bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First report on the occurrence of Rickettsia slovaca and Rickettsia raoultii in Dermacentor silvarum in China
Authors: Tian Zhan-Cheng , Liu Guang-Yuan , Shen Hui , Xie Jun-Ren , Luo Jin , Tian Mei-Yuan 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
Rickettsioses are among both the longest known and most recently recognized infectious diseases. Although new spotted fever group rickettsiae have been isolated in many parts of the world including China, Little is known about the epidemiology of Rickettsia pathogens in ticks from Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China.

Methods
In an attempt to assess the potential risk of rickettsial infection after exposure to ticks in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China, a total of 200 Dermacentor silvarum ticks collected in Xinyuan district were screened by polymerase chain reaction based on the outer membrane protein A gene.

Results
22 of the 200 specimens (11%) were found to be positive by PCR. Phylogenetic analysis of OmpA sequences identified two rickettsial species, Rickettsia raoultii (4.5%) and Rickettsia slovaca (6.5%).

Conclusions
This study has reported the occurrence of Rickettsia raoultii and Rickettsia slovaca in Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China and suggests that Dermacentor silvarum could be involved in the transmission of rickettsial agents in China. Further studies on the characterization and culture of rickettsial species found in Dermacentor silvarum should be performed to further clarify this. Additionally, the screening of human specimens for rickettsial disease in this region will define the incidence of infection.
Social Landscaping in the Forests of Mexico: An Environmental Interpretation of Cardenismo, 1934–1940
Authors: Boyer Christopher R. , Wakild Emily 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
This article reinterprets the pivotal presidency of Lázaro Cárdenas of Mexico, (1934–40) through the prism of environmental history. The Cárdenas administration is best known for its use of land reform, creation of mass organizations, and the nationalization of key industries to fulfill what it understood as the “promises” of the revolution. Yet such assertions render the natural world invisible. We show that a fundamental element of Cárdenas’s ambitious social and political agenda was to rationalize and expand the use of natural resources in tandem with social reform, a process that we term “social landscaping.” The Cardenistas intended not only to reorient the relationship between the popular classes and the state but to unleash state power in order to redefine the relationship between the popular classes and nature. Social landscaping played out in a variety of landscapes such as river valleys, roadways, and forests, the latter of which received special attention. The twin goals of rationalizing resource use and reconfiguring rural people’s relationship with the land, we argue, was a defining characteristic of Cardenismo and its attempt to harness land reform, economic development, and the scientific use of natural resources to the broader project of social transformation.
Liquid-Based Papanicolaou Tests in Endometrial Carcinoma Diagnosis
Authors: Sams Sharon B. , Currens Heather S. , Raab Stephen S. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractRecent reports show that the sensitivity of endometrial carcinoma detection on liquid-based Papanicolaou (Pap) tests (88%) is considerably higher than that reported on conventional Pap smears (20%–30%), although few laboratories have corroborated these results. We performed a 5-year retrospective review of all liquid-based Pap tests (n = 69) in women who later were given a diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma, performed error root cause analysis, and developed quality improvement initiatives as a means of error reduction. The original and rescreened Pap test sensitivity rates for endometrial carcinoma were 31.9% and 59.3%, respectively. Root cause analysis showed that poor specimen quality and cognitive failures contributed to a false-negative error in 67% (18/27) and 59% (16/27), respectively, of all cases. System analysis showed that latent factors contributing to error included lack of redundant and educational systems. We conclude that system redesign of liquid-based Pap test screening processes has the potential to improve sensitivity in endometrial carcinoma diagnosis.
Trajektorienregelung von zeitkritischen Fahrmanövern
Authors: Werling Moritz , Gröll Lutz , Bretthauer Georg 
Published: January 2012

Zusammenfassung
Die Beherrschung dynamischer Verkehrsszenarien erfordert die Stabilisierung von zeitkritischen Fahrmanövern, wie dem Ausweichen beweglicher Hindernisse oder dem Einfädeln in fließenden Verkehr. Beim autonomen Fahren stoßen hierbei die bisher eingesetzten bahnbasierten Verfahren an ihre Grenzen. Das im Beitrag mittels exakter Ein-/Ausgangslinearisierung entworfene trajektorienbasierte Stabilisierungskonzept hingegen berücksichtigt die Zeit t während der Manöverdurchführung explizit, sodass bewegliche Hindernisse präzise umfahren werden können.
Stress and Mental Health Among Midlife and Older Gay-Identified Men
Authors: Wight Richard G. , LeBlanc Allen J. , de Vries Brian , Detels Roger 
Published: January 2012

Objectives. We investigated associations between stress and mental health (positive affect, depressive symptoms) among HIV-negative and HIV-positive midlife and older gay-identified men, along with the mediating and moderating effects of mastery and emotional support. We also studied the mental health effects of same-sex marriage. Methods. We obtained data from self-administered questionnaires completed in 2009 or 2010 by a subsample (n = 202; average age = 56.91 years; age range = 44–75 years) of participants in the University of California, Los Angeles component of the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study, one of the largest and longest-running natural-history studies of HIV/AIDS in the United States. Results. Both sexual minority stress (perceived gay-related stigma, excessive HIV bereavements) and aging-related stress (independence and fiscal concerns) appeared to have been detrimental to mental health. Sense of mastery partially mediated these associations. Being legally married was significantly protective net of all covariates, including having a domestic partner but not being married. Education, HIV status, and race/ethnicity had no significant effects. Conclusions. Sexual minority and aging-related stress significantly affected the emotional lives of these men. Personal sense of mastery may help to sustain them as they age. We observed specific mental health benefits of same-sex legal marriage.
Temporal Trends in Incidence and Mortality Rates for Colorectal Cancer by Tumor Location: 1975–2007
Authors: Phipps Amanda I. , Scoggins John , Rossing Mary Anne , Li Christopher I. , Newcomb Polly A. 
Published: January 2012

Objectives. We evaluated changes in colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality by anatomic site to assess the possible impact of CRC screening. Methods. Using data from 9 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer registries, we estimated trends in 1975–2007 CRC incidence and 1985–2007 incidence-based mortality. We evaluated trends separately for proximal and distal CRC, overall and by stage, tumor site, and race. Results. Between 1975 and 2007, 323 237 adults in the study area were diagnosed with CRC. For most tumor and population subgroups, incidence rates increased between 1975 and 1985 and subsequently declined markedly. Declines were most rapid between 1999 and 2007 and were greater for distal than proximal CRC. Declines in incidence were greater for White than Black adults and greatest for regional-stage disease. There was little difference in trends across subsites within the proximal and distal colorectum. Declines in incidence-based mortality mirrored those for incidence. Conclusions. Recent declines in CRC incidence and mortality are greater for distal than proximal CRC. Differing trends across populations may reflect variations in screening prevalence; distinct trends by tumor characteristics likely reflect differences in screening efficacy.
Project-Based Housing First for Chronically Homeless Individuals With Alcohol Problems: Within-Subjects Analyses of 2-Year Alcohol Trajectories
Authors: Collins Susan E. , Malone Daniel K. , Clifasefi Seema L. , Ginzler Joshua A. , Garner Michelle D. , Burlingham Bonnie , Lonczak Heather S. , Dana Elizabeth A. , Kirouac Megan , Tanzer Kenneth , Hobson William G. , Marlatt G. Alan , Larimer Mary E. 
Published: January 2012

Objectives. Two-year alcohol use trajectories were documented among residents in a project-based Housing First program. Project-based Housing First provides immediate, low-barrier, nonabstinence-based, permanent supportive housing to chronically homeless individuals within a single housing project. The study aim was to address concerns that nonabstinence-based housing may enable alcohol use. Methods. A 2-year, within-subjects analysis was conducted among 95 chronically homeless individuals with alcohol problems who were allocated to project-based Housing First. Alcohol variables were assessed through self-report. Data on intervention exposure were extracted from agency records. Results. Multilevel growth models indicated significant within-subjects decreases across alcohol use outcomes over the study period. Intervention exposure, represented by months spent in housing, consistently predicted additional decreases in alcohol use outcomes. Conclusions. Findings did not support the enabling hypothesis. Although the project-based Housing First program did not require abstinence or treatment attendance, participants decreased their alcohol use and alcohol-related problems as a function of time and intervention exposure.
A Novel Method for Synthesizing N‐Alkoxycarbonyl Aryl α‐Imino Esters and Their Applications in Enantioselective Transformations
Authors: Qian Yu , Jing Changcheng , Zhai Changwei , Hu Wen‐hao 
Published: January 2012

AbstractA new strategy for the synthesis of N‐alkoxycarbonyl aryl α‐imino esters in the presence of dirhodium tetraacetate [Rh2(OAc)4] is reported to produce the desired compounds in high yield (up to 96%) under mild reaction conditions. The application of the synthetic method is demonstrated in enantioselective reduction and Friedel–Crafts reaction of indoles to afford the corresponding chiral arylglycines and indole derivatives, respectively, in high yield and excellent ee.
Electrochemically Synthesized Polypyrrole/Graphene Composite Film for Lithium Batteries
Authors: Yang Yang , Wang Caiyun , Yue Binbin , Gambhir Sanjeev , Too Chee O. , Wallace Gordon G. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractA polypyrrole/reduced graphene oxide (PPy/r‐GO) composite film is prepared by inducing electrochemical reduction of graphene oxide incorporated into PPy as the dopant. This film has a wrinkled surface morphology with a porous structure as revealed by scanning electron microscopy. Its porous structure is attributed to the physical nature of the GO sheets, providing a templating effect during PPy deposition. This PPy/r‐GO composite is characterized using in‐situ UV–visible spectroelectrochemistry as well as Raman and Fourier‐transform IR spectroscopy. The PPy/r‐GO material shows greatly improved electrochemical properties, i.e., a high rate capability and excellent cycling stability when used as a cathode material in a lithium ion battery. It also delivers a large reversible capacity when used as an anode material, and this is mainly attributed to the reduced graphene oxide (r‐GO) component.
Cancer patients requiring interruption of long‐term warfarin because of surgery or chemotherapy induced thrombocytopenia: The use of fixed sub‐therapeutic doses of low‐molecular weight heparin
Authors: Saccullo Giorgia , Malato Alessandra , Raso Simona , Santoro Marco , Zammit Valentina , Casuccio Alessandra , Siragusa Sergio 
Published: January 2012

AbstractNo data are available regarding the management of cancer patients requiring interruption of long‐term vitamin‐K antagonist (VKA) therapy. For this purpose, we tested the efficacy and safety of fixed doses of low‐molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in substitution of VKA because of invasive procedures or chemotherapy‐induced thrombocytopenia. In cancer patients on VKA, therapy was discontinued 5 ± 1 days before surgery or chemotherapy. Heparin was given at prophylactic dosage in patients at low risk and at fixed subtherapeutic doses (3,800 or 4,000 UI anti‐FXa, b.i.d.) in those at high‐risk for thrombosis. LMWH was reinitiated 12 hr after surgery and VKA the day after. In patients receiving chemotherapy, LMWH was reinitiated 12/24 hr after obtaining a stable platelet count ≥ 30,000 mmc3 and VKA after a stable platelet count ≥ 50,000 mmc3. Thromboembolism and major bleeding events were recorded from the time of VKA suspension to 30 ± 2 days postprocedure or until the next chemotherapy. Overall, 156 patients (56.4% at low risk and 43.5% at high risk for thrombosis) were enrolled; 34.6% underwent major surgery, 40.4% nonmajor surgery, and 25% chemotherapy. Thrombotic events occurred in five patients [3.2%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.41–7.27], four belonging to the high‐risk and one to the low‐risk group. Major bleeding occurred in five patients (3.2%, 95 CI: 1.41–7.27), all belonging to the high‐risk group (three during major surgery and two during chemotherapy). In conclusion, LMWH given at fixed subtherapeutic is a feasible and relatively safe approach for bridging therapy in cancer patients on long‐term VKA. Am. J. Hematol., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of the ethmoid skull‐base height prior to endoscopic sinus surgery: a preoperative computed tomography evaluation technique
Authors: Rudmik Luke , Smith Timothy L. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIntroduction:Iatrogenic ethmoid skull base (ESB) injury during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is a potentially devastating complication. The height of the ESB can vary substantially and should be assessed during preoperative evaluation of the sinus computed tomography (CT) scan.Methods:The objective of this study is to describe an objective preoperative CT evaluation technique to assist the surgeon in defining the height of the ESB prior to performing ESS.Results:We propose a technique which measures the height of the ESB from a single horizontal mid‐orbital line located on a standardized coronal sinus CT image at the level of the anterior ethmoid artery canal.Conclusions:Utilization of an objective preoperative CT measurement technique may quantify identification of a low ESB and optimize surgical awareness of this potentially dangerous anatomic skull base variation. © 2012 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
Cost analysis of office‐based and operating room procedures in rhinology
Authors: Prickett Kara K. , Wise Sarah K. , DelGaudio John M. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground:Analyses of office‐based procedures in laryngology and otology have shown them to be safe and satisfying for patients, with substantial savings of time and money for patients and physicians. The objectives of this study were to compare the billable charges and reimbursement for rhinologic procedures performed in the office with charges for procedures performed in an ambulatory surgery center operating room (OR).Methods:A retrospective, matched‐pair cost analysis was performed. Patients who underwent office‐based procedures between 2006 and 2011 were matched by Current Procedural Terminology® (CPT) code with patients who underwent similar procedures in the OR. Twenty‐nine matched pairs were included. Charges for surgery, anesthesia, and facility usage were analyzed. Because surgery charges may be influenced by contracts with insurance providers, both the total billed charges and total allowed charges were analyzed using paired t tests. When a single office‐based procedure was compared with multiple procedures performed during the same operation in the OR, anesthesia and facility charges were scaled to allow for more accurate comparison.Results:Mean total charges for office‐based procedures were significantly less than for OR procedures ($2,737.17 vs $7,329.69, p < 0.001). Mean allowed charges for office‐based procedures were significantly less than for OR procedures ($762.08 vs $5,835.09, p < 0.001). Mean scaled charges for office‐based procedures were also significantly less than mean scaled charges for OR procedures ($762.08 vs $4,089.33, p < 0.001). Office procedures were reimbursed at similar or higher rates than were OR procedures.Conclusion:In appropriate patients, performing simple rhinologic procedures in the office rather than in the OR offers significant cost savings without impacting physician reimbursement. ©2012 ARSAAOA, LLC.
Effect of low‐frequency oxygen plasma on polysulfone membranes for CO2/CH4 Separation
Authors: Modarresi Siamak , Soltanieh Mohammad , Mousavi Seyyed Abbas , Shabani Iman 
Published: January 2012

AbstractLow‐frequency O2 plasma was used to modify the surface of polysulfone gas‐separation membranes. The effects of the treatment time and plasma power input on the membranes were also investigated. Pure CO2 and CH4 gas‐permeation measurements were performed before and after plasma treatment. The results show the increase of permeability of the treated membranes due to surface ablation and surface polarization up to 5.63 and 68.80 gas‐permeation units for CH4 and CO2, respectively, whereas, the CO2/CH4 selectivity of the treated membranes varied from 7.7 to 45.3, depending on the treatment conditions. Attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy determined the introduction of oxygen‐containing polar groups on the surface of the membranes following treatment. Water contact angle measurements also showed a significant increase in the wettability of the membranes after plasma treatment. Furthermore, the morphology of the surface of the membranes was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The images displayed a gradual smoothness of the surface under mild treatment conditions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
The effects of technological compatibility for silicone rubber/fluororubber blends
Authors: Kim Dae Hyun , Hwang Sung Hyuk , Kim Bong Shik 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn this study, silicone rubber (SR) and fluororubber (FKM) blends were prepared and their properties were investigated. The crosslinking rate in the blends was increased with increase of SR content due to the silica filler existing into SR. As the content of FKM in the blends increases, the thermal decomposition temperature of the blends tended to increase and the thermal stability of 25/75 SR/FKM blend was higher than that of any other blends ratios. With the increase of FKM content in the blends, the contact angle of SR/FKM blends decreased and the surface energy increased owing to the change of the polarity of the surface. Dynamic mechanical analysis of 25/75 SR/FKM blend showed two transitions peak at −60.5 and −12.7°C, respectively, indicating the immiscibility. Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance studies showed shifts in the peaks due to specific interactions in the blends, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) studies revealed that the domain sizes of the blends come to be smaller with increasing FKM content. In the blend with 75 wt % of FKM, we observed that it is technologically compatible due to the increase of physical properties and the decrease of the domain size of FE‐SEM in 25/75 SR/FKM blend. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Preparation and characterization of flexible poly(vinyl chloride) foam films
Authors: Şahin E. , Mahlicli F. Y. , Yetgin S. , Balköse D. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn this study, the effect of activator ZnO and heating time at 190°C on foaming, gelation, and dehydrochlorination of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) plastisol was investigated. For this purpose, a PVC plastisol was prepared by mixing PVC, dioctyl phthalate (DOP), azodicarbonamide (ADC), ZnO, and the heat stabilizers calcium stearate (CaSt2) and zinc stearate(ZnSt2). PVC plastisol films were heated for 3, 6, 12, and 24 min periods at 190°C to see the effect of heating time on the gelation and foaming processes of the PVC foam. The time of 12 min was determined to be optimum for the completion of gelation and foaming processes without thermal degradation of PVC. No foaming was observed under the same conditions for the samples without ZnO. ZnO had a significant catalytic effect on ADC decomposition, accelerating the foaming of the films. Average porosity measurement showed a consistent increase in porosity with heating time up to 76% and the average density decreased from 1.17 to 0.29 g/cm3 on foaming. Tensile tests showed that the tensile strength and tensile strain both increased considerably up to 0.98 MPa and 207%, respectively, with heating time and the elastic modulus was seen to gradually decrease from 4.7 to 0.7 MPa with heating time. Films without ZnO had higher tensile strength since there were no pores. PVC thermomat tests showed that ZnO lowered the stability time of plastigel film with azodicarbonamide. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Effect of nucleating agent on the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of glass fiber‐ and mineral‐filled polyamide‐6 composites
Authors: Şanlı Selen , Durmus Ali , Ercan Nevra 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn this study, nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of glass fiber (GF) and clay‐type mineral (MN)‐reinforced polyamide‐6 (PA6) composites prepared in a twin screw extruder were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry method in the presence and absence of an organic nucleating agent (NA). Kinetic parameters for the nonisothermal melt‐crystallization process of samples were determined with several models namely Ozawa, Avrami, Jeziorny, and Liu–Mo. Crystallization rate parameters of the samples and nucleation activity of the fillers and additives were also calculated by the models suggested by Zhang and Dobreva and Gutzow, respectively. Crystallization activation energies of the samples were determined by the Kissinger model. It was found that the MN filler accelerates dramatically the crystallization rate of PA6 even without a NA. Small amount of NA also has a significant acceleration effect on the crystallization rate of PA6 composites. The rate acceleration effect of NA was found to be more pronounced in the composite sample reinforced with GF. Based on the kinetic study using of GF as major filler and small amount of clay‐like MN in the PA6 composites could improve the mechanical properties and crystallization rate of injection‐molded parts. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Synthesis and characterization of novel organosilicon‐modified polyurethane
Authors: Zhang Yihe , Shang Jiwu , Lv Fengzhu , Chu Paul K. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractOrganosilicon‐modified polyurethane have been synthesized using the prepolymer method and characterized by Fourier infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA), solvent resistance analysis, and stress–strain tests. The FTIR spectra show that the polyurethane is fully reacted and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is chemically incorporated into the copolymer. SEM reveals a multiphase structure with surface cracking and thermal analysis indicates that the heat resistance properties are better when the PDMS concentration is low. According to the solvent resistance, water and acetone uptake decreases when the PDMS content is less than 4 wt % while the ethanol uptake changes indistinctively. The mechanical properties of the films are also discussed. A tensile strength up to 6 wt % has the largest effect while the elongation at break decreases. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 125:1486–1492, 2012