bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Preliminary Psychometric Evaluation of the Self-Perceptions in Rehabilitation Questionnaire (SPIRQ) for Brain Injury Rehabilitation
Authors: Ownsworth Tamara , Stewart Ea , Fleming Jennifer , Griffin Janelle , Collier Ann Maree , Schmidt Julia
Published: April 2013

OBJECTIVE. The Self-Perceptions in Rehabilitation Questionnaire (SPIRQ) is a brief measure developed to monitor client self-perceptions, motivation, and emotional reactions throughout rehabilitation. We describe the SPIRQ’s development and preliminary psychometric evaluation.

METHOD. One hundred five adults with traumatic brain injury attending two brain injury rehabilitation units completed the SPIRQ during occupational therapy sessions. A subset (n = 33) completed the SPIRQ twice over a 5- to 7-day interval to examine test–retest reliability.

RESULTS. Exploratory factor analysis yielded three factors: Changes in Self and Life Plans, Self in Rehabilitation, and Emotional Reactions. Their internal consistency was sound (αs = .72–.83). Test–retest reliability was generally acceptable (rs = .67–.81), and scores did not significantly change between testing occasions (p > .05).

CONCLUSION. We found preliminary support for the SPIRQ scales’ reliability and construct validity. Future empirical evaluation and potential clinical applications of the SPIRQ in occupational therapy are discussed.
Review of Instrument Development and Testing Studies for Children and Youth
Authors: Hilton Claudia List , Goloff Sophie E. , Altaras Ofra , Josman Naomi
Published: April 2013

We reviewed 12 articles from 2012 that addressed development and testing of instruments for children and youths and American Journal of Occupational Therapy articles from 2009–2013 that addressed 11 activity and participation instruments to determine how well this group of instruments facilitates the generation of evidence sufficient to support practice in accordance with the Centennial Vision. We observed an increase in the number of instrument development and testing studies and in higher level studies and larger cohorts; funding was provided for almost half of the studies, and attention was given to use of blind testing and transition to adult-age assessments. Further development of performance-based activity and participation instruments; instruments that examine biomedical molecular–cellular, biomedical, and environmental mechanisms; and intervention fidelity measures and increased use of blind testing are necessary for occupational therapy to meet the Centennial Vision.
Cloud-resolving modelling of aerosol indirect effects in idealised radiative-convective equilibrium with interactive and fixed sea surface temperature
Authors: Khairoutdinov M. F. , Yang C.-E.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. The study attempts to evaluate the aerosol indirect effects over tropical oceans in regions of deep convection applying a three-dimensional cloud-resolving model run over a doubly-periodic domain. The Tropics are modelled using a radiative-convective equilibrium idealisation when the radiation, turbulence, cloud microphysics and surface fluxes are explicitly represented while the effects of large-scale circulation are ignored. The aerosol effects are modelled by varying the number concentration of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) at 1% supersaturation, which serves as a proxy for the aerosol amount in the environment, over a wide range, from pristine maritime (50 cm−3) to polluted (1000 cm−3) conditions. No direct effects of aerosol on radiation are included. Two sets of simulations have been run: fixed (non-interactive) sea surface temperature (SST) and interactive SST as predicted by a simple slab-ocean model responding to the surface radiative fluxes and surface enthalpy flux. Both sets of experiments agree on the tendency of increased aerosol concentrations to make the shortwave cloud forcing more negative and reduce the longwave cloud forcing in response to increasing CCN concentration. These, in turn, tend to cool the SST in interactive-SST case. It is interesting that the absolute change of the SST and most other bulk quantities depends only on relative change of CCN concentration; that is, same SST change can be the result of doubling CCN concentration regardless of clean or polluted conditions. It is found that the 10-fold increase of CCN concentration can cool the SST by as much as 1.5 K. This is quite comparable to 2.1–2.3 K SST warming obtained in a simulation for clean maritime conditions, but doubled CO2 concentration. Assuming the aerosol concentration has increased from preindustrial time by 30%, the radiative forcing due to indirect aerosol effects is estimated to be −0.3 W m−2. It is found that the indirect aerosol effect is dominated by the first (Twomey) effect. Qualitative differences between the interactive and fixed SST cases have been found in sensitivity of the hydrological cycle to the increase in CCN concentration; namely, the precipitation rate shows some tendency to increase in fixed SST case, but robust tendency to decrease in interactive SST case.
Long-term changes of tropospheric NO2 over megacities derived from multiple satellite instruments
Authors: Hilboll A. , Richter A. , Burrows J. P.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Tropospheric NO2, a key pollutant in particular in cities, has been measured from space since the mid-1990s by the GOME, SCIAMACHY, OMI, and GOME-2 instruments. These data provide a unique global long-term dataset of tropospheric pollution. However, the observations differ in spatial resolution, local time of measurement, viewing geometry, and other details. All these factors can severely impact the retrieved NO2 columns. In this study, we present three ways to account for instrumental differences in trend analyses of the NO2 columns derived from satellite measurements, while preserving the individual instruments' spatial resolutions. For combining measurements from GOME and SCIAMACHY into one consistent time series, we develop a method to explicitly account for the instruments' difference in ground pixel size (40 × 320 km2 vs. 30 × 60 km2). This is especially important when analysing NO2 changes over small, localised sources like, e.g. megacities. The method is based on spatial averaging of the measured earthshine spectra and extraction of a spatial pattern of the resolution effect. Furthermore, two empirical corrections, which summarise all instrumental differences by including instrument-dependent offsets in a fitted trend function, are developed. These methods are applied to data from GOME and SCIAMACHY separately, to the combined time series, and to an extended dataset comprising also GOME-2 and OMI measurements. All approaches show consistent trends of tropospheric NO2 for a selection of areas on both regional and city scales, for the first time allowing consistent trend analysis of the full time series at high spatial resolution. Compared to previous studies, the longer study period leads to significantly reduced uncertainties. We show that measured tropospheric NO2 columns have been strongly increasing over China, the Middle East, and India, with values over east-central China tripling from 1996 to 2011. All parts of the developed world, including Western Europe, the United States, and Japan, show significantly decreasing NO2 amounts in the same time period. On a megacity level, individual trends can be as large as +27.2 ± 3.9% yr−1 and +20.7 ± 1.9% yr−1 in Dhaka and Baghdad, respectively, while Los Angeles shows a very strong decrease of −6.00 ± 0.72% yr−1. Most megacities in China, India, and the Middle East show increasing NO2 columns of +5 to 10% yr−1, leading to a doubling to tripling within the study period.
Reducing CO2 from shipping – do non-CO2 effects matter?
Authors: Eide M. S. , Dalsøren S. B. , Endresen Ø. , Samset B. , Myhre G. , Fuglestvedt J. , Berntsen T.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Shipping is a growing sector in the global economy, and it contributions to global CO2 emissions are expected to increase. CO2 emissions from the world shipping fleet will likely be regulated in the near future, and studies have shown that significant emission reductions can be achieved at low cost. Regulations are being discussed for both existing ships as well as for future additions to the fleet. In this study a plausible CO2 emission reduction inventory is constructed for the cargo fleet existing in 2010, as well as for container ships, bulk ships and tankers separately. In the reduction inventories, CO2 emissions are reduced by 25–32% relative to baseline by applying 15 technical and operational emission reduction measures in accordance with a ship-type-specific cost-effectiveness criterion, and 9 other emission compounds are changed as a technical implication of reducing CO2. The overall climate and environmental effects of the changes to all 10 emission components in the reduction inventory are assessed using a chemical transport model, radiative forcing (RF) models and a simple climate model. We find substantial environmental and health benefits with up to 5% reduction in surface ozone levels, 15% reductions in surface sulfate and 10% reductions in wet deposition of sulfate in certain regions exposed to heavy ship traffic. The major ship types show distinctly different contributions in specific locations. For instance, the container fleet contributes 50% of the sulfate decline on the west coast of North America. The global radiative forcing from a 1 yr emission equal to the difference between baseline and reduction inventory shows an initial strong positive forcing from non-CO2 compounds. This warming effect is due to reduced cooling by aerosols and methane. After approximately 25 yr, the non-CO2 forcing is balanced by the CO2 forcing. For the global mean temperature change, we find a shift from warming to cooling after approximately 60 yr. The major ship types show significant differences in the short-term radiative forcing. For instance, the direct SO4 forcing from tankers is 30% higher than for container and bulk. The net long-term effects on RF are similar due to similar CO2 forcing. We assess an emission scenario where the reduction inventory is sustained on the fleet as it steadily diminishes over time due to scrapping and disappears in 2040. We find a net temperature increase lasting until approximately 2080. We conclude that changes in non-CO2 emission does matter significantly if reductions of CO2 emissions are made on the year 2010 cargo shipping fleet. In sum, we find that emission changes motivated by CO2 reductions in shipping will be beneficial from a long-term climate perspective, and that there are positive environmental and health effects identified as concentrations of key short-lived pollutants are reduced.
Temporal variation of nitrate and phosphate transport in headwater catchments: the hydrological controls and land use alteration
Authors: Lee T.-Y. , Huang J.-C. , Kao S.-J. , Tung C.-P.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Oceania rivers are hotspots of DIN (dissolved inorganic nitrogen) and DIP (dissolved inorganic phosphorus) transport due to humid/warm climate, typhoon-induced episodic rainfall and high tectonic activity that create an environment favorable for high/rapid runoff and soil erosion. In spite of its uniqueness, effects of hydrologic controls and land use on the transport behaviors of DIN and DIP are rarely documented. A 2 yr monitoring study for DIN and DIP from three headwater catchments with different cultivation gradient (0 To 8.9%) was implemented during a ~ 3 day interval with an additional monitoring campaign at a 3 h interval during typhoon periods. Results showed the DIN yields in the pristine, moderately cultivated (2.7%), and intensively cultivated (8.9%) watersheds were 8.3, 26, and 37 kg N ha−1 yr−1, respectively. For the DIP yields, they were 0.36, 0.35, and 0.56 kg P ha−1 yr−1, respectively. Higher year-round DIN concentrations and five times larger in DIN yields in intensively cultivated watersheds indicate DIN is more sensitive to land use changes. The high background DIN yield from the relatively pristine watershed was likely due to high atmospheric nitrogen deposition and large subterranean N pool. The correlations between runoff and concentration reveals that typhoon floods purge out more DIN from the subterranean reservoir, i.e., soil, by contrast, runoff washes off surface soil resulting in higher suspended sediment with higher DIP. Collectively, typhoon runoff contributes 20–70% and 47–80%, respectively, to the annual DIN and DIP exports. The DIN yield to DIP yield ratio varied from 97 to 410, which is higher than the global mean of ~ 18. Such a high ratio indicates a P-limiting condition in stream and the downstream aquatic environment. Based on our field observation, we constructed a conceptual model illustrating different remobilization mechanisms for DIN and DIP from headwaters in a mountainous river, which is analogous to typical Oceania rivers and the headwater of large rivers in similar climate zones. Our study advanced our understanding about the role of cyclones, which exert hydrological control, and land use on nutrient export in the Oceania region, benefiting watershed management under the context of climate change.
Trend of standardized precipitation index during Indian summer monsoon season in agroclimatic zones of India
Authors: Jha S. , Sehgal V. K. , Raghava R. , Sinha M.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Standardized precipitation index (SPI) was computed with CRU TS3.0 gridded 0.5 × 0.5° monthly precipitation dataset for each of the 14 mainland agroclimatic zones (ACZs) of India for individual months (June, July, August and September) and season (JJAS) of summer monsoon for 56 yr (1951–2006). Mann Kendall Trend Test with the representative SPI of the ACZs shows that only six out of 14 mainland ACZs have a significant trend during summer monsoon. Trans-Gangetic plain significantly gains wetness during the month of June. West coast plain and hill has a typical feature of significant increasing trend of wetness during June and increasing dryness during July. In general Upper Gangetic plain, Middle Gangetic plain, Central plateau and hill and Eastern plateau and hill have a significantly increasing drying trend during the whole duration of summer monsoon season.
On the contribution of groundwater storage to interannual streamflow anomalies in the Colorado River basin
Authors: Rosenberg E. A. , Clark E. A. , Steinemann A. C. , Lettenmaier D. P.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. We assess the significance of groundwater storage for seasonal streamflow forecasts by evaluating its contribution to interannual streamflow anomalies in the 29 tributary sub-basins of the Colorado River. Monthly and annual changes in total basin storage are simulated by two implementations of the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) macroscale hydrology model – the standard release of the model, and an alternate version that has been modified to include the SIMple Groundwater Model (SIMGM), which represents an unconfined aquifer underlying the soil column. These estimates are compared to those resulting from basin-scale water balances derived exclusively from observational data and changes in terrestrial water storage from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites. Changes in simulated groundwater storage are then compared to those derived via baseflow recession analysis for 72 reference-quality watersheds. Finally, estimates are statistically analyzed for relationships to interannual streamflow anomalies, and predictive capacities are compared across storage terms. We find that both model simulations result in similar estimates of total basin storage change, that these estimates compare favorably with those obtained from basin-scale water balances and GRACE data, and that baseflow recession analyses are consistent with simulated changes in groundwater storage. Statistical analyses reveal essentially no relationship between groundwater storage and interannual streamflow anomalies, suggesting that operational seasonal streamflow forecasts, which do not account for groundwater conditions implicitly or explicitly, are likely not detrimentally affected by this omission in the Colorado River basin.
Liquefaction phenomena associated with the Emilia earthquake sequence of May–June 2012 (Northern Italy)
Authors:   Emergeo Working Group
Published: April 2013

Abstract. In this paper we present the geological effects induced by the 2012 Emilia seismic sequence in the Po Plain. Extensive liquefaction phenomena were observed over an area of ~ 1200 km2 following the 20 May, ML 5.9 and 29 May, ML 5.8 mainshocks; both occurred on about E–W trending, S dipping blind thrust faults. We collected the coseismic geological evidence through field and aerial surveys, reports from local people and Web-based survey. On the basis of their morphologic and structural characteristics, we grouped the 1362 effects surveyed into three main categories: liquefaction (485), fractures with liquefaction (768), and fractures (109). We show that the quite uneven distribution of liquefaction effects, which appear concentrated and aligned, is mostly controlled by the presence of paleo-riverbeds, out-flow channels and fans of the main rivers crossing the area; these terrains are characterised by the pervasive presence of sandy layers in the uppermost 5 m, a local feature that, along with the presence of a high water table, greatly favours liquefaction. We also find that the maximum distance of observed liquefaction from the earthquake epicentre is ~ 30 km, in agreement with the regional empirical relations available for the Italian Peninsula. Finally, we observe that the contour of the liquefaction observations has an elongated shape almost coinciding with the aftershock area, the InSAR deformation area, and the I ≥ 6 EMS area. This observation confirms the control of the earthquake source on the liquefaction distribution, and provides useful hints in the characterisation of the seismogenic source responsible for historical and pre-historical liquefactions.
Landslide susceptibility assessment in the Peloritani Mts. (Sicily, Italy) and clues for tectonic control of relief processes
Authors: De Guidi G. , Scudero S.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Many destructive shallow landslides hit villages in the Peloritani Mountains area (Sicily, Italy) on 1 October 2009 after heavy rainfall. The collection of several types of spatial data, together with a landslide inventory, allows the assessment of the landslide susceptibility by applying a statistical technique. The susceptibility model was validated by performing an analysis in a test area using independent landslide information, the results being able to correctly predict more than 70% of the landslides. Furthermore, the susceptibility analysis allowed the identification of which combinations of classes, within the different factors, have greater relevance in slope instability, and afterwards associating the most unstable combinations (with a short–medium term incidence) with the endogenic processes acting in the area (huge regional uplift, fault activity). Geological and tectonic history are believed to be key to interpreting morphological processes and landscape evolution. Recent tectonic activity was found to be a very important controlling factor in landscape evolution. A geomorphological model of cyclical relief evolution is proposed in which endogenic processes are directly linked to superficial processes. The results are relevant both to risk reduction and the understanding of active geological dynamics.
An approach to derive regional snow lines and glacier mass change from MODIS imagery, western North America
Authors: Shea J. M. , Menounos B. , Moore R. D. , Tennant C.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. We describe a method to calculate regional snow line elevations and annual equilibrium line altitudes (ELAs) from daily MODIS imagery (MOD02QKM) on large glaciers and icefields in western North America. An automated cluster analysis of the cloud-masked visible and near-infrared bands at 250 m resolution is used to delineate glacier facies (snow and ice) for ten glacierized regions between 2000–2011. For each region and season, the maximum observed value of the 20th percentile of snow-covered pixels (ZS(20)) is used to define a regional ELA proxy (ELAest). Our results indicate significant increases in the regional ELA proxy at two continental sites (Peyto Glacier and Gulkana Glacier) over the period of observation, though no statistically significant trends are identified at other sites. To evaluate the utility of regional ELA proxies derived from MOD02QKM imagery, we compare standard geodetic estimates of glacier mass change with estimates derived from historical mass balance gradients and observations of ZS(20) at three large icefields. Our approach yields estimates of mass change that more negative than traditional geodetic approaches, though MODIS-derived estimates are within the margins of error at all three sites. Both estimates of glacier mass change corroborate the continued mass loss of glaciers in western North America. Between 2000 and 2009, the geodetic change approach yields mean annual rates of surface elevation change for the Columbia, Lillooet, and Sittakanay icefields of −0.29 ± 0.05, −0.26 ± 0.05, and −0.63 ± 0.17 m a−1, respectively. This study provides a new technique for glacier facies detection at daily timescales, and contributes to the development of regional estimates of glacier mass change, both of which are critical for studies of glacier contributions to streamflow and global sea level rise.
Tourism Competitiveness Assessment: The Current Status of Research in Spain and China
Authors: Medina-Muñoz Diego R. , Medina-Muñoz Rita D. , Chim-Miki Adriana F.
Published: April 2013

This paper examines the status and progress of academic research in assessing and explaining tourism destination competitiveness in Spain and China. The authors first present a theoretical framework for understanding and determining destination competitiveness. Second, in the context of this framework, they analyse major tourism indicators in China and Spain to assess their respective tourism competitiveness. Third, the authors review research on destination competitiveness in China and Spain over the last decade in order to understand how it has been assessed and explained. In all, 25 articles on tourism destination competitiveness in China and Spain are analysed and compared in terms of the approaches and indicators used. The main results of this study lead to a proposal for a model to measure and explain destination competitiveness.
Applying Weights to Correct Distortions in a Non-Random Sample: An Application to Chilean Tourism Time Series Data
Authors: Aroca Patricio , Brida Juan Gabriel , Volo Serena
Published: April 2013

Statistics that accurately represent the evolution of tourism activity are needed for tourism research and planning. Monthly accommodation statistics provided by the Chilean Statistical Institute show a negative trend despite considerable growth in the number of foreign visitors. This paper proposes a methodology to create sample weights to overcome statistics inaccuracy caused, as in the case of Chilean tourism statistics, by the use of a non-random sample with serious attrition bias. The benefits of the methodology are discussed, highlighting their relevance to a broader range of applications where tourism statistics are questionable or demonstrably inaccurate.
Determinants of Regional Labour Productivity in the Hospitality Industry in Spain, 1996–2004
Authors: Ortega Bienvenido , Chicón Carlos G. Benavides
Published: April 2013

This paper analyses the evolution and determinants of regional labour productivity in the hospitality industry in Spain during the period 1996–2004. The results obtained suggest that the main factors contributing to a fall in productivity growth are the increasing number of 3-star hotels and a reduction in the stock of physical capital per worker. It is also suggested that increases in the intensity of regional tourism have a positive impact on the growth of labour productivity. Nonetheless, the downward trend in the average length of stay and the changes relating to seasonal demand during this period have not had a significant aggregate impact on the growth of labour productivity in the regions.
Les TIC motivent-elles les élèves du secondaire à écrire?
Authors: Grégoire Pascal , Karsenti Thierry
Published: April 2013

Dès le début du secondaire, la motivation des élèves québécois chute (Chouinard, 2007). On sait, par ailleurs, que la motivation à écrire compte parmi les plus importants déterminants de la compétence scripturale (Hayes, 1995). Puisque les logiciels utilitaires comme le traitement de texte sont associés à un plus grand sentiment d’autoefficacité (Newhouse, 2002), le fait d’avoir recours aux TIC pour développer la compétence à écrire permettrait-il de renverser cette tendance? Pour répondre à cette question de recherche, nous avons élaboré une méthodologie fondée sur la théorie de l’autodétermination de Deci et Ryan (2002). Nous avons rencontré 264 élèves d’une école secondaire de la banlieue de Montréal. Au début de la recherche, tous ont rédigé une production à la main. Par la suite, le mode de rédaction a été différencié : alors que les sujets des groupes témoins ont rédigé deux textes à la main, ceux des groupes quasi expérimentaux ont produit deux textes à l’ordinateur. Au début et à la fin du projet de recherche, tous ont dû remplir une échelle de motivation, l’Échelle de motivation à écrire en français, adaptée de l’Échelle de motivation à employer les TIC en enseignement. Des entrevues de groupe semi-dirigées ont été menées pour illustrer les tendances émanant des analyses quantitatives. L’analyse quantitative des données provoquées permet de tracer un portrait dichotomique; alors que les scripteurs technologiques tendent à être motivés intrinsèquement avant même d’utiliser les TIC, les scripteurs traditionnels sont plus fortement amotivés. L’analyse d’entrevues de groupe a confirmé cet état de fait.
Impact des TIC sur le sentiment de compétence professionnelle des enseignants du secondaire au Niger
Authors: Coulibaly Modibo , Karsenti Thierry , Gervais Colette , Lepage Michel
Published: April 2013

L’article traite de l’impact de la formation aux TIC sur le sentiment de compétence professionnelle des enseignants du secondaire au Niger. La présente étude s’avère singulièrement décisive dans le contexte nigérien où les TIC sont perçues comme un facteur pouvant améliorer la qualité de l’enseignement dans les lycées. Toutefois, il appert que la faible compétence technopédagogique des enseignants ne leur permet pas d’intégrer les TIC à leur pratique. Pour réaliser notre recherche, nous avons mené une enquête par questionnaire auprès de 69 personnes représentant l’ensemble des enseignants de trois lycées de Niamey.

Les résultats distinguent de manière significative le sentiment de compétence personnelle des enseignants formés aux TIC de celui des enseignants non formés. La différence entre les moyennes de sentiment de compétence générale des deux groupes n’est cependant pas significative.
Humidity‐Sensitive Polypyrrole Films for Electro‐Active Polymer Actuators
Authors: Okuzaki Hidenori , Kuwabara Takayoshi , Funasaka Keiichi , Saido Tomooki
Published: April 2013

Electrochemically synthesized polypyrrole (PPy) films undergo rapid and intensive bending in response to sorption of water vapor, which is applied to a new type of motor capable of transducing chemical free energy change of sorption directly into mechanical work. Furthermore, the PPy film contracts in air under an electric field, which is associated with desorption of water vapor due to Joule heating. This paper features an overview of our comprehensive study on the humidity‐sensitive PPy films and applications to electro‐active polymer actuators. Upon application of 3 V, the film generates contractile stress of 9.8 MPa which is 4 orders of magnitude larger than the gram‐force of its own weight (7.6 mgf) and is nearly 30 times that of skeletal muscle in animals (0.35 MPa). The work capacity increases with the applied voltage and reaches 48 kJ m−3 at 3 V, while the degree of contraction is about 1%. The ‘origami’ actuator fabricated by folding the PPy film exhibits a significant expansion as large as 147% at 2 V, which lies in the electrically induced changes in the elastic modulus of the humidity‐sensitive PPy film. Utilizing the origami technique, a biomorphic origami robot is fabricated, which can move with a caterpillar‐like motion by repeated expansion and contraction at a velocity of 2 cm min−1.
Flexible Nonvolatile Transistor Memory Devices Based on One‐Dimensional Electrospun P3HT:Au Hybrid Nanofibers
Authors: Chang Hsuan‐Chun , Liu Cheng‐Liang , Chen Wen‐Chang
Published: April 2013

A novel flexible nonvolatile flash transistor memory devices on polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) substrate using 1D electrospun nanofiber of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT):gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) hybrid as the channel is presented. The Au NPs are functionalized with self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) of para‐substituted amino (Au‐NH2), methyl (Au‐CH3) or trifluoromethyl (Au‐CF3) tail groups on the benzenethiol moiety. They are employed as localized charge traps across the nanofiber channel and program/erase the device towards low conductance (OFF)/high conductance (ON) states under the applied electrical field. With the low operation voltage of ±5 V, the hybrid nanofiber transistor memories exhibit a 3.5–10.6 V threshold voltage shifting and at least 104 s data retention, with a minimum effect on ≈100 programmed/erased stress endurances. The dipoles of the SAM probably modify the work function of the Au NPs associated with the P3HT nanofiber channel and manifest the degree of negative threshold voltage shifting in an order of Au‐NH2 > Au‐CH3 > Au‐CF3. The devices remain reliable and stable even under the bending conditions (radius: 5–30 mm) or 1000 repetitive bending cycles. The hybrid nanofiber can be used to obtain high‐performance digital nanoscale memories for flexible high density data storage devices.
Sensitization of Er3+ Infrared Photoluminescence Embedded in a Hybrid Organic‐Inorganic Copolymer containing Octahedral Molybdenum Clusters
Authors: Molard Yann , Labbé Christophe , Cardin Julien , Cordier Stéphane
Published: April 2013

Luminescent hybrid copolymers are obtained by copolymerizing in bulk methylmethacrylate with a methacrylic acid (MAC) solution containing [n‐Bu4N]2[Mo6Br8(MAC)6], and aliquots of an Er(TMHD)3 complex (TMHD for 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐3,5‐heptanedione) solution. This leads to novel homogeneous and transparent hybrid materials in which the Er3+ infrared luminescence at 1.55 μm, a standard wavelength for telecommunication applications, is up to six time more intense in the presence of Mo6 clusters when samples are irradiated at 476.5 nm. This work demonstrates the outstanding potential of Mo6 clusters, compounds obtained by high‐temperature solid‐state synthesis, in the design of functional hybrid materials via soft chemistry routes.
Advertising Soft Drinks to Children: Are Voluntary Restrictions Effective?
Authors: Berning Joshua , McCullough Michael
Published: April 2013

Using nonlinear time series models, the authors explore the effects of an industry‐led initiative to have firms voluntarily restrict television advertising of carbonated soft drinks to children. They find that the market leader reduces its advertising to both adults and children and the second largest firm reduces advertising to adults. Advertising by a nonparticipating firm, however, increased for adults following the ban. The results emphasize the potential benefits and difficulty of coordinating cooperative behavior in this type of industry. Such policy strategies may be more effective directed at industries and not at individual firms.
Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis: 2013 update on diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment
Authors: Gertz Morie A.
Published: April 2013

Disease Overview

Immunoglobulin (Ig) light chain amyloidosis is a clonal, nonproliferative plasma cell disorder in which fragments of Ig light chain are deposited in tissues. Clinical features depend on organs involved but can include restrictive cardiomyopathy, nephrotic syndrome, hepatic failure, peripheral/autonomic neuropathy, and atypical multiple myeloma.

Diagnosis

Tissue biopsy stained with Congo red demonstrating amyloid deposits with apple‐green birefringence is required for diagnosis. Invasive organ biopsy is not required because amyloid deposits can be found in bone marrow biopsy or subcutaneous fat aspirate in 85% of patients. Verification that amyloid is of immunoglobulin origin is mandatory.

Prognosis

N‐terminal pro–brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP), serum troponin T, and immunoglobulin free light chain values are used to classify patients into four groups of similar size; median survivals are 94.1, 40.3, 14.0, and 5.8 months.

Therapy

All patients with a visceral amyloid syndrome require therapy to prevent deposition of amyloid in other viscera and prevent progressive organ failure of involved sites. Stem cell transplant (SCT) is preferred, but only 20% of patients are eligible. Requirements for safe SCT include NT‐proBNP <5,000 ng/mL, troponin T < 0.06 ng/mL, age <70 years, <3 organs involved, and serum creatinine ≤1.7 mg/dL. Nontransplant candidates can be offered melphalan‐dexamethasone. Pomalidomide appears to have activity, as do other combinations of chemotherapy with agents such as cyclophosphamide‐thalidomide (or lenalidomide or bortezomib)‐dexamethasone, bortezomib‐dexamethasone, and melphalan‐prednisone‐lenalidomide.

Future Challenges

Late diagnosis remains a major obstacle to initiating effective therapy when organ dysfunction is still recoverable. Recognizing the presenting syndromes is necessary for improving survival. Am. J. Hematol. 88:417–425, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phenotypic Spectrum of Simpson–Golabi–Behmel Syndrome in a Series of 42 Cases With a Mutation in GPC3 and Review of the Literature
Authors: COTTEREAU EDOUARD , MORTEMOUSQUE ISABELLE , MOIZARD MARIE‐PIERRE , BÜRGLEN LYDIE , LACOMBE DIDIER , GILBERT‐DUSSARDIER BRIGITTE , SIGAUDY SABINE , BOUTE ODILE , DAVID ALBERT , FAIVRE LAURENCE , AMIEL JEANNE , ROBERTSON ROBERT , VIANA RAMOS FABIANA , BIETH ERIC , ODENT SYLVIE , DEMEER BÉNÉDICTE , MATHIEU MICHÉLE , GAILLARD DOMINIQUE , VAN MALDERGEM LIONEL , BAUJAT GENEVIÉVE , MAYSTADT ISABELLE , HÉRON DELPHINE , VERLOES ALAIN , PHILIP NICOLE , CORMIER‐DAIRE VALÉRIE , FROUTÉ MARIE‐FRANÇOISE , PINSON LUCILE , BLANCHET PATRICIA , SARDA PIERRE , WILLEMS MARJOLAINE , JACQUINET ADELINE , RATBI ILHAM , VAN DEN ENDE JENNEKE , LACKMY‐PORT LIS MARYLIN , GOLDENBERG ALICE , BONNEAU DOMINIQUE , ROSSIGNOL SYLVIE , TOUTAIN ANNICK
Published: April 2013

Simpson–Golabi–Behmel syndrome (SGBS) is a rare X‐linked multiple congenital abnormality/intellectual disability syndrome characterized by pre‐ and post‐natal overgrowth, distinctive craniofacial features, macrocephaly, variable congenital malformations, organomegaly, increased risk of tumor and mild/moderate intellectual deficiency. In 1996, Glypican 3 (GPC3) was identified as the major gene causing SGBS but the mutation detection rate was only 28–70%, suggesting either genetic heterogeneity or that some patients could have alternative diagnoses. This was particularly suggested by some reports of atypical cases with more severe prognoses. In the family reported by Golabi and Rosen, a duplication of GPC4 was recently identified, suggesting that GPC4 could be the second gene for SGBS but no point mutations within GPC4 have yet been reported. In the genetics laboratory in Tours Hospital, GPC3 molecular testing over more than a decade has detected pathogenic mutations in only 8.7% of individuals with SGBS. In addition, GPC4 mutations have not been identified thus raising the question of frequent misdiagnosis. In order to better delineate the phenotypic spectrum of SGBS caused by GPC3 mutations, and to try to define specific clinical criteria for GPC3 molecular testing, we reviewed the clinical features of all male cases with a GPC3 mutation identified in the two molecular laboratories providing this test in France (Tours and Paris). We present here the results of the analysis of 42 patients belonging to 31 families and including five fetuses and three deceased neonates. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular Mechanisms of Childhood Overgrowth
Authors: TATTON‐BROWN KATRINA , WEKSBERG ROSANNA
Published: April 2013

This issue of the Seminar Series C is dedicated to the molecular mechanisms of childhood overgrowth and celebrates the last decade of unprecedented gene discovery. Constitutional gene disorders, somatic gene disorders and imprinting dysregulation are each considered. The constitutional overgrowth genes discussed include NSD1, EZH2, GPC3, DIS3L2, and PTEN whilst the somatic overgrowth genes include AKT3, PIK3R2, and PIK3CA. Abnormalities of imprinting, exemplified by disruption of the (epi)genetic regulation of the imprinted 11p15 gene cluster, constitutes the final section of this issue. Many of the genes discussed in this issue encode components of the PI3K/mTOR growth regulatory pathway. This signaling cascade consists of dual, parallel branches, anchored by the serine–threonine kinase, mTOR, and has diverse downstream effects including inhibition of apoptosis, activation of protein synthesis, and enhanced cell survival. Activation of the PI3K/mTOR pathway promotes growth whereas inhibition, or abrogation, results in decreased cellular growth. Despite the rapid advances of the last decade, there is still an enormous amount to discover. We hope that some of the work reviewed in this issue will facilitate the next decade's discoveries and we look forward to a 10 years as productive as the last. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CaV2.1 ablation in cortical interneurons selectively impairs fast‐spiking basket cells and causes generalized seizures
Authors: Rossignol Elsa , Kruglikov Illya , van den Maagdenberg Arn M. J. M. , Rudy Bernardo , Fishell Gord
Published: April 2013

Objective

Both the neuronal populations and mechanisms responsible for generalized spike‐wave absence seizures are poorly understood. In mutant mice carrying loss‐of‐function (LOF) mutations inCacna1a,which encodes the α1 pore‐forming subunit of CaV2.1 (P/Q‐type) voltage‐gated Ca2+channels, generalized spike‐wave seizures have been suggested to result from excessive bursting of thalamocortical cells. However, other cellular populations including cortical inhibitory interneurons may contribute to this phenotype. We investigated how different cortical interneuron subtypes are affected by the loss of CaV2.1 channel function and how this contributes to the onset of generalized epilepsy.

Methods

We designed genetic strategies to induce a selectiveCacna1aLOF mutation in different cortical γ‐aminobutyric acidergic (GABAergic) and/or glutamatergic neuronal populations in mice. We assessed the cellular and network consequences of these mutations by combining immunohistochemical assays, in vitro physiology, optogenetics, and in vivo video electroencephalographic recordings.

Results

We demonstrate that selectiveCacna1aLOF from a subset of cortical interneurons, including parvalbumin (PV)+and somatostatin (SST)+interneurons, results in severe generalized epilepsy. Loss of CaV2.1 channel function compromises GABA release from PV+but not SST+interneurons. Moreover, thalamocortical projection neurons do not show enhanced bursting in these mutants, suggesting that this feature is not essential for the development of generalized spike‐wave seizures. Notably, the concurrent removal of CaV2.1 channels in cortical pyramidal cells and interneurons considerably lessens seizure severity by decreasing cortical excitability.

Interpretation

Our findings demonstrate that conditional ablation of CaV2.1 channel function from cortical PV+interneurons alters GABA release from these cells, impairs their ability to constrain cortical pyramidal cell excitability, and is sufficient to cause generalized seizures. Ann Neurol 2013;74:209–222
Mechanical performance and moisture absorption of various natural fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites
Authors: Robertson Nicole‐Lee M. , Nychka John A. , Alemaskin Kirill , Wolodko John D.
Published: April 2013

Natural fibers are seeing increased use in composite applications due to their reduced cost, low density, and environmental benefits (more sustainable and lower carbon footprint). Although many natural fiber systems have been examined over the last decade, there have been relatively few studies which have compared a variety of fiber types and processing methods directly in the same experimental set. In this study, natural fiber composites made from low density polyethylene (LDPE) and a variety of Canadian based fiber feedstocks were examined including hemp bast, flax bast, chemically pulped wood, wood chips, wheat straw, and mechanically pulped triticale. The effect of fiber type, fiber fraction and maleic anhydride polyethylene (MAPE) coupling agent on the mechanical properties and long‐term moisture absorption behavior was quantified. In general, addition of natural fiber to LDPE results in an increase in modulus (stiffness) with a corresponding loss of material elongation and impact toughness. Of the fiber types tested, composites made from chemically pulped wood had the best mechanical properties and the least moisture absorption. However, the use of MAPE coupling agent was found to significantly increase the mechanical performance and reduce moisture absorption for all other natural fiber types. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 969‐980, 2013
Poplar wood‐methylolurea composites prepared by in situ polymerization
Authors: Lang Qian , She Ying , Chen He‐yu , Pu Jun‐wen
Published: April 2013

Chemical modification of wood is a potential way to obtain high quality wood. In this study, methylolurea was used to modify the polar wood by in situ polymerization. The mechanical properties and dimension stability of the wood‐methylourea composites were investigated, and the modified samples were also characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The mechanism of in situ polymerization was presented in graphs. The test results showed that the mechanical properties and dimensional stability of natural wood were improved remarkably. FTIR analysis suggested that the methylolurea polymerized with the active groups of wood cell wall. XRD test showed that the crystallinity of wood increased after modification. Finally, the SEM analysis proved that the good interfacial adhesion of wood modifier between wood fiber and polymer. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 933‐938, 2013
Brief Report: High‐Throughput Sequencing of IL23R Reveals a Low‐Frequency, Nonsynonymous Single‐Nucleotide Polymorphism That Is Associated With Ankylosing Spondylitis in a Han Chinese Population
Authors: Davidson Stuart I. , Jiang Lei , Cortes Adrian , Wu Xin , Glazov Evgeny A. , Zheng Yi , Danoy Patrick A. , Liu Yi , Thomas Gethin P. , Brown Matthew A. , Xu Huji
Published: April 2013

Objective

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a highly heritable common inflammatory arthritis that targets the spine and sacroiliac joints of the pelvis, causing pain and stiffness and leading eventually to joint fusion. Although previous studies have shown a strong association of IL23R with AS in white Europeans, similar studies in East Asian populations have shown no association with common variants of IL23R, suggesting either that IL23R variants have no role or that rare genetic variants contribute. The present study was undertaken to screen IL23R to identify rare variants associated with AS in Han Chinese.

Methods

A 170‐kb region containing IL23R and its flanking regions was sequenced in 50 patients with AS and 50 ethnically matched healthy control subjects from a Han Chinese population. In addition, the 30‐kb region of peak association in white Europeans was sequenced in 650 patients with AS and 1,300 healthy controls. Validation genotyping was undertaken in 846 patients with AS and 1,308 healthy controls.

Results

We identified 1,047 variants, of which 729 were not found in the dbSNP genomic build 130. Several potentially functional rare variants in IL23R were identified, including one nonsynonomous single‐nucleotide polymorphism (nsSNP), Gly149Arg (position 67421184 GA on chromosome 1). Validation genotyping showed that the Gly149Arg variant was associated with AS (odds ratio 0.61, P = 0.0054).

Conclusion

This is the first study to implicate rare IL23R variants in the pathogenesis of AS. The results identified a low‐frequency nsSNP with predicted loss‐of‐function effects that was protectively associated with AS in Han Chinese, suggesting that decreased function of the interleukin‐23 (IL‐23) receptor protects against AS. These findings further support the notion that IL‐23 signaling has an important role in the pathogenesis of AS.
Glucosamine Activates Autophagy In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Caramés Beatriz , Kiosses William B. , Akasaki Yukio , Brinson Diana C. , Eap William , Koziol James , Lotz Martin K.
Published: April 2013

Objective

Aging‐associated changes in articular cartilage represent a main risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA). Autophagy is an essential cellular homeostasis mechanism. Aging‐associated or experimentally induced defects in autophagy contribute to organismal‐ and tissue‐specific aging, while enhancement of autophagy may protect against certain aging‐related pathologies such as OA. The objective of this study was to determine whether glucosamine can activate autophagy.

Methods

Chondrocytes from normal human articular cartilage were treated with glucosamine (0.1– 10 mM). Autophagy activation and phosphorylation levels of Akt, FoxO3, and ribosomal protein S6 were determined by Western blotting. Autophagosome formation was analyzed by confocal microscopy. Reporter mice systemically expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused to light chain 3 (LC3) (GFP‐LC3–transgenic mice) were used to assess changes in autophagy in response to starvation and glucosamine treatment.

Results

Glucosamine treatment of chondrocytes activated autophagy, as indicated by increased LC3‐II levels, formation of LC3 puncta, and increased LC3 turnover. This was associated with glucosamine‐mediated inhibition of the Akt/FoxO3/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway. Administration of glucosamine to GFP‐LC3–transgenic mice markedly activated autophagy in articular cartilage.

Conclusion

Glucosamine modulates molecular targets of the autophagy pathway in vitro and in vivo, and the enhancement of autophagy is mainly dependent on the Akt/FoxO/mTOR pathway. These findings suggest that glucosamine is an effective autophagy activator and should motivate future studies on the efficacy of glucosamine in modifying aging‐related cellular changes and supporting joint health.
RAFT Polymerization and Some of its Applications
Authors: Moad Graeme , Rizzardo Ezio , Thang San H.
Published: April 2013

Reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) is one of the most robust and versatile methods for controlling radical polymerization. With appropriate selection of the RAFT agent for the monomers and reaction conditions, it is applicable to the majority of monomers subject to radical polymerization. The process can be used in the synthesis of well‐defined homo‐, gradient, diblock, triblock, and star polymers and more complex architectures, which include microgels and polymer brushes. In this Focus Review we describe how the development of RAFT and RAFT application has been facilitated by the adoption of continuous flow techniques using tubular reactors and through the use of high‐throughput methodology. Applications described include the use of RAFT in the preparation of polymers for optoelectronics, block copolymer therapeutics, and star polymer rheology control agents.