bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case studies of employers with exemplary early intervention and return to work practices
Authors: Randall Christine
Published: November 2014

Background: There is ample evidence that returning to suitable work is good for an injured worker's health and wellbeing. Evidence from the 2013 National Return to Work Survey shows a positive relationship between employers’ treatment of injured workers and return to work outcomes.

Objectives: The case studies project aims to provide:

•

employers with examples of practical solutions, practices or systems to improve return to work outcomes, and

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policy makers with a summary of key themes and best practice approaches to inform the development of policy and programs.

Methods: Organisations for the case studies will be shortlisted from recent Australian national return to work award winners and finalists. Key players within the organisations, including managers, supervisors, rehabilitation co-ordinators and recovered injured workers, will be interviewed to obtain information and attitudes on the early intervention and return to work approaches. An analysis of the case studies and a literature review on current best practice for early intervention and return to work will be conducted from which key themes and practices will be identified.

Findings: The project will produce two reports: case studies of six organisations’ practices, and an analytical report on key findings and best practice for early intervention and return to work. The case studies will provide employers and workers published examples of practical approaches to improving return to work outcomes. The case studies also explore the roles and views of management, supervisors and injured workers. The analytical report will examine the case studies and report on key themes and best practice, providing policy makers and employers with an analysis of findings. The 2013 National Return to Work survey provides supporting evidence of the positive relationship between return to work outcomes and a range of variables related to the role of the employer and the workplace.

Conclusion: It is anticipated the case studies project will provide examples of practical approaches to improving early intervention and return to work outcomes, which other organisations may consider implementing.
What is the level of influence that may be exercised by income security organisations in facilitating employment outcomes?
Authors: Wiltshire Simon
Published: November 2014

The primary function of income security organisations is to administer personal injury claims in a commercially viable and cost effective manner, while supporting the receivers of benefits/claimants to achieve a meaningful and durable return to employment. Given the pressures of commercial success in a competitive market measured by effective cost minimisation, to what extent is the level of support offered to individuals claiming benefits impacted by an organisation's purpose to be profitable? The extent of influence exercised by income security organisations in administering claims and driving employment outcomes is limited by jurisdictional legislation and regulations. Furthermore, the requirements to meet compliance requirements can often be detrimental to the quality of management of claims, resulting in a highly administrated framework. This can restrict an organisations capacity to meet individual needs, especially in cases that are not seen as fitting the norm. Considering the conflicting demands imposed by commercial pressures and regulatory frameworks, what is the level of influence that may be exercised by these organisations in facilitating employment outcomes? Employers Mutual have maintained a leading position in the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme, achieving commercial targets, meeting legislative requirements and promoting excellence in employment outcomes through:

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Organisational vision – we help people get their lives back;

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Focus on support and development of people as front line drivers of performance;

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Role design – how we actually do our jobs;

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Implementing organisation strategies and designing key support roles aligned to remunerative measures;

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Strategic focus on early intervention to facilitate return to work;

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Ensuring people receive the full extent of their entitlements, however, are not compensated to excess;

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Service level agreements with employers/brokers with a key focus on return to work expectations;

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Strong relationships with third party service providers; and

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A structured framework that allows flexibility in decision making.
Breaking the web of needless disability
Authors: Aurbach Robert
Published: November 2014

Background: In 2012 I presented a program to the London IFDM entitled “Breaking the Web of Needless Disability”. The model drew heavily from the latest neuroscientific theory, and was quite well received. This program represents further development of the ideas presented in London to encompass “resilience”.

Hypothesis: 1. “Resilience” is a behaviour that is learned and unlearned like any other skill; 2. Understanding how humans think and react in compensation systems will yield valuable insight into the building of resilience to unnecessary disability.

Methods: Extension of existing literature and pilot studies examining the differences between those people who suffer injury and recover as expected and those who suffer the same sort of injury and spiral down into despair and dependency. Principal findings: “Resilience” is a specific behaviour beneficially affecting the sense of loss of control that attends injury. There are four specific “styles” of resilience. Each person uses one or more of these styles to a greater or lesser degree. By use of modified psychological inventory tools, the predominant resilience style of an individual can be ascertained, and approaches that enhance their resilience style can be utilised for either prevention or treatment.

Discussion: “Habits of thought” are established by repetition. For habits of thinking of one's self as able or disabled, the most significant form of repetition is internal dialog. In resilient people, there are four discrete kinds of dialog that are used to overcome a sense of loss of control. By identifying and bolstering those styles of resilience an injured person can become less susceptible to a sense of loss of control that gives rise to unnecessary disability.

Conclusion: The approach is useful in understanding failure to recover as expected, and shows promise for effective individualised treatment for injury management.
How does self-regulation of emotions impact employee work engagement: The mediating role of social resources
Authors: Bouckenooghe Dave , Raja Usman , Abbas Muhammad
Published: November 2014

Drawing upon the Conservation of Resources Theory, we investigated the hitherto unexplored role of ‘social resources’ (i.e., trust in supervisor and social interaction) in mediating the relationship between ‘self-regulation of emotions’ (i.e., a personal resource) and work engagement. The data were collected from 296 IT professionals at four well-established IT firms in Ukraine. As we hypothesized, self-regulation of emotions positively affected work engagement, yet this effect partially disappeared when controlling for the role of social resources. Together, these findings illustrate the dynamic role of an individual's personal and social resources in fostering work engagement.
A gene expression programme induced by bovine colostrum whey promotes growth and wound-healing processes in intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Blais M. , Pouliot Y. , Gauthier S. , Boutin Y. , Lessard M.
Published: November 2014

Bovine colostrum is well known for its beneficial properties on health and development. It contains a wide variety of bioactive ingredients that are known to promote a number of cellular processes. Therefore the use of colostrum whey as a feed additive to promote intestinal health has been proposed, yet little is known about mechanisms implicated in its beneficial properties on intestinal epithelial cells. In the present paper, casein were removed from bovine colostrum and the remaining liquid, rich in bioactive compounds, was evaluated for its capacity to modulate cellular processes in porcine intestinal epithelial cell line IPEC-J2 and human colon adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2/15. First, we verified the effect of colostrum whey and cheese whey on processes involved in intestinal wound healing, including cell proliferation, attachment, morphology and migration. Our results showed that colostrum whey promoted proliferation and migration, and decreased specifically the attachment of Caco-2/15 cells on the culture dish. On the other hand, cheese whey induced proliferation and morphological changes in IPEC-J2 cells, but failed to induce migration. The gene expression profile of IPEC-J2 cells following colostrum whey treatment was evaluated by microarray analysis. Results revealed that the expression of a significant number of genes involved in cell migration, adhesion and proliferation was indeed affected in colostrum whey-treated cells. In conclusion, colostrum specific bioactive content could be beneficial for intestinal epithelial cell homoeostasis by controlling biological processes implicated in wound healing through a precise gene expression programme.
Suvorexant: something new for sleep?
Authors: Reddy Abhishek , Puvvada Sowmya C , Kommisetti Satyanarayana , El-Mallakh Rif S. , Lippmann Steven
Published: November 2014

Orexin, also called hypocretin, is a neuropeptide that acts on central nervous system receptors to promote arousal. Suvorexant, its receptor antagonist, generates interest as a medication to treat insomnia. Suvorexant helps in decreasing wakefulness by counteracting orexin activity. Its low side effect potential may offer considerable benefit. Compared with other sleep aids, diminished drowsiness and less cognitive dysfunction is an advantage. Now approved for clinical use, an apparent lack of rebound insomnia or drug dependence potential might make suvorexant a good choice pharmacotherapy for patients with insomnia.
Why Is There No Income Gap between the Hui Muslim Minority and the Han Majority in Rural Ningxia, China?
Authors: Gustafsson Björn , Sai Ding
Published: November 2014

Using a household sample survey for 2006, this article shows that the Hui population in the rural part of Ningxia Autonomous Region in China is disadvantaged compared to the Han majority as regards length of education and household per capita wealth. Yet, there is no gap in average disposable incomes between the two ethnic groups and poverty rates are very similar. This paradox is owing to members of Hui households earning more off-farm income than members of Han households. In particular, young Hui males living in poor villages have a remarkably high likelihood of migrating, thereby bringing back income to their households.
Marital Status, Childlessness, and Social Support among Older Canadians
Authors: Penning Margaret J. , Wu Zheng
Published: November 2014

Malgré les preuves de la diversification croissante des structures familiales, on connaît peu de conséquences de l'état matrimonial et parental pour l'accès à l'aide sociale dans la vie plus tard. En utilisant les données de l'Enquête sociale générale de 2007 de Statistique Canada, cette étude a évalué l'impact des intersections de l'état matrimonial et parental sur le soutien social chez les adultes âgés de 60 ans et plus (n = 11 503). Modèles probit de regréssion en deux étapes ont indiqué que, parmi ceux qui sont actuellement mariés ou séparés/divorcés, les personnes sans enfants étaient plus susceptibles de déclarer un soutien instrumental (domestique, transport) et émotionnel des personnes hors du ménage. A l'inverse, chez les personnes âgées célibataires ou veuves, être sans enfant a été associée à du soutien interne réduit, mais sans différences dans un autre support. Les résultats suggèrent que les intersections de l'état matrimonial et parental ne sont pas uniformément positive, neutre ou négative à l'égard des implications pour le soutien social extra-ménage. Les travaux futures devraient répondre à la complexité de ces relations afin de mieux comprendre les structures familiales qui évoluent rapidement.
Preface to the special issue: Computing with infinite data: topological and logical foundations
Authors: BERGER ULRICH , BRATTKA VASCO , SELIVANOV VICTOR , SPREEN DIETER , TSUIKI HIDEKI
Published: November 2014

This special issue of Mathematical Structures in Computer Science is composed mainly of papers submitted by participants of the Dagstuhl Seminar on Computing with Infinite Data: Topological and Logical Foundations. The workshop took place in the Schloss Dagstuhl - Leibniz Center for Informatics in the first half of October 2011.
Post‐traumatic stress disorder: revisiting adrenergics, glucocorticoids, immune system effects and homeostasis.
Authors: Griffin Gerald D , Charron Dominique , Al‐Daccak Rheem
Published: November 2014

This review focuses on post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Several sequelae of PTSD are partially attributed to glucocorticoid‐induced neuronal loss in the hippocampus and amygdala. Glucocorticoids and adrenergic agents cause both immediate and late sequelae and are considered from the perspective of their actions on the expression of cytokines as well as some of their physiological and psychological effects. A shift in immune system balance from Th1 to Th2 dominance is thought to result from the actions of both molecular groups. The secretion of glucocorticoids and adrenergic agents is commonly induced by trauma or stress, and synergy between these two parallel but separate pathways can produce long‐ and short‐term sequelae in individuals with PTSD. Potential therapies are suggested, and older therapies that involve the early effects of adrenergics or glucocorticoids are reviewed for their control of acute symptoms. These therapies may also be useful for acute flashback therapy. Timely and more precise glucocorticoid and adrenergic control is recommended for maintaining these molecular groups within acceptable homeostatic limits and thus managing immune and brain sequelae. Psychotherapy should supplement the above therapeutic measures; however, psychotherapy is not the focus of this paper. Instead, this review focuses on the probable molecular basis of PTSD. Integrating historical findings regarding glucocorticoids and adrenergic agents into current research and clinical applications returns the focus to potentially life‐changing treatments. Autologous adoptive immune therapy may also offer utility. This paper reports clinical and translational research that connects and challenges separate fields of study, current and classical, in an attempt to better understand and ameliorate the effects of PTSD.
From deep-sea volcanoes to human pathogens: a conserved quorum-sensing signal in Epsilonproteobacteria
Authors: Pérez-Rodríguez Ileana , Bolognini Marie , Ricci Jessica , Bini Elisabetta , Vetriani Costantino
Published: November 2014

Chemosynthetic Epsilonproteobacteria from deep-sea hydrothermal vents colonize substrates exposed to steep thermal and redox gradients. In many bacteria, substrate attachment, biofilm formation, expression of virulence genes and host colonization are partly controlled via a cell density-dependent mechanism involving signal molecules, known as quorum sensing. Within the Epsilonproteobacteria, quorum sensing has been investigated only in human pathogens that use the luxS/autoinducer-2 (AI-2) mechanism to control the expression of some of these functions. In this study we showed that luxS is conserved in Epsilonproteobacteria and that pathogenic and mesophilic members of this class inherited this gene from a thermophilic ancestor. Furthermore, we provide evidence that the luxS gene is expressed—and a quorum-sensing signal is produced—during growth of Sulfurovum lithotrophicum and Caminibacter mediatlanticus, two Epsilonproteobacteria from deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Finally, we detected luxS transcripts in Epsilonproteobacteria-dominated biofilm communities collected from deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Taken together, our findings indicate that the epsiloproteobacterial lineage of the LuxS enzyme originated in high-temperature geothermal environments and that, in vent Epsilonproteobacteria, luxS expression is linked to the production of AI-2 signals, which are likely produced in situ at deep-sea vents. We conclude that the luxS gene is part of the ancestral epsilonproteobacterial genome and represents an evolutionary link that connects thermophiles to human pathogens.
Stimuli-Responsive Cationic Microgels and Hydrogels Based on Poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)
Authors: Wei Jie , Chu Liang-Yin
Published: November 2014

Stimuli-responsive hydrogel systems have attracted great interest as smart materials for numerous potential applications. Recently, cationic pH-responsive poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA)-based microgels and hydrogels with good biocompatibility have attracted great interest due to their potential applications in the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields. These microgels and hydrogels can swell in acidic environments due to protonation of tertiary amine groups and deswell in alkaline circumstance due to deprotonation of tertiary amine groups. In this chapter, cationic pH-responsive PDMAEMA microgels with excellent pH responsiveness and significant swelling at low pH values are introduced. Additionally, particles with narrow size distribution are preferable in drug delivery systems; thereby PDMAEMA microcapsules with high monodispersity are prepared using a microfluidic technology. Next, considering the fast response rate that is needed in many applications, cationic polymeric hydrogels with rapid response are demonstrated. Then, a pH-responsive composite membrane system with PDMAEMA hydrogels as pumping elements for improved controlled release is introduced. Finally, PDMAEMA-modified CO2-responsive cationic hydrogels are discussed. These PDMAEMA-based microgels and hydrogels are highly potential in various applications such as drug delivery systems, chemical carriers, sensors and so on.
Cationic Polymers for Gene Delivery into Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Novel Approach to Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Di Gioia Sante , Trapani Adriana , Carbone Annalucia , Castellani Stefano , Colombo Carla , Trapani Giuseppe , Conese Massimo
Published: November 2014

Many studies have demonstrated the importance of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Indeed, MSCs may be widely used to repair or regenerate mesenchymal tissues, such as bone, cartilage, muscle or tendon. Scientific evidence supports the fact that MSCs can act during tissue repair, not only by simple engraftment and differentiation but also by releasing mediators which can function as paracrine factors, or modulating signaling involving cell–cell contact. Recently, gene delivery approaches have been used to potentiate the ability of MSCs in repairing tissues. Cationic polymers are versatile systems that constitute biomaterials which aid in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering based on MSCs by delivering therapeutic genes to these stem cells and helping them in the adhesion and proliferation processes. In this chapter we revise the current knowledge about cationic polymer-mediated gene transfer into MSCs and pre-clinical applications for angiogenesis, chondrogenesis and osteogenesis. Owing to the development of biodegradable and biocompatible cationic polymers with reduced toxicity, it is envisioned that the combination of cationic polymers and MSCs will open novel avenues in the regeneration of tissues and even complex organs.
Cationic Polymers in the Central Nervous System: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Mathew Asha , Morey Mangesh , Pandit Abhay
Published: November 2014

Gene therapy has immense potential to manage the burden of neurological problems. Gene therapy to the central nervous system can be accomplished either by using a viral or a non-viral vector. Non-viral vectors are superior to viral vectors in terms of their safety profiles. However, their significantly low transfection efficiency is a major concern in the development of sustained non-viral gene therapy to the brain. The post-mitotic nature of neurons and the ability of non-viral vectors to cross the blood–brain barrier are the two challenging tasks that have yet to be addressed. Here, in this review, we have summarized the list of cationic polymers used for gene delivery to the brain and associated challenges. Cationic polymers are positively charged molecules that have a ready affinity towards negatively charged DNA/RNA, which allows them to carry genes. Cationic polymers are good candidates for gene therapy in the brain; however, there is scope for improvement to make them better. Development of newer synthetic cationic polymers and modification of natural polymers is the future for brain gene delivery. A biomaterials approach will also help to improve gene therapy. Biomaterial scaffolds can provide gene delivery with a safe degradation profile as well as a depot system that will allow long-term therapeutic effects. Sustained gene therapy in the brain can be achieved by integration of efforts from biology, technology, engineering and nanotechnology.
Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART®)
Authors: Cody Robert B. , Dane A. John
Published: November 2014

DART was developed in late 2002 and early 2003 and was introduced in 2005 as the first commercially available ambient ionization source. DART can be classified as a plasma-based ambient ionization source: it is a form of atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization where the initial ion formation step is Penning ionization of the analyte and/or atmospheric gases. An extraordinarily broad range of applications have been reported ranging from forensics to natural products, material characterization, pharmaceutical analysis, art conservation, food and beverage analysis, environmental investigations and consumer product safety.
Amyloidogenic and non-amyloidogenic transthyretin variants interact differently with human cardiomyocytes: insights into early events of non-fibrillar tissue damage
Authors: Manral Pallavi , Reixach Natàlia
Published: November 2014

TTR (transthyretin) amyloidoses are diseases characterized by the aggregation and extracellular deposition of the normally soluble plasma protein TTR. Ex vivo and tissue culture studies suggest that tissue damage precedes TTR fibril deposition, indicating that early events in the amyloidogenic cascade have an impact on disease development. We used a human cardiomyocyte tissue culture model system to define these events. We previously described that the amyloidogenic V122I TTR variant is cytotoxic to human cardiac cells, whereas the naturally occurring, stable and non-amyloidogenic T119M TTR variant is not. We show that most of the V122I TTR interacting with the cells is extracellular and this interaction is mediated by a membrane protein(s). In contrast, most of the non-amyloidogenic T119M TTR associated with the cells is intracellular where it undergoes lysosomal degradation. The TTR internalization process is highly dependent on membrane cholesterol content. Using a fluorescent labelled V122I TTR variant that has the same aggregation and cytotoxic potential as the native V122I TTR, we determined that its association with human cardiomyocytes is saturable with a KD near 650 nM. Only amyloidogenic V122I TTR compete with fluorescent V122I for cell-binding sites. Finally, incubation of the human cardiomyocytes with V122I TTR but not with T119M TTR, generates superoxide species and activates caspase 3/7. In summary, our results show that the interaction of the amyloidogenic V122I TTR is distinct from that of a non-amyloidogenic TTR variant and is characterized by its retention at the cell membrane, where it initiates the cytotoxic cascade.
Integrated Implicit-Explicit Learning Approach to Voice Therapy
Authors: Tellis Cari M.
Published: November 2014

This article is intended to define, compare, and provide outcomes for an integrated implicit-explicit learning approach to voice therapy related to current motor learning theories.

Clients from the Misericordia University voice clinic have undergone therapy using this integrated approach. The article will review previous literature on motor learning theories related to voice, define the protocol used in the integrated approach, and highlight the diagnostic, clinical outcomes exhibited by these clients. Steps for the therapy protocol will be highlighted. Results indicate that individuals participating in an integrated implicit-explicit learning approach to voice therapy report that initial instruction and target production take increased effort to learn; however once acquired, targets are easily generalized to more complex speaking (e.g., conversation) tasks. Implicit-only voice therapy approaches are effective in treating voice disorders. Limited published data, however, has compared traditional, implicit-only therapy to other methods of voice therapy. Another approach may be one that employs more explicit teaching of the mechanics of voice production. The integrated implicit-explicit learning approach discussed in this article combines explicit instruction with implicit facilitators, and initiates simple and complex tasks from the start of therapy.
Optical properties of large-area ultrathin MoS2 films: Evolution from a single layer to multilayers
Authors: Park Jun Woo , So Hyeon Seob , Kim Sung , Choi Suk-Ho , Lee Hosun , Lee Jinhwan , Lee Changgu , Kim Youngchan
Published: November 2014

We investigated the optical properties of ultrathin MoS2 films (number of layers: N = 1, 2, 4, and 12) using Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and spectroscopic ellipsometry. We estimated the layer thicknesses based on Raman spectra. We characterized the microstructural properties of a single-layer MoS2 film using atomic force microscopy. We measured the lowest-energy A and B excitons using PL spectroscopy. We measured the ellipsometric angles (Ψ and Δ) of MoS2 thin films using spectroscopic ellipsometry, and obtained the dielectric functions as the films' thickness changed from a single layer to multi-layers. We determined the films' optical gap energies from the absorption coefficients. Applying the standard critical point model to the second derivative of the dielectric function (d2ε(E)/dE2), we determined several critical point energies. The d2ε(E)/dE2 spectra showed doublet peaks around 3 eV corresponding to the C and D transitions, as well as doublet peaks around 2 eV corresponding to the A and B transitions. These doublet structures at 3 eV are attributed to the transitions in the Brillouin zone between the Γ and K points.
Effects of light on the performance of electricity-producing bacteria in a miniaturized microbial fuel cell array
Authors: Fraiwan Arwa , Hassett Daniel J. , Choi Seokheun
Published: November 2014

Due to an increased concern about the global energy crisis and environmental pollution, microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have been a major focus for renewable energy production. To date, however, a surprisingly small number of bacterial strains and their optimal growth conditions have been investigated for use in MFCs, revealing a crucial lack of fundamental knowledge as to which bacteria species or consortia may be best suited for generating power in MFCs. This lack of knowledge is due to the fact that current screening methods are depending on larger scale two-bottle MFCs that require long start-up times, as well as the inability of conventional MFC arrays to generate electricity in a reliable, robust, and reproducible manner. In particular, the influence of light on the bacterial growth conditions and their power generation has not been fully reported because conventional MFC's opaque device/anode configuration leads to inefficient light penetration. This paper presents a miniaturized high-throughput parallel analyses platform not only for the screening/characterization of the electrochemical activities of electrogenic bacteria but also for investigation of the effect of light on bioelectricity generated from eight different microbial consortia in anode or cathode compartment; wild-type Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, wild-type Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, and isogenic nirS, lasl, bdlA, and rpoS mutants, respectively. The array consists of nine MFC units with (i) transparent thin gold anode on PMMA layers for efficient light penetration and (ii) independent microfluidic accesses allowing for long term analysis ability without contamination from chamber to chamber during operation. Each MFC unit contains vertically stacked 57 μl anode/cathode chambers separated by a proton exchange membrane. S. oneidensis displayed the highest current generation among all the consortia, 4-fold higher than that of wild-type P. aeruginosa PAO1. However, all the other mutants produced significantly low current outputs. Current production by Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 demonstrated a positive response upon illumination and a subsequent decrease of output in the dark while other MFC units showed negligible light responses.
Can the State Empower Communities through Localism? An Evaluation of Recent Approaches to Neighbourhood Governance in England
Authors: Bailey Nick , Pill Madeleine
Published: November 2014

‘Empowerment’ is a term much used by policy makers with an interest in improving service delivery and promoting different forms of neighbourhood governance. But the term is ambiguous and has no generally accepted definition. Indeed, there is a growing paradox between the rhetoric of community empowerment and an apparent shift towards increased centralisation of power away from the neighbourhood in developed economies. In this paper we explore the literature relating to empowerment and identify two broad conceptions which reflect different emphases on neoliberalism. We go on to discuss two models illustrating different levels of state intervention at the neighbourhood level and set out evidence from two neighbourhood councils in Milton Keynes in central England. In conclusion, it is argued that those initiatives which are top-down, state-led policy initiatives tend to result in the least empowerment (as defined by government), whereas the bottom-up, self-help projects, which may be partly state enabled, at least provide an opportunity to create the spaces where there is some potential for varying degrees of transformation. Further empirical research is needed to test how far localist responses can challenge constraints on empowerment imposed by neoliberalism.
Translation studies at a cross-roads
Authors: Bassnett Susan
Published: November 2014

This article is an account of the personal journey of one writer, from her first encounters in the 1970s with fellow scholars sharing an interest in translation and a sense of frustration at the anti-translation prejudices of many colleagues working in literature or linguistics at that time. The article traces the gradual rise of translation studies as an important field in its own right, but raises questions about the present state of the discipline, arguing that as translation studies has become more established, so it is failing to challenge orthodoxies and risks being left behind by the more innovative and exciting research now emerging from within world literature, postcolonialism, and cultural memory studies. I suggest that translation studies has reached a cross-roads and needs to reach out to other disciplines, taking advantage of what is being hailed by some as a translational turn within the humanities in general.
Une traductologie pour quelles pratiques traductionnelles ?
Authors: Gambier Yves
Published: November 2014

Les trous noirs de la traductologie vont de pair avec les transformations des pratiques professionnelles en traduction. Ces transformations suscitent l’émergence de nouvelles dénominations de ces pratiques, ce qui ne facilite pas l’appréhension des marchés. Dans le même temps, la réflexion traductologique s’internationalise. Par ailleurs, le développement des technologies continue à brouiller les manières de produire, de distribuer et de recevoir les « textes ». Ces évolutions rapides répondent souvent à la seule logique économique, toujours ignorée cependant dans les travaux traductologiques.

Après l’euphorie des années 1980–1990, la traductologie, longtemps alimentée par les textes littéraires canoniques et sacrés, semble marquer une pause : son objet se semble plus évident, sa pertinence sociale fait question, sa fragmentation apparente apparaît tantôt comme un handicap, tantôt comme un signe de vitalité. D’où les six inconnues qui concluent l’article.
Unknown agents in translated political discourse
Authors: Schäffner Christina
Published: November 2014

This article investigates the role of translation and interpreting in political discourse. It illustrates discursive events in the domain of politics and the resulting discourse types, such as jointly produced texts, press conferences and speeches. It shows that methods of Critical Discourse Analysis can be used effectively to reveal translation and interpreting strategies as well as transformations that occur in recontextualisation processes across languages, cultures, and discourse domains, in particular recontextualisation in mass media. It argues that the complexity of translational activities in the field of politics has not yet seen sufficient attention within Translation Studies. The article concludes by outlining a research programme for investigating political discourse in translation.
Many a plural
Authors: Mathieu Eric
Published: November 2014

The aim of the present paper is to contribute to the literature on plurals by showing that, cross-linguistically, not all plurals are unmarked semantically. Focusing on Arabic, where the plural comes in many guises, and proposing different syntactic positions for its different manifestations, I show that, while classifying plurals (broken and sound plurals) allow an inclusive reading (
one or more
), counting plurals (plural of the singulative and double plurals) do not: they tolerate only exclusive readings (
more than one
). I then show that classifying plurals in Arabic allow inclusive readings in environments that favour number neutrality (modals, negation, etc.) and argue that, in these contexts, plurals denote kinds (in the sense of Carlson 1977 and following Grimm 2013 for English plurals). Such plural nominals do not presuppose the existence of any particular referents: they are weakly referential and that is why they allow inclusive readings.
Unscrambling the lexical nature of weak definites
Authors: de Swart Peter , van Bergen Geertje
Published: November 2014

We investigate how the lexical nature of weak definites influences the phenomenon of direct object scrambling in Dutch. Earlier experiments have indicated that weak definites are more resistant to scrambling than strong definites. We examine how the notion of weak definiteness used in this experimental work can be reduced to lexical connectedness. We explore four different ways of quantifying the relation between a direct object and the verb. Our results show that predictability of a verb given the object (verb cloze probability) provides the best fit to the weak/strong distinction used in the earlier experiments
Syntactic and phonological properties of wh-operators and wh-movement in Bavarian
Authors: Bayer Josef
Published: November 2014

Wh-movement is less uniform than suggested by the standard theory of generative grammar. Bavarian provides evidence that word-size wh-operators have syntactic as well as phonological properties of functional heads rather than genuine phrases. At the core of the analysis is the intuition that wh-words embrace the role of the complementizer, and that as a consequence merger of a separate complementizer is suspended. Theoretical reasoning which comes to this conclusion is suggested by judgment as well as production experiments with native speakers of the language. It is argued that from the economy-driven perspective of minimalist syntax, head-style wh-movement, as supported by Bavarian syntax, should actually be the preferred choice.
Complementizer agreement (in Bavarian)
Authors: Fuß Eric
Published: November 2014

In recent minimalist work, it has been argued that C-agreement provides conclusive support for the following theoretical hypotheses (cf. Carstens 2003; van Koppen 2005; Haegeman & van Koppen 2012): (i) C hosts a separate set of phi-features, a parametric choice possibly linked to the V2 property; (ii) feature checking/valuation is accomplished under (closest) c-command (i.e. by the operation Agree, cf. Chomsky 2000 and subsequent work). This paper reviews the significance of C-agreement for syntactic theory and argues that certain systematic asymmetries between regular verbal agreement and complementizer agreement suggest that the latter does not result from operations that are part of narrow syntax. The case is based on the observation that at least in some Germanic varieties (most notably Bavarian), the realization of inflectional features in the C-domain is sensitive to adjacency effects and deletion of the finite verb in right node raising and comparatives. The fact that C may not carry inflection when the finite verb has been elided is taken to suggest that complementizer agreement does not involve a dependency between C and the subject, but rather between C and the finite verb (i.e. T). More precisely, it is argued that inflectional features present in the C-domain are added post-syntactically via a process of feature insertion (cf. e.g. Embick 1997; Embick & Noyer 2001; Harbour 2003) that creates a copy of T’s (valued) f-set. It will then be shown that this account can also capture phenomena like first conjunct agreement (FCA) and external possessor agreement, which are often presented as crucial evidence of the syntactic nature of complementizer agreement (cf. van Koppen 2005; Haegeman & van Koppen 2012).
Austro-Bavarian directionals
Authors: Gruber Bettina
Published: November 2014

This paper discusses Austro-Bavarian directionals, which adhere to the following pattern: preposition plus suffix -a or -i, e.g. auffa (upwards-a) and auffi (upwards-i). These directionals indicate that movement occurs either towards the speaker’s location (-a) or towards a location crucially distinct from the speakers location (-i). I propose that this alternation is an overt manifestation of Hale’s (1986) semantic universal of central versus non-central coincidence. I analyze them as fully fledged PathPs whose internal syntax is based on Ritter and Wiltschko’s (2009) implementation of the coincidence theme. These directionals show that dialectal data can confirm both semantic and syntactic universals that have been argued for on the basis of entirely unrelated domains and languages.
IPP-Constructions in Alemannic and Bavarian in comparison
Authors: Schallert Oliver
Published: November 2014

I present an analysis of verb order variation occurring with so called “substitute infinitive” constructions in (Austrian) Alemannic and Bavarian, which hinges on three central ideas: First, following the standard assumption that the unexpected morphological marking on the verb is an effect of conflict resolution between morphological and syntactic constraints (e.g. Schmid 2000, 2005), I show that these dialects employ at least three different “repair strategies” that rely on morphological underspecification of the participle. Second, the different serialization patterns that can be observed show a clear asymmetry in that left-branching structures never allow nonverbal interveners (verb projection raising), while this is always an option for right-branching structures. I show how these differences can be derived by a modified version of the Branching Constraint (Haider 2003, 2013). Taking the direction of licensing (Statusrektion ‘status government’ in Gunnar Bech’s 1955 seminal work) that a verbal head employs to be open for (micro-)parametric variation, I demonstrate how differences between the two dialect groups, but crucially also speaker-oriented variation (“idiolectal variability” in the sense of Cornips 2009) can be analyzed with Stochastic Optimality Theory (StOT), cf. Boersma and Hayes (2001), Bresnan, Deo, and Sharma (2007). As Gen(erator), Williams’ (2003, 2004) formal language CAT shall be used, which offers a very simple means for analyzing complex predicates through functional composition.
Convergence vs. divergence from a diasystematic perspective
Authors: Höder Steffen
Published: November 2014

Convergence and divergence are usually defined as changes in opposite directions

– convergence increases, divergence decreases interlingual similarities

between two given languages or varieties. Additionally, convergence is often

explained as the ‘natural’, expectable process in language contact, whereas divergence

is associated with psychosocial mechanisms. Based on observations from

the recent development of Low German in its present intense contact with High

German, this contribution argues that the distinction between convergence and

divergence is not as straightforward as it seems and that it is not convergence as

such that can be explained without the involvement of any extralinguistic factors,

but rather pro-diasystematic change (as opposed to counter-diasystematic

change) – i.e. innovations that facilitate the establishment of language-unspecific

structures in a common constructional system.
Towards a typological classification of Judeo-Spanish
Authors: Fischer Susann , Gabriel Christoph , Kireva Elena
Published: November 2014

Judeoespanyol (Judeo-Spanish) is one of the names given to those varieties of

Spanish spoken by descendants of the Jews that were expelled from Spain in

1492. There is neither a common designation nor is it spoken in one specific

area, nor is there any agreement on how to classify it. By some linguists Judeo-

Spanish has been considered a dialect of (Balkan) Spanish, by some a contact

language different from Spanish, and by others again, it has been discussed

whether it represented medieval Spanish, preserved unchanged for the last

five centuries. In this chapter, we argue that the Judeo-Spanish spoken in the

Bulgarian capital of Sofia is indeed a contact language, showing on the phonetic

side a puzzling similarity with Modern Bulgarian and on the syntactic side a

similarity with Modern European Spanish, although at the same time exhibiting

some archaisms of Old Spanish. It thus supports the idea that both divergence

and stability frequently occur together in situations of linguistic contact.
Dialect stability and divergence in southern Spain
Authors: Villena-Ponsoda Juan-Andrés , Ávila-Muñoz Antonio-Manuel
Published: November 2014

The aim of this paper is to show how social stratification and small-scale variables

such as social network and social history, interact in explaining why lowprestige

dialect use persists in spite of the current urban middle-class trends

of convergence towards either the national or the regional standard varieties

(Villena-Ponsoda 2005). Even though Andalusian urban varieties show strong

and relatively recent trends of convergence towards the national standard, and

reveal patterns of phonemic merger reversion and reallocation (Villena & Vida

2004), rural and ‘rurban’ varieties maintain and even tend to reinforce vernacular

dialect features that are leading to the formation of minority non-standard

highly stigmatised inventories (Villena Ponsoda 2008).
7. Specialized knowledge dynamics
Authors: Faber Pamela , León-Araúz Pilar
Published: November 2014

This chapter examines the multidimensional representation of specialized concepts and concept systems within the context of new theories of simulated cognition and culture-bound terminology. According to the premises of Frame-based Terminology (Faber et al. 2005; Faber et al. 2006; Faber et al. 2007), conceptualization is regarded as a dynamic process that is modulated by human perception. In addition, conceptual categories previously thought to be universal (e.g. natural geographic entities), are also shown to be constrained by cultural perceptions. Contextual information related to situational simulation and culture is thus used to configure specialized domains on the basis of definitional templates and situated representations for specialized knowledge concepts.
Hinode 7: Conference summary and future suggestions
Authors: Priest Eric
Published: November 2014

This conclusion to the seventh Hinode science meeting (2013 November in Takayama, Japan) attempts to summarise what we have learnt during the conference (mainly from the review talks) about new observations from Hinode and about theories stimulated by them. Suggestions for future study are also offered.
Decoupling of evolutionary changes in transcription factor binding and gene expression in mammals
Authors: Wong Emily S. , Thybert David , Schmitt Bianca M. , Stefflova Klara , Odom Duncan T. , Flicek Paul
Published: November 2014

To understand the evolutionary dynamics between transcription factor (TF) binding and gene expression in mammals, we compared transcriptional output and the binding intensities for three tissue-specific TFs in livers from four closely related mouse species. For each transcription factor, TF-dependent genes and the TF binding sites most likely to influence mRNA expression were identified by comparing mRNA expression levels between wild-type and TF knockout mice. Independent evolution was observed genome-wide between the rate of change in TF binding and the rate of change in mRNA expression across taxa, with the exception of a small number of TF-dependent genes. We also found that binding intensities are preferentially conserved near genes whose expression is dependent on the TF, and the conservation is shared among binding peaks in close proximity to each other near the TSS. Expression of TF-dependent genes typically showed an increased sensitivity to changes in binding levels as measured by mRNA abundance. Taken together, these results highlight a significant tolerance to evolutionary changes in TF binding intensity in mammalian transcriptional networks and suggest that some TF-dependent genes may be largely regulated by a single TF across evolution.
Crystal structure of di-μ-chloroacetato-hexakis(dimethylformamide)tetrakis(μ-N,2-dioxidobenzene-1-carboximidato)tetramanganese(III)disodium dimethylformamide disolvate
Authors: Daly Connor I. , Zeller Matthias , Zaleski Curtis M.
Published: November 2014

The synthesis, crystal structure, and FT–IR data for the title compound, [Na2Mn4(C2H2ClO2)2(C7H4NO3)4(C3H7NO)6]·2C3H7NO or Na2(O2CCH2Cl)2[12-MCMnIIIN(shi)-4](DMF)6·2DMF, where MC is metallacrown, shi3−is salicylhydroximate, and DMF isN,N-dimethylformamide, is reported. The macrocyclic metallacrown consists of an –[MnIII—N—O]4– ring repeat unit and the metallacrown captures two Na+ions in the central cavity above and below the plane of the metallacrown. Each Na+ion is seven-coordinate and is bridged to two ring MnIIIions, through either a coordinating DMF molecule or a chloroacetate anion. The ring MnIIIions have either a tetragonally distorted octahedral geometry or a distorted square-pyramidal geometry. Weak C—H...O interactions, in addition to pure van der Waals forces, contribute to the overall packing of the molecules. The complete molecule has inversion symmetry and is disordered over two sets of sites with an occupancy ratio of 0.8783 (7):0.1217 (7). The solvent molecule is also disordered over two sets of sites, with an occupancy ratio of 0.615 (5):0.385 (5).