bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motivation and synthesis of the FIAC experiment: Reproducibility of fMRI results across expert analyses
Authors: Poline Jean‐Baptiste , Strother Stephen C. , Dehaene‐Lambertz Ghislaine , Egan Gary F. , Lancaster Jack L.
Published: March 2006

The Functional Imaging Analysis Contest (FIAC) culminated in the FIAC Workshop held at the 11th Annual Meeting of the Organization for Human Brain Mapping in Toronto in 2005. This special issue summarizes various analyses used by contestants with a single functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study, a cortical‐language study using sentence repetition. The results from the cognitive neuroscientists who developed the test‐base language study, and report their data analysis, are complemented by expert analyses of the same test‐base data by most of the major groups actively developing fMRI software packages. Analyses include many variants of the general linear model (GLM), cutting‐edge spatial‐ and temporal‐wavelets, permutation‐based, and ICA approaches. A number of authors also include surface‐based approaches. Several articles describe the important emerging areas of diagnostics for GLM analysis, multivariate predictive modeling, and functional connectivity analysis. While the FIAC did not achieve all of its goals, it helped identify new activation regions in the test‐base data, and more important, through this special issue it illustrates the significant methods‐driven variability that potentially exists in the literature. Variable results from different methods reported here should provide a cautionary note and motivate the Human Brain Mapping community to explore more thoroughly the methodologies they use for analyzing fMRI data. Hum Brain Mapp 27:351–359, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phosphorylation of the neural cell adhesion molecule on serine or threonine residues is induced by adhesion or nerve growth factor
Authors: Matthias Stephanie , Horstkorte Rüdiger
Published: March 2006

The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily and plays a crucial role during development and regeneration. It is expressed in three major isoforms; two of them with intracellular domains of different length and one without any intracellular domain. NCAM is known to be phosphorylated and contains up to 49 serine or threonine residues, which could be phosphorylated. However, the impact of NCAM phosphorylation is still unclear. Here we describe NCAM being phosphorylated during neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells. We provide evidence that protein kinase C is involved in the phosphorylation of NCAM. In agreement with our earlier observation that the protein phosphatase 1 is associated with NCAM, we additionally found that NCAM is a substrate for the protein phosphatase 1 but not for the protein phosphatase 2A. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional expression of A glutamine transporter responsive to down‐regulation by lipopolysaccharide through reduced promoter activity in cultured rat neocortical astrocytes
Authors: Ogura Masato , Nakamichi Noritaka , Takano Katsura , Oikawa Hirotaka , Kambe Yuki , Ohno Yu , Taniura Hideo , Yoneda Yukio
Published: March 2006

The prevailing view is that the glutamine (Gln) transporter (GlnT/ATA1/SAT1/SNAT1) is a member of the system A transporter superfamily with the ability to fuel the glutamate/Gln cycle at nerve terminals in glutamatergic neurons. Semiquantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction revealed similarly high expression of mRNA for GlnT by rat brain neocortical astrocytes as well as neurons, with progressively lower expression by cerebellar astrocytes, hippocampal astrocytes, and whole‐brain microglia in culture. [3H]Gln was accumulated in a temperature‐dependent manner with a saturable profile in both cultured neocortical neurons and astrocytes, whereas biochemical and pharmacological analyses on [3H]Gln accumulation revealed the expression of both system A and system L transporters by cultured neocortical neurons and astrocytes. Exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 hr resulted in a significant decrease in both GlnT mRNA expression and [3H]Gln accumulation, with a concomitant drastic increase in nitrite formation in cultured neocortical astrocytes. Moreover, LPS significantly inhibited the promoter activity of GlnT in the astrocytic cell line C6 glioma cells as well as primary rat neocortical astrocytes in culture. These results suggest that activation by LPS would lead to down‐regulation of the expression of GlnT responsible for the incorporation of extracellular Gln into intracellular spaces across plasma membranes through the inhibition of its promoter activity in cultured rat neocortical astrocytes. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetically modified bone morphogenetic protein signalling Alters traumatic brain injury‐induced gene expression responses in the adult mouse
Authors: Israelsson Charlotte , Lewén Anders , Kylberg Annika , Usoskin Dmitry , Althini Susanna , Lindeberg Jonas , Deng Chu‐Xia , Fukuda Tomokazu , Wang Yun , Kaartinen Vesa , Mishina Yuji , Hillered Lars , Ebendal Ted
Published: March 2006

Three genetic mouse models were examined to define effects of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling on gene expression in normal and injured adult brain. CaMKII‐Cre eliminated the BMP receptor Acvr1 (Alk2) and the common TGFβ superfamily signal mediator Smad4 or activated a constitutively active Acvr1 in postnatal forebrain neurons. All mutants followed mendelian ratios, with no overt phenotypic changes. In situ hybridization demonstrated normal patterns of the dendritic marker MAP2 (Mtap2) throughout cortex despite neuron‐specific losses of Acvr1 or Smad4. However, strong up‐regulation of Mtap2 transcript in these mice was found by quantitative RT‐PCR (qRT‐PCR), indicating that Mtap2 is normally suppressed by BMP. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) resulted in increases of histone‐associated DNA fragments in both control and Smad4‐deficient cortex. Several cell‐type‐specific transcripts known to be involved in injury‐related responses were measured by qRT‐PCR. Gfap mRNA was strongly up‐regulated in controls as well as in the loss‐of‐BMP‐signalling mutants. Notably, activated Acvr1 signalling gave significantly lower TBI‐induced up‐regulations of Gfap and Phox2a mRNA levels, indicating reductions in astroglial and neuronal reactions to injury. Strong impairment in injury‐induced Timp1 transcript up‐regulation was also seen in these mice. In contrast, osteopontin (Spp1) transcript levels in activated microglia were not reduced by Acvr1 signalling. Altogether, the data suggest that BMP signalling is dispensable in adult cortical neurons but that augmented BMP signalling affects molecular changes associated with neuronal lesions. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hyaluronic acid attenuates osteoarthritis development in the anterior cruciate ligament‐transected knee: Association with excitatory amino acid release in the joint dialysate
Authors: Jean Yen‐Hsuan , Wen Zhi‐Hong , Chang Yi‐Chen , Lee Herng‐Sheng , Hsieh Shih‐Peng , Wu Ching‐Tang , Yeh Chun‐Chang , Wong Chih‐Shung
Published: March 2006

We previously reported increased release of the excitatory amino acid (EAA) neurotransmitters, glutamate and aspartate, during the early stage of experimental osteoarthritis (OA). Our present objective was to study the effect of intraarticular injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) on OA development, and to analyze concomitant changes in EAA levels in dialysates of anterior cruciate ligament‐transected (ACLT) knee joints. OA was induced in Wistar rats by ACLT of one hindlimb; the knee of the other hindlimb was used as the sham‐operated control. HA group (n = 12) were injected intraarticularly in the ACLT knee with 1 mg of HA once a week for 5 consecutive weeks, starting at 8 weeks after surgery. Saline group (n = 12) were injected as above with normal saline. The sham‐operated group, underwent arthrotomy, but not ACLT, and received no treatment (n = 14). Twenty weeks after surgery, knee joint dialysates were collected by microdialysis and EAA levels assayed by high‐performance liquid chromatography, and gross morphological examination and histopathological evaluation were performed on the medial femoral condyles and synovia. Rats receiving intraarticular HA injections showed a significantly lower degree of cartilage degeneration on the medial femoral condyle at both the macroscopic level and on the Mankin grading scale than rats receiving saline injections. Intraarticular HA treatment also suppressed synovitis. Moreover, glutamate and aspartate levels were significantly reduced in the HA group compared to the saline group. Intraarticular injection of HA limits articular cartilage and synovium damage and OA formation, and, in parallel, reduces EAA levels in ACLT joint dialysates. This study suggests that the underlying mechanism of the anti‐inflammatory effect of HA is to inhibit glutamate and aspartate release in ACLT knee joints, which attenuates the early development of OA. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Chondrocyte gene expression in osteoarthritis: Correlation with disease severity
Authors: Eid Karim , Thornhill Thomas S. , Glowacki Julie
Published: March 2006

Osteoarthritis is characterized by a progressive degradation of cartilage structure and function. This study tests the hypothesis that disease severity is characterized by alterations in expression of cartilage‐specific genes for aggrecan and collagen type II. Cartilage, discarded from six subjects undergoing knee replacement, was subdivided into homogeneous portions by the surgeon according to the Outerbridge classification. For four subjects, it was possible to separate the tissue into two or three fractions with different disease severity. Portions of each sample were prepared either for histological analysis and ranking according to the Mankin system or for RNA extraction. Quantitative, competitive RT‐PCR assays were used for measurement of mRNA for aggrecan, collagen type II, and glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase. Clinical grading was correlated with histological score (Spearman r = 0.60, p = 0.043). There was a striking decrease in expression of aggrecan and collagen II that was correlated with increase in the grade in regions of cartilage within an individual subject. In the series of 12 samples, there was an inverse correlation between aggrecan expression and osteoarthritis grade (Spearman r = −0.59, p = 0.042). In conclusion, there was an inverse relationship between regional disease severity in osteoarthritis and expression of aggrecan. Use of quantitative, competitive RT‐PCR is practical for assessment of chondrocyte gene signatures. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Taking action: A case study in dynamic learning
Authors: Drath Wilfred H.
Published: March 2006

A method of learning dating to the 1950s is founded on the conviction that people learn best from their experience, but only if they can reflect critically on that experience. Action learning is a way to learn while doing; it balances the action of work with shared reflection among participants about what they are learning, both as individuals and as a team or group. The U.S. Postal Service recently engaged in a pilot project for developing leadership through action learning, and learned some lessons along the way.
Flexible flyers: A leader's framework for developing adaptability
Authors: Calarco Allan , Gurvis Joan
Published: March 2006

In today's business world the complexity and pace of change can be daunting. In this environment of rapid change, leaders are coming to recognize that they need to develop adaptability to be effective. The process of developing adaptability begins with learning and practicing three types of flexibility—cognitive, emotional, and dispositional.
Assessment of muscle fatigue during exercise in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Saey Didier , Côté Claude H. , Mador M. Jeffery , Laviolette Louis , Leblanc Pierre , Jobin Jean , Maltais François
Published: March 2006

Contractile fatigue is associated with exercise intolerance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Contractile fatigue may be assessed by quantifying the decline in strength after a fatiguing protocol but this may pose practical problems. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the decline in quadriceps strength, quadriceps electrical activity, perception of leg fatigue, and arterial lactate level in patients with COPD during constant work‐rate cycling exercise. The decline in quadriceps strength was significantly associated with the decrease in electromyographic median frequency (r = 0.606), leg fatigue perception (r = 0.453), and arterial lactate level (r = 0.384). Using the receiver‐operating‐characteristic curve, it was found that a 4% decline in electromyographic median frequency had a 94% sensitivity and a 75% specificity to predict contractile fatigue. We conclude that contractile fatigue commonly occurs during cycling exercise in COPD. The electromyographic median frequency appears to be a valuable indirect marker to predict contractile leg fatigue. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme upregulation in SOD1‐G93A mouse skeletal muscle
Authors: Mahoney Douglas J. , Kaczor Jan J. , Bourgeois Jacqueline , Yasuda Nobuo , Tarnopolsky Mark A.
Published: March 2006

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is caused by motor neuron loss in the spinal cord, but the mechanisms responsible are not known. Ubiquitous transgenic overexpression of copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1) mutations causing familial ALS (SOD1mut) leads to an ALS phenotype in mice; however, restricted expression of SOD1mut in neurons alone is not sufficient to cause this phenotype, suggesting that non‐neuronal SOD1mut expression is also required for disease manifestation. Recently, several investigators have suggested that SOD1mut‐mediated oxidative stress in skeletal muscle may contribute to ALS pathogenesis. The purpose of this study was to examine oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme adaptation in 95‐day‐old SOD1‐G93A skeletal muscle. We observed significant elevations in both malondialdehyde (22% and 31% in red and white gastrocnemius, respectively) and protein carbonyls (53% in red gastrocnemius) in SOD1‐G93A mice. Copper/zinc SOD activity was higher in red and white SOD1‐G93A gastrocnemius (7‐ and 10‐fold, respectively), as was manganese SOD (4‐ and 5‐fold, respectively) and catalase (2‐ and 2.5‐fold, respectively). Taken together, our data demonstrate oxidative stress and compensatory antioxidant enzyme upregulation in SOD1‐G93A skeletal muscle. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Botulinum toxin improves sialorrhea and quality of living in bulbar amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Verma Ashok , Steele Julie
Published: March 2006

Sialorrhea is frequently a socially disabling symptom in patients with bulbar amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this open‐label prospective study, we report the effect of botulinum toxin A (Botox) injection into the parotid glands in 10 patients with bulbar ALS and socially disabling sialorrhea. We applied three different outcome measures to determine the effect of Botox therapy on sialorrhea. Botox significantly improved the degree of sialorrhea and a drooling impact score and, by inference, the quality of living, in over half of the patients with bulbar ALS and severe sialorrhea. The beneficial effect of Botox lasted for at least 2 months in those who responded. No major adverse effects were noted. Local injection of a small dose of Botox into the parotid glands can control sialorrhea and potentially improve living quality in some patients with bulbar ALS. Muscle Nerve 2006
Resale price maintenance contracts with retailer sales effort: Effect of flexibility and competition
Authors: Gurnani Haresh , Xu Yi
Published: March 2006

In Resale Price Maintenance (RPM) contracts, the manufacturer specifies the resale price that retailers must charge to consumers. We study the role of using a RPM contract in a market where demand is influenced by retailer sales effort. First, it is well known that RPM alone does not provide incentive for the retailer to use adequate sales effort and some form of quantity fixing may be needed to achieve channel coordination. However, when the market potential of the product is uncertain, RPM with quantity fixing is a rigid contract form. We propose and study a variety of RPM contracts with quantity fixing that offer different forms of flexibility including pricing flexibility and quantity flexibility. Second, we address a long‐time debate in both academia and practice on whether RPM is anti‐competitive in a market when two retailers compete on both price and sales effort. We show that depending on the relative intensity of price competition and sales effort competition, RPM may lead to higher or lower retail prices compared to a two‐part tariff contract, which specifies a wholesale price and a fixed fee. Further, the impact of RPM on price competition and sales effort competition is always opposite to each other. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2006
Translation of the Leisure Satisfaction Scale into French: a validation study
Authors: Lysyk Mary , Brown G. Ted , Rodrigues Erika , Mcnally Julie , Loo Kim
Published: March 2006

Few standardized instruments are available for clients who speak languages other than English. The purpose of the study was to present and describe the process of translating an English standardized assessment into another language. Using the translation/validation methodologies described by Haccoun (1987) and Vallerand (1989), the Leisure Satisfaction Scale (LSS) was translated into French and then statistically validated. All correlations between both language versions of the LSS were found to be significant at the 0.01 level. Confirmatory factor analysis results were positive. Study findings indicate that the Haccoun (1987) and Vallerand (1989) methodologies provide clinicians with another option for ensuring culturally sensitive and relevant evaluations. Further research is needed to globally assess the measurement properties of the French version of this instrument. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Reducing anxiety by pre‐operative education: make the future familiar
Authors: Spalding Nicola Jane
Published: March 2006

Pre‐operative education is widely used by occupational therapists all over the world to help patients prepare for their impending surgery and post‐operative needs. The purpose of this research was to gain understanding of how the pre‐operative education process is beneficial in reducing anxiety for patients awaiting a total hip replacement provided in one National Health Service Trust in England. The participants in this study were a convenient sample of health care professionals who presented information on pre‐operative education during a nine‐month data collection period, and a sample of patients who attended the programme. Data were collected from observing five pre‐operative education programmes, 26 written patient evaluations, 16 interviews with seven presenters of the education, observation of three team meetings, 20 interviews with 10 patients, and documentation pertaining to the programme. From the results it seems that patient education can reduce anxiety by making the unknown familiar. Such familiarity can be achieved in three ways by: providing an understanding of the experiences patients will encounter during and after surgery; giving an opportunity to meet the staff that will be caring for them; and familiarizing patients with the environments they will meet when in hospital. Major limitations of the study were not being able to control for researcher bias and not providing a standardized instrument to collect data. It is recommended that further research be carried out to understand the dynamics between patient education and the reduction of anxiety among patients undergoing hip replacements. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Time use of people with schizophrenia living in the community
Authors: Minato Miyuki , Zemke Ruth
Published: March 2006

The objective of this study was to describe the time use of people with schizophrenia living in the community in Japan. Time use of participants with schizophrenia was compared with people without schizophrenia. The time use of participants without a work‐related routine was also compared with those with a work‐related routine. As has been reported in other studies, persons with schizophrenia spend a significantly greater amount of time sleeping and resting than people without schizophrenia. However, participants with schizophrenia chose to participate not only in passive occupational categories but also in active occupational categories by selecting work, co‐operative workshops, play, socialization and homemaking. Results also showed that having a work‐related routine influenced time use. People with a work‐related routine spent much time engaged in the work‐related routines and in sleeping, and people without the routine spent much time sleeping, listening to music, watching TV, and reading magazines. The present study contributes to developing knowledge that supports occupational therapy practice focused on occupational choice including routine occupations to build a healthy life for people with schizophrenia living in the community. To explore further the relationship between time use and health, further research would be needed to study individual experiences in occupations. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
School readiness and factors that influence decision making
Authors: McBryde Cathy , Ziviani Jenny , Cuskelly Monica
Published: March 2006

Occupational therapists are frequently asked to make recommendations regarding a child's school readiness. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the factors that influence the decision making of parents and teachers regarding this issue. The home environments and developmental status of 215 preschool children (age: M = 62.2 months, SD = 4.65) were assessed. Parents and teachers completed questionnaires about each child's behaviour, temperament, and readiness for school. Their perceptions were analysed separately. Results showed that chronological age, and the presence of adaptability, well‐developed social skills, and the ability to persist with an activity until completed influenced parents' as well as teachers' perceptions of school readiness. In addition, teachers' decisions were influenced by gender (girls were perceived as being more ready for school than boys), and the presence of the temperament characteristic of inhibition (withdrawn, shy behaviours). These results indicated that factors other than a child's developmental status influenced parental and teacher decision making, challenging occupational therapists to adopt a broader focus when consulting with parents and teachers about school readiness. Limitations of the study included the self‐selected sample resulting in potential bias owing to the over‐representation of families from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. It is suggested that future research take the form of a matched pairs design, and focus on a comparison between a population of children perceived to be ready to progress to school and a group perceived not to be ready. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Barriers to the use of assistive technology for children with multiple disabilities
Authors: Copley Jodie , Ziviani Jenny
Published: March 2006

Assistive technology has aided children with multiple disabilities to improve access and participation in their school and home environments. Effective educational outcomes from assistive technology use are dependent upon a coordinated assessment and implementation process. The literature on assistive technology with children was reviewed in order to identify current barriers to its effective integration within schools. These barriers were found to include lack of appropriate staff training and support, negative staff attitudes, inadequate assessment and planning processes, insufficient funding, difficulties procuring and managing equipment, and time constraints. A team model for assistive technology assessment and planning is proposed to optimize the educational goal achievement of children with multiple disabilities. Such a model can help target the allocation of occupational therapy resources in schools to best promote educational and broader functional outcomes from assistive technology use. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Interprofessional vs. interdisciplinary services in school‐based occupational therapy practice
Authors: Mu Keli , Royeen Charlotte Brasic
Published: March 2006

Interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary service is strongly advocated in school‐based occupational therapy practice. The terms, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary, however, are not accurate in their use. This paper examines the difference between the terms of discipline and profession and recommends the more precise and appropriate use of interprofession and transprofession related to school‐based occupational therapy practice. Occupational therapy is a profession, not a discipline. Using the terms of interprofession and transprofession can benefit the occupational therapy profession by increasing language use precision, facilitating professionalism, and improving interprofessional interactions and collaborations based upon accuracy. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
The experience sampling method: its potential use in occupational therapy research
Authors: Farnworth Louise , Mostert Elphine , Harrison Susan , Worrell Diane
Published: March 2006

Occupational therapists rely on being able to understand which occupations are of value to clients and also appropriate to their needs. The Experience Sampling Method (ESM) was developed as a tool to study the experience of engaging in activities in everyday life. The purpose of this paper is to report on the findings of an ESM study of a group of final year occupational therapy students and to examine the strengths and limitations of this methodology.

A modified version of an Experience Sampling Form (ESF) was used to measure flow. Of the 508 ESFs completed by the 11 participants over a one week period, 177 (31%) were found to be in flow, 51 (10%) anxiety, 104 (20%) boredom and 176 (35%) apathy. Many high flow experiences occurred while studying, usually alone and while reading and/or writing.

The results indicate that ESM has the potential to be useful for describing in minutiae the patterns of an individual's daily experience. The major advantage of ESM is that it allows one to study the dynamics of emotions and other subjective states while a person engages in their normal daily occupations. The methodology has potential for use in clinical research as participants have the opportunity to describe their emotions while engaging in occupation. Copyright © 1996 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
The challenge of developing a community partnership model to aid the employment of people with disabilities: the Hamilton Ontario experience
Authors: Westmorland Muriel G.
Published: March 2006

People with disabilities continue to face major barriers to employment despite major gains in employment equity initiatives and a stronger voice in the political arena. Meanwhile in the employment sector many companies are downsizing, employees are being laid off and work is being restructured. The challenge is to work cooperatively to maximise the employment opportunities for people with disabilities. This article reviews the concepts of community development and stakeholder participation as they apply to the development of an employment consortium in South Western Ontario, Canada.

The potential for the role of Occupational Therapists to contribute to this process are discussed. Copyright © 1996 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Evaluation of an occupational therapy training module: adapting clothes for persons with disabilities
Authors: Kratz Gunvor
Published: March 2006

This study was initiated by a planned change in the course curriculum of the occupational therapy educational programme. The training module ‘Adapting Clothes for Persons with Disabilities’ under the present syllabus was evaluated following the model ‘Person/environment interactions in educational settings’. Thirty–five occupational therapy students completed a questionnaire before entering the training module and 32 completed the module. Six of the students were interviewed in depth. The study demonstrates the students' expectations before the module and how their attitudes, knowledge and experience resulting from participation in the course changed. The module on adapting clothes for persons who are disabled is worthy of inclusion in a modified syllabus. Copyright © 1996 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
A pilot study on attitudes toward making reasonable accommodations for occupational therapists with disabilities
Authors: Mutchnick Ilene , Blount Marie‐Louise
Published: March 2006

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures that persons with disabilities in the United States are entitled to reasonable accommodations in five areas including employment. This pilot study (1) tested the reliability and validity of a questionnaire, which (2) explored how much training American occupational therapists had in the ADA and (3) investigated the attitudes of occupational therapist supervisors toward occupational therapist employees with disabilities. A questionnaire consisting of 20 statements was designed by the researcher. The questionnaire was mailed to 18 occupational therapy administrators. Ten participants who completed the mailed questionnaire were included in the results. Participants with ADA training had a more positive attitude towards making reasonable accommodations than those without training. Only participants working in psychosocial settings claimed to have occupational therapy employees with disabilities. Six of the administrators made reasonable accommodations for employees who had disabilities. Further study of a larger sample of occupational therapy administrators is recommended to determine the attitude towards reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. Copyright © 1996 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
A client‐centred approach to developing assistive technology with children
Authors: Rigby Patricia , Ryan Steve , From Wes , Walczak Emily , Jutai Jeff
Published: March 2006

In a large research project a client‐centred approach was employed to gain critical judgements from children with physical disabilities. Eighty‐four children helped guide the design of a new adaptive pediatric seating system. This was achieved through the implementation of a unique protocol to learn what children like and dislike about specific features of adaptive seating systems. This protocol, which may also be useful in a clinical setting, was found to be reliable and valid for obtaining perspectives from children with physical disabilities. Copyright © 1996 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Expression of 5‐lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathway enzymes in nasal polyps of patients with aspirin‐intolerant asthma
Authors: Adamjee J , Suh Y‐J , Park H‐S , Choi J‐H , Penrose JF , Lam BK , Austen KF , Cazaly AM , Wilson SJ , Sampson AP
Published: March 2006

In aspirin‐intolerant subjects, adverse bronchial and nasal reactions to cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors are associated with over‐production of cysteinyl‐leukotrienes (cys‐LTs) generated by the 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LO) pathway. In the bronchi of patients with aspirin‐intolerant asthma, we previously linked cys‐LT over‐production and aspirin hyper‐reactivity with elevated immunoexpression in eosinophils of the terminal enzyme for cys‐LT production, LTC4 synthase. We investigated whether this anomaly also occurs in the nasal airways of these patients. Immunohistochemical expression of 5‐LO and COX pathway proteins was quantified in nasal polyps from 12 patients with aspirin‐intolerant asthma and 13 with aspirin‐tolerant asthma. In the mucosa of polyps from aspirin‐intolerant asthmatic patients, cells immunopositive for LTC4 synthase were four‐fold more numerous than in aspirin‐tolerant asthmatic patients (p = 0.04). There were also three‐fold more cells expressing 5‐LO (p = 0.037), with no differences in 5‐LO activating protein (FLAP), COX‐1 or COX‐2. LTC4 synthase‐positive cell counts correlated exclusively with mucosal eosinophils (r = 0.94, p < 0.001, n = 25). Co‐localisation confirmed that five‐fold higher eosinophil counts (p = 0.007) accounted for the increased LTC4 synthase expression in polyps from aspirin‐intolerant asthmatic patients, with no alterations in mast cells or macrophages. Within the epithelium, increased counts of eosinophils (p = 0.006), macrophages (p = 0.097), and mast cells (p = 0.034) in aspirin‐intolerant asthmatic polyps were associated only with 2.5‐fold increased 5‐LO‐positive cells (p < 0.05), while the other enzymes were not different. Our results indicate that a marked over‐representation of LTC4 synthase in mucosal eosinophils is closely linked to aspirin intolerance in the nasal airway, as in the bronchial airways. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumours overexpress fatty acid synthase
Authors: Rossi S , Ou W , Tang D , Bhattacharya N , Dei Tos AP , Fletcher JA , Loda M
Published: March 2006

Fatty acid synthase (FASN), a key enzyme for de novo lipogenesis, is overexpressed in many malignant tumours and is associated with aggressive biological behaviour. FASN expression and its possible relationship with more aggressive behaviour in gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) have not been addressed to date. Here, FASN expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 60 primary GISTs (28 low/intermediate risk and 32 high risk) and seven metastatic GISTs. Sixteen smooth muscle gastrointestinal tumours were used as controls. FASN was overexpressed in 36 of 60 GISTs (60%): in 12 of 28 (42%) low/intermediate‐risk GISTs and in 24 of 32 (75%) high‐risk GISTs (p < 0.05). Two primary and seven metastatic GISTs and five GIST cell lines (GIST882, GIST430, GIST522, GIST62, and GIST48), analysed by western blot, showed variable FASN expression. Most metastatic samples expressed high levels of FASN protein. Additionally, seven of 60 GISTs showed a proliferation rate higher than 10% by Ki67 and all of them expressed FASN (p < 0.04). Finally, proliferation and apoptosis were investigated after FASN silencing in GIST882 cells, which displayed the highest FASN expression. siRNA‐mediated FASN knock‐down inhibited expression of the proliferation marker cyclin A, whereas no changes in p27 and cleaved PARP expression were seen. It is concluded that FASN is preferentially overexpressed in high‐risk and metastatic GISTs, and that its overexpression likely contributes to cell proliferation. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Leaving home after cancer in childhood: A measure of social independence in early adulthood
Authors: Koch Susanne Vinkel , Kejs Anne Mette Tranberg , Engholm Gerda , Møller Henrik , Johansen Christoffer , Schmiegelow Kjeld
Published: March 2006

Background

Previous studies on psychosocial outcomes for childhood and adolescent cancer survivors have found diverse results concerning social independence. As a measure of social independence, we investigated whether cancer survivors displayed the same patterns of leaving home as population‐based control group.

Procedure

We identified 1,597 patients in the Danish Cancer Register, born in 1965–1980, in whom a primary cancer was diagnosed before they reached the age of 20 in the period 1965–1995. The patients were compared with a random sample of the general population (n = 43,905) frequency matched on sex and date of birth. By linking the two cohorts to registers in Statistics Denmark, we obtained socioeconomic data for the period 1980–1997. The relative risk for leaving home was estimated with discrete‐time Cox regression models.

Results

The risk for leaving home of survivors of hematological malignancies and solid tumors did not differ significantly from that of the control cohort. Adjustments for possible socioeconomic confounders did not change this pattern. In contrast, survivors of central nervous system (CNS) tumors had a significantly reduced risk for leaving home, which was most pronounced for men (relative risk, men: 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.55–0.80; women: 0.88, 95% confidence interval, 0.80–0.97).

Conclusion

Overall, the psychosocial effects of cancer in childhood or adolescence and its treatment on the survivor and family did not appear to impede social independence in early adulthood, except for survivors of CNS tumors. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Favorable response of intraommaya topotecan for leptomeningeal metastasis of neuroblastoma after intravenous route failure
Authors: Sirachainan Nongnuch , Visudtibhan Anannit , Tuntiyatorn Lojana , Pakakasama Samart , Chuansumrit Ampaiwan , Hongeng Suradej
Published: March 2006

A 3‐year‐old male, diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma, developed recurrent leptomeningeal metastasis after multi‐modality treatment including multi‐agent chemotherapy, surgery, high dose chemotherapy plus stem cell rescue, cis‐retinoic acid and intravenous (IV) topotecan. He then received intraommaya (IO) topotecan three times weekly (maximum dose; 0.4 mg). A complete response was achieved by a resolution of malignant cells in cerebrospinal fluid and resolution leptomeningeal enhancement by brain MRI. Treatment toxicities included low‐grade fever and minimal headache. The duration of treatment response from IO topotecan was 18 weeks. The survival time from CNS recurrence in this patient was 13 months. We suggest IO topotecan be considered for neoplastic meningitis of tumors with known sensitivity to topotecan. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:169–172. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Simultaneous quantification of eudesmanolides and thymol derivatives from tissues of Inula helenium and I. royleana by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid Chromatography
Authors: Stojakowska Anna , Michalska Klaudia , Malarz Janusz
Published: March 2006

A simple and rapid isocratic reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatographic method for the quantification of alantolactone/isoalantolactone and three thymol derivatives in roots and root cultures of Inula helenium and I. royleana has been developed. The method could be applied to screen raw materials in search for highly productive plants and in vitro cultures. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimisation of conditions for the extraction of casearins from Casearia sylvestris using response surface methodology
Authors: Bandeira Karin F. , Tininis Aristeu G. , Bolzani Vanderlan da S. , Cavalheiro Alberto J.
Published: March 2006

Optimal conditions for the extraction of casearins from Casearia sylvestris were determined using response surface methodology. The maceration and sonication extraction techniques were performed using a 3 × 3 × 3 full factorial design including three acidity conditions, three solvents of different polarities and three extraction times. The yields and selectivities of the extraction of casearins were significantly influenced by acidity conditions. Taking into account all variables tested, the optimal conditions for maceration extraction were estimated to involve treatment with dichloromethane saturated with ammonium hydroxide for 26 h. Similar yields and selectivities for casearins were determined for sonication extraction using the same solvent but for the much shorter time of 1 h. The best results for stabilisation of the fresh plant material were obtained using leaves that had been oven dried at 40°C for 48 h. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolation of high‐quality RNA from polyphenol‐, polysaccharide‐ and lipid‐rich seeds
Authors: Birtić Simona , Kranner Ilse
Published: March 2006

Seed polyphenols, polysaccharides and lipids often interfere with or degrade RNA, restricting its yield and quality. Existing RNA isolation methods specifically alleviate one or two of these challenges, but are usually designed for a single species rather than for a broad biodiversity. Many protocols also do not eliminate chromosomal DNA, which causes false positives in gene expression studies. The method reported here addresses all of the above challenges. The concentration of the phenol blocker polyvinylpyrrolidone in the extraction buffer was optimised for use on a broader range of species. DNase I was added to eliminate chromosomal DNA and the timing of this step was optimised. Lipids were removed by centrifugation. Polysaccharides and proteins, including excess DNase I, were separated from RNA during ethanol precipitation of nucleic acids. In seeds of five plant species from four taxonomically distant families, significant amounts of RNA were isolated in less than half the time typically required by previously reported methods. Colorimetric tests showed that the isolated RNA was free from interfering contaminants. In addition, reverse transcription‐PCR confirmed that the isolated RNA was of appropriate quality and integrity for gene expression studies. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aqueous polyurethane dispersions derived from polycarbonatediols and Di(4‐isocyanatocyclohexyl)methane
Authors: Lee Da‐Kong , Tsai Hong‐Bing , Tsai Ruey‐Shi
Published: March 2006

Aqueous polyurethane dispersions derived from various polycarbonatediols, di(4‐isocyanatocyclohexyl)methane (HMDI), and various carboxylic diols, including dimethylol propionic acid (DMPA), dimethylol butyric acid (DMBA), and a carboxylic polycaprolactonediol, were prepared by a method in which the dispersing procedure was modified to enhance the molecular weight. The molecular weight, particle size, tensile properties, thermal properties, and dynamic mechanical properties of the polyurethane dispersions were investigated. The dynamic mechanical property data indicate that these polyurethane dispersions can exhibit higher temperature resistance when compared with those derived from isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI). POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:588–593, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Thermoplastic vulcanizates based on maleated natural rubber/polypropylene blends: Effect of blend ratios on rheological, mechanical, and morphological properties
Authors: Nakason Charoen , Saiwari Sitisaiyidah , Kaesaman Azizon
Published: March 2006

Maleated natural rubber (MNR) was prepared and used to formulate thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) based on various MNR/PP blends. The influence of mixing methods on the TPVs properties was first studied. We found that mixing all ingredients in an internal mixer provided the TPVs with better mechanical properties. The final mixing torque, shear stress, and shear viscosity of the TPVs prepared with various blend ratios of MNR/PP increased with increasing levels of MNR in the blends. This may be attributed to higher shear viscosity of the pure MNR than that of the pure PP. Furthermore, as evidenced in SEM micrographs, the TPVs are two phase morphologies with dispersed small vulcanized rubber domains in the PP matrix. Therefore, the higher content of PP caused the more molten continuous phase of the flow during mixing and rheological characterization. Tensile strength and hardness of the TPVs increased with increasing levels of PP, while the elongation at break decreased. Furthermore, the elastomeric properties, in terms of tension set, increased with increasing levels of MNR in the blends. This may be attributed to decreasing trends in the size of vulcanized rubber particles dispersed in the PP matrix with an increasing concentration of MNR. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:594–600, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Studies on melt spinning process of hollow polyethylene terephthalate fibers
Authors: Oh Taehwan
Published: March 2006

Dimensional change and profile development in the melt spinning process of polyethylene terephthalate hollow fibers were studied through the numerical simulations and experimental results. The simulation predicts the final dimensions and profiles development of the hollow fibers at various positions from the die. Experimental results show that the melt extruded from the spinneret coalesces initially to form a hollow inner core and the cross‐sectional shape holds for over the whole spinline with only variation in the hollow portion. Analysis of the effect of spinning parameters on hollow portion shows that the spinning temperature, mass throughput rate, and take‐up speed are the most critical variables in controlling the hollow portion followed by quench air velocity. The quench air temperature has relatively less effect than the other variables. As the mass throughput rate and quench air velocity increase and the take‐up speed and spinning temperature decrease, the hollow portion increases. To investigate the effect of die geometry, die having a different ratio of inner to outer diameter was used. The effect of change of process variables decreases as the die gap becomes narrow. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:609–616, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of slip agent and talc surface‐treatment on the scratch behavior of thermoplastic olefins
Authors: Browning Robert , Lim Goy Teck , Moyse Allan , Sun Luyi , Sue Hung‐Jue
Published: March 2006

Four model TPO systems, with and without slip agent (erucamide) and talc fillers (surface‐treated or untreated), were investigated using a newly developed linear load‐increase scratch‐test methodology. Our findings suggest that both the use of slip agent and surface‐treatment of talc fillers can greatly reduce scratch visibility. FTIR spectra indicate that only surface‐treated talc allows slip agent to freely migrate to the TPO surface to greatly reduce scratch visibility. The untreated talc appears to exhibit a possible physical or chemical interaction with the erucamide and to trap erucamide from escaping to the surface. The influence of talc fillers and erucamide on surface damage mechanisms has been determined. In particular, systems containing surface‐treated talc and erucamide tend to exhibit prolonged ductile drawing and increase the load required to initiate scratch visibility. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:601–608, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Rheological behavior of starch–polycaprolactone (PCL) nanocomposite melts synthesized by reactive extrusion
Authors: Kalambur Sathya , Rizvi Syed S.H.
Published: March 2006

Rheological behavior of reactively extruded starch–PCL nanocomposite blends was evaluated in an off‐line capillary rheometer. Power law models for blends with different nanoclay volume fractions were developed using appropriate correction factors. Consistency coefficients K for blends containing starch were significantly higher than 100% PCL. Starch–PCL nanocomposite blends showed shear‐thinning behavior with higher pseudoplasticity than did 100% PCL. Viscosities of nanocomposite blends were significantly lower than that of 100% PCL and nonreactive starch–PCL composites synthesized from simple extrusion mixing. Power law coefficients developed in this study will be used to evaluate rheology‐dependent parameters during scaling up the reactive extrusion process from a batch micro‐extruder to a high output continuous twin‐screw extruder. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:650–658, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers.