bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated Operations and Integrity Management: Subsea System Vendors as Value Added Providers
Authors: Knight Kevin R. , Akinkunmi Olutayo , Koppervik Ingvar
Published: July 2010

The recent resurgence of interest in Integrated Operations (IO) and Integrity Management (IM) for the oil and gas industry has triggered necessary discussions of why revisiting these ideas and initiatives is important to the future of the industry. By implementing IO and IM programs and initiatives, operators gain an advantage in achieving increased recovery, reduction of operating expenses (OPEX), efficiency in execution, and optimization of asset availability. More than ever, the operator is held accountable by company stakeholders to determine rationalization when implementing any new program. This paper is to provide supportive rationale that the operator needs in choosing the subsea system provider as the best equipped to develop the intelligence engine driving its IO and IM programs.

The key to a successful IO and IM program design and implementation lies in the provider's proven history of experience and competence in the areas of well completion, production flow management, power distribution (hydraulic and electrical), controls (subsea and topside), installation, intervention, and life of field services and support. On both the technical and logistical sides of IO, expertise in these areas lends to the provider a better comprehension and applicable tools essential to the successful and effective implementation of a real-time diagnostics system and the associated support services program, including:Risk identificationRisk mitigationPerformance attributes and trends (system and component)Preventative maintenance program enhancementFailure modes (system and component)Performance indicator algorithm developmentSystem integrationEvent response support and counselTimely intervention planningImproved intervention execution

After being presented with this information, the IM program management of the operating company will understand why their program's success is greatly increased when it is backed by a reliable partnership with a subsea system supplier. Additionally, the operator will possess a clear set of criteria to help them evaluate potential suppliers of this valuable support piece ensuring them continuous and reliable production operations over the life of the field.
Controlling Export Pipeline Pressure To Optimize Gas Throughput From The Mirage Floating Production Unit
Authors: Frazer George Ross , Reed David , Hines John
Published: July 2010

Deep-water production in the Gulf of Mexico and other basins normally relies on tying into existing shallow water transmission lines. Efficient production of the reserves from deep-water fields many times requires the incoming lines be operated at a pressure above that for which the downstream segment was designed or that the applicable codes will allow.

ATP Oil & Gas Corporation's (" ATP??) Gulf of Mexico Mirage Field in 4000' of water was no exception to this problem. The results of field-production modeling to optimize reserve recovery clearly demonstrated the field's gas export line required operation at a pressure significantly above that of its shallow water transmission line destination. At an early stage in the project, ATP sought the guidance of both the transmission line operator and the Minerals Management Service. Numerous flowing and shut-in conditions were modeled to insure the resultant protection systems were capable of responding to the full range of expected daily operations. It is expected that the methods and systems thus developed will serve as a template for future deep-water export pipeline system planning and operation.

Introduction

The Mirage Field is the anchor of the first phase of the development of the Telemark Hub (" Hub??) in the Gulf of Mexico. Mirage (MC 941), Morgus (MC 942) and Telemark (AT 63) together constitute ATP's leases in the area. All of these had been discovered and evaluated by other operators and, for various reasons, been judged below their thresholds for development. ATP acquired all three via farmout or purchase.

Along with the gas-export pipeline overpressure protection system, the development solution for the Telemark Hub includes the use of several novel approaches for the Gulf of Mexico. The export pipeline's origin is a first-of-its kind floating production system (" FPS??) that is described in another paper at this conference. The top-tension riser system, mooring installation method, well drilling/completion modes and well-control hardware are also either innovative or on the forefront of deep-water field development applications.

The oil export system is a 10?? O.D. line that runs almost due northwest from the platform before turning north and tying into the Mars oil export system in MC Block 718. Its total length is approximately 22 miles. The 10?? gas export system (and topic of this paper) runs parallel to the oil export system but continues northwest until it ties in to the Discovery (" Discovery??) gas export system roughly 63 miles away in GI 115. Both lines originate from the FPS as steel catenary risers. Figure one is a high-level sketch of the general arrangement of the platform and its export system.
Blind Faith Gas Export Pipeline Pre-commissioning and Commissioning (PCC) Challenges
Authors: Shen Harry Y. , Phan Huy Thanh
Published: July 2010

This paper concentrates on the challenges, experience and lessons learned during the Precommissioning and Commissioning (PCC) of the Blind Faith 14?? to 18?? gas export pipeline.

The PCC for the Blind Faith gas pipeline took place in 2008 and was an extremely challenging phase of the project. The challenges were associated with the complexity of the subsea architecture at the interconnection of the new Blind Faith gas pipeline and the existing Canyon Chief gas pipeline (Refer to OTC paper 19764 for the tie-in between Blind Faith and Canyon Chief systems). The complexity was further challenged by the need to minimize the amount of shut in days for the production of the Canyon Chief gas pipeline. The PCC occurred in two phases:

Phase I - Without shutting in existing production on Canyon Chief gas pipeline:Hydrotest the Blind Faith gas pipelineDewater and inhibit the Blind Faith gas pipeline subsea by a pig train consisting of 4 pigs and three slugs of MeOH

Phase II - Shutting in existing production on Canyon Chief gas pipeline:Blowdown the Canyon Chief gas pipeline (during blowdown, recover the gas rather than venting to atmosphere)Dewater and inhibit an isolated two miles section in the Canyon Chief gas pipeline by the pig train from Blind FaithRetrieve pigs and recover methanol at MP-261ARestart Canyon Chief pipeline and provide buyback gas to Blind Faith

The PCC architecture and commissioning challenges included the following:Deepwater GoM - up to 6800' fswMultiple pipeline diametersLong pipeline distanceLimited nitrogen flow rateDewatering through a gas pipelineDrying of gas pipelineLimiting number of shutdown days for existing production

The PCC effort took approximately three months to complete, during which time the project experienced two back to back hurricanes and Phase I was performed twice due to pig related issues.
A New Tank Containment System to Floating LNG and CNG Processing and Storage Offshore Platforms
Authors: Lamb Thomas , Ramoo Regu , Parthasarathy Mohan , Santini Julien
Published: July 2010

Current interest in floating LNG systems is focused on the Floating Oil/LNG Processing and Storage Offshore Platforms (FOLNGPSO) and Floating LNG Processing and Storage Offshore Platforms (FNGPSO). A number have been built and many more are in design. In the last few years interest in Floating CNG Platforms has developed and a number of designs completed. A new tank containment system which has shown significant operation and acquisition cost benefits for LNG and CNG carriers is even more beneficial to the FLNGPSOs and FNGPSOs especially its ability to withstand sloshing loads in partially filled LNG tanks. Extensive structural analysis has been performed for both the LNG and CNG cases and the results, which validate the tank containment approach, are presented.

1.0 Introduction

In the past few years interest in Floating Oil/LNG Processing and Storage Offshore Platforms (FOLNGPSO) Floating LNG Processing and Storage Offshore Platforms (FNGPSO) has increased and a number have been built or are under construction and many more are in design. More recently interest in Floating CNG Platforms has developed and a number of designs completed. The collection and transport of natural gas from small (stranded) gas fields has been investigated for the past 15 years. It has been concluded that the best way to collect and transport gas from a small field is by compressing it. Compressed natural gas (CNG) requires a storage volume approximately twice that of LNG but does not need the expensive refrigeration plant at the source or the gasifying equipment at the receiving end. This can be clearly seen from the results of a study (CMCNG 2006) shown in Table 1.

Even though the capacity of natural gas is small, a CNG platform would still be relatively large in length. The problem is that the weight of the gas storage tanks is great, about 50,000 t for a cargo deadweight of only 15,000 t. This results in a very low deadweight ratio.

A solution that has superior volumetric and weight usage for both LNG and CNG is proposed that utilizes a new containment tank system that can be applied to both LNG and CNG, namely the Cubic Doughnut Tank System (CDTS). Previous papers (LAMB 2009OTC, RAMOO 2009, LAMB 2009) have described the development of the CDTS and its applications to both LNG and CNG Carriers with a brief mention of its application to floating production and storage platforms for both LNG and CNG. The first two of these papers also presented detailed structural analysis for LNG and the last one for CNG applications and these will not be repeated in this paper. However, updates to the analysis will be presented. This paper will present a brief description of the CDTS and, in more detail, its application to floating platforms for LNG and CNG offshore production and storage platforms.
Carbon Monoxide Suppresses Membrane Expression of TLR4 via Myeloid Differentiation Factor-2 in βTC3 Cells
Authors: Rocuts Fredy , Ma Yinghua , Zhang Xinyu , Gao Wenda , Yue Yinan , Vartanian Timothy , Wang Hongjun
Published: July 2010

Islet allografts from donor mice exposed to CO are protected from immune rejection after transplantation via the suppression of membrane trafficking/activation of TLR4 in islets/β cells. The molecular mechanisms of how CO suppresses TLR4 activation in β cells remain unclear and are the focus of this study. Cells of the insulinoma cell line, βTC3, were stably transfected with pcDNA3-TLR4-YFP and pDsRed-Monomer-Golgi plasmids and used to identify the subcellular distribution of TLR4 before and after LPS stimulation by confocal microscopy. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that TLR4 mainly resides in the Golgi apparatus in βTC3 cells when in a quiescent state. LPS stimulation led to a rapid trafficking of TLR4 from the Golgi to the cell membrane. Physical interaction between TLR4 and myeloid differentiation factor-2 (MD-2) was confirmed by immunoprecipitation. Depleting MD-2 using small interfering RNA or blocking the N-glycosylation of cells using tunicamycin blocked membrane trafficking of TLR4. Pre-exposing cells to CO at a concentration of 250 parts per million suppressed membrane trafficking of TLR4 via inhibiting its glycosylation and the interaction between TLR4 and MD-2. In conclusion, MD-2 is required for the glycosylation of TLR4 and its consequent membrane trafficking in βTC3 cells. CO suppresses membrane activation of TLR4 via blocking its glycosylation and the physical interaction between TLR4 and MD-2.
Lectin-Like Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-1 Delivers Heat Shock Protein 60-Fused Antigen into the MHC Class I Presentation Pathway
Authors: Xie Jianhui , Zhu Haiyan , Guo Liang , Ruan Yuanyuan , Wang Lan , Sun Lingling , Zhou Lei , Wu Weibin , Yun Xiaojing , Shen Aiguo , Gu Jianxin
Published: July 2010

Heat shock protein (Hsp) 60 elicits a potent proinflammatory response in the innate immune system and has been proposed as a danger signal of stressed or damaged cells to the immune system. Previous studies reported CD14, TLR2, and TLR4 as mediators of signaling but probably not of binding. Although the receptor for Hsp60 was proposed to be saturable and specific on macrophages, it is not well defined. In the current study, we found that lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1), as a receptor for Hsp60, could bind and internalize Hsp60 via the C terminus of Hsp60. Yeast two-hybrid assay revealed that the second β-sheet containing the long-loop region of LOX-1 played an important role in this interaction. Furthermore, LOX-1 might be engaged as a common receptor for different Hsp60 species. Bone marrow-derived dendritic cells could cross-present Hsp60-fused OVA Ag on MHC class I molecules via LOX-1. Inhibition of the recognition of Hsp60 by LOX-1 decreases Hsp60-mediated cross-presentation of OVA and specific CTL response and protective tumor immunity in vivo. Taken together, these results demonstrate that LOX-1 functions as a receptor for Hsp60 and is involved in the delivery of Hsp60-fused Ag into the MHC class I presentation pathway.
Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 Inhibits Antiviral IFN-β Signaling To Enhance HIV-1 Replication in Macrophages
Authors: Akhtar Lisa Nowoslawski , Qin Hongwei , Muldowney Michelle T. , Yanagisawa Lora L. , Kutsch Olaf , Clements Janice E. , Benveniste Etty N.
Published: July 2010

HIV-1 replication within macrophages of the CNS often results in cognitive and motor impairment, which is known as HIV-associated dementia (HAD) in its most severe form. IFN-β suppresses viral replication within these cells during early CNS infection, but the effect is transient. HIV-1 eventually overcomes this protective innate immune response to resume replication through an unknown mechanism, initiating the progression toward HAD. In this article, we show that Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling (SOCS)3, a molecular inhibitor of IFN signaling, may allow HIV-1 to evade innate immunity within the CNS. We found that SOCS3 is elevated in an in vivo SIV/macaque model of HAD and that the pattern of expression correlates with recurrence of viral replication and onset of CNS disease. In vitro, the HIV-1 regulatory protein transactivator of transcription induces SOCS3 in human and murine macrophages in a NF-κB–dependent manner. SOCS3 expression attenuates the response of macrophages to IFN-β at proximal levels of pathway activation and downstream antiviral gene expression and consequently overcomes the inhibitory effect of IFN-β on HIV-1 replication. These studies indicate that SOCS3 expression, induced by stimuli present in the HIV-1–infected brain, such as transactivator of transcription, inhibits antiviral IFN-β signaling to enhance HIV-1 replication in macrophages. This consequence of SOCS3 expression in vitro, supported by a correlation with increased viral load and onset of CNS disease in vivo, suggests that SOCS3 may allow HIV-1 to evade the protective innate immune response within the CNS, allowing the recurrence of viral replication and, ultimately, promoting progression toward HAD.
TLR4 Activation Is Required for IL-17–Induced Multiple Tissue Inflammation and Wasting in Mice
Authors: Tang Haiqing , Pang Shanshan , Wang Min , Xiao Xiuying , Rong Yefei , Wang Hui , Zang Ying Qin
Published: July 2010

IL-17 is a recently identified proinflammatory cytokine that plays pivotal roles in several chronic inflammatory disease models. Its expression was also found to be elevated in the serum of patients with chronic diseases. However, whether elevated systemic IL-17 expression can induce pathophysiological tissue inflammation is unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that systemic overexpression of IL-17 using an adenoviral vector could induce multiple tissue inflammation and wasting in mice. We also found that the expression of TLR4 was increased in tissues of IL-17–overexpressing mice. Moreover, TLR4 activation is required for IL-17–induced tissue inflammation and wasting, as evidenced by the absence of aggressive atrophy in gastrocnemius muscle, neutrophil accumulation, and expression of proinflammatory cytokines downstream of TLR4 in multiple tissues of TLR4-deficient mice. Further investigation revealed that TLR4 endogenous ligands high-mobility group box 1 and heat shock protein 22, were systemically upregulated and might be involved in the IL-17–induced TLR4 activation. Our results suggest that IL-17 may induce disease-associated tissue inflammation and wasting through TLR4 signaling. The study indicates a novel interaction between IL-17 and TLR4 activation and may have implications in the pathogenesis and treatment of chronic diseases.
Essential Role for IL-27 Receptor Signaling in Prevention of Th1-Mediated Immunopathology during Malaria Infection
Authors: Findlay Emily Gwyer , Greig Rachel , Stumhofer Jason S. , Hafalla Julius C. R. , de Souza J. Brian , Saris Christiaan J. , Hunter Christopher A. , Riley Eleanor M. , Couper Kevin N.
Published: July 2010

Successful resolution of malaria infection requires induction of proinflammatory immune responses that facilitate parasite clearance; however, failure to regulate this inflammation leads to immune-mediated pathology. The pathways that maintain this immunological balance during malaria infection remain poorly defined. In this study, we demonstrate that IL-27R–deficient (WSX-1−/−) mice are highly susceptible to Plasmodium berghei NK65 infection, developing exacerbated Th1-mediated immune responses, which, despite highly efficient parasite clearance, lead directly to severe liver pathology. Depletion of CD4+ T cells—but not CD8+ T cells—prevented liver pathology in infected WSX-1−/− mice. Although WSX-1 signaling was required for optimal IL-10 production by CD4+ T cells, administration of rIL-10 failed to ameliorate liver damage in WSX-1−/− mice, indicating that additional, IL-10–independent, protective pathways are modulated by IL-27R signaling during malaria infection. These data are the first to demonstrate the essential role of IL-27R signaling in regulating effector T cell function during malaria infection and reveal a novel pathway that might be amenable to manipulation by drugs or vaccines.
Opsoclonus as a suspected paraneoplastic syndrome of endometrial cancer
Authors: Lewis Mark A , Hartmann Lynn C , LaChance Daniel H , Jimenez Rafael E
Published: July 2010

Paraneoplastic opsoclonus is well described in neuroblastoma. In the adult oncologic population, opsoclonus is seen usually within the context of opsoclonus-myoclonus ataxia and is associated most strongly with small-cell lung cancer. Patients with paraneoplastic opsoclonus are often seronegative. Patients with gynecologic malignancies are known to be predisposed to paraneoplastic syndromes; however, we describe the first case of paraneoplastic opsoclonus in association with endometrial cancer.
The Laos tou Theou – an orthodox view of the ‘people of God’
Authors: Nicolaides Angelo
Published: July 2010

The creation of the Ekklesia by the incarnate logos of God created a new and unique relationship with God’s people that allows humanity to enter into the Covenant and to become part of the ‘people of God’ (Laos tou Theou). Who is the Ekklesia? Is it the entire body of believers in Christ? Who are the chosen race, the royal priesthood and the holy nation of God? If the Ekklesia is the new Laos tou Theou, does its being so cancel out the initial covenant given to the nation of Israel? Is the nation of Israel still ‘God’s people’? This article strives to provide answers to the above questions by providing a discourse analytic approach to the theme. It is clear from the research that the Ekklesia remain the Laos tou Theou, comprising the entire corpus of Christ and the entire communion (or fellowship [koinonia]) of all of the disciples of Jesus. Essentially, all baptised believers are part of the chosen race and the royal priesthood, which form the holy nation of God. All of us are equally called by God to belong to his ‘people’.
Die Irrglaube in Kolosse: Aanbidding van of met engele in Kolossense 2:18?
Authors: Kok Jacobus
Published: July 2010

The Irrglaube in Colossae: Worshipping of or with angels in Colossians 2:18?In this article, the Colossian heresy will be discussed. This is, however, a very troublesome epistle to use in any assessment of a Pauline theme, due to the uncertainty of who the author of Colossians could have been, as well as the unclear nature of the heresy in question. The majority of scholars are of the opinion that the false teachers in the congregation encouraged the worshipping of angels (cf. Col 2:18). As it will transpire from the discussion, this is indeed the case when this verse is read in an objective genitive sense. This investigative discussion will help us to discern what part angels played in certain religious circles in the early church (for example as mediators of revelation). The link between the ἀγγέλων in Colossians 2:18, and the στοιχείων τοῦ κόσμου in Colossians 2:20, will also be investigated. In Colossians, the author presents Jesus as the crucified, cosmic Christ (see Col 1:15–20), which will help us to understand the early Christian reaction to heresies such as this one in Colossae, and investigate the relationship between angelology and Christology.
Technology and entrepreneurial orientation at the organisational level in the Johannesburg area
Authors: Urban Boris
Published: July 2010

Orientation: The 21st century is tilting towards an economy that is primarily driven by technology and knowledge, where entrepreneurs have to recognise and anticipate high-technology opportunities so as to join the ranks of future entrepreneurial leaders.Research purpose: This study examines entrepreneurship and its relation with technology, which is often conceptualised as entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and technology orientation (TO). The study is further contextualised by measuring environmental dynamism and hostility.Motivation for the study: Despite the weight of positive empirical findings and observations that EO and TO are strategic imperatives, there is a danger that firms in Africa are lagging behind and subsequently a study of this nature aids in understanding these imperatives.Research design, approach and method: A survey is used to collect data from a population of diverse businesses in the Johannesburg area (n = 1600), yielding a sample of 236 firms. Instruments were subjected to principal component factor analysis and descriptive statistics were calculated. The hypotheses were tested using correlational analysis, with their significance reported in terms of Pearson correlation coefficients.Main finding: Findings reveal significant correlations between EO and environment hostility and dynamism, but not between EO and TO.Practical and managerial implications: The study offers some solutions towards understanding how TO and EO may promote firm innovation, which encourages the diffusion, adoption and application of the very latest technologies. This is particularly relevant in cases where a lot of potential exists in developing countries to ‘import and adapt’ technologies developed in industrialised countries.Contribution of study: Research on firm innovation in the African context may be considered valuable, as very few empirical studies that have been conducted previously focus on innovation and technology in the context of an emerging country.
An evaluation of the Human Capital BRidgeTM framework
Authors: Magau Mpho D. , Roodt Gert
Published: July 2010

Orientation: The methodologies employed for achieving two important goals of human resource (HR) measurement, namely to enhance decisions about human capital and to connect HR and business strategy, are rarely empirically investigated.Research purpose: The aim of the present study was therefore to use the Human Capital (HC) BRidgeTM framework to compare the views of HR practitioners with those of line management on HC solutions towards achieving strategic business objectives.Motivation for the study: The motivation for this study was to determine whether the HC BRidgeTM framework can create a useful platform for leveraging human capital solutions and for demonstrating HR value-add.Research design: A census-based survey was conducted on a target population of 787 supervisors and managers in specific categories in a mining company, which yielded 202 responses. The measuring instrument used was based on the HC BRidgeTM framework and on the company’s strategic objectives. Item intercorrelations on the subscales were followed by factor analyses and iterative item analyses.Main findings/results: The self-developed measuring instrument yielded an overall Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.97. Statistically significant differences were found between line management’s and HR practitioners’ views in respect of the three strategic business objectives.Practical/managerial implications: The results suggested that HR management was not yet fully aligned in respect of strategic business objectives and of becoming a strategic business partner.Contribution/value-add: The study therefore suggested that the HC BRidgeTM framework can be used as a method to connect human capital processes with business strategy to leverage business results and to demonstrate value-add.
Utilizing an Electronic Health Record System to Improve Vaccination Coverage in Children
Authors: Oster A. , Yeh G. H. , Magno J. , Paek H. M. , Au L.
Published: July 2010

Background: Electronic Health Records (EHR) are widely believed to improve quality of care and effectiveness of service delivery. Use of EHR to improve childhood immunization rates has not been fully explored in an ambulatory setting.

Objective: To describe a pediatric practice’s use of Electronic Health Records (EHR) in improving childhood immunization.

Methods: A multi-faceted EHR-based quality improvement initiative used electronic templates with pre-loaded immunization records, automatic diagnosis coding, and EHR alerts of missing or delayed vaccinations. An electronic patient tracking system was created to identify patients with missing vaccines. Barcode scanning technology was introduced to aid speed and accuracy of documentation of administered vaccines. Electronic reporting to a local health department immunization registry facilitated ordering of vaccines.

Results: Immunization completion rates captured in monthly patient reports showed a rise in the percentage of children receiving the recommended series of vaccination (65% to 76%) (p<0.000). Bar-code technology reduced the time of immunization documentation (86 seconds to 26 seconds) (p<0.000). Use of barcode scanning showed increased accuracy of documentation of vaccine lot numbers (from 95% to 100%) (p<0.000).

Conclusion: EHR-based quality improvement interventions were successfully implemented at a community health center. EHR systems have versatility in their ability to track patients in need of vaccines, identify patients who are delayed, facilitate ordering and coding of multiple vaccines and promote interdisciplinary communication among personnel involved in the vaccination process. EHR systems can be used to improve childhood vaccination rates.
Structured Settlements And The Interest Rate Switch
Authors: Romans J. Thomas , Floss Frederick G.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Comment on Compensation Dimension of Ault and Rutman's “The Calculations of Damage Awards: The Issue of 'Prejudgment Interest'”
Authors: Hannah Richard L.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Hedonic Damages Ten Years Later: A Symposium
Authors: Marks Peter , Ireland Thomas R.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
A Time-Series Analysis of the Medical Care Price Index: Implications for Appraising Economic Losses
Authors: Bowles Tyler J. , Lewis W. Cris
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Taxes And The Calculation Of Present Value Of Future Medical Expenses
Authors: Suyderhoud Jack P. , Chun Lisa A.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Risk-Free Vs. Risk-Adjusted Discount Rates: A Comment*
Authors: Biederman Daniel K. , Baesemann Robert C.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
A Reality Check On Decedent's Consumption: A Comment
Authors: Jones David D.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
The Net Discount Rate: A Rejoinder To Haydon And Webb
Authors: Peláez Rolando F.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Re Going Concern Value: A Comment
Authors: Trout Robert R.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
“Hedonic” Estimates In Personal Injury Analysis: Differences From Wrongful Death Analysis
Authors: Ireland Thomas R.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
The Measurement Of Pension Benefits As Marital Assets
Authors: Raymond Richard
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Forecasting Earnings Using Age-Earnings Profiles And Longitudinal Data
Authors: Rodgers James D. , Brookshire Michael L. , Thornton Robert J.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Litigation Economics
Authors: Ireland Thomas R.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
An Economic Model Of Illegal Profit Deterrence And Corporate Punitive Damages
Authors: Huettner David A. , Clark Will , Ledgerwood Shaun D.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Long-Term And Short-Term Changes In Earnings Profiles
Authors: Gilbert Roy F.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
The Distributional Effects Of Using A Before-Tax Standard: A Comment
Authors: Brush Brian C.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
The Measurement of Pension Benefits As Marital Assets: A Comment
Authors: Hannah Richard L.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Below-Market Interest Rates And The Total Offset Method Re-Visited
Authors: Schwartz Eli
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Determining Economic Damages
Authors: Ireland Thomas R.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
The Impact Of The Daubert Decision On Forensic Economists
Authors: Depperschmidt Thomas O.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Qualifications And Admissibility: Applying The Daubert Mandate To Economic Testimony
Authors: Ireland Thomas R. , Johnson Walter D.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Median Years To Retirement And Worklife Expectancy For The Civilian U.S. Population (Prepared Using 1992/93 BLS Labor Force Participation Rates)
Authors: Hunt Tamorah , Pickersgill Joyce , Rutemiller Herbert
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
The Measurement Of Pension Benefits As Marital Assets: A Reply
Authors: Raymond Richard
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Another Perspective Of The (i-g) Differential For Discounting Future Earnings
Authors: Linke Charles M.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
New Estimates Of Life Expectancies For Persons With Medical Risks
Authors: Thornton Robert J. , Slesnick Frank
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Testing “Discrimination Plus” Cases
Authors: Sarkar Debojyoti
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Special Problems With Value-Of-Life Estimates: A Reappraisal
Authors: Gilbert Roy F.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
On The Relationship Between Punitive And Actual Damages For Corporations And The BMW Case: A Note
Authors: Huettner David A.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Internet Discussion List For NAFE Members
Authors: McConnell Dennis
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Reforming Products Liability
Authors: Ireland Thomas R.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Back To Becker: Valuing Women's Economic Contribution From Housework With Household Production Functions
Authors: Sharp David C. , Ciscel David H. , Heath Julia A.
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Worklife Expectancies Of Railroad Workers
Authors: Skoog Gary , Ciecka James
Published: July 2010

No abstract available.
Influence of turbidity and clouds on satellite total ozone data over Madrid (Spain)
Authors: Camacho J. L. , Antón M. , Loyola D. , Hernandez E.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. This article focuses on the comparison of the total ozone column data from three satellite instruments; Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometers (TOMS) on board the Earth Probe (EP), Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) on board AURA and Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment (GOME) on board ERS/2, with ground-based measurement recorded by a well calibrated Brewer spectrophotometer located in Madrid during the period 1996–2008. A cluster classification based on solar radiation (global, direct and diffuse), cloudiness and aerosol index allow selecting hazy, cloudy, very cloudy and clear days. Thus, the differences between Brewer and satellite total ozone data for each cluster have been analyzed. The accuracy of EP-TOMS total ozone data is affected by moderate cloudiness, showing a mean absolute bias error (MABE) of 2.0%. In addition, the turbidity also has a significant influence on EP-TOMS total ozone data with a MABE ~1.6%. Those data are in contrast with clear days with MABE ~1.2%. The total ozone data derived from the OMI instrument show clear bias at clear and hazy days with small uncertainties (~0.8%). Finally, the total ozone observations obtained with the GOME instrument show a very smooth dependence with respect to clouds and turbidity, showing a robust retrieval algorithm over these conditions.
Modeling NBR‐ layered silicate nanocomposites: A DoE approach
Authors: Balachandran Meera , Stanly Lisha P , Mulaleekrishnan R. , Bhagawan S.S.
Published: July 2010

The mechanical behavior of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) – organo modified layered silicate was modeled using Design of Experiments (DoE). Response surface methodology (RSM), a DoE tool was used to optimize the formulations for optimal performance of the nanocomposites. A Box‐Behnken design with three factors and three levels was used to model the relationship between mechanical properties and levels of ingredients. The factors studied for the design are silica content, nanoclay loading and vulcanization system. The nanocomposites were evaluated for tensile strength, modulus, elongation at break and hardness. The effect of heat aging on mechanical properties was also studied. The predicted properties of the nanocomposites are in good agreement with the experimental results, which confirmed the prognostic ability of response surface methodology. The model equations were used to generate response surfaces and contour plots to study the interaction between the variables. The contour plots were overlaid within the applied constraints to identify the required combination of variables that gives the optimum performance for the nanocomposites. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Surface activity and micellar behavior of dimethylamino‐ and trimethylammonium‐ tipped oxyethylene–oxybutylene diblock copolymers in aqueous media
Authors: Khan Abbas , Siddiq Mohammad
Published: July 2010

Surface activity and micellar behavior in aqueous media in the temperature range 20–50°C of the two block copolymers, Me2N(CH2)2OE39B18, (DE40B18) and I−Me3N+(CH2)2OE39B18, (TE40B18) in the premicellar and postmicellar regions have been studied by surface tensiometry, viscometry, and densitometry. Where E represents an oxyethylene unit while B an oxybutylene unit. Various fundamental parameters such as, surface excess concentrations (Γm), area per molecule (a) at air/water interface and standard Gibbs free energy for adsorption, ΔG have been investigated for the premicellar region at several temperatures. The thermodynamic parameters of micellization such as, critical micelle concentrations, CMC, enthalpy of micellization, ΔH, standard free energy of micellization ΔG, and entropy of micellization ΔS have also been calculated from surface tension measurements. Dilute solution viscosities have been used to estimate the intrinsic viscosities, solute‐solvent interaction parameter and hydration of micelle. Partial specific volume and density of the micelle were obtained from the density measurements at various temperatures. The effect of modifying the end group of the hydrophilic block was investigated by comparing the behavior of trimethylammonium‐ and dimethylamino‐tipped copolymers, designated TE40B18, and DE40B18, respectively. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Preparation of ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene and its morphological study with a heterogeneous Ziegler–Natta catalyst
Authors: Zohuri G. H. , Askari M. , Ahmadjo S. , Damavandi S. , Eftekhar M. , Bonakdar M. A.
Published: July 2010

Ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (PE) with viscosity‐average molecular weight (Mv) of 3.1 × 106 to 5.2 × 106 was prepared with a heterogeneous Ziegler–Natta MgCl2 (ethoxide type)/TiCl4/triethylaluminum catalyst system under controlled conditions. The optimum activity of the catalyst was obtained at a [Al]/[Ti] molar ratio of 61 : 1 and a polymerization temperature of 60°C, whereas the activity of the catalyst increased with monomer pressure and decreased with hydrogen concentration. The titanium content of the catalyst was 2.4 wt %. The rate/time profile of the catalyst was a decay type with a short acceleration period. Mv of the PE obtained decreased with increasing hydrogen concentration and polymerization temperature. The effect of stirrer speeds from 100 to 400 rpm did not so much affect the catalyst activity; however, dramatic effects were observed on the morphology of the polymer particles obtained. A stirrer speed of 200 rpm produced PE with a uniform globulelike morphological growth on the polymer particles. The particle size distributions of the polymer samples were determined and were between 14 and 67 μm. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Effect of EVA as compatibilizer on the mechanical properties, permeability characteristics, lamellae orientation, and long period of blown films of HDPE/clay nanocomposites
Authors: Marini Juliano , Branciforti Márcia Cristina , Alves Rosa Maria Vercelino , Bretas Rosario Elida Suman
Published: July 2010

Two ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) resins with 19% (EVA19) and 28% (EVA28) of vinyl groups were used as compatibilizers for nanocomposites of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) and nanoclays. Two nanoclays were also used, one with a nonpolar surfactant (C15A) and another with a polar surfactant (C30B). The HDPE/EVA19/C15A formed an intercalated structure, while the HDPE/EVA28/C30B had surfactant loss. Blown films of these compositions were produced. A two‐phase morphology made of HDPE and EVA/nanoclay particles was observed, which was responsible for the increase in water vapor and oxygen permeability rates of the films. The elastic modulus E along the transverse direction of the films was higher than along the machine direction due to preserved orientation given by the spiral die; the lamellae orientation was measured by small‐angle X‐rays diffraction. The highest E was observed in the HDPE/EVA19/C15A film due to stronger interactions. The long period of the HDPE lamellas was not affected by the presence of the EVA and nanoclay. A model was proposed to explain the improvement in elastic modulus due to the processing conditions and components' interactions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Preparation and characterization of ABS/HIPS heterogeneous anion exchange membrane filled with activated carbon
Authors: Hosseini S. M. , Madaeni S. S. , Khodabakhshi A. R.
Published: July 2010

Acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (ABS)/high impact polystyrene (HIPS) blend heterogeneous anion exchange membranes were prepared by phase inversion method using tetrahydrofuran as solvent and anion exchange resin powder as functional group agent. Activated carbon was selected as inorganic filler additive. The additive concentration effect on properties of the prepared membranes was studied. Ultrasonic method was used to help appropriate dispersion of particles in the membrane's matrix. Scanning optical microscopy showed that sonication has a significant influence on distribution of resin particles in the membrane matrix and makes it possible to form more uniform phase. Moreover, images showed a relatively uniform surface for membranes. The increase of activated carbon concentration in casting solution led to a decline in membrane water content. The ion exchange capacity, membrane potential, permselectivity, transport number, ion permeability, ionic flux, and current efficiency of prepared membranes all were increased initially by the increase in additive concentration up to 1% wt and then they showed decrease trend with higher increase in additive concentration from 1 to 4% wt. Conversely, the electrical resistance and energy consumption showed opposite trends. In addition, with more additive loading, the oxidative stability of membranes was slightly decreased and their thermal stability was increased. Membrane with 1% wt additive loading exhibited higher efficiency and electrochemical properties in comparison with other prepared membranes in this research. Furthermore, prepared membranes exhibited suitable electrochemical properties compared to a commercial heterogeneous anion exchange membrane with the same experimental conditions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Synthesis and thermal behavior of polymeric precursors for SiBCN ceramic
Authors: Dong Shaohua , Zhao Tong , Xu Caihong
Published: July 2010

Polyborosilazanes (PBSZs) were synthesized by co‐ammonolysis of 2,4,6‐trichloroborazine and dichloromethylsilane and used as precursors for SiBCN ceramics. The pyrolyzed products were characterized with Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray photoeletron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated the content of B or Si plays an important role in controlling the high temperature behavior of the precursors. The resistance of the ceramics, which were obtained from pyrolysis of PBSZs at 1500°C, toward oxidative attack up to 1000°C was also investigated by TGA and SEM/EDX. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Development of novel polymeric materials for agroprocess intensification
Authors: Burke D. R. , Akay G. , Bilsborrow P. E.
Published: July 2010

The potential uses of hydrophilic nanostructured microporous polymers (PolyHIPE polymers) in agriculture were investigated with rye grass as a model plant. The basic material was crosslinked styrene–divinyl benzene polymer with a 90 vol % porosity. They were microwave‐sulfonated to obtain hydrophilic polymers with water adsorption capacities of 10‐fold and 18‐fold with nominal pore sizes of 20 and 150 μm, respectively. The small‐pore‐size PolyHIPE polymer was rigid, whereas the large‐pore‐size polymer was spongy and adsorbed water rapidly. When this spongy polymer was used as a soil additive at 0.5 wt % with increasing water stress (normal, semiarid, and arid conditions), the dry biomass yield increased by about 30, 140, and 300%, respectively, after 21 days of cultivation compared with the control, which contained no sulfonated spongy PolyHIPE polymer. The rigid sulfonated PolyHIPE polymer did not show any statistically significant effect on the biomass yield. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Synthesis, characterization, thermal and optical properties of soluble polyimides derived from an unsymmetrical diamine
Authors: Ghaemy Mousa , Alizadeh Raouf , Hashemi Nasr Farzaneh
Published: July 2010

A new unsymmetrical diamine monomer, 2,4‐diaminophenyl [4′‐(2′′,6′′‐diphenyl‐4′′‐pyridyl)phenyl]ether, was successfully synthesized by nucleophilic substitution of 1‐chloro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene with 4‐(2′,6′‐diphenyl‐4′‐pyridyl) phenol. The diamine monomer was characterized by FTIR, 1H and 13C NMR, and elemental analysis techniques and used for the preparation of novel polyimides (PIs) by reaction with commercially available tetracarboxylic dianhydrides such as pyromellitic dianhydride, 3,3′,4,4′‐benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride, and bicyclo[2.2.2]‐oct‐7‐ene‐2,3,5,6‐tetracarboxylic dianhydride. These PIs with inherent viscosities ranged from 0.43 to 0.48 dL/g were readily soluble in many organic solvents and afforded tough and flexible films by solution casting. These polymers exhibited Tgs between 237 and 294°C, and 10% weight loss temperatures in excess of 500°C with up to 56% char yield at 600°C in air. Their maximum fluorescence emission in dilute (0.2 g/dL) NMP solution appeared at 450 nm. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
In vitro degradability and stability of hydrophobically modified pH‐sensitive micelles using MPEG‐grafted poly(β‐amino ester) for efficient encapsulation of paclitaxel
Authors: Kim Min Sang , Lee Doo Sung
Published: July 2010

Methoxypoly(ethylene glycol)‐grafted poly(β‐amino ester) was synthesized for the fabrication of pH‐sensitive micelles, and these micelles were modified with deoxycholic acid to facilitate the hydrophobic interaction between the micellar core and paclitaxel. The micelle properties were studied by dynamic light scattering and fluorescence spectrometry. An in vitro degradation study showed that the synthesized polymers degraded hydrolytically within 24 h under physiological conditions. The stability of paclitaxel‐loaded pH‐sensitive micelles was evaluated in vitro. The introduced deoxycholic acid more stabilized the micelles at pH 7.4 compared to the micelles without modification. But the pH‐sensitive region of the micelles was lowered from pH 6.8 to pH 5.8. These results indicate that pH‐sensitive micelles with improved stability have great potential as hydrophobic drug carriers for tumor targeting. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Effect of silica on viscosity, tack, and shear strength of epoxidized natural rubber‐based pressure‐sensitive adhesives in the presence of coumarone‐indene resin
Authors: Khan Imran , Poh B. T.
Published: July 2010

The viscosity, loop tack, and shear strength of silica‐filled epoxidized natural rubber (ENR 25 and ENR 50 grade) adhesive were investigated using coumarone‐indene as the tackifying resin. Silica loading was varied from 10–50 parts per hundred parts of rubber (phr), whereas the coumarone‐indene concentration was fixed at 40 phr. Toluene was used as the solvent throughout the study. Polyethylene terephthalate substrate was coated at various adhesive coating thicknesses, i.e., 30, 60, 90, and 120 μm using a SHEEN Hand Coater. Viscosity of the adhesive was determined by a HAAKE Rotary Viscometer whereas loop tack and shear strength were measured by a Llyod Adhesion Tester operating at 30 cm/min. Result shows that viscosity of the adhesive increases gradually with increase of silica loading due to the concentration effect of the filler. Both loop tack and shear strength show maximum value at 40 phr silica for ENR 25. However, the respective values for ENR 50 are 20 and 40 phr of filler. This observation is attributed to the maximum wettability and compatibility of adhesive on the substrate at the respective silica loadings. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010