bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effects of a Creative Dance and Movement Program on the Social Competence of Head Start Preschoolers
Authors: Lobo Yovanka B. , Winsler Adam 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe effects of an eight‐week instructional program in creative dance/movement on the social competence of low‐income preschool children were assessed in this study utilizing a scientifically rigorous design. Forty preschool children from a large Head Start program were randomly assigned to participate in either an experimental dance program or an attention control group. Teachers and parents, blind to the children's group membership, rated children's social competence both before and after the program, using English and Spanish versions of the Social Competence Behavior Evaluation: Preschool Edition. The results revealed significantly greater positive gains over time in the children's social competence and both internalizing and externalizing behavior problems for the experimental group compared with the control group. Small‐group creative dance instruction for at‐risk preschoolers appears to be an excellent mechanism for enhancing social competence and improving behavior. The implications for early childhood education and intervention are discussed.
Investigation of the Ability of Haplotype Association and Logistic Regression to Identify Associated Susceptibility Loci
Authors: North B. V. , Sham P. C. , Knight J. , Martin E. R. , Curtis D. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryWhile finely spaced markers are increasingly being used in case‐control association studies in attempts to identify susceptibility loci, not enough is yet known as to the optimal spacing of such markers, their likely power to detect association, the relative merits of single marker versus multimarker analysis, or which methods of analysis may be optimal. Some investigations of these issues have used markers simulated under different theoretical models of population evolution. However the HapMap project and other sources provide real datasets which can be used to obtain a more realistic view of the performance of these approaches.SNPs around APOE and from two HapMap regions were used to obtain information regarding linkage disequilibrium (LD) relationships between polymorphisms, and these real patterns of LD were used to simulate datasets such as would be obtained in case‐control studies were these SNPs to influence susceptibility to disease. The datasets obtained were analysed using tests for heterogeneity of estimated haplotype frequencies and using logistic regression analyses in which only main effects from each marker were considered. All markers surrounding the putative susceptibility locus were analysed, using sets of either 1, 2, 3 or 4 markers at a time.Some markers within 150 kb of the susceptibility locus were able to detect association. At distances less than 100 kb there was no correlation between the distance from the susceptibility locus and the strength of evidence for association. When the average inter‐locus spacing is 25 kb many loci would not be detected, while when the spacing is as low as 2 kb one can be fairly confident that at least one marker will be in strong enough LD with the susceptibility locus to enable association to be detected, if the susceptibility locus has a strong enough effect relative to the sample size. With an inter‐locus spacing of 4 kb some susceptibility loci did not have a marker locus in strong LD, potentially undermining the ability to detect association. There was little difference in the performance of haplotype‐based analysis compared with logistic regression considering effects of each marker as separate. Multimarker analysis on occasion produced results which were much more highly significant than single marker analysis, but only very rarely.Our results support the view that if markers are randomly selected then a spacing as low as 2 kb is desirable. Multimarker analysis can sometimes be more powerful than single marker analysis so both should be performed. However, because it is rare for multimarker analysis to be much more highly significant than single marker analysis one should strongly suspect that when such results occur they may be due to mistakes in genotyping or through some other artefact. Haplotype analysis may be more prone to such problems than logistic regression, suggesting that the latter method might be preferred.
Competing Presynaptic and Postsynaptic Effects of Ethanol on Cerebellar Purkinje Neurons
Authors: Ming Zhen , Criswell Hugh E. , Yu Guozhong , Breese George R. 
Published: July 2006

Background:Ethanol has actions on cerebellar Purkinje neurons that can result either in a net excitation or in inhibition of neuronal activity. The present study examines the interplay of presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms to determine the net effect of ethanol on the neuronal firing rate of cerebellar Purkinje neurons.Methods:Whole‐cell voltage‐clamp recording of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) from Purkinje neurons in cerebellar slices was used to examine the effect of ethanol on presynapticsynaptic release ofγ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate. Extracellular recording was used to examine the net action of both presynaptic and postsynaptic effects of ethanol on the firing rate of Purkinje neurons.Results:Under whole‐cell voltage clamp, the frequency of bicuculline‐sensitive miniature postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) was increased dose‐dependently by 25, 50, and 100 mM ethanol without any change in amplitude or decay time. Despite this evidence of increased release of GABA by ethanol, application of 50 mM ethanol caused an increase in firing in some neurons and a decrease in firing in others with a nonrandom distribution. When both glutamatergic and GABAergic influences were removed by simultaneous application of 6‐cyano‐7‐nitroquinoxaline‐2,3‐dione and picrotoxin, respectively, ethanol caused only an increase in firing rate.Conclusions:These data are consistent with a dual action of ethanol on cerebellar Purkinje neuron activity. Specifically, ethanol acts presynaptically to increase inhibition by release of GABA, while simultaneously acting postsynaptically to increase intrinsic excitatory drive.
Bone tissue formation adjacent to implants placed in fresh extraction sockets: an experimental study in dogs
Authors: Botticelli Daniele , Persson Leif G. , Lindhe Jan , Berglundh Tord 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjective: To study the healing of marginal defects that occurred at implants placed in a healed ridge or in fresh extraction sockets.Material and methods: Six dogs were used. The right side of the mandible was used in the first part of the study. The first, second premolars and first molars were extracted. After 3 months of healing the bone was prepared for implant installation in these premolar and molar sites. The marginal 5 mm of each recipient site was widened with a conical drill. Following implant installation a gap of varying dimension occurred around the titanium rod (artificial defect (A) sites). At this interval the third and fourth premolars were extracted and implants were installed in the distal socket of the two teeth (natural defect (N) sites). The flaps were sutured to allow non‐submerged healing. After 2 months, the procedures were repeated in the left side. Two months later the animals were euthanized, and biopsies were obtained and prepared for histological examination.Results: The length of the zone of de novo‘bone‐to‐implant contact’ in the defect region was longer at the A sites than at the N sites both at the 2‐ and the 4‐month interval. Further, while after 4 months of healing the marginal bone crest at the A sites was located close to the abutment/fixture junction, at the N sites a marked reduction of the height of the bone crest was documented. Hence, most A site defects became completely resolved whereas healing of the N site defects was incomplete.Conclusion: The process of bone modeling and remodeling at an implant placed in a fresh extraction socket differs from the resolution of marginal defects that may occur following implant installation in a healed ridge.
Dissociable Medial Temporal Lobe Contributions to Social Memory
Authors: Somerville Leah H. , Wig Gagan S. , Whalen Paul J. , Kelley William M. 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
Medial temporal lobe structures such as the hippocampus have been shown to play a critical role in mnemonic processes, with additional recruitment of the amygdala when memories contain emotional content. Thus far, studies that have examined the relationship between amygdala activity and memory have typically relied on emotional content of the kind that is rarely encountered in day-to-day interactions. The present event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging study investigates whether amygdala activity supports emotional memory during the more subtle social interactions that punctuate everyday life. Across four training sessions, subjects learned common first names for unfamiliar faces in the presence or absence of additional contextual information that was positive, negative, and neutral in valence (e.g., “Emily helps the homeless,” “Bob is a deadbeat dad,” “Eric likes carrots”). During scanning, subjects performed a yes/no recognition memory test on studied and novel faces. Results revealed a functional dissociation within the medial temporal lobe. Whereas a region within the right hippocampus responded strongly to all faces that had been paired with a description, regardless of its valence, activity in the right amygdala was uniquely sensitive to faces that had been previously associated with emotional descriptions (negative and positive &gt; neutral). This pattern of activity in the amygdala was preserved even when the emotional contexts associated with faces could not be explicitly retrieved, suggesting a role for the amygdala in providing a nonspecific arousal indicator in response to viewing individuals with emotionally colored pasts.
Lefties Get It “Right” When Hearing Tool Sounds
Authors: Lewis James W. , Phinney Raymond E. , Brefczynski-Lewis Julie A. , DeYoe Edgar A. 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
Our ability to manipulate and understand the use of a wide range of tools is a feature that sets humans apart from other animals. In right-handers, we previously reported that hearing hand-manipulated tool sounds preferentially activates a left hemisphere network of motor-related brain regions hypothesized to be related to handedness. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we compared cortical activation in strongly right-handed versus left-handed listeners categorizing tool sounds relative to animal vocalizations. Here we show that tool sounds preferentially evoke activity predominantly in the hemisphere “opposite” the dominant hand, in specific high-level motor-related and multisensory cortical regions, as determined by a separate task involving pantomiming tool-use gestures. This organization presumably reflects the idea that we typically learn the “meaning” of tool sounds in the context of using them with our dominant hand, such that the networks underlying motor imagery or action schemas may be recruited to facilitate recognition.
Impact of Cloud Model Microphysics on Passive Microwave Retrievals of Cloud Properties. Part II: Uncertainty in Rain, Hydrometeor Structure, and Latent Heating Retrievals
Authors: Seo Eun-Kyoung , Biggerstaff Michael I. 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
The impact of model microphysics on the retrieval of cloud properties based on passive microwave observations was examined using a three-dimensional, nonhydrostatic, adaptive-grid cloud model to simulate a mesoscale convective system over ocean. Two microphysical schemes, based on similar bulk two-class liquid and three-class ice parameterizations, were used to simulate storms with differing amounts of supercooled cloud water typical of both the tropical oceanic environment, in which there is little supercooled cloud water, and midlatitude continental environments in which supercooled cloud water is more plentiful. For convective surface-level rain rates, the uncertainty varied between 20% and 60% depending on which combination of passive and active microwave observations was used in the retrieval. The uncertainty in surface rain rate did not depend on the microphysical scheme or the parameter settings except for retrievals over stratiform regions based on 85-GHz brightness temperatures TB alone or 85-GHz TB and radar reflectivity combined. In contrast, systematic differences in the treatment of the production of cloud water, cloud ice, and snow between the parameterization schemes coupled with the low correlation between those properties and the passive microwave TB examined here led to significant differences in the uncertainty in retrievals of those cloud properties and latent heating. The variability in uncertainty of hydrometeor structure and latent heating associated with the different microphysical parameterizations exceeded the inherent variability in TB–cloud property relations. This was true at the finescales of the cloud model as well as at scales consistent with satellite footprints in which the inherent variability in TB–cloud property relations are reduced by area averaging.
Rapid Temporal Changes of Boundary Layer Winds
Authors: Merceret Francis J. 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
The statistical distribution of the magnitude of the vector wind change over 0.25-, 0.5-, 1-, and 2-h periods based on central Florida data from November 1999 through August 2001 is presented. The distributions of the 2-h u and υ wind-component changes are also presented for comparison. The wind changes at altitudes from 500 to 3000 m were measured using the Eastern Range network of five 915-MHz Doppler radar wind profilers. Quality-controlled profiles were produced every 15 min for up to 60 gates, each representing 101 m in altitude over the range from 130 to 6089 m. Five levels, each constituting three consecutive gates, were selected for analysis because of their significance to aerodynamic loads during the space-shuttle-ascent roll maneuver. The distribution of the magnitude of the vector wind change is found to be lognormal, consistent with earlier work in the midtroposphere. The parameters of the distribution vary with time lag, season, and altitude. The component wind changes are symmetrically distributed, with near-zero means, but the kurtosis coefficient is larger than that of a Gaussian distribution.
Evidence of Orographic Precipitation Suppression by Air Pollution–Induced Aerosols in the Western United States
Authors: Rosenfeld Daniel , Givati Amir 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
Analyses of trends of the orographic winter precipitation enhancement factor Ro along the coastal mountain ranges of the west coast of the United States show a pattern of decreasing Ro during the last century by as much as −24% from the southern border to central California, to no decrease in northern California and Oregon, and to a renewed decrease of Ro (−14%) in Washington to the Seattle area east of the Puget Sound. Similar decreases also occurred well inland, over Arizona, New Mexico, Utah (this study), and the east slopes of the Colorado Rockies (already documented prior to this study). Both absolute precipitation amounts and Ro are affected by fluctuations in the atmospheric circulation patterns, such as those associated with the Pacific decadal oscillation and the Southern Oscillation index. However, these climatic fluctuations cannot explain the observed trends in Ro. Although the trends of aerosols are available only since 1988, aerosol measurements from the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) aerosol monitoring network show that negative trends in Ro are associated with elevated concentrations of fine aerosols [particulate matter less than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM 2.5)]. The PM 2.5 showed stability or some increase in the areas where their levels were elevated and decreasing trends of Ro were noted. Strong decreasing trends of the coarse aerosols (PM 10–PM 2.5) were noted, especially in the areas with elevated levels of PM 2.5. The decreasing trend in coarse aerosols (the coarse aerosols may act to initiate and enhance precipitation), in conjunction with the constancy and/or increases of the small aerosols (small aerosols suppress precipitation), can explain the continuing decreases in orographic precipitation during the last two decades despite the indicated improvement in the conventional air quality standards.
Verification of a Mesoscale Data-Assimilation and Forecasting System for the Oklahoma City Area during the Joint Urban 2003 Field Project
Authors: Liu Yubao , Chen Fei , Warner Thomas , Basara Jeffrey 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command have developed a multiscale, rapid-cycling, real-time, four-dimensional data-assimilation and forecasting system that has been in operational use at five Army test ranges since 2001. This system was employed to provide operational modeling support for the Joint Urban 2003 (JU2003) Dispersion Experiment, conducted in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, during July 2003. To better support this mission, modifications were made to the nonlocal boundary layer (BL) parameterization (known as the Medium Range Forecast scheme) of the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–NCAR Mesoscale Model, in order to improve BL forecasts. The NCEP–Oregon State University–Air Force–Hydrologic Research Laboratory land surface model was also improved to better represent urban forcing. Verification of the operational model runs and retrospectively simulated cases show 1) a significantly reduced low bias in the forecast surface wind speed and 2) more realistic daytime BL heights. During JU2003, the forecast urban heat island, urban dry bubble, and urban BL height agree reasonably well with observations and conceptual models. An analysis of three-dimensional atmospheric structures, based on model analyses for eight clear-sky days during the field program, reveals some interesting features of the Oklahoma City urban BL, including complex thermally induced circulations and associated convergence/divergence zones, a nocturnal thermal shadow downwind of the urban area, and the reduction of low-level jet wind speeds by more vigorous nocturnal mixing over the city.
A phase 2 trial of the FLT3 inhibitor lestaurtinib (CEP701) as first-line treatment for older patients with acute myeloid leukemia not considered fit for intensive chemotherapy
Authors: Knapper Steven , Burnett Alan K. , Littlewood Tim , Kell W. Jonathan , Agrawal Sam , Chopra Raj , Clark Richard , Levis Mark J. , Small Donald 
Published: July 2006

AbstractActivating mutations of FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) are present in approximately one third of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and are associated with adverse prognosis. The important role played by FLT3 in the survival and proliferation of blasts, and its overexpression in most patients with AML, make FLT3 an attractive therapeutic target. We undertook a phase 2 trial of the FLT3-selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor lestaurtinib (CEP701) used as monotherapy in untreated older patients with AML not considered fit for intensive chemotherapy, irrespective of FLT3 mutation status. Lestaurtinib was administered orally for 8 weeks, initially at a dose of 60 mg twice daily, escalating to 80 mg twice daily, and was generally well tolerated. Clinical activity, manifest as transient reductions in bone marrow and peripheral-blood blasts or longer periods of transfusion independence, was seen in 3 (60%) of 5 patients with mutated FLT3 and 5 (23%) of 22 evaluable wild-type FLT3 patients. Laboratory data demonstrated that clinical responses occurred where the presence of sustained FLT3-inhibitory drug levels were combined with in vitro cytotoxic sensitivity of blasts to lestaurtinib. Further evaluation of this compound, in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy or other targeted agents, is warranted in both FLT3 mutant and wild-type patients.
Analysis of Nanoarchaeum equitans genome and proteome composition: indications for hyperthermophilic and parasitic adaptation
Authors: Das Sabyasachi , Paul Sandip , Bag Sumit K , Dutta Chitra 
Published: July 2006

Abstract

Background

Nanoarchaeum equitans, the only known hyperthermophilic archaeon exhibiting parasitic life style, has raised some new questions about the evolution of the Archaea and provided a model of choice to study the genome landmarks correlated with thermo-parasitic adaptation. In this context, we have analyzed the genome and proteome composition of N. equitans and compared the same with those of other mesophiles, hyperthermophiles and obligatory host-associated organisms.

Results
Analysis of nucleotide, codon and amino acid usage patterns in N. equitans indicates the presence of distinct selective constraints, probably due to its adaptation to a thermo-parasitic life-style. Among the conspicuous characteristics featuring its hyperthermophilic adaptation are overrepresentation of purine bases in protein coding sequences, higher GC-content in tRNA/rRNA sequences, distinct synonymous codon usage, enhanced usage of aromatic and positively charged residues, and decreased frequencies of polar uncharged residues, as compared to those in mesophilic organisms. Positively charged amino acid residues are relatively abundant in the encoded gene-products of N. equitans and other hyperthermophiles, which is reflected in their isoelectric point distribution. Pairwise comparison of 105 orthologous protein sequences shows a strong bias towards replacement of uncharged polar residues of mesophilic proteins by Lys/Arg, Tyr and some hydrophobic residues in their Nanoarchaeal orthologs. The traits potentially attributable to the symbiotic/parasitic life-style of the organism include the presence of apparently weak translational selection in synonymous codon usage and a marked heterogeneity in membrane-associated proteins, which may be important for N. equitans to interact with the host and hence, may help the organism to adapt to the strictly host-associated life style. Despite being strictly host-dependent, N. equitans follows cost minimization hypothesis.

Conclusion
The present study reveals that the genome and proteome composition of N. equitans are marked with the signatures of dual adaptation – one to high temperature and the other to obligatory parasitism. While the analysis of nucleotide/amino acid preferences in N. equitans offers an insight into the molecular strategies taken by the archaeon for thermo-parasitic adaptation, the comparative study of the compositional characteristics of mesophiles, hyperthermophiles and obligatory host-associated organisms demonstrates the generality of such strategies in the microbial world.