bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trowels Labeled Ergonomic Versus Standard Design: Preferences and Effects on Wrist Range of Motion During a Gardening Occupation
Authors: Tebben Alysun Brown , Thomas Julie Jepsen 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. The purposes of this study were to determine whether a garden trowel labeled ergonomic provided better wrist positioning when planting than a standard-designed trowel and whether participants perceived the ergonomic labeled trowel as more comfortable and easier to use than the standard-designed trowel.
METHOD. Participants included 64 females, ages 20–50 years, with no self-reported disease or disability impairing their preferred upper extremity. Participants used both trowels to fill flowerpots with soil in a randomized, repeated measures, counterbalanced design. The wrist movements of ulnar and radial deviation, and palmar and dorsiflexion were measured with an electrogoniometer (Penny and Giles Biometrics Limited Goniometer XM65). Participants answered questions regarding their interest in gardening, ease of use and comfort of each trowel, and trowel preference.
RESULTS. A one-tailed paired t test showed that the trowels did not differ in the extremes of dorsiflexion elicited and the extremes of the other wrist movements were not in the predicted direction. Participants rated the trowels similarly for comfort and ease of use. Participants were evenly divided on personal preference for the two trowels.
CONCLUSION. Occupational therapists should be cautious when recommending a gardening trowel based on it being labeled ergonomic, as it may not produce better wrist positioning than a non-ergonomically labeled trowel. Fitting a person with the right trowel involves an assessment of tool-influenced wrist positioning as well as individual perceptions of comfort and ease of tool use.
Psychometric Properties of the Scorable Self-Care Evaluation
Authors: Tarbell Melinda H. , Henry Alexis D. , Coster Wendy J. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to examine evidence for the reliability and validity of the Scorable Self-Care Evaluation (SSCE), an 18-item assessment of observed and perceived self-care performance commonly used with persons with psychiatric disabilities.
METHOD. As part of a longitudinal study, 70 adults with psychiatric disabilities were administered two cognitive measures, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and the Logical Memory subscales of the Weschler Memory Scale, at baseline, and the SSCE at follow-up. After transforming the weighted item scores, intraclass correlation coefficients were used to examine inter-rater reliability and Rasch analysis was used to examine internal consistency of the SSCE. Spearman rank-order correlations were used to examine construct validity.
RESULTS. High interrater reliabilities were found for the four subscale scores (ICCs ranging from .96 to 1.00, p &lt; .001) and the total scores (ICC =. 98, p &lt; .001) of the SSCE. Rasch analysis indicated that no items misfit; however, some items showed a weak distribution across all possible scores. The SSCE subscale and total scores correlated to varying degrees with the cognitive measures.
CONCLUSION. The SSCE has the potential to be a reliable and valid clinical measure, as demonstrated by the results of the current study. However, these results were only achieved using a transformation of the current scoring system for the SSCE, pointing to the need for further revision of the test items and scoring system.
Occupational Performance Needs of Adolescents in Alternative Education Programs
Authors: Dirette Diane , Kolak Laura 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. Alternative education programs are schools that accept students who have not been successful in the general education setting. This study focuses on developing a better understanding of the needs of students in three area alternative education schools.
METHODS. A needs assessment was created and distributed to the staff of each school regarding the problem areas of alternative education students. Data were analyzed descriptively.
RESULTS. Thirty-nine of 47 surveys were returned resulting in an overall return rate of 83%. The staff identified several potential deficit areas faced by the students in these alternative education programs. The most frequently identified deficits included poor time management skills, decreased healthy participation in hobbies and leisure activities, and a lack of healthy lifestyle behaviors. In addition, the staff reported that many students had cognitive deficits including reduced ability to follow multistep directions, impaired higher-level thinking skills, reduced attention span, and limited memory.
CONCLUSION. The results of this study are consistent with literature that suggests the students in alternative education settings may have underlying deficits that interfere with learning and produce misbehaviors. The alternative education programs should be further explored as a potential practice area for occupational therapists.
Parent–Child Interactions and Everyday Routines in Young Children With Failure To Thrive
Authors: Stewart Katherine B. , Meyer Laura 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. This pilot study explored the use of a parent–child interaction scale during a nonfeeding event and a systematic method for recording children’s sleep and feeding routines at home to determine if these two measures could be useful additions to the occupational therapy assessment of young children with failure to thrive.
METHOD. Five mother–child dyads were administered the Nursing Child Assessment Teaching Scale (NCATS) and the mothers completed a 24-hour, 7-day Sleep Activity Record (SAR).
RESULTS. Two of the five dyads scored below the 10th percentile cutoff on the NCATS indicating low levels of mutually adaptive interactions. The NCATS subscale scores revealed low performance in three of the mothers, but none of the children. The SAR documented concerns in the sleep and feeding patterns in 4 of the 5 children, including irregular bedtimes, frequent nighttime wakening, and irregular feeding times.
DISCUSSION. The NCATS and SAR revealed a wide range of strengths and concerns in this sample. Findings suggest that occupational therapists evaluating the complex nature of failure to thrive in young children should consider including measures to assess parent–child interactions during nonfeeding situations, as well as obtain information on the children’s sleep and feeding routines.
Sugar‐Based Pyrrolidine as a Highly Enantioselective Organocatalyst for Asymmetric Michael Addition of Ketones to Nitrostyrenes
Authors: Wang Lei , Liu Jie , Miao Tao , Zhou Wei , Li Pinhua , Ren Kai , Zhang Xiuli 
Published: September 2010

AbstractA modular sugar‐based pyrrolidine (3) was prepared and was found to be a highly enantioselective organocatalyst for the asymmetric Michael addition of ketones to nitrostyrenes. In the presence of 10 mol% of 3, a pyrrolidine unit anchored to a natural D‐glucose backbone through click chemistry, the Michael additions of ketones to nitrostyrenes proceeded smoothly to generate the corresponding adducts in good yields (up to 98%), high enantioselectivities (up to >99% ee) and excellent diastereoselectivities (up to >99:1 dr) under solvent‐free reaction conditions.
An Efficient Hydrogenation of Dinitrile to Aminonitrile in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Chatterjee Maya , Sato Masahiro , Kawanami Hajime , Yokoyama Toshirou , Suzuki Toshishige , Ishizaka Takayuki 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe highly selective hydrogenation of adiponitrile proceeds effectively in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) to produce 6‐aminocapronitrile with excellent selectivity of 100% over rhodium/alumina (Rh/Al2O3) and without any additive, which is impossible in classical organic solvents. The presence of CO2 can be beneficial or mandatory for the exclusive formation of the aminonitrile as it can act as a solvent to enhance the activity and also as temporary protecting agent to increase the selectivity. These results successfully show the general concept of using scCO2 as a protective medium for the selectivity control of dinitrile to aminonitrile reactions. Recycling of the catalyst and further extension of this method to other dinitriles were also investigated.
Catalytic Enantioselective Fluorination of α‐Chloro‐β‐keto Esters in the Presence of Chiral Nickel Complexes
Authors: Kang Seung Hee , Kim Dae Young 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe catalytic enantioselective electrophilic fluorination promoted by chiral nickel complexes is described. The treatment of α‐chloro‐β‐keto esters with Selectfluor under mild reaction conditions afforded the corresponding fluorinated α‐chloro‐β‐keto esters with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee).
Exposure to benzene induces oxidative stress, alters the immune response and expression of p53 in gasoline filling workers
Authors: Uzma Nazia , Kumar B. Santhosh , Hazari Mohammed Abdul Hannan 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackgroundChronic exposure to benzene can lead to deleterious effects on many biological systems including blood and blood‐forming organs. We investigated the adverse effects of benzene among workers occupationally exposed to benzene in India.MethodsFour hundred twenty‐eight gasoline filling workers occupationally exposed to benzene and 78 unexposed individuals were recruited for this study. Benzene concentration was determined by gas chromatography, reactive oxygen species (ROS) by dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH‐DA) method, malondialdehyde (MDA) by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay (TBARS), total superoxide dismutase (T‐SOD) by RANSOD kit and glutathione (GSH) by 5,5′‐dithiobis‐(2‐nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) reaction, respectively. CD4, CD8, IgG were carried out by using fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS Calibur) and mRNA expression of p53 by reverse transcriptase PCR (RT‐PCR).ResultsA significant increase in the concentration of benzene and its byproducts in both blood and urine were found in the workers compared with the controls. The levels of ROS and MDA were significantly elevated, and GSH and total T‐SOD were decreased in the workers compared with the controls. A statistically significant decrease in the immunoglobulin levels, CD4T cells, CD4/CD8 ratio was observed in workers (vs. controls), whereas no significant difference was observed in CD8T cells. p53 gene expression was markedly higher in workers than in controls.ConclusionOccupational exposure to benzene causes oxidative stress, immune suppression and increases the expression of tumor‐suppressing gene p53 in gasoline filling workers. These bio‐functional markers might be useful in screening and surveillance for occupational hazard. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:1264–1270, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Near‐miss reporting system as an occupational injury preventive intervention in manufacturing
Authors: Lander Lina , Eisen Ellen A. , Stentz Terry L. , Spanjer Kathleen J. , Wendland Bryce E. , Perry Melissa J. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackgroundA database of near‐misses (NM), minor injuries, and OSHA recordable injuries was established at a mid‐size electrical manufacturing plant as part of injury prevention efforts. The utility of a NM reporting system was evaluated by estimating its impact on the annual incidence of minor and OSHA recordable injuries.MethodsLogistic regression was performed to examine the effects of predictor variables (year, age, duration of employment) on the type of event (NM, minor, OSHA recordable). Poisson regression was fit to model the annual rate of OSHA recordable injuries as a function of time.Results1690 events were reported between 1999 and 2006 including 261 NM, 1205 minor, and 205 OSHA recordable injuries. The expected rate of OSHA recordable injuries decreased by 0.84 (95% CI: 0.73‐0.97) annually.ConclusionsThe implementation of a NM reporting system was associated with decrease in the rate of OSHA recordable injuries. NM reporting systems may be valuable injury interventions in manufacturing. Am. J. Ind. Med. 54:40–48, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic variability in estrogen disposition: Potential clinical implications for neuropsychiatric disorders
Authors: Grover Sandeep , Talwar Puneet , Baghel Ruchi , Kaur Harpreet , Gupta Meenal , Gourie‐Devi Mandaville , Bala Kiran , Sharma Sangeeta , Kukreti Ritushree 
Published: September 2010

AbstractVariability in the physiological levels of neuroactive estrogens is widely believed to play a role in predisposition to several disorders of the central nervous system. Local biosynthesis of estrogens in the brain as well as their circulating serum levels are known to contribute to this pool of neuroactive steroids. It has been well accepted that estrogens modulate neuronal functions by affecting genesis, differentiation, excitability, and degeneration of nerve cells. These actions of estrogens appear to be more prominent in females with higher concentrations and marked variability of circulating serum levels occurring over a woman's lifetime. However, our knowledge regarding the variability of neuroactive steroid levels is very limited. Furthermore, several studies have recently reported differences in the synchronization of circulating and neuronal levels of estradiol. In the absence of reliable circulating steroid levels, knowledge of genetic variability in estrogen disposition may play a determining factor in predicting altered susceptibility or severity of neuropsychiatric disorders in women. Over the past decade, several genetic variants have been linked to both differential serum estrogen levels and predisposition to diverse types of neuropsychiatric disorders in women. Polymorphisms in genes encoding estrogen‐metabolizing enzymes as well as estrogen receptors may account for this phenotypic variability. In this review, we attempt to show the contribution of genetics in determining estrogenicity in females with a particular emphasis on the central nervous system. This knowledge will further provide a driving force for unearthing the novel field of “Estrogen Pharmacogenomics.” © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Risk gene variants for nicotine dependence in the CHRNA5–CHRNA3–CHRNB4 cluster are associated with cognitive performance
Authors: Winterer Georg , Mittelstrass Kirstin , Giegling Ina , Lamina Claudia , Fehr Christoph , Brenner Hermann , Breitling Lutz P. , Nitz Barbara , Raum Elke , Müller Heiko , Gallinat Jürgen , Gal Andreas , Heim Katharina , Prokisch Holger , Meitinger Thomas , Hartmann Annette M. , Möller Hans‐Jürgen , Gieger Christian , Wichmann H‐Erich , Illig Thomas , Dahmen Norbert , Rujescu Dan 
Published: September 2010

AbstractRecent studies strongly support an association of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor gene cluster CHRNA5–CHRNA3–CHRNB4 with nicotine dependence (ND). However, the precise genotype–phenotype relationship is still unknown. Clinical and epidemiological data on smoking behavior raise the possibility that the relevant gene variants may indirectly contribute to the development of ND by affecting cognitive performance in some smokers who consume nicotine for reasons of “cognition enhancement.” Here, we tested seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs684513, rs637137, rs16969968, rs578776, rs1051730, rs3743078, rs3813567 from the CHRNA5–CHRNA3–CHRNB4 gene cluster for association with ND, measures of cognitive performance and gene expression. As expected, we found all SNPs being associated with ND in three independent cohorts (KORA, NCOOP, ESTHER) comprising 5,561 individuals. In an overlapping sample of 2,186 subjects we found three SNPs (rs16969968, rs1051730, rs3743078) being associated with cognitive domains from the Wechsler‐Adult‐Intelligence Scale (WAIS‐R)—most notably in the performance subtest “object assembly” and the verbal subtest “similarities.” In a refined analysis of a subsample of 485 subjects, two of these three SNPs (rs16969968, rs1051730) were associated with n‐back task performance/Continuous Performance Test. Furthermore, two CHRNA5 risk alleles (rs684513, rs637137) were associated with CHRNA5 mRNA expression levels in whole blood in a subgroup of 190 subjects. We here report for the first time an association of CHRNA5–CHRNA3–CHRNB4 gene variants with cognition possibly mediating in part risk for developing ND. The observed phenotype–genotype associations may depend on altered levels of gene expression. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thermo‐oxidative degradation behavior of recycled polypropylene
Authors: Nasir Asad , Yasin Tariq , Islam Atif 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThis study has been carried out to mimic the thermo‐oxidative degradation of polypropylene (co‐PP) during service life and recycling. Injection molded specimens were heat aged at 130°C for different times up to maximum of 300 h to simulate the degradation of co‐PP during the service life. These aged specimens were mixed with stabilizers in internal mixer and again heat aged up to 300 h. A small increase in melt flow rate (MFR) value was observed for aged co‐PP but it showed large increase after recycling. The presence of carbonyl peak at 1713 cm−1 confirmed the oxidation of co‐PP during aging and it increases with aging time. Carbonyl index (CI) is increased in recycled sample with aging, whereas oxidation induction time (OIT) decreased. The stabilizers used during reprocessing are quite effective in controlling the thermo‐oxidative degradation of the polymer during processing and aging. The thermogravimetric analysis shows that the onset of degradation temperature starts at low temperature for recycled sample as compared to virgin co‐PP. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Cycloolefin copolymer/fumed silica nanocomposites
Authors: Dorigato Andrea , Pegoretti Alessandro , Fambri Luca , Slouf Miroslav , Kolarik Jan 
Published: September 2010

AbstractWe prepared cycloolefin copolymer (COC)/fumed silica nanocomposites by melt compounding to study the effect of the filler dimensions (filler surface area) on the physical properties, with particular attention to their thermal, mechanical, and optical behaviors. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed a positive contribution of silica nanoparticles to the thermal degradation resistance of COC, as the decomposition temperature of the nanofilled samples increased by 40°C with respect to that of the unfilled matrix. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis and quasi‐static tensile tests of the nanocomposites evidenced a slight stiffening effect, proportional to the nanofiller surface area, without any reduction in the fracture toughness. Creep resistance of the nanocomposites was increased by the addition of silica nanoparticles, especially when high‐surface‐area nanoparticles were used. The positive effect of the nanoparticles on the viscoelastic and fracture behavior was related to the uniform dispersion of silica aggregates in the matrix. Ultraviolet–visible spectrometry measurements evidenced that the original transparency of neat COC was practically maintained after the addition of silica nanoparticles. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Effect of the structure of curing agents modified by epoxidized oleic esters on the toughness of cured epoxy resins
Authors: Cheng Xu , Chen Yan‐Xiong , Du Zong‐Liang , Zhu Pu‐Xin , Wu Da‐Cheng 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of the ester carbon chain length of curing agents modified by epoxidized oleic esters on the toughness of cured epoxy resins. An amine‐terminated prepolymer (i.e., curing agent G) was synthesized from a bisphenol A type liquid epoxy resin and triethylene tetramine. The toughening curing agents (G1 and G2) were prepared by reactions of epoxidized oleic methyl ester and epoxidized oleic capryl ester, respectively, with curing agent G. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry was used to characterize the chemical structure of the curing agents. The effects of the carbon chain length of the oleic ester group in the curing agents on the toughness and other performances of the curing epoxy resins were investigated by analysis of the Izod impact strength, tensile strength, elongation at break, thermal properties, and morphology of the fracture surfaces of the samples. The results denote that the toughness of the cured epoxy resins increased with the introduction of oleic esters into the curing agents without a loss of mechanical properties and that the toughness and thermal stability of the materials increased with increasing ester carbon chain length. The toughness enhancement was attributed to the flexibility of the end carbon chains and ester carbon chains of the oleic esters in the toughening curing agents. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Self‐assembled and crystallized composites made from poly(ether amine) and montmorillonite in the presence of copper(II) ions
Authors: Lee Rong‐Jer , Tsai Wei‐Cheng , Cheng Wen‐Tung , Shiue Bin‐Chen , Lin Jiang‐Jen 
Published: September 2010

AbstractSelf‐assembled and crystallized composites made from montmorillonite (MMT) by intercalation with poly(ether amine) salts and copper(II) [Cu(II)] ions simultaneously were studied. The manipulation of the silicate unit structure of the secondary (001) lattice by physically imposed osmotic pressure on the platelet interlayer was used. Divalent copper salt assisted a strong depletion effect with balancing the counterions in the clay interlayer and resulted in the extension of the dimensions of the (001) plane by increasing the spacing expansion by more than two orders of magnitude. The simultaneous adsorption of Cu(II) and intercalation of poly(oxypropylene)amine (POP) salts onto the MMT units ultimately minimized their amorphous aggregation through electrostatic attraction between the negative surface and positive edge among the silicate units. Alternatively, the attraction force through face‐to‐face stacking on the silicate surface is proposed, and the conformation of the POP/Cu(II) complex aligned with the approaching platelets to form orderly structures. X‐ray diffraction of the MMT units exhibited a high order of reflection (i.e., (006)) in Bragg's pattern; this implied a repetitive regularity between the plate–plate distances. The high regularity disappeared when the Cu(II) adsorption exceeded the critical clay cation‐exchange capacity of 1.4. The conformation of the flexible polyether backbone was altered and could no longer sustain the plate distance and the symmetric packing was destroyed when the basal spacing was decreased from 82.6 to 18.0 Å. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011