bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Temperature Acid Stimulation Offshore the Netherlands
Authors: van Domelen M. S. , Reddingius A. A. , Faber M. J. , Buijse M. A.
Published: July 2008

This paper presents a detailed case study of a successful foamed HF treatment performed on a well in Block L2 of the Dutch Sector of the North Sea. The following technical difficulties had to be overcome during the design phase: Because CaBr2/CaCL2completion brine, K2CO3 packer fluid, seawater, and potassium-magnesium (KMg) mud had leaked into the formation, the most appropriate HF blend had to be selected. Severe incompatibilities exist between these fluids and HF.A corrosion inhibitor had to be identified that could provide adequate corrosion protection on 13Cr tubulars at a high bottomhole temperature (BHT) of 158°C.Sufficient acid volumes had to be effectively placed across a large interval of 45 m. The cost of disposing returned fluid was also an important consideration, since the treatment was performed on a zero-discharge platform.

Operational difficulties included ensuring that appropriate handling procedures were established for the chemicals used and minimizing the risks of discharging pollutants into the marine environment and exposing personnel to chemicals. In addition, the stimulation treatment was planned as a concurrent operation (other wells on the platform were not shut-in during stimulation) to improve the overall cost-effectiveness of the project. This operation required detailed safety and operational procedures to be established before the treatment was approved.

This paper will discuss the numerous core flow tests and corrosion tests conducted during the planning phase along with treatment design philosophies. The paper also evaluates the performance of the treatment and presents postjob evaluations. These evaluations will include detailed returned-fluid analyses (which focus heavily on the corrosion inhibition aspects of the treatment) and Kinley microscopic caliper examinations of the tubulars after acidizing. The difficulties in optimizing a high-temperature corrosion inhibitor package will be discussed.
Using California Gnatcatcher to Test Underlying Models in Habitat Conservation Plans
Authors: WINCHELL CLARK S. , DOHERTY PAUL F.
Published: July 2008

Abstract: Habitat Conservation Plans are a widely used strategy to balance development and preservation of species of concern and have been used in southern California, USA, to protect the coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica). Few data exist on gnatcatcher abundance and distribution, and existing data have problems with issues of closure (i.e., sampling occurs in a short enough time period such that abundance or distribution are not changing), detectability, and proper attention to probability‐based sampling schemes. Thus, a habitat model has been relied upon in reserve design. California gnatcatchers are the flagship and umbrella species of many plans and we provide the first estimates that incorporate probabilistic sampling and test predictions from the habitat model. Probability of occurrence was 26% (SĚ = 0.06); however, occupancy varied by modeled habitat quality with slopes <40%, warm, and wet sagebrush habitat having higher occupancy probabilities. Interpreting abundance and occupancy probabilities by vegetation type was complicated by error detected in Geographic Information System vegetation metadata files. The slope (1.08, SĚ = 0.66), temperature (0.79, SĚ = 0.70), and precipitation (—2.62, SĚ = 1.21) variables associated with habitat models were stronger influences on occupancy than was patch size (0.48, SĚ = 0.66). Previous models weight patch size equal to slope and climate. Our work demonstrates that probabilistic sampling can be carried out on a large scale and the results provide better information for managers to make decisions about their reserves.
Spatio‐Temporal Factors Shaping Diurnal Space Use by Pygmy Rabbits
Authors: SANCHEZ DANA M. , RACHLOW JANET L.
Published: July 2008

Abstract: Factors influencing patterns of space use by pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) are poorly understood. We studied diurnal space use by adult pygmy rabbits during multiple breeding and nonbreeding seasons at 3 sites in the Lemhi Valley, Idaho, USA, during 2004–2005. Pygmy rabbits used larger areas than predicted by allometric models and documented by some previous investigations. Sex and season strongly influenced space use by rabbits. Males used larger home ranges and core areas, more burrow systems, and more widely dispersed burrow systems than did female rabbits. We also documented significant differences among study sites in many movement parameters, which suggested that local resource distribution also might influence how pygmy rabbits use space. Our results indicated that pygmy rabbits use large areas and exhibit seasonal, sex, and site‐specific variation in patterns of movement and space use. Therefore, larger areas of habitat may be needed to conserve pygmy rabbits to accommodate seasonal, regional, and potentially annual variation in resource availability and to maintain linkages among populations.
Indirect Effects of a Keystone Herbivore Elevate Local Animal Diversity
Authors: GREENWALD KATHERINE R. , PETIT LISA J. , WAITE THOMAS A.
Published: July 2008

Abstract: We quantified indirect effects of white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on ground‐dwelling herpetofauna and invertebrates in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio, USA. We placed cover boards at 12 sites, each consisting of a 10 × 10‐m fenced (exclosure) plot and an unfenced (control) plot. Periodically, during May‐December 2004 and May‐September 2005, we counted salamanders, snakes, and a variety of invertebrate taxa. Salamander, snake, and gastropod abundance as well as invertebrate richness (no. of species or higher level taxa) were higher in control than exclosure plots. Our findings suggest that management actions taken to regulate deer densities could have the unintended effect of reducing local animal diversity.
Ascriptive Justice: The Prevalence, Distribution, and Consequences of Political Correctness in the Academy
Authors: Simmons Solon
Published: July 2008

Using data from a new and representative sample of American college and university professors, this paper develops an empirical definition of ``political correctness," explores its distribution in the university setting, and examines its implications for university life. I demonstrate that the politically correct (PC) are more common in elite institutions, even though the un-PC are disproportionally among the academic ``stars" at such institutions. Additionally, the PC are more prevalent in the humanities and social sciences (except notably political science) and among the baby-boomer generation, in contrast to more recent cohorts of scholars. The critical manifestations of PC as a concept suggests that it has more to do with perceptions of material discrimination than it does with social sensitivity or moral relativism. Most importantly, while the PCthose most closely wedded to conceptions of what I call ``ascriptive justice"are more willing than others to reveal their political commitments in the classroom and to let their passions guide their choice of research topics, there is strong support for academic freedom and no evidence of political intolerance in the group.
The Death and Life of the New Democrats
Authors: DiSalvo Daniel
Published: July 2008

This essay analyzes the rise and fall of the New Democrats as a faction within the Democratic Party; it treats their emergence in the 1980's, their ideological underpinnings, and some of their political and policy accomplishments. The decline of the New Democrats in the 21st century is explained by examining four factors: (1) the character of their ideas, (2) the rise of partisan polarization, (3) the challenges of minority party status, and (4) the emergence of a reenergized "progressive" coalition on their left flank. The aim here is to shed light on the important subject of the rise and fall of factions in American party politics.
Modeling and Development of a Microwave Heated Pilot Plant for the Production of SiC-Based Ceramic Matrix Composites
Authors: Cioni Beatrice , Lazzeri Andrea
Published: July 2008

This paper outlines the development of a microwave heated apparatus for the production of silicon carbide (SiC) based ceramic matrix composites via chemical vapor infiltration. An innovative pilot scale reactor was designed and built. A coupled thermal and electromagnetic model was developed in order to predict the temperature profile inside the reactor. The results obtained from the model demonstrated that the electric field inside the sample was constant. This fact is particularly important in order to prevent the thermal instabilities (run-aways) that are typical in the case of microwave heating. Therefore the heating was uniform with the aid of a mode stirrer that achieved a better distribution of the microwave power and then improved the process efficiency. The infiltration cycles were carried out on SiC fiber preforms and resulted in an excellent average weight increase with respect to the initial sample. By using microwave heating, the treatment times were considerably reduced with respect to the conventional process times reported in the literature. The microstructure of the SiC composites were observed by scanning the electron microscopy in order to evaluate the quality and the degree of densification which was achieved within the fiber tows. The SiC deposition inside of the sample was sufficiently homogeneous and compact, even if a certain degree of inter-tow porosity was still evident.
Studies on the Fluidized Bed Electrode
Authors: Kumar Siva , Ramamurthy Thilakavathi , Subramanian Bala , Basha Ahmed
Published: July 2008

The present investigation attempts to study the hydrodynamic characteristics of the fluidized bed electrode. A core-annular flow model with a transfer of particles between core-annular layers has been proposed to describe the flow behavior of conducting particles in the fluidized bed electrode. The effect of individual parameters on the rate of the particle transfer across the layer and thickness of the core-annular has been critically examined and the model simulation has been verified with the data reported in the literature.
Rethinking the Roles of Banks: A Call for Narrow Banking
Authors: Shy Oz , Stenbacka Rune
Published: July 2008

What services do bank depositors seek? Oz Shy and Rune Stenbacka argue that they often seek money storage and payment services, but they get much more than they bargain for.
Hypolipidemic Activity Evaluation of DRF/AY/4013, an Herbal Formulation in Experimentally Induced Hyperlipidemic Rats
Authors: Gajbhiye Sagarika Shankar , Naik Suresh , Sharma G. , Kohli K.
Published: July 2008

The present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of an herbal product DRF/AY/4013 for its hypolipidemic activity in various experimental rat models. An indigenous polyherbal formulation DRF/AY/4013, composed of different phytoconstituents like Terminalia arjuna, Commiphora mukul, Allium sativum, Cyperus rotundus and Acorus calamus extracts, exhibited potential hypolipidemic activity treatment in triton induced hyperlipidemic rats. Further, it also showed promising hypolipidemic activity in both high fat diet (HFD) induced hyperlipidemic rats and propylthiouracil (PTU) induced hyperlipidemic rats. In all the experimental hyperlipidemic models, DRF/AY/4013 treatment demonstrated dose dependent hypolipidemic activity at 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg dose levels by decreasing serum lipid and lipoprotein profile, atherogenic index (AI) and lipid peroxidation process. Furthermore the 800 mg/kg dose level group V rats exhibited pronounced hypolipidemic activity almost comparable to atorvastatin standard drug (10 mg/kg) treated group VI rats. In HFD induced hyperlipidemic rat model, DRF/AY/4013 treated groups III, IV, V exhibited mild, minimal and negligible degree of cytoplasmic fatty infiltration respectively in hepatocytes as compared to marked degree in untreated control HFD induced group II rats. In short, the DRF/AY/4013 treatment demonstrated a promising hypolipidemic activity in all experimental rat models and therefore, needs further clinical evaluation in humans.
Dedicated On-Site Condition Monitoring of High Voltage Power Cables up to 150kV
Authors: Gulski Edward , Seitz Paul P , Quak Ben , Petzold Frank , de Vries Frank
Published: July 2008

For advanced, non-destructive on-site condition monitoring of HV power cables up to 150kV by partial discharge detection and dielectric losses measurement it is necessary to energize the disconnected cable system. One of the methods available for this purpose is based on applying damped AC voltages up to 150kV. In this paper, the use of modern technological solutions in power electronics and signal processing as well as in technical design and production methods will be discussed on the basis of the ultra light system (300kg) which is able to test cables up to 20km lengths.
Study of Generator Source Short-Circuit Currents with Respect to Interrupting the Duty of Generator Circuit Breakers, EMTP Simulation, ANSI/IEEE and IEC Methods
Authors: Das J. C
Published: July 2008

Large generators have high effective X/R ratios and combined with other generator time constants and parameters, a current zero may not be obtained at the time of contact parting, i.e., the dc component of the short-circuit current at the contact parting time is higher than the peak ac component. This is well documented in the current literature. The paper presents calculations of the generator source short-circuit currents of a 234 MVA generator using ANSI/IEEE and IEC standards and EMTP simulation. The results are compared and the application of a generator breaker to meet the requirements of calculated duties are discussed. It shows considerable differences in the results, depending upon the method of calculation.
A Practical Design of a Fuzzy SMES Controller Based on Synchronized Phasor Measurement for Interconnected Power Systems
Authors: Dechanupaprittha Sanchai , Hongesombut Komsan , Watanabe Masayuki , Mitani Yasunori , Ngamroo Issarachai
Published: July 2008

Recently, fuzzy logic control has widely received attention in various power system applications, despite difficulties of obtaining its control rules and membership functions. Nowadays, power systems consist of multiple areas where load variations with abrupt changes always exist, and proper control rules and membership functions could hardly be achieved. This paper proposes a practical design of fuzzy logic controllers for superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) based on a wide area synchronized phasor measurement for enhancing the stability of an interconnected power system. Moreover, a heuristic method is applied for determining control rules and membership functions. The estimated model is determined via a simplified oscillation model for detection and assessment of an approximated inter-area oscillation mode. Finally, some simulation studies based on a two-area four-machine power system are carried out to examine the performance and effectiveness of the designed fuzzy SMES controller.
Effect of Heat Treatment on Pectic Fractions and Apparent Viscosity of Whole Blackberry (Rubus spp.) Pulp
Authors: Haminiuk Charles Windson Isidoro , Sierakowski Maria-Rita , Izidoro Dayane , Maciel Giselle M. , Scheer Agnes P , Masson Maria Lucia
Published: July 2008

The aim of this work was to study the influence of temperature on pectic fractions and apparent viscosity of whole blackberry pulp. The fractions soluble in water, oxalate, acid and alkali, containing pectic substances, were evaluated with temperature increase. A concentric cylinder Brookfield rheometer with a small sample adapter was used to obtain the rheological parameter of shear stress, in order to calculate the apparent viscosity of the pulp. The water soluble pectin (WSP) increased and the water insoluble pectin (WIP) decreased with a continuous increase in heat treatment. The decrease in apparent viscosity had a good correlation with the increase in water soluble pectin (r=0.94) as a function of temperature.
Development of a Microwave Treatment Technique for Bacterial Decontamination of Raw Meat
Authors: Shamis Yury , Taube Alex , Shramkov Yury , Mitik-Dineva Natasa , Vu Barbara , Ivanova Elena P.
Published: July 2008

The present study developed and verified a 'cold' microwave (MW) treatment that could lead to the inactivation of two common pathogenic species of bacteria, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, in raw meats. A number of experimental conditions were designed and tested to maximise MW exposure without overheating the samples. The non-thermal effect was maximised by multiple exposure to attain efficient MW threshold intensities. It was shown that at sub-lethal temperatures repeated exposure using high frequency MW radiation was significantly more effective in decontaminating bacteria in raw meats compared to a single exposure. It was concluded that non thermal inactivation of pathogenic bacteria in raw meats could be achieved at defined conditions using high frequency MW radiation.
Hydration Kinetics of Rice Kernels under Vacuum and Pressure
Authors: Bello Marcelo O , Tolaba Marcela P , Suárez Constantino
Published: July 2008

Hydration of rough rice under vacuum (0.01, 0.03, 0.06, 0.08 MPa) and pressure (0.25, 0.4, 0.55 and 0.7 MPa) was conducted at 15°, 35° and 55°C. As a reference, hydration tests at each temperature and atmospheric pressure were also conducted. For vacuum and pressure tests the Peleg equation was found suitable to predict hydration kinetics of rice. Peleg constants, k1 and k2, inversely related to the absorption rate (q) and the saturation moisture content (me), respectively, were estimated. The response surface method (RSM) was used to optimize the effect of temperature and pressure on q, me and saturation time (tsat) for vacuum and pressure hydration. The predicted optimum conditions required to maximize absorption rate and saturation moisture content together with the minimization of saturation time, were: a) hydration at 55°C and 0.01 MPa for vacuum tests; and b) hydration at 55°C and 0.59 MPa for pressure tests. For vacuum hydration the optimum responses were: q = 6.01 (g water/g dry basis) min-1, me = 0.3488 (dry basis) and tsat = 58 minutes. For pressure hydration the optimum responses were: q = 6.98 (g water/g dry basis) min-1, me = 0.3839 (dry basis) and tsat = 42 minutes. Both procedures, vacuum and pressure hydration, resulted as more convenient than hydration at atmospheric pressure. However, pressure hydration conducted to a higher hydration rate and saturation moisture content needed less soaking time.
Transport in Highly Heterogeneous Porous Media: From Direct Simulation to Macro-Scale Two-Equation Models or Mixed Models
Authors: Gérald Debenest , Quintard Michel
Published: July 2008

Flows in highly heterogeneous porous media are found in many practical fields, such as hydrology, petroleum engineering, and chemical engineering. The case of two-region heterogeneous media (fractured media, catalytic beds, etc.) plays a fundamental role. The different questions associated with this specific case are illustrated in this paper for two different kinds of transport: (i) flow of a slightly compressible fluid, (ii) dispersion of a tracer. Many different theoretical models are implemented using COMSOL Multiphysics. These models correspond to direct simulation and macro-scale or large-scale models such as fully averaged models or mixed models.
Comparative Study on the Kinetic Modeling of the Oxidative Coupling of Methane in Laboratory and Bench Scales
Authors: Yaghobi Nakisa , Ghoreishy Mir Hamid Reza
Published: July 2008

The aim of this work is to develop and compare kinetic models for the oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) based on the gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) value and CH4/O2 ratio in two scales: laboratory and bench. The experiments were carried out in tubular fixed bed reactors at 1023 K, using 0.7-1.5 g and 30 g of perovskite titanate as the reaction catalyst for laboratory and bench scales, respectively. The various GHSVs (8000, 12000, 17000 h-1) and (3400, 4300, 5200 h-1) and methane to oxygen ratios (1, 2, 3, 4, 7.5) and (2, 2.5, 3) were selected for laboratory and bench scales, respectively. We have proposed a mechanism in which the consumption rate of methane is always twice of production rate of C2. A power law model was assumed for rate of reaction in terms of partial pressure of oxygen and methane. Using a linear regression analysis, the kinetic models were determined. Comparison of the calculated rate of reaction with the experimentally measured data confirmed the accuracy and applicability of the developed model for both scales.
Dynamic Simulation of Mixing-Limited Pattern Formation in Homogeneous Autocatalytic Reactions
Authors: Gupta Ankur , Chakraborty Saikat
Published: July 2008

Interaction between transport and reaction generates a variety of complex spatio-temporal patterns in chemical reactors. These patterned states, which are typically initiated by autocatalytic effects and sustained by differences in diffusion/local mixing rates, often cause undesired effects in the reactor. In this work, we analyze the dynamic evolution of mixing-limited spatial pattern formation in fast, homogeneous autocatalytic reactions occurring in isothermal tubular reactors using two-dimensional (2-D) convection-diffusion-reaction (CDR) models that are obtained through rigorous spatial averaging of the three-dimensional (3-D) CDR model using Liapunov-Schmidt technique of bifurcation theory. We use the spatially-averaged 2-D CDR model (and its "regularized" form) to perform steady-state bifurcation analysis that captures the region of multiple solutions, and we analyze the stability of these multiple steady states to transverse perturbations using linear stability analysis. Parametric analyses of the steady-state bifurcation diagrams and stability boundaries show that when transverse mixing is significantly slower than the rate of autocatalytic reaction, mixing-limited patterns emerge from the unstable middle branch that connects the ignition and extinction points of an S-shaped bifurcation curve. Our dynamic simulations show the emergence of three different types of spatial patterns namely, Band, Anti-phase and Target, depending on the nature of transverse perturbation. The temporal evolution of these patterns consists of rapid intensification of the concentration-segregation process (especially when transverse mixing is much slower than reaction) followed by slow diffusion-mediated return to symmetry that occurs at time scales much larger than the reactor residence time. Our parametric analysis of the dynamics reveals that while larger Péclet numbers (both axial and transverse) increase the stability and decay time of the patterned states, larger Damköhler numbers lead to faster ignition resulting in the opposite effect.
Equilibrium and Kinetic Modeling on Biosorption of Reactive Red 2 Using Tamarindus indica Fruit Hulls
Authors: Renganathan S. , Seenuvasan M. , Selvaraj S. , Gautam P. , Velan M.
Published: July 2008

Biosorption of Reactive Red 2 dye, from an aqueous solution was evaluated using Tamarindus indica fruit hulls in a batch system. The influence of pH (1-6), temperature (20-30°C) and initial dye concentration (20 to 120 mg/L) on the biosorption process was studied. Maximum biosorption was observed at initial pH of 2.0, temperature of 30°C and at the initial dye concentration of 120 mg/L. Equilibrium data were analysed for Langmuir, Freundlich and generalized isotherm model. The equilibrium data were found to fit very well with Freundlich isotherm model when compared to all other isotherm models studied in the present investigation. Batch biosorption kinetics was studied with different initial dye concentrations and rate of biosorption was determined using pseudo first and pseudo second order rate equations. From the result it was observed that pseudo second order rate expression fit the experimental data well for Reactive Red 2 when compared to a pseudo first order kinetic model.
Nonlinear Exponential Estimator Design for a Distillation Column
Authors: Jana Amiya K
Published: July 2008

This article presents the design of an exponential state estimator for a distillation column. The proposed algorithm mainly estimates the imprecisely known parameters based on the available measurements. For the example distillation column, the nonlinear state estimator is formed with two component material balance equations; one is around the condenser-reflux drum system and the other one is around the reboiler-column base system. As a result, there is an excessive process/model mismatch. In this situation, the proposed scheme estimates the augmented states with sufficient accuracy. The simulation experiments have been performed to investigate the convergence ability of the estimator. The less computational requirements and simple design make the estimator attractive for online use.
Patient Welfare under the Legal Standard of Care
Authors: Olbrich Anja
Published: July 2008

Presuming that the standard of care reflected in the physician reimbursement scheme harms patients, German and US courts enforce their traditional legal standard of care in malpractice lawsuits. This paper summarizes the literature, evaluates the legal standard in microeconomic terms and determines the insurers' and courts' impact on patient welfare. The legal standard proves to be inefficiently high. By contrast, patient welfare is maximized when insurers apply a two-part reimbursement scheme that induces physicians not to comply with the legal standard. If this is infeasible, another reimbursement scheme is suggested.
An Evolutionary Race to the Top: Trade, Oligopoly and Convex Pollution Damage
Authors: McGinty Matthew
Published: July 2008

A two nation, two sector oligopoly trade model is presented in which one sector creates a negative production externality. Firms switch sectors in response to profit differentials until these are exhausted in the long run evolutionary equilibrium (EE). Under autarky, the optimal EE pollution tax is greater than standard partial equilibrium analysis since the output distortion associated with the tax is mitigated by firms migrating to the non-taxed sector. In a free trade area the pollution haven hypothesis is obtained when nations choose exogenous tax rates that differ. However, with endogenous taxation a prisoners' dilemma is obtained. The Nash equilibrium of the tax game exceeds the social planner's tax, generating a race to the top.
Costly Evidence Production and the Limits of Verifiability
Authors: Bull Jesse
Published: July 2008

This paper explores how the costs of disclosing evidence affect the attainment of desirable outcomes in contractual relationships with complete information. Not only does evidence production cost influence the players' incentives to disclose evidence, it also affects their willingness to participate in a contractual relationship in which they may have to disclose evidence to convey information to a court about the state of the relationship. In some situations, evidence costs can interfere with the attainment of efficient outcomes, but in other situations evidence costs can help with attainment of efficient outcomes. A two-player production game in which investment influences the value of production and the players contract so as to shape investment incentives is used to illustrate these situations.
Family, Market and Voluntary Action in the Regulation of the "Care System": A Comparison between Italy and Sweden
Authors: Ciarini Andrea
Published: July 2008

In this article we focus on elderly care reforms in Italy and Sweden. According to Polanyi's theory, we analyze the process of change of welfare regulation in terms of the relation between public redistribution, familial and societal reciprocity and services provided by the market. The main purpose of the analysis is to outline the processes of convergence and divergence between these two welfare systems that have pursued different paths in their historical evolution. In the first part we compare Italy and Sweden in terms of social expenditure for the elderly and the relationships between female labour market participation and supply provision. In the second part we concentrate on the institutional process of change, focusing on the main reforms that have affected the relationships between local public administration, family, third sector and private market organisations.
Liberal Laws V. the Law of Large Numbers, or How Demographic Rhetoric Arouses Anxiety (in Germany)
Authors: Brunner José
Published: July 2008

This paper presents the metaphysics of liberal rights reasoning on the one hand and that of demographic reasoning on the other, as exemplifying two worldviews that both compete and complement each other in the contemporary German public debate on demographic decline.First, this essay outlines the way in which liberal theorists of various outlooks, perfectionist and neutralist alike, assume that a wide range of rights serves not only the interests of those individuals who possess them, but that it constitutes the foundations of a just and stable political order in general and therefore is to the advantage of everyone.Second, the essay explains how demographic reasoning questions the assumption of harmony shared by the liberal approaches.Third, it provides an impression of the way in which demographic arguments have been deployed in the public sphere in Germany in the last few years. These arguments associate the autonomy of women with the demise of Germany. They claim that by encouraging women to pursue self-realization as self-interested individuals, the modern secular ethos of Germany as a democratic welfare society may be self-destructive in the long run, since it leads to sub-replacement fertility.Finally, the essay stresses that liberal and demographic perspectives share a blindness of historical events. In response, the conclusion brings history back in, by historicizing both demographic reasoning and demographic developments in Germany, with the aim of defusing some of the anxieties that may have been aroused by the current debate.
Placental Site Trophoblastic Tumor in the Ovary of a Young Child with Isosexual Precocious Puberty
Authors: Arroyo May R. , Podda Antonello , Cao Dengfeng , Rodriguez Maria M.
Published: July 2008

The authors report a unique case of a primary ovarian placental site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT) in a 30-month-old girl who presented with isosexual precocious puberty of 1 month duration. Laboratory studies revealed mildly elevated beta human chorionic gonadotropin (37.5 mIU/ml; reference range <3.0 mIU/ml) and estradiol (74 pg/ml; reference range 0 to 56 pg/ml) serum levels. A 3.5-cm right ovarian mass was detected radiographically. The tumor was confined to the ovary as proven by the preoperative staging workup and the exploratory laparotomy. Microscopically, it was composed of intermediate trophoblastic cells with angioinvasive growth and deposition of fibrinoid material. The tumor cells were diffusely positive for human leukocyte antigen G, melanoma cell adhesion molecule (CD146), and cytokeratins (AE1/AE3, CK18, and CAM 5.2). Stains for human chorionic gonadotropin, α-inhibin, and human placental lactogen showed focal immunoreactivity. Serum markers returned to normal postoperatively. The patient remains disease-free at 24-months follow-up. We propose that tumors morphologically identical to uterine PSTT may rarely occur as gonadal germ cell tumors in children.
Construct Validity of the Helplessness/Hopelessness/Haplessness Scale: Correlations with Perfectionism and Depression
Authors: Leenaars Lindsey , Lester David
Published: July 2008

In a sample of 117 undergraduates, helplessness scores and the discrepancy scores on a measure of perfectionism predicted depression scores, providing evidence for construct validity for the hopelessness, helplessness, and haplessness scales.
Attitudes of Physical Education Majors in Turkey towards Disability are Changed by Adaptive Physical Education Training
Authors: Gürsel Ferda
Published: July 2008

This study was designed to investigate the attitudes of university students who are prospective physical education teachers toward individuals with physical disabilities. 47 college students majoring in physical education (Study group) and 34 students from other sports-related departments, i.e., sports management and training (Control group), participated in the study. The study group took a 14-week course on Adapted Physical Education (APE), whereas the control group did not. The Attitude Toward Disabled Persons scale, Form O was used to compare the attitudes of the groups. Analyses showed no significant difference between the groups in terms of attitude towards individuals with physical disabilities at the beginning of the semester but a significant difference at semester end. Results indicated that the APE course positively influenced attitude of the prospective physical education teachers towards individuals with physical disabilities.
A Field Experiment Comparing Different Workgroup Interactive Techniques
Authors: Eisele Per
Published: July 2008

Participants ( N = 149) belonging to real life workgroups from different work organisations took part in a project with the aim of improving organisational culture. Two techniques for enhancing effectiveness were used in the study, the individual-group-individual technique and the nominal group technique. In a control group were participants in nonstructured interactive groups. Thus, the workgroups were randomised into these 3 conditions. Analysis indicated that both techniques affect idea generation but not generation of goals.
Symbolic Significance of Initials on Longevity
Authors: Abel Ernest L. , Kruger Michael L.
Published: July 2008

The longevities of deceased major league baseball players who died prior to 1950 ( N = 3,835) and whose initials formed acronyms, words, or names with “positive” or “negative” affect, as rated a priori by two judges, were compared with those for a group of neutral controls matched for birth year and career length, using the Berkeley standardized mortality tables. Players ( n = 11) with positive initials, e.g., A.C.E., lived a mean of 13 years longer than players ( n = 30) with negative initials, e.g., D.E.D., or players with neutral initials ( n = 864). These results corroborated a previous study and suggest positive name symbols are associated with increased longevity in this sample.
Effect of Pupil Size on Dynamic Visual Acuity
Authors: Ueda Tetsuo , Nawa Yoshiaki , Okamoto Masahiro , Hara Yoshiaki
Published: July 2008

This study was conducted to assess the effect of pupil size on dynamic visual acuity (DVA). 60 young healthy men ( M = 28.1 yr., SD = 3.9) with normal vision were divided into three age-matched groups by pupil size: dilated ( n = 20), unchanged ( n = 20), and constricted ( n = 20). DVA was measured binocularly with free-head viewing before and at 30 min. after each drop was instilled. Each of the three groups got a different amount. The sizes of the constricted, unchanged, and dilated pupils were 2.8 mm ( SD = 0.5), 4.1 mm ( SD = 0.3), and 7.8 mm ( SD = 0.5), respectively. The pupil size x DVA interaction was significant ( F2,114 = 6.07). DVA in the constricted pupil decreased, but that in the dilated pupil increased (paired t test). DVA in the unchanged pupil did not change significantly (paired t test). Pupil size is possibly one of the factors which may affect DVA measurement.
Listeners' Cognitive and Affective Reactions to English Speakers with Standard American English and Asian Accents
Authors: Hosoda Megumi , Stone-Romero Eugene F. , Walter Jennifer N.
Published: July 2008

Using a 2 (speaker accent: standard American, Asian) x 2 (speakers' sex: male, female) between-subjects design, the present study examined the effects of accent and sex on listeners' cognitive and affective reactions towards speakers with standard American English accents and Asian accents. 70 female and 27 male college students ( M = 21.8 yr., SD = 4.7) listened to the audio recording of a monologue by one of the speakers in the early 20s who differed in accent and sex. Standard American English was operationalized as nonaccented English, typical of the western part of the USA, and Vietnamese-accented English was used as an exemplar of Asian-accented English. Results showed that relative to standard American-accented English speakers, Asian-accented English speakers were perceived as poorer communicators who were less potent, less threatening, and more concerned about others. These cognitive reactions to Asian-accented English speakers include (a) the general stereotype associated with an accent, status and solidarity, as well as (b) the stereotype unique to Asians as an ethnic group, being concerned for others and poorer communicators. Analysis also showed that speakers with an Asian accent evoked more negative affect and required more attention from listeners than did speakers with a standard American English accent. Implications of the study are discussed.
Postural Movement Pattern and Muscle Action Sequence Associated with Self-Paced Bilateral Arm Flexion during Standing
Authors: Fujiwara Katsuo , Maeda Kaoru , Kunita Kenji , Tomita Hidehito
Published: July 2008

Investigated were postural movement pattern and action sequence of postural muscles while subjects rapidly flexed both arms during standing. The arm movement was started at the subject's own pace. Subjects were healthy individuals; 48 men and 53 women. Postural movement pattern was classified based on the movement angles of foot-leg (ankle joint) and leg-trunk (hip joint). Electromyograms were recorded from the anterior deltoid, biceps femoris, and erector spinae. The time difference between action onsets of the latter two muscles and the anterior deltoid was analyzed. Movement angles of the ankle and hip for both sexes were distributed on a similar linear regression line (y = −2.092 × −2.552 ( r = −.71). The postural movement pattern was categorized based on the distribution into three types: hip flexion (in the 2nd quadrant), backward leaning (the 3rd), and hip extension (the 4th). The proportion of subjects was 26% in the hip flexion type, 55% in backward leaning type, and 19% in hip extension type. The action of biceps femoris and erector spinae significantly preceded that of anterior deltoid in the backward leaning and hip extension types but did not in the hip flexion type.
Memory Performance in Abstinent 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (Mdma, “Ecstasy”) Users
Authors: Groth-Marnat Gary , Howchar Hennedy , Marsh Ali
Published: July 2008

Research with animals and humans has suggested that acute and subacute use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA “ecstasy”) may lead to memory impairment. However, research is limited by (1) low power due to small sample sizes, (2) the possible confound of polydrug use, and (3) the failure to consider intelligence as a covariate. The present study compared the memory performance on the Wechsler Memory Scale—III of 26 abstinent (2-wk. minimum) recreational MDMA users with 26 abstinent (2-wk. minimum) recreational polydrug users. Despite significantly greater polydrug use amongst these MDMA users, no significant group differences in memory were observed. Regression of total lifetime amount of MDMA use also did not predict memory performance after accounting for intelligence. In addition, the length of time since abstinence (at least 2 wk.) was not associated with an increase in memory performance. Greater total lifetime cocaine use, rather than total lifetime MDMA use, was significantly associated with greater decrements in General Memory and Delayed Verbal Memory performance.
Diminished Plantar Cutaneous Sensation and Postural Control
Authors: McKeon Patrick O. , Hertel Jay
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of diminished plantar cutaneous sensation induced by cooling on postural control during double- and single-limb quiet standing. 32 healthy adults were tested on an intervention day and control day. The intervention consisted of 10 min. of ice immersion of the plantar aspect of the feet prior to balance testing. Dependent variables were center of pressure velocity and area during double- and single-limb stance with eyes open and closed. Significant interactions were found between sensation and vision for double-limb center of pressure area, with a significant reduction in area of center of pressure excursions after reducing sensation with eyes closed but not with eyes open. The area of center of pressure excursions may have been reduced in an effort to curtail exploratory postural behavior given the altered afferent input from plantar receptors. There were no significant differences for plantar hypoesthesia in single-limb stance.
Does Stimulant Medication Decrease the Lower Extremity Response Times of Children with and without Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?
Authors: Brašić James Robert
Published: July 2008

In 2005 Pedersen and Surburg reported that stimulant medications reduced the lower extremity response times of 16 boys with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. However, as boys without ADHD and girls with and without ADHD were not studied, one cannot conclude that reported effects represent a medication effect unique to children with ADHD. An alternative hypothesis is presented: that stimulant medications produce an excitatory effect in the central nervous system by increased occupancy of postsynaptic dopamine receptors to reduce the lower extremity response times of children in general. Well-designed controlled clinical trials are needed to evaluate this hypothesis.
A five-year disease-free survival after combined hepatectomy and radiofrequency ablation of large hepatocellular carcinoma adjacent to vena cava
Authors: Julianov Alexander , Rachkov Ivan , Karashmalakov Anatoli
Published: July 2008

Destroying the hepatic tumor located close to the large vessels is a major limiting factor of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) that is difficult to overcome. A long-term disease-free survival after combined hepatectomy and radiofrequency ablation of a large hepatic tumor adjacent to vena cava has not been previously published. We report a patient with a 23-cm large hepatocellular carcinoma occupying the left lateral segments and a 6-cm contralateral intrahepatic metastasis in Couinaud segments VII–VIII adjacent to the retrohepatic IVC, treated with a combination of resection of the larger tumor and intraoperative radiofrequency ablation of the paracaval tumor under intermittent total vascular exclusion of the right hemiliver. After five years of follow up the patient is disease free. This case demonstrates the importance of vascular control for eliminating the heat sink effect of caval blood flow during RFA of liver tumors adjacent to inferior vena cava.
EHDS are serine phosphoproteins: EHD1 phosphorylation is enhanced by serum stimulation
Authors: Fichtman Boris , Ravid Liat , Rapaport Debora , Horowitz Mia
Published: July 2008

Endocytic processes are mediated by multiple protein-protein interacting modules and regulated by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. The Eps15 homology domain containing protein 1 (EHD1) has been implicated in regulating recycling of proteins, internalized both in clathrin-dependent and clathrin-independent endocytic pathways, from the recycling compartment to the plasma membrane. EHD1 was found in a complex with clathrin, adaptor protein complex-2 (AP-2) and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), and was shown to interact with Rabenosyn-5, SNAP29, EHBP1 (EH domain binding protein 1) and syndapin I and II. In this study, we show that EHD1, like the other human EHDs, undergoes serine-phosphorylation. Our results also indicate that EHD1 is a serum-inducible serine-phosphoprotein and that PKC (protein kinase C) is one of its kinases. In addition, we show that inhibitors of clathrin-mediated endocytosis decrease EHD1 phosphorylation, while inhibitors of caveolinmediated endocytosis do not affect EHD1 phosphorylation. The results of experiments in which inhibitors of endocytosis were employed strongly suggest that EHD1 phosphorylation occurs between early endosomes and the endocytic recycling compartment.
Anti-Stokes luminescence in heavily doped semiconductors as a mechanism of laser cooling
Authors: Eliseev P.
Published: July 2008

The anti-Stokes luminescence is a mechanism of the optical refrigeration in semiconductor light sources. The heavily doped semiconductors are considered as a material for the laser cooling. The limitation of this mechanism appears to be connected with a transition from the non-degenerate to degenerate occupation. This transition occurs at higher pumping rate (along with the transition to the optical gain and lasing) and at lower temperature. Thus, the limit for the laser cooling can be indicated. The minimal obtainable temperature is about 60–120 K depending on the doping level. The laser cooling of a semiconductor is impeded by the difficulty of extracting the spontaneous emission from a radiating body that is characterized by large angle of the total internal reflection.
THE VERTICAL RESTRAINTS PARADOX: JUSTIFYING THE DIFFERENT LEGAL TREATMENT OF PRICE AND NON-PRICE VERTICAL RESTRAINTS
Authors: Paldor Ittai
Published: July 2008

Over the past fifty years anti-trust theorists and economists have advanced several pro-competitive explanations for minimum resale price maintenance, or rpm. In addition, scholars have argued that non-price vertical restraints (such as territorial exclusivity) and rpm have similar effects on price and quantity and should therefore be treated similarly by law. Nearly thirty years ago, the us Supreme Court ruled that non-price vertical restraints should be subject to a rule of reason, acknowledging their pro-competitive potential. Since no explanation has been forwarded to justify treating rpm differently, there seems to be good reason to subject rpm to a rule of reason as well. And, indeed, a divided us Supreme Court has recently decided to overrule the longstanding per se illegality rule that was, for nearly a century, applicable to rpm. In the following I argue that the approach still upheld by policy makers in most jurisdictions, namely the per se prohibition on rpm, is economically justified. I show that all pro-competitive explanations for rpm suffer from a common flaw, the possibility of non-price competition, which challenges rpm's ability to achieve any of the pro-competitive goals attributed to it. I then show that non-price vertical restraints are capable of achieving the pro-competitive goals that rpm is incapable of achieving. This justifies both applying a per se illegality rule to rpm and applying a different rule, namely a rule of reason, to other vertical restraints.
ARGUMENTS OF VIRTUE AND CONSTITUTIONAL CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
Authors: Plaxton Michael
Published: July 2008

Though Ronald Dworkin has directed his most recent book, Is Democracy Possible Here?, at a lay audience, its accessibility gives academics an opportunity to consider his more philosophically rigorous works with fresh eyes. In particular, it gives us a chance to re-evaluate Dworkin's distinction between principles and policies and to reconsider the place of arguments of virtue in his theory of constitutional interpretation. Furthermore, we are better able to understand various cases and doctrines in constitutional criminal procedure when we acknowledge the role of arguments of virtue in legal debates.