bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
« Que la Colchidienne fasse bouillir le chaudron d’airain » : rôles et fonctions du chaudron de Médée
Authors: Martin Michaël
Published: November 2014

« May the Colchidian make the bronze cauldron boil » or The role of Medea’s cauldron

If her wand is inseparable from Circe’s powers, the cauldron is equally linked to another figure from mythology, Medea. Appearing at different moments in the myth of the Colchidian, notably during her sojourn in Iolcos, it is at once the place where the mingling of substances takes place and the passage from one state to another in initiation. And even more, the rejuvenation which seems originally to take place in her breast, Medea’s cauldron finds itself linked to the ram and to the royal function, which numerous indications tend to prove. The analysis of both literary and iconographic sources which have come down to us, such as vases and reliefs, suggests a new reading which allows us to discover different values which may reasonably be attributed to this object and which are reinforced in the light of other myths.
Objet de valeur, objet de désir et signes de pouvoir : « l’épaule » de Pélops et la marque des Pélopides
Authors: Cuvelier Pierre
Published: November 2014

Precious object, object of desire and signs of power : the «shoulder » of Pelops and t he mark of the Pelopids

The Greek hero Pelops, ancestor of the Pelopids, is physically characterized by a distinctive mark of variable aspect, generally on the shoulder or the arm. I detail here the great variety of contexts in which this mark appears, and their infl uence on its form and connotations. Though it doesn’t exist at all in the visual arts, the mark has an existence in two very distinct domains. It is on one hand a vestige of the hero, a precious object treasured near Olympia, where Pelops received a cult. On the other hand, the mark appears in other forms in several, mainly poetical works. The choice of linking or not linking the mark with the episode of the banquet of Tantalus reveals which of two main signifi cations the authors convey through the mark : either its status of artifi cial element disappears and the authors focus on the precious gleam of ivory in order to convey a hyperbolical masculine beauty, or the mark is used as a macabre testimony of Pelops’ lost sliver of fl esh after the cannibalistic banquet of the gods. In spite of this diversity of medias and contexts, the mark generally works as a sign of power, as it is the case for the distinctive mark that the members of Pelops’ genos, the Pelopids, were rumored to wear during the last centuries of Antiquity.
Posterior Tunica Vasculosa Lentis and “Brittle Star” of Persistent Fetal Vasculature
Authors: Pellegrini Marco , Shields Carol L. , Arepalli Sruthi , Shields Jerry A.
Published: November 2014

A 17-month-old girl referred for a suspected ciliary body medulloepithelioma was found to have persistent fetal vasculature. Fluorescein angiography showed perfused hyaloid artery posterior tunica vasculosa lentis with brittle star appearance and nonperfused anterior pupillary membrane. Ultrasound biomicroscopy confirmed absence of iris or ciliary body solid tumor.
[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2014;51:e69–e71.]
Influences of Topical Cyclopentolate on Anterior Chamber Parameters With a Dual-Scheimpflug Analyzer in Healthy Children
Authors: Güler Emre , Güragaç Fatma Betül , Tenlik Aylin , Yagci Ramazan , Arslanyilmaz Zeynel , Balci Mehmet
Published: November 2014

Purpose:

To evaluate the changes of anterior segment parameters following the topical instillation of cyclopentolate hydrochloride 1% with the Galilei dual-Scheimpflug analyzer (GSA) (Ziemer Ophthalmology Co., Port, Switzerland) in healthy children.

Methods:

Fifty children (29 boys, 21 girls) were evaluated before and 60 minutes after instillation of three drops of 1% cyclopentolate hydrochloride using the GSA. The measurements before and after cycloplegia, including anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber angle (ACA), anterior chamber volume (ACV), central corneal thickness (CCT), and pupil size, were evaluated using the paired
t
test.

Results:

The mean age of the patients was 10.27 ± 3.32 years (range: 5 to 15 years). Measurements between the two sessions were significantly different for all parameters (
P
< .05), except for CCT (
P
> .05).

Conclusions:

The GSA demonstrated a statistically significant increase in ACD, ACV, ACA, and pupil size following the topical application of cyclopentolate hydrochloride 1%. These results should be considered during biometric measurement and refractive surgery planning.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus.
2015;52(1):26–30.]
Lidocaine lozenges for pharyngeal anesthesia during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Supe Avinash , Haribhakti Sanjiv P. , Ali Mohammad , Rathnaswami A. , Ulla T. Zameer , Maroo SanjayKumar H. , Patel Ketan R.
Published: November 2014

Background and Objectives: A novel lozenge formulation with advantages of ease of drug administration, palatable taste and improved patient compliance could be the preferred mode of topical pharyngeal anesthesia during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE). This randomized, open-label, active-controlled study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lidocaine lozenges versus lidocaine spray in the diagnostic gastroduodenal endoscopy in Indian patients. Subjects and Methods: Two hundred and forty-seven patients of either sex (18-80 years) undergoing diagnostic gastroduodenal endoscopy were randomized either to; lidocaine lozenge 200 mg or lidocaine spray 200 mg to be applied as a single dose before gastroduodenal endoscopy. Ease of procedure, level of gag reflex, ease of application of the local anesthetic, and investigators global assessment were the primary efficacy endpoints. Need for rescue medication and patient’s global assessment were secondary efficacy endpoints. The incidence of any adverse event was the safety endpoint. Between groups, comparison was done by using appropriate statistical test. Results: Investigator reported significantly lesser procedural difficulty (P = 0.0007) and suppressed gag reflex (P < 0.0001) during UGE with lidocaine lozenge compared to spray. Ease of application of local anesthetic was reported easy in significantly more patients as compared with lidocaine spray (P = 0.001). Global assessment by patient and physician was favorable toward lozenge. Incidences of adverse events were similar in both the groups. Conclusions: The study suggests that lidocaine lozenges are an easier way of applying local oropharyngeal anesthesia, produces better suppression of gag reflex and makes the procedure easier when compared with lidocaine spray.
Infrared and millimetre-wave scintillometry in the suburban environment – Part 1: Structure parameters
Authors: Ward H. C. , Evans J. G. , Grimmond C. S. B. , Bradford J.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Scintillometry, a form of ground-based remote sensing, provides the capability to estimate surface heat fluxes over scales of a few hundred metres to kilometres. Measurements are spatial averages, making this technique particularly valuable over areas with moderate heterogeneity such as mixed agricultural or urban environments. In this study, we present the structure parameters of temperature and humidity, which can be related to the sensible and latent heat fluxes through similarity theory, for a suburban area in the UK. The fluxes are provided in the second paper of this two-part series. A unique millimetre-wave scintillometer was combined with an infrared scintillometer along a 5.5 km path over northern Swindon. The pairing of these two wavelengths offers sensitivity to both temperature and humidity fluctuations and the so-called "bichromatic-correlation" method is also used to retrieve the path-averaged temperature-humidity correlation. Comparison is made with structure parameters calculated from an eddy covariance station located close to the centre of the scintillometer path. The performance of the techniques under different conditions is discussed. Similar behaviour is seen between the two datasets at sub-daily timescales. For the two summer-to-winter periods presented here, similar evolution is displayed across the seasons. A higher vegetation fraction within the scintillometer source area is consistent with the lower Bowen ratio observed (midday Bowen ratio < 1) compared with more built-up areas around the eddy covariance station. The energy partitioning is further explored in the copanion paper.
A new instrument to measure plot-scale runoff
Authors: Stewart R. D. , Liu Z. , Rupp D. E. , Higgins C. W. , Selker J. S.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Accurate measurement of the amount and timing of surface runoff at multiple scales is needed to understand fundamental hydrological processes. At the plot-scale (i.e., length scales on the order of 1 to 10 m) current methods for direct measurement of runoff either store the water in a collection vessel, which is unconducive to long-term monitoring studies, or utilize expensive installations such as large-scale tipping buckets or flume/weir systems. We developed an alternative low-cost, robust and reliable instrument to measure runoff that we call the "Upwelling Bernoulli Tube" (UBeTube). The UBeTube instrument is a pipe with a slot machined in its side that is installed vertically at the base of a runoff collection system. The flow rate through the slot is inferred by measuring the water height within the pipe. The geometry of the slot can be modified to suit the range of flow rates expected for a given site; we demonstrate a slot geometry which is capable of measuring flow rates across more than three orders of magnitude (up to 300 L min−1) while requiring only 30 cm of hydraulic head. System accuracy is dependent on both the geometry of the slot and the accuracy of the water level measurements. With an off-the-shelf pressure transducer sensor, the mean theoretical error for the demonstrated slot geometry was ~17% (ranging from errors of more than 50% at low flow rates to less than 2% at high flow rates), while the observed error during validation was 1–25%. A simple correction factor reduced this mean error to −14%, and further reductions in error could be achieved through the use of taller, narrower slot dimensions (which requires greater head gradients to drive flow) or through more accurate water level measurements. The UBeTube device has been successfully employed in a long-term rainfall-runoff study, demonstrating the ability of the instrument to measure surface runoff across a range of flows and conditions.
Data fusion of surface normals and point coordinates for deflectometric measurements
Authors: Komander B. , Lorenz D. , Fischer M. , Petz M. , Tutsch R.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Measuring specular surfaces can be realized by means of deflectometric measurement systems with at least two reference planes as proposed proposed by Petz and Tutsch (2004). The results are the point coordinates and the normal direction of each valid measurement point. The typical evaluation strategy for continuous surfaces involves an integration or regularization of the measured normals. This method yields smooth results of the surface with deviations in the nanometer range but it is sensitive to systematic deviations. The measured point coordinates are robust against systematic deviations but the noise level is in the order of micrometers. As an alternative evaluation strategy a data-fusion process that combines both the normal direction and the point coordinates has been developed. A linear fitting technique is proposed to increase the accuracy of the point coordinate measurements by forming an objective functional as the mean squared misfit of the gradients with respect to the point coordinates on the one hand and to the normals on the other hand. Moreover, a constraint on the maximal change of the coordinate measurements is added to the optimization problem. To minimize to objective under the constraint a projected gradient method is used. The results show that the proposed method is able to adjust the point coordinate measurement to the measured normals and hence decrease the spatial noise level by more than an order of magnitude.
Compensation for the influence of temperature and humidity on oxygen diffusion in a reactive polymer matrix
Authors: Marek P. , Velasco-Veléz J. J. , Doll T. , Sadowski G.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. In a previous work (Marek et al., 2013) a time-monitoring oxygen sensor was proposed. This sensor is based on a diffusion-controlled oxygen reaction of the indicator system methylene blue (MB)/leuco methylene blue (LMB) and riboflavin embedded in a water-loaded poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix. It can be used in packaging, sensors, and biotechnology applications. Since the oxygen diffusion coefficient in the PVA matrix strongly depends on temperature and humidity, two different approaches were developed within this work to compensate for these two effects. To compensate for faster oxygen diffusion at higher temperatures, iron particles were added to the PVA matrix, resulting in a novel PVA/iron composite matrix. Adding silicone particles allows compensating the influence of humidity. Both temperature and humidity compensation were modeled using the finite-element method in good accordance with the experimental data. This allows tuning the sensor for application at different conditions of temperature and humidity and therewith in different environments.
Clinical Outcomes of Pediatric Ventricular Assist Device Implantation: A Single-Institute Report from Japan
Authors: Komagamine Masahide , Nishinaka Tomohiro , Iwata Yusuke , Tsukui Hiroyuki , Ichihara Yuki , Saito Satoshi , Yamazaki Kenji
Published: November 2014

Purpose

Numerous difficulties remain associated with pediatric heart transplantation. Therefore, the development of a ventricular assist device (VAD) specific to these cases is extremely important for therapeutic effectiveness. We present 5 cases of severe heart failure that were managed by ventricular assist device implantation, as a bridge to transplantation.

Methods

We examined the clinical course of 5 patients (4 boys, 1 girl; mean age, 10.6 ± 1.5 years; range, 8-12 years) who underwent implantation of a pneumatic extracorporeal ventricular assist device between February 2004 and May 2009. Four patients had dilated cardiomyopathy and one had corrected transposition of the great arteries.

Results

The mean period between onset of heart failure and ventricular assist device implantation was 594 ± 750 days (range, 94-1702 days), and the mean duration of ventricular assist support was 112 ± 98 days (range, 44-284 days). Four patients underwent heart transplantation overseas and one died of cerebral hemorrhage.

Conclusions

Careful management of pediatric VAD patients and development of a device designed specifically for pediatric patients are essential for improving clinical outcomes in the future.
Endotoxin Adsorbents in Extracorporeal Blood Purification: Do they Fulfill Expectations?
Authors: Harm Stephan , Falkenhagen Dieter , Hartmann Jens
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are extremely strong stimulators of inflammatory reactions, act at very low concentrations, and are involved in the pathogenesis of sepsis and septic shock. Because of its toxicity, the efficient removal of endotoxin from patients’ blood is very important in clinical medicine. The purpose of this study was to determine the endotoxin adsorption capacities of commercial endotoxin adsorbers for endotoxin removal in buffer solution, protein solution, serum and heparinized plasma; some of these were also characterized in whole blood. The tested LPS adsorbers were Toraymyxin® PMX-20R, Alteco® LPS Adsorber, DEAE-Sepharose, Polymyxin B-Agarose, and EndoTrap® red.

Methods

The adsorber materials were tested in buffer and protein solutions spiked with fluorescently labeled LPS (100 ng/ml). Additionally, batch tests with LPS-spiked serum, heparinized plasma and whole blood were performed with an LPS concentration of 5 ng/ml. Additionally, the washing solutions of the two tested Polymyxin B (PMB)-based adsorbers were analyzed for PMB release to determine if the resulting LPS inactivation was caused by PMB leakage.

Results

The results show that DEAE-Sepharose was most effective in LPS adsorption. Of the other tested endotoxin removal materials, only the PMB-based adsorbers were able to reduce the LPS activity. However, we were able to show that the reduction in LPS activity was caused by desorbed PMB, which inactivates endotoxins.

Conclusions

None of the adsorbents that were tested in this study showed promising results for potential use in extracorporeal blood purification.
Blood Component Usage during Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Experience in 98 Patients at a Latin-American Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Henríquez-Henríquez Marcela , Kattan Javier , Chang Mayling , Pizarro Isabel , Faunes Miriam , Martinez Claudia , Gonzalez Alvaro , Pereira Jaime
Published: November 2014

Background/Aims

Hemorrhagic complications during ECMO may affect a large proportion of the patients depending on the clinical setting. To guarantee optimal delivery of blood products to these patients, blood banks require updated information on the transfusion requirements. Few studies to date provide this information. This work assesses transfusion requirements in neonates and children during ECMO during the past 9 years.

Methods

We reviewed blood bank and hospital records of patients who underwent ECMO at our institution between May 2003 and May 2012. Data obtained included age, weight, diagnosis, type, length of ECMO, and daily transfusion requirements during ECMO. Descriptive and non-parametric inferential statistic analyses were performed. Our series included 98 patients.

Results

Mean time of patients on ECMO was 9.2 days, with the longest treatment spanning 22 days. Mean daily transfusion requirements were 39.5 ml/kg of RBC, 12.9 ml/kg of plasma, 34.3 ml/kg of platelets and 1.4 ml/kg of cryoprecipitate. Patients who underwent ECMO due to cardiac disease or congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) required significantly higher transfusion volumes of plasma (p<0.05), platelets (p< 0.05) and cryoprecipitate (p<0.05) when compared to patients underwent ECMO due to respiratory disease. Concomitant with the aging of ECMO circuits, patients showed increased requirements of RBC, plasma, and CRYO around the seventh day of the ECMO run. This effect was not observed for platelets, which remained nearly consistent around 2.2 transfusions/day.

Conclusions

ECMO patients required significant transfusion support, which was particularly higher among patients who underwent ECMO due to cardiac disease or congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
Calcium Profiling in Hemodiafiltration: A New Way to Reduce the Calcium Overload Risk without Compromising Cardiovascular Stability
Authors: Severi Stefano , Bolasco Piergiorgio , Badiali Fabio , Concas Gabriella , Mancini Elena , Summa Aurora , Perazzini Claudia , Steckiph Denis , Cagnoli Leonardo , Santoro Antonio
Published: November 2014

Background

Low and high dialysate calcium (Ca2+) content may have positive and harmful effects depending on the considered pathological aspect: hemodynamic instability, cardiac arrhythmias, parathormone release, adynamic bone disease, cardio-vascular calcifications. We hypothesized that a time-profiled Ca2+ concentration would keep the cardiovascular advantages of high Ca2+ but would reduce the risk of calcium overload.

Methods

A prospective, multicenter study using a particular hemodiafiltration technique that allows the profiling of electrolytes was designed. Patients (n = 22) underwent randomly a 3-week dialysis session with low and high constant dialysate Ca2+ (LdCa, 1.25 mM and HdCa, 2 mM) and profiled Ca2+ (PdCa), respectively. Plasma and spent dialysate Ca2+, systolic and diastolic arterial pressure (SAP, DAP) and QT interval corrected for heart rate (QTc) were analyzed.

Results

Plasma Ca2+ concentration decreased in LdCa, whereas it increased in HdCa and to a lesser extent, in PdCa. Total amount of Ca2+ given to the patient in PdCa (15.5 ± 1.0 mmol) was higher than in LdCa (4.3 ± 1.6 mmol) but lower than in HdCa (21.9 ± 3.3 mmol). SAP and DAP decreased in LdCa, whereas it was almost constant in both HdCa and PdCa. QTc significantly increased, up to critical values (>460 msec), only during LdCa.

Conclusions

PdCa seems to retain the advantages of high Ca2+ in terms of hemodynamic stability and modification of QTc while reducing the excessive positive calcium balance typical of dialysis with high Ca2+ content.
Compliance Properties of Collagen-coated Polyethylene Terephthalate Vascular Prostheses
Authors: Khoffi Foued , Mathieu Daniel , Dieval Florence , Chakfé Nabil , Durand Bernard
Published: November 2014

Background

Compliance mismatch between native artery and a prosthetic graft used for infrainguinal bypass is said to be a factor for graft failure. The aim of this study was to develop a technique for measuring the compliance of collagen-coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) vascular prostheses and to analyze the influence of several key properties on the elastic behavior of the grafts.

Methods

Compliance testing was performed on 3 prostheses with and without internal compliant membrane (ICM). The principle of this test was to study the dimensional changes of prostheses submitted to internal pressure from 30 to 240 mm Hg at intervals of predetermined values.

Results

We demonstrated that the ICM created links with the inner surface of the crimps and considerably modified the graft behavior when submitted to internal pressure. The results showed that compliance properties were dependent on the wall thickness and the crimping geometry of textile vascular prostheses. Mechanical analysis predicts the circumferential tensile behavior of these arterial grafts and validates tests for measuring compliance.
Gingival Crevicular Fluid Levels of Neuropeptides following Dental Restorations
Authors: Sakallioğlu Elif Eser , Lütfioğlu Müge , Sakallioğlu Umur , Ceylan Gözlem Koca , Pamuk Ferda , Dede Figen Öngöz , Dede Doğu
Published: November 2014

Purpose

Local neuropeptide release has a critical role in the initiation and progression of an inflammatory response. This study investigated the effects of different restorative materials on periodontium in this regard, by evaluating their neuropeptide-producing effects on gingival crevicular fluid (GCF).

Methods

The study included 14 patients suitable for metal-ceramic, composite and amalgam restorations. Four weeks after periodontal therapy, the restorations were performed. Study groups were constituted regarding the tooth/restoration surfaces contacting gingiva in each patient: 1 ceramic surface of a metal-ceramic crown (ceramic group), its opposite metal surface (metal group), 1 composite surface (composite group), its opposite enamel surface (opposite-composite group), 1 amalgam surface (amalgam group), its opposite enamel surface (opposite-amalgam group) and 1 nonrestored enamel surface (enamel group). Four weeks after dental restorations, clinical data and GCF were obtained from the group sites. Clinical data, GCF volume and its proinflammatory cytokine profile were utilized to evaluate the periodontal health. GCF levels of substance P (SP), neurokinin A (NKA) and calcitonin-gene related peptide (CGRP) were determined by ELISA for revealing the neuropeptide levels.

Results

GCF volume was found to increase in all groups compared with the enamel group (p<0.05). SP and NKA levels were higher in the ceramic, composite and amalgam groups than those in the enamel group (p<0.05). SP and NKA levels were also higher in the composite and amalgam groups than those in the opposite-composite/amalgam groups (p<0.05).

Conclusions

These results suggest that ceramic, composite and amalgam materials may uniquely trigger local neuropeptide release in periodontium.
Adherence of S. Epidermidis on Different Metals. A Comparative in Vitro Study
Authors: Castellanos Juan , González-Cuevas Araceli , Sierra Josep M. , García-Nuño Laura , Diaz-Brito Vicenç , Soriano Alex , Font-Vizcarra Lluís
Published: November 2014

Aim

Staphylococcus epidermidis is the most common cause of orthopedic infections. Adhesion and biofilm formation on orthopedic implant surfaces play an important role in the physiopathology of these infections. The aim of our study was to evaluate the adhesion of S. epidermidis on the surface of metals usually used in orthopedics.

Methods

Previously sterilized circular metal plates of titanium (Ti), porous titanium (p-Ti), cobalt chromium (CoCr) and stainless steel (SS) were hung completely submerged in a liquid medium with a known concentration of S. epidermidis (RP62A). They were incubated for 1 h or 24 h at 36°C. After incubation, each plate was washed with PBS and sonicated during 5 minutes in 10 mL of saline. Different dilutions were performed and 100 μL from each sample was cultured on agar plates.

Results

26 metal plates were incubated for 1 h and other 55 metal plates for 24 h. The lowest bacterial count (cfu/mm2) at 1 h was observed in CoCr plates while in p-Ti it was 6 times higher. At 24 h the highest bacterial count was observed in SS plates while the lowest in Ti. However, these differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

After 1 h and 24 h of exposure, the lowest adherence was observed in CoCr and Ti plates, respectively. However, bacterial attachment occurred with all materials. It is necessary to further investigate new materials able to avoid bacterial attachment.
The Presence of EGFR Mutations Predicts the Response in Chinese Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated with Erlotinib
Authors: Li Rui-chao , Zheng Li-jun , Fang Ming-hao , Yu Shi-ying
Published: November 2014

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of death worldwide. The upregulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) due to mutations has been observed in a number of cancers, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as gefitinib and erlotinib, which specifically target EGFR signaling, have been used to treat NSCLC patients. The presence of EGFR mutations was previously shown to confer sensitivity to TKIs. In this study, we evaluated the correlation between EGFR mutations and response to erlotinib in Chinese NSCLC patients. We recruited 36 patients with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC who had failed first-line chemotherapy, and treated them with erlotinib. We used immunohistochemistry to determine EGFR expression, and we screened for mutations using PCR analysis. We used Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier curves for survival analysis. We found that 8 patients had exon 19 mutations, while 3 patients had exon 21 mutations. An Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) grade of 2 was a significant negative predictor of overall survival (OS). Patients with EGFR mutations showed a significantly better OS compared to those without EGFR mutations. Additionally, multivariate analysis showed that erlotinib-treated stage IV patients had a significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS) compared to stage IIIB patients. Patients with EGFR mutations also had a significantly better PFS compared to those without EGFR mutations. The overall remission rate (22.2%) and disease control rate (75%) were significantly higher compared to the rates after second-line chemotherapy (<10%). In conclusion, the presence of EGFR mutations could be a marker to predict the therapeutic efficacy of erlotinib and the prognosis in Chinese NSCLC patients.
Treatment of Hemodialysis Vascular access Arteriovenous Graft Failure by Percutaneous Intervention
Authors: Planken Robrecht Nils , van Kesteren Floortje , Reekers Jim A.
Published: November 2014

A patent vascular access is the lifeline of end-stage renal disease patients depending on hemodialysis treatment. Once a functioning vascular access has been established, maintaining its patency is of utmost importance. During the last decades percutaneous techniques became increasingly important for the treatment of hemodialysis vascular access graft failure. In this review, the role of percutaneous balloon angioplasty and stent implantation is evaluated for different clinical scenarios, based on the available evidence.
Postoperative Assessment of Vascular Access
Authors: Malovrh Marko
Published: November 2014

Vascular access problems lead to increased patient morbidity and mortality. Autologous arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are preferred over grafts. An increase in utilization of AVFs results in an increased incidence of early AVF failure and nonmaturation. A thorough evaluation of a new AVF after 4-6 weeks after creation should be considered mandatory. Experienced persons can examine AVF and predict its utility as a dialysis access. Detailed physical examination of the access performed by educated and trained staff can provide, in most cases, adequate information about the main causes for AVF dysfunction in case of nonmaturation or in case of late access complications. Physical examination has been shown to be very accurate in assessing fistula and is not difficult to learn. Doppler ultrasound (DU) is an additional diagnostic method to predict the ultimate maturation of newly created AVFs and is also very useful in further defining problems that have been detected by physical examination. DU also provides additional information that is of the utmost importance for the surgical or interventional treatment. In this review, basic principles of physical examination and of DU examination of early and late AVF/graft complications are shown.
Long Segment Recanalization and Dedicated Central venous Stenting in an Ultimate Attempt to Restore Vascular access Central Vein Outflow
Authors: de Graaf Rick , van Laanen Jorinde , Sailer Anna , Tordoir Jan
Published: November 2014

Purpose

Maintaining vascular access in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis is a challenging process, especially in patients enduring multiple central line placements and in whom peripheral options have been exhausted.

Case

We present a case of a 60-year-old male without options for peripheral vascular access due to multiple failed arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis. Furthermore, bilateral subclavian, brachiocephalic veins and iliac veins were occluded or significantly obstructed. After long segment central vein recanalization, an upper arm loop arteriovenous graft was implanted. The recanalized segment was stented with a 12-mm dedicated venous nitinol stent.

Conclusion

Chronic central vein obstructions demand stents with both high radial force and flexibility. We recommend dedicated venous stents to improve technical success and reduce stent-related complications like early re-occlusion due to fracturing, kinking or straightening.
Basilic Vein Transposition: Review of Different Techniques
Authors: Glickman Marc
Published: November 2014

This is a review of the basilic vein procedure and changes that have evolved to improve outcomes. This includes reviewing data on the one-stage vs. two-stage technique as well as elevation for the basilic vein. The review discusses data that help the surgeon decide which technique he should evaluate.
Italian Validation of the English Prom-Uss-Q Questionnaire in Patients Undergoing Anterior Urethroplasty
Authors: Barbagli Guido , Romano Giuseppe , Sansalone Salvatore , Lazzeri Massimo
Published: November 2014

Background.

The aim of this study was to translate and validate in Italian the condition-specific patient-reported outcome measure for urethral stricture surgery (PROM-USS-Q) and evaluate its psychometric properties to determine whether it was suitable for routine use.

Methods.

We translated the English version; 52 men scheduled for bulbar urethroplasty at our high volume center agreed to self-complete PROM-USS-Q pre-operatively and between four and six months post-operatively We undertook an in-depth psychometric assessment of the questionnaire constructs.

Results.

There was excellent correlation between change in voiding symptom score and change in Qmax (p=0.746) with parallel improvements in EQ-5D visual analogue and time trade-off scores demonstrating criterion validity. Test-retest reliability and internal consistency statistics were similarly robust: intra-class correlation coefficients ranged from 0.81 to 0.90 for the individual voiding questions. Cronbach's alpha was 0.79 for the overall score and ranged between 0.74 and 0.81. These indices exceeded our predefined reliability thresholds for inclusion. Statistically highly significant improvements in construct scores occurred following urethroplasty, demonstrating responsiveness to change.

Conclusions.

The PROM-USS-Q is a practical and robust instrument for assessing voiding symptoms and health-related quality of life following urethral stricture surgery.
Global Citizens and Family Relations
Authors: Nishitani Yuko
Published: November 2014

Global Citizens and Family Relations

As globalisation progresses, cross-border movements of people are becoming dynamic and multilateral. The existence of different groups and minorities within the community renders the society multiethnic and multicultural. As individuals acquire new affiliation and belonging, the conventional conflict of laws methods may no longer be viable and should be subject to a thorough re-examination. Against this background, this paper analyses appropriate conflicts rules in international family relations to reflect an individual’s identity. Furthermore, in light of the contemporary law fragmentation, this study also analyses interactions between state law and non-state cultural, religious or customary norms.
Когнитивные основы дискурсивных функций русского местоимения такой
(Cognitive grounds for discourse functions of the Russian pronoun takoj)
Authors: Makarova Anastasia
Published: November 2014

This article explores the use and meaning of Russian takoj ‘such'. It is argued that there are five sub-meanings that are related in terms of two key concepts in cognitive linguistics, namely metonymy and metaphor. Some of the sub-meanings, which are characteristic of spontaneous speech, do not fit traditional definitions and have not received much attention in the scholarly literature before. Data are elicited from The Russian National Corpus, as well as The Corpus of Spontaneous Speech established at the State University of St Petersburg.
Литература и сетература в Рулинете
(Literature and «the network literature» in the Russian literary Internet)
Authors: Zubchenko Irina
Published: November 2014

From the beginning the Russian Internet has received its peculiar literary character due to a large number of sites with open publication access. This paper offers a brief history of the Russian literary Internet and provides an analysis of different aspects of the term «network literature» (called «seteratura» in Russian). Comparing electronic and paper versions of the same texts, the author argues that the term «seteratura» is appropriate only for specific types of network literature.
О первом актанте русского предлога
(On the First Actant of the Russian Preposition)
Authors: Lönngren Lennart
Published: November 2014

n the typical case, semantic (i.e., valency-carrying) prepositions are two- place predicates. The noun governed by the preposition can be regarded as its second actant. This is the actant together with which the preposition forms a syntactic preposition phrase. The first actant often, but not always, precedes the preposition. Unlike the second actant, the form of the first actant is not determined by the preposition.In the article, the inventory of possible forms of the first actant is established. Moreover, special attention is paid to ambiguous constructions. For example, the preposition together with its second actant can function as an attribute of the first actant. Under certain circumstances, however, the preposition phrase may become detached, so that it is no longer syntac- tically, only semantically, connected with the first actant.
К проблеме «парадокса наблюдателя» и переключение кодов
(On the “observer’s paradox” and code-switching)
Authors: Pineda David
Published: November 2014

In his article, the author gives some examples of different situations (drawn from his own recent experience) in which the presence of a linguist in fieldwork circumstances affects the informants' linguistic behaviour. These situations include: overt ‘audience design', in which the informant ‘performs' for the linguist; the use of meta-commentary, either in the minority language or the dominant language, that is directed at the audience; language purism, when the informant refrains from the use of loans and codeswitching where these would otherwise be naturally used; more permanent switching to the dominant language, either because the informant questions the language skills of the fieldworker or because the use of a minority language in the presence of strangers is unnatural to the informant. The author discusses several ways in which a conversation that has switched from the minority language to the dominant language can return to the minority language. Finally, the author discusses the possibilities for recording fully natural speech and, referring to Wertheim 2003, questions its existence.
“Frog Story” and “Map Task” in the Russian countryside
Authors: Post Margje
Published: November 2014

This article reports on experimental work with speakers of standard Russian and Russian dialects on the Kola peninsula. The proposed methodology, though showing some difficulties when applied in a Russian dialectological fieldwork setting, provides data on various varieties of Russian that can prove to be a rich source for many kinds of comparative linguistic research.
Rodion Raskol’nikov – “Strongman” between Two Women. Some reflections on Prestuplenie i nakazanie
Authors: Brodal Jan
Published: November 2014

This article reflects on the relationships between Rodion Raskol’nikov and the women that surround him in Dostoevskij’s Prestuplenie i nakazanie (Crime and Punishment).
Truncation without Truncation?
Authors: Nesset Tore
Published: November 2014

This article investigates the relationship between the so-called One-Stem System and the Two-Stem System from the perspective of cognitive linguistics.
По прочтению скандинавских переводов Б. Акунина
(On Scandinavian Translations of B. Akunin)
Authors: Komarova Olga
Published: November 2014

The name of B. Akunin appeared on the Russian literary market five years ago. The author Grigory Tkhartishvili, a well-known man of letters, translator and a connoisseur of Japanese language and culture, is now known all over the world, and translations of his novels are widely available, including in Norway and Sweden. His novels are out of the ordinary not only as detective stories but also as works of postmodernist literature with intertextual connotations and complex historical and literary associations. The article presents an attempt to analyze certain peculiarities of his working methods, which present specific difficulties for translation into Norwegian and Swedish, such as verbal versatility and intertextual associations which are so important in postmodernist works. The article also deals with different translational strategies chosen by the translators in their rendering of realia, different social and local dialects and, what is most important - the intentional mannerisms of B. Akunin's artistic style.
Несколько замечаний по поводу второго тома «Мертвых душ»
(Some Comments on the Second Volume of “Dead Souls”)
Authors: Egeberg Erik
Published: November 2014

The present article deals with the various problems that faced N. V. Gogol' working on vol. II of his great novel. Attention is paid not only to ideological and psychological matters, but also to the more complicated composition pattern which can be discerned in the five preserved chapters of "Dead Souls" II.
Житиейный текст в «Соборнике» Нила Сорского: перевод или пересказ?
(The Vitae of Nil Sorskii’s “Sobornik”: Translation or Periphrasis?)
Authors: Lönngren Tamara
Published: November 2014

This paper attempts to show that Nil Sorskii, the author of the well-known three-volume "Sobornik", in compiling this collection of ancient Greek vitae used Greek texts as well as Slavonic translations. He compared the Slavonic texts with the Greek originals and corrected their difficult archaic language, thus turning it into the understandable simple Russian language of his own time.
Gender Assignment in Ukrainian: Language Specific Rules and Universal Principles
Authors: Nesset Tore
Published: November 2014

This article discusses the gender system of Ukrainian and proposes a set of semantic, morphological and morpho-semantic rules for the assignment of gender to Ukrainian nouns.
Россия в зеркале праздников
(Russia in the Mirror of Holidays)
Authors: Lönngren Tamara
Published: November 2014

This article deals with the holiday calendar in contemporary Russia. Up to now, it has been customary among Russian ethnologists to speak of three periods of formation and radical transformation of the Russian calendar: a) during the introduction of Christendom, b) during the rule of Peter the Great, and c) in the years following the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917. It is now appropriate to add one more period of intense change: the present, post-Soviet era. An attempt is made to provide a classification of the numerous Russian holidays. The article also presents the results of an interview with a group of Moscovians; the interview was carried out in order to elucidate their attitudes to certain holidays.
Dissimilation, Assimilation and Vowel Reduction: Constraint Interaction in East Slavic Dialects with so-called Dissimilative Akan’e and Jakan’e
Authors: Nesset Tore
Published: November 2014

This paper presents an Optimality Theory-based analysis of  the unstressed vocalism in Russian. It is argued that an account of the so-called dissimilative akan’e and jakan’e patterns in terms of dissimilation alone is simplistic and that the vowel patterns in question arise as a result of complex interaction of three factors, viz. dissimilation, assimilation and vowel reduction.
Snow on the Kola Peninsula. Dialectal words with the meaning of ‘snow’
Authors: Petursdottir Maria Huld
Published: November 2014

This article presents the first results of the author's study of the ‘snow' lexicon on the Kola Peninsula. The findings about Russian dialects are compared to Icelandic.
Редупликация актантов в предикативных конструкциях
(Actant Reduplication in Predicative Constructions)
Authors: Lönngren Lennart
Published: November 2014

This paper is an attempt to account for the following kind of para- phrasability: Edison invented the electric bulb - Edison was the inventor of the electric bulb. The proposal is that in the last sentence the holder of the first actant position has been reduplicated (Edison + inventor) with the predicate morphologically incorporated in the word inventor. In the same vein similar constructions are investigated, for instance Who is the author of this book?, She was the object of his yearning.
Новый старый русский. О творчестве Б. Акунина
(New Old Russian. About the Writings of B. Akunin)
Authors: Komarova Olga
Published: November 2014

The name of B. Akunin appeared on the Russian literary market about three years ago. His novel "Azazel" was announced as the first in a "literary project" which aimed at presenting "all genres of the classical criminal novel". The mysterious author managed not only to produce eight novels of this project but also two other novels about Russian provincial life and one about the adventures of a young Englishman in contemporary Russia. The author immediately became a success, and disclosed his real name - Grigory Chkhartishvili, a well-known man of letters, a translator and connoisseur of Japanese language and culture. This may provide an explanation for his literary manner: his novels are out of the ordinary not only as criminal stories with a complicated plot and an ingenious detective to solve the mysteries, but also as works of postmodernistic literature with intertextual connotations and complicated historical and literary associations. It is rather unusual that the author of seemingly entertaining criminal novels should provoke political debates amongst his readers about his political message. The article deals not only with the facts of B.Akunin's literary work and its criticism, but also presents an attempt to analyze his working methods and place him in the context of postsoviet Russian prose.
Стихи Геннадия Айги – бессмыслица или лирика?
(Gennadi Aigi’s Verse — Nonsense or Lyrics?)
Authors: Egeberg Erik
Published: November 2014

In this paper some characteristic features of Aigi's poetry which are usually regarded as unconventional and troublesome, e.g. the absence of verbs, capital letters and punctuation marks, are briefly discussed with the aim of defining his method of creating meaning. The paper concludes with the assertion that Aigi is giving the reader a new role as co-creator of the poem.
Making Sense of Opričnina
Authors: Opeide Gunnar
Published: November 2014

This article investigates one of the most contested topics in Russian historiography, viz. the opričina.
Некоторые размышления о переводах «Бориса Годунова» на норвежский язык
(Some Notes on Norwegian Translations of “Boris Godunov”)
Authors: Komarova Olga
Published: November 2014

The first translation (1974) was made into nynorsk by Olav Rytter, who has also translated several other works by Pushkin. The author of the other translation (1992), into bokmål, is Erik Bystad, a recognized literary critic and translator of Shakespeare.The specifically national features of the text present a lot of problems. In the Rytter translation one can trace an attempt to make the text easier to understand by leaving out some of the geographical and personal names. The Bystad translation is often closer to the original text, but less diverse in its rhythmic pattern.Both translations illustrate how difficult it is to find a satisfying solu- tion to the rhymed proverbs or plays on words. Russian standardized modes of address, mention of the tsars or certain historical events, Pushkin's choice of the name for the pretender-all this presents at times unresolvable problems for the translators.The analysis of the two translations not only lets us feel how important and responsible is the role of a translator in transnational cultural commu-nication, but also illustrates some techniques of this magnificent art.
Prefix Variation: A Comparison between Slang and Contemporary Standard Russian
Authors: Gjervold Jonas
Published: November 2014

This paper explores prefix variation in Russian occasional verbs. Occasional words are words that are produced in speech, but don't recur as consolidated units in the language. The main aim is to determine whether prefix variation behaves differently in occasional verbs than in standardized Russian.
Learning Environment and the Comprehensive Examination of Nursing Students
Authors: Osic Mervin Amba
Published: November 2014

The atmosphere of the classroom environment embodies an affective tone in which teaching and learning take place.  The aim of this study was to find out the relationship of the learning environment and comprehensive examination results of Tagum Doctors' College Nursing students for school year 2009-2010. This study utilized a descriptive-correlation design of research. Pertinent data were collated through the use of the researcher-made questionnaires as the data-gathering tool and the level comprehensive examination results. The respondents of this study were the 35 first and 50 second-year students enrolled in Tagum Doctors' College, Inc. A complete enumeration was used in identifying the respondents since the same students went through the mandatory exam given by the school, to assess their level of knowledge of both general, special education issues and their specialty area. Using pearson r product moment correlation, findings revealed that there is no significant relationship between the extent of learning environment and the level of comprehensive examination result of both first- year and second-year nursing students in Tagum Doctors' College. This implies that the learning environment does not affect the level of comprehensive examination result of nursing students. This would mean that assessment is not a just a test but can be reflected in the learning process.