bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The development of speech-in-noise perception in Hebrew-speaking school-age children
Authors: Kedmy Michal , Topper Topaz , Cohen-Mimran Ravit , Banai Karen
Published: July 2013

Background: Several studies suggest that auditory perception in general and the perception of speech in noise in particular continue to develop until late childhood or early adolescence. It remains unclear, however, whether this prolonged development results from the maturation of the cognitive factors associated with the performance of auditory tasks or from the slow development of auditory sensory processing.

Methods: We investigated the perception of monosyllabic words embedded in white noise in Hebrew-speaking school-age children and adults.

Results: Although identification thresholds did not become adult-like until 11 years of age, we found no evidence linking this prolonged development to non-sensory factors associated with performance consistency.

Conclusions: Therefore, we suggest that similar to the development of amplitude and frequency modulation detection thresholds, this protracted development is related to the maturation of auditory sensory processing.
Delayed diagnosis of Sheehan's syndrome in a developed country: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ramiandrasoa Cynthia , Castinetti Frédéric , Raingeard Isabelle , Fenichel Patrick , Chabre Olivier , Brue Thierry , Courbière Blandine
Published: July 2013

Background

Little is known about Sheehan's syndrome (SS), even though it is believed that its incidence is low. The aims of this study were to determine the clinical features and diagnostic delay of SS and to ascertain whether early signs could have allowed earlier diagnosis.

Subjects and methods

All patients with SS diagnosed in reference units in the southeast of France between 1980 and 2011 were recruited for this study. Data on obstetrical history, clinical symptoms suggestive of hypopituitarism, early signs, hormone analysis, and magnetic resonance imaging were collected.

Results

Of the 40 women found to have SS, 39 were studied. Mean delay in the diagnosis of SS was 9±9.7 years. We found that four of the 35 assessable patients were diagnosed with agalactia, 16 of the 29 assessable ones with amenorrhea, 19 of the 39 with hypothyroidism, eight with acute adrenal insufficiency, and 15 with asthenia. Among the patients for whom there was a diagnostic delay of more than 1 year (n=28), seven had headaches during the postpartum period, all assessable patients had agalactia, six of the 22 assessable ones had amenorrhea, seven of 28 had hypothyroidism, and 12 of 28 had asthenia.

Conclusion

Most signs of SS are aspecific and classical signs such as agalactia and amenorrhea are often difficult to detect, which can explain the long diagnostic delay. We suggest that all women failing to lactate after postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) should be evaluated by measuring prolactin levels and women with signs such as amenorrhea and asthenia, even several years after PPH, should undergo a blood test including assessment of thyroxine, TSH, 0800 h ACTH–cortisol, and IGF1 levels.
Does des-acyl ghrelin improve glycemic control in obese diabetic subjects by decreasing acylated ghrelin levels?
Authors: Özcan Behiye , Neggers Sebastian J C M M , Miller Anne Reifel , Yang Hsiu-Chiung , Lucaites Virginia , Abribat Thierry , Allas Soraya , Huisman Martin , Visser Jenny A , Themmen Axel P N , Sijbrands Eric J G , Delhanty Patric J D , van der Lely Aart Jan
Published: July 2013

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of a continuous overnight infusion of des-acyl ghrelin (DAG) on acylated ghrelin (AG) levels and glucose and insulin responses to a standard breakfast meal (SBM) in eight overweight patients with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, in the same patients and two additional subjects, the effects of DAG infusion on AG concentrations and insulin sensitivity during a hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic clamp (HEC) were assessed.

Research design and methods

A double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study design was implemented, using overnight continuous infusions of 3 and 10 μg DAG/kg per h and placebo to study the effects on a SBM. During a HEC, we studied the insulin sensitivity.

Results

We observed that, compared with placebo, overnight DAG administration significantly decreased postprandial glucose levels, both during continuous glucose monitoring and at peak serum glucose levels. The degree of improvement in glycemia was correlated with baseline plasma AG concentrations. Concurrently, DAG infusion significantly decreased fasting and postprandial AG levels. During the HEC, 2.5 h of DAG infusion markedly decreased AG levels, and the M-index, a measure of insulin sensitivity, was significantly improved in the six subjects in whom we were able to attain steady-state euglycemia. DAG administration was not accompanied by many side effects when compared with placebo.

Conclusions

DAG administration improves glycemic control in obese subjects with type 2 diabetes through the suppression of AG levels. DAG is a good candidate for the development of compounds in the treatment of metabolic disorders or other conditions with a disturbed AG:DAG ratio, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus or Prader–Willi syndrome.
Arnold van gennep (1873–1957) and the virtual boarder area where the souls of unchristened deceased children stay
Authors: Prosser-Schell Michael
Published: July 2013

The article commemorates a certain scientific conception of “Folklore” which was presented by Arnold Van Gennep in the early years of the 20th century and which is widely unknown nowadays. Further, the issue is dealing with some points of Van Gennep’s narrative research i.e. the religious legends. The article discusses a particular and eminent problem in researching “rites of passage,” the problem of stillborn children, who could not be baptized and therefore could not be buried by a church ceremony either. There are and were very different and controversial definitions on the liminal space where these children’s souls may dwell, which can be localised neither in heaven nor in hell.
Typological classifications of Greek dance forms according to the type of choros “sta tria”: A non-parametric and non-linear canonical correlation analysis of 122 Greek folk dances
Authors: Dania Aspasia , Vagenas George , Tyrovola Vasiliki
Published: July 2013

In the study and teaching of folk dance the determination of the syntactical rules that shape the interdependence between the structural elements of dance and music remains a major topic of interscientific interest. Therefore, the aim of the present research was the multivariate categorical analysis of Greek folk dances according to their resemblance in structure and form to the type of a widespread Greek folk dance “choros sta tria.” The multivariate analysis was conducted on the qualitative findings of Tyrovola’s study (1994) which with the use of the structural-morphological method for the analysis of dance: a) documented the structural type of “choros sta tria,” b) showed its homogeneity with 132 Greek folk dances and c) proposed four taxonomic categories of dance form for their classification. 122 dances of Tyrovola’s research were used in the present study and were categorized according to two independent variables (factors): a) category of dance form (identical, heteromorphic, varied, and remodeled-related dance forms), and b) geographic area (terrestrial and insular areas of the country). Nine distinct and variant properties of the dance form of “choros sta tria” were used as dependent variables: music meter, tempo, dynamics, dance handhold, dance formation, number and kind of kinetic elements of the 2nd part of the semifinal and final kinetic dance motifs, model of dance form. The correlational structure of the nine dance properties and the two factors were tested by a series of chi square (χ2) analyses (nonparametric univariate approach) and non-linear canonical correlation analyses (multivariate approach). The results of these analyses indicated that there is a significant difference between the terrestrial and insular distribution of Greek dances across the four levels of dance form. The geographical differentiation of the dances in terrestrial or insular was mainly based on the properties of metro, tempo, dynamics, and dance formation, while the morphological differentiation in identical, heteromorphic, varied, remodeled-related dance forms was based on the interaction between the elements of their rhythmical organization and the variations of their basic structural type. The application of these statistical methods of analysis in the study of structure and style of Greek folk dances proved to be very efficient in unveiling critical aspects of their multivariate domain. The morphological method of dance analysis combined with statistical methods may enhance research in this area, enriching thus already documented findings regarding the substantial dimensions of this multifactorial phenomenon.
The liquidation of traditional peasant society in hungary 1948–1961
Authors: Kovács József
Published: July 2013

One of the most comprehensive social operations in the process of Sovietisation was the liquidation of traditional peasant society. The individual peasant farms, the organisations and church communities of rural society represented a political counter-base in the path of the communist programme. The land and the people could only be collectivised through the use of terror. The “collective farms” created in the first wave of collectivisation were a failure for the programme of Sovietisation. Contrary to the results of many other historical researchers, in his extensive research in all county archives the author found that the sweeping campaign for full collectivisation carried out between 1958 and 1961 used mass violence. The effects of the traumatisation that occurred in those days, the emptying of rural social spaces are still felt today.
Caring for t[]e inheritance: Elderly care, inheritance rights, and subjective tension in a village from Northern Dobruja
Authors: Popa Mihai
Published: July 2013

In this paper I show how inheritance is exchanged for old age care in a village from Northern Dobruja, Romania. The elderly have to insure their old age care while managing relations with their children who are not always able to provide care. In Romania internal and international migration has made future prospects of care in the family uncertain. While according to the regulations of the Civil Code the children are the almost certain beneficiaries of their parents’ property, local arrangements forinter vivostransfers can subvert these regulations and work according to an alternative principle justifying inheritance other than legal filiation, namely care. By discussing one complex case I show how the tensions associated with inheritance and care obligations can illustrate more generally subjective experiences of old age in present-day rural Romania.
Between groitzsch and deutzen: The rise and transformation of an area of “cooperation” in East Germany, 1945–2004
Authors: Eidson John
Published: July 2013

Developments in East German agriculture after 1945 and 1990 are illustrated through a case study set in the region south of Leipzig. Beginning in the 1950s, the collectivization of agricultural production had led, by the mid-1970s, to the consolidation of fully collectivized cooperative farms (LPG type III), either at the village level or in areas encompassing neighboring villages. Thereafter, planners promoted industrialization, specialization, and cooperation among neighboring LPG type III. The result was areas of “cooperation” with LPG for plant production at their centers and one to three LPG for animal production attached to them. In 1990, such areas of “cooperation” served as points of departure for privatization under the new law. In the case study, the transformation of an area of “cooperation” resulted in a new cooperative farm, a few family farms, a meat processing plant, and even a bison ranch. Explanations for these developments are provided.
Tissue distribution of human and avian type sialic acid influenza virus receptors in domestic cat
Authors: Wang Heng , Wu Xintao , Cheng Yanfen , An Yufu , Ning Zhangyong
Published: July 2013

Infection of host cells with the influenza virus is mediated by specific interactions between the viral haemagglutinin (HA) and cell oligosaccharides containing sialic acid (SA) residues. Avian and human influenza viruses bind to alpha-2, 3 and alpha-2, 6 sialic acid-linked receptors, respectively. To date, there have been no detailed tissue distribution data on alpha-2, 3 and alpha-2, 6 sialic acid-linked receptors in the domestic cat, a relatively new mammalian host for influenza virus infections. In this study, the tissue distribution of human and avian type sialic acid influenza receptors was determined in various organs (respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, brain, cerebellum, spleen, kidney, heart and pancreas) of domestic cat by binding with the lectins Maackia amurensis agglutinin II (MAA II) and Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA), respectively. The results revealed that both alpha-2, 3 and alpha-2, 6 sialic acid-linked receptors were extensively detected in the trachea, bronchus, lung, kidney, spleen, pancreas and gastrointestinal tract. Endothelial cells of gastrointestinal tract organs were negative for alpha-2, 3 sialic acid-linked receptors in cats. The presence of alpha-2, 3 and alpha-2, 6 sialic acid-linked receptors in the major organs examined in the present study suggests that each major organ may be affected by influenza virus infection. Because of receptor distribution in the gastrointestinal tract, the experimental infection of cats with human influenza virus may be relatively easy while their infection with avian influenza virus may be difficult. These data can explain the involvement of multiple organs in influenza virus infection and should help investigators interpret the results obtained when cats are infected with influenza virus and estimate the risk of infection between cats and humans.
Mixed infection by fowlpox virus and Chlamydophila psittaci in a commercial laying hen flock
Authors: Karpińska Teresa , Kozaczyński Wojciech , Niemczuk Krzysztof , Jasik Agnieszka , Kycko Anna , Reichert Michał
Published: July 2013

An outbreak of fowlpox occurred in a commercial laying hen flock in one of the western provinces of Poland. Clinical signs suggested fowlpox and the diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological detection of Bollinger bodies within the epithelial cells. Detailed ultrastructural examination revealed an additional concurrent infection with chlamydia-like particles. The particles were identified by PCR as fowlpox virus and Chlamydophila psittaci. It is worth noting that both pathogens can generate morphologic forms capable of prolonged survival and inducing latent and persistent infection. We suggest a possible interaction between the two pathogens on ultrastructural level and assess the clinical consequences of the mixed infection. This study also demonstrates a potential of the transmission electron microscope (TEM) for identifying a superinfection with another pathogen (in this case C. psittaci), which may remain undetected by routine techniques.
The Effect of Ionic Liquid Uptake and Self-assembled Conductive Network Composite Layers on NafionTM based Ionic Polymer Metal Composite Electromechanical Bending Actuators
Authors: Wang Dong , Montazami Reza , Heflin James R.
Published: July 2013

Ionic liquid (IL) is used as the working electrolyte in ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) electromechanical bending actuators because of its high stability and conductivity, which are crucial for the consistency and speed of the actuation. Because the bending actuation is caused by the migration and accumulation of the cations and anions of the IL, it is clear that both the overall number of ions and the effectiveness of ion transport and accumulation play important roles in the actuation behavior. In this paper, the effect of enhancing the ion accumulation by the self-assembled conductive network composite (CNC) layers is investigated by comparing the bending behavior of actuators with and without CNC layers. In addition, IPMC actuators with various IL uptakes are also tested in order to study the dependence of the bending performance on the amount of the ions available. It is found that, with the CNC layers, the maximum bending curvature of the actuator increases with increased IL, which shows the crucial role played by the IL. However, under the same conditions, the performance improvement of actuators without CNC layers saturates when the IL uptake reaches around 10% wt. This demonstrates the role of the CNC layers to provide a porous electrode with increased capacitance that thus accommodates accumulation of more ions near the electrodes, which in turn boosts the overall bending curvature of the actuator.
Cladistic analysis of the Paleozoic bryozoan families Monticuliporidae and Mesotrypidae
Authors: Adamczyk Amber D. , Pachut Joseph F.
Published: July 2013

A set of 127 binary and multistate characters, weighted by the number of derived character states, degree of covariation, and level of homoplasy, was used in a cladistic analysis of type species representing 12 genera previously assigned to families Monticuliporidae and Mesotrypidae. The most parsimonious tree consisted of a 10-genus monophyletic crown group with the remaining two genera forming a basal paraphyletic stem group. The composition of the monticuliporid crown group is broadly similar to two earlier classifications while stem group membership matches the family Mesotrypidae. Phenetic groupings, based on overall morphological similarity, have memberships that are similar to those of clades but provide no means of determining the polarity of evolutionary relationships either within or between them. Finally, only the observed stratigraphic ranges of the type species of genera provide a statistically significant match with cladistic branching sequence, perhaps because current composite generic ranges reflect the mixing of species belonging to different genera. Based on cladogram topology, we propose the placement of all 12 genera into a single family Monticuliporidae.
The rudist fauna of the Cárdenas Formation, Maastrichtian, San Luis Potosí State, Mexico
Authors: Pons Jose Maria , Vicens Enric , Oviedo Angélica , Aguilar Javier , García-Barrera Pedro , Alencáster Gloria
Published: July 2013

A Maastrichtian rudist fauna composed of the radiolitidsBiradiolites aguileraeBöse,B. CárdenasensisBöse,Huasteca ojanchalensis(Myers),Tampsia floriformisMyers, andTrechmannites rudissimus(Trechmann), the hippuritidsCaribbea muellerriedi(Vermunt) andPraebarrettia sparcilirata(Whitfield) sensu lato, and the plagioptychidsCoralliochama gbohemiBöse andMitrocaprina tschoppi(Palmer) is described from the Cárdenas Formation in San Luis Potosí State, Mexico. Abundant fossil material and excellent preservation of a number of specimens allowed observation of both the internal and external shell characters and their ontogenetic and eco-phenotypic variability. The description of some hitherto insufficiently known species has been enhanced and/or completed, making easier their subsequent identification and allowing their unequivocal generic assignation. Two new genera,HuastecaandTrechmannites, are proposed for two already known species of radiolitids. The Cárdenas Formation exhibits a continuously exposed sequence in the vicinity of Cárdenas. Thus, precise stratigraphic location of all fossil localities and their rudist associations, ranging from the early to the early late Maastrichtian, has been possible.
New Cenomanian (Late Cretaceous) hexactinellid sponge species from the western Ukraine
Authors: Świerczewska-Gładysz Ewa , Olszewska-Nejbert Danuta
Published: July 2013

The Cenomanian hexactinellid assemblages are relatively rare and are known only from England and France. The phosphatized sponges from the Pokuttian Podillia in western Ukraine seem to be taxonomically the most diverse Cenomanian hexactinellid assemblage known from Europe and the world. Several new hexactinellid taxa (Class Hexactinellida) are described from the Cenomanian of Pokuttian Podillia:Myliusia rakovensisn. sp.,Verrucocoelia regularisn. sp.,Tretochone cretacean. sp.,Heterochone boguckii,Dunikowskiella nezvyskensisn. gen. n. sp., andMoretiella foliacean. sp. A new lychniscosidan genusDunikowskiellais established within the family Callodictyonidae. Until now, genusMoretiellawas reported only from the Aptian of Spain and the Albian of France. The extant generaHeterochoneandMyliusiaare also rare as fossils.Heterochonewas known from the Campanian of Germany.Myliusia, noted in the Miocene of Spain, is well documented in Late Cretaceous for the first time.Tretochonewas known only from recent times. The sponges studied lived in the shelf sea, shallower than most recent hexactinellids occur.
The earliest bathymodiolin mussels: an evaluation of Eocene and Oligocene taxa from deep-sea methane seep deposits in western Washington State, USA
Authors: Kiel Steffen , Amano Kazutaka
Published: July 2013

Bathymodiolin mussels are a group of bivalves associated with deep-sea hydrothermal vents and other reducing deep-sea habitats, and they have a particularly rich early Cenozoic fossil record in western Washington State, U.S.A. Here we recognize six species from middle Eocene to latest Oligocene deep-water methane seep deposits in western Washington. Two of them are new: Vulcanidas? goederti from the middle Eocene Humptulips Formation and Bathymodiolus (sensu lato) satsopensis from the late Oligocene part of the Lincoln Creek Formation. Very similar to the latter but more elongate are specimens from the early Oligocene Jansen Creek Member of the Makah Formation and are identified as B. (s.l.) aff. satsopensis. Bathymodiolus (s.l.) inouei Amano and Jenkins, 2011 is reported from the Lincoln Creek Formation. Idas? olympicus Kiel and Goedert, 2007 was previously known from late Eocene to Oligocene whale and wood falls in western Washington and is here reported from Oligocene seep deposits of the Makah and Pysht Formations. Vulcanidas? goederti occurs at a seep deposit from a paleodepth possibly as great as 2000 m, suggesting that its living relative, Vulcanidas insolatus Cosel and Marshall, 2010, which lives at depths of only 150–500 m, is derived from a deep-water ancestor. The bathymodiolins in western Washington indicate that the group originated at least in the middle Eocene and underwent a first diversification in the late Eocene to Oligocene. Early ontogenetic shells of all fossil species investigated so far, including the middle Eocene Vulcanidas? goederti, reflect planktotrophic larval development indicating that this developmental mode is an ancestral trait of bathymodiolins.
A divergence dating analysis of turtles using fossil calibrations: an example of best practices
Authors: Joyce Walter G. , Parham James F. , Lyson Tyler R. , Warnock Rachel C. M. , Donoghue Philip C. J.
Published: July 2013

Turtles have served as a model system for molecular divergence dating studies using fossil calibrations. However, because some parts of the fossil record of turtles are very well known, divergence age estimates from molecular phylogenies often do not differ greatly from those observed directly from the fossil record alone. Also, the phylogenetic position and age of turtle fossil calibrations used in previous studies have not been adequately justified. We provide the first explicitly justified minimum and soft maximum age constraints on 22 clades of turtles following best practice protocols. Using these data we undertook a Bayesian relaxed molecular clock analysis establishing a timescale for the evolution of crown Testudines that we exploit in attempting to address evolutionary questions that cannot be resolved with fossils alone. Some of these questions, such as whether the turtle crown originated in the Triassic or Jurassic, cannot be resolved by our analysis. However, our results generate novel age-of-origination estimates for clades within crown Testudines. Finally, we compare our fossil calibrations and posterior age estimates to those from other studies, revealing substantial differences in results and interpretation.
Bayesian model for tyre/asphalt pavement noise
Authors: Yu Bin , Lu Qing
Published: July 2013

In this paper, empirical acoustic models were developed for four asphalt surface mixes, including conventional dense graded asphalt contcrete, open-graded asphalt concrete, rubberised open-graded asphalt concrete, and rubberised gap-graded asphalt concrete. Tyre/pavement noise data were collected from in service flexible pavements for four consecutive years. These data were panel structured, and with a portion of observations missed arbitrarily. A Monte Carlo Markov chain sampling and a multiple imputation algorithm were used to capture the unobserved heterogeneity and deal with missing observations by Bayesian simulations in modeling process. Two types of models were obtained: one was an integrated model; the other was individual model characterising each mix. The estimated models suggest that tyre/pavement noise increases with pavement age and mean profile depth, and decreases with air-void content of surface mixes. The noise levels of the four asphalt mixes rank as: rubberised open-graded asphalt concrete; open-graded asphalt concrete; rubberised gap-graded asphalt concrete; and dense graded asphalt concrete.
Performance of thin asphalt concrete overlays
Authors: Cülfik Mehmet Sait , Yildirim Yetkin
Published: July 2013

The modulus of asphalt concrete (AC) layers in a pavement system is one of the primary parameters that affect the performance of the pavement. This modulus is often difficult to measure however, especially for thin AC overlays over Portland cement concrete (PCC) pavements. In this paper, seismic non-destructive testing technology based on the use of stress waves is proposed as a useful tool for determining the modulus of these asphalt concrete layers on PCC pavements. To that end, a test section was constructed on highway IH-20 using nine different mixture designs. Results from field tests conducted on thin AC pavements over PCC pavements indicate that the change in the modulus of AC is strongly affected by the type of mixture and the aggregate used in the design. Based on the results of the portable seismic pavement analyser (PSPA), the change in modulus of different types of AC was observed, and a statistical test was conducted to examine the change in modulus of each test section. This research confirmed that differences in the modulus of thin AC pavements over PCC pavements can be monitored using PSPA equipment at the early stages of the thin AC pavements.
Species richness and species identity effects on occurrence of foliar fungal pathogens in a tree diversity experiment
Authors: Hantsch Lydia , Braun Uwe , Scherer-Lorenzen Michael , Bruelheide Helge
Published: July 2013

Current theory on transmission rates of plant pathogens predicts a strong influence of host richness on the degree of infection. In addition, identity effects, caused by the presence of particular species in a community, may also drive biodiversity and ecosystem functioning relationships, with “selection” or “sampling effects” being particularly important. We tested the effect of tree species richness and tree species identity effects on foliar fungal pathogens on four forest tree species of the temperate zone making use of the BIOTREE tree diversity experiment in Germany. We hypothesized that fungal species richness is positively and fungal pathogen load negatively related to tree species richness. In addition, we tested whether species number of foliar biotrophic fungi and pathogen load depend on tree community composition and on the presence or absence of particular disease‐prone tree species. All foliar fungi were identified macro‐ and microscopically and subjected to statistical analyses at three hierarchical levels, at the plot level, the level of single tree species and the level of individual fungus species. There was a negative effect of tree richness on the pathogen load of common powdery mildew species. Moreover, we found strong tree species identity effects at the plot level as the presence of Quercus resulted in a high pathogen load. Thus, for the first time we experimentally showed that disease risk and pathogen transmission of foliar fungal pathogens in temperate forest tree ecosystems may depend on tree richness and on the presence of particular disease‐prone species.
Habitat‐specific larval dispersal and marine connectivity: implications for spatial conservation planning
Authors: Anadón José D , del Mar Mancha-Cisneros Maria , Best Benjamin D , Gerber Leah R
Published: July 2013

Connectivity via larval dispersal is an important ingredient in setting effective marine reserve networks. Simple guidance for establishing spacing between individual protected sites can provide reliable rules of thumb to help ensure connectivity. Spacing rules for protected network design are relatively new to marine spatial planning, though so far they have been generically and indiscriminately applied to all types of habitats based on a single range of distance values. Here we address the extent to which such rules capture subtleties associated with dispersal distances varying among species in different regions and habitats. We applied a 50–100 km global spacing rule (SRglob), also recently applied in the California Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) process and based on available global larval dispersal data, to a previously assessed network in the Gulf of California. Using larval dispersal data for species within this region (SRreg), we associated each species with eight unique habitats (SRhab*) and we evaluated connectivity by means of different spacing rules (SRglob, SRreg and SRhab*) using graph‐theory. The existing spacing rule employed by the MLPA process (SRglob) was found to be robust and conservative when applied to the Gulf of California or to its different habitats (i.e., the lower limit for dispersal distance includes the distance for all species in the Gulf). We found that species in different habitats exhibit statistically distinct dispersal profiles. Therefore, some habitats could be evaluated with more relaxed spacing rules (i.e., larger distances), than those proposed by the rules of thumb. Our work identifies a conservation planning trade‐off when implementing spacing rules: already proposed rules are robust but at the cost of efficiency. Habitat‐specific spacing rules should be considered for more efficient marine conservation planning solutions.
Social Media Adoption in Local Health Departments Nationwide
Authors: Harris Jenine K. , Mueller Nancy L. , Snider Doneisha
Published: July 2013

Objectives. We examined whether characteristics of local health departments (LHD) and their geographic region were associated with using Facebook and Twitter. We also examined the number of tweets per month for Twitter accounts as an indicator of social media use by LHDs.

Methods. In 2012, we searched for Facebook and Twitter accounts for 2565 LHDs nationwide, and collected adoption date and number of connections for each account. Number of tweets sent indicated LHD use of social media. LHDs were classified as innovators, early adopters, or nonadopters. Characteristics of LHDs were compared across adoption categories, and we examined geographic characteristics, connections, and use.

Results. Twenty-four percent of LHDs had Facebook, 8% had Twitter, and 7% had both. LHDs serving larger populations were more likely to be innovators, tweeted more often, and had more social media connections. Frequency of tweeting was not associated with adoption category. There were differences in adoption across geographic regions, with western states more likely to be innovators. Innovation was also higher in states where the state health department adopted social media.

Conclusions. Social media has the potential to aid LHDs in disseminating information across the public health system. More evidence is needed to develop best practices for this emerging tool.
A Cross-National Study on Prevalence of Mental Disorders, Service Use, and Adequacy of Treatment Among Mexican and Mexican American Populations
Authors: Orozco Ricardo , Borges Guilherme , Medina-Mora Maria Elena , Aguilar-Gaxiola Sergio , Breslau Joshua
Published: July 2013

Objectives. We examined differences in the use of mental health services, conditional on the presence of psychiatric disorders, across groups of Mexico’s population with different US migration exposure and in successive generations of Mexican Americans in the United States.

Methods. We merged surveys conducted in Mexico (Mexican National Comorbidity Survey, 2001–2002) and the United States (Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys, 2001–2003). We compared psychiatric disorders and mental health service use, assessed in both countries with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, across migration groups.

Results. The 12-month prevalence of any disorder was more than twice as high among third- and higher generation Mexican Americans (21%) than among Mexicans with no migrant in their family (8%). Among people with a disorder, the odds of receiving any mental health service were higher in the latter group relative to the former (odds ratio = 3.35; 95% confidence interval = 1.82, 6.17) but the age- and gender-adjusted prevalence of untreated disorder was also higher.

Conclusions. Advancing understanding of the specific enabling and dispositional factors that result in increases in mental health care may contribute to reducing service use disparities across ethnic groups in the United States.
Weight Status of Mexican Immigrant Women: A Comparison With Women in Mexico and With US-Born Mexican American Women
Authors: Guendelman Sylvia D. , Ritterman-Weintraub Miranda L. , Fernald Lia C. H. , Kaufer-Horwitz Martha
Published: July 2013

Objectives. We assessed the association between birthplace, residence, or years in the United States and actual weight (body mass index), perceived weight accuracy, or provider screens for overweight or obesity among Mexican immigrant women.

Methods. We used linked data from Health and Nutrition Examination Survey waves 2001–2006 and 2006 National Mexican Health and Nutrition Survey to compare 513 immigrants with 9527 women in Mexico and 342 US-born Mexican American women.

Results. Immigrants were more likely than women in Mexico to be obese and to perceive themselves as overweight or obese after adjustment for confounders. Recent immigrants had similar weight-related outcomes as women in Mexico. Immigrants were less likely to be obese than were US-born Mexican Americans. Within the overweight or obese population, reported provider screens were higher among immigrants than among women in Mexico, but lower than among US-born Mexican Americans. US residency of at least 5 years but less than 20 years and reporting insufficient provider screens elevated obesity risk.

Conclusions. Mexican-origin women in the United States and Mexico are at risk for overweight and obesity. We found no evidence of a “healthy immigrant” effect.
Trends of Edentulism Among Middle-Aged and Older Asian Americans
Authors: Wu Bei , Liang Jersey , Landerman Lawrence , Plassman Brenda
Published: July 2013

Objectives. We estimated national trends of the prevalence of edentulism (complete tooth loss) for Asian American subgroups in the United States and investigated factors that could contribute to improvements in edentulism across populations over time.

Methods. We used 10 waves of the National Health Interview Survey data collected from 1999 to 2008. Eligible respondents were those aged 50 years and older who completed the question on tooth loss. We contrasted the odds and probabilities of edentulism over time in Chinese, Filipinos, Asian Indians, and other Asians with those in Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics.

Results. The rates of edentulism differed substantially across Asian subgroups. Compared with Whites, Chinese and other Asians had a lower risk of being edentulous, whereas being Filipino increased the odds. The rate for Asian Indians was similar to that for Whites. Nonetheless, rates of decline were similar across the Asian population groups.

Conclusions. Asian Americans are heterogeneous in edentulism. Innovative and sustainable public health programs and services are essential to prevent oral health diseases and conditions.
Migration Circumstances, Psychological Distress, and Self-Rated Physical Health for Latino Immigrants in the United States
Authors: Torres Jacqueline M. , Wallace Steven P.
Published: July 2013

Objectives. We determined the impact of premigration circumstances on postmigration psychological distress and self-rated physical health among Latino immigrants.

Methods. We estimated ordinary least squares and logistic regression models for Latino immigrants in the 2002–2003 National Latino and Asian American Study (n = 1603).

Results. Mean psychological distress scores (range = 10–50) were 14.8 for women and 12.7 for men; 35% of women and 27% of men reported fair or poor physical health. A third of the sample reported having to migrate; up to 46% reported unplanned migration. In multivariate analyses, immigration-related stress was significantly associated with psychological distress, but not with self-rated health, for both Latino men and women. Having to migrate was associated with increased psychological distress for Puerto Rican and Cuban women respondents and with poorer physical health for Puerto Rican migrant men. Unplanned migration was significantly associated with poorer physical health for all Latina women respondents.

Conclusions. The context of both pre- and postmigration has an impact on immigrant health. Those involved in public health research, policy, and practice should consider variation in immigrant health by migration circumstances, including the context of exit and other immigration-related stressors.
Uptake and Predictors of Anal Cancer Screening in Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: D'Souza Gypsyamber , Rajan Shirani D. , Bhatia Rohini , Cranston Ross D. , Plankey Michael W. , Silvestre Anthony , Ostrow David G. , Wiley Dorothy , Shah Nisha , Brewer Noel T.
Published: July 2013

Objectives. We investigated attitudes about and acceptance of anal Papanicolaou (Pap) screening among men who have sex with men (MSM).

Methods. Free anal Pap screening (cytology) was offered to 1742 MSM in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study, who reported history of, attitudes about, and experience with screening. We explored predictors of declining screening with multivariate logistic regression.

Results. A history of anal Pap screening was uncommon among non–HIV-infected MSM, but more common among HIV-infected MSM (10% vs 39%; P < .001). Most participants expressed moderate or strong interest in screening (86%), no anxiety about screening (66%), and a strong belief in the utility of screening (65%). Acceptance of screening during this study was high (85%) across all 4 US sites. Among those screened, most reported it was “not a big deal” or “not as bad as expected,” and 3% reported that it was “scary.” Declining to have screening was associated with Black race, anxiety about screening, and low interest, but not age or HIV status.

Conclusions. This study demonstrated high acceptance of anal Pap screening among both HIV-infected and non–HIV-infected MSM across 4 US sites.
Longitudinal Associations Between Types of Childhood Trauma and Suicidal Behavior Among Substance Users: A Cohort Study
Authors: Marshall Brandon D. L. , Galea Sandro , Wood Evan , Kerr Thomas
Published: July 2013

Objectives. We examined the longitudinal associations between different types and severities of childhood trauma and suicide attempts among illicit drug users.

Methods. Data came from 2 prospective cohort studies of illicit drug users in Vancouver, Canada, in 2005 to 2010. We used recurrent event proportional means models to estimate adjusted and weighted associations between types and severities of childhood maltreatment and suicide attempts.

Results. Of 1634 participants, 411 (25.2%) reported a history of suicidal behavior at baseline. Over 5 years, 80 (4.9%) participants reported 97 suicide attempts, a rate of 2.6 per 100 person-years. Severe to extreme levels of sexual abuse (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] = 2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.4, 4.4), physical abuse (AHR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.1, 3.8), and emotional abuse (AHR = 3.5; 95% CI = 1.4, 8.7) predicted suicide attempts. Severe forms of physical and emotional neglect were not significantly associated with an increased risk of suicidal behavior.

Conclusions. Severe sexual, physical, and emotional childhood abuse confer substantial risk of repeated suicidal behavior in adulthood. Illicit drug users require intensive secondary suicide prevention efforts, particularly among those with a history of childhood trauma.
Medicaid Family Planning Expansions and Related Preventive Care
Authors: Wherry Laura R.
Published: July 2013

I examined the impact of state expansions in eligibility for Medicaid family planning services on the utilization of Papanicolaou (Pap) tests, clinical breast examinations, HIV testing, and routine doctor check-ups among women aged 21 to 44 years using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (1993–2009). Using a natural experiment approach, I found significant increases in Pap tests and clinical breast examinations among women eligible for services under the expansions but no significant change in HIV testing or routine doctor check-ups.
The National Prevention Strategy and Breast Cancer Screening: Scientific Evidence for Public Health Action
Authors: Plescia Marcus , White Mary C.
Published: July 2013

Mammography screening rates in the United States have remained fairly stable over the past decade, and screening rates remain low for some groups.

We examined insights from recent public health research on breast cancer screening to identify promising new approaches to improve screening rates and address persistent health disparities in mammography use. We considered this research in the context of the four strategic directions of the National Prevention Strategy: elimination of health disparities, empowered people, healthy and safe community environments, and clinical and community preventive services.

This research points to the value of direct outreach and case management services, interventions to support more patient-centered models of care, and more organized, population-based approaches to identify women who are eligible to be screened, encourage participation, and monitor results.
Monitoring the Sodium Content of Restaurant Foods: Public Health Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Maalouf Joyce , Cogswell Mary E. , Gunn Janelle P. , Curtis Christine J. , Rhodes Donna , Hoy Kathy , Pehrsson Pamela , Nickle Melissa , Merritt Robert
Published: July 2013

We reviewed methods of studies assessing restaurant foods’ sodium content and nutrition databases. We systematically searched the 1964–2012 literature and manually examined references in selected articles and studies.

Twenty-six (5.2%) of the 499 articles we found met the inclusion criteria and were abstracted. Five were conducted nationally. Sodium content determination methods included laboratory analysis (n = 15), point-of-purchase nutrition information or restaurants’ Web sites (n = 8), and menu analysis with a nutrient database (n = 3).

There is no comprehensive data system that provides all information needed to monitor changes in sodium or other nutrients among restaurant foods. Combining information from different sources and methods may help inform a comprehensive system to monitor sodium content reduction efforts in the US food supply and to develop future strategies.
Income Inequality and Mortality: Results From a Longitudinal Study of Older Residents of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Pabayo Roman , Chiavegatto Filho Alexandre D. P. , Lebrão Maria Lúcia , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: July 2013

Objectives. We determined whether community-level income inequality was associated with mortality among a cohort of older adults in São Paulo, Brazil.

Methods. We analyzed the Health, Well-Being, and Aging (SABE) survey, a sample of community-dwelling older adults in São Paulo (2000–2007). We used survival analysis to examine the relationship between income inequality and risk for mortality among older individuals living in 49 districts of São Paulo.

Results. Compared with individuals living in the most equal districts (lowest Gini quintile), rates of mortality were higher for those living in the second (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] = 1.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.87, 2.41), third (AHR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.20, 3.20), fourth (AHR = 1.34, 95% CI = 0.81, 2.20), and fifth quintile (AHR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.10, 2.74). When we imputed missing data and used poststratification weights, the adjusted hazard ratios for quintiles 2 through 5 were 1.72 (95% CI = 1.13, 2.63), 1.41 (95% CI = 0.99, 2.05), 1.13 (95% = 0.75, 1.70) and 1.30 (95% CI = 0.90, 1.89), respectively.

Conclusions. We did not find a dose–response relationship between area-level income inequality and mortality. Our findings could be consistent with either a threshold association of income inequality and mortality or little overall association.
An Investigation of Episodic and Partner-Specific Imagined Interaction Use
Authors: Van Kelegom Martijn J. , Wright Courtney N.
Published: July 2013

While imagined interaction use has been conceptualized both as a personal, stable trait and as specific, state-like occurrences, empirical investigations of the relationship between such levels of abstraction are scarce. Four levels of abstraction are proposed and two are empirically tested through a two-wave survey that assessed participants' ( N = 137) tendency to use imagined interactions with their romantic partner and their episodic use of imagined interactions in response to an impactful conversation with that partner. Moderate correlations between these levels suggest they are related but distinct. Correlations were stronger for imagined interactions functions than for attributes, suggesting that the reasons for using episodic imagined interactions are related to one's tendencies while the attributes appear mainly impacted by situational factors. Implications of these findings are presented along with suggestions to further investigate a conceptual distinction between imagined interaction uses at different levels of abstraction.
Oral Narrative Skills of Chilean Preschool Children
Authors: Barra Gabriela , McCabe Allyssa
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this study was to analyze oral narrative discourse in Chilean preschool children using High Point Analysis and Narrative Assessment Profile in a cross-sectional study of monolingual Spanish speakers, and to establish the relationships between oral narrative discourse development and emergent literacy skills. Participants were 94 4- to 6-year-old low-income children. Both narrative analyses were consistent and reliable measures of oral narrative skills of Chilean children. Sequence of events, Informativeness, and Topic Maintenance are the most consistent categories of NAP. The Woodcock-Munoz language battery was also administered, and the sub-scales of the test that significantly positively correlated to NAP and HP were Picture Vocabulary and Understanding Directions. Woodcock-Munoz's sub-scales Letter-Word Identification, Spelling, and Passage Comprehension obtained lower correlations to NAP and HP, which might suggest that the abilities they measure ( reading decoding, spelling ability, and reading comprehension, respectively) may not be closely related to oral narrative skills or that their relationship may appear later in life.
Reliability and Percentiles of a Measure of Spatial Imagery
Authors: Campos Alfredo
Published: July 2013

In a previous study, Campos (2009) assessed the reliability and validity of the Measure of the Ability to Form Spatial Mental Imagery (MASMI). The present study represents a follow-up analysis by reassessing reliability using a larger number of participants, and provided percentiles that can be used as a diagnostic test to measure an individual's ability to form spatial mental imagery. A total of 254 undergraduates participated in the study, the Cronbach alpha was .93, and no significant sex differences were found.