bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrospective study of more than 9000 feline cutaneous tumours in the UK: 2006–2013
Authors: Ho Nicola T , Smith Ken C , Dobromylskyj Melanie J
Published: March 2017

Objectives

The aim of the study was to utilise a large database available from a UK-based, commercial veterinary diagnostic laboratory to ascertain the prevalence of different forms of cutaneous neoplasia within the feline population, and to detect any breed, sex or age predilections for the more common tumours.

Methods

Records from the laboratory were searched for feline submissions received between 31 May 2006 and 31 October 2013. For masses arising within the skin for which histopathology had been performed, the diagnosis was recorded together with the breed, age, sex and neuter status of the cat. Odds ratios for breed predisposition to skin tumours overall, to histologically malignant tumours and to the more commonly occurring tumours were calculated, with the non-pedigree cat population as the control.

Results

Of the 219,083 feline samples submitted, masses arising within the skin comprised 4.4% and there were 89 different diagnoses recorded for these masses. Just 6.6% of these cases were non-neoplastic in nature, and, of neoplastic masses, 52.7% were considered histologically malignant. The 10 most common skin tumour types accounted for 80.7% of cases, with the four most common being basal cell tumours, fibrosarcomas, squamous cell carcinomas and mast cell tumours.

Conclusions and relevance

Despite the large number of different diagnoses in this study, a relatively small number of tumour types accounts for the majority of skin masses occurring in cats, most of which are neoplastic in nature. There are a number of breed predispositions for the more common tumour types, although no pedigree breed had increased odds of developing a malignant tumour compared with the non-pedigree cat population; several breeds had significantly decreased odds. Just over half of the neoplastic masses in this study were considered histologically malignant.
Incidental focus on form and the role of learner extraversion
Authors: Kim Jongmin , Nassaji Hossein
Published: March 2017

Previous studies have shown that learner individual differences have important impacts on L2 accuracy development. The present study examines a learner variable (i.e. extraversion versus introversion) and its effects on incidental focus on form. Twenty-eight ESL students in two classes (an advanced and an upper-intermediate class) and their teacher participated in the study. Data were collected through classroom observation over 7 weeks (for a total of 16 hours) and background and personality trait questionnaires. All sessions were audio- and video-recorded. The classroom data were first coded for the instances of focus on form episodes (FFEs) and then individualized post-tests were created and administered to each student after the final classroom observation. The results revealed that more extraverted learners were more likely to engage in FFEs in the advanced class and that more introverted learners produced more successful uptake in the upper-intermediate class. The findings partially support the role of this learner variable in learners’ participation in FFEs and its effects on immediate L2 improvement.
How do health behaviour interventions take account of social context? A literature trend and co-citation analysis
Authors: Holman Daniel , Lynch Rebecca , Reeves Aaron
Published: March 2017

In recent years, health behaviour interventions have received a great deal of attention in both research and policy as a means of encouraging people to lead healthier lives. The emphasis of such interventions has varied over time, in terms of level of intervention (e.g. individual vs community) and drawing on different disciplinary perspectives. Recently, a number of critiques have focused on how health behaviour interventions sometimes sideline issues of social context, framing health as a matter of individual choice and, by implication, a personal responsibility. Part of this criticism is that health behaviour interventions often do not draw on alternative social science understandings of the structured and contextual aspects of behaviour and health. Yet to our knowledge, no study has attempted to empirically assess the extent to which, and in what ways, the health behaviour intervention field has paid attention to social context. In this article, we undertake this task using bibliometric techniques in order to map out the health behaviour intervention field. We find that the number of health behaviour interventions has grown rapidly in recent years, especially since around 2006, and that references to social science disciplines and concepts that foreground issues of social context are rare and, relatively speaking, constitute less of the field post 2006. More quantifiable concepts are used most, and those more close to the complexities of social context are mentioned least. The document co-citation analysis suggests that pre 2006, documents referring to social context were relatively diffuse in the network of key citations, but post 2006 this influence had largely diminished. The journal co-citation analysis shows less disciplinary overlap post 2006. At present, health behaviour interventions are continuing to focus on individualised approaches drawn from behavioural psychology and behavioural economics. Our findings lend empirical support to a number of recent papers that suggest more interdisciplinary collaboration is needed to advance the field.
Bayesian varying coefficient mixed-effects joint models with asymmetry and missingness
Authors: Lu Tao , Cai Chunyan , Lu Minggen , Zhang Jun , Dong Guang-Hui , Wang Min
Published: March 2017

Abstract:

Longitudinal and survival data are often collected from clinical studies. Mixed-effects joint models are commonly used for the analysis of such data. Nevertheless, the following issues may arise in longitudinal survival data analysis: (a) most joint models assume a simple parametric mixed-effects model for longitudinal outcome, which may obscure the important relationship between response and covariates; (b) clinical data often exhibits asymmetry so that symmetric assumption for model errors may lead to biased estimation of parameters; (c) response may be missing and missingness may be informative. There is little work concerning all of these issues simultaneously. We develop a Bayesian varying coefficient mixed-effects joint model with skewness and missingness to study the simultaneous influence of these features. The proposed methods are applied to an AIDS clinical data. Simulation studies are conducted to assess the performance of the method.
Health effectiveness of community health workers as a diabetes self-management intervention
Authors: Aponte Judith , Jackson Tranice D , Wyka Katarzyna , Ikechi Cyril
Published: March 2017

Objective:

To evaluate the health effectiveness of community health workers among three groups (intervention, attentional control and control groups) of Hispanic adults with uncontrolled (HbA1c >8%) type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods:

This was a randomized clinical trial involving 180 English- and Spanish-speaking Hispanic individuals with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus, 40–74 years of age, who received diabetes care at an outpatient, public, urban hospital. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to evaluate the effect of time and group on the primary outcome measure and secondary outcomes. Group differences in the percentage of participants achieving at least 1% reduction in HbA1c levels were assessed using chi-square tests.

Results:

Patients’ ages ranged from 44 to 74 years, 40% were male, 97% preferred Spanish and seven Spanish-speaking countries were identified as country of origin. Relative to the control and attentional control groups, the intervention group showed greater HbA1c reduction from baseline to 12 months and was the group with the highest percentage of participants showing 1% or more HbA1c reduction.

Conclusion:

Integration of community health workers improved disease control for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus during the intervention phase. Peer-driven/interactive ways to sustain diabetes control need to be explored.
Venous Compression Syndromes
Authors: White Joseph M. , Comerota Anthony J.
Published: March 2017

Venous compression syndromes occur due to extrinsic compression causing complications of venous hypertension or venous thrombosis. This review focuses on 4 venous compression syndromes involving the left common iliac vein, subclavian vein, left renal vein, and popliteal vein. Clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and management options are reviewed. When properly diagnosed and treated, long-term consequences can be avoided.
Impact of Preoperative Anemia and Postoperative Hemoglobin Drop on the Incidence of Acute Kidney Injury and In-Hospital Mortality in Patients With Type B Acute Aortic Syndromes Undergoing Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair
Authors: Gorla Riccardo , Tsagakis Konstantinos , Horacek Michael , Mahabadi Amir-Abbas , Kahlert Philipp , Jakob Heinz , Bossone Eduardo , Erbel Raimund , Jánosi Rolf Alexander
Published: March 2017

Background:

The impact of preoperative anemia and postoperative hemoglobin (Hb) drop on the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for type B acute aortic syndromes (AAS) as well as their prognostic value is unknown.

Methods:

This retrospective study included 144 patients with type B AAS undergoing TEVAR at our center. Preoperative anemia was classified as no/mild (Hb ≥ 12.0 g/dL in men; ≥11.3 g/dL in women), moderate (Hb 10.80-11.99 g/dL in men; 10.23-11.29 g/dL in women), and severe (<10.80 g/dL in men; <10.23 g/dL in women). Postoperative Hb drop was classified as mild (<2 g/dL), moderate (2-4 g/dL), and severe (>4 g/dL). End points of the study were postoperative AKI and in-hospital mortality.

Results:

Postoperative AKI was higher in the severe and moderate anemia groups than the no/mild anemia group (63.2%, 52.0%, and 31.0%, respectively, P = .01). In-hospital mortality and AKI were higher in patients with severe postoperative Hb drop (40.9% and 86.4%) than patients with moderate (6.9% and 36.2%) and mild (4.7% and 25.0%) postoperative Hb drop (both P < .001). Postoperative Hb drop (odds ratio [OR]:1.67, P = .036), postoperative Hb levels (OR: 0.57, P = .025), and mesenteric ischemia (OR: 4.65, P = .044) were identified as independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Preoperative Hb (OR: 0.26, P = .001), postoperative Hb drop (OR: 4.34, P < .001), contrast medium (OR: 1.82, P = .004), and diabetes mellitus (OR: 3.79, P = .001) were independent predictors of AKI. At follow-up, anemia and postoperative Hb drop were not associated with increased mortality.

Conclusion:

Preoperative Hb and postoperative Hb drop were significant risk factors for AKI. Postoperative Hb drop and Hb levels predicted in-hospital mortality.
Medication self-management skills and cognitive impairment in older adults hospitalized for heart failure: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Howell Erik H , Senapati Alpana , Hsich Eileen , Gorodeski Eiran Z
Published: March 2017

Background:

Cognitive impairment is highly prevalent among older adults (aged ≥65 years) hospitalized for heart failure and has been associated with poor outcomes. Poor medication self-management skills have been associated with poor outcomes in this population as well. The presence and extent of an association between cognitive impairment and poor medication self-management skills in this population has not been clearly defined.

Objective:

We assessed the cognition of consecutive older adults hospitalized for heart failure, in relation to their medication self-management skills.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional study of older adults (aged ≥65 years) who were hospitalized for heart failure and were being discharged home. Prior to discharge, we assessed cognition using the Mini-Cog. We also tested patients’ ability to read a pill bottle label, open a pill bottle safety cap, and allocate mock pills to a pill box. Pill allocation performance was assessed quantitatively (counts of errors of omission and commission) and qualitatively (patterns suggestive of knowledge-based mistakes, rule-based mistakes, or skill-based slips).

Results:

Of 55 participants, 22% were found to have cognitive impairment. Patients with cognitive impairment tended to be older as compared to those without cognitive impairment (mean age = 81 vs 76 years, p = NS). Patients with cognitive impairment had a higher prevalence of inability to read pill bottle label (prevalence ratio = 5.8, 95% confidence interval = 3.2–10.5, p = 0.001) and inability to open pill bottle safety cap (prevalence ratio = 3.3, 95% confidence interval = 1.3–8.4, p = 0.03). While most patients (65%) had pill-allocation errors regardless of cognition, those patients with cognitive impairment tended to have more errors of omission (mean number of errors = 48 vs 23, p = 0.006), as well as more knowledge-based mistakes (75% vs 40%, p = 0.03).

Conclusion:

There is an association between cognitive impairment and poor medication self-management skills. Medication taking failures due to poor medication self-management skills may be part of the pathway linking cognitive impairment to poor post-discharge outcomes among patients with heart failure transitioning from hospital to home.
Access and barriers to MS care in Latin America
Authors: Rivera Víctor M , Macias Miguel Angel
Published: March 2017

Multiple sclerosis (MS), an epidemiologically emergent disorder in Latin America (LATAM), poses substantial socioeconomic challenges to a region where most countries remain as economies in development. MS is not health priority despite its economic and communitarian impact with a relatively low prevalence. MS treatments in LATAM have evolved from earlier long-term oral steroids and immunosuppression protocols, to platform disease modifying therapies (DMTs), to the current landscape with more advanced therapeutic molecules. Following FDA approval, a DMT may eventually become available in LATAM conditioned to industrial marketing interest. Most countries do not count all medications in their armamentarium. Access to therapy by the MS population in the region is low (9.5%–42.8%). Generic treatments, biosimilars, and follow-on complex non-biological drugs (CNBD) are commonly available in institutional formularies in LATAM despite their lack of supportive efficacy and safety data and reported molecular differences with the innovators. Savings to health systems thus far have been negligible. Medicine licensing agencies in LATAM, despite limitations in resources, have considerably improved their assessments by incorporating more modern criteria and methodology. Access to symptomatic management, rehabilitation procedures, and the role of patients associations are discussed.
Patterns of Relative Clauses in Dagbanli
Authors: Inusah Abdul-Razak
Published: March 2017

The article examines the patterns of relative clauses in Dagbanli, a Gur language spoken in northern part of Ghana. It focuses on a range of possible RC patterns, and presents a coherent classification using Vries’s model of RC types. The article argues that Dagbanli has two RC types which are characterized by shared features so “indefinite pronoun” that forms a compound with the nominal root, and maa or la “clause-final determiner.” The first RC type is restricted to cases in which the antecedent has subject function within the RC, and the other RC type occurs only with nonsubjects as relativized head making use of postsubjectival particle ni to mark subordinated clauses. It is proposed that Dagbanli has a postnominal word order of N . . . RC . . . D and allows D-type ([[Subj V Obj] D] RC) in-situ HIRC (Head Internal Relative Clause) as well HERC (Head External Relative Clause). It also presents ŋun “who” and ni “which” as question particles that are used to introduce relative clauses in Dagbanli.
Community benefits from offshore renewables: The relationship between different understandings of impact, community, and benefit
Authors: Rudolph David , Haggett Claire , Aitken Mhairi
Published: March 2017

This paper presents the findings of a research project evaluating community benefit models for offshore renewables. We identify and analyse UK and international case studies of different forms of community benefit, and provide evidence of how such benefits are delivered. In particular we consider the key relationship between the identification of communities, perception of impact, and the apportionment of benefits. In doing so, we develop a range of different definitions of ‘community’, ‘benefit’, and ‘impact’ when considering community benefits. We propose that the way in which community, benefit, and impact are understood is crucial in determining whether or how benefits should be apportioned and delivered; and that these definitions are closely connected to each other. We develop a new series of typologies as a way to understand this. Finally, we assess different mechanisms and schemes of community benefits to identify good practice and key points of learning for policy and planning.
Cell-surface C-type lectin-like receptor CLEC-1 dampens dendritic cell activation and downstream Th17 responses
Authors: Lopez Robles Maria Dolores , Pallier Annaick , Huchet Virginie , Le Texier Laetitia , Remy Severine , Braudeau Cecile , Delbos Laurence , Moreau Aurelie , Louvet Cedric , Brosseau Carole , Royer Pierre-Joseph , Magnan Antoine , Halary Franck , Josien Regis , Cuturi Maria-Cristina , Anegon Ignacio , Chiffoleau Elise
Published: March 2017

Key Points

CLEC-1 is restricted to CD16− myeloid DCs in human blood and acts as an inhibitory receptor to restrain downstream Th17 activation. CLEC-1–deficient rats highlight an in vivo function for CLEC-1 in preventing excessive T-cell priming and effector Th responses.
Transbronchial cryobiopsy in interstitial lung disease: experience in 106 cases – how to do it
Authors: Bango-Álvarez Antonio , Ariza-Prota Miguel , Torres-Rivas Hector , Fernández-Fernández Luis , Prieto Amador , Sánchez Inmaculada , Gil Maria , Pando-Sandoval Ana
Published: March 2017

Transbronchial biopsy using forceps (TBB) is the first diagnostic technique performed on patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). However, the small size of the samples and the presence of artefacts in the tissue obtained make the yield variable.

Our objectives were 1) to attempt to reproduce transbronchial cryobiopsy under the same conditions with which we performed conventional TBB, that is, in the bronchoscopy unit without intubating the patient and without fluoroscopy or general anaesthesia; 2) to describe the method used for its execution; and 3) to analyse the diagnostic yield and its complications.

We carried out a prospective study that included 106 patients with clinical and radiological features suggestive of ILD who underwent cryo-transbronchial lung biopsy (cryo-TBB) under moderate sedation without endotracheal intubation, general anaesthesia or use of fluoroscopy. We performed the procedure using two flexible bronchoscopes connected to two video processors, which we alternated until obtaining the number of desired samples.

A definitive diagnosis was obtained in 91 patients (86%). As for complications, there were five pneumothoraces (4.7%) and in no case was there severe haemorrhage or exacerbation of the underlying interstitial disease. Cryo-TBB following our method is a minimally invasive, rapid, safe and economic technique that can be performed in a bronchoscopy suite under moderate sedation without the need for intubating the patient or using fluoroscopy and without requiring general anaesthesia.
Automation of PacBio SMRTbell NGS library preparation for bacterial genome sequencing
Authors: Kong Nguyet , Ng Whitney , Thao Kao , Agulto Regina , Weis Allison , Kim Kristi Spittle , Korlach Jonas , Hickey Luke , Kelly Lenore , Lappin Stephen , Weimer Bart C.
Published: March 2017

Background

The PacBio RS II provides for single molecule, real-time DNA technology to sequence genomes and detect DNA modifications. The starting point for high-quality sequence production is high molecular weight genomic DNA. To automate the library preparation process, there must be high-throughput methods in place to assess the genomic DNA, to ensure the size and amounts of the sheared DNA fragments and final library.

Findings

The library construction automation was accomplished using the Agilent NGS workstation with Bravo accessories for heating, shaking, cooling, and magnetic bead manipulations for template purification.

The quality control methods from gDNA input to final library using the Agilent Bioanalyzer System and Agilent TapeStation System were evaluated.

Conclusions

Automated protocols of PacBio 10 kb library preparation produced libraries with similar technical performance to those generated manually. The TapeStation System proved to be a reliable method that could be used in a 96-well plate format to QC the DNA equivalent to the standard Bioanalyzer System results. The DNA Integrity Number that is calculated in the TapeStation System software upon analysis of genomic DNA is quite helpful to assure that the starting genomic DNA is not degraded. In this respect, the gDNA assay on the TapeStation System is preferable to the DNA 12000 assay on the Bioanalyzer System, which cannot run genomic DNA, nor can the Bioanalyzer work directly from the 96-well plates.
Immersive boundary conditions: Theory, implementation, and examples
Authors: Broggini Filippo , Vasmel Marlies , Robertsson Johan O. A. , van Manen Dirk-Jan
Published: March 2017

Many applications in computational geophysics involve the modeling of seismic wave propagation on a set of closely related subsurface models. In such scenarios, it is of interest to recompute the seismic wavefields locally (only in the regions of change), instead of in the full subsurface model. We have developed a method for local acoustic wavefield recomputation that makes it possible to fully immerse a local modeling domain within a larger domain of arbitrary extent and complexity, such that the wave propagation in the full domain is completely accounted for. The method enables wavefield modeling on much smaller local domains, while relying on the up-front generation of a large number of Green’s functions and a wavefield extrapolation step at each time step of the simulation. A Kirchhoff-Helmholtz extrapolation integral is used to predict the interaction of the wavefield leaving the local domain with the exterior domain. The outward propagating wavefield and the wavefield reentering the local domain are applied as a boundary condition along the edges. Thanks to these dynamically calculated boundary conditions, all higher order long-range interactions between the two domains are fully accounted for. We have implemented the method in a conventional finite-difference time-domain scheme and determined that the locally calculated wavefields are equal to wavefields generated on the full domain to within numerical precision. The efficiency of the local modeling algorithm will greatly depend on the nature and size of the problem.
Massive Transfusion in Cardiac Surgery: The Impact of Blood Component Ratios on Clinical Outcomes and Survival
Authors: Delaney Meghan , Stark Paul C. , Suh Minhyung , Triulzi Darrell J. , Hess John R. , Steiner Marie E. , Stowell Christopher P. , Sloan Steven R.
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND:

Cardiac surgery is the most common setting for massive transfusion in medically advanced countries. Studies of massive transfusion after injury suggest that the ratios of administered plasma and platelets (PLT) to red blood cells (RBCs) affect mortality. Data from the Red Cell Storage Duration Study (RECESS), a large randomized trial of the effect of RBC storage duration in patients undergoing complex cardiac surgery, were analyzed retrospectively to investigate the association between blood component ratios used in massively transfused patients and subsequent clinical outcomes.

METHODS:

Massive transfusion was defined as those who had ≥6 RBC units or ≥8 total blood components. For plasma, high ratio was defined as ≥1 plasma unit:1 RBC unit. For PLT transfusion, high ratio was defined as ≥0.2 PLT doses:1 RBC unit; PLT dose was defined as 1 apheresis PLT or 5 whole blood PLT equivalents. The clinical outcomes analyzed were mortality and the change in the Multiple Organ Dysfunction Score (ΔMODS) comparing the preoperative score with the highest composite score through the earliest of death, discharge, or day 7. Outcomes were compared between patients transfused with high and low ratios. Linear and Cox regression were used to explore relationships between predictors and continuous outcomes and time to event outcomes.

RESULTS:

A total of 324 subjects met the definition of massive transfusion. In those receiving high plasma:RBC ratio, the mean (SE) 7- and 28-day ΔMODS was 1.24 (0.45) and 1.26 (0.56) points lower, (P = .007 and P = .024), respectively, than in patients receiving lower ratios. In patients receiving high PLT:RBC ratio, the mean (SE) 7- and 28-day ΔMODS were 1.55 (0.53) and 1.49 (0.65) points lower (P = .004 and P = .022), respectively. Subjects who received low-ratio plasma:RBC transfusion had excess 7-day mortality compared with those who received high ratio (7.2% vs 1.7%, respectively, P = .0318), which remained significant at 28 days (P = .035). The ratio of PLT:RBCs was not associated with differences in mortality.

CONCLUSIONS:

This analysis found that in complex cardiac surgery patients who received massive transfusion, there was an association between the composition of blood products used and clinical outcomes. Specifically, there was less organ dysfunction in those who received high-ratio transfusions (plasma:RBCs and PLT:RBCs), and lower mortality in those who received high-ratio plasma:RBC transfusions.
Video-Based Physiologic Monitoring During an Acute Hypoxic Challenge: Heart Rate, Respiratory Rate, and Oxygen Saturation
Authors: Addison Paul S. , Jacquel Dominique , Foo David M. H. , Antunes André , Borg Ulf R.
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND:

The physiologic information contained in the video photoplethysmogram is well documented. However, extracting this information during challenging conditions requires new analysis techniques to capture and process the video image streams to extract clinically useful physiologic parameters. We hypothesized that heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation trending can be evaluated accurately from video information during acute hypoxia.

METHODS:

Video footage was acquired from multiple desaturation episodes during a porcine model of acute hypoxia using a standard visible light camera. A novel in-house algorithm was used to extract photoplethysmographic cardiac pulse and respiratory information from the video image streams and process it to extract a continuously reported video-based heart rate (HRvid), respiratory rate (RRvid), and oxygen saturation (SvidO2). This information was then compared with HR and oxygen saturation references from commercial pulse oximetry and the known rate of respiration from the ventilator.

RESULTS:

Eighty-eight minutes of data were acquired during 16 hypoxic episodes in 8 animals. A linear mixed-effects regression showed excellent responses relative to a nonhypoxic reference signal with slopes of 0.976 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.973–0.979) for HRvid; 1.135 (95% CI, 1.101–1.168) for RRvid, and 0.913 (95% CI, 0.905–0.920) for video-based oxygen saturation. These results were obtained while maintaining continuous uninterrupted vital sign monitoring for the entire study period.

CONCLUSIONS:

Video-based monitoring of HR, RR, and oxygen saturation may be performed with reasonable accuracy during acute hypoxic conditions in an anesthetized porcine hypoxia model using standard visible light camera equipment. However, the study was conducted during relatively low motion. A better understanding of the effect of motion and the effect of ambient light on the video photoplethysmogram may help refine this monitoring technology for use in the clinical environment.
Inhaled Remimazolam Potentiates Inhaled Remifentanil in Rodents
Authors: Bevans Tatjana , Deering-Rice Cassandra , Stockmann Chris , Rower Joseph , Sakata Derek , Reilly Christopher
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND:

Remimazolam is an ester-based short-acting benzodiazepine currently in clinical trials for IV administration. This study explored the feasibility of delivering remimazolam alone and as an adjunct to remifentanil via inhalation in rodent models.

METHODS:

Mice were exposed to remimazolam via inhalation; sedation was assessed using time to movement outside a set perimeter. Rats were also exposed to remimazolam aerosol alone and in combination with inhaled remifentanil, and analgesia was quantified by using a tail flick meter. Pulmonary injury was assessed in mice using mechanics measurements.

RESULTS:

Mice showed significantly increased time to movement outside a set perimeter after 5-minute exposure to increasing concentrations (10–25 mg/mL solutions) of inhaled remimazolam aerosols. Differences in mean (95% confidence interval) time to movement from pretest baseline group (0.05 [0.01–0.09] minutes) were 11 (4–18), 15 (5–26), 30 (19–41), and 109 (103–115) minutes after exposure to remimazolam aerosol of 10, 15, 20, and 25 mg/mL, respectively (P = .007 – P < .0001). Exposure of rats to remimazolam aerosols alone failed to produce sedation or analgesia after a 5-minute exposure. When remimazolam (10 or 25 mg/mL) was administered in combination with 250 μg/mL remifentanil, there was a significant difference in time to tail flick (P < .0001) consistent with a strong analgesic effect. Mean (95% confidence interval) differences in time to tail flick from the pretest baseline group (3.2 [2.5–3.9] seconds) were 14 (10–18) seconds when 250 μg/mL remifentanil was administered with either 10 or 25 mg/mL remimazolam. Remimazolam alone or in combination with remifentanil did not cause lung irritation, bronchospasm, or other adverse pulmonary events to the respiratory tract of mice as assessed by Flexi-Vent pulmonary function tests.

CONCLUSIONS:

Remimazolam can significantly potentiate the analgesic effect of remifentanil when concurrently delivered via inhalation.
The Roads to Power
Authors: Khalili Laleh
Published: March 2017

From the Napoleonic era to the present day, waging war has gone hand in hand with building roads. Laleh Khalili, politics professor at the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London, describes how both U.S. forces in Afghanistan and Israeli authorities in Palestine use road construction to impose security and economic regimes on local populations.
Upregulation of distinct collagen transcripts in post-surgery scar tissue: a study of conjunctival fibrosis
Authors: Seet Li-Fong , Toh Li Zhen , Chu Stephanie W. L. , Finger Sharon N. , Chua Jocelyn L. L. , Wong Tina T.
Published: March 2017

Excessive accumulation of collagen is often used to assess the development of fibrosis. This study aims to identify collagen genes that define fibrosis in the conjunctiva following glaucoma filtration surgery (GFS). Using the mouse model of GFS, we have identified collagen transcripts that were upregulated in the fibrotic phase of wound healing via RNA-seq. The top three highest induced collagen transcripts belong to Col8a1, Col11a1 and Col8a2. Further validation of the Col8a1, Col11a1 and Col8a2 transcripts revealed their increase by 67-, 54- and 18-folds respectively in the fibrotic phase, compared to 12-fold for Col1a1, the most commonly evaluated collagen gene for fibrosis. However, only type I collagen was significantly upregulated at the protein level in the fibrotic phase. Type VIII and type I collagens co-localized in fibrous structures and in ACTA-2-positive pericytes, and appeared to compensate for each other in expression levels. Type XI collagen showed low co-localization with both type VIII and type I collagens but can be found in association with macrophages. Furthermore, we show that both mouse and human conjunctival fibroblasts expressed elevated levels of the top collagen genes in response to TGF-β2. Importantly, conjunctival tissues from patients whose surgeries have failed due to scarring expressed 3.60- and 2.78-folds increase in type VIII and I collagen transcripts respectively compared to those from patients with no prior surgeries. These data demonstrate that distinct collagen transcripts are highly induced in the conjunctiva after surgery and their unique expression profiles may imply differential influences on the fibrotic outcome.
Thermally Stable Monosubstituted Thiophene 1-Oxide and 1-Imides Stabilized by a Bulky Rind Group at Their 3-Position: Synthesis, Structure, and Inversion Barriers on the Sulfur Atom
Authors: Otani Takashi , Miyoshi Mayu , Shibata Takanori , Matsuo Tsukasa , Hashizume Daisuke , Tamao Kohei
Published: March 2017

The synthesis and characterization of thermally stable monosubstituted thiophene 1-oxide and 1-imides stabilized by EMind (1,1,7,7-tetraethyl-3,3,5,5-tetramethyl-s-hydrindacen-4-yl) group on the 3-position are described. In addition to the molecular structures determined by X-ray crystallography, inversion barriers at the three-coordinated sulfur atoms have been determined by a coalescence method using diastereotopic C-3 and C-5 indacene carbon atoms as a 13C NMR probe.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of C-Arm Cone-Beam CT-Guided Percutaneous Transthoracic Needle Biopsy of Lung Nodules
Authors: Yan Gao-Wu , Bhetuwal Anup , Yan Gao-Wen , Sun Qin-Quan , Niu Xiang-Ke , Zhou Yu , Li Li-Fa , Li Bin-Zhong , Zeng Hao , Zhang Chuan , Li Bing , Xu Xiao-Xue , Yang Han-Feng , Du Yong
Published: March 2017

Background: A systematic review and meta-analysis of all available publications was performed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) using a C-Arm Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) system in patients with lung nodules.

Material/Methods: Thedatabases of PUBMED, OVID, EBSCO, EMBASE, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were systematically searched for relevant original articles on the diagnostic accuracy of CBCT-guided PTNB for the diagnosis of nodules in the lungs. Diagnostic indices including sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and diagnostic score (DS) were calculated. Moreover,summary receiver operating characteristic curves (SROC) were constructed with Stata (version 13.0), Rev Man (version 5.3), and Meta-disc (version 1.4) software. Other clinical indices such as incidence of complications were also recorded.

Results: Eight studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, DOR, DS, and SROC with 95% confidence intervals were 0.96 (0.93–0.98), 1.00 (0.91–1.00), 711.15 (9.48–53325.89), 0.04 (0.02–0.07), 16585.29 (284.88–9.7e+05), 9.72 (5.65–13.78), and 0.99 (0.97–0.99), respectively. The incidence of pneumothorax and hemorrhage was 10–29.27% and 1.22–47.25%, respectively.

Conclusions: CBCT-guided PTNBhas an acceptable rate of complications and is associated with a reasonable radiation exposure. Moreover, it is a highly accurate and safe technique for the diagnosis of lung nodules and can be recommended to be used in routine clinical practice.
РОЛЬ СТИЛИСТИЧЕСКИХ СРЕДСТВ В СОЗДАНИИ ПАРАДОКСА
Authors: Lekova Marina Vladimirovna
Published: March 2017

Цель. Несмотря на существование обильной научной литературы, посвященной парадоксу, представляется, что данное явление еще не получило должного внимания со стороны лингвистов. Цель настоящей статьи – описание стилистических механизмов, лежащих в основе парадоксальных высказываний. Материалом для исследования послужили сказки О. Уайльда, известного мастера парадоксов.Методология проведения работы. В ходе исследования были использованы методы стилистической идентификации и классификации, описательный метод, а также контекстологический анализ.Результаты. В статье парадокс определяется не только как логическая, но и как лингвистическая категория. В качестве стилистических маркеров парадоксов рассматриваются такие стилистические явления, как персонификация, гипербола, ирония, антитеза и контраст. Делается попытка доказать, что данные стилистические приемы парадоксальны по своей сути. Анализируются разновидности парадоксальных высказываний, порожденных использованием каждого из них в сказочном творчестве О. Уайльда.Область применения результатов. Результаты исследования могут быть использованы в лекциях и на практических занятиях по литературоведению и стилистике английского языка.
ПОНЯТИЕ VS ТЕРМИН: ЛИНГВОСЕМИОТИЧЕСКИЙ АСПЕКТ
Authors: Tyurneva Tatyana Viktorovna , Shchurik Natalia Viktorovna
Published: March 2017

Цель. В данной статье авторы ставят перед собой задачу провести лингвосемиотический анализ понятия и термина, предложить дифференциацию ментальных сущностей по признаку принадлежности к определенному типу дискурсивного сообщества, а также проиллюстрировать особенности интерпретации понятия и термина и сферу их употребления.Метод и методология исследования. Для решения поставленных задач применялись следующие методы: интерпретативный метод, метод речеактового анализа, метод дефиниционного анализа.Результаты. В статье приводится исследование семиотических сущностей в соотношении с определенными дискурсивными практиками, что позволяет дифференцировать термин и понятие.Область практического применения. Результаты исследования могут быть использованы в преподавании вузовских курсов межкультурной коммуникации, дискурсивного анализа и интерпретации текста.
УСТОЙЧИВЫЙ СЛОВЕСНЫЙ КОМПЛЕКС В КОГНИТИВНО-ДИСКУРСИВНЫХ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯХ
Authors: Zhebrunova Lyudmila Aleksandrovna
Published: March 2017

Цель. Статья посвящена анализу устойчивого словесного комплекса как языкового явления в условиях интеграции специализированных научных знаний. Предметом анализа выступают процессы эволюции понятия устойчивого словесного комплекса с момента его определения в русскоязычной лингвистике XX века и по сей день. Автор ставит целью показать возможность применения данного понятия для исследования терминологических систем в рамках когнитивно-дискурсивной лингвистики.Метод или методология проведения работы. Основу исследования составляет метод сравнительно-сопоставительного анализа.Результаты. Результаты исследования заключаются в том, что автор показывает место сложного термина как устойчивого словесного комплекса во фразеологических исследованиях и уточняет статус последних в рамках лингвокогнитивной исследовательской парадигмы.Область применения результатов. Результаты исследования могут быть применены для лингвистического анализа текстов и терминосистем в рамках когнитивно-дискурсивной фразеологии.
НЕМЕЦКАЯ ПОЭЗИЯ: ЛИНГВИСТИЧЕСКИЕ И СТИЛИСТИЧЕСКИЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ ПЕРЕВОДА НА ЧУВАШСКИЙ ЯЗЫК
Authors: Kuznetsova Tatiana Nikolaevna , Trukova Alena Ivanovna
Published: March 2017

Цель. Статья посвящена особенностям перевода немецкой поэзии на чувашский язык. На примере стихотворения Г. Гейне «Lorelei» и его перевода на чувашский язык, выполненном чувашским поэтом Г. Шевкен, проводится сравнительно-сопоставительный анализ перевода и оригинала, определяется качество перевода произведения. Цель исследования заключается в комплексном анализе перевода стихотворения Г. Гейне «Lorelei» на чувашский язык, рассмотрении лингвистических и стилистических особенностей перевода поэзии.Метод или методология проведения работы. Основными методами данной работы являются сопоставительный, лингвистический, описательный, историко-литературный методы исследования.Результаты. В статье проведен сопоставительный лингвистический анализ перевода и оригинала стихотворения Г. Гейне «Lorelei», показано качество перевода произведения.Область применения результатов. Полученные результаты могут найти свое применение в учебных курсах по общему и сравнительному языкознанию, типологии языков, теории художественного перевода, стилистике, а также на практических занятиях по иностранному языку.
СИМВОЛИКА КОЛОРАТИВОВ В РАССКАЗЕ Л.Н. АНДРЕЕВА «СТЕНА»
Authors: Morschinsky Vladislav Sergeevitch
Published: March 2017

Цель: данная статья посвящена лингвокультурологическому исследованию особенностей функционирования цветообозначений в рассказе Л.Н. Андреева «Стена». Автор ставит своей целью выявление функций колоративов в художественном тексте, а также соотнесение их с одной из символических групп, реализующих оппозицию «жизнь – смерть».Метод: в работе, помимо традиционных – описательного, срав­ни­тельно-сопоставительного – методов, а также элементов компонентного анализа, нашел применение метод лингвокультурологической интерпретации, позволяющий определить соотношение языкового и культурологического в реализации функций колоративов в произведении Леонида Андреева.Результаты: в ходе произведённого анализа установлено, что колоративы, функционирующие в рассказе Л.Н. Андреева «Стена», выполняют символическую функцию и в рамках символического противопоставления реализуют оппозицию «жизнь – смерть», которая является базовой как в этнокультурной, так и в индивидуально-авторской художественной картине мира.Область применения результатов: результаты данного исследования могут найти применение в педагогической практике словесников в вузе и школе при изучении творчества Л.Н. Андреева, а также в ходе выполнения интегративных лингвистических и культурологических исследований.
ПОВТОР КАК ОСОБЫЙ ВИД СИНТАКСИЧЕСКОЙ СВЯЗИ В НЕСОБСТВЕННО-ПРЯМОЙ РЕЧИ: НА МАТЕРИАЛЕ ПРОЗЫ МАРИНЫ ЦВЕТАЕВОЙ
Authors: Puchinina Olga Pavlovna
Published: March 2017

Автор статьи освещает особенности функционирования повтора, выступающего одним из способов выстроить синтаксические отношения в структуре несобственно-прямой речи, на материале прозаических текстов Марины Цветаевой. В статье описываются различные виды повторов, их отличительные черты и частотность употребления в исследуемых тестах. Типология повторов с позиционной точки зрения в исследуемых случаях несобственно-прямой речи разнообразна: повтор встречается в начале предложений, в конце, в начале и в конце одного высказывания или абзаца, в конце одного высказывания и в начале следующего, а также наблюдается повтор лексем в центре высказывания. Морфология повторов, а именно, частеречная принадлежность повторенных слов и конструкций, представляет интерес с точки зрения и функциональной грамматики. Автор отмечает, что повторы представлены разными частями речи: это могут быть союзы, предлоги, частицы, имена существительные, местоимения, наречия, числительные, комбинация двух слов, глаголы, модальные слова. Более того, в силу своего особого замысла Цветаева усиливает повтор фонетически: это может быть использование фонетических приёмов, таких, как аллитерация, рифма и ритм, что придаёт её прозе дополнительную поэтичность.Цель. Статья посвящена актуальной в современной лингвистике теме чужой речи. Предметом анализа выступают различные виды повторов в структуре несобственно-прямой речи на материале прозаических текстов М. Цветаевой. Автор ставит целью раскрыть особенности функционирования представленных в них типов повтора (лексического, синтаксического, семантического).Метод или методология проведения работы. Основу исследования образует метод сплошной выборки иллюстративного материала, а также статистический метод количественного подсчёта, направленный на то, чтобы выявить процентное соотношение случаев употребления разных видов повтора и частеречной принадлежности повторённых слов и конструкций в текстовом поле автора.Результаты. Результаты работы заключаются в выявлении факта того, что в структуре несобственно-прямой речи писатель выстраивает единый комплекс разноуровневых типов повтора, представляющий собой одну из отличительных черт идиостиля автора. В текстовом поле М. Цветаевой, особенно в рамках несобственно-прямой речи, повторы выполняют самые различные функции: усилительную, ритмическую, связующую.Область применения результатов. Результаты исследования могут быть применены студентами филологических отделений при изучении таких учебных дисциплин, как стилистика, синтаксис.
ИСТОКИ УСТАНОВЛЕНИЯ РЕЛИГИОЗНОГО ВЗАИМОДЕЙСТВИЯ РОССИИ С КИТАЕМ
Authors: Larchenko Valentina Jurevna
Published: March 2017

Статья посвящена актуальной в условиях современной политико-экономической реальности теме обращения к истории и истокам установления взаимосвязи между Россией и Китаем в религиозном аспекте. Статья рассматривает установление религиозного взаимодействия между Россией и Китаем в конце XVII – начале XVIII века посредством распространения православия на территории Китая и деятельности русской православной миссии, в частности первой и второй миссий. В статье подробно рассматривается закрепление православия на территории Китая, его официальное узаконение, жизнь и деятельность албазинцев, как первых православных, а также сама деятельность членов первой и второй православной миссий, их содержание и условия пребывания в Китае.Цель – проанализировать процесс установления религиозного взаимодействия между Россией и Китаем в конце XVII – начале XVIII века посредством распространения православия на территории Китая.Метод и методология проведения работы. Автор использует сравнительно-исторический и проблемно-хронологический методы.Результаты. В ходе проведенного исследования установлено, что деятельность первой и второй православных миссий имело целью установление взаимоотношений между Россией и Китаем, в том числе для расширения торговли и установления выгодных дипломатических отношений, что было видно изначально из указа Петра I. При чем условия для деятельности первых членов миссии были поставлены благоприятные. Развитие образования, изучение языков, обмен культурными и религиозными ценностями явились немаловажной составляющей, реализованной членами русской православной миссии.Область применения результатов. Материалы данного исследования могут быть использованы в образовательном процессе и в дальнейшей научно-исследовательской работе, связанной с изучением деятельности русской православной миссии в Китае.
ПРИЧИНЫ РАЗРАСТАНИЯ КОРРУПЦИИ: ПАТЕРНАЛИСТСКИЕ ОТНОШЕНИЯ В РОССИЙСКОМ ОБЩЕСТВЕ
Authors: Mukhamedyarova Leysyan Venirovna
Published: March 2017

Цель. В статье рассмотрены патерналистские отношения как детерминанты коррупционных явлений.Метод или методология проведения работы. Диалектический метод к познанию социальных и общественных явлений позволил проанализировать коррупцию и патерналистские отношения как детерминанты ее проявления в современном социокультурном ландшафте, феноменологический метод способствовал установлению различий коррупционных проявлений в обществе.Результаты. Существование патерналистских отношений опосредует распространение коррупционных явлений в обществе, что приводит к растрате государственных средств и имущества, неэффективному использованию общественных благ, подавлению предпринимательской активности, снижению качества производимых услуг и товаров, увеличению социальной дифференциации населения, подрыву демократических устоев общества, снижению авторитета и доверия к государству со стороны общества, ослаблению управленческого потенциала государственного аппарата, торможению в проведении необходимых социально-политических, социально-экономических и управленческих решений.Область применения результатов: основные положения и выводы статьи могут быть использованы в научной, педагогической и практической деятельности при рассмотрении и анализе трансформаций различных социальных отношений, происходящих в современности, в том числе с точки зрения коррупционного образа действий.