bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Representaciones del homoerotismo femenino en algunos textos románicos
Authors: Lacarra Lanz Eukene
Published: October 2011

L’objectif de ce travail est d’examiner la présence de l’homoérotisme féminin et sa représentation dans divers textes littéraires en langues romanes écrits entre la fin du xiie et le xive siècle, ainsi que d’étudier l’inquiétude avec laquelle la société fait face à ce phénomène. La tâche la plus difficile est de découvrir/retrouver les textes, non seulement parce que ces relations sont maintenues secrètes et sont quasi invisibles, mais aussi en raison de la duplicité du lexique. D’où l’intérêt de la proposition de Bennett d’inclure dans l’étude du lesbianisme une nouvelle catégorie qu’il nomme le lesbian-like, et simultanément la difficulté d’analyser les textes en fonction de ladite catégorie, puisqu’il faut procéder avec beaucoup de précaution afin d’éviter le danger de la surinterprétation qui induirait une lecture erronée d’expressions d’amitié comme des manifestations de désir érotique.

El objetivo de este trabajo es examinar la presencia del homoerotismo femenino y su representación en varios textos literarios románicos escritos entre finales del siglo xii y el siglo xiv y la ansiedad con que la sociedad se enfrenta a este fenómeno. La tarea más difícil es descubrir los textos, no sólo porque estas relaciones se mantienen en secreto y son casi invisibles, sino también por la duplicidad del léxico. De ahí  el interés de la propuesta de Bennett de incluir en el estudio del lesbianismo una nueva categoría que denomina lesbian-like, y simultáneamente la dificultaddeanalizar los textos de acuerdo con ella, pues hay que tener mucha precaución para evitar el peligro de sobre-interpretar y de confundir expresiones de amistad con manifestaciones de deseo erótico.

The objective of this paper is to examine the presence of feminine homoeroticism and its representation in various Romanesque literary texts from the late XII to the XIV centuries as well as the anxiety with which society confronts this issue. The most difficult task is to discover the texts themselves, not only because these types of relationships are maintained secret and therefore virtually invisible but also due to the double-meanings often found in the language. For this reason Benett’s proposal to include “lesbian-like” as a new category in the study of lesbianism is interesting while noting the difficulty of analysing the texts accordingly, since one must be careful to avoid over-interpretation or taking simple expressions of friendship for manifestations of erotic desire.
La symbolique des lieux : pour une géographie des relations entre espace, pouvoir et identité
Authors: Monnet Jérôme
Published: October 2011

Les relations entre l´espace, le pouvoir et l´identité sont nécessairement médiatisées par des symboles. Un symbole étant une réalité matérielle (un bâtiment, une statue, une pièce de monnaie, etc.) qui communique quelque chose d´immatériel (une idée, une valeur, un sentiment...), le lieu du pouvoir serait ainsi par définition un lieu symbolique, à la fois porteur de pouvoir dans l´ordre spatial et porteur de l´espace dans l´ordre du pouvoir. Les médiations symboliques entre ces différents ordres de la réalité ne se produisent et ne comprennent donc que dans le contexte où elles apparaissent. Un lieu peut être considéré comme « symbolique » dans la mesure où il signifie quelque chose pour un ensemble d´individus ; ce faisant, il contribue à donner son identité à ce groupe. A l´aide d´exemples pris dans les Amériques, cet article évoque les modalités de production et de contrôle d´espaces symboliques par les autorités publiques, les sociétés civiles et les acteurs économiques.
Des appareils photo jetables au service d´un projet de développement : représentations paysagères et stratégies des acteurs locaux de la montagne thiernoise
Authors: Michelin Yves
Published: October 2011

Dans le but d´élaborer une méthode simple d´analyse des représentations du paysage par des habitants, une expérience a été conduite dans la montagne thiernoise auprès de six élus locaux. Chacun a reçu un appareil photo jetable et une liste de questions concernant le paysage de sa commune qu´il devait illustrer par ses propres clichés. Un entretien individuel utilisant ces clichés comme support a ensuite permis de mieux cerner les différentes dimensions du paysage (intime, identitaire), les éléments jugés négativement et les tendances évolutives. Les réactions très positives à ce premier travail montrent que le paysage peut être un élément mobilisateur des élus locaux. Même si cette technique reste à améliorer, elle peut déjà aider des agents de terrain non spécialistes à mieux comprendre le poids des représentations paysagères dans les motivations et les actes des acteurs locaux pour lesquels ils travaillent.
Split Immunity: Immune Inhibition of Rat Gliomas by Subcutaneous Exposure to Unmodified Live Tumor Cells
Authors: Volovitz Ilan , Marmor Yotvat , Azulay Meir , Machlenkin Arthur , Goldberger Ofir , Mor Felix , Slavin Shimon , Ram Zvi , Cohen Irun R. , Eisenbach Lea
Published: October 2011

Gliomas that grow uninhibited in the brain almost never metastasize outside the CNS. The rare occurrences of extracranial metastasis are usually associated with a suppressed immune system. This observation raises the possibility that some gliomas might not grow outside the CNS due to an inherent immune response, We report in this study that the highly malignant F98 Fischer rat undifferentiated glioma, which grows aggressively in the brain, spontaneously regresses when injected live s.c. We found that this regression is immune-mediated and that it markedly enhances the survival or cures rats challenged with the same tumor intracranially either before or after the s.c. live-cell treatment. Adoptive transfer experiments showed the effect was immune-mediated and that the CD8 T cell fraction, which exhibited direct tumor cytotoxicity, was more effective than the CD4 T cell fraction in mediating resistance to intracranial challenge of naive rats. Brain tumors from treated rats exhibited enhanced CD3+CD8+CD4− and CD3+CD4+CD8− T cell infiltration and IFN-γ secretion. The results in the F98 glioma were corroborated in the Lewis rat CNS-1 astrocytoma. In both tumor models, s.c. treatment with live cells was significantly better than immunization with irradiated cells. We propose in this study a location-based immunotherapeutic phenomenon we term “split immunity”: a tumor that thrives in an immune-privileged site may be inhibited by injecting live, unmodified tumor cells into a site that is not privileged, generating protective immunity that spreads back to the privileged site. Split immunity could explain several long-standing paradoxes regarding the lack of overt extracranial metastasis in patients with primary brain tumors.
Activation of Autophagy by α-Herpesviruses in Myeloid Cells Is Mediated by Cytoplasmic Viral DNA through a Mechanism Dependent on Stimulator of IFN Genes
Authors: Rasmussen Simon B. , Horan Kristy A. , Holm Christian K. , Stranks Amanda J. , Mettenleiter Thomas C. , Simon A. Katharina , Jensen Søren B. , Rixon Frazer J. , He Bin , Paludan Søren R.
Published: October 2011

Autophagy has been established as a player in host defense against viruses. The mechanisms by which the host induces autophagy during infection are diverse. In the case of HSV type 1 (HSV-1), dsRNA-dependent protein kinase is essential for induction of autophagy in fibroblasts through phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α). HSV-1 counteracts autophagy via ICP34.5, which dephosphorylates eIF2α and inhibits Beclin 1. Investigation of autophagy during HSV-1 infection has largely been conducted in permissive cells, but recent work suggests the existence of a eIF2α-independent autophagy-inducing pathway in nonpermissive cells. To clarify and further characterize the existence of a novel autophagy-inducing pathway in nonpermissive cells, we examined different HSV and cellular components in murine myeloid cells for their role in autophagy. We demonstrate that HSV-1–induced autophagy does not correlate with phosphorylation of eIF2α, is independent of functional dsRNA-dependent protein kinase, and is not antagonized by ICP34.5. Autophagy was activated independent of viral gene expression, but required viral entry. Importantly, we found that the presence of genomic DNA in the virion was essential for induction of autophagy and, conversely, that transfection of HSV-derived DNA induced microtubule-associated protein 1 L chain II formation, a marker of autophagy. This occurred through a mechanism dependent on stimulator of IFN genes, an essential component for the IFN response to intracellular DNA. Finally, we observed that HSV-1 DNA was present in the cytosol devoid of capsid material following HSV-1 infection of dendritic cells. Thus, our data suggest that HSV-1 genomic DNA induces autophagy in nonpermissive cells in a stimulator of IFN gene-dependent manner.
Conditional Deletion of TGF-βR1 Using Langerin-Cre Mice Results in Langerhans Cell Deficiency and Reduced Contact Hypersensitivity
Authors: Zahner Sonja P. , Kel Junda M. , Martina Cerithsa A. E. , Brouwers-Haspels Inge , van Roon Marian A. , Clausen Björn E.
Published: October 2011

The critical role of Langerhans cells (LC) in contact hypersensitivity (CHS) was recently questioned in studies using different LC-depletion mouse models. On one hand, inducible ablation of LC led to diminished ear swelling, suggesting functional redundancy between LC and (Langerin+) dermal dendritic cells (DC). On the other hand, constitutive or acute depletion of LC resulted in an enhanced reaction, supporting a regulatory role of LC in CHS. To address this controversy by conditional gene targeting, we generated Langerin-Cre knockin mice. Breeding these mice to a Cre-reporter strain demonstrated robust and specific DNA recombination in LC, as well as other Langerin+ tissue DC. In agreement with the vital requirement of TGF-β signaling for LC development, crossing Langerin-Cre to mice homozygous for a loxP-flanked TGF-βR1 allele resulted in permanent LC deficiency, whereas the homeostasis of dermal Langerin+ DC was unaffected. In the absence of LC, induction of CHS in these Langerin+ DC-specific TGF-βR1–deficient mice elicited decreased ear swelling compared with controls. This novel approach provided further evidence against a regulatory function of LC in CHS. Moreover, these Langerin-Cre mice represent a unique and powerful tool to dissect the role and molecular control of Langerin+ DC populations beyond LC.
A Graphite Oxide Paper Polymer Electrolyte for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
Authors: Kumar Ravi , Mamlouk Mohamed , Scott Keith
Published: October 2011

A flow directed assembly of graphite oxide solution was used in the formation of free-standing graphene oxide paper of approximate thickness of 100 μm. The GO papers were characterised by XRD and SEM. Electrochemical characterization of the GO paper membrane electrode assembly revealed proton conductivities of 4.1 × 10−2 S cm−1to 8.2 × 10−2 S cm−1at temperatures of 25–90°C. A direct methanol fuel cell, at 60°C, gave a peak power density of 8 mW cm−2at a current density of 35 mA cm−2.
Work-related well-being of South African hospital pharmacists
Authors: Rothmann Sebastiaan , Malan Madeleine
Published: October 2011

Orientation: Hospital pharmacists in South Africa are experiencing increased stress because of the high demand for their services, a lack of resources in hospital pharmacies, and the shortage of pharmacists in South Africa.Research purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate whether job stress and coping strategies could predict the work-related well-being (burnout and work engagement) of hospital pharmacists in South Africa.Motivation for the study: Information about the work-related well-being and coping strategies of hospital pharmacists could be used to plan individual and organisational interventions which can be used to retain them and to manage their well-being and performance.Research design, approach and method: A survey design was used. A stratified random sample (N = 187) of pharmacists in South African hospitals was studied. The Maslach Burnout Inventory – Human Services Survey, Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, Pharmacist Stress Inventory and the COPE questionnaire were administered.Main findings: The results showed that job related stress and three coping strategies (approach coping, avoidant coping, and turning to religion) predicted burnout and work engagement of South African hospital pharmacists.Practical implications: Job stressors that are in the main responsible for the unfavourable work environment and that lead to the development of burnout amongst hospital pharmacists should be addressed. It is also important to enhance the coping capabilities of the hospital pharmacists.Contribution/value-add: The findings of this study provide insight into the factors impacting on the work-related well-being of hospital pharmacists in South Africa.
Anticipating Retirement: The Formation of Narratives Concerning an Occupational Transition
Authors: Jonsson Hans , Kielhofner Gary , Borell Lena
Published: October 2011

Objective. This study is the first part of a longitudinal investigation of the retirement process. This stage of the inquiry concerned how older persons anticipate their retirement.

Method. Thirty-two workers were randomly selected from all workers age 63 years in a suburb of Stockholm. They participated in semistructured interviews about their work and their expectations for retirement.

Results. The participants’ narratives illustrated the complex work of interpreting the past and expected meaning in one’s occupational life. The narratives, which anticipated widely different future trajectories, revealed many of the challenges and dilemmas of anticipating retirement and the close association of work experience to expectations for retirement. In particular, the narratives highlighted the participants’ concerns about maintaining the quality of experience in activity. The findings also demonstrate the process by which persons anticipate and make choices about life change.

Conclusions. People anticipate retirement through volitional narratives in which they link together past, present, and future. Understanding this volitional process of interpreting, anticipating, and making choices is important to understanding how people adapt to life changes.
Forced Use of the Upper Extremity in Cerebral Palsy: A Single-Case Design
Authors: Crocker Michelle D. , MacKay-Lyons Marilyn , McDonnell Elizabeth
Published: October 2011

Objective. Muscle imbalance and poor control of movement can have an impact on the daily occupational functioning of children with cerebral palsy. When one side of the body functions better than the other children will often prefer to use the less-involved upper extremity for completion of play and self-care activities because they have learned that the other hand does not function as effectively. This study examined a method purported to overcome this learned nonuse other affected upper extremity by directing the child’s attention to this extremity and increasing his or her motivation to use it. The research hypothesis was that restriction other less-involved hand with a resting splint would result in increased use of the more-involved hand in a child with spastic cerebral palsy.

Method. Initially, two children with cerebral palsy participated in this single-subject, ABA design study, but only one subject complied with the splint-wearing schedule and completed the study. This subject was a 2-year-old girl with greater involvement of the right side than the left. During the experimental phase, she wore a resting splint on her less-involved hand for most of the waking hours of the day to restrict its use. Data were collected over a 7week period (2 weeks presplinting, 3 weeks splinting, 2 weeks postsplinting) and at a 6-month follow-up. Use of the more-involved extremity was measured through analysis of her performance during 15-min Videotaped sessions of free play, administration of items from the Peabody Developmental Fine Motor Scales, and completion of a daily finger-feeding task.

Results. An improvement in quality, quantity, and variety of use of the more-involved extremity after splinting, with some continuing improvement evident at follow up, was found. The subject had increased voluntary control other more-involved arm and hand and used them more spontaneously for completion of daily occupations.

Conclusions. Although the results of this single-case design are encouraging, further research with a randomized, controlled design is necessary to determine the effectiveness of the forced-use technique with a larger population.
Development of a Post-Offer Screening Tool for Patient Support Services
Authors: Laflin Krystal , Aja Diane , Banasiak Nanci
Published: October 2011

Objectives. The purpose of our project was to develop a post-offer screening tool that demonstrates interrater reliability, predictive validity, and face validity and that accurately represents the physical demands of the patient support services (lifting team) job at our health care facility.

Methods. The screening tool, which consists of 11 static and dynamic tasks, was developed, using the 13 incumbent staff members of the patient support services department, to determine whether the criteria established for each task matched the physical abilities of at least 80% of the total group tested. Test-retest design was used for this study. Intraclass correlation coefficients and the Kappa statistic were used to calculate interrater reliability. Face validity was determined through the Job Similarity Questionnaire completed by all subjects.

Results. Subjects did not meet criteria established for the static knee pull and the knuckle-to-elbow lift tasks, resulting in modification of these two criteria. Interrater reliability ranged from .22 for the maximum static pull wall task to .94 for the left-hand grip strength task. Face validity ranged from 53.9% to 92.4%.

Conclusion. Although face validity of the Job Similarity Questionnaire represented a wide range, we believe that the results were homogeneous enough to continue with the screening tool unchanged, except for lowering the expected outcome on two tasks. Interrater reliability was established for 75% of the tasks. The lack of variation of data for the other 25% prevented statistical analysis of those tasks but confirmed that all staff members met the physical criteria.
Occupational Therapy’s Link to Vocational Reeducation, 1910–1925
Authors: Gutman Sharon A.
Published: October 2011

The development of occupational therapy is rooted in early 20th century medical reform. During the early 1910s, several members of the medical profession, human service workers, and the larger American society were increasingly disturbed by medical practices that did not consider the individual’s personal experience of disability. Occupational therapy was developed, in part, out of this desire to provide persons with treatment that helped them to function in their communities despite their disability. Early occupational therapy leaders envisioned the fledgling profession as a societal service capable of assisting persons with disabilities to return to both work and community life. Vocational reeducation was initially considered to be an integral component of occupational therapy in the years from 1910 to 1920. However, the profession’s early link to vocational reeducation was challenged by vocational technical trainers during World War I. To prevent occupational therapy from being subsumed by vocational technical training, the early occupational therapy leaders implemented several strategies: adoption of physician prescription for all occupational therapy services, delivery of occupational therapy services primarily within hospital settings, and dissociation from vocational reeducation services. Reasons accounting for why the early occupational therapy leaders abandoned their initial commitment to vocational reeducation are explored Suggestions about how this decision has affected present-day practice are also offered.
Prenatal Cocaine Exposure and Mother–Infant Interaction: Implications for Occupational Therapy Intervention
Authors: Miller Heather
Published: October 2011

The literature from multiple disciplines on in utero cocaine exposure and mother–infant interaction and attachment was examined for possible relationships and implications for occupational therapists. Maternal cocaine use and neurobehavioral deficits in neonates prenatally exposed to cocaine may result in interactional difficulties between mother and infant. Knowledge of child development, sensory regulation, and infant cues will enable therapists to assist the mother in creating positive interactive experiences between herself and her child.
Helping Clients Develop Hopes for the Future
Authors: Spencer Jean , Davidson Harriett , White Virginia
Published: October 2011

The purposes of this article are (a) to examine cognitive, emotional, and spiritual aspects of hope as reflected in the literature; (b) to describe three clinical approaches that have been used in occupational therapy to engage clients in development of hopes for the future; and (c) to consider practical issues that have been raised by therapists seeking to incorporate development of hopes in their practice. Literature from health care and the social sciences indicates that cognitive, emotional, and spiritual aspects of hope are interwoven in a complex process that evolves over time after major loss. Three alternative clinical strategies for collaborating with clients in developing hopes are reviewed, including a goal-setting and goal-attainment approach, an occupational change approach, and a life history approach. These clinical strategies are illustrated by the stories of an elderly mental health client, an adult rehabilitation client, and an adolescent orthopedic client, which are drawn from research in which the authors have been involved. Discussion of issues involved in incorporating hope work into daily practice is based on the experiences of practicing therapists who participated in a workshop. These include pragmatic issues of documentation and reimbursement of this aspect of practice as well as clinical issues of how to develop hopes among clients who appear hopeless.
Effects of Object Characteristics on Female Grasp Patterns
Authors: Fuller Yvonne , Trombly Catherine A.
Published: October 2011

Objective. This study determined which object characteristics had an effect on grasp when adult women took a drink from a cup.

Method. Thirty women aged 20 to 45 years (M = 27.6years) were randomly assigned to a sequence for each of three experiments. The first experiment tested the grasp pattern used for cups of same height and weight but with different-sized handles. The second experiment tested the grasp pattern for cups of varied height but with same-sized handles and same weight. The third experiment tested the grasp pattern for cups of varied weight but with same-sized handles and same height. The grasp patterns were recorded by a videocamera placed across from the subjects.

Results. The number of fingers placed through the handle was found to be significantly greater for the cup with a larger handle than for the cups with the smaller handles when cup size and weight were held constant, X2(2) = 49.8, P < .001. No significant difference was found in the number of supporting fingers for varying cup heights or weights.

Conclusion. The results support other research that has stated that handle size accounted for the change in grasp pattern. Because motor performance is affected by the object characteristics as well as personal abilities, adaptation of characteristics, such as handle size, for persons with limited hand use may provide an environment that evokes more optimal performance.
Factor Analysis on the Sensory Profile From a National Sample of Children Without Disabilities
Authors: Dunn Winnie , Brown Catana
Published: October 2011

Objective. The purpose of this study was to identify relationships in the 125 items of the revised Sensory Profile, a tool designed to assess children’s responses to commonly occurring sensory events.

Method. Parents of 1,115 children ages 3 to 10 years and without disabilities completed the Sensory Profile. The parents reported the percentage of time their children engaged in each of the 125 behaviors listed on the profile.

Results. Factor analysis revealed nine discreet factors that indicate sensory modulation and responsiveness: sensory seeking, emotionally reactive, low endurance/tone, oral sensory sensitivity, inattention/distractibility, poor registration, sensory sensitivity, sedentary, and fine motor/perceptual.

Conclusions. In addition to the traditional method of organizing sensory history information by sensory system, we may need to consider a person’s thresholds to sensory events as well as his or her responsiveness to sensation. Because the Sensory Profile factors in these children without disabilities are similar to patterns observed in children with various disabilities, it may be that some sensory processing problems are related to intensity or duration of behaviors as they begin to interfere with functional performance in daily life.
In-Hand Manipulation in Young Children: Rotation of an Object in the Fingers
Authors: Pehoski Charlane , Henderson Anne , Tickle-Degnen Linda
Published: October 2011

Objective. The purpose of this study was to look at the development of two in-hand skills of rotation. Three questions were asked: (a) Do boys, and girls, performance differ significantly? (b) Does performance improve with age? and (c) Can periods of rapid improvement with age be seen on the tasks presented?

Method. The in-hand manipulation skill of rotation was measured in 154 right-handed children between the ages of 3-0 years and 6-11 years as well as in 13 adults. The participants were videotaped as they either turned over small pegs in a pegboard or rotated a peg in their fingertips. The number of pegs dropped when turning and placing them back in the board, the number of times a peg could be rotated in the fingertips, the time it took to complete each task, and the methods participants used to accomplish the two tasks were recorded from the videotapes.

Results. The results indicated no differences between the performance of boys and girls on any of the variables studied, but performance did change with age, and periods of rapid change were identified. Further, when compared on methods used, the children did not achieve the same speed or consistency as the adult participants.

Conclusion. The development of in-hand manipulation skills of rotation involves improvement in the dimensions of speed, method, and consistency. Observation of these skills in a child can add to a therapist’s understanding of the child’s fine motor abilities. The variability in children’s performance needs to be considered in both evaluation and treatment planning.
Comparison of the Performance of Younger and Older Adults on Three Versions of a Puzzle Reproduction Task
Authors: Katz Noomi , Champagne Deryl , Cermak Sharon
Published: October 2011

Objectives. Because constructional ability is a crucial perceptual-motor skill that relates to daily functioning, it should be accurately assessed in clients with neurological dysfunction. This study examined three versions of the Puzzle Reproduction task (a constructional ability task) of the Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment (LOTCA) in order to determine whether a reduced detail version of the task would be easier (i.e., require less time to complete) than the original version and whether a subplacement version would be more difficult to perform (i.e., require more time to complete) than the original version. In addition, the study examined whether older adult subjects would perform more slowly than younger adult subjects.

Method. Seventy-two right-handed adults with no disabilities were divided into two age groups: 18 to 30 years old (n = 36) and 58 to 70 years old (n = 36). Each subject was tested on one of three versions of the LOTCA Puzzle Reproduction task (i.e., original, subplacement, simplified).

Results. For the older subjects, the simplified version of the task required significantly less time than the original version, although there was not a significant time difference between the original and subplacement versions. For the younger subjects, the subplacement version required significantly more time than the original version, but there was no significant time difference between the original and simplified versions. Results also indicated that older subjects took significantly longer to perform all three versions of the task than did the younger subjects.

Conclusion. The findings support the use of the simplified version of the LOTCA Puzzle Reproduction task with older adults or with persons with major cognitive perceptual difficulties. Further studies of the level of difficulty of the subplacement version are needed to examine whether this version is more sensitive to constructional deficits in a sample of persons with neurological impairments because even mild constructional deficits have been shown to relate to disabilities in daily functioning.
Skill Acquisition and Competency Testing for Physical Agent Modality Use
Authors: Cornish-Painter Camille , Peterson Cindee Q. , Lindstrom-Hazel Debra K.
Published: October 2011

Objective. The use of physical agent modalities is not considered an entry-level skill and requires postprofessional education, according to the American Occupational Therapy Association. The purpose of this survey was to determine how occupational therapy practitioners who use physical agent modalities are trained.

Method. Two hundred fifty occupational therapists were randomly selected from the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Physical Disabilities Special Interest Section. The practitioners were surveyed about their use of, education in, competency testing for, and opinions on eight physical agent modalities.

Result. Results were based on 100 responses (40% response rate). Of the eight modalities, the most commonly used were hot and cold packs, and the least were transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators. The most common means of education was on-the-job training, and the least common was higher level accredited education. A majority (71) of respondents reported that no competency testing was being performed at their facilities. In the remaining facilities (29), the majority performed competency tests with no routine frequency, using no particular guidelines for testing and no formal methods for maintaining standards for physical agent modality use. Eighty-five respondents indicated they would be interested in attending continuing education programs on the use of physical agent modalities, and 88 believed that functional activities should follow the use of physical agent modalities within the same treatment session.

Conclusion. The occupational therapy profession may need specific educational and competency guidelines to assure the qualifications of therapists using physical agent modalities.
In-Hand Manipulation in Young Children: Translation Movements
Authors: Pehoski Charlane , Henderson Anne , Tickle-Degnen Linda
Published: October 2011

Objective. The purpose of this study was to look at the development of in-hand translation skills in young children; that is, the child’s ability to move a small object from the fingers into the palm and from the palm to the fingers. Three questions were asked: (a) Do boys’ and girls’ performance differ significantly? (b) Does the performance of the children improve with age? and (c) Can periods of rapid improvement with age be seen on the tasks presented?

Method. In-hand manipulation translation was measured with a pegboard task for 154 right-handed children between 3-0 years and 6-11 years of age and 13 adults. Participants were videotaped as they picked up two to five pegs, one at a time; stored them in the hand; and moved the pegs out of storage to place them in the pegboard. The number of pegs handled in each trial as well as the methods used to move the peg to and from the palm were recorded.

Results. Boys and girls did not show significant differences in their performance, but when slight differences did occur ,they favored the girls. Age was found to be a significant factor in both the number of pegs handled and the method used in handling them. The older children tended to place more pegs successfully and were more likely to use the methods most commonly used by the adults. A major finding was the marked difference in how the children solved the problem of moving the peg in and out of the palm compared with the adults. The adults used gravity to assist the movement of the peg; the children tended to use methods that allowed them to maintain contact with the peg throughout the movement.

Conclusion. In-hand manipulation translation skills appear to have a long developmental course. Children are closer to adults in their ability to perform the task than in the methods that they use. This study shows the importance observing how children perform tasks, not just whether they complete the tasks. Differences in the methods used help to determine efficiency. Observation of these skills in children may expand a therapist’s understanding of children’s fine motor abilities.
Health and the Human Spirit for Occupation
Authors: Yerxa Elizabeth J.
Published: October 2011

The relationship between engagement in occupation and healthfulness is explored. Health is viewed not as the absence of organ pathology, but as possession of a repertoire of skills that enables people to achieve their vital goals in their own environments. This sort of health, reflecting adaptability and a good quality of life, is possible for all people, including those with chronic impairments.

Theoretical and research literature from an array of disciplines explores the influences of occupation on various aspects of health. These include interests, satisfaction in everyday doing, balance, the latent consequences of work, and transcendence. Support is provided for a relationship between activity level and survival. To improve the life opportunities of those they serve, occupational therapists need to become ardent students of life’s daily activities, grappling with the ambiguity and complexity of occupation, the occupational human, and the contexts in which occupation takes place.
Personal Projects: A Useful Approach to the Study of Occupation
Authors: Christiansen Charles H. , Little Brian R. , Backman Catherine
Published: October 2011

A comprehensive and useful understanding of human occupation requires research methods that capture its individual dimensions while permitting analyses within and across groups. In this article we describe the construct of personal projects and the research method of personal projects analysis. Both have their origins in studies of personality and have been used successfully to link individual traits and context-based, goal-directed behavior to well-being and other variables. The appropriateness and relevance of this approach for studies of occupation and occupational therapy are considered.
The Value of Occupation as the Core of Treatment: Sandy’s Experience
Authors: Jackson Jeanne
Published: October 2011

Since 1917, when the occupational therapy profession was first established, the therapeutic value of occupation has been questioned, researched, valorized, and even trivialized. This article discusses one typical occupation-centered treatment, namely a community outing, the shopping spree. The purpose is to articulate the value of occupation-centered intervention and particularly (a) its importance for building rapport between patient and therapist so that genuinely meaningful treatment can be carried out; (b) its role in providing opportunities for patients to imagine futures through felt meanings and future images; and (c) its integrative qualities with respect to identities and performance components.
Contrasting Perspectives on Work: An Exploratory Qualitative Study Based on the Concept of Adaptation
Authors: Spencer Jean , Daybell Paul J. , Eschenfelder Verna , Khalaf Randy , Pike Jeffrey M. , Woods-Petitti Marie
Published: October 2011

Objectives. Objectives of this study were (a) to compare contrasting work experiences of five persons as alternative ways individuals select and use occupational opportunities available in their environments, and (b) to examine the adaptive significance of work in their Lives.

Method. Five students in a graduate course on work and play as occupations each developed a work narrative for an adult of their choice that included how that person came to choose particular kinds of work, described the person’s current work experience, and examined the adaptive significance of work in the person’s Life. Data were gathered through observations in the persons’ work settings and through open-ended interviews. Comparative analysis of the five work narratives was completed by students and faculty members as a group.

Results. Work narratives of a fast-food restaurant manager, a Life-flight nurse, a tennis teaching pro, a financial analyst, and a manufacturer’s representative for oil field equipment illustrate contrasting perspectives on work as “escaping from seclusion,” “establishing Life work,” “enacting a family tradition, ” “getting stuck, ”and “rebuilding a Life. ” The participants who modified or combined occupational opportunities in creative ways generally found their work more rewarding than those who accepted available work opportunities as unalterable “givens.”

Conclusions. The adaptive significance of work for these persons had both short-term benefits, including intrinsic enjoyment of its activities and extrinsic benefits, such as social recognition and income, and long-term benefits of contributions to identity and contributions to purposes Larger than oneself.
Occupational Therapists’ Expectations in Rehabilitation Following Stroke: Sources of Satisfaction and Dissatisfaction
Authors: Chang Ling-Hui , Hasselkus Betty Risteen
Published: October 2011

Objective. The purpose of this study was to gain understanding of the satisfactions and dissatisfactions in the work of occupational therapists with clients after stroke.

Method. Data consisted of narrative descriptions by 32 therapists of especially satisfying and dissatisfying experiences in practice. Phenomenology and grounded theory strategies were used for the study design and data analysis.

Results. “Expectation” emerged as the core meaning of occupational therapy in stroke rehabilitation. Strong satisfaction was expressed when therapist-informants believed that they had fulfilled their expectations for clients to achieve the following: (a) maximum neuromuscular and functional recovery in affected upper extremities; (b) independence in daily activities; and (c) return to Living in the community. Major sources of in formants’ dissatisfactions were reaching the “plateau” stage of neurological recovery, disagreement between therapist expectations and client and family member expectations, and working with clients perceived as poorly motivated.

Conclusion. American ideologies about the value of hard work, independence, and self-sufficiency appear to strongly shape therapists’ expectations, satisfaction, and dissatisfaction in stroke rehabilitation. For occupational therapists, a tension may exist between the idealism of their therapeutic expectations and the realities of stroke recovery as it is experienced within the context of clients’ ongoing lives.
The Effect of Autocorrelation on the Results of Visually Analyzing Data From Single-Subject Designs
Authors: Bengali Minoo K. , Ottenbacher Kenneth J.
Published: October 2011

Objective. Single-subject research designs are used to conduct clinical research and outcome evaluation in occupational therapy. Confusion exists regarding the best method to analyze and interpret single-subject data.

Method. One hundred graphs displaying the results of published single-subject research were examined to determine the influence of autocorrelation on the visual inferences made by the original investigators. The graphs were selected from 20 articles published over 10 years in seven rehabilitation journals. The data were extrapolated and lag 1 autocorrelation coefficients computed for both the baseline and treatment phases.

Results. Data analysis focused on two issues: (a) whether a relationship existed between the amount of autocorrelation present in a graph and the conclusion on the basis of visual analysis and (b) whether the amount of autocorrelation varied across different phases of the single-subject graphs. When a significant degree of autocorrelation was present, researchers using visual analysis were more Likely to conclude that there was no clinically significant change in performance. Autocorrelation values were significantly higher in the treatment phases of the single-subject designs.

Conclusion. Additional research is needed to establish a set of decision rules to assist clinicians in using visual analysis to evaluate the results of single-subject research.
Object Play in Infants With Autism: Methodological Issues in Retrospective Video Analysis
Authors: Baranek Grace T. , Barnett Carolyn R. , Adams Erin M. , Wolcott Nancy A. , Watson Linda R. , Crais Elizabeth R.
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVES. Using a taxonomy of object play, this study describes methodological issues in using retrospective video analysis and computer-based coding as a research tool for early identification of autism.

METHOD. Home videos of 32 infants with autism (n = 11), developmental delay (n = 10), and typical development (n = 11) were edited and analyzed for duration and highest level of object play in four hierarchical categories (exploratory, relational, functional, symbolic) using The Observer 3.0.

RESULTS. The three groups had similar levels of engagement with objects, and no statistically significant differences in duration of exploratory play. Higher levels of play were rarely evident at 9–12 months, however, the highest level achieved (functional play) was apparent only in the typical group.

CONCLUSION. This study provides the first naturalistic investigation of object play skills in infants with autism ages 9–12 months. It also demonstrates feasibility for using computer-based coding technology within the context of retrospective video analysis methods. Duration of exploratory play was not a discriminating feature of autism at this early age.
The Use of Interactive Video Client Simulation Scores To Predict Clinical Performance of Occupational Therapy Students
Authors: Tomlin George
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE. Student academic performance (grades) has traditionally shown a weak correlation with clinical performance (supervisor ratings). A computer-based interactive video client evaluation program was created to determine whether the decision making of occupational therapy students on a client simulation explained variability in fieldwork supervisor ratings not accounted for by grades.

METHOD. Two student cohorts (N = 43; N = 30) selected evaluation procedures for a client with a cerebrovascular accident from on-screen menus and recorded and interpreted client responses as shown on videodisc. Multiple regressions were calculated in which grades and simulation scores were used to predict fieldwork supervisor ratings.

RESULTS. In cohort 1, grade in a physical disabilities course predicted 31% of the variance in supervisor ratings, whereas the simulation score for “completeness” accounted for an additional 12%, F(2, 39) = 16.75, p < .0001, adjusted R 2 = .434. Students with better grades received higher ratings, whereas students who evaluated the simulated client less exhaustively received higher ratings. For cohort 2, fieldwork ratings were best predicted by a combination of several simulation efficiency scores (number of correct answers given per unit time), F(4, 21) = 6.17, p < .002, adjusted R 2 = .453. Mostly, higher efficiency scores were associated with higher supervisor ratings.

CONCLUSION. Video simulations of client encounters may measure decision-making skills not measured by grades, in particular, making correct decisions in a timely manner within a realistic context.
Qualities of Caregiver–Child Interaction During Daily Activities of Children Born Very Low Birth Weight With and Without White Matter Disorder
Authors: Kadlec Mary Beth , Coster Wendy , Tickle-Degnen Linda , Beeghly Marjorie
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to examine qualities of caregiver–child interactions during daily activities of healthy children born full-term and of children born prematurely and very low birth weight with and without white matter disorder.

METHOD. Three groups of 12 caregiver–child dyads, representing three levels of child biological risk, were matched on birth history, maternal education, ethnicity, and child gender. Ten expert clinicians used videotapes to rate behaviors of caregivers and their 30-month-old children engaging in dressing and snack activities. Correlations between ratings of three qualities were examined: caregiver directiveness, caregiver engagement, and child engagement.

RESULTS. There were no significant differences between groups for the average caregiver and child ratings. However, correlations between caregiver directiveness and caregiver engagement ranged across the three groups from greatest to least biological risk (i.e., r = .63, .35, –.67, respectively). In the full-term group, correlations between the caregiver qualities of directiveness and engagement and child engagement were r = .62 and –.69, respectively. In contrast, the correlations between the caregiver and child qualities were small in the two very-low-birth-weight groups.

CONCLUSION. Results suggest patterns of caregiver interactions during daily activities may vary according to the child’s level of biological risk. Caregivers of children with the greatest risk (i.e., white matter disorder) were both engaging and directive of their children during the activities, whereas caregivers of full-term children were less engaging when directive. The findings suggest that caregivers may be adjusting the level of their social and emotional assistance during caregiver–child interactions to the level of their children’s abilities.
When a Child Dies the World Should Stop Spinning: An Autoethnography Exploring the Impact of Family Loss on Occupation
Authors: Hoppes Steve
Published: October 2011

The death of a loved one disrupts family-members’ occupational lives. This paper explores the role and course of occupation during a time when my nephew died. A qualitative research methodology, autoethnography, is used to develop the narrative. I found that familiar occupations lost meaning during this time and even seemed absurd. Paradoxically, occupation helped forge a vital pathway back to health and reconstruction of meaning. Four stages of occupation during a family crisis are proposed: maintenance, dissolution, ambivalence, and restoration and adaptation. Reflections on occupational therapists’ role during family crises are discussed, as are implications for further research.