarkable application in different fields of materials science such as nonlinear optics and photovoltaics. In particular, transition metal (especially, palladium) mediated reactions have been crucial tools in the synthesis of quite sophisticated derivatives containing π-conjugated units. The main problem that synthetic chemists working in this field had to overcome was the strong tendency of these macrocycles toward aggregation, which can preclude the preparation of some unsymmetrically substituted Pcs. This micro-review gives a brief overview of the most relevant synthetic methods developed in Spain and Portugal that have been applied to the efficient preparation of Pc-based systems for different applications.
COMPOSITIONAL SPECIFICATION OF BEHAVIORAL SEMANTICS FOR DOMAIN-SPECIFIC MODELING LANGUAGES
Authors: CHEN KAI , PORTER JOSEPH , SZTIPANOVITS JANOS , NEEMA SANDEEP
Published: July 2009

Domain-Specific Modeling Languages (DSMLs) play a fundamental role in the model-based design of embedded software and systems. While abstract syntax metamodeling enables the rapid and inexpensive development of DSMLs, the specification of DSML semantics is still a hard problem. In previous work, we have developed methods and tools for the semantic anchoring of DSMLs. Semantic anchoring introduces a set of reusable "semantic units" that provide reference semantics for basic behavioral categories using the Abstract State Machine framework. In this paper, we extend the semantic anchoring framework to heterogeneous behaviors by exploring methods for the composition of semantic units. Semantic unit composition reduces the required effort from DSML designers and improves the quality of the specification. The proposed method is demonstrated through a case study. Formal notions of compositionality are discussed as well as a brief comparison with similar research tools.
Mechanisms of Stem Cell Self-Renewal
Authors: Shenghui He , Nakada Daisuke , Morrison Sean J.
Published: July 2009

Self-renewal is the process by which stem cells divide to make more stem cells, perpetuating the stem cell pool throughout life. Self-renewal is division with maintenance of the undifferentiated state. This requires cell cycle control and often maintenance of multipotency or pluripotency, depending on the stem cell. Self-renewal programs involve networks that balance proto-oncogenes (promoting self-renewal), gate-keeping tumor suppressors (limiting self-renewal), and care-taking tumor suppressors (maintaining genomic integrity). These cell-intrinsic mechanisms are regulated by cell-extrinsic signals from the niche, the microenvironment that maintains stem cells and regulates their function in tissues. In response to changing tissue demands, stem cells undergo changes in cell cycle status and developmental potential over time, requiring different self-renewal programs at different stages of life. Reduced stem cell function and tissue regenerative capacity during aging are caused by changes in self-renewal programs that augment tumor suppression. Cancer arises from mutations that inappropriately activate self-renewal programs.
Genetic Control of Bone Formation
Authors: Karsenty Gerard , Kronenberg Henry M. , Settembre Carmine
Published: July 2009

In the past few years, our molecular understanding of bone formation has continued to increase. This review aims to present a comprehensive view of the current state of knowledge in the field. Thus, it will cover our current knowledge of chondrogenesis and osteoblastogenesis. It will also cover the most salient aspects of osteoblast function.
A mouse model of ghrelinoma exhibited activated growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor I axis and glucose intolerance
Authors: Iwakura Hiroshi , Ariyasu Hiroyuki , Li Yushu , Kanamoto Naotetsu , Bando Mika , Yamada Go , Hosoda Hiroshi , Hosoda Kiminori , Shimatsu Akira , Nakao Kazuwa , Kangawa Kenji , Akamizu Takashi
Published: July 2009

Ghrelin is a stomach-derived peptide that has growth hormone-stimulating and orexigenic activities. Although there have been several reports of ghrelinoma cases, only a few cases have elevated circulating ghrelin levels, hampering the investigation of pathophysiological features of ghrelinoma and chronic effects of ghrelin excess. Furthermore, standard transgenic technique has resulted in desacyl ghrelin production only because of the limited tissue expression of ghrelin O-acyltransferase, which mediates acylation of ghrelin. Accordingly, we attempted to create ghrelin promoter SV40 T-antigen transgenic (GP-Tag Tg) mice, in which ghrelin-producing cells continued to proliferate and finally developed into ghrelinoma. Adult GP-Tag Tg mice showed elevated plasma ghrelin levels with preserved physiological regulation. Adult GP-Tag Tg mice with increased plasma ghrelin levels exhibited elevated IGF-I levels despite poor nutrition. Although basal growth hormone levels were not changed, those after growth hormone-releasing hormone injection tended to be higher. These results indicate that chronic elevation of ghrelin activates GH-IGF-I axis. In addition, GP-Tag Tg mice demonstrated glucose intolerance. Insulin secretion by glucose tolerance tests was significantly attenuated in GP-Tag Tg, whereas insulin sensitivity determined by insulin tolerance tests was preserved, indicating that chronic elevation of ghrelin suppresses insulin secretion and leads to glucose intorelance. Thus, we successfully generated a Tg model of ghrelinoma, which is a good tool to investigate chronic effects of ghrelin excess. Moreover, their characteristic features could be a hint on ghrelinoma.
Persistence and Stability for a Generalized Leslie‐Gower Model with Stage Structure and Dispersal
Authors: Huo Hai-Feng , Ma Zhan-Ping , Liu Chun-Ying
Published: July 2009

A generalized version of the Leslie‐Gower
predator‐prey model that incorporates the prey
structure and predator dispersal in two‐patch
environments is introduced. The focus is on the study
of the boundedness of solution, permanence, and
extinction of the model. Sufficient conditions for
global asymptotic stability of the positive
equilibrium are derived by constructing a Lyapunov
functional. Numerical simulations are also presented
to illustrate our main results.
Interloss Time in M/M/1/1 Loss System
Authors: Ferrante Pierpaolo
Published: July 2009

We consider the interloss times in the M/M/1/1 Erlang Loss System. Here we present the explicit form of the probability density
function of the time spent between two consecutive losses in the M/M/1/1
model. This density function solves a Cauchy problem for the second‐order
differential equations, which was used to evaluate the corresponding laplace
transform. Finally the connection between the Erlang′s loss rate and the evaluated probability density function is showed.
Tumor Classification Using High-Order Gene Expression Profiles Based on Multilinear ICA
Authors: Du Ming-gang , Zhang Shan-Wen , Wang Hong
Published: July 2009

Motivation. Independent Components Analysis (ICA) maximizes the statistical independence of the representational components of a training gene expression profiles (GEP) ensemble, but it cannot distinguish relations between the different factors, or different modes, and it is not available to high-order GEP Data Mining. In order to generalize ICA, we introduce Multilinear-ICA and apply it to tumor classification using high order GEP. Firstly, we introduce the basis conceptions and operations of tensor and recommend Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier and Multilinear-ICA. Secondly, the higher score genes of original high order GEP are selected by using t-statistics and tabulate tensors. Thirdly, the tensors are performed by Multilinear-ICA. Finally, the SVM is used to classify the tumor subtypes. Results. To show the validity of the proposed method, we apply it to tumor classification using high order GEP. Though we only use three datasets, the experimental results show that the method is effective and feasible. Through this survey, we hope to gain some insight into the problem of high order GEP tumor classification, in aid of further developing more effective tumor classification algorithms.
Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma (PPARG) Are Stage-Dependent Prognostic Markers of Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Meyer Stefanie , Vogt Thomas , Landthaler Michael , Berand Anna , Reichle Albrecht , Bataille Frauke , Marx Andreas H. , Menz Anne , Hartmann Arndt , Kunz-Schughart Leoni A. , Wild Peter J.
Published: July 2009

Using tissue microarrays (TMAs) we studied COX2/PPARG immunoreactivity in a broad spectrum of tumors focussing on clinicopathological correlations and the outcome of patients with malignant melanoma (MM). TMA-1 contained normal and tumor tissues (n=3448) from 47 organs including skin neoplasms (n=323); TMA-2 88 primary MM, 101 metastases, and 161 benign nevi. Based on a biomodulatory approach combining COX/PPAR-targeting with metronomic low-dose chemotherapy metastases of 36 patients participating in a randomized trial with metastatic (stage IV) melanoma were investigated using TMA-3. COX2/PPARG immunoreactivity significantly increased from nevi to primary MM and metastases; COX2 positivity was associated with advanced Clark levels and shorter recurrence-free survival. Patients with PPARG-positive metastases and biomodulatory metronomic chemotherapy alone or combined with COX2/PPARG-targeting showed a significantly prolonged progression-free survival. Regarding primary MM, COX2 expression indicates an increased risk of tumor recurrence. In metastatic MM, PPARG expression may be a predicitive marker for response to biomodulatory stroma-targeted therapy.
Effect of autophagy on multiple myeloma cell viability
Authors: Hoang Bao , Benavides Angelica , Shi Yijiang , Frost Patrick , Lichtenstein Alan
Published: July 2009

Because accumulation of potentially toxic malfolded protein may be extensive in immunoglobulin-producing multiple myeloma (MM) cells, we investigated the phenomenon of autophagy in myeloma, a physiologic process that can protect against malfolded protein under some circumstances. Autophagy in MM cell lines that express and secrete immunoglobulin and primary specimens was significantly increased by treatment with the endoplasmic reticulum stress–inducing agent thapsigargin, the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor rapamycin, and the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib. Inhibition of basal autophagy in these cell lines and primary cells by use of the inhibitors 3-methyladenine and chloroquine resulted in a cytotoxic effect that was associated with enhanced apoptosis. Use of small interfering RNA to knock down expression of beclin-1, a key protein required for autophagy, also inhibited viable recovery of MM cells. Because the data suggested that autophagy protected MM cell viability, we predicted that autophagy inhibitors would synergize with bortezomib for enhanced antimyeloma effects. However, the combination of these drugs resulted in an antagonistic response. In contrast, the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine did synergize with thapsigargin for an enhanced cytotoxic response. These data suggest that autophagy inhibitors have therapeutic potential in myeloma but caution against combining such drugs with bortezomib. [Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(7):1974–84]