bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induced to Volunteer? The Predicament of Jewish Communists in Palestine and the Spanish Civil War
Authors: Arielli Nir
Published: November 2011

Despite there being no recruitment office in Palestine, dozens of members of the local Communist Party, mainly Jews, left the country to take part in the Spanish Civil War. First, this article examines the political and social circumstances which influenced individuals’ decisions to volunteer. The Palestine Communist Party operated illegally. A combination of pressure from the British mandate authorities, hostility from the Zionist establishment and acute internal disputes, following the party’s participation in the Arab Revolt in Palestine (1936–9), created strong push factors that encouraged many Party members to leave the country. The article also examines the volunteers’ ideological motivation and the transport and support networks that were necessary to bring them to the war zone. By exploring these issues, the article seeks not only to illuminate the particular case of the volunteers from Palestine, but also to make a contribution to the comparative study of foreign volunteers in modern conflicts.
Foreign Involvement and Loss of Democracy, Estonia 1934
Authors: Valge Jaak
Published: November 2011

Estonia, where influential major powers have often had competing interests, is able to provide a specific example of how involvement from foreign countries can influence the collapse of democracy. Both the undemocratic Soviet Union, with 150 times the population of Estonia, and 60 times more populous Germany, which had become undemocratic in 1933, were seen in Estonia as security risks. In contrast to this, the democratic United Kingdom was seen as Estonia's best friend. The United Kingdom and Germany were also Estonia's main trading partners. But London was primarily concerned to limit the influence of Germany in the Baltic States, and Estonia's internal situation was of interest in this context. The co-operation by Estonian socialists with Moscow undoubtedly aggravated the Estonian domestic political situation, but the initiators of this co-operation were more the Estonian socialists themselves. Germany's attempts to influence Estonian domestic politics were of a limited nature. But there is no doubt that events in Germany had a major influence on Estonia's domestic politics.
Maternalism, Race, Class and Citizenship: Aspects of Illegitimate Motherhood in Nazi Germany
Authors: Joshi Vandana
Published: November 2011

This article juxtaposes three types of illegitimate motherhood that came in the wake of the second world war in nazi Germany. The first found institutional support in the Lebensborn project, an elite effort to raise the flagging birth-rates, which at the same time turned a new page in the history of sexuality. The second came before the lower courts in the form of paternity and guardianship suits that had a long precedent, and the third was a social practice that the regime considered a ‘mass crime' among its female citizenry: namely, forbidden unions between German women and prisoners of war. Through these cases the article addresses issues such as morality, sexuality, paternity, citizenship and welfarism. The flesh-and-blood stories have been culled from the Lebensborn Dossiers and Special Court files, as well as cases from the lower courts.
From ‘Irresponsible' to ‘Immoral': The Shifts in de Gaulle's Perception of Israel and the Jews
Authors: Heimann Gadi
Published: November 2011

This article reviews the changes that took place in de Gaulle’s perception of Israel. It illustrates that the traditional interpretations in the literature are not precise. It identifies three distinct phases: A. Until the mid-1960s, de Gaulle valued the Jewish state and regarded it as balanced and moderate. B. Between 1963 and 1967, de Gaulle started to think of Israel as acting irresponsibly and contributing to the instability in the Middle East as a result of Israel’s retaliation policy. C. After the Six Day War, an additional shift occurred in the way de Gaulle saw Israel. He began to regard the country as imperialistic and amoral. He implied on more than one occasion that he attributed this to the ‘Jewish’ qualities of the Israeli nation.
Illegal Behavior, Neighborhood Context, and Police Reporting by Victims of Violence
Authors: Berg Mark T. , Slocum Lee Ann , Loeber Rolf
Published: November 2011

Objectives. To assess (1) if robberies and assaults are less likely to be reported when the victim is engaged in crime and if this relationship can be explained by characteristics of the incident, victim, or the victim’s neighborhood and (2) if neighborhood context moderates the effects of offending on reporting. Methods. The data include 832 victimizations reported in the Pittsburgh Youth Study (PYS). All data are self-reported except neighborhood disadvantage and crime rates, which were measured using census data and police records, respectively. Data are analyzed using random intercept models. Findings. Victimizations are less likely to be reported when the victim is more involved in crime and this relationship is not fully explained by characteristics of the victim, incident, or the victim’s neighborhood. The effect of offending on reporting is stronger for incidents in which the victim resided in a high-crime or disadvantaged neighborhood. Conclusions. Victims' offending is an important correlate of reporting; however, the assumption that criminals are unwilling or unable to use formal social control seems to apply mainly to those who reside in disadvantaged or high-crime neighborhoods. Future research should explore why offenders' willingness to report varies by neighborhood context.
Economic Reasons for Reporting Property, Plant, and Equipment at Fair Market Value by Foreign Cross-Listed Firms in the United States
Authors: Hlaing Khin Phyo , Pourjalali Hamid
Published: November 2011

This paper attempts to provide some preliminary evidence of possible implementation outcome of the use of fair value option for non-financial assets in the U.S. The characteristics of foreign-listed firms in the U.S. Stock Exchanges who use fair value (revaluation) option for measurement and reporting of property, plant and equipment (PPE) are examined. These firms already use the standard without being required to provide reconciliation to the U.S. GAAP. But only 38 of 232 firms choose to report their assets at fair value. As such, the revaluation model is not very popular among the cross-listed firms and the majority of these firms do not choose the option. We test for differences between adopters and non-adopters using leverage ratios, the intensity of PPE, firm size in terms of sales, market value, and total assets and profitability ratios. Our results show that those who adopt the fair value model for PPE (revaluers) have fundamentally different economic characteristics. We find that larger firms with higher value of PPE, and a higher ratio of the total amount of property, plant, and equipment to total assets are more likely to revalue their long-term assets. Our Probit and Factor analyses further show that larger firms with higher debt ratios (e.g., debt-to-equity), are more likely to adopt the PPE revaluation model.
Taking Teams Seriously in the Co-creation of Firms and Economic Agency
Authors: Hull Kristensen Peer , Lotz Maja
Published: November 2011

In this paper it is suggested that it is time to take the agency of teams seriously. Whereas the debate has previously focused on how firms may function more effectively by using team-based work organization, our aim here is to discuss and understand how teams affect the evolutionary dynamic of companies. Fieldwork in four Danish manufacturing companies helped us discover that firms as ‘communities of teams’ are highly dynamic entities with complex layers of different team forms that operate, innovate and improve by constantly recombining, collaborating across organizational divisions and redistributing authority, thereby challenging some of the existing ‘idioms’ of team research and theories of the firm. Building on these findings, we rethink research on teams by re-describing the evolutionary dynamics of firms and call for new comparative research.
Institutional Continuity and the Dutch Construction Industry Fiddle
Authors: Sminia Harry
Published: November 2011

The article deals with the question of how institutional continuity is realized. It presents an analysis of the continuation of the institution of pre-consultation in the Dutch construction industry over a period of nine years, after this was declared illegal as a consequence of European Union regulations. The analysis utilizes a structuration-based practice approach to institutionalization. The findings suggest that institutional continuity is a matter of a social mechanism which emerges as a consequence of the particular way in which practices are enacted, and which has the effect of repairing and/or concealing contradiction so that change is not initiated.
Effects of Anatomy and Particle Size on Nasal Sprays and Nebulizers
Authors: Frank Dennis O. , Kimbell Julia S. , Pawar Sachin , Rhee John S.
Published: November 2011

Objective

To study the effects of nasal deformity on aerosol penetration past the nasal valve (NV) for varying particle sizes using sprays or nebulizers.

Study Design

Computed mathematical nasal airway model.

Setting

Department computer lab.

Subjects and Methods

Particle deposition was analyzed using a computational fluid dynamics model of the human nose with leftward septal deviation and compensatory right inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Sprays were simulated for 10 µm, 20 µm, 50 µm, or particle sizes following a Rosin Rammler particle size distribution (10‐110 µm), at speeds of 1, 3, or 10 meters per second. Nebulization was simulated for 1, 3.2, 6.42, or 10 µm particles. Steady state inspiratory airflow was simulated at 15.7 liters per minute.

Results

Sprays predicted higher NV penetration on the right side for particle sizes >10 µm, with comparable penetration on both sides at 10 µm. Nearly 100% deposited in the nasal passages for all spray characteristics. Nebulizer predictions showed nearly 100% of particles <6.42 µm and more than 50% of 6.42 µm bypassing both sides of the nose without depositing. Of the nebulized particles that deposited, penetration was higher on the right at 10 µm, with comparable penetration on both sides at 6.42 µm. Spray penetration was highest at 10 µm, with more than 96% penetrating on both sides at 1 and 3 meters per second. Nebulization penetration was also highest at 10 µm (40% on the left, >90% on the right).

Conclusion

In the presence of a septal deviation, sprays or nebulizers containing 10‐µm particles may have good penetration beyond the NV. Nebulized particles <10 µm are likely to be respirable. Additionally, spray speeds above 3 meters per second may limit penetration.
Development and Technical Characteristics of a Team Decision- Making Assessment Tool
Authors: Algozzine Bob , Newton J. Stephen , Horner Robert H. , Todd Anne W. , Algozzine Kate
Published: November 2011

Problem solving is fundamental to psychoeducational assessment practices and generally grounded in activities related to identifying problems, developing and refining hypotheses, generating solutions, developing and implementing actions, and evaluating outcomes. While the process is central to response-to-intervention practices as well, little research has addressed the form, content, or outcomes of decision-making teams as they operate in schools. One barrier to building a program of research on team problem solving has been the absence of a credible and feasible measure of team performance. We developed the Decision Observation, Recording, and Analysis (DORA) tool to document problem-solving behaviors during team meetings. We were interested in evaluating problem solving during team meetings that focus on academic and behavior concerns in school. We describe the development and preliminary psychometric data for DORA in this article. Our discussion focuses on the implications of DORA for expanding the study of team processes and for improvement of problem-solving practices in schools.
Assessing Teachers’ Beliefs About Social and Emotional Learning
Authors: Brackett Marc A. , Reyes Maria R. , Rivers Susan E. , Elbertson Nicole A. , Salovey Peter
Published: November 2011

Teachers are the primary implementers of social and emotional learning (SEL) programs. Their beliefs about SEL likely influence program delivery, evaluation, and outcomes. A simple tool for measuring these beliefs could be used by school administrators to determine school readiness for SEL programming and by researchers to better understand teacher variables that impact implementation fidelity and program outcomes. In a two-phase study, we developed and then validated a parsimonious measure of teachers’ beliefs about SEL. In Phase 1, survey items were administered to 935 teachers and subjected to both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, resulting in three reliable scales pertaining to teachers’ comfort with teaching SEL, commitment to learning about SEL, and perceptions about whether their school culture supports SEL. Phase 2 provided evidence for the concurrent and predictive validity of the scales with a subsample of teachers implementing an SEL program as part of a randomized controlled trial. The discussion focuses on the value of measuring teachers’ beliefs about SEL from both researcher and practitioner perspectives.
Expressed Sexual Assault Legal Context and Victim Culpability Attributions
Authors: Miller Audrey K. , Markman Keith D. , Amacker Amanda M. , Menaker Tasha A.
Published: November 2011

Legal scholars have argued that laws have an expressive function, specifically that sexual assault laws may convey social-level messages that victims are culpable for crimes against them. In a university sample, we conducted the first experimental test of legal scholars’ proposal, hypothesizing that legal messages—specifically their clarity and effectiveness in conveying that sexual assault is a crime—affect victim culpability attributions. Results demonstrated that greater culpability was attributed to a victim of sexual assault within a context expressing unclear and ineffective sexual assault law than within a context clearly and effectively expressing that sexual assault is a crime. We also garnered empirical support for a mediation model, that is, negative affective reactions to a victim statistically accounted for the relationship between expressed legal context and victim culpability attributions. Implications for future psycholegal research and potential legal reforms are discussed.
Ductile–brittle transition temperature of polylactic acid-based biocomposite
Authors: Kaiser MR , Anuar H , Razak SBA
Published: November 2011

Almost all materials exhibit sensitivity of mechanical properties to temperature. Polylactic acid (PLA), an amorphous polymeric material, also exhibits this type of behavior. Because of its limited application in structural purpose, very few journals and articles study the ductile–brittle transition temperature (DBTT) of polymeric materials, especially PLA. It is necessary to determine DBTT to avoid brittle and catastrophic failure. This article determined the ductile-to-brittle transition of various PLA-based biocomposite. A comprehensive database was developed to determine the DBTT of PLA, PLA-20KF, PLA-20KF-5Clay, and PLA-5Clay. Impact tests were carried out on unnotched standard specimens at temperatures ranging from −5°C to 28°C. The result shows that higher percentage of filler namely PLA-20KF and PLA-20KF-5Clay show lower impact strength and no significant decrease in impact strength with temperature. In contrast, lower percentage of filler such as PLA and PLA-5Clay shows better impact strength and comparatively sharp decrease in impact strength with temperature. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and fractographic analysis confirmed these statements that brittle fracture was observed in higher percentage of filled biocomposites whereas comparatively ductile fracture in lower percentage of filled biocomposites.
Tensile property of surface-treated poly-p-phenylenebenzobisoxazole (PBO) fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polyimide composite
Authors: Liang Yu , Xianhua Cheng
Published: November 2011

The current study examined the effect of rare earth (RE) solution surface modification of poly- p-phenylenebenzobisoxazole (PBO) fibers on the tensile property of PBO fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polyimide (PBO/PI) composites. Experimental results revealed that RE surface treatment could effectively improve the interfacial adhesion between PBO fibers and PI matrix. Compared with the untreated and coupling agent-treated PBO/PI composite, the RE-treated composite had better interfacial adhesion. For RE-treated PBO/PI composites, the tensile strength and tensile modulus varied with RE concentrations, and the optimum value was obtained at 0.6 wt% of RE concentration. The fracture surface morphologies of the samples were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze the effect of various surface treatments. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) study of PBO fibers surface showed that the ratio of oxygen/carbon on the surface of PBO fibers was obviously increased after RE treatment, which indicated the content of polar groups on the surface of PBO fibers increased compared with the others. The increase in the amount of polar groups strengthened the interfacial adhesion between PBO fibers and PI matrix and accordingly enhanced the tensile properties.
Influence of blend composition on mechanical properties of ASA/SAN binary blends
Authors: Zhang Wei , Chen Shuangjun , Zhang Jun
Published: November 2011

In this study, acrylonitrile–styrene–acrylic/styrene–acrylonitrile copolymer (ASA/SAN) binary blends with different compositions were prepared by mixing ASA and SAN by melt blending. Properties of the binary blends were studied by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), heat distortion temperature (HDT), melt flow rate (MFR), mechanical properties and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Since a grafted SAN shell is contained in ASA’s core shell structure, it is considered to have a good compatibility with SAN, and the results confirmed it. The binary blends showed a single glass transition temperature (Tg) according to DSC and DMTA measurements. Only weak interactions between the characteristic groups were obtained in FTIR spectrum. No obvious phase separation observed in SEM photographs indicated good compatibility between ASA and SAN. With respect to mechanical properties, impact strength and elongation at break of ASA/SAN blends decreased significantly with the SAN content but tensile strength, flexural strength and modulus increased. In addition, the incorporation of SAN enhanced the heat resistance and processability of the blend system.
Challenges of Multiracial Antiracist Activism: Racial Consciousness and Chief Wahoo
Authors: Jacobs Michelle R. , Taylor Tiffany
Published: November 2011

We explore how white activists’ racial identity struggles might disrupt effective antiracist action in multiracial organizations. Drawing on data collected through participant observation and interviews, we examine the struggles of a small, multiracial antiracist organization that protests the Cleveland baseball franchise’s ‘Indians’ name and Chief Wahoo mascot. White activists’ racial consciousness, or awareness of white racism and white privilege, compels them to participate in the group; their ways of participating, however, ultimately may hamper the organizational effectiveness of the Committee of 500 Years of Dignity and Resistance. Specifically, white activists’ racial consciousness makes them reluctant to adopt necessary leadership roles. Borrowing from literature on white racism, white racial consciousness, and multiracial organizing, we illustrate the complex nature and potential pitfalls of multiracial alliances formed to protest racism in the United States.
Neuroleptic-Induced Catatonia in Two Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Gugger James J. , Saad Maha , Smith Candace
Published: November 2011

Purpose: To report the cases of 2 hospitalized patients with chronic psychotic disorders who developed neuroleptic-induced catatonia (NIC), a catatonic-extrapyramidal syndrome occurring after administration of a D2-receptor antagonist, and delineate the importance of prompt recognition and treatment. Methods: Two patients with chronic psychotic disorders were admitted to the hospital for unstable medical conditions at which time their maintenance antipsychotic therapy was discontinued. Following administration of intravenous haloperidol, both patients developed catatonic and extrapyramidal signs. Both patients developed catatonia, rigidity, hyperthermia, leukocytosis, and elevations in creatine kinase. In both cases, the patients met the criteria for catatonia as evidenced by motoric immobility, stupor, mutism, and negativism. The syndrome resolved within a few days of stopping haloperidol and initiation of lorazepam. Conclusion: Neuroleptic-induced catatonia is underrecognized and can lead to potentially severe complications, although early recognition and treatment may prevent progression and complications. Previous reports do not underscore the importance of prompt recognition and treatment.
Preliminary Results From a Multidisciplinary University-Based Disease State Management Program Focused on Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia, and Diabetes
Authors: Bright David R. , Kroustos Kelly R. , Thompson Rhonda E. , Swanson Scott C. , Terrell Sara L. , DiPietro Natalie A.
Published: November 2011

Objective: To describe the implementation and evaluation of a pilot multidisciplinary disease state management (DSM) program for diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia at a private, self-insured university (over 900 covered lives). Methods: Enrollees met with a pharmacist, nurse, exercise physiologist, and students in these disciplines to improve clinical outcomes and fitness parameters. Clinical values, quality of life, patient knowledge of disease states, and patient satisfaction were assessed. Results: Of the 20 patients in the pilot program, 17 completed 1 nursing and 2 pharmacist visits; 8 completed exercise physiology visits. At baseline, elevated blood pressure readings were observed in 64.7% (11 of 17) of patients, 20% of those with diabetes (1 of 5) had an elevated hemoglobin A1c value (HbA1c), and 82.4% (14 of 17) had a cholesterol value that was not at goal. At least 1 medication-related problem was observed in 16 patients (94.1%). At 3 months, all patients with diabetes achieved HbA1c levels at or below 7%, 4 patients attained blood pressure control, and 1 achieved normal cholesterol readings. Patients characterized participation in the program as valuable and convenient. Conclusions: Patients involved in the multidisciplinary DSM showed improved clinical outcomes after 3 months. Ongoing analysis of patient outcomes will determine the long-term effectiveness of the DSM.
Effectiveness and Feasibility of Pharmacist-Led Admission Medication Reconciliation for Geriatric Patients
Authors: Beckett Robert D. , Crank Christopher W. , Wehmeyer Ann
Published: November 2011

Purpose: Pharmacists have been shown to improve medication reconciliation at hospital admission. Limited resources may obligate pharmacy departments to target resources for medication reconciliation rather than extend services to the entire hospital. We conducted a prospective, randomized, nonblinded assessment of the effectiveness and feasibility of pharmacist-led admission medication reconciliation for geriatric patients. Methods: Eighty-one geriatric patients were randomized 1:1 to receive medication reconciliation per current hospital practice or to pharmacist-led medication reconciliation at admission. The primary end point was medication profile appropriateness by pharmacist review at 48 hours postadmission. Secondary end points involved in determining the impact and feasibility of this program. Results: Pharmacist-led medication was superior to standard hospital practice, with 48% of controls and 71% of intervention patients having appropriate medication profiles at 48 hours postadmission ( P = .033). Pharmacists identified 116 discrepancies among 81 patients including predominantly omissions (41%) and a composite of wrong dose, route, or frequency (35%). Pharmacists spent a median 15 minutes per patient. Conclusion: Pharmacists improved admission medication reconciliation for geriatric patients. Pharmacists identified a significant number of discrepancies, including predominantly omissions and wrong dose, dosage form, or frequency. Pharmacists’ contributions to medication reconciliation could yield substantial benefit to patient care.
Case Report: Increased Patient Response to Intramuscular Haloperidol Decanoate Following a Change in Needle Length
Authors: Brahm Nancy C. , Washington Nicole B.
Published: November 2011

Introduction: Intramuscular (IM) injection is a commonly used administration route for a variety of medications. Determining the optimum needle length for administration of IM formulations based on individual patient variables has not been extensively reported in patients receiving antipsychotic medication via IM administration. Case report: The patient, a 23-year-old African American female diagnosed with schizophrenia, was referred to a community-based treatment program following multiple inpatient admissions. At age 19, she began experiencing psychiatric symptoms that resulted in assault and incarceration. Treatment included separate trials of haloperidol and fluphenazine decanoate formulations with minimal success reported. At the time of evaluation, she was experiencing constant positive psychiatric symptomatology. Oral haloperidol was started. Haloperidol decanoate 150 mg by IM injection using a 1.5-inch needle was added and titrated to 350 mg IM over 11 months. Auditory hallucinations continued. Following refusal of a haloperidol level, the physician changed to a 2-inch needle for decanoate injections. Noticeable and continued slow improvement of her psychotic symptoms resulted. Conclusion: Needle length may be of new importance to practitioners. If anticipated results of IM antipsychotic medication administration are not realized, practitioners are urged to consider patient variables, notably the amount of adipose tissue in the administration area.
Integrative thinking is the key: An evaluation of current research into the development of adult thinking
Authors: Kallio Eeva
Published: November 2011

Post-formal relativistic-dialectical thinking has been widely claimed to be a new developmental stage of intellectual development. Other theoretical models come very close to post-formal thinking, with overlapping features such as the study of wisdom and epistemic understanding, as well as models of expertise, critical thinking, and scepticism. No coherent theory exists in the fields of post-formal and relativistic-dialectical thinking, though scholars have claimed that there is some similarity between the models. While empirical evidence of interconnectedness between them exists, a major difficulty lies in the theoretical definition of concepts. We critically assess the definitions of relativism and dialectical thinking and show these to be ambiguous and weakly defined terms. We argue that the notion of “integrative thinking” should be used instead of post-formal or relativistic-dialectical thinking. Integration can be additive or transformative. Transformational integration of various psychological domains seems to be the core component in models of adult cognitive development.
Deconstructing theory: Towards an ethical therapy
Authors: Larner Glenn
Published: November 2011

Over the last two decades theorists and therapists have explored and consolidated discursive and relational approaches to therapy based on social constructionist, dialogic, and narrative thinking. Meanwhile in mainstream psychology and psychiatry a modern scientific-realist epistemology prevails. While these two paradigms are diametrically opposed in theory, they are often required to be juxtaposed in practice, especially for therapists working in mainstream mental health services. The paper addresses this theory and practice dilemma of how therapists can work in both therapy paradigms at once. This is illustrated by practice examples, including teaching relational therapy to psychologists trained as scientist practitioners and applying integrative family therapy with depressed and suicidal adolescents. Drawing on Derrida and Levinas I present an ethical practice model called paramodern therapy. By deconstructing theory an ethical and integrative therapy is possible, one which engages with modern approaches while taking on board discursive, narrative, or social constructionist metaphors.
Influence of the simultaneous addition of bentonite and cellulose fibers on the mechanical and barrier properties of starch composite-films
Authors: de Moraes J. Oliveira , Müller C.M.O. , Laurindo J.B.
Published: November 2011

The addition of nanoclay or cellulose fibers has been presented in the literature as a suitable alternative for reinforcing starch films. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effect of the simultaneous incorporation of nanoclay (bentonite) and cellulose fibers on the mechanical and water barrier properties of the resultant composite-films. Films were prepared by casting with 3% in weight of cassava starch, using glycerol as plasticizer (0.30 g per g of starch), cellulose fibers at a concentration of 0.30 g of fibers per g of starch and nanoclay (0.05 g clay per g starch and 0.10 g clay per g starch). The addition of cellulose fibers and nanoclay increased the tensile strength of the films 8.5 times and the Young modulus 24 times but reduced the elongation capacity 14 times. The water barrier properties of the composite-films to which bentonite and cellulose fibers were added were approximately 60% inferior to those of starch films. Diffractograms showed that the nanoclay was intercalated in the polymeric matrix. These results indicate that the simultaneous addition of bentonite and cellulose fibers is a suitable alternative to increase the tensile strength of the films and decrease their water vapor permeabilities.
Teachers’ perceptions of declining participation in school music
Authors: Ng Chi-hung Clarence , Hartwig Kay
Published: November 2011

Low enrolment and high attrition rates are pressing issues facing school music in Australia. Based on a sociocognitive perspective, the current study explored music teachers’ perceptions of the extent of, reasons for, and factors influencing continuing enrolment in music. The findings showed that both classroom and instrumental music teachers perceived a general decline in student enrolment in music in high school. However, instrumental teachers perceived that relatively higher percentages of students tended to continue with instrumental music. Music teachers ranked the importance of various cognitive and social factors relevant to students’ continuing and discontinuing participation in music learning in school. Regression analyses showed that parental support and a quality music programme were significant factors predicting teachers’ perceptions of student persistence levels in instrumental and classroom music respectively. The paper ends with a discussion on the development of reformative music pedagogy.
Herpes encephalitis during natalizumab treatment in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Kwiatkowski A , Gallois J , Bilbault N , Calais G , Mackowiak A , Hautecoeur P
Published: November 2011

In this case report we describe the first non-fatal herpes simplex virus encephalitis (HSE) case with natalizumab for multiple sclerosis (MS). A 36-year-old woman, previously treated with immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive drugs for MS, developed acute encephalitis after 6 monthly natalizumab perfusions. Brain imaging demonstrated suggestive bi-temporal lesions. Herpes simplex virus type-1 DNA was detected in cerebrospinal fluid. The patient improved gradually after a 21-day course of intravenous acyclovir, but neuropsychiatric changes remained 5 months later. Our non-fatal case of HSE and other reported cases of herpes infections provide evidence of an increased risk with natalizumab and point to the need for clinicians to maintain awareness.
Initial management of bereaved relatives following trauma
Authors: Parris Richard J
Published: November 2011

Emergency department (ED) staff confront death more frequently than any other specialty except oncology. These deaths are often traumatic, sudden, unexpected and occur in a younger age group. As a consequence, bereaved survivors have a greater risk of an abnormal grief reaction. [ Walters DT, Tupin JP (1991) Family grief in the emergency department. Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America 9(1): 189–206.] Whilst the severity or timing of traumatic injuries may preclude medical attempts to influence patient survival, the approach of the same resuscitation team to the bereaved before death, during resuscitation and after death may have profound influences on subsequent grief in the bereaved. Despite this, it can be argued that Emergency Medicine within the UK has given little thought and time for reflection upon how we treat the bereaved. That the care of the dying and the bereaved within the ED matters is greatly reinforced by the Scottish Government’s 2010 Consultation document on bereavement that states: ‘There is … evidence that the way [the] bereaved experience events around the time of death will influence their grief. Where health services get it right … bereaved people are supported to accept the death … Conversely if the health services get it wrong, then bereaved people may experience additional distress, and that distress will interfere with their successful transition through the grieving process’.
Re-constructing Babel: Discourse analysis, hermeneutics and the Interpretive Arc
Authors: Bell Allan
Published: November 2011

This article questions the aptness of ‘discourse analysis’ as a label for our field, and prefers the less reductionist concept of ‘Discourse Interpretation’. It does this through drawing on ideas from the field of philosophical hermeneutics – the theory and practice of interpreting texts. It operationalizes and adapts the construct of the Interpretive Arc from the philosophy of Paul Ricoeur in order to address issues that are central to discourse work, including that of how we warrant the validity of our textual interpretations. The Interpretive Arc consists of six inter-linked phases, which the article presents and exemplifies through discussion of a single text – the story of Babel. Phase 1 of the arc defines readers as being in a state of Estrangement before the text because of the distancing created by its written or technological form. Phase 2 is that of Pre-view, the state of opinion or knowledge that readers bring to a text. At phase 3, a first reading forms readers’ Proto-understanding, their initial ‘guess’ at what the text means. Then processes of Analysis (phase 4) test and evidence the validity of alternative readings, limiting the interpretations which can plausibly be taken from a text. Three byways of interpretive analysis are challenged and discarded: the dominance of author intention, structuralist analysis and limitless polysemy. Analysis then leads into 5, the phase of informed Understanding of the matter or injunction of the text, of what is disclosed or unfolded before the text. The Interpretive Arc is completed in phase 6, Ownership. Here, through processes of critique of their own and the text’s ideologies and of fresh listening, readers are led to a new self formed by the matter of the text. There is a dialectic amongst Analysis, Understanding and Ownership, with each informing and modifying the other. The approach emphasizes interpretation as the heart of discourse work. The 3000-year-old narrative of Babel is a subject as well as an object here. It contributes to the matter of the article and its interpretation is interwoven with the theoretical substance. The story is shown to be an integrated narrative abounding in sophisticated linguistic techniques which show a delight in language. The traditional Christian and Western interpretation of Babel – as an affront to God which results in the curse of multilingualism – is challenged. A re-constructed interpretation informed by intertextual evidence reads the fault of Babel to be the people’s refusal to spread through the earth. Babel can be interpreted as a manifesto against the monolingual and monocultural impetus of empires ancient and contemporary. The multilingual outcome is a positive affirmation of sociocultural and linguistic diversity.
A cognitive account of discourse understanding and discourse interpretation: The Landscape Model of reading
Authors: Yeari Menahem , van den Broek Paul
Published: November 2011

Text interpretation – the main interest of discourse analysts – is a central component of the text understanding process. In this article we introduce the Landscape Model, which describes the cognitive processes underlying reading comprehension in a detailed and precise manner. Moreover, this model captures the interpretative processes in which the human mind engages during reading. Within the context of the Landscape Model, we describe the relation between discourse understanding and discourse interpretation, and explain some of the phenomena that are central to the field of discourse analysis as seen from a cognitive perspective. In the first section we describe the basic cognitive processes that underlie discourse understanding, as captured by the Landscape Model. In the following section we illustrate the way that the Landscape Model can be applied to the work of discourse analysts. We conclude by discussing the usefulness of the cognitive Landscape Model for the field of discourse analysis.
Text as action, action as text? Ricoeur, λoƔoσ and the affirmative search for meaning in the ‘universe of discourse’
Authors: Scott-Baumann Alison
Published: November 2011

Ricoeur placed a great deal of importance upon text and the interpretation of text. Bell accepts this by virtue of his extended analysis of the story of Babel, and I hope to offer ways of extending and developing Bell’s arguments to incorporate the ethical demands that Ricoeur placed upon text, upon our interpretation of text and upon action as a form of readable text. This will not include a commentary on discourse analysis, which I am not qualified to give. Ricoeur differed from the structuralist tradition in that he saw the relationship between language and life as taking a dialectical form: debate that presumes the possibility of altering one’s position by grappling with different views, and often taking inspiration from Hegelian dialectics, with their contrasting polarized views and the eventual attempt at affirmative common ground. The term λoƔoσ ( logos) was first used in a philosophical way by Heraclitus to give us the principle of order and knowledge, and yet for Heraclitus the world was dominated by conflict and change. Ricoeur studied this tension within logos between order and disorder, partly by his writing about language and his work on signs and symbols, partly through metaphor and narrative and also through his insights on translation. For him, all these are facets of the need for both Explaining and Understanding as forms of interpretation of language, ethics and action. Ricoeur’s work on logos provides us with an approach that asks whether ethics controls language or vice versa or both and how this fits in with structuralism and later movements. For Ricoeur, signs (words, texts) are not the centres of our perceptual experience. At the heart of our perception are our motivations and our actions, for which we must take responsibility in a sort of provisional affirmation that we will keep trying. In so doing we must doubt (be suspicious of) our own motives just as much as those of others, and see action as a form of readable text.
Discourse studies and hermeneutics
Authors: van Dijk Teun A.
Published: November 2011

Against the background of an academic development starting in literary studies, also involving ‘encounters’ with hermeneutics, this article argues that the contemporary cross-discipline of Discourse Studies, and hence Critical Discourse Studies, have gone beyond the impressionistic or erudite ‘interpretation’ of (literary) texts, as traditionally practiced in hermeneutics. It is summarized how psychology today accounts for many of the properties of the semantic and pragmatic comprehension of situated text and talk, for instance in terms of mental models. It thus makes explicit processes that are only vaguely characterized in terms of the metaphors of the interpretative ‘Arc’ as presented by Ricoeur. Yet we have only begun to make explicit the complex processes of discourse comprehension, especially also how structures of discourse are related to broader social, political, historical or cultural macro-contexts. Sophisticated discourse interpretations, also in hermeneutics, may thus provide insights that may be used in future developments of more explicit theories of discourse understanding.
Characterization and significance of ACE2 and Mas receptor in human colon adenocarcinoma
Authors: Bernardi Stella , Zennaro Cristina , Palmisano Silvia , Velkoska Elena , Sabato Nicoletta , Toffoli Barbara , Giacomel Greta , Buri Luigi , Zanconati Fabrizio , Bellini Giuseppe , Burrell Louise M , De Manzini Nicolò , Fabris Bruno
Published: November 2011

Introduction: A new arm of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) has been recently characterized; this includes angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)2 and angiotensin (Ang)1-7, a heptapeptide acting through the Mas receptor (MasR). Recent studies show that Ang1-7 has an antiproliferative action on lung adenocarcinoma cells. The aim of this study was to characterize RAS expression in human colon adenocarcinoma and to investigate whether Ang1-7 exerts an antiproliferative effect on human colon adenocarcinoma cells.

Materials and methods: Gene, protein expression and enzymatic activity of the main components of the RAS were determined on non-neoplastic colon mucosa as well as on the tumor mass and the mucosa taken 5 cm distant from it, both collected from patients with colon adenocarcinoma. Two different human colon cancer cell lines were treated with AngII and Ang1-7.

Results: The novel finding of this study was that MasR was significantly upregulated in colon adenocarcinoma compared with non-neoplastic colon mucosa, which showed little or no expression of it. ACE gene expression and enzymatic activity were also increased in the tumors. However, AngII and Ang1-7 did not have any pro-/antiproliferative effects in the cell lines studied.

Conclusions: The data suggest that upregulation of the MasR could be used as a diagnostic marker of colon adenocarcinoma.
Effects of pioglitazone and metformin on vascular endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with sulfonylureas
Authors: Naka Katerina K , Papathanassiou Katerina , Bechlioulis Aris , Pappas Konstantinos , Kazakos Nikolaos , Kanioglou Chryssanthi , Kostoula Aggeliki , Vezyraki Patra , Makriyiannis Demetrios , Tsatsoulis Agathocles , Michalis Lampros K
Published: November 2011

Pioglitazone and metformin are insulin sensitisers used for the treatment of T2DM. The effects of pioglitazone and metformin on endothelial function, assessed by FMD, in T2DM patients treated with sulfonylureas were compared. Patients were randomised to receive pioglitazone ( n = 15) 30 mg once daily or metformin ( n = 16) 850 mg twice daily for six months. Pioglitazone significantly decreased fasting insulin, HbA1C and HOMA-IR ( p < 0.05 for all) and increased FMD ( p = 0.002). Metformin induced a significant decrease in HbA1C ( p = 0.02) and only a trend for increase in FMD ( p = 0.08). The greater improvement in FMD with pioglitazone, compared with metformin, did not reach significance ( p = 0.11). Treatment-induced changes in FMD were not associated with the effects of the two insulin sensitisers on glycaemic control or insulin resistance. The beneficial effects of pioglitazone and metformin on endothelial function in T2DM patients did not differ greatly. Larger studies are needed to explore whether a potentially greater benefit with pioglitazone may exist.
Martin Meyerson’s Dream of “One University”
Authors: Puckett John L. , Lloyd Mark Frazier
Published: November 2011

As president of the University of Pennsylvania, Martin Meyerson (1922–2007) championed the idea of “One University,” a concept that projected an intellectually integrated and respectfully diverse research university. In September 1970, when Meyerson assumed the presidency, he found Penn at a critical juncture. “Franklin's University” roiled with serious financial and relational problems, some inherited from his predecessor, Gaylord Harnwell, many of them emanating from accelerating trends in the larger society, such as a downward spiraling economy, an escalating urban crisis and heightened racial tensions, and a youth culture that was increasingly self-referential in its lack of political concerns. The era of Penn's great expansion was over; yet while physical growth had been successfully accomplished, there was little integration of the departmental, disciplinary, and student activities housed in the new or renovated buildings, and the historic core of the campus remained without a landscape design. Meyerson's embrace of “One University” promised to remedy such academic fragmentation and factionalism, which in his judgment impeded Penn's advance into the pantheon of the world's leading research universities. This essay looks look closely at Meyerson's handling of these crises, his juggling of the various tensions involved, his administration's design for the beautification of Penn's campus, and in the final analysis, the enduring strengths and significant limitations of his program to achieve “One University”.
White Civic Visions Versus Black Suburban Aspirations
Authors: Michney Todd M.
Published: November 2011

As one of the country's first urban renewal projects under the 1954 Housing Act, Cleveland’s Garden Valley featured private apartments intended for middle-class African Americans. However, it was built on a landfill and offered living conditions far below what its residents expected. Analysis of where tenants moving into the project came from and where they moved afterward underlines their suburbanizing aspirations. Into the 1960s, Garden Valley came under increasingly harsh criticism for reinforcing segregation. Poor living conditions at the project catalyzed tenant activism, and it can additionally be regarded as a striking example of what is now called environmental racism.
Martin Meyerson
Authors: Feld Marcia Marker
Published: November 2011

This article explores Martin Meyerson’s career between 1948 and 1963 at three schools of planning, the Universities of Chicago, Pennsylvania, and Harvard, in the development of a fundamentally new teaching and professional education paradigm that applied social science techniques to urban problems. Meyerson was an educational pioneer, mentor, advisor, and role model. His contributions included the creation of the modern doctoral degree program in planning. Meyerson’s training of planning educators included women who then replicated his efforts throughout the world.