bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated With Expenditures for Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) and Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons With Mental Retardation (ICF/MR) Services for Persons With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Lakin K. Charlie , Doljanac Robert , Byun Soo-Yong , Stancliffe Roger J. , Taub Sarah , Chiri Giuseppina 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
This article examines expenditures for a random sample of 1,421 adult Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) and Intermediate Care Facility/Mental Retardation (ICF/MR) recipients in 4 states. The article documents variations in expenditures for individuals with different characteristics and service needs and, controlling for individual characteristics, by residential setting type, Medicaid program (ICF/MR or HCBS), and state. Annual average per-person Medicaid expenditures for HCBS recipients were less than those of ICF/MR residents ($61,770 and $128,275, respectively). HCBS recipients had less severe disability (intellectual, physical, health service needs) than ICF/MR residents. Controlling these differences, and for congregate settings, HCBS were less costly than ICFs/MR, but this distinction accounted for only 3.3% of variation in expenditures. Persons living with families receiving HCBS ($25,072) and in host families (including foster, companion, or shared living arrangements; $44,112) had the lowest Medicaid expenditures.
Development of wooden block shear wall – Improvement of stiffness by utilizing elements of densified wood
Authors: Hassel Ivón , Berard Pierre , Komatsu Kohei 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
The objective of this research was to study the performance of a wooden block shear wall which utilizes compressed wood as a connecting element in place of the traditional metal connectors. The compressed wood was made by compressing Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) to a compression ratio of 63% without fixation treatment. The connecting elements, namely diamond keys (DKs), recover their radial compressed dimension when absorbing moisture. The expansion of the wood causes a tighter fit of the wood blocks, thereby improving the system stiffness. DKs work as fuses by absorbing most of the stress and damage. This allows the structure to be readjusted and reused after earthquakes. The wooden blocks are made of glued-laminated timber based on European red pine (Pinus sylvestris). The behavior of the wall was studied by means of a finite element method (FEM) and full-scale shear tests. The material properties were found by performing mechanical tests, using digital image analysis, and strain gauges to measure the strain. The stiffness of the wall and how it is affected by the DKs are described. The FEM provided predictions which are in agreement with experimental results of wood block wall systems. The addition of DKs increased the stiffness by up to 2.5-fold. Future improvement of FEM will include accounting for the contribution of vertical connectors and out-of-plane forces.
Resistance of Trichoderma harzianum to the biocide tebuconazol – Proposed biodegradation pathways
Authors: Obanda Diana N. , Shupe Todd F. , Catallo W. James 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Wood preservatives are moving from metal-based to totally organic chemical systems. A major problem with organic biocides is biodegradation by wood-inhabiting but non-decaying microorganisms during the long service expected from treated wood. While data for triazoles suggest good efficacy against a wide range of basidiomycete fungi, this class of preservatives are less effective against the ascomycetes (soft-rot fungi, molds, and stains). The objective of this study was to examine the biotransformation of tebuconazol as one of the triazoles by the mold Trichoderma harzianum. After inoculation for 21 days, 68% of the tebuconazol was degraded in vitro. MS and IR analysis of isolated metabolites indicated that the major pathway is cleavage of the triazole ring on tebuconazol. Additionally, oxidation reactions occurred on the tert-butyl moiety. The oxidation products are subsequently metabolized by acetylation. Biotransformation resulting in non-toxic degradates is one of the mechanisms employed by this fungus in tolerating tebuconazol.
The role of extensional tectonics in shaping Cenozoic New-Caledonia
Authors: Lagabrielle Yves , Chauvet Alain 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
New-Caledonia island consists of an ultramafic nappe thrusted over a continental and arc-derived basement as the result of the closure of a back-arc basin during the upper Eocene. The morphology of New-Caledonia is mostly characterized by its elongated shape and rectilinear coastline. Indeed, the western and eastern edges of the island are delineated by N140 trending normal faults that are well imaged on seismic lines. Major tectonic lineaments onland, including the scarps corresponding to the main boundary of the ultramafic nappe, also trend N140 suggesting a morphotectonic control by faults having similar kinematics (longitudinal flexure-fault of previous authors). We provide detailed observations from some of these scarps demonstrating indeed that these are not erosional features in origin. We explore the possibility that such surfaces do represent major tectonic limits that accommodated extension and significant tectonic thinning of both the peridotite nappe and its basement. Remnants of a complex extensional fault zone, 200 m wide, are still preserved along the western scarp of the Mont Dore mountain, close to Nouméa city. The deformed zone is composed of an early shallow dipping detachment fault, some decimeters thick, offset by a group of late high angle normal faults and is bounded by cataclastic breccias that progressively pass into the fractured host peridotite. The late high angle fault zones have been the site of important syn-tectonic fluid circulation and are underlined by cm-thick silica infills bearing vertical striae. Typical morphology of the main scarps with break of slope is related to the combination of high angle normal faults and low angle detachment. Similar shallow dipping detachment surfaces have been observed along the east coast of southern New-Caledonia as well as within the ultramafic nappe itself and its basement. This study confirms that N140 oriented, large fault zones, with pure-normal to transtensional component of displacement, controlled the morphotectonic evolution of New-Caledonia at the regional scale, after the obduction of ophiolite nappe at the end of the Eocene. Such a fact has to be taken into account when attempting to reconstruct the post-obduction evolution of the island and more particularly when considering the development and distribution of the Ni-rich lateritic surfaces.
Synthetic Strategies for Hybrid Materials to Improve Properties for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: García Olga , Garrido Leoncio , Sastre Roberto , Costela Angel , García‐Moreno Inmaculada 
Published: June 2008

AbstractWe report, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, a systematic study to relate the laser action from BODIPY dyes, doped into monolithic hybrid matrices, with the synthetic protocols of the final materials prepared via sol‐gel. To this aim, the influence of both the hydrolysis time, increased in a controlled way, and the nature of the neutralization agent (pyridine, 3‐amino‐propyltriethoxy‐silane (APS), N‐[3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]‐ethylene diamine (TSPDA), and N1‐[3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]‐ diethylene triamine (TSPTA) on the laser action of PM567, incorporated into hybrid matrices based on copolymers of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), with methyltriethoxysilane (TRIEOS) as inorganic precursor, was analyzed. The presence of the amine‐modified silane TSPDA as neutralization agent, which is able at the same time to be anchored to the inorganic network enhancing the inorganic‐organic compatibility through the matrix interphase, and utilization of hydrolysis times lower than 10 minutes, increased significantly the lasing efficiency and photostability of dye. The extension of this study to the laser behavior of BODIPY dyes embedded in other different hybrid materials based on hydrolyzed‐condensed copolymers of MMA with 3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (TMSPMA) in a 1/1 volumetric proportion, validates the generalization of the above conclusions, which provide guides for the optimization of the synthesis of organic‐inorganic hybrid materials with optoelectronic innovative applications independently of their composition.
Macroscopically Aligned Ionic Self‐Assembled Perylene‐Surfactant Complexes within a Polymer Matrix
Authors: Laiho Ari , Smarsly Bernd M. , Faul Charl F. J. , Ikkala Olli 
Published: June 2008

AbstractIonic self‐assembled (ISA) surfactant complexes present a facile concept for self‐assembly of various functional materials. However, no general scheme has been shown to allow their overall alignment beyond local polydomain‐like order. Here we demonstrate that ionic complexes forming a columnar liquid‐crystalline phase in bulk can be aligned within polymer blends upon shearing, taken that the matrix polymers have sufficiently high molecular weight. We use an ISA complex of N,N′‐bis(ethylenetrimethylammonium)perylenediimide/bis(2‐ethylhexyl) phosphate (Pery‐BEHP) blended with different molecular weight polystyrenes (PS). Based on X‐ray scattering studies and transmission electron microscopy the pure Pery‐BEHP complex was found to form a two‐dimensional oblique columnar phase where the perylene units stack within the columns. Blending the complex with PS lead to high aspect ratio Pery‐BEHP aggregates with lateral dimension in the mesoscale, having internal columnar liquid‐crystalline order similar to the pure Pery‐BEHP complex. When the Pery‐BEHP/PS blend was subjected to a shear flow field, the alignment of perylenes can be achieved but requires sufficiently high molecular weight of the polystyrene matrix. The concept also suggests a simple route for macroscopically aligned nanocomposites with conjugated columnar liquid‐crystalline functional additives.
New L‐Dopa Codrugs as Potential Antiparkinson Agents
Authors: Sozio Piera , Iannitelli Antonio , Cerasa Laura Serafina , Cacciatore Ivana , Cornacchia Catia , Giorgioni Gianfabio , Ricciutelli Massimo , Nasuti Cinzia , Cantalamessa Franco , Di Stefano Antonio 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThis paper reports the synthesis and preliminary evaluation of newL‐dopa (LD) conjugates (1and2) obtained by joining LD with two different natural antioxidants, caffeic acid and carnosine, respectively. The antioxidant efficacy of compounds1and2was assessed by evaluating plasmatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the rat. Rat striatal concentration of LD and dopamine (DA), and central nervous effects were evaluated after oral administration of the codrugs1and2. The results suggest that, though our codrugs are devoid of significant antioxidant activity, they are able to induce sustained delivery of DA in rat striatum and can improve LD and DA release in the brain.
Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of liver cancer in the hepatic dome using the intrapleural fluid infusion technique
Authors: Kondo Y , Yoshida H , Tateishi R , Shiina S , Kawabe T , Omata M 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
Intrapleural fluid infusion improves ultrasonographic visualization of tumours in the hepatic dome. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and long-term efficacy of ultrasonographically guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for tumours in the hepatic dome with intrapleural infusion.

Methods
Of 2575 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma or hepatic metastases treated with radiofrequency ablation, intrapleural fluid infusion was performed in 587 patients for tumours in the hepatic dome. After the tip of a 14-G metallic needle was positioned in the pleural cavity under ultrasonographic guidance, 500–1000 ml of 5 per cent glucose solution was infused in 5–15 min. Radiofrequency ablation was performed using an internally cooled electrode. Long-term results were evaluated in 347 patients with a single hepatocellular carcinoma who were naive to any treatment.

Results
Intrapleural fluid infusion was successfully performed in all 587 patients. The major complication rate on a per tumour basis was similar for patients treated with and without intrapleural infusion (1·6 versus 1·6 per cent; P = 0·924). The overall and recurrence-free survival were both similar for naive patients with a single hepatocellular carcinoma treated with and without intrapleural infusion (P = 0·429 and P = 0·109 respectively). Intrapleural infusion was not associated with lower overall survival in multivariable analysis.

Conclusion
With intrapleural fluid infusion, radiofrequency ablation for tumours in the hepatic dome was safe and effective, resulting in satisfactory overall and recurrence-free survival.
Economic evaluation of sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence
Authors: Dudding T C , Meng Lee E , Faiz O , Parés D , Vaizey C J , McGuire A , Kamm M A 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is an established treatment for faecal incontinence in patients who have failed conservative management. This study established the cost-effectiveness of treating patients with SNS compared with non-surgical treatment.

Methods
A decision analysis model was performed. Data from 70 patients were obtained from medical records, bowel habit diaries and Short Form 36 quality of life questionnaires. Direct medical and non-medical costs were ascertained using the 2005/2006 national tariff, national statistics, and medication, pad and device costs. Indirect non-medical costs were also estimated.

Results
Incontinence episodes were reduced from a median of 12 per fortnight at baseline to one per fortnight with SNS. Based on direct medical and non-medical costs, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for SNS was £25 070 per QALY gained. It cost £1038 more per year to treat patients with SNS for a median reduction of 286 incontinence episodes, equating to £3·63 per episode reduced. When indirect non-medical costs were included the ICER was reduced to £12 959 per QALY gained.

Conclusion
The ICER of £25 070 is within the £30 000 per QALY threshold recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence as an effective use of National Health Service resources with proper justification.
Destabilization‐Enhanced Centrifugation of Metalworking Oil‐in‐Water Emulsions: Effect of Demulsifying Agents
Authors: Allende D. , Cambiella Á. , Benito J. M. , Pazos C. , Coca J. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe effect of a commercial flocculant (Alpacon® WS009) and two coagulant salts (CaCl2 and AlCl3) on the stability of metalworking oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsions was examined. Two O/W emulsions were tested: a fresh emulsion, prepared in the laboratory from a commercial concentrate, and a waste metalworking emulsion, provided by a local waste management company, with initial oil concentrations of 32900 and 16900 mg/L, respectively. The emulsion stability was studied at different demulsifier concentrations, temperatures and pH through centrifugation tests, zeta potential and multiple light scattering measurements. Emulsion breakdown is explained by electrostatic repulsion of oil droplets and steric interactions. The former was observed for the laboratory emulsion, while the latter was observed for the waste emulsion. Aluminum chloride was the only effective agent for demulsifying both emulsions.
Heterogeneity of V2O5 Supported Cylindrical Activated Coke Used for SO2 Removal from Flue Gas
Authors: Wang J.‐C. , Liu Q.‐Y. , Liu Z.‐Y. , Huang Z.‐G. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractV2O5 supported activated coke (V/AC) was shown to be a good catalyst for SO2 removal from flue gas. In this work, the heterogeneities of cylindrical V/AC granules (Φ 8.5 · 12.6 mm) are investigated by peeling the granules layer by layer. The results show that the axial ends of the catalyst with a depth of ca. 2 mm contain more pores than other parts of the catalyst. This pore structure distribution results in a similar V2O5 distribution through impregnation and a similar S distribution after SO2 removal. The results show that mass transfer is the main factor affecting SO2 removal over large V/AC granules, and that SO2 removal proceeds mainly along the axial direction of the granules. The granule should be made shorter in the axial direction and longer in the radial direction to improve utilization of V/AC.
Feasibility of Palm Oil as the Feedstock for Biodiesel Production via Heterogeneous Transesterification
Authors: Kansedo J. , Lee K. T. , Bhatia S. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe production of biodiesel has become popular recently as a result of increasing demand for a clean, safe and renewable energy. Biodiesel is made from natural renewable sources such as vegetable oils and animal fats. The conventional method of producing biodiesel is by reacting vegetable oil with alcohol in the presence of a homogenous catalyst (NaOH). However, this conventional method has some limitations such as the formation of soap, usage of significant quantities of wash water and complicated separation processes. Heterogeneous processes using solid catalysts have significant advantages over homogenous methods. Currently, more than 90 % of world biodiesel is produced using rapeseed oil. The production of biodiesel from rapeseed oil is considered uneconomical, considering the fact that palm oil is currently the world's cheapest vegetable oil. Therefore, the focus of this study is to show the feasibility of producing biodiesel from palm oil using montmorillonite KSF as a heterogeneous catalyst. The heterogeneous transesterification process was studied using design of experiment (DOE), specifically response surface methodology (RSM) based on a four‐variable central composite design (CCD) with α = 2. The transesterification process variables were reaction temperature, x1 (50–190 °C), reaction period, x2 (60–300 min), methanol/oil ratio, x3 (4–12 mol mol–1) and the amount of catalyst, x4 (1–5 wt %). It was found that the conversion of palm oil to biodiesel can reach up to 78.7 % using the following reaction conditions: reaction temperature of 155 °C, reaction period of 120 min, ratio of methanol/oil at 10:1 mol mol–1 and amount of catalyst at 4 wt %. From this study, it was shown that montmorillonite KSF catalyst can be used as a solid catalyst for biodiesel production from palm oil.
New Approach in the Prediction of RDC Liquid‐Liquid Extraction Column Parameters
Authors: Bastani D. , Shahalami S. M. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe liquid‐liquid extraction process is well‐known for its complexity and often entails intensive modeling and computational efforts to simulate its dynamic behavior. This paper presents a new application of the Genetic Algorithm (GA) to predict the modeling parameters of a chemical pilot plant involving a rotating disc liquid‐liquid extraction contactor (RDC). In this process, the droplet behavior of the dispersed phase has a strong influence on the mass transfer performance of the column. The mass transfer mechanism inside the drops of the dispersed phase was modeled by the Handlos‐Baron circulating drop model with consideration of the effect of forward mixing. Using the Genetic Algorithm method and the Numerical Analysis Group (NAG) software, the mass transfer and axial dispersion coefficients in the continuous phase in these columns were optimized. In order to obtain the RDC column parameters, a least‐square function of differences between the simulated and experimental concentration profiles (SSD) and 95 % confidence limit in the plug flow number of the transfer unit prediction were considered. The minus 95 % confidence limit and sum of square deviations for the GA method justified it as a successful method for optimization of the mass transfer and axial dispersion coefficients of liquid‐liquid extraction columns.
Surface Specific Mixing Rule for Ionic Diffusion Coefficients at Infinite Dilution in Polymer/Water Mixtures
Authors: Machefer S. , Schnitzlein K. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractIt has recently been shown that the viscosity of polymer/water mixtures can be accurately predicted with an ideal linear mixing rule based on molecular van der Waals surfaces. Because of the Stokes‐Einstein relation, a similar mixing rule may also be applicable to ionic diffusion coefficients at infinite dilution in polymer/water mixtures. This assumption is confirmed for the example system KDP/polyol/water at various temperatures. Moreover, the impact on electrolyte concentration is calculated and shows that the surface‐based mixing rule can also be used as a good approximation for the ionic diffusion coefficient for finite electrolyte concentrations.
Catalytic and Heating Behavior of Nanoscaled Perovskites under Microwave Radiation
Authors: Krech T. , Möser C. , Emmerich R. , Scholz P. , Ondruschka B. , Cihlar J. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractPerovskite powders of the types La0.5Ca0.5AlyM1–yO3–δ (y = 0–0.8), M = Fe, Cr, Mn, Co and LaxSr1–xMnyCo1–y (x = 0.5–1, y = 0–1) were prepared via a sol‐gel route according to the modified Pechini method. Incineration of the resins was performed before final sintering at 1000 °C for 6 h. The phase composition of the samples was established by X‐ray powder diffraction analysis, and the lattice parameters were calculated using Rietveld analysis. The shape and size of the particles were determined via scanning electron microscopy and the specific surface area of the powder perovskites was established by the BET method. The principal particles were ca. 100 nm in size and formed agglomerates larger than 1.0 μm. The composition of the perovskites was established by EDX analysis. Following this, the catalytic behavior was tested by means of total oxidation of propane. The catalytic performance was measured at atmospheric pressure with 3 g of catalyst in a fixed‐bed quartz reactor (i.d. = 18 mm) under thermal‐assisted and microwave‐assisted conditions. Initial results show a strong dependence of the catalytic and heating behavior on the nature of the M‐atom and its number of unpaired d‐electrons as well as on the particle size and its specific surface area. No significant difference in the results could be detected from comparison of the two heating methods.
Investigation into Photocatalytic Degradation of Gaseous Benzene in a Circulated Photocatalytic Reactor (CPCR)
Authors: Geng Q.‐J. , Guo Q.‐J. , Cao C.‐Q. , Wang H.‐Q. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractDue to the fact that suspended TiO2 powder enjoys free contact with gaseous pollutant molecules in photocatalytic reactors, it can generally achieve better efficiency than immobilized TiO2 catalysts. However, difficulties with the separation of this catalyst powder from treated pollutants and its re‐use often limit its application. Therefore, a circulated photocatalytic reactor (CPCR) was designed to enhance the performance of the photocatalytic degradation of gaseous benzene. TiO2 film photocatalysts were prepared by the sol‐gel method at low temperatures and coated onto the inner wall of this reactor by a bonding agent composed of poly‐(2, 2‐dimethyl)‐acrylic ethylene ester emulsion in which TiO2 powder was characterized by FTIR, TEM and SEM. In particular, the influences of initial concentration and gas flow rate of benzene on the degradation conversion, Dp, apparent reaction rate constants, kr, initial degradation rate, r, and the deactivation and regeneration of catalyst in the CPCR, were investigated. The results indicated that the degradation conversion, apparent reaction rate constants and initial degradation rate were closely correlated to the initial concentration of benzene. To elucidate the factors governing the observations, the adsorption characteristics and kinetics of the photocatalytic degradation of benzene were analyzed using the Langmuir adsorption isotherm and Langmuir‐Hinshelwood kinetic model. It was found that the reaction kinetics were best described by a fixed pseudo‐first‐order kinetic equation of photocatalytic degradation of gaseous benzene in the CPCR.