bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trajectories of Islamic Liberalism in Contemporary Indonesia
Authors: Assyaukanie Luthfi
Published: June 2009

Over the last ten years discussions on Indonesian Islam have pointed to the emergence of Islamic radicalism. The religious conflicts in Ambon and Poso, the Bali bombings, the church burnings, and a series of nightspot raiding in Jakarta bear witness that Indonesia is experiencing change towards radicalization. The old attributes of Indonesian Islam that was tolerant, respectful, and “different from the Middle East,” are now being contested. Scholars and journalists now overtly speak of the grievous threat of Indonesian Islam, in a way that they ignore the variety of its adherents: traditionalists and modernists, liberals and fundamentalists, santri and abangan. This article demonstrates that apart from the rise of Islamic radicalism in Indonesia, there is a process of moderation and progress. The failure of Islamic political parties in the last two general elections (1999 and 2004) and the rise of young liberal Muslims bear witness that Indonesian Islam is never monolithic. By analyzing the development of political Islam and the evolution of Islamic liberalism, this article argues that Indonesian Islam will not radicalize as some people like to think.
Sebastian Brock, An Introduction to Syriac Studies.
Authors: Gardner Iain
Published: June 2009

Sebastian Brock, An Introduction to Syriac Studies. 2d rev. ed. Gorgias Press, Piscataway, NJ, 2006, pp. ix + 78, ISBN 1-59333-349-8.
Raymond Clemens and Timothy Graham, Introduction to Manuscript Studies.
Authors: Gardner Iain
Published: June 2009

Raymond Clemens and Timothy Graham, Introduction to Manuscript Studies. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, London, 2007, pp. xvi + 301, ISBN 0801438632 (Hbk), 0801487080 (Pbk).
Oliver Leaman, Islamic Aesthetics: An Introduction.
Authors: Swain Tony
Published: June 2009

Oliver Leaman, Islamic Aesthetics: An Introduction. Edinburgh University Press, Edinburgh, 2004, pp. viii + 211, ISBN 0748617345 (Hbk), 0748617353 (Pbk).
Larissa Taylor, Soldiers of Christ: Preaching in Late Medieval and Reformation France.
Authors: Rasmussen Linda
Published: June 2009

Larissa Taylor, Soldiers of Christ: Preaching in Late Medieval and Reformation France. Renaissance Society of America Reprint Texts 14, University of Toronto Press in association with the Renaissance Society of America, Toronto, 2002. First published by Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1992, pp. xiv + 351, ISBN 0802085571.
Laboratory Methods for Breaking Dormancy in Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) Seeds
Authors: Sosnoskie Lynn M. , Cardina John
Published: June 2009

Garlic mustard seeds are dormant at maturity, and 90 to 105 d of cold-moist stratification at 4 C have been used to induce germination. We studied methods for breaking dormancy and inducing germination without cold stratification, for use in laboratory and greenhouse experiments with garlic mustard. Seeds were collected from large infestations, stored at room temperature, and subjected to chemical and mechanical scarification treatments. For chemical scarification, seeds were immersed in 3% (v/v) H2O2 for 12, 24, or 48 h with constant stirring, or immersed in concentrated (95 to 97%) H2SO4 for 1 or 5 min with stirring. For mechanical scarification, seeds were placed in a sandpaper-lined tumbler for 1 or 3 s. Scarified seeds, along with non-scarified seeds, were placed in petri dishes on germination blotters saturated with gibberellic acid (GA3, 10−3 M) or deionized water, and incubated for 35 d at either 20/10 C or 15/6 C (12 hr/12 hr). None of the non-scarified seeds germinated, regardless of germination solution or temperature. Seeds germinated only following scarification, and only when imbibed in GA3 solutions. Seeds immersed in H2SO4 for 5 min or mechanically scarified for 3 s had the highest level of germination in GA3. Cumulative percent germination after 35 d was greater for seeds stored 30 mo (44 to 83%), than for seeds stored 6 (2 to 60%) or 18 mo (35 to 79%), regardless of scarification treatment. The germination results, along with scanning electron micrographs of seed coats, suggest that the intact garlic mustard seed coat is permeable to water but not GA3; therefore, both scarification and GA3 are needed to break dormancy and induce germination without cold stratification.
A Human Security Framework for the Management of Invasive Nonindigenous Plants
Authors: Tanentzap Andrew J. , Bazely Dawn R. , Williams Peter A. , Hoogensen Gunhild
Published: June 2009

Few individuals or governments have suggested that invasions by nonindigenous species are relevant to the broader issue of human security, despite a growing awareness of the ecological, economic, and societal impacts associated with invasive nonindigenous species (INIS). We propose that by framing management actions in a human and environmental security context, the threats (and benefits) posed by INIS to individuals and communities can be explicitly articulated and debated. This framework allows multiple stakeholders to bring their concerns to bear upon specific policy, and attempts to integrate broad environmental concerns within its parameters. We use the case of ecosystem-based management of invasive nonindigenous plants as an example of the utility of a human security framework. The dominant management approach to these species remains focused on the individual species, despite increasing calls for the implementation of ecosystem-based management strategies. Ecosystem-based management is supported by generalized and widely accepted mechanisms of plant community dynamics, such as succession, disturbance, and interspecific competition, but these scientific arguments do not consistently carry weight at the policy level and with the broader public. A human security framework may provide an approach for overcoming this resistance by placing the debate over management within the social and political context of the wider community. Overall, human security can allow applied ecologists to be better positioned to meet the challenges of communicating the need for science-based management.
Friction Factor in Coated Gas Pipelines and Well Tubing
Authors: Sletfjerding Elling
Published: June 2009

An experimental study of pressure drop in pipes at high Reynolds numbers was performed to determine the friction factor of coated gas pipes. The results enable more accurate predictions of long distance gas pipeline capacity, and demonstrate the drag reduction potential of internal coating in gas wells.

The friction factor of the coated pipe was 31 % lower than in the bare steel pipe at a Reynolds number of 1 × 107. Such a reduction in the friction factor means 21 % higher mass rate at the same pressure drop if internal coating is used in a horizontal pipeline.

Simulations of flow in vertical gas wells in the offshore Troll field showed that internal coating can reduce the pressure drop significantly in high rate gas wells. A reduction in the tubing pressure drop from 18.9 bar to 16.6 bar at a production rate of 2.2 × 106 Sm3/day was possible when internal coating was used. At higher rates the reduction in the pressure drop was even larger. As a result the need for compression for gas export may be reduced.
Upscaling of Transmissibility Applied to Corner Point Geometry
Authors: Urgelli Denise
Published: June 2009

Comer Point Geometry (CPG) is a gridding technique that is used more and more in modern numerical flow simulation because it allows a good representation of reservoir geological features. This kind of grid is tailored to conform to reservoir boundaries, wells, heterogeneities of petrophysical properties, faults and flow patterns. A CPG grid can be built from a geological model generated with stochastic simulations for instance.

A crucial step in this process is the upscaling of grid block permeability. Present methods for upscaling fine scale permeability data for use in reservoir simulation produce effective permeabilities for each coarse grid block. Still, it is difficult to determine the transmissibility from the block permeability. Usually, the harmonic average of the block permeability is used for the transmissibility calculation, but it might cause a loss of precision.

In this paper, we propose a method to upscale internodal permeabilities on CPG mesh. This method, called "shifted method", was first developed for Cartesian grids but it was found to be so efficient that it has been adapted to CPG. The permeability upscaling technique is integrated in the discretized numerical scheme for flow simulation. The permeability is upscaled via the transmissibility term, in accordance with the fluid flow calculation in the numerical scheme.

A special difficulty associated to CPG is the problem encountered with five-point scheme, which yields erroneous results with distorted grids. More accurate numerical schemes are needed with the ability to handle cross derivative terms. A nine-point finite volume scheme is particularly studied here and the internodal permeability technique for this scheme is presented. The "shifted method" improves fluid flow calculation on CPG mesh.

Some numerical examples based on various flow patterns are presented. The "shifted method" is compared with some published permeability upscaling procedures. Comparing the results with fine grid simulations shows that the new method is more accurate and more efficient.
Analysis of Ballooning Effects During Drilling of High Pressure High Temperature Wells
Authors: Kårstad Eirik
Published: June 2009

The operational margins in high pressure high temperature (HPHT) wells are often very small. Therefore, it may be critical to separate between ballooning effects and responses from having a kick, or having a mud loss.

We present a new analytical model for the density-pressure-temperature dependence for drilling fluids.1 By coupling this to a temperature model for the circulating fluid temperatures,2 we can study the temperature effects on return mud volume variations. In the application of the model we simulate a North Sea well to study the effect of transient temperature behavior.
Secondary and Tertiary Gas Injection Experiments in Heterogeneous Wettability Micromodels
Authors: Laroche C.
Published: June 2009

Gas injection processes occupy an important place among improved oil recovery methods. In such processes three phases (water, oil, gas) coexist within the porous matrix. It has been already proved that the wettability characteristics of the solid surface and the spreading characteristics of the fluid system hold the key roles when three phases flow simultaneously in a porous medium. The objective of the present work is to analyse the effect of the wettability heterogeneities on the sweep efficiency of a gas injection by looking at the microscopic displacement mechanisms in three-phase flow when heterogeneities are involved. To this end an experimental investigation is performed in transparent glass micromodels of heterogeneous wettability. Secondary and tertiary gas injection experiments are conducted for different heterogeneity patterns. Oil-wet patches in a water-wet matrix are obtained by selective silane grafting on the glass surface. Displacement sequences are video-recorded and fluid saturations are determined by image analysis.

Both experiments at secondary and tertiary conditions show that the size and distribution of wettability heterogeneities strongly affect the microscopic and macroscopic behavior during gas injection processes.
Thermal Characterization of Reservoir Rock and Crude Oil for Reservoir Characterization
Authors: Baysal Banu
Published: June 2009

This paper was presented as part of the student paper contest associated with the European Petroleum Conference.

Three wells selected in Raman field of South Eastern Turkey had exhibited different gas contents as determined by TPAO. The wells were located at different blocks separated by faults. The aim was to characterize the crude oil and core samples from 3 wells to understand if the differences exist which can be related to reservoir properties. Thermal analysis techniques were used as a novel technique for characterization. The tests were conducted under nitrogen and air atmospheres to simulate pyrolysis and oxidation behavior. The oxidation and pyrolysis results were evaluated to calculate parameters such as peak reaction temperatures, maximum heat flow data, enthalpy changes, activation energy. Comparing the peak temperatures during pyrolysis and heat flow values during oxidation of DSC experiments, S1/S2 and (S1+S2)/S3 ratios, and diagnostic plots, indicate that Raman Well 84 crude oil was different than the other two samples. In order to understand the cause for this difference, detailed analysis of the geology, source rock and migration paths as well as connectivity between faults is justified.

Introduction

Thermal analysis is composed of several experimental techniques which have similar operating principles and are used to characterize samples by studying the chemical or physical reactions occuring under a programmed temperature increase.

Many researchers have studied the characterization of crude oils and their fractions by using TGA and DSC. With the pioneering work of Tadema, thermal analysis methods had become a way to analyze crude oils for insitu combustion. Some of the researchers like Bae studied the characterization of crude oil for fire flooding by thermal analysis. Morgan et al. had investigated the combustion characteristics of coals by thermal analysis.
Pore Scale Modelling of NMR Response in Mixed Porous Media
Authors: Beilby P. S.
Published: June 2009

This project was undertaken to investigate the fundamental physics associated with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) logging and to incorporate any findings into the framework of existing pore scale modelling techniques. The study starts by looking analytically at the NMR response and an attempt is made to define a relationship between T¯2,, the mean transverse relaxation time, and pore radius.

An analytical relationship was derived and a Monte Carlo simulation model validated this. A relationship was also found for ‘the number of collisions that a proton makes before relaxing’ to the relaxivity constant. The simulation model validated the analytical expression and indeed proved it to be more accurate than the present industry standard approximation, T¯2−1=ρ.(sv). Results showed that the use of either the present industry approximation, or using the simple assumption that the pore space is water wet could both lead to large discrepancies when determining the pore size distribution, and consequently have a major impact on reserve estimation.
Study of Turbulent Break-up of Oil Droplets in Choke Valves
Authors: Muntinga J.H.
Published: June 2009

This paper was presented as part of the student paper contest associated with the European Petroleum Conference.

Production of a well at high water cut is associated with problems in separation efficiency of the oil-in-water emulsion. In this, the smallest sizes of the oil droplets are the decisive factor, negatively and greatly influenced by the choke valve. This valve breaks the produced distribution down to too many and too small droplets for the separation equipment to economically clean the water and isolate the oil.

Laboratory experiments allowed us to investigate the break-up effects of choke valves and to validate existing predictive theories. By using different choke types, significant reduction of break-up was accomplished. The effect of choke geometry on break-up is explained by an interplay of the time that droplets remain in a choke on the one hand, and the time needed for complete break-up under the current turbulence regime on the other. Hereby, the spatial distribution of energy dissipation, linked to the geometry of the choke, plays an important role.

Introduction

Often water is produced along with oil. When the age of a well matures, the water cut tends to increase. In the after-life of a well, the percentage of water can by far exceed that of oil. Wells with water cuts of 95% are no exception, which implies that these wells produce an oil-in-water emulsion.

Chokes are installed on every well to control the pressure and flow rate. They work on the basis of energy dissipation by increased turbulence. Downstream of the valve the pressure is brought down to safer values to work with, and the emulsified liquids must be separated. This should be done carefully in order not to loose valuable oil and to clean the water before disposal. The efficiency of a separator is confined by the droplet-size distribution offered to it.
Modeling Integrated Fixed‐Film Activated Sludge and Moving‐Bed Biofilm Reactor Systems I: Mathematical Treatment and Model Development
Authors: Boltz Joshua P. , Johnson Bruce R. , Daigger Glen T. , Sandino Julian
Published: June 2009

A mathematical model for integrated fixed‐film activated sludge (IFAS) and moving‐bed biofilm reactor wastewater treatment processes was developed. The model is based on theoretical considerations that include simultaneous diffusion and Monod‐type reaction kinetics inside the biofilm, competition between aerobic autotrophic nitrifiers, non‐methanol‐degrading facultative heterotrophs, methanol‐degrading heterotrophs, slowly biodegradable chemical oxygen demand, and inert biomass for substrate (when appropriate) and space inside the biofilm; and biofilm and suspended biomass compartments, which compete for both the electron donor and electron acceptor. The model assumes identical reaction kinetics for bacteria within suspended biomass and biofilm. Analytical solutions to a 1‐dimensional biofilm (assuming both zero‐ and first‐order kinetics) applied to describe substrate flux across the biofilm surface are integrated with a revised and expanded matrix similar to that presented as the International Water Association (London, United Kingdom) Activated Sludge Model Number 2d (ASM2d) stoichiometric and kinetic matrix. The steady‐state mathematical model describes a continuous‐flow stirred‐tank reactor.
Chromium Fate in Constructed Wetlands Treating Tannery Wastewaters
Authors: Dotro Gabriela , Palazolo Paul , Larsen Daniel
Published: June 2009

Nine experimental wetlands were built to determine chromium partitioning inside systems treating tannery wastewaters. Results showed 5‐day biochemical oxygen demand and chromium removals of 95 to 99% and 90 to 99%, respectively. The majority of chromium was found in association with media (96 to 98%), followed by effluents (2.9 to 3.9%), and the least was found in plant parts (0.1%). Chemical speciation modeling of solutions and scanning electron microscope analysis suggest two potential chromium removal mechanisms—sorption/coprecipitation with iron hydroxides or oxyhydroxides and biomass sorption. The release of the majority of chromium in the iron‐ and organic‐bound phases during sequential extractions supports the proposed dominant removal mechanisms. The use of a mixture of peat and gravel resulted in lower removal efficiencies and stronger partitioning in organic phases during sequential extractions. Chromium was efficiently removed by wetlands, retained through chemical and biological processes. Future research will focus on further exploring removal mechanisms and proposing management strategies for the chromium‐containing wetland media.
Fouling and Cleaning Characteristics of Ultrafiltration of Hydrophobic Dissolved Organic Matter by a Polyvinyl Chloride Hollow Fiber Membrane
Authors: Guo Xiaoyan , Gao Wei , Li Jihui , Hu Wanli
Published: June 2009

Ultrafiltration membrane fouling is a significant problem in drinking water treatment. Many researchers believe that hydrophobic natural organic matter is the main foulant. In this research, fulvic acid, tannin, and aniline were used to represent hydrophobic acid, neutral, and base, respectively, to investigate modified polyvinyl chloride ultrafiltration membrane fouling characteristics. Four kinds of cleaning methods were used in this study: flushing, backwashing, flushing and backwashing, and chemical cleaning with 0.5% sodium hydroxide. Each was performed on the three hydrophobic dissolved organic matters (acid, neutral, and base) to identify the fouling mechanisms of polyvinyl chloride ultrafiltration membrane. Results showed that hydrophobic base fouled membranes the most and hydrophobic acid the least based on cleaning difficulty.
Quantification of the Inert Chemical Oxygen Demand of Raw Wastewater and Evaluation of Soluble Microbial Product Production in Demo‐Scale Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket Reactors under Different Operational Conditions
Authors: Aquino Sergio F. , Gloria Roberto M. , Silva Silvana Q. , Chernicharo Carlos A. L.
Published: June 2009

This paper investigates the production of soluble microbial products (SMPs) in demonstration‐scale upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors operated under different conditions and fed with raw wastewater. The results showed that 9.2 ± 1.3% of the influent soluble chemical oxygen demand (COD) could be considered inert to anaerobic treatment and that the amount of COD produced by biomass varied from 30 to 70 mg·L −1, accounting for 45 to 63% of the soluble effluent COD. The accumulation of SMP appeared to be dependent on the hydraulic retention time (HRT) applied to the reactors, with a larger accumulation of SMP observed at the lowest HRT (5 hours); this may have been due to stress conditions caused by high upflow velocity (1.1 m·h −1). In terms of residual COD characterization, ultrafiltration results showed that higher amounts of high molecular weight compounds were found when HRT was the lowest (5 hours), and that the molecular weight distribution depended on the operational condition of the reactors. Biodegradability tests showed that the low and high molecular weight SMPs were only partially degraded anaerobically (10 to 60%) and that the high molecular weight SMPs were difficult to degrade aerobically.
Catalytic Ozonation for Degradation of 2, 4, 6‐Trichloroanisole in Drinking Water in the Presence of γ‐AlOOH
Authors: Qi Fei , Xu Bingbing , Chen Zhonglin , Ma Jun
Published: June 2009

Results show that catalytic ozonation with γ‐AlOOH can substantially enhance the removal effectiveness of 2, 4, 6‐trichloroanisole (TCA) in drinking water. Scavenging of radicals tests reveals that the improved 2, 4, 6‐trichloroanisole degradation is due to the enhanced generation of hydroxyl radicals. The uncharged surface hydroxyl groups on γ‐AlOOH in water can induce aqueous ozone decomposition to generate hydroxyl radicals. The catalytic activity of γ‐AlOOH decreased as thermal treatment temperature increased.
Inhibition Kinetics of Phenolic Compounds in Aerobic Degradation of Organic Wastewaters
Authors: Vlyssides Apostolos , Barampouti Elli Maria , Mai Sofia , Loukakis Haralampos , Loizides Michael
Published: June 2009

This study proposed a kinetic model for the aerobic degradation of high strength organic wastewaters with high concentrations of phenolic compounds. The model was based on the conventional Monod kinetic equation incorporating phenols' inhibition. Furthermore, a methodology for determining biokinetic constants was proposed. Olive‐mill wastewater (OMWW) was used for the case study. The model and proposed methodology were fitted on the experimental data and it was proved that the aerobic degradation of OMWW was described satisfactorily. The following kinetic constants were determined: maximum specific substrate removal rate, 1.35 h −1; minimum microorganisms decay rate, 0.01 h −1; inhibition coefficient of phenolic compounds, 373 mg L −1; half‐saturation concentration in carbon units, 1004 mg L −1; and decay acceleration coefficient of phenolic compounds, 231 mg L −1. Finally, the biomass yield coefficient was found to be equal to 0.36. Thus, it was determined that the proposed methodology would be a useful tool for determining biokinetic constants of similar substrates.
Adsorptive Removal of Phenol from Contaminated Water and Wastewater by Activated Carbon, Almond, and Walnut Shells Charcoal
Authors: Pajooheshfar Seyed Pejvak , Saeedi Mohsen
Published: June 2009

The adsorption process is gaining interest as an effective process for advanced water and wastewater treatment. Phenol, as a toxic material in industrial effluents, should be removed because of its environmental and health effects. The present study involves an investigation of the use of three carbonaceous materials—activated carbon laboratory‐grade (ACL), almond shell charcoal (ASC), and walnut shell charcoal (WSC)—as adsorbents for the removal of phenol from aqueous solutions. For the first time, the adsorptive removal of phenol using ASC and WSC was investigated. Findings have been compared with (ACL) results. Batch experiments were carried out to obtain adsorption equilibrium isotherms with phenol‐spiked synthetic solutions. The effects of adsorbent amounts, pH 0, initial concentration, and contact time on the adsorption of phenol were studied. Maximum removals of phenol from contaminant water with ACL, ASC, and WSC were 99.87, 91.36, and 78.17%, respectively, and from industrial wastewater were 99.71, 85.54, and 65.49%, respectively.
Identification and Application of Physical and Chemical Parameters to Predict Indicator Bacterial Concentration in a Small Californian Creek
Authors: Bae Hun‐Kyun , Olson Betty H. , Hsu Kuo‐Lin , Sorooshian Soroosh
Published: June 2009

This study of Aliso Creek in California aimed to identify physical and chemical parameters that could be measured instantly to be used in a model to serve as surrogates for indicator bacterial concentrations during dry season flow. In this study, a new data smoothing technique and ranking/categorizing analysis was used to reduce variation to allow better delineation of the relationships between adopted variables and concentrations of indicator bacteria. The ranking/categorizing approach clarified overall trends between physico‐chemical data and the indicators and suggested sources of the bacteria. This study also applied a principle component regression model to the data. Although the model was promising for predicting concentrations of total and fecal coliforms, it was somewhat weaker in predicting enteroccocci.
The Public Presentation of a Hybrid Science: Scientific and Technical Communication in “Iraq's Weapons of Mass Destruction: The Assessment of the British Government” (2002)
Authors: McKenzie Keisha
Published: June 2009

A recent British national intelligence-based Assessment (2002) illustrates how one government agency communicated science to serve its policy goals. This article analyzes some of the values that drive science, public policy, and national intelligence, and traces how those values affected the Assessment writers' goals and communication strategies. Through close reading of the Assessment's foreword and first section, this study shows how the writers shaped scientific and technical information to satisfy their disciplines' values and to naturalize their “proper perspective” on the policy case. Further analysis of similar documents will extend current research on scientific rhetoric, multidisciplinary collaborative writing, and public communication.
Language Problems to Be Coped with in Web Localization
Authors: Zhu Pinfan
Published: June 2009

Web Localization means the process of making all kinds of information on a Web site culturally, linguistically, graphically, and technologically customized to the needs of the users of the target country. Web site localization is an important means by which an industry or organization wins an international market for its products or services since the Internet has billions of users and has the world wide access. However, language problems are still an obstacle to successful Web localization or online writings for cross-cultural audiences, which result in failing to achieve the communication purpose of the organization or company that has the problems on its Web site. This article mainly focuses on the language problems in online writing or localizing a Web linguistically for cross-cultural audiences from semantic, syntactical, textual, and rhetorical perspectives and makes some suggestions for solving the problems.
Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health as a Framework to Examine the Association Between Falls and Clinical Assessment Tools in People With Stroke
Authors: Beninato Marianne , Portney Leslie G. , Sullivan Patricia E.
Published: June 2009

Background

Falls in people with stroke are extremely common and present a significant health risk to this population. Development of fall screening tools is an essential component of a comprehensive fall reduction plan.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of clinical measures representing various domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) relative to their ability to identify individuals with a history of multiple falls.

Design

A case series study design was used.

Setting

The study was conducted in a community setting.

Participants

Twenty-seven people with stroke participated in the study.

Measurements

Clinical assessment tools included the lower-extremity subscale of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Sensorimotor Impairment (FMLE) and Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test (STS) representing the body function domain, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) representing the activity domain, the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale as a measure of personal factors, and the physical function subscale of the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS-16) as a broad measure of physical function. We used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to generate cutoff scores, sensitivities, specificities, and likelihood ratios (LRs) relative to a history of multiple falls.

Results

The FMLE and the STS showed a weak association with fall history. The BBS demonstrated fair accuracy in identifying people with multiple falls, with a cutoff score of 49 and a positive LR of 2.80. The ABC Scale and the SIS-16 were most effective, with cutoff scores of 81.1 and 61.7, respectively, positive LRs of 3.60 and 7.00, respectively, and negative LRs of 0.00 and 0.25, respectively.

Limitations

A limitation of the study was the small sample size.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that the ICF is a useful framework for selecting clinical measures relative to fall history and support the need for prospective study of tools in more-complex domains of the ICF for their accuracy for fall prediction in people with stroke.
Allowing Intralimb Kinematic Variability During Locomotor Training Poststroke Improves Kinematic Consistency: A Subgroup Analysis From a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Lewek Michael D. , Cruz Theresa H. , Moore Jennifer L. , Roth Heidi R. , Dhaher Yasin Y. , Hornby T. George
Published: June 2009

Background

Locomotor training (LT) to improve walking ability in people poststroke can be accomplished with therapist assistance as needed to promote continuous stepping. Various robotic devices also have been developed that can guide the lower limbs through a kinematically consistent gait pattern. It is unclear whether LT with either therapist or robotic assistance could improve kinematic coordination patterns during walking.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine whether LT with physical assistance as needed was superior to guided, symmetrical, robotic-assisted LT for improving kinematic coordination during walking poststroke.

Design

This study was a randomized clinical trial.

Methods

Nineteen people with chronic stroke (>6 months’ duration) participating in a larger randomized control trial comparing therapist- versus robotic-assisted LT were recruited. Prior to and following 4 weeks of LT, gait analysis was performed at each participant's self-selected speed during overground walking. Kinematic coordination was defined as the consistency of intralimb hip and knee angular trajectories over repeated gait cycles and was compared before and after treatment for each group.

Results

Locomotor training with therapist assistance resulted in significant improvements in the consistency of intralimb movements of the impaired limb. Providing consistent kinematic assistance during robotic-assisted LT did not result in improvements in intralimb consistency. Only minimal changes in discrete kinematics were observed in either group.

Limitations

The limitations included a relatively small sample size and a lack of quantification regarding the extent of movement consistency during training sessions for both groups.

Conclusions

Coordination of intralimb kinematics appears to improve in response to LT with therapist assistance as needed. Fixed assistance, as provided by this form of robotic guidance during LT, however, did not alter intralimb coordination.
From Molecules to Molecular Systems
Authors: Feringa Ben L.
Published: June 2009

The assembly, integration and functioning of various molecular components in complex systems is illustrated.
Light-Activatable Nucleic Acids 'Caged' at the Nucleobases
Authors: Buff Maximilian , Mack Timo , Heckel Alexander
Published: June 2009

The attachment of photolabile groups to biologically active molecules offers a very versatile way to put a biological effect under the control of an external trigger signal and thus confers spatiotemporal and dose control to this effect. Over the last years we have prepared a number
of oligonucleotide derivatives that are modified in such a way. These derivatives are usually referred to as 'caged compounds' and in particular our photolabile 'caging groups' are located at the nucleobases of oligonucleotides so that the Watson–Crick interaction is temporarily impossible.
Thus several nucleic acid-based applications have now become controllable with light.
Understanding Technology Adoption: Theory and Future Directions for Informal Learning
Authors: Straub Evan T.
Published: June 2009

How and why individuals adopt innovations has motivated a great deal of research. This article examines individuals’ computing adoption processes through the lenses of three adoption theories: Rogers’s innovation diffusion theory, the Concerns-Based Adoption Model, the Technology Acceptance Model, and the United Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. Incorporating all three models, this article suggests technology adoption is a complex, inherently social, developmental process; individuals construct unique yet malleable perceptions of technology that influence their adoption decisions. Thus, successfully facilitating technology adoption must address cognitive, emotional, and contextual concerns. This article also focuses specific attention on adoption theory outside of a formal organization and the implications of adoption theory on informal environments.
Interactive Book Reading in Early Education: A Tool to Stimulate Print Knowledge as Well as Oral Language
Authors: Mol Suzanne E. , Bus Adriana G. , de Jong Maria T.
Published: June 2009

This meta-analysis examines to what extent interactive storybook reading stimulates two pillars of learning to read: vocabulary and print knowledge. The authors quantitatively reviewed 31 (quasi) experiments ( n = 2,049 children) in which educators were trained to encourage children to be actively involved before, during, and after joint book reading. A moderate effect size was found for oral language skills, implying that both quality of book reading in classrooms and frequency are important. Although teaching print-related skills is not part of interactive reading programs, 7% of the variance in kindergarten children’s alphabetic knowledge could be attributed to the intervention. The study also shows that findings with experimenters were simply not replicable in a natural classroom setting. Further research is needed to disentangle the processes that explain the effects of interactive reading on children’s print knowledge and the strategies that may help transfer intervention effects from researchers to children’s own teachers.
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot trial of high-dose methylprednisolone in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Gomis Philippe , Graftieaux Jean Pierre , Sercombe Richard , Hettler Dominique , Scherpereel Bernard , Rousseaux Pascal
Published: June 2009

Object

The object of this study was to determine the efficacy of methylprednisolone in reducing symptomatic vasospasm and poor outcomes after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

Methods

Ninety-five patients with proven SAH were recruited into a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Starting within 6 hours after angiographic diagnosis of aneurysm rupture, placebo or methylprednisolone, 16 mg/kg, was administered intravenously every day for 3 days to 46 and 49 patients, respectively. Deterioration, defined as development of a focal sign or decrease of more than 1 point on the Glasgow Coma Scale for more than 6 hours, was investigated by using clinical criteria and transcranial Doppler ultrasonography, cerebral angiography, or CT when appropriate. The end points were incidence of symptomatic vasospasm (delayed ischemic neurological deficits associated with angiographic arterial narrowing or accelerated flow on Doppler ultrasonography, or both) and outcome 1 year after entry into the study according to a simplified Rankin scale (Functional Outcome Scale [FOS]) in living patients and the Glasgow Outcome Scale in all patients included.

Results

All episodes of deterioration and all living patients with a 1-year outcome were assessed by a review committee. In patients treated with methylprednisolone, the incidence of symptomatic vasospasm was 26.5% compared with 26.0% in those given placebo. Poor outcomes according to FOS were significantly reduced in the Methylprednisolone Group at 1 year of follow-up; the risk difference was 19.3% (95% CI 0.5–37.9%). The outcome was poor in 15% (6/40) of patients in the Methylprednisolone Group versus 34% (13/38) in the Placebo Group.

Conclusions

A safe and simple treatment with methylprednisolone did not reduce the incidence of symptomatic vasospasm but improved ability and functional outcome at 1 year after SAH.
The history of neurosurgery in Memphis: the Semmes-Murphey Clinic and the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine
Authors: Canale Dee J. , Watridge Clarence. B. , Fuehrer Tyler S. , Robertson Jon H.
Published: June 2009

Neurological surgery was defined as a separate surgical specialty by Harvey Cushing and a few other surgeons, most of whom were trained and influenced by Cushing. One of these, Raphael Eustace Semmes, became the first neurosurgeon in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1912. After World War II, Semmes and his first associate, Francis Murphey, incorporated the Semmes-Murphey Clinic, which has been primarily responsible for the growth of the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, as well as the development of select neurosurgical subspecialties in Memphis area hospitals.
Circulating endothelial progenitor cells in malignant gliomas
Authors: Rafat Neysan , Beck Grietje Ch. , Schulte Jutta , Tuettenberg Jochen , Vajkoczy Peter
Published: June 2009

Object

Recent experimental work suggests that circulating endothelial progenitor cells (cEPCs) are recruited to the angiogenic vascular system of malignant gliomas. Consequently, the level of cEPCs has been proposed as a novel biomarker for the diagnosis and monitoring of these lesions. The aim of the present study was to examine the level of cEPCs and the level of EPC mobilizing mediators in the blood of patients with malignant gliomas. The authors were also interested in whether a correlation could be observed between the level of cEPCs and the extent of glioma angiogenesis determined by conventional methods.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the whole blood of 12 patients with malignant gliomas (all glioblastomas multiforme [GBMs]), 10 with metastases to the brain, and 10 healthy volunteers were isolated using Ficoll density gradient centrifugation. The number of cEPCs was quantified by fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis using antibodies against CD34, CD133, and VEGFR-2. Serum concentrations of VEGF and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Histological analysis of tumor blood vessel density was performed by CD34 immunohistochemical staining.

Results

The number of cEPCs was significantly higher in patients with GBMs than in those with metastases (p < 0.04) or in the healthy volunteers (p < 0.004). The serum VEGF concentrations in patients with GBMs and metastases were significantly higher than in the healthy volunteers (p < 0.0001). Similar findings were observed for concentrations of GM-CSF. In addition, the patients in the GBM group with higher levels of cEPCs had significantly higher tumor blood vessel densities (1.71 ± 1.17% of total area) compared with patients who had low levels of cEPCs (0.62 ± 0.28% of total area; p < 0.02).

Conclusions

Endothelial progenitor cells are increasingly mobilized in patients with malignant gliomas, and their levels correlate with tumor angiogenic activity. Therefore, the authors' results suggest that cEPCs may have the potential to serve as a novel biomarker for the identification of patients who would benefit from antiangiogenic therapy for GBM.
Perioperative management of neurosurgical patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Akins Paul T. , Belko John , Banerjee Amit , Guppy Kern , Herbert David , Slipchenko Tamara , DeLemos Christi , Hawk Mark
Published: June 2009

Object

The emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has posed a challenge in the treatment of neurosurgical patients. The authors investigated the impact of MRSA colonization and infection in the neurosurgical population at a community-based, tertiary care referral center.

Methods

Hospitalized patients under the care of the Kaiser Permanente inpatient neurosurgery service were prospectively entered into a database. In Phase I of the study, 492 consecutive patients were followed. Per hospital policy, the 260 patients from this group who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) underwent screening for MRSA based on nasal swab cultures and a review of their medical history for prior MRSA infections. These patients were designated as either MRSA positive (17 patients, 6.5% of screened patients) or MRSA negative (243 patients). The 232 patients admitted to non-ICU nursing units did not undergo MRSA screening and were designated as unscreened. In Phase II of the study, the authors reviewed 1005 neurosurgical admissions and completed a detailed chart review in 62 MRSA-positive patients (6.2%). Eleven patients received nonoperative treatment. Five patients presented with community-acquired neurosurgical infections, and the causative organism was MRSA in 3 cases. Forty-six patients underwent 55 procedures, and the authors reviewed their perioperative management.

Results

In Phase I of the study, the authors found that for the MRSA-positive, MRSA-negative, and unscreened groups, the rates of postoperative neurosurgical wound infections caused by all pathogens were 23.5, 4.1, and 1.3%, respectively. For MRSA wound infections, the rates were 23.5, 0.8, and 0%, respectively. In Phase II, patients with MRSA were noted to have the following clinical features: male sex in 63%, a malignancy in 39.1%, diabetes in 34.8%, prior MRSA infection in 21.7%, immunosuppressed state in 17.4%, and a traumatic injury in 15.2%. The rate of postoperative neurosurgical wound infection in patients who received MRSA-specific prophylactic antibiotic therapy (usually vancomycin) was 7.4% (27 procedures) compared with 32.1% (28 procedures) in patients who received the standard treatment (usually cefazolin) (p = 0.04). Wound care for ICU patients was standardized for postoperative Days 0–7 with chlorhexidine cleaning at bandage changes at 3-day intervals. Wound cultures from neurosurgical site infections in patients with prior MRSA colonization or infection grew MRSA in 7 of 11 patients.

Conclusions

Neurosurgical patients identified with MRSA colonization or a prior history of MRSA infections benefit from specific perioperative care, including prophylactic antibiotics active against MRSA (such as vancomycin) and postoperative wound care with coverings and chlorhexidine antisepsis to reduce MRSA wound colonization.
Culture Unbound Vol. 1 Editorial
Authors: Fornäs Johan , Fredriksson Martin , Johannisson Jenny
Published: June 2009

No abstract available.
What’s the Use of Cultural Research? Editorial theme introduction
Authors: Fornäs Johan , Fredriksson Martin , Johannisson Jenny
Published: June 2009

Abstract not Available.
Spaces and Places of Cultural Studies
Authors: Lehtonen Mikko
Published: June 2009

As cultural studies has sought for a foothold in universities, it has faced pressures of modern disciplinarity it aims at to challenge and alter. In the conjuncture of neo-liberal university policies new weight is given to multidisciplinarity as an instrument for reshaping universities in favour of cost-effectiveness and quick-fix applications. In this new situation cultural studies has to defend purposeful and enduring diversity in and of universities. In order to be able to do this it has to think of itself not only as a critical space but also as such place where universities could critically reflect themselves and their place in the world.
Schoenberg and the Radical Economies of Harmonielehre
Authors: Dineen Murray
Published: June 2009

This article examines Schoenberg’s Harmonielehre as a text shaped by the influence of Central European science and politics. In accord with a severely economical approach to his subject, Schoenberg’s critique of figured bass and chorale harmonization is compared with Ernst Mach’s writings on scientific method. In support of this comparison, the article addresses the role played in Schoenberg’s political development by the Leftist editor and organizer, David J. Bach, one of Schoenberg’s closest childhood friends and a student of Mach. The comparison between Schoenberg and Mach, then, is drawn not only in terms of scientific method but also in light of the radical politics of the Austrian Left at the time, a politics for which both Mach and Schoenberg held sympathies. It should not be overlooked that later, however, they ceased to acknowledge these sympathies explicitly, and Schoenberg would appear to have abandoned them entirely.
Direct Utilization of Liquid Fuels in SOFC for Portable Applications: Challenges for the Selection of Alternative Anodes
Authors: Cimenti Massimiliano , Hill Josephine  M.
Published: June 2009

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) have the advantage of being able to operate with fuels other than hydrogen. In particular, liquid fuels are especially attractive for powering portable applications such as small power generators or auxiliary power units, in which case the direct utilization of the fuel would be convenient. Although liquid fuels are easier to handle and transport than hydrogen, their direct use in SOFC can lead to anode deactivation due to carbon formation, especially on traditional nickel/yttria stabilized zirconia (Ni/YSZ) anodes. Significant advances have been made in anodic materials that are resistant to carbon formation but often these materials are less electrochemically active than Ni/YSZ. In this review the challenges of using liquid fuels directly in SOFC, in terms of gas-phase and catalytic reactions within the anode chamber, will be discussed and the alternative anode materials so far investigated will be compared.