bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Media and Public Administration in Spain
Authors: Criado J. Ignacio , Rojas-Martín Francisco
Published: April 2013

The chapter investigates the employment of digital social media by Spanish regional administrations: its presence, the factors that determine that presence, as well as the self-perception of those responsible for its management. This study raises the following questions: What are the key factors that explain the use of social media in public administrations? What is the self-perception of those responsible for the management of digital social media about its current level of development within their organisations? What are the main inhibitors-facilitators for the development of digital social media in public administrations? What are the next steps to promote digital social media in the sphere of public organisations? This chapter is based on a questionnaire that was responded to by those responsible for the management of digital social media in the Spanish regional administrations. This research shows that Web 2.0 tools are more oriented to explore potential changes in the relations between the public administrations and citizens, than to innovate the functioning of public sector organisations. In sum, this chapter offers a relevant analysis, although it is of an exploratory character because of the almost total absence of systematic studies about the diffusion of digital social media within Spanish public administrations.
Minimal smoothness conditions for bilinear Fourier multipliers
Authors: Miyachi Akihiko , Tomita Naohito
Published: April 2013

The problem of finding the differentiability conditions for bilinear Fourier multipliers that are as small as possible to ensure the boundedness of the corresponding operators from products of Hardy spaces

H^{p_1}\times H^{p_2}

to

L^p

,

1/p_1 +1/p_2 =1/p

, is considered. The minimal conditions in terms of the product type Sobolev norms are given for the whole range

0 < p_1, p_2 \leq \infty

.
Amazonian Head Lice-Specific Genotypes Are Putatively Pre-Columbian
Authors: Boutellis Amina , Veracx Aurélie , Abrahão Jônatas , Raoult Didier
Published: April 2013

Head and body lice are strict obligate human ectoparasites with three mitochondrial phylotypes (A, B, and C). Using molecular methods for genotyping lice (Cytochrome b and multi-spacer typing), and comparing our results with all the sequences of human lice that were genotyped previously, we assessed the presence of a specific American genotype that most likely predates the Columbian era in head lice collected from Amazonia.
Saúde na escola: educação, saúde e inclusão em adolescentes brasileiros
Authors: Ferrari Carlos Kusano Bucalen
Published: April 2013

A promoção da saúde e da qualidade de vida (QV), bem como da prevenção de agravos á saúde é fundamental para os adolescentes. O presente estudo teve como objetivo mostrar e descrever a experiência de um projeto de educação de adolescentes para a promoção da saúde e prevenção de doenças. Este projeto buscou investigar os hábitos alimentares, a prática de atividades físicas, o risco de sobrepeso e obesidade, o estilo de vida (sono, tabagismo, etilismo), os conhecimentos sobre osteoporose e a QV. Os resultados preliminares identificaram seis questões psicossociais e de saúde prioritárias para os adolescentes: alimentação inadequada; desconhecimento da saúde óssea, grave insatisfação corporal e baixa autoestima, sedentarismo, ausência ou insuficiente conhecimento sobre saúde reprodutiva e uso precoce de tabaco, álcool e outras drogas. Além destes temas importantes, também foram realizadas palestras e dinâmicas de grupo abordando a temática da hipertensão arterial e das práticas corporais e educação física na escola. Deste modo, feito o diagnóstico inicial da saúde e QV, o projeto pretende contribuir para a melhoria de vida dos adolescentes.
Propuesta de modelo de gestión de responsabilidad social:Trabajo infantil
Authors: Santandreu-Mascarell Cristina , Pons Morera Carlos
Published: April 2013

En una economía globalizada como la de hoy en día existen empresas multinacionales que operan en diversos sectores de actividad que, por estar presentes en distintos países, pueden aprovecharse de la reducción de costes de mano de obra utilizando trabajo infantil. Este comportamiento es independiente de la estrategia competitiva internacional que siga la empresa: multidoméstica, internacional, global o transnacional.

Obviamente, esta situación no es recomendable en ningún caso y organismos como la Organización Internacional del Trabajo (OIT) han expuesto sus recomendaciones al respecto. Así mismo, una serie de iniciativas dedicadas al fomento del trabajo justo han citado el problema de la explotación infantil. En concreto, los Convenios C 182 y C 183; las Recomendaciones 146 y 190; y la norma SA 8000 sobre responsabilidad social en el trabajo, además de la norma UNE-ISO 26000 guía de responsabilidad social.Estas normas son de carácter voluntario y no ofrecen ninguna certificación.

Con este artículo se pretende difundir la importancia de la responsabilidad social, sobre todo en el trabajo infantil y mostrar como su certificación, como la calidad, la innovación y el medio ambiente, podría ayudar a mejorar su cumplimiento.
Analysis of a 39-year continuous atmospheric CO2 record from Baring Head, New Zealand
Authors: Stephens B. B. , Brailsford G. W. , Gomez A. J. , Riedel K. , Mikaloff Fletcher S. E. , Nichol S. , Manning M.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. We present an analysis of a 39-year record of continuous atmospheric CO2 observations made at Baring Head, New Zealand, filtered for steady background CO2 mole fractions during southerly wind conditions. We discuss relationships between variability in the filtered CO2 time series and regional to global carbon cycling. Baring Head is well situated to sample air that has been isolated from terrestrial influences over the Southern Ocean, and experiences extended episodes of strong southerly winds with low CO2 variability. The filtered Baring Head CO2 record reveals an average seasonal cycle with amplitude of 0.95 ppm that is 13% smaller and 3 weeks earlier in phase than that at the South Pole. Seasonal variations in a given year are sensitive to the timing and magnitude of the combined influences of Southern Ocean CO2 fluxes and terrestrial fluxes from both hemispheres. The amplitude of the seasonal cycle varies throughout the record, but we find no significant long-term seasonal changes with respect to the South Pole. Interannual variations in CO2 growth rate in the Baring Head record closely match the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, reflecting the global reach of CO2 mole fraction anomalies associated with this cycle. We use atmospheric transport model results to investigate contributions to seasonal and annual-mean components of the observed CO2 record. Long-term trends in mean gradients between Baring Head and other stations are predominately due to increases in Northern Hemisphere fossil-fuel burning and Southern Ocean CO2 uptake, for which there remains a wide range of future estimates. We find that the postulated recent reduction in the efficiency of Southern Ocean anthropogenic CO2 uptake, as a result of increased zonal winds, is too small to be detectable as significant differences in atmospheric CO2 between mid to high latitude Southern Hemisphere observing stations.
Propiedades psicométricas de una adaptación de LibQUAL+. Un estudio en bibliotecas de universidades mexicanas
Authors: Toledo Sánchez María del Carmen , Maldonado-Radillo Sonia Elizabeth , López Torres Virginia Guadalupe
Published: April 2013

Objetivo. Validar una escala, de 27 ítems, para diagnosticar la calidad del servicio percibido por los usuarios de la biblioteca de una universidad pública. Método. Se realizó un estudio en una muestra de 437 usuarios, en el cual se evaluaron las propiedades de una escala adaptada del modelo LibQUAL+. La validez lógica y de contenido fue evaluada por un grupo de expertos (Modelo de Lawshe), mientras que para indagar la estructura subyacente de los ítems se empleó el análisis de componentes principales con rotación Varimax. Resultados. Se identificó la existencia de cuatro variables que explican el 63.038% de la variación; se descartaron 2 ítems por presentar cargas muy bajas en el análisis factorial. Las pruebas de validez y consistencia interna de la escala son satisfactorias. El instrumento quedó integrado por 25 ítems cuyo Alfa de Cronbach fue 0.929. Conclusiones. Se obtuvo un instrumento válido y útil para evaluar la calidad del servicio de la biblioteca en el contexto estudiado.
Interpretação estatística dos processos de evolução e o funcionamento dos arquivos audiovisuais
Authors: Epifânio Nuno Miguel
Published: April 2013

O artigo estabelece uma contextualização das condições de funcionamento dos Arquivos Audiovisuais, recorrendo para o efeito à interpretação dos resultados obtidos no estudo de amostragem quantitativa. O referido estudo envolveu 43 Instituições de natureza e dimensão diferenciada, de âmbito nacional e externo, desde a inquirição de órgãos de comunicação a entidades de cariz cultural. A análise do objeto de estudo constatou uma variedade de linhas orientadoras na gestão de preservação da informação assim como caraterizou intrinsecamente a tipologia dos acervos documentais de cada arquivo. A recolha dos dados permitiu desta forma construir uma visão geral sobre o modelo de funcionamento de cada organização inquirida no referido estudo.
Strategizing for Innovation: An Empirical Investigation on Strategic Orientation and Innovation Types
Authors: Arshi Tahseen , Chugh Gargi
Published: April 2013

Innovation is a key competence that most firms wish to acquire as it has been established that innovation can provide the necessary competitive advantage. However, firms struggle to develop appropriate strategic direction that may provide the necessary competitive advantage through innovation. Strategizing for innovation becomes even more challenging as innovation comes in different forms and sizes. This study attempts to unravel the complexities associated with innovation and strategizing. The findings provide clear directions to firms as the critical dimensions of strategy are prescribed for both radical and incremental innovation. Value/ originality Theoretical insights from both strategy and innovation literature informs this study to develop empirical guidelines for strategy design. This is one of the first studies that associate different strategic orientations for both radical and incremental innovation. This study fills a critical gap in the literature as earlier studies have focused on strategy and innovation in a very generic context. Rationale The role strategy in promoting innovation in organizations has found considerable amount of acceptance in the literature. However, the richness of extant literature on strategic orientation gets limited when strategy is studied in the context of innovation, especially innovation scale and frequency. Clear strategic directions are not available to firms based on their innovation focus. It is therefore quite observable that many of the innovation efforts fail and unable to provide these firms with requisite competitive advantage. The limited clarity on the concept of innovation itself makes it difficult to analyze strategy within a prescribed and valid framework. Since this study focuses on strategic orientation within the context of radical and incremental innovation, academic and practitioners will have a better understanding of strategic decision making for each type of innovation. Specific strategies can be designed depending on the innovation type and objectives.
Retrievable Inferior Vena Cava Filters for Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Ni Han , Win Lei Lei
Published: April 2013

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are used as an alternative to anticoagulants for prevention of fatal pulmonary embolism (PE) in venous thromboembolic disorders. Retrievable IVC filters have become an increasingly attractive option due to the long-term risks of permanent filter placement. These devices are shown to be technically feasible in insertion and retrieval percutaneously while providing protection from PE. Nevertheless, there are complications and failed retrievals with these retrievable filters. The aim of the paper is to review the retrievable filters and their efficacy, safety, and retrievability.
La France aux colonies : prise et reprise
Authors: Clarke Patrick D.
Published: April 2013

Ce texte est une bête à deux têtes. Il est d’une part l’examen concis de La France aux colonies (1859), d’Edme Rameau de Saint-Père, maître ouvrage en Études acadiennes. Il est d’autre part une réflexion sur le croisement qu’engendre la rencontre du dictionnaire (littéraire ou autre) et de l’historiographie. Comme de raison, il se décline en deux parties. La première, une notice scientifique qui contient un ensemble d’indications sommaires, explicatives, semblable à celle qui chapeaute toute bonne étude en philologie linguistique. Puis, en second lieu, « l’entrée » elle-même, le texte sur lequel porte la « notice », un projet de publication dont la parution a été détournée. Il s’agit alors de faire d’une pierre deux coups. Primo, ajouter à nos connaissances au chapitre des lettres acadiennes; et, secundo, et par la même occasion, se faire, à soi, comme aux autres, un clin d’oeil.
Antonine Maillet : conteuse de l’Acadie? ou la question du positionnement de l’écrivaine
Authors: Nicaise Nicolas
Published: April 2013

Par le biais de l’analyse du discours, nous proposons d’étudier comment Antonine Maillet a inscrit la figure de conteuse au sein de certains de ses textes et dans les propos qu’elle a tenus sur ceux-ci. En observant également le relais que cette figure a trouvé dans le discours de la critique, nous envisageons tout au long de cet article ce positionnement et la vision qu’il donne de l’entreprise de l’écrivaine. Plus généralement, il s’agit d’analyser un faisceau cohérent de discours (littéraire et métalittéraire) et l’impact de celui-ci sur la réception de l’oeuvre mailletienne en fonction des sphères littéraires dans lesquelles ces différents types de discours s’inscrivent.
L’Union européenne est-elle une source de coopération inter-organisationnelle ?
Authors: Egger Clara
Published: April 2013

Cette étude s’intéresse à la coopération inter-organisationnelle, un aspect délaissé de la recherche en relations internationales. L’analyse du cas de la politique humanitaire européenne met en lumière les facteurs, les dynamiques et les effets de la coopération au sein d’un réseau d’ong, et entre ce réseau et les institutions européennes. La construction de liens entre différentes théories permet de distinguer trois phases dans la vie des réseaux. Si les ong se rassemblent pour être reconnues comme des partenaires crédibles par les organisations intergouvernementales, les réseaux formés se caractérisent par une structure complexe de délégation visant à répondre aux intérêts des membres et de l’institution ciblée. La flexibilité supposée des réseaux ne les protège toutefois pas des pathologies dont souffrent les organisations internationales (faible adaptabilité, résistance au changement…).
La Chine en Arctique
Authors: Alexeeva Olga V. , Lasserre Frédéric
Published: April 2013

Depuis quelques années, de nombreux articles de presse et textes d’analystes prédisent un regain de tension dans l’Arctique, dans ce qui serait une course à l’appropriation des espaces maritimes. Dans cette course, la Chine chercherait à se poser en acteur incontournable. Nombre d’analyses mettent l’accent sur les ambitieux projets chinois dans la région et sur le potentiel déstabilisateur de ces ambitions. En réalité, si le gouvernement chinois semble préciser, depuis peu, une politique arctique, rien ne laisse entendre que la Chine va contester les revendications des pays riverains ou chercher à imposer un coup de force pour s’emparer des ressources supposées de la région.
Dipesh Chakrabarty et John M. Hobson sur l’eurocentrisme et la critique des relations internationales
Authors: Dufour Frédérick Guillaume , Turgeon Nancy
Published: April 2013

Les auteurs présentent et analysent le projet théorique de Dipesh Chakrabarty – un important représentant des études postcoloniales – de « provincialiser » certains développements sociohistoriques de l’Europe. Ils se penchent également sur la critique de l’eurocentrisme de John M. Hobson, un important représentant de la sociologie historique néowébérienne des relations internationales. Après avoir présenté ces contributions aux théories postcoloniales et au virage anti-eurocentriste de certains sociologues néowébériens, les auteurs soulignent que ces théories ont tendance à s’élever contre une version dépassée du marxisme, ce qui les conduirait à négliger l’étude de l’articulation entre la modernité des relations internationales et l’émergence d’un ordre global capitaliste. Les auteurs concluent en défendant l’importance d’un détour par la théorie sociale classique pour l’examen des spécificités des arguments eurocentristes dans les relations internationales passées et contemporaines.
Current Enhancement of Green Transistors Compared with Conventional Tunnel Field-Effect Transistors
Authors: Lee Min-Hung , Lin Jhe-Cyun , Kao Cheng-Ying , Chen Chih-Wei
Published: April 2013

P-type tunneling-based high-driving-current green field-effect transistors (p-gFETs) with dopant segregation (DS) on bulk Si were successfully fabricated and developed. gFETs with the vertical band-to-band tunneling (BTBT) mechanism have a valid benefit for ∼25× ON current enhancement compared with tunneling field-effect transistors (TFETs) without sacrificing leakage current and subthreshold swing for CMOS scaling in future-generation transistors. Ni DS enhanced the amount of n+ dopant in the source/drain region and produced a steep junction profile, which improved the BTBT mechanism. The promising gFET with silicon-on-insulator-free (SOI-free) gFET can be compatible with current processes and solve the issues of cost and thermal dissipation.
Improved Memory Characteristics of A Novel TaN/Al2O3/TiO2/HfO2/SiO2/Si Structured Charge Trapping Memory
Authors: Peng Yahua , Liu Fei , Liu Xiaoyan , Du Gang , Kang Jinfeng
Published: April 2013

In this work, we evaluate the program/erase/retention performance of a novel TaN/Al2O3/TiO2/HfO2/SiO2/Si (TATHOS) charge trapping memory (CTM) device with the stacked HfO2/SiO2tunneling layer and TiO2charge trapping layer by our developed simulator, which has included the critical mechanisms in CTM and has been verified with the experiment data. With various gate dielectric layer's thicknesses and materials, bias voltages and temperatures, the novel structure device's performance are studied and compared to some conventional devices. It can been seen that with appropriate design for the stack tunneling layer and TiO2choice for the charge trapping layer, significantly improved program/erase speed and retention characteristics could be achieved. It can be a useful tool to optimize the performance of CTM with the gate layer materials' choice and design.
Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor-Compatible Back-Side-Illuminated Photodiode for Optoelectronic Integrated Circuit Devices
Authors: Shin Sang-Baie , Sekiguchi Hiroto , Okada Hiroshi , Wakahara Akihiro
Published: April 2013

In this study, the prototype optoelectronic integrated circuits (OEICs) operating with optical input signals were designed and fabricated. A back-side-illuminated (BSI) photodiode was designed and demonstrated by a newly proposed practical method, utilizing micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) and postcomplement metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) processes. Additional fabrication processes for the BSI photodiode were proposed and described in detail in this paper. The operational amplifier for amplification of the optical current by the BSI photodiode as the transimpedance amplifier was designed and fabricated. And the pulse width modulation (PWM) wave generator was implemented for modulating optical signals as the prototype OEIC device. The maximum quantum efficiency of 28.4% was obtained from the fabricated BSI photodiode. Output signals of PWM were successfully controlled by the generated optical current of the BSI photodiode.
Band-Edge Electronic Structure and Pre-existing Defects in Remote Plasma Deposited Non-crystalline SiO2 and GeO2
Authors: Lucovsky Gerald
Published: April 2013

The following topics are addressed: (i) X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) studies of plasma deposited non-crystalline (nc-) SiO2 and GeO2 emphasizing (a) band-edge states and (b) pre-existing bonding defects, and (ii) interpretation of X-ray absorption and photoemission spectra based on many electron theory, including two-electron singlet and triplet electron spin states. The articles also addresses electronic and defect structures in emerging device structures incorporating (GeO2)
x
(SiO2)1-x
alloys, and bonding between Ge and Si substrates and elemental and/or alloy nc-SiO2 and nc-GeO2. The most significant results are identification of local atomic structure of pre-existing defects in the elemental oxides. Defects are created during processing, and are qualitatively different than those produced by X-ray, γ-ray, or high energy electron stressing and detected by second derivative XAS.
Compact Modeling of Floating-Base Effect in Injection-Enhanced Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistor Based on Potential Modification by Accumulated Charge
Authors: Yamamoto Takao , Miyake Masataka , Miura-Mattausch Mitiko
Published: April 2013

We have developed a compact model of the injection-enhanced insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) applicable for circuit optimization. The main development is modeling the hole accumulation in the floating-base region. It is demonstrated that the observed negative gate capacitance is well reproduced with the developed model.
Conductivity Degradation of 4H-SiC p–i–n Diode with In-Grown Stacking Faults
Authors: Tanaka Atsushi , Nakayama Koji , Asano Katsunori , Miyazawa Tetsuya , Tsuchida Hidekazu
Published: April 2013

The electrical characteristics of 4H-SiC p–i–n diodes with 8H-type in-grown stacking faults are investigated. The 4H-SiC p–i–n diodes have epilayers with a low Z1/2 center density formed by carbon implantation. The forward voltage drops of the 4H-SiC p–i–n diode with 8H-type in-grown stacking faults are larger than those of the 4H-SiC p–i–n diode without an 8H-type in-grown stacking fault. The differential on-resistance of the 4H-SiC p–i–n diode with 8H-type in-grown stacking faults is larger than the drift resistance of the drift layer calculated from the doping density and thickness of the drift layer. A large number of electrons are trapped at 8H-type in-grown stacking faults, and the effective carrier density decreases compared with the doping density.
Ion Shower Doping Technique for Selective Emitter Structure in Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Hashiguchi Hiroki , Tachibana Tomihisa , Aoki Mari , Kojima Takuto , Ohshita Yoshio , Ogura Atsushi
Published: April 2013

For realizing low-cost and high-conversion-efficiency silicon solar cells, we propose an ion shower doping technique for fabricating conventional and selective emitter structure solar cells. Because of its high through put with a large beam area, the technique could lead to low-cost production of the emitter layer. We used this technique to form a uniform emitter layer and also a selective high-doping emitter region for silicon solar cells, which were compared with cells prepared by POCl3 diffusion. The conventional structure cells were confirmed to have good electrical properties with uniform conversion efficiency compared with the cells prepared by POCl3 diffusion. There was no doping-induced damage nor metal impurities interfused during the ion shower doping. In addition, the conversion efficiency of selective emitter structure cells was higher than that of cell prepared by POCl3 diffusion only. We concluded that the ion shower doping technique is useful for forming a uniform emitter layer as well as a selective emitter region.
Incorporation Effect of Silver Nanoparticles on Inverted Type Bulk-Heterojunction Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Matsumoto Taisuke , Oku Takeo , Akiyama Tsuyoshi
Published: April 2013

A series of bulk-heterojunction organic solar cells incorporating silver nanoparticles was fabricated and evaluated. Silver nanoparticles were incorporated in the hole-transport layer of the solar cells. Plasmonic absorption and the generation of localized surface plasmon resonance of silver nanoparticles were confirmed by absorption and surface enhanced Raman scattering spectra even in the hole-transport material. The incorporation of silver nanoparticles increased photoelectric conversion efficiencies, whose enhancement properties were varied by the incorporation amount of silver nanoparticles.
Electro-optical Characteristics of Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal Embedded in Photonic Crystal Fiber
Authors: Yu Jeong-Seon , Yu Jong Sung , Kim Jong-Hyun
Published: April 2013

The confinement of liquid crystals in a small space induces interesting phenomena that deviate from the bulk properties. We report on the electro-optical properties of ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLCs) confined in transparent photonic crystal fibers (PCFs). A PCF has a large number of cylindrical air holes of micrometer size and they are filled with FLCs. Optical measurements indicate that the directors are parallel to the axis of PCF and the layers are inclined relative to the cylindrical wall with the tilt angle of SmC*. The electro-optical response depends on the surface condition and shows the unusual double hysteresis loop. We discuss the possible configuration of director arrangement and the electro-optical properties of FLC on the basis of a simple model.
Formation of Titanium Nitride on the GaN(0001) Surface: A Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Ortega-Lopez César , López-Perez William , González-Hernández Rafael
Published: April 2013

We have carried out density functional theory (DFT) calculations to study the role of titanium impurity atoms during gallium nitride (GaN) growth. Adsorption and incorporation of Ti atoms on GaN(0001) surface is examined and it is shown that Ti atoms preferentially adsorb at the T4 sites at low and high coverage. In addition, calculating the formation energy of multiple-impurity configurations, we constructed a surface phase diagram showing the energetically most stable structures as a function of Ti and Ga chemical potentials. Based on these, we find that incorporation of Ti atoms in the Ga-substitutional site is energetically more favorable compared with the Ti surface adsorption on the top layers. This effect leads to the formation of an interfacial crystalline titanium nitride (TiN) compound on the GaN(0001) surface, which can offer a good interfacial combination between Ti and GaN substrates.
Broad and Flat Brillouin Gain Spectrum in Optical Fiber Obtained by Modulating Driving Current of Laser Diode
Authors: Mizuno Yosuke , Hayashi Neisei , Nakamura Kentaro
Published: April 2013

A simple method for obtaining a broad and flat Brillouin gain spectrum (BGS) is presented. By modulating the driving current of a pump laser diode with triangular waveform, a BGS with lower than 0.3 dB gain variation over >200 MHz is achieved. With this method, the bandwidth of the flattened BGS can be controlled by adjusting the amplitude and/or frequency of the current modulation.
Association Between Cumulative Joint Loading From Occupational Activities and Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Ezzat Allison M. , Cibere Jolanda , Koehoorn Mieke , Li Linda C.
Published: April 2013

Objective

To determine the associations between cumulative occupational physical load (COPL) and 3 definitions of knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Cross‐sectional analyses were performed from 2 population‐based cohorts (n = 327). Eligible symptomatic participants were those with pain, aching, or discomfort in or around the knee on most days of a month at any time in the past and any pain in the past 12 months. Asymptomatic participants responded “no” to both knee pain questions. Self‐reported COPL was calculated over each participant's lifetime and then categorized into quarters (QCOPL). Radiographic OA (ROA) and symptomatic OA (SOA) were defined by Kellgren/Lawrence grade ≥2, with SOA also including pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) OA was defined using criteria by Hunter et al. Logistic regression, adjusted with population weights, examined the associations between QCOPL and each of ROA, SOA, and MRI‐OA after controlling for covariates and two‐way interactions.

Results

Participants had a mean ± SD age of 58.5 ± 11.0 years and a mean ± SD body mass index of 26.3 ± 4.7 kg/m2. Of those, 109 (33.3%) had ROA, 102 (31.2%) had SOA, and 131 (40.1%) had MRI‐OA. Compared with QCOPL‐1, increased odds of ROA were found for QCOPL‐4 (odds ratio [OR] 3.15, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.02–9.70) and QCOPL‐3 (OR 4.19, 95% CI 1.55–11.34). Statistically significant relationships were found in SOA (QCOPL‐4: OR 8.16, 95% CI 1.89–35.27; QCOPL‐3: OR 5.73, 95% CI 1.36–24.12) and MRI‐OA (QCOPL‐4: OR 9.54, 95% CI 2.65–34.27; QCOPL‐3: OR 9.04, 95% CI 2.65–30.88; QCOPL‐2: OR 7.18, 95% CI 2.17–23.70).

Conclusion

Occupational activity is associated with knee OA, with dose‐response relationships observed in SOA and MRI‐OA.
Dimensionality, Reliability, and Validity of the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire in Two Spanish Samples
Authors: Luciano Juan V. , Aguado Jaume , Serrano‐Blanco Antoni , Calandre Elena P. , Rodriguez‐Lopez Carmen M.
Published: April 2013

Objective

The present study attempted to fill a research gap by performing the first dimensionality analysis of the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR) using exploratory and confirmatory techniques. A second objective was to report on the reliability and construct validity of the FIQR in Spanish patients.

Methods

FIQR data from a sample of adult fibromyalgia patients (n = 113) were analyzed using principal components analysis (PCA). Subsequently, a set of confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) was conducted in another sample (n = 179) to analyze the goodness of fit of various factor models. FIQR reliability was assessed by computing Cronbach's alpha and coefficient H. Construct validity was evaluated by comparing the FIQR scores of participants categorized by employment status.

Results

According to the PCA, the FIQR structure might be described as having 1 global factor of functional impairment. Although subsequent CFAs confirmed that 1 factor accounted for the greatest proportion of common variance in the FIQR items, a confirmatory bifactor analysis indicated that the items were multidimensional because of their simultaneous significant loading on specific factors. The Cronbach's alpha values of the FIQR domains were very good (>0.80) and the H estimate for the FIQR total score was excellent (0.93). Overall, the FIQR domains were able to distinguish between patients differing in employment status (working outside the home versus on sick leave).

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the Spanish version of the FIQR has a complex factor structure, has excellent reliability, and shows good construct validity.
Development and Validation of a New Disease Activity Score in 28 Joints–Based Treatment Response Criterion for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Behrens Frank , Tony Hans‐Peter , Alten Rieke , Kleinert Stefan , Scharbatke Eva C. , Köhm Michaela , Gnann Holger , Tams Johanna , Greger Gerd , Burkhardt Harald
Published: April 2013

Objective

To define a valid criterion for treatment response as assessed by the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) that exceeds random disease activity variations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We utilized anonymized data sets of RA patients from multiple rheumatology centers in Germany to identify patients with stable responses to conventional or biologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy (discovery cohort). To evaluate fluctuations in DAS28 scores, we subjected patients' DAS28 scores at months 12, 18, and 24 to an analysis of variance model to establish a 1‐sided 95% confidence interval for normal fluctuations; this value was used to define the critical difference (DAS28‐dcrit) for individual changes from baseline. The DAS28‐dcrit value was then applied to analyses of therapeutic response in an adalimumab noninterventional study cohort.

Results

The discovery cohort included 415 patients receiving stable treatment. Values for DAS28‐dcrit were comparable regardless of age, sex, disease activity, and class of therapy (DMARDs or biologic agents) and fell below 1.8 in all subgroups. We therefore conclude that DAS28 improvements of 1.8 or higher are outside the normal variation and represent a therapeutic response. When applied to data from the adalimumab noninterventional study (n = 1,874), a DAS28‐dcrit response was more robust over time than a European League Against Rheumatism response and was more closely correlated with improved functional capacity.

Conclusion

Based on our data, a DAS28‐dcrit value of 1.8 signifies a positive individual therapeutic response that exceeds the threshold of random fluctuation. The DAS28‐dcrit criterion may be useful in steering individual therapy and stratifying clinical trials.
Enhanced CO2 adsorption capacity and stability using CaO‐based adsorbents treated by hydration
Authors: Wang Shengping , Shen Hui , Fan Shasha , Zhao Yujun , Ma Xinbin , Gong Jinlong
Published: April 2013

The synthesis of highly efficient CaO‐based sorbents using Ca(Ac)2 as a precursor and ethanol as a modification agent for CO2 capture is described. This adsorbent has several characteristics such as large surface area and pore volume and small particle size. The influence of ratio of ethanol and water on CO2 adsorption capacity was evaluated considering that the ethanol concentration could affect the pore structure of sorbents. The results showed that CaO modified by ethanol solution had a higher carbonization and better stability. Particularly, when the volume ratio of ethanol and water was 3, a performance of adsorption capacity of 74% and conversion of 94% was observed. CaO modified by ethanol solution had a superior performance due to the decrease of grain size and the formation of loose porous structure. The influence of steam on stability of adsorbents at high temperatures was examined, and it was found that with the existence of steam diffusion, the capacity of the sorbent could remain at a higher level and the stability was evidently improved. After 18 cycles of adsorption/desorption process, the capacity remained as high as 65%. It was proposed that dynamic and cyclic steam injection was favorable for preventing the sintering of sorbents and facilitating the diffusion of CO2. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 3586–3593, 2013
ACTA2 mutation with childhood cardiovascular, autonomic and brain anomalies and severe outcome
Authors: Meuwissen Marije E.C. , Lequin Maarten H. , Bindels‐de Heus Karen , Bruggenwirth Hennie T. , Knapen Maarten F.C.M. , Dalinghaus Michiel , de Coo René , van Bever Yolande , Winkelman Beerend H.J. , Mancini Grazia M.S.
Published: April 2013

Thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) are associated with connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome and Loeys–Dietz syndrome, caused by mutations in the fibrillin‐1, the TGFβ‐receptor 1‐ and ‐2 genes, the SMAD3 and TGFβ2 genes, but have also been ascribed to ACTA2 gene mutations in adults, spread throughout the gene. We report on a novel de novo c.535C > T in exon 6 leading to p.R179C aminoacid substitution in ACTA2 in a toddler girl with primary pulmonary hypertension, persistent ductus arteriosus, extensive cerebral white matter lesions, fixed dilated pupils, intestinal malrotation, and hypotonic bladder. Recently, de novo ACTA2 R179H substitutions have been associated with a similar phenotype and additional cerebral developmental defects including underdeveloped corpus callosum and vermis hypoplasia in a single patient. The patient here shows previously undescribed abnormal lobulation of the frontal lobes and position of the gyrus cinguli and rostral dysplasis of the corpus callosum; she died at the age of 3 years during surgery due to vascular fragility and rupture of the ductus arteriosus. Altogether these observations support a role of ACTA2 in brain development, especially related to the arginine at position 179. Although all previously reported patients with R179H substitution successfully underwent the same surgery at younger ages, the severe outcome of our patient warns against the devastating effects of the R179C substitution on vasculature. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expanding the phenotype of cardiovascular malformations in Adams–Oliver syndrome
Authors: Algaze Claudia , Esplin Edward D. , Lowenthal Alexander , Hudgins Louanne , Tacy Theresa Ann , Selamet Tierney Elif Seda
Published: April 2013

We describe a newborn with a phenotype consistent with Adams–Oliver syndrome and truncus arteriosus. Although cardiovascular malformations associated with this syndrome have been previously published in the literature, this is the first description of truncus arteriosus in a patient with Adams–Oliver syndrome. We review other reports of Adams–Oliver syndrome previously described with cardiovascular malformations, consider possible genetic and embryologic mechanisms, and emphasize the need for cardiology consultation when a diagnosis of Adams–Oliver syndrome is suspected in the differential diagnosis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exome Analysis in Clinical Practice: Expanding the Phenotype of Bartsocas–Papas Syndrome
Authors: Gripp Karen W. , Ennis Sara , Napoli Joseph
Published: April 2013

Exome analysis has had a dramatic impact on genetic research. We present the application of such newly generated information to patient care. The patient was a female, born with normal growth parameters to nonconsanguineous parents after an uneventful pregnancy. She had bilateral cleft lip/palate and ankyloblepharon. Sparse hair, dysplastic nails and hypohidrosis were subsequently noted. With exception of speech related issues, her development was normal. A clinical diagnosis of ankyloblepharon–ectodermal defects‐cleft lip/palate or Hay–Wells syndrome resulted in TP63 sequence analysis. TP63 sequence and deletion/duplication analysis of all coding exons had a normal result, as did chromosome and SNP array analysis. Diagnostic exome analysis revealed a heterozygous nonsense mutation in KRT83 categorized as deleterious and associated with monilethrix. In addition, a homozygous missense variant of unknown clinical significance was reported in RIPK4. Using research based exome analysis, RIPK4 had just a few months prior been identified as pathogenic for Bartsocas–Papas syndrome. While the clinical diagnostic report implied the KRT83 mutation as a more likely cause for the patient's phenotype, clinical correlation, literature review and use of computerized mutation analysis programs allowed us to identify the homozygous RIPK4 (c.488G > A; p.Gly163Asp) mutation as the underlying pathogenic change. Consequently, we expand the phenotype of Bartsocas–Papas syndrome to an attenuated presentation resembling Hay–Wells syndrome, lacking lethality and pterygia. In contrast to the autosomal dominant Hay–Wells syndrome, Bartsocas–Papas syndrome is autosomal recessive, implying a 25% recurrence risk. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Attitudes of African Americans Toward Return of Results From Exome and Whole Genome Sequencing
Authors: Yu Joon‐Ho , Crouch Julia , Jamal Seema M. , Tabor Holly K. , Bamshad Michael J.
Published: April 2013

Exome sequencing and whole genome sequencing (ES/WGS) present patients and research participants with the opportunity to benefit from a broad scope of genetic results of clinical and personal utility. Yet, this potential for benefit also risks disenfranchising populations such as African Americans (AAs) that are already underrepresented in genetic research and utilize genetic tests at lower rates than other populations. Understanding a diverse range of perspectives on consenting for ES/WGS and receiving ES/WGS results is necessary to ensure parity in genomic health care and research. We conducted a series of 13 focus groups (n = 76) to investigate if and how attitudes toward participation in ES/WGS research and return of results from ES/WGS differ between self‐described AAs and non‐AAs. The majority of both AAs and non‐AAs were willing to participate in WGS studies and receive individual genetic results, but the fraction not interested in either was higher in AAs. This is due in part to different expectations of health benefits from ES/WGS and how results should be managed. Our results underscore the need to develop and test culturally tailored strategies for returning ES/WGS results to AAs. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical Comparison of Overlapping Deletions of 19p13.3
Authors: Risheg Hiba , Pasion Romela , Sacharow Stephanie , Proud Virginia , Immken LaDonna , Schwartz Stuart , Tepperberg Jim H. , Papenhausen Peter , Tan Tiong Y. , Andrieux Joris , Plessis Ghislaine , Amor David J. , Keitges Elisabeth A.
Published: April 2013

We present three patients with overlapping interstitial deletions of 19p13.3 identified by high resolution SNP microarray analysis. All three had a similar phenotype characterized by intellectual disability or developmental delay, structural heart abnormalities, large head relative to height and weight or macrocephaly, and minor facial anomalies. Deletion sizes ranged from 792 Kb to 1.0 Mb and included a common region arr [hg19] 19p13.3 (3,814,392–4,136,989), containing eight genes: ZFR2, ATCAY, NMRK2, DAPK3, EEF2, PIAS4, ZBTB7A, MAP2K2, and two non‐coding RNA's MIR637 and SNORDU37. The patient phenotypes were compared with three previous single patient reports with similar interstitial 19p13.3 deletions and six additional patients from the DECIPHER and ISCA databases to determine if a common haploinsufficient phenotype for the region can be established. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Practices and Policies of Clinical Exome Sequencing Providers: Analysis and Implications
Authors: Jamal Seema M. , Yu Joon‐Ho , Chong Jessica X. , Dent Karin M. , Conta Jessie H. , Tabor Holly K. , Bamshad Michael J.
Published: April 2013

Exome and whole genome sequencing (ES/WGS) offer potential advantages over traditional approaches to diagnostic genetic testing. Consequently, use of ES/WGS in clinical settings is rapidly becoming commonplace. Yet there are myriad moral, ethical, and perhaps legal implications attached to the use of ES and health care professionals and institutions will need to consider these implications in the context of the varied practices and policies of ES service providers. We developed “core elements” of content and procedures for informed consent, data sharing, and results management and a quantitative scale to assess the extent to which research protocols met the standards established by these core elements. We then used these tools to evaluate the practices and policies of each of the 6 U.S. CLIA‐certified labs offering clinical ES. Approaches toward informed consent, data sharing, and results return vary widely among ES providers as do the overall potential merits and disadvantages of each, and more importantly, the balance between the two. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
When Overgrowth Bumps Into Cancer: The PTEN‐Opathies
Authors: MESTER JESSICA , ENG CHARIS
Published: April 2013

PTEN is a dual‐specificity phosphatase and well‐known tumor suppressor gene. When functioning properly, it works in its canonical pathway to inhibit AKT/mTOR and MAPK signaling, leading to cell death and growth regulation. PTEN mutations cause dysregulation of these pathways, resulting in cellular proliferation and overgrowth. When germline mutations are present as in patients with PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome (PHTS), benign and malignant neoplasias occur as well as cerebral overgrowth and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. This review article will summarize recent laboratory and clinical investigations relating to PTEN, highlighting the overgrowth aspects of this syndrome and the molecular drivers behind these key phenotypes. Finally, therapies developed targeted the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway for other tumor predisposition syndromes will be discussed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Archaeology of brutal encounter: heritage and bomb testing on Bikini Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands
Authors: Brown Steve
Published: April 2013

When the nude dancer, Micheline Bernardini, modelled the bikini at a public pool in Paris on 5 July 1946, the blaze of publicity that followed the unleashing of the fashion icon immediately trivialised the humanly willed catastrophe wrought on Bikini Atoll and its Indigenous inhabitants four days previously. Between 1946 and 1958, a total of 67 nuclear bomb tests were carried out in the Marshall Islands, including in 1954 the world's first deliverable hydrogen bomb, which vaporised three of Bikini's islands and produced radioactive fallout that resulted in the deaths of, and ill‐health effects for, Marshallese, American and Japanese people and for the atoll itself. Today, Bikini Atoll is almost uninhabited. This paper is based on a preliminary survey of the atoll and outlines the material traces of nuclear testing, which comprise profound landscape modifications and other physical evidence, including an experimental target fleet of sunken ships, buildings and infrastructure remains, and cultural plantings. Listing of Bikini Atoll on the World Heritage List in 2010 has (re)materialised and (re)imagined the cultural landscape of Bikini Atoll in a way that privileges the global story of bomb testing over the local narrative of lost homeland. However, I argue that the listing of Bikini Atoll is a subversive act coopted by both global and local actors in a way that is mutually beneficial.
Molluscan mulching at the margins: investigating the development of a South Island Māori variation on Polynesian hard mulch agronomy
Authors: Barber Ian
Published: April 2013

Hard mineral clast sediments applied to dry archaeological fields in the distant apical islands of the Polynesian triangle are frequently associated with sweet potato / kūmara (Ipomoea batatas (L) Lam.) cultivation. In a novel variation on this practice, north‐western South Island Māori deposited tuangi (Austrovenus stutchburyi (Wood, 1828)) mollusc beach valves to cap 10–20 cm deep planting holes or pits by or around the sixteenth century AD at Triangle Flat, Golden Bay. Discrete tuangi beach valve sediment had been extended over much of the larger field surface in association with shallow (<10 cm deep) planting depressions. Surface shell deposits would have suppressed weed growth, redirected radiant energy onto young kūmara plants, and conserved planting pit soil and moisture against disruptive and desiccating winds, respectively. The temporal extension of Triangle Flat shell sediment could be related to socio‐economic and political pressures to improve kūmara production from a fixed land unit. However, since climate change beginning in the sixteenth century brought cooler temperatures and eventually, stronger westerly winds to this region, it seems more likely that shell mulch was extended to maintain shallow planting soils and production in a colder, windier period. This local, kūmara‐focused development may have been encouraged by the opportunity to apply ritually safe and perhaps spiritually potent, uncooked tuangi beach shell to tapu cultivation surfaces.
Incremental Generalized Homogeneity, Observer Design and Semiglobal Stabilization
Authors: Battilotti Stefano
Published: April 2013

The notion of incremental generalized homogeneity is introduced, giving new results on semiglobal stabilization by output feedback and observer design and putting into a unifying framework the stabilization design for triangular (feedback/feedforward) and homogeneous systems. A state feedback controller and an asymptotic state observer are designed separately by dominating the generalized homogeneity degree of the nonlinearities with the degree of the linear approximation of the system and an output feedback controller is obtained according to a certainty‐equivalence principle.