bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sensory functions of institutionalized Romanian infants: A pilot study
Authors: Haradon Gale , Bascom Barbara , Dragomir Cristiana , Scripcaru Virginia 
Published: September 2012

AbstractInfants living in an orphanage (n = 22) in Romania were assessed on the Test of Sensory Functions in Infants (TSFI). Testing of the institutionalized infants was done before and 6 months after an enriched caregiver intervention program. Results showed significant changes in areas of reactivity to tactile deep pressure, visual‐tactile integration, oculomotor control, reactivity to vestibular stimulation and total test responses. No significant changes occurred in the area of adaptive motor functions. Effects of sensory deprivation resulting from institutional settings and changes that can occur from enriched caregiver environments are discussed.
Configuration of occupational therapy, professionalism and experiential learning — An integrated introductory course
Authors: Raveh Michal 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe professional obligations of an occupational therapy faculty include the need to provide students with means to develop a sound professional identity and facilitate a positive and coherent professional socialisation process. This article proposes that, through calculated construction of an introductory occupational therapy course, one can relate to these issues. It suggests basing the course content on Mosey's concept of ‘the configuration of occupational therapy’, in answer to possible problems in professional identity, and at the same time working to develop the basic professional socialisation dimensions — knowledge, skills and art of therapy. It uses experiential learning theory, both as an instrument for the examination of students learning styles and for choosing teaching methods.
Vestibular‐proprioceptive abilities in children experiencing recurrent headaches
Authors: Engel Joyce M. , Wincent M. Marget 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe role of the occupational therapist in pediatric pain management is emerging. Whatever intervention methods are used, effective management of pain and associated symptoms depends upon accurate assessment. The use of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) for identifying vestibular‐proprioceptive abilities in children experiencing recurrent migraine or mixed headaches was investigated. Most of the subjects showed significantly high postrotary nystagmus scores and strengths in the areas of sensory processing and praxis. These data suggest the SIPT may be helpful in determining cortical versus brain‐stem processing dysfunction in children with recurrent headaches to assist with treatment intervention.
Male occupational therapists: A profile of job satisfaction and work environment variables
Authors: Brown G. Ted 
Published: September 2012

AbstractOccupational therapy is a female‐dominated profession with only 4% of all clinicians in Canada being men. Traditionally, occupational therapy training programmes have had limited success recruiting men into their educational programmes and those men who do qualify as therapists tend to work only in the profession for short periods of time. The purpose of this study was to identify work‐related factors that impact on male occupational therapists. Specifically, five job satisfaction factors (work, pay, co‐workers, supervision and promotional opportunities), work environment traits and the demographic characteristics of male occupational therapists in Canada were examined. A mailed survey questionnaire was sent to all male therapists who were members of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (n = 199) during the 1990–1991 membership year; 83% of the sample responded. In terms of job satisfaction, male occupational therapists indicated that they were relatively dissatisfied with their work, pay, promotional opportunities, supervision and co‐workers as a group. However, they characterised their work environments as being above average in terms of supervisor support, autonomy and physical comfort, whereas they obtained a well below‐average score for the control dimension. Further research is needed to explore the issue of job satisfaction among occupational therapy personnel and to identify what factors impact on the job retention of male occupational practitioners.
Computer‐assisted cognitive rehabilitation for adults with traumatic brain damage: Four case studies
Authors: Larsson Asa , Nyström Christina , Vikström Sofia , Walfridsson Tertu , Söderback Ingrid 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe purpose of the study was to investigate the value of computer‐assisted activities for four individuals with brain damage. Individuals were trained in cognitive functions in their homes to compensate for cognitive impairment, assisted in work activities and helped in leisure time occupations. The four people received individually adapted computers and peripheral equipment, and the environment was changed to accommodate their needs. Each person received guidance and instruction from an occupational therapist once or twice a week for 12–18 weeks. The goals for each person were achieved according to evaluation with Goal Attainment Scaling.
Attitudes of occupational therapy students toward older people in Hong Kong
Authors: Chung Jenny Ching‐Ching 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe main objectives of this survey were to examine the attitudes of Hong Kong occupational therapy students toward older people and their perception of working with older clients. A questionnaire, with 23 statements related to these two areas, was designed and distributed to all three‐year occupational therapy students during the first week of the academic year. Results found that the third year students were more positive in perceiving older people and showed greater interest in working with older clients (F=7.681, p<0.001; and F=8.05, p<0.005 respectively). Similar results were also obtained in those students who had clinical experiences with older clients in the above two areas (t=2.40, p<0.01; and t=2.47, p<0.01). Hence, a positive relationship between the education programme (including subjects taught and fieldwork experience) and students' perception of older people was confirmed. However, the feedback mechanism of these two components in the teaching curriculum requires further research.
Stem cell transplantation as a therapy for cardiac fibrosis
Authors: Elnakish Mohammad T , Kuppusamy Periannan , Khan Mahmood 
Published: September 2012

AbstractCardiac fibrosis is a fundamental constituent of most cardiac pathologies and represents the upshot of nearly all types of cardiac injury. Generally, fibrosis is a scarring process, characterized by accumulation of fibroblasts and deposition of increasing amounts of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the myocardium. Therapeutic approaches that control fibroblast activity and evade maladaptive processes could represent a potential strategy to attenuate progression towards heart failure. Currently, cell therapy is actively perceived as an alternative to traditional pharmacological management of myocardial infarction (MI). The majority of the studies applying stem cell therapy following MI have demonstrated a decline in fibrosis. However, it was not clearly recognized whether the decline in cardiac fibrosis was due to replacement of dead cardiomyocytes or because of the direct effects of paracrine factors released from the transplanted stem cells on the ECM. Therefore, the main focus of this review is to discuss the impact of different types of stem cells on cardiac fibrosis and associated cardiac remodelling in a variety of experimental models of heart failure, particularly MI.
The effect of recycled polymer addition on the thermorheological behavior of modified lubricating greases
Authors: Martín‐Alfonso J.E. , Valencia C. , Sánchez M.C. , Franco J.M. , Gallegos C. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis article deals with the influence of temperature on the rheological behavior of lithium lubricating greases modified with three different types of recycled polymers, high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), low‐density polyethylene, and polypropylene (PP), all deriving from waste plastic recycling plants. Grease formulations containing diverse polymers were manufactured and rheologically characterized. Small‐amplitude oscillatory shear and viscous flow measurements over a temperature range of 25–175°C were carried out. The experimental results obtained suggest that a blend of HDPE and PP could be considered a suitable potential viscosity modifier for lithium lubricating greases in a wide range of in‐service temperature. Thus, the lubricating greases studied modified by HDPE or PP show quite promising results at low or high temperature, respectively. In addition, thermomechanical reversibility has been studied by applying different combined stress–temperature protocols. Lubricating greases containing any of the recycled polymers studied show a significant irreversible structural breakdown when the sample is submitted to temperatures and stresses higher than 75°C and 200 Pa, respectively. Regarding lubricating grease viscous flow behavior, a minimum in the shear stress versus shear rate plots appeared at temperatures above 50°C, more pronounced as temperature increased, resulting from material flow instabilities. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Crystal growth and equilibrium crystal shapes of silicon in the melt
Authors: Yang Xinbo , Fujiwara K. , Maeda K. , Nozawa J. , Koizumi H. , Uda S. 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTThe crystal growth shape (CGS) and equilibrium crystal shape (ECS) of silicon in Si melt are observed using in situ observation. Fully faceted silicon CGSs, which are dominated by the {111} facets, are observed from the {112} and {110} orientation. Silicon CGS in three‐dimensional in Si melt is octahedral in shape, bounded by {111} facets. Silicon ECSs in the melt are obtained by the relaxation from the CGSs and exhibit the {111} facets separated by curved interface. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrochemical fluorescence switching properties of conjugated polymers composed of triphenylamine, fluorene, and cyclic urea moieties
Authors: Kuo Cheng‐Po , Lin You‐Shiang , Leung Man‐kit 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe study of the electrochemical fluorescence switching properties of the conjugated copolymers containing fluorene, triphenylamine, and 1,3‐diphenylimidazolidin‐2‐one moieties is reported. The polymers show high fluorescence quantum yields, excellent thermal stability, and good solubility in polar organic solvents. While the polymer emits blue light under UV irradiation, the fluorescence intensity is quenched upon electrochemical oxidation. The fluorescent behavior can be reversibly switched between nonfluorescent (oxidized) state and strong fluorescence (neutral) state with a high contrast ratio (If/If0) of 16.3. The role of the electrochemical oxidation of the triphenylamine moieties is to generate the corresponding radical cations that lead to fluorescence quenching in the solid matrix. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Hydrogen production via solid electrolytic routes
Authors: Badwal Sukhvinder P.S. , Giddey Sarbjit , Munnings Christopher 
Published: September 2012

Hydrogen is considered as a sustainable fuel, especially for transport applications, if it is generated using renewable energy sources. Currently, most of the hydrogen is generated from fossil fuels for use in ammonia and fertilizer production, and petrochemical and metallurgical industries with very little use as an energy carrier. In future, the use of hydrogen as a transport fuel in fuel cell or internal combustion engine vehicles is likely to increase stemming from concern over potential oil shortage and greenhouse gas and other pollutant emissions. Electrolysis of water is one of the key technologies to generate hydrogen both at small (distributed productions at end‐use sites) and large scale. Solid electrolytic routes have been under consideration for many years with low‐temperature systems mainly based around polymer electrolyte membranes now reaching commercialization status. High‐temperature solid electrolyte systems can take advantage of utilizing the waste heat from nuclear or coal‐fired power plants or other chemical processes to reduce the electrical energy required, thus boosting the overall system efficiency for steam electrolysis. An overview of various solid electrolytic routes for hydrogen production, materials used, performance, and technology status is given.This article is categorized under:

Fuel Cells and Hydrogen > Science and Materials
Fuel Cells and Hydrogen > Systems and Infrastructure
Energy Research & Innovation > Science and Materials
Traditional preparations used as uterotonics in Sub‐Saharan Africa and their pharmacologic effects
Authors: Tripathi Vandana , Stanton Cynthia , Anderson Frank W.J. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about the use of traditional preparations for uterotonic effects at or near delivery in Sub‐Saharan Africa.ObjectiveTo describe (1) use of traditional preparations in Sub‐Saharan Africa intended to have uterotonic effects at or near birth; and (2) results of pharmacologic investigations of the uterotonic properties of such preparations.Search strategyStructured review of 13 databases.Selection criteriaArticles describing use of traditional preparations in Sub‐Saharan Africa with primary data, published in English between January 1, 1980 and June 30, 2010.Data collection and analysisFull‐text review using standard spreadsheet templates.Main resultsObjective 1 analysis identified 208 plant species used for uterotonic effects at or near delivery. The most common use was labor induction/augmentation (n = 185). Other uses were to expel the placenta, shorten the third stage of labor, manage retained placenta (n = 61), and prevent/manage postpartum hemorrhage (n = 20). Objective 2 analysis identified 82 species with uterotonic activity confirmed through pharmacologic evaluation. Studies also identified potentiating/inhibiting effects of extracts on pharmaceutical uterotonics.ConclusionNumerous plants are used for uterotonic effects in Sub‐Saharan Africa; uterotonic activity has been confirmed in many through pharmacologic evaluation. Such use may increase the risk of adverse outcomes. Further research is needed on the uterotonic efficacy of traditional preparations and on interventions to address use during labor.
Hippocampal volume as marker of daily life stress sensitivity in psychosis
Authors: Collip D. , Habets P. , Marcelis M. , Gronenschild E. , Lataster T. , Lardinois M. , Nicolson N. A. , Myin-Germeys I. 
Published: September 2012

BackgroundReduced hippocampal size and increased stress sensitivity are associated with psychotic disorder and familial risk for psychosis. However, to what degree the hippocampus is implicated in daily life stress reactivity has not yet been examined. The current study investigated (i) whether familial risk (the contrast between controls, patients and siblings of patients) moderated the relationship between hippocampal volume (HV) and emotional daily stress reactivity and (ii) whether familial risk (the contrast between controls and siblings of patients) moderated the relationship between HV and cortisol daily stress reactivity.MethodT1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were acquired from 20 patients with schizophrenia, 37 healthy siblings with familial risk for schizophrenia and 32 controls. Freesurfer 5.0.0 was used to measure HV. The experience sampling method (ESM), a structured momentary assessment technique, was used to assess emotional stress reactivity, that is the effect of momentary stress on momentary negative affect (NA). In addition, in the control and sibling groups, cortisol stress reactivity was assessed using momentary cortisol levels extracted from saliva.ResultsMultilevel linear regression analyses revealed a significant three-way interaction between group, HV and momentary stress in both the model of NA and the model of cortisol. Increased emotional stress reactivity was associated with smaller left HV in patients and larger total HV in controls. In line with the results in patients, siblings with small HV demonstrated increased emotional and cortisol stress reactivity compared to those with large HV.ConclusionsHV may index risk and possibly disease-related mechanisms underlying daily life stress reactivity in psychotic disorder.
The semiotic ecology and linguistic complexity of an online game world
Authors: Thorne Steven L. , Fischer Ingrid , Lu Xiaofei 
Published: September 2012

AbstractMultiplayer online games form complex semiotic ecologies that include game-generated texts, player-to-player communication and collaboration, and associated websites that support in-game play. This article describes an exploratory study of the massively multiplayer online game (MMO)World of Warcraft(WoW), with specific attention to its qualities as a setting for second language (L2) use and development. This empirical study seeks to answer the following question: What is the nature of the linguistic ecology thatWoWplayers are exposed to? Many studies have described the developmental opportunities presented by commercially available gaming environments (e.g., Gee, 2003, 2007), their value as sites of literacy development (e.g., Squire, 2008a; Steinkuehler, 2008), and their potential as venues for second language (L2) use and learning (e.g., Peterson, 2010; Thorne, Black, & Sykes, 2009; Thorne & Fischer, 2012; Zheng, Young, Wagner & Brewer, 2009). There are, however, numerous outstanding questions regarding the quality and complexity of the linguistic environments associated with online commercially available games. This primarily descriptive research addresses this issue and aims to finely characterize the linguistic complexity of game-presented texts (or ‘quest texts’) as well as player generated game-external informational and strategy websites that form the expansive semiotic ecology ofWoWgame play. Questionnaires and interviews with Dutch and American gamers helped to identify a variety of widely used game-external websites. This information then informed the selection of texts that were analyzed for their linguistic complexity. By analysing the linguistic complexity of the texts that players regularly engage with, this study aims to empirically assess the resources and limitations of a representative and widely played MMO as an environment for L2 development.
Photophysiology and albedo-changing potential of the ice algal community on the surface of the Greenland ice sheet
Authors: Yallop Marian L , Anesio Alexandre M , Perkins Rupert G , Cook Joseph , Telling Jon , Fagan Daniel , MacFarlane James , Stibal Marek , Barker Gary , Bellas Chris , Hodson Andy , Tranter Martyn , Wadham Jemma , Roberts Nicholas W 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Darkening of parts of the Greenland ice sheet surface during the summer months leads to reduced albedo and increased melting. Here we show that heavily pigmented, actively photosynthesising microalgae and cyanobacteria are present on the bare ice. We demonstrate the widespread abundance of green algae in the Zygnematophyceae on the ice sheet surface in Southwest Greenland. Photophysiological measurements (variable chlorophyll fluorescence) indicate that the ice algae likely use screening mechanisms to downregulate photosynthesis when exposed to high intensities of visible and ultraviolet radiation, rather than non-photochemical quenching or cell movement. Using imaging microspectrophotometry, we demonstrate that intact cells and filaments absorb light with characteristic spectral profiles across ultraviolet and visible wavelengths, whereas inorganic dust particles typical for these areas display little absorption. Our results indicate that the phototrophic community growing directly on the bare ice, through their photophysiology, most likely have an important role in changing albedo, and subsequently may impact melt rates on the ice sheet.
Chitin-binding proteins of Artemia diapause cysts participate in formation of the embryonic cuticle layer of cyst shells
Authors: Ma Wen-Ming , Li Hua-Wei , Dai Zhong-Min , Yang Jin-Shu , Yang Fan , Yang Wei-Jun 
Published: September 2012

The brine shrimp Artemia reproduces either ovoviviparously, producing free-swimming nauplii, or oviparously, producing encysted embryos (diapause cysts) able to cope with harsh and complex habitats. When the cysts enter diapause they are encased in a complex external shell that protects them from certain extreme environments. The genomic comparison of oviparous and ovoviviparous ovisacs has been described previously. We isolated three significantly up-regulated genes in oviparous oocytes and identified them as Arp-CBP (Artemia parthenogenetica chitin-binding protein) genes. Quantitative real-time PCR indicated that the expression of Arp-CBP genes gradually increases during diapause cyst formation and significant mRNA accumulation occurs during the ovisac stage of oviparous development. Moreover, in situ hybridization results demonstrated that Arp-CBP mRNAs are expressed in the embryo. Interestingly, the results of immune electron microscopy showed that all three Arp-CBPs are distributed throughout the cellular ECL (embryonic cuticle layer) of the cyst shell. Furthermore, knockdown of Arp-CBP by RNA interference resulted in marked changes in the composition of the embryonic cuticular layer. The fibrous layer of the cyst shell adopted a loose conformation and the inner and outer cuticular membranes exhibited marked irregularities when Arp-CBP expression was suppressed. Finally, an in vitro recombinant protein-binding assay showed that all three Arp-CBPs have carbohydrate-binding activities. These findings provide significant insight into the mechanisms by which the ECL of Artemia cyst shell is formed, and demonstrate that Arp-CBPs are involved in construction of the fibrous lattice and are required for formation of the ECL of the cyst shell.
Experimentally investigate ionospheric depletion chemicals in artificially created ionosphere
Authors: Liu Yu , Cao Jinxiang , Wang Jian , Zheng Zhe , Xu Liang , Du Yinchang 
Published: September 2012

A new approach for investigating ionosphere chemical depletion in the laboratory is introduced. Air glow discharge plasma closely resembling the ionosphere in both composition and chemical reactions is used as the artificially created ionosphere. The ionospheric depletion experiment is accomplished by releasing chemicals such as SF6, CCl2F2, and CO2 into the model discharge. The evolution of the electron density is investigated by varying the plasma pressure and input power. It is found that the negative ion (SF6−, CCl2F2−) intermediary species provide larger reduction of the electron density than the positive ion (CO2+) intermediary species. The negative ion intermediary species are also more efficient in producing ionospheric holes because of their fast reaction rates. Airglow enhancement attributed to SF6 and CO2 releases agrees well with the published data. Compared to the traditional methods, the new scheme is simpler to use, both in the release of chemicals and in the electron density measurements. It is therefore more efficient for investigating the release of chemicals in the ionosphere.