bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do social policy reforms have different impacts on employment and welfare use as economic conditions change?
Authors: Herbst Chris M. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis paper uses March Current Population Survey data from 1985 to 2004 to explore whether social policy reforms implemented throughout the 1990s have different impacts on employment and welfare use depending on economic conditions, a topic with important policy implications but which has received little attention from researchers. I find evidence that many reforms operate differently as labor market conditions fluctuate. Although social policies increase employment during economic slowdowns, the largest effects are generated in favorable labor market conditions. The impact of time limits, mandatory job search, and cash diversion programs are particularly sensitive to the macroeconomy, while the earned income tax credit is associated with similar employment effects in most environments. The results vary substantially across policy “carrots” and “sticks,” levels of work intensity, and subsamples of single mothers, but a tentative conclusion is that a strong economy reinforces the positive incentives created by social policy reforms. © 2008 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Spatio‐temporal image correlation (STIC) used by general obstetricians is marginally clinically effective compared to 2D fetal echocardiography scanning by experts
Authors: Wanitpongpan Prapat , Kanagawa Takeshi , Kinugasa Yukiko , Kimura Tadashi 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the effectiveness of spatio‐temporal image correlation (STIC) used by general obstetricians as compared with 2D scanning.MethodsAs many as 30 pregnant women at 17–21 weeks' gestation were enrolled. 2D ultrasound was performed by a fetal echocardiologist; STIC was performed by a general obstetrician. Time, accuracy of measurement of diameter of great vessels and quality of the pictures obtained by the two methods were compared.ResultsThe mean time required by 2D ultrasound was significantly shorter than that by STIC (5.2 ± 1.9 min vs 9.8 ± 2.7 min; P < 0.001). The measurement of the diameter of the great vessels showed some difference but the mean score of the pictures obtained by both methods were not significantly different. By using 2D ultrasound, acceptable quality pictures were obtained in 51.9, 44.4 and 51.9% of cases for 4‐chamber, 5‐chamber and 3‐vessel views, respectively. Meanwhile by using STIC, the percentages were 77.8, 59.3 and 37%.ConclusionOur study suggested that STIC used by general obstetricians to check normality of fetal cardiac structures at 17–21 weeks' gestation has marginal clinical effectiveness when compared to 2D scanning by a fetal echocardiologist, and should need some improvement before it can be used as a tool to expand a fetal cardiac screening program Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A microfluidics approach for the isolation of nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) from the peripheral blood of pregnant women
Authors: Huang R. , Barber T. A. , Schmidt M. A. , Tompkins R. G. , Toner M. , Bianchi D. W. , Kapur R. , Flejter W. L. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjectiveNucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) have been identified in maternal circulation and potentially provide a resource for the monitoring and diagnosis of maternal, fetal, and neonatal health and disease. Past strategies used to isolate and enrich for NRBCs are limited to complex approaches that result in low recovery and less than optimal cell purity. Here we report the development of a high‐throughput and highly efficient microfluidic device for isolating rare NRBCs from maternal blood.Material and MethodsNRBCs were isolated from the peripheral blood of 58 pregnant women using a microfluidic process that consists of a microfluidic chip for size‐based cell separation and a magnetic device for hemoglobin‐based cell isolation.ResultsThe microfluidic–magnetic combination removes nontarget red blood cells and white blood cells at a very high efficiency (∼99.99%). The device successfully identified NRBCs from the peripheral blood of 58/58 pretermination samples with a mean of 37.44 NRBC/mL (range 0.37–274.36 NRBC/mL). These results were compared with those from previous studies.ConclusionThe microfluidic device results in an approximate 10‐ to 20‐fold enrichment of NRBCs over methods described previously. The reliability of isolation and the purity of the NRBC product have the potential to enable the subsequent application of molecular diagnostic assays. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nimesulide associated fulminant hepatic failure
Authors: Walker Sarah L. , Kennedy Fionnuala , Niamh Nolan , McCormick P. Aiden 
Published: September 2008

AbstractPurposeIt is controversial whether the non‐steroidal inflammatory drug nimesulide is associated with severe hepatotoxicity. Our objective was to determine whether nimesulide is associated with fulminant hepatic failure.MethodsRetrospective cohort study in the Irish national liver transplant unit. All patients who received a liver transplant for fulminant hepatic failure of unknown cause, between January 1994 and March 2007, were evaluated. New medications started within 6 months prior to transplant were identified. Likelihood of association assessed using the Naranjo and Roussel UCLAF Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM) scoring systems.ResultsThirty‐two patients with sero‐negative, non‐paracetamol fulminant hepatic failure, who received an emergency liver transplant, were identified. Nimesulide had been started within 6 months in 6 patients. Five of the six were middle aged females. Nimesulide was assessed as probably associated with liver injury in all six cases.ConclusionsNimesulide was associated with fulminant hepatic failure requiring liver transplant in 6/32 cases of unknown origin. This association requires further investigation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prescriber adoption of newly approved selective COX‐2 inhibitors
Authors: Layton Deborah , Souverein Patrick C. , Heerdink Eibert R , Shakir Saad AW , Egberts AGC 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIntroductionThere is no consistent definition of prescribers who adopt new drug treatments early. This study examines if COX‐2 inhibitors (coxibs) were prescribed by subsets of practitioners and describes GP adoption patterns of coxibs and existing NSAIDs over time.MethodsA population‐based drug utilisation study using a Dutch medication claims database. Prescribers of patients (18 + yrs) prescribed an NSAID January 1999—December 2003 were identified. Four NSAID categories were chosen reflecting selectivity (coxibs, preferential COX‐2 inhibitors and non‐selective (ns) NSAIDs (sub‐categorised as first or second line treatment)). The characteristics of prescribers issuing >10 prescriptions examined were: Type (GP, Specialist, Other); GP NSAID prescribing preference ratio (nsNSAIDs/coxib first prescription); coxib (ratio < 3); prescriber proportion responsible for 100%, 80% and 50% of initiations. Odds Ratios (95%CI) were calculated (first‐line nsNSAIDs as reference). Plots of prescribing proportions by quarter year were examined.ResultsNSAID cohorts comprised: first‐line ns (N = 38783); second‐line ns (N = 1459); COX‐2 preferential (N = 3107); coxib (N = 4202) patients. For all four cohorts, GPs were the most common prescriber type (>67%); the most frequent prescribing preference was for first‐line nsNSAIDs; 50% percentile prescribing proportions were low (<9%). GPs were equally as likely to prescribe coxibs as first‐line nsNSAIDs [OR 1.0 (0.9, 1.1)]. Plots of 100% prescriber proportion for first‐line nsNSAIDs and coxibs showed convergence; 50th percentile prescriber proportions plots were constant.ConclusionsSmall subsets of prescribers accounted for the majority of initiations regardless of NSAID type. Further studies are needed on such prescribers to inform healthcare policies and encourage participation in post‐marketing safety studies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of co‐payment increases on dispensings of government‐subsidised medicines in Australia
Authors: Hynd Anna , Roughead Elizabeth E. , Preen David B. , Glover John , Bulsara Max , Semmens James 
Published: September 2008

AbstractPurposePatient co‐payments for medicines subsidised under the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) increased by 24% in January 2005. We investigated whether this increase and two related co‐payment changes were associated with changes in dispensings of selected subsidised medicines in Australia.MethodWe analysed national aggregate monthly prescription dispensings for 17 medicine categories, selected to represent a range of treatments (e.g. for diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, gout). Trends in medication dispensings from January 2000 to December 2004 were compared with those from January 2005 to September 2007 using segmented regression analysis.ResultsFollowing the January 2005 increase in PBS co‐payments, significant decrease in dispensing volumes were observed in 12 of the 17 medicine categories (range: 3.2–10.9%), namely anti‐epileptics, anti‐Parkinson's treatments, combination asthma medicines, eye‐drops, glaucoma treatments, HmgCoA reductase inhibitors, insulin, muscle relaxants, non‐aspirin antiplatelets, osteoporosis treatments, proton‐pump inhibitors (PPIs) and thyroxine. The largest decrease was observed for medicines used in treating asymptomatic conditions or those with over‐the‐counter (OTC) substitutes. Decrease in dispensings to social security beneficiaries was consistently greater than for general beneficiaries following the co‐payment changes (range: 1.8–9.4% greater, p = 0.028).ConclusionsThe study findings suggest that recent increase in Australian PBS co‐payments have had a significant effect on dispensings of prescription medicines. The results suggest large increase in co‐payments impact on patients' ability to afford essential medicines. Of major concern is that, despite special subsidies for social security beneficiaries in the Australian system, the recent co‐payment increase has particularly impacted on utilisation for this group. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrical conductivity and rheological behavior of multiphase polymer composites containing conducting carbon black
Authors: Zhang Qinghua , Xiong Hui , Yan Weixia , Chen Dajun , Zhu Meifang 
Published: September 2008

AbstractMultiphase polymer composites of carbon black (CB), polypropylene (PP) and low density polyethylene (LDPE) were prepared by melt‐mixing method to reduce the amount of CB in the conductive composites. SEM images showed that CB preferably located in LDPE phase and formed electrically conductive path. The measurement of conductive properties showed that the ternary materials possessed lower percolation than binary composites of CB/PP or CB/LDPE, the former was ∼6 wt% and the latter was 9–10 wt%. Positive temperature coefficient (PTC) effects of the binary and ternary composites were investigated, indicating that the latter exhibited a relatively high PTC intensity. A rheological percolation estimated by a power law function is 2.66 wt% of CB loading, suggesting an onset of solid‐like behavior at low frequencies. This difference between the electrical and rheological percolation thresholds may be understood in terms of the smaller CB–CB distance required for electrical conductivity as compared with that required to impede polymer mobility. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Morphology and rheological properties of blends of chemically modified thermoplastic starch and polycaprolactone
Authors: Shin Boo Young , Narayan Ramani , Lee Sang Il , Lee Tae Jin 
Published: September 2008

AbstractPolycaprolactone (PCL) was blended in a twin‐screw extruder with chemically modified thermoplastic starch (CMPS) to provide biobased and biodegradable resin composition. Reacting starch with maleic anhydride (MA) in the presence of a plasticizer and a free radical initiator provided the CMPS. The starch modification improved interfacial adhesion and processability in blending with other thermoplastic polyesters. The rheological, mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of the blends were examined. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies revealed that the PCL/CMPS blends are thermodynamically immiscible. However, they formed compatible blends due to the reaction of the carboxyl groups on starch backbone with hydroxyl groups of the PCL chain ends. The tensile strength and elongation decreased with increasing CMPS content, whereas the modulus increased. Dynamic viscoelastic measurements showed that the flow behavior of PCL was that of Newtonian fluid within the tested frequencies, whereas the CMPS exhibited strong shear thinning characteristics. The flow behavior of the blends varied with the CMPS content. The complex viscosity, storage, and loss moduli of the blends containing more than 40% of CMPS were higher than those of pure CMPS and PCL. In addition, the properties of CMPS to those of chemically unmodified thermoplastic starch (TPS) were compared. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Injection molding of a diffractive optical element
Authors: Tofteberg Terje , Amédro Hélène , Andreassen Erik 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe injection molding of a microfeatured component, a diffractive optical element, was studied. The component has a wave‐like pattern on the surface, with amplitude 0.5 μm and wavelength 3 μm. Two different polymers were used: a polymethylmethacrylate and an ethylene‐norbornene copolymer (cyclic olefin copolymer). The topography was investigated using white light interferometry (WLI), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A new WLI‐based technique is proposed for rapid quantification of the replication of periodic surface patterns. This technique gives almost the same information regarding the degree of replication as AFM but can be performed much faster. Quantitative data on the degree of replication as function of processing conditions are presented. At optimal conditions, almost perfect replication is obtained using both materials. At suboptimal conditions, it is observed that the degree of replication increases with increasing injection velocity and increasing mold temperature, with similar characteristics for both materials. The difference in replication quality between the two materials seems to be related to the different temperature dependencies of the viscosities. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Film insert molding as a novel weld‐line inhibition and strengthening technique
Authors: Leong Yew Wei , Umemura Toshikazu , Hamada Hiroyuki 
Published: September 2008

AbstractSpecimens with weld lines were produced via conventional and film insert molding techniques using two types of materials as the substrate resin, i.e. a polycarbonate/acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (PC/ABS) blend and glass fiber‐filled polycarbonate (PC‐gf). The formation and morphology of the weld line region was assessed with and without the presence of 0.5‐mm‐thick PC film inserts. The weld line formation and characteristics were found to be dependent on the extent of interaction between the injected resin and the mold surface or the film insert. Better interfacial interaction between the substrate and film led to the distortion of the weld line orientation, which significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of the weld line. The incorporation of glass fibers into the substrate resin would usually reduce the resistance of the weld line towards tensile, flexural and impact loadings. However, with the attachment of film inserts, the mechanical properties of the weld line region have significantly improved, even with the presence of rigid fibers. Upon examination of tensile and impact fracture surfaces of film insert specimens, a unique orientation of fibers across the weld line (parallel to the flow direction and perpendicular to the weld line) could be observed at regions directly under the film. The combination of favorable properties from the unique fiber orientation and distortion of the weld line, as well as the ability of the film to effectively dissipate forces towards a larger area, have synergistically contributed towards the mechanical property enhancement of the weld line region in film insert moldings. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Analysis of electrical, dielectric, and electromagnetic interference shielding behavior of graphite filled high density polyethylene composites
Authors: Panwar Varij , Mehra R.M. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractConducting polymer composites were prepared by hot compression molding of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) prelocalized with graphite (Gr). The variation of room temperature electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, and Shore‐D hardness as a function of graphite content were studied below and above percolation threshold. The percolation threshold at which insulator‐conductor transition takes place is estimated to be 0.029 volume fraction of graphite. The observed increase in dielectric constant with addition of graphite also found to be percolative in nature. Above percolation threshold, the dielectric constant is found to decrease sharply with increase in frequency. Electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of HDPE/Gr composites was evaluated in the X‐band frequency range. The composites were found to possess both positive and negative temperature coefficient of resistance. Reproducibility of electrical resistivity with temperature was observed only below the processing temperature. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Multiobjective optimization of an industrial nylon‐6 semi batch reactor using the a‐jumping gene adaptations of genetic algorithm and simulated annealing
Authors: Ramteke Manojkumar , Gupta Santosh K. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe elitist nondominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA‐II) and multiobjective simulated annealing (MOSA) with the robust fixed‐length jumping gene adaptation (aJG) are used to solve three computationally intensive multiobjective optimization problems for an industrial semi batch nylon‐6 reactor. In Problems 1 and 2, the batch time and the final concentration of the undesirable side‐product (cyclic dimer) are minimized while maintaining desired values of the degree of polymerization of the product and the monomer conversion (monomer conversion is maximized as a third objective in Problem 3). The histories of two decision variables, pressure [or vapor release rate] and jacket fluid temperature, are used to obtain the Pareto optimal fronts. The study predicts considerable improvement over earlier results when (i) a single‐stage steam jet ejector is used to create subatmospheric pressures in the reactor, (ii) when the jacket fluid temperature is taken as a function of time, and (iii) when some amino caproic acid (from the depolymerization of scrap nylon‐6) is added to the feed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Challenges of shape memory polymers: A review of the progress toward overcoming SMP's limitations
Authors: Rousseau Ingrid A. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractMany applications ranging from biomedical to aerospace have been proposed for the use of shape memory polymers (SMPs). To optimize SMPs properties for appropriately targeting such wide‐spreading application requirements, it becomes necessary to understand the structure/property relationships in SMPs. The literature was reviewed and the recent advances made in the development of SMPs were determined to establish guidelines for composition and structure considerations for designing SMPs with targeted chemical, physical, and shape memory (SM) properties. It was concluded that covalently crosslinked glassy thermosets appear to be better SMP candidates because of their intrinsically higher modulus, greater thermal and chemical stability, higher shape fixity and recovery, and possibly their longer cycle life. However, material design allows for reaching comparable or better properties for all classes of SMPs. This emphasizes that optimization of SMPs requires application‐specific molecular, structural, and geometrical design. Current techniques for improving stress recovery and cycle time, which compared to shape memory alloys are the two main limitations of SMPs, are extensively discussed. Understanding the relationships between the composition and structure of an SMP and its SM properties as well as its limitations enables one to better define the development areas for high performance SMPs. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Advances in the assessment of social competence: Findings from a preliminary investigation of a general outcome measure for social behavior
Authors: Cummings Kelli D. , Kaminski Ruth A. , Merrell Kenneth W. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis study describes the initial validation of an innovative social‐‐behavioral observational assessment tool that is designed to be used on a repeated basis to assess growth and development of social competence over time to: (a) identify the social functioning of all students, (b) assist in planning support for students at risk, and (c) evaluate the effectiveness of individual and system‐wide interventions. Eighteen first‐grade students were monitored over an 8‐week period using the Initiation‐Response Assessment (IRA) Code. The School Social Behavior Scales, a published teacher rating scale, was included as a criterion measure. Estimates of reliability and criterion‐related validity were calculated for the IRA. The measure's sensitivity to growth over time and between‐group variability were also assessed using hierarchical linear modeling procedures. Results indicate that scores on this measure are stable, and tap constructs similar to those assessed via teacher rating. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of videotaped instruction in dialogic reading strategies: An investigation of caregiver implementation integrity
Authors: Briesch Amy M. , Chafouleas Sandra M. , Lebel Teresa J. , Blom‐Hoffman Jessica A. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractResearch during the past 15 years has repeatedly demonstrated the beneficial effects of dialogic reading (DR), a form of shared storybook reading, on the development of language in preschool children. Although much is known about the effects of DR on children, little attention has been paid to the role that adult caregivers play in the DR experience. Specifically, we do not yet have an understanding of the frequency and consistency with which caregivers use DR strategies in daily practice, prior to and following training. In the current study, the integrity with which six caregivers used DR strategies with their preschool‐aged children subsequent to viewing a commercially available training videotape was investigated. Results indicate that caregivers can learn to use several DR strategies through videotaped training; however, supplemental training may be necessary to teach caregivers certain strategies if they are to use them with integrity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The MS Society
Authors: Bentley Chris 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe MS Society is the UK's largest charity dedicated to supporting everyone whose life is touched by MS. It provides respite care, a freephone MS helpline, grants for home adaptations and mobility aids, education and training, specialist MS nurses and a wide range of information. The MS Society also funds over 40 vital MS research projects in the UK. Chris Bentley, press officer for the MS Society, provides more detail. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd