bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
c‐Myc‐dependent etoposide‐induced apoptosis involves activation of Bax and caspases, and PKCdelta signaling
Authors: Albihn Ami , Lovén Jakob , Ohlsson Johan , Osorio Lyda M. , Henriksson Marie 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe c‐Myc transcription factor is a key regulator of cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. While deregulation of myc induces programmed cell death, defects in the apoptotic program facilitate Myc‐driven tumor development. We have treated c‐Myc inducible mouse cells and rat fibroblasts with different c‐myc status with cytotoxic drugs to explore the effect of c‐Myc on drug‐induced apoptosis. We found that c‐Myc overexpression potentiated etoposide‐, doxorubicin‐, and cisplatin‐induced cell death in mouse fibroblasts. In addition, these drugs provoked a strong apoptotic response in c‐Myc‐expressing cells, but a weak apoptosis in c‐myc null Rat1 cells. In contrast, staurosporine‐induced apoptosis was c‐Myc‐independent, confirming a functional apoptotic pathway in c‐myc null cells. Apoptosis was paralleled by c‐Myc‐dependent Bax‐activation after etoposide and doxorubicin treatment, but not after cisplatin administration. All three drugs induced higher caspase activation in c‐Myc expressing cells than in c‐myc null cells. Furthermore, etoposide treatment of c‐Myc expressing cells resulted in PKCδ cleavage, while inhibition of PKCδ reduced etoposide‐induced apoptosis and prevented Bax activation. Taken together, these findings suggest that Bax and caspase activation, together with PKCδ signaling are involved in c‐Myc‐dependent etoposide‐induced apoptosis. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An intercomparison study of two land surface models using a 1‐D model and fife measurements
Authors: Alapaty Kiran , Mihailovic Dragutin T. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractTwo land‐surface parameterization schemes (ISBA (Interactions Soil‐Biosphere‐Atmosphere) and LAPS (Land‐Air‐Parameterization‐Scheme)) of differing complexity were implemented into a 1‐D atmospheric boundary layer model and evaluated utilizing the special observational data collected during the summer of 1987 from the FIFE measurements. Results from two case studies were analyzed during which boundary layer processes dominated the lower atmospheric processes. In the first case study (6 June 1987), we found that differences in the estimation of stomatal resistance in the two land‐surface models (LSMs) triggered many of the differences in results obtained using the two LSMs. In the second case study (11 July 1987), only minor differences existed between respective net radiation and stomatal resistance estimations, leading to similar boundary layer structures. Diagnostic results indicate that in both case studies growth rates of and depths of atmospheric boundary layers and vertical profiles of virtual potential temperatures, water vapor mixing ratio, and horizontal winds are very similar in LAPS and ISBA. Our future studies are directed at evaluating these two schemes using a regional climate version of the WRF model. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society.
Variability of summer temperature over Egypt
Authors: Hasanean H. M. , Basset H. Abdel 
Published: March 2006

AbstractVariations of summer temperature over Egypt have been studied using the data of 19 stations. The analysis of these data shows that the surface temperature is a stable climate element where its coefficient of variation (COV) is found to be low during summer. The time sequence of cumulative seasonal mean (CSM) is shown to exhibit bounded, oscillatory, nonperiodic behavior. The boundedness of the oscillation supports the notion of climate compensation; i.e. that spells of cold must eventually follow spells of warm. The trend analysis of the time series of our stations shows striking positive trend values during the last 20 years; this could be attributed not only to human activities but also to atmospheric circulation changes. Spectral analyses of the monthly values of the 19 stations were made. It was found that the first harmonic plays a dominant role in the regional climatological variations in Egypt; it explains more than 38% of the amplitude variations and may be related to the sunspot cycle, which affects summer temperature over Egypt. Other harmonics may be related to El Nino southern oscillation (ENSO) cycle, quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) cycle, and solar inertial motion cycle. Each of them contribute approximately 9% to summer temperature in Egypt and so their influence on summer temperatures in the area is not so much. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society.
East Asian dust storm and weather disturbance: possible links to the Arctic Oscillation
Authors: Gong Dao‐Yi , Mao Rui , Fan Yi‐Da 
Published: March 2006

AbstractIn this work, the authors investigated the spring dust storm frequency variations in northern China and its relationship with weather disturbances, cold high, eddy kinetic energy (EKE), as well as the impact of the Arctic Oscillation (AO) on the dust storm frequency variations. It is found that there is a significantly decreasing trend of −26%/10 years in the dust storm frequency variations. In addition, the year‐to‐year variations are also remarkable, which account for 58.3% of the total variance of the dust storm frequency variations. The synoptic variance of 850 hPa height, EKE, and near‐surface cold highs are highly correlated with the dust storm frequency variations. During the last 40 years or so, there have been significant trends in synoptic variance, cold‐high frequency, and kinetic energy over northern China and Mongolia, which are −3.2, −4.0, and −5.0%/10 years, respectively. The trends are fairly consistent with long‐term variations of dust storm frequency. The AO shows good correlation with the interannual variations of the dust storm frequency. This out‐of‐phase relation is supported by the significantly negative correlations between AO index and eddy growth rate between 850/700 hPa in midlatitude East Asia, implying that AO can modulate weather disturbances and dust storm activities through influencing the atmospheric instability. It is found, however, that the spring AO index shows no evident long‐term trend. Land cover changes, global warming, and other climate teleconnections may, at least partly, be responsible for the secular decreasing of dust storm frequency over northern China. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society.
Diversity and food quality properties of farmers' varieties of sorghum from Bénin
Authors: Kayodé AP Polycarpe , Linnemann Anita R , Nout MJ Rob , Hounhouigan Joseph D , Stomph Tjeerd Jan , Smulders Marinus JM 
Published: March 2006

AbstractFarmers' varieties of sorghum from three communities in different regions of northern Bénin were analysed for their food quality and agro‐morphological properties, and also for their genetic diversity using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). Farmers' varieties of sorghum differed greatly with respect to their morphology and agronomic and food traits. Most of the varieties had long (>200 cm) stems (87%), loose panicles (79%) and a red or pink colour (52%). Most were susceptible to drought (54%) and to attacks by striga (79%), insects (99%) and birds (77%). Farmers evaluated the quality of the seeds for preparing porridges as being high for 60% of the varieties and 26% of the varieties were regarded as suitable for making beverages. Late‐maturing, large‐seeded, red or pink varieties are preferred by farmers for porridges and beverages. Gene diversity among varieties within regions, as measured by neutral markers, was similar for the three regions (0.211–0.240). However, across regions the short (<150 cm) stem varieties showed relatively high genetic diversity compared with long or medium stem varieties (0.378 vs 0.184–0.216 for long–medium stem varieties). Genetic differentiation (Fst) among regions and among stem lengths of varieties was significant and ranged between 0.086 and 0.135. Grain colour, stem length and panicle shape varied significantly with the region/stem length and correlated with the genetic differentiation of regions. No relationship could be detected between the genetic differentiation of the varieties and their food quality as expressed by the farmers. Implications of the findings for crop conservation and breeding are discussed. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Single breath‐hold T1 measurement using low flip angle TrueFISP
Authors: Bokacheva L. , Huang A.J. , Chen Q. , Oesingmann N. , Storey P. , Rusinek H. , Lee V.S. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractA method for estimating T1 using a single breath‐hold, segmented, inversion recovery prepared, true fast imaging with steady‐state precession (sIR‐TrueFISP) acquisition at low flip angle (FA) was implemented in this study. T1 values measured by sIR‐TrueFISP technique in a Gd‐DTPA‐doped water phantom and the human brain and abdomen of healthy volunteers were compared with the results of the standard IR fast spin echo (FSE) technique. A good correlation between the two methods was observed (R2 = 0.999 in the phantom, and R2 = 0.943 in the brain and abdominal tissues). The T1 values of the tissues agreed well with published results. sIR‐TrueFISP enables fast measurements of T1 to be obtained within a single breath‐hold with good accuracy, which is particularly important for chest and abdominal imaging. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Education not training: the challenge of developing professional autonomy
Authors: Esdaile Susan A. , Roth Linda M. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe aims of this paper are first, to differentiate between education and training, emphasizing the importance of the former in the professional education of occupational therapists; and second, to outline some of the possible threats to professional autonomy. A focus on training may result in a level of education that cannot sustain professional autonomy. However, the establishment of proscribed and detailed, nationally controlled educational standards may also limit a profession. The latter may occur when cost‐containment is a major societal concern, focusing educational standards on training and measurable outcomes of professional practice. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Being that bit older: mature students' experience of university and healthcare education
Authors: Shanahan Margaret 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThis study used a phenomenological approach to gain insight into the lives of a small number of mature female students on healthcare programmes at university. The qualitative methods used sought to reveal aspects of that lived experience that would explain why mature students lack confidence in their academic abilities. Data were collected from participants using an in‐depth interview, a diary/journal, an open questionnaire and group discussion. The emergent themes showed that mature students see education as a catalyst for change in their lives and feel a tremendous pressure to succeed. With the multiple roles they have to juggle there is not enough time in the day to accomplish all the tasks to the high standard they expect of themselves. These compromises leave the women experiencing feelings of guilt, which seems to be expressed as anxiety about the academic demands of the programme. However, experience of life and the world of work is stated as one of the great advantages of being a mature student, and one that adds to their level of confidence as they prepare to qualify and enter the workforce. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Enhancing graduate supervision in occupational therapy education through alternative delivery
Authors: Rodger Sylvia , Brown G. Ted 
Published: March 2006

AbstractSophisticated information technology systems have made distance education both possible and highly desirable. Distance graduate research degrees have contributed to the globalization of occupational therapy research. An exploratory study using qualitative methodology was conducted to further understand the perspectives of four distance students and three supervisors. All students perceived many personal and professional advantages in undertaking graduate study by distance; however, they acknowledged a number of challenges, such as social isolation and lack of access to resources. Supervisors and students identified issues relating to the university bureaucracy, infrastructure, time and isolation. A number of supports that promote successful graduate education were identified, including associate supervisors, on‐campus residency and informal social networks. Students and supervisors needed excellent time management and communication skills, and a commitment to maintaining contact. Students needed to balance multiple demands and supervisors needed to be student advocates. The small sample size in this study limits generalizability of the findings. Further research into methods of optimizing the use of information technology is required. An awareness of the issues and challenges is essential if graduate distance education is to be a mutually beneficial experience for supervisors and students. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Clinical reasoning and the occupational therapy curriculum
Authors: Liu Karen P. Y. , Chan Chetwyn C. H. , Hui‐Chan Christina W. Y. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractSeveral reasoning styles are used by occupational therapists when they evaluate clients' problems. This study investigated the influence of the occupational therapy curriculum in Hong Kong on therapists' clinical reasoning styles. Two groups of therapists with different clinical experience were recruited. Through interviews with the therapists after identifying clients' problems using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, their clinical reasoning styles were explored. The local occupational therapy curriculum was analysed to isolate the components that influence clinical reasoning. Results showed that more experienced therapists use conditional reasoning that considers clients' needs in their future lives whereas junior therapists use procedural reasoning that focuses on clients' disabilities. The analysis of the occupational therapy curriculum indicated that it prepared the students with an equal emphasis on theoretical and clinical subjects and fieldwork practice. The present curriculum was useful in providing educational preparation for novice therapists. However, the period of fieldwork practice can be lengthened to allow adequate maturation of clinical reasoning skills. Problem‐based learning can be incorporated to facilitate students' problem‐solving and self‐directed learning skills. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
A winning merger: when entry‐level and continuing education courses get together
Authors: Friedland Judith , Rappolt Susan , Mullan Liz , Ballon Anna 
Published: March 2006

AbstractIn this short report the viability of providing the same course to entry‐level and continuing education students is examined. The analysis of course evaluations, responses to a survey six months later, and the instructor's narrative indicated that the course was successful for both sets of students. Survey responses from the seven students and 11 practitioners revealed that both groups benefited from the combined format, and suggested methods for improvement in delivery. As demands for continuing education to meet the college's regulatory requirements increase and university budgets decrease, the potential to provide enhanced learning in this format is worthy of further research. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Client outcomes after student community fieldwork in Russia
Authors: Packer Tanya L. , Paterson Margo , Krupa Terry , Avtchoukhova Lioudmila , Tchebotareva Ludmila , Krasnova Lioudmila 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThis short report outlines how occupational therapy education was introduced in Russia in 1996 through a partnership between Canadian and Russian academic organizations and consumer groups. Role‐emerging placements were selected as a strategy to provide clinical experience in a healthcare system where there were no established occupational therapists. Students' ability to help clients to improve their occupational performance was evaluated through a record audit when the second cohort of students had completed their training. Thirty‐one files of clients aged 6 to 80 were reviewed. Clients' ratings of performance and satisfaction scores on the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure before and after occupational therapy intervention were examined. Analysis using the Wilcoxon signed rank test showed highly significant differences (p=0.001), indicating that students were able to help clients to improve their occupational performance. This is also interpreted as an indication of the success of the education programme. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Occupational therapy as an academic discipline in Finland
Authors: Kolehmainen Anne , Pikkarainen Aila , Aittomäki Satu 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe aim of this short report is to outline the relation between Finnish educational policy and the dualistic educational structure of Finland, to describe the consequences of this system for education in occupational therapy at university level, and to speculate on the likely development and challenges facing academic occupational therapy education in the future. The authors have been involved in the development process. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Perceptual, motor and cognitive performance components of Bedouin children in Israel
Authors: Parush Shula , Sharoni Chaya , Hahn‐Markowitz Jeri , Katz Noomi 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the perceptual, motor and cognitive performance abilities of Bedouin children as compared with mainstream Israeli children of the same age. The study population comprised two age groups (6–8 year olds and 10–12 year olds) living in two different types of settlements (rural and town). Participants included 20 children in each group. The Test of Visual‐Perceptual Skills (TVPS), the Developmental Test of Visual‐Motor Integration (VMI), selected subtests from the Bruininks‐Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency and the Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment (LOTCA) were used. Older participants in all three groups performed better than the younger subjects. There were no significant differences between the two Bedouin groups in either age category. The mainstream Israeli subjects scored significantly higher than the two Bedouin groups on most variables tested. The lack of differences between the two Bedouin groups may indicate that the transition from nomadic communities to urban communities is mainly external and has not caused a significant change in perception, perceptual‐motor and cognitive performance abilities. The results of this study may be used as a base for developing preventive intervention programmes to meet the specific needs of Bedouin children. A limitation of this study was the classification of the Bedouin population according to their dwelling place and not according to their sociodemographic background, such as parents' economic status, parents' education and so on. Recommendations for future research include expanding the number of participants, including children from additional rural schools of various distant tribes and incorporating more detailed cognitive assessments. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Developing a measure of beliefs and attitudes about chronic non‐malignant pain: a pilot study of occupational therapists
Authors: Jones Derek , Ravey John , Steedman Wilma 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe paper reports the results from the early stages of the development of an instrument to measure professionals' beliefs and attitudes on chronic non‐malignant pain, and assesses the instrument's use in measuring the effectiveness of education. British state‐registered occupational therapists (n=19) were surveyed, using a pilot instrument designed by one of the researchers, before and after a twoday course in the management of chronic non‐malignant pain led by a psychologist and two occupational therapists. Results show a statistically significant change in scores after education, indicating a positive change in beliefs and attitudes. Implications for future research are briefly discussed. The limitations of the study are the small sample size and the early stage in development of the instrument used. Further research will be aimed at improving the validity and reliability of the instrument using a larger multidisciplinary sample. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Cross‐cultural assessment of the Contextual Memory Test (CMT)
Authors: Josman Naomi , Hartman‐Maeir Adina 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe Contextual Memory Test (CMT) measures aspects of memory and metamemory of people with cognitive disabilities. The assessment tool was originally developed and standardized in the United States. The objectives of this study were: (1) to evaluate the applicability of the CMT to an Israeli population; (2) to further investigate the construct validity of the CMT to discriminate among age groups; and (3) to analyse the 40 items on the CMT from a cultural point of view. The CMT was administered to 217 typical Israeli adults, grouped into three age categories, closely matching those in the US normative study (Toglia, 1993). Similar levels of performance were obtained for Israelis and Americans on the various test components. Statistically significant differences between American and Israeli subjects' performance levels were evident in three memory components in the elderly groups (group 3) and in only two memory components in the young group (group 1). In addition, within‐sample comparisons of the three Israeli age groups yielded significant age effects for recall, recognition, strategy use and general awareness. This study confirmed discriminant validity for the CMT. The tool seems to be highly appropriate for use by occupational therapists in assessing memory and metamemory with American and Israeli adult subjects. The relatively small size of the age groups and the lack of random selection of subjects are limitations of this study. Therefore, it is recommended that the study be replicated with a larger and randomized sample. The multifaceted nature of the assessment provides much more information than traditional recall scores, and the metamemory components enhance both differential diagnosis and appropriate planning of treatment. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
The impact of child abuse on children's play: a conceptual model
Authors: Cooper Rodney J. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to examine critically the impact of child abuse on children's play, using a descriptive model of children's play as a conceptual framework for this review of the literature. Play is recognized as a primary occupation of childhood by occupational therapists. When a child is exposed to an abusive or neglectful care environment his or her play development may be disrupted. Although the detrimental effects of physical, sexual or emotional abuse and neglect are well documented, relatively few studies have investigated the play of abused children. Reported effects suggest that abused or neglected children are more likely to show developmentally delayed play skills, decreased playfulness and behavioural disturbance in their play, which may place them at greater risk for learning and social problems. Occupational therapists often use play, including play therapy, to assess and treat abused children. This analysis highlights the need for occupational therapists to evaluate how play‐based therapeutic approaches can best meet the developmental and emotional needs of abused and neglected children. Recommendations are made for occupational therapists to be more knowledgeable about child abuse and to address the need for research into the specific effects of child abuse on children's play. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.