bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Covering Middle Leaves and Ears Reveals Differential Regulatory Roles of Vegetative and Reproductive Organs in Root Growth and Nitrogen Uptake in Maize
Authors: Yan Huifeng , Shang Aixin , Peng Yunfeng , Yu Peng , Li Chunjian
Published: December 2010

Root growth and mineral nutrient uptake are two closely related physiological processes regulated by shoot growth and development. To date, little attention has been paid to the effects of leaves and ears on root growth and mineral nutrient uptake. To unravel this physiological puzzle, we treated inbred and hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) plants by shading middle leaves or covering ears from silking onward in two growing seasons under field conditions. We found that shading middle leaves reduced photosynthetic capacity and assimilate allocation to roots and, thus, decreased root growth. However, there was relatively less reduction in total N content of whole plants than that of the root dry wt. of all genotypes, implying that roots of these plants had a higher N uptake rate per unit root dry wt. than the control. In contrast, covering ears suppressed grain development, allowing more assimilate relocation into roots to promote root growth. On the other hand, removal of substantial sink demand (grain filling) directly caused decrease in total N uptake, and the decrease in N content in the shoot was significant in four out of seven genotypes, although the cob and husks could partially substitute for developing grains as a nutrient sink to influence nutrient (N) uptake by roots. Our results suggested that root growth and nutrient uptake (N in this study) were nonsynchronous due to differential regulation primarily by assimilate allocation and shoot demand, respectively.
Long Juvenile Soybean Flowering Responses under Very Short Photoperiods
Authors: Cober Elroy R.
Published: December 2010

Long juvenile (LJ) soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] lines exhibit delayed flowering under short photoperiods. Two loci, J and E6, have been reported to control this response. The objectives of this work were to compare phenology of E6E6 and e6e6 isolines across a range of photoperiods, to determine the genetic control of the LJ trait during the introgression of e6 into an early maturity background, and to compare e6e6 and jj lines in short photoperiods. Flowering time of ‘Paraná’ (E6E6) and its LJ isoline ‘Paranagoiana’ (e6e6) was observed in photoperiods of 3 to 16 h. Both lines flowered late (about 100 d) in a 16 h photoperiod. Paraná flowered in less than 30 d in 6, 8, 10, and 12 h photoperiods. Paranagoiana responded to decreases in photoperiod from 12 to 4 h with earlier flowering, although always flowered a minimum of 5 d later than Paraná. The LJ trait in Paranagoiana was introgressed into OT94‐47 with selection for late flowering under 12 h photoperiods. From the initial cross to the third backcross, F2 populations exhibited a 15:1 early:late flowering ratio in 12 h photoperiods. A similar 15:1 ratio was observed in a cross between OT94‐47 and LJ PI 159925. In comparisons, under 3 to 12 h photoperiods, Paranagoiana and PI 159925 flowered similarly and later than Paraná. It appears that the LJ lines may have a 5 d juvenile period but flowering delays greater than 5 d are likely due to photoperiod responses to very short photoperiods (≥5 h).
Biplot Analysis of Diallel Crosses of Early Maturing Tropical Yellow Maize Inbreds in Stress and Nonstress Environments
Authors: Badu‐Apraku B. , Fontem Lum A. , Akinwale R.O. , Oyekunle M.
Published: December 2010

Appropriate testers are needed as well as information on heterotic patterns of tropical lowland early‐maturing germplasm. Diallel crosses involving nine tropical early maturing maize (Zea mays L.) inbreds were evaluated at five locations in Nigeria from 2007 to 2009 under drought stress, when Striga infested, and in optimal growing conditions to examine the combining abilities and heterotic patterns and identify appropriate testers. Results revealed that TZEI 17 was the closest to the ideal tester and may be considered as the best under drought stress, TZEI 23 and TZEI 9 under artificial Striga infestation, and TZEI 13 across growing conditions. No appropriate tester was identified for the optimal growing conditions. Inbreds were placed in three contrasting tester groups under drought stress, and four groups each were placed under Striga infestation and optimal growing conditions and across research environments. Hybrids between inbreds in contrasting tester groups of each research environment are expected to show heterosis. TZEI 23 × TZEI 13 had a superior performance under all research conditions, suggesting that it has a broad adaptation. Classification of inbreds into distinct tester groups was not possible for 33% of the inbreds under drought stress and for 22% when Striga infested, under optimal growing conditions, and across the test environments.
HBV Core Region Variability: Effect of Antiviral Treatments on Main Epitopic Regions
Authors: Homs Maria , Jardi Rosendo , Buti Maria , Schaper Melanie , Tabernero David , Fernandez-Fernandez Pilar , Quer Josep , Esteban Rafael , Rodriguez-Frias Francisco
Published: January 2011

Background

Amino acid (AA) changes in specific hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) regions were assessed in patients infected with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) after a 12-month untreated period and after receiving antiviral therapy (interferon, lamivudine or adefovir dipivoxil), and in inactive hepatitis B surface antigen-positive carriers.

Methods

Samples corresponding to different time points in 76 CHB cases (64 on-treatment) and 4 inactive carriers were included. The main precore mutation, T-helper immunodominant epitope at AA 50–69 (Th50–69), minor T-helper epitope (Th28–47), B-cell immunodominant epitope (B74–84) and a conserved region of HBcAg at AA 1–11 (AA1–11) were directly sequenced. For comparisons, the average number of AA changes in each region was standardized to 12 months (Av12).

Results

AA changes clustered mainly in immunodominant regions (69%). The highest percentage of cases (% n) with changes and highest Av12 changes were detected after interferon treatment (% n=73%, Av12=3.1 in Th50–69 and % n=86%, Av12=2.7 in B74–84). At baseline, immunodominant regions had higher Av12 changes in hepatitis B e antigen-negative patients and those with main precore mutations. Changes in the Th28–47 region were more frequent after nucleoside/nucleotide analogue treatment (40%) than before treatment (9%). Codons 74 and 77 were the most polymorphic, and the double change E64D-N67T was significantly observed. Codon 84 substitutions were mainly associated with interferon treatment ( P=0.05).

Conclusions

Natural and treatment-induced substitutions in HBV core protein, occurring especially with interferon treatment, were characterized. Some immune-stimulating activity related to the minor Th28–47 epitope might be associated with nucleoside/nucleotide analogues; this activity was also seen in inactive carriers.
Everyday Executive Function is Associated with Activity Participation in Parkinson Disease without Dementia
Authors: Foster Erin R. , Hershey Tamara
Published: January 2011

Individuals with Parkinson disease (PD) who do not have dementia reliably demonstrate mild executive deficits on laboratory-based tests, but the impact of these deficits on occupational performance is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the relevance of executive dysfunction in PD without dementia to instrumental, leisure, and social activity participation. Twenty-four individuals with PD and 30 matched adult volunteers performed an experimental working memory test and rated their everyday executive function and activity participation. Participants with PD had worse working memory performance, tended to report more everyday executive problems, and reported lower activity participation compared to controls. Within PD, lower everyday executive function was associated with reduced activity participation after controlling for motor dysfunction and depressive symptoms. Executive function is an independent predictor of complex activity participation in early PD. These results suggest the need for occupational therapists to consider executive dysfunction during evaluation and treatment of individuals with PD.
The Drosophila Toll Signaling Pathway
Authors: Valanne Susanna , Wang Jing-Huan , Rämet Mika
Published: January 2011

The identification of the Drosophila melanogaster Toll pathway cascade and the subsequent characterization of TLRs have reshaped our understanding of the immune system. Ever since, Drosophila NF-κB signaling has been actively studied. In flies, the Toll receptors are essential for embryonic development and immunity. In total, nine Toll receptors are encoded in the Drosophila genome, including the Toll pathway receptor Toll. The induction of the Toll pathway by Gram-positive bacteria or fungi leads to the activation of cellular immunity as well as the systemic production of certain antimicrobial peptides. The Toll receptor is activated when the proteolytically cleaved ligand Spatzle binds to the receptor, eventually leading to the activation of the NF-κB factors Dorsal-related immunity factor or Dorsal. In this study, we review the current literature on the Toll pathway and compare the Drosophila and mammalian NF-κB pathways.
tRNA/mRNA Mimicry by tmRNA and SmpB inTrans-Translation
Authors: Kurita Daisuke , Muto Akira , Himeno Hyouta
Published: January 2011

Since accurate translation from mRNA to protein is critical to survival, cells have developed translational quality control systems. Bacterial ribosomes stalled on truncated mRNA are rescued by a system involving tmRNA and SmpB referred to astrans-translation. Here, we review current understanding of the mechanism oftrans-translation. Based on results obtained by using directed hydroxyl radical probing, we propose a new type of molecular mimicry duringtrans-translation. Besides such chemical approaches, biochemical and cryo-EM studies have revealed the structural and functional aspects of multiple stages oftrans-translation. These intensive works provide a basis for studying the dynamics of tmRNA/SmpB in the ribosome.
Progression of Left Ventricular Dysfunction and Remodelling under Optimal Medical Therapy in CHF Patients: Role of Individual Genetic Background
Authors: Rigolli Marzia , Cicoira Mariantonietta , Bergamini Corinna , Chiampan Andrea , Rossi Andrea , Vassanelli Corrado
Published: January 2011

Background. Neurohormonal systems play an important role in chronic heart failure (CHF). Due to interindividual heterogeneity in the benefits of therapy, it may be hypothesized that polymorphisms of neurohormonal systems may affect left ventricular (LV) remodelling and systolic function. We aimed to assess whether genetic background of maximally treated CHF patients predicts variations in LV systolic function and volumes.Methods and Results. We prospectively studied 131 CHF outpatients on optimal treatment for at least six months. Echocardiographic evaluations were performed at baseline and after 12 months. Genotype analysis for ACE I/D,β1adrenergic receptor (AR) Arg389Gly,β2AR Arg16Gly, andβ2AR Gln27Glu polymorphisms was performed. No differences in baseline characteristics were detected among subgroups. ACE II was a significant predictor of improvement of LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volume ( and , respectively) but not of LV ejection fraction (LVEF);β1AR389 GlyGly was related to improvement of LVEF () and LV end-systolic volume (). The predictive value of polymorphisms remained after adjustment for other clinically significant predictors ( for all).Conclusions. ACE I/D andβ1AR Arg389Gly polymorphisms are independent predictors of reverse remodeling and systolic function recovery in CHF patients under optimal treatment.
Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis
Authors: Bhatia S , Tullu MS , Vaideeswar P , Lahiri KR
Published: January 2011

Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH) is a rare disorder (triad of iron-deficiency anemia, hemoptysis, and alveolar infiltrates). A 3-year-old male presented with mild fever, breathlessness, dry cough, and bluish nail discoloration for 8 days. He had required five blood transfusions in the past 1 year (last transfusion was given 4 months ago). He had a respiratory rate of 58/min with respiratory distress, cyanosis, and grade III clubbing. Respiratory system examination was normal. Several previous reports of hemoglobin were as low as 3.6 g/dl with hypochromic and microcytic anemia. There were transient increases in the hemoglobin and normalization of red cell morphology with blood transfusions. Serum iron, G6PD enzyme assay, hemoglobin electrophoresis, the sickling test, Coomb's test, stool and urine analysis, and a Meckel's scan were normal. HIV antibody and dsDNA were negative. The chest radiograph revealed symmetrical patchy infiltrates sparing lung apices (confirmed on high-resolution computed tomography). Lung biopsy diagnosed pulmonary hemosiderosis (interstitial lung disease with hemosiderin-laden macrophages scattered in the alveoli and areas of fibrosis in the alveolar septa). The patient showed marked clinical improvement in 10 days of therapy with prednisolone. IPH should be listed in the differential diagnosis of a child presenting with unexplained hypochromic, microcytic anemia and respiratory symptoms.
Glutathione as an antioxidant in inorganic mercury induced nephrotoxicity
Authors: Jan AT , Ali A , Haq QMR
Published: January 2011

Heavy metal toxicity represents an uncommon but clinically significant medical condition, which if unrecognized or inappropriately treated results in significant morbidity and mortality. Among heavy metals, mercury is recognized as a potent and widely distributed toxicant having the ability to accumulate at various levels of food chain besides possessing ability to cross placental and blood-brain barrier. Symptom picture of mercury (Hg2+) toxicity is characterized mainly by a series of renal disorders. Mechanism of inorganic mercury toxicity includes production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) capable of damaging lipids in membrane, proteins or enzymes in tissues, and DNA to induce oxidative stress as balance between generation, and elimination of ROS is essential for maintaining the functional integrity of a cell. Mitigation of endogenous mercury depends as a part on the presence of antioxidants such as glutathione - most abundant intracellular non-protein thiol that plays a central role in the maintenance of cellular redox status by quenching free radicals generated during oxidative stress. Ability of a cell to survive the threat posed by endogenous mercury represents a biological adaptation fundamental to survival. This review describes the current understanding and the mechanisms involved by different forms of mercury in eliciting their toxicity in kidney along with the knowledge of major intracellular reductant that plays important role in the mitigation of mercury toxicity for the maintenance of homeostasis within the body of living organisms.
Developing a Context-Based Performance Measure for Persons With Schizophrenia: The Test of Grocery Shopping Skills
Authors: Hamera Edna , Brown Catana E.
Published: January 2011

Objective. This article describes how authenticity and directness, desired characteristics of performance measures, were applied to the development of a context-based Test of Grocery Shopping Skills (TOGSS) for persons with schizophrenia.

Method. The steps used in developing the measure included interviewing consumers with schizophrenia to identify issues in grocery shopping, conceptualizing how authenticity and directness could be applied to shopping performance, and selecting grocery items to be used in the test. The two forms of the TOGSS were administered to 26 persons with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders to evaluate reliability (stability, equivalence, interrater) and validity (convergent, generalizability) of the TOGSS.

Results. The correlations between the two forms of the TOGSS over two different testing periods were significant, ranging from .64 to .83. Subscale scores were moderately correlated (R = .52. to .94) with a similarly constructed test of drugstore shopping.

Conclusion. A systematic method can be used to develop a context measure of performance. The TOGSS has beginning evidence of reliability and validity. With further study, the test will be useful in assessing the independent living skill of grocery shopping in persons with psychiatric disorders.
Mothers’ Perceptions of Child Care Assistance: The Impact of a Child’s Disability
Authors: Crowe Terry K. , VanLeit Betsy , Berghmans Kirsten K.
Published: January 2011

Objective. This study examined and compared mothers’ perceptions of child care assistance provided by fathers and other caregivers. Awareness of child care division of labor will assist occupational therapists in addressing the needs of children with disabilities within the family context.

Method. One hundred and thirty-five mothers living in two-parent households kept a time diary of their daily activities for 7 consecutive days using the Caregiver’s Activity and Recording of Events Inventory and estimated the percentage of child care their partners performed, the amount of child care their partners performed, and their satisfaction with this division of labor. One third of the women had children with multiple disabilities, one third had children with Down syndrome, and one third had children who were typically developing.

Results. The majority of mothers in all three groups perceived that they were responsible for the majority of child care. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of mothers’ perceptions of the amount of child care provided by fathers and other caregivers, including relatives, childsitters, nurses, school personnel, and neighbors. However, there were wide variations among families concerning child care arrangements and division of labor. Seventy-five percent of mothers indicated that they were satisfied with the division of child care labor between mothers and fathers, and no significant correlation was found between perceived percentage of child care performed and satisfaction with the division of labor.

Conclusion. Mothers in this study were responsible for the majority of child care whether their child had a disability. The variation in number of hours that others spent performing child care activities within individual families suggests that there is no “best” or typical pattern. Occupational therapists need to collaborate with families to determine a system of accommodations to manage their daily routine that most effectively meets the family’s needs.
Current Parent Education on Infant Feeding in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: The Role of the Occupational Therapist
Authors: Caretto Vanessa , Topolski Krista Francois , Linkous Catherine McKinney , Lowman Dianne Koontz , Murphy Suzanne McKeever
Published: January 2011

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to describe current trends in parent education on infant feeding in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and to clarify the role of the occupational therapist in educating parents.

Method. Questionnaires were mailed to 190 neonatologists across the United States who were asked to forward it to a NICU occupational therapist. The questionnaire gathered descriptive information about the structure of parent education in the NICU, the role of the occupational therapist in providing parent education, and demographics about respondents and their NICUs. The response rate was 53% (n = 100).

Results. All 100 hospitals responding provided parent education in some form, and most included a variety of topics and teaching methods. Occupational therapists were on the NICU team at 74 of the hospitals and were identified third most frequently as a provider of parent education. The occupational therapists were most frequently identified as responsible for teaching about positioning, infant development, and infant states and cues and were highly involved in educating parents about feeding.

Conclusion. Current parent education programs in NICUs are comprehensive in scope. Occupational therapists’ role in educating parents about infant care and feeding consists of a focus on certain topics where occupational therapists have specialized skills and education. Occupational therapists are recognized by their NICU colleagues as providers of parent education, but this study suggests that the occupational therapists’ role may not be clearly understood by other NICU professionals.
Exploration of the Perspectives of Persons With Schizophrenia Regarding Quality of Life
Authors: Laliberte-Rudman Deborah , Yu Betty , Scott Elizabeth , Pajouhandeh Parnian
Published: January 2011

Objective. This study is the first phase of a two-phase study aimed at exploring the perspectives of consumers with schizophrenia regarding quality of life and developing a quality-of-life assessment that addresses factors experienced as important by consumers.

Method. Focus groups were used to explore the perspectives of 35 persons with schizophrenia regarding the meaning of quality of life and factors important to quality of life.

Results. Seven major factors that had an impact on quality of life resulted from inductive analysis, including activity, social interaction, time, disclosure, “being normal,” finances, and management of illness. These factors relate to three overall themes: managing time, connecting and belonging, and making choices and maintaining control.

Conclusions. Although the findings confirm the importance of factors included in existing quality-of-life assessments, they also highlight the need to look at new dimensions of commonly included factors and to include other factors. The findings support beliefs regarding occupation that are central to occupational therapy and the use of occupation as means and ends of therapy.
Critical Pathway Development: An Integrative Literature Review
Authors: Harkleroad Andy , Schirf Dennis , Volpe Jack , Holm Margo B.
Published: January 2011

Objective. The purpose of this integrative literature review was to summarize and analyze the methods used to develop critical pathways.

Method. Relevant articles published in occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing, and medical journals between 1992 and 1997 were reviewed to extract various methods and the steps or criteria used for each method.

Results. Nine approaches to critical pathway development and the steps or criteria involved in each method are presented in tabular format. The most detailed approach was used as a gold standard, and the other approaches were compared to it.

Conclusion. This review should assist occupational therapy practitioners working with various diagnostic populations to understand the methods used, and steps involved, in the development of critical pathways. It should also serve as a resource for practitioners who have the opportunity to participate in critical pathway development.
Constructing Daily Routines: A Qualitative Examination of Mothers With Young Children With Disabilities
Authors: Kellegrew Diane Hammon
Published: January 2011

This qualitative research study explored the daily routines that mothers construct in response to the emerging self-care skills of their young children with disabilities. Over 2 months, data were collected from naturalistic observations and in-depth interviews of six mothers and their children. Ecocultural theory was used to examine the influence of ecological constraints and cultural values on the construction of routines. The daily occupations of these families were shaped by the simultaneous process of accommodating to ecocultural influences and anticipating future possibilities. A mother’s vision for her child’s future also played a pivotal role in determining whether emerging skills would be reinforced as a part of the home routines.
Time Use and Leisure Occupations of Young Offenders
Authors: Farnworth Louise
Published: January 2011

Objective. The overall goal of this study was to understand the time use, including leisure occupations, of a sample of young offenders in Melbourne, Australia.

Method. This study investigated how 37 probationary young offenders (from 13–18 years of age) spent their wakeful time during 1 week. The study used a combination of the Experience Sampling Method and interviewing. Participants were beeped 60 times over 7 days and, each time, they were asked to complete a questionnaire about the occupations in which they were engaged. Each participant was interviewed both before and after the Experience Sampling Method data collection about their everyday lives, including their leisure occupations. Data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively.

Results. The young offenders reported that they were engaged in leisure occupations, predominantly passive, 57% of the times beeped, and in personal care occupations 21% of the times beeped. Only 10% of the times beeped did they report being engaged in productive occupations such as education or employment. The time spent in passive leisure occupations was 30% higher than for the average Australian adolescent. Leaving school and lack of financial and human resources contributed to the high percentage of engagement in passive leisure occupations.

Conclusion. Findings from this study help us to understand the relationship between use of time and social well-being, particularly the nature of time use of young offenders, and will help to inform occupational therapy practices with such groups.
Children With Burn Injuries: Purposeful Activity Versus Rote Exercise
Authors: Melchert-McKearnan Kim , Deitz Jean , Engel Joyce M. , White Owen
Published: January 2011

Objective. This study was designed to compare measures of pain when children with burn injuries were engaged in a purposeful activity, specifically a play activity, versus rote exercise.

Method. Two 6-year-old children participated in a study using a single-subject, randomized multiple treatment design to compare two conditions: purposeful activity and rote exercise. Data were gathered for each session on four dependent measures: number of repetitions of therapeutic exercise completed, number and type of overt distress behaviors displayed, scores on self-report scales of pain intensity, and overall enjoyment of the activity.

Results. Visual inspection of the graphed data suggested that, early in the rehabilitation process, the use of a play activity in comparison to rote exercise yielded better outcomes in terms of all four dependent measures. Additionally, the data implied that there may be a point later in the rehabilitation of a child with a burn injury when rote exercise may be as effective as play activities in meeting therapeutic goals.

Conclusion. This study supports the belief that purposeful activity can yield results equal to or better than those achieved using rote exercise. Replication of this study is warranted, and the development is indicated of a measure of overt behavioral distress that is more appropriate than those currently available for children with burn injuries.
The Discovery of Disability: A Phenomenological Study of Unilateral Neglect
Authors: Tham Kerstin , Borell Lena , Gustavsson Anders
Published: January 2011

Objective. Clients with right brain damage and unilateral neglect often lack awareness of their disabilities. This study examined how 4 participants with neglect experienced, discovered, and handled their disabilities in the context of their everyday life.

Method. The 4 participants were interviewed five to seven times during their rehabilitation process. The data were collected and analyzed using the EPP (empirical, phenomenological, psychological) method.

Findings. Findings revealed seven features that described a discovery process for the 4 participants. During this process, each participant began to discover and understand the consequences of her unilateral neglect in the performance of everyday tasks. This increased understanding was a prerequisite to being able to use compensatory strategies.

Conclusion. By experiencing meaningful occupational situations, the participants gradually discovered and began to compensate for their disabilities in everyday life.
COTA Education and Professional Development: A Historical Review
Authors: Fleming Cottrell Rita P.
Published: January 2011

This article provides a historical review of certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA) education, professional roles, career mobility, and professional development. The evolution of COTA education from 2 hospital-based, 12-week training programs to the current 162 accredited 2-year college degree or professional certificate programs is examined. The expansion of the COTA role from well-delineated direct service provider to advanced practitioner able to assume leadership roles within the profession is explored. Historic and current programs and methods supportive of COTA career mobility and professional development goals, including the Career Mobility Program, continuing education, career laddering, and the Advanced Practitioner program are described.
COTA to OTR: Factors Influencing Professional Development
Authors: Fleming Cottrell Rita P.
Published: January 2011

Objective. This pilot study examined factors that influenced the pursuit of a professional educational degree by certified occupational therapy assistants (COTAs) seeking to become registered occupational therapists (OTRs).

Method. Questionnaires were distributed to 92 COTAs attending a weekend professional occupational therapy education program.

Results. Although the stressors on these students were many, the depth and breadth of motivators, resources, and supports and the availability of weekend classes enabled this group of COTAs to pursue their professional development goal. Enabling the pursuit of professional degrees while working was viewed by the participants as essential to their professional development and career mobility.

Recommendations. Strategies for meeting the diverse needs of COTAs and other nontraditional adult students seeking a professional degree in occupational therapy are identified and need to be supported by educators and practitioners. An increased appreciation of the challenges faced by these students and the development of innovative programming to meet their educational needs will strengthen the profession’s ability to recruit and retain diverse, competent practitioners.
The Predictive Power of Narrative Data in Occupational Therapy Evaluation
Authors: Simmons Douglas C. , Crepeau Elizabeth Blesedell , White Barbara Prudhomme
Published: January 2011

Objective. This study examined whether adding the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) to existing occupational therapy evaluation measures used in a subacute skilled nursing facility unit enhanced the accuracy of therapists’ predictions of the functional status of clients at discharge.

Method. This study utilized a prospective comparison design. Two independent predictive variables were developed using the standard Functional Independent Measure (FIM), and an enhanced FIM that included narrative information from the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (FIM/COPM). These variables were subsequently compared with the actual FIM discharge (DFIM) scores for 31 clients. The primary author (D.S.) gathered data from chart review and conducted the statistical analysis. The data were analyzed using descriptive correlations (Pearson r) and comparison statistics (Wilcoxon signed rank test).

Results. Comparison statistics (Wilcoxon signed rank test) revealed a statistically significant difference between the standard FIM predictive score and the discharge FIM score. No statistically significant difference was found between the FIM/COPM predictive score and the discharge FIM score. These findings suggest that predictive scores based solely on information attained from the standard FIM resulted in less accuracy in outcome predictions. Correlational analyses further supported these conclusions.

Conclusion. The findings support the study hypothesis that use of the COPM in combination with the FIM enhances accuracy in prediction of outcomes for rehabilitative services for persons in adult physical disabilities settings.
The Effects of Hands-on Occupation Versus Demonstration on Children’s Recall Memory
Authors: Hartman Beth A. , Miller Barbara Kopp , Nelson David L.
Published: January 2011

Objective. Hands-on learning has been an important aspect of the profession of occupational therapy since its founding. The purpose of this study was to determine whether children engaged in hands-on learning would be able to recall more of the steps and more of the correct order of the steps of an occupation than children engaged in a demonstration teaching method.

Method. After being randomly assigned, 73 healthy third-graders (42 girls and 31 boys) either participated in making a model of a volcano or observed the making of a model of a volcano. Following task completion, both groups were asked to recall and state as many of the 41 syntactical units as possible in their proper order. The children’s responses were audiotaped and scored in a blind fashion according to predetermined criteria. Interrater reliability was excellent.

Results. A t-test revealed a significant difference between conditions in terms of free recall scores, with children in the hands-on condition having a greater recall score, t (71) = 2.63, p < .005. The effect size d equaled .62. A MannWhitney U Test revealed no significant difference between conditions in terms of remembering the steps in proper order (the lack of a significant difference may have been due to a problem of measurement).

Conclusion. The results of this study demonstrated that participants were able to recall more information when engaged in a hands-on teaching method as compared with a demonstration method. It is suggested that the learning advantages of hands-on occupation are related to the enhanced sensory/perceptual experiences and the feelings of success that are characteristic of hands-on learning, as opposed to passive forms of learning.
Role Perceptions of Occupational Therapists Providing Support and Education for Caregivers of Persons With Dementia
Authors: Toth-Cohen Susan
Published: January 2011

Objective. This pilot study explored occupational therapists’ perceptions of their roles as interventionists providing education and support for caregivers of persons with dementia. The intervention was provided in caregivers’ homes as part of a larger funded study.

Method. Interviews were conducted with four occupational therapists to elicit their reflections on practice and their views on occupational therapy services on the basis of their experiences providing support and education for caregivers in the funded study.

Results. Key themes consisted of the contrasts between the therapists’ roles in the study and their customary practices and the professional and personal impact of their role in the study. Their recommendations for occupational therapy services emphasized the need to (a) collaborate with patients, families, and other health care staff members to solve problems; (b) acknowledge others as experts; (c) include family perspectives; and (d) fully address the needs of patients and families in their home environments.

Conclusion. Providing support and education for caregivers in the community can be a major transition for therapists accustomed to practicing in more traditional settings. Additional research is needed to explore the ways in which specific practice contexts influence delivery of occupational therapy services.
The Joint Protection Behavior Assessment: A Reliability Study
Authors: Klompenhouwer Petra J. , Lysack Catherine , Dijkers Marcel , Hammond Alison
Published: January 2011

Objective. Of the various measures developed for studying persons with rheumatoid arthritis, only one that focuses on joint protection has undergone extensive testing, the Joint Protection Behavior Assessment (JPBA).The purpose of the present study was to examine the interater and intrarater reliability of the JPBA.

Method. Six healthy participants performed the JPBA under three test conditions (uninformed, informed, completely guided joint protection behavior). The 18 test performances were videotaped and scored by nine independent raters.

Results. Analysis of these data showed that interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]) was .90 or higher, and intrarater reliability was .95 or higher (ICC). The correlation between the JPBA and its two shortened versions was .95 or higher (ICC). Internal consistency was also high, with a coefficient alpha of 0.95 for the complete JPBA. Kappa values showed that for most subtasks, there was fair to excellent agreement between raters and consistency of raters over time.

Conclusion.Our data suggest that the complete JPBA has excellent clinimetric properties and that the shortened versions are adequate for clinical situations. Some improvements in the test manual suggested by the present study may further improve the measure. A repeat of this study under real-world circumstances would provide an estimate of JPBA reliability in clinical practice.
Perspectives on Faculty Clinical Practice: Views of Occupational Therapy Curriculum Chairpersons and Faculty Members
Authors: Scoggin Angela E. , Gibson Robert W. , Hanson Carolyn
Published: January 2011

Objective. This study investigated whether and how faculty clinical practice (FCP) was being implemented in occupational therapy professional education programs.

Method. Chairpersons and faculty members from all accredited entry-level occupational therapy curricula in the United States were asked to complete questionnaires about their involvement in FCP. The chairperson questionnaire consisted of primarily closed-ended questions that addressed the organization of faculty practice within their programs, whereas the faculty questionnaire was primarily open-ended and addressed faculty members’ individual involvement in FCP as well as the perceived benefits and drawbacks. Responses were analyzed for 39 program chairpersons and 136 faculty members were analyzed.

Results. Twenty-five chairperson respondents reported that their educational program had FCP, and 44 faculty respondents indicated involvement in FCP during the past year. FCP was more prevalent in public-funded institutions and academic health centers. Faculty members primarily engaged in FCP in order to stay current, enhance teaching, and develop networks. They reported increased credibility with students as an important benefit of clinical practice. The primary reasons faculty members did not engage in clinical practice were insufficient time and institutional policies.

Conclusion. Although many faculty members in occupational therapy education programs value clinical practice as a part of their educator role, it is necessary to negotiate responsibilities and rewards to prevent role overload and comply with institutional policies.
Pressure Garment Adherence in Adult Patients With Burn Injuries: An Analysis of Patient and Clinician Perceptions
Authors: Stewart René , Bhagwanjee Anil M. , Mbakaza Yoliswa , Binase Tabisa
Published: January 2011

Objective. This study provides a descriptive analysis of the factors affecting pressure garment adherence from the perspective of adult patients with burn injuries and occupational therapy clinicians.

Method. Questionnaires were administered to 23 adult patients with burn injuries and 10 occupational therapy clinicians selected from six provincial hospitals in a large metropolitan area in South Africa. Adherence behavior was evaluated from the perspective of both sample groups in terms of four variables: garment type, garment comfort, garment cosmesis, and garment instructions.

Results. Adherence behavior was negatively influenced by differences in both patient and clinician perceptions across several variables, including the types and consequences of skin problems arising from pressure garment use, levels of satisfaction with garment construction and color, and the issuing and understanding of garment instructions. Other factors compromising adherence behavior included the negative effects of visible burn disfigurement, the issuing of pressure garments after hypertrophic scarring had developed, a lack of patient choice in the selection of scar management techniques, and a lack of social support in the wearing of pressure garments.

Conclusion. Much of what is traditionally understood as “patient nonadherence” appeared to be largely because of rational choices made by patients in the face of several difficulties they experienced with the current form and nature of their pressure garment therapy. On the basis of these findings, a range of patient-centered interventions are indicated to enhance treatment efficacy and consumer satisfaction with this treatment regimen, including horizontal rather than vertical therapist–patient communication, closer interaction among members of the health care team, the facilitation of family and social support, and interactive health education interventions.
Downslope windstorm in Iceland – WRF/MM5 model comparison
Authors: Rögnvaldsson Ó. , Bao J.-W. , Ágústsson H. , Ólafsson H.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. A severe windstorm downstream of Mt. Öræfajökull in Southeast Iceland is simulated on a grid of 1 km horizontal resolution by using the PSU/NCAR MM5 model and the Advanced Research WRF model. Both models are run with a new, two equation planetary boundary layer (PBL) scheme as well as the ETA/MYJ PBL schemes. The storm is also simulated using six different micro-physics schemes in combination with the MYJ PBL scheme in WRF, as well as one "dry" run. Output from a 3 km MM5 domain simulation is used to initialise and drive both the 1 km MM5 and WRF simulations. Both models capture gravity-wave breaking over Mt. Öræfajökull, while the vertical structure of the lee wave differs between the two models and the PBL schemes. The WRF simulated downslope winds, using both the MYJ and 2EQ PBL schemes, are in good agreement with the strength of the observed downslope windstorm. The MM5 simulated surface winds, with the new two equation model, are in better agreement to observations than when using the ETA scheme. Micro-physics processes are shown to play an important role in the formation of downslope windstorms and a correctly simulated moisture distribution is decisive for a successful windstorm prediction. Of the micro-physics schemes tested, only the Thompson scheme captures the downslope windstorm.
Production of artificial ionospheric layers by frequency sweeping near the 2nd gyroharmonic
Authors: Pedersen T. , McCarrick M. , Reinisch B. , Watkins B. , Hamel R. , Paznukhov V.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. Artificial ionospheric plasmas descending from the background F-region have been observed on multiple occasions at the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) facility since it reached full 3.6 MW power. Proximity of the transmitter frequency to the 2nd harmonic of the electron gyrofrequency (2fce) has been noted as a requirement for their occurrence, and their disappearance after only a few minutes has been attributed to the increasing frequency mismatch at lower altitudes. We report new experiments employing frequency sweeps to match 2fce in the artificial plasmas as they descend. In addition to revealing the dependence on the 2fce resonance, this technique reliably produces descending plasmas in multiple transmitter beam positions and appears to increase their stability and lifetime. High-speed ionosonde measurements are used to monitor the altitude and density of the artificial plasmas during both the formation and decay stages.
Quelle sorte d'être est le soi? Les implications ontologiques d'une herméneutique du soi
Authors: Vallée Marc-Antoine
Published: January 2011

Cet article vise à dégager les implications ontologiques du projet Ricoeurien d’une herméneutique du soi tel que formulé dans Soi-même comme un autre. L’auteur retrace d’abord la double approche de Ricoeur proposant de penser l’attestation du soi suivant la notion aristotélicienne de l’être-vrai et l’homme capable selon les catégories de l’acte et de la puissance. Soulignant le caractère fragmentaire et insuffisant des analyses de Ricoeur, il explore ensuite une troisième façon de nommer l’être du soi selon la catégorie de la relation, développant ainsi l’idée d’une “ontologie de la relation” sous-jacente à cette herméneutique du soi. This article aims to make explicit the ontological implications of the Ricœurian project of a hermeneutics of self as formulated in Oneself as Another. The author first redraws Ricœur’s double approach proposing to think the attestation of the self following the Aristotelian notion of being-true and the capable man following the categories of actuality and potentiality. Underlining the fragmentary nature and the incompleteness of Ricœur’s analysis, he then explores a third way to speak about the being of the self following the category of relation, thus developing the idea of an underlying “ontology of the relation” implied by this hermeneutics of the self.
Hermeneutics of the Self
Authors: Davidson Scott , Michel Johann
Published: January 2011

The authors present the inaugural issue of ERRS.
Successful Treatment of Chronic Osteomyelitis of the Radius
Authors: O'Neill Barry J. , Hirpara Kieran M. , Kaar T. Kenneth
Published: December 2010

Chronic osteomyelitis is uncommon in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Current migration trends with an influx of people from less affluent nations may result in more cases of chronic osteomyelitis being seen in community and hospital practice. We report on a case of chronic osteomyelitis of the radius and document current treatment recommendations.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of the Role of Grain Boundary Misorientation Angle on the Dislocation–Grain Boundary Interactions
Authors: Canadinc Demircan , Biyikli Emre , Niendorf Thomas , Maier Hans Jürgen
Published: December 2010

The role of grain boundary misorientation angles on the dislocation–grain boundary interactions was incorporated into a micro hardening scheme. The current formulation is applicable to both coarse‐ and ultrafine‐grained alloys, and evidences the experimentally observed dominant role of the misorientation angles on the deformation response of the latter.
A Novel Strategy for the Design of Advanced Engineering Alloys—Strengthening Turbine Disk Superalloys via Twinning Structures
Authors: Yuan Yong , Gu Yuefeng , Cui Chuanyong , Osada Toshio , Yokokawa Tadaharu , Harada Hiroshi
Published: December 2010

A novel strategy for designing advanced engineering superalloys using twin structure is presented. By inducing numerous annealing and deformation twins, a new advanced polycrystalline Ni–Co‐base superalloy (TMW‐4M3 alloy) has been developed, which has low stacking fault energy, enhanced tensile and creep strength without degrading other mechanical properties such as low cycle fatigue and crack growth resistance. Based on TEM analysis, the twin strengthening mechanism is proposed.
Microtomography and Creep Modeling of a Short Fiber Reinforced Aluminum Piston Alloy
Authors: Marks Esteban , Requena Guillermo , Degischer Hans‐Peter , Boller Elodie
Published: December 2010

Interconnectivity between eutectic silicon and short fibers in an AlSi12CuNiMg/Al2O3/15s composite increases with long‐term creep exposure time due to diffusion. It is also observed that the stationary creep rate decreases significantly compared to the initial stationary creep rate. Interconnectivity between rigid phases is analyzed and three‐dimensional statistical functions are applied to deduce the representative volume elements of the composite in different conditions. Unit cell geometrical models are generated to simulate the stationary creep behavior using the finite element method.