bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of function in the absence of extant functional homologues: a case study using mesotheriid notoungulates (Mammalia)
Authors: Shockey Bruce J. , Croft Darin A. , Anaya Federico
Published: May 2007

We use two approaches to test hypotheses regarding function in a group of extinct mammals (Family Mesotheriidae, Order Notoungulata) that lack any close extant relatives: a principle-derived paradigm method and empirically derived analog method. Metric and discrete morphological traits of mesotheriid postcranial elements are found to be consistent with the morphology predicted by a modified version of Hildebrand's paradigm for scratch diggers. Ratios of in-force to out-force lever arms based on skeletal elements indicate that the mesotheriids examined had limbs modified for high out-forces (i.e., they were “low geared”), consistent with the digging hypothesis. Other mesotheriid characters, such as cleft ungual phalanges, a curved olecranon, and a highly modified pelvis (with extra vertebrae incorporated into the sacrum and fusion between the ischium and the axial skeleton) are regarded as being functionally significant for digging and also occur in a variety of extant diggers. Analog methods indicate that mesotheriids share numerous traits common to a variety of extant diggers. Principal component analyses of postcranial elements indicate that mesotheriids consistently share morphometric space with larger extant fossorial mammals: aardvark, anteaters, wombats, and badger. Likewise, discriminant function analyses categorized mesotheriids as fossorial, though imperfectly analogous to the extant diggers analyzed. Thus, both theory-driven and empirically derived methods of estimating function in these extinct taxa support a digging hypothesis for the mesotheriids examined. Adaptations for digging in both the forelimb and sacropelvic functional complexes of mesotheriids provide independent support for the fossorial hypothesis.
The opisthotonic posture of vertebrate skeletons: postmortem contraction or death throes?
Authors: Faux Cynthia Marshall , Padian Kevin
Published: May 2007

An extreme, dorsally hyperextended posture of the spine (opisthotonus), characterized by the skull and neck recurved over the back, and with strong extension of the tail, is observed in many well-preserved, articulated amniote skeletons (birds and other dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and at least placental mammals). Postmortem water transport may explain some cases of spinal curvature in fossil tetrapods, but we show how these can be distinguished from causes of the opisthotonic posture, which is a biotic syndrome. Traditional biotic explanations nearly all involve postmortem causes, and have included rigor mortis, desiccation, and contraction of tendons and ligaments. However, examination of the process of rigor mortis and experimental observations of drying and salinity in carcasses of extant animals show that these explanations of the “dead bird” (opisthotonic) posture account for few or no cases. Differential contraction of cervical ligaments after death also does not produce the opisthotonic posture. It is not postmortem contraction but perimortem muscle spasms resulting from various afflictions of the central nervous system that cause these extreme postures. That is, the opisthotonic posture is the result of “death throes,” not postmortem processes, and individuals so afflicted assumed the posture before death, not afterward. The clinical literature has long recognized that such afflicted individuals perish from asphyxiation, lack of nourishment or essential nutrients, environmental toxins, or viral infections, among other causes. Accepting the actual causes of the opisthotonic posture as perimortem and not postmortem provides insights into the causes of death of fossilized specimens, and also revises interpretations of paleoenvironmental conditions of many fossil deposits. The opisthotonic posture tells us more about the circumstances surrounding death than about what happened after death. Finally, the opisthotonic posture appears to have a phylogenetic signal: it is so far reported entirely in ornithodiran archosaurs (dinosaurs and pterosaurs) and in crown-group placentals, though the distribution in mammals may expand with further study. It seems important that the opisthotonic posture has been observed extensively only in clades of animals that are known or thought to have high basal metabolic rates: hypoxia and related diseases would be most likely to affect animals with high oxygen use rates.
Multivariate stasis in the dental morphology of the Paleocene-Eocene condylarthEctocion
Authors: Wood Aaron R. , Zelditch Miriam L. , Rountrey Adam N. , Eiting Thomas P. , Sheets H. David , Gingerich Philip D.
Published: May 2007

Evolutionary stasis has often been explained by stabilizing selection, intrinsic constraints, or, more recently, by spatially patterned population dynamics. To distinguish which of these mechanisms explains a given case of stasis in the fossil record, stasis must first be rigorously documented in a high-resolution stratigraphic time series of fossil specimens. Furthermore, past studies of evolutionary mode in fossil mammalian lineages have often been limited to univariate traits (e.g., molar crown area). It is reasonable to assume that tooth shape, a multivariate trait, reflects important additional aspects of tooth form and function. Here we present the results of a geometric morphometric analysis of the lower dentition of the Paleocene-Eocene condylarth speciesEctocion osbornianuscollected from the Bighorn and Clarks Fork Basins of northwestern Wyoming. Tooth margin shape, cusp configuration, and shearing crest shape were digitized for the last lower premolar, p4, and for two lower molars, m1 and m3. Multivariate statistical tests of evolutionary mode were used to analyze the change in shape variance over time in addition to the magnitude and direction of shape change. Test results characterize the shape time series as consisting of counteracting changes with less change than expected under a random walk (i.e., stasis). The temporal structure of shape variance implies that the sampledE. osbornianusmost likely represent a single population, which is not concordant with the population dynamic mechanism of stasis. Stabilizing selection and/or intrinsic constraints remain as the mechanisms that could explain stasis in the lower dental shape ofE. osbornianusdespite the variable environmental conditions of the Paleocene–Eocene.
Using a theoretical ecospace to quantify the ecological diversity of Paleozoic and modern marine biotas
Authors: Novack-Gottshall Philip M.
Published: May 2007

The process of evolution hinders our ability to make large-scale ecological comparisons—such as those encompassing marine biotas spanning the Phanerozoic—because the compared entities are taxonomically and morphologically dissimilar. One solution is to focus instead on life habits, which are repeatedly discovered by taxa because of convergence. Such an approach is applied to a comparison of the ecological diversity of Paleozoic (Cambrian–Devonian) and modern marine biotas from deep-subtidal, soft-substrate habitats. Ecological diversity (richness and disparity) is operationalized by using a standardized ecospace framework that can be applied equally to extant and extinct organisms and is logically independent of taxonomy. Because individual states in the framework are chosen a priori and not customized for particular taxa, the framework fulfills the requirements of a universal theoretical ecospace. Unique ecological life habits can be recognized as each discrete,n-dimensional combination of character states in the framework. Although the basic unit of analysis remains the organism, the framework can be applied to other entities—species, clades, or multispecies assemblages—for the study of comparative paleoecology and ecology. Because the framework is quantifiable, it is amenable to analytical techniques used for morphological disparity. Using these methods, I demonstrate that the composite Paleozoic biota is approximately as rich in life habits as the sampled modern biota, but that the life habits in the modern biota are significantly more disparate than those in the Paleozoic; these results are robust to taphonomic standardization. Despite broadly similar distributions of life habits revealed by multivariate ordination, the modern biota is composed of life habits that are significantly enriched, among others, in mobility, infaunality, carnivory, and exploitation of other organisms (or structures) for occupation of microhabitats.
Extinction and quiescence in marine animal genera
Authors: Foote Michael
Published: May 2007

If last appearances of marine animal genera are taken as reasonable proxies for true extinctions, then there is appreciable global extinction in every stage of the Phanerozoic. If, instead, backsmearing of extinctions by incomplete sampling is explicitly taken into consideration, a different view of extinction emerges, in which the pattern of extinction is much more volatile and in which quiescent time spans—with little or no global extinction for several million years—are punctuated by major extinction events that are even more extreme than is generally thought. Independent support for this alternative view comes from analysis of genus occurrence data in the Paleobiology Database, which agrees with previous estimates of sampling probability and implies that offsets between extinction and last appearance of one or more stages are quite probable.
Intrinsic versus extrinsic biases in the fossil record: contrasting the fossil record of echinoids in the Triassic and early Jurassic using sampling data, phylogenetic analysis, and molecular clocks
Authors: Smith Andrew B.
Published: May 2007

Four independent lines of evidence, (1) the quality of specimen preservation, (2) taxonomic collection curves, (3) molecular divergence estimates, and (4) ghost lineage analysis of a genus-level cladogram, point to echinoids having a much poorer fossil record in the Triassic than in the Lower Jurassic. Furthermore, preservational differences between Triassic and Lower Jurassic echinoids have remained a consistent feature over 160 years of discovery. Differences exist in how effectively paleontologists have collected the fauna from available outcrops in the Triassic and Lower Jurassic. Collection curves suggest that rocks have been more efficiently searched for their fossils in Europe than elsewhere in the world, and that Lower Jurassic faunas are better sampled from available outcrop than Triassic faunas. The discovery of Triassic taxa has quickened in pace over the past 4 decades (though largely driven by a single Lagerstätte—the St. Cassian beds) while discoveries of new taxa from the Lower Jurassic have slowed. Molecular analysis of extant families and ghost lineage analysis of Triassic and Lower Jurassic genera both point to poorer sampling of Triassic faunas. This difference in the quality of the fossil record may be partially explained by differences in rock outcrop area, as marine sedimentary rocks are much less common in the Triassic than in the Lower Jurassic. However, improving biomechanical design of the echinoid test over this critical time interval was probably as important, and better explains observed preservational trends. Changes in the quality of the echinoid fossil record were thus driven as much by intrinsic biological factors as by sampling patterns.
Diversity partitioning of a Late Ordovician marine biotic invasion: controls on diversity in regional ecosystems
Authors: Patzkowsky Mark E. , Holland Steven M.
Published: May 2007

Biotic invasions are a common feature of the fossil record, yet remarkably little is known about them, given their enormous potential to reveal the processes that regulate local and regional diversity over long time scales. We used additive diversity partitioning to examine how diversity structure changed as a result of a marine biotic invasion in tropical, shallow and deep subtidal environments spanning approximately 4 Myr in the Late Ordovician. The biotic invasion increased richness in the regional ecosystem by nearly 40%. Within-habitat turnover diversity accounts for most of the increase in richness, with between-habitat turnover diversity contributing a lesser amount. Increases in these components of diversity were accommodated by increased packing of species along a depth gradient and increased habitat heterogeneity. Diversity metrics that incorporate taxon abundance (Shannon information, Simpson's D) show similar patterns and reveal that many invading taxa were locally abundant and widespread in their occurrence. Extinction of incumbent taxa did not foster the invasion; rather the invasion appears to be linked to a regional or global warming event. Taken together, these observations indicate that these Late Ordovician marine communities were open to invasion and not saturated with species. Moreover, the increase in species diversity caused by the invasion was not ephemeral; instead it lasted for at least 1 Myr. Similar studies of other biotic invasions in the fossil record are necessary to determine (1) the factors, such as extinction of incumbents or resource limitation, that may facilitate or inhibit invasion in ancient ecosystems; (2) how local and regional ecosystems respond to invasion; and (3) the extent to which biotic invasions play a substantial role in ecosystem change through geologic time.
Parenting as a Moderator of Minority, Adolescent Victimization and Violent Behavior in High-Risk Neighborhoods
Authors: Walker Sarah Cusworth , Maxson Cheryl , Newcomb Michael N.
Published: May 2007

Adolescent male youth in high-crime neighborhoods are at the greatest risk for personal victimization and violent behavior. The temporal relationship between victimization and violent behavior for minority youth in high-crime neighborhoods was examined to determine whether victimization is a risk factor for or by-product of violent behavior. Whether parenting and other control factors moderated the relationship between victimization and violent behavior was also examined. Interviews with 349 urban Hispanic and African American youth revealed that victimization was strongly associated with violent behavior and violent behavior was found to precede direct victimization. Race was found to moderate the relationship between parental attachment and violent behavior. African American youth with the highest levels of parental attachment also had the highest levels of violent behavior, while higher parental attachment for Latino youth was associated with lower violent behavior.
The Personality of Pursuit: Personality Attributions of Unwanted Pursuers and Stalkers
Authors: Spitzberg Brian H. , Veksler Alice E.
Published: May 2007

A sample of 292 college students recalled a partner who had engaged in unwanted pursuit (46%) or recalled their most recent “normal” dating relationship. Subjects rated their own level of stalking victimization and rated the partner on a series of personality characteristics and social competence. Unwanted pursuers were perceived as less socially competent, more histrionic, more borderline, and less obsessive-compulsive, with discrimination of “normals” from unwanted pursuers of approximately 75% to 80% accuracy. These attributions also significantly predicted a continuous measure of unwanted pursuit victimization (R = .406). Implications for developing more precise and practical risk profiles of unwanted pursuers are discussed.
Morphometric, Histomorphometric, and Microcomputed Tomographic Analysis of Periodontal Inflammatory Lesions in a Murine Model
Authors: Li Chung Hsing , Amar Salomon
Published: May 2007

Background: Porphyromonas gingivalis is recognized as one of the major periodontal pathogens in chronic periodontitis, a common infectious disease characterized by inflammation and destruction of periodontal tissues. Several animal models with P. gingivalis have been used in periodontitis studies. Additionally, multiple approaches have also been applied to measuring alveolar bone loss in periodontitis models, including histomorphometry, morphometry, and radiography. The aims of this study were to assess periodontal inflammatory lesions after P. gingivalis–induced periodontitis and use this model to compare three approaches for assessing alveolar bone loss.

Methods: Twelve‐week‐old male C57BL/6 mice were divided into two groups: 48 P. gingivalis–infected and 52 untreated control mice. Periodontitis was induced by wrapping P. gingivalis–soaked ligatures around the left maxillary second molar and changing the ligatures every other day. Mice were euthanized on days 0, 3, 7, and 10 after ligature placement, for a total of 12 experimental and 13 control mice per time point. Epithelial downgrowth, inflammation, and osteoclast activity were evaluated; alveolar bone loss was determined by histomorphometry, morphometry, and microcomputed tomography.

Results: The P. gingivalis–infected group showed significantly increased epithelial downgrowth (P <0.05), inflammation (P <0.05), alveolar bone loss (P <0.05), and osteoclast activity (P <0.05) throughout the experimental period compared to the controls. All three methods yielded efficient evaluation of alveolar bone loss.

Conclusions: Our results show evidence that the P. gingivalis–soaked ligature‐induced murine model mounts an adequate inflammatory response and exhibits periodontal tissue breakdown compatible with other models of periodontal disease. In addition, alveolar bone loss can accurately be quantified using any of the three alveolar bone analyses presented in this article.
Interleukin‐17: A New Paradigm in Inflammation, Autoimmunity, and Therapy
Authors: Kramer Jill M. , Gaffen Sarah L.
Published: May 2007

Chronic diseases, such as periodontal disease (PD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), are characterized by a robust immune response resulting in unresolved inflammation. Inflammation is mediated by proinflammatory cytokines; recently, a novel subset of T‐helper (Th) cells was identified that plays a crucial role in inflammation and autoimmune disease. This population secretes several proinflammatory cytokines, including the novel cytokine interleukin (IL)‐17, and, hence, has been termed “Th17.” Inflammatory cytokines are implicated in the progression of localized chronic infections, such as PD, and in serious systemic pathologies, such as diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular disease. IL‐17 mediates inflammation through a receptor (IL‐17R) composed of two subunits, IL‐17RA and IL‐17RC. Drugs that antagonize inflammatory cytokines are used therapeutically to downregulate immune‐mediated pathology in conditions such as RA, although not all patients respond well to this approach. Therefore, identification of potential novel therapeutic targets, such as the IL‐17 signaling complex, may be clinically relevant for mitigating inflammatory pathology. However, the manner in which such a therapeutic may influence the onset and progression of PD is poorly understood. Therapeutics that antagonize inflammatory cytokines ameliorate inflammation and bone loss and may have broader implications for individuals with systemic diseases in which inflammation and autoimmunity predominate.
The Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in a Rat Model at Destruction and Healing Stages of Periodontal Disease
Authors: Cetinkaya Burcu Ozkan , Keles Gonca Cayir , Ayas Bulent , Sakallioglu Elif Eser , Acikgoz Gokhan
Published: May 2007

Background: The major role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an angiogenic mediator, in promoting the progression or the healing of periodontal disease is still unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the VEGF expression in the destruction and healing stages of periodontal disease and to investigate the association between VEGF expression and vascularization with regard to the number and diameters of blood vessels.

Methods: Thirty rats were distributed equally into two test groups and a control group. Experimental periodontal disease was induced in the test groups by silk ligatures, which were kept in position for 40 days. On the 40th day, ligatures were removed from the healing group, whereas ligatures were left in position in the destruction group. On the 60th day, rats were sacrificed; histomorphometric and biochemical analyses were carried out to determine the number and diameters of blood vessels and the assessment of VEGF concentration by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, respectively.

Results: There was a statistically significant increase in the number of blood vessels in the healing group and in the diameters of blood vessels in the destruction group compared to the control group (P <0.001). In vivo VEGF expressions were highest in the healing group (P <0.001) and correlated significantly with the number of blood vessels (r2 = 0.814; P = 0.001).

Conclusion: VEGF expression may be related more to the healing stage of periodontal disease than to the destruction stage of the lesion.
RANKL Upregulation Associated With Periodontitis and Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Wara‐aswapati Nawarat , Surarit Rudee , Chayasadom Anek , Boch Jason A. , Pitiphat Waranuch
Published: May 2007

Background: Receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) are critical for homeostatic control of osteoclast activity, suggesting their vital roles in the progression of bone loss in periodontitis. In this study, the expression of RANKL and OPG mRNA and the relationship between these factors and periodontopathic bacteria in periodontal tissue were studied.

Methods: Gingival tissue and subgingival plaque samples were collected from 15 patients with chronic periodontitis and 15 periodontally healthy subjects. RNA was extracted from the tissue and subjected to reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) using primers specific for RANKL or OPG. β‐actin was amplified as a control to ensure equal loading. The intensity of RT‐PCR products was analyzed by a densitometer in proportion to the intensity of β‐actin. The numbers of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans were determined by quantitative real‐time PCR.

Results: Our results showed increased levels of RANKL mRNA in chronic periodontitis tissues. The RANKL/OPG expression ratio was significantly higher in the periodontitis group compared to the healthy control group (P = 0.001). Interestingly, the expression of RANKL (r = 0.64; P <0.001), but not OPG (r = −0.24; P = 0.20), was significantly correlated with increased numbers of P. gingivalis. A. actinomycetemcomitans was detected in only 6.7% of all sites.

Conclusions: Chronic periodontitis was associated with RANKL mRNA upregulation and increased RANKL/OPG mRNA expression ratio. In addition, our data showed for the first time to our knowledge an association between upregulated RANKL levels and the number of P. gingivalis in clinically obtained periodontal tissues.
Periodontal Surgery and Glass Ionomer Restoration in the Treatment of Gingival Recession Associated With a Non‐Carious Cervical Lesion: Report of Three Cases
Authors: Santamaria Mauro Pedrine , Suaid Fabrícia Ferreira , Nociti Francisco Humberto , Casati Márcio Zaffalon , Sallum Antônio Wilson , Sallum Enilson Antônio
Published: May 2007

Background: Buccal gingival recession is a prevalent problem in populations with a high standard of oral hygiene and is very often associated with a non‐carious cervical lesion, complicating treatment. The purpose of this report is to show three cases treated by an integrated periodontal and restorative dentistry approach.

Methods: Three patients with Miller Class I gingival recessions associated with non‐carious cervical lesions were enrolled for treatment. One patient received a coronally positioned flap and a resin‐modified glass ionomer restoration, and two patients were treated with a coronally positioned flap, resin‐modified glass ionomer restoration, and connective tissue graft. Probing depth (PD), relative gingival recession (RGR), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured at baseline and at 6 and 8 months after surgery.

Results: After the healing period, all patients showed CAL gain and reduction in RGR. No difference was observed on PDs compared to baseline. No signs of gingival inflammation or bleeding on probing were seen. The patients were satisfied with the final esthetics and had no more dentin hypersensitivity.

Conclusion: This report indicates that teeth with Miller Class I gingival recessions associated with non‐carious cervical lesions can be successfully treated by an integrated periodontal and restorative dentistry approach; however, longitudinal randomized controlled clinical trials must be performed to support this approach.
Subgingival Debridement Efficacy of Glycine Powder Air Polishing
Authors: Flemmig Thomas F. , Hetzel Marc , Topoll Heinz , Gerss Joachim , Haeberlein Ingo , Petersilka Gregor
Published: May 2007

Background: Glycine powder air polishing (GPAP) has been shown to be significantly more effective in reducing the subgingival cultivable microflora in shallow periodontal pockets compared to curets and is safe when applied directly to root surfaces. The purpose of this study was to assess the subgingival debridement efficacy of GPAP in periodontal pockets with various depths.

Methods: In each of 60 patients with severe periodontitis, one tooth with a probing depth (PD) ≥6 mm was randomly assigned to one of the following interventions: GPAP performed in teeth instrumented 3 months earlier (I); GPAP performed in previously non‐instrumented teeth (NI); or no treatment (control). GPAP was performed for 5 seconds per surface. After extraction, teeth were stained with 0.5% toluidine blue, and subgingival debridement efficacy was assessed.

Results: Overall, median debridement depth was 2.00 mm in I teeth and 1.86 mm in NI teeth, and the median debrided root surface was 49.24% and 45.64%, respectively. In anatomic PDs (APDs) of 2 to 3 mm, relative debridement depth (debridement depth/APD) ranged from 65% to 80% and 60% to 75% in I and NI teeth, respectively; the corresponding values for debrided root surface were 60% to 70% and 50% to 60%. In control teeth, virtually all subgingival root surfaces were stained. Clinical PD measurements were a median of 1.05 mm deeper than APD.

Conclusion: GPAP for 5 seconds per surface is effective in removing most of the subgingival biofilm in periodontal pockets with an APD ≤3 mm.
Contextual Influences on Modern Contraceptive Use in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Stephenson Rob , Baschieri Angela , Clements Steve , Hennink Monique , Madise Nyovani
Published: May 2007

Objectives. We examined the role of community-level factors in explaining geographic variations in modern contraceptive use in 6 African countries.

Methods. We analyzed Demographic and Health Survey and contextual data sources with multilevel modeling techniques to identify factors contributing to geographic variations in women’s use of modern contraceptives.

Results. We found significant associations between several community-level factors and reported use of modern contraceptive methods. We also identified several pathways of influence between the community and the individual.

Conclusions. Aspects of a community’s sociocultural and economic environment appear to influence a woman’s use of modern contraceptive methods.
Framing HIV Prevention Discourse to Encompass the Complexities of War in Northern Uganda
Authors: Westerhaus Michael J. , Finnegan Amy C. , Zabulon Yoti , Mukherjee Joia S.
Published: May 2007

In northern Uganda, physical and structural violence (political repression, economic inequality, and gender-based discrimination) increase vulnerability to HIV infection. In settings of war, traditional HIV prevention that solely promotes risk avoidance and risk reduction and assumes the existence of personal choice inadequately addresses the realities of HIV transmission.

The design of HIV prevention strategies in northern Uganda must recognize how HIV transmission occurs and the factors that put people at risk for infection. A human rights approach provides a viable model for achieving this aim.
Partner Violence Screening in Rural Health Care Clinics
Authors: Coker Ann L. , Flerx Vicki C. , Smith Paige H. , Whitaker Daniel J. , Fadden Mary Kay , Williams Melinda
Published: May 2007

Objectives. We sought to determine the frequency of intimate partner violence by type in a large, clinic-based, nurse-administered screening and services intervention project.

Methods. A brief intimate partner violence screen, which included items to measure sexual and physical assaults and psychological battering (using the Women’s Experience With Battering scale) was administered to consenting women receiving care at 1 of 8 rural clinics in South Carolina.

Results. Between April 2002 and August 2005, 4945 eligible women were offered intimate partner violence screening, to which 3664 (74.1%) consented. Prevalence of intimate partner violence in a current (ongoing) relationship was 13.3%, and 939 women (25.6%) had experienced intimate partner violence at some point in the past 5 years. Of those ever experiencing intimate partner violence, the majority (65.6%) experienced both assaults and psychological battering; 10.1% experienced assault only, and 24.3% experienced psychological battering only. Most women (85.5%) currently experiencing both psychological battering and assaults stated that violence was a problem in their current relationship.

Conclusions. The intimate partner violence screening technique we used was feasible to implement, acceptable to women seeking health care at the targeted clinics, and indicated a high proportion of women reporting intimate partner violence in the past 5 years, with a majority of those women stating that such violence was a problem in their relationships. These findings demonstrated the viability of the screening technique, which supports the growing importance of implementing intimate partner violence screenings in clinical settings in order to reduce the prevalence of violence in intimate relationships.
Young Incarcerated Men’s Perceptions of and Experiences With HIV Testing
Authors: Kacanek Deborah , Eldridge Gloria D. , Nealey-Moore Jill , MacGowan Robin J. , Binson Diane , Flanigan Timothy P. , Fitzgerald Christine C. , Sosman James M. ,   The Project Start Study Group
Published: May 2007

We analyzed incarcerated men’s perceptions of and experiences with HIV testing. Interviews were conducted with 105 men, aged 18 to 29 years, in 4 states. Most men had received an HIV test while incarcerated because it was convenient or free or because they thought it was mandatory. At most sites, men believed they were HIV-negative because they never received test results. Some men did not know the diseases for which they had been tested. Some men avoided HIV testing outside prison because they lacked time, lacked resources, feared knowing the results, or perceived themselves to not be at risk.

HIV testing programs for young men inside or outside prison should address barriers to HIV testing, communicate the meaning and extent of testing, and improve notification of those with HIV-negative results.
Predictors of Condom Use Among Young Adults in South Africa: The Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit National Youth Survey
Authors: Hendriksen Ellen Setsuko , Pettifor Audrey , Lee Sung-Jae , Coates Thomas J. , Rees Helen V.
Published: May 2007

Objectives. We examined correlates of condom use among a national random probability sample of sexually experienced young adults aged 15 to 24 years (n = 7686) in South Africa.

Methods. Using data from the Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit National Youth Survey, we conducted gender-stratified bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to determine predictors of whether respondents had used a condom during their most recent sexual intercourse.

Results. Condom use at sexual debut and talking with one’s first sexual partner about condoms were the most significant predictors of condom use at most recent intercourse. Other significant predictors included high condom use self-efficacy, optimism about the future, and reported behavior change attributable to HIV/AIDS. Young adults who were married or had been involved in a relationship for 6 months or more were significantly less likely to have used a condom during their most recent sexual intercourse.

Conclusions. Our findings point to the importance of exposing youths to sexuality education before their sexual debut as well as voluntary counseling and testing and programming that supports young adults, particularly young women, in making informed decisions about sexual intercourse and condoms.
Public Health Surveillance of Fatal Child Maltreatment: Analysis of 3 State Programs
Authors: Schnitzer Patricia G. , Covington Theresa M. , Wirtz Stephen J. , Verhoek-Oftedahl Wendy , Palusci Vincent J.
Published: May 2007

Objectives. We sought to describe approaches to surveillance of fatal child maltreatment and to identify options for improving case ascertainment.

Methods. Three states—California, Michigan, and Rhode Island—used multiple data sources for surveillance. Potential cases were identified, operational definitions were applied, and the number of maltreatment deaths was determined.

Results. These programs identified 258 maltreatment deaths in California, 192 in Michigan, and 60 in Rhode Island. Corresponding maltreatment fatality rates ranged from 2.5 per 100000 population in Michigan to 8.8 in Rhode Island. Most deaths were identified by child death review teams in Rhode Island (98%), Uniform Crime Reports in California (56%), and child welfare agency data in Michigan (44%). Compared with the total number of cases identified, child welfare agency (the official source for maltreatment reports) and death certificate data underascertain child maltreatment deaths by 55% to 76% and 80% to 90%, respectively. In all 3 states, more than 90% of cases ascertained could be identified by combining 2 data sources.

Conclusions. No single data source was adequate for thorough surveillance of fatal child maltreatment, but combining just 2 sources substantially increased case ascertainment. The child death review team process may be the most promising surveillance approach.
Parenting-Related Stressors and Self-Reported Mental Health of Mothers With Young Children
Authors: Mistry Ritesh , Stevens Gregory D. , Sareen Harvinder , De Vogli Roberto , Halfon Neal
Published: May 2007

Objectives. We assessed whether there were associations between maternal mental health and individual and co-occurring parenting stressors related to social and financial factors and child health care access.

Methods. We used cross-sectional data from the 2000 National Survey of Early Childhood Health. The 5-item Mental Health Inventory was used to measure self-reported mental health.

Results. After we controlled for demographic covariates, we found that the following stressors increased the risk of poor maternal mental health: lack of emotional (odds ratio [OR] = 3.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.0, 5.9) or functional (OR=2.2; 95% CI=1.3, 3.7) social support for parenting, too much time spent with child (OR=3.5; 95% CI=2.0, 6.1), and difficulty paying for child care (OR=2.3; 95% CI=1.4, 3.9). In comparison with mothers without any parenting stressors, mothers reporting 1 stressor had 3 times the odds of poor mental health (OR = 3.1; 95% CI = 2.1, 4.8), and mothers reporting 2 or more stressors had nearly 12 times the odds (OR = 11.7; 95% CI = 7.1, 19.3).

Conclusions. If parenting stressors such as those examined here are to be addressed, changes may be required in community support systems, and improvements in relevant social policies may be needed.
The Effects of Acculturation on Asthma Burden in a Community Sample of Mexican American Schoolchildren
Authors: Martin Molly A. , Shalowitz Madeleine U. , Mijanovich Tod , Clark-Kauffman Elizabeth , Perez Elizabeth , Berry Carolyn A.
Published: May 2007

Objectives. We sought to determine whether low acculturation among Mexican American caregivers protects their children against asthma.

Methods. Data were obtained from an observational study of urban pediatric asthma. Dependent variables were children’s diagnosed asthma and total (diagnosed plus possible) asthma. Regression models were controlled for caregivers’ level of acculturation, education, marital status, depression, life stress, and social support and children’s insurance.

Results. Caregivers’ level of acculturation was associated with children’s diagnosed asthma (P = .025) and total asthma (P = .078) in bivariate analyses. In multivariate models, protective effects of caregivers’ level of acculturation were mediated by the other covariates. Independent predictors of increased diagnosed asthma included caregivers’ life stress (odds ratio [OR] = 1.12, P= .005) and children’s insurance, both public (OR = 4.71, P= .009) and private (OR = 2.87, P= .071). Only caregiver’s life stress predicted increased total asthma (OR = 1.21, P= .001).

Conclusions. The protective effect of caregivers’ level of acculturation on diagnosed and total asthma for Mexican American children was mediated by social factors, especially caregivers’ life stress. Among acculturation measures, foreign birth was more predictive of disease status than was language use or years in country. Increased acculturation among immigrant groups does not appear to lead to greater asthma risk.
The Contribution of Preterm Birth to the Black–White Infant Mortality Gap, 1990 and 2000
Authors: Schempf Ashley H. , Branum Amy M. , Lukacs Susan L. , Schoendorf Kenneth C.
Published: May 2007

Objectives. We evaluated whether the decline of the racial disparity in preterm birth during the last decade was commensurate with a decline in the contribution of preterm birth to the infant mortality gap.

Methods. We used linked files of 1990 and 2000 data on US infant births and deaths to partition the gap between Black and White infant mortality rates into differences in the (1) distribution of gestational age and (2) gestational age–specific mortality rates.

Results. Between 1990 and 2000, the Black–White infant mortality rate ratio did not change significantly (2.3 vs 2.4). Excess deaths among preterm Black infants accounted for nearly 80% of the Black–White infant mortality gap in both 1990 and 2000. The narrowing racial disparity in the preterm birth rate was counterbalanced by greater mortality reductions in White than in Black preterm infants. Extremely preterm birth (<28 weeks) was 4 times higher in Black infants and accounted for more than half of the infant mortality gap.

Conclusions. Substantial reductions in the Black–White infant mortality gap will require improved prevention of extremely preterm birth among Black infants.
Simple method for calculating time dependence of individual radionuclide activities in decay series
Authors: Landa Jiří , Palágyi Štefan
Published: May 2007

A rapid method for calculating the time dependence of activities of individual radionuclides in genetically coupled decay series has been proposed. The method is based on the mathematical procedure, in which the matrix method is used for calculating a set of decay equations given in the vector form. The developed method is computerized and uses the modern Scilab software. This simple method eliminates certain drawbacks of older methods used previously for this purpose and is applicable to even solve calculations which are not easily treatable with the older methods. Some practical examples of such calculations are presented. Moreover, the new method is universal and it also enables a more general approach to the problem of the calculation of decay series in nuclear chemistry.
Ableitung einer kontinuierlichen Mannigfaltigkeit von Erhaltungssätzen der modifizierten Korteweg‐de‐Vries‐Gleichung nach dem Noetherschen Satz
Authors: Steudel H.
Published: May 2007

Eine kürzlich entwickelte Methode zur Ableitung einer kontinuierlichen Mannigfaltigkeit von Erhaltungssätzen aus erweiterten Bäcklundtransformationen nach dem Noetherschen Satz wird auf die modifizierte Korteweg‐de‐Vries‐(m. KdV‐)Gleichung angewendet, die Alfvénwellen in einem Plasma beschreibt. Die entsprechenden Erhaltungsgrößen sind äquivalent den von WADATI, SANUKI und KONNO gefundenen. Es wird gezeigt, daß die erweiterte Bäcklundtransformation B̂α zur m. KdV‐Gleichung – die identisch ist mit der zur Sinus‐Gordon‐Gleichung – durch MIURAS Transformation übergeht in die erweiterte Bäcklundtransformation βx zur Korteweg‐de‐Vries‐Gleichung, wobei x = 1/2α ist.
Meson Production Mechanism at 70 GeV
Authors: Daftari I. K. , Bandyopadhyay B. K.
Published: May 2007

Photoemulsion plates exposed to 70 GeV proton beam from Serpukhov Accelerator, USSR, have been analysed and part of the data has been utilized to obtain the distribution of the secondary particles in order to ascertain their production mechanism in the fireball model. This intermediate state for the production of secondaries has been identified from log tan θ plot and from the target diagram method. The parameters of the fireball were calculated by the method used by AGNESE et al. It is seen that the fireball model is favourable in 16% of the events studied. The average mass of the fireball is found to be (2.80 ± 0.1) GeV and its momentum to equal 169.62 MeV/c. The polar rotated angular distribution gives a good fit to the experimental data.
Investigation of the Fine Structure of the Nb Isochromats within the Electron Energy Range from 0 to 60 eV
Authors: Auleytner J. , Ławniczak K. , Sobczak E.
Published: May 2007

The structure of the Nb bremsstrahlung isochromats has been investigated. The fine structure of the Nb isochromats reflects characteristic energy losses of electrons in niobium and the structure of the valence band of this material.
Physikalische Theorie der Beugung von Materieteilchen
Authors: Landé A.
Published: May 2007

Das physikalische Paradoxon der Dualität mit ihren zwei entgegengesetzten „Manifestationen Als‐Ob”︁ kann durch die einheitliche Quantenmechanik, im besonderen durch die DUANEsche Auswahlregel für den linearen Impuls überwunden werden. Dies wird am Beispiel der Elektronenbeugung am Kristall und am einfachen und Doppelspalt gezeigt. Was Einstein als ‘Beruhigungsphilosophie’ bezeichnete, kann dadurch in objektive Physik verwandelt werden.
Kinetische Herleitung verallgemeinerter Nernst‐Planck‐Gleichungen. IV.) Korrelationen im quasihomogenen System
Authors: West G. , Grauel A. , Schröter J.
Published: May 2007

Es wird gezeigt, daß die Korrelationsgleichungen für Ionen in einer Elektrolytlösung von den Einteilchengleichungen (verallg. Nernst‐Planck‐Gleichungen) soweit entkoppelt werden können, daß die Korrelationsgleichungen unabhängig von den Einteilchengleichungen gelöst werden können: man erhält die Korrelationsfunktionen als Funktionale der Einteilchenfunktionen.
Scale‐Invariance and Time‐Delay
Authors: Papp E.
Published: May 2007

A proof is given that the existence of the time‐delay operator results from the scale‐invariance of the S‐matrix.
Structure Model of a One‐Dimensional Disordered System with Short‐Range Order
Authors: Unger H.‐J.
Published: May 2007

An ensemble of disordered linear chains is described by a probability density distribution without making use of the laws of thermodynamical equilibrium statistics. Short‐range order is present in the system, because the position of an arbitrary particle depends on the location of the nearest neighbours. The nearest neighbour distance statistics is assumed to be of the Gaussian type. All correlation functions are calculated for finite and infinite systems. The superposition approximation is found to hold rigorously. The pair correlation is of fundamental importance for the system. The radial pair distribution function is investigated thoroughly. The configurational entropy of the system is calculated and discussed.
Inverse Raman Scattering by Polaritons in LiNbO3 Single Crystals
Authors: Bussemer P. , Kneipp K. , Ponath H. E. , Lau A. , Werncke W.
Published: May 2007

Experimental studies of IRS by polaritons in LiNbO3 are reported for the first time. In compliance with the classification of IRS‐scattering geometries by polaritons in uniaxial crystals [3] for different polarisation directions of laser and anti‐Stokes continuum two A1‐type polaritons and also E‐type‐polaritons of the upper and the lower ordinary dispersion branches, respectively, could coherently be generated. Introducing a new polariton specific excitation state instead of the mechanic vibration the shortened IRS equations without small signal approximation are solved in the stationary case and for “responseless” polariton fields.

The increase of the laser field and the decrease of the anti‐Stokes field show for αpx ≫ 1 the same behaviour as Stokes growth and laser depletion, respectively, in the case of SRS by dipole inactive levels. Model calculations show the necessity of the used intra cavity arrangement for photographic registration of IRS‐polariton spectra.
Tachyons in Bi‐metric Theories of Gravitation
Authors: Liebscher D.‐E.
Published: May 2007

Some kinematical consequences of the causal tachyons possible in bi‐metric theories are considered.
Cooperative Spontaneous Emission from a Single‐quantum Excited Three‐atom System
Authors: Richter Th.
Published: May 2007

The total radiation rate of the cooperative spontaneous emission from an initially single‐quantum excited three‐atom system is calculated using Lehmberg's master equation and taking into account dipole‐dipole near field interaction. We find a strong influence of the precise configuration of the atomic dipoles and of the position of the initially excited atom on the temporal behaviour of the total radiation rate, especially if the atoms are separated by distances much smaller than the resonance wavelength.
Double‐mode Two‐photon Absorption and Enhanced Photon Antibunching Due to Interference
Authors: Bandilla A. , Ritze H.‐H.
Published: May 2007

Inspired by results of interfering signal and idler from a nondegenerate parametric amplifier we investigate the photon statistics of the resulting field after interference of two components subjected to double‐mode two‐photon absorption. This absorption process leads to a strong correlation of the participating modes, which can be used to generate fields with photon antibunching in interference experiments. In addition the photon number can be made small, which produces enhanced antibunching.
The Density Matrix for Single‐mode Light after k‐Photon Absorption
Authors: Voigt H. , Bandilla A.
Published: May 2007

In order to continue and generalize the studies of the density matrix of a light field undergoing k‐photon absorption, in this paper we put the emphasis on the off‐diagonal elements. The solution obtained earlier for the diagonal elements describing the photon statistics can be found as a special case but will not be discussed again. The general solution calculated by recursion shows an asymptotic behaviour if the initial photon number is sufficiently high. Only the initial phase information survives. Illustrating the solution we start with coherent light and a generalized coherent state.
High‐frequency Waves in Gravitational Theories with Fourth‐order Derivative Equations
Authors: v. Borzeszkowski H.‐H.
Published: May 2007

For Einstein's gravitational equations with fourth‐order corrections being proportional to the square of an elementary lengthl, we discuss the behaviour of high‐frequency waves. It is shown that (1) only waves with lengths λ ≳ can generate a macroscopic avarage background (for λ <l, only the terms αl2are decisive such that one has the same situation as in a pure fourth‐order theory without Einstein term which cannot be interpreted as gravitational theory), (2) for λ ≳lthe background metric is purely determined via the second‐order derivative Einstein tensor (formally one obtains the same equations for the background as in the non‐modified Einsteinian theory), and (3) only waves corresponding to the massless and the massive spin‐two gravitons contribute to background curvature; in the geometrical‐optics approximation, these both particle sorts are moving independent of each other and satisfy a conservation law for the total number ofm= 0 and massive spin‐two gravitons, respectively.

The results obtained in this paper corroborate partly the conclusions drawn in the weak‐field approximation [11, 15, 18].