bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New Insights into Ancient Maya Building Materials: Characterization of Mortar, Plaster, and Coquina Flagstones from Toniná
Authors: Riquelme Francisco , Cuevas-García Martha , Alvarado-Ortega Jesús , Taylor Shannon , Ruvalcaba-Sil José Luis , Linares-López Carlos , Aguilar-Franco Manuel , Yadeun-Angulo Juan 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTThis work shows current research on lithic raw material used by the ancient Maya of Toniná. The core of the city of Toniná lies on a steep-sided hill of calcareous sandstones from the shallow marine deposits dated as Oligocene, in the Chiapas Highlands of Southern Mexico. Results of paleontological fieldwork in Toniná show several biostrome sediments mound-like with tabular bafflestones and large coquina flagstones, which are sheet-like rocks enriched with fossil mollusk shells, corals, encrusted organisms, and calcareous debris. The people of Toniná intentionally selected and carved these rocks for use as building blocks and bricks on floors, walls, and stairways. At least two coquina flagstones measuring about 1.90 m long were identified in an archeological context most likely associated with carved stelae. Also non-marine carbonate rocks such as a crudely banded travertine and spongy calcareous tufa from recent sediments of freshwater environments surrounding Toniná were used by the Maya as a raw material on walls, columns, reliefs and murals base.Results of the chemical, mineralogical and micromorphological analysis on plaster and bedding mortars from the walls of Toniná display a slightly interbedded lime of sparry calcite cemented in a highly porous groundmass with silt-to pebble-size of calcareous and siliciclastic rock-crushed aggregates, sand, and soil remains. Lime fabric reveals enclosing quartz grains, granular calcite crystals, and carbonaceous inclusions which may suggest that the lime has been made from a burnt grain-rich limestone with fibrous cement and porous microfabric. WDX analysis in lime lumps of plaster reveal an average amount of 1.37 wt% MgO associated with a limestone source ranging from regular to a magnesium-enriched limestone (1 to 2 wt %). XRF detect a strontium-rich level in the calcite matrix of plaster which is as high as that of fossil shells, tufa, and coquina. Finally, XRD shows that the mean amount of calcite in plaster is 95 wt% and lower amount (2-2.5w%) of siliciclastic minerals: quartz and albite. In contrast, calcite in mortar ranges less than 90.1 wt%. The concentrations of non-carbonate minerals, such as quartz and albite, are higher than those in plaster because mortar incorporates more siliciclastic rock remains, sand and clay.
Additions of Minerals in Clays of Morelia Region, Mexico: Effects on Volumetric Stabilization and Color
Authors: Molina W. Martínez , Sil J. L. Ruvalcaba , Guzmán E. M. Alonso , Rentería A. Flores , Ortega M. Manrique , Acosta A. A. Torres 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTClays were used intensively in cultural heritage’s monuments and objects. Conservation procedures can be performed specifically for earthen materials using stabilized clays, considering that the aesthetic features must be preserved in order to avoid drastic differences and the lost of their patrimonial value.This work presents the study of the mechanical behavior of clay stabilized with different materials following the norm ASTM D 6276 – 99a, for lime stabilization. The effects of other stabilizers on the clay were studied as well. For these purposes, lime, gypsum, Portland cement (type II), sodium hydroxide, and dehydrated cactus fibers of white cactus opuntia in concentrations of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 wt% were added to a clay from Morelia region.Atterberg limits were determined to calculate the linear and volumetric stabilization. The best volumetric stabilization values were chosen to prepare samples to measure the mechanical behavior under compression, tension and flexion strengths. Colorimetric measurements were also performed on the stabilized clays to determine the best preparation with the most suitable aesthetic qualities to perform conservation treatments on monuments and cultural heritage constructions made with earthen materials.The highest values for compression were observed for gypsum and mucilage additions while the highest tension was obtained for mucilage ones. Gypsum addition had the bigger rupture module under flexion. On the other hand, the color of the stabilized clay is closer to the original clay color for cement, lime and mucilage preparations.
Self Sacrifice Awls in Cantona, Puebla, Mexico
Authors: Maldonado N. Valentín , Roldán G. Pérez 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTIn the ancient city of Cantona (600 B.C a 1050 A.D.) in the region of Puebla, Mexico, a great number of awls made of animal bones were found inside several offerings and burials. The present paper presents the identification of species used to elaborate these awls, along with the formal characteristics of the objects and their manufacturing techniques. The last was studied through experimental archaeology and the analysis of modified traces by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
Silver Nanoparticles for SERS Identification of Dyes
Authors: Casanova-González Edgar , García-Bucio Angélica , Ruvalcaba-Sil José Luis , Santos-Vasquez Víctor , Esquivel Baldomero , Roldán María Lorena , Domingo Concepción 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTCoinage metals nanoparticles have been widely used in last decade for enhancing the Raman signal of a variety of compounds. Several preparation methods have been proposed, including chemical reduction of gold or silver salts with sodium citrate, hydroxylamine or sodium borohydride, microwave-assisted reduction with glucose, Tollens mirror, electrodeposition, vacuum evaporation and pulsed-laser deposition.In this work, gold and silver nanoparticles were prepared by chemical reduction with sodium citrate and hydroxilmanine, characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy and High Resolution Transmission Electronic Microscopy and tested as SERS substrate. Carminic acid, cochineal, axiote, muitle and zacatlaxcalli SERS spectra were recorded at different pH. Natural dyes samples were prepared by extraction from its natural sources, following traditional recipes. Although differs for each dye, best results were achieved by performing SERS experiments at pH neutral to basic.
Ex Vivo Bone Morphogenetic Protein‐2 Gene Delivery Using Bone Marrow Stem Cells in Rabbit Maxillary Sinus Augmentation in Conjunction With Implant Placement
Authors: Jhin Min‐Ju , Kim Kyoung‐Hwa , Kim Su‐Hwan , Kim Young‐Sung , Kim Sung‐Tae , Koo Ki‐Tae , Kim Tae‐Il , Seol Yang‐Jo , Ku Young , Rhyu In‐Chul , Lee Yong‐Moo 
Published: August 2012

Background: This study evaluates the potential of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP‐2) gene–transduced bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) to facilitate osseous healing after rabbit maxillary sinus augmentation in conjunction with implant placement.Methods: Autologous BMSCs derived from New Zealand white rabbits were cultured and transduced with BMP‐2 using an adenovirus vector. Transduced BMSCs (BMP‐2/BMSCs) were then combined with a deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) scaffold. Twenty‐seven animals were randomly allocated into three groups: 1) control, sinus grafted with DBBM alone; 2) BMSC, sinus grafted with non‐transduced BMSCs and DBBM; and 3) BMP‐2/BMSC, sinus grafted with BMP‐2/BMSCs and DBBM. During these procedures, a mini‐implant was placed in the floor of the sinus. Animals were sacrificed at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after surgery. New bone area and bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) were evaluated histomorphometrically.Results: At 2 and 4 weeks, the BMP‐2/BMSC group showed more new bone area and higher BIC than the other two groups. BMP‐2/BMSCs were detected with confocal microscopy for up to 4 weeks, which indicates that transduced cells contributed to new bone formation. However, at 8 weeks, there was no difference in new bone area or BIC among the three groups.Conclusions: These results suggest that BMP‐2 delivery using BMSCs may result in earlier and increased bone formation in the maxillary sinus. This finding may offer more stable bone support to implants and reduce healing times. However, this study also revealed limitations in the stimulatory effect of BMP‐2/BMSCs, such as diminished activity over time in later healing stages.
Effect of Surgical Defect Coverage on Cervical Dentin Hypersensitivity and Quality of Life
Authors: Douglas de Oliveira Dhelfeson Willya , Marques Daniel Pedro , Aguiar‐Cantuária Ivan Cândido , Flecha Olga Dumont , Gonçalves Patricia Furtado 
Published: August 2012

Background: Root exposure due to gingival recession (GR) can cause cervical dentin hypersensitivity (CDH), which is characterized by tooth pain. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of surgical defect coverage on CDH and quality of life in patients with GR.Methods: Twenty‐five GRs in maxillary canines and premolars were treated with coronally positioned flap plus connective tissue graft. GR dimensions, amount of keratinized gingiva, and clinical attachment level were evaluated. CDH was assessed by thermal and evaporative stimuli. Quality of life was assessed by use of the Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 (OHIP‐14) questionnaire. All parameters were evaluated at baseline and after 3 months.Results: Statistically significant reduction in CDH (P <0.001), significant reduction in impact of oral health on quality of life (P <0.001), and significant changes in periodontal parameters were observed after 3 months. Mean defect coverage of 67.90% was achieved, with full coverage in 11 cases. Percentage defect coverage showed no correlation with air blast–stimulated CDH (P = 0.256) or cold stimulus (P = 0.563). The OHIP‐14 physical disability dimension was correlated with the amount of keratinized tissue (P = 0.010) and also with defect coverage (P = 0.035).Conclusions: Surgical defect coverage may reduce CDH and improve patient quality of life, by keratinized gingiva augmentation and impact on physical disability, irrespective of amount of defect coverage.
Building a Consensus on Community Health Workers’ Scope of Practice: Lessons From New York
Authors: Findley Sally E. , Matos Sergio , Hicks April L. , Campbell Ayanna , Moore Addison , Diaz Diurka 
Published: August 2012

Objectives. We evaluated efforts in New York to build a consensus between community health workers (CHWs) and employers on CHWs’ scope of practice, training standards, and certification procedures. Methods. We conducted multiple-choice surveys in 2008 and 2010 with 226 CHWs and 44 employers. We compared CHWs’ and employers’ recommendations regarding 28 scope of practice elements. The participatory ranking method was used to identify consensus scope of practice recommendations. Results. There was consensus on 5 scope of practice elements: outreach and community organizing, case management and care coordination, home visits, health education and coaching, and system navigation. For each element, 3 to 4 essential skills were identified, giving a total of 27 skills. These included all skills recommended in national CHW studies, along with 3 unique to New York: computer skills, participatory research methods, and time management. Conclusions. CHWs and employers in New York were in consensus on CHWs’ scope of practice on virtually all of the detailed core competency skills. The CHW scope of practice recommendations of these groups can help other states refine their scope of practice elements.
Local Legal Infrastructure and Population Health
Authors: Costich Julia F. , Patton Dana J. 
Published: August 2012

Objectives. We explored the association between the legal infrastructure of local public health, as expressed in the exercise of local fiscal and legislative authority, and local population health outcomes. Methods. Our unit of analysis was public health jurisdictions with at least 100 000 residents. The dependent variable was jurisdiction premature mortality rates obtained from the Mobilize Action Toward Community Health (MATCH) database. Our primary independent variables represented local public health’s legal infrastructure: home rule status, board of health power, county government structure, and type of public health delivery system. Several control variables were included. We used a regression model to test the relationship between the varieties of local public health legal infrastructure identified and population health status. Results. The analyses suggested that public health legal infrastructure, particularly reformed county government, had a significant effect on population health status as a mediator of social determinants of health. Conclusions. Because states shape the legal infrastructure of local public health through power-sharing arrangements, our findings suggested recommendations for state legislation that positions local public health systems for optimal impact. Much more research is needed to elucidate the complex relationships among law, social capital, and population health status.
Examining a Comprehensive Model of Disaster-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Systematically Studied Survivors of 10 Disasters
Authors: North Carol S. , Oliver Julianne , Pandya Anand 
Published: August 2012

Objectives. Using a comprehensive disaster model, we examined predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in combined data from 10 different disasters. Methods. The combined sample included data from 811 directly exposed survivors of 10 disasters between 1987 and 1995. We used consistent methods across all 10 disaster samples, including full diagnostic assessment. Results. In multivariate analyses, predictors of PTSD were female gender, younger age, Hispanic ethnicity, less education, ever-married status, predisaster psychopathology, disaster injury, and witnessing injury or death; exposure through death or injury to friends or family members and witnessing the disaster aftermath did not confer additional PTSD risk. Intentionally caused disasters associated with PTSD in bivariate analysis did not independently predict PTSD in multivariate analysis. Avoidance and numbing symptoms represented a PTSD marker. Conclusions. Despite confirming some previous research findings, we found no associations between PTSD and disaster typology. Prospective research is needed to determine whether early avoidance and numbing symptoms identify individuals likely to develop PTSD later. Our findings may help identify at-risk populations for treatment research.
Co-occurring Lower Respiratory Symptoms and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder 5 to 6 Years After the World Trade Center Terrorist Attack
Authors: Nair Hemanth P. , Ekenga Christine C. , Cone James E. , Brackbill Robert M. , Farfel Mark R. , Stellman Steven D. 
Published: August 2012

Objectives. We have described the epidemiology of co-occurring lower respiratory symptoms (LRS) and probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 5 to 6 years after exposure to the 9/11 disaster. Methods. We analyzed residents, office workers, and passersby (n = 16 363) in the World Trade Center Health Registry. Using multivariable logistic regression, we examined patterns of reported respiratory symptoms, treatment sought for symptoms, diagnosed respiratory conditions, mental health comorbidities, quality of life, and unmet health care needs in relation to comorbidity. Results. Among individuals with either LRS or PTSD, 24.6% had both conditions. The odds of comorbidity was significantly higher among those with more severe 9/11 exposures. Independent of 9/11 exposures, participants with LRS had 4 times the odds of those without it of meeting criteria for PTSD, and those with PTSD had 4 times the odds of those without it of meeting criteria for LRS. Participants with comorbidity had worse quality of life and more unmet mental health care needs than did all other outcome groups. Conclusions. Respiratory and mental illness are closely linked in individuals exposed to 9/11 and should be considered jointly in public health outreach and treatment programs.
Assessment of the Distribution of Toxic Release Inventory Facilities in Metropolitan Charleston: An Environmental Justice Case Study
Authors: Wilson Sacoby M. , Fraser-Rahim Herb , Williams Edith , Zhang Hongmei , Rice LaShanta , Svendsen Erik , Abara Winston 
Published: August 2012

Objectives. We assessed spatial disparities in the distribution of Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) facilities in Charleston, SC. Methods. We used spatial methods and regression to assess burden disparities in the study area at the block and census-tract levels by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status (SES). Results. Results revealed an inverse relationship between distance to TRI facilities and race/ethnicity and SES at the block and census-tract levels. Results of regression analyses showed a positive association between presence of TRI facilities and high percentage non-White and a negative association between number of TRI facilities and high SES. Conclusions. There are burden disparities in the distribution of TRI facilities in Charleston at the block and census-tract level by race/ethnicity and SES. Additional research is needed to understand cumulative risk in the region.
The Development and Psychometric Properties of the Humanitarian Emergency Settings Perceived Needs (HESPER) Scale
Authors: Semrau Maya , van Ommeren Mark , Blagescu Monica , Griekspoor Andre , Howard Louise M. , Jordans Mark , Lempp Heidi , Marini Anita , Pedersen Jon , Pilotte Isabelle , Slade Mike , Thornicroft Graham 
Published: August 2012

Objectives. We developed the Humanitarian Emergency Settings Perceived Needs (HESPER) Scale, a valid and reliable scale to rapidly assess perceived needs of populations in humanitarian settings in low- and middle-income countries. Methods. We generated items through a literature review; reduced the number of items on the basis of a survey with humanitarian experts; pilot-tested the scale in Gaza, Jordan, Sudan, and the United Kingdom; and field-tested it in Haiti, Jordan, and Nepal. Results. During field-testing, intraclass correlation coefficients (absolute agreement) for the total number of unmet needs were 0.998 in Jordan, 0.986 in Haiti, and 0.995 in Nepal (interrater reliability), and 0.961 in Jordan and 0.773 in Nepal (test–retest reliability). Cohen’s κ for the 26 individual HESPER items ranged between 0.66 and 1.0 (interrater reliability) and between 0.07 and 1.0 (test–retest reliability) across sites. Most HESPER items correlated as predicted with related questions of the World Health Organization Quality of Life-100 (WHOQOL-100), and participants found items comprehensive and relevant, suggesting criterion (concurrent) validity and content validity. Conclusions. The HESPER Scale rapidly provides valid and reliable population-based data on perceived needs in humanitarian settings.
Walkability, Transit Access, and Traffic Exposure for Low-Income Residents With Subsidized Housing
Authors: Houston Douglas , Basolo Victoria , Yang Dongwoo 
Published: August 2012

Objectives. We assessed the spatial distribution of subsidized housing units provided through 2 federally supported, low-income housing programs in Orange County, California, in relation to neighborhood walkability, transit access, and traffic exposure. Methods. We used data from multiple sources to examine land-use and health-related built environment factors near housing subsidized through the Housing Choice Voucher Program and the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, and to determine these patterns’ associations with traffic exposure. Results. Subsidized projects or units in walkable, poorer neighborhoods were associated with lower traffic exposure; higher traffic exposure was associated with more transit service, a Hispanic majority, and mixed-use areas. Voucher units are more likely than LIHTC projects to be located in high-traffic areas. Conclusions. Housing program design may affect the location of subsidized units, resulting in differential traffic exposure for households by program type. Further research is needed to better understand the relationships among subsidized housing locations, characteristics of the built environment, and health concerns such as traffic exposure, as well as which populations are most affected by these relationships.
The Quality of Drinking Water in North Carolina Farmworker Camps
Authors: Bischoff Werner E. , Weir Maria , Summers Phillip , Chen Haiying , Quandt Sara A. , Liebman Amy K. , Arcury Thomas A. 
Published: August 2012

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to assess water quality in migrant farmworker camps in North Carolina and determine associations of water quality with migrant farmworker housing characteristics. Methods. We collected data from 181 farmworker camps in eastern North Carolina during the 2010 agricultural season. Water samples were tested using the Total Coliform Rule (TCR) and housing characteristics were assessed using North Carolina Department of Labor standards. Results. A total of 61 (34%) of 181 camps failed the TCR. Total coliform bacteria were found in all 61 camps, with Escherichia coli also being detected in 2. Water quality was not associated with farmworker housing characteristics or with access to registered public water supplies. Multiple official violations of water quality standards had been reported for the registered public water supplies. Conclusions. Water supplied to farmworker camps often does not comply with current standards and poses a great risk to the physical health of farmworkers and surrounding communities. Expansion of water monitoring to more camps and changes to the regulations such as testing during occupancy and stronger enforcement are needed to secure water safety.
Factors That Mediate Racial/Ethnic Disparities in US Fetal Death Rates
Authors: Lorch Scott A. , Kroelinger Charlan D. , Ahlberg Corinne , Barfield Wanda D. 
Published: August 2012

Objectives. We sought to determine the importance of socioeconomic factors, maternal comorbid conditions, antepartum and intrapartum complications of pregnancy, and fetal factors in mediating racial disparities in fetal deaths. Methods. We undertook a mediation analysis on a retrospective cohort study of hospital-based deliveries with a gestational age between 23 and 44 weeks in California, Missouri, and Pennsylvania from 1993 to 2005 (n = 7 104 674). Results. Among non-Hispanic Black women and Hispanic women, the fetal death rate was higher than among non-Hispanic White women (5.9 and 3.6 per 1000 deliveries, respectively, vs 2.6 per 1000 deliveries; P < .01). For Black women, fetal factors mediated the largest percentage (49.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 42.7, 54.7) of the disparity in fetal deaths, whereas antepartum and intrapartum factors mediated some of the difference in fetal deaths for both Black and Asian women. Among Hispanic women, socioeconomic factors mediated 35.8% of the disparity in fetal deaths (95% CI = 25.8%, 46.2%). Conclusions. The factors that mediate racial/ethnic disparities in fetal death differ depending on the racial/ethnic group. Interventions targeting mediating factors specific to racial/ethnic groups, such as improved access to care, may help reduce US fetal death disparities.