bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Five Italian Occurrences of Umanista, 1540-1574
Authors: Grendler Paul P.
Published: April 2006

Despite the repeated use of the term ‘humanist’ by modern scholars, few references to the term have been located in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Campana has found nine Itahan uses of the term in manuscript and printed sources from 1512 to 1588. In addition he has noted two sixteenth-century French uses, one English reference, and four appearances in the Latin text of the Epistolae ohscurorum virorum. Paul O. Kristeller has located the word in a letter of 1490 by the rector of the University of Pisa, in sixteenth-century university documents of Bologna and Ferrara, in John Florio's Italian-English dictionary of 1598, and in a Spanish document of the late sixteenth or early seventeenth century. Eugenio Garin adds an example from a document of the Studio di Pisa of 1525. This short article will contribute five additional vernacular uses oiumanista in Italy between 1540 and 1574.
Giovanni Mercurio da Correggio's Appearance in Italy as Seen through the Eyes of an Italian Jew*
Authors: Ruderman David B.
Published: April 2006

The literary evidence describing the revelation of the strange Christian prophet Giovanni Mercurio da Correggio in the communities of Italy and France at the end of the fifteenth and the beginning of the sixteenth century has been treated with considerable interest by a number of scholars. W. B. McDaniel was the first to publish the existing evidence on this unusual figure, together with the text of a hermetic plague tract attributed to him with an English translation. These sources portray a divinely inspired prophet, together with his wife, five children, and his disciples, making his way as a mendicant through Italy and France. Mercurio sees as his task the reprobation of all the sins of the Catholic Church and Christian peoples. He is empowered with the magical gift of the Supreme Being to prepare an antidote against the horrendous plague.
Glorious Apollo: Poetic and Political Themes in the First Opera
Authors: Hanning Barbara Russano
Published: April 2006

Historians of early opera have occasionally noted the appropriateness of Orpheus’ appearance as artistic spokesman for the new art form. Poet-singer par excellence of antiquity, whose music shook the very depths of the universe as he retrieved Eurydice from the Underworld, Orpheus surely appealed to the early opera composers and their humanist program—to recreate the moving power of an entirely sung drama by forging a new union of poetry, music, and gesture.

In the history of opera, however, primacy of place must be given to the god Apollo, for the legend of Apollo and Daphne was the subject of the first favola per musica, La Dafne, written by Ottavio Rinuccini, with music composed by Jacopo Corsi and Jacopo Peri, and first performed in 1598 at Corsi's home in Florence.
The History Never Written: Bards, Druids, and the Problem of Antiquarianism in Poly Olbion
Authors: Curran John E.
Published: April 2006

The rise of antiquarianism in late Elizabethan/early Jacobean England posed a threat to the common and traditional notion of continuity through time of British institutions and culture, including the transmission of historical texts. This threat was a major preoccupation for the poet Michael Drayton, and his response to it can be examined in his depictions of bards and druids in Poly Olbion. Conservatives in the historiographical debate put forth these ancient British poet/priests as an explanation for how ancient British history could have been transmitted through the centuries. But while Drayton in the Poly Olbion certainly uses bards and druids in a concerted attempt to imagine continuity, he reveals some latent suspicions of the truth - that ancient British culture was irretrievably lost.
Gastrointestinal endoscopic findings in men with unexplained anemia and low normal ferritin values
Authors: Wang Sa A. , Fadare Oluwole , Nagar Anil , Shafi Nelofar Q. , Rose Michal G.
Published: April 2006

Background: Most practice guidelines recommend endoscopic evaluation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in men and postmenopausal women with anemia and a serum ferritin less than 20–40 ng/ml. The diagnostic yield of endoscopy in patients with anemia, no GI symptoms or signs, and low normal ferritin is not known.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the yield of upper and lower GI endoscopic evaluations in anemic patients with ferritin levels between 40 and 100 ng/ml.

Design: A retrospective review of patients' charts was conducted.

Subjects and methods: Patients at the Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System who underwent GI endoscopic evaluation for the sole indication of anemia and ferritin in the low normal range (40–100 ng/ml) were included in this study.

Measurements: Incidence of pathology of the upper and lower GI tract was determined.

Results: We identified 54 male patients who had a ferritin level of 40–100 ng/ml and no GI symptoms or known GI bleeding. Upper GI findings (malignancy, peptic ulcers, Helicobacter pylori gastritis, arteriovenous malformations) were found in 14/47 cases (30%). Lower gastrointestinal findings, including large tubular adenomas and arteriovenous malformation, were identified in 3/53 cases (6.7%).

Conclusion: Our study supports GI endoscopy in anemic patients with ferritin between 40 and 100 ng/ml, even in the absence of GI symptoms or documented bleeding. Am. J. Hematol. 81:324–327, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Retracted: Notch‐1 down‐regulation by curcumin is associated with the inhibition of cell growth and the induction of apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Wang Zhiwei , Zhang Yuxiang , Banerjee Sanjeev , Li Yiwei , Sarkar Fazlul H.
Published: April 2006

BACKGROUND

Notch signaling plays a critical role in maintaining the balance between cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, and thereby may contribute to the development of pancreatic cancer. Therefore, the down‐regulation of Notch signaling may be a novel approach for pancreatic cancer therapy. It has been reported that curcumin down‐regulates many genes that are known to promote survival and also up‐regulates genes that are known promoters of apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells in vitro. It also has been reported that there is cross‐talk between Notch‐1 and another major cell growth and apoptotic regulatory pathway, the nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) pathway, which is down‐regulated by both curcumin and reduction of Notch‐1 levels. However, to the authors' knowledge to date, no studies have determined whether the down‐regulation of Notch‐1 signaling, resulting in the inactivation of NF‐κB activity, contributes to curcumin‐induced cell growth inhibition and apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells.

METHODS

The authors used multiple molecular approaches, such as the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, an apoptosis assay, gene transfection, real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction analysis, Western blot analysis, and an electrophoretic mobility shift assay to measure the DNA binding activity of NF‐κB.

RESULTS

Curcumin inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells. Notch‐1, Hes‐1, and Bcl‐XL expression levels concomitantly were down‐regulated by curcumin treatment. These results correlated with the inactivation of NF‐κB activity and increased apoptosis induced by curcumin. The down‐regulation of Notch‐1 by small‐interfering RNA prior to curcumin treatment resulted in enhanced cell growth inhibition and apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The current results provide the first demonstration to the authors' knowledge that the Notch‐1 signaling pathway is associated mechanistically with NF‐κB activity during curcumin‐induced cell growth inhibition and apoptosis of pancreatic cells. These results suggest that the down‐regulation of Notch signaling by curcumin may be a novel strategy for the treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Once daily, oral, outpatient quinolone monotherapy for low‐risk cancer patients with fever and neutropenia
Authors: Rolston Kenneth V. I. , Manzullo Ellen F. , Elting Linda S. , Frisbee‐Hume Susan E. , McMahon Leslie , Theriault Richard L. , Patel Shreyaskumar , Benjamin Robert S.
Published: April 2006

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of empiric, oral, outpatient quinolone monotherapy in 40 adult patients with fever and neutropenia who were at low risk for serious medical complications.

METHODS

Patients with breast cancer or sarcoma who presented with fever and neutropenia and were identified as low risk received empiric, oral, quinolone monotherapy (gatifloxacin at a dose of 400 mg once daily). Patients who had a significant source/focus of infection on presentation were excluded. After an initial observation period of 4 to 8 hours in the emergency center, the remainder of their management was ambulatory. Patients were evaluated for response to therapy, development of complications and/or the need for hospital admission, and drug‐related adverse events.

RESULTS

Three of 43 patients studied were ineligible medically because of the presence of Common Toxicity Criteria (version 3.0) Grade >2 mucositis. Of the 40 eligible patients, 38 patients (95%) responded to gatifloxacin monotherapy, although 1 patient requested hospital admission (92% response for ambulatory management). The mean duration of therapy was 7 days, and the median number of days from enrollment to defervescence was 4 days. There were no serious medical complications, no drug‐related adverse events, and no deaths on study or during 30 days of follow‐up.

CONCLUSIONS

The results from this study indicated that outpatient quinolone monotherapy in low‐risk febrile neutropenic patients is safe, effective, and well received. These conclusions need to be validated in a randomized trial. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
(Tetramethylcyclobutadiene)cobalt Complexes with Tricarbollide Ligands (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 9/2006)
Authors: Mutseneck Elena V. , Perekalin Dmitry S. , Holub Josef , Lyssenko Konstantin A. , Petrovskii Pavel V. , Štíbr Bohumil , Kudinov Alexander R.
Published: April 2006

The cover picture shows the isomerization sequence of cobaltatricarbollides (C4Me4)Co(C3B8H11) prepared by using convenient synthons of the (C4Me4)Co fragment. The isomerization is associated with progressive space separation of the negatively charged carbon atoms and correlates well with the calculated relative stabilities of non‐methylated analogs. Introduction of an amino substituent at the cage carbon atom dramatically reduces the rearrangement barrier and changes the pathway of the process. Details are discussed in the article by A. R. Kudinov et al. on p. 1737 ff.
Toward brain correlates of natural behavior: fMRI during violent video games
Authors: Mathiak Klaus , Weber René
Published: April 2006

Modern video games represent highly advanced virtual reality simulations and often contain virtual violence. In a significant amount of young males, playing video games is a quotidian activity, making it an almost natural behavior. Recordings of brain activation with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during gameplay may reflect neuronal correlates of real‐life behavior. We recorded 13 experienced gamers (18–26 years; average 14 hrs/week playing) while playing a violent first‐person shooter game (a violent computer game played in self‐perspective) by means of distortion and dephasing reduced fMRI (3 T; single‐shot triple‐echo echo‐planar imaging [EPI]). Content analysis of the video and sound with 100 ms time resolution achieved relevant behavioral variables. These variables explained significant signal variance across large distributed networks. Occurrence of violent scenes revealed significant neuronal correlates in an event‐related design. Activation of dorsal and deactivation of rostral anterior cingulate and amygdala characterized the mid‐frontal pattern related to virtual violence. Statistics and effect sizes can be considered large at these areas. Optimized imaging strategies allowed for single‐subject and for single‐trial analysis with good image quality at basal brain structures. We propose that virtual environments can be used to study neuronal processes involved in semi‐naturalistic behavior as determined by content analysis. Importantly, the activation pattern reflects brain‐environment interactions rather than stimulus responses as observed in classical experimental designs. We relate our findings to the general discussion on social effects of playing first‐person shooter games. Hum Brain Mapp, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adenovirus-mediated transfer of siRNA against PTTG1 inhibits liver cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Jung Cho-Rok , Yoo Jinsang , Jang Ye Jin , Kim Sangsoo , Chu In-Sun , Yeom Young Il , Choi Jong Young , Im Dong-Soo
Published: April 2006

The pituitary tumor transforming (PTTG) gene family comprises PTTG1, 2, and 3. Forced expression of PTTG1 (securin) induces cellular transformation and promotes tumor development in animal models. PTTG1 is overexpressed in various human cancers. However, the expression and pathogenic implications of the PTTG gene family in hepatocellular carcinoma are largely unknown. Gene silencing using short interfering RNA (siRNA) has become an efficient means to study the functions of genes and has been increasingly used for cancer gene therapy approaches. We report that PTTG1, but not PTTG2 and 3, was highly and frequently expressed in liver cancer tissues from patients and highly in SH-J1, SK-Hep1, and Huh-7 hepatoma cell lines. Adenoviral vector encoding siRNA against PTTG1 (Ad.PTTG1-siRNA) depleted PTTG1 specifically and efficiently in SH-J1 hepatoma cells, which resulted in activation of p53 that led to increased p21 expression and induction of apoptosis. The depletion of PTTG1 in HCT116 colorectal cancer cells exhibited a cytotoxic effect in a p53-dependent manner. Ad.PTTG1-siRNA-mediated cytotoxic effect was dependent on expression levels of PTTG1 and p53 in hepatoma cell lines. Huh-7 hepatoma cells, once transduced with Ad.PTTG1-siRNA, displayed markedly attenuated growth potential in nude mice. Intra-tumor delivery of Ad.PTTG1-siRNA led to significant inhibition of tumor growth in SH-J1 tumor xenograft established in nude mice.

In conclusion

, PTTG1 overexpressed in hepatoma cell lines negatively regulates the ability of p53 to induce apoptosis. PTTG1 gene silencing using siRNA may be an effective modality to treat liver cancer, in which PTTG1 is abundantly expressed.

Supplementary material for this article can be found on the HEPATOLOGY website (

http://interscience.wiley.com/jpages/0270-9139/suppmat/index.html

).

(Hepatology 2006;43:1042–1052.)
Effects of nebulized N G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester in patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome
Authors: Gómez Federico P. , Barberà Joan A. , Roca Josep , Burgos Felip , Gistau Concepción , Rodríguez-Roisin Robert
Published: April 2006

Enhanced pulmonary production of nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS). NO inhibition with

N

G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) in both animals and humans with HPS has improved arterial hypoxemia. We assessed the role of enhanced NO production in the pathobiology of arterial deoxygenation in HPS and the potential therapeutic efficacy of selective pulmonary NO inhibition. We investigated the effects of nebulized L-NAME (162.0 mg) at 30 and 120 minutes on all intrapulmonary and extrapulmonary factors governing pulmonary gas exchange in 10 patients with HPS (60 ± 7 [SD] yr; alveolar–arterial oxygen gradient, range 19–76 mm Hg; arterial oxygen tension, range 37–89 mm Hg). Nebulized L-NAME maximally decreased exhaled NO (by −55%;

P

< .001), mixed venous nitrite/nitrate (by −12%;

P

= .02), and cardiac output (by −11%;

P

= .002) while increased systemic vascular resistance (by 11%;

P

= .008) and pulmonary vascular resistance (by 25%;

P

= .03). In contrast, ventilation-perfusion mismatching, intrapulmonary shunt and, in turn, arterial deoxygenation remained unchanged.

In conclusion

, gas exchange disturbances in HPS may be related to pulmonary vascular remodeling rather than to an ongoing vasodilator effect of enhanced NO production. (Hepatology 2006;43:1084–1091.)
Expression of rat renal cortical OAT1 and OAT3 in response to acute biliary obstruction
Authors: Brandoni Anabel , Villar Silvina R. , Picena Juan C. , Anzai Naohiko , Endou Hitoshi , Torres Adriana M.
Published: April 2006

Renal function in the course of obstructive jaundice has been the subject of great interest; however, little is known about the expression of renal organic anion transporters. The objective of this work was to study, in rats with acute extrahepatic cholestasis, the cortical renal expression of the organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1) and the organic anion transporter 3 (OAT3), in association with the pharmacokinetics and renal excretion of furosemide (FS). Male Wistar rats underwent bile duct ligation (BDL rats). Pair-fed sham-operated rats served as controls. All studies were carried out 21 hours after surgery. Rats were anesthetized and the pharmacokinetic parameters of FS and the renal elimination of FS were determined. Afterwards, the kidneys were excised and processed for immunoblot (basolateral membrane and renal homogenates) or immunocytochemical (light microscopic and confocal immunofluorescence microscopic analysis) techniques. The systemic and renal clearance of FS as well as the excreted and secreted load of FS increased in BDL rats. In kidneys from BDL rats, immunoblotting showed a significant increase in the abundance of both OAT1 and OAT3 in homogenates from renal cortex. In basolateral membranes from kidney cortex of BDL rats, OAT1 abundance was also increased and OAT3 abundance was not modified. Immunocytochemical techniques confirmed these results.

In conclusion

, acute obstructive jaundice is associated with an upregulation of OAT1 and OAT3, which might explain, at least in part, the increased systemic and renal elimination of FS. (Hepatology 2006;43:1092–1100.)
Mrp4−/− mice have an impaired cytoprotective response in obstructive cholestasis
Authors: Mennone Albert , Soroka Carol J. , Cai Shi-Ying , Harry Kathy , Adachi Masashi , Hagey Lee , Schuetz John D. , Boyer James L.
Published: April 2006

Mrp4 is a member of the multidrug resistance–associated gene family that is expressed on the basolateral membrane of hepatocytes and undergoes adaptive upregulation in response to cholestatic injury or bile acid feeding. However, the relative importance of Mrp4 in a protective adaptive response to cholestatic injury is not known. To address this issue, common bile duct ligation (CBDL) was performed in wild-type and Mrp4−/− mice and animals followed for 7 days. Histological analysis and serum aminotransferase levels revealed more severe liver injury in the absence of Mrp4 expression. Western analyses revealed that Mrp4, but not Mrp3, was significantly increased after CBDL in wild-type mice. Serum bile acid levels were significantly lower in Mrp4−/− mice than in wild-type CBDL mice, whereas serum bilirubin levels were the same, suggesting that Mrp4 was required to effectively extrude bile acids from the cholestatic liver. Mrp3 and Ostα-Ostβ were upregulated in Mrp4−/− mice but were unable to compensate for the loss of Mrp4. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis on liver extracts revealed that taurine tetrahydroxy bile acid/beta-muricholic acid ratios were increased twofold in Mrp4−/− mice.

In conclusion

, hepatic Mrp4 plays a unique and essential protective role in the adaptive response to obstructive cholestatic liver injury. (Hepatology 2006;43:1013–1021.)
Hepatitis C databases, principles and utility to researchers
Authors: Kuiken Carla , Mizokami Masashi , Deleage Gilbert , Yusim Karina , Penin Francois , Shin-I Tadasu , Charavay Céline , Tao Ning , Crisan Daniel , Grando Delphine , Dalwani Anita , Geourjon Christophe , Agrawal Ashish , Combet Christophe
Published: April 2006

Part of the effort to develop hepatitis C–specific drugs and vaccines is the study of genetic variability of all publicly available HCV sequences. Three HCV databases are currently available to aid this effort and to provide additional insight into the basic biology, immunology, and evolution of the virus. The Japanese HCV database (
http://s2as02.genes.nig.ac.jp
) gives access to a genomic mapping of sequences as well as their phylogenetic relationships. The European HCV database (
http://euhcvdb.ibcp.fr
) offers access to a computer-annotated set of sequences and molecular models of HCV proteins and focuses on protein sequence, structure and function analysis. The HCV database at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in the United States (
http://hcv.lanl.gov
) provides access to a manually annotated sequence database and a database of immunological epitopes which contains concise descriptions of experimental results. In this paper, we briefly describe each of these databases and their associated websites and tools, and give some examples of their use in furthering HCV research. (Hepatology 2006;43:1157–1165.)
Genomic response to interferon-α in chimpanzees: Implications of rapid downregulation for hepatitis C kinetics
Authors: Lanford Robert E. , Guerra Bernadette , Lee Helen , Chavez Deborah , Brasky Kathleen M. , Bigger Catherine B.
Published: April 2006

The mechanism of the interferon-alpha (IFN-α)-induced antiviral response during hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy is not completely understood. In this study, we examined the transcriptional response to IFN-α in uninfected chimpanzees after single doses of chimpanzee, human, or human-pegylated IFN-α. Liver and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples were used for total genome microarray analysis. Most induced genes achieved maximal response within 4 hours, began to decline by 8 hours, and were at baseline levels by 24 hours post-inoculation, a time when high levels of circulating pegylated IFN-α were still present. The rapid downregulation of the IFN-α response may be involved in the transition between the observed phase I and phase II viral kinetics during IFN-α therapy in HCV-infected patients. The response to all three forms of IFN-α was similar; thus, the reasons for previous failures in antiviral treatment of chimpanzees with human IFN-α were not due to species specificity of IFN-α. The response to IFN-α was partially tissue-specific. A total of 1,778 genes were altered in expression by twofold or more by IFN-α, with 538 and 950 being unique to the liver or PBMC, respectively. Analysis of the IFN-α and IFN-γ responses in primary chimpanzee and human hepatocytes were compared as well. IFN-α and IFN-γ induced partially overlapping sets of genes in hepatocytes.

In conclusion

, the response to IFN-α is largely tissue-specific, and the response is rapidly downregulated

in vivo,

which may have a significant influence on the kinetics of antiviral response.

Supplementary material for this article can be found on the HEPATOLOGY website (

http://interscience.wiley.com/jpages/0270-9139/suppmat/index.html

).

(Hepatology 2006;43:961–972.)
Determination of strength and deformation behavior of human cartilage for the definition of significant parameters
Authors: Grellmann W. , Berghaus A. , Haberland E.‐J. , Jamali Y. , Holweg K. , Reincke K. , Bierögel C.
Published: April 2006

In reconstructive surgery, an artificial supporting scaffold made from autogenous cartilage from the rib, the ear concha, or the nasal septum is used as a substitute for the destroyed endogenous tissue in the ear concha, the nose, the trachea, and in parts of the facial skeleton. For the successful use of polymer materials in reconstructive surgery, an exact knowledge of the material properties of the natural tissues is required. The applicability of conventional material test methods was examined with regard to the suitability of the test methodology. Materials properties are to be assessed for different specimen sizes and geometries. Human cartilage specimens from the septum, rib, and ear were subsected to the following test methods: (1) tension, (2) bending, (3) compression, and (4) micro‐hardness measuring. Specimen geometry was evaluated for each experimental method by taking into account the dimensions of samples used in plastics testing as well as the appropriate model of miniaturization. Elastic properties determined using test methods (1), (2), and (3) are Et‐sep = (7.2 ± 3.4) MPa, Ef‐rib = (8.8 ± 2.9) MPa, and Ec‐rib = (103 ± 30) MPa. The micro‐hardness values hpl fluctuate for septum from 1 to 4 N/mm2 and for the rib from 0.5 to 1.3 N/mm2. The experiments have shown that, beside the sex‐ and age‐specific values recorded, the standard values and their variation are particularly influenced by preparation technique and by the conditions of storage. As a result of these first investigations, characteristic values for strength and deformation were determined under quasistatic and dynamic load conditions. The aim of this study was not the determination of statistically firmed properties, but the examination of the applicability of mechanical test methods of the polymer testing for these materials. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Does seeding density affect in vitro mineral nodules formation in novel composite scaffolds?
Authors: Zhou Y.F. , Sae‐Lim V. , Chou A.M. , Hutmacher D.W. , Lim T.M.
Published: April 2006

This study investigated the human alveolar osteoblasts (AOs) proliferation and extracellular matrix formation at seeding density of 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 million (M) per 3 × 4 × 4 mm3 on medical grade polycaprolactone‐tricalcium phosphate (mPCL‐TCP) scaffolds designed for bone regeneration. Over 80–90% of the initial seeded cells were retained in the scaffolds after 24 h. AOs bridged over pores at density of 0.2M/scaffold and below, but formed cell balls at density of 0.4M/scaffold and above. At seeding density of 0.2M and below, cell proliferation increased with time having DNA content peaked to 1600 ng/scaffold at day 21 and 28, respectively, whereas at 0.4 and 0.8M, the corresponding DNA content decreased to 1600 ng in 28 days. At day 7, higher alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and higher osteocalcin (OCN) secretion were detected at 0.2M/scaffold and below. After 28 days, multilayered cell‐sheet formation and collagen fibers were observed at all densities. ALP and OCN in matrix and mineral nodules were found mainly at the border of AOs‐scaffold construct. These findings demonstrated that the density of 0.2M and below per 3 × 4 × 4 mm3 scaffold resulted in better cell proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis, potentially resulting in better mineralized tissue formation. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Half‐numerical evaluation of pseudopotential integrals
Authors: Flores‐Moreno Roberto , Alvarez‐Mendez Rodrigo J. , Vela Alberto , Köster Andreas M.
Published: April 2006

A half‐numeric algorithm for the evaluation of effective core potential integrals over Cartesian Gaussian functions is described. Local and semilocal integrals are separated into two‐dimensional angular and one‐dimensional radial integrals. The angular integrals are evaluated analytically using a general approach that has no limitation for the l‐quantum number. The radial integrals are calculated by an adaptive one‐dimensional numerical quadrature. For the semilocal radial part a pretabulation scheme is used. This pretabulation simplifies the handling of radial integrals, makes their calculation much faster, and allows their easy reuse for different integrals within a given shell combination. The implementation of this new algorithm is described and its performance is analyzed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 27: 1009–1019, 2006
Decreased bacterial clearance from the lungs of mice following primary respiratory syncytial virus infection
Authors: Stark James M. , Stark Marilyn A. , Colasurdo Giuseppe N. , LeVine Ann Marie
Published: April 2006

Virus respiratory infections often precede bacterial pneumonia in healthy individuals. In order to determine the potential role of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in bacterial secondary infections, a mouse sequential pulmonary infection model was developed. Mice were exposed to RSV then challenged with Streptococcus pneumoniae (StPn). Exposure of BALB/c mice to 106–107 plaque forming units (pfu) of virus of RSV significantly decreased StPn clearance 1–7 days following RSV exposure. This finding was not restricted to StPn alone: exposure to RSV followed by Staphylococcus aureus (SA) or Pseudomonas aeruginosa(PA) resulted in similar decreases in bacterial clearance. Both bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cell counts and pulmonary histopathology demonstrated that RSV‐StPn exposed mice had increased lung cellular inflammation compared to mice receiving StPn or RSV alone. The effect of RSV infection on bacterial clearance was dependent on the mouse genetic background: C57BL/6J mice (relatively resistant to RSV infection) demonstrated a modest change in StPn clearance following RSV exposure, whereas FVBN/J mice (similar to the BALB/cJ mice in RSV susceptibility) demonstrated a similar degree of RSV‐associated decrease in StPn clearance 7 days following RSV exposure. Neutrophils from the RSV‐StPn sequentially exposed BALB/cJ mice were functionally altered‐produced greater levels of peroxide production but less myeloperoxidase (MPO) compared to mice receiving StPn alone. These data demonstrate that RSV infection decreases bacterial clearance, potentially predisposing to secondary bacterial pneumonia despite increased lung cellular inflammation, and suggest that functional changes occur in the recruited neutrophils that may contribute to the decreased bacterial clearance. J. Med. Virol. 78:829–838, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of seven meteorological indices for drought monitoring in Iran
Authors: Morid Saeid , Smakhtin Vladimir , Moghaddasi Mahnosh
Published: April 2006

Drought monitoring is an essential component of drought risk management. It is normally performed using various drought indices that are effectively continuous functions of rainfall and other hydrometeorological variables. A number of drought indices have been introduced and applied in different countries to date. This paper compares the performance of seven indices for drought monitoring in the Tehran province of Iran. The indices used include deciles index (DI), percent of normal (PN), standard precipitation index (SPI), China‐Z index (CZI), modified CZI (MCZI), Z‐Score and effective drought index (EDI). The comparison of indices is based on drought cases and classes that were detected in the province over the 32 years of data, as well as over the latest 1998–2001 drought spell. The results show that SPI, CZI and Z‐Score perform similarly with regard to drought identification and respond slowly to drought onset. DI appears to be very responsive to rainfall events of a particular year, but it has inconsistent spatial and temporal variation. The SPI and EDI were found to be able to detect the onset of drought, its spatial and temporal variation consistently, and it may be recommended for operational drought monitoring in the Province. However, the EDI was found to be more responsive to the emerging drought and performed better. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society
A meta‐analysis of the neurocognitive sequelae of treatment for childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Campbell Laura K. , Scaduto Mary , Sharp William , Dufton Lynette , Van Slyke Deborah , Whitlock James A. , Compas Bruce
Published: April 2006

Background

Impaired neurocognitive functioning is one increasingly recognized long‐term consequence of childhood ALL treatment. However, research findings have been inconsistent regarding the domains affected and the degree to which they are compromised.

Procedure

A comprehensive meta‐analytic review of the long‐term neurocognitive effects of childhood ALL was conducted. Studies were included if they were published in English, reported original quantitative data on the post‐treatment neurocognitive functioning of childhood ALL patients in first remission and control groups, and used neurocognitive measures with adequate psychometric properties and published normative data.

Results

Data from 28 empirical studies yielding 13 effect sizes across nine domains were extracted and analyzed. All effects were negative (g = −0.34 to −0.71), demonstrating that ALL survivors consistently experienced significant deficits in intellectual functioning, academic achievement, and specific neurocognitive abilities compared to control groups. The role of potential moderators, including treatment with cranial irradiation, age at time of diagnosis, and time since treatment ended, was examined. However, no effects emerged as clearly and consistently moderated by these variables.

Conclusions

The results from this meta‐analysis suggest that declines in both global and specific areas of areas of neurocognitive functioning occur as a result of contemporary ALL treatment. Such deficits have significant implications for survivors' academic achievement and overall quality of life. Neurocognitive assessment plays a critical role in determining what remedial or specialized instruction is needed in childhood ALL survivors and should be included as a standard part of long‐term follow‐up care. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:65–73. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation with reduced intensity conditioning for chronic granulomatous disease complicated by invasive Aspergillus infection
Authors: Sastry Jairam , Kakakios Alyson , Tugwell Heidi , Shaw Peter J.
Published: April 2006

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare disorder characterized by recurrent infections, often resulting in impaired quality of life and death. Allogeneic BMT provides a definitive cure for CGD, but carries a significant risk of mortality and morbidity. The risk is higher for those who have invasive fungal infection prior to transplant. Reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) is associated with less toxicity from the conditioning agents and may provide an alternative option for all non‐malignant diseases. We report a case of successful allogeneic BMT after RIC for a case of X‐linked CGD complicated by severe invasive aspergillosis (IA). Pediatr Blood Cancer 2006;47:327–329. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of health‐related quality of life of adolescent cancer patients using the Minneapolis‐Manchester Quality of Life Adolescent Questionnaire
Authors: Wu Eric , Robison Leslie L. , Jenney Meriel E.M. , Rockwood Todd H. , Feusner James , Friedman Debra , Kane Robert L. , Bhatia Smita
Published: April 2006

Background

Improved survival after childhood cancer has shifted the focus to health‐related quality of life (HRQL)—an understudied problem, especially among adolescents.

Procedure

We assessed HRQL among adolescents utilizing a validated self‐report tool, the Minneapolis‐Manchester Quality of Life (MMQL) Adolescent Form, consisting of 46 items comprising seven domains: physical, cognitive, psychological and social functioning, body image, intimate relations, and outlook on life, and computed an overall QoL score. The MMQL Adolescent Form was administered to 226 adolescent survivors of childhood cancer a median of 7.8 years from diagnosis (off therapy—median age: 16.2 years), 136 adolescent cancer patients undergoing therapy (on therapy—median age: 16.4 years), and 134 healthy adolescents (controls—median age: 15.5 years). Primary diagnoses included leukemia (46%), lymphoma (26%), brain tumors (5%), and other solid tumors (23%).

Results

Compared to healthy controls, on‐therapy patients were at increased risk for reporting poor overall QoL [Odds Ratio (OR) = 3.3, P = 0.002)] and poor physical functioning (OR = 11.8, P < 0.001). Off‐therapy survivors did not differ significantly from healthy controls for overall QoL (OR = 1.6, P = 0.5) or any HRQL domains. Female patients, both on‐ and off‐therapy, were more likely to report poorer overall QoL, physical, psychological and cognitive functioning as well as poorer body image when compared with male patients.

Conclusions

While adolescent cancer patients undergoing active therapy report poor physical functioning, there is no evidence of long‐term QoL sequelae. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;48:678–686. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sorption and swelling of semicrystalline polymers in supercritical CO2
Authors: Bonavoglia Barbara , Storti Giuseppe , Morbidelli Massimo , Rajendran Arvind , Mazzotti Marco
Published: April 2006

The equilibrium sorption and swelling behavior of four different polymers—poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(tetrafluoroethylene), poly(vinylidene fluoride), and the random copolymer tetrafluoroethylene–perfluoromethylvinylether–in supercritical CO2—are studied at different temperatures (from 40 to 80 °C) and pressures (up to 200 bar). Swelling is measured by visualization, and sorption through a gravimetric technique. From these data, the behavior of amorphous and semicrystalline polymers can be compared, particularly in terms of partial molar volume of CO2 in the polymer matrix. Both poly(methyl methacrylate) and the copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene exhibit a behavior typical of rubbery systems. On the contrary, polymers with a considerable degree of crystallinity, such as poly(tetrafluoroethylene) and poly (vinylidene fluoride), show larger values of partial molar volume. These can be related to the limited mobility of the polymer chains in a semicrystalline matrix, which causes the structure to “freeze” during the sorption process into a nonequilibrium state that can differ significantly from the actual thermodynamic equilibrium. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 1531–1546, 2006
MRI‐guided gene therapy
Authors: Yang Xiaoming , Atalar Ergin
Published: April 2006

MRI has the ability to generate high‐contrast and high‐resolution images, to obtain multiple diagnostic evaluations of organ function and morphology, and to provide multiple image planes with no risk of ionizing radiation. Recent efforts have focused on using MR technology to monitor gene delivery, to enhance gene transfection/transduction, and to track gene expression. This review summarizes the current status of MRI‐guided gene therapy.
The effect of base bleed on vortex shedding and base pressure in compressible flow
Authors: Motallebi F. , Norbury J. F.
Published: April 2006

Experiments have been carried out to investigate the phenomenon of vortex shedding from the blunt trailing edge of an aerodynamic body in transonic and supersonic flow. The effect of a discharge of bleed air from a slot in the trailing edge has been included and the relationship between the vortex formation and base pressure has been considered.

In transonic flow a small amount of bleed air was found to produce a rearward shift in the point of origin of the vortices with a consequent substantial increase in base pressure. The effect was less marked in supersonic flow. At higher rates of bleed two different regimes of vortex shedding were identified and increase in bleed rate caused a reduction in base pressure. For bleed rates giving near-maximum base pressure no vortex shedding occurred.
Stability analysis of the Ortloff-Ives equation
Authors: Lee T. S.
Published: April 2006

The unstable conclusion drawn by Ortloff & Ives of the cylinder motion in a viscous stream is shown to be incorrect. Furthermore, a region of stable solution is derived in the parameter space defined by the normal and tangential drag coefficients.
Wave-current interactions: an experimental and numerical study. Part 1. Linear waves
Authors: Thomas G. P.
Published: April 2006

The interaction between a regular wavetrain and an adverse current containing an arbitrary distribution of vorticity, in two dimensions, is studied using a linear theory. The model is used to predict the wavelength and the particle velocities under the waves and these are found to agree well with experimentally obtained data for a number of current profiles. Surprisingly accurate predictions, for the profiles considered, were also obtained from an irrotational wave–current model in which the constant current has a value equal to the depth-averaged mean of the measured current profile. The changes in the wave amplitude as the current magnitude increases are predicted using an irrotational slowly varying model with good agreement being found between theory and experiment.
A fluid film squeezed between two parallel plane surfaces
Authors: Hamza E. A. , Macdonald D. A.
Published: April 2006

We study the motion which results when a fluid film is squeezed between two parallel plane surfaces in relative motion. Particular attention is given to the special case where one surface is fixed and the other is rapidly accelerated from a state of rest to a state of uniform motion. The analysis is based in part on linear theory and in substance on a finite-difference analysis of the full nonlinear equations of motion.
A note on ‘Lifting three-dimensional wings in transonic flow’ by M. S. Cramer
Authors: Cramer M. S.
Published: April 2006

The purpose of this note is to clarify the discrepancy between the results of Cramer (1979), Barnwell (1975) and Cheng & Hafez (1975). These authors have all derived the boundary-value problem governing the flow far from a three-dimensional lifting wing in transonic flow. The results of both Cramer and Barnwell will provide the lowest-order solution in the far field. The results of Cheng & Hafez are not only accurate to lowest order but to first order as well. That is, the theory of Cheng & Hafez is an order-of-magnitude more accurate than those of Barnwell and Cramer. This is the reason for the discrepancy between the boundary condition derived by Cheng & Hafez and that of Cramer and Barnwell. Because Cheng & Hafez correctly derive the first-order results, the lowest-order theories of Cramer or Barnwell cannot correct those of Cheng & Hafez. It should be recognized that the main contribution of Cramer's work was to clarify the structure of the problem and to simplify the analysis rather than correct the basic results.
Evolution and breakdown of a vortex street in two dimensions
Authors: Aref Hassan , Siggia Eric D.
Published: April 2006

The initial-value problem defined by two parallel vortex sheets of opposite sign is studied. Strictly two-dimensional, incompressible, nearly inviscid dynamics is assumed throughout. The roll-up of the sheets into a vortex street is simulated numerically using 4096 point vortices. Much longer runs than in previous work are performed, and it is found that only for a finite range of values of the ratio,h/λ, of sheet separation to perturbation wavelength, does a long-lived vortex street emerge. Forh/λ [gsim ] 0·6 a pairing transition within each row intervenes. Forh/λ [lsim ] 0·3 we find oscillatory modes.

Using up to 16384 point vortices, we also study the breakdown of the metastable street to a two-dimensional, turbulent shear flow. The vortex blobs that made up the street may merge with others of the same sign after the breakdown, but otherwise persist throughout the turbulent regime. Neither their disintegration nor amalgamation with vortices of opposite sign was observed. Using dimensional arguments we derive the relevant scaling theory, and show that it applies to a flow started from two random vortex sheets. The resulting turbulence is not self-similar. For the turbulent flow that follows from the breakdown of a regular vortex street two length scales with different power-law growth in time appear to be necessary. The important differences in the asymptotic structure of flows initialized from random and regular sheets leads us to question the idea of universality. The influence of the symmetry of the initial perturbation on the subsequent development is also considered.
Convection in an imposed magnetic field. Part 1. The development of nonlinear convection
Authors: Weiss N. O.
Published: April 2006

Nonlinear two-dimensional magnetoconvection in a Boussinesq fluid has been studied in a series of numerical experiments with values of the Chandrasekhar number Q ≤ 4000 and the ratio ζ of the magnetic to the thermal diffusivity in the range 1 ≥ ζ ≥ 0·025. If the imposed field is strong enough, convection sets in as overstable oscillations which give way to steady convection as the Rayleigh number R is increased. In the dynamical regime that follows, magnetic flux is concentrated into sheets at the sides of the cells, from which the motion is excluded.
Layered double-diffusive convection in porous media
Authors: Griffiths R. W.
Published: April 2006

In this paper it is shown that layered double-diffusive convection of a fluid within a porous medium is possible. A thin ‘diffusive’ interface was observed in a Hele Shaw cell and in a laboratory porous medium, with salt and sugar or heat and salt as the diffusing components. Heat–salt and salt–sugar fluxes through two-layer convection systems were measured and are compared with predictions of a model. For the thermohaline system the salt and heat buoyancy fluxes are approximately in the ratio r ≃ ετm½, where ε is the porosity and Tm is the appropriate ratio of diffusivities. The behaviour of the heat flux is explained in terms of a coupling between purely thermal convection within each convecting layer and diffusion through the density interface. Salinity gradients are important only within the interface. The presence of a ‘diffusive’ interface in the Wairakei geothermal system is postulated. The ratio of heat and salt fluxes (that can be estimated from existing observations) through this convection system is consistent with the laboratory flux ratio.
The vortex-shedding process behind two-dimensional bluff bodies
Authors: Perry A. E. , Chong M. S. , Lim T. T.
Published: April 2006

Using a variety of flow-visualization techniques, the flow behind a circular cylinder has been studied. The results obtained have provided a new insight into the vortex-shedding process. Using time-exposure photography of the motion of aluminium particles, a sequence of instantaneous streamline patterns of the flow behind a cylinder has been obtained. These streamline patterns show that during the starting flow the cavity behind the cylinder is closed. However, once the vortex-shedding process begins, this so-called ‘closed’ cavity becomes open, and instantaneous ‘alleyways’ of fluid are formed which penetrate the cavity. In addition, dye experiments also show how layers of dye and hence vorticity are convected into the cavity behind the cylinder, and how they are eventually squeezed out.